The Project Gutenberg eBook of The 2010 CIA World Factbook

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Title: The 2010 CIA World Factbook

Author: United States. Central Intelligence Agency

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

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Al Haines

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

Produced by Al Haines

THE CIA WORLD FACTBOOK 2010

CONTENTS

What's New?

Did You Know?

Guide to Country Profiles

Countries and Locations

Field Listings

Rank Orders

Appendixes

Notes and Definitions

History of the CIA Factbook

Contributors and Copyright Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

THE WORLD FACTBOOK :: WHAT'S NEW

January 31, 2011

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

January 25, 2011

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

January 14, 2011

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

January 07, 2011

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

December 30, 2010

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

December 23, 2010

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

December 17, 2010

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

December 10, 2010

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

November 30, 2010

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

November 19, 2010

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

November 11, 2010

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

November 05, 2010

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

October 29, 2010

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

October 22, 2010

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

October 13, 2010

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

October 08, 2010

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

October 01, 2010

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

September 24, 2010

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

September 17, 2010

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

September 13, 2010

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

September 03, 2010

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

August 23, 2010

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

August 06, 2010

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

July 29, 2010

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

July 23, 2010

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

July 01, 2010

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

June 18, 2010

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

June 04, 2010

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

May 21, 2010

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

May 07, 2010

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

April 23, 2010

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

April 09, 2010

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

March 26, 2010

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

March 05, 2010

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

February 19, 2010

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

January 26, 2010

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

January 08, 2010

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

December 04, 2009

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

November 13, 2009

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

October 30, 2009

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

October 14, 2009

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

October 02, 2009

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

September 17, 2009

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

September 03, 2009

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

August 17, 2009

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

July 31, 2009

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

July 20, 2009

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

July 01, 2009

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

June 08, 2009

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

April 27, 2009

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

April 03, 2009

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

March 20, 2009

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

March 02, 2009

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

February 06, 2009

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

November 05, 2008

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

August 06, 2008

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

November 06, 2007

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

October 31, 2007

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

Ongoing

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

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

About :: DID YOU KNOW?

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

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

Who uses The World Factbook?

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

The World Factbook is a one-stop reference site.

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

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

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

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

References :: Guide to Country Profiles

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

Introduction ::

Background:

Geography ::

Location:

Geographic coordinates:

Map references:

Area:

total

land

water

Area - comparative:

Land boundaries:

total

border countries

Coastline:

Maritime claims:

territorial sea

contiguous zone

exclusive economic zone

continental shelf

exclusive fishing zone

Climate:

Terrain:

Elevation extremes:

lowest point

highest point

Natural resources:

Land use:

arable land

permanent crops

other

Irrigated land:

Total Renewable Water Resources:

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total

per capita

Natural hazards:

volcanism

Environment - current issues:

Environment - international agreements:

party to

signed, but not ratified

Geography - note:

People ::

Population:

Age structure:

0-14 years

15-64 years

65 years and over

Median Age:

total

male

female

Population growth rate:

Birth rate:

Death rate:

Net migration rate:

Sex ratio:

at birth

under 15 years

15-64 years

65 years and over

total population

Infant mortality rate:

total

male

female

Life expectancy at birth:

total population

male

female

Total fertility rate:

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk

food or waterborne diseases

vectorborne diseases

water contact diseases

aerosolized dust or soil contact disease

respiratory disease

animal contact disease

Nationality:

noun

adjective

Ethnic groups:

Religions:

Languages:

Literacy:

definition

total population

male

female

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary):

Education expenditures:

People - note:

Government ::

Country name:

conventional long form

conventional short form

local long form

local short form

former

abbreviation

Dependency status:

Government type:

Capital:

name

geographic coordinates

time difference

daylight saving time

Administrative divisions:

Dependent areas:

Independence:

National holiday:

Constitution:

Legal system:

Suffrage:

Executive branch:

chief of state

head of government

cabinet

elections

election results

Legislative branch:

elections

election results

Judicial branch:

Political parties and leaders:

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission

chancery

telephone

FAX

consulate(s) general

consulate(s)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission

embassy

mailing address

telephone

FAX

consulate(s) general

consulate(s)

branch office(s)

Flag description:

Government - note:

Economy ::

Economy - overview:

GDP (purchasing power parity):

GDP (official exchange rate):

GDP - real growth rate:

GDP - per capita (PPP):

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture

industry

services

Labor force:

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture

industry

services

Unemployment rate:

Population below poverty line:

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%

highest 10%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

Investment (gross fixed):

Budget:

revenues

expenditures

Public debt:

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

Central bank discount rate:

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

Stock of money:

Stock of quasi money:

Stock of domestic credit:

Market value of publicly traded shares:

Agriculture - products:

Industries:

Industrial production growth rate:

Electricity - production:

Electricity - consumption:

Electricity - exports:

Electricity - imports:

Oil - production:

Oil - consumption:

Oil - exports:

Oil - imports:

Oil - proved reserves:

Natural gas - production:

Natural gas - consumption:

Natural gas - exports:

Natural gas - imports:

Natural gas - proved reserves:

Current account balance:

Exports:

Exports - commodities:

Exports - partners:

Imports:

Imports - commodities:

Imports - partners:

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

Debt - external:

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

Exchange rates:

Communications ::

Telephones - main lines in use:

Telephones - mobile cellular:

Telephone system:

general assessment

domestic

international

Broadcast media:

Internet country code:

Internet hosts:

Internet users:

Communications - note:

Transportation ::

Airports:

Airports - with paved runways:

total

over 3,047 m

2,438 to 3,047 m

1,524 to 2,437 m

914 to 1,530 m

under 914 m

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total

over 3,047 m

2,438 to 3,047 m

1,524 to 2,437 m

914 to 1,530 m

under 914 m

Heliports:

Pipelines:

Railways:

total

broad gauge

standard gauge

narrow gauge

dual gauge

Roadways:

total

paved

unpaved

Waterways:

Merchant marine:

total

ships by type

foreign-owned

registered in other countries

Ports and terminals:

Transportation - note:

Military ::

Military branches:

Military service age and obligation:

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49

females age 16-49

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49

females age 16-49

Manpower reaching military age annually:

males

females

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

Military - note:

Transnational Issues ::

Disputes - international:

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees

IDPs

Trafficking in persons:

current situation

tier rating

Illicit drugs:

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

The World Factbook (2010) - Country Listing

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

World

A

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

B

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

C

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

D

Denmark
Dhekelia
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic

E

Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia

F

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

G

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

H

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

I

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

J

Jamaica
Jan Mayen
Japan
Jersey
Jordan

K

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

L

Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg

M

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

N

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

O

Oman

P

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

Q

Qatar

R

Romania
Russia
Rwanda

S

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

T

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

U

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

V

Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Virgin Islands

W

Wake Island
Wallis and Futuna
West Bank
Western Sahara

Y

Yemen

Z

Zambia
Zimbabwe

T

Taiwan

E

European Union

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

Field Listings

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

Code Field Description

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

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

References :: Guide to Country Comparisons

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

Geography ::

Area:

total

People ::

Population:

Population growth rate:

Birth rate:

Death rate:

Net migration rate:

Infant mortality rate:

Life expectancy at birth:

Total fertility rate:

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Education expenditures:

Economy ::

GDP (purchasing power parity):

GDP real growth rate:

GDP - per capita (PPP):

Labor force:

Unemployment rate:

Distribution of family income - Gini Index:

Investment (gross fixed):

Public debt:

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

Central bank discount rate:

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

Stock of money:

Stock of quasi money:

Stock of domestic credit:

Market value of publicly traded shares:

Industrial production growth rate:

Electricity - production:

Electricity - consumption:

Oil - production:

Oil - consumption:

Oil - exports:

Oil - imports:

Oil - proved reserves:

Natural gas - production:

Natural gas - consumption:

Natural gas - exports:

Natural gas - imports:

Natural gas - proved reserves:

Current account balance:

Exports:

Imports:

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

Debt - external:

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

Communications ::

Telephones - main lines in use:

Telephones - mobile cellular:

Internet hosts:

Internet users:

Transportation ::

Airports:

Railways:

total

Roadways:

total

Waterways:

Merchant marine:

total

Military ::

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

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

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

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Appendixes

Appendix A - Abbreviations

Appendix B - International Organizations and Groups

Appendix C - Selected International Environmental Agreements

Appendix D - Cross-Reference list of Country Data Codes

Appendix E - Cross-Reference List of Hydrographic Data Codes

Appendix F - Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names

Appendix G - Weights and Measures

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References :: Definitions and Notes

A

Abbreviations

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

Acronyms

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

Administrative divisions

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

Age structure

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

Agriculture - products

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

Airports

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

Airports - with paved runways

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

Airports - with unpaved runways

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

Appendixes

This section includes Factbook-related material by topic.

Area

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

Area - comparative

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

B

Background

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

Birth rate

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

Broadcast media

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

Budget

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

C

Capital

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

Central bank discount rate

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

Climate

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

Coastline

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

Commercial bank prime lending rate

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

Communications

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

Communications - note

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

Constitution

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

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

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

Country data codes

See Data codes.

Country map

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

Country name

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

Crude oil

See entry for oil.

Current account balance

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

D

Data codes

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

Date of information

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

Daylight Saving Time (DST)

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

Death rate

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

Debt - external

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

Dependency status

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

Dependent areas

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

Diplomatic representation

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

Diplomatic representation from the US

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

Diplomatic representation in the US

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

Disputes - international

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

Distribution of family income - Gini index

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

E

Economy

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

Economy - overview

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

Education expenditures

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

Electricity - consumption

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

Electricity - exports

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

Electricity - imports

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

Electricity - production

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

Elevation extremes

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

Entities

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

267 total

Environment - current issues

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

Environment - international agreements

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

Environmental agreements

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

Ethnic groups

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

Exchange rates

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

Executive branch

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

Exports

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

Exports - commodities

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

Exports - partners

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

F

Flag description

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

Flag graphic

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

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

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

G

GDP (official exchange rate)

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

GDP (purchasing power parity)

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

GDP - composition by sector

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

GDP - per capita (PPP)

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

GDP - real growth rate

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

GDP methodology

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

Geographic coordinates

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

Geographic names

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

Geography

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

Geography - note

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

Gini index

See entry for Distribution of family income - Gini index

GNP

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

Government

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

Government - note

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

Government type

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

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

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

Gross domestic product

See GDP

Gross national product

See GNP

Gross world product

See GWP

GWP

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

H

Heliports

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

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

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

HIV/AIDS - deaths

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

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

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

Household income or consumption by percentage share

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

Hydrographic data codes

See Data codes

I

Illicit drugs

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

Imports

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

Imports - commodities

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

Imports - partners

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

Independence

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

Industrial production growth rate

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

Industries

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

Infant mortality rate

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

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

International disputes

see Disputes - international

International organization participation

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

International organizations

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

Internet country code

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

Internet hosts

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

Internet users

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

Introduction

This category includes one entry, Background.

Investment (gross fixed)

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

Irrigated land

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

J

Judicial branch

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

L

Labor force

This entry contains the total labor force figure.

Labor force - by occupation

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

Land boundaries

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

Land use

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

Languages

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

Legal system

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

Legislative branch

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

Life expectancy at birth

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

Literacy

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

Location

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

M

Major infectious diseases

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

Manpower available for military service

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

Manpower fit for military service

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

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

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

Map references

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

Maritime claims

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

Market value of publicly traded shares

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

Median age

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

Merchant marine

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

Military

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

Military - note

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

Military branches

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

Military expenditures

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

Military service age and obligation

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

Money figures

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

N

National anthem

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

National holiday

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

Nationality

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

Natural gas - consumption

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

Natural gas - exports

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

Natural gas - imports

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

Natural gas - production

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

Natural gas - proved reserves

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

Natural hazards

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

Natural resources

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

Net migration rate

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

O

Oil - consumption

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

Oil - exports

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

Oil - imports

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

Oil - production

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

Oil - proved reserves

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

P

People

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

People - note

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

Personal Names - Capitalization

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

Personal Names - Spelling

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

Personal Names - Titles

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

Petroleum

See entries under Oil.

Petroleum products

See entries under Oil.

Pipelines

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

Piracy

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

Political parties and leaders

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

Political pressure groups and leaders

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

Population

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

Population below poverty line

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

Population growth rate

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

Ports and terminals

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

Public debt

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

R

Railways

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

Rare earth elements

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

Reference maps

This section includes world and regional maps.

Refugees and internally displaced persons

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

Religions

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

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

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

Roadways

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

S

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

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

Sex ratio

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

Stock of broad money

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

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

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

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

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

Stock of domestic credit

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

Stock of narrow money

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

Suffrage

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

T

Telephone numbers

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

Telephone system

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

Telephones - main lines in use

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

Telephones - mobile cellular

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

Terminology

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

Terrain

This entry contains a brief description of the topography.

Time difference

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

Time zones

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

Total fertility rate

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

Total renewable water resources

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

Trafficking in persons

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

Transnational issues

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

Transportation

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

Transportation - note

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

U

Unemployment rate

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

Urbanization

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

UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)

See entry for Coordinated Universal Time.

W

Waterways

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

Weights and Measures

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

Y

Years

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

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

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About :: History

A Brief History of Basic Intelligence and The World Factbook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Evolution of The World Factbook

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

1981

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

1983

Appendices (Conversion Factors, International Organizations) first introduced.

1984

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

1987

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

1988

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

1989

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

1990

The Government section revised and considerably expanded with new entries.

1991

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

1992

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

1993

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

1994

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

1995

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

1996

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

1997

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

1998

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

1999

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

2000

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

2001

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

2002

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

2003

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

2004

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

2005

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

2006

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

2007

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

2008

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

2009

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

2010

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

2011

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

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About :: Copyright and Contributors

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

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

Citation model:

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

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

Comments and queries are welcome and may be addressed to:

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

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About :: Purchasing

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

US Government Printing Office 732 N. Capitol St. Washington, DC 20401 Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM-6:30 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) Telephone: [1] (202) 512-1800; toll free: [1] (866) 512-1800 FAX: [1] (202) 512-2104 http://bookstore.gpo.gov/

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions(by category)

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

General ::

Can you provide additional information for a specific country?

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

How often is The World Factbook updated?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Geography ::

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why is Palestine not listed in The World Factbook?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total area (combining land and water)

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

Land only (without any water features)

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

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

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

Photos ::

Why do you not have pictures for every country?

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

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

Factbook policy is to not include photos showing identifiable individuals.

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

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

Spelling and Pronunciation ::

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why is the name of the Labour party misspelled?

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

Policies and Procedures ::

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What information sources are used for the country flags?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Original Data Rounded to whole integer

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

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

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

What rounding convention does The World Factbook use?

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

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

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

Technical ::

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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@Afghanistan (South Asia)

Introduction ::Afghanistan

Background:

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

Geography ::Afghanistan

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

33 00 N, 65 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

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

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,529 km

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

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m

highest point: Noshak 7,485 m

Natural resources:

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

Land use:

arable land: 12.13%

permanent crops: 0.21%

other: 87.66% (2005)

Irrigated land:

27,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

65 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

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

per capita: 779 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding; droughts

Environment - current issues:

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

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

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

People ::Afghanistan

Population:

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

Age structure:

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

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

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

Median age:

total: 18 years

male: 17.9 years

female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

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

Birth rate:

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

Death rate:

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

Net migration rate:

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

Urbanization:

urban population: 24% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 151.5 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 2 male: 155.15 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 147.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 44.65 years country comparison to the world: 221 male: 44.45 years

female: 44.87 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

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

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

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

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Afghan(s)

adjective: Afghan

Ethnic groups:

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

Religions:

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

Languages:

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

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 28.1%

male: 43.1%

female: 12.6% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years

male: 11 years

female: 5 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Afghanistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

conventional short form: Afghanistan

local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Afghanestan

local short form: Afghanestan

former: Republic of Afghanistan

Government type:

Islamic republic

Capital:

name: Kabul

geographic coordinates: 34 31 N, 69 11 E

time difference: UTC+4.5 (9.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

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

Independence:

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

National holiday:

Independence Day, 19 August (1919)

Constitution:

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

Legal system:

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

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

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

head of government: President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); First Vice President Mohammad
FAHIM Khan (since 19 November 2009); Second Vice President Abdul
Karim KHALILI (since 7 December 2004)

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

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

Legislative branch:

the bicameral National Assembly consists of the Meshrano Jirga or House of Elders (102 seats, one-third of members elected from provincial councils for four-year terms, one-third elected from local district councils for three-year terms, and one-third nominated by the president for five-year terms) and the Wolesi Jirga or House of People (no more than 250 seats); members directly elected for five-year terms

note: on rare occasions the government may convene a Loya Jirga (Grand Council) on issues of independence, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity; it can amend the provisions of the constitution and prosecute the president; it is made up of members of the National Assembly and chairpersons of the provincial and district councils

elections: last held on 18 September 2010 (next election expected in 2015)

election results: NA

Judicial branch:

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

Political parties and leaders:

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

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

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

Political pressure groups and leaders:

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

International organization participation:

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

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Khojesta F. EBRAHIMKHEL

chancery: 2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-6410

FAX: [1] (202) 483-6488

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Karl W. EIKENBERRY

embassy: The Great Masood Road, Kabul

mailing address: U.S. Embassy Kabul, APO, AE 09806

telephone: [93] 0700 108 001

FAX: [93] 0700 108 564

Flag description:

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

note: Afghanistan had more changes to its national flag in the 20th century than any other country; the colors black, red, and green appeared on most of them

National anthem:

name: "Milli Surood" (National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Abdul Bari JAHANI/Babrak WASA

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

Economy ::Afghanistan

Economy - overview:

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

GDP (purchasing power parity):

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

$22.34 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$16.63 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

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

3.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

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

$800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 31%

industry: 26%

services: 43%

note: data exclude opium production (2008 est.)

Labor force:

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

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 78.6%

industry: 5.7%

services: 15.7% (FY08/09 est.)

Unemployment rate:

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

Population below poverty line:

36% (FY08/09)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

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

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

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

Stock of narrow money:

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

Stock of broad money:

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

Stock of domestic credit:

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

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

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

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

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

Electricity - consumption:

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

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

230 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

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

Oil - consumption:

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

Oil - exports:

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

Oil - imports:

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

Oil - proved reserves:

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

Natural gas - production:

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

Natural gas - consumption:

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

Natural gas - exports:

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

Natural gas - imports:

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

Natural gas - proved reserves:

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

Current account balance:

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

Exports:

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

Exports - commodities:

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

Exports - partners:

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

Imports:

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

Imports - commodities:

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

Imports - partners:

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

Debt - external:

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

Exchange rates:

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

Communications ::Afghanistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

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

Telephones - mobile cellular:

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

Telephone system:

general assessment: limited fixed-line telephone service; an increasing number of Afghans utilize mobile-cellular phone networks

domestic: aided by the presence of multiple providers, mobile-cellular telephone service continues to improve rapidly

international: country code - 93; multiple VSAT's provide international and domestic voice and data connectivity (2009)

Broadcast media:

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

Internet country code:

.af

Internet hosts:

46 (2010) country comparison to the world: 211

Internet users:

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

Communications - note:

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

Transportation ::Afghanistan

Airports:

53 (2010) country comparison to the world: 89

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 19

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 34

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Heliports:

11 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 466 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 42,150 km country comparison to the world: 87 paved: 12,350 km

unpaved: 29,800 km (2006)

Waterways:

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

Ports and terminals:

Kheyrabad, Shir Khan

Military ::Afghanistan

Military branches:

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

Military service age and obligation:

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

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,800,888

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

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,888,358

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

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 378,996

female: 357,822 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

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

Transnational Issues ::Afghanistan

Disputes - international:

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

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

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

Illicit drugs:

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

page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Akrotiri (Europe)

Introduction ::Akrotiri

Background:

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

Geography ::Akrotiri

Location:

Eastern Mediterranean, peninsula on the southwest coast of Cyprus

Geographic coordinates:

34 37 N, 32 58 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

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

Area - comparative:

about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 47.4 km

border countries: Cyprus 47.4 km

Coastline:

56.3 km

Climate:

temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Environment - current issues:

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

Geography - note:

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

People ::Akrotiri

Population:

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

Languages:

English, Greek

Government ::Akrotiri

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Akrotiri

Dependency status:

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

Capital:

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

geographic coordinates: 34 40 N, 32 51 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Constitution:

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

Legal system:

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

Executive branch:

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

head of government: Administrator Major General Jamie GORDON (since October 2008); note - reports to the British Ministry of Defense

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the administrator appointed by the monarch

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

the flag of the UK is used

National anthem:

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

Economy ::Akrotiri

Economy - overview:

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

Exchange rates:

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

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

Communications ::Akrotiri

Broadcast media:

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

Military ::Akrotiri

Military - note:

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

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Albania (Europe)

Introduction ::Albania

Background:

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

Geography ::Albania

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

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

water: 1,350 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 717 km

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

Coastline:

362 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

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

Climate:

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

Terrain:

mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m

Natural resources:

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

Land use:

arable land: 20.1%

permanent crops: 4.21%

other: 75.69% (2005)

Irrigated land:

3,530 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

41.7 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

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

per capita: 546 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

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

Environment - current issues:

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

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

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

People ::Albania

Population:

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

Age structure:

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

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

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

Median age:

total: 30 years

male: 28.9 years

female: 31.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

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

Birth rate:

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

Death rate:

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

Net migration rate:

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

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.123 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.11 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 123 male: 16.79 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.22 years country comparison to the world: 59 male: 74.65 years

female: 80.11 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

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

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Albanian(s)

adjective: Albanian

Ethnic groups:

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

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

Religions:

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

note: percentages are estimates; there are no available current statistics on religious affiliation; all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice

Languages:

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

Literacy:

definition: age 9 and over can read and write

total population: 98.7%

male: 99.2%

female: 98.3% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 11 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

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

Government ::Albania

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Albania

conventional short form: Albania

local long form: Republika e Shqiperise

local short form: Shqiperia

former: People's Socialist Republic of Albania

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Tirana (Tirane)

geographic coordinates: 41 19 N, 19 49 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Administrative divisions:

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

Independence:

28 November 1912 (from the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 November (1912)

Constitution:

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

Legal system:

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

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

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

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

cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, nominated by the president, and approved by parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the Assembly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); four election rounds held between 8 and 20 July 2007 (next election to be held in 2012); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Bamir TOPI elected president; Assembly vote, fourth round (three-fifths majority, 84 votes, required): Bamir TOPI 85 votes, Neritan CEKA 5 votes

Legislative branch:

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

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

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

Judicial branch:

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

Political parties and leaders:

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

Political pressure groups and leaders:

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

International organization participation:

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

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gilbert GALANXHI

chancery: 2100 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 223-4942

FAX: [1] (202) 628-7342

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alexander ARVIZU

embassy: Rruga e Elbasanit, Labinoti #103, Tirana

mailing address: US Department of State, 9510 Tirana Place, Dulles, VA 20189-9510

telephone: [355] (4) 2247285

FAX: [355] (4) 2232222

Flag description:

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

National anthem:

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

lyrics/music: Aleksander Stavre DRENOVA/Ciprian PORUMBESCU

note: adopted 1912

Economy ::Albania

Economy - overview:

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

GDP (purchasing power parity):

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

$22.49 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

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

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.58 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

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

7.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

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

$7,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 21.2%

industry: 19.5%

services: 59.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

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

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 58%

industry: 15%

services: 27% (September 2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

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

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

Population below poverty line:

25% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.2%

highest 10%: 25.9% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26.7 (2005) country comparison to the world: 126

Investment (gross fixed):

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

Public debt:

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

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

Central bank discount rate:

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

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

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

Stock of narrow money:

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

Stock of broad money:

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

Stock of domestic credit:

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

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

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

Industrial production growth rate:

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

Electricity - production:

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

Electricity - consumption:

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

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.475 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

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

Oil - consumption:

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

Oil - exports:

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

Oil - imports:

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

Oil - proved reserves:

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

Natural gas - production:

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

Natural gas - consumption:

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

Natural gas - exports:

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

Natural gas - imports:

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

Natural gas - proved reserves:

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

Current account balance:

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

Exports:

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

Exports - commodities:

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

Exports - partners:

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

Imports:

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

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicals

Imports - partners:

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

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

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

Debt - external:

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

Exchange rates:

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

Communications ::Albania

Telephones - main lines in use:

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

Telephones - mobile cellular:

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

Telephone system:

general assessment: despite new investment in fixed lines teledensity remains low with roughly 10 fixed lines per 100 people; mobile-cellular telephone use is widespread and generally effective; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is now exceeds 100 per 100 persons

domestic: offsetting the shortage of fixed line capacity, mobile-cellular phone service has been available since 1996; by 2003, two companies were providing mobile services at a greater teledensity than some of Albania's neighbors; Internet broadband services initiated in 2005; Internet cafes are popular in Tirana and have started to spread outside the capital

international: country code - 355; submarine cable provides connectivity to Italy, Croatia, and Greece; the Trans-Balkan Line, a combination submarine cable and land fiber-optic system, provides additional connectivity to Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Turkey; international traffic carried by fiber-optic cable and, when necessary, by microwave radio relay from the Tirana exchange to Italy and Greece (2009)

Broadcast media:

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

Internet country code:

.al

Internet hosts:

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

Internet users:

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

Transportation ::Albania

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 177

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

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

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 339 km; oil 207 km (2009)

Railways:

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

Roadways:

total: 18,000 km country comparison to the world: 117 paved: 7,020 km

unpaved: 10,980 km (2002)

Waterways:

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

Merchant marine:

total: 25 country comparison to the world: 92 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 23, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1)

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

Ports and terminals:

Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore

Military ::Albania

Military branches:

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

Military service age and obligation:

19 years of age (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 947,446

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

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 802,097

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

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 35,249

female: 31,855 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

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

Transnational Issues ::Albania

Disputes - international:

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

Illicit drugs:

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

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Algeria (Africa)

Introduction ::Algeria

Background:

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

Geography ::Algeria

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

28 00 N, 3 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

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

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 6,343 km

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

Coastline:

998 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 32-52 nm

Climate:

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

Terrain:

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

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m

highest point: Tahat 3,003 m

Natural resources:

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

Land use:

arable land: 3.17%

permanent crops: 0.28%

other: 96.55% (2005)

Irrigated land:

5,690 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

14.3 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

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

per capita: 185 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

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

Environment - current issues:

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

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan)

People ::Algeria

Population:

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

Age structure:

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

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

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

Median age:

total: 27.1 years

male: 26.8 years

female: 27.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

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

Birth rate:

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

Death rate:

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

Net migration rate:

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

Urbanization:

urban population: 65% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.75 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 81 male: 29.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.26 years country comparison to the world: 98 male: 72.57 years

female: 76.04 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

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

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

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

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

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

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

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

Nationality:

noun: Algerian(s)

adjective: Algerian

Ethnic groups:

Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%

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

Religions:

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

Languages:

Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 69.9%

male: 79.6%

female: 60.1% (2002 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

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

Government ::Algeria

Country name:

conventional long form: People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

conventional short form: Algeria

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

local short form: Al Jaza'ir

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Algiers

geographic coordinates: 36 45 N, 3 03 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

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

Independence:

5 July 1962 (from France)

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 1 November (1954)

Constitution:

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

Legal system:

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

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

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

head of government: President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28 April 1999)

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

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

Legislative branch:

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

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

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

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

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

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

Political pressure groups and leaders:

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

International organization participation:

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

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abdallah BAALI

chancery: 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-2800

FAX: [1] (202) 667-2174

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David D. PEARCE

embassy: 05 Chemin Cheikh Bachir, El-Ibrahimi, El-Biar 16000 Algiers

mailing address: B. P. 408, Alger-Gare, 16030 Algiers

telephone: [213] 770-08-2000

FAX: [213] 21-60-7355

Flag description:

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

National anthem:

name: "Kassaman" (We Pledge)

lyrics/music: Mufdi ZAKARIAH/Mohamed FAWZI

note: adopted 1962; ZAKARIAH wrote "Kassaman" as a poem while imprisoned in Algiers by French colonial forces

Economy ::Algeria

Economy - overview:

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

GDP (purchasing power parity):

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

$239.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$159 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

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

2.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

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

$7,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.3%

industry: 61.5%

services: 30.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

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

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 14%

industry: 13.4%

construction and public works: 10%

trade: 14.6%

government: 32%

other: 16% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

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

Population below poverty line:

23% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 26.8% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

35.3 (1995) country comparison to the world: 86

Investment (gross fixed):

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

Public debt:

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

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

Central bank discount rate:

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

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

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

Stock of narrow money:

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

Stock of broad money:

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

Stock of domestic credit:

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

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

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

Industrial production growth rate:

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

Electricity - production:

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

Electricity - consumption:

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

Electricity - exports:

273 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

279 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

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

Oil - consumption:

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

Oil - exports:

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

Oil - imports:

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

Oil - proved reserves:

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

Natural gas - production:

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

Natural gas - consumption:

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

Natural gas - exports:

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

Natural gas - imports:

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

Natural gas - proved reserves:

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

Current account balance:

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

Exports:

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

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products 97%

Exports - partners:

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

Imports:

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

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

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

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

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

Debt - external:

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

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

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

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

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

Exchange rates:

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

Communications ::Algeria

Telephones - main lines in use:

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

Telephones - mobile cellular:

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

Telephone system:

general assessment: privatization of Algeria's telecommunications sector began in 2000; three mobile cellular licenses have been issued and, in 2005, a consortium led by Egypt's Orascom Telecom won a 15-year license to build and operate a fixed-line network in Algeria; the license will allow Orascom to develop high-speed data and other specialized services and contribute to meeting the large unfulfilled demand for basic residential telephony; Internet broadband services began in 2003

domestic: a limited network of fixed lines with a teledensity of less than 10 telephones per 100 persons is offset by the rapid increase in mobile-cellular subscribership; in 2009, combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity was roughly 100 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 213; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4 fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; microwave radio relay to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia; coaxial cable to Morocco and Tunisia; participant in Medarabtel; satellite earth stations - 51 (Intelsat, Intersputnik, and Arabsat) (2009)

Broadcast media:

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

Internet country code:

.dz

Internet hosts:

572 (2010) country comparison to the world: 176

Internet users:

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

Transportation ::Algeria

Airports:

143 (2010) country comparison to the world: 39

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 57

over 3,047 m: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 28

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 86

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 41

under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

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

Railways:

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

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

Roadways:

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

unpaved: 32,274 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 35 country comparison to the world: 80 by type: bulk carrier 6, cargo 8, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas 9, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 4, roll on/roll off 3

foreign-owned: 12 (UK 12) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

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

Military ::Algeria

Military branches:

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

Military service age and obligation:

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

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,113,472

females age 16-49: 9,959,693 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,481,036

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

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 365,503

female: 352,009 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

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

Transnational Issues ::Algeria

Disputes - international:

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

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

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

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

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Algeria is a transit country for men and women trafficked from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude; criminal networks of sub-Saharan nationals in southern Algeria facilitate transit by arranging transportation, forged documents, and promises of employment

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Algeria is placed on the Tier 2 Watch List because it does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in January 2009, the government approved new legislation that criminalizes trafficking in persons for the purposes of labor and sexual exploitation representing an important step toward complying with international standards; despite these efforts, the government did not show overall progress in punishing trafficking crimes and protecting trafficking victims and continued to lack adequate measures to protect victims and prevent trafficking (2009)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@American Samoa (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::American Samoa

Background:

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

Geography ::American Samoa

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

14 20 S, 170 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 199 sq km country comparison to the world: 215 land: 199 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Rose Island and Swains Island

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

116 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

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

Terrain:

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

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Lata Mountain 964 m

Natural resources:

pumice, pumicite

Land use:

arable land: 10%

permanent crops: 15%

other: 75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons common from December to March

volcanism: American Samoa experiences limited volcanic activity on the Ofu and Olosega Islands, neither has erupted since the 19th century

Environment - current issues:

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

Geography - note:

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

People ::American Samoa

Population:

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

Age structure:

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

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

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

Median age:

total: 23.4 years

male: 23.3 years

female: 23.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

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

Birth rate:

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

Death rate:

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

Net migration rate:

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

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.91 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 152 male: 12.91 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.97 years country comparison to the world: 104 male: 71.04 years

female: 77.08 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.22 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: American Samoan(s) (US nationals)

adjective: American Samoan

Ethnic groups:

native Pacific islander 91.6%, Asian 2.8%, white 1.1%, mixed 4.2%, other 0.3% (2000 census)

Religions:

Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant and other 30%

Languages:

Samoan 90.6% (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English 2.9%, Tongan 2.4%, other Pacific islander 2.1%, other 2%

note: most people are bilingual (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 98%

female: 97% (1980 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::American Samoa

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of American Samoa

conventional short form: American Samoa

abbreviation: AS

Dependency status:

unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Pago Pago

geographic coordinates: 14 16 S, 170 42 W

time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three districts and two islands* at the second order; Eastern, Manu'a, Rose Island*, Swains Island*, Western

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

National holiday:

Flag Day, 17 April (1900)

Constitution:

ratified on 2 June 1966; effective 1 July 1967

Legal system:

NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

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

cabinet: Cabinet made up of 12 department directors (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as American Samoa, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 4 and 18 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Togiola TULAFONO reelected governor; percent of vote - Togiola TULAFONO 56.5%, Afoa Moega LUTU 43.5%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Fono or Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (18 seats; members are elected from local chiefs to serve four-year terms)and the House of Representatives (21 seats; 20 members are elected by popular vote and 1 is an appointed, nonvoting delegate from Swains Island; members serve two-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2010); Senate - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 18

note: American Samoa elects one nonvoting representative to the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); results - Eni F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA reelected as delegate

Judicial branch:

High Court (chief justice and associate justices are appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Oreta M. TOGAFAU]; Republican Party [Tautai A. F.
FAALEVAO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Population Pressure LAS (addresses the growing population pressures)

International organization participation:

AOSIS, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the fly side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a war club known as a "Fa'alaufa'i" (upper; left talon), and a coconut fiber fly whisk known as a "Fue" (lower; right talon); the combination of symbols broadly mimics that seen on the US Great Seal and reflects the relationship between the United States and American Samoa

National anthem:

name: "Amerika Samoa" (American Samoa)

lyrics/music: Mariota Tiumalu TUIASOSOPO/Napoleon Andrew TUITELELEAPAGA

note: local anthem adopted 1950; as a territory of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Economy ::American Samoa

Economy - overview:

American Samoa has a traditional Polynesian economy in which more than 90% of the land is communally owned. Economic activity is strongly linked to the US with which American Samoa conducts most of its commerce. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants are the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the primary export. The two tuna canneries account for 80% of employment. In late September 2009, an earthquake and the resulting tsunami devastated American Samoa and nearby Samoa, disrupting transportation and power generation, and resulting in about 200 deaths. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency is overseeing a relief program of nearly $25 million. Transfers from the US Government add substantially to American Samoa's economic well being. Attempts by the government to develop a larger and broader economy are restrained by Samoa's remote location, its limited transportation, and its devastating hurricanes. Tourism is a promising developing sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$575.3 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 $510.1 million (2003 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$462.2 million (2005)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2003) country comparison to the world: 119

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $5,800 (2005 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

17,630 (2005) country comparison to the world: 210

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 34%

industry: 33%

services: 33% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

29.8% (2005) country comparison to the world: 176

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

tuna canneries (largely supplied by foreign fishing vessels), handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

185 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Electricity - consumption:

172.1 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Oil - imports:

4,140 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Exports:

$445.6 million (FY04 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Exports - commodities:

canned tuna 93%

Imports:

$308.8 million (FY04 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Imports - commodities:

raw materials for canneries 56%, food, petroleum products, machinery and parts

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::American Samoa

Telephones - main lines in use:

10,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 200

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,200 (2004) country comparison to the world: 214

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: good telex, telegraph, facsimile, and cellular telephone services; domestic satellite system with 1 Comsat earth station

international: country code - 1-684; satellite earth station - 1 (Intelsat-Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

3 television stations broadcasting; multi-channel pay-per-view television services are available; about a dozen radio stations, some of which are repeater stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.as

Internet hosts:

1,676 (2010) country comparison to the world: 157

Internet users:

NA

Transportation ::American Samoa

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 190

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 241 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 205

Ports and terminals:

Pago Pago

Military ::American Samoa

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 14,230

females age 16-49: 13,842 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 810

female: 796 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::American Samoa

Disputes - international:

Tokelau periodically asserts claims to American Samoa's Swains
Island (Olohega), such as in its 2006 draft independence constitution

page last updated on December 8, 2010

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

@Andorra (Europe)

Introduction ::Andorra

Background:

For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Seu d'Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. For decades Andorra enjoyed its status as a small refuge of fiscal and banking freedom and benefitted from Spanish and French tourists attracted to the country's duty-free shopping. The situation has changed in recent years as Andorra started to tax foreign investment and other sectors. Tourism accounts for over 80% of Andorra's gross domestic product.

Geography ::Andorra

Location:

Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain

Geographic coordinates:

42 30 N, 1 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 468 sq km country comparison to the world: 194 land: 468 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 120.3 km

border countries: France 56.6 km, Spain 63.7 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers

Terrain:

rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m

highest point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead

Land use:

arable land: 2.13%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 97.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

avalanches

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in the Pyrenees

People ::Andorra

Population:

84,525 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.5% (male 6,710/female 6,305)

15-64 years: 72.2% (male 31,604/female 28,925)

65 years and over: 12.3% (male 5,113/female 5,231) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.9 years

male: 40.2 years

female: 39.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.382% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Birth rate:

10.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Death rate:

6.21 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Urbanization:

urban population: 89% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 207 male: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 82.36 years country comparison to the world: 4 male: 80.3 years

female: 84.55 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.34 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Andorran(s)

adjective: Andorran

Ethnic groups:

Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6% (1998)

Religions:

Roman Catholic (predominant)

Languages:

Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 141

Government ::Andorra

Country name:

conventional long form: Principality of Andorra

conventional short form: Andorra

local long form: Principat d'Andorra

local short form: Andorra

Government type:

parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as its chiefs of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the president of France and bishop of Seu d'Urgell, Spain, who are represented in Andorra by the coprinces' representatives

Capital:

name: Andorra la Vella

geographic coordinates: 42 30 N, 1 31 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Administrative divisions:

7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, La Massana, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria

Independence:

1278 (formed under the joint suzerainty of the French Count of Foix and the Spanish Bishop of Seu d'Urgel)

National holiday:

Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278)

Constitution:

Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991; approved by referendum 14 March 1993; effective 28 April 1993

Legal system:

based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: French Coprince Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by Christian FREMONT (since September 2008) and Spanish Coprince Bishop Joan-Enric VIVES i Sicilia (since 12 May 2003); represented by Nemesi MARQUES i Oste (since 30 July 2003)

head of government: Executive Council President Jaume BARTUMEU Cassany (since 5 June 2009)

cabinet: Executive Council or Govern designated by the Executive Council president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: Executive Council president elected by the General Council and formally appointed by the coprinces for a four-year term; election last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in April-May 2013)

election results: Jaume BARTUMEU CASSANY elected executive council president; percent of General Council vote - NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General de las Valls (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote, 14 from a single national constituency and 14 to represent each of the seven parishes; to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in March-April 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - PS 45%, Reformist Coaliton 32%, Andorra for Change 19%, Andorran Green 4%; seats by party - PS 14, Reformist Coalition 11, Andorra for Change 3

Judicial branch:

Tribunal of Judges or Tribunal de Batlles; Tribunal of the Courts or
Tribunal de Corts; Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra or Tribunal
Superior de Justicia d'Andorra; Supreme Council of Justice or
Consell Superior de la Justicia; Constitutional Tribunal or Tribunal
Constitucional

Political parties and leaders:

Andorra for Change [Juan Eusebio NOMEN CALVET]; Greens of Andorra [Isabel LOZANO MUNOZ]; Liberal Party of Andorra or PLA [Joan GABRIEL i ESTANY] (formerly Liberal Union or UL); New Center [Vicenc MATEU] (formerly Andorran Democratic Center Party); Reformist Coalition [Joan GABRIEL i ESTANY] (includes the Liberal Party and New Center); Social Democratic Party or PS [Jaume BARTUMEU CASSANY] (formerly part of National Democratic Group or AND)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CE, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, OIF,
OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, Union Latina, UNWTO, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Narcis CASAL Fonsdeviela

chancery: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 750-8064

FAX: [1] (212) 750-6630

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Andorra; the US Ambassador to Spain is accredited to Andorra; US interests in Andorra are represented by the US Consulate General's office in Barcelona (Spain); mailing address: Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; telephone: [34] (93) 280-2227; FAX: [34] (93) 280-6175

Flag description:

three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red, with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the latter band is slightly wider than the other two so that the ratio of band widths is 8:9:8; the coat of arms features a quartered shield with the emblems of (starting in the upper left and proceeding clockwise): Urgell, Foix, Bearn, and Catalonia; the motto reads VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR (Strength United is Stronger); the flag combines the blue and red French colors with the red and yellow of Spain to show Franco-Spanish protection

note: similar to the flags of Chad and Romania, which do not have a national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem

National anthem:

name: "El Gran Carlemany" (The Great Charlemagne)

lyrics/music: Joan BENLLOCH i VIVO/Enric Marfany BONS

note: adopted 1921; the anthem provides a brief history of Andorra in a first person narrative

Economy ::Andorra

Economy - overview:

Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy, accounts for more than 80% of GDP. An estimated 11 million tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status for some products and by its summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative advantage eroded when the borders of neighboring France and Spain opened, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its partial "tax haven" status, also contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is limited - only 2% of the land is arable - and most food has to be imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.22 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 166 $3.66 billion (2007)

$3.588 billion (2006)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

2.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 2% (2007 est.)

3.5% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$44,900 (2008) country comparison to the world: 12 $42,500 (2007)

$38,800 (2005)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

42,220 (2008) country comparison to the world: 193

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.5%

industry: 18.5%

services: 81% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

7% (2008) country comparison to the world: 69 0% (2007)

Population below poverty line:

8% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3% (2008) country comparison to the world: 67 3.9% (2007)

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

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

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

NA kWh

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - most electricity supplied by Spain and France;
Andorra generates a small amount of hydropower

Exports:

$89.5 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 195 $117.1 million (2007)

Exports - commodities:

tobacco products, furniture

Imports:

$1.801 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 154 $1.789 billion (2007)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, food, electricity

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7306 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Andorra

Telephones - main lines in use:

37,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 171

Telephones - mobile cellular:

64,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 191

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: modern system with microwave radio relay connections between exchanges

international: country code - 376; landline circuits to France and Spain

Broadcast media:

1 public television station and 2 public radio stations; a few commercial radio stations operating; good reception of radio and TV broadcasts from stations in France and Spain (2008)

Internet country code:

.ad

Internet hosts:

26,773 (2010) country comparison to the world: 100

Internet users:

67,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 170

Transportation ::Andorra

Roadways:

total: 320 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 201

Military ::Andorra

Military branches:

no regular military forces, Police Service of Andorra (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,776 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 18,338

females age 16-49: 17,395 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 396

female: 350 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France and Spain

Transnational Issues ::Andorra

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Angola (Africa)

Introduction ::Angola

Background:

Angola is rebuilding its country after the end of a 27-year civil war in 2002. Fighting between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS, and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI, followed independence from Portugal in 1975. Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when Angola held national elections, but fighting picked up again by 1996. Up to 1.5 million lives may have been lost - and 4 million people displaced - in the quarter century of fighting. SAVIMBI's death in 2002 ended UNITA's insurgency and strengthened the MPLA's hold on power. President DOS SANTOS held legislative elections in September 2008 and, despite promising to hold presidential elections in 2009, has since made a presidential poll contingent on the drafting of a new constitution.

Geography ::Angola

Location:

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

12 30 S, 18 30 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,246,700 sq km country comparison to the world: 23 land: 1,246,700 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,198 km

border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,511 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda Province), Republic of the Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zambia 1,110 km

Coastline:

1,600 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April)

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morro de Moco 2,620 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, uranium

Land use:

arable land: 2.65%

permanent crops: 0.23%

other: 97.12% (2005)

Irrigated land:

800 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

184 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.35 cu km/yr (23%/17%/60%)

per capita: 22 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau

Environment - current issues:

overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion attributable to population pressures; desertification; deforestation of tropical rain forest, in response to both international demand for tropical timber and to domestic use as fuel, resulting in loss of biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the province of Cabinda is an exclave, separated from the rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo

People ::Angola

Population:

13,068,161 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.5% (male 2,812,359/female 2,759,047)

15-64 years: 53.7% (male 3,496,726/female 3,382,440)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 153,678/female 195,043) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18 years

male: 18 years

female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.063% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Birth rate:

43.33 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Death rate:

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

Net migration rate:

1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

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

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 178.13 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 1 male: 190.12 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 165.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 38.48 years country comparison to the world: 223 male: 37.48 years

female: 39.52 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.05 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

190,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Angolan(s)

adjective: Angolan

Ethnic groups:

Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (1998 est.)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 67.4%

male: 82.9%

female: 54.2% (2001 est.)

Education expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 160

Government ::Angola

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Angola

conventional short form: Angola

local long form: Republica de Angola

local short form: Angola

former: People's Republic of Angola

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime

Capital:

name: Luanda

geographic coordinates: 8 50 S, 13 14 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

18 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Bengo, Benguela,
Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene,
Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico,
Namibe, Uige, Zaire

Independence:

11 November 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 11 November (1975)

Constitution:

adopted by People's Assembly 25 August 1992

Legal system:

based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; modified to accommodate political pluralism and increased use of free markets; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21 September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21 September 1979); Antonio Paulo KASSOMA was named prime minister by MPLA on 26 September 2008

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by universal ballot for a five-year term (eligible for a second consecutive or discontinuous term) under the 1992 constitution; President DOS SANTOS was selected by the party to take over after the death of former President Augustino NETO(1979) under a one-party system and stood for reelection in Angola's first multiparty elections on 29-30 September 1992 (next were to be held in September 2009 but have been postponed)

election results: Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS 49.6%, Jonas SAVIMBI 40.1%, making a run-off election necessary; the run-off was never held leaving DOS SANTOS in his current position as the president

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (220 seats; members elected by proportional vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 5-6 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - MPLA 81.6%, UNITA 10.4%, PRS 3.2%, ND 1.2%, FNLA 1.1%, other 2.5%; seats by party - MPLA 191, UNITA 16, PRS 8, FNLA 3, ND 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court and separate provincial courts (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

National Front for the Liberation of Angola or FNLA [Ngola KABANGU]; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola or UNITA [Isaias SAMAKUVA] (largest opposition party); New Democracy Electoral Union or ND [Quintino de MOREIRA]; Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola or MPLA [Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS] (ruling party in power since 1975); Social Renewal Party or PRS [Eduardo KUANGANA]

note: nine other parties participated in the legislative election in September 2008 but won no seats

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda or FLEC [N'zita
Henriques TIAGO, Antonio Bento BEMBE]

note: FLEC's small-scale armed struggle for the independence of Cabinda Province persists despite the signing of a peace accord with the government in August 2006

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OPEC,
SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Josefina Perpetua Pitra DIAKITE

chancery: 2108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 785-1156

FAX: [1] (202) 785-1258

consulate(s) general: Houston, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Dan MOZENA

embassy: number 32 Rua Houari Boumedienne (in the Miramar area of Luanda), Luanda

mailing address: international mail: Caixa Postal 6468, Luanda; pouch: US Embassy Luanda, US Department of State, 2550 Luanda Place, Washington, DC 20521-2550

telephone: [244] (222) 64-1000

FAX: [244] (222) 64-1232

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle); red represents liberty, black the African continent, the symbols characterize workers and peasants

National anthem:

name: "Angola Avante" (Forward Angola)

lyrics/music: Manuel Rui Alves MONTEIRO/Rui Alberto Vieira Dias MINGAO

note: adopted 1975

Economy ::Angola

Economy - overview:

Angola's high growth rate in recent years was driven by high international prices for its oil. Angola became a member of OPEC in late 2006 and in late 2007 was assigned a production quota of 1.9 million barrels a day (bbl/day), somewhat less than the 2-2.5 million bbl/day Angola's government had wanted. Oil production and its supporting activities contribute about 85% of GDP. Diamond exports contribute an additional 5%. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for most of the people, but half of the country's food is still imported. Increased oil production supported growth averaging more than 15% per year from 2004 to 2008. A postwar reconstruction boom and resettlement of displaced persons has led to high rates of growth in construction and agriculture as well. Much of the country's infrastructure is still damaged or undeveloped from the 27-year-long civil war. Land mines left from the war still mar the countryside, even though peace was established after the death of rebel leader Jonas SAVIMBI in February 2002. Since 2005, the government has used billions of dollars in credit lines from China, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Spain, and the EU to rebuild Angola's public infrastructure. The global recession temporarily stalled economic growth. Lower prices for oil and diamonds during the global recession led to a contraction in GDP in 2009, and many construction projects stopped because Luanda accrued $9 billion in arrears to foreign construction companies when government revenue fell in 2008 and 2009. Angola abandoned its currency peg in 2009, and in November 2009 signed onto an IMF Stand-By Arrangement loan of $1.4 billion to rebuild international reserves. Although consumer inflation declined from 325% in 2000 to under 14% in 2010, Luanda has been unable to reduce inflation below 10%. The Angolan kwanza depreciated again in mid 2010, which, along with higher oil prices, should boost economic growth in all sectors. Corruption, especially in the extractive sectors, also is a major challenge.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$114.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $107.8 billion (2009 est.)

$108.7 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$85.81 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 -0.9% (2009 est.)

13.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 $8,400 (2009 est.)

$8,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.6%

industry: 65.8%

services: 24.6% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

7.977 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 85%

industry and services: 15% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA

Population below poverty line:

40.5% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.6%

highest 10%: 44.7% (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Public debt:

20.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 21.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215 13.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

30% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 12 19.57% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.68% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 12.53% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$8.74 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 74 $9.792 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$24.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $29.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$17.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $22.06 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, sugarcane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, manioc (tapioca), tobacco, vegetables, plantains; livestock; forest products; fish

Industries:

petroleum; diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing; food processing, brewing, tobacco products, sugar; textiles; ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Electricity - production:

3.722 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Electricity - consumption:

3.173 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1.948 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Oil - consumption:

70,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Oil - exports:

1.407 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Oil - imports:

28,090 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Oil - proved reserves:

13.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - production:

680 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Natural gas - consumption:

680 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Natural gas - proved reserves:

271.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Current account balance:

$2.089 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 -$1.668 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$51.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $40.08 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, diamonds, refined petroleum products, coffee, sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton

Exports - partners:

China 35.65%, US 25.98%, France 8.83%, South Africa 4.13% (2009)

Imports:

$18.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $15.74 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts; medicines, food, textiles, military goods

Imports - partners:

Portugal 18.71%, China 17.39%, US 8.51%, Brazil 8.22%, South Korea 6.72%, France 4.51%, Italy 4.28%, South Africa 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$16.89 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $13.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$17.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $13.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$91.55 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $79.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$4.883 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $3.933 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

kwanza (AOA) per US dollar - 92.08 (2010), 79.328 (2009), 75.023 (2008), 76.6 (2007), 80.4 (2006)

Communications ::Angola

Telephones - main lines in use:

303,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 112

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8.109 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 73

Telephone system:

general assessment: limited system; state-owned telecom had monopoly for fixed-lines until 2005; demand outstripped capacity, prices were high, and services poor; Telecom Namibia, through an Angolan company, became the first private licensed operator in Angola's fixed-line telephone network; by 2010, the number of fixed-line providers had expanded to 5; Angola Telecom established mobile-cellular service in Luanda in 1993 and the network has been extended to larger towns; a privately-owned, mobile-cellular service provider began operations in 2001

domestic: only about two fixed-lines per 100 persons; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 65 telephones per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 244; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 29 (2009)

Broadcast media:

state controls all broadcast media with nationwide reach; state-owned Televisao Popular de Angola (TPA) provides terrestrial TV service on 2 channels; a third TPA channel is available via cable and satellite; TV subscription services are available; state-owned Radio Nacional de Angola (RNA) broadcasts on 5 stations; about a half dozen private radio stations broadcast locally (2008)

Internet country code:

.ao

Internet hosts:

3,717 (2010) country comparison to the world: 142

Internet users:

606,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 114

Transportation ::Angola

Airports:

193 (2010) country comparison to the world: 32

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 31

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 162

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 31

914 to 1,523 m: 78

under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2 km; oil 87 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,764 km country comparison to the world: 62 narrow gauge: 2,641 km 1.067-m gauge; 123 km 0.600-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 51,429 km country comparison to the world: 80 paved: 5,349 km

unpaved: 46,080 km (2001)

Waterways:

1,300 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 55

Merchant marine:

total: 7 country comparison to the world: 125 by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 1 (Spain 1)

registered in other countries: 15 (Bahamas 5, Liberia 1, Malta 7, former Netherlands Antilles 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda, Namibe

Military ::Angola

Military branches:

Angolan Armed Forces (FAA): Army, Navy (Marinha de Guerra Angola,
MGA), Angolan National Air Force (Forca Aerea Nacional Angolana,
FANA) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

20-45 years of age for compulsory and 18-45 years for voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years; Angolan citizenship required; minimum age for women volunteers is 20; the MGA is entirely staffed with volunteers (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,991,424

females age 16-49: 2,893,898 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,506,489

females age 16-49: 1,451,427 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 151,237

female: 147,919 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.6% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 32

Transnational Issues ::Angola

Disputes - international:

Cabindan separatists continue to return to the Angolan exclave from exile in neighboring states and Europe since the 2006 ceasefire and peace agreement

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 12,615 (Democratic Republic of Congo)

IDPs: 61,700 (27-year civil war ending in 2002; 4 million IDPs already have returned) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

used as a transshipment point for cocaine destined for Western Europe and other African states, particularly South Africa

page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Anguilla (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Anguilla

Background:

Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single British dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980 with Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency.

Geography ::Anguilla

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic
Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 N, 63 10 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 91 sq km country comparison to the world: 226 land: 91 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

61 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Crocus Hill 65 m

Natural resources:

salt, fish, lobster

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some commercial salt ponds) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October)

Environment - current issues:

supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system

Geography - note:

the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles

People ::Anguilla

Population:

14,766 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.5% (male 1,815/female 1,725)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 4,665/female 5,125)

65 years and over: 7.7% (male 534/female 572) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33 years

male: 31.6 years

female: 34.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.215% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Birth rate:

13 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Death rate:

4.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Net migration rate:

13.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.032 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.49 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 212 male: 3.94 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.77 years country comparison to the world: 18 male: 78.22 years

female: 83.39 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.75 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Anguillan(s)

adjective: Anguillan

Ethnic groups:

black (predominant) 90.1%, mixed, mulatto 4.6%, white 3.7%, other 1.5% (2001 census)

Religions:

Anglican 29%, Methodist 23.9%, other Protestant 30.2%, Roman Catholic 5.7%, other Christian 1.7%, other 5.2%, none or unspecified 4.3% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 12 and over can read and write

total population: 95%

male: 95%

female: 95% (1984 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 11 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.5% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 131

Government ::Anguilla

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Anguilla

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: The Valley

geographic coordinates: 18 13 N, 63 03 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Anguilla Day, 30 May (1967)

Constitution:

Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Alistair HARRISON (since 21 April 2009)

head of government: Chief Minister Hubert HUGHES (since 16 February 2010)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the elected members of the House of Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed chief minister by the governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (11 seats; 7 members elected by direct popular vote, 2 ex officio members, and 2 appointed; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 15 February 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AUM 4, AUF 2, APP 1

Judicial branch:

High Court (judge provided by Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Anguilla Progressive Party or APP [Roy ROGERS]; Anguilla Strategic
Alternative or ANSA [Edison BAIRD]; Anguilla United Front or AUF
[Osbourne FLEMING, Victor BANKS] (a coalition of the Anguilla
Democratic Party or ADP and the Anguilla National Alliance or ANA);
Anguilla United Movement or AUM [Hubert HUGHES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design on a white background with a turquoise-blue field below; the white in the background represents peace; the blue base symbolizes the surrounding sea, as well as faith, youth, and hope; the three dolphins stand for endurance, unity, and strength

National anthem:

name: "God Bless Anguilla"

lyrics/music: Alex RICHARDSON

note: local anthem adopted 1981; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Anguilla

Economy - overview:

Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism industry has spurred the growth of the construction sector contributing to economic growth. Anguillan officials have put substantial effort into developing the offshore financial sector, which is small but growing. In the medium term, prospects for the economy will depend largely on the tourism sector and, therefore, on revived income growth in the industrialized nations as well as on favorable weather conditions.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$175.4 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 217 $191.7 million (2008 est.)

$108.9 million (2004 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$175.4 million (2009 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-8.5% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,200 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4%

industry: 18%

services: 78% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

6,049 (2001) country comparison to the world: 218

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining: 4%

manufacturing: 3%

construction: 18%

transportation and utilities: 10%

commerce: 36%

services: 29% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8% (2002) country comparison to the world: 87

Population below poverty line:

23% (2002)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.3% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 60 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.27% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 9.51% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$19.03 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 186 $19.57 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$458.9 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 171 $470.6 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$529.6 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $447.7 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising

Industries:

tourism, boat building, offshore financial services

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Current account balance:

-$42.87 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Exports:

$119.5 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Exports - commodities:

lobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum

Imports:

$143 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 204

Imports - commodities:

fuels, foodstuffs, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, textiles

Debt - external:

$8.8 million (1998) country comparison to the world: 192

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

note: fixed rate since 1976

Communications ::Anguilla

Telephones - main lines in use:

6,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 209

Telephones - mobile cellular:

27,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 204

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: modern internal telephone system

international: country code - 1-264; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; microwave radio relay to island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten (2007)

Broadcast media:

1 private television station; multi-channel cable TV subscription services are available; about 10 radio stations, one of which is government-owned (2007)

Internet country code:

.ai

Internet hosts:

271 (2010) country comparison to the world: 186

Internet users:

3,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 207

Transportation ::Anguilla

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 195

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

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

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 175 km country comparison to the world: 209 paved: 82 km

unpaved: 93 km (2004)

Ports and terminals:

Blowing Point, Road Bay

Military ::Anguilla

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,611 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,987

females age 16-49: 3,354 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 111

female: 111 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Anguilla

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe

page last updated on December 29, 2010

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

@Antarctica (Antarctica)

Introduction ::Antarctica

Background:

Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" was not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south of the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands or an area of ocean. Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th century, but generally the area saw little human activity. Following World War II, however, there was an upsurge in scientific research on the continent. A number of countries have set up a range of year-round and seasonal stations, camps, and refuges to support scientific research in Antarctica. Seven have made territorial claims, but not all countries recognize these claims. In order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in 1959, it entered into force in 1961.

Geography ::Antarctica

Location:

continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle

Geographic coordinates:

90 00 S, 0 00 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 14 million sq km

land: 14 million sq km (280,000 sq km ice-free, 13.72 million sq km ice-covered) (est.)

note: fifth-largest continent, following Asia, Africa, North America, and South America, but larger than Australia and the subcontinent of Europe

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Land boundaries:

0 km

note: see entry on Disputes - international

Coastline:

17,968 km

Maritime claims:

Australia, Chile, and Argentina claim Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) rights or similar over 200 nm extensions seaward from their continental claims, but like the claims themselves, these zones are not accepted by other countries; 21 of 28 Antarctic consultative nations have made no claims to Antarctic territory (although Russia and the US have reserved the right to do so) and do not recognize the claims of the other nations; also see the Disputes - international entry

Climate:

severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly below freezing

Terrain:

about 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock, with average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain ranges up to nearly 5,000 meters; ice-free coastal areas include parts of southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic Peninsula area, and parts of Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers form ice shelves along about half of the coastline, and floating ice shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continent

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,540 m

highest point: Vinson Massif 4,897 m

note: the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the Bentley Subglacial Trench; at its surface is the deepest ice yet discovered and the world's lowest elevation not under seawater

Natural resources:

iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small uncommercial quantities; none presently exploited; krill, finfish, and crab have been taken by commercial fisheries

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%) (2005)

Natural hazards:

katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau; cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the coast; volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak; large icebergs may calve from ice shelf

Environment - current issues:

in 1998, NASA satellite data showed that the Antarctic ozone hole was the largest on record, covering 27 million square kilometers; researchers in 1997 found that increased ultraviolet light passing through the hole damages the DNA of icefish, an Antarctic fish lacking hemoglobin; ozone depletion earlier was shown to harm one-celled Antarctic marine plants; in 2002, significant areas of ice shelves disintegrated in response to regional warming

Geography - note:

the coldest, windiest, highest (on average), and driest continent; during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent period; mostly uninhabitable

People ::Antarctica

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants, but there are both permanent and summer-only staffed research stations

note: 29 nations, all signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, operate through their National Antarctic Program a number of seasonal-only (summer) and year-round research stations on the continent and its nearby islands south of 60 degrees south latitude (the region covered by the Antarctic Treaty); the population doing and supporting science or engaged in the management and protection of the Antarctic region varies from approximately 4,400 in summer to 1,100 in winter; in addition, approximately 1,000 personnel, including ship's crew and scientists doing onboard research, are present in the waters of the treaty region; peak summer (December-February) population - 4,490 total; Argentina 667, Australia 200, Australia and Romania jointly 13, Belgium 20, Brazil 40, Bulgaria 18, Chile 359, China 90, Czech Republic 20, Ecuador 26, Finland 20, France 125, France and Italy jointly 60, Germany 90, India 65, Italy 102, Japan 125, South Korea 70, NZ 85, Norway 44, Peru 28, Poland 40, Russia 429, South Africa 80, Spain 50, Sweden 20, Ukraine 24, UK 217, US 1,293, Uruguay 70 (2008-2009); winter (June-August) station population - 1,106 total; Argentina 176, Australia 62, Brazil 12, Chile 114, China 29, France 26, France and Italy jointly 13, Germany 9, India 25, Japan 40, South Korea 18, NZ 10, Norway 7, Poland 12, Russia 148, South Africa 10, Ukraine 12, UK 37, US 337, Uruguay 9 (2009); research stations operated within the Antarctic Treaty area (south of 60 degrees south latitude) by National Antarctic Programs: year-round stations - 40 total; Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 6, China 2, France 1, France and Italy jointly 1, Germany 1, India 1, Japan 1, South Korea 1, NZ 1, Norway 1, Poland 1, Russia 5, South Africa 1, Ukraine 1, UK 2, US 3, Uruguay 1 (2009); a range of seasonal-only (summer) stations, camps, and refuges - Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Romania (with Australia), Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK, US, and Uruguay (2008-2009); in addition, during the austral summer some nations have numerous occupied locations such as tent camps, summer-long temporary facilities, and mobile traverses in support of research (May 2009 est.)

Government ::Antarctica

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Antarctica

Government type:

Antarctic Treaty Summary - the Antarctic region is governed by a system known as the Antarctic Treaty System; the system includes: 1. the Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, which establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica, 2. Recommendations and Measures adopted at meetings of Antarctic Treaty countries, 3. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972), 4. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980), and 5. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991); the 33rd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Punta del Este, Uruguay in May 2010; at these periodic meetings, decisions are made by consensus (not by vote) of all consultative member nations; by April 2010, there were 48 treaty member nations: 28 consultative and 20 non-consultative; consultative (decision-making) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 21 non-claimant nations; the US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims; the US does not recognize the claims of others; Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations; decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; the years in parentheses indicate when a consultative member-nation acceded to the Treaty and when it was accepted as a consultative member, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory; claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998) China (1983/1985), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1962/1993), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Monaco (2008), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993;

claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998) China (1983/1985), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1962/1993), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Monaco (2008), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993;

Article 1 - area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose; Article 2 - freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3 - free exchange of information and personnel, cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4 - does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5 - prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes; Article 6 - includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south and reserves high seas rights; Article 7 - treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all expeditions and of the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8 - allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9 - frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10 - treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11 - disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14 - deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations; other agreements - some 200 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and ratified by governments; a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988 but remains unratified; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment through six specific annexes: 1) environmental impact assessment, 2) conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, 3) waste disposal and waste management, 4) prevention of marine pollution, 5) area protection and management and 6) liability arising from environmental emergencies; it prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research; a permanent Antarctic Treaty Secretariat was established in 2004 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Legal system:

Antarctica is administered through annual meetings - known as Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings - which include consultative member nations, non-consultative member nations, observer organizations, and expert organizations; decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; more generally, access to the Antarctic Treaty area, that is to all areas between 60 and 90 degrees south latitude, is subject to a number of relevant legal instruments and authorization procedures adopted by the states party to the Antarctic Treaty; note - US law, including certain criminal offenses by or against US nationals, such as murder, may apply extraterritorially; some US laws directly apply to Antarctica; for example, the Antarctic Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. section 2401 et seq., provides civil and criminal penalties for the following activities unless authorized by regulation of statute: the taking of native mammals or birds; the introduction of nonindigenous plants and animals; entry into specially protected areas; the discharge or disposal of pollutants; and the importation into the US of certain items from Antarctica; violation of the Antarctic Conservation Act carries penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and one year in prison; the National Science Foundation and Department of Justice share enforcement responsibilities; Public Law 95-541, the US Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, as amended in 1996, requires expeditions from the US to Antarctica to notify, in advance, the Office of Oceans, Room 5805, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, which reports such plans to other nations as required by the Antarctic Treaty; for more information, contact Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone: (703) 292-8030, or visit its website at www.nsf.gov

Economy ::Antarctica

Economy - overview:

Scientific undertakings rather than commercial pursuits are the predominate human activity in Antarctica. Fishing off the coast and tourism, both based abroad, account for Antarctica's limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries, targeting three main species - Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni), mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari), and krill (Euphausia superba) - reported landing 141,147 metric tons in 2008-09 (1 July - 30 June). (Estimated fishing is from the area covered by the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which extends slightly beyond the Antarctic Treaty area.) Unregulated fishing, particularly of Patagonian toothfish (also known as Chilean sea bass), is a serious problem. The CCAMLR determines the recommended catch limits for marine species. A total of 37,858 tourists visited the Antarctic Treaty area in the 2008-09 Antarctic summer, down from the 46,265 visitors in 2007-2008 (estimates provided to the Antarctic Treaty by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO); this does not include passengers on overflights). Nearly all of them were passengers on commercial (nongovernmental) ships and several yachts that make trips during the summer.

Communications ::Antarctica

Telephones - main lines in use:

0; note - information for US bases only (2001) country comparison to the world: 231

Telephone system:

general assessment: local systems at some research stations

domestic: commercial cellular networks operating in a small number of locations

international: country code - none allocated; via satellite (including mobile Inmarsat and Iridium systems) to and from all research stations, ships, aircraft, and most field parties (2007)

Internet country code:

.aq

Internet hosts:

7,765 (2010) country comparison to the world: 135

Transportation ::Antarctica

Airports:

26 (2010) country comparison to the world: 126

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 26

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Heliports:

53

note: all year-round and seasonal stations operated by National Antarctic Programs stations have some kind of helicopter landing facilities, prepared (helipads) or unprepared (2010)

Ports and terminals:

McMurdo Station; most coastal stations have sparse and intermittent offshore anchorages; a few stations have basic wharf facilities

Transportation - note:

US coastal stations include McMurdo (77 51 S, 166 40 E) and Palmer (64 43 S, 64 03 W); government use only except by permit (see Permit Office under "Legal System"); all ships at port are subject to inspection in accordance with Article 7, Antarctic Treaty; relevant legal instruments and authorization procedures adopted by the states parties to the Antarctic Treaty regulating access to the Antarctic Treaty area to all areas between 60 and 90 degrees of latitude south have to be complied with (see "Legal System"); The Hydrographic Commission on Antarctica (HCA), a commission of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), is responsible for hydrographic surveying and nautical charting matters in Antarctic Treaty area; it coordinates and facilitates provision of accurate and appropriate charts and other aids to navigation in support of safety of navigation in region; membership of HCA is open to any IHO Member State whose government has acceded to the Antarctic Treaty and which contributes resources or data to IHO Chart coverage of the area

Military ::Antarctica

Military - note:

the Antarctic Treaty prohibits any measures of a military nature, such as the establishment of military bases and fortifications, the carrying out of military maneuvers, or the testing of any type of weapon; it permits the use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other peaceful purposes

Transnational Issues ::Antarctica

Disputes - international:

the Antarctic Treaty freezes, and most states do not recognize, the land and maritime territorial claims made by Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom (some overlapping) for three-fourths of the continent; the US and Russia reserve the right to make claims; no formal claims have been made in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west; the International Whaling Commission created a sanctuary around the entire continent to deter catches by countries claiming to conduct scientific whaling; Australia has established a similar preserve in the waters around its territorial claim

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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@Antigua and Barbuda (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Antigua and Barbuda

Background:

The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak Indians populated the islands when COLUMBUS landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.

Geography ::Antigua and Barbuda

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

17 03 N, 61 48 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 442.6 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km) country comparison to the world: 199 land: 442.6 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

153 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areas

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Boggy Peak 402 m

Natural resources:

NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism

Land use:

arable land: 18.18%

permanent crops: 4.55%

other: 77.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

0.1 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.005 cu km/yr (60%/20%/20%)

per capita: 63 cu m/yr (1990)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

water management - a major concern because of limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to run off quickly

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a large western harbor

People ::Antigua and Barbuda

Population:

86,754 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.8% (male 11,660/female 11,303)

15-64 years: 66.6% (male 26,597/female 30,414)

65 years and over: 6.6% (male 2,456/female 3,202) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30 years

male: 28.5 years

female: 31.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Birth rate:

16.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Death rate:

5.77 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Net migration rate:

2.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Urbanization:

urban population: 30% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.1 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 124 male: 17.41 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.26 years country comparison to the world: 86 male: 73.27 years

female: 77.35 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.06 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)

adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan

Ethnic groups:

black 91%, mixed 4.4%, white 1.7%, other 2.9% (2001 census)

Religions:

Anglican 25.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.3%, Pentecostal 10.6%,
Moravian 10.5%, Roman Catholic 10.4%, Methodist 7.9%, Baptist 4.9%,
Church of God 4.5%, other Christian 5.4%, other 2%, none or
unspecified 5.8% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), local dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling

total population: 85.8%

male: NA

female: NA (2003 est.)

Education expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 108

Government ::Antigua and Barbuda

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda

Government type:

constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Saint John's

geographic coordinates: 17 07 N, 61 51 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint Philip

Independence:

1 November 1981 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (National Day), 1 November (1981)

Constitution:

1 November 1981

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Louisse LAKE-TACK (since 17 July 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Winston Baldwin SPENCER (since 24 March 2004)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general chosen by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (17 seats; members appointed by the governor general) and the House of Representatives (17 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 12 March 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - UPP 50.9%, ALP 47.2%, BPM 1.1%; seats by party - UPP 9, ALP 7, BPM 1

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court consisting of a High Court of
Justice and a Court of Appeal (based in Saint Lucia; two judges of
the Supreme Court are residents of the islands and preside over the
Court of Summary Jurisdiction); Magistrates' Courts; member of the
Caribbean Court of Justice

Political parties and leaders:

Antigua Labor Party or ALP [Lester Bryant BIRD]; Barbuda People's Movement or BPM [Thomas H. FRANK]; Barbuda People's Movement for Change [Arthur NIBBS]; Barbudans for a Better Barbuda [Ordrick SAMUEL]; United Progressive Party or UPP [Baldwin SPENCER] (a coalition of three parties - Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement or ACLM, Progressive Labor Movement or PLM, United National Democratic Party or UNDP)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Antigua Trades and Labor Union or ATLU [William ROBINSON]; People's
Democratic Movement or PDM [Hugh MARSHALL]

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ISO
(subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW,
PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Deborah Mae LOVELL

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 362-5122

FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225

consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda

Flag description:

red, with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising sun in the black band; the sun symbolizes the dawn of a new era, black represents the African heritage of most of the population, blue is for hope, and red is for the dynamism of the people; the "V" stands for victory; the successive yellow, blue, and white coloring is also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun, sea, and sand

National anthem:

name: "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee"

lyrics/music: Novelle Hamilton RICHARDS/Walter Garnet Picart CHAMBERS

note: adopted 1967; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Antigua and Barbuda

Economy - overview:

Tourism continues to dominate Antigua and Barbuda's economy, accounting for nearly 60% of GDP and 40% of investment. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on tourist arrivals from the US, Canada, and Europe and potential damages from natural disasters. After taking office in 2004, the SPENCER government adopted an ambitious fiscal reform program, and was successful in reducing its public debt-to-GDP ratio from 120% to about 90% in 2008. However, the global financial crisis that began in 2008, has led to a significant increase in the national debt, which topped 130% at the end of 2010. The Antiguan economy experienced solid growth from 2003 to 2007, reaching over 12% in 2006 driven by a construction boom in hotels and housing associated with the Cricket World Cup, but growth dropped off in 2008 with the end of the boom. In 2009, Antigua's economy was severely hit by the global economic crisis, suffering from the collapse of its largest financial institution and a steep decline in tourism. This decline continued in 2010 as the country struggled with a yawning budget deficit.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.433 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195 $1.494 billion (2009 est.)

$1.64 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.099 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 -8.9% (2009 est.)

1.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$16,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $17,400 (2009 est.)

$19,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.8%

industry: 22%

services: 74.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

30,000 (1991) country comparison to the world: 204

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 7%

industry: 11%

services: 82% (1983)

Unemployment rate:

11% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 69 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.07% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 10.43% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$233.5 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 170 $266.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.186 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 157 $1.236 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.13 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $1.002 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock

Industries:

tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

110 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Electricity - consumption:

102.3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Oil - exports:

219 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Oil - imports:

4,690 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Natural gas - imports:

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

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Current account balance:

-$211 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Exports:

$84.3 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Exports - commodities:

petroleum products, bedding, handicrafts, electronic components, transport equipment, food and live animals

Imports:

$522.8 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Imports - commodities:

food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, oil

Debt - external:

$359.8 million (June 2006) country comparison to the world: 166

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

note: fixed rate since 1976

Communications ::Antigua and Barbuda

Telephones - main lines in use:

37,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 172

Telephones - mobile cellular:

134,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 178

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: good automatic telephone system

international: country code - 1-268; landing points for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) and the Global Caribbean Network (GCN) submarine cable systems with links to other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; satellite earth stations - 2; tropospheric scatter to Saba (Netherlands) and Guadeloupe (France) (2007)

Broadcast media:

state-controlled Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service (ABS) operates 1 TV station; multi-channel cable TV subscription services are available; 1 radio station operated by ABS; roughly 15 radio stations, some broadcasting on multiple frequencies (2007)

Internet country code:

.ag

Internet hosts:

9,795 (2010) country comparison to the world: 122

Internet users:

65,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 171

Transportation ::Antigua and Barbuda

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 194

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,165 km country comparison to the world: 181 paved: 384 km

unpaved: 781 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,219 country comparison to the world: 9 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 53, cargo 703, carrier 6, chemical tanker 4, container 412, liquefied gas 12, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 9, roll on/roll off 16, vehicle carrier 2

foreign-owned: 1,186 (Albania 1, Colombia 1, Denmark 20, Estonia 20,
Germany 1050, Greece 5, Iceland 9, Isle of Man 2, Latvia 16,
Lithuania 4, Mexico 2, Netherlands 18, Norway 9, NZ 2, Poland 2,
Russia 3, Slovenia 1, Sweden 1, Switzerland 7, Turkey 7, US 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Saint John's

Military ::Antigua and Barbuda

Military branches:

Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force (including Antigua and
Barbuda Coast Guard) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,909

females age 16-49: 23,815 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,475

females age 16-49: 19,764 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 763

female: 758 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.5% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 161

Transnational Issues ::Antigua and Barbuda

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

considered a minor transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe; more significant as an offshore financial center

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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@Arctic Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Arctic Ocean

Background:

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the recently delimited Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (US and Canada) and Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are two important seasonal waterways. In recent years the polar ice pack has thinned allowing for increased navigation and raising the possibility of future sovereignty and shipping disputes among countries bordering the Arctic Ocean.

Geography ::Arctic Ocean

Location:

body of water between Europe, Asia, and North America, mostly north of the Arctic Circle

Geographic coordinates:

90 00 N, 0 00 E

Map references:

Arctic

Area:

total: 14.056 million sq km

note: includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, Northwest Passage, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Coastline:

45,389 km

Climate:

polar climate characterized by persistent cold and relatively narrow annual temperature ranges; winters characterized by continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions, and clear skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp and foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snow

Terrain:

central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar icepack that, on average, is about 3 meters thick, although pressure ridges may be three times that thickness; clockwise drift pattern in the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearly straight-line movement from the New Siberian Islands (Russia) to Denmark Strait (between Greenland and Iceland); the icepack is surrounded by open seas during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter and extends to the encircling landmasses; the ocean floor is about 50% continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the remainder a central basin interrupted by three submarine ridges (Alpha Cordillera, Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonosov Ridge)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Fram Basin -4,665 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales)

Natural hazards:

ice islands occasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada; permafrost in islands; virtually ice locked from October to June; ships subject to superstructure icing from October to May

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include walruses and whales; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or damage; thinning polar icepack

Geography - note:

major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); strategic location between North America and Russia; shortest marine link between the extremes of eastern and western Russia; floating research stations operated by the US and Russia; maximum snow cover in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean; snow cover lasts about 10 months

Economy ::Arctic Ocean

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals.

Transportation ::Arctic Ocean

Ports and terminals:

Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (Russia), Prudhoe Bay (US)

Transportation - note:

sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes; the Northwest Passage (North America) and Northern Sea Route (Eurasia) are important seasonal waterways

Transnational Issues ::Arctic Ocean

Disputes - international:

the littoral states are engaged in various stages of demonstrating the limits of their continental shelves beyond 200 nautical miles from their declared baselines in accordance with Article 76, paragraph 8, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; record summer melting of sea ice in the Arctic has restimulated interest in maritime shipping lanes and sea floor exploration

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Argentina (South America)

Introduction ::Argentina

Background:

In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay went their separate ways, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe, but most particularly Italy and Spain, which provided the largest percentage of newcomers from 1860 to 1930. Up until about the mid-20th century, much of Argentina's history was dominated by periods of internal political conflict between Federalists and Unitarians and between civilian and military factions. After World War II, an era of Peronist populism and direct and indirect military interference in subsequent governments was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983 after a failed bid to seize the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands by force, and has persisted despite numerous challenges, the most formidable of which was a severe economic crisis in 2001-02 that led to violent public protests and the successive resignations of several presidents.

Geography ::Argentina

Location:

Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between
Chile and Uruguay

Geographic coordinates:

34 00 S, 64 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 2,780,400 sq km country comparison to the world: 8 land: 2,736,690 sq km

water: 43,710 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 9,861 km

border countries: Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,261 km, Chile 5,308 km, Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 580 km

Coastline:

4,989 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest

Terrain:

rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Laguna del Carbon -105 m (located between Puerto San Julian and Comandante Luis Piedra Buena in the province of Santa Cruz)

highest point: Cerro Aconcagua 6,960 m (located in the northwestern corner of the province of Mendoza)

Natural resources:

fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium

Land use:

arable land: 10.03%

permanent crops: 0.36%

other: 89.61% (2005)

Irrigated land:

15,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

814 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 29.19 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%)

per capita: 753 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

San Miguel de Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the pampas and northeast; heavy flooding in some areas

volcanism: Argentina experiences volcanic activity in the Andes Mountains along the Chilean border; Copahue (elev. 2,997 m, 9,833 ft) last erupted in 2000; other historically active volcanoes include Llullaillaco, Maipo, Planchon-Peteroa, San Jose, Tromen, Tupungatito, and Viedma

Environment - current issues:

environmental problems (urban and rural) typical of an industrializing economy such as deforestation, soil degradation, desertification, air pollution, and water pollution

note: Argentina is a world leader in setting voluntary greenhouse gas targets

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location relative to sea lanes between the South Atlantic and the South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); diverse geophysical landscapes range from tropical climates in the north to tundra in the far south; Cerro Aconcagua is the Western Hemisphere's tallest mountain, while Laguna del Carbon is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere

People ::Argentina

Population:

41,343,201 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.6% (male 5,369,477/female 5,122,260)

15-64 years: 63.5% (male 12,961,725/female 13,029,265)

65 years and over: 10.8% (male 1,819,057/female 2,611,800) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.3 years

male: 29.2 years

female: 31.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.036% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Birth rate:

17.75 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Death rate:

7.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.11 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 148 male: 12.4 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.75 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.76 years country comparison to the world: 66 male: 73.52 years

female: 80.17 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.33 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

120,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

7,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Argentine(s)

adjective: Argentine

Ethnic groups:

white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry), Amerindian, or other non-white groups 3%

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%

Languages:

Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.2%

male: 97.2%

female: 97.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 15 years

female: 17 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 71

Government ::Argentina

Country name:

conventional long form: Argentine Republic

conventional short form: Argentina

local long form: Republica Argentina

local short form: Argentina

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Buenos Aires

geographic coordinates: 34 36 S, 58 40 W

time difference: UTC-3 (3 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: none scheduled for 2010

Administrative divisions:

23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 autonomous city* (distrito federal); Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Capital Federal*, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes, Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Misiones, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego - Antartida e Islas del Atlantico Sur (Tierra del Fuego), Tucuman

note: the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica

Independence:

9 July 1816 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)

Constitution:

1 May 1853; amended many times starting in 1860

Legal system:

mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (since 10 December 2007); Vice President Julio COBOS (since 10 December 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (since 10 December 2007); Vice President Julio COBOS (since 10 December 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 October 2007 (next election to be held in 2011)

election results: Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER elected president; percent of vote - Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER 45%, Elisa CARRIO 23%, Roberto LAVAGNA 17%, Alberto Rodriguez SAA 8%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate (72 seats; members are elected by direct vote; presently one-third of the members elected every two years to serve six-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 seats; members are elected by direct vote; one-half of the members elected every two years to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be held in 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA; seats by bloc or party - FpV 8, ACyS 14, PJ disidente 2; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA; seats by bloc or party - FpV 45, ACyS 42, PRO 20, PJ disidente 12, other 8; note - as of 13 January 2009, the composition of the entire legislature is as follows: Senate - seats by bloc or party - FpV 36, ACyS 23, PJ disidente 9, other 4; Chamber of Deputies - seats by bloc or party - FpV 113, ACyS 77, PRO 26, PJ disidente 17, other 24

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (the Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president with approval of the Senate)

note: the Supreme Court has seven judges; the Argentine Congress in 2006 passed a bill to gradually reduce the number of Supreme Court judges to five

Political parties and leaders:

Civic and Social Accord or ACyS (a broad center-left alliance-including the CC, UCR, and Socialist parties-created ahead of the 2009 legislative elections); Civic Coalition or CC (a broad coalition loosely affiliated with Elisa CARRIO); Dissident Peronists or PJ Disidente (a sector of the Justicialist Party opposed to the Kirchners); Front for Victory or FpV (a broad coalition, including elements of the UCR and numerous provincial parties) [Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER]; Interbloque Federal or IF (a broad coalition of approximately 12 parties including PRO); Justicialist Party or PJ [Daniel SCIOLI]; Radical Civic Union or UCR [Ernesto SANZ]; Republican Proposal or PRO [Mauricio MACRI] (including Federal Recreate Movement or RECREAR [Esteban BULLRICH]; Socialist Party or PS [Ruben GIUSTINIANI]; Union For All [Patricia BULLRICH] (associated with the Civic Coalition); numerous provincial parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Argentine Association of Pharmaceutical Labs (CILFA); Argentine
Industrial Union (manufacturers' association); Argentine Rural
Confederation or CRA (small to medium landowners' association);
Argentine Rural Society (large landowners' association); Central of
Argentine Workers or CTA (a radical union for employed and
unemployed workers); General Confederation of Labor or CGT
(Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization); White and Blue CGT
(dissident CGT labor confederation); Roman Catholic Church

other: business organizations; Peronist-dominated labor movement; Piquetero groups (popular protest organizations that can be either pro or anti-government); students

International organization participation:

AfDB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CAN
(associate), FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA,
Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL,
OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina (observer),
UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)

chancery: 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 238-6400

FAX: [1] (202) 332-3171

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vilma MARTINEZ

embassy: Avenida Colombia 4300, C1425GMN Buenos Aires

mailing address: international mail: use embassy street address; APO address: US Embassy Buenos Aires, Unit 4334, APO AA 34034

telephone: [54] (11) 5777-4533

FAX: [54] (11) 5777-4240

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face known as the Sun of May; the colors represent the clear skies and snow of the Andes; the sun symbol commemorates the appearance of the sun through cloudy skies on 25 May 1810 during the first mass demonstration in favor of independence; the sun features are those of Inti, the Inca god of the sun

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional Argentino" (Argentine National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Vicente LOPEZ y PLANES/Jose Blas PARERA

note: adopted 1813; Vicente LOPEZ was inspired to write the anthem after watching a play about the 1810 May Revolution against Spain

Economy ::Argentina

Economy - overview:

Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Although one of the world's wealthiest countries 100 years ago, Argentina suffered during most of the 20th century from recurring economic crises, persistent fiscal and current account deficits, high inflation, mounting external debt, and capital flight. A severe depression, growing public and external indebtedness, and a bank run culminated in 2001 in the most serious economic, social, and political crisis in the country's turbulent history. Interim President Adolfo RODRIGUEZ SAA declared a default - the largest in history - on the government's foreign debt in December of that year, and abruptly resigned only a few days after taking office. His successor, Eduardo DUHALDE, announced an end to the peso's decade-long 1-to-1 peg to the US dollar in early 2002. The economy bottomed out that year, with real GDP 18% smaller than in 1998 and almost 60% of Argentines under the poverty line. Real GDP rebounded to grow by an average 8.5% annually over the subsequent six years, taking advantage of previously idled industrial capacity and labor, an audacious debt restructuring and reduced debt burden, excellent international financial conditions, and expansionary monetary and fiscal policies. Inflation also increased, however, during the administration of President Nestor KIRCHNER, which responded with price restraints on businesses, as well as export taxes and restraints, and beginning in early 2007, with understating inflation data. Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER succeeded her husband as President in late 2007, and the rapid economic growth of previous years began to slow sharply the following year as government policies held back exports and the world economy fell into recession. The economy has rebounded from the 2009 recession, but the government's continued reliance on expansionary fiscal and monetary policies risks exacerbating already high inflation, which remains under-reported by official statistics.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$596 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $554.5 billion (2009 est.)

$571.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$351 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 -3% (2009 est.)

5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $13,700 (2009 est.)

$14,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.5%

industry: 31.6%

services: 59.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

16.62 million country comparison to the world: 36 note: urban areas only (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5%

industry: 23%

services: 72% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 8.7% (2009 est.)

note: based on official data, which may understate unemployment

Population below poverty line:

30% (January-June 2010)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.2%

highest 10%: 32.6% (2009)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.7 (2009) country comparison to the world: 38

Investment (gross fixed):

22% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Public debt:

50.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 48.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

22% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222 16% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.66% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 19.47% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$41.66 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 46 $35.33 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$112.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $85.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$113.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $84.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$48.93 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 48 $52.31 billion (31 December 2008)

$86.68 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sunflower seeds, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco, peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock

Industries:

food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel

Industrial production growth rate:

6.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Electricity - production:

109.5 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Electricity - consumption:

99.21 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Electricity - exports:

2.628 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

10.28 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

796,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Oil - consumption:

622,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Oil - exports:

314,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Oil - imports:

52,290 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Oil - proved reserves:

2.386 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - production:

41.36 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - consumption:

43.14 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Natural gas - exports:

890 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Natural gas - imports:

2.66 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Natural gas - proved reserves:

398.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Current account balance:

$6.976 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $11.29 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$68.01 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $55.67 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

soybeans and derivatives, petroleum and gas, vehicles, corn, wheat

Exports - partners:

Brazil 18.78%, China 9.26%, Chile 7.11%, US 6.38% (2009)

Imports:

$52.61 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $37.14 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, motor vehicles, petroleum and natural gas, organic chemicals, plastics

Imports - partners:

Brazil 31.12%, US 13.69%, China 10.26%, Germany 4.69% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$53.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $48.03 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$128.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $118.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$86.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $80.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$30.16 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $29.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Argentine pesos (ARS) per US dollar - 3.8983 (2010), 3.7101 (2009), 3.1636 (2008), 3.1105 (2007), 3.0543 (2006)

Communications ::Argentina

Telephones - main lines in use:

9.764 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 22

Telephones - mobile cellular:

51.891 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 22

Telephone system:

general assessment: the "Telecommunications Liberalization Plan of 1998" opened the telecommunications market to competition and foreign investment encouraging the growth of modern telecommunications technology; fiber-optic cable trunk lines are being installed between all major cities; major networks are entirely digital and the availability of telephone service is improving

domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber-optic cable, and a domestic satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network; fixed-line teledensity is increasing gradually and mobile-cellular subscribership is increasing rapidly; broadband Internet services are gaining ground

international: country code - 54; landing point for the Atlantis-2, UNISUR, South America-1, and South American Crossing/Latin American Nautilus submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, South and Central America, and US; satellite earth stations - 112; 2 international gateways near Buenos Aires (2009)

Broadcast media:

government owns a TV station and a radio network; more than 2 dozen TV stations and hundreds of privately-owned radio stations; high rate of cable TV subscription usage (2007)

Internet country code:

.ar

Internet hosts:

6.025 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 16

Internet users:

13.694 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 28

Transportation ::Argentina

Airports:

1,141 (2010) country comparison to the world: 6

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 156

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 65

914 to 1,523 m: 51

under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 985

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 43

914 to 1,523 m: 530

under 914 m: 410 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 28,248 km; liquid petroleum gas 41 km; oil 5,977 km; refined products 3,636 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 31,409 km country comparison to the world: 8 broad gauge: 27,301 km 1.676-m gauge (94 km electrified)

standard gauge: 2,780 km 1.435-m gauge (26 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,328 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 231,374 km country comparison to the world: 22 paved: 69,412 km (includes 734 km of expressways)

unpaved: 161,962 km (2004)

Waterways:

11,000 km (2007) country comparison to the world: 11

Merchant marine:

total: 43 country comparison to the world: 74 by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 7, chemical tanker 4, container 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 23, refrigerated cargo 2

foreign-owned: 12 (Brazil 1, Chile 6, Spain 3, UK 2)

registered in other countries: 17 (Liberia 3, Panama 7, Paraguay 5, Uruguay 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Arroyo Seco, Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, La Plata, Punta Colorada,
Rosario, San Lorenzo-San Martin

Military ::Argentina

Military branches:

Argentine Army (Ejercito Argentino), Navy of the Argentine Republic
(Armada Republica; includes naval aviation and naval infantry),
Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Argentina, FAA) (2011)

Military service age and obligation:

18-24 years of age for voluntary military service (18-21 requires parental permission); no conscription (2001)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,934,765

females age 16-49: 9,868,008 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,366,206

females age 16-49: 8,344,321 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 340,570

female: 323,953 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 146

Military - note:

the Argentine military is a well-organized force constrained by the country's prolonged economic hardship; the country has recently experienced a strong recovery, and the military is implementing a modernization plan aimed at making the ground forces lighter and more responsive (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Argentina

Disputes - international:

Argentina continues to assert its claims to the UK-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands in its constitution, forcibly occupying the Falklands in 1982, but in 1995 agreed no longer to seek settlement by force; territorial claim in Antarctica partially overlaps UK and Chilean claims; unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations; uncontested dispute between Brazil and Uruguay over Braziliera/Brasiliera Island in the Quarai/Cuareim River leaves the tripoint with Argentina in question; in 2006, Argentina went to the ICJ to protest, on environmental grounds, the construction of two pulp mills in Uruguay on the Uruguay River, which forms the boundary; both parties presented their pleadings in 2007 with Argentina's reply in January and Uruguay's rejoinder in July 2008; the joint boundary commission, established by Chile and Argentina in 2001 has yet to map and demarcate the delimited boundary in the inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur)

Illicit drugs:

a transshipment country for cocaine headed for Europe, heroin headed for the US, and ephedrine and pseudoephedrine headed for Mexico; some money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area; law enforcement corruption; a source for precursor chemicals; increasing domestic consumption of drugs in urban centers, especially cocaine base and synthetic drugs (2008)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Armenia (Middle East)

Introduction ::Armenia

Background:

Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. During World War I in the western portion of Armenia, Ottoman Turkey instituted a policy of forced resettlement coupled with other harsh practices that resulted in an estimated 1 million Armenian deaths. The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in 1828; this portion declared its independence in 1918, but was conquered by the Soviet Red Army in 1920. Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, ethnic Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a significant portion of Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution. Turkey closed the common border with Armenia in 1994 because of the Armenian separatists' control of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas, further hampering Armenian economic growth. In 2009, senior Armenian leaders began pursuing rapprochement with Turkey, aiming to secure an opening of the border; this process is currently dormant.

Geography ::Armenia

Location:

Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 45 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 29,743 sq km country comparison to the world: 142 land: 28,203 sq km

water: 1,540 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 1,254 km

border countries: Azerbaijan-proper 566 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 221 km, Georgia 164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

highland continental, hot summers, cold winters

Terrain:

Armenian Highland with mountains; little forest land; fast flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Debed River 400 m

highest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m

Natural resources:

small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, bauxite

Land use:

arable land: 16.78%

permanent crops: 2.01%

other: 81.21% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,860 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

10.5 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.95 cu km/yr (30%/4%/66%)

per capita: 977 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts

Environment - current issues:

soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; the energy crisis of the 1990s led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for firewood; pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; the draining of Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan), a result of its use as a source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; restart of Metsamor nuclear power plant in spite of its location in a seismically active zone

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

landlocked in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains; Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan) is the largest lake in this mountain range

People ::Armenia

Population:

2,966,802 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.2% (male 289,119/female 252,150)

15-64 years: 71.1% (male 986,764/female 1,123,708)

65 years and over: 10.6% (male 122,996/female 192,267) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.9 years

male: 29.1 years

female: 34.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.016% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Birth rate:

12.74 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Death rate:

8.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Net migration rate:

-4.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Urbanization:

urban population: 64% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.133 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 19.5 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 102 male: 24.16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.96 years country comparison to the world: 118 male: 69.33 years

female: 77.07 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.36 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,400 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Nationality:

noun: Armenian(s)

adjective: Armenian

Ethnic groups:

Armenian 97.9%, Yezidi (Kurd) 1.3%, Russian 0.5%, other 0.3% (2001 census)

Religions:

Armenian Apostolic 94.7%, other Christian 4%, Yezidi (monotheist with elements of nature worship) 1.3%

Languages:

Armenian (official) 97.7%, Yezidi 1%, Russian 0.9%, other 0.4% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 147

Government ::Armenia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Armenia

conventional short form: Armenia

local long form: Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun

local short form: Hayastan

former: Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic, Armenian Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Yerevan

geographic coordinates: 40 10 N, 44 30 E

time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Administrative divisions:

11 provinces (marzer, singular - marz); Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, Geghark'unik', Kotayk', Lorri, Shirak, Syunik', Tavush, Vayots' Dzor, Yerevan

Independence:

21 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 September (1991)

Constitution:

adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995; amendments adopted through a nationwide referendum 27 November 2005

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Serzh SARGSIAN (since 9 April 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Tigran SARGSIAN (since 9 April 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 February 2008 (next to be held in February 2013); prime minister appointed by the president based on majority or plurality support in parliament; the prime minister and Council of Ministers must resign if the National Assembly refuses to accept their program

election results: Serzh SARGSIAN elected president; percent of vote - Serzh SARGSIAN 52.9%, Levon TER-PETROSSIAN 21.5%, Artur BAGHDASARIAN 16.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) or Azgayin Zhoghov (131 seats; members elected by popular vote, 90 members elected by party list and 41 by direct vote; to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 12 May 2007 (next to be held in the spring of 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - HHK 33.9%, Prosperous Armenia 15.1%, ARF (Dashnak) 13.2%, Rule of Law 7.1%, Heritage Party 6%, other 24.7%; seats by party - HHK 64, Prosperous Armenia 18, ARF (Dashnak) 16, Rule of Law 9, Heritage Party 7, independent 17

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Court of Cassation (Appeals Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Armenian National Congress or ANC (bloc of independent and
opposition parties) [Levon TER-PETROSSIAN]; Armenian National
Movement or ANM [Ararat ZURABIAN]; Armenian Revolutionary Federation
("Dashnak" Party) or ARF [Hrant MARKARIAN]; Heritage Party [Raffi
HOVHANNISIAN]; People's Party of Armenia [Stepan DEMIRCHIAN];
Prosperous Armenia [Gagik TSARUKIAN]; Republican Party of Armenia or
HHK [Serzh SARGSIAN]; Rule of Law Party (Orinats Yerkir) [Artur
BAGHDASARIAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Aylentrank (Impeachment Alliance) [Nikol PASHINIAN]; Yerkrapah Union
[Manvel GRIGORIAN]

International organization participation:

ADB, BSEC, CE, CIS, CSTO, EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS (observer),
OIF (associate member), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Tatoul MARKARIAN

chancery: 2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 319-1976

FAX: [1] (202) 319-2982

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Marie L. YOVANOVITCH

embassy: 1 American Ave., Yerevan 0082

mailing address: American Embassy Yerevan, US Department of State, 7020 Yerevan Place, Washington, DC 20521-7020

telephone: [374](10) 464-700

FAX: [374](10) 464-742

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange; the color red recalls the blood shed for liberty, blue the Armenian skies as well as hope, and orange the land and the courage of the workers who farm it

National anthem:

name: "Mer Hayrenik""(Our Fatherland)

lyrics/music: Mikael NALBANDIAN/Barsegh KANACHYAN

note: adopted 1991; based on the anthem of the Democratic Republic of Armenia (1918-1922) but with different lyrics

Economy ::Armenia

Economy - overview:

After several years of double-digit economic growth, Armenia faced a severe economic recession with GDP declining more than 14% in 2009, despite large loans from multilateral institutions. Sharp declines in the construction sector and workers' remittances, particularly from Russia, were the main reasons for the downturn. The economy began to recover in 2010 with nearly 5% growth. Under the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools, textiles, and other manufactured goods to sister republics, in exchange for raw materials and energy. Armenia has since switched to small-scale agriculture and away from the large agroindustrial complexes of the Soviet era. Armenia has managed to reduce poverty, slash inflation, stabilize its currency, and privatize most small- and medium-sized enterprises. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia had made progress in implementing some economic reforms, including privatization, price reforms, and prudent fiscal policies, but geographic isolation, a narrow export base, and pervasive monopolies in important business sectors have made Armenia particularly vulnerable to the sharp deterioration in the global economy and the economic downturn in Russia. The conflict with Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian-dominated region of Nagorno-Karabakh contributed to a severe economic decline in the early 1990s and Armenia's borders with Turkey remain closed until 2010, when Turkey and Armenia signed an accord to reestablish diplomatic relations. Armenia is particularly dependent on Russian commercial and governmental support and most key Armenian infrastructure is Russian-owned and/or managed, especially in the energy sector. The electricity distribution system was privatized in 2002 and bought by Russia's RAO-UES in 2005. Construction of a pipeline to deliver natural gas from Iran to Armenia was completed in December 2008, and gas deliveries are slated to expand due to the April 2010 completion of the Yerevan Thermal Power Plant. Armenia has some mineral deposits (copper, gold, bauxite). Pig iron, unwrought copper, and other nonferrous metals are Armenia's highest valued exports. Armenia's severe trade imbalance has been offset somewhat by international aid, remittances from Armenians working abroad, and foreign direct investment. Armenia joined the WTO in January 2003. The government made some improvements in tax and customs administration in recent years, but anti-corruption measures have been ineffective and the current economic downturn has led to a sharp drop in tax revenue and forced the government to accept large loan packages from Russia, the IMF, and other international financial institutions. Armenia will need to pursue additional economic reforms in order to regain economic growth and improve economic competitiveness and employment opportunities, especially given its economic isolation from two of its nearest neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$17.27 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 $16.5 billion (2009 est.)

$19.23 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$8.83 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 -14.2% (2009 est.)

6.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 $5,600 (2009 est.)

$6,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 22%

industry: 46.6%

services: 31.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.481 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 46.2%

industry: 15.6%

services: 38.2% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Population below poverty line:

26.5% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.6%

highest 10%: 41.3% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37 (2006) country comparison to the world: 77 44.4 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

33.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 3.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 56 7.25% (2 December 2008)

note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key monetary policy instrument of the Armenian National Bank

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18.76% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 17.05% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.131 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 138 $1.071 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.507 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 $3.339 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.821 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $1.733 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$140.5 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 110 $176 million (31 December 2008)

$105 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

fruit (especially grapes), vegetables; livestock

Industries:

diamond-processing, metal-cutting machine tools, forging-pressing machines, electric motors, tires, knitted wear, hosiery, shoes, silk fabric, chemicals, trucks, instruments, microelectronics, jewelry manufacturing, software development, food processing, brandy

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - production:

5.584 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Electricity - consumption:

4.776 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Electricity - exports:

451.3 million kWh; note - exports an unknown quantity to Georgia; includes exports to Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

418.7 million kWh; note - imports an unknown quantity from Iran (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Oil - consumption:

49,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Oil - imports:

45,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Natural gas - consumption:

1.93 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - exports:

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

Natural gas - imports:

1.93 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Current account balance:

-$1.138 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 -$1.326 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$846 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 $722.3 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

pig iron, unwrought copper, nonferrous metals, diamonds, mineral products, foodstuffs, energy

Exports - partners:

Germany 16.47%, Russia 15.45%, US 9.64%, Bulgaria 8.6%, Georgia 7.57%, Netherlands 7.48%, Belgium 6.71%, Canada 4.91% (2009)

Imports:

$2.988 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $2.817 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

natural gas, petroleum, tobacco products, foodstuffs, diamonds

Imports - partners:

Russia 24.02%, China 8.72%, Ukraine 6.15%, Turkey 5.39%, Germany 5.36%, Iran 4.07% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.247 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $2.004 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5.227 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 103 $3.449 billion (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

drams (AMD) per US dollar - 374.29 (2010), 363.28 (2009), 303.93 (2008), 344.06 (2007), 414.69 (2006)

Communications ::Armenia

Telephones - main lines in use:

630,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 92

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.62 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 120

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications investments have made major inroads in modernizing and upgrading the outdated telecommunications network inherited from the Soviet era; now 100% privately owned and undergoing modernization and expansion; mobile-cellular services monopoly terminated in late 2004 and a second provider began operations in mid-2005

domestic: reliable modern fixed-line and mobile-cellular services are available across Yerevan in major cities and towns; significant but ever-shrinking gaps remain in mobile-cellular coverage in rural areas

international: country code - 374; Yerevan is connected to the Trans-Asia-Europe fiber-optic cable through Iran; additional international service is available by microwave radio relay and landline connections to the other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, through the Moscow international switch, and by satellite to the rest of the world; satellite earth stations - 3 (2008)

Broadcast media:

2 public television networks operating alongside more than 40 privately-owned television stations that provide local to near nationwide coverage; major Russian broadcast stations are widely available; subscription cable TV services are available in most regions; Public Radio of Armenia is a national, state-run broadcast network that operates alongside about 20 privately-owned radio stations; several major international broadcasters are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.am

Internet hosts:

65,279 (2010) country comparison to the world: 83

Internet users:

208,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 138

Transportation ::Armenia

Airports:

11 (2010) country comparison to the world: 153

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,233 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 845 km country comparison to the world: 99 broad gauge: 845 km 1.520-m gauge (818 km electrified)

note: some lines are out of service (2008)

Roadways:

total: 8,888 km country comparison to the world: 139 paved: 7,079 km (includes 1,561 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,809 km (2008)

Military ::Armenia

Military branches:

Armenian Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Air Force and Air Defense;
"Nagorno-Karabakh Republic": Nagorno-Karabakh Self Defense Force
(NKSDF) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for voluntary or compulsory military service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 809,293

females age 16-49: 862,679 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 644,195

females age 16-49: 724,085 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 24,611

female: 22,682 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.8% of GDP (2010) country comparison to the world: 49

Transnational Issues ::Armenia

Disputes - international:

Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in Nagorno-Karabakh and since the early 1990s, has militarily occupied 16% of Azerbaijan - Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate dispute; over 800,000 mostly ethnic Azerbaijanis were driven from the occupied lands and Armenia; about 230,000 ethnic Armenians were driven from their homes in Azerbaijan into Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh; Azerbaijan seeks transit route through Armenia to connect to Naxcivan exclave; border with Turkey remains closed over Nagorno-Karabakh dispute; ethnic Armenian groups in Javakheti region of Georgia seek greater autonomy; Armenians continue to emigrate, primarily to Russia, seeking employment

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 113,295 (Azerbaijan)

IDPs: 8,400 (conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, majority have returned home since 1994 ceasefire) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

illicit cultivation of small amount of cannabis for domestic consumption; minor transit point for illicit drugs - mostly opium and hashish - moving from Southwest Asia to Russia and to a lesser extent the rest of Europe

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Aruba (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Aruba

Background:

Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.

Geography ::Aruba

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

12 30 N, 69 58 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 180 sq km country comparison to the world: 217 land: 180 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

68.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

flat with a few hills; scant vegetation

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Ceru Jamanota 188 m

Natural resources:

NEGL; white sandy beaches

Land use:

arable land: 10.53%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 89.47% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0.01 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes; lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

a flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches; its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit)

People ::Aruba

Population:

104,589 country comparison to the world: 192 note: estimate based on a revision of the base population, fertility, and mortality numbers, as well as a revision of 1985-99 migration estimates from outmigration to inmigration, which is assumed to continue into the future; the new results are consistent with the 2000 census (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.1% (male 9,921/female 9,758)

15-64 years: 70.3% (male 34,676/female 37,752)

65 years and over: 10.6% (male 4,351/female 6,607) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38 years

male: 36.2 years

female: 39.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.457% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Birth rate:

12.77 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Death rate:

7.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Net migration rate:

9.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.021 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.34 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 131 male: 17.65 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.51 years country comparison to the world: 82 male: 72.47 years

female: 78.61 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.85 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Aruban(s)

adjective: Aruban; Dutch

Ethnic groups:

mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%, other 20%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80.8%, Evangelist 4.1%, Protestant 2.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%, Methodist 1.2%, Jewish 0.2%, other 5.1%, none or unspecified 4.6%

Languages:

Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 66.3%, Spanish 12.6%, English (widely spoken) 7.7%, Dutch (official) 5.8%, other 2.2%, unspecified or unknown 5.3% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 97.3%

male: 97.5%

female: 97.1% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 74

Government ::Aruba

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Aruba

Dependency status:

constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Oranjestad

geographic coordinates: 12 31 N, 70 02 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Flag Day, 18 March (1976)

Constitution:

1 January 1986

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980); represented by Governor General Fredis REFUNJOL (since 11 May 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Michiel Godfried (Mike) EMAN (since 30 October 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed for a six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election last held in 2009 (next to be held by 2013)

election results: Mike EMAN elected prime minister; percent of legislative vote - NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 September 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - AVP 48%, MEP 35.9%, PDR 5.7%; seats by party - AVP 12, MEP 8, PDR 1

Judicial branch:

Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice (judges appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Aliansa/Aruban Social Movement or MSA [Robert WEVER]; Aruban Liberal Organization or OLA [Glenbert CROES]; Aruban Patriotic Movement or MPA [Monica ARENDS-KOCK]; Aruban Patriotic Party or PPA [Benny NISBET]; Aruban People's Party or AVP [Mike EMAN]; People's Electoral Movement Party or MEP [Nelson O. ODUBER]; Real Democracy or PDR [Andin BIKKER]; RED [Rudy LAMPE]; Workers Political Platform or PTT [Gregorio WOLFF]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: environmental groups

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITUC, UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands); note - Mr. Henry BAARH, Minister Plenipotentiary for Aruba at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Aruba

Flag description:

blue, with two narrow, horizontal, yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner; the star represents Aruba and its red soil and white beaches, its four points the four major languages (Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, English) as well as the four points of a compass, to indicate that its inhabitants come from all over the world; the blue symbolizes Caribbean waters and skies; the stripes represent the island's two main "industries": the flow of tourists to the sun-drenched beaches and the flow of minerals from the earth

National anthem:

name: "Aruba Deshi Tera" (Aruba Precious Country)

lyrics/music: Juan Chabaya 'Padu' LAMPE/Rufo Inocencio WEVER

note: local anthem adopted 1986; as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, "Het Wilhelmus" is official (see Netherlands)

Economy ::Aruba

Economy - overview:

Tourism is the mainstay of the small open Aruban economy, together with offshore banking. Oil refining and storage ended in 2009. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Over 1.5 million tourists per year visit Aruba with 75% of those from the US. Construction continues to boom with hotel capacity five times the 1985 level. Tourist arrivals rebounded strongly following a dip after the 11 September 2001 attacks. The government has made cutting the budget and trade deficits a high priority.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.258 billion (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 $2.205 billion (2004 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.258 billion (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.4% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$21,800 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.4%

industry: 33.3%

services: 66.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

41,500 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

note: most employment is in wholesale and retail trade and repair, followed by hotels and restaurants; oil refining

Unemployment rate:

6.9% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

46.3% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 57

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.4% (2005) country comparison to the world: 100

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 85 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.77% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 11.23% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$865 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 140 $781 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.771 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $1.671 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.333 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 140 $1.321 billion (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

aloes; livestock; fish

Industries:

tourism, transshipment facilities

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

850 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Electricity - consumption:

790.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2,235 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Oil - consumption:

8,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Oil - exports:

231,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Oil - imports:

236,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Exports:

$124 million (2006); note - includes oil reexports country comparison to the world: 188

Exports - commodities:

live animals and animal products, art and collectibles, machinery and electrical equipment, transport equipment

Exports - partners:

Panama 23.84%, Netherlands Antilles 20.49%, Colombia 17.48%,
Venezuela 12.61%, US 9.12%, Netherlands 7.5% (2009)

Imports:

$1.054 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 169

Imports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and reexport, chemicals; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

US 49.51%, Netherlands 16.15%, UK 4.94% (2009)

Debt - external:

$478.6 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Exchange rates:

Aruban guilders/florins (AWG) per US dollar - NA (2007), 1.79 (2006), 1.79 (2005), 1.79 (2004), 1.79 (2003)

Communications ::Aruba

Telephones - main lines in use:

38,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 169

Telephones - mobile cellular:

128,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 180

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern fully automatic telecommunications system

domestic: increased competition through privatization; 3 mobile-cellular service providers are now licensed

international: country code - 297; landing site for the PAN-AM submarine telecommunications cable system that extends from the US Virgin Islands through Aruba to Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and the west coast of South America; extensive interisland microwave radio relay links (2007)

Broadcast media:

2 commercial television stations; cable TV subscription service provides access to foreign channels; about 20 commercial radio stations broadcast (2007)

Internet country code:

.aw

Internet hosts:

25,080 (2010) country comparison to the world: 101

Internet users:

24,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 187

Transportation ::Aruba

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 210

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Barcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas

Military ::Aruba

Military branches:

no regular military forces (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 24,779

females age 16-49: 26,090 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,398

females age 16-49: 21,371 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 738

female: 715 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Transnational Issues ::Aruba

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transit point for US- and Europe-bound narcotics with some accompanying money-laundering activity; relatively high percentage of population consumes cocaine

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Ashmore and Cartier Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Background:

These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier Island, a former bombing range, became a marine reserve in 2000.

Geography ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island

Geographic coordinates:

12 14 S, 123 05 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 5 sq km country comparison to the world: 246 land: 5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island

Area - comparative:

about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

74.1 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

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

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

low with sand and coral

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards

Environment - current issues:

illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems

Geography - note:

Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983;
Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000

People ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island; access to East and Middle Islands is by permit only

Government ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands

conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Legal system:

the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia where applicable apply

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

Economy ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Economy - overview:

no economic activity

Transportation ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force

Transnational Issues ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Disputes - international:

as the closest Australian territory to Indonesia, these islands became the target of human traffickers for the landing of illegal immigrants; in 2001, the Australian government removed these islands from the Australian Migration Zone making illegal arrivals ineligible for temporary visas and entry into Australia

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Atlantic Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Atlantic Ocean

Background:

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal (Germany), Oresund (Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait of Gibraltar (Morocco-Spain), and the Saint Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US) are important strategic access waterways. The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth world ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Atlantic Ocean south of 60 degrees south latitude.

Geography ::Atlantic Ocean

Location:

body of water between Africa, Europe, the Southern Ocean, and the Western Hemisphere

Geographic coordinates:

0 00 N, 25 00 W

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 76.762 million sq km

note: includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait,
Denmark Strait, part of the Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Labrador
Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, almost all of the
Scotia Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 6.5 times the size of the US

Coastline:

111,866 km

Climate:

tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from May to December but are most frequent from August to November

Terrain:

surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, and coastal portions of the Baltic Sea from October to June; clockwise warm-water gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the northern Atlantic, counterclockwise warm-water gyre in the southern Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Milwaukee Deep in the Puerto Rico Trench -8,605 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, precious stones

Natural hazards:

icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from October to May; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to September; hurricanes (May to December)

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles, and whales; drift net fishing is hastening the decline of fish stocks and contributing to international disputes; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea

Geography - note:

major chokepoints include the Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits include the Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean

Economy ::Atlantic Ocean

Economy - overview:

The Atlantic Ocean provides some of the world's most heavily trafficked sea routes, between and within the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Other economic activity includes the exploitation of natural resources, e.g., fishing, dredging of aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and production of crude oil and natural gas (Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea).

Transportation ::Atlantic Ocean

Ports and terminals:

Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona
(Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon
(Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland),
Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands,
Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille
(France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal (Canada), Naples (Italy),
New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria), Oslo (Norway),
Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam
(Netherlands), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Stockholm (Sweden)

Transportation - note:

Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways; significant domestic commercial and recreational use of Intracoastal Waterway on central and south Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of Mexico coast of US; the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of littoral states and offshore Atlantic waters as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa, the east coast of Brazil, and the Caribbean Sea; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes stolen; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Transnational Issues ::Atlantic Ocean

Disputes - international:

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Australia (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Australia

Background:

Aboriginal settlers arrived on the continent from Southeast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans began exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the name of Great Britain. Six colonies were created in the late 18th and 19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has transformed itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy. It boasted one of the OECD's fastest growing economies during the 1990s, a performance due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980s. Long-term concerns include climate-change issues such as the depletion of the ozone layer and more frequent droughts, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef.

Geography ::Australia

Location:

Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific
Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

27 00 S, 133 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 7,741,220 sq km country comparison to the world: 6 land: 7,682,300 sq km

water: 58,920 sq km

note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

25,760 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north

Terrain:

mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m

highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, rare earth elements, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum

note: Australia is the world's largest net exporter of coal accounting for 29% of global coal exports

Land use:

arable land: 6.15% (includes about 27 million hectares of cultivated grassland)

permanent crops: 0.04%

other: 93.81% (2005)

Irrigated land:

25,450 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

398 cu km (1995)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 24.06 cu km/yr (15%/10%/75%)

per capita: 1,193 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires

volcanism: volcanic activity occurs on the Heard and McDonald Islands

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural fresh water resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; the invigorating sea breeze known as the "Fremantle Doctor" affects the city of Perth on the west coast and is one of the most consistent winds in the world

People ::Australia

Population:

21,515,754 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.6% (male 2,026,975/female 1,923,828)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 7,318,743/female 7,121,613)

65 years and over: 13.5% (male 1,306,329/female 1,565,153) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.5 years

male: 36.8 years

female: 38.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.171% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Birth rate:

12.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Death rate:

6.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Net migration rate:

6.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Urbanization:

urban population: 89% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.67 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 192 male: 5 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.72 years country comparison to the world: 9 male: 79.33 years

female: 84.25 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

18,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Nationality:

noun: Australian(s)

adjective: Australian

Ethnic groups:

white 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%

Religions:

Catholic 25.8%, Anglican 18.7%, Uniting Church 5.7%, Presbyterian and Reformed 3%, Eastern Orthodox 2.7%, other Christian 7.9%, Buddhist 2.1%, Muslim 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 11.3%, none 18.7% (2006 Census)

Languages:

English 78.5%, Chinese 2.5%, Italian 1.6%, Greek 1.3%, Arabic 1.2%,
Vietnamese 1%, other 8.2%, unspecified 5.7% (2006 Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 21 years

male: 20 years

female: 21 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 83

Government ::Australia

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia

conventional short form: Australia

Government type:

federal parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Canberra

geographic coordinates: 35 17 S, 149 13 E

time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends first Sunday in April

note: Australia is divided into three time zones

Administrative divisions:

6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Dependent areas:

Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling)
Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands,
Macquarie Island, Norfolk Island

Independence:

1 January 1901 (from the federation of UK colonies)

National holiday:

Australia Day, 26 January (1788); ANZAC Day (commemorated as the
anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New
Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25
April (1915)

Constitution:

9 July 1900; effective on 1 January 1901

Legal system:

based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts International Criminal Court jurisdiction with conditions

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Quentin BRYCE (since 5 September 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Julia Eileen GILLARD (since 24 June 2010); Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Maxwell SWAN (since 24 June 2010)

cabinet: prime minister nominates, from among members of Parliament, candidates who are subsequently sworn in by the governor general to serve as government ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is sworn in as prime minister by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76 seats; 12 members from each of the six states and 2 from each of the two mainland territories; one-half of state members are elected every three years by popular vote to serve six-year terms while all territory members are elected every three years) and the House of Representatives (150 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve terms of up to three-years; no state can have fewer than 5 representatives)

elections: half-Senate - last held on 21 August 2010; House of Representatives - last held on 21 August 2010 (the latest a simultaneous half-Senate and House of Representative elections can be held is 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Liberal/National Party 34, Australian Labor Party 31, Greens 9, others 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Australian Labor Party 38.1%, Liberal Party 30.4%, Greens 11.5%, Liberal National Party of Queensland 9.3%, independents 6.6%, The Nationals 3.7%, Country Liberals 0.3%; seats by party - Australian Labor Party 72, Liberal Party 44, Liberal National Party of Queensland 21, The Nationals 7, Country Liberals 1, Greens 1, independents 4

Judicial branch:

High Court (the chief justice and six other justices are appointed by the governor general acting on the advice of the government)

Political parties and leaders:

Australian Greens [Bob BROWN]; Australian Labor Party [Julia
GILLARD]; Family First Party [Steve FIELDING]; Liberal Party [Tony
ABBOTT]; The Nationals [Warren TRUSS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: business groups; environmental groups; social groups; trade unions

International organization participation:

ADB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group,
BIS, C, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NEA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, OSCE
(partner), Paris Club, PCA, PIF, SAARC (observer), Sparteca, SPC,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kim Christian BEAZLEY

chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000

FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jeffrey L. BLEICH

embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600

mailing address: APO AP 96549

telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600

FAX: [61] (02) 6214-5970

consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star, representing the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star depicts one point for each of the six original states and one representing all of Australia's internal and external territories; on the fly half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four larger, seven-pointed stars

National anthem:

name: "Advance Australia Fair"

lyrics/music: Peter Dodds McCORMICK

note: adopted 1984; although originally written in the late 19th century, the anthem did not become official until 1984; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Australia

Economy - overview:

Australia's abundant and diverse natural resources attract high levels of foreign investment and include extensive reserves of coal, iron ore, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable energy sources. A series of major investments, such as the US$40 billion Gorgon Liquid Natural Gas project, will significantly expand the resources sector. Australia also has a large services sector and is a significant exporter of natural resources, energy, and food. Key tenets of Australia's trade policy include support for open trade and the successful culmination of the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations, particularly for agriculture and services. The Australian economy grew for 17 consecutive years before the global financial crisis. Subsequently, the Rudd government introduced a fiscal stimulus package worth over US$50 billion to offset the effect of the slowing world economy, while the Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates to historic lows. These policies - and continued demand for commodities, especially from China - helped the Australian economy rebound after just one quarter of negative growth. The economy grew by 1.2% during 2009 - the best performance in the OECD. Unemployment, originally expected to reach 8-10%, peaked at 5.7% in late 2009 and fell to 5.1% in 2010. As a result of an improved economy, the budget deficit is expected to peak below 4.2% of GDP and the government could return to budget surpluses as early as 2015. Australia was one of the first advanced economies to raise interest rates, with seven rate hikes between October 2009 and November 2010. The GILLARD government is focused on raising Australia's economic productivity to ensure the sustainability of growth, and continues to manage the symbiotic, but sometimes tense, economic relationship with China. Australia is engaged in the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks and ongoing free trade agreement negotiations with China, Japan, and Korea.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$889.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $861.1 billion (2009 est.)

$850.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.22 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 1.2% (2009 est.)

2.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$41,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $40,500 (2009 est.)

$40,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4%

industry: 24.8%

services: 71.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

11.62 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.6%

industry: 21.1%

services: 75% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 5.6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 25.4% (1994)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30.5 (2006) country comparison to the world: 110 35.2 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

27.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Public debt:

22.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 22.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 1.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 March 2010) country comparison to the world: 106 4.25% (3 December 2008)

note: this is the Reserve Bank of Australia's "cash rate target," or policy rate

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.02% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 8.91% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$347.1 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 13 $290.8 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.134 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $976.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.731 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $1.407 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.258 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 13 $675.6 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.298 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry

Industries:

mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Electricity - production:

239.9 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Electricity - consumption:

222 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

589,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Oil - consumption:

946,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Oil - exports:

311,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Oil - imports:

716,700 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Oil - proved reserves:

3.318 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Natural gas - production:

42.33 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Natural gas - consumption:

26.59 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Natural gas - exports:

22.3 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - imports:

6.56 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.115 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Current account balance:

-$35.23 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 -$41.33 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$210.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $154.8 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coal, iron ore, gold, meat, wool, alumina, wheat, machinery and transport equipment

Exports - partners:

China 21.81%, Japan 19.19%, South Korea 7.88%, India 7.51%, US 4.95%, UK 4.37%, NZ 4.1% (2009)

Imports:

$200.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $160.4 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and petroleum products

Imports - partners:

China 17.94%, US 11.26%, Japan 8.36%, Thailand 5.81%, Singapore 5.54%, Germany 5.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$38.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $41.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.169 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $1.094 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$329.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $295.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$245.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $221.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Australia

Telephones - main lines in use:

9.02 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 24

Telephones - mobile cellular:

24.22 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 37

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international service

domestic: domestic satellite system; significant use of radiotelephone in areas of low population density; rapid growth of mobile telephones

international: country code - 61; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the Southern Cross fiber optic submarine cable provides links to New Zealand and the United States; satellite earth stations - 19 (10 Intelsat - 4 Indian Ocean and 6 Pacific Ocean, 2 Inmarsat - Indian and Pacific Ocean regions, 2 Globalstar, 5 other) (2007)

Broadcast media:

the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) runs multiple national and local radio networks and TV stations, as well as Australia Network, a TV service that broadcasts throughout the Asia-Pacific region and is the main public broadcaster; Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), a second large public broadcaster, operates radio and TV networks broadcasting in multiple languages; several large national commercial TV networks, a large number of local commercial TV stations, and hundreds of commercial radio stations are accessible; cable and satellite systems are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.au

Internet hosts:

13.361 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 8

Internet users:

15.81 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 25

Transportation ::Australia

Airports:

465 (2010) country comparison to the world: 17

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 326

over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 148

914 to 1,523 m: 140

under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 139

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 110

under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 27,105 km; liquid petroleum gas 240 km; oil 3,258 km; oil/gas/water 1 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 37,855 km country comparison to the world: 7 broad gauge: 142 km 1.600-m gauge

standard gauge: 24,409 km 1.435-m gauge (1,094 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 13,304 km 1.067-m gauge (1,193 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 812,972 km country comparison to the world: 9 paved: 341,448 km

unpaved: 471,524 km (2004)

Waterways:

2,000 km (mainly used for recreation on Murray and Murray-Darling river systems) (2006) country comparison to the world: 45

Merchant marine:

total: 45 country comparison to the world: 73 by type: bulk carrier 10, cargo 8, liquefied gas 4, passenger 6, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 6, roll on/roll off 5

foreign-owned: 20 (Canada 7, Germany 2, Netherlands 1, Norway 1, Singapore 2, UK 5, US 2)

registered in other countries: 29 (Dominica 1, Fiji 2, Liberia 2, Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 1, NZ 1, Panama 5, Singapore 11, Tonga 1, UK 1, US 1, Vanuatu 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Brisbane, Cairns, Dampier, Darwin, Fremantle, Gladstone, Geelong,
Hay Point, Hobart, Jervis Bay, Melbourne, Newcastle, Port Adelaide,
Port Dalrymple, Port Hedland, Port Kembla, Port Lincoln, Port
Walcott, Sydney

Military ::Australia

Military branches:

Australian Defense Force (ADF): Australian Army, Royal Australian
Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Special Operations Command (2006)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription; women allowed to serve in Army combat units in non-combat support roles (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,275,667

females age 16-49: 5,082,543 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,377,411

females age 16-49: 4,210,442 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 144,232

female: 136,525 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 42

Transnational Issues ::Australia

Disputes - international:

In 2007 Australia and Timor-Leste signed a 50-year development zone and revenue sharing agreement in lieu of a maritime boundary; dispute with Timor-Leste hampers creation of a revised maritime boundary with Indonesia in the Timor Sea; regional states continue to express concern over Australia's 2004 declaration of a 1,000-nautical mile-wide maritime identification zone; Australia asserts land and maritime claims to Antarctica; in 2004 Australia submitted its claims to Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) to extend its continental margins covering over 3.37 million square kilometers, expanding its seabed roughly 30 percent more than its claimed exclusive economic zone; since 2003, Australia has led the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) to maintain civil and political order and reinforce regional security

Illicit drugs:

Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate; major consumer of cocaine and amphetamines

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Austria (Europe)

Introduction ::Austria

Background:

Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. The Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995 have altered the meaning of this neutrality. A prosperous, democratic country, Austria entered the EU Economic and Monetary Union in 1999.

Geography ::Austria

Location:

Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia

Geographic coordinates:

47 20 N, 13 20 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 83,871 sq km country comparison to the world: 113 land: 82,445 sq km

water: 1,426 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maine

Land boundaries:

total: 2,562 km

border countries: Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 35 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330 km, Switzerland 164 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate summers with occasional showers

Terrain:

in the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m

highest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m

Natural resources:

oil, coal, lignite, timber, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, magnesite, tungsten, graphite, salt, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 16.59%

permanent crops: 0.85%

other: 82.56% (2005)

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

84 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.67 cu km/yr (35%/64%/1%)

per capita: 448 cu m/yr (1999)

Natural hazards:

landslides; avalanches; earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria between northern and southern Europe

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere

People ::Austria

Population:

8,214,160 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.5% (male 609,748/female 581,144)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 2,785,091/female 2,756,402)

65 years and over: 18% (male 612,613/female 865,283) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.6 years

male: 41.5 years

female: 43.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.042% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Birth rate:

8.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Death rate:

10.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Net migration rate:

1.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Urbanization:

urban population: 67% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.37 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 197 male: 5.31 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.65 years country comparison to the world: 31 male: 76.74 years

female: 82.71 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Nationality:

noun: Austrian(s)

adjective: Austrian

Ethnic groups:

Austrians 91.1%, former Yugoslavs 4% (includes Croatians, Slovenes, Serbs, and Bosniaks), Turks 1.6%, German 0.9%, other or unspecified 2.4% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 73.6%, Protestant 4.7%, Muslim 4.2%, other 3.5%, unspecified 2%, none 12% (2001 census)

Languages:

German (official nationwide) 88.6%, Turkish 2.3%, Serbian 2.2%, Croatian (official in Burgenland) 1.6%, other (includes Slovene, official in Carinthia, and Hungarian, official in Burgenland) 5.3% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: NA

female: NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 47

Government ::Austria

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Austria

conventional short form: Austria

local long form: Republik Oesterreich

local short form: Oesterreich

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Vienna

geographic coordinates: 48 12 N, 16 22 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Administrative divisions:

9 states (Bundeslaender, singular - Bundesland); Burgenland,
Kaernten (Carinthia), Niederoesterreich (Lower Austria),
Oberoesterreich (Upper Austria), Salzburg, Steiermark (Styria),
Tirol (Tyrol), Vorarlberg, Wien (Vienna)

Independence:

12 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 976 (Margravate of Austria established); 17 September 1156 (Duchy of Austria founded); 11 August 1804 (Austrian Empire proclaimed)

National holiday:

National Day, 26 October (1955); note - commemorates the passage of the law on permanent neutrality

Constitution:

1920; revised 1929; reinstated 1 May 1945; note - during the period 1 May 1934-1 May 1945 there was a fascist (corporative) constitution in place

Legal system:

civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of legislative acts by the Constitutional Court; separate administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal; note - reduced from 18 years of age in 2007

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Heinz FISCHER (SPOe) (since 8 July 2004)

head of government: Chancellor Werner FAYMANN (SPOe) (since 2 December 2008); Vice Chancellor Josef PROELL (OeVP) (since 2 December 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected for a six-year term (eligible for a second term) by direct popular vote and formally sworn into office before the Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung; presidential election last held on 25 April 2010 (next to be held on 25 April 2016); chancellor formally chosen by the president but determined by the coalition parties forming a parliamentary majority; vice chancellor chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor

election results: Heinz FISCHER reelected president with 79.3% of the vote

note: government coalition - SPOe and OeVP

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung consists of Federal Council or Bundesrat (62 seats; delegates appointed by state parliaments with each state receiving 3 to 12 seats in proportion to its population; members serve five- or six-year terms) and the National Council or Nationalrat (183 seats; members elected by popular vote for a five-year term under a system of proportional representation with partially-open party lists)

elections: National Council - last held on 28 September 2008 (next to be held by September 2013)

election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - SPOe 29.3%, OeVP 26%, FPOe 17.5%, BZOe 10.7%, Greens 10.4%, other 6.1%; seats by party - SPOe 57, OeVP 51, FPOe 34, BZOe 21, Greens 20

Judicial branch:

Supreme Judicial Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Administrative Court or Verwaltungsgerichtshof; Constitutional Court or Verfassungsgerichtshof

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for the Future of Austria or BZOe [Josef BUCHER]; Austrian
People's Party or OeVP [Josef PROELL]; Freedom Party of Austria or
FPOe [Heinz Christian STRACHE]; Social Democratic Party of Austria
or SPOe [Werner FAYMANN]; The Greens [Eva GLAWISCHNIG]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Austrian Trade Union Federation or OeGB (nominally independent but
primarily Social Democratic); Federal Economic Chamber;
OeVP-oriented Association of Austrian Industrialists or IV; Roman
Catholic Church, including its chief lay organization, Catholic
Action

other: three composite leagues of the Austrian People's Party or OeVP representing business, labor, farmers, and other nongovernment organizations in the areas of environment and human rights

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia
Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU,
ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen
Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP,
UNHCR, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Christian PROSL

chancery: 3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008-3035

telephone: [1] (202) 895-6700

FAX: [1] (202) 895-6750

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador William C. EACHO III

embassy: Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1090, Vienna

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [43] (1) 31339-0

FAX: [43] (1) 3100682

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red; the flag design is certainly one of the oldest - if not the oldest - national banners in the world; according to tradition, in 1191, following a fierce battle in the Third Crusade, Duke Leopold V of Austria's white tunic became completely blood-spattered; upon removal of his wide belt or sash, a white band was revealed; the red-white-red color combination was subsequently adopted as his banner

National anthem:

name: "Bundeshymne" (Federal Hymn)

lyrics/music: Paula von PRERADOVIC/Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART or Johann HOLZER (disputed)

note: adopted 1947; the anthem is also known as "Land der Berge, Land am Strome" (Land of the Mountains, Land on the River); Austria adopted a new national anthem after World War II to replace the former imperial anthem composed by Franz Josef HAYDN, which had been appropriated by Germany in 1922 and was now associated with the Nazi regime

Economy ::Austria

Economy - overview:

Austria, with its well-developed market economy and high standard of living, is closely tied to other EU economies, especially Germany's. Its economy features a large service sector, a sound industrial sector, and a small, but highly developed agricultural sector. Following several years of solid foreign demand for Austrian exports and record employment growth, the international financial crisis and global economic downturn in 2008 led to a recession that persisted until the third quarter of 2009. Austrian GDP contracted 3.8% in 2009 but saw positive growth of about 2% in 2010. Unemployment has not risen as steeply in Austria as elsewhere in Europe, partly because its government has subsidized reduced working hour schemes to allow companies to retain employees. Such stabilization measures, stimulus initiatives, and the government's income tax reforms pushed the budget deficit to 3.5% of GDP in 2009 and about 5% in 2010, from only about 1.3% in 2008. The international financial crisis caused difficulties for some of Austria's largest banks whose extensive operations in central, eastern, and southeastern Europe faced large losses. The government provided bank support - including in some instances, nationalization - to prevent insolvency and possible regional contagion. In the medium-term all large Austrian banks will need additional capital. Even after the global economic outlook improves, Austria will need to continue restructuring, emphasizing knowledge-based sectors of the economy, and encouraging greater labor flexibility and greater labor participation to offset growing unemployment and Austria's aging population and exceedingly low fertility rate.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$332.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $326.4 billion (2009 est.)

$339.3 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$366.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 -3.8% (2009 est.)

1.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$40,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $39,800 (2009 est.)

$41,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.5%

industry: 29.4%

services: 69.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.63 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5.5%

industry: 27.5%

services: 67% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 4.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

6% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4%

highest 10%: 22% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2007) country comparison to the world: 127 31 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

21% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Public debt:

68.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 66.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 0.4% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.03% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 6.82% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$173.4 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 18 $175.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply for the entire euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$402.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $402.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$659.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $606.2 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$53.58 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 43 $72.3 billion (31 December 2008)

$228.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, wine, fruit; dairy products, cattle, pigs, poultry; lumber

Industries:

construction, machinery, vehicles and parts, food, metals, chemicals, lumber and wood processing, paper and paperboard, communications equipment, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Electricity - production:

66.78 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Electricity - consumption:

68.37 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Electricity - exports:

14.93 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

19.8 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

25,410 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Oil - consumption:

273,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Oil - exports:

52,970 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Oil - imports:

298,400 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Oil - proved reserves:

50 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Natural gas - production:

1.668 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 59

Natural gas - consumption:

8.232 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 50

Natural gas - exports:

3.961 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Natural gas - imports:

10.96 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - proved reserves:

16.14 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Current account balance:

$8.012 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $8.73 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$157.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $135.7 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, paper and paperboard, metal goods, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Germany 30.96%, Italy 8.17%, Switzerland 4.99%, US 3.99% (2009)

Imports:

$156 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $138.7 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal goods, oil and oil products; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Germany 45.07%, Switzerland 6.76%, Italy 6.66%, Netherlands 4.03% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$18.05 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$755 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 17 $864.2 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$290.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $286.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$297.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $290.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Austria

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.253 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 46

Telephones - mobile cellular:

11.773 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 59

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed and efficient

domestic: fixed-line subscribership has been in decline since the mid-1990s with mobile-cellular subscribership eclipsing it by the late 1990s; the fiber-optic net is very extensive; all telephone applications and Internet services are available

international: country code - 43; satellite earth stations - 15; in addition, there are about 600 VSATs (very small aperture terminals) (2007)

Broadcast media:

Austria's public broadcaster, ORF, was the main broadcast source until commercial radio and television service was introduced in the 1990s; cable and satellite TV are available, including German TV stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.at

Internet hosts:

3.266 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 29

Internet users:

6.143 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 43

Transportation ::Austria

Airports:

55 (2010) country comparison to the world: 84

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 25

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,721 km; oil 663 km; refined products 157 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 6,399 km country comparison to the world: 29 standard gauge: 5,927 km 1.435-m gauge (3,688 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 384 km 1.000-m gauge (15 km electrified); 88 km 0.760-m gauge (10 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 107,262 km country comparison to the world: 40 paved: 107,262 km (includes 1,696 km of expressways) (2006)

Waterways:

358 km (2007) country comparison to the world: 91

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 141 by type: cargo 2

registered in other countries: 4 (Cyprus 1, Malta 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Enns, Krems, Linz, Vienna

Military ::Austria

Military branches:

Land Forces (KdoLdSK), Air Forces (KdoLuSK)

Military service age and obligation:

18-35 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for male or female voluntary service; service obligation 6 months of training, followed by an 8-year reserve obligation; conscripts cannot be deployed in military operations outside Austria (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,960,781

females age 16-49: 1,926,134 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,595,379

females age 16-49: 1,566,884 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 49,455

female: 47,046 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 150

Transnational Issues ::Austria

Disputes - international:

while threats of international legal action never materialized in 2007, 915,220 Austrians, with the support of the newly elected Freedom Party, signed a petition in January 2008, demanding that Austria block the Czech Republic's accession to the EU unless Prague closed its nuclear power plant in Temelin, bordering Austria

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; increasing consumption of European-produced synthetic drugs

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Azerbaijan (Middle East)

Introduction ::Azerbaijan

Background:

Azerbaijan - a nation with a majority-Turkic and majority-Muslim population - was briefly independent from 1918 to 1920; it regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yet to resolve its conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region that Moscow recognized as part of Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s after Armenia and Azerbaijan disputed the status of the territory. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, ethnic Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also seven surrounding provinces in the territory of Azerbaijan. Corruption in the country is ubiquitous, and the government, which eliminated presidential term limits in a 2009 referendum, has been accused of authoritarianism. Although the poverty rate has been reduced in recent years due to revenue from oil production, the promise of widespread wealth resulting from the continued development of Azerbaijan's energy sector remains largely unfulfilled.

Geography ::Azerbaijan

Location:

Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and
Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range

Geographic coordinates:

40 30 N, 47 30 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 86,600 sq km country comparison to the world: 112 land: 82,629 sq km

water: 3,971 sq km

note: includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh region; the region's autonomy was abolished by Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maine

Land boundaries:

total: 2,013 km

border countries: Armenia (with Azerbaijan-proper) 566 km, Armenia (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-proper) 432 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked); note - Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (713 km)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

dry, semiarid steppe

Terrain:

large, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland) (much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Qarabag Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) in west; Baku lies on Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,485 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, bauxite

Land use:

arable land: 20.62%

permanent crops: 2.61%

other: 76.77% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,550 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

30.3 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 17.25 cu km/yr (5%/28%/68%)

per capita: 2,051 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

droughts

Environment - current issues:

local scientists consider the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe air, soil, and water pollution; soil pollution results from oil spills, from the use of DDT pesticide, and from toxic defoliants used in the production of cotton

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

both the main area of the country and the Naxcivan exclave are landlocked

People ::Azerbaijan

Population:

8,303,512 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.9% (male 1,042,132/female 926,495)

15-64 years: 69.4% (male 2,807,717/female 2,908,221)

65 years and over: 6.7% (male 204,410/female 349,697) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.5 years

male: 26.9 years

female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.805% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Birth rate:

17.75 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Death rate:

8.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Net migration rate:

-1.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.124 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 52.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 46 male: 58.37 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 46.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.01 years country comparison to the world: 156 male: 62.86 years

female: 71.67 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.03 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

7,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Nationality:

noun: Azerbaijani(s)

adjective: Azerbaijani

Ethnic groups:

Azeri 90.6%, Dagestani 2.2%, Russian 1.8%, Armenian 1.5%, other 3.9% (1999 census)

note: almost all Armenians live in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh region

Religions:

Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox 2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.)

note: religious affiliation is still nominal in Azerbaijan; percentages for actual practicing adherents are much lower

Languages:

Azerbaijani (Azeri) (official) 90.3%, Lezgi 2.2%, Russian 1.8%,
Armenian 1.5%, other 3.3%, unspecified 1% (1999 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.8%

male: 99.5%

female: 98.2% (1999 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 171

Government ::Azerbaijan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Azerbaijan

conventional short form: Azerbaijan

local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi

local short form: Azarbaycan

former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Baku (Baki, Baky)

geographic coordinates: 40 23 N, 49 52 E

time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Administrative divisions:

59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities (saharlar; sahar - singular), 1 autonomous republic (muxtar respublika)

rayons: Abseron Rayonu, Agcabadi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdas Rayonu,
Agstafa Rayonu, Agsu Rayonu, Astara Rayonu, Balakan Rayonu, Barda
Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu, Bilasuvar Rayonu, Cabrayil Rayonu,
Calilabad Rayonu, Daskasan Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu, Fuzuli Rayonu,
Gadabay Rayonu, Goranboy Rayonu, Goycay Rayonu, Haciqabul Rayonu,
Imisli Rayonu, Ismayilli Rayonu, Kalbacar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu,
Lacin Rayonu, Lankaran Rayonu, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu,
Neftcala Rayonu, Oguz Rayonu, Qabala Rayonu, Qax Rayonu, Qazax
Rayonu, Qobustan Rayonu, Quba Rayonu, Qubadli Rayonu, Qusar Rayonu,
Saatli Rayonu, Sabirabad Rayonu, Saki Rayonu, Salyan Rayonu, Samaxi
Rayonu, Samkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu, Siyazan Rayonu, Susa Rayonu,
Tartar Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu, Ucar Rayonu, Xacmaz Rayonu, Xanlar
Rayonu, Xizi Rayonu, Xocali Rayonu, Xocavand Rayonu, Yardimli
Rayonu, Yevlax Rayonu, Zangilan Rayonu, Zaqatala Rayonu, Zardab
Rayonu

cities: Ali Bayramli Sahari, Baki Sahari, Ganca Sahari, Lankaran Sahari, Mingacevir Sahari, Naftalan Sahari, Saki Sahari, Sumqayit Sahari, Susa Sahari, Xankandi Sahari, Yevlax Sahari

autonomous republic: Naxcivan Muxtar Respublikasi (Nakhichevan)

Independence:

30 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 18 October 1991 (adopted by the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan)

National holiday:

Founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, 28 May (1918)

Constitution:

adopted 12 November 1995; modified by referendum 24 August 2002

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 4 November 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub EYYUBOV (since June 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for unlimited terms); election last held on 15 October 2008 (next to be held in October 2013); prime minister and first deputy prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly

election results: Ilham ALIYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Ilham ALIYEV 89%, Igbal AGHAZADE 2.9%, five other candidates with smaller percentages

note: several political parties boycotted the election due to unfair conditions; OSCE observers concluded that the election did not meet international standards

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Milli Mejlis (125 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - YAP 45.8%, CSP 1.6%,
Motherland 1.4%, independents 48.2%, other 3.1%; seats by party -
YAP 71, CSP 3, Motherland 2, Democratic Reforms 1, Great Creation 1,
Hope Party 1, Social Welfare 1, Civil Unity 1, Whole Azerbaijan
Popular Front 1, Justice 1, independents 42

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Azerbaijan Democratic Party or ADP [Sardar JALALOGLU]; Civil
Solidarity Party or CSP [Sabir RUSTAMKHANLI]; Civil Unity Party
[Sabir HACIYEV]; Classic People's Front of Azerbaijan [Mirmahmud
MIRALI-OGLU]; Democratic Reform Party [Asim MOLLAZADE]; Great
Creation Party [Fazil Gazanfaroglu MUSTAFAYEV]; Hope (Umid) Party
[Iqbal AGAZADE]; Justice Party [Ilyas ISMAYILOV]; Liberal Party of
Azerbaijan [Lala Shovkat HACIYEVA]; Motherland Party [Fazail
AGAMALI]; Musavat (Equality) [Isa GAMBAR, chairman]; Open Society
Party [Rasul GULIYEV, in exile in the US]; Social Democratic Party
of Azerbaijan or SDP [Araz ALIZADE and Ayaz MUTALIBOV (in exile)];
Social Welfare Party [Hussein KAZIMLI]; United Popular Azerbaijan
Front Party or AXCP [Ali KARIMLI]; Whole Azerbaijan Popular Front
Party [Gudrat HASANGULIYEV]; Yeni (New) Azerbaijan Party or YAP
[President Ilham ALIYEV]

note: opposition parties regularly factionalize and form new parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Azerbaijan Public Forum [Eldar NAMAZOV]; Karabakh Liberation
Organization

International organization participation:

ADB, BSEC, CE, CICA, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM (observer),
OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yashar ALIYEV

chancery: 2741 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 337-3500

FAX: [1] (202) 337-5911

Consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Matthew BRYZA

embassy: 83 Azadlig Prospecti, Baku AZ1007

mailing address: American Embassy Baku, US Department of State, 7050 Baku Place, Washington, DC 20521-7050

telephone: [994] (12) 4980-335 through 337

FAX: [994] (12) 4656-671

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in the red band; the blue band recalls Azerbaijan's Turkic heritage, red stands for modernization and progress, and green refers to Islam; the crescent moon is an Islamic symbol, while the eight-pointed star represents the eight Turkic peoples of the world

National anthem:

name: "Azerbaijan Marsi" (March of Azerbaijan)

lyrics/music: Ahmed JAVAD/Uzeyir HAJIBEYOV

note: adopted 1992; although originally written in 1919 during a brief period of independence, "Azerbaijan Marsi" did not become the official anthem until after the dissolution of the Soviet Union

Economy ::Azerbaijan

Economy - overview:

Azerbaijan's high economic growth during 2006-08 was attributable to large and growing oil exports, but some non-export sectors also featured double-digit growth, spurred by growth in the construction, banking, and real estate sectors. In 2009, economic growth remained above 9% even as oil prices moderated and growth in the construction sector cooled. In 2010, economic growth slowed to approximately 3.7%, although the impact of the global financial crisis was less severe than in many other countries in the region. The current global economic slowdown presents some challenges for the Azerbaijani economy as oil prices remain below their mid-2008 highs, highlighting Azerbaijan's reliance on energy exports and lackluster attempts to diversify its economy. Azerbaijan's oil production increased dramatically in 1997, when Azerbaijan signed the first production-sharing arrangement (PSA) with the Azerbaijan International Operating Company. Oil exports through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline remain the main economic driver while efforts to boost Azerbaijan's gas production are underway. However, Azerbaijan has made only limited progress on instituting market-based economic reforms. Pervasive public and private sector corruption and structural economic inefficiencies remain a drag on long-term growth, particularly in non-energy sectors. Several other obstacles impede Azerbaijan's economic progress: the need for stepped up foreign investment in the non-energy sector and the continuing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics is declining in importance, while trade is building with Turkey and the nations of Europe. Long-term prospects will depend on world oil prices, the location of new oil and gas pipelines in the region, and Azerbaijan's ability to manage its energy wealth to promote sustainable growth in non-energy sectors of the economy and spur employment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$90.15 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $86.93 billion (2009 est.)

$79.54 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$52.17 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 9.3% (2009 est.)

10.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $10,600 (2009 est.)

$9,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.5%

industry: 61.4%

services: 33.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.874 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 38.3%

industry: 12.1%

services: 49.6% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

11% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 6.1%

highest 10%: 17.5% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.5 (2001) country comparison to the world: 81 36 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Public debt:

4.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 6.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 1.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

2% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 53 8% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key policy rate for the National Bank of Azerbaijan

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

20.03% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 19.76% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$7.34 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 77 $6.519 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$11.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $10.54 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$8.135 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $5.726 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep, goats

Industries:

petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore; cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Electricity - production:

18.6 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Electricity - consumption:

18 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Electricity - exports:

786 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

548 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

1.011 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Oil - consumption:

136,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Oil - exports:

528,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Oil - imports:

2,848 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Oil - proved reserves:

7 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Natural gas - production:

23 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Natural gas - consumption:

10.12 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 47

Natural gas - exports:

5.564 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - proved reserves:

849.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Current account balance:

$15.96 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $10.18 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$28.07 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $21.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and gas 90%, machinery, cotton, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Italy 20.69%, India 10.67%, US 9.24%, France 8.15%, Germany 7.62%,
Indonesia 6.63%, Canada 5.13% (2009)

Imports:

$7.035 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $6.514 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, oil products, foodstuffs, metals, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Turkey 18.69%, Russia 16.98%, Germany 7.87%, Ukraine 7.3%, China 6.18%, UK 5.73% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$6.33 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $5.364 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.221 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $3.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$8.918 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $8.318 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$6.058 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $5.558 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Azerbaijani manats (AZN) per US dollar - 0.8035 (2010), 0.8038 (2009), 0.8219 (2008), 0.8581 (2007), 0.8934 (2006)

Communications ::Azerbaijan

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.397 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 68

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.757 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 74

Telephone system:

general assessment: requires considerable expansion and modernization; fixed-line telephony and a broad range of other telecom services are controlled by a state-owned telecommunications monopoly and growth has been stagnant; more competition exists in the mobile-cellular market with four providers in 2009

domestic: teledensity of 17 fixed lines per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity has increased and is rapidly approaching 100 telephones per 100 persons; satellite service connects Baku to a modern switch in its exclave of Nakhchivan

international: country code - 994; the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic link transits Azerbaijan providing international connectivity to neighboring countries; the old Soviet system of cable and microwave is still serviceable; satellite earth stations - 2 (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 state-run and 1 public television channel; 4 domestic commercial TV stations and about 15 regional TV stations; Turkish, Russian, and Iranian TV and radio broadcasts are available, especially in border regions; cable TV services are available in Baku; 1 state-run and 1 public radio network operating; a small number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting; local FM relays of Baku commercial stations are available in many localities; local relays of several international broadcasters had been available until late 2008 when their broadcasts were banned from FM frequencies (2008)

Internet country code:

.az

Internet hosts:

22,737 (2010) country comparison to the world: 105

Internet users:

2.42 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 70

Transportation ::Azerbaijan

Airports:

35 (2010) country comparison to the world: 109

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 27

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 8

under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 1 km; gas 3,361 km; oil 1,424 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,918 km country comparison to the world: 57 broad gauge: 2,918 km 1.520-m gauge (1,278 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 59,141 km country comparison to the world: 76 paved: 29,210 km

unpaved: 29,931 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 92 country comparison to the world: 54 by type: cargo 27, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker 48, roll on/roll off 3, specialized tanker 3

foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1)

registered in other countries: 2 (Malta 1, Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Baku (Baki)

Military ::Azerbaijan

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

men between 18 and 35 are liable for military service; 18 years of age for voluntary military service; length of military service is 18 months and 12 months for university graduates (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,336,611

females age 16-49: 2,329,275 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,753,878

females age 16-49: 1,958,408 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 84,441

female: 78,905 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Transnational Issues ::Azerbaijan

Disputes - international:

Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in Nagorno-Karabakh and since the early 1990s has militarily occupied 16% of Azerbaijan; over 800,000 mostly ethnic Azerbaijanis were driven from the occupied lands and Armenia; about 230,000 ethnic Armenians were driven from their homes in Azerbaijan into Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh; Azerbaijan seeks transit route through Armenia to connect to Naxcivan exclave; Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate dispute; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have ratified Caspian seabed delimitation treaties based on equidistance, while Iran continues to insist on an even one-fifth allocation and challenges Azerbaijan's hydrocarbon exploration in disputed waters; bilateral talks continue with Turkmenistan on dividing the seabed and contested oilfields in the middle of the Caspian; Azerbaijan and Georgia continue to discuss the alignment of their boundary at certain crossing areas

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 2,400 (Russia)

IDPs: 580,000-690,000 (conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Azerbaijan is primarily a source and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; women and some children from Azerbaijan are trafficked to Turkey and the UAE for the purpose of sexual exploitation; men and boys are trafficked to Russia for the purpose of forced labor; Azerbaijan serves as a transit country for victims from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Moldova trafficked to Turkey and the UAE for sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Azerbaijan is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons, particularly efforts to investigate, prosecute, and punish traffickers; to address complicity among law enforcement personnel; and to adequately identify and protect victims in Azerbaijan; the government has yet to develop a much-needed mechanism to identify potential trafficking victims and refer them to safety and care; poor treatment of trafficking victims in courtrooms continues to be a problem (2008)

Illicit drugs:

limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS consumption; small government eradication program; transit point for Southwest Asian opiates bound for Russia and to a lesser extent the rest of Europe

page last updated on January 18, 2011

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

@Bahamas, The (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Bahamas, The

Background:

Lucayan Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas has prospered through tourism and international banking and investment management. Because of its geography, the country is a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly shipments to the US and Europe, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal migrants into the US.

Geography ::Bahamas, The

Location:

Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba

Geographic coordinates:

24 15 N, 76 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 13,880 sq km country comparison to the world: 160 land: 10,010 sq km

water: 3,870 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,542 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Terrain:

long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Alvernia on Cat Island 63 m

Natural resources:

salt, aragonite, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 0.58%

permanent crops: 0.29%

other: 99.13% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

NA

Natural hazards:

hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage

Environment - current issues:

coral reef decay; solid waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain of which 30 are inhabited

People ::Bahamas, The

Population:

310,426 country comparison to the world: 177 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.3% (male 39,493/female 38,355)

15-64 years: 68.7% (male 103,889/female 107,528)

65 years and over: 5.9% (male 6,998/female 11,289) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.9 years

male: 28.8 years

female: 31 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.935% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Birth rate:

16.25 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Death rate:

6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Urbanization:

urban population: 84% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.68 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 129 male: 13.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.84 years country comparison to the world: 140 male: 68.48 years

female: 73.27 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Nationality:

noun: Bahamian(s)

adjective: Bahamian

Ethnic groups:

black 85%, white 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3%

Religions:

Baptist 35.4%, Anglican 15.1%, Roman Catholic 13.5%, Pentecostal 8.1%, Church of God 4.8%, Methodist 4.2%, other Christian 15.2%, none or unspecified 2.9%, other 0.8% (2000 census)

Languages:

English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.6%

male: 94.7%

female: 96.5% (2003 est.)

Education expenditures:

3.6% of GDP (2000) country comparison to the world: 127

Government ::Bahamas, The

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamas

conventional short form: The Bahamas

Government type:

constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Nassau

geographic coordinates: 25 05 N, 77 21 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

31 districts; Acklins Islands, Berry Islands, Bimini, Black Point, Cat Island, Central Abaco, Central Andros, Central Eleuthera, City of Freeport, Crooked Island and Long Cay, East Grand Bahama, Exuma, Grand Cay, Harbour Island, Hope Town, Inagua, Long Island, Mangrove Cay, Mayaguana, Moore's Island, North Abaco, North Andros, North Eleuthera, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, South Abaco, South Andros, South Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, West Grand Bahama

Independence:

10 July 1973 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 10 July (1973)

Constitution:

10 July 1973

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir Arthur A. FOULKES (since 14 April 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Hubert A. INGRAHAM (since 4 May 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the prime minister's recommendation (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (16 seats; members appointed by the governor general upon the advice of the prime minister and the opposition leader to serve five-year terms) and the House of Assembly (41 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms); the government may dissolve the parliament and call elections at any time

elections: last held on 2 May 2007 (next to be held by May 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - FNM 49.86%, PLP 47.02%; seats by party - FNM 23, PLP 18

Judicial branch:

Privy Council in London; Courts of Appeal; Supreme (lower) Court;
Magistrates' Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Free National Movement or FNM [Hubert INGRAHAM]; Progressive Liberal
Party or PLP [Perry CHRISTIE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Friends of the Environment

other: trade unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO,
ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Cornelius A. SMITH

chancery: 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660

FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668

consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Nicole A. AVANT

embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau, New Providence

mailing address: local or express mail address: P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau; US Department of State, 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC 20521-3370

telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 (after hours)

FAX: [1] (242) 328-2206

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; the band colors represent the golden beaches of the islands surrounded by the aquamarine sea; black represents the vigor and force of a united people, while the pointing triangle indicates the enterprise and determination of the Bahamian people to develop the rich resources of land and sea

National anthem:

name: "March On, Bahamaland!"

lyrics/music: Timothy GIBSON

note: adopted 1973; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Bahamas, The

Economy - overview:

The Bahamas is one of the wealthiest Caribbean countries with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism together with tourism-driven construction and manufacturing accounts for approximately 60% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs half of the archipelago's labor force. Prior to 2006, a steady growth in tourism receipts and a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts, and residences led to solid GDP growth but since then tourism receipts have begun to drop off. The global recession in 2009 took a sizeable toll on the Bahamas, resulting in a contraction in GDP and a widening budget deficit. The decline continued in 2010 as tourism from the US and sector investment lagged. Financial services constitute the second-most important sector of the Bahamian economy and, when combined with business services, account for about 36% of GDP. However, the financial sector currently is smaller than it has been in the past because of the enactment of new and more strict financial regulations in 2000 that caused many international businesses to relocate elsewhere. Manufacturing and agriculture combined contribute approximately a tenth of GDP and show little growth, despite government incentives aimed at those sectors. Overall growth prospects in the short run rest heavily on the fortunes of the tourism sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$8.878 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $8.923 billion (2009 est.)

$9.285 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$7.538 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193 -3.9% (2009 est.)

-1.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$28,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $29,000 (2009 est.)

$30,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.2%

industry: 14.7%

services: 84.1% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

184,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5%

industry: 5%

tourism: 50%

other services: 40% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Population below poverty line:

9.3% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: 27% (2000)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Central bank discount rate:

5.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 82 5.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 5.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.284 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 130 $1.275 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$5.991 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $5.893 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.993 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 101 $7.883 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

citrus, vegetables; poultry

Industries:

tourism, banking, cement, oil transshipment, salt, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral-welded steel pipe

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

2.045 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Electricity - consumption:

1.902 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Oil - consumption:

36,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Oil - exports:

transshipments of 41,570 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Oil - imports:

20,560 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Natural gas - production:

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

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Natural gas - proved reserves:

NA cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Current account balance:

-$283.2 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 -$1.442 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$674 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 162

Exports - commodities:

mineral products and salt, animal products, rum, chemicals, fruit and vegetables

Exports - partners:

US 35.99%, Singapore 18.64%, Poland 12.1%, Germany 6.24% (2009)

Imports:

$2.401 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 148

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, mineral fuels; food and live animals

Imports - partners:

US 27.23%, South Korea 20.08%, Japan 14.55%, Singapore 5.89%, China 4.75%, Venezuela 4.26%, Italy 4.12% (2009)

Debt - external:

$342.6 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Exchange rates:

Bahamian dollars (BSD) per US dollar - 1 (2009), 1 (2008), 1 (2007), 1 (2006)

Communications ::Bahamas, The

Telephones - main lines in use:

129,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 140

Telephones - mobile cellular:

358,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern facilities

domestic: totally automatic system; highly developed; the Bahamas Domestic Submarine Network links 14 of the islands and is designed to satisfy increasing demand for voice and broadband internet services

international: country code - 1-242; landing point for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber-optic submarine cable that provides links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 (2007)

Broadcast media:

2 television stations operated by government-owned, commercially run Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB); multi-channel cable TV subscription service is available; about 15 radio stations operating with BCB operating a multi-channel radio broadcasting network alongside privately-owned radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.bs

Internet hosts:

21,939 (2010) country comparison to the world: 107

Internet users:

115,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 156

Transportation ::Bahamas, The

Airports:

62 (2010) country comparison to the world: 78

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 23

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 39

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 12

under 914 m: 22 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,717 km country comparison to the world: 168 paved: 1,560 km

unpaved: 1,157 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,170 country comparison to the world: 10 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 229, cargo 191, carrier 2, chemical tanker 80, combination ore/oil 8, container 50, liquefied gas 78, passenger 100, passenger/cargo 29, petroleum tanker 222, refrigerated cargo 106, roll on/roll off 12, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 60

foreign-owned: 1,080 (Angola 5, Belgium 9, Bermuda 12, Brazil 1,
Canada 102, China 4, Croatia 1, Cyprus 14, Denmark 59, Finland 8,
France 19, Germany 39, Greece 209, Guernsey 6, Hong Kong 2,
Indonesia 2, Ireland 3, Italy 5, Japan 93, Jordan 2, Kuwait 2,
Malaysia 13, Monaco 14, Montenegro 2, Netherlands 22, Nigeria 2,
Norway 198, Poland 32, Saudi Arabia 16, Singapore 7, Slovenia 1,
Spain 9, Sweden 6, Switzerland 2, Thailand 4, Trinidad and Tobago 1,
Turkey 3, UAE 27, UK 24, US 100)

registered in other countries: 10 (Bolivia 1, Malta 1, Panama 7, Peru 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Freeport, Nassau, South Riding Point

Military ::Bahamas, The

Military branches:

Royal Bahamian Defense Force: Land Force, Navy, Air Wing (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 84,903 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 62,779

females age 16-49: 63,954 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,840

female: 2,758 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 152

Transnational Issues ::Bahamas, The

Disputes - international:

disagrees with the US on the alignment the northern axis of a potential maritime boundary; continues to monitor and interdict drug dealers and Haitian and Cuban refugees in Bahamian waters

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for US and Europe; offshore financial center

page last updated on January 26, 2011

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

@Bahrain (Middle East)

Introduction ::Bahrain

Background:

In 1783, the al-Khalifa family captured Bahrain from the Persians. In order to secure these holdings, it entered into a series of treaties with the UK during the 19th century that made Bahrain a British protectorate. The archipelago attained its independence in 1971. Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa, after coming to power in 1999, pushed economic and political reforms to improve relations with the Shia community. Shia political societies participated in 2010 parliamentary and municipal elections. Al Wifaq, the largest Shia political society, won the largest number of seats in the elected chamber of the legislature. However, Shia discontent has resurfaced in recent years with street demonstrations and occasional low-level violence.

Geography ::Bahrain

Location:

Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

26 00 N, 50 33 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 760 sq km country comparison to the world: 187 land: 760 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

161 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

continental shelf: extending to boundaries to be determined

Climate:

arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m

Natural resources:

oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls

Land use:

arable land: 2.82%

permanent crops: 5.63%

other: 91.55% (2005)

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.3 cu km/yr (40%/3%/57%)

per capita: 411 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; dust storms

Environment - current issues:

desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations; lack of freshwater resources (groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all water needs)

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's petroleum must transit to reach open ocean

People ::Bahrain

Population:

738,004 country comparison to the world: 163 note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.9% (male 95,258/female 93,256)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 293,340/female 217,815)

65 years and over: 4% (male 15,274/female 13,766) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.4 years

male: 33.5 years

female: 27.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.243% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Birth rate:

16.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Death rate:

4.37 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Urbanization:

urban population: 89% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.33 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.13 male(s)/female

total population: 1.24 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.76 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 126 male: 17.01 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.4 years country comparison to the world: 84 male: 72.87 years

female: 78.01 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.47 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Nationality:

noun: Bahraini(s)

adjective: Bahraini

Ethnic groups:

Bahraini 62.4%, non-Bahraini 37.6% (2001 census)

Religions:

Muslim (Shia and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8% (2001 census)

Languages:

Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.5%

male: 88.6%

female: 83.6% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 149

Government ::Bahrain

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Bahrain

conventional short form: Bahrain

local long form: Mamlakat al Bahrayn

local short form: Al Bahrayn

former: Dilmun

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Manama

geographic coordinates: 26 14 N, 50 34 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 governorates; Asamah, Janubiyah, Muharraq, Shamaliyah, Wasat

note: each governorate administered by an appointed governor

Independence:

15 August 1971 (from the UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 was the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date of independence from British protection

Constitution:

adopted 14 February 2002

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa Al-Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al-Khalifa (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969)

head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al-Khalifa (since 1971); Deputy Prime Ministers ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Jawad bin Salim al-ARAIDH

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Consultative Council (40 members appointed by the King) and the Council of Representatives or Chamber of Deputies (40 seats; members directly elected to serve four-year terms)

elections: Council of Representatives - last held in two rounds on 23 and 30 October 2010 (next election to be held in 2014)

election results: Council of Representatives - percent of vote by society - NA; seats by society - al Wifaq (Shia) 18, al Asala (Sunni Salafi) 3, al Minbar (Sunni Muslim Brotherhood) 2, independents 17

Judicial branch:

High Civil Appeals Court

Political parties and leaders:

political parties prohibited but political societies were legalized per a July 2005 law

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Shia activists; Sunni Islamist legislators

other: several small leftist and other groups are active

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC,
OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Huda Azra Ibrahim NUNU

chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111

FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph Adam ERELI

embassy: Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Block 331, Zinj District, Manama

mailing address: PSC 451, Box 660, FPO AE 09834-5100; international mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama

telephone: [973] 1724-2700

FAX: [973] 1727-0547

Flag description:

red, the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states, with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side; the five points represent the five pillars of Islam

note: until 2002 the flag had eight white points, but this was reduced to five to avoid confusion with the Qatari flag

National anthem:

name: "Bahrainona" (Our Bahrain)

lyrics/music: unknown

note: adopted 1971; although Mohamed Sudqi AYYASH wrote the original lyrics, they were changed in 2002 following the transformation of Bahrain from an emirate to a kingdom

Economy ::Bahrain

Economy - overview:

Bahrain is one of the most diversified economies in the Persian Gulf. Highly developed communication and transport facilities make Bahrain home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. As part of its diversification plans, Bahrain implemented a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US in August 2006, the first FTA between the US and a Gulf state. Bahrain's economy, however, continues to depend heavily on oil. Petroleum production and refining account for more than 60% of Bahrain's export receipts, 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP (exclusive of allied industries). Other major economic activities are production of aluminum - Bahrain's second biggest export after oil - finance, and construction. Bahrain competes with Malaysia as a worldwide center for Islamic banking and continues to seek new natural gas supplies as feedstock to support its expanding petrochemical and aluminum industries. Unemployment, especially among the young, is a long-term economic problem Bahrain struggles to address. In 2009, to help lower unemployment among Bahraini nationals, Bahrain reduced sponsorship for expatriate workers, increasing the costs of employing foreign labor. The global financial crisis caused funding for many non-oil projects to dry up and resulted in slower economic growth for Bahrain. Other challenges facing Bahrain include the slow growth of government debt as a result of a large subsidy program, the financing of large government projects, and debt restructuring, such as the bailout of state-owned Gulf Air.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$29.82 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $28.7 billion (2009 est.)

$27.83 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$21.73 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 3.1% (2009 est.)

6.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$40,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $39,400 (2009 est.)

$38,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.5%

industry: 56.6%

services: 42.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

611,000 country comparison to the world: 154 note: 44% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 79%

services: 20% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

26.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Public debt:

59.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 38.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 2.8% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.372 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 80 $5.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$21.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $18.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$18.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $16.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$16.93 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 60 $21.18 billion (31 December 2008)

$28.13 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish

Industries:

petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, Islamic and offshore banking, insurance, ship repairing, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Electricity - production:

10.25 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Electricity - consumption:

10.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

48,560 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Oil - consumption:

39,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Oil - exports:

238,300 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Oil - imports:

228,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Oil - proved reserves:

124.6 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - production:

12.64 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Natural gas - consumption:

12.64 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - proved reserves:

92.03 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Current account balance:

$589 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $560.2 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$15.13 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $12.05 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles

Exports - partners:

India 4.2%, Saudi Arabia 2.78% (2009)

Imports:

$12.14 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $9.613 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, machinery, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 22.91%, France 9.76%, US 7.95%, China 6.4%, South Korea 5.26%, Japan 5.19%, Germany 5.01%, UK 4.34% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.766 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $3.54 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$14.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $10.55 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$15.77 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $15 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$8.399 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $7.549 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Bahraini dinars (BHD) per US dollar - 0.376 (2010), 0.376 (2009), 0.376 (2008), 0.376 (2007), 0.376 (2006)

Communications ::Bahrain

Telephones - main lines in use:

238,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 123

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.578 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 137

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system

domestic: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of mobile-cellular telephones

international: country code - 973; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; tropospheric scatter to Qatar and UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth station - 1 (2007)

Broadcast media:

state-run broadcast media; Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC) operates 5 terrestrial TV networks; satellite TV systems provide access to international broadcasts; state-run BRTC broadcasts over several radio stations; 1 private FM station directs broadcasts to Indian listeners; radio and TV broadcasts from countries in the region are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.bh

Internet hosts:

53,944 (2010) country comparison to the world: 86

Internet users:

419,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 122

Transportation ::Bahrain

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 183

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 20 km; oil 32 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 3,851 km country comparison to the world: 158 paved: 3,121 km

unpaved: 730 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 7 country comparison to the world: 126 by type: bulk carrier 2, container 4, petroleum tanker 1

foreign-owned: 5 (Kuwait 5)

registered in other countries: 6 (Honduras 5, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Mina' Salman, Sitrah

Military ::Bahrain

Military branches:

Bahrain Defense Forces (BDF): Ground Force (includes Air Defense),
Naval Force, Air Force, National Guard

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of age for NCOs, technicians, and cadets; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 208,365

females age 16-49: 174,375 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 170,633

females age 16-49: 146,243 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 6,590

female: 6,475 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 19

Transnational Issues ::Bahrain

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Bangladesh (South Asia)

Introduction ::Bangladesh

Background:

Europeans began to set up trading posts in the area of Bangladesh in the 16th century; eventually the British came to dominate the region and it became part of British India. In 1947, West Pakistan and East Bengal (both primarily Muslim) separated from India (largely Hindu) and jointly became the new country of Pakistan. East Bengal became East Pakistan in 1955, but the awkward arrangement of a two-part country with its territorial units separated by 1,600 km left the Bengalis marginalized and dissatisfied. East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan in 1971 and was renamed Bangladesh. A military-backed, emergency caretaker regime suspended parliamentary elections planned for January 2007 in an effort to reform the political system and root out corruption. In contrast to the strikes and violent street rallies that had marked Bangladeshi politics in previous years, the parliamentary elections finally held in late December 2008 were mostly peaceful and Sheikh HASINA Wajed was elected prime minister. About a third of this extremely poor country floods annually during the monsoon rainy season, hampering economic development.

Geography ::Bangladesh

Location:

Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India

Geographic coordinates:

24 00 N, 90 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 143,998 sq km country comparison to the world: 94 land: 130,168 sq km

water: 13,830 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Iowa

Land boundaries:

total: 4,246 km

border countries: Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km

Coastline:

580 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 18 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: up to the outer limits of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)

Terrain:

mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Keokradong 1,230 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, arable land, timber, coal

Land use:

arable land: 55.39%

permanent crops: 3.08%

other: 41.53% (2005)

Irrigated land:

47,250 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,210.6 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 79.4 cu km/yr (3%/1%/96%)

per capita: 560 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

droughts; cyclones; much of the country routinely inundated during the summer monsoon season

Environment - current issues:

many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land; waterborne diseases prevalent in surface water; water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results from the use of commercial pesticides; ground water contaminated by naturally occurring arsenic; intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; severe overpopulation

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal

People ::Bangladesh

Population:

156,118,464 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.6% (male 27,065,625/female 26,913,961)

15-64 years: 61.4% (male 45,222,182/female 50,537,052)

65 years and over: 4% (male 3,057,255/female 3,254,808) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.9 years

male: 22.4 years

female: 23.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.55% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Birth rate:

23.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Death rate:

5.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Net migration rate:

-2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Urbanization:

urban population: 27% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 52.54 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 48 male: 55.04 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 49.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.44 years country comparison to the world: 148 male: 67.64 years

female: 71.3 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

12,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria are high risks in some locations

water contact disease: leptospirosis

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Bangladeshi(s)

adjective: Bangladeshi

Ethnic groups:

Bengali 98%, other 2% (includes tribal groups, non-Bengali Muslims) (1998)

Religions:

Muslim 89.5%, Hindu 9.6%, other 0.9% (2004)

Languages:

Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 47.9%

male: 54%

female: 41.4% (2001 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years

male: 8 years

female: 8 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

2.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 163

Government ::Bangladesh

Country name:

conventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladesh

conventional short form: Bangladesh

local long form: Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh

local short form:

former: East Bengal, East Pakistan

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Dhaka

geographic coordinates: 23 43 N, 90 24 E

time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 divisions; Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet

Independence:

16 December 1971 (from West Pakistan); note - 26 March 1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is known as Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of Bangladesh

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 March (1971); note - 26 March 1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of Bangladesh

Constitution:

4 November 1972; effective 16 December 1972; suspended following coup of 24 March 1982; restored 10 November 1986; amended many times

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Zillur RAHMAN (since 12 February 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA Wajed (since 6 January 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by National Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); last election held on 11 February 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Zillur RAHMAN declared president-elect by the Election Commission on 11 February 2009 (sworn in on 12 February); he ran unopposed as president; percent of National Parliament vote - NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad; 300 seats elected by popular vote from single territorial constituencies; members serve five-year terms

elections: last held on 29 December 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - AL 49%, BNP 33.2%, JP 7%, JIB 4.6%, other 6.2%; seats by party - AL 230, BNP 30, JP 27, JIB 2, other 11

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the chief justices and other judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Awami League or AL [Sheikh HASINA]; Bangladesh Communist Party or
BCP [Manjurul A. KHAN]; Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP [Khaleda
ZIA]; Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh or BDB [Badrudozza CHOWDHURY]; Islami
Oikya Jote or IOJ [multiple leaders]; Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh or
JIB [Matiur Rahman NIZAMI]; Jatiya Party or JP (Ershad faction)
[Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Oli
AHMED]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Advocacy to End Gender-based Violence through the MoWCA (Ministry of
Women's and Children's Affairs)

other: environmentalists; Islamist groups; religious leaders; teachers; union leaders

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, FAO, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Akramul QADER

chancery: 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 244-0183

FAX: [1] (202) 244-7830/2771

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James F. MORIARTY

embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212

mailing address: G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000

telephone: [880] (2) 885-5500

FAX: [880] (2) 882-3744

Flag description:

green field with a large red disk shifted slightly to the hoist side of center; the red disk represents the rising sun and the sacrifice to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the lush vegetation of Bangladesh

National anthem:

name: "Amar Shonar Bangla" (My Golden Bengal)

lyrics/music: Rabindranath TAGORE

note: adopted 1971; Rabindranath TAGORE, a Nobel laureate, also wrote India's national anthem

Economy ::Bangladesh

Economy - overview:

The economy has grown 5-6% per year since 1996 despite political instability, poor infrastructure, corruption, insufficient power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms. Bangladesh remains a poor, overpopulated, and inefficiently-governed nation. Although more than half of GDP is generated through the service sector, 45% of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, with rice as the single-most-important product. Bangladesh's growth was resilient during the 2008-09 global financial crisis and recession. Garment exports, totaling $12.3 billion in FY09 and remittances from overseas Bangladeshis totaling $9.7 billion in FY09 accounted for almost 25% of GDP.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$259.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $244.6 billion (2009 est.)

$231.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$105.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 5.7% (2009 est.)

6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 $1,600 (2009 est.)

$1,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 18.4%

industry: 28.7%

services: 52.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

73.87 million country comparison to the world: 8 note: extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Malaysia; workers' remittances estimated at $10.9 billion in 2009-10 (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 45%

industry: 30%

services: 25% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

5.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 5.1% (2009 est.)

note: about 40% of the population is underemployed; many participants in the labor force work only a few hours a week, at low wages

Population below poverty line:

36.3% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 8.8%

highest 10%: 26.6% (2008 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33.2 (2005) country comparison to the world: 94 33.6 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Public debt:

39.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 39.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 5.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

5% (31 October 2010) country comparison to the world: 86 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.6% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 16.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$13.98 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 67 $10.92 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$57.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $63.03 billion (31 December 2009)

Stock of domestic credit:

$62.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $53.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$7.068 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 74 $6.671 billion (31 December 2008)

$6.793 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco, pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruit; beef, milk, poultry

Industries:

cotton textiles, jute, garments, tea processing, paper newsprint, cement, chemical fertilizer, light engineering, sugar

Industrial production growth rate:

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Electricity - production:

25.62 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Electricity - consumption:

23.94 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

5,733 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Oil - consumption:

96,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Oil - exports:

2,612 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Oil - imports:

87,660 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Oil - proved reserves:

28 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Natural gas - production:

19.7 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Natural gas - consumption:

19.7 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Natural gas - proved reserves:

195.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Current account balance:

$3.734 billion (2010) country comparison to the world: 34 $2.416 billion (2009)

Exports:

$16.24 billion (2010) country comparison to the world: 73 $15.58 billion (2009)

Exports - commodities:

garments, frozen fish and seafood, jute and jute goods, leather

Exports - partners:

US 22.5%, Germany 14.2%, UK 9.6%, France 7%, Netherlands 6.4% (2009)

Imports:

$21.34 billion (2010) country comparison to the world: 68 $20.3 billion (2009)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, foodstuffs, petroleum products, cement

Imports - partners:

China 16.16%, India 12.61%, Singapore 7.55%, Japan 4.63%, Malaysia 4.46% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$10.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $10.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$24.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $24.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$6.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $5.617 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$82 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $81 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

taka (BDT) per US dollar - 70.59 (2010), 69.039 (2009), 68.554 (2008), 69.893 (2007), 69.031 (2006)

Communications ::Bangladesh

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.522 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Telephones - mobile cellular:

50.4 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 24

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate for a modern country; introducing digital systems; trunk systems include VHF and UHF microwave radio relay links, and some fiber-optic cable in cities

domestic: fixed-line teledensity remains only about 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly and now exceeds 30 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 880; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4 fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 6; international radiotelephone communications and landline service to neighboring countries (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned broadcaster (BTV) operates 1 terrestrial TV station, 3 radio networks, and about 10 local stations; 8 private satellite TV stations and 3 private radio stations also broadcasting; foreign satellite TV stations are gaining audience share in the large cities; several international radio broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.bd

Internet hosts:

68,224 (2010) country comparison to the world: 81

Internet users:

617,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 112

Transportation ::Bangladesh

Airports:

17 (2010) country comparison to the world: 140

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 15

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,597 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,768 km country comparison to the world: 61 broad gauge: 946 km 1.676-m gauge

narrow gauge: 1,822 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 239,226 km country comparison to the world: 21 paved: 22,726 km

unpaved: 216,500 km (2003)

Waterways:

8,370 km country comparison to the world: 17 note: includes up to 3,060 km main cargo routes; network reduced to 5,200 km in dry season (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 50 country comparison to the world: 70 by type: bulk carrier 16, cargo 25, container 5, petroleum tanker 4

foreign-owned: 4 (China 1, Singapore 3)

registered in other countries: 9 (Comoros 1, Malta 1, Panama 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Chittagong, Mongla Port

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of Bangladesh as high risk for armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Bangladesh

Military branches:

Bangladesh Defense Force: Bangladesh Army (Sena Bahini), Bangladesh Navy (Noh Bahini, BN), Bangladesh Air Force (Biman Bahini, BAF) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16 years of age for voluntary enlisted military service (Air Force); 17 years of age (Army and Navy); conscription is by law possible in times of emergency, but has never been implemented (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 36,560,110 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 25,310,750

females age 16-49: 32,154,153 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,550,385

female: 1,676,137 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 112

Transnational Issues ::Bangladesh

Disputes - international:

discussions with India remain stalled to delimit a small section of river boundary, exchange territory for 51 small Bangladeshi exclaves in India and 111 small Indian exclaves in Bangladesh, allocate divided villages, and stop illegal cross-border trade, migration, violence, and transit of terrorists through the porous border; Bangladesh protests India's fencing and walling off high-traffic sections of the porous boundary; a joint Bangladesh-India boundary commission resurveyed and reconstructed 92 missing pillars in 2007; after 21 years, Bangladesh in January 2008 resumed talks with Burma on delimiting a maritime boundary

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 26,268 (Burma)

IDPs: 65,000 (land conflicts, religious persecution) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Bangladesh is a source and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; a significant share of Bangladesh's trafficking victims are men recruited for work overseas with fraudulent employment offers who are subsequently exploited under conditions of forced labor or debt bondage; children are trafficked within Bangladesh for commercial sexual exploitation, bonded labor, and forced labor; women and children from Bangladesh are also trafficked to India and Pakistan for sexual exploitation

tier rating: Bangladesh is placed on Tier 2 Watch List because it does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so, including some progress in addressing sex trafficking; the government did not demonstrate sufficient progress in criminally prosecuting and convicting labor trafficking offenders, particularly those responsible for the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers for the purpose of labor trafficking (2009)

Illicit drugs:

transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring countries

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Barbados (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Barbados

Background:

The island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established on the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance.

Geography ::Barbados

Location:

Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

13 10 N, 59 32 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 430 sq km country comparison to the world: 200 land: 430 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

97 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (June to October)

Terrain:

relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 37.21%

permanent crops: 2.33%

other: 60.46% (2005)

Irrigated land:

50 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.1 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.09 cu km/yr (33%/44%/22%)

per capita: 333 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides

Environment - current issues:

pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifers

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

easternmost Caribbean island

People ::Barbados

Population:

285,653 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.2% (male 27,383/female 27,352)

15-64 years: 71.3% (male 99,829/female 103,049)

65 years and over: 9.5% (male 10,464/female 16,512) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.2 years

male: 35.1 years

female: 37.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.374% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Birth rate:

12.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Death rate:

8.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Net migration rate:

-0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Urbanization:

urban population: 40% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.012 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.09 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 138 male: 13.42 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.14 years country comparison to the world: 101 male: 71.88 years

female: 76.42 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.68 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Nationality:

noun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)

adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)

Ethnic groups:

black 93%, white 3.2%, mixed 2.6%, East Indian 1%, other 0.2% (2000 census)

Religions:

Protestant 63.4% (Anglican 28.3%, Pentecostal 18.7%, Methodist 5.1%, other 11.3%), Roman Catholic 4.2%, other Christian 7%, other 4.8%, none or unspecified 20.6% (2008 est.)

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.7% (2002 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

6.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 26

Government ::Barbados

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Barbados

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Bridgetown

geographic coordinates: 13 06 N, 59 37 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

11 parishes and 1 city*; Bridgetown*, Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas

Independence:

30 November 1966 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 November (1966)

Constitution:

30 November 1966

Legal system:

English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn HUSBANDS (since 1 June 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Fruendel STUART (since 23 October 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (21 seats; members appointed by the governor general - 12 on the advice of the Prime Minister, 2 on the advice of the opposition leader, and 7 at his discretion) and the House of Assembly (30 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held on 15 January 2008 (next to be called in 2012)

election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - DLP 52.5%, BLP 47.3%; seats by party - DLP 20, BLP 10

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature consists of a High Court and a Court of
Appeal (judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for the
Judicial and Legal Services); Caribbean Court of Justice or CCJ is
the highest court of appeal; based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and
Tobago

Political parties and leaders:

Barbados Labor Party or BLP [Owen ARTHUR]; Democratic Labor Party or
DLP [Freundel STUART]; People's Empowerment Party or PEP [David
COMISSIONG]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Barbados Secondary Teachers' Union or BSTU [Patrick FROST]; Barbados
Union of Teachers or BUT [Herbert GITTENS]; Congress of Trade Unions
and Staff Associations of Barbados or CTUSAB, (includes the BWU,
NUPW, BUT, and BSTU) [Leroy TROTMAN]; Barbados Workers Union or BWU
[Leroy TROTMAN]; Clement Payne Labor Union [David COMISSIONG];
National Union of Public Workers [Joseph GODDARD]

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John BEALE

chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-9200

FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467

consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

consulate(s): Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d' Affaires D. Brent HARDT

embassy: U.S. Embassy, Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael BB 14006

mailing address: P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown BB 11000; CMR 1014, APO AA 34055

telephone: [1] (246) 227-4399

FAX: [1] (246) 431-0179

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the band colors represent the blue of the sea and sky and the gold of the beaches; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident)

National anthem:

name: "The National Anthem of Barbados"

lyrics/music: Irving BURGIE/C. Van Roland EDWARDS

note: adopted 1966; the anthem is also known as "In Plenty and In Time of Need"

Economy ::Barbados

Economy - overview:

Historically, the Barbadian economy was dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities. However, in recent years the economy has diversified into light industry and tourism with about three-quarters of GDP and 80% of exports being attributed to services. Growth has rebounded since 2003, bolstered by increases in construction projects and tourism revenues, reflecting its success in the higher-end segment, but the sector faced declining revenues in 2009 with the global economic downturn. The country enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the region. Offshore finance and information services are important foreign exchange earners and thrive from having the same time zone as eastern US financial centers and a relatively highly educated workforce. The government continues its efforts to reduce unemployment, to encourage direct foreign investment, and to privatize remaining state-owned enterprises. The public debt-to-GDP ratio rose to over 100% in 2009, largely because a sharp slowdown in tourism and financial services led to a wide budget deficit.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$6.196 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 $6.24 billion (2009 est.)

$6.603 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.963 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197 -5.5% (2009 est.)

-0.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$21,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $21,900 (2009 est.)

$23,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6%

industry: 16%

services: 78% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

175,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%

industry: 15%

services: 75% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.7% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

NA (2009)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Central bank discount rate:

7% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 45 10% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 10.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.793 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 123 $1.748 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$4.563 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 124 $4.618 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.554 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $4.124 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 81 $4.964 billion (31 December 2008)

$5.599 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, vegetables, cotton

Industries:

tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export

Industrial production growth rate:

-3.2% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Electricity - production:

1.003 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Electricity - consumption:

939.9 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

765 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Oil - consumption:

9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Oil - exports:

1,750 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Oil - imports:

10,390 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Oil - proved reserves:

1.79 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Natural gas - production:

29.17 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - consumption:

29.17 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - proved reserves:

113.3 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Current account balance:

-$254 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Exports:

$385 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 172

Exports - commodities:

manufactures, sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and beverages, chemicals, electrical components

Exports - partners:

Trinidad and Tobago 17.48%, Jamaica 15.63%, US 8.93%, Saint Lucia 8.13%, UK 5.36%, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5.04%, Antigua and Barbuda 4.12% (2009)

Imports:

$1.586 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 159

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, machinery, foodstuffs, construction materials, chemicals, fuel, electrical components

Imports - partners:

Trinidad and Tobago 28.52%, US 27.96%, Colombia 7.13%, China 4.76%,
UK 4.39% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$620 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 117

Debt - external:

$668 million (2003) country comparison to the world: 155

Exchange rates:

Barbadian dollars (BBD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2 (2006), 2 (2005), 2 (2004), 2 (2003)

Communications ::Barbados

Telephones - main lines in use:

135,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Telephones - mobile cellular:

337,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 168

Telephone system:

general assessment: island-wide automatic telephone system

domestic: fixed-line teledensity of roughly 50 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone density approaching 125 per 100 persons

international: country code - 1-246; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; satellite earth stations - 1 (Intelsat -Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia (2009)

Broadcast media:

government-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) operates the lone terrestrial television station; CBC also operates a multi-channel cable TV subscription service; roughly a dozen radio stations, consisting of a CBC-operated network alongside privately-owned radio stations, in operation (2007)

Internet country code:

.bb

Internet hosts:

1,508 (2010) country comparison to the world: 159

Internet users:

188,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 143

Transportation ::Barbados

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 233

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,600 km country comparison to the world: 176 paved: 1,600 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 95 country comparison to the world: 52 by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 55, chemical tanker 9, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 89 (Canada 13, Greece 14, Iran 4, Lebanon 2, Norway 41, Sweden 6, Syria 1, Turkey 1, UK 7)

registered in other countries: 1 (unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bridgetown

Military ::Barbados

Military branches:

Royal Barbados Defense Force: Troops Command, Barbados Coast Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (younger volunteers require parental consent); no conscription (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 74,418

females age 16-49: 74,450 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 58,532

females age 16-49: 58,542 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,897

female: 1,884 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 151

Military - note:

the Royal Barbados Defense Force includes a land-based Troop Command and a small Coast Guard; the primary role of the land element is to defend the island against external aggression; the Command consists of a single, part-time battalion with a small regular cadre that is deployed throughout the island; it increasingly supports the police in patrolling the coastline to prevent smuggling and other illicit activities (2007)

Transnational Issues ::Barbados

Disputes - international:

Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago abide by the April 2006 Permanent Court of Arbitration decision delimiting a maritime boundary and limiting catches of flying fish in Trinidad and Tobago's exclusive economic zone; joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

one of many Caribbean transshipment points for narcotics bound for Europe and the US; offshore financial center

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Belarus (Europe)

Introduction ::Belarus

Background:

After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious implementation has yet to take place. Since his election in July 1994 as the country's first president, Aleksandr LUKASHENKO has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian means. Government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly, and religion remain in place.

Geography ::Belarus

Location:

Eastern Europe, east of Poland

Geographic coordinates:

53 00 N, 28 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 207,600 sq km country comparison to the world: 85 land: 202,900 sq km

water: 4,700 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Kansas

Land boundaries:

total: 3,306 km

border countries: Latvia 171 km, Lithuania 680 km, Poland 605 km, Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime

Terrain:

generally flat and contains much marshland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m

highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m

Natural resources:

timber, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, clay

Land use:

arable land: 26.77%

permanent crops: 0.6%

other: 72.63% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,310 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

58 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.79 cu km/yr (23%/47%/30%)

per capita: 286 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 85, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; glacial scouring accounts for the flatness of Belarusian terrain and for its 11,000 lakes

People ::Belarus

Population:

9,612,632 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.3% (male 707,550/female 667,560)

15-64 years: 71.3% (male 3,337,253/female 3,540,916)

65 years and over: 14.5% (male 446,746/female 948,508) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.8 years

male: 35.8 years

female: 41.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.368% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Birth rate:

9.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Death rate:

13.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Net migration rate:

0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.062 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.47 male(s)/female

total population: 0.87 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.34 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 174 male: 7.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.92 years country comparison to the world: 139 male: 65.26 years

female: 76.93 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

13,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Nationality:

noun: Belarusian(s)

adjective: Belarusian

Ethnic groups:

Belarusian 81.2%, Russian 11.4%, Polish 3.9%, Ukrainian 2.4%, other 1.1% (1999 census)

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox 80%, other (including Roman Catholic, Protestant,
Jewish, and Muslim) 20% (1997 est.)

Languages:

Belarusian (official) 36.7%, Russian (official) 62.8%, other 0.5% (includes small Polish- and Ukrainian-speaking minorities) (1999 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.4% (1999 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 56

Government ::Belarus

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Belarus

conventional short form: Belarus

local long form: Respublika Byelarus'

local short form: Byelarus'

former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic in name, although in fact a dictatorship

Capital:

name: Minsk

geographic coordinates: 53 54 N, 27 34 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces (voblastsi, singular - voblasts') and 1 municipality* (horad); Brest, Homyel' (Gomel), Horad Minsk* (Minsk City), Hrodna (Grodno), Mahilyow (Mogilev), Minsk, Vitsyebsk (Vitebsk)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers; Russian spelling provided for reference when different from Belarusian

Independence:

25 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 July (1944); note - 3 July 1944 was the date Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

15 March 1994; revised by national referendum of 24 November 1996 giving the presidency greatly expanded powers and became effective 27 November 1996; revised again 17 October 2004 removing presidential term limits

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20 July 1994)

head of government: Prime Minister Mikhail MYASNIKOVICH (since 28 December 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir SEMASHKO (since December 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; first election took place on 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to the 1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in 1999, however, Aleksandr LUKASHENKO extended his term to 2001 via a November 1996 referendum; subsequent election held on 9 September 2001; an October 2004 referendum ended presidential term limits and allowed the president to run in a third (19 March 2006) and fourth election (19 December 2010); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president

election results: Aleksandr LUKASHENKO reelected president; percent of vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 79.7%, Andrey SANNIKAU 2.6%, other candidates 17.7%; note - election marred by electoral fraud

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Natsionalnoye Sobraniye consists of the Council of the Republic or Sovet Respubliki (64 seats; 56 members elected by regional and Minsk city councils and 8 members appointed by the president, to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Palata Predstaviteley (110 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Palata Predstaviteley - last held on 28 September 2008 (next to be held in the spring of 2012); international observers determined that despite minor improvements the election ultimately fell short of democratic standards; pro-LUKASHENKO candidates won every seat

election results: Sovet Respubliki - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Palata Predstaviteley - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Constitutional Court (half of the judges appointed by the president and half appointed by the Chamber of Representatives)

Political parties and leaders:

pro-government parties: Belarusian Agrarian Party or AP [Mikhail
SHIMANSKY]; Belarusian Patriotic Movement (Belarusian Patriotic
Party) or BPR [Nikolay ULAKHOVICH, chairman]; Communist Party of
Belarus or KPB [Tatsyana HOLUBEVA]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP
[Sergey GAYDUKEVICH]; Republican Party of Labor and Justice [Vasiliy
ZADNEPRYANYY]

opposition parties: Belarusian Christian Democracy Party [Pavel SEVERINETS] (unregistered); Belarusian Party of Communists or PKB [Sergey KALYAKIN]; Belarusian Party of Labor [Aleksandr BUKHVOSTOV] (unregistered); Belarusian Popular Front or BPF [Aleksey YANUKEVICH]; Belarusian Social-Democratic Hramada [Stanislav SHUSHKEVICH]; Belarusian Social Democratic Party Hramada ("Assembly") or BSDPH [Anatoliy LEVKOVICH]; Belarusian Social Democratic Party People's Assembly ("Narodnaya Hramada") [Nikolay STATKEVICH] (unregistered); Belarusian Women's Party Nadzeya ("Hope") [Yelena YESKOVA, chairperson]; Christian Conservative Party or BPF [Zyanon PAZNIAK]; European Belarus Campaign [Andrey SANNIKOV]; Party of Freedom and Progress [Vladimir NOVOSYAD] (unregistered); "Tell the Truth" Campaign [Vladimir NEKLYAYEV]; United Civic Party or UCP [Anatoliy LEBEDKO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Assembly of Pro-Democratic NGOs (unregistered) [Sergey MATSKEVICH];
Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions [Aleksandr YAROSHUK];
Belarusian Association of Journalists [Zhana LITVINA]; Belarusian
Helsinki Committee [Aleh HULAK]; Belarusian Independence Bloc
(unregistered) and For Freedom movement [Aleksandr MILINKEVICH];
Belarusian Organization of Working Women [Irina ZHIKHAR]; BPF-Youth
[Andrus KRECHKA]; Charter 97 (unregistered) [Andrey SANNIKOV];
Perspektiva small business association [Anatol SHUMCHENKO]; Nasha
Vyasna (unregistered) ("Our Spring") human rights center; "Tell the
Truth" Movement [Vladimir NEKLYAYEV]; Women's Independent Democratic
Movement [Ludmila PETINA]; Young Belarus (Malady Belarus) [Zmitser
KASPYAROVICH]; Youth Front (Malady Front) [Zmitser DASHKEVICH]

International organization participation:

BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CEI, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD,
FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, NSG, OPCW, OSCE,
PCA, PFP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Oleg KRAVCHENKO

chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 986-1604

FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Michael SCANLAN

embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya Street, Minsk 220002

mailing address: PSC 78, Box B Minsk, APO 09723

telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83, 217-7347 through 7348

FAX: [375] (17) 334-7853

Flag description:

red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side bears Belarusian national ornamentation in red; the red band color recalls past struggles from oppression, the green band represents hope and the many forests of the country

National anthem:

name: "My, Bielarusy" (We Belarusians)

lyrics/music: Mikhas KLIMKOVICH and Uladzimir KARYZNA/Nester SAKALOUSKI

note: music adopted 1955, lyrics adopted 2002; after the fall of the Soviet Union, Belarus kept the music of its Soviet-era anthem but adopted new lyrics; also known as "Dziarzauny himn Respubliki Bielarus" (State Anthem of the Republic of Belarus)

Economy ::Belarus

Economy - overview:

Belarus has seen limited structural reform since 1995, when President LUKASHENKO launched the country on the path of "market socialism." In keeping with this policy, LUKASHENKO reimposed administrative controls over prices and currency exchange rates and expanded the state's right to intervene in the management of private enterprises. Since 2005, the government has re-nationalized a number of private companies. In addition, businesses have been subjected to pressure by central and local governments, including arbitrary changes in regulations, numerous rigorous inspections, retroactive application of new business regulations, and arrests of "disruptive" businessmen and factory owners. Continued state control over economic operations hampers market entry for businesses, both domestic and foreign. Government statistics indicate GDP growth was strong, surpassing 10% in 2008, despite the roadblocks of a tough, centrally directed economy with a high rate of inflation and a low rate of unemployment. However, the global crisis pushed the country into recession in 2009, and GDP grew only 0.2% for the year. Slumping foreign demand hit the industrial sector hard. Minsk has depended on a standby-agreement with the IMF to assist with balance of payments shortfalls. In line with IMF conditions, in 2009, Belarus devalued the ruble more than 40% and tightened some fiscal and monetary policies. On 1 January 2010, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus launched a customs union, with unified trade regulations and customs codes still under negotiation. In late January, Russia and Belarus amended their 2007 oil supply agreement. The new terms raised prices for above quota purchases, increasing Belarus' current account deficit. GDP grew 4.8% in 2010, in part, on the strength of renewed export growth. In December 2010, Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan signed an agreement to form a Common Economic Space and Russia removed all Belarusian oil duties.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$128.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $122.5 billion (2009 est.)

$122.3 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$52.89 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 0.2% (2009 est.)

10.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $12,700 (2009 est.)

$12,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9%

industry: 42.9%

services: 48.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 75

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 14%

industry: 34.7%

services: 51.3% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 1.6% (2005)

note: official registered unemployed; large number of underemployed workers

Population below poverty line:

27.1% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 22% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

27.9 (2005) country comparison to the world: 124 21.7 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

36% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 12.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

13.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 30 12% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.68% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 8.55% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.747 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 92 $4.381 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$13.62 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 92 $14.07 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$19.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $17.15 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

grain, potatoes, vegetables, sugar beets, flax; beef, milk

Industries:

metal-cutting machine tools, tractors, trucks, earthmovers, motorcycles, televisions, synthetic fibers, fertilizer, textiles, radios, refrigerators

Industrial production growth rate:

10.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Electricity - production:

29.92 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Electricity - consumption:

30.54 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Electricity - exports:

5.062 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

9.406 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

31,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Oil - consumption:

173,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Oil - exports:

303,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Oil - imports:

444,800 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Oil - proved reserves:

198 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Natural gas - production:

152 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Natural gas - consumption:

17 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 58

Natural gas - imports:

17.6 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.832 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Current account balance:

-$5.062 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 -$6.402 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$24.49 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $21.34 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, mineral products, chemicals, metals, textiles, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Russia 33.6%, Netherlands 13.78%, Ukraine 8.68%, Latvia 6.32%,
Poland 4.19%, Germany 4.17% (2009)

Imports:

$29.79 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $28.31 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral products, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs, metals

Imports - partners:

Russia 56.42%, Germany 8.31%, Ukraine 4.79%, China 4.04% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$5.755 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $4.831 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$24.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $19.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Belarusian rubles (BYB/BYR) per US dollar - 3,019.9 (2010), 2,789.5 (2009), 2,130 (2008), 2,145 (2007), 2,144.6 (2006)

Communications ::Belarus

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.969 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 40

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.686 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 67

Telephone system:

general assessment: Belarus lags behind its neighbors in upgrading telecommunications infrastructure; modernization of the network progressing with roughly two-thirds of switching equipment now digital

domestic: state-owned Beltelcom is the sole provider of fixed-line local and long distance service; fixed-line teledensity is improving although rural areas continue to be underserved; multiple GSM mobile-cellular networks are experiencing rapid growth; mobile-cellular teledensity reached 100 telephones per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 375; Belarus is a member of the Trans-European Line (TEL), Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line, and has access to the Trans-Siberia Line (TSL); 3 fiber-optic segments provide connectivity to Latvia, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine; worldwide service is available to Belarus through this infrastructure; additional analog lines to Russia; Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik earth stations (2008)

Broadcast media:

4 state-controlled national TV channels; Polish and Russian TV broadcasts are available in some areas; state-run Belarusian Radio operates 3 national networks and an external service; Russian and Polish radio broadcasts are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.by

Internet hosts:

147,311 (2010) country comparison to the world: 71

Internet users:

2.643 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 69

Transportation ::Belarus

Airports:

67 (2010) country comparison to the world: 74

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 35

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 22

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 32

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 5,250 km; oil 1,528 km; refined products 1,730 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,537 km country comparison to the world: 32 broad gauge: 5,512 km 1.520-m gauge (874 km electrified)

standard gauge: 25 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 94,797 km country comparison to the world: 49 paved: 84,028 km

unpaved: 10,769 km (2005)

Waterways:

2,500 km (use limited by location on perimeter of country and by shallowness) (2003) country comparison to the world: 36

Ports and terminals:

Mazyr

Military ::Belarus

Military branches:

Belarus Armed Forces: Land Force, Air and Air Defense Force, Special
Operations Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 12-18 months, depending on academic qualifications (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,435,318

females age 16-49: 2,466,762 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,708,634

females age 16-49: 2,043,083 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 55,758

female: 52,572 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Transnational Issues ::Belarus

Disputes - international:

Boundary demarcated with Latvia and Lithuania in 2006; 1997 boundary delimitation treaty with Ukraine remains unratified over unresolved financial claims, preventing demarcation and diminishing border security

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to and via Russia, and to the Baltics and Western Europe; a small and lightly regulated financial center; anti-money-laundering legislation does not meet international standards and was weakened further when know-your-customer requirements were curtailed in 2008; few investigations or prosecutions of money-laundering activities (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Belgium (Europe)

Introduction ::Belgium

Background:

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Geography ::Belgium

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the
Netherlands

Geographic coordinates:

50 50 N, 4 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 30,528 sq km country comparison to the world: 140 land: 30,278 sq km

water: 250 sq km

Area - comparative:

about the size of Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 1,385 km

border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km

Coastline:

66.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit

continental shelf: median line with neighbors

Climate:

temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Terrain:

flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: North Sea 0 m

highest point: Botrange 694 m

Natural resources:

construction materials, silica sand, carbonates

Land use:

arable land: 27.42%

permanent crops: 0.69%

other: 71.89%

note: includes Luxembourg (2005)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

20.8 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 7.44 cu km/yr (13%/85%/1%)

per capita: 714 cu m/yr (1998)

Natural hazards:

flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes

Environment - current issues:

the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) had slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

crossroads of Western Europe; most West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO

People ::Belgium

Population:

10,423,493 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 857,373/female 822,303)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 3,480,072/female 3,419,721)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 760,390/female 1,074,477) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42 years

male: 40.7 years

female: 43.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.082% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Birth rate:

10.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Death rate:

10.5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Net migration rate:

1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Urbanization:

urban population: 97% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 195 male: 4.92 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.37 years country comparison to the world: 37 male: 76.21 years

female: 82.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.65 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

15,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Nationality:

noun: Belgian(s)

adjective: Belgian

Ethnic groups:

Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 75%, other (includes Protestant) 25%

Languages:

Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 36

Government ::Belgium

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium

conventional short form: Belgium

local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie

local short form: Belgique/Belgie

Government type:

federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Brussels

geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 20 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Administrative divisions:

3 regions (French: regions, singular - region; Dutch: gewesten, singular - gewest); Brussels-Capital Region, also known as Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (Dutch), Region de Bruxelles-Capitale (French long form), Bruxelles-Capitale (French short form); Flemish Region (Flanders), also known as Vlaams Gewest (Dutch long form), Vlaanderen (Dutch short form), Region Flamande (French long form), Flandre (French short form); Walloon Region (Wallonia), also known as Region Wallone (French long form), Wallonie (French short form), Waals Gewest (Dutch long form), Wallonie (Dutch short form)

note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities

Independence:

4 October 1830 (a provisional government declared independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I ascended to the throne)

National holiday:

21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King LEOPOLD I

Constitution:

7 February 1831; amended many times; revised 14 July 1993 to create a federal state

Legal system:

based on civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch

head of government: Prime Minister Yves LETERME (since 25 November 2009); note - the king accepted the resignation of LETERME on 26 April 2010; LETERME remains as caretaker

cabinet: Council of Ministers are formally appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch and then approved by parliament

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members directly elected by popular vote, 31 indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 June 2010 (next to be held no later than June 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - N-VA 19.6%, PS 13.6%, CD&V 10%, sp.a 9.5%, MR 9.3%, Open VLD 8.2%, VB 7.6%, Ecolo 5.5%, CDH 5.1% Groen! 3.9%, other 7.7%; seats by party - N-VA 9, PS 7, CD&V 4, sp.a 4, MR 4, Open VLD 4, VB 3, Ecolo 2, CDH 2, Groen! 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - N-VA 17.4%, PS 13.7%, CD&V 10.9%, MR 9.3%, sp.a 9.2%, Open VLD 8.6%, VB 7.8%, CDH 5.5%, Ecolo 4.8%, Groen! 4.4%, List Dedecker 2.3%, the Popular Party 1.3%, other 4.8%; seats by party - N-VA 27, PS 26, CD&V 17, MR 18, sp.a 13, Open VLD 13, VB 12, CDH 9, Ecolo 8, Groen! 5, List Dedecker 1, the Popular Party 1

note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six governments, each with its own legislative assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or Cour de
Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the
government; candidacies have to be submitted by the High Justice
Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Flemish parties: Christian Democratic and Flemish or CDV [Wouter
BEKE]; Dedecker List or LDD [Lode VEREECK]; Flemish Liberals and
Democrats or Open VLD [Alexander DE CROO]; Groen! [Wouter VAN
BESIEN] (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens); New Flemish Alliance or
N-VA [Bart DE WEVER]; Social Progressive Alternative or SP.A
[Caroline GENNEZ]; Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) or VB [Bruno
VALKENIERS]

Francophone parties: Ecolo (Francophone Greens) [Jean-Michel JAVAUX,
Sarah TURINE]; Humanist and Democratic Center or CDH [Joelle
MILQUET]; Popular Party or PP [ Mischael MODRIKAMEN]; Reform
Movement or MR [Didier REYNDERS]; Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI
RUPO]; other minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Christian, Socialist, and Liberal Trade Unions; Federation of
Belgian Industries

other: numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi and groups representing immigrants

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional members), AfDB (nonregional members), Australia
Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO,
FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI
(observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNRWA,
UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jan MATTHYSEN

chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900

FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Howard W. GUTMAN

embassy: 27 Boulevard du Regent [Regentlaan], B-1000 Brussels

mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710

telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111

FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the colors are those of the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion with red claws and tongue on a black field)

National anthem:

name: "La Brabanconne" (The Song of Brabant)

lyrics/music: Louis-Alexandre DECHET[French] Victor CEULEMANS [Dutch]/Francois VAN CAMPENHOUT

note: adopted 1830; Louis-Alexandre DECHET was an actor at the theater in which the revolution against the Netherlands began; according to legend, he wrote the lyrics with a group of young people in a Brussels cafe

Economy ::Belgium

Economy - overview:

This modern, private-enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium imports substantial quantities of raw materials and exports a large volume of manufactures, making its economy vulnerable to volatility in world markets. Roughly three-quarters of Belgium's trade is with other EU countries. In 2009 Belgian GDP contracted by 2.7%, the unemployment rate rose slightly, and the budget deficit worsened because of large-scale bail-outs in the financial sector. Belgium's budget deficit widened to 4.8% of GDP in 2010, while public debt was just over 100% of GDP. Belgian banks have been severely affected by the international financial crisis with three major banks receiving capital injections from the government. An ageing population and rising social expenditures are also increasing pressure on public finances, making it likely the government will need to implement unpopular austerity measures to assuage investor concerns about Belgium's ability to restore fiscal balance.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$394.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $388.7 billion (2009 est.)

$399.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$461.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 -2.7% (2009 est.)

0.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$37,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $37,300 (2009 est.)

$38,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.7%

industry: 22.1%

services: 77.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.02 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2%

industry: 25%

services: 73% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 7.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

15.2% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.4%

highest 10%: 28.4% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28 (2005) country comparison to the world: 121 28.7 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Public debt:

102.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 101% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 0% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 113 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.15% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 7.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$172.9 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 19 $178.7 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$539.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $536.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$801.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $767.1 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$261.4 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 26 $167.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$386.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk

Industries:

engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Electricity - production:

82.17 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Electricity - consumption:

84.88 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Electricity - exports:

6.561 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

17.16 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

11,220 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Oil - consumption:

608,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Oil - exports:

433,700 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Oil - imports:

1.12 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Natural gas - consumption:

16.87 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Natural gas - imports:

16.78 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Current account balance:

-$1.129 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 $1.251 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$279.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $261.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, finished diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Germany 19.58%, France 17.71%, Netherlands 11.84%, UK 7.21%, US 5.37%, Italy 4.77% (2009)

Imports:

$281.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $261.3 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, machinery and equipment, chemicals, raw diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil products

Imports - partners:

Netherlands 17.93%, Germany 17.14%, France 11.69%, Ireland 6.26%, US 5.74%, UK 5.07%, China 4.09% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$23.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.241 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 12 $1.354 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$741.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $705.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$632.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $595.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Belgium

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,255 (2009) country comparison to the world: 215

Telephones - mobile cellular:

12.419 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 55

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities

domestic: nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network

international: country code - 32; landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)

Broadcast media:

a segmented market with the three major communities (Flemish, French, and German-speaking) each having responsibility for their own broadcast media; multiple TV channels exist for each community; additionally, in excess of 90% of households are connected to cable and can access broadcasts of TV stations from neighboring countries; each community has a public radio network co-existing with private broadcasters (2007)

Internet country code:

.be

Internet hosts:

4.465 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 19

Internet users:

8.113 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 36

Transportation ::Belgium

Airports:

43 (2010) country comparison to the world: 99

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 27

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,330 km; oil 158 km; refined products 535 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,233 km country comparison to the world: 54 standard gauge: 3,233 km 1.435-m gauge (2,950 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 152,256 km country comparison to the world: 35 paved: 119,079 km (includes 1,763 km of expressways)

unpaved: 33,177 km (2006)

Waterways:

2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) (2008) country comparison to the world: 44

Merchant marine:

total: 81 country comparison to the world: 55 by type: bulk carrier 21, cargo 8, chemical tanker 5, container 4, liquefied gas 23, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 7

foreign-owned: 13 (Denmark 4, France 5, UK 2, US 2)

registered in other countries: 104 (Bahamas 9, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 2,
France 7, Gibraltar 2, Greece 16, Hong Kong 16, Liberia 1,
Luxembourg 9, Malta 14, Moldova 2, Mozambique 2, North Korea 1,
Panama 2, Portugal 8, Russia 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines 6, Vanuatu 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

cargo ports (tonnage): Antwerp, Gent, Liege, Zeebrugge

container ports (TEUs): Antwerp (8,662,891), Zeebrugge (2,209,715)

Military ::Belgium

Military branches:

Belgian Armed Forces: Land Operations Command, Naval Operations
Command, Air Operations Commands (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription suspended (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,377,191

females age 16-49: 2,309,941 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,949,361

females age 16-49: 1,891,966 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 60,726

female: 57,882 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Transnational Issues ::Belgium

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

growing producer of synthetic drugs and cannabis; transit point for US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe; despite a strengthening of legislation, the country remains vulnerable to money laundering related to narcotics, automobiles, alcohol, and tobacco; significant domestic consumption of ecstasy

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Belize (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Belize

Background:

Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1854. Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border dispute. Guatemala and Belize plan to hold a simultaneous referendum to determine if this dispute will go before the International Court of Justice at The Hague, though they have not yet set a date. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns include the country's heavy foreign debt burden, high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, high crime rates, and increasing incidences of HIV/AIDS.

Geography ::Belize

Location:

Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and
Mexico

Geographic coordinates:

17 15 N, 88 45 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 22,966 sq km country comparison to the world: 151 land: 22,806 sq km

water: 160 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Land boundaries:

total: 516 km

border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km

Coastline:

386 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south; note - from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's territorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for negotiating a definitive agreement on territorial differences with Guatemala

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)

Terrain:

flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Doyle's Delight 1,160 m

Natural resources:

arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 3.05%

permanent crops: 1.39%

other: 95.56% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

18.6 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.15 cu km/yr (7%/73%/20%)

per capita: 556 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean

People ::Belize

Population:

314,522 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.9% (male 59,462/female 57,117)

15-64 years: 58.6% (male 91,298/female 89,170)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 5,185/female 5,667) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.7 years

male: 20.5 years

female: 20.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.102% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Birth rate:

26.84 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Death rate:

5.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 90

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 22.52 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 92 male: 25.22 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.23 years country comparison to the world: 150 male: 66.54 years

female: 70 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.28 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Belizean(s)

adjective: Belizean

Ethnic groups:

mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other 9.7% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Pentecostal 7.4%, Anglican 5.3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Mennonite 4.1%, Methodist 3.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), other 14%, none 9.4% (2000)

Languages:

Spanish 46%, Creole 32.9%, Mayan dialects 8.9%, English 3.9% (official), Garifuna 3.4% (Carib), German 3.3%, other 1.4%, unknown 0.2% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.9%

male: 76.7%

female: 77.1% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 13 years

female: 12 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

5.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 62

Government ::Belize

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Belize

former: British Honduras

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Belmopan

geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 46 W

time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo

Independence:

21 September 1981 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 September (1981)

Constitution:

21 September 1981

Legal system:

English law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17 November 1993)

head of government: Prime Minister Dean Oliver BARROW (since 8 February 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar VEGA (since 12 February 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 seats; members appointed by the governor general - 6 on the advice of the prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 1 each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, and the National Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; to serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives (31 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 6 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - UDP 56.3%, PUP 40.9%; seats by party - UDP 25, PUP 6

Judicial branch:

Summary Jurisdiction Courts (criminal) and District Courts (civil jurisdiction); Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal; Privy Council in the UK; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

National Alliance for Belizean Rights or NABR; National Reform Party or NRP [Cornelius DUECK]; People's National Party or PNP [Wil MAHEIA]; People's United Party or PUP [John BRICENO]; United Democratic Party or UDP [Dean BARROW]; Vision Inspired by the People or VIP [Paul MORGAN]; We the People Reform Movement or WTP [Hipolito BAUTISTA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Society for the Promotion of Education and Research or SPEAR [Nicole
HAYLOCK]; Association of Concerned Belizeans or ACB [David VASQUEZ];
National Trade Union Congress of Belize or NTUC/B [Rene GOMEZ]

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
PetroCaribe, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Nestor MENDEZ

chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vinai THUMMALAPALLY

embassy: Floral Park Road, Belmopan City, Cayo District

mailing address: P.O. Box 497, Belmopan City, Cayo District, Belize

telephone: [501] 822-4011

FAX: [501] 822-4012

Flag description:

blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland of 50 mahogany leaves; the colors are those of the two main political parties: blue for the PUP and red for the UDP; various elements of the coat of arms - the figures, the tools, the mahogany tree, and the garland of leaves - recall the logging industry that led to British settlement of Belize

note: Belize's flag is the only national flag that depicts human beings; two British overseas territories, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, also depict humans

National anthem:

name: "Land of the Free"

lyrics/music: Samuel Alfred HAYNES/Selwyn Walford YOUNG

note: adopted 1981; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Belize

Economy - overview:

In this small, essentially private-enterprise economy, tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner followed by exports of marine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and garments. The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in September 1998, led to sturdy GDP growth averaging nearly 4% in 1999-2007, though growth slipped to 3.8% in 2008, 0% in 2009, and 1.5% in 2010 as a result of the global slowdown, natural disasters, and the drop in the price of oil. Oil discoveries in 2006 bolstered economic growth. Exploration efforts continue and production increased a small amount in 2009. Major concerns continue to be the sizable trade deficit and heavy foreign debt burden. In February 2007, the government restructured nearly all of its public external commercial debt, which helped reduce interest payments and relieved some of the country's liquidity concerns. A key objective remains the reduction of poverty and inequality with the help of international donors.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.652 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 $2.613 billion (2009 est.)

$2.613 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.431 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 0% (2009 est.)

3.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $8,500 (2009 est.)

$8,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 29%

industry: 16.9%

services: 54.1% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

120,500 country comparison to the world: 179 note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (2008 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10.2%

industry: 18.1%

services: 71.7% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

13.1% (2009) country comparison to the world: 137 8.2% (2008)

Population below poverty line:

33.5% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

26.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 -1.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

12% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 31 12% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.08% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 14.14% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$389.5 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 161 $336.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.351 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $1.084 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.291 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 $1.036 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

bananas, cacao, citrus, sugar; fish, cultured shrimp; lumber

Industries:

garment production, food processing, tourism, construction, oil

Industrial production growth rate:

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Electricity - production:

213.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Electricity - consumption:

198.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

248.4 million kWh (2005)

Oil - production:

3,990 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Oil - consumption:

7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - exports:

2,260 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Oil - imports:

7,204 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Oil - proved reserves:

6.7 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Current account balance:

-$151 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 -$93.3 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$404 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 $381.9 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood, crude oil

Exports - partners:

US 30.7%, UK 29.77%, Nigeria 4.9%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.45% (2009)

Imports:

$740 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 $620.5 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods; fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; food, beverages, tobacco

Imports - partners:

US 33.65%, Mexico 14.17%, Cuba 8.51%, Guatemala 6.75%, Spain 6.07%,
China 4.12% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$219 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $213.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.01 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $954.1 million (2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

Belizean dollars (BZD) per US dollar - 2 (2010), 2 (2009), 2 (2008), 2 (2007), 2 (2006)

Communications ::Belize

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 178

Telephones - mobile cellular:

161,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 175

Telephone system:

general assessment: above-average system; trunk network depends primarily on microwave radio relay

domestic: fixed-line teledensity of 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 55 per 100 persons

international: country code - 501; landing point for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber-optic telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth station - 8 (Intelsat - 2, unknown - 6) (2008)

Broadcast media:

8 privately-owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV provides access to foreign stations; about 25 radio stations broadcasting on roughly 50 different frequencies; state-run radio was privatized in 1998 (2007)

Internet country code:

.bz

Internet hosts:

2,880 (2010) country comparison to the world: 147

Internet users:

36,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 177

Transportation ::Belize

Airports:

45 (2010) country comparison to the world: 96

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 41

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 3,007 km country comparison to the world: 165 paved: 575 km

unpaved: 2,432 km (2006)

Waterways:

825 km (navigable only by small craft) (2010) country comparison to the world: 71

Merchant marine:

total: 231 country comparison to the world: 33 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 37, cargo 146, chemical tanker 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 7, refrigerated cargo 27, roll on/roll off 10

foreign-owned: 171 (Chile 1, China 64, Croatia 1, Cyprus 1, Estonia 1, Germany 1, Greece 2, Iceland 2, Italy 3, Japan 1, Latvia 10, Lithuania 2, Netherlands 1, Nigeria 2, Norway 3, Peru 1, Russia 32, Singapore 7, Spain 1, Syria 2, Turkey 18, UAE 5, UK 4, Ukraine 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Belize City, Big Creek

Military ::Belize

Military branches:

Belize Defense Force (BDF): Army, BDF Air Wing (includes Special
Boat Unit), BDF Volunteer Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient; conscription has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available positions by 3:1 (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 79,088

females age 16-49: 77,147 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 57,759

females age 16-49: 55,903 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 3,678

female: 3,543 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 107

Transnational Issues ::Belize

Disputes - international:

OAS-initiated Agreement on the Framework for Negotiations and Confidence Building Measures saw cooperation in repatriation of Guatemalan squatters and other areas, but Guatemalan land and maritime claims in Belize and the Caribbean Sea remain unresolved; the Line of Adjacency created under the 2002 Differendum serves in lieu of the contiguous international boundary to control squatting in the sparsely inhabited rain forests of Belize's border region; Honduras claims Belizean-administered Sapodilla Cays in its constitution but agreed to a joint ecological park under the Differendum

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Belize is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; the most common form of trafficking in Belize is the internal sex trafficking of minors; some Central American men, women, and children, particularly from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, migrate voluntarily to Belize in search of work but are subsequently subjected to conditions of forced labor or forced prostitution

tier rating: Belize is placed on Tier 2 Watch List because it does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; despite efforts to raise public awareness of human trafficking and provide protection services for trafficking victims, the government did not show evidence of progress in convicting and sentencing trafficking offenders last year (2009)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer of cannabis, primarily for local consumption; offshore sector money-laundering activity related to narcotics trafficking and other crimes (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Benin (Africa)

Introduction ::Benin

Background:

Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960, as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were alleged. KEREKOU stepped down at the end of his second term in 2006 and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and independent. YAYI has begun a high profile fight against corruption and has strongly promoted accelerating Benin's economic growth.

Geography ::Benin

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and
Togo

Geographic coordinates:

9 30 N, 2 15 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 112,622 sq km country comparison to the world: 101 land: 110,622 sq km

water: 2,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total: 1,989 km

border countries: Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km

Coastline:

121 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m

Natural resources:

small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber

Land use:

arable land: 23.53%

permanent crops: 2.37%

other: 74.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

120 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

25.8 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.13 cu km/yr (32%/23%/45%)

per capita: 15 cu m/yr (2001)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from December to March

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural harbors, river mouths, or islands

People ::Benin

Population:

9,056,010 country comparison to the world: 90 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45.2% (male 2,028,493/female 1,948,353)

15-64 years: 52.1% (male 2,275,662/female 2,308,945)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 94,569/female 135,810) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.3 years

male: 16.9 years

female: 17.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.944% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Birth rate:

38.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Death rate:

9.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Urbanization:

urban population: 41% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 63.13 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 30 male: 66.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 59.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 59.42 years country comparison to the world: 188 male: 58.21 years

female: 60.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.4 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

64,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Beninese (singular and plural)

adjective: Beninese

Ethnic groups:

Fon and related 39.2%, Adja and related 15.2%, Yoruba and related 12.3%, Bariba and related 9.2%, Peulh and related 7%, Ottamari and related 6.1%, Yoa-Lokpa and related 4%, Dendi and related 2.5%, other 1.6% (includes Europeans), unspecified 2.9% (2002 census)

Religions:

Christian 42.8% (Catholic 27.1%, Celestial 5%, Methodist 3.2%, other Protestant 2.2%, other 5.3%), Muslim 24.4%, Vodoun 17.3%, other 15.5% (2002 census)

Languages:

French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 34.7%

male: 47.9%

female: 23.3% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 10 years

female: 6 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

3.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 130

Government ::Benin

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Benin

conventional short form: Benin

local long form: Republique du Benin

local short form: Benin

former: Dahomey

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Porto-Novo (official capital)

geographic coordinates: 6 29 N, 2 37 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Cotonou (seat of government)

Administrative divisions:

12 departments; Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou

Independence:

1 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

National Day, 1 August (1960)

Constitution:

adopted by referendum 2 December 1990

Legal system:

based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); runoff election held on 19 March 2006 (next to be held in March 2011)

election results: Thomas YAYI Boni elected president; percent of vote - Thomas YAYI Boni 74.5%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI 25.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 31 March 2007 (next to be held by March 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FCBE 35, ADD 20, PRD 10, other and independents 18

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle; Supreme Court or
Cour Supreme; High Court of Justice

Political parties and leaders:

African Movement for Democracy and Progress or MADEP [Sefou
FAGBOHOUN]; Alliance for Dynamic Democracy or ADD; Alliance of
Progress Forces or AFP; Benin Renaissance or RB [Rosine SOGLO];
Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI]; Force Cowrie
for an Emerging Benin or FCBE; Impulse for Progress and Democracy or
IPD [Theophile NATA]; Key Force or FC [Lazare SEHOUETO]; Movement
for the People's Alternative or MAP [Olivier CAPO-CHICHI]; Rally for
Democracy and Progress or RDP [Dominique HOUNGNINOU]; Social
Democrat Party or PSD [Bruno AMOUSSOU]; Union for Democracy and
National Solidarity or UDS [Sacca LAFIA]; Union for the Relief or
UPR [Issa SALIFOU]

note: approximately 20 additional minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: economic groups; environmentalists; political groups; teachers' unions and other educational groups

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO,
NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Cyrille Segbe OGUIN

chancery: 2124 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James A. KNIGHT

embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou

mailing address: 01 B. P. 2012, Cotonou

telephone: [229] 21-30-06-50

FAX: [229] 21-30-03-84

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red (bottom) with a vertical green band on the hoist side; green symbolizes hope and revival, yellow wealth, and red courage

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "L'Aube Nouvelle" (The Dawn of a New Day)

lyrics/music: Gilbert Jean DAGNON

note: adopted 1960

Economy ::Benin

Economy - overview:

The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Growth in real output had averaged about 4% before the global recession, but fell to 2.5% in 2009 and 3% in 2010. Inflation has subsided over the past several years. In order to raise growth, Benin plans to attract more foreign investment, place more emphasis on tourism, facilitate the development of new food processing systems and agricultural products, and encourage new information and communication technology. Specific projects to improve the business climate by reforms to the land tenure system, the commercial justice system, and the financial sector were included in Benin's $307 million Millennium Challenge Account grant signed in February 2006. The 2001 privatization policy continues in telecommunications, water, electricity, and agriculture. As result of these reforms, Benin has become the most competitive country in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, according to the World Economic Forum. The Paris Club and bilateral creditors have eased the external debt situation, with Benin benefiting from a G-8 debt reduction announced in July 2005, while pressing for more rapid structural reforms. An insufficient electrical supply continues to adversely affect Benin's economic growth though the government recently has taken steps to increase domestic power production.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $13.79 billion (2009 est.)

$13.42 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.494 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 2.7% (2009 est.)

5.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198 $1,600 (2009 est.)

$1,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 33.2%

industry: 14.5%

services: 52.3% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

3.662 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

37.4% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.1%

highest 10%: 29% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.5 (2003) country comparison to the world: 82

Investment (gross fixed):

18.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 2.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 91 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.551 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 125 $1.619 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.424 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 $2.517 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.222 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 $1.269 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, corn, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts, cashews; livestock

Industries:

textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Electricity - production:

124 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Electricity - consumption:

597 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

588 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Oil - consumption:

23,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Oil - exports:

8,770 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Oil - imports:

28,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Oil - proved reserves:

8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.133 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Current account balance:

-$582 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 -$644 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.125 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $994 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, cashews, shea butter, textiles, palm products, seafood

Exports - partners:

India 19.72%, China 13.18%, Niger 6.94%, Nigeria 6.56%, Indonesia 5.73%, Togo 5.63%, Namibia 4.17% (2009)

Imports:

$1.812 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $1.703 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

China 35.62%, US 7.51%, France 7.38%, Thailand 6.71%, Malaysia 6.13%, Netherlands 4.83%, Belgium 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.254 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $1.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.894 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $986.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Benin

Telephones - main lines in use:

127,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 141

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.033 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 94

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate system of open-wire, microwave radio relay, and cellular connections; fixed-line network characterized by aging, deteriorating equipment

domestic: fixed-line teledensity only about 2 per 100 persons; spurred by the presence of multiple mobile-cellular providers, cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly

international: country code - 229; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; long distance fiber-optic links with Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat-Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

state-run Office de Radiodiffusion et de Television du Benin (ORTB) operates a TV station with multiple channels giving it a wide broadcast reach; several privately-owned TV stations broadcast from Cotonou; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio, under ORTB control, includes a national station supplemented by a number of regional stations; substantial number of privately-owned radio broadcast stations; transmissions of a few international broadcasters are available on FM in Cotonou (2007)

Internet country code:

.bj

Internet hosts:

1,286 (2010) country comparison to the world: 165

Internet users:

200,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 139

Transportation ::Benin

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 180

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

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

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Railways:

total: 578 km country comparison to the world: 112 narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 16,000 km country comparison to the world: 120 paved: 1,400 km

unpaved: 14,600 km (2006)

Waterways:

150 km (on River Niger along northern border) (2007) country comparison to the world: 102

Ports and terminals:

Cotonou

Military ::Benin

Military branches:

Benin Armed Forces (FAB): Army (l'Arme de Terre), Benin Navy (Forces
Navales Beninois, FNB), Benin People's Air Force (Force Aerienne
Populaire de Benin, FAPB) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

21 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; in practice, volunteers may be taken at the age of 18; both sexes are eligible for military service; conscript tour of duty - 18 months (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,023,449

females age 16-49: 1,971,788 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,331,242

females age 16-49: 1,345,145 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 105,468

female: 101,603 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 129

Transnational Issues ::Benin

Disputes - international:

in September 2007, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intervened to attempt to resolve the dispute over two villages along the Benin-Burkina Faso border that remain from 2005 ICJ decision; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with Nigeria, remains undemarcated; in 2005, Nigeria ceded thirteen villages to Benin, but border relations remain strained by rival cross-border gang clashes; talks continue between Benin and Togo on funding the Adjrala hydroelectric dam on the Mona River

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 9,444 (Togo) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point used by traffickers for cocaine destined for Western Europe; vulnerable to money laundering due to poorly enforced financial regulations (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Bermuda (North America)

Introduction ::Bermuda

Background:

Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important to the island's economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. Although a referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995, the present government has reopened debate on the issue.

Geography ::Bermuda

Location:

North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of
South Carolina (US)

Geographic coordinates:

32 20 N, 64 45 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 54 sq km country comparison to the world: 231 land: 54 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one-third the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

103 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter

Terrain:

low hills separated by fertile depressions

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Town Hill 76 m

Natural resources:

limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism

Land use:

arable land: 20%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 80% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (June to November)

Environment - current issues:

sustainable development

Geography - note:

consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by the US Government from 1941 to 1995

People ::Bermuda

Population:

68,265 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 6,271/female 6,163)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 22,555/female 23,215)

65 years and over: 14.2% (male 3,979/female 5,654) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.6 years

male: 40.2 years

female: 43.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.62% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Birth rate:

11.47 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Death rate:

7.43 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Net migration rate:

2.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.018 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 2.46 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 221 male: 2.57 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.6 years country comparison to the world: 19 male: 77.37 years

female: 83.88 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.98 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2005) country comparison to the world: 90

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

163 (2005) country comparison to the world: 161

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

392 (2005) country comparison to the world: 100

Nationality:

noun: Bermudian(s)

adjective: Bermudian

Ethnic groups:

black 54.8%, white 34.1%, mixed 6.4%, other races 4.3%, unspecified 0.4% (2000 census)

Religions:

Anglican 23%, Roman Catholic 15%, African Methodist Episcopal 11%, other Protestant 18%, other 12%, unaffiliated 6%, unspecified 1%, none 14% (2000 census)

Languages:

English (official), Portuguese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 99% (2005 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 180

Government ::Bermuda

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Bermuda

former: Somers Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

parliamentary; self-governing territory

Capital:

name: Hamilton

geographic coordinates: 32 17 N, 64 47 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smith's, Southampton, Warwick

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Bermuda Day, 24 May

Constitution:

8 June 1968; amended 1989 and 2003

Legal system:

English law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Sir Richard GOZNEY (since 12 December 2007)

head of government: Premier Paula COX (since 29 October 2010); Deputy Premier Derrick BURGESS

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed premier by the governor

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats; members appointed by the governor, the premier, and the opposition) and the House of Assembly (36 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve up to five-year terms)

elections: last general election held on 18 December 2007 (next to be held not later than 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 52.5%, UBP 47.3%; seats by party - PLP 22, UBP 14

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Progressive Labor Party or PLP [Ewart BROWN]; United Bermuda Party or UBP [Kim SWAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Bermuda Employer's Union [Eddie SAINTS]; Bermuda Industrial Union or
BIU [Derrick BURGESS]; Bermuda Public Services Union or BPSU [Ed
BALL]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES]

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC, UPU, WCO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Consul General Grace W. SHELTON

consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3

mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, US Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place, Washington, DC 20520-5300

telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342

FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592, 296-9233

Flag description:

red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (a white shield with a red lion standing on a green grassy field holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag; it was the shipwreck of the vessel, filled with English colonists originally bound for Virginia, that led to settling of Bermuda

note: the flag is unusual in that it is only British overseas territory that uses a red ensign, all others use blue

National anthem:

name: "Hail to Bermuda"

lyrics/music: Bette JOHNS

note: serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Bermuda

Economy - overview:

Bermuda enjoys the third highest per capita income in the world, more than 50% higher than that of the US; the average cost of a house by the mid-2000s exceeded $1,000,000. Its economy is primarily based on providing financial services for international business and luxury facilities for tourists. A number of reinsurance companies relocated to the island following the 11 September 2001 attacks and again after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 contributing to the expansion of an already robust international business sector. Bermuda's tourism industry - which derives over 80% of its visitors from the US - continues to struggle but remains the island's number two industry. Most capital equipment and food must be imported. Bermuda's industrial sector is largely focused on construction and agriculture is limited, with only 20% of the land being arable.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.5 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

4.6% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$69,900 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 10%

services: 89% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

38,360 (2004) country comparison to the world: 200

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture and fishing: 3%

laborers: 17%

clerical: 19%

professional and technical: 21%

administrative and managerial: 15%

sales: 7%

services: 19% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.1% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Population below poverty line:

19% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.8% (November 2005) country comparison to the world: 86

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.36 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 95 $1.912 billion (31 December 2008)

$2.731 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products, honey

Industries:

international business, tourism, light manufacturing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

675.6 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Electricity - consumption:

628.3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Oil - imports:

4,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Natural gas - consumption:

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

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Exports:

$763 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 160

Exports - commodities:

reexports of pharmaceuticals

Exports - partners:

Spain 16.91%, India 10.15%, Brazil 9.55%, Germany 7.4% (2009)

Imports:

$1.162 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 168

Imports - commodities:

clothing, fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, chemicals, food and live animals

Imports - partners:

US 31.2%, South Korea 26.71%, Brazil 6.77%, Ireland 6.11%, Singapore 5.35% (2009)

Debt - external:

$160 million (FY99/00) country comparison to the world: 177

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Bermudian dollars (BMD) per US dollar - 1.0000 (fixed rate pegged to the US dollar)

Communications ::Bermuda

Telephones - main lines in use:

57,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 157

Telephones - mobile cellular:

85,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 187

Telephone system:

general assessment: good

domestic: fully automatic digital telephone system; fiber optic trunk lines

international: country code - 1-441; landing points for the GlobeNet, Gemini Bermuda, and the Challenger Bermuda-1 (CB-1)submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 (2007)

Broadcast media:

3 television stations; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; roughly 10 radio stations operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.bm

Internet hosts:

19,855 (2010) country comparison to the world: 112

Internet users:

54,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 172

Transportation ::Bermuda

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 236

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 447 km country comparison to the world: 196 paved: 447 km

note: public roads - 225 km; private roads - 222 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 139 country comparison to the world: 43 by type: bulk carrier 22, chemical tanker 3, container 15, liquefied gas 38, passenger 26, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 9

foreign-owned: 114 (China 13, France 1, Germany 15, Greece 2, Hong Kong 5, Ireland 2, Israel 3, Japan 2, Monaco 2, Nigeria 11, Norway 5, Sweden 17, UK 11, US 25)

registered in other countries: 180 (Bahamas 12, Cyprus 1, Greece 3, Hong Kong 12, Isle of Man 7, Liberia 4, Malta 8, Marshall Islands 34, Norway 5, Panama 15, Philippines 43, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Singapore 21, UK 9, US 5) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Hamilton, Ireland Island, Saint George

Military ::Bermuda

Military branches:

Bermuda Regiment (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary or compulsory enlistment in the Bermuda Regiment; males must register at age 18; term of service is 38 months (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,217 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,405

females age 16-49: 12,327 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 436

female: 397 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.11% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Bermuda

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Bhutan (South Asia)

Introduction ::Bhutan

Background:

In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land to British India. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. A refugee issue of over 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved; 90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the government's draft constitution - which would introduce major democratic reforms - and pledged to hold a national referendum for its approval. In December 2006, the King abdicated the throne to his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK, in order to give him experience as head of state before the democratic transition. In early 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty to allow Bhutan greater autonomy in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate policy decisions in this area with New Delhi. In July 2007, seven ministers of Bhutan's ten-member cabinet resigned to join the political process, and the cabinet acted as a caretaker regime until democratic elections for seats to the country's first parliament were completed in March 2008. The king ratified the country's first constitution in July 2008.

Geography ::Bhutan

Location:

Southern Asia, between China and India

Geographic coordinates:

27 30 N, 90 30 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 38,394 sq km country comparison to the world: 136 land: 38,394 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one-half the size of Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 1,075 km

border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas

Terrain:

mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Drangeme Chhu 97 m

highest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate

Land use:

arable land: 2.3%

permanent crops: 0.43%

other: 97.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

95 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.43 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%)

per capita: 199 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion; limited access to potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes

People ::Bhutan

Population:

699,847 country comparison to the world: 164 note: the Factbook population estimate is consistent with the first modern census of Bhutan, conducted in 2005; previous Factbook population estimates for this country, which were on the order of three times the total population reported here, were based on Bhutanese government publications that did not include the census (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.2% (male 106,410/female 102,164)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 235,988/female 208,484)

65 years and over: 5.5% (male 20,169/female 17,926) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.3 years

male: 25 years

female: 23.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.236% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Birth rate:

19.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Death rate:

7.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 88

Urbanization:

urban population: 35% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.12 male(s)/female

total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 46.92 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 55 male: 47.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 45.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.71 years country comparison to the world: 158 male: 65.89 years

female: 67.57 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.29 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Bhutanese

Ethnic groups:

Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several
Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%

Religions:

Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%

Languages:

Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 47%

male: 60%

female: 34% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 12 years

female: 11 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.1% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 63

Government ::Bhutan

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan

conventional short form: Bhutan

local long form: Druk Gyalkhap

local short form: Druk Yul

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Thimphu

geographic coordinates: 27 29 N, 89 36 E

time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha,
Chirang, Daga, Gasa, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro,
Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang,
Tashi Yangtse, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang

Independence:

1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary king)

National holiday:

National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17
December (1907)

Constitution:

ratified 18 July 2008

Legal system:

based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14 December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated the throne on 14 December 2006 and his son immediately succeeded him; the nearly two-year delay between the former King's abdication and his son's coronation on 6 November 2008 was to ensure an astrologically auspicious coronation date and to give the new king, who had limited experience, deeper administrative expertise under the guidance of this father

head of government: Prime Minister Jigme THINLEY (since 9 April 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the monarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed, five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde); members are nominated by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary, but democratic reforms in July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds vote; election of a new National Assembly occurred in March 2008; the leader of the majority party nominated as the prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the non-partisan National Council (25 seats; 20 members elected by each of the 20 electoral districts (dzongkhags) for four-year terms and 5 members nominated by the King); and the National Assembly (47 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote for five-year terms)

elections: National Council elections last held on 31 December 2007 and 29 January 2008 (next to be held by December 2012); National Assembly elections last held on 24 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2013)

election results: National Council - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - DPT 67%, PDP 33%; seats by party - DPT 45, PDP 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed by the monarch); note - the draft constitution establishes a Supreme Court that will serve as chief court of appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) or DPT
[Jigme THINLEY]; People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tshering TOBGAY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

United Front for Democracy (exiled); Druk National Congress (exiled)

other: Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community

International organization participation:

ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, NAM,
OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; note - the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has consular jurisdiction in the US; the permanent representative to the UN is Daw PENJO; address: 763 First Avenue, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 682-2268; FAX [1] (212) 661-0551

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India)

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side; the dragon, called the Druk (Thunder Dragon), is the emblem of the nation; its white color stands for purity and the jewels in its claws symbolize wealth; the background colors represent spiritual and secular powers within Bhutan: the orange is associated with Bhuddism, while the yellow denotes the ruling dynasty

National anthem:

name: "Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom)

lyrics/music: Gyaldun Dasho Thinley DORJI/Aku TONGMI

note: adopted 1953

Economy ::Bhutan

Economy - overview:

The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 60% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Complicated controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Hydropower exports to India have boosted Bhutan's overall growth. New hydropower projects will be the driving force behind Bhutan's ability to create employment and sustain growth in the coming years.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.526 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $3.301 billion (2009 est.)

$3.123 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.397 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 5.7% (2009 est.)

2.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $4,800 (2009 est.)

$4,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17.6%

industry: 45%

services: 37.4% (2006)

Labor force:

299,900 country comparison to the world: 164 note: major shortage of skilled labor (2008)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 63%

industry: 6%

services: 31% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4% (2009) country comparison to the world: 36 2.5% (2004)

Population below poverty line:

23.2% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 37.6% (2003)

Public debt:

57.8% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 40 81.4% of GDP (2004)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 4.9% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$335 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 164 $381.1 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$647.6 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$169.9 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs

Industries:

cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.48 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Electricity - consumption:

184 million kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Electricity - exports:

1.296 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Oil - imports:

1,250 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Current account balance:

$164 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $116 million (2007 est.)

Exports:

$513 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 166 $350 million (2006)

Exports - commodities:

electricity (to India), ferrosilicon, cement, calcium carbide, copper wire, manganese, vegetable oil

Exports - partners:

India 86.3%, Bangladesh 8.1%, Italy 1.5% (2008)

Imports:

$533 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 187 $320 million (2006)

Imports - commodities:

fuel and lubricants, passenger cars, machinery and parts, fabrics, rice (2008)

Imports - partners:

India 63%, Japan 12.3%, China 5.1% (2008)

Debt - external:

$836 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 152 $713.3 million (2006)

Exchange rates:

ngultrum (BTN) per US dollar - 46.6 (2009), 41.487 (2007), 45.279 (2006), 44.101 (2005), 45.317 (2004)

note: the ngultrum is pegged to the Indian rupee

Communications ::Bhutan

Telephones - main lines in use:

26,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 182

Telephones - mobile cellular:

327,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 169

Telephone system:

general assessment: urban towns and district headquarters have telecommunications services

domestic: low teledensity; domestic service is poor especially in rural areas; mobile-cellular service available since 2003

international: country code - 975; international telephone and telegraph service via landline and microwave relay through India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned TV station established in 1999; cable TV service offers dozens of Indian and other international channels; first radio station, privately launched in 1973, is now state-owned; 1 private radio station began operations in 2006 (2007)

Internet country code:

.bt

Internet hosts:

9,147 (2010) country comparison to the world: 125

Internet users:

50,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

Transportation ::Bhutan

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 196

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

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

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 8,050 km country comparison to the world: 141 paved: 4,991 km

unpaved: 3,059 km (2003)

Military ::Bhutan

Military branches:

Royal Bhutan Army (includes Royal Bodyguard and Royal Bhutan Police) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 198,553

females age 16-49: 176,226 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 153,985

females age 16-49: 140,437 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 7,432

female: 7,153 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Transnational Issues ::Bhutan

Disputes - international:

Bhutan cooperates with India to expel Indian Nagaland separatists; lacking any treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve territorial disputes arising from substantial cartographic discrepancies, the largest of which lie in Bhutan's northwest and along the Chumbi salient

page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Bolivia (South America)

Introduction ::Bolivia

Background:

Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and countercoups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005, Bolivians elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo MORALES president - by the widest margin of any leader since the restoration of civilian rule in 1982 - after he ran on a promise to change the country's traditional political class and empower the nation's poor, indigenous majority. However, since taking office, his controversial strategies have exacerbated racial and economic tensions between the Amerindian populations of the Andean west and the non-indigenous communities of the eastern lowlands. In December 2009, President MORALES easily won reelection, and his party took control of the legislative branch of the government, which will allow him to continue his process of change.

Geography ::Bolivia

Location:

Central South America, southwest of Brazil

Geographic coordinates:

17 00 S, 65 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 1,098,581 sq km country comparison to the world: 28 land: 1,083,301 sq km

water: 15,280 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 6,940 km

border countries: Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,423 km, Chile 860 km, Paraguay 750 km, Peru 1,075 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

Terrain:

rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m

highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m

Natural resources:

tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.78%

permanent crops: 0.19%

other: 97.03% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,320 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

622.5 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.44 cu km/yr (13%/7%/81%)

per capita: 157 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

flooding in the northeast (March-April)

volcanism: Bolivia experiences volcanic activity in Andes Mountains on the border with Chile; historically active volcanoes in this region are Irruputuncu (elev. 5,163 m, 16,939 ft), which last erupted in 1995 and Olca-Paruma

Environment - current issues:

the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification; loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used for drinking and irrigation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru

People ::Bolivia

Population:

9,947,418 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.5% (male 1,767,310/female 1,701,744)

15-64 years: 60% (male 2,877,605/female 2,992,043)

65 years and over: 4.5% (male 193,196/female 243,348) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.2 years

male: 21.5 years

female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.72% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Birth rate:

25.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Death rate:

6.95 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Net migration rate:

-1.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Urbanization:

urban population: 66% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

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

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 43.41 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 63 male: 47.26 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 39.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.23 years country comparison to the world: 155 male: 64.52 years

female: 70.07 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.07 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Bolivian(s)

adjective: Bolivian

Ethnic groups:

Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 30%,
Aymara 25%, white 15%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist) 5%

Languages:

Spanish 60.7% (official), Quechua 21.2% (official), Aymara 14.6% (official), foreign languages 2.4%, other 1.2% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.7%

male: 93.1%

female: 80.7% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

6.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 31

Government ::Bolivia

Country name:

conventional long form: Plurinational State of Bolivia

conventional short form: Bolivia

local long form: Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia

local short form: Bolivia

Government type:

republic; note - the new constitution defines Bolivia as a "Social Unitarian State"

Capital:

name: La Paz (administrative capital)

geographic coordinates: 16 30 S, 68 09 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Sucre (constitutional capital)

Administrative divisions:

9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Beni, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija

Independence:

6 August 1825 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 August (1825)

Constitution:

7 February 2009

Legal system:

based on Spanish law and Napoleonic Code; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; the 2009 Constitution incorporates indigenous community justice into Bolivia's judicial system

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal and compulsory (married); 21 years of age, universal and compulsory (single)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22 January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January 2006); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22 January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January 2006)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a five-year term and are eligible for a single re-election; election last held on 6 December 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Juan Evo MORALES Ayma reelected president; percent of vote - Juan Evo MORALES Ayma 64%; Manfred REYES VILLA 26%; Samuel DORIA MEDINA Arana 6%; Rene JOAQUINO 2%; other 2%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Plurinational Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa Plurinacional consists of Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (36 seats; members are elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms) and Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (130 seats total; 70 uninominal deputies directly elected from a single district, 7 "special" indigenous deputies directly elected from non-contiguous indigenous districts, and 53 plurinominal deputies elected by proportional representation from party lists; all deputies serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Senators and Chamber of Deputies - last held on 6 December 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MAS 26, PPB-CN 10; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MAS 89, PPB-CN 36, UN 3, AS 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges elected by popular vote from list of candidates pre-selected by Assembly for six-year terms); District Courts (one in each department); Plurinational Constitutional Court (five primary or titulares and five alternate or suplente magistrates elected by popular vote from list of candidates pre-selected by Assembly for six-year terms; to rule on constitutional issues); Plurinational Electoral Organ (seven members elected by the Assembly and the president; one member must be of indigenous origin to six-year terms); Agro-Environmental Court (judges elected by popular vote from list of candidates pre-selected by Assembly for six-year terms; to run on agro-environmental issues); provincial and local courts (to try minor cases)

Political parties and leaders:

Bolivia-National Convergence or PPB-CN [Manfred REYES VILLA];
Fearless Movement or MSM [Juan DE GRANADO Cosio]; Movement Toward
Socialism or MAS [Juan Evo MORALES Ayma]; National Unity or UN
[Samuel DORIA MEDINA Arana]; People or Gente [Roman LOAYZA]; Social
Alliance or AS [Rene JOAQUINO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Bolivian Workers Central or COR; Federation of Neighborhood Councils of El Alto or FEJUVE; Landless Movement or MST; National Coordinator for Change or CONALCAM; Sole Confederation of Campesino Workers of Bolivia or CSUTCB

other: Cocalero groups; indigenous organizations (including Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of Eastern Bolivia or CIDOB and National Council of Ayullus and Markas of Quollasuyu or CONAMAQ); labor unions (including the Central Bolivian Workers' Union or COB and Cooperative Miners Federation or FENCOMIN)

International organization participation:

CAN, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Erika Angela DUENAS Loayza

chancery: 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-4410

FAX: [1] (202) 328-3712

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

note: as of September 2008, the US has expelled the Bolivian ambassador to the US

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires John CREAMER

embassy: Avenida Arce 2780, Casilla 425, La Paz

mailing address: P. O. Box 425, La Paz; APO AA 34032

telephone: [591] (2) 216-8000

FAX: [591] (2) 216-8111

note: in September 2008, the Bolivian Government expelled the US Ambassador to Bolivia, and the countries have yet to reinstate ambassadors

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; red stands for bravery and the blood of national heroes, yellow for the nation's mineral resources, and green for the fertility of the land

note: similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; in 2009, a presidential decree made it mandatory for a so-called wiphala - a square, multi-colored flag representing the country's indigenous peoples - to be used alongside the traditional flag

National anthem:

name: "Cancion Patriotica" (Patriotic Song)

lyrics/music: Jose Ignacio de SANJINES/Leopoldo Benedetto VINCENTI

note: adopted 1852

Economy ::Bolivia

Economy - overview:

Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in Latin America. Following a disastrous economic crisis during the early 1980s, reforms spurred private investment, stimulated economic growth, and cut poverty rates in the 1990s. The period 2003-05 was characterized by political instability, racial tensions, and violent protests against plans - subsequently abandoned - to export Bolivia's newly discovered natural gas reserves to large northern hemisphere markets. In 2005, the government passed a controversial hydrocarbons law that imposed significantly higher royalties and required foreign firms then operating under risk-sharing contracts to surrender all production to the state energy company in exchange for a predetermined service fee. After higher prices for mining and hydrocarbons exports produced a fiscal surplus in 2008, the global recession in 2009 slowed growth. A decline in commodity prices that began in late 2008, a lack of foreign investment in the mining and hydrocarbon sectors, a poor infrastructure, and the suspension of trade benefits with the United States will pose challenges for the Bolivian economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$47.98 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $46.22 billion (2009 est.)

$44.7 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$19.18 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 3.4% (2009 est.)

6.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $4,700 (2009 est.)

$4,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11%

industry: 38%

services: 51% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.614 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 40%

industry: 17%

services: 43% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 7.7% (2009 est.)

note: data are for urban areas; widespread underemployment

Population below poverty line:

30.3% of population living on less than $2/day (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.5%

highest 10%: 44.1% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

58.2 (2009) country comparison to the world: 9 44.7 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Public debt:

40.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 40.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 3.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 October 2010) country comparison to the world: 26 13% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10% (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 12.36% (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.374 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 97 $3.524 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$12.16 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 95 $11.04 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$8.314 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $7.233 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.792 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 90 $2.672 billion (31 December 2008)

$2.263 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes; timber

Industries:

mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Electricity - production:

5.495 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Electricity - consumption:

4.665 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

47,050 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Oil - consumption:

59,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Oil - exports:

10,950 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Oil - imports:

6,172 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Oil - proved reserves:

465 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Natural gas - production:

14.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Natural gas - consumption:

2.41 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - exports:

11.79 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - proved reserves:

750.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Current account balance:

$878 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $800.7 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$6.058 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $4.848 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

natural gas, soybeans and soy products, crude petroleum, zinc ore, tin

Exports - partners:

Brazil 41.38%, US 13.87%, Japan 5.62%, Colombia 5.32%, South Korea 4.7%, Peru 4.16% (2009)

Imports:

$5.006 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $4.095 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, plastics, paper, aircraft and aircraft parts, prepared foods, automobiles, insecticides, soybeans

Imports - partners:

Brazil 27.12%, Argentina 15.69%, US 12.77%, Chile 9.11%, Peru 6.85% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$8.739 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $8.581 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$6.13 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $5.653 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$5.998 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$63.8 million (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

bolivianos (BOB) per US dollar - 7.0699 (2010), 7.07 (2009), 7.253 (2008), 7.8616 (2007), 8.0159 (2006)

Communications ::Bolivia

Telephones - main lines in use:

810,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 87

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.148 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 81

Telephone system:

general assessment: privatization begun in 1995; primary trunk system, which is being expanded, employs digital microwave radio relay; some areas are served by fiber-optic cable; overall reliability has steadily improved

domestic: most telephones are concentrated in La Paz and other cities; mobile-cellular telephone use expanding rapidly and, in 2009, teledensity reached 75 per 100 persons; fixed-line teledensity is low at less than 10 per 100 persons

international: country code - 591; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

large number of radio and television broadcasting stations with private media outlets dominating; state-owned and private radio and television stations generally operating freely, although both pro-government and anti-government groups have attacked media outlets in response to their reporting (2007)

Internet country code:

.bo

Internet hosts:

125,462 (2010) country comparison to the world: 74

Internet users:

1.103 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 95

Transportation ::Bolivia

Airports:

881 (2010) country comparison to the world: 8

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 865

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 58

914 to 1,523 m: 187

under 914 m: 615 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 5,192 km; liquid petroleum gas 51 km; oil 2,488 km; refined products 1,590 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,504 km country comparison to the world: 50 narrow gauge: 3,504 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 62,479 km country comparison to the world: 73 paved: 3,749 km

unpaved: 58,730 km (2004)

Waterways:

10,000 km (commercially navigable almost exclusively in the northern and eastern parts of the country) (2010) country comparison to the world: 13

Merchant marine:

total: 22 country comparison to the world: 98 by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 11, carrier 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 3, specialized tanker 1

foreign-owned: 7 (Bahamas 1, Ecuador 1, Iran 1, Syria 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Puerto Aguirre (inland port on the Paraguay/Parana waterway at the Bolivia/Brazil border); Bolivia has free port privileges in maritime ports in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay

Military ::Bolivia

Military branches:

Bolivian Armed Forces: Bolivian Army (Ejercito Boliviano, EB),
Bolivian Navy (Fuerza Naval Boliviana, FNB; includes marines),
Bolivian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana, FAB) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-49 years of age for 12-month compulsory military service; when annual number of volunteers falls short of goal, compulsory recruitment is effected, including conscription of boys as young as 14; 15-19 years of age for voluntary premilitary service, provides exemption from further military service (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,415,712

females age 16-49: 2,482,359 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,714,438

females age 16-49: 1,959,763 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 108,336

female: 104,934 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 115

Transnational Issues ::Bolivia

Disputes - international:

Chile and Peru rebuff Bolivia's reactivated claim to restore the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, but Chile offers instead unrestricted but not sovereign maritime access through Chile for Bolivian natural gas and other commodities; an accord placed the long-disputed Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-Mirim, a fluvial island on the Rio Mamore, under Bolivian administration in 1958, but sovereignty remains in dispute

Illicit drugs:

world's third-largest cultivator of coca (after Colombia and Peru) with an estimated 29,500 hectares under cultivation in 2007, increased slightly when compared to 2006; third largest producer of cocaine, estimated at 120 metric tons potential pure cocaine in 2007; transit country for Peruvian and Colombian cocaine destined for Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Europe; cultivation generally increasing since 2000, despite eradication and alternative crop programs; weak border controls; some money-laundering activity related to narcotics trade; major cocaine consumption (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Bosnia and Herzegovina (Europe)

Introduction ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background:

Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of sovereignty in October 1991 was followed by a declaration of independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "Greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement that brought to a halt three years of interethnic civil strife (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Peace Accords retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries and created a multi-ethnic and democratic government charged with conducting foreign, diplomatic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a second tier of government composed of two entities roughly equal in size: the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS governments were charged with overseeing most government functions. The Dayton Accords also established the Office of the High Representative (OHR) to oversee the implementation of the civilian aspects of the agreement. The Peace Implementation Council (PIC) at its conference in Bonn in 1997 also gave the High Representative the authority to impose legislation and remove officials, the so-called "Bonn Powers." In 1995-96, a NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops served in Bosnia to implement and monitor the military aspects of the agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) whose mission was to deter renewed hostilities. European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replaced SFOR in December 2004; their mission is to maintain peace and stability throughout the country. EUFOR's mission changed from peacekeeping to civil policing in October 2007, with its presence reduced from nearly 7,000 to less than 2,500 troops. Troop strength at the end of 2009 stood at roughly 2,000. In January 2010, Bosnia and Herzegovina assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia

Geographic coordinates:

44 00 N, 18 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 51,197 sq km country comparison to the world: 128 land: 51,187 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,538 km

border countries: Croatia 932 km, Montenegro 249 km, Serbia 357 km

Coastline:

20 km

Maritime claims:

no data available

Climate:

hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast

Terrain:

mountains and valleys

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Maglic 2,386 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, cobalt, manganese, nickel, clay, gypsum, salt, sand, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 19.61%

permanent crops: 1.89%

other: 78.5% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

37.5 cu km (2003)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from metallurgical plants; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; water shortages and destruction of infrastructure because of the 1992-95 civil strife; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

within Bosnia and Herzegovina's recognized borders, the country is divided into a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation (about 51% of the territory) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska or RS (about 49% of the territory); the region called Herzegovina is contiguous to Croatia and Montenegro, and traditionally has been settled by an ethnic Croat majority in the west and an ethnic Serb majority in the east

People ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Population:

4,621,598 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.5% (male 344,760/female 323,303)

15-64 years: 70.7% (male 1,645,274/female 1,617,136)

65 years and over: 14.8% (male 279,781/female 403,160) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.3 years

male: 39.1 years

female: 41.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.016% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Birth rate:

8.87 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Death rate:

8.71 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.074 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.88 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 156 male: 10.18 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.66 years country comparison to the world: 44 male: 75.09 years

female: 82.49 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.26 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Nationality:

noun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s)

adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian

Ethnic groups:

Bosniak 48%, Serb 37.1%, Croat 14.3%, other 0.6% (2000)

note: Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam

Religions:

Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 14%

Languages:

Bosnian (official), Croatian (official), Serbian

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.7%

male: 99%

female: 94.4% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina

local long form: none

local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina

former: People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Government type:

emerging federal democratic republic

Capital:

name: Sarajevo

geographic coordinates: 43 52 N, 18 25 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Administrative divisions:

2 first-order administrative divisions and 1 internationally supervised district* - Brcko district (Brcko Distrikt)*, the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federacija Bosna i Hercegovina) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska; note - Brcko district is in northeastern Bosnia and is a self-governing administrative unit under the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina and formally held in condominium between the two entities; the District remains under international supervision

Independence:

1 March 1992 (from Yugoslavia; referendum for independence completed on 1 March 1992; independence declared on 3 March 1992)

National holiday:

National Day, 25 November (1943)

Constitution:

the Dayton Peace Accords, signed on 14 December 1995 in Paris, included a constitution; note - each of the entities also has its own constitution

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Chairman of the Presidency Nebojsa RADMANOVIC (chairman of the presidency since 10 November 2010; presidency member since 1 October 2006 - Serb); other members of the three-member presidency rotate every eight months: Bakir IZETBEGOVIC (presidency member since 3 October 2010 - Bosniak); Zeljko KOMSIC (presidency member since 1 October 2006 - Croat)

head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Nikola SPIRIC (since 11 January 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman; approved by the state-level House of Representatives (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one Croat, one Serb) elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term, but then ineligible for four years); the chairmanship rotates every eight months and resumes where it left off following each general election; election last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014); the chairman of the Council of Ministers appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the state-level House of Representatives

election results: percent of vote - Nebojsa RADMANOVIC with 48.9% of the votes for the Serb seat; Zeljko KOMSIC with 60.6% of the votes for the Croat seat; Bakir IZETBEGOVIC with 34.9% of the votes for the Bosniak seat

note: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Borjana KRISTO (since 21 February 2007); Vice Presidents Spomenka MICIC (since 21 February 2007) and Mirsad KEBO (since 21 February 2007); President of the Republika Srpska: Milorad DODIK (since 3 October 2010); took office 15 November 2010

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliamentary Assembly or Skupstina consists of the House of Peoples or Dom Naroda (15 seats, 5 Bosniak, 5 Croat, 5 Serb; members elected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's House of Peoples and the Republika Srpska's National Assembly to serve four-year terms); and the state-level House of Representatives or Predstavnicki Dom (42 seats, 28 seats allocated for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 14 seats for the Republika Srpska; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms); note - Bosnia's election law specifies four-year terms for the state and first-order administrative division entity legislatures

elections: House of Peoples - last constituted in February 2007 (next to be constituted in 2011); state-level House of Representatives - elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014)

election results: House of Peoples - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - NA; state-level House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - SDP BiH 8, SDA 7, SNSD 7, SDS 5, SBBBiH 4, HDZ-BiH 3, SBiH 2, HDZ-1990/HSP 2, other 4

note: the Bosniak/Croat Federation has a bicameral legislature that consists of a House of Peoples (58 seats - 17 Bosniak, 17 Croat, 17 Serb, 7 other); last constituted February 2007; and a House of Representatives (98 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party/coalition - SDP 28, SDA 23, SBBBiH 13, HDZ-BiH 12, HDZ-1990/HSP 5, other 17; the Republika Srpska has a National Assembly (83 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party/coalition - SNSD 37, SDS 18, PDP 7, DNS 6, SP 4, DP 3, SDP 3, SDA 2, NDS 2 SRS-RS 1; as a result of the 2002 constitutional reform process, a 28-member Republika Srpska Council of Peoples (COP) was established in the Republika Srpska National Assembly including 8 Croats, 8 Bosniaks, 8 Serbs, and 4 members of the smaller communities

Judicial branch:

BiH Constitutional Court (consists of nine members: four members are selected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's House of Representatives, two members by the Republika Srpska's National Assembly, and three non-Bosnian members by the president of the European Court of Human Rights); BiH State Court (consists of 44 national judges and seven international judges and has three divisions - Administrative, Appellate and Criminal - having jurisdiction over cases related to state-level law and cases initiated in the entities that question BiH's sovereignty, political independence, or national security or with economic crimes that have serious repercussions to BiH's economy, beyond that of an entity or Brcko District); a War Crimes Chamber opened in March 2005

note: the entities each have a Supreme Court; each entity also has a number of lower courts; there are 10 cantonal courts in the Federation, plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska has five district courts and a number of municipal courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for a Better Future of BiH or SBB-BiH [ Fahrudin RADONCIC];
Alliance of Independent Social Democrats or SNSD [Milorad DODIK];
Bosnian Party or BOSS [Mirnes AJANOVIC]; Bosnian Patriotic Party or
BPS [Sefer HALILOVIC]; Civic Democratic Party or GDS [Ibrahim
SPAHIC]; Croat Party of Rights or HSP [Zvonko JURISIC]; Croat
Peasants' Party-New Croat Initiative or HSS-NHI [Ante COLAK];
Croatian Christian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina or
HKDU [Ivan MUSA]; Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and
Herzegovina or HDZ-BiH [Dragan COVIC]; Croatian Democratic Union
1990 or HDZ-1990 [Bozo LJUBIC]; Croatian Peoples Union [Milenko
BRKIC]; Democratic National Union or DNZ [Rifat DOLIC]; Democratic
Party or DP [Dragan CAVIC]; Democratic Peoples' Alliance or DNS
[Marko PAVIC]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDS [Rasim KADIC]; Nasa
Stranka or NS [NA; leadership elections late 2010/early 2011]; New
Socialist Party or NSP [Zdravko KRSMANOVIC]; Party for Bosnia and
Herzegovina or SBiH [Haris SILAJDZIC]; Party of Democratic Action or
SDA [Sulejman TIHIC]; Party of Democratic Progress or PDP [Mladen
IVANIC]; Peoples' Party of Work for Progress or NSRzB [Mladen
IVANKOVIC-LIJANOVIC]; Serb Democratic Party or SDS [Mladen BOSIC];
Serb Radical Party of the Republika Srpska or SRS-RS [Milanko
MIHAJLICA]; Serb Radical Party-Dr. Vojislav Seselj or SRS-VS [Mirko
BLAGOJEVIC]; Social Democratic Party of BiH or SDP BiH [Zlatko
LAGUMDZIJA]; Social Democratic Union or SDU [Nermin PECANAC];
Socialist Party of Republika Srpska or SPRS [Petar DJOKIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: war veterans; displaced persons associations; family associations of missing persons; private media

International organization participation:

BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS
(observer), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI, UN, UN Security
Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mitar KUJUNDZIC

chancery: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 337-1500

FAX: [1] (202) 337-1502

consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Patrick S. MOON

embassy: Alipasina 43, 71000 Sarajevo

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [387] (33) 445-700

FAX: [387] (33) 659-722

branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar

Flag description:

a wide medium blue vertical band on the fly side with a yellow isosceles triangle abutting the band and the top of the flag; the remainder of the flag is medium blue with seven full five-pointed white stars and two half stars top and bottom along the hypotenuse of the triangle; the triangle approximates the shape of the country and its three points stand for the constituent peoples - Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs; the stars represent Europe and are meant to be continuous (thus the half stars at top and bottom); the colors (white, blue, and yellow) are often associated with neutrality and peace, and traditionally are linked with Bosnia

National anthem:

name: "Drzavna himna Bosne i Hercegovine" (The National Anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina)

lyrics/music: Dusan SESTIC and Benjamin ISOVIC/Dusan SESTIC

note: music adopted 1999; lyrics adopted 2009

Economy ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Economy - overview:

The interethnic warfare in Bosnia and Herzegovina caused production to plummet by 80% from 1992 to 1995 and unemployment to soar. With an uneasy peace in place, output recovered in 1996-99 at high percentage rates from a low base; but output growth slowed in 2000-02. Part of the lag in output was made up in 2003-08 when GDP growth exceeded 5% per year. However, the country experienced negative GDP growth of almost 3% in 2009 due in large part to a reduction in exports caused by the global economic crisis. One of Bosnia's main economic challenges in 2010 has been to reduce spending on public sector wages and social benefits to meet the IMF's criteria for obtaining funding for budget shortfalls. Banking reform accelerated in 2001 as all the Communist-era payments bureaus were shut down; foreign banks, primarily from Austria and Italy, now control most of the banking sector. The konvertibilna marka (convertible mark or BAM)- the national currency introduced in 1998 - is pegged to the euro, and confidence in the currency and the banking sector has increased. Bosnia's private sector is growing and foreign investment is slowly increasing, but government spending, at roughly 50% of GDP, remains high because of redundant government offices at the state, entity and municipal level. Privatization of state enterprises, however, has been slow, particularly in the Federation where political division between ethnically-based political parties makes agreement on economic policy more difficult. A sizeable current account deficit and high unemployment rate remain the two most serious macroeconomic problems. Successful implementation of a value-added tax in 2006 provided a predictable source of revenue for the government and helped rein in gray market activity. National-level statistics have also improved over time but a large share of economic activity remains unofficial and unrecorded. Bosnia and Herzegovina became a full member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement in September 2007.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$30.56 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $30.23 billion (2009 est.)

$31.23 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$16.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 -3.2% (2009 est.)

5.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $6,600 (2009 est.)

$6,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.8%

industry: 25.9%

services: 64.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.863 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 123

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 20.5%

industry: 32.6%

services: 47% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

27.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 24.1% (2009 est.)

note: official rate

Population below poverty line:

25% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

56.2 (2007) country comparison to the world: 11

Public debt:

39% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 35% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 -0.4% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.93% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 6.98% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.098 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 99 $4.182 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.307 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $9.236 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$10.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $10.01 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables; livestock

Industries:

steel, coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, bauxite, vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances, oil refining

Industrial production growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Electricity - production:

14.58 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Electricity - consumption:

11.62 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Electricity - exports:

6.024 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.04 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Oil - consumption:

30,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Oil - exports:

192 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Oil - imports:

25,990 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Natural gas - consumption:

310 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Natural gas - imports:

310 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Current account balance:

-$887 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 -$1.283 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$4.787 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $4.057 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

metals, clothing, wood products

Exports - partners:

Croatia 19.07%, Slovenia 18.58%, Italy 16.87%, Germany 13.38%,
Austria 10.25% (2009)

Imports:

$9.403 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $8.788 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Croatia 22.17%, Germany 14.04%, Slovenia 13.45%, Italy 11.89%,
Austria 6.61%, Hungary 5.74% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $3.245 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$7.996 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $8.048 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

konvertibilna markas (BAM) per US dollar - 1.5088 (2010), 1.4079 (2009), 1.3083 (2008), 1.4419 (2007), 1.5576 (2006)

Communications ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Telephones - main lines in use:

998,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 78

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.257 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 110

Telephone system:

general assessment: post-war reconstruction of the telecommunications network, aided by a internationally sponsored program under EBRD, resulting in sharp increases in the number of fixed telephone lines available

domestic: fixed-line teledensity roughly 22 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly and, in 2009, reached 70 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 387; no satellite earth stations (2009)

Broadcast media:

3 public TV broadcasters: Radio and TV of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation TV (operating 2 networks), and Serb Republic Radio-TV; a local commercial network of 5 TV stations; 2 private, near-national TV stations and dozens of small independent TV stations broadcasting; 3 large public radio broadcasters and a large number of private radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.ba

Internet hosts:

95,234 (2010) country comparison to the world: 79

Internet users:

1.422 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 85

Transportation ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Airports:

25 (2010) country comparison to the world: 129

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Heliports:

5 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,000 km country comparison to the world: 89 standard gauge: 1,000 km 1.435-m gauge (590 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 21,846 km country comparison to the world: 107 paved: 11,425 km (4,714 km of interurban roads)

unpaved: 10,421 km (2006)

Waterways:

Sava River (northern border) open to shipping but use limited (2009)

Ports and terminals:

Bosanska Gradiska, Bosanski Brod, Bosanski Samac, and Brcko (all inland waterway ports on the Sava River), Orasje

Military ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Military branches:

Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH): Army of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Air and Air Defense Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Zrakoplovstvo i Protuzracna Obrana, ZPO) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in January 2006; 4-month service obligation; mandatory retirement at age 35 or after 15 years of service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,194,832

females age 16-49: 1,156,698 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 980,425

females age 16-49: 948,791 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 26,134

female: 24,518 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Transnational Issues ::Bosnia and Herzegovina

Disputes - international:

sections along the Drina River remain in dispute between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; discussions continue with Croatia on several small disputed sections of the boundary related to maritime access that hinder final ratification of the 1999 border agreement

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,269 (Croatia)

IDPs: 131,600 (Bosnian Croats, Serbs, and Bosniaks displaced in 1992-95 war) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

increasingly a transit point for heroin being trafficked to Western Europe; minor transit point for marijuana; remains highly vulnerable to money-laundering activity given a primarily cash-based and unregulated economy, weak law enforcement, and instances of corruption

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Botswana (Africa)

Introduction ::Botswana

Background:

Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining, dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.

Geography ::Botswana

Location:

Southern Africa, north of South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

22 00 S, 24 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 581,730 sq km country comparison to the world: 47 land: 566,730 sq km

water: 15,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,013 km

border countries: Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Terrain:

predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m

highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver

Land use:

arable land: 0.65%

permanent crops: 0.01%

other: 99.34% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

14.7 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.19 cu km/yr (41%/18%/41%)

per capita: 107 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility

Environment - current issues:

overgrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resources

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country

People ::Botswana

Population:

2,029,307 country comparison to the world: 144 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.8% (male 352,399/female 340,058)

15-64 years: 61.4% (male 613,714/female 608,003)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 31,155/female 45,547) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22 years

male: 21.8 years

female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.843% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Birth rate:

22.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Death rate:

9.02 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Net migration rate:

4.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 17 note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.79 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 143 male: 12.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.93 years country comparison to the world: 183 male: 61.11 years

female: 60.75 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

23.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

300,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

Ethnic groups:

Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including
Kgalagadi and white 7%

Religions:

Christian 71.6%, Badimo 6%, other 1.4%, unspecified 0.4%, none 20.6% (2001 census)

Languages:

Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English 2.1% (official), other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 81.2%

male: 80.4%

female: 81.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

8.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 10

Government ::Botswana

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Botswana

conventional short form: Botswana

local long form: Republic of Botswana

local short form: Botswana

former: Bechuanaland

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Gaborone

geographic coordinates: 24 45 S, 25 55 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 districts and 5 town councils*; Central, Francistown*, Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Jwaneng*, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*, Northeast, Northwest, Selebi-Pikwe*, Southeast, Southern

Independence:

30 September 1966 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)

Constitution:

March 1965; effective 30 September 1966

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April 2008); Vice President Mompati MERAFHE (since 1 April 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April 2008); Vice President Mompati MERAFHE (since 1 April 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president indirectly elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014); vice president appointed by the president

election results: Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (a largely advisory 15-member body with 8 ex-officio members consisting of the chiefs of the principal tribes, and 7 non-permanent members serving 5-year terms, consisting of 4 elected subchiefs and 3 members selected by the other 12 members) and the National Assembly (63 seats; 57 members directly elected by popular vote, 4 appointed by the majority party, and 2, the President and Attorney General, serve as ex-officio members; members serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly elections last held on 16 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - BDP 53.3%, BNF 21.9%, BCP 19.2%, 2.3%, other 4.3%; seats by party - BDP 45, BNF 6, BCP 4, BAM 1, other 1

Judicial branch:

High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts (one in each district)

Political parties and leaders:

Botswana Alliance Movement or BAM [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO];
Botswana Congress Party or BCP [Gilson SALESHANDO]; Botswana
Democratic Party or BDP [Daniel KWELAGOBE]; Botswana National Front
or BNF [Otswoletse MOUPO]; Botswana Peoples Party or BPP [Bernard
BALIKANI]; MELS Movement of Botswana or MELS [Themba JOINA]; New
Democratic Front or NDF [Dick BAYFORD]

note: a number of minor parties joined forces in 1999 to form the
BAM but did not capture any parliamentary seats - includes the
United Action Party [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO]; the Independence
Freedom Party or IFP [Motsamai MPHO]; the Botswana Progressive Union
[D. K. KWELE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

First People of the Kalahari (Bushman organization); Pitso Ya Ba Tswana; Society for the Promotion of Ikalanga Language (Kalanga elites)

other: diamond mining companies

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Lapologang Caesar LEKOA

chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990

FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen J. NOLAN

embassy: Embassy Enclave (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone

mailing address: Embassy Enclave, P. O. Box 90, Gaborone

telephone: [267] 395-3982

FAX: [267] 395-6947

Flag description:

light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center; the blue symbolizes water in the form of rain, while the black and white bands represent racial harmony

National anthem:

name: "Fatshe leno la rona" (Our Land)

lyrics/music: Kgalemang Tumedisco MOTSETE

note: adopted 1966

Economy ::Botswana

Economy - overview:

Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest economic growth rates since independence in 1966, though growth fell below 5% in 2007-08, and turned sharply negative in 2009, with industry falling nearly 30%. Through fiscal discipline and sound management, Botswana transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of $13,100 in 2010. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fueled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP, 70-80% of export earnings, and about half of the government's revenues. Botswana's heavy reliance on a single luxury export was a critical factor in the sharp economic contraction of 2009. Tourism, financial services, subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. Although unemployment was 7.5% in 2007 according to official reports, unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is second highest in the world and threatens Botswana's impressive economic gains. An expected leveling off in diamond mining production within the next two decades overshadows long-term prospects.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$26.56 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $25.76 billion (2009 est.)

$27.23 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$12.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 -5.4% (2009 est.)

2.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $12,900 (2009 est.)

$13,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.3%

industry: 45.8%

services: 51.9% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

685,300 formal sector employees (2007) country comparison to the world: 151

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

7.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Population below poverty line:

30.3% (2003)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

63 (1993) country comparison to the world: 4

Investment (gross fixed):

28.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Public debt:

22.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 18.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 8.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 19 15% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

13.76% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 16.54% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.146 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 136 $939.1 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$6.679 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $5.357 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.361 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $2.06 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$3.991 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 86 $3.556 billion (31 December 2008)

$5.887 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

livestock, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, sunflowers, groundnuts

Industries:

diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver; livestock processing; textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

6.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Electricity - production:

1.052 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Electricity - consumption:

2.648 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.181 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Oil - consumption:

15,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Oil - imports:

15,180 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Natural gas - production:

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

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Current account balance:

-$552 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 -$762 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$4.419 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $3.385 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles

Imports:

$4.518 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $4.243 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper products, metal and metal products

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$7.834 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $8.704 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.222 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $1.681 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

pulas (BWP) per US dollar - 6.7413 (2010), 7.1602 (2009), 6.7907 (2008), 6.2035 (2007), 5.8447 (2006)

Communications ::Botswana

Telephones - main lines in use:

144,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 133

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.874 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Telephone system:

general assessment: Botswana is participating in regional development efforts; expanding fully digital system with fiber-optic cables linking the major population centers in the east as well as a system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relays links, and radiotelephone communication stations

domestic: fixed-line teledensity has declined in recent years and now stands at roughly 7 telephones per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is rapidly approaching a teledensity of 100 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 267; international calls are made via satellite, using international direct dialing; 2 international exchanges; digital microwave radio relay links to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

2 TV stations - 1 state-owned and 1 privately-owned; privately-owned satellite TV subscription service is available; 2 state-owned national radio stations; 3 privately-owned radio stations broadcast locally (2007)

Internet country code:

.bw

Internet hosts:

2,739 (2010) country comparison to the world: 148

Internet users:

120,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 153

Transportation ::Botswana

Airports:

78 (2010) country comparison to the world: 71

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 69

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 52

under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Railways:

total: 888 km country comparison to the world: 97 narrow gauge: 888 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 25,798 km country comparison to the world: 103 paved: 8,410 km

unpaved: 17,388 km (2005)

Military ::Botswana

Military branches:

Botswana Defense Force (BDF): Ground Forces Command, Air Arm
Command, Logistics Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 is the apparent age of voluntary military service; official minimum age is unknown (2001)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 543,097

females age 16-49: 520,896 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 347,070

females age 16-49: 315,743 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 23,496

female: 22,944 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 38

Transnational Issues ::Botswana

Disputes - international:

Botswana still struggles to seal its border from thousands of Zimbabweans who flee economic collapse and political persecution; Namibia has long supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River at Kazungula crossing, thereby de facto recognizing the short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Bouvet Island (Antarctica)

Introduction ::Bouvet Island

Background:

This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named. No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In 1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island the previous year. In 1971, Norway designated Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters a nature reserve. Since 1977, it has run an automated meteorological station on the island.

Geography ::Bouvet Island

Location:

island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)

Geographic coordinates:

54 26 S, 3 24 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 49 sq km country comparison to the world: 232 land: 49 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

29.6 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 4 nm

Climate:

antarctic

Terrain:

volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Olav Peak 935 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (93% ice) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve by Norway

People ::Bouvet Island

Population:

uninhabited

Government ::Bouvet Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Bouvet Island

Dependency status:

territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Oslo Police

Legal system:

the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Flag description:

the flag of Norway is used

Economy ::Bouvet Island

Economy - overview:

no economic activity; declared a nature reserve

Communications ::Bouvet Island

Internet country code:

.bv

Internet hosts:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 225

Communications - note:

automatic meteorological station

Transportation ::Bouvet Island

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Bouvet Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Norway

Transnational Issues ::Bouvet Island

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@Brazil (South America)

Introduction ::Brazil

Background:

Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889. Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil underwent more than half a century of populist and military government until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader, one of the first in the area to begin an economic recovery. Highly unequal income distribution and crime remain pressing problems. In January 2010, Brazil assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Brazil

Location:

Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 S, 55 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 8,514,877 sq km country comparison to the world: 5 land: 8,459,417 sq km

water: 55,460 sq km

note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the US

Land boundaries:

total: 16,885 km

border countries: Argentina 1,261 km, Bolivia 3,423 km, Colombia 1,644 km, French Guiana 730 km, Guyana 1,606 km, Paraguay 1,365 km, Peru 2,995 km, Suriname 593 km, Uruguay 1,068 km, Venezuela 2,200 km

Coastline:

7,491 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly tropical, but temperate in south

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber

Land use:

arable land: 6.93%

permanent crops: 0.89%

other: 92.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

29,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

8,233 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 59.3 cu km/yr (20%/18%/62%)

per capita: 318 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south

Environment - current issues:

deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area; there is a lucrative illegal wildlife trade; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activities; wetland degradation; severe oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador

People ::Brazil

Population:

201,103,330 country comparison to the world: 5 note: Brazil conducted a census in August 2000, which reported a population of 169,872,855; that figure was about 3.8% lower than projections by the US Census Bureau, and is close to the implied underenumeration of 4.6% for the 1991 census (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.7% (male 27,092,880/female 26,062,244)

15-64 years: 66.8% (male 65,804,108/female 67,047,725)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 5,374,230/female 7,358,082) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.9 years

male: 28.1 years

female: 29.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.166% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Birth rate:

18.11 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Death rate:

6.35 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Net migration rate:

-0.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Urbanization:

urban population: 86% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.86 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 93 male: 25.39 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.26 years country comparison to the world: 123 male: 68.7 years

female: 76 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.19 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

730,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

15,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Nationality:

noun: Brazilian(s)

adjective: Brazilian

Ethnic groups:

white 53.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 38.5%, black 6.2%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 0.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic (nominal) 73.6%, Protestant 15.4%, Spiritualist 1.3%, Bantu/voodoo 0.3%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.2%, none 7.4% (2000 census)

Languages:

Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); note - less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 88.6%

male: 88.4%

female: 88.8% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 61

Government ::Brazil

Country name:

conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil

conventional short form: Brazil

local long form: Republica Federativa do Brasil

local short form: Brasil

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Brasilia

geographic coordinates: 15 47 S, 47 55 W

time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins third Sunday in October; ends third Sunday in February

note: Brazil is divided into three time zones, including one for the Fernando de Noronha Islands

Administrative divisions:

26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins

Independence:

7 September 1822 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 September (1822)

Constitution:

5 October 1988

Legal system:

based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory over 18 and under 70 years of age; note - military conscripts do not vote

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 3 October 2010 with runoff on 31 October 2010 (next to be held on 5 October 2014 and, if necessary, a runoff election on 2 November 2014)

election results: Dilma ROUSSEFF (PT) elected president in a runoff election; percent of vote - Dilma ROUSSEFF 56.01%, Jose SERRA (PSDB) 43.99%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of the Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; 3 members from each state and federal district elected according to the principle of majority to serve eight-year terms; one-third and two-thirds of members elected every four years, alternately) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: Federal Senate - last held on 3 October 2010 for two-thirds of the Senate (next to be held in October 2014 for one-third of the Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014)

election results: Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PMDB 20, PT 13, PSDB 10, DEM (formerly PFL) 7, PTdoB 6, PP 5, PDT 4, PR 4, PSB 4, PPS 1, PRB 1, other 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PT 87, PMDB 80, PSDB 53, DEM (formerly PFL) 43, PP 41, PR 41, PSB 34, PDT 28, PTdoB 21, PSC 17, PCdoB 15, PV 15, PPS 12, other 18

Judicial branch:

Supreme Federal Tribunal or STF (11 ministers are appointed for life by the president and confirmed by the Senate); Higher Tribunal of Justice; Regional Federal Tribunals (judges are appointed for life); note - though appointed "for life," judges, like all federal employees, have a mandatory retirement age of 70

Political parties and leaders:

Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB [Federal Deputy Michel
TEMER]; Brazilian Labor Party or PTB [Roberto JEFFERSON]; Brazilian
Renewal Labor Party or PRTB [Jose Levy FIDELIX da Cruz]; Brazilian
Republican Party or PRB [Vitor Paulo Araujo DOS SANTOS]; Brazilian
Social Democracy Party or PSDB [Senator Sergio GUERRA]; Brazilian
Socialist Party or PSB [Governor Eduardo Henrique Accioly CAMPOS];
Christian Labor Party or PTC [Daniel TOURINHO]; Communist Party of
Brazil or PCdoB [Jose Renato RABELO]; Democratic Labor Party or PDT
[Carlos Roberto LUPI]; the Democrats or DEM [Federal Deputy Rodrigo
MAIA] (formerly Liberal Front Party or PFL); Freedom and Socialism
Party or PSOL [Heloisa HELENA]; Green Party or PV [Jose Luiz de
Franca PENNA]; Humanist Party of Solidarity or PHS [Paulo Roberto
MATOS]; Labor Party of Brazil or PTdoB [Luis Henrique de Oliveira
RESENDE]; Liberal Front Party or PFL (now known as the Democrats or
DEM); National Mobilization Party or PMN [Oscar Noronha FILHO];
Party of the Republic or PR [Sergio TAMER]; Popular Socialist Party
or PPS [Federal Deputy Fernando CORUJA]; Progressive Party or PP
[Francisco DORNELLES]; Social Christian Party or PSC [Vitor Jorge
Abdala NOSSEIS]; Workers' Party or PT [Jose Eduardo DUTRA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Landless Workers' Movement or MST

other: labor unions and federations; large farmers' associations; religious groups including evangelical Christian churches and the Catholic Church

International organization participation:

AfDB (nonregional member), BIS, CAN (associate), CPLP, FAO, FATF,
G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer), Mercosur,
MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UN Security
Council (temporary), UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO,
Union Latina, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mauro Luiz Iecker VIEIRA

chancery: 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

note: temporary address - 1025 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Suite 300 W, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 238-2805

FAX: [1] (202) 238-2827

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas A. SHANNON

embassy: Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal Cep 70403-900, Brasilia

mailing address: Unit 7500, DPO, AA 34030

telephone: [55] (61) 3312-7000

FAX: [55] (61) 3225-9136

consulate(s) general: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo

consulate(s): Recife

Flag description:

green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress); the current flag was inspired by the banner of the former Empire of Brazil (1822-1889); on the imperial flag, the green represented the House of Braganza of Pedro I, the first Emperor of Brazil, while the yellow stood for the Habsburg Family of his wife; on the modern flag the green represents the forests of the country and the yellow rhombus its mineral wealth; the blue circle and stars, which replaced the coat of arms of the original flag, depict the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of 15 November 1889 - the day the Republic of Brazil was declared; the number of stars has changed with the creation of new states and has risen from an original 21 to the current 27 (one for each state and the Federal District)

National anthem:

name: "Hino Nacional Brasileiro" (Brazilian National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Joaquim Osorio Duque ESTRADA/Francisco Manoel DA SILVA

note: music adopted 1890, lyrics adopted 1922; the anthem's music, composed in 1822, was used unofficially for many years before it was adopted

Economy ::Brazil

Economy - overview:

Characterized by large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy outweighs that of all other South American countries, and Brazil is expanding its presence in world markets. Since 2003, Brazil has steadily improved its macroeconomic stability, building up foreign reserves, and reducing its debt profile by shifting its debt burden toward real denominated and domestically held instruments. In 2008, Brazil became a net external creditor and two ratings agencies awarded investment grade status to its debt. After record growth in 2007 and 2008, the onset of the global financial crisis hit Brazil in September 2008. Brazil experienced two quarters of recession, as global demand for Brazil's commodity-based exports dwindled and external credit dried up. However, Brazil was one of the first emerging markets to begin a recovery. Consumer and investor confidence revived and GDP growth returned to positive in 2010, boosted by an export recovery. Brazil's strong growth and high interest rates make it an attractive destination for foreign investors. Large capital inflows over the past year have contributed to the rapid appreciation of its currency and led the government to raise taxes on some foreign investments. President Dilma ROUSSEFF has pledged to retain the previous administration's commitment to inflation targeting by the Central Bank, a floating exchange rate, and fiscal restraint.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.194 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $2.041 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.045 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.024 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 -0.2% (2009 est.)

5.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $10,300 (2009 est.)

$10,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.1%

industry: 26.4%

services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

103.6 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 20%

industry: 14%

services: 66% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 8.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

26% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.1%

highest 10%: 43% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

56.7 (2005) country comparison to the world: 10 60.7 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Public debt:

60.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 59.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 4.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

15.17% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 9 20.48% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

44.65% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 47.25% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$165.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 21 $125.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.522 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 11 $972.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.104 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $1.542 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.167 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 15 $589.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.37 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus; beef

Industries:

textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment

Industrial production growth rate:

11.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Electricity - production:

438.8 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Electricity - consumption:

404.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Electricity - exports:

2.034 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

42.06 billion kWh; note - supplied by Paraguay (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.572 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - consumption:

2.46 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Oil - exports:

570,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Oil - imports:

632,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Oil - proved reserves:

13.2 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Natural gas - production:

10.28 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - consumption:

18.72 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - exports:

NA (2009 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

8.44 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Natural gas - proved reserves:

364.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Current account balance:

-$52.73 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 -$24.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$199.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $153 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee, autos

Exports - partners:

China 12.49%, US 10.5%, Argentina 8.4%, Netherlands 5.39%, Germany 4.05% (2009)

Imports:

$187.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $127.7 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, electrical and transport equipment, chemical products, oil, automotive parts, electronics

Imports - partners:

US 16.12%, China 12.61%, Argentina 8.77%, Germany 7.65%, Japan 4.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$290.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $238.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$310.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $273.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$349.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $319.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$131 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $117.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

reals (BRL) per US dollar - 1.77 (2010), 1.9976 (2009), 1.8644 (2008), 1.85 (2007), 2.1761 (2006)

Communications ::Brazil

Telephones - main lines in use:

41.497 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 6

Telephones - mobile cellular:

173.959 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Telephone system:

general assessment: good working system including an extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 64 earth stations; mobile-cellular usage has more than tripled in the past 5 years

domestic: fixed-line connections have remained relatively stable in recent years and stand at about 20 per 100 persons; less expensive mobile-cellular technology has been a major driver in expanding telephone service to the lower-income segments of the population with mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 90 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 55; landing point for a number of submarine cables, including Americas-1, Americas-2, Atlantis-2, GlobeNet, South Amrica-1, South American Crossing/Latin American Nautilius, and UNISUR that provide direct connectivity to South and Central America, the Caribbean, the US, Africa, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region east), connected by microwave relay system to Mercosur Brazilsat B3 satellite earth station (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run Radiobras operates a radio and a television network; more than 1,000 radio stations and more than 100 TV channels operating - mostly privately owned; private media ownership highly concentrated (2007)

Internet country code:

.br

Internet hosts:

19.316 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 5

Internet users:

75.982 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 4

Transportation ::Brazil

Airports:

4,072 (2010) country comparison to the world: 2

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 726

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 28

1,524 to 2,437 m: 176

914 to 1,523 m: 460

under 914 m: 55 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3,346

1,524 to 2,437 m: 87

914 to 1,523 m: 1,617

under 914 m: 1,642 (2010)

Heliports:

13 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate/gas 62 km; gas 9,989 km; liquid petroleum gas 353 km; oil 4,517 km; refined products 4,465 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 28,857 km country comparison to the world: 10 broad gauge: 5,709 km 1.600-m gauge (459 km electrified)

standard gauge: 194 km 1.440-m gauge

narrow gauge: 22,954 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 1,751,868 km country comparison to the world: 4 paved: 96,353 km

unpaved: 1,655,515 km (2004)

Waterways:

50,000 km (most in areas remote from industry and population) (2010) country comparison to the world: 3

Merchant marine:

total: 126 country comparison to the world: 45 by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 18, chemical tanker 6, container 12, liquefied gas 12, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 42, roll on/roll off 7

foreign-owned: 26 (Chile 1, Denmark 3, Germany 6, Greece 1, Norway 3, Spain 12)

registered in other countries: 27 (Argentina 1, Bahamas 1, Ghana 1, Liberia 20, Marshall Islands 1, Panama 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

cargo ports (tonnage): Ilha Grande (Gebig), Paranagua, Rio Grande, Santos, Sao Sebastiao, Tubarao

container ports (TEUs): Santos (2,677,839), Itajai (693,580)

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Atlantic Ocean as a significant risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Brazil

Military branches:

Brazilian Army (Exercito Brasileiro, EB), Brazilian Navy (Marinha do
Brasil (MB), includes Naval Air and Marine Corps (Corpo de
Fuzileiros Navais)), Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira,
FAB) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

21-45 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 9 to 12 months; 17-45 years of age for voluntary service; an increasing percentage of the ranks are "long-service" volunteer professionals; women were allowed to serve in the armed forces beginning in early 1980s when the Brazilian Army became the first army in South America to accept women into career ranks; women serve in Navy and Air Force only in Women's Reserve Corps (2001)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 52,942,805

females age 16-49: 53,038,688 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 38,518,822

females age 16-49: 44,560,717 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,712,427

female: 1,652,491 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 88

Transnational Issues ::Brazil

Disputes - international:

unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations; two uncontested boundary disputes with Uruguay over Isla Brasilera at the tripoint with Argentina at the confluence of the Quarai/Cuareim and Uruguay rivers, and in the 235 square kilometer Invernada River region over which tributary represents the legitimate source of the Quarai/Cuareim River; the Itaipu Dam reservoir covers over a once contested section of Brazil-Paraguay boundary west of Guaira Falls on the Rio Parana; an accord placed the long-disputed Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-Mirim, a fluvial island on the Rio Mamore, under Bolivian administration in 1958, but sovereignty remains in dispute

Illicit drugs:

second-largest consumer of cocaine in the world; illicit producer of cannabis; trace amounts of coca cultivation in the Amazon region, used for domestic consumption; government has a large-scale eradication program to control cannabis; important transshipment country for Bolivian, Colombian, and Peruvian cocaine headed for Europe; also used by traffickers as a way station for narcotics air transshipments between Peru and Colombia; upsurge in drug-related violence and weapons smuggling; important market for Colombian, Bolivian, and Peruvian cocaine; illicit narcotics proceeds are often laundered through the financial system; significant illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@British Indian Ocean Territory (South Asia)

Introduction ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Background:

Formerly administered as part of the British Crown Colony of Mauritius, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) was established as an overseas territory of the UK in 1965. A number of the islands of the territory were later transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. The largest and most southerly of the islands, Diego Garcia, contains a joint UK-US naval support facility. All of the remaining islands are uninhabited. Between 1967 and 1973, former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius, but also to the Seychelles. Negotiations between 1971 and 1982 resulted in the establishment of a trust fund by the British Government as compensation for the displaced islanders, known as Chagossians. Beginning in 1998, the islanders pursued a series of lawsuits against the British Government seeking further compensation and the right to return to the territory. In 2006 and 2007, British court rulings invalidated the immigration policies contained in the 2004 BIOT Constitution Order that had excluded the islanders from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia. In 2008, the House of Lords, as the final court of appeal in the UK, ruled in favor of the British Government by overturning the lower court rulings and finding no right of return for the Chagossians.

Geography ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Location:

archipelago in the Indian Ocean, south of India, about halfway between Africa and Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 S, 71 30 E; note - Diego Garcia 7 20 S, 72 25 E

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 54,400 sq km country comparison to the world: 127 land: 60 sq km; Diego Garcia 44 sq km

water: 54,340 sq km

note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago of 55 islands

Area - comparative:

land area is about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

698 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

flat and low (most areas do not exceed two meters in elevation)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Diego Garcia 15 m

Natural resources:

coconuts, fish, sugarcane

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

archipelago of 55 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility

People ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: approximately 1,200 former agricultural workers resident in the Chagos Archipelago, often referred to as Chagossians or Ilois, were relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles in the 1960s and 1970s; in November 2004, approximately 4,000 UK and US military personnel and civilian contractors were living on the island of Diego Garcia

Government ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Country name:

conventional long form: British Indian Ocean Territory

conventional short form: none

abbreviation: BIOT

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply

Executive branch:

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

head of government: Commissioner Colin ROBERTS (since July 2008); Administrator Joanne YEADON (since December 2007); note - both reside in the UK and are represented by the officer commanding British Forces on Diego Garcia

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; commissioner and administrator appointed by the monarch

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

white with six blue wavy horizontal stripes; the flag of the UK is in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the striped section bears a palm tree and yellow crown (the symbols of the territory) centered on the outer half of the flag; the wavy stripes represent the Indian Ocean; although not officially described, the six blue stripes may stand for the six main atolls of the archipelago

Economy ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Economy - overview:

All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where a joint UK-US military facility is located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installation are performed by military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. The territory earns foreign exchange by selling fishing licenses and postage stamps.

Electricity - production:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by the US military

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: separate facilities for military and public needs are available

domestic: all commercial telephone services are available, including connection to the Internet

international: country code (Diego Garcia) - 246; international telephone service is carried by satellite (2000)

Broadcast media:

Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) broadcasts over 3 separate frequencies for US and UK military personnel stationed on the islands (2009)

Internet country code:

.io

Internet hosts:

827 (2010) country comparison to the world: 169

Transportation ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 232

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

note: short section of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia

Ports and terminals:

Diego Garcia

Military ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK; the US lease on Diego Garcia expires in 2016

Transnational Issues ::British Indian Ocean Territory

Disputes - international:

Mauritius claims the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia; in 2001, the former inhabitants of the Chagos Archipelago, evicted in 1967 and 1973 and now residing chiefly in Mauritius, were granted UK citizenship and the right to repatriation; in May 2007, the UK Court of Appeals upheld the May 2006 High Court of London judgment reversing the UK government's 2004 Orders of Council that banned habitation on the islands; a small group of Chagossians visited Diego Garcia in April 2006; repatriation is complicated by the exclusive US military lease of Diego Garcia that restricts access to the largest viable island in the chain

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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

@British Virgin Islands (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::British Virgin Islands

Background:

First inhabited by Arawak and later by Carib Indians, the Virgin
Islands were settled by the Dutch in 1648 and then annexed by the
English in 1672. The islands were part of the British colony of the
Leeward Islands from 1872-1960; they were granted autonomy in 1967.
The economy is closely tied to the larger and more populous US
Virgin Islands to the west; the US dollar is the legal currency.

Geography ::British Virgin Islands

Location:

Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 30 N, 64 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 151 sq km country comparison to the world: 219 land: 151 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands; includes the islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke

Area - comparative:

about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

80 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Sage 521 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 20%

permanent crops: 6.67%

other: 73.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October)

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources (except for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the islands' water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchments)

Geography - note:

strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

People ::British Virgin Islands

Population:

24,939 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.8% (male 2,454/female 2,387)

15-64 years: 74.4% (male 9,346/female 8,881)

65 years and over: 5.8% (male 734/female 689) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.6 years

male: 32.7 years

female: 32.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.784% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Birth rate:

14.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Death rate:

4.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Net migration rate:

7.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Urbanization:

urban population: 40% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 1.07 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.11 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 128 male: 16.01 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.45 years country comparison to the world: 58 male: 76.18 years

female: 78.78 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.71 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: British Virgin Islander(s)

adjective: British Virgin Islander

Ethnic groups:

black 82%, white 6.8%, other 11.2% (includes Indian and mixed) (2008)

Religions:

Protestant 86% (Methodist 33%, Anglican 17%, Church of God 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 15%), Roman Catholic 10%, other 2%, none 2% (1991)

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.8% (1991 est.)

male: NA

female: NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 16 years

female: 19 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

3.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 145

Government ::British Virgin Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: British Virgin Islands

abbreviation: BVI

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Road Town

geographic coordinates: 18 27 N, 64 37 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Territory Day, 1 July (1956)

Constitution:

13 June 2007

Legal system:

English law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Boyd MCCLEARY (since 20 August 2010)

head of government: Premier Ralph T. O'NEAL (since 23 August 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of the House of Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed premier by the governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (13 elected seats and 1 non-voting ex officio member in the attorney general; members are elected by direct popular vote, 1 member from each of nine electoral districts, 4 at-large members; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 August 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - VIP 45.2%, NDP 39.6%, independent 15.2%; seats by party - VIP 10, NDP 2, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the High Court of
Justice and the Court of Appeal (one judge of the Supreme Court is a
resident of the islands and presides over the High Court);
Magistrate's Court; Juvenile Court; Court of Summary Jurisdiction

Political parties and leaders:

Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Ethlyn SMITH]; National
Democratic Party or NDP [Orlando SMITH]; United Party or UP [Gregory
MADURO]; Virgin Islands Party or VIP [Ralph T. O'NEAL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Family Support Network; The Women's Desk

other: environmentalists

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful); the islands were named by COLUMBUS in 1493 in honor of Saint Ursula and her 11 virgin followers (some sources say 11,000) who reputedly were martyred by the Huns in the 4th or 5th century; the figure on the banner holding a lamp represents the saint, the other lamps symbolize her followers

National anthem:

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

Economy ::British Virgin Islands

Economy - overview:

The economy, one of the most stable and prosperous in the Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism generating an estimated 45% of the national income. More than 934,000 tourists, mainly from the US, visited the islands in 2008. In the mid-1980s, the government began offering offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and incorporation fees now generate substantial revenues. Roughly 400,000 companies were on the offshore registry by yearend 2000. The adoption of a comprehensive insurance law in late 1994, which provides a blanket of confidentiality with regulated statutory gateways for investigation of criminal offenses, made the British Virgin Islands even more attractive to international business. Livestock raising is the most important agricultural activity; poor soils limit the islands' ability to meet domestic food requirements. Because of traditionally close links with the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands has used the US dollar as its currency since 1959.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$853.4 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.095 billion (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$38,500 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.9%

industry: 10.7%

services: 88.3% (1996 est.)

Labor force:

12,770 (2004) country comparison to the world: 213

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.6%

industry: 40%

services: 59.4% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

3.6% (1997) country comparison to the world: 29

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.1% (2008) country comparison to the world: 180 2% (2005)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish

Industries:

tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

45 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Electricity - consumption:

41.85 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - imports:

691 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Current account balance:

$134.3 million (1999) country comparison to the world: 56

Exports:

$25.3 million (2002) country comparison to the world: 203

Exports - commodities:

rum, fresh fish, fruits, animals; gravel, sand

Imports:

$187 million f.o.b.

Imports - commodities:

building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery

Debt - external:

$36.1 million (1997) country comparison to the world: 188

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::British Virgin Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 194

Telephones - mobile cellular:

24,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 206

Telephone system:

general assessment: worldwide telephone service

domestic: fixed line connections exceed 80 per 100 persons and mobile cellular subscribership is approaching 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 1-284; connected via submarine cable to Bermuda; the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable provides connectivity to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 private TV station; multi-channel TV is available from cable and satellite subscription services; about a half dozen private radio stations operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.vg

Internet hosts:

497 (2010) country comparison to the world: 180

Internet users:

4,000 (2002) country comparison to the world: 206

Transportation ::British Virgin Islands

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 184

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 200 km country comparison to the world: 207 paved: 200 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2008) country comparison to the world: 149

Ports and terminals:

Road Harbor

Military ::British Virgin Islands

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,230 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,028

females age 16-49: 5,778 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 174

female: 167 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::British Virgin Islands

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe; large offshore financial center makes it vulnerable to money laundering

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Brunei (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Brunei

Background:

The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in Asia.

Geography ::Brunei

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia

Geographic coordinates:

4 30 N, 114 40 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 5,765 sq km country comparison to the world: 172 land: 5,265 sq km

water: 500 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Delaware

Land boundaries:

total: 381 km

border countries: Malaysia 381 km

Coastline:

161 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to median line

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Terrain:

flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, timber

Land use:

arable land: 2.08%

permanent crops: 0.87%

other: 97.05% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

8.5 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.09

per capita: 243 cu m/yr (1994)

Natural hazards:

typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare

Environment - current issues:

seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave within Malaysia

People ::Brunei

Population:

395,027 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.6% (male 53,282/female 50,141)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 135,640/female 136,292)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 6,199/female 6,636) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.1 years

male: 28 years

female: 28.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.733% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Birth rate:

18 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Death rate:

3.32 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Net migration rate:

2.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Urbanization:

urban population: 75% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.87 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 141 male: 14.19 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.96 years country comparison to the world: 74 male: 73.72 years

female: 78.31 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.88 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Nationality:

noun: Bruneian(s)

adjective: Bruneian

Ethnic groups:

Malay 66.3%, Chinese 11.2%, indigenous 3.4%, other 19.1% (2004 est.)

Religions:

Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 10%

Languages:

Malay (official), English, Chinese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.7%

male: 95.2%

female: 90.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2000) country comparison to the world: 121

Government ::Brunei

Country name:

conventional long form: Brunei Darussalam

conventional short form: Brunei

local long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam

local short form: Brunei

Government type:

constitutional sultanate (locally known as Malay Islamic Monarchy)

Capital:

name: Bandar Seri Begawan

geographic coordinates: 4 53 N, 114 56 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei-Muara, Temburong, Tutong

Independence:

1 January 1984 (from the UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection

Constitution:

29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984)

Legal system:

based on English common law; for Muslims, Islamic sharia law supersedes civil law concerning Muslim marriages and inheritance; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age for village elections; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)

cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also a Religious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises on religious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by the monarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council of Succession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines the succession to the throne if the need arises (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary

Legislative branch:

The Sultan appointed a Legislative Council with 29 members as of 2
September 2005; the council has met in March of each year since then

elections: last held in March 1962 (date of next election NA)

note: The Legislative Council met on 25 September 2004 for first time in 20 years with 21 members appointed by the Sultan; it passed constitutional amendments calling for a 45-seat council with 15 elected members; no timeframe for an election has been announced

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court - chief justice and judges are sworn in by monarch for three-year terms; Judicial Committee of Privy Council in London is final court of appeal for civil cases; Sharia courts deal with Islamic laws (2006)

Political parties and leaders:

National Development Party or NDP [YASSIN Affendi]

note: Brunei National Solidarity Party or PPKB [Abdul LATIF bin Chuchu] and People's Awareness Party or PAKAR [Awang Haji MAIDIN bin Haji Ahmad] were deregistered in 2007; parties are small and have limited activity

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, CP, EAS, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent),
ITSO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yusoff Abd HAMID

chancery: 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 237-1838

FAX: [1] (202) 885-0560

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Alexander L. BARRASSO

embassy: Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Kebangsaan, Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8811

mailing address: PSC 470 (BSB), FPO AP 96507; P.O. Box 2991, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8675, Negara Brunei Darussalam

telephone: [673] 238-4616

FAX: [673] 238-4606

Flag description:

yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; yellow is the color of royalty and symbolizes the sultanate; the white and black bands denote Brunei's chief ministers; the emblem includes five main components: a swallow-tailed flag, the royal umbrella representing the monarchy, the wings of four feathers symbolizing justice, tranquility, prosperity, and peace, the two upraised hands signifying the government's pledge to preserve and promote the welfare of the people, and the crescent moon denoting Islam, the state religion; the state motto "Always render service with God's guidance" appears in yellow Arabic script on the crescent; a ribbon below the crescent reads "Brunei, the Abode of Peace"

National anthem:

name: "Allah Peliharakan Sultan" (God Bless His Majesty)

lyrics/music: Pengiran Haji Mohamed YUSUF bin Abdul Rahim/Awang Haji BESAR bin Sagap

note: adopted 1951

Economy ::Brunei

Economy - overview:

Brunei has a small well-to-do economy that encompasses a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for just over half of GDP and more than 90% of exports. Per capita GDP is among the highest in Asia, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and free education through the university level and subsidizes rice and housing. A new monetary authority was established in January 2011 with responsibilities that include monetary policy, monitoring of financial institutions, and currency trading activities. Other plans for the future include upgrading the labor force, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist sectors, increasing agricultural production, and, in general, further widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$19.88 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $19.68 billion (2009 est.)

$20.04 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.96 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 -1.8% (2009 est.)

-1.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$50,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $50,700 (2009 est.)

$52,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.7%

industry: 74.1%

services: 25.3% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

188,800 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.2%

industry: 62.8%

services: 33% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.7% (2008) country comparison to the world: 31 4% (2006)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.7% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 0.3% (2007 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 5.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.374 billion (30 March 2009) country comparison to the world: 108 $3.046 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$8.569 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 106 $7.597 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.274 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 $2.38 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, vegetables, fruits; chickens, water buffalo, cattle, goats, eggs

Industries:

petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

-5.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Electricity - production:

3.069 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 123

Electricity - consumption:

2.98 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 127

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

146,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Oil - exports:

152,900 bbl/day (2007) country comparison to the world: 58

Oil - imports:

238 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Oil - proved reserves:

1.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Natural gas - production:

13.4 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - consumption:

4.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Natural gas - exports:

9.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - proved reserves:

390.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Current account balance:

$7.024 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $7.101 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$10.67 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 83 $8.25 billion (2007)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, natural gas, garments

Exports - partners:

Japan 38.04%, Indonesia 25.95%, South Korea 14.17%, Australia 7.24% (2009)

Imports:

$2.61 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $2.055 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Singapore 38.4%, Malaysia 18.7%, Japan 7.2%, China 5.42%, Thailand 5.19%, US 4.45%, UK 4.25% (2009)

Debt - external:

$0 (2005) country comparison to the world: 195

Exchange rates:

Bruneian dollars (BND) per US dollar - 1.45 (2009), 1.45 (2009), 2 (2006), 2 (2005), 2 (2004)

Communications ::Brunei

Telephones - main lines in use:

80,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 149

Telephones - mobile cellular:

425,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 163

Telephone system:

general assessment: service throughout the country is good; international service is good to Southeast Asia, Middle East, Western Europe, and the US

domestic: every service available

international: country code - 673; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the Asia-America Gateway submarine cable network, scheduled for completion by late 2008, will provide new links to Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-controlled Radio Television Brunei (RTB) operates 4 channels; 3 Malaysian TV stations are available; foreign TV broadcasts are available via satellite and cable systems; RTB operates 5 radio networks broadcasting on multiple frequencies; British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides radio broadcasts on 2 FM stations; some radio broadcast stations from Malaysia are available via repeaters (2009)

Internet country code:

.bn

Internet hosts:

50,997 (2010) country comparison to the world: 88

Internet users:

314,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 128

Transportation ::Brunei

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 207

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 37 km; oil 18 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 2,971 km country comparison to the world: 166 paved: 2,411 km

unpaved: 560 km (2008)

Waterways:

209 km (navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m; the Belait, Brunei, and Tutong rivers are major transport links) (2011) country comparison to the world: 97

Merchant marine:

total: 9 country comparison to the world: 117 by type: chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 8 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Lumut, Muara, Seria

Military ::Brunei

Military branches:

Royal Brunei Armed Forces: Royal Brunei Land Forces, Royal Brunei
Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.) for voluntary military service; non-Malays are ineligible to serve (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 111,166

females age 16-49: 115,071 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 93,809

females age 16-49: 97,345 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 3,509

female: 3,427 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 21

Transnational Issues ::Brunei

Disputes - international:

Brunei and Malaysia agreed in September 2008 to resolve their offshore and deepwater seabed dispute, resume hydrocarbon exploration, and renounce any territorial claims along their land boundary; despite no public territorial claim to Louisa Reef, Brunei implicitly lays claim by including it within the natural prolongation of its continental shelf and basis for a seabed median with Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants

Illicit drugs:

drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled substances are serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory death penalty

page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Bulgaria (Europe)

Introduction ::Bulgaria

Background:

The Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman Turks. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878 and all of Bulgaria became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1908. Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multiparty election since World War II and began the contentious process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. The country joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

Geography ::Bulgaria

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and
Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

43 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 110,879 sq km country comparison to the world: 104 land: 108,489 sq km

water: 2,390 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,808 km

border countries: Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia 318 km, Turkey 240 km

Coastline:

354 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Musala 2,925 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 29.94%

permanent crops: 1.9%

other: 68.16% (2005)

Irrigated land:

5,880 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

19.4 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 6.92 cu km/yr (3%/78%/19%)

per capita: 895 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes; landslides

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia

People ::Bulgaria

Population:

7,148,785 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.8% (male 509,544/female 484,816)

15-64 years: 68.5% (male 2,426,060/female 2,508,772)

65 years and over: 17.7% (male 518,711/female 756,784) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.6 years

male: 39.4 years

female: 43.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.768% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 228

Birth rate:

9.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Death rate:

14.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Net migration rate:

-2.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Urbanization:

urban population: 71% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 17.26 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 108 male: 20.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.35 years country comparison to the world: 114 male: 69.74 years

female: 77.17 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.41 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

346 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Nationality:

noun: Bulgarian(s)

adjective: Bulgarian

Ethnic groups:

Bulgarian 83.9%, Turk 9.4%, Roma 4.7%, other 2% (including
Macedonian, Armenian, Tatar, Circassian) (2001 census)

Religions:

Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, other Christian 1.2%, other 4% (2001 census)

Languages:

Bulgarian (official) 84.5%, Turkish 9.6%, Roma 4.1%, other and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.2%

male: 98.7%

female: 97.7% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 103

Government ::Bulgaria

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Bulgaria

conventional short form: Bulgaria

local long form: Republika Balgariya

local short form: Balgariya

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Sofia

geographic coordinates: 42 41 N, 23 19 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Administrative divisions:

28 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Blagoevgrad, Burgas,
Dobrich, Gabrovo, Khaskovo, Kurdzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana,
Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen,
Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofiya (Sofia), Sofiya-Grad (Sofia City),
Stara Zagora, Turgovishte, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, Vidin, Vratsa,
Yambol

Independence:

3 March 1878 (as an autonomous principality within the Ottoman Empire); 22 September 1908 (complete independence from the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 3 March (1878)

Constitution:

adopted on 12 July 1991

Legal system:

civil and criminal law based on Roman law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Georgi PARVANOV (since 22 January 2002); Vice President Angel MARIN (since 22 January 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Boyko BORISSOV (since 27 July 2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Simeon DJANKOV and Tsvetan TSVETANOV (since 27 July 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 and 29 October 2006 (next to be held in 2011); chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) elected by the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly

election results: Georgi PARVANOV reelected president; percent of vote - Georgi PARVANOV 77.3%, Volen SIDEROV 22.7%; Boyko BORISSOV elected prime minister; result of legislative vote - 162 to 77 with 1 abstention

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Narodno Sabranie (240 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 5 July 2009 (next to be held in mid-2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - GERB 39.7%, BSP 17.7%, MRF 14.4%, ATAKA 9.4%, Blue Coalition 6.8%, RZS 4.1%, other 7.9%; seats by party - GERB 117, BSP 40, MRF 37, ATAKA 21, Blue Coalition 15, RZS 8, independents 2

Judicial branch:

independent judiciary comprised of judges, prosecutors and investigating magistrates who are appointed, promoted, demoted, and dismissed by a 25-member Supreme Judicial Council (consists of the chairmen of the two Supreme Courts, the Chief Prosecutor, and 22 members, half of whom are elected by the National Assembly and the other half by the bodies of the judiciary for a 5-year term in office); three levels of case review; 182 courts of which two Supreme Courts act as the last instance on civil and criminal cases (the Supreme Court of Cassation) and appeals of government decisions (the Supreme Administrative Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Agrarian National Union or ANU [Stefan LICHEV]; ATAKA (Attack party)
[Volen SIDEROV]; Blue Coalition [Ivan KOSTOV and Martin DIMITROV] (a
coalition of center-right parties dominated by UDF and DSB);
Bulgarian New Democracy [Borislav RALCHEV]; Bulgarian Socialist
Party or BSP [Sergei STANISHEV]; Citizens for the European
Development of Bulgaria or GERB [Boyko BORISSOV]; Coalition for
Bulgaria or CfB [Sergei STANISHEV] (coalition of parties dominated
by BSP); Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria or DSB [Ivan KOSTOV];
Gergyovden [Petar STOYANOVICH]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary
Organization or IMRO [Krasimir KARAKACHANOV]; Liberal Initiative for
Democratic European Development or LIDER [Khristo KOVACHKI];
Movement for Rights and Freedoms or MRF [Ahmed DOGAN]; National
Movement for Stability and Progress or NDSV [Hristina HRISTOVA]
(formerly National Movement Simeon II or NMS2); New Time [Emil
KOSHLUKOV]; Order, Law, Justice or RZS [Yane YANEV]; Union of
Democratic Forces or UDF [Martin DIMITROV]; Union of Free Democrats
or UFD [Stefan SOFIYANSKI]; United Agrarians [Anastasia MOZER]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria or CITUB;
Podkrepa Labor Confederation

other: numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO,
G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO,
NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Elena POPTODOROVA

chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-0174

FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James B. WARLICK, Jr

embassy: 16 Kozyak Street, Sofia 1407

mailing address: American Embassy Sofia, US Department of State, 5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740

telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100

FAX: [359] (2) 937-5320

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the pan-Slavic white-blue-red colors were modified by substituting a green band (representing freedom) for the blue

note: the national emblem, formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe, has been removed

National anthem:

name: "Mila Rodino" (Dear Homeland)

lyrics/music: Tsvetan Tsvetkov RADOSLAVOV

note: adopted 1964; the anthem was composed in 1885 by a student en route to fight in the Serbo-Bulgarian War

Economy ::Bulgaria

Economy - overview:

Bulgaria, a former Communist country that entered the EU on 1 January 2007, averaged more than 6% growth from 2004 to 2008, driven by significant amounts of foreign direct investment and consumption. Successive governments have demonstrated a commitment to economic reforms and responsible fiscal planning, but the global downturn sharply reduced domestic demand, exports, capital inflows, and industrial production. GDP contracted by approximately 5% in 2009, and stagnated in 2010, despite a significant recovery in exports. The economy is expected to grow modestly in 2011, however. Corruption in the public administration, a weak judiciary, and the presence of organized crime remain significant challenges.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$91.83 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $91.83 billion (2009 est.)

$96.67 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$44.84 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 -5% (2009 est.)

6.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $12,700 (2009 est.)

$13,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 7.5%

industry: 27.6%

services: 64.9% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

2.61 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 7.5%

industry: 36.4%

services: 56.1% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 6.3% (2008 est.)

Population below poverty line:

14% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 24.1% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29.8 (2008) country comparison to the world: 114 26.4 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Public debt:

16.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 14.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 1.6% (2009)

Central bank discount rate:

0.55% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 78 5.77% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.34% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 10.86% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$12.7 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 68 $12.91 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$35.37 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $33.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$34.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $33.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$7.103 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 69 $8.858 billion (31 December 2008)

$21.79 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, fruits, tobacco, wine, wheat, barley, sunflowers, sugar beets; livestock

Industries:

electricity, gas, water; food, beverages, tobacco; machinery and equipment, base metals, chemical products, coke, refined petroleum, nuclear fuel

Industrial production growth rate:

0.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Electricity - production:

44.83 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 51

Electricity - consumption:

29.9 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 59

Electricity - exports:

5.407 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

3.097 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

3,227 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Oil - consumption:

125,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Oil - exports:

76,570 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Oil - imports:

189,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Oil - proved reserves:

15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Natural gas - production:

218 million cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - consumption:

3.35 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 70

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 198

Natural gas - imports:

3.48 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 38

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Current account balance:

-$1.528 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 -$4.348 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$19.33 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $16.53 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, footwear, iron and steel, machinery and equipment, fuels

Exports - partners:

Germany 11.21%, Greece 9.43%, Italy 9.24%, Romania 8.52%, Turkey 7.33%, Belgium 5.61%, France 4.44% (2009)

Imports:

$22.78 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $22.22 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment; metals and ores; chemicals and plastics; fuels, minerals, and raw materials

Imports - partners:

Russia 13.14%, Germany 12.23%, Italy 7.78%, Greece 6.17%, Romania 5.65%, Turkey 5.48%, Ukraine 4.81%, Austria 4.08% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$15.07 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $18.53 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$36.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $39.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$51.28 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $49.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.372 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $1.194 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

leva (BGN) per US dollar - 1.5138 (2010), 1.404 (2009), 1.3171 (2008), 1.4366 (2007), 1.5576 (2006)

Communications ::Bulgaria

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.164 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 52

Telephones - mobile cellular:

10.617 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 62

Telephone system:

general assessment: inherited an extensive but antiquated telecommunications network from the Soviet era; quality has improved with a modern digital trunk line now connecting switching centers in most of the regions; remaining areas are connected by digital microwave radio relay

domestic: the Bulgaria Telecommunications Company's fixed-line monopoly terminated in 2005 in an effort to upgrade fixed-line services; mobile-cellular teledensity, fostered by multiple service providers, approached 150 telephones per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 359; submarine cable provides connectivity to Ukraine and Russia; a combination submarine cable and land fiber-optic system provides connectivity to Italy, Albania, and Macedonia; satellite earth stations - 3 (1 Intersputnik in the Atlantic Ocean region, 2 Intelsat in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions) (2009)

Broadcast media:

4 national terrestrial television stations with 1 state-owned and 3 privately-owned; a vast array of TV stations are available from cable and satellite TV providers; state-owned national radio broadcasts over 3 networks; large number of private radio stations broadcasting, especially in urban areas (2007)

Internet country code:

.bg

Internet hosts:

785,546 (2010) country comparison to the world: 46

Internet users:

3.395 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Transportation ::Bulgaria

Airports:

210 (2010) country comparison to the world: 30

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 130

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 17

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

under 914 m: 96 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 80

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,926 km; oil 339 km; refined products 156 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,294 km country comparison to the world: 38 standard gauge: 4,049 km 1.435-m gauge (2,880 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 245 km 0.760-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 40,231 km country comparison to the world: 89 paved: 39,587 km (includes 418 km of expressways)

unpaved: 644 km (2008)

Waterways:

470 km (2009) country comparison to the world: 85

Merchant marine:

total: 37 country comparison to the world: 79 by type: bulk carrier 16, cargo 10, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 4, specialized tanker 1

foreign-owned: 27 (Germany 25, Russia 2)

registered in other countries: 31 (Comoros 8, Malta 7, Panama 6, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Burgas, Varna

Military ::Bulgaria

Military branches:

Bulgarian Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Bulgarian Air
Forces (Bulgarski Voennovazdyshni Sily, BVVS) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription ended in January 2008; service obligation 6-9 months (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,660,930

females age 16-49: 1,646,170 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,337,201

females age 16-49: 1,360,039 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 35,604

female: 34,199 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Transnational Issues ::Bulgaria

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major European transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and, to a lesser degree, South American cocaine for the European market; limited producer of precursor chemicals; vulnerable to money laundering because of corruption, organized crime; some money laundering of drug-related proceeds through financial institutions (2008)

page last updated on January 18, 2011

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

@Burkina Faso (Africa)

Introduction ::Burkina Faso

Background:

Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achieved independence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Current President Blaise COMPAORE came to power in a 1987 military coup and has won every election since then. Burkina Faso's high population density and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Recent unrest in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of several hundred thousand seasonal Burkinabe farm workers to find employment in neighboring countries.

Geography ::Burkina Faso

Location:

Western Africa, north of Ghana

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 2 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 274,200 sq km country comparison to the world: 74 land: 273,800 sq km

water: 400 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Colorado

Land boundaries:

total: 3,193 km

border countries: Benin 306 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Ghana 549 km, Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Terrain:

mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m

highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m

Natural resources:

manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, phosphates, pumice, salt

Land use:

arable land: 17.66%

permanent crops: 0.22%

other: 82.12% (2005)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

17.5 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.8 cu km/yr (13%/1%/86%)

per capita: 60 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts

Environment - current issues:

recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of the Black, Red, and White Voltas

People ::Burkina Faso

Population:

16,241,811 country comparison to the world: 61 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.2% (male 3,646,661/female 3,621,648)

15-64 years: 51.3% (male 4,025,917/female 4,054,865)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 156,895/female 240,246) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.8 years

male: 16.6 years

female: 17 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.095% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Birth rate:

43.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Death rate:

13.02 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 80

Urbanization:

urban population: 20% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 82.98 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 12 male: 90.53 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 75.21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 53.32 years country comparison to the world: 203 male: 51.39 years

female: 55.31 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.21 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

130,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

9,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural)

adjective: Burkinabe

Ethnic groups:

Mossi over 40%, other approximately 60% (includes Gurunsi, Senufo,
Lobi, Bobo, Mande, and Fulani)

Religions:

Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian (mainly Roman
Catholic) 10%

Languages:

French (official), native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 21.8%

male: 29.4%

female: 15.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 6 years

male: 7 years

female: 6 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

4.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 86

Government ::Burkina Faso

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Burkina Faso

local long form: none

local short form: Burkina Faso

former: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Ouagadougou

geographic coordinates: 12 22 N, 1 31 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

45 provinces; Bale, Bam, Banwa, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou,
Boulkiemde, Comoe, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Ioba, Kadiogo,
Kenedougou, Komondjari, Kompienga, Kossi, Koulpelogo, Kouritenga,
Kourweogo, Leraba, Loroum, Mouhoun, Nahouri, Namentenga, Nayala,
Noumbiel, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga,
Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Tuy, Yagha, Yatenga, Ziro,
Zondoma, Zoundweogo

Independence:

5 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 11 December (1958); note - commemorates the day that
Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French Community

Constitution:

approved by referendum 2 June 1991; formally adopted 11 June 1991; last amended January 2002

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987)

head of government: Prime Minister Tertius ZONGO (since 4 June 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 November 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the legislature

election results: Blaise COMPAORE reelected president; percent of popular vote - Blaise COMPAORE 80.2%, Hama Arba DIALLO 8.2%, Benewende Stanislas SANKARA 6.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (111 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly election last held on 6 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CDP 73, ADF-RDA 14, UPR 5, UNIR-MS 4, CFD-B 3, UPS 2, PDP-PS 2, RDB 2, PDS 2, PAREN 1, PAI 1, RPC 1, UDPS 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Appeals Court

Political parties and leaders:

African Democratic Rally-Alliance for Democracy and Federation or
ADF-RDA [Gilbert OUEDRAOGO]; Citizen's Popular Rally or RPC [Antoine
QUARE]; Coalition of Democratic Forces of Burkina or CFD-B [Amadou
Diemdioda DICKO]; Congress for Democracy and Progress or CDP [Roch
Marc-Christian KABORE]; Democratic and Popular Rally or RDP [Nana
THIBAUT]; Movement for Tolerance and Progress or MTP [Nayabtigungou
Congo KABORE]; Party for African Independence or PAI [Soumane
TOURE]; Party for Democracy and Progress-Socialist Party or PDP-PS
[Ali LANKOANDE]; Party for Democracy and Socialism or PDS [Felix
SOUBEIGA]; Party for National Rebirth or PAREN [Jeanne TRAORE];
Rally for the Development of Burkina or RDB [Antoine KARGOUGOU];
Rally of Ecologists of Burkina Faso or RDEB [Ram OUEDRAGO];
Republican Party for Integration and Solidarity or PARIS; Union for
Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Fidele HIEN]; Union for
Rebirth - Sankarist Movement or UNIR-MS [Benewende STANISLAS]; Union
for the Republic or UPR [Toussaint Abel COULIBALY]; Union of
Sankarist Parties or UPS [Ernest Nongma OUEDRAOGO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Burkinabe General Confederation of Labor or CGTB [Tole SAGNON];
Burkinabe Movement for Human Rights or MBDHP [Chrysigone ZOUGMORE];
Group of 14 February [Benewende STANISLAS]; National Confederation
of Burkinabe Workers or CNTB [Laurent OUEDRAOGO]; National
Organization of Free Unions or ONSL [Paul KABORE]

other: watchdog/political action groups throughout the country in both organizations and communities

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM,
OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR,
UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Paramanga Ernest YONLI

chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577

FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas DOUGHERTY

embassy: 602 Avenue Raoul Follereau, Koulouba, Secteur 4

mailing address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou 01; pouch mail - US Department of State, 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC 20521-2440

telephone: [226] 50-30-67-23

FAX: [226] 50-30-38-90

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; red recalls the country's struggle for independence, green is for hope and abundance,and yellow represents the country's mineral wealth

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "Le Ditanye" (Anthem of Victory)

lyrics/music: Thomas SANKARA

note: adopted 1974; also known as "Une Seule Nuit" (One Single Night), Burkina Faso"s anthem was written by the country"s president, an avid guitar player

Economy ::Burkina Faso

Economy - overview:

Burkina Faso is a poor, landlocked country that relies heavily on cotton and gold exports for revenue. The country has few natural resources and a weak industrial base. About 90% of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, which is vulnerable to periodic drought. Cotton is the main cash crop. Since 1998, Burkina Faso has embarked upon a gradual privatization of state-owned enterprises and in 2004 revised its investment code to attract foreign investment. As a result of this new code and other legislation favoring the mining sector, the country has seen an upswing in gold exploration and production. By 2010, gold had become the main source of export revenue.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$20.06 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $19.07 billion (2009 est.)

$18.48 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$8.672 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 3.2% (2009 est.)

5.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204 $1,200 (2009 est.)

$1,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 30.1%

industry: 20.7%

services: 49.2% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

6.668 million country comparison to the world: 64 note: a large part of the male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for seasonal employment (2007)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%

industry and services: 10% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

77% (2004) country comparison to the world: 197

Population below poverty line:

46.4% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 32.2% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.5 (2007) country comparison to the world: 64 48.2 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 2.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 103 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.416 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 127 $1.303 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.406 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $2.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.373 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 $1.236 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock

Industries:

cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold

Industrial production growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Electricity - production:

611.6 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Electricity - consumption:

568.8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Oil - consumption:

9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Oil - imports:

8,283 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Current account balance:

-$486 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 -$330 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$991 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $772 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, livestock, gold

Exports - partners:

Singapore 16.76%, Belgium 12.78%, China 7.59%, Ghana 6.89%, India 6.36%, Denmark 5.76%, Niger 5.13%, Thailand 4.52% (2009)

Imports:

$1.48 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $1.186 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, foodstuffs, petroleum

Imports - partners:

Cote d'Ivoire 24.31%, France 19.48%, Togo 6.42% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.588 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $1.296 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.002 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $1.784 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Burkina Faso

Telephones - main lines in use:

167,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 132

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.299 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 109

Telephone system:

general assessment: system includes microwave radio relay, open-wire, and radiotelephone communication stations; in 2006 the government sold a 51 percent stake in the national telephone company and ultimately plans to retain only a 23 percent stake in the company

domestic: fixed-line connections stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage, fostered by multiple providers, is increasing rapidly from a low base

international: country code - 226; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

2 TV stations - 1 state-owned and 1 privately-owned; state-owned radio runs a national and regional network; substantial number of privately-owned radio broadcast stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters available in Ouagadougou (2007)

Internet country code:

.bf

Internet hosts:

1,877 (2010) country comparison to the world: 155

Internet users:

178,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 144

Transportation ::Burkina Faso

Airports:

24 (2010) country comparison to the world: 132

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 22

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 12

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Railways:

total: 622 km country comparison to the world: 109 narrow gauge: 622 km 1.000-m gauge

note: another 660 km of this railway extends into Cote d'Ivoire (2008)

Roadways:

total: 92,495 km country comparison to the world: 53 paved: 3,857 km

unpaved: 88,638 km (2004)

Military ::Burkina Faso

Military branches:

Army, Air Force of Burkina Faso (Force Aerienne de Burkina Faso,
FABF), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; women may serve in supporting roles (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,608,963 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,280,776

females age 16-49: 2,278,474 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 188,394

female: 185,975 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 120

Transnational Issues ::Burkina Faso

Disputes - international:

in September 2007, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intervened to attempt to resolve the dispute over two villages along the Benin-Burkina Faso border that remain from a 2005 ICJ decision; in recent years citizens and rogue security forces rob and harass local populations on both sides of the poorly defined Burkina Faso-Niger border; despite the presence of more than 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict continues to spread into neighboring states that can no longer send their migrant workers to work in Ivorian cocoa plantations

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Burma (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Burma

Background:

Britain conquered Burma over a period of 62 years (1824-1886) and incorporated it into its Indian Empire. Burma was administered as a province of India until 1937 when it became a separate, self-governing colony; independence from the Commonwealth was attained in 1948. Gen. NE WIN dominated the government from 1962 to 1988, first as military ruler, then as self-appointed president, and later as political kingpin. In September 1988, the military deposed NE WIN and established a new ruling junta. Despite multiparty legislative elections in 1990 that resulted in the main opposition party - the National League for Democracy (NLD) - winning a landslide victory, the junta refused to hand over power. NLD leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient AUNG SAN SUU KYI, who was under house arrest from 1989 to 1995 and 2000 to 2002, was imprisoned in May 2003 and subsequently transferred to house arrest. She was finally released in November 2010. After the ruling junta in August 2007 unexpectedly increased fuel prices, tens of thousands of Burmese marched in protest, led by prodemocracy activists and Buddhist monks. In late September 2007, the government brutally suppressed the protests, killing at least 13 people and arresting thousands for participating in the demonstrations. Since then, the regime has continued to raid homes and monasteries and arrest persons suspected of participating in the pro-democracy protests. Burma in early May 2008 was struck by Cyclone Nargis which official estimates claimed left over 80,000 dead and 50,000 injured. Despite this tragedy, the junta proceeded with its May constitutional referendum, the first vote in Burma since 1990. Parliamentary elections held in November 2010, considered flawed by many in the international community, saw the junta's Union Solidarity and Development Party garnering over 70 percent of the seats. Parliament is constitutionally mandated to convene within 90 days of the election; the president, two vice presidents, and ministers will be selected at that time.

Geography ::Burma

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand

Geographic coordinates:

22 00 N, 98 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 676,578 sq km country comparison to the world: 40 land: 653,508 sq km

water: 23,070 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,876 km

border countries: Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km

Coastline:

1,930 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April)

Terrain:

central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Andaman Sea 0 m

highest point: Hkakabo Razi 5,881 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 14.92%

permanent crops: 1.31%

other: 83.77% (2005)

Irrigated land:

18,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,045.6 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 33.23 cu km/yr (1%/1%/98%)

per capita: 658 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September); periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; industrial pollution of air, soil, and water; inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes

People ::Burma

Population:

53,414,374 country comparison to the world: 24 note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.3% (male 6,193,263/female 5,990,658)

15-64 years: 69.3% (male 16,510,648/female 16,828,462)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,121,412/female 1,493,298) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.5 years

male: 26 years

female: 27.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.096% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Birth rate:

19.49 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Death rate:

8.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Net migration rate:

-0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 134

Urbanization:

urban population: 33% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 50.76 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 50 male: 57.85 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 43.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.52 years country comparison to the world: 167 male: 62.23 years

female: 66.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.28 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

240,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

25,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Burmese (singular and plural)

adjective: Burmese

Ethnic groups:

Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%,
Mon 2%, other 5%

Religions:

Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2%

Languages:

Burmese (offical) minority ethnic groups have their own languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89.9%

male: 93.9%

female: 86.4% (2006 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 8 years

female: 8 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2001) country comparison to the world: 181

Government ::Burma

Country name:

conventional long form: Union of Burma

conventional short form: Burma

local long form: Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar)

local short form: Myanma Naingngandaw

former: Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma

note: since 1989 the military authorities in Burma have promoted the name Myanmar as a conventional name for their state; the US Government did not adopt the name, which is a derivative of the Burmese short-form name Myanma Naingngandaw

Government type:

military regime

Capital:

name: Rangoon (Yangon)

geographic coordinates: 16 48 N, 96 09 E

time difference: UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Nay Pyi Taw is administrative capital

Administrative divisions:

7 divisions (taing-myar, singular - taing) and 7 states* (pyi ne-myar, singular - pyi ne)

divisions: Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Yangon

states: Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine (Arakan), Shan

Independence:

4 January 1948 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 January (1948); Union Day, 12 February (1947)

Constitution:

3 January 1974; suspended since 18 September 1988; a constitution officially received 92.48% support in a flawed May 2008 referendum that most observers judged fell far short of international standards of free and fair elections; note - a new constitution is to take effect when a parliament is convened possibly in late January 2011

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992)

head of government: Prime Minister Lt. Gen THEIN SEIN (since 24 October 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet is overseen by the military regime that assumed power 18 September 1988 under the name State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC); changed in 1997 to SPDC (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: none

Legislative branch:

bicameral, consists of the House of Nationalities [Amyotha Hluttaw] (224 seats, 168 directly elected and 56 appointed by the military; members serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives [Pythu Hluttaw] (440 seats, 330 directly elected and 110 appointed by the military; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 November 2010 (next to be held in December 2015)

election results: House of Nationalities - percent of vote by party - USDP 74.8%, others (NUP, SNDP, RNDP, NDF, AMRDP) 25.2%; seats by party - USDP 129, others 39; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - USDP 79.6%, others (NUP, SNDP, RNDP, NDF, AMRDP) 20.4%; seats by party - USDP 259, others 66

Judicial branch:

remnants of the British-era legal system are in place, but there is no guarantee of a fair public trial; the judiciary is not independent of the executive

Political parties and leaders:

All Mon Region Democracy Party or AMRDP; National Democratic Force or NDF [KHIN MAUNG SWE]; National League for Democracy or NLD [AUNG SHWE, AUNG SAN SUU KYI]; note - the party is defunct because it did not register for the 2010 election; National Unity Party or NUP [TUN YE]; Rakhine Nationalities Development Party or RNDP; Shan Nationalities League for Democracy or SNLD [HKUN HTUN OO]; Union Solidarity and Development Party or USDP [THEIN SEIN]; numerous smaller parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Thai border: Ethnic Nationalities Council or ENC; Federation of Trade Unions-Burma or FTUB (exile trade union and labor advocates); National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma or NCGUB (self-proclaimed government in exile) ["Prime Minister" Dr. SEIN WIN] consists of individuals, some legitimately elected to the People's Assembly in 1990 (the group fled to a border area and joined insurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel government in exile); National Council-Union of Burma or NCUB (exile coalition of opposition groups)

Inside Burma: Kachin Independence Organization or KIO; Karen National Union or KNU; Karenni National People's Party or KNPP; Union Solidarity and Development Association or USDA (pro-regime, a social and political mass-member organization) [HTAY OO, general secretary] became the Union Solidarity and Development Party in 2010; United Wa State Army or UWSA; 88 Generation Students (pro-democracy movement); several other Shan factions

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), SAARC (observer), UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires HAN THU - note: Burma does not have an ambassador to the United States

chancery: 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-3344

FAX: [1] (202) 332-4351

consulate(s) general: none; Burma has a Mission to the UN in New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires Larry M. DINGER - note: The United States does not have an ambassador to Burma

embassy: 110 University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Rangoon

mailing address: Box B, APO AP 96546

telephone: [95] (1) 536-509, 535-756, 538-038

FAX: [95] (1) 650-306

Flag description:

design consists of three equal horizontal stripes of yellow (top), green, and red; centered on the green band is a large white five-pointed star that partially overlaps onto the adjacent colored stripes; the design revives the triband colors used by Burma from 1943-45, during the Japanese occupation

National anthem:

name: "Kaba Ma Kyei" (Till the End of the World, Myanmar)

lyrics/music: SAYA TIN

note: adopted 1948; Burma is among a handful of non-European nations that have anthems rooted in indigenous traditions; the beginning portion of the anthem is a traditional Burmese anthem before transitioning into a Western-style orchestrated work

Economy ::Burma

Economy - overview:

Burma, a resource-rich country, suffers from pervasive government controls, inefficient economic policies, corruption, and rural poverty. Despite Burma's emergence as a natural gas exporter, socio-economic conditions have deteriorated under the regime's mismanagement, leaving most of the public in poverty, while military leaders and their business cronies exploit the country's ample natural resources. The economy suffers from serious macroeconomic imbalances - including rising inflation, fiscal deficits, multiple official exchange rates that overvalue the Burmese kyat, a distorted interest rate regime, unreliable statistics, and an inability to reconcile national accounts to determine a realistic GDP figure. Burma's poor investment climate hampers the inflow of foreign investment; in recent years, foreign investors have shied away from nearly every sector except for natural gas, power generation, timber, and mining. The business climate is widely perceived as opaque, corrupt, and highly inefficient. Over 60% of the FY 2009-10 budget is allocated to state owned enterprises - most operating at a deficit. The government has recently privatized a number of state owned enterprises, but most of the benefits have accrued to regime insiders and cronies. The most productive sectors will continue to be in extractive industries - especially oil and gas, mining, and timber - with the latter two causing significant environmental degradation. Other areas, such as manufacturing, tourism and services, struggle in the face of inadequate infrastructure, unpredictable trade policies, neglected health and education systems, and endemic corruption. A major banking crisis in 2003 caused 20 private banks to close; private banks still operate under tight restrictions, limiting the private sector's access to credit. The United States, the European Union, Canada, and Australia have imposed financial and economic sanctions on Burma, prohibiting most financial transactions with Burmese entities, imposing travel bans on Burmese officials and others connected to the ruling regime, and banning imports of certain Burmese products. These sanctions affected the country's fledgling garment industry, isolated the struggling banking sector, and raised the costs of doing business with Burmese companies, particularly firms tied to Burmese regime leaders. The global crisis of 2008-09 caused exports and domestic consumer demand to drop. Remittances from overseas Burmese workers - who had provided significant financial support for their families - slowed or dried up as jobs were lost and migrant workers returned home. Though the Burmese government has good economic relations with its neighbors, better investment and business climates and an improved political situation are needed to promote serious foreign investment, exports, and tourism.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$60.07 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $58.27 billion (2009 est.)

$57.24 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$35.65 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 1.8% (2009 est.)

1.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209 $1,100 (2009 est.)

$1,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 43.2%

industry: 20%

services: 36.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

31.68 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%

industry: 7%

services: 23% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 4.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

32.7% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 32.4% (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197 1.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

12% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 34 12% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

17% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.907 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 89 $4.038 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: this number reflects the vastly overvalued official exchange rate of 5.38 kyat per dollar in 2007; at the unofficial black market rate of 1,305 kyat per dollar for 2007, the stock of kyats would equal only US$2.465 billion and Burma's velocity of money (the number of times money turns over in the course of a year) would be six, in line with the velocity of money for other countries in the region; in 2009, the unofficial black market rate averaged 1,090 kyat per dollar.

Stock of broad money:

$7.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $6.231 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$8.552 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $6.858 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, pulses, beans, sesame, groundnuts, sugarcane; hardwood; fish and fish products

Industries:

agricultural processing; wood and wood products; copper, tin, tungsten, iron; cement, construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer; oil and natural gas; garments, jade and gems

Industrial production growth rate:

4.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Electricity - production:

6.286 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Electricity - consumption:

4.403 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

18,880 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Oil - consumption:

42,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Oil - exports:

2,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Oil - imports:

18,250 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Oil - proved reserves:

50 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - production:

12.4 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Natural gas - consumption:

3.85 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - exports:

8.55 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Natural gas - proved reserves:

283.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Current account balance:

$652 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $705 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.841 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $6.862 billion (2009 est.)

note: official export figures are grossly underestimated due to the value of timber, gems, narcotics, rice, and other products smuggled to Thailand, China, and Bangladesh

Exports - commodities:

natural gas, wood products, pulses, beans, fish, rice, clothing, jade and gems

Exports - partners:

Thailand 46.57%, India 12.99%, China 9.01%, Japan 5.65% (2009)

Imports:

$4.532 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $4.02 billion (2009 est.)

note: import figures are grossly underestimated due to the value of consumer goods, diesel fuel, and other products smuggled in from Thailand, China, Malaysia, and India

Imports - commodities:

fabric, petroleum products, fertilizer, plastics, machinery, transport equipment; cement, construction materials, crude oil; food products, edible oil

Imports - partners:

China 33.1%, Thailand 26.28%, Singapore 15.18% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.762 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $3.561 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$7.145 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $7.079 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

kyats (MMK) per US dollar - 1,000 (2010), 1,055 (2009), 1,205 (2008), 1,296 (2007), 1,280 (2006)

Communications ::Burma

Telephones - main lines in use:

812,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 86

Telephones - mobile cellular:

448,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 160

Telephone system:

general assessment: meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service for business and government

domestic: system barely capable of providing basic service; mobile-cellular phone system is grossly underdeveloped with a subscribership base of only 1 per 100 persons

international: country code - 95; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2, Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and ShinSat (2009)

Broadcast media:

government controls all domestic broadcast media; 3 state-controlled television stations with 1 of the stations controlled by the armed forces; a fourth TV channel, a pay-TV station, is a joint state-private venture; access to satellite TV is limited with residents required to register and pay a fee for all satellite television receivers; 2 state-controlled domestic radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available in Burma; the opposition-backed station Democratic Voice of Burma broadcasts into Burma via shortwave (2009)

Internet country code:

.mm

Internet hosts:

172 (2010) country comparison to the world: 197

Internet users:

110,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 158

Transportation ::Burma

Airports:

76 (2010) country comparison to the world: 72

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 37

over 3,047 m: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 39

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Heliports:

6 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,228 km; oil 558 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,955 km country comparison to the world: 44 narrow gauge: 3,955 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 27,000 km country comparison to the world: 101 paved: 3,200 km

unpaved: 23,800 km (2006)

Waterways:

12,800 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 10

Merchant marine:

total: 26 country comparison to the world: 90 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 19, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 3, specialized tanker 1

foreign-owned: 3 (Cyprus 1, Germany 1, Japan 1)

registered in other countries: 3 (Panama 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Moulmein, Rangoon, Sittwe

Military ::Burma

Military branches:

Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw): Army (Tatmadaw Kyi), Navy (Tatmadaw
Yay), Air Force (Tatmadaw Lay) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-35 years of age (men) and 18-27 years of age (women) for compulsory military service; service obligation 2 years; male (ages 18-45) and female (ages 18-35) professionals (including doctors, engineers, mechanics) serve up to 3 years; service terms may be streched to 5 years in an officially declared emergency; forced conscription of children, although officially prohibited, reportedly continues (2011)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 14,558,921

females age 16-49: 14,539,703 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,281,131

females age 16-49: 10,988,695 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 526,557

female: 510,538 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Transnational Issues ::Burma

Disputes - international:

over half of Burma's population consists of diverse ethnic groups who have substantial numbers of kin in neighboring countries; Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic refugees, asylum seekers, and rebels, as well as illegal cross-border activities from Burma; Thailand is studying the feasibility of jointly constructing the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween River near the border with Burma; citing environmental, cultural, and social concerns, China is reconsidering construction of 13 dams on the Salween River but energy-starved Burma with backing from Thailand remains intent on building five hydro-electric dams downstream, despite identical regional and international protests; India seeks cooperation from Burma to keep Indian Nagaland separatists, such as the United Liberation Front of Assam, from hiding in remote Burmese Uplands; after 21 years, Bangladesh in January 2008 resumed talks with Burma on delimiting a maritime boundary

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 503,000 (government offensives against ethnic insurgent groups near the eastern borders; most IDPs are ethnic Karen, Karenni, Shan, Tavoyan, and Mon) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Burma is a source country for women, children, and men trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; Burmese women and children are trafficked to East and Southeast Asia for commercial sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced labor; Burmese children are subjected to conditions of forced labor in Thailand as hawkers and beggars; women are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation to Malaysia and China; some trafficking victims transit Burma from Bangladesh to Malaysia and from China to Thailand; Burma's internal trafficking remains the most serious concern occurring primarily from villages to urban centers and economic hubs for labor in industrial zones, agricultural estates, and commercial sexual exploitation; the Burmese military continues to engage in the unlawful conscription of child soldiers, and continues to be the main perpetrator of forced labor inside Burma; ethnic insurgent groups also used compulsory labor of adults and unlawful recruitment of children; the regime's widespread use of and lack of accountability in forced labor and recruitment of child soldiers is particularly worrying and represents the top causal factor for Burma's significant trafficking problem

tier rating: Tier 3 - serious problems remain in Burma, and in some areas, most notably in the area of forced labor, the Government of Burma is not making significant efforts to comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, warranting a ranking of Tier 3; in other areas, particularly with regard to international sex trafficking of women and girls, the Government of Burma is making significant efforts (2010)

Illicit drugs:

remains world's second largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2008 of 340 metric tons, an increase of 26%, and poppy cultivation in 2008 totaled 22,500 hectares, a 4% increase from 2007; production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low; Shan state is the source of 94% of Burma's poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2008)

page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Burundi (Africa)

Introduction ::Burundi

Background:

Burundi's first democratically elected president was assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office, triggering widespread ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. More than 200,000 Burundians perished during the conflict that spanned almost a dozen years. Hundreds of thousands of Burundians were internally displaced or became refugees in neighboring countries. An internationally brokered power-sharing agreement between the Tutsi-dominated government and the Hutu rebels in 2003 paved the way for a transition process that led to an integrated defense force, established a new constitution in 2005, and elected a majority Hutu government in 2005. The new government, led by President Pierre NKURUNZIZA, signed a South African brokered ceasefire with the country's last rebel group in September of 2006 but still faces many challenges.

Geography ::Burundi

Location:

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

3 30 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 27,830 sq km country comparison to the world: 146 land: 25,680 sq km

water: 2,150 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 974 km

border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 233 km, Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees centigrade but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February to May and September to November), and two dry seasons (June to August and December to January)

Terrain:

hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m

highest point: Heha 2,670 m

Natural resources:

nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum, vanadium, arable land, hydropower, niobium, tantalum, gold, tin, tungsten, kaolin, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 35.57%

permanent crops: 13.12%

other: 51.31% (2005)

Irrigated land:

210 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

3.6 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.29 cu km/yr (17%/6%/77%)

per capita: 38 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

flooding; landslides; drought

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation (little forested land remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel); habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote headstream of the White Nile

People ::Burundi

Population:

9,863,117 country comparison to the world: 85 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.3% (male 2,213,667/female 2,189,197)

15-64 years: 51.2% (male 2,399,466/female 2,470,743)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 95,324/female 142,933) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.8 years

male: 16.5 years

female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.561% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Birth rate:

41.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Death rate:

9.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Net migration rate:

4.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Urbanization:

urban population: 10% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 6.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 63.38 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 29 male: 68.02 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 58.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 58.29 years country comparison to the world: 191 male: 56.65 years

female: 59.98 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.25 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

110,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Burundian(s)

adjective: Burundian

Ethnic groups:

Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%, Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000

Religions:

Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 23%, Muslim 10%

Languages:

Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake
Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 59.3%

male: 67.3%

female: 52.2% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 9 years

female: 7 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

7.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 17

Government ::Burundi

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Burundi

conventional short form: Burundi

local long form: Republique du Burundi/Republika y'u Burundi

local short form: Burundi

former: Urundi

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bujumbura

geographic coordinates: 3 22 S, 29 21 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

17 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura Mairie, Bujumbura Rural, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi

Independence:

1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Constitution:

ratified by popular referendum 28 February 2005

Legal system:

based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (adult)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26 August 2005); First Vice President Therence SINUNGURUZA - Tutsi (since 29 August 2010); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI - Hutu (since 29 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26 August 2005); First Vice President Therence SINUNGURUZA - Tutsi (since 29 August 2010); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI - Hutu (since 29 August 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); note - the constitution adopted in February 2005 permited the post-transition president to be elected by a two-thirds majority of the parliament; elections last held 28 June 2010 (next to be held in 2015); vice presidents nominated by the president, endorsed by parliament

election results: Pierre NKURUNZIZA elected president by popular vote; Pierre NKURUNZIZA 91.6%, other 8.4%; note - opposition parties withdrew from the election due to alleged government interference in the electoral process

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlement, consists of a Senate (54 seats; 34 members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year terms, with remaining seats assigned to ethnic groups and former chiefs of state) and a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (minimum 100 seats, 60% Hutu and 40% Tutsi with at least 30% being women; additional seats appointed by a National Independent Electoral Commission to ensure ethnic representation; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 23 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015); National Assembly - last held on 23 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - TBD; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CNDD 81.2%, UPRONA 11.6%, FRODEBU 5.9%, others 1.3%; seats by party - CNDD 81, UPRONA 17, FRODEBU 5, other 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court; High Court of
Justice (composed of the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court)

Political parties and leaders:

governing parties: Burundi Democratic Front or FRODEBU [Leonce NGENDAKUMANA]; National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Front for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD-FDD [Jeremie NGENDAKUMANA]; Unity for National Progress or UPRONA [Bonaventure NIYOYANKANA]

note: a multiparty system was introduced after 1998, included are: National Council for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD [Leonard NYANGOMA]; National Resistance Movement for the Rehabilitation of the Citizen or MRC-Rurenzangemero [Epitace BANYAGANAKANDI]; Party for National Redress or PARENA [Jean-Baptiste BAGAZA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Forum for the Strengthening of Civil Society or FORSC [Pacifique
NININAHAZWE] (civil society umbrella organization); Observatoire de
lutte contre la corruption et les malversations economiques or
OLUCOME [Gabriel RUFYIRI] (anti-corruption pressure group)

other: Hutu and Tutsi militias (loosely organized)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Angele NIYUHIRE

chancery: Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 342-2574

FAX: [1] (202) 342-2578

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela J. H. SLUTZ

embassy: Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura

mailing address: B. P. 1720, Bujumbura

telephone: [257] 223454

FAX: [257] 222926

Flag description:

divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and fly side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below); green symbolizes hope and optimism, white purity and peace, and red the blood shed in the struggle for independence; the three stars in the disk represent the three major ethnic groups: Hutu, Twa, Tutsi, as well as the three elements in the national motto: unity, work, progress

National anthem:

name: "Burundi Bwacu" (Our Beloved Burundi)

lyrics/music: Jean-Baptiste NTAHOKAJA/Marc BARENGAYABO

note: adopted 1962

Economy ::Burundi

Economy - overview:

Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly agricultural which accounts for about 35% of GDP and employs more than 90% of the population. Burundi's primary exports are coffee and tea, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings, though exports are a relatively small share of GDP. Burundi's export earning - and its ability to pay for imports - rests primarily on weather conditions and international coffee and tea prices. The Tutsi minority, 14% of the population, dominates the coffee trade. An ethnic-based war that lasted for over a decade resulted in more than 200,000 deaths, forced more than 48,000 refugees into Tanzania, and displaced 140,000 others internally. Only one in two children go to school, and approximately one in 15 adults has HIV/AIDS. Food, medicine, and electricity remain in short supply. Burundi's GDP grew around 4% annually in 2006-09. Political stability and the end of the civil war have improved aid flows and economic activity has increased, but underlying weaknesses - a high poverty rate, poor education rates, a weak legal system, and low administrative capacity - risk undermining planned economic reforms. Burundi will continue to remain heavily dependent on aid from bilateral and multilateral donors; the delay of funds after a corruption scandal cut off bilateral aid in 2007 reduced government's revenues and its ability to pay salaries. Burundi joined the East African Community, which should boost Burundi's regional trade ties, and received $700 million in debt relief in 2009. Instability spilling over from eastern Congo-Kinshasa and the ban on minerals smuggled across Burundi's border will be the main challenges to economic growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.418 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 $3.29 billion (2009 est.)

$3.178 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.469 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 3.5% (2009 est.)

4.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 228 $300 (2009 est.)

$300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 31.6%

industry: 21.4%

services: 47% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.245 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 85

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 93.6%

industry: 2.3%

services: 4.1% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

68% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4.1%

highest 10%: 28% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

42.4 (1998) country comparison to the world: 52

Investment (gross fixed):

25.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 10.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 44 10.08% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.08% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 16.52% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$329.3 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 166 $293.6 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$568.3 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $506.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$465.7 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 $415.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca); beef, milk, hides

Industries:

light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Electricity - production:

92 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Electricity - consumption:

125.6 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

40 million kWh; note - supplied by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Oil - imports:

2,495 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Current account balance:

-$136 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 -$127 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$71 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199 $68 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, tea, sugar, cotton, hides

Exports - partners:

Germany 21.6%, Switzerland 14.86%, Belgium 9.32%, Sweden 8.94%,
Pakistan 5.82% (2009)

Imports:

$336 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192 $275 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, petroleum products, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 16.87%, Belgium 11.17%, Uganda 8.62%, Kenya 7.57%, China 5.66%, France 5.35%, Germany 4.46%, India 4.24%, Tanzania 4.21% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$320 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $323 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.2 billion (2003) country comparison to the world: 147

Exchange rates:

Burundi francs (BIF) per US dollar - 1,250.75 (2010), 1,230.18 (2009), 1,198 (2008), 1,065 (2007), 1,030 (2006)

Communications ::Burundi

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 177

Telephones - mobile cellular:

838,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 149

Telephone system:

general assessment: sparse system of open-wire, radiotelephone communications, and low-capacity microwave radio relays

domestic: telephone density one of the lowest in the world; fixed-line connections stand at well less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage is increasing but remains at a meager 10 per 100 persons

international: country code - 257; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-controlled La Radiodiffusion et Television Nationale de Burundi (RTNB) operates the lone TV broadcast station and the only national radio network; about 10 privately-owned radio broadcast stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available in Bujumbura (2007)

Internet country code:

.bi

Internet hosts:

201 (2010) country comparison to the world: 194

Internet users:

157,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 147

Transportation ::Burundi

Airports:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 161

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 12,322 km country comparison to the world: 129 paved: 1,286 km

unpaved: 11,036 km (2004)

Waterways:

mainly on Lake Tanganyika between Bujumbura, Burundi's principal port, and lake ports in Tanzania, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bujumbura

Military ::Burundi

Military branches:

National Defense Force (Forces de Defense Nationale, FDN): Army (includes naval detachment and Air Wing), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

military service is voluntary; the armed forces law of 31 December 2004 did not specify a minimum age for enlistment, but the government had previously said each recruit must have a primary school-leaving certificate; mandatory retirement age 45 (enlisted), 50 (NCOs), and 55 (officers) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,099,541

females age 16-49: 2,118,918 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,337,935

females age 16-49: 1,414,035 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 111,829

female: 111,802 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.9% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Transnational Issues ::Burundi

Disputes - international:

Burundi and Rwanda dispute sections of border on the Akanyaru/Kanyaru and the Kagera/Nyabarongo rivers, which have changed course since the 1960s, when the boundary was delimited; cross-border conflicts among Tutsi, Hutu, other ethnic groups, associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces persist in the Great Lakes region

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 9,849 (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

IDPs: 100,000 (armed conflict between government and rebels; most
IDPs in northern and western Burundi) (2007)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Cambodia (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Cambodia

Background:

Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire, ushering in a long period of decline. The king placed the country under French protection in 1863 and it became part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953. In April 1975, after a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy under a coalition government. Factional fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, but a second round of national elections in 1998 led to the formation of another coalition government and renewed political stability. The remaining elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early 1999. Some of the surviving Khmer Rouge leaders have been tried or are awaiting trial for crimes against humanity by a hybrid UN-Cambodian tribunal supported by international assistance. Elections in July 2003 were relatively peaceful, but it took one year of negotiations between contending political parties before a coalition government was formed. In October 2004, King Norodom SIHANOUK abdicated the throne and his son, Prince Norodom SIHAMONI, was selected to succeed him. Local elections were held in Cambodia in April 2007, with little of the pre-election violence that preceded prior elections. National elections in July 2008 were relatively peaceful.

Geography ::Cambodia

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand,
Vietnam, and Laos

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 181,035 sq km country comparison to the world: 89 land: 176,515 sq km

water: 4,520 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oklahoma

Land boundaries:

total: 2,572 km

border countries: Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km

Coastline:

443 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

highest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m

Natural resources:

oil and gas, timber, gemstones, iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land: 20.44%

permanent crops: 0.59%

other: 78.97% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

476.1 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 4.08 cu km/yr (1%/0%/98%)

per capita: 290 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional droughts

Environment - current issues:

illegal logging activities throughout the country and strip mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand have resulted in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural fisheries); soil erosion; in rural areas, most of the population does not have access to potable water; declining fish stocks because of illegal fishing and overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River and Tonle Sap

People ::Cambodia

Population:

14,453,680 country comparison to the world: 66 note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32.6% (male 2,388,922/female 2,336,439)

15-64 years: 63.8% (male 4,498,568/female 4,743,677)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 197,649/female 329,038) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.6 years

male: 21.8 years

female: 23.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.705% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Birth rate:

25.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Death rate:

8.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Net migration rate:

-0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 136

Urbanization:

urban population: 22% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 56.94 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 37 male: 64.09 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 49.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.28 years country comparison to the world: 177 male: 59.95 years

female: 64.72 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.9 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

75,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

6,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Cambodian(s)

adjective: Cambodian

Ethnic groups:

Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%

Religions:

Buddhist 96.4%, Muslim 2.1%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.2% (1998 census)

Languages:

Khmer (official) 95%, French, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 73.6%

male: 84.7%

female: 64.1% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 10 years

female: 9 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

1.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 176

Government ::Cambodia

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodia

conventional short form: Cambodia

local long form: Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea (phonetic pronunciation)

local short form: Kampuchea

former: Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, People's Republic of Kampuchea, State of Cambodia

Government type:

multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Phnom Penh

geographic coordinates: 11 33 N, 104 55 E

time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

23 provinces (khett, singular and plural) and 1 municipality (krong, singular and plural)

provinces: Banteay Mean Choay, Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong
Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Keb,
Krachen, Mondol Kiri, Otdar Mean Choay, Pailin, Pouthisat, Preah
Seihanu (Sihanoukville), Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanokiri, Siem
Reab, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev

municipalities: Phnum Penh (Phnom Penh)

Independence:

9 November 1953 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 9 November (1953)

Constitution:

promulgated 21 September 1993

Legal system:

primarily a civil law mixture of French-influenced codes from the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) period, royal decrees, and acts of the legislature with influences of customary law and remnants of communist legal theory; increasing influence of common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King Norodom SIHAMONI (since 29 October 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985) [co-prime minister from 1993 to 1997]; Permanent Deputy Prime Minister MEN SAM AN (since 25 September 2008); Deputy Prime Ministers SAR KHENG (since 3 February 1992); SOK AN, TEA BANH, HOR NAMHONG, NHEK BUNCHHAY (since 16 July 2004); BIN CHHIN (since 5 September 2007); KEAT CHHON, YIM CHHAI LY (since 24 September 2008); KE KIMYAN (since 12 March 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the king chosen by a Royal Throne Council from among all eligible males of royal descent; following legislative elections, a member of the majority party or majority coalition named prime minister by the Chairman of the National Assembly and appointed by the king

Legislative branch:

bicameral, consists of the Senate (61 seats; 2 members appointed by the monarch, 2 elected by the National Assembly, and 57 elected by parliamentarians and commune councils; members serve five-year terms) and the National Assembly (123 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 22 January 2006 (next to be held in January 2012); National Assembly - last held on 27 July 2008 (next to be held in July 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - CPP 69%, FUNCINPEC 21%, SRP 10%; seats by party - CPP 45, FUNCINPEC 10, SRP 2; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CPP 58%, SRP 22%, HRP 7%; NRP 6%; FUNCINPEC 5%; others 2%; seats by party - CPP 90, SRP 26, HRP 3, FUNCINPEC 2, NRP 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Council of the Magistracy (provided for in the constitution and formed in December 1997); Supreme Court (and lower courts) exercises judicial authority

Political parties and leaders:

Cambodian People's Party or CPP [CHEA SIM]; Human Rights Party or HRP [KHEM SOKHA, also spelled KEM SOKHA]; National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia or FUNCINPEC [KEV PUT REAKSMEI]; Nationalist Party or NP [CHHIM SEAK LENG] (formerly the NRP); Sam Rangsi Party or SRP [SAM RANGSI, also spelled SAM RAINSY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Cambodian Freedom Fighters or CFF; Partnership for Transparency Fund or PTF (anti-corruption organization); Students Movement for Democracy; The Committee for Free and Fair Elections or Comfrel

other: human rights organizations; vendors

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CICA (observer), EAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador HENG HEM

chancery: 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone: [1] (202) 726-7742

FAX: [1] (202) 726-8381

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Carol A. RODLEY

embassy: #1, Street 96, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

mailing address: Box P, APO AP 96546

telephone: [855] (23) 728-000

FAX: [855] (23) 728-600

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width), and blue with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat outlined in black in the center of the red band; red and blue are traditional Cambodian colors

note: only national flag to incorporate an actual building in its design

National anthem:

name: "Nokoreach" (Royal Kingdom)

lyrics/music: CHUON NAT/F. PERRUCHOT and J. JEKYLL

note: adopted 1941, restored 1993; the anthem, based on a Cambodian folk tune, was restored after the defeat of the Communist regime

Economy ::Cambodia

Economy - overview:

From 2004 to 2007, the economy grew about 10% per year, driven largely by an expansion in the garment sector, construction, agriculture, and tourism. GDP contracted 1.5% in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown, but climbed more than 4% in 1010, driven by renewed exports. With the January 2005 expiration of a WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, Cambodian textile producers were forced to compete directly with lower-priced countries such as China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. The garment industry currently employs more than 280,000 people - about 5% of the work force - and contributes more than 70% of Cambodia's exports. In 2005, exploitable oil deposits were found beneath Cambodia's territorial waters, representing a new revenue stream for the government if commercial extraction begins. Mining also is attracting significant investor interest, particularly in the northern parts of the country. The government has said opportunities exist for mining bauxite, gold, iron and gems. In 2006, a US-Cambodia bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) was signed, and several rounds of discussions have been held since 2007. Rubber exports increased about 25% in 2009 due to rising global demand. The tourism industry has continued to grow rapidly, with foreign arrivals exceeding 2 million per year in 2007-08, however, economic troubles abroad dampened growth in 2009. The global financial crisis is weakening demand for Cambodian exports, and construction is declining due to a shortage of credit. The long-term development of the economy remains a daunting challenge. The Cambodian government is working with bilateral and multilateral donors, including the World Bank and IMF, to address the country's many pressing needs. The major economic challenge for Cambodia over the next decade will be fashioning an economic environment in which the private sector can create enough jobs to handle Cambodia's demographic imbalance. More than 50% of the population is less than 25 years old. The population lacks education and productive skills, particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside, which suffers from an almost total lack of basic infrastructure.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$29.46 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $28.3 billion (2009 est.)

$28.73 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.36 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 -1.5% (2009 est.)

5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 $2,000 (2009 est.)

$2,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 29%

industry: 30%

services: 41% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

8 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 67.9%

industry: 12.7%

services: 19.5% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 2.5% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

31% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 34.2% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 40 (2004 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 -0.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 83 5.25% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

17% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 40 16.01% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$850.7 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 142 $747.2 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.982 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $3.899 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.195 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $1.991 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, rubber, corn, vegetables, cashews, tapioca, silk

Industries:

tourism, garments, construction, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Electricity - production:

1.273 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Electricity - consumption:

1.272 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

167 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Oil - imports:

30,970 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Current account balance:

-$918 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 -$865.7 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$5.212 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $4.302 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, timber, rubber, rice, fish, tobacco, footwear

Exports - partners:

US 45.32%, Singapore 9.46%, Germany 7.52%, UK 7.07%, Canada 6.31%,
Vietnam 4.15% (2009)

Imports:

$6.944 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $5.876 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, cigarettes, gold, construction materials, machinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceutical products

Imports - partners:

Thailand 24.83%, Vietnam 19.73%, China 14.08%, Singapore 11.34%,
Hong Kong 7.41%, Taiwan 5.1%, South Korea 4.06% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.84 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $3.289 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.338 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $4.284 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

riels (KHR) per US dollar - 4,217.96 (2010), 4,139.33 (2009), 4,070.94 (2008), 4,006 (2007), 4,103 (2006)

Communications ::Cambodia

Telephones - main lines in use:

54,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 159

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.593 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 91

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate fixed-line and/or cellular service in Phnom Penh and other provincial cities; mobile-cellular phone systems are widely used in urban areas to bypass deficiencies in the fixed-line network; mobile-phone coverage is rapidly expanding in rural areas

domestic: fixed-line connections stand at well less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage, aided by increasing competition among service providers, is increasing and stands at 40 per 100 persons

international: country code - 855; adequate but expensive landline and cellular service available to all countries from Phnom Penh and major provincial cities; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) (2009)

Broadcast media:

mixture of state-owned, joint public-private, and privately-owned broadcast media; 9 TV broadcast stations with most operating on multiple channels, including 1 state-operated station broadcasting from multiple locations, 6 stations either jointly operated or privately-owned with some broadcasting from several locations, and 2 TV relay stations - one relaying a French television station and the other relaying a Vietnamese television station; multi-channel cable and satellite systems are available; roughly 50 radio broadcast stations - 1 state-owned broadcaster with multiple stations and a large mixture of public and private broadcasters; several international broadcasters are available (2009)

Internet country code:

.kh

Internet hosts:

5,452 (2010) country comparison to the world: 138

Internet users:

78,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Transportation ::Cambodia

Airports:

17 (2010) country comparison to the world: 141

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 690 km country comparison to the world: 105 narrow gauge: 690 km 1.000-m gauge

note: under restoration (2010)

Roadways:

total: 38,093 km country comparison to the world: 91 paved: 2,977 km

unpaved: 35,116 km (2007)

Waterways:

2,400 km (mainly on Mekong River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 37

Merchant marine:

total: 620 country comparison to the world: 20 by type: bulk carrier 40, cargo 526, carrier 5, chemical tanker 5, container 5, liquefied gas 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 7, petroleum tanker 12, refrigerated cargo 13, roll on/roll off 5

foreign-owned: 426 (Belgium 1, Canada 2, China 203, Cyprus 8, Egypt 12, Estonia 1, French Polynesia 1, Gabon 1, Greece 2, Hong Kong 11, Indonesia 2, Japan 2, Latvia 1, Lebanon 6, Netherlands 1, Romania 1, Russia 60, Singapore 4, South Korea 11, Syria 22, Taiwan 1, Turkey 26, UAE 2, UK 3, Ukraine 37, US 4, Vietnam 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Phnom Penh, Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville)

Military ::Cambodia

Military branches:

Royal Cambodian Armed Forces: Royal Cambodian Army, Royal Khmer
Navy, Royal Cambodian Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

conscription law of October 2006 requires all males between 18-30 to register for military service; 18-month service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,980,995

females age 16-49: 3,970,244 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,751,618

females age 16-49: 2,835,807 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 168,519

female: 166,418 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Transnational Issues ::Cambodia

Disputes - international:

Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of boundary with missing boundary markers and claims of Thai encroachments into Cambodian territory; maritime boundary with Vietnam is hampered by unresolved dispute over sovereignty of offshore islands; Thailand accuses Cambodia of obstructing inclusion of Thai areas near Preah Vihear temple ruins, awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962, as part of a planned UN World Heritage site

Illicit drugs:

narcotics-related corruption reportedly involving some in the government, military, and police; limited methamphetamine production; vulnerable to money laundering due to its cash-based economy and porous borders

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Cameroon (Africa)

Introduction ::Cameroon

Background:

The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon merged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite slow movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of President Paul BIYA.

Geography ::Cameroon

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial
Guinea and Nigeria

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 N, 12 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 475,440 sq km country comparison to the world: 53 land: 472,710 sq km

water: 2,730 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,591 km

border countries: Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Republic of the Congo 523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 km

Coastline:

402 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

Climate:

varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north

Terrain:

diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center, mountains in west, plains in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Fako 4,095 m (on Mt. Cameroon)

Natural resources:

petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 12.54%

permanent crops: 2.52%

other: 84.94% (2005)

Irrigated land:

260 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

285.5 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.99 cu km/yr (18%/8%/74%)

per capita: 61 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun volcanoes

volcanism: Mt. Cameroon (elev. 4,095 m, 13,435 ft), which last erupted in 2000, is the most frequently active volcano in West Africa; lakes in Oku volcanic field have released fatal levels of gas on occasion, killing some 1,700 people in 1986

Environment - current issues:

waterborne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout the country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano

People ::Cameroon

Population:

19,294,149 country comparison to the world: 58 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.9% (male 3,891,762/female 3,822,870)

15-64 years: 55.9% (male 5,298,143/female 5,250,493)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 283,289/female 332,744) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.3 years

male: 19.2 years

female: 19.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.157% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Birth rate:

33.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Death rate:

12.01 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 79

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 62.15 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 32 male: 66.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 57.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.04 years country comparison to the world: 202 male: 53.21 years

female: 54.9 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.25 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

5.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

540,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

39,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Cameroonian(s)

adjective: Cameroonian

Ethnic groups:

Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Languages:

24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 67.9%

male: 77%

female: 59.8% (2001 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 11 years

female: 9 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 150

Government ::Cameroon

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cameroon

conventional short form: Cameroon

local long form: Republique du Cameroun/Republic of Cameroon

local short form: Cameroun/Cameroon

former: French Cameroon, British Cameroon, Federal Republic of Cameroon, United Republic of Cameroon

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime

Capital:

name: Yaounde

geographic coordinates: 3 52 N, 11 31 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 regions (regions, singular - region); Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord, North-West (Nord-Ouest), Ouest, Sud, South-West (Sud-Ouest)

Independence:

1 January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Republic Day (National Day), 20 May (1972)

Constitution:

approved by referendum 20 May 1972; adopted 2 June 1972; revised January 1996

Legal system:

based on French civil law system with common law influence; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)

head of government: Prime Minister Philemon YANG (since 30 June 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from proposals submitted by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 October 2004 (next to be held by October 2011); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote - Paul BIYA 70.9%, John FRU NDI 17.4%, Adamou Ndam NJOYA 4.5%, Garga Haman ADJI 3.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (180 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - the president can either lengthen or shorten the term of the legislature

elections: last held on 22 July 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPDM 140, SDF 14, UDC 4, UNDP 4, MP 1, vacant 17

note: the constitution calls for an upper chamber for the legislature, to be called a Senate, but it has yet to be established

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); High Court of Justice (consists of nine judges and six substitute judges; elected by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Cameroon People's Democratic Movement or CPDM [Paul BIYA];
Cameroonian Democratic Union or UDC [Adamou Ndam NJOYA]; Movement
for the Defense of the Republic or MDR [Dakole DAISSALA]; Movement
for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon or MLDC [Marcel
YONDO]; National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP [Maigari
BELLO BOUBA]; Progressive Movement or MP; Social Democratic Front or
SDF [John FRU NDI]; Union of Peoples of Cameroon or UPC [Augustin
Frederic KODOCK]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Human Rights Defense Group [Albert MUKONG, president]; Southern
Cameroon National Council [Ayamba Ette OTUN]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, C, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM,
OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph FOE-ATANGANA

chancery: 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-8790

FAX: [1] (202) 387-3826

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Janet E. GARVEY

embassy: Avenue Rosa Parks, Yaounde

mailing address: P. O. Box 817, Yaounde; pouch: American Embassy, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520

telephone: [237] 2220 15 00; Consular: [237] 2220 16 03

FAX: [237] 2220 16 00 Ext. 4531; Consular FAX: [237] 2220 17 52

branch office(s): Douala

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow, with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; the vertical tricolor recalls the flag of France; red symbolizes unity, yellow the sun, happiness, and the savannahs in the north, and green hope and the forests in the south; the star is referred to as the "star of unity"

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "O Cameroun, Berceau de nos Ancetres" (O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers)

lyrics/music: Rene Djam AFAME, Samuel Minkio BAMBA, Moise Nyatte NKO"O [French], Benard Nsokika FONLON [English]/Rene Djam AFAME

note: adopted 1957; Cameroon's anthem, also known as "Chant de Ralliement" (The Rallying Song), has been used unofficially since 1948 although officially adopted in 1957; the anthem has French and English versions whose lyrics differ

Economy ::Cameroon

Economy - overview:

Because of its modest oil resources and favorable agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as stagnate per capita income, a relatively inequitable distribution of income, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks. The IMF is pressing for more reforms, including increased budget transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs. Weak prices for oil and cocoa led to the significant slowdown in growth in 2009. The government is under pressure to reduce its budget deficit, which by the government's own forecast will hit 2.8% of GDP, but the presidential election in 2011 may make fiscal austerity difficult.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$44.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $43.44 billion (2009 est.)

$43.05 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$21.88 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 0.9% (2009 est.)

3.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 $2,300 (2009 est.)

$2,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 20%

industry: 30.9%

services: 49.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

7.836 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%

industry: 13%

services: 17% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Population below poverty line:

48% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 35.4% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

44.6 (2001) country comparison to the world: 43 47.7 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Public debt:

16.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 16.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 104 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.888 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 111 $3.074 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.831 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $4.921 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$848.8 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $1.523 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, root starches; livestock; timber

Industries:

petroleum production and refining, aluminum production, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, lumber, ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Electricity - production:

5.601 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Electricity - consumption:

4.801 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

77,310 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Oil - consumption:

26,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Oil - exports:

107,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Oil - imports:

45,520 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Oil - proved reserves:

200 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Natural gas - production:

20 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Natural gas - consumption:

20 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Natural gas - proved reserves:

135.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Current account balance:

-$826 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 -$1.137 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$4.371 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $4.079 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans, aluminum, coffee, cotton

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 13.99%, Spain 12.25%, Italy 11.84%, China 9.14%, US 6.16%, France 5.51%, South Korea 4.66%, Belgium 4.33%, UK 4% (2009)

Imports:

$4.869 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 $4.405 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, electrical equipment, transport equipment, fuel, food

Imports - partners:

France 21.03%, Nigeria 10.79%, China 10.25%, Belgium 6.62%, US 4.31% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.023 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $3.676 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.344 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $3.231 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Cameroon

Telephones - main lines in use:

323,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 110

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.397 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 80

Telephone system:

general assessment: system includes cable, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter; Camtel, the monopoly provider of fixed-line service, provides connections for only about 1 per 100 persons; equipment is old and outdated, and connections with many parts of the country are unreliable

domestic: mobile-cellular usage, in part a reflection of the poor condition and general inadequacy of the fixed-line network, has increased sharply, reaching a subscribership base of 40 per 100 persons

international: country code - 237; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

government maintains tight control over broadcast media; state-owned Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV), broadcasting on both a television and radio network, was the only officially recognized and fully licensed broadcaster until August 2007 when the government finally issued licenses to 2 private TV broadcasters and 1 private radio broadcaster; about 70 privately-owned unlicensed radio stations operating but are subject to closure at any time; foreign news services required to partner with state-owned national station (2007)

Internet country code:

.cm

Internet hosts:

90 (2010) country comparison to the world: 204

Internet users:

749,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 106

Transportation ::Cameroon

Airports:

34 (2010) country comparison to the world: 111

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 23

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 889 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 987 km country comparison to the world: 90 narrow gauge: 987 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 50,000 km country comparison to the world: 81 paved: 5,000 km

unpaved: 45,000 km (2004)

Waterways:

major rivers in the south, such as the Wouri and the Sanaga, are largely non-navigable; in the north, the Benue, which connects through Nigeria to the Niger River, is navigable in the rainy season only to the port of Garoua (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Douala, Garoua, Limboh Terminal

Military ::Cameroon

Military branches:

Cameroon Armed Forces (Forces Armees Camerounaises, FAC): Army (L'Armee de Terre), Navy (includes naval infantry), Air Force (Armee de l'Air du Cameroun, AAC), Fire Fighter Corps, Gendarmerie (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-23 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription; high school graduation required; service obligation 4 years; the government makes periodic calls for volunteers (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,553,576

females age 16-49: 4,443,217 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,721,307

females age 16-49: 2,647,640 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 213,538

female: 209,549 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 113

Transnational Issues ::Cameroon

Disputes - international:

Joint Border Commission with Nigeria reviewed 2002 ICJ ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences, including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately ceded sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a full phase-out of Nigerian control and patriation of residents in 2008; Cameroon and Nigeria agree on maritime delimitation in March 2008; sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 20,000-30,000 (Chad); 3,000 (Nigeria); 24,000 (Central African Republic) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Cameroon is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; most victims are children trafficked within country, with girls primarily trafficked for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation; both boys and girls are also trafficked within Cameroon for forced labor in sweatshops, bars, restaurants, and on tea and cocoa plantations; children are trafficked into Cameroon from neighboring states for forced labor in agriculture, fishing, street vending, and spare-parts shops; Cameroon is a transit country for children trafficked between Gabon and Nigeria, and from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia; it is a source country for women transported by sex-trafficking rings to Europe

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Cameroon is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking in 2007, particularly in terms of efforts to prosecute and convict trafficking offenders; while Cameroon reported some arrests of traffickers, none of them were prosecuted or punished; the government does not identify trafficking victims among vulnerable populations nor does it monitor the number of victims it intercepts (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Canada (North America)

Introduction ::Canada

Background:

A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across an unfortified border. Canada faces the political challenges of meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care and education services, as well as responding to the particular concerns of predominantly francophone Quebec. Canada also aims to develop its diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the environment.

Geography ::Canada

Location:

Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the conterminous US

Geographic coordinates:

60 00 N, 95 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 9,984,670 sq km country comparison to the world: 2 land: 9,093,507 sq km

water: 891,163 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than the US

Land boundaries:

total: 8,893 km

border countries: US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska)

Coastline:

202,080 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

Terrain:

mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, rare earth elements, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 4.57%

permanent crops: 0.65%

other: 94.78% (2005)

Irrigated land:

7,850 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

3,300 cu km (1985)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 44.72 cu km/yr (20%/69%/12%)

per capita: 1,386 cu m/yr (1996)

Natural hazards:

continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to development; cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and North American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and snow east of the mountains

volcanism: the vast majority of volcanoes in Western Canada's Coast Mountains remain dormant

Environment - current issues:

air pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests; metal smelting, coal-burning utilities, and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest productivity; ocean waters becoming contaminated due to agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestry activities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately 90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km of the US border

People ::Canada

Population:

33,759,742 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 2,761,711/female 2,626,836)

15-64 years: 68.7% (male 11,633,950/female 11,381,735)

65 years and over: 15.2% (male 2,220,189/female 2,862,787) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.7 years

male: 39.6 years

female: 41.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.804% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Birth rate:

10.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Death rate:

7.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Net migration rate:

5.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Urbanization:

urban population: 80% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.99 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 186 male: 5.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.29 years country comparison to the world: 10 male: 78.72 years

female: 84 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.58 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

73,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Nationality:

noun: Canadian(s)

adjective: Canadian

Ethnic groups:

British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (including United Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%), other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official) 58.8%, French (official) 21.6%, other 19.6% (2006
Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 17 years

female: 17 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 75

Government ::Canada

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Canada

Government type:

a parliamentary democracy, a federation, and a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Ottawa

geographic coordinates: 45 25 N, 75 42 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

note: Canada is divided into six time zones

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces and 3 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia,
Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest
Territories*, Nova Scotia, Nunavut*, Ontario, Prince Edward Island,
Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory*

Independence:

1 July 1867 (union of British North American colonies); 11 December 1931 (recognized by UK)

National holiday:

Canada Day, 1 July (1867)

Constitution:

made up of unwritten and written acts, customs, judicial decisions, and traditions; the written part of the constitution consists of the Constitution Act of 29 March 1867, which created a federation of four provinces, and the Constitution Act of 17 April 1982, which transferred formal control over the constitution from Britain to Canada, and added a Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as procedures for constitutional amendments

Legal system:

based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

head of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General David JOHNSTON (since 1 October 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Stephen Joseph HARPER (since 6 February 2006)

cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister usually from among the members of his own party sitting in Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a five-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House of Commons generally designated prime minister by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (105 seats; members appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister and serve until 75 years of age) and the House of Commons or Chambre des Communes (308 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve a maximum of five-year terms)

elections: House of Commons - last held on 14 October 2008 (next to be held no later than 15 October 2012)

election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party - Conservative Party 37.6%, Liberal Party 26.2%, New Democratic Party 18.2%, Bloc Quebecois 10%, Greens 6.8%, other 1%; seats by party - Conservative Party 145, Liberal Party 77, New Democratic Party 37, Bloc Quebecois 48, other 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Canada (judges are appointed by the prime minister through the governor general); Federal Court of Canada; Federal Court of Appeal; Provincial Courts (these are named variously Court of Appeal, Court of Queen's Bench, Superior Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Justice)

Political parties and leaders:

Bloc Quebecois [Gilles DUCEPPE]; Conservative Party of Canada
[Stephen HARPER] (a merger of the Canadian Alliance and the
Progressive Conservative Party); Green Party [Elizabeth MAY];
Liberal Party [Michael IGNATIEFF]; New Democratic Party [Jack LAYTON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: agricultural sector; automobile industry; business groups; chemical industry; commercial banks; communications sector; energy industry; environmentalists; public administration groups; steel industry; trade unions

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic
Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C,
CDB, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OIF, OPCW,
OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SECI (observer), UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gary DOER

chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

telephone: [1] (202) 682-1740

FAX: [1] (202) 682-7701

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tucson

consulate(s): Anchorage, Houston, Philadelphia, Princeton (New Jersey), Raleigh, San Jose (California), Tucson

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David C. JACOBSON

embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8

mailing address: P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430; P.O. Box 866, Station B, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5T1

telephone: [1] (613) 688-5335

FAX: [1] (613) 688-3082

consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg

Flag description:

two vertical bands of red (hoist and fly side, half width) with white square between them; an 11-pointed red maple leaf is centered in the white square; the maple leaf has long been a Canadian symbol; the official colors of Canada are red and white

National anthem:

name: "O Canada"

lyrics/music: Adolphe-Basile ROUTHIER [French], Robert Stanley WEIR [English]/Calixa LAVALLEE

note: adopted 1980; originally written in 1880, "O Canada" served as an unofficial anthem many years before its official adoption; the anthem has French and English versions whose lyrics differ; as a Commonwealth realm, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Canada

Economy - overview:

As an affluent, high-tech industrial society in the trillion-dollar class, Canada resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and affluent living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic integration with the US, its principal trading partner. Canada enjoys a substantial trade surplus with the US, which absorbs about three-fourths of Canadian exports each year. Canada is the US's largest foreign supplier of energy, including oil, gas, uranium, and electric power. Given its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant, Canada enjoyed solid economic growth from 1993 through 2007. Buffeted by the global economic crisis, the economy dropped into a sharp recession in the final months of 2008, and Ottawa posted its first fiscal deficit in 2009 after 12 years of surplus. Canada's major banks, however, emerged from the financial crisis of 2008-09 among the strongest in the world, owing to the country's tradition of conservative lending practices and strong capitalization. During 2010, Canada's economy grew only 3%, because of weak exports.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.335 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $1.297 trillion (2009 est.)

$1.33 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.564 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 -2.5% (2009 est.)

0.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$39,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $38,700 (2009 est.)

$40,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.3%

industry: 26.4%

services: 71.3% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

18.59 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2%

manufacturing: 13%

construction: 6%

services: 76%

other: 3% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 8.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

10.8%; note - this figure is the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO), a calculation that results in higher figures than found in many comparable economies; Canada does not have an official poverty line (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 24.8% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.1 (2005) country comparison to the world: 100 31.5 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Public debt:

82.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 82.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 0.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 132 1.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

2.4% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 4.73% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$560.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 10 $470.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.469 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $1.144 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.963 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $2.606 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.681 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 10 $1.002 trillion (31 December 2008)

$2.187 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; forest products; fish

Industries:

transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum and natural gas

Industrial production growth rate:

5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Electricity - production:

620.7 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Electricity - consumption:

536.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Electricity - exports:

55.73 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

23.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

3.289 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Oil - consumption:

2.151 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Oil - exports:

2.001 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Oil - imports:

1.192 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Oil - proved reserves:

175.2 billion bbl country comparison to the world: 2 note: includes oil sands (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

161.3 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - consumption:

94.62 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Natural gas - exports:

94.67 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Natural gas - imports:

16.59 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.754 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Current account balance:

-$40.21 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 -$38.08 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$406.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $323.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft, telecommunications equipment; chemicals, plastics, fertilizers; wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity, aluminum

Exports - partners:

US 75.02%, UK 3.37%, China 3.09% (2009)

Imports:

$406.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $327.3 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, crude oil, chemicals, electricity, durable consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 51.1%, China 10.88%, Mexico 4.56% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$54.36 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.009 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 15 $781.1 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$528.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $494.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$602.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $576.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Canadian dollars (CAD) per US dollar - 1.0346 (2010), 1.1431 (2009), 1.0364 (2008), 1.0724 (2007), 1.1334 (2006)

Communications ::Canada

Telephones - main lines in use:

18.251 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 16

Telephones - mobile cellular:

23.081 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 38

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent service provided by modern technology

domestic: domestic satellite system with about 300 earth stations

international: country code - 1; submarine cables provide links to the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 7 (5 Intelsat - 4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean, and 2 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region) (2007)

Broadcast media:

2 public television broadcasting networks each with a large number of network affilates; several private-commercial networks also with multiple network affiliates; overall, about 150 TV stations; multi-channel satellite and cable systems provide access to a wide range of stations including US stations; mix of public and commercial radio broadcasters with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the public radio broadcaster, operating 4 radio networks, Radio Canada International, and radio services to indigenous populations in the north; roughly 2,000 licensed radio stations in Canada (2008)

Internet country code:

.ca

Internet hosts:

7.77 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 13

Internet users:

26.96 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 16

Transportation ::Canada

Airports:

1,404 (2010) country comparison to the world: 4

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 514

over 3,047 m: 18

2,438 to 3,047 m: 20

1,524 to 2,437 m: 148

914 to 1,523 m: 249

under 914 m: 79 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 890

1,524 to 2,437 m: 73

914 to 1,523 m: 377

under 914 m: 440 (2010)

Heliports:

12 (2010)

Pipelines:

crude and refined oil 23,564 km; liquid petroleum gas 74,980 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 46,688 km country comparison to the world: 5 standard gauge: 46,688 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 1,042,300 km country comparison to the world: 6 paved: 415,600 km (includes 17,000 km of expressways)

unpaved: 626,700 km (2008)

Waterways:

636 km country comparison to the world: 78 note: Saint Lawrence Seaway of 3,769 km, including the Saint Lawrence River of 3,058 km, shared with United States (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 184 country comparison to the world: 36 by type: bulk carrier 66, cargo 12, carrier 1, chemical tanker 14, combination ore/oil 1, container 2, passenger 6, passenger/cargo 64, petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 6

foreign-owned: 15 (France 1, Netherlands 1, Norway 4, US 9)

registered in other countries: 223 (Australia 7, Bahamas 102, Barbados 13, Cambodia 2, Cyprus 2, Honduras 1, Hong Kong 70, Liberia 4, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 4, Norway 1, Panama 5, Spain 5, US 1, Vanuatu 5) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Fraser River Port, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, Port-Cartier, Quebec
City, Saint John (New Brunswick), Sept-Isles, Vancouver

Military ::Canada

Military branches:

Canadian Forces: Land Forces Command (LFC), Maritime Command (MARCOM), Air Command (AIRCOM), Canada Command (homeland security) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (with parental consent); 16 years of age for reserve and military college applicants; Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status required; maximum 34 years of age; service obligation 3-9 years (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,051,656

females age 16-49: 7,780,644 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,642,190

females age 16-49: 6,402,896 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 220,538

female: 208,033 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Transnational Issues ::Canada

Disputes - international:

managed maritime boundary disputes with the US at Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Gulf of Maine including the disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock; Canada, the US, and other countries dispute the status of the Northwest Passage; US works closely with Canada to intensify security measures for monitoring and controlling legal and illegal movement of people, transport, and commodities across the international border; sovereignty dispute with Denmark over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland; commencing the collection of technical evidence for submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in support of claims for continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from its declared baselines in the Arctic, as stipulated in Article 76, paragraph 8, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market and export to US; use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; increasing ecstasy production, some of which is destined for the US; vulnerable to narcotics money laundering because of its mature financial services sector

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Cape Verde (Africa)

Introduction ::Cape Verde

Background:

The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

Geography ::Cape Verde

Location:

Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 N, 24 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 4,033 sq km country comparison to the world: 175 land: 4,033 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

965 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and erratic

Terrain:

steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (a volcano on Fogo Island)

Natural resources:

salt, basalt rock, limestone, kaolin, fish, clay, gypsum

Land use:

arable land: 11.41%

permanent crops: 0.74%

other: 87.85% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.3 cu km (1990)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.02 cu km/yr (7%/2%/91%)

per capita: 39 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

prolonged droughts; seasonal harmattan wind produces obscuring dust; volcanically and seismically active

volcanism: Fogo (elev. 2,829 m, 9,281 ft), which last erupted in 1995, is Cape Verde's only active volcano

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion; deforestation due to demand for wood used as fuel; water shortages; desertification; environmental damage has threatened several species of birds and reptiles; illegal beach sand extraction; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site

People ::Cape Verde

Population:

508,659 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.2% (male 76,012/female 74,993)

15-64 years: 58.5% (male 123,376/female 127,653)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 10,040/female 17,400) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.3 years

male: 21.4 years

female: 23.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.459% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Birth rate:

21.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Death rate:

6.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Net migration rate:

-0.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 27.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 78 male: 31.86 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.41 years country comparison to the world: 144 male: 68.24 years

female: 72.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.04% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

775 (2001) country comparison to the world: 144

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

225 (as of 2001) country comparison to the world: 103

Nationality:

noun: Cape Verdean(s)

adjective: Cape Verdean

Ethnic groups:

Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs), Protestant (mostly
Church of the Nazarene)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West
African words)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.6%

male: 85.8%

female: 69.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

5.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 39

Government ::Cape Verde

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cape Verde

conventional short form: Cape Verde

local long form: Republica de Cabo Verde

local short form: Cabo Verde

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Praia

geographic coordinates: 14 55 N, 23 31 W

time difference: UTC-1 (4 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

17 municipalities (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista,
Brava, Maio, Mosteiros, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande,
Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Domingos, Sao Filipe, Sao
Miguel, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal

Independence:

5 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 5 July (1975)

Constitution:

25 September 1992; a major revision on 23 November 1995 substantially increased the powers of the president; a 1999 revision created the position of national ombudsman (Provedor de Justica)

Legal system:

based on the legal system of Portugal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Pedro Verona Rodrigues PIRES (since 22 March 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 1 February 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 February 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the president

election results: Pedro PIRES reelected president; percent of vote - Pedro PIRES (PAICV) 51.2%, Carlos VIEGA (MPD) 48.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (72 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 22 January 2006 (next to be held on 6 February 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAICV 52.3%, MPD 44%, UCID 2.7%; seats by party - PAICV 41, MPD 29, UCID 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Supremo Tribunal de Justia

Political parties and leaders:

African Party for Independence of Cape Verde or PAICV [Jose Maria
Pereira NEVES, chairman]; Democratic and Independent Cape Verdean
Union or UCID [Antonio MONTEIRO]; Democratic Christian Party or PDC
[Manuel RODRIGUES]; Democratic Renovation Party or PRD [Victor
FIDALGO]; Movement for Democracy or MPD [Jorge SANTOS]; Party for
Democratic Convergence or PCD [Dr. Eurico MONTEIRO]; Party of Work
and Solidarity or PTS [Isaias RODRIGUES]; Social Democratic Party or
PSD [Joao ALEM]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: environmentalists; political pressure groups

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CD, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Fatima Lima VEIGA

chancery: 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 965-6820

FAX: [1] (202) 965-1207

consulate(s) general: Boston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Dana BROWN

embassy: Rua Abilio Macedo n6, Praia

mailing address: C. P. 201, Praia

telephone: [238] 2-60-89-00

FAX: [238] 2-61-13-55

Flag description:

five unequal horizontal bands; the top-most band of blue - equal to one half the width of the flag - is followed by three bands of white, red, and white, each equal to 1/12 of the width, and a bottom stripe of blue equal to one quarter of the flag width; a circle of 10, yellow, five-pointed stars is centered on the red stripe and positioned 3/8 of the length of the flag from the hoist side; blue stands for the sea and the sky, the circle of stars represents the 10 major islands united into a nation, the stripes symbolize the road to formation of the country through peace (white) and effort (red)

National anthem:

name: "Cantico da Liberdade" (Song of Freedom)

lyrics/music: Amilcar Spencer LOPES/Adalberto Higino Tavares SILVA

note: adopted 1996

Economy ::Cape Verde

Economy - overview:

This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought and poor soil for agriculture on several of the islands. The economy is service oriented with commerce, transport, tourism, and public services accounting for about three-fourths of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the share of food production in GDP is low. About 82% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit financed by foreign aid and remittances from its large pool of emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more than 20%. Despite the lack of resources, sound economic management has produced steadily improving incomes. Continued economic reforms are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. Future prospects depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, the encouragement of tourism, remittances, and the momentum of the government's development program. Cape Verde became a member of the WTO in July 2008.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.861 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 $1.781 billion (2009 est.)

$1.749 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.573 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 1.8% (2009 est.)

5.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $3,600 (2009 est.)

$3,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9%

industry: 16.2%

services: 74.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

196,100 (2007) country comparison to the world: 169

Unemployment rate:

21% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Population below poverty line:

30% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%

highest 10%: 40.6% (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

36.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 54 7.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.98% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 9.99% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$585 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 155 $628.4 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.314 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $1.399 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.179 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $1.256 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee, peanuts; fish

Industries:

food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments, salt mining, ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Electricity - production:

250 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Electricity - consumption:

232.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Oil - imports:

1,619 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Current account balance:

-$286 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 -$319 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$114 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 $105 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fuel, shoes, garments, fish, hides

Exports - partners:

Spain 53.98%, Portugal 22.23%, Morocco 7.13% (2009)

Imports:

$858 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 $835 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, industrial products, transport equipment, fuels

Imports - partners:

Portugal 44.86%, Netherlands 15.51%, Spain 6.1%, Italy 4.46%, Brazil 4.21% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$296 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $284 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$325 million (2002) country comparison to the world: 169

Exchange rates:

Cape Verdean escudos (CVE) per US dollar - 88.58 (2010), 79.377 (2009), 73.84 (2008), 81.235 (2007), 87.946 (2006)

Communications ::Cape Verde

Telephones - main lines in use:

72,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 153

Telephones - mobile cellular:

392,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 165

Telephone system:

general assessment: effective system, extensive modernization from 1996-2000 following partial privatization in 1995

domestic: major service provider is Cabo Verde Telecom (CVT); fiber-optic ring, completed in 2001, links all islands providing Internet access and ISDN services; cellular service introduced in 1998; broadband services launched in 2004

international: country code - 238; landing point for the Atlantis-2 fiber-optic transatlantic telephone cable that provides links to South America, Senegal, and Europe; HF radiotelephone to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Broadcast media:

state-run TV and radio broadcast network plus a growing number of private broadcasters; Portuguese public TV and radio services for Africa are available; transmissions of a few international broadcasters are obtainable (2007)

Internet country code:

.cv

Internet hosts:

26 (2010) country comparison to the world: 215

Internet users:

150,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 148

Transportation ::Cape Verde

Airports:

10 (2010) country comparison to the world: 156

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,350 km country comparison to the world: 178 paved: 932 km

unpaved: 418 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 13 country comparison to the world: 104 by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 7

foreign-owned: 3 (Spain 1, UK 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Porto Grande

Military ::Cape Verde

Military branches:

People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP): Army, Coast Guard (includes maritime air wing) (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.) for selective compulsory military service; 14-month conscript service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 128,858

females age 16-49: 133,581 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 103,894

females age 16-49: 114,721 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 6,077

female: 6,075 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.5% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 165

Transnational Issues ::Cape Verde

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

used as a transshipment point for Latin American cocaine destined for Western Europe, particularly because of Lusophone links to Brazil, Portugal, and Guinea-Bissau; has taken steps to deter drug money laundering, including a 2002 anti-money laundering reform that criminalizes laundering the proceeds of narcotics trafficking and other crimes and the establishment in 2008 of a Financial Intelligence Unit (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Cayman Islands (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Cayman Islands

Background:

The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries and were administered by Jamaica after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within the Federation of the West Indies. When the Federation dissolved in 1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency.

Geography ::Cayman Islands

Location:

Caribbean, three-island group (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) in Caribbean Sea, 240 km south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica

Geographic coordinates:

19 30 N, 80 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 264 sq km country comparison to the world: 210 land: 264 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

160 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)

Terrain:

low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: The Bluff on Cayman Brac 43 m

Natural resources:

fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism

Land use:

arable land: 3.85%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 96.15% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (July to November)

Environment - current issues:

no natural fresh water resources; drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchments

Geography - note:

important location between Cuba and Central America

People ::Cayman Islands

Population:

50,209 country comparison to the world: 206 note: most of the population lives on Grand Cayman (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.6% (male 4,824/female 4,783)

15-64 years: 71.1% (male 16,994/female 17,884)

65 years and over: 9.3% (male 2,139/female 2,411) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.4 years

male: 38 years

female: 38.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.338% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Birth rate:

12.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Death rate:

5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Net migration rate:

16.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 2 note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.016 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 169 male: 7.77 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.57 years country comparison to the world: 20 male: 77.91 years

female: 83.27 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.88 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Caymanian(s)

adjective: Caymanian

Ethnic groups:

mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20%

Religions:

Church of God 25.5%, Roman Catholic 12.6%, Presbyterian / United Church 9.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.4%, Baptist 8.3%, Pentecostal 6.7%, Anglican 3.9%, other religions 4%, non-denominational 5.7%, other 6.5%, none 6.1%, unspecified 3.2% (2007)

Languages:

English (official) 95%, Spanish 3.2%, other 1.8% (1999 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 98% (1970 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 161

Government ::Cayman Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Cayman Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: George Town (on Grand Cayman)

geographic coordinates: 19 18 N, 81 23 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, first Monday in July

Constitution:

The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009, 6 November 2009

Legal system:

British common law and local statutes

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Duncan TAYLOR (since 15 January 2010)

head of government: Premier McKeeva BUSH (since 6 November 2009)

cabinet: The Cabinet (six members are appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier, selected from among the elected members of the Legislative Assembly) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or coalition appointed by the governor as premier

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; 18 members elected by popular vote and 2 ex officio members from The Cabinet; to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 May 2009 (next to be held not later than May 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UDP 9, PPM 5, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal; Summary Court

Political parties and leaders:

People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Kurt TIBBETTS]; United
Democratic Party or UDP [McKeeva BUSH]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Trust

other: environmentalists

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK); consular services provided through the US Embassy in Jamaica

Flag description:

a blue field, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a crest with a pineapple, representing the connection with Jamaica, and a turtle, representing Cayman's seafaring tradition, above a shield bearing a golden lion, symbolizing Great Britain, below which are three green stars (representing the three islands) surmounting white and blue wavy lines representing the sea and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

National anthem:

name: "Beloved Isle Cayman"

lyrics/music: Leila E. ROSS

note: adopted 1993; served as an unofficial anthem since 1930; as a territory of the United Kingdom, in addition to the local anthem, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Cayman Islands

Economy - overview:

With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore financial center. More than 93,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands as of 2008, including almost 300 banks, 800 insurers, and 10,000 mutual funds. A stock exchange was opened in 1997. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 1.9 million in 2008, with about half from the US. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.25 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 $2.23 billion (2003 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.25 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 0.9% (2004 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$43,800 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 3.2%

services: 95.4% (1994 est.)

Labor force:

39,000 country comparison to the world: 198 note: nearly 55% are non-nationals (2007)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.9%

industry: 19.1%

services: 79% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4% (2008) country comparison to the world: 37 4.4% (2004)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (2008) country comparison to the world: 121 4.4% (2004)

Stock of narrow money:

$334.3 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 165

Stock of broad money:

$5.564 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 109 $183.5 million (31 December 2007)

$188.4 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming

Industries:

tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

546 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Electricity - consumption:

507.8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - imports:

3,294 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Exports:

$13.8 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 210 $2.52 million (2004)

Exports - commodities:

turtle products, manufactured consumer goods

Imports:

$876.5 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 173 $866.9 million (2004)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels

Debt - external:

$70 million (1996) country comparison to the world: 184

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Caymanian dollars (KYD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 0.8496 (2006)

Communications ::Cayman Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

38,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 170

Telephones - mobile cellular:

33,800 (2004) country comparison to the world: 201

Telephone system:

general assessment: reasonably good system

domestic: liberalization of telecom market in 2003; introduction of competition in the mobile-cellular market in 2004

international: country code - 1-345; landing points for the MAYA-1,
Eastern Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS), and the Cayman-Jamaica Fiber
System submarine cables that provide links to the US and parts of
Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Broadcast media:

4 television stations; cable and satellite subscription services offer a variety of international programming; government-owned Radio Cayman operates 2 networks broadcasting on 5 stations; 10 privately-owned radio stations operate alongside Radio Cayman (2007)

Internet country code:

.ky

Internet hosts:

21,910 (2010) country comparison to the world: 108

Internet users:

23,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 188

Transportation ::Cayman Islands

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 193

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 785 km country comparison to the world: 186 paved: 785 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 113 country comparison to the world: 46 by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 3, chemical tanker 56, liquefied gas 1, petroleum tanker 8, refrigerated cargo 10, vehicle carrier 15

foreign-owned: 99 (Germany 6, Greece 11, Italy 6, Japan 19, Switzerland 1, UK 2, US 54) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Cayman Brac, George Town

Military ::Cayman Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,108 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,860

females age 16-49: 10,287 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 326

female: 347 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Cayman Islands

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major offshore financial center; vulnerable to drug transshipment to the US and Europe (2008)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Central African Republic (Africa)

Introduction ::Central African Republic

Background:

The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who established a transitional government. Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups and the main parties, a wide field of candidates contested the municipal, legislative, and presidential elections held in March and May of 2005 in which General BOZIZE was affirmed as president. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist. Unrest in the neighboring nations of Chad, Sudan, and the DRC continues to affect stability in the Central African Republic as well.

Geography ::Central African Republic

Location:

Central Africa, north of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

7 00 N, 21 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 622,984 sq km country comparison to the world: 44 land: 622,984 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,203 km

border countries: Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers

Terrain:

vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m

highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,420 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 3.1%

permanent crops: 0.15%

other: 96.75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

144.4 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.03 cu km/yr (80%/16%/4%)

per capita: 7 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; floods are common

Environment - current issues:

tap water is not potable; poaching has diminished the country's reputation as one of the last great wildlife refuges; desertification; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa

People ::Central African Republic

Population:

4,844,927 country comparison to the world: 116 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.9% (male 928,277/female 917,739)

15-64 years: 55% (male 1,235,940/female 1,244,958)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 71,439/female 113,135) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.1 years

male: 18.7 years

female: 19.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.149% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Birth rate:

36.79 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Death rate:

15.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 78

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 101.6 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 7 male: 109.65 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 93.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 49.68 years country comparison to the world: 214 male: 48.45 years

female: 50.95 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.68 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

6.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

160,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Central African(s)

adjective: Central African

Ethnic groups:

Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%, Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%,
Yakoma 4%, other 2%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%

note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority

Languages:

French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), tribal languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 48.6%

male: 64.8%

female: 33.5% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 7 years

male: 8 years

female: 5 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 179

Government ::Central African Republic

Country name:

conventional long form: Central African Republic

conventional short form: none

local long form: Republique Centrafricaine

local short form: none

former: Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire

abbreviation: CAR

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bangui

geographic coordinates: 4 22 N, 18 35 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo, Lobaye, Mambere-Kadei, Mbomou, Nana-Grebizi*, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere*, Vakaga

Independence:

13 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 1 December (1958)

Constitution:

ratified by popular referendum 5 December 2004; effective 27 December 2004

Legal system:

based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Francois BOZIZE (since 15 March 2003 coup)

head of government: Prime Minister Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (since 22 January 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the new constitution, the president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 13 March and 8 May 2005 (next to be held on 23 January 2011); prime minister appointed by the political party with a parliamentary majority

election results: Francois BOZIZE elected president; percent of second round balloting - Francois BOZIZE (KNK) 64.6%, Martin ZIGUELE (MLPC) 35.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (105 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 13 March 2005 and 8 May 2005 (next to be held on 23 January 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - KNK 42, MLPC 11, RDC 8, PSD 4, FPP 2, ADP 2, LONDO 1, independents 34, other 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court (three judges
appointed by the president, three by the president of the National
Assembly, and three by fellow judges); Court of Appeal; Criminal
Courts; Inferior Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP [Jacques MBOLIEDAS];
Central African Democratic Rally or RDC [Andre KOLINGBA]; Civic
Forum or FC [Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA]; Democratic Forum for
Modernity or FODEM [Charles MASSI]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLD
[Nestor KOMBO-NAGUEMON]; Londo Association or LONDO; Movement for
Democracy and Development or MDD [David DACKO]; Movement for the
Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC [Ange-Felix
PATASSE] (the party of deposed president); National Convergence or
KNK; National Unity Party or PUN [Jean-Paul NGOUPANDE]; Patriotic
Front for Progress or FPP [Abel GOUMBA]; People's Union for the
Republic or UPR [Pierre Sammy MAKFOY]; Social Democratic Party or
PSD [Enoch LAKOUE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Monam (combating gender-base violence)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO
(subscriber), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stanislas MOUSSA-KEMBE

chancery: 1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800

FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Frederick B. COOK

embassy: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui

mailing address: B. P. 924, Bangui

telephone: [236] 61 02 00

FAX: [236] 61 44 94

note: the embassy is currently operating with a minimal staff

Flag description:

four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; a yellow five-pointed star to the hoist side of the blue band; banner combines the Pan-African and French flag colors; red symbolizes the blood spilled in the struggle for independence, blue represents the sky and freedom, white peace and dignity, green hope and faith, and yellow tolerance; the star represents aspiration towards a vibrant future

National anthem:

name: "Le Renaissance" (The Renaissance)

lyrics/music: Barthelemy BOGANDA/Herbert PEPPER

note: adopted 1960; Barthelemy BOGANDA, who wrote the anthem's lyrics, was the first prime minister of the autonomous French territory

Economy ::Central African Republic

Economy - overview:

Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with about 60% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates more than half of GDP. Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry, for 40%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic policies. Factional fighting between the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic revitalization. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the international community can only partially meet humanitarian needs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.468 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 $3.345 billion (2009 est.)

$3.289 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.113 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 1.7% (2009 est.)

2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222 $700 (2009 est.)

$700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 55%

industry: 20%

services: 25% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

1.926 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 121

Unemployment rate:

8% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 note: 23% unemployment for Bangui

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 33% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

61.3 (1993) country comparison to the world: 6

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 92 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$288.8 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 167 $241.3 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$343.4 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 $292.9 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$357.6 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 167 $339.1 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco, manioc (tapioca), yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber

Industries:

gold and diamond mining, logging, brewing, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2002) country comparison to the world: 107

Electricity - production:

115 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Electricity - consumption:

107 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Oil - imports:

2,203 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Current account balance:

-$77 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Exports:

$146.7 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco

Exports - partners:

Belgium 32.57%, China 10.49%, Indonesia 10.36%, Morocco 10.24%,
Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.87%, France 5.79% (2009)

Imports:

$237.3 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Imports - commodities:

food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

South Korea 19.29%, France 11.95%, US 7.78%, Cameroon 7.39%,
Netherlands 6.77% (2009)

Debt - external:

$1.153 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.8 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

note: since 1 January 1999, the Central African CFA franc (XAF) has been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro; Central African CFA franc (XAF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in countries using West African CFA francs (XOF), and vice versa, even though the two currencies trade at par

Communications ::Central African Republic

Telephones - main lines in use:

12,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 199

Telephones - mobile cellular:

168,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 174

Telephone system:

general assessment: network consists principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication

domestic: limited telephone service with less than 1 fixed-line connection per 100 persons; spurred by the presence of multiple mobile-cellular service providers, cellular usage is increasing from a low base; most fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone services are concentrated in Bangui

international: country code - 236; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

government-owned network, Radiodiffusion Television Centrafricaine, provides domestic TV broadcasting; licenses for 2 private TV stations are pending; state-owned radio network is supplemented by a small number of privately-owned broadcast stations as well as a few community radio stations; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.cf

Internet hosts:

20 (2010) country comparison to the world: 217

Internet users:

22,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 191

Transportation ::Central African Republic

Airports:

37 (2010) country comparison to the world: 106

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 35

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 24,307 km (2000) country comparison to the world: 105

Waterways:

2,800 km (the primary navigable river is the Ubangi, which joins the River Congo; it was the traditional route for the export of products because it connected with the Congo-Ocean railway at Brazzaville; because of the warfare on both sides of the River Congo from 1997, however, routes through Cameroon became preferred by importers and exporters) (2010) country comparison to the world: 35

Ports and terminals:

Bangui, Nola, Salo, Nzinga

Military ::Central African Republic

Military branches:

Central African Armed Forces (Forces Armees Centrafricaines, FACA): Ground Forces (includes Military Air Service), General Directorate of Gendarmerie Inspection (DGIG), National Police (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for selective military service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,121,548

females age 16-49: 1,118,432 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 637,474

females age 16-49: 643,188 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 54,024

female: 53,203 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Transnational Issues ::Central African Republic

Disputes - international:

periodic skirmishes over water and grazing rights among related pastoral populations along the border with southern Sudan persist

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,900 (Sudan); 3,700 (Democratic Republic of the Congo); note - UNHCR resumed repatriation of Southern Sudanese refugees in 2006

IDPs: 197,000 (ongoing unrest following coup in 2003) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Central African Republic is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; the majority of victims are children trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, street vending, and forced agricultural, mine, market and restaurant labor; to a lesser extent, children are trafficked from the Central African Republic to Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo; rebels conscript children into armed forces within the country

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Central African Republic is on the Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in 2007; efforts to address trafficking through vigorous law enforcement measures and victim protection efforts were minimal, though awareness about trafficking appeared to be increasing in the country; the government does not actively investigate cases, work to identify trafficking victims among vulnerable populations, or rescue and provide care to victims; the government has not taken measures to reduce demand for commercial sex acts (2008)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Chad (Africa)

Introduction ::Chad

Background:

Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of civil warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually drafted a democratic constitution and held flawed presidential elections in 1996 and 2001. In 1998, a rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which has sporadically flared up despite several peace agreements between the government and the rebels. In 2005, new rebel groups emerged in western Sudan and made probing attacks into eastern Chad despite signing peace agreements in December 2006 and October 2007. Power remains in the hands of an ethnic minority. In June 2005, President Idriss DEBY held a referendum successfully removing constitutional term limits and won another controversial election in 2006. Sporadic rebel campaigns continued throughout 2006 and 2007. The capital experienced a significant rebel threat in early 2008.

Geography ::Chad

Location:

Central Africa, south of Libya

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 19 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1.284 million sq km country comparison to the world: 21 land: 1,259,200 sq km

water: 24,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 5,968 km

border countries: Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical in south, desert in north

Terrain:

broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest, lowlands in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Djourab 160 m

highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad), gold, limestone, sand and gravel, salt

Land use:

arable land: 2.8%

permanent crops: 0.02%

other: 97.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

43 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.23 cu km/yr (17%/0%/83%)

per capita: 24 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts; locust plagues

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Geography - note:

landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel

People ::Chad

Population:

10,543,464 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.7% (male 2,445,841/female 2,381,319)

15-64 years: 50.4% (male 2,386,428/female 2,816,050)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 126,351/female 173,219) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.6 years

male: 15.5 years

female: 17.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.038% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Birth rate:

40.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Death rate:

15.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Net migration rate:

-3.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Urbanization:

urban population: 27% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 97.05 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 9 male: 103 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 90.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 47.99 years country comparison to the world: 217 male: 46.95 years

female: 49.07 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.18 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

200,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

14,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Chadian(s)

adjective: Chadian

Ethnic groups:

Sara 27.7%, Arab 12.3%, Mayo-Kebbi 11.5%, Kanem-Bornou 9%, Ouaddai 8.7%, Hadjarai 6.7%, Tandjile 6.5%, Gorane 6.3%, Fitri-Batha 4.7%, other 6.4%, unknown 0.3% (1993 census)

Religions:

Muslim 53.1%, Catholic 20.1%, Protestant 14.2%, animist 7.3%, other 0.5%, unknown 1.7%, atheist 3.1% (1993 census)

Languages:

French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic

total population: 25.7%

male: 40.8%

female: 12.8% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 6 years

male: 8 years

female: 4 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 173

Government ::Chad

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Chad

conventional short form: Chad

local long form: Republique du Tchad/Jumhuriyat Tshad

local short form: Tchad/Tshad

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: N'Djamena

geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 15 02 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

22 regions (regions, singular - region); Barh el Gazel, Batha,
Borkou, Chari-Baguirmi, Ennedi, Guera, Hadjer-Lamis, Kanem, Lac,
Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mandoul, Mayo-Kebbi Est,
Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Sila, Tandjile,
Tibesti, Ville de N'Djamena, Wadi Fira

Independence:

11 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 11 August (1960)

Constitution:

passed by referendum 31 March 1996; a June 2005 referendum removed constitutional term limits

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno (since 4 December 1990)

head of government: Prime Minister Emmanuel NADINGAR (since 5 March 2010)

cabinet: Council of State; members are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, the two candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a second round of voting; last election held on 3 May 2006 (next to be held by May 2011); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno reelected president; percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY 64.7%, Delwa Kassire KOUMAKOYE 15.1%, Albert Pahimi PADACKE 7.8%, Mahamat ABDOULAYE 7.1%, Brahim KOULAMALLAH 5.3%; note - a June 2005 national referendum altered the constitution removing presidential term limits and permitting Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno to run for reelection

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (155 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - the 1996 constitution called for a Senate that has never been formed

elections: National Assembly - last held on 21 April 2002 (next to be held by February 2011); note - legislative elections, originally scheduled for 2006, were first delayed by National Assembly action and subsequently by an accord, signed in August 2007, between government and opposition parties

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MPS 110, RDP 12, FAR 9, RNDP 5, UNDR 5, URD 3, other 11

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Magistrate Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Federation Action for the Republic or FAR [Ngarledjy YORONGAR];
National Rally for Development and Progress or RNDP [Delwa Kassire
KOUMAKOYE]; National Union for Democracy and Renewal or UNDR [Saleh
KEBZABO]; Party for Liberty and Development or PLD [Ibni Oumar
Mahamat SALEH]; Patriotic Salvation Movement or MPS [Mahamat Saleh
AHMAT, chairman]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Lol
Mahamat CHOUA]; Union for Renewal and Democracy or URD [Gen. Wadal
Abdelkader KAMOUGUE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

rebel groups

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mahamat Adam BECHIR

chancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 462-4009

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1937

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Louis NIGRO

embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena

mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena

telephone: [235] 251-62-11, 251-70-09, 251-77-59

FAX: [235] 251-56-54

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; the flag combines the blue and red French (former colonial) colors with the red and yellow of the Pan-African colors; blue symbolizes the sky, hope, and the south of the country, which is relatively well-watered; yellow represents the sun, as well as the desert in the north of the country; red stands for progress, unity, and sacrifice

note: similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flags of Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France

National anthem:

name: "La Tchadienne" (The Chadian)

lyrics/music: Louis GIDROL and his students/Paul VILLARD

note: adopted 1960

Economy ::Chad

Economy - overview:

Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be boosted by major foreign direct investment projects in the oil sector that began in 2000. At least 80% of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and livestock raising for its livelihood. Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its landlocked position, high energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most public and private sector investment projects. A consortium led by two US companies has been investing $3.7 billion to develop oil reserves - estimated at 1 billion barrels - in southern Chad. Chinese companies are also expanding exploration efforts and are currently building a 300-km pipleline and the country's first refinery. The nation's total oil reserves are estimated at 1.5 billion barrels. Oil production came on stream in late 2003. Chad began to export oil in 2004. Cotton, cattle, and gum arabic provide the bulk of Chad's non-oil export earnings.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$18.56 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $18.2 billion (2009 est.)

$18.49 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$7.592 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 -1.6% (2009 est.)

10.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192 $1,800 (2009 est.)

$1,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 50.5%

industry: 7%

services: 42.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.293 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 83

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80% (subsistence farming, herding, and fishing)

industry and services: 20% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA% est.)

Population below poverty line:

80% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 30.8% (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 10% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 93 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$920.9 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 139 $937.8 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.257 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 $1.008 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$943.8 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $566.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca); cattle, sheep, goats, camels

Industries:

oil, cotton textiles, meatpacking, brewing, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Electricity - production:

100 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Electricity - consumption:

93 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

115,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - exports:

157,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - imports:

1,571 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Oil - proved reserves:

1.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Current account balance:

-$2.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 -$2.305 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$3.036 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $2.709 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil, cattle, cotton, gum arabic

Exports - partners:

US 90.06%, France 4.81%, China 1.6% (2009)

Imports:

$2.631 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 $2.539 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, industrial goods, foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

France 17.74%, Cameroon 12.7%, China 11.23%, US 7.59%, Italy 6.54%,
Ukraine 5.33%, Netherlands 4.37% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$868 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $685 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$1.749 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$4.5 billion (2006 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 480.1 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Chad

Telephones - main lines in use:

13,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 198

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.686 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 119

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate system of radiotelephone communication stations with high costs and low telephone density

domestic: fixed-line connections for only about 1 per 1000 persons coupled with mobile-cellular subscribership base of only about 25 per 100 persons

international: country code - 235; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned TV broadcast station; state-owned radio network, Radiodiffusion Nationale Tchadienne (RNT), operates national and regional stations; about 10 private radio stations; some stations rebroadcast programs from international broadcasters (2007)

Internet country code:

.td

Internet hosts:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 226

Internet users:

168,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 145

Transportation ::Chad

Airports:

56 (2010) country comparison to the world: 83

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 48

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 21

under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 250 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 33,400 km country comparison to the world: 96 paved: 267 km

unpaved: 33,133 km (2002)

Waterways:

Chari and Legone rivers are navigable only in wet season (2010)

Military ::Chad

Military branches:

Armed Forces: Chadian National Army (Armee Nationale du Tchad, ANT), Chadian Air Force (Force Aerienne Tchadienne, FAT), Gendarmerie (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for conscripts, with 3-year service obligation; 18 years of age for volunteers; no minimum age restriction for volunteers with consent from a guardian; women are subject to 1 year of compulsory military or civic service at age of 21 (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,025,929

females age 16-49: 2,377,898 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,141,776

females age 16-49: 1,354,111 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 125,073

female: 125,069 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 89

Transnational Issues ::Chad

Disputes - international:

since 2003, Janjawid armed militia and the Sudanese military have driven hundreds of thousands of Darfur residents into Chad; Chad remains an important mediator in the Sudanese civil conflict, reducing tensions with Sudan arising from cross-border banditry; Chadian Aozou rebels reside in southern Libya; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 234,000 (Sudan); 54,200 (Central African Republic)

IDPs: 178,918 (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Chad is a source, transit, and destination country for children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; the majority of children are trafficked within Chad for involuntary domestic servitude, forced cattle herding, forced begging, forced labor in petty commerce or the fishing industry, or for commercial sexual exploitation; to a lesser extent, Chadian children are also trafficked to Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Nigeria for cattle herding; children may also be trafficked from Cameroon and the Central African Republic to Chad's oil producing regions for sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Chad does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making any significant efforts to do so; although facing resource constraints, the government has the capacity to conduct basic anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts, yet did not do so during the last year; it showed no results in enforcing government policy prohibiting the recruitment of child soldiers; Chad has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Chile (South America)

Introduction ::Chile

Background:

Prior to the coming of the Spanish in the 16th century, northern Chile was under Inca rule while the indigenous Mapuche inhabited central and southern Chile. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its present northern regions. It was not until the 1880s that the Mapuche Indians were completely subjugated. After a series of elected governments, a three-year-old Marxist government of Salvador ALLENDE was overthrown in 1973 by a military coup led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth, reduced poverty rates by over half, and have helped secure the country's commitment to democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation.

Geography ::Chile

Location:

Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between
Argentina and Peru

Geographic coordinates:

30 00 S, 71 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 756,102 sq km country comparison to the world: 38 land: 743,812 sq km

water: 12,290 sq km

note: includes Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) and Isla Sala y Gomez

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 6,339 km

border countries: Argentina 5,308 km, Bolivia 860 km, Peru 171 km

Coastline:

6,435 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200/350 nm

Climate:

temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south

Terrain:

low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m

Natural resources:

copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.62%

permanent crops: 0.43%

other: 96.95% (2005)

Irrigated land:

19,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

922 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 12.55 cu km/yr (11%/25%/64%)

per capita: 770 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis

volcanism: Chile experiences significant volcanic activity due to the more than three-dozen active volcanoes situated within the Andes Mountains; Lascar (elev. 5,592 m, 18,346 ft), which last erupted in 2007, is the most active volcano in the northern Chilean Andes; Llaima (elev. 3,125 m, 10,253 ft) in central Chile, which last erupted in 2009, is another of the country's most active; Chaiten's 2008 eruption forced major evacuations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Cerro Hudson, Copahue, Guallatiri, Llullaillaco, Nevados de Chillan, San Pedro, and Villarrica

Environment - current issues:

widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural resources; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Atacama Desert is one of world's driest regions

People ::Chile

Population:

16,746,491 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.2% (male 1,966,017/female 1,877,963)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 5,625,963/female 5,628,146)

65 years and over: 9.1% (male 627,746/female 875,872) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.7 years

male: 30.7 years

female: 32.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.856% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Birth rate:

14.46 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Death rate:

5.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 77

Urbanization:

urban population: 88% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.52 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 164 male: 8.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.53 years country comparison to the world: 56 male: 74.26 years

female: 80.96 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.9 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

31,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Nationality:

noun: Chilean(s)

adjective: Chilean

Ethnic groups:

white and white-Amerindian 95.4%, Mapuche 4%, other indigenous groups 0.6% (2002 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 15.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other
Christian 1%, other 4.6%, none 8.3% (2002 census)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Mapudungun, German, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.7%

male: 95.8%

female: 95.6% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 14 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 135

Government ::Chile

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Chile

conventional short form: Chile

local long form: Republica de Chile

local short form: Chile

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Santiago

geographic coordinates: 33 27 S, 70 40 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in October; ends second Sunday in March

note: the Chilean Government announced on 4 March 2010 that the end of DST would be delayed until 4 April 2010 providing respite to those affected by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake of February 2010

Administrative divisions:

15 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General Carlos
Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Arica y Parinacota,
Atacama, Biobio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins,
Los Lagos, Los Rios, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule,
Region Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso

note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

Independence:

18 September 1810 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 September (1810)

Constitution:

11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 1989, 1991, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2005

Legal system:

based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codes influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; note - in June 2005, Chile completed overhaul of its criminal justice system to a US-style adversarial system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 13 December 2009 with runoff election held on 17 January 2010 (next to be held in December 2013)

election results: Sebastian PINERA Echenique elected president; percent of vote - Sebastian PINERA Echenique 51.6%; Eduardo FREI 48.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate or Senado (38 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve eight-year terms; one-half elected every four years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in December 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in December 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPD 9 (PDC 4, PPD 3, PS 2), APC 9 (RN 6, UDI 3); Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CC 58 (UDI 37, RN 18, other 3), CPD 57 (PDC 19, PPD 18, PS 11, PRSD 5, PC 3, other 1), PRI 3, independent 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are appointed by the president and ratified by the Senate from lists of candidates provided by the court itself; the president of the Supreme Court is elected every three years by the 20-member court); Constitutional Tribunal (eight-members - two each from the Senate, Chamber of Deputies, Supreme Court, and National Security Council - review the constitutionality of laws approved by Congress)

Political parties and leaders:

Broad Social Movement or MAS; Clean Chile Vote Happy or CLVF
(including Broad Social Movement, Country Force, and Regionalist
Party of Independents or PRI); Coalition for Change or CC (formerly
known as the Alliance for Chile (Alianza) or APC) (including
National Renewal or RN [Carlos LARRAIN Pena], Independent Democratic
Union or UDI [Juan Antonio COLOMA Correa], and Chile First [Vlado
MIROSEVIC]); Coalition of Parties for Democracy (Concertacion) or
CPD (including Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Ignacio WALKER],
Party for Democracy or PPD [Carolina TOHA Morales], Radical Social
Democratic Party or PRSD [Jose Antonio GOMEZ Urrutia], and Socialist
Party or PS [Osvaldo ANDRADE]); Partido Ecologista del Sur; Together
We Can Do More (including Communist Party or PC [Guillermo TEILLIER
del Valle], and Humanist Party or PH [Danilo MONTEVERDE])

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Roman Catholic Church, particularly conservative groups such as Opus Dei; United Labor Central or CUT includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor confederations

other: revitalized university student federations at all major universities

International organization participation:

APEC, BIS, CAN (associate), CD, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA,
Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW,
PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP,
UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Arturo FERNANDOIS Vohringer

chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 785-1746

FAX: [1] (202) 887-5579

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alejandro D. WOLFF

embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago

mailing address: APO AA 34033

telephone: [56] (2) 330-3000

FAX: [56] (2) 330-3710, 330-3160

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red represents the blood spilled to achieve independence

note: design was influenced by the US flag

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de Chile" (National Anthem of Chile)

lyrics/music: Eusebio LILLO Robles and Bernardo DE VERA y Pintado/Ramon CARNICER y Battle

note: music adopted 1828, original lyrics adopted 1818, adapted lyrics adopted 1847; under Augusto PINOCHET"s military rule, a verse glorifying the army was added; however, as a protest, some citizens refused to sing this verse; it was removed when democracy was restored in 1990

Economy ::Chile

Economy - overview:

Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade and a reputation for strong financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. Exports account for more than one-fourth of GDP, with commodities making up some three-quarters of total exports. Copper alone provides one-third of government revenue. During the early 1990s, Chile's reputation as a role model for economic reform was strengthened when the democratic government of Patricio AYLWIN - which took over from the military in 1990 - deepened the economic reform initiated by the military government. Growth in real GDP averaged 8% during 1991-97, but fell to half that level in 1998 because of tight monetary policies implemented to keep the current account deficit in check and because of lower export earnings - the latter a product of the global financial crisis. A severe drought exacerbated the situation in 1999, reducing crop yields and causing hydroelectric shortfalls and electricity rationing, and Chile experienced negative economic growth for the first time in more than 15 years. In the years since then, growth has averaged 4% per year. Chile deepened its longstanding commitment to trade liberalization with the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which took effect on 1 January 2004. Chile claims to have more bilateral or regional trade agreements than any other country. It has 57 such agreements (not all of them full free trade agreements), including with the European Union, Mercosur, China, India, South Korea, and Mexico. Over the past seven years, foreign direct investment inflows have quadrupled to some $15 billion in 2010, but FDI had dropped to about $7 billion in 2009 in the face of diminished investment throughout the world. The Chilean government conducts a rule-based countercyclical fiscal policy, accumulating surpluses in sovereign wealth funds during periods of high copper prices and economic growth, and allowing deficit spending only during periods of low copper prices and growth. As of September 2008, those sovereign wealth funds - kept mostly outside the country and separate from Central Bank reserves - amounted to more than $20 billion. Chile used $4 billion from this fund to finance a fiscal stimulus package to fend off recession. In December 2009, the OECD invited Chile to become a full member, after a two year period of compliance with organization mandates. The economy started to show signs of a rebound in the fourth quarter, 2009, and GDP grew more than 5% in 2010. The magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck Chile in February 2010 was one of the top ten strongest earthquakes on record. It caused considerable damage near the epicenter, located about 70 miles from Concepcion - and about 200 miles southwest of Santiago.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$260 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $246.9 billion (2009 est.)

$250.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$199.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 -1.5% (2009 est.)

3.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $14,900 (2009 est.)

$15,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.6%

industry: 40.5%

services: 53.9% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

7.58 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13.2%

industry: 23%

services: 63.9% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

8.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 9.6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

18.2% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.6%

highest 10%: 41.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

54.9 (2003) country comparison to the world: 14 57.1 (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Public debt:

6.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 6.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 1.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 52 8.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 13.26% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$29.81 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 57 $23.68 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$160.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 45 $127.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$153.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $133.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$209.5 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 29 $132.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$212.9 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches, garlic, asparagus, beans; beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber

Industries:

copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Electricity - production:

60.6 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Electricity - consumption:

57.29 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.628 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

10,850 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Oil - consumption:

277,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Oil - exports:

49,250 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Oil - imports:

311,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Oil - proved reserves:

150 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Natural gas - production:

1.65 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - consumption:

2.34 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - imports:

690 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Natural gas - proved reserves:

97.97 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Current account balance:

$1.033 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $4.217 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$64.28 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $53.74 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copper, fruit, fish products, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine

Exports - partners:

China 16.46%, US 11.31%, Japan 9.06%, South Korea 6.49%, Brazil 4.64%, Mexico 4.09% (2009)

Imports:

$54.23 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $39.75 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, electrical and telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, natural gas

Imports - partners:

US 21.77%, China 12.76%, Argentina 9.55%, Brazil 6.46%, South Korea 5.35% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$26.08 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $25.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$84.51 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $72.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$136.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $121.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$51.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $41.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Chilean pesos (CLP) per US dollar - 525.34 (2010), 560.86 (2009), 509.02 (2008), 526.25 (2007), 530.29 (2006)

Communications ::Chile

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.575 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 43

Telephones - mobile cellular:

16.45 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 44

Telephone system:

general assessment: privatization begun in 1988; most advanced telecommunications infrastructure in South America; modern system based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations

domestic: number of fixed-line connections have stagnated in recent years as mobile-cellular usage continues to increase, reaching a level of 100 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 56; landing points for the Pan American, South America-1, and South American Crossing/Latin America Nautilius submarine cables providing links to the US and to Central and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

national and local terrestrial television channels, coupled with extensive cable TV networks; the state-owned Television Nacional de Chile (TVN) network is self-financed through commercial advertising revenues and is not under direct government control; large number of privately-owned TV stations; about 250 radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.cl

Internet hosts:

1.056 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 43

Internet users:

7.009 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 39

Transportation ::Chile

Airports:

366 (2010) country comparison to the world: 22

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 84

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 24

under 914 m: 24 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 282

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 50

under 914 m: 217 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,673 km; liquid petroleum gas 519 km; oil 892 km; refined products 769 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,483 km country comparison to the world: 34 broad gauge: 1,706 km 1.676-m gauge (850 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 3,777 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 80,505 km country comparison to the world: 59 paved: 16,745 km (includes 2,414 km of expressways)

unpaved: 63,760 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 48 country comparison to the world: 71 by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 10, chemical tanker 8, container 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 8, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1)

registered in other countries: 48 (Argentina 6, Belize 1, Brazil 1, Cyprus 1, Isle of Man 8, Liberia 7, Panama 17, Singapore 7) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Coronel, Huasco, Lirquen, Puerto Ventanas, San Antonio, San Vicente,
Valparaiso

Military ::Chile

Military branches:

Army of the Nation, Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile, includes Naval
Aviation, Marine Corps, and Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine
Directorate (Directemar)), Chilean Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de Chile,
FACh), Carabineros Corps (Cuerpo de Carabineros) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-45 years of age for voluntary male and female military service, although the right to compulsory recruitment is retained; service obligation - 12 months for Army, 22 months for Navy and Air Force (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,301,900

females age 16-49: 4,232,956 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,599,328

females age 16-49: 3,544,156 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 143,778

female: 138,058 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 52

Transnational Issues ::Chile

Disputes - international:

Chile and Peru rebuff Bolivia's reinvigorated claim to restore the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, but Chile has offered instead unrestricted but not sovereign maritime access through Chile to Bolivian gas and other commodities; Chile rejects Peru's unilateral legislation to change its latitudinal maritime boundary with Chile to an equidistance line with a southwestern axis favoring Peru, in October 2007, Peru took its maritime complaint with Chile to the ICJ; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps Argentine and British claims; the joint boundary commission, established by Chile and Argentina in 2001, has yet to map and demarcate the delimited boundary in the inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment country for cocaine destined for Europe and the region; some money laundering activity, especially through the Iquique Free Trade Zone; imported precursors passed on to Bolivia; domestic cocaine consumption is rising, making Chile a significant consumer of cocaine (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@China (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::China

Background:

For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people. After 1978, MAO's successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight. China since the early 1990s has increased its global outreach and participation in international organizations.

Geography ::China

Location:

Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

35 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 9,596,961 sq km country comparison to the world: 4 land: 9,569,901 sq km

water: 27,060 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the US

Land boundaries:

total: 22,117 km

border countries: Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Mongolia 4,677 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km

regional borders: Hong Kong 30 km, Macau 0.34 km

Coastline:

14,500 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north

Terrain:

mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and hills in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Turpan Pendi -154 m

highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, rare earth elements, uranium, hydropower potential (world's largest)

Land use:

arable land: 14.86%

permanent crops: 1.27%

other: 83.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

545,960 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2,829.6 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 549.76 cu km/yr (7%/26%/68%)

per capita: 415 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and eastern coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes; droughts; land subsidence

volcanism: China contains some historically active volcanoes including Changbaishan (also known as Baitoushan, Baegdu, or P'aektu-san), Hainan Dao, and Kunlun although most have been relatively inactive in recent centuries

Environment - current issues:

air pollution (greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide particulates) from reliance on coal produces acid rain; water shortages, particularly in the north; water pollution from untreated wastes; deforestation; estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land since 1949 to soil erosion and economic development; desertification; trade in endangered species

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

world's fourth largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US); Mount Everest on the border with Nepal is the world's tallest peak

People ::China

Population:

1,330,141,295 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.8% (male 140,877,745/female 124,290,090)

15-64 years: 72.1% (male 495,724,889/female 469,182,087)

65 years and over: 8.1% (male 51,774,115/female 56,764,042) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.2 years

male: 34.5 years

female: 35.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.494% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Birth rate:

12.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Death rate:

6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Net migration rate:

-0.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Urbanization:

urban population: 43% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.14 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.17 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.51 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 114 male: 15.84 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 17.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.51 years country comparison to the world: 93 male: 72.54 years

female: 76.77 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

700,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

39,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever

soil contact disease: hantaviral hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Chinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Chinese

Ethnic groups:

Han Chinese 91.5%, Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uighur, Tujia, Yi, Mongol, Tibetan, Buyi, Dong, Yao, Korean, and other nationalities 8.5% (2000 census)

Religions:

Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Christian 3%-4%, Muslim 1%-2%

note: officially atheist (2002 est.)

Languages:

Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect) (official), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages (see Ethnic groups entry)

note: Mongolian is official in Nei Mongol, Uighur is official in Xinjiang Uygur, and Tibetan is official in Xizang (Tibet)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.6%

male: 95.7%

female: 87.6% (2007)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 172

Government ::China

Country name:

conventional long form: People's Republic of China

conventional short form: China

local long form: Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo

local short form: Zhongguo

abbreviation: PRC

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

name: Beijing

geographic coordinates: 39 55 N, 116 23 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: despite its size, all of China falls within one time zone; many people in Xinjiang Province observe an unofficial "Xinjiang timezone" of UTC+6, two hours behind Beijing

Administrative divisions:

23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions (zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 4 municipalities (shi, singular and plural)

provinces: Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei,
Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin,
Liaoning, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan,
Zhejiang; (see note on Taiwan)

autonomous regions: Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang Uygur, Xizang (Tibet)

municipalities: Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Tianjin

note: China considers Taiwan its 23rd province; see separate entries for the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau

Independence:

1 October 1949 (People's Republic of China established); notable earlier dates: 221 BC (unification under the Qin Dynasty); 1 January 1912 (Qing Dynasty replaced by the Republic of China)

National holiday:

Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 1
October (1949)

Constitution:

most recent promulgation 4 December 1982 with amendments in 1988, 1993, 1999, 2004

Legal system:

based on civil law system; derived from Soviet and continental civil code legal principles; legislature retains power to interpret statutes; constitution ambiguous on judicial review of legislation; party organs exercise authority over judiciary; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003); Vice President XI Jinping (since 15 March 2008)

head of government: Premier WEN Jiabao (since 16 March 2003);
Executive Vice Premier LI Keqiang (17 March 2008), Vice Premier HUI
Liangyu (since 17 March 2003), Vice Premier ZHANG Dejiang (since 17
March 2008), and Vice Premier WANG Qishan (since 17 March 2008)

cabinet: State Council appointed by National People's Congress (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by National People's Congress for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 15-17 March 2008 (next to be held in mid-March 2013); premier nominated by president, confirmed by National People's Congress

election results: HU Jintao elected president by National People's Congress with a total of 2,963 votes; XI Jinping elected vice president with a total of 2,919 votes

Legislative branch:

unicameral National People's Congress or Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (2,987 seats; members elected by municipal, regional, and provincial people's congresses, and People's Liberation Army to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held in December 2007-February 2008 (date of next election to be held in late 2012 to early 2013)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - 2,987

note: only members of the CCP, its eight allied parties, and sympathetic independent candidates are elected

Judicial branch:

Supreme People's Court (judges appointed by the National People's Congress); Local People's Courts (comprise higher, intermediate, and basic courts); Special People's Courts (primarily military, maritime, railway transportation, and forestry courts)

Political parties and leaders:

Chinese Communist Party or CCP [HU Jintao]; eight registered small parties controlled by CCP

Political pressure groups and leaders:

no substantial political opposition groups exist

International organization participation:

ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS, CDB, CICA, EAS, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24 (observer), G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SCO, SICA (observer), UN, UN Security Council, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador ZHANG Yesui

chancery: 3505 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 495-2266

FAX: [1] (202) 495-2190

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jon M. HUNTSMAN, Jr.

embassy: 55 An Jia Lou Lu, 100600 Beijing

mailing address: PSC 461, Box 50, FPO AP 96521-0002

telephone: [86] (10) 8531-3000

FAX: [86] (10) 8531-3300

consulate(s) general: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan

Flag description:

red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner; the color red represents revolution, while the stars symbolize the four social classes - the working class, the peasantry, the urban petty bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie (capitalists) - united under the Communist Party of China

National anthem:

name: "Yiyonggjun Jinxingqu" (The March of the Volunteers)

lyrics/music: TIAN Han/NIE Er

note: adopted 1949; the anthem, though banned during the Cultural Revolution, is more commonly known as "Zhongguo Guoge" (Chinese National Song); it was originally the theme song to the 1935 Chinese movie, "Sons and Daughters in a Time of Storm"

Economy ::China

Economy - overview:

China's economy since the late 1970s has changed from a closed, centrally planned system to a more market-oriented one that plays a major role in the global economy - in 2010 China became the world's largest exporter. Reforms began with the phasing out of collectivized agriculture, and expanded to include the gradual liberalization of prices, fiscal decentralization, increased autonomy for state enterprises, creation of a diversified banking system, development of stock markets, rapid growth of the private sector, and opening to foreign trade and investment. China generally has implemented reforms in a gradualist fashion. In recent years, China has renewed its support for state-owned enterprises in sectors it considers important to "economic security," explicitly looking to foster globally competitive national champions. After keeping its currency tightly linked to the US dollar for years, in July 2005 China revalued its currency by 2.1% against the US dollar and moved to an exchange rate system that references a basket of currencies. From mid 2005 to late 2008 cumulative appreciation of the renminbi against the US dollar was more than 20%, but the exchange rate remained virtually pegged to the dollar from the onset of the global financial crisis until June 2010, when Beijing allowed resumption of a gradual appreciation. The restructuring of the economy and resulting efficiency gains have contributed to a more than tenfold increase in GDP since 1978. Measured on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis that adjusts for price differences, China in 2010 stood as the second-largest economy in the world after the US, having surpassed Japan in 2001. The dollar values of China's agricultural and industrial output each exceeded those of the US, although China was second to the US in the value of services it produced. Still, per capita income is below the world average. The Chinese government faces numerous economic development challenges, including: (a) reducing its high domestic savings rate and correspondingly low domestic demand; (b) sustaining adequate job growth for tens of millions of migrants and new entrants to the work force; (c) reducing corruption and other economic crimes; and (d) containing environmental damage and social strife related to the economy's rapid transformation. Economic development has progressed further in coastal provinces than in the interior, and approximately 200 million rural laborers and their dependents have relocated to urban areas to find work. One demographic consequence of the "one child" policy is that China is now one of the most rapidly aging countries in the world. Deterioration in the environment - notably air pollution, soil erosion, and the steady fall of the water table, especially in the north - is another long-term problem. China continues to lose arable land because of erosion and economic development. The Chinese government is seeking to add energy production capacity from sources other than coal and oil, focusing on nuclear and alternative energy development. In 2009, the global economic downturn reduced foreign demand for Chinese exports for the first time in many years, but China rebounded quickly, outperforming all other major economies in 2010 with GDP growth around 10%. The economy appears set to remain on a strong growth trajectory in 2011, lending credibility to the stimulus policies the regime rolled out during the global financial crisis. The government vows to continue reforming the economy and emphasizes the need to increase domestic consumption in order to make the economy less dependent on exports for GDP growth in the future, but China likely will make only marginal progress toward these rebalancing goals in 2011. Two economic problems China currently faces are inflation - which, late in 2010, surpassed the government's target of 3% - and local government debt, which swelled as a result of stimulus policies, and is largely off-the-books and potentially low-quality.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$9.872 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $8.95 trillion (2009 est.)

$8.204 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.745 trillion

note: because China's exchange rate is determine by fiat, rather than by market forces, the official exchange rate measure of GDP is not an accurate measure of China's output; GDP at the official exchange rate substantially understates the actual level of China's output vis-a-vis the rest of the world; in China's situation, GDP at purchasing power parity provides the best measure for comparing output across countries (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

10.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 9.1% (2009 est.)

9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $6,800 (2009 est.)

$6,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.6%

industry: 46.8%

services: 43.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

819.5 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 39.5%

industry: 27.2%

services: 33.2% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.3% (September 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 4.2% (December 2008 est.)

note: official data for urban areas only; including migrants may boost total unemployment to 9%; substantial unemployment and underemployment in rural areas

Population below poverty line:

2.8%

note: 21.5 million rural population live below the official "absolute poverty" line (approximately $90 per year); an additional 35.5 million rural population live above that level but below the official "low income" line (approximately $125 per year) (2007)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.5%

highest 10%: 15%

note: data are for urban households only (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41.5 (2007) country comparison to the world: 54 40 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

47.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Public debt:

17.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 16.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 -0.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

2.79% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 129 2.79% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.81% (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 5.31% (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.838 trillion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 4 $3.242 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$10.08 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $8.933 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$8.156 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $7.24 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$5.008 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $2.794 trillion (31 December 2008)

$6.226 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

world leader in gross value of agricultural output; rice, wheat, potatoes, corn, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, apples, cotton, oilseed; pork; fish

Industries:

world leader in gross value of industrial output; mining and ore processing, iron, steel, aluminum, and other metals, coal; machine building; armaments; textiles and apparel; petroleum; cement; chemicals; fertilizers; consumer products, including footwear, toys, and electronics; food processing; transportation equipment, including automobiles, rail cars and locomotives, ships, and aircraft; telecommunications equipment, commercial space launch vehicles, satellites

Industrial production growth rate:

11% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Electricity - production:

3.451 trillion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Electricity - consumption:

3.438 trillion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Electricity - exports:

16.64 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

3.842 billion kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

3.991 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Oil - consumption:

8.2 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Oil - exports:

388,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Oil - imports:

4.393 million bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 4

Oil - proved reserves:

20.35 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Natural gas - production:

82.94 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Natural gas - consumption:

87.08 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Natural gas - exports:

3.32 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas - imports:

7.462 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 27

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.03 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Current account balance:

$272.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $297.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.506 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $1.204 trillion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electrical and other machinery, including data processing equipment, apparel, textiles, iron and steel, optical and medical equipment

Exports - partners:

US 20.03%, Hong Kong 12.03%, Japan 8.32%, South Korea 4.55%, Germany 4.27% (2009)

Imports:

$1.307 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $954.3 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electrical and other machinery, oil and mineral fuels, optical and medical equipment, metal ores, plastics, organic chemicals

Imports - partners:

Japan 12.27%, Hong Kong 10.06%, South Korea 9.04%, US 7.66%, Taiwan 6.84%, Germany 5.54% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.622 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $2.426 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$406.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $349.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$574.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $473.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$278.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $229.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Renminbi yuan (RMB) per US dollar - 6.7852 (2010), 6.8314 (2009), 6.9385 (2008), 7.61 (2007), 7.97 (2006)

Communications ::China

Telephones - main lines in use:

313.68 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 1

Telephones - mobile cellular:

747 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 1

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic and international services are increasingly available for private use; unevenly distributed domestic system serves principal cities, industrial centers, and many towns; China continues to develop its telecommunications infrastructure, and is partnering with foreign providers to expand its global reach; China in the summer of 2008 began a major restructuring of its telecommunications industry, resulting in the consolidation of its six telecom service operators to three, China Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom, each providing both fixed-line and mobile services

domestic: interprovincial fiber-optic trunk lines and cellular telephone systems have been installed; mobile-cellular subscribership is increasing rapidly; the number of Internet users exceeded 250 million by summer 2008; a domestic satellite system with 55 earth stations is in place

international: country code - 86; a number of submarine cables provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the US; satellite earth stations - 7 (5 Intelsat - 4 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean; 1 Intersputnik - Indian Ocean region; and 1 Inmarsat - Pacific and Indian Ocean regions) (2008)

Broadcast media:

all broadcast media are owned by, or affiliated with, the Communist Party of China or a government agency; no privately-owned television or radio stations with state-run Chinese Central TV, provincial, and municipal stations offering more than 2,000 channels; the Central Propaganda Department lists subjects that are off limits to domestic broadcast media with the government maintaining authority to approve all programming; foreign-made TV programs must be approved prior to broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.cn

Internet hosts:

15.251 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 6

Internet users:

389 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 1

Transportation ::China

Airports:

502 (2010) country comparison to the world: 15

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 442

over 3,047 m: 63

2,438 to 3,047 m: 137

1,524 to 2,437 m: 132

914 to 1,523 m: 27

under 914 m: 83 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 60

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Heliports:

48 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 32,545 km; oil 20,097 km; refined products 10,915 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 77,834 km country comparison to the world: 3 standard gauge: 77,084 km 1.435-m gauge (24,433 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 750 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 3,583,715 km (includes 53,913 km of expressways) (2007) country comparison to the world: 2

Waterways:

110,000 km navigable (2010) country comparison to the world: 1

Merchant marine:

total: 2,010 country comparison to the world: 3 by type: barge carrier 6, bulk carrier 571, cargo 639, carrier 5, chemical tanker 98, container 204, liquefied gas 55, passenger 9, passenger/cargo 83, petroleum tanker 271, refrigerated cargo 35, roll on/roll off 9, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 24

foreign-owned: 18 (Germany 1, Hong Kong 15, Japan 2)

registered in other countries: 1,623 (Bahamas 4, Bangladesh 1, Belize 64, Bermuda 13, Cambodia 203, Comoros 1, Cyprus 6, France 5, Georgia 11, Germany 2, Honduras 2, Hong Kong 432, India 1, Indonesia 1, Kiribati 28, Liberia 10, Malta 11, Marshall Islands 16, North Korea 1, Norway 25, Panama 574, Philippines 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 82, Sierra Leone 12, Singapore 26, South Korea 9, Thailand 1, Togo 2, Tuvalu 9, UK 7, unknown 59) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dalian, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen,
Tianjin

Military ::China

Military branches:

People's Liberation Army (PLA): Ground Forces, Navy (includes
marines and naval aviation), Air Force (Zhongguo Renmin Jiefangjun
Kongjun, PLAAF; includes Airborne Forces), and Second Artillery
Corps (strategic missile force); People's Armed Police (PAP); PLA
Reserve Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-22 years of age for selective compulsory military service, with 24-month service obligation; no minimum age for voluntary service (all officers are volunteers); 18-19 years of age for women high school graduates who meet requirements for specific military jobs; in 2010, a decision was made to allow women in combat roles (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 381,747,145

females age 16-49: 360,385,629 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 314,668,817

females age 16-49: 298,745,786 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 10,699,186

female: 9,460,217 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 22

Transnational Issues ::China

Disputes - international:

continuing talks and confidence-building measures work toward reducing tensions over Kashmir that nonetheless remains militarized with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1964; China and India continue their security and foreign policy dialogue started in 2005 related to the dispute over most of their rugged, militarized boundary, regional nuclear proliferation, and other matters; China claims most of India's Arunachal Pradesh to the base of the Himalayas; lacking any treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve territorial disputes due to cartographic discrepancies; Chinese maps show an international boundary symbol off the coasts of the littoral states of the South China Seas, where China has interrupted Vietnamese hydrocarbon exploration; China asserts sovereignty over Scarborough Reef along with the Philippines and Taiwan, and over the Spratly Islands together with Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Brunei; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" eased tensions in the Spratly's but is not the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties; Vietnam and China continue to expand construction of facilities in the Spratly's and in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord on marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; China occupies some of the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; China and Taiwan continue to reject both Japan's claims to the uninhabited islands of Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally declared equidistance line in the East China Sea, the site of intensive hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation; certain islands in the Yalu and Tumen rivers are in dispute with North Korea; North Korea and China seek to stem illegal migration to China by North Koreans, fleeing privations and oppression, by building a fence along portions of the border and imprisoning North Koreans deported by China; China and Russia have demarcated the once disputed islands at the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in accordance with their 2004 Agreement; China and Tajikistan have begun demarcating the revised boundary agreed to in the delimitation of 2002; the decade-long demarcation of the China-Vietnam land boundary was completed in 2009; citing environmental, cultural, and social concerns, China has reconsidered construction of 13 dams on the Salween River, but energy-starved Burma, with backing from Thailand, remains intent on building five hydro-electric dams downstream despite regional and international protests; Chinese and Hong Kong authorities met in March 2008 to resolve ownership and use of lands recovered in Shenzhen River channelization, including 96-hectare Lok Ma Chau Loop; Hong Kong developing plans to reduce 2,000 out of 2,800 hectares of its restricted Closed Area by 2010

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 300,897 (Vietnam); estimated 30,000-50,000 (North Korea)

IDPs: 90,000 (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: China is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor; the majority of trafficking in China occurs within the country's borders, but there is also considerable international trafficking of Chinese citizens to Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America; Chinese women are lured abroad through false promises of legitimate employment, only to be forced into commercial sexual exploitation, largely in Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan; women and children are trafficked to China from Mongolia, Burma, North Korea, Russia, and Vietnam for forced labor, marriage, and prostitution; some North Korean women and children seeking to leave their country voluntarily cross the border into China and are then sold into prostitution, marriage, or forced labor

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - China is on the Tier 2 Watch List for the fourth consecutive year for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in terms of punishment of trafficking crimes and the protection of Chinese and foreign victims of trafficking; victims are sometimes punished for unlawful acts that were committed as a direct result of their being trafficked, such as violations of prostitution or immigration/emigration controls; the Chinese Government continued to treat North Korean victims of trafficking solely as economic migrants, routinely deporting them back to horrendous conditions in North Korea; additional challenges facing the Chinese Government include the enormous size of its trafficking problem and the significant level of corruption and complicity in trafficking by some local government officials (2008)

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden Triangle region of Southeast Asia; growing domestic consumption of synthetic drugs, and heroin from Southeast and Southwest Asia; source country for methamphetamine and heroin chemical precursors, despite new regulations on its large chemical industry (2008)

page last updated on January 24, 2011

======================================================================

@Christmas Island (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Christmas Island

Background:

Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement began by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.

Geography ::Christmas Island

Location:

Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

10 30 S, 105 40 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 135 sq km country comparison to the world: 221 land: 135 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

138.9 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical with a wet season (December to April) and dry season; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Murray Hill 361 m

Natural resources:

phosphate, beaches

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (mainly tropical rainforest; 63% of the island is a national park) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard

Environment - current issues:

loss of rainforest; impact of phosphate mining

Geography - note:

located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean

People ::Christmas Island

Population:

1,402 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 233

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA

Population growth rate:

0% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Sex ratio:

NA (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Christmas Islander(s)

adjective: Christmas Island

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10%

note: no indigenous population (2001)

Religions:

Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997)

Languages:

English (official), Chinese, Malay

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Christmas Island

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Christmas Island

conventional short form: Christmas Island

Dependency status:

non-self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: The Settlement

geographic coordinates: 10 25 S, 105 43 E

time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

Australia Day, 26 January (1788)

Constitution:

Christmas Island Act of 1958-59 (1 October 1958) as amended by the
Territories Law Reform Act of 1992

Legal system:

under the authority of the governor general of Australia and Australian law

Suffrage:

18 years of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) represented by the Australian governor general

head of government: Administrator Brian LACY (since 5 October 2009)

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch:

unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: held every two years with half the members standing for election; last held on 17 October 2009 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; District Court; Magistrate's Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

territorial flag; divided diagonally from upper hoist to lower fly; the upper triangle is green with a yellow image of the Golden Bosun Bird superimposed, the lower triangle is blue with the Southern Cross constellation, representing Australia, superimposed; a centered yellow disk displays a green map of the island

note: the flag of Australia is used for official purposes

National anthem:

note: as a territory of Australia, "Advance Australia Fair" remains official as the national anthem, while "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see Australia)

Economy ::Christmas Island

Economy - overview:

Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian government closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993, but closed in 1998.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

NA

Agriculture - products:

NA

Industries:

tourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion)

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

phosphate

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Christmas Island

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: service provided by the Australian network

domestic: GSM mobile-cellular telephone service replaced older analog system in February 2005

international: country code - 61-8; satellite earth station - 1 (Intelsat provides telephone and telex service) (2005)

Broadcast media:

1 community radio station; broadcasts of several Australian radio and television stations are received via satellite (2009)

Internet country code:

.cx

Internet hosts:

2,542 (2010) country comparison to the world: 149

Internet users:

464 (2001) country comparison to the world: 216

Transportation ::Christmas Island

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 235

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 18 km country comparison to the world: 133 standard gauge: 18 km 1.435-m (not in operation) (2010)

Roadways:

total: 140 km country comparison to the world: 210 paved: 30 km

unpaved: 110 km (2007)

Ports and terminals:

Flying Fish Cove

Military ::Christmas Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues ::Christmas Island

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Clipperton Island (North America)

Introduction ::Clipperton Island

Background:

This isolated island was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which took possession in 1935.

Geography ::Clipperton Island

Location:

Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico

Geographic coordinates:

10 17 N, 109 13 W

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 6 sq km country comparison to the world: 244 land: 6 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

11.1 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, wet season (May to October)

Terrain:

coral atoll

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (all coral) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

reef 12 km in circumference

People ::Clipperton Island

Population:

uninhabited

Government ::Clipperton Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Clipperton Island

local long form: none

local short form: Ile Clipperton

former: sometimes called Ile de la Passion

Dependency status:

possession of France; administered directly by the Minister of Overseas France

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy ::Clipperton Island

Economy - overview:

Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic activity is tuna fishing.

Transportation ::Clipperton Island

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Clipperton Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::Clipperton Island

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on November 17, 2010

======================================================================

@Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Background:

There are 27 coral islands in the group. Captain William KEELING discovered the islands in 1609, but they remained uninhabited until the 19th century. From the 1820s to 1978, members of the CLUNIE-ROSS family controlled the islands and the copra produced from local coconuts. Annexed by the UK in 1857, the Cocos Islands were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955. The population on the two inhabited islands generally is split between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on Home Island.

Geography ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Indonesia, about halfway from Australia to Sri Lanka

Geographic coordinates:

12 30 S, 96 50 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 14 sq km country comparison to the world: 240 land: 14 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island

Area - comparative:

about 24 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

26 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical with high humidity, moderated by the southeast trade winds for about nine months of the year

Terrain:

flat, low-lying coral atolls

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

cyclone season is October to April

Environment - current issues:

fresh water resources are limited to rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs

Geography - note:

islands are thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation; site of a World War I naval battle in November 1914 between the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney and the German raider SMS Emden; after being heavily damaged in the engagement, the Emden was beached by her captain on North Keeling Island

People ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Population:

596 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 237

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA

Population growth rate:

0% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Cocos Islander(s)

adjective: Cocos Islander

Ethnic groups:

Europeans, Cocos Malays

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 80%, other 20% (2002 est.)

Languages:

Malay (Cocos dialect), English

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands

conventional short form: Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Dependency status:

non-self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: West Island

geographic coordinates: 12 10 S, 96 50 E

time difference: UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

Australia Day, 26 January (1788)

Constitution:

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955 (23 November 1955) as amended by the Territories Law Reform Act of 1992

Legal system:

based upon the laws of Australia and local laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by the Australian governor general

head of government: Administrator (nonresident) Brian LACY (since 5 October 2009)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch:

unicameral Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council (7 seats)

elections: held every two years with half the members standing for election; last held in May 2007 (next to be held in May 2009)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Cocos Islands Youth Support Centre

International organization participation:

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

National anthem:

note: as a territory of Australia, "Advance Australia Fair" remains official as the national anthem, while "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see Australia)

Economy ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Economy - overview:

Coconuts, grown throughout the islands, are the sole cash crop.
Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but
additional food and most other necessities must be imported from
Australia. There is a small tourist industry.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

note: the Cocos Islands Cooperative Society Ltd. employs construction workers, stevedores, and lighterage workers; tourism employs others

Unemployment rate:

60% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts

Industries:

copra products and tourism

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

copra

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

287 (1992) country comparison to the world: 229

Telephone system:

general assessment: connected within Australia's telecommunication system; a local mobile-cellular network is in operation

domestic: NA

international: country code - 61; telephone, telex, and facsimile communications with Australia and elsewhere via satellite; satellite earth station - 1 (Intelsat) (2001)

Broadcast media:

1 local radio station staffed by community volunteers; broadcasts of several Australian radio and TV stations are received via satellite (2009)

Internet country code:

.cc

Internet hosts:

35,312 (2010) country comparison to the world: 96

Transportation ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 234

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 22 km country comparison to the world: 220 paved: 10 km

unpaved: 12 km (2007)

Ports and terminals:

Port Refuge

Military ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; the territory has a five-person police force

Transnational Issues ::Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Colombia (South America)

Introduction ::Colombia

Background:

Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and Venezuela). A four-decade long conflict between government forces and anti-government insurgent groups, principally the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) heavily funded by the drug trade, escalated during the 1990s. The insurgents lack the military or popular support necessary to overthrow the government and violence has been decreasing since about 2002, but insurgents continue attacks against civilians and large areas of the countryside are under guerrilla influence or are contested by security forces. More than 31,000 former paramilitaries had demobilized by the end of 2006 and the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) as a formal organization had ceased to function. In the wake of the paramilitary demobilization, emerging criminal groups arose, whose members include some former paramilitaries. The Colombian Government has stepped up efforts to reassert government control throughout the country, and now has a presence in every one of its administrative departments. However, neighboring countries worry about the violence spilling over their borders. In January 2011, Colombia assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Geography ::Colombia

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama

Geographic coordinates:

4 00 N, 72 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 1,138,910 sq km country comparison to the world: 26 land: 1,038,700 sq km

water: 100,210 sq km

note: includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, and Serrana Bank

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 6,309 km

border countries: Brazil 1,644 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 1,800 km, Venezuela 2,050 km

Coastline:

3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

Terrain:

flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m

note: nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.01%

permanent crops: 1.37%

other: 96.62% (2005)

Irrigated land:

9,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2,132 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 10.71 cu km/yr (50%/4%/46%)

per capita: 235 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts

volcanism: Galeras (elev. 4,276 m, 14,029 ft) is one of Colombia's most active volcanoes, having erupted in 2009 and 2010 causing major evacuations; it has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Nevado del Ruiz (elev. 5,321 m, 17,453 ft), 129 km (80 mi) west of Bogota, erupted in 1985 producing lahars that killed 23,000 people; the volcano last erupted in 1991; additionally, after 500 years of dormancy, Nevado del Huila reawakened in 2007 and has experienced frequent eruptions since then; other historically active volcanoes include Cumbal, Dona Juana, Nevado del Tolima, and Purace

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil and water quality damage from overuse of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

only South American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea

People ::Colombia

Population:

44,205,293 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.7% (male 6,192,707/female 5,919,959)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 14,292,342/female 14,717,249)

65 years and over: 5.8% (male 1,093,432/female 1,461,683) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.6 years

male: 26.7 years

female: 28.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.184% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Birth rate:

17.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Death rate:

5.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Net migration rate:

-0.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Urbanization:

urban population: 74% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.87 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 111 male: 20.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.31 years country comparison to the world: 97 male: 70.98 years

female: 77.84 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

170,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

9,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Colombian(s)

adjective: Colombian

Ethnic groups:

mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Languages:

Spanish (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 90.4%

male: 90.1%

female: 90.7% (2005 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 111

Government ::Colombia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Colombia

conventional short form: Colombia

local long form: Republica de Colombia

local short form: Colombia

Government type:

republic; executive branch dominates government structure

Capital:

name: Bogota

geographic coordinates: 4 36 N, 74 05 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico, Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada

Independence:

20 July 1810 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 20 July (1810)

Constitution:

5 July 1991; amended many times

Legal system:

based on Spanish law; a new criminal code modeled after US procedures was enacted into law in 2004 and reached full implementation in January 2008; judicial review of executive and legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7 August 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 May 2010 with a runoff election 20 June 2010 (next to be held in May 2014)

election results: Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon elected president in runoff election; percent of vote - Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon 69.06%, Antanas MOCKUS 27.52%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Senate or Senado (102 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (166 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 14 March 2010 (next to be held in March 2014); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 14 March 2010 (next to be held in March 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - U Party 28, PC 22, PL 16, PIN 9, CR 8, PDA 8, Green Party 5, other parties 5; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - U Party 47, PC 37, PL 36, CR 16, PIN 12, PDA 4, Green Party 3, other parties 10; note - as of 1 January 2011, the Senate currently has 101 seats after one seat became vacant due to a PL senator losing their seat for illegal collusion with the FARC; the Chamber of Representatives also has one seat vacant after only 165 of the 166 candidates were credentialed

Judicial branch:

four roughly coequal, supreme judicial organs; Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (highest court of criminal law; judges are selected by their peers from the nominees of the Superior Judicial Council for eight-year terms); Council of State (highest court of administrative law; judges are selected from the nominees of the Superior Judicial Council for eight-year terms); Constitutional Court (guards integrity and supremacy of the constitution; rules on constitutionality of laws, amendments to the constitution, and international treaties); Superior Judicial Council (administers and disciplines the civilian judiciary; resolves jurisdictional conflicts arising between other courts; members are elected by three sister courts and Congress for eight-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Alternative Democratic Pole or PDA [Clara LOPEZ]; Conservative Party
or PC [Fernando ARAUJO]; Green Party [Luis GARZON]; Liberal Party or
PL [Rafael PARDO]; National Integration Party or PIN [Angel ALIRIO
Moreno]; Radical Change or CR [German VARGAS Lleras]; Social
National Unity Party or U Party [Juan Francisco LOZANO Ramirez]

note: Colombia has seven major political parties, and numerous smaller movements

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Liberation Army or ELN; Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia or FARC

note: two largest insurgent groups active in Colombia

International organization participation:

BCIE, CAN, Caricom (observer), CDB, FAO, G-3, G-24, G-77, IADB,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES,
LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG,
UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gabriel SILVA Lujan

chancery: 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-8338

FAX: [1] (202) 232-8643

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Washington, DC

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador William R. BROWNFIELD

embassy: Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50, Bogota, D.C.

mailing address: Carrera 45 No. 24B-27, Bogota, D.C.

telephone: [57] (1) 315-0811

FAX: [57] (1) 315-2197

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of Gran Columbia, the short-lived South American republic that broke up in 1830; various interpretations of the colors exist and include: yellow for the gold in Colombia's land, blue for the seas on its shores, and red for the blood spilled in attaining freedom; alternatively, the colors have been described as representing more elemental concepts such as sovereignty and justice (yellow), loyalty and vigilance (blue), and valour and generosity (red); or simply the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity

note: similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de la Republica de Colombia" (National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia)

lyrics/music: Rafael NUNEZ/Oreste SINDICI

note: adopted 1920; the anthem was created from an inspirational poem written by President Rafael NUNEZ

Economy ::Colombia

Economy - overview:

Colombia experienced accelerating growth between 2002 and 2007, chiefly due to improvements in domestic security, rising commodity prices, and to President URIBE's promarket economic policies. Foreign direct investment reached a record $10 billion in 2008, and continues to flow in, especially in the oil sector. A series of policies enhanced Colombia's investment climate: pro-business reforms in the oil and gas sectors and export-led growth fueled mainly by the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act. Inequality, underemployment, and narcotrafficking remain significant challenges, and Colombia's infrastructure requires major improvements to sustain economic expansion. Because of the global financial crisis and weakening demand for Colombia's exports, Colombia's economy grew only 2.7% in 2008, and 0.8% in 2009 but rebounded to around 4.5% in 2010. The government has encouraged exporters to diversify their customer base beyond the United States and Venezuela, traditionally Colombia's largest trading partners; the SANTOS administration continues to pursue free trade agreements with Asian and South American partners and awaits the approval of a Canadian trade accord by Canada's and EU's parliaments. The business sector remains concerned about Venezuela's trade restrictions on Colombian exports, an appreciating domestic currency, and the pending US Congressional approval of the US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$431.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $413.7 billion (2009 est.)

$410.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$283.1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 0.8% (2009 est.)

2.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $9,500 (2009 est.)

$9,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.3%

industry: 38%

services: 52.7% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

21.27 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 18%

industry: 18.9%

services: 63.1% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 12% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

46.8% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.8%

highest 10%: 45% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

58.5 (2009) country comparison to the world: 8 53.8 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Public debt:

44.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 45.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 4.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3% (October 2010) country comparison to the world: 79 5.5% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.98% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 17.18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$31.83 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 54 $24.41 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$104.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $82.39 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$123 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $96.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$133.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 39 $87.03 billion (31 December 2008)

$102 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp

Industries:

textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds

Industrial production growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Electricity - production:

50.58 billion kWh (2007) country comparison to the world: 48

Electricity - consumption:

38.59 billion kWh (2007) country comparison to the world: 53

Electricity - exports:

876.7 million kWh (2007)

Electricity - imports:

39.4 million kWh (2007)

Oil - production:

686,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Oil - consumption:

288,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Oil - exports:

294,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Oil - imports:

16,540 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Oil - proved reserves:

2.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Natural gas - production:

9 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - consumption:

8.1 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Natural gas - exports:

900 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Natural gas - proved reserves:

112 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Current account balance:

-$5.946 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 -$4.991 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$40.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $34.03 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, coffee, coal, nickel, emeralds, apparel, bananas, cut flowers

Exports - partners:

US 39%, Venezuela 12%, Netherlands 4% (2009)

Imports:

$36.26 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $31.48 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity

Imports - partners:

US 28%, China 11%, Mexico 7%, Brazil 6.5%, France 4.5%, Germany 4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$26.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $24.99 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$57.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $52.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$84.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $75.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$19.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $16.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Colombian pesos (COP) per US dollar - 1,893.1 (2010), 2,157.6 (2009), 2,243.6 (2008), 2,013.8 (2007), 2,358.6 (2006)

Communications ::Colombia

Telephones - main lines in use:

7.5 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 25

Telephones - mobile cellular:

42.16 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 29

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system in many respects with a nationwide microwave radio relay system, a domestic satellite system with 41 earth stations, and a fiber-optic network linking 50 cities; telecommunications sector liberalized during the 1990s; multiple providers of both fixed-line and mobile-cellular services

domestic: fixed-line connections stand at about 15 per 100 persons; mobile cellular telephone subscribership is about 90 per 100 persons; competition among cellular service providers is resulting in falling local and international calling rates and contributing to the steep decline in the market share of fixed line services

international: country code - 57; landing points for the ARCOS, Colombia-Florida Subsea Fiber (CFX-1), Maya-1, Pan American, and the South America-1 submarine cables providing links to the US, parts of the Caribbean, and Central and South America; satellite earth stations - 10 (6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 3 fully digitalized international switching centers) (2009)

Broadcast media:

combination of state-owned and privately-owned broadcast media provide service; more than 500 radio stations and large number of national, regional, and local TV stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.co

Internet hosts:

2.527 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 32

Internet users:

22.538 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 18

Transportation ::Colombia

Airports:

990 (2010) country comparison to the world: 7

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 116

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 41

914 to 1,523 m: 50

under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 874

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 35

914 to 1,523 m: 228

under 914 m: 610 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 4,567 km; oil 6,097 km; refined products 3,382 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,802 km country comparison to the world: 45 standard gauge: 150 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 3,652 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 164,257 km (2005) country comparison to the world: 31

Waterways:

18,000 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 6

Merchant marine:

total: 13 country comparison to the world: 105 by type: cargo 11, petroleum tanker 1, specialized tanker 1

registered in other countries: 3 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Panama 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Puerto Bolivar, Santa Marta,
Turbo

Military ::Colombia

Military branches:

National Army (Ejercito Nacional), National Navy (Armada Republica
de Colombia, includes Naval Aviation, Naval Infantry (Infanteria de
Marina, IM), and Coast Guard), Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de
Colombia, FAC) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-24 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; service obligation - 18 months (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 11,556,939

females age 16-49: 11,609,122 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,957,960

females age 16-49: 9,763,655 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 432,280

female: 416,051 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Transnational Issues ::Colombia

Disputes - international:

in December 2007, ICJ allocates San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina islands to Colombia under 1928 Treaty but does not rule on 82 degrees W meridian as maritime boundary with Nicaragua; managed dispute with Venezuela over maritime boundary and Venezuelan-administered Los Monjes Islands near the Gulf of Venezuela; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics, guerrilla, and paramilitary activities penetrate all neighboring borders and have caused Colombian citizens to flee mostly into neighboring countries; Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Jamaica, and the US assert various claims to Bajo Nuevo and Serranilla Bank

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 1.8-3.5 million (conflict between government and illegal armed groups and drug traffickers) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of coca, opium poppy, and cannabis; world's leading coca cultivator with 167,000 hectares in coca cultivation in 2007, a 6% increase over 2006, producing a potential of 535 mt of pure cocaine; the world's largest producer of coca derivatives; supplies cocaine to nearly all of the US market and the great majority of other international drug markets; in 2005, aerial eradication dispensed herbicide to treat over 130,000 hectares but aggressive replanting on the part of coca growers means Colombia remains a key producer; a significant portion of narcotics proceeds are either laundered or invested in Colombia through the black market peso exchange; important supplier of heroin to the US market; opium poppy cultivation is estimated to have fallen 25% between 2006 and 2007; most Colombian heroin is destined for the US market (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Comoros (Africa)

Introduction ::Comoros

Background:

Comoros has endured more than 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power in a bloodless coup, and helped negotiate the 2000 Fomboni Accords power-sharing agreement in which the federal presidency rotates among the three islands, and each island maintains its own local government. AZALI won the 2002 presidential election, and each island in the archipelago elected its own president. AZALI stepped down in 2006 and President SAMBI was elected to office. In 2007, Mohamed BACAR effected Anjouan's de-facto secession from the Union, refusing to step down in favor of fresh Anjouanais elections when Comoros' other islands held legitimate elections in July. The African Union (AU) initially attempted to resolve the political crisis by applying sanctions and a naval blockade on Anjouan, but in March 2008, AU and Comoran soldiers seized the island. The move was generally welcomed by the island's inhabitants.

Geography ::Comoros

Location:

Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of the
Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern
Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

12 10 S, 44 15 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,235 sq km country comparison to the world: 179 land: 2,235 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

340 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)

Terrain:

volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Karthala 2,360 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 35.87%

permanent crops: 23.32%

other: 40.81% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

1.2 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.01 cu km/yr (48%/5%/47%)

per capita: 13 cu m/yr (1999)

Natural hazards:

cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); volcanic activity on Grand Comore

volcanism: Karthala (elev. 2,361 m, 7,746 ft) on Grand Comore Island last erupted in 2007; a 2005 eruption forced thousands of people to be evacuated and produced a large ash cloud

Environment - current issues:

soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel

People ::Comoros

Population:

773,407 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.2% (male 159,282/female 158,073)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 203,533/female 208,591)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 10,474/female 12,485) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.9 years

male: 18.6 years

female: 19.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.731% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Birth rate:

34.71 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Death rate:

7.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 76

Urbanization:

urban population: 28% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 64.61 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 27 male: 72.41 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 56.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.83 years country comparison to the world: 172 male: 61.41 years

female: 66.32 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.78 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA (2007 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Comoran(s)

adjective: Comoran

Ethnic groups:

Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%

Languages:

Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 56.5%

male: 63.6%

female: 49.3% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 12 years

female: 10 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

7.6% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 14

Government ::Comoros

Country name:

conventional long form: Union of the Comoros

conventional short form: Comoros

local long form: Udzima wa Komori (Comorian); Union des Comores (French); Jumhuriyat al Qamar al Muttahidah (Arabic)

local short form: Komori (Comorian); Comores (French); Juzur al Qamar (Arabic)

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Moroni

geographic coordinates: 11 42 S, 43 14 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 islands and 4 municipalities*; Grande Comore (N'gazidja), Anjouan (Ndzuwani), Domoni*, Fomboni*, Moheli (Mwali), Moroni*, Moutsamoudou*

Independence:

6 July 1975 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 July (1975)

Constitution:

23 December 2001

Legal system:

French and Islamic law in a new consolidated code; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May 2006)

head of government: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: as defined by the 2001 constitution, the presidency rotates every four years among the elected presidents from the three main islands in the Union; election last held on 14 May 2006 (next to be held on 7 November 2010)

election results: Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI elected president; percent of vote - Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI 58.0%, Ibrahim HALIDI 28.3%, Mohamed DJAANFAMI 13.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Union (33 seats; 15 deputies are selected by the individual islands' local assemblies and 18 by universal suffrage to serve for five years);

elections: last held on 6 and 20 December 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - pro-union coalition 19, autonomous coalition 4, independents 1; note - 9 additional seats are filled by deputies from local island assemblies

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supremes (two members appointed by the president, two members elected by the Federal Assembly, one elected by the Council of each island, and others are former presidents of the republic)

Political parties and leaders:

Camp of the Autonomous Islands or CdIA (a coalition of parties
organized by the islands' presidents in opposition to the Union
President); Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros or CRC [AZALI
Assowmani]; Front National pour la Justice or FNJ [Ahmed RACHID]
(Islamic party in opposition); Mouvement pour la Democratie et le
Progress or MDP-NGDC [Abbas DJOUSSOUF]; Parti Comorien pour la
Democratie et le Progress or PCDP [Ali MROUDJAE]; Rassemblement
National pour le Development or RND [Omar TAMOU, Abdoulhamid
AFFRAITANE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: environmentalists

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AMF, AOSIS, AU, COMESA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC,
Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Representative to the UN and Ambassador to the US Mohamed TOIHIRI

chancery: Mission to the US, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 418, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 750-1637

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the ambassador to Madagascar is accredited to Comoros

Flag description:

four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and blue, with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered within the triangle is a white crescent with the convex side facing the hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed vertically in a line between the points of the crescent; the horizontal bands and the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago - Mwali, N'gazidja, Nzwani, and Mahore (Mayotte - territorial collectivity of France, but claimed by Comoros)

note: the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam

National anthem:

name: "Udzima wa ya Masiwa" (The Union of the Great Islands)

lyrics/music: Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE/Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE and Kamildine ABDALLAH

note: adopted 1978

Economy ::Comoros

Economy - overview:

One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. Export income is heavily reliant on the three main crops of vanilla, cloves, and ylang-ylang and Comoros' export earnings are easily disrupted by disasters such as fires. The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. The government - which is hampered by internal political disputes - lacks a comprehensive strategy to attract foreign investment and is struggling to upgrade education and technical training, privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, improve health services, diversify exports, promote tourism, and reduce the high population growth rate. Political problems have inhibited growth, which has averaged only about 1% in 2006-09. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans abroad help supplement GDP. In September 2009 the IMF approved Comoros for a three-year $21 million loan. The IMF gave generally positive reports of the country's program performance as of October 2010. The African Development Bank approved a $34.6 million debt-relief package loan for Comoros in September 2010, and Comoros will attempt to qualifry for debt relief in 2012 under the IMF and World Bank's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$789.4 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207 $776.2 million (2009 est.)

$762.5 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$557 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 1.8% (2009 est.)

1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216 $1,000 (2009 est.)

$1,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 40%

industry: 4%

services: 56% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

268,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%

industry and services: 20% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (1996 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Population below poverty line:

60% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.9%

highest 10%: 55.2% (2004)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Central bank discount rate:

2.21% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 81 5.36% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 10.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$104.7 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 179 $98.36 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$168.6 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 182 $143.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$79.75 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 $60.57 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang, perfume essences, copra, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca)

Industries:

fishing, tourism, perfume distillation

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

22 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Electricity - consumption:

20.46 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Oil - imports:

766 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Current account balance:

$8 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Exports:

$32 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 202

Exports - commodities:

vanilla, ylang-ylang (perfume essence), cloves, copra

Exports - partners:

Turkey 25.2%, France 20.44%, Singapore 17.44%, Algeria 8.02%, Italy 6.09%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2009)

Imports:

$143 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 205

Imports - commodities:

rice and other foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, cement, transport equipment

Imports - partners:

France 15.5%, China 14.66%, India 10.55%, UAE 7.88%, Pakistan 5.69%,
Kenya 4.51% (2009)

Debt - external:

$232 million (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Exchange rates:

Comoran francs (KMF) per US dollar - 361.4 (2007), 391.8 (2006), 395.6 (2005), 396.21 (2004), 435.9 (2003)

note: the Comoran franc is pegged to the euro at a rate of 491.9677 Comoran francs per euro

Communications ::Comoros

Telephones - main lines in use:

25,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 183

Telephones - mobile cellular:

100,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 185

Telephone system:

general assessment: sparse system of microwave radio relay and HF radiotelephone communication stations

domestic: fixed-line connections only about 3 per 100 persons; mobile cellular usage about 15 per 100 persons

international: country code - 269; HF radiotelephone communications to Madagascar and Reunion

Broadcast media:

national state-owned TV station and a TV station run by Anjouan regional government; national state-owned radio; regional governments on the islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan each operate a radio station; a few independent and small community radio stations operate on the islands of Grande Comore and Moheli, and these two islands have access to Mayotte Radio and French TV (2007)

Internet country code:

.km

Internet hosts:

14 (2010) country comparison to the world: 219

Internet users:

24,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 186

Transportation ::Comoros

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 189

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 880 km country comparison to the world: 184 paved: 673 km

unpaved: 207 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 177 country comparison to the world: 37 by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 102, carrier 5, chemical tanker 6, container 2, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 15, refrigerated cargo 12, roll on/roll off 12

foreign-owned: 98 (Bangladesh 1, Bulgaria 8, China 1, Cyprus 2,
Greece 3, Kenya 1, Kuwait 1, Latvia 1, Lebanon 3, Lithuania 3,
Monaco 1, Nigeria 1, Norway 2, Pakistan 3, Russia 21, Syria 6,
Turkey 16, UAE 11, UK 1, Ukraine 10, US 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Mayotte, Mutsamudu

Military ::Comoros

Military branches:

Army of National Development (AND): Comoran Security Force, Comoran
Coast Guard, Comoran Federal Police (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for 2-year voluntary military service; no conscription; women first inducted into the Army in 2004 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 178,670

females age 16-49: 177,811 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 130,064

females age 16-49: 140,600 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 8,519

female: 8,498 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 50

Transnational Issues ::Comoros

Disputes - international:

claims French-administered Mayotte and challenges France's and Madagascar's claims to Banc du Geyser, a drying reef in the Mozambique Channel; in May 2008, African Union forces are called in to assist the Comoros military recapture Anjouan Island from rebels who seized it in 2001

page last updated on January 10, 2011

======================================================================

@Congo, Democratic Republic of the (Africa)

Introduction ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Background:

Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the Republic of the Congo gained its independence in 1960, but its early years were marred by political and social instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a November 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name - to MOBUTU Sese Seko - as well as that of the country - to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through brutal force. Ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow of refugees in 1994 from fighting in Rwanda and Burundi, led in May 1997 to the toppling of the MOBUTU regime by a rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent KABILA. He renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but in August 1998 his regime was itself challenged by a second insurrection again backed by Rwanda and Uganda. Troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe intervened to support KABILA's regime. A cease-fire was signed in July 1999 by the DRC, Congolese armed rebel groups, Angola, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe but sporadic fighting continued. Laurent KABILA was assassinated in January 2001 and his son, Joseph KABILA, was named head of state. In October 2002, the new president was successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying eastern Congo; two months later, the Pretoria Accord was signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. A transitional government was set up in July 2003. Joseph KABILA as president and four vice presidents represented the former government, former rebel groups, the political opposition, and civil society. The transitional government held a successful constitutional referendum in December 2005 and elections for the presidency, National Assembly, and provincial legislatures in 2006. The National Assembly was installed in September 2006 and KABILA was inaugurated president in December 2006. Provincial assemblies were constituted in early 2007, and elected governors and national senators in January 2007.

Geography ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Location:

Central Africa, northeast of Angola

Geographic coordinates:

0 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,344,858 sq km country comparison to the world: 12 land: 2,267,048 sq km

water: 77,810 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 10,730 km

border countries: Angola 2,511 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of Angola's discontiguous Cabinda Province), Burundi 233 km, Central African Republic 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Rwanda 217 km, Sudan 628 km, Tanzania 459 km, Uganda 765 km, Zambia 1,930 km

Coastline:

37 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: boundaries with neighbors

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator - wet season (April to October), dry season (December to February); south of Equator - wet season (November to March), dry season (April to October)

Terrain:

vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m

Natural resources:

cobalt, copper, niobium, tantalum, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, uranium, coal, hydropower, timber

Land use:

arable land: 2.86%

permanent crops: 0.47%

other: 96.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

110 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,283 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.36 cu km/yr (53%/17%/31%)

per capita: 6 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts in south; Congo River floods (seasonal); in the east, in the Great Rift Valley, there are active volcanoes

volcanism: Nyiragongo (elev. 3,470 m, 11,384 ft), which erupted in 2002 and is experiencing ongoing activity, poses a major threat to the city of Goma, home to a quarter of a million people; the volcano produces unusually fast-moving lava, known to travel up to 100 km (60 mi)/hr; Nyiragongo has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; its neighbor, Nyamuragira, which erupted in 2010, is Africa's most active volcano; Visoke is the only other historically active volcano

Environment - current issues:

poaching threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; deforestation; refugees responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion, and wildlife poaching; mining of minerals (coltan - a mineral used in creating capacitors, diamonds, and gold) causing environmental damage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

straddles equator; has narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo River and is only outlet to South Atlantic Ocean; dense tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands

People ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Population:

70,916,439 country comparison to the world: 19 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.9% (male 16,161,301/female 16,038,024)

15-64 years: 50.6% (male 17,289,453/female 17,483,027)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 699,667/female 1,021,070) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.5 years

male: 16.3 years

female: 16.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.165% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Birth rate:

42.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Death rate:

11.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Net migration rate:

0.77 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Urbanization:

urban population: 34% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 79.36 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 15 male: 87.13 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 71.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.73 years country comparison to the world: 198 male: 52.93 years

female: 56.59 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.11 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

4.2% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.1 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

100,000 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria, plague, and African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Ethnic groups:

over 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu; the four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about 45% of the population

Religions:

Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other (includes syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs) 10%

Languages:

French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language),
Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write French, Lingala, Kingwana, or Tshiluba

total population: 67.2%

male: 80.9%

female: 54.1% (2001 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years

male: 9 years

female: 6 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Republic of the Congo

conventional short form: DRC

local long form: Republique Democratique du Congo

local short form: RDC

former: Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville, Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire

abbreviation: DRC

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Kinshasa

geographic coordinates: 4 19 S, 15 18 E

time difference: UTC+1 (six hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces (provinces, singular - province) and 1 city* (ville); Bandundu, Bas-Congo, Equateur, Kasai-Occidental, Kasai-Oriental, Katanga, Kinshasa*, Maniema, Nord-Kivu, Orientale, Sud-Kivu

note: according to the Constitution adopted in December 2005, the current administrative divisions will be subdivided into 26 new provinces by 2009

Independence:

30 June 1960 (from Belgium)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 June (1960)

Constitution:

18 February 2006

Legal system:

civil law based on Belgian law with Napoleonic Civil Code influence; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Joseph KABILA (since 17 January 2001);

head of government: Prime Minister Adolphe MUZITO (since 10 October 2008)

cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the new constitution the president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 30 July 2006 and on 29 October 2006 (next to be held on 27 November 2011); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Joseph KABILA elected president; percent of vote (second round) - Joseph KABILA 58%, Jean-Pierre BEMBA Gombo 42%

note: Joseph KABILA succeeded his father, Laurent Desire KABILA, following the latter's assassination in January 2001; negotiations with rebel leaders led to the establishment of a transitional government in July 2003 with free elections held on 30 July 2006 and a run-off on 29 October 2006 confirming Joseph KABILA as president

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of a Senate (108 seats; members elected by provincial assemblies to serve five-year terms) and a National Assembly (500 seats; 61 members elected by majority vote in single-member constituencies, 439 members elected by open list proportional-representation in multi-member constituencies to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 19 January 2007 (next to be held on 27 November 2011); National Assembly - last held on 30 July 2006 (next to be held on 27 November 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPRD 22, MLC 14, FR 7, RCD 7, PDC 6, CDC 3, MSR 3, PALU 2, independents 26, others 18 (political parties that won a single seat); National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPRD 111, MLC 64, PALU 34, MSR 27, FR 26, RCD 15, independents 63, others 160 (includes 63 political parties that won 10 or fewer seats)

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Appeals Court or Cour de Cassation; Council of State; High Military Court; plus civil and military courts and tribunals

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democrat Party or PDC [Jose ENDUNDO]; Congolese Rally for
Democracy or RCD [Azarias RUBERWA]; Convention of Christian
Democrats or CDC; Forces of Renewal or FR [Mbusa NYAMWISI]; Movement
for the Liberation of the Congo or MLC [Jean-Pierre BEMBA]; People's
Party for Reconstruction and Democracy or PPRD [Joseph KABILA];
Social Movement for Renewal or MSR [Pierre LUMBI]; Unified Lumumbist
Party or PALU [Antoine GIZENGA]; Union for Democracy and Social
Progress or UDPS [Etienne TSHISEKEDI]; Union of Mobutuist Democrats
or UDEMO [MOBUTU Nzanga]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

MONUC - UN organization working with the government; FARDC (Forces
Armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo) - Army of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo which commits atrocities on
citizens; FDL (Forces Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda) -
Rwandan militia group

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, COMESA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA,
SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Faida MITIFU

chancery: Suite 601, 1726 M Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 234-7690 through 7691

FAX: [1] (202) 234-2609

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Samuel BROCK

embassy: 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa

mailing address: Unit 31550, APO AE 09828

telephone: [243] (81) 225-5872

FAX: [243] (81) 301-0561

Flag description:

sky blue field divided diagonally from the lower hoist corner to upper fly corner by a red stripe bordered by two narrow yellow stripes; a yellow, five-pointed star appears in the upper hoist corner; blue represents peace and hope, red the blood of the country's martyrs, and yellow the country's wealth and prosperity; the star symbolizes unity and the brilliant future for the country

National anthem:

name: "Debout Congolaise" (Arise Congolese)

lyrics/music: Joseph LUTUMBA/Simon-Pierre BOKA di Mpasi Londi

note: adopted 1960; the anthem was replaced during the period in which the country was known as Zaire, but was readopted in 1997

Economy ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Economy - overview:

The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - a nation endowed with vast potential wealth - is slowly recovering from decades of decline. Systemic corruption since independence in 1960 and conflict that began in May 1997 has dramatically reduced national output and government revenue, increased external debt, and resulted in the deaths of more than 5 million people from violence, famine, and disease. Foreign businesses curtailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict, lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating environment. Conditions began to improve in late 2002 with the withdrawal of a large portion of the invading foreign troops. The transitional government reopened relations with international financial institutions and international donors, and President KABILA began implementing reforms. Progress has been slow and the International Monetary Fund curtailed their program for the DRC at the end of March 2006 because of fiscal overruns. Much economic activity still occurs in the informal sector, and is not reflected in GDP data. Renewed activity in the mining sector, the source of most export income, boosted Kinshasa's fiscal position and GDP growth from 2006-2008, however, the government's review of mining contracts that began in 2006, combined with a fall in world market prices for the DRC's key mineral exports temporarily weakened output in 2009, leading to a balance of payments crisis. The recovery in mineral prices beginning in mid 2009 boosted mineral exports, and emergency funds from the IMF boosted foreign reserves. An uncertain legal framework, corruption, a lack of transparency in government policy are long-term problems for the mining sector and the economy as a whole. The global recession cut economic growth in 2009 to less than half its 2008 level, but growth returned to 3% in 2010. The DRC signed a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF in 2009 and received $12 billion in multilateral and bilateral debt relief in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$22.92 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $22.25 billion (2009 est.)

$21.64 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$12.6 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 2.8% (2009 est.)

6.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 229 $300 (2009 est.)

$300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 37.4%

industry: 26%

services: 36.6% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

23.53 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 34.7% (2006)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

26.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223 46.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

70% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 2 40% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

65.42% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 43.15% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$613.9 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 152 $597 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$1.562 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $1.275 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$928.5 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea, quinine, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits; wood products

Industries:

mining (diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, coltan, zinc, tin, diamonds), mineral processing, consumer products (including textiles, footwear, cigarettes, processed foods and beverages), cement, commercial ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

8.217 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Electricity - consumption:

5.997 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Electricity - exports:

1.916 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

16,360 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Oil - consumption:

10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Oil - exports:

20,090 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Oil - imports:

11,350 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Oil - proved reserves:

180 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - proved reserves:

991.1 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Current account balance:

-$1.47 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 -$402 million (2007 est.)

Exports:

$3.8 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $6.6 billion (2008 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, wood products, crude oil, coffee

Exports - partners:

China 46.75%, US 15.35%, Belgium 10.68%, Zambia 5.78%, Finland 4.38% (2009)

Imports:

$5.2 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $6.7 billion (2008 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, mining and other machinery, transport equipment, fuels

Imports - partners:

South Africa 18.22%, Belgium 10.2%, China 8.34%, Zambia 7.77%, France 7.28%, Zimbabwe 6.52%, Kenya 5.48%, Netherlands 4.13%, Italy 3.96% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.01 billion (March 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $1 billion (December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.3 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $12.7 billion (2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

Congolese francs (CDF) per US dollar - 930 (2010), 810 (2009), 559 (2008), 516 (2007), 464.69 (2006)

Communications ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Telephones - main lines in use:

40,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 167

Telephones - mobile cellular:

10.163 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Telephone system:

general assessment: barely adequate wire and microwave radio relay service in and between urban areas; domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations; inadequate fixed line infrastructure

domestic: state-owned operator providing less than 1 fixed-line connection per 1000 persons; given the backdrop of a wholly inadequate fixed-line infrastructure, the use of mobile-cellular services has surged and subscribership in 2009 exceeded 10 million - roughly 15 per 100 persons

international: country code - 243; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned TV broadcast station with near national coverage; more than a dozen privately-owned TV stations with 2 having near national coverage; 2 state-owned radio stations are supplemented by more than 100 private radio stations; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.cd

Internet hosts:

3,006 (2010) country comparison to the world: 146

Internet users:

290,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 131

Transportation ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Airports:

198 (2010) country comparison to the world: 31

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 26

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 172

1,524 to 2,437 m: 20

914 to 1,523 m: 91

under 914 m: 61 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 37 km; oil 39 km; refined products 756 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,007 km country comparison to the world: 42 narrow gauge: 3,882 km 1.067-m gauge (858 km electrified); 125 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 153,497 km country comparison to the world: 34 paved: 2,794 km

unpaved: 150,703 km (2004)

Waterways:

15,000 km (including the Congo, its tributaries, and unconnected lakes) (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 158 by type: petroleum tanker 1

foreign-owned: 1 (Republic of the Congo 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Banana, Boma, Bukavu, Bumba, Goma, Kalemie, Kindu, Kinshasa,
Kisangani, Matadi, Mbandaka

Military ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Forces
d'Armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo, FARDC): Army,
National Navy (La Marine Nationale), Congolese Air Force (Force
Aerienne Congolaise, FAC) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-45 years of age for voluntary military service (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,192,858 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,301,818

females age 16-49: 9,440,111 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 842,020

female: 839,044 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 59

Transnational Issues ::Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Disputes - international:

heads of the Great Lakes states and UN pledged in 2004 to abate tribal, rebel, and militia fighting in the region, including northeast Congo, where the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), organized in 1999, maintains over 16,500 uniformed peacekeepers; members of Uganda's Lords Resistance Army forces continue to seek refuge in Congo's Garamba National Park as peace talks with the Uganda government evolve; the location of the boundary in the broad Congo River with the Republic of the Congo is indefinite except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area; Uganda and DROC dispute Rukwanzi island in Lake Albert and other areas on the Semliki River with hydrocarbon potential; boundary commission continues discussions over Congolese-administered triangle of land on the right bank of the Lunkinda river claimed by Zambia near the DROC village of Pweto

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 132,295 (Angola); 37,313 (Rwanda); 17,777 (Burundi); 13,904 (Uganda); 6,181 (Sudan); 5,243 (Republic of Congo)

IDPs: 1.4 million (fighting between government forces and rebels since mid-1990s; most IDPs are in eastern provinces) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Democratic Republic of the Congo is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to trafficking for the purposes of forced labor and forced prostitution; the majority of this trafficking is internal, and much of it is perpetrated by armed groups and government forces outside government control within the country's unstable eastern provinces

tier rating: Tier 3 - Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government did not show evidence of progress in prosecuting and punishing labor or sex trafficking offenders, including members of its own armed forces; providing protective services for the vast majority of trafficking victims; or raising public awareness of human trafficking; in addition, the government's anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts decreased during the reporting period (2010)

Illicit drugs:

one of Africa's biggest producers of cannabis, but mostly for domestic consumption; traffickers exploit lax shipping controls to transit pseudoephedrine through the capital; while rampant corruption and inadequate supervision leaves the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Congo, Republic of the (Africa)

Introduction ::Congo, Republic of the

Background:

Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government took office in 1992. A brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, and ushered in a period of ethnic and political unrest. Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003, but the calm is tenuous and refugees continue to present a humanitarian crisis. The Republic of Congo was once one of Africa's largest petroleum producers, but with declining production it will need new offshore oil finds to sustain its oil earnings over the long term.

Geography ::Congo, Republic of the

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 S, 15 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 342,000 sq km country comparison to the world: 63 land: 341,500 sq km

water: 500 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 5,504 km

border countries: Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African Republic 467 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Gabon 1,903 km

Coastline:

169 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator

Terrain:

coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Berongou 903 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, gold, magnesium, natural gas, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 1.45%

permanent crops: 0.15%

other: 98.4% (2005)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

832 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.03 cu km/yr (59%/29%/12%)

per capita: 8 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

seasonal flooding

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them

People ::Congo, Republic of the

Population:

4,125,916 country comparison to the world: 126 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45.9% (male 927,599/female 915,540)

15-64 years: 51.2% (male 1,021,975/female 1,034,119)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 46,687/female 66,889) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.9 years

male: 16.7 years

female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.807% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Birth rate:

41.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Death rate:

11.75 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Net migration rate:

-1.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 77.93 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 17 male: 83.39 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 72.31 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.54 years country comparison to the world: 199 male: 53.27 years

female: 55.84 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.77 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

79,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

6,400 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria and African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

animal contact disease: rabies

water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Ethnic groups:

Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans and other 3%

Religions:

Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2%

Languages:

French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 83.8%

male: 89.6%

female: 78.4% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 10 years

female: 9 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 174

Government ::Congo, Republic of the

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Congo

conventional short form: Congo (Brazzaville)

local long form: Republique du Congo

local short form: none

former: Middle Congo, Congo/Brazzaville, Congo

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Brazzaville

geographic coordinates: 4 15 S, 15 17 E

time difference: UTC+1 (six hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza, Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha

Independence:

15 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 August (1960)

Constitution:

approved by referendum 20 January 2002

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war in which he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (since 25 October 1997); note - the position of prime minister was abolished in September 2009

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 July 2009 (next to be held in 2016)

election results: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO reelected president; percent of vote - Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO 78.6%, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia MBOUNGOU 7.5%, Nicephore Fylla de SAINT-EUDES 7%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (72 seats; members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year terms) and the National Assembly (137 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 5 August 2008 (next to be held in 2013); National Assembly - last held on 24 June and 5 August 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RMP 33, FDU 23, UPADS 2, independents 7, other 7; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PCT 46, MCDDI 11, UPADS 11, MAR 5, MSD 5, independents 37, other 22

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Action Movement for Renewal or MAR; Congolese Labour Party or PCT;
Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development or MCDDI
[Michel MAMPOUYA]; Movement for Solidarity and Development or MSD;
Pan-African Union for Social Development or UPADS [Martin MBERI];
Rally for Democracy and the Republic or RDR [Raymond Damasge
NGOLLO]; Rally for Democracy and Social Progress or RDPS
[Jean-Pierre Thystere TCHICAYA, president]; Rally of the
Presidential Majority or RMP; Union for Democracy and Republic or
UDR; United Democratic Forces or FDU [Sebastian EBAO]; many less
important parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Congolese Trade Union Congress or CSC; General Union of Congolese Pupils and Students or UGEEC; Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women or URFC; Union of Congolese Socialist Youth or UJSC

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Serge MOMBOULI

chancery: 4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone: [1] (202) 726-5500

FAX: [1] (202) 726-1860

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Allan EASTHAM

embassy: Boulevard de la Revolution, BDEAC Building, 4th Floor, Brazzaville; note - a new embassy is expected to open in 2009

mailing address: B.P. 1015, Brazzaville

telephone: [242] 281-1481, 281-3368; note - until the new embassy in Brazzaville becomes operational, some duties will still be handled in the US embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; green symbolizes agriculture and forests, yellow the friendship and nobility of the people, red is unexplained but has been associated with the struggle for independence

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "La Congolaise" (The Congolese)

lyrics/music: Jacques TONDRA and Georges KIBANGHI/Jean ROYER and Joseph SPADILIERE

note: originally adopted 1959, restored 1991

Economy ::Congo, Republic of the

Economy - overview:

The economy is a mixture of subsistence agriculture, an industrial sector based largely on oil and support services, and government spending. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing a major share of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s, rapidly rising oil revenues enabled the government to finance large-scale development projects with GDP growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. Characterized by budget problems and overstaffing, the government has mortgaged a substantial portion of its oil earnings through oil-backed loans that have contributed to a growing debt burden and chronic revenue shortfalls. Economic reform efforts have been undertaken with the support of international organizations, notably the World Bank and the IMF. However, the reform program came to a halt in June 1997 when civil war erupted. Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, who returned to power when the war ended in October 1997, publicly expressed interest in moving forward on economic reforms and privatization and in renewing cooperation with international financial institutions. Economic progress was badly hurt by slumping oil prices and the resumption of armed conflict in December 1998, which worsened the republic's budget deficit. The current administration presides over an uneasy internal peace and faces difficult economic challenges of stimulating recovery and reducing poverty. The drop in oil prices during the global crisis reduced oil revenue by about 30%, but the subsequent recovery of oil prices has boosted the economy's GDP and near-term prospects. In March 2006, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) treatment for Congo, receiving $1.9 billion in debt relief under the program in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$17.45 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $15.79 billion (2009 est.)

$14.67 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.88 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

10.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 7.6% (2009 est.)

5.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 $3,900 (2009 est.)

$3,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.4%

industry: 63.7%

services: 32% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.514 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 129

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 37.1% (2005)

Investment (gross fixed):

41.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 4.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 102 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.403 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 118 $1.887 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.746 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $2.178 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.58 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 133 $1.889 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cassava (tapioca), sugar, rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa; forest products

Industries:

petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes

Industrial production growth rate:

12% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Electricity - production:

400 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Electricity - consumption:

471 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

449 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

274,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Oil - consumption:

10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Oil - exports:

241,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Oil - imports:

2,136 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Oil - proved reserves:

1.6 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Natural gas - production:

180 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Natural gas - consumption:

180 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Natural gas - proved reserves:

90.61 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Current account balance:

-$569 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 -$1.195 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$9.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $7.425 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa, coffee, diamonds

Exports - partners:

US 40.08%, China 30.18%, France 8.17%, Taiwan 6.4%, India 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$3.607 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 $3.259 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

France 20.64%, China 14.54%, Italy 9.56%, US 9.02%, India 5.55%,
Belgium 4.51% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.123 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $3.806 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5 billion (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs per US dollar - 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 483.6 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Congo, Republic of the

Telephones - main lines in use:

24,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 185

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.171 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 131

Telephone system:

general assessment: primary network consists of microwave radio relay and coaxial cable with services barely adequate for government use; key exchanges are in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; intercity lines frequently out of order

domestic: fixed-line infrastructure inadequate providing less than 1 connection per 100 persons; in the absence of an adequate fixed line infrastructure, mobile-cellular subscribership has surged and now exceeds 50 per 100 persons

international: country code - 242; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned TV and 3 state-owned radio stations; several privately-owned TV and radio stations; satellite TV service is available; rebroadcasts of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.cg

Internet hosts:

42 (2010) country comparison to the world: 213

Internet users:

245,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Transportation ::Congo, Republic of the

Airports:

25 (2010) country comparison to the world: 130

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 7 km; oil 211 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 795 km country comparison to the world: 103 narrow gauge: 795 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 17,289 km country comparison to the world: 118 paved: 864 km

unpaved: 16,425 km (2004)

Waterways:

1,120 km (commercially navigable on Congo and Oubanqui rivers above Brazzaville; there are many ferries across the river to Kinshasa; the Congo south of Brazzaville-Kinshasa to the coast is not navigable because of rapids, thereby necessitating a rail connection to Pointe Noire; other rivers are used for local traffic only) (2010) country comparison to the world: 62

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 1 (Democratic Republic of the Congo 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 163

Ports and terminals:

Brazzaville, Djeno, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo, Pointe-Noire

Military ::Congo, Republic of the

Military branches:

Congolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees Congolaises, FAC): Army (Armee de Terre), Navy, Congolese Air Force (Armee de l'Air Congolaise), Gendarmerie, Special Presidential Security Guard (GSSP) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; women allowed to serve (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 898,850

females age 16-49: 886,063 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 557,764

females age 16-49: 546,755 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 48,365

female: 47,874 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 137

Transnational Issues ::Congo, Republic of the

Disputes - international:

the location of the boundary in the broad Congo River with the Democratic Republic of the Congo is indefinite except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 46,341 (Democratic Republic of Congo); 6,564 (Rwanda)

IDPs: 48,000 (multiple civil wars since 1992; most IDPs are ethnic
Lari) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Republic of the Congo is a source and destination country for children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; girls are trafficked from rural areas within the country for commercial sexual exploitation, forced street vending, and domestic servitude; children are trafficked from other African countries for domestic servitude, forced market vending, and forced labor in the fishing industry

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Republic of the Congo is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons in 2007; struggling to recover from six years of civil conflict that ended in 2003, the Republic of the Congo's capacity to address trafficking is handicapped; the government neither monitors its borders for trafficking activity nor provides specialized anti-trafficking training for law enforcement officials; the government does not encourage victims to assist in trafficking investigations or prosecutions, and has not taken measures to reduce demand for commercial sex acts in the Republic of the Congo (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Cook Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Cook Islands

Background:

Named after Captain COOK, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965, residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.

Geography ::Cook Islands

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

21 14 S, 159 46 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 236 sq km country comparison to the world: 214 land: 236 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

120 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March

Terrain:

low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Te Manga 652 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 16.67%

permanent crops: 8.33%

other: 75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (November to March)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Geography - note:

the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands, where most of the population lives, consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles, including the largest, Rarotonga, at 67 sq km

People ::Cook Islands

Population:

11,488 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.1% (male 1,704/female 1,508)

15-64 years: 63.7% (male 3,898/female 3,664)

65 years and over: 9.2% (male 540/female 556) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.2 years

male: 30.5 years

female: 31.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-3.256% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 231

Birth rate:

15.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Death rate:

7.22 deaths/1,000 population NA country comparison to the world: 127

Urbanization:

urban population: 74% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.046 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.33 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 116 male: 19.88 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.47 years country comparison to the world: 94 male: 71.69 years

female: 77.38 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Cook Islander(s)

adjective: Cook Islander

Ethnic groups:

Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 87.7%, part Cook Island Maori 5.8%, other 6.5% (2001 census)

Religions:

Cook Islands Christian Church 55.9%, Roman Catholic 16.8%,
Seventh-Day Adventists 7.9%, Church of Latter Day Saints 3.8%, other
Protestant 5.8%, other 4.2%, unspecified 2.6%, none 3% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), Maori

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 95%

male: NA

female: NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 10 years

female: 10 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

0.2% of GDP (2001) country comparison to the world: 186

People - note:

2001 census counted a resident population of 15,017

Government ::Cook Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Cook Islands

former: Harvey Islands

Dependency status:

self-governing in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense in consultation with the Cook Islands

Government type:

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Avarua

geographic coordinates: 21 12 S, 159 46 W

time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence by unilateral action)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)

Constitution:

4 August 1965

Legal system:

based on New Zealand law and English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (adult)

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) represented by Sir Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February 2001); New Zealand High Commissioner Linda TE PUNI (since 3 June 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Henry PUNA (since 30 November 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively responsible to Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the UK representative appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of a House of Ariki, or upper house, made up of traditional leaders and a Legislative Assembly, or lower house, (24 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

note: the House of Ariki advises on traditional matters and maintains considerable influence but has no legislative powers

elections: last held on 17 November 2010 (next to be held by 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CIP 16, Demo 8

Judicial branch:

High Court

Political parties and leaders:

Cook Islands Party or CIP [Henry PUNA]; Democratic Party or Demo
[Dr. Terepai MAOATE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Reform Conference (lobby for political system changes)

other: various groups lobbying for political change

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IMO, IMSO, IOC,
ITUC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag

National anthem:

name: "Te Atua Mou E" (To God Almighty)

lyrics/music: Tepaeru Te RITO/Thomas DAVIS

note: adopted 1982; as prime minister, Sir Thomas DAVIS composed the anthem; his wife, a tribal chief, wrote the lyrics

Economy ::Cook Islands

Economy - overview:

Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture, employing more than one-quarter of the working population, provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. Black pearls are the Cook Islands' leading export. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$183.2 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

GDP (official exchange rate):

$183.2 million (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.1% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,100 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 15.1%

industry: 9.6%

services: 75.3% (2004)

Labor force:

6,820 (2001) country comparison to the world: 217

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 29%

industry: 15%

services: 56% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

13.1% (2005) country comparison to the world: 138

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Agriculture - products:

copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws, bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry

Industries:

fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2002) country comparison to the world: 145

Electricity - production:

31 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Electricity - consumption:

28.83 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Oil - imports:

495 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Current account balance:

$26.67 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 57

Exports:

$5.222 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 216

Exports - commodities:

copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee; fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing

Imports:

$81.04 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 211

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods

Debt - external:

$141 million (1996 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Exchange rates:

NZ dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::Cook Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

6,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 208

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 211

Telephone system:

general assessment: Telecom Cook Islands offers international direct dialing, Internet, email, fax, and Telex

domestic: individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable

international: country code - 682; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 privately-owned TV station broadcasts from Rarotonga providing a mix of local news and overseas-sourced programs; a satellite program package is available; 6 radio stations broadcast with 1 reportedly reaching all of the islands (2009)

Internet country code:

.ck

Internet hosts:

2,521 (2010) country comparison to the world: 150

Internet users:

6,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 204

Transportation ::Cook Islands

Airports:

10 (2010) country comparison to the world: 157

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 320 km country comparison to the world: 203 paved: 33 km

unpaved: 287 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

total: 34 country comparison to the world: 82 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 27, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 5

foreign-owned: 23 (Egypt 1, Germany 1, Latvia 1, Lithuania 2, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 6, NZ 1, Russia 1, Sweden 3, Turkey 4, UK 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Avatiu

Military ::Cook Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; National Police Department (2009)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,272

females age 16-49: 2,222 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 136

female: 115 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request

Transnational Issues ::Cook Islands

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Coral Sea Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Coral Sea Islands

Background:

Scattered over more than three-quarters of a million square kilometers of ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are uninhabited except for a small meteorological staff on the Willis Islets. Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs.

Geography ::Coral Sea Islands

Location:

Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

18 00 S, 152 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: less than 3 sq km country comparison to the world: 248 land: less than 3 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 780,000 sq km with the Willis Islets the most important

Area - comparative:

NA

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,095 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

occasional tropical cyclones

Environment - current issues:

no permanent fresh water resources

Geography - note:

important nesting area for birds and turtles

People ::Coral Sea Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station on Willis Island (July 2007 est.)

Government ::Coral Sea Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory

conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Legal system:

the laws of Australia where applicable apply

Executive branch:

administered from Canberra by the Australian Attorney-General's Department

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

Economy ::Coral Sea Islands

Economy - overview:

no economic activity

Communications ::Coral Sea Islands

Communications - note:

there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland

Transportation ::Coral Sea Islands

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Coral Sea Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues ::Coral Sea Islands

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on November 17, 2010

======================================================================

@Costa Rica (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Costa Rica

Background:

Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including: disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.

Geography ::Costa Rica

Location:

Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North
Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 N, 84 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 51,100 sq km country comparison to the world: 129 land: 51,060 sq km

water: 40 sq km

note: includes Isla del Coco

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 639 km

border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km

Coastline:

1,290 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands

Terrain:

coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m

Natural resources:

hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 4.4%

permanent crops: 5.87%

other: 89.73% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,080 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

112.4 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.68 cu km/yr (29%/17%/53%)

per capita: 619 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active volcanoes

volcanism: Arenal (elev. 1,670 m, 5,479 ft), which erupted in 2010, is the most active volcano in Costa Rica; a 1968 eruption destroyed the town of Tabacon; Irazu (elev. 3,432 m, 11,260 ft), situated just east of San Jose, has the potential to spew ash over the capital city as it did between 1963 and 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Miravalles, Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, and Turrialba

Environment - current issues:

deforestation and land use change, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; air pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65

People ::Costa Rica

Population:

4,516,220 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.7% (male 581,916/female 555,216)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,443,606/female 1,411,168)

65 years and over: 6.2% (male 120,969/female 141,002) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.4 years

male: 27.9 years

female: 28.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.347% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Birth rate:

16.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Death rate:

4.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Net migration rate:

1.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Urbanization:

urban population: 63% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.72 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 154 male: 10.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.54 years country comparison to the world: 55 male: 74.93 years

female: 80.28 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.93 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Costa Rican(s)

adjective: Costa Rican

Ethnic groups:

white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%

Languages:

Spanish (official), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.9%

male: 94.7%

female: 95.1% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

5% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 66

Government ::Costa Rica

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica

conventional short form: Costa Rica

local long form: Republica de Costa Rica

local short form: Costa Rica

Government type:

democratic republic

Capital:

name: San Jose

geographic coordinates: 9 56 N, 84 05 W

time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

7 November 1949

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since 8 May 2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May 2010); Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since 8 May 2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May 2010); Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2014)

election results: Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda elected president; percent of vote - Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (PLN) 46.7%; Otton SOLIS (PAC) 25.1%, Otto GUEVARA Guth (ML) 20.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (57 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PLN 23, PAC 10, ML 9, PUSC 6, PASE 4, other 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (22 justices are elected for renewable eight-year terms by the Legislative Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Accessibility Without Exclusion or PASE [Oscar Andres LOPEZ Arias];
Citizen Action Party or PAC [Alberto CANAS Escalante]; Costa Rican
Renovation Party or PRC [Gerardo Justo OROZCO Alvarez]; Democratic
Force Party or PFD [Marco GONZALEZ Nunez]; Frente Amplio [Jose
MERINO del Rio]; Homeland First or PP (Patria Primero) [Juan Jose
VARGAS Fallas]; Libertarian Movement Party or PML [Otto GUEVARA
Guth]; National Democratic Alliance or ADN [Jose Miguel VILLALOBOS
Umana]; National Integration Party or PIN [Walter MUNOZ Cespedes];
National Liberation Party or PLN [Francisco Antonio PACHECO
Fernandez]; National Rescue Party or PRN [Fabio Enrique DELGADO
Hernandez]; National Union Party or PUN [Arturo ACOSTA Mora];
Patriotic Alliance [Mariano FIGUERES Olsen]; Patriotic Union or UP
[Jose Miguel CORRALES Bolanos]; Popular Vanguard [Trino BARRANTES
Araya]; Social Christian Unity Party or PUSC [Luis FISHMAN
Zonzinski]; Union for Change Party or UPC [Antonio ALVAREZ Desanti]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers or CATD (Communist Party affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; Confederated Union of Workers or CUT (Communist Party affiliate); Costa Rican Confederation of Democratic Workers or CCTD (Liberation Party affiliate); Costa Rican Exporter's Chamber or CADEXCO; Costa Rican Solidarity Movement; Costa Rican Union of Private Sector Enterprises or UCCAEP [Rafael CARRILLO]; Federation of Public Service Workers or FTSP; National Association for Economic Development or ANFE; National Association of Educators or ANDE; National Association of Public and Private Employees or ANEP [Albino VARGAS]; Rerum Novarum or CTRN (PLN affiliate) [Gilbert BROWN]

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS,
OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Meta Shanon FIGUERES Boggs

chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-2945 or 2946

FAX: [1] (202) 265-4795

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Anne Slaughter ANDREW

embassy: Calle 120 Avenida O, Pavas, San Jose

mailing address: APO AA 34020

telephone: [506] 2519-2000

FAX: [506] 2519-2305

Flag description:

five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk toward the hoist side of the red band; Costa Rica retained the earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutionary activity in Europe, it was decided to incorporate the French colors into the national flag and a central red stripe was added; today the blue color is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverence, white denotes peace, happiness, and wisdom, while red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well as the generosity and vibrancy of the people

note: somewhat resembles the flag of North Korea; similar to the flag of Thailand but with the blue and red colors reversed

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de Costa Rica" (National Anthem of Costa Rica)

lyrics/music: Jose Maria ZELEDON Brenes/Manuel Maria GUTIERREZ

note: adopted 1949; the anthem's music was originally written for an 1853 welcome ceremony for diplomatic missions from the United States and United Kingdom; the lyrics were added in 1903

Economy ::Costa Rica

Economy - overview:

Prior to the global economic crisis, Costa Rica enjoyed stable economic growth. The economy contracted 0.7% in 2009, but resumed growth at more than 3% in 2010. While the traditional agricultural exports of bananas, coffee, sugar, and beef are still the backbone of commodity export trade, a variety of industrial and specialized agricultural products have broadened export trade in recent years. High value added goods and services, including microchips, have further bolstered exports. Tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange, as Costa Rica's impressive biodiversity makes it a key destination for ecotourism. Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and relatively high education levels, as well as the fiscal incentives offered in the free-trade zones; and Costa Rica has attracted one of the highest levels of foreign direct investment per capita in Latin America. However, many business impediments, such as high levels of bureaucracy, difficulty of enforcing contracts, and weak investor protection, remain. Poverty has remained around 15-20% for nearly 20 years, and the strong social safety net that had been put into place by the government has eroded due to increased financial constraints on government expenditures. Unlike the rest of Central America, Costa Rica is not highly dependent on remittances as they only represent about 2% of GDP. Immigration from Nicaragua has increasingly become a concern for the government. The estimated 300,000-500,000 Nicaraguans in Costa Rica legally and illegally are an important source of - mostly unskilled - labor, but also place heavy demands on the social welfare system. The US-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) entered into force on 1 January 2009, after significant delays within the Costa Rican legislature. CAFTA-DR will likely lead to increased foreign direct investment in key sectors of the economy, including the insurance and telecommunications sectors recently opened to private investors. President CHINCHILLA is likely to push for fiscal reform in the coming year, seeking to boost revenue, possibly through revised tax legislation, to fund an increase in security services and education.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$51.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $49.57 billion (2009 est.)

$49.91 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$35.02 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 -0.7% (2009 est.)

2.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $11,100 (2009 est.)

$11,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.3%

industry: 22.9%

services: 70.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.17 million country comparison to the world: 117 note: this official estimate excludes Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 14%

industry: 22%

services: 64% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 7.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

16% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.5%

highest 10%: 35.5% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

48 (2008) country comparison to the world: 30 45.9 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Public debt:

44.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 42% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 7.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

23% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 5 25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

19.72% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 15.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.504 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 94 $3.992 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$16.81 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 87 $15.84 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$15.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $14.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.452 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 96 $1.887 billion (31 December 2008)

$2.035 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef, poultry, dairy; timber

Industries:

microprocessors, food processing, medical equipment, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Electricity - production:

8.808 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Electricity - consumption:

8.064 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Electricity - exports:

77.16 million kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

203.2 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Oil - consumption:

44,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Oil - exports:

2,117 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Oil - imports:

47,860 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Current account balance:

-$1.469 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 -$537 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$10.01 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $8.847 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar; beef; seafood; electronic components, medical equipment

Exports - partners:

US 32.61%, Netherlands 12.82%, China 11.81%, Mexico 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$13.69 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $10.87 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum, construction materials

Imports - partners:

US 44.72%, Mexico 7.65%, Venezuela 5.56%, China 5.15%, Japan 4.36% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.584 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $4.066 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$9.126 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $7.972 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$13.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $12.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$547 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $539 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Costa Rican colones (CRC) per US dollar - 526.68 (2010), 573.29 (2009), 530.41 (2008), 519.53 (2007), 511.3 (2006)

Communications ::Costa Rica

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.493 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 64

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.95 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 134

Telephone system:

general assessment: good domestic telephone service in terms of breadth of coverage; under the terms of CAFTA-DR, the state-run telecommunications monopoly scheduled to be opened to competition from domestic and international firms, has been delayed by the nation's telecommunications regulator.

domestic: point-to-point and point-to-multi-point microwave, fiber-optic, and coaxial cable link rural areas; Internet service is available

international: country code - 506; landing points for the Americas
Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), MAYA-1, and the Pan American
Crossing submarine cables that provide links to South and Central
America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to Central
American Microwave System; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

multiple privately-owned television stations and 1 publicly-owned television station; cable network services are widely available; more than 100 privately-owned radio stations and a public radio network (2007)

Internet country code:

.cr

Internet hosts:

34,024 (2010) country comparison to the world: 97

Internet users:

1.485 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 82

Transportation ::Costa Rica

Airports:

151 (2010) country comparison to the world: 36

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 39

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 23

under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 112

914 to 1,523 m: 18

under 914 m: 94 (2010)

Pipelines:

refined products 796 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 278 km country comparison to the world: 123 narrow gauge: 278 km 1.067-m gauge

note: none of the railway network is in use (2008)

Roadways:

total: 35,330 km country comparison to the world: 95 paved: 8,621 km

unpaved: 26,709 km (2004)

Waterways:

730 km (seasonally navigable by small craft) (2010) country comparison to the world: 75

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 160 by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Caldera, Puerto Limon

Military ::Costa Rica

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Ministry of Public Security, Government, and Police (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,241,183

females age 16-49: 1,217,037 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,044,923

females age 16-49: 1,026,432 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 42,486

female: 40,745 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 155

Transnational Issues ::Costa Rica

Disputes - international:

the ICJ has given Costa Rica until January 2008 to reply and Nicaragua until July 2008 to rejoin before rendering its decision on the navigation, security, and commercial rights of Costa Rican vessels on the Rio San Juan over which Nicaragua retains sovereignty

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 9,699-11,500 (Colombia) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South America; illicit production of cannabis in remote areas; domestic cocaine consumption, particularly crack cocaine, is rising; significant consumption of amphetamines; seizures of smuggled cash in Costa Rica and at the main border crossing to enter Costa Rica from Nicaragua have risen in recent years (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Cote d'Ivoire (Africa)

Introduction ::Cote d'Ivoire

Background:

Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment made Cote d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the West African states, but did not protect it from political turmoil. In December 1999, a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's history - overthrew the government. Junta leader Robert GUEI blatantly rigged elections held in late 2000 and declared himself the winner. Popular protest forced him to step aside and brought Laurent GBAGBO into power. Ivorian dissidents and disaffected members of the military launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002. Rebel forces claimed the northern half of the country, and in January 2003 were granted ministerial positions in a unity government under the auspices of the Linas-Marcoussis Peace Accord. President GBAGBO and rebel forces resumed implementation of the peace accord in December 2003 after a three-month stalemate, but issues that sparked the civil war, such as land reform and grounds for citizenship, remained unresolved. In March 2007 President GBAGBO and former New Force rebel leader Guillaume SORO signed the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. As a result of the agreement, SORO joined GBAGBO's government as Prime Minister and the two agreed to reunite the country by dismantling the zone of confidence separating North from South, integrate rebel forces into the national armed forces, and hold elections. Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of rebel forces have been problematic as rebels seek to enter the armed forces. Citizen identification and voter registration pose election difficulties, and balloting planned for November 2009 was postponed with no future date set. Several thousand UN troops and several hundred French remain in Cote d'Ivoire to help the parties implement their commitments and to support the peace process.

Geography ::Cote d'Ivoire

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 5 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 322,463 sq km country comparison to the world: 68 land: 318,003 sq km

water: 4,460 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 3,110 km

border countries: Burkina Faso 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km, Liberia 716 km, Mali 532 km

Coastline:

515 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October)

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m

highest point: Monts Nimba 1,752 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, silica sand, clay, cocoa beans, coffee, palm oil, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 10.23%

permanent crops: 11.16%

other: 78.61% (2005)

Irrigated land:

730 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

81 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.93 cu km/yr (24%/12%/65%)

per capita: 51 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during the rainy season torrential flooding is possible

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (most of the country's forests - once the largest in West Africa - have been heavily logged); water pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

most of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal region; apart from the capital area, the forested interior is sparsely populated

People ::Cote d'Ivoire

Population:

21,058,798 country comparison to the world: 57 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.6% (male 4,215,912/female 4,146,077)

15-64 years: 56.6% (male 5,942,642/female 5,720,108)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 296,074/female 296,255) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.4 years

male: 19.6 years

female: 19.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.105% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Birth rate:

31.48 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Death rate:

10.43 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population NA country comparison to the world: 75

Urbanization:

urban population: 49% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 66.43 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 24 male: 73.37 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 59.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 56.19 years country comparison to the world: 195 male: 55.27 years

female: 57.13 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.01 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

480,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

38,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever

water contact: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Ivoirian(s)

adjective: Ivoirian

Ethnic groups:

Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques or Gur 17.6%, Northern Mandes 16.5%, Krous 11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (includes 130,000 Lebanese and 14,000 French) (1998)

Religions:

Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8%, indigenous 11.9%, none 16.7% (2008 est.)

note: the majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim (70%) and Christian (20%)

Languages:

French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 48.7%

male: 60.8%

female: 38.6% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 6 years

male: 10 years

female: 5 years (2000)

Education expenditures:

4.6% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 89

Government ::Cote d'Ivoire

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire

conventional short form: Cote d'Ivoire

local long form: Republique de Cote d'Ivoire

local short form: Cote d'Ivoire

note: pronounced coat-div-whar

former: Ivory Coast

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime established 1960

note: the government is currently operating under a power-sharing agreement mandated by international mediators

Capital:

name: Yamoussoukro

geographic coordinates: 6 49 N, 5 17 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: although Yamoussoukro has been the official capital since 1983, Abidjan remains the commercial and administrative center; the US, like other countries, maintains its Embassy in Abidjan

Administrative divisions:

19 regions; Agneby, Bafing, Bas-Sassandra, Denguele, Dix-Huit
Montagnes, Fromager, Haut-Sassandra, Lacs, Lagunes, Marahoue,
Moyen-Cavally, Moyen-Comoe, N'zi-Comoe, Savanes, Sud-Bandama,
Sud-Comoe, Vallee du Bandama, Worodougou, Zanzan

Independence:

7 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 August (1960)

Constitution:

approved by referendum 23 July 2000

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review in the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alassane OUATTARA (since 4 December 2010); note - former President Laurent GBAGBO has refused to cede power

head of government: Prime Minister Guillaume SORO (since 4 April 2007); note - on 4 December 2010, Gilbert Marie N'GBO AKE was also appointed to the position by former president GBAGBO

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - under the current power-sharing agreement the prime minister and the president share the authority to appoint ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 31 October and 28 November 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Alassane OUATTARA elected president; percent of vote - Alassane OUATTARA 54.1%, Laurent GBAGBO 45.9%; note - President OUATTARA was declared winner by the election commission and took the oath of office on 4 December, Prime Minister SORO resigned from the incumbent administration and was subsequently appointed to the same position by OUATTARA; former president GBAGBO refused to cede and on 5 December appointed Gilbert Marie N'GBO AKE as Prime Minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (225 seats; members elected in single- and multi-district elections by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: elections last held on 10 December 2000 with by-elections on 14 January 2001 (elections originally scheduled for 2005 have been repeatedly postponed by the government)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FPI 96, PDCI-RDA 94, RDR 5, PIT 4, other 2, independents 22, vacant 2

note: a Senate was scheduled to be created in October 2006 elections that never took place

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consists of four chambers: Judicial
Chamber for criminal cases, Audit Chamber for financial cases,
Constitutional Chamber for judicial review cases, and Administrative
Chamber for civil cases; there is no legal limit to the number of
members

Political parties and leaders:

Citizen's Democratic Union or UDCY [Theodore MEL EG]; Democratic
Party of Cote d'Ivoire or PDCI [Henri Konan BEDIE]; Ivorian Popular
Front or FPI [Pascale Affi N'GUESSAN]; Ivorian Worker's Party or PIT
[Francis WODIE]; Opposition Movement of the Future or MFA [Innocent
Augustin ANAKY]; Rally of the Republicans or RDR [Alassane
OUATTARA]; Union for Democracy and Peace in Cote d'Ivoire or UDPCI
[Toikeuse MABRI]; over 144 smaller registered parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Federation of University and High School Students of Cote d'Ivoire
or FESCI [Serges KOFFI]; Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and
Peace or RHDP [Alphonse DJEDJE MADY]; Young Patriots [Charles BLE
GOUDE]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS (suspended), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF,
OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU,
WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yao Charles KOFFI

chancery: 2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 797-0300

FAX: [1] (202) 244-3088

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Wanda L. NESBITT

embassy: Cocody Riviera Golf 01, Abidjan

mailing address: B. P. 1712, Abidjan 01

telephone: [225] 22 49 40 00

FAX: [225] 22 49 43 32

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side), white, and green; orange symbolizes the land (savannah) of the north and fertility, white stands for peace and unity, green represents the forests of the south and the hope for a bright future

note: similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the colors reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white, and red; design was based on the flag of France

National anthem:

name: "L'Abidjanaise" (Song of Abidjan)

lyrics/music: Mathieu EKRA, Joachim BONY, and Pierre Marie COTY/Pierre Marie COTY and Pierre Michel PANGO

note: adopted 1960; although the nation's capital city moved from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro in 1983, the anthem still owes its name to the former capital

Economy ::Cote d'Ivoire

Economy - overview:

Cote d'Ivoire is heavily dependent on agriculture and related activities, which engage roughly 68% of the population. Cote d'Ivoire is the world's largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans and a significant producer and exporter of coffee and palm oil. Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for these products, and, to a lesser extent, in climatic conditions. Cocoa, oil, and coffee are the country's top export revenue earners, but the country is also producing gold. Since the end of the civil war in 2003, political turmoil has continued to damage the economy, resulting in the loss of foreign investment and slow economic growth. GDP grew by more than 2% in 2008 and around 4% per year in 2009-10. Per capita income has declined by 15% since 1999, but registered a slight improvement in 2009-10. Power cuts caused by a turbine failure in early 2010 slowed economic activity. Cote d'Ivoire in 2010 signed agreements to restructure its Paris Club bilateral, other bilateral, and London Club debt. Cote d'Ivoire's long term challenges include political instability and degrading infrastructure.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$37.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $36.48 billion (2009 est.)

$35.01 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$22.38 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 4.2% (2009 est.)

2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194 $1,800 (2009 est.)

$1,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 28.2%

industry: 21.3%

services: 50.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

7.617 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 68%

industry and services: NA (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA

note: unemployment may have climbed to 40-50% as a result of the civil war

Population below poverty line:

42% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 34% (2002)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

44.6 (2002) country comparison to the world: 44 36.7 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

9.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Public debt:

63.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 66.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 0.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 101 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.094 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 87 $4.959 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$7.653 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $7.437 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$5.448 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $5.308 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$6.141 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 73 $7.071 billion (31 December 2008)

$8.353 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cocoa beans, bananas, palm kernels, corn, rice, manioc (tapioca), sweet potatoes, sugar, cotton, rubber; timber

Industries:

foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining, truck and bus assembly, textiles, fertilizer, building materials, electricity, ship construction and repair

Industrial production growth rate:

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Electricity - production:

5.275 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Electricity - consumption:

3.231 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Electricity - exports:

772 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

58,950 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Oil - consumption:

24,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Oil - exports:

115,700 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Oil - imports:

80,960 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Oil - proved reserves:

250 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - production:

1.3 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Natural gas - consumption:

1.3 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Natural gas - proved reserves:

28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Current account balance:

$534 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $1.67 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$10.25 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $10.5 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cocoa, coffee, timber, petroleum, cotton, bananas, pineapples, palm oil, fish

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 13.92%, France 10.75%, US 7.79%, Germany 7.2%, Nigeria 6.99%, Ghana 5.56% (2009)

Imports:

$7.015 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $6.318 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

fuel, capital equipment, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Nigeria 20.75%, France 14.19%, China 7.18%, Thailand 5.09% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.985 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $3.267 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$11.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $11.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.89 (2006)

Communications ::Cote d'Ivoire

Telephones - main lines in use:

282,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 117

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13.346 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 53

Telephone system:

general assessment: well developed by African standards; telecommunications sector privatized in late 1990s and operational fixed-lines have increased since that time with two fixed-line providers operating over open-wire lines, microwave radio relay, and fiber-optics; 90% digitalized

domestic: with multiple mobile-cellular service providers competing in the market, usage has increased sharply to roughly 65 per 100 persons

international: country code - 225; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned television operates 2 stations; no private terrestrial TV stations, but satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio operates 2 stations; some private radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ci

Internet hosts:

9,865 (2010) country comparison to the world: 121

Internet users:

967,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 103

Transportation ::Cote d'Ivoire

Airports:

27 (2010) country comparison to the world: 121

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 20

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 86 km; gas 180 km; oil 92 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 660 km country comparison to the world: 108 narrow gauge: 660 km 1.000 meter gauge

note: an additional 622 km of this railroad extends into Burkina Faso (2008)

Roadways:

total: 80,000 km country comparison to the world: 60 paved: 6,500 km

unpaved: 73,500 km

note: includes intercity and urban roads; another 20,000 km of dirt roads are in poor condition and 150,000 km of dirt roads are impassable (2006)

Waterways:

980 km (navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal lagoons) (2008) country comparison to the world: 67

Ports and terminals:

Abidjan, Espoir, San-Pedro

Military ::Cote d'Ivoire

Military branches:

Cote d'Ivoire Defense and Security Forces (FDSCI): Army, Navy, Air
Force (2006)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary male and female military service; voluntary recruitment of former rebels into the new national army is restricted to ages 22-29 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,094,762

females age 16-49: 4,895,446 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,242,965

females age 16-49: 3,069,569 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 240,989

female: 237,180 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 97

Transnational Issues ::Cote d'Ivoire

Disputes - international:

despite the presence of over 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict still leaves displaced hundreds of thousands of Ivorians in and out of the country as well as driven out migrants from neighboring states who worked in Ivorian cocoa plantations; the March 2007 peace deal between Ivorian rebels and the government brought significant numbers of rebels out of hiding in neighboring states

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 25,615 (Liberia)

IDPs: 709,000 (2002 coup; most IDPs are in western regions) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

Cote d'Ivoire is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children trafficked for forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; trafficking within the country is more prevalent than international trafficking and the majority of victims are children; women and girls are trafficked from northern areas to southern cities for domestic servitude, restaurant labor, and sexual exploitation; boys are trafficked internally for agricultural and service labor and transnationally for forced labor in agriculture, mining, construction, and in the fishing industry; women and girls are trafficked to and from other West and Central African countries for domestic servitude and forced street vending

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Cote d'Ivoire is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking in 2007, particularly with regard to its law enforcement efforts and protection of sex trafficking victims; in addition, Ivoirian law does not prohibit all forms of trafficking, and Cote d'Ivoire has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for local consumption; utility as a narcotic transshipment point to Europe reduced by ongoing political instability; while rampant corruption and inadequate supervision leave the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a developed financial system limits the country's utility as a major money-laundering center (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Croatia (Europe)

Introduction ::Croatia

Background:

The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent Communist state under the strong hand of Marshal TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared from Croatian lands. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. In April 2009, Croatia joined NATO; it is a candidate for eventual EU accession.

Geography ::Croatia

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Slovenia

Geographic coordinates:

45 10 N, 15 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 56,594 sq km country comparison to the world: 126 land: 55,974 sq km

water: 620 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,982 km

border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km, Serbia 241 km, Montenegro 25 km, Slovenia 455 km

Coastline:

5,835 km (mainland 1,777 km, islands 4,058 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast

Terrain:

geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Dinara 1,831 m

Natural resources:

oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, gypsum, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 25.82%

permanent crops: 2.19%

other: 71.99% (2005)

Irrigated land:

110 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

105.5 cu km (1998)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid rain is damaging the forests; coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; landmine removal and reconstruction of infrastructure consequent to 1992-95 civil strife

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits; most Adriatic Sea islands lie off the coast of Croatia - some 1,200 islands, islets, ridges, and rocks

People ::Croatia

Population:

4,486,881 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.6% (male 358,360/female 340,098)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 1,506,364/female 1,522,789)

65 years and over: 17% (male 295,960/female 465,838) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.2 years

male: 39.3 years

female: 43 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.061% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Birth rate:

9.63 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Death rate:

11.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Net migration rate:

1.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 175 male: 6.33 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.58 years country comparison to the world: 80 male: 71.95 years

female: 79.4 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.43 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 10 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Croat(s), Croatian(s)

adjective: Croatian

Ethnic groups:

Croat 89.6%, Serb 4.5%, other 5.9% (including Bosniak, Hungarian,
Slovene, Czech, and Roma) (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, other Christian 0.4%, Muslim 1.3%, other and unspecified 0.9%, none 5.2% (2001 census)

Languages:

Croatian (official) 96.1%, Serbian 1%, other and undesignated 2.9% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German) (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.1%

male: 99.3%

female: 97.1% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 112

Government ::Croatia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Croatia

conventional short form: Croatia

local long form: Republika Hrvatska

local short form: Hrvatska

former: People's Republic of Croatia, Socialist Republic of Croatia

Government type:

presidential/parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Zagreb

geographic coordinates: 45 48 N, 16 00 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

20 counties (zupanije, zupanija - singular) and 1 city* (grad -
singular); Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska, Brodsko-Posavska,
Dubrovacko-Neretvanska (Dubrovnik-Neretva), Istarska (Istria),
Karlovacka, Koprivnicko-Krizevacka, Krapinsko-Zagorska,
Licko-Senjska (Lika-Senj), Medimurska, Osjecko-Baranjska,
Pozesko-Slavonska (Pozega-Slavonia), Primorsko-Goranska,
Sibensko-Kninska, Sisacko-Moslavacka, Splitsko-Dalmatinska
(Split-Dalmatia), Varazdinska, Viroviticko-Podravska,
Vukovarsko-Srijemska, Zadarska, Zagreb*, Zagrebacka

Independence:

25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 8 October (1991); note - 25 June 1991 was the day the Croatian parliament voted for independence; following a three-month moratorium to allow the European Community to solve the Yugoslav crisis peacefully, Parliament adopted a decision on 8 October 1991 to sever constitutional relations with Yugoslavia

Constitution:

adopted on 22 December 1990; revised 2000, 2001

Legal system:

based on Austro-Hungarian law system with Communist law influences; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ivo JOSIPOVIC (since 18 February 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Jadranka KOSOR (since 6 July 2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Bozidar PANKRETIC (since 6 July 2009), Darko MILINOVIC (since 13 November 2009), Domagoj Ivan MILOSEVIC (since 29 December 2010), Petar COBANKOVIC (since 29 December 2010), Slobodan UZELAC (since 12 January 2008), Gordan JANDROKOVIC (since 29 December 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and approved by the parliamentary assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 10 January 2010 (next to be held in December 2015); the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president and then approved by the assembly

election results: Ivo JOSIPOVIC elected president; percent of vote in the second round - Ivo JOSIPOVIC 60%, Milan BANDIC 40%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly or Sabor (153 seats; members elected from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 November 2007 (next to be held by November 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; number of seats by party - HDZ 66, SDP 57, HNS 6, HSS 6, HDSSB 3, IDS 3, SDSS 3, other 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; judges for both courts are appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial Council of the Republic, which is elected by the Assembly

Political parties and leaders:

Croatian Democratic Congress of Slavonia and Baranja or HDSSB
[Vladimir SISLJAGIC]; Croatian Democratic Union or HDZ [Jadranka
KOSOR]; Croatian Party of the Right or HSP [Anto DJAPIC]; Croatian
Peasant Party or HSS [Josip FRISCIC]; Croatian Pensioner Party or
HSU [Silvano HRELJA]; Croatian People's Party or HNS [Radimir
CACIC]; Croatian Social Liberal Party or HSLS [Darinko KOSOR];
Independent Democratic Serb Party or SDSS [Vojislav STANIMIROVIC];
Istrian Democratic Assembly or IDS [Ivan JAKOVCIC]; Social
Democratic Party of Croatia or SDP [Zoran MILANOVIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: human rights groups

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU
(applicant), FAO, G-11, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer),
NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SECI,
UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNMOGIP, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC

chancery: 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 588-5899

FAX: [1] (202) 588-8936

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James B. FOLEY

embassy: 2 Thomas Jefferson Street, 10010 Zagreb

mailing address: use street address

telephone: [385] (1) 661-2200

FAX: [385] (1) 661-2373

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue - the Pan-Slav colors - superimposed by the Croatian coat of arms; the coat of arms consists of one main shield (a checkerboard of 13 red and 12 silver (white) fields) surmounted by five smaller shields that form a crown over the main shield; the five small shields represent five historic regions, they are (from left to right): Croatia, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia

note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

National anthem:

name: "Lijepa nasa domovino" (Our Beautiful Homeland)

lyrics/music: Antun MIHANOVIC/Josip RUNJANIN

note: adopted 1972; "Lijepa nasa domovino," whose lyrics were written in 1835, served as an unofficial anthem beginning in 1891

Economy ::Croatia

Economy - overview:

Once one of the wealthiest of the Yugoslav republics, Croatia's economy suffered badly during the 1991-95 war as output collapsed and the country missed the early waves of investment in Central and Eastern Europe that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall. Between 2000 and 2007, however, Croatia's economic fortunes began to improve slowly, with moderate but steady GDP growth between 4% and 6% led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer spending. Inflation over the same period has remained tame and the currency, the kuna, stable. Nevertheless, difficult problems still remain, including a stubbornly high unemployment rate, a growing trade deficit and uneven regional development. The state retains a large role in the economy, as privatization efforts often meet stiff public and political resistance. While macroeconomic stabilization has largely been achieved, structural reforms lag because of deep resistance on the part of the public and lack of strong support from politicians. The EU accession process should accelerate fiscal and structural reform. While long term growth prospects for the economy remain strong, Croatia will face significant pressure as a result of the global financial crisis. Croatia's high foreign debt, anemic export sector, strained state budget, and over-reliance on tourism revenue will result in higher risk to economic stability over the medium term.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$78.52 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $79.64 billion (2009 est.)

$84.54 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$59.92 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201 -5.8% (2009 est.)

2.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$17,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $17,700 (2009 est.)

$18,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.8%

industry: 27.2%

services: 66% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.762 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5%

industry: 31.3%

services: 63.6% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

17.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 16.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

17% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 23.1% (2005 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29 (2008) country comparison to the world: 116 29 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Public debt:

55% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 46.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 2.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 51 9% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.55% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 10.07% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$8.72 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 75 $8.964 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$40.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $42.59 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$48.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $48.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$25.64 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 55 $26.79 billion (31 December 2008)

$65.98 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflower seed, barley, alfalfa, clover, olives, citrus, grapes, soybeans, potatoes; livestock, dairy products

Industries:

chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal, electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum, paper, wood products, construction materials, textiles, shipbuilding, petroleum and petroleum refining, food and beverages, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Electricity - production:

11.49 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Electricity - consumption:

18 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Electricity - exports:

5.668 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

12.24 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

23,960 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Oil - consumption:

106,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Oil - exports:

43,750 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Oil - imports:

122,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Oil - proved reserves:

73.35 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Natural gas - production:

2.847 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - consumption:

3.205 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - exports:

695.5 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Natural gas - imports:

1.22 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - proved reserves:

30.58 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Current account balance:

-$2.312 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 -$3.247 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$11.51 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $10.72 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

transport equipment, machinery, textiles, chemicals, foodstuffs, fuels

Exports - partners:

Italy 19.1%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 12.98%, Germany 11.06%, Slovenia 7.47%, Austria 5.44%, Serbia 5.41% (2009)

Imports:

$20.93 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $21 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transport and electrical equipment; chemicals, fuels and lubricants; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Italy 15.46%, Germany 13.57%, Russia 9.29%, China 6.83%, Slovenia 5.75%, Austria 5.04% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$13.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $14.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$59.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $62.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$34.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $32.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$6.334 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $5.934 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

kuna (HRK) per US dollar - 5.6356 (2010), 5.271 (2009), 4.98 (2008), 5.3735 (2007), 5.8625 (2006)

Communications ::Croatia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.859 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 59

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6.035 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 84

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telecommunications network has improved steadily since the mid-1990s; local lines are digital

domestic: fixed-line teledensity holding steady at about 40 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions exceed the population

international: country code - 385; digital international service is provided through the main switch in Zagreb; Croatia participates in the Trans-Asia-Europe (TEL) fiber-optic project, which consists of 2 fiber-optic trunk connections with Slovenia and a fiber-optic trunk line from Rijeka to Split and Dubrovnik; the ADRIA-1 submarine cable provides connectivity to Albania and Greece (2009)

Broadcast media:

the national state-owned public broadcaster, Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT), operates 2 terrestrial TV networks, a satellite channel that rebroadcasts programs for Croatians living abroad, and 6 regional TV centers; 2 private broadcasters operate national terrestrial networks; about 15 privately-owned regional TV stations; multi-channel cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; state-owned public broadcaster operates 3 national radio networks and a number of regional radio stations; 2 privately-owned national radio networks and a large number of regional, county, city, and community radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.hr

Internet hosts:

1.287 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 38

Internet users:

2.234 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 73

Transportation ::Croatia

Airports:

69 (2010) country comparison to the world: 73

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 23

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 46

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,327 km; oil 583 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,722 km country comparison to the world: 63 standard gauge: 2,722 km 1.435-m gauge (985 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 29,248 km (includes 1,043 km of expressways) (2008) country comparison to the world: 99

Waterways:

785 km (2009) country comparison to the world: 74

Merchant marine:

total: 75 country comparison to the world: 56 by type: bulk carrier 24, cargo 7, chemical tanker 6, passenger/cargo 27, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 1

foreign-owned: 2 (Norway 2)

registered in other countries: 33 (Bahamas 1, Belize 1, Liberia 2, Malta 7, Marshall Islands 12, Panama 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Omisalj, Ploce, Rijeka, Sibernik, Split, Vukovar (on Danube River)

Military ::Croatia

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia (Oruzane Snage Republike Hrvatske, OSRH), consists of five major commands directly subordinate to a General Staff: Ground Forces (Hrvatska Kopnena Vojska, HKoV), Naval Forces (Hrvatska Ratna Mornarica, HRM; includes coast guard), Air Force and Air Defense Command, Joint Education and Training Command, Logistics Command; Military Police Force supports each of the three Croatian military forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age with consent for voluntary service; 6-month conscript service obligation; full conversion to voluntary military service by 2010 (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,021,904

females age 16-49: 1,023,465 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 770,574

females age 16-49: 844,594 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 27,670

female: 26,503 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.39% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Transnational Issues ::Croatia

Disputes - international:

dispute remains with Bosnia and Herzegovina over several small sections of the boundary related to maritime access that hinders ratification of the 1999 border agreement; the Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement, which would have ceded most of Pirin Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains unratified and in dispute; Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic; as a European Union peripheral state, Slovenia imposed a hard border Schengen regime with non-member Croatia in December 2007

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 2,900-7,000 (Croats and Serbs displaced in 1992-95 war) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transit point along the Balkan route for Southwest Asian heroin to Western Europe; has been used as a transit point for maritime shipments of South American cocaine bound for Western Europe (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Cuba (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Cuba

Background:

The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the European discovery of the island by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next several centuries. Large numbers of African slaves were imported to work the coffee and sugar plantations, and Havana became the launching point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from Mexico and Peru. Spanish rule eventually provoked an independence movement and occasional rebellions that were harshly suppressed. US intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898 assisted the Cubans in overthrowing Spanish rule. The Treaty of Paris established Cuban independence from the US in 1902 after which the island experienced a string of governments mostly dominated by the military and corrupt politicians. Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his iron rule held the subsequent regime together for nearly five decades. He stepped down as president in February 2008 in favor of his younger brother Raul CASTRO. Cuba's Communist revolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The country faced a severe economic downturn in 1990 following the withdrawal of former Soviet subsidies worth $4 billion to $6 billion annually. Cuba at times portrays the US embargo, in place since 1961, as the source if its difficulties. Illicit migration to the US - using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, air flights, or via the southwest border - is a continuing problem. The US Coast Guard intercepted 982 individuals attempting to cross the Straits of Florida in fiscal year 2009.

Geography ::Cuba

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida

Geographic coordinates:

21 30 N, 80 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 110,860 sq km country comparison to the world: 105 land: 109,820 sq km

water: 1,040 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total: 29 km

border countries: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 29 km

note: Guantanamo Naval Base is leased by the US and remains part of Cuba

Coastline:

3,735 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October)

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Pico Turquino 2,005 m

Natural resources:

cobalt, nickel, iron ore, chromium, copper, salt, timber, silica, petroleum, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 27.63%

permanent crops: 6.54%

other: 65.83% (2005)

Irrigated land:

8,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

38.1 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.2 cu km/yr (19%/12%/69%)

per capita: 728 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November (in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other year); droughts are common

Environment - current issues:

air and water pollution; biodiversity loss; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

largest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the Greater Antilles

People ::Cuba

Population:

11,477,459 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 1,077,745/female 1,020,393)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 4,035,691/female 4,030,103)

65 years and over: 11.2% (male 584,478/female 703,242) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.8 years

male: 37.1 years

female: 38.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.217% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Birth rate:

11.02 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Death rate:

7.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Net migration rate:

-1.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Urbanization:

urban population: 76% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.72 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 180 male: 6.39 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.64 years country comparison to the world: 53 male: 75.36 years

female: 80.05 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.61 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Cuban(s)

adjective: Cuban

Ethnic groups:

white 65.1%, mulatto and mestizo 24.8%, black 10.1% (2002 census)

Religions:

nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power; Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also represented

Languages:

Spanish (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.8% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 18 years

male: 16 years

female: 19 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

13.6% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 2

People - note:

illicit emigration is a continuing problem; Cubans attempt to depart the island and enter the US using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, direct flights, or falsified visas; Cubans also use non-maritime routes to enter the US including direct flights to Miami and over-land via the southwest border

Government ::Cuba

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cuba

conventional short form: Cuba

local long form: Republica de Cuba

local short form: Cuba

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

name: Havana

geographic coordinates: 23 07 N, 82 21 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special municipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio, Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara

Independence:

20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from 1898 to 1902); not acknowledged by the Cuban Government as a day of independence

National holiday:

Triumph of the Revolution, 1 January (1959)

Constitution:

24 February 1976; amended July 1992 and June 2002

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil law and influenced by American legal concepts with large elements of Communist legal theory; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24 February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Jose Ramon MACHADO Ventura (since 24 February 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24 February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Jose Ramon MACHADO Ventura (since 24 February 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of the Council of State and appointed by the National Assembly or the 31-member Council of State, elected by the assembly to act on its behalf when it is not in session (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice presidents elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term; election last held on 24 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz elected president; percent of legislative vote - 100%; Jose Ramon MACHADO Ventura elected vice president; percent of legislative vote - 100%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly of People's Power or Asemblea Nacional del Poder Popular (number of seats in the National Assembly is based on population; 614 seats; members elected directly from slates approved by special candidacy commissions to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 January 2008 (next to be held in January 2013)

election results: Cuba's Communist Party is the only legal party, and officially sanctioned candidates run unopposed

Judicial branch:

People's Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo Popular (president, vice presidents, and other judges are elected by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Cuban Communist Party or PCC [Fidel CASTRO Ruz, first secretary]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Human Rights Watch; National Association of Small Farmers

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES,
LAIA, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since 1962),
OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; note - Cuba has an Interests Section in the Swiss Embassy, headed by Principal Officer Jorge BOLANOS Suarez; address: Cuban Interests Section, Swiss Embassy, 2630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone: [1] (202) 797-8518; FAX: [1] (202) 797-8521

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none; note - the US has an Interests Section in the Swiss Embassy, headed by Chief of Mission Jonathan D. FARRAR; address: USINT, Swiss Embassy, Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado, Havana; telephone: [53] (7) 833-3551 through 3559 (operator assistance required); FAX: [53] (7) 833-1653; protecting power in Cuba is Switzerland

Flag description:

five equal horizontal bands of blue (top, center, and bottom) alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the hoist side bears a white, five-pointed star in the center; the blue bands refer to the three old divisions of the island: central, occidental, and oriental; the white bands describe the purity of the independence ideal; the triangle symbolizes liberty, equality, and fraternity, while the red color stands for the blood shed in the independence struggle; the white star, called La Estrella Solitaria (the Lone Star) lights the way to freedom and was taken from the flag of Texas

note: design similar to the Puerto Rican flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed

National anthem:

name: "La Bayamesa" (The Bayamo Song)

lyrics/music: Pedro FIGUEREDO

note: adopted 1940; Pedro FIGUEREDO first performed "La Bayamesa" in 1868 during the Ten Years War against the Spanish; a leading figure in the uprising, FIGUEREDO was captured in 1870 and executed in front of a firing squad; just prior to the fusillade he is reputed to have shouted, "Morir por la Patria es vivir" (To die for the country is to live), a line from the anthem

Economy ::Cuba

Economy - overview:

The government continues to balance the need for economic loosening against a desire for firm political control. The government announced it would eliminate 500,000 state jobs by March 2011 and has expanded opportunities for self-employment. President CASTRO said such changes were needed to update the economic model to ensure the survival of socialism. It has rolled back limited reforms undertaken in the 1990s to increase enterprise efficiency and alleviate serious shortages of food, consumer goods, and services. The average Cuban's standard of living remains at a lower level than before the downturn of the 1990s, which was caused by the loss of Soviet aid and domestic inefficiencies. Since late 2000, Venezuela has been providing oil on preferential terms, and it currently supplies about 100,000 barrels per day of petroleum products. Cuba has been paying for the oil, in part, with the services of Cuban personnel in Venezuela including some 30,000 medical professionals.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$114.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $112.4 billion (2009 est.)

$110.8 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$57.49 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 1.4% (2009 est.)

4.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $9,800 (2009 est.)

$9,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.2%

industry: 22.7%

services: 72.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.164 million country comparison to the world: 72 note: state sector 78%, non-state sector 22% (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 20%

industry: 19.4%

services: 60.6% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 1.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

10.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Public debt:

34.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 34.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 -0.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$11.57 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 69 $11.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$35.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $35.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

sugar, tobacco, citrus, coffee, rice, potatoes, beans; livestock

Industries:

sugar, petroleum, tobacco, construction, nickel, steel, cement, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals

Industrial production growth rate:

0.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Electricity - production:

16.89 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Electricity - consumption:

13.93 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

48,340 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Oil - consumption:

169,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Oil - imports:

104,800 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Oil - proved reserves:

178.9 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Natural gas - production:

400 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - consumption:

400 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Natural gas - proved reserves:

70.79 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Current account balance:

-$87 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $539 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$3.311 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $2.879 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, coffee

Exports - partners:

China 25.68%, Canada 20.31%, Spain 6.79%, Netherlands 4.53% (2009)

Imports:

$10.25 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $8.91 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, food, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Venezuela 30.51%, China 15.48%, Spain 8.3%, US 6.87% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.847 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $4.647 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$19.75 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $19.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$4.138 billion (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Exchange rates:

Cuban pesos (CUP) per US dollar - 0.9259 (2010), 0.9259 (2009), 0.9259 (2008), 0.9259 (2007), 0.9231 (2006)

Communications ::Cuba

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.168 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 71

Telephones - mobile cellular:

443,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 162

Telephone system:

general assessment: greater investment beginning in 1994 and the establishment of a new Ministry of Information Technology and Communications in 2000 has resulted in improvements in the system; national fiber-optic system under development; 95% of switches digitized by end of 2006; mobile-cellular telephone service is expensive and must be paid in convertible pesos, which effectively limits subscribership

domestic: fixed-line density remains low at less than 10 per 100 inhabitants; mobile-cellular service expanding but remains less than 5 per 100 persons

international: country code - 53; fiber-optic cable laid to but not linked to US network; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region) (2009)

Broadcast media:

government owns and controls all broadcast media with private ownership of electronic media prohibited; government operates 4 national TV networks and many local TV stations; government operates 6 national radio networks, an international station, and many local radio stations; Radio-TV Marti is beamed from the US (2007)

Internet country code:

.cu

Internet hosts:

3,025 (2010) country comparison to the world: 145

Internet users:

1.606 million country comparison to the world: 79 note: private citizens are prohibited from buying computers or accessing the Internet without special authorization; foreigners may access the Internet in large hotels but are subject to firewalls; some Cubans buy illegal passwords on the black market or take advantage of public outlets to access limited email and the government-controlled "intranet" (2009)

Transportation ::Cuba

Airports:

136 (2010) country comparison to the world: 43

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 65

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 71

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 58 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 41 km; oil 230 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 8,598 km country comparison to the world: 24 standard gauge: 8,322 km 1.435-m gauge (176 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 276 km 1.000-gauge

note: 4,533 km of the track is used by sugar plantations; 4,257 km is standard gauge; 276 km is narrow gauge (2006)

Roadways:

total: 60,858 km country comparison to the world: 75 paved: 29,820 km (includes 638 km of expressway)

unpaved: 31,038 km (2000)

Waterways:

240 km (almost all navigable inland waterways are near the mouths of rivers) (2010) country comparison to the world: 95

Merchant marine:

total: 5 country comparison to the world: 129 by type: cargo 2, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 2

registered in other countries: 6 (Cyprus 1, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Panama 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Antilla, Cienfuegos, Guantanamo, Havana, Matanzas, Mariel, Nuevitas
Bay, Santiago de Cuba, Tanamo

Military ::Cuba

Military branches:

Revolutionary Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias, FAR):
Revolutionary Army (Ejercito Revolucionario, ER, includes
Territorial Militia Troops (Milicia de Tropas de Territoriales,
MTT)); Revolutionary Navy (Marina de Guerra Revolucionaria, MGR,
includes Marine Corps); Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Forces
(DAAFAR), Youth Labor Army (Ejercito Juvenil del Trabajo, EJT) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-28 years of age for compulsory military service; 2-year service obligation; both sexes subject to military service (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,078,049

females age 16-49: 3,004,713 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,516,543

females age 16-49: 2,450,902 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 74,084

female: 70,445 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Military - note:

the collapse of the Soviet Union deprived the Cuban military of its major economic and logistic support and had a significant impact on the state of Cuban equipment; the army remains well trained and professional in nature; while the lack of replacement parts for its existing equipment has increasingly affected operational capabilities, Cuba remains able to offer considerable resistance to any regional power (2010)

Transnational Issues ::Cuba

Disputes - international:

US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased to US and only mutual agreement or US abandonment of the facility can terminate the lease

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Cuba is principally a source country for children subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically commercial sexual exploitation within the country; the scope of trafficking within Cuba is difficult to gauge due to the closed nature of the government and sparse non-governmental or independent reporting

tier rating: Tier 3 - Cuba does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; in a positive step, the Government of Cuba shared information about human trafficking and its efforts to address the issue; the government did not prohibit all forms of trafficking during the reporting period, nor did it provide specific evidence that it prosecuted and punished trafficking offenders, protected victims of all forms of trafficking, or implemented victim protection policies or programs to prevent human trafficking (2010)

Illicit drugs:

territorial waters and air space serve as transshipment zone for US- and European-bound drugs; established the death penalty for certain drug-related crimes in 1999 (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Curacao (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Curacao

Background:

Originally settled by Arawak Indians, Curacao was seized by the Dutch in 1634 along with the neighboring island of Bonaire. Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, Curacao was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of the Isla Refineria to service the newly discovered Venezuelan oil fields. In 1954, Curacao and several other Dutch Caribbean possesions were reorganized as the Netherlands Antilles, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In referenda in 2005 and 2009, the citizens of Curacao voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status became effective in October of 2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

Geography ::Curacao

Location:

Caribbean, an island in the Caribbean Sea - located 56.35 km off the coast of Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

12 10 N, 69 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 444 sq km country comparison to the world: 198 land: 444 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

more than two times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

none

Coastline:

364 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semi-arid with average rainfall of 600 mm/year

Terrain:

generally low, hilly terrain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mt. Christoffel, 372m

Natural resources:

calcium phosphates, aloes, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit

Land use:

arable land: 10%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 90%

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

NA

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

NA

Natural hazards:

Curacao is south of the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

Curacao is a part of the Windward Islands (southern) group

People ::Curacao

Population:

142,180 (est. January 2010) country comparison to the world: 187

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.1% (males 15,337/females 14,589)

15-64 years: 66.7% (males 42,896/females 51,998)

65 years and over: 12.2% (males 6,972/females 10,388) (2010)

Population growth rate:

NA

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

8 deaths/1,000 population (2009) country comparison to the world: 106

Net migration rate:

1.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008) country comparison to the world: 50

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.15 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010)

Life expectancy at birth:

total: NA

males: 72.4 years

females: 80.1 years (2009)

Total fertility rate:

2.1 children born/woman (2009) country comparison to the world: 120

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80.1%, Protestant 5.5%, none 4.6%, Pentecostal 3.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.7%, Jewish 0.8%, other 1.3%, not reported 0.3% (2001 census)

Languages:

Papiamento 81.2% (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect), Dutch 8% (official), Spanish 4%, English 2.9%, other 3.9% (2001 census)

Government ::Curacao

Country name:

Dutch long form: Land Curacao

Dutch short form: Curacao

Papiamentu long form: Pais Korsou

Papiamentu short form: Korsou

former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies

Dependency status:

constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Government type:

parliamentary

Capital:

name: Willemstad

geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 68 55 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April (1909 and 1980)

Constitution:

Staatsregeling, 10 October 2010; revised Kingdom Charter pending

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980); represented by Governor General Frits GOEDGEDRAG (since 10 October 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Gerrit SCHOTTE (since 10 October 2010)

cabinet: Executive Council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime minister by the parliament

Legislative branch:

unicameral parliament or Staten (21 seats; members elected by popular vote for four year terms)

elections: last held 27 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAR 30%, MFK 21%, PS 19%, MAN 9%, FOL 7%, PNP 6%; seats by party - PAR 8, MFK 5, PS 4, MAN 2, FOL 1, PNP 1

Judicial branch:

Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice (judges appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Frente Obrero Liberashon (Workers' Liberation Front) or FOL [Anthony
GODETT]; Movimentu Antiyas Nobo (New Antilles Movement) or MAN
[Charles COOPER]; Movementu Futuro Korsou or MFK [Gerrit SCHOTTE];
Partido Antia Restruktura or PAR [Emily DE JONGH-ELHAGE]; People's
National Party or PNP [Ersilia DE LANNOOY]; Pueblo Soberano or PS
[Herman WIELS]

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Consul General Valerie BELON

consulate(s) general: J. B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao

mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao

telephone: [599] (9) 4613066

FAX: [599] (9) 4616489

Flag description:

on a blue field a horizontal yellow band somewhat below the center divides the flag into proportions of 5:1:2; two five-pointed white stars - the smaller above and to the left of the larger - appear in the canton; the blue of the upper and lower sections symbolizes the sky and sea respectively; yellow represents the sun; the stars symbolize Curacao and its uninhabited smaller sister island of Klein Curacao; the five star points signify the five continents from which Curacao's people derive

National anthem:

name: Himmo di Korsou (Anthem of Curacao)

lyrics/music: Guillermo ROSARIO, Mae HENRIQUEZ, Enrique MULLER, Betty DORAN/Frater Candidus NOWENS, Errol "El Toro" COLINA

note: adapted 1978; the lyrics, originally written in 1899, were rewritten in 1978 to make them less colonial in nature

Economy ::Curacao

Economy - overview:

Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance are the mainstays of this small economy, which is closely tied to the outside world. Although GDP grew slightly during the past decade, the island enjoys a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure compared with other countries in the region. Curacao has an excellent natural harbor that can accommodate large oil tankers. The Venezuelan state oil company leases the single refinery on the island from the government; most of the oil for the refinery is imported from Venezuela; most of the refined products are exported to the US. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, with the US, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico being the major suppliers. The government is attempting to diversify its industry and trade and has signed an Association Agreement with the EU to expand business there. Poor soils and inadequate water supplies hamper the development of agriculture. Budgetary problems complicate reform of the health and pension systems for an aging population.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.838 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 $2.606 billion (2007 est.)

$2.452 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.08 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2008) country comparison to the world: 98 2.2% (2007)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,970 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 15%

services: 84% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

63,000 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.2%

industry: 16.9%

services: 81.8%

Unemployment rate:

10.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2009 est,) country comparison to the world: 46 6.8% (2008 est.)

Agriculture - products:

aloe, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit

Industries:

tourism, petroleum refining, petroleum transshipment facilities, light manufacturing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA

Electricity - production:

848.5 kWh (2005) country comparison to the world: 214

Exports:

$876 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 note: excludes oil

Exports - commodities:

petroleum products

Exports - partners:

US 13.1%, Guatemala 10.8%, Singapore 10.7%, Dominican Republic 9.6%,
Haiti 7.6%, The Bahamas 6.1%, Honduras 4.5%, Mexico 4.2% (2009 est.)

Imports:

$1.34 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, food, manufactures

Imports - partners:

Venezuela 57.3%, US 19.2%, Brazil 8.1% (2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar - 1.79 (2009), 1.79 (2008), 1.79 (2007), 1.79 (2006)

Transportation ::Curacao

Airports:

1 country comparison to the world: 231

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 550 km country comparison to the world: 191

Ports and terminals:

Bullen Baai, Fuik Bay, Willemstad

Military ::Curacao

Military branches:

the Royal Netherlands Navy maintains a permanent and active presence in the region from its main operating base on Curacao; other local security forces include a coast guard, para-military National Guard (Vrijwilligers Korps Curacao), and Police Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

no conscription (2010)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Cyprus (Europe)

Introduction ::Cyprus

Background:

A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960 following years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the island. In 1974, a Greek Government-sponsored attempt to seize control of Cyprus was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot-occupied area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"), but it is recognized only by Turkey. The election of a new Cypriot president in 2008 served as the impetus for the UN to encourage both the Turkish and Cypriot Governments to reopen unification negotiations. In September 2008, the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities started negotiations under UN auspices aimed at reuniting the divided island. The entire island entered the EU on 1 May 2004, although the EU acquis - the body of common rights and obligations - applies only to the areas under the internationally recognized government, and is suspended in the areas administered by Turkish Cypriots. However, individual Turkish Cypriots able to document their eligibility for Republic of Cyprus citizenship legally enjoy the same rights accorded to other citizens of European Union states.

Geography ::Cyprus

Location:

Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

35 00 N, 33 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 9,251 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in north Cyprus) country comparison to the world: 170 land: 9,241 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 150.4 km (approximately)

border sovereign base areas: Akrotiri 47.4 km, Dhekelia 103 km (approximately)

Coastline:

648 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Terrain:

central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Olympus 1,951 m

Natural resources:

copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment

Land use:

arable land: 10.81%

permanent crops: 4.32%

other: 84.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.4 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.21 cu km/yr (27%/1%/71%)

per capita: 250 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

moderate earthquake activity; droughts

Environment - current issues:

water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, sea water intrusion to island's largest aquifer, increased salination in the north); water pollution from sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of wildlife habitats from urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia)

People ::Cyprus

Population:

1,102,677 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17% (male 94,655/female 89,337)

15-64 years: 73.1% (male 411,952/female 381,074)

65 years and over: 9.9% (male 46,610/female 61,120) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 34.5 years

male: 33.2 years

female: 36.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.663% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Birth rate:

11.38 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Death rate:

6.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Net migration rate:

11.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Urbanization:

urban population: 70% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 155 male: 11.46 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.66 years country comparison to the world: 52 male: 74.88 years

female: 80.57 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.45 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Cypriot(s)

adjective: Cypriot

Ethnic groups:

Greek 77%, Turkish 18%, other 5% (2001)

Religions:

Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, other (includes Maronite and
Armenian Apostolic) 4%

Languages:

Greek (official), Turkish (official), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.6%

male: 98.9%

female: 96.3% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

7.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 19

Government ::Cyprus

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cyprus

conventional short form: Cyprus

local long form: Kypriaki Dimokratia/Kibris Cumhuriyeti

local short form: Kypros/Kibris

note: the Turkish Cypriot community, which administers the northern part of the island, refers to itself as the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC")

Government type:

republic

note: a separation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the island began following the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this separation was further solidified after the Turkish intervention in July 1974 that followed a Greek military-junta-supported coup attempt that gave the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in the north; Greek Cypriots control the only internationally recognized government; on 15 November 1983 Turkish Cypriot "President" Rauf DENKTASH declared independence and the formation of a "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"), which is recognized only by Turkey

Capital:

name: Nicosia (Lefkosia)

geographic coordinates: 35 10 N, 33 22 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos; note - Turkish Cypriot area's administrative divisions include Kyrenia, all but a small part of Famagusta, and small parts of Nicosia (Lefkosia) and Larnaca

Independence:

16 August 1960 (from the UK); note - Turkish Cypriots proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983, but these proclamations are only recognized by Turkey

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriots celebrate 15 November (1983) as Independence Day

Constitution:

16 August 1960

note: from December 1963, the Turkish Cypriots no longer participated in the government; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revised constitution to govern the island and for better relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently since the mid-1960s; in 1975, following the 1974 Turkish intervention, Turkish Cypriots created their own constitution and governing bodies within the "Turkish Federated State of Cyprus," which became the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)" when the Turkish Cypriots declared independence in 1983; a new constitution for the "TRNC" passed by referendum on 5 May 1985, although the "TRNC" remains unrecognized by any country other than Turkey

Legal system:

based on English common law with civil law modifications; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28 February 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the 1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot

head of government: President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28 February 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president and vice president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 17 and 24 February 2008 (next to be held in February 2013)

election results: Demetris CHRISTOFIAS elected president; percent of vote (first round) - Ioannis KASOULIDES 33.5%, Demetris CHRISTOFIAS 33.3%, Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 31.8%; (second round) Demetris CHRISTOFIAS 53.4%, Ioannis KASOULIDES 46.6%

note: Dervis EROGLU became "president" of the "TRNC" on 23 April 2010 after "presidential" elections on 18 April 2010; results - Dervis EROGLU 50.4%, Mehmet Ali TALAT 42.9%; Huseyin OZGURGUN is "TRNC acting prime minister"

Legislative branch:

unicameral - area under government control: House of Representatives or Vouli Antiprosopon (80 seats; 56 assigned to the Greek Cypriots, 24 to Turkish Cypriots; note - only those assigned to Greek Cypriots are filled; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Assembly of the Republic or Cumhuriyet Meclisi (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: area under government control: last held on 21 May 2006 (next to be held in May 2011); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: last held on 19 April 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: area under government control: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - AKEL 31.1%, DISY 30.3%, DIKO 17.9%, EDEK 8.9%, EURO.KO 5.8%, Greens 2.0%; seats by party - AKEL 18, DISY 18, DIKO 11, EDEK 4, EURO.KO 4, Greens 1; area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Assembly of the Republic - percent of vote by party - UBP 44.1%, CTP 29.3%, DP 10.6%, other 16%; seats by party - UBP 26, CTP 15, DP 5, other 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed jointly by the president and vice president)

note: there is also a Supreme Court in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots

Political parties and leaders:

area under government control: Democratic Party or DIKO [Marios KAROYIAN]; Democratic Rally or DISY [Nikos ANASTASIADES]; European Party or EURO.KO [Demetris SYLLOURIS]; Fighting Democratic Movement or ADIK [Dinos MIKHAILIDES]; Green Party of Cyprus [George PERDIKIS]; Movement for Social Democrats or EDEK [Yiannakis OMIROU]; Progressive Party of the Working People or AKEL (Communist Party) [Andros KYPRIANOU]; United Democrats or EDI [Michalis PAPAPETROU]

area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Centrist Party or HP [Rasit
PERTEV]; Communal Democracy Party or TDP [Mehmet CAKICI]; Cyprus
Socialist Party or KSP [Yusuf ALKIM]; Democratic Party or DP
[Serdaer DENKTASH]; Freedom and Reform Party or ORP [Turgay AVCI];
National Unity Party or UBP [Dervis EROGLU]; Nationalist Justice
Party or MAP [Ata TEPE]; New Cyprus Party or YKP [Murat KANATLI];
Politics for the People Party or HIS [Ahmet YONLUER]; Republican
Turkish Party or CTP [Ferdi Sabit SOYER]; United Cyprus Party or BKP
[Izzet IZCAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Cypriot Workers or SEK (pro-West); Confederation of
Revolutionary Labor Unions or Dev-Is; Federation of Turkish Cypriot
Labor Unions or Turk-Sen; Pan-Cyprian Labor Federation or PEO
(Communist controlled)

International organization participation:

Australia Group, C, CE, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF
(associate member), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Pavlos ANASTASIADES

chancery: 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 462-5772, 462-0873

FAX: [1] (202) 483-6710

consulate(s) general: New York

note: representative of the Turkish Cypriot community in the US is Hilmi AKIL; office at 1667 K Street NW, Washington, DC; telephone [1] (202) 887-6198

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Frank C. URBANCIC, Jr.

embassy: corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, 2407 Engomi, Nicosia

mailing address: P. O. Box 24536, 1385 Nicosia

telephone: [357] (22) 393939

FAX: [357] (22) 780944

Flag description:

white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities

note: the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" flag retains the white field of the Cyprus national flag but displays narrow horizontal red stripes positioned a small distance from the top and bottom edges between which are centered a red crescent and a red five-pointed star; the banner is modeled after the Turkish national flag but with the colors reversed

National anthem:

name: "Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Liberty)

lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS

note: adopted 1960; Cyprus adopted the Greek national anthem as its own; the Turkish community in Cyprus uses the anthem of Turkey

Economy ::Cyprus

Economy - overview:

The area of the Republic of Cyprus under government control has a market economy dominated by the service sector, which accounts for nearly four-fifths of GDP. Tourism, financial services, and real estate are the most important sectors. Erratic growth rates over the past decade reflect the economy's reliance on tourism, which often fluctuates with political instability in the region and economic conditions in Western Europe. Nevertheless, the economy in the area under government control has grown at a rate well above the EU average since 2000. Cyprus joined the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM2) in May 2005 and adopted the euro as its national currency on 1 January 2008. An aggressive austerity program in the preceding years, aimed at paving the way for the euro, helped turn a soaring fiscal deficit (6.3% in 2003) into a surplus of 1.2% in 2008, and reduced inflation to 4.7%. This prosperity came under pressure in 2009, as construction and tourism slowed in the face of reduced foreign demand triggered by the ongoing global financial crisis. Although Cyprus lagged its EU peers in showing signs of stress from the global crisis, the economy tipped into recession in mid 2009 and contracted 1.8% for the year. In addition, the budget deficit is on the rise and reached 5.7% of GDP in 2010, a violation of the EU's budget deficit criteria of no more than 3% of GDP. In response to the country's deteriorating finances, Nicosia is promising to implement measures to cut the cost of the state payroll, curb tax evasion, and revamp social benefits. However, it has been slow to act, lacking a consensus in parliament and among the social partners for its proposed measures.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$23.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $23.04 billion (2009 est.)

$23.45 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$22.75 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 -1.8% (2009 est.)

3.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$21,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $21,300 (2009 est.)

$22,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.1%

industry: 18.6%

services: 79.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

400,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 8.5%

industry: 20.5%

services: 71% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 5.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29 (2005) country comparison to the world: 117

Investment (gross fixed):

19.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Public debt:

61.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 56.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 0.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 115 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.49% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 7.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.341 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 98 $4.602 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Cypriot pounds in circulation prior to Cyprus joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the EMU; individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$50.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $53.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$101.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $80.68 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.993 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 71 $7.955 billion (31 December 2008)

$29.48 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, vegetables; poultry, pork, lamb; dairy, cheese

Industries:

tourism, food and beverage processing, cement and gypsum production, ship repair and refurbishment, textiles, light chemicals, metal products, wood, paper, stone, and clay products

Industrial production growth rate:

0.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Electricity - production:

4.502 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Electricity - consumption:

4.277 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Oil - consumption:

59,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Oil - imports:

58,930 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Current account balance:

-$2.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 -$1.915 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.232 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $2.065 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, clothing

Exports - partners:

Greece 23.83%, Germany 9.2%, UK 8.78% (2009)

Imports:

$7.962 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $7.973 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, intermediate goods, machinery, transport equipment

Imports - partners:

Greece 20.18%, Italy 10.67%, UK 8.95%, Germany 8.79%, Israel 6.99%,
China 5.52%, Netherlands 4.85%, France 4.01% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$1.289 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$32.61 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$29.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $26.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$16.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $15.79 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.718 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.4286 (2007), 0.4586 (2006)

Economy of the area administered by Turkish Cypriots:

Economy - overview: The Turkish Cypriot economy has roughly half the per capita GDP of the south, and economic growth tends to be volatile, given the north's relative isolation, bloated public sector, reliance on the Turkish lira, and small market size. Agriculture and services, together, employ more than half of the work force. The Turkish Cypriot economy grew around 10.6% in 2006, fueled by growth in the construction and education sectors, as well as increased employment of Turkish Cypriots in the area under government control. GDP declined about 2.0% in 2007. The Turkish Cypriots are heavily dependent on transfers from the Turkish Government. Ankara directly finances about one-third of the "TRNC's" budget. Aid from Turkey has exceeded $400 million annually in recent years. The Turkish Cypriot economy experienced a sharp slowdown in 2008-09 due to the global financial crisis and, because of its reliance on British and Turkish tourism, which has declined due to the recession. Turkish Cypriot finances also deteriorated in 2009 as decreased state revenues and increased government expenditures on public sector salaries and social services led to a large budget deficit. As tourism and the world economy picked up, the economy grew about 0.6% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.829 billion (2007 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: -0.6% (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita: $11,700 (2007 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 8.6%, industry: 22.5%, services: 69.1% (2006 est.)

Labor force: 95,030 (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 14.5%, industry: 29%, services: 56.5% (2004)

Unemployment rate: 9.4% (2005 est.)

Population below poverty line: %NA

Inflation rate: 11.4% (2006)

Budget: revenues: $2.5 billion, expenditures: $2.5 billion (2006)

Agriculture - products: citrus fruit, dairy, potatoes, grapes, olives, poultry, lamb

Industries: foodstuffs, textiles, clothing, ship repair, clay, gypsum, copper, furniture

Industrial production growth rate: -0.3% (2007 est.)

Electricity production: 998.9 million kWh (2005)

Electricity consumption: 797.9 million kWh (2005)

Exports: $68.1 million, f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Export - commodities: citrus, dairy, potatoes, textiles

Export - partners: Turkey 40%; direct trade between the area administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government control remains limited

Imports: $1.2 billion, f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Import - commodities: vehicles, fuel, cigarettes, food, minerals, chemicals, machinery

Import - partners: Turkey 60%; direct trade between the area administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government control remains limited

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $NA

Debt - external: $NA

Currency (code): Turkish new lira (YTL)

Exchange rates: Turkish new lira per US dollar: 1.319 (2007) 1.4286 (2006) 1.3436 (2005) 1.4255 (2004) 1.5009 (2003)

Communications ::Cyprus

Telephones - main lines in use:

area under government control: 414,500 (2009); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: 86,228 (2002) country comparison to the world: 101

Telephones - mobile cellular:

area under government control: 977,500 (2009); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: 147,522 (2002) country comparison to the world: 146

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent in both area under government control and area administered by Turkish Cypriots

domestic: open-wire, fiber-optic cable, and microwave radio relay

international: country code - 357 (area administered by Turkish Cypriots uses the country code of Turkey - 90); a number of submarine cables, including the SEA-ME-WE-3, combine to provide connectivity to Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 8 (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat)

Broadcast media:

mixture of state and privately-run television and radio services; the public broadcaster operates 2 TV channels and 4 radio stations; 6 private TV broadcasters, satellite and cable TV services including telecasts from Greece and Turkey, and a number of private radio stations are available; in areas administered by Turkish Cypriots, there are 2 public TV stations, 4 public radio stations, and privately-owned TV and radio broadcast stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.cy

Internet hosts:

187,881 (2010) country comparison to the world: 66

Internet users:

433,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 120

Transportation ::Cyprus

Airports:

15 (2010) country comparison to the world: 144

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

9 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 14,671 km country comparison to the world: 122 12,321 km under government control (includes 257 km of expressways),

2,350 km administered by Turkish Cypriots (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 839 country comparison to the world: 13 by type: bulk carrier 267, cargo 173, chemical tanker 77, container 193, liquefied gas 10, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 24, petroleum tanker 69, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle carrier 4

foreign-owned: 637 (Austria 1, Belgium 2, Bermuda 1, Canada 2, Chile 1, China 6, Cuba 1, Denmark 6, Estonia 7, France 16, Germany 189, Greece 216, Hong Kong 2, India 2, Iran 10, Ireland 3, Israel 1, Italy 6, Japan 19, Monaco 1, Netherlands 24, Norway 12, Philippines 1, Poland 20, Portugal 2, Russia 47, Singapore 1, Slovenia 4, Spain 7, Sweden 5, Syria 1, UAE 5, UK 7, Ukraine 2, US 7)

registered in other countries: 138 (Bahamas 14, Belize 1, Burma 1, Cambodia 8, Comoros 2, Finland 1, Gibraltar 1, Greece 4, Hong Kong 3, Liberia 7, Malta 29, Marshall Islands 38, Norway 1, Panama 8, Russia 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 3, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

area under government control: Larnaca, Limassol, Vasilikos;; area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Famagusta, Kyrenia

Military ::Cyprus

Military branches:

Republic of Cyprus: Greek Cypriot National Guard (Ethniki Forea, EF; includes naval and air elements); northern Cyprus: Turkish Cypriot Security Force (GKK) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG): 18-50 years of age for compulsory military service for all Greek Cypriot males; 17 years of age for voluntary service; women may volunteer for a 3-year term; length of normal service is 25 months (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG):

males age 16-49: 322,807

females age 16-49: 284,386 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG):

males age 16-49: 271,692

females age 16-49: 236,908 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 8,317

female: 7,542 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Transnational Issues ::Cyprus

Disputes - international:

hostilities in 1974 divided the island into two de facto autonomous entities, the internationally recognized Cypriot Government and a Turkish-Cypriot community (north Cyprus); the 1,000-strong UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has served in Cyprus since 1964 and maintains the buffer zone between north and south; on 1 May 2004, Cyprus entered the European Union still divided, with the EU's body of legislation and standards (acquis communitaire) suspended in the north; Turkey protests Cypriot Government creating hydrocarbon blocks and maritime boundary with Lebanon in March 2007

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 210,000 (both Turkish and Greek Cypriots; many displaced for over 30 years) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

minor transit point for heroin and hashish via air routes and container traffic to Europe, especially from Lebanon and Turkey; some cocaine transits as well; despite a strengthening of anti-money-laundering legislation, remains vulnerable to money laundering; reporting of suspicious transactions in offshore sector remains weak (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Czech Republic (Europe)

Introduction ::Czech Republic

Background:

Following the First World War, the closely related Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II, a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Geography ::Czech Republic

Location:

Central Europe, between Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria

Geographic coordinates:

49 45 N, 15 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 78,867 sq km country comparison to the world: 115 land: 77,247 sq km

water: 1,620 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 1,989 km

border countries: Austria 362 km, Germany 815 km, Poland 615 km, Slovakia 197 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Terrain:

Bohemia in the west consists of rolling plains, hills, and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; Moravia in the east consists of very hilly country

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Elbe River 115 m

highest point: Snezka 1,602 m

Natural resources:

hard coal, soft coal, kaolin, clay, graphite, timber

Land use:

arable land: 38.82%

permanent crops: 3%

other: 58.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

240 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

16 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.91 cu km/yr (41%/57%/2%)

per capita: 187 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid rain damaging forests; efforts to bring industry up to EU code should improve domestic pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands,
Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategically located astride some of oldest and most significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is a traditional military corridor between the North European Plain and the Danube in central Europe

People ::Czech Republic

Population:

10,201,707 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.6% (male 712,045/female 673,657)

15-64 years: 71% (male 3,641,887/female 3,604,044)

65 years and over: 15.5% (male 623,882/female 956,389) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.4 years

male: 38.9 years

female: 42.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.106% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Birth rate:

8.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Death rate:

10.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Net migration rate:

0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.76 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 208 male: 4.1 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.01 years country comparison to the world: 62 male: 73.74 years

female: 80.48 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 10 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Nationality:

noun: Czech(s)

adjective: Czech

Ethnic groups:

Czech 90.4%, Moravian 3.7%, Slovak 1.9%, other 4% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 26.8%, Protestant 2.1%, other 3.3%, unspecified 8.8%, unaffiliated 59% (2001 census)

Languages:

Czech 94.9%, Slovak 2%, other 2.3%, unidentified 0.8% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 88

Government ::Czech Republic

Country name:

conventional long form: Czech Republic

conventional short form: Czech Republic

local long form: Ceska Republika

local short form: Cesko

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Prague

geographic coordinates: 50 05 N, 14 28 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

13 regions (kraje, singular - kraj) and 1 capital city* (hlavni mesto); Jihocesky (South Bohemia), Jihomoravsky (South Moravia), Karlovarsky, Kralovehradecky, Liberecky, Moravskoslezsky (Moravia-Silesia), Olomoucky, Pardubicky, Plzensky (Pilsen), Praha (Prague)*, Stredocesky (Central Bohemia), Ustecky, Vysocina, Zlinsky

Independence:

1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia); note - although 1 January is the day the Czech Republic came into being, the Czechs generally consider 28 October 1918, the day the former Czechoslovakia declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as their independence day

National holiday:

Czechoslovak Founding Day, 28 October (1918)

Constitution:

ratified on 16 December 1992, effective on 1 January 1993; amended in 1997, 2000, 2001 (twice), 2002

Legal system:

civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; legal code modified to bring it in line with European Union obligations and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Petr NECAS (since 28 June 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister Karel SCHWARZENBERG (since 13 July 2010), Deputy Prime Minister Radek JOHN (since 13 July 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); last successful election held on 15 February 2008 (after earlier elections held 8 and 9 February 2008 were inconclusive; next election to be held in 2013); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Vaclav KLAUS reelected president on 15 February 2008; Vaclav KLAUS 141 votes, Jan SVEJNAR 111 votes (third round; combined votes of both chambers of parliament)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or Senat (81 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Poslanecka Snemovna (200 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held in two rounds on 15-16 and 22-23 October 2010 (next to be held by October 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 28-29 May 2010 (next to be held by 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CSSD 41, ODS 25, KDU-CSL 6, TOP 09 5, others 4; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - CSSD 22.1%, ODS 20.2%, TOP 09 16.7%, KSCM 11.3%, VV 10.9%; seats by party - CSSD 56, ODS 53, TOP 09 41, KSCM 26, VV 24

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; Supreme Administrative Court; chairman and deputy chairmen are appointed by the president for a 10-year term

Political parties and leaders:

Association of Independent Candidates-European Democrats or SNK-ED
[Zdenka MARKOVA]; Christian Democratic Union-Czechoslovak People's
Party or KDU-CSL [Pavel BELOBRADEK]; Civic Democratic Party or ODS
[Petr NECAS]; Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia or KSCM
[Vojtech FILIP]; Czech Social Democratic Party or CSSD [Bohuslav
SOBOTKA (acting)]; Green Party [Ondrej LISKA]; Public Affairs (VV)
[Radek JOHN]; Tradice Odpovednost Prosperita 09 or TOP 09 [Karel
SCHWARZENBERG]; Union of Freedom-Democratic Union or US-DEU [Jan
CERNY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions or CMKOS [Jaroslav
ZAVADIL]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC,
EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI
(observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Daniel KOSTOVAL

chancery: 3900 Spring of Freedom Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 274-9100

FAX: [1] (202) 966-8540

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Joseph PENNINGTON

embassy: Trziste 15, 118 01 Prague 1

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [420] 257 022 000

FAX: [420] 257 022 809

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side

note: is identical to the flag of the former Czechoslovakia; uses the Pan-Slav colors inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

National anthem:

name: "Kde domov muj?" (Where is My Home?)

lyrics/music: Josef Kajetan TYL/Frantisek Jan SKROUP

note: adopted 1993; the anthem is a verse from the former Czechoslovakian anthem originally written as part of the opera "Fidlovacka"

Economy ::Czech Republic

Economy - overview:

The Czech Republic is one of the most stable and prosperous of the post-Communist states of Central and Eastern Europe. Maintaining an open investment climate has been a key element of the Czech Republic's transition from a communist, centrally planned economy to a functioning market economy. As a member of the European Union, with an advantageous location in the center of Europe, a relatively low cost structure, and a well-qualified labor force, the Czech Republic is an attractive destination for foreign investment. Prior to its EU accession in 2004, the Czech government harmonized its laws and regulations with those of the European Union. The small, open, export-driven Czech economy grew by over 6% annually from 2005-2007 and by 2.5% in 2008. The conservative Czech financial system has remained relatively healthy throughout 2009. Nevertheless, the real economy contracted by 4.1% in 2009, mainly due to a significant drop in external demand as the Czech Republic's main export markets fell into recession. GDP is expected to grow by 2.4% in 2010, driven largely by a rebound in external demand, particularly from Gremany.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$261.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $256.9 billion (2009 est.)

$267.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$195.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 -4.1% (2009 est.)

2.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$25,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $25,200 (2009 est.)

$26,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.2%

industry: 38.3%

services: 59.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.37 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.6%

industry: 40.2%

services: 56.2% (2007)

Unemployment rate:

9.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 8.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4.3%

highest 10%: 22.4% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2005) country comparison to the world: 131 25.4 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Public debt:

40% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 34% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 131 2.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.99% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 6.25% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$96.82 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 32 $92.95 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$138.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $139 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$119.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $118.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$52.69 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 52 $48.85 billion (31 December 2008)

$73.42 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, poultry

Industries:

motor vehicles, metallurgy, machinery and equipment, glass, armaments

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Electricity - production:

82.72 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Electricity - consumption:

61.65 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Electricity - exports:

19.99 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

8.52 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

10,970 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Oil - consumption:

207,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - exports:

29,670 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Oil - imports:

219,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Oil - proved reserves:

15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Natural gas - production:

176 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - consumption:

8.182 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - exports:

1.111 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - imports:

9.683 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.964 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Current account balance:

-$5.956 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 -$2.146 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$116.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $112.6 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and fuel, chemicals

Exports - partners:

Germany 32.25%, Slovakia 9.02%, Poland 5.8%, France 5.62%, UK 4.93%,
Austria 4.71%, Italy 4.38% (2009)

Imports:

$109.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $103.1 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Germany 30.67%, Poland 6.97%, Slovakia 6.6%, Netherlands 5.99%,
China 5.7%, Austria 5.26%, Russia 4.93%, Italy 3.98% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$38.67 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $41.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$86.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $82.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$126.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $121.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$15.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $14.35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

koruny (CZK) per US dollar - 19.737 (2010), 19.063 (2009), 17.064 (2008), 20.53 (2007), 22.596 (2006)

Communications ::Czech Republic

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.092 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 53

Telephones - mobile cellular:

14.258 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 51

Telephone system:

general assessment: privatization and modernization of the Czech telecommunication system got a late start but is advancing steadily; virtually all exchanges now digital; existing copper subscriber systems enhanced with Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) equipment to accommodate Internet and other digital signals; trunk systems include fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay

domestic: access to the fixed-line telephone network expanded throughout the 1990s but the number of fixed line connections has been dropping since then; mobile telephone usage increased sharply beginning in the mid-1990s and the number of cellular telephone subscriptions now greatly exceeds the population

international: country code - 420; satellite earth stations - 6 (2 Intersputnik - Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions, 1 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 1 Globalstar) (2009)

Broadcast media:

roughly 130 television broadcasters operating some 350 television channels with 4 publicly operated and the remainder in private hands; 13 television stations have national coverage with 4 being publicly operated; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; about 70 radio broadcasters are registered operating roughly 85 radio stations with 15 stations publicly operated; 16 radio stations provide national coverage with the remainder local or regional (2008)

Internet country code:

.cz

Internet hosts:

3.494 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 25

Internet users:

6.681 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 40

Transportation ::Czech Republic

Airports:

122 (2010) country comparison to the world: 49

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 44

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 78

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 27

under 914 m: 50 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 7,010 km; oil 547 km; refined products 94 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 9,620 km country comparison to the world: 22 standard gauge: 9,521 km 1.435-m gauge (3,013 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 99 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 128,582 km country comparison to the world: 37 paved: 128,582 km (includes 691 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

664 km (principally on Elbe, Vltava, Oder, and other navigable rivers, lakes, and canals) (2010) country comparison to the world: 77

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 162

Ports and terminals:

Decin, Prague, Usti nad Labem

Military ::Czech Republic

Military branches:

Army of the Czech Republic (ACR): Joint Forces Command (includes Land Forces and Air Forces), Support and Training Forces Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-28 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,517,268

females age 16-49: 2,418,163 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,086,662

females age 16-49: 2,003,055 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 55,139

female: 52,440 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.46% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Transnational Issues ::Czech Republic

Disputes - international:

while threats of international legal action never materialized in 2007, 915,220 Austrians, with the support of the popular Freedom Party, signed a petition in January 2008, demanding that Austria block the Czech Republic's accession to the EU unless Prague closes its controversial Soviet-style nuclear plant in Temelin, bordering Austria

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and minor transit point for Latin American cocaine to Western Europe; producer of synthetic drugs for local and regional markets; susceptible to money laundering related to drug trafficking, organized crime; significant consumer of ecstasy (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Denmark (Europe)

Introduction ::Denmark

Background:

Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements of the European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), European defense cooperation, and issues concerning certain justice and home affairs.

Geography ::Denmark

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes two major islands (Sjaelland and Fyn)

Geographic coordinates:

56 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 43,094 sq km country comparison to the world: 133 land: 42,434 sq km

water: 660 sq km

note: includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major islands of Sjaelland and Fyn), but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts

Land boundaries:

total: 68 km

border countries: Germany 68 km

Coastline:

7,314 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers

Terrain:

low and flat to gently rolling plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m

highest point: Mollehoj/Ejer Bavnehoj 171 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, chalk, stone, gravel and sand

Land use:

arable land: 52.59%

permanent crops: 0.19%

other: 47.22% (2005)

Irrigated land:

4,490 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

6.1 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.67 cu km/yr (32%/26%/42%)

per capita: 123 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g., parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland) that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in greater Copenhagen

People ::Denmark

Population:

5,515,575 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.1% (male 511,882/female 485,782)

15-64 years: 65.8% (male 1,817,800/female 1,798,964)

65 years and over: 16.1% (male 387,142/female 498,940) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.7 years

male: 39.8 years

female: 41.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.267% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Birth rate:

10.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Death rate:

10.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Net migration rate:

2.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Urbanization:

urban population: 87% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 198 male: 4.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.47 years country comparison to the world: 47 male: 76.11 years

female: 80.97 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.74 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

4,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Nationality:

noun: Dane(s)

adjective: Danish

Ethnic groups:

Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Christian (includes Protestant and
Roman Catholic) 3%, Muslim 2%

Languages:

Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority)

note: English is the predominant second language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 16 years

female: 18 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

7.9% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 12

Government ::Denmark

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Denmark

conventional short form: Denmark

local long form: Kongeriget Danmark

local short form: Danmark

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Copenhagen

geographic coordinates: 55 40 N, 12 35 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

note: applies to continental Denmark only, not to its North Atlantic components

Administrative divisions:

metropolitan Denmark - 5 regions (regioner, singular - region); Hovedstaden, Midtjylland, Nordjylland, Sjaelland, Syddanmark

note: an extensive local government reform merged 271 municipalities into 98 and 13 counties into five regions, effective 1 January 2007

Independence:

ca. 965 (unified and Christianized under HARALD I Gormson); 5 June 1849 (becomes a constitutional monarchy)

National holiday:

none designated; Constitution Day, 5 June (1849) is generally viewed as the National Day

Constitution:

5 June 1953; note - constitution allowed for a unicameral legislature and a female chief of state

Legal system:

civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born on 26 May 1968)

head of government: Prime Minister Lars Loekke RASMUSSEN (since 5 April 2009)

cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Assembly or Folketing (179 seats, including 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms unless the Folketing is dissolved earlier)

elections: last held on 13 November 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - Liberal Party 26.2%, Social Democrats 25.5%, Danish People's Party 13.9%, Socialist People's Party 13.0%, Conservative People's Party 10.4%, Social Liberal Party 5.1%, New Alliance 2.8%, Red-Green Unity List 2.2%, other 0.9%; seats by party - Liberal Party 46, Social Democrats 45, Danish People's Party 25, Socialist People's Party 23, Conservative People's Party 18, Social Liberal Party 9, New Alliance 5, Red-Green Alliance 4; note - does not include the two seats from Greenland and the two seats from the Faroe Islands

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed for life by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democrats [Bjarne Hartung KIRKEGAARD] (was Christian
People's Party); Conservative Party [Lars BARFOED] (sometimes known
as Conservative People's Party); Danish People's Party [Pia
KJAERSGAARD]; Liberal Alliance [Anders SAMUELSEN] (formerly known as
New Alliance); Liberal Party [Lars Loekke RASMUSSEN]; Red-Green
Unity List (Alliance) [collective leadership] (bloc includes Left
Socialist Party, Communist Party of Denmark, Socialist Workers'
Party); Social Democratic Party [Helle THORNING-SCHMIDT]; Social
Liberal Party [Margrethe VESTAGER]; Socialist People's Party [Villy
SOEVNDAL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Danish Employers or DA [President Jorn Neergaard
LARSEN]; Principal DA member organizations: Confederation of Danish
Industries [CEO Karsten DYBVAD]; Confederation of Danish Labor
Unions [President Harald BORSTING]; Danish Bankers Association [CEO
Joergen HORWITZ]; DaneAge Association [President Bjarne HASTRUP];
Danish Society for Nature Conservation [President Ella Maria
BISSCHOP-LARSEN]

other: humanitarian relief; development assistance; human rights NGOs

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council,
Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO,
FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNRWA,
UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter TAKSOE-JENSEN

chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300

FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470

consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Laurie S. FULTON

embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen

mailing address: PSC 73, APO AE 09716

telephone: [45] 33 41 71 00

FAX: [45] 35 43 02 23

Flag description:

red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side; the banner is referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world; traditions as to the origin of the flag design vary, but the best known is a legend that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th century battle; caught up by the Danish king before it ever touched the earth, this heavenly talisman inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner or ensign

note: the shifted design element was subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden

National anthem:

name: "Der er et yndigt land" (There is a Lovely Land); "Kong Christian" (King Christian)

lyrics/music: Adam Gottlob OEHLENSCHLAGER/Hans Ernst KROYER; Johannes EWALD/unknown

note: Denmark has two national anthems with equal status; "Der er et yndigt land," adopted 1844, is a national anthem, while "Kong Christian," adopted 1780, serves as both a national and royal anthem; "Kong Christian" is also known as "Kong Christian stod ved hojen mast" (King Christian Stood by the Lofty Mast) and "Kongesangen" (The King's Anthem); within Denmark, the royal anthem is played only when royalty is present and is usually followed by the national anthem; when royalty is not present, only the national anthem is performed; outside Denmark, the royal anthem is played, unless the national anthem is requested

Economy ::Denmark

Economy - overview:

This thoroughly modern market economy features a high-tech agricultural sector, state-of-the-art industry with world-leading firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy, and a high dependence on foreign trade. The Danish economy is also characterized by extensive government welfare measures, an equitable distribution of income, and comfortable living standards. Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus. After a long consumption-driven upswing, Denmark's economy began slowing in 2007 with the end of a housing boom. Housing prices dropped markedly in 2008-09. The global financial crisis has exacerbated this cyclical slowdown through increased borrowing costs and lower export demand, consumer confidence, and investment. The global financial crises cut Danish GDP by 0.9% in 2008 and 4.7% in 2009. Historically low levels of unemployment rose sharply with the recession but remain below 5%, about half the level of the EU. Denmark made a modest recovery in 2010 in part because of increased government spending. An impending decline in the ratio of workers to retirees will be a major long-term issue. Denmark maintained a healthy budget surplus for many years up to 2008, but the budget balance swung into deficit during 2009-10. Nonetheless, Denmark's fiscal position remains among the strongest in the EU. Despite previously meeting the criteria to join the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), so far Denmark has decided not to join, although the Danish krone remains pegged to the euro.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$204.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $200.5 billion (2009 est.)

$210.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$304.6 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 -4.7% (2009 est.)

-0.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$37,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $36,400 (2009 est.)

$38,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.1%

industry: 22.8%

services: 76.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.82 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.5%

industry: 20.2%

services: 77.3% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 4.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12.1% (2007)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%

highest 10%: 28.7% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29 (2007) country comparison to the world: 118 24.7 (1992)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Public debt:

46.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 41.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 1.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 110 3.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$148.1 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 23 $153.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$209 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $226.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$636.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $671.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$186.9 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 30 $131.5 billion (31 December 2008)

$277.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets; pork, dairy products; fish

Industries:

iron, steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, food processing, machinery and transportation equipment, textiles and clothing, electronics, construction, furniture and other wood products, shipbuilding and refurbishment, windmills, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Electricity - production:

36.4 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Electricity - consumption:

34.3 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Electricity - exports:

11.36 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

12.82 billion kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

262,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Oil - consumption:

166,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Oil - exports:

268,500 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Oil - imports:

173,100 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Oil - proved reserves:

1.06 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - production:

8.398 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 43

Natural gas - consumption:

4.41 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 61

Natural gas - exports:

3.98 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 29

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - proved reserves:

61.3 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Current account balance:

$14.35 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $12.43 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$99.37 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $91.51 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and instruments, meat and meat products, dairy products, fish, pharmaceuticals, furniture, windmills

Exports - partners:

Germany 17.53%, Sweden 12.68%, UK 8.49%, US 6.05%, Norway 6.01%,
Netherlands 4.84%, France 4.57% (2009)

Imports:

$90.83 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $84.46 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, raw materials and semimanufactures for industry, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

Germany 21.07%, Sweden 13.18%, Norway 7%, Netherlands 6.97%, China 6.22%, UK 5.53% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$76.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$559.5 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 18 $588.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$149.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $144.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$199.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $186.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2010), 5.3609 (2009), 5.0236 (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Communications ::Denmark

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.062 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 55

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.406 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 79

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent telephone and telegraph services

domestic: buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relay form trunk network, multiple cellular mobile communications systems

international: country code - 45; a series of fiber-optic submarine cables link Denmark with Canada, Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and UK; satellite earth stations - 18 (6 Intelsat, 10 Eutelsat, 1 Orion, 1 Inmarsat (Blaavand-Atlantic-East)); note - the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) share the Danish earth station and the Eik, Norway, station for worldwide Inmarsat access (2008)

Broadcast media:

strong public-sector television presence with state-owned Danmarks Radio (DR) operating 4 channels and publicly-owned TV2 operating roughly a half dozen channels; broadcasts of privately-owned stations are available via satellite and cable feed; DR operates 4 nationwide FM radio stations, 15 digital audio broadcasting stations, and about 15 web-based radio stations; approximately 250 commercial and community radio stations are operational (2007)

Internet country code:

.dk

Internet hosts:

4.145 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 22

Internet users:

4.75 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 48

Transportation ::Denmark

Airports:

92 (2010) country comparison to the world: 65

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 28

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 12

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 64

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 61 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,858 km; oil 107 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,667 km country comparison to the world: 64 standard gauge: 2,667 km 1.435-m gauge (640 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 73,197 km country comparison to the world: 64 paved: 73,197 km (includes 1,111 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

400 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 89

Merchant marine:

total: 347 country comparison to the world: 28 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 56, carrier 1, chemical tanker 104, container 87, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 40, petroleum tanker 38, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 6, specialized tanker 3

foreign-owned: 32 (Germany 10, Greece 1, Iceland 3, Norway 2, Sweden 16)

registered in other countries: 592 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Bahamas
59, Belgium 4, Brazil 3, Cyprus 6, Egypt 1, France 12, Georgia 1,
Gibraltar 6, Hong Kong 41, Isle of Man 26, Italy 4, Jamaica 1,
Liberia 4, Lithuania 8, Malaysia 1, Malta 41, Marshall Islands 7,
Mexico 2, Netherlands 36, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 11,
Panama 46, Portugal 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 19,
Singapore 125, South Africa 1, Spain 2, Sweden 15, UK 46, Uruguay 1,
US 34, Venezuela 1, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Aalborg, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Ensted, Esbjerg, Fredericia, Kalundborg

Military ::Denmark

Military branches:

Defense Command: Army Operational Command, Admiral Danish Fleet,
Arctic Command, Tactical Air Command, Home Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscripts serve an initial training period that varies from 4 to 12 months according to specialization; reservists are assigned to mobilization units following completion of their conscript service; women eligible to volunteer for military service (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,235,947

females age 16-49: 1,221,386 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,013,814

females age 16-49: 1,001,411 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 37,831

female: 35,930 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Transnational Issues ::Denmark

Disputes - international:

Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe
Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm; Faroese continue
to study proposals for full independence; sovereignty dispute with
Canada over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere
Island and Greenland

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Dhekelia (Europe)

Introduction ::Dhekelia

Background:

By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers - Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The larger of these is the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the Eastern Sovereign Base Area.

Geography ::Dhekelia

Location:

Eastern Mediterranean, on the southeast coast of Cyprus near
Famagusta

Geographic coordinates:

34 59 N, 33 45 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 130.8 sq km country comparison to the world: 222 note: area surrounds three Cypriot enclaves

Area - comparative:

about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 103 km (approximately)

border countries: Cyprus 103 km (approximately)

Coastline:

27.5 km

Climate:

temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Environment - current issues:

netting and trapping of small migrant songbirds in the spring and autumn

Geography - note:

British extraterritorial rights also extended to several small off-post sites scattered across Cyprus; of the Sovereign Base Area land 60% is privately owned and farmed, 20% is owned by the Ministry of Defense, and 20% is SBA Crown land

People ::Dhekelia

Population:

approximately 15,700 live on the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia including 7,700 Cypriots, 3,600 service and UK based contract personnel, and 4,400 dependents country comparison to the world: 220

Languages:

English, Greek

Government ::Dhekelia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Dhekelia

Dependency status:

a special form of UK overseas territory; administered by an administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus

Capital:

name: Episkopi Cantonment (base administrative center for Akrotiri and Dhekelia); located in Akrotiri

geographic coordinates: 34 40 N, 32 51 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Constitution:

Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in Council 1960, effective 16 August 1960, functions as a basic legal document

Legal system:

the Sovereign Base Area Administration has its own court system to deal with civil and criminal matters; laws applicable to the Cypriot population are, as far as possible, the same as the laws of the Republic of Cyprus

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Administrator Major General Jamie GORDON (since October 2008); note - reports to the British Ministry of Defense

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the administrator appointed by the monarch

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

the flag of the UK is used

National anthem:

note: as a United Kingdom area of special sovereignty,"God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Dhekelia

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to providing services to the military and their families located in Dhekelia. All food and manufactured goods must be imported.

Industries:

none

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008)

note: on 1 January 2008, Dhekelia and Akrotiri adopted the euro along with the rest of Cyprus

Communications ::Dhekelia

Broadcast media:

British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides multi-channel satellite TV service as well as BFBS radio broadcasts to the Dhekelia Sovereign Base (2009)

Military ::Dhekelia

Military - note:

includes Dhekelia Garrison and Ayios Nikolaos Station connected by a roadway

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Djibouti (Africa)

Introduction ::Djibouti

Background:

The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became Djibouti in 1977. Hassan Gouled APTIDON installed an authoritarian one-party state and proceeded to serve as president until 1999. Unrest among the Afars minority during the 1990s led to a civil war that ended in 2001 following the conclusion of a peace accord between Afar rebels and the Issa-dominated government. In 1999, Djibouti's first multi-party presidential elections resulted in the election of Ismail Omar GUELLEH; he was re-elected to a second term in 2005. Djibouti occupies a strategic geographic location at the mouth of the Red Sea and serves as an important transshipment location for goods entering and leaving the east African highlands. The present leadership favors close ties to France, which maintains a significant military presence in the country but also has strong ties with the US. Djibouti hosts the only US military base in sub-Saharan Africa and is a front-line state in the global war on terrorism.

Geography ::Djibouti

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between
Eritrea and Somalia

Geographic coordinates:

11 30 N, 43 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 23,200 sq km country comparison to the world: 150 land: 23,180 sq km

water: 20 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Land boundaries:

total: 516 km

border countries: Eritrea 109 km, Ethiopia 349 km, Somalia 58 km

Coastline:

314 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

desert; torrid, dry

Terrain:

coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lac Assal -155 m

highest point: Moussa Ali 2,028 m

Natural resources:

potential geothermal power, gold, clay, granite, limestone, marble, salt, diatomite, gypsum, pumice, petroleum

Land use:

arable land: 0.04%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 99.96% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.3 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.02 cu km/yr (84%/0%/16%)

per capita: 25 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes; droughts; occasional cyclonic disturbances from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floods

volcanism: Djibouti experiences limited volcanic activity; Ardoukoba (elev. 298 m, 978 ft) last erupted in 1978; Manda-Inakir, located along the Ethiopian border, is also historically active

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; limited arable land; desertification; endangered species

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia; mostly wasteland; Lac Assal (Lake Assal) is the lowest point in Africa

People ::Djibouti

Population:

740,528 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.3% (male 131,878/female 131,449)

15-64 years: 60.4% (male 194,503/female 243,495)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 10,462/female 12,835) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.4 years

male: 19.8 years

female: 22.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.181% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Birth rate:

25.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Death rate:

8.37 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Net migration rate:

4.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 20

Urbanization:

urban population: 87% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.8 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 56.65 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 39 male: 64.55 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 48.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.73 years country comparison to the world: 186 male: 58.31 years

female: 63.22 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.79 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

16,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Djiboutian(s)

adjective: Djiboutian

Ethnic groups:

Somali 60%, Afar 35%, other 5% (includes French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian)

Religions:

Muslim 94%, Christian 6%

Languages:

French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 67.9%

male: 78%

female: 58.4% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 5 years

male: 5 years

female: 4 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

8.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 8

Government ::Djibouti

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Djibouti

conventional short form: Djibouti

local long form: Republique de Djibouti/Jumhuriyat Jibuti

local short form: Djibouti/Jibuti

former: French Territory of the Afars and Issas, French Somaliland

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Djibouti

geographic coordinates: 11 35 N, 43 09 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); Ali Sabieh, Arta, Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjourah

Independence:

27 June 1977 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 June (1977)

Constitution:

approved by referendum 4 September 1992; note - constitution allows for multiparties

Legal system:

based on French civil law system, traditional practices, and Islamic law; accepts ICJ compulsory jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Dileita DILEITA (since 4 March 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; president is eligible to hold office until age 75; election last held on 8 April 2005 (next to be held by April 2011); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president; percent of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH 100%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (65 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - constitutional amendments in 2010 provided for the establishment of a senate

elections: last held on 8 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats - UMP (coalition of parties associated with President Ismail Omar GUELLAH) 65

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic National Party or PND [ADEN Robleh Awaleh]; Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Abdillahi HAMARITEH]; Djibouti Development Party or PDD [Mohamed Daoud CHEHEM]; Front pour la Restauration de l'Unite Democratique or FRUD [Ali Mohamed DAOUD]; People's Progress Assembly or RPP [Ismail Omar GUELLEH] (governing party); Peoples Social Democratic Party or PPSD [Moumin Bahdon FARAH]; Republican Alliance for Democracy or ARD [Ahmed YOUSSOUF]; Union for a Presidential Majority or UMP [Mohamed Dileita DILEITA] (a coalition of parties including RPP, FRUD, PND, and PPSD); Union for Democracy and Justice or UDJ

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Union for Presidential Majority UMP (coalition includes RPP, FRUD, PPSD and PND); Union for Democratic Changeover or UAD (opposition coalition includes ARD, MRDD, and UDJ)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Roble OLHAYE Oudine

chancery: Suite 515, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

telephone: [1] (202) 331-0270

FAX: [1] (202) 331-0302

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James C. SWAN

embassy: Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti

mailing address: B. P. 185, Djibouti

telephone: [253] 35 39 95

FAX: [253] 35 39 40

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a red five-pointed star in the center; blue stands for sea and sky and the Issa Somali people; green symbolizes earth and the Afar people; white represents peace; the red star recalls the struggle for independence and stands for unity

National anthem:

name: "Jabuuti" (Djibouti)

lyrics/music: Aden ELMI/Abdi ROBLEH

note: adopted 1977

Economy ::Djibouti

Economy - overview:

The economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in the Horn of Africa. Two-thirds of Djibouti's inhabitants live in the capital city; the remainder are mostly nomadic herders. Scanty rainfall limits crop production to fruits and vegetables, and most food must be imported. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling center. Imports and exports from landlocked neighbor Ethiopia represent 70% of port activity at Djibouti's container terminal. Djibouti has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to help support its balance of payments and to finance development projects. An unemployment rate of nearly 60% in urban areas continues to be a major problem. While inflation is not a concern, due to the fixed tie of the Djiboutian franc to the US dollar, the artificially high value of the Djiboutian franc adversely affects Djibouti's balance of payments. Per capita consumption dropped an estimated 35% between 1999 and 2006 because of recession, civil war, and a high population growth rate (including immigrants and refugees). Djibouti has experienced relatively minimal impact from the global economic downturn, but its reliance on diesel-generated electricity and imported food leave average consumers vulnerable to global price shocks.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.099 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 $2.003 billion (2009 est.)

$1.908 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.139 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 5% (2009 est.)

5.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $2,800 (2009 est.)

$2,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.2%

industry: 14.9%

services: 81.9% (2006)

Labor force:

351,700 (2007) country comparison to the world: 159

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

59% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194 note: data are for urban areas, 83% in rural areas

Population below poverty line:

42% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.4%

highest 10%: 30.9% (2002)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2009 est.) 5% country comparison to the world: 161

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 11.56% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$577.8 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 156 $462.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$940.8 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 $800.8 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$339 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 168 $269.9 million (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables; goats, sheep, camels, animal hides

Industries:

construction, agricultural processing

Electricity - production:

280 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Electricity - consumption:

260.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Oil - consumption:

12,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Oil - exports:

19 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Oil - imports:

8,476 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Current account balance:

-$352 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 -$212 million (2007 est.)

Exports:

$100 million (2009); $340 million country comparison to the world: 192

Exports - commodities:

reexports, hides and skins, coffee (in transit)

Exports - partners:

Somalia 76.68%, France 4.89%, UAE 4.22% (2009)

Imports:

$644 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 $1.555 billion (2006)

Imports - commodities:

foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 16.26%, India 16.03%, China 14.26%, US 9.57%, Malaysia 6.63%, Japan 4.74% (2009)

Debt - external:

$428 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 165

Exchange rates:

Djiboutian francs (DJF) per US dollar - 177.71 (2007), 174.75 (2006), 177.72 (2005), 177.72 (2004), 177.72 (2003)

Communications ::Djibouti

Telephones - main lines in use:

16,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 197

Telephones - mobile cellular:

128,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 179

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone facilities in the city of Djibouti are adequate, as are the microwave radio relay connections to outlying areas of the country

domestic: Djibouti Telecom is the sole provider of telecommunications services and utilizes mostly a microwave radio relay network; fiber-optic cable is installed in the capital; rural areas connected via wireless local loop radio systems; mobile cellular coverage is primarily limited to the area in and around Djibouti city

international: country code - 253; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean and 1 Arabsat); Medarabtel regional microwave radio relay telephone network (2009)

Broadcast media:

maintains restrictions on the licensing and operation of broadcast media; state-owned Radiodiffusion-Television de Djibouti (RTD) operates the sole terrestrial TV station as well as the only 2 domestic radio networks; no private TV or radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.dj

Internet hosts:

195 (2010) country comparison to the world: 196

Internet users:

25,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 184

Transportation ::Djibouti

Airports:

13 (2010) country comparison to the world: 151

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Railways:

total: 100 km (Djibouti segment of the 781 km Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway) country comparison to the world: 126 narrow gauge: 100 km 1.000-m gauge

note: railway is under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia but is largely inoperable (2008)

Roadways:

total: 3,065 km country comparison to the world: 164 paved: 1,226 km

unpaved: 1,839 km (2000)

Ports and terminals:

Djibouti

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports offshore waters in the Gulf of Aden are high risk for piracy; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers, and cargo are held for ransom

Military ::Djibouti

Military branches:

Djibouti National Army (includes Navy and Air Force)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; 16-25 years of age for voluntary military training; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 165,000

females age 16-49: 213,894 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 110,441

females age 16-49: 147,939 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 8,260

female: 8,503 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 30

Transnational Issues ::Djibouti

Disputes - international:

Djibouti maintains economic ties and border accords with "Somaliland" leadership while maintaining some political ties to various factions in Somalia; Kuwait is chief investor in the 2008 restoration and upgrade of the Ethiopian-Djibouti rail link; in 2008, Eritrean troops move across the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupy Doumera Island with undefined sovereignty in the Red Sea

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 8,642 (Somalia) (2007)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Dominica (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Dominica

Background:

Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.

Geography ::Dominica

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, about half way between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

15 25 N, 61 20 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 751 sq km country comparison to the world: 188 land: 751 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

148 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall

Terrain:

rugged mountains of volcanic origin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Morne Diablotins 1,447 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 6.67%

permanent crops: 21.33%

other: 72% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

NA

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.02 cu km/yr

per capita: 213 cu m/yr (1996)

Natural hazards:

flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in the world

People ::Dominica

Population:

72,813 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24% (male 8,910/female 8,518)

15-64 years: 65.8% (male 24,532/female 23,301)

65 years and over: 10.2% (male 3,187/female 4,212) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.3 years

male: 29.8 years

female: 30.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.213% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Birth rate:

15.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Death rate:

8.12 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Net migration rate:

-5.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Urbanization:

urban population: 74% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.2 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 132 male: 17.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.77 years country comparison to the world: 76 male: 72.82 years

female: 78.87 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.08 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Dominican(s)

adjective: Dominican

Ethnic groups:

black 86.8%, mixed 8.9%, Carib Amerindian 2.9%, white 0.8%, other 0.7% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 61.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 6%, Pentecostal 5.6%,
Baptist 4.1%, Methodist 3.7%, Church of God 1.2%, Jehovah's
Witnesses 1.2%, other Christian 7.7%, Rastafarian 1.3%, other or
unspecified 1.6%, none 6.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 94%

male: 94%

female: 94% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 79

Government ::Dominica

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Dominica

conventional short form: Dominica

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Roseau

geographic coordinates: 15 18 N, 61 24 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter

Independence:

3 November 1978 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 November (1978)

Constitution:

3 November 1978

Legal system:

based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicholas J. O. LIVERPOOL (since October 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8 January 2004)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the House of Assembly for a five-year term; election last held on 1 October 2003 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Nicholas LIVERPOOL consented to a second term in 2008 at the request of the prime minister and leader of the opposition

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (30 seats; 9 members appointed, 21 elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 18 December 2009 (next to be held in 2015); note - tradition dictates that the election will be held within five years of the last election, but technically it is five years from the first seating of parliament (12 May 2005) plus a 90-day grace period

election results: percent of vote by party - DLP 61.2%, UWP 34.9%; seats by party - DLP 18, UWP 3

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the Court of Appeal and the High Court (located in Saint Lucia; one of the six judges must reside in Dominica and preside over the Court of Summary Jurisdiction)

Political parties and leaders:

Dominica Freedom Party or DFP [Charles SAVARIN]; Dominica Labor
Party or DLP [Roosevelt SKERRIT]; Dominica United Workers Party or
UWP [Earl WILLIAMS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Dominica Liberation Movement or DLM (a small leftist party)

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hubert J. CHARLES

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781

FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica

Flag description:

green, with a centered cross of three equal bands - the vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and the horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a Sisserou Parrot, unique to Dominica, encircled by 10 green, five-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10 stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes); green symbolizes the island's lush vegetation; the triple-colored cross represents the Christian Trinity; the yellow color denotes sunshine, the main agricultural products (citrus and bananas), and the native Carib Indians; black is for the rich soil and the African heritage of most citizens; white signifies rivers, waterfalls, and the purity of aspirations; the red disc stands for social justice

National anthem:

name: "Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendor"

lyrics/music: Wilfred Oscar Morgan POND/Lemuel McPherson CHRISTIAN

note: adopted 1967

Economy ::Dominica

Economy - overview:

The Dominican economy has been dependent on agriculture - primarily bananas - in years past, but increasingly has been driven by tourism as the government seeks to promote Dominica as an "ecotourism" destination. In order to diversify the island's production base, the government also is attempting to develop an offshore financial sector and has signed an agreement with the EU to develop geothermal energy resources. In 2003, the government began a comprehensive restructuring of the economy - including elimination of price controls, privatization of the state banana company, and tax increases - to address an economic and financial crisis and to meet IMF requirements. This restructuring paved the way for an economic recovery - real growth for 2006 reached a two-decade high - and helped to reduce the debt burden, which remains at about 85% of GDP. Hurricane Dean struck the island in August 2007 causing damages equivalent to 20% of GDP. In 2009, growth slowed as a result of the global recession; it picked up only slightly in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$765.4 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209 $754.8 million (2009 est.)

$757.1 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$375 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 -0.3% (2009 est.)

3.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $10,400 (2009 est.)

$10,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17.7%

industry: 32.8%

services: 49.5% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

25,000 (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 40%

industry: 32%

services: 28% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

23% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Population below poverty line:

30% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

78% of GDP (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 85% of GDP (2006 est.) (2006 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.1% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 2.7% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 61 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.02% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 9.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$74.84 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 183 $67.94 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$398.5 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 176 $362 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$213.6 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 $193.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, citrus, mangos, root crops, coconuts, cocoa

note: forest and fishery potential not exploited

Industries:

soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks, shoes

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

85 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Electricity - consumption:

79.05 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Oil - imports:

838 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Current account balance:

-$72 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Exports:

$94 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 194

Exports - commodities:

bananas, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, oranges

Exports - partners:

Japan 28.62%, UK 19.81%, Antigua and Barbuda 7.7%, Guyana 6.52%,
Jamaica 5.4%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$296 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 196

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Japan 31.29%, US 19.73%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.8%, China 11.58% (2009)

Debt - external:

$213 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 174

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Dominica

Telephones - main lines in use:

17,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 196

Telephones - mobile cellular:

106,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 184

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully automatic network

domestic: Fixed-line teledensity is roughly 25 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity approached 150 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 1-767; landing points for the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and the Global Caribbean Network (GCN) submarine cables providing connectivity to other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; microwave radio relay and SHF radiotelephone links to Martinique and Guadeloupe; VHF and UHF radiotelephone links to Saint Lucia

Broadcast media:

no terrestrial television service available; subscription cable TV provider offers some locally produced programming plus channels from the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean; state-operated radio broadcasts on 6 stations; privately-owned radio broadcasts on about 15 stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.dm

Internet hosts:

718 (2010) country comparison to the world: 174

Internet users:

28,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 182

Transportation ::Dominica

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 208

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 780 km country comparison to the world: 187 paved: 393 km

unpaved: 387 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 40 country comparison to the world: 78 by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 20, chemical tanker 2, petroleum tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 37 (Australia 1, Estonia 6, Germany 2, Greece 9, India 2, Latvia 1, Norway 1, Russia 6, Saudi Arabia 3, Singapore 1, Syria 2, Turkey 1, Ukraine 2)

registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Portsmouth, Roseau

Military ::Dominica

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (includes Coast Guard) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 18,975 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,963

females age 16-49: 15,426 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 729

female: 688 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Dominica

Disputes - international:

Dominica is the only Caribbean state to challenge Venezuela's sovereignty claim over Aves Island and joins the other island nations in challenging whether the feature sustains human habitation, a criterion under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which permits Venezuela to extend its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf claims over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe; minor cannabis producer (2008)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Dominican Republic (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Dominican Republic

Background:

Explored and claimed by Christopher COLUMBUS on his first voyage in 1492, the island of Hispaniola became a springboard for Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and the American mainland. In 1697, Spain recognized French dominion over the western third of the island, which in 1804 became Haiti. The remainder of the island, by then known as Santo Domingo, sought to gain its own independence in 1821 but was conquered and ruled by the Haitians for 22 years; it finally attained independence as the Dominican Republic in 1844. In 1861, the Dominicans voluntarily returned to the Spanish Empire, but two years later they launched a war that restored independence in 1865. A legacy of unsettled, mostly non-representative rule followed, capped by the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas TRUJILLO from 1930-61. Juan BOSCH was elected president in 1962 but was deposed in a military coup in 1963. In 1965, the United States led an intervention in the midst of a civil war sparked by an uprising to restore BOSCH. In 1966, Joaquin BALAGUER defeated BOSCH in an election to become president. BALAGUER maintained a tight grip on power for most of the next 30 years when international reaction to flawed elections forced him to curtail his term in 1996. Since then, regular competitive elections have been held in which opposition candidates have won the presidency. Former President (1996-2000) Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna won election to a new term in 2004 following a constitutional amendment allowing presidents to serve more than one term, and was since reelected to a second consecutive term.

Geography ::Dominican Republic

Location:

Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti

Geographic coordinates:

19 00 N, 70 40 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 48,670 sq km country comparison to the world: 131 land: 48,320 sq km

water: 350 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire

Land boundaries:

total: 360 km

border countries: Haiti 360 km

Coastline:

1,288 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines

territorial sea: 6 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall

Terrain:

rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m

highest point: Pico Duarte 3,175 m

Natural resources:

nickel, bauxite, gold, silver

Land use:

arable land: 22.49%

permanent crops: 10.26%

other: 67.25% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,750 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

21 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.39 cu km/yr (32%/2%/66%)

per capita: 381 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

water shortages; soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti

People ::Dominican Republic

Population:

9,823,821 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.4% (male 1,543,141/female 1,488,016)

15-64 years: 62.7% (male 3,087,351/female 2,960,319)

65 years and over: 5.9% (male 264,476/female 306,751) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.8 years

male: 25.6 years

female: 26 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.357% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Birth rate:

19.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Death rate:

4.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Net migration rate:

-2.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Urbanization:

urban population: 69% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 23.1 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 90 male: 25.11 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.15 years country comparison to the world: 60 male: 75.01 years

female: 79.38 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.47 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

62,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Dominican(s)

adjective: Dominican

Ethnic groups:

mixed 73%, white 16%, black 11%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%

Languages:

Spanish (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 87%

male: 86.8%

female: 87.2% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 11 years

female: 13 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

2.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 165

Government ::Dominican Republic

Country name:

conventional long form: Dominican Republic

conventional short form: The Dominican

local long form: Republica Dominicana

local short form: La Dominicana

Government type:

democratic republic

Capital:

name: Santo Domingo

geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 69 54 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

31 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 district*
(distrito); Azua, Bahoruco, Barahona, Dajabon, Distrito Nacional*,
Duarte, El Seibo, Elias Pina, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Independencia,
La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria Trinidad Sanchez, Monsenor
Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata,
Salcedo, Samana, San Cristobal, San Jose de Ocoa, San Juan, San
Pedro de Macoris, Sanchez Ramirez, Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez,
Santo Domingo, Valverde

Independence:

27 February 1844 (from Haiti)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 February (1844)

Constitution:

28 November 1966; amended 25 July 2002 and January 2010

Legal system:

based on French civil codes; Criminal Procedures Code modified in 2004 to include important elements of an accusatory system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal and compulsory; married persons regardless of age; note - members of the armed forces and national police cannot vote

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16 August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro (since 16 August 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16 August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro (since 16 August 2004)

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held on 16 May 2008 (next to be held in May 2012)

election results: Leonel FERNANDEZ reelected president; percent of vote - Leonel FERNANDEZ 53.6%, Miguel VARGAS 41%, Amable ARISTY less than 5%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate or Senado (32 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Camara de Diputados (178 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 16 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2014); House of Representatives - last held on 16 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PLD 31, PRD 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PLD 105, PRD 75, PRSC 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are appointed by the National Judicial Council comprised of the president, the leaders of both chambers of congress, the president of the Supreme Court, and an additional non-governing party congressional representative)

Political parties and leaders:

Dominican Liberation Party or PLD [Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna];
Dominican Revolutionary Party or PRD [Ramon ALBURQUERQUE]; National
Progressive Front [Vincent CASTILLO, Pelegrin CASTILLO]; Social
Christian Reformist Party or PRSC [Enrique ANTUN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Citizen Participation Group (Participacion Ciudadania); Collective of Popular Organizations or COP; Foundation for Institution-Building and Justice (FINJUS)

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, BCIE, Caricom (observer), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES,
LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG,
SICA (associated member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Roberto B. SALADIN Selin

chancery: 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-6280

FAX: [1] (202) 265-8057

consulate(s) general: Anchorage, Boston, Chicago, Mayaguez (Puerto Rico), Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Sun Valley (California)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Raul H. YZAGUIRRE

embassy: corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo Navarro, Santo Domingo

mailing address: Unit 5500, APO AA 34041-5500

telephone: [1] (809) 221-2171

FAX: [1] (809) 686-7437

Flag description:

a centered white cross that extends to the edges divides the flag into four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist side) and red, and the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a small coat of arms featuring a shield supported by a laurel branch (left) and a palm branch (right) is at the center of the cross; above the shield a blue ribbon displays the motto, DIOS, PATRIA, LIBERTAD (God, Fatherland, Liberty), and below the shield, REPUBLICA DOMINICANA appears on a red ribbon; in the shield a bible is opened to a verse that reads "Y la verdad nos hara libre" (And the truth shall set you free); blue stands for liberty, white for salvation, and red for the blood of heroes

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional" (National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Emilio PRUD"HOMME/Jose REYES

note: adopted 1934; also known as "Quisqueyanos valientes" (Valient Sons of Quisqueye); the anthem never refers to the people as Dominican but rather calls them "Quisqueyanos," a reference to the indigenous name of the island

Economy ::Dominican Republic

Economy - overview:

The Dominican Republic has long been viewed primarily as an exporter of sugar, coffee, and tobacco, but in recent years the service sector has overtaken agriculture as the economy's largest employer, due to growth in tourism and free trade zones. The economy is highly dependent upon the US, the destination for nearly 60% of exports. Remittances from the US amount to about a tenth of GDP, equivalent to almost half of exports and three-quarters of tourism receipts. The country suffers from marked income inequality; the poorest half of the population receives less than one-fifth of GDP, while the richest 10% enjoys nearly 40% of GDP. High unemployment and underemployment remains an important long-term challenge. The Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) came into force in March 2007, boosting investment and exports and reducing losses to the Asian garment industry. The growth of the Dominican Republic's economy slowed in 2008-09 because of the global recession, but still remained one of the fastest growing in the region.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$84.94 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $81.52 billion (2009 est.)

$78.76 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$50.87 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 3.5% (2009 est.)

5.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $8,400 (2009 est.)

$8,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11.5%

industry: 21%

services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.498 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 14.6%

industry: 22.3%

services: 63.1% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 14.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

42.2% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.5%

highest 10%: 38.7% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

49.9 (2005) country comparison to the world: 25 47.4 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Public debt:

41.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 40.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 1.4% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18.14% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 19.95% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.734 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 93 $4.079 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$15.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$21.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $18.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef, eggs

Industries:

tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Electricity - production:

14.02 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Electricity - consumption:

12.7 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - consumption:

118,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Oil - imports:

116,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - consumption:

470 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Natural gas - imports:

470 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Current account balance:

-$3.862 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 -$2.328 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$6.161 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $5.462 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

ferronickel, sugar, gold, silver, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, meats, consumer goods

Exports - partners:

US 54.08%, Haiti 9.78% (2009)

Imports:

$14.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $12.28 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

US 42.79%, Venezuela 7.04%, Mexico 6.17%, Colombia 5.59% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.705 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $2.905 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$13.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $11.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$19.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $17.95 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$59 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Dominican pesos (DOP) per US dollar - 36.92 (2010), 36.027 (2009), 34.775 (2008), 33.113 (2007), 33.406 (2006)

Communications ::Dominican Republic

Telephones - main lines in use:

965,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 80

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8.63 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 71

Telephone system:

general assessment: relatively efficient system based on island-wide microwave radio relay network

domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 10 per 100 persons; multiple providers of mobile-cellular service with a subscribership of roughly 75 per 100 persons

international: country code - 1-809; landing point for the Americas
Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), Antillas 1, and the
Fibralink submarine cables that provide links to South and Central
America, parts of the Caribbean, and US; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

combination of state-owned and privately-owned broadcast media; 1 state-owned television network and a number of private TV networks; networks operate repeaters to extend signals throughout country; combination of state-owned and privately-owned radio stations; more than 300 radio stations operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.do

Internet hosts:

283,298 (2010) country comparison to the world: 60

Internet users:

2.701 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 68

Transportation ::Dominican Republic

Airports:

35 (2010) country comparison to the world: 110

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,784 km country comparison to the world: 77 standard gauge: 375 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 1,409 km 1.076-m, 0.889-m, and 0.762-m gauges

note: 1,226 km operated by sugar companies in 1.076 m, 0.889 m, and 0.762-m gauges (2008)

Roadways:

total: 19,705 km country comparison to the world: 110 paved: 9,872 km

unpaved: 9,833 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 161 by type: cargo 1

registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Andres (Boca Chica), Puerto Haina, Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo

Military ::Dominican Republic

Military branches:

Army, Navy (Marina de Guerra), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Dominicana,
FAD) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16-21 years of age for compulsory military service; recruits must be Dominican Republic citizens; women may volunteer (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,514,160

females age 16-49: 2,395,804 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,090,785

females age 16-49: 1,957,233 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 98,394

female: 94,576 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 154

Transnational Issues ::Dominican Republic

Disputes - international:

Haitian migrants cross the porous border into the Dominican Republic to find work; illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic cross the Mona Passage each year to Puerto Rico to find better work

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: the Dominican Republic is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; a large number of Dominican women are trafficked into prostitution and sexual exploitation in Western Europe, Australia, Central and South America, and Caribbean destinations; a significant number of women, boys, and girls are trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude

tier rating: Tier 3 - for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in terms of not adequately investigating and prosecuting public officials who may be complicit with trafficking activity, and inadequate government efforts to protect trafficking victims; the government has taken measures to reduce demand for commercial sex acts with children through criminal prosecutions (2008)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; has become a transshipment point for ecstasy from the Netherlands and Belgium destined for US and Canada; substantial money laundering activity in particular by Colombian narcotics traffickers; significant amphetamine consumption (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Ecuador (South America)

Introduction ::Ecuador

Background:

What is now Ecuador formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish conquest in 1533. Quito became a seat of Spanish colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty - New Granada (Colombia), Venezuela, and Quito - gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a federation known as Gran Colombia. When Quito withdrew in 1830, the traditional name was changed in favor of the "Republic of the Equator." Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although Ecuador marked 30 years of civilian governance in 2004, the period has been marred by political instability. Protests in Quito contributed to the mid-term ouster of three of Ecuador's last four democratically elected Presidents. In September 2008, voters approved a new constitution; Ecuador's twentieth since gaining independence. General elections, under the new constitutional framework, were held in April 2009, and voters re-elected President Rafael CORREA.

Geography ::Ecuador

Location:

Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru

Geographic coordinates:

2 00 S, 77 30 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 283,561 sq km country comparison to the world: 73 land: 276,841 sq km

water: 6,720 sq km

note: includes Galapagos Islands

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Nevada

Land boundaries:

total: 2,010 km

border countries: Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km

Coastline:

2,237 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

continental shelf: 100 nm from 2,500-m isobath

Climate:

tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

Terrain:

coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Chimborazo 6,267 m

note: due to the fact that the earth is not a perfect sphere and has an equatorial bulge, the highest point on the planet furthest from its center is Mount Chimborazo not Mount Everest, which is merely the highest peak above sea-level

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 5.71%

permanent crops: 4.81%

other: 89.48% (2005)

Irrigated land:

8,650 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

432 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 16.98 cu km/yr (12%/5%/82%)

per capita: 1,283 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent earthquakes; landslides; volcanic activity; floods; periodic droughts

volcanism: Ecuador experiences volcanic activity in the Andes Mountains; Sangay (elev. 5,230 m, 17,159 ft), which erupted in 2010, is mainland Ecuador's most active volcano; other historically active volcanoes in the Andes include Antisana, Cayambe, Chacana, Cotopaxi, Guagua Pichincha, Reventador, Sumaco, and Tungurahua; Fernandina (elev. 1,476 m, 4,842 ft), a shield volcano that last erupted in 2009, is the most active of the many Galapagos volcanoes; other historically active Galapagos volcanoes include Wolf, Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul, Pinta, Marchena, and Santiago

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically sensitive areas of the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world

People ::Ecuador

Population:

14,790,608 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.1% (male 2,312,610/female 2,220,378)

15-64 years: 62.7% (male 4,506,908/female 4,636,703)

65 years and over: 6.2% (male 432,144/female 464,358) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.3 years

male: 24.7 years

female: 25.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.466% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Birth rate:

20.32 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Death rate:

5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Net migration rate:

-0.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Urbanization:

urban population: 66% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.26 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 100 male: 23.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.52 years country comparison to the world: 81 male: 72.58 years

female: 78.6 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.46 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

26,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,400 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Ecuadorian(s)

adjective: Ecuadorian

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, black 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%

Languages:

Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91%

male: 92.3%

female: 89.7% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

1% of GDP (2001) country comparison to the world: 182

Government ::Ecuador

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Ecuador

conventional short form: Ecuador

local long form: Republica del Ecuador

local short form: Ecuador

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Quito

geographic coordinates: 0 13 S, 78 30 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

24 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay, Bolivar,
Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos,
Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo,
Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los
Tsachilas, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe

Independence:

24 May 1822 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)

Constitution:

20 October 2008

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal, compulsory for persons ages 18-65, optional for other eligible voters

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15 January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15 January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year term and can be re-elected for another consecutive term; election last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: President Rafael CORREA Delgado reelected president; percent of vote - Rafael CORREA Delgado 52%; Lucio GUTIERREZ 28.2%; Alvaro NOBOA 11.4%; other 8.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (124 seats; members are elected through a party-list proportional representation system to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PAIS 59, PSP 19, PSC 11, PRIAN 7, MPD 5, PRE 3, other 20; note - defections by members of National Assembly are commonplace, resulting in frequent changes in the numbers of seats held by the various parties

Judicial branch:

National Court of Justice or Corte Nacional de Justicia (according to the Constitution, justices are elected through a procedure overseen by the Judiciary Council); Constitutional Court or Corte Constitucional (Constitutional Court justices are appointed by a commission composed of two delegates each from the Executive, Legislative, and Transparency branches of government)

Political parties and leaders:

Alianza PAIS movement [Rafael Vicente CORREA Delgado]; Christian
Democratic Union or UDC [Luis ACOSTA Moreta]; Democratic Left or ID
[Dalton BACIGALUPO]; Ethical and Democratic Network or RED [Martha
ROLDOS]; Institutional Renewal and National Action Party or PRIAN
[Vicente TAIANO]; Pachakutik Plurinational Unity Movement - New
Country or MUPP-NP [Jorge GUAMAN Coronel]; Patriotic Society Party
or PSP [Lucio GUTIERREZ Borbua]; Popular Democratic Movement or MPD
[Luis VILLACIS]; Roldosist Party or PRE [Abdala BUCARAM Pulley,
director]; Social Christian Party or PSC [Pascual DEL CIOPPO];
Socialist Party - Broad Front or PS-FA [Silvia SALGADO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador or CONAIE
[Marlon SANTI, president]; Coordinator of Social Movements or CMS
[F. Napoleon SALTOS]; Federation of Indigenous Evangelists of
Ecuador or FEINE [Manuel CHUGCHILAN, president]; National Federation
of Indigenous Afro-Ecuatorianos and Peasants or FENOCIN [Luis
Alberto ANDRANGO Cadena, president]

International organization participation:

CAN, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH,
NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Luis Benigno GALLEGOS Chiriboga

chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200

FAX: [1] (202) 667-3482

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Newark (New Jersey), San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Heather HODGES

embassy: Avenida Avigiras E12-170 y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito

mailing address: Avenida Guayacanes N52-205 y Avenida Avigiras

telephone: [593] (2) 398-5000

FAX: [593] (2) 398-5100

consulate(s) general: Guayaquil

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue, and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of Gran Columbia, the South American republic that broke up in 1830; the yellow color represents sunshine, grain, and mineral wealth, blue the sky, sea, and rivers, and red the blood of patriots spilled in the struggle for freedom and justice

note: similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not bear a coat of arms

National anthem:

name: "Salve, Oh Patria!" (We Salute You Our Homeland)

lyrics/music: Juan Leon MERA/Antonio NEUMANE

note: adopted 1948; Juan Leon MERA wrote the lyrics in 1865; only the chorus and second verse are sung

Economy ::Ecuador

Economy - overview:

Ecuador is substantially dependent on its petroleum resources, which have accounted for more than half of the country's export earnings and one-fourth of public sector revenues in recent years. In 1999/2000, Ecuador suffered a severe economic crisis, with GDP contracting by more than 6%. Poverty increased significantly, the banking system collapsed, and Ecuador defaulted on its external debt later that year. In March 2000, the Congress approved a series of structural reforms that also provided for the adoption of the US dollar as legal tender. Dollarization stabilized the economy, and positive growth returned in the years that followed, helped by high oil prices, remittances, and increased non-traditional exports. From 2002-06 the economy grew 5.5%, the highest five-year average in 25 years. After moderate growth in 2007, the economy reached a growth rate of 7.2% in 2008, in large part due to high global petroleum prices. President Rafael CORREA, who took office in January 2007, defaulted on Ecuador's sovereign debt in December 2008, refusing to make payment on $3.2 billion in international bonds, representing over 80% of Ecuador's private external debt. Economic policies under the CORREA administration - including an announcement in late 2009 terminating 13 bilateral investment treaties - have generated economic uncertainty and discouraged private investment. The Ecuadorian economy slowed to 0.4% growth in 2009 due to the global financial crisis, and the sharp decline in world oil prices and remittance flows, but picked up to a 2.4% growth rate in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$114.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $112 billion (2009 est.)

$111.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$61.49 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 0.4% (2009 est.)

7.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 $7,700 (2009 est.)

$7,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.8%

industry: 32.9%

services: 60.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.59 million (urban) (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 8.3%

industry: 21.2%

services: 70.4% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 8.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

35.1% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.2%

highest 10%: 43.3%

note: data for urban households only (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

47.9 (2009) country comparison to the world: 31 50.5 (2006)

note: data are for urban households

Investment (gross fixed):

23.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Public debt:

23.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 19.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 8.4% (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9.19% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 50 9.14% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

19% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 102 9.14% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.198 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 83 $5.201 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$18.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $15.47 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$14.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $12.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.248 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 83 $4.562 billion (31 December 2008)

$4.266 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca), plantains, sugarcane; cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy products; balsa wood; fish, shrimp

Industries:

petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, chemicals

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Electricity - production:

16.42 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Electricity - consumption:

15.81 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Electricity - exports:

20.68 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.12 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

485,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Oil - consumption:

181,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Oil - exports:

327,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Oil - imports:

54,190 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Oil - proved reserves:

6.542 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Natural gas - production:

260 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Natural gas - consumption:

260 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Natural gas - proved reserves:

7.985 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Current account balance:

-$692 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 -$337.4 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$17.37 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $14.35 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, bananas, cut flowers, shrimp, cacao, coffee, hemp, wood, fish

Exports - partners:

US 33.5%, Peru 6.8%, Chile 6.5%, Columbia 4.9%, Colombia 4.58%,
Russia 4.11% (2009)

Imports:

$17.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $14.27 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

industrial materials, fuels and lubricants, nondurable consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 25.4%, Columbia 10.6%, Venezuela 6.5%, Brazil 4.5%, Brazil 4.35% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.59 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $3.792 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$14.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $13.48 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$12.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $11.95 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$8.019 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

1 (2010), 1 (2009)

note: the US dollar is legal tender

Communications ::Ecuador

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.004 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 56

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13.635 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 52

Telephone system:

general assessment: generally elementary but being expanded

domestic: fixed-line services provided by multiple telecommunications operators; fixed-line teledensity stands at about 14 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular use has surged and subscribership reached about 95 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 593; landing points for the PAN-AM and South America-1 submarine cables that provide links to the west coast of South America, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and extending onward to Aruba and the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

private broadcast media dominate; all stations are privately-owned except for 1 government-controlled station; multiple television networks, a number of national TV channels, and a large number of local channels; more than 400 radio stations; broadcast media required by law to give the government free air time to broadcast programs produced by the state (2007)

Internet country code:

.ec

Internet hosts:

67,975 (2010) country comparison to the world: 82

Internet users:

3.352 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 64

Transportation ::Ecuador

Airports:

428 (2010) country comparison to the world: 18

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 105

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 25

under 914 m: 55 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 323

914 to 1,523 m: 39

under 914 m: 284 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

extra heavy crude 435 km; gas 5 km; oil 1,374 km; refined products 1,301 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 965 km country comparison to the world: 91 narrow gauge: 965 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 43,670 km country comparison to the world: 86 paved: 6,472 km

unpaved: 37,198 km (2006)

Waterways:

1,500 km (most inaccessible) (2010) country comparison to the world: 54

Merchant marine:

total: 41 country comparison to the world: 76 by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 3, liquefied gas 1, passenger 9, petroleum tanker 26, refrigerated cargo 1

registered in other countries: 7 (Bolivia 1, Panama 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Manta, Puerto Bolivar

Military ::Ecuador

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes Naval Infantry, Naval Aviation, Coast Guard),
Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana, FAE) (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for selective conscript military service; 12-month service obligation (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,662,176

females age 16-49: 3,781,102 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,770,465

females age 16-49: 3,217,235 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 150,296

female: 145,184 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 138

Transnational Issues ::Ecuador

Disputes - international:

organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia penetrate across Ecuador's shared border, which thousands of Colombians also cross to escape the violence in their home country

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 11,526 (Colombia); note - UNHCR estimates as many as 250,000 Columbians are seeking asylum in Ecuador, many of whom do not register as refugees for fear of deportation (2007)

Illicit drugs:

significant transit country for cocaine originating in Colombia and Peru, with much of the US-bound cocaine passing through Ecuadorian Pacific waters; importer of precursor chemicals used in production of illicit narcotics; attractive location for cash-placement by drug traffickers laundering money because of dollarization and weak anti-money-laundering regime; increased activity on the northern frontier by trafficking groups and Colombian insurgents (2008)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Egypt (Africa)

Introduction ::Egypt

Background:

The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Following the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in 1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty with the overthrow of the British-backed monarchy in 1952. The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered the time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The government has struggled to meet the demands of Egypt's growing population through economic reform and massive investment in communications and physical infrastructure.

Geography ::Egypt

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula

Geographic coordinates:

27 00 N, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,001,450 sq km country comparison to the world: 30 land: 995,450 sq km

water: 6,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,665 km

border countries: Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 266 km, Libya 1,115 km, Sudan 1,273 km

Coastline:

2,450 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

Terrain:

vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m

highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, rare earth elements, zinc

Land use:

arable land: 2.92%

permanent crops: 0.5%

other: 96.58% (2005)

Irrigated land:

34,220 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

86.8 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 68.3 cu km/yr (8%/6%/86%)

per capita: 923 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; frequent earthquakes; flash floods; landslides; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring; dust storms; sandstorms

Environment - current issues:

agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands; increasing soil salination below Aswan High Dam; desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural pesticides, raw sewage, and industrial effluents; limited natural fresh water resources away from the Nile, which is the only perennial water source; rapid growth in population overstraining the Nile and natural resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, a sea link between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; size, and juxtaposition to Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics; dependence on upstream neighbors; dominance of Nile basin issues; prone to influxes of refugees

People ::Egypt

Population:

80,471,869 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33% (male 13,308,407/female 12,711,900)

15-64 years: 62.7% (male 25,138,546/female 24,342,230)

65 years and over: 4.3% (male 1,546,774/female 1,818,778) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24 years

male: 23.8 years

female: 24.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.997% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Birth rate:

25.02 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Death rate:

4.85 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Net migration rate:

-0.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Urbanization:

urban population: 43% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.2 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 82 male: 27.84 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 24.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.4 years country comparison to the world: 122 male: 69.82 years

female: 75.1 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.01 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: Rift Valley fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Egyptian(s)

adjective: Egyptian

Ethnic groups:

Egyptian 99.6%, other 0.4% (2006 census)

Religions:

Muslim (mostly Sunni) 90%, Coptic 9%, other Christian 1%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 71.4%

male: 83%

female: 59.4% (2005 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 113

Government ::Egypt

Country name:

conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt

conventional short form: Egypt

local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah

local short form: Misr

former: United Arab Republic (with Syria)

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Cairo

geographic coordinates: 30 03 N, 31 15 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in April; ends first Friday in August

Administrative divisions:

29 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat); Ad Daqahliyah, Al
Bahr al Ahmar (Red Sea), Al Buhayrah (El Beheira), Al Fayyum (El
Faiyum), Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah (Alexandria), Al Isma'iliyah
(Ismailia), Al Jizah (Giza), Al Minufiyah (El Monofia), Al Minya, Al
Qahirah (Cairo), Al Qalyubiyah, Al Uqsur, Al Wadi al Jadid (New
Valley), As Suways (Suez), Ash Sharqiyah, Aswan, Asyut, Bani Suwayf
(Beni Suef), Bur Sa'id (Port Said), Dumyat (Damietta), Helwan, Janub
Sina' (South Sinai), Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh (Western Desert), Qina
(Qena), Shamal Sina' (North Sinai), Sittah Uktubar, Suhaj (Sohag)

Independence:

28 February 1922 (from UK protectorate status; the revolution that began 23 July 1952 led to a republic being declared on 18 June 1953 and all British troops withdrawn 18 June 1956); note - it was in ca. 3200 B.C. that the Two Lands of Upper (southern) and Lower (northern) Egypt were first united politically

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 23 July (1952)

Constitution:

11 September 1971; amended 22 May 1980, 25 May 2005, and 26 March 2007

Legal system:

based on Islamic and civil law (particularly Napoleonic codes); judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14 October 1981)

head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed NAZIF (since 9 July 2004)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (no term limits); note - a national referendum in May 2005 approved a constitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to a multicandidate popular vote; previously the president was nominated by the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by a national, popular referendum; last referendum held on 26 September 1999; first election under terms of the constitutional amendment held on 7 September 2005 (next scheduled for 2011)

election results: Hosni MUBARAK reelected president; percent of vote - Hosni MUBARAK 88.6%, Ayman NOUR 7.6%, Noman GOMAA 2.9%

Legislative branch:

bicameral system consists of the Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (Shura Council) that traditionally functions only in a consultative role (264 seats; 176 members elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the president; members serve six-year terms; mid-term elections for half of the elected members) and the People's Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (518 seats; 508 members elected by popular vote, 64 seats reserved for women, 10 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms)

elections: Advisory Council - last held in June 2007 (next to be held in 2013); People's Assembly - last held in November-December 2010 in one round of voting and one run-off election (next to be held in 2015)

election results: Advisory Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDP 80, Al-Geel 1, Nasserist 1, NWP 1, Tagammu 1, Tomorrow Party 1, independents 3; People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDP 419, NWP 6, Tagammu 5, Democratic Peace Party 1, Social Justice Party 1, Tomorrow Party 1, independents 71, seats undecided 4, seats appointed by president 10

Judicial branch:

Supreme Constitutional Court

Political parties and leaders:

Al-Geel; Democratic Peace Party; Nasserist Party [Ahmed HASSAN];
National Democratic Party or NDP (governing party) [Mohamed Hosni
MUBARAK]; National Progressive Unionist Grouping or Tagammu [Rifaat
EL-SAID]; New Wafd Party or NWP [Sayed EL-BEDAWY]; Social Justice
Party [Mohamed Abdel Al HASAN]; Tomorrow Party [Ayman NOURI]

note: formation of political parties must be approved by the government; only parties with representation in elected bodies are listed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Muslim Brotherhood (technically illegal)

note: despite a constitutional ban against religious-based parties and political activity, the technically illegal Muslim Brotherhood constitutes Egypt's most potentially significant political opposition; President MUBARAK has alternated between tolerating limited political activity by the Brotherhood and blocking its influence (its members compete as independents in elections but do not currently hold any seats in the legislature); civic society groups are sanctioned, but constrained in practical terms; only trade unions and professional associations affiliated with the government are officially sanctioned; Internet social networking groups and bloggers

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CICA, COMESA,
D-8, EBRD, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA,
IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS
(observer), OIC, OIF, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sameh Hassan SHOUKRY

chancery: 3521 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 895-5400

FAX: [1] (202) 244-4319

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Margaret SCOBEY

embassy: 8 Kamal El Din Salah St., Garden City, Cairo

mailing address: Unit 64900, Box 15, APO AE 09839-4900; 5 Tawfik Diab Street, Garden City, Cairo

telephone: [20] (2) 2797-3300

FAX: [20] (2) 2797-3200

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; the national emblem (a gold Eagle of Saladin facing the hoist side with a shield superimposed on its chest above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white)

note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars in the white band, Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the white band, and Yemen, which has a plain white band

National anthem:

name: "Bilady, Bilady, Bilady" (My Homeland, My Homeland, My Homeland)

lyrics/music: Younis-al QADI/Sayed DARWISH

note: adopted 1979; after the signing of the 1979 peace with Israel, Egypt sought to create an anthem less militaristic than its previous one; Sayed DARWISH, commonly considered the father of modern Egyptian music, composed the anthem

Economy ::Egypt

Economy - overview:

Occupying the northeast corner of the African continent, Egypt is bisected by the highly fertile Nile valley, where most economic activity takes place. Egypt's economy was highly centralized during the rule of former President Gamal Abdel NASSER but has opened up considerably under former President Anwar EL-SADAT and current President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK. Cairo from 2004 to 2008 aggressively pursued economic reforms to attract foreign investment and facilitate GDP growth. The global financial crisis has slowed the reform efforts. The budget deficit climbed to over 8% of GDP and Egypt's GDP growth slowed to 4.6% in 2009, predominately due to reduced growth in export-oriented sectors, including manufacturing and tourism, and Suez Canal revenues. In 2010, the government spent more on infrastructure and public projects, and exports drove GDP growth to more than 5%, but GDP growth in 2011 is unlikely to bounce back to pre-global financial recession levels, when it stood at 7%. Despite the relatively high levels of economic growth over the past few years, living conditions for the average Egyptian remain poor.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$500.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $475.7 billion (2009 est.)

$454.8 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$216.8 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 4.6% (2009 est.)

7.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $6,000 (2009 est.)

$5,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 13.5%

industry: 37.9%

services: 48.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

26.1 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 32%

industry: 17%

services: 51% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 9.4% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

20% (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.9%

highest 10%: 27.6% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.4 (2001) country comparison to the world: 90

Investment (gross fixed):

18.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Public debt:

80.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 80.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 11.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

8.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 36 11.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.98% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 12.33% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$37.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 49 $33.42 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$166.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $146.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$145.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $131.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$89.95 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 40 $85.89 billion (31 December 2008)

$139.3 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats

Industries:

textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals, light manufactures

Industrial production growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Electricity - production:

118.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Electricity - consumption:

104.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Electricity - exports:

814 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

251 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

680,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Oil - consumption:

683,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Oil - exports:

89,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Oil - imports:

48,450 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Oil - proved reserves:

4.3 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Natural gas - production:

62.7 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Natural gas - consumption:

42.5 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - exports:

8.55 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.656 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Current account balance:

$270 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 -$3.195 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$25.34 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $23.09 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals, processed food

Exports - partners:

US 7.95%, Italy 7.26%, Spain 6.78%, India 6.69%, Saudi Arabia 5.53%,
Syria 5.3%, France 4.39%, South Korea 4.27% (2009)

Imports:

$46.52 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $45.56 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products, fuels

Imports - partners:

US 9.92%, China 9.63%, Germany 6.98%, Italy 6.88%, Turkey 4.94% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$35.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $33.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$30.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $29.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$72.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $66.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$4.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $4.272 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Egyptian pounds (EGP) per US dollar - 5.6124 (2010), 5.545 (2009), 5.4 (2008), 5.67 (2007), 5.725 (2006)

Communications ::Egypt

Telephones - main lines in use:

10.313 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 21

Telephones - mobile cellular:

55.352 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 19

Telephone system:

general assessment: underwent extensive upgrading during 1990s; principal centers at Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia, Suez, and Tanta are connected by coaxial cable and microwave radio relay

domestic: largest fixed-line system in the region; as of 2010 there were three mobile-cellular networks with a total of more than 55 million subscribers

international: country code - 20; landing point for Aletar, the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks, Link Around the Globe (FLAG) Falcon and FLAG FEA; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean, 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat); tropospheric scatter to Sudan; microwave radio relay to Israel; a participant in Medarabtel (2009)

Broadcast media:

mix of state-run and private broadcast media; state-run TV operates 2 national and 6 regional terrestrial networks as well as a few satellite channels; about 20 private satellite channels and a large number of Arabic satellite channels are available via subscription; state-run radio operates about 70 stations belonging to 8 networks; 2 privately-owned radio stations operational (2008)

Internet country code:

.eg

Internet hosts:

187,197 (2010) country comparison to the world: 67

Internet users:

20.136 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 21

Transportation ::Egypt

Airports:

86 (2010) country comparison to the world: 66

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 73

over 3,047 m: 15

2,438 to 3,047 m: 36

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

6 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 320 km; condensate/gas 13 km; gas 6,262 km; liquid petroleum gas 956 km; oil 4,319 km; oil/gas/water 3 km; refined products 895 km; unknown 59 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,500 km country comparison to the world: 33 standard gauge: 5,500 km 1.435-m gauge (62 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 65,050 km country comparison to the world: 71 paved: 47,500 km

unpaved: 17,550 km (2009)

Waterways:

3,500 km country comparison to the world: 30 note: includes Nile River, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and numerous smaller canals in delta; Suez Canal (193.5 km including approaches) navigable by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 17.68 m (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 66 country comparison to the world: 63 by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 24, container 3, passenger/cargo 7, petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 9

foreign-owned: 13 (Denmark 1, France 1, Greece 8, Jordan 2, Lebanon 1)

registered in other countries: 52 (Cambodia 12, Cook Islands 1,
Georgia 11, Honduras 2, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 5,
Panama 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Saudi Arabia 1,
Sierra Leone 2, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ayn Sukhnah, Alexandria, Damietta, El Dekheila, Port Said, Sidi
Kurayr, Suez

Military ::Egypt

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Command

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for male conscript military service; service obligation 12-36 months, followed by a 9-year reserve obligation (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,619,887

females age 16-49: 19,785,004 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,733,851

females age 16-49: 16,942,010 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 799,377

female: 764,602 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Transnational Issues ::Egypt

Disputes - international:

Sudan claims but Egypt de facto administers security and economic development of Halaib region north of the 22nd parallel boundary; Egypt no longer shows its administration of the Bir Tawil trapezoid in Sudan on its maps; Gazan breaches in the security wall with Egypt in January 2008 highlight difficulties in monitoring the Sinai border; Saudi Arabia claims Egyptian-administered islands of Tiran and Sanafir

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 60,000 - 80,000 (Iraq); 70,198 (Palestinian Territories); 12,157 (Sudan) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transit point for cannabis, heroin, and opium moving to Europe, Israel, and North Africa; transit stop for Nigerian drug couriers; concern as money laundering site due to lax enforcement of financial regulations

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@El Salvador (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::El Salvador

Background:

El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms.

Geography ::El Salvador

Location:

Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between
Guatemala and Honduras

Geographic coordinates:

13 50 N, 88 55 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 21,041 sq km country comparison to the world: 153 land: 20,721 sq km

water: 320 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Land boundaries:

total: 545 km

border countries: Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 km

Coastline:

307 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 31.37%

permanent crops: 11.88%

other: 56.75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

450 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

25.2 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.28 cu km/yr (25%/16%/59%)

per capita: 186 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity; extremely susceptible to hurricanes

volcanism: El Salvador experiences significant volcanic activity; San Salvador (elev. 1,893 m, 6,211 ft), which last erupted in 1917, has the potential to cause major harm to the country's capital, which lies just below the volcano's slopes; San Miguel (elev. 2,130 m, 6,988 ft), which last erupted in 2002, is one of the most active volcanoes in the country; other historically active volcanoes include Conchaguita, Ilopango, Izalco, and Santa Ana

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline on Caribbean Sea

People ::El Salvador

Population:

6,052,064 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.4% (male 1,299,608/female 1,245,617)

15-64 years: 59.3% (male 2,033,423/female 2,225,810)

65 years and over: 5.3% (male 166,224/female 214,536) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.9 years

male: 22.5 years

female: 25.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.332% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Birth rate:

18.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Death rate:

5.61 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Net migration rate:

-9.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.97 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 98 male: 23.01 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.18 years country comparison to the world: 116 male: 69.91 years

female: 76.62 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.12 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

35,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Salvadoran(s)

adjective: Salvadoran

Ethnic groups:

mestizo 90%, white 9%, Amerindian 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 21.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.9%,
Mormon 0.7%, other religions 2.3%, none 16.8% (2003 est.)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Nahua (among some Amerindians)

Literacy:

definition: age 5 and over can read and write

total population: 81.1%

male: 82.8%

female: 79.6% (2007 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.6% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 128

Government ::El Salvador

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of El Salvador

conventional short form: El Salvador

local long form: Republica de El Salvador

local short form: El Salvador

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: San Salvador

geographic coordinates: 13 42 N, 89 12 W

time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Ahuachapan,
Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union,
Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, San Vicente, Santa Ana,
Sonsonate, Usulutan

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

20 December 1983

Legal system:

based on civil and Roman law with traces of common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena (since 1 June 2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1 June 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena (since 1 June 2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1 June 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held on 15 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2014)

election results: Mauricio FUNES Cartagena elected president; percent of vote - Mauricio FUNES Cartagena 51.3%, Rodrigo AVILA 48.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (84 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 18 January 2009 (next to be held in March 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FMLN 35, ARENA 32, PCN 11, PDC 5, CD 1; note - as of 1 January 2011, the current composition of the legislature by seats is as follows: FMLN 35, ARENA 19, GANA 16, PCN 10, PDC 2, CD 1, Independent 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (15 judges are selected by the
Legislative Assembly; the 15 judges are assigned to four Supreme
Court chambers - constitutional, civil, penal, and administrative
conflict)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Rodolfo PARKER]; Democratic
Convergence or CD [Oscar KATTAN] (formerly United Democratic Center
or CDU); Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front or FMLN [Medardo
GONZALEZ]; National Conciliation Party or PCN [Ciro CRUZ ZEPEDA];
Nationalist Republican Alliance or ARENA [Alfredo CRISTIANI]; Great
Alliance for National Unity or GANA [Andres ROVIRA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

labor organizations - Electrical Industry Union of El Salvador or SIES; Federation of the Construction Industry, Similar Transport and other activities, or FESINCONTRANS; National Confederation of Salvadoran Workers or CNTS; National Union of Salvadoran Workers or UNTS; Port Industry Union of El Salvador or SIPES; Salvadoran Union of Ex-Petrolleros and Peasant Workers or USEPOC; Salvadoran Workers Central or CTS; Workers Union of Electrical Corporation or STCEL; business organizations - National Association of Small Enterprise or ANEP; Salvadoran Assembly Industry Association or ASIC; Salvadoran Industrial Association or ASI

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, CD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA,
MINURSO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Robert ALTSCHUL Fuentes

chancery: Suite 100, 1400 16th Street, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 265-9671

FAX: [1] (202) 234-3763

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Dallas, Duluth (Georgia), Houston,
Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (2), Nogales (Arizona),
Santa Ana (California), San Francisco, Washington (DC), Woodbridge
(Virginia)

consulate(s): Boston, Elizabeth (New Jersey)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Robert BLAU

embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena Sur, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, San Salvador

mailing address: Unit 3450, APO AA 34023; 3450 San Salvador Place, Washington, DC 20521-3450

telephone: [503] 2501-2999

FAX: [503] 2501-2150

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, while the white band represents the land between the two bodies of water, as well as peace and prosperity

note: similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band - it features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de El Salvador" (National Anthem of El Salvador)

lyrics/music: Juan Jose CANAS/Juan ABERLE

note: officially adopted 1953, in use since 1879; the anthem of El Salvador is one of the world's longest

Economy ::El Salvador

Economy - overview:

Despite being the smallest country geographically in Central America, El Salvador has the third largest economy in the region. The economy took a hit from the global recession and real GDP contracted by 3.5% in 2009. The economy began a slow recovery in 2010 on the back of improved export and remittances figures. Remittances accounted for 16% of GDP in 2009, and about a third of all households receive these transfers. In 2006 El Salvador was the first country to ratify the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), which has bolstered the export of processed foods, sugar, and ethanol, and supported investment in the apparel sector amid increased Asian competition and the expiration of the Multi-Fiber Agreement in 2005. El Salvador has promoted an open trade and investment environment, and has embarked on a wave of privatizations extending to telecom, electricity distribution, banking, and pension funds. In late 2006, the government and the Millennium Challenge Corporation signed a five-year, $461 million compact to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty in the country's northern region, the primary conflict zone during the civil war, through investments in education, public services, enterprise development, and transportation infrastructure. With the adoption of the US dollar as its currency in 2001, El Salvador lost control over monetary policy. Any counter-cyclical policy response to the downturn must be through fiscal policy, which is constrained by legislative requirements for a two-thirds majority to approve any international financing.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$43.98 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $43.46 billion (2009 est.)

$45.04 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$21.8 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 -3.5% (2009 est.)

2.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $7,200 (2009 est.)

$7,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11%

industry: 29.1%

services: 59.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.94 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 19%

industry: 23%

services: 58% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 7.2% (2009 est.)

note: data are official rates; but the economy has much underemployment

Population below poverty line:

30.7% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1%

highest 10%: 37% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

52.4 (2002) country comparison to the world: 18 52.5 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

13.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Public debt:

55% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 52.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 -0.2% (2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.33% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 120 7.81% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.534 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 117 $2.153 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.666 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $9.011 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$10.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $9.867 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.432 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 82 $4.656 billion (31 December 2008)

$6.743 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, sugar, corn, rice, beans, oilseed, cotton, sorghum; beef, dairy products

Industries:

food processing, beverages, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizer, textiles, furniture, light metals

Industrial production growth rate:

0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Electricity - production:

5.559 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Electricity - consumption:

4.676 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Electricity - exports:

7 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

38 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Oil - consumption:

46,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Oil - exports:

1,927 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Oil - imports:

46,310 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Current account balance:

-$907 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 -$374 million (2009)

Exports:

$4.377 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $3.797 billion (2009)

Exports - commodities:

offshore assembly exports, coffee, sugar, textiles and apparel, gold, ethanol, chemicals, electricity, iron and steel manufactures

Exports - partners:

US 43.86%, Guatemala 13.92%, Honduras 13.22%, Nicaragua 5.65% (2009)

Imports:

$7.98 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $7.255 billion (2009)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, consumer goods, capital goods, fuels, foodstuffs, petroleum, electricity

Imports - partners:

US 29.79%, Mexico 10.26%, Guatemala 9.7%, China 4.5%, Honduras 4.4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.819 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $2.985 billion (31 December 2009)

Debt - external:

$11.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $10.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$7.522 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $7.132 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$273 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $333 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

the US dollar became El Salvador's currency in 2001

Communications ::El Salvador

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.099 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 75

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.566 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 78

Telephone system:

general assessment: multiple mobile-cellular providers are expanding services rapidly and in 2009 teledensity exceeded 100 per 100 persons; growth in fixed-line services has slowed in the face of mobile-cellular competition

domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system

international: country code - 503; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System (2009)

Broadcast media:

multiple privately-owned national terrestrial television networks, supplemented by cable TV networks that carry international channels; hundreds of commercial radio broadcast stations and 1 government-owned radio broadcast station (2007)

Internet country code:

.sv

Internet hosts:

13,849 (2010) country comparison to the world: 119

Internet users:

746,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 107

Transportation ::El Salvador

Airports:

65 (2010) country comparison to the world: 75

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 61

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 283 km country comparison to the world: 122 narrow gauge: 283 km 0.914-m gauge

note: railways have been inoperable since 2005 because of disuse and high costs that led to a lack of maintenance (2008)

Roadways:

total: 10,886 km country comparison to the world: 134 paved: 2,827 km (includes 327 km of expressways)

unpaved: 8,059 km (2000)

Waterways:

Rio Lempa is partially navigable for small craft (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Acajutla, Puerto Cutuco

Military ::El Salvador

Military branches:

Salvadoran Army (ES), Salvadoran Navy (FNES), Salvadoran Air Force
(Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena, FAS) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 16-22 years of age for voluntary male or female service; service obligation - 12 months, with 11 months for officers and NCOs (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,426,142

females age 16-49: 1,590,778 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,056,532

females age 16-49: 1,356,824 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 71,292

female: 68,821 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 160

Transnational Issues ::El Salvador

Disputes - international:

International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on the delimitation of "bolsones" (disputed areas) along the El Salvador-Honduras boundary, in 1992, with final agreement by the parties in 2006 after an Organization of American States (OAS) survey and a further ICJ ruling in 2003; the 1992 ICJ ruling advised a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the Gulf of Fonseca advocating Honduran access to the Pacific; El Salvador continues to claim tiny Conejo Island, not identified in the ICJ decision, off Honduras in the Gulf of Fonseca

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine; small amounts of marijuana produced for local consumption; significant use of cocaine

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Equatorial Guinea (Africa)

Introduction ::Equatorial Guinea

Background:

Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. This tiny country, composed of a mainland portion plus five inhabited islands, is one of the smallest on the African continent. President Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO has ruled the country since 1979 when he seized power in a coup. Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996, 2002, and 2009 presidential elections - as well as the 1999 and 2004 legislative elections - were widely seen as flawed. The president exerts almost total control over the political system and has discouraged political opposition. Equatorial Guinea has experienced rapid economic growth due to the discovery of large offshore oil reserves, and in the last decade has become Sub-Saharan Africa's third largest oil exporter. Despite the country's economic windfall from oil production resulting in a massive increase in government revenue in recent years, there have been few improvements in the population's living standards.

Geography ::Equatorial Guinea

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Cameroon and
Gabon

Geographic coordinates:

2 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 28,051 sq km country comparison to the world: 145 land: 28,051 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 539 km

border countries: Cameroon 189 km, Gabon 350 km

Coastline:

296 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; always hot, humid

Terrain:

coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are volcanic

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico Basile 3,008 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, timber, gold, bauxite, diamonds, tantalum, sand and gravel, clay

Land use:

arable land: 4.63%

permanent crops: 3.57%

other: 91.8% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

26 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.11 cu km/yr (83%/16%/1%)

per capita: 220 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

violent windstorms; flash floods

volcanism: Santa Isabel (elev. 3,007 m, 9,865 ft), which last erupted in 1923, is the country's only historically active volcano; Santa Isabel, along with two dormant volcanoes, forms Bioko Island in the Gulf of Guinea

Environment - current issues:

tap water is not potable; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

insular and continental regions widely separated

People ::Equatorial Guinea

Population:

650,702 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.9% (male 134,823/female 130,308)

15-64 years: 54% (male 167,820/female 174,238)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 11,574/female 14,678) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 19.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.674% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Birth rate:

36 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Death rate:

9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 74

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 79.47 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 14 male: 80.55 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 78.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 61.98 years country comparison to the world: 182 male: 61.05 years

female: 62.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

370 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)

adjective: Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean

Ethnic groups:

Fang 85.7%, Bubi 6.5%, Mdowe 3.6%, Annobon 1.6%, Bujeba 1.1%, other 1.4% (1994 census)

Religions:

nominally Christian and predominantly Roman Catholic, pagan practices

Languages:

Spanish 67.6% (official), other 32.4% (includes French (official),
Fang, Bubi) (1994 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 87%

male: 93.4%

female: 80.5% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years

male: 9 years

female: 7 years (2000)

Education expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2003) country comparison to the world: 185

Government ::Equatorial Guinea

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Equatorial Guinea

conventional short form: Equatorial Guinea

local long form: Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial/Republique de Guinee equatoriale

local short form: Guinea Ecuatorial/Guinee equatoriale

former: Spanish Guinea

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Malabo

geographic coordinates: 3 45 N, 8 47 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-Nzas

Independence:

12 October 1968 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 October (1968)

Constitution:

approved by national referendum 17 November 1991; amended January 1995

Legal system:

partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal custom; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979 when he seized power in a military coup)

head of government: Prime Minister Ignacio MILAM Tang (since 8 July 2008);

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (no term limits); election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in 2016); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president

election results: Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected president; percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO 95.8%, Placido Mico ABOGO 3.6%; elections marred by widespread fraud

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of People's Representatives or Camara de Representantes del Pueblo (100 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 4 May 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDGE 89, EC 10, CPDS 1

note: Parliament has little power since the constitution vests all executive authority in the president

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal

Political parties and leaders:

Convergence Party for Social Democracy or CPDS [Placido MICO Abogo];
Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea or PDGE [Teodoro OBIANG
NGUEMA MBASOGO] (ruling party); Electoral Coalition or EC; Party for
Progress of Equatorial Guinea or PPGE [Severo MOTO]; Popular Action
of Equatorial Guinea or APGE [Avelino MOCACHE]; Popular Union or UP

Political pressure groups and leaders:

ASODEGUE (Madrid-based pressure group for democratic reform); Global
Witness (anti-corruption)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, CPLP (associate), FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Purificacion ANGUE ONDO

chancery: 2020 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 518-5700

FAX: [1] (202) 518-5252

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alberto M. FERNANDEZ

embassy: K-3, Carreterade Aeropuerto, al lado de Restaurante El Paraiso, Malabo; note - relocated embassy is opened for limited functions; inquiries should continue to be directed to the US Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon

mailing address: B.P. 817, Yaounde, Cameroon; US Embassy Yaounde, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520

telephone: [237] 2220-1500

FAX: [237] 2220-1572

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red, with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice); green symbolizes the jungle and natural resources, blue represents the sea that connects the mainland to the islands, white stands for peace, and red recalls the fight for independence

National anthem:

name: "Caminemos pisando la senda" (Let Us Tread the Path)

lyrics/music: Atanasio Ndongo MIYONO/Atanasio Ndongo MIYONO or Ramiro Sanchez LOPEZ (disputed)

note: adopted 1968

Economy ::Equatorial Guinea

Economy - overview:

The discovery and exploitation of large oil reserves have contributed to dramatic economic growth but fluctuating oil prices have produced huge swings in GDP growth in recent years. Forestry, farming, and fishing are also major components of GDP. Subsistence farming is the dominate form of livelihood. Although pre-independence Equatorial Guinea counted on cocoa production for hard currency earnings, the neglect of the rural economy under successive regimes has diminished potential for agriculture-led growth (the government has stated its intention to reinvest some oil revenue into agriculture). A number of aid programs sponsored by the World Bank and the IMF have been cut off since 1993 because of corruption and mismanagement. Government officials and their family members own most businesses, but corruption is rampant. Undeveloped natural resources include titanium, iron ore, manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold. Growth remained strong in 2008, led by oil, but dropped in 2009-10, as the price of oil fell.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$24.66 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $24.18 billion (2009 est.)

$22.96 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$14.55 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 5.3% (2009 est.)

11.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$37,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $38,200 (2009 est.)

$37,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.2%

industry: 93.9%

services: 3.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

195,200 NA (2007) country comparison to the world: 170

Unemployment rate:

30% (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

29.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Public debt:

4.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 5.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 7.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 100 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.86 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 121 $1.295 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.207 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $1.473 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.534 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 136 $3.579 billion (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cocoa, rice, yams, cassava (tapioca), bananas, palm oil nuts; livestock; timber

Industries:

petroleum, fishing, sawmilling, natural gas

Industrial production growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Electricity - production:

28 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Electricity - consumption:

26.04 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

346,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Oil - exports:

362,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Oil - imports:

1,114 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Oil - proved reserves:

1.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - production:

6.67 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Natural gas - consumption:

1.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Natural gas - exports:

5.17 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Natural gas - proved reserves:

36.81 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Current account balance:

-$1.477 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 -$1.883 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$10.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $8.495 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, methanol, timber, cocoa

Exports - partners:

US 30.31%, China 12.54%, Japan 9.21%, Spain 7.5%, South Korea 7.01%,
Taiwan 5.63%, Italy 5.38%, Netherlands 4.09% (2009)

Imports:

$5.743 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $5.258 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum sector equipment, other equipment

Imports - partners:

China 19.97%, US 17.28%, Spain 14.94%, France 9.49%, Cote d'Ivoire 6.34%, Italy 5.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.086 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $3.252 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$832 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $766 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs per US dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.4 (2006)

Communications ::Equatorial Guinea

Telephones - main lines in use:

10,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 201

Telephones - mobile cellular:

445,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 161

Telephone system:

general assessment: digital fixed-line network in most major urban areas and good mobile coverage

domestic: fixed-line density is about 2 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing and in 2009 stood at about 70 percent of the population

international: country code - 240; international communications from Bata and Malabo to African and European countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state maintains control of broadcast media with domestic broadcast media limited to 1 state-owned TV station, 1 state-owned radio station, and 1 private radio station owned by the president's eldest son; satellite TV service is available; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible (2007)

Internet country code:

.gq

Internet hosts:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 221

Internet users:

14,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 199

Transportation ::Equatorial Guinea

Airports:

7 (2010) country comparison to the world: 166

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 38 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 2,880 km (2000) country comparison to the world: 167

Merchant marine:

total: 4 country comparison to the world: 131 by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker 2

foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bata, Luba, Malabo (2010)

Military ::Equatorial Guinea

Military branches:

National Guard (Guardia Nacional de Guinea Ecuatoria, GNGE (Army), with Coast Guard (Navy) and Air Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for selective compulsory military service; service obligation 2 years; women hold only administrative positions in the Coast Guard (2011)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 146,241

females age 16-49: 146,138 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 109,311

females age 16-49: 111,543 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 7,186

female: 6,920 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.1% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

Transnational Issues ::Equatorial Guinea

Disputes - international:

in 2002, ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, but a dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River and imprecisely defined maritime coordinates in the ICJ decision delay final delimitation; UN urges Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to resolve the sovereignty dispute over Gabon-occupied Mbane and lesser islands and to create a maritime boundary in the hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Equatorial Guinea is primarily a destination country for children trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and possibly for the purpose of sexual exploitation; children have been trafficked from nearby countries for domestic servitude, market labor, ambulant vending, and possibly sexual exploitation; women may also be trafficked to Equatorial Guinea from Cameroon, Benin, other neighboring countries, and China for sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Equatorial Guinea is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking, particularly in the areas of prosecuting and convicting trafficking offenders and failing to formalize mechanisms to provide assistance to victims; although the government made some effort to enforce laws against child labor exploitation, it failed to report any trafficking prosecutions or convictions in 2007; the government continued to lack shelters or formal procedures for providing care to victims (2008)

page last updated on January 24, 2011

======================================================================

@Eritrea (Africa)

Introduction ::Eritrea

Background:

The UN awarded Eritrea to Ethiopia in 1952 as part of a federation. Ethiopia's annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years later sparked a 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991 with Eritrean rebels defeating governmental forces; independence was overwhelmingly approved in a 1993 referendum. A two-and-a-half-year border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN auspices in December 2000. Eritrea hosted a UN peacekeeping operation that monitored a 25 km-wide Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) on the border with Ethiopia. Eritrea's denial of fuel to the mission caused the UN to withdraw the mission and terminate its mandate 31 July 2008. An international commission, organized to resolve the border dispute, posted its findings in 2002. However, both parties have been unable to reach agreement on implementing the decision. On 30 November 2007, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission remotely demarcated the border by coordinates and dissolved itself, leaving Ethiopia still occupying several tracts of disputed territory, including the town of Badme. Eritrea accepted the EEBC's "virtual demarcation" decision and called on Ethiopia to remove its troops from the TSZ that it states is Eritrean territory. Ethiopia has not accepted the virtual demarcation decision. In 2009 the UN imposed sanctions on Eritrea after accusing it of backing anti-Ethiopian Islamist insurgents in Somalia.

Geography ::Eritrea

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and Sudan

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 39 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 117,600 sq km country comparison to the world: 100 land: 101,000 sq km

water: 16,600 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total: 1,626 km

border countries: Djibouti 109 km, Ethiopia 912 km, Sudan 605 km

Coastline:

2,234 km (mainland on Red Sea 1,151 km, islands in Red Sea 1,083 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually, heaviest June to September); semiarid in western hills and lowlands

Terrain:

dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending highlands, descending on the east to a coastal desert plain, on the northwest to hilly terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: near Kulul within the Danakil Depression -75 m

highest point: Soira 3,018 m

Natural resources:

gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, possibly oil and natural gas, fish

Land use:

arable land: 4.78%

permanent crops: 0.03%

other: 95.19% (2005)

Irrigated land:

210 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

6.3 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.3 cu km/yr (3%/0%/97%)

per capita: 68 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent droughts; locust swarms

volcanism: Dubbi (elev. 1,625 m, 5,331 ft), which last erupted in 1861, is the country's only historically active volcano

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; overgrazing; loss of infrastructure from civil warfare

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest shipping lanes; Eritrea retained the entire coastline of Ethiopia along the Red Sea upon de jure independence from Ethiopia on 24 May 1993

People ::Eritrea

Population:

5,792,984 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.8% (male 1,212,848/female 1,202,240)

15-64 years: 53.7% (male 1,483,169/female 1,547,078)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 92,009/female 109,824) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.5 years

male: 18.2 years

female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.522% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Birth rate:

33.48 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Death rate:

8.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 73

Urbanization:

urban population: 21% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 42.33 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 65 male: 47.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 36.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.15 years country comparison to the world: 180 male: 60.06 years

female: 64.3 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.6 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

38,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Eritrean(s)

adjective: Eritrean

Ethnic groups:

nine recognized ethnic groups: Tigrinya 55%, Tigre 30%, Saho 4%, Kunama 2%, Rashaida 2%, Bilen 2%, other (Afar, Beni Amir, Nera) 5% (2010 est.)

Religions:

Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant

Languages:

Tigrinya (official), Arabic (official), English (official), Tigre,
Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 58.6%

male: 69.9%

female: 47.6% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 6 years

male: 7 years

female: 5 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

2% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 168

Government ::Eritrea

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Eritrea

conventional short form: Eritrea

local long form: Hagere Ertra

local short form: Ertra

former: Eritrea Autonomous Region in Ethiopia

Government type:

transitional government

note: following a successful referendum on independence for the Autonomous Region of Eritrea on 23-25 April 1993, a National Assembly, composed entirely of the People's Front for Democracy and Justice or PFDJ, was established as a transitional legislature; a Constitutional Commission was also established to draft a constitution; ISAIAS Afworki was elected president by the transitional legislature; the constitution, ratified in May 1997, did not enter into effect, pending parliamentary and presidential elections; parliamentary elections were scheduled in December 2001 but were postponed indefinitely; currently the sole legal party is the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ)

Capital:

name: Asmara (Asmera)

geographic coordinates: 15 20 N, 38 56 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 regions (zobatat, singular - zoba); Anseba, Debub (South), Debubawi K'eyih Bahri (Southern Red Sea), Gash Barka, Ma'akel (Central), Semenawi Keyih Bahri (Northern Red Sea)

Independence:

24 May 1993 (from Ethiopia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 May (1993)

Constitution:

adopted on 23 May 1997, but has not yet been fully implemented

Legal system:

primary basis is the Ethiopian legal code of 1957 with revisions; new civil, commercial, and penal codes have not yet been promulgated; government also issues unilateral proclamations setting laws and policies; also relies on customary and post-independence-enacted laws and, for civil cases involving Muslims, Islamic law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly

head of government: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993)

cabinet: State Council the collective executive authority; members appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); the most recent and only election held on 8 June 1993 (next election date uncertain as the National Assembly did not hold a presidential election in December 2001 as anticipated)

election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%, other 5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (150 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: in May 1997, following the adoption of the new constitution, 75 members of the PFDJ Central Committee (the old Central Committee of the EPLF), 60 members of the 527-member Constituent Assembly, which had been established in 1997 to discuss and ratify the new constitution, and 15 representatives of Eritreans living abroad were formed into a Transitional National Assembly to serve as the country's legislative body until countrywide elections to a National Assembly were held; although only 75 of 150 members of the Transitional National Assembly were elected, the constitution stipulates that once past the transition stage, all members of the National Assembly will be elected by secret ballot of all eligible voters; National Assembly elections scheduled for December 2001 were postponed indefinitely

Judicial branch:

High Court - regional, subregional, and village courts; also have military and special courts

Political parties and leaders:

People's Front for Democracy and Justice or PFDJ [ISAIAS Afworki] (the only party recognized by the government); note - a National Assembly committee drafted a law on political parties in January 2001, but the full National Assembly has yet to debate or vote on it

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Eritrean Democratic Party (EDP) [HAGOS, Mesfin]; Eritrean Islamic Jihad or EIJ (includes Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement or EIJM also known as the Abu Sihel Movement); Eritrean Islamic Salvation or EIS (also known as the Arafa Movement); Eritrean Liberation Front or ELF [ABDULLAH Muhammed]; Eritrean National Alliance or ENA (a coalition including EIJ, EIS, ELF, and a number of ELF factions) [HERUY Tedla Biru]; Eritrean Public Forum or EPF [ARADOM Iyob]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber),
ITU, ITUC, LAS (observer), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador GHIRMAI Ghebremariam

chancery: 1708 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 319-1991

FAX: [1] (202) 319-1304

consulate(s) general: Oakland (California)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Joel REIFMAN

embassy: 179 Ala Street, Asmara

mailing address: P. O. Box 211, Asmara

telephone: [291] (1) 120004

FAX: [291] (1) 127584

Flag description:

red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the lower one is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is centered on the hoist side of the red triangle; green stands for the country's agriculture economy, red signifies the blood shed in the fight for freedom, and blue symbolizes the bounty of the sea; the wreath-olive branch symbol is similar to that on the first flag of Eritrea from 1952; the shape of the red triangle broadly mimics the shape of the country

National anthem:

name: "Ertra, Ertra, Ertra" (Eritrea, Eritrea, Eritrea)

lyrics/music: SOLOMON Tsehaye Beraki/Isaac Abraham MEHAREZGI and ARON Tekle Tesfatsion

note: adopted 1993; upon independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Eritrea adopted its own national anthem

Economy ::Eritrea

Economy - overview:

Since independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Eritrea has faced the economic problems of a small, desperately poor country, accentuated by the recent implementation of restrictive economic policies. Eritrea has a command economy under the control of the sole political party, the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ). Like the economies of many African nations, a large share of the population - nearly 80% - is engaged in subsistence agriculture, but they produce only a small share of total output. Since the conclusion of the Ethiopian-Eritrea war in 2000, the government has maintained a firm grip on the economy, expanding the use of the military and party-owned businesses to complete Eritrea's development agenda. The government strictly controls the use of foreign currency by limiting access and availability. Few private enterprises remain in Eritrea. Eritrea's economy depends heavily on taxes paid by members of the diaspora. Erratic rainfall and the delayed demobilization of agriculturalists from the military continue to interfere with agricultural production, and Eritrea's recent harvests have been unable to meet the food needs of the country. The Government continues to place its hope for additional revenue on the development of several international mining projects. Despite difficulties for international companies in working with the Eritrean Government, a Canadian mining company signed a contract with the government in 2007 and began mineral extraction in 2010. Eritrea's economic future depends upon its ability to master social problems such as illiteracy, unemployment, and low skills, and more importantly, on the government's willingness to support a true market economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.178 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 $4.017 billion (2009 est.)

$3.877 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.254 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 3.6% (2009 est.)

2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223 $700 (2009 est.)

$700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11.8%

industry: 20.4%

services: 67.7% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.935 million NA (2007) country comparison to the world: 120

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%

industry and services: 20% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

50% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

10.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

20% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221 20% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$1.382 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 128 $1.007 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.872 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $2.171 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.919 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $2.206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Agriculture - products:

sorghum, lentils, vegetables, corn, cotton, tobacco, sisal; livestock, goats; fish

Industries:

food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles, light manufacturing, salt, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Electricity - production:

271 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Electricity - consumption:

228 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Oil - imports:

4,790 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Current account balance:

-$212 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 -$188 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$25 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204 $20 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

livestock, sorghum, textiles, food, small manufactures

Exports - partners:

India 25.3%, Italy 20.7%, Sudan 14.1%, China 12.9%, France 5.5%,
Saudi Arabia 5.4% (2008)

Imports:

$738 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 $682 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 20.7%, India 13.6%, Italy 12.6%, China 9.9%, US 5.1%,
Germany 4.6% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$104 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $88 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$961.9 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

nakfa (ERN) per US dollar - 15.375 (2010), 15.375 (2009), 15.38 (2008), 15.5 (2007), 15.4 (2006)

Communications ::Eritrea

Telephones - main lines in use:

48,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 163

Telephones - mobile cellular:

141,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 177

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate; most telephones are in Asmara; government is seeking international tenders to improve the system (2002)

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership is only about 3 per 100 persons (2009)

international: country code - 291; note - international connections exist

Broadcast media:

government controls broadcast media with private ownership prohibited; 1 state-owned TV station; state-owned radio operates 2 networks; purchases of satellite dishes and subscriptions to international broadcast media are permitted (2007)

Internet country code:

.er

Internet hosts:

1,241 (2010) country comparison to the world: 166

Internet users:

200,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 140

Transportation ::Eritrea

Airports:

13 (2010) country comparison to the world: 152

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 306 km country comparison to the world: 120 narrow gauge: 306 km 0.950-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 4,010 km country comparison to the world: 157 paved: 874 km

unpaved: 3,136 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 4 country comparison to the world: 132 by type: cargo 2, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Assab, Massawa

Military ::Eritrea

Military branches:

Eritrean Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-40 years of age for male and female voluntary and compulsory military service; 16-month conscript service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,307,012

females age 16-49: 1,319,682 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 864,608

females age 16-49: 920,104 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 64,489

female: 64,476 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

6.3% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Transnational Issues ::Eritrea

Disputes - international:

Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by 2002 Ethiopia-Eritrea Boundary Commission's (EEBC) delimitation decision but, neither party responded to the revised line detailed in the November 2006 EEBC Demarcation Statement; Sudan accuses Eritrea of supporting eastern Sudanese rebel groups; in 2008 Eritrean troops move across the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupy Doumera Island with undefined sovereignty in the Red Sea

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 32,000 (border war with Ethiopia from 1998-2000; most IDPs are near the central border region) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Eritrea is a source country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; each year, large numbers of migrant workers depart Eritrea in search of work, particularly in the Gulf States, where some likely become victims of forced labor, including in domestic servitude, or commercial sexual exploitation; thousands of Eritreans flee the country illegally, mostly to Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya where their illegal status makes them vulnerable to situations of human trafficking; the government remains complicit in conscripting children into military service

tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Eritrea does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the Eritrean government does not operate with transparency and published neither data nor statistics regarding its efforts to combat human trafficking; it did not respond to requests to provide information for this report; the government made no known progress in prosecuting and punishing trafficking crimes over the reporting period and did not appear to provide any significant assistance to victims of trafficking during the reporting period (2009)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Estonia (Europe)

Introduction ::Estonia

Background:

After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US - it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with Western Europe. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Geography ::Estonia

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, between Latvia and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

59 00 N, 26 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 45,228 sq km country comparison to the world: 132 land: 42,388 sq km

water: 2,840 sq km

note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined

Land boundaries:

total: 633 km

border countries: Latvia 343 km, Russia 290 km

Coastline:

3,794 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: limits fixed in coordination with neighboring states

Climate:

maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers

Terrain:

marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m

Natural resources:

oil shale, peat, rare earth elements, phosphorite, clay, limestone, sand, dolomite, arable land, sea mud

Land use:

arable land: 12.05%

permanent crops: 0.35%

other: 87.6% (2005)

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

21.1 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.41 cu km/yr (56%/39%/5%)

per capita: 1,060 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

sometimes flooding occurs in the spring

Environment - current issues:

air polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; however, the amount of pollutants emitted to the air have fallen steadily, the emissions of 2000 were 80% less than in 1980; the amount of unpurified wastewater discharged to water bodies in 2000 was one-20th the level of 1980; in connection with the start-up of new water purification plants, the pollution load of wastewater decreased; Estonia has more than 1,400 natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas need to be monitored; coastal seawater is polluted in certain locations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded; offshore lie more than 1,500 islands

People ::Estonia

Population:

1,291,170 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.9% (male 99,748/female 94,051)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 417,816/female 459,246)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 75,486/female 153,024) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.2 years

male: 36.7 years

female: 43.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.635% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

Birth rate:

10.42 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Death rate:

13.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Net migration rate:

-3.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Urbanization:

urban population: 69% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.063 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female

total population: 0.84 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.19 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 167 male: 8.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.08 years country comparison to the world: 117 male: 67.74 years

female: 78.76 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.43 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Estonian(s)

adjective: Estonian

Ethnic groups:

Estonian 68.7%, Russian 25.6%, Ukrainian 2.1%, Belarusian 1.2%, Finn 0.8%, other 1.6% (2008 census)

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 13.6%, Orthodox 12.8%, other Christian (including Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal) 1.4%, unaffiliated 34.1%, other and unspecified 32%, none 6.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Estonian (official) 67.3%, Russian 29.7%, other 2.3%, unknown 0.7% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.8% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 15 years

female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 68

Government ::Estonia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Estonia

conventional short form: Estonia

local long form: Eesti Vabariik

local short form: Eesti

former: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Tallinn

geographic coordinates: 59 26 N, 24 43 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

15 counties (maakonnad, singular - maakond); Harjumaa (Tallinn),
Hiiumaa (Kardla), Ida-Virumaa (Johvi), Jarvamaa (Paide), Jogevamaa
(Jogeva), Laanemaa (Haapsalu), Laane-Virumaa (Rakvere), Parnumaa
(Parnu), Polvamaa (Polva), Raplamaa (Rapla), Saaremaa (Kuressaare),
Tartumaa (Tartu), Valgamaa (Valga), Viljandimaa (Viljandi), Vorumaa
(Voru)

note: counties have the administrative center name following in parentheses

Independence:

20 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February 1918 was
the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia; 20
August 1991 was the date it declared its independence from the
Soviet Union

Constitution:

adopted 28 June 1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal for all Estonian citizens

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)

cabinet: Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest number of votes; election last held on 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament

election results: Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23 September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; ILVES received 174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots left blank or invalid

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 4 March 2007 (next to be held in March 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - Estonian Reform Party 27.8%, Center Party of Estonia 26.1%, Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica 17.9%, Social Democratic Party 10.6%, Estonian Greens 7.1%, Estonian People's Union 7.1%, other 5%; seats by party - Estonian Reform Party 31, Center Party 28, Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica 19, Social Democratic Party 10, Estonian Greens 6, Estonian People's Union 6, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chairman appointed for life by Parliament)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party of Estonia (Keskerakond) [Edgar SAVISAAR]; Estonian
Greens (Rohelised) [Marek STRANDBERG]; Estonian People's Union
(Rahvaliit) [Juhan AARE]; Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond)
[Andrus ANSIP]; Social Democratic Party [Sven MIKSER]; Union of Pro
Patria and Res Publica (Isamaa je Res Publica Liit) [Mart LAAR]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA
(cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNTSO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vaino REINART

chancery: 2131 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101

FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael C. POLT

embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [372] 668-8100

FAX: [372] 668-8265

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white; various interpretations are linked to the flag colors; blue represents faith, loyalty, and devotion, while also reminiscent of the sky, sea, and lakes of the country; black symbolizes the soil of the country and the dark past and suffering endured by the Estonian people; white refers to the striving towards enlightenment and virtue, and is the color of birch bark and snow, as well as summer nights illuminated by the midnight sun

National anthem:

name: "Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room" (My Native Land, My Pride and Joy)

lyrics/music: Johann Voldemar JANNSEN/Fredrik PACIUS

note: adopted 1920, though banned between 1940 and 1990 under Soviet occupation; the anthem, used in Estonia since 1869, shares the same melody with that of Finland but has different lyrics

Economy ::Estonia

Economy - overview:

Estonia, a 2004 European Union entrant, has a modern market-based economy and one of the higher per capita income levels in Central Europe and the Baltic region. Estonia's successive governments have pursued a free market, pro-business economic agenda and have wavered little in their commitment to pro-market reforms. The current government has pursued relatively sound fiscal policies that have resulted in balanced budgets and very low public debt. The economy benefits from strong electronics and telecommunications sectors and strong trade ties with Finland, Sweden, and Germany. Tallinn's priority has been to sustain high growth rates - on average 8% per year from 2003 to 2007. Estonia's economy slowed down markedly and fell sharply into recession in mid-2008, primarily as a result of an investment and consumption slump following the bursting of the real estate market bubble. GDP dropped nearly 15% in 2009, among the world's highest rates of contraction. A modest recovery began in 2010, but unemployment stands above 13%. Estonia adopted the euro in January 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$24.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $24.07 billion (2009 est.)

$27.96 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$19.22 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 -13.9% (2009 est.)

-5.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$19,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $18,500 (2009 est.)

$21,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.5%

industry: 28.7%

services: 68.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

688,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.8%

industry: 22.7%

services: 74.5% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

13.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 13.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

19.5% (2007)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%

highest 10%: 27.7% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34 (2008) country comparison to the world: 91 37 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Public debt:

7.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 7.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 -0.1% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.39% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 8.55% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.345 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 85 $5.822 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$10.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $11.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$18.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $20.32 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.654 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 94 $1.95 billion (31 December 2008)

$6.037 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, vegetables; livestock and dairy products; fish

Industries:

engineering, electronics, wood and wood products, textiles; information technology, telecommunications

Industrial production growth rate:

10% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Electricity - production:

11.46 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Electricity - consumption:

7.686 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Electricity - exports:

2.31 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.369 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

7,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Oil - consumption:

30,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Oil - exports:

7,280 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Oil - imports:

30,590 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Natural gas - consumption:

1.51 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - imports:

1.51 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Current account balance:

$265 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $898.7 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$10.77 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $9.08 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 29%, wood and paper 13%, metals 10%, food products 8%, textiles 5%, chemical products

Exports - partners:

Finland 18.57%, Sweden 12.52%, Latvia 9.51%, Russia 9.33%, Germany 6.09%, Lithuania 4.76%, US 4.26% (2009)

Imports:

$11.52 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $9.783 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 35%, textiles 19%, mineral fuels 19%, chemical products 9%, foodstuffs 6%

Imports - partners:

Finland 14.52%, Lithuania 10.84%, Latvia 10.47%, Germany 10.33%,
Russia 8.59%, Sweden 8.34%, Poland 5.63% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.641 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $3.981 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$25.13 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $25.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$17.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $16.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$7.134 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $6.534 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

kroon (EEK) per US dollar - 12.11 (2010), 11.232 (2009), 10.7 (2008), 11.535 (2007), 12.473 (2006)

note: Estonia adopted the euro on 1 January 2011

Communications ::Estonia

Telephones - main lines in use:

492,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 98

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.72 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 117

Telephone system:

general assessment: foreign investment in the form of joint business ventures greatly improved telephone service with a wide range of high quality voice, data, and Internet services available

domestic: substantial fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV, and radio traffic in the digital mode; Internet services are widely available; schools and libraries are connected to the Internet, a large percentage of the population files income-tax returns online, and online voting was used for the first time in the 2005 local elections

international: country code - 372; fiber-optic cables to Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Russia provide worldwide packet-switched service; 2 international switches are located in Tallinn (2008)

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned broadcaster, Eesti Rahvusringhaaling (ERR), operates 2 television channels; national private TV channels expanding service; a range of channels are aimed at Russian-speaking viewers; high penetration rate for cable TV services with more than half of Estonian households connected; publicly-owned broadcaster, ERR, operates 4 radio networks and there are a growing number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting nationally, regionally, and locally (2008)

Internet country code:

.ee

Internet hosts:

729,534 (2010) country comparison to the world: 48

Internet users:

971,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 102

Transportation ::Estonia

Airports:

19 (2010) country comparison to the world: 136

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 859 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,196 km country comparison to the world: 86 broad gauge: 1,196 km 1.520 m/1.524-m gauge (131 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 58,034 km country comparison to the world: 78 paved: 34,936 km (includes 104 km of expressways)

unpaved: 23,098 km (2009)

Waterways:

520 km (320 km are navigable year round) (2010) country comparison to the world: 84

Merchant marine:

total: 24 country comparison to the world: 94 by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 17, petroleum tanker 2

foreign-owned: 3 (Germany 1, Norway 2)

registered in other countries: 77 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 7, Dominica 6, Finland 2, Latvia 4, Malta 16, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, Sierra Leone 1, Sweden 3, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kuivastu, Kunda, Muuga, Parnu Reid, Sillamae, Tallinn

Military ::Estonia

Military branches:

Estonian Defense Forces: Land Force, Navy, Air Force (Eesti
Ohuvagi), Volunteer Defense League (Kaitseliit, KL) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

obligation for compulsory service ages 16-60, with conscription "likely" ages 18-27; service requirement 8-11 months (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 297,096

females age 16-49: 308,229 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 213,740

females age 16-49: 255,926 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 6,945

female: 6,564 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Transnational Issues ::Estonia

Disputes - international:

Russia recalled its signature to the 1996 technical border agreement with Estonia in 2005, rather than concede to Estonia's appending prepared a unilateral declaration referencing Soviet occupation and territorial losses; Russia demands better accommodation of Russian-speaking population in Estonia; Estonian citizen groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary based on the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now divided ethnic Setu people and parts of the Narva region within Estonia; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Estonia must implement the strict Schengen border rules with Russia

Illicit drugs:

growing producer of synthetic drugs; increasingly important transshipment zone for cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and synthetic drugs since joining the European Union and the Schengen Accord; potential money laundering related to organized crime and drug trafficking is a concern, as is possible use of the gambling sector to launder funds; major use of opiates and ecstasy

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Ethiopia (Africa)

Introduction ::Ethiopia

Background:

Unique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopian monarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule with the exception of a short-lived Italian occupation from 1936-41. In 1974, a military junta, the Derg, deposed Emperor Haile SELASSIE (who had ruled since 1930) and established a socialist state. Torn by bloody coups, uprisings, wide-scale drought, and massive refugee problems, the regime was finally toppled in 1991 by a coalition of rebel forces, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). A constitution was adopted in 1994, and Ethiopia's first multiparty elections were held in 1995. A border war with Eritrea late in the 1990s ended with a peace treaty in December 2000. In November 2007, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Commission remotely demarcated the border by geographical coordinates, but final demarcation of the boundary on the ground is currently on hold because of Ethiopian objections to an international commission's finding requiring it to surrender territory considered sensitive to Ethiopia.

Geography ::Ethiopia

Location:

Eastern Africa, west of Somalia

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 38 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,104,300 sq km country comparison to the world: 27 land: 1 million sq km

water: 104,300 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,328 km

border countries: Djibouti 349 km, Eritrea 912 km, Kenya 861 km, Somalia 1,600 km, Sudan 1,606 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation

Terrain:

high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift Valley

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Danakil Depression -125 m

highest point: Ras Dejen 4,533 m

Natural resources:

small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural gas, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 10.01%

permanent crops: 0.65%

other: 89.34% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,900 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

110 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 5.56 cu km/yr (6%/0%/94%)

per capita: 72 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts

volcanism: Ethiopia experiences volcanic activity in the Great Rift Valley; Erta Ale (elev. 613 m, 2,011 ft), which has caused frequent lava flows in recent years, is the country's most active volcano; Dabbahu became active in 2005, causing evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include Alayta, Dalaffilla, Dallol, Dama Ali, Fentale, Kone, Manda Hararo, and Manda-Inakir

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water shortages in some areas from water-intensive farming and poor management

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993; the Blue Nile, the chief headstream of the Nile by water volume, rises in T'ana Hayk (Lake Tana) in northwest Ethiopia; three major crops are believed to have originated in Ethiopia: coffee, grain sorghum, and castor bean

People ::Ethiopia

Population:

88,013,491 country comparison to the world: 14 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.1% (male 19,596,784/female 19,688,887)

15-64 years: 51.2% (male 21,376,495/female 22,304,812)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 975,923/female 1,294,437) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.8 years

male: 16.5 years

female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.202% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Birth rate:

43.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Death rate:

11.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Net migration rate:

-0.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 119 note: repatriation of Ethiopian refugees residing in Sudan is expected to continue for several years; some Sudanese, Somali, and Eritrean refugees, who fled to Ethiopia from the fighting or famine in their own countries, continue to return to their homes (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 17% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 78.99 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 16 male: 90.08 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 67.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 55.8 years country comparison to the world: 196 male: 53.28 years

female: 58.39 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.07 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

980,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

67,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies

water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Ethiopian(s)

adjective: Ethiopian

Ethnic groups:

Oromo 34.5%, Amara 26.9%, Somalie 6.2%, Tigraway 6.1%, Sidama 4%,
Guragie 2.5%, Welaita 2.3%, Hadiya 1.7%, Affar 1.7%, Gamo 1.5%,
Gedeo 1.3%, other 11.3% (2007 Census)

Religions:

Orthodox 43.5%, Muslim 33.9%, Protestant 18.6%, traditional 2.6%,
Catholic 0.7%, other 0.7% (2007 Census)

Languages:

Amarigna (Amharic) (official) 32.7%, Oromigna (official regional) 31.6%, Tigrigna (official regional) 6.1%, Somaligna 6%, Guaragigna 3.5%, Sidamigna 3.5%, Hadiyigna 1.7%, other 14.8%, English (official) (major foreign language taught in schools), Arabic (official) (1994 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42.7%

male: 50.3%

female: 35.1% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years

male: 9 years

female: 8 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 44

Government ::Ethiopia

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

conventional short form: Ethiopia

local long form: Ityop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripeblik

local short form: Ityop'iya

former: Abyssinia, Italian East Africa

abbreviation: FDRE

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Addis Ababa

geographic coordinates: 9 02 N, 38 42 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 ethnically based states (kililoch, singular - kilil) and 2 self-governing administrations* (astedaderoch, singular - astedader); Adis Abeba* (Addis Ababa), Afar, Amara (Amhara), Binshangul Gumuz, Dire Dawa*, Gambela Hizboch (Gambela Peoples), Hareri Hizb (Harari People), Oromiya (Oromia), Sumale (Somali), Tigray, Ye Debub Biheroch Bihereseboch na Hizboch (Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples)

Independence:

oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world - at least 2,000 years (may be traced to the Aksumite Kingdom, which coalesced in the first centuries B.C.)

National holiday:

National Day (defeat of MENGISTU regime), 28 May (1991)

Constitution:

ratified 8 December 1994, effective 22 August 1995

Legal system:

based on civil law; currently transitional mix of national and regional courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President GIRMA Woldegiorgis (since 8 October 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since August 1995)

cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided for in the December 1994 constitution; ministers selected by the prime minister and approved by the House of People's Representatives (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the House of People's Representatives for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 9 October 2007 (next to be held in October 2013); prime minister designated by the party in power following legislative elections

election results: GIRMA Woldegiorgis elected president; percent of vote by the House of People's Representatives - 79%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Federation (or upper chamber responsible for interpreting the constitution and federal-regional issues) (108 seats; members chosen by state assemblies to serve five-year terms) and the House of People's Representatives (or lower chamber responsible for passing legislation) (547 seats; members directly elected by popular vote from single-member districts to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 23 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party - EPRDF 499, SPDP 24, BGPDP 9, ANDP 8, GPUDM 3, HNL 1, FORUM 1, APDO 1, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Federal Supreme Court (the president and vice president of the Federal Supreme Court are recommended by the prime minister and appointed by the House of People's Representatives; for other federal judges, the prime minister submits to the House of People's Representatives for appointment candidates selected by the Federal Judicial Administrative Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Afar National Democratic Party or ANDP [Mohammed KEDIR]; Arena Tigray; Argoba People's Democratic Organization or APDO; Benishangul Gumuz People's Democratic Party or BGPDP [Mulualem BESSE]; Coalition for Unity and Democratic Party or CUDP; Ethiopian Federal Democatic Forum or FORUM (a UDJ-led 8-party alliance established for the 2010 parliamentary elections); Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front or EPRDF; Gambella Peoples Unity Democratic Movement or GPUDM [Umod UBONG]; Gurage Nationalities' Democratic Movement or GNDM; Harari National League or HNL [Murad ABDULHADI]; Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement or OFDM [BULCHA Demeksa]; Oromo People's Congress or OPC [IMERERA Gudina]; Somali Democratic Alliance Forces or SODAF; Somali People's Democratic Party or SPDP; United Ethiopian Democratic Forces or UEDF [BEYENE Petros]; Unity for Democracy and Justice or UDJ [Birtukan MEDEKSA, currently imprisoned]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ethiopian People's Patriotic Front or EPPF; Ogaden National
Liberation Front or ONLF; Oromo Liberation Front or OLF [DAOUD Ibsa]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Tesfaye YILMA Sabo

chancery: 3506 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 364-1200

FAX: [1] (202) 587-0195

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald E. BOOTH

embassy: Entoto Street, Addis Ababa

mailing address: P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa

telephone: [251] 11-517-40-00

FAX: [251] 11-517-40-01

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red, with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the three bands; green represents hope and the fertility of the land, yellow symbolizes justice and harmony, while red stands for sacrifice and heroism in the defense of the land; the blue of the disk symbolizes peace and the pentagram represents the unity and equality of the nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia

note: Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and the three main colors of her flag (adopted ca. 1895) were so often adopted by other African countries upon independence that they became known as the Pan-African colors; the emblem in the center of the current flag was added in 1996

National anthem:

name: "Whedefit Gesgeshi Woude Henate Ethiopia" (March Forward, Dear Mother Ethiopia)

lyrics/music: DEREJE Melaku Mengesha/SOLOMON Lulu

note: adopted 1992

Economy ::Ethiopia

Economy - overview:

Ethiopia's poverty-stricken economy is based on agriculture, accounting for almost 45% of GDP, and 85% of total employment. The agricultural sector suffers from frequent drought and poor cultivation practices. Coffee is critical to the Ethiopian economy with exports of some $350 million in 2006, but historically low prices have seen many farmers switching to qat to supplement income. Under Ethiopia's constitution, the state owns all land and provides long-term leases to the tenants; the system continues to hamper growth in the industrial sector as entrepreneurs are unable to use land as collateral for loans. In November 2001, Ethiopia qualified for debt relief from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, and in December 2005 the IMF forgave Ethiopia's debt. The global economic downturn led to balance of payments pressures, partially alleviated by recent emergency funding from the IMF. While GDP growth has remained high, per capita inome is among the lowest in the world.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$84.02 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $78.52 billion (2009 est.)

$72.24 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$30.94 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 8.7% (2009 est.)

11.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214 $900 (2009 est.)

$900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 42.9%

industry: 13.7%

services: 43.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

37.9 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 17

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 85%

industry: 5%

services: 10% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

38.7% (FY05/06 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4.1%

highest 10%: 25.6% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30 (2000) country comparison to the world: 112 40 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Public debt:

39.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 35.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 8.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 129 7% (31 December 2006)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.764 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 91 $4.972 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$8.248 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $8.641 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$8.661 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $9.292 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseed, cotton, sugarcane, potatoes, qat, cut flowers; hides, cattle, sheep, goats; fish

Industries:

food processing, beverages, textiles, leather, chemicals, metals processing, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

9.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Electricity - production:

3.46 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Electricity - consumption:

3.13 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Oil - consumption:

38,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Oil - imports:

33,590 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Oil - proved reserves:

430,000 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - proved reserves:

24.92 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Current account balance:

-$2.232 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 -$1.996 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.729 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $1.636 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, qat, gold, leather products, live animals, oilseeds

Exports - partners:

China 10.87%, Germany 9.75%, Saudi Arabia 7.39%, US 7.21%,
Netherlands 6.38%, Switzerland 5.33%, Sudan 4.35%, Belgium 4% (2009)

Imports:

$7.517 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $6.946 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food and live animals, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, machinery, motor vehicles, cereals, textiles

Imports - partners:

China 14.73%, Saudi Arabia 8.41%, India 7.65%, US 4.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.88 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $1.781 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.289 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $3.621 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

birr (ETB) per US dollar - 14.4 (2010), 11.7776 (2009), 9.57 (2008), 8.96 (2007), 8.69 (2006)

Communications ::Ethiopia

Telephones - main lines in use:

915,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 82

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.052 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 103

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate telephone system with the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) maintaining a monopoly over telecommunication services; open-wire, microwave radio relay; radio communication in the HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies; 2 domestic satellites provide the national trunk service

domestic: the number of fixed lines and mobile telephones is increasing from a small base; combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity is only about 5 per 100 persons

international: country code - 251; open-wire to Sudan and Djibouti; microwave radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 public TV broadcast station broadcasting nationally and 1 public radio broadcaster with stations in each of the 13 administrative districts; a few commercial radio stations and roughly a dozen community radio stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.et

Internet hosts:

151 (2010) country comparison to the world: 200

Internet users:

447,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 119

Transportation ::Ethiopia

Airports:

61 (2010) country comparison to the world: 79

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 17

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 44

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 22

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Railways:

total: 681 km (Ethiopian segment of the 781 km Addis Ababa-Djibouti railroad) country comparison to the world: 106 narrow gauge: 681 km 1.000-m gauge

note: railway is under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia but is largely inoperable (2008)

Roadways:

total: 36,469 km country comparison to the world: 94 paved: 6,980 km

unpaved: 29,489 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 9 country comparison to the world: 118 by type: cargo 8, roll on/roll off 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ethiopia is landlocked and uses ports of Djibouti in Djibouti and
Berbera in Somalia

Military ::Ethiopia

Military branches:

Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF): Ground Forces, Ethiopian
Air Force (ETAF) (2010)

note: Ethiopia is landlocked and has no navy; following the secession of Eritrea, Ethiopian naval facilities remained in Eritrean possession

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no compulsory military service, but the military can conduct call-ups when necessary and compliance is compulsory (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 18,485,269

females age 16-49: 19,145,307 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 11,466,713

females age 16-49: 12,444,706 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 934,523

female: 947,103 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 124

Transnational Issues ::Ethiopia

Disputes - international:

Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by the 2002 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission's (EEBC) delimitation decision, but neither party responded to the revised line detailed in the November 2006 EEBC Demarcation Statement; the undemarcated former British administrative line has little meaning as a political separation to rival clans within Ethiopia's Ogaden and southern Somalia's Oromo region; Ethiopian forces invaded southern Somalia and routed Islamist Courts from Mogadishu in January 2007; "Somaliland" secessionists provide port facilities in Berbera and trade ties to landlocked Ethiopia; civil unrest in eastern Sudan has hampered efforts to demarcate the porous boundary with Ethiopia

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 66,980 (Sudan); 16,576 (Somalia); 13,078 (Eritrea)

IDPs: 200,000 (border war with Eritrea from 1998-2000, ethnic clashes in Gambela, and ongoing Ethiopian military counterinsurgency in Somali region; most IDPs are in Tigray and Gambela Provinces) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transit hub for heroin originating in Southwest and Southeast Asia and destined for Europe, as well as cocaine destined for markets in southern Africa; cultivates qat (khat) for local use and regional export, principally to Djibouti and Somalia (legal in all three countries); the lack of a well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a money laundering center

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@European Union (Europe)

Introduction ::European Union

Preliminary statement:

The evolution of the European Union (EU) from a regional economic agreement among six neighboring states in 1951 to today's supranational organization of 27 countries across the European continent stands as an unprecedented phenomenon in the annals of history. Dynastic unions for territorial consolidation were long the norm in Europe. On a few occasions even country-level unions were arranged - the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Austro-Hungarian Empire were examples - but for such a large number of nation-states to cede some of their sovereignty to an overarching entity is truly unique.

Although the EU is not a federation in the strict sense, it is far more than a free-trade association such as ASEAN, NAFTA, or Mercosur, and it has many of the attributes associated with independent nations: its own flag, anthem, founding date, and currency, as well as an incipient common foreign and security policy in its dealings with other nations.

In the future, many of these nation-like characteristics are likely to be expanded. Thus, inclusion of basic intelligence on the EU has been deemed appropriate as a new, separate entity in The World Factbook. However, because of the EU's special status, this description is placed after the regular country entries.

Background:

Following the two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century, a number of European leaders in the late 1940s became convinced that the only way to establish a lasting peace was to unite the two chief belligerent nations - France and Germany - both economically and politically. In 1950, the French Foreign Minister Robert SCHUMAN proposed an eventual union of all Europe, the first step of which would be the integration of the coal and steel industries of Western Europe. The following year the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was set up when six members, Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, signed the Treaty of Paris.

The ECSC was so successful that within a few years the decision was made to integrate other parts of the countries' economies. In 1957, the Treaties of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), and the six member states undertook to eliminate trade barriers among themselves by forming a common market. In 1967, the institutions of all three communities were formally merged into the European Community (EC), creating a single Commission, a single Council of Ministers, and the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament were initially selected by national parliaments, but in 1979 the first direct elections were undertaken and they have been held every five years since.

In 1973, the first enlargement of the EC took place with the addition of Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The 1980s saw further membership expansion with Greece joining in 1981 and Spain and Portugal in 1986. The 1992 Treaty of Maastricht laid the basis for further forms of cooperation in foreign and defense policy, in judicial and internal affairs, and in the creation of an economic and monetary union - including a common currency. This further integration created the European Union (EU). In 1995, Austria, Finland, and Sweden joined the EU, raising the membership total to 15.

A new currency, the euro, was launched in world money markets on 1 January 1999; it became the unit of exchange for all of the EU states except the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Denmark. In 2002, citizens of the 12 euro-area countries (the European Monetary Union or EMU) began using the euro banknotes and coins. Ten new countries joined the EU in 2004 - Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia - and in 2007 Bulgaria and Romania joined, bringing the current membership to 27. In order to ensure that the EU can continue to function efficiently with an expanded membership, the Treaty of Nice (in force as of 1 February 2003) set forth rules streamlining the size and procedures of EU institutions. An effort to establish an EU constitution, begun in October 2004, failed to attain unanimous ratification. A new effort, undertaken in June 2007, created an Intergovernmental Conference to formulate a political agreement - initially known as the Reform Treaty but subsequently referred to as the Treaty of Lisbon - which would serve as a constitution. Unlike the constitution, however, the Treaty of Lisbon sought to amend existing treaties rather than replace them. In October 2009, an Irish referendum approved the Treaty (overturning a previous rejection) and cleared the way for an ultimate unanimous endorsement - the Czech Republic signed on soon after. Treaty implementation began on 1 December 2009. In 2010, the prospect of a Greek default on its euro-denominated debt created severe strains within the EMU and raised the question of whether a member country might be removed.

Geography ::European Union

Location:

Europe between the North Atlantic Ocean in the west and Russia,
Belarus, and Ukraine to the east

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 4,324,782 sq km

Area - comparative:

less than one-half the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 12,440.8 km

border countries: Albania 282 km, Andorra 120.3 km, Belarus 1,050 km, Croatia 999 km, Holy See 3.2 km, Liechtenstein 34.9 km, Macedonia 394 km, Moldova 450 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Norway 2,348 km, Russia 2,257 km, San Marino 39 km, Serbia 945 km, Switzerland 1,811 km, Turkey 446 km, Ukraine 1,257 km

note: data for European Continent only

Coastline:

65,992.9 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

cold temperate; potentially subarctic in the north to temperate; mild wet winters; hot dry summers in the south

Terrain:

fairly flat along the Baltic and Atlantic coast; mountainous in the central and southern areas

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lammefjord, Denmark -7 m; Zuidplaspolder, Netherlands -7 m

highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m; note - situated on the border between France and Italy

Natural resources:

iron ore, natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, lead, zinc, bauxite, uranium, potash, salt, hydropower, arable land, timber, fish

Land use:

arable land: NA

permanent crops: NA

other: NA

Irrigated land:

168,050 sq km (2003 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding along coasts; avalanches in mountainous area; earthquakes in the south; volcanic eruptions in Italy; periodic droughts in Spain; ice floes in the Baltic

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94

signed but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

People ::European Union

Population:

492,387,344 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.44% (male 38,992,677/female 36,940,450)

15-64 years: 67.23% (male 166,412,403/female 164,295,636)

65 years and over: 17.33% (male 35,376,333/female 49,853,361) (2009 est.)

Median age:

note - see individual country entries of member states (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.098 % (2010 est.)

Birth rate:

9.83 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Death rate:

10.33 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.61 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 181 male: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.82 years country comparison to the world: 41 male: 75.7 years

female: 82.13 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.51 children born/woman (2010 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

note - see individual country entries of member states

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

note - see individual country entries of member states

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

note - see individual country entries of member states

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish

Languages:

Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French,
Gaelic, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian,
Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish,
Swedish

note: only official languages are listed; German, the major language of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, is the most widely spoken mother tongue - over 19% of the EU population; English is the most widely spoken language - about 49% of the EU population is conversant with it (2007)

Government ::European Union

Union name:

conventional long form: European Union

abbreviation: EU

Political structure:

a hybrid intergovernmental and supranational organization

Capital:

name: Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France), Luxembourg

geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 20 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

note: the Council of the European Union meets in Brussels, Belgium; the European Parliament meets in Brussels and Strasbourg, France; the Court of Justice of the European Communities meets in Luxembourg

Member states:

27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK; note - candidate countries: Croatia, Iceland, Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey

Independence:

7 February 1992 (Maastricht Treaty signed establishing the EU); 1 November 1993 (Maastricht Treaty entered into force)

National holiday:

Europe Day 9 May (1950); note - a Union-wide holiday, the day that
Robert SCHUMAN proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel
Community to achieve an organized Europe

Constitution:

none

note: based on a series of treaties: the Treaty of Paris, which set up the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951; the Treaties of Rome, which set up the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) in 1957; the Single European Act in 1986; the Treaty on European Union (Maastricht) in 1992; the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997; and the Treaty of Nice in 2003; note - a new draft Constitutional Treaty, signed on 29 October 2004 in Rome, gave member states two years for ratification either by parliamentary vote or national referendum before it was scheduled to take effect on 1 November 2006; defeat in French and Dutch referenda in May-June 2005 dealt a severe setback to the ratification process; in June 2007, the European Council agreed on a clear and concise mandate for an Intergovernmental Conference to form a political agreement and put it into legal form; this agreement, known as the Reform Treaty, would have served as a constitution and was presented to the European Council in October 2007 for individual country ratification; it was rejected by Irish voters in June 2008, again stalling the ratification process; the Reform Treaty, more recently known as the Treaty of Lisbon, was again circulated for ratification, and by November 2009 was approved by all 27 countries; it came into effect on 1 December 2009

Legal system:

comparable to the legal systems of member states; first supranational law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of union: President of the European Commission Jose Manuel BARROSO (since 2004)

cabinet: European Commission (composed of 27 members, one from each member country; each commissioner responsible for one or more policy areas) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the president of the European Commission designated by member governments and confirmed by the European Parliament; working from member state recommendations, the Commission president then assembles a "college" of Commission members; the European Parliament confirms the entire Commission for a five-year term; the next confirmation process will likely be held in January 2015

note: the European Council brings together heads of state and government and the president of the European Commission and meets at least four times a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for the major political issues relating to European integration and to issue general policy guidelines; leaders of the EU member states appointed then Belgian Prime Minister Herman VAN ROMPUY to be the first full-time president of the European Council in November 2009; he took office on 1 December 2009 and will serve a two-and-one-half-year term, renewable once; his core responsibilities include chairing the four summits each year and providing continuity beyond the rotating, six-month presidencies of the Council of the EU

Legislative branch:

two legislative bodies consisting of the Council of the European Union (27 member-state ministers having 345 votes; the number of votes is roughly proportional to member-states' population) and the European Parliament (736 seats; seats allocated among member states in proportion to population; members elected by direct universal suffrage for a five-year term); note - the Council is the main decision-making body of the EU; leaders of the EU member states appointed UK Baroness Catherine Ashton to be the first High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; Ashton took office on 1 December 2009; her concurrent appointment as Vice President of the European Commission - both of which are subject to confirmation by the European Parliament - endows her position with the policymaking influence of the Council of the EU and the budgetary influence of the European Commission

elections: last held on 4-7 June 2009 (next to be held in June 2014)

election results: percent of vote - EPP 36%, S&D 25%, ALDE 11.4%, Greens/EFA 7.5%, ECR 7.3%, GUE/NGL 4.8%, EFD 4.3%, independents 3.7%; seats by party - EPP 265, S&D 184, ALDE 84, Greens/EFA 55, ECR 54, GUE/NGL 35, EFD 32, independents 27

Judicial branch:

Court of Justice of the European Communities (ensures that the treaties are interpreted and applied uniformly throughout the EU; resolve constitutional issues among the EU institutions) - 27 justices (one from each member state) appointed for a six-year term; note - for the sake of efficiency, the court can sit with 13 justices known as the "Grand Chamber"; Court of First Instance - 27 justices appointed for a six-year term

Political parties and leaders:

Confederal Group of the European United Left-Nordic Green Left or
GUE/NGL [Lothar BISKY]; Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group or EFD
[Nigel FARAGE and Francesco SPERONI]; European Conservatives and
Reformists Group or ECR [Michael KAMINSKI]; Group of Greens/European
Free Alliance or Greens/EFA [Rebecca HARMS and Daniel COHN-BENDIT];
Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe or ALDE
[Guy VERHOFSTADT]; Group of the European People's Party or EPP
[Joseph DAUL]; Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and
Democrats in the European Parliament or S&D [Martin SCHULZ]

International organization participation:

European Union: ARF (dialogue member), ASEAN (dialogue member), FAO, G-8, G-20, IDA, OAS (observer), PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), UN (observer), WTO

European Commission: Australian Group, CBSS, CERN, EBRD, FATF, G-10,
IEA, LAIA WTO, ZC (observer)

European Central Bank: BIS

European Investment Bank: EBRD

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joao P. Castanheira do VALE DE ALMEIDA

chancery: 2300 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 862-9500

FAX: [1] (202) 429-1766

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Christopher MURRAY

embassy: 13 Zinnerstraat/Rue Zinner, B-1000 Brussels

mailing address: same as above

telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111

FAX: [32] (2) 508-2063

Flag description:

a blue field with 12 five-pointed gold stars arranged in a circle in the center; blue represents the sky of the Western world, the stars are the peoples of Europe in a circle, a symbol of unity; the number of stars is fixed

National anthem:

name: "Ode to Joy""

lyrics/music: none/Ludwig VON BEETHOVEN, arranged by Herbert VON KARAJAN

note: adopted 1972, not in use until 1986; according to the European Union, the song is meant to represent all of Europe rather than just the organization; the song also serves as the anthem for the Council of Europe

Economy ::European Union

Economy - overview:

Internally, the EU has abolished trade barriers, adopted a common currency, and is striving toward convergence of living standards. Internationally, the EU aims to bolster Europe's trade position and its political and economic power. Because of the great differences in per capita income among member states (from $7,000 to $78,000) and in national attitudes toward issues like inflation, debt, and foreign trade, the EU faces difficulties in devising and enforcing common policies. In the wake of the global economic crisis, the European Commission projected that the EU's economy would shrink by 4% in 2009 and 0.1% in 2010. The EU has recovered from the crisis faster than expected, however, and the Commission estimates 2010 growth at 1.8%. Significant risks to growth nevertheless remain, including, high official debts and deficits, aging populations, over-regulation of non-financial businesses, and doubts about the sustainability of European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). In June 2010, prompted by the Greek financial crisis, the EU and the IMF set up a $1 trillion bailout fund to rescue any EMU member in danger of default, but it has not calmed market jitters that have diminished the value of the euro. Eleven established EU member states introduced the euro as their common currency on 1 January 1999 (Greece did so two years later), but the UK and Denmark have 'opt-outs' that allow them to keep their national currencies, and Sweden has not taken the steps needed to participate. Between 2004 and 2007, the EU admitted 12 countries that are, in general, less advanced economically than the other 15. Of the 12 most recent member states, only Slovenia (1 January 2007), Cyprus and Malta (1 January 2008), Slovakia (1 January 2009), and Estonia (1 January 2011) have adopted the euro; the remaining states other than the UK and Denmark are legally required to adopt the currency upon meeting EU's fiscal and monetary convergence criteria.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.89 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $14.64 trillion (2009 est.)

$15.27 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$15.9 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 -4% (2009 est.)

0.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$32,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $32,400 (2009 est.)

$33,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.8%

industry: 25.2%

services: 72.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

225.2 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5.6%

industry: 27.7%

services: 66.7% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

note - see individual country entries of member states

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 25.6% (2002 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 31.2 (1996 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 1.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 121 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.52% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 8.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.542 trillion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 2 $5.649 trillion (31 December 2007)

note: this is the quantity of money, M1, for the euro area, converted into US dollars at the exchange rate for the date indicated; it excludes the stock of money carried by non-euro-area members of the European Union

Stock of broad money:

$11.17 trillion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $10.83 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

note: this is the quantity of quasi money, M2-M1, for the euro area, converted into US dollars at the exchange rate for the date indicated; it excludes the stock of quasi money carried by non-euro-area members of the European Union

Stock of domestic credit:

$22.65 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $21.24 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

note: this figure refers to the euro area only; it excludes credit data for non-euro-area members of the EU

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $7.564 trillion (31 December 2008)

$15.57 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, oilseeds, sugar beets, wine, grapes; dairy products, cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry; fish

Industries:

among the world's largest and most technologically advanced, the EU industrial base includes: ferrous and non-ferrous metal production and processing, metal products, petroleum, coal, cement, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, rail transportation equipment, passenger and commercial vehicles, construction equipment, industrial equipment, shipbuilding, electrical power equipment, machine tools and automated manufacturing systems, electronics and telecommunications equipment, fishing, food and beverage processing, furniture, paper, textiles, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Electricity - production:

3.08 trillion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Electricity - consumption:

2.906 trillion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Electricity - exports:

NA kWh

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh

Oil - production:

2.383 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Oil - consumption:

13.68 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Oil - exports:

2.196 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Oil - imports:

8.613 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Oil - proved reserves:

5.414 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Natural gas - production:

181.6 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Natural gas - consumption:

489.4 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Natural gas - exports:

NA cu m

Natural gas - imports:

NA cu m

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.242 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Current account balance:

$NA (2009)

$51.4 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.952 trillion (2007) country comparison to the world: 1 $1.33 trillion (2005)

note: external exports, excluding intra-EU trade

Exports - commodities:

machinery, motor vehicles, aircraft, plastics, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, fuels, iron and steel, nonferrous metals, wood pulp and paper products, textiles, meat, dairy products, fish, alcoholic beverages.

Imports:

$1.69 trillion (2007) country comparison to the world: 2 $1.466 trillion (2005)

note: external imports, excluding intra-EU trade

Imports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, aircraft, plastics, crude oil, chemicals, textiles, metals, foodstuffs, clothing

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA

Debt - external:

country comparison to the world: 2 $13.72 trillion (30 June 2010); This is the external debt for the euro area only; it excludes the external debt of the non-euro-area members of the EU

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::European Union

Telephones - main lines in use:

238 million (2005)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

466 million (2005)

Telephone system:

note - see individual country entries of member states

Internet country code:

.eu; note - see country entries of member states for individual country codes

Internet hosts:

140,277; note - this sum reflects the number of internet hosts assigned the .eu internet country code (2010)

Internet users:

247 million (2006)

Transportation ::European Union

Airports:

3,383 (2010)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1,992

over 3,047 m: 116

2,438 to 3,047 m: 340

1,524 to 2,437 m: 546

914 to 1,523 m: 422

under 914 m: 568 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1,391

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 22

914 to 1,523 m: 254

under 914 m: 1,112 (2010)

Heliports:

99 (2010)

Railways:

total: 229,450 km (2008)

Roadways:

total: 5,919,704 km (2008)

Waterways:

52,332 km (2006)

Ports and terminals:

Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Braila (Romania), Bremen
(Germany), Burgas (Bulgaria), Constanta (Romania), Copenhagen
(Denmark), Galati (Romania), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany),
Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre
(France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille (France), Naples
(Italy), Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Riga (Latvia), Rotterdam
(Netherlands), Stockholm (Sweden), Talinn (Estonia), Tulcea
(Romania), Varna (Bulgaria)

Military ::European Union

Military - note:

the five-nation Eurocorps - created in 1992 by France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Luxembourg - has deployed troops and police on peacekeeping missions to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and assumed command of the ISAF in Afghanistan in August 2004; Eurocorps directly commands the 5,000-man Franco-German Brigade, the Multinational Command Support Brigade, and EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina; in November 2004, the EU Council of Ministers formally committed to creating 13 1,500-man battle groups by the end of 2007, to respond to international crises on a rotating basis; 22 of the EU's 27 nations have agreed to supply troops; France, Italy, and the UK formed the first of three battle groups in 2005; Norway, Sweden, Estonia, and Finland established the Nordic Battle Group effective 1 January 2008; nine other groups are to be formed; a rapid-reaction naval EU Maritime Task Group was stood up in March 2007 (2007)

Transnational Issues ::European Union

Disputes - international:

as a political union, the EU has no border disputes with neighboring countries, but Estonia has no land boundary agreements with Russia, Slovenia disputes its land and maritime boundaries with Croatia, and Spain has territorial and maritime disputes with Morocco and with the UK over Gibraltar; the EU has set up a Schengen area - consisting of 22 EU member states that have signed the convention implementing the Schengen agreements or "acquis" (1985 and 1990) on the free movement of persons and the harmonization of border controls in Europe; these agreements became incorporated into EU law with the implementation of the 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam on 1 May 1999; in addition, non-EU states Iceland and Norway (as part of the Nordic Union) have been included in the Schengen area since 1996 (full members in 2001), and Switzerland since 2008 bringing the total current membership to 25; the UK (since 2000) and Ireland (since 2002) take part in only some aspects of the Schengen area, especially with respect to police and criminal matters; nine of the 12 new member states that joined the EU since 2004 joined Schengen on 21 December 2007; of the three remaining EU states, Cyprus is expected to join by 2009, while Romania and Bulgaria continue to enhance their border security systems

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (South America)

Introduction ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Background:

Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement (French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced an Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.

Geography ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Location:

Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina

Geographic coordinates:

51 45 S, 59 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 12,173 sq km country comparison to the world: 164 land: 12,173 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,288 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 24 inches in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but typically does not accumulate

Terrain:

rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m

Natural resources:

fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (99% permanent pastures, 1% other) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

strong winds persist throughout the year

Environment - current issues:

overfishing by unlicensed vessels is a problem; reindeer were introduced to the islands in 2001 for commercial reasons; this is the only commercial reindeer herd in the world unaffected by the 1986 Chornobyl disaster

Geography - note:

deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season

People ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Population:

3,140 (July 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 230

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA

Population growth rate:

0.011% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Falkland Islander(s)

adjective: Falkland Island

Ethnic groups:

British

Religions:

Christian 67.2%, none 31.5%, other 1.3% (2006 census)

Languages:

English

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Stanley

geographic coordinates: 51 42 S, 57 51 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends third Sunday in April

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)

Constitution:

1 January 2009

Legal system:

English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Governor Nigel HAYWOOD (since 16 October 2010) is the Queen's representative; Chief Executive Dr. Tim THOROGOOD (since 3 January 2008)

cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial secretary), and the governor; the governor must obey the rulings of the Executive Council on domestic affairs (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (10 seats; 2 members are ex officio and 8 are elected by popular vote; members to serve four-year terms); presided over by the governor

elections: last held on 5 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 8

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is a nonresident); Magistrates Court (senior magistrate presides over civil and criminal divisions); Court of Summary Jurisdiction

Political parties and leaders:

none; all independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Falkland Islands Association (supports freedom of the people from external causes)

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising was once the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT

National anthem:

name: "Song of the Falklands""

lyrics/music: Christopher LANHAM

note: adopted 1930s; the song is the local unofficial anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Economy - overview:

The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987, the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falkland Islands' exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which help support the island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Foreign exchange earnings come from shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day; to date, no exploitable site has been identified. An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves. Political tensions between the UK and Argentina rose in early 2010 after a UK company began oil drilling activities in the waters around the Falkland Islands but abated somewhat when the drilling operation failed to discover commercially exploitable oil reserves. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001. Another large source of income is interest paid on money the government has in the bank. The British military presence also provides a sizeable economic boost.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$105.1 million (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

GDP (official exchange rate):

$105.1 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,400 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 95%

industry: NA%

services: NA% (1996)

Labor force:

1,724 (1996) (1996) country comparison to the world: 224

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 95% (mostly sheepherding and fishing)

industry and services: 5% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (1998) country comparison to the world: 105

Agriculture - products:

fodder and vegetable crops; sheep, dairy products; fish, squid

Industries:

fish and wool processing; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

16 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Electricity - consumption:

14.88 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Oil - consumption:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Oil - imports:

271 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Exports:

$125 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Exports - commodities:

wool, hides, meat, fish, squid

Imports:

$90 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Imports - commodities:

fuel, food and drink, building materials, clothing

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Falkland pounds (FKP) per US dollar - 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006), 0.5493 (2005), 0.5462 (2004)

note: the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 223

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 212

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands

international: country code - 500; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other countries

Broadcast media:

television service provided by a multi-channel service provider; radio services provided by the public broadcaster Falkland Islands Radio Service (FIRS), broadcasting on both AM and FM frequencies, and by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) (2007)

Internet country code:

.fk

Internet hosts:

91 (2010) country comparison to the world: 203

Internet users:

2,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 208

Transportation ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Airports:

7 (2010) country comparison to the world: 167

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 440 km country comparison to the world: 197 paved: 50 km

unpaved: 390 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Stanley

Military ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Disputes - international:

Argentina, which claims the islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in 1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force; UK continues to reject Argentine requests for sovereignty talks

page last updated on January 10, 2011

======================================================================

@Faroe Islands (Europe)

Introduction ::Faroe Islands

Background:

The population of the Faroe Islands is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. A high degree of self government was granted the Faroese in 1948, who have autonomy over most internal affairs while Denmark is responsible for justice, defense, and foreign affairs. The Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union.

Geography ::Faroe Islands

Location:

Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the
North Atlantic Ocean, about half way between Iceland and Norway

Geographic coordinates:

62 00 N, 7 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 1,393 sq km country comparison to the world: 182 land: 1,393 sq km

water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams)

Area - comparative:

eight times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,117 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

Climate:

mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy

Terrain:

rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m

Natural resources:

fish, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

Land use:

arable land: 2.14%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 97.86% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Marine Dumping - associate member to the London Convention and Ship Pollution

Geography - note:

archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands

People ::Faroe Islands

Population:

49,057 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.6% (male 5,451/female 5,108)

15-64 years: 64% (male 16,708/female 14,544)

65 years and over: 14.4% (male 3,324/female 3,721) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.1 years

male: 36.5 years

female: 37.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.424% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Birth rate:

12.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Death rate:

8.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Urbanization:

urban population: 41% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.069 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 1.09 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.18 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 176 male: 6.43 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.58 years country comparison to the world: 33 male: 77.13 years

female: 82.21 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Faroese (singular and plural)

adjective: Faroese

Ethnic groups:

Scandinavian

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 83.8%, other and unspecified 16.2% (2006 census)

Languages:

Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Literacy:

NA; note - probably 99%, the same as Denmark proper

Government ::Faroe Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Faroe Islands

local long form: none

local short form: Foroyar

Dependency status:

part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Torshavn

geographic coordinates: 62 01 N, 6 46 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 34 municipalities

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

National holiday:

Olaifest (Olavsoka ), 29 July

Constitution:

5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of Denmark where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Dan Michael KNUDSEN, chief administrative officer (since 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN (since 26 September 2008)

cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held on 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012)

election results: Joannes EIDESGAARD elected prime minister in 2008; governing coalition collapses in September 2008, Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN becomes prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (33 seats; members elected by popular vote on a proportional basis from the seven constituencies to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - Union Party 21%, Social Democratic Party 19.3%, Republican Party 23.3%, People's Party 20.1%, Center Party 8.4%, Independence Party 7.2%, other 0.7%; seats by party - Republican Party 8, Union Party 7, Social Democratic Party 6, People's Party 7, Center Party 3, Independence Party 2

note: election of two seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on 13 November 2007 (next to be held no later than November 2011); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 1, Union Party 1

Judicial branch:

none

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party [Jenis av RANA]; Independence Party [Kari P. HOJGAARD];
People's Party [Jorgen NICLASEN]; Republican Party [Hogni HOYDAL];
Social Democratic Party [Joannes EIDESGAARD]; Union Party [Kaj Leo
JOHANNESEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

conservationists

International organization participation:

Arctic Council, IMO (associate), NC, NIB, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Flag description:

white with a red cross outlined in blue extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted toward the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); referred to as Merkid, meaning "the banner" or "the mark," the flag resembles those of neighboring Iceland and Norway, and uses the same three colors - but in a different sequence; white represents the clear Faroese sky as well as the foam of the waves; red and blue are traditional Faroese colors

National anthem:

name: "Mitt alfagra land" (My Fairest Land)

lyrics/music: Simun av SKAROI/Peter ALBERG

note: adopted 1948; the anthem is also known as "Tu alfagra land mitt" (Thou Fairest Land of Mine); as an autonomous overseas division of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are permitted their own national anthem

Economy ::Faroe Islands

Economy - overview:

The Faroese economy is dependent on fishing, which makes the economy vulnerable to price swings. The sector accounts for about 95% of exports and nearly half of GDP. In early 2008 the Faroese economy began to slow as a result of smaller catches and historically high oil prices that continue to trouble the economy. Though oil prices have come down, reduced catches, especially of cod and haddock, have continued to strain the Faroese economy. GDP grew 0.5% in 2008-09. The slowdown in the Faroese economy followed a strong performance since the mid-1990s with annual growth rates averaging close to 6%, mostly a result of increased fish landings and salmon farming, and high export prices. Unemployment reached its lowest level in the first half of 2008, but increased to 3.9% in 2009 and is rising. The Faroese Home Rule Government produced increasing budget surpluses that helped to reduce the large public debt, most of it to Denmark. However, total dependence on fishing and salmon farming make the Faroese economy very vulnerable to fluctuations in world demand. In addition, budget surpluses turned to deficits in 2008-09, and the economy at both the country and local level is running large deficits. Initial discoveries of oil in the Faroese area give hope for eventual oil production, which may provide a foundation for a more diversified economy and less dependence on Danish economic assistance. Aided by an annual subsidy from Denmark amounting to about 6% of Faroese GDP, the Faroese have a standard of living almost equal to that of Denmark and Greenland.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.642 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.45 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$34,000 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 16%

industry: 29%

services: 55% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

34,680 (November 2008) country comparison to the world: 201

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10.2%

industry: 20.5%

services: 69.2% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

3.9% (2009) country comparison to the world: 34 1.2% (2008)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1.1% (2009) country comparison to the world: 6 6.4% (2008)

Agriculture - products:

milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon, other fish

Industries:

fishing, fish processing, small ship repair and refurbishment, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Electricity - production:

275.8 million kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Electricity - consumption:

264.4 million kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - imports:

4,922 bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 196

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 185

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 180

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 180

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Exports:

$848 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 157 $634 million (2006)

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products 94%, stamps, ships

Exports - partners:

Hungary 36.26%, Denmark 21.36%, UK 12.21%, Nigeria 7.72%, US 6.49%,
Norway 5.46% (2009)

Imports:

$983 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 171 $751 million (2006)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods 36%, raw materials and semi-manufactures 32%, machinery and transport equipment 29%, fuels, fish, salt

Imports - partners:

Denmark 54.42%, Norway 20.76%, Sweden 4.79% (2009)

Debt - external:

$68.1 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 185

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2009), 5.0236 (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Communications ::Faroe Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 192

Telephones - mobile cellular:

57,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 194

Telephone system:

general assessment: good international communications; good domestic facilities

domestic: conversion to digital system completed in 1998; both NMT (analog) and GSM (digital) mobile telephone systems are installed

international: country code - 298; satellite earth stations - 1 Orion; 1 fiber-optic submarine cable to the Shetland Islands, linking the Faroe Islands with Denmark and Iceland; fiber-optic submarine cable connection to Canada-Europe cable

Broadcast media:

1 publicly-owned TV station; the Faroese telecommunications company distributes local and international channels through its digital terrestrial network; publicly-owned radio station supplemented by 2 privately-owned stations broadcasting over multiple frequencies (2008)

Internet country code:

.fo

Internet hosts:

8,936 (2010) country comparison to the world: 128

Internet users:

37,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 175

Transportation ::Faroe Islands

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 230

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 463 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 194

Merchant marine:

total: 26 country comparison to the world: 91 by type: cargo 11, chemical tanker 6, container 2, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 11 (Norway 6, Sweden 5) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Fuglafjordur, Torshavn, Vagur

Military ::Faroe Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 11,788 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,792

females age 16-49: 8,354 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 379

female: 368 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Transnational Issues ::Faroe Islands

Disputes - international:

because anticipated offshore hydrocarbon resources have not been realized, earlier Faroese proposals for full independence have been deferred; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Fiji (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Fiji

Background:

Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987 caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). The coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian control of Fiji led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a civilian-led coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE. Re-elected in May 2006, QARASE was ousted in a December 2006 military coup led by Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA, who initially appointed himself acting president but in January 2007 became interim prime minister. Since taking power BAINIMARAMA has neutralized his opponents, crippled Fiji's democratic institutions, and refused to hold elections.

Geography ::Fiji

Location:

Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

18 00 S, 175 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 18,274 sq km country comparison to the world: 156 land: 18,274 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,129 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim added

Climate:

tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains of volcanic origin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Tomanivi 1,324 m

Natural resources:

timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 10.95%

permanent crops: 4.65%

other: 84.4% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

28.6 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.07 cu km/yr (14%/14%/71%)

per capita: 82 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

cyclonic storms can occur from November to January

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

includes 332 islands; approximately 110 are inhabited

People ::Fiji

Population:

875,983 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.3% (male 146,327/female 140,327)

15-64 years: 64.9% (male 307,077/female 305,886)

65 years and over: 4.8% (male 20,300/female 24,803) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.6 years

male: 26.4 years

female: 26.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.827% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Birth rate:

21.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Death rate:

5.88 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Net migration rate:

-7.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.28 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 146 male: 12.42 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.03 years country comparison to the world: 136 male: 68.46 years

female: 73.73 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

600 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Nationality:

noun: Fijian(s)

adjective: Fijian

Ethnic groups:

Fijian 57.3% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture),
Indian 37.6%, Rotuman 1.2%, other 3.9% (European, other Pacific
Islanders, Chinese) (2007 census)

Religions:

Christian 64.5% (Methodist 34.6%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Assembly of
God 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 3.9%, Anglican 0.8%, other 10.4%),
Hindu 27.9%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, other or unspecified 0.3%, none
0.7% (2007 census)

Languages:

English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.7%

male: 95.5%

female: 91.9% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

6.2% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 33

Government ::Fiji

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Fiji Islands

conventional short form: Fiji

local long form: Republic of the Fiji Islands/Matanitu ko Viti

local short form: Fiji/Viti

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Suva (on Viti Levu)

geographic coordinates: 18 08 S, 178 25 E

time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins fourth Sunday in October; ends last Sunday in March

Administrative divisions:

4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*, Western

Independence:

10 October 1970 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)

Constitution:

enacted on 25 July 1997; effective on 28 July 1998; note - it encourages multiculturalism and makes multiparty government mandatory

Legal system:

based on British system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU (since 30 July 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10 September 2000); note - although QARASE is still the legal prime minister, he has been confined to his home island; former President ILOILOVATU appointed Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA interim prime minister under the military regime

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament and responsible to Parliament; note - coup leader Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA has appointed an interim cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the constitution, president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); in 2007 the Great Council of Chiefs was suspended from its role in electing the president; prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU was appointed by Chief Justice Anthony GATES

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (32 seats; 14 members appointed by the president on the advice of the Great Council of Chiefs, 9 appointed by the president on the advice of the Prime Minister, 8 on the advice of the opposition leader, and 1 appointed on the advice of the council of Rotuma) and the House of Representatives (71 seats; 23 members reserved for ethnic Fijians, 19 reserved for ethnic Indians, 3 reserved for other ethnic groups, 1 reserved for the council of Rotuma constituency encompassing the whole of Fiji, and 25 open seats; members serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 6-13 May 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - SDL 44.6%, FLP 39.2%, UPP 0.8%, independents 4.9%, other 10.5%; seats by party - SDL 36, FLP 31, UPP 2, independents 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Court of
Appeal; High Court; Magistrates' Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Dodonu Ni Taukei Party or DNT [Fereti S. DEWA]; Fiji Democratic
Party or FDP [Filipe BOLE] (a merger of the Christian Democrat
Alliance or VLV [Poesci Waqalevu BUNE], Fijian Association Party or
FAP, Fijian Political Party or SVT [Sitiveni RABUKA] (primarily
Fijian), and New Labor Unity Party or NLUP [Ofa SWANN]); Fiji Labor
Party or FLP [Mahendra CHAUDHRY]; General Voters Party or GVP
(became part of United General Party); Girmit Heritage Party or GHP;
Justice and Freedom Party or AIM; Lio 'On Famor Rotuma Party or LFR;
National Federation Party or NFP [Pramond RAE] (primarily Indian);
Nationalist Vanua Takolavo Party or NVTLP [Saula TELAWA]; Party of
National Unity or PANU [Ponipate LESAVUA]; Party of the Truth or
POTT; United Fiji Party/Sogosogo Duavata ni Lewenivanua or SDL
[Laisenia QARASE]; United Peoples Party or UPP [Millis Mick BEDDOES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Group Against Racial Discrimination or GARD [Dr. Anirudk SINGH] (for restoration of a democratic government); Viti Landowners Association

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C (suspended), CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OPCW, PCA, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Winston THOMPSON

chancery: 2000 M Street, NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 466-8320

FAX: [1] (202) 466-8325

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador C. Steven MCGANN

embassy: 31 Loftus Street, Suva

mailing address: P. O. Box 218, Suva

telephone: [679] 331-4466

FAX: [679] 330-0081

Flag description:

light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the blue symbolizes the Pacific ocean and the Union Jack reflects the links with Great Britain; the shield - taken from Fiji's coat of arms - depicts a yellow lion above a white field quartered by the cross of Saint George; the four quarters depict stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove

National anthem:

name: "God Bless Fiji"

lyrics/music: Michael Francis Alexander PRESCOTT/C. Austin MILES (adapted by Michael Francis Alexander PRESCOTT)

note: adopted 1970; the anthem is known in Fijian as "Meda Dau Doka" (Let Us Show Pride); adapted from the hymn, "Dwelling in Beulah Land," the anthem's English lyrics are generally sung, although they differ in meaning from the official Fijian lyrics

Economy ::Fiji

Economy - overview:

Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports, remittances from Fijians working abroad, and a growing tourist industry - with 400,000 to 500,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji's sugar has special access to European Union markets but will be harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar subsidies. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity but is not efficient. Fiji's tourism industry was damaged by the December 2006 coup and is facing an uncertain recovery time. In 2007 tourist arrivals were down almost 6%, with substantial job losses in the service sector, and GDP dipped. The coup has created a difficult business climate. The EU has suspended all aid until the interim government takes steps toward new elections. Long-term problems include low investment, uncertain land ownership rights, and the government's inability to manage its budget. Overseas remittances from Fijians working in Kuwait and Iraq have decreased significantly. Fiji's current account deficit reached 23% of GDP in 2006.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.792 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 $3.725 billion (2009 est.)

$3.821 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.154 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 -2.5% (2009 est.)

-0.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $4,300 (2009 est.)

$4,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.9%

industry: 13.5%

services: 77.6% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

335,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%

industry and services: 30% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (1999) country comparison to the world: 81

Population below poverty line:

25.5% (FY90/91)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.8% (2007) country comparison to the world: 138

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 70 6.32% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.85% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 7.97% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$748 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 147 $1.042 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$1.76 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$1.799 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 104 $568.2 million (31 December 2008)

$522.2 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish

Industries:

tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small cottage industries

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

928 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Electricity - consumption:

863 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Oil - consumption:

11,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Oil - exports:

2,455 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Oil - imports:

20,340 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Current account balance:

-$507 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Exports:

$1.202 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 147

Exports - commodities:

sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil

Exports - partners:

US 15.21%, Australia 12.11%, UK 11.23%, Samoa 5.39%, Tonga 4.74%,
Japan 4.44% (2009)

Imports:

$3.12 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 137

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Singapore 27.27%, Australia 19.36%, NZ 15.15%, China 6.92%, India 5.23%, Thailand 4.25% (2009)

Debt - external:

$127 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Fijian dollars (FJD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 1.7313 (2006), 1.691 (2005), 1.7331 (2004), 1.8958 (2003)

Communications ::Fiji

Telephones - main lines in use:

136,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 135

Telephones - mobile cellular:

640,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 156

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern local, interisland, and international (wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio communications center

domestic: telephone or radio telephone links to almost all inhabited islands; most towns and large villages have automatic telephone exchanges and direct dialing; combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 80 per 100 persons

international: country code - 679; access to important cable links between US and Canada as well as between NZ and Australia; satellite earth stations - 2 Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

Fiji TV, a publicly-traded company, operates a free-to-air channel as well as the Sky Fiji and Sky Pacific multi-channel pay-TV services; state-owned commercial company, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Ltd, operates 6 radio stations - 2 public broadcasters and 4 commercial broadcasters with multiple repeaters; 5 radio stations with repeaters operated by Communications Fiji, Ltd; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2009)

Internet country code:

.fj

Internet hosts:

17,088 (2010) country comparison to the world: 113

Internet users:

114,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 157

Transportation ::Fiji

Airports:

28 (2010) country comparison to the world: 118

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Railways:

total: 597 km country comparison to the world: 110 narrow gauge: 597 km 0.600-m gauge

note: belongs to the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation; used to haul sugarcane during the harvest season, which runs from May to December (2008)

Roadways:

total: 3,440 km country comparison to the world: 162 paved: 1,692 km

unpaved: 1,748 km (2000)

Waterways:

203 km country comparison to the world: 98 note: 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 10 country comparison to the world: 112 by type: passenger 4, passenger/cargo 4, roll on/roll off 2

foreign-owned: 2 (Australia 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Lautoka, Levuka, Suva

Military ::Fiji

Military branches:

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF): Land Forces, Naval Forces (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 248,020

females age 16-49: 243,468 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 195,414

females age 16-49: 206,386 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 9,131

female: 8,776 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 80

Transnational Issues ::Fiji

Disputes - international:

none

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Fiji is a source country for children trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation and a destination country for a small number of women from China and India trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Fiji does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government has demonstrated no action to investigate or prosecute traffickers, assist victims, take steps to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts, or support any anti-trafficking information or education campaigns; Fiji has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Finland (Europe)

Introduction ::Finland

Background:

Finland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries, and an autonomous grand duchy of Russia after 1809. It won its complete independence in 1917. During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of territory. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now among the highest in Western Europe. A member of the European Union since 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro system at its initiation in January 1999. In the 21st century, the key features of Finland's modern welfare state are a high standard of education, equality promotion, and national social security system; currently challenged by an aging population and the fluctuations of an export-driven economy.

Geography ::Finland

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

64 00 N, 26 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 338,145 sq km country comparison to the world: 64 land: 303,815 sq km

water: 34,330 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 2,654 km

border countries: Norway 727 km, Sweden 614 km, Russia 1,313 km

Coastline:

1,250 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm (in the Gulf of Finland - 3 nm)

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm; extends to continental shelf boundary with Sweden

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

cold temperate; potentially subarctic but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes

Terrain:

mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point: Haltiatunturi 1,328 m

Natural resources:

timber, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, nickel, gold, silver, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 6.54%

permanent crops: 0.02%

other: 93.44% (2005)

Irrigated land:

640 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

110 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.33 cu km/yr (14%/84%/3%)

per capita: 444 cu m/yr (1999)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capital on European continent; population concentrated on small southwestern coastal plain

People ::Finland

Population:

5,255,068 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.4% (male 438,425/female 422,777)

15-64 years: 66.8% (male 1,773,495/female 1,732,792)

65 years and over: 16.8% (male 357,811/female 524,975) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.3 years

male: 40.7 years

female: 44 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.084% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Birth rate:

10.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Death rate:

10.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Net migration rate:

0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Urbanization:

urban population: 63% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.45 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 213 male: 3.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.13 years country comparison to the world: 39 male: 75.64 years

female: 82.76 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.73 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,400 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Nationality:

noun: Finn(s)

adjective: Finnish

Ethnic groups:

Finn 93.4%, Swede 5.6%, Russian 0.5%, Estonian 0.3%, Roma (Gypsy) 0.1%, Sami 0.1% (2006)

Religions:

Lutheran Church of Finland 82.5%, Orthodox Church 1.1%, other
Christian 1.1%, other 0.1%, none 15.1% (2006)

Languages:

Finnish 91.2% (official), Swedish 5.5% (official), other 3.3% (small
Sami- and Russian-speaking minorities) (2007)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 17 years

female: 18 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 51

Government ::Finland

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Finland

conventional short form: Finland

local long form: Suomen tasavalta/Republiken Finland

local short form: Suomi/Finland

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Helsinki

geographic coordinates: 60 10 N, 24 56 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

20 regions (maakunnat, singular - maakunta (Finnish); landskapen,
singular - landskapet (Swedish)); Aland (Swedish), Ahvenanmaa
(Finnish); Etela-Karjala (Finnish), Sodra Karelen (Swedish) [South
Karelia]; Etela-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Sodra Osterbotten (Swedish)
[South Ostrobothnia]; Etela-Savo (Finnish), Sodra Savolax (Swedish)
[South Savo]; Kanta-Hame (Finnish), Egentliga Tavastland (Swedish);
Ita-Uusimaa (Finnish), Ostra Nyland (Swedish) [East Newland]; Kainuu
(Finnish), Kajanaland (Swedish); Keski-Pohjanmaa (Finnish),
Mellersta Osterbotten (Swedish) [Central Ostrobothnia]; Keski-Suomi
(Finnish), Mellersta Finland (Swedish) [Central Finland];
Kymenlaakso (Finnish), Kymmenedalen (Swedish); Lappi (Finnish),
Lappland (Swedish); Paijat-Hame (Finnish), Paijanne-Tavastland
(Swedish); Pirkanmaa (Finnish), Birkaland (Swedish) [Tampere];
Osterbotten (Swedish), Pohjanmaa (Finnish) [Ostrobothnia];
Pohjois-Karjala (Finnish), Norra Karelen (Swedish) [North Karelia];
Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Norra Osterbotten (Swedish) [North
Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Savo (Finnish), Norra Savolax (Swedish)
[North Savo]; Satakunta (Finnish and Swedish); Uusimaa (Finnish),
Nyland (Swedish) [Newland]; Varsinais-Suomi (Finnish), Egentliga
Finland (Swedish) [Southwest Finland]

Independence:

6 December 1917 (from Russia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 December (1917)

Constitution:

1 March 2000

Legal system:

civil law system based on Swedish law; the president may request the Supreme Court to review laws; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Mari KIVINIEMI (since 22 June 2010); Deputy Prime Minister Jyrki KATAINEN (since 19 April 2007)

cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the president, responsible to parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 15 January 2006 (next to be held in January 2012); the president appoints the prime minister and deputy prime minister from the majority party or the majority coalition after parliamentary elections and the parliament must approve the appointment; Prime Minister VANHANEN reelected on 17 April 2007

election results: percent of vote - Tarja HALONEN (SDP) 46.3%, Sauli NIINISTO (Kok) 24.1%, Matti VANHANEN (Kesk) 18.6%, Heidi HAUTALA (VIHR) 3.5%; a runoff election between HALONEN and NIINISTO was held 29 January 2006 - HALONEN 51.8%, NIINISTO 48.2%; Matti VANHANEN reelected prime minister; election results 121-71

note: government coalition - Kesk, KOK, VIHR, and SFP

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 18 March 2007 (next to be held in April 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - Kesk 23.1%, Kok 22.3%, SDP 21.4%, VAS 8.8%, VIHR 8.5%, KD 4.9%, SFP 4.5%, True Finns 4.1%, other 3.4%; seats by party - Kesk 51, Kok 50, SDP 45, VAS 17, VIHR 15, SFP 9, KD 7, True Finns 5, other 1 (the constituency of Aland)

Judicial branch:

general courts - deal with criminal and civil cases (include district courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus, whose judges are appointed by the president); administrative courts

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party or Kesk [Mari KIVINIEMI]; Christian Democrats or KD
[Paivi RASANEN]; Green Party or VIHR [Anni SINNEMAKI]; Left Alliance
or VAS [Paavo ARHINMAKI]; National Coalition Party or Kok [Jyrki
KATAINEN]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Jutta URPILAINEN];
Swedish People's Party or SFP [Stefan WALLIN]; True Finns [Timo
SOINI]

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council,
Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU,
FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Pekka LINTU

chancery: 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 298-5800

FAX: [1] (202) 298-6030

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bruce J. ORECK

embassy: Itainen Puistotie 14B, 00140 Helsinki

mailing address: APO AE 09723

telephone: [358] (9) 616250

FAX: [358] (9) 6162 5800

Flag description:

white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the blue represents the thousands of lakes scattered across the country, while the white is for the snow that covers the land in winter

National anthem:

name: "Maamme" (Our Land)

lyrics/music: Johan Ludvig RUNEBERG/Fredrik PACIUS

note: in use since 1848; although never officially adopted by law, the anthem has been popular since it was first sung by a student group in 1848; Estonia's anthem uses the same melody as that of Finland

Economy ::Finland

Economy - overview:

Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market economy with per capita output roughly that of Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Trade is important with exports accounting for over one third of GDP in recent years. Finland is strongly competitive in manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries. Finland excels in high-tech exports such as mobile phones. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imports of raw materials, energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the climate, agricultural development is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic products. Forestry, an important export earner, provides a secondary occupation for the rural population. Finland had been one of the best performing economies within the EU in recent years and its banks and financial markets avoided the worst of global financial crisis. However, the world slowdown hit exports and domestic demand hard in 2009, with Finland experiencing one of the deepest contractions in the euro zone. A recovery of exports stimulated economic growth in 2010, and led to a lowering of unemployment. The recession left a deep mark on general government finances and the debt ratio, turning previously strong budget surpluses into deficits. In the next few years, the great challenge of economic policy will be to implement a post-recession exit strategy in which measures supporting growth will be combined with general government adjustment measures. Longer-term, Finland must address a rapidly aging population and decreasing productivity that threaten competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$185.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $181.6 billion (2009 est.)

$197.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$232 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 -8.1% (2009 est.)

1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $34,600 (2009 est.)

$37,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.6%

industry: 29.1%

services: 68.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.68 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture and forestry: 4.5%

industry: 18.2%

construction: 7.3%

commerce: 15.9%

finance, insurance, and business services: 14.5%

transport and communications: 6.9%

public services: 32.7% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

7.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 8.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 24.7% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29.5 (2007) country comparison to the world: 115 25.6 (1991)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Public debt:

45.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 40.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 0% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 114 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

3.51% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 5.79% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$108 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 29 $110.4 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$160.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $168.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$259.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $241.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$91.02 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 27 $154.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$369.2 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, sugar beets, potatoes; dairy cattle; fish

Industries:

metals and metal products, electronics, machinery and scientific instruments, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Electricity - production:

77.44 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Electricity - consumption:

87.25 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 32

Electricity - exports:

3.335 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

16.11 billion kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

8,718 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Oil - consumption:

206,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Oil - exports:

130,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Oil - imports:

337,900 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

NA (2008 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

4.289 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - imports:

4.289 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Current account balance:

$4.696 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $3.444 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$73.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $62.69 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electrical and optical equipment, machinery, transport equipment, paper and pulp, chemicals, basic metals; timber

Exports - partners:

Germany 10.32%, Sweden 9.79%, Russia 9%, US 7.85%, Netherlands 5.9%,
UK 5.24%, China 4.1% (2009)

Imports:

$69.11 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $57.68 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and fabrics, grains

Imports - partners:

Russia 16.28%, Germany 15.76%, Sweden 14.65%, Netherlands 6.99%,
China 5.29%, France 4.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$9.128 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $11.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$370.8 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 23 $339.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$87.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $85.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$122.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $118.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Finland

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.43 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 65

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.7 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 76

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system with excellent service

domestic: digital fiber-optic fixed-line network and an extensive mobile-cellular network provide domestic needs

international: country code - 358; submarine cables provide links to Estonia and Sweden; satellite earth stations - access to Intelsat transmission service via a Swedish satellite earth station, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Finland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)

Broadcast media:

a mix of publicly-operated TV stations and privately-owned TV stations; the 2 publicly-owned TV stations recently expanded services and the largest private TV station has introduced several special-interest pay-TV channels; cable and satellite multi-channel subscription services are available; all TV signals have been broadcast digitally since September 2007; analog broadcasts via cable networks were terminated in February 2008; public broadcasting maintains a network of 13 national and 25 regional radio stations; a large number of private radio broadcasters (2008)

Internet country code:

.fi; note - Aland Islands assigned .ax

Internet hosts:

4.394 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 21

Internet users:

4.393 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 55

Transportation ::Finland

Airports:

148 (2010) country comparison to the world: 37

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 75

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 26

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 22

under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 73

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 70 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 694 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,794 km country comparison to the world: 31 broad gauge: 5,794 km 1.524-m gauge (3,047 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 78,141 km country comparison to the world: 62 paved: 50,914 km (includes 739 km of expressways)

unpaved: 27,227 km (2009)

Waterways:

7,842 km (includes Saimaa Canal system of 3,577 km; southern part leased from Russia; water transport is used frequently in the summer and is widely replaced with sledges on the ice in winter; there are 187,888 lakes in Finland that cover 31,500 km) (2010) country comparison to the world: 18

Merchant marine:

total: 93 country comparison to the world: 53 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 26, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6, container 3, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 16, petroleum tanker 5, roll on/roll off 28, vehicle carrier 3

foreign-owned: 6 (Cyprus 1, Estonia 2, Iceland 1, Norway 2)

registered in other countries: 52 (Bahamas 8, Germany 5, Gibraltar 2, Liberia 2, Malta 2, Netherlands 14, Norway 1, Panama 2, Sweden 16) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Helsinki, Kotka, Naantali, Porvoo, Raahe, Rauma

Military ::Finland

Military branches:

Finnish Defense Forces (FDF): Army, Navy (includes Coastal Defense
Forces), Air Force (Suomen Ilmavoimat) (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for male voluntary and compulsory - and female voluntary - national military and nonmilitary service; service obligation 6-12 months; mandatory retirement at age 60 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,160,812

females age 16-49: 1,111,743 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 958,949

females age 16-49: 916,818 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 33,297

female: 32,233 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Transnational Issues ::Finland

Disputes - international:

various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union, but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@France (Europe)

Introduction ::France

Background:

Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier more purely parliamentary administrations. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999.

Geography ::France

Location:

metropolitan France: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain

French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic
Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname

Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the
North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico

Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North
Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of
Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

metropolitan France: 46 00 N, 2 00 E

French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W

Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W

Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W

Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 E

Map references:

metropolitan France: Europe

French Guiana: South America

Guadeloupe: Central America and the Caribbean

Martinique: Central America and the Caribbean

Reunion: World

Area:

total: 643,427 sq km; 551,500 sq km (metropolitan France) country comparison to the world: 42 land: 640,053 sq km; 549,970 sq km (metropolitan France)

water: 3,374 sq km; 1,530 sq km (metropolitan France)

note: the first numbers include the overseas regions of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion

Area - comparative:

slightly less than the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

metropolitan France - total: 2,889 km

border countries: Andorra 56.6 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km, Italy 488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km, Switzerland 573 km

French Guiana - total: 1,183 km

border countries: Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 km

Coastline:

total: 4,668 km

metropolitan France: 3,427 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (does not apply to the Mediterranean)

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

metropolitan France: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral

French Guiana: tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation

Guadeloupe and Martinique: subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average

Reunion: tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation; cool and dry (May to November), hot and rainy (November to April)

Terrain:

metropolitan France: mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east

French Guiana: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains

Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin

Martinique: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano

Reunion: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m

highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m

note: in order to assess the possible effects of climate change on the ice and snow cap of Mont Blanc, its surface and peak have been extensively and periodically measured in recent years; these new peak measurements have exceeded the traditional height of 4,807 m and have varied between 4,808 m and 4,811 m; the actual rock summit is 4,792 m and is 40 m away from the ice-covered summit

Natural resources:

metropolitan France: coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium, antimony, arsenic, potash, feldspar, fluorspar, gypsum, timber, fish

French Guiana: gold deposits, petroleum, kaolin, niobium, tantalum, clay

Land use:

arable land: 33.46%

permanent crops: 2.03%

other: 64.51%

note: French Guiana - arable land 0.13%, permanent crops 0.04%, other 99.83% (90% forest, 10% other); Guadeloupe - arable land 11.70%, permanent crops 2.92%, other 85.38%; Martinique - arable land 9.09%, permanent crops 10.0%, other 80.91%; Reunion - arable land 13.94%, permanent crops 1.59%, other 84.47% (2005)

Irrigated land:

total: 26,190 sq km;

metropolitan France: 26,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

189 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 33.16 cu km/yr (16%/74%/10%)

per capita: 548 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

metropolitan France: flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest fires in south near the Mediterranean

overseas departments: hurricanes (cyclones); flooding; volcanic activity (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion)

Environment - current issues:

some forest damage from acid rain; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes, agricultural runoff

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

largest West European nation

People ::France

Population:

64,768,389 country comparison to the world: 21 note: the above figure is for metropolitan France and its four overseas regions; the metropolitan France population is 62,814,233 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.6% (male 6,129,729/female 5,838,925)

15-64 years: 65% (male 20,963,124/female 20,929,280)

65 years and over: 16.4% (male 4,403,248/female 6,155,767) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years

male: 38.2 years

female: 41.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.525% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Birth rate:

12.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Death rate:

8.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Net migration rate:

1.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.31 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 215 male: 3.63 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.09 years country comparison to the world: 12 male: 77.91 years

female: 84.44 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

140,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Nationality:

noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Ethnic groups:

Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese,
Basque minorities

overseas departments: black, white, mulatto, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%

overseas departments: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, pagan

Languages:

French (official) 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish)

overseas departments: French, Creole patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 42

Government ::France

Country name:

conventional long form: French Republic

conventional short form: France

local long form: Republique francaise

local short form: France

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Paris

geographic coordinates: 48 52 N, 2 20 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

note: applies to metropolitan France only, not to its overseas departments, collectivities, or territories

Administrative divisions:

26 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine,
Auvergne, Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy), Bourgogne (Burgundy),
Bretagne (Brittany), Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Corse (Corsica),
Franche-Comte, Guadeloupe, Guyane (French Guiana), Haute-Normandie
(Upper Normandy), Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin,
Lorraine, Martinique, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la
Loire, Picardie, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur,
Reunion, Rhone-Alpes

note: France is divided into 22 metropolitan regions (including the "territorial collectivity" of Corse or Corsica) and 4 overseas regions (including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion) and is subdivided into 96 metropolitan departments and 4 overseas departments (which are the same as the overseas regions)

Dependent areas:

Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic
Lands, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin,
Wallis and Futuna

note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica; New Caledonia has been considered a "sui generis" collectivity of France since 1998, a unique status falling between that of an independent country and a French overseas department

Independence:

no official date of independence: 486 (Frankish tribes unified under Merovingian kingship); 10 August 843 (Western Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 14 July 1789 (French monarchy overthrown); 22 September 1792 (First French Republic founded); 4 October 1958 (Fifth French Republic established)

National holiday:

Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1790); note - although often incorrectly referred to as Bastille Day, the celebration actually commemorates the holiday held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille (on 14 July 1789) and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are Fete Nationale (National Holiday) and quatorze juillet (14th of July)

Constitution:

adopted by referendum 28 September 1958; effective 4 October 1958; amended many times

note: amended concerning election of president in 1962; amended to comply with provisions of 1992 EC Maastricht Treaty, 1997 Amsterdam Treaty, 2003 Treaty of Nice; amended to tighten immigration laws in 1993; amended in 2000 to change the seven-year presidential term to a five-year term; amended in 2005 to make the EU constitutional treaty compatible with the Constitution of France and to ensure that the decision to ratify EU accession treaties would be made by referendum

Legal system:

civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Francois FILLON (since 17 May 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president at the suggestion of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 22 April and 6 May 2007 (next to be held in the spring of 2012); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Nicolas SARKOZY elected; first round: percent of vote - Nicolas SARKOZY 31.2%, Segolene ROYAL 25.9%, Francois BAYROU 18.6%, Jean-Marie LE PEN 10.4%, others 13.9%; second round: SARKOZY 53.1%, ROYAL 46.9%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (343 seats; 321 for metropolitan France and overseas departments, 2 for New Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 1 for Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for overseas territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; members indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year terms; one third elected every three years); note - between 2006 and 2011, 15 new seats will be added to the Senate for a total of 348 seats - 326 for metropolitan France and overseas departments, 2 for New Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 1 for Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for overseas territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; starting in 2008, members will be indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year terms with one-half elected every three years; and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (577 seats; 555 for metropolitan France, 15 for overseas departments, 7 for dependencies; members elected by popular vote under a single-member majority system to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); National Assembly - last held on 10 and 17 June 2007 (next to be held in June 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 151, PS 102, PCF 22, MoDem 11, NC 11, Greens 5, PG 2, other 39; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - UMP 46.4%, PS 42.2%, miscellaneous left wing parties 2.5%, PCF 2.3%, NC 2.1%, PRG 1.6%, miscellaneous right wing parties 1.2%, the Greens 0.4%, other 1.2%; seats by party - UMP 313, PS 186, NC 22, miscellaneous left wing parties 15, PCF 16, miscellaneous right wing parties 9, PRG 7, the Greens 3, other 6

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation (judges are appointed by the president from nominations of the High Council of the Judiciary); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel (three members appointed by the president, three appointed by the president of the National Assembly, and three appointed by the president of the Senate); Council of State or Conseil d'Etat

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Movement or MoDem [Francois BAYROU] (previously Union for
French Democracy or UDF); French Communist Party or PCF [Pierre
LAURENT]; Greens [Cecile DUFLOT]; Left Party or PG [Jean-Luc
MELENCHON]; Left Radical Party or PRG [Jean-Michel BAYLET]
(previously Radical Socialist Party or PRS and the Left Radical
Movement or MRG); Movement for France or MPF [Philippe DE VILLIERS];
National Front or FN [Jean-Marie LE PEN]; New Anticapitalist Party
or NPA [Olivier BESANCENOT]; New Center or NC [Herve MORIN]; Radical
Party [Jean-Louis BORLOO]; Rally for France or RPF [Charles PASQUA];
Republican and Citizen Movement or MRC [Jean Pierre CHEVENEMENT];
Socialist Party or PS [Martine AUBRY]; Union for a Popular Movement
or UMP [Jean-Francois COPE]; Worker's Struggle or LO [Nathalie
ARTHAUD]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation francaise democratique du travail or CFDT, left-leaning labor union with approximately 803,000 members; Confederation francaise de l'encadrement - Confederation generale des cadres or CFE-CGC, independent white-collar union with 196,000 members; Confederation francaise des travailleurs chretiens of CFTC, independent labor union founded by Catholic workers that claims 132,000 members; Confederation generale du travail or CGT, historically communist labor union with approximately 700,000 members; Confederation generale du travail - Force ouvriere or FO, independent labor union with an estimated 300,000 members; Mouvement des entreprises de France or MEDEF, employers' union with 750,000 companies as members (claimed)

French Guiana: conservationists; gold mining pressure groups; hunting pressure groups

Guadeloupe: Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe or
KLPG; General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers or CGT-G; General
Union of Guadeloupe Workers or UGTG; Movement for an Independent
Guadeloupe or MPGI; The Socialist Renewal Movement

Martinique: Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance or ARC; Central Union for Martinique Workers or CSTM; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants; Proletarian Action Group or GAP

Reunion: NA

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, FZ, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)

chancery: 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 944-6000

FAX: [1] (202) 944-6166

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles H. RIVKIN

embassy: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08

mailing address: PSC 116, APO AE 09777

telephone: [33] (1) 43-12-22-22

FAX: [33] (1) 42 66 97 83

consulate(s) general: Marseille, Strasbourg

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red; known as the "Le drapeau tricolore" (French Tricolor), the origin of the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution when the "ancient French color" of white was combined with the blue and red colors of the Parisian militia; the official flag for all French dependent areas

note: the design and/or colors are similar to a number of other flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Netherlands

National anthem:

name: "La Marseillaise" (The Song of Marseille)

lyrics/music: Claude-Joseph ROUGET de Lisle

note: adopted 1795, restored 1870; originally known as "Chant de Guerre pour l'Armee du Rhin" (War Song for the Army of the Rhine), the National Guard of Marseille made the song famous by singing it while marching into Paris in 1792 during the French Revolutionary Wars

Economy ::France

Economy - overview:

France is in the midst of transition from a well-to-do modern economy that has featured extensive government ownership and intervention to one that relies more on market mechanisms. The government has partially or fully privatized many large companies, banks, and insurers, and has ceded stakes in such leading firms as Air France, France Telecom, Renault, and Thales. It maintains a strong presence in some sectors, particularly power, public transport, and defense industries. With at least 75 million foreign tourists per year, France is the most visited country in the world and maintains the third largest income in the world from tourism. France's leaders remain committed to a capitalism in which they maintain social equity by means of laws, tax policies, and social spending that reduce income disparity and the impact of free markets on public health and welfare. France has weathered the global economic crisis better than most other big EU economies because of the relative resilience of domestic consumer spending, a large public sector, and less exposure to the downturn in global demand than in some other countries. Nonetheless, France's real GDP contracted 2.5% in 2009, but recovered somewhat in 2010, while the unemployment rate increased from 7.4% in 2008 to 9.5% in 2010. The government pursuit of aggressive stimulus and investment measures in response to the economic crisis, however, are contributing to a deterioration of France's public finances. The government budget deficit rose sharply from 3.4% of GDP in 2008 to 7.8% of GDP in 2010, while France's public debt rose from 68% of GDP to 84% over the same period. Paris is terminating stimulus measures, eliminating tax credits, and freezing most government spending to bring the budget deficit under the 3% euro-zone ceiling by 2013, and to highlight France's commitment to fiscal discipline at a time of intense financial market scrutiny of euro zone debt levels. President SARKOZY - who secured passage of pension reform in 2010 - is expected to seek passage of some tax reforms in 2011, but he may delay additional, more costly, reforms until after the 2012 election.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.16 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $2.126 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.18 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.555 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 -2.5% (2009 est.)

0.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$33,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $33,000 (2009 est.)

$34,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.8%

industry: 19.2%

services: 79% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

28.21 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.8%

industry: 24.3%

services: 71.8% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

9.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 9.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

6.2% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 24.8% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.7 (2008) country comparison to the world: 98 32.7 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Public debt:

83.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 77.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 0.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 116 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.46% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 8.13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$858.6 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 8 $862.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$2.292 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $2.306 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.319 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $4.121 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.972 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 6 $1.492 trillion (31 December 2008)

$2.771 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; beef, dairy products; fish

Industries:

machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics; textiles, food processing; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Electricity - production:

535.7 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Electricity - consumption:

447.2 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Electricity - exports:

58.69 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

10.68 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

70,820 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Oil - consumption:

1.875 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Oil - exports:

597,800 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Oil - imports:

2.386 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - proved reserves:

101.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Natural gas - production:

877 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Natural gas - consumption:

44.84 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - exports:

1.931 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - imports:

45.85 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - proved reserves:

7.079 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Current account balance:

-$53.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 -$51.86 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$508.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $473.9 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages

Exports - partners:

Germany 15.88%, Italy 8.16%, Spain 7.8%, Belgium 7.44%, UK 7.04%, US 5.65%, Netherlands 3.99% (2009)

Imports:

$577.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $535.8 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft, plastics, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Germany 19.41%, Belgium 11.61%, Italy 7.97%, Netherlands 7.15%,
Spain 6.68%, UK 4.9%, US 4.72%, China 4.44% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$133.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.698 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 5 $4.935 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$1.207 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $1.151 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.837 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $1.711 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::France

Telephones - main lines in use:

36.431 million; 35.5 million (metropolitan France) (2009) country comparison to the world: 7

Telephones - mobile cellular:

60.95 million; 59.543 million (metropolitan France) (2009) country comparison to the world: 18

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed

domestic: extensive cable and microwave radio relay; extensive use of fiber-optic cable; domestic satellite system

international: country code - 33; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and US; satellite earth stations - more than 3 (2 Intelsat (with total of 5 antennas - 2 for Indian Ocean and 3 for Atlantic Ocean), NA Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat - Atlantic Ocean region); HF radiotelephone communications with more than 20 countries

overseas departments: country codes: French Guiana - 594; Guadeloupe - 590; Martinique - 596; Reunion - 262

Broadcast media:

a mix of both publicly-operated and privately-owned TV stations; state-owned France Televisions operates 4 networks, one of which is a network of regional stations, and has part-interest in several thematic cable/satellite channels and international channels; a large number of privately-owned regional and local TV stations; multi-channel satellite and cable services provide a large number of channels; public broadcaster Radio France operates 7 national networks, a series of regional networks, and operates services for overseas territories and foreign audiences; Radio France Internationale (RFI), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a leading international broadcaster; a large number of commercial FM stations, with many of them consolidating into commercial networks (2008)

Internet country code:

metropolitan France - .fr; French Guiana - .gf; Guadeloupe - .gp; Martinique - .mq; Reunion - .re

Internet hosts:

15.182 million; 15.161 million (metropolitan France) (2010) country comparison to the world: 7

Internet users:

45.262 million; 44.625 million (metropolitan France) (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Transportation ::France

Airports:

474 (2010) country comparison to the world: 16

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 297

over 3,047 m: 14

2,438 to 3,047 m: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 97

914 to 1,523 m: 83

under 914 m: 76 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 177

914 to 1,523 m: 69

under 914 m: 108 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 14,688 km; oil 2,943 km; refined products 5,080 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 29,213 km country comparison to the world: 9 standard gauge: 29,046 km 1.435-m gauge (15,164 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 167 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 1,027,183 km (metropolitan France; includes 10,958 km of expressways) country comparison to the world: 7 note: there are another 5,100 km of roadways in overseas departments (2007)

Waterways:

metropolitan France: 8,501 km (1,621 km accessible to craft of 3,000 metric tons) country comparison to the world: 16 French Guiana: 3,760 km (460 km navigable by small oceangoing vessels and coastal and river steamers, 3,300 km by native craft) (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 167 country comparison to the world: 38 by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 8, chemical tanker 36, container 25, liquefied gas 12, passenger 11, passenger/cargo 44, petroleum tanker 17, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 11

foreign-owned: 57 (Belgium 7, China 5, Denmark 12, French Polynesia 12, Germany 1, New Caledonia 3, Norway 1, NZ 1, Singapore 3, Spain 1, Sweden 6, Switzerland 5)

registered in other countries: 146 (Bahamas 19, Belgium 5, Bermuda 1, Canada 1, Cyprus 16, Egypt 1, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 1, Italy 2, Luxembourg 16, Malta 13, Morocco 4, Netherlands 2, Norway 4, Panama 13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 3, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1, UK 33, US 4, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Calais, Dunkerque, Le Havre, Marseille, Nantes, Paris, Rouen

Military ::France

Military branches:

Army (Armee de Terre; includes Marines, Foreign Legion, Army Light
Aviation), Navy (Marine Nationale, includes Naval Air, Maritime
Gendarmerie (Coast Guard)), Air Force (Armee de l'Air (AdlA),
includes Air Defense), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-40 years of age for male or female voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription; 12-month service obligation; women serve in noncombat military posts (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 14,591,656

females age 16-49: 14,285,551 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,053,912

females age 16-49: 11,763,951 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 389,956

female: 372,312 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Transnational Issues ::France

Disputes - international:

Madagascar claims the French territories of Bassas da India, Europa
Island, Glorioso Islands, and Juan de Nova Island; Comoros claims
Mayotte; Mauritius claims Tromelin Island; territorial dispute
between Suriname and the French overseas department of French
Guiana; France asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Adelie
Land); France and Vanuatu claim Matthew and Hunter Islands, east of
New Caledonia

Illicit drugs:

metropolitan France: transshipment point for South American cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and European synthetics

French Guiana: small amount of marijuana grown for local consumption; minor transshipment point to Europe

Martinique: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US and Europe

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@French Polynesia (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::French Polynesia

Background:

The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been considerably expanded.

Geography ::French Polynesia

Location:

Oceania, archipelagoes in the South Pacific Ocean about half way between South America and Australia

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 S, 140 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 4,167 sq km (118 islands and atolls) country comparison to the world: 174 land: 3,827 sq km

water: 340 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than one-third the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,525 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical, but moderate

Terrain:

mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m

Natural resources:

timber, fish, cobalt, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 0.75%

permanent crops: 5.5%

other: 93.75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

occasional cyclonic storms in January

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

includes five archipelagoes (four volcanic, one coral); Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Nauru

People ::French Polynesia

Population:

291,000 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.3% (male 35,631/female 34,097)

15-64 years: 68.9% (male 102,537/female 95,317)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 9,821/female 9,629) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.5 years

male: 29.8 years

female: 29.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.355% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Birth rate:

15.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Death rate:

4.8 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Net migration rate:

2.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.41 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 165 male: 8.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.91 years country comparison to the world: 64 male: 74.44 years

female: 79.5 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: French Polynesian(s)

adjective: French Polynesian

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%

Religions:

Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no religion 6%

Languages:

French 61.1% (official), Polynesian 31.4% (official), Asian languages 1.2%, other 0.3%, unspecified 6% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 14 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 98% (1977 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::French Polynesia

Country name:

conventional long form: Overseas Lands of French Polynesia

conventional short form: French Polynesia

local long form: Pays d'outre-mer de la Polynesie Francaise

local short form: Polynesie Francaise

former: French Colony of Oceania

Dependency status:

overseas lands of France; overseas territory of France from 1946-2004

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Papeete

geographic coordinates: 17 32 S, 149 34 W

time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas lands of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are five archipelagic divisions named Archipel des Marquises, Archipel des Tuamotu, Archipel des Tubuai, Iles du Vent, Iles Sous-le-Vent

Independence:

none (overseas lands of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by High Commissioner of the Republic Adolphe COLRAT (since 7 July 2008); note - will be replaced in 2011 by Richard DIDIER

head of government: President of French Polynesia Gaston Tong SANG (since 24 November 2009); President of the Territorial Assembly Oscar TEMARU (since 10 April 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president submits a list of members of the Territorial Assembly for approval by them to serve as ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the territorial government and the president of the Territorial Assembly elected by the members of the assembly for five-year terms (no term limits)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (57 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 27 January 2008 (first round) and 10 February 2008 (second round) (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Our Home alliance 45.2%, Union for Democracy alliance 37.2%, Popular Rally (Tahoeraa Huiraatira) 17.2% other 0.5%; seats by party - Our Home alliance 27, Union for Democracy alliance 20, Popular Rally 10

note: two seats were elected to the French Senate on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1, independent 1; two seats were elected to the French National Assembly on 10-17 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 2

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court of the First Instance or
Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of Administrative Law or
Tribunal Administratif

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for a New Democracy or ADN(includes the parties The New
Star and This Country is Yours); New Fatherland Party (Ai'a Api);
Our Home alliance; People's Servant Party (Tavini Huiraatira);
Popular Rally (Tahoeraa Huiraatira); Union for Democracy alliance or
UPD

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ITUC, PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas lands of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas lands of France)

Flag description:

two red horizontal bands encase a wide white band in a 1:2:1 ratio; centered on the white band is a disk with a blue and white wave pattern depicting the sea on the lower half and a gold and white ray pattern depicting the sun on the upper half; a stylized red, blue, and white ship rides on the wave pattern; the ship has a crew of five represented by five stars that symbolize the five island groups; red and white are traditional Polynesian colors

note: similar to the red-white-red flag of Tahiti, the largest of the islands in French Polynesia, which has no emblem in the white band; the flag of France is used for official occasions

National anthem:

name: "Ia Ora 'O Tahiti Nui" (Long Live Tahiti Nui)

lyrics/music: Maeva BOUGES, Irmine TEHEI, Angele TEROROTUA, Johanna NOUVEAU, Patrick AMARU, Louis MAMATUI and Jean-Pierre CELESTIN

note: adopted 1993; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Government - note:

under certain acts of France, French Polynesia has acquired autonomy in all areas except those relating to police and justice, monetary policy, tertiary education, immigration, and defense and foreign affairs; the duties of its president are fashioned after those of the French prime minister

Economy ::French Polynesia

Economy - overview:

Since 1962, when France stationed military personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence agricultural economy to one in which a high proportion of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the tourist industry. With the halt of French nuclear testing in 1996, the military contribution to the economy fell sharply. Tourism accounts for about one-fourth of GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. Other sources of income are pearl farming and deep-sea commercial fishing. The small manufacturing sector primarily processes agricultural products. The territory benefits substantially from development agreements with France aimed principally at creating new businesses and strengthening social services.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.718 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $4.58 billion (2003 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.1 billion (2004)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.7% (2005) country comparison to the world: 134 5.1% (2002)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$18,000 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $17,500 (2003 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.5%

industry: 20.4%

services: 76.1% (2005)

Labor force:

116,000 (2007) country comparison to the world: 180

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13%

industry: 19%

services: 68% (2002)

Unemployment rate:

11.7% (2005) country comparison to the world: 125

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2007) country comparison to the world: 22 1.1% (2006 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

fish; coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits, coffee; poultry, beef, dairy products

Industries:

tourism, pearls, agricultural processing, handicrafts, phosphates

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

650 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Electricity - consumption:

604.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - consumption:

7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Oil - imports:

6,701 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Exports:

$211 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Exports - commodities:

cultured pearls, coconut products, mother-of-pearl, vanilla, shark meat

Imports:

$1.706 billion (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Imports - commodities:

fuels, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004), 105.66 (2003)

note: pegged at the rate of 119.25 XPF to the euro

Communications ::French Polynesia

Telephones - main lines in use:

54,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 158

Telephones - mobile cellular:

208,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 171

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular density is roughly 90 per 100 persons

international: country code - 689; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which operates in France's overseas departments and territories, broadcasts on 2 television channels and 1 radio station; a government-owned TV station is operating; a small number of privately-owned radio stations also broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.pf

Internet hosts:

36,056 (2010) country comparison to the world: 95

Internet users:

120,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 154

Transportation ::French Polynesia

Airports:

53 (2010) country comparison to the world: 90

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 46

over 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 33

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,590 km country comparison to the world: 169 paved: 1,735 km

unpaved: 855 km (1999)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 13 (Cambodia 1, France 12) (2010) country comparison to the world: 109

Ports and terminals:

Papeete

Military ::French Polynesia

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 81,794 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 66,451

females age 16-49: 65,306 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,592

female: 2,481 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::French Polynesia

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Antarctica)

Introduction ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Background:

In February 2007, the Iles Eparses became an integral part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF). The Southern Lands are now divided into five administrative districts, two of which are archipelagos, Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen; the third is a district composed of two volcanic islands, Ile Saint-Paul and Ile Amsterdam; the fourth, Iles Eparses, consists of five scattered tropical islands around Madagascar. They contain no permanent inhabitants and are visited only by researchers studying the native fauna, scientists at the various scientific stations, fishermen, and military personnel. The fifth district is the Antarctic portion, which consists of "Adelie Land," a thin slice of the Antarctic continent discovered and claimed by the French in 1840.

Ile Amsterdam: Discovered but not named in 1522 by the Spanish, the island subsequently received the appellation of Nieuw Amsterdam from a Dutchman; it was claimed by France in 1843. A short-lived attempt at cattle farming began in 1871. A French meteorological station established on the island in 1949 is still in use.

Ile Saint Paul: Claimed by France since 1893, the island was a fishing industry center from 1843 to 1914. In 1928, a spiny lobster cannery was established, but when the company went bankrupt in 1931, seven workers were abandoned. Only two survived until 1934 when rescue finally arrived.

Iles Crozet: A large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau, Iles Crozet is divided into two main groups: L'Occidental (the West), which includes Ile aux Cochons, Ilots des Apotres, Ile des Pingouins, and the reefs Brisants de l'Heroine; and L'Oriental (the east), which includes Ile d'Est and Ile de la Possession (the largest island of the Crozets). Discovered and claimed by France in 1772, the islands were used for seal hunting and as a base for whaling. Originally administered as a dependency of Madagascar, they became part of the TAAF in 1955.

Iles Kerguelen: This island group, discovered in 1772, is made up of one large island (Ile Kerguelen) and about 300 smaller islands. A permanent group of 50 to 100 scientists resides at the main base at Port-aux-Francais.

Adelie Land: The only non-insular district of the TAAF is the Antarctic claim known as "Adelie Land." The US Government does not recognize it as a French dependency.

Bassas da India: A French possession since 1897, this atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide.

Europa Island: This heavily wooded island has been a French possession since 1897; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a weather station.

Glorioso Islands: A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso
Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile
Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison
operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse.

Juan de Nova Island: Named after a famous 15th century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate. Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological station.

Tromelin Island: First explored by the French in 1776, the island came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important meteorological station.

Geography ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Location:

southeast and east of Africa, islands in the southern Indian Ocean, some near Madagascar and others about equidistant between Africa, Antarctica, and Australia; note - French Southern and Antarctic Lands include Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the southern Indian Ocean, along with the French-claimed sector of Antarctica, "Adelie Land"; the US does not recognize the French claim to "Adelie Land"

Geographic coordinates:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 37 50 S, 77 32 E

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 38 72 S, 77 53 E

Iles Crozet: 46 25 S, 51 00 E

Iles Kerguelen: 49 15 S, 69 35 E

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 21 30 S, 39 50 E

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22 20 S, 40 22 E

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 11 30 S, 47 20 E

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 17 03 S, 42 45 E

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 15 52 S, 54 25 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): total - 55 sq km; land - 55 sq km; water - 0 sq km country comparison to the world: 229 Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): total - 7 sq km; land - 7 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Iles Crozet: total - 352 sq km; land - 352 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Iles Kerguelen: total - 7,215 sq km; land - 7,215 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): total - 80 sq km; land - 0.2 sq km; water - 79.8 sq km (lagoon)

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): total - 28 sq km; land - 28 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): total - 5 sq km; land - 5 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): total - 4.4 sq km; land - 4.4 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): total - 1 sq km; land - 1 sq km; water - 0 sq km

note: excludes "Adelie Land" claim of about 500,000 sq km in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Area - comparative:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): less than one-half the size of Washington, DC

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): more than 10 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Iles Crozet: about twice the size of Washington, DC

Iles Kerguelen: slightly larger than Delaware

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): land area about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): about one-sixth the size of
Washington, DC

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): about eight times the size of The
Mall in Washington, DC

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): about seven times the size of
The Mall in Washington, DC

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 28 km

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul):

Iles Kerguelen: 2,800 km

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22.2 km

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 24.1 km

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 3.7 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm from Iles Kerguelen and Iles Eparses (does not include the rest of French Southern and Antarctic Lands); Juan de Nova Island and Tromelin Island claim a continental shelf of 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul: oceanic with persistent westerly winds and high humidity

Iles Crozet: windy, cold, wet, and cloudy

Iles Kerguelen: oceanic, cold, overcast, windy

Iles Eparses: tropical

Terrain:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): a volcanic island with steep coastal cliffs; the center floor of the volcano is a large plateau

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): triangular in shape, the island is the top of a volcano, rocky with steep cliffs on the eastern side; has active thermal springs

Iles Crozet: a large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau is divided into two groups of islands

Iles Kerguelen: the interior of the large island of Ile Kerguelen is composed of rugged terrain of high mountains, hills, valleys, and plains with a number of peninsulas stretching off its coasts

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): atoll, awash at high tide; shallow (15 m) lagoon

Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island: low, flat, and sandy

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): low, flat, sandy; likely volcanic seamount

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont de la Dives on Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 867 m; unnamed location on Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 272 m; Pic Marion-Dufresne in Iles Crozet 1,090 m; Mont Ross in Iles Kerguelen 1,850 m; unnamed location on Bassas de India (Iles Eparses) 2.4 m; unnamed location on Europa Island (Iles Eparses) 24 m; unnamed location on Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) 12 m; unnamed location on Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) 10 m; unnamed location on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) 7 m

Natural resources:

fish, crayfish

note: Glorioso Islands and Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) have guano, phosphates, and coconuts

Land use:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% trees, grasses, ferns, and moss; Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% grass, ferns, and moss; Iles Crozet - 100% tossock grass, heath, and fern; Iles Kerguelen - 100% tossock grass and Kerguelen cabbage; Bassas da India (Iles Eparses) - 100% rock, coral reef, and sand; Europa Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% mangrove swamp and dry woodlands; Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) - 100% lush vegetation and coconut palms; Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) - 90% forest, 10% other; Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% grasses and scattered brush (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul are inactive volcanoes; Iles Eparses subject to periodic cyclones; Bassas da India is a maritime hazard since it is under water for a period of three hours prior to and following the high tide and surrounded by reefs

volcanism: Reunion Island - Piton de la Fournaise (elev. 2,632 m, 8,635 ft), which has erupted many times in recent years, including 2010, is one of the world's most active volcanoes; although rare, eruptions outside the volcano's caldera could threaten nearby cities

Environment - current issues:

introduction of foreign species on Iles Crozet has caused severe damage to the original ecosystem; overfishing of Patagonian toothfish around Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen

Geography - note:

islands component is widely scattered across remote locations in the southern Indian Ocean

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): the atoll is a circular reef that sits atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano

Europa Island and Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): wildlife sanctuary for seabirds and sea turtles

Glorioso Island (Iles Eparses): the islands and rocks are surrounded by an extensive reef system

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones in the western Indian Ocean; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)

People ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): has no permanent residents but has a meteorological station

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): is uninhabited but is frequently visited by fishermen and has a scientific research cabin for short stays

Iles Crozet: are uninhabited except for 18 to 30 people staffing the
Alfred Faure research station on Ile del la Possession

Iles Kerguelen: 50 to 100 scientists are located at the main base at
Port-aux-Francais on Ile Kerguelen

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): uninhabitable

Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): a small French military garrison and a few meteorologists on each possession; visited by scientists

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): uninhabited, except for visits by scientists

Government ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands

conventional short form: French Southern and Antarctic Lands

local long form: Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises

local short form: Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises

abbreviation: TAAF

Dependency status:

overseas territory of France since 1955

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are five administrative districts named Iles Crozet, Iles Eparses, Iles Kerguelen, Ile Saint-Paul et Ile Amsterdam; the fifth district is the "Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Senior Administrator Christian GAUDIN (since 4 November 2010)

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

National anthem:

note: as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to servicing meteorological and geophysical research stations, military bases, and French and other fishing fleets. The fish catches landed on Iles Kerguelen by foreign ships are exported to France and Reunion.

Communications ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Internet country code:

.tf

Internet hosts:

44 (2010) country comparison to the world: 212

Communications - note:

one or more meteorological stations on each possession; note - meteorological station on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) is important for forecasting cyclones

Transportation ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Airports:

4 (note - one each on Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the Iles Eparses district) (2010) country comparison to the world: 188

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Transportation - note:

aids to navigation - lighthouses: Europa Island 18m; Juan de Nova Island (W side) 37m; Tromelin Island (NW point) 11m (all in the Iles Eparses district)

Military ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Disputes - international:

French claim to "Adelie Land" in Antarctica is not recognized by the
US

Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): claimed by Madagascar; the vegetated drying cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976, also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso Islands)

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): claimed by Mauritius

page last updated on December 29, 2010

======================================================================

@Gabon (Africa)

Introduction ::Gabon

Background:

Until recently, only two autocratic presidents had ruled Gabon since its independence from France in 1960. The recent president of Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - had dominated the country's political scene for four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and the presidential elections in 2005 exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. President BONGO died in June 2009. New elections in August 2009 brought Ali Ben BONGO, son of the former president, to power. Despite political conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable African countries. In January 2010, Gabon assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Gabon

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, between
Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 S, 11 45 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 267,667 sq km country comparison to the world: 76 land: 257,667 sq km

water: 10,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Colorado

Land boundaries:

total: 2,551 km

border countries: Cameroon 298 km, Republic of the Congo 1,903 km, Equatorial Guinea 350 km

Coastline:

885 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; always hot, humid

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Iboundji 1,575 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, diamond, niobium, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 1.21%

permanent crops: 0.64%

other: 98.15% (2005)

Irrigated land:

70 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

164 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.12 cu km/yr (50%/8%/42%)

per capita: 87 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

a small population and oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries; in general, these circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and conserve its pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity

People ::Gabon

Population:

1,545,255 country comparison to the world: 151 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.1% (male 320,414/female 318,027)

15-64 years: 53.9% (male 407,461/female 409,633)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 24,799/female 34,659) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.6 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.025% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Birth rate:

35.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Death rate:

12.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Net migration rate:

-2.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Urbanization:

urban population: 85% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 50.88 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 49 male: 59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 42.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.75 years country comparison to the world: 206 male: 51.96 years

female: 53.58 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.62 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

5.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

49,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria and chikungunya

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Gabonese (singular and plural)

adjective: Gabonese

Ethnic groups:

Bantu tribes, including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Bapounou, Nzebi, Obamba); other Africans and Europeans, 154,000, including 10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality

Religions:

Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%

Languages:

French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 63.2%

male: 73.7%

female: 53.3% (1995 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 12 years (1999)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2000) country comparison to the world: 120

Government ::Gabon

Country name:

conventional long form: Gabonese Republic

conventional short form: Gabon

local long form: Republique Gabonaise

local short form: Gabon

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime

Capital:

name: Libreville

geographic coordinates: 0 23 N, 9 27 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie, Nyanga, Ogooue-Ivindo, Ogooue-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime, Woleu-Ntem

Independence:

17 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 August (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 14 March 1991

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba (since 16 October 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Paul BIYOGHE MBA (since 15 July 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (no term limits); election last held on 30 August 2009 (next to be held in 2016); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba elected; percent of vote - Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba 41.7%, Andre MBA OBAME 25.9%, Pierre MAMBOUNDOU 25.2%, Zacharie MYBOTO 3.9%, other 3.3%

note: President BONGO died on 8 June 2009 after serving as president for 32 years; in accordance with the constitution he was replaced on an interim basis by the president of the Senate, Rose Francine ROGOMBE on 10 June 2009; new elections where held on 30 August 2009 and the son of the former president, Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba, was elected president

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (102 seats; members elected by members of municipal councils and departmental assemblies to serve six-year terms) and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (120 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 18 January 2009 (next to be held in January 2015); National Assembly - last held on 17 and 24 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDG 75, RPG 6, UGDD 3, CLR 2, PGCI 2, PSD 2, UPG 2, ADERE 1, independents 9; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDG 82, RPG 8, UPG 8, UGDD 4, ADERE 3, CLR 2, PGP-Ndaot 2, PSD 2, independents 4, others 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consisting of three chambers - Judicial, Administrative, and Accounts; Constitutional Court; Courts of Appeal; Court of State Security; County Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Circle of Liberal Reformers or CLR [General Jean Boniface ASSELE];
Congress for Democracy and Justice or CDJ [Jules Aristide Bourdes
OGOULIGUENDE]; Democratic and Republican Alliance or ADERE
[Divungui-di-Ndinge DIDJOB]; Gabonese Democratic Party or PDG
[Simplice Nguedet MANZELA] (former sole party); Gabonese Party for
Progress or PGP [Benoit Mouity NZAMBA]; Gabonese Union for Democracy
and Development or UGDD [Zacherie MYBOTO]; National Rally of
Woodcutters or RNB; National Rally of Woodcutters-Rally for Gabon or
RNB-RPG (Bucherons) [Fr. Paul M'BA-ABESSOLE]; Party of Development
and Social Solidarity or PDS [Seraphin Ndoat REMBOGO]; People's
Unity Party or PUP [Louis Gaston MAYILA]; Social Democratic Party or
PSD [Pierre Claver MAGANGA-MOUSSAVOU]; Union for Democracy and
Social Integration or UDIS; Union of Gabonese Patriots or UPG
[Pierre MAMBOUNDOU]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos Victor BOUNGOU

chancery: Suite 200, 2034 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 797-1000

FAX: [1] (202) 332-0668

consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Eunice S. REDDICK

embassy: Boulevard du Bord de Mer, Libreville

mailing address: Centre Ville, B. P. 4000, Libreville; pouch:2270 Libreville Place, Washington, DC 20521-2270

telephone: [241] 76 20 03 through 76 20 04, after hours - 07380171

FAX: [241] 74 55 07

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue; green represents the country's forests and natural resources, gold represents the equator (which transects Gabon) as well as the sun, blue represents the sea

National anthem:

name: "La Concorde" (The Concorde)

lyrics/music: Georges Aleka DAMAS

note: adopted 1960

Economy ::Gabon

Economy - overview:

Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations, but because of high income inequality, a large proportion of the population remains poor. Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. The oil sector now accounts for more than 50% of GDP although the industry is in decline as fields pass their peak production. Gabon continues to face fluctuating prices for its oil, timber, and manganese exports and the global recession led to a GDP contraction of 1.4% in 2009. Despite the abundance of natural wealth, poor fiscal management hobbles the economy. In 1997, an IMF mission to Gabon criticized the government for overspending on off-budget items, overborrowing from the central bank, and slipping on its schedule for privatization and administrative reform. The rebound of oil prices from 1999 to 2008 helped growth, but drops in production have hampered Gabon from fully realizing potential gains. Gabon signed a 14-month Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2007, and later that year issued a $1 billion sovereign bond to buy back a sizable portion of its Paris Club debt.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$22.54 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $21.39 billion (2009 est.)

$21.69 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$12.56 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 -1.4% (2009 est.)

2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $14,100 (2009 est.)

$14,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.5%

industry: 62.7%

services: 32.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

712,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 60%

industry: 15%

services: 25% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

21% (2006 est.); NA% country comparison to the world: 170

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 32.7% (2005)

Investment (gross fixed):

28.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Public debt:

25.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 27.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 1.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 99 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.835 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 122 $1.623 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.764 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $2.468 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.074 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 $826.8 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber; cattle; okoume (a tropical softwood); fish

Industries:

petroleum extraction and refining; manganese, gold; chemicals, ship repair, food and beverages, textiles, lumbering and plywood, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Electricity - production:

1.774 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Electricity - consumption:

1.446 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

241,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Oil - consumption:

14,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Oil - exports:

227,300 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Oil - imports:

4,185 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Oil - proved reserves:

2 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - production:

90 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - consumption:

90 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - proved reserves:

28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Current account balance:

$591 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $887 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$6.803 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $6.04 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil 70%, timber, manganese, uranium

Exports - partners:

Russia 30.62%, US 16.56%, China 15.87%, France 4.28% (2009)

Imports:

$2.433 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $2.298 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, construction materials

Imports - partners:

France 32.21%, US 7.92%, China 7.02%, Belgium 4.99%, Italy 4.81%,
Cameroon 4.56%, Netherlands 4.35% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.602 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $1.993 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.374 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $2.352 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs per US dollar - 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.89 (2006)

Communications ::Gabon

Telephones - main lines in use:

26,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 181

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.373 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 141

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system of cable, microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, radiotelephone communication stations, and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations

domestic: a growing mobile-cellular network with multiple providers is making telephone service more widely available; subscribership reached 90 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 241; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state owns and operates 2 TV stations and 2 radio broadcast stations; a few private radio and TV stations are operational; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible; satellite service subscriptions are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ga

Internet hosts:

90 (2010) country comparison to the world: 205

Internet users:

98,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 160

Transportation ::Gabon

Airports:

44 (2010) country comparison to the world: 97

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 31

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 240 km; oil 858 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 814 km country comparison to the world: 100 standard gauge: 814 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 9,170 km country comparison to the world: 138 paved: 937 km

unpaved: 8,233 km (2004)

Waterways:

1,600 km (310 km on Ogooue River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 51

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 2 (Cambodia 1, Panama 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 148

Ports and terminals:

Gamba, Libreville, Lucinda, Owendo, Port-Gentil

Military ::Gabon

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for voluntary military service; there is no conscription (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 344,147

females age 16-49: 345,292 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 198,970

females age 16-49: 192,807 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 17,283

female: 17,276 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 145

Transnational Issues ::Gabon

Disputes - international:

UN urges Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to resolve the sovereignty dispute over Gabon-occupied Mbane Island and lesser islands and to establish a maritime boundary in hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,178 (Republic of Congo) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Gabon is predominantly a destination country for children trafficked from other African countries for the purpose of forced labor; girls are primarily trafficked for domestic servitude, forced market vending, forced restaurant labor, and sexual exploitation, while boys are trafficked for forced street hawking and forced labor in small workshops

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Gabon is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking in 2007, particularly in terms of efforts to convict and punish trafficking offenders; the government has not reported the convictions or sentences of any trafficking offenders; the government did not take steps to reduce demand for commercial sex acts (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Gambia, The (Africa)

Introduction ::Gambia, The

Background:

The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president in all subsequent elections including most recently in late 2006.

Geography ::Gambia, The

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

13 28 N, 16 34 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 11,295 sq km country comparison to the world: 166 land: 10,000 sq km

water: 1,295 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Delaware

Land boundaries:

total: 740 km

border countries: Senegal 740 km

Coastline:

80 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 18 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: extent not specified

Climate:

tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)

Terrain:

flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation 53 m

Natural resources:

fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon

Land use:

arable land: 27.88%

permanent crops: 0.44%

other: 71.68% (2005)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

8 cu km (1982)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.03 cu km/yr (23%/12%/65%)

per capita: 20 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa

People ::Gambia, The

Population:

1,824,158 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.6% (male 389,877/female 386,218)

15-64 years: 53.5% (male 472,216/female 479,595)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 24,985/female 25,190) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18 years

male: 17.9 years

female: 18.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.528% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Birth rate:

37.31 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Death rate:

12.03 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 67.49 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 22 male: 73.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 61.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.07 years country comparison to the world: 201 male: 52.32 years

female: 55.86 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.96 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

600 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Gambian(s)

adjective: Gambian

Ethnic groups:

African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1% (2003 census)

Religions:

Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%

Languages:

English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 40.1%

male: 47.8%

female: 32.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 7 years

female: 7 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

2% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 170

Government ::Gambia, The

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia

conventional short form: The Gambia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Banjul

geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Central River, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, Western

Independence:

18 February 1965 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 February (1965)

Constitution:

approved by national referendum 8 August 1996; effective 16 January 1997

Legal system:

based on a composite of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of the junta; Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 22 September 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH reelected president; percent of vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 67.3%, Ousainou DARBOE 26.6%, Halifa SALLAH 6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (53 seats; 48 members elected by popular vote, 5 appointed by the president; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 January 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APRC 47, UDP 4, NADD 1, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or APRC [Yahya
A. J. J. JAMMEH] (the ruling party); Gambia People's Democratic
Party or GPDP [Henry GOMEZ]; National Alliance for Democracy and
Development or NADD [Halifa SALLAH]; National Convention Party or
NCP [Sheriff DIBBA]; National Reconciliation Party or NRP [Hamat N.
K. BAH]; People's Democratic Organization for Independence and
Socialism or PDOIS [Halifa SALLAH]; United Democratic Party or UDP
[Ousainou DARBOE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Environment Agency or NEA; West African Peace Building
Network-Gambian Chapter or WANEB-GAMBIA; Youth Employment Network
Gambia or YENGambia

other: special needs group advocates; teachers and principals

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alieu Momodou NGUM

chancery: Suite 240, Georgetown Plaza, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 785-1379, 1399, 1425

FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Cindy GREGG

embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul

mailing address: P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul

telephone: [220] 439-2856, 437-6169, 437-6170

FAX: [220] 439-2475

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green; red stands for the sun and the savannah, blue represents the Gambia River, and green symbolizes forests and agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace

National anthem:

name: "For The Gambia, Our Homeland"

lyrics/music: Virginia Julie HOWE/adapted by Jeremy Frederick HOWE

note: adopted 1965; the music is an adaptation of the traditional Mandinka song "Foday Kaba Dumbuya"

Economy ::Gambia, The

Economy - overview:

The Gambia has sparse natural resource deposits and a limited agricultural base, and relies in part on remittances from workers overseas and tourist receipts. About three-quarters of the population depends on the agricultural sector for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. The Gambia's natural beauty and proximity to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West Africa, boosted by government and private sector investments in eco-tourism and upscale facilities. In the past few years, The Gambia's re-export trade - traditionally a major segment of economic activity - has declined, but its banking sector has grown rapidly. Unemployment and underemployment rates remain high; economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, and on continued technical assistance from multilateral and bilateral donors. The quality of fiscal management, however, is weak. The government has promised to raise civil service wages over the next two years and the deficit is projected to worsen.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.406 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 $3.244 billion (2009 est.)

$3.073 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.04 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 5.6% (2009 est.)

6.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 $1,800 (2009 est.)

$1,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 30.1%

industry: 16.3%

services: 53.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

777,100 (2007) country comparison to the world: 146

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 75%

industry: 19%

services: 6% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 36.9% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.2 (1998) country comparison to the world: 23

Investment (gross fixed):

28% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 4.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 38 11% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

27% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 27.92% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$222.9 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 172 $210.2 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$453.9 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 $438.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$293.5 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 $283.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, corn, sesame, cassava (tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats

Industries:

processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing

Industrial production growth rate:

8.9% country comparison to the world: 21 note: although The Gambia had the highest industrial growth rate in the world in 2009, this growth is from a tiny industrial base (2010 est.)

Electricity - production:

160 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Electricity - consumption:

148.8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - exports:

42 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Oil - imports:

2,266 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Current account balance:

-$90 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 -$81 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$107 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 $95 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels, re-exports

Exports - partners:

India 42.06%, France 15.34%, UK 9.03%, China 7.38%, Hong Kong 4.55%,
Belgium 3.97% (2009)

Imports:

$306 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195 $280 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactures, fuel, machinery and transport equipment

Imports - partners:

China 20.45%, Senegal 11.97%, Brazil 8.48%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.71%,
Netherlands 4.68%, US 4.49% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$203 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $224 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$530 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 $489 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

dalasis (GMD) per US dollar - 28.5193 (2010), 26.67 (2009), 22.75 (2008), 27.79 (2007), 28.066 (2006)

Communications ::Gambia, The

Telephones - main lines in use:

49,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 162

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.433 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 140

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate microwave radio relay and open-wire network; state-owned Gambia Telecommunications partially privatized in 2007

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity, aided by multiple mobile-cellular providers, approached 85 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 220; microwave radio relay links to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; a landing station for the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) undersea fiber-optic cable is scheduled for completion in 2011; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned, single-channel TV service; state-owned radio station and 4 privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available, some via shortwave radio; foreign cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable in some parts of the country (2007)

Internet country code:

.gm

Internet hosts:

1,453 (2010) country comparison to the world: 162

Internet users:

130,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 150

Transportation ::Gambia, The

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 211

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 3,742 km country comparison to the world: 159 paved: 723 km

unpaved: 3,019 km (2004)

Waterways:

390 km (on River Gambia; small ocean-going vessels can reach 190 km) (2008) country comparison to the world: 90

Merchant marine:

total: 5 country comparison to the world: 130 by type: passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Banjul

Military ::Gambia, The

Military branches:

Office of the Chief of Defense Staff: Gambian National Army (GNA),
Gambian Navy (GN) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 402,073

females age 16-49: 406,100 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 238,006

females age 16-49: 248,065 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 20,858

female: 20,762 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 139

Transnational Issues ::Gambia, The

Disputes - international:

attempts to stem refugees, cross-border raids, arms smuggling, and other illegal activities by separatists from southern Senegal's Casamance region, as well as from conflicts in other west African states

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 5,955 (Sierra Leone) (2007)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Gaza Strip (Middle East)

Introduction ::Gaza Strip

Background:

The September 1993 Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements provided for a transitional period of Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Under a series of agreements signed between May 1994 and September 1999, Israel transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA) security and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Negotiations to determine the permanent status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip stalled following the outbreak of an intifada in September 2000. In April 2003, the Quartet (US, EU, UN, and Russia) presented a roadmap to a final settlement of the conflict by 2005 based on reciprocal steps by the two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine. Following Palestinian leader Yasir ARAFAT's death in late 2004, Mahmud ABBAS was elected PA president in January 2005. A month later, Israel and the PA agreed to the Sharm el-Sheikh Commitments in an effort to move the peace process forward. In September 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew all its settlers and soldiers and dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip and withdrew settlers and redeployed soldiers from four small northern West Bank settlements. Nonetheless, Israel still controls maritime, airspace, and most access to the Gaza Strip; and it enforces a restricted zone along the border inside Gaza. In January 2006, the Islamic Resistance Movement, HAMAS, won control of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). HAMAS took control of the PA government in March 2006, but President ABBAS had little success negotiating with HAMAS to present a political platform acceptable to the international community so as to lift economic sanctions on Palestinians. Violent clashes between Fatah and HAMAS supporters in the Gaza Strip in 2006 and early 2007 resulted in numerous Palestinian deaths and injuries. In February 2007, ABBAS and HAMAS Political Bureau Chief MISHAL signed the Mecca Agreement in Saudi Arabia that resulted in the formation of a Palestinian National Unity Government (NUG) headed by HAMAS member Ismail HANIYA. However, fighting continued in the Gaza Strip, and in June 2007, HAMAS militants succeeded in a violent takeover of all military and governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip. ABBAS dismissed the NUG and through a series of presidential decrees formed a PA government in the West Bank led by independent Salam FAYYAD. HAMAS rejected the NUG's dismissal, and despite multiple rounds of Egyptian-brokered reconciliation negotiations, the two groups have failed to bridge their differences. Late November 2007 through June 2008 witnessed a substantial increase in Israeli-Palestinian violence. An Egyptian-brokered truce in June 2008 between Israel and HAMAS brought about a five-month pause in hostilities, but spiraling end-of-year violence resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1,100 to 1,400 Palestinians and left tens of thousands of people homeless. International donors pledged $4.5 billion in aid to rebuild the Gaza Strip, but by the end of 2010 large-scale reconstruction had not begun.

Geography ::Gaza Strip

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and
Israel

Geographic coordinates:

31 25 N, 34 20 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 360 sq km country comparison to the world: 205 land: 360 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 62 km

border countries: Egypt 11 km, Israel 51 km

Coastline:

40 km

Maritime claims:

Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation

Climate:

temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers

Terrain:

flat to rolling, sand- and dune-covered coastal plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Abu 'Awdah (Joz Abu 'Awdah) 105 m

Natural resources:

arable land, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 29%

permanent crops: 21%

other: 50% (2002)

Irrigated land:

155 sq km; (note - includes West Bank) (2003)

Natural hazards:

droughts

Environment - current issues:

desertification; salination of fresh water; sewage treatment; water-borne disease; soil degradation; depletion and contamination of underground water resources

Geography - note:

strategic strip of land along Mideast-North African trade routes has experienced an incredibly turbulent history; the town of Gaza itself has been besieged countless times in its history

People ::Gaza Strip

Population:

1,604,238 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.4% (male 353,489/female 334,770)

15-64 years: 53% (male 420,618/female 402,297)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 16,483/female 24,202) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.5 years

male: 17.4 years

female: 17.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.29% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Birth rate:

36.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Death rate:

3.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Urbanization:

urban population: 72% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 17.71 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 107 male: 18.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.68 years country comparison to the world: 111 male: 72.05 years

female: 75.4 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.9 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: NA

adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Palestinian Arab

Religions:

Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 99.3%, Christian 0.7%

Languages:

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by many Palestinians), English (widely understood)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.4%

male: 96.7%

female: 88% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Gaza Strip

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Gaza Strip

local long form: none

local short form: Qita' Ghazzah

Economy ::Gaza Strip

Economy - overview:

High population density, limited land and sea access, continuing isolation, and strict internal and external security controls have degraded economic conditions in the Gaza Strip - the smaller of the two areas in the Palestinian Territories. Israeli-imposed crossings closures, which became more restrictive after HAMAS violently took over the territory in June 2007, and fighting between HAMAS and Israel during December 2008-January 2009, resulted in the near collapse of most of the private sector, extremely high unemployment, and high poverty rates. Shortages of goods are met through large-scale humanitarian assistance - led by UNRWA - and the HAMAS-regulated black market tunnel trade that flourishes under the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. However, chnages to the blockade in 2010 included moving from a white list - in which only approved items were allowed into Gaza through the crossings - to a black list, where all but non-approved items were allowed into Gaza through the crossings. Israeli authorities have recently signaled that exports from the territory might be possible in the future, but currently regular exports from Gaza are not permitted.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

see entry for West Bank

GDP - real growth rate:

see entry for West Bank

GDP - per capita (PPP):

see entry for West Bank

GDP - composition by sector:

see entry for West Bank

Labor force:

339,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 160

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 12%

industry: 5%

services: 83% (June 2008)

Unemployment rate:

40% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 40% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

70% (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.9% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 199 11.5% (2008)

note: includes West Bank

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

see entry for West Bank

Stock of domestic credit:

note: see entry for West Bank

Agriculture - products:

olives, fruit, vegetables, flowers; beef, dairy products

Industries:

textiles, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

see entry for West Bank

Electricity - production:

65,000 kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 212

Electricity - consumption:

202,000 kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

120,000 kWh; note - from Israeli Electric Company (2009)

Oil - production:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - consumption:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - exports:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - imports:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl NA bbl

Exports - commodities:

strawberries, carnations

Imports:

see entry for West Bank

Imports - commodities:

food, consumer goods

note: Israel permits limited imports through crossings with Gaza, but many "dual use" goods, such as construction materials, are smuggled through tunnels beneath Gaza's border with Egypt

Debt - external:

see entry for West Bank

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010), 3.9326 (2009), 3.56 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Communications ::Gaza Strip

Telephones - main lines in use:

360,400 (includes West Bank) (2010) country comparison to the world: 108

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.405 million (includes West Bank) (2010) country comparison to the world: 124

Telephone system:

general assessment: Gaza continues to repair the damage to its telecommunications infrastructure caused by fighting in 2009

domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are responsible for fixed line services; the Palestinian JAWWAL company provides cellular services

international: country code - 970 (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 television station and about 10 radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.ps; note - same as West Bank

Internet users:

1.379 million (includes West Bank) (2009) country comparison to the world: 87

Transportation ::Gaza Strip

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 223

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

note: see entry for West Bank

Ports and terminals:

Gaza

Military ::Gaza Strip

Military branches:

Palestinian Authority security forces have operated only in the West Bank, not in the Gaza Strip, since HAMAS seized power in June 2007; law and order and other security functions are performed by HAMAS security organizations (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 372,843 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 324,203

females age 16-49: 308,835 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 18,931

female: 18,010 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Gaza Strip

Disputes - international:

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Israel removed settlers and military personnel from the Gaza Strip in August 2005

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1.017 million (Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)) (2007)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Georgia (Middle East)

Introduction ::Georgia

Background:

The region of present day Georgia contained the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman influence in the first centuries A.D. and Christianity became the state religion in the 330s. Domination by Persians, Arabs, and Turks was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th-13th centuries) that was cut short by the Mongol invasion of 1236. Subsequently, the Ottoman and Persian empires competed for influence in the region. Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. An attempt by the incumbent Georgian government to manipulate national legislative elections in November 2003 touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, president since 1995. New elections in early 2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI into power along with his National Movement party. Progress on market reforms and democratization has been made in the years since independence, but this progress has been complicated by Russian assistance and support to the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. After a series of Russian and separatist provocations in summer 2008, Georgian military action in South Ossetia in early August led to a Russian military response that not only occupied the breakaway areas, but large portions of Georgia proper as well. Russian troops pulled back from most occupied Georgian territory, but in late August 2008 Russia unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This action was strongly condemned by most of the world's nations and international organizations.

Geography ::Georgia

Location:

Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and
Russia, with a sliver of land north of the Caucasus extending into
Europe

Geographic coordinates:

42 00 N, 43 30 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 69,700 sq km country comparison to the world: 120 land: 69,700 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 1,461 km

border countries: Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km, Turkey 252 km

Coastline:

310 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast

Terrain:

largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi (Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in the east; good soils in river valley flood plains, foothills of Kolkhida Lowland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,201 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper, minor coal and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for important tea and citrus growth

Land use:

arable land: 11.51%

permanent crops: 3.79%

other: 84.7% (2005)

Irrigated land:

4,690 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

63.3 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.61 cu km/yr (20%/21%/59%)

per capita: 808 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution, particularly in Rust'avi; heavy pollution of Mtkvari River and the Black Sea; inadequate supplies of potable water; soil pollution from toxic chemicals

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategically located east of the Black Sea; Georgia controls much of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them

People ::Georgia

Population:

4,600,825 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 395,929/female 345,071)

15-64 years: 67.6% (male 1,503,360/female 1,616,234)

65 years and over: 16.4% (male 302,103/female 453,110) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.8 years

male: 36.3 years

female: 41.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.325% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Birth rate:

10.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Death rate:

9.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Net migration rate:

-4.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Urbanization:

urban population: 53% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.67 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 120 male: 17.64 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.93 years country comparison to the world: 63 male: 73.61 years

female: 80.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.44 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Nationality:

noun: Georgian(s)

adjective: Georgian

Ethnic groups:

Georgian 83.8%, Azeri 6.5%, Armenian 5.7%, Russian 1.5%, other 2.5% (2002 census)

Religions:

Orthodox Christian 83.9%, Muslim 9.9%, Armenian-Gregorian 3.9%,
Catholic 0.8%, other 0.8%, none 0.7% (2002 census)

Languages:

Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7%

note: Abkhaz is the official language in Abkhazia

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 151

Government ::Georgia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Georgia

local long form: none

local short form: Sak'art'velo

former: Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: T'bilisi

geographic coordinates: 41 43 N, 44 47 E

time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 regions (mkharebi, singular - mkhare), 1 city (k'alak'i), and 2 autonomous republics (avtomnoy respubliki, singular - avtom respublika)

regions: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli

city: Tbilisi

autonomous republics: Abkhazia or Ap'khazet'is Avtonomiuri Respublika (Sokhumi), Ajaria or Acharis Avtonomiuri Respublika (Bat'umi)

note: the administrative centers of the two autonomous republics are shown in parentheses

Independence:

9 April 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 May (1918); note - 26 May 1918 was the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 9 April 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

adopted 24 August 1995

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25 January 2004); the president is the chief of state and serves as head of government for the power ministries of internal affairs and defense

head of government: Prime Minister Nikoloz GILAURI (since 6 February 2009); the prime minister is head of government for all the ministries of government except the power ministries of internal affairs and defense

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 January 2008 (next to be held in January 2013)

election results: Mikheil SAAKASHVILI reelected president; percent of vote - Mikheil SAAKASHVILI 53.5%, Levan GACHECHILADZE 25.7%, Badri PATARKATSISHVILI 7.1%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Parlamenti (also known as Supreme Council or Umaghlesi Sabcho) (150 seats; 75 members elected by proportional representation, 75 from single-seat constituencies; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 21 May 2008 (next to be held in the spring of 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - United National Movement 59.2%, National Council-New Rights (a Joint Opposition, nine-party bloc) 17.7%, Christian Democratic Movement 8.8%, Labor Party 7.4%, Republican Party 3.8%; seats by party - United National Movement 120, National Council-New Rights 16, Christian Democratic Movement 6, Labor Party 6, Republican Party 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges elected by the Supreme Council on the president's or chairman of the Supreme Court's recommendation); Constitutional Court; first and second instance courts

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Movement [Giorgi TARGAMADZE]; Conservative
Party [Kakha KUKAVA]; Democratic Movement United Georgia [Nino
BURJANADZE]; For Fair Georgia [Zurab NOGAIDELI]; Georgian Party
[Sozar SUBARI]; Georgian People's Front [Nodar NATADZE]; Greens
[Giorgi GACHECHILADZE]; Industry Will Save Georgia (Industrialists)
or IWSG [Georgi TOPADZE]; Labor Party [Shalva NATELASHVILI];
National Democratic Party or NDP [Bachuki KARDAVA]; National Forum
[Kakhaber SHARTAVA]; New Rights [David GAMKRELIDZE]; Our
Georgia-Free Democrats (OGFD) [Irakli ALASANIA]; People's Party
[Koba DAVITASHVILI; Republican Party [David USUPASHVILI]; Socialist
Party or SPG [Irakli MINDELI]; Traditionalists [Akaki ASATIANI];
United National Movement or UNM [Mikheil SAAKASHVILI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

separatists in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

International organization participation:

ADB, BSEC, CE, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-11, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OAS
(observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI (observer), UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Temur IAKOBASHVILI

chancery: 2209 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-2390

FAX: [1] (202) 393-4537

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John BASS

embassy: 11 George Balanchine Street, T'bilisi 0131

mailing address: 7060 T'bilisi Place, Washington, DC 20521-7060

telephone: [995] (32) 27-70-00

FAX: [995] (32) 53-23-10

Flag description:

white rectangle with a central red cross extending to all four sides of the flag; each of the four quadrants displays a small red bolnur-katskhuri cross; although adopted as the official Georgian flag in 2004, the five-cross flag design appears to date back to the 14th century

National anthem:

name: "Tavisupleba" (Liberty)

lyrics/music: Dawit MAGRADSE/Zakaria PALIASHVILI (adapted by Joseb KETSCHAKMADSE)

note: adopted 2004; after the Rose Revolution, a new anthem with music based on the operas "Abesalom da Eteri" and "Daisi" was adopted

Economy ::Georgia

Economy - overview:

Georgia's economy sustained GDP growth of more than 10% in 2006-07, based on strong inflows of foreign investment and robust government spending. However, GDP growth slowed in 2008 following the August 2008 conflict with Russia, and turned negative in 2009 as foreign direct investment and workers' remittances declined in the wake of the global financial crisis, but rebounded in 2010. Georgia's main economic activities include the cultivation of agricultural products such as grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts; mining of manganese and copper; and output of a small industrial sector producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, metals, machinery, aircraft and chemicals. Areas of recent improvement include growth in the construction, banking services, and mining sectors, but reduced availability of external investment and the slowing regional economy are emerging risks. The country imports nearly all its needed supplies of natural gas and oil products. It has sizeable hydropower capacity, a growing component of its energy supplies. Georgia has overcome the chronic energy shortages and gas supply interruptions of the past by renovating hydropower plants and by increasingly relying on natural gas imports from Azerbaijan instead of from Russia. The construction on the Baku-T'bilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Baku-T'bilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline, and the Kars-Akhalkalaki Railroad are part of a strategy to capitalize on Georgia's strategic location between Europe and Asia and develop its role as a transit point for gas, oil and other goods. Georgia has historically suffered from a chronic failure to collect tax revenues; however, the government, since coming to power in 2004, has simplified the tax code, improved tax administration, increased tax enforcement, and cracked down on petty corruption. However, the economic downturn of 2008-09 eroded the tax base and led to a decline in the budget surplus and an increase in public borrowing needs. The country is pinning its hopes for renewed growth on a determined effort to continue to liberalize the economy by reducing regulation, taxes, and corruption in order to attract foreign investment, but the economy faces a more difficult investment climate both domestically and internationally.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$22.32 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $21.16 billion (2009 est.)

$22.02 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.23 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 -3.9% (2009 est.)

2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $4,600 (2009 est.)

$4,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11%

industry: 27.1%

services: 62% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.918 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 55.6%

industry: 8.9%

services: 35.5% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

16.4% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 13.6% (2006 est.)

Population below poverty line:

31% (2006)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%

highest 10%: 30.6% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.8 (2009) country comparison to the world: 59 37.1 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 1.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

8% (25 December 2008)

NA% (31 December 2007)

note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key monetary policy rate of the Georgian National Bank

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

25.52% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 21.24% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.175 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 135 $1.122 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.146 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 $1.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.243 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 $3.569 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$733.3 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 106 $327.3 million (31 December 2008)

$1.389 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, grapes, tea, hazelnuts, vegetables; livestock

Industries:

steel, aircraft, machine tools, electrical appliances, mining (manganese and copper), chemicals, wood products, wine

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Electricity - production:

7.97 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Electricity - consumption:

6.902 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Electricity - exports:

628 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

430 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

995 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - exports:

1,486 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Oil - imports:

16,590 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Oil - proved reserves:

35 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - production:

8 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - consumption:

1.73 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - imports:

1.72 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - proved reserves:

8.495 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Current account balance:

-$1.404 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 -$1.259 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $1.893 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

scrap metal, wine, mineral water, ores, vehicles, fruits and nuts

Exports - partners:

Turkey 17.87%, Azerbaijan 12.3%, Bulgaria 9.6%, Canada 8.78%, UK 7.49%, Ukraine 6.82%, Spain 5.27%, US 4.99% (2009)

Imports:

$4.828 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $4.293 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, vehicles, machinery and parts, grain and other foods, pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

Turkey 16.81%, Azerbaijan 9.72%, Ukraine 9.17%, Russia 7.39%, US 6.63%, Germany 6.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $2.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.381 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 122 $7.711 billion (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

laris (GEL) per US dollar - 1.8009 (2010), 1.6705 (2009), 1.47 (2008), 1.7 (2007), 1.78 (2006)

Communications ::Georgia

Telephones - main lines in use:

620,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.837 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 115

Telephone system:

general assessment: fixed-line telecommunications network has only limited coverage outside Tbilisi; long list of people waiting for fixed line connections; multiple mobile-cellular providers provide services to an increasing subscribership throughout the country

domestic: cellular telephone networks cover the entire country; mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 60 per 100 people; urban fixed-line telephone density is about 20 per 100 people; rural telephone density is about 4 per 100 people; intercity facilities include a fiber-optic line between T'bilisi and K'ut'aisi; nationwide pager service is available

international: country code - 995; the Georgia-Russia fiber optic submarine cable provides connectivity to Russia; international service is available by microwave, landline, and satellite through the Moscow switch; international electronic mail and telex service are available

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned public television station in Tbilisi and 8 privately-owned TV stations; state-run public broadcaster operates 2 networks; dozens of cable TV operators and several major commercial TV stations are operating; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 2 networks; several dozen private stations broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.ge

Internet hosts:

110,680 (2010) country comparison to the world: 76

Internet users:

1.3 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 91

Transportation ::Georgia

Airports:

22 (2010) country comparison to the world: 133

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 18

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,596 km; oil 1,258 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,612 km country comparison to the world: 80 broad gauge: 1,575 km 1.520-m gauge (1,575 electrified)

narrow gauge: 37 km 0.912-m gauge (37 electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 20,329 km country comparison to the world: 109 paved: 7,854 km (includes 13 km of expressways)

unpaved: 12,475 km (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 193 country comparison to the world: 34 by type: bulk carrier 18, cargo 151, carrier 1, chemical tanker 3, container 2, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 7, vehicle carrier 2

foreign-owned: 132 (China 11, Denmark 1, Egypt 11, Germany 4, Greece 3, Hong Kong 4, Israel 1, Italy 2, Latvia 1, Lebanon 1, Pakistan 1, Romania 7, Russia 7, Syria 35, Turkey 22, UAE 1, UK 4, Ukraine 15, US 1)

registered in other countries: 1 (unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bat'umi, P'ot'i

Transportation - note:

large parts of transportation network are in poor condition because of lack of maintenance and repair

Military ::Georgia

Military branches:

Georgian Armed Forces: Land Forces

note: naval forces have been incorporated into the coast guard and the Air and Air Defense forces were incorporated into the Land Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 to 34 years of age for compulsory and voluntary active duty military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (2005)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,094,390

females age 16-49: 1,140,758 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 901,307

females age 16-49: 946,357 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,314

female: 28,299 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Military - note:

a CIS peacekeeping force of Russian troops is deployed in the Abkhazia region of Georgia together with a UN military observer group; a Russian peacekeeping battalion is deployed in South Ossetia

Transnational Issues ::Georgia

Disputes - international:

Russia and Georgia agree on delimiting 80% of their common border, leaving certain small, strategic segments and the maritime boundary unresolved; OSCE observers monitor volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and the Argun Gorge in Abkhazia; UN Observer Mission in Georgia has maintained a peacekeeping force in Georgia since 1993; Meshkheti Turks scattered throughout the former Soviet Union seek to return to Georgia; boundary with Armenia remains undemarcated; ethnic Armenian groups in Javakheti region of Georgia seek greater autonomy from the Georgian government; Azerbaijan and Georgia continue to discuss the alignment of their boundary at certain crossing areas

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1,100 (Russia)

IDPs: 220,000-240,000 (displaced from Abkhazia and South Ossetia) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for domestic consumption; used as transshipment point for opiates via Central Asia to Western Europe and Russia

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Germany (Europe)

Introduction ::Germany

Background:

As Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation (after Russia), Germany is a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. European power struggles immersed Germany in two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious Allied powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key Western economic and security organizations, the EC, which became the EU, and NATO, while the Communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the end of the Cold War allowed for German unification in 1990. Since then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring Eastern productivity and wages up to Western standards. In January 1999, Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European exchange currency, the euro. In January 2011, Germany assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Geography ::Germany

Location:

Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark

Geographic coordinates:

51 00 N, 9 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 357,022 sq km country comparison to the world: 62 land: 348,672 sq km

water: 8,350 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 3,621 km

border countries: Austria 784 km, Belgium 167 km, Czech Republic 646 km, Denmark 68 km, France 451 km, Luxembourg 138 km, Netherlands 577 km, Poland 456 km, Switzerland 334 km

Coastline:

2,389 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm mountain (foehn) wind

Terrain:

lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.54 m

highest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m

Natural resources:

coal, lignite, natural gas, iron ore, copper, nickel, uranium, potash, salt, construction materials, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 33.13%

permanent crops: 0.6%

other: 66.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

4,850 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

188 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 38.01 cu km/yr (12%/68%/20%)

per capita: 460 cu m/yr (2001)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries contribute to air pollution; acid rain, resulting from sulfur dioxide emissions, is damaging forests; pollution in the Baltic Sea from raw sewage and industrial effluents from rivers in eastern Germany; hazardous waste disposal; government established a mechanism for ending the use of nuclear power over the next 15 years; government working to meet EU commitment to identify nature preservation areas in line with the EU's Flora, Fauna, and Habitat directive

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on North European Plain and along the entrance to the Baltic Sea

People ::Germany

Population:

82,282,988 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.7% (male 5,768,366/female 5,470,516)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 27,707,761/female 26,676,759)

65 years and over: 20.3% (male 7,004,805/female 9,701,551) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 44.3 years

male: 43 years

female: 45.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.061% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Birth rate:

8.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Death rate:

11 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Net migration rate:

2.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Urbanization:

urban population: 74% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.95 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 205 male: 4.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.41 years country comparison to the world: 36 male: 76.41 years

female: 82.57 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.42 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

53,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Nationality:

noun: German(s)

adjective: German

Ethnic groups:

German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of Greek,
Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish)

Religions:

Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated or other 28.3%

Languages:

German

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 16 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 92

People - note:

second most populous country in Europe after Russia

Government ::Germany

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Republic of Germany

conventional short form: Germany

local long form: Bundesrepublik Deutschland

local short form: Deutschland

former: German Empire, German Republic, German Reich

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Berlin

geographic coordinates: 52 31 N, 13 24 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

16 states (Laender, singular - Land); Baden-Wurttemberg, Bayern (Bavaria), Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen (Hesse), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania), Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia), Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Saarland, Sachsen (Saxony), Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt), Schleswig-Holstein, Thueringen (Thuringia); note - Bayern, Sachsen, and Thueringen refer to themselves as free states (Freistaaten, singular - Freistaat)

Independence:

18 January 1871 (German Empire unification); divided into four zones of occupation (UK, US, USSR, and France) in 1945 following World War II; Federal Republic of Germany (FRG or West Germany) proclaimed 23 May 1949 and included the former UK, US, and French zones; German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany) proclaimed 7 October 1949 and included the former USSR zone; West Germany and East Germany unified 3 October 1990; all four powers formally relinquished rights 15 March 1991; notable earlier dates: 10 August 843 (Eastern Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 2 February 962 (crowning of OTTO I, recognized as the first Holy Roman Emperor)

National holiday:

Unity Day, 3 October (1990)

Constitution:

23 May 1949, known as Basic Law; became constitution of the united Germany 3 October 1990

Legal system:

civil law system with indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in the Federal Constitutional Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Christian WULFF (since 30 June 2010)

head of government: Chancellor Angela MERKEL (since 22 November 2005)

cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed by the president on the recommendation of the chancellor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term) by a Federal Assembly, including all members of the Federal Diet and an equal number of delegates elected by the state parliaments; election last held on 30 June 2010 (next to be held by June 2015); chancellor elected by an absolute majority of the Federal Diet for a four-year term; Bundestag vote for Chancellor last held after 27 September 2009 (next to follow the legislative election to be held no later than 2013)

election results: Christian WULFF elected president; received 625 votes of the Federal Assembly against 494 for GAUCK and 121 abstentions; Angela MERKEL reelected chancellor; vote by Federal Diet 323 to 285 with four abstentions

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Federal Council or Bundesrat (69 votes; state governments sit in the Council; each has three to six votes in proportion to population and is required to vote as a block) and the Federal Diet or Bundestag (622 seats; members elected by popular vote for a four-year term under a system of personalized proportional representation; a party must win 5% of the national vote or three direct mandates to gain proportional representation and caucus recognition)

elections: Bundestag - last held on 27 September 2009 (next to be held no later than autumn 2013); note - there are no elections for the Bundesrat; composition is determined by the composition of the state-level governments; the composition of the Bundesrat has the potential to change any time one of the 16 states holds an election

election results: Bundestag - percent of vote by party - CDU/CSU 33.8%, SPD 23%, FDP 14.6%, Left 11.9%, Greens 10.7%, other 6%; seats by party - CDU/CSU 239, SPD 146, FDP 93, Left 76, Greens 68

Judicial branch:

Federal Constitutional Court or Bundesverfassungsgericht (half the judges are elected by the Bundestag and half by the Bundesrat)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance '90/Greens [Claudia ROTH and Cem OZDEMIR]; Christian
Democratic Union or CDU [Angela MERKEL]; Christian Social Union or
CSU [Horst SEEHOFER]; Free Democratic Party or FDP [Guido
WESTERWELLE]; Left Party or Die Linke [Klaus ERNST and Gesine
LOETZSCH]; Social Democratic Party or SPD [Sigmar GABRIEL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

business associations and employers' organizations; trade unions; religious, immigrant, expellee, and veterans groups

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council
(observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CDB, CE,
CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8,
G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SICA
(observer), UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Klaus SCHARIOTH

chancery: 4645 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 298-4000

FAX: [1] (202) 298-4249

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Philip D. MURPHY

embassy: Pariser Platz 2, 14191 Berlin; note - new embassy opened 4 July 2008

mailing address: PSC 120, Box 1000, APO AE 09265, Clayallee 170, 14195 Berlin

telephone: [49] (030) 2385174

FAX: [49] (030) 8305-1215

consulate(s) general: Duesseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold; these colors have played an important role in German history and can be traced back to the medieval banner of the Holy Roman Emperor - a black eagle with red claws and beak on a gold field

National anthem:

name: "Lied der Deutschen" (Song of the Germans)

lyrics/music: August Heinrich HOFFMANN VON FALLERSLEBE/Franz Joseph HAYDN

note: adopted 1922, restored 1990; the anthem, also known as "Deutschlandlied" (Song of Germany), was abolished in 1945 because of the Nazi's use of the first verse, specifically the phrase, "Deutschland, Deutschland uber alles" (Germany, Germany above all) to promote nationalism; since restoration in 1990, only the third verse is sung

Economy ::Germany

Economy - overview:

The German economy - the fifth largest economy in the world in PPP terms and Europe's largest - is a leading exporter of machinery, vehicles, chemicals, and household equipment and benefits from a highly skilled labor force. Like its western European neighbors, Germany faces significant demographic challenges to sustained long-term growth. Low fertility rates and declining net immigration are increasing pressure on the country's social welfare system and necessitate structural reforms. The modernization and integration of the eastern German economy - where unemployment can exceed 20% in some municipalities - continues to be a costly long-term process, with annual transfers from west to east amounting in 2008 alone to roughly $12 billion. Reforms launched by the government of Chancellor Gerhard SCHROEDER (1998-2005), deemed necessary to address chronically high unemployment and low average growth, contributed to strong growth in 2006 and 2007 and falling unemployment, which in 2008 reached a new post-reunification low of 7.8%. These advances, as well as a government subsidized, reduced working hour scheme, help explain the relatively modest increase in unemployment during the 2008-09 recession - the deepest since World War II - and its healthy decrease in 2010. GDP contracted nearly 5% in 2009 but grew by 3.3% in 2010. Germany crept out of recession thanks largely to rebounding manufacturing orders and exports - primarily outside the Euro Zone - and relatively steady consumer demand. Stimulus and stabilization efforts initiated in 2008 and 2009 and tax cuts introduced in Chancellor Angela MERKEL's second term increased Germany's budget deficit to 3.3% in 2009 and to 3.6% in 2010. The EU has given Germany until 2013 to get its consolidated budget deficit below 3% of GDP. A new constitutional amendment likewise limits the federal government to structural deficits of no more than 0.35% of GDP per annum as of 2016.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.951 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $2.857 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.998 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.306 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 -4.7% (2009 est.)

1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $34,700 (2009 est.)

$36,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.8%

industry: 27.9%

services: 71.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

43.35 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.4%

industry: 29.7%

services: 67.8% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

7.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 7.5% (2009 est.)

note: this is the International Labor Organization's estimated rate for international comparisons; Germany's Federal Employment Office estimated a seasonally adjusted rate of 10.8%

Population below poverty line:

11% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 24% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

27 (2006) country comparison to the world: 125 30 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

18% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Public debt:

74.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 73.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 0.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 120 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

4.96% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 5.97% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.627 trillion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 6 $1.681 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$4.288 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $4.202 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$5.2 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $5.019 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.298 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 9 $1.108 trillion (31 December 2008)

$2.106 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbages; cattle, pigs, poultry

Industries:

among the world's largest and most technologically advanced producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics, food and beverages, shipbuilding, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Electricity - production:

593.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Electricity - consumption:

547.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Electricity - exports:

61.7 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

41.67 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

156,800 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Oil - consumption:

2.437 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Oil - exports:

536,600 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Oil - imports:

2.862 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Oil - proved reserves:

276 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - production:

15.29 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - consumption:

96.26 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - exports:

12.64 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Natural gas - imports:

94.57 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Natural gas - proved reserves:

175.6 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Current account balance:

$162.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $168.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.337 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $1.145 trillion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals and manufactures, foodstuffs, textiles

Exports - partners:

France 10.2%, US 6.7%, Netherlands 6.7%, UK 6.6%, Italy 6.3%,
Austria 6%, China 4.5%, Switzerland 4.4% (2009)

Imports:

$1.12 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $956.7 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals

Imports - partners:

Netherlands 8.5%, China 8.2%, France 8.2%, US 5.9%, Italy 5.9%, UK 4.9%, Belgium 4.3%, Austria 4.3%, Switzerland 4.2% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$180.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.713 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 4 $5.158 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$1.057 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $1.054 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.484 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $1.46 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Germany

Telephones - main lines in use:

48.7 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 3

Telephones - mobile cellular:

105 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Telephone system:

general assessment: Germany has one of the world's most technologically advanced telecommunications systems; as a result of intensive capital expenditures since reunification, the formerly backward system of the eastern part of the country, dating back to World War II, has been modernized and integrated with that of the western part

domestic: Germany is served by an extensive system of automatic telephone exchanges connected by modern networks of fiber-optic cable, coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, and a domestic satellite system; cellular telephone service is widely available, expanding rapidly, and includes roaming service to many foreign countries

international: country code - 49; Germany's international service is excellent worldwide, consisting of extensive land and undersea cable facilities as well as earth stations in the Inmarsat, Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems (2001)

Broadcast media:

a mixture of publicly-operated and privately-owned TV and radio stations; national and regional public broadcasters compete with nearly 400 privately-owned national and regional TV stations; more than 90% of households have cable or satellite TV; hundreds of radio stations broadcasting including multiple national radio networks, regional radio networks, and a large number of local radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.de

Internet hosts:

21.729 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 4

Internet users:

65.125 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Transportation ::Germany

Airports:

549 (2010) country comparison to the world: 13

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 330

over 3,047 m: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 53

1,524 to 2,437 m: 59

914 to 1,523 m: 70

under 914 m: 135 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 219

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 33

under 914 m: 184 (2010)

Heliports:

25 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 24,364 km; oil 3,379 km; refined products 3,843 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 41,896 km country comparison to the world: 6 standard gauge: 41,641 km 1.435-m gauge (20,053 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 75 km 1.000-m gauge (75 km electrified); 180 km 0.750-m gauge (24 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 644,480 km country comparison to the world: 11 paved: 644,480 km (includes 12,645 km of expressways)

note: includes local roads (2008)

Waterways:

7,467 km country comparison to the world: 19 note: Rhine River carries most goods; Main-Danube Canal links North Sea and Black Sea (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 421 country comparison to the world: 25 by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 7, cargo 44, carrier 1, chemical tanker 15, container 293, liquefied gas 7, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 27, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 1

foreign-owned: 10 (China 2, Finland 5, Greece 1, Sweden 1, Switzerland 1)

registered in other countries: 3,287 (Antigua and Barbuda 1050, Australia 2, Bahamas 39, Belize 1, Bermuda 15, Brazil 6, Bulgaria 25, Burma 1, Cayman Islands 6, China 1, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 189, Denmark 10, Dominica 2, Estonia 1, France 1, Georgia 4, Gibraltar 125, Hong Kong 10, Isle of Man 56, Italy 1, Jamaica 10, Liberia 1049, Luxembourg 9, Malta 127, Marshall Islands 247, Morocco 2, Netherlands 92, former Netherlands Antilles 32, NZ 2, Panama 27, Portugal 13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 30, Slovakia 4, Spain 5, Sri Lanka 5, Sweden 3, Turkey 1, UK 77, US 3, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bremen, Bremerhaven, Duisburg, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Lubeck,
Neuss-Dusseldorf, Rostock, Wilhemshaven

Military ::Germany

Military branches:

Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr): Army (Heer), Navy (Deutsche
Marine, includes naval air arm), Air Force (Luftwaffe), Joint
Support Services (Streitkraeftbasis), Central Medical Service
(Zentraler Sanitaetsdienst) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (conscripts serve a 9-month tour of compulsory military service) (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 19,195,804

females age 16-49: 18,159,851 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,564,748

females age 16-49: 14,723,200 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 421,227

female: 398,809 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Transnational Issues ::Germany

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for and consumer of Southwest Asian heroin, Latin American cocaine, and European-produced synthetic drugs; major financial center

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Ghana (Africa)

Introduction ::Ghana

Background:

Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. Ghana endured a long series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS took over as head of state in early 2009.

Geography ::Ghana

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 2 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 238,533 sq km country comparison to the world: 81 land: 227,533 sq km

water: 11,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 2,094 km

border countries: Burkina Faso 549 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo 877 km

Coastline:

539 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north

Terrain:

mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Afadjato 885 m

Natural resources:

gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 17.54%

permanent crops: 9.22%

other: 73.24% (2005)

Irrigated land:

310 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

53.2 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.98 cu km/yr (24%/10%/66%)

per capita: 44 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds occur from January to March; droughts

Environment - current issues:

recurrent drought in north severely affects agricultural activities; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake

People ::Ghana

Population:

24,339,838 country comparison to the world: 47 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.2% (male 4,494,633/female 4,394,074)

15-64 years: 59.2% (male 7,065,273/female 7,086,023)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 389,886/female 457,923) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.1 years

male: 20.8 years

female: 21.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.855% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Birth rate:

28.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Death rate:

8.93 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Net migration rate:

-0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Urbanization:

urban population: 50% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 49.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 52 male: 53.38 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 46.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.55 years country comparison to the world: 187 male: 59.36 years

female: 61.78 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.57 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

260,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

21,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Ghanaian(s)

adjective: Ghanaian

Ethnic groups:

Akan 45.3%, Mole-Dagbon 15.2%, Ewe 11.7%, Ga-Dangme 7.3%, Guan 4%, Gurma 3.6%, Grusi 2.6%, Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%, other 7.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

Christian 68.8% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant 18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%, none 6.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante 9.9%, Boron (Brong) 4.6%, Dagomba 4.3%, Dangme 4.3%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.7%, Akyem 3.4%, Ga 3.4%, Akuapem 2.9%, other 36.1% (includes English (official)) (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 57.9%

male: 66.4%

female: 49.8% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 10 years

female: 9 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 52

Government ::Ghana

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Ghana

conventional short form: Ghana

former: Gold Coast

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

name: Accra

geographic coordinates: 5 33 N, 0 13 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 regions; Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western

Independence:

6 March 1957 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 March (1957)

Constitution:

approved 28 April 1992

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7 January 2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7 January 2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president nominates members subject to approval by Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 and 28 December 2008 (next to be held on 7 December 2012)

election results: John Evans Atta MILLS elected president in run-off election; percent of vote - John Evans Atta MILLS 50.23%, Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO 49.77%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (230 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 December 2008 (next to be held on 7 December 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDC 114, NPP 107, PNC 2, CPP 1, independent 4, other 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Convention People's Party or CPP [Ladi NYLANDER]; Democratic Freedom
Party or DFP [Alhaji Abudu Rahman ISSAKAH]; Every Ghanaian Living
Everywhere or EGLE; Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP [Dan
LARTEY]; National Democratic Congress or NDC [Dr. Kwabena ADJEI];
New Patriotic Party or NPP [Peter MAC-MANU]; People's National
Convention or PNC [Alhaji Amed RAMADAN]; Reform Party [Kyeretwie
OPUKU]; United Renaissance Party or URP [Charles WAYO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Christian Aid (water rights); Committee for Joint Action or CJA (education reform); National Coalition Against the Privatization of Water or CAP (water rights); Oxfam (water rights); Public Citizen (water rights); Students Coalition Against EPA [Kwabena Ososukene OKAI] (education reform); Third World Network (education reform)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM,
OAS (observer), OIF (associate member), OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel Ohene AGYEKUM

chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520

FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald G. TEITELBAUM

embassy: 24 4th Circular Rd. Cantonments, Accra

mailing address: P. O. Box 194, Accra

telephone: [233] (21) 741-000

FAX: [233] (21) 741-389

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green, with a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; red symbolizes the blood shed for independence, yellow represents the country's mineral wealth, while green stands for its forests and natural wealth; the black star is said to be the lodestar of African freedom

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band

National anthem:

name: "God Bless Our Homeland Ghana"

lyrics/music: unknown/Philip GBEHO

note: music adopted 1957, lyrics adopted 1966; the lyrics were changed twice, once when a republic was declared in 1960 and again after a 1966 coup

Economy ::Ghana

Economy - overview:

Ghana is well endowed with natural resources and agriculture accounts for roughly one-third of GDP and employs more than half of the workforce, mainly small landholders. The services sector accounts for 50% of GDP. Gold and cocoa production and individual remittances are major sources of foreign exchange. Oil production at Ghana's offshore Jubilee field began in mid-December and is expected to boost economic growth. Ghana signed a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact in 2006, which aims to assist in transforming Ghana's agricultural sector. Ghana opted for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) program in 2002, and is also benefiting from the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative that took effect in 2006. In 2009 Ghana signed a three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF to improve macroeconomic stability, private sector competitiveness, human resource development, and good governance and civic responsibility. Sound macro-economic management along with high prices for gold and cocoa helped sustain GDP growth in 2008-10. In early 2010 President John Atta MILLS targeted recovery from high inflation and current account and budget deficits as his priorities.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$38.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $36.53 billion (2009 est.)

$35.09 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$18.06 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 4.1% (2009 est.)

7.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201 $1,500 (2009 est.)

$1,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 33.7%

industry: 24.7%

services: 41.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

10.56 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 56%

industry: 15%

services: 29% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Population below poverty line:

28.5% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 32.8% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.4 (2005-06) country comparison to the world: 65 40.7 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

39.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Public debt:

59.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 55.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200 19.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

18% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 15 17% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.26 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 82 $5.203 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.583 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $7.823 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.155 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $6.987 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.508 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 88 $3.394 billion (31 December 2008)

$2.38 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, corn, shea nuts, bananas; timber

Industries:

mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, small commercial ship building

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Electricity - production:

6.746 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Electricity - consumption:

5.702 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Electricity - exports:

249 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

435 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

7,081 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Oil - consumption:

57,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Oil - exports:

4,843 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Oil - imports:

45,380 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Oil - proved reserves:

15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - proved reserves:

22.65 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Current account balance:

-$1.871 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 -$1.199 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.326 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $5.84 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore, diamonds, horticulture

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 13.45%, UK 7.87%, France 5.85%, Ukraine 5.84%, Malaysia 3.97% (2009)

Imports:

$10.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $8.046 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 16.8%, Nigeria 11.88%, US 6.63%, Cote d'Ivoire 5.99%, India 5.57%, France 5.09%, UK 4.23% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $3.165 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$6.483 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $5.427 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

cedis (GHC) per US dollar - 1.4 (2010), 1.4 (2009), 1.1 (2008), 0.95 (2007), 9,174.8 (2006)

Communications ::Ghana

Telephones - main lines in use:

267,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 120

Telephones - mobile cellular:

15.109 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 49

Telephone system:

general assessment: primarily microwave radio relay; wireless local loop has been installed; outdated and unreliable fixed-line infrastructure heavily concentrated in Accra

domestic: competition among multiple mobile-cellular providers has spurred growth with a subscribership of more than 60 per 100 persons and rising

international: country code - 233; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC, Main One, and GLO-1 fiber-optic submarine cables that provide connectivity to South Africa, Europe, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); microwave radio relay link to Panaftel system connects Ghana to its neighbors (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned TV station, 2 state-owned radio networks; several privately-owned TV stations and a large number of privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible; several cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable (2007)

Internet country code:

.gh

Internet hosts:

41,082 (2010) country comparison to the world: 93

Internet users:

1.297 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Transportation ::Ghana

Airports:

11 (2010) country comparison to the world: 155

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 5 km; refined products 309 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 947 km country comparison to the world: 93 narrow gauge: 947 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 62,221 km country comparison to the world: 74 paved: 9,955 km

unpaved: 52,266 km (2006)

Waterways:

1,293 km country comparison to the world: 58 note: 168 km for launches and lighters on Volta, Ankobra, and Tano rivers; 1,125 km of arterial and feeder waterways on Lake Volta (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 4 country comparison to the world: 135 by type: petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 3

foreign-owned: 2 (Brazil 1, South Korea 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Takoradi, Tema

Military ::Ghana

Military branches:

Ghanaian Army, Ghanaian Navy, Ghanaian Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service, with basic education certificate; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,126,707

females age 16-49: 6,058,958 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,022,056

females age 16-49: 4,101,964 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 270,993

female: 263,961 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 90

Transnational Issues ::Ghana

Disputes - international:

Ghana struggles to accommodate returning nationals who worked in the cocoa plantations and escaped fighting in Cote d'Ivoire

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 35,653 (Liberia); 8,517 (Togo) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; major transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and, to a lesser extent, South American cocaine destined for Europe and the US; widespread crime and money laundering problem, but the lack of a well developed financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a money laundering center; significant domestic cocaine and cannabis use

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Gibraltar (Europe)

Introduction ::Gibraltar

Background:

Strategically important, Gibraltar was reluctantly ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency. The subsequent granting of autonomy in 1969 by the UK led to Spain closing the border and severing all communication links. A series of talks were held by the UK and Spain between 1997 and 2002 on establishing temporary joint sovereignty over Gibraltar. In response to these talks, the Gibraltar Government called a referendum in late 2002 in which the majority of citizens voted overwhelmingly against any sharing of sovereignty with Spain. Since late 2004, tripartite talks among Spain, the UK, and Gibraltar have been held with the aim of cooperatively resolving problems that affect the local population, and work continues on cooperation agreements in areas such as taxation and financial services; communications and maritime security; policy, legal and customs services; environmental protection; and education and visa services. Throughout 2009, a dispute over Gibraltar's claim to territorial waters extending out three miles gave rise to periodic non-violent maritime confrontations between Spanish and UK naval patrols. A new noncolonial constitution came into effect in 2007, and the European Court of First Instance recognized Gibraltar's right to regulate its own tax regime in December 2008, but the UK retains responsibility for defense, foreign relations, internal security, and financial stability.

Geography ::Gibraltar

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Spain

Geographic coordinates:

36 08 N, 5 21 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 6.5 sq km country comparison to the world: 242 land: 6.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

more than 10 times the size of The National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Land boundaries:

total: 1.2 km

border countries: Spain 1.2 km

Coastline:

12 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Terrain:

a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

limited natural freshwater resources: large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rainwater (no longer used for drinking water) and adequate desalination plant

Geography - note:

strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

People ::Gibraltar

Population:

28,877 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.9% (male 3,088/female 2,922)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 9,667/female 9,467)

65 years and over: 12.7% (male 1,754/female 1,898) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.1 years

male: 32.2 years

female: 34.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.27% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Birth rate:

14.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Death rate:

8.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Net migration rate:

-3.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.071 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.82 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 168 male: 7.6 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.53 years country comparison to the world: 46 male: 75.69 years

female: 81.56 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.96 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Gibraltarian(s)

adjective: Gibraltar

Ethnic groups:

Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese, German, North
Africans

Religions:

Roman Catholic 78.1%, Church of England 7%, other Christian 3.2%, Muslim 4%, Jewish 2.1%, Hindu 1.8%, other or unspecified 0.9%, none 2.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish,
Italian, Portuguese

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: above 80%

male: NA

female: NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Gibraltar

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Gibraltar

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Gibraltar

geographic coordinates: 36 08 N, 5 21 W

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or join Spain

Constitution:

5 June 2006; came into force 2 January 2007

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; and British citizens who have been residents six months or more

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Vice Admiral Sir Adrian JOHNS (since 26 October 2009)

head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected members of the Parliament by the governor in consultation with the chief minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed chief minister by the governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (18 seats: 17 members elected by popular vote, 1 for the speaker appointed by Parliament; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 October 2007 (next to be held not later than October 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - GSD 49.3%, GSLP 31.8%, Gibraltar Liberal Party 13.6%; seats by party - GSD 10, GSLP 4, Gibraltar Liberal Party 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Gibraltar Liberal Party [Joseph GARCIA]; Gibraltar Social Democrats or GSD [Peter CARUANA]; Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or GSLP [Joseph John BOSSANO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar Representatives Organization; Women's
Association

International organization participation:

Interpol (subbureau), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band; hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band; the design is that of Gibraltar's coat of arms granted on 10 July 1502 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain; the castle symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents Gibraltar's strategic importance - the key to the Mediterranean

National anthem:

name: "Gibraltar Anthem"

lyrics/music: Peter EMBERLEY

note: adopted 1994; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" remains official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Gibraltar

Economy - overview:

Self-sufficient Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an international conference center. Tax rates are low to attract foreign investment. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and now contributes about 7% to the local economy, compared with 60% in 1984. The financial sector, tourism (almost 5 million visitors in 1998), gaming revenues, shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. The financial sector, tourism, and the shipping sector contribute 30%, 30%, and 25%, respectively, of GDP. Telecommunications, e-commerce, and e-gaming account for the remaining 15%. In recent years, Gibraltar has seen major structural change from a public to a private sector economy, but changes in government spending still have a major impact on the level of employment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.106 billion (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 199 $1.066 billion (2005 est.)

$769 million (2000 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.106 billion (2006 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.7% (2006) country comparison to the world: 91 7% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$38,400 (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $38,200 (2005 est.)

$27,900 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0%

industry: 0%

services: 100% (2008)

Labor force:

12,690 (including non-Gibraltar laborers) (2001) country comparison to the world: 214

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: negligible

industry: 40%

services: 60% (2001)

Unemployment rate:

3% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

15.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 119 15.7% of GDP (2005 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2006) country comparison to the world: 83 2.9% (2005)

Agriculture - products:

none

Industries:

tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

146 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Electricity - consumption:

146 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Oil - consumption:

21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Oil - imports:

25,610 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Exports:

$271 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Exports - commodities:

(principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods

Imports:

$2.967 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Imports - commodities:

fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Gibraltar pounds (GIP) per US dollar - 0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

note: the Gibraltar pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Gibraltar

Telephones - main lines in use:

24,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 186

Telephones - mobile cellular:

28,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 203

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate, automatic domestic system and adequate international facilities

domestic: automatic exchange facilities

international: country code - 350; radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) provides television and radio broadcasting services via 1 television station and 4 radio stations; British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) operates 1 radio station; broadcasts from Spanish radio and TV stations are accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.gi

Internet hosts:

2,053 (2010) country comparison to the world: 154

Internet users:

20,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 192

Transportation ::Gibraltar

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 222

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 29 km country comparison to the world: 218 paved: 29 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 265 country comparison to the world: 32 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 139, chemical tanker 65, container 35, liquefied gas 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 4, vehicle carrier 8

foreign-owned: 250 (Belgium 2, Cyprus 1, Denmark 6, Finland 2, Germany 125, Greece 7, Iceland 1, Italy 4, Jersey 1, Morocco 4, Netherlands 33, Norway 42, Singapore 1, Sweden 12, UAE 5, UK 4)

registered in other countries: 6 (Liberia 5, Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Gibraltar

Military ::Gibraltar

Military branches:

Royal Gibraltar Regiment (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,949 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,955

females age 16-49: 5,687 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 250

female: 233 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK; the Royal Gibraltar Regiment replaced the last British regular infantry forces in 1992

Transnational Issues ::Gibraltar

Disputes - international:

in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant Gibraltar even greater autonomy

page last updated on January 26, 2011

======================================================================

@Greece (Europe)

Introduction ::Greece

Background:

Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between supporters of the king and other anti-Communists and Communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. In 1967, a group of military officers seized power, establishing a military dictatorship that suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country. In 1974, democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. In 1981, Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001. In 2010, the prospect of a Greek default on its euro-denominated debt created severe strains within the EMU and raised the question of whether a member country might voluntarily leave the common currency or be removed.

Geography ::Greece

Location:

Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the
Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

39 00 N, 22 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 131,957 sq km country comparison to the world: 96 land: 130,647 sq km

water: 1,310 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alabama

Land boundaries:

total: 1,228 km

border countries: Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km, Macedonia 246 km

Coastline:

13,676 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas or chains of islands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m

Natural resources:

lignite, petroleum, iron ore, bauxite, lead, zinc, nickel, magnesite, marble, salt, hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land: 20.45%

permanent crops: 8.59%

other: 70.96% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,530 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

72 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.7 cu km/yr (16%/3%/81%)

per capita: 782 cu m/yr (1997)

Natural hazards:

severe earthquakes

volcanism: Santorini (elev. 367 m, 1,204 ft) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; although there have been very few eruptions in recent centuries, Methana and Nisyros in the Aegean are classified as historically active

Environment - current issues:

air pollution; water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

Geography - note:

strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an archipelago of about 2,000 islands

People ::Greece

Population:

10,749,943 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.3% (male 788,722/female 742,270)

15-64 years: 66.6% (male 3,568,660/female 3,578,344)

65 years and over: 19.2% (male 902,617/female 1,156,815) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.2 years

male: 41.1 years

female: 43.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.106% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Birth rate:

9.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Death rate:

10.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Net migration rate:

2.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.064 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.08 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 185 male: 5.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.8 years country comparison to the world: 29 male: 77.24 years

female: 82.52 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.37 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Nationality:

noun: Greek(s)

adjective: Greek

Ethnic groups:

population: Greek 93%, other (foreign citizens) 7% (2001 census)

note: percents represent citizenship, since Greece does not collect data on ethnicity

Religions:

Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Languages:

Greek 99% (official), other 1% (includes English and French)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: 97.8%

female: 94.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 105

Government ::Greece

Country name:

conventional long form: Hellenic Republic

conventional short form: Greece

local long form: Elliniki Dhimokratia

local short form: Ellas or Ellada

former: Kingdom of Greece

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Athens

geographic coordinates: 37 59 N, 23 44 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

51 prefectures (nomoi, singular - nomos) and 1 autonomous region*;
Achaia, Agion Oros* (Mount Athos), Aitolia kai Akarnania, Argolis,
Arkadia, Arta, Attiki, Chalkidiki, Chania, Chios, Dodekanisos,
Drama, Evros, Evrytania, Evvoia, Florina, Fokidos, Fthiotis,
Grevena, Ileia, Imathia, Ioannina, Irakleion, Karditsa, Kastoria,
Kavala, Kefallinia, Kerkyra, Kilkis, Korinthia, Kozani, Kyklades,
Lakonia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lefkada, Lesvos, Magnisia, Messinia,
Pella, Pieria, Preveza, Rethymnis, Rodopi, Samos, Serres,
Thesprotia, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Voiotia, Xanthi, Zakynthos

Independence:

1829 (from the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 March (1821)

Constitution:

11 June 1975; amended March 1986 and April 2001

Legal system:

based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil, criminal, and administrative courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Karolos PAPOULIAS (since 12 March 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Georgios Andreas PAPANDREOU (since 6 October 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2010 (next to be held by February 2015); president appoints leader of the party securing plurality of vote in election to become prime minister and form a government

election results: Karolos PAPOULIAS reelected president; number of parliamentary votes, 266 out of 300

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon (300 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 4 October 2009 (next to be held by 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - PASOK 43.9%, ND 33.5%, KKE 7.5%, LAOS 5.6%, SYRIZA 4.6%, other 4.9%; seats by party - PASOK 160, ND 91, KKE 21, LAOS 15, SYRIZA 13; note - seats by party as of 15 December 2010 - PASOK 156, ND 86, KKE 21 LAOS 15, SYRIZA 9, DISY 5, Democratic Left 4, independents 4 (DISY and Democratic Left entered parliament as members of ND and SYRIZA, respectively, and the independents entered parliament as members of PASOK); only parties supassing a 3% threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats; parties need 10 seats to become formal parliamentary groups, but can retain that status if the party participated in the last election and received the minimum 3% threshold

Judicial branch:

Supreme Judicial Court; Special Supreme Tribunal; all judges are appointed for life by the president after consultation with a judicial council

Political parties and leaders:

Anticapitalist Left Cooperation for the Overthrow or ANTARSYA
[Petros KONSTANTINOU]; Coalition of the Radical Left or SYRIZA
[Alexis TSIPRAS]; Communist Party of Greece or KKE [Aleka PAPARIGA];
Democratic Left [Fotis KOUVELIS]; Democratic Alliance or DISY
[Theodora BAKOGIANNI]; Ecologist Greens [Nikos CHRYSOGELOS]; Golden
Dawn [Nikolaos MICHALOLIAKOS]; New Democracy or ND [Antonis
SAMARAS]; Panhellenic Socialist Movement or PASOK [Georgios
PAPANDREOU]; Popular Orthodox Rally or LAOS [Georgios KARATZAFERIS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Civil Servants Confederation or ADEDY [Spyros PAPASPYROS];
Federation of Greek Industries or SEV [Dimitris DASKALOPOULOS];
General Confederation of Greek Workers or GSEE [Ioannis PANAGOPOULOS]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU,
FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF,
OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vassilis KASKARELIS

chancery: 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300

FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Tampa

consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel Bennett SMITH

embassy: 91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens

mailing address: PSC 108, APO AE 09842-0108

telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951

FAX: [30] (210) 645-6282

consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki

Flag description:

nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; a blue square bearing a white cross appears in the upper hoist-side corner; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion of the country; there is no agreed upon meaning for the nine stripes or for the colors; the exact shade of blue has never been set by law and has varied from a light to a dark blue over time

National anthem:

name: "Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Liberty)

lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS

note: adopted 1864; the anthem is based on a 158 verse poem by the same name, which was inspired by the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans; Cyprus also uses "Hymn to Liberty" as its anthem

Economy ::Greece

Economy - overview:

Greece has a capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for about 40% of GDP and with per capita GDP about two-thirds that of the leading euro-zone economies. Tourism provides 15% of GDP. Immigrants make up nearly one-fifth of the work force, mainly in agricultural and unskilled jobs. Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 3.3% of annual GDP. The Greek economy grew by nearly 4.0% per year between 2003 and 2007, due partly to infrastructural spending related to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and in part to an increased availability of credit, which has sustained record levels of consumer spending. But the economy went into recession in 2009 as a result of the world financial crisis, tightening credit conditions, and Athens' failure to address a growing budget deficit, which was triggered by falling state revenues, and increased government expenditures. The economy contracted by 2% in 2009, and 4.8% in 2010. Greece violated the EU's Growth and Stability Pact budget deficit criterion of no more than 3% of GDP from 2001 to 2006, but finally met that criterion in 2007-08, before exceeding it again in 2009, with the deficit reaching 15.4% of GDP. Austerity measures reduced the deficit to 9.4% of GDP in 2010. Public debt, inflation, and unemployment are above the euro-zone average while per capita income is below; unemployment rose to 12% in 2010. Eroding public finances, a credibility gap stemming from inaccurate and misreported statistics, and consistent underperformance on following through with reforms prompted major credit rating agencies in late 2009 to downgrade Greece's international debt rating, and has led the country into a financial crisis. Under intense pressure by the EU and international market participants, the government has adopted a medium-term austerity program that includes cutting government spending, reducing the size of the public sector, decreasing tax evasion, reforming the health care and pension systems, and improving competitiveness through structural reforms to the labor and product markets. Athens, however, faces long-term challenges to push through unpopular reforms in the face of often vocal opposition from the country's powerful labor unions and the general public. Greek labor unions are striking over new austerity measures, but the strikes so far have had a limited impact on the government's will to adopt reforms. An uptick in widespread unrest, however, could challenge the government's ability to implement reforms and meet budget targets, and could also lead to rioting or violence. In April 2010 a leading credit agency assigned Greek debt its lowest possible credit rating; in May, the International Monetary Fund and Eurozone governments provided Greece emergency short- and medium-term loans worth $147 billion so that the country could make debt repayments to creditors. In exchange for the largest bailout ever assembled, the government announced combined spending cuts and tax increases totaling $40 billion over three years, on top of the tough austerity measures already taken. Greece, however, struggled to boost revenues and cut spending to meet 2010 targets set by the EU and the IMF, especially after Eurostat - the EU's statistical office - revised upward Greece's deficit and debt numbers for 2009 and 2010. Greece's lenders are calling on Athens to step up efforts in 2011 to increase tax collection, shore up public enterprises, and rein in health spending, and are planning to give Greece more time to repay its EU-IMF loan. Greece responded by introducing major structural reforms, but investors still question whether Greece can sustain fiscal efforts in the face of a bleak economic outlook and public discontent.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$321.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $337.9 billion (2009 est.)

$344.8 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$302 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 -2% (2009 est.)

2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$30,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $31,500 (2009 est.)

$32,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4%

industry: 17.6%

services: 78.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.05 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 12.4%

industry: 22.4%

services: 65.1% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 9.4% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

20% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 26% (2000 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33 (2005) country comparison to the world: 96 35.4 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Public debt:

144% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 126.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 1.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 117 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.59% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 8.65% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$152.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 22 $172.8 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$335.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $368.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$419.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $394.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$54.72 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 37 $90.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$264.9 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes; beef, dairy products

Industries:

tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products; mining, petroleum

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Electricity - production:

58.79 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Electricity - consumption:

58.28 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Electricity - exports:

1.962 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

7.575 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

6,779 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Oil - consumption:

414,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Oil - exports:

153,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Oil - imports:

520,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Oil - proved reserves:

10 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - production:

9 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - consumption:

3.528 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - imports:

3.556 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - proved reserves:

991.1 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Current account balance:

-$17.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 -$34.43 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$21.14 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $21.34 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

food and beverages, manufactured goods, petroleum products, chemicals, textiles

Exports - partners:

Germany 11.11%, Italy 11.05%, Cyprus 7.28%, Bulgaria 6.74%, US 4.95%, UK 4.4%, Turkey 4.23% (2009)

Imports:

$44.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $64.2 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Germany 13.73%, Italy 12.71%, China 7.08%, France 6.1%, Netherlands 6.02%, South Korea 5.68%, Belgium 4.34%, Spain 4.08% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$5.546 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$532.9 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 19 $504.6 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$48.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $44.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$38.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $40.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Greece

Telephones - main lines in use:

5.93 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 29

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13.295 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 54

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate, modern networks reach all areas; good mobile telephone and international service

domestic: microwave radio relay trunk system; extensive open-wire connections; submarine cable to offshore islands

international: country code - 30; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to Europe, Middle East, and Asia; a number of smaller submarine cables provide connectivity to various parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Cyprus; tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat - Indian Ocean region)

Broadcast media:

broadcast media dominated by the private sector; roughly 150 private TV channels, about a dozen of the private channels broadcast at the national or regional level; 3 publicly-owned terrestrial TV channels with national coverage, 1 publicly-owned satellite channel, and 3 stations designed for digital terrestrial transmissions; multi-channel satellite and cable TV services obtainable; upwards of 1,500 radio stations broadcasting, nearly all of them privately-owned; state-run broadcaster has 7 national stations, 2 international stations, and 19 regional stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.gr

Internet hosts:

2.574 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 31

Internet users:

4.971 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 46

Transportation ::Greece

Airports:

81 (2010) country comparison to the world: 68

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 67

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 14

1,524 to 2,437 m: 20

914 to 1,523 m: 18

under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Heliports:

9 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,197 km; oil 75 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,548 km country comparison to the world: 66 standard gauge: 1,565 km 1.435-m gauge (764 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 961 km 1.000-m gauge; 22 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 117,533 km country comparison to the world: 38 paved: 107,895 km (includes 880 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,638 km (2005)

Waterways:

6 km country comparison to the world: 108 note: Corinth Canal (6 km) crosses the Isthmus of Corinth; shortens sea voyage by 325 km (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 886 country comparison to the world: 12 by type: bulk carrier 263, cargo 53, carrier 1, chemical tanker 72, container 34, liquefied gas 13, passenger 8, passenger/cargo 116, petroleum tanker 312, roll on/roll off 13, specialized tanker 1

foreign-owned: 62 (Belgium 16, Bermuda 3, Cyprus 4, Italy 5, UK 27, US 7)

registered in other countries: 2,391 (Antigua and Barbuda 5, Bahamas 209, Barbados 14, Belize 2, Bermuda 2, Brazil 1, Cambodia 2, Cayman Islands 11, Comoros 3, Cyprus 216, Denmark 1, Dominica 9, Egypt 8, Georgia 3, Germany 1, Gibraltar 7, Honduras 4, Hong Kong 22, Indonesia 1, Isle of Man 57, Italy 8, Jamaica 8, Liberia 454, Malta 458, Marshall Islands 358, Mexico 1, Moldova 4, Panama 402, Philippines 4, Portugal 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 63, Sao Tome and Principe 1, Saudi Arabia 4, Singapore 19, Slovakia 1, Togo 1, UAE 3, UK 1, Uruguay 1, Vanuatu 4, Venezuela 4, unknown 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Agioi Theodoroi, Aspropyrgos, Pachi, Piraeus, Thessaloniki

Military ::Greece

Military branches:

Hellenic Army (Ellinikos Stratos, ES), Hellenic Navy (Ellinikos
Polemiko Navtiko, EPN), Hellenic Air Force (Elliniki Polimiki
Aeroporia, EPA) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

19-45 years of age for compulsory military service; during wartime the law allows for recruitment beginning January of the year of inductee's 18th birthday, thus including 17 year olds; 17 years of age for volunteers; conscript service obligation - 1 year for all services; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,502,268

females age 16-49: 2,486,171 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,050,018

females age 16-49: 2,033,450 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 53,222

female: 49,828 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Transnational Issues ::Greece

Disputes - international:

Greece and Turkey continue discussions to resolve their complex
maritime, air, territorial, and boundary disputes in the Aegean Sea;
Cyprus question with Turkey; Greece rejects the use of the name
Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia; the mass migration of unemployed
Albanians still remains a problem for developed countries, chiefly
Greece and Italy

Illicit drugs:

a gateway to Europe for traffickers smuggling cannabis and heroin from the Middle East and Southwest Asia to the West and precursor chemicals to the East; some South American cocaine transits or is consumed in Greece; money laundering related to drug trafficking and organized crime

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Greenland (North America)

Introduction ::Greenland

Background:

Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 81% ice capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland; Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland was made an integral part of Denmark in 1953. It joined the European Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973 but withdrew in 1985 over a dispute centered on stringent fishing quotas. Greenland was granted self-government in 1979 by the Danish parliament; the law went into effect the following year. Greenland voted in favor of increased self-rule in November 2008 and acquired greater responsibility for internal affairs in June 2009. Denmark, however, continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs, security, and financial policy in consultation with Greenland's Home Rule Government.

Geography ::Greenland

Location:

Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the
North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada

Geographic coordinates:

72 00 N, 40 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 2,166,086 sq km country comparison to the world: 13 land: 2,166,086 sq km (410,449 sq km ice-free, 1,755,637 sq km ice-covered)

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

44,087 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

Climate:

arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters

Terrain:

flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous, barren, rocky coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Gunnbjorn Fjeld 3,700 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, molybdenum, diamonds, gold, platinum, niobium, tantalite, uranium, fish, seals, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island

Environment - current issues:

protection of the arctic environment; preservation of the Inuit traditional way of life, including whaling and seal hunting

Geography - note:

dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast; close to one-quarter of the population lives in the capital, Nuuk; world's second largest ice cap

People ::Greenland

Population:

57,637 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23% (male 6,727/female 6,533)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 21,696/female 18,669)

65 years and over: 6.9% (male 2,000/female 1,975) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.5 years

male: 34.9 years

female: 31.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.064% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Birth rate:

14.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Death rate:

8.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Net migration rate:

-5.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Urbanization:

urban population: 84% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female

total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.26 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 151 male: 11.71 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.67 years country comparison to the world: 141 male: 68.05 years

female: 73.43 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.16 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

100 (1999) country comparison to the world: 164

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Greenlander(s)

adjective: Greenlandic

Ethnic groups:

Inuit 89%, Danish and other 11% (2009)

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran

Languages:

Greenlandic (East Inuit) (official), Danish, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2001 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Greenland

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Greenland

local long form: none

local short form: Kalaallit Nunaat

Dependency status:

part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979

Government type:

parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Nuuk (Godthab)

geographic coordinates: 64 11 N, 51 45 W

time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

note: Greenland is divided into four time zones

Administrative divisions:

4 municipalities (kommuner, singular kommune); Kujalleq, Qaasuitsup, Qeqqata, Sermersooq

note: the North and East Greenland National Park (Avannaarsuani Tunumilu Nuna Allanngutsaaliugaq) and the Thule Air Base in Pituffik (in northwest Greenland) are two unincorporated areas; the national park's 972,000 sq km - about 46% of the island - make it the largest national park in the world and also the most northerly

Independence:

none (extensive self-rule as part of the Kingdom of Denmark; foreign affairs is the responsibility of Denmark, but Greenland actively participates in international agreements relating to Greenland)

National holiday:

June 21 (longest day)

Constitution:

(November 2008) Act on Greenland Self Government

Legal system:

the laws of Denmark where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Soeren Hald MOELLER (since April 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Kuupik KLEIST (since 12 June 2009)

cabinet: Home Rule Government elected by the Parliament (Landsting) on the basis of the strength of parties (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; prime minister elected by parliament (usually the leader of the majority party)

election results: Kuupik KLEIST elected prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Landsting (31 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 June 2009 (next to be held by 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - Inuit Ataqatigiit 43.7%, Siumut 26.5%, Demokratiit 12.7%, Atassut 10.9%; Kattusseqatigiit 3.8%, other 2.4%; seats by party - IA 14, Siumut 9, Demokraatiit 4, Atassut 3, Kattusseqatigiit 1

note: two representatives were elected to the Danish Parliament or Folketing on 13 November 2007 (next to be held by November 2011); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Siumut 1, Inuit Ataqatigiit 1

Judicial branch:

High Court or Landsret (appeals can be made to the Ostre Landsret or
Eastern Division of the High Court or Supreme Court in Copenhagen)

Political parties and leaders:

Atassut Party (Solidarity) [Gerhardt PETERSEN] (a conservative party favoring continuing close relations with Denmark); Demokratiit [Jens B. FREDERIKSEN]; Inuit Ataqatigiit or IA (Eskimo Brotherhood) [Kuupik KLEIST] (a leftist party favoring complete independence from Denmark rather than home rule); Kattusseqatigiit (Candidate List) [Anthon FREDERIKSEN] (an independent right-of-center party with no official platform); Siumut (Forward Party) [Alega HAMMOND] (a social democratic party advocating more distinct Greenlandic identity and greater autonomy from Denmark)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: conservationists; environmentalists

International organization participation:

Arctic Council, NC, NIB, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a large disk slightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of the disk is red, the bottom half is white; the design represents the sun reflecting off a field of ice; the colors are the same as those of the Danish flag and symbolize Greenland's links to the Kingdom of Denmark

National anthem:

name: "Nunarput utoqqarsuanngoravit" ("Our Country, Who's Become So Old" also translated as "You Our Ancient Land")

lyrics/music: Henrik LUND/Jonathan PETERSEN

note: adopted 1916; the government also recognizes "Nuna asiilasooq" as a secondary anthem

Economy ::Greenland

Economy - overview:

The economy remains critically dependent on exports of shrimp and fish and on a substantial subsidy - about $650 million in 2009 - from the Danish Government, which supplies nearly 60% of government revenues. The public sector, including publicly owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in Greenland's economy. Greenland's GDP contracted about 2% in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown. Budget surpluses turned to deficits beginning in 2007 and unemployment has risen. During the last decade the Greenland Home Rule Government (GHRG) pursued conservative fiscal and monetary policies, but public pressure has increased for better schools, health care and retirement systems. The Greenlandic economy has benefited from increasing catches and exports of shrimp, Greenland halibut and, more recently, crabs. Due to Greenland's continued dependence on exports of fish - which account for 82% of exports - the economy remains very sensitive to foreign developments. International consortia are increasingly active in exploring for hydrocarbon resources off Greenland's western coast, and international studies indicate the potential for oil and gas fields in northern and northeastern Greenland. In May 2007 a US aluminum producer concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Greenland Home Rule Government to build an aluminum smelter and a power generation facility, which takes advantage of Greenland's abundant hydropower potential. Within the area of mining, olivine sand continues to be produced and gold production has resumed in south Greenland. Tourism also offers another avenue of economic growth for Greenland, with increasing numbers of cruise lines now operating in Greenland's western and southern waters during the peak summer tourism season.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.03 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.03 billion (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 4% (2007 est.)

2.6% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.9%

industry: 31.9%

services: 63.2% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

28,240 (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 205

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.9%

industry: 31.9%

services: 63.2% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 7.3% (2006 est.)

Population below poverty line:

9.2% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195 1% (2005 est.)

Agriculture - products:

forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep, reindeer; fish

Industries:

fish processing (mainly shrimp and Greenland halibut); gold, niobium, tantalite, uranium, iron and diamond mining; handicrafts, hides and skins, small shipyards

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

310.3 million kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Electricity - consumption:

285.6 million kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - exports:

1,183 bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 121

Oil - imports:

5,172 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 171

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Exports:

$485 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 167 $428 million (2007)

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products 72%, metals 10% (2008)

Exports - partners:

Denmark 61.13%, Japan 13.69%, China 6.15%, Sweden 5.21% (2009)

Imports:

$867 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 174 $669 million (2007)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Denmark 74.93%, Sweden 11.73%, Norway 2.29% (2009)

Debt - external:

$58 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 187 $25 million (1999)

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2009), 5.0236 (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Communications ::Greenland

Telephones - main lines in use:

22,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 189

Telephones - mobile cellular:

53,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 195

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate domestic and international service provided by satellite, cables and microwave radio relay; totally digital since 1995

domestic: microwave radio relay and satellite

international: country code - 299; satellite earth stations - 15 (12 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 2 Americom GE-2 (all Atlantic Ocean)) (2000)

Broadcast media:

the Greenland Broadcasting Company provides public radio and television services throughout the island with a broadcast station and a series of repeaters; a few private local television and radio stations broadcast; Danish public radio rebroadcasts are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.gl

Internet hosts:

15,668 (2010) country comparison to the world: 116

Internet users:

36,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 178

Transportation ::Greenland

Airports:

15 (2010) country comparison to the world: 145

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

note: although there are short roads in towns, there are no roads between towns; inter-urban transport takes place either by sea or air (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 159 by type: passenger 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Sisimiut

Military ::Greenland

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,474 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,833

females age 16-49: 11,439 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 511

female: 484 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Transnational Issues ::Greenland

Disputes - international:

managed dispute between Canada and Denmark over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Canada's Ellesmere Island and Greenland

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Grenada (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Grenada

Background:

Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when COLUMBUS discovered the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the 19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In 1967, Britain gave Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full independence was attained in 1974 making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on 19 October 1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections were reinstituted the following year and have continued since that time. Hurricane Ivan struck Grenada in September of 2004 causing severe damage.

Geography ::Grenada

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

12 07 N, 61 40 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 344 sq km country comparison to the world: 206 land: 344 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

121 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

volcanic in origin with central mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

Natural resources:

timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors

Land use:

arable land: 5.88%

permanent crops: 29.41%

other: 64.71% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

NA

Natural hazards:

lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada

People ::Grenada

Population:

107,818 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32% (male 14,608/female 14,410)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 31,278/female 27,873)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 1,268/female 1,302) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.2 years

male: 28.2 years

female: 28.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.563% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Birth rate:

17.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Death rate:

7.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Net migration rate:

-3.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.097 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.76 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 144 male: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.79 years country comparison to the world: 120 male: 70.27 years

female: 75.55 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.21 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Grenadian(s)

adjective: Grenadian

Ethnic groups:

black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East Indian 5%, and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: NA

female: NA (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (2003) country comparison to the world: 58

Government ::Grenada

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Grenada

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Saint George's

geographic coordinates: 12 03 N, 61 45 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petite Martinique*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick

Independence:

7 February 1974 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 February (1974)

Constitution:

19 December 1973

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Carlyle Arnold GLEAN (since 27 November 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Tillman THOMAS (since 9 July 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (13 seats, 10 members appointed by the government and 3 by the leader of the opposition) and the House of Representatives (15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 8 July 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDC 11, NNP 4

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of a court of Appeal and a High Court of Justice (two High Court judges are assigned to and reside in Grenada); Itinerant Court of Appeal three judges; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Grenada United Labor Party or GULP [Gloria Payne BANFIELD]; National
Democratic Congress or NDC [Tillman THOMAS]; New National Party or
NNP [Keith MITCHELL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Committee for Human Rights in Grenada or CHRG; New Jewel Movement Support Group; The British Grenada Friendship Society; The New Jewel 19 Committee

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA,
NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gillian M.S. BRISTOL

chancery: 1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 265-2561

FAX: [1] (202) 265-2468

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Grenada

embassy: Lance-aux-Epines Stretch, Saint George's

mailing address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's

telephone: [1] (473) 444-1173 through 1177

FAX: [1] (473) 444-4820

Flag description:

a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top and bottom) and green triangles (hoist side and outer side), with a red border around the flag; there are seven yellow, five-pointed stars with three centered in the top red border, three centered in the bottom red border, and one on a red disk superimposed at the center of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the hoist-side triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg, after Indonesia); the seven stars stand for the seven administrative divisions, with the central star denoting the capital, St. George; yellow represents the sun and the warmth of the people, green stands for vegetation and agriculture, and red symbolizes harmony, unity, and courage

National anthem:

name: "Hail Grenada"

lyrics/music: Irva Merle BAPTISTE/Louis Arnold MASANTO

note: adopted 1974

Economy ::Grenada

Economy - overview:

Grenada relies on tourism as its main source of foreign exchange especially since the construction of an international airport in 1985. Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Emily (2005) severely damaged the agricultural sector - particularly nutmeg and cocoa cultivation - which had been a key driver of economic growth. Grenada has rebounded from the devastating effects of the hurricanes but is now saddled with the debt burden from the rebuilding process. Public debt-to-GDP is nearly 110%, leaving the THOMAS administration limited room to engage in public investments and social spending. Strong performances in construction and manufacturing, together with the development of tourism and an offshore financial industry, have also contributed to growth in national output; however, economic growth was stagnant in 2010 after a sizeable contraction in 2009, because of the global economic slowdown's effects on tourism and remittances.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.127 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197 $1.118 billion (2009 est.)

$1.211 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$645 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 -7.7% (2009 est.)

2.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $10,400 (2009 est.)

$11,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.4%

industry: 18%

services: 76.6% (2003)

Labor force:

42,300 (1996) country comparison to the world: 192

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 24%

industry: 14%

services: 62% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12.5% (2000) country comparison to the world: 132

Population below poverty line:

32% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 68 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.06% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 9.53% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$123.1 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 178 $131.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$743.5 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 168 $719.5 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$658 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $575.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops, sugarcane, corn, vegetables

Industries:

food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction

Electricity - production:

178.7 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Electricity - consumption:

155.7 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Oil - imports:

1,923 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Current account balance:

-$138 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Exports:

$38 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 201

Exports - commodities:

bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, mace

Exports - partners:

Saint Lucia 19.73%, Antigua and Barbuda 13.41%, US 12.21%, Saint
Kitts and Nevis 12.03%, Dominica 12% (2009)

Imports:

$343 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 190

Imports - commodities:

food, manufactured goods, machinery, chemicals, fuel

Imports - partners:

Trinidad and Tobago 39.76%, US 18.11% (2009)

Debt - external:

$347 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 167

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Grenada

Telephones - main lines in use:

28,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 180

Telephones - mobile cellular:

64,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 192

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic, island-wide telephone system

domestic: interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links

international: country code - 1-473; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad

Broadcast media:

the Grenada Broadcasting Network, jointly owned by the government and the Caribbean Communications Network of Trinidad and Tobago, operates a television station and 2 radio stations; multi-channel cable TV subscription service is available; a dozen private radio stations also broadcast (2007)

Internet country code:

.gd

Internet hosts:

52 (2010) country comparison to the world: 209

Internet users:

25,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 185

Transportation ::Grenada

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 192

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,127 km country comparison to the world: 182 paved: 687 km

unpaved: 440 km (2000)

Ports and terminals:

Saint George's

Military ::Grenada

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Grenada Police Force (includes Coast Guard) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 27,453 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,487

females age 16-49: 22,535 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 987

female: 1,026 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Grenada

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

small-scale cannabis cultivation; lesser transshipment point for marijuana and cocaine to US

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Guam (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Guam

Background:

Guam was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898. Captured by the Japanese in 1941, it was retaken by the US three years later. The military installation on the island is one of the most strategically important US bases in the Pacific.

Geography ::Guam

Location:

Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

13 28 N, 144 47 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 544 sq km

land: 544 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

three times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

125.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season (January to June), rainy season (July to December); little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water), with steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low hills in center, mountains in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

Natural resources:

aquatic wildlife (supporting tourism), fishing (largely undeveloped)

Land use:

arable land: 3.64%

permanent crops: 18.18%

other: 78.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare but potentially destructive typhoons (June - December)

Environment - current issues:

extirpation of native bird population by the rapid proliferation of the brown tree snake, an exotic, invasive species

Geography - note:

largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean

People ::Guam

Population:

180,865 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.8% (male 25,651/female 23,904)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 59,304/female 56,995)

65 years and over: 7% (male 5,786/female 6,790) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.3 years

male: 28.9 years

female: 29.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.346% (2010 est.)

Birth rate:

18.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Death rate:

4.64 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Urbanization:

urban population: 93% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.93 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.35 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.18 years

male: 75.14 years

female: 81.41 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.52 children born/woman (2010 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Guamanian(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Guamanian

Ethnic groups:

Chamorro 37.1%, Filipino 26.3%, other Pacific islander 11.3%, white 6.9%, other Asian 6.3%, other ethnic origin or race 2.3%, mixed 9.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, other 15% (1999 est.)

Languages:

English 38.3%, Chamorro 22.2%, Philippine languages 22.2%, other Pacific island languages 6.8%, Asian languages 7%, other languages 3.5% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (1990 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Guam

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Guam

conventional short form: Guam

local long form: Guahan

local short form: Guahan

Dependency status:

organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Hagatna (Agana)

geographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 144 44 E

time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US)

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

National holiday:

Discovery Day, first Monday in March (1521)

Constitution:

Organic Act of Guam, 1 August 1950

Legal system:

modeled on US; US federal laws apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor Eddie CALVO (since 3 January 2011); Lieutenant Governor Ray TENORIO (since 3 January 2011)

cabinet: heads of executive departments; appointed by the governor with the consent of the Guam legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year term (can serve two consecutive terms, then must wait a full term before running again); election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2014)

election results: Eddie CALVO elected governor; percent of vote - 50.6%; Ray TENORIO elected lieutenant governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislature (15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 9, Republican Party 6

note: Guam elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 1

Judicial branch:

Federal District Court (judge is appointed by the president); Territorial Superior Court (judges appointed for eight-year terms by the governor)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Michael PHILLIPS]; Republican Party [Philip J.
FLORES] (controls the legislature)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Guam Federation of Teachers' Union; Guam Waterworks Authority Workers

other: activists; indigenous groups

International organization participation:

IOC, SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse containing a beach scene, a proa or outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; the proa is sailing in Agana Bay with the promontory of Punta Dos Amantes, near the capital, in the background; blue represents the sea and red the blood shed in the struggle against oppression

note: the US flag is the national flag

National anthem:

name: "Fanohge Chamoru" (Stand Ye Guamanians)

lyrics/music: Ramon Manalisay SABLAN [English], Lagrimas UNTALAN [Chamoru]/Ramon Manalisay SABLAN

note: adopted 1919; the local anthem is also known as "Guam Hymn"; as a territory of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner," which generally follows the playing of "Stand Ye Guamanians," is official (see United States)

Economy ::Guam

Economy - overview:

The economy depends largely on US military spending and tourism. Total US grants, wage payments, and procurement outlays amounted to $1.3 billion in 2004. Over the past 30 years, the tourist industry has grown to become the largest income source following national defense. The Guam economy continues to experience expansion in both its tourism and military sectors.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.5 billion (2005 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.773 billion (2001)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,000 (2005 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

82,950 (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 26%

industry: 10%

services: 64% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11.4% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

23% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2005 est.)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, copra, vegetables; eggs, pork, poultry, beef

Industries:

US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services, concrete products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.767 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

1.644 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - consumption:

10,620 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Oil - imports:

14,230 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Exports:

$45 million (2004 est.)

Exports - commodities:

transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction materials, fish, food and beverage products

Imports:

$701 million (2004 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Guam

Telephones - main lines in use:

65,500 (2009)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

98,000 (2004)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system, integrated with US facilities for direct dialing, including free use of 800 numbers

domestic: digital system, including mobile-cellular service and local access to the Internet

international: country code - 1-671; major landing point for submarine cables between Asia and the US (Guam is a trans-Pacific communications hub for major carriers linking the US and Asia); satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

about a dozen TV broadcast channels, including digital channels; multi-channel cable TV services are available; roughly 20 radio stations broadcasting (2009)

Internet country code:

.gu

Internet hosts:

24 (2010)

Internet users:

90,000 (2009)

Transportation ::Guam

Airports:

5; note - 2 serviceable (2010)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,045 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Apra Harbor

Military ::Guam

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 37,983

females age 16-49: 36,469 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,687

female: 1,597 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Guam

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 3, 2011

======================================================================

@Guatemala (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Guatemala

Background:

The Mayan civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which had left more than 100,000 people dead and had created, by some estimates, some 1 million refugees.

Geography ::Guatemala

Location:

Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El
Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean
Sea) between Honduras and Belize

Geographic coordinates:

15 30 N, 90 15 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 108,889 sq km country comparison to the world: 106 land: 107,159 sq km

water: 1,730 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,687 km

border countries: Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 km

Coastline:

400 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 13.22%

permanent crops: 5.6%

other: 81.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

111.3 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.01 cu km/yr (6%/13%/80%)

per capita: 160 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms

volcanism: Guatemala experiences significant volcanic activity in the Sierra Madre range; Santa Maria (elev. 3,772 m, 12,375 ft) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Pacaya (elev. 2,552 m, 8,373 ft), which erupted in May 2010 causing an ashfall on Guatemala City and prompting evacuations, is one of the country's most active volcanoes; the volcano has frequently been in eruption since 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Acatenango, Almolonga, Atitlan, Fuego, and Tacana

Environment - current issues:

deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

no natural harbors on west coast

People ::Guatemala

Population:

13,550,440 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.4% (male 2,664,058/female 2,573,006)

15-64 years: 56.8% (male 3,655,184/female 3,884,331)

65 years and over: 3.8% (male 231,652/female 268,286) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.7 years

male: 19.1 years

female: 20.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.019% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Birth rate:

27.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Death rate:

5.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Net migration rate:

-2.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Urbanization:

urban population: 49% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.91 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 80 male: 29.22 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 24.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.59 years country comparison to the world: 142 male: 68.76 years

female: 72.51 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.36 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

59,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guatemalan(s)

adjective: Guatemalan

Ethnic groups:

Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish - in local Spanish called Ladino) and European 59.4%, K'iche 9.1%, Kaqchikel 8.4%, Mam 7.9%, Q'eqchi 6.3%, other Mayan 8.6%, indigenous non-Mayan 0.2%, other 0.1% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Languages:

Spanish (official) 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 69.1%

male: 75.4%

female: 63.3% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 10 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 143

Government ::Guatemala

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guatemala

conventional short form: Guatemala

local long form: Republica de Guatemala

local short form: Guatemala

Government type:

constitutional democratic republic

Capital:

name: Guatemala City

geographic coordinates: 14 37 N, 90 31 W

time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in April; ends last Friday in September; note - there is no DST planned for 2010

Administrative divisions:

22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta
Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso,
Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten,
Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa
Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, Zacapa

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; suspended 25 May 1993; reinstated 5 June 1993; amended November 1993

Legal system:

civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; note - active duty members of the armed forces may not vote and are restricted to their barracks on election day

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since 14 January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since 14 January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 9 September 2007; runoff held on 4 November 2007 (next to be held in September 2011)

election results: Alvaro COLOM Caballeros elected president; percent of vote - Alvaro COLOM Caballeros 52.8%, Otto PEREZ Molina 47.2%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress of the Republic or Congreso de la Republica (158 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 September 2007 (next to be held in September 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - UNE 30.4%, GANA 23.4%, PP 18.9%, FRG 9.5%, PU 5.1%, other 12.7%; seats by party - UNE 48, GANA 37, PP 30, FRG 15, PU 8, CASA 5, EG 4, PAN 4, UCN 4, URNG 2, UD 1

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court or Corte de Constitucionalidad is Guatemala's highest court (five judges are elected by Congress for concurrent five-year terms); Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (13 members are elected by Congress to serve concurrent five-year terms and elect a president of the Court each year from among their number; the president of the Supreme Court of Justice also supervises trial judges around the country, who are named to five-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Center of Social Action or CASA [Feliz Adolfo RUANO de Leon];
Democracy Front or FRENTE [Alfonso CABRERA]; Democratic Union or UD
[Edwin Armando MARTINEZ Herrera]; Encounter for Guatemala or EG
[Nineth MONTENGRO]; Grand National Alliance or GANA [Jaime Antonio
MARTINEZ Lohayza]; Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity or URNG
[Hector Alfredo NUILA Ericastilla]; Guatemalan Republican Front or
FRG [Luis Fernando PEREZ]; Independent Bloc Guatemala or BG [Macario
Efrain OLIVA Muralles]; Independent Democratic Freedom Renewed or
LIDER [Manuel BALDIZON]; National Advancement Party or PAN [Juan
GUTIERREZ]; National Unity for Hope or UNE [Roberto KESTLER
Velasquez]; Nationalist Change Union or UCN [Mario ESTRADA]; Patriot
Party or PP [Ingrid Roxana BALDETTI Elias]; Unionista Party or PU
[Alvaro ARZU Irigoyen]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Agrarian Owners Group or UNAGRO; Alliance Against Impunity or AAI;
Committee for Campesino Unity or CUC; Coordinating Committee of
Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations or
CACIF; International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala or
CICIG; Mutual Support Group or GAM

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG,
SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNITAR,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco VILLAGRAN de Leon

chancery: 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 745-4952

FAX: [1] (202) 745-1908

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Providence, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen G. MCFARLAND

embassy: 7-01 Avenida Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City

mailing address: APO AA 34024

telephone: [502] 2326-4000

FAX: [502] 2326-4654

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) representing liberty and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles signifying Guatemala's willingness to defend itself and a pair of crossed swords representing honor and framed by a laurel wreath symbolizing victory; the blue bands stand for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and the sea and sky; the white band denotes peace and purity

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de Guatemala" (National Anthem of Guatemala)

lyrics/music: Jose Joaquin PALMA/Rafael Alvarez OVALLE

note: adopted 1897, modified lyrics adopted 1934; Cuban poet Jose Joaquin PALMA anonymously submitted lyrics to a public contest calling for a national anthem; his authorship was not discovered until 1911

Economy ::Guatemala

Economy - overview:

Guatemala is the most populous of the Central American countries with a GDP per capita roughly one-half that of the average for Latin America and the Caribbean. The agricultural sector accounts for nearly 15% of GDP and half of the labor force; key agricultural exports include coffee, sugar, and bananas. The 1996 peace accords, which ended 36 years of civil war, removed a major obstacle to foreign investment, and since then Guatemala has pursued important reforms and macroeconomic stabilization. The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) entered into force in July 2006 spurring increased investment and diversification of exports, with the largest increases in ethanol and non-traditional agricultural exports. While CAFTA has helped improve the investment climate, concerns over security, the lack of skilled workers and poor infrastructure continue to hamper foreign direct investment. The distribution of income remains highly unequal with the richest decile comprising over 40% of Guatemala's overall consumption. More than half of the population is below the national poverty line and 15% lives in extreme poverty. Poverty among indigenous groups, which make up 38% of the population, averages 76% and extreme poverty rises to 28%. 43% of children under five are chronically malnourished, one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world. President COLOM entered into office with the promise to increase education, healthcare, and rural development, and in April 2008 he inaugurated a conditional cash transfer program, modeled after programs in Brazil and Mexico, that provide financial incentives for poor families to keep their children in school and get regular health check-ups. Given Guatemala's large expatriate community in the United States, it is the top remittance recipient in Central America, with inflows serving as a primary source of foreign income equivalent to nearly two-thirds of exports. Economic growth fell in 2009 as export demand from US and other Central American markets fell and foreign investment slowed amid the global recession, but the economy recovered gradually in 2010 and will likely return to more normal growth rates by 2012. President COLOM, in his last year in office, will likely face opposition to economic reform, particularly over a long-delayed tax reform and an IMF-recommended reform to strengthen the banking sector. Larger budget deficits and increased debt can be expected in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$70.31 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $68.8 billion (2009 est.)

$68.39 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$40.77 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 0.6% (2009 est.)

3.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 $5,200 (2009 est.)

$5,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 13.3%

industry: 24.4%

services: 62.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.26 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 50%

industry: 15%

services: 35% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.2% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Population below poverty line:

56.2% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.3%

highest 10%: 42.4% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

55.1 (2007) country comparison to the world: 13 55.8 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

13.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Public debt:

29.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 27.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 1.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

13.85% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 13.39% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.6 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 79 $6.13 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$25.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $22.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$15.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $14.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens

Industries:

sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Electricity - production:

8.425 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Electricity - consumption:

7.115 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Electricity - exports:

131.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

8.11 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

13,530 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Oil - consumption:

79,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Oil - exports:

21,850 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Oil - imports:

72,440 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Oil - proved reserves:

83.07 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.96 billion cu m (1 January 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Current account balance:

-$1.345 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 -$267.4 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$8.47 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $7.214 billion (2009)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits and vegetables, cardamom

Exports - partners:

US 40.41%, El Salvador 11.2%, Honduras 8.48%, Mexico 5.86% (2009)

Imports:

$12.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $11.52 billion (2009)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, grain, fertilizers, electricity

Imports - partners:

US 36.46%, Mexico 10.49%, China 5.88%, El Salvador 5.14% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$5.709 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $4.973 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$17.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $16.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

quetzales (GTQ) per US dollar - 8.0798 (2010), 8.1616 (2009), 7.5895 (2008), 7.6833 (2007), 7.6026 (2006)

Communications ::Guatemala

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.413 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 67

Telephones - mobile cellular:

17.308 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 43

Telephone system:

general assessment: fairly modern network centered in the city of Guatemala

domestic: state-owned telecommunications company privatized in the late 1990s opening the way for competition; fixed-line teledensity roughly 10 per 100 persons; fixed-line investments are being concentrated on improving rural connectivity; mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 502; landing point for both the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the SAM-1 fiber optic submarine cable system that together provide connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to Central American Microwave System; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

4 privately-owned national terrestrial TV channels dominate TV broadcasting; multi-channel satellite and cable services are available; 1 government-owned radio station and hundreds of privately-owned radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.gt

Internet hosts:

196,870 (2010) country comparison to the world: 65

Internet users:

2.279 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 72

Transportation ::Guatemala

Airports:

372 (2010) country comparison to the world: 21

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 359

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 84

under 914 m: 271 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 480 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 332 km country comparison to the world: 119 narrow gauge: 332 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 14,095 km country comparison to the world: 124 paved: 4,863 km (includes 75 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,232 km (2000)

Waterways:

990 km (260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km navigable during high-water season) (2010) country comparison to the world: 66

Ports and terminals:

Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomas de Castilla

Military ::Guatemala

Military branches:

National Army of Guatemala (Ejercito Nacional de Guatemala, ENG),
Guatemalan Navy (Marina Nacional, includes Marines), Guatemalan Air
Force (Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca, FAG) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 50 are liable for military service; conscript service obligation varies from 12 to 24 months; women can serve as officers (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,062,027

females age 16-49: 3,266,655 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,494,903

females age 16-49: 2,827,208 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 168,959

female: 166,414 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.4% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Transnational Issues ::Guatemala

Disputes - international:

annual ministerial meetings under the OAS-initiated Agreement on the Framework for Negotiations and Confidence Building Measures continue to address Guatemalan land and maritime claims in Belize and the Caribbean Sea; the Line of Adjacency created under the 2002 Differendum serves in lieu of the contiguous international boundary to control squatting in the sparsely inhabited rain forests of Belize's border region; Mexico must deal with thousands of impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the porous border looking for work in Mexico and the United States

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: undetermined (the UN does not estimate there are any IDPs, although some NGOs estimate over 200,000 IDPs as a result of over three decades of internal conflict that ended in 1996) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guatemala is a source, transit, and destination country for Guatemalans and Central Americans trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; human trafficking is a significant and growing problem in the country; Guatemalan women and children are trafficked within the country for commercial sexual exploitation, primarily to Mexico and the United States; Guatemalan men, women, and children are also trafficked within the country, and to Mexico and the United States, for forced labor

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a second consecutive year, Guatemala is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons, particularly with respect to ensuring that trafficking offenders are appropriately prosecuted for their crimes; while prosecutors initiated trafficking prosecutions, they continued to face problems in court with application of Guatemala's comprehensive anti-trafficking law; the government made modest improvements to its protection efforts, but assistance remained inadequate overall in 2007 (2008)

Illicit drugs:

major transit country for cocaine and heroin; in 2005, cultivated 100 hectares of opium poppy after reemerging as a potential source of opium in 2004; potential production of less than 1 metric ton of pure heroin; marijuana cultivation for mostly domestic consumption; proximity to Mexico makes Guatemala a major staging area for drugs (particularly for cocaine); money laundering is a serious problem; corruption is a major problem

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Guernsey (Europe)

Introduction ::Guernsey

Background:

Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy, which held sway in both France and England. The islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II. Guernsey is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.

Geography ::Guernsey

Location:

Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

49 28 N, 2 35 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 78 sq km country comparison to the world: 227 land: 78 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other smaller islands

Area - comparative:

about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

50 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast

Terrain:

mostly level with low hills in southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation on Sark 114 m

Natural resources:

cropland

Land use:

arable land: NA

permanent crops: NA

other: NA

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port

People ::Guernsey

Population:

64,775 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.5% (male 4,799/female 4,673)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 22,056/female 22,410)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 5,009/female 6,537) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.9 years

male: 40.9 years

female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.466% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Birth rate:

10.25 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Death rate:

8.35 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Net migration rate:

2.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.049 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.58 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 210 male: 3.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 82.08 years country comparison to the world: 6 male: 79.43 years

female: 84.87 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.53 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Ethnic groups:

British and Norman-French descent with small percentages from other
European countries

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational,
Methodist

Languages:

English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts

Literacy:

NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Guernsey

Country name:

conventional long form: Bailiwick of Guernsey

conventional short form: Guernsey

Dependency status:

British crown dependency

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Saint Peter Port

geographic coordinates: 49 27 N, 2 32 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 10 parishes including Castel, Forest, Saint Andrew, Saint Martin, Saint Peter Port, Saint Pierre du Bois, Saint Sampson, Saint Saviour, Torteval, Vale

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply; justice is administered by the Royal Court

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Fabian MALBON (since 28 October 2005)

head of government: Chief Minister Lyndon TROTT (since 1 May 2008); Bailiff Sir Geoffrey ROWLAND (since June 2005)

cabinet: Policy Council elected by the States of Deliberation (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed by the monarch; chief minister elected by States of Deliberation

election results: Lyndon TROTT elected chief minister, percent of vote of the States of Deliberation NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral States of Deliberation (45 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - Alderney and Sark have parliaments

elections: last held on 23 April 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - all independents

Judicial branch:

Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the bailiff)

Political parties and leaders:

none; all independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Stop Traffic Endangering Pedestrian Safety or STEPS; No More Masts
[Colin FALLAIZE]

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag description:

white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) extending to the edges of the flag and a yellow equal-armed cross of William the Conqueror superimposed on the Saint George cross; the red cross represents the old ties with England and the fact that Guernsey is a British Crown dependency; the gold cross is a replica of the one used by Duke William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings

National anthem:

name: "Sarnia Cherie" (Guernsey Dear)

lyrics/music: George DEIGHTON/Domencio SANTANGELO

note: adopted 1911; serves as a local anthem; as a British crown dependency, "God Save the Queen" remains official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Guernsey

Economy - overview:

Financial services - banking, fund management, insurance - account for about 23% of employment and about 55% of total income in this tiny, prosperous Channel Island economy. Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Financial services, construction, retail, and the public sector have been growing. Light tax and death duties make Guernsey a popular tax haven. The evolving economic integration of the EU nations is changing the environment under which Guernsey operates.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.742 billion (2005) country comparison to the world: 178

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.742 billion (2005)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$44,600 (2005) country comparison to the world: 13

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 10%

services: 87% (2000)

Labor force:

31,470 (March 2006) country comparison to the world: 203

Unemployment rate:

0.9% (March 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.4% (June 2006) country comparison to the world: 102

Agriculture - products:

tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, fruit; Guernsey cattle

Industries:

tourism, banking

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2002)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2002)

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

coal, gasoline, oil, machinery and equipment

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Guernsey pound 0.6504 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

note: the Guernsey pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Guernsey

Telephones - main lines in use:

45,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 164

Telephones - mobile cellular:

43,800 (2004) country comparison to the world: 198

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available; combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 44; 1 submarine cable

Broadcast media:

multiple UK terrestrial television broadcasts - received via a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney - will begin switching from analog to digital broadcasts in November 2010; satellite packages are available; BBC Radio Guernsey and 1 other radio station operating (2009)

Internet country code:

.gg

Internet hosts:

197 (2010) country comparison to the world: 195

Internet users:

48,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 174

Transportation ::Guernsey

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 209

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Braye Bay, Saint Peter Port

Military ::Guernsey

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,404

females age 16-49: 12,510 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 347

female: 350 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Guernsey

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Guinea (Africa)

Introduction ::Guinea

Background:

Guinea has had a history of authoritarian rule since gaining its independence from France in 1958. Lansana CONTE came to power in 1984 when the military seized the government after the death of the first president, Sekou TOURE. Guinea did not hold democratic elections until 1993 when Gen. CONTE (head of the military government) was elected president of the civilian government. He was reelected in 1998 and again in 2003, though all the polls were marred by irregularities. History repeated itself in December 2008 when following President CONTE's death, Capt. Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup, seizing power and suspending the constitution. His unwillingness to yield to domestic and international pressure to step down led to heightened political tensions that culminated in September 2009 when presidential guards opened fire on an opposition rally killing more than 150 people, and in early December 2009 when CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and evacuated to Morocco and subsequently to Burkina Faso. A transitional government led by General Sekouba KONATE held democratic elections in 2010 and Alpha CONDE was elected president in the country's first free and fair elections since independence.

Geography ::Guinea

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

Geographic coordinates:

11 00 N, 10 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 245,857 sq km country comparison to the world: 78 land: 245,717 sq km

water: 140 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 3,399 km

border countries: Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Guinea-Bissau 386 km, Liberia 563 km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km

Coastline:

320 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Terrain:

generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish, salt

Land use:

arable land: 4.47%

permanent crops: 2.64%

other: 92.89% (2005)

Irrigated land:

950 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

226 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.51 cu km/yr (8%/2%/90%)

per capita: 161 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing, overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices have led to environmental damage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Niger and its important tributary the Milo have their sources in the Guinean highlands

People ::Guinea

Population:

10,324,025 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.8% (male 2,175,852/female 2,128,518)

15-64 years: 53.7% (male 2,701,184/female 2,704,161)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 153,053/female 195,207) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.5 years

male: 18.3 years

female: 18.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.649% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Birth rate:

37.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Death rate:

10.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Urbanization:

urban population: 34% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 63.09 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 31 male: 66.46 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 59.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 57.6 years country comparison to the world: 192 male: 56.13 years

female: 59.12 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.15 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

87,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies

aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Ethnic groups:

Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller ethnic groups 10%

Religions:

Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Languages:

French (official); note - each ethnic group has its own language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 29.5%

male: 42.6%

female: 18.1% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 10 years

female: 7 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 175

Government ::Guinea

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guinea

conventional short form: Guinea

local long form: Republique de Guinee

local short form: Guinee

former: French Guinea

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Conakry

geographic coordinates: 9 33 N, 13 42 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

33 prefectures and 1 special zone (zone special)*; Beyla, Boffa,
Boke, Conakry*, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Dubreka, Faranah,
Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan, Kerouane, Kindia,
Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma, Lola,
Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri, Telimele,
Tougue, Yomou

Independence:

2 October 1958 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 2 October (1958)

Constitution:

23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)

Legal system:

based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alpha Conde (since 21 December 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Said FOFANA (since 24 December 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (no term limits); candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast to be elected president; election last held on 27 June 2010 with a runoff election held on 7 November 2010

election results: Alpha CONDE elected president in a runoff election; percent of vote Alpha CONDE 52.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO 47.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale Populaire (114 seats; members elected by a mixed system of direct popular vote and proportional party lists)

elections: last held on 30 June 2002 (legislative elections first due in 2007 have been rescheduled multiple times and are currently unscheduled)

election results: percent of vote by party - PUP 61.6%, UPR 26.6%, other 11.8%; seats by party - PUP 85, UPR 20, other 9

Judicial branch:

Court of First Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of
Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Union of Guinea or UDG [Mamadou SYLLA]; Guinean Union for
Democracy or UGD; New Democratic Forces or NDF [Muoctar DIALLO];
Party for Unity and Progress or PUP [Sekouba KONATE]; Rally for the
Guinean People or RPG [Alpha CONDE]; Union for Progress and Renewal
or UPR [Ousmane BAH]; Union for Progress of Guinea or UPG
[Jean-Marie DORE, secretary-general]; Union of Democratic Forces of
Guinea or UFDG [Cellou Dalein DIALLO]; Union of Republican Forces or
UFR [Sidya TOURE]; United Front for Democracy and Change or FUDEC
[Francois FALL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Confederation of Guinean Workers-Labor Union of Guinean
Workers or CNTG-USTG Alliance (includes National Confederation of
Guinean Workers or CNTG [Rabiatou Sarah DIALLO] and Labor Union of
Guinean Workers or USTG [Dr. Ibrahima FOFANA]); Syndicate of Guinean
Teachers and Researchers or SLECG [Dr. Louis M'Bemba SOUMAH]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU (suspended), ECOWAS (suspended), FAO, G-77, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINURSO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mory Karamoko KABA

chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300

FAX: [1] (202) 483-8688

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia Newton MOLLER

embassy: Koloma, Conakry, east of Hamdallaye Circle

mailing address: B. P. 603, Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry

telephone: [224] 65-10-40-00

FAX: [224] 65-10-42-97

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; red represents the people's sacrifice for liberation and work; yellow stands for the sun, for the riches of the earth, and for justice; green symbolizes the country's vegetation and unity

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of neighboring Mali and Senegal

National anthem:

name: "Liberte" (Liberty)

lyrics/music: unknown/Fodeba KEITA

note: adopted 1958

Economy ::Guinea

Economy - overview:

Guinea is a poor country that possesses major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural resources. The country has almost half of the world's bauxite reserves. The mining sector accounts for more than 70% of exports. Long-run improvements in the management of the economy, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if the country is to move out of poverty. Investor confidence has been sapped by rampant corruption, a lack of electricity and other infrastructure, a lack of skilled workers, and the political uncertainty resulting from the death of President Lansana CONTE in December 2008. International donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World Bank, cut their development programming significantly in response to the coup, and international partners have said that a resumption of aid will be contingent on a successful democratic transition with a democratically elected president and a functioning National Assembly. Growth rose slightly in 2006-08, primarily due to increases in global demand and commodity prices on world markets, but bauxite and alumina exports were negatively affected by the global economic downturn and the economy in 2009 contracted. International investors expressed renewed interest in Guinea's iron ore mines in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $10.3 billion (2009 est.)

$10.67 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$4.344 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 -3.5% (2009 est.)

4.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213 $1,000 (2009 est.)

$1,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 25.8%

industry: 45.7%

services: 28.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.392 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 76%

industry and services: 24% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA% est.)

Population below poverty line:

47% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%

highest 10%: 41% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38.1 (2006) country comparison to the world: 73 40.3 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219 9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 7 22.25% (31 December 2005)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$496.2 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 158 $459.7 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$830 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 $761.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$734.4 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 $674.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca), bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber

Industries:

bauxite, gold, diamonds, iron; alumina refining; light manufacturing, and agricultural processing

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Electricity - production:

850 million kWh country comparison to the world: 148 note: excludes electricity generated at interior mining sites (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

790.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Oil - consumption:

9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Oil - imports:

8,674 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Current account balance:

-$434 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 -$538 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.468 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $1.18 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

bauxite, alumina, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish, agricultural products

Exports - partners:

India 19.68%, Spain 13.18%, Russia 7.24%, Germany 6.86%, Ireland 5.87%, US 5.71%, Ukraine 5.6% (2009)

Imports:

$1.551 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $1.236 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment, textiles, grain and other foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 8.67%, Netherlands 6.67%, France 4.33%, UK 4.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$51 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.072 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $3.222 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

Guinean francs (GNF) per US dollar - 6,100 (2010), 5,500 (2009), 5,500 (2008), 4,122.8 (2007), 5,350 (2006)

Communications ::Guinea

Telephones - main lines in use:

22,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 190

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.607 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 90

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate system of open-wire lines, small radiotelephone communication stations, and new microwave radio relay system

domestic: Conakry reasonably well served; coverage elsewhere remains inadequate and large companies tend to rely on their own systems for nationwide links; fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is expanding and exceeded 50 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 224; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

government maintains control over broadcast media; single state-run TV station; state-run radio broadcast station also operates several stations in rural areas; about 20 privately-owned radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community radio stations; foreign television programming available via satellite and cable subscription services (2008)

Internet country code:

.gn

Internet hosts:

14 (2010) country comparison to the world: 220

Internet users:

95,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 161

Transportation ::Guinea

Airports:

16 (2010) country comparison to the world: 142

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,185 km country comparison to the world: 87 standard gauge: 238 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 947 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 44,348 km country comparison to the world: 84 paved: 4,342 km

unpaved: 40,006 km (2003)

Waterways:

1,300 km (navigable by shallow-draft native craft) (2008) country comparison to the world: 57

Ports and terminals:

Conakry, Kamsar

Military ::Guinea

Military branches:

National Armed Forces: Army, Navy (Armee de Mer or Marine Guineenne, includes Marines), Guinean Air Force (Force Aerienne de Guinee) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; 18-month conscript service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,292,338

females age 16-49: 2,264,589 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,443,655

females age 16-49: 1,483,676 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 114,353

female: 111,873 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.1% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 127

Transnational Issues ::Guinea

Disputes - international:

conflicts among rebel groups, warlords, and youth gangs in neighboring states have spilled over into Guinea resulting in domestic instability; Sierra Leone considers Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa rivers excessive and protests Guinea's continued occupation of these lands, including the hamlet of Yenga, occupied since 1998

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 21,856 (Liberia); 5,259 (Sierra Leone); 3,900 (Cote d'Ivoire)

IDPs: 19,000 (cross-border incursions from Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia,
Sierra Leone) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guinea is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; the majority of victims are children, and internal trafficking is more prevalent than transnational trafficking; within the country, girls are trafficked primarily for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation, while boys are trafficked for forced agricultural labor, and as forced beggars, street vendors, shoe shiners, and laborers in gold and diamond mines; some Guinean men are also trafficked for agricultural labor within Guinea; transnationally, girls are trafficked into Guinea for domestic servitude and likely also for sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Guinea is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking over 2006; Guinea demonstrated minimal law enforcement efforts for a second year in a row, while protection efforts diminished over efforts in 2006; the government did not report any trafficking convictions in 2007; due to a lack of resources, the government does not provide shelter services for trafficking victims; the government took no measures to reduce the demand for commercial sexual exploitation (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Guinea-Bissau (Africa)

Introduction ::Guinea-Bissau

Background:

Since independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established authoritarian dictator Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. Despite setting a path to a market economy and multiparty system, VIEIRA's regime was characterized by the suppression of political opposition and the purging of political rivals. Several coup attempts through the 1980s and early 1990s failed to unseat him. In 1994 VIEIRA was elected president in the country's first free elections. A military mutiny and resulting civil war in 1998 eventually led to VIEIRA's ouster in May 1999. In February 2000, a transitional government turned over power to opposition leader Kumba YALA after he was elected president in transparent polling. In September 2003, after only three years in office, YALA was ousted by the military in a bloodless coup, and businessman Henrique ROSA was sworn in as interim president. In 2005, former President VIEIRA was re-elected president pledging to pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was assassinated in March 2009. Malam Bacai SANHA was elected in an emergency election held in June 2009.

Geography ::Guinea-Bissau

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

12 00 N, 15 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 36,125 sq km country comparison to the world: 137 land: 28,120 sq km

water: 8,005 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 724 km

border countries: Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km

Coastline:

350 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Terrain:

mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation in the eastern part of the country 300 m

Natural resources:

fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, clay, granite, limestone, unexploited deposits of petroleum

Land use:

arable land: 8.31%

permanent crops: 6.92%

other: 84.77% (2005)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

31 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.18 cu km/yr (13%/5%/82%)

per capita: 113 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season; brush fires

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

this small country is swampy along its western coast and low-lying inland

People ::Guinea-Bissau

Population:

1,565,126 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.8% (male 312,253/female 313,609)

15-64 years: 56.1% (male 414,924/female 445,639)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 19,191/female 28,348) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.4 years

male: 18.8 years

female: 19.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.004% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Birth rate:

35.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Death rate:

15.52 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Urbanization:

urban population: 30% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 98.05 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 8 male: 108.03 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 87.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 48.3 years country comparison to the world: 216 male: 46.44 years

female: 50.22 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.58 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

16,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Ethnic groups:

African 99% (includes Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%), European and mulatto less than 1%

Religions:

Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 10%

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Crioulo, African languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42.4%

male: 58.1%

female: 27.4% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 8 years

female: 5 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 59

Government ::Guinea-Bissau

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau

conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau

local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau

local short form: Guine-Bissau

former: Portuguese Guinea

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bissau

geographic coordinates: 11 51 N, 15 35 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali; note - Bolama may have been renamed Bolama/Bijagos

Independence:

24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 September (1973)

Constitution:

16 May 1984; amended 4 May 1991, 4 December 1991, 26 February 1993, 9 June 1993, and in 1996

Legal system:

based on French civil law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Malam Bacai SANHA (since 8 September 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Carlos GOMES Junior (since 25 December 2008)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 28 June 2009 with a runoff between the two leading candidates held on 26 July 2009 (next to be held by 2014); prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the legislature

election results: Malam Bacai SANHA elected president; percent of vote, second ballot - Malam Bacai SANHA 63.5%, Kumba YALA 36.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia Nacional Popular (100 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 16 November 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAIGC 49.8%, PRS 25.3%, PRID 7.5%, PND 2.4%, AD 1.4%, other parties 13.6%; seats by party - PAIGC 67, PRS 28, PRID 3, PND 1, AD 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal da Justica (consists of nine justices appointed by the president and serve at his pleasure; final court of appeals in criminal and civil cases); Regional Courts (one in each of nine regions; first court of appeals for Sectoral Court decisions; hear all felony cases and civil cases valued at more than $1,000); 24 Sectoral Courts (judges are not necessarily trained lawyers; they hear civil cases valued at less than $1,000 and misdemeanor criminal cases)

Political parties and leaders:

African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde
or PAIGC [Carlos GOMES Junior]; Democratic Alliance or AD [Victor
MANDINGA]; Democratic Social Front or FDS [Rafael BARBOSA];
Electoral Union or UE [Joaquim BALDE]; Guinea-Bissau Civic
Forum/Social Democracy or FCGSD [Antonieta Rosa GOMES];
Guinea-Bissau Democratic Party or PDG; Guinea-Bissau Socialist
Democratic Party or PDSG [Serifo BALDE]; Labor and Solidarity Party
or PST [Lancuba INDJAI]; New Democracy Party or PND; Party for
Democratic Convergence or PCD [Victor MANDINGA]; Party for Renewal
and Progress or PRP; Party for Social Renewal or PRS [Kumba YALA];
Progress Party or PP; Republican Party for Independence and
Development or PRID [Aristides GOMES]; Union of Guinean Patriots or
UPG [Francisca VAZ]; Union for Change or UM [Amine SAAD]; United
Platform or UP (coalition formed by PCD, FDS, FLING, and RGB-MB);
United Popular Alliance or APU; United Social Democratic Party or
PUSD [Frnacisco FADUL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: none; note - Guinea-Bissau does not have official representation in Washington, DC

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998 in the midst of violent conflict between forces loyal to then President VIEIRA and military-led junta; the US Ambassador to Senegal is accredited to Guinea-Bissau

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed star centered in the red band; yellow symbolizes the sun; green denotes hope; red represents blood shed during the struggle for independence; the black star stands for African unity

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the flag design was heavily influenced by the Ghanian flag

National anthem:

name: "Esta e a Nossa Patria Bem Amada" (This Is Our Beloved Country)

lyrics/music: Amilcar Lopes CABRAL/XIAO He

note: adopted 1974; a delegation from Portuguese Guinea visited China in 1963 and heard music by XIAO He; Amilcar Lopes CABRA, the leader of Guinea-Bissa"s independence movement, asked the composer to create a piece that would inspire his people to struggle for independence

Economy ::Guinea-Bissau

Economy - overview:

One of the poorest countries in the world, Guinea-Bissau's legal economy depends mainly on farming and fishing, but trafficking narcotics is probably the most lucrative trade. Cashew crops have increased remarkably in recent years. Guinea-Bissau exports fish and seafood along with small amounts of peanuts, palm kernels, and timber. Rice is the major crop and staple food. However, intermittent fighting between Senegalese-backed government troops and a military junta destroyed much of the country's infrastructure and caused widespread damage to the economy in 1998; the civil war led to a 28% drop in GDP that year, with partial recovery in 1999-2002. In December 2003, the World Bank, IMF, and UNDP were forced to step in to provide emergency budgetary support in the amount of $107 million for 2004, representing over 80% of the total national budget. The combination of limited economic prospects, a weak and faction-ridden government, and favorable geography have made this West African country a way station for drugs bound for Europe.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.769 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 $1.738 billion (2009 est.)

$1.687 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$825 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 3% (2009 est.)

2.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 $1,100 (2009 est.)

$1,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 62%

industry: 12%

services: 26% (1999 est.)

Labor force:

632,700 (2007) country comparison to the world: 152

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 82%

industry and services: 18% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 28% (2002)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 98 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$192.1 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 175 $171.2 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$209.3 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 $189.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$42.56 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 181 $58.87 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; timber; fish

Industries:

agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

Industrial production growth rate:

4.7% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Electricity - production:

65 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Electricity - consumption:

60.45 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Oil - imports:

2,545 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Current account balance:

-$6 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Exports:

$133 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 185

Exports - commodities:

fish, shrimp; cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, sawn lumber

Exports - partners:

India 62.21%, Nigeria 31.28%, Portugal 1.48% (2009)

Imports:

$200 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 201

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Portugal 17.33%, Senegal 13.66%, Netherlands 9.27%, India 9.11%,
Thailand 5.2%, Brazil 4.49% (2009)

Debt - external:

$941.5 million (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro; West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa, even though the two currencies trade at par

Communications ::Guinea-Bissau

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 212

Telephones - mobile cellular:

560,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 158

Telephone system:

general assessment: small system including a combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, radiotelephone, and mobile-cellular communications

domestic: fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity reached 35 per 100 in 2009

international: country code - 245 (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned TV station and a second station, RTP Africa, is operated by Portuguese public broadcaster RTP; 1 state-owned radio station, several private radio stations, and some community radio stations; multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.gw

Internet hosts:

82 (2010) country comparison to the world: 206

Internet users:

37,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 176

Transportation ::Guinea-Bissau

Airports:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 158

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 3,455 km country comparison to the world: 161 paved: 965 km

unpaved: 2,490 km (2002)

Waterways:

rivers are navigable for some distance; many inlets and creeks give shallow-water access to much of interior (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim

Military ::Guinea-Bissau

Military branches:

People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP): Army, Navy, Air Force; paramilitary force

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military service (Air Force service is voluntary); 16 years of age or younger with parental consent, for voluntary service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 361,785

females age 16-49: 363,488 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 199,771

females age 16-49: 206,240 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 17,300

female: 17,523 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Transnational Issues ::Guinea-Bissau

Disputes - international:

in 2006, political instability within Senegal's Casamance region resulted in thousands of Senegalese refugees, cross-border raids, and arms smuggling into Guinea-Bissau

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,454 (Senegal) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guinea-Bissau is a source country for children trafficked primarily for forced begging and forced agricultural labor to other West African countries

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for the second year in a row, Guinea-Bissau is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons, as evidenced by the continued failure to pass an anti-trafficking law and inadequate efforts to investigate or prosecute trafficking crimes or convict and punish trafficking offenders (2008)

Illicit drugs:

increasingly important transit country for South American cocaine enroute to Europe; enabling environment for trafficker operations thanks to pervasive corruption; archipelago-like geography around the capital facilitates drug smuggling

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Guyana (South America)

Introduction ::Guyana

Background:

Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, and since then it has been ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. After his death five years later, his wife, Janet JAGAN, became president but resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001 and again in 2006.

Geography ::Guyana

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
Suriname and Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

5 00 N, 59 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 214,969 sq km country comparison to the world: 84 land: 196,849 sq km

water: 18,120 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Idaho

Land boundaries:

total: 2,949 km

border countries: Brazil 1,606 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

Coastline:

459 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to August, November to January)

Terrain:

mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Roraima 2,835 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish

Land use:

arable land: 2.23%

permanent crops: 0.14%

other: 97.63% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

241 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.64 cu km/yr (2%/1%/98%)

per capita: 2,187 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial chemicals; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname and Uruguay; substantial portions of its western and eastern territories are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively

People ::Guyana

Population:

748,486 country comparison to the world: 161 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.3% (male 127,818/female 123,261)

15-64 years: 62.1% (male 233,270/female 234,025)

65 years and over: 4.6% (male 14,481/female 20,085) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.6 years

male: 22.9 years

female: 24.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.547% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224

Birth rate:

17.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Death rate:

7.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Net migration rate:

-15.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Urbanization:

urban population: 28% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 37.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 70 male: 42.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 33.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.74 years country comparison to the world: 157 male: 62.93 years

female: 70.74 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.4 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

13,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guyanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Guyanese

Ethnic groups:

East Indian 43.5%, black (African) 30.2%, mixed 16.7%, Amerindian 9.1%, other 0.5% (2002 census)

Religions:

Hindu 28.4%, Pentecostal 16.9%, Roman Catholic 8.1%, Anglican 6.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 5%, Methodist 1.7%, Jehovah Witness 1.1%, other Christian 17.7%, Muslim 7.2%, other 4.3%, none 4.3% (2002 census)

Languages:

English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Urdu

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 91.8%

male: 92%

female: 91.6% (2002 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 37

Government ::Guyana

Country name:

conventional long form: Cooperative Republic of Guyana

conventional short form: Guyana

former: British Guiana

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Georgetown

geographic coordinates: 6 48 N, 58 10 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica, East
Berbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Mahaica-Berbice,
Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper Demerara-Berbice, Upper
Takutu-Upper Essequibo

Independence:

26 May 1966 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

Constitution:

6 October 1980

Legal system:

based on English common law with certain admixtures of Roman-Dutch law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August 1999); note - assumed presidency after resignation of President Janet JAGAN and was reelected in 2001, and again in 2006

head of government: Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since October 1992, except for a period as chief of state after the death of President Cheddi JAGAN on 6 March 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote as leader of a party list in parliamentary elections, which must be held at least every five years (no term limits); elections last held on 28 August 2006 (next to be held by August 2011); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: President Bharrat JAGDEO reelected; percent of vote 54.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (65 seats; members elected by popular vote, also not more than 4 non-elected non-voting ministers and 2 non-elected non-voting parliamentary secretaries appointed by the president; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 28 August 2006 (next to be held by August 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - PPP/C 54.6%, PNC/R 34%, AFC 8.1%, other 3.3%; seats by party - PPP/C 36, PNC/R 22, AFC 5, other 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature, consisting of the High Court and the Court of Appeal, with right of final appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Change or AFC [Raphael TROTMAN and Khemraj RAMJATTAN];
Guyana Action Party or GAP [Paul HARDY]; Justice for All Party [C.N.
SHARMA]; People's National Congress/Reform or PNC/R [Robert Herman
Orlando CORBIN]; People's Progressive Party/Civic or PPP/C [Bharrat
JAGDEO]; Rise, Organize, and Rebuild or ROAR [Ravi DEV]; The United
Force or TUF [Manzoor NADIR]; The Unity Party [Joey JAGAN]; Vision
Guyana [Peter RAMSAROOP]; Working People's Alliance or WPA [Rupert
ROOPNARAINE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Amerindian People's Association; Guyana Bar Association; Guyana
Citizens Initiative; Guyana Human Rights Association; Guyana Public
Service Union or GPSU; Private Sector Commission; Trades Union
Congress

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC,
OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bayney KARRAN

chancery: 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-6900

FAX: [1] (202) 232-1297

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Karen L. WILLIAMS

embassy: US Embassy, 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown

mailing address: P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown; US Embassy, 3170 Georgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3170

telephone: [592] 225-4900 through 4909

FAX: [592] 225-8497

Flag description:

green, with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) superimposed on a long, yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow, black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow, white border between the yellow and the green; green represents forest and foliage; yellow stands for mineral resources and a bright future; white symbolizes Guyana's rivers; red signifies zeal and the sacrifice of the people; black indicates perseverance

National anthem:

name: "Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains"

lyrics/music: Archibald Leonard LUKERL/Robert Cyril Gladstone POTTER

note: adopted 1966

Economy ::Guyana

Economy - overview:

The Guyanese economy exhibited moderate economic growth in recent years and is based largely on agriculture and extractive industries. The economy is heavily dependent upon the export of six commodities - sugar, gold, bauxite, shrimp, timber, and rice - which represent nearly 60% of the country's GDP and are highly susceptible to adverse weather conditions and fluctuations in commodity prices. Guyana's entrance into the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) in January 2006 has broadened the country's export market, primarily in the raw materials sector. Economic recovery since a 2005 flood-related contraction was buoyed by increases in remittances and foreign direct investment in the sugar and rice industries as well as the mining sector. Chronic problems include a shortage of skilled labor and a deficient infrastructure. The government is juggling a sizable external debt against the urgent need for expanded public investment. In March 2007, the Inter-American Development Bank, Guyana's principal donor, canceled Guyana's nearly $470 million debt, equivalent to nearly 48% of GDP, which along with other Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) debt forgiveness brought the debt-to-GDP ratio down from 183% in 2006 to 120% in 2007. Guyana became heavily indebted as a result of the inward-looking, state-led development model pursued in the 1970s and 1980s. Growth slowed in 2009-10 as a result of the world recession. The slowdown in the domestic economy and lower import costs helped to narrow the country's current account deficit, despite generally lower earnings from exports.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.069 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $4.946 billion (2009 est.)

$4.834 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.197 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 2.3% (2009 est.)

3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $6,600 (2009 est.)

$6,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 24.3%

industry: 24.7%

services: 51% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

333,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

11% (2007) country comparison to the world: 121

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.3%

highest 10%: 33.8% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43.2 (1999) country comparison to the world: 47

Investment (gross fixed):

34.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Public debt:

57% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 2.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 59 6.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.54% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 14.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$386.9 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 162 $252.9 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.303 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $905.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$754 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 $524 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 107 $289.9 million (31 December 2008)

$262.4 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, rice, edible oils; shrimp, fish, beef, pork, poultry

Industries:

bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining

Industrial production growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Electricity - production:

821 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Electricity - consumption:

667 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Oil - consumption:

10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - imports:

10,550 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Current account balance:

-$311 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 -$265 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$814 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 $763 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

sugar, gold, bauxite, alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum, timber

Exports - partners:

Canada 27.52%, US 16.93%, UK 10.84%, Ukraine 5.54%, Netherlands 5%,
Trinidad and Tobago 4.33%, Jamaica 4.12% (2009)

Imports:

$1.366 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 $1.161 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

manufactures, machinery, petroleum, food

Imports - partners:

US 25.23%, Trinidad and Tobago 23.23%, Cuba 6.41%, China 6.05% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$506 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $631.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$804.3 million (30 September 2008) country comparison to the world: 154 $1.2 billion (2002)

Exchange rates:

Guyanese dollars (GYD) per US dollar - 204.07 (2010), 204.02 (2009), 203.86 (2008), 201.89 (2007), 200.28 (2006)

Communications ::Guyana

Telephones - main lines in use:

130,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 138

Telephones - mobile cellular:

281,400 (2005) country comparison to the world: 170

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system for long-distance service; microwave radio relay network for trunk lines; many areas still lack fixed-line telephone services

domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 15 per 100 persons; ; mobile-cellular teledensity about 35 per 100 persons in 2005

international: country code - 592; tropospheric scatter to Trinidad; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

government-dominated broadcast media; the National Communications Network (NCN) TV is state-owned; a few private TV stations relay satellite services; the state owns and operates 2 radio stations broadcasting on multiple frequencies capable of reaching the entire country; government limits on licensing of new private radio stations continue to constrain competition in broadcast media (2007)

Internet country code:

.gy

Internet hosts:

8,840 (2010) country comparison to the world: 132

Internet users:

189,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 142

Transportation ::Guyana

Airports:

96 (2010) country comparison to the world: 63

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 86

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 7,970 km country comparison to the world: 142 paved: 590 km

unpaved: 7,380 km (2000)

Waterways:

330 km country comparison to the world: 92 note: Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo rivers are navigable by oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100 km, and 80 km respectively (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 8 country comparison to the world: 121 by type: cargo 6, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1

registered in other countries: 3 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Georgetown

Military ::Guyana

Military branches:

Guyana Defense Force: Army (includes Coast Guard, Air Corps) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 189,456 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 132,188

females age 16-49: 147,296 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 8,842

female: 8,452 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 82

Transnational Issues ::Guyana

Disputes - international:

all of the area west of the Essequibo River is claimed by Venezuela preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana has expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims before UNCLOS that Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into their waters; Suriname claims a triangle of land between the New and Kutari/Koetari rivers in a historic dispute over the headwaters of the Courantyne; Guyana seeks arbitration under provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to resolve the long-standing dispute with Suriname over the axis of the territorial sea boundary in potentially oil-rich waters

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guyana is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; most trafficking appears to take place in remote mining camps in the country's interior; some women and girls are trafficked from northern Brazil; reporting from other nations suggests Guyanese women and girls are trafficked for sexual exploitation to neighboring countries and Guyanese men and boys are subject to labor exploitation in construction and agriculture; trafficking victims from Suriname, Brazil, and Venezuela transit Guyana en route to Caribbean destinations

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a second consecutive year, Guyana is on the Tier 2 Watch List for failing to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking, particularly in the area of law enforcement actions against trafficking offenders; the government has yet to produce an anti-trafficking conviction under the comprehensive Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, which became law in 2005; the government operates no shelters for trafficking victims, but did include limited funding for anti-trafficking NGOs in its 2008 budget; the government did not make any effort to reduce demand for commercial sex acts during 2007 (2008)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for narcotics from South America - primarily Venezuela - to Europe and the US; producer of cannabis; rising money laundering related to drug trafficking and human smuggling

page last updated on January 13, 2011

======================================================================

@Haiti (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Haiti

Background:

The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by COLUMBUS in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola. In 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island, which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean but only through the heavy importation of African slaves and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint L'OUVERTURE. After a prolonged struggle, Haiti became the first black republic to declare independence in 1804. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has been plagued by political violence for most of its history. After an armed rebellion led to the forced resignation and exile of President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE in February 2004, an interim government took office to organize new elections under the auspices of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Continued violence and technical delays prompted repeated postponements, but Haiti finally did inaugurate a democratically elected president and parliament in May of 2006. A massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010 with an epicenter about 15 km southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince. An estimated 2 million people live within the zone of heavy to moderate structural damage. The earthquake is assessed as the worst in this region over the last 200 years and massive international assistance will be required to help the country recover.

Geography ::Haiti

Location:

Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the Dominican Republic

Geographic coordinates:

19 00 N, 72 25 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 27,750 sq km country comparison to the world: 147 land: 27,560 sq km

water: 190 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 360 km

border countries: Dominican Republic 360 km

Coastline:

1,771 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds

Terrain:

mostly rough and mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Chaine de la Selle 2,680 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 28.11%

permanent crops: 11.53%

other: 60.36% (2005)

Irrigated land:

920 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

14 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.99 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%)

per capita: 116 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forested land is being cleared for agriculture and used as fuel); soil erosion; inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Hazardous Wastes

Geography - note:

shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic)

People ::Haiti

Population:

9,719,932 country comparison to the world: 87 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (2011 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.1% (male 1,735,917/female 1,704,383)

15-64 years: 58.5% (male 2,621,059/female 2,665,447)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 120,040/female 188,690) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.1 years

male: 20.9 years

female: 21.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.787% country comparison to the world: 139 note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Birth rate:

24.4 births/1,000 population (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Death rate:

8.21 deaths/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 98 note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Net migration rate:

-8.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.011 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 54.02 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 43 male: 58.16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 49.83 deaths/1,000 live births

note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.17 years country comparison to the world: 179 male: 60.84 years

female: 63.53 years

note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.07 children born/woman (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

120,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

7,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Haitian(s)

adjective: Haitian

Ethnic groups:

black 95%, mulatto and white 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%,
Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3%

note: roughly half of the population practices voodoo

Languages:

French (official), Creole (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 52.9%

male: 54.8%

female: 51.2% (2003 est.)

Education expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 177

Government ::Haiti

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Haiti

conventional short form: Haiti

local long form: Republique d'Haiti/Repiblik d' Ayiti

local short form: Haiti/Ayiti

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Port-au-Prince

geographic coordinates: 18 32 N, 72 20 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

10 departments (departements, singular - departement); Artibonite, Centre, Grand'Anse, Nippes, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Est

Independence:

1 January 1804 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 January (1804)

Constitution:

approved March 1987

note: suspended June 1988 with most articles reinstated March 1989; constitutional government ousted in a military coup in September 1991, although in October 1991 military government claimed to be observing the constitution; returned to constitutional rule in October 1994; constitution, while technically in force between 2004-2006, was not enforced; returned to constitutional rule in May 2006

Legal system:

based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Rene PREVAL (since 14 May 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Max BELLERIVE (since 7 November 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 28 November 2010; runoff scheduled for 16 January 2011 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president, ratified by the National Assembly

election results: 2010 results not final, initial results are under OAS review; Mirlande MANIGAT 31.37%, Jude CELESTIN 22.48%, Michel MARTELLY 21.84%, all others less than 10% each

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale consists of the Senate (30 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber of Deputies (99 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - in reestablishing the Senate in 2006, the candidate in each department receiving the most votes in the last election serves six years, the candidate with the second most votes serves four years, and the candidate with the third most votes serves two years

elections: Senate - last held on 28 November 2010 with run-off elections scheduled for 16 January 2011 (next regular election, for one third of seats, to be held in 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 28 November 2010 with run-off elections schedule for 16 January 2011 (next regular election to be held in 2014)

election results: 2010 election results are not final; 2006 Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - L'ESPWA 11, FUSION 5, OPL 4, FL 3, LAAA 2, UNCRH 2, PONT 2, ALYANS 1; 2006 Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - L'ESPWA 23, FUSION 17, FRN 12, OPL 10, ALYANS 10, LAAA 5, MPH 3, MOCHRENA 3, other 10; results for six other seats contested on 3 December 2006 remain unknown

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour de Cassation

Political parties and leaders:

Artibonite in Action or LAAA [Youri LATORTUE]; Assembly of
Progressive National Democrats or RDNP [Leslie MANIGAT]; Convention
for Democratic Unity or KID [Evans PAUL]; Cooperative Action to
Build Haiti or KONBA [Evans LESCOUFALIR]; Democratic Alliance or
ALYANS [Evans PAUL] (coalition composed of KID and PPRH); Effort and
Solidarity to Create an Alternative for the People or ESKAMP [Joseph
JASME]; Fanmi Lavalas or FL [Rudy HERIVEAUX]; For Us All or PONT
[Jean-Marie CHERESTAL]; Front for Hope or L'ESPWA [Rene PREVAL]
(alliance of ESKAMP, PLB, and grass-roots organizations Grand-Anse
Resistance Committee, the Central Plateau Peasants' Group, and
Kombit Sudest); Haitian Christian Democratic Party or PDCH [Osner
FEVRY and Marie-Denise CLAUDE]; Haitian Democratic and Reform
Movement or MODEREH [Dany TOUSSAINT and Pierre Soncon PRINCE]; Heads
Together or Tet-Ansanm [Dr. Gerard BLOT]; Independent Movement for
National Reconciliation or MIRN [Luc FLEURINORD]; Justice for Peace
and National Development or JPDN [Rigaud DUPLAN]; Liberal Party of
Haiti or PLH [Gehy MICHEL]; Merging of Haitian Social Democratic
Parties or FUSION or FPSDH [Serge GILLES] (coalition of Ayiti
Capable, Haitian National Revolutionary Party, and National Congress
of Democratic Movements); Mobilization for Haiti's Development or
MPH [Samir MOURRA]; Mobilization for National Development or MDN
[Hubert de RONCERAY]; Movement for National Reconstruction or MRN
[Jean Henold BUTEAU]; Movement for the Installation of Democracy in
Haiti or MIDH [Marc BAZIN]; National Christian Union for the
Reconstruction of Haiti or UNCRH [Marie Claude GERMAIN]; National
Front for the Reconstruction of Haiti or FRN [Guy PHILIPPE]; New
Christian Movement for a New Haiti or MOCHRENA [Luc MESADIEU]; Open
the Gate Party or PLB [Anes LUBIN]; Popular Party for the Renewal of
Haiti or PPRH [Claude ROMAIN]; Struggling People's Organization or
OPL [Edgard LEBLANC]; Union of Nationalist and Progressive Haitians
or UNITE [Edouard FRANCISQUE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Autonomous Organizations of Haitian Workers or CATH [Fignole
ST-CYR]; Confederation of Haitian Workers or CTH; Federation of
Workers Trade Unions or FOS; General Organization of Independent
Haitian Workers [Patrick NUMAS]; Grand-Anse Resistance Committee, or
KOREGA; National Popular Assembly or APN; Papaye Peasants Movement
or MPP [Chavannes JEAN-BAPTISTE]; Popular Organizations Gathering
Power or PROP; Protestant Federation of Haiti; Roman Catholic Church

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Louis Harold JOSEPH

chancery: 2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-4090

FAX: [1] (202) 745-7215

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

consulate(s): Orlando (Florida)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth H. MERTEN

embassy: Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre, Port-au-Prince

mailing address: use mailing address

telephone: [509] 229-8000

FAX: [509] 229-8028

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a centered white rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength); the colors are taken from the French Tricolor and represent the union of blacks and mulattoes

National anthem:

name: "La Dessalinienne" (The Dessalines Song)

lyrics/music: Justin LHERISSON/Nicolas GEFFRARD

note: adopted 1904; the anthem is named for Jean-Jacques DESSALINES, a leader in the Haitian Revolution and first ruler of an independent Haiti

Economy ::Haiti

Economy - overview:

Haiti's economy suffered a severe setback when a 7.1 magnitude earthquake damaged its capital city, Port-au-Prince, in January 2010. Already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with 80% of the population living under the poverty line and 54% in abject poverty, the damage to Port-au-Prince caused the country's GDP to contract an estimated 8% in 2010. Two-thirds of all Haitians depend on the agricultural sector, mainly small-scale subsistence farming, and remain vulnerable to damage from frequent natural disasters, exacerbated by the country's widespread deforestation. US economic engagement under the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act, passed in December 2006, has boosted apparel exports and investment by providing tariff-free access to the US. Congress voted in 2010 to extend the legislation until 2020 under the Haitian Economic Lift Act (HELP); the apparel sector accounts for three-quarters of Haitian exports and nearly one-tenth of GDP. Remittances are the primary source of foreign exchange, equaling nearly a quarter of GDP and more than twice the earnings from exports. Haiti suffers from a lack of investment because of insecurity and limited infrastructure, and a severe trade deficit. In 2005, Haiti paid its arrears to the World Bank, paving the way for reengagement with the Bank. Haiti received debt forgiveness for over $1 billion of its debt through the Highly-Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative in 2009. The remainder of its outstanding external debt was cancelled by donor countries in early 2010 but has since climbed back to about $500 million. The government relies on formal international economic assistance for fiscal sustainability.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$11.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 $12.15 billion (2009 est.)

$11.81 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.495 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213 2.9% (2009 est.)

0.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205 $1,200 (2009 est.)

$1,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 23%

industry: 20%

services: 57% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

3.643 million country comparison to the world: 95 note: shortage of skilled labor, unskilled labor abundant (2007)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 66%

industry: 9%

services: 25% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

NA% est.)

note: widespread unemployment and underemployment; more than two-thirds of the labor force do not have formal jobs

Population below poverty line:

80% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.7%

highest 10%: 47.7% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

59.2 (2001) country comparison to the world: 7

Investment (gross fixed):

28.9% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 2% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

17.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 17.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$787.2 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 144 $800 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.137 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 131 $2.958 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.632 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $1.698 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum; wood

Industries:

textiles, sugar refining, flour milling, cement, light assembly based on imported parts

Industrial production growth rate:

-8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Electricity - production:

665 million kWh (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Electricity - consumption:

273 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Oil - consumption:

12,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Oil - imports:

12,280 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Current account balance:

-$781 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 -$627 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$559 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $551 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

apparel, manufactures, oils, cocoa, mangoes, coffee

Exports - partners:

US 79.76%, Dominican Republic 7.24%, Canada 2.96% (2009)

Imports:

$2.446 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $2.032 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, raw materials

Imports - partners:

US 33.11%, Dominican Republic 23.53%, Netherlands Antilles 10.75%,
China 5.36% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.021 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $790 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$494 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $1.362 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

gourdes (HTG) per US dollar - 41.198 (2010), 41.195 (2009), 39.216 (2008), 37.138 (2007), 40.232 (2006)

Communications ::Haiti

Telephones - main lines in use:

108,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 142

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.648 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 108

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is among the least developed in Latin America and the Caribbean; domestic facilities barely adequate; international facilities slightly better

domestic: mobile-cellular telephone services are expanding rapidly due, in part, to the introduction of low-cost GSM phones; mobile-cellular teledensity reached 40 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 509; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

several television stations, including 1 government-owned; cable TV subscription service is available; government-owned radio network; more than 250 private and community radio stations operating with about 50 FM stations in Port-au-Prince alone (2007)

Internet country code:

.ht

Internet hosts:

273 (2010) country comparison to the world: 185

Internet users:

1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 99

Transportation ::Haiti

Airports:

14 (2010) country comparison to the world: 148

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 4,160 km country comparison to the world: 155 paved: 1,011 km

unpaved: 3,149 km (2000)

Ports and terminals:

Cap-Haitien, Gonaives, Jacmel, Port-au-Prince

Military ::Haiti

Military branches:

no regular military forces - small Coast Guard; the regular Haitian Armed Forces (FAdH) - Army, Navy, and Air Force - have been demobilized but still exist on paper until or unless they are constitutionally abolished (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,283,915

females age 16-49: 2,250,220 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,573,371

females age 16-49: 1,591,942 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 110,514

female: 108,208 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 167

Transnational Issues ::Haiti

Disputes - international:

since 2004, about 8,000 peacekeepers from the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) maintain civil order in Haiti; despite efforts to control illegal migration, Haitians cross into the Dominican Republic and sail to neighboring countries; Haiti claims US-administered Navassa Island

Illicit drugs:

Caribbean transshipment point for cocaine en route to the US and Europe; substantial bulk cash smuggling activity; Colombian narcotics traffickers favor Haiti for illicit financial transactions; pervasive corruption; significant consumer of cannabis

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Heard Island and McDonald Islands (Antarctica)

Introduction ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Background:

These uninhabited, barren, sub-Antarctic islands were transferred from the UK to Australia in 1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species, the islands have been designated a nature preserve.

Geography ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Location:

islands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica

Geographic coordinates:

53 06 S, 72 31 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 412 sq km country comparison to the world: 201 land: 412 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

101.9 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

antarctic

Terrain:

Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano 2,745 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

Mawson Peak on Heard Island is the highest Australian mountain (at 2,745 meters, it is taller than Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia proper), and one of only two active volcanoes located in Australian territory, the other being McDonald Island; in 1992, McDonald Island broke its dormancy and began erupting; it has erupted several times since, the most recent being in 2005

People ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Population:

uninhabited

Government ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands

conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands

abbreviation: HIMI

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

Legal system:

the laws of Australia where applicable apply

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

Economy ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Economy - overview:

The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian
Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters.

Communications ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Internet country code:

.hm

Transportation ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols

Transnational Issues ::Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on November 17, 2010

======================================================================

@Holy See (Vatican City) (Europe)

Introduction ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Background:

Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid 19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between a series of "prisoner" popes and Italy were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy. In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified certain of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman Catholicism as the Italian state religion. Present concerns of the Holy See include religious freedom, international development, the environment, the Middle East, China, the decline of religion in Europe, terrorism, interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and globalization. About one billion people worldwide profess the Catholic faith.

Geography ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Location:

Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy)

Geographic coordinates:

41 54 N, 12 27 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 0.44 sq km country comparison to the world: 250 land: 0.44 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.7 times the size of The National Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 3.2 km

border countries: Italy 3.2 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to May) with hot, dry summers (May to September)

Terrain:

urban; low hill

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: unnamed location 19 m

highest point: unnamed elevation 75 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (urban area) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution, Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

landlocked; enclave in Rome, Italy; world's smallest state; beyond the territorial boundary of Vatican City, the Lateran Treaty of 1929 grants the Holy See extraterritorial authority over 23 sites in Rome and five outside of Rome, including the Pontifical Palace at Castel Gandolfo (the Pope's summer residence)

People ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Population:

829 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 236

Population growth rate:

0.004% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: none

adjective: none

Ethnic groups:

Italians, Swiss, other

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

Italian, Latin, French, various other languages

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100%

Government ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Country name:

conventional long form: The Holy See (State of the Vatican City)

conventional short form: Holy See (Vatican City)

local long form: Santa Sede (Stato della Citta del Vaticano)

local short form: Santa Sede (Citta del Vaticano)

Government type:

ecclesiastical

Capital:

name: Vatican City

geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 27 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

11 February 1929 (from Italy); note - the three treaties signed with Italy on 11 February 1929 acknowledged, among other things, the full sovereignty of the Vatican and established its territorial extent; however, the origin of the Papal States, which over the years have varied considerably in extent, may be traced back to the 8th century

National holiday:

Election Day of Pope BENEDICT XVI, 19 April (2005)

Constitution:

Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II on 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001 (replaced the first Fundamental Law of 1929)

Legal system:

based on Code of Canon Law and revisions to it; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

limited to cardinals less than 80 years old

Executive branch:

chief of state: Pope BENEDICT XVI (since 19 April 2005)

head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio BERTONE (since 15 September 2006)

cabinet: Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City appointed by the pope (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals; election last held on 19 April 2005 (next to be held after the death of the current pope); secretary of state appointed by the pope

election results: Joseph RATZINGER elected Pope BENEDICT XVI

Legislative branch:

unicameral Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State

Judicial branch:

there are three tribunals responsible for civil and criminal matters within Vatican City; three other tribunals rule on issues pertaining to the Holy See

note: judicial duties were established by the Motu Proprio, papal directive, of Pope PIUS XII on 1 May 1946

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none (exclusive of influence exercised by church officers)

International organization participation:

IAEA, Interpol, IOM (observer), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, OAS (observer),
OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN (observer),
UNCTAD, UNHCR, Union Latina (observer), UNWTO (observer), UPU, WIPO,
WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pietro SAMBI

chancery: 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 333-7121

FAX: [1] (202) 337-4036

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Miguel Humberto DIAZ

embassy: Villa Domiziana, Via delle Terme Deciane 26, 00153 Rome

mailing address: PSC 833, Box 66, APO AE 09624

telephone: [39] (06) 4674-3428

FAX: [39] (06) 575-3411

Flag description:

two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the arms of the Holy See, consisting of the crossed keys of Saint Peter surmounted by the three-tiered papal tiara, centered in the white band; the yellow color represents the pope's spiritual power, the white his worldly power

National anthem:

name: "Inno e Marcia Pontificale" (Hymn and Pontifical March)

lyrics/music: Raffaello LAVAGNA/Charles-Francois GOUNOD

note: adopted 1950; although used as such, "Inno e Marcia Pontificale" is not officially a national anthem but rather a hymn meant to appeal to Roman Catholics throughout the world

Economy ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Economy - overview:

The Holy See is supported financially by a variety of sources, including investments, real estate income, and donations from Catholic individuals, dioceses, and institutions; these help fund the Roman Curia (Vatican bureaucracy), diplomatic missions, and media outlets. The separate Vatican City State budget includes the Vatican museums and post office and is supported financially by the sale of stamps, coins, medals, and tourist mementos; by fees for admission to museums; and by publications sales. Moreover, an annual collection taken up in dioceses and direct donations go to a non-budgetary fund known as Peter's Pence, which is used directly by the Pope for charity, disaster relief, and aid to churches in developing nations. The incomes and living standards of lay workers are comparable to those of counterparts who work in the city of Rome.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

note: essentially services with a small amount of industry; nearly all dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and the approximately 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vatican

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Industries:

printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps; mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by Italy; a small portion of electricity is self-produced from solar panels

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Telephones - main lines in use:

5,120 (2005) country comparison to the world: 211

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic digital exchange

domestic: connected via fiber optic cable to Telecom Italia network

international: country code - 39; uses Italian system

Broadcast media:

the Vatican Television Center (CTV) transmits live broadcasts of the Pope's Sunday and Wednesday audiences, as well as the Pope's public celebrations; CTV also produces documentaries; Vatican Radio is the Holy See's official broadcasting service broadcasting via shortwave, AM and FM frequencies, and via satellite and Internet connections (2008)

Internet country code:

.va

Internet hosts:

68 (2010) country comparison to the world: 208

Military ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Military branches:

Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps (Corpo della Guardia Svizzera
Pontificia) (2010)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Italy; ceremonial and limited security duties performed by Pontifical Swiss Guard

Transnational Issues ::Holy See (Vatican City)

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Honduras (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Honduras

Background:

Once part of Spain's vast empire in the New World, Honduras became an independent nation in 1821. After two and a half decades of mostly military rule, a freely elected civilian government came to power in 1982. During the 1980s, Honduras proved a haven for anti-Sandinista contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan Government and an ally to Salvadoran Government forces fighting leftist guerrillas. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which killed about 5,600 people and caused approximately $2 billion in damage. Since then, the economy has slowly rebounded.

Geography ::Honduras

Location:

Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Nicaragua and bordering the Gulf of Fonseca (North Pacific Ocean), between El Salvador and Nicaragua

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 86 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 112,090 sq km country comparison to the world: 102 land: 111,890 sq km

water: 200 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,520 km

border countries: Guatemala 256 km, El Salvador 342 km, Nicaragua 922 km

Coastline:

820 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: natural extension of territory or to 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains

Terrain:

mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m

Natural resources:

timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore, antimony, coal, fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 9.53%

permanent crops: 3.21%

other: 87.26% (2005)

Irrigated land:

800 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

95.9 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.86 cu km/yr (8%/12%/80%)

per capita: 119 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes; extremely susceptible to damaging hurricanes and floods along the Caribbean coast

Environment - current issues:

urban population expanding; deforestation results from logging and the clearing of land for agricultural purposes; further land degradation and soil erosion hastened by uncontrolled development and improper land use practices such as farming of marginal lands; mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa (the country's largest source of fresh water), as well as several rivers and streams, with heavy metals

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

has only a short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean shoreline, including the virtually uninhabited eastern Mosquito Coast

People ::Honduras

Population:

7,989,415 country comparison to the world: 93 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38% (male 1,521,006/female 1,457,790)

15-64 years: 58.4% (male 2,290,300/female 2,280,848)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 127,187/female 156,565) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.7 years

male: 20.3 years

female: 21.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.935% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Birth rate:

25.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Death rate:

4.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Net migration rate:

-1.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Urbanization:

urban population: 48% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.04 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 97 male: 23.82 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.51 years country comparison to the world: 143 male: 68.82 years

female: 72.28 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.17 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

28,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Honduran(s)

adjective: Honduran

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%, black 2%, white 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant 3%

Languages:

Spanish (official), Amerindian dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 80%

male: 79.8%

female: 80.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 119

Government ::Honduras

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Honduras

conventional short form: Honduras

local long form: Republica de Honduras

local short form: Honduras

Government type:

democratic constitutional republic

Capital:

name: Tegucigalpa

geographic coordinates: 14 06 N, 87 13 W

time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Atlantida,
Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso, Francisco
Morazan, Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahia, La Paz,
Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982; amended many times

Legal system:

rooted in Roman and Spanish civil law with increasing influence of English common law; recent judicial reforms include abandoning Napoleonic legal codes in favor of the oral adversarial system; accepts ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Porfirio LOBO Sosa (since 27 January 2010); Vice President Maria Antonieta Guillen de BOGRAN (since 27 January 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Porfirio LOBO Sosa (since 27 January 2010); Vice President Maria Antonieta Guillen de BOGRAN (since 27 January 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)

election results: Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa elected president; percent of vote - Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa 56.3%, Elvin SANTOS Lozano 38.1%, other 5.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (128 seats; members elected proportionally by department to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNH 71, PL 45, PDC 5, PUD 4, PINU 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (15 judges are elected for seven-year terms by the National Congress)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Felicito AVILA Ordonez];
Democratic Unification Party or PUD [Cesar HAM]; Liberal Party or PL
[Roberto MICHELETTI Bain]; National Party or PN [Antonio ALVAREZ
Arias]; Social Democratic Innovation and Unity Party or PINU [Jorge
Rafael AGUILAR Paredes]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Beverage and Related Industries Syndicate or STIBYS; Committee for
the Defense of Human Rights in Honduras or CODEH; Confederation of
Honduran Workers or CTH; Coordinating Committee of Popular
Organizations or CCOP; General Workers Confederation or CGT;
Honduran Council of Private Enterprise or COHEP; National
Association of Honduran Campesinos or ANACH; National Union of
Campesinos or UNC; Popular Bloc or BP; United Confederation of
Honduran Workers or CUTH

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC (suspended),
IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA,
MINURSO, NAM, OAS (suspended), OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG
(suspended), SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO (suspended), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge Ramon HERNANDEZ Alcerro

chancery: Suite 4-M, 3007 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 966-2604

FAX: [1] (202) 966-9751

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco

honorary consulate(s): Jacksonville

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo LLORENS

embassy: Avenida La Paz, Apartado Postal No. 3453, Tegucigalpa

mailing address: American Embassy, APO AA 34022, Tegucigalpa

telephone: [504] 236-9320, 238-5114

FAX: [504] 238-4357

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue, with five blue, five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band; the stars represent the members of the former Federal Republic of Central America - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea; the white band represents the land between the two bodies of water and the peace and prosperity of its people

note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom, centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional de Honduras" (National Anthem of Honduras)

lyrics/music: Augusto Constancio COELLO/Carlos HARTLING

note: adopted 1915; the anthem's seven verses chronicle Honduran history; on official occasions, only the chorus and last verse are sung

Economy ::Honduras

Economy - overview:

Honduras, the second poorest country in Central America, suffers from extraordinarily unequal distribution of income, as well as high underemployment. While historically dependent on the export of bananas and coffee, Honduras has diversified its export base to include apparel and automobile wire harnessing. Nearly half of Honduras's economic activity is directly tied to the US, with exports to the US equivalent to 30% of GDP and remittances for another 20%. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) came into force in 2006 and has helped foster foriegn direct investment, but physical and political insecurity may deter potential investors; about 70% of FDI is from US firms. The economy registered marginally positive economic growth in 2010, insufficient to improve living standards for the nearly 60% of the population in poverty. The LOBO administration inherited a difficult fiscal position with off-budget debts accrued in previous administrations and government salaries nearly equivalent to tax collections. His government has displayed a commitment to improving tax collection and cutting expenditures. This enabled Tegucigalpa to secure an IMF Precautionary Stand-By agreement in October 2010. The IMF agreement has helped renew multilateral and bilateral donor confidence in Honduras following the ZELAYA administration's economic mismanagement and the political coup.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$33.77 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $32.94 billion (2009 est.)

$33.65 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$15.34 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 -2.1% (2009 est.)

4.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 $4,200 (2009 est.)

$4,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.4%

industry: 26.9%

services: 60.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.394 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 39.2%

industry: 20.9%

services: 39.8% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 3.2% (2009 est.)

note: about 36% are unemployed or underemployed

Population below poverty line:

65% (2010)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.7%

highest 10%: 42.2% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

53.8 (2003) country comparison to the world: 15 56.3 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Public debt:

26.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 23.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 5.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

19.16% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 17.94% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.296 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 129 $1.564 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$7.618 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $7.064 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.581 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $7.029 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coffee, citrus, corn, African palm; beef; timber; shrimp, tilapia, lobster

Industries:

sugar, coffee, woven and knit apparel, wood products, cigars

Industrial production growth rate:

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Electricity - production:

6.58 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Electricity - consumption:

6.54 billion kWh country comparison to the world: 102 note: approximately 1.5 billion kWh in transmission and distribution losses (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

11.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Oil - consumption:

56,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Oil - imports:

46,130 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Current account balance:

-$1.048 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 -$1.327 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$5.879 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $5.09 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

apparel, coffee, shrimp, wire harnessing, cigars, bananas, gold, palm oil, fruit, lobster, lumber

Exports - partners:

US 59.6%, El Salvador 5.61%, Guatemala 5.28%, Mexico 4.19%, Germany 4.04% (2009)

Imports:

$8.878 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $5.924 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, industrial raw materials, chemical products, fuels, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

US 46.81%, Guatemala 8.92%, El Salvador 7.13%, Mexico 5.54%, Costa
Rica 4.91% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.302 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $2.127 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $3.311 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

lempiras (HNL) per US dollar - 18.9 (2010), 18.895 (2009), 18.983 (2008), 18.9 (2007), 18.895 (2006)

Communications ::Honduras

Telephones - main lines in use:

830,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 84

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.714 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 75

Telephone system:

general assessment: the number of fixed-line connections are increasing but still limited; competition among multiple providers of mobile-cellular services is contributing to a sharp increase in the number of subscribers

domestic: beginning in 2003, private sub-operators allowed to provide fixed-lines in order to expand telephone coverage contributing to an increase in fixed-line teledensity to roughly 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership reached 100 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 504; landing point for both the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the MAYA-1 fiber optic submarine cable system that together provide connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System

Broadcast media:

multiple privately-owned terrestrial television networks, supplemented by multiple cable TV networks; Radio Honduras is the lone government-owned radio network; roughly 300 privately-owned radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.hn

Internet hosts:

16,075 (2010) country comparison to the world: 115

Internet users:

731,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 108

Transportation ::Honduras

Airports:

104 (2010) country comparison to the world: 56

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 92

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 74 (2010)

Railways:

total: 75 km country comparison to the world: 128 narrow gauge: 75 km 1.067-m gauge (2009)

Roadways:

total: 14,239 km country comparison to the world: 123 paved: 3,159 km

unpaved: 11,080 km (1,420 km summer only) (2009)

Waterways:

465 km (most navigable only by small craft) (2010) country comparison to the world: 86

Merchant marine:

total: 104 country comparison to the world: 49 by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 50, carrier 2, chemical tanker 7, container 1, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 22, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 3

foreign-owned: 49 (Bahrain 5, Canada 1, China 2, Egypt 2, Greece 4,
Hong Kong 1, Israel 1, Japan 4, Lebanon 2, Mexico 1, Montenegro 2,
Panama 1, Singapore 12, South Korea 6, Taiwan 2, Tanzania 1, UK 1,
Vietnam 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

La Ceiba, Puerto Cortes, San Lorenzo, Tela

Military ::Honduras

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes Naval Infantry), Honduran Air Force (Fuerza
Aerea Hondurena, FAH) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary 2 to 3-year military service (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,989,556

females age 16-49: 1,939,462 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,483,292

females age 16-49: 1,502,788 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 94,501

female: 90,757 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Transnational Issues ::Honduras

Disputes - international:

International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on the delimitation of "bolsones" (disputed areas) along the El Salvador-Honduras border in 1992 with final settlement by the parties in 2006 after an Organization of American States (OAS) survey and a further ICJ ruling in 2003; the 1992 ICJ ruling advised a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the Gulf of Fonseca with consideration of Honduran access to the Pacific; El Salvador continues to claim tiny Conejo Island, not mentioned in the ICJ ruling, off Honduras in the Gulf of Fonseca; Honduras claims the Belizean-administered Sapodilla Cays off the coast of Belize in its constitution, but agreed to a joint ecological park around the cays should Guatemala consent to a maritime corridor in the Caribbean under the OAS-sponsored 2002 Belize-Guatemala Differendum; memorials and countermemorials were filed by the parties in Nicaragua's 1999 and 2001 proceedings against Honduras and Colombia at the ICJ over the maritime boundary and territorial claims in the western Caribbean Sea - final public hearings are scheduled for 2007

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for drugs and narcotics; illicit producer of cannabis, cultivated on small plots and used principally for local consumption; corruption is a major problem; some money-laundering activity

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Hong Kong (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Hong Kong

Background:

Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded by China the following year; various adjacent lands were added later in the 19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system would not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong would enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Geography ::Hong Kong

Location:

Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Geographic coordinates:

22 15 N, 114 10 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 1,104 sq km country comparison to the world: 183 land: 1,054 sq km

water: 50 sq km

Area - comparative:

six times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 30 km

regional border: China 30 km

Coastline:

733 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

Climate:

subtropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall

Terrain:

hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Tai Mo Shan 958 m

Natural resources:

outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar

Land use:

arable land: 5.05%

permanent crops: 1.01%

other: 93.94% (2001)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons

Environment - current issues:

air and water pollution from rapid urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Marine Dumping (associate member), Ship Pollution (associate member)

Geography - note:

more than 200 islands

People ::Hong Kong

Population:

7,089,705 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Age structure:

0-14 years: 12.2% (male 450,833/female 411,997)

15-64 years: 74.6% (male 2,551,256/female 2,713,532)

65 years and over: 13.1% (male 434,090/female 493,363) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.8 years

male: 42.4 years

female: 43.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.476% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Birth rate:

7.45 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Death rate:

6.91 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Net migration rate:

4.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.076 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 2.91 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 218 male: 3.09 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.72 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.96 years country comparison to the world: 8 male: 79.24 years

female: 84.88 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.04 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,600 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Nationality:

noun: Chinese/Hong Konger

adjective: Chinese/Hong Kong

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 95%, Filipino 1.6%, Indonesian 1.3%, other 2.1% (2006 census)

Religions:

eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%

Languages:

Cantonese 90.8% (official), English 2.8% (official), Putonghua (Mandarin) 0.9%, other Chinese dialects 4.4%, other 1.1% (2006 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 93.5%

male: 96.9%

female: 89.6% (2002)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 13 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 137

Government ::Hong Kong

Country name:

conventional long form: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

conventional short form: Hong Kong

local long form: Xianggang Tebie Xingzhengqu

local short form: Xianggang

abbreviation: HK

Dependency status:

special administrative region of China

Government type:

limited democracy

Administrative divisions:

none (special administrative region of China)

Independence:

none (special administrative region of China)

National holiday:

National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 1 July 1997 is celebrated as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

Constitution:

Basic Law, approved in March 1990 by China's National People's
Congress, is Hong Kong's charter

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

direct election - 18 years of age for half the legislature and a majority of seats in 18 district councils; universal for permanent residents living in the territory of Hong Kong for the past seven years

indirect election - limited to about 220,000 members of functional constituencies for the other half of the legislature and an 800-member election committee for the chief executive drawn from broad sectoral groupings, central government bodies, and municipal organizations

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003)

head of government: Chief Executive Donald TSANG Yam-kuen (since 24 June 2005)

cabinet: Executive Council or ExCo consists of 15 official members and 14 non-official members (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: chief executive elected for five-year term by 800-member electoral committee; election last held on 25 March 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

note: the LegCo voted in June 2010 to expand the electoral committee to 1,200 seats for the next election

election results: Donald TSANG elected chief executive receiving 84.1% of the vote of the election committee; Alan LEONG Kah-kit received 15.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council or LegCo (60 seats; 30 members indirectly elected by functional constituencies, 30 elected by popular vote; members serve four-year terms)

note: the LegCo voted in June 2010 to expand to 70 seats for the next election; the measure was approved by the National People's Congress Standing Committee in August 2010; the 10 new seats will be chosen by popular vote

elections: last held on 7 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - pro-democracy 57%; pro-Beijing 40%, independent 3%; seats by parties - (pro-Beijing 35) DAB 13, Liberal Party 7, FTU 1, others 14; (pro-democracy 23) Democratic Party 8, Civic Party 5, CTU 3, League of Social Democrats 3, ADPL 2, The Frontier 1, NWSC 1; others 11; independents and non-voting LegCo president 2

Judicial branch:

Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Political parties and leaders:

parties: Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood or ADPL
[LIU Sung Lee]; Civic Party [Audrey EU Yuet-mee]; Democratic
Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong or DAB [TAM
Yiu Cheng]; Democratic Party [Albert HO Chun-yan]; League of Social
Democrats [Raymond WONG Yuk-man]; Liberal Party [Miriam LAU
Kin-yee]; The Frontier (disbanded)

others: Confederation of Trade Unions or CTU; Federation of Trade Unions or FTU; Neighborhood and Workers Service Center or NWSC

note: political blocs include: pro-democracy - ADPL, Civic Party, Democratic Party, League of Social Democrats; pro-Beijing - DAB, Liberal Party, The Professional Forum (an informal group of three generally pro-government and pro-business LegCo members from functional constituencies and one independent elected from a geographic constituency); there is no political party ordinance, so there are no registered political parties; politically active groups register as societies or companies

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (pro-China); Chinese
Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong; Confederation of Trade
Unions or CTU (pro-democracy) [LAU Chin-shek, president; LEE
Cheuk-yan, general secretary]; Federation of Hong Kong Industries;
Federation of Trade Unions or FTU (pro-China) [CHENG Yiu-tong,
executive councilor]; Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic
Democratic Movement in China [Szeto WAH, chairman]; Hong Kong and
Kowloon Trade Union Council (pro-Taiwan); Hong Kong General Chamber
of Commerce; Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union [CHEUNG
Man-kwong, president]; Neighborhood and Workers' Service Center or
NWSC [LEUNG Yiu-chung, LegCo member] (pro-democracy); Civic Act-up
[Cyd HO Sau-lan, LegCo member] (pro-democracy)

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, BIS, FATF, ICC, IHO, IMF, IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITUC, UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (special administrative region of China); Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office carries out normal liaison and communication with the US Government and other US entities

representative: Donald TONG

office: 1520 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] 202 331-8947

FAX: [1] 202 331-0318

NKETO offices: New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Consul General Stephen M. YOUNG

consulate(s) general: 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong

mailing address: PSC 461, Box 1, FPO AP 96521-0006

telephone: [852] 2523-9011

FAX: [852] 2845-1598

Flag description:

red with a stylized, white, five-petal Bauhinia flower in the center; each petal contains a small, red, five-pointed star in its middle; the red color is the same as that on the Chinese flag and represents the motherland; the fragrant Bauhinia - developed in Hong Kong the late 19th century - has come to symbolize the region; the five stars echo those on the flag of China

National anthem:

note: as a Special Administrative Region of China, "Yiyonggjun Jinxingqu" is official (see China)

Economy ::Hong Kong

Economy - overview:

Hong Kong has a free market economy highly dependent on international trade and finance - the value of goods and services trade, including the sizable share of re-exports, is about four times GDP. Hong Kong's open economy left it exposed to the global economic slowdown, but its increasing integration with China, through trade, tourism, and financial links, helped it recover more quickly than many observers anticipated. The Hong Kong government is promoting the Special Administrative Region (SAR) as the site for Chinese renminbi (RMB) internationalization. Hong Kong residents are allowed to establish RMB-denominated savings accounts; RMB-denominated corporate and Chinese government bonds have been issued in Hong Kong; and RMB trade settlement is allowed. The territory far exceeded the RMB conversion quota set by Beijing for trade settlements in 2010 due to the growth of earnings from exports to the mainland. RMB deposits grew to roughly 3.6% of total system deposits in Hong Kong by October 2010, an increase of over 250% since the beginning of the year. The government is pursuing efforts to introduce additional use of RMB in Hong Kong financial markets and is seeking to expand the RMB quota for 2011. The mainland has long been Hong Kong's largest trading partner, accounting for about half of Hong Kong's exports by value. Hong Kong's natural resources are limited, and food and raw materials must be imported. As a result of China's easing of travel restrictions, the number of mainland tourists to the territory has surged from 4.5 million in 2001 to 17.7 million in 2009, outnumbering visitors from all other countries combined. Hong Kong has also established itself as the premier stock market for Chinese firms seeking to list abroad. In 2009 mainland Chinese companies constituted about 40% of the firms listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and accounted for 60% of the Exchange's market capitalization. During the past decade, as Hong Kong's manufacturing industry moved to the mainland, its service industry has grown rapidly and in 2009 accounted for more than 90% of the territory's GDP. GDP growth averaged a strong 4% from 1989 to 2008. Hong Kong's GDP fell in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but a recovery began in third quarter 2009, and the economy grew nearly 6% in 2010. The Hong Kong government adopted several temporary fiscal policy support measures in response to the crisis that it may discontinue if strong growth is sustained. Credit expansion and tight housing supply conditions caused Hong Kong property prices to rise rapidly in 2010, and some lower income segments of the population are increasingly unable to afford adequate housing. Hong Kong continues to link its currency closely to the US dollar, maintaining an arrangement established in 1983.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$323.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $305.9 billion (2009 est.)

$314.7 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$226.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 -2.8% (2009 est.)

2.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$45,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $43,400 (2009 est.)

$44,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.1%

industry: 7.6%

services: 92.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.7 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Labor force - by occupation:

manufacturing: 6.1%

construction: 1.9%

wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels: 42.9%

financing, insurance, and real estate: 21.4%

transport and communications: 7.9%

community and social services: 19.7%

note: above data exclude public sector (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 5.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

53.3 (2007) country comparison to the world: 16

Investment (gross fixed):

22.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Public debt:

18.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 37.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 -0.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 138 0.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$84.88 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 34 $75.49 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$850.8 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 18 $808.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$374.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $351.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.292 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 8 $1.32 trillion (31 December 2008)

$1.163 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

fresh vegetables; poultry, pork; fish

Industries:

textiles, clothing, tourism, banking, shipping, electronics, plastics, toys, watches, clocks

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Electricity - production:

39.4 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Electricity - consumption:

42.1 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Electricity - exports:

3.926 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

11.7 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Oil - consumption:

359,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Oil - exports:

160,000 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 53

Oil - imports:

440,000 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 29

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - consumption:

2.83 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Natural gas - imports:

2.83 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Current account balance:

$18.07 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $18.28 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$382.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $321.8 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electrical machinery and appliances, textiles, apparel, footwear, watches and clocks, toys, plastics, precious stones, printed material

Exports - partners:

China 51.2%, US 11.6%, Japan 4.4% (2009 est.)

Imports:

$413 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $348.7 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials and semi-manufactures, consumer goods, capital goods, foodstuffs, fuel (most is re-exported)

Imports - partners:

China 46.4%, Japan 8.8%, Taiwan 6.5%, Singapore 6.5%, US 5.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$262.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $255.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$69.86 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $655.1 billion (30 September 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$962.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $912.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$873.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $834.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Hong Kong dollars (HKD) per US dollar - 7.78 (2010), 7.7518 (2009), 7.751 (2008), 7.802 (2007), 7.7678 (2006)

Communications ::Hong Kong

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.188 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 35

Telephones - mobile cellular:

12.207 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 56

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern facilities provide excellent domestic and international services

domestic: microwave radio relay links and extensive fiber-optic network

international: country code - 852; multiple international submarine cables provide connections to Asia, US, Australia, the Middle East, and Western Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Pacific Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); coaxial cable to Guangzhou, China

Broadcast media:

2 commercial terrestrial television networks each with multiple stations; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems are available; 3 radio networks, one of which is government-funded, operate about 15 radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.hk

Internet hosts:

817,701 (2010) country comparison to the world: 45

Internet users:

4.873 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 47

Transportation ::Hong Kong

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 206

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

9 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,050 km country comparison to the world: 173 paved: 2,050 km (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,429 country comparison to the world: 5 by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 629, cargo 177, carrier 11, chemical tanker 134, container 274, liquefied gas 37, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker 139, roll on/roll off 5, vehicle carrier 8

foreign-owned: 855 (Belgium 16, Bermuda 12, Canada 70, China 432,
Cyprus 3, Denmark 41, France 3, Germany 10, Greece 22, Indonesia 8,
Iran 1, Japan 84, Libya 1, Norway 49, Russia 1, Singapore 13, South
Korea 3, Taiwan 26, UAE 2, UK 27, US 31)

registered in other countries: 297 (Bahamas 2, Bermuda 5, Cambodia 11, China 15, Cyprus 2, Georgia 4, Honduras 1, India 1, Kiribati 1, Liberia 47, Malaysia 8, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 3, former Netherlands Antilles 1, NZ 1, Panama 125, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Seychelles 1, Sierra Leone 4, Singapore 38, Thailand 1, Tuvalu 1, UK 8, unknown 11) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Hong Kong

Military ::Hong Kong

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Hong Kong garrison of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) includes elements of the PLA Ground Forces, PLA Navy, and PLA Air Force; these forces are under the direct leadership of the Central Military Commission in Beijing and under administrative control of the adjacent Guangzhou Military Region (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,729,179

females age 16-49: 1,899,296 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,405,324

females age 16-49: 1,526,196 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 41,717

female: 38,240 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of China

Transnational Issues ::Hong Kong

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

despite strenuous law enforcement efforts, faces difficult challenges in controlling transit of heroin and methamphetamine to regional and world markets; modern banking system provides conduit for money laundering; rising indigenous use of synthetic drugs, especially among young people

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Hungary (Europe)

Introduction ::Hungary

Background:

Hungary became a Christian kingdom in A.D. 1000 and for many centuries served as a bulwark against Ottoman Turkish expansion in Europe. The kingdom eventually became part of the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed during World War I. The country fell under Communist rule following World War II. In 1956, a revolt and an announced withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact were met with a massive military intervention by Moscow. Under the leadership of Janos KADAR in 1968, Hungary began liberalizing its economy, introducing so-called "Goulash Communism." Hungary held its first multiparty elections in 1990 and initiated a free market economy. It joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.

Geography ::Hungary

Location:

Central Europe, northwest of Romania

Geographic coordinates:

47 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 93,028 sq km country comparison to the world: 109 land: 89,608 sq km

water: 3,420 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 2,185 km

border countries: Austria 366 km, Croatia 329 km, Romania 443 km, Serbia 166 km, Slovakia 676 km, Slovenia 102 km, Ukraine 103 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling plains; hills and low mountains on the Slovakian border

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Tisza River 78 m

highest point: Kekes 1,014 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 49.58%

permanent crops: 2.06%

other: 48.36% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

120 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 21.03 cu km/yr (9%/59%/32%)

per capita: 2,082 cu m/yr (2001)

Environment - current issues:

the upgrading of Hungary's standards in waste management, energy efficiency, and air, soil, and water pollution to meet EU requirements will require large investments

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes between
Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine and
Mediterranean basin; the north-south flowing Duna (Danube) and Tisza
Rivers divide the country into three large regions

People ::Hungary

Population:

9,992,339 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15% (male 763,553/female 720,112)

15-64 years: 69.3% (male 3,384,961/female 3,475,135)

65 years and over: 15.8% (male 566,067/female 995,768) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40 years

male: 37.8 years

female: 42.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.156% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Birth rate:

9.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Death rate:

12.67 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Net migration rate:

1.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Urbanization:

urban population: 68% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.38 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 183 male: 5.64 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.57 years country comparison to the world: 92 male: 70.8 years

female: 78.55 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A

vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Hungarian(s)

adjective: Hungarian

Ethnic groups:

Hungarian 92.3%, Roma 1.9%, other or unknown 5.8% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 51.9%, Calvinist 15.9%, Lutheran 3%, Greek Catholic 2.6%, other Christian 1%, other or unspecified 11.1%, unaffiliated 14.5% (2001 census)

Languages:

Hungarian 93.6%, other or unspecified 6.4% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.5%

female: 99.3% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 48

Government ::Hungary

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Hungary

conventional short form: Hungary

local long form: Magyar Koztarsasag

local short form: Magyarorszag

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Budapest

geographic coordinates: 47 30 N, 19 05 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

19 counties (megyek, singular - megye), 23 urban counties (singular - megyei varos), and 1 capital city (fovaros)

counties: Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen,
Csongrad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves,
Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komarom-Esztergom, Nograd, Pest, Somogy,
Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zala

urban counties: Bekescsaba, Debrecen, Dunaujvaros, Eger, Erd, Gyor,
Hodmezovasarhely, Kaposvar, Kecskemet, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa,
Nyiregyhaza, Pecs, Salgotarjan, Sopron, Szeged, Szekesfehervar,
Szekszard, Szolnok, Szombathely, Tatabanya, Veszprem, Zalaegerszeg

capital city: Budapest

Independence:

16 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 25 December 1000 (crowning of King STEPHEN I, traditional founding date); 30 March 1867 (dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary created)

National holiday:

Saint Stephen's Day, 20 August

Constitution:

18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949; revised 19 April 1972; 18 October 1989; and 1997

note: 18 October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals and constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and also established the principle of parliamentary oversight; 1997 amendment streamlined the judicial system

Legal system:

based on the German-Austrian legal system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Pal SCHMITT (since 6 August 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Viktor ORBAN (since 29 May 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president; other ministers proposed by the prime minister and appointed and relieved of their duties by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 June 2010 (next to be held by June 2015); prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president; election last held 29 May 2010

election results: Pal SCHMITT elected president; National Assembly vote - Pal SCHMITT 263, Andras BALOGH 58; Viktor ORBAN was elected prime minister; National Assembly vote - 261 to 107

note: to be elected, the president must win two-thirds of legislative vote in the first two rounds or a simple majority in the third round

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Orszaggyules (386 seats; members elected by popular vote under a system of proportional and direct representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 and 25 April 2010 (next to be held in April 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party (5% or more of the vote required for parliamentary representation in the first round) - Fidesz 52.7%, MSzP 19.3%, Jobbik 16.7%, LMP 7.5%; seats by party - Fidesz 263, MSzP 59, Jobbik 47, LMP 16, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly for nine-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Free Democrats or SzDSz [5 administrators]; Christian
Democratic People's Party or KDNP [Semjen ZSOLT]; Hungarian Civic
Alliance or Fidesz [Viktor ORBAN, chairman]; Hungarian Democratic
Forum or MDF [Ibolya DAVID]; Hungarian Socialist Party or MSzP
[Atilla MESTERHAZY]; Movement for a Better Hungary or Jobbik [Gabor
VONA]; Politics Can Be Different or LMP [13-member leadership]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Air Work Group (works to reduce air pollution in towns and cities); Company For Freedom Rights (Tarsasag a Szabadsagjogokert) or TASZ (personal data protection); Danube Circle (protests the building of the Gabchikovo-Nagymaros dam); Green Future (protests the impact of lead contamination of local factory on health of the people); environmentalists: Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society (Magyar Madartani Egyesulet)or MME; Green Alternative (Zold Alternativa)

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bela SZOMBATI

chancery: 3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 362-6730

FAX: [1] (202) 966-8135

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Tsakopoulos KOUNALAKIS

embassy: Szabadsag ter 12, H-1054 Budapest

mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Budapest, 5270 Budapest Place, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5270

telephone: [36] (1) 475-4400

FAX: [36] (1) 475-4764

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green; the flag dates to the national movement of the 18th and 19th centuries, and fuses the medieval colors of the Hungarian coat of arms with the revolutionary tricolor form of the French flag; folklore attributes virtues to the colors: red for strength, white for faithfulness, and green for hope; alternatively, the red is seen as being for the blood spilled in defense of the land, white for freedom, and green for the pasturelands that make up so much of the country

National anthem:

name: "Himnusz" (Hymn)

lyrics/music: Ferenc KOLCSEY/Ferenc ERKEL

note: adopted 1844; the anthem is also known as "Isten, aldd meg a magyart" (God, Bless the Hungarians)

Economy ::Hungary

Economy - overview:

Hungary has made the transition from a centrally planned to a market economy, with a per capita income nearly two-thirds that of the EU-25 average. The private sector accounts for more than 80% of GDP. Foreign ownership of and investment in Hungarian firms are widespread, with cumulative foreign direct investment worth more than $70 billion. The government's austerity measures, imposed since late 2006, have reduced the budget deficit from over 9% of GDP in 2006 to 3.8% in 2010. Hungary's impending inability to service its short-term debt - brought on by the global financial crisis in late 2008 - led Budapest to obtain an IMF-arranged financial assistance package worth over $25 billion. The global economic downturn, declining exports, and low domestic consumption and fixed asset accumulation, dampened by government austerity measures, resulted in an economic contraction of 6.3% in 2009. The economy rebounded in 2010 with a big boost from exports, and growth of more than 2.5% is expected in 2011. Unemployment remained high, at more than 11%.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$190 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $188.5 billion (2009 est.)

$201.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$132.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 -6.3% (2009 est.)

0.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$19,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $18,800 (2009 est.)

$20,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.8%

industry: 35.7%

services: 61.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.17 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.5%

industry: 32.1%

services: 63.4% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

11.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 10% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12% (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.5%

highest 10%: 24.1% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28 (2005) country comparison to the world: 122 24.4 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Public debt:

72.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 78% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 4.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 46 10% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 10.18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$28.67 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 58 $30.25 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$67.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $70.99 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$99.06 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $103 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$28.29 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 62 $18.58 billion (31 December 2008)

$47.65 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, sunflower seed, potatoes, sugar beets; pigs, cattle, poultry, dairy products

Industries:

mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods, textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Electricity - production:

40.03 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Electricity - consumption:

37.4 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Electricity - exports:

9.446 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

13.35 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

35,580 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Oil - consumption:

158,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Oil - exports:

69,650 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Oil - imports:

181,800 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Oil - proved reserves:

26.57 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Natural gas - production:

2.603 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Natural gas - consumption:

11.32 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Natural gas - exports:

85 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - imports:

9.708 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Natural gas - proved reserves:

8.098 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Current account balance:

-$631 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $441 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$93.74 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $82.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 61.1%, other manufactures 28.7%, food products 6.5%, raw materials 2%, fuels and electricity 1.6% (2009 est.)

Exports - partners:

Germany 25.54%, Italy 5.67%, UK 5.41%, France 5.37%, Romania 5.28%,
Slovakia 4.97%, Austria 4.52% (2009)

Imports:

$87.44 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $76.42 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 50%, fuels and electricity 11%, food products, raw materials

Imports - partners:

Germany 25.05%, China 8.56%, Russia 7.3%, Austria 6.08%, Netherlands 4.73%, France 4.51%, Slovakia 4.14%, Italy 4.13%, Poland 4.07% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$45.73 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $44.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$134.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $147.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$72.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $70.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$20.48 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $19.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

forints (HUF) per US dollar - 213.69 (2010), 202.34 (2009), 171.8 (2008), 183.83 (2007), 210.39 (2006)

Communications ::Hungary

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.069 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 49

Telephones - mobile cellular:

11.793 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 58

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telephone system has been modernized; the system is digital and highly automated; trunk services are carried by fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay; a program for fiber-optic subscriber connections was initiated in 1996

domestic: competition among mobile-cellular service providers has led to a sharp increase in the use of mobile-cellular phones since 2000 and a decrease in the number of fixed-line connections

international: country code - 36; Hungary has fiber-optic cable connections with all neighboring countries; the international switch is in Budapest; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean regions), 1 Inmarsat, 1 very small aperture terminal (VSAT) system of ground terminals

Broadcast media:

mixed system of state-supported public service broadcast media and private broadcasters; the 3 publicly-owned TV channels and the 2 main privately-owned TV stations are the major national broadcasters; a large number of special interest channels have emerged; highly developed market for satellite and cable TV services with about two-thirds of viewers utilizing multi-channel services; 3 state-supported public-service radio networks and 2 major national commercial stations; a large number of local stations including commercial, public service, nonprofit, and community radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.hu

Internet hosts:

2.655 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 30

Internet users:

6.176 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 41

Transportation ::Hungary

Airports:

43 (2010) country comparison to the world: 100

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 22

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 21

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Heliports:

5 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 4,407 km; oil 987 km; refined products 335 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 8,057 km country comparison to the world: 27 broad gauge: 36 km 1.524-m gauge

standard gauge: 7,802 km 1.435-m gauge (2,628 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 219 km 0.760-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 160,057 km country comparison to the world: 33 paved: 70,539 km (31,363 km of interurban roads including 858 km of expressways)

unpaved: 89,518 km (2008)

Waterways:

1,622 km (most on Danube River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 49

Ports and terminals:

Budapest, Dunaujvaros, Gyor-Gonyu, Csepel, Baja, Mohacs

Military ::Hungary

Military branches:

Land Forces, Hungarian Air Force (Magyar Legiero, ML) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; 6-month service obligation (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,380,381

females age 16-49: 2,319,142 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,884,232

females age 16-49: 1,923,902 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 58,894

female: 55,922 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.75% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Transnational Issues ::Hungary

Disputes - international:

bilateral government, legal, technical and economic working group negotiations continue in 2006 with Slovakia over Hungary's failure to complete its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Hungary has implemented the strict Schengen border rules

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and cannabis and for South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; limited producer of precursor chemicals, particularly for amphetamine and methamphetamine; efforts to counter money laundering, related to organized crime and drug trafficking are improving but remain vulnerable; significant consumer of ecstasy

page last updated on January 13, 2011

======================================================================

@Iceland (Europe)

Introduction ::Iceland

Background:

Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944. The second half of the 20th century saw substantial economic growth driven primarily by the fishing industry. The economy diversified greatly after the country joined the European Economic Area in 1994, but Iceland was especially hard hit by the global financial crisis in the years following 2008. Literacy, longevity, and social cohesion are first rate by world standards.

Geography ::Iceland

Location:

Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North
Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the United Kingdom

Geographic coordinates:

65 00 N, 18 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 103,000 sq km country comparison to the world: 107 land: 100,250 sq km

water: 2,750 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Kentucky

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

4,970 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summers

Terrain:

mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields; coast deeply indented by bays and fiords

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Hvannadalshnukur 2,110 m (at Vatnajokull glacier)

Natural resources:

fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite

Land use:

arable land: 0.07%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 99.93% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

170 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.17 cu km/yr (34%/66%/0%)

per capita: 567 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes and volcanic activity

volcanism: Iceland, situated on top of a hotspot, experiences severe volcanic activity; Eyjafjallajokull (elev. 1,666 m, 5,466 ft) erupted in 2010, sending ash high into the atmosphere and seriously disrupting European air traffic; scientists continue to monitor nearby Katla (elev. 1,512 m, 4,961 ft), which has a high probability of eruption in the very near future, potentially disrupting air traffic; Grimsvotn and Hekla are Iceland's most frequently active volcanoes; other historically active volcanoes include Askja, Bardarbunga, Brennisteinsfjoll, Esjufjoll, Hengill, Krafla, Krisuvik, Kverkfjoll, Oraefajokull, Reykjanes, Torfajokull, and Vestmannaeyjar

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Transboundary Air Pollution, Wetlands,
Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe

People ::Iceland

Population:

308,910 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.7% (male 32,268/female 31,308)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 104,158/female 101,584)

65 years and over: 12.2% (male 16,952/female 20,424) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.4 years

male: 34.9 years

female: 35.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.699% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Birth rate:

13.36 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Death rate:

6.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Net migration rate:

0.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.21 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 216 male: 3.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.79 years country comparison to the world: 17 male: 78.63 years

female: 83.04 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.9 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

220 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Nationality:

noun: Icelander(s)

adjective: Icelandic

Ethnic groups:

homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts 94%, population of foreign origin 6%

Religions:

Lutheran Church of Iceland 80.7%, Roman Catholic Church 2.5%, Reykjavik Free Church 2.4%, Hafnarfjorour Free Church 1.6%, other religions 3.6%, unaffiliated 3%, other or unspecified 6.2% (2006 est.)

Languages:

Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German widely spoken

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 18 years

male: 17 years

female: 20 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

7.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 15

Government ::Iceland

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Iceland

conventional short form: Iceland

local long form: Lydveldid Island

local short form: Island

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

name: Reykjavik

geographic coordinates: 64 09 N, 21 57 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 regions; Austurland, Hofudhborgarsvaedhi, Nordhurland Eystra, Nordhurland Vestra, Sudhurland, Sudhurnes, Vestfirdhir, Vesturland

Independence:

1 December 1918 (became a sovereign state under the Danish Crown); 17 June 1944 (from Denmark)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 June (1944)

Constitution:

16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944; amended many times

Legal system:

civil law system based on Danish law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1 August 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Johanna SIGURDARDOTTIR (since 1 February 2009);

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president, a largely ceremonial post, elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last held on 28 June 2004 (next to be held in June 2012); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually the prime minister

note: the presidential election of 28 June 2008 was not held because Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON had no challengers; he was sworn in on 1 August 2008

2004 election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON elected president; percent of vote - Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON 85.6%, Baldur AGUSTSSON 12.5%, Astthor MAGNUSSON 1.9%;

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Althing (63 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 April 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democratic Alliance 29.8%, Independence Party 23.7%, Left-Green Movement 21.7%, Progressive Party 14.8%, Citizens' Movement 7.2%, other 2.8%; seats by party - Social Democratic Alliance 20, Independence Party 16, Left-Green Alliance 14, Progressive Party 9, Citizens' Movement 4

note: the Citizens' Movement disintegrated in September 2009; three of its former MPs are now represented under the banner of The Movement and the fourth former MP is an independent

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Haestirettur (justices are appointed for life by the Minister of Justice); eight district courts (justices are appointed for life by the Minister of Justice)

Political parties and leaders:

Independence Party or IP [Bjarni BENEDIKTSSON]; Left-Green Movement
or LGM [Steingrimur SIGFUSSON]; Progressive Party or PP [Sigmundur
David GUNNLAUGSSON]; Social Democratic Alliance or SDA [Johanna
SIGURDARDOTTIR]; The Movement [Birgitta JONSDOTTIR]

International organization participation:

Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA,
FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hjalmar W. HANNESSON

chancery: House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW #509, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 265-6653

FAX: [1] (202) 265-6656

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Luis E. ARREAGA

embassy: Laufasvegur 21, 101 Reykjavik

mailing address: US Department of State, 5640 Reykjavik Place, Washington, D.C. 20521-5640

telephone: [354] 562-9100

FAX: [354] 562-9118

Flag description:

blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors represent three of the elements that make up the island: red is for the island's volcanic fires, white recalls the snow and ice fields of the island, and blue is for the surrounding ocean

National anthem:

name: "Lofsongur" (Song of Praise)

lyrics/music: Matthias JOCHUMSSON/Sveinbjorn SVEINBJORNSSON

note: adopted 1944; the anthem, also known as "O, Guo vors Lands" (O, God of Our Land), was originally written and performed in 1874

Economy ::Iceland

Economy - overview:

Iceland's Scandinavian-type social-market economy combines a capitalist structure and free-market principles with an extensive welfare system. Prior to the 2008 crisis, Iceland had achieved high growth, low unemployment, and a remarkably even distribution of income. The economy depends heavily on the fishing industry, which provides 40% of export earnings, more than 12% of GDP, and employs 7% of the work force. It remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to fluctuations in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. Iceland's economy has been diversifying into manufacturing and service industries in the last decade, particularly within the fields of software production, biotechnology, and tourism. Abundant geothermal and hydropower sources have attracted substantial foreign investment in the aluminum sector and boosted economic growth, although the financial crisis has put several investment projects on hold. Much of Iceland's economic growth in recent years came as the result of a boom in domestic demand following the rapid expansion of the country's financial sector. Domestic banks expanded aggressively in foreign markets, and consumers and businesses borrowed heavily in foreign currencies, following the privatization of the banking sector in the early 2000s. Worsening global financial conditions throughout 2008 resulted in a sharp depreciation of the krona vis-a-vis other major currencies. The foreign exposure of Icelandic banks, whose loans and other assets totaled more than 10 times the country's GDP, became unsustainable. Iceland's three largest banks collapsed in late 2008. The country secured over $10 billion in loans from the IMF and other countries to stabilize its currency and financial sector, and to back government guarantees for foreign deposits in Icelandic banks. GDP fell 6.8% in 2009, and unemployment peaked at 9.4% in February 2009. GDP fell 3.4% in 2010. Since the collapse of Iceland's financial sector, government economic priorities have included: stabilizing the krona, reducing Iceland's high budget deficit, containing inflation, restructuring the financial sector, and diversifying the economy. Three new banks were established to take over the domestic assets of the collapsed banks. Two of them have foreign majority ownership, while the State holds a majority of the shares of the third. British and Dutch authorities have pressed claims totaling over $5 billion against Iceland to compensate their citizens for losses suffered on deposits held in the failed Icelandic bank, Landsbanki Islands. Iceland agreed to new terms with the UK and the Netherlands to compensate British and Dutch depositors, but the agreement must first be approved by the Icelandic President. Iceland began EU accession negotiations with the EU in July 2010, however, public support has dropped substantially because of concern about losing control over fishing resources and in reaction to measures taken by Brussels during the ongoing Eurozone crisis.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$11.86 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 $12.28 billion (2009 est.)

$13.17 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$12.77 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-3.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208 -6.8% (2009 est.)

1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$38,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $40,000 (2009 est.)

$43,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.5%

industry: 24.7%

services: 69.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

188,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.8%

industry: 22.2%

services: 73% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

8.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28 (2006) country comparison to the world: 123 25 (2005)

Investment (gross fixed):

12.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Public debt:

123.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 113.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 12% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

14.55% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 8 22% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18.99% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 19.29% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.413 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 95 $4.438 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$19.97 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $24.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$46.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $54.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.128 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 77 $5.557 billion (31 December 2008)

$40.56 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, green vegetables; mutton, chicken, pork, beef, dairy products; fish

Industries:

fish processing; aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production; geothermal power, hydropower, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

-1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Electricity - production:

16.84 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Electricity - consumption:

16.48 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Oil - consumption:

18,900 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Oil - exports:

1,915 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Oil - imports:

16,390 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Current account balance:

-$42 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 -$440 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$4.619 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $4.05 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products 40%, aluminum, animal products, ferrosilicon, diatomite

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 30.71%, UK 12.73%, Germany 11.21%, Norway 5.75%, Spain 4.82% (2009)

Imports:

$3.677 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $3.318 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, petroleum products, foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

Norway 12.97%, Netherlands 8.62%, Germany 8.3%, Sweden 8.03%,
Denmark 7.27%, US 6.94%, China 4.98%, UK 4.55%, Brazil 4.09% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.206 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $3.883 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.073 billion (2002) country comparison to the world: 127

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$9.2 billion (#REF!)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

$8.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

Icelandic kronur (ISK) per US dollar - 139.319 (2010), 123.638 (2009), 85.619 (2008), 63.391 (2007), 70.195 (2006)

Communications ::Iceland

Telephones - main lines in use:

185,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 126

Telephones - mobile cellular:

349,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 167

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is modern and fully digitized, with satellite-earth stations, fiber-optic cables, and an extensive broadband network

domestic: liberalization of the telecommunications sector beginning in the late 1990s has led to increased competition especially in the mobile services segment of the market

international: country code - 354; the CANTAT-3 and FARICE-1 submarine cable systems provide connectivity to Canada, the Faroe Islands, UK, Denmark, and Germany; a planned new section of the Hibernia-Atlantic submarine cable will provide additional connectivity to Canada, US, and Ireland; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Iceland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)

Broadcast media:

state-owned public television broadcaster operates 1 TV channel nationally; several privately-owned TV stations broadcast nationally and roughly another half-dozen operate locally; about half the households utilize multi-channel cable or satellite TV services; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 2 national networks and 4 regional stations; 2 privately-owned radio stations operate nationally and another 15 provide more limited coverage (2007)

Internet country code:

.is

Internet hosts:

344,748 (2010) country comparison to the world: 55

Internet users:

301,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 129

Transportation ::Iceland

Airports:

99 (2010) country comparison to the world: 59

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 93

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 27

under 914 m: 63 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 12,869 km country comparison to the world: 128 paved/oiled gravel: 4,438 km (does not include urban roads)

unpaved: 8,431 km (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 146 by type: passenger/cargo 2

registered in other countries: 19 (Antigua and Barbuda 9, Belize 2, Denmark 3, Finland 1, Gibraltar 1, Norway 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Grundartangi, Hafnarfjordur, Reykjavik

Military ::Iceland

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Icelandic National Police (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 75,259 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 62,705

females age 16-49: 61,392 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,318

female: 2,263 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Military - note:

Iceland has no standing military force; under a 1951 bilateral agreement - still valid - its defense was provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik; however, all US military forces in Iceland were withdrawn as of October 2006; although wartime defense of Iceland remains a NATO commitment, in April 2007, Iceland and Norway signed a bilateral agreement providing for Norwegian aerial surveillance and defense of Icelandic airspace (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Iceland

Disputes - international:

Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe
Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@India (South Asia)

Introduction ::India

Background:

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. Aryan tribes from the northwest infiltrated onto the Indian subcontinent about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. The Maurya Empire of the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. - which reached its zenith under ASHOKA - united much of South Asia. The Golden Age ushered in by the Gupta dynasty (4th to 6th centuries A.D.) saw a flowering of Indian science, art, and culture. Islam spread across the subcontinent over a period of 700 years. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Turks and Afghans invaded India and established the Delhi Sultanate. In the early 16th century, the Emperor BABUR established the Mughal Dynasty which ruled India for more than three centuries. European explorers began establishing footholds in India during the 16th century. By the 19th century, Great Britain had become the dominant political power on the subcontinent. The British Indian Army played a vital role in both World Wars. Nonviolent resistance to British rule, led by Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU, eventually brought about independence in 1947. Communal violence led to the subcontinent's bloody partition, which resulted in the creation of two separate states, India and Pakistan. The two countries have fought three wars since independence, the last of which in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. India's nuclear weapons tests in 1998 caused Pakistan to conduct its own tests that same year. In November 2008, terrorists allegedly originating from Pakistan conducted a series of coordinated attacks in Mumbai, India's financial capital. Despite pressing problems such as significant overpopulation, environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and widespread corruption, rapid economic development is fueling India's rise on the world stage. In January 2011, India assumed a nonpermanent seat in the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Geography ::India

Location:

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 N, 77 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 3,287,263 sq km country comparison to the world: 7 land: 2,973,193 sq km

water: 314,070 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than one-third the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 14,103 km

border countries: Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463 km, China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km

Coastline:

7,000 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north

Terrain:

upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain along the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Kanchenjunga 8,598 m

Natural resources:

coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite, rare earth elements, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestone, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 48.83%

permanent crops: 2.8%

other: 48.37% (2005)

Irrigated land:

558,080 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,907.8 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 645.84 cu km/yr (8%/5%/86%)

per capita: 585 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

droughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakes

volcanism: Barren Island (elev. 354 m, 1,161 ft) in the Andaman Sea has been active in recent years

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap water is not potable throughout the country; huge and growing population is overstraining natural resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian Ocean trade routes; Kanchenjunga, third tallest mountain in the world, lies on the border with Nepal

People ::India

Population:

1,173,108,018 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.5% (male 187,197,389/female 165,285,592)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 384,131,994/female 359,795,835)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 28,816,115/female 31,670,841) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.9 years

male: 25.4 years

female: 26.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.376% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Birth rate:

21.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Death rate:

7.53 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Net migration rate:

-0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Urbanization:

urban population: 29% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female

total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 49.13 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 53 male: 47.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 50.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.46 years country comparison to the world: 159 male: 65.46 years

female: 67.57 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2.4 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

310,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria

animal contact disease: rabies

water contact disease: leptospirosis

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Indian(s)

adjective: Indian

Ethnic groups:

Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)

Religions:

Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

Hindi 41%, Bengali 8.1%, Telugu 7.2%, Marathi 7%, Tamil 5.9%, Urdu 5%, Gujarati 4.5%, Kannada 3.7%, Malayalam 3.2%, Oriya 3.2%, Punjabi 2.8%, Assamese 1.3%, Maithili 1.2%, other 5.9%

note: English enjoys the status of subsidiary official language but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication; Hindi is the most widely spoken language and primary tongue of 41% of the people; there are 14 other official languages: Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Sanskrit; Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official language (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 61%

male: 73.4%

female: 47.8% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 11 years

female: 10 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.2% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 142

Government ::India

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of India

conventional short form: India

local long form: Republic of India/Bharatiya Ganarajya

local short form: India/Bharat

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: New Delhi

geographic coordinates: 28 36 N, 77 12 E

time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

28 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar Islands*,
Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh*,
Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli*, Daman and Diu*, Delhi*, Goa,
Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand,
Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Puducherry*, Punjab,
Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
West Bengal

Independence:

15 August 1947 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 26 January (1950)

Constitution:

26 January 1950; amended many times

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus, and Muslims

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Pratibha Devisingh PATIL (since 25 July 2007); Vice President Mohammad Hamid ANSARI (since 11 August 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Manmohan SINGH (since 22 May 2004)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of the states for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held in July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012); vice president elected by both houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last held in August 2007 (next to be held August 2012); prime minister chosen by parliamentary members of the majority party following legislative elections; election last held April - May 2009 (next to be held no later than May 2014)

election results: Pratibha PATIL elected president; percent of vote - Pratibha PATIL 65.8%, Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT - 34.2%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of the Council of States or Rajya Sabha (a body consisting of not more than 250 members up to 12 of whom are appointed by the president, the remainder are chosen by the elected members of the state and territorial assemblies; members serve six-year terms) and the People's Assembly or Lok Sabha (545 seats; 543 members elected by popular vote, 2 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms)

elections: People's Assembly - last held in five phases on 16, 22-23, 30 April and 7, 13 May 2009 (next must be held by May 2014)

election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - INC 206, BJP 116, SP 23, BSP 21, JD (U) 20, AITC 19, DMK 18, CPI-M 16, BJD 14, SS 11, AIADMK 9, NCP 9, other 61, vacant 2; note - seats by party as November 2009 - INC 207, BJP 116, SP 22, BSP 21, JD (U) 20, AITC 19, DMK 18, CPI-M 16, BJD 14, SS 11, AIADMK 9, NCP 9, other 61, vacant 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (one chief justice and 25 associate justices are appointed by the president and remain in office until they reach the age of 65 or are removed for "proved misbehavior")

Political parties and leaders:

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or AIADMK [J.
JAYALALITHAA]; All India Trinamool Congress or AITC [Mamata
BANERJEE]; Bahujan Samaj Party or BSP [MAYAWATI]; Bharatiya Janata
Party or BJP [Nitin GADKARI]; Biju Janata Dal or BJD [Naveen
PATNAIK]; Communist Party of India or CPI [B. BARDHAN]; Communist
Party of India-Marxist or CPI-M [Prakash KARAT]; Dravida Munnetra
Kazhagam or DMK [Kalaignar M.KARUNANIDHI]; Indian National Congress
or INC [Sonia GANDHI]; Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) [Sharad YADAV];
Left Front (an alliance of Indian leftist parties); Nationalist
Congress Party or NCP [Sharad PAWAR]; Rashtriya Lok Dal or RLD [Ajit
SINGH]; Samajwadi Party or SP [Mulayam Singh YADAV]; Shiromani Akali
Dal or SAD [Parkash Singh BADAL]; Shiv Sena or SS [Bal THACKERAY];
Telugu Desam Party or TDP [Chandrababu NAIDU]; note - India has
dozens of national and regional political parties; only parties or
coalitions with four or more seats in the People's Assembly are
listed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Kashmir Valley (separatist
group); Bajrang Dal (religious organization); National Socialist
Council of Nagaland in the northeast (separatist group); Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh [Mohan BHAGWAT] (religious organization); Vishwa
Hindu Parishad [Ashok SINGHAL] (religious organization)

other: numerous religious or militant/chauvinistic organizations; various separatist groups seeking greater communal and/or regional autonomy

International organization participation:

ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner),
BIMSTEC, BIS, C, CD, CERN (observer), CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, FATF,
G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, LAS (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW,
PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UN Security
Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
UNITAR, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Meera SHANKAR

chancery: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; note - Consular Wing located at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-7000

FAX: [1] (202) 265-4351

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Timothy J. ROEMER

embassy: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [91] (011) 2419-8000

FAX: [91] (11) 2419-0017

consulate(s) general: Chennai (Madras), Hyderabad; Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay)

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange) (top), white, and green, with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band; saffron represents courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation; white signifies purity and truth; green stands for faith and fertility; the blue chakra symbolizes the wheel of life in movement and death in stagnation

note: similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Jana-Gana-Mana" (Thou Art the Ruler of the Minds of All People)

lyrics/music: Rabindranath TAGORE

note: adopted 1950; Rabindranath TAGORE, a Nobel laureate, also wrote Bangladesh's national anthem

Economy ::India

Economy - overview:

India is developing into an open-market economy, yet traces of its past autarkic policies remain. Economic liberalization, including industrial deregulation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and reduced controls on foreign trade and investment, began in the early 1990s and has served to accelerate the country's growth, which has averaged more than 7% per year since 1997. India's diverse economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of services. Slightly more than half of the work force is in agriculture, but services are the major source of economic growth, accounting for more than half of India's output, with only one-third of its labor force. India has capitalized on its large educated English-speaking population to become a major exporter of information technology services and software workers. In 2010, the Indian economy rebounded robustly from the global financial crisis - in large part because of strong domestic demand - and growth exceeded 8% year-on-year in real terms. Merchandise exports, which account for about 15% of GDP, returned to pre-financial crisis levels. An industrial expansion and high food prices, resulting from the combined effects of the weak 2009 monsoon and inefficiencies in the government's food distribution system, fueled inflation which peaked at about 11% in the first half fo 2010, but has gradually decreased to single digits following a series of central bank interest rate hikes. New Delhi in 2010 reduced subsidies in fuel and fertilizers, sold a small percentage of its shares in some state-owned enterprises and auctioned off rights to radio bandwidth for 3G telecommunications in part to lower the government's deficit. The Indian Government seeks to reduce its deficit to 5.5% of GDP in FY 2010-11, down from 6.8% in the previous fiscal year. India's long term challenges include widespread poverty, inadequate physical and social infrastructure, limited non-agricultural employment opportunities, insufficient access to quality basic and higher education, and accommodiating rual-to-urban migration.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.046 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $3.736 trillion (2009 est.)

$3.478 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.43 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 7.4% (2009 est.)

7.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $3,200 (2009 est.)

$3,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 16.1%

industry: 28.6%

services: 55.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

478.3 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 52%

industry: 14%

services: 34% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 10.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

25% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 31.1% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.8 (2004) country comparison to the world: 79 37.8 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

32% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Public debt:

55.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 57.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204 10.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 74 6% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.19% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 13.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$328.4 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 15 $268.4 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.29 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $1.04 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.164 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $938.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.179 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 14 $645.5 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.819 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, lentils, onions, potatoes; dairy products, sheep, goats, poultry; fish

Industries:

textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software, pharmaceuticals

Industrial production growth rate:

9.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Electricity - production:

723.8 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Electricity - consumption:

568 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Electricity - exports:

810 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

5.27 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

878,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Oil - consumption:

2.98 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Oil - exports:

738,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Oil - imports:

2.9 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Oil - proved reserves:

5.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - production:

38.65 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Natural gas - consumption:

51.27 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - imports:

12.62 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.075 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Current account balance:

-$26.91 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 -$26.63 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$201 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $168.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum products, precious stones, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, vehicles, apparel

Exports - partners:

UAE 12.87%, US 12.59%, China 5.59% (2009)

Imports:

$327 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $274.3 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, precious stones, machinery, fertilizer, iron and steel, chemicals

Imports - partners:

China 10.94%, US 7.16%, Saudi Arabia 5.36%, UAE 5.18%, Australia 5.02%, Germany 4.86%, Singapore 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$284.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $274.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$237.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $221.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$191.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $157.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$89.04 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $76.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Indian rupees (INR) per US dollar - 46.163 (2010), 48.405 (2009), 43.319 (2008), 41.487 (2007), 45.3 (2006)

Communications ::India

Telephones - main lines in use:

35.77 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 8

Telephones - mobile cellular:

670 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 2

Telephone system:

general assessment: supported by recent deregulation and liberalization of telecommunications laws and policies, India has emerged as one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the world; total telephone subscribership base reached 700 million, an overall teledensity of 60%, and subscribership is currently growing more than 15 million per month; urban teledensity has reached 100% and rural teledensity is about 20% and steadily growing

domestic: mobile cellular service introduced in 1994 and organized nationwide into four metropolitan areas and 19 telecom circles each with multiple private service providers and one or more state-owned service providers; in recent years significant trunk capacity added in the form of fiber-optic cable and one of the world's largest domestic satellite systems, the Indian National Satellite system (INSAT), with 6 satellites supporting 33,000 very small aperture terminals (VSAT)

international: country code - 91; a number of major international submarine cable systems, including Sea-Me-We-3 with landing sites at Cochin and Mumbai (Bombay), Sea-Me-We-4 with a landing site at Chennai, Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) with a landing site at Mumbai (Bombay), South Africa - Far East (SAFE) with a landing site at Cochin, the i2i cable network linking to Singapore with landing sites at Mumbai (Bombay) and Chennai (Madras), and Tata Indicom linking Singapore and Chennai (Madras), provide a significant increase in the bandwidth available for both voice and data traffic; satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region); 9 gateway exchanges operating from Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai (Madras), Jalandhar, Kanpur, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, and Ernakulam (2010)

Broadcast media:

Doordarshan, India's public TV network, operates about 20 national, regional, and local services; large number of privately-owned TV stations are distributed by cable and satellite service providers; government controls AM radio with All India Radio operating domestic and external networks; news broadcasts via radio are limited to the All India Radio Network; since 2000, privately-owned FM stations are permitted but limited to broadcasting entertainment and educational content (2007)

Internet country code:

.in

Internet hosts:

4.536 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 18

Internet users:

61.338 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 6

Transportation ::India

Airports:

352 (2010) country comparison to the world: 23

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 249

over 3,047 m: 21

2,438 to 3,047 m: 57

1,524 to 2,437 m: 75

914 to 1,523 m: 81

under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 103

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 43

under 914 m: 48 (2010)

Heliports:

40 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate/gas 2 km; gas 7,542 km; liquid petroleum gas 2,163 km; oil 7,659 km; refined products 7,201 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 64,015 km country comparison to the world: 4 broad gauge: 52,808 km 1.676-m gauge (18,172 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 8,473 km 1.000-m gauge; 2,734 km 0.762-m gauge and 0.610-m gauge (2009)

Roadways:

total: 3,320,410 km (includes 200 km of expressways) (2009) country comparison to the world: 3

Waterways:

14,500 km country comparison to the world: 9 note: 5,200 km on major rivers and 485 km on canals suitable for mechanized vessels (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 324 country comparison to the world: 29 by type: bulk carrier 94, cargo 78, chemical tanker 23, container 15, liquefied gas 11, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 12, petroleum tanker 87

foreign-owned: 8 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Jersey 1, Malaysia 1, UAE 4)

registered in other countries: 56 (Cyprus 2, Dominica 2, Liberia 1, Malta 4, Marshall Islands 8, Nigeria 1, Panama 17, Singapore 19, unknown 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Chennai, Jawaharal Nehru, Kandla, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai
(Bombay), Sikka, Vishakhapatnam

Military ::India

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes naval air arm), Air Force (Bharatiya Vayu
Sena), Coast Guard (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; women may join as officers, but for noncombat roles only (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 313,905,989

females age 16-49: 291,755,100 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 244,727,406

females age 16-49: 235,662,750 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 12,011,217

female: 10,639,158 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 62

Transnational Issues ::India

Disputes - international:

since China and India launched a security and foreign policy dialogue in 2005, consolidated discussions related to the dispute over most of their rugged, militarized boundary, regional nuclear proliferation, Indian claims that China transferred missiles to Pakistan, and other matters continue; various talks and confidence-building measures have cautiously begun to defuse tensions over Kashmir, particularly since the October 2005 earthquake in the region; Kashmir nevertheless remains the site of the world's largest and most militarized territorial dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); India and Pakistan have maintained the 2004 cease fire in Kashmir and initiated discussions on defusing the armed stand-off in the Siachen glacier region; Pakistan protests India's fencing the highly militarized Line of Control and construction of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, which is part of the larger dispute on water sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries; UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has maintained a small group of peacekeepers since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1964; to defuse tensions and prepare for discussions on a maritime boundary, India and Pakistan seek technical resolution of the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary at the mouth of the Rann of Kutch in the Arabian Sea; Pakistani maps continue to show its Junagadh claim in Indian Gujarat State; discussions with Bangladesh remain stalled to delimit a small section of river boundary, to exchange territory for 51 Bangladeshi exclaves in India and 111 Indian exclaves in Bangladesh, to allocate divided villages, and to stop illegal cross-border trade, migration, violence, and transit of terrorists through the porous border; Bangladesh protests India's attempts to fence off high-traffic sections of the border; India seeks cooperation from Bhutan and Burma to keep Indian Nagaland and Assam separatists from hiding in remote areas along the borders; Joint Border Committee with Nepal continues to examine contested boundary sections, including the 400 square kilometer dispute over the source of the Kalapani River; India maintains a strict border regime to keep out Maoist insurgents and control illegal cross-border activities from Nepal

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 77,200 (Tibet/China); 69,609 (Sri Lanka); 9,472 (Afghanistan)

IDPs: at least 600,000 (about half are Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu and Kashmir) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: India is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; internal forced labor may constitute India's largest trafficking problem; men, women, and children are held in debt bondage and face forced labor working in brick kilns, rice mills, agriculture, and embroidery factories; women and girls are trafficked within the country for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced marriage; children are subjected to forced labor as factory workers, domestic servants, beggars, and agriculture workers, and have been used as armed combatants by some terrorist and insurgent groups; India is also a destination for women and girls from Nepal and Bangladesh trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; Indian women are trafficked to the Middle East for commercial sexual exploitation; men and women from Bangladesh and Nepal are trafficked through India for forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation in the Middle East

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - India is on the Tier 2 Watch List for a fifth consecutive year for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking in 2007; despite the reported extent of the trafficking crisis in India, government authorities made uneven efforts to prosecute traffickers and protect trafficking victims; government authorities continued to rescue victims of commercial sexual exploitation and forced child labor and child armed combatants, and began to show progress in law enforcement against these forms of trafficking; a critical challenge overall is the lack of punishment for traffickers, effectively resulting in impunity for acts of human trafficking; India has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

world's largest producer of licit opium for the pharmaceutical trade, but an undetermined quantity of opium is diverted to illicit international drug markets; transit point for illicit narcotics produced in neighboring countries and throughout Southwest Asia; illicit producer of methaqualone; vulnerable to narcotics money laundering through the hawala system; licit ketamine and precursor production

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Indian Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Indian Ocean

Background:

The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, but larger than the Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean). Four critically important access waterways are the Suez Canal (Egypt), Bab el Mandeb (Djibouti-Yemen), Strait of Hormuz (Iran-Oman), and Strait of Malacca (Indonesia-Malaysia). The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Indian Ocean south of 60 degrees south latitude.

Geography ::Indian Ocean

Location:

body of water between Africa, the Southern Ocean, Asia, and Australia

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 80 00 E

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 68.556 million sq km

note: includes Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Flores Sea,
Great Australian Bight, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Java Sea,
Mozambique Channel, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Savu Sea, Strait of
Malacca, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

about 5.5 times the size of the US

Coastline:

66,526 km

Climate:

northeast monsoon (December to April), southwest monsoon (June to October); tropical cyclones occur during May/June and October/November in the northern Indian Ocean and January/February in the southern Indian Ocean

Terrain:

surface dominated by counterclockwise gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the southern Indian Ocean; unique reversal of surface currents in the northern Indian Ocean; low atmospheric pressure over southwest Asia from hot, rising, summer air results in the southwest monsoon and southwest-to-northeast winds and currents, while high pressure over northern Asia from cold, falling, winter air results in the northeast monsoon and northeast-to-southwest winds and currents; ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge and subdivided by the Southeast Indian Ocean Ridge, Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, and Ninetyeast Ridge

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Java Trench -7,258 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

oil and gas fields, fish, shrimp, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules

Natural hazards:

occasional icebergs pose navigational hazard in southern reaches

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include the dugong, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea

Geography - note:

major chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and the Lombok Strait

Economy ::Indian Ocean

Economy - overview:

The Indian Ocean provides major sea routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia with Europe and the Americas. It carries a particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum products from the oilfields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. Its fish are of great and growing importance to the bordering countries for domestic consumption and export. Fishing fleets from Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan also exploit the Indian Ocean, mainly for shrimp and tuna. Large reserves of hydrocarbons are being tapped in the offshore areas of Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and western Australia. An estimated 40% of the world's offshore oil production comes from the Indian Ocean. Beach sands rich in heavy minerals and offshore placer deposits are actively exploited by bordering countries, particularly India, South Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Transportation ::Indian Ocean

Ports and terminals:

Chennai (Madras; India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Durban (South Africa),
Jakarta (Indonesia), Kolkata (Calcutta; India) Melbourne
(Australia), Mumbai (Bombay; India), Richards Bay (South Africa)

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of littoral states and offshore waters as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, along the east coast of Africa, the Bay of Bengal, and the Strait of Malacca; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes stolen; crew and passengers are often held for ransom, murdered, or cast adrift; the presence of several naval task forces in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on the part of ship operators have reduced the piracy incidents; in response local pirates shifted operations farther south along the east coast of Somalia and eastward along the coast of Oman

Transnational Issues ::Indian Ocean

Disputes - international:

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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@Indonesia (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Indonesia

Background:

The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century; Japan occupied the islands from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hostilities, and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to transfer sovereignty in 1949. Free and fair legislative elections took place in 1999 after decades of repressive rule. Indonesia is now the world's third most populous democracy, the world's largest archipelagic state, and home to the world's largest Muslim population. Current issues include: alleviating poverty, improving education, preventing terrorism, consolidating democracy after four decades of authoritarianism, implementing economic and financial reforms, stemming corruption, holding the military and police accountable for human rights violations, addressing climate change, and controlling avian influenza. In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace agreement with armed separatists in Aceh, which led to democratic elections in Aceh in December 2006. Indonesia continues to face low intensity armed resistance by the separatist Free Papua Movement.

Geography ::Indonesia

Location:

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the
Pacific Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

5 00 S, 120 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 1,904,569 sq km country comparison to the world: 16 land: 1,811,569 sq km

water: 93,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,830 km

border countries: Timor-Leste 228 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New Guinea 820 km

Coastline:

54,716 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Puncak Jaya 5,030 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver

Land use:

arable land: 11.03%

permanent crops: 7.04%

other: 81.93% (2005)

Irrigated land:

45,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2,838 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 82.78 cu km/yr (8%/1%/91%)

per capita: 372 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional floods; severe droughts; tsunamis; earthquakes; volcanoes; forest fires

volcanism: Indonesia contains the most volcanoes of any country in the world - some 76 are historically active; significant volcanic activity occurs on Java, western Sumatra, the Sunda Islands, Halmahera Island, Sulawesi Island, Sangihe Island, and in the Banda Sea; Merapi (elev. 2,968 m, 9,737 ft), Indonesia's most active volcano and in eruption since 2010, has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Agung, Awu, Karangetang, Krakatau (Krakatoa), Makian, Raung, and Tambora

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage; air pollution in urban areas; smoke and haze from forest fires

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

archipelago of 17,508 islands (6,000 inhabited); straddles equator; strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean

People ::Indonesia

Population:

242,968,342 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 34,337,341/female 33,162,207)

15-64 years: 66% (male 79,549,569/female 78,918,321)

65 years and over: 6% (male 6,335,208/female 7,968,876) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.9 years

male: 27.4 years

female: 28.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.097% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Birth rate:

18.45 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Death rate:

6.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Net migration rate:

-1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 28.94 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 74 male: 33.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.05 years country comparison to the world: 135 male: 68.53 years

female: 73.69 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.28 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

270,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

8,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever, and malaria

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Indonesian(s)

adjective: Indonesian

Ethnic groups:

Javanese 40.6%, Sundanese 15%, Madurese 3.3%, Minangkabau 2.7%, Betawi 2.4%, Bugis 2.4%, Banten 2%, Banjar 1.7%, other or unspecified 29.9% (2000 census)

Religions:

Muslim 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 1.8%, other or unspecified 3.4% (2000 census)

Languages:

Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects (the most widely spoken of which is Javanese)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 90.4%

male: 94%

female: 86.8% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 134

Government ::Indonesia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Indonesia

conventional short form: Indonesia

local long form: Republik Indonesia

local short form: Indonesia

former: Netherlands East Indies, Dutch East Indies

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Jakarta

geographic coordinates: 6 10 S, 106 49 E

time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Indonesia is divided into three time zones

Administrative divisions:

30 provinces (provinsi-provinsi, singular - provinsi), 2 special
regions* (daerah-daerah istimewa, singular - daerah istimewa), and 1
special capital city district** (daerah khusus ibukota); Aceh*,
Bali, Banten, Bengkulu, Gorontalo, Jakarta Raya**, Jambi, Jawa Barat
(West Java), Jawa Tengah (Central Java), Jawa Timur (East Java),
Kalimantan Barat (West Kalimantan), Kalimantan Selatan (South
Kalimantan), Kalimantan Tengah (Central Kalimantan), Kalimantan
Timur (East Kalimantan), Kepulauan Bangka Belitung (Bangka Belitung
Islands), Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands), Lampung, Maluku, Maluku
Utara (North Maluku), Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa Tenggara), Nusa
Tenggara Timur (East Nusa Tenggara), Papua, Papua Barat (West
Papua), Riau, Sulawesi Barat (West Sulawesi), Sulawesi Selatan
(South Sulawesi), Sulawesi Tengah (Central Sulawesi), Sulawesi
Tenggara (Southeast Sulawesi), Sulawesi Utara (North Sulawesi),
Sumatera Barat (West Sumatra), Sumatera Selatan (South Sumatra),
Sumatera Utara (North Sumatra), Yogyakarta*

note: following the implementation of decentralization beginning on 1 January 2001, regencies and municipalities have become the key administrative units responsible for providing most government services

Independence:

17 August 1945 (declared); 27 December 1949 (by the Netherlands); note - in August 2005 the Netherlands announced that it had recognized de facto Indonesian independence on 17 August 1945

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 August (1945)

Constitution:

August 1945; abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and Provisional Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959; series of amendments concluded in 2002

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law, substantially modified by indigenous concepts and by new criminal procedures and election codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal and married persons regardless of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since 20 October 2004); Vice President BOEDIONO (since 20 October 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since 20 October 2004); Vice President BOEDIONO (since 20 October 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected for five-year terms (eligible for a second term) by direct vote of the citizenry; election last held on 8 July 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO elected president; percent of vote - Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO 60.8%, MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri 26.8%, Jusuf KALLA 12.4%

Legislative branch:

People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat or MPR) is the upper house; it consists of members of the DPR and DPD and has role in inaugurating and impeaching the president and in amending the constitution but does not formulate national policy; House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR) (560 seats, members elected to serve five-year terms), formulates and passes legislation at the national level; House of Regional Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Daerah or DPD), constitutionally mandated role includes providing legislative input to DPR on issues affecting regions (132 members, four from each of Indonesia's 30 provinces, two special regions, and one special capital city district)

elections: last held on 9 April 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - PD 20.9%, GOLKAR 14.5%,
PDI-P 14.0%, PKS 7.9%, PAN 6.0%, PPP 5.3%, PKB 4.9%, GERINDRA 4.5%,
HANURA 3.8%, others 18.2%; seats by party - PD 148, GOLKAR 107,
PDI-P 94, PKS 57, PAN 46, PPP 37, PKB 28, GERINDRA 26, HANURA 17

note: 29 other parties received less than 2.5% of the vote so did not obtain any seats; because of election rules, the number of seats won does not always follow the percentage of votes received by parties

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Mahkamah Agung is the final court of appeal but does not have the power of judicial review (justices are appointed by the president from a list of candidates selected by the legislature); in March 2004 the Supreme Court assumed administrative and financial responsibility for the lower court system from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights; Constitutional Court or Mahkamah Konstitusi (invested by the president on 16 August 2003) has the power of judicial review, jurisdiction over the results of a general election, and reviews actions to dismiss a president from office; Labor Court under supervision of Supreme Court began functioning in January 2006; the Anti-Corruption Court has jurisdiction over corruption cases brought by the independent Corruption Eradication Commission

Political parties and leaders:

Democrat Party or PD [Anas URANINGRUM]; Functional Groups Party or
GOLKAR [Aburizal BAKRIE]; Great Indonesia Movement Party or GERINDRA
[SUHARDI]; Indonesia Democratic Party-Struggle or PDI-P [MEGAWATI
Sukarnoputri]; National Awakening Party or PKB [Muhaiman ISKANDAR];
National Mandate Party or PAN [Hatta RAJASA]; People's Conscience
Party or HANURA [WIRANTO]; Prosperous Justice Party or PKS [Luthfi
Hasan ISHAQ]; United Development Party or PPP [Suryadharma ALI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Commission for the "Disappeared" and Victims of Violence or KontraS;
Indonesia Corruption Watch or ICW; Indonesian Forum for the
Environment or WALHI; Islamic Defenders Front or FPI; People's
Democracy Fortress or Bendera

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, FAO,
G-11, G-15, G-20, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer),
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PIF
(partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Dino Patti DJALAL

chancery: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 775-5200

FAX: [1] (202) 775-5365

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Scot A. MARCIEL

embassy: Jalan 1 Medan Merdeka Selatan 4-5, Jakarta 10110

mailing address: Unit 8129, Box 1, FPO AP 96520

telephone: [62] (21) 3435-9000

FAX: [62] (21) 3435-9922

consulate(s) general: Surabaya

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors derive from the banner of the Majapahit Empire of the 13th-15th centuries; red symbolizes courage, white represents purity

note: similar to the flag of Monaco, which is shorter; also similar to the flag of Poland, which is white (top) and red

National anthem:

name: "Indonesia Raya" (Great Indonesia)

lyrics/music: Wage Rudolf SOEPRATMAN

note: adopted 1945

Economy ::Indonesia

Economy - overview:

Indonesia, a vast polyglot nation, has weathered the global financial crisis relatively smoothly because of its heavy reliance on domestic consumption as the driver of economic growth. Although the economy slowed significantly in 2009 from the 6%-plus growth rate recorded in 2007 and 2008, by 2010 growth returned to a 6% rate. During the recession, Indonesia outperformed its regional neighbors and joined China and India as the only G20 members posting growth. The government made economic advances under the first administration of President YUDHOYONO, introducing significant reforms in the financial sector, including tax and customs reforms, the use of Treasury bills, and capital market development and supervision. Indonesia's debt-to-GDP ratio in recent years has declined steadily because of increasingly robust GDP growth and sound fiscal stewardship. Indonesia still struggles with poverty and unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, a complex regulatory environment, and unequal resource distribution among regions. YUDHOYONO's reelection, with respected economist BOEDIONO as his vice president, suggests broad continuity of economic policy, although the start of their term has been marred by corruption scandals and the departure of an internationally respected finance minister. The government in 2010 faces the ongoing challenge of improving Indonesia's insufficient infrastructure to remove impediments to economic growth, while addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation needs, particularly with regard to conserving Indonesia's forests and peatlands, the focus of a potentially trailblazing $1 billion REDD+ pilot project.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.033 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $974.6 billion (2009 est.)

$932.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$695.1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 4.5% (2009 est.)

6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 $4,100 (2009 est.)

$3,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 14.9%

industry: 46.8%

services: 38.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

114.9 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 42.1%

industry: 18.6%

services: 39.3% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 8.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

13.3% (2010)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 32.3% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.4 (2005) country comparison to the world: 66 37 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

30.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Public debt:

26.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 27.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 4.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.46% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 40 10.83% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 13.6% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$65.47 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 42 $49.63 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$276.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $205.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$253.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $192.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$178.2 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 35 $98.76 billion (31 December 2008)

$211.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, copra; poultry, beef, pork, eggs

Industries:

petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Electricity - production:

134.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Electricity - consumption:

119.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1.023 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Oil - consumption:

1.115 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Oil - exports:

85,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Oil - imports:

671,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Oil - proved reserves:

4.05 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Natural gas - production:

70 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Natural gas - consumption:

36.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - exports:

33.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.001 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Current account balance:

$8.532 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $10.75 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$146.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $119.5 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles, rubber

Exports - partners:

Japan 17.28%, Singapore 11.29%, US 10.81%, China 7.62%, South Korea 5.53%, India 4.35%, Taiwan 4.11%, Malaysia 4.07% (2009)

Imports:

$111.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $84.35 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Singapore 24.96%, China 12.52%, Japan 8.92%, Malaysia 5.88%, South
Korea 5.64%, US 4.88%, Thailand 4.45% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$83.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $66.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$155.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $156.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$81.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $72.84 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$33.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $30.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Indonesian rupiah (IDR) per US dollar - 9,169.5 (2010), 10,389.9 (2009), 9,698.9 (2008), 9,143 (2007), 9,159.3 (2006)

Communications ::Indonesia

Telephones - main lines in use:

33.958 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Telephones - mobile cellular:

159.248 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 6

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic service includes an interisland microwave system, an HF radio police net, and a domestic satellite communications system; international service good

domestic: coverage provided by existing network has been expanded by use of over 200,000 telephone kiosks many located in remote areas; mobile-cellular subscribership growing rapidly

international: country code - 62; landing point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks that provide links throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

mixture of about a dozen national television networks - 2 public broadcasters, the remainder private broadcasters - each with multiple transmitters; more than 100 local TV stations operating; widespread use of satellite and cable TV systems; public radio broadcaster operates 6 national networks as well as regional and local stations; overall, more than 700 radio stations operating with more than 650 privately-operated (2008)

Internet country code:

.id

Internet hosts:

1.269 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 39

Internet users:

20 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 22

Transportation ::Indonesia

Airports:

684 (2010) country comparison to the world: 10

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 171

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 50

914 to 1,523 m: 64

under 914 m: 34 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 513

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 25

under 914 m: 484 (2010)

Heliports:

64 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 735 km; condensate/gas 73 km; gas 5,800 km; oil 5,721 km; oil/gas/water 12 km; refined products 1,370 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 8,529 km country comparison to the world: 25 narrow gauge: 8,529 km 1.067-m gauge (565 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 437,759 km country comparison to the world: 14 paved: 258,744 km

unpaved: 179,015 km (2008)

Waterways:

21,579 km (2011) country comparison to the world: 5

Merchant marine:

total: 1,244 country comparison to the world: 8 by type: bulk carrier 95, cargo 601, chemical tanker 57, container 112, liquefied gas 17, passenger 47, passenger/cargo 76, petroleum tanker 214, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 12, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 8

foreign-owned: 61 (China 1, France 1, Greece 1, Japan 7, Malaysia 1, Norway 4, Singapore 42, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1, US 2)

registered in other countries: 87 (Bahamas 2, Cambodia 2, Hong Kong 8, Liberia 4, Mongolia 2, Panama 14, Singapore 53, unknown 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Banjarmasin, Belawan, Kotabaru, Krueg Geukueh, Palembang, Panjang,
Sungai Pakning, Tanjung Perak, Tanjung Priok

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Military ::Indonesia

Military branches:

Indonesian Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, TNI): Army
(TNI-Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD)), Navy (TNI-Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL);
includes marines, naval air arm), Air Force (TNI-Angkatan Udara
(TNI-AU)), National Air Defense Command (Kommando Pertahanan Udara
Nasional (Kohanudnas)) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military service; 2-year conscript service obligation, with reserve obligation to age 45 (officers); Indonesian citizens only (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 65,166,986

females age 16-49: 62,715,534 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 53,624,156

females age 16-49: 52,879,309 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,227,993

female: 2,156,427 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Transnational Issues ::Indonesia

Disputes - international:

Indonesia has a stated foreign policy objective of establishing stable fixed land and maritime boundaries with all of its neighbors; some sections of border along Timor-Leste's Oecussi exclave and maritime boundaries with Timor-Leste remain unresolved; many refugees from Timor-Leste who left in 2003 still reside in Indonesia and refuse repatriation; a 1997 treaty between Indonesia and Australia settled some parts of their maritime boundary but outstanding issues remain; ICJ's award of Sipadan and Ligitan islands to Malaysia in 2002 left the sovereignty of Unarang rock and the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes Sea in dispute; the ICJ decision has prompted Indonesia to assert claims to and to establish a presence on its smaller outer islands; Indonesia and Singapore continue to work on finalization of their 1973 maritime boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of Indonesia's Batam Island; Indonesian secessionists, squatters, and illegal migrants create repatriation problems for Papua New Guinea; maritime delimitation talks continue with Palau; Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia has closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier Reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing and placed restrictions on certain catches

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 200,000-350,000 (government offensives against rebels in Aceh; most IDPs in Aceh, Central Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi Provinces, and Maluku) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis largely for domestic use; producer of methamphetamine and ecstasy

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Iran (Middle East)

Introduction ::Iran

Background:

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority vested in a learned religious scholar referred to commonly as the Supreme Leader who, according to the constitution, is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts - a popularly elected 86-member body of clerics. US-Iranian relations have been strained since a group of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran on 4 November 1979 and held it until 20 January 1981. During 1980-88, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq that eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf and led to clashes between US Navy and Iranian military forces between 1987 and 1988. Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism for its activities in Lebanon and elsewhere in the world and remains subject to US, UN, and EU economic sanctions and export controls because of its continued involvement in terrorism and its nuclear weapons ambitions. Following the election of reformer Hojjat ol-Eslam Mohammad KHATAMI as president in 1997 and a reformist Majles (legislature) in 2000, a campaign to foster political reform in response to popular dissatisfaction was initiated. The movement floundered as conservative politicians, through the control of unelected institutions, prevented reform measures from being enacted and increased repressive measures. Starting with nationwide municipal elections in 2003 and continuing through Majles elections in 2004, conservatives reestablished control over Iran's elected government institutions, which culminated with the August 2005 inauguration of hardliner Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD as president. His controversial reelection in June 2009 sparked nationwide protests over allegations of electoral fraud. The UN Security Council has passed a number of resolutions (1696 in July 2006, 1737 in December 2006, 1747 in March 2007, 1803 in March 2008, and 1835 in September 2008) calling for Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities and comply with its IAEA obligations and responsibilities. Resolutions 1737, 1477, and 1803 subject a number of Iranian individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs to sanctions. Additionally, several Iranian entities are subject to US sanctions under Executive Order 13382 designations for proliferation activities and EO 13224 designations for support of terrorism.

Geography ::Iran

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the
Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan

Geographic coordinates:

32 00 N, 53 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 1,648,195 sq km country comparison to the world: 18 land: 1,531,595 sq km

water: 116,600 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 5,440 km

border countries: Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km, Azerbaijan-proper 432 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 179 km, Iraq 1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km, Turkmenistan 992 km

Coastline:

2,440 km; note - Iran also borders the Caspian Sea (740 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: bilateral agreements or median lines in the Persian Gulf

continental shelf: natural prolongation

Climate:

mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast

Terrain:

rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts, mountains; small, discontinuous plains along both coasts

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

highest point: Kuh-e Damavand 5,671 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese, zinc, sulfur

Land use:

arable land: 9.78%

permanent crops: 1.29%

other: 88.93% (2005)

Irrigated land:

76,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

137.5 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 72.88 cu km/yr (7%/2%/91%)

per capita: 1,048 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts, floods; dust storms, sandstorms; earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution, especially in urban areas, from vehicle emissions, refinery operations, and industrial effluents; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the Persian Gulf; wetland losses from drought; soil degradation (salination); inadequate supplies of potable water; water pollution from raw sewage and industrial waste; urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location on the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, which are vital maritime pathways for crude oil transport

People ::Iran

Population:

76,923,300 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.7% (male 7,394,841/female 7,022,076)

15-64 years: 72.9% (male 24,501,544/female 23,914,172)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,725,828/female 1,870,823) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.3 years

male: 26 years

female: 26.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.253% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Birth rate:

18.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Death rate:

5.94 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Net migration rate:

-0.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Urbanization:

urban population: 68% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 43.45 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 62 male: 43.93 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 42.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.77 years country comparison to the world: 146 male: 68.32 years

female: 71.29 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

86,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever and malaria

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Iranian(s)

adjective: Iranian

Ethnic groups:

Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%,
Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%

Religions:

Muslim 98% (Shia 89%, Sunni 9%), other (includes Zoroastrian,
Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i) 2%

Languages:

Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%,
Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 77%

male: 83.5%

female: 70.4% (2002 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 80

Government ::Iran

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Iran

conventional short form: Iran

local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran

local short form: Iran

former: Persia

Government type:

theocratic republic

Capital:

name: Tehran

geographic coordinates: 35 40 N, 51 25 E

time difference: UTC+3.5 (8.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins fourth Monday in March; ends fourth Wednesday in September

Administrative divisions:

31 provinces (ostanha, singular - ostan); Alborz, Ardabil,
Azarbayjan-e Gharbi (West Azerbaijan), Azarbayjan-e Sharqi (East
Azerbaijan), Bushehr, Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Fars,
Gilan, Golestan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Kermanshah,
Khorasan-e Jonubi (South Khorasan), Khorasan-e Razavi (Razavi
Khorasan), Khorasan-e Shomali (North Khorasan), Khuzestan,
Kohgiluyeh va Bowyer Ahmad, Kordestan, Lorestan, Markazi,
Mazandaran, Qazvin, Qom, Semnan, Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran,
Yazd, Zanjan

Independence:

1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed); notable earlier dates: ca. 625 B.C. (unification of Iran under the Medes); ca. A.D. 1501 (Iran reunified under the Safavids); 12 December 1925 (modern Iran established under the Pahlavis)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 1 April (1979)

Constitution:

2-3 December 1979; revised in 1989

note: the revision in 1989 expanded powers of the presidency and eliminated the prime ministership

Legal system:

based on sharia law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4 June 1989)

head of government: President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since 3 August 2005); First Vice President Mohammad Reza RAHIMI (since 13 September 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with legislative approval; the Supreme Leader has some control over appointments to the more sensitive ministries (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: also considered part of the Executive branch of government are three oversight bodies: 1) Assembly of Experts (Majles-Khebregan), a popularly elected body charged with determining the succession of the Supreme Leader, reviewing his performance, and deposing him if deemed necessary; 2) Expediency Council or the Council for the Discernment of Expediency (Majma-e-Tashkhis-e-Maslahat-e-Nezam) exerts supervisory authority over the executive, judicial, and legislative branches and resolves legislative issues on which the Majles and the Council of Guardians disagree and since 1989 has been used to advise national religious leaders on matters of national policy; in 2005 the Council's powers were expanded to act as a supervisory body for the government; 3) Council of Guardians of the Constitution or Council of Guardians or Guardians Council (Shora-ye Negban-e Qanon-e Asassi) determines whether proposed legislation is both constitutional and faithful to Islamic law, vets candidates in popular elections for suitability, and supervises national elections

elections: Supreme Leader appointed for life by the Assembly of Experts; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term and third nonconsecutive term); election last held on 12 June 2009;(next presidential election slated for June 2013)

election results: Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD reelected president; percent of vote - Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD 62.6%, Mir-Hosein MUSAVI-Khamenei 33.8%, other 3.6%; voter turnout 85% (according to official figures published by the government)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly or Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami or Majles (290 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 March 2008 with a runoff held on 25 April 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party - conservatives/Islamists 167, reformers 39, independents 74, religious minorities 5, other 5

Judicial branch:

The Supreme Court (Qeveh Qazaieh) and the four-member High Council of the Judiciary have a single head and overlapping responsibilities; together they supervise the enforcement of all laws and establish judicial and legal policies; lower courts include a special clerical court, a revolutionary court, and a special administrative court

Political parties and leaders:

formal political parties are a relatively new phenomenon in Iran and most conservatives still prefer to work through political pressure groups rather than parties; often political parties or coalitions are formed prior to elections and disbanded soon thereafter; a loose pro-reform coalition called the 2nd Khordad Front, which includes political parties as well as less formal groups and organizations, achieved considerable success in elections for the sixth Majles in early 2000; groups in the coalition included the Islamic Iran Participation Front (IIPF), Executives of Construction Party (Kargozaran), Solidarity Party, Islamic Labor Party, Mardom Salari, Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution Organization (MIRO), and Militant Clerics Society (Ruhaniyun); the coalition participated in the seventh Majles elections in early 2004; following his defeat in the 2005 presidential elections, former MCS Secretary General and sixth Majles Speaker Mehdi KARUBI formed the National Trust Party; a new conservative group, Islamic Iran Developers Coalition (Abadgaran), took a leading position in the new Majles after winning a majority of the seats in February 2004; following the 2004 Majles elections, traditional and hardline conservatives have attempted to close ranks under the United Front of Principlists and the Broad Popular Coalition of Principlists; several reformist groups, such as the Mujahadin of the Islamic Revolution, came together as a reformist coalition in advance of the 2008 Majles elections; the IIPF has repeatedly complained that the overwhelming majority of its candidates have been unfairly disqualified from the 2008 elections

Political pressure groups and leaders:

groups that generally support the Islamic Republic: Ansar-e Hizballah-Islamic Coalition Party (Motalefeh); Followers of the Line of the Imam and the Leader; Islamic Engineers Society; Tehran Militant Clergy Association (Ruhaniyat); active pro-reform student group: Office of Strengthening Unity (OSU); opposition groups: Baluchistan People's Party (BPP); Freedom Movement of Iran; Green Path movement [Mehdi KARUBI, Mir-Hosein MUSAVI]; Marz-e Por Gohar; National Front; and various ethnic and Monarchist organizations; armed political groups that have been repressed by the government: Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI); Jundallah; Komala; Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK or MKO); People's Fedayeen; People's Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK)

International organization participation:

CICA, CP, D-8, ECO, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OPEC,
PCA, SAARC (observer), SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
(observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; note - Iran has an Interests Section in the Pakistani Embassy; address: Iranian Interests Section, Pakistani Embassy, 2209 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone: [1] (202) 965-4990; FAX [1] (202) 965-1073

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none; note - the US Interests Section is located in the Embassy of Switzerland No. 39 Shahid Mousavi (Golestan 5th), Pasdaran Ave., Tehran, Iran; telephone [98] 21 2254 2178/2256 5273; FAX [98] 21 2258 0432

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red; the national emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah in the shape of a tulip, a symbol of martyrdom) in red is centered in the white band; ALLAH AKBAR (God is Great) in white Arabic script is repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11 times along the top edge of the red band; green is the color of Islam and also represents growth, white symbolizes honesty and peace, red stands for bravery and martyrdom

National anthem:

name: "Soroud-e Melli-e Jomhouri-e Eslami-e Iran" (National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran)

lyrics/music: multiple authors/Hassan RIAHI

note: adopted 1990

Economy ::Iran

Economy - overview:

Iran's economy is marked by an inefficient state sector, reliance on the oil sector, which provides the majority of government revenues, and statist policies, which create major distortions throughout the system. Private sector activity is typically limited to small-scale workshops, farming, and services. Price controls, subsidies, and other rigidities weigh down the economy, undermining the potential for private-sector-led growth. Significant informal market activity flourishes. The legislature in late 2009 passed President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD's bill to reduce subsidies, particularly on food and energy. The bill would phase out subsidies - which benefit Iran's upper and middle classes the most - over three to five years and replace them with cash payments to Iran's lower classes. However, the start of the program was delayed repeatedly throughout 2010 over fears of public reaction to higher prices. This is the most extensive economic reform since the government implemented gasoline rationing in 2007. The recovery of world oil prices in the last year increased Iran's oil export revenue by at least $10 billion over 2009, easing some of the financial impact of the newest round of international sanctions. Although inflation has fallen substantially since the mid-2000s, Iran continues to suffer from double-digit unemployment and underemployment. Underemployment among Iran's educated youth has convinced many to seek jobs overseas, resulting in a significant "brain drain."

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$863.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $838.3 billion (2009 est.)

$825.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$337.9 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 1.5% (2009 est.)

2.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $11,000 (2009 est.)

$11,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11%

industry: 45.9%

services: 43.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

25.7 million country comparison to the world: 22 note: shortage of skilled labor (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 25%

industry: 31%

services: 45% (June 2007)

Unemployment rate:

14.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 10.3% (2008 est.)

note: data are according to the Iranian Government

Population below poverty line:

18% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 29.6% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

44.5 (2006) country comparison to the world: 45

Investment (gross fixed):

27.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Public debt:

16.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 16.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 13.5% (2009 est.)

note: official Iranian estimate

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 12% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$50.37 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 45 $48.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$167.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $147.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$132.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $120.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$63.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 51 $49.04 billion (31 December 2008)

$45.57 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, sugar cane, fruits, nuts, cotton; dairy products, wool; caviar

Industries:

petroleum, petrochemicals, fertilizers, caustic soda, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food processing (particularly sugar refining and vegetable oil production), ferrous and non-ferrous metal fabrication, armaments

Industrial production growth rate:

4.3% excluding oil (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Electricity - production:

212.8 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Electricity - consumption:

206.7 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Electricity - exports:

6.15 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.06 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

4.172 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Oil - consumption:

1.7 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Oil - exports:

2.21 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Oil - imports:

162,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Oil - proved reserves:

137.6 billion bbl based on Iranian claims country comparison to the world: 3 note: Iran has about 10% of world reserves (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

200 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Natural gas - consumption:

140 billion cu m country comparison to the world: 4 note: excludes injection and flaring (2008 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

4.246 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Natural gas - imports:

5.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas - proved reserves:

29.61 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Current account balance:

$9.76 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $1.913 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$78.69 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $69.04 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum 80%, chemical and petrochemical products, fruits and nuts, carpets

Exports - partners:

China 16.58%, Japan 11.9%, India 10.54%, South Korea 7.54%, Turkey 4.36% (2009)

Imports:

$58.97 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $58.97 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods, foodstuffs and other consumer goods, technical services

Imports - partners:

UAE 15.14%, China 13.48%, Germany 9.66%, South Korea 7.16%, Italy 5.27%, Russia 4.81%, India 4.12% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$75.06 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $81.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$12.84 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $12.63 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$16.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $15.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$2.075 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $1.825 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Iranian rials (IRR) per US dollar - 10,308.2 (2010), 9,864.3 (2009), 9,142.8 (2008), 9,407.5 (2007), 9,227.1 (2006)

Communications ::Iran

Telephones - main lines in use:

25.804 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 11

Telephones - mobile cellular:

52.555 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 21

Telephone system:

general assessment: currently being modernized and expanded with the goal of not only improving the efficiency and increasing the volume of the urban service but also bringing telephone service to several thousand villages, not presently connected

domestic: the addition of new fiber cables and modern switching and exchange systems installed by Iran's state-owned telecom company have improved and expanded the fixed-line network greatly; fixed-line availability has more than doubled to nearly 26 million lines since 2000; additionally, mobile-cellular service has increased dramatically serving more than 50 million subscribers in 2009; combined fixed and mobile-cellular subscribership now exceeds 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 98; submarine fiber-optic cable to UAE with access to Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line runs from Azerbaijan through the northern portion of Iran to Turkmenistan with expansion to Georgia and Azerbaijan; HF radio and microwave radio relay to Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Syria, Kuwait, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; satellite earth stations - 13 (9 Intelsat and 4 Inmarsat) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run broadcast media with no private, independent broadcasters; Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the state-run TV broadcaster, operates 5 nationwide channels, a news channel, about 30 provincial channels, and several international channels; about 20 foreign Persian-language TV stations broadcasting on satellite TV are capable of being seen in Iran; satellite dishes are illegal and, while their use had been tolerated, authorities began confiscating satellite dishes following the unrest stemming from the 2009 presidential election; IRIB operates 8 nationwide networks, a number of provincial stations, and an external service; most major international broadcasters transmit to Iran (2009)

Internet country code:

.ir

Internet hosts:

119,947 (2010) country comparison to the world: 75

Internet users:

8.214 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 35

Transportation ::Iran

Airports:

319 (2010) country comparison to the world: 24

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 133

over 3,047 m: 42

2,438 to 3,047 m: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 34

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 186

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 142

under 914 m: 33 (2010)

Heliports:

19 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 7 km; condensate/gas 12 km; gas 19,246 km; liquid petroleum gas 570 km; oil 7,018 km; refined products 7,936 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 8,442 km country comparison to the world: 26 broad gauge: 94 km 1.676-m gauge

standard gauge: 8,348 km 1.435-m gauge (148 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 172,927 km country comparison to the world: 28 paved: 125,908 km (includes 1,429 km of expressways)

unpaved: 47,019 km (2006)

Waterways:

850 km (on Karun River; some navigation on Lake Urmia) (2009) country comparison to the world: 70

Merchant marine:

total: 74 country comparison to the world: 57 by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 40, chemical tanker 5, container 9, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 2

foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1)

registered in other countries: 78 (Barbados 4, Bolivia 1, Cyprus 10, Hong Kong 1, Malta 56, Panama 5, Ukraine 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Assaluyeh, Bandar Abbas, Bandar-e-Eman Khomeyni

Military ::Iran

Military branches:

Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces (Artesh): Ground Forces,
Navy, Air Force (IRIAF), Khatemolanbia Air Defense; Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps (Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Enqelab-e Eslami,
IRGC): Ground Resistance Forces, Navy, Aerospace Force, Qods Force
(special operations); Law Enforcement Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

19 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; 17 years of age for Law Enforcement Forces; 15 years of age for Basij Forces (Popular Mobilization Army); conscript military service obligation - 18 months; women exempt from military service (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,763,890

females age 16-49: 20,157,570 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,844,536

females age 16-49: 17,312,808 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 636,558

female: 604,658 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 60

Transnational Issues ::Iran

Disputes - international:

Iran protests Afghanistan's limiting flow of dammed tributaries to the Helmand River in periods of drought; Iraq's lack of a maritime boundary with Iran prompts jurisdiction disputes beyond the mouth of the Shatt al Arab in the Persian Gulf; Iran and UAE dispute Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island, which are occupied by Iran; Iran stands alone among littoral states in insisting upon a division of the Caspian Sea into five equal sectors

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 914,268 (Afghanistan); 54,024 (Iraq) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Iran is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude; Iranian women are trafficked internally for the purpose of forced prostitution and for forced marriages to settle debts; Iranian and Afghan children living in Iran are trafficked internally for the purpose of forced marriages, commercial sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude as beggars or laborers to pay debts, provide income or support drug addiction of their families; press reports indicate that criminal organizations play a significant role in human trafficking to and from Iran, in connection with smuggling of migrants, drugs, and arms

tier rating: Tier 3 - Iran did not provide evidence of law enforcement activities against trafficking, and credible reports indicate that Iranian authorities' response is not sufficient to penalize offenders, protect victims, and eliminate trafficking; some aspects of Iranian law and policy hinder efforts to combat trafficking including punishment of victims and legal obstacles to punishing offenders; Iran has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

Illicit drugs:

despite substantial interdiction efforts and considerable control measures along the border with Afghanistan, Iran remains one of the primary transshipment routes for Southwest Asian heroin to Europe; suffers one of the highest opiate addiction rates in the world, and has an increasing problem with synthetic drugs; lacks anti-money laundering laws; has reached out to neighboring countries to share counter-drug intelligence

page last updated on January 13, 2011

======================================================================

@Iraq (Middle East)

Introduction ::Iraq

Background:

Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by Britain during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over the next dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. A "republic" was proclaimed in 1958, but in actuality a series of strongmen ruled the country until 2003. The last was SADDAM Husayn. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces during the Gulf War of January-February 1991. Following Kuwait's liberation, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions over a period of 12 years led to the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn regime. US forces remained in Iraq under a UNSC mandate through 2009 and under a bilateral security agreement thereafter, helping to provide security and to train and mentor Iraqi security forces. In October 2005, Iraqis approved a constitution in a national referendum and, pursuant to this document, elected a 275-member Council of Representatives (CoR) in December 2005. After the election, Ibrahim al-JAFARI was selected as prime minister; he was replaced by Nuri al-MALIKI in May 2006. The CoR approved most cabinet ministers in May 2006, marking the transition to Iraq's first constitutional government in nearly a half century. On 31 January 2009, Iraq held elections for provincial councils in all provinces except for the three provinces comprising the Kurdistan Regional Government and Kirkuk province. Iraq held a national legislative election in March 2010, and after nine months of deadlock the CoR approved the new government in December.

Geography ::Iraq

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait

Geographic coordinates:

33 00 N, 44 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 438,317 sq km country comparison to the world: 58 land: 437,367 sq km

water: 950 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Idaho

Land boundaries:

total: 3,650 km

border countries: Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km

Coastline:

58 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: not specified

Climate:

mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq

Terrain:

mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: unnamed peak; 3,611 m; note - this peak is neither Gundah Zhur 3,607 m nor Kuh-e Hajji-Ebrahim 3,595 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur

Land use:

arable land: 13.12%

permanent crops: 0.61%

other: 86.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

35,250 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

96.4 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 42.7 cu km/yr (3%/5%/92%)

per capita: 1,482 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust storms; sandstorms; floods

Environment - current issues:

government water control projects have drained most of the inhabited marsh areas east of An Nasiriyah by drying up or diverting the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Marsh Arabs, who inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been displaced; furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate supplies of potable water; development of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation (salination) and erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of the Persian Gulf

People ::Iraq

Population:

29,671,605 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.8% (male 5,711,187/female 5,514,794)

15-64 years: 58.2% (male 8,535,550/female 8,303,942)

65 years and over: 3% (male 410,395/female 469,701) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.6 years

male: 20.5 years

female: 20.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.449% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Birth rate:

29.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Death rate:

4.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 82

Urbanization:

urban population: 67% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 43.16 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 64 male: 47.47 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 38.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.25 years country comparison to the world: 145 male: 68.88 years

female: 71.69 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.76 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 500 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Iraqi(s)

adjective: Iraqi

Ethnic groups:

Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian, or other 5%

Religions:

Muslim 97% (Shia 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3%

Languages:

Arabic (official), Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Turkoman (a Turkish dialect), Assyrian (Neo-Aramaic), Armenian

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 74.1%

male: 84.1%

female: 64.2% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 11 years

female: 8 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Iraq

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Iraq

conventional short form: Iraq

local long form: Jumhuriyat al-Iraq

local short form: Al Iraq

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Baghdad

geographic coordinates: 33 20 N, 44 23 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

18 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah) and 1 region*; Al
Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah (Ad Diwaniyah), An
Najaf, Arbil (Erbil), As Sulaymaniyah, Babil, Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi
Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Kirkuk, Kurdistan Regional Government*,
Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit

Independence:

3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration); note - on 28 June 2004 the Coalition Provisional Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi-controlled Government

National holiday:

Republic Day, July 14 (1958); note - the Government of Iraq has yet to declare an official national holiday but still observes Republic Day

Constitution:

ratified on 15 October 2005 (subject to review by the Constitutional Review Committee and a possible public referendum)

Legal system:

based on European civil and Islamic law under the framework outlined in the Iraqi Constitution; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jalal TALABANI (since 6 April 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI (since 20 May 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers consists of ministers appointed by the Presidency Council plus the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Council of Representatives (parliament) to serve a four-year term (eligible for a second term)

election results: President Jalal TALABANI reelected on 11 November 2010; parliamentary vote count on second ballot - 195 votes; Nuri al-MALIKI reselected prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Council of Representatives (325 seats consisting of 317 members elected by an optional open-list, proportional representation system and 8 seats reserved for minorities; members serve four-year terms); note - Iraq's Constitution calls for the establishment of an upper house, the Federation Council

elections: last held on 7 March 2010 for an enlarged 325-seat parliament; next election to be held in 2014

election results: Council of Representatives - percent of vote by coalition - Iraqi National Movement 25.9%, State of Law coalition 25.8%, Iraqi National Alliance 19.4%, Kurdistan Alliance 15.3%, Goran (Change) List 4.4%, Tawafuq Front 2.7%, Iraqi Unity Alliance 2.9%, Kurdistan Islamic Union 2.3%, Kurdistan Islamic Group 1.4%; seats by coalition - Iraqi National Movement 91, State of Law Coalition 89, Iraqi National Alliance 70, Kurdistan Alliance 43, Goran (Change) List 8, Tawafuq Front 6, Iraqi Unity Alliance 4, Kurdistan Islamic Union 4, Kurdistan Islamic Group 2, seats reserved for minorities 8

Judicial branch:

the Iraq Constitution calls for the federal judicial power to be comprised of the Higher Judicial Council, Federal Supreme Court, Federal Court of Cassation, Public Prosecution Department, Judiciary Oversight Commission and other federal courts that are regulated in accordance with the law

Political parties and leaders:

Badr Organization [Hadi al-AMIRI]; Da'wa al-Islamiya Party [Prime
Minister Nuri al-MALIKI]; Da'wa Tanzim [Hashim al-MUSAWI branch];
Da-wa Tanzim [Abd al-Karim al-ANZI branch]; Fadilah Party [Hashim
al-HASHIMI]; Hadba Gathering [Athil al-NUJAYFI]; Iraqi Charter
Assembly [Ahmad Abd al-Ghafur al-SAMARRAI]; Iraqi Constitutional
Party [Jawad al-BULANI]; Iraqi Front for National Dialogue [Salih
al-MUTLAQ]; Iraqi Islamic Party or IIP [Usama al-TIKRITI]; Iraqi
Justice and Reform Movement [Shaykh Abdallah al-YAWR]; Iraqi
National Congress or INC [Ahmad CHALABI]; Iraqi National Accord or
INA [former Prime Minister Ayad ALLAWI]; Islamic Supreme Council of
Iraq or ISCI [Ammar al-HAKIM]; Kurdistan Democratic Party or KDP
[Kurdistan Regional Government President Masud BARZANI]; National
Gathering [Deputy Prime Minister Rafi al-ISSAWI]; National Movement
for Reform and Development [Jamal al-KARBULI]; National Reform Trend
[former Prime Minister Ibrahim al-JAFARI]; Patriotic Union of
Kurdistan or PUK [Jalal TALABANI]; Renewal List [Vice President
Tariq al-HASHIMI]; Sadrist Trend [Muqtada al-SADR]; Sahawa al-Iraq
[Ahmad al-RISHAWI]; Tawafuq Front

note: numerous smaller local, tribal, and minority parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Sunni militias; Shia militias, some associated with political parties

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
(observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Samir Shakir al-SUMAYDI

chancery: 3421 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 742-1600

FAX: [1] (202) 333-1129

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James F. Jeffrey

embassy: Baghdad

mailing address: APO AE 09316

telephone: 1-240-553-0589 ext. 5340 or 5635; note - Consular Section

FAX: NA

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great") in green Arabic script is centered in the white band; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white); the Council of Representatives approved this flag in 2008 as a compromise temporary replacement for the Ba'athist Saddam-era flag

note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two stars but no script, Yemen, which has a plain white band, and that of Egypt, which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Mawtini" (My Homeland)

lyrics/music: Ibrahim TOUQAN/Mohammad FLAYFEL

note: adopted 2004; following the ousting of Saddam HUSSEIN, Iraq adopted "Mawtini," a popular folk song throughout the Arab world, which also serves as an unofficial anthem of the Palestinian people

Economy ::Iraq

Economy - overview:

An improved security environment and an initial wave of foreign investment are helping to spur economic activity, particularly in the energy, construction, and retail sectors. Broader economic improvement, long-term fiscal health, and sustained increases in the standard of living still depend on the government passing major policy reforms and on continued development of Iraq's massive oil reserves. Although foreign investors viewed Iraq with increasing interest in 2010, most are still hampered by difficulties in acquiring land for projects and by other regulatory impediments. Iraq's economy is dominated by the oil sector, which provides over 90% of government revenue and 80% of foreign exchange earnings. Since mid-2009, oil export earnings have returned to levels seen before Operation Iraqi Freedom and government revenues have rebounded, along with global oil prices. In 2011 Baghdad probably will increase oil exports above the current level of 1.9 million barrels per day (bbl/day) as a result of new contracts with international oil companies, but is likely to fall short of the 2.4 million bbl/day it is forecasting in its budget. Iraq is making modest progress in building the institutions needed to implement economic policy. In 2010, Bagdad signed a new agreement with both the IMF and World Bank for conditional aid programs that will help strengthen Iraq's economic institutions. Some reform-minded leaders within the Iraqi government are seeking to pass laws to strengthen the economy. This legislation includes a package of laws to establish a modern legal framework for the oil sector and a mechanism to equitably divide oil revenues within the nation, although these and other important reforms are still under contentious and sporadic negotiation. Iraq's recent contracts with major oil companies have the potential to greatly expand oil revenues, but Iraq will need to upgrade its oil processing, pipeling, and export infrastructure to enable these deals to reach their potential. The Government of Iraq is pursuing a strategy to gain additional foreign investment in Iraq's economy. This includes an amendment to the National Investment Law, multiple international trade and investment events, as well as potential participation in joint ventures with state-owned enterprises. Provincial Councils also are using their own budgets to promote and facilitate investment at the local level. However, widespread corruption, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient essential services, and antiquated commercial laws and regulations stifle investment and continue to constrain the growth of private, non-energy sectors. The Central Bank has successfully held the exchange rate at approximately 1,170 Iraqi dinar/US dollar since January 2009. Inflation has decreased consistently since 2006 as the security situation has improved. However, Iraqi leaders remain hard pressed to translate macroeconomic gains into improved lives for ordinary Iraqis. Unemployment remains a problem throughout the country. Reducing corruption and implementing reforms - such as bank restructuring and developing the private sector - would be important steps in this direction.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$117.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $111.5 billion (2009 est.)

$106.7 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$84.14 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 4.5% (2009 est.)

7.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $3,600 (2009 est.)

$3,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.7%

industry: 63%

services: 27.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

8.5 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 21.6%

industry: 18.7%

services: 59.8% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15.3% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 15.2% (2008 est.)

Population below poverty line:

25% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 6.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

8.83% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 16 16.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.64% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 19.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$35.69 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 50 $30.02 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$46.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $37.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$21.94 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $10.16 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.6 billion (31 July 2010) country comparison to the world: 93 $2 billion (31 July 2009)

$1.878 billion (31 March 2008)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep, poultry

Industries:

petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction materials, food processing, fertilizer, metal fabrication/processing

Industrial production growth rate:

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Electricity - production:

46.39 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Electricity - consumption:

52 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

5.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

2.399 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Oil - consumption:

687,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Oil - exports:

1.91 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Oil - imports:

116,900 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Oil - proved reserves:

115 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Natural gas - production:

1.88 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Natural gas - consumption:

9.454 billion cu m country comparison to the world: 48 note: 1.48 billion cu m were flared (2008 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.17 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Current account balance:

$2.715 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 -$19.9 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$49.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $40.86 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil 84%, crude materials excluding fuels, food and live animals

Exports - partners:

US 27.62%, India 14.45%, Italy 10.14%, South Korea 8.62%, Taiwan 5.61%, China 4.23%, Netherlands 4.13%, Japan 3.99% (2009)

Imports:

$42.56 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $50 billion (2008 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, medicine, manufactures

Imports - partners:

Turkey 24.99%, Syria 17.36%, US 8.66%, China 6.79%, Jordan 4.17%,
Italy 3.98%, Germany 3.97% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$45.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $44.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$52.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $73 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Iraqi dinars (IQD) per US dollar - 1,170 (2010), 1,170 (2009), 1,176 (2008), 1,255 (2007), 1,466 (2006)

Communications ::Iraq

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.108 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 73

Telephones - mobile cellular:

19.722 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 40

Telephone system:

general assessment: the 2003 liberation of Iraq severely disrupted telecommunications throughout Iraq including international connections; widespread government efforts to rebuild domestic and international communications through fiber optic links are in progress; the mobile cellular market has expanded rapidly and its subscribership base is expected to continue increasing rapidly

domestic: repairs to switches and lines destroyed during 2003 continue; additional switching capacity is improving access; mobile-cellular service is available and centered on 3 GSM networks which are being expanded beyond their regional roots, improving country-wide connectivity; wireless local loop is available in some metropolitan areas and additional licenses have been issued with the hope of overcoming the lack of fixed-line infrastructure

international: country code - 964; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region, and 1 Arabsat (inoperative)); local microwave radio relay connects border regions to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey; international terrestrial fiber-optic connections have been established with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Kuwait with planned connections to Iran and Jordan; a link to the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine fiber-optic cable is planned (2009)

Broadcast media:

the number of private radio and television stations has increased rapidly since 2003; government-owned TV and radio stations are operated by the publicly-funded Iraqi Public Broadcasting Service; private broadcast media are mostly linked to political, ethnic, or religious groups; satellite TV is available to an estimated 70% of viewers and many of the broadcasters are based abroad; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters are accessible (2007)

Internet country code:

.iq

Internet hosts:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 222

Internet users:

325,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 126

Transportation ::Iraq

Airports:

104 (2010) country comparison to the world: 58

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 75

over 3,047 m: 20

2,438 to 3,047 m: 36

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 29

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Heliports:

21 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,501 km; liquid petroleum gas 918 km; oil 5,032 km; refined products 1,637 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,272 km country comparison to the world: 69 standard gauge: 2,272 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 44,900 km country comparison to the world: 83 paved: 37,851 km

unpaved: 7,049 km (2002)

Waterways:

5,279 km country comparison to the world: 23 note: Euphrates River (2,815 km), Tigris River (1,899 km), and Third River (565 km) are principal waterways (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 147 by type: petroleum tanker 2

registered in other countries: 2 (Marshall Islands 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Al Basrah, Khawr az Zubayr, Umm Qasr

Military ::Iraq

Military branches:

Iraqi Armed Forces: Iraqi Army (includes Iraqi Special Operations
Force, Iraqi Intervention Force), Iraqi Navy (former Iraqi Coastal
Defense Force), Iraqi Air Force (former Iraqi Army Air Corps) (2005)

Military service age and obligation:

18-40 years of age for voluntary military service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,541,723

females age 16-49: 7,238,553 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,402,171

females age 16-49: 6,232,674 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 323,328

female: 313,360 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

8.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 4

Transnational Issues ::Iraq

Disputes - international:

coalition forces assist Iraqis in monitoring internal and cross-border security; approximately two million Iraqis have fled the conflict in Iraq, with the majority taking refuge in Syria and Jordan, and lesser numbers to Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, and Turkey; Iraq's lack of a maritime boundary with Iran prompts jurisdiction disputes beyond the mouth of the Shatt al Arab in the Persian Gulf; Turkey has expressed concern over the autonomous status of Kurds in Iraq

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 10,000-15,000 (Palestinian Territories); 11,773 (Iran); 16,832 (Turkey)

IDPs: 2.4 million (ongoing US-led war and ethno-sectarian violence) (2007)

page last updated on January 26, 2011

======================================================================

@Ireland (Europe)

Introduction ::Ireland

Background:

Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the UK. In 1949, Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland is gradually being implemented despite some difficulties. In 2006, the Irish and British governments developed and began to implement the St. Andrews Agreement, building on the Good Friday Agreement approved in 1998.

Geography ::Ireland

Location:

Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain

Geographic coordinates:

53 00 N, 8 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 70,273 sq km country comparison to the world: 119 land: 68,883 sq km

water: 1,390 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 360 km

border countries: UK 360 km

Coastline:

1,448 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time

Terrain:

mostly level to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains; sea cliffs on west coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite

Land use:

arable land: 16.82%

permanent crops: 0.03%

other: 83.15% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

46.8 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.18 cu km/yr (23%/77%/0%)

per capita: 284 cu m/yr (1994)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

water pollution, especially of lakes, from agricultural runoff

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location on major air and sea routes between North America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides within 100 km of Dublin

People ::Ireland

Population:

4,622,917 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.9% (male 454,571/female 424,022)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,411,336/female 1,409,760)

65 years and over: 12% (male 224,850/female 278,661) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 34.5 years

male: 34.1 years

female: 34.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.007% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Birth rate:

16.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Death rate:

6.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 206 male: 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.07 years country comparison to the world: 26 male: 77.86 years

female: 82.41 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.03 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Nationality:

noun: Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective plural)

adjective: Irish

Ethnic groups:

Irish 87.4%, other white 7.5%, Asian 1.3%, black 1.1%, mixed 1.1%, unspecified 1.6% (2006 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 87.4%, Church of Ireland 2.9%, other Christian 1.9%, other 2.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.2% (2006 census)

Languages:

English (official) is the language generally used, Irish (Gaelic or
Gaeilge) (official) spoken mainly in areas along the western coast

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 18 years

male: 18 years

female: 18 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 73

Government ::Ireland

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Ireland

local long form: none

local short form: Eire

Government type:

republic, parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Dublin

geographic coordinates: 53 19 N, 6 14 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

29 counties and 5 cities*; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Cork*,
Donegal, Dublin*, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Galway, Galway*,
Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Limerick*,
Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, North Tipperary, Offaly,
Roscommon, Sligo, South Dublin, South Tipperary, Waterford,
Waterford*, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow

Independence:

6 December 1921 (from the UK by treaty)

National holiday:

Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March

Constitution:

adopted 1 July 1937 by plebiscite; effective 29 December 1937

Legal system:

based on English common law substantially modified by indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mary MCALEESE (since 11 November 1997)

head of government: Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian COWEN (since 7 May 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with previous nomination by the prime minister and approval of the House of Representatives (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 October 1997 (next scheduled for October 2011); note - Mary MCALEESE was appointed to a second term when no other candidate qualified for the 2004 presidential election; prime minister (taoiseach) nominated by the House of Representatives (Dail Eireann) and appointed by the president

election results: Mary MCALEESE elected president; percent of vote - Mary MCALEESE 44.8%, Mary BANOTTI 29.6%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of the Senate or Seanad Eireann (60 seats; 49 members elected by the universities and from candidates put forward by five vocational panels, 11 are nominated by the prime minister; members serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dail Eireann (166 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held in July 2007 (next to be held probably in early 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 24 May 2007 (next to be held probably in early 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Fianna Fail 28, Fine Gael 14, Labor Party 6, Progressive Democrats 2, Green Party 2, Sein Fein 1, independents 7; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Fianna Fail 41.6%, Fine Gael 27.3%, Labor Party 10.1%, Sinn Fein 6.9%, Green Party 4.7%, Progressive Democrats 2.7%, other 6.7%; seats by party - Fianna Fail 78, Fine Gael 51, Labor Party 20, Sinn Fein 4, Green Party 6, Progressive Democrats 2, independents 4, Speaker of the Dail 1; note - through dissertions and attrition the makeup of both houses is greatly changed

note: on 8 November 2008, delegates voted to disband the Progressive Democrats, and in November 2009 it officially stopped operating as a political party

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister and cabinet)

Political parties and leaders:

Fianna Fail [Brian COWEN]; Fine Gael [Enda KENNY]; Green Party [John
GORMLEY]; Labor Party [Eamon GILMORE]; Progressive Democrats or PD
[Noel GREALISH] (formerly dissolved on 20 November 2009); Sinn Fein
[Gerry ADAMS]; Socialist Party [Joe HIGGINS]; The Workers' Party
[Michael FINNEGAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Families Acting for Innocent Relatives or FAIR [Brian MCCONNELL] (seek compensation for victims of violence); Families Against Intimidation and Terror or FAIT (oppose terrorism); Gaeltacht Civil Rights Campaign (Coiste Cearta Sibhialta na Gaeilge) or CCSG (encourages the use of the Irish language and campaigns for greater civil rights in Irish speaking areas); Iona Institute [David QUINN] (a conservative Catholic think tank); Irish Anti-War Movement [Richard Boyd BARRETT] (campaigns against wars around the world); Irish Republican Army or IRA (terrorist group); Keep Ireland Open (environmental group); Midland Railway Action Group or MRAG [Willie ALLEN] (transportation promoters); Peace and Neutrality Alliance [Roger COLE] (campaigns to protect Irish neutrality); Rail Users Ireland (formerly the Platform 11 - transportation promoters); 32 Country Sovereignty Movement or 32CSM (supports a fully sovereign Ireland); Ulster Defence Association or UDA (terrorist group)

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB,
EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael COLLINS

chancery: 2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 462-3939

FAX: [1] (202) 232-5993

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel ROONEY

embassy: 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [353] (1) 668-8777

FAX: [353] (1) 668-9946

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and orange; officially the flag colors have no meaning, but a common interpretation is that the green represents the Irish nationalist (Gaelic) tradition of Ireland; orange represents the Orange tradition (minority supporters of William of Orange); white symbolizes peace (or a lasting truce) between the green and the orange

note: similar to the flag of Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors of green (hoist side), white, and red

National anthem:

name: "Amhran na bhFiann" (The Soldier"s Song)

lyrics/music: Peadar KEARNEY [English], Liam O RINN [Irish]/Patrick HEENEY and Peadar KEARNEY

note: adopted 1926; instead of "Amhran na bhFiann," the song "Ireland"s Call" is often used in athletic events where citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland compete as a unified team

Economy ::Ireland

Economy - overview:

Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy. Ireland joined 11 other EU nations in circulating the euro on 1 January 2002. GDP growth averaged 6% in 1995-2007, but economic activity has dropped sharply since 2008 with GDP falling by over 3% in 2008, nearly 8% in 2009, and 1% in 2010, and further contraction is expectd in 2011. Ireland entered into a recession for the first time in more than a decade with the onset of the world financial crisis and subsequent severe slowdown in its domestic property and construction markets. Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now dwarfed by industry and services. Although the export sector, dominated by foreign multinationals, remains a key component of Ireland's economy, construction most recently fueled economic growth along with strong consumer spending and business investment. Property prices rose more rapidly in Ireland in the decade up to 2007 than in any other developed economy. However, average home prices have fallen 50% from the 2007 peak. In 2008 the COWEN government moved to guarantee all bank deposits, recapitalize the banking system, and establish partly-public venture capital funds in response to the country's economic downturn. In 2009, in an effort to stabilize the banking sector, the Irish Government established the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) to acquire problem commercial property and development loans from Irish banks. Faced with sharply reduced revenues and a burgeoning budget deficit, the Irish Government introduced the first in a series of draconian budgets in 2009. In addition to across-the-board cuts in spending, the 2009 budget included wage reductions for all public servants. These measures were not sufficient. The budget deficit reached nearly 38% of GDP in 2010 because of additional government support for the banking sector. In late 2010, the COWEN Government agreed to a $112 billion loan package from the EU and IMF to help Dublin recapitalize its banking sector and avoid defaulting on its sovereign debt, and initiated a four-year austerity plan to cut an additional $20 billion from its budget.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$174 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $175.1 billion (2009 est.)

$189.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$204.1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 -7.6% (2009 est.)

-3.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$37,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $38,200 (2009 est.)

$41,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5%

industry: 46%

services: 49% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.18 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 6%

industry: 27%

services: 67% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

13.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 11.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

4.2% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 27.2% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30.7 (2008) country comparison to the world: 108 35.9 (1987)

Investment (gross fixed):

12.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Public debt:

98.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 64.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 -4.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 118 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

4.32% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 6.76% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$127.7 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 26 $141 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$257.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $275.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$745.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $738.5 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$29.88 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 50 $49.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$144 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat; beef, dairy products

Industries:

steel, lead, zinc, silver, aluminum, barite, and gypsum mining processing; food products, brewing, textiles, clothing; chemicals, pharmaceuticals; machinery, rail transportation equipment; glass and crystal; software, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Electricity - production:

26.06 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Electricity - consumption:

25.12 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Electricity - exports:

303 million kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

753 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Oil - consumption:

164,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Oil - exports:

22,410 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Oil - imports:

192,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - production:

392 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - consumption:

5.112 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - imports:

4.723 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - proved reserves:

9.911 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Current account balance:

-$3.191 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 -$6.762 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$115.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $107.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; live animals, animal products

Exports - partners:

US 20.52%, Belgium 17.78%, UK 16.31%, Germany 5.66%, France 5.56%,
Spain 4.19% (2009)

Imports:

$70.36 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $62.22 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

data processing equipment, other machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, clothing

Imports - partners:

UK 35.28%, US 16.87%, Germany 6.76%, Netherlands 5.86%, France 4.76% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$2.154 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.131 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 10 $2.356 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$221.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $198.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$192.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $180.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Ireland

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.08 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 54

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.871 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 98

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern digital system using cable and microwave radio relay

domestic: system privatized but dominated by former state monopoly operator; increasing levels of broadband access

international: country code - 353; landing point for the Hibernia-Atlantic submarine cable with links to the US, Canada, and UK; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

publicly-owned broadcaster Radio Telefis Eireann (RTE) operates 2 TV stations; commercial television stations are available; about 75% of households utilize multi-channel satellite and TV services that provide access to a wide range of stations; RTE operates 4 national radio stations and has launched digital audio broadcasts on several stations; a number of commercial broadcast stations operate at the national, regional, and local levels (2007)

Internet country code:

.ie

Internet hosts:

1.339 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 36

Internet users:

3.042 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 67

Transportation ::Ireland

Airports:

39 (2010) country comparison to the world: 105

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,550 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,237 km country comparison to the world: 53 broad gauge: 1,872 km 1.600-m gauge (37 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,365 km 0.914-m gauge (operated by the Irish Peat Board to transport peat to power stations and briquetting plants) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 96,036 km country comparison to the world: 48 paved: 96,036 km (includes 423 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

956 km (pleasure craft only) (2008) country comparison to the world: 68

Merchant marine:

total: 28 country comparison to the world: 87 by type: cargo 25, chemical tanker 2, container 1

foreign-owned: 5 (Norway 3, US 2)

registered in other countries: 21 (Bahamas 3, Bermuda 2, Cyprus 3, Isle of Man 1, Kazakhstan 1, Malta 1, Netherlands 7, Panama 1, Slovakia 1, Sweden 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Cork, Dublin, Shannon Foynes, Waterford

Military ::Ireland

Military branches:

Irish Defense Forces (IDF; Oglaigh na h-Eireann): Army, Naval
Service, Air Corps (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-25 years of age for male or female voluntary military service (17-27 years of age for the Naval Service); enlistees 16 years of age can be recruited for apprentice specialist positions; 17-35 years of age for the Reserve Defense Forces (RDF); maximum obligation 12 years (5 years IDF, 7 years RDF); EU citizenship or 5-year residence in Ireland required (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,031,985

females age 16-49: 1,030,606 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 858,317

females age 16-49: 855,125 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 27,987

female: 26,240 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Transnational Issues ::Ireland

Disputes - international:

Ireland, Iceland, and the UK dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe
Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for and consumer of hashish from North Africa to the UK and Netherlands and of European-produced synthetic drugs; increasing consumption of South American cocaine; minor transshipment point for heroin and cocaine destined for Western Europe; despite recent legislation, narcotics-related money laundering - using bureaux de change, trusts, and shell companies involving the offshore financial community - remains a concern

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Isle of Man (Europe)

Introduction ::Isle of Man

Background:

Part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13th century when it was ceded to Scotland, the isle came under the British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the almost extinct Manx Gaelic language. Isle of Man is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union. However, the UK Government remains constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.

Geography ::Isle of Man

Location:

Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and
Ireland

Geographic coordinates:

54 15 N, 4 30 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 572 sq km country comparison to the world: 193 land: 572 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

160 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

temperate; cool summers and mild winters; overcast about a third of the time

Terrain:

hills in north and south bisected by central valley

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m

highest point: Snaefell 621 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 9%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 91% (permanent pastures, forests, mountain, and heathland) (2002)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

waste disposal (both household and industrial); transboundary air pollution

Geography - note:

one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest and is a bird sanctuary

People ::Isle of Man

Population:

83,859 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.9% (male 6,612/female 6,300)

15-64 years: 66% (male 25,433/female 25,083)

65 years and over: 17.1% (male 5,408/female 7,676) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.3 years

male: 41.6 years

female: 43 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.968% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Birth rate:

11.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Death rate:

9.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Net migration rate:

8.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Urbanization:

urban population: 51% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 196 male: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.53 years country comparison to the world: 21 male: 79.01 years

female: 82.18 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Manxman (men), Manxwoman (women)

adjective: Manx

Ethnic groups:

Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Britons

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society of Friends

Languages:

English, Manx Gaelic (about 2% of the population has some knowledge)

Literacy:

NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Isle of Man

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Isle of Man

abbreviation: I.O.M.

Dependency status:

British crown dependency

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Douglas

geographic coordinates: 54 09 N, 4 29 W

time difference: UTC 0 (five hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 24 local authorities each with its own elections

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

National holiday:

Tynwald Day, 5 July

Constitution:

unwritten; note - The Isle of Man Constitution Act of 1961 does not embody the unwritten Manx Constitution

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply and Manx statutes

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Paul K. HADDACKS (since 17 October 2005)

head of government: Chief Minister Tony BROWN (since 14 December 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed by the monarch; the chief minister elected by the Tynwald for a five-year term; election last held on 14 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: House of Keys speaker Tony BROWN elected chief minister by the Tynwald

Legislative branch:

bicameral Tynwald consists of the Legislative Council (11 seats; members composed of the President of Tynwald, the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others named by the House of Keys) and the House of Keys (24 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Keys - last held on 23 November 2006 (next to be held in November 2011)

election results: House of Keys - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Liberal Vannin Party 2, Manx Labor Party 1, independents 21

Judicial branch:

High Court of Justice (justices are appointed by the Lord Chancellor of England on the nomination of the lieutenant governor)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Progressive Government; Liberal Vannin Party [Peter
KARRAN]; Manx Labor Party; Manx Nationalist Party (Mec Vannin)
[Bernard MOFFATT]

note: most members sit as independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Alliance for Progressive Government or APG (a government watchdog);
Mec Vannin (political party advocating a sovereign state and
environment policies); note - has only had one member elected to the
Tynwald

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag description:

red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (triskelion), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used; the flag is based on the coat-of-arms of the last recognized Norse King of Mann, Magnus III (r. 1252-1265); the triskelion has its roots in an early Celtic sun symbol

National anthem:

name: "Arrane Ashoonagh dy Vannin" (O Land of Our Birth)

lyrics/music: William Henry GILL [English], John J. KNEEN [Manx]/traditional

note: adopted 2003, in use since 1907; serves as a local anthem; as a British crown dependency, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) and is played when the sovereign, members of the royal family, or the lieutenant governor are present

Economy ::Isle of Man

Economy - overview:

Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy. The government offers low taxes and other incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on the island; this has paid off in expanding employment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their contributions to GDP. The Isle of Man also attracts online gambling sites and the film industry. Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access to EU markets.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.719 billion (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.719 billion (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2005) country comparison to the world: 51

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,000 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 13%

services: 86% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

39,690 (2001) country comparison to the world: 196

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture, forestry, and fishing: 3%

manufacturing: 11%

construction: 10%

transport and communication: 8%

wholesale and retail distribution: 11%

professional and scientific services: 18%

public administration: 6%

banking and finance: 18%

tourism: 2%

entertainment and catering: 3%

miscellaneous services: 10% (2001)

Unemployment rate:

1.8% (October 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 1.5% (December 2006 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.1% (December 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cereals, vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry

Industries:

financial services, light manufacturing, tourism

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

timber, fertilizers, fish

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Manx pounds (IMP) per US dollar - 0.6504 (2010), 0.6389 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

note: the Manx pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Isle of Man

Telephones - main lines in use:

51,000 (1999) country comparison to the world: 160

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: landline, telefax, mobile cellular telephone system

international: country code - 44; fiber-optic cable, microwave radio relay, satellite earth station, submarine cable

Broadcast media:

national public radio broadcasts over 3 FM stations and 1 AM station; 2 commercial broadcasters operating with 1 having multiple FM stations; receives radio and TV services via relays from British TV and radio broadcasters (2008)

Internet country code:

.im

Internet hosts:

765 (2010) country comparison to the world: 173

Transportation ::Isle of Man

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 221

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 63 km country comparison to the world: 129 narrow gauge: 6 km 1.076-m gauge (6 km electrified); 57 km 0.914-m gauge (29 km electrified)

note: primarily summer tourist attractions (2008)

Roadways:

total: 500 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 193

Merchant marine:

total: 292 country comparison to the world: 31 by type: bulk carrier 45, cargo 49, chemical tanker 48, container 6, liquefied gas 41, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 91, roll on/roll off 5, vehicle carrier 5

foreign-owned: 200 (Bermuda 7, Chile 8, Denmark 26, Germany 56, Greece 57, Ireland 1, Japan 15, Norway 26, Singapore 1, Sweden 1, US 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Douglas, Ramsey

Military ::Isle of Man

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 14,748

females age 16-49: 14,392 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 469

female: 449 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Isle of Man

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Israel (Middle East)

Introduction ::Israel

Background:

Following World War II, the British withdrew from their mandate of Palestine, and the UN partitioned the area into Arab and Jewish states, an arrangement rejected by the Arabs. Subsequently, the Israelis defeated the Arabs in a series of wars without ending the deep tensions between the two sides. The territories Israel occupied since the 1967 war are not included in the Israel country profile, unless otherwise noted. On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew from the Sinai pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. In keeping with the framework established at the Madrid Conference in October 1991, bilateral negotiations were conducted between Israel and Palestinian representatives and Syria to achieve a permanent settlement. Israel and Palestinian officials signed on 13 September 1993 a Declaration of Principles (also known as the "Oslo Accords") guiding an interim period of Palestinian self-rule. Outstanding territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved in the 26 October 1994 Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace. In addition, on 25 May 2000, Israel withdrew unilaterally from southern Lebanon, which it had occupied since 1982. In April 2003, US President BUSH, working in conjunction with the EU, UN, and Russia - the "Quartet" - took the lead in laying out a roadmap to a final settlement of the conflict by 2005, based on reciprocal steps by the two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine. However, progress toward a permanent status agreement was undermined by Israeli-Palestinian violence between September 2003 and February 2005. In the summer of 2005, Israel unilaterally disengaged from the Gaza Strip, evacuating settlers and its military while retaining control over most points of entry into the Gaza Strip. The election of HAMAS to head the Palestinian Legislative Council froze relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Ehud OLMERT became prime minister in March 2006 and presided over a 34-day conflict with Hizballah in Lebanon in June-August 2006 and a 23-day conflict with HAMAS in the Gaza Strip during December 2008 and January 2009. OLMERT, who in June 2007 resumed talks with PA President Mahmoud ABBAS, resigned in September 2008. Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU formed a coalition in March 2009 following a February 2009 general election. Direct talks launched in September 2010 collapsed following the expiration of Israel's 10-month partial settlement construction moratorium in the West Bank. Diplomatic initiatives to revive the negotiations through proximity talks began at the end of 2010.

Geography ::Israel

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and
Lebanon

Geographic coordinates:

31 30 N, 34 45 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 22,072 sq km country comparison to the world: 152 land: 21,642 sq km

water: 430 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,017 km

border countries: Egypt 266 km, Gaza Strip 51 km, Jordan 238 km, Lebanon 79 km, Syria 76 km, West Bank 307 km

Coastline:

273 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas

Terrain:

Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains;
Jordan Rift Valley

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m

highest point: Har Meron 1,208 m

Natural resources:

timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand

Land use:

arable land: 15.45%

permanent crops: 3.88%

other: 80.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,940 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1.7 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.05 cu km/yr (31%/7%/62%)

per capita: 305 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; droughts; periodic earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

limited arable land and natural fresh water resources pose serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) is an important freshwater source; there are about 355 Israeli civilian sites including about 145 small outpost communities in the West Bank, 41 sites in the Golan Heights, and 32 in East Jerusalem (2010 est.)

People ::Israel

Population:

7,353,985 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 note: approximately 296,700 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank (2009 est.); approximately 19,100 Israeli settlers live in the Golan Heights (2008 est.); approximately 192,800 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem (2008 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.9% (male 1,031,629/female 984,230)

15-64 years: 62.3% (male 2,283,034/female 2,221,301)

65 years and over: 9.9% (male 311,218/female 402,289) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.3 years

male: 28.6 years

female: 30 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.628% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Birth rate:

19.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Death rate:

5.45 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Net migration rate:

2.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.17 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 202 male: 4.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.86 years country comparison to the world: 16 male: 78.7 years

female: 83.12 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.72 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Nationality:

noun: Israeli(s)

adjective: Israeli

Ethnic groups:

Jewish 76.4% (of which Israel-born 67.1%, Europe/America-born 22.6%, Africa-born 5.9%, Asia-born 4.2%), non-Jewish 23.6% (mostly Arab) (2004)

Religions:

Jewish 75.5%, Muslim 16.8%, Christian 2.1%, Druze 1.7%, other 3.9% (2008)

Languages:

Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.1%

male: 98.5%

female: 95.9% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 30

Government ::Israel

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Israel

conventional short form: Israel

local long form: Medinat Yisra'el

local short form: Yisra'el

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Jerusalem

geographic coordinates: 31 46 N, 35 14 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in March; ends the Sunday between the holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur

note: Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in 1950, but the US, like all other countries, maintains its Embassy in Tel Aviv

Administrative divisions:

6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa, Jerusalem, Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv

Independence:

14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and the holiday may occur in April or May

Constitution:

no formal constitution; some of the functions of a constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the Basic Laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship law; note - since May 2003 the Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee of the Knesset has been working on a draft constitution

Legal system:

mixture of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and in personal matters Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legal systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Shimon PERES (since 15 July 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU (since 31 March 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the Knesset (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president largely a ceremonial role and is elected by the Knesset for a seven-year term (one-term limit); election last held 13 June 2007 (next to be held in 2014 but can be called earlier); following legislative elections, the president, in consultation with party leaders, assigns the task of forming a governing coalition to a Knesset member who he or she determines is most likely to accomplish that task

election results: Shimon PERES elected president; number of votes in first round - Shimon PERES 58, Reuven RIVLIN 37, Colette AVITAL 21; PERES elected president in second round with 86 votes (unopposed)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Knesset (120 seats; political parties are elected by popular vote and assigned seats for members on a proportional basis; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 10 February 2009 (next scheduled election to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Kadima 23.2%, Likud-Ahi 22.3%, YB 12.1%, Labor 10.2%, SHAS 8.8%, United Torah Judaism 4.5%, United Arab List 3.5%, National Union 3.4%, Hadash 3.4%, The Jewish Home 3%, The New Movement-Meretz 3%, Balad 2.6%; seats by party - Kadima 28, Likud-Ahi 27, YB 15, Labor 13, SHAS 11, United Torah Judaism 5, United Arab List 4, National Union 4, HADASH 4, The Jewish Home 3, The New Movement-Meretz 3, Balad 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (justices appointed by Judicial Selection Committee - made up of all three branches of the government; mandatory retirement age is 70)

Political parties and leaders:

Balad [Jamal ZAHALKA]; Democratic Front for Peace and Equality
(HADASH) [Muhammad BARAKEH]; Kadima [Tzipora "Tzipi" LIVNI]; Labor
Party [Ehud BARAK]; Likud [Binyamin NETANYAHU]; National Union
[Yaakov KATZ]; SHAS [Eliyahu YISHAI]; The Jewish Home (HaBayit
HaYehudi) [Daniel HERSCHKOWITZ]; The New Movement-Meretz [Haim
ORON]; United Arab List-Ta'al [Ibrahim SARSUR]; United Torah Judaism
or UTJ [Yaakov LITZMAN]; Yisrael Beiteinu or YB [Avigdor LIEBERMAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

B'Tselem [Jessica MONTELL, Executive Director] monitors human rights abuses; Peace Now [Yariv OPPENHEIMER, Secretary General] supports territorial concessions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip; YESHA Council of Settlements [Danny DAYAN, Chairman] promotes settler interests and opposes territorial compromise; Breaking the Silence [Yehuda SHAUL, Executive Director] collects testimonies from soldiers who served in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

International organization participation:

BIS, BSEC (observer), CERN (observer), CICA, EBRD, FAO, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OAS (observer),
OECD, OPCW (signatory), OSCE (partner), Paris Club (associate), PCA,
SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael OREN

chancery: 3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 364-5500

FAX: [1] (202) 364-5607

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James B. CUNNINGHAM

embassy: 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 63903

telephone: [972] (3) 519-7575

FAX: [972] (3) 516-4390

consulate(s) general: Jerusalem; note - an independent US mission, established in 1928, whose members are not accredited to a foreign government

Flag description:

white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the Magen David (Shield of David) centered between two equal horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag; the basic design resembles a Jewish prayer shawl (tallit), which is white with blue stripes; the hexagram as a Jewish symbol dates back to medieval times

National anthem:

name: "Hatikvah" (The Hope)

lyrics/music: Naftali Herz IMBER/traditional, arranged by Samuel COHEN

note: adopted 2004, unofficial since 1948; used as the anthem of the Zionist movement since 1897; the 1888 arrangement by Shmuel COHEN is thought to be based on the Romanian folk song "Carul cu boi" (The Ox Driven Cart)

Economy ::Israel

Economy - overview:

Israel has a technologically advanced market economy. It depends on imports of crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Despite limited natural resources, Israel has intensively developed its agricultural and industrial sectors over the past 20 years. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) are the leading exports. Israel usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by large transfer payments from abroad and by foreign loans. Roughly half of the government's external debt is owed to the US, its major source of economic and military aid. Israel's GDP, after contracting slightly in 2001 and 2002 due to the Palestinian conflict and troubles in the high-technology sector, grew about 5% per year from 2004-07. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 spurred a brief recession in Israel, but the country entered the crisis with solid fundamentals - following years of prudent fiscal policy and a series of liberalizing reforms - and a resilient banking sector, and the economy has shown signs of an early recovery. Following GDP growth of 4% in 2008, Israel's GDP slipped to 0.2% in 2009, but reached 3.4% in 2010, as exports rebounded. The global economic downturn affected Israel's economy primarily through reduced demand for Israel's exports in the United States and EU, Israel's top trading partners. Exports account for about 25% of the country's GDP. The Israeli Government responded to the recession by implementing a modest fiscal stimulus package and an aggressive expansionary monetary policy - including cutting interest rates to record lows, purchasing government bonds, and intervening in the foreign currency market. The Bank of Israel began raising interest rates in the summer of 2009 when inflation rose above the upper end of the Bank's target and the economy began to show signs of recovery.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$217.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $210 billion (2009 est.)

$209.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$201.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 0.2% (2009 est.)

4.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$29,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $29,000 (2009 est.)

$29,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.4%

industry: 32.6%

services: 65% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.08 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2%

industry: 16%

services: 82% (September 2008)

Unemployment rate:

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 7.6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

23.6%

note: Israel's poverty line is $7.30 per person per day (2007)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 24.3% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.2 (2008) country comparison to the world: 67 35.5 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

16.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Public debt:

77.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 77.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 3.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 130 2.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

3.73% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 6.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$27.58 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 59 $25.16 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$208.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $195.7 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$169.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $148.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$182.1 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 28 $134.5 billion (31 December 2008)

$236.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products

Industries:

high-technology products (including aviation, communications, computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics, fiber optics), wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food, beverages, and tobacco, caustic soda, cement, construction, metals products, chemical products, plastics, diamond cutting, textiles, footwear

Industrial production growth rate:

5.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Electricity - production:

54.5 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Electricity - consumption:

46.38 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Electricity - exports:

2.081 billion kWh (2007)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

3,806 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Oil - consumption:

231,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Oil - exports:

69,580 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Oil - imports:

318,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Oil - proved reserves:

1.94 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Natural gas - production:

1.19 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - consumption:

1.19 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Natural gas - proved reserves:

30.44 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Current account balance:

$6.269 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $7.637 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$54.31 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $45.9 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, software, cut diamonds, agricultural products, chemicals, textiles and apparel

Exports - partners:

US 35.05%, Hong Kong 6.02%, Belgium 4.95% (2009)

Imports:

$55.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $45.99 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough diamonds, fuels, grain, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 12.35%, China 7.43%, Germany 7.1%, Switzerland 6.94%, Belgium 5.42%, Italy 4.49%, UK 4.03%, Netherlands 3.98% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$66.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $60.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$89.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $86.78 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$64.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $58.82 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$58.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $55.02 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010), 3.9326 (2009), 3.588 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Communications ::Israel

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.25 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 47

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.022 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 70

Telephone system:

general assessment: most highly developed system in the Middle East although not the largest

domestic: good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay; all systems are digital; four privately-owned mobile-cellular service providers with countrywide coverage

international: country code - 972; submarine cables provide links to Europe, Cyprus, and parts of the Middle East; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

state broadcasting network, operated by the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), broadcasts on 2 channels, one in Hebrew and the other in Arabic; 5 commercial channels including a channel broadcasting in Russian, a channel broadcasting Knesset proceedings, and a music channel supervised by a public body; multi-channel satellite and cable TV packages provide access to foreign channels; IBA broadcasts on 8 radio networks with multiple repeaters and Israel Defense Forces Radio broadcasts over multiple stations; about 15 privately-owned radio stations; overall more than 100 stations and repeater stations operating (2008)

Internet country code:

.il

Internet hosts:

1.689 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 35

Internet users:

4.525 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 51

Transportation ::Israel

Airports:

48 (2010) country comparison to the world: 92

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 30

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 176 km; oil 442 km; refined products 261 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 949 km country comparison to the world: 92 standard gauge: 949 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 18,096 km country comparison to the world: 116 paved: 18,096 km (includes 146 km of expressways) (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 10 country comparison to the world: 113 by type: cargo 2, container 8

registered in other countries: 51 (Bermuda 3, Cyprus 1, Georgia 1, Honduras 1, Liberia 31, Malta 5, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 4, Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ashdod, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa

Military ::Israel

Military branches:

Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Naval Forces (IN), Israel Air
Force (IAF) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druzes) and voluntary (Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are obligated to military service; conscript service obligation - 36 months for enlisted men, 21 months for enlisted women, 48 months for officers; pilots commit to 9 years service; reserve obligation to age 41-51 (men), 24 (women) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,771,661

females age 16-49: 1,687,698 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,496,542

females age 16-49: 1,425,537 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 61,613

female: 58,679 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

7.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 6

Transnational Issues ::Israel

Disputes - international:

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Israel continues construction of a "seam line" separation barrier along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; Israel withdrew its settlers and military from the Gaza Strip and from four settlements in the West Bank in August 2005; Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied (Lebanon claims the Shab'a Farms area of Golan Heights); since 1948, about 350 peacekeepers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) headquartered in Jerusalem monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating, and assist other UN personnel in the region

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 150,000-420,000 (Arab villagers displaced from homes in northern Israel) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

increasingly concerned about ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin abuse; drugs arrive in country from Lebanon and, increasingly, from Jordan; money-laundering center

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Italy (Europe)

Introduction ::Italy

Background:

Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the regional states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor EMMANUEL II. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist dictatorship. His alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has been at the forefront of European economic and political unification, joining the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent problems include illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption, high unemployment, sluggish economic growth, and the low incomes and technical standards of southern Italy compared with the prosperous north.

Geography ::Italy

Location:

Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central
Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia

Geographic coordinates:

42 50 N, 12 50 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 301,340 sq km country comparison to the world: 71 land: 294,140 sq km

water: 7,200 sq km

note: includes Sardinia and Sicily

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Arizona

Land boundaries:

total: 1,899.2 km

border countries: Austria 430 km, France 488 km, Holy See (Vatican City) 3.2 km, San Marino 39 km, Slovenia 199 km, Switzerland 740 km

Coastline:

7,600 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in south

Terrain:

mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur 4,748 m (a secondary peak of Mont Blanc)

Natural resources:

coal, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorspar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil reserves, fish, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 26.41%

permanent crops: 9.09%

other: 64.5% (2005)

Irrigated land:

27,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

175 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 41.98 cu km/yr (18%/37%/45%)

per capita: 723 cu m/yr (1998)

Natural hazards:

regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venice

volcanism: Italy experiences significant volcanic activity; Etna (elev. 3,330 m, 10,925 ft), which is in eruption as of 2010, is Europe's most active volcano; flank eruptions pose a threat to nearby Sicilian villages; Etna, along with the famous Vesuvius, which remains a threat to the millions of nearby residents in the Bay of Naples area, have both been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Stromboli, on its namesake island, has also been continuously active with moderate volcanic activity; other historically active volcanoes include Campi Flegrei, Ischia, Larderello, Pantelleria, Vulcano, and Vulsini

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur dioxide; coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and agricultural effluents; acid rain damaging lakes; inadequate industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as southern sea and air approaches to Western Europe

People ::Italy

Population:

58,090,681 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.5% (male 4,056,156/female 3,814,070)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 19,530,696/female 18,981,084)

65 years and over: 20.2% (male 4,903,762/female 6,840,444) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 43.7 years

male: 42.3 years

female: 45.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.075% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Birth rate:

8.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Death rate:

10.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Net migration rate:

2.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Urbanization:

urban population: 68% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.41 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 182 male: 5.96 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.33 years country comparison to the world: 23 male: 77.39 years

female: 83.46 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.32 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

150,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Nationality:

noun: Italian(s)

adjective: Italian

Ethnic groups:

Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and
Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and
Greek-Italians in the south)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90% (approximately; about one-third practicing), other 10% (includes mature Protestant and Jewish communities and a growing Muslim immigrant community)

Languages:

Italian (official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region are predominantly German speaking), French (small French-speaking minority in Valle d'Aosta region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.4%

male: 98.8%

female: 98% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.3% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 99

Government ::Italy

Country name:

conventional long form: Italian Republic

conventional short form: Italy

local long form: Repubblica Italiana

local short form: Italia

former: Kingdom of Italy

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Rome

geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 29 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

15 regions (regioni, singular - regione) and 5 autonomous regions (regioni autonome, singular - regione autonoma)

regions: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna,
Lazio (Latium), Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte
(Piedmont), Puglia (Apulia), Toscana (Tuscany), Umbria, Veneto
(Venetia)

autonomous regions: Friuli-Venezia Giulia; Sardegna (Sardinia); Sicilia (Sicily); Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-South Tyrol) or Trentino-Suedtirol (German); Valle d'Aosta (Aosta Valley) or Vallee d'Aoste (French)

Independence:

17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed; Italy was not finally unified until 1870)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 2 June (1946)

Constitution:

passed 11 December 1947, effective 1 January 1948; amended many times

Legal system:

based on civil law system; appeals treated as new trials; judicial review under certain conditions in Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (except in senatorial elections, where minimum age is 25)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Giorgio NAPOLITANO (since 15 May 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Silvio BERLUSCONI (since 8 May 2008) note - in Italy the prime minister is referred to as the president of the Council of Ministers

cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister and nominated by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of both houses of parliament and 58 regional representatives for a seven-year term (no term limits); election last held on 10 May 2006 (next to be held in May 2013); prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed by parliament

election results: Giorgio NAPOLITANO elected president on the fourth round of voting; electoral college vote - 543

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlamento consists of the Senate or Senato della Repubblica (315 seats; members elected by proportional vote with the winning coalition in each region receiving 55% of seats from that region; members to serve five-year terms; and up to 5 senators for life appointed by the president of the Republic) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camera dei Deputati (630 seats; members elected by popular vote with the winning national coalition receiving 54% of chamber seats; members to serve five-year terms); note - it has not been clarified if each president has the power to designate up to five senators or if five is the number of senators for life who might sit in the Senate

elections: Senate - last held on 13-14 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13-14 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - S. BERLUSCONI coalition 174 (PdL 147, LN 25, MpA 2), W. VELTRONI coalition 132 (PD 118, IdV 3), UdC 3, other 6; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - S. BERLUSCONI coalition 344 (PdL 276, LN 60, MpA 8), W. VELTRONI coalition 246 (PD 217, IdV 29), UdC 36, other 4

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court or Corte Costituzionale (composed of 15 judges: one-third appointed by the president, one-third elected by parliament, one-third elected by the ordinary and administrative Supreme Courts)

Political parties and leaders:

Center-Right coalition: Lega Nord or LN [Umberto BOSSI]; Movement for Autonomy or MpA [Raffaele LOMBARDO]; People of Freedom or PdL [Silvio BERLUSCONI]

Center-Left coalition: Democratic Party or PD [Pier Luigi BERSANI];
Italy of Values or IdV [Antonio DI PIETRO]

other non-allied parties: Future and Liberty Party or FLI [Gianfranco FINI]; Union of the Center or UdC [Pier Ferdinando CASINI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

manufacturers and merchants associations - Confcommercio;
Confindustria; organized farm groups - Confcoltivatori;
Confagricoltura; Roman Catholic Church; three major trade union
confederations - Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro or CGIL
[Guglielmo EPIFANI] which is left wing; Confederazione Italiana dei
Sindacati Lavoratori or CISL [Raffaele BONANNO], which is Roman
Catholic centrist; Unione Italiana del Lavoro or UIL [Luigi
ANGELETTI] which is lay centrist)

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia
Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CDB, CE, CEI,
CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-7, G-8,
G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner),
Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNRWA,
UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Giulio TERZI di Sant' Agata

chancery: 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 612-4400

FAX: [1] (202) 518-2151

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco

consulate(s): Detroit

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David THORNE

embassy: Via Vittorio Veneto 121, 00187-Rome

mailing address: PSC 59, Box 100, APO AE 09624

telephone: [39] (06) 46741

FAX: [39] (06) 488-2672, 4674-2356

consulate(s) general: Florence, Milan, Naples

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; design inspired by the French flag brought to Italy by Napoleon in 1797; colors are those of Milan (red and white) combined with the green uniform color of the Milanese civic guard

note: similar to the flag of Mexico, which is longer, uses darker shades of red and green, and has its coat of arms centered on the white band; Ireland, which is longer and is green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire, which has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green

National anthem:

name: "Il Canto degli Italiani" (The Song of the Italians)

lyrics/music: Goffredo MAMELI/Michele NOVARO

note: adopted 1946; the anthem, originally written in 1847, is also known as "L'Inno di Mameli" (Mameli's Hymn), and "Fratelli D'Italia" (Brothers of Italy)

Economy ::Italy

Economy - overview:

Italy has a diversified industrial economy, which is divided into a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less-developed, welfare-dependent, agricultural south, with high unemployment. The Italian economy is driven in large part by the manufacture of high-quality consumer goods produced by small and medium-sized enterprises, many of them family owned. Italy also has a sizable underground economy, which by some estimates accounts for as much as 15% of GDP. These activities are most common within the agriculture, construction, and service sectors. Italy has moved slowly on implementing needed structural reforms, such as reducing graft, overhauling costly entitlement programs, and increasing employment opportunities for young workers, particularly women. The international financial crisis worsened conditions in Italy's labor market, with unemployment rising from 6.2% in 2007 to 8.4% in 2010, but in the longer-term Italy's low fertility rate and quota-driven immigration policies will increasingly strain its economy. A rise in exports and investment driven by the global economic recovery nevertheless helped the economy grow by about 1% in 2010 following a 5% contraction in 2009. The Italian government has struggled to limit government spending, but Italy's exceedingly high public debt remains above 115% of GDP, and its fiscal deficit - just 1.5% of GDP in 2007 - exceeded 5% in 2009 and 2010, as the costs of servicing the country's debt rose.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.782 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $1.763 trillion (2009 est.)

$1.857 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.037 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 -5.1% (2009 est.)

-1.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$30,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $30,300 (2009 est.)

$31,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.8%

industry: 24.9%

services: 73.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

25.05 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.2%

industry: 30.7%

services: 65.1% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

8.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 7.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 26.8% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32 (2006) country comparison to the world: 101 27.3 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Public debt:

118.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 115.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 0.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 119 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.26% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 11.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.234 trillion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 7 $1.267 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$1.884 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $1.846 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.274 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $3.047 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$317.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 16 $520.9 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.073 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans, grain, olives; beef, dairy products; fish

Industries:

tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramics

Industrial production growth rate:

0.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Electricity - production:

289.7 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Electricity - consumption:

315 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Electricity - exports:

3.431 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

43 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

146,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Oil - consumption:

1.537 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Oil - exports:

586,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Oil - imports:

1.911 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Oil - proved reserves:

423.7 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Natural gas - production:

8.119 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Natural gas - consumption:

78.12 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - exports:

124 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - imports:

69.24 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Natural gas - proved reserves:

69.83 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Current account balance:

-$61.98 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 -$66.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$458.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $407.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

engineering products, textiles and clothing, production machinery, motor vehicles, transport equipment, chemicals; food, beverages and tobacco; minerals, and nonferrous metals

Exports - partners:

Germany 12.6%, France 11.57%, US 5.92%, Spain 5.69%, UK 5.13%,
Switzerland 4.69% (2009)

Imports:

$459.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $403.9 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

engineering products, chemicals, transport equipment, energy products, minerals and nonferrous metals, textiles and clothing; food, beverages, and tobacco

Imports - partners:

Germany 16.68%, France 8.82%, China 6.53%, Netherlands 5.63%, Spain 4.3%, Russia 4.12%, Belgium 4.08% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$132.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.223 trillion (30 June 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $2.328 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$405.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $368.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$601.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $555.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Italy

Telephones - main lines in use:

21.3 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 12

Telephones - mobile cellular:

90.613 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 11

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern, well developed, fast; fully automated telephone, telex, and data services

domestic: high-capacity cable and microwave radio relay trunks

international: country code - 39; a series of submarine cables provide links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and US; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (with a total of 5 antennas - 3 for Atlantic Ocean and 2 for Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region), and NA Eutelsat

Broadcast media:

two Italian media giants - the publicly-owned Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI) with 3 national terrestrial stations and privately-owned Mediaset with 3 national terrestrial stations - dominate; additional broadcasts by a large number of private stations and Sky Italia - a satellite TV network; RAI operates 3 AM/FM nationwide radio stations; some 1,300 commercial radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.it

Internet hosts:

23.16 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 3

Internet users:

29.235 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 13

Transportation ::Italy

Airports:

132 (2010) country comparison to the world: 44

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 101

over 3,047 m: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

914 to 1,523 m: 31

under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 31

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Heliports:

6 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 17,558 km; oil 1,241 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 19,729 km country comparison to the world: 15 standard gauge: 18,317 km 1.435-m gauge (12,458 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 123 km 1.000-m gauge (123 km electrified); 1,058 km 0.950-m gauge (151 km electrified); 231 km 0.850-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 487,700 km country comparison to the world: 13 paved: 487,700 km (includes 6,700 km of expressways) (2007)

Waterways:

2,400 km country comparison to the world: 38 note: used for commercial traffic; of limited overall value compared to road and rail (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 667 country comparison to the world: 17 by type: bulk carrier 81, cargo 47, carrier 1, chemical tanker 169, container 22, liquefied gas 25, passenger 23, passenger/cargo 160, petroleum tanker 56, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 34, specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 34

foreign-owned: 78 (Denmark 4, France 2, Germany 1, Greece 8, Luxembourg 12, Nigeria 1, Norway 6, Sweden 1, Switzerland 6, Taiwan 11, Turkey 3, UK 2, US 21)

registered in other countries: 213 (Bahamas 5, Belize 3, Cayman
Islands 6, Cyprus 6, Georgia 2, Gibraltar 4, Greece 5, Kiribati 1,
Liberia 48, Malta 52, Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 9, Norway 3,
Panama 23, Portugal 10, Russia 9, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines 5, Singapore 3, Slovakia 2, Spain 1,
Sweden 5, Turkey 2, UK 4, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Augusta, Cagliari, Genoa, Livorno, Santa Panagia (Melilli), Taranto,
Trieste, Venice

Military ::Italy

Military branches:

Italian Armed Forces: Italian Army (Esercito Italiano, EI), Italian
Navy (Marina Militare Italiana, MMI), Italian Air Force (Aeronautica
Militare Italiana, AMI), Carabinieri Corps (Arma dei Carabinieri,
CC) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 year of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished January 2005; women may serve in any military branch; 10-month service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 45 (Army and Air Force) or 39 (Navy) (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,705,846

females age 16-49: 12,929,946 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 11,092,984

females age 16-49: 10,452,910 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 280,255

female: 263,336 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.8% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Transnational Issues ::Italy

Disputes - international:

Italy's long coastline and developed economy entices tens of thousands of illegal immigrants from southeastern Europe and northern Africa

Illicit drugs:

important gateway for and consumer of Latin American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin entering the European market; money laundering by organized crime and from smuggling

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Jamaica (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Jamaica

Background:

The island - discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 - was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain. In 1958 it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies. Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew from the Federation in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence as rival gangs affiliated with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, and poverty pose significant challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy.

Geography ::Jamaica

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 N, 77 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 10,991 sq km country comparison to the world: 167 land: 10,831 sq km

water: 160 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,022 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior

Terrain:

mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, gypsum, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 15.83%

permanent crops: 10.01%

other: 74.16% (2005)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (2002)

Total renewable water resources:

9.4 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.41 cu km/yr (34%/17%/49%)

per capita: 155 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (especially July to November)

Environment - current issues:

heavy rates of deforestation; coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the main sea lanes for the Panama Canal

People ::Jamaica

Population:

2,847,232 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.4% (male 451,310/female 436,466)

15-64 years: 61.1% (male 851,372/female 875,132)

65 years and over: 7.5% (male 94,833/female 116,815) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.9 years

male: 23.4 years

female: 24.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.747% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Birth rate:

19.47 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Death rate:

6.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Net migration rate:

-5.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Urbanization:

urban population: 53% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.91 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 125 male: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.48 years country comparison to the world: 113 male: 71.8 years

female: 75.25 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.21 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

27,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Nationality:

noun: Jamaican(s)

adjective: Jamaican

Ethnic groups:

black 91.2%, mixed 6.2%, other or unknown 2.6% (2001 census)

Religions:

Protestant 62.5% (Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, Pentecostal 9.5%, Other Church of God 8.3%, Baptist 7.2%, New Testament Church of God 6.3%, Church of God in Jamaica 4.8%, Church of God of Prophecy 4.3%, Anglican 3.6%, other Christian 7.7%), Roman Catholic 2.6%, other or unspecified 14.2%, none 20.9%, (2001 census)

Languages:

English, English patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 87.9%

male: 84.1%

female: 91.6% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 34

Government ::Jamaica

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Jamaica

Government type:

constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Kingston

geographic coordinates: 18 00 N, 76 48 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland

note: for local government purposes, Kingston and Saint Andrew were amalgamated in 1923 into the present single corporate body known as the Kingston and Saint Andrew Corporation

Independence:

6 August 1962 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 August (1962)

Constitution:

6 August 1962

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Dr. Patrick L. ALLEN (since 26 February 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Bruce GOLDING (since 11 September 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House of Representatives is appointed prime minister by the governor general; the deputy prime minister recommended by the prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 21-member body appointed by the governor general on the recommendations of the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; ruling party is allocated 13 seats, and the opposition is allocated 8 seats) and the House of Representatives (60 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 3 September 2007 (next to be held no later than October 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - JLP 50.1%, PNP 49.8%; seats by party - JLP 33, PNP 27

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal; Privy Council in UK; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Jamaica Labor Party or JLP [Bruce GOLDING]; People's National Party or PNP [Portia SIMPSON-MILLER]; National Democratic Movement or NDM [Michael WILLIAMS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

New Beginnings Movement or NBM; Rastafarians (black religious/racial cultists, pan-Africanists)

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Audrey P. MARKS

chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660

FAX: [1] (202) 452-0081

consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela BRIDGEWATER

embassy: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6

mailing address: P.O. Box 541, Kingston 5

telephone: [1] (876) 702-6000

FAX: [1] (876) 702-6001

Flag description:

diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles - green (top and bottom) and black (hoist side and outer side); green represents hope, vegetation, and agriculture, black reflects hardships overcome and to be faced, and yellow recalls golden sunshine and the island's natural resources

National anthem:

name: "Jamaica, Land We Love"

lyrics/music: Hugh Braham SHERLOCK/Robert Charles LIGHTBOURNE

note: adopted 1962

Economy ::Jamaica

Economy - overview:

The Jamaican economy is heavily dependent on services, which now account for more than 60% of GDP. The country continues to derive most of its foreign exchange from tourism, remittances, and bauxite/alumina. Remittances account for nearly 15% of GDP and exports of bauxite and alumina make up about 10%. Tourism revenues account for roughly 10% of GDP, and both arrivals and revenues grew in 2010, up 4% and 6% respectively. The Economic growth faces many challenges: high crime and corruption, large-scale unemployment and underemployment, and a debt-to-GDP ratio of more than 120%. Jamaica's onerous debt burden - the fourth highest per capita - is the result of government bailouts to ailing sectors of the economy, most notably to the financial sector in the mid-to-late 1990s. The Government of Jamaica signed a $1.27 billion, 27-month Standby Agreement with the International Monetary Fund for balance of payment support in February 2010. Other multilaterals have also provided millions of dollars in loans and grants. The government's difficult fiscal position hinders spending on infrastructure and social programs, particularly as job losses rise in a shrinking economy. The GOLDING administration faces the difficult prospect of having to achieve fiscal discipline in order to maintain debt payments, while simultaneously attacking a serious and growing crime problem that is hampering economic growth. High unemployment exacerbates the crime problem, including gang violence that is fueled by the drug trade.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$23.93 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 $24.12 billion (2009 est.)

$24.81 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$13.74 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198 -2.8% (2009 est.)

-0.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $8,500 (2009 est.)

$8,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.7%

industry: 29.7%

services: 64.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.317 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 17%

industry: 19%

services: 64% (2006)

Unemployment rate:

12.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 11.4% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

14.8% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 35.8% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.5 (2004) country comparison to the world: 40 37.9 (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Public debt:

123.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 124.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 9.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

16.43% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 16.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.432 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 126 $1.371 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$5.782 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $5.472 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.922 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $7.282 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$6.201 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 72 $7.513 billion (31 December 2008)

$12.33 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus, yams, ackees, vegetables; poultry, goats, milk; crustaceans, mollusks

Industries:

tourism, bauxite/alumina, agro processing, light manufactures, rum, cement, metal, paper, chemical products, telecommunications

Industrial production growth rate:

-2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Electricity - production:

7.324 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Electricity - consumption:

6.345 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Oil - consumption:

77,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Oil - imports:

77,720 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Current account balance:

-$1.382 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 -$876 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.487 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $1.263 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

alumina, bauxite, sugar, rum, coffee, yams, beverages, chemicals, wearing apparel, mineral fuels

Exports - partners:

US 38.19%, Canada 12.2%, UK 10.79%, Norway 4.89%, Netherlands 4.69% (2009)

Imports:

$5.378 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $4.581 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food and other consumer goods, industrial supplies, fuel, parts and accessories of capital goods, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials

Imports - partners:

US 28.32%, Trinidad and Tobago 22.98%, Venezuela 12.14%, China 4.61%, Brazil 4.18% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $2.081 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$12.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $10.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Jamaican dollars (JMD) per US dollar - 87.41 (2010), 87.894 (2009), 72.236 (2008), 69.034 (2007), 65.768 (2006)

Communications ::Jamaica

Telephones - main lines in use:

302,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 113

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.971 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 114

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully automatic domestic telephone network

domestic: the 1999 agreement to open the market for telecommunications services resulted in rapid growth in mobile-cellular telephone usage while the number of fixed-lines in use has declined; combined mobile-cellular teledensity exceeded 110 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 1-876; the Fibralink submarine cable network provides enhanced delivery of business and broadband traffic and is linked to the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) submarine cable in the Dominican Republic; the link to ARCOS-1 provides seamless connectivity to US, parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

privately-owned Radio Jamaica Limited and its subsidiaries operate multiple television stations, subscription cable services, and radio stations; 2 other privately-owned television stations broadcast; roughly 70 radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.jm

Internet hosts:

3,099 (2010) country comparison to the world: 143

Internet users:

1.581 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 80

Transportation ::Jamaica

Airports:

27 (2010) country comparison to the world: 124

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 15

under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 21,552 km country comparison to the world: 108 paved: 15,937 km (includes 33 km of expressways)

unpaved: 5,615 km (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 19 country comparison to the world: 100 by type: bulk carrier 9, cargo 5, container 4, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 19 (Denmark 1, Germany 10, Greece 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Discovery Bay (Port Rhoades), Kingston, Montego Bay, Port Antonio,
Port Esquivel, Port Kaiser, Rocky Point

Military ::Jamaica

Military branches:

Jamaica Defense Force: Ground Forces, Coast Guard, Air Wing (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; younger recruits may be conscripted with parental consent (2001)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 712,627

females age 16-49: 730,845 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 581,033

females age 16-49: 590,437 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 32,723

female: 32,098 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Transnational Issues ::Jamaica

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine from South America to North America and Europe; illicit cultivation and consumption of cannabis; government has an active manual cannabis eradication program; corruption is a major concern; substantial money-laundering activity; Colombian narcotics traffickers favor Jamaica for illicit financial transactions

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Jan Mayen (Europe)

Introduction ::Jan Mayen

Background:

This desolate, arctic, mountainous island was named after a Dutch whaling captain who indisputably discovered it in 1614 (earlier claims are inconclusive). Visited only occasionally by seal hunters and trappers over the following centuries, the island came under Norwegian sovereignty in 1929. The long dormant Beerenberg volcano resumed activity in 1970; the most recent eruption occurred in 1985. It is the northernmost active volcano on earth.

Geography ::Jan Mayen

Location:

Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian
Sea, northeast of Iceland

Geographic coordinates:

71 00 N, 8 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 377 sq km country comparison to the world: 203 land: 377 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

124.1 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 4 nm

contiguous zone: 10 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog

Terrain:

volcanic island, partly covered by glaciers

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

highest point: Haakon VII Toppen on Beerenberg 2,277 m

note: Beerenberg volcano has numerous peaks; the highest point on the volcano rim is named Haakon VII Toppen, after Norway's first king following the reestablishment of Norwegian independence in 1905

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

dominated by the volcano Beerenberg

volcanism: Beerenberg (elev. 2,227 m, 7,306 ft) is Norway's only active volcano; volcanic activity resumed in 1970; the most recent eruption occurred in 1985

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

barren volcanic island with some moss and grass

People ::Jan Mayen

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: personnel operate the Long Range Navigation (Loran-C) base and the weather and coastal services radio station

Government ::Jan Mayen

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Jan Mayen

Dependency status:

territory of Norway; since August 1994, administered from Oslo through the county governor (fylkesmann) of Nordland; however, authority has been delegated to a station commander of the Norwegian Defense Communication Service

Legal system:

the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Flag description:

the flag of Norway is used

Economy ::Jan Mayen

Economy - overview:

Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no exploitable natural resources, although surrounding waters contain substantial fish stocks and potential untapped petroleum resources. Economic activity is limited to providing services for employees of Norway's radio and meteorological stations on the island.

Communications ::Jan Mayen

Broadcast media:

a coastal radio station has been remotely operated since 1994 (2008)

Transportation ::Jan Mayen

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 220

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Jan Mayen

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Norway

Transnational Issues ::Jan Mayen

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on November 17, 2010

======================================================================

@Japan (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Japan

Background:

In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. Japan opened its ports after signing the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854 and began to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to defeat the forces of both China and Russia. It occupied Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan occupied Manchuria, and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and an ally of the US. While the emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, elected politicians hold actual decision-making power. Following three decades of unprecedented growth, Japan's economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s, but the country remains a major economic power.

Geography ::Japan

Location:

Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the
Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula

Geographic coordinates:

36 00 N, 138 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 377,915 sq km country comparison to the world: 61 land: 364,485 sq km

water: 13,430 sq km

note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto, Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto)

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than California

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

29,751 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the international straits - La Perouse or Soya, Tsugaru, Osumi, and Eastern and Western Channels of the Korea or Tsushima Strait

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north

Terrain:

mostly rugged and mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m

highest point: Fujiyama 3,776 m

Natural resources:

negligible mineral resources, fish

note: with virtually no energy natural resources, Japan is the world's largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as the second largest importer of oil

Land use:

arable land: 11.64%

permanent crops: 0.9%

other: 87.46% (2005)

Irrigated land:

25,920 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

430 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 88.43 cu km/yr (20%/18%/62%)

per capita: 690 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis; typhoons

volcanism: both Unzen (elev. 1,500 m, 4,621 ft) and Sakura-jima (elev. 1,117 m, 3,665 ft), which lies near the densely populated city of Kagoshima, have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Asama, Honshu Island's most active volcano, Aso, Bandai, Fuji, Iwo-Jima, Kikai, Kirishima, Komaga-take, Oshima, Suwanosejima, Tokachi, Yake-dake, and Usu

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain; acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life; Japan is one of the largest consumers of fish and tropical timber, contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location in northeast Asia

People ::Japan

Population:

126,804,433 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.5% (male 8,804,465/female 8,344,800)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 41,187,425/female 40,533,876)

65 years and over: 22.2% (male 11,964,694/female 16,243,419) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 44.6 years

male: 42.9 years

female: 46.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.242% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Birth rate:

7.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

Death rate:

9.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 96

Urbanization:

urban population: 66% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 2.79 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 219 male: 2.98 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 82.17 years country comparison to the world: 5 male: 78.87 years

female: 85.66 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.2 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Nationality:

noun: Japanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Japanese

Ethnic groups:

Japanese 98.5%, Koreans 0.5%, Chinese 0.4%, other 0.6%

note: up to 230,000 Brazilians of Japanese origin migrated to Japan in the 1990s to work in industries; some have returned to Brazil (2004)

Religions:

Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%, Christianity 2%, other 7.8%

note: total adherents exceeds 100% because many people belong to both Shintoism and Buddhism (2005)

Languages:

Japanese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2002)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 126

Government ::Japan

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Japan

local long form: Nihon-koku/Nippon-koku

local short form: Nihon/Nippon

Government type:

a parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Tokyo

geographic coordinates: 35 41 N, 139 45 E

time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka,
Fukushima, Gifu, Gunma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki,
Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto,
Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara, Niigata, Oita,
Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizuoka,
Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata,
Yamaguchi, Yamanashi

Independence:

3 May 1947 (current constitution adopted as amendment to Meiji Constitution); notable earlier dates: 660 B.C. (traditional date of the founding of the nation by Emperor JIMMU); 29 November 1890 (Meiji Constitution provides for constitutional monarchy)

National holiday:

Birthday of Emperor AKIHITO, 23 December (1933)

Constitution:

3 May 1947

Legal system:

modeled after European civil law systems with English-American influence; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)

head of government: Prime Minister Naoto KAN (since 8 June 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: Diet designates the prime minister; constitution requires that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; the monarchy is hereditary

Legislative branch:

bicameral Diet or Kokkai consists of the House of Councillors or Sangi-in (242 seats - members elected for fixed six-year terms; half reelected every three years; 146 members in multi-seat constituencies and 96 by proportional representation) and the House of Representatives or Shugi-in (480 seats - members elected for maximum four-year terms; 300 in single-seat constituencies; 180 members by proportional representation in 11 regional blocs); the prime minister has the right to dissolve the House of Representatives at any time with the concurrence of the cabinet

elections: House of Councillors - last held on 11 July 2010 (next to be held in July 2013); House of Representatives - last held on 30 August 2009 (next to be held by August 2013)

election results: House of Councillors - percent of vote by party - DPJ 31.6%, LDP 24.1%, YP 13.6%, NK 13.1%, JCP 6.1%, SDP 3.8%, others 7.7%; seats by party - DPJ 106, LDP 84, NK 19, YP 11, JCP 6, SDP 4, others 12

House of Representatives - percent of vote by party (by proportional representation) - DPJ 42.4%, LDP 26.7%, NK 11.5%, JCP 7.0%, SDP 4.3%, others 8.1%; seats by party - DPJ 308, LDP 119, NK 21, JCP 9, SDP 7, others 16 (2009)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the monarch after designation by the cabinet; all other justices are appointed by the cabinet)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of Japan or DPJ [Naoto KAN]; Japan Communist Party or JCP [Kazuo SHII]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Sadakazu TANIGAKI]; New Komeito or NK [Natsuo YAMAGUCHI]; People's New Party or PNP [Shizuka KAMEI]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Mizuho FUKUSHIMA]; Your Party or YP [Yoshimi WATANABE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: business groups; trade unions

International organization participation:

ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CERN (observer), CICA (observer), CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ichiro FUJISAKI

chancery: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 238-6700

FAX: [1] (202) 328-2187

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Agana (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Portland (Oregon), San Francisco, Seattle

consulate(s): Anchorage, Nashville

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John V. ROOS

embassy: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420

mailing address: Unit 9800, Box 300, APO AP 96303-0300

telephone: [81] (03) 3224-5000

FAX: [81] (03) 3505-1862

consulate(s) general: Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo

consulate(s): Fukuoka, Nagoya

Flag description:

white with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in the center

National anthem:

name: "Kimigayo" (The Emperor"s Reign)

lyrics/music: unknown/Hiromori HAYASHI

note: adopted 1999; in use as unofficial national anthem since 1883; oldest anthem lyrics in the world, dating to the 10th century or earlier; there is some opposition to the anthem because of its association with militarism and worship of the emperor

Economy ::Japan

Economy - overview:

In the years following World War II, government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (1% of GDP) helped Japan develop a technologically advanced economy. Two notable characteristics of the post-war economy were the close interlocking structures of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, known as keiretsu, and the guarantee of lifetime employment for a substantial portion of the urban labor force. Both features are now eroding under the dual pressures of global competition and domestic demographic change. Japan's industrial sector is heavily dependent on imported raw materials and fuels. A tiny agricultural sector is highly subsidized and protected, with crop yields among the highest in the world. Usually self sufficient in rice, Japan imports about 60% of its food on a caloric basis. Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch. For three decades, overall real economic growth had been spectacular - a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5% average in the 1970s, and a 4% average in the 1980s. Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the after effects of inefficient investment and an asset price bubble in the late 1980s that required a protracted period of time for firms to reduce excess debt, capital, and labor. The Japanese financial sector was not heavily exposed to sub-prime mortgages or their derivative instruments and weathered the initial effect of the recent global credit crunch, but a sharp downturn in business investment and global demand for Japan's exports in late 2008 pushed Japan further into recession. Government stimulus spending helped the economy recover in late 2009 and 2010, but Tokyo is warning that GDP growth will slow in 2011. Prime Minister Kan's government has proposed opening the agricultural and services sectors to greater foreign competition and boosting exports through free-trade agreements, but debate continues on restructuring the economy and funding new stimulus programs in the face of a tight fiscal situation. Japan's huge government debt, which is approaching 200 percent of GDP, persistent deflation, and an aging and shrinking population are major complications for the economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.338 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $4.211 trillion (2009 est.)

$4.442 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.391 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 -5.2% (2009 est.)

-1.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$34,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $33,100 (2009 est.)

$34,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.5%

industry: 22.8%

services: 75.7% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

65.64 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4%

industry: 28%

services: 68% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 5.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4.8%

highest 10%: 21.7% (1993)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38.1 (2002) country comparison to the world: 74 24.9 (1993)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Public debt:

196.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 192.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 -1.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.3% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 139 0.3% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

1.72% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 1.91% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.541 trillion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 3 $5.162 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$18.3 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 2 $14.56 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$16.39 trillion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $13.32 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$3.378 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 3 $3.22 trillion (31 December 2008)

$4.453 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs; fish

Industries:

among world's largest and technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Electricity - production:

957.9 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Electricity - consumption:

925.5 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

132,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Oil - consumption:

4.363 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Oil - exports:

380,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Oil - imports:

5.033 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Oil - proved reserves:

44.12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - production:

3.539 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Natural gas - consumption:

94.67 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Natural gas - imports:

90.29 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Natural gas - proved reserves:

20.9 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Current account balance:

$182.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $142.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$735.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $545.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

transport equipment, motor vehicles, semiconductors, electrical machinery, chemicals

Exports - partners:

China 18.88%, US 16.42%, South Korea 8.13%, Taiwan 6.27%, Hong Kong 5.49% (2009)

Imports:

$636.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $501.6 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, raw materials

Imports - partners:

China 22.2%, US 10.96%, Australia 6.29%, Saudi Arabia 5.29%, UAE 4.12%, South Korea 3.98%, Indonesia 3.95% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$1.024 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.246 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 6 $2.231 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$161.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $147.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$831.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $738.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

yen (JPY) per US dollar - 88.67 (2010), 93.57 (2009), 103.58 (2008), 117.99 (2007), 116.18 (2006)

Communications ::Japan

Telephones - main lines in use:

44.364 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Telephones - mobile cellular:

114.917 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 7

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international service

domestic: high level of modern technology and excellent service of every kind

international: country code - 81; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 7 Intelsat (Pacific and Indian Oceans), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region), 3 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean regions), and 8 SkyPerfect JSAT (2008)

Broadcast media:

a mixture of public and commercial broadcast TV and radio stations; 5 national terrestrial television networks including 1 public broadcaster; the large number of radio and TV stations available provide a wide range of choices; satellite and cable services provide access to international channels (2008)

Internet country code:

.jp

Internet hosts:

54.846 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 2

Internet users:

99.182 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 3

Transportation ::Japan

Airports:

176 (2010) country comparison to the world: 34

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 144

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 44

1,524 to 2,437 m: 38

914 to 1,523 m: 28

under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 32

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 28 (2010)

Heliports:

15 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 3,879 km; oil 167 km; oil/gas/water 53 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 26,435 km country comparison to the world: 11 standard gauge: 3,978 km 1.435-m gauge (3,978 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 96 km 1.372-m gauge (96 km electrified); 22,313 km 1.067-m gauge (15,235 km electrified); 48 km 0.762-m gauge (48 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 1,203,777 km country comparison to the world: 5 paved: 961,366 km (includes 7,560 km of expressways)

unpaved: 242,411 km (2008)

Waterways:

1,770 km (seagoing vessels use inland seas) (2010) country comparison to the world: 47

Merchant marine:

total: 673 country comparison to the world: 16 by type: bulk carrier 152, cargo 31, carrier 3, chemical tanker 28, container 2, liquefied gas 63, passenger 12, passenger/cargo 120, petroleum tanker 152, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 52, vehicle carrier 54

foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1)

registered in other countries: 3,064 (Bahamas 93, Belize 1, Bermuda 2, Burma 1, Cambodia 2, Cayman Islands 19, China 2, Cyprus 19, Honduras 4, Hong Kong 84, Indonesia 7, Isle of Man 15, Liberia 102, Malaysia 4, Malta 5, Marshall Islands 41, Netherlands 1, Panama 2347, Philippines 82, Portugal 9, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Sierra Leone 3, Singapore 146, South Korea 15, Thailand 2, UK 4, Vanuatu 44, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Chiba, Kawasaki, Kobe, Mizushima, Moji, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo,
Tomakomai, Yokohama

Military ::Japan

Military branches:

Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD): Ground Self-Defense Force
(Rikujou Jietai, GSDF), Maritime Self-Defense Force (Kaijou Jietai,
MSDF), Air Self-Defense Force (Koku Jieitai, ASDF) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 27,461,338

females age 16-49: 26,478,466 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,564,075

females age 16-49: 21,720,375 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 626,115

female: 593,905 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 148

Transnational Issues ::Japan

Disputes - international:

the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kuril Islands," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities; Japan and South Korea claim Liancourt Rocks (Take-shima/Tok-do) occupied by South Korea since 1954; China and Taiwan dispute both Japan's claims to the uninhabited islands of the Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally declared exclusive economic zone in the East China Sea, the site of intensive hydrocarbon prospecting

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Jersey (Europe)

Introduction ::Jersey

Background:

Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy that held sway in both France and England. These islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II. Jersey is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.

Geography ::Jersey

Location:

Western Europe, island in the English Channel, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

49 15 N, 2 10 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 116 sq km country comparison to the world: 224 land: 116 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about two-thirds the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

70 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

temperate; mild winters and cool summers

Terrain:

gently rolling plain with low, rugged hills along north coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation 143 m

Natural resources:

arable land

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

largest and southernmost of Channel Islands; about 30% of population concentrated in Saint Helier

People ::Jersey

Population:

93,363 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 7,623/female 7,087)

15-64 years: 67.7% (male 30,914/female 31,081)

65 years and over: 16.3% (male 6,614/female 8,307) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.1 years

male: 38.5 years

female: 41.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.86% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Birth rate:

10.73 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Death rate:

7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Net migration rate:

5.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.02 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 204 male: 4.25 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.28 years country comparison to the world: 11 male: 78.88 years

female: 83.83 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.66 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Ethnic groups:

Jersey 51.1%, Britons 34.8%, Irish, French, and other white 6.6%,
Portuguese/Madeiran 6.4%, other 1.1% (2001 census)

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Congregational New Church,
Methodist, Presbyterian

Languages:

English 94.5% (official), Portuguese 4.6%, other 0.9% (2001 census)

Literacy:

NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Jersey

Country name:

conventional long form: Bailiwick of Jersey

conventional short form: Jersey

Dependency status:

British crown dependency

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Saint Helier

geographic coordinates: 49 11 N, 2 06 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 12 parishes including Grouville, Saint Brelade, Saint Clement, Saint Helier, Saint John, Saint Lawrence, Saint Martin, Saint Mary, Saint Ouen, Saint Peter, Saint Saviour, and Trinity

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply and local statutes; justice is administered by the Royal Court

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Lieutenant Governor Andrew RIDGEWAY (since 14 June 2006)

head of government: Chief Minister Terry LE SUEUR (12 December 2008); Bailiff Michael BIRT (since 9 July 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet (since December 2005) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: ministers of the Cabinet including the chief minister are elected by the Assembly of States; the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the States of Jersey (58 seats; 55 are voting members, of which 12 are senators elected for six-year terms, 12 are constables or heads of parishes elected for three-year terms, 29 are deputies elected for three-year terms, the bailiff and the deputy bailiff, and 3 non-voting members include the Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General, and the Solicitor General appointed by the monarch)

elections: last held on 15 October 2008 for senators and 26 November 2008 for deputies (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 55

Judicial branch:

Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the bailiff)

Political parties and leaders:

two declared parties: Centre Party; Jersey Democratic Alliance

note: all senators and deputies elected in 2008 were independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Institute of Directors, Jersey branch (provides business support);
Jersey Hospitality Association [Robert JONES] (trade association);
Jersey Rights Association [David ROTHERHAM] (human rights); La
Societe Jersiaise (education and conservation group); Progress
Jersey [Daren O'TOOLE, Gino RISOLI] (human rights); Royal Jersey
Agriculture and Horticultural Society or RJA&HS (development and
management of the Jersey breed of cattle); Save Jersey's Heritage
(protects heritage through building preservation)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag description:

white with a diagonal red cross extending to the corners of the flag; in the upper quadrant, surmounted by a yellow crown, a red shield with three lions in yellow; according to tradition, the ships of Jersey - in an attempt to differentiate themselves from English ships flying the horizontal cross of St. George - rotated the cross to the "X" (saltire) configuration; because this arrangement still resembled the Irish cross of St. Patrick, the yellow Plantagenet crown and Jersey coat of arms were added

National anthem:

name: "Isle de Siez Nous" (Island Home)

lyrics/music: Gerard LE FEUVRE

note: adopted 2008; serves as a local anthem; as a British crown dependency, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Jersey

Economy - overview:

Jersey's economy is based on international financial services, agriculture, and tourism. In 2005 the finance sector accounted for about 50% of the island's output. Potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and especially flowers are important export crops, shipped mostly to the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is known worldwide and represents an important export income earner. Milk products go to the UK and other EU countries. Tourism accounts for one-quarter of GDP. In recent years, the government has encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey with the result that an electronics industry has developed, displacing more traditional industries. All raw material and energy requirements are imported as well as a large share of Jersey's food needs. Light taxes and death duties make the island a popular tax haven. Living standards come close to those of the UK.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.1 billion (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.1 billion (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$57,000 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 2%

services: 97% (2005)

Labor force:

53,560 (June 2006) country comparison to the world: 187

Unemployment rate:

2.2% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (December 2006) country comparison to the world: 107

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes; beef, dairy products

Industries:

tourism, banking and finance, dairy, electronics

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - consumption:

630.1 million kWh (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by France

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

light industrial and electrical goods, dairy cattle, foodstuffs, textiles, flowers

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs, mineral fuels, chemicals

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Jersey pounds per US dollar 0.6504 (2010), 0.6389 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

note: the Jersey pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Jersey

Telephones - main lines in use:

73,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 152

Telephones - mobile cellular:

83,900 (2004) country comparison to the world: 188

Telephone system:

general assessment: state-owned, partially-competitive market; increasingly modern, with some broadband access

domestic: digital telephone system launch announced in 2006 and currently being implemented; fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available; combined fixed and mobile-cellular density exceeds 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 44; submarine cable connectivity to Guernsey, the UK, and France (2008)

Broadcast media:

multiple UK terrestrial television broadcasts - received via a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney - will begin switching from analog to digital broadcasts in November 2010; satellite packages available; BBC Radio Jersey and 1 other radio station operating (2009)

Internet country code:

.je

Internet hosts:

237 (2010) country comparison to the world: 191

Internet users:

29,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 181

Transportation ::Jersey

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 219

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 576 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 190

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 11 (Gibraltar 1, India 1, Marshall Islands 9) (2010) country comparison to the world: 110

Ports and terminals:

Gorey, Saint Aubin, Saint Helier

Military ::Jersey

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 16,853

females age 16-49: 16,737 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 594

female: 555 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Jersey

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Jordan (Middle East)

Introduction ::Jordan

Background:

Following World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the UK received a mandate to govern much of the Middle East. Britain separated out a semi-autonomous region of Transjordan from Palestine in the early 1920s, and the area gained its independence in 1946; it adopted the name of Jordan in 1950. The country's long-time ruler was King HUSSEIN (1953-99). A pragmatic leader, he successfully navigated competing pressures from the major powers (US, USSR, and UK), various Arab states, Israel, and a large internal Palestinian population. Jordan lost the West Bank to Israel in the 1967 war and barely managed to defeat Palestinian rebels who attempted to overthrow the monarchy in 1970. King HUSSEIN in 1988 permanently relinquished Jordanian claims to the West Bank. In 1989, he reinstituted parliamentary elections and initiated a gradual political liberalization; political parties were legalized in 1992. In 1994, he signed a peace treaty with Israel. King ABDALLAH II, the son of King HUSSEIN, assumed the throne following his father's death in February 1999. Since then, he has consolidated his power and undertaken an aggressive economic reform program. Jordan acceded to the World Trade Organization in 2000, and began to participate in the European Free Trade Association in 2001. In 2003, Jordan staunchly supported the Coalition ouster of Saddam in Iraq and following the outbreak of insurgent violence in Iraq, absorbed thousands of displaced Iraqis. Municipal elections were held in July 2007 under a system in which 20% of seats in all municipal councils were reserved by quota for women. Parliamentary elections were held in November 2010 and saw independent pro-government candidates win the vast majority of seats.

Geography ::Jordan

Location:

Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

31 00 N, 36 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 89,342 sq km country comparison to the world: 111 land: 88,802 sq km

water: 540 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 1,635 km

border countries: Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 744 km, Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km

Coastline:

26 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

Climate:

mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Terrain:

mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m

highest point: Jabal Umm ad Dami 1,854 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, potash, shale oil

Land use:

arable land: 3.32%

permanent crops: 1.18%

other: 95.5% (2005)

Irrigated land:

750 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.9 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.01 cu km/yr (21%/4%/75%)

per capita: 177 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

droughts; periodic earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba and as the Arab country that shares the longest border with Israel and the occupied West Bank

People ::Jordan

Population:

6,407,085 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36% (male 1,161,484/female 1,096,441)

15-64 years: 59.4% (male 1,892,472/female 1,829,112)

65 years and over: 4.6% (male 143,058/female 146,718) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.8 years

male: 21.6 years

female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.159% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Birth rate:

27.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Death rate:

2.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

Net migration rate:

-2.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Urbanization:

urban population: 78% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 17.03 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 109 male: 17.55 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.92 years country comparison to the world: 27 male: 78.64 years

female: 81.28 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.42 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Nationality:

noun: Jordanian(s)

adjective: Jordanian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some
Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox,
Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several
small Shia Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)

Languages:

Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classes

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89.9%

male: 95.1%

female: 84.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 72

Government ::Jordan

Country name:

conventional long form: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

conventional short form: Jordan

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah

local short form: Al Urdun

former: Transjordan

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Amman

geographic coordinates: 31 57 N, 35 56 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in March; ends last Friday in October

Administrative divisions:

12 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ajlun, Al 'Aqabah, Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, 'Amman, At Tafilah, Az Zarqa', Irbid, Jarash, Ma'an, Madaba

Independence:

25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 May (1946)

Constitution:

1 January 1952; amended many times

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in a specially provided High Tribunal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999); Crown Prince HUSSEIN (born 28 June 1994), eldest son of King ABDALLAH II

head of government: Prime Minister Samir al-RIFAI (since 9 December 2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Ayman al-SAFADI, Khalid al-KARAKI, Sa'ad Hayel SROUR

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-'Umma consists of the Senate, also called the House of Notables or Majlis al-Ayan (60 seats; members appointed by the monarch to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies, also called the House of Representatives or Majlis al-Nuwaab (120 seats; members elected using a single, non-transferable vote system in multi-member districts to serve four-year terms); note - the new electoral law enacted in May 2010 allocated an additional 10 seats (6 seats added to the number reserved for women, bringing the total to 12; 2 additional seats for Amman; and 1 seat each for the cities of Zarqa and Irbid; unchanged are 9 seats reserved for Christian candidates, 9 for Bedouin candidates, and 3 for Jordanians of Chechen or Circassian descent

elections: Chamber of Deputies - last held on 9 November 2010 (next scheduled in 2014); note - the King dissolved the previous Chamber of Deputies in November 2009, midway through the parliamentary term

election results: Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents and other 120 (includes 12 seats filled by women's quota and 1 woman was directly elected); note - the IAF boycotted the election

Judicial branch:

Court of Cassation (Supreme Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Arab Ba'ath Socialist Party [Fuad DABBOUR]; Ba'ath Arab Progressive
Party [Tayseer al-HAMSI]; Call Party [Mohammed Abu BAKR]; Democratic
People's Party [Ablah al-ULBAH]; Democratic Popular Unity Party
[Sa'ed DIAB]; Islamic Action Front or IAF [Hamzeh MANSOUR]; Islamic
Center Party [Marwan al-FA'OURI; Jordanian Communist Party [Munir
HAMARNEH]; Jordanian National Party [Mona Abu BAKR]; Jordanian
United Front [Amjad al-MAJALI]; Life Party [Thaher 'AMROU]; Message
Party [Hazem QASHOU]; National Constitution Party [Ahmed al-SHUNAQ];
National Current Party [Abd al-Hadi al-MAJALI]; National Movement
for Direct Democracy [Mohammed al-QAQ]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Anti-Normalization Committee [Hamzeh MANSOUR, chairman]; Higher
Coordination Committee of Opposition Parties [Hamzeh MANZOUR];
Jordan Bar Association [Saleh al-ARMUTI, chairman]; Jordanian Press
Association [Sayf al-SHARIF, president]; Jordanian Muslim
Brotherhood [Dr. Hamam SAID, controller general]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alia Hatough BOURAN

chancery: 3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 966-2664

FAX: [1] (202) 966-3110

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert S. BEECROFT

embassy: Abdoun, Amman

mailing address: P. O. Box 354, Amman 11118 Jordan; Unit 70200, Box 5, DPO AE 09892-0200

telephone: [962] (6) 590-6000

FAX: [962] (6) 592-0121

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top), representing the Abbassid Caliphate, white, representing the Ummayyad Caliphate, and green, representing the Fatimid Caliphate; a red isosceles triangle on the hoist side, representing the Great Arab Revolt of 1916, and bearing a small white seven-pointed star symbolizing the seven verses of the opening Sura (Al-Fatiha) of the Holy Koran; the seven points on the star represent faith in One God, humanity, national spirit, humility, social justice, virtue, and aspirations; design is based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I

National anthem:

name: "As-salam al-malaki al-urdoni" (Long Live the King of Jordan)

lyrics/music: Abdul-Mone'm al-RIFAI'/Abdul-Qader al-TANEER

note: adopted 1946; the shortened version of the anthem is used most commonly, while the full version is reserved for special occasions

Economy ::Jordan

Economy - overview:

Jordan's economy is among the smallest in the Middle East, with insufficient supplies of water, oil, and other natural resources, underlying the government's heavy reliance on foreign assistance. Other economic challenges for the government include chronic high rates of poverty, unemployment, inflation, and a large budget deficit. Since assuming the throne in 1999, King ABDALLAH has implemented significant economic reforms, such as opening the trade regime, privatizing state-owned companies, and eliminating most fuel subsidies, which in the past few years have spurred economic growth by attracting foreign investment and creating some jobs. The global economic slowdown, however, has depressed Jordan's GDP growth. Export-oriented sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and the transport of re-exports have been hit the hardest. The Government approved two supplementary budgets in 2010, but sweeping tax cuts planned for 2010 did not materialize because of Amman's need for additional revenue to cover excess spending. The budget deficit is likely to remain high, at 5-6% of GDP, and Amman likely will continue to depend heavily on foreign assistance to finance the deficit in 2011. Jordan's financial sector has been relatively isolated from the international financial crisis because of its limited exposure to overseas capital markets. Jordan is currently exploring nuclear power generation to forestall energy shortfalls.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$33.79 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $32.74 billion (2009 est.)

$31.98 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$27.13 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 2.4% (2009 est.)

5.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 $5,200 (2009 est.)

$5,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.4%

industry: 30.3%

services: 66.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.719 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.7%

industry: 20%

services: 77.4% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

13.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 12.9% (2009 est.)

note: official rate; unofficial rate is approximately 30%

Population below poverty line:

14.2% (2002)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 30.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.7 (2007) country comparison to the world: 63 36.4 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

30.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Public debt:

61.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 64.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 -0.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 73 6.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 9.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$9.386 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 72 $8.437 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$35.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $33.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$26.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $25.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$31.86 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 53 $35.85 billion (31 December 2008)

$41.22 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, strawberries, stone fruits; sheep, poultry, dairy

Industries:

clothing, fertilizers, potash, phosphate mining, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement, inorganic chemicals, light manufacturing, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

2.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Electricity - production:

12.21 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Electricity - consumption:

10.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Electricity - exports:

176 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

200 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Oil - consumption:

108,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Oil - imports:

108,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Oil - proved reserves:

1 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Natural gas - production:

250 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - consumption:

2.97 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Natural gas - imports:

2.72 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.031 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Current account balance:

-$975 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 -$1.27 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.333 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $6.366 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, fertilizers, potash, phosphates, vegetables, pharmaceuticals

Exports - partners:

US 17.13%, Iraq 17%, India 13.59%, Saudi Arabia 10.56%, Syria 4.18%,
UAE 4.09% (2009)

Imports:

$12.97 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $12.5 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, iron, cereals

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 17.3%, China 10.95%, US 6.94%, Germany 6.29%, Egypt 6.1% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$12.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $12.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5.522 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $6.766 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$22.19 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $19.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Jordanian dinars (JOD) per US dollar - 0.709 (2010), 0.709 (2009), 0.709 (2008), 0.709 (2007), 0.709 (2006)

Communications ::Jordan

Telephones - main lines in use:

501,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 96

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6.014 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 85

Telephone system:

general assessment: service has improved recently with increased use of digital switching equipment; microwave radio relay transmission and coaxial and fiber-optic cable are employed on trunk lines; growing mobile-cellular usage in both urban and rural areas is reducing use of fixed-line services; Internet penetration remains modest and slow-growing

domestic: 1995 telecommunications law opened all non-fixed-line services to private competition; in 2005, monopoly over fixed-line services terminated and the entire telecommunications sector was opened to competition; currently multiple mobile-cellular providers with subscribership rapidly approaching 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 962; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) FEA and FLAG Falcon submarine cable networks; satellite earth stations - 33 (3 Intelsat, 1 Arabsat, and 29 land and maritime Inmarsat terminals); fiber-optic cable to Saudi Arabia and microwave radio relay link with Egypt and Syria; participant in Medarabtel (2010)

Broadcast media:

radio and TV dominated by the government-owned Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTV) that operates a main network, a sports network, a film network, and a satellite channel; first independent TV broadcaster aired in 2007; international satellite TV and Israeli and Syrian TV broadcasts are available; roughly 30 radio stations operational with JRTV operating the main government-owned station; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.jo

Internet hosts:

42,412 (2010) country comparison to the world: 92

Internet users:

1.642 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 78

Transportation ::Jordan

Airports:

18 (2010) country comparison to the world: 138

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 439 km; oil 49 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 507 km country comparison to the world: 114 narrow gauge: 507 km 1.050-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 7,891 km country comparison to the world: 143 paved: 7,891 km (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 13 country comparison to the world: 108 by type: cargo 5, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 7 (UAE 7)

registered in other countries: 20 (Bahamas 2, Egypt 2, Panama 13, Syria 2, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Al 'Aqabah

Military ::Jordan

Military branches:

Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF): Royal Jordanian Land Force (RJLF), Royal Jordanian Navy, Royal Jordanian Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya al-Urduniya, RJAF), Special Operations Command (Socom); Public Security Directorate (normally falls under Ministry of Interior, but comes under JAF in wartime or crisis) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription at age 18 was suspended in 1999, although all males under age 37 are required to register; women not subject to conscription, but can volunteer to serve in non-combat military positions in the Royal Jordanian Arab Army Women's Corps; conscription for males only resurrected in July 2007 in order to provide youth training necessary for job market needs (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,646,215

females age 16-49: 1,579,268 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,416,681

females age 16-49: 1,358,608 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 73,554

female: 69,359 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

8.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 5

Transnational Issues ::Jordan

Disputes - international:

approximately two million Iraqis have fled the conflict in Iraq, with the majority taking refuge in Syria and Jordan; 2004 Agreement settles border dispute with Syria pending demarcation

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1,835,704 (Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)); 500,000 (Iraq)

IDPs: 160,000 (1967 Arab-Israeli War) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Kazakhstan (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Kazakhstan

Background:

Ethnic Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes who migrated into the region in the 13th century, were rarely united as a single nation. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th century, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. During the 1950s and 1960s agricultural "Virgin Lands" program, Soviet citizens were encouraged to help cultivate Kazakhstan's northern pastures. This influx of immigrants (mostly Russians, but also some other deported nationalities) skewed the ethnic mixture and enabled non-ethnic Kazakhs to outnumber natives. Independence in 1991 drove many of these newcomers to emigrate. Kazakhstan's economy is larger than those of all the other Central Asian states largely due to the country's vast natural resources. Current issues include: developing a cohesive national identity; expanding the development of the country's vast energy resources and exporting them to world markets; diversifying the economy outside the oil, gas, and mining sectors; enhancing Kazakhstan's economic competitiveness; developing a multiparty parliament and advancing political and social reform; and strengthening relations with neighboring states and other foreign powers.

Geography ::Kazakhstan

Location:

Central Asia, northwest of China; a small portion west of the Ural
(Zhayyq) River in eastern-most Europe

Geographic coordinates:

48 00 N, 68 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 2,724,900 sq km country comparison to the world: 9 land: 2,699,700 sq km

water: 25,200 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than four times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 12,185 km

border countries: China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,224 km, Russia 6,846 km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked); note - Kazakhstan borders the Aral Sea, now split into two bodies of water (1,070 km), and the Caspian Sea (1,894 km)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid

Terrain:

vast flat steppe extending from the Volga in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east and from the plains of western Siberia in the north to oases and deserts of Central Asia in the south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Vpadina Kaundy -132 m

highest point: Khan Tangiri Shyngy (Pik Khan-Tengri) 6,995 m

Natural resources:

major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium

Land use:

arable land: 8.28%

permanent crops: 0.05%

other: 91.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

35,560 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

109.6 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 35 cu km/yr (2%/17%/82%)

per capita: 2,360 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes in the south; mudslides around Almaty

Environment - current issues:

radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with former defense industries and test ranges scattered throughout the country pose health risks for humans and animals; industrial pollution is severe in some cities; because the two main rivers that flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea; soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salination from poor infrastructure and wasteful irrigation practices

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

landlocked; Russia leases approximately 6,000 sq km of territory enclosing the Baykonur Cosmodrome; in January 2004, Kazakhstan and Russia extended the lease to 2050

People ::Kazakhstan

Population:

15,460,484 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.8% (male 1,717,469/female 1,643,920)

15-64 years: 70.2% (male 5,279,292/female 5,534,607)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 426,494/female 797,655) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.9 years

male: 28.4 years

female: 31.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.399% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Birth rate:

16.66 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Death rate:

9.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Net migration rate:

-3.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Urbanization:

urban population: 58% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.058 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.93 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 84 male: 29.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 20.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.19 years country comparison to the world: 152 male: 62.91 years

female: 73.78 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.87 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

12,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Nationality:

noun: Kazakhstani(s)

adjective: Kazakhstani

Ethnic groups:

Kazakh (Qazaq) 53.4%, Russian 30%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Uzbek 2.5%,
German 2.4%, Tatar 1.7%, Uighur 1.4%, other 4.9% (1999 census)

Religions:

Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%

Languages:

Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) 64.4%, Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication") 95% (2001 est.)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.5%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.3% (1999 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 15 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

2.8% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 156

Government ::Kazakhstan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Kazakhstan

conventional short form: Kazakhstan

local long form: Qazaqstan Respublikasy

local short form: Qazaqstan

former: Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little power outside the executive branch

Capital:

name: Astana

geographic coordinates: 51 10 N, 71 25 E

time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Kazakhstan is divided into two time zones

Administrative divisions:

14 provinces (oblystar, singular - oblys) and 3 cities* (qalalar,
singular - qala); Almaty Oblysy, Almaty Qalasy*, Aqmola Oblysy
(Astana), Aqtobe Oblysy, Astana Qalasy*, Atyrau Oblysy, Batys
Qazaqstan Oblysy [West Kazakhstan] (Oral), Bayqongyr Qalasy
[Baykonur]*, Mangghystau Oblysy (Aqtau), Ongtustik Qazaqstan Oblysy
[South Kazakhstan] (Shymkent), Pavlodar Oblysy, Qaraghandy Oblysy,
Qostanay Oblysy, Qyzylorda Oblysy, Shyghys Qazaqstan Oblysy [East
Kazakhstan] (Oskemen), Soltustik Qazaqstan Oblysy (Petropavlovsk),
Zhambyl Oblysy (Taraz)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses); in 1995, the Governments of Kazakhstan and Russia entered into an agreement whereby Russia would lease for a period of 20 years an area of 6,000 sq km enclosing the Baykonur space launch facilities and the city of Bayqongyr (Baykonur, formerly Leninsk); in 2004, a new agreement extended the lease to 2050

Independence:

16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 December (1991)

Constitution:

first post-independence constitution adopted 28 January 1993; new constitution adopted by national referendum 30 August 1995

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and Roman law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV (chairman of the Supreme Soviet from 22 February 1990, elected president 1 December 1991)

head of government: Prime Minister Karim MASIMOV (since 10 January 2007); First Deputy Prime Minister Umirzak SHUKEYEV (since 3 March 2009), Deputy Prime Ministers Yerbol ORYNBAYEV (since 29 October 2007), Aset ISEKESHEV (since 12 March 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 4 December 2005 (next to be held in 2012); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president, with Mazhilis approval; note - constitutional amendments of May 2007 shortened the presidential term from seven years to five years and established a two-consecutive-term limit; changes will take effect after NAZARBAYEV's term ends; he, and only he, is allowed to run for president indefinitely

election results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 91.1%, Zharmakhan A. TUYAKBAY 6.6%, Alikhan M. BAYMENOV 1.6%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (47 seats; 15 members are appointed by the president; 32 members elected by local assemblies; members serve six-year terms, but elections are staggered with half of the members up for re-election every three years) and the Mazhilis (107 seats; 9 out of the 107 Mazhilis members elected by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, a presidentially appointed advisory body designed to represent the country's ethnic minorities; non-appointed members are popularly elected to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - (indirect) last held in October 2008 (next to be held in 2011); Mazhilis - last held on 18 August 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Nur Otan 16; Mazhilis - percent of vote by party - Nur-Otan 88.1%, NSDP 4.6%, Ak Zhol 3.3%, Auyl 1.6%, Communist People's Party 1.3%, Patriots Party 0.8% Ruhaniyat 0.4%; seats by party - Nur-Otan 98; note - parties had to achieve a threshold of 7% of the electorate to qualify for seats in the Mazhilis; changes to electoral legislation enacted since the 2007 election now ensure that the second-placed party will enter the Majilis at the next parliamentary election, even if it does not clear the 7% threshold

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (44 members); Constitutional Council (seven members)

Political parties and leaders:

Adilet (Justice) [Maksut NARIKBAYEV, Zeynulla ALSHIMBAYEV, Serik
ABDRAHMANOV, Bakhytbek AKHMETZHAN, Yerkin ONGARBAYEV, Tolegan
SYDYKOV] (formerly Democratic Party of Kazakhstan); Agrarian and
Industrial Union of Workers Block or AIST (Agrarian Party and Civic
Party); Ak Zhol Party (Bright Path) [Alikhan BAYMENOV]; Alga
[Vladimir KOZLOV] (unregistered); Auyl (Village) [Gani KALIYEV];
Azat (Freedom) Party [Bolat ABILOV] (formerly True Ak Zhol Party);
Azat NSDP [co-chaired by Bolat ABILOV and Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY]; Azat
and NSDP united in 2009, but the authorities have refused to
register Azat NSDP as a single party; Communist Party of Kazakhstan
or KPK [Serikbolsyn ABDILDIN]; Communist People's Party of
Kazakhstan [Vladislav KOSAREV]; National Social Democratic Party or
NSDP [Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY]; Nur-Otan [Bakhytzhan ZHUMAGULOV] (the
Agrarian, Asar, and Civic parties merged with Otan); Patriots' Party
[Gani KASYMOV]; Rukhaniyat (Spirituality) [Altynshash ZHAGANOVA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Adil-Soz [Tamara KALEYEVA]; Almaty Helsinki Committee [Ninel
FOKINA]; Confederation of Free Trade Unions [Sergei BELKIN]; For
Fair Elections [Yevgeniy ZHOVTIS (jailed), Sabit ZHUSUPOV, Sergey
DUVANOV, Ibrash NUSUPBAYEV]; Kazakhstan International Bureau on
Human Rights [Yevgeniy ZHOVTIS, executive director]; Pan-National
Social Democratic Party of Kazakhstan [Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY];
Pensioners Movement or Pokoleniye [Irina SAVOSTINA, chairwoman];
Republican Network of International Monitors [Dos KUSHIM];
Transparency International [Sergey ZLOTNIKOV]

International organization participation:

ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS
(observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yerlan IDRISSOV

chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488

FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard E. HOAGLAND

embassy: Ak Bulak 4, Str. 23-22, Building #3, Astana 010010

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [7] (7172) 70-21-00

FAX: [7] (7172) 34-08-90

Flag description:

a gold sun with 32 rays above a soaring golden steppe eagle, both centered on a sky blue background; the hoist side displays a national ornamental pattern "koshkar-muiz" (the horns of the ram) in gold; the blue color is of religious significance to the Turkic peoples of the country, and so symbolizes cultural and ethnic unity; it also represents the endless sky as well as water; the sun, a source of life and energy, exemplifies wealth and plenitude; the sun's rays are shaped like grain, which is the basis of abundance and prosperity; the eagle has appeared on the flags of Kazakh tribes for centuries and represents freedom, power, and the flight to the future

National anthem:

name: "Menin Qazaqstanim" (My Kazakhstan)

lyrics/music: Zhumeken NAZHIMEDENOV and Nursultan NAZARBAYEV/Shamshi KALDAYAKOV

note: adopted 2006; President Nursultan NAZARBAYEV played a role in revising the lyrics

Economy ::Kazakhstan

Economy - overview:

Kazakhstan, geographically the largest of the former Soviet republics, excluding Russia, possesses enormous fossil fuel reserves and plentiful supplies of other minerals and metals, such as uranium, copper, and zinc. It also has a large agricultural sector featuring livestock and grain. Kazakhstan's industrial sector is primarily focused on the extraction and processing of these natural resources. Kazakhstan enjoyed double-digit growth in 2000-01 and 8% or more per year in 2002-07 - thanks largely to its booming energy sector but also to economic reform, good harvests, and increased foreign investment; GDP growth slowed dramatically following the near-collapse of the banking sector in late 2007 and the declines in oil and metals prices associated with the global economic downturn in 2008-09. Kazakhstan has embarked upon an industrial policy designed to diversify the economy away from overdependence on the oil sector as well expanding export markets away from its historical reliance on Russia. Nevertheless, growth is still driven by oil. The government has engaged in several disputes with Western oil companies over the terms of production agreements, most recently, with regard to the Kashagan project in 2007-08 and the Karachaganak project in 2009.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$193.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $184.8 billion (2009 est.)

$182.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$129.8 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 1.2% (2009 est.)

3.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $12,000 (2009 est.)

$11,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6%

industry: 42.8%

services: 51.2% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

8.718 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 31.5%

industry: 18.4%

services: 50% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 6.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12.1% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.3%

highest 10%: 26.5% (2004 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28.8 (2008) country comparison to the world: 119 31.5 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

27.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Public debt:

15.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 14.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 7.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 42 10.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$20.91 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 63 $16.66 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$65.55 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $52.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$44.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $39.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$57.66 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 54 $31.08 billion (31 December 2008)

$41.38 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain (mostly spring wheat), cotton; livestock

Industries:

oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, iron and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materials

Industrial production growth rate:

7.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Electricity - production:

78.4 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Electricity - consumption:

77.9 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Electricity - exports:

3.617 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.94 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

1.54 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Oil - consumption:

241,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Oil - exports:

1.345 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Oil - imports:

164,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Oil - proved reserves:

30 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - production:

35.61 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Natural gas - consumption:

33.68 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Natural gas - exports:

17.66 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Natural gas - imports:

3.72 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.407 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Current account balance:

$6.993 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 -$3.405 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$59.23 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $43.84 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and oil products 59%, ferrous metals 19%, chemicals 5%, machinery 3%, grain, wool, meat, coal

Exports - partners:

China 16.34%, France 9.23%, Germany 8.32%, Russia 6.9%, Ukraine 5.52%, Romania 5.25%, Italy 5.12%, US 4.34% (2009)

Imports:

$30.11 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $28.77 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, metal products, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Russia 28.5%, China 26.72%, Germany 6.59%, Italy 5.58%, Ukraine 4.8% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$32.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $23.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$94.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $106.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$83.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $69.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$7.208 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $5.708 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

tenge (KZT) per US dollar - 147.28 (2010), 147.5 (2009), 120.25 (2008), 122.55 (2007), 126.09 (2006)

Communications ::Kazakhstan

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.763 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 42

Telephones - mobile cellular:

14.995 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 50

Telephone system:

general assessment: inherited an outdated telecommunications network from the Soviet era requiring modernization

domestic: intercity by landline and microwave radio relay; number of fixed-line connections is gradually increasing and fixed-line teledensity now roughly 25 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage is increasing and the subscriber base now is roughly 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 7; international traffic with other former Soviet republics and China carried by landline and microwave radio relay and with other countries by satellite and by the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic cable; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (2008)

Broadcast media:

state owns nearly all radio and TV transmission facilities and operates national TV and radio networks; nearly all nationwide TV networks are wholly or partly owned by the government; some former state-owned media outlets have been privatized and are controlled by the president's daughter, who heads the Khabar Agency that runs multiple TV and radio stations; a number of privately-owned TV stations; households with satellite dishes have access to foreign media; a small number of commercial radio stations operating along with state-run radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.kz

Internet hosts:

53,984 (2010) country comparison to the world: 85

Internet users:

5.299 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 44

Transportation ::Kazakhstan

Airports:

97 (2010) country comparison to the world: 62

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 65

over 3,047 m: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 26

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 32

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 658 km; gas 11,146 km; oil 10,376 km; refined products 1,095 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 15,082 km country comparison to the world: 19 broad gauge: 15,082 km 1.520-m gauge (3,700 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 93,612 km country comparison to the world: 51 paved: 84,100 km

unpaved: 9,512 km (2008)

Waterways:

4,000 km; on the Ertis (Irtysh) River (80%) and Syr Darya (Syrdariya) River (2008) country comparison to the world: 26

Merchant marine:

total: 8 country comparison to the world: 123 by type: petroleum tanker 6, refrigerated cargo 1, specialized tanker 1

foreign-owned: 1 (Ireland 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Aqtau (Shevchenko), Atyrau (Gur'yev), Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk),
Pavlodar, Semey (Semipalatinsk)

Military ::Kazakhstan

Military branches:

Kazakhstani Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Mobile Forces,
Air Defense Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years; minimum age for volunteers NA (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,176,999

females age 16-49: 4,202,422 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,902,859

females age 16-49: 3,543,467 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 133,884

female: 127,415 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.1% of GDP (2010) country comparison to the world: 128

Transnational Issues ::Kazakhstan

Disputes - international:

Kyrgyzstan has yet to ratify the 2001 boundary delimitation with Kazakhstan; field demarcation of the boundaries with Turkmenistan commenced in 2005, and with Uzbekistan in 2004; demarcation is scheduled to get underway with Russia in 2007; demarcation with China was completed in 2002; creation of a seabed boundary with Turkmenistan in the Caspian Sea remains under discussion; equidistant seabed treaties have been ratified with Azerbaijan and Russia in the Caspian Sea, but no resolution has been made on dividing the water column among any of the littoral states

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 3,700 (Russia); 508 (Afghanistan) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

significant illicit cultivation of cannabis for CIS markets, as well as limited cultivation of opium poppy and ephedra (for the drug ephedrine); limited government eradication of illicit crops; transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia and the rest of Europe; significant consumer of opiates

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Kenya (Africa)

Introduction ::Kenya

Background:

Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA led Kenya from independence in 1963 until his death in 1978, when President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI took power in a constitutional succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982 when the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) made itself the sole legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. The ethnically fractured opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power in elections in 1992 and 1997, which were marred by violence and fraud, but were viewed as having generally reflected the will of the Kenyan people. President MOI stepped down in December 2002 following fair and peaceful elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate of the multiethnic, united opposition group, the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), defeated KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA and assumed the presidency following a campaign centered on an anticorruption platform. KIBAKI's NARC coalition splintered in 2005 over the constitutional review process. Government defectors joined with KANU to form a new opposition coalition, the Orange Democratic Movement, which defeated the government's draft constitution in a popular referendum in November 2005. KIBAKI's reelection in December 2007 brought charges of vote rigging from ODM candidate Raila ODINGA and unleashed two months of violence in which as many as 1,500 people died. UN-sponsored talks in late February produced a powersharing accord bringing ODINGA into the government in the restored position of prime minister.

Geography ::Kenya

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and
Tanzania

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 N, 38 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 580,367 sq km country comparison to the world: 48 land: 569,140 sq km

water: 11,227 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Nevada

Land boundaries:

total: 3,477 km

border countries: Ethiopia 861 km, Somalia 682 km, Sudan 232 km, Tanzania 769 km, Uganda 933 km

Coastline:

536 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior

Terrain:

low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley; fertile plateau in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m

Natural resources:

limestone, soda ash, salt, gemstones, fluorspar, zinc, diatomite, gypsum, wildlife, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 8.01%

permanent crops: 0.97%

other: 91.02% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,030 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

30.2 cu km (1990)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.58 cu km/yr (30%/6%/64%)

per capita: 46 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasons

volcanism: Kenya experiences limited volcanic activity; the Barrier (elev. 1,032 m, 3,385 ft) last erupted in 1921; South Island is the only other historically active volcano

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers are found on Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak; unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value

People ::Kenya

Population:

40,046,566 country comparison to the world: 33 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.3% (male 8,300,393/female 8,181,898)

15-64 years: 55.1% (male 10,784,119/female 10,702,999)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 470,218/female 563,145) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.8 years

male: 18.7 years

female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.588% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Birth rate:

35.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Death rate:

9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Urbanization:

urban population: 22% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 53.49 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 44 male: 56.28 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 50.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 58.82 years country comparison to the world: 190 male: 58.33 years

female: 59.32 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.38 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

6.7% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.2 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

150,000 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria and Rift Valley fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Kenyan(s)

adjective: Kenyan

Ethnic groups:

Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1%

Religions:

Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, Muslim 10%, indigenous beliefs 10%, other 2%

note: a large majority of Kenyans are Christian, but estimates for the percentage of the population that adheres to Islam or indigenous beliefs vary widely

Languages:

English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 85.1%

male: 90.6%

female: 79.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 10 years

female: 9 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 21

Government ::Kenya

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Kenya

conventional short form: Kenya

local long form: Republic of Kenya/Jamhuri ya Kenya

local short form: Kenya

former: British East Africa

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Nairobi

geographic coordinates: 1 17 S, 36 49 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces and 1 area*; Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi Area*, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western

Independence:

12 December 1963 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 December (1963)

Constitution:

27 August 2010; the new constitution abolishes the position of prime minister and establishes a bicameral legislature; many details have yet to be finalized and will require significant legislative action

Legal system:

based on Kenyan statutory law, Kenyan and English common law, tribal law, and Islamic law; judicial review in High Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; constitutional amendment of 1982 making Kenya a de jure one-party state repealed in 1991

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002); Vice President Stephen Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January 2008);

head of government: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002); Vice President Stephen Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January 2008); note - the roles of the president and prime minister are not well defined at this juncture; constitutionally, the president remains chief of state and head of government, but the prime minister is charged with coordinating government business

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and headed by the prime minister, who is the leader of the largest party in parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); in addition to receiving the largest number of votes in absolute terms, the presidential candidate must also win 25% or more of the vote in at least five of Kenya's seven provinces and one area to avoid a runoff; election last held on 27 December 2007 (next to be held in December 2012); vice president appointed by the president

election results: President Mwai KIBAKI reelected; percent of vote - Mwai KIBAKI 46%, Raila ODINGA 44%, Kalonzo MUSYOKA 9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Bunge usually referred to as Parliament (224 seats; 210 members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms, 12 nominated members appointed by the president but selected by the parties in proportion to their parliamentary vote totals, 2 ex-officio members)

elections: last held on 27 December 2007 (next to be held in December 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ODM 99, PNU 46, ODM-K 16, KANU 14 other 35; ex-officio 2; seats appointed by the president - ODM 6, PNU 3, ODM-K 2, KANU 1

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal (chief justice is appointed by the president); High
Court

Political parties and leaders:

Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-Kenya or FORD-Kenya [Musikari
KOMBO]; Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-People or FORD-People
[Reuben OYONDI]; Kenya African National Union or KANU [Uhuru
KENYATTA]; National Rainbow Coalition-Kenya or NARC-Kenya [Martha
KARUA]; Orange Democratic Movement or ODM [Raila ODINGA]; Orange
Democratic Movement-Kenya or ODM-K [Kalonzo MUSYOKA]; Party of
National Unity or PNU [Mwai KIBAKI]; Shirikisho Party of Kenya or
SPK [Chirau Ali MWAKWERE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Council of Islamic Preachers of Kenya or CIPK [Sheikh Idris
MOHAMMED]; Kenya Human Rights Commission [L. Muthoni WANYEKI];
Muslim Human Rights Forum [Ali-Amin KIMATHI]; National Convention
Executive Council or NCEC, a proreform coalition of political
parties and nongovernment organizations [Ndung'u WAINANA]; National
Muslim Leaders Forum or NAMLEF [Abdullahi ABDI]; Protestant National
Council of Churches of Kenya or NCCK [Canon Peter Karanja MWANGI];
Roman Catholic and other Christian churches; Supreme Council of
Kenya Muslims or SUPKEM [Shaykh Abdul Gafur al-BUSAIDY]

other: labor unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM,
OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Elkanah Odembo ABSALOM

chancery: 2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-6101

FAX: [1] (202) 462-3829

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael E. RANNEBERGER

embassy: US Embassy, United Nations Avenue, Nairobi; P. O. Box 606 Village Market, Nairobi 00621

mailing address: Box 21A, Unit 64100, APO AE 09831

telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000

FAX: [254] (20) 363-410

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green; the red band is edged in white; a large Maasai warrior's shield covering crossed spears is superimposed at the center; black symbolizes the majority population, red the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, green stands for natural wealth, and white for peace; the shield and crossed spears symbolize the defense of freedom

National anthem:

name: "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (Oh God of All Creation)

lyrics/music: Graham HYSLOP, Thomas KALUME, Peter KIBUKOSYA, Washington OMONDI, and George W. SENOGA-ZAKE/traditional, adapted by Graham HYSLOP, Thomas KALUME, Peter KIBUKOSYA, Washington OMONDI, and George W. SENOGA-ZAKE

note: adopted 1963; the anthem is based on a traditional Kenyan folk song

Economy ::Kenya

Economy - overview:

Although the regional hub for trade and finance in East Africa, Kenya has been hampered by corruption and by reliance upon several primary goods whose prices have remained low. In 1997, the IMF suspended Kenya's Enhanced Structural Adjustment Program due to the government's failure to maintain reforms and curb corruption. The IMF, which had resumed loans in 2000 to help Kenya through a drought, again halted lending in 2001 when the government failed to institute several anticorruption measures. In the key December 2002 elections, Daniel Arap MOI's 24-year-old reign ended, and a new opposition government took on the formidable economic problems facing the nation. After some early progress in rooting out corruption and encouraging donor support, the KIBAKI government was rocked by high-level graft scandals in 2005 and 2006. In 2006, the World Bank and IMF delayed loans pending action by the government on corruption. The international financial institutions and donors have since resumed lending, despite little action on the government's part to deal with corruption. Post-election violence in early 2008, coupled with the effects of the global financial crisis on remittance and exports, reduced GDP growth to 1.7 in 2008, but the economy rebounded in 2009-10.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$65.95 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $63.42 billion (2009 est.)

$61.78 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$32.42 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 2.6% (2009 est.)

1.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200 $1,600 (2009 est.)

$1,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 22%

industry: 16%

services: 62% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

17.94 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 75%

industry and services: 25% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

40% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 40% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

50% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.8%

highest 10%: 37.8% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

42.5 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 44.9 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Public debt:

50.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 46.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 9.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.8% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 14.02% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.333 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 81 $5.717 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$15.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $13.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$14.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $13.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$10.76 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 66 $10.92 billion (31 December 2008)

$13.39 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables; dairy products, beef, pork, poultry, eggs

Industries:

small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, clothing, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products, horticulture, oil refining; aluminum, steel, lead; cement, commercial ship repair, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Electricity - production:

5.223 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Electricity - consumption:

4.863 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Electricity - exports:

58.3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

22.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Oil - consumption:

76,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Oil - exports:

7,270 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Oil - imports:

80,530 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Current account balance:

-$1.414 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 -$1.611 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$5.141 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $4.459 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

tea, horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products, fish, cement

Exports - partners:

UK 11.31%, Netherlands 9.81%, Uganda 9.07%, Tanzania 8.83%, US 5.93%, Pakistan 5.63% (2009)

Imports:

$10.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $9.715 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products, motor vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics

Imports - partners:

India 11.67%, China 10.58%, UAE 9.32%, South Africa 8.36%, Saudi
Arabia 6.53%, US 6.25%, Japan 5.1% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.585 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $3.85 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$7.935 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $7.795 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$2.337 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $2.129 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$338 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $288 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Kenyan shillings (KES) per US dollar - 79.217 (2010), 77.35 (2009), 68.358 (2008), 68.309 (2007), 72.101 (2006)

Communications ::Kenya

Telephones - main lines in use:

664,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 90

Telephones - mobile cellular:

19.365 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 41

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate; fixed-line telephone system is small and inefficient; trunks are primarily microwave radio relay; business data commonly transferred by a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) system

domestic: sole fixed-line provider, Telkom Kenya, is slated for privatization; multiple providers in the mobile-cellular segment of the market fostering a boom in mobile-cellular telephone usage with teledensity reaching 50 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 254; The East Africa Marine System (TEAMS) and the SEACOM undersea fiber-optic cable systems; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat

Broadcast media:

about a half-dozen privately-owned TV stations and a state-owned television broadcaster that operates 2 channels; satellite and cable TV subscription services are available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 national radio channels and provides regional and local radio services in multiple languages; a large number of private radio broadcasters, including provincial stations broadcasting in local languages; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ke

Internet hosts:

47,676 (2010) country comparison to the world: 90

Internet users:

3.996 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 59

Transportation ::Kenya

Airports:

191 (2010) country comparison to the world: 33

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 17

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 174

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 107

under 914 m: 55 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 4 km; refined products 928 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,778 km country comparison to the world: 60 narrow gauge: 2,778 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 160,886 km country comparison to the world: 32 paved: 11,197 km

unpaved: 149,689 km (2008)

Waterways:

the only significant inland waterway in the country is the part of Lake Victoria within the boundaries of Kenya; Kisumu is the main port and has ferry connections to Uganda and Tanzania (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 150 by type: petroleum tanker 1

registered in other countries: 5 (Comoros 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Tuvalu 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kisumu, Mombasa

Military ::Kenya

Military branches:

Kenya Armed Forces: Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, Kenya Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-26 years of age for voluntary service (less than 18 with parental consent), with a 9-year obligation (7 years for Kenyan Navy); applicants must be Kenyan citizens and provide a national identity card (obtained at age 18) and a school-leaving certificate (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,525,556

females age 16-49: 9,242,381 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,162,904

females age 16-49: 5,904,173 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 417,061

female: 412,438 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 51

Transnational Issues ::Kenya

Disputes - international:

Kenya served as an important mediator in brokering Sudan's north-south separation in February 2005; Kenya provides shelter to almost a quarter of a million refugees, including Ugandans who flee across the border periodically to seek protection from Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels; Kenya works hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading across the border, which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists; the boundary that separates Kenya's and Sudan's sovereignty is unclear in the "Ilemi Triangle," which Kenya has administered since colonial times

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 173,702 (Somalia); 73,004 (Sudan); 16,428 (Ethiopia)

IDPs: 250,000-400,000 (2007 post-election violence; KANU attacks on opposition tribal groups in 1990s) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

widespread harvesting of small plots of marijuana; transit country for South Asian heroin destined for Europe and North America; Indian methaqualone also transits on way to South Africa; significant potential for money-laundering activity given the country's status as a regional financial center; massive corruption, and relatively high levels of narcotics-associated activities

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Kiribati (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Kiribati

Background:

The Gilbert Islands became a British protectorate in 1892 and a colony in 1915; they were captured by the Japanese in the Pacific War in 1941. The islands of Makin and Tarawa were the sites of major US amphibious victories over entrenched Japanese garrisons in 1943. The Gilbert Islands were granted self-rule by the UK in 1971 and complete independence in 1979 under the new name of Kiribati. The US relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited Phoenix and Line Island groups in a 1979 treaty of friendship with Kiribati.

Geography ::Kiribati

Location:

Oceania, group of 33 coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean, straddling the Equator; the capital Tarawa is about half way between Hawaii and Australia; note - on 1 January 1995, Kiribati proclaimed that all of its territory was in the same time zone as its Gilbert Islands group (UTC +12) even though the Phoenix Islands and the Line Islands under its jurisdiction were on the other side of the International Date Line

Geographic coordinates:

1 25 N, 173 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 811 sq km country comparison to the world: 186 land: 811 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands

Area - comparative:

four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,143 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation on Banaba 81 m

Natural resources:

phosphate (production discontinued in 1979)

Land use:

arable land: 2.74%

permanent crops: 47.95%

other: 49.31% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March; occasional tornadoes; low level of some of the islands make them sensitive to changes in sea level

Environment - current issues:

heavy pollution in lagoon of south Tarawa atoll due to heavy migration mixed with traditional practices such as lagoon latrines and open-pit dumping; ground water at risk

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

21 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia, and Nauru

People ::Kiribati

Population:

99,482 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.6% (male 21,488/female 20,899)

15-64 years: 59% (male 32,871/female 33,690)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 1,656/female 2,246) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.2 years

male: 21.4 years

female: 23 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.271% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Birth rate:

23.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Death rate:

7.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Net migration rate:

-2.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 184

Urbanization:

urban population: 44% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 40.13 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 66 male: 41.38 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 38.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.03 years country comparison to the world: 171 male: 61.68 years

female: 66.49 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.86 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural)

adjective: I-Kiribati

Ethnic groups:

Micronesian 98.8%, other 1.2% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 55%, Protestant 36%, Mormon 3.1%, Bahai 2.2%,
Seventh-Day Adventist 1.9%, other 1.8% (2005 census)

Languages:

I-Kiribati, English (official)

Literacy:

NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

17.8% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 1

Government ::Kiribati

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Kiribati

conventional short form: Kiribati

local long form: Republic of Kiribati

local short form: Kiribati

note: pronounced keer-ree-bahss

former: Gilbert Islands

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Tarawa

geographic coordinates: 1 19 N, 172 58 E

time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands; note - in addition, there are 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts, Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) and 21 island councils - one for each of the inhabited islands (Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Kanton, Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa, Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina)

Independence:

12 July 1979 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 July (1979)

Constitution:

12 July 1979

Legal system:

English common law supplemented by local, customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice President Teima ONORIO; note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice President Teima ONORIO

cabinet: 12-member cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the House of Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the House of Parliament chooses the presidential candidates from among its members and then those candidates compete in a general election; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held on 17 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed by the president

election results: Anote TONG 63.7%, Nabuti MWEMWENIKARAWA 32.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Parliament or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (46 seats; 44 members elected by popular vote, 1 ex officio member - the attorney general, 1 nominated by the Rabi Council of Leaders (representing Banaba Island); members serve four-year terms)

elections: legislative elections were held in two rounds - the first round on 22 August 2007 and the second round on 30 August 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA, other 2 (includes attorney general)

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal; High Court; 26 Magistrates' courts; judges at all levels are appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

Boutokaan Te Koaua Party or BTK [Taberannang TIMEON]; Maneaban Te
Mauri Party or MTM [Teburoro TITO]; Maurin Kiribati Pati or MKP;
National Progressive Party or NPP [Dr. Harry TONG]

note: there is no tradition of formally organized political parties in Kiribati; they more closely resemble factions or interest groups because they have no party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Kiribati does not have an embassy in the US; there is an honorary consulate in Honolulu

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Kiribati; the US ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Kiribati

Flag description:

the upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird flying over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the Pacific ocean; the white stripes represent the three island groups - the Gilbert, Line, and Phoenix Islands; the 17 rays of the sun represent the 16 Gilbert Islands and Banaba (formerly Ocean Island); the frigate bird symbolizes authority and freedom

National anthem:

name: "Teirake kaini Kiribati" (Stand Up, Kiribati)

lyrics/music: Urium Tamuera IOTEBA

note: adopted 1979

Economy ::Kiribati

Economy - overview:

A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has few natural resources and is one of the least developed Pacific Islands. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted at the time of independence from the UK in 1979. Copra and fish now represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy has fluctuated widely in recent years. Economic development is constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure, and remoteness from international markets. Tourism provides more than one-fifth of GDP. Private sector initiatives and a financial sector are in the early stages of development. Foreign financial aid from the EU, UK, US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UN agencies, and Taiwan accounts for 20-25% of GDP. Remittances from seamen on merchant ships abroad account for more than $5 million each year. Kiribati receives around $15 million annually for the government budget from an Australian trust fund.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$619.5 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 $610.4 million (2009 est.)

$614.7 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$152 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 -0.7% (2009 est.)

-1.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $6,200 (2009 est.)

$6,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.9%

industry: 24.2%

services: 66.8% (2004)

Labor force:

7,870 economically active, not including subsistence farmers (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.7%

industry: 32%

services: 65.3% (2000)

Unemployment rate:

2% (1992 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

copra, taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables; fish

Industries:

fishing, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

14 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Electricity - consumption:

13.02 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Oil - consumption:

NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - imports:

261 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Current account balance:

-$21 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Exports:

$17 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Exports - commodities:

copra 62%, coconuts, seaweed, fish

Imports:

$62 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous manufactured goods, fuel

Debt - external:

$10 million (1999 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Kiribati

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 216

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 217

Telephone system:

general assessment: generally good quality national and international service

domestic: wire line service available on Tarawa and Kiritimati (Christmas Island); connections to outer islands by HF/VHF radiotelephone; wireless service available in Tarawa since 1999

international: country code - 686; Kiribati is being linked to the Pacific Ocean Cooperative Telecommunications Network, which should improve telephone service; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 television broadcast station that provides about 1 hour of local programming Monday-Friday; multi-channel TV packages provide access to Australian and US stations; 1 government-operated radio station broadcasting on AM, FM, and shortwave (2009)

Internet country code:

.ki

Internet hosts:

31 (2010) country comparison to the world: 214

Internet users:

7,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 203

Transportation ::Kiribati

Airports:

19 (2010) country comparison to the world: 137

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 670 km (2000) country comparison to the world: 189

Waterways:

5 km (small network of canals in Line Islands) (2007) country comparison to the world: 109

Merchant marine:

total: 71 country comparison to the world: 61 by type: bulk carrier 6, cargo 32, chemical tanker 6, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 15

foreign-owned: 51 (China 28, Hong Kong 1, Italy 1, Singapore 11, South Korea 2, Taiwan 5, Turkey 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Betio (Tarawa Atoll), Canton Island, English Harbor

Military ::Kiribati

Military branches:

no regular military forces (constitutionally prohibited); Police Force (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 24,734 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,941

females age 16-49: 19,758 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,107

female: 1,083 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

Kiribati does not have military forces; defense assistance is provided by Australia and NZ

Transnational Issues ::Kiribati

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Korea, North (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Korea, North

Background:

An independent kingdom for much of its long history, Korea was occupied by Japan beginning in 1905 following the Russo-Japanese War. Five years later, Japan formally annexed the entire peninsula. Following World War II, Korea was split with the northern half coming under Soviet-sponsored Communist control. After failing in the Korean War (1950-53) to conquer the US-backed Republic of Korea (ROK) in the southern portion by force, North Korea (DPRK), under its founder President KIM Il Sung, adopted a policy of ostensible diplomatic and economic "self-reliance" as a check against outside influence. The DPRK demonized the US as the ultimate threat to its social system through state-funded propaganda, and molded political, economic, and military policies around the core ideological objective of eventual unification of Korea under Pyongyang's control. KIM's son, the current ruler KIM Jong Il, was officially designated as his father's successor in 1980, assuming a growing political and managerial role until the elder KIM's death in 1994. After decades of economic mismanagement and resource misallocation, the DPRK since the mid-1990s has relied heavily on international aid to feed its population. North Korea's history of regional military provocations, proliferation of military-related items, long-range missile development, WMD programs including tests of nuclear devices in 2006 and 2009, and massive conventional armed forces are of major concern to the international community.

Geography ::Korea, North

Location:

Eastern Asia, northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the
Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and South Korea

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 127 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 120,538 sq km country comparison to the world: 98 land: 120,408 sq km

water: 130 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Mississippi

Land boundaries:

total: 1,673 km

border countries: China 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 km

Coastline:

2,495 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

note: military boundary line 50 nm in the Sea of Japan and the exclusive economic zone limit in the Yellow Sea where all foreign vessels and aircraft without permission are banned

Climate:

temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer

Terrain:

mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow valleys; coastal plains wide in west, discontinuous in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m

highest point: Paektu-san 2,744 m

Natural resources:

coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron ore, copper, gold, pyrites, salt, fluorspar, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 22.4%

permanent crops: 1.66%

other: 75.94% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,600 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

77.1 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 9.02 cu km/yr (20%/25%/55%)

per capita: 401 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding; occasional typhoons during the early fall

volcanism: Changbaishan (elev. 2,744 m, 9,003 ft) (also known as Baitoushan, Baegdu or P'aektu-san), on the Chinese border, is considered historically active

Environment - current issues:

water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water; waterborne disease; deforestation; soil erosion and degradation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and Russia; mountainous interior is isolated and sparsely populated

People ::Korea, North

Population:

22,757,275 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.3% (male 2,440,439/female 2,376,557)

15-64 years: 69.4% (male 7,776,889/female 7,945,399)

65 years and over: 9.4% (male 820,504/female 1,305,557) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.9 years

male: 32.5 years

female: 35.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.389% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Birth rate:

14.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Death rate:

10.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Net migration rate:

-0.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Urbanization:

urban population: 63% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 50.15 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 51 male: 57.39 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 42.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.13 years country comparison to the world: 170 male: 61.53 years

female: 66.89 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.94 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Ethnic groups:

racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese community and a few ethnic Japanese

Religions:

traditionally Buddhist and Confucianist, some Christian and syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way)

note: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent; government-sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of religious freedom

Languages:

Korean

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99%

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Korea, North

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic People's Republic of Korea

conventional short form: North Korea

local long form: Choson-minjujuui-inmin-konghwaguk

local short form: Choson

abbreviation: DPRK

Government type:

Communist state one-man dictatorship

Capital:

name: Pyongyang

geographic coordinates: 39 01 N, 125 45 E

time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 2 municipalities (si, singular and plural)

provinces: Chagang-do (Chagang), Hamgyong-bukto (North Hamgyong),
Hamgyong-namdo (South Hamgyong), Hwanghae-bukto (North Hwanghae),
Hwanghae-namdo (South Hwanghae), Kangwon-do (Kangwon),
P'yongan-bukto (North P'yongan), P'yongan-namdo (South P'yongan),
Yanggang-do (Yanggang)

municipalities: Nason-si, P'yongyang-si (Pyongyang)

Independence:

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

National holiday:

Founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), 9
September (1948)

Constitution:

adopted 1948; revised several times most recently in 2009

Legal system:

based on Prussian civil law system with Japanese influences and Communist legal theory; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: KIM Jong Il (since July 1994); note - on 9 April 2009, rubberstamp Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) reelected KIM Jong Il chairman of the National Defense Commission, a position accorded nation's "highest administrative authority"; SPA reelected KIM Yong Nam in 2009 president of its Presidium also with responsibility of representing state and receiving diplomatic credentials

head of government: Premier CHOE Yong Rim (since 7 June 2010); Vice Premier HAN Kwang Bok (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier JO Pyong Ju (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier JON Ha Chol (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier KANG Nung Su (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier KIM Rak Hui (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier PAK Su Gil (since 18 September 2009), Vice Premier RI Thae Nam (since 7 June 2010); Vice Premier RO Tu Chol (since 3 September 2003)

cabinet: Naegak (cabinet) members, except for Minister of People's Armed Forces, are appointed by SPA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: last election held in September 2003; date of next election NA

election results: KIM Jong Il and KIM Yong Nam were only nominees for positions and ran unopposed

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme People's Assembly or Ch'oego Inmin Hoeui (687 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 8 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; ruling party approves a list of candidates who are elected without opposition; a token number of seats are reserved for minor parties

Judicial branch:

Central Court (judges are elected by the Supreme People's Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

major party - Korean Workers' Party or KWP [KIM Jong Il]; minor parties - Chondoist Chongu Party [RYU Mi Yong] (under KWP control), Social Democratic Party [KIM Yong Dae] (under KWP control)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ARF, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; North Korea has a Permanent Mission to the UN in New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none; note - Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang represents the US as consular protecting power

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in white; on the hoist side of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star; the broad red band symbolizes revolutionary traditions; the narrow white bands stands for purity, strength, and dignity; the blue bands signify sovereignty, peace, and friendship; the red star represents socialism

National anthem:

name: "Aegukka" (Patriotic Song)

lyrics/music: PAK Se Yong/KIM Won Gyun

note: adopted 1947; both North Korea and South Korea's anthems share the same name and have a vaguely similar melody but have different lyrics; the North Korean anthem is also known as "Ach'imun pinnara" (Let Morning Shine)

Economy ::Korea, North

Economy - overview:

North Korea, one of the world's most centrally directed and least open economies, faces chronic economic problems. Industrial capital stock is nearly beyond repair as a result of years of underinvestment and shortages of spare parts. Large-scale military spending draws off resources needed for investment and civilian consumption. Industrial and power output have declined in parallel from pre-1990 levels. Severe flooding in the summer of 2007 aggravated chronic food shortages caused by on-going systemic problems, including a lack of arable land, collective farming practices, and persistent shortages of tractors and fuel. Large-scale international food aid deliveries have allowed the people of North Korea to escape widespread starvation since famine threatened in 1995, but the population continues to suffer from prolonged malnutrition and poor living conditions. Since 2002, the government has allowed private "farmers' markets" to begin selling a wider range of goods. It also permitted some private farming - on an experimental basis - in an effort to boost agricultural output. In October 2005, the government tried to reverse some of these policies by forbidding private sales of grains and reinstituting a centralized food rationing system. By December 2005, the government terminated most international humanitarian assistance operations in North Korea (calling instead for developmental assistance only) and restricted the activities of remaining international and non-governmental aid organizations. In mid-2008, North Korea began receiving food aid under a US program to deliver 500,000 metric tons of food via the World Food Program and US nongovernmental organizations; but Pyongyang stopped accepting the aid in March 2009. In December 2009, North Korea carried out a redenomination of its currency, capping the amount of North Korean won that could be exchanged for the new notes, and limiting the exchange to a one-week window. A concurrent crackdown on markets and foreign currency use yielded severe shortages and inflation, forcing Pyongyang to ease the restrictions by February 2010. Nevertheless, firm political control remains the Communist government's overriding concern, which likely will inhibit changes to North Korea's current economic system.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$40 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $40 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars;

North Korea does not publish reliable National Income Accounts data; the data shown here are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) GDP estimates for North Korea that were made by Angus MADDISON in a study conducted for the OECD; his figure for 1999 was extrapolated to 2009 using estimated real growth rates for North Korea's GDP and an inflation factor based on the US GDP deflator; the results were rounded to the nearest $10 billion.

GDP (official exchange rate):

$28 billion (2009 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.9% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 199 3.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,800 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 195 $1,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 20.9%

industry: 46.9%

services: 32.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

12.2 million country comparison to the world: 41 note: estimates vary widely (2009 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 35%

industry and services: 65% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, potatoes, soybeans, pulses; cattle, pigs, pork, eggs

Industries:

military products; machine building, electric power, chemicals; mining (coal, iron ore, limestone, magnesite, graphite, copper, zinc, lead, and precious metals), metallurgy; textiles, food processing; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

22.5 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Electricity - consumption:

18.8 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

118 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Oil - imports:

13,890 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Exports:

$1.997 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 131 $2.062 billion (2008)

Exports - commodities:

minerals, metallurgical products, manufactures (including armaments), textiles, agricultural and fishery products

Exports - partners:

China 42%, South Korea 38%, India 5% (2008)

Imports:

$3.096 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 138 $3.574 billion (2008)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, coking coal, machinery and equipment, textiles, grain

Imports - partners:

China 57%, South Korea 25%, Russia 3%, Singapore 3% (2008)

Debt - external:

$12.5 billion (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Exchange rates:

North Korean won (KPW) per US dollar (market rate) 1,800 (December 2010), 3,630 (December 2008), 140 (2007), 141 (2006)

Communications ::Korea, North

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.18 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 70

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system; nationwide fiber-optic network; mobile-cellular service expanding beyond Pyongyang

domestic: fiber-optic links installed down to the county level; telephone directories unavailable; mobile-cellular service, initiated in 2002, suspended in 2004; Orascom Telecom, an Egyptian company, launched mobile service on December 15, 2008 for the Pyongyang area with plans to expand nationwide

international: country code - 850; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1 Russian - Indian Ocean region); other international connections through Moscow and Beijing (2009)

Broadcast media:

no independent media; radios and televisions are pre-tuned to government stations; 4 government-owned television stations; the Korean Workers' Party owns and operates the Korean Central Broadcasting Station, and the state-run Voice of Korea operates an external broadcast service; the government prohibits listening to and jams foreign broadcasts (2008)

Internet country code:

.kp

Internet hosts:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 227

Transportation ::Korea, North

Airports:

79 (2010) country comparison to the world: 70

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 37

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 23

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 42

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Heliports:

22 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 154 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,242 km country comparison to the world: 35 standard gauge: 5,242 km 1.435-m gauge (3,500 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 25,554 km country comparison to the world: 104 paved: 724 km

unpaved: 24,830 km (2006)

Waterways:

2,250 km; (most navigable only by small craft) (2010) country comparison to the world: 39

Merchant marine:

total: 158 country comparison to the world: 42 by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 129, carrier 1, container 3, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 2

foreign-owned: 19 (Belgium 1, China 1, Nigeria 1, Romania 1, Singapore 2, South Korea 1, Syria 6, UAE 6)

registered in other countries: 5 (Mongolia 1, Sierra Leone 1, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ch'ongjin, Haeju, Hungnam (Hamhung), Namp'o, Senbong, Songnim,
Sonbong (formerly Unggi), Wonsan

Military ::Korea, North

Military branches:

North Korean People's Army: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force; civil security forces (2005)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,132,987

females age 16-49: 6,119,405 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,127,999

females age 16-49: 4,522,707 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 184,631

female: 178,565 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Korea, North

Disputes - international:

risking arrest, imprisonment, and deportation, tens of thousands of North Koreans cross into China to escape famine, economic privation, and political oppression; North Korea and China dispute the sovereignty of certain islands in Yalu and Tumen rivers; Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South Korea since 1953; periodic incidents in the Yellow Sea with South Korea which claims the Northern Limiting Line as a maritime boundary; North Korea supports South Korea in rejecting Japan's claim to Liancourt Rocks (Tok-do/Take-shima)

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: undetermined (flooding in mid-2007 and famine during mid-1990s) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: North Korea is a source country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; the most common form of trafficking involves North Korean women and girls who cross the border into China voluntarily; additionally, North Korean women and girls are lured out of North Korea to escape poor social and economic conditions by the promise of food, jobs, and freedom, only to be forced into prostitution, marriage, or exploitative labor arrangements once in China

tier rating: Tier 3 - North Korea does not fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government does not acknowledge the existence of human rights abuses in the country or recognize trafficking, either within the country or transnationally; North Korea has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

for years, from the 1970s into the 2000s, citizens of the Democratic People's Republic of (North) Korea (DPRK), many of them diplomatic employees of the government, were apprehended abroad while trafficking in narcotics, including two in Turkey in December 2004; police investigations in Taiwan and Japan in recent years have linked North Korea to large illicit shipments of heroin and methamphetamine, including an attempt by the North Korean merchant ship Pong Su to deliver 150 kg of heroin to Australia in April 2003

page last updated on January 18, 2011

======================================================================

@Korea, South (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Korea, South

Background:

An independent Korean state or collection of states has existed almost continuously for several millennia. Between its initial unification in the 7th century - from three predecessor Korean states - until the 20th century, Korea existed as a single independent country. In 1905, following the Russo-Japanese War, Korea became a protectorate of imperial Japan, and in 1910 it was annexed as a colony. Korea regained its independence following Japan's surrender to the United States in 1945. After World War II, a Republic of Korea (ROK) was set up in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula while a Communist-style government was installed in the north (the DPRK). During the Korean War (1950-53), US troops and UN forces fought alongside soldiers from the ROK to defend South Korea from DPRK attacks supported by China and the Soviet Union. An armistice was signed in 1953, splitting the peninsula along a demilitarized zone at about the 38th parallel. Thereafter, South Korea achieved rapid economic growth with per capita income rising to roughly 17 times the level of North Korea. In 1993, KIM Young-sam became South Korea's first civilian president following 32 years of military rule. South Korea today is a fully functioning modern democracy. President LEE Myung-bak has pursued a policy of global engagement since taking office in February 2008, highlighted by Seoul's hosting of the G-20 summit in November 2010. Serious tensions with North Korea have punctuated inter-Korean relations in recent years, including the North's sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan in March 2010 and its artillery attack on South Korean soldiers and citizens in November 2010.

Geography ::Korea, South

Location:

Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the
Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea

Geographic coordinates:

37 00 N, 127 30 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 99,720 sq km country comparison to the world: 108 land: 96,920 sq km

water: 2,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 238 km

border countries: North Korea 238 km

Coastline:

2,413 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the Korea Strait

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: not specified

Climate:

temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter

Terrain:

mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west and south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m

highest point: Halla-san 1,950 m

Natural resources:

coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land: 16.58%

permanent crops: 2.01%

other: 81.41% (2005)

Irrigated land:

8,780 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

69.7 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 18.59 cu km/yr (36%/16%/48%)

per capita: 389 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; low-level seismic activity common in southwest

volcanism: Halla (elev. 1,950 m, 6,398 ft) is considered historically active although it has not erupted in many centuries

Environment - current issues:

air pollution in large cities; acid rain; water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents; drift net fishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Korea Strait

People ::Korea, South

Population:

48,636,068 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.8% (male 4,278,581/female 3,887,516)

15-64 years: 72.3% (male 17,897,053/female 17,196,840)

65 years and over: 10.8% (male 2,104,589/female 3,144,393) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.9 years

male: 36.5 years

female: 39.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.258% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Birth rate:

8.72 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Death rate:

6.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Urbanization:

urban population: 81% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.24 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 199 male: 4.46 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.81 years country comparison to the world: 42 male: 75.56 years

female: 82.28 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.22 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

13,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Nationality:

noun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Ethnic groups:

homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Religions:

Christian 26.3% (Protestant 19.7%, Roman Catholic 6.6%), Buddhist 23.2%, other or unknown 1.3%, none 49.3% (1995 census)

Languages:

Korean, English widely taught in junior high and high school

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.9%

male: 99.2%

female: 96.6% (2002)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 18 years

female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 100

Government ::Korea, South

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Korea

conventional short form: South Korea

local long form: Taehan-min'guk

local short form: Han'guk

abbreviation: ROK

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Seoul

geographic coordinates: 37 33 N, 126 59 E

time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 7 metropolitan cities (gwangyoksi, singular and plural)

provinces: Cheju-do, Cholla-bukto (North Cholla), Cholla-namdo
(South Cholla), Ch'ungch'ong-bukto (North Ch'ungch'ong),
Ch'ungch'ong-namdo (South Ch'ungch'ong), Kangwon-do, Kyonggi-do,
Kyongsang-bukto (North Kyongsang), Kyongsang-namdo (South Kyongsang)

metropolitan cities: Inch'on-gwangyoksi, Kwangju-gwangyoksi, Pusan-gwangyoksi, Soul-t'ukpyolsi (Seoul), Taegu-gwangyoksi, Taejon-gwangyoksi, Ulsan-gwangyoksi

Independence:

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

Constitution:

17 July 1948; note - amended or rewritten many times; current constitution approved on 29 October 1987

Legal system:

combines elements of continental European civil law systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

19 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President LEE Myung-bak (since 25 February 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister KIM Hwang-sik (since 1 October 2010)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendation (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held on 19 December 2007 (next to be held in December 2012); prime minister appointed by president with consent of National Assembly

election results: LEE Myung-bak elected president on 19 December 2007; percent of vote - LEE Myung-bak (GNP) 48.7%; CHUNG Dong-young (UNDP) 26.1%); LEE Hoi-chang (independent) 15.1; others 10.1%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Kukhoe (299 seats; 245 members elected in single-seat constituencies, 54 elected by proportional representation; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - GNP 172, UDP 83, LFP 20, PPA 8, DLP 5, RKP 1, independents 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president with consent of
National Assembly); Constitutional Court (justices appointed by the
president based partly on nominations by National Assembly and Chief
Justice of the court)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DP [CHUNG Sye-kyun] (formerly the United
Democratic Party or UDP); Democratic Labor Party or DLP [KANG
Ki-kap]; Grand National Party or GNP [AHN Sang-soo]; Liberty Forward
Party or LFP [LEE Hoi-chang]; New Progressive Party or NPP [ROH
Hoe-chan]; Pro-Park Alliance or PPA [SUH Choung-won]; Renewal Korea
Party or RKP [SONG Yong-o]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Federation of Korean Industries; Federation of Korean Trade Unions;
Korean Confederation of Trade Unions; Korean National Council of
Churches; Korean Traders Association; Korean Veterans' Association;
National Council of Labor Unions; National Democratic Alliance of
Korea; National Federation of Farmers' Associations; National
Federation of Student Associations

International organization participation:

ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner),
Australia Group, BIS, CD, CICA, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20,
IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF
(partner), SAARC (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador HAN Duck-soo

chancery: 2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-5600

FAX: [1] (202) 387-0205

consulate(s) general: Agana (Guam), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kathleen STEPHENS

embassy: 32 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-710

mailing address: US Embassy Seoul, APO AP 96205-5550

telephone: [82] (2) 397-4114

FAX: [82] (2) 738-8845

Flag description:

white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the center; there is a different black trigram from the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes) in each corner of the white field; the Korean national flag is called Taegukki; white is a traditional Korean color and represents peace and purity; the blue section represents the negative cosmic forces of the yin, while the red symbolizes the opposite positive forces of the yang; each trigram (kwae) denotes one of the four universal elements, which together express the principle of movement and harmony

National anthem:

name: "Aegukga" (Patriotic Song)

lyrics/music: YUN Ch'i-Ho or AN Ch'ang-Ho/AHN Eaktay

note: adopted 1948, well known by 1910; both North Korea and South Korea's anthems share the same name and have a vaguely similar melody but have different lyrics

Economy ::Korea, South

Economy - overview:

Since the 1960s, South Korea has achieved an incredible record of growth and global integration to become a high-tech industrialized economy. Four decades ago, GDP per capita was comparable with levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia. In 2004, South Korea joined the trillion dollar club of world economies, and currently is among the world's 20 largest economies. Initially, a system of close government and business ties, including directed credit and import restrictions, made this success possible. The government promoted the import of raw materials and technology at the expense of consumer goods, and encouraged savings and investment over consumption. The Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 exposed longstanding weaknesses in South Korea's development model including high debt/equity ratios and massive short-term foreign borrowing. GDP plunged by 6.9% in 1998, and then recovered by 9% in 1999-2000. Korea adopted numerous economic reforms following the crisis, including greater openness to foreign investment and imports. Growth moderated to about 4-5% annually between 2003 and 2007. With the global economic downturn in late 2008, South Korean GDP growth slowed to 0.2% in 2009. In the third quarter of 2009, the economy began to recover, in large part due to export growth, low interest rates, and an expansionary fiscal policy, and growth exceeded 6% in 2010. The South Korean economy's long term challenges include a rapidly aging population, inflexible labor market, and overdependence on manufacturing exports to drive economic growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.467 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $1.383 trillion (2009 est.)

$1.38 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$986.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 0.2% (2009 est.)

2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$30,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $28,500 (2009 est.)

$28,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 39.4%

services: 57.6% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

24.62 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 7.3%

industry: 24.3%

services: 68.4% (2010 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 3.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

15% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%

highest 10%: 24.2% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31.4 (2009) country comparison to the world: 104 35.8 (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

28.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Public debt:

23.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 23.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 2.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 133 1.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.65% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 7.17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$101.9 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 30 $82.54 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.346 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 13 $1.132 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.057 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $935.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$836.5 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 17 $494.6 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.124 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit; cattle, pigs, chickens, milk, eggs; fish

Industries:

electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel

Industrial production growth rate:

12.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Electricity - production:

417 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Electricity - consumption:

402 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009)

Oil - production:

48,180 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Oil - consumption:

2.185 million bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Oil - exports:

907,100 bbl/day country comparison to the world: 21 note: exports consist of oil derivatives (gasoline, light oil, and diesel), not crude oil (2009)

Oil - imports:

3.074 million bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Natural gas - production:

651 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - consumption:

34.09 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - imports:

32.69 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - proved reserves:

50 billion cu m (1 January 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Current account balance:

$36.35 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $42.67 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$466.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $373.6 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

semiconductors, wireless telecommunications equipment, motor vehicles, computers, steel, ships, petrochemicals

Exports - partners:

China 21.5%, US 10.9%, Japan 6.6%, Hong Kong 4.6% (2008)

Imports:

$417.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $317.5 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil, steel, transport equipment, organic chemicals, plastics

Imports - partners:

China 17.7%, Japan 14%, US 8.9%, Saudi Arabia 7.8%, UAE 4.4%,
Australia 4.1% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$274.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $270 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$370.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $370.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$112.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $110.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$115.6 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 25 $74.6 billion (30 June 2008)

Exchange rates:

South Korean won (KRW) per US dollar - 1,153.77 (2010), 1,276.93 (2009), 1,101.7 (2008), 929.2 (2007), 954.8 (2006)

Communications ::Korea, South

Telephones - main lines in use:

19.289 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 15

Telephones - mobile cellular:

47.944 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 25

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international services featuring rapid incorporation of new technologies

domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available with a combined telephone subscribership of roughly 140 per 100 persons; rapid assimilation of a full range of telecommunications technologies leading to a boom in e-commerce

international: country code - 82; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 66

Broadcast media:

multiple national television networks with 2 of the 3 largest networks publicly operated; the largest privately-owned network, Seoul Broadcasting Service (SBS), has ties with other commercial TV networks; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; publicly-operated radio broadcast networks and a large number of privately-owned radio broadcasting networks, each with multiple affiliates, and independent local stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.kr

Internet hosts:

291,329 (2010) country comparison to the world: 58

Internet users:

39.4 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 11

Transportation ::Korea, South

Airports:

116 (2010) country comparison to the world: 53

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 72

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 21

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 12

under 914 m: 22 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 44

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 42 (2010)

Heliports:

510 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,423 km; refined products 827 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,381 km country comparison to the world: 51 standard gauge: 3,381 km 1.435-m gauge (1,843 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 103,029 km country comparison to the world: 41 paved: 80,642 km (includes 3,367 km of expressways)

unpaved: 22,387 km (2008)

Waterways:

1,608 km; (most navigable only by small craft) (2010) country comparison to the world: 50

Merchant marine:

total: 819 country comparison to the world: 14 by type: bulk carrier 201, cargo 246, carrier 5, chemical tanker 132, container 69, liquefied gas 40, passenger 5, passenger/cargo 21, petroleum tanker 67, refrigerated cargo 15, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 9

foreign-owned: 33 (China 9, France 1, Japan 15, US 8)

registered in other countries: 438 (Cambodia 11, Ghana 1, Honduras 6, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 1, Kiribati 2, Liberia 1, Malta 3, Marshall Islands 25, North Korea 1, Panama 366, Philippines 1, Russia 1, Singapore 9, Tuvalu 1, unknown 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Inch'on, P'ohang, Pusan, Ulsan, Yosu

Military ::Korea, South

Military branches:

Republic of Korea Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

20-30 years of age for compulsory military service, with middle school education required; conscript service obligation - 21 months (Army, Marines), 23 months (Navy), 24 months (Air Force); 18-26 years of age for voluntary military service; women, in service since 1950, admitted to 7 service branches, including infantry, but excluded from artillery, armor, anti-air, and chaplaincy corps; some 4,000 women serve as commissioned and noncommissioned officers, approx. 2.3% of all officers; HIV-positive individuals are exempt from military service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,274,442

females age 16-49: 12,542,699 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,929,625

females age 16-49: 10,264,608 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 370,645

female: 321,765 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 53

Transnational Issues ::Korea, South

Disputes - international:

Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South Korea since 1953; periodic incidents with North Korea in the Yellow Sea over the Northern Limit Line, which South Korea claims as a maritime boundary; South Korea and Japan claim Liancourt Rocks (Tok-do/Take-shima), occupied by South Korea since 1954

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Kosovo (Europe)

Introduction ::Kosovo

Background:

Ethnic Serbs migrated to the territories of modern Kosovo in the 7th century but did not fully incorporate them into the Serbian realm until the early 13th century. During the medieval period, Kosovo became the center of a Serbian Empire and saw the construction of many important Serb religious sites, including many architecturally significant Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The defeat of Serbian forces at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 led to five centuries of Ottoman rule during which large numbers of Turks and Albanians moved to Kosovo. By the end of the 19th century, Albanians replaced the Serbs as the dominant ethnic group in Kosovo. Serbia reacquired control over Kosovo from the Ottoman Empire during the First Balkan War of 1912. Kosovo became an autonomous province of Serbia with status almost equivalent to that of a republic under the 1974 Constitution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Despite legislative concessions, Albanian nationalism increased in the 1980s, which led to riots and calls for Kosovo's independence. At the same time, Serb nationalist leaders, such as Slobodan MILOSEVIC, exploited Kosovo Serb claims of maltreatment to secure votes from supporters, many of whom viewed Kosovo as their cultural heartland. Under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia instituted a new constitution in 1989 that revoked Kosovo's status as an autonomous province of Serbia. Kosovo Albanian leaders responded in 1991 by organizing a referendum that declared Kosovo independent. Under MILOSEVIC, Serbia carried out repressive measures against the Albanians in the early 1990s as the unofficial Kosovo government, led by Ibrahim RUGOVA, used passive resistance in an attempt to try to gain international assistance and recognition of an independent Kosovo. Albanians dissatisfied with RUGOVA's passive strategy in the 1990s created the Kosovo Liberation Army and launched an insurgency. Starting in 1998, Serbian military, police, and paramilitary forces conducted a counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians. Approximately 800,000 Albanians were forced from their homes in Kosovo during this time. International attempts to mediate the conflict failed, and MILOSEVIC's rejection of a proposed settlement led to a three-month NATO military campaign against Serbia beginning in March 1999 that forced Serbia to agree to withdraw its military and police forces from Kosovo. UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) placed Kosovo under a transitional administration, the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), pending a determination of Kosovo's future status. A UN-led process began in late 2005 to determine Kosovo's final status. The negotiations ran in stages between 2006 and 2007, but ended without agreement between Belgrade and Pristina. On 17 February 2008, the Kosovo Assembly declared Kosovo independent. Since then, over sixty countries have recognized Kosovo, and it has joined the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo's independence and it subsequently sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legality under international law of Kosovo's independence declaration. In July 2010 the ICJ ruled that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate international law.

Geography ::Kosovo

Location:

Southeast Europe, between Serbia and Macedonia

Geographic coordinates:

42 35 N, 21 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 10,887 sq km country comparison to the world: 168 land: 10,887 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Delaware

Land boundaries:

total: 702 km

border countries: Albania 112 km, Macedonia 159 km, Montenegro 79 km, Serbia 352 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

influenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns; Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation; maximum rainfall between October and December

Terrain:

flat fluvial basin with an elevation of 400-700 m above sea level surrounded by several high mountain ranges with elevations of 2,000 to 2,500 m

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim 297 m (located on the border with Albania)

highest point: Gjeravica/Deravica 2,656 m

Natural resources:

nickel, lead, zinc, magnesium, lignite, kaolin, chrome, bauxite

People ::Kosovo

Population:

1,815,048 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.7% (male 260,678/female 239,779)

15-64 years: 65.7% (male 617,890/female 567,939)

65 years and over: 6.6% (male 50,463/female 68,089) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.3 years

male: 25.8 years

female: 26.8 years (2010 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Kosovar (Albanian), Kosovac (Serbian)

adjective: Kosovar (Albanian), Kosovski (Serbian)

note: Kosovan, a neutral term, is sometimes also used as a noun or adjective

Ethnic groups:

Albanians 92%, other (Serb, Bosniak, Gorani, Roma, Turk, Ashkali,
Egyptian) 8% (2008)

Religions:

Muslim, Serbian Orthodox, Roman Catholic

Languages:

Albanian (official), Serbian (official), Bosnian, Turkish, Roma

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.9%

male: 96.6%

female: 87.5% (2007 Census)

Government ::Kosovo

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Kosovo

conventional short form: Kosovo

local long form: Republika e Kosoves (Republika Kosovo)

local short form: Kosova (Kosovo)

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Pristina (Prishtine, Prishtina)

geographic coordinates: 42 40 N, 21 10 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

30 municipalities (komunat, singular - komuna in Albanian; opstine,
singular - opstina in Serbian); Decan (Decani), Dragash (Dragas),
Ferizaj (Urosevac), Fushe Kosove (Kosovo Polje), Gjakove (Dakovica),
Gjilan (Gnjilane), Gllogovc/Drenas (Glogovac), Istog (Istok),
Kacanik, Kamenice/Dardana (Kamenica), Kline (Klina), Leposaviq
(Leposavic), Lipjan (Lipljan), Malisheve (Malisevo), Mitrovice
(Mitrovica), Novoberde (Novo Brdo), Obiliq (Obilic), Peje (Pec),
Podujeve (Podujevo), Prishtine (Pristina), Prizren, Rahovec
(Orahovac), Shterpce (Strpce), Shtime (Stimlje), Skenderaj (Srbica),
Suhareke (Suva Reka), Viti (Vitina), Vushtrri (Vucitrn), Zubin
Potok, Zvecan

note - the Government of Kosovo has announced the establishment of eight additional municipalities in accordance with UN Special Envoy AHTISAARI's mandated decentralization process; the boundaries of several municipalities are pending final approval; the municipalities are: Gracanice (Gracanica), Hani i Elezit (Dzeneral Jankovic), Junik, Kllokot-Verboc (Klokot-Vrbovac), Mamushe (Mamusa), Partes, and Ranillug (Ranilug); in addition, the current Mitrovice (Mitrovica) municipality is to be split into Mitrovice (Mitrovica) North and Mitrovice (Mitrovica) South

Independence:

17 February 2008 (from Serbia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 February (2008)

Constitution:

adopted by the Kosovo Assembly on 9 April 2008; effective 15 June 2008

Legal system:

evolving legal system based on terms of former UN Special Envoy Martti AHTISAARI's Plan for Kosovo's supervised independence; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Acting President Jakup KRASNIQI (since 27 September 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Hashim THACI (since 9 January 2008)

cabinet: ministers; elected by the Kosovo Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the president elected for a five-year term by the Kosovo Assembly; election last held on 9 January 2008 (next to be held - a special election in 2011); the prime minister elected by the Kosovo Assembly

election results: Fatmir SEJDIU reelected president after three rounds; note - resigned from the office of president on 27 Septermber 2010; Hashim THACI elected prime minister by the Assembly

Legislative branch:

unicameral national Assembly (120 seats; 100 seats directly elected, 10 seats guaranteed for ethnic Serbs, 10 seats guaranteed for other ethnic minorities; members to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 17 November 2007 (next expected to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - PDK 34.3%, LDK 22.6%, AKR 12.3%, LDD 10.0%, AAK 9.6%, other 11.2%; seats by party - PDK 37, LDK 25, AKR 13, LDD 11, AAK 10, other 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; district courts; municipal courts

note: the Kosovo Constitution dictates that the Supreme Court of Kosovo is the highest judicial authority, and provides for a Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) that proposes to the president candidates for appointment or reappointment as judges and prosecutors; the KJC is also responsible for decisions on the promotion and transfer of judges and disciplinary proceedings against judges; at least 15 percent of Supreme Court and district court judges shall be from non-majority communities

Political parties and leaders:

Albanian Christian Democratic Party of Kosovo or PShDK [Ton MARKU];
Alliance for a New Kosovo or AKR [Behgjet PACOLLI]; Alliance for the
Future of Kosovo or AAK [Ramush HARADINAJ]; Alliance of Independent
Social Democrats of Kosovo and Metohija or SDSKIM [Ljubisa ZIVIC];
Bosniak Vakat Coalition or DSV [Sadik IDRIZI]; Citizens' Initiative
of Gora or GIG [Murselj HALJILJI]; Democratic Action Party or SDA
[Numan BALIC]; Democratic League of Dardania or LDD [Nexhat DACI];
Democratic League of Kosovo or LDK [Fatmir SEJDIU]; Democratic Party
of Ashkali of Kosovo or PDAK [Berat QERIMI]; Democratic Party of
Bosniaks [Dzezair MURATI]; Democratic Party of Kosovo or PDK [Hashim
THACI]; Independent Liberal Party or SLS [Slobadan PETROVIC]; Kosovo
Democratic Turkish Party of KDTP [Mahir YAGCILAR]; New Democratic
Initiative of Kosovo or IRDK [Xhevdet NEZIRAJ]; New Democratic Party
or ND [Predrag JOVIC]; New Kosovo Alliance or AKR [Behxhet PACOLLI];
Reform Party Ora [Teuta SAHATCIA]; Serb National Party or SNS
[Mihailo SCEPANOVIC]; Serbian Democratic Party of Kosovo and
Metohija or SDS KiM [Slavisa PETKOVIC]; Serbian Kosovo and Metohija
Party or SKMS [Dragisa MIRIC]; Serbian National Council of Northern
Kosovo and Metohija or SNV [Milan IVANOVIC]; Social Democratic Party
of Kosovo or PSDK [Agim CEKU]; Socialist Party of Kosovo or PSK
[Emrush XHEMAJLI]; United Roma Party of Kosovo or PREBK [Haxhi Zylfi
MERXHA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedom (human rights);
Humanitarian Law Centre (human rights); Movement for
Self-Determination; Serb National Council (SNV)

International organization participation:

IBRD, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITUC, MIGA

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Avni SPAHIU

chancery: 1101 30th Street NW, Suites 330/340, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: 202-380-3581

FAX: 202-380-3628

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher William DELL

embassy: Arberia/Dragodan, Nazim Hikmet 30, Pristina, Kosovo

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [381] 38 59 59 3000

FAX: [381] 38 549 890

Flag description:

centered on a dark blue field is the geographical shape of Kosovo in a gold color surmounted by six white, five-pointed stars arrayed in a slight arc; each star represents one of the major ethnic groups of Kosovo: Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Gorani, Roma, and Bosniaks

National anthem:

name: "Europe"

lyrics/music: none/Mendi MENGJIQI

note: adopted 2008; Kosovo chose to not include lyrics in its anthem so as not to offend minority ethnic groups in the country

Economy ::Kosovo

Economy - overview:

Over the past few years Kosovo's economy has shown significant progress in transitioning to a market-based system and maintaining macroeconomic stability, but it is still highly dependent on the international community and the diaspora for financial and technical assistance. Remittances from the diaspora - located mainly in Germany and Switzerland - are estimated to account for about 14% of GDP, and donor-financed activities and aid for another 7.5%. Kosovo's citizens are the poorest in Europe with an average annual per capita income of only $2,500. Unemployment, around 40% of the population, is a significant problem that encourages outward migration and black market activity. Most of Kosovo's population lives in rural towns outside of the capital, Pristina. Inefficient, near-subsistence farming is common - the result of small plots, limited mechanization, and lack of technical expertise. With international assistance, Kosovo has been able to privatize 50% of its state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by number, and over 90% of SOEs by value. Minerals and metals - including lignite, lead, zinc, nickel, chrome, aluminum, magnesium, and a wide variety of construction materials - once formed the backbone of industry, but output has declined because of ageing equipment and insufficient investment. A limited and unreliable electricity supply due to technical and financial problems is a major impediment to economic development. Kosovo's Ministry of Energy and Mining has solicited expressions of interest from private investors to develop a new power plant in order to address Kosovo and the region's unmet and growing demands for power. The official currency of Kosovo is the euro, but the Serbian dinar is also used in Serb enclaves. Kosovo's tie to the euro has helped keep core inflation low. Kosovo has one of the most open economies in the region, and continues to work with the international community on measures to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment. Kosovo has kept the government budget in balance as a result of efficient value added tax (VAT) collection at the borders and inefficient budget execution. In order to help integrate Kosovo into regional economic structures, UNMIK signed (on behalf of Kosovo) its accession to the Central Europe Free Trade Area (CEFTA) in 2006. However, Serbia and Bosnia have refused to recognize Kosovo's customs stamp or extend reduced tariff privileges for Kosovo products under CEFTA. In July 2008, Kosovo received pledges of $1.9 billion from 37 countries in support of its reform priorities. In June 2009, Kosovo joined the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and Kosovo began servicing its share of the former Yugoslavia's debt.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.3 billion (2008); $4.7 billion country comparison to the world: 158

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.237 billion (2007 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (2007) country comparison to the world: 174

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.9%

industry: 22.6%

services: 64.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

NA (2009 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 16.5%

industry: NA

services: NA (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

16.6% (2009 est.); 14% country comparison to the world: 157

Population below poverty line:

35% (2007 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30 (FY05/06)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Public debt:

NA% of GDP

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.09% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 13.79% (31 December 2008 est.)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, berries, potatoes, peppers

Industries:

mineral mining, construction materials, base metals, leather, machinery, appliances

Electricity - production:

832 million kWh (2006) country comparison to the world: 149

Electricity - consumption:

4.281 billion kWh (2006) country comparison to the world: 115

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2007) country comparison to the world: 158

Oil - consumption:

NA bbl/day

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2007) country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2007) country comparison to the world: 123

Natural gas - proved reserves:

NA cu m

Current account balance:

-$2.716 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 -$2.408 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$527 million (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

mining and processed metal products, scrap metals, leather products, machinery, appliances

Imports:

$2.6 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, wood, petroleum, chemicals, machinery and electrical equipment

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA

Debt - external:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$21.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $21.32 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007)

Communications ::Kosovo

Telephones - main lines in use:

106,300 (2006) country comparison to the world: 143

Telephones - mobile cellular:

562,000 (2007) country comparison to the world: 157

Transportation ::Kosovo

Airports:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 165

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Railways:

total: 430 km country comparison to the world: 116 standard gauge: 430 km 1.435-m gauge (2007)

Roadways:

total: 1,926 km country comparison to the world: 175 paved: 1,668 km

unpaved: 258 km (2009)

Military ::Kosovo

Military branches:

Kosovo Security Force (2010)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 429,645

females age 16-49: 389,071 (2010 est.)

Transnational Issues ::Kosovo

Disputes - international:

Serbia with several other states protest the US and other states' recognition of Kosovo's declaring itself as a sovereign and independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers under UNMIK authority continue to keep the peace within Kosovo between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in Kosovo; Kosovo and Macedonia completed demarcation of their boundary in September 2008

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDP's: 21,000 (2007)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Kuwait (Middle East)

Introduction ::Kuwait

Background:

Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a ground assault on 23 February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91. The AL-SABAH family has ruled since returning to power in 1991 and reestablished an elected legislature that in recent years has become increasingly assertive. The country witnessed the historic election in May 2009 of four women to its National Assembly.

Geography ::Kuwait

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi
Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

29 30 N, 45 45 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 17,818 sq km country comparison to the world: 157 land: 17,818 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 462 km

border countries: Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km

Coastline:

499 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

Terrain:

flat to slightly undulating desert plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation 306 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 0.84%

permanent crops: 0.17%

other: 98.99% (2005)

Irrigated land:

130 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.02 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.44 cu km/yr (45%/2%/52%)

per capita: 164 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year but are most common between March and August

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping

Geography - note:

strategic location at head of Persian Gulf

People ::Kuwait

Population:

2,789,132 country comparison to the world: 139 note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.4% (male 361,274/female 348,351)

15-64 years: 70.7% (male 1,219,674/female 683,494)

65 years and over: 3% (male 49,807/female 29,926) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.4 years

male: 28.2 years

female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.501% country comparison to the world: 5 note: this rate reflects a return to pre-Gulf crisis immigration of expatriates (2010 est.)

Birth rate:

21.64 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Death rate:

2.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224

Net migration rate:

15.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Urbanization:

urban population: 98% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.041 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.79 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.65 male(s)/female

total population: 1.54 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.75 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 159 male: 9.35 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.89 years country comparison to the world: 51 male: 76.64 years

female: 79.18 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.7 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA (2007 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Kuwaiti(s)

adjective: Kuwaiti

Ethnic groups:

Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%

Religions:

Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shia 30%), other (includes Christian, Hindu,
Parsi) 15%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.3%

male: 94.4%

female: 91% (2005 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 118

Government ::Kuwait

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Kuwait

conventional short form: Kuwait

local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt

local short form: Al Kuwayt

Government type:

constitutional emirate

Capital:

name: Kuwait City

geographic coordinates: 29 22 N, 47 58 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al 'Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra', Hawalli, Mubarak al Kabir

Independence:

19 June 1961 (from the UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 25 February (1950)

Constitution:

approved and promulgated 11 November 1962

Legal system:

civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal (adult); note - males in the military or police are not allowed to vote; adult females were allowed to vote as of 16 May 2005; all voters must have been citizens for 20 years

Executive branch:

chief of state: Amir SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 29 January 2006); Crown Prince NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 7 February 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister NASIR AL-MUHAMMAD al-Ahmad al-Sabah (since 3 April 2007); First Deputy Prime Minister JABIR AL-MUBAREK al-Hamad al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006); Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD AL-SABAH al-Salim al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and approved by the amir (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: none; the amir is hereditary; the amir appoints the prime minister and deputy prime ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; all cabinet ministers are also ex officio voting members of the National Assembly)

elections: last held on 16 May 2009 (next election to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by bloc - NA; seats by bloc - tribal MPs 25 (all Sunni Muslims, and represented primarily by the Al-Mutairi, Al-Azmi, Al-Ajmi, and Al-Rasheedi tribes), Shia Muslims 9, liberals 7, independents 6, Salafi (Sunni) Islamists 3

Judicial branch:

High Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

none; formation of political parties is in practice illegal but is not forbidden by law

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: Islamists; merchants; political groups; secular liberals and pro-governmental deputies; Shia activists; tribal groups

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, FAO,
G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, Paris Club (associate), PCA,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador SALIM al-Abdallah al-Jabir al-Sabah

chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702

FAX: [1] (202) 364-2868

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Deborah K. JONES

embassy: Bayan 36302, Block 13, Al-Masjed Al-Aqsa Street (near the Bayan palace), Kuwait City

mailing address: P. O. Box 77 Safat 13001 Kuwait; or PSC 1280 APO AE 09880-9000

telephone: [965] 2259-1001

FAX: [965] 2538-0282

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side; colors and design are based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I; green represents fertile fields, white stands for purity, red denotes blood on Kuwaiti swords, black signifies the defeat of the enemy

National anthem:

name: "Al-Nasheed Al-Watani" (National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Ahmad MUSHARI al-Adwani/Ibrahim Nasir al-SOULA

note: adopted 1978; the anthem is only used on formal occasions

Economy ::Kuwait

Economy - overview:

Kuwait has a geographically small, but wealthy, relatively open economy with self-reported crude oil reserves of about 102 billion barrels - about 9% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 95% of government income. Kuwaiti officials have committed to increasing oil production to 4 million barrels per day by 2020. The rise in global oil prices throughout 2010 is reviving government consumption and economic growth as Kuwait experiences a 20% increase in government budget revenue. Kuwait has done little to diversify its economy, in part, because of this positive fiscal situation, and, in part, due to the poor business climate and the acrimonious relationship between the National Assembly and the executive branch, which has stymied most movement on economic reforms. Nonetheless, the government in May 2010 passed a privatization bill that allows the government to sell assets to private investors, and in January passed an economic development plan that pledges to spend up to $130 billion in five years to diversify the economy away from oil, attract more investment, and boost private sector participation in the economy. Increasing government expenditures by so large an amount during the planned time frame may be difficult to accomplish.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$144.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $139.8 billion (2009 est.)

$146.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$117.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 -4.6% (2009 est.)

8.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$51,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $51,900 (2009 est.)

$56,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.3%

industry: 48.1%

services: 51.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.154 million country comparison to the world: 118 note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 60% of the labor force (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

2.2% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

13.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Public debt:

12.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 13.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 109 3.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.9% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 121 7.61% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$18.12 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 65 $16.38 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$88.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $86.53 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$96.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $90.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$95.94 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 33 $107.2 billion (31 December 2008)

$188 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

fish

Industries:

petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, water desalination, food processing, construction materials

Industrial production growth rate:

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Electricity - production:

45.83 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Electricity - consumption:

40.21 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.494 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Oil - consumption:

320,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Oil - exports:

2.349 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - proved reserves:

104 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - production:

12.7 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Natural gas - consumption:

12.7 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - imports:

300 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 note: Kuwait signed a deal with ?XX? to import 2 billion cu m per year in 2010 and beyond (2009 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.798 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Current account balance:

$38.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $28.61 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$65.03 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $50.34 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and refined products, fertilizers

Exports - partners:

Japan 17.9%, South Korea 17.31%, India 12.43%, Taiwan 9.07%, US 7.9%, China 7.55%, Singapore 5.48% (2009)

Imports:

$20.36 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $17.08 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing

Imports - partners:

US 11.18%, China 9.07%, Germany 7.63%, Japan 7.14%, Saudi Arabia 6.24%, Italy 5%, France 4.77%, India 4.09%, UK 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$22.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $20.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$56.81 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $55.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$1.281 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $1.081 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$44.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $34.73 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US dollar - 0.2888 (2010), 0.2877 (2009), 0.2679 (2008), 0.2844 (2007), 0.29 (2006)

Communications ::Kuwait

Telephones - main lines in use:

553,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 94

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.876 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 105

Telephone system:

general assessment: the quality of service is excellent

domestic: new telephone exchanges provide a large capacity for new subscribers; trunk traffic is carried by microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and open-wire and fiber-optic cable; a mobile-cellular telephone system operates throughout Kuwait, and the country is well supplied with pay telephones

international: country code - 965; linked to international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); linked to Bahrain, Qatar, UAE via the Fiber-Optic Gulf (FOG) cable; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 6 (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 1 Inmarsat - Atlantic Ocean, and 2 Arabsat)

Broadcast media:

state-owned TV broadcaster operates 4 networks and a satellite channel; several private TV broadcasters have emerged since 2003; satellite TV is available with pan-Arab TV stations especially popular; state-owned Radio Kuwait broadcasts on a number of channels in Arabic and English; first private radio station emerged in 2005; transmissions of at least 2 international radio broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.kw

Internet hosts:

2,485 (2010) country comparison to the world: 151

Internet users:

1.1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 96

Transportation ::Kuwait

Airports:

7 (2010) country comparison to the world: 168

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 269 km; oil 540 km; refined products 57 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 5,749 km country comparison to the world: 150 paved: 4,887 km

unpaved: 862 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 30 country comparison to the world: 83 by type: bulk carrier 1, carrier 3, container 6, liquefied gas 4, petroleum tanker 16

registered in other countries: 47 (Bahamas 2, Bahrain 5, Comoros 1, Libya 1, Malta 2, Panama 12, Qatar 7, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saudi Arabia 4, UAE 10) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Az Zawr (Mina' Sa'ud), Mina' 'Abd
Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi

Military ::Kuwait

Military branches:

Kuwaiti Land Forces (KLF), Kuwaiti Navy, Kuwaiti Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Kuwaitiya), Kuwaiti National Guard (KNG) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for compulsory and 18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; women age 18-30 may be subject to compulsory military service; conscription suspended in 2001 (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,131,529

females age 16-49: 612,126 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 979,832

females age 16-49: 539,574 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 19,038

female: 19,787 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 14

Transnational Issues ::Kuwait

Disputes - international:

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue negotiating a joint maritime boundary with Iran; no maritime boundary exists with Iraq in the Persian Gulf

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Kuwait is a destination country for men and women who migrate legally from South and Southeast Asia for domestic or low-skilled labor, but are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude by employers in Kuwait including conditions of physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, confinement to the home, and withholding of passports to restrict their freedom of movement; Kuwait is reportedly a transit point for South and East Asian workers recruited for low-skilled work in Iraq; some of these workers are deceived as to the true location and nature of this work, and others are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude in Iraq

tier rating: Tier 3 - Kuwaiti government has shown an inability to define trafficking and has demonstrated insufficient political will to address human trafficking adequately; much of the human trafficking found in Kuwait involves domestic workers in private residences and the government is reluctant to prosecute Kuwaiti citizens; the government has not enacted legislation targeting human trafficking nor established a permanent shelter for victims of trafficking (2009)

page last updated on January 13, 2011

======================================================================

@Kyrgyzstan (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Kyrgyzstan

Background:

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed to Russia in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1936 and achieved independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Nationwide demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of President Askar AKAEV, who had run the country since 1990. Subsequent presidential elections in July 2005 were won overwhelmingly by former prime minister Kurmanbek BAKIEV. Over the next few years, the new president manipulated the parliament to accrue new powers for himself. In July 2009, after months of harassment against his opponents and media critics, BAKIEV won re-election in a presidential campaign that the international community deemed flawed. In April 2010, nationwide protests led to the resignation and expulsion of BAKIEV. He was replaced by President Roza OTUNBAEVA who will serve as president until 31 December 2011 according to a presidential decree issued 19 May 2010. Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in October 2011. Continuing concerns include: endemic corruption, poor interethnic relations, and terrorism.

Geography ::Kyrgyzstan

Location:

Central Asia, west of China

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 N, 75 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 199,951 sq km country comparison to the world: 86 land: 191,801 sq km

water: 8,150 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Land boundaries:

total: 3,051 km

border countries: China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,224 km, Tajikistan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone

Terrain:

peaks of Tien Shan and associated valleys and basins encompass entire nation

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m

highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

Natural resources:

abundant hydropower; significant deposits of gold and rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas; other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc

Land use:

arable land: 6.55%

permanent crops: 0.28%

other: 93.17%

note: Kyrgyzstan has the world's largest natural-growth walnut forest (2005)

Irrigated land:

10,720 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

46.5 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 10.08 cu km/yr (3%/3%/94%)

per capita: 1,916 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

water pollution; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien Shan range; 94% of the country is 1,000 m above sea level with an average elevation of 2,750 m; many tall peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes

People ::Kyrgyzstan

Population:

5,508,626 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.7% (male 822,128/female 789,425)

15-64 years: 64.5% (male 1,717,497/female 1,787,551)

65 years and over: 5.8% (male 123,045/female 192,101) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.7 years

male: 23.8 years

female: 25.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.414% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Birth rate:

23.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Death rate:

6.85 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Net migration rate:

-2.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Urbanization:

urban population: 36% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 30.25 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 73 male: 35.09 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 25.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.74 years country comparison to the world: 147 male: 65.74 years

female: 73.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.64 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

4,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Nationality:

noun: Kyrgyzstani(s)

adjective: Kyrgyzstani

Ethnic groups:

Kyrgyz 64.9%, Uzbek 13.8%, Russian 12.5%, Dungan 1.1%, Ukrainian 1%,
Uighur 1%, other 5.7% (1999 census)

Religions:

Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%

Languages:

Kyrgyz 64.7% (official), Uzbek 13.6%, Russian 12.5% (official),
Dungun 1%, other 8.2% (1999 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.7%

male: 99.3%

female: 98.1% (1999 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 29

Government ::Kyrgyzstan

Country name:

conventional long form: Kyrgyz Republic

conventional short form: Kyrgyzstan

local long form: Kyrgyz Respublikasy

local short form: Kyrgyzstan

former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bishkek

geographic coordinates: 42 52 N, 74 36 E

time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces (oblastlar, singular - oblasty) and 1 city* (shaar);
Batken Oblasty, Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek), Jalal-Abad
Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty, Ysyk-Kol Oblasty
(Karakol)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

31 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 31 August (1991)

Constitution:

27 June 2010

Legal system:

based on French and Russian laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Roza OTUNBAEVA (since 19 May 2010); note - OTUNBAEVA became acting president on 7 April 2010 following the early April 2010 riots that overthrew President Kurmanbek BAKIEV; she was appointed president through 31 December 2011 by a 19 May 2010 decree of the provisional government, which also prohibited her from running in the next presidential election; she was officially sworn in on 3 July 2010

head of government: Prime Minister Almazbek ATAMBAEV (since 17 December 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister - Omurbek BABANOV (since 17 December 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers - Shamil ATAKHANOV, Ibragim JUNUSOV, Jantoro SATYBALDIEV (since 17 December 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense and security, are appointed solely by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: Kurmanbek BAKIEV reelected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 23 July 2009 (next scheduled for 2011); prime minister nominated by the parliamentary party holding more than 50% of the seats; if no such party exists, the president selects the party that will form a coalition majority and government

election results: Kurmanbek BAKIEV elected president; percent of vote - Kurmanbek BAKIEV 76.1%, Almaz ATAMBAEV 8.4%, Temir SARIEV 6.7%, other candidates 8.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Council or Jogorku Kengesh (120 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 10 October 2007 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: Supreme Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Ata-Jurt 28, SDPK 26, Ar-Namys 25, Respublika 23, Ata-Meken 18

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court (judges of both the Supreme and Constitutional Courts are appointed for 10-year terms by the Jogorku Kengesh on the recommendation of the president; their mandatory retirement age is 70 years); Higher Court of Arbitration; Local Courts (judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the National Council on Legal Affairs for a probationary period of five years, then 10 years)

Political parties and leaders:

Ar-Namys (Dignity) Party [Feliks KULOV]; Ata-Jurt (Homeland)
[Kamchybek TASHIEV, Akhmat KELDIBEKOV]; Ata-Meken (Fatherland)
[Omurbek TEKEBAEV]; Butun Kyrgyzstan (All Kyrgyzstan) [Adakhan
MADUMAROV, Miroslav NIYAZOV]; Respublika [Omurbek BABANOV];
Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK) [Almazbek ATAMBAEV]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Adilet Legal Clinic [Cholpon JAKUPOVA]; Coalition for Democracy and
Civil Society [Dinara OSHURAKHUNOVA]; Interbilim [Asiya SASYKBAEVA]

International organization participation:

ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OIC,
OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mukhtar JUMALIEV

chancery: 2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 449-9822

FAX: [1] (202) 386-7550

consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Tatiana GFOELLER

embassy: 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [996] (312) 551-241, (517) 777-217

FAX: [996] (312) 551-264

Flag description:

red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays representing the 40 Kyrgyz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized representation of a "tunduk" - the crown of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt; red symbolizes bravery and valor, the sun evinces peace and wealth

National anthem:

name: "Kyrgyz Respublikasynyn Mamlekettik Gimni" (National Anthem of the Kyrgyz Republic)

lyrics/music: Djamil SADYKOV and Eshmambet KULUEV/Nasyr DAVLESOV and Kalyi MOLDOBASANOV

note: adopted 1992

Economy ::Kyrgyzstan

Economy - overview:

Kyrgyzstan is a poor, mountainous country with a dominant agricultural sector. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton are exported in any quantity. Industrial exports include gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas, and electricity. The economy depends heavily on gold exports - mainly from output at the Kumtor gold mine. Following independence, Kyrgyzstan was progressive in carrying out market reforms, such as an improved regulatory system and land reform. Kyrgyzstan was the first Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. Much of the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production had been severe after the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995, production began to recover and exports began to increase. In 2005, the BAKIEV government and international financial institutions initiated a comprehensive medium-term poverty reduction and economic growth strategy. Bishkek agreed to pursue much needed tax reform and, in 2006, became eligible for the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative. The government made steady strides in controlling its substantial fiscal deficit, nearly closing the gap between revenues and expenditures in 2006, before boosting expenditures more than 20% in 2007-08. GDP grew about 8% annually in 2007-08, partly due to higher gold prices internationally, but slowed to 2.3% in 2009. The overthrow of President BAKIEV in April, 2010 and subsequent ethnic clashes left hundreds dead and damaged infrastructure. Shrinking trade and agricultural production, as well as political instability, caused GDP to contract about 3.5% in 2010. The fiscal deficit widened to 12% of GDP, reflecting significant increases in crisis-related spending, including both rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure and bank recapitalization. Progress in reconstruction, fighting corruption, restructuring domestic industry, and attracting foreign aid and investment are key to future growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$11.85 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 $12.28 billion (2009 est.)

$12 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$4.444 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209 2.3% (2009 est.)

8.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 $2,300 (2009 est.)

$2,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 24.6%

industry: 25%

services: 50.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.344 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 111

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 48%

industry: 12.5%

services: 39.5% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

18% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Population below poverty line:

40% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 25.9% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30.3 (2003) country comparison to the world: 111 29 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

26.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 6.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9.07% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 18 15.11% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

23.03% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 19.86% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$714.9 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 148 $826.4 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 $1.247 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$505.4 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $572.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$71.84 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 112 $93.79 million (31 December 2008)

$121 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes, fruits and berries; sheep, goats, cattle, wool

Industries:

small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement, shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, rare earth metals

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Electricity - production:

15.96 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Electricity - consumption:

9 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Electricity - exports:

2.379 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

979 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Oil - consumption:

15,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Oil - exports:

1,890 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Oil - imports:

12,850 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Oil - proved reserves:

40 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - production:

30 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Natural gas - consumption:

750 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Natural gas - imports:

720 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Current account balance:

-$210 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $184 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.682 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $1.726 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, wool, meat, tobacco; gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas, hydropower; machinery; shoes

Exports - partners:

Switzerland 25.96%, Russia 25.88%, Uzbekistan 15.72%, Kazakhstan 12.47% (2009)

Imports:

$3.075 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $2.987 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 57.03%, Russia 19.34%, Kazakhstan 5.9% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.615 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $1.585 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.738 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 119 $3.467 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

soms (KGS) per US dollar - 46.337 (2010), 42.905 (2009), 36.108 (2008), 37.746 (2007), 40.149 (2006)

Communications ::Kyrgyzstan

Telephones - main lines in use:

498,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 97

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.487 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 100

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is being upgraded; loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are being used to install a digital network, digital radio-relay stations, and fiber-optic links

domestic: fixed-line penetration remains low and concentrated in urban areas; multiple mobile-cellular service providers with growing coverage; mobile-cellular subscribership exceeded 80 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 996; connections with other CIS countries by landline or microwave radio relay and with other countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway switch and by satellite; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intersputnik, 1 Intelsat); connected internationally by the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line

Broadcast media:

state-run television broadcaster operates 2 nationwide networks and 6 regional stations; roughly 20 private TV stations operating with most rebroadcasting other channels; state-run radio broadcaster operates 2 networks; about 20 private radio stations operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.kg

Internet hosts:

97,976 (2010) country comparison to the world: 78

Internet users:

2.195 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 74

Transportation ::Kyrgyzstan

Airports:

28 (2010) country comparison to the world: 119

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 18

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 254 km; oil 16 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 470 km country comparison to the world: 115 broad gauge: 470 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 18,500 km country comparison to the world: 115 paved: 16,909 km (includes 140 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,591 km (2003)

Waterways:

600 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 79

Ports and terminals:

Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye)

Military ::Kyrgyzstan

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Air Force (includes Air Defense Forces), National
Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory male military service in the armed forces or Interior Ministry; service obligation 1 year; women may volunteer at age 19; 16-17 years of age for military cadets, who cannot take part in military operations (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,439,750

females age 16-49: 1,455,806 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,101,709

females age 16-49: 1,243,904 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 56,269

female: 54,004 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.5% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 162

Transnational Issues ::Kyrgyzstan

Disputes - international:

Kyrgyzstan has yet to ratify the 2001 boundary delimitation with Kazakhstan; disputes in Isfara Valley delay completion of delimitation with Tajikistan; delimitation of 130 km of border with Uzbekistan is hampered by serious disputes around enclaves and other areas

Illicit drugs:

limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy for CIS markets; limited government eradication of illicit crops; transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia and the rest of Europe; major consumer of opiates

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Laos (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Laos

Background:

Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997. In late 2009, Thailand returned to Laos about 3,000 Hmong residing in refugee camps.

Geography ::Laos

Location:

Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

18 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 236,800 sq km country comparison to the world: 83 land: 230,800 sq km

water: 6,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Utah

Land boundaries:

total: 5,083 km

border countries: Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mekong River 70 m

highest point: Phu Bia 2,817 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Land use:

arable land: 4.01%

permanent crops: 0.34%

other: 95.65% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,750 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

333.6 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3 cu km/yr (4%/6%/90%)

per capita: 507 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

floods, droughts

Environment - current issues:

unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; most of the population does not have access to potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand

People ::Laos

Population:

6,368,162 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.8% (male 1,399,674/female 1,386,526)

15-64 years: 56.2% (male 1,900,638/female 1,938,165)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 90,144/female 119,198) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.7 years

male: 20.4 years

female: 21 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.712% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Birth rate:

26.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Death rate:

8.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Net migration rate:

-1.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 160

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 61.19 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 35 male: 67.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 54.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62 years country comparison to the world: 181 male: 60.14 years

female: 63.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.22 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2008) (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)

adjective: Lao or Laotian

Ethnic groups:

Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8%, other (over 100 minor ethnic groups) 26% (2005 census)

Religions:

Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and unspecified 31.5% (2005 census)

Languages:

Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 73%

male: 83%

female: 63% (2005 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 10 years

female: 9 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.3% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 164

Government ::Laos

Country name:

conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic

conventional short form: Laos

local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao

local short form: Pathet Lao (unofficial)

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

name: Vientiane (Viangchan)

geographic coordinates: 17 58 N, 102 36 E

time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 capital city* (nakhon luang, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xekong, Xiangkhoang

Independence:

19 July 1949 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 2 December (1975)

Constitution:

promulgated 14 August 1991; amended in 2003

Legal system:

based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and socialist practice; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 8 June 2006); Vice President BOUN-GNANG Volachit (since 8 June 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister THONGSING Thammavong (since 24
December 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since
May 2002), Lt. Gen. DOUANGCHAI Phichit (since 8 June 2006), SOMSAVAT
Lengsavat (since 26 February 1998), and THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 27
March 2001)

cabinet: Ministers appointed by president, approved by National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by National Assembly for five-year terms; election last held on 8 June 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and elected by the National Assembly for five-year term

election results: CHOUMMALI Saignason elected president; BOUN-GNANG Volachit elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - 100%; BOUASONE Bouphavanh elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - 97%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (115 seats; members elected by popular vote from a list of candidates selected by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 30 on April 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LPRP 113, independents 2

Judicial branch:

People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme Court
is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the
National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the
People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National
Assembly Standing Committee)

Political parties and leaders:

Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [CHOUMMALI Saignason]; other parties proscribed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU,
MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador SENG Soukhathivong

chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416

FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Karen B. STEWART

embassy: 19 Rue Bartholonie, That Dam, Vientiane

mailing address: American Embassy Vientiane, APO AP 96546

telephone: [856] 21-26-7000

FAX: [856] 21-26-7190

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band; the red bands recall the blood shed for liberation; the blue band represents the Mekong River and prosperity; the white disk symbolizes the full moon against the Mekong River, but also signifies the unity of the people under the Pathet Lao, as well as the country's bright future

National anthem:

name: "Pheng Xat Lao" (Hymn of the Lao People)

lyrics/music: SISANA Sisane/THONGDY Sounthonevichit

note: music adopted 1945, lyrics adopted 1975; the anthem's lyrics were changed following the 1975 Communist revolution that overthrew the monarchy

Economy ::Laos

Economy - overview:

The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party Communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking - growth averaged 6% per year from 1988-2008 except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis that began in 1997. Despite this high growth rate, Laos remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. It has a rudimentary, but improving, road system, and limited external and internal telecommunications. Electricity is available in urban areas and in many rural districts. Subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland areas, accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 80% of total employment. The government in FY08/09 received $560 million from international donors. Economic growth has reduced official poverty rates from 46% in 1992 to 26% in 2009. The economy has benefited from high foreign investment in hydropower, mining, and construction. Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004, and is taking steps required to join the World Trade Organization, such as reforming import licensing. Related trade policy reforms will improve the business environment. On the fiscal side, Laos launched an effort to ensure the collection of taxes in 2009 as the global economic slowdown reduced revenues from mining projects. Simplified investment procedures and expanded bank credits for small farmers and small entrepreneurs will improve Lao's economic prospects. The government appears committed to raising the country's profile among investors. The World Bank has declared that Laos's goal of graduating from the UN Development Program's list of least-developed countries by 2020 is achievable. According Laotian officials, the 7th Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2011-15 will outline efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goals.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$15.42 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $14.41 billion (2009 est.)

$13.53 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.341 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 6.5% (2009 est.)

7.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 $2,300 (2009 est.)

$2,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 29.8%

industry: 31.7%

services: 38.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.65 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%

industry and services: 20% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.5% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 2.4% (2005 est.)

Population below poverty line:

26% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.4%

highest 10%: 28.5% (2002)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.6 (2002) country comparison to the world: 88 37 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 0% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.3% (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 108 4% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

26% (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 83 11% (30 November 2009)

Stock of narrow money:

$630 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 150 $691.1 million (31 December 2009)

Stock of broad money:

$1.818 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $1.549 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.562 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $1.095 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Agriculture - products:

sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, peanuts, rice; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry

Industries:

copper, tin, gold, and gypsum mining; timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction, garments, cement, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

12% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Electricity - production:

1.656 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Electricity - consumption:

1.798 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Electricity - exports:

230 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

819.5 million kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Oil - imports:

3,080 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Current account balance:

-$23 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 -$356 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.215 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $1.104 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, gold

Exports - partners:

Thailand 29.18%, China 15.04%, Vietnam 14.96%, UK 4.29% (2009)

Imports:

$1.504 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $1.308 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

Thailand 66.2%, China 11.45%, Vietnam 5.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$756 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $712.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.085 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $3.179 billion (2006 est.)

Exchange rates:

kips (LAK) per US dollar - 8,320.27 (2010), 8,516.04 (2009), 8,760.69 (2008), 9,658 (2007), 10,235 (2006)

Communications ::Laos

Telephones - main lines in use:

132,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 137

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.235 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 111

Telephone system:

general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas

domestic: multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing very rapidly

international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2008)

Broadcast media:

2 television stations operating out of Vientiane - 1 government-operated and the other jointly-owned by the government and a Thai company; roughly 15 provincial stations operating with nearly all programming relayed via satellite from the government-operated station in Vientiane; relays from Hanoi provide access to a Vietnamese television station; broadcasts available from stations in Thailand and Vietnam in border areas; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems provide access to a wide range of foreign stations; state-controlled radio with state-operated Lao National Radio (LNR) broadcasting on 5 frequencies - 1 AM, 2 SW, and 2 FM; LNR's AM and FM programs are relayed via satellite constituting a large part of the programming schedules of the provincial radio stations; Thai radio broadcasts available in border areas and transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are also accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.la

Internet hosts:

1,468 (2010) country comparison to the world: 161

Internet users:

300,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 130

Transportation ::Laos

Airports:

41 (2010) country comparison to the world: 102

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 32

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Pipelines:

refined products 540 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 36,831 km country comparison to the world: 93 paved: 4,811 km

unpaved: 32,020 km (2007)

Waterways:

4,600 km country comparison to the world: 24 note: primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,900 additional km are intermittently navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 157 by type: cargo 1 (2008)

Military ::Laos

Military branches:

Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF): Lao People's Army (LPA; includes
Riverine Force), Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; minimum 18-month conscript service obligation (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,633,725

females age 16-49: 1,654,235 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,056,050

females age 16-49: 1,121,640 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 77,910

female: 77,761 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 164

Military - note:

serving one of the world's least developed countries, the Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF) is small, poorly funded, and ineffectively resourced; its mission focus is border and internal security, primarily in countering ethnic Hmong insurgent groups; together with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the government, the Lao People's Army (LPA) is the third pillar of state machinery, and as such is expected to suppress political and civil unrest and similar national emergencies, but the LPA also has upgraded skills to respond to avian influenza outbreaks; there is no perceived external threat to the state and the LPA maintains strong ties with the neighboring Vietnamese military (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Laos

Disputes - international:

Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Thailand but disputes remain over islands in the Mekong River; concern among Mekong Commission members that China's construction of dams on the Mekong River will affect water levels

Illicit drugs:

estimated opium poppy cultivation in 2008 was 1,900 hectares, about a 73% increase from 2007; estimated potential opium production in 2008 more than tripled to 17 metric tons; unsubstantiated reports of domestic methamphetamine production; growing domestic methamphetamine problem (2007)

page last updated on January 13, 2011

======================================================================

@Latvia (Europe)

Introduction ::Latvia

Background:

The name "Latvia" originates from the ancient Latgalians, one of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Geography ::Latvia

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and
Lithuania

Geographic coordinates:

57 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 64,589 sq km country comparison to the world: 123 land: 62,249 sq km

water: 2,340 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,382 km

border countries: Belarus 171 km, Estonia 343 km, Lithuania 576 km, Russia 292 km

Coastline:

498 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

maritime; wet, moderate winters

Terrain:

low plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m

Natural resources:

peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 28.19%

permanent crops: 0.45%

other: 71.36% (2005)

Irrigated land:

200 sq km

note: land in Latvia is often too wet and in need of drainage not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land has been improved by drainage (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

49.9 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.25 cu km/yr (55%/33%/12%)

per capita: 108 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; the main environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality and sewage system, household, and hazardous waste management, as well as reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU accession negotiation chapter on environment committing to full enforcement of EU environmental directives by 2010

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains with some hills in the east

People ::Latvia

Population:

2,217,969 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.3% (male 152,472/female 145,161)

15-64 years: 69.6% (male 756,469/female 797,505)

65 years and over: 17% (male 124,432/female 255,464) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.4 years

male: 37.4 years

female: 43.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.602% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 225

Birth rate:

9.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Death rate:

13.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Net migration rate:

-2.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Urbanization:

urban population: 68% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female

total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.59 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 161 male: 10.41 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.42 years country comparison to the world: 121 male: 67.27 years

female: 77.84 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.31 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

10,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Latvian(s)

adjective: Latvian

Ethnic groups:

Latvian 59.3%, Russian 27.8%, Belarusian 3.6%, Ukrainian 2.5%,
Polish 2.4%, Lithuanian 1.3%, other 3.1% (2009)

Religions:

Lutheran 19.6%, Orthodox 15.3%, other Christian 1%, other 0.4%, unspecified 63.7% (2006)

Languages:

Latvian (official) 58.2%, Russian 37.5%, Lithuanian and other 4.3% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.7% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 67

Government ::Latvia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Latvia

conventional short form: Latvia

local long form: Latvijas Republika

local short form: Latvija

former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Riga

geographic coordinates: 56 57 N, 24 06 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

109 municipalities (novadi, singular-novads) and 9 cities*: Adazu
Novads, Aglonas Novads, Aizkraukles Novads, Aizputes Novads,
Aknistes Novads, Alojas Novads, Alsungas Novads, Aluksnes Novads,
Amatas Novads, Apes Novads, Auces Novads, Babites Novads, Baldones
Novads, Baltinavas Novads, Balvu Novads, Bauskas Novads, Beverinas
Novads, Brocenu Novads, Burtnieku Novads, Carnikavas Novads, Cesu
Novads, Cesvaines Novads, Ciblas Novads, Dagdas Novads, Daugavpils*,
Daugavpils Novads, Dobeles Novads, Dundagas Novads, Durbes Novads,
Engures Novads, Erglu Novads, Garkalnes Novads, Grobinas Novads,
Gulbenes Novads, Iecavas Novads, Ikskiles Novads, Ilukstes Novads,
Incukalna Novads, Jaunjelgavas Novads, Juanpiebalgas Novads,
Jaunpils Novads, Jekabpils*, Jekabpils Novads, Jelgava*, Jelgavas
Novads, Jurmala*, Kandavas Novads, Karsavas Novads, Keguma Novads,
Kekavas Novads, Kocenu Novads, Kokneses Novads, Kraslavas Novads,
Krimuldas Novads, Krustpils Novads, Kuldigas Novads, Lielvardes
Novads, Liepaja*, Ligatnes Novads, Limbazu Novads, Livanu Novads,
Lubanas Novads, Ludzas Novads, Madonas Novads, Malpils Novads,
Marupes Novads, Mazsalacas Novads, Nauksenu Novads, Neretas Novads,
Nicas Novads, Ogres Novads, Olaines Novads, Ozolnieku Novads,
Pargaujas Novads, Pavilostas Novads, Plavinu Novads, Preilu Novads,
Priekules Novads, Priekulu Novads, Raunas Novads, Rezekne*, Rezeknes
Novads, Riebinu Novads, Riga*, Rojas Novads, Ropazu Novads, Rucavas
Novads, Rugaju Novads, Rujienas Novads, Rundales Novads, Salacgrivas
Novads, Salas Novads, Salaspils Novads, Saldus Novads, Saulkrastu
Novads, Sejas Novads, Siguldas Novads, Skriveru Novads, Skrundas
Novads, Smiltenes Novads, Stopinu Novads, Strencu Novads, Talsu
Novads, Tervetes Novads, Tukuma Novads, Vainodes Novads, Valkas
Novads, Valmiera*, Varaklanu Novads, Varkavas Novads, Vecpiebalgas
Novads, Vecumnieku Novads, Ventspils*, Ventspils Novads, Viesites
Novads, Vilakas Novads, Vilanu Novads, Zilupes Novads

Independence:

18 November 1918 (from the Soviet Russia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 was the date Latvia declared itself independent from Soviet Russia; 4 May 1990 is when it declared the renewal of independence; 21 August 1991 was the date of de facto independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

15 February 1922; restored to force by the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Latvia adopted by the Supreme Council on 21 August 1991; multiple amendments since

Legal system:

based on civil law system with traces of Socialist legal traditions and practices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal for Latvian citizens

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Valdis ZATLERS (since 8 July 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Valdis DOMBROVSKIS (since 12 March 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and appointed by Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 May 2007 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by Parliament

election results: Valdis ZATLERS elected president; parliamentary vote - Valdis ZATLERS 58, Aivars ENDZINS 39

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members elected by proportional representation from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - Unity bloc 31.2%, SC 26%, ZZS 19.7%, National Alliance 7.7%, For a Good Latvia bloc 7.7%; seats by party - Unity Coalition 33, SC 29, ZZS 22, National Alliance 8, For a Good Latvia 8

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by parliament); Constitutional Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by parliament)

Political parties and leaders:

All For Latvia! [Irnants PARADNIEKS, Raivis DZINTARS]; Civic Union
[Sandra KALNIETE, Girts Valdis KRISTOVSKIS]; First Party of
Latvia/Latvia's Way or LPP/LC [Ainars SLESERS]; For a Good Latvia
(alliance of TP, LPP/LC); For Human Rights in a United Latvia or
PCTVL [Jakovs PLINERS, Tatjana ZDANOKA]; For the Fatherland and
Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement or TB/LNNK [Roberts
ZILE, Maris GRINBLATS]; Harmony Center or SC [Nils USAKOVS, Janis
URBANOVICS]; National Alliance (alliance of TB/LNNK, All For
Latvia!); New Era Party or JL [Solvita ABOLTINA, Dzintars ZAKIS];
People's Party or TP [Andris SKELE]; Society for Different Politics
or SCP [Aigars STOKENBERGS; Artis PABRIKS]; The Union of Latvian
Greens and Farmers Party or ZZS [Augusts BRIGMANIS]; Unity bloc
(alliance of Civic Union, New Era, SCP)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia [Peteris KRIGERS],
Employers' Confederation of Latvia [Elina EGLE], Farmers' Parliament
[Juris LAZDINS]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO,
NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen
Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Andrejs PILDEGOVICS

chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840

FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Judith G. GARBER

embassy: 7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510

mailing address: American Embassy Riga, PSC 78, Box Riga, APO AE 09723

telephone: [371] 670-36200

FAX: [371] 678-20047

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and maroon; the flag is one of the older banners in the world; a medieval chronicle mentions a red standard with a white stripe being used by Latvian tribes in about 1280

National anthem:

name: "Dievs, sveti Latviju!" (God Bless Latvia)

lyrics/music: Karlis BAUMANIS

note: adopted 1920, restored 1990; the song was first performed in 1873 while Latvia was a part of Russia; the anthem was banned during the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1990

Economy ::Latvia

Economy - overview:

Latvia's economy experienced GDP growth of more than 10% per year during 2006-07 but entered a severe recession in 2008 as a result of an unsustainable current account deficit and large debt exposure amid the softening world economy. GDP plunged 18% in 2009 - the three former Soviet Baltic republics had the world's worst declines that year - and another 1.8% in 2010. The IMF, EU, and other donors provided assistance to Latvia as part of an agreement to defend the currency's peg to the euro and reduce the fiscal deficit to about 5% of GDP over time. DOMBROVSKIS' government enacted major speding cuts to reduce the fiscal deficit to 7.8% of GDP in 2010, and plans to cut the deficit further in 2011. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999. EU membership, a top foreign policy goal, came in May 2004.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$32.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $32.79 billion (2009 est.)

$39.99 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$23.39 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203 -18% (2009 est.)

-4.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $14,700 (2009 est.)

$17,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.2%

industry: 20.6%

services: 75.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.178 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 12.1%

industry: 25.8%

services: 61.8% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

19.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 17.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%

highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36 (2005) country comparison to the world: 84 32 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Public debt:

46.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 36.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 3.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 75 6% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

16.23% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 11.85% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.769 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 84 $5.893 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$11.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $11.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$27.59 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $27.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.824 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 98 $1.609 billion (31 December 2008)

$3.111 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish

Industries:

pharmaceuticals, plastics, synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, soaps, paints, rubber, processed foods, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

-1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Electricity - production:

4.62 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Electricity - consumption:

6.822 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Electricity - exports:

2.123 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

4.643 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Oil - consumption:

40,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Oil - exports:

5,873 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Oil - imports:

43,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - consumption:

2.05 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Natural gas - imports:

2.05 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Current account balance:

$1.62 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $2.53 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.894 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $7.223 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

wood and wood products, machinery and equipment, metals, textiles, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Lithuania 15.19%, Estonia 13.57%, Russia 13.17%, Germany 8.13%,
Sweden 5.7% (2009)

Imports:

$9.153 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $8.906 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, vehicles

Imports - partners:

Lithuania 16.36%, Germany 11.34%, Russia 10.68%, Poland 8.11%,
Estonia 7.69% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$7.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $6.907 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$37.28 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $41.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$11.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $11.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.097 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $1.037 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

lati (LVL) per US dollar - 0.5422 (2010), 0.5056 (2009), 0.4701 (2008), 0.5162 (2007), 0.5597 (2006)

Communications ::Latvia

Telephones - main lines in use:

644,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 91

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.243 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 128

Telephone system:

general assessment: recent efforts focused on bringing competition to the telecommunications sector; the number of fixed lines is decreasing as mobile-cellular telephone service expands

domestic: number of telecommunications operators has grown rapidly since the fixed-line market opened to competition in 2003; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 125 per 100 persons

international: country code - 371; the Latvian network is now connected via fiber optic cable to Estonia, Finland, and Sweden (2008)

Broadcast media:

several national and regional commercial TV stations are foreign-owned, 2 national TV stations are publicly-owned; system supplemented by privately-owned regional and local TV stations; cable and satellite multi-channel TV services with domestic and foreign broadcasts are available; publicly-owned broadcaster operates 4 radio networks with dozens of stations throughout the country; dozens of private broadcasters also operate radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.lv

Internet hosts:

289,478 (2010) country comparison to the world: 59

Internet users:

1.504 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 81

Transportation ::Latvia

Airports:

42 (2010) country comparison to the world: 101

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 19

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 23

under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 948 km; refined products 415 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,298 km country comparison to the world: 68 broad gauge: 2,265 km 1.520-m gauge

narrow gauge: 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 73,074 km country comparison to the world: 65 paved: 14,459 km

unpaved: 58,615 km (2010)

Waterways:

300 km (navigable year round) (2010) country comparison to the world: 93

Merchant marine:

total: 13 country comparison to the world: 107 by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 4 (Estonia 4)

registered in other countries: 90 (Antigua and Barbuda 16, Belize 10, Cambodia 1, Comoros 1, Cook Islands 1, Dominica 1, Georgia 1, Liberia 9, Malta 11, Marshall Islands 18, Panama 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Riga, Ventspils

Military ::Latvia

Military branches:

National Armed Forces (Nacionalo Brunoto Speku): Ground Forces, Navy
(Latvijas Juras Speki; includes Coast Guard (Latvijas Kara Flotes)),
Latvian Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), Border Guard, Latvian Home
Guard (Latvijas Zemessardze) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; conscription abolished January 2007; under current law, every citizen is entitled to serve in the armed forces for life (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 554,943

females age 16-49: 550,700 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 406,592

females age 16-49: 456,071 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 11,536

female: 11,058 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Transnational Issues ::Latvia

Disputes - international:

Russia demands better Latvian treatment of ethnic Russians in Latvia; as of January 2007, ground demarcation of the boundary with Belarus was complete and mapped with final ratification documentation in preparation; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil exploration rights; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Latvia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules with Russia

Illicit drugs:

transshipment and destination point for cocaine, synthetic drugs, opiates, and cannabis from Southwest Asia, Western Europe, Latin America, and neighboring Balkan countries; despite improved legislation, vulnerable to money laundering due to nascent enforcement capabilities and comparatively weak regulation of offshore companies and the gaming industry; CIS organized crime (including counterfeiting, corruption, extortion, stolen cars, and prostitution) accounts for most laundered proceeds

page last updated on January 25, 2011

======================================================================

@Lebanon (Middle East)

Introduction ::Lebanon

Background:

Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French separated out the region of Lebanon in 1920, and granted this area independence in 1943. A lengthy civil war (1975-1990) devastated the country, but Lebanon has since made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions. Under the Ta'if Accord - the blueprint for national reconciliation - the Lebanese established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater voice in the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government. Since the end of the war, Lebanon has conducted several successful elections. Most militias have been reduced or disbanded, with the exception of Hizballah, designated by the US State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and Palestinian militant groups. During Lebanon's civil war, the Arab League legitimized in the Ta'if Accord Syria's troop deployment, numbering about 16,000 based mainly east of Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley. Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000 and the passage in September 2004 of UNSCR 1559 - a resolution calling for Syria to withdraw from Lebanon and end its interference in Lebanese affairs - encouraged some Lebanese groups to demand that Syria withdraw its forces as well. The assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq HARIRI and 22 others in February 2005 led to massive demonstrations in Beirut against the Syrian presence ("the Cedar Revolution"), and Syria withdrew the remainder of its military forces in April 2005. In May-June 2005, Lebanon held its first legislative elections since the end of the civil war free of foreign interference, handing a majority to the bloc led by Sa'ad HARIRI, the slain prime minister's son. In July 2006, Hizballah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers leading to a 34-day conflict with Israel in which approximately 1,200 Lebanese civilians were killed. UNSCR 1701 ended the war in August 2006, and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) deployed throughout the country for the first time in decades, charged with securing Lebanon's borders against weapons smuggling and maintaining a weapons-free zone in south Lebanon with the help of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The LAF in May-September 2007 battled Sunni extremist group Fatah al-Islam in the Nahr al-Barid Palestinian refugee camp, winning a decisive victory, but destroying the camp and displacing 30,000 Palestinian residents. Lebanese politicians in November 2007 were unable to agree on a successor to Emile LAHUD when he stepped down as president, creating a political vacuum until the election of LAF Commander Gen. Michel SULAYMAN in May 2008 and the formation of a new unity government in July 2008. Legislative elections in June 2009 again produced victory for the bloc led by Sa'ad HARIRI, but a period of prolonged negotiation over the composition of the cabinet ensued. A national unity government was finally formed in November 2009 and approved by the National Assembly the following month. In January 2010, Lebanon assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Lebanon

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and
Syria

Geographic coordinates:

33 50 N, 35 50 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 10,400 sq km country comparison to the world: 169 land: 10,230 sq km

water: 170 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 454 km

border countries: Israel 79 km, Syria 375 km

Coastline:

225 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers;
Lebanon mountains experience heavy winter snows

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain; El Beqaa (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m

Natural resources:

limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit region, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 16.35%

permanent crops: 13.75%

other: 69.9% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,040 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

4.8 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.38 cu km/yr (33%/1%/67%)

per capita: 385 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust storms, sandstorms

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial wastes; pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

Nahr el Litani is the only major river in Near East not crossing an international boundary; rugged terrain historically helped isolate, protect, and develop numerous factional groups based on religion, clan, and ethnicity

People ::Lebanon

Population:

4,125,247 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.8% (male 528,047/female 506,838)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,294,485/female 1,399,047)

65 years and over: 7.2% (male 130,148/female 158,530) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.4 years

male: 28.3 years

female: 30.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.621% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Birth rate:

15.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Death rate:

6.46 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Net migration rate:

-2.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 179

Urbanization:

urban population: 87% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.4 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 115 male: 16.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.79 years country comparison to the world: 90 male: 73.28 years

female: 76.36 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Nationality:

noun: Lebanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Lebanese

Ethnic groups:

Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%

note: many Christian Lebanese do not identify themselves as Arab but rather as descendents of the ancient Canaanites and prefer to be called Phoenicians

Religions:

Muslim 59.7% (Shia, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or Nusayri),
Christian 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholic,
Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syrian
Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Copt, Protestant),
other 1.3%

note: 17 religious sects recognized

Languages:

Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 87.4%

male: 93.1%

female: 82.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 169

Government ::Lebanon

Country name:

conventional long form: Lebanese Republic

conventional short form: Lebanon

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah

local short form: Lubnan

former: Greater Lebanon

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Beirut

geographic coordinates: 33 52 N, 35 30 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

6 governorates (mohafazat, singular - mohafazah); Beqaa, Beyrouth (Beirut), Liban-Nord, Liban-Sud, Mont-Liban, Nabatiye

note: two new governorates - Aakar and Baalbek-Hermel - have been legislated but not yet implemented

Independence:

22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 November (1943)

Constitution:

23 May 1926; amended a number of times, most recently in 1990 to include changes necessitated by the Charter of Lebanese National Reconciliation (Ta'if Accord) of October 1989

Legal system:

mixture of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and civil law; the constitutional court reviews laws only after they have been passed; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; compulsory for all males; authorized for women at age 21 with elementary education; excludes military personnel

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Michel SULAYMAN (since 25 May 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Najib MIQATI (since 25 January 2011)

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president and members of the National Assembly; note - the Cabinet resigned on 12 January 2010 following the resignation of over a third of the ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a six-year term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 25 May 2008 (next to be held in 2014); the prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president in consultation with the National Assembly

election results: Michel SULAYMAN elected president; National Assembly vote - 118 for, 6 abstentions, 3 invalidated; 1 seat unfilled due to death of incumbent

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Nuwab (Arabic) or Assemblee Nationale (French) (128 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of sectarian proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 June 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by group - March 8 Coalition 54.7%, March 14 Coalition 45.3%; seats by group - March 14 Coalition 71; March 8 Coalition 57

Judicial branch:

four Courts of Cassation (three courts for civil and commercial cases and one court for criminal cases); Constitutional Council (called for in Ta'if Accord - rules on constitutionality of laws); Supreme Council (hears charges against the president and prime minister as needed)

Political parties and leaders:

14 March Coalition: Democratic Left [Ilyas ATALLAH]; Democratic Renewal Movement [Nassib LAHUD]; Future Movement Bloc [Sa'ad al-HARIRI]; Kataeb Party [Amine GEMAYEL]; Lebanese Forces [Samir JA'JA]; Tripoli Independent Bloc

8 March Coalition: Development and Resistance Bloc [Nabih BERRI, leader of Amal Movement]; Free Patriotic Movement [Michel AWN]; Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc [Mohammad RA'AD] (includes Hizballah [Hassan NASRALLAH]); Nasserite Popular Movement [Usama SAAD]; Popular Bloc [Elias SKAFF]; Syrian Ba'th Party [Sayez SHUKR]; Syrian Social Nationalist Party [Ali QANSO]; Tashnaq [Hovig MEKHITIRIAN]

Independent: Democratic Gathering Bloc [Walid JUNBLATT, leader of
Progressive Socialist Party]; Metn Bloc [Michel MURR]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Maronite Church [Patriarch Nasrallah SFAYR]

other: note - most sects retain militias and a number of militant groups operate in Palestinian refugee camps

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA,
UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Antoine CHEDID

chancery: 2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-6300

FAX: [1] (202) 939-6324

consulate(s) general: Detroit, New York, Los Angeles

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Maura CONNELLY

embassy: Awkar, Lebanon (Awkar facing the Municipality)

mailing address: P. O. Box 70-840, Antelias, Lebanon; from US: US Embassy Beirut, 6070 Beirut Place, Washington, DC 20521-6070

telephone: [961] (4) 542600, 543600

FAX: [961] (4) 544136

Flag description:

three horizontal bands consisting of red (top), white (middle, double width), and red (bottom) with a green cedar tree centered in the white band; the red bands symbolize blood shed for liberation, the white band denotes peace, the snow of the mountains, and purity; the green cedar tree is the symbol of Lebanon and represents eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity

National anthem:

name: "Kulluna lil-watan" (All Of Us, For Our Country!)

lyrics/music: Rachid NAKHLE/Wadih SABRA

note: adopted 1927; the anthem was chosen following a nationwide competition

Economy ::Lebanon

Economy - overview:

Lebanon has a free-market economy and a strong laissez-faire commercial tradition. The government does not restrict foreign investment; however, the investment climate suffers from red tape, corruption, arbitrary licensing decisions, high taxes, tariffs, and fees, archaic legislation, and weak intellectual property rights. The Lebanese economy is service-oriented; main growth sectors include banking and tourism. The 1975-90 civil war seriously damaged Lebanon's economic infrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon's position as a Middle Eastern entrepot and banking hub. In the years since, Lebanon has rebuilt much of its war-torn physical and financial infrastructure by borrowing heavily - mostly from domestic banks. In an attempt to reduce the ballooning national debt, the Rafiq HARIRI government in 2000 began an austerity program, reining in government expenditures, increasing revenue collection, and passing legislation to privatize state enterprises, but economic and financial reform initiatives stalled and public debt continued to grow despite receipt of more than $2 billion in bilateral assistance at the 2002 Paris II Donors Conference. The Israeli-Hizballah conflict in July-August 2006 caused an estimated $3.6 billion in infrastructure damage, and prompted international donors to pledge nearly $1 billion in recovery and reconstruction assistance. Donors met again in January 2007 at the Paris III Donor Conference and pledged more than $7.5 billion to Lebanon for development projects and budget support, conditioned on progress on Beirut's fiscal reform and privatization program. An 18-month political stalemate and sporadic sectarian and political violence hampered economic activity, particularly tourism, retail sales, and investment, until the new government was formed in July 2008. Political stability following the Doha Accord of May 2008 helped boost tourism and, together with a strong banking sector, enabled real GDP growth of 7% per year in 2009-10 despite a slowdown in the region.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$58.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $54.71 billion (2009 est.)

$51.18 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$39.15 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 6.9% (2009 est.)

9.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $13,300 (2009 est.)

$12,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.1%

industry: 15.9%

services: 79% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.481 million country comparison to the world: 132 note: in addition, there are as many as 1 million foreign workers (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

28% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

30.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Public debt:

150.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 154.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 1.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 35 12% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.57% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 9.96% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.692 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 104 $3.21 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$92.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $82.07 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$62.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $56.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$12.89 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 67 $9.641 billion (31 December 2008)

$10.86 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, grapes, tomatoes, apples, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco; sheep, goats

Industries:

banking, tourism, food processing, wine, jewelry, cement, textiles, mineral and chemical products, wood and furniture products, oil refining, metal fabricating

Industrial production growth rate:

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Electricity - production:

10.41 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 90

Electricity - consumption:

9.793 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 88

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.114 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Oil - consumption:

90,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 186

Oil - imports:

86,750 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Current account balance:

-$6.972 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 -$7.555 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$5.187 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $4.716 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

jewelry, base metals, chemicals, miscellaneous consumer goods, fruit and vegetables, tobacco, construction minerals, electric power machinery and switchgear, textile fibers, paper

Exports - partners:

Switzerland 22%, UAE 10%, Iraq 8%, Saudi Arabia 7% (2009)

Imports:

$17.97 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $15.9 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, cars, medicinal products, clothing, meat and live animals, consumer goods, paper, textile fabrics, tobacco, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals

Imports - partners:

US 11%, France 10%, China 9%, Italy 8%, Germany 8%, Turkey 4%,
Ukraine 4.55%, Turkey 4.5% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$41.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $39.16 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$34.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $31.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Lebanese pounds (LBP) per US dollar - 1,507.5 (2010), 1,507.5 (2009), 1,507.5 (2008), 1,507.5 (2007), 1,507.5 (2006)

Communications ::Lebanon

Telephones - main lines in use:

750,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 88

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.526 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 138

Telephone system:

general assessment: repair of the telecommunications system, severely damaged during the civil war, now complete

domestic: two mobile-cellular networks provide good service; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 55 per 100 persons

international: country code - 961; submarine cable links to Cyprus, Egypt, and Syria; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean); coaxial cable to Syria (2009)

Broadcast media:

7 TV stations in operation, 1 of which is state-owned; more than 30 radio stations, 1 of which is state-owned; satellite and cable TV services are available; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible through partner stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.lb

Internet hosts:

51,451 (2010) country comparison to the world: 87

Internet users:

1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 101

Transportation ::Lebanon

Airports:

7 (2010) country comparison to the world: 169

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 43 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 401 km country comparison to the world: 118 standard gauge: 319 km 1.435 m

narrow gauge: 82 km 1.050 m

note: rail system unusable because of the damage done during fighting in the 1980s and in 2006 (2008)

Roadways:

total: 6,970 km (includes 170 km of expressways) (2005) country comparison to the world: 148

Merchant marine:

total: 29 country comparison to the world: 85 by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 12, carrier 11, refrigerated cargo 1, vehicle carrier 2

foreign-owned: 3 (Syria 3)

registered in other countries: 40 (Barbados 2, Cambodia 6, Comoros 3, Egypt 1, Georgia 1, Honduras 2, Liberia 1, Malta 7, Moldova 1, Panama 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Syria 2, Togo 6, unknown 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Beirut, Tripoli

Military ::Lebanon

Military branches:

Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF): Army ((Al Jaysh al Lubnaniya) includes
Navy (Al Quwwat al Bahiriyya al Lubnaniya), Air Force (Al Quwwat al
Jawwiya al Lubnaniya)) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,075,503

females age 16-49: 1,112,139 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 917,404

females age 16-49: 940,238 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 37,856

female: 36,072 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Transnational Issues ::Lebanon

Disputes - international:

lacking a treaty or other documentation describing the boundary, portions of the Lebanon-Syria boundary are unclear with several sections in dispute; since 2000, Lebanon has claimed Shab'a Farms area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights; the roughly 2,000-strong UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been in place since 1978

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 405,425 (Palestinian refugees (UNRWA)); 50,000-60,000 (Iraq)

IDPs: 17,000 (1975-90 civil war, Israeli invasions); 200,000
(July-August 2006 war) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

cannabis cultivation dramatically reduced to 2,500 hectares in 2002 despite continued significant cannabis consumption; opium poppy cultivation minimal; small amounts of Latin American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin transit country on way to European markets and for Middle Eastern consumption; money laundering of drug proceeds fuels concern that extremists are benefiting from drug trafficking

page last updated on January 25, 2011

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@Lesotho (Africa)

Introduction ::Lesotho

Background:

Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence from the UK in 1966. The Basuto National Party ruled for the first two decades. King MOSHOESHOE was exiled in 1990, but returned to Lesotho in 1992 and was reinstated in 1995. Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after seven years of military rule. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody intervention by South African and Botswana military forces under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community. Subsequent constitutional reforms restored relative political stability. Peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002, but the National Assembly elections of February 2007 were hotly contested and aggrieved parties continue to dispute how the electoral law was applied to award proportional seats in the Assembly.

Geography ::Lesotho

Location:

Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

29 30 S, 28 30 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 30,355 sq km country comparison to the world: 141 land: 30,355 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 909 km

border countries: South Africa 909 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Terrain:

mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m

highest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m

Natural resources:

water, agricultural and grazing land, diamonds, sand, clay, building stone

Land use:

arable land: 10.87%

permanent crops: 0.13%

other: 89% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

5.2 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.05 cu km/yr (40%/40%/20%)

per capita: 28 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, and soil exhaustion; desertification; Highlands Water Project controls, stores, and redirects water to South Africa

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked, completely surrounded by South Africa; mountainous, more than 80% of the country is 1,800 m above sea level

People ::Lesotho

Population:

1,919,552 country comparison to the world: 146 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.8% (male 373,159/female 368,271)

15-64 years: 60.2% (male 629,346/female 654,054)

65 years and over: 5% (male 42,074/female 63,915) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.6 years

male: 22.6 years

female: 22.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.277% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Birth rate:

27.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Death rate:

15.71 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Net migration rate:

-8.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Urbanization:

urban population: 25% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 56.42 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 40 male: 60.78 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 51.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 50.67 years country comparison to the world: 212 male: 50.58 years

female: 50.76 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

23.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

270,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

18,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Nationality:

noun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)

adjective: Basotho

Ethnic groups:

Sotho 99.7%, Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3%,

Religions:

Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%

Languages:

Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84.8%

male: 74.5%

female: 94.5% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 10 years

female: 10 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

12.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 3

Government ::Lesotho

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Lesotho

conventional short form: Lesotho

local long form: Kingdom of Lesotho

local short form: Lesotho

former: Basutoland

Government type:

parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Maseru

geographic coordinates: 29 19 S, 27 29 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka

Independence:

4 October 1966 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 October (1966)

Constitution:

2 April 1993

Legal system:

based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial review of legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996); note - King LETSIE III formerly occupied the throne from November 1990 to February 1995 while his father was in exile

head of government: Prime Minister Pakalitha MOSISILI (since 23 May 1998)

cabinet: Cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: according to the constitution, the leader of the majority party in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister; the monarchy is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution that came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative powers; under traditional law the college of chiefs has the power to depose the monarch, determine who is next in the line of succession, or who shall serve as regent in the event that the successor is not of mature age

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (33 members - 22 principal chiefs and 11 other members appointed by the ruling party) and the Assembly (120 seats, 80 by popular vote and 40 by proportional vote; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 17 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LCD 61, NIP 21, ABC 17, LWP 10, ACP 4, BNP 3, other 4

Judicial branch:

High Court (chief justice appointed by the monarch acting on the advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal; Magistrate Courts; customary or traditional court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Congress Parties or ACP (including the Lesotho People's
Congress or LCP [Kelebone MAOPE], the Basotholand African Congress
or BAC [Khauhelo RALITAPOLE], and a faction of the Basotho Congress
Party or BCP [Ntsukunyane MPHANYA]); All Basotho Convention or ABC
[Thomas THABANE]; Basotho Batho Democratic Party or BBDP; Basotho
Congress Party or BCP; Basotho Democratic National Party or BDNP
[Thabang NYEOE]; Basotho National Party or BNP [Maj. Gen. Justin
Metsing LEKHANYA]; Basotholand African National Congress or BANC;
Christian Democratic Party or CDP [Enerst RAMOKOENA]; Lesotho
Congress for Democracy or LCD [Pakalitha MOSISILI] (the governing
party); Lesotho Workers Party or LWP [Macaefa BILLY]; National
Independent Party or NIP [Anthony MANYELI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Media Institute of Southern Africa, Lesotho chapter [Thabang
MATJAMA] (pushes for media freedom)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David Mohlomi RANTEKOA

chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533 through 5536

FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert NOLAN

embassy: 254 Kingsway, Maseru West (Consular Section)

mailing address: P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho

telephone: [266] 22 312666

FAX: [266] 22 310116

Flag description:

three horizontal stripes of blue (top), white, and green in the proportions of 3:4:3; the colors represent rain, peace, and prosperity respectively; centered in the white stripe is a black Basotho hat representing the indigenous people; the flag was unfurled in October 2006 to celebrate 40 years of independence

National anthem:

name: "Lesotho fatse la bo ntat'a rona" (Lesotho, Land of Our Fathers)

lyrics/music: Francois COILLARD/Ferdinand-Samuel LAUR

note: adopted 1967; the anthem's music derives from an 1823 Swiss songbook

Economy ::Lesotho

Economy - overview:

Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho relies on remittances from miners employed in South Africa, customs duties from the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), and export revenue for the majority of government revenue. However, the government has recently strengthened its tax system to reduce dependency on customs duties. Completion of a major hydropower facility in January 1998 permitted the sale of water to South Africa and generated royalties for Lesotho. Lesotho produces about 90% of its own electrical power needs. As the number of mineworkers has declined steadily over the past several years, a small manufacturing base has developed based on farm products that support the milling, canning, leather, and jute industries, as well as an apparel-assembly sector. Despite Lesotho's market-based economy being heavily tied to its neighbor South Africa, the US is an important trade partner because of the export sector's heavy dependence on apparel exports. Exports have grown significantly because of the trade benefits contained in the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. The economy is still primarily based on subsistence agriculture, especially livestock, although drought has decreased agricultural activity. The extreme inequality in the distribution of income remains a major drawback. Lesotho has signed an Interim Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF. In July 2007, Lesotho signed a Millennium Challenge Account Compact with the US worth $362.5 million. Economic growth dropped in 2009, due mainly to the effects of the global economic crisis as demand for the country's exports declined and SACU revenue fell precipitously when South Africa - the primary contributor to the SACU revenue pool - went into recession, but growth returned to 3.5% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.31 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 $3.198 billion (2009 est.)

$3.148 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.799 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 1.6% (2009 est.)

3.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197 $1,700 (2009 est.)

$1,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 7.1%

industry: 34.6%

services: 58.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

854,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 86% of resident population engaged in subsistence agriculture; roughly 35% of the active male wage earners work in South Africa

industry and services: 14% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

45% (2002) country comparison to the world: 189

Population below poverty line:

49% (1999)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1%

highest 10%: 39.4% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

63.2 (1995) country comparison to the world: 3 56 (1986-87)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 7.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10.66% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 24 14.05% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

13% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 16.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$653.3 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 149 $509.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.057 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $876 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$177.7 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 $147.3 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Agriculture - products:

corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley; livestock

Industries:

food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts, construction, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Electricity - production:

502 million kWh country comparison to the world: 159 note: electricity supplied by South Africa (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

516.9 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

50 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Oil - imports:

1,553 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Current account balance:

-$125 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $194 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$985 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $821 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

manufactures 75% (clothing, footwear, road vehicles), wool and mohair, food and live animals

Exports - partners:

US 58.9%, Belgium 37%, Madagascar 1.2% (2008)

Imports:

$1.766 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $1.572 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food; building materials, vehicles, machinery, medicines, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

China 26.3%, Taiwan 20.1%, Hong Kong 16.4%, South Korea 14.1%, India 9.2% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$893 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $988 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$647 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 $671 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

maloti (LSL) per US dollar - 7.9 (2010), 8.4737 (2009), 7.75 (2008), 7.25 (2007), 6.85 (2006)

Communications ::Lesotho

Telephones - main lines in use:

40,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 168

Telephones - mobile cellular:

661,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 153

Telephone system:

general assessment: rudimentary system consisting of a modest number of landlines, a small microwave radio relay system, and a small radiotelephone communication system; mobile-cellular telephone system is expanding

domestic: privatized in 2001, Telecom Lesotho was tasked with providing an additional 50,000 fixed-line connections within five years, a target not met; mobile-cellular service dominates the market and is expanding with a subscribership exceeding 30 per 100 persons in 2009; rural services are scant

international: country code - 266; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned TV station and 2 state-owned radio stations; government controls most private broadcast media; satellite TV subscription service is available; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are obtainable (2008)

Internet country code:

.ls

Internet hosts:

632 (2010) country comparison to the world: 175

Internet users:

76,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 167

Transportation ::Lesotho

Airports:

26 (2010) country comparison to the world: 128

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 7,091 km country comparison to the world: 147 paved: 1,404 km

unpaved: 5,687 km (2003)

Military ::Lesotho

Military branches:

Lesotho Defense Force (LDF): Army (includes Air Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-24 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; women serve as commissioned officers (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 469,509

females age 16-49: 505,707 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 267,825

females age 16-49: 273,348 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 19,435

female: 20,400 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 56

Military - note:

Lesotho's declared policy is maintenance of its independent sovereignty and preservation of internal security; in practice, external security is guaranteed by South Africa; restructuring of the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) and Ministry of Defense and Public Service over the past five years has focused on subordinating the defense apparatus to civilian control and restoring the LDF's cohesion; the restructuring has considerably improved capabilities and professionalism, but the LDF is disproportionately large for a small, poor country; the government has outlined a reduction to a planned 1,500-man strength, but these plans have met with vociferous resistance from the political opposition and from inside the LDF (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Lesotho

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Liberia (Africa)

Introduction ::Liberia

Background:

Settlement of freed slaves from the US in what is today Liberia began in 1822; by 1847, the Americo-Liberians were able to establish a republic. William TUBMAN, president from 1944-71, did much to promote foreign investment and to bridge the economic, social, and political gaps between the descendents of the original settlers and the inhabitants of the interior. In 1980, a military coup led by Samuel DOE ushered in a decade of authoritarian rule. In December 1989, Charles TAYLOR launched a rebellion against DOE's regime that led to a prolonged civil war in which DOE himself was killed. A period of relative peace in 1997 allowed for elections that brought TAYLOR to power, but major fighting resumed in 2000. An August 2003 peace agreement ended the war and prompted the resignation of former president Charles TAYLOR, who faces war crimes charges in The Hague related to his involvement in Sierra Leone's civil war. After two years of rule by a transitional government, democratic elections in late 2005 brought President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF to power. The UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) maintains a strong presence throughout the country, but the security situation is still fragile and the process of rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn country continues.

Geography ::Liberia

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone

Geographic coordinates:

6 30 N, 9 30 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 111,369 sq km country comparison to the world: 103 land: 96,320 sq km

water: 15,049 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,585 km

border countries: Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone 306 km

Coastline:

579 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in northeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Wuteve 1,380 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 3.43%

permanent crops: 1.98%

other: 94.59% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

232 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.11 cu km/yr (27%/18%/55%)

per capita: 34 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to March)

Environment - current issues:

tropical rain forest deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; pollution of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

facing the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline is characterized by lagoons, mangrove swamps, and river-deposited sandbars; the inland grassy plateau supports limited agriculture

People ::Liberia

Population:

3,685,076 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.1% (male 760,989/female 758,554)

15-64 years: 53% (male 904,770/female 920,704)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 47,013/female 49,760) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.4 years

male: 18.3 years

female: 18.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.782% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Birth rate:

38.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Death rate:

10.88 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Net migration rate:

0.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 76.43 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 18 male: 80.92 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 71.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 56.58 years country comparison to the world: 194 male: 55.05 years

female: 58.14 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.24 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

35,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Liberian(s)

adjective: Liberian

Ethnic groups:

Kpelle 20.3%, Bassa 13.4%, Grebo 10%, Gio 8%, Mano 7.9%, Kru 6%,
Lorma 5.1%, Kissi 4.8%, Gola 4.4%, other 20.1% (2008 Census)

Religions:

Christian 85.6%, Muslim 12.2%, Traditional 0.6%, other 0.2%, none 1.4% (2008 Census)

Languages:

English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages few of which can be written or used in correspondence

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 57.5%

male: 73.3%

female: 41.6% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 13 years

female: 9 years (2000)

Education expenditures:

2.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 157

Government ::Liberia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Liberia

conventional short form: Liberia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Monrovia

geographic coordinates: 6 18 N, 10 48 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

15 counties; Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, River Cess, River Gee, Sinoe

Independence:

26 July 1847

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 July (1847)

Constitution:

6 January 1986

Legal system:

dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common law for the modern sector and customary law based on unwritten tribal practices for indigenous sector; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF (since 16 January 2006); note - the President is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF (since 16 January 2006)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 8 November 2005 (next to be held in October 2011)

election results: Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF elected president; percent of vote, second round - Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF 59.6%, George WEAH 40.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (30 seats; note - number of seats changed in 11 October 2005 elections; members elected by popular vote to serve nine-year terms) and the House of Representatives (64 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 11 October 2005 (next to be held in October 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 11 October 2005 (next to be held in October 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - COTOL 7, NPP 4, CDC 3, LP 3, UP 3, APD 3, other 7; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CDC 15, LP 9, COTOL 8, UP 8, APD 5, NPP 4, other 15; note - the UP now holds 13 out of 30 senate seats and 16 out of 64 house seats following a merger with several smaller parties in 2009

note: junior senators - those who received the second most votes in each county in the 11 October 2005 election - will only serve a six-year first term because the Liberian constitution mandates staggered Senate elections to ensure continuity of government; all senators will be eligible for nine-year terms thereafter

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Peace and Democracy or APD [Togba-na TIPOTEH];
Coalition for the Transformation of Liberia or COTOL [H. Varney
SHERMAN]; Congress for Democratic Change or CDC [George WEAH];
Liberty Party or LP [Charles BRUMSKINE]; National Patriotic Party or
NPP [Roland MASSAQUOI]; Unity Party or UP [Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: demobilized former military officers

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Edwin F. SELE

chancery: 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone: [1] (202) 723-0437

FAX: [1] (202) 723-0436

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Linda THOMAS-GREENFIELD

embassy: 111 United Nations Drive, P. O. Box 98, Mamba Point, 1000 Monrovia, 10

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [231] 7-705-4826

FAX: [231] 7-701-0370

Flag description:

11 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a white five-pointed star appears on a blue square in the upper hoist-side corner; the stripes symbolize the signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence; the blue square represents the African mainland, and the star represents the freedom granted to the ex-slaves; according to the constitution, the blue color signifies liberty, justice, and fidelity, the white color purity, cleanliness, and guilelessness, and the red color steadfastness, valor, and fervor

note: the design is based on the US flag

National anthem:

name: "All Hail, Liberia Hail!"

lyrics/music: Daniel Bashiel WARNER/Olmstead LUCA

note: lyrics adopted 1847, music adopted 1860; the anthem's author would become the third president of Liberia

Economy ::Liberia

Economy - overview:

Liberia is a low income country heavily reliant on foreign assistance for revenue. Civil war and government mismanagement destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially the infrastructure in and around the capital, Monrovia. Many businesses fled the country, taking capital and expertise with them, but with the conclusion of fighting and the installation of a democratically-elected government in 2006, several have returned. Liberia has the distinction of having the highest ratio of direct foreign investment to GDP in the world. Richly endowed with water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products, primarily raw timber and rubber and is reviving those sectors. Local manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope. President JOHNSON SIRLEAF, a Harvard-trained banker and administrator, has taken steps to reduce corruption, build support from international donors, and encourage private investment. Embargos on timber and diamond exports have been lifted, opening new sources of revenue for the government and Liberia shipped its first major timber exports to Europe in 2010. The country reached its Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative completion point in 2010 and nearly $5 billion of international debt was permanently eliminated. This new status will enable Liberia to estabilish a sovereign credit rating and issue bonds. Liberia's Paris Club creditors agreed to cancel Liberia's debt as well. Rebuilding infrastructure and raising incomes will depend on generous financial and technical assistance from donor countries and foreign investment in key sectors, such as infrastructure and power generation.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.76 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 $1.66 billion (2009 est.)

$1.587 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$977 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 4.6% (2009 est.)

8.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 226 $500 (2009 est.)

$500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 76.9%

industry: 5.4%

services: 17.7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.372 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 134

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%

industry: 8%

services: 22% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

85% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Population below poverty line:

80% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.4%

highest 10%: 30.1% (2007)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.4% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 45 15.05% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$206.9 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 174 $145.6 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$NA (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.202 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 145 $1.157 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, sugarcane, bananas; sheep, goats; timber

Industries:

rubber processing, palm oil processing, timber, diamonds

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

350 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Electricity - consumption:

325.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Oil - exports:

23 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Oil - imports:

4,263 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Current account balance:

-$224 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 92

Exports:

$1.197 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 148

Exports - commodities:

rubber, timber, iron, diamonds, cocoa, coffee

Exports - partners:

Germany 27.92%, Poland 17.12%, South Africa 15.83%, India 10.48%,
Greece 7.09%, US 6.23%, Norway 5.24% (2009)

Imports:

$7.143 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 102

Imports - commodities:

fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

South Korea 28.29%, Singapore 19.06%, Japan 17.06%, China 14.58%,
Taiwan 4.02% (2009)

Debt - external:

$3.2 billion (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Liberian dollars (LRD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 59.43 (2006), 53.098 (2005), 54.906 (2004), 59.379 (2003)

Communications ::Liberia

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 224

Telephones - mobile cellular:

842,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 148

Telephone system:

general assessment: the limited services available are found almost exclusively in the capital Monrovia; fixed-line service stagnant and extremely limited; telephone coverage extended to a number of other towns and rural areas by four mobile-cellular network operators

domestic: mobile-cellular subscription base growing and teledensity reached 25 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 231; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

3 private TV stations; satellite TV service is available; 1 state-owned radio station; about 15 independent radio stations broadcasting in Monrovia, with another 25 local stations operating in other areas; transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.lr

Internet hosts:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 224

Internet users:

20,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 193

Transportation ::Liberia

Airports:

29 (2010) country comparison to the world: 115

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Railways:

total: 429 km country comparison to the world: 117 standard gauge: 345 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 84 km 1.067-m gauge

note: most sections of the railway are inoperable because of damage suffered during the civil wars from 1980 to 2003 (2008)

Roadways:

total: 10,600 km country comparison to the world: 135 paved: 657 km

unpaved: 9,943 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 2,512 country comparison to the world: 2 by type: barge carrier 3, bulk carrier 507, cargo 136, carrier 1, chemical tanker 232, combination ore/oil 6, container 875, liquefied gas 93, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 509, refrigerated cargo 109, roll on/roll off 2, specialized tanker 10, vehicle carrier 25

foreign-owned: 2,356 (Angola 1, Argentina 3, Australia 2, Belgium 1, Bermuda 4, Brazil 20, Canada 4, Chile 7, China 10, Croatia 2, Cyprus 7, Denmark 4, Finland 2, Germany 1049, Gibraltar 5, Greece 454, Hong Kong 47, India 1, Indonesia 4, Isle of Man 19, Israel 31, Italy 48, Japan 102, Latvia 9, Lebanon 1, Monaco 10, Netherlands 35, Nigeria 4, Norway 42, Poland 13, Qatar 5, Romania 3, Russia 108, Saudi Arabia 24, Singapore 27, Slovenia 5, South Korea 1, Sweden 10, Switzerland 17, Syria 1, Taiwan 88, Turkey 15, UAE 27, UK 25, Ukraine 16, Uruguay 1, US 39, Vietnam 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Buchanan, Monrovia

Military ::Liberia

Military branches:

Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL): Army, Navy, Air Force

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 797,084

females age 16-49: 808,017 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 510,337

females age 16-49: 527,737 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 33,411

female: 35,264 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Transnational Issues ::Liberia

Disputes - international:

although civil unrest continues to abate with the assistance of 18,000 UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) peacekeepers, as of January 2007, Liberian refugees still remain in Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Ghana; Liberia, in turn, shelters refugees fleeing turmoil in Cote d'Ivoire; despite the presence of over 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict continues to spread into neighboring states who can no longer send their migrant workers to Ivorian cocoa plantations; UN sanctions ban Liberia from exporting diamonds and timber

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 12,600 (Cote d'Ivoire)

IDPs: 13,000 (civil war from 1990-2004; IDP resettlement began in
November 2004) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin and South American cocaine for the European and US markets; corruption, criminal activity, arms-dealing, and diamond trade provide significant potential for money laundering, but the lack of well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a major money-laundering center

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Libya (Africa)

Introduction ::Libya

Background:

The Italians supplanted the Ottoman Turks in the area around Tripoli in 1911 and did not relinquish their hold until 1943 when defeated in World War II. Libya then passed to UN administration and achieved independence in 1951. Following a 1969 military coup, Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI began to espouse his own political system, the Third Universal Theory. The system is a combination of socialism and Islam derived in part from tribal practices and is supposed to be implemented by the Libyan people themselves in a unique form of "direct democracy." QADHAFI has always seen himself as a revolutionary and visionary leader. He used oil funds during the 1970s and 1980s to promote his ideology outside Libya, supporting subversives and terrorists abroad to hasten the end of Marxism and capitalism. In addition, beginning in 1973, he engaged in military operations in northern Chad's Aozou Strip - to gain access to minerals and to use as a base of influence in Chadian politics - but was forced to retreat in 1987. UN sanctions in 1992 isolated QADHAFI politically following the downing of Pan AM Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. During the 1990s, QADHAFI began to rebuild his relationships with Europe. UN sanctions were suspended in April 1999 and finally lifted in September 2003 after Libya accepted responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing. In December 2003, Libya announced that it had agreed to reveal and end its programs to develop weapons of mass destruction and to renounce terrorism. QADHAFI has made significant strides in normalizing relations with Western nations since then. He has received various Western European leaders as well as many working-level and commercial delegations, and made his first trip to Western Europe in 15 years when he traveled to Brussels in April 2004. The US rescinded Libya's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism in June 2006. In January 2008, Libya assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2008-09 term. In August 2008, the US and Libya signed a bilateral comprehensive claims settlement agreement to compensate claimants in both countries who allege injury or death at the hands of the other country, including the Lockerbie bombing, the LaBelle disco bombing, and the UTA 772 bombing. In October 2008, the US Government received $1.5 billion pursuant to the agreement to distribute to US national claimants, and as a result effectively normalized its bilateral relationship with Libya. The two countries then exchanged ambassadors for the first time since 1973 in January 2009. Libya in May 2010 was elected to its first three-year seat on the UN Human Rights Council, prompting protests from international non-governmental organizations and human rights campaigners.

Geography ::Libya

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and
Tunisia

Geographic coordinates:

25 00 N, 17 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,759,540 sq km country comparison to the world: 17 land: 1,759,540 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 4,348 km

border countries: Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,115 km, Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km

Coastline:

1,770 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

note: Gulf of Sidra closing line - 32 degrees, 30 minutes north

exclusive fishing zone: 62 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Terrain:

mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m

highest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, gypsum

Land use:

arable land: 1.03%

permanent crops: 0.19%

other: 98.78% (2005)

Irrigated land:

4,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.6 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 4.27 cu km/yr (14%/3%/83%)

per capita: 730 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days in spring and fall; dust storms, sandstorms

Environment - current issues:

desertification; limited natural fresh water resources; the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

more than 90% of the country is desert or semidesert

People ::Libya

Population:

6,461,454 country comparison to the world: 101 note: includes 166,510 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33% (male 1,065,606/female 1,020,102)

15-64 years: 62.6% (male 2,036,780/female 1,923,566)

65 years and over: 4.4% (male 136,224/female 142,079) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.2 years

male: 24.3 years

female: 24.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.117% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Birth rate:

24.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Death rate:

3.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 93

Urbanization:

urban population: 78% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.87 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 99 male: 22.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.47 years country comparison to the world: 57 male: 75.18 years

female: 79.88 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.01 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

10,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Libyan(s)

adjective: Libyan

Ethnic groups:

Berber and Arab 97%, other 3% (includes Greeks, Maltese, Italians,
Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, and Tunisians)

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 97%, other 3%

Languages:

Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the major cities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 82.6%

male: 92.4%

female: 72% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

2.7% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 159

Government ::Libya

Country name:

conventional long form: Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

conventional short form: Libya

local long form: Al Jamahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishtirakiyah al Uthma

local short form: none

Government type:

Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils; in practice, an authoritarian state

Capital:

name: Tripoli (Tarabulus)

geographic coordinates: 32 53 N, 13 10 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

22 states (shabiyat, singular - shabiyat); Al Butnan, Al Jabal al
Akhdar, Al Jabal Al Gharbi, Al Jafarah, Al Jafrah, Al Kafrah, Al
Maraj, Al Marqab, Al Murzuq, Al Wahat, An Nuqat al Khams, Az
Zawiyah, Banghazi, Darnah, Ghat, Misratah, Nalut, Sibha, Surt,
Tarabulus, Wadi al Hayat, Wadi ash Shati

Independence:

24 December 1951 (from UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 1 September (1969)

Constitution:

none; note - following the September 1969 military overthrow of the Libyan government, the Revolutionary Command Council replaced the existing constitution with the Constitutional Proclamation in December 1969; in March 1977, Libya adopted the Declaration of the Establishment of the People's Authority

Legal system:

based on Italian and French civil law systems and Islamic law; separate religious courts; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and technically compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969); note - holds no official title, but is de facto chief of state

head of government: Secretary of the General People's Committee (Prime Minister) al-Baghdadi Ali al-MAHMUDI (since 5 March 2006)

cabinet: General People's Committee established by the General People's Congress (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of people's committees; head of government elected by the General People's Congress; election last held in March 2010 (next elections expected in early 2011)

election results: NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral General People's Congress (760 seats; members elected indirectly through a hierarchy of people's committees)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: anti-QADHAFI Libyan exile movement; Islamic elements

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC,
OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ali Suleiman AUJALI

chancery: 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 705, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 944-9601

FAX: [1] (202) 944-9060

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gene A. CRETZ

embassy: off Jaraba Street, behind the Libyan-Swiss clinic, Ben Ashour

mailing address: US Embassy, 8850 Tripoli Place, Washington, DC 20521-8850

telephone: [218] 91-220-3239

Flag description:

plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the state religion)

National anthem:

name: "Allahu Akbar" (God Is Greatest)

lyrics/music: Mahmoud el-SHERIF/Abdalla Shams el-DIN

note: adopted 1969; the anthem was originally a battle song for the Egyptian Army in the 1956 Suez War

Economy ::Libya

Economy - overview:

The Libyan economy depends primarily upon revenues from the oil sector, which contribute about 95% of export earnings, 25% of GDP, and 80% of government revenue. The weakness in world hydrocarbon prices in 2009 reduced Libyan government tax income and constrained economic growth. Substantial revenues from the energy sector coupled with a small population give Libya one of the highest per capita GDPs in Africa, but little of this income flows down to the lower orders of society. Libyan officials in the past five years have made progress on economic reforms as part of a broader campaign to reintegrate the country into the international fold. This effort picked up steam after UN sanctions were lifted in September 2003 and as Libya announced in December 2003 that it would abandon programs to build weapons of mass destruction. The process of lifting US unilateral sanctions began in the spring of 2004; all sanctions were removed by June 2006, helping Libya attract greater foreign direct investment, especially in the energy sector. Libyan oil and gas licensing rounds continue to draw high international interest; the National Oil Corporation (NOC) set a goal of nearly doubling oil production to 3 million bbl/day by 2012. In November 2009, the NOC announced that that target may slip to as late as 2017. Libya faces a long road ahead in liberalizing the socialist-oriented economy, but initial steps - including applying for WTO membership, reducing some subsidies, and announcing plans for privatization - are laying the groundwork for a transition to a more market-based economy. The non-oil manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for more than 20% of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly agricultural products to include the production of petrochemicals, iron, steel, and aluminum. Climatic conditions and poor soils severely limit agricultural output, and Libya imports about 75% of its food. Libya's primary agricultural water source remains the Great Manmade River Project, but significant resources are being invested in desalinization research to meet growing water demands.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$89.03 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $86.19 billion (2009 est.)

$86.77 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$77.91 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 -0.7% (2009 est.)

2.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $13,600 (2009 est.)

$14,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.6%

industry: 63.8%

services: 33.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.729 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 17%

industry: 23%

services: 59% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Population below poverty line:

NA

note: About one-third of Libyans live at or below the national poverty line

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

13.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Public debt:

3.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 3.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 2.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 87 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.41% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 137 6% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$29.85 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 56 $29.82 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$35.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $36.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$55.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $41.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus, vegetables, peanuts, soybeans; cattle

Industries:

petroleum, petrochemicals, aluminum, iron and steel, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

2.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Electricity - production:

23.98 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Electricity - consumption:

22.17 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Electricity - exports:

104 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

77 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

1.79 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Oil - consumption:

280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Oil - exports:

1.542 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Oil - imports:

575 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Oil - proved reserves:

47 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Natural gas - production:

15.9 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - consumption:

5.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Natural gas - exports:

10.4 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.539 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Current account balance:

$15.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $10.06 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$44.89 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $37.16 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas, chemicals

Exports - partners:

Italy 37.65%, Germany 10.11%, France 8.44%, Spain 7.94%, Switzerland 5.93%, US 5.27% (2009)

Imports:

$24.47 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $22.01 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, semi-finished goods, food, transport equipment, consumer products

Imports - partners:

Italy 18.9%, China 10.54%, Turkey 9.92%, Germany 9.78%, France 5.63%, Tunisia 5.25%, South Korea 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$107.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $104.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$6.378 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $5.891 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$18.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $15.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$15.32 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $13.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Libyan dinars (LYD) per US dollar - 1.2648 (2010), 1.2535 (2009), 1.2112 (2008), 1.2604 (2007), 1.3108 (2006)

Communications ::Libya

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.101 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 74

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.004 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 95

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade; state retains monopoly in fixed-line services; mobile-cellular telephone system became operational in 1996

domestic: multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is approaching 100 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cable to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2009)

Broadcast media:

state controls broadcast media; state-owned terrestrial TV station and about a half-dozen state-owned satellite stations broadcast; some provinces operate local TV stations; a single, non-state-owned TV station launched in 2007; pan-Arab satellite TV stations are available; state-owned radio broadcasts on a number of frequencies, some of which carry regional programming; Voice of Africa, Libya's external radio service, can also be heard; a single, non-state-owned radio station broadcasting (2007)

Internet country code:

.ly

Internet hosts:

12,432 (2010) country comparison to the world: 120

Internet users:

353,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 124

Transportation ::Libya

Airports:

137 (2010) country comparison to the world: 42

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 59

over 3,047 m: 24

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 78

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 42

under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 776 km; gas 2,860 km; oil 6,987 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 100,024 km country comparison to the world: 43 paved: 57,214 km

unpaved: 42,810 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

total: 27 country comparison to the world: 89 by type: cargo 5, chemical tanker 4, liquefied gas 3, petroleum tanker 13, roll on/roll off 2

foreign-owned: 5 (Kuwait 1, Norway 1, Syria 2, UK 1)

registered in other countries: 5 (Hong Kong 1, Malta 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Marsa al Burayqah, Ra's Lanuf, Tripoli

Military ::Libya

Military branches:

Armed Peoples on Duty (APOD, Army), Libyan Arab Navy, Libyan Arab
Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriya al-Arabia al-Libyya,
LAAF), Libyan Coast Guard (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,746,512

females age 16-49: 1,683,390 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,490,011

females age 16-49: 1,436,613 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 59,842

female: 57,357 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Transnational Issues ::Libya

Disputes - international:

Libya has claimed more than 32,000 sq km in southeastern Algeria and about 25,000 sq km in the Tommo region of Niger in a currently dormant dispute; various Chadian rebels from the Aozou region reside in southern Libya

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 8,000 (Palestinian Territories) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Libya is a transit and destination country for men and women from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Libya is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to address trafficking in persons in 2007 when compared to 2006, particularly in the area of investigating and prosecuting trafficking offenses; Libya did not publicly release any data on investigations or punishment of any trafficking offenses (2008)

page last updated on January 25, 2011

======================================================================

@Liechtenstein (Europe)

Introduction ::Liechtenstein

Background:

The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719. Occupied by both French and Russian troops during the Napoleonic wars, it became a sovereign state in 1806 and joined the Germanic Confederation in 1815. Liechtenstein became fully independent in 1866 when the Confederation dissolved. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. In 2000, shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight resulted in concerns about the use of financial institutions for money laundering. However, Liechtenstein implemented anti-money-laundering legislation and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US that went into effect in 2003.

Geography ::Liechtenstein

Location:

Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland

Geographic coordinates:

47 16 N, 9 32 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 160 sq km country comparison to the world: 218 land: 160 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 76 km

border countries: Austria 34.9 km, Switzerland 41.1 km

Coastline:

0 km (doubly landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m

highest point: Vorder-Grauspitz 2,599 m

Natural resources:

hydroelectric potential, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 25%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer
Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

along with Uzbekistan, one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world; variety of microclimatic variations based on elevation

People ::Liechtenstein

Population:

35,002 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.6% (male 2,877/female 2,901)

15-64 years: 69.4% (male 11,917/female 12,220)

65 years and over: 13.9% (male 2,085/female 2,761) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.4 years

male: 40.8 years

female: 41.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.683% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Birth rate:

9.69 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Death rate:

7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Net migration rate:

4.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Urbanization:

urban population: 14% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.006 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.2 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 201 male: 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.19 years country comparison to the world: 24 male: 76.73 years

female: 83.66 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.53 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Liechtensteiner(s)

adjective: Liechtenstein

Ethnic groups:

Liechtensteiner 65.6%, other 34.4% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%, other 6.2% (June 2002)

Languages:

German (official), Alemannic dialect

Literacy:

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 16 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Liechtenstein

Country name:

conventional long form: Principality of Liechtenstein

conventional short form: Liechtenstein

local long form: Fuerstentum Liechtenstein

local short form: Liechtenstein

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Vaduz

geographic coordinates: 47 08 N, 9 31 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz

Independence:

23 January 1719 (Principality of Liechtenstein established); 12 July 1806 (independence from the Holy Roman Empire)

National holiday:

Assumption Day, 15 August

Constitution:

5 October 1921; amended 15 September 2003

Legal system:

local civil and penal codes based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Prince HANS ADAM II (since 13 November 1989, assumed executive powers on 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince ALOIS, son of the monarch (born 11 June 1968); note - on 15 August 2004, HANS ADAM transferred the official duties of the ruling prince to ALOIS, but HANS ADAM retains status of chief of state

head of government: Head of Government Klaus TSCHUETSCHER (since 25 March 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the Landtag usually appointed the head of government by the monarch and the leader of the largest minority party in the Landtag usually appointed the deputy head of government by the monarch if there is a coalition government

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Landtag (25 seats; members elected by popular vote under proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 8 February 2009 (next to be held in February 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - VU 47.6%, FBP 43.5%, FL 8.9%; seats by party - VU 13, FBP 11, FL 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Court of Appeal or Obergericht

Political parties and leaders:

Die Freie Liste (The Free List) or FL [Wolfgang MARXER];
Fortschrittliche Buergerpartei (Progressive Citizens' Party) or FBP
[Alexander BATLINER]; Vaterlaendische Union (Fatherland Union) or VU
[Adolf HEEB]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CE, EBRD, EFTA, IAEA, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention (de facto member),
UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Claudia FRITSCHE

chancery: 2900 K Street, NW, Suite 602B, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 331-0590

FAX: [1] (202) 331-3221

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Liechtenstein; the US Ambassador to Switzerland is accredited to Liechtenstein

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band; the colors may derive from the blue and red livery design used in the principality's household in the 18th century; the prince's crown was introduced in 1937 to distinguish the flag from that of Haiti

National anthem:

name: "Oben am jungen Rhein" (High Above the Young Rhine)

lyrics/music: Jakob Joseph JAUCH/unknown

note: adopted 1850, revised 1963; the anthem uses the tune of "God Save the Queen"

Economy ::Liechtenstein

Economy - overview:

Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and the highest per capita income in the world. The Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a large number of small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% - and easy incorporation rules have induced many holding companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein providing 30% of state revenues. The country participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its national currency. It imports more than 90% of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (an organization serving as a bridge between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the EU) since May 1995. The government is working to harmonize its economic policies with those of an integrated Europe. In 2008, Liechtenstein came under renewed international pressure - particularly from Germany - to improve transparency in its banking and tax systems. In December 2008, Liechtenstein signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the US. Upon Liechtenstein's conclusion of 12 bilateral information-sharing agreements, the OECD in October 2009 removed the principality from its "grey list" of countries that had yet to implement the organization's Model Tax Convention.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.16 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 168 $4.035 billion (2006 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$4.603 billion (2007)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$122,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8%

industry: 39%

services: 54% (2007)

Labor force:

32,440 of whom 16,200 commute from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany to work each day (2008) country comparison to the world: 202

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.7%

industry: 43.5%

services: 55.4% (December 2006)

Unemployment rate:

1.5% (31 December 2007) country comparison to the world: 8 1.3% (September 2002)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.5% (2009) country comparison to the world: 12

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, corn, potatoes; livestock, dairy products

Industries:

electronics, metal manufacturing, dental products, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments, tourism, optical instruments

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Exports:

$3.92 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 117

Exports - commodities:

small specialty machinery, connectors for audio and video, parts for motor vehicles, dental products, hardware, prepared foodstuffs, electronic equipment, optical products

Imports:

$2.59 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 145

Imports - commodities:

agricultural products, raw materials, energy products, machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles

Debt - external:

$0 (2001) country comparison to the world: 196

Exchange rates:

Swiss francs (CHF) per US dollar - 1.0723 (2010), 1.0881 (2009), 1.0774 (2008), 1.1973 (2007), 1.2539 (2006)

Communications ::Liechtenstein

Telephones - main lines in use:

19,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 195

Telephones - mobile cellular:

35,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 200

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic telephone system

domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available; combined telephone service subscribership exceeds 150 per 100 persons

international: country code - 423; linked to Swiss networks by cable and microwave radio relay (2008)

Broadcast media:

relies on foreign terrestrial and satellite broadcasters for most broadcast media services; first Liechtenstein-based television station established August 2008; Radio Liechtenstein operates multiple radio stations; a Swiss-based broadcaster operates several radio stations in Liechtenstein (2008)

Internet country code:

.li

Internet hosts:

9,418 (2010) country comparison to the world: 124

Internet users:

23,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 190

Transportation ::Liechtenstein

Pipelines:

gas 20 km (2009)

Railways:

9 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified)

note: belongs to the Austrian Railway System connecting Austria and Switzerland (2008)

Roadways:

total: 380 km country comparison to the world: 200 paved: 380 km (2010)

Waterways:

28 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 107

Military ::Liechtenstein

Military branches:

no regular military forces (constitutionally prohibited); Principality of Liechtenstein National Police (Landespolizei, LP) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,041 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,559

females age 16-49: 6,782 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 209

female: 208 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

Liechtenstein has no military forces but is interested in European security policy and is an active member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Transnational Issues ::Liechtenstein

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

has strengthened money laundering controls, but money laundering remains a concern due to Liechtenstein's sophisticated offshore financial services sector

page last updated on January 3, 2011

======================================================================

@Lithuania (Europe)

Introduction ::Lithuania

Background:

Lithuanian lands were united under MINDAUGAS in 1236; over the next century, through alliances and conquest, Lithuania extended its territory to include most of present-day Belarus and Ukraine. By the end of the 14th century Lithuania was the largest state in Europe. An alliance with Poland in 1386 led the two countries into a union through the person of a common ruler. In 1569, Lithuania and Poland formally united into a single dual state, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This entity survived until 1795 when its remnants were partitioned by surrounding countries. Lithuania regained its independence following World War I but was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence, but Moscow did not recognize this proclamation until September of 1991 (following the abortive coup in Moscow). The last Russian troops withdrew in 1993. Lithuania subsequently restructured its economy for integration into Western European institutions; it joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Geography ::Lithuania

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

56 00 N, 24 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 65,300 sq km country comparison to the world: 122 land: 62,680 sq km

water: 2,620 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,574 km

border countries: Belarus 680 km, Latvia 576 km, Poland 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km

Coastline:

90 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

transitional, between maritime and continental; wet, moderate winters and summers

Terrain:

lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point: Aukstojas 294 m

Natural resources:

peat, arable land, amber

Land use:

arable land: 44.81%

permanent crops: 0.9%

other: 54.29% (2005)

Irrigated land:

70 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

24.5 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.33 cu km/yr (78%/15%/7%)

per capita: 971 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

fertile central plains are separated by hilly uplands that are ancient glacial deposits

People ::Lithuania

Population:

3,545,319 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.2% (male 258,423/female 245,115)

15-64 years: 69.6% (male 1,214,743/female 1,261,413)

65 years and over: 16.2% (male 198,714/female 376,771) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years

male: 37.1 years

female: 42.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.276% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Birth rate:

9.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Death rate:

11.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Net migration rate:

-0.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Urbanization:

urban population: 67% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female

total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.37 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 173 male: 7.61 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.12 years country comparison to the world: 87 male: 70.23 years

female: 80.29 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.24 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Lithuanian(s)

adjective: Lithuanian

Ethnic groups:

Lithuanian 84%, Polish 6.1%, Russian 4.9%, Belarusian 1.1%, other or unspecified 3.9% (2009)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 79%, Russian Orthodox 4.1%, Protestant (including Lutheran and Evangelical Christian Baptist) 1.9%, other or unspecified 5.5%, none 9.5% (2001 census)

Languages:

Lithuanian (official) 82%, Russian 8%, Polish 5.6%, other and unspecified 4.4% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.6%

female: 99.6% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 15 years

female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 85

Government ::Lithuania

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Lithuania

conventional short form: Lithuania

local long form: Lietuvos Respublika

local short form: Lietuva

former: Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Vilnius

geographic coordinates: 54 41 N, 25 19 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

10 counties (apskritys, singular - apskritis); Alytaus, Kauno, Klaipedos, Marijampoles, Panevezio, Siauliu, Taurages, Telsiu, Utenos, Vilniaus

Independence:

11 March 1990 (declared); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 February (1918); note - 16 February 1918 was the date Lithuania declared its independence from Soviet Russia and established its statehood; 11 March 1990 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

adopted 25 October 1992; last amended 13 July 2004

Legal system:

based on civil law system; legislative acts can be appealed to the constitutional court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE (since 12 July 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Andrius KUBILIUS (since 27 November 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the nomination of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014); prime minister appointed by the president on the approval of the Parliament

election results: Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE elected president; percent of vote - Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE 69.1%, Algirdas BUTKEVICIUS 11.8%, Valentinas MAZURONIS 6.2%, others 12.9%; Andrius KUBILIUS' government approved by Parliament 83-40 with 5 abstentions

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Seimas (141 seats; 71 members elected by popular vote, 70 elected by proportional representation; members to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 12 and 26 October 2008 (next to be held in October 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - TS-LKD 19.7%, TPP 15.1%, TT 12.7%, LSDP 11.7%, KDP+J 9%, LRLS 5.7%, LCS 5.3%, LLRA 4.8%, LVLS 3.7%, NS 3.6%, other 8.7%; seats by faction - TS-LKD 44, LSDP 26, TPP 16, TT 15, LRLS 11, KDP+J 10, LCS 8, LLRA 3, LVLS 3, NS 1, independent 4; note - seats by faction as of 15 March 2010 - TS-LKD 46, LSDP 25, TT 18, Christian Party 12, LS 11, DP 10, LCS 7, TPP 7, unaffiliated 5; note - TS-LKD, LS, LCS, and TPP form the ruling coalition

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; judges for all courts appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

Christian party [Gediminas VAGNORIUS]; Civil Democracy Party or PDP
[Algimantas MATULEVICIUS]; Electoral Action of Lithuanian Poles or
LLRA [Valdemar TOMASZEVSKI]; Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian
Democrats or TS-LKD [Andrius KUBILIUS]; Labor Party or DP [Viktor
USPASKICH]; Liberal and Center Union or LCS [Gintautas BABRAVICIUS];
Liberal Movement or LS or LRLS [Eligijus MASIULIS]; Lithuanian
Farmers' Union or LVLS or VLS [ Ramunas KARBAUSKIS]; Lithuanian
People's Party (not yet officially established) [Kazimiera
PRUNSKIENE]; National Revival or TPP [Arunas VALINSKAS]; New Union
(Social Liberal) or NS [Arturas PAULAUSKAS]; Order and Justice Party
or TT [Rolandas PAKSAS]; Social Democratic Party or LSDP [Algirdas
BUTKEVICIUS]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS
(observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Zygimantas PAVILIONIS

chancery: 2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-5860

FAX: [1] (202) 328-0466

consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Anne E. DERSE

embassy: Akmenu gatve 6, Vilnius, LT-03106

mailing address: American Embassy, Akmenu Gatve 6, Vilnius LT-03106

telephone: [370] (5) 266 5500

FAX: [370] (5) 266 5510

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and red; yellow symbolizes golden fields, as well as the sun, light, and goodness; green represents the forests of the countryside, in addition to nature, freedom, and hope; red stands for courage and the blood spilled in defense of the homeland

National anthem:

name: "Tautiska giesme" (The National Song)

lyrics/music: Vincas KUDIRKA

note: adopted 1918, restored 1990; the anthem was written in 1898 while Lithuania was a part of Russia; it was banned during the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1990

Economy ::Lithuania

Economy - overview:

Lithuania gained membership in the World Trade Organization and joined the EU in May 2004. Despite Lithuania's EU accession, Lithuania's trade with its Central and Eastern European neighbors, and Russia in particular, accounts for a growing percentage of total trade. Privatization of the large, state-owned utilities is nearly complete. Foreign government and business support have helped in the transition from the old command economy to a market economy. Lithuania's economy grew on average 8% per year for the four years prior to 2008 driven by exports and domestic demand. However, GDP plunged nearly 15% in 2009 - during the 2008-09 crisis the three former Soviet Baltic republics had the world's worst economic declines. In 2009, the government launched a high-profile campaign, led by Prime Minister KUBILIUS, to attract foreign investment and to develop export markets. The current account deficit, which had risen to roughly 15% of GDP in 2007-08, recovered to a surplus of 4% 2009 and 3.5% in 2010 in the wake of a cutback in imports to almost half the 2008 level. Nevertheless, economic growth was flat and unemployment continued upward to 16% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$56.22 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $55.99 billion (2009 est.)

$65.72 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$35.73 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 -14.8% (2009 est.)

2.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $15,700 (2009 est.)

$18,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.3%

industry: 27.6%

services: 68.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.633 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 14%

industry: 29.1%

services: 56.9% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

16% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 13.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

4% (2003)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%

highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36 (2005) country comparison to the world: 85 34 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

15.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Public debt:

36.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 29.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 4.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (February 2010) country comparison to the world: 105 4.73% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.39% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 8.41% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$8.917 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 73 $8.896 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$17.26 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $17.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$25.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $25.85 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.477 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 84 $3.625 billion (31 December 2008)

$10.13 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain, potatoes, sugar beets, flax, vegetables; beef, milk, eggs; fish

Industries:

metal-cutting machine tools, electric motors, television sets, refrigerators and freezers, petroleum refining, shipbuilding (small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic components, computers, amber jewelry

Industrial production growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Electricity - production:

12.09 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Electricity - consumption:

9.612 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Electricity - exports:

6.606 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

5.649 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

6,333 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Oil - consumption:

74,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Oil - exports:

137,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Oil - imports:

204,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Oil - proved reserves:

12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Natural gas - consumption:

3.53 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Natural gas - imports:

3.53 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Current account balance:

$1.231 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $1.492 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$19.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $16.48 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

mineral products 22%, machinery and equipment 10%, chemicals 9%, textiles 7%, foodstuffs 7%, plastics 7%

Exports - partners:

Russia 13.2%, Latvia 10%, Germany 9.6%, Poland 7.1%, Estonia 7.1%,
Belarus 4.7%, UK 4.3% (2009)

Imports:

$20.34 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $17.56 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral products, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, chemicals, textiles and clothing, metals

Imports - partners:

Russia 30.1%, Germany 11.1%, Poland 9.9%, Latvia 6.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$6.418 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $6.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$27.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $28.69 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$14.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $13.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$2.507 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $2.307 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

litai (LTL) per US dollar - 2.6637 (2010), 2.4787 (2009), 2.3251 (2008), 2.5362 (2007), 2.7498 (2006)

Communications ::Lithuania

Telephones - main lines in use:

747,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 89

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.962 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 96

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate; being modernized to provide improved international capability and better residential access

domestic: rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services has resulted in a steady decline in the number of fixed-line connections; mobile-cellular teledensity stands at about 140 per 100 persons

international: country code - 370; major international connections to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway by submarine cable for further transmission by satellite; landline connections to Latvia and Poland (2008)

Broadcast media:

public broadcaster operates 3 channels with the third channel - a satellite channel - introduced in 2007; various privately-owned commercial TV broadcasters operate national and multiple regional channels; large number of privately-owned local TV stations; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; publicly-owned broadcaster operates 3 radio networks; large number of privately-owned commercial broadcasters, many with repeater stations in various regions throughout the country (2007)

Internet country code:

.lt

Internet hosts:

1.17 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 40

Internet users:

1.964 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 75

Transportation ::Lithuania

Airports:

81 (2010) country comparison to the world: 69

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 26

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 55

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 51 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,695 km; refined products 114 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,768 km country comparison to the world: 78 broad gauge: 1,746 km 1.524-m gauge (122 km electrified)

standard gauge: 22 km 1.435-m gauge (2009)

Roadways:

total: 81,030 km country comparison to the world: 58 paved: 71,563 km (includes 309 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,467 km (2008)

Waterways:

441 km (navigable year round) (2007) country comparison to the world: 88

Merchant marine:

total: 42 country comparison to the world: 75 by type: cargo 22, container 1, passenger/cargo 6, refrigerated cargo 11, roll on/roll off 2

foreign-owned: 8 (Denmark 8)

registered in other countries: 29 (Antigua and Barbuda 4, Belize 2, Comoros 3, Cook Islands 2, Norway 1, Panama 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Butinge, Klaipeda

Military ::Lithuania

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air Forces (Karines Oro Pajegos, KOP),
National Defense Volunteer Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

19-26 years of age for compulsory military service; 18 years of age for volunteers; 12-month conscript service obligation; male registration required at age 16 (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 900,746

females age 16-49: 887,843 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 674,265

females age 16-49: 734,806 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 21,606

female: 20,536 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Transnational Issues ::Lithuania

Disputes - international:

Lithuania and Russia committed to demarcating their boundary in 2006 in accordance with the land and maritime treaty ratified by Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as a EU member state having an external border with a non-EU member, to strict Schengen border rules; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over potential hydrocarbons; as of January 2007, ground demarcation of the boundary with Belarus was complete and mapped with final ratification documents in preparation

Illicit drugs:

transshipment and destination point for cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, and opiates from Southwest Asia, Latin America, Western Europe, and neighboring Baltic countries; growing production of high-quality amphetamines, but limited production of cannabis, methamphetamines; susceptible to money laundering despite changes to banking legislation

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Luxembourg (Europe)

Introduction ::Luxembourg

Background:

Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815 and an independent state under the Netherlands. It lost more than half of its territory to Belgium in 1839 but gained a larger measure of autonomy. Full independence was attained in 1867. Overrun by Germany in both world wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when it entered into the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO the following year. In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries of the European Economic Community (later the European Union), and in 1999 it joined the euro currency area.

Geography ::Luxembourg

Location:

Western Europe, between France and Germany

Geographic coordinates:

49 45 N, 6 10 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 2,586 sq km country comparison to the world: 178 land: 2,586 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

total: 359 km

border countries: Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

modified continental with mild winters, cool summers

Terrain:

mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle flood plain in the southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Moselle River 133 m

highest point: Buurgplaatz 559 m

Natural resources:

iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land

Land use:

arable land: 27.42%

permanent crops: 0.69%

other: 71.89% (includes Belgium) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

1.6 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.06 cu km/yr (42%/45%/13%)

per capita: 121 cu m/yr (1999)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

air and water pollution in urban areas, soil pollution of farmland

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

landlocked; the only Grand Duchy in the world

People ::Luxembourg

Population:

497,538 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.5% (male 46,918/female 44,052)

15-64 years: 66.7% (male 165,342/female 162,681)

65 years and over: 14.8% (male 29,839/female 42,943) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.3 years

male: 38.3 years

female: 40.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.158% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Birth rate:

11.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Death rate:

8.46 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Net migration rate:

8.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Urbanization:

urban population: 82% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.49 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 194 male: 4.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.48 years country comparison to the world: 35 male: 76.22 years

female: 82.95 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 500 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Nationality:

noun: Luxembourger(s)

adjective: Luxembourg

Ethnic groups:

Luxembourger 63.1%, Portuguese 13.3%, French 4.5%, Italian 4.3%,
German 2.3%, other EU 7.3%, other 5.2% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 87%, other (includes Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) 13% (2000)

Languages:

Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative language),
French (administrative language)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2001) country comparison to the world: 125

Government ::Luxembourg

Country name:

conventional long form: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

conventional short form: Luxembourg

local long form: Grand Duche de Luxembourg

local short form: Luxembourg

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Luxembourg

geographic coordinates: 49 36 N, 6 07 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

Independence:

1839 (from the Netherlands)

National holiday:

National Day (Birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte) 23 June; note - the actual date of birth was 23 January 1896, but the festivities were shifted by five months to allow observance during a more favorable time of year

Constitution:

17 October 1868; occasional revisions

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000); Heir Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch, born 11 November 1981)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 20 January 1995); Deputy Prime Minister Jean ASSELBORN (since 31 July 2004)

cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following popular elections to the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; the deputy prime minister appointed by the monarch; they are responsible to the Chamber of Deputies

note: government coalition - CSV and LSAP

Legislative branch:

unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (60 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 June 2009 (next to be held by June 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - CSV 38%, LSAP 21.6%, DP 15%, Green Party 11.7%, ADR 8.1%, The Left 3.3%, other 2.3%; seats by party - CSV 26, LSAP 13, DP 9, Green Party 7, ADR 4, The Left 1

note: there is also a Council of State that serves as an advisory body to the Chamber of Deputies; the Council of State has 21 members appointed by the Grand Duke on the advice of the prime minister

Judicial branch:

judicial courts and tribunals (three Justices of the Peace, two district courts, and one Supreme Court of Appeals); administrative courts and tribunals (State Prosecutor's Office, administrative courts and tribunals, and the Constitutional Court); judges for all courts are appointed for life by the monarch

Political parties and leaders:

Alternative Democratic Reform Party or ADR [Robert MEHLEN];
Christian Social People's Party or CSV [Michel WOLTER]; dei Lenk/la
Gauche (the Left); Democratic Party or DP [Claude MEISCH]; Green
Party [Francois BAUSCH]; Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party or LSAP
[Alex BODRY]; other minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

ABBL (bankers' association); ALEBA (financial sector trade union); Centrale Paysanne (federation of agricultural producers); CEP (professional sector chamber); CGFP (trade union representing civil service); Chambre de Commerce (Chamber of Commerce); Chambre des Metiers (Chamber of Artisans); FEDIL (federation of industrialists); Greenpeace (environment protection); LCGP (center-right trade union); Mouvement Ecologique (protection of ecology); OGBL (center-left trade union)

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, Benelux, CE, EAPC, EBRD,
EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jean-Paul SENNINGER

chancery: 2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-4171 through 72

FAX: [1] (202) 328-8270

consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Cynthia STROUM

embassy: 22 Boulevard Emmanuel Servais, L-2535 Luxembourg City

mailing address: American Embassy Luxembourg, Unit 1410, APO AE 09126-1410 (official mail); American Embassy Luxembourg, PSC 9, Box 9500, APO AE 09123 (personal mail)

telephone: [352] 46 01 23

FAX: [352] 46 14 01

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and light blue; similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue and is shorter; the coloring is derived from the Grand Duke's coat of arms (a red lion on a white and blue striped field)

National anthem:

name: "Ons Heemecht" (Our Motherland); "De Wilhelmus" (The William)

lyrics/music: Michel LENTZ/Jean-Antoine ZINNEN; Nikolaus WELTER/unknown

note: "Ons Heemecht," adopted 1864, is the national anthem, while "De Wilhelmus," adopted 1919, serves as a royal anthem for use when members of the grand ducal family enter or exit a ceremony in Luxembourg

Economy ::Luxembourg

Economy - overview:

This small, stable, high-income economy - benefiting from its proximity to France, Belgium, and Germany - has historically featured solid growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector, initially dominated by steel, has become increasingly diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other products. Growth in the financial sector, which now accounts for about 28% of GDP, has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Most banks are foreign owned and have extensive foreign dealings, but Luxembourg has lost some of its advantages as a tax haven because of OECD and EU pressure. The economy depends on foreign and cross-border workers for about 60% of its labor force. Luxembourg, like all EU members, suffered from the global economic crisis that began in late 2008, but unemployment has trended below the EU average. Following strong expansion from 2004 to 2007, Luxembourg's economy contracted and 3.4% in 2009, but rebounded 2.6% in 2010. The country continues to enjoy an extraordinarily high standard of living - GDP per capita ranks third in the world, after Liechtenstein and Qatar, and is the highest in the EU. Turmoil in the world financial markets and lower global demand during 2008-09 prompted the government to inject capital into the banking sector and implement stimulus measures to boost the economy. Government stimulus measures and support for the banking sector, however, led to a 5% government budget deficit in 2009, however, the deficit was cut below 3% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$40.81 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $39.55 billion (2009 est.)

$41.07 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$52.43 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 -3.7% (2009 est.)

1.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$81,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $80,700 (2009 est.)

$84,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.4%

industry: 13.6%

services: 86% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

206,000 of whom 125,400 are foreign cross-border workers commuting primarily from France, Belgium, and Germany (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.2%

industry: 17.2%

services: 80.6% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 5.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.5%

highest 10%: 23.8% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2005) country comparison to the world: 132

Investment (gross fixed):

16.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Public debt:

16.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 14.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 0.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 128 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Stock of narrow money:

$120.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 28 $121 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$255.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $231.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$395.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $369.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$105.6 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 45 $66.46 billion (31 December 2008)

$166.1 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grapes, barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits; dairy and livestock products

Industries:

banking and financial services, iron and steel, information technology, telecommunications, cargo transportation, food processing, chemicals, metal products, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

1.7% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Electricity - production:

2.696 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Electricity - consumption:

6.525 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Electricity - exports:

2.483 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

6.83 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - consumption:

50,720 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Oil - exports:

63 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Oil - imports:

59,210 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Natural gas - consumption:

1.268 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Natural gas - imports:

1.263 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Current account balance:

$3.396 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $2.985 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$17.82 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $15.5 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, steel products, chemicals, rubber products, glass

Exports - partners:

Germany 19.78%, France 15.87%, Belgium 11.07%, UK 7.96%, Italy 7.49%, Netherlands 4.31% (2009)

Imports:

$23.67 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $19.76 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goods

Imports - partners:

Belgium 27.22%, Germany 23.14%, China 18.62%, France 8.85%,
Netherlands 5.06% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$810 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.892 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 11 $2.02 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2009 est.)

$11.21 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Luxembourg

Telephones - main lines in use:

273,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 119

Telephones - mobile cellular:

719,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 152

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed, completely automated and efficient system, mainly buried cables

domestic: fixed line teledensity over 50 per 100 persons; nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system with market for mobile-cellular phones virtually saturated

international: country code - 352 (2008)

Broadcast media:

Luxembourg has a long tradition of operating radio and TV services to pan-European audiences and is home to Europe's largest privately-owned broadcast media group, the RTL group, which operates 45 television stations and 31 radio stations in Europe; also home to Europe's largest satellite operator, Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES); domestically, the RTL group operates TV and radio networks; other domestic private radio and TV operators and French and German stations are available; satellite and cable TV services are accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.lu

Internet hosts:

244,225 (2010) country comparison to the world: 63

Internet users:

424,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 121

Transportation ::Luxembourg

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 197

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 155 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 275 km country comparison to the world: 124 standard gauge: 275 km 1.435-m gauge (243 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 5,227 km country comparison to the world: 152 paved: 5,227 km (includes 147 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

37 km (on Moselle River) (2008) country comparison to the world: 106

Merchant marine:

total: 47 country comparison to the world: 72 by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 3, chemical tanker 16, container 10, passenger 3, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 10

foreign-owned: 45 (Belgium 9, France 16, Germany 9, Netherlands 2, Switzerland 1, UK 5, US 3)

registered in other countries: 16 (Italy 12, Malta 3, Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Mertert

Military ::Luxembourg

Military branches:

Army (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; soldiers under 18 are not deployed into combat or with peacekeeping missions; no conscription; Luxembourg citizen or EU citizen with 3-year residence in Luxembourg (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 117,892

females age 16-49: 116,517 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 96,585

females age 16-49: 95,519 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 3,211

female: 3,057 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Transnational Issues ::Luxembourg

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Macau (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Macau

Background:

Colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was the first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau became the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China on 20 December 1999. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system would not be practiced in Macau, and that Macau would enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Geography ::Macau

Location:

Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Geographic coordinates:

22 10 N, 113 33 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 28.2 sq km country comparison to the world: 236 land: 28.2 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

less than one-sixth the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 0.34 km

regional border: China 0.34 km

Coastline:

41 km

Maritime claims:

not specified

Climate:

subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers

Terrain:

generally flat

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Coloane Alto 172 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Marine Dumping (associate member), Ship Pollution (associate member)

Geography - note:

essentially urban; an area of land reclaimed from the sea measuring 5.2 sq km and known as Cotai now connects the islands of Coloane and Taipa; the island area is connected to the mainland peninsula by three bridges

People ::Macau

Population:

567,957 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 47,853/female 42,019)

15-64 years: 76.2% (male 199,593/female 227,010)

65 years and over: 7.7% (male 20,245/female 23,126) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.6 years

male: 36.3 years

female: 35 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.89% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Birth rate:

8.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Death rate:

3.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Net migration rate:

3.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.14 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.2 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 217 male: 3.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 84.38 years country comparison to the world: 2 male: 81.42 years

female: 87.49 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

0.91 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Chinese

adjective: Chinese

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 94.3%, other 5.7% (includes Macanese - mixed Portuguese and
Asian ancestry) (2006 census)

Religions:

Buddhist 50%, Roman Catholic 15%, none or other 35% (1997 est.)

Languages:

Cantonese 85.7%, Hokkien 4%, Mandarin 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 2.7%, English 1.5%, Tagalog 1.3%, other 1.6% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.3%

male: 95.3%

female: 87.8% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 15 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 166

Government ::Macau

Country name:

conventional long form: Macau Special Administrative Region

conventional short form: Macau

local long form: Aomen Tebie Xingzhengqu (Chinese); Regiao Administrativa Especial de Macau (Portuguese)

local short form: Aomen (Chinese); Macau (Portuguese)

Dependency status:

special administrative region of China

Government type:

limited democracy

Administrative divisions:

none (special administrative region of the People's Republic of China)

Independence:

none (special administrative region of China)

National holiday:

National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 20 December 1999 is celebrated as Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

Constitution:

Basic Law, approved on 31 March 1993 by China's National People's
Congress, is Macau's charter

Legal system:

based on Portuguese civil law system

Suffrage:

direct election 18 years of age for some non-executive positions, universal for permanent residents living in Macau for the past seven years; indirect election limited to organizations registered as "corporate voters" (257 are currently registered) and a 300-member Election Committee drawn from broad regional groupings, municipal organizations, and central government bodies

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003)

head of government: Chief Executive Fernando CHUI Sai-on (since 20 December 2009)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of 1 government secretary, 3 legislators, 4 businessmen, 1 pro-Beijing unionist, and 1 pro-Beijing educator (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: chief executive chosen by a 300-member Election Committee for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 26 July 2009 (next to be held in July 2014)

election results: Fernando CHUI Sai-on elected in 2009 with 282 votes, took office on 20 December 2009

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (29 seats; 12 members elected by popular vote, 10 by indirect vote, and 7 appointed by the chief executive; members to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 September 2009 (next to be held in September 2013)

election results: percent of vote - UPD 14.9%, ACUM 12%, APMD 11.6%, NUDM 9.9%, UPP 9.9%, ANMD 7.8%, UMG 7.3%, MUDAR 5.5%, others 21.1%; seats by political group - UPD 2, ACUM 2, APMD 2, NUMD 1, UPP 1, ANMD 1, UMG 1, MUDAR 1; 10 seats filled by professional and business groups; 7 members appointed by the chief executive

Judicial branch:

Court of Final Appeal in Macau Special Administrative Region

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Change or MUDAR; Macau Development Alliance or NUDM
[Angela LEONG On-kei]; Macau-Guangdong Union or UNG; Macau United
Citizens' Association or ACUM [CHAN Meng-kam]; New Democratic Macau
Association or APMD [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong]; New Hope or NE [Jose
Maria Pereira COUTINHO]; Union for Promoting Progress or UPP [LEONG
Heng-teng]

note: there is no political party ordinance, so there are no registered political parties; politically active groups register as societies or companies

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Civic Power [Agnes LAM Lok-fong]; Macau New Chinese Youth
Association [LEONG Sin-man]; Macau Society of Tourism and
Entertainment or STDM [Stanley HO]; Macau Worker's Union [HO
Heng-kuok]; Union for Democracy Development [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong]

International organization participation:

IHO, IMF, IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), ISO (correspondent), UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (special administrative region of China)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US has no offices in Macau; US Consulate General in Hong Kong is accredited to Macau

Flag description:

green with a lotus flower above a stylized bridge and water in white, beneath an arc of five gold, five-pointed stars: one large in the center of the arc and two smaller on either side; the lotus is the floral emblem of Macau, the three petals represent the peninsula and two islands that make up Macau; the five stars echo those on the flag of China

National anthem:

note: as a Special Administrative Region of China, "Yiyonggjun Jinxingqu" is official (see China)

Economy ::Macau

Economy - overview:

Macau's economy slowed dramatically in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown, but strong growth resumed in 2010, largely on the back of strong tourism and gaming sectors. After opening up its locally-controlled casino industry to foreign competition in 2001, the territory attracted tens of billions of dollars in foreign investment, transforming Macau into one of the world's largest gaming center. Macau's gaming and tourism businesses were fueled by China's decision to relax travel restrictions on Chinese citizens wishing to visit Macau. By 2006, Macau's gaming revenue surpassed that of the Las Vegas strip, and gaming-related taxes accounted for more than 70% of total government revenue. In 2008, Macau introduced measures to cool the rapidly developing sector. This city of nearly 570,000 hosted more than 21 million visitors in 2009. Almost 51% came from mainland China. Macau's traditional manufacturing industry has virtually disappeared since the termination of the Multi-Fiber Agreement in 2005. In 2009, total exports were less than US$1 billion, while gaming receipts were almost US$15 billion. By October 2010, gross gaming revenue had already reached US$19 billion for the year. The Macau government plans to tighten control over the opening of new casinos and strengthen supervision of local casino operations in 2011 and has introduced measures to diversify the economy. The Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Macau and mainland China that came into effect on 1 January 2004 offers Macau-made products tariff-free access to the mainland; nevertheless, China remains Macau's third largest goods export market, behind Hong Kong and the United States. Macau's currency, the Pataca, is closely tied to the Hong Kong dollar, which is also freely accepted in the territory.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$18.47 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $18.14 billion (2008 est.)

$14.4 billion (2006)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$22.1 billion (2009 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 12.9% (2008)

26% (2007)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$33,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 41 $31,800 (2008)

$28,400 (2006)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.1%

industry: 2.8%

services: 97.1% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

322,000 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Labor force - by occupation:

manufacturing: 4.9%

construction: 9.3%

transport and communications: 5.2%

wholesale and retail trade: 12.6%

restaurants and hotels: 13.6%

gambling: 14.2%

public sector: 6.6%

financial services: 2.1%

other services and agriculture: 31.5% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.6% (2009) country comparison to the world: 30 3% (2008)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.2% (December 2009) country comparison to the world: 26 8.6% (2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 5.43% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.831 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 101 $3.099 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$26.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $23.78 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.717 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 $847 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.3 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$413.1 million (2004 est.)

Agriculture - products:

only 2% of land area is cultivated, mainly by vegetable growers; fishing, mostly for crustaceans, is important; some of the catch is exported to Hong Kong

Industries:

tourism, gambling, clothing, textiles, electronics, footwear, toys

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.424 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Electricity - consumption:

3.474 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.215 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Oil - imports:

9,294 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Natural gas - consumption:

91.3 million cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 103

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - imports:

97.8 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - proved reserves:

300,000 cu m (1 January 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Current account balance:

$NA

Exports:

$950 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $2 billion (2008); note - includes reexports

Exports - commodities:

clothing, textiles, footwear, toys, electronics, machinery and parts

Exports - partners:

Hong Kong 38.7%, US 17.9%, China 14.4%, Germany 4% (2009)

Imports:

$4.5 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $5.4 billion (2008 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials and semi-manufactured goods, consumer goods (foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco), capital goods, mineral fuels and oils

Imports - partners:

China 31.1%, Hong Kong 10.8%, Japan 8.1%, France 8%, US 6.2% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA

Debt - external:

$0 (2009) country comparison to the world: 198

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$13.6 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $11.1 billion (#REF! est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$980 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $1 billion (2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

patacas (MOP) per US dollar - 7.985 (2009), 7.983 (2008), 8.011 (2007), 8.0015 (2006)

Communications ::Macau

Telephones - main lines in use:

168,903 (2010) country comparison to the world: 131

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.109 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 144

Telephone system:

general assessment: fairly modern communication facilities maintained for domestic and international services

domestic: termination of monopoly over mobile-cellular telephone services in 2001 spurred sharp increase in subscriptions with mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 200 per 100 persons in 2010; fixed-line subscribership appears to have peaked and is now in decline

international: country code - 853; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; HF radiotelephone communication facility; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2010)

Broadcast media:

local government dominates broadcast media; 2 television stations operated by the government with one broadcasting in Portuguese and the other in Cantonese and Mandarin; cable and satellite TV services are available; 3 radio stations broadcasting, of which 2 are government-operated (2008)

Internet country code:

.mo

Internet hosts:

252 (2010) country comparison to the world: 189

Internet users:

270,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 134

Transportation ::Macau

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 218

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 413 km country comparison to the world: 198 paved: 413 km (2009)

Ports and terminals:

Macau

Military ::Macau

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 150,712 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 124,074

females age 16-49: 149,799 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 4,488

female: 3,900 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of China

Transnational Issues ::Macau

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for drugs going into mainland China; consumer of opiates and amphetamines

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Macedonia (Europe)

Introduction ::Macedonia

Background:

Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991. Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols delayed international recognition, which occurred under the provisional designation of "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations. The United States began referring to Macedonia by its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia, in 2004 and negotiations continue between Greece and Macedonia to resolve the name issue. Some ethnic Albanians, angered by perceived political and economic inequities, launched an insurgency in 2001 that eventually won the support of the majority of Macedonia's Albanian population and led to the internationally-brokered Ohrid Framework Agreement, which ended the fighting by establishing a set of new laws enhancing the rights of minorities. Fully implementing the Framework Agreement and stimulating economic growth and development continue to be challenges for Macedonia, although progress has been made on both fronts over the past several years.

Geography ::Macedonia

Location:

Southeastern Europe, north of Greece

Geographic coordinates:

41 50 N, 22 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 25,713 sq km country comparison to the world: 149 land: 25,433 sq km

water: 280 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Vermont

Land boundaries:

total: 766 km

border countries: Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 246 km, Kosovo 159 km, Serbia 62 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

warm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall

Terrain:

mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country bisected by the Vardar River

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Vardar River 50 m

highest point: Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,764 m

Natural resources:

low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 22.01%

permanent crops: 1.79%

other: 76.2% (2005)

Irrigated land:

550 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

6.4 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.27

per capita: 1,118 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

high seismic risks

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from metallurgical plants

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe

People ::Macedonia

Population:

2,072,086 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.2% (male 206,054/female 191,354)

15-64 years: 69.4% (male 722,823/female 710,830)

65 years and over: 11.4% (male 102,231/female 133,426) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.4 years

male: 34.4 years

female: 36.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.257% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Birth rate:

11.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Death rate:

8.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Net migration rate:

-0.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Urbanization:

urban population: 67% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.76 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 158 male: 8.98 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.92 years country comparison to the world: 89 male: 72.4 years

female: 77.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.58 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Nationality:

noun: Macedonian(s)

adjective: Macedonian

Ethnic groups:

Macedonian 64.2%, Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.9%, Roma (Gypsy) 2.7%,
Serb 1.8%, other 2.2% (2002 census)

Religions:

Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, Muslim 33.3%, other Christian 0.37%, other and unspecified 1.63% (2002 census)

Languages:

Macedonian (official) 66.5%, Albanian (official) 25.1%, Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1.2%, other 1.8% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.1%

male: 98.2%

female: 94.1% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.5% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 133

Government ::Macedonia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Macedonia

conventional short form: Macedonia

local long form: Republika Makedonija

local short form: Makedonija

note: the provisional designation used by the UN, EU, and NATO is the "former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" (FYROM)

former: People's Republic of Macedonia, Socialist Republic of Macedonia

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Skopje

geographic coordinates: 42 00 N, 21 26 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

84 municipalities (opstini, singular - opstina); Aerodrom (Skopje),
Aracinovo, Berovo, Bitola, Bogdanci, Bogovinje, Bosilovo, Brvenica,
Butel (Skopje), Cair (Skopje), Caska, Centar (Skopje), Centar Zupa,
Cesinovo, Cucer Sandevo, Debar, Debarca, Delcevo, Demir Hisar, Demir
Kapija, Dojran, Dolneni, Dorce Petrov (Gjorce Petrov) (Skopje),
Drugovo, Gazi Baba (Skopje), Gevgelija, Gostivar, Gradsko, Ilinden,
Jegunovce, Karbinci, Karpos (Skopje), Kavadarci, Kicevo, Kisela Voda
(Skopje), Kocani, Konce, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Krivogastani,
Krusevo, Kumanovo, Lipkovo, Lozovo, Makedonska Kamenica, Makedonski
Brod, Mavrovo i Rostusa, Mogila, Negotino, Novaci, Novo Selo, Ohrid,
Oslomej, Pehcevo, Petrovec, Plasnica, Prilep, Probistip, Radovis,
Rankovce, Resen, Rosoman, Saraj (Skopje), Sopiste, Staro Nagoricane,
Stip, Struga, Strumica, Studenicani, Suto Orizari (Skopje), Sveti
Nikole, Tearce, Tetovo, Valandovo, Vasilevo, Veles, Vevcani, Vinica,
Vranestica, Vrapciste, Zajas, Zelenikovo, Zelino, Zrnovci

note: the 10 municipalities followed by Skopje in parentheses collectively constitute the larger Skopje Municipality

Independence:

8 September 1991 (referendum by registered voters endorsed independence from Yugoslavia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 8 September (1991); also known as National Day

Constitution:

adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991; amended November 2001, 2005 and in 2009

note: amended November 2001 by a series of new constitutional amendments strengthening minority rights, in 2005 with amendments related to the judiciary, and in 2009 with amendments related to the threshold required to elect the president

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Gjorge IVANOV (since 12 May 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Nikola GRUEVSKI (since 26 August 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of all the deputies in the Assembly; note - current cabinet formed by the government coalition parties VMRO/DPMNE, BDI/DUI, and several small parties (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); two-round election: first round held on 22 March 2009, second round held on 5 April 2009 (next to be held in March 2014); prime minister elected by the Assembly following legislative elections

election results: Gjorge IVANOV elected president on second-round ballot; percent of vote - Gjorge IVANOV 63.1%, Ljubomir FRCKOSKI 36.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly or Sobranie (120 seats; members elected by popular vote from party lists based on the percentage of the overall vote the parties gain in each of six electoral districts; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 June and 15 June 2008 (next to be held by July 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - VMRO-DPMNE-led block 49%, SDSM-led block 24%, BDI/DUI 13%, PDSh/DPA 8%, other 6%; seats by party - VMRO-DPMNE-led block 63, SDSM-led block 27, BDI/DUI 18, PDSh/DPA 11, PEI 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; Republican Judicial Council

note: the Assembly appoints the judges

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Alliance or DS [Pavle TRAJANOV]; Democratic Party of
Serbs in Macedonia [Ivan STOILJKOVIC]; Democratic Party of the
Albanians or PDSh/DPA [Menduh THACI]; Democratic Party of Turks in
Macedonia [Kenan HASIPI]; Democratic Union for Integration or
BDI/DUI [Ali AHMETI]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary
Organization—Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity
(VMRO-DPMNE) [Nikola GRUEVSKI]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP
[Jovan MANSIJEVSKI]; Liberal Party [Borce STOJANOVSKI]; Movement for
Reconstruction of Macedonia or DOM [Liljana POPOVSKA]; New
Alternative [Gjorgji OROVCANEC]; New Democracy or DR [Imer SELMANI];
New Social-Democratic Party or NSDP [Tito PETKOVSKI]; Party for
Democratic Action in Macedonia or SDAM [Avdija PEPIC]; Party for
European Future or PEI [Fijat CANOSKI]; Social-Democratic Union of
Macedonia or SDSM [Branko CRVENKOVSKI]; Socialist Party or SP
[Ljubisav IVANOV-ZINGO]; Union of Roma of Macedonia [Amdi BAJRAM];
United for Macedonia or OM [Ljube BOSKOVSKI]; VMRO-Macedonian
[Borislav STOJMENOV]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Federation of Free Trade Unions [Svetlana PETROVIC]; Federation of Trade Unions [Vanco MURATOVSKI]; Trade Union of Education, Science and Culture [Dojcin CVETANOSKI]

International organization participation:

BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP,
SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Zoran JOLEVSKI

chancery: 2129 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 667-0501

FAX: [1] (202) 667-2131

consulate(s) general: Southfield (Michigan), Chicago

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Philip T. REEKER

embassy: Str. Samolilova, Nr. 21, 1000 Skopje

mailing address: American Embassy Skopje, US Department of State, 7120 Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120 (pouch)

telephone: [389] 2 310-2000

FAX: [389] 2 310-2499

Flag description:

a yellow sun (the Sun of Liberty) with eight broadening rays extending to the edges of the red field; the red and yellow colors have long been associated with Macedonia

National anthem:

name: "Denes Nad Makedonija" (Today Over Macedonia)

lyrics/music: Vlado MALESKI/Todor SKALOVSKI

note: adopted 1991; the song, written in 1943, previously served as the anthem of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia while part of Yugoslavia

Economy ::Macedonia

Economy - overview:

Having a small, open economy makes Macedonia vulnerable to economic developments in Europe and dependent on regional integration and progress toward EU membership for continued economic growth. At independence in September 1991, Macedonia was the least developed of the Yugoslav republics, producing a mere 5% of the total federal output of goods and services. The collapse of Yugoslavia ended transfer payments from the central government and eliminated advantages from inclusion in a de facto free trade area. An absence of infrastructure, UN sanctions on the downsized Yugoslavia, and a Greek economic embargo over a dispute about the country's constitutional name and flag hindered economic growth until 1996. Since then, Macedonia has maintained macroeconomic stability with low inflation, but it has so far lagged the region in attracting foreign investment and creating jobs, despite making extensive fiscal and business sector reforms. Official unemployment remains high at 33%, but may be overstated based on the existence of an extensive gray market, estimated to be more than 20% of GDP, that is not captured by official statistics. In the wake of the global economic downturn, Macedonia has experienced decreased foreign direct investment, lowered credit, and a large trade deficit, but the financial system remained sound. Macroeconomic stability was maintained by a prudent monetary policy, which kept the domestic currency at the pegged level against the euro, at the expense of raising interest rates. As a result, GDP fell in 2009. but returned to positive in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$19.46 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $19.18 billion (2009 est.)

$19.31 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars; Macedonia has a large informal sector

GDP (official exchange rate):

$9.58 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 -0.7% (2009 est.)

4.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $9,300 (2009 est.)

$9,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.1%

industry: 29.6%

services: 58.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

942,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 18.6%

industry: 29.5%

services: 51.9% (September 2009)

Unemployment rate:

33.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 32.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

28.7% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.4%

highest 10%: 29.6% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39 (2003) country comparison to the world: 68

Investment (gross fixed):

22.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Public debt:

25.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 32.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 -0.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 62 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.07% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 9.68% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.146 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 137 $1.184 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.134 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $4.217 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.001 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $4.055 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.859 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 100 $823.5 million (31 December 2008)

$2.715 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grapes, tobacco, vegetables, fruits; milk, eggs

Industries:

food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, iron, steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals

Industrial production growth rate:

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Electricity - production:

6.162 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Electricity - consumption:

7.797 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.635 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Oil - consumption:

20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Oil - exports:

4,672 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Oil - imports:

20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Natural gas - consumption:

80 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - imports:

82 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Current account balance:

-$328 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 -$645.6 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$3.171 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $2.686 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

food, beverages, tobacco; textiles, miscellaneous manufactures, iron and steel

Exports - partners:

Germany 20.31%, Greece 13.09%, Italy 11.08%, Bulgaria 10.61%,
Croatia 7.74% (2009)

Imports:

$5.113 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $4.842 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, automobiles, chemicals, fuels, food products

Imports - partners:

Germany 15.11%, Greece 14.88%, Bulgaria 9.08%, Italy 7.68%, Turkey 7.59%, Slovenia 6.26%, Hungary 4.31% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.127 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $2.292 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $5.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$3.528 billion (31 October 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $3.357 billion (2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Macedonian denars (MKD) per US dollar - 47.601 (2010), 44.1 (2009), 41.414 (2008), 44.732 (2007), 48.978 (2006)

Communications ::Macedonia

Telephones - main lines in use:

442,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 100

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.943 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 135

Telephone system:

general assessment: competition from the mobile-cellular segment of the telecommunications market has led to a drop in fixed-line telephone subscriptions

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership about 115 per 100 persons

international: country code - 389 (2009)

Broadcast media:

public television broadcaster operates 3 national channels and a satellite network; 5 privately-owned TV channels broadcast nationally; roughly 50 local commercial TV stations broadcasting; large number of cable operators offering domestic and international programming; public radio broadcaster operates over multiple stations; 3 privately-owned radio stations broadcast nationally; roughly 65 local commercial radio stations functioning (2007)

Internet country code:

.mk

Internet hosts:

60,533 (2010) country comparison to the world: 84

Internet users:

1.057 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 97

Transportation ::Macedonia

Airports:

14 (2010) country comparison to the world: 149

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 268 km; oil 120 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 699 km country comparison to the world: 104 standard gauge: 699 km 1.435-m gauge (234 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 13,736 km (includes 216 km of expressways) (2009) country comparison to the world: 126

Military ::Macedonia

Military branches:

Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM): Joint Operational Command,
with subordinate Air Wing (Makedonsko Voeno Vozduhoplovstvo, MVV);
Special Operations Regiment; Logistic Support Command; Training
Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 530,966

females age 16-49: 511,534 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 442,953

females age 16-49: 425,981 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 15,338

female: 14,445 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Transnational Issues ::Macedonia

Disputes - international:

Kosovo and Macedonia completed demarcation of their boundary in
September 2008; Greece continues to reject the use of the name
Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: fewer than 1,000 (ethnic conflict in 2001) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish; minor transit point for South American cocaine destined for Europe; although not a financial center and most criminal activity is thought to be domestic, money laundering is a problem due to a mostly cash-based economy and weak enforcement

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Madagascar (Africa)

Introduction ::Madagascar

Background:

Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896 but regained independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner. RAVALOMANANA achieved a second term following a landslide victory in the generally free and fair presidential elections of 2006. In early 2009, protests over increasing restrictions on opposition press and activities resulted in RAVALOMANANA stepping down and the presidency was conferred to the mayor of Antananarivo, Andry RAJOELINA. Following negotiations in July and August of 2009, a power-sharing agreement with a 15-month transitional period was established, but has not yet been implemented.

Geography ::Madagascar

Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 47 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 587,041 sq km country comparison to the world: 46 land: 581,540 sq km

water: 5,501 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Arizona

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

4,828 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or 100 nm from the 2,500-m isobath

Climate:

tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m

Natural resources:

graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, rare earth elements, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 5.03%

permanent crops: 1.02%

other: 93.95% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10,860 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

337 cu km (1984)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 14.96 cu km/yr (3%/2%/96%)

per capita: 804 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic cyclones; drought; and locust infestation

volcanism: Madagascar's volcanoes have not erupted in historical times

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes; several endangered species of flora and fauna unique to the island

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel

People ::Madagascar

Population:

21,281,844 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.5% (male 4,523,033/female 4,460,473)

15-64 years: 53.5% (male 5,483,684/female 5,557,098)

65 years and over: 3% (male 280,677/female 348,591) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.1 years

male: 17.8 years

female: 18.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.993% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Birth rate:

37.89 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Death rate:

7.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 92

Urbanization:

urban population: 29% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 52.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 47 male: 57.69 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 47.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.26 years country comparison to the world: 175 male: 61.27 years

female: 65.3 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.09 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

14,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, malaria, and plague

water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Malagasy (singular and plural)

adjective: Malagasy

Ethnic groups:

Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed
African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka,
Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%

Languages:

French (official), Malagasy (official), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 68.9%

male: 75.5%

female: 62.5% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 10 years

female: 10 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 152

Government ::Madagascar

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Madagascar

conventional short form: Madagascar

local long form: Republique de Madagascar/Repoblikan'i Madagasikara

local short form: Madagascar/Madagasikara

former: Malagasy Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Antananarivo

geographic coordinates: 18 55 S, 47 31 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces (faritany); Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara

Independence:

26 June 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 June (1960)

Constitution:

passed by referendum 17 November 2010; promulgated 11 December 2010 (2010)

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Andry RAJOELINA (since 18 March 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Albert Camille VITAL (since 18 December 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 December 2006 (next to be held on 4 May 2011); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: percent of vote - Marc RAVALOMANANA 54.8%, Jean
LAHINIRIKO 11.7%, Roland RATSIRAKA 10.1%, Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO 9.1%,
Norbert RATSIRAHONANA 4.2%, Ny Hasina ANDRIAMANJATO 4.2%, Elia
RAVELOMANANTSOA 2.6%, Pety RAKOTONIAINA 1.7%, other 1.6%; note -
RAVALOMANANA stepped down on 17 March 2009

note:: on 17 March 2009, democratically elected President Marc RAVALOMANANA stepped down handing the government over to the military, which in turn conferred the presidency on opposition leader and Antananarivo mayor Andry RAJOELINA, who will head the High Transition Authority; a power-sharing agreement reached in August 2009 established a 15-month transition period, concluding in general elections in 2010; as of December 2009 the agreement had not been fully implemented

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of a Senate or Senat (100 seats; two-thirds of the members appointed by regional assemblies; the remaining one-third appointed by the president; members to serve four-year terms) and a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (127 seats - reduced from 160 seats by an April 2007 national referendum; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held on 23 September 2007 (next to be held on 16 March 2011); note - a power-sharing agreement in the summer of 2009 established a 15-month transition, concluding in general elections

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - TIM 106, LEADER/Fanilo 1, independents 20

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; High Constitutional Court or Haute
Cour Constitutionnelle

Political parties and leaders:

Association for the Rebirth of Madagascar or AREMA [Pierrot
RAJAONARIVELO]; Democratic Party for Union in Madagascar or PSDUM
[Jean LAHINIRIKO]; Economic Liberalism and Democratic Action for
National Recovery or LEADER/Fanilo [Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO]; Fihaonana
Party or FP [Guy-Willy RAZANAMASY]; I Love Madagascar or TIM [Marc
RAVALOMANANA]; Renewal of the Social Democratic Party or RPSD
[Evariste MARSON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Committee for the Defense of Truth and Justice or KMMR; Committee for National Reconciliation or CRN [Albert Zafy]; National Council of Christian Churches or FFKM

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SADC,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Eulalie N. RAVELOSOA

chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525 through 5526

FAX: [1] (202) 265-3034

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador R. Niels MARQUARDT

embassy: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo 101

mailing address: B. P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo

telephone: [261] (20) 22-212-57, 22-212-73, 22-209-56

FAX: [261] (20) 22-345-39

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white band of the same width on hoist side; by tradition, red stands for sovereignty, green for hope, white for purity

National anthem:

name: "Ry Tanindraza nay malala o" (Oh, Our Beloved Fatherland)

lyrics/music: Pasteur RAHAJASON/Norbert RAHARISOA

note: adopted 1959

Economy ::Madagascar

Economy - overview:

After discarding socialist economic policies in the mid-1990s, Madagascar followed a World Bank- and IMF-led policy of privatization and liberalization that has been undermined since the start of the political crisis. This strategy placed the country on a slow and steady growth path from an extremely low level. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the economy, accounting for more than one-fourth of GDP and employing 80% of the population. Exports of apparel have boomed in recent years primarily due to duty-free access to the US. However, Madagascar's failure to comply with the requirements of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) led to the termination of the country's duty-free access in January 2010. Deforestation and erosion, aggravated by the use of firewood as the primary source of fuel, are serious concerns. Former President RAVALOMANANA worked aggressively to revive the economy following the 2002 political crisis, which triggered a 12% drop in GDP that year. The current political crisis which began in early 2009 has dealt additional blows to the economy. Tourism dropped more than 50% in 2009, compared with the previous year, and many investors are wary of entering the uncertain investment environment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$20.73 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $20.42 billion (2009 est.)

$20.63 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$8.33 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 -1% (2009 est.)

7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217 $1,000 (2009 est.)

$1,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 26.5%

industry: 16.7%

services: 56.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

9.504 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 51

Population below poverty line:

50% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 41.5% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

47.5 (2001) country comparison to the world: 32 38.1 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

34.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189 9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

45% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.233 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 133 $1.228 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.012 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 $1.994 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $997.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts; livestock products

Industries:

meat processing, seafood, soap, breweries, tanneries, sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Electricity - production:

1.045 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Electricity - consumption:

971.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Oil - consumption:

21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Oil - exports:

365 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Oil - imports:

16,940 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Current account balance:

-$600 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 -$561 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.412 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $1.309 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar, cotton cloth, chromite, petroleum products

Exports - partners:

France 28.9%, US 20.49%, Germany 5.89%, China 4.36% (2009)

Imports:

$1.958 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $1.893 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, petroleum, consumer goods, food

Imports - partners:

China 12.99%, Thailand 11.93%, Bahrain 7.1%, France 6.89%, US 4.13% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.038 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $1.136 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.973 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 $2.261 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Malagasy ariary (MGA) per US dollar - 2,062.5 (2010), 1,956.21 (2009), 1,654.78 (2008), 1,880 (2007), 2,161.4 (2006)

Communications ::Madagascar

Telephones - main lines in use:

181,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 127

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.997 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 86

Telephone system:

general assessment: system is above average for the region; Antananarivo's main telephone exchange modernized in the late 1990s, but the rest of the analogue-based telephone system is poorly developed; have been adding fixed line connections since 2005

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 30 per 100 persons

international: country code - 261; SEACOM undersea fiber-optic cable and the Lion undersea cable connecting to Reunion and Mauritius; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned Radio Nationale Malagasy (RNM) and Television Malagasy (TVM) have an extensive national network reach; privately-owned radio and TV broadcasters in cities and major towns; state-run radio predominates in rural areas; relays of 2 international broadcasters are available in Antananarivo (2007)

Internet country code:

.mg

Internet hosts:

27,606 (2010) country comparison to the world: 99

Internet users:

319,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 127

Transportation ::Madagascar

Airports:

84 (2010) country comparison to the world: 67

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 27

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 17

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 57

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 35

under 914 m: 20 (2010)

Railways:

total: 854 km country comparison to the world: 98 narrow gauge: 854 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 65,663 km country comparison to the world: 70 paved: 7,617 km

unpaved: 58,046 km (2003)

Waterways:

600 km country comparison to the world: 80 note: 432 km navigable (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 8 country comparison to the world: 124 by type: cargo 4, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara (Tulear)

Military ::Madagascar

Military branches:

People's Armed Forces: Intervention Force, Development Force, and
Aeronaval Force (navy and air); National Gendarmerie

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for male-only voluntary military service; no conscription; service obligation - 18 months (either military or equivalent civil service); 20-30 years of age for National Gendarmerie recruits (35 years of age for those with military experience) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,745,274

females age 16-49: 4,750,188 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,268,291

females age 16-49: 3,541,256 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 242,334

female: 241,359 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 134

Transnational Issues ::Madagascar

Disputes - international:

claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, and Juan de Nova Island (all administered by France); the vegetated drying cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976, also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso Islands, part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used mostly for domestic consumption; transshipment point for heroin

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Malawi (Africa)

Introduction ::Malawi

Background:

Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution that came into full effect the following year. Current President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA, elected in May 2004 after a failed attempt by the previous president to amend the constitution to permit another term, struggled to assert his authority against his predecessor and subsequently started his own party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in 2005. As president, MUTHARIKA has overseen economic improvement but because of political deadlock in the legislature, his minority party has been unable to pass significant legislation, and anti-corruption measures have stalled. Population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, corruption, and the spread of HIV/AIDS pose major problems for Malawi. MUTHARIKA was reelected to a second term in May 2009.

Geography ::Malawi

Location:

Southern Africa, east of Zambia

Geographic coordinates:

13 30 S, 34 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 118,484 sq km country comparison to the world: 99 land: 94,080 sq km

water: 24,404 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total: 2,881 km

border countries: Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)

Terrain:

narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Shire River and international boundary with Mozambique 37 m

highest point: Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) 3,002 m

Natural resources:

limestone, arable land, hydropower, unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxite

Land use:

arable land: 20.68%

permanent crops: 1.18%

other: 78.14% (2005)

Irrigated land:

560 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

17.3 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.01 cu km/yr (15%/5%/80%)

per capita: 78 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; land degradation; water pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial wastes; siltation of spawning grounds endangers fish populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; Lake Nyasa, some 580 km long, is the country's most prominent physical feature

People ::Malawi

Population:

15,447,500 country comparison to the world: 64 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45.4% (male 3,419,711/female 3,404,726)

15-64 years: 51.9% (male 3,889,065/female 3,915,309)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 172,679/female 227,267) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.1 years

male: 17 years

female: 17.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.758% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Birth rate:

41.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Death rate:

13.69 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 91

Urbanization:

urban population: 19% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.015 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 83.5 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 11 male: 87.6 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 79.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 50.92 years country comparison to the world: 211 male: 50.22 years

female: 51.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.51 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

11.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

930,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

68,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Malawian(s)

adjective: Malawian

Ethnic groups:

Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde,
Asian, European

Religions:

Christian 79.9%, Muslim 12.8%, other 3%, none 4.3% (1998 census)

Languages:

Chichewa 57.2% (official), Chinyanja 12.8%, Chiyao 10.1%, Chitumbuka 9.5%, Chisena 2.7%, Chilomwe 2.4%, Chitonga 1.7%, other 3.6% (1998 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 62.7%

male: 76.1%

female: 49.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 9 years

female: 9 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.2% of GDP (2003) country comparison to the world: 101

Government ::Malawi

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Malawi

conventional short form: Malawi

local long form: Dziko la Malawi

local short form: Malawi

former: British Central African Protectorate, Nyasaland Protectorate, Nyasaland

Government type:

multiparty democracy

Capital:

name: Lilongwe

geographic coordinates: 13 59 S, 33 47 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

28 districts; Balaka, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa,
Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Likoma, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe),
Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Neno, Ntcheu, Nkhata
Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Phalombe, Rumphi, Salima, Thyolo,
Zomba

Independence:

6 July 1964 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (Republic Day), 6 July (1964)

Constitution:

18 May 1994

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May 2004)

cabinet: 46-member Cabinet named by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014)

election results: Bingu wa MUTHARIKA elected president; percent of vote - Bingu wa MUTHARIKA 66%, John TEMBO 30.7%, other 3.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (193 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - DPP 114, MCP 26, UDF 17, independents 32, other 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Appeal; High Court (chief justice appointed by the president, puisne judges appointed on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission); magistrate's courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Democracy or AFORD [Dindi NYASULU]; Congress of
Democrats or CODE [Ralph KASAMBARA]; Democratic Progressive Party or
DPP [Bingu wa MUTHARIKA]; Malawi Congress Party or MCP [John TEMBO];
Malawi Democratic Party or MDP [Kampelo KALUA]; Malawi Forum for
Unity and Development or MAFUNDE [George MNESA]; Maravi People's
Party [Uladi MUSSA]; National Unity Party or NUP [Harry CHIUME]; New
Rainbow Coalition Party [Beatrice MWALE]; New Republican Party
[Gwanda CHAKUWAMBA]; People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Aleke
BANDA]; People's Transformation Movement or PETRA [Kamuzu CHIBAMBO];
Republican Party or RP [Stanley MASAULI]; United Democratic Front or
UDF [Bakili MULUZI]; United Democratic Party [Kenedy KALAMBO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Agri-Ecology Media (agriculture and environmental group); Council for NGOs in Malawi or CONGOMA (human rights, democracy, and development); Human Rights Consultative Committee or HRCC (human rights); Malawi Law Society (human rights and law reform); Malawi Movement for the Restoration of Democracy or MMRD (acts to restore and maintain democracy); Public Affairs Committee or PAC (promotes democracy, development, peace and unity)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SADC,
UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen D. Tennyson MATENJE

chancery: 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 721-0270

FAX: [1] (202) 721-0288

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter W. BODDE

embassy: 16 Jomo Kenyatta Road, Lilongwe 3

mailing address: P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi

telephone: [265] (1) 773 166

FAX: [265] (1) 770 471

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), black, and green; a white sun disc is centered on the black band, its surrounding 45 white rays extend partially into the red and green bands; black represents the native peoples, red the blood shed in their struggle for freedom, and green the color of nature; the sun represents Malawi's economic progress since attaining independence

National anthem:

name: "Mulungu dalitsa Malawi" (Oh God Bless Our Land of Malawi)

lyrics/music: Michael-Fredrick Paul SAUKA

note: adopted 1964

Economy ::Malawi

Economy - overview:

Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's most densely populated and least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural with about 80% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture, which has benefited from fertilizer subsidies since 2006, accounts for more than one-third of GDP and 90% of export revenues. The performance of the tobacco sector is key to short-term growth as tobacco accounts for more than half of exports. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations. In 2006, Malawi was approved for relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program. In December 2007, the US granted Malawi eligibility status to receive financial support within the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) initiative. The government faces many challenges including developing a market economy, improving educational facilities, facing up to environmental problems, dealing with the rapidly growing problem of HIV/AIDS, and satisfying foreign donors that fiscal discipline is being tightened. Since 2005 President MUTHARIKA'S government has exhibited improved financial discipline under the guidance of Finance Minister Goodall GONDWE and signed a three year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility worth $56 million with the IMF. Improved relations with the IMF lead other international donors to resume aid as well. The government has announced infrastructure projects that could yield improvements, such as a new oil pipeline, for better fuel access, and the potential for a waterway link through Mozambican rivers to the ocean, for better transportation options. Since 2009, however, Malawi experienced some setbacks, including a general shortage of foreign exchange, which has damaged its ability to pay for imports, and fuel shortages that hinder transportation and productivity. Investment fell 23% in 2009. The government has failed to address barriers to investment such as unreliable power, water shortages, poor telecommunications infrastructure, and the high costs of services.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$13.51 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $12.69 billion (2009 est.)

$11.79 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.035 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 7.6% (2009 est.)

9.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219 $800 (2009 est.)

$800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 33.4%

industry: 21.7%

services: 44.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.747 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%

industry and services: 10% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

53% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 31.9% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39 (2004) country comparison to the world: 69

Investment (gross fixed):

27.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Public debt:

40.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 44.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 8.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

15% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 21 15% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

25.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 25.28% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$626.5 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 151 $580.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.434 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 $1.233 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $1.515 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 97 $1.771 billion (31 December 2008)

$587.2 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava (tapioca), sorghum, pulses, groundnuts, Macadamia nuts; cattle, goats

Industries:

tobacco, tea, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods

Industrial production growth rate:

17.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Electricity - production:

1.69 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Electricity - consumption:

1.572 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Oil - consumption:

8,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Oil - imports:

6,960 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Current account balance:

-$315 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 -$332 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.189 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $912 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

tobacco 53%, tea, sugar, cotton, coffee, peanuts, wood products, apparel

Exports - partners:

Germany 12.37%, Egypt 8.52%, South Africa 7.67%, Zimbabwe 7.55%, US 7.4%, Russia 6.79%, Netherlands 6.64%, Japan 4.1% (2009)

Imports:

$1.675 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 $1.502 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportation equipment

Imports - partners:

South Africa 40.15%, China 6.79%, India 6.73%, France 5.03%,
Tanzania 4.81%, Mozambique 4.03% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$301 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $163.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.213 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $1.166 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Malawian kwachas (MWK) per US dollar - 151.65 (2010), 141.14 (2009), 142.41 (2008), 141.12 (2007), 135.96 (2006)

Communications ::Malawi

Telephones - main lines in use:

175,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 129

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.4 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 126

Telephone system:

general assessment: rudimentary; privatization of Malawi Telecommunications (MTL), a necessary step in bringing improvement to telecommunications services, completed in 2006

domestic: limited fixed-line subscribership of about 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services are expanding but network coverage is limited and is based around the main urban areas; mobile-cellular subscribership about 15 per 100 persons

international: country code - 265; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

radio is the main broadcast medium; state-run radio has the widest geographic broadcasting reach, but about a dozen privately-owned radio stations broadcast in major urban areas; the single television network is government-owned; relays of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.mw

Internet hosts:

870 (2010) country comparison to the world: 167

Internet users:

716,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 109

Transportation ::Malawi

Airports:

32 (2010) country comparison to the world: 112

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 26

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Railways:

total: 797 km country comparison to the world: 102 narrow gauge: 797 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 15,451 km country comparison to the world: 121 paved: 6,956 km

unpaved: 8,495 km (2003)

Waterways:

700 km; (on Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and Shire River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 76

Ports and terminals:

Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Chilumba

Military ::Malawi

Military branches:

Malawi Armed Forces: Army (includes Air Wing and Naval Detachment) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; standard obligation is 2 years of active duty and 5 years of reserve service (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,402,724 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,048,900

females age 16-49: 1,960,258 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 177,376

female: 176,905 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 118

Transnational Issues ::Malawi

Disputes - international:

disputes with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River remain dormant

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Malaysia (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Malaysia

Background:

During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's history were marred by a Communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's secession from the Federation in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to expansion in manufacturing, services, and tourism.

Geography ::Malaysia

Location:

Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

2 30 N, 112 30 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 329,847 sq km country comparison to the world: 66 land: 328,657 sq km

water: 1,190 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,669 km

border countries: Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km

Coastline:

4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea

Climate:

tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons

Terrain:

coastal plains rising to hills and mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,100 m

Natural resources:

tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite

Land use:

arable land: 5.46%

permanent crops: 17.54%

other: 77% (2005)

Irrigated land:

3,650 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

580 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 9.02 cu km/yr (17%/21%/62%)

per capita: 356 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

flooding; landslides; forest fires

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea

People ::Malaysia

Population:

28,274,729 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.4% (male 4,153,621/female 3,914,962)

15-64 years: 63.6% (male 8,210,373/female 8,143,043)

65 years and over: 5% (male 569,245/female 724,575) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.5 years

male: 26.4 years

female: 26.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.609% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Birth rate:

21.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Death rate:

4.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Net migration rate:

-0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 139 note: does not reflect net flow of an unknown number of illegal immigrants from other countries in the region (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 70% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.069 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 121 male: 17.92 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.55 years country comparison to the world: 112 male: 70.81 years

female: 76.48 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.7 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

80,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Malaysian(s)

adjective: Malaysian

Ethnic groups:

Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8% (2004 est.)

Religions:

Muslim 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 2.6%, other or unknown 1.5%, none 0.8% (2000 census)

Languages:

Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin,
Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi,
Thai

note: in East Malaysia there are several indigenous languages; most widely spoken are Iban and Kadazan

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 88.7%

male: 92%

female: 85.4% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 90

Government ::Malaysia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Malaysia

local long form: none

local short form: Malaysia

former: Federation of Malaya

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

note: nominally headed by paramount ruler (commonly referred to as the King) and a bicameral Parliament consisting of a nonelected upper house and an elected lower house; all Peninsular Malaysian states have hereditary rulers (commonly referred to as sultans) except Melaka and Pulau Pinang (Penang); those two states along with Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia have governors appointed by government; powers of state governments are limited by federal constitution; under terms of federation, Sabah and Sarawak retain certain constitutional prerogatives (e.g., right to maintain their own immigration controls)

Capital:

name: Kuala Lumpur

geographic coordinates: 3 10 N, 101 42 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Putrajaya is referred to as administrative center not capital; Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur

Administrative divisions:

13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and Terengganu; and 1 federal territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) with three components, city of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya

Independence:

31 August 1957 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day/Malaysia Day, 31 August (1957)

Constitution:

31 August 1957; amended many times the latest in 2007

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; Islamic law is applied to Muslims in matters of family law and religion; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King - Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin (since 13 December 2006); (the position of the king is primarily ceremonial)

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak (since 3 April 2009); Deputy Prime Minister MUHYIDDIN bin Mohamed Yassin (since 9 April 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament with consent of the king (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: kings elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine of the states for five-year terms; selection based on principle of rotation among rulers of states; election last held on 3 November 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister designated from among the members of the House of Representatives; following legislative elections, the leader who commands the support of the majority of members in the House becomes prime minister (since independence this has been the leader of the UMNO party)

election results: Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin elected king

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of Senate or Dewan Negara (70 seats; 44 members appointed by the king, 26 elected by 13 state legislatures to serve three-year terms with a two term limit) and House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (222 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve up to five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 8 March 2008 (next to be held by June 2013)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote - BN coalition 50.3%, opposition parties 46.8%, others 2.9%; seats - BN coalition 140, opposition parties 82

Judicial branch:

civil courts include Federal Court, Court of Appeal, High Court of Malaya on peninsula Malaysia, and High Court of Sabah and Sarawak in states of Borneo (judges are appointed by the king on the advice of the prime minister); sharia courts include Sharia Appeal Court, Sharia High Court, and Sharia Subordinate Courts at state-level and deal with religious and family matters such as custody, divorce, and inheritance only for Muslims; decisions of sharia courts cannot be appealed to civil courts

Political parties and leaders:

National Front (Barisan Nasional) or BN (ruling coalition) consists
of the following parties: Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Party or PGRM [KOH
Tsu Koon]; Liberal Democratic Party (Parti Liberal Demokratik -
Sabah) or LDP [LIEW Vui Keong]; Malaysian Chinese Association
(Persatuan China Malaysia) or MCA [CHUA Soi Lek]; Malaysian Indian
Congress (Kongres India Malaysia) or MIC [Govindasamy PALANIVEL];
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah or PBRS [Joseph KURUP]; Parti Bersatu
Sabah or PBS [Joseph PAIRIN Kitingan]; Parti Pesaka Bumiputera
Bersatu or PBB [Abdul TAIB Mahmud]; Parti Rakyat Sarawak or PRS
[James MASING]; Sarawak United People's Party (Parti Bersatu Rakyat
Sarawak) or SUPP [George CHAN Hong Nam]; United Malays National
Organization or UMNO [NAJIB bin Abdul Razak]; United Pasokmomogun
Kadazandusun Murut Organization (Pertubuhan Pasko Momogun Kadazan
Dusun Bersatu) or UPKO [Bernard DOMPOK]; People's Progressive Party
(Parti Progresif Penduduk Malaysia) or PPP [M.Kayveas]; Sarawak
Progressive Democratic Party or SPDP [William MAWAN])

People's Alliance (Pakatan Rakyat) or PR (opposition coalition)
consists of the following parties: Democratic Action Party (Parti
Tindakan Demokratik) or DAP [KARPAL Singh]; Islamic Party of
Malaysia (Parti Islam se Malaysia) or PAS [Abdul HADI Awang];
People's Justice Party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) or PKR [WAN AZIZAH
Wan Ismail]; Sarawak National Party or SNAP [Edwin DUNDANG]

independent party: Sabah Progressive Party (Parti Progresif Saban) or SAPP [YONG Teck Lee]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Bar Council; BERSIH (electoral reform coalition); PEMBELA (Muslim
NGO coalition)

other: religious groups; women's groups; youth groups

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, FAO,
G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNWTO,
UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador JAMALUDDIN Jarjis

chancery: 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 572-9700

FAX: [1] (202) 572-9882

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Paul W. JONES

embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur

mailing address: US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152

telephone: [60] (3) 2168-5000

FAX: [60] (3) 2142-2207

Flag description:

14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow 14-pointed star; the flag is often referred to as Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory); the 14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government; the 14 points on the star represent the unity between these entities; the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam; blue symbolizes the unity of the Malay people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers

note: the design is based on the flag of the US

National anthem:

name: "Negaraku" (My Country)

lyrics/music: collective, led by Tunku ABDUL RAHMAN/Pierre Jean DE BERANGER

note: adopted 1957; the full version is only performed in the presence of the king; the tune, which was adopted from a popular French melody titled "La Rosalie," was originally the anthem of the state of Perak

Economy ::Malaysia

Economy - overview:

Malaysia, a middle-income country, has transformed itself since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into an emerging multi-sector economy. Under current Prime Minister NAJIB, Malaysia is attempting to achieve high-income status by 2020 and to move farther up the value-added production chain by attracting investments in Islamic finance, high technology industries, medical technology, and pharmaceuticals. The NAJIB administration also is continuing efforts to boost domestic demand and to wean the economy off of its dependence on exports. Nevertheless, exports - particularly of electronics - remain a significant driver of the economy. As an oil and gas exporter, Malaysia has profited from higher world energy prices, although the rising cost of domestic gasoline and diesel fuel, combined with strained government finances, has forced Kuala Lumpur to reduce government subsidies. The government is also trying to lessen its dependence on state oil producer Petronas, which supplies at least 40% of government revenue. The central bank maintains healthy foreign exchange reserves and its well-developed regulatory regime has limited Malaysia's exposure to riskier financial instruments and the global financial crisis. Nevertheless, decreasing worldwide demand for consumer goods hurt Malaysia's exports and economic growth in 2009, although both showed signs of recovery in 2010. In order to attract increased investment, NAJIB has also sought to revise the special economic and social preferences accorded to ethnic Malays under the New Economic Policy of 1970, but he has encountered significant opposition, especially from Malay nationalists.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$416.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $388.8 billion (2009 est.)

$395.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$219 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 -1.7% (2009 est.)

4.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $14,000 (2009 est.)

$14,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.1%

industry: 41.6%

services: 49.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

11.62 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13%

industry: 36%

services: 51% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 3.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

5.1% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 28.5% (2005 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

46.1 (2002) country comparison to the world: 36 49.2 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Public debt:

52.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 53.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 0.6% (2009 est.)

note: approximately 30% of goods are price-controlled

Central bank discount rate:

1% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.08% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 6.08% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$69.03 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 38 $57 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$337.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $280.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$314.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $265.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$256 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 25 $187.1 billion (31 December 2008)

$325.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

Peninsular Malaysia - rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah - subsistence crops, coconuts, rice; rubber, timber; Sarawak - rubber, timber; pepper

Industries:

Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging, timber processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging

Industrial production growth rate:

8.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Electricity - production:

103.2 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Electricity - consumption:

99.25 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Electricity - exports:

2.268 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

693,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Oil - consumption:

536,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Oil - exports:

511,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Oil - imports:

314,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Oil - proved reserves:

2.9 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Natural gas - production:

57.3 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Natural gas - consumption:

26.27 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Natural gas - exports:

31.03 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.35 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Current account balance:

$34.83 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $34.08 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$192.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $157.5 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electronic equipment, petroleum and liquefied natural gas, wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals

Exports - partners:

Singapore 13.9%, China 12.2%, US 10.9%, Japan 9.8%, Thailand 5.4%,
Hong Kong 5.2% (2009)

Imports:

$149.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $117.3 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics, vehicles, iron and steel products, chemicals

Imports - partners:

China 13.9%, Japan 12.5%, US 11.2%, Singapore 11.1%, Thailand 6%,
Indonesia 5.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$104.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $96.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$62.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $58.79 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$77.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $74.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$82.65 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $75.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

ringgits (MYR) per US dollar - 3.2182 (2010), 3.5246 (2009), 3.33 (2008), 3.46 (2007), 3.6683 (2006)

Communications ::Malaysia

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.312 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 34

Telephones - mobile cellular:

30.379 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 31

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system featuring good intercity service on Peninsular Malaysia provided mainly by microwave radio relay and an adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service excellent

domestic: domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 135 per 100 persons

international: country code - 60; landing point for several major international submarine cable networks that provide connectivity to Asia, Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

state-owned television broadcaster operates 2 TV networks with relays throughout the country, and the leading private commercial media group operates 4 TV stations with numerous relays throughout the country; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates multiple national networks as well as regional and local stations; large number of private commercial radio broadcasters and some subscription satellite radio services are available; about 400 radio stations overall (2008)

Internet country code:

.my

Internet hosts:

344,452 (2010) country comparison to the world: 56

Internet users:

15.355 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 26

Transportation ::Malaysia

Airports:

118 (2010) country comparison to the world: 51

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 38

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 80

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 3 km; gas 1,965 km; oil 31 km; refined products 114 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,849 km country comparison to the world: 75 standard gauge: 57 km 1.435-m gauge (57 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,792 km 1.000-m gauge (150 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 98,721 km country comparison to the world: 44 paved: 80,280 km (includes 1,821 km of expressways)

unpaved: 18,441 km (2004)

Waterways:

7,200 km country comparison to the world: 20 note: Peninsular Malaysia 3,200 km; Sabah 1,500 km; Sarawak 2,500 km (2011)

Merchant marine:

total: 321 country comparison to the world: 30 by type: bulk carrier 9, cargo 97, carrier 2, chemical tanker 45, container 44, liquefied gas 35, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 79, roll on/roll off 2, vehicle carrier 4

foreign-owned: 35 (Denmark 1, Hong Kong 8, Japan 4, Nigeria 1, Russia 2, Singapore 19)

registered in other countries: 79 (Bahamas 13, India 1, Indonesia 1, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 11, Panama 12, Papua New Guinea 1, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 27, Thailand 3, Tuvalu 1, US 2, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bintulu, Johor Bahru, George Town (Penang), Port Kelang (Port
Klang), Tanjung Pelepas

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; increased naval patrols in 2009 resulted in significantly reduced numbers of incidents

Military ::Malaysia

Military branches:

Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM): Malaysian
Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy (Tentera Laut
Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara
Diraja Malaysia, TUDM) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2005)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,692,438

females age 16-49: 6,494,413 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,612,642

females age 16-49: 5,501,129 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 267,646

female: 253,529 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.03% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Transnational Issues ::Malaysia

Disputes - international:

Malaysia is involved in a complex dispute with Brunei, China, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam over claims to part or all of the Spratly Islands; while the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions over the Spratly Islands, it is not the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties; Malaysia was not party to the March 2005 joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; disputes continue over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awards sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, but does not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South Ledge; ICJ awarded Ligitan and Sipadan islands, also claimed by Indonesia and Philippines, to Malaysia but left maritime boundary and sovereignty of Unarang rock in the hydrocarbon-rich Celebes Sea in dispute; separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompts measures to close and monitor border with Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo; Brunei and Malaysia agreed in September 2008 to resolve their offshore and deepwater seabed dispute, resume hydrocarbon exploration, and renounce any territorial claims along their land boundary; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 15,174 (Indonesia); 21,544 (Burma) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Malaysia is a destination and, to a lesser extent, a source and transit country for women and children trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation, and men, women, and children for forced labor; Malaysia is mainly a destination country for men, women, and children who migrate willingly from South and Southeast Asia to work, some of whom are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude by Malaysian employers in the domestic, agricultural, construction, plantation, and industrial sectors; to a lesser extent, some Malaysian women, primarily of Chinese ethnicity, are trafficked abroad for commercial sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Malaysia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, despite some progress in enforcing the 2007 comprehensive anti-trafficking law; it has yet to fully address labor trafficking in Malaysia; there are credible allegations of involvement of Malaysian immigration officials in trafficking and extorting Burmese refugees; the government did not develop mechanisms to effectively screen victims of trafficking in vulnerable groups and condones the confiscation of passports of migrant workers by employers (2009)

Illicit drugs:

drug trafficking prosecuted vigorously and carries severe penalties; heroin still primary drug of abuse, but synthetic drug demand remains strong; continued ecstasy and methamphetamine producer for domestic users and, to a lesser extent, the regional drug market

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Maldives (South Asia)

Introduction ::Maldives

Background:

The Maldives was long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated the islands' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive terms by single-party referendums. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2004, the president and his government pledged to embark upon democratic reforms including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Progress was sluggish, however, and many promised reforms were slow to be realized. Nonetheless, political parties were legalized in 2005. In June 2008, a constituent assembly - termed the "Special Majlis" - finalized a new constitution, which was ratified by the president in August. The first-ever presidential elections under a multi-candidate, multi-party system were held in October 2008. GAYOOM was defeated in a runoff poll by Mohamed NASHEED, a political activist who had been jailed several years earlier by the former regime. Challenges facing the new president include strengthening democracy and combating poverty and drug abuse. Maldives officials have been prominent participants in international climate change talks due to the islands' low elevation and the threat from sea-level rise.

Geography ::Maldives

Location:

Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India

Geographic coordinates:

3 15 N, 73 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 298 sq km country comparison to the world: 209 land: 298 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

644 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)

Terrain:

flat, with white sandy beaches

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Viligili in the Addu Atholhu 2.4 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 13.33%

permanent crops: 30%

other: 56.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

0.03 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.003 cu km/yr (98%/2%/0%)

per capita: 9 cu m/yr (1987)

Natural hazards:

tsunamis; low elevation of islands makes them sensitive to sea level rise

Environment - current issues:

depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies; global warming and sea level rise; coral reef bleaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); archipelago with strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean

People ::Maldives

Population:

395,650 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.3% (male 45,038/female 43,291)

15-64 years: 73.8% (male 180,874/female 111,703)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 7,711/female 7,717) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.9 years

male: 26.6 years

female: 24.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.178% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Birth rate:

14.5 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Death rate:

3.68 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Net migration rate:

-12.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Urbanization:

urban population: 38% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.57 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female

total population: 1.4 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 28.47 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 77 male: 30.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 25.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.21 years country comparison to the world: 100 male: 72 years

female: 76.54 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.83 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Maldivian(s)

adjective: Maldivian

Ethnic groups:

South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs

Religions:

Sunni Muslim

Languages:

Dhivehi (official) (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic),
English spoken by most government officials

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.8%

male: 93%

female: 94.7% (2006 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 13 years

female: 12 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

8.1% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 11

Government ::Maldives

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Maldives

conventional short form: Maldives

local long form: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa

local short form: Dhivehi Raajje

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Male

geographic coordinates: 4 10 N, 73 30 E

time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

19 atolls (atholhu, singular and plural) and the capital city*;
Alifu, Baa, Dhaalu, Faafu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa
Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Lhaviyani, Maale (Male)*, Meemu,
Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Vaavu

Independence:

26 July 1965 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 July (1965)

Constitution:

new constitution ratified 7 August 2008

Legal system:

based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mohamed "Anni" NASHEED (since 11 November 2008); Vice President Mohamed WAHEED Hassan Maniku (since 11 November 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Mohamed "Anni" NASHEED (since 11 November 2008); Vice President Mohamed WAHEED Hassan Maniku (since 11 November 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers is appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the new constitution, the president elected by direct vote; president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 8 and 28 October 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: Mohamed NASHEED elected president; percent of vote - NASHEED 54.3%, Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM 45.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Council or People's Majlis (77 seats; members elected by direct vote to serve five-year terms); note - the Majlis in February 2009 passed legislation that increased the number of seats to 77 from 50

elections: last held on 9 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote - DRP 36.4%, MDP 33.8 %, PA 9.1%, DQP 2.6% Republican Party 1.2%, independents 16.9%; seats by party - DRP 28, MDP 26, PA 7, DQP 2, Republican Party 1, independents 13

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president
with approval of voting members of the People's Council; High Court;
Trial Courts; all lower court judges are appointed by the Judicial
Service Commission

Political parties and leaders:

Adhaalath (Justice) Party or AP [Shaykh Hussein RASHEED Ahmed];
Dhivehi Quamee Party or DQP [Hassan SAEED]; Dhivehi Rayyithunge
Party (Maldivian People's Party) or DRP [THASMEEN Ali]; Gaumii
Ithihaad (National Alliance) or GI [Mohamed WAHEED]; Islamic
Democratic Party or IDP; Maldivian Democratic Party or MDP [Mariya
DIDI]; Maldives National Congress or MNC; Maldives Social Democratic
Party or MSDP; People's Alliance or PA [Abdullah YAMEEN]; People's
Party or PP; Poverty Alleviation Party or PAP; Republican
(Jumhooree) Party or JP [Gasim IBRAHIM]; Social Liberal Party or SLP
[Ibrahim ISMAIL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: various unregistered political parties

International organization participation:

ADB, AOSIS, C, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS
(observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC,
OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abdul GHAFOOR Mohamed

chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400E, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 599-6195

FAX: [1] (212) 661-6405

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Maldives; the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ambassador Patricia A. BUTENIS, is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits

Flag description:

red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent moon; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag; red recalls those who have sacrificed their lives in defense of their country, the green rectangle represents peace and prosperity, and the white crescent signifies Islam

National anthem:

name: "Gaumee Salaam" (National Salute)

lyrics/music: Mohamed Jameel DIDI/Wannakuwattawaduge DON AMARADEVA

note: lyrics adopted 1948, music adopted 1972; between 1948 and 1972, the lyrics were sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne"

Economy ::Maldives

Economy - overview:

Tourism, Maldives' largest economic activity, accounts for 28% of GDP and more than 60% of foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Fishing is the second leading sector. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a lesser role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be imported. The Maldivian Government implemented economic reforms, beginning in 1989 that initially lifted import quotas, opened some exports to the private sector, and liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Real GDP growth averaged over 7.5% per year for more than a decade, and registered 18% in 2006, due to a rebound in tourism and reconstruction following the tsunami of December 2004. GDP slowed in 2007-08, then contracted in 2009 due to the global recession. Falling tourist arrivals and fish exports, combined with high government spending on social needs, subsidies, and civil servant salaries contributed to a balance of payments crisis, which was eased with a December 2009, $79.3 million dollar IMF standby agreement. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism and fishing, reforming public finance, and increasing employment opportunities are major challenges facing the government. Over the longer term Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is 1 meter or less above sea level.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.767 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189 $1.708 billion (2009 est.)

$1.763 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.433 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 -3.1% (2009 est.)

6.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $4,300 (2009 est.)

$4,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.6%

industry: 16.9%

services: 77.5% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

144,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 177

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 11%

industry: 23%

services: 65% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14.4% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Population below poverty line:

16% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.3% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 12.3% (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

13% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 27 13% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

13% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$460 million (31 October 2009) country comparison to the world: 159 $475.2 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.065 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 161 $946.1 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.548 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $1.08 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish

Industries:

tourism, fish processing, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.9% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Electricity - production:

542 million kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Electricity - consumption:

542 million kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Oil - imports:

5,490 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Current account balance:

-$370 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 -$638 million (2008 est.)

Exports:

$88 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 $125 million (2008 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fish

Exports - partners:

France 17.01%, Thailand 15.16%, Italy 13.49%, UK 13.13%, Sri Lanka 12.38% (2009)

Imports:

$782 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 $1.221 billion (2008 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, ships, foodstuffs, clothing, intermediate and capital goods

Imports - partners:

Singapore 24.62%, UAE 15.7%, India 11.02%, Malaysia 8.98%, Sri Lanka 5.4%, Thailand 5.36% (2009)

Debt - external:

$589 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 $477 million (2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

rufiyaa (MVR) per US dollar - 12.8 (2009), 12.8 (2008), 12.8 (2007), 12.8 (2006)

Communications ::Maldives

Telephones - main lines in use:

49,913 (2009) country comparison to the world: 161

Telephones - mobile cellular:

461,149 (2009) country comparison to the world: 159

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone services have improved; interatoll communication through microwave links; all inhabited islands and resorts are connected with telephone and fax service

domestic: each island now has at least 1 public telephone, and there are mobile-cellular networks with a rapidly expanding subscribership that exceeds 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 960; linked to international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned radio and television monopoly until recently; by mid-2008 there were 5 radio broadcast stations operating; first private cable TV channel now operational with an additional 4 private TV channels in the regulatory pipeline (2008)

Internet country code:

.mv

Internet hosts:

2,164 (2010) country comparison to the world: 153

Internet users:

86,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 163

Transportation ::Maldives

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 178

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 88 km country comparison to the world: 214 paved roads: 88 km - 60 km in Male; 14 km on Addu Atolis; 14 km on Laamu

note: village roads are mainly compacted coral (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 24 country comparison to the world: 95 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 20, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 2

registered in other countries: 4 (Panama 3, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Male

Military ::Maldives

Military branches:

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF): Marine Corps, Security
Protection Group, Coast Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-28 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 158,307

females age 16-49: 97,166 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 137,181

females age 16-49: 83,837 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 4,369

female: 3,765 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Military - note:

the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), with its small size and with little serviceable equipment, is inadequate to prevent external aggression and is primarily tasked to reinforce the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and ensure security in the exclusive economic zone (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Maldives

Disputes - international:

none

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 1,000-10,000 (December 2004 tsunami victims) (2007)

page last updated on January 24, 2011

======================================================================

@Mali (Africa)

Introduction ::Mali

Background:

The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France in 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 by a military coup - led by the current president Amadou TOURE - enabling Mali's emergence as one of the strongest democracies on the continent. President Alpha KONARE won Mali's first democratic presidential election in 1992 and was reelected in 1997. In keeping with Mali's two-term constitutional limit, KONARE stepped down in 2002 and was succeeded by Amadou TOURE, who was subsequently elected to a second term in 2007. The elections were widely judged to be free and fair.

Geography ::Mali

Location:

Western Africa, southwest of Algeria

Geographic coordinates:

17 00 N, 4 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,240,192 sq km country comparison to the world: 24 land: 1,220,190 sq km

water: 20,002 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 7,243 km

border countries: Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina Faso 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km, Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

subtropical to arid; hot and dry (February to June); rainy, humid, and mild (June to November); cool and dry (November to February)

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south, rugged hills in northeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Senegal River 23 m

highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m

Natural resources:

gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, gypsum, granite, hydropower

note: bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited

Land use:

arable land: 3.76%

permanent crops: 0.03%

other: 96.21% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,360 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

100 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 6.55 cu km/yr (9%/1%/90%)

per capita: 484 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons; recurring droughts; occasional Niger River flooding

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern, cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and the northern, arid Saharan

People ::Mali

Population:

13,796,354 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Age structure:

0-14 years: 47.6% (male 3,220,491/female 3,177,823)

15-64 years: 49.5% (male 3,241,250/female 3,406,757)

65 years and over: 3% (male 189,886/female 207,018) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.2 years

male: 15.8 years

female: 16.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.607% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Birth rate:

46.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Death rate:

14.64 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Net migration rate:

-5.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Urbanization:

urban population: 32% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 113.66 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 4 male: 120.5 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 106.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.17 years country comparison to the world: 208 male: 50.59 years

female: 53.8 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

100,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Malian(s)

adjective: Malian

Ethnic groups:

Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%,
Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%

Religions:

Muslim 90%, Christian 1%, indigenous beliefs 9%

Languages:

French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 46.4%

male: 53.5%

female: 39.6% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years

male: 9 years

female: 7 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 117

Government ::Mali

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Mali

conventional short form: Mali

local long form: Republique de Mali

local short form: Mali

former: French Sudan and Sudanese Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bamako

geographic coordinates: 12 39 N, 8 00 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou

Independence:

22 September 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 September (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 12 January 1992

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Modibo SIDIBE (since 28 September 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 April 2007 (next to be held in April 2012); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Amadou Toumani TOURE reelected president; percent of vote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 71.2%, Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA 19.2%, other 9.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (147 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 and 22 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ADP coalition 113 (ADEMA 51, URD 34, MPR 8, CNID 7, UDD 3, and other 10), FDR coalition 15 (RPM 11, PARENA 4), SADI 4, independent 15

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence or SADI [Oumar
MARIKO, secretary general]; Alliance for Democracy or ADEMA
[Diounconda TRAORE]; Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP (a
coalition of political parties including ADEMA and URD formed in
December 2006 to support the presidential candidacy of Amadou
TOURE); Alliance for Democratic Change (political group comprised
mainly of Tuareg from Mali's northern region); Convergence 2007
[Soumeylou Boubeye MAIGA]; Front for Democracy and the Republic or
FDR (a coalition of political parties including RPM and PARENA
formed to oppose the presidential candidacy of Amadou TOURE);
National Congress for Democratic Initiative or CNID [Mountaga TALL];
Party for Democracy and Progress or PDP [Mady KONATE]; Party for
National Renewal or PARENA [Tiebile DRAME]; Patriotic Movement for
Renewal or MPR [Choguel MAIGA]; Rally for Democracy and Labor or RDT
[Amadou Ali NIANGADOU]; Rally for Mali or RPM [Ibrahim Boubacar
KEITA]; Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally or US/RDA [Mamadou
Basir GOLOGO]; Union for Democracy and Development or UDD [Moussa
Balla COULIBALY]; Union for Republic and Democracy or URD [Soumaila
CISSE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: the army; Islamic authorities; rebels in the northern region; state-run cotton company CMDT; tuaregs

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CD, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional),
WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mamadou TRAORE

chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6603

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gillian A. MILOVANOVIC

embassy: located just off the Roi Bin Fahad Aziz Bridge just west of the Bamako central district

mailing address: ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297, Bamako

telephone: [223] 270-2300

FAX: [223] 270-2479

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the same as those of neighboring Senegal (which has an additional green central star) and the reverse of those on the flag of neighboring Guinea

National anthem:

name: "Le Mali" (Mali)

lyrics/music: Seydou Badian KOUYATE/Banzoumana SISSOKO

note: adopted 1962; the anthem is also known as "Pour L'Afrique et pour toi, Mali" (For Africa and for You, Mali) and "A ton appel Mali" (At Your Call, Mali)

Economy ::Mali

Economy - overview:

Among the 25 poorest countries in the world, Mali is a landlocked country highly dependent on gold mining and agricultural exports for revenue. The country's fiscal status fluctuates with gold and agricultural commodity prices and the harvest. Mali remains dependent on foreign aid. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger River and about 65% of its land area is desert or semidesert. About 10% of the population is nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. The government has continued an IMF-recommended structural adjustment program that has helped the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreign investment. Mali is developing its cotton and iron ore extraction industries to diversify its revenue sources because gold production has started to fall. Mali has invested in tourism but security issues are hurting the industry. Mali's adherence to economic reform and the 50% devaluation of the CFA franc in January 1994 have pushed up economic growth to a 5% average in 1996-2010. Worker remittances and external trade routes for the landlocked country have been jeopardized by continued unrest in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire, however, Mali is building a road network that will connect it to all adjacent countries and it has a railway line to Senegal. In 2010, Mali experienced a regional drought that hurt livestock and livelihoods.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$16.74 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $15.91 billion (2009 est.)

$15.24 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$9.077 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 4.4% (2009 est.)

5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 $1,200 (2009 est.)

$1,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 45%

industry: 17%

services: 38% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

3.241 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%

industry and services: 20% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Population below poverty line:

36.1% (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%

highest 10%: 30.5% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.1 (2001) country comparison to the world: 61 50.5 (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 97 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.758 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 124 $1.559 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$2.514 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $2.12 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$994.9 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 150 $1.095 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; cattle, sheep, goats

Industries:

food processing; construction; phosphate and gold mining

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

515 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Electricity - consumption:

479 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh; note - recent hydropower developments may be providing electricity to Senegal and Mauritania (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Oil - imports:

4,402 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Current account balance:

-$446 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Exports:

$294 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 174

Exports - commodities:

cotton, gold, livestock

Exports - partners:

China 14.61%, Thailand 8.28%, Pakistan 6.74%, Morocco 6.48%, Burkina
Faso 4.67%, France 4.6%, India 4.45% (2009)

Imports:

$2.358 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 149

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, machinery and equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

Senegal 12.21%, France 11.57%, Cote d'Ivoire 10.05%, China 5.89% (2009)

Debt - external:

$2.8 billion (2002) country comparison to the world: 133

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro; West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa, even though the two currencies trade at par

Communications ::Mali

Telephones - main lines in use:

81,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 148

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.742 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 107

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic system unreliable but improving; increasing use of local radio loops to extend network coverage to remote areas

domestic: fixed-line subscribership remains less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has increased sharply to nearly 30 per 100 persons

international: country code - 223; satellite communications center and fiber-optic links to neighboring countries; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

national public TV broadcaster; 2 privately-owned companies provide subscription services to foreign multi-channel TV packages; national public radio broadcaster supplemented by a large number of privately-owned and community broadcast stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ml

Internet hosts:

524 (2010) country comparison to the world: 179

Internet users:

249,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 135

Transportation ::Mali

Airports:

20 (2010) country comparison to the world: 134

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Railways:

total: 593 km country comparison to the world: 111 narrow gauge: 593 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 18,709 km country comparison to the world: 114 paved: 3,368 km

unpaved: 15,341 km (2004)

Waterways:

1,800 km (downstream of Koulikoro; low water levels on the River Niger cause problems in dry years; in the months before the rainy season the river is not navigable by commercial vessels) (2010) country comparison to the world: 46

Ports and terminals:

Koulikoro

Military ::Mali

Military branches:

Malian Armed Forces: Army, Republic of Mali Air Force (Force
Aerienne de la Republique du Mali, FARM), National Guard (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,759,648

females age 16-49: 2,894,776 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,760,901

females age 16-49: 1,900,025 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 153,198

female: 154,762 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 78

Transnational Issues ::Mali

Disputes - international:

none

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 6,300 (Mauritania) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Malta (Europe)

Introduction ::Malta

Background:

Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both world wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination. Malta became an EU member in May 2004 and began using the euro as currency in 2008.

Geography ::Malta

Location:

Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily
(Italy)

Geographic coordinates:

35 50 N, 14 35 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 316 sq km country comparison to the world: 207 land: 316 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

196.8 km (excludes 56.01 km for the island of Gozo)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)

Natural resources:

limestone, salt, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 31.25%

permanent crops: 3.13%

other: 65.62% (2005)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.07 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.02 cu km/yr (74%/1%/25%)

per capita: 50 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration

People ::Malta

Population:

406,771 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 33,526/female 31,780)

15-64 years: 69.4% (male 142,491/female 138,769)

65 years and over: 14.5% (male 25,406/female 33,193) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years

male: 38.5 years

female: 41.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.391% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Birth rate:

10.38 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Death rate:

8.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Net migration rate:

2.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Urbanization:

urban population: 94% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.058 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.72 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 209 male: 4.16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.59 years country comparison to the world: 32 male: 77.34 years

female: 81.97 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.52 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Nationality:

noun: Maltese (singular and plural)

adjective: Maltese

Ethnic groups:

Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 98%

Languages:

Maltese (official) 90.2%, English (official) 6%, multilingual 3%, other 0.8% (2005 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 92.8%

male: 91.7%

female: 93.9% (2005 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.8% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 81

Government ::Malta

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Malta

conventional short form: Malta

local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta

local short form: Malta

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Valletta

geographic coordinates: 35 53 N, 14 30 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none (administered directly from Valletta); note - local councils carry out administrative orders and have some responsibility for local road and other public maintenance

Independence:

21 September 1964 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 September (1964); Republic Day, 13 December (1974)

Constitution:

1964; amended many times

Legal system:

based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President George ABELA (since 4 April 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 23 March 2004)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by a resolution of the House of Representatives for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 January 2009 (next to be held by April 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

election results: George ABELA elected president by the House of Representatives

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives (normally 65 seats; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms; note - the Parliament elected in 2008 is composed of 69 seats; when the political party winning the plurality of votes does not win a majority of seats, the constitution provides that a sufficient number of seats will be added to Parliament to ensure that the party that won the elections has a majority in Parliament)

elections: last held on 8 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - PN 49.3%, PL 48.8%, other 1.9%; seats by party - PN 35, PL 34

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Court of First Instance; Court of Appeal

note: magistrates and judges for the courts are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

Political parties and leaders:

Alternativa Demokratika/Alliance for Social Justice or AD [Michael
BRIGUGLIO]; Azzjoni Nazzjonaili or AN [Josi MUSCAT]; Malta Labor
Party or PL [Joseph MUSCAT]; Nationalist Party or PN [Lawrence GONZI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Alleanza Liberal-Demokratika Maltra or ALDM (for divorce, abortion, gay marriage, the rights existent in other EU member states); Alleanza Nazzionali Repubblikana or ANR (for traditional values, anti-immigration); Alternattiva Demokratika (pro-environment); Azzjoni Nazzjonali or AN (freedom to participate in democratic government); Flimkien Ghal-Ambjent Ahjar (pro-environment); Ghazda tal-Konsumaturi (consumer rights)

other: environmentalists

International organization participation:

Australia Group, C, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA,
PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina
(observer), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mark MICELI-FARRUGIA

chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611 through 3612

FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470

consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Douglas W. KMIEC

embassy: 3rd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, FRN 9010

mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta, VLT1000

telephone: [356] 2561 4000

FAX: [356] 2124 3229

Flag description:

two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red; according to legend, the colors are taken from the red and white checkered banner of Count Roger of Sicily who removed a bi-colored corner and granted it to Malta in 1091; an uncontested explanation is that the colors are those of the Knights of Saint John who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798; in 1942, King George VI of the United Kingdom awarded the George Cross to the islanders for their exceptional bravery and gallantry in World War II; since independence in 1964, the George Cross bordered in red has appeared directly on the white field

National anthem:

name: "L-Innu Malti" (The Hymn of Malta)

lyrics/music: Dun Karm PSAILA/Robert SAMMUT

note: adopted 1945; the anthem is written in the form of a prayer

Economy ::Malta

Economy - overview:

Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta's geographic position between the EU and Africa makes it a target for illegal immigration, which has strained Malta's political and economic resources. Malta adopted the euro on 1 January 2008. Malta's financial services industry has grown in recent years and in 2008-09 it escaped significant damage from the international financial crisis, largely because the sector is centered on the indigenous real estate market and is not highly leveraged. Locally, the restricted damage from the financial crisis has been attributed to the stability of the Maltese banking system and to its prudent risk-management practices. The global economic downturn and high electricity and water prices hurt Malta's real economy, which is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing - especially electronics and pharmaceuticals - and tourism, but growth bounced back as the global economy recovered in 2010. Following a 1.2% contraction in 2009, GDP grew 2% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.21 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $10.01 billion (2009 est.)

$10.13 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$7.801 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 -1.2% (2009 est.)

1.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$25,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $24,700 (2009 est.)

$25,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.7%

industry: 17.4%

services: 80.9% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

174,000 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.6%

industry: 22.8%

services: 75.6% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 6% (2008 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2007) country comparison to the world: 128

Investment (gross fixed):

14.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Public debt:

72.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 69% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 2.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 127 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

4.47% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 5.89% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.195 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 86 $4.956 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Maltese liri in circulation prior to Malta joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the EMU; individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$14.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $13.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$13.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $12.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.982 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 85 $3.572 billion (31 December 2008)

$5.633 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs

Industries:

tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, footwear, clothing, tobacco, aviation services, financial services, information technology services

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

2.146 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Electricity - consumption:

1.832 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Oil - consumption:

19,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Oil - imports:

17,910 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Current account balance:

-$403 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 -$491 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.954 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $2.383 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electrical machinery, mechanical appliances, fish and crustaceans, pharmaceutical products, printed material

Exports - partners:

Germany 13.3%, Singapore 12.5%, France 11.4%, US 9.4%, Hong Kong 6.5%, UK 5.9%, Italy 4.8% (2009)

Imports:

$4.074 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $3.595 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral fuels and oils, electrical machinery, non-electrical machinery, aircraft and other transport equipment, plastic and other semi-manufactured goods; food, drink, tobacco

Imports - partners:

Italy 24.4%, UK 11.7%, Germany 9.3%, France 7.6%, China 4.2%,
Singapore 4.11%, Switzerland 4.05% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$522 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $538.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$41.02 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 57 $3.75 billion (2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$8.24 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 81

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7732 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.3106 (2007), 0.37 (2006)

Communications ::Malta

Telephones - main lines in use:

252,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 122

Telephones - mobile cellular:

422,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 164

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic system featuring submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 165 per 100 persons

international: country code - 356; submarine cable connects to Italy; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 publicly-owned television station, Television Malta (TVM); several national television stations, two of which are owned by political parties; Italian and British broadcast programs are available; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are obtainable; publicly-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 stations; roughly 50 commercial radio stations functioning (2008)

Internet country code:

.mt

Internet hosts:

24,941 (2010) country comparison to the world: 102

Internet users:

240,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 137

Transportation ::Malta

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 217

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,227 km country comparison to the world: 171 paved: 2,014 km

unpaved: 213 km (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,571 country comparison to the world: 4 by type: bulk carrier 522, cargo 377, carrier 1, chemical tanker 280, container 91, liquefied gas 31, passenger 45, passenger/cargo 22, petroleum tanker 141, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off 30, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 15

foreign-owned: 1,401 (Angola 7, Austria 1, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 1, Bangladesh 1, Belgium 14, Bermuda 8, Bulgaria 7, Canada 1, China 11, Croatia 7, Cyprus 29, Denmark 41, Egypt 1, Estonia 16, Finland 2, France 13, Germany 127, Greece 458, Hong Kong 2, India 4, Iran 56, Ireland 1, Israel 5, Italy 52, Japan 5, Kuwait 2, Latvia 11, Lebanon 7, Libya 4, Luxembourg 3, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 2, Nigeria 1, Norway 84, Poland 22, Portugal 3, Romania 8, Russia 47, Singapore 3, Slovenia 4, South Korea 3, Spain 10, Sweden 3, Switzerland 14, Syria 5, Turkey 211, UAE 1, UK 16, Ukraine 30, US 35)

registered in other countries: 2 (Panama 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Marsaxlokk (Malta Freeport), Valletta

Military ::Malta

Military branches:

Armed Forces of Malta (AFM; includes air and maritime elements) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 95,899

females age 16-49: 91,412 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 79,961

females age 16-49: 76,067 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,570

female: 2,410 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.7% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Transnational Issues ::Malta

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western Europe

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Marshall Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Marshall Islands

Background:

After almost four decades under US administration as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association. Compensation claims continue as a result of US nuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and 1962. The Marshall Islands hosts the US Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) Reagan Missile Test Site, a key installation in the US missile defense network.

Geography ::Marshall Islands

Location:

Oceania, two archipelagic island chains of 29 atolls, each made up of many small islets, and five single islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia

Geographic coordinates:

9 00 N, 168 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 181 sq km country comparison to the world: 216 land: 181 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: the archipelago includes 11,673 sq km of lagoon waters and includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro, Rongelap, and Utirik

Area - comparative:

about the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

370.4 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November; islands border typhoon belt

Terrain:

low coral limestone and sand islands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

Natural resources:

coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals

Land use:

arable land: 11.11%

permanent crops: 44.44%

other: 44.45% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

infrequent typhoons

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; pollution of Majuro lagoon from household waste and discharges from fishing vessels

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the islands of Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein atoll, famous as a World War II battleground, surrounds the world's largest lagoon and is used as a US missile test range; the island city of Ebeye is the second largest settlement in the Marshall Islands, after the capital of Majuro, and one of the most densely populated locations in the Pacific

People ::Marshall Islands

Population:

65,859 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.6% (male 12,683/female 12,217)

15-64 years: 58.5% (male 19,302/female 18,459)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 902/female 959) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.5 years

male: 21.5 years

female: 21.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.023% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Birth rate:

29.94 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Death rate:

4.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Net migration rate:

-5.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Urbanization:

urban population: 71% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 86 male: 27.61 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 21.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.48 years country comparison to the world: 130 male: 69.41 years

female: 73.65 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.51 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Marshallese (singular and plural)

adjective: Marshallese

Ethnic groups:

Marshallese 92.1%, mixed Marshallese 5.9%, other 2% (2006)

Religions:

Protestant 54.8%, Assembly of God 25.8%, Roman Catholic 8.4%, Bukot nan Jesus 2.8%, Mormon 2.1%, other Christian 3.6%, other 1%, none 1.5% (1999 census)

Languages:

Marshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8% (1999 census)

note: English (official), widely spoken as a second language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.7%

male: 93.6%

female: 93.7% (1999)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

12.3% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 4

Government ::Marshall Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands

conventional short form: Marshall Islands

local long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands

local short form: Marshall Islands

abbreviation: RMI

former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands District

Government type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 21 October 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004

Capital:

name: Majuro

geographic coordinates: 7 06 N, 171 23 E

time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

33 municipalities; Ailinginae, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk, Arno, Aur,
Bikar, Bikini, Bokak, Ebon, Enewetak, Erikub, Jabat, Jaluit, Jemo,
Kili, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap, Mejit, Mili,
Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Rongrik, Toke, Ujae, Ujelang, Utirik,
Wotho, Wotje

Independence:

21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)

Constitution:

1 May 1979

Legal system:

based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2 November 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2 November 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of the legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Nitijela (legislature) from among its members for a four-year term; election last held on 7 January 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: Litokwa TOMEING removed as president by no confidence vote on 21 October 2009; legislature elects ZEDKAIA president on 26 October 2009

Legislative branch:

unicameral legislature or Nitijela (33 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 November 2007 (next to be held by November 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 4

note: the Council of Chiefs or Ironij is a 12-member body comprised of tribal chiefs that advises on matters affecting customary law and practice

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; High Court; Traditional Rights Court

Political parties and leaders:

traditionally there have been no formally organized political parties; what has existed more closely resembles factions or interest groups because they do not have party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures; the following two "groupings" have competed in legislative balloting in recent years - Aelon Kein Ad Party [Michael KABUA] and United Democratic Party or UDP [Litokwa TOMEING]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Banny DEBRUM

chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414

FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236

consulate(s) general: Honolulu

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Martha L. CAMPBELL

embassy: Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro

mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379

telephone: [692] 247-4011

FAX: [692] 247-4012

Flag description:

blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays appears on the hoist side above the two stripes; blue represents the Pacific Ocean, the orange stripe signifies the Ralik Chain or sunset and courage, while the white stripe signifies the Ratak Chain or sunrise and peace; the star symbolizes the cross of Christianity, each of the 24 rays designates one of the electoral districts in the country and the four larger rays highlight the principal cultural centers of Majuro, Jaluit, Wotje, and Ebeye; the rising diagonal band can also be interpreted as representing the equator, with the star showing the archipelago's position just to the north

National anthem:

name: "Forever Marshall Islands"

lyrics/music: Amata KABUA

note: adopted 1981

Economy ::Marshall Islands

Economy - overview:

US Government assistance is the mainstay of this tiny island economy. The Marshall Islands received more than $1 billion in aid from the US from 1986-2002. Agricultural production, primarily subsistence, is concentrated on small farms; the most important commercial crops are coconuts and breadfruit. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, tuna processing, and copra. The tourist industry, now a small source of foreign exchange employing less than 10% of the labor force, remains the best hope for future added income. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. Under the terms of the Amended Compact of Free Association, the US will provide millions of dollars per year to the Marshall Islands (RMI) through 2023, at which time a Trust Fund made up of US and RMI contributions will begin perpetual annual payouts. Government downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline in tourism, and less income from the renewal of fishing vessel licenses have held GDP growth to an average of 1% over the past decade.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$133.5 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 219 $115 million (2001 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$161.7 million (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 3.5% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 $2,900 (2005 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 31.7%

industry: 14.9%

services: 53.4% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

14,680 (2000) country comparison to the world: 212

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 21.4%

industry: 20.9%

services: 57.7% (2000)

Unemployment rate:

36% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 30.9% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.9% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 3% (2005 est.)

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs, chickens

Industries:

copra, tuna processing, tourism, craft items (from seashells, wood, and pearls)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Exports:

$19.4 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 $9.1 million (2000 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish

Imports:

$79.4 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 $54.7 million (2000 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels, beverages and tobacco

Debt - external:

$87 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 $86.5 million (FY99/00 est.)

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Marshall Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 214

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 218

Telephone system:

general assessment: digital switching equipment; modern services include telex, cellular, Internet, international calling, caller ID, and leased data circuits

domestic: Majuro Atoll and Ebeye and Kwajalein islands have regular, seven-digit, direct-dial telephones; other islands interconnected by high frequency radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes) and mini-satellite telephones

international: country code - 692; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein (2005)

Broadcast media:

no television broadcast station; a cable network is available on Majuro with programming via videotape replay and satellite relays; 4 radio broadcast stations; American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio and television service to Kwajalein Atoll (2009)

Internet country code:

.mh

Internet hosts:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 230

Internet users:

2,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 209

Transportation ::Marshall Islands

Airports:

15 (2010) country comparison to the world: 147

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,028 km (includes 75 km of expressways) (2007) country comparison to the world: 174

Merchant marine:

total: 1,381 country comparison to the world: 7 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 415, cargo 63, chemical tanker 314, combination ore/oil 2, container 206, liquefied gas 83, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 259, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 7

foreign-owned: 1,284 (Australia 1, Bermuda 34, Brazil 1, Canada 4, China 16, Croatia 12, Cyprus 38, Denmark 7, Egypt 1, Germany 247, Greece 358, Hong Kong 3, India 8, Iraq 2, Isle of Man 2, Israel 1, Italy 1, Japan 41, Jersey 9, Latvia 18, Malaysia 11, Mexico 4, Monaco 21, Netherlands 16, Norway 57, Pakistan 1, Qatar 24, Romania 2, Russia 6, Singapore 28, Slovenia 6, South Korea 25, Switzerland 12, Taiwan 2, Turkey 72, UAE 17, UK 7, Ukraine 1, US 168) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro

Military ::Marshall Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; under the 1983 Compact of Free Association, the US has full authority and responsibility for security and defense of the Marshall Islands; Marshall Islands Police (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 16,138 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,277

females age 16-49: 13,374 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 602

female: 580 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Marshall Islands

Disputes - international:

claims US territory of Wake Island

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Mauritania (Africa)

Introduction ::Mauritania

Background:

Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the southern third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in 1976 but relinquished it after three years of raids by the Polisario guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory. Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA seized power in a coup in 1984 and ruled Mauritania with a heavy hand for more than two decades. A series of presidential elections that he held were widely seen as flawed. A bloodless coup in August 2005 deposed President TAYA and ushered in a military council that oversaw a transition to democratic rule. Independent candidate Sidi Ould Cheikh ABDALLAHI was inaugurated in April 2007 as Mauritania's first freely and fairly elected president. His term ended prematurely in August 2008 when a military junta led by General Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ deposed him and ushered in a military council government. AZIZ was subsequently elected president in July 2009. The country continues to experience ethnic tensions among its black population (Afro-Mauritanians) and white and black Moor (Arab-Berber) communities, and is having to confront a growing terrorism threat by al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Geography ::Mauritania

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 N, 12 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,030,700 sq km country comparison to the world: 29 land: 1,030,700 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 5,074 km

border countries: Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km

Coastline:

754 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty

Terrain:

mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m

highest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish

Land use:

arable land: 0.2%

permanent crops: 0.01%

other: 99.79% (2005)

Irrigated land:

490 sq km (2002)

Total renewable water resources:

11.4 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.7 cu km/yr (9%/3%/88%)

per capita: 554 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal, which is the only perennial river; locust infestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

most of the population is concentrated in the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the southern part of the country

People ::Mauritania

Population:

3,205,060 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41% (male 643,436/female 638,793)

15-64 years: 55.7% (male 818,778/female 923,046)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 44,836/female 60,597) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.3 years

male: 18.5 years

female: 20.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.373% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Birth rate:

33.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Death rate:

9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Net migration rate:

-0.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Urbanization:

urban population: 41% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 61.94 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 34 male: 67.13 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 56.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.75 years country comparison to the world: 184 male: 58.57 years

female: 62.99 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.37 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

14,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and Rift Valley fever

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Mauritanian(s)

adjective: Mauritanian

Ethnic groups:

mixed Moor/black 40%, Moor 30%, black 30%

Religions:

Muslim 100%

Languages:

Arabic (official and national), Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof (all national languages), French, Hassaniya

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 51.2%

male: 59.5%

female: 43.4% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years

male: 8 years

female: 8 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 95

Government ::Mauritania

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania

conventional short form: Mauritania

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah

local short form: Muritaniyah

Government type:

military junta

Capital:

name: Nouakchott

geographic coordinates: 18 07 N, 16 02 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

13 regions (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri, Nouakchott, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza

Independence:

28 November 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 November (1960)

Constitution:

12 July 1991

Legal system:

a combination of Islamic law and French civil law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ (since 5 August 2009); note - AZIZ, who deposed democratically elected President Sidi Ould Cheikh ABDELLAHI in a coup and installed himself as President of the High State Council on 6 August 2008, retired from the military and stepped down from the Presidency in April 2009 to run for president; he was elected president in an election held on 18 July 2009

head of government: Prime Minister Moulaye Ould Mohamed LAGHDAF (since 14 August 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: following the August 2008 coup, the High State Council planned to hold a new presidential election in June 2009; the election was subsequently rescheduled to 18 July 2009 following the Dakar Accords, which brought Mauritania back to constitutional rule; under Mauritania's constitution, the president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 18 July 2009 (next to be held by 2014)

election results: percent of vote - Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ 52.6%, Messaoud Ould BOULKHEIR 16.3%, Ahmed Ould DADDAH 13.7%, Other 17.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate or Majlis al-Shuyukh (56 seats; 53 members elected by municipal leaders and 3 members elected for Mauritanians abroad to serve six-year terms; a portion of seats up for election every two years) and the National Assembly or Al Jamiya Al Wataniya (95 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on November 2009; National Assembly - last held on 19 November and 3 December 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPM (Coalition of Majority Parties) 45, COD (Coordination of Democratic Opposition) 7, RNRD-TAWASSOUL 4; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPM 63 (UPR 50, PRDR 7, UDP 3, HATEM-PMUC 2, RD 1), COD 27 (RFD 9, UFP 6, APP 6, PNDD-ADIL 6), RNRD-TAWASSOUL 4, FP 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Court of Appeals; lower courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alternative or El-Badil [Mohamed Yahdhi Ould MOCTAR HACEN];
Coalition of Majority Parties or CPM (parties supporting the regime
including PRDR, UPR, RD, HATEM-PMUC, UCD); Coordination of
Democratic Opposition or COD (coalition of opposition political
parties opposed to the government including APP, RFD, UFP,
PNDD-ADIL, Alternative or El-Badil); Democratic Renewal or RD
[Moustapha Ould ABDEIDARRAHMANE]; Mauritanian Party for Unity and
Change or HATEM-PMUC [Saleh Ould HANENA]; National Pact for
Democracy and Development or PNDD-ADIL [Yahya Ould Ahmed Ould
WAGHEF] (independents formerly supporting President Abdellahi);
National Rally for Freedom, Democracy and Equality or RNDLE;
National Rally for Reform and Development/RNRD-TAWASSOUL [Mohamed
Jamil MANSOUR] (moderate Islamists); Popular Front or FP [Ch'bih
Ould CHEIKH MALAININE]; Popular Progressive Alliance or APP [Messoud
Ould BOULKHEIR]; Rally of Democratic Forces or RFD [Ahmed Ould
DADDAH]; Republican Party for Democracy and Renewal or PRDR [Mintata
Mint HDEID]; Socialist and Democratic Unity Party or PUDS; Union for
Democracy and Progress or UDP [Naha Mint MOUKNASS]; Union for the
Republic or UPR; Union of Democratic Center or UCD [Cheikh Sid'Ahmed
Ould BABA]; Union of the Forces for Progress or UFP [Mohamed Ould
MAOULOUD];

Political pressure groups and leaders:

General Confederation of Mauritanian Workers or CGTM [Abdallahi Ould
MOHAMED, secretary general]; Independent Confederation of
Mauritanian Workers or CLTM [Samory Ould BEYE]; Mauritanian Workers
Union or UTM [Mohamed Ely Ould BRAHIM, secretary general]

other: Arab nationalists; Ba'thists; Islamists

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, NAM,
OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Lemine EL HAYCEN

chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700 through 5701

FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mark M. BOULWARE

embassy: 288 Rue Abdallaye, Rue 42-100 (between Presidency building and Spanish Embassy), Nouakchott

mailing address: BP 222, Nouakchott

telephone: [222] 525-2660 through 2663

FAX: [222] 525-1592

Flag description:

green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam; the gold color stands for the sands of the Sahara

National anthem:

name: "Hymne National de la Republique Islamique de Mauritanie" (National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania)

lyrics/music: Baba Ould CHEIKH/traditional, arranged by Tolia NIKIPROWETZKY

note: adopted 1960; the unique rhythm of the Mauritanian anthem makes it particularly challenging to sing

Economy ::Mauritania

Economy - overview:

Half the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, even though many of the nomads and subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for nearly 40% of total exports. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. Before 2000, drought and economic mismanagement resulted in a buildup of foreign debt. In February 2000, Mauritania qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative and nearly all of its foreign debt has since been forgiven. A new investment code approved in December 2001 improved the opportunities for direct foreign investment. Mauritania and the IMF agreed to a three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) arrangement in 2006. Mauritania made satisfactory progress, but the IMF, World Bank, and other international actors suspended assistance and investment in Mauritania after the August 2008 coup. Since the presidential election in July 2009, donors have resumed assistance. Oil prospects, while initially promising, have largely failed to materialize, and the government has placed a priority on attracting private investment to spur economic growth. The Government also emphasizes reduction of poverty, improvement of health and education, and privatization of the economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$6.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $6.476 billion (2009 est.)

$6.542 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.486 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 -1% (2009 est.)

3.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 $2,100 (2009 est.)

$2,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.5%

industry: 46.7%

services: 40.7% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

1.318 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 135

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 50%

industry: 10%

services: 40% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 20% (2004 est.)

Population below poverty line:

40% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 29.5% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39 (2000) country comparison to the world: 71 37.3 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 33 12% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn; cattle, sheep

Industries:

fish processing, oil production, mining of iron ore, gold, and copper

note: gypsum deposits have never been exploited

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Electricity - production:

415.3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Electricity - consumption:

386.2 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

16,510 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Oil - consumption:

20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Oil - exports:

30,620 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Oil - imports:

20,610 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Oil - proved reserves:

100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Natural gas - proved reserves:

28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Current account balance:

-$184 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Exports:

$1.395 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 141

Exports - commodities:

iron ore, fish and fish products, gold, copper, petroleum

Exports - partners:

China 42.06%, Italy 9.71%, Japan 7.57%, Cote d'Ivoire 6.16%, Spain 5.63%, Netherlands 4.32% (2009)

Imports:

$1.475 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 163

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, petroleum products, capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

France 14.3%, Netherlands 10.33%, China 9.94%, Brazil 5.58%, Belgium 4.87%, Germany 4.04%, Spain 4.02% (2009)

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

ouguiyas (MRO) per US dollar - 261.5 (2010 est.), 262.4 (2009), 238.2 (2008), 258.6 (2007), 271.3 (2006)

Communications ::Mauritania

Telephones - main lines in use:

74,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 151

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.182 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 130

Telephone system:

general assessment: limited system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone communications stations; mobile-cellular services expanding rapidly

domestic: Mauritel, the national telecommunications company, was privatized in 2001 but remains the monopoly provider of fixed-line services; fixed-line teledensity 2 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular network coverage extends mainly to urban areas with a teledensity of 70 per 100 persons; mostly cable and open-wire lines; a domestic satellite telecommunications system links Nouakchott with regional capitals

international: country code - 222; satellite earth stations - 3 (1 Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean, 2 Arabsat); optical-fiber and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) cables for internet access (2008)

Broadcast media:

broadcast media state-owned; 1 state-run TV and 1 state-run radio network; Television de Mauritanie, the state-run TV station, has an additional 6 regional TV stations that provide local programming (2008)

Internet country code:

.mr

Internet hosts:

23 (2010) country comparison to the world: 216

Internet users:

75,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 169

Transportation ::Mauritania

Airports:

28 (2010) country comparison to the world: 120

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Railways:

728 km

standard gauge: 728 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 11,066 km country comparison to the world: 133 paved: 2,966 km

unpaved: 8,100 km (2006)

Waterways:

some navigation possible on Senegal River (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Nouadhibou, Nouakchott

Military ::Mauritania

Military branches:

Mauritanian Armed Forces: Army, Mauritanian Navy (Marine
Mauritanienne; includes naval infantry), Islamic Air Force of
Mauritania (Force Aerienne Islamique de Mauritanie, FAIM) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.); conscript service obligation - 2 years; majority of servicemen believed to be volunteers; service in Air Force and Navy is voluntary (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 699,028

females age 16-49: 783,108 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 464,959

females age 16-49: 562,765 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 35,322

female: 36,035 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 13

Transnational Issues ::Mauritania

Disputes - international:

Mauritanian claims to Western Sahara remain dormant

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Mauritania is a source and destination country for children trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation; slavery-related practices, rooted in ancestral master-slave relationships, continue to exist in isolated parts of the country; Mauritanian boys called talibe are trafficked within the country by religious teachers for forced begging; children are also trafficked by street gangs within the country that force them to steal, beg, and sell drugs; girls are trafficked internally for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation; women and children from neighboring states are trafficked into Mauritania for purposes of forced begging, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Mauritania does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government did not show evidence of overall progress in prosecuting and punishing trafficking offenders, protecting trafficking victims, and preventing new incidents of trafficking during the past year; progress that the previous government demonstrated in 2007 through enactment of strengthened anti-slavery legislation and deepened political will to eliminate slavery and trafficking has stalled; law enforcement efforts to address human trafficking including traditional slavery practices decreased (2009)

page last updated on January 26, 2011

======================================================================

@Mauritius (Africa)

Introduction ::Mauritius

Background:

Although known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the 10th century, Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century and subsequently settled by the Dutch - who named it in honor of Prince Maurits van NASSAU - in the 17th century. The French assumed control in 1715, developing the island into an important naval base overseeing Indian Ocean trade, and establishing a plantation economy of sugar cane. The British captured the island in 1810, during the Napoleonic Wars. Mauritius remained a strategically important British naval base, and later an air station, playing an important role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy operations, as well as the collection of signals intelligence. Independence from the UK was attained in 1968. A stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the country has attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. Recent poor weather, declining sugar prices, and declining textile and apparel production, have slowed economic growth, leading to some protests over standards of living in the Creole community.

Geography ::Mauritius

Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

20 17 S, 57 33 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,040 sq km country comparison to the world: 180 land: 2,030 sq km

water: 10 sq km

note: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and Rodrigues

Area - comparative:

almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

177 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)

Terrain:

small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Piton 828 m

Natural resources:

arable land, fish

Land use:

arable land: 49.02%

permanent crops: 2.94%

other: 48.04% (2005)

Irrigated land:

220 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2.2 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.61 cu km/yr (25%/14%/60%)

per capita: 488 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs that may pose maritime hazards

Environment - current issues:

water pollution, degradation of coral reefs

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the main island, from which the country derives its name, is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs; home of the dodo, a large flightless bird related to pigeons, driven to extinction by the end of the 17th century through a combination of hunting and the introduction of predatory species

People ::Mauritius

Population:

1,294,104 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.5% (male 147,136/female 142,121)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 449,176/female 455,057)

65 years and over: 7.1% (male 36,309/female 54,465) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.3 years

male: 31.4 years

female: 33.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.751% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Birth rate:

14.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Death rate:

6.63 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Net migration rate:

-0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Urbanization:

urban population: 42% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.85 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 142 male: 14.09 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.25 years country comparison to the world: 99 male: 70.77 years

female: 77.89 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.8 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

13,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Nationality:

noun: Mauritian(s)

adjective: Mauritian

Ethnic groups:

Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%

Religions:

Hindu 48%, Roman Catholic 23.6%, Muslim 16.6%, other Christian 8.6%, other 2.5%, unspecified 0.3%, none 0.4% (2000 census)

Languages:

Creole 80.5%, Bhojpuri 12.1%, French 3.4%, English (official; spoken by less than 1% of the population), other 3.7%, unspecified 0.3% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84.4%

male: 88.4%

female: 80.5% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.4% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Government ::Mauritius

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius

conventional short form: Mauritius

local long form: Republic of Mauritius

local short form: Mauritius

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Port Louis

geographic coordinates: 20 09 S, 57 29 E

time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River, Cargados Carajos Shoals*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, Savanne

Independence:

12 March 1968 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 March (1968)

Constitution:

12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992

Legal system:

based on French civil law system with elements of English common law in certain areas; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 7 October 2003); Vice President Monique OHSAN-BELLEPEAU (since 13 November 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM (since 5 July 2005)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by the National Assembly for five-year terms (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 19 September 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president, responsible to the National Assembly

election results: Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH reelected president by unanimous vote; percent of vote by the National Assembly - NA%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (70 seats; 62 members elected by popular vote, 8 appointed by the election commission to give representation to various ethnic minorities; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 5 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AF 41, MMM 18, MR 2, MSF 1; appointed seats - to be assigned 8

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of the Future or AF [Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM] (governing
coalition - includes MLD, MMSM, MR, MSD, PMXD); Mauritian Labor
Party or MLP [Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM]; Mauritian Militant Movement
or MMM [Paul BERENGER]; Mauritian Militant Socialist Movement or
MMSM [Pravind JUGNAUTH]; Mauritian Socialist Militant Movement or
MSMM [Madan DULLOO]; Mauritian Solidarity Front [Cehl FAKEERMEEAH];
Mouvement Republicain or MR [Jayarama VALAYDEN]; Parti Mauricien
Xavier Duval or PMXD [Xavier Luc DUVAL]; Rodrigues Movement or MR
[Joseph (Nicholas) Von MALLY]; Rodrigues Peoples Organization or OPR
[Serge CLAIR]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: various labor unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, COMESA, CPLP (associate), FAO, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SAARC (observer), SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Joyker NAYECK

chancery: 1709 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 244-1491 through 1492

FAX: [1] (202) 966-0983

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Jo WILLS

embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis

mailing address: international mail: P. O. Box 544, Port Louis; US mail: American Embassy, Port Louis, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2450

telephone: [230] 202-4400

FAX: [230] 208-9534

Flag description:

four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green; red represents the blood shed for independence, blue the Indian Ocean surrounding the island, yellow has been interpreted as the new light of independence, golden sunshine, or the bright future, and green can symbolize either agriculture or the lush vegetation of the island

National anthem:

name: "Motherland"

lyrics/music: Jean Georges PROSPER/Philippe GENTIL

note: adopted 1968

Economy ::Mauritius

Economy - overview:

Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist sectors. For most of the period, annual growth has been in the order of 5% to 6%. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in more equitable income distribution, increased life expectancy, lowered infant mortality, and a much-improved infrastructure. The economy rests on sugar, tourism, textiles and apparel, and financial services, and is expanding into fish processing, information and communications technology, and hospitality and property development. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 15% of export earnings. The government's development strategy centers on creating vertical and horizontal clusters of development in these sectors. Mauritius has attracted more than 32,000 offshore entities, many aimed at commerce in India, South Africa, and China. Investment in the banking sector alone has reached over $1 billion. Mauritius, with its strong textile sector, has been well poised to take advantage of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Mauritius' sound economic policies and prudent banking practices helped to mitigate negative effects from the global financial crisis in 2008-09. GDP grew 3.6% in 2010 and the country continues to expand its trade and investment outreach around the globe.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$17.49 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 $16.88 billion (2009 est.)

$16.37 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$9.427 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 3.1% (2009 est.)

5.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $13,100 (2009 est.)

$12,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.8%

industry: 24.6%

services: 70.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

597,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture and fishing: 9%

construction and industry: 30%

transportation and communication: 7%

trade, restaurants, hotels: 22%

finance: 6%

other services: 25% (2007)

Unemployment rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 7.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

8% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39 (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 37 (1987 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Public debt:

60.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 62.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 2.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

19.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 21.54% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.889 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 120 $1.906 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.605 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $9.277 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$10.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $9.423 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.74 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 87 $3.443 billion (31 December 2008)

$5.666 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses; cattle, goats; fish

Industries:

food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, clothing, mining, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Electricity - production:

2.321 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Electricity - consumption:

2.158 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Oil - consumption:

23,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Oil - imports:

22,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Current account balance:

-$949 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 -$674.6 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.041 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 $1.942 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing and textiles, sugar, cut flowers, molasses, fish

Exports - partners:

UK 25.55%, France 16.89%, US 9.51%, Italy 5.68%, UAE 5.47%, Belgium 4.93%, Madagascar 4.11% (2009)

Imports:

$3.935 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $3.499 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, capital equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals

Imports - partners:

India 24.5%, France 14.02%, South Africa 8.55%, China 8.17% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $2.304 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5.043 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $4.474 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Mauritian rupees (MUR) per US dollar - 30.991 (2010), 31.96 (2009), 27.973 (2008), 31.798 (2007), 31.656 (2006)

Communications ::Mauritius

Telephones - main lines in use:

379,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 104

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.087 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 145

Telephone system:

general assessment: small system with good service

domestic: monopoly over fixed-line services terminated in 2005; fixed-line teledensity roughly 30 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services launched in 1989 with teledensity in 2009 reaching 85 per 100 persons

international: country code - 230; landing point for the SAFE submarine cable that provides links to Asia and South Africa where it connects to the SAT-3/WASC submarine cable that provides further links to parts of East Africa, and Europe; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); new microwave link to Reunion; HF radiotelephone links to several countries (2009)

Broadcast media:

the government maintains control over TV broadcasting through the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), which operates 3 analog and 10 digital TV stations; MBC is a shareholder in a local company that operates 2 pay TV stations; the state retains the largest radio broadcast network with multiple stations; several private radio broadcasters have entered the market since 2001; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.mu

Internet hosts:

36,653 (2010) country comparison to the world: 94

Internet users:

290,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 132

Transportation ::Mauritius

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 179

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,066 km country comparison to the world: 172 paved: 2,066 km (includes 75 km of expressways) (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 country comparison to the world: 136 by type: passenger/cargo 2, refrigerated cargo 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Port Louis

Military ::Mauritius

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Mauritius Police Force, Special Mobile Force, National Coast Guard (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 343,279 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 279,405

females age 16-49: 283,023 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 10,565

female: 10,447 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.3% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Transnational Issues ::Mauritius

Disputes - international:

Mauritius claims the Chagos Archipelago (UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory), and its former inhabitants, who reside chiefly in Mauritius; claims French-administered Tromelin Island

Illicit drugs:

consumer and transshipment point for heroin from South Asia; small amounts of cannabis produced and consumed locally; significant offshore financial industry creates potential for money laundering, but corruption levels are relatively low and the government appears generally to be committed to regulating its banking industry

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Mayotte (Africa)

Introduction ::Mayotte

Background:

Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of the Comoros group in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forego independence. In March 2009, Mayotte voted overwhelmingly to become France's 101st department - and fifth overseas department - a change scheduled to become official in 2011.

Geography ::Mayotte

Location:

Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel, about half way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

12 50 S, 45 10 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 374 sq km country comparison to the world: 204 land: 374 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

185.2 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)

Terrain:

generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mlima Benara 660 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: NA%

permanent crops: NA%

other: NA%

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

cyclones during rainy season

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

part of Comoro Archipelago (18 islands)

People ::Mayotte

Population:

231,139 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45.3% (male 50,985/female 50,413)

15-64 years: 52.9% (male 63,395/female 54,882)

65 years and over: 1.8% (male 2,085/female 2,005) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.3 years

male: 18.1 years

female: 16.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.171% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Birth rate:

38.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Death rate:

7.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female

total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 54.75 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 41 male: 60.23 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 49.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.28 years country comparison to the world: 174 male: 60.99 years

female: 65.63 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.4 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Mahorais (singular and plural)

adjective: Mahoran

Ethnic groups:

NA

Religions:

Muslim 97%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) 3%

Languages:

Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language) spoken by 35% of the population

Literacy:

86%

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Mayotte

Country name:

conventional long form: Department Collectivity of Mayotte

conventional short form: Mayotte

Dependency status:

departmental collectivity of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Mamoudzou

geographic coordinates: 12 46 S, 45 13 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Independence:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by Prefect Hubert DERACHE (since 22 July 2009)

head of government: President of the General Council Ahmed Attoumani DOUCHINA (since March 2008)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; president of the General Council elected by the members of the General Council for a six-year term; next election to be held in 2014

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 and 16 March 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 8, Diverse Right 4, independents 4, Citizens and Republic Movement 1, Democratic Movement 1, Diverse Left 1; note - political parties are the same as parties in France

note: Mayotte elects two members of the French Senate; elections last held 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UC-UDF 1, UMP 1; Mayotte also elects one member to the French National Assembly; elections last held 10-17 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independent 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Front or FD [Youssouf MOUSSA]; Federation of Mahorans or
UMP-RPR [Mansour KAMARDINE]; Force of the Rally and the Alliance for
Democracy or FRAP; Mahoran Popular Movement or MPM [Ahmed MADI];
Movement for Department Status Mayotte or MDM [Mouhoutar SALIM];
Renewed Communist Party of Mayotte or MRC [Omar SIMBA]; Socialist
Party or PS [Ibrahim ABUBACAR] (local branch of French Parti
Socialiste); Union for French Democracy or UDF [Henri JEAN-BAPTISTE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

InOC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

unofficial, local flag with the coat of arms of Mayotte centered on a white field, above which the name of the island appears in red capital letters; the main elements of the coat of arms are a blue upper half with white upturned crescent moon and a red lower half with two yellow ylang-ylang flowers, supported on either side by a white seahorse, and set above a scroll with the motto RA HACHIRI (We are Vigilant)

note: the flag of France used for official occasions

National anthem:

note: as an overseas collectivity of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::Mayotte

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector, including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self sufficient and must import a large portion of its food requirements, mainly from France. The economy and future development of the island are heavily dependent on French financial assistance, an important supplement to GDP. Mayotte's remote location is an obstacle to the development of tourism.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$953.6 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,900 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

44,560 (2002) country comparison to the world: 190

Unemployment rate:

25.4% (2005) country comparison to the world: 174

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2005) country comparison to the world: 49

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

vanilla, ylang-ylang (perfume essence), coffee, copra; fish, livestock

Industries:

newly created lobster and shrimp industry, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

139.2 million kWh (2005) country comparison to the world: 184

Exports:

$6.5 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 213

Exports - commodities:

ylang-ylang (perfume essence), vanilla, copra, coconuts, coffee, cinnamon

Imports:

$341 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 191

Imports - commodities:

food, machinery and equipment, transportation equipment, metals, chemicals

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Mayotte

Telephones - main lines in use:

10,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 202

Telephones - mobile cellular:

48,100 (2005) country comparison to the world: 197

Telephone system:

general assessment: small system administered by French Department of Posts and Telecommunications

domestic: NA

international: country code - 262; microwave radio relay and HF radiotelephone communications to Comoros

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which operates in France's overseas departments and territories, broadcasts over the RFO Mayotte television and radio station (2008)

Internet country code:

.yt

Internet hosts:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 231

Transportation ::Mayotte

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 216

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dzaoudzi

Military ::Mayotte

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 37,001

females age 16-49: 36,018 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,627

female: 2,619 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France; a small contingent of French forces is stationed on the island

Transnational Issues ::Mayotte

Disputes - international:

claimed by Comoros

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Mexico (North America)

Introduction ::Mexico

Background:

The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994 threw Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst recession in over half a century. The global financial crisis beginning in late 2008 caused another massive economic downturn the following year. As the economy recovers, ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, underemployment for a large segment of the population, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the largely Amerindian population in the impoverished southern states. The elections held in 2000 marked the first time since the 1910 Mexican Revolution that an opposition candidate - Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) - defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). He was succeeded in 2006 by another PAN candidate Felipe CALDERON. In January 2009, Mexico assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2009-10 term.

Geography ::Mexico

Location:

Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the United States and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the United States

Geographic coordinates:

23 00 N, 102 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 1,964,375 sq km country comparison to the world: 15 land: 1,943,945 sq km

water: 20,430 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,353 km

border countries: Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,141 km

Coastline:

9,330 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

varies from tropical to desert

Terrain:

high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m

highest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,700 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber

Land use:

arable land: 12.66%

permanent crops: 1.28%

other: 86.06% (2005)

Irrigated land:

63,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

457.2 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 78.22 cu km/yr (17%/5%/77%)

per capita: 731 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coasts

volcanism: Mexico experiences volcanic activity in the central-southern part of the country; the volcanoes in Baja California are mostly dormant; Colima (elev. 3,850 m, 12,631 ft), which erupted in 2010, is Mexico's most active volcano and is responsible for causing periodic evacuations of nearby villagers; it has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Popocatepetl (elev. 5,426 m, 17,802 ft) poses a threat to Mexico City; other historically active volcanoes include Barcena, Ceboruco, El Chichon, Michoacan-Guanajuato, Pico de Orizaba, San Martin, Socorro, and Tacana

Environment - current issues:

scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities; rural to urban migration; natural fresh water resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast; raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification; deteriorating agricultural lands; serious air and water pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border; land subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion

note: the government considers the lack of clean water and deforestation national security issues

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on southern border of US; corn (maize), one of the world's major grain crops, is thought to have originated in Mexico

People ::Mexico

Population:

112,468,855 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.1% (male 16,544,223/female 15,861,141)

15-64 years: 64.6% (male 34,734,571/female 37,129,793)

65 years and over: 6.2% (male 3,130,518/female 3,811,543) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.7 years

male: 25.6 years

female: 27.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.118% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Birth rate:

19.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Death rate:

4.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Net migration rate:

-3.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 17.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 106 male: 19.71 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.26 years country comparison to the world: 71 male: 73.45 years

female: 79.22 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.31 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

200,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: dengue fever

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Mexican(s)

adjective: Mexican

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 76.5%, Protestant 6.3% (Pentecostal 1.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.1%, other 3.8%), other 0.3%, unspecified 13.8%, none 3.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Spanish only 92.7%, Spanish and indigenous languages 5.7%, indigenous only 0.8%, unspecified 0.8%; note - indigenous languages include various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional languages (2005)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.1%

male: 86.9%

female: 85.3% (2005 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.8% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 82

Government ::Mexico

Country name:

conventional long form: United Mexican States

conventional short form: Mexico

local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos

local short form: Mexico

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Mexico City (Distrito Federal)

geographic coordinates: 19 26 N, 99 08 W

time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last Sunday in October

note: Mexico is divided into three time zones

Administrative divisions:

31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district*
(distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California
Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Colima,
Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco,
Mexico, Michoacan de Ocampo, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca,
Puebla, Queretaro de Arteaga, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi,
Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz-Llave,
Yucatan, Zacatecas

Independence:

16 September 1810 (declared); 27 September 1821 (recognized by Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 September (1810)

Constitution:

5 February 1917

Legal system:

mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa (since 1 December 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa (since 1 December 2006)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment of attorney general, the head of the Bank of Mexico, and senior treasury officials require consent of the Senate (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a single six-year term; election last held on 2 July 2006 (next to be held 1 July 2012)

election results: Felipe CALDERON elected president; percent of vote - Felipe CALDERON 35.9%, Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR 35.3%, Roberto MADRAZO 22.3%, other 6.5%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso de la Union consists of the Senate or Camara de Senadores (128 seats; 96 members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms, and 32 seats allocated on the basis of each party's popular vote) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (500 seats; 300 members are elected by popular vote; remaining 200 members are allocated on the basis of each party's popular vote; members to serve three-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 2 July 2006 for all of the seats (next to be held on 1 July 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 5 July 2009 (next to be held on 1 July 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PAN 52, PRI 33, PRD 26, PVEM 6, CD 5, PT 5, independent 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRI 237, PAN 143, PRD 72, PVEM 21, PT 13, CD 6, other 8; note - as of 1 January 2011, the current composition of the Senate is: PAN 50, PRI 33, PRD 25, PVEM 6, CD 6, PT 5, independent 3; the current composition of the Chamber of Deputies is: PRI 237, PAN 142, PRD 69, PVEM 21, PT 13, CD 8, other 10

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nacion (justices or ministros are appointed by the president with consent of the Senate)

Political parties and leaders:

Convergence for Democracy or CD [Luis WALTON Aburto]; Institutional
Revolutionary Party or PRI [Beatriz PAREDES Rangel]; Labor Party or
PT [Alberto ANAYA Gutierrez]; Mexican Green Ecological Party or PVEM
[Jorge Emilio GONZALEZ Martinez]; National Action Party (Partido
Accion Nacional) or PAN [Gustavo MADERO Munoz]; New Alliance Party
(Partido Nueva Alianza) or PNA/PANAL [Jorge Antonio KAHWAGI Macari];
Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolucion
Democratica) or PRD [Jesus ORTEGA Martinez]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Businessmen's Coordinating Council or CCE; Confederation of
Employers of the Mexican Republic or COPARMEX; Confederation of
Industrial Chambers or CONCAMIN; Confederation of Mexican Workers or
CTM; Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce or CONCANACO;
Coordinator for Foreign Trade Business Organizations or COECE;
Dialogue for the Reconstruction of Mexico or DIA; Federation of
Unions Providing Goods and Services or FESEBES; National Chamber of
Transformation Industries or CANACINTRA; National Peasant
Confederation or CNC; National Small Business Chamber or CANACOPE;
National Syndicate of Education Workers or SNTE; National Union of
Workers or UNT; Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca or APPO;
Roman Catholic Church

International organization participation:

APEC, BCIE, BIS, CAN (observer), Caricom (observer), CD, CDB, CSN
(observer), EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-3, G-15, G-24, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES,
LAIA, MIGA, NAFTA, NAM (observer), NEA, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW,
Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR
(observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Arturo SARUKHAN Casamitjana

chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600

FAX: [1] (202) 728-1698

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas,
Denver, El Paso, Houston, Laredo (Texas), Los Angeles, Miami, New
York, Nogales (Arizona), Phoenix, Raleigh (North Carolina),
Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San
Juan (Puerto Rico)

consulate(s): Albuquerque, Anchorage (Alaska), Boise (Idaho),
Brownsville (Texas), Calexico (California), Del Rio (Texas),
Detroit, Douglas (Arizona), Eagle Pass (Texas), Fresno (California),
Indianapolis (Indiana), Kansas City (Missouri), Laredo (Texas), Las
Vegas, Little Rock (Arkansas), McAllen (Texas), New Orleans, Omaha,
Orlando, Oxnard (California), Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon),
Presidio (Texas), Raleigh, Salt Lake City, San Bernardino, Santa Ana
(California), Seattle, Tucson, Washington DC, Yuma (Arizona); note -
Washington DC Consular Section located in a separate building from
the Mexican Embassy and has jurisdiction over DC, parts of Virginia,
Maryland, and West Virginia

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos PASCUAL

embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico, Distrito Federal

mailing address: P. O. Box 9000, Brownsville, TX 78520-9000

telephone: [52] (55) 5080-2000

FAX: [52] (55) 5511-9980

consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana

consulate(s): Merida, Nogales

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; Mexico's coat of arms (an eagle with a snake in its beak perched on a cactus) is centered in the white band; green signifies hope, joy, and love; white represents peace and honesty; red stands for hardiness, bravery, strength, and valor; the coat of arms is derived from a legend that the wandering Aztec people were to settle at a location where they would see an eagle on a catus eating a snake; the city they founded, Tenochtitlan, is now Mexico City

note: similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter, uses lighter shades of red and green, and does not have anything in its white band

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional Mexicano" (National Anthem of Mexico)

lyrics/music: Francisco Gonzalez BOCANEGRA/Jaime Nuno ROCA

note: adopted 1943, in use since 1854; the anthem is also known as "Mexicanos, al grito de Guerra" (Mexicans, to the War Cry); according to tradition, Francisco Gonzalez BOCANEGRA, an accomplished poet, was uninterested in submitting lyrics to a national anthem contest; his fiancee locked him in a room and refused to release him until the lyrics were completed

Economy ::Mexico

Economy - overview:

Mexico has a free market economy in the trillion dollar class. It contains a mixture of modern and outmoded industry and agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Recent administrations have expanded competition in seaports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution, and airports. Per capita income is roughly one-third that of the US; income distribution remains highly unequal. Since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994, Mexico's share of US imports has increased from 7% to 12%, and its share of Canadian imports has doubled to 5%. Mexico has free trade agreements with over 50 countries including, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, the European Free Trade Area, and Japan, putting more than 90% of trade under free trade agreements. In 2007, during its first year in office, the Felipe CALDERON administration was able to garner support from the opposition to successfully pass pension and fiscal reforms. The administration passed an energy reform measure in 2008, and another fiscal reform in 2009. Mexico's GDP plunged 6.5% in 2009 as world demand for exports dropped and asset prices tumbled, but GDP posted positive growth of 5% in 2010, with export growth leading the way. The administration continues to face many economic challenges, including improving the public education system, upgrading infrastructure, modernizing labor laws, and fostering private investment in the energy sector. CALDERON has stated that his top economic priorities remain reducing poverty and creating jobs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.56 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $1.485 trillion (2009 est.)

$1.589 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.004 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 -6.5% (2009 est.)

1.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $13,400 (2009 est.)

$14,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.2%

industry: 33.3%

services: 62.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

46.99 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13.7%

industry: 23.4%

services: 62.9% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

5.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 5.5% (2009 est.)

note: underemployment may be as high as 25%

Population below poverty line:

18.2% using food-based definition of poverty; asset based poverty amounted to more than 47% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.7%

highest 10%: 36.3% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

48.2 (2008) country comparison to the world: 28 53.1 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Public debt:

41.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 39.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 3.6% (2009)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.07% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 8.71% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$135.7 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 25 $119.5 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$583.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $493 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$342.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $288.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$340.6 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 24 $232.6 billion (31 December 2008)

$397.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes; beef, poultry, dairy products; wood products

Industries:

food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Electricity - production:

245 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Electricity - consumption:

181.5 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Electricity - exports:

1.288 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

584 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

3.001 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Oil - consumption:

2.078 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Oil - exports:

1.225 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Oil - imports:

521,100 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Oil - proved reserves:

12.42 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - production:

60.35 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - consumption:

59.8 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Natural gas - exports:

688 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - imports:

11.84 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Natural gas - proved reserves:

359.7 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Current account balance:

-$7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 -$6.23 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$303 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $229.8 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

manufactured goods, oil and oil products, silver, fruits, vegetables, coffee, cotton

Exports - partners:

US 80.5%, Canada 3.6%, Germany 1.4% (2009)

Imports:

$306 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $234.4 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

metalworking machines, steel mill products, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment, car parts for assembly, repair parts for motor vehicles, aircraft, and aircraft parts

Imports - partners:

US 48%, China 13.5%, Japan 4.8% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$116.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $99.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$212.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $204.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$328.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $308.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$62.93 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $53.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Mexican pesos (MXN) per US dollar - 12.687 (2010), 13.514 (2009), 11.016 (2008), 10.8 (2007), 10.899 (2006)

Communications ::Mexico

Telephones - main lines in use:

19.425 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 14

Telephones - mobile cellular:

83.528 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 12

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate telephone service for business and government; improving quality and increasing mobile cellular availability, with mobile subscribers far outnumbering fixed-line subscribers; domestic satellite system with 120 earth stations; extensive microwave radio relay network; considerable use of fiber-optic cable and coaxial cable

domestic: despite the opening to competition in January 1997, Telmex remains dominant; Fixed-line teledensity is less than 20 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity reached 75 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 52; Columbus-2 fiber-optic submarine cable with access to the US, Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Spain, and Italy; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the MAYA-1 submarine cable system together provide access to Central America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 120 (32 Intelsat, 2 Solidaridad (giving Mexico improved access to South America, Central America, and much of the US as well as enhancing domestic communications), 1 Panamsat, numerous Inmarsat mobile earth stations); linked to Central American Microwave System of trunk connections (2009)

Broadcast media:

large number of television stations and more than 1,400 radio stations, most are privately owned; the Televisa group once had a virtual monopoly in TV broadcasting, but new broadcasting groups and foreign satellite and cable operators are now available (2007)

Internet country code:

.mx

Internet hosts:

12.854 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 9

Internet users:

31.02 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 12

Transportation ::Mexico

Airports:

1,819 (2010) country comparison to the world: 3

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 250

over 3,047 m: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 85

914 to 1,523 m: 83

under 914 m: 40 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1,569

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 66

914 to 1,523 m: 438

under 914 m: 1,063 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 22,705 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,875 km; oil 8,688 km; oil/gas/water 228 km; refined products 6,520 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 17,516 km country comparison to the world: 16 standard gauge: 17,516 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 366,095 km country comparison to the world: 17 paved: 132,289 km (includes 6,279 km of expressways)

unpaved: 233,806 km (2008)

Waterways:

2,900 km (navigable rivers and coastal canals mostly connected with ports on the country's east coast) (2010) country comparison to the world: 34

Merchant marine:

total: 60 country comparison to the world: 65 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 3, chemical tanker 12, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 11, petroleum tanker 22, roll on/roll off 4

foreign-owned: 5 (Denmark 2, Greece 1, South Africa 1, UAE 1)

registered in other countries: 18 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Honduras 1, Marshall Islands 4, Panama 6, Portugal 1, Spain 2, Venezuela 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Salina Cruz,
Veracruz

Military ::Mexico

Military branches:

Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaria de Defensa Nacional,
Sedena): Army (Ejercito, includes Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aerea
Mexicana, FAM)); Secretariat of the Navy (Secretaria de Marina,
Semar): Mexican Navy (Armada de Mexico, ARM, includes Naval Air
Force (FAN), naval infantry) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service, conscript service obligation - 12 months; 16 years of age with consent for voluntary enlistment; conscripts serve only in the Army; Navy and Air Force service is all voluntary; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 28,475,126

females age 16-49: 30,048,077 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,893,649

females age 16-49: 25,401,642 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,108,032

female: 1,069,885 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.5% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Transnational Issues ::Mexico

Disputes - international:

abundant rainfall in recent years along much of the Mexico-US border region has ameliorated periodically strained water-sharing arrangements; the US has intensified security measures to monitor and control legal and illegal personnel, transport, and commodities across its border with Mexico; Mexico must deal with thousands of impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the porous border looking for work in Mexico and the United States

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 5,500-10,000 (government's quashing of Zapatista uprising in 1994 in eastern Chiapas Region) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

major drug-producing nation; cultivation of opium poppy in 2007 rose to 6,900 hectares yielding a potential production of 18 metric tons of pure heroin, or 50 metric tons of "black tar" heroin, the dominant form of Mexican heroin in the western United States; marijuana cultivation increased to 8,900 hectares in 2007 and yielded a potential production of 15,800 metric tons; government conducts the largest independent illicit-crop eradication program in the world; continues as the primary transshipment country for US-bound cocaine from South America, with an estimated 90% of annual cocaine movements toward the US stopping in Mexico; major drug syndicates control the majority of drug trafficking throughout the country; producer and distributor of ecstasy; significant money-laundering center; major supplier of heroin and largest foreign supplier of marijuana and methamphetamine to the US market (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Micronesia, Federated States of (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Background:

In 1979 the Federated States of Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a constitution. In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with the US, which was amended and renewed in 2004. Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and overdependence on US aid.

Geography ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Location:

Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

6 55 N, 158 15 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 702 sq km country comparison to the world: 190 land: 702 sq km

water: 0 sq km (fresh water only)

note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Chuuk (Truk) Islands, Yap Islands, and Kosrae (Kosaie)

Area - comparative:

four times the size of Washington, DC (land area only)

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

6,112 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage

Terrain:

islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Dolohmwar (Totolom) 791 m

Natural resources:

timber, marine products, deep-seabed minerals, phosphate

Land use:

arable land: 5.71%

permanent crops: 45.71%

other: 48.58% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (June to December)

Environment - current issues:

overfishing, climate change, pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

four major island groups totaling 607 islands

People ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Population:

107,154 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.8% (male 19,010/female 18,411)

15-64 years: 62.3% (male 33,286/female 33,629)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 1,317/female 1,781) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.4 years

male: 21.8 years

female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.284% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Birth rate:

22.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Death rate:

4.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Net migration rate:

-21.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Urbanization:

urban population: 22% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 25.2 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 83 male: 27.82 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 22.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.23 years country comparison to the world: 132 male: 69.32 years

female: 73.24 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.8 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Micronesian(s)

adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese

Ethnic groups:

Chuukese 48.8%, Pohnpeian 24.2%, Kosraean 6.2%, Yapese 5.2%, Yap outer islands 4.5%, Asian 1.8%, Polynesian 1.5%, other 6.4%, unknown 1.4% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 52.7%, Congregational 40.1%, Baptist 0.9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 0.7%, other 3.8%, none or unspecified 0.8% (2000 Census)

Languages:

English (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean,
Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89%

male: 91%

female: 88% (1980 est.)

Education expenditures:

7.3% of GDP (2000) country comparison to the world: 16

Government ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Country name:

conventional long form: Federated States of Micronesia

conventional short form: none

local long form: Federated States of Micronesia

local short form: none

former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts

abbreviation: FSM

Government type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 3 November 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004

Capital:

name: Palikir

geographic coordinates: 6 55 N, 158 09 E

time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

4 states; Chuuk (Truk), Kosrae (Kosaie), Pohnpei (Ponape), Yap

Independence:

3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)

Constitution:

10 May 1979

Legal system:

based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Emanuel MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Emanuel MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of the 8 executive departments (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by Congress from among the four senators at large for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2011); note - a proposed constitutional amendment to establish popular elections for president and vice president failed

election results: Emanuel MORI elected president; percent of Congress vote - NA; Alik L. ALIK elected vice president; percent of Congress vote - NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress (14 seats; 4 - one elected from each state to serve four-year terms and 10 - elected from single-member districts delineated by population to serve two-year terms; members elected by popular vote)

elections: last held on 3 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2011)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 14

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

no formal parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF,
IOC, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yosiwo GEORGE

chancery: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383

FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391

consulate(s) general: Honolulu, Tamuning (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter A. PRAHAR

embassy: 101 Upper Pics Road, Kolonia

mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Kolonia, Pohnpei, 96941

telephone: [691] 320-2187

FAX: [691] 320-2186

Flag description:

light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the stars represent the four island groups of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap

National anthem:

name: "Patriots of Micronesia"

lyrics/music: unknown

note: adopted 1991; the anthem is also known as "Across All Micronesia;" the music is based on the 1820 German patriotic song "Ich hab mich ergeben," which was the West German national anthem from 1949-1950; variants of this tune are used in Johannes Brahms' "Festival Overture" and Gustav Mahler's "Third Symphony"

Economy ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Economy - overview:

Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remote location, a lack of adequate facilities, and limited air connections hinder development. Under the original terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US provided $1.3 billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001; the level of aid has been subsequently reduced. The Amended Compact of Free Association with the US guarantees the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) millions of dollars in annual aid through 2023, and establishes a Trust Fund into which the US and the FSM make annual contributions in order to provide annual payouts to the FSM in perpetuity after 2023. The country's medium-term economic outlook appears fragile due not only to the reduction in US assistance but also to the current slow growth of the private sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$238.1 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 214 $277 million (2002 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP supplemented by grant aid, averaging perhaps $100 million annually

GDP (official exchange rate):

$238.1 million (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

0.3% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,200 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 $2,300 (2005 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 28.9%

industry: 15.2%

services: 55.9% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

16,360 (2008) country comparison to the world: 211

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.9%

industry: 34.4%

services: 64.7%

note: two-thirds are government employees (FY05 est.)

Unemployment rate:

22% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Population below poverty line:

26.7% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2005) country comparison to the world: 64

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.38% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 14.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$29.02 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 185 $21.21 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$114 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 $98 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$65.68 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 180 $43.75 million (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

black pepper, tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca), sakau (kava), Kosraen citrus, betel nuts, sweet potatoes; pigs, chickens; fish

Industries:

tourism, construction; fish processing, specialized aquaculture; craft items (from shell, wood, and pearls)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

192 million kWh (2002) country comparison to the world: 177

Electricity - consumption:

178.6 million kWh (2002) country comparison to the world: 179

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2002)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2002)

Current account balance:

-$34.3 million (FY05 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Exports:

$14 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Exports - commodities:

fish, garments, bananas, black pepper, sakau (kava), betel nut

Imports:

$132.7 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 207

Imports - commodities:

food, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, beverages

Debt - external:

$60.8 million (FY05 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Telephones - main lines in use:

8,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 203

Telephones - mobile cellular:

38,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 199

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system

domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes), satellite (Intelsat) ground stations, and some coaxial and fiber-optic cable; mobile-cellular service available on Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap

international: country code - 691; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2002)

Broadcast media:

no television broadcast stations; each state has a multi-channel cable service with television transmissions carrying roughly 95% imported programming and 5% local programming; about a half dozen radio stations in operation (2009)

Internet country code:

.fm

Internet hosts:

3,097 (2010) country comparison to the world: 144

Internet users:

17,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 194

Transportation ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 170

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 240 km country comparison to the world: 206 paved: 42 km

unpaved: 198 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 country comparison to the world: 140 by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 2 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Colonia (Tomil Harbor), Lele Harbor, Pohnepi Harbor

Military ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 26,687 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 21,909

females age 16-49: 23,410 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,270

female: 1,221 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Micronesia, Federated States of

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major consumer of cannabis

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Moldova (Europe)

Introduction ::Moldova

Background:

Part of Romania during the interwar period, Moldova was incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although the country has been independent from the USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria" republic. One of the poorest nations in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist, Vladimir VORONIN, as its president in 2001. VORONIN served as Moldova's president until he resigned in September 2009, following the opposition's gain of a narrow majority in July parliamentary elections and the Communist Party's (PCRM) subsequent inability to attract the three-fifths of parliamentary votes required to elect a president. Moldova's four opposition parties formed a new coalition, the Alliance for European Integration (AEI), which acted as Moldova's governing coalition until parliamentary elections were held in November 2010 and a new governing coalition could be formed. Moldova experienced significant political uncertainty in 2009 and 2010, holding three general elections (in April 2009, July 2009, and November 2010) and four presidential ballots in parliament, all of which failed to secure a president.

Geography ::Moldova

Location:

Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania

Geographic coordinates:

47 00 N, 29 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 33,851 sq km country comparison to the world: 139 land: 32,891 sq km

water: 960 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 1,390 km

border countries: Romania 450 km, Ukraine 940 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

moderate winters, warm summers

Terrain:

rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Dniester (Nistru) 2 m

highest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m

Natural resources:

lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, arable land, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 54.52%

permanent crops: 8.81%

other: 36.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

3,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

11.7 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.31 cu km/yr (10%/58%/33%)

per capita: 549 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

landslides

Environment - current issues:

heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone

People ::Moldova

Population:

4,317,483 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.9% (male 353,495/female 334,592)

15-64 years: 73.3% (male 1,536,263/female 1,629,882)

65 years and over: 10.8% (male 172,070/female 294,446) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 35 years

male: 33.1 years

female: 37.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.072% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Birth rate:

11.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Death rate:

10.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Net migration rate:

-1.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Urbanization:

urban population: 42% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.77 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 135 male: 14.2 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.09 years country comparison to the world: 133 male: 67.39 years

female: 75 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.28 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Nationality:

noun: Moldovan(s)

adjective: Moldovan

Ethnic groups:

Moldovan/Romanian 78.2%, Ukrainian 8.4%, Russian 5.8%, Gagauz 4.4%,
Bulgarian 1.9%, other 1.3% (2004 census)

note: internal disputes with ethnic Slavs in the Transnistrian region

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5% (2000)

Languages:

Moldovan (official, virtually the same as the Romanian language),
Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.1%

male: 99.7%

female: 98.6% (2005 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

8.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 9

Government ::Moldova

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Moldova

conventional short form: Moldova

local long form: Republica Moldova

local short form: Moldova

former: Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Chisinau (Kishinev)

note: pronounced KEE-shee-now

geographic coordinates: 47 00 N, 28 51 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

32 raions (raioane, singular - raion), 3 municipalities (municipii, singular - municipiu), 1 autonomous territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala autonoma), and 1 territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala)

raions: Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Briceni, Cahul, Cantemir,
Calarasi, Causeni, Cimislia, Criuleni, Donduseni, Drochia, Dubasari,
Edinet, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Hincesti, Ialoveni, Leova,
Nisporeni, Ocnita, Orhei, Rezina, Riscani, Singerei, Soldanesti,
Soroca, Stefan-Voda, Straseni, Taraclia, Telenesti, Ungheni

municipalities: Balti, Bender, Chisinau

autonomous territorial unit: Gagauzia

territorial unit: Stinga Nistrului (Transnistria)

Independence:

27 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 August (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 29 July 1994; effective 27 August 1994; note - replaced 1979 Soviet constitution

Legal system:

based on civil law system; Constitutional Court reviews legality of legislative acts and governmental decisions of resolution; accepts many UN and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) documents; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Acting President Marian LUPU (since 30 December 2010)

note: Vladimir VORONIN, president since 4 April 2001, resigned on 11 September 2009; Marian LUPU, the Speaker of Parliament, is serving as acting president until new elections can be held

head of government: Prime Minister Vladimir FILAT (since 25 September 2009)

note: Vladimir Filat resigned on 27 December 2010, but was reappointed on 31 December 2010

cabinet: Cabinet selected by president, subject to approval of Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); last successful election held on 4 April 2005, most recent (failed) election held on 10 December 2009); note - prime minister designated by the president upon consultation with Parliament; within 15 days from designation, the prime minister-designate must request a vote of confidence from the Parliament regarding his/her work program and entire cabinet; prime minister (re)designated on 31 December 2010; cabinet received a vote of confidence on 14 January 2011

election results: Vladimir VORONIN reelected president (2005); parliamentary votes - Vladimir VORONIN 75, Gheorghe DUCA 1; Vladimir FILAT (re)designated prime minister; parliamentary votes of confidence - 59 of 101

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Parlamentul (101 seats; members elected on an at-large basis by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 28 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014); note - this was the third parliamentary election in less than two years; the earlier parliaments (elected 5 April 2009 and 29 July 2009) could not agree on a presidential candidate

election results: percent of vote by party - PCRM 39.3%, PLDM 29.4%, PD 12.7%, PL 10%, other 8.6%; seats by party - PCRM 42, PLDM 32, PD 15, PL 12; note - the PLDM, PD, and PL governing coalition, termed the Alliance for European Integration, has 59 seats; it remains 2 votes short of the 61 needed to elect a new president

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court (the sole authority for constitutional judicature)

Political parties and leaders:

represented in Parliament: Communist Party of the Republic of
Moldova or PCRM [Vladimir VORONIN]; Democratic Party or PD [Mihai
LUPU]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLDM [Vladmir FILAT]; Liberal
Party or PL [Mihai GHIMPU]

not represented in Parliament: Christian Democratic People's Party
or PPCD [Iurie ROSCA]; Conservative Party or PC [Natalia NIRCA];
Ecological Party of Moldova "Green Alliance" or PEMAVE [Vladimir
BRAGA]; European Action Movement or MAE [Veaceslav UNTILA]; For
Nation and Country Party or PpNT [Sergiu MOCANU]; Humanist Party of
Moldova or PUM [Valeriu PASAT]; Labor Party or PM [Gheorghe SIMA];
National Liberal Party or PNL [Vitalia PAVLICENKO]; Our Moldova
Alliance or AMN [Serafim URECHEAN]; Patriots of Moldova Party or PPM
[Mihail GARBUZ]; Popular Republican Party or PPR [Nicolae ANDRONIC];
Republican Party of Moldova or PRM [Andrei STRATAN]; Roma Social
Political Movement of the Republic of Moldova or MRRM [Ion BUCUR];
Social Democratic Party or PSD [Victor SELIN]; Social Political
Movement "Equality" or MR [Valeriy KLIMENCO]; United Moldova Party
or PMUEM [Vladimir TURCAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

BSEC, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, OIF, OPCW,
OSCE, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina,
UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Igor MUNTEANU

chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130

FAX: [1] (202) 667-1204

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Asif J. CHAUDHRY

embassy: 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [373] (22) 40-8300

FAX: [373] (22) 23-3044

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagle of gold outlined in black with a red beak and talons carrying a yellow cross in its beak and a green olive branch in its right talons and a yellow scepter in its left talons; on its breast is a shield divided horizontally red over blue with a stylized ox head, star, rose, and crescent all in black-outlined yellow; based on the color scheme of the flag of Romania - with whom Moldova shares a history and culture - but Moldova's blue band is lighter; the reverse of the flag does not display any coat of arms

note: one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Paraguay and Saudi Arabia

National anthem:

name: "Limba noastra" (Our Tongue)

lyrics/music: Alexei MATEEVICI/Alexandru CRISTEA

note: adopted 1994

Economy ::Moldova

Economy - overview:

Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe despite recent progress from its small economic base. It enjoys a favorable climate and good farmland but has no major mineral deposits. As a result, the economy depends heavily on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Moldova must import almost all of its energy supplies. Moldova's dependence on Russian energy was underscored at the end of 2005, when a Russian-owned electrical station in Moldova's separatist Transnistria region cut off power to Moldova and Russia's Gazprom cut off natural gas in disputes over pricing. In January 2009, gas supplies were cut during a dispute between Russia and Ukraine. Russia's decision to ban Moldovan wine and agricultural products, coupled with its decision to double the price Moldova paid for Russian natural gas, have hurt growth. The onset of the global financial crisis and poor economic conditions in Moldova's main foreign markets, caused GDP to fall 6.5% in 2009. Unemployment almost doubled and inflation disappeared - at -0.1%, a record low. Moldova's IMF agreement expired in May 2009. In fall 2009, the IMF allocated $186 million to Moldova to cover its immediate budgetary needs, and the government signed an new agreement with the IMF in January 2010 for a program worth $574 million. In 2010, an upturn in the world economy boosted GDP growth to 3.1% and inflation to 7.3%. Economic reforms have been slow because of corruption and strong political forces backing government controls. Nevertheless, the government's primary goal of EU integration has resulted in some market-oriented progress. The granting of EU trade preferences and increased exports to Russia will encourage higher growth rates, but the agreements are unlikely to serve as a panacea, given the extent to which export success depends on higher quality standards and other factors. The economy has made a modest recovery, but remains vulnerable to political uncertainty, weak administrative capacity, vested bureaucratic interests, higher fuel prices, poor agricultural weather, and the skepticism of foreign investors as well as the presence of an illegal separatist regime in Moldova's Transnistria region.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $10.28 billion (2009 est.)

$10.99 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.357 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 -6.5% (2009 est.)

7.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 $2,400 (2009 est.)

$2,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 16.3%

industry: 20.1%

services: 63.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.203 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 40.6%

industry: 16%

services: 43.3% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 3.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

29.5% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 28.2% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33.2 (2003) country comparison to the world: 95 40.6 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Public debt:

25% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 25.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 -0.1% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

20.54% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 21.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.221 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 134 $1.189 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.889 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 $2.942 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $2.251 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (2004) country comparison to the world: 103 $573.9 million (2004)

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, fruits, grapes, grain, sugar beets,sunflower seed, tobacco; beef, milk; wine

Industries:

sugar, vegetable oil, food processing, agricultural machinery; foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines; hosiery, shoes, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Electricity - production:

3.617 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Electricity - consumption:

4.37 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Electricity - exports:

240 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.931 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Oil - consumption:

19,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Oil - exports:

36 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Oil - imports:

14,230 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - production:

50 million cu m (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Natural gas - consumption:

2.52 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Natural gas - imports:

2.52 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Current account balance:

-$565 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 -$464.6 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.45 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 $1.332 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

foodstuffs, textiles, machinery

Exports - partners:

Russia 23.77%, Italy 14.11%, Romania 12.74%, Germany 6.92%, Turkey 6.08%, Belarus 5.38% (2009)

Imports:

$3.66 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $3.276 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral products and fuel, machinery and equipment, chemicals, textiles

Imports - partners:

Ukraine 19.9%, Romania 15.1%, Russia 14.52%, Germany 8.69%, Italy 5.7%, Belarus 4.38% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $1.48 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.146 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $3.844 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$1.813 billion (2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Moldovan lei (MDL) per US dollar - 12.443 (2010), 11.11 (2009), 10.326 (2008), 12.177 (2007), 13.131 (2006)

Communications ::Moldova

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.139 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 72

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.785 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 116

Telephone system:

general assessment: poor service outside Chisinau; some modernization is under way

domestic: depending on location, new subscribers may face long wait for service; multiple private operators of GSM mobile-cellular telephone service are operating; GPRS system is being introduced; a CDMA mobile telephone network began operations in 2007; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 90 per 100 persons

international: country code - 373; service through Romania and Russia via landline; satellite earth stations - at least 3 (Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned national radio-TV broadcaster operates 2 television and 2 radio stations; a total of nearly 40 terrestrial TV channels and some 50 radio stations are in operation; Russian and Romanian channels also are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.md

Internet hosts:

492,181 (2010) country comparison to the world: 50

Internet users:

1.333 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 89

Transportation ::Moldova

Airports:

11 (2010) country comparison to the world: 154

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,906 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,138 km country comparison to the world: 88 broad gauge: 1,124 km 1.520-m gauge

standard gauge: 14 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 9,343 km country comparison to the world: 137 paved: 8,810 km

unpaved: 533 km (2008)

Waterways:

558 km (in public use on Danube, Dniester and Prut rivers) (2008) country comparison to the world: 83

Merchant marine:

total: 107 country comparison to the world: 48 by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 89, chemical tanker 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 6

foreign-owned: 63 (Belgium 2, Egypt 5, Greece 4, Israel 4, Lebanon 1, Romania 2, Russia 5, Syria 3, Turkey 18, UK 6, Ukraine 12, Yemen 1) (2010)

Military ::Moldova

Military branches:

National Army: Land Forces Command (includes special forces), Air
Forces Command (includes air defense unit), Logistics Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; 17 years of age for voluntary service; male registration required at age 16; 12-month service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,150,585

females age 16-49: 1,168,169 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 877,031

females age 16-49: 979,128 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,012

female: 28,450 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Transnational Issues ::Moldova

Disputes - international:

Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor the transit of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away Transnistria region, which remains under OSCE supervision

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Moldova is a major source and, to a lesser extent, a transit country for women and girls trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; Moldovan women are trafficked to the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe; girls and young women are trafficked within the country from rural areas to Chisinau; children are also trafficked to neighboring countries for forced labor and begging; labor trafficking of men to work in the construction, agriculture, and service sectors of Russia is increasingly a problem; according to an ILO report, Moldova's national Bureau of Statistics estimated that there were likely over 25,000 Moldovan victims of trafficking for forced labor in 2008

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - The Government of Moldova does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; despite initial efforts to combat trafficking-related complicity since the government's reassessment on the Tier 2 Watch List in September 2008, and increased victim assistance, the government did not demonstrate sufficiently meaningful efforts to curb trafficking-related corruption, which is a government-acknowledged problem in Moldova; the government improved victim protection efforts, deployed more law-enforcement officers in the effort and contributed direct financial assistance toward victim protection and assistance for the first time (2010)

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for CIS consumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs from Southwest Asia via Central Asia to Russia, Western Europe, and possibly the US; widespread crime and underground economic activity

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Monaco (Europe)

Introduction ::Monaco

Background:

The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling Grimaldi family first seized temporary control in 1297, and again in 1331, but were not able to permanently secure their holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.

Geography ::Monaco

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy

Geographic coordinates:

43 44 N, 7 24 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 2 sq km country comparison to the world: 249 land: 2 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 4.4 km

border countries: France 4.4 km

Coastline:

4.1 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 12 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers

Terrain:

hilly, rugged, rocky

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mont Agel 140 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (urban area) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air
Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

second-smallest independent state in the world (after Holy See); almost entirely urban

People ::Monaco

Population:

30,586 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.6% (male 2,466/female 2,349)

15-64 years: 62.4% (male 10,184/female 10,395)

65 years and over: 23% (male 3,068/female 4,503) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 48.9 years

male: 48 years

female: 49.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.183% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Birth rate:

7.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223

Death rate:

8.01 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Net migration rate:

-0.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.048 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 1.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 223 male: 2.03 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 1.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 89.78 years country comparison to the world: 1 male: 85.81 years

female: 93.9 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.5 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)

adjective: Monegasque or Monacan

Ethnic groups:

French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Languages:

French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 97

Government ::Monaco

Country name:

conventional long form: Principality of Monaco

conventional short form: Monaco

local long form: Principaute de Monaco

local short form: Monaco

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Monaco

geographic coordinates: 43 44 N, 7 25 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo

Independence:

1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of Grimaldi)

National holiday:

National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857)

Constitution:

17 December 1962; modified 2 April 2002

Legal system:

based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)

head of government: Minister of State Michel ROGER (since 29 March 2010)

cabinet: Council of Government under the authority of the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16 members elected by list majority system, 8 by proportional representation to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 3 February 2008 (next to be held in February 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - UPM 52.2%, REM 40.5%, Monaco Together 7.3%; seats by party - UPM 21, REM 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Tribunal Supreme (judges appointed by the monarch on the basis of nominations by the National Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Monaco Together; Rally and Issues for Monaco or REM; Union for
Monaco or UPM (including National Union for the Future of Monaco or
UNAM)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Schengen
Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gilles NOGHES

chancery: 3400 International Drive NW, Suite 2K-100, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: (202) 234-1530

FAX: (202) 244-7656

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Ambassador to France is accredited to Monaco; the US Consul General in Marseille (France), under the authority of the US ambassador to France, handles routine diplomatic and consular matters concerning Monaco

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors are those of the ruling House of Grimaldi and have been in use since 1339, making the flag one of the world's oldest national banners

note: similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red

National anthem:

name: "A Marcia de Muneghu" (The March of Monaco)

lyrics/music: Louis NOTARI/Charles ALBRECHT

note: music adopted 1867, lyrics adopted 1931; although French is much more commonly spoken, only the Monegasque lyrics are official; the French version is known as "Hymne Monegasque" (Monegasque Anthem); the words are generally only sung on official occasions

Economy ::Monaco

Economy - overview:

Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The principality also is a major banking center and has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. Monaco, however, is not a tax-free shelter; it charges nearly 20% value-added tax, collects stamp duties, and companies face a 33% tax on profits unless they can show that three-quarters of profits are generated within the principality. Monaco was formally removed from the OECD's "grey list" of uncooperative tax jurisdictions in late 2009, but continues to face international pressure to abandon its banking secrecy laws and help combat tax evasion. The state retains monopolies in a number of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$976.3 million (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 201 note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$30,000 (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0%

industry: 4.9%

services: 95.1% (2005)

Labor force:

44,000 country comparison to the world: 191 note: includes workers from all foreign countries (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

0% (2005) country comparison to the world: 1

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2000) country comparison to the world: 54

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

none

Industries:

tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by France

Exports:

$716.3 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 161 note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France

Imports:

$916.1 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 172

note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France

Debt - external:

$18 billion (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Monaco

Telephones - main lines in use:

35,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

Telephones - mobile cellular:

23,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 208

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern automatic telephone system; the country's sole fixed line operator offers a full range of services to residential and business customers

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100%

international: country code - 377; no satellite earth stations; connected by cable into the French communications system

Broadcast media:

TV Monte-Carlo (TMC) operates a TV network; Radio Monte-Carlo has both an Italian-language and a French-language network; a few private radio stations operating (2008)

Internet country code:

.mc

Internet hosts:

23,621 (2010) country comparison to the world: 104

Internet users:

23,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 189

Transportation ::Monaco

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 50 km country comparison to the world: 217 paved: 50 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 68 (Bahamas 14, Bermuda 2, Comoros 1, Cyprus 1, Liberia 10, Marshall Islands 21, Norway 1, Panama 14, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Vanuatu 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 62

Ports and terminals:

Monaco

Military ::Monaco

Military branches:

no regular military forces; the Palace Guard performs ceremonial duties

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,814 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,680

females age 16-49: 4,691 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 147

female: 133 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::Monaco

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Mongolia (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Mongolia

Background:

The Mongols gained fame in the 13th century when under Chinggis KHAAN they established a huge Eurasian empire through conquest. After his death the empire was divided into several powerful Mongol states, but these broke apart in the 14th century. The Mongols eventually retired to their original steppe homelands and in the late 17th century came under Chinese rule. Mongolia won its independence in 1921 with Soviet backing and a Communist regime was installed in 1924. The modern country of Mongolia, however, represents only part of the Mongols' historical homeland; more ethnic Mongolians live in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the People's Republic of China than in Mongolia. Following a peaceful democratic revolution, the ex-Communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) won elections in 1990 and 1992, but was defeated by the Democratic Union Coalition (DUC) in the 1996 parliamentary election. The MPRP won an overwhelming majority in the 2000 parliamentary election, but the party lost seats in the 2004 election and shared power with democratic coalition parties from 2004-08. The MPRP regained a solid majority in the 2008 parliamentary elections but nevertheless formed a coalition government with the Democratic Party. In 2010 the MPRP voted to retake the name of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), a name it used in the early 1920s. The prime minister and most cabinet members are MPP members.

Geography ::Mongolia

Location:

Northern Asia, between China and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

46 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 1,564,116 sq km country comparison to the world: 19 land: 1,553,556 sq km

water: 10,560 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 8,220 km

border countries: China 4,677 km, Russia 3,543 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges)

Terrain:

vast semidesert and desert plains, grassy steppe, mountains in west and southwest; Gobi Desert in south-central

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Hoh Nuur 560 m

highest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Huyten Orgil) 4,374 m

Natural resources:

oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel, zinc, fluorspar, gold, silver, iron

Land use:

arable land: 0.76%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 99.24% (2005)

Irrigated land:

840 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

34.8 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.44 cu km/yr (20%/27%/52%)

per capita: 166 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust storms; grassland and forest fires; drought; "zud," which is harsh winter conditions

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources in some areas; the policies of former Communist regimes promoted rapid urbanization and industrial growth that had negative effects on the environment; the burning of soft coal in power plants and the lack of enforcement of environmental laws severely polluted the air in Ulaanbaatar; deforestation, overgrazing, and the converting of virgin land to agricultural production increased soil erosion from wind and rain; desertification and mining activities had a deleterious effect on the environment

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia

People ::Mongolia

Population:

3,086,918 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 436,391/female 418,923)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 1,031,819/female 1,033,806)

65 years and over: 4% (male 52,430/female 67,773) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.8 years

male: 25.3 years

female: 26.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.495% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Birth rate:

21.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Death rate:

6.08 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 116

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 38.56 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 69 male: 41.63 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 35.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.98 years country comparison to the world: 153 male: 65.54 years

female: 70.54 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.22 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Nationality:

noun: Mongolian(s)

adjective: Mongolian

Ethnic groups:

Mongol (mostly Khalkha) 94.9%, Turkic (mostly Kazakh) 5%, other (including Chinese and Russian) 0.1% (2000)

Religions:

Buddhist Lamaist 50%, Shamanist and Christian 6%, Muslim 4%, none 40% (2004)

Languages:

Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian (1999)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.8%

male: 98%

female: 97.5% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 65

Government ::Mongolia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Mongolia

local long form: none

local short form: Mongol Uls

former: Outer Mongolia

Government type:

parliamentary

Capital:

name: Ulaanbaatar

geographic coordinates: 47 55 N, 106 55 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

21 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 1 municipality* (singular - hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan-Uul, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan (Zavkhan), Govi-Altay, Govisumber, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Orhon, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs

Independence:

11 July 1921 (from China)

National holiday:

Independence Day/Revolution Day, 11 July (1921)

Constitution:

13 January 1992

Legal system:

blend of Soviet and German systems that employ "continental" or "civil" code; case-precedent may be used to inform judges, but all decisions must refer to the law as written; constitution ambiguous on judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ (since 18 June 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Sukhbaatar BATBOLD (since 29 October 2009); First Deputy Prime Minister (Norov ALTANKHUYAG (since 20 September 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Miegombyn ENKHBOLD (since 6 December 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister in consultation with the president and confirmed by the State Great Hural (parliament) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: presidential candidates nominated by political parties represented in State Great Hural and elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2013); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by State Great Hural

election results: in elections in May 2009, Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ elected president; percent of vote - Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ 51.2%, Nambar ENKHBAYAR 47.4%, others 1.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral State Great Hural 76 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms

elections: last held on 29 June 2008 (next to be held in June 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MPP 46, DP 27, others 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (serves as appeals court for people's and provincial courts but rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts; judges are nominated by the General Council of Courts and approved by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DP [Norov ALTANHUYAG]; Mongolian People's Party or MPP [Sukhbaatar BATBOLD]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: human rights groups; women's groups

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, CD, CICA, CP, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, OSCE
(partner), SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Khasbazar BEKHBAT

chancery: 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 333-7117

FAX: [1] (202) 298-9227

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jonathan ADDLETON

embassy: Big Ring Road, 11th Micro Region, Ulaanbaatar, 14171 Mongolia

mailing address: PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002; P.O. Box 1021, Ulaanbaatar-13

telephone: [976] (11) 329-095

FAX: [976] (11) 320-776

Flag description:

three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), blue, and red; centered on the hoist-side red band in yellow is the national emblem ("soyombo" - a columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric representation for fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang symbol); blue represents the sky, red symbolizes progress and prosperity

National anthem:

name: "Mongol ulsyn toriin duulal" (National Anthem of Mongolia)

lyrics/music: Tsendiin DAMDINSUREN/Bilegiin DAMDINSUREN and Luvsanjamts MURJORJ

note: music adopted 1950, lyrics adopted 2006; the anthem's lyrics have been altered on numerous occasions

Economy ::Mongolia

Economy - overview:

Economic activity in Mongolia has traditionally been based on herding and agriculture - Mongolia's extensive mineral deposits, however, have attracted foreign investors. The country holds copper, gold, coal, molybdenum, fluorspar, uranium, tin, and tungsten deposits, which account for a large part of foreign direct investment and government revenues. Soviet assistance, at its height one-third of GDP, disappeared almost overnight in 1990 and 1991 at the time of the dismantlement of the USSR. The following decade saw Mongolia endure both deep recession, because of political inaction and natural disasters, as well as economic growth, because of reform-embracing, free-market economics and extensive privatization of the formerly state-run economy. Severe winters and summer droughts in 2000-02 resulted in massive livestock die-off and zero or negative GDP growth. This was compounded by falling prices for Mongolia's primary sector exports and widespread opposition to privatization. Growth averaged nearly 9% per year in 2004-08 largely because of high copper prices and new gold production. In 2008 Mongolia experienced a soaring inflation rate with year-to-year inflation reaching nearly 30% - the highest inflation rate in over a decade. By late 2008, as the country began to feel the effects of the global financial crisis, falling commodity prices helped lower inflation, but also reduced government revenues and forced cuts in spending. In early 2009, the International Monetary Fund reached a $236 million Stand-by Arrangement with Mongolia, and the country has started to move out of the crisis. Although the banking sector remains unstable, the government is now enforcing stricter supervision regulations. In October 2009, the government passed long-awaited legislation on an investment agreement to develop Mongolia's Oyu Tolgoi mine, considered to be one of the world's largest untapped copper deposits. The economy grew an estimated 7% in 2010, largely on the strength of exports to nearby countries, and international reserves reached $1.6 billion in September, an all time high for Mongolia. Mongolia's economy continues to be heavily influenced by its neighbors. Mongolia purchases 95% of its petroleum products and a substantial amount of electric power from Russia, leaving it vulnerable to price increases. Trade with China represents more than half of Mongolia's total external trade - China receives about two-thirds of Mongolia's exports. Remittances from Mongolians working abroad are sizable, but have fallen due to the economic crisis; money laundering is a growing concern. Mongolia joined the World Trade Organization in 1997 and seeks to expand its participation in regional economic and trade regimes.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.16 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $9.5 billion (2009 est.)

$9.654 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.807 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 -1.6% (2009 est.)

8.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 $3,100 (2009 est.)

$3,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 21.2%

industry: 29.5%

services: 49.3% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

1.068 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 141

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 34%

industry: 5%

services: 61% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

2.8% (2008) country comparison to the world: 22 3% (2007)

Population below poverty line:

36.1% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 24.9% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.8 (2002) country comparison to the world: 97 44 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 28% (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10.82% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 22 14.78% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

21.67% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 20.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$451.4 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 160 $510.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.996 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 143 $1.791 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.664 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $1.183 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$430.2 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 105 $407 million (31 December 2008)

$612.2 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, vegetables, forage crops; sheep, goats, cattle, camels, horses

Industries:

construction and construction materials; mining (coal, copper, molybdenum, fluorspar, tin, tungsten, and gold); oil; food and beverages; processing of animal products, cashmere and natural fiber manufacturing

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Electricity - production:

4.03 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 117

Electricity - consumption:

3.439 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 120

Electricity - exports:

21.2 million kWh (2009)

Electricity - imports:

186.1 million kWh (2009)

Oil - production:

5,100 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Oil - exports:

5,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 205

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Current account balance:

-$228.7 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 -$710 million (2008 est.)

Exports:

$1.902 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 132 $2.539 billion (2008)

Exports - commodities:

copper, apparel, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals, coal

Exports - partners:

China 78.52%, Canada 9.46%, Russia 3.02% (2009)

Imports:

$2.131 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 150 $3.224 billion (2008)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuel, cars, food products, industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea

Imports - partners:

China 35.99%, Russia 31.56%, South Korea 7.08%, Japan 4.8% (2009)

Debt - external:

$1.86 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 141 $1.6 billion (2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

togrog/tugriks (MNT) per US dollar - 1,442.8 (2009), 1,267.51 (2008), 1,170 (2007), 1,165 (2006)

Communications ::Mongolia

Telephones - main lines in use:

188,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 125

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.249 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 127

Telephone system:

general assessment: network is improving with international direct dialing available in many areas; a fiber-optic network has been installed that is improving broadband and communication services between major urban centers with multiple companies providing inter-city fiber-optic cable services

domestic: very low fixed-line teledensity; there are multiple mobile- cellular providers and subscribership is increasing rapidly;

international: country code - 976; satellite earth stations - 7

Broadcast media:

following a law passed in 2005, Mongolia's state-run radio and TV provider converted to a public service provider; also available are private radio and TV broadcasters, as well as multi-channel satellite and cable TV providers; more than 100 radio stations, including some 20 via repeaters for the public broadcaster; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.mn

Internet hosts:

7,942 (2010) country comparison to the world: 134

Internet users:

330,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 125

Transportation ::Mongolia

Airports:

46 (2010) country comparison to the world: 94

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 14

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 32

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 25

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,810 km country comparison to the world: 76 broad gauge: 1,810 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 49,250 km country comparison to the world: 82 paved: 2,824 km

unpaved: 46,426 km (includes 1,994 km with gravel surface and 1,874 km with improved surface) (2009)

Waterways:

580 km country comparison to the world: 82 note: only waterway in operation is Lake Hovsgol (135 km); Selenge River (270 km) and Orhon River (175 km) are navigable but carry little traffic; lakes and rivers freeze in winter, are open from May to September (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 58 country comparison to the world: 67 by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 29, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 1, roll on/roll off 3, vehicle carrier 1

foreign-owned: 44 (Indonesia 2, North Korea 1, Russia 4, Singapore 1, Turkey 1, Ukraine 1, Vietnam 34) (2010)

Military ::Mongolia

Military branches:

Mongolian Armed Forces: Mongolian Army, Mongolian Air Force; there is no navy (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months in land or air defense forces or police; a small portion of Mongolian land forces (2.5 percent) is comprised of contract soldiers; women cannot be deployed overseas for military operations (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 887,059

females age 16-49: 880,788 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 715,585

females age 16-49: 748,083 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 29,240

female: 28,156 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 106

Transnational Issues ::Mongolia

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Montenegro (Europe)

Introduction ::Montenegro

Background:

The use of the name Montenegro began in the 15th century when the Crnojevic dynasty began to rule the Serbian principality of Zeta; over subsequent centuries Montenegro was able to maintain its independence from the Ottoman Empire. From the 16th to 19th centuries, Montenegro became a theocracy ruled by a series of bishop princes; in 1852, it was transformed into a secular principality. After World War I, Montenegro was absorbed by the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929; at the conclusion of World War II, it became a constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. When the latter dissolved in 1992, Montenegro federated with Serbia, first as the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and, after 2003, in a looser union of Serbia and Montenegro. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its right under the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro to hold a referendum on independence from the state union. The vote for severing ties with Serbia exceeded 55% - the threshold set by the EU - allowing Montenegro to formally declare its independence on 3 June 2006.

Geography ::Montenegro

Location:

Southeastern Europe, between the Adriatic Sea and Serbia

Geographic coordinates:

42 30 N, 19 18 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 13,812 sq km country comparison to the world: 161 land: 13,452 sq km

water: 360 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 625 km

border countries: Albania 172 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 225 km, Croatia 25 km, Kosovo 79 km, Serbia 124 km

Coastline:

293.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: defined by treaty

Climate:

Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland

Terrain:

highly indented coastline with narrow coastal plain backed by rugged high limestone mountains and plateaus

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Bobotov Kuk 2,522 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, hydroelectricity

Land use:

arable land: 13.7%

permanent crops: 1%

other: 85.3%

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets, especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location along the Adriatic coast

People ::Montenegro

Population:

666,730 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16% (male 52,645/female 54,846)

15-64 years: 70.3% (male 244,949/female 227,794)

65 years and over: 13.7% (male 37,217/female 54,729) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.2 years

male: 35.9 years

female: 38.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.777% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 229

Birth rate:

11.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Death rate:

8.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.074 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Montenegrin(s)

adjective: Montenegrin

Ethnic groups:

Montenegrin 43%, Serbian 32%, Bosniak 8%, Albanian 5%, other
(Muslims, Croats, Roma (Gypsy)) 12% (2003 census)

Religions:

Orthodox 74.2%, Muslim 17.7%, Catholic 3.5%, other 0.6%, unspecified 3%, atheist 1% (2003 census)

Languages:

Serbian 63.6%, Montenegrin (official) 22%, Bosnian 5.5%, Albanian 5.3%, unspecified 3.7% (2003 census)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Montenegro

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Montenegro

local long form: none

local short form: Crna Gora

former: People's Republic of Montenegro, Socialist Republic of Montenegro, Republic of Montenegro

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Podgorica

geographic coordinates: 42 26 N, 19 16 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1 hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

21 municipalities (opstine, singular - opstina); Andrijevica, Bar,
Berane, Bijelo Polje, Budva, Cetinje, Danilovgrad, Herceg Novi,
Kolasin, Kotor, Mojkovac, Niksic, Plav, Pljevlja, Pluzine,
Podgorica, Rozaje, Savnik, Tivat, Ulcinj, Zabljak

Independence:

3 June 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)

National holiday:

National Day, 13 July (1878)

Constitution:

approved 19 October 2007 (by the Assembly)

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Filip VUJANOVIC (since 6 April 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Igor LUKSIC (since 29 December 2010)

cabinet: Ministries act as cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by direct vote for five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 April 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister proposed by president, accepted by Assembly

election results: Filip VUJANOVIC reelected president; Filip VUJANOVIC 51.9%, Andrija MANDIC 19.6%, Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC 16.6%, Srdan MILIC 11.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly (81 seats; members elected by direct vote to serve four-year terms; note - seats increased from 74 seats in 2006)

elections: last held on 29 March 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Coalition for European Montenegro 51.94%, SNP 16.83%, NOVA 9.22%, PZP 6.03%, other (including Albanian minority parties) 15.98%; seats by party - Coalition for European Montenegro 48, SNP 16, NOVA 8, PZP 5, Albanian minority parties 4

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court (five judges serve nine-year terms); Supreme
Court (judges have life tenure)

Political parties and leaders:

Albanian Alternative or AA [Vesel SINISHTAJ]; Coalition for European
Montenegro (bloc) [Milo DJUKANOVIC] (includes Democratic Party of
Socialists or DPS [Milo DJUKANOVIC], Social Democratic Party or SDP
[Ranko KRIVOKAPIC], Bosniak Party of BS [Rafet HUSOVIC], and
Croatian Civic Initiative or HGI [Marija VUCINOVIC); Coalition
SNP-NS-DSS (bloc) (includes Socialist People's Party or SNP [Srdjan
MILIC], People's Party of Montenegro or NS [Predrag POPOVIC], and
Democratic Serbian Party of Montenegro or DSS [Ranko KADIC]);
Democratic League-Party of Democratic Prosperity or SPP [Mehmet
BARDHIJ]; Democratic Union of Albanians or DUA [Ferhat DINOSHA]; For
a Different Montenegro (bloc) [Goran BATRICEVIC] (includes
Democratic Center or DC [Goran BATRICEVIC] and Liberal Party of
Montenegro or LP [Miodrag ZIVKOVIC]); FORCA [Nazif CUNGU]; Movement
for Changes or PZP [Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC]; National Coalition (includes
People's Party of Montenegro or NS [Predrag POPOVIC] and Democratic
Serbian Party of Montenegro or DSS [Ranko KADIC]); New Serb
Democracy or NOVA [Andrija MANDIC]; Socialist People's Party of
Montenegro or SNP [Srdjan MILIC]

International organization participation:

CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM (observer), OPCW, OSCE,
PCA, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Srdjan DARMANOVIC

chancery: 1610 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-6108

FAX: [1] (202) 234-6109

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Benjamin LOWENTHAL

embassy: Ljubljanska bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [382] 81 225 417

FAX: [382] 81 241 358

Flag description:

a red field bordered by a narrow golden-yellow stripe with the Montenegrin coat of arms centered; the arms consist of a double-headed golden eagle - symbolizing the unity of church and state - surmounted by a crown; the eagle holds a golden scepter in its right claw and a blue orb in its left; the breast shield over the eagle shows a golden lion passant on a green field in front of a blue sky; the lion is symbol of episcopal authority and harks back to the three and a half centuries that Montenegro was ruled as a theocracy

National anthem:

name: "Oj, svijetla majska zoro" (Oh, Bright Dawn of May)

lyrics/music: Sekula DRLJEVIC/unknown, arranged by Zarko MIKOVIC

note: adopted 2004; the anthem's music is based on a Montenegrin folk song

Economy ::Montenegro

Economy - overview:

Montenegro severed its economy from federal control and from Serbia during the MILOSEVIC era and maintained its own central bank, adopted the Deutchmark, then the euro - rather than the Yugoslav dinar - as official currency, collected customs tariffs, and managed its own budget. The dissolution of the loose political union between Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 led to separate membership in several international financial institutions, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In January 2007, Montenegro joined the World Bank and IMF. Montenegro is pursuing its own membership in the World Trade Organization and signed a Stabilization and Association agreement with the European Union in October 2007. The European Council granted candidate country status to Montenegro at the December 2010 session. Unemployment and regional disparities in development are key political and economic problems. Montenegro has privatized its large aluminum complex - the dominant industry - as well as most of its financial sector, and has begun to attract foreign direct investment in the tourism sector. The global financial crisis has had a significant negative impact on the economy, due to the ongoing credit crunch, a decline in the real estate sector, and a fall in aluminum exports.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$6.569 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $6.689 billion (2009 est.)

$7.093 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.884 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204 -5.7% (2009 est.)

6.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $10,000 (2009 est.)

$10,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

259,100 (2004) country comparison to the world: 166

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2%

industry: 30%

services: 68% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Population below poverty line:

7% (2007 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30 (2003) country comparison to the world: 113

Investment (gross fixed):

30.5% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Public debt:

38% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 79

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.4% (2007) country comparison to the world: 101

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.36% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 9.24% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$816.8 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 143 $1.172 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$1.406 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 149 $1.446 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.29 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 116 $3.771 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.289 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 89 $2.863 billion (31 December 2008)

$3.699 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

tobacco, potatoes, citrus fruits, olives, grapes; sheep

Industries:

steelmaking, aluminum, agricultural processing, consumer goods, tourism

Electricity - production:

2.864 billion kWh (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Electricity - consumption:

18.6 million kWh (2005) country comparison to the world: 206

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2005)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2005)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Oil - exports:

314 bbl/day (2005) country comparison to the world: 128

Oil - imports:

6,093 bbl/day (2005) country comparison to the world: 152

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - consumption:

NA cu m

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Current account balance:

-$1.102 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Exports:

$171.3 million (2003) country comparison to the world: 182

Exports - partners:

Italy 29.52%, Greece 22.65%, Slovenia 11.83%, Hungary 8.96%, US 7.93% (2009)

Imports:

$601.7 million (2003) country comparison to the world: 184

Imports - partners:

Italy 17.54%, Slovenia 14.62%, Germany 10.5%, Austria 7.82%, China 7.82%, Russia 4.4%, Hungary 4.11%, Greece 4.11%, Netherlands 3.96% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA

Debt - external:

$650 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 156

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Montenegro

Telephones - main lines in use:

366,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 106

Telephones - mobile cellular:

752,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 151

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern telecommunications system with access to European satellites

domestic: GSM mobile-cellular service, available through multiple providers with national coverage, is growing

international: country code - 382; 2 international switches connect the national system

Broadcast media:

state-owned national radio-TV broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial television networks, 1 satellite TV channel, and 2 radio networks; roughly a dozen privately-owned TV broadcasters operate networks nationally, regionally, and locally; in addition to the 2 state-owned national radio networks, roughly 50 privately-owned radio stations and networks broadcast (2007)

Internet country code:

.me

Internet hosts:

6,247 (2010) country comparison to the world: 137

Internet users:

280,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 133

Transportation ::Montenegro

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 182

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 250 km country comparison to the world: 125 standard gauge: 250 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified 169 km) (2007)

Roadways:

total: 7,404 km country comparison to the world: 146 paved: 4,927 km

unpaved: 2,477 km (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 144 by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 1

registered in other countries: 5 (Bahamas 2, Honduras 2, Slovakia 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bar

Military ::Montenegro

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Republic of Montenegro: Army, Navy, Air Force (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

compulsory national military service abolished August 2006

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 151,798

females age 16-49: 134,267 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 3,407

female: 3,741 (2010 est.)

Transnational Issues ::Montenegro

Disputes - international:

none

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,000 (Kosovo); note - mostly ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999

IDPs: 16,192 (ethnic conflict in 1999 and riots in 2004) (2007)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Montserrat (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Montserrat

Background:

English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three decades later. The British and French fought for possession of the island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid 19th century. Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity since, with the last eruption occurring in July 2003.

Geography ::Montserrat

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

16 45 N, 62 12 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 102 sq km country comparison to the world: 225 land: 102 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

40 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: lava dome in English's Crater (in the Soufriere Hills volcanic complex) estimated at over 930 m (2006)

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 20%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 80% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (Soufriere Hills volcano has erupted continuously since 1995)

Environment - current issues:

land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation

Geography - note:

the island is entirely volcanic in origin and comprised of three major volcanic centers of differing ages

People ::Montserrat

Population:

5,118 country comparison to the world: 229 note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.6% (male 731/female 678)

15-64 years: 65.5% (male 1,599/female 1,738)

65 years and over: 6.9% (male 232/female 119) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.1 years

male: 28.8 years

female: 29.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.391% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Birth rate:

11.72 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Death rate:

7.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 115

Urbanization:

urban population: 14% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.033 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 2.03 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.8 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 119 male: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.91 years country comparison to the world: 119 male: 74.82 years

female: 70.91 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Montserratian(s)

adjective: Montserratian

Ethnic groups:

black, white

Religions:

Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day
Adventist, other Christian denominations

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 97% (1970 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 17 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 138

Government ::Montserrat

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Montserrat

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Plymouth

geographic coordinates: 16 42 N, 62 13 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 because of volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate in the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat

Administrative divisions:

3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

effective 19 December 1989

Legal system:

English common law and statutory law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Peter A. WATERWORTH (since 27 July 2007)

head of government: Chief Minister Rueben MEADE (since 10 September 2009)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief minister, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance secretary (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes chief minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats; 9 members popularly elected to serve five-year terms; the attorney general and financial secretary sit as ex-officio members)

elections: last held on 8 September 2009 (next to be held by 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MCAP 6, independents 3

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia, one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the High Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Montserrat Democratic Party or MDP [Lowell LEWIS]; Movement for
Change and Prosperity or MCAP [Roselyn CASSELL-SEALY]; New People's
Liberation Movement or NPLM [John A. OSBORNE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom, CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the arms feature a woman in green dress, Erin, the female personification of Ireland, standing beside a yellow harp and embracing a large dark cross with her right arm; Erin and the harp are symbols of Ireland reflecting the territory's Irish ancestry; blue represents awareness, trustworthiness, determination, and righteousness

National anthem:

note: as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Montserrat

Economy - overview:

Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, has put a damper on this small, open economy. A catastrophic eruption in June 1997 closed the airports and seaports, causing further economic and social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled the island. Some began to return in 1998 but lack of housing limited the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected by the lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of crops. Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation to the volcanic activity and on public sector construction activity. The UK has launched a three-year $122.8 million aid program to help reconstruct the economy. Half of the island is expected to remain uninhabitable for another decade.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$29 million (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 224

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

-1% (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,400 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.2%

industry: 23.1%

services: 75.7% (1999 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Unemployment rate:

6% (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 67 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 9.89% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$14.13 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 188 $14.51 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$69.63 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 186 $62.13 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$9.93 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 $5.537 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers; livestock products

Industries:

tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

22 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Electricity - consumption:

20.46 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Oil - imports:

521 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Exports:

$700,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Exports - commodities:

electronic components, plastic bags, apparel; hot peppers, limes, live plants; cattle

Imports:

$17 million (2001); $17 million country comparison to the world: 219

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials

Debt - external:

$8.9 million (1997) country comparison to the world: 191

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

note: fixed rate since 1976

Communications ::Montserrat

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 220

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 213

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern and fully digitalized

domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone systems available

international: country code - 1-664; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) optic submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad

Broadcast media:

Radio Montserrat, a public radio broadcaster, transmits on 1 station and has a repeater transmission to a second station; repeater transmissions from the GEM Radio Network of Trinidad and Tobago provide another 2 radio stations; cable and satellite TV are obtainable (2007)

Internet country code:

.ms

Internet hosts:

552 (2010) country comparison to the world: 177

Internet users:

1,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 212

Transportation ::Montserrat

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 205

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

note: volcanic eruptions that began in 1995 destroyed most of the 227 km road system; a new road infrastructure has been built in the north end of the island (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Little Bay, Plymouth

Military ::Montserrat

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Montserrat Police Force (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,339 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,127

females age 16-49: 1,217 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 38

female: 36 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Montserrat

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Morocco (Africa)

Introduction ::Morocco

Background:

In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, established a sultanate in Morocco beginning in the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Sultan MOHAMMED V, the current monarch's grandfather, organized the new state as a constitutional monarchy and in 1957 assumed the title of King. Morocco annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. Under King MOHAMMED VI - who in 1999 succeeded his father to the throne - human rights have improved. Morocco enjoys a moderately free press, but the government occasionally takes action against journalists who report on three broad subjects considered to be taboo: the monarchy, Islam, and the status of Western Sahara. Despite the continuing reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch.

Geography ::Morocco

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the
Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara

Geographic coordinates:

32 00 N, 5 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 446,550 sq km country comparison to the world: 57 land: 446,300 sq km

water: 250 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 2,017.9 km

border countries: Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) 9.6 km

Coastline:

1,835 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior

Terrain:

northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sebkha Tah -55 m

highest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt

Land use:

arable land: 19%

permanent crops: 2%

other: 79% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,450 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

29 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 12.6 cu km/yr (10%/3%/87%)

per capita: 400 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation); water supplies contaminated by raw sewage; siltation of reservoirs; oil pollution of coastal waters

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar

People ::Morocco

Population:

31,627,428 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.7% (male 4,548,808/female 4,418,768)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 10,009,928/female 10,437,103)

65 years and over: 6% (male 851,190/female 1,019,377) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.5 years

male: 25.9 years

female: 27 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.077% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Birth rate:

19.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Death rate:

4.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Net migration rate:

-3.88 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Urbanization:

urban population: 56% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 28.61 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 76 male: 33.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.69 years country comparison to the world: 77 male: 72.63 years

female: 78.9 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.23 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

21,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Nationality:

noun: Moroccan(s)

adjective: Moroccan

Ethnic groups:

Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Religions:

Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

Languages:

Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 52.3%

male: 65.7%

female: 39.6% (2004 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 11 years

female: 9 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

5.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 40

Government ::Morocco

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco

conventional short form: Morocco

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah

local short form: Al Maghrib

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Rabat

geographic coordinates: 34 01 N, 6 49 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

15 regions; Grand Casablanca, Chaouia-Ouardigha, Doukkala-Abda,
Fes-Boulemane, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Guelmim-Es Smara,
Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz,
Meknes-Tafilalet, Oriental, Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer,
Souss-Massa-Draa, Tadla-Azilal, Tanger-Tetouan, Taza-Al
Hoceima-Taounate

note: Morocco claims the territory of Western Sahara, the political status of which is considered undetermined by the US Government; portions of the regions Guelmim-Es Smara and Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra as claimed by Morocco lie within Western Sahara; Morocco also claims Oued Eddahab-Lagouira, another region that falls entirely within Western Sahara

Independence:

2 March 1956 (from France)

National holiday:

Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMMED VI to the throne), 30 July (1999)

Constitution:

10 March 1972; revised 4 September 1992, amended September 1996

note: the amendment of September 1996 was to create a bicameral legislature

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law systems; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King MOHAMMED VI (since 30 July 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Abbas EL FASSI (since 19 September 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch following legislative elections

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Chamber of Counselors (or upper house) (270 seats; members elected indirectly by local councils, professional organizations, and labor syndicates to serve nine-year terms; one-third of the members are elected every three years) and Chamber of Representatives (or lower house) (325 seats; 295 members elected by multi-seat constituencies and 30 from national lists of women; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Counselors - last held on 3 October 2009 (next to be held in 2012); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 7 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: Chamber of Counselors - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PI 52, PJD 46, MP 41, RNI 39, USFP 38, UC 27, PPS 17, FFD 9, MDS 9, Al Ahd 8, other 39

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed on the recommendation of the
Supreme Council of the Judiciary, presided over by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Action Party or PA [Mohammed EL IDRISSI]; Al Ahd (The Covenant)
Party [Najib EL OUAZZANI]; Alliance des Libert'es (Alliance of
Liberty) or ADL [Ali BELHAJ]; An-Nahj Ad-Dimocrati or An-Nahj
[Abdellah EL HARIF]; Authenticity and Modernity Party or PAM
[Mohamed Cheikh BIADILLAH, Secretary General]; Choura et Istiqlal
(Consultation and Independence) Party or PCI [Abdelwahed MAACH];
Citizens' Forces or FC [Abderrahman LAHJOUJI]; Citizenship and
Development Initiative or ICD [Mohamed BENHAMOU]; Constitutional
Union Party or UC [Mohammed ABIED]; Democratic and Social Movement
or MDS [Mahmoud ARCHANE]; Democratic Forces Front or FFD [Touhami EL
KHIARI]; Democratic Socialist Vanguard Party or PADS [Ahmed
BENJELLOUN]; Democratic Society Party or PSD [Zhor CHEKKAFI];
Democratic Union or UD [Bouazza IKKEN]; Environment and Development
Party or PED [Ahmed EL ALAMI]; Istiqlal (Independence) Party or PI
[Abbas EL FASSI]; Justice and Development Party or PJD [Abdelilah
BENKIRANE]; Labor Party or PT [Abdelkrim BENATIK]; Moroccan Liberal
Party or PML [Mohamed ZIANE]; National Democratic Party or PND
[Abdallah KADIRI]; National Ittihadi Congress Party or CNI
[Abdelmajid BOUZOUBAA]; National Popular Movement or MNP [Mahjoubi
AHERDANE]; National Rally of Independents or RNI [Mustapha EL
MANSOURI]; National Union of Popular Forces or UNFP [Abdellah
IBRAHIM]; Popular Movement or MP [Mohamed LAENSER]; Progress and
Socialism Party or PPS [Ismail ALAOUI]; Reform and Development Party
or PRD [Abderrahmane EL KOUHEN]; Renaissance and Virtue Party or PRV
[Mohamed KHALIDI]; Renewal and Equity Party or PRE [Chakir ACHABAR];
Social Center Party or PSC [Lahcen MADIH]; Socialist Democratic
Party or PSD [Aissa OUARDIGHI]; Socialist Union of Popular Forces or
USFP [Abdelwahed RADI]; Unified Socialist Left Party or PGSU
[Mohamed Ben Said AIT IDDER]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Democratic Confederation of Labor or CDT [Noubir AMAOUI]; General
Union of Moroccan Workers or UGTM [Abderrazzak AFILAL]; Moroccan
Employers Association or CGEM [Hassan CHAMI]; National Labor Union
of Morocco or UNMT [Abdelslam MAATI]; Union of Moroccan Workers or
UMT [Mahjoub BENSEDDIK]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA,
MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris
Club (associate), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS,
UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Aziz MEKOUAR

chancery: 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 462-7979

FAX: [1] (202) 265-0161

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Samuel L. KAPLAN

embassy: 2 Avenue de Mohamed El Fassi, Rabat

mailing address: PSC 74, Box 021, APO AE 09718

telephone: [212] (37) 76 22 65

FAX: [212] (37) 76 56 61

consulate(s) general: Casablanca

Flag description:

red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal in the center of the flag; red and green are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red is more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian gulf; the pentacle represents the five pillars of Islam and signifies the association between God and the nation; design dates to 1912

National anthem:

name: "Hymne Cherifien" (Hymn of the Sharif)

lyrics/music: Ali Squalli HOUSSAINI/Leo MORGAN

note: music adopted 1956, lyrics adopted 1970

Economy ::Morocco

Economy - overview:

Morocco's market economy benefits from the country's relatively low labor costs and proximity to Europe, which aid key areas of the economy such as agriculture, light manufacturing, tourism, and remittances. Morocco is also the world's largest exporter of phosphate, which has long provided a source of export earnings and economic stability. Economic policies pursued since 2003 by King MOHAMMED VI have brought macroeconomic stability to the country with generally low inflation, improved financial performance, and steady progress in developing the service and industrial sectors. In 2006, Morocco entered a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US, and in 2008 entered into an advanced status in its 2000 Association Agreement with the EU. However, poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment rates remain high. In response to these challenges, King MOHAMMED in 2005 launched a National Initiative for Human Development, a $2 billion program aimed at alleviating poverty and underdevelopment by expanding electricity to rural areas and replacing urban slums with public and subsidized housing, among other policies. Morocco's trade and budget deficits widened in 2010, and reducing govenment spending and adapting to sluggish economic growth in Europe will be challenges in 2011. Morocco's long-term challenges include improving education and job prospects for young Moroccans, closing the disparity in wealth between the rich and the poor, confronting corruption, and expanding and diversifying exports beyond phosphates and low-value-added products.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$153.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $147.6 billion (2009 est.)

$140.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$91.7 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 4.9% (2009 est.)

5.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $4,700 (2009 est.)

$4,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17.1%

industry: 31.6%

services: 51.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

11.63 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 44.6%

industry: 19.8%

services: 35.5% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 9.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

15% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%

highest 10%: 33.2% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.9 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 39.5 (1999 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

30.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Public debt:

58.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 56.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3.31% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 112 3.32% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.5% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$67.33 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 40 $64.58 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$108.7 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 51 $99.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$93.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $91.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$62.91 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 46 $65.75 billion (31 December 2008)

$75.49 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, citrus fruits, grapes, vegetables, olives; livestock; wine

Industries:

phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, energy, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

4.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Electricity - production:

19.78 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Electricity - consumption:

20.78 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.429 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

4,053 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Oil - consumption:

187,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Oil - exports:

17,420 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Oil - imports:

195,800 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Oil - proved reserves:

100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Natural gas - production:

60 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - consumption:

560 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - imports:

500 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.501 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Current account balance:

-$7.922 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 -$4.958 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$14.49 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $13.92 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing and textiles, electric components, inorganic chemicals, transistors, crude minerals, fertilizers (including phosphates), petroleum products, citrus fruits, vegetables, fish

Exports - partners:

Spain 22.02%, France 20.22%, India 4.91%, Italy 4% (2009)

Imports:

$34.19 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $30.55 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, textile fabric, telecommunications equipment, wheat, gas and electricity, transistors, plastics

Imports - partners:

France 16.95%, Spain 14.72%, China 7.1%, Italy 6.76%, Germany 6.28%,
US 5.66%, Saudi Arabia 5.11% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$24.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $23.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$22.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $21.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$42.19 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $40.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.047 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $1.333 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per US dollar - 8.3619 (2010), 8.0571 (2009), 7.526 (2008), 8.3563 (2007), 8.7722 (2006)

Communications ::Morocco

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.516 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 45

Telephones - mobile cellular:

25.311 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 35

Telephone system:

general assessment: good system composed of open-wire lines, cables, and microwave radio relay links; principal switching centers are Casablanca and Rabat; national network nearly 100% digital using fiber-optic links; improved rural service employs microwave radio relay; Internet available but expensive

domestic: fixed-line teledensity is roughly 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership approached 75 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 212; landing point for the Atlas Offshore, Estepona-Tetouan, Euroafrica, Spain-Morocco, and SEA-ME-WE-3 fiber-optical telecommunications undersea cables that provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria; participant in Medarabtel; fiber-optic cable link from Agadir to Algeria and Tunisia (2009)

Broadcast media:

2 television broadcast networks with state-run Radio-Television Marocaine (RTM) operating one network and the state partially owning the other; foreign TV broadcasts are available via satellite dish; 3 radio broadcast networks with RTM operating one; the government-owned network includes 10 regional radio channels in addition to its national service (2007)

Internet country code:

.ma

Internet hosts:

277,793 (2010) country comparison to the world: 61

Internet users:

13.213 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 29

Transportation ::Morocco

Airports:

58 (2010) country comparison to the world: 81

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 32

over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 26

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 830 km; oil 439 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,907 km country comparison to the world: 74 standard gauge: 1,907 km 1.435-m gauge (1,022 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 57,625 km country comparison to the world: 79 paved: 35,664 km (includes 639 km of expressways)

unpaved: 21,961 km (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 30 country comparison to the world: 84 by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, container 7, passenger/cargo 15, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 3

foreign-owned: 6 (France 4, Germany 2)

registered in other countries: 5 (Gibraltar 4, Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Casablanca, Jorf Lasfar, Mohammedia, Safi, Tangier

Military ::Morocco

Military branches:

Royal Armed Forces (Forces Armees Royales, FAR): Royal Moroccan Army
(includes Air Defense), Royal Moroccan Navy (includes Coast Guard,
Marines), Royal Moroccan Air Force (Al Quwwat al Jawyiya al Malakiya
Marakishiya; Force Aerienne Royale Marocaine) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; service obligation - 18 months (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,167,760

females age 16-49: 8,599,418 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,960,026

females age 16-49: 7,307,491 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 300,262

female: 298,227 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5% of GDP (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Transnational Issues ::Morocco

Disputes - international:

claims and administers Western Sahara whose sovereignty remains unresolved - UN-administered cease-fire has remained in effect since September 1991, but attempts to hold a referendum have failed and parties thus far have rejected all brokered proposals; Morocco protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; both countries claim Isla Perejil (Leila Island); discussions have not progressed on a comprehensive maritime delimitation, setting limits on resource exploration and refugee interdiction, since Morocco's 2002 rejection of Spain's unilateral designation of a median line from the Canary Islands; Morocco serves as one of the primary launching areas of illegal migration into Spain from North Africa

Illicit drugs:

one of the world's largest producers of illicit hashish; shipments of hashish mostly directed to Western Europe; transit point for cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe; significant consumer of cannabis

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Mozambique (Africa)

Introduction ::Mozambique

Background:

Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid 1990's. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, promised to continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment.

Geography ::Mozambique

Location:

Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South
Africa and Tanzania

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 S, 35 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 799,380 sq km country comparison to the world: 35 land: 786,380 sq km

water: 13,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,571 km

border countries: Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km

Coastline:

2,470 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical to subtropical

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m

Natural resources:

coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite

Land use:

arable land: 5.43%

permanent crops: 0.29%

other: 94.28% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,180 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

216 cu km (1992)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.63 cu km/yr (11%/2%/87%)

per capita: 32 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods in central and southern provinces

Environment - current issues:

a long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences; desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters; elephant poaching for ivory is a problem

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Zambezi flows through the north-central and most fertile part of the country

People ::Mozambique

Population:

22,061,451 country comparison to the world: 52 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected; the 1997 Mozambican census reported a population of 16,099,246 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.3% (male 4,829,272/female 4,773,209)

15-64 years: 52.8% (male 5,605,227/female 5,842,679)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 257,119/female 361,772) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.5 years

male: 17.1 years

female: 17.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.797% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Birth rate:

37.8 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Death rate:

19.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 114

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.017 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 103.82 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 6 male: 106.53 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 101.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 41.37 years country comparison to the world: 222 male: 42.05 years

female: 40.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.13 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

12.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.5 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

81,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Mozambican(s)

adjective: Mozambican

Ethnic groups:

African 99.66% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans 0.2%, Indians 0.08%

Religions:

Catholic 23.8%, Muslim 17.8%, Zionist Christian 17.5%, other 17.8%, none 23.1% (1997 census)

Languages:

Emakhuwa 26.1%, Xichangana 11.3%, Portuguese 8.8% (official; spoken by 27% of population as a second language), Elomwe 7.6%, Cisena 6.8%, Echuwabo 5.8%, other Mozambican languages 32%, other foreign languages 0.3%, unspecified 1.3% (1997 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 47.8%

male: 63.5%

female: 32.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years

male: 9 years

female: 7 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 70

Government ::Mozambique

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Mozambique

conventional short form: Mozambique

local long form: Republica de Mocambique

local short form: Mocambique

former: Portuguese East Africa

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Maputo

geographic coordinates: 25 57 S, 32 35 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), 1 city (cidade)*; Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Cidade de Maputo*, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia

Independence:

25 June 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 June (1975)

Constitution:

30 November 1990

Legal system:

based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Armando GUEBUZA (since 2 February 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Aires Bonifacio ALI (since 16 January 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Armando GUEBUZA reelected president; percent of vote - Armando GUEBUZA 76.3%, Afonso DHLAKAMA 14.9%, Daviz SIMANGO 8.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica (250 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 28 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - FRELIMO 74.7%, RENAMO 17.7%, MDM 3.9%, other 3.7%; seats by party - FRELIMO 191, RENAMO 51, MDM 8

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the court of final appeal; some of its professional judges are appointed by the president, and some are elected by the Assembly); other courts include an Administrative Court, Constitutional Court, customs courts, maritime courts, courts marshal, labor courts

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Movement of Mozambique (Movimento Democratico de
Mocambique) or MDM [Daviz SIMANGO]; Front for the Liberation of
Mozambique (Frente de Liberatacao de Mocambique) or FRELIMO [Armando
Emilio GUEBUZA]; Mozambique National Resistance (Resistencia
Nacional Mocambicana) or RENAMO [Afonso DHLAKAMA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Mozambican League of Human Rights (Liga Mocambicana dos Direitos
Humanos) or LDH [Alice MABOTE, president]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
(observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF (observer), OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Amelia Matos SUMBANA

chancery: 1525 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 293-7146

FAX: [1] (202) 835-0245

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Leslie V. ROWE

embassy: Avenida Kenneth Kuanda 193, Maputo

mailing address: P. O. Box 783, Maputo

telephone: [258] (21) 492797

FAX: [258] (21) 490114

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed on an open white book; green represents the riches of the land, white peace, black the African continent, yellow the country's minerals, and red the struggle for independence; the rifle symbolizes defense and vigilance, the hoe refers to the country's agriculture, the open book stresses the importance of education, and the star represents Marxism and internationalism

National anthem:

name: "Patria Amada" (Lovely Fatherland)

lyrics/music: Salomao J. MANHICA/unknown

note: adopted 2002

Economy ::Mozambique

Economy - overview:

At independence in 1975, Mozambique was one of the world's poorest countries. Socialist mismanagement and a brutal civil war from 1977-92 exacerbated the situation. In 1987, the government embarked on a series of macroeconomic reforms designed to stabilize the economy. These steps, combined with donor assistance and with political stability since the multi-party elections in 1994, have led to dramatic improvements in the country's growth rate. Fiscal reforms, including the introduction of a value-added tax and reform of the customs service, have improved the government's revenue collection abilities. In spite of these gains, Mozambique remains dependent upon foreign assistance for more than half of its annual budget, and the majority of the population remains below the poverty line. Subsistence agriculture continues to employ the vast majority of the country's work force and smallholder agricultural productivity and productivity growth is weak. A substantial trade imbalance persists although the opening of the Mozal aluminum smelter, the country's largest foreign investment project to date, has increased export earnings. At the end of 2007, and after years of negotiations, the government took over Portugal's majority share of the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectricity (HCB) company, a dam that was not transferred to Mozambique at independence because of the ensuing civil war and unpaid debts. More power is needed for additional investment projects in titanium extraction and processing and garment manufacturing that could further close the import/export gap. Mozambique's once substantial foreign debt has been reduced through forgiveness and rescheduling under the IMF's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and Enhanced HIPC initiatives, and is now at a manageable level. In July 2007 the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) signed a Compact with Mozambique; the Compact entered into force in September 2008 and will continue for five years. Compact projects will focus on improving sanitation, roads, agriculture, and the business regulation environment in an effort to spur economic growth in the four northern provinces of the country. Mozambique grew at an average annual rate of 9% in the decade up to 2007, one of Africa's strongest performances. However, heavy reliance on aluminum, which accounts for about one-third of exports, subjects the economy to volatile international prices. The sharp decline in aluminum prices during the global economic crisis lowered GDP growth by several percentage points. Despite 8.3% GDP growth in 2010, the increasing cost of living prompted citizens to riot in September 2010, after bread price increases were announced. In an attempt to contain the cost of living, the government implemented subsidies, decreased taxes and tariffs, and instituted other fiscal measures.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$22.19 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $20.49 billion (2009 est.)

$19.28 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$10.21 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 6.3% (2009 est.)

6.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218 $900 (2009 est.)

$900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 28.8%

industry: 26%

services: 45.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

9.87 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 81%

industry: 6%

services: 13% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

21% (1997 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Population below poverty line:

70% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 39.2% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

47.3 (2002) country comparison to the world: 33 39.6 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Public debt:

40.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 33.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217 3.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9.95% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 48 9.95% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.68% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 18.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.657 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 114 $2.812 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.803 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $4.074 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $2.311 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava (tapioca), corn, coconuts, sisal, citrus and tropical fruits, potatoes, sunflowers; beef, poultry

Industries:

food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), aluminum, petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Electricity - production:

15.91 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Electricity - consumption:

10.16 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Electricity - exports:

11.82 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

8.278 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Oil - consumption:

18,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Oil - imports:

13,760 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - production:

3.3 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Natural gas - consumption:

100 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - exports:

3.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - proved reserves:

127.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Current account balance:

-$1.028 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 -$866 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.517 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $1.947 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

aluminum, prawns, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber; bulk electricity

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 47.62%, South Africa 11.6% (2009)

Imports:

$3.527 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $3.059 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, chemicals, metal products, foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

South Africa 33.54%, Netherlands 8.42%, India 5.93%, China 4.24% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.982 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $1.829 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $4.246 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

meticais (MZM) per US dollar - 35 (2010), 26.283 (2009), 24.125 (2008), 26.264 (2007), 25.4 (2006)

Communications ::Mozambique

Telephones - main lines in use:

82,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 147

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.971 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 87

Telephone system:

general assessment: a fair telecommunications system that is shackled with a heavy state presence, lack of competition, and high operating costs and charges

domestic: stagnation in the fixed-line network contrasts with rapid growth in the mobile-cellular network; mobile-cellular coverage now includes all the main cities and key roads, including those from Maputo to the South African and Swaziland borders, the national highway through Gaza and Inhambane provinces, the Beira corridor, and from Nampula to Nacala; extremely low fixed-line teledensity; despite significant growth in mobile-cellular services, teledensity remains low at about 25 per 100 persons

international: country code - 258; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean); landing point for the SEACOM fiber-optic cable

Broadcast media:

1 state-run TV station supplemented by private TV station; Portuguese state TV's African service, RTP Africa, and Brazilian-owned TV Miramar are available; state-run radio provides nearly 100% territorial coverage and broadcasts in multiple languages; a number of privately-owned and community-operated stations also broadcast; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.mz

Internet hosts:

21,172 (2010) country comparison to the world: 109

Internet users:

613,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 113

Transportation ::Mozambique

Airports:

106 (2010) country comparison to the world: 54

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 23

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 83

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 34

under 914 m: 39 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 918 km; refined products 278 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,787 km country comparison to the world: 37 narrow gauge: 4,787 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 30,400 km country comparison to the world: 97 paved: 5,685 km

unpaved: 24,715 km (2000)

Waterways:

460 km (Zambezi River navigable to Tete and along Cahora Bassa Lake) (2010) country comparison to the world: 87

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 145 by type: cargo 2

foreign-owned: 2 (Belgium 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Beira, Maputo, Nacala

Military ::Mozambique

Military branches:

Mozambique Armed Defense Forces (FADM): Mozambique Army, Mozambique
Navy (Marinha de Guerra, MdG), Mozambique Air Force (Forca Aerea de
Mocambique, FAM) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

registration for military service is mandatory for all males and females at 18 years of age; 18-35 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary service; 2-year service obligation; women may serve as officers or enlisted (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,787,832 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,448,161

females age 16-49: 2,269,562 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 272,922

female: 272,062 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 149

Transnational Issues ::Mozambique

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

southern African transit point for South Asian hashish and heroin, and South American cocaine probably destined for the European and South African markets; producer of cannabis (for local consumption) and methaqualone (for export to South Africa); corruption and poor regulatory capability makes the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, but the lack of a well-developed financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Namibia (Africa)

Introduction ::Namibia

Background:

South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966 the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that became Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Namibia has been governed by SWAPO since the country won independence in 1990. Hifikepunye POHAMBA was elected president in November 2004 in a landslide victory replacing Sam NUJOMA who led the country during its first 14 years of self rule. POHAMBA was reelected in November 2009.

Geography ::Namibia

Location:

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

22 00 S, 17 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 824,292 sq km country comparison to the world: 34 land: 823,290 sq km

water: 1,002 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than half the size of Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 3,936 km

border countries: Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 967 km, Zambia 233 km

Coastline:

1,572 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Terrain:

mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Konigstein 2,606 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, silver, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, tungsten, zinc, salt, hydropower, fish

note: suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 0.99%

permanent crops: 0.01%

other: 99% (2005)

Irrigated land:

80 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

45.5 cu km (1991)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.3 cu km/yr (24%/5%/71%)

per capita: 148 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

prolonged periods of drought

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; desertification; wildlife poaching; land degradation has led to few conservation areas

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,
Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip

People ::Namibia

Population:

2,128,471 country comparison to the world: 142 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.9% (male 381,904/female 375,059)

15-64 years: 60.2% (male 641,995/female 627,146)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 36,894/female 45,667) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.4 years

male: 21.3 years

female: 21.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.909% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Birth rate:

21.82 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Death rate:

12.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Net migration rate:

0.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 45.52 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 57 male: 48.89 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 42.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 51.95 years country comparison to the world: 210 male: 52.25 years

female: 51.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.57 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

15.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

200,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Namibian(s)

adjective: Namibian

Ethnic groups:

black 87.5%, white 6%, mixed 6.5%

note: about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9% to the Kavangos tribe; other ethnic groups include Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

Religions:

Christian 80% to 90% (Lutheran 50% at least), indigenous beliefs 10% to 20%

Languages:

English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%, indigenous languages 1% (includes Oshivambo, Herero, Nama)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 85%

male: 86.8%

female: 83.5% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 23

Government ::Namibia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Namibia

conventional short form: Namibia

local long form: Republic of Namibia

local short form: Namibia

former: German Southwest Africa, South-West Africa

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Windhoek

geographic coordinates: 22 34 S, 17 05 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

Administrative divisions:

13 regions; Caprivi, Erongo, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa

Independence:

21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

Constitution:

ratified 9 February 1990, effective 12 March 1990

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21 March 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Nahas ANGULA (since 21 March 2005)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 27-28 November 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Hifikepunye POHAMBA reelected president; percent of vote - Hifikepunye POHAMBA 76.4%, Hidipo HAMUTENYA 11.0%, Katuutire KAURA 3.0%, Kuaima RIRUAKO 2.9%, Justus GAROEB 2.4%, Ignatius SHIXWAMENI 1.3%, Hendrick MUDGE 1.2%, other 1.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the National Council, primarily an advisory body (26 seats; two members chosen from each regional council to serve six-year terms), and the National Assembly (72 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: National Council - elections for regional councils to determine members of the National Council held on 29-30 November 2004 (next to be held on 26-27 November 2010); National Assembly - last held on 26-27 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2014)

election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - SWAPO 89.7%, UDF 4.7%, NUDO 2.8%, DTA 1.9%, other 0.9%; seats by party - SWAPO 24, UDF 1, DTA 1; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - SWAPO 75.3%, RDP 11.3%, DTA 3.1%, NUDO 3.0%, UDF 2.4%, APP 1.4%, RP 0.8%, COD 0.7%, SWANU 0.6%, other 1.3%; seats by party - SWAPO 54, RDP 8, DTA 2, NUDO 2, UDF 2, APP 1, RP 1, COD 1, SWANU 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission)

Political parties and leaders:

All People's Party or APP [Ignatius SHIXWAMENI]; Congress of
Democrats or COD [Benjamin ULENGA]; Democratic Turnhalle Alliance of
Namibia or DTA [Katuutire KAURA]; Monitor Action Group or MAG [Jurie
VILJOEN]; National Democratic Movement for Change or NamDMC;
National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO [Kuaima RIRUAKO];
Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Hidipo HAMUTENYA];
Republican Party or RP [Hendrick MUDGE]; South West Africa National
Union or SWANU [Usutuaije MAAMBERUA]; South West Africa People's
Organization or SWAPO [Hifikepunye POHAMBA]; United Democratic Front
or UDF [Justus GAROEB]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Earthlife Namibia [Berthchen KOHRS] (environmentalist group);
National Society for Human Rights or NSHR; The World Information
Services of Energy or WISE (group against nuclear power)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Martin ANDJABA

chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540

FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gail Dennise MATHIEU

embassy: 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek

mailing address: Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek

telephone: [264] (61) 295-8500

FAX: [264] (61) 295-8603

Flag description:

a wide red stripe edged by narrow white stripes divides the flag diagonally from lower hoist corner to upper fly corner; the upper hoist-side triangle is blue and charged with a yellow, 12-rayed sunburst; the lower fly-side triangle is green; red signifies the heroism of the people and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity for all; white stands for peace, unity, tranquility, and harmony; blue represents the Namibian sky and the Atlantic Ocean, the country's precious water resources and rain; the yellow sun denotes power and existence; green symbolizes vegetation and agricultural resources

National anthem:

name: "Namibia, Land of the Brave"

lyrics/music: Axali DOESEB

note: adopted 1991

Economy ::Namibia

Economy - overview:

The economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for 8% of GDP, but provides more than 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of nonfuel minerals in Africa, the world's fifth-largest producer of uranium, and the producer of large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver, and tungsten. The mining sector employs only about 3% of the population while about 35-40% of the population depends on subsistence agriculture for its livelihood. Namibia normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years food shortages are a major problem in rural areas. A high per capita GDP, relative to the region, hides one of the world's most unequal income distributions, as shown by Namibia's GINI coefficient. The Namibian economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. Until 2010, Namibia drew 40% of its budget revenues from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Increased payments from SACU put Namibia's budget into surplus in 2007 for the first time since independence. SACU allotments to Namibia increased in 2009, but will drop for 2010 and 2011 because South Africa went into recession during the global economic crisis, reducing overall SACU income. Increased fish production and mining of zinc, copper, uranium, and silver spurred growth in 2003-08, but growth in recent years was undercut by poor fish catches, higher costs of producing metals, and the global recession.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.64 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $14.06 billion (2009 est.)

$14.17 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.45 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 -0.8% (2009 est.)

4.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $6,700 (2009 est.)

$6,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9%

industry: 32.7%

services: 58.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

729,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 16.3%

industry: 22.4%

services: 61.3% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

51.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193 36.7% (2004 est.)

Population below poverty line:

55.8%

note: the UNDP's 2005 Human Development Report indicated that 34.9% of the population live on $1 per day and 55.8% live on $2 per day (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.1%

highest 10%: 53% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

70.7 (2003) country comparison to the world: 1

Investment (gross fixed):

24% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Public debt:

20% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 15.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 8.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 47 10% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.12% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 13.74% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.049 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 109 $2.495 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.756 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $3.691 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$5.122 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $4.041 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$846.3 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 101 $618.7 million (31 December 2008)

$702 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

millet, sorghum, peanuts, grapes; livestock; fish

Industries:

meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products; mining (diamonds, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper)

Industrial production growth rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Electricity - production:

1.491 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Electricity - consumption:

2.845 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Electricity - exports:

40 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.045 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Oil - consumption:

22,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Oil - imports:

19,120 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - proved reserves:

62.29 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Current account balance:

-$187 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 -$160.9 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$4.277 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $3.535 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium; cattle, processed fish, karakul skins

Imports:

$5.152 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $4.519 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs; petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.961 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $2.051 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.373 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $2.175 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Namibian dollars (NAD) per US dollar - 7.57 (2010), 8.4234 (2009), 7.75 (2008), 7.18 (2007), 6.7649 (2006)

Communications ::Namibia

Telephones - main lines in use:

142,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 134

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.217 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 142

Telephone system:

general assessment: good system; core fiber-optic network links most centers and connections are now digital

domestic: multiple mobile-cellular providers with a combined subscribership of nearly 60 telephones per 100 persons; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 65 per 100 persons

international: country code - 264; fiber-optic cable to South Africa, microwave radio relay link to Botswana, direct links to other neighboring countries; connected to the South African Far East (SAFE) submarine cable through South Africa; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 private and 1 state-run television station; satellite and cable TV service is available; state-run radio service broadcasts in multiple languages; about a dozen private radio stations operating; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.na

Internet hosts:

76,020 (2010) country comparison to the world: 80

Internet users:

127,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 151

Transportation ::Namibia

Airports:

129 (2010) country comparison to the world: 46

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 21

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 108

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 25

914 to 1,523 m: 71

under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Railways:

total: 2,629 km country comparison to the world: 65 narrow gauge: 2,629 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 64,189 km country comparison to the world: 72 paved: 5,477 km

unpaved: 58,712 km (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 156 by type: cargo 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Luderitz, Walvis Bay

Military ::Namibia

Military branches:

Namibian Defense Force (NDF): Army, Navy, Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 554,531 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 341,783

females age 16-49: 304,496 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 26,152

female: 25,790 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 31

Transnational Issues ::Namibia

Disputes - international:

concerns from international experts and local populations over the Okavango Delta ecology in Botswana and human displacement scuttled Namibian plans to construct a hydroelectric dam on Popa Falls along the Angola-Namibia border; managed dispute with South Africa over the location of the boundary in the Orange River; Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 4,700 (Angola) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Nauru (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Nauru

Background:

The exact origins of the Nauruans are unclear since their language does not resemble any other in the Pacific. The island was annexed by Germany in 1888. Its phosphate deposits began to be mined early in the 20th century by a German-British consortium. Nauru was occupied by Australian forces in World War I and subsequently became a League of Nations mandate. After the Second World War - and a brutal occupation by Japan - Nauru became a UN trust territory. It achieved independence in 1968 and joined the UN in 1999 as the world's smallest independent republic.

Geography ::Nauru

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall
Islands

Geographic coordinates:

0 32 S, 166 55 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 21 sq km country comparison to the world: 239 land: 21 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

30 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to February)

Terrain:

sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation along plateau rim 61 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources, roof storage tanks collect rainwater but mostly dependent on a single, aging desalination plant; intensive phosphate mining during the past 90 years - mainly by a UK, Australia, and NZ consortium - has left the central 90% of Nauru a wasteland and threatens limited remaining land resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the
Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and
Makatea in French Polynesia; only 53 km south of Equator

People ::Nauru

Population:

9,267 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 225

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.7% (male 2,482/female 2,384)

15-64 years: 63.2% (male 4,362/female 4,495)

65 years and over: 2.1% (male 151/female 145) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.8 years

male: 24 years

female: 23.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.594% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Birth rate:

28.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Death rate:

6.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Net migration rate:

-16.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 219

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 0.838 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.81 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 157 male: 11.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.99 years country comparison to the world: 166 male: 60.93 years

female: 68.39 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.13 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Nauruan(s)

adjective: Nauruan

Ethnic groups:

Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%

Religions:

Nauru Congregational 35.4%, Roman Catholic 33.2%, Nauru Independent
Church 10.4%, other 14.1%, none 4.5%, unspecified 2.4% (2002 census)

Languages:

Nauruan (official; a distinct Pacific Island language), English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes

Literacy:

NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 8 years

female: 9 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Nauru

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Nauru

conventional short form: Nauru

local long form: Republic of Nauru

local short form: Nauru

former: Pleasant Island

Government type:

republic

Capital:

no official capital; government offices in Yaren District

time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren

Independence:

31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 31 January (1968)

Constitution:

29 January 1968; amended 17 May 1968

Legal system:

acts of the Nauru Parliament and British common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by parliament for a three-year term; election last held on 1 November 2010 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: Marcus STEPHEN reelected in a parliamentary vote of 11 to 6

Legislative branch:

unicameral parliament (18 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 June 2010 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 18

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Kennan ADEANG]; Nauru First (Naoero Amo) Party;
Nauru Party (informal); note - loose multiparty system

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Woman Information and News Agency (women's issues)

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF,
Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Marlene I. MOSES

chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400 D, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 937-0074

FAX: [1] (212) 937-0079

consulate(s): Agana (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Nauru

Flag description:

blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the center and a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the hoist side; blue stands for the Pacific Ocean, the star indicates the country's location in relation to the Equator (the yellow stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru

National anthem:

name: "Nauru Bwiema" (Song of Nauru)

lyrics/music: Margaret HENDRIE/Laurence Henry HICKS

note: adopted 1968

Economy ::Nauru

Economy - overview:

Revenues of this tiny island have traditionally come from exports of phosphates now significantly depleted. An Australian company in 2005 entered into an agreement intended to exploit remaining supplies. Few other resources exist with most necessities being imported, mainly from Australia its former occupier and later major source of support. The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. Reserves of phosphates may only last until 2010 at current mining rates. In anticipation of the exhaustion of Nauru's phosphate deposits, substantial amounts of phosphate income were invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's economic future. As a result of heavy spending from the trust funds, the government faces virtual bankruptcy. To cut costs the government has frozen wages and reduced overstaffed public service departments. Nauru lost further revenue in 2008 with the closure of Australia's refugee processing center, making it almost totally dependent on food imports and foreign aid. Housing, hospitals, and other capital plant is deteriorating. The cost to Australia of keeping the government and economy afloat continues to climb. Few comprehensive statistics on the Nauru economy exist with estimates of Nauru's GDP varying widely.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$60 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,000 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force - by occupation:

note: employed in mining phosphates, public administration, education, and transportation (1992)

Unemployment rate:

90% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Agriculture - products:

coconuts

Industries:

phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

31 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Electricity - consumption:

28.83 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Oil - imports:

1,026 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Exports:

$64,000 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Exports - commodities:

phosphates

Imports:

$20 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Imports - commodities:

food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery

Debt - external:

$33.3 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Nauru

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 225

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,500 (2002) country comparison to the world: 216

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate local and international radiotelephone communication provided via Australian facilities

domestic: NA

international: country code - 674; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 government-owned television station broadcasting programs from New Zealand sent via satellite or on videotape; 1 government-owned radio station, broadcasting on AM and FM, utilizes Australian and British programs (2009)

Internet country code:

.nr

Internet hosts:

4,158 (2010) country comparison to the world: 140

Transportation ::Nauru

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 215

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 24 km country comparison to the world: 219 paved: 24 km (2002)

Ports and terminals:

Nauru

Military ::Nauru

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Nauru Police Force (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,682 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,683

females age 16-49: 3,059 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 174

female: 168 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

Nauru maintains no defense forces; under an informal agreement, defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues ::Nauru

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Navassa Island (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Navassa Island

Background:

This uninhabited island was claimed by the US in 1857 for its guano. Mining took place between 1865 and 1898. The lighthouse, built in 1917, was shut down in 1996 and administration of Navassa Island transferred from the Coast Guard to the Department of the Interior. A 1998 scientific expedition to the island described it as a unique preserve of Caribbean biodiversity; the following year it became a National Wildlife Refuge and annual scientific expeditions have continued.

Geography ::Navassa Island

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, 35 miles west of Tiburon
Peninsula of Haiti

Geographic coordinates:

18 25 N, 75 02 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 5.4 sq km country comparison to the world: 245 land: 5.4 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

8 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

marine, tropical

Terrain:

raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to undulating; ringed by vertical white cliffs (9 to 15 m high)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation on southwest side 77 m

Natural resources:

guano

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

strategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; mostly exposed rock with numerous solution holes but with enough grassland to support goat herds; dense stands of fig trees, scattered cactus

People ::Navassa Island

Population:

uninhabited

note: transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island

Government ::Navassa Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Navassa Island

Dependency status:

unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US; administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the Interior from the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Boqueron, Puerto Rico; in September 1996 the Coast Guard ceased operations and maintenance of Navassa Island Light a 46-meter-tall lighthouse on the southern side of the island; there has also been a private claim advanced against the island

Legal system:

the laws of the US where applicable apply

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy ::Navassa Island

Economy - overview:

Subsistence fishing and commercial trawling occur within refuge waters.

Communications ::Navassa Island

Broadcast media:

no television or radio broadcast stations (2009)

Transportation ::Navassa Island

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Navassa Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Navassa Island

Disputes - international:

claimed by Haiti, source of subsistence fishing

page last updated on November 17, 2010

======================================================================

@Nepal (South Asia)

Introduction ::Nepal

Background:

In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. An insurgency led by Maoist extremists broke out in 1996. The ensuing ten-year civil war between insurgents and government forces witnessed the dissolution of the cabinet and parliament and assumption of absolute power by the king. Several weeks of mass protests in April 2006 were followed by several months of peace negotiations between the Maoists and government officials, and culminated in a November 2006 peace accord and the promulgation of an interim constitution. Following a nation-wide election in April 2008, the newly formed Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a federal democratic republic and abolished the monarchy at its first meeting the following month. The Constituent Assembly elected the country's first president in July. The Maoists, who received a plurality of votes in the Constituent Assembly election, formed a coalition government in August 2008, but resigned in May 2009 after the president overruled a decision to fire the chief of the army staff. The Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist and the Nepali Congress party then formed a new coalition government with several smaller parties. In June 2010, the prime minister resigned but, as of December 2010, continued to lead a caretaker government while the parties debate who should lead the next government. Disagreements among the political parties over issues such as the future of former Maoist combatants has hindered the drafting of a new constitution — due in May 2011 — and the formal conclusion of the peace process.

Geography ::Nepal

Location:

Southern Asia, between China and India

Geographic coordinates:

28 00 N, 84 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 147,181 sq km country comparison to the world: 93 land: 143,351 sq km

water: 3,830 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Arkansas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,926 km

border countries: China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south

Terrain:

Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m

highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Natural resources:

quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 16.07%

permanent crops: 0.85%

other: 83.08% (2005)

Irrigated land:

11,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

210.2 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 10.18 cu km/yr (3%/1%/96%)

per capita: 375 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

severe thunderstorms; flooding; landslides; drought and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (overuse of wood for fuel and lack of alternatives); contaminated water (with human and animal wastes, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents); wildlife conservation; vehicular emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga - the world's tallest and third tallest - on the borders with China and India respectively

People ::Nepal

Population:

28,951,852 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.6% (male 5,327,484/female 5,127,178)

15-64 years: 59.2% (male 8,094,494/female 8,812,675)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 566,666/female 634,880) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.2 years

male: 20.2 years

female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.419% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Birth rate:

22.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Death rate:

6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Net migration rate:

-1.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Urbanization:

urban population: 17% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 46 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 56 male: 45.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 46.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 65.81 years country comparison to the world: 163 male: 64.62 years

female: 67.05 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.53 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

70,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: Japanese encephalitis, malaria, and dengue fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Nepalese (singular and plural)

adjective: Nepalese

Ethnic groups:

Chhettri 15.5%, Brahman-Hill 12.5%, Magar 7%, Tharu 6.6%, Tamang 5.5%, Newar 5.4%, Muslim 4.2%, Kami 3.9%, Yadav 3.9%, other 32.7%, unspecified 2.8% (2001 census)

Religions:

Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6%, other 0.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

Nepali (official) 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5% (2001 census)

note: many in government and business also speak English (2001 est.)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 48.6%

male: 62.7%

female: 34.9% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 10 years

female: 8 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 116

Government ::Nepal

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

conventional short form: Nepal

local long form: Sanghiya Loktantrik Ganatantra Nepal

local short form: Nepal

Government type:

federal democratic republic

Capital:

name: Kathmandu

geographic coordinates: 27 43 N, 85 19 E

time difference: UTC+5.75 (10.75 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti

Independence:

1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan SHAH)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 29 May; Democracy Day, 24 April

Constitution:

15 January 2007 (interim Constitution); note - in April 2008, a Constituent Assembly was elected to draft and promulgate a new constitution by May 2010, but the deadline has been extended to May 2011

Legal system:

based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ram Baran YADAV (since 23 July 2008); Vice President Paramananda JHA (since 23 July 2008)

head of government: vacant; Prime Minister Madhav Kumar NEPAL resigned on 30 June 2010 but leads a caretaker government

cabinet: cabinet was formed in May 2009 by a majority coalition made up of the Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist, Nepali Congress, Madhesi People's Rights Forum, Nepal-Democratic, and several smaller parties (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Parliament; term extends until the new constitution is promulgated; election last held on 21 July 2008; date of next election NA

election results: Ram Baran YADAV elected president by the Constituent Assembly in a second round of voting on 21 July 2008; Ram Baran YADAV 308, Ram Jaja Prasad SINGH 282

Legislative branch:

unicameral Constituent Assembly (601 seats; 240 members elected by direct popular vote, 335 by proportional representation, and 26 appointed by the Cabinet (Council of Ministers))

elections: last held on 10 April 2008 (next to be held NA)

election results: percent of vote by party - CPN-M 38%, NC 19%, CPN-UML 19%,Madhesi People's Right Forum 9%, Terai Madhes Democratic Party and Sadbhawana Party 5%, other 15%; seats by party - CPN-M 220, NC 110, CPN-UML 103, Madhesi People's Rights Forum 52, Terai Madhes Democratic Party 20, Sadbhawana Party 9, other smaller parties 56; note - 26 seats filled by the new Cabinet and are included in the seat totals above

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Sarbochha Adalat (the president appoints the chief justice on recommendation of the Constitutional Council; the chief justice appoints other judges on the recommendation of the Judicial Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Chure Bhawar Rastriya Ekata Party [Keshav Prasad MAINALI]; Communist
Party of Nepal-Maoist (inactive); Communist Party of Nepal-Marxist
Leninist or CPN-ML [C.P. MAINALI]; Communist Party of Nepal-Unified
[Raj Singh SHRIS]; Communist Party of Nepal-United [Chandra Dev
JOSHI]; Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist or CPN-UML
[Jhalanath KHANAL]; Dalit Janajati Party [Vishwendraman PASHWAN];
Federal Democratic National Forum; Madhesi People's Rights
Forum-Democratic [Bijay Kumar GACHHADAR]; Madhesi People's Rights
Forum-Nepal [Upendra YADAV]; Nepal Loktantrik Samajbadi Dal [Upendra
GACHCHHADAR]; Nepal Pariwar Dal [Eknath DHAKAL]; Nepal Sadbhavana
Party-Anandi Devi [Sarita GIRI]; Nepal Workers and Peasants Party or
[Narayan Man BIJUKCHHE]; Nepali Congress or NC [Sushil KOIRALA];
Nepali Janata Dal [Harish Chandra SHA]; Newa Rastriya Party [Keshav
Man SHAKYA]; Rastriya Janamorcha [Chitra Bahadur K.C.]; Rastriya
Janamukti Party [Malwar Singh THAPA]; Rastriya Janashakti Party or
RJP [Surya Bahadur THAPA]; Rastriya Prajantantra Party [Pashupati
Shumsher RANA]; Rastriya Prajantantra Party Nepal [Kamal THAPA];
Sadbhavana Party [Rajendra MAHATO]; Samajbadi Prajatantrik Janata
Party Nepal [Prem Bahadur SINGH]; Terai Madhes Democratic Party
[Mahantha THAKUR]; Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) [Pushpa
Kamal DAHAL, also known as PRACHANDA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: several small armed Madhesi groups along the southern border with India; a variety of groups advocating regional autonomy for individual ethnic groups

International organization participation:

ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO,
NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Shankar Prasad SHARMA

chancery: 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 667-4550

FAX: [1] (202) 667-5534

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Scott H. DELISI

embassy: Maharajgunj, Kathmandu

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [977] (1) 400-7200

FAX: [977] (1) 400-7272

Flag description:

red with a blue border around the unique shape of two overlapping right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a white stylized moon and the larger, lower triangle displays a white 12-pointed sun; the color red represents the rhododendron (Nepal's national flower) and is a sign of victory and bravery, the blue border signifies peace and harmony; the two right triangles are a combination of two single pennons (pennants) that originally symbolized the Himalaya Mountains while their charges represented the families of the king (upper) and the prime minister, but today they are understood to denote Hinduism and Buddhism, the country's two main religions; the moon represents the serenity of the Nepalese people and the shade and cool weather in the Himalayas, while the sun depicts the heat and higher temperatures of the lower parts of Nepal; the moon and the sun are also said to express the hope that the nation will endure as long as these heavenly bodies

note: Nepal is the only country in the world whose flag is not rectangular or square

National anthem:

name: "Sayaun Thunga Phool Ka" (Hundreds of Flowers)

lyrics/music: Pradeep Kumar RAI/Ambar GURUNG

note: adopted 2007; after the abolition of the monarchy in 2006, a new anthem was required because of the previous anthem's praise for the king

Economy ::Nepal

Economy - overview:

Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world, with almost one-quarter of its population living below the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for three-fourths of the population and accounting for about one-third of GDP. Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural products, including pulses, jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Nepal has considerable scope for exploiting its potential in hydropower, with an estimated 42,000 MW of feasible capacity, but political instability hampers foreign investment. Additional challenges to Nepal's growth include its landlocked geographic location, civil strife and labor unrest, and its susceptibility to natural disaster.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$35.31 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $34.11 billion (2009 est.)

$32.58 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$15.11 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 4.7% (2009 est.)

5.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208 $1,200 (2009 est.)

$1,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 33%

industry: 15%

services: 52% (FY09 est.)

Labor force:

18 million country comparison to the world: 32 note: severe lack of skilled labor (2009 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 75%

industry: 7%

services: 18% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

46% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 42% (2004 est.)

Population below poverty line:

24.7% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 6%

highest 10%: 40.6% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

47.2 (2008) country comparison to the world: 34 36.7 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.6% (September 2010) country comparison to the world: 193 13.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 66 6.5% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 8% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.03 billion (July 2010) country comparison to the world: 110 $2.72 billion (July 2009)

Stock of broad money:

$10.01 billion (July 2010) country comparison to the world: 99 $10.67 billion (July 2009)

Stock of domestic credit:

$9 billion (July 2010) country comparison to the world: 96 $7.7 billion (July 2009)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$5.2 billion (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 78 $5.485 billion (31 December 2009)

$4.894 billion (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

pulses, rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, jute, root crops; milk, water buffalo meat

Industries:

tourism, carpets, textiles; small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarettes, cement and brick production

Industrial production growth rate:

1.8% (FY08) country comparison to the world: 135

Electricity - production:

2.6 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Electricity - consumption:

2.243 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

213 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Oil - consumption:

18,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Oil - imports:

16,920 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Current account balance:

-$449 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 114 $537 million (2009)

Exports:

$849 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 156 $907 million (2008)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, pulses, carpets, textiles, juice, pashima, jute goods

Exports - partners:

India 65.6%, US 8%, Bangladesh 6.04%, Germany 5% (2009)

Imports:

$5.26 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 110 $4.1 billion (2008)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, machinery and equipment, gold, electrical goods, medicine

Imports - partners:

India 57%, China 13% (2009)

Debt - external:

$4.5 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 108 $3.285 billion (2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Nepalese rupees (NPR) per US dollar - 72.56 (2010), 77.44 (2009), 65.21 (2008), 70.35 (2007), 72.446 (2006)

Communications ::Nepal

Telephones - main lines in use:

820,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 85

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.618 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 77

Telephone system:

general assessment: poor telephone and telegraph service; fair radiotelephone communication service and mobile-cellular telephone network

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone service subscribership base only about 30 per 100 persons

international: country code - 977; radiotelephone communications; microwave landline to India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

state operates 2 television stations as well as national and regional radio stations; more than 60 independent radio stations and a small number of independent television stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.np

Internet hosts:

43,928 (2010) country comparison to the world: 91

Internet users:

577,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 116

Transportation ::Nepal

Airports:

47 (2010) country comparison to the world: 93

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 36

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 31 (2010)

Railways:

total: 59 km country comparison to the world: 130 narrow gauge: 59 km 0.762-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 17,282 km country comparison to the world: 119 paved: 10,142 km

unpaved: 7,140 km (2007)

Military ::Nepal

Military branches:

Nepal Army (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of age for military training; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,699,614

females age 16-49: 7,388,240 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,053,600

females age 16-49: 5,730,116 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 374,882

female: 361,848 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 93

Transnational Issues ::Nepal

Disputes - international:

joint border commission continues to work on contested sections of boundary with India, including the 400 square kilometer dispute over the source of the Kalapani River; India has instituted a stricter border regime to restrict transit of Maoist insurgents and illegal cross-border activities; approximately 106,000 Bhutanese Lhotshampas (Hindus) have been confined in refugee camps in southeastern Nepal since 1990

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 107,803 (Bhutan); 20,153 (Tibet/China)

IDPs: 50,000-70,000 (remaining from ten-year Maoist insurgency that officially ended in 2006; displacement spread across the country) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis and hashish for the domestic and international drug markets; transit point for opiates from Southeast Asia to the West

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Netherlands (Europe)

Introduction ::Netherlands

Background:

The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999. In October 2010, the former Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and the three smallest islands - Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba - became special municipalities in the Netherlands administrative structure. The larger islands of Sint Maarten and Curacao joined the Netherlands and Aruba as constituent countries forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Geography ::Netherlands

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany

Geographic coordinates:

52 30 N, 5 45 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 41,543 sq km country comparison to the world: 134 land: 33,893 sq km

water: 7,650 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,027 km

border countries: Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km

Coastline:

451 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m

highest point: Mount Scenery 862 m (on the island of Saba in the Caribbean, now considered an integral part of the Netherlands following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles)

note: the highest point on continental Netherlands is Vaalserberg at 322 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, peat, limestone, salt, sand and gravel, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 21.96%

permanent crops: 0.77%

other: 77.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

5,650 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

89.7 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.86 cu km/yr (6%/60%/34%)

per capita: 544 cu m/yr (2001)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea,
Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands,
Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or Meuse, and Schelde)

People ::Netherlands

Population:

16,783,092 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.4% (male 1,485,873/female 1,416,999)

15-64 years: 67.7% (male 5,720,387/female 5,604,014)

65 years and over: 14.9% (male 1,070,496/female 1,418,230) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.8 years

male: 40 years

female: 41.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.39% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Birth rate:

10.3 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Death rate:

8.78 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Net migration rate:

2.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Urbanization:

urban population: 82% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.66 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 193 male: 5.16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.55 years country comparison to the world: 34 male: 76.94 years

female: 82.3 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.66 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

18,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Nationality:

noun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)

adjective: Dutch

Ethnic groups:

Dutch 80.7%, EU 5%, Indonesian 2.4%, Turkish 2.2%, Surinamese 2%,
Moroccan 2%, Caribbean 0.8%, other 4.8% (2008 est.)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 30%, Dutch Reformed 11%, Calvinist 6%, other
Protestant 3%, Muslim 5.8%, other 2.2%, none 42% (2006)

Languages:

Dutch (official), Frisian (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 17 years

female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 45

Government ::Netherlands

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of the Netherlands

conventional short form: Netherlands

local long form: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden

local short form: Nederland

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Amsterdam

geographic coordinates: 52 23 N, 4 54 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

note: The Hague is the seat of government; time descriptions apply to the continental Netherlands only, not to the Caribbean components

Administrative divisions:

12 provinces (provincies, singular - provincie); Drenthe, Flevoland,
Fryslan (Friesland), Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant
(North Brabant), Noord-Holland (North Holland), Overijssel, Utrecht,
Zeeland (Zealand), Zuid-Holland (South Holland)

Dependent areas:

Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten

Independence:

23 January 1579 (the northern provinces of the Low Countries conclude the Union of Utrecht breaking with Spain; on 26 July 1581 they formally declared their independence with an Act of Abjuration; however, it was not until 30 January 1648 and the Peace of Westphalia that Spain recognized this independence)

National holiday:

Queen's Day (Birthday of deceased Queen-Mother JULIANA and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April (1909 and 1980)

Constitution:

adopted 1815; amended many times, most recently in 2002

Legal system:

based on civil law system incorporating French penal theory; constitution does not permit judicial review of acts of the States General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980); Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of the monarch

head of government: Prime Minister Mark RUTTE (since 14 October 2010); Deputy Prime Minister Maxime VERHAGEN (since 14 October 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamber elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; deputy prime ministers appointed by the monarch

note: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heir apparent, and councilors that provides consultations to the cabinet on legislative and administrative policy

Legislative branch:

bicameral States General or Staten Generaal consists of the First Chamber or Eerste Kamer (75 seats; members indirectly elected by the country's 12 provincial councils to serve four-year terms) and the Second Chamber or Tweede Kamer (150 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: First Chamber - last held 29 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2011); Second Chamber - last held 9 June 2010 (next to be held by May 2015)

election results: First Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - CDA 21, PvdA 14, VVD 14, Socialist Party 11, Christian Union 4, Green Left Party 4, D66 2, other 5; Second Chamber - percent of vote by party - VVD 20.5%, PvdA 19.6%, PVV, 15.4%, CDA 13.6%, SP 9.8%, D66 6.9%, GL 6.7%, CU 3.2, other 4.3%; seats by party - VVD 31, PvdA 30, PVV 24, CDA 21, SP 15, D66 10, GL 10, CU 5, other 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hoge Raad (justices are nominated for life by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Appeal or CDA [Maxime VERHAGEN]; Christian
Union [Andre ROUVOET]; Democrats 66 or D66 [Alexander PECHTOLD];
Green Left [Jolande SAP]; Labor Party or PvdA [Job COHEN]; Party for
Freedom or PVV [Geert WILDERS]; Party for the Animals or PvdD
[Marianne THIEME]; People's Party for Freedom and Democracy or VVD
[Mark RUTTE] (Liberal); Reformed Political Party of SGP [Kees VAN
DER STAAIJ]; Socialist Party [Emile ROEMER]; plus a few minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Christian Trade Union Federation or CNV [Jaap SMIT]; Confederation
of Netherlands Industry and Employers or VNO-NCW [Bernard WIENTJES];
Federation for Small and Medium-sized businesses or MKB [Loek
HERMANS]; Netherlands Trade Union Federation or FNV [Agnes
JONGERIUS]; Social Economic Council or SER [Alexander RINNOOY KAN];
Trade Union Federation of Middle and High Personnel or MHP [Richard
STEENBORG]

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council
(observer), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CBSS (observer), CE,
CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-10, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA,
Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Regina "Renee" JONES-BOS

chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300, [1] 877-388-2443

FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York

consulate(s): Boston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Fay HARTOG LEVIN

embassy: Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ, The Hague

mailing address: PSC 71, Box 1000, APO AE 09715

telephone: [31] (70) 310-2209

FAX: [31] (70) 361-4688

consulate(s) general: Amsterdam

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue; similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is longer; the colors were those of WILLIAM I, Prince of Orange, who led the Dutch Revolt against Spanish sovereignty in the latter half of the 16th century; originally the upper band was orange, but because it tended to fade to red over time, the red shade was eventually made the permanent color; the banner is perhaps the oldest tricolor in continuous use

National anthem:

name: "Het Wilhelmus" (The William)

lyrics/music: Philips VAN MARNIX van Sint Aldegonde (presumed)/unknown

note: adopted 1932, in use since the 17th century, making it the oldest national anthem in the world; also known as "Wilhelmus van Nassouwe" (William of Nassau), it is in the form of an acrostic, where the first letter of each stanza spells the name of the leader of the Dutch Revolt

Economy ::Netherlands

Economy - overview:

The Netherlands economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country has been one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment and is one of the four largest investors in the US. After 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, the Netherlands' economy - which is highly open and dependent on foreign trade and financial services - was hard-hit by global economic crisis. Dutch GDP contracted 3.9% in 2009, while exports declined nearly 25% due to a sharp contraction in world demand. The Dutch financial sector has also suffered, due in part to the high exposure of some Dutch banks to U.S. mortgage-backed securities. In response to turmoil in financial markets, the government nationalized two banks and injected billions of dollars into a third, to prevent further systemic risk. The government also sought to boost the domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding export credit facilities. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts, however, resulted in a government budget deficit of nearly 4.6% of GDP in 2009 and 5.6% in 2010 that contrasts sharply with a surplus of 0.7% of GDP in 2008. With unemployment weighing on private-sector consumption, the government of Prime Minister Mark RUTTE is likely to come under increased pressure to keep the budget deficit in check while promoting economic recovery.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$680.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $669 billion (2009 est.)

$696.1 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$770.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 -3.9% (2009 est.)

1.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$40,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $40,000 (2009 est.)

$41,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.6%

industry: 24.9%

services: 72.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

7.86 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2%

industry: 18%

services: 80% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 4.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

10.5% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 22.9% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30.9 (2007) country comparison to the world: 107 32.6 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

18% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Public debt:

64.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 60.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 1.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 126 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.01% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 9.66% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$368.1 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 12 $351.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$1.124 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $1.133 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.083 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $1.824 trillion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$542.5 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 19 $387.9 billion (31 December 2008)

$956.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; livestock

Industries:

agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Electricity - production:

108.2 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Electricity - consumption:

124.1 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Electricity - exports:

10.56 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

15.45 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

57,190 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Oil - consumption:

922,800 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Oil - exports:

1.66 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Oil - imports:

2.426 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Oil - proved reserves:

100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - production:

79.58 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Natural gas - consumption:

48.6 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Natural gas - exports:

55.59 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - imports:

24.6 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.416 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Current account balance:

$46.69 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $39.58 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$451.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $421.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Germany 25.54%, Belgium 12.49%, France 9.27%, UK 8.17%, Italy 5.07%,
US 3.97% (2009)

Imports:

$408.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $371.9 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs, clothing

Imports - partners:

Germany 17.16%, China 11.58%, Belgium 8.68%, US 7.77%, UK 5.72%,
Russia 4.47%, France 4.4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$39.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA (30 June 2010)

$3.733 trillion (31 December 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$687.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $654.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$950.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $932.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Netherlands

Telephones - main lines in use:

7.32 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 26

Telephones - mobile cellular:

21.182 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 39

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed and well maintained

domestic: extensive fixed-line fiber-optic network; large cellular telephone system with 5 major operators utilizing the third generation of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology; one in five households now use Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) services

international: country code - 31; submarine cables provide links to the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 5 (3 Intelsat - 1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (2007)

Broadcast media:

more than 90% of households are connected to cable or satellite TV systems that provide a wide range of domestic and foreign channels; public service broadcast system includes multiple broadcasters, 3 with a national reach and the remainder operating in regional and local markets; 2 major nationwide commercial television companies, each with 3 or more stations, and a large number of commercial TV stations in regional and local markets; nearly 600 radio stations operating with a mix of public and private stations providing national or regional coverage (2008)

Internet country code:

.nl

Internet hosts:

12.607 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 10

Internet users:

14.872 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 27

Transportation ::Netherlands

Airports:

27 (2010) country comparison to the world: 125

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 20

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 3,816 km; oil 365 km; refined products 716 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,896 km country comparison to the world: 58 standard gauge: 2,896 km 1.435-m gauge (2,064 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 136,827 km (includes 2,582 km of expressways) (2008) country comparison to the world: 36

Waterways:

6,215 km (navigable for ships of 50 tons) (2007) country comparison to the world: 22

Merchant marine:

total: 706 country comparison to the world: 15 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 464, carrier 21, chemical tanker 57, container 73, liquefied gas 19, passenger 17, passenger/cargo 15, petroleum tanker 5, refrigerated cargo 10, roll on/roll off 21, specialized tanker 3

foreign-owned: 217 (Australia 1, Denmark 36, Finland 14, France 2, Germany 92, Ireland 7, Italy 9, Japan 1, Norway 18, Sweden 18, UAE 4, US 15)

registered in other countries: 240 (Antigua and Barbuda 18, Australia 1, Bahamas 22, Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Canada 1, Cyprus 24, Gibraltar 33, Liberia 35, Luxembourg 2, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 16, former Netherlands Antilles 52, Panama 8, Paraguay 1, Philippines 18, Portugal 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Amsterdam, IJmuiden, Moerdijk, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Vlissingen

Military ::Netherlands

Military branches:

Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (includes Naval Air
Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force (Koninklijke
Luchtmacht, KLu), Royal Military Police (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for an all-volunteer force (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,927,311

females age 16-49: 3,831,110 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,213,954

females age 16-49: 3,133,972 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 104,694

female: 99,874 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Transnational Issues ::Netherlands

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major European producer of synthetic drugs, including ecstasy, and cannabis cultivator; important gateway for cocaine, heroin, and hashish entering Europe; major source of US-bound ecstasy; large financial sector vulnerable to money laundering; significant consumer of ecstasy

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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@Netherlands Antilles (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Netherlands Antilles

Background:

Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, the island of Curacao was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of oil refineries to service newly discovered Venezuelan oil fields. The island of Saint Martin is shared with France; its southern portion is named Sint Maarten and is part of the Netherlands Antilles; its northern portion, called Saint Martin, is an overseas collectivity of France.

Geography ::Netherlands Antilles

Location:

Caribbean, two island groups in the Caribbean Sea - composed of five
islands, Curacao and Bonaire located off the coast of Venezuela, and
Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius lie east of the US Virgin
Islands

Geographic coordinates:

Bonaire: 12 12 N, 68 15 W

Curacao: 12 10 N, 69 00 W

Saba: 17 38 N, 63 14 W

Sint Eustatius: 17 30 N, 62 58 W

Sint Maarten: 18 04 N, 63 04 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 800 sq km country comparison to the world: 187 land: 800 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin)

Area - comparative:

more than five times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 15 km

border countries: Saint Martin 15 km

Coastline:

364 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

generally hilly, volcanic interiors

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Scenery 862 m

Natural resources:

phosphates (Curacao only), salt (Bonaire only)

Land use:

arable land: 10%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 90% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are subject to hurricanes from July to October; Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean hurricane belt and are rarely threatened

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles are divided geographically into the Leeward Islands (northern) group (Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten) and the Windward Islands (southern) group (Bonaire and Curacao); the island of Saint Martin is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two independent states, the French territory of Saint Martin and the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten

People ::Netherlands Antilles

Population:

228,693 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.7% (male 26,429/female 25,162)

15-64 years: 67.7% (male 74,183/female 79,434)

65 years and over: 9.6% (male 8,875/female 12,966) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 34.1 years

male: 32.1 years

female: 35.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.712% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Birth rate:

14.05 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Death rate:

6.54 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Net migration rate:

-0.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Urbanization:

urban population: 93% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.83 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 157 male: 9.49 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.86 years country comparison to the world: 66 male: 74.52 years

female: 79.31 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Dutch Antillean(s)

adjective: Dutch Antillean

Ethnic groups:

mixed black 85%, other 15% (includes Carib Amerindian, white, East Asian)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 72%, Pentecostal 4.9%, Protestant 3.5%, Seventh-Day
Adventist 3.1%, Methodist 2.9%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.7%, other
Christian 4.2%, Jewish 1.3%, other or unspecified 1.2%, none 5.2%
(2001 census)

Languages:

Papiamento 65.4% (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect),
English 15.9% (widely spoken), Dutch 7.3% (official), Spanish 6.1%,
Creole 1.6%, other 1.9%, unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.7%

male: 96.7%

female: 96.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2002)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Netherlands Antilles

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Netherlands Antilles

local long form: none

local short form: Nederlandse Antillen

former: Curacao and Dependencies

Dependency status:

an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 1954; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Government type:

parliamentary

Capital:

name: Willemstad (on Curacao)

geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 68 56 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

note: each island has its own government

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April (1909 and 1980)

Constitution:

29 December 1954, Statute of the Realm of the Netherlands, as amended

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980); represented by Governor General Frits GOEDGEDRAG (since 1 July 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Emily de JONGH-ELHAGE (since 26 March 2006)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten (legislature) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually elected prime minister by the Staten; election last held on 22 January 2010 (next to be held by 2014)

note: government coalition - PAR, PNP, NA, UPB, WIPM Saba, DP-St. E

Legislative branch:

unicameral States or Staten (22 seats; Curacao 14, Bonaire 3, St. Maarten 3, St. Eustatius 1, Saba 1; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 22 January 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PAR 6, LdK 5, National Alliance 3, PS 2, UPB 2, PNP 1, DP-St. E 1, PDB 1, WIPM 1

note: the government is a coalition of several parties

Judicial branch:

Joint High Court of Justice (judges appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Bonaire: Democratic Party of Bonaire or PDB [Jopi ABRAHAM];
Patriotic Union of Bonaire or UPB [Ramonsito BOOI]

Curacao: Ban Vota [Norbert GEORGE]; C-93 [Stanley BROWN]; Democratic
Party of Curacao or DP [Errol HERNANDEZ]; E Mayoria [Aurelio PEDRO];
Forsa Korsou [Nelson NAVARRO]; Lista di Kambio or LdK (coalition of
MAN, NPA, and FK); Liste Ni'un Paso Atras [Nelson PIERRE];
Movemiento Patriotiko Korsou [Reginald LAK]; New Antilles Movement
or MAN [Charles COOPER]; Partido Akshon Pa Prosperidat I Seguridat
[Sonja BERKEMEYER]; Partido Laboral Krusada Popular or PLKP [Errol
COVA]; Party for the Restructured Antilles or PAR [Emily de
JONGH-ELHAGE]; People's National Party or PNP [Ersilia DE LANNOOY];
Pidjin [Jasmin PINEDO]; Pueblo Soberano or PS [Herman WIELS];
Workers' Liberation Front or FOL [Anthony GODETT]

Saba: Saba Labor Party [Akilah LEVENSTONE]; Windward Islands
People's Movement or WIPM [Ray HASSELL]

Sint Eustatius: Democratic Party of Sint Eustatius or DP-St. E
[Julian WOODLEY]; Progressive Labor Party [Clyde VAN PUTTEN]; St.
Eustatius Alliance [Ingrid HOUTMAN-WHITFIELD]

Sint Maarten: Democratic Party of Sint Maarten or DP-St. M [Sarah
WESCOTT-WILLIAMS]; Freedom Slate of National Democratic Party
[Theophilus PRIEST]; National Alliance or NA [William MARLIN];
People's Progressive Alliance or PPA [Gracita ARRINDELL]; St.
Maarten People's Party [Johan LEONARD]; United People's Labor Party
[Bienvenido RICHARDSON]

note: political parties are indigenous to each island

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Employers Association (VBC); Unions (AVBO)

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands); note - Mr. Jeffrey CORRION, Minister Plenipotentiary for Aruba at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Consul General Timothy J. DUNN

consulate(s) general: J. B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao

mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao

telephone: [599] (9) 461-3066

FAX: [599] (9) 461-6489

Flag description:

white, with a horizontal blue stripe in the center superimposed on a vertical red band, also centered; five white, five-pointed stars are arranged in an oval pattern in the center of the blue band; the colors reflect those of the Netherlands; the five stars represent the five main islands of Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten

Economy ::Netherlands Antilles

Economy - overview:

Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance are the mainstays of this small economy, which is closely tied to the outside world. Although GDP has declined or grown slightly in each of the past eight years, the islands enjoy a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure compared with other countries in the region. The Venezuelan state oil company owns the single refinery on the island; most of the oil for the refinery is imported from Venezuela. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, with the US, Braxil, Italy, and Mexico being the major suppliers. Poor soils and inadequate water supplies hamper the development of agriculture. Budgetary problems hamper reform of the health and pension systems of an aging population. The Netherlands provides financial aid to support the economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.8 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$16,000 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 15%

services: 84% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

91,470 (2007) country comparison to the world: 183

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 20%

services: 79% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15.5% (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $757.9 million

expenditures: $949.5 million (2004)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.51% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 8.33% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.517 billion (31 December 2009)

$1.295 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$4.286 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

$3.881 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.408 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 116 $3.286 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 19 $488.6 billion (2003)

Agriculture - products:

aloes, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit

Industries:

tourism (Curacao, Sint Maarten, and Bonaire), petroleum refining (Curacao), petroleum transshipment facilities (Curacao and Bonaire), light manufacturing (Curacao)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.22 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Electricity - consumption:

1.013 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - consumption:

69,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Oil - exports:

224,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Oil - imports:

298,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Exports:

$3.71 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 120

Exports - commodities:

petroleum products

Exports - partners:

US 13.09%, Guatemala 10.84%, Singapore 10.65%, Dominican Republic 9.6%, Haiti 7.6%, Bahamas 6.05%, Honduras 4.54%, Mexico 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$15.74 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 79

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, food, manufactures

Imports - partners:

Venezuela 57.3%, US 19.18%, Brazil 8.11% (2009)

Debt - external:

$2.68 billion (2004) country comparison to the world: 135

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar - 1.79 (2009), 1.79 (2008), 1.79 (2007), 1.79 (2006)

Communications ::Netherlands Antilles

Telephones - main lines in use:

88,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 146

Telephones - mobile cellular:

200,000 (2004) country comparison to the world: 173

Telephone system:

general assessment: generally adequate facilities

domestic: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links

international: country code - 599; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the Americas-2 submarine cable systems provide connectivity to Central America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

government-run television on Curacao provides service to Bonaire and Saba; the Leeward Broadcasting Corporation provides television service to Sint Maarten; cable TV subscription service provides access to programming from Venezuela and the US; roughly 30 radio stations and repeaters operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.an

Internet hosts:

72,165 (2010) country comparison to the world: 81

Transportation ::Netherlands Antilles

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 181

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 845 km country comparison to the world: 185

Merchant marine:

total: 120 country comparison to the world: 46 by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 2, cargo 59, carrier 18, chemical tanker 1, container 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 26, roll on/roll off 5

foreign-owned: 101 (Angola 2, Cuba 1, Denmark 1, Estonia 1, Germany 32, Hong Kong 1, Netherlands 52, Norway 2, Sweden 1, Turkey 8)

registered in other countries: 1 (Cook Islands 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bopec Terminal, Willemstad

Military ::Netherlands Antilles

Military branches:

no regular military forces; National Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16 years of age for National Guard recruitment; no conscription (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 56,267

females age 16-49: 57,334 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 46,824

females age 16-49: 47,447 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,934

female: 1,839 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Transnational Issues ::Netherlands Antilles

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs bound for the US and Europe; money-laundering center

page last updated on November 17, 2010

======================================================================

@New Caledonia (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::New Caledonia

Background:

Settled by both Britain and France during the first half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in 1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864. Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s ended in the 1998 Noumea Accord, which over a period of 15 to 20 years will transfer an increasing amount of governing responsibility from France to New Caledonia. The agreement also commits France to conduct a referendum between 2014 and 2019 to decide whether New Caledonia should assume full sovereignty and independence.

Geography ::New Caledonia

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

21 30 S, 165 30 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 18,575 sq km country comparison to the world: 155 land: 18,275 sq km

water: 300 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,254 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid

Terrain:

coastal plains with interior mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m

Natural resources:

nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, copper

Land use:

arable land: 0.32%

permanent crops: 0.22%

other: 99.46% (2005)

Irrigated land:

100 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

cyclones, most frequent from November to March

volcanism: Matthew and Hunter Islands are historically active

Environment - current issues:

erosion caused by mining exploitation and forest fires

Geography - note:

consists of the main island of New Caledonia (one of the largest in the Pacific Ocean), the archipelago of Iles Loyaute, and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls

People ::New Caledonia

Population:

252,352 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.8% (male 31,191/female 29,870)

15-64 years: 65.8% (male 75,189/female 74,552)

65 years and over: 7.3% (male 7,681/female 8,953) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.8 years

male: 29.3 years

female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.561% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Birth rate:

16.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Death rate:

5.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Net migration rate:

4.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 21 note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New Caledonia (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 65% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.8 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 179 male: 6.85 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.56 years country comparison to the world: 68 male: 72.46 years

female: 80.86 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.09 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: New Caledonian(s)

adjective: New Caledonian

Ethnic groups:

Melanesian 44.1%, European 34.1%, Wallisian & Futunian 9%, Tahitian 2.6%, Indonesian 2.5%, Vietnamese 1.4%, Ni-Vanuatu 1.1%, other 5.2% (1996 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10%

Languages:

French (official), 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.2%

male: 96.8%

female: 95.5% (1996 census)

Government ::New Caledonia

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of New Caledonia and Dependencies

conventional short form: New Caledonia

local long form: Territoire des Nouvelle-Caledonie et Dependances

local short form: Nouvelle-Caledonie

Dependency status:

territorial collectivity of France since 1998

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Noumea

geographic coordinates: 22 16 S, 166 27 E

time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 provinces named Province des Iles, Province Nord, and Province Sud

Independence:

none (overseas territory of France); note - a referendum on independence was held in 1998 but did not pass; a new referendum is scheduled for 2014

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

based on French civil law; the 1988 Matignon Accords grant substantial autonomy to the islands

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by High Commissioner Albert DUPUY (since 6 October 2010)

head of government: President of the Government Philippe GOMES (since 5 June 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet consisting of 11 members elected from and by the Territorial Congress (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the government elected by the members of the Territorial Congress for a five-year term (no term limits); note - last election held on 5 June 2009

Legislative branch:

elections: unicameral Territorial Congress or Congres du territoire (54 seats; members belong to the three Provincial Assemblies or Assemblees Provinciales elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) last held on 9 May 2009 (next to be held on 10 May 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 13, Caledonia Together 10, UC 8, UNI 8, AE 6, FLNKS 3, Labor Party 3, other 3

note: New Caledonia holds two seats in the French Senate; elections last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held not later than September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 2; New Caledonia also elects two seats to the French National Assembly; elections last held on 10 and 17 June 2007 (next to be held in June 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 2

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; County Courts; Joint Commerce
Tribunal Court; Children's Court

Political parties and leaders:

Caledonia My Country; Caledonia Together [Philippe GOMES];
Caledonian Union or UC [Nicholas ABOUT]; Communist Republican and
Left Party or CRC-SPG [Nichole BORVO COHEN-SEAT]; Democratic and
European Social Rally or R.D.S.E. [Yvon COLLIN]; Front National or
FN [Jean-Marie LE PEN]; Kanak Socialist Front for National
Liberation or FLNKS (includes PALIKA, UNI, UC, and UPM); National
Union for Independence-Kanak and Socialist National Liberation
Front; Parti de Liberation Kanak or PALIKA [Paul NEAOUTYINE];
Renewed Caledonian Union; Socialist Group [Jean Pierre BEL];
Socialist Kanak Liberation or LKS [Nidoish NAISSELINE]; The Future
Together or AE [Didier LEROUX]; The Rally or UMP [Gerard LONGUET];
Union Nationale pour l'Independance or UNI; Union of
Pro-Independence Co-operation Committees [Francois BURCK]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ITUC, PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

National anthem:

name: "Soyons unis, devenons freres" (Let Us Be United, Let Us Become Brothers)

lyrics/music: Chorale Melodia (a local choir)

note: adopted 2008; the anthem contains a mixture of lyrics in both French and Nengone (an indigenous language); as a self-governing territory of France, in addition to the local anthem, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::New Caledonia

Economy - overview:

New Caledonia has about 25% of the world's known nickel resources. Only a small amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts for about 20% of imports. In addition to nickel, substantial financial support from France - equal to more than 15% of GDP - and tourism are keys to the health of the economy. Substantial new investment in the nickel industry, combined with the recovery of global nickel prices, brightens the economic outlook for the next several years.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.158 billion (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.3 billion (2003 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,000 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 15%

industry: 8.8%

services: 76.2% (2003)

Labor force:

102,600 (2007) country comparison to the world: 182

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 20%

industry: 20%

services: 60% (2002)

Unemployment rate:

17.1% (2004) country comparison to the world: 158

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

vegetables; beef, deer, other livestock products; fish

Industries:

nickel mining and smelting

Electricity - production:

1.825 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Electricity - consumption:

1.697 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Oil - exports:

645 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Oil - imports:

14,430 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Exports:

$1.341 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 143

Exports - commodities:

ferronickels, nickel ore, fish

Exports - partners:

France 27.52%, Japan 14.87%, Taiwan 10.51%, Spain 7.74%, China 7.31%, Australia 6.64%, Belgium 5.13%, South Korea 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$1.998 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 151

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

France 39.89%, Singapore 14.12%, Australia 12.5%, NZ 5.42% (2009)

Debt - external:

$79 million (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004), 105.66 (2003)

Communications ::New Caledonia

Telephones - main lines in use:

65,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 154

Telephones - mobile cellular:

208,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 172

Telephone system:

general assessment: a submarine cable network connection between New Caledonia and Australia, completed in 2007, is expected to significantly increase network capacity and improve high-speed connectivity and access to international networks

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 687; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which operates in France's overseas departments and territories, broadcasts over the RFO Nouvelle Caledonie television and radio stations; a small number of privately-owned radio stations also broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.nc

Internet hosts:

22,456 (2010) country comparison to the world: 106

Internet users:

85,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 164

Transportation ::New Caledonia

Airports:

25 (2010) country comparison to the world: 131

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 12

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Heliports:

8 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 5,622 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 151

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 3 (France 3) (2010) country comparison to the world: 139

Ports and terminals:

Noumea

Military ::New Caledonia

Military branches:

no regular military forces; French military, police, and gendarmerie (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 59,612 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 49,173

females age 16-49: 49,619 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,138

female: 2,061 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::New Caledonia

Disputes - international:

Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by France and Vanuatu

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@New Zealand (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::New Zealand

Background:

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars. New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances.

Geography ::New Zealand

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 S, 174 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 267,710 sq km country comparison to the world: 75 land: 267,710 sq km

water: NA

note: includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands

Area - comparative:

about the size of Colorado

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

15,134 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

temperate with sharp regional contrasts

Terrain:

predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Aoraki-Mount Cook 3,754 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 5.54%

permanent crops: 6.92%

other: 87.54% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,850 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

397 cu km (1995)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.11 cu km/yr (48%/9%/42%)

per capita: 524 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity

volcanism: New Zealand experiences significant volcanism on North Island; Ruapehu (elev. 2,797 m, 9,177 ft), which last erupted in 2007, has a history of large eruptions in the past century; Taranaki has the potential to produce dangerous avalanches and lahars; other historically active volcanoes include Okataina, Raoul Island, Tongariro, and White Island

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna hard-hit by invasive species

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic Seals, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

almost 90% of the population lives in cities; Wellington is the southernmost national capital in the world

People ::New Zealand

Population:

4,252,277 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.7% (male 447,174/female 424,522)

15-64 years: 66.5% (male 1,404,143/female 1,399,530)

65 years and over: 12.8% (male 244,986/female 293,063) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.8 years

male: 36 years

female: 37.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.901% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Birth rate:

13.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Death rate:

7.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Net migration rate:

2.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Urbanization:

urban population: 87% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.048 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 187 male: 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.22 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.48 years country comparison to the world: 22 male: 78.52 years

female: 82.53 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.09 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,400 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Nationality:

noun: New Zealander(s)

adjective: New Zealand

Ethnic groups:

European 56.8%, Asian 8%, Maori 7.4%, Pacific islander 4.6%, mixed 9.7%, other 13.5% (2006 Census)

Religions:

Anglican 13.8%, Roman Catholic 12.6%, Presbyterian, Congregational, and Reformed 10%, Christian (no denomination specified) 4.6%, Methodist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Baptist 1.4%, other Christian 3.8%, Maori Christian 1.6%, Hindu 1.6%, Buddhist 1.3%, other religions 2.2%, none 32.2%, other or unidentified 9.9% (2006 Census)

Languages:

English 91.2% (official), Maori 3.9% (official), Samoan 2.1%, French 1.3%, Hindi 1.1%, Yue 1.1%, Northern Chinese 1%, other 12.9%, New Zealand Sign Language (official)

note: shares sum to 114.6% due to multiple responses on census (2006 Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 19 years

male: 19 years

female: 20 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 35

Government ::New Zealand

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: New Zealand

abbreviation: NZ

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Wellington

geographic coordinates: 41 28 S, 174 51 E

time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

note: New Zealand is divided into two time zones - New Zealand standard time (12 hours in advance of UTC), and Chatham Islands time (45 minutes in advance of New Zealand standard time)

Administrative divisions:

16 regions and 1 territory*; Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury,
Chatham Islands*, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu-Wanganui,
Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Tasman,
Waikato, Wellington, West Coast

Dependent areas:

Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau

Independence:

26 September 1907 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840); ANZAC Day (commemorated as the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915)

Constitution:

consists of a series of legal documents, including certain acts of the UK and New Zealand parliaments, as well as The Constitution Act 1986, which is the principal formal charter; adopted 1 January 1987, effective 1 January 1987

Legal system:

based on English law, with special land legislation and land courts for the Maori; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Anand SATYANAND (since 23 August 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister John KEY (since 19 November 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Bill ENGLISH (since 19 November 2008)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives - commonly called Parliament (usually 120 seats; 70 members elected by popular vote in single-member constituencies including 7 Maori constituencies, 50 proportional seats chosen from party lists; serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 8 November 2008 (next to be held not later than 27 November 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - National Party 44.9%, Labor Party 34%, Green Party 6.7%, NZ First 4%, ACT Party 3.7%, Maori 2.4%, Progressive 0.9%, United Front 0.9%, other 6.6%; seats by party - National Party 58, Labor Party 43, Green Party 9, ACT Party 5, Maori 5, Progressive 1, United Front 1

note: results of 2008 election saw the total number of seats increase to 122

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; High Court; note - judges appointed by the governor general

Political parties and leaders:

ACT New Zealand [Rodney HIDE]; Green Party [Russel NORMAN and Metiria TUREI]; Maori Party [Tariana TURIA and Dr. Pita SHARPLES]; New Zealand National Party [John KEY]; New Zealand First Party or NZ First [Winston PETERS]; New Zealand Labor Party [Phil GOFF]; Jim Anderton's Progressive Party [James (Jim) ANDERTON]; United Future New Zealand [Peter DUNNE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Women's Electoral Lobby or WEL

other: apartheid groups; civil rights groups; farmers groups; Maori; nuclear weapons groups; women's rights groups

International organization participation:

ADB, ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael K. MOORE

chancery: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 328-4800

FAX: [1] (202) 667-5227

consulate(s) general: New York, Santa Monica

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David HUEBNER

embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington

mailing address: P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, APO AP 96531-1034

telephone: [64] (4) 462-6000

FAX: [64] (4) 499-0490

consulate(s) general: Auckland

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in the outer half of the flag; the stars represent the Southern Cross constellation

National anthem:

name: "God Defend New Zealand"

lyrics/music: Thomas BRACKEN [English], Thomas Henry SMITH [Maori]/John Joseph WOODS

note: adopted 1940 as national song, adopted 1977 as co-national anthem; New Zealand has two national anthems with equal status; as a commonwealth realm, in addition to "God Defend New Zealand," "God Save the Queen" serves as a national anthem (see United Kingdom); "God Save the Queen" normally is played only when a member of the royal family or the governor-general is present; in all other cases, "God Defend New Zealand" is played

Government - note:

while not an official symbol, the Kiwi, a small native flightless bird, represents New Zealand

Economy ::New Zealand

Economy - overview:

Over the past 20 years the government has transformed New Zealand from an agrarian economy dependent on concessionary British market access to a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real incomes - but left behind some at the bottom of the ladder - and broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector. Per capita income rose for ten consecutive years until 2007 in purchasing power parity terms, but fell in 2008-09. Debt-driven consumer spending drove robust growth in the first half of the decade, helping fuel a large balance of payments deficit that posed a challenge for economic managers. Inflationary pressures caused the central bank to raise its key rate steadily from January 2004 until it was among the highest in the OECD in 2007-08; international capital inflows attracted to the high rates further strengthened the currency and housing market, however, aggravating the current account deficit. The economy fell into recession before the start of the global financial crisis and contracted for five consecutive quarters in 2008-09. In line with global peers, the central bank cut interest rates aggressively and the government developed fiscal stimulus measures. The economy posted a 1.7% decline in 2009, but pulled out of recession late in the year, and achieved 2.1% growth in 2010. Nevertheless, key trade sectors remain vulnerable to weak external demand. The government plans to raise productivity growth and develop infrastructure, while reining in government spending.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$119.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $116.8 billion (2009 est.)

$118.8 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$138 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 -1.7% (2009 est.)

-0.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$28,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $27,700 (2009 est.)

$28,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.6%

industry: 24%

services: 71.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.32 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 7%

industry: 19%

services: 74% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 6.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: %NA

highest 10%: %NA

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.2 (1997) country comparison to the world: 83

Investment (gross fixed):

19.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Public debt:

25.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 22.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 2.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

2.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 90 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.39% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 12.21% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$24.15 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 61 $21.81 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$118.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $108.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$206.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $180.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$67.06 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 57 $24.17 billion (31 December 2008)

$47.45 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

dairy products, lamb and mutton; wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables; wool, beef; fish

Industries:

food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Electricity - production:

42.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Electricity - consumption:

39.24 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

61,150 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Oil - consumption:

154,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Oil - exports:

54,560 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Oil - imports:

143,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Oil - proved reserves:

60 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - production:

4.305 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - consumption:

4.32 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Natural gas - imports:

NA (2008 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

33.98 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Current account balance:

-$4.504 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 -$3.693 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$33.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $25.35 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

dairy products, meat, wood and wood products, fish, machinery

Exports - partners:

Australia 23.36%, US 9.64%, China 9.21%, Japan 7.1%, UK 4.21% (2009)

Imports:

$30.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $23.95 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles and aircraft, petroleum, electronics, textiles, plastics

Imports - partners:

Australia 18.4%, China 15.09%, US 10.45%, Japan 7.24%, Germany 4.16%, Singapore 4.12% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$17.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $15.59 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$64.33 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $62.47 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$67.18 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $66.63 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$59.08 billion (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::New Zealand

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.87 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 58

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.7 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 99

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international systems

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 150 per 100 persons

international: country code - 64; the Southern Cross submarine cable system provides links to Australia, Fiji, and the US; satellite earth stations - 8 (1 Inmarsat - Pacific Ocean, 7 other)

Broadcast media:

state-owned Television New Zealand operates multiple television networks while state-owned Radio New Zealand operates 3 radio networks and an external shortwave radio service to the South Pacific region; a small number of national commercial television and radio stations and a large number of regional commercial television and radio stations are available; cable and satellite TV systems are accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.nz

Internet hosts:

2.47 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 33

Internet users:

3.4 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 62

Transportation ::New Zealand

Airports:

122 (2010) country comparison to the world: 50

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 40

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 24

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 82

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 32

under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 331 km; gas 1,838 km; liquid petroleum gas 172 km; oil 288 km; refined products 198 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,128 km country comparison to the world: 39 narrow gauge: 4,128 km 1.067-m gauge (506 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 93,911 km country comparison to the world: 50 paved: 61,879 km (includes 172 km of expressways)

unpaved: 32,032 km (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 14 country comparison to the world: 103 by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, container 1, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 2

foreign-owned: 7 (Australia 1, Germany 2, Hong Kong 1, South Africa 1, Switzerland 2)

registered in other countries: 6 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Cook Islands 1, France 1, Samoa 1, UK 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Auckland, Lyttelton, Manukau Harbor, Marsden Point, Tauranga,
Wellington

Military ::New Zealand

Military branches:

New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF): New Zealand Army, Royal New
Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force (Te Hokowhitu o Kahurangi,
RNZAF) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers cannot be deployed until the age of 18; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,017,575

females age 16-49: 1,003,087 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 840,977

females age 16-49: 828,081 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,956

female: 29,236 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Transnational Issues ::New Zealand

Disputes - international:

asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross Dependency)

Illicit drugs:

significant consumer of amphetamines

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Nicaragua (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Nicaragua

Background:

The Pacific coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony from Panama in the early 16th century. Independence from Spain was declared in 1821 and the country became an independent republic in 1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first half of the 19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region in subsequent decades. Violent opposition to governmental manipulation and corruption spread to all classes by 1978 and resulted in a short-lived civil war that brought the Marxist Sandinista guerrillas to power in 1979. Nicaraguan aid to leftist rebels in El Salvador caused the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista contra guerrillas through much of the 1980s. Free elections in 1990, 1996, and 2001, saw the Sandinistas defeated, but voting in 2006 announced the return of former Sandinista President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra. The 2008 municipal elections were characterized by widespread irregularities. Nicaragua's infrastructure and economy - hard hit by the earlier civil war and by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 - are slowly being rebuilt, but democratic institutions face new challenges under the ORTEGA administration.

Geography ::Nicaragua

Location:

Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North
Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 85 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 130,370 sq km country comparison to the world: 97 land: 119,990 sq km

water: 10,380 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New York state

Land boundaries:

total: 1,231 km

border countries: Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km

Coastline:

910 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

continental shelf: natural prolongation

Climate:

tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Terrain:

extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mogoton 2,438 m

Natural resources:

gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish

Land use:

arable land: 14.81%

permanent crops: 1.82%

other: 83.37% (2005)

Irrigated land:

610 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

196.7 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.3 cu km/yr (15%/2%/83%)

per capita: 237 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes; volcanoes; landslides; extremely susceptible to hurricanes

volcanism: Nicaragua experiences significant volcanic activity; Cerro Negro (elev. 728 m, 2,388 ft), which last erupted in 1999, is one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes; its lava flows and ash have been known to cause significant damage to farmland and buildings; other historically active volcanoes include Concepcion, Cosiguina, Las Pilas, Masaya, Momotombo, San Cristobal, and Telica

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

largest country in Central America; contains the largest freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua

People ::Nicaragua

Population:

5,995,928 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.8% (male 1,013,866/female 976,430)

15-64 years: 62.9% (male 1,847,756/female 1,857,264)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 85,782/female 110,101) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.5 years

male: 22.1 years

female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.74% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Birth rate:

22.77 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Death rate:

4.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Net migration rate:

-1.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.16 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 87 male: 27.14 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 21.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.78 years country comparison to the world: 128 male: 69.61 years

female: 74.05 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.51 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

7,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Nicaraguan(s)

adjective: Nicaraguan

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Amerindian 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 58.5%, Evangelical 21.6%, Moravian 1.6%, Jehovah's
Witness 0.9%, other 1.7%, none 15.7% (2005 census)

Languages:

Spanish 97.5% (official), Miskito 1.7%, other 0.8% (1995 census)

note: English and indigenous languages on Atlantic coast

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 67.5%

male: 67.2%

female: 67.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 11 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

3.1% of GDP (2003) country comparison to the world: 146

Government ::Nicaragua

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua

conventional short form: Nicaragua

local long form: Republica de Nicaragua

local short form: Nicaragua

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Managua

geographic coordinates: 12 09 N, 86 17 W

time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

15 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 2 autonomous regions* (regiones autonomistas, singular - region autonoma); Atlantico Norte*, Atlantico Sur*, Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

9 January 1987; revised in 1995, 2000, and 2005

Legal system:

civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January 2007); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term so long as it is not consecutive); election last held on 5 November 2006 (next to be held by November 2011)

election results: Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra elected president - 38.1%, Eduardo MONTEALEGRE 29%, Jose RIZO 26.2%, Edmundo JARQUIN 6.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (92 seats; 90 members elected by proportional representation and party lists to serve five-year terms; 1 seat for the previous president, 1 seat for the runner-up in previous presidential election)

elections: last held on 5 November 2006 (next to be held by November 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
FSLN 38, PLC 25, ALN 23 (22 plus one for presidential candidate
Eduardo MONTEALEGRE, runner-up in the 2006 presidential election),
MRS 5, APRE 1 (outgoing President Enrique BOLANOS); note - as of 1
May 2009: seats by party - FSLN 38, PLC 20, BDN 17, ALN 6, MRS 3,
APRE 1, Independent 7

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema de Justicia (16 judges elected for five-year terms by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for the Republic or APRE; Conservative Party or PC
[Alejandro BOLANOS Davis]; Independent Liberal Party or PLI
[Indalecio RODRIGUEZ]; Liberal Constitutionalist Party or PLC [Jorge
CASTILLO Quant]; Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance or ALN [Alejandro MEJIA
Ferreti]; Sandinista National Liberation Front or FSLN [Daniel
ORTEGA Saavedra]; Sandinista Renovation Movement or MRS [Enrique
SAENZ Navarrete]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Workers Front or FNT (a Sandinista umbrella group of eight
labor unions including: Farm Workers Association or ATC, Health
Workers Federation or FETASALUD, Heroes and Martyrs Confederation of
Professional Associations or CONAPRO, National Association of
Educators of Nicaragua or ANDEN, National Union of Employees or UNE,
National Union of Farmers and Ranchers or UNAG, Sandinista Workers
Central or CST, and Union of Journalists of Nicaragua or UPN);
Permanent Congress of Workers or CPT (an umbrella group of four
non-Sandinista labor unions including: Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers
Central or CTN-A, Confederation of Labor Unification or CUS,
Independent General Confederation of Labor or CGT-I, and Labor
Action and Unity Central or CAUS); Nicaraguan Workers' Central or
CTN (an independent labor union); Superior Council of Private
Enterprise or COSEP (a confederation of business groups)

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
PetroCaribe, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Obadiah CAMPBELL Hooker

chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570, 6573

FAX: [1] (202) 939-6545

consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert J. CALLAHAN

embassy: Kilometer 5.5 Carretera Sur, Managua

mailing address: American Embassy Managua, APO AA 34021

telephone: [505] 252-7100, 252-7888; 252-7634 (after hours)

FAX: [505] 252-7304

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, while the white band represents the land between the two bodies of water

note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Salve a ti, Nicaragua" (Hail to Thee, Nicaragua)

lyrics/music: Salomon Ibarra MAYORGA/traditional, arranged by Luis Abraham DELGADILLO

note: although only officially adopted in 1971, the music was approved in 1918 and the lyrics in 1939; the tune, originally from Spain, was used as an anthem for Nicaragua from the 1830"s until 1876

Economy ::Nicaragua

Economy - overview:

Nicaragua, the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the Hemisphere, has widespread underemployment and poverty. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) has been in effect since April 2006 and has expanded export opportunities for many agricultural and manufactured goods. Textiles and apparel account for nearly 60% of Nicaragua's exports, but increases in the minimum wage during the ORTEGA administration will likely erode its comparative advantage in this industry. ORTEGA's promotion of mixed business initiatives, owned by the Nicaraguan and Venezuelan state oil firms, together with the weak rule of law, could undermine the investment climate for domestic and international private firms in the near-term. Nicaragua relies on international economic assistance to meet internal- and external-debt financing obligations. Foreign donors have curtailed this funding, however, in response to November 2008 electoral fraud. Managua has an IMF extended Credit Facility program, which could help keep the government's fiscial deficit on target during the 2011 election year and encourage transparency in the use of Venezuelan off-budget loans and assistance. In early 2004, Nicaragua secured some $4.5 billion in foreign debt reduction under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, however, Managua still struggles with a high public debt burden. Nicaragua is gradually recovering from the global economic crisis as increased exports drove positive growth in 2010. The economy is expected to grow at a rate of about 3% in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$17.34 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $16.87 billion (2009 est.)

$17.12 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.375 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 -1.5% (2009 est.)

2.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 $2,900 (2009 est.)

$3,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17.6%

industry: 26.5%

services: 56% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.343 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 28%

industry: 19%

services: 53% (2010 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 8.2% (2009 est.)

note: underemployment was 46.5% in 2008

Population below poverty line:

48% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.4%

highest 10%: 41.8% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43.1 (2001) country comparison to the world: 48 60.3 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Public debt:

78% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 63% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 3.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 13.17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.273 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 131 $989.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $2.586 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.083 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $4.161 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn, tobacco, sesame, soya, beans; beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products; shrimp, lobsters

Industries:

food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal products, knit and woven apparel, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear, wood

Industrial production growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Electricity - production:

3.286 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Electricity - consumption:

2.569 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

63.95 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Oil - consumption:

29,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Oil - exports:

213 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Oil - imports:

29,570 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Current account balance:

-$819 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 -$841.1 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$3.182 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $2.593 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, beef, shrimp and lobster, tobacco, sugar, gold, peanuts; textiles and apparel

Exports - partners:

US 61.98%, El Salvador 7.74%, Costa Rica 3.67% (2009)

Imports:

$4.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $3.481 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, machinery and equipment, raw materials, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

US 22.63%, Venezuela 12.27%, Mexico 9.05%, Costa Rica 8.66%, China 7.16%, Guatemala 6.59%, El Salvador 5.63% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $1.573 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 $3.633 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

cordobas (NIO) per US dollar - 21.35 (2010), 20.34 (2009), 19.374 (2008), 18.457 (2007), 17.582 (2006)

Communications ::Nicaragua

Telephones - main lines in use:

255,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 121

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.204 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 112

Telephone system:

general assessment: system being upgraded by foreign investment; nearly all installed telecommunications capacity now uses digital technology, owing to investments since privatization of the formerly state-owned telecommunications company

domestic: since privatization, access to fixed-line and mobile-cellular services has improved but teledensity still lags behind other Central American countries; fixed-line teledensity roughly 5 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership is increasing and reached 55 per 100 persons in 2009; connected to Central American Microwave System

international: country code - 505; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber optic submarine cable provides connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region) and 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

multiple privately-owned terrestrial television networks, supplemented by cable TV in most urban areas; of more than 100 radio broadcast stations, nearly all are privately owned; Radio Nicaragua is government-owned and Radio Sandino is controlled by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) (2007)

Internet country code:

.ni

Internet hosts:

157,162 (2010) country comparison to the world: 70

Internet users:

199,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 141

Transportation ::Nicaragua

Airports:

143 (2010) country comparison to the world: 40

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 132

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 115 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 54 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 19,137 km country comparison to the world: 112 paved: 2,033 km

unpaved: 17,104 km (2009)

Waterways:

2,220 km (navigable waterways as well as the use of the large Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua; rivers serve only the sparsely populated eastern part of the country) (2010) country comparison to the world: 41

Ports and terminals:

Bluefields, Corinto

Military ::Nicaragua

Military branches:

National Army of Nicaragua (Ejercito Nacional de Nicaragua, ENN; includes Navy, Air Force) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for voluntary military service; tour of duty 18-36 months (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,605,398

females age 16-49: 1,594,270 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,318,762

females age 16-49: 1,374,652 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 71,171

female: 68,948 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 158

Transnational Issues ::Nicaragua

Disputes - international:

memorials and countermemorials were filed by the parties in Nicaragua's 1999 and 2001 proceedings against Honduras and Colombia at the ICJ over the maritime boundary and territorial claims in the western Caribbean Sea, final public hearings are scheduled for 2007; the 1992 ICJ ruling for El Salvador and Honduras advised a tripartite resolution to establish a maritime boundary in the Gulf of Fonseca, which considers Honduran access to the Pacific; legal dispute over navigational rights of San Juan River on border with Costa Rica

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine destined for the US and transshipment point for arms-for-drugs dealing

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Niger (Africa)

Introduction ::Niger

Background:

Niger became independent from France in 1960 and experienced single-party and military rule until 1991, when Gen. Ali SAIBOU was forced by public pressure to allow multiparty elections, which resulted in a democratic government in 1993. Political infighting brought the government to a standstill and in 1996 led to a coup by Col. Ibrahim BARE. In 1999, BARE was killed in a counter coup by military officers who restored democratic rule and held elections that brought Mamadou TANDJA to power in December of that year. TANDJA was reelected in 2004 and in 2009 spearheaded a constitutional amendment that would allow him to extend his term as president. In February 2010, a military coup deposed TANDJA, immediately suspended the constitution and dissolved the Cabinet, and promised that elections would be held following a transitional period of unspecified duration. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world with minimal government services and insufficient funds to develop its resource base. The largely agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa. A predominately Tuareg ethnic group emerged in February 2007, the Nigerien Movement for Justice (MNJ), and attacked several military targets in Niger's northern region throughout 2007 and 2008. Successful government offensives in 2009 limited the rebels' operational capabilities.

Geography ::Niger

Location:

Western Africa, southeast of Algeria

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1.267 million sq km country comparison to the world: 22 land: 1,266,700 sq km

water: 300 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,697 km

border countries: Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina Faso 628 km, Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south

Terrain:

predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Niger River 200 m

highest point: Idoukal-n-Taghes 2,022 m

Natural resources:

uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, gypsum, salt, petroleum

Land use:

arable land: 11.43%

permanent crops: 0.01%

other: 88.56% (2005)

Irrigated land:

730 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

33.7 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.18 cu km/yr (4%/0%/95%)

per capita: 156 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts

Environment - current issues:

overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; one of the hottest countries in the world; northern four-fifths is desert, southern one-fifth is savanna, suitable for livestock and limited agriculture

People ::Niger

Population:

15,878,271 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Age structure:

0-14 years: 49.6% (male 3,840,379/female 3,758,674)

15-64 years: 48% (male 3,658,361/female 3,690,373)

65 years and over: 2.3% (male 159,984/female 198,481) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 15.2 years

male: 15 years

female: 15.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.66% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Birth rate:

51.08 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Death rate:

14.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Urbanization:

urban population: 16% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 114.5 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 3 male: 119.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 109.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.99 years country comparison to the world: 204 male: 51.75 years

female: 54.26 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

7.68 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

60,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Nigerien(s)

adjective: Nigerien

Ethnic groups:

Haoussa 55.4%, Djerma Sonrai 21%, Tuareg 9.3%, Peuhl 8.5%, Kanouri
Manga 4.7%, other 1.2% (2001 census)

Religions:

Muslim 80%, other (includes indigenous beliefs and Christian) 20%

Languages:

French (official), Hausa, Djerma

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 28.7%

male: 42.9%

female: 15.1% (2005 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 5 years

male: 5 years

female: 4 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 124

Government ::Niger

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Niger

conventional short form: Niger

local long form: Republique du Niger

local short form: Niger

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Niamey

geographic coordinates: 13 31 N, 2 07 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 regions (regions, singular - region) includes 1 capital district* (communite urbaine); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder

Independence:

3 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 18 December (1958); note - commemorates the founding of the Republic of Niger which predated independence from France in 1960

Constitution:

adopted 18 July 1999

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Djibo SALOU, chairman of the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy, and a leader of the military coup that deposed President Mamadou TANDJA on 18 February 2010

head of government: Prime Minister Mahamadou DANDA (since 19 February 2010); appointed by the president and shares some executive responsibilities with the president

cabinet: 26-member Cabinet appointed by the president (Cabinet dissolved following the 18 February 2010 coup) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); second round of election last held on 4 December 2004; a presidential election to restore civilian rule is scheduled for 31 January 2011

election results: Mamadou TANDJA reelected president; percent of vote - Mamadou TANDJA 65.5%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 34.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (113 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MNSD 76, RSD 15, RDP 7, PNA-Alouma 1, Alkalami 1, Nigerien Party of the Masses for Labor 1, independents 12

Judicial branch:

State Court or Cour d'Etat; Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Alkalama; Democratic and Social Convention-Rahama or CDS-Rahama
[Mahamane OUSMANE]; National Movement for a Developing
Society-Nassara or MNSD-Nassara [Hama AMADOU]; Niger Social
Democratic Party or PSDN; Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Social
Progress-Zaman Lahiya or ANDP-Zaman Lahiya [Moumouni DJERMAKOYE];
Nigerien Party for Autonomy or PNA-Alouma [Sanousi JACKOU]; Nigerien
Party for Democracy and Socialism or PNDS-Tarrayya [Issifou
MAHAMADOU]; Nigerien Party of the Masses for Labor; Nigerien
Progressive Party or PPN-RDA; Rally for Democracy and Progress or
RDP-jama'a [Hamid ALGABID]; Social and Democratic Rally or
RSD-Gaskiyya [Cheiffou AMADOU]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Nigerien Movement for Justice or MNJ, a predominantly Tuareg rebel group

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS (suspended), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB
(regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Aminata Djibrilla Maiga TOURE

chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224 through 4227

FAX: [1] (202)483-3169

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bisa WILLIAMS

embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey

mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey

telephone: [227] 20-72-26-61 thru 64

FAX: [227] 20-73-31-67

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk centered in the white band; the orange band denotes the drier northern regions of the Sahara; white stands for purity and innocence; green symbolizes hope and the fertile and productive southern and western areas, as well as the Niger River; the orange disc represents the sun and the sacrifices made by the people

note: similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "La Nigerienne" (The Nigerian)

lyrics/music: Maurice Albert THIRIET/Robert JACQUET and Nicolas Abel Francois FRIONNET

note: adopted 1961

Economy ::Niger

Economy - overview:

Niger is a landlocked, Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. Drought, desertification, and strong population growth have undercut the economy. Niger shares a common currency, the CFA franc, and a common central bank, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), with seven other members of the West African Monetary Union. In December 2000, Niger qualified for enhanced debt relief under the International Monetary Fund program for Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and concluded an agreement with the Fund on a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative significantly reduces Niger's annual debt service obligations, freeing funds for expenditures on basic health care, primary education, HIV/AIDS prevention, rural infrastructure, and other programs geared at poverty reduction. In December 2005, Niger received 100% multilateral debt relief from the IMF, which translates into the forgiveness of approximately US $86 million in debts to the IMF, excluding the remaining assistance under HIPC. In 2010, the Niger economy was recovering from the effects of a 2009 drought that reduced grain and cowpea production and decimated livestock herds. The economy was also hurt when the international community cut off non-humanitarian aid in response to TANDJA's moves to extend his term as president. Nearly half of the government's budget is derived from foreign donor resources. Future growth may be sustained by exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral resources.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.58 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 $10.22 billion (2009 est.)

$10.35 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.603 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 -1.2% (2009 est.)

9.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224 $700 (2009 est.)

$700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 39%

industry: 17%

services: 44% (2001)

Labor force:

4.688 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 77

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%

industry: 6%

services: 4% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

63% (1993 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 35.7% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.5 (1995) country comparison to the world: 21

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 96 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$782.6 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 145 $617.9 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.038 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 $844.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$683.6 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 158 $313.5 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), rice; cattle, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, horses, poultry

Industries:

uranium mining, cement, brick, soap, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses

Industrial production growth rate:

5.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Electricity - production:

150 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Electricity - consumption:

589.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

450 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Oil - imports:

5,367 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Current account balance:

-$321 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Exports:

$428 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 170

Exports - commodities:

uranium ore, livestock, cowpeas, onions

Exports - partners:

France 52.63%, Nigeria 22.43%, US 18.24% (2009)

Imports:

$800 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 177

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals

Imports - partners:

China 16.32%, France 15.95%, Netherlands 7.66%, Algeria 7.15%, French Polynesia 6.11%, Nigeria 5.48%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.15%, US 4.05% (2009)

Debt - external:

$2.1 billion (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro; West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa, even though the two currencies trade at par

Communications ::Niger

Telephones - main lines in use:

65,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 155

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.599 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 121

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate; small system of wire, radio telephone communications, and microwave radio relay links concentrated in the southwestern area of Niger

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity remains less than 20 per 100 persons despite a rapidly increasing cellular subscribership base; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations and 1 planned

international: country code - 227; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run TV station; 3 private TV stations provide a mix of local and foreign programming; only national radio station with national reach is state-run; about 30 private radio stations operate locally; as many as 100 community radio stations broadcast; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ne

Internet hosts:

172 (2010) country comparison to the world: 198

Internet users:

115,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 155

Transportation ::Niger

Airports:

27 (2010) country comparison to the world: 123

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 17

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 18,949 km country comparison to the world: 113 paved: 3,912 km

unpaved: 15,037 km (2008)

Waterways:

300 km; (the Niger, the only major river, is navigable to Gaya between September and March) (2008) country comparison to the world: 94

Military ::Niger

Military branches:

Nigerien Armed Forces (Forces Armees Nigeriennes, FAN): Army,
Nigerien Air Force (Force Aerienne du Niger) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-21 years of age for selective compulsory or voluntary military service; enlistees must be Nigerien citizens and unmarried; 2-year service term; women may serve in health care (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,202,237

females age 16-49: 3,151,521 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,104,378

females age 16-49: 2,129,985 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 177,985

female: 172,180 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 117

Transnational Issues ::Niger

Disputes - international:

Libya claims about 25,000 sq km in a currently dormant dispute in the Tommo region; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with Nigeria, remains undemarcated; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty that also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Niger is a source, transit, and destination country for children and women trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation; caste-based slavery practices, rooted in ancestral master-slave relationships, continue in isolated areas of the country - an estimated 8,800 to 43,000 Nigeriens live under conditions of traditional slavery; children are trafficked within Niger for forced begging, forced labor in gold mines, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, and possibly for forced labor in agriculture and stone quarries; women and children from neighboring states are trafficked to and through Niger for domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, forced labor in mines and on farms, and as mechanics and welders

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Niger does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making any significant efforts to do so; the government demonstrated marginal efforts to combat human trafficking, including traditional slavery, during the last year (2009)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Nigeria (Africa)

Introduction ::Nigeria

Background:

British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. In January 2010, Nigeria assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Nigeria

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and
Cameroon

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 923,768 sq km country comparison to the world: 32 land: 910,768 sq km

water: 13,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,047 km

border countries: Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 km

Coastline:

853 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north

Terrain:

southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 33.02%

permanent crops: 3.14%

other: 63.84% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,820 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

286.2 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.01 cu km/yr (21%/10%/69%)

per capita: 61 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; flooding

Environment - current issues:

soil degradation; rapid deforestation; urban air and water pollution; desertification; oil pollution - water, air, and soil; has suffered serious damage from oil spills; loss of arable land; rapid urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Niger enters the country in the northwest and flows southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in the Gulf of Guinea

People ::Nigeria

Population:

152,217,341 country comparison to the world: 8 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.5% (male 31,624,050/female 30,242,637)

15-64 years: 55.5% (male 42,240,641/female 40,566,672)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 2,211,840/female 2,343,250) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.1 years

male: 19 years

female: 19.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.966% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Birth rate:

36.07 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Death rate:

16.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Net migration rate:

-0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Urbanization:

urban population: 48% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 92.99 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 10 male: 98.94 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 86.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 47.24 years country comparison to the world: 220 male: 46.46 years

female: 48.08 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.82 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2.6 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

170,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: one of the most highly endemic areas for Lassa fever

water contact disease: leptospirosis and shistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Nigerian(s)

adjective: Nigerian

Ethnic groups:

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%

Religions:

Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

Languages:

English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over 500 additional indigenous languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 68%

male: 75.7%

female: 60.6% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 10 years

female: 8 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 183

Government ::Nigeria

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria

conventional short form: Nigeria

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Abuja

geographic coordinates: 9 05 N, 7 32 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

36 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra,
Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo,
Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory*, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa,
Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nassarawa, Niger,
Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara

Independence:

1 October 1960 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 5 May 1999; effective 29 May 1999

Legal system:

based on English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Goodluck JONATHAN (since 5 May 2010, acting since 9 February 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; JONATHAN assumed the presidency on 5 May 2010 following the death of President YAR'ADUA, he was declared Acting President on 9 February 2010 by the National Assembly during the extended illness of the former president

head of government: President Goodluck JONATHAN (since 5 May 2010, acting since 9 February 2010)

cabinet: Federal Executive Council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 April 2007 (next to be held on 22 January 2011)

election results: Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA elected president; percent of vote - Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA 69.8%, Muhammadu BUHARI 18.7%, Atiku ABUBAKAR 7.5%, Orji Uzor KALU 1.7%, other 2.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (109 seats, 3 from each state plus 1 from Abuja; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and House of Representatives (360 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 21 April 2007 (next to be held in April 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 21 April 2007 (next to be held on 15 January 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDP 85, ANPP 16, AC 6, PPA 1, ACCORD 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDP 65.1%, ANPP 21.6%, AC 8.8%, PPA 0.8%, LP 0.8%; seats by party - PDP 263, ANPP 63, AC 30, PPA 3, LP 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges recommended by the National Judicial Council and appointed by the president); Federal Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the federal government from a pool of judges recommended by the National Judicial Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Accord Party [Augustine MAZIE, acting]; Action Congress or AC [Bisi
AKANDE]; All Nigeria Peoples Party or ANPP [Edwin UME-EZEOKE]; All
Progressives Grand Alliance or APGA [Victor C. UMEH]; Alliance for
Democracy or AD [Mojisoluwa AKINFENWA]; Conference of Nigerian
Political Parities or CNPP [Abdulkadir Balarabe MUSA]; Democratic
Peoples Party or DPP [Jeremiah USENI]; Fresh Democratic Party [Chris
OKOTIE]; Labor Party [Dan NWANYANWU]; National Democratic Party or
NDP [Aliyu Habu FARI]; Peoples Democratic Party or PDP [Vincent
OGBULAFOR]; Peoples Progressive Alliance [Larry ESIN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Academic Staff Union for Universities or ASUU; Campaign for
Democracy or CD; Civil Liberties Organization or CLO; Committee for
the Defense of Human Rights or CDHR; Constitutional Right Project or
CRP; Human Right Africa; National Association of Democratic Lawyers
or NADL; National Association of Nigerian Students or NANS; Nigerian
Bar Association or NBA; Nigerian Labor Congress or NLC; Nigerian
Medical Association or NMA; the press; Universal Defenders of
Democracy or UDD

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, D-8, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UN
Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Adebowale Ibidapo ADEFUYE

chancery: 3519 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 986-8400

FAX: [1] (202) 775-1385

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robin R. SANDERS

embassy: 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja

mailing address: P. O. Box 5760, Garki, Abuja

telephone: [234] (9) 461-4000

FAX: [234] (9) 461-4036

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green; the color green represents the forests and abundant natural wealth of the country, white stands for peace and unity

National anthem:

name: "Arise Oh Compatriots, Nigeria's Call Obey"

lyrics/music: John A. ILECHUKWU, Eme Etim AKPAN, B. A. OGUNNAIKE, Sotu OMOIGUI and P. O. ADERIBIGBE/Benedict Elide ODIASE

note: adopted 1978; the lyrics are a mixture of five of the top entries in a national contest

Economy ::Nigeria

Economy - overview:

Oil-rich Nigeria has been hobbled by political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic management but in 2008 began pursuing economic reforms. Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away from its overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides 95% of foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary revenues. Following the signing of an IMF stand-by agreement in August 2000, Nigeria received a debt-restructuring deal from the Paris Club and a $1 billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on economic reforms. Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program in April 2002, after failing to meet spending and exchange rate targets, making it ineligible for additional debt forgiveness from the Paris Club. In November 2005, Abuja won Paris Club approval for a debt-relief deal that eliminated $18 billion of debt in exchange for $12 billion in payments - a total package worth $30 billion of Nigeria's total $37 billion external debt. Since 2008 the government has begun to show the political will to implement the market-oriented reforms urged by the IMF, such as modernizing the banking system, curbing inflation by blocking excessive wage demands, and resolving regional disputes over the distribution of earnings from the oil industry. GDP rose strongly in 2007-10 because of increased oil exports and high global crude prices in 2010. President JONATHAN has pledged to continue the economic reforms of his predecessor with emphasis on infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure is the main impediment to growth and in August 2010 JONATHAN unveiled a power sector blueprint that includes privatization of the state-run electricity generation and distribution facilities. The government also is working toward developing stronger public-private partnerships for roads. Nigeria's financial sector was hurt by the global financial and economic crises and the Central Bank governor has taken measures to strengthen that sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$369.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $346.2 billion (2009 est.)

$327.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$206.7 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 5.6% (2009 est.)

6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 $2,300 (2009 est.)

$2,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 31.9%

industry: 32.9%

services: 35.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

48.33 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%

industry: 10%

services: 20% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Population below poverty line:

70% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 32.4% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43.7 (2003) country comparison to the world: 46 50.6 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

11.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Public debt:

13.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 11.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218 11.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 49 9.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18.36% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 15.48% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$40.41 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 47 $33.61 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$91.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $72.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$77.43 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $62.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$33.32 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 49 $49.8 billion (31 December 2008)

$86.35 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, peanuts, cotton, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; timber; fish

Industries:

crude oil, coal, tin, columbite; rubber products, wood; hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Electricity - production:

21.92 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Electricity - consumption:

19.21 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.211 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Oil - consumption:

280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Oil - exports:

2.327 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Oil - imports:

170,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Oil - proved reserves:

37.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - production:

32.82 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Natural gas - consumption:

12.28 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - exports:

20.55 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.246 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Current account balance:

$27.77 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $22.89 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$76.33 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $59.32 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 95%, cocoa, rubber

Exports - partners:

US 35.08%, India 10.43%, Brazil 9.32%, Spain 7.19%, France 4.65% (2009)

Imports:

$34.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $29.05 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured goods, food and live animals

Imports - partners:

China 14.89%, US 8.88%, Netherlands 8.18%, South Korea 5.46%, UK 4.63%, France 4.19% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$43.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $44.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$11.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $10.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$67.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $61.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$6.071 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $5.821 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

nairas (NGN) per US dollar - 150.88 (2010), 148.84 (2009), 117.8 (2008), 127.46 (2007), 127.38 (2006)

Communications ::Nigeria

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.419 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 66

Telephones - mobile cellular:

73.099 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 16

Telephone system:

general assessment: further expansion and modernization of the fixed-line telephone network is needed; network quality remains a problem

domestic: the addition of a second fixed-line provider in 2002 resulted in faster growth but subscribership remains only about 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services growing rapidly, in part responding to the shortcomings of the fixed-line network; multiple cellular providers operate nationally with subscribership reaching 50 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 234; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

nearly 70 federal-government-controlled national and regional TV stations; all 36 states operate TV stations; several private TV stations operational; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; network of federal-government-controlled national, regional, and state radio stations; roughly 40 state-government-owned radio stations typically carry their own programs except for news broadcasts; about 20 private radio stations also operate; transmissions of international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ng

Internet hosts:

1,378 (2010) country comparison to the world: 163

Internet users:

43.989 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Transportation ::Nigeria

Airports:

54 (2010) country comparison to the world: 86

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 38

over 3,047 m: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 26 km; gas 2,565 km; liquid petroleum gas 97 km; oil 3,424 km; refined products 4,090 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,505 km country comparison to the world: 49 narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 193,200 km country comparison to the world: 26 paved: 28,980 km

unpaved: 164,220 km (2004)

Waterways:

8,600 km (Niger and Benue rivers and smaller rivers and creeks) (2009) country comparison to the world: 15

Merchant marine:

total: 98 country comparison to the world: 51 by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 30, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 60, specialized tanker 1

foreign-owned: 4 (India 1, Spain 1, UK 2)

registered in other countries: 37 (Bahamas 2, Belize 2, Bermuda 11, Comoros 1, Italy 1, Liberia 4, Malaysia 1, Malta 1, North Korea 1, Panama 7, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Seychelles 1, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bonny Inshore Terminal, Calabar, Lagos

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Nigeria

Military branches:

Nigerian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 36,203,921

females age 16-49: 34,409,821 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,298,351

females age 16-49: 19,355,456 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,731,734

female: 1,652,632 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 101

Transnational Issues ::Nigeria

Disputes - international:

Joint Border Commission with Cameroon reviewed 2002 ICJ ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences, including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately cedes sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a phase-out of Nigerian control within two years while resolving patriation issues; the ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, but imprecisely defined coordinates in the ICJ decision and a sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River all contribute to the delay in implementation; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 5,778 (Liberia)

IDPs: undetermined (communal violence between Christians and Muslims since President OBASANJO's election in 1999; displacement is mostly short-term) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for European, East Asian, and North American markets; consumer of amphetamines; safe haven for Nigerian narcotraffickers operating worldwide; major money-laundering center; massive corruption and criminal activity; Nigeria has improved some anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in June 2006; Nigeria's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be monitored by FATF

page last updated on January 24, 2011

======================================================================

@Niue (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Niue

Background:

Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the rest of the Cook Islands, have caused it to be separately administered. The population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200 in 1966 to an estimated 1,398 in 2009) with substantial emigration to New Zealand 2,400 km to the southwest.

Geography ::Niue

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga

Geographic coordinates:

19 02 S, 169 52 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 260 sq km country comparison to the world: 212 land: 260 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

64 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Terrain:

steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Natural resources:

fish, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 11.54%

permanent crops: 15.38%

other: 73.08% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Geography - note:

one of world's largest coral islands

People ::Niue

Population:

1,354 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 235

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.032% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Niuean(s)

adjective: Niuean

Ethnic groups:

Niuen 78.2%, Pacific islander 10.2%, European 4.5%, mixed 3.9%,
Asian 0.2%, unspecified 3% (2001 census)

Religions:

Ekalesia Niue (Niuean Church - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society) 61.1%, Latter-Day Saints 8.8%, Roman Catholic 7.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.4%, other 8.4%, unspecified 8.7%, none 1.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), Niuean a Polynesian language closely related to
Tongan and Samoan; English

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 95%

male: NA

female: NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Niue

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Niue

note: pronunciation falls between nyu-way and new-way, but not like new-wee

former: Savage Island

Dependency status:

self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue

Government type:

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Alofi

geographic coordinates: 19 01 S, 169 55 W

time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the second order

Independence:

19 October 1974 (Niue became a self-governing parliamentary government in free association with New Zealand)

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Constitution:

19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Legal system:

English common law; note - Niue is self-governing with the power to make its laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND (since 23 August 2006); the UK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since May 2000)

head of government: Premier Toke TALAGI (since 18 June 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and 3 ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; premier elected by the Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held on 18 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Toke TALAGI defeats incumbent Young VIVIAN in Legislative Assembly vote; Toke TALAGI - 14, Young VIVIAN - 5

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms; six elected from a common roll and 14 are village representatives)

elections: last held on 7 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - 20 independents

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of New Zealand; High Court of Niue

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Independents or AI; Niue People's Action Party or NPP
[Young VIVIAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO,
WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

Flag description:

yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large star on a blue disk in the center and a smaller star on each arm of the bold red cross; the larger star stands for Niue, the smaller stars recall the Southern Cross constellation on the New Zealand flag and symbolize links with that country; yellow represents the bright sunshine of Niue and the warmth and friendship between Niue and New Zealand

National anthem:

name: "Ko e Iki he Lagi" (The Lord in Heaven)

lyrics/music: unknown/unknown, prepared by Sioeli FUSIKATA

note: adopted 1974

Economy ::Niue

Economy - overview:

The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and financial services, although the International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination of all offshore banking licenses. Economic aid from New Zealand in FY08/09 was US$5.7 million. Niue suffered a devastating typhoon in January 2004, which decimated nascent economic programs. While in the process of rebuilding, Niue has been dependent on foreign aid.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.01 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

GDP (official exchange rate):

$10.01 million (2003)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.2% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,800 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 23.5%

industry: 26.9%

services: 49.5% (2003)

Labor force:

663 (2001) country comparison to the world: 227

Labor force - by occupation:

note: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

Unemployment rate:

12% (2001) country comparison to the world: 128

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2005) country comparison to the world: 116

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes, taro, yams, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle

Industries:

handicrafts, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Electricity - consumption:

2.79 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Oil - consumption:

NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - imports:

31 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Exports:

$201,400 (2004) country comparison to the world: 220

Exports - commodities:

canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit products, pawpaws, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts

Imports:

$9.038 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 221

Imports - commodities:

food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs

Debt - external:

$418,000 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::Niue

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 227

Telephones - mobile cellular:

600 (2004) country comparison to the world: 219

Telephone system:

domestic: single-line telephone system connects all villages on island

international: country code - 683 (2001)

Broadcast media:

1 government-owned television station with many of the programs supplied by Television New Zealand; 1 government-owned radio station broadcasting in AM and FM (2009)

Internet country code:

.nu

Internet hosts:

397,270 (2010) country comparison to the world: 52

Internet users:

1,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Transportation ::Niue

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 229

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 120 km country comparison to the world: 212 paved: 120 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Alofi

Military ::Niue

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Transnational Issues ::Niue

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Norfolk Island (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Norfolk Island

Background:

Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856, the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Geography ::Norfolk Island

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

29 02 S, 167 57 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 36 sq km country comparison to the world: 234 land: 36 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

32 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (especially May to July)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

most of the 32 km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated

People ::Norfolk Island

Population:

2,155 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 231

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.2%

15-64 years: 63.9%

65 years and over: 15.9% (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.006% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Norfolk Islander(s)

adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Ethnic groups:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander, Polynesian

Religions:

Anglican 31.8%, Roman Catholic 11.5%, Uniting Church in Australia 10.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.2%, other Christian 5.6%, none 19.9%, unspecified 16.6% (2006 census)

Languages:

English (official), Norfolk - a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian

Literacy:

NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Norfolk Island

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island

conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Dependency status:

self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Kingston

geographic coordinates: 29 03 S, 167 58 E

time difference: UTC+11.5 (16.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June (1856)

Constitution:

Norfolk Island Act of 1979 as amended in 2005

Legal system:

based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either Australian or Norfolk Island law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by the Australian governor general

head of government: Administrator Owen WALSH (since October 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council made up of 4 of the 9 members of the Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and acts as an advisor to the administrator (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (9 seats; members elected by electors who have nine equal votes each but only four votes can be given to any one candidate; members to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 17 March 2010 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: seats - independents 9 (note - no political parties)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Petty Sessions

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band; green stands for the rich vegetation on the island, and the pine tree - endemic to the island - is a symbol of Norfolk Island

note: somewhat reminiscent of the flag of Canada with its use of only two colors and depiction of a prominent local floral symbol in the central white band

National anthem:

name: "Come Ye Blessed"

lyrics/music: New Testament/John Prindle SCOTT

note: the local anthem, whose lyrics consist of the words from Matthew 25:34-36, 40, is also known as "The Pitcairn Anthem;" as a territory of Australia, "God Save the Queen" is official (see Australia), however, the island does not recognize "Advance Australia Fair"

Economy ::Norfolk Island

Economy - overview:

Tourism, the primary economic activity, has steadily increased over the years and has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural sector has become self sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

978 (2006) country comparison to the world: 226

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%

industry and services: 90%

Agriculture - products:

Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry

Industries:

tourism, light industry, ready mixed concrete

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Exports:

$1.5 million (FY91/92) country comparison to the world: 217

Exports - commodities:

postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados

Imports:

$17.9 million c.i.f. (FY91/92); $17.9 million country comparison to the world: 218

Imports - commodities:

NA

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Norfolk Island

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,532; note - a mix of analog (2,500) and digital (32) circuits (2004) country comparison to the world: 221

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (2002) country comparison to the world: 220

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: free local calls

international: country code - 672; undersea coaxial cable links with Australia and New Zealand; satellite earth station - 1

Broadcast media:

1 local radio station; broadcasts of several Australian radio and television stations are received via satellite (2009)

Internet country code:

.nf

Internet hosts:

93 (2010) country comparison to the world: 202

Transportation ::Norfolk Island

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 228

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 80 km country comparison to the world: 215 paved: 53 km

unpaved: 27 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Kingston

Military ::Norfolk Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues ::Norfolk Island

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Northern Mariana Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Northern Mariana Islands

Background:

Under US administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the US was approved in 1975, and came into force on 24 March 1976. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978.

Geography ::Northern Mariana Islands

Location:

Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

15 12 N, 145 45 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 464 sq km country comparison to the world: 195 land: 464 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: consists of 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,482 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October

Terrain:

southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation on Agrihan 965 m

Natural resources:

arable land, fish

Land use:

arable land: 13.04%

permanent crops: 4.35%

other: 82.61% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)

Environment - current issues:

contamination of groundwater on Saipan may contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species conflicts with development

Geography - note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

People ::Northern Mariana Islands

Population:

48,317 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26% (male 7,203/female 6,180)

15-64 years: 70.9% (male 16,751/female 19,747)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 784/female 819) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.3 years

male: 29.9 years

female: 29.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-5.567% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 232

Birth rate:

21.05 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Death rate:

3.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Net migration rate:

-73.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Urbanization:

urban population: 91% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 178 male: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.9 years country comparison to the world: 65 male: 74.27 years

female: 79.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: NA (US citizens)

adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Asian 56.3%, Pacific islander 36.3%, Caucasian 1.8%, other 0.8%, mixed 4.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)

Languages:

Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%, Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%, other 9.6% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 96% (1980 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Northern Mariana Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands

abbreviation: CNMI

former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District

Dependency status:

commonwealth in political union with the US; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

Government type:

commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

Capital:

name: Saipan

geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E

time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Independence:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

National holiday:

Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Constitution:

Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978; Covenant Agreement fully effective 4 November 1986

Legal system:

based on US system except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January 2006); Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. INOS (since 1 May 2009)

cabinet: the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members include special assistants to the governor and office heads appointed by and reporting directly to the governor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 November 2009 (run-off election was held on 23 November 2009)

election results: percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL reelected with 51.4% over Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER (48.6%) in the run-off election held on 23 November 2009

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Covenant Party 3, Republican Party 3, Democratic Party 1, independents 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 12, Covenant Party 4, Democratic Party 1, independents 3

note: the Northern Mariana Islands elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); seats by party - independent 1

Judicial branch:

Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court

Political parties and leaders:

Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL]; Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S.
CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Juan S. REYES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

SPC, UPU

Flag description:

blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on a gray latte stone (the traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the star represents the Commonwealth; the latte stone and the floral head wreath display elements of the native Chamorro culture

National anthem:

name: "Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi" (In the Middle of the Sea)

lyrics/music: Jose S. PANGELINAN [Chamoru], David PETER [Carolinian]/Wilhelm GANZHORN

note: adopted 1996; the Carolinian version of the song is known as "Satil Matawal Pacifico;" as a commonwealth of the United States, in addition to the local anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Economy ::Northern Mariana Islands

Economy - overview:

The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the most important industry with the employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$900 million (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 203 note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy

GDP (official exchange rate):

$633.4 million (2000)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,500 (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

38,450 total indigenous labor force; 28,717 foreign workers (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

8% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 3.9% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.8% (2000) country comparison to the world: 8

Agriculture - products:

vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts; ornamental plants; livestock, poultry and eggs, fish and aquaculture products

Industries:

banking, construction, fishing, garment, tourism, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

60,600 kWh (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Electricity - consumption:

48,300 kWh (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 214

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Exports:

$98.2 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 193

Exports - commodities:

garments

Imports:

$214.4 million (2001) country comparison to the world: 199

Imports - commodities:

food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Northern Mariana Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

25,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 184

Telephones - mobile cellular:

20,500 (2004) country comparison to the world: 209

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: country code - 1-670; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 TV broadcast station on Saipan; multi-channel cable TV services are available on Saipan; 9 licensed radio broadcast stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.mp

Internet hosts:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 223

Transportation ::Northern Mariana Islands

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 181

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 536 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 192

Ports and terminals:

Saipan, Tinian, Rota

Military ::Northern Mariana Islands

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,359

females age 16-49: 12,385 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 430

female: 346 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Northern Mariana Islands

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on December 13, 2010

======================================================================

@Norway (Europe)

Introduction ::Norway

Background:

Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is on containing spending on the extensive welfare system and planning for the time when petroleum reserves are depleted. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.

Geography ::Norway

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, west of Sweden

Geographic coordinates:

62 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 323,802 sq km country comparison to the world: 67 land: 304,282 sq km

water: 19,520 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,542 km

border countries: Finland 727 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 196 km

Coastline:

25,148 km (includes mainland 2,650 km, as well as long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 22,498 km; length of island coastlines 58,133 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 10 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast

Terrain:

glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.7%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 97.3% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,270 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

381.4 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.4 cu km/yr (23%/67%/10%)

per capita: 519 cu m/yr (1996)

Natural hazards:

rockslides, avalanches

volcanism: Beerenberg (elev. 2,227 m, 7,306 ft) on Jan Mayen Island in the Norwegian Sea is the country's only active volcano

Environment - current issues:

water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much-indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of the most rugged and longest coastlines in the world

People ::Norway

Population:

4,676,305 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.5% (male 441,508/female 422,050)

15-64 years: 66.2% (male 1,564,482/female 1,522,519)

65 years and over: 15.2% (male 305,120/female 404,860) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years

male: 38.8 years

female: 40.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.334% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Birth rate:

10.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Death rate:

9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Net migration rate:

1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.55 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 211 male: 3.88 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.08 years country comparison to the world: 25 male: 77.42 years

female: 82.89 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.77 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Nationality:

noun: Norwegian(s)

adjective: Norwegian

Ethnic groups:

Norwegian 94.4% (includes Sami, about 60,000), other European 3.6%, other 2% (2007 estimate)

Religions:

Church of Norway 85.7%, Pentecostal 1%, Roman Catholic 1%, other
Christian 2.4%, Muslim 1.8%, other 8.1% (2004)

Languages:

Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities; note - Sami is official in six municipalities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 17 years

female: 18 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 27

Government ::Norway

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway

conventional short form: Norway

local long form: Kongeriket Norge

local short form: Norge

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Oslo

geographic coordinates: 59 55 N, 10 45 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

19 counties (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder,
Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland,
Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane,
Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold

Dependent areas:

Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

Independence:

7 June 1905 (Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved); 26 October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)

Constitution:

17 May 1814; amended many times

Legal system:

mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20 July 1973)

head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17 October 2005)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following parliamentary elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch with the approval of the parliament

Legislative branch:

modified unicameral Parliament or Storting (169 seats; members elected by popular vote by proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 September 2009 (next to be held in September 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - DNA 35.4%, FrP 22.9%, H 17.2%, SV 6.2%, Sp 6.2%, KrF 5.5%, V 3.9%, other 2.7%; seats by party - DNA 64, FrP 41, H 30, SV 11, Sp 11, KrF 10, V 2

note: for certain purposes, the parliament divides itself into two chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership in the Lagting and three-fourths of its membership in the Odelsting

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (justices appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party (Senterpartiet or Sp) [Liv Signe NAVARSETE]; Christian People's Party (Kristelig Folkeparti or KrF) [Dagfinn HOYBRATEN]; Conservative Party (Hoyre or H) [Erna SOLBERG]; Labor Party (Det norske Arbeiderpartiet or DNA) [Jens STOLTENBERG]; Liberal Party (Venstre or V) [Trine SKEI-GRANDE]; Progress Party (Framstegspartiet or FrP) [Siv JENSEN]; Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti or SV) [Kristin HALVORSEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Norwegian Aid Committee or NORWAC; Norwegian Association of the Disabled; Pure Salmon Campaign; The Consumer Council (consumer advocacy group)

other: environmental groups; media; reform movements

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council,
Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, ESA, FAO,
FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Wegger C. STROMMEN

chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000

FAX: [1] (202) 337-0870

consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Barry B. WHITE

embassy: Henrik Ibsens gate 48, 0244 Oslo; note - the embassy will move to Huseby in the near future

mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707

telephone: [47] 22 44 85 50

FAX: [47] 22 44 33 63, 22 56 27 51

Flag description:

red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors recall Norway's past political unions with Denmark (red and white) and Sweden (blue)

National anthem:

name: "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" (Yes, We Love This Country)

lyrics/music: Bjornstjerne BJORNSON/Rikard NORDRAAK

note: adopted 1864; in addition to the national anthem, "Kongesangen" (Song of the King), which uses the tune of "God Save the Queen," serves as the royal anthem

Economy ::Norway

Economy - overview:

The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfare capitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector, through large-scale state-majority-owned enterprises. The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on the petroleum sector, which accounts for nearly half of exports and over 30% of state revenue. Norway is the world's second-largest gas exporter; its position as an oil exporter has slipped to ninth-largest as production has begun to decline. Norway opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994; nonetheless, as a member of the European Economic Area, it contributes sizably to the EU budget. In anticipation of eventual declines in oil and gas production, Norway saves almost all state revenue from the petroleum sector in the world's second largest sovereign wealth fund, valued at over $500 billion in 2010. After lackluster growth of less than 1.5% in 2002-03, GDP growth picked up to 2.5-6.2% in 2004-07, partly due to higher oil prices. Growth fell to 1.8% in 2008, and the economy contracted by 1.4% in 2009 as a result of the slowing world economy and the drop in oil prices.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$276.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $272.3 billion (2009 est.)

$276.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$413.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 -1.4% (2009 est.)

1.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$59,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $58,400 (2009 est.)

$59,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.1%

industry: 40.1%

services: 57.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.59 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.9%

industry: 21.1%

services: 76% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 3.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.9%

highest 10%: 23.4% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

25 (2008) country comparison to the world: 133 25.8 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Public debt:

47.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 49.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 2.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 72 6.25% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

4.28% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 7.28% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$122.2 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 27 $118.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$256.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $243.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$414.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $379.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$227.2 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 31 $125.9 billion (31 December 2008)

$357.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, potatoes; pork, beef, veal, milk; fish

Industries:

petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

0.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Electricity - production:

142.7 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - consumption:

128.8 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - exports:

17.29 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.414 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.35 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Oil - consumption:

204,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Oil - exports:

2.061 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - imports:

107,500 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Oil - proved reserves:

6.68 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - production:

103.5 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - consumption:

4.62 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - exports:

98.85 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.313 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Current account balance:

$60.23 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $53.53 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$137 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $122 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, metals, chemicals, ships, fish

Exports - partners:

UK 24.28%, Germany 13.4%, Netherlands 10.87%, France 8.55%, Sweden 5.76%, US 4.82% (2009)

Imports:

$74.02 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $66.68 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Sweden 13.86%, Germany 12.89%, China 7.8%, Denmark 6.78%, US 6.16%,
UK 6.01% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$48.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.232 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 7 $475.9 billion (31 December 2008)

note: Norway is a net external creditor

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$132.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $128.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$226.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 6.1533 (2010), 6.2883 (2009), 5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006)

Communications ::Norway

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.9 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 57

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.336 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern in all respects; one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in Europe

domestic: Norway has a domestic satellite system; the prevalence of rural areas encourages the wide use of mobile-cellular systems

international: country code - 47; 2 buried coaxial cable systems; submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - NA Eutelsat, NA Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Norway shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) (1999)

Broadcast media:

state-owned public radio-TV broadcaster operates 3 nationwide television stations, 3 nationwide radio stations, and 16 regional radio stations; roughly a dozen privately-owned television stations broadcast nationally and roughly another 25 local TV stations are available; nearly 75% of households have access to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems; 2 privately-owned radio stations broadcast nationwide and another 240 stations operate locally (2008)

Internet country code:

.no

Internet hosts:

3.352 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 27

Internet users:

4.431 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 53

Transportation ::Norway

Airports:

98 (2010) country comparison to the world: 61

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 67

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 18

under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 31

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 31 km; gas 64 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,114 km country comparison to the world: 40 standard gauge: 4,114 km 1.435-m gauge (2,552 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 92,946 km country comparison to the world: 52 paved: 72,033 km (includes 664 km of expressways)

unpaved: 20,913 km (2007)

Waterways:

1,577 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 53

Merchant marine:

total: 632 country comparison to the world: 19 by type: bulk carrier 43, cargo 133, carrier 5, chemical tanker 139, combination ore/oil 12, container 1, liquefied gas 53, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 116, petroleum tanker 58, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 46

foreign-owned: 104 (Bermuda 5, Canada 1, China 25, Cyprus 1, Denmark 11, Estonia 1, Finland 1, France 4, Iceland 3, Italy 3, Lithuania 1, Monaco 1, Poland 2, Saudi Arabia 3, Sweden 33, US 9)

registered in other countries: 940 (Antigua and Barbuda 9, Australia 1, Bahamas 198, Barbados 41, Belize 3, Bermuda 5, Brazil 3, Canada 4, Chile 1, Comoros 2, Cook Islands 6, Croatia 2, Cyprus 12, Denmark 2, Dominica 1, Equatorial Guinea 1, Estonia 2, Faroe Islands 6, Finland 2, France 1, Gibraltar 42, Hong Kong 49, Indonesia 4, Ireland 3, Isle of Man 26, Italy 6, Japan 1, Liberia 42, Libya 1, Malta 84, Marshall Islands 57, Netherlands 18, former Netherlands Antilles 2, Panama 89, Portugal 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12, Singapore 132, Spain 10, Sweden 3, UK 39, US 10, Vanuatu 1, Venezuela 1, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bergen, Haugesund, Maaloy, Mongstad, Narvik, Sture

Military ::Norway

Military branches:

Norwegian Army (Haeren), Royal Norwegian Navy (Kongelige Norske
Sjoeforsvaret, RNoN; includes Coastal Rangers and Coast Guard
(Kystvakt)), Royal Norwegian Air Force (Kongelige Norske
Luftforsvaret, RNoAF), Home Guard (Heimevernet, HV) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-44 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 years of age in wartime; 17 years of age for male volunteers; 18 years of age for women; 12-month service obligation, in practice shortened to 8 to 9 months; although all males between ages of 18 and 44 are liable for service, in practice they are seldom called to duty after age 30; reserve obligation to age 35-60; 16 years of age for volunteers to the Home Guard, who serve 6-month duty tours (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,078,562

females age 16-49: 1,049,529 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 888,310

females age 16-49: 864,344 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 32,045

female: 30,610 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Transnational Issues ::Norway

Disputes - international:

Norway asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land and its continental shelf); Russia and Norway reached an agreement on how to align Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean boundaries over EEZ and continental shelf in an agreement signed on 15 September 2010; this agreement is pending ratification by the respective national assemblies

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Oman (Middle East)

Introduction ::Oman

Background:

The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered on Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, a newly established sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, but it never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al-Said overthrew the restrictive rule of his father; he has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world while preserving the longstanding close ties with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

Geography ::Oman

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian
Gulf, between Yemen and UAE

Geographic coordinates:

21 00 N, 57 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 309,500 sq km country comparison to the world: 70 land: 309,500 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Kansas

Land boundaries:

total: 1,374 km

border countries: Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km

Coastline:

2,092 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Terrain:

central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 0.12%

permanent crops: 0.14%

other: 99.74% (2005)

Irrigated land:

720 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.36 cu km/yr (7%/2%/90%)

per capita: 529 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; limited natural fresh water resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Musandam Peninsula adjacent to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

People ::Oman

Population:

2,967,717 country comparison to the world: 136 note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.7% (male 744,265/female 714,116)

15-64 years: 54.5% (male 1,079,511/female 783,243)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 55,180/female 41,770) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.9 years

male: 25.4 years

female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.996% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Birth rate:

23.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Death rate:

3.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Net migration rate:

-0.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Urbanization:

urban population: 72% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.34 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female

total population: 1.23 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 118 male: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.97 years country comparison to the world: 105 male: 72.15 years

female: 75.88 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.87 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,300 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Nationality:

noun: Omani(s)

adjective: Omani

Ethnic groups:

Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan,
Bangladeshi), African

Religions:

Ibadhi Muslim 75%, other (includes Sunni Muslim, Shia Muslim, Hindu) 25%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 81.4%

male: 86.8%

female: 73.5% (2003 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 11 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 107

Government ::Oman

Country name:

conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman

conventional short form: Oman

local long form: Saltanat Uman

local short form: Uman

former: Muscat and Oman

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

name: Muscat

geographic coordinates: 23 37 N, 58 35 E

time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 regions (manatiq, singular - mintaqat) and 4 governorates* (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Buraymi*, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat (Muscat)*, Musandam*, Zufar (Dhofar)*

Independence:

1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

National holiday:

Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)

Constitution:

none; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royal decree promulgating a basic law considered by the government to be a constitution which, among other things, clarifies the royal succession, provides for a prime minister, bars ministers from holding interests in companies doing business with the government, establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees basic civil liberties for Omani citizens

Legal system:

based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the monarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal; note - members of the military and security forces are not allowed to vote

Executive branch:

chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary

Legislative branch:

bicameral Majlis Oman consists of Majlis al-Dawla or upper chamber (71 seats; members appointed by the monarch; has only advisory powers and Majlis al-Shura or lower chamber (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; body has only advisory powers)

elections: last held on 27 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: new candidates won 46 seats and 38 members of the outgoing Majlis kept their positions; none of the 20 female candidates was elected

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

note: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, has judges who practice secular and sharia law

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hunaina bint Sultan bin Ahmad al-MUGHAIRI

chancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980

FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard J. SCHMIERER

embassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat

mailing address: P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat

telephone: [968] 24-643-400

FAX: [968] 24-699771

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal width with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the vertical band; white represents peace and prosperity, red recalls battles against foreign invaders, and green symbolizes the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains) and fertility

National anthem:

name: "Nashid as-Salaam as-Sultani" (The Sultan's Anthem)

lyrics/music: Rashid bin Uzayyiz al KHUSAIDI/James Frederick MILLS, arranged by Bernard EBBINGHAUS

note: adopted 1932; new words were written after QABOOS bin Said al Said gained power in 1970; the anthem was first performed by the band of a British ship as a salute to the Sultan during a 1932 visit to Muscat; the bandmaster of the HMS Hawkins was asked to write a salutation to the Sultan on the occasion of his visiting the ship

Economy ::Oman

Economy - overview:

Oman is a middle-income economy that is heavily dependent on dwindling oil resources. Because of declining reserves, Muscat has actively pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification, industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing the oil sector's contribution to GDP to 9% by 2020. Tourism and gas-based industries are key components of the government's diversification strategy. By using enhanced oil recovery techniques, Oman succeeded in increasing oil production, giving the country more time to diversify, and the increase in global oil prices thoughout 2010 provides the government greater financial resources to invest in non-oil sectors.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$76.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $73.87 billion (2009 est.)

$72.42 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$53.78 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 2% (2009 est.)

12.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$25,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $25,400 (2009 est.)

$25,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 48.2%

services: 50.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

968,800 country comparison to the world: 142 note: about 60% of the labor force is non-national (2007)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

15% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

26.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Public debt:

4.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 5.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 3.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.05% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 135 0.91% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.44% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 7.1% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$7.257 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 78 $6.15 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$22.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $20.52 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$22.05 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $19.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$17.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 63 $14.91 billion (31 December 2008)

$23.06 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish

Industries:

crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber

Industrial production growth rate:

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Electricity - production:

13.58 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Electricity - consumption:

11.36 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

816,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Oil - consumption:

84,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Oil - exports:

593,700 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Oil - imports:

17,290 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Oil - proved reserves:

5.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Natural gas - production:

24 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Natural gas - consumption:

13.46 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - exports:

10.89 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Natural gas - imports:

350 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Natural gas - proved reserves:

849.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Current account balance:

$2.724 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 -$2.143 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$36.12 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $27.65 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles

Exports - partners:

China 26.98%, South Korea 17.19%, Japan 12.12%, UAE 11.23%, Thailand 7.64% (2009)

Imports:

$19.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $16.13 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants

Imports - partners:

UAE 22.9%, Japan 13.99%, US 6.46%, China 5.64%, India 5.27%, France 5.19%, South Korea 4.65% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$14 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $12.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$8.829 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $7.061 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Omani rials (OMR) per US dollar - 0.3845 (2010), 0.3845 (2009), 0.3845 (2008), 0.3845 (2007), 0.3845 (2006)

Communications ::Oman

Telephones - main lines in use:

300,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 114

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.971 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 104

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; limited coaxial cable; domestic satellite system with 8 earth stations

domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership both increasing with fixed-line phone service gradually being introduced to remote villages using wireless local loop systems

international: country code - 968; the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 state-run TV broadcaster; TV stations transmitting from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen are accessible via satellite TV; state-run radio operates multiple stations; first private radio station began operation in 2007 and 2 additional stations now operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.om

Internet hosts:

9,114 (2010) country comparison to the world: 126

Internet users:

1.465 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 83

Transportation ::Oman

Airports:

130 (2010) country comparison to the world: 45

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 119

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 51

914 to 1,523 m: 33

under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 4,209 km; oil 3,558 km; refined products 263 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 68,467 km country comparison to the world: 69 paved: 23,223 km (includes 1,384 km of expressways)

unpaved: 30,207 km (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 4 country comparison to the world: 134 by type: chemical tanker 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2

registered in other countries: 9 (Panama 8, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Mina' Qabus, Salalah, Suhar

Military ::Oman

Military branches:

Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF): Royal Army of Oman, Royal Navy of Oman,
Royal Air Force of Oman (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Sultanat) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 964,200

females age 16-49: 714,421 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 816,579

females age 16-49: 622,927 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 31,827

female: 30,148 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

11.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Transnational Issues ::Oman

Disputes - international:

boundary agreement reportedly signed and ratified with UAE in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah exclave, but details of the alignment have not been made public

page last updated on January 13, 2011

======================================================================

@Pacific Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Pacific Ocean

Background:

The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the world's five oceans (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). Strategically important access waterways include the La Perouse, Tsugaru, Tsushima, Taiwan, Singapore, and Torres Straits. The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Pacific Ocean south of 60 degrees south.

Geography ::Pacific Ocean

Location:

body of water between the Southern Ocean, Asia, Australia, and the Western Hemisphere

Geographic coordinates:

0 00 N, 160 00 W

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 155.557 million sq km

note: includes Bali Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Philippine Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

about 15 times the size of the US; covers about 28% of the global surface; almost equal to the total land area of the world

Coastline:

135,663 km

Climate:

planetary air pressure systems and resultant wind patterns exhibit remarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade winds and westerly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by seasonal fluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central America; continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much less pronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same latitude in the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian landmass back to the ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike southeast and east Asia from May to December

Terrain:

surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated by a clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents) and in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; in the northern Pacific, sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific, sea ice from Antarctica reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the Mariana Trench, which is the world's deepest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench -10,924 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish

Natural hazards:

surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the "Pacific Ring of Fire"; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October); tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in August and September); cyclical El Nino/La Nina phenomenon occurs in the equatorial Pacific, influencing weather in the Western Hemisphere and the western Pacific; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north from October to May; persistent fog in the northern Pacific can be a maritime hazard from June to December

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea

Geography - note:

the major chokepoints are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean

Economy ::Pacific Ocean

Economy - overview:

The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provides low-cost sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1996, over 60% of the world's fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean. Exploitation of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energy supplies of the US, Australia, NZ, China, and Peru. The high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has led to fluctuations in new drillings.

Transportation ::Pacific Ocean

Ports and terminals:

Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong (China), Kao-hsiung (Taiwan), Los
Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), San
Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney
(Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan)

Transportation - note:

the Inside Passage offers protected waters from southeast Alaska to Puget Sound (Washington state); the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of littoral states and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes stolen; crew and passengers are often held for ransom, murdered, or cast adrift

Transnational Issues ::Pacific Ocean

Disputes - international:

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

page last updated on November 17, 2010

======================================================================

@Pakistan (South Asia)

Introduction ::Pakistan

Background:

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world and dating back at least 5,000 years, spread over much of what is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples. The area underwent successive invasions in subsequent centuries from the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and Turks. The Mughal Empire flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries; the British came to dominate the region in the 18th century. The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with West and East sections) and largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan fought two wars - in 1947-48 and 1965 - over the disputed Kashmir territory. A third war between these countries in 1971 - in which India capitalized on Islamabad's marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998. India-Pakistan relations have been rocky since the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, but both countries are taking small steps to put relations back on track. In February 2008, Pakistan held parliamentary elections and in September 2008, after the resignation of former President MUSHARRAF, elected Asif Ali ZARDARI to the presidency. Pakistani government and military leaders are struggling to control domestic insurgents, many of whom are located in the tribal areas adjacent to the border with Afghanistan.

Geography ::Pakistan

Location:

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north

Geographic coordinates:

30 00 N, 70 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 796,095 sq km country comparison to the world: 36 land: 770,875 sq km

water: 25,220 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 6,774 km

border countries: Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km

Coastline:

1,046 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north

Terrain:

flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m

Natural resources:

land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 24.44%

permanent crops: 0.84%

other: 74.72% (2005)

Irrigated land:

182,300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

233.8 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 169.39 cu km/yr (2%/2%/96%)

per capita: 1,072 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August)

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; most of the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent

People ::Pakistan

Population:

184,404,791 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.7% (male 33,037,943/female 31,092,572)

15-64 years: 59.1% (male 53,658,173/female 49,500,786)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 3,495,350/female 3,793,734) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.2 years

male: 21.2 years

female: 21.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.589% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Birth rate:

25.3 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Death rate:

7.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Net migration rate:

-2.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Urbanization:

urban population: 36% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 65.32 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 26 male: 68.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 61.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 65.63 years country comparison to the world: 165 male: 63.84 years

female: 67.5 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.28 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

96,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Pakistani(s)

adjective: Pakistani

Ethnic groups:

Punjabi 44.68%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.42%, Sindhi 14.1%, Sariaki 8.38%, Muhajirs 7.57%, Balochi 3.57%, other 6.28%

Religions:

Muslim 95% (Sunni 75%, Shia 20%), other (includes Christian and
Hindu) 5%

Languages:

Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 49.9%

male: 63%

female: 36% (2005 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 7 years

male: 8 years

female: 6 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 153

Government ::Pakistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistan

conventional short form: Pakistan

local long form: Jamhuryat Islami Pakistan

local short form: Pakistan

former: West Pakistan

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Islamabad

geographic coordinates: 33 42 N, 73 10 E

time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan,
Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**,
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly North-West Frontier Province), Punjab,
Sindh

note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region consists of two administrative entities: Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan

Independence:

14 August 1947 (from British India)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 23 March (1956)

Constitution:

12 April 1973; suspended 5 July 1977, restored 30 December 1985; suspended 15 October 1999, restored in stages in 2002; amended 31 December 2003; suspended 3 November 2007; restored on 15 December 2007; amended 19 April 2010

Legal system:

based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's status as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; joint electorates and reserved parliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Asif Ali ZARDARI (since 9 September 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI (since 25 March 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president upon the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the president elected by secret ballot through an Electoral College comprising the members of the Senate, National Assembly, and the provincial assemblies for a five-year term; election last held on 6 September 2008 (next to be held not later than 2013); note - any person who is a Muslim and not less than 45 years of age and is qualified to be elected as a member of the National Assembly can contest the presidential election; the prime minister selected by the National Assembly; election last held on 24 March 2008

election results: Asif Ali ZARDARI elected president; ZARDARI 481 votes, SIDDIQUE 153 votes, SYED 44 votes; Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI elected prime minister; GILANI 264 votes, Pervaiz ELAHI 42 votes; several abstentions

Legislative branch:

bicameral parliament or Majlis-e-Shoora consists of the Senate (100 seats; members indirectly elected by provincial assemblies and the territories' representatives in the National Assembly to serve six-year terms; one half are elected every three years) and the National Assembly (342 seats; 272 members elected by popular vote; 60 seats reserved for women; 10 seats reserved for non-Muslims; members serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 3 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2012); National Assembly - last held on 18 February 2008 with by-elections on 26 June 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPPP 27, PML-Q 21, MMA 9, PML-N 7, ANP 6, MQM 6, JUI-F 4, BNP-A 2, JWP 1, NPP 1, PKMAP 1, PML-F 1, PPP 1, independents 13; National Assembly - percent of votes by party - NA; seats by party as of October 2010 - PPPP 127, PML-N 90, PML 51, MQM 25, ANP 13, JUI-F 8, PML-F 5, BNP-A 1, NPP 1, PPP-S 1, independents 18, unfilled seats - 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president); Federal Islamic or Sharia Court

Political parties and leaders:

Awami National Party or ANP [Asfandyar Wali KHAN]; Balochistan
National Party-Awami or BNP-A [Moheem Khan BALOCH]; Balochistan
National Party-Hayee Group or BNP-H [Dr. Hayee BALOCH]; Balochistan
National Party-Mengal or BNP-M [Sardar Ataullah MENGAL]; Jamaat-i
Islami or JI [Syed Munawar HASAN]; Jamhoori Watan Party or JWP;
Jamiat Ahle Hadith or JAH [Sajid MIR]; Jamiat Ulema-i Islam Fazl-ur
Rehman or JUI-F [Fazl-ur REHMAN]; Jamiat Ulema-i Islam Sami-ul HAQ
or JUI-S [Sami ul-HAQ]; Jamiat Ulema-i Pakistan or JUP [Shah Faridul
HAQ]; Muttahida Majlis-e Amal or MMA [Qazi Hussain AHMED]; Muttahida
Qaumi Movement or MQM [Altaf HUSSAIN]; National Alliance or NA
[Ghulam Mustapha JATOI] (merged with PML); National Peoples Party or
NPP; Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party or PKMAP [Mahmood Khan
ACHAKZAI]; Pakistan Awami Tehrik or PAT [Tahir ul QADRI]; Pakistan
Muslim League or PML [Chaudhry Shujaat HUSSAIN]; Pakistan Muslim
League-Functional or PML-F [Pir PAGARO]; Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz or PML-N [Nawaz SHARIF]; Pakistan Peoples Party
Parliamentarians or PPPP [Bilawal Bhutto ZARDARI, chairman; Asif Ali
ZARDARI, co-chairman]; Pakistan Peoples Party-SHERPAO or PPP-S
[Aftab Ahmed Khan SHERPAO]; Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaaf or PTI [Imran
KHAN]; Tehrik-i Islami [Allama Sajid NAQVI]

note: political alliances in Pakistan can shift frequently

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: military (most important political force); ulema (clergy); landowners; industrialists; small merchants

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), C, CICA, CP, D-8, ECO, FAO,
G-11, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW,
PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Husain HAQQANI

chancery: 3517 International Court, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 243-6500

FAX: [1] (202) 686-1544

consulate(s) general: Boston (Honorary Consulate General), Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York

consulate(s): Chicago, Houston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Cameron MUNTER

embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad

mailing address: P. O. Box 1048, Unit 62200, APO AE 09812-2200

telephone: [92] (51) 208-0000

FAX: [92] (51) 2276427

consulate(s) general: Karachi

consulate(s): Lahore, Peshawar

Flag description:

green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of religious minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam

National anthem:

name: "Qaumi Tarana" (National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Abu-Al-Asar Hafeez JULLANDHURI/Ahmed Ghulamali CHAGLA

note: adopted 1954; the anthem is also known as "Pak sarzamin shad bad" (Blessed Be the Sacred Land)

Economy ::Pakistan

Economy - overview:

Pakistan, an impoverished and underdeveloped country, has suffered from decades of internal political disputes and low levels of foreign investment. Between 2001-07, however, poverty levels decreased by 10%, as Islamabad steadily raised development spending. Between 2004-07, GDP growth in the 5-8% range was spurred by gains in the industrial and service sectors - despite severe electricity shortfalls - but growth slowed in 2008-09 and unemployment rose. Inflation remains the top concern among the public, climbing from 7.7% in 2007 to more than 13% in 2010. In addition, the Pakistani rupee has depreciated since 2007 as a result of political and economic instability. The government agreed to an International Monetary Fund Standby Arrangement in November 2008 in response to a balance of payments crisis, but during 2009-10 its current account strengthened and foreign exchange reserves stabilized - largely because of lower oil prices and record remittances from workers abroad. Record floods in July-August 2010 lowered agricultural output and contributed to a jump in inflation, and reconstruction costs will strain the limited resources of the government. Textiles account for most of Pakistan's export earnings, but Pakistan's failure to expand a viable export base for other manufactures has left the country vulnerable to shifts in world demand. Other long term challenges include expanding investment in education, healthcare, and electricity production, and reducing dependence on foreign donors.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$451.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $439.4 billion (2009 est.)

$421.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$174.8 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 4.3% (2009 est.)

3.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 $2,400 (2009 est.)

$2,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 21.8%

industry: 23.6%

services: 54.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

55.77 million country comparison to the world: 10 note: extensive export of labor, mostly to the Middle East, and use of child labor (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 43%

industry: 20.3%

services: 36.6% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 14% (2009 est.)

note: substantial underemployment exists

Population below poverty line:

24% (FY05/06 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.9%

highest 10%: 26.5% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30.6 (FY07/08) country comparison to the world: 109 41 (FY98/99)

Investment (gross fixed):

15% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Public debt:

49.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 49.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216 13.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

12.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 20 15% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$59.75 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 43 $47.23 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$85.22 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $65.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$71.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $63.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$33.24 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 58 $23.49 billion (31 December 2008)

$70.26 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; milk, beef, mutton, eggs

Industries:

textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp

Industrial production growth rate:

4.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Electricity - production:

90.8 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Electricity - consumption:

72.2 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

59,140 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Oil - consumption:

373,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Oil - exports:

30,090 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Oil - imports:

319,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Oil - proved reserves:

436.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - production:

37.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - consumption:

37.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Natural gas - proved reserves:

840.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Current account balance:

-$2.641 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 -$3.583 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$20.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $18.33 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

textiles (garments, bed linen, cotton cloth, yarn), rice, leather goods, sports goods, chemicals, manufactures, carpets and rugs

Exports - partners:

US 15.87%, UAE 12.35%, Afghanistan 8.48%, UK 4.7%, China 4.44% (2009)

Imports:

$32.71 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $28.53 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, plastics, transportation equipment, edible oils, paper and paperboard, iron and steel, tea

Imports - partners:

China 15.35%, Saudi Arabia 10.54%, UAE 9.8%, US 4.81%, Kuwait 4.73%,
Malaysia 4.43%, India 4.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$16.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $13.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$57.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $53.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$30.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $28.09 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.047 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $1.017 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Pakistani rupees (PKR) per US dollar - 85.27 (2010), 81.7129 (2009), 70.64 (2008), 60.6295 (2007), 60.35 (2006)

Communications ::Pakistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.058 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 38

Telephones - mobile cellular:

103 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks;

domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding 100 million in 2009, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; approximately 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth; fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas

international: country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2009)

Broadcast media:

media is government regulated; 1 dominant state-owned TV broadcaster, Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), operates a network consisting of 6 channels; private TV broadcasters are permitted and some foreign satellite channels are carried by cable TV operators; the state-owned radio network operates more than 40 stations; privately-owned radio stations mostly limit programming to music and talk shows (2007)

Internet country code:

.pk

Internet hosts:

330,466 (2010) country comparison to the world: 57

Internet users:

20.431 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 20

Transportation ::Pakistan

Airports:

148 (2010) country comparison to the world: 38

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 101

over 3,047 m: 15

2,438 to 3,047 m: 20

1,524 to 2,437 m: 39

914 to 1,523 m: 18

under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 47

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Heliports:

20 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 10,402 km; oil 2,011 km; refined products 787 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 7,791 km country comparison to the world: 28 broad gauge: 7,479 km 1.676-m gauge (293 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 312 km 1.000-m gauge (2007)

Roadways:

total: 259,197 km country comparison to the world: 20 paved: 172,827 km (includes 711 km of expressways)

unpaved: 86,370 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 10 country comparison to the world: 114 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 4, petroleum tanker 5

registered in other countries: 14 (Comoros 3, Georgia 1, Marshall Islands 1, Panama 5, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Karachi, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim

Military ::Pakistan

Military branches:

Army (includes National Guard), Navy (includes Marines and Maritime
Security Agency), Pakistan Air Force (Pakistan Fiza'ya) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-23 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers cannot be deployed for combat until age 18; the Pakistani Air Force and Pakistani Navy have inducted their first female pilots and sailors (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 45,829,360

females age 16-49: 41,716,682 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 35,774,936

females age 16-49: 34,572,451 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,144,574

female: 2,000,479 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Transnational Issues ::Pakistan

Disputes - international:

various talks and confidence-building measures cautiously have begun to defuse tensions over Kashmir, particularly since the October 2005 earthquake in the region; Kashmir nevertheless remains the site of the world's largest and most militarized territorial dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has maintained a small group of peacekeepers since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1964; India and Pakistan have maintained their 2004 cease fire in Kashmir and initiated discussions on defusing the armed stand-off in the Siachen glacier region; Pakistan protests India's fencing the highly militarized Line of Control and construction of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, which is part of the larger dispute on water sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries; to defuse tensions and prepare for discussions on a maritime boundary, India and Pakistan seek technical resolution of the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary at the mouth of the Rann of Kutch in the Arabian Sea; Pakistani maps continue to show the Junagadh claim in India's Gujarat State; by 2005, Pakistan, with UN assistance, repatriated 2.3 million Afghan refugees leaving slightly more than a million, many of whom remain at their own choosing; Pakistan has proposed and Afghanistan protests construction of a fence and laying of mines along portions of their porous border; Pakistan has sent troops into remote tribal areas to monitor and control the border with Afghanistan and to stem terrorist or other illegal activities

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1,043,984 (Afghanistan)

IDPs: undetermined (government strikes on Islamic militants in South Waziristan); 34,000 (October 2005 earthquake; most of those displaced returned to their home villages in the spring of 2006) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

significant transit area for Afghan drugs, including heroin, opium, morphine, and hashish, bound for Iran, Western markets, the Gulf States, Africa, and Asia; financial crimes related to drug trafficking, terrorism, corruption, and smuggling remain problems; opium poppy cultivation estimated to be 2,300 hectares in 2007 with 600 of those hectares eradicated; federal and provincial authorities continue to conduct anti-poppy campaigns that utilizes forced eradication, fines, and arrests

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Palau (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Palau

Background:

After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with the US was approved in 1986 but not ratified until 1993. It entered into force the following year when the islands gained independence.

Geography ::Palau

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

7 30 N, 134 30 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 459 sq km country comparison to the world: 196 land: 459 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,519 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November

Terrain:

varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

Natural resources:

forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals

Land use:

arable land: 8.7%

permanent crops: 4.35%

other: 86.95% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (June to December)

Environment - current issues:

inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing practices, and overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands

People ::Palau

Population:

20,879 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.9% (male 2,458/female 2,314)

15-64 years: 70.8% (male 8,207/female 6,521)

65 years and over: 6.2% (male 401/female 895) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.4 years

male: 32.2 years

female: 33 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.374% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Birth rate:

10.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Death rate:

7.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Net migration rate:

0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Urbanization:

urban population: 81% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.25 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.43 male(s)/female

total population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 134 male: 14.43 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.51 years country comparison to the world: 129 male: 68.36 years

female: 74.84 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.73 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Palauan(s)

adjective: Palauan

Ethnic groups:

Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 69.9%,
Filipino 15.3%, Chinese 4.9%, other Asian 2.4%, white 1.9%,
Carolinian 1.4%, other Micronesian 1.1%, other or unspecified 3.2%
(2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 41.6%, Protestant 23.3%, Modekngei 8.8% (indigenous to Palau), Seventh-Day Adventist 5.3%, Jehovah's Witness 0.9%, Latter-Day Saints 0.6%, other 3.1%, unspecified or none 16.4% (2000 census)

Languages:

Palauan 64.7% official in all islands except Sonsoral (Sonsoralese
and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are official), and
Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official), Filipino 13.5%,
English 9.4%, Chinese 5.7%, Carolinian 1.5%, Japanese 1.5%, other
Asian 2.3%, other languages 1.5% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92%

male: 93%

female: 90% (1980 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

10.3% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 5

Government ::Palau

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Palau

conventional short form: Palau

local long form: Beluu er a Belau

local short form: Belau

former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District

Government type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 1 October 1994

Capital:

name: Melekeok

geographic coordinates: 7 29 N, 134 38 E

time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol

Independence:

1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)

Constitution:

1 January 1981

Legal system:

based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January 2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January 2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Johnson TORIBIONG (51%) defeats Elias Camsek CHIN (49%) for president; Kerai MARIUR elected vice president

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote on a population basis to serve four-year terms) and the House of Delegates (16 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); House of Delegates - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9; House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 16

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Common Pleas; Land Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF,
IOC, IPU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA

chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: [1] (202) 452-6814

FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281

consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires James PANOS

embassy: Koror (no street address)

mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Republic of Palau 96940

telephone: [680] 488-2920, 2990

FAX: [680] 488-2911

Flag description:

light blue with a large yellow disk shifted slightly to the hoist side; the blue color represents the ocean, the disk represents the moon; Palauans consider the full moon to be the optimum time for human activity; it is also considered a symbol of peace, love, and tranquility

National anthem:

name: "Belau rekid" (Our Palau)

lyrics/music: multiple/Ymesei O. EZEKIEL

note: adopted 1980

Economy ::Palau

Economy - overview:

The economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence agriculture, and fishing. The government is the major employer of the work force relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. The Compact of Free Association with the US, entered into after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994, provided Palau with up to $700 million in US aid for the following 15 years in return for furnishing military facilities. Business and tourist arrivals numbered 85,000 in 2007. The population enjoys a per capita income roughly 50% higher than that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the key tourist sector have been greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries, and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$164 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 218 $124.5 million (2004 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP estimate includes US subsidy

GDP (official exchange rate):

$164 million (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA% (2009)

5.5% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,100 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $7,600 (2005 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.2%

industry: 12%

services: 81.8% (2003)

Labor force:

9,777 (2005) country comparison to the world: 215

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 20%

industry: NA%

services: NA% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

4.2% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.7% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; fish

Industries:

tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction, garment making

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Current account balance:

$15.09 million (FY03/04) country comparison to the world: 59

Exports:

$5.882 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Exports - commodities:

shellfish, tuna, copra, garments

Imports:

$107.3 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs

Debt - external:

$0 (FY99/00) country comparison to the world: 197

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Palau

Telephones - main lines in use:

7,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 207

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 210

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services available with a combined subscribership of roughly 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 680; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

no television broadcast stations; a cable television network covers the major islands and provides access to rebroadcasts, on a delayed basis, of a number of US stations as well as access to a number of real-time satellite TV channels; about a half dozen radio stations with 1 government-owned (2009)

Internet country code:

.pw

Internet hosts:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 229

Transportation ::Palau

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 191

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Koror

Military ::Palau

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Palau National Police (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,955 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,223

females age 16-49: 3,949 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 212

female: 218 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US; under a Compact of Free Association between Palau and the US, the US military is granted access to the islands for 50 years, but it has not stationed any military forces there (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Palau

Disputes - international:

maritime delineation negotiations continue with Philippines, Indonesia

page last updated on December 15, 2010

======================================================================

@Panama (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Panama

Background:

Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela - named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When the latter dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the structure (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. In 1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama by the end of the century. Certain portions of the Zone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the subsequent decades. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the Canal, and remaining US military bases were transferred to Panama by the end of 1999. In October 2006, Panamanians approved an ambitious plan (estimated to cost $5.3 billion) to expand the Canal. The project, which began in 2007 and could double the Canal's capacity, is expected to be completed in 2014-15.

Geography ::Panama

Location:

Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North
Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica

Geographic coordinates:

9 00 N, 80 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 75,420 sq km country comparison to the world: 117 land: 74,340 sq km

water: 1,080 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 555 km

border countries: Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km

Coastline:

2,490 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or edge of continental margin

Climate:

tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)

Terrain:

interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m

Natural resources:

copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 7.26%

permanent crops: 1.95%

other: 90.79% (2005)

Irrigated land:

430 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

148 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.82 cu km/yr (67%/5%/28%)

per capita: 254 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation and soil erosion threatens siltation of Panama Canal; air pollution in urban areas; mining threatens natural resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean

People ::Panama

Population:

3,410,676 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.3% (male 501,950/female 481,750)

15-64 years: 63.9% (male 1,085,435/female 1,061,530)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 106,934/female 122,875) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.2 years

male: 26.9 years

female: 27.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.463% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Birth rate:

19.71 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Death rate:

4.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Net migration rate:

-0.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.97 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 139 male: 12.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.61 years country comparison to the world: 54 male: 74.85 years

female: 80.5 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.48 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

20,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Panamanian(s)

adjective: Panamanian

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

Languages:

Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians bilingual

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.9%

male: 92.5%

female: 91.2% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 115

Government ::Panama

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Panama

conventional short form: Panama

local long form: Republica de Panama

local short form: Panama

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

name: Panama City

geographic coordinates: 8 58 N, 79 32 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

11 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Comarca Kuna Yala, Comarca Ngobe-Bugle, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas* (Kuna Yala), and Veraguas

Independence:

3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 November (1903)

Constitution:

11 October 1972; revised in 1978, 1983, 1994, and 2004

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since 1 July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since 1 July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms (not eligible for immediate reelection; president and vice president must sit out two additional terms (10 years) before becoming eligible for reelection); election last held on 3 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal elected president; percent of vote - Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal 60%, Balbina HERRERA 38%, Guillermo ENDARA Galimany 2%

note: government coalition - CD (Democratic Change), Panamenista, MOLIRENA (Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement), and UP (Patriotic Union Party)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (71 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 3 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRD 26, Panamenista 22, CD 14, UP 4, Independent 2, MOLIRENA 2, PP 1

note: legislators from outlying rural districts chosen on a plurality basis while districts located in more populous towns and cities elect multiple legislators by means of a proportion-based formula

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine judges appointed for 10-year terms); five superior courts; three courts of appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Change or CD [Ricardo MARTINELLI]; Democratic
Revolutionary Party or PRD [Francisco SANCHEZ Cardenas]; Nationalist
Republican Liberal Movement or MOLIRENA [Sergio GONZALEZ-Ruiz];
Panamenista Party [Juan Carlos VARELA Rodriguez] (formerly the
Arnulfista Party); Patriotic Union Party or UP (combination of the
Liberal National Party or PLN and the Solidarity Party or PS)[Anibal
GALINDO]; Popular Party or PP [Milton HENRIQUEZ] (formerly Christian
Democratic Party or PDC)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Chamber of Commerce; National Civic Crusade; National Council of Organized Workers or CONATO; National Council of Private Enterprise or CONEP; National Union of Construction and Similar Workers (SUNTRACS); Panamanian Association of Business Executives or APEDE; Panamanian Industrialists Society or SIP; Workers Confederation of the Republic of Panama or CTRP

International organization participation:

BCIE, CAN (observer), CSN (observer), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN, UNASUR (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime Eduardo ALEMAN Healy

chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407

FAX: [1] (202) 483-8416

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Phyllis M. POWERS

embassy: Edificio 783, Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas Panama, Apartado Postal 0816-02561, Zona 5, Panama City

mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002

telephone: [507] 207-7000

FAX: [507] 317-5568

Flag description:

divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and plain red; the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center; the blue and red colors are those of the main political parties (Conservatives and Liberals respectively) and the white denotes peace between them; the blue star stands for the civic virtues of purity and honesty, the red star signifies authority and law

National anthem:

name: "Himno Istemno" (Isthmus Hymn)

lyrics/music: Jeronimo DE LA OSSA/Santos A. JORGE

note: adopted 1925

Economy ::Panama

Economy - overview:

Panama's dollarized economy rests primarily on a well-developed services sector that accounts for three-quarters of GDP. Services include operating the Panama Canal, banking, the Colon Free Zone, insurance, container ports, flagship registry, and tourism. Economic growth will be bolstered by the Panama Canal expansion project that began in 2007 and is scheduled to be completed by 2014 at a cost of $5.3 billion - about 25% of current GDP. The expansion project will more than double the Canal's capacity, enabling it to accommodate ships that are now too large to transverse the transoceanic crossway, and should help to reduce the unemployment rate. The United States and China are the top users of the Canal. Panama also plans to construct a metro system in Panama City, valued at $1.2 billion and scheduled to be completed by 2014. Panama's aggressive infrastructure development projects will likely lead the economy to continued growth in 2011. Strong economic performance has not translated into broadly shared prosperity as Panama has the second worst income distribution in Latin America. About 30% of the population lives in poverty, however, during TORRIJOS's term poverty was reduced from 40% to 30% and unemployment dropped from 12% to 6%. Not a CAFTA signatory, Panama in December 2006 independently negotiated a free trade agreement with the US, which, when implemented, will help promote the country's economic growth. Seeking removal from the Organization of Economic Development's gray-list of tax havens, Panama has also recently signed various double taxation treaties with other nations.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$43.48 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $41.37 billion (2009 est.)

$40.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$27.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 2.4% (2009 est.)

10.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $12,300 (2009 est.)

$12,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.8%

industry: 16.6%

services: 77.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.49 million country comparison to the world: 130 note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 6%

industry: 18%

services: 76% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 6.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

28.6% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.8%

highest 10%: 41.4% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

56.1 (2003) country comparison to the world: 12 48.5 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

26.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Public debt:

40.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 44.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 2.4% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 8.16% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$5.04 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 88 $4.404 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$24.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $21.78 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$23.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $20.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$8.048 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 75 $6.568 billion (31 December 2008)

$6.219 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables; livestock; shrimp

Industries:

construction, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Electricity - production:

6.322 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Electricity - consumption:

5.17 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Electricity - exports:

124.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

8.74 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

2 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Oil - consumption:

93,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Oil - exports:

4,803 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Oil - imports:

87,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Current account balance:

-$813 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 -$2.33 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$12.52 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $10.9 billion (2009 est.)

note: includes the Colon Free Zone

Exports - commodities:

bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing

Exports - partners:

Greece 21.03%, US 17.63%, Japan 9.87%, Germany 4.28%, Italy 4.27% (2009)

Imports:

$16.05 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $12.93 billion (2009 est.)

note: includes the Colon Free Zone

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Japan 36.21%, Singapore 16.86%, US 12.3%, China 7.84% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.525 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $3.028 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$13.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $13.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

balboas (PAB) per US dollar - 1 (2010), 1 (2009), 1 (2008), 1 (2007), 1 (2006)

Communications ::Panama

Telephones - main lines in use:

537,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 95

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.677 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 88

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic and international facilities well developed

domestic: mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has increased rapidly

international: country code - 507; landing point for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), the MAYA-1, and PAN-AM submarine cable systems that together provide links to the US and parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to the Central American Microwave System (2008)

Broadcast media:

multiple privately-owned television networks and a government-owned educational TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; more than 100 commercial radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.pa

Internet hosts:

9,585 (2010) country comparison to the world: 123

Internet users:

959,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 104

Transportation ::Panama

Airports:

118 (2010) country comparison to the world: 52

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 54

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 17

under 914 m: 30 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 64

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 52 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Railways:

total: 76 km country comparison to the world: 127 standard gauge: 76 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 11,978 km country comparison to the world: 130 paved: 4,300 km

unpaved: 7,678 km (2002)

Waterways:

800 km (includes the 82-km Panama Canal that is being widened) (2010) country comparison to the world: 72

Merchant marine:

total: 6,379 country comparison to the world: 1 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 2,383, cargo 1,129, carrier 18, chemical tanker 626, combination ore/oil 3, container 751, liquefied gas 192, passenger 42, passenger/cargo 61, petroleum tanker 576, refrigerated cargo 212, roll on/roll off 100, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 282

foreign-owned: 5,244 (Albania 3, Argentina 7, Australia 5, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 7, Bangladesh 3, Belgium 2, Bermuda 15, Brazil 3, Bulgaria 6, Burma 3, Canada 5, Chile 17, China 574, Colombia 2, Croatia 2, Cuba 4, Cyprus 8, Denmark 46, Ecuador 6, Egypt 11, Finland 2, France 13, Gabon 1, Germany 27, Gibraltar 1, Greece 402, Hong Kong 125, India 17, Indonesia 14, Iran 5, Ireland 1, Isle of Man 11, Israel 1, Italy 23, Japan 2347, Jordan 13, Kuwait 12, Latvia 4, Lebanon 2, Lithuania 4, Luxembourg 1, Malaysia 12, Maldives 3, Malta 2, Mexico 6, Monaco 14, Morocco 1, Netherlands 8, Nigeria 7, Norway 89, Oman 8, Pakistan 5, Peru 12, Philippines 6, Poland 3, Portugal 9, Qatar 1, Romania 2, Russia 39, Saudi Arabia 8, Singapore 79, South Korea 366, Spain 40, Sweden 1, Switzerland 22, Syria 42, Taiwan 337, Tanzania 2, Thailand 6, Tunisia 1, Turkey 79, UAE 83, UK 33, Ukraine 11, US 102, Venezuela 8, Vietnam 37, Yemen 4)

registered in other countries: 1 (Honduras 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Balboa, Colon, Cristobal

Military ::Panama

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Panamanian public forces include: Panamanian National Police (PNP), National Air-Naval Service (SENAN), National Border Service (SENAFRONT) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 878,281 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 719,761

females age 16-49: 719,444 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 31,398

female: 30,182 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 132

Military - note:

on 10 February 1990, the government of then President ENDARA abolished Panama's military and reformed the security apparatus by creating the Panamanian Public Forces; in October 1994, Panama's Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting the creation of a standing military force but allowing the temporary establishment of special police units to counter acts of "external aggression"

Transnational Issues ::Panama

Disputes - international:

organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia operate within the remote border region with Panama

Illicit drugs:

major cocaine transshipment point and primary money-laundering center for narcotics revenue; money-laundering activity is especially heavy in the Colon Free Zone; offshore financial center; negligible signs of coca cultivation; monitoring of financial transactions is improving; official corruption remains a major problem

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Papua New Guinea (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Papua New Guinea

Background:

The eastern half of the island of New Guinea - second largest in the world - was divided between Germany (north) and the UK (south) in 1885. The latter area was transferred to Australia in 1902, which occupied the northern portion during World War I and continued to administer the combined areas until independence in 1975. A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island of Bougainville ended in 1997 after claiming some 20,000 lives.

Geography ::Papua New Guinea

Location:

Oceania, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 S, 147 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 462,840 sq km country comparison to the world: 54 land: 452,860 sq km

water: 9,980 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 820 km

border countries: Indonesia 820 km

Coastline:

5,152 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

Natural resources:

gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil, fisheries

Land use:

arable land: 0.49%

permanent crops: 1.4%

other: 98.11% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

801 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.1 cu km/yr (56%/43%/1%)

per capita: 17 cu m/yr (1987)

Natural hazards:

active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire"; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes; mud slides; tsunamis

volcanism: Papua New Guinea experiences severe volcanic activity; Ulawun (elev. 2,334 m, 7,657 ft), one of Papua New Guinea's potentially most dangerous volcanoes, has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Rabaul (elev. 688 m, 2,257 ft) destroyed the city of Rabaul in 1937 and 1994; Lamington erupted in 1951 killing 3,000 people; Manam's 2004 eruption forced the island's abandonment; other historically active volcanoes include Bam, Bagana, Garbuna, Karkar, Langila, Lolobau, Long Island, Pago, St. Andrew Strait, Victory, and Waiowa

Environment - current issues:

rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining projects; severe drought

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast

People ::Papua New Guinea

Population:

6,064,515 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.3% (male 1,126,214/female 1,088,211)

15-64 years: 59.3% (male 1,815,731/female 1,704,430)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 113,285/female 92,904) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.6 years

male: 21.9 years

female: 21.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.033% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Birth rate:

26.95 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Death rate:

6.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 112

Urbanization:

urban population: 12% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.2 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 44.59 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 58 male: 48.47 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 40.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 65.99 years country comparison to the world: 162 male: 63.78 years

female: 68.31 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

54,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Papua New Guinean(s)

adjective: Papua New Guinean

Ethnic groups:

Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 27%, Evangelical Lutheran 19.5%, United Church 11.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10%, Pentecostal 8.6%, Evangelical Alliance 5.2%, Anglican 3.2%, Baptist 2.5%, other Protestant 8.9%, Bahai 0.3%, indigenous beliefs and other 3.3% (2000 census)

Languages:

Tok Pisin, English, and Hiri Motu are official languages; some 860 indigenous languages spoken (over one-tenth of the world's total)

note: Tok Pisin, a creole language, is widely used and understood; English is spoken by 1%-2%; Hiri Motu is spoken by less than 2%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 57.3%

male: 63.4%

female: 50.9% (2000 census)

Education expenditures:

NA

People - note:

the indigenous population of Papua New Guinea is one of the most heterogeneous in the world; PNG has several thousand separate communities, most with only a few hundred people; divided by language, customs, and tradition, some of these communities have engaged in low-scale tribal conflict with their neighbors for millennia; the advent of modern weapons and modern migrants into urban areas has greatly magnified the impact of this lawlessness

Government ::Papua New Guinea

Country name:

conventional long form: Independent State of Papua New Guinea

conventional short form: Papua New Guinea

local short form: Papuaniugini

former: Territory of Papua and New Guinea

abbreviation: PNG

Government type:

constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Port Moresby

geographic coordinates: 9 30 S, 147 10 E

time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

18 provinces, 1 autonomous region*, and 1 district**; Bougainville*,
Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik,
Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital**,
New Ireland, Northern, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western
Highlands, West New Britain

Independence:

16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Constitution:

16 September 1975

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by acting governor general Michael OGIO (since 20 December 2010)

note: governor general Sir Paulias MATANE (since 29 June 2004) was replaced on 10 December 2010 when his reappointment to the office in May 2010 was declared null and void

head of government: Acting Prime Minister Sam ABAL (since 14 December 2010)

note: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2 August 2002) stepped aside on 14 December 2010 because he was to be referred to a tribunal for not submitting three annual fiscal returns; Deputy Prime Minister Don POYLE (since 20 June 2010) was replaced on 9 December 2010 by Sam ABAL

cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general nominated by parliament and appointed by the chief of state; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general acting in accordance with a decision of the parliament

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (109 seats, 89 filled from open electorates and 20 from provinces and national capital district; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); constitution allows up to 126 seats

elections: last held from 30 June to 10 July 2007; next to be held in June 2012

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA 27, PNGP 8, PAP 6, URP 6, PANGU PATI 5, PDM 5, independents 19, others 33; note - election to 1 seat was nullified

note: 15 other parties won 4 or fewer seats; association with political parties is fluid

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the proposal of the National Executive Council after consultation with the minister responsible for justice; other judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission)

Political parties and leaders:

National Alliance Party or NA [Michael SOMARE]; Papua and Niugini
Union Party or PANGU PATI [Andrew KUMBAKOR]; Papua New Guinea Party
or PNGP [Sir Mekere MORAUTA]; People's Action Party or PAP [Gabriel
KAPRIS]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Michael OGIO]; United
Resources Party or URP [William DUMA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ahora [Andrew MAMOKO] (represents local tribes); Centre for
Environment Law and Community Rights or Celcor [Damien ASE];
Community Coalition Against Corruption

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (observer), C, CP, FAO, G-77,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU,
MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Evan Jeremy PAKI

chancery: 1779 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680

FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Teddy B. TAYLOR

embassy: Douglas Street, Port Moresby, N.C.D.

mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby PI, US Department of State, Washington DC 20521-4240

telephone: [675] 321-1455

FAX: [675] 321-3423

Flag description:

divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five, white, five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered; red, black, and yellow are traditional colors of Papua New Guinea; the bird of paradise - endemic to the island of New Guinea - is an emblem of regional tribal culture and represents the emergence of Papua New Guinea as a nation; the Southern Cross, visible in the night sky, symbolizes Papua New Guinea's connection with Australia and several other countries in the South Pacific

National anthem:

name: "O Arise All You Sons"

lyrics/music: Thomas SHACKLADY

note: adopted 1975

Economy ::Papua New Guinea

Economy - overview:

Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by rugged terrain and the high cost of developing infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for 85% of the population. Mineral deposits, including copper, gold, and oil, account for nearly two-thirds of export earnings. Natural gas reserves amount to an estimated 227 billion cubic meters. A consortium led by a major American oil company is constructing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility that could begin exporting in 2013 or 2014. As the largest investment project in the country's history, it has the potential to double GDP in the near-term and triple Papua New Guinea's export revenue. The government faces the challenge of ensuring transparency and accountability for revenues flowing from this and other large LNG projects. The government of Prime Minister SOMARE has expended much of its energy remaining in power. He was the first prime minister ever to serve a full five-year term. The government has brought stability to the national budget, largely through expenditure control; however, it relaxed spending constraints in 2006 and 2007 as elections approached. Numerous challenges still face the government, including providing physical security for foreign investors, regaining investor confidence, restoring integrity to state institutions, promoting economic efficiency by privatizing moribund state institutions, and balancing relations with Australia, its former colonial ruler. Other socio-cultural challenges could upend the economy including an HIV/AIDS epidemic, with the highest infection rate in all of East Asia and the Pacific, and chronic law and order and land tenure issues. The global financial crisis had little impact because of continued high demand for Papua New Guinea's commodities exports.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.93 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $14.06 billion (2009 est.)

$13.33 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$8.809 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 5.5% (2009 est.)

6.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 $2,400 (2009 est.)

$2,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 32.2%

industry: 35.7%

services: 32.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.809 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 85%

industry: NA%

services: NA% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1.8% (2004) country comparison to the world: 11

Population below poverty line:

37% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.7%

highest 10%: 40.5% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.9 (1996) country comparison to the world: 19

Investment (gross fixed):

17.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Public debt:

27.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 29.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 6.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.92% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 58 7% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.09% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 9.2% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.551 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 116 $2.263 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.726 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $4.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.796 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $2.424 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$6.632 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cocoa, copra, palm kernels, tea, sugar, rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables, vanilla; shell fish; poultry, pork

Industries:

copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood production, wood chip production; mining of gold, silver, and copper; crude oil production, petroleum refining; construction, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

10% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Electricity - production:

2.885 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Electricity - consumption:

2.683 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

35,090 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Oil - consumption:

36,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Oil - exports:

32,490 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Oil - imports:

14,380 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Oil - proved reserves:

170 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - production:

100 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - consumption:

100 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - proved reserves:

226.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Current account balance:

-$99 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 -$446.4 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$5.976 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $4.392 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil, gold, copper ore, logs, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, crayfish, prawns

Exports - partners:

Australia 30.05%, Japan 7.48% (2009)

Imports:

$3.547 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134 $2.871 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Australia 43.27%, China 13.29%, Singapore 9.59%, US 6.4%, Japan 4.62% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.017 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $2.607 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.548 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $1.436 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

kina (PGK) per US dollar - 2.7517 (2010), 2.7551 (2009), 2.6956 (2008), 3.03 (2007), 3.0643 (2006)

Communications ::Papua New Guinea

Telephones - main lines in use:

60,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 156

Telephones - mobile cellular:

900,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 147

Telephone system:

general assessment: services are minimal; facilities provide radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio, aeronautical radio, and international radio communication services

domestic: access to telephone services is not widely available; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 15 per 100 persons

international: country code - 675; submarine cables to Australia and Guam; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); international radio communication service (2009)

Broadcast media:

2 television stations, 1 commercial station operating since the late 1980s and 1 state-run station launched in 2008; satellite and cable TV services are available; state-run National Broadcasting Corporation operates 3 radio networks with multiple repeaters and about 20 provincial stations; several commercial radio stations with multiple transmission points as well as several community stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are accessible (2009)

Internet country code:

.pg

Internet hosts:

4,285 (2010) country comparison to the world: 139

Internet users:

125,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 152

Transportation ::Papua New Guinea

Airports:

562 (2010) country comparison to the world: 12

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 21

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 541

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 63

under 914 m: 469 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 195 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 9,349 km country comparison to the world: 136 paved: 3,000 km

unpaved: 6,349 km (2011)

Waterways:

11,000 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 12

Merchant marine:

total: 28 country comparison to the world: 88 by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 24, petroleum tanker 2

foreign-owned: 7 (Malaysia 1, UAE 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kimbe, Lae, Madang, Rabaul, Wewak

Military ::Papua New Guinea

Military branches:

Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF; includes Maritime Operations
Element, Air Operations Element) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

16 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,532,378

females age 16-49: 1,440,528 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,103,479

females age 16-49: 1,107,479 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 66,139

female: 64,244 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Transnational Issues ::Papua New Guinea

Disputes - international:

relies on assistance from Australia to keep out illegal cross-border activities from primarily Indonesia, including goods smuggling, illegal narcotics trafficking, and squatters and secessionists

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 10,177 (Indonesia) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Papua New Guinea is a country of destination for women and children from Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and China trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; internal trafficking of women and children for the purposes of sexual exploitation and involuntary domestic servitude occurs as well

tier rating: Tier 3 - Papua New Guinea does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the current legal framework does not contain elements of crimes that characterize trafficking; the government lacks victim protection services or a systematic procedure to identify victims of trafficking; the government did not prosecute anyone in 2007 for trafficking; Papua New Guinea has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

major consumer of cannabis

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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@Paracel Islands (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Paracel Islands

Background:

The Paracel Islands are surrounded by productive fishing grounds and by potential oil and gas reserves. In 1932, French Indochina annexed the islands and set up a weather station on Pattle Island; maintenance was continued by its successor, Vietnam. China has occupied the Paracel Islands since 1974, when its troops seized a South Vietnamese garrison occupying the western islands. China built a military installation on Woody Island with an airfield and artificial harbor. The islands also are claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

Geography ::Paracel Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way from central Vietnam to the northern Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

16 30 N, 112 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: NA sq km

land: NA sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

NA

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

518 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

mostly low and flat

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

composed of 130 small coral islands and reefs divided into the northeast Amphitrite Group and the western Crescent Group

People ::Paracel Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there are scattered Chinese garrisons

Government ::Paracel Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Paracel Islands

Economy ::Paracel Islands

Economy - overview:

The islands have the potential for oil and gas development. Waters around the islands support commercial fishing, but the islands themselves are not populated on a permanent basis.

Transportation ::Paracel Islands

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 227

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island

Military ::Paracel Islands

Military - note:

occupied by China

Transnational Issues ::Paracel Islands

Disputes - international:

occupied by China, also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam

page last updated on November 17, 2010

======================================================================

@Paraguay (South America)

Introduction ::Paraguay

Background:

Paraguay achieved its independence from Spain in 1811. In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70) - between Paraguay and Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay - Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. The country stagnated economically for the next half century. Following the Chaco War of 1932-35 with Bolivia, Paraguay gained a large part of the Chaco lowland region. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER ended in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in political infighting in recent years, Paraguay has held relatively free and regular presidential elections since then.

Geography ::Paraguay

Location:

Central South America, northeast of Argentina

Geographic coordinates:

23 00 S, 58 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 406,752 sq km country comparison to the world: 59 land: 397,302 sq km

water: 9,450 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than California

Land boundaries:

total: 3,995 km

border countries: Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,365 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

Terrain:

grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m

highest point: Cerro Pero 842 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 7.47%

permanent crops: 0.24%

other: 92.29% (2005)

Irrigated land:

670 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

336 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.49 cu km/yr (20%/8%/71%)

per capita: 80 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste disposal pose health risks for many urban residents; loss of wetlands

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil; population concentrated in southern part of country

People ::Paraguay

Population:

6,375,830 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.7% (male 1,304,115/female 1,260,560)

15-64 years: 58.1% (male 2,043,509/female 2,023,317)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 168,554/female 195,600) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.9 years

male: 24.7 years

female: 25.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.31% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Birth rate:

17.73 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Death rate:

4.55 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Net migration rate:

-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 23.83 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 88 male: 27.84 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.99 years country comparison to the world: 72 male: 73.39 years

female: 78.71 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.16 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

21,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Paraguayan(s)

adjective: Paraguayan

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%, other 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 census)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Guarani (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94%

male: 94.9%

female: 93% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 106

Government ::Paraguay

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay

conventional short form: Paraguay

local long form: Republica del Paraguay

local short form: Paraguay

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

name: Asuncion

geographic coordinates: 25 16 S, 57 40 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends second Sunday in April

Administrative divisions:

17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro

Independence:

14 May 1811 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 14 May 1811 (observed 15 May)

Constitution:

promulgated 20 June 1992

Legal system:

based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 75

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez (since 15 August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15 August 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez (since 15 August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15 August 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held on 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013)

election results: Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez elected president; percent of vote - Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez 40.8%, Blanca OVELAR 30.6%, Lino OVIEDO 21.9%, Pedro FADUL 2.4%, other 4.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (45 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (80 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Senators - last held on 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -
NA; seats by party - ANR 15, PLRA 14, UNACE 9, PPQ 4, other 3;
Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party
- ANR 30, PLRA 27, UNACE 15, PPQ 3, APC 2, other 3; note - as of 1
January 2010, the composition of the Chamber of Deputies is ANR 30,
PLRA 29, UNACE 15, PPQ 4, other 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine judges proposed by the Council of Magistrates or Consejo de la Magistratura, and approved by the Senate and president)

Political parties and leaders:

Alianza Patriotica por el Cambio (Patriotic Alliance for Change) or
APC [Fernando LUGO]; Asociacion Nacional Republicana - Colorado
Party or ANR [Lilian SAMANIEGO]; Movimiento Popolar Tekojoja or
Tekojoja [Sixto PEREIRA]; Movimiento Union Nacional de Ciudadanos
Eticos or UNACE [Lino Cesar OVIEDO Silva]; Patria Querida (Beloved
Fatherland Party) or PPQ [Pedro Nicolas Maraa FADUL Niella]; Partido
del Movimiento al Socialismo or P-MAS [Camilo Ernesto SOARES
Machado]; Partido Democratica Progresista or PDP [Rafael Augusto
FILIZZOLA Serra]; Partido Encuentro Nacional or PEN [Fernando
CAMACHO Paredes]; Partido Liberal Radical Autentico or PLRA [Amanda
NUNEZ]; Partido Pais Solidario or PPS [Carlos Alberto FILIZZOLA
Pallares]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ahorristas Estafados or AE; National Coordinating Board of Campesino
Organizations or MCNOC [Luis AGUAYO]; National Federation of
Campesinos or FNC [Odilon ESPINOLA]; National Workers Central or CNT
[Secretary General Juan TORRALES]; Paraguayan Workers Confederation
or CPT; Roman Catholic Church; Unitary Workers Central or CUT [Jorge
Guzman ALVARENGA Malgarejo]

International organization participation:

CAN (associate), FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA,
MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Rigoberto GAUTO Vielman

chancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960 through 6962

FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508

consulate(s) general: Kansas City (Kansas), Los Angeles, Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

Ambassador Liliana AYALDE

embassy: 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Casilla Postal 402, Asuncion

mailing address: Unit 4711, APO AA 34036-0001

telephone: [595] (21) 213-715

FAX: [595] (21) 228-603

Flag description:

three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears a circular seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words PAZ Y JUSTICIA (Peace and Justice)); red symbolizes bravery and patriotism, white represents integrity and peace, and blue denotes liberty and generosity

note: the three color bands resemble those on the flag of the Netherlands; one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Saudi Arabia

National anthem:

name: "Paraguayos, Republica o muerte!" (Paraguayans, The Republic or Death!)

lyrics/music: Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/disputed

note: adopted 1934, in use since 1846; the anthem was officially adopted following its re-arrangement in 1934

Economy ::Paraguay

Economy - overview:

Landlocked Paraguay has a market economy distinguished by a large informal sector, featuring re-export of imported consumer goods to neighboring countries, as well as the activities of thousands of microenterprises and urban street vendors. A large percentage of the population, especially in rural areas, derives its living from agricultural activity, often on a subsistence basis. Because of the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic measures are difficult to obtain. On a per capita basis, real income has stagnated at 1980 levels. The economy grew rapidly between 2003 and 2008 as growing world demand for commodities combined with high prices and favorable weather to support Paraguay's commodity-based export expansion. Paraguay is the sixth largest soy producer in the world. Drought hit in 2008, reducing agricultural exports and slowing the economy even before the onset of the global recession. The economy fell 3.8% in 2009, as lower world demand and commodity prices caused exports to contract. The government reacted by introducing fiscal and monetary stimulus packages. Growth resumed at a 6.5% level in 2010. Political uncertainty, corruption, limited progress on structural reform, and deficient infrastructure are the main obstacles to growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$30.94 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $29.06 billion (2009 est.)

$30.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$17.17 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 -3.8% (2009 est.)

5.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $4,600 (2009 est.)

$4,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 21.8%

industry: 18.2%

services: 60.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.038 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 26.5%

industry: 18.5%

services: 55% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

6.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 7.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

19.4% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.1%

highest 10%: 42.3% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

53.2 (2009) country comparison to the world: 17 57.7 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Public debt:

22.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 24% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 2.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

20% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 10 20% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

28.26% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 25.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$2.6 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 115 $2.107 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$5.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $4.057 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.395 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $3.607 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$409.1 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber

Industries:

sugar, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, metallurgic, electric power

Industrial production growth rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Electricity - production:

53.19 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Electricity - consumption:

8.5 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Electricity - exports:

45.14 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

31 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Oil - consumption:

27,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Oil - imports:

25,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Current account balance:

-$391 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 -$149.2 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.606 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $5.784 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

soybeans, feed, cotton, meat, edible oils, electricity, wood, leather

Exports - partners:

Brazil 21%, Uruguay 17%, Chile 12%, Argentina 11%, Russia 4% (2009)

Imports:

$9.242 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $6.917 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

road vehicles, consumer goods, tobacco, petroleum products, electrical machinery, tractors, chemicals, vehicle parts

Imports - partners:

China 30%, Brazil 23%, Argentina 16%, US 5% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$4.082 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $3.862 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.346 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $3.883 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$2.153 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 87 $2.057 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

guarani (PYG) per US dollar - 4,767.6 (2010), 4,965.4 (2009), 4,337.7 (2008), 5,031 (2007), 5,672.8 (2006)

Communications ::Paraguay

Telephones - main lines in use:

387,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 102

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.619 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 89

Telephone system:

general assessment: the fixed-line market is a state monopoly and fixed-line telephone service is meager; principal switching center is in Asuncion

domestic: deficiencies in provision of fixed-line service have resulted in a rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services fostered by competition among multiple providers

international: country code - 595; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

5 privately-owned TV stations; about 75 commercial and community radio stations broadcasting; 1 state-owned radio network (2007)

Internet country code:

.py

Internet hosts:

167,281 (2010) country comparison to the world: 69

Internet users:

1.105 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 94

Transportation ::Paraguay

Airports:

800 (2010) country comparison to the world: 9

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 15

over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 785

1,524 to 2,437 m: 25

914 to 1,523 m: 290

under 914 m: 470 (2010)

Railways:

total: 36 km country comparison to the world: 132 standard gauge: 36 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 29,500 km country comparison to the world: 98 paved: 14,986 km

unpaved: 14,514 km (2000)

Waterways:

3,100 km (primarily on the Paraguay and Parana river systems) (2010) country comparison to the world: 33

Merchant marine:

total: 23 country comparison to the world: 96 by type: cargo 15, carrier 1, container 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 6 (Argentina 5, Netherlands 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnacion

Military ::Paraguay

Military branches:

Army, National Navy (Armada Nacional, includes Marine Corps, Naval
Aviation), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Paraguay, FAP) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army, 24 months for Navy; volunteers for the Air Force must be younger than 22 years of age with a secondary school diploma (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,640,761

females age 16-49: 1,637,460 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,375,610

females age 16-49: 1,400,597 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 72,455

female: 70,910 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Transnational Issues ::Paraguay

Disputes - international:

unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations

Illicit drugs:

major illicit producer of cannabis, most or all of which is consumed in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile; transshipment country for Andean cocaine headed for Brazil, other Southern Cone markets, and Europe; weak border controls, extensive corruption and money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area; weak anti-money-laundering laws and enforcement

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Peru (South America)

Introduction ::Peru

Background:

Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1824. After a dozen years of military rule, Peru returned to democratic leadership in 1980, but experienced economic problems and the growth of a violent insurgency. President Alberto FUJIMORI's election in 1990 ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic turnaround in the economy and significant progress in curtailing guerrilla activity. Nevertheless, the president's increasing reliance on authoritarian measures and an economic slump in the late 1990s generated mounting dissatisfaction with his regime, which led to his ouster in 2000. A caretaker government oversaw new elections in the spring of 2001, which ushered in Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique as the new head of government - Peru's first democratically elected president of Native American ethnicity. The presidential election of 2006 saw the return of Alan GARCIA Perez who, after a disappointing presidential term from 1985 to 1990, has overseen a robust macroeconomic performance.

Geography ::Peru

Location:

Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between
Chile and Ecuador

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 S, 76 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 1,285,216 sq km country comparison to the world: 20 land: 1,279,996 sq km

water: 5,220 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 7,461 km

border countries: Bolivia 1,075 km, Brazil 2,995 km, Chile 171 km, Colombia 1,800 km, Ecuador 1,420 km

Coastline:

2,414 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate to frigid in Andes

Terrain:

western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m

Natural resources:

copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 2.88%

permanent crops: 0.47%

other: 96.65% (2005)

Irrigated land:

12,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,913 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 20.13 cu km/yr (8%/10%/82%)

per capita: 720 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild volcanic activity

volcanism: Peru experiences volcanic activity in the Andes Mountains; Ubinas (elev. 5,672 m, 18,609 ft), which last erupted in 2009, is the country's most active volcano; other historically active volcanoes include El Misti, Huaynaputina, Sabancaya, and Yucamane

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (some the result of illegal logging); overgrazing of the slopes of the costa and sierra leading to soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Bolivia; a remote slope of Nevado Mismi, a 5,316 m peak, is the ultimate source of the Amazon River

People ::Peru

Population:

29,907,003 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.1% (male 4,370,923/female 4,216,364)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 9,695,270/female 9,574,018)

65 years and over: 5.7% (male 796,631/female 893,757) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.4 years

male: 26.1 years

female: 26.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.193% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Birth rate:

19 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Death rate:

6.13 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Net migration rate:

-0.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Urbanization:

urban population: 71% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.046 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 27.74 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 79 male: 30.15 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 25.21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.03 years country comparison to the world: 138 male: 69.14 years

female: 73 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.32 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

76,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Peruvian(s)

adjective: Peruvian

Ethnic groups:

Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 81.3%, Evangelical 12.5%, other 3.3%, unspecified or none 2.9% (2007 Census)

Languages:

Spanish 84.1% (official), Quechua 13% (official), Aymara 1.7%, Ashaninka 0.3%, other native languages 0.7% (includes a large number of minor Amazonian languages), other 0.2% (2007 Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.9%

male: 96.4%

female: 89.4% (2007 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

2.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 158

Government ::Peru

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Peru

conventional short form: Peru

local long form: Republica del Peru

local short form: Peru

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

name: Lima

geographic coordinates: 12 03 S, 77 03 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

25 regions (regiones, singular - region) and 1 province* (provincia); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Lima*, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali

Independence:

28 July 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 July (1821)

Constitution:

29 December 1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 70

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July 2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July 2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28 July 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July 2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July 2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28 July 2006)

note: Prime Minister Jose Antonio CHANG Escobedo (since 14 September 2010) does not exercise executive power; this power rests with the president

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for nonconsecutive reelection); presidential and congressional elections last held on 9 April 2006 with runoff election held on 4 June 2006; next to be held in April 2011

election results: Alan GARCIA Perez elected president in runoff election; percent of vote - Alan GARCIA Perez 52.5%, Ollanta HUMALA Tasso 47.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress of the Republic of Peru or Congreso de la Republica del Peru (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 April 2006 (next to be held in April 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - UPP 21.2%, PAP 20.6%, UN 15.3%, AF 13.1%, FC 7.1%, PP 4.1%, RN 4.0%, other 14.6%; seats by party - UPP 45, PAP 36, UN 17, AF 13, FC 5, PP 2, RN 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges are appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance For Progress (Alianza Para El Progreso) [Cesar ACUNA Peralta]; Alliance For The Future (Alianza Por El Futuro) or AF (a coalition of pro-FUJIMORI parties including Cambio 90, Nueva Mayoria, and Si Cumple); Central Front (Frente Del Centro) or FC (a coalition of Accion Popular, Somos Peru, and Coordinadora Nacional de Independientes) [Victor Andres GARCIA Belaunde]; National Renovation Party (Partido Renovacion Nacional) [Rafael REY]; National Restoration Party (Restauracion Nacional) or RN [Humberto LAY Sun]; National Solidarity Party (Partido Solidaridad Nacional) or SN [Luis CASTANEDA Lossio]; Peru Possible (Peru Posible) or PP [Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique]; Peruvian Aprista Party (Partido Aprista Peruano) or PAP [Alan GARCIA Perez] (also referred to by its original name Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana or APRA); Peruvian Nationalist Party (Partido Nacionalista Peruano) or PNP [Ollanta HUMALA Tasso]; Popular Christian Party (Partido Popular Cristiano) or PPC [Lourdes FLORES Nano]; Union for Peru (Union por el Peru) or UPP [Aldo ESTRADA Choque]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

General Workers Confederation of Peru (Confederacion General de
Trabajadores del Peru) or CGTP [Mario HUAMAN]; Shining Path (Sendero
Luminoso) or SL [Abimael GUZMAN Reynoso (imprisoned), Victor QUISPE
Palomino (top leader at-large)] (leftist guerrilla group)

International organization participation:

APEC, CAN, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur
(associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL,
UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Luis VALDIVIESO Montano

chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 through 9869

FAX: [1] (202) 659-8124

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (New Jersey), San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Rose M. LIKINS

embassy: Avenida La Encalada, Cuadra 17s/n, Surco, Lima 33

mailing address: P. O. Box 1995, Lima 1; American Embassy (Lima), APO AA 34031-5000

telephone: [51] (1) 434-3000

FAX: [51] (1) 618-2397

Flag description:

three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a shield bearing a vicuna (representing fauna), a cinchona tree (the source of quinine, signifying flora), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out coins (denoting mineral wealth); red recalls blood shed for independence, white symbolizes peace

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional del Peru" (National Anthem of Peru)

lyrics/music: Jose DE LA TORRE Ugarte/Jose Bernardo ALZEDO

note: adopted 1822; the song won a national contest for an anthem

Economy ::Peru

Economy - overview:

Peru's economy reflects its varied geography - an arid coastal region, the Andes further inland, and tropical lands bordering Colombia and Brazil. Abundant mineral resources are found in the mountainous areas, and Peru's coastal waters provide excellent fishing grounds. The Peruvian economy grew by more than 4% per year during the period 2002-06, with a stable exchange rate and low inflation. Growth jumped to 9% per year in 2007 and 2008, driven by higher world prices for minerals and metals and the government's aggressive trade liberalization strategies, but then fell to less than 1% in 2009 in the face of the world recession and lower commodity export prices. Growth resumed in 2010 at nearly 8%, due partly to increased exports. Peru's rapid expansion has helped to reduce the national poverty rate by about 15% since 2002, though underemployment remains high; inflation has trended downward in 2009, to below the Central Bank's 1-3% target. Despite Peru's strong macroeconomic performance, overdependence on minerals and metals subjects the economy to fluctuations in world prices, and poor infrastructure precludes the spread of growth to Peru's non-coastal areas. Not all Peruvians therefore have shared in the benefits of growth and despite President GARCIA's pursuit of sound trade and macroeconomic policies, persistent inequality has cost him political support. Nevertheless, he remains committed to Peru's free-trade path. Since 2006, Peru has signed trade deals with the United States, Canada, Singapore, and China, concluded negotiations with the European Union, and begun trade talks with Korea, Japan, and others. The US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) entered into force 1 February 2009, opening the way to greater trade and investment between the two economies.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$274.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $254.8 billion (2009 est.)

$252.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$153.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 0.9% (2009 est.)

9.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $8,600 (2009 est.)

$8,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.8%

industry: 33%

services: 52.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

10.58 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.7%

industry: 23.8%

services: 75.5% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

6.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 8.1% (2009 est.)

note: data are for metropolitan Lima; widespread underemployment

Population below poverty line:

34.8% (2009)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.5%

highest 10%: 37.9% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

49.6 (2009) country comparison to the world: 26 46.2 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Public debt:

23.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 25% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 2.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.7% (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 7.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

21.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 23.67% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$20.53 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 64 $16.77 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$55.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $43.57 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$28.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $23.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$69.75 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 47 $55.63 billion (31 December 2008)

$106 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

asparagus, coffee, cocoa, cotton, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, corn, plantains, grapes, oranges, pineapples, guavas, bananas, apples, lemons, pears, coca, tomatoes, mango, barley, medicinal plants, palm oil, marigold, onion, wheat, dry beans; poultry, beef, dairy products; fish; guinea pigs

Industries:

mining and refining of minerals; steel, metal fabrication; petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas; fishing and fish processing, textiles, clothing, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

8.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Electricity - production:

30.57 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Electricity - consumption:

28.97 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

148,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Oil - consumption:

157,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Oil - exports:

68,640 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Oil - imports:

133,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Oil - proved reserves:

470.8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Natural gas - production:

3.39 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - consumption:

3.39 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - exports:

NA

note: in 2010 Peru became a net exporter of LNG (2008 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - proved reserves:

334.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Current account balance:

-$333 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 $246.3 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$33.73 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $26.88 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copper, gold, zinc, crude petroleum and petroleum products, coffee, potatoes, asparagus, textiles, fishmeal

Exports - partners:

US 17.86%, China 15.96%, Canada 11.35%, Japan 6.75%, Chile 5.42%,
Germany 4.25% (2009)

Imports:

$25.74 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $21.01 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, plastics, machinery, vehicles, iron and steel, wheat, paper

Imports - partners:

US 23.96%, China 10.74%, Ecuador 7.25%, Brazil 7.19%, Chile 5.68%,
Argentina 5.59%, Mexico 5.02% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$37.27 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $33.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$33.29 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $30.51 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$43.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $36.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$2.12 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $1.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

nuevo sol (PEN) per US dollar - 2.8178 (2010), 3.0115 (2009), 2.91 (2008), 3.1731 (2007), 3.2742 (2006)

Communications ::Peru

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.965 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 50

Telephones - mobile cellular:

24.7 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 36

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate for most requirements; nationwide microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations

domestic: fixed-line teledensity is only about 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity, spurred by competition among multiple providers, has increased to roughly 85 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 51; the South America-1 (SAM-1) and Pan American (PAN-AM) submarine cable systems provide links to parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

6 major television networks of which only one, Television Nacional de Peru, is state-owned; multi-channel cable TV services are available; more than 500 radio stations including a substantial number of indigenous language stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.pe

Internet hosts:

268,225 (2010) country comparison to the world: 62

Internet users:

9.158 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 31

Transportation ::Peru

Airports:

211 (2010) country comparison to the world: 29

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 58

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 20

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 153

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 40

under 914 m: 87 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

extra heavy crude 533 km; gas 1,083 km; liquid petroleum gas 677 km; oil 1,018 km; refined products 15 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,989 km country comparison to the world: 73 standard gauge: 1,726 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 263 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 102,887 km country comparison to the world: 42 note: includes 23,838 km of national roads, 19,049 km of departmental roads, and 60,000 km of local roads (2007)

Waterways:

8,808 km country comparison to the world: 14 note: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries on Amazon system and 208 km on Lago Titicaca (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 13 country comparison to the world: 106 by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas 2, petroleum tanker 7

foreign-owned: 1 (Bahamas 1)

registered in other countries: 13 (Belize 1, Panama 12) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Callao, Iquitos, Matarani, Paita, Pucallpa, Yurimaguas; note -
Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Yurimaguas are on the upper reaches of the
Amazon and its tributaries

Military ::Peru

Military branches:

Army of Peru (Ejercito Peruano), Navy of Peru (Marina de Guerra del
Peru, MGP (includes naval air, naval infantry, and Coast Guard)),
Air Force of Peru (Fuerza Aerea del Peru, FAP) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,920,056

females age 16-49: 7,795,130 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,045,256

females age 16-49: 6,501,224 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 312,375

female: 302,452 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 100

Transnational Issues ::Peru

Disputes - international:

Chile and Ecuador rejected Peru's November 2005 unilateral legislation to shift the axis of their joint treaty-defined maritime boundaries along the parallels of latitude to equidistance lines which favor Peru; organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia have penetrated Peru's shared border; Peru rejects Bolivia's claim to restore maritime access through a sovereign corridor through Chile along the Peruvian border

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 60,000-150,000 (civil war from 1980-2000; most IDPs are indigenous peasants in Andean and Amazonian regions) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

until 1996 the world's largest coca leaf producer, Peru is now the world's second largest producer of coca leaf, though it lags far behind Colombia; cultivation of coca in Peru declined to 36,000 hectares in 2007; second largest producer of cocaine, estimated at 210 metric tons of potential pure cocaine in 2007; finished cocaine is shipped out from Pacific ports to the international drug market; increasing amounts of base and finished cocaine, however, are being moved to Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia for use in the Southern Cone or transshipment to Europe and Africa; increasing domestic drug consumption

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Philippines (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Philippines

Background:

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. A 20-year rule by Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992. His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few to avoid contraction following the 2008 global financial crisis, expanding each year of her administration. Benigno AQUINO III was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010. The Philippine Government faces threats from several groups on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern Philippines, which has led to a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front and on-again/off-again peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New Peoples' Army insurgency also operates through much of the country.

Geography ::Philippines

Location:

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the
South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 122 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 300,000 sq km country comparison to the world: 72 land: 298,170 sq km

water: 1,830 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Arizona

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

36,289 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in breadth

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

Natural resources:

timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper

Land use:

arable land: 19%

permanent crops: 16.67%

other: 64.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

15,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

479 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 28.52 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%)

per capita: 343 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis

volcanism: the Philippines experience significant volcanic activity; Taal (elev. 311 m, 1,020 ft), which has shown recent unrest and may erupt in the near future, has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Mayon (elev. 2,462 m, 8,077 ft), the country's most active volcano, erupted in 2009 forcing over 33,000 to be evacuated; other historically active volcanoes include Biliran, Babuyan Claro, Bulusan, Camiguin, Camiguin de Babuyanes, Didicas, Iraya, Jolo, Kanlaon, Makaturing, Musuan, Parker, Pinatubo and Ragang

Environment - current issues:

uncontrolled deforestation especially in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in major urban centers; coral reef degradation; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

the Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands; favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait

People ::Philippines

Population:

99,900,177 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.2% (male 17,606,352/female 16,911,376)

15-64 years: 60.6% (male 29,679,327/female 29,737,919)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,744,248/female 2,297,381) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.7 years

male: 22.2 years

female: 23.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.931% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Birth rate:

25.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Death rate:

5.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Net migration rate:

-1.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Urbanization:

urban population: 65% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 19.94 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 101 male: 22.49 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 17.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.38 years country comparison to the world: 131 male: 68.45 years

female: 74.45 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.23 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Filipino(s)

adjective: Philippine

Ethnic groups:

Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.6%

male: 92.5%

female: 92.7% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 162

Government ::Philippines

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines

conventional short form: Philippines

local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas

local short form: Pilipinas

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Manila

geographic coordinates: 14 35 N, 121 00 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

80 provinces and 120 chartered cities

provinces: Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay,
Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas,
Biliran, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines
Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu,
Compostela, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dinagat
Islands, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur,
Iloilo, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, La
Union, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental,
Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain
Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato,
Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pampanga,
Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani,
Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat,
Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi,
Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay

chartered cities: Alaminos, Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Bago,
Baguio, Bais, Balanga, Batac, Batangas, Bayawan, Bislig, Butuan,
Cabadbaran, Cabanatuan, Cadiz, Cagayan de Oro, Calamba, Calapan,
Calbayog, Candon, Canlaon, Cauayan, Cavite, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan,
Danao, Dapitan, Davao, Digos, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Escalante, Gapan,
General Santos, Gingoog, Himamaylan, Iligan, Iloilo, Isabela, Iriga,
Kabankalan, Kalookan, Kidapawan, Koronadal, La Carlota, Laoag,
Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Legazpi, Ligao, Lipa, Lucena, Maasin, Makati,
Malabon, Malaybalay, Malolos, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marawi,
Marikina, Masbate, Mati, Meycauayan, Muntinlupa, Munoz, Naga,
Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Oroquieta, Ozamis, Pagadian, Palayan,
Panabo, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Passi, Puerto Princesa, Quezon,
Roxas, Sagay, Samal, San Carlos (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos
(in Pangasinan), San Fernando (in La Union), San Fernando (in
Pampanga), San Jose, San Jose del Monte, San Juan, San Pablo, Santa
Rosa, Santiago, Silay, Sipalay, Sorsogon, Surigao, Tabaco, Tacloban,
Tacurong, Tagaytay, Tagbilaran, Taguig, Tagum, Talisay (in Cebu),
Talisay (in Negros Occidental), Tanauan, Tangub, Tanjay, Tarlac,
Toledo, Tuguegarao, Trece Martires, Urdaneta, Valencia, Valenzuela,
Victorias, Vigan, Zamboanga (2009)

Independence:

12 June 1898 (independence proclaimed from Spain); 4 July 1946 (from the US)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898 was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was date of independence from US

Constitution:

2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Legal system:

based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010); Vice President Jejomar BINAY (since 30 June 2010); note - president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of Commission of Appointments (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for a single six-year term; election held on 10 May 2010; Benigno AQUINO declared winner and took office on 30 June 2010; next election to be held in May 2016

election results: Benigno AQUINO elected president; percent of vote - Benigno AQUINO 42.1%, Joseph ESTRADA 26.3%, seven others 31.6%; Jejomar BINAY elected vice president; percent of vote Jejomar BINAY 41.6%, Manuel ROXAS 39.6%, six others 18.8%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24 seats - one-half elected every three years; members elected at large by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Nga Kinatawan; the House has 287 seats including 230 members in one tier representing districts and 57 sectoral party-list members in a second tier representing special minorities elected on the basis of one seat for every 2% of the total vote but are limited to three seats; a party represented in one tier may not hold seats in the other tier; all House members are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms

note: the constitution limits the House of Representatives to 250 members; the number of members allowed was increased, however, through legislation when in April 2009 the Philippine Supreme Court ruled that additional party members could sit in the House of Representatives if they received the required number of votes

elections: Senate - elections last held on 10 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2013); House of Representatives - elections last held on 10 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 4, LP 4, NP 4, NPC 2, PMP 2, LDP 1, PRP 1, independents 5; note - there are 23 rather than 24 sitting senators because one senator was elected mayor of Manila; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 38.4%, LP 20.3%, NPC 15.4%, NP 11.5%, independents 7.1%, others 7.3%; seats by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 104, LP 45, NPC 31, NP 26, others 17, independents 7, party-list 56

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (15 justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve until 70 years of age); Court of Appeals; Sandigan-bayan (special court for hearing corruption cases of government officials)

Political parties and leaders:

Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino Democrats) or
LDP [Edgardo ANGARA]; Lakas ng EDSA-Christian Muslim Democrats or
Lakas-CMD [Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO]; Liberal Party or LP [Manuel
ROXAS]; Nacionalista Party or NP [Manuel VILLAR]; Nationalist
People's Coalition or NPC [Frisco SAN JUAN]; PDP-Laban [Aquilino
PIMENTEL]; People's Reform Party [Miriam Defensor SANTIAGO]; Puwersa
ng Masang Pilipino (Force of the Philippine Masses) or PMP [Joseph
ESTRADA]; United Opposition or UNO [Jejomar BINAY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

ABONO [Robert ESTRELLA]; AKBAYAN [Anna Theresia BARAQUIEL]; An Waray
[Florencio NOEL]; Anak Mindanao [Mujiv HATAMIN]; ANAKPAWIS [Rafael
MARIANO]; ARC [Narciso SANTIAGO III]; Association of Philippine
Electric Cooperatives (APEC) [Ernesto PABLO and Edgar VALDEZ]; A
TEACHER [Mariano PIAMONTE]; Bayan Muna [Satur OCAMPO and Teodoro
CASINO, Jr.]; Black and White Movement [Vicente ROMANO]; BUHAY [Rene
VELARDE, Carissa COSCOLLUELLA, and William TIENG]; BUTIL [Leonila
CHAVEZ]; CIBAC [Emmanuel Joel VILLANUEVA]; COOP-NATCO [Jose
PING-AY]; GABRIELA [Liza MAZA and Luzviminda ILAGAN]; KABATAAN
[Raymon PALATINO]; Kilosbayan [Jovito SALONGA]; YACAP [Carol LOPEZ]

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, APT, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CD, CICA (observer), CP, EAS, FAO,
G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN,
UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNMIT, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Willy C. GAA

chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300

FAX: [1] (202) 467-9417

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Harry K. THOMAS Jr.

embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila

mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000

telephone: [63] (2) 301-2000

FAX: [63] (2) 301-2399

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red; a white equilateral triangle is based on the hoist side; the center of the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays; each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star; blue stands for peace and justice, red symbolizes courage, the white equal-sided triangle represents equality; the rays recall the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain, while the stars represent the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the design of the flag dates to 1897

note: in wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at the top

National anthem:

name: "Lupang Hinirang" (Chosen Land)

lyrics/music: Jose PALMA (revised by Felipe PADILLA de Leon)/Julian FELIPE

note: music adopted 1898, original Spanish lyrics adopted 1899, Filipino (Tagalog) lyrics adopted 1956; although the original lyrics were written in Spanish, later English and Filipino versions were created; today, only the Filipino version is used

Economy ::Philippines

Economy - overview:

Philippine GDP grew nearly 7% in 2010. The economy weathered the 2008-09 global recession better than its regional peers due to minimal exposure to securities issued by troubled global financial institutions; lower dependence on exports; relatively resilient domestic consumption, supported by large remittances from four-to five-million overseas Filipino workers; and a growing business process outsourcing industry. Economic growth in the Philippines has averaged 4.5% per year since 2001, when former President MACAPAGAL-ARROYO took office. Despite this growth, poverty worsened during the term of MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, because of a high population growth rate and inequitable distribution of income. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO averted a fiscal crisis by pushing for new revenue measures and, until recently, tightening expenditures to address the government's yawning budget deficit and to reduce high debt and debt service ratios. But the government abandoned its 2008 balanced-budget goal in order to help the economy weather the global financial and economic storm. The economy under AQUINO faces budget shortfalls in the near term, but has had little difficulty issuing debt both locally and internationally to finance the deficits. AQUINO's first budget emphasizes education and other social spending programs, relying on the private sector to finance important infrastructure projects. Weak tax collection in recent years limits the government's ability to address major challenges.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$351.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $329.2 billion (2009 est.)

$325.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$189.1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 1.1% (2009 est.)

3.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $3,400 (2009 est.)

$3,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 13.7%

industry: 31.7%

services: 54.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

38.91 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 34%

industry: 15%

services: 51% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 7.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

32.9% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.4%

highest 10%: 31.2% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.8 (2006) country comparison to the world: 37 46.6 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Public debt:

55.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 57.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 3.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 76 6% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.57% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 8.75% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$30.09 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 55 $24.06 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$91.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $78.16 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$95.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $83.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$80.13 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 41 $85.63 billion (31 December 2008)

$172.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas, cassavas, pineapples, mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish

Industries:

electronics assembly, garments, footwear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, petroleum refining, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

11.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Electricity - production:

56.57 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Electricity - consumption:

48.96 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

25,290 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Oil - consumption:

313,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Oil - exports:

36,720 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Oil - imports:

342,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Oil - proved reserves:

138.5 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Natural gas - production:

2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - consumption:

2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - proved reserves:

98.54 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Current account balance:

$8.575 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $8.552 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$45.89 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $37.51 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

semiconductors and electronic products, transport equipment, garments, copper products, petroleum products, coconut oil, fruits

Exports - partners:

US 17.6%, Japan 16.2%, Netherlands 9.8%, Hong Kong 8.6%, China 7.7%,
Germany 6.5%, Singapore 6.2% (2009)

Imports:

$57.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $46.39 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electronic products, mineral fuels, machinery and transport equipment, iron and steel, textile fabrics, grains, chemicals, plastic

Imports - partners:

Japan 12.5%, US 12%, China 8.8%, Singapore 8.7%, South Korea 7.9% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$49.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $44.24 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$61.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $62.97 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$24.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $22.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$6.591 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $6.191 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar - 45.459 (2010), 47.68 (2009), 44.439 (2008), 46.148 (2007), 51.246 (2006)

Communications ::Philippines

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 37

Telephones - mobile cellular:

74.489 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 15

Telephone system:

general assessment: good international radiotelephone and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate

domestic: domestic satellite system with 11 earth stations; mobile-cellular communications now dominate the industry; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 80 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 63; a series of submarine cables together provide connectivity to Asia, US, the Middle East, and Europe; multiple international gateways (2009)

Broadcast media:

multiple national private TV and radio networks and a government-operated national TV and radio network; about 300 television stations and more than 1,000 radio stations; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.ph

Internet hosts:

394,990 (2010) country comparison to the world: 53

Internet users:

8.278 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 34

Transportation ::Philippines

Airports:

254 (2010) country comparison to the world: 25

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 85

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 29

914 to 1,523 m: 34

under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 169

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 66

under 914 m: 99 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 107 km; refined products 112 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 897 km country comparison to the world: 95 narrow gauge: 897 km 1.067-m gauge (492 km are in operation) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 201,910 km country comparison to the world: 24 paved: 21,677 km

unpaved: 180,233 km (2008)

Waterways:

3,219 km; (limited to vessels with draft less than 1.5 m) (2011) country comparison to the world: 31

Merchant marine:

total: 428 country comparison to the world: 24 by type: bulk carrier 75, cargo 135, carrier 16, chemical tanker 26, container 13, liquefied gas 5, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 68, petroleum tanker 45, refrigerated cargo 17, roll on/roll off 12, vehicle carrier 9

foreign-owned: 156 (Bermuda 43, China 4, Greece 4, Japan 82, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 18, Singapore 1, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1, UAE 1)

registered in other countries: 7 (Cyprus 1, Panama 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Liman, Manila

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Military ::Philippines

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (includes Marine
Corps and Coast Guard), Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age (officers 21-29) for compulsory and voluntary military service; applicants must be single male or female Philippine citizens (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 25,079,262

females age 16-49: 24,556,912 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 19,650,825

females age 16-49: 21,029,243 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,039,679

female: 1,001,448 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Transnational Issues ::Philippines

Disputes - international:

Philippines claims sovereignty over Scarborough Reef (also claimed by China together with Taiwan) and over certain of the Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands, also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the Sultanate of Sulu's granting the Philippines Government power of attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf; maritime delimitation negotiations continue with Palau

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 300,000 (fighting between government troops and MILF and Abu
Sayyaf groups) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

domestic methamphetamine production has been a growing problem in recent years despite government crackdowns; major consumer of amphetamines; longstanding marijuana producer mainly in rural areas where Manila's control is limited

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Pitcairn Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Pitcairn Islands

Background:

Pitcairn Island was discovered in 1767 by the British and settled in 1790 by the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions. Pitcairn was the first Pacific island to become a British colony (in 1838) and today remains the last vestige of that empire in the South Pacific. Outmigration, primarily to New Zealand, has thinned the population from a peak of 233 in 1937 to less than 50 today.

Geography ::Pitcairn Islands

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about midway between
Peru and New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

25 04 S, 130 06 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 47 sq km country comparison to the world: 233 land: 47 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

51 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid; modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season (November to March)

Terrain:

rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with cliffs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Big Ridge 347 m

Natural resources:

miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish

note: manganese, iron, copper, gold, silver, and zinc have been discovered offshore

Land use:

arable land: NA

permanent crops: NA

other: NA

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (especially November to March)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (only a small portion of the original forest remains because of burning and clearing for settlement)

Geography - note:

Britain's most isolated dependency; only the larger island of Pitcairn is inhabited but it has no port or natural harbor; supplies must be transported by rowed longboat from larger ships stationed offshore

People ::Pitcairn Islands

Population:

48 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 238

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Urbanization:

urban population: 0% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Pitcairn Islander(s)

adjective: Pitcairn Islander

Ethnic groups:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives

Religions:

Seventh-Day Adventist 100%

Languages:

English (official), Pitkern (mixture of an 18th century English dialect and a Tahitian dialect)

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Pitcairn Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands

conventional short form: Pitcairn Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Adamstown

geographic coordinates: 25 04 S, 130 05 W

time difference: UTC-9 (4 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

The Pitcairn Constitution Order 2010, effective 4 March 2010

Legal system:

local island by-laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal with three years residency

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands George FERGUSSON (since April 2006); Commissioner (nonresident) Leslie JAQUES (since September 2003) serves as liaison between the governor and the Island Council

head of government: Governor George FERGUSSON (since April 2006); Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Mike WARREN (since 1 January 2008)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor and commissioner appointed by the monarch; island mayor elected by popular vote for a three-year term; election last held in December 2007 (next to be held in December 2010)

election results: Mike WARREN elected mayor and chairman of the Island Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Island Council (11 seats; mayor, deputy mayor, 4 members elected by popular vote, 1 member appointed by the governor, 3 ex officio members including governor, deputy governor, and commissioner; deputy mayor and elected members serve two-year terms)

elections: last held on 24 December 2009 (next to be held on 24 December 2011)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - all independents

Judicial branch:

Magistrate's Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; judicial officers are appointed by the governor

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the green, yellow, and blue of the shield represents the island rising from the ocean; the green field features a yellow anchor surmounted by a bible (both the anchor and the bible were items found on the HMS Bounty); sitting on the crest is a Pitcairn Island wheelbarrow from which springs a slip of miro (a local plant)

National anthem:

name: "We From Pitcairn Island"

lyrics/music: unknown/Frederick M. LEHMAN

note: serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Pitcairn Islands

Economy - overview:

The inhabitants of this tiny isolated economy exist on fishing, subsistence farming, handicrafts, and postage stamps. The fertile soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas, yams, and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The major sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships. In October 2004, more than one-quarter of Pitcairn's small labor force was arrested, putting the economy in a bind, since their services were required as lighter crew to load or unload passing ships.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

15 able-bodied men (2004) country comparison to the world: 229

Labor force - by occupation:

note: no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishing

Agriculture - products:

honey; wide variety of fruits and vegetables; goats, chickens, fish

Industries:

postage stamps, handicrafts, beekeeping, honey

Electricity - production:

NA kWh; note - electric power is provided by a small diesel-powered generator

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

fruits, vegetables, curios, stamps

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour, sugar, other foodstuffs

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::Pitcairn Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

1 (there are 17 telephones on one party line); (2004) country comparison to the world: 230

Telephone system:

general assessment: satellite phone services

domestic: domestic communication via radio (CB)

international: country code - 872; satellite earth station - 1 (Inmarsat)

Broadcast media:

no local broadcast television or radio stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.pn

Internet hosts:

20 (2010) country comparison to the world: 218

Transportation ::Pitcairn Islands

Ports and terminals:

Adamstown (on Bounty Bay)

Military ::Pitcairn Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Pitcairn Islands

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Poland (Europe)

Introduction ::Poland

Background:

Poland is an ancient nation that was conceived near the middle of the 10th century. Its golden age occurred in the 16th century. During the following century, the strengthening of the gentry and internal disorders weakened the nation. In a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland amongst themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war, but its government was comparatively tolerant and progressive. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and the presidency. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe, but Poland still faces the lingering challenges of high unemployment, underdeveloped and dilapidated infrastructure, and a poor rural underclass. Solidarity suffered a major defeat in the 2001 parliamentary elections when it failed to elect a single deputy to the lower house of Parliament, and the new leaders of the Solidarity Trade Union subsequently pledged to reduce the Trade Union's political role. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. With its transformation to a democratic, market-oriented country largely completed, Poland is an increasingly active member of Euro-Atlantic organizations.

Geography ::Poland

Location:

Central Europe, east of Germany

Geographic coordinates:

52 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 312,685 sq km country comparison to the world: 69 land: 304,255 sq km

water: 8,430 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 3,047 km

border countries: Belarus 605 km, Czech Republic 615 km, Germany 456 km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Slovakia 420 km, Ukraine 428 km

Coastline:

440 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: defined by international treaties

Climate:

temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers

Terrain:

mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m

highest point: Rysy 2,499 m

Natural resources:

coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 40.25%

permanent crops: 1%

other: 58.75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

63.1 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 11.73 cu km/yr (13%/79%/8%)

per capita: 304 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

situation has improved since 1989 due to decline in heavy industry and increased environmental concern by post-Communist governments; air pollution nonetheless remains serious because of sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, and the resulting acid rain has caused forest damage; water pollution from industrial and municipal sources is also a problem, as is disposal of hazardous wastes; pollution levels should continue to decrease as industrial establishments bring their facilities up to EU code, but at substantial cost to business and the government

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

Geography - note:

historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain

People ::Poland

Population:

38,463,689 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15% (male 2,964,995/female 2,802,278)

15-64 years: 71.6% (male 13,713,078/female 13,845,251)

65 years and over: 13.4% (male 1,966,406/female 3,190,911) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.2 years

male: 36.5 years

female: 40 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.053% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Birth rate:

10.04 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Death rate:

10.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Net migration rate:

-0.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.66 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 171 male: 7.38 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.85 years country comparison to the world: 75 male: 71.88 years

female: 80.06 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.29 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1%; note - no country specific models provided (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

20,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Pole(s)

adjective: Polish

Ethnic groups:

Polish 96.7%, German 0.4%, Belarusian 0.1%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 2.7% (2002 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 89.8% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox 1.3%,
Protestant 0.3%, other 0.3%, unspecified 8.3% (2002)

Languages:

Polish (official) 97.8%, other and unspecified 2.2% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 16 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 78

Government ::Poland

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Poland

conventional short form: Poland

local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska

local short form: Polska

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Warsaw

geographic coordinates: 52 15 N, 21 00 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

16 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Dolnoslaskie
(Lower Silesia), Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Kuyavia-Pomerania), Lodzkie,
Lubelskie (Lublin), Lubuskie (Lubusz), Malopolskie (Lesser Poland),
Mazowieckie (Masovia), Opolskie, Podkarpackie (Subcarpathia),
Podlaskie, Pomorskie (Pomerania), Slaskie (Silesia), Swietokrzyskie,
Warminsko-Mazurskie (Warmia-Masuria), Wielkopolskie (Greater
Poland), Zachodniopomorskie (West Pomerania)

Independence:

11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)

Constitution:

adopted by the National Assembly 2 April 1997; passed by national referendum 25 May 1997; effective 17 October 1997

Legal system:

based on a mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and holdover Communist legal theory; changes being gradually introduced as part of broader democratization process; limited judicial review of legislative acts, but rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are final; court decisions can be appealed to the European Court of Justice in Strasbourg; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI (since 6 August 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Donald TUSK (since 16 November 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar PAWLAK (since 16 November 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister and the Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, and the Sejm approves the Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 June and 4 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm

election results: Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI elected president; percent of popular vote - Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI 53%, Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI 47%

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of an upper house, the Senate or Senat (100 seats; members elected by a majority vote on a provincial basis to serve four-year terms), and a lower house, the Sejm (460 seats; members elected under a complex system of proportional representation to serve four-year terms); the designation of National Assembly or Zgromadzenie Narodowe is only used on those rare occasions when the two houses meet jointly

elections: Senate - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held by October 2011); Sejm - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held by October 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PO 60, PiS 39, independents 1; Sejm - percent of vote by party - PO 41.5%, PiS 32.1%, LiD 13.2%, PSL 8.9%, other 4.3%; seats by party - PO 209, PiS 166, LiD 53, PSL 31, German minorities 1; note - seats by party as of December 2010 - PO 203, PiS 147, SLD 44, PSL 31, PJN 17, SPDL 4, DKP_SD 3, German minorities 1, Independents 9, Vacant 1

note: one seat is assigned to ethnic minority parties in the Sejm only

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the National Council of the Judiciary for an indefinite period); Constitutional Tribunal (judges are chosen by the Sejm for nine-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Civic Platform or PO [Donald TUSK, chairman; Tomasz TOMCZYKIEWICZ, parliamentary caucus leader]; Democratic Caucus of the Democratic Party (SD) or DKP SD [Bogdan LIS, parliamentary caucus leader]; Democratic Left Alliance or SLD [Grzegorz NAPIERALSKI, chairman, parlimentary caucus leader]; Democratic Party or PD [Brygida KUZNIAK, chairwoman]; Democratic Party or SD [Pawel PISKORSKI, chairman]; German Minority of Lower Silesia or MNSO [Richard GALL, representative]; Law and Justice or PiS [Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI, chairman; Mariusz BLASZCZAK, parliamentary caucus leader]; League of Polish Families or LPR [Witold BALAZAK, chairman]; Poland is the most important or PJN [Joanna KLUZIK-ROSTKOWSKA, president]; Polish People's Party or PSL [Waldemar PAWLAK, chairman; Stanislaw ZELICHOWSKI, parliamentary caucus leader]; Samoobrona or SO [Andrzej LEPPER, chairman]; Social Democratic Party of Poland or SDPL [Wojciech FILEMONOWICZ, chairman; Marek BOROWSKI, parliamentary caucus leader]; Union of Labor or UP [Waldemar WITKOWSKI, chairman]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

All Poland Trade Union Alliance or OPZZ (trade union) [Jan GUZ];
Roman Catholic Church [Cardinal Stanislaw DZIWISZ, Archbishop Jozef
MICHALIK]; Solidarity Trade Union [Piotr DUDA]

International organization participation:

Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer),
CBSS, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA (cooperating state),
EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert KUPIECKI

chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-3800 through 3802

FAX: [1] (202) 328-6271

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Lee FEINSTEIN

embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw

mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5010 (pouch)

telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000

FAX: [48] (22) 504-2688

consulate(s) general: Krakow

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; colors derive from the Polish emblem - a white eagle on a red field

note: similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white

National anthem:

name: "Mazurek Dabrowskiego" (Dabrowski's Mazurka)

lyrics/music: Jozef WYBICKI/traditional

note: adopted 1927; the anthem, commonly known as "Jeszcze Polska nie zginela" (Poland Has Not Yet Perished), was written in 1797; the lyrics resonate strongly with Poles because they reflect the numerous occasions in which the nation's lands have been occupied

Economy ::Poland

Economy - overview:

Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization since 1990 and today stands out as a success story among transition economies. Before 2009, GDP had grown about 5% annually, based on rising private consumption, a jump in corporate investment, and EU funds inflows. GDP per capita is still much below the EU average, but is similar to that of the three Baltic states. Since 2004, EU membership and access to EU structural funds have provided a major boost to the economy. Unemployment fell rapidly to 6.4% in October 2008, but climbed back to 11.8% for the year 2010, exceeding the EU average by more than 2%. In 2008 inflation reached 4.2%, more than the upper limit of the National Bank of Poland's target range, but fell to 2.4% in 2010 due to global economic slowdown. Poland's economic performance could improve over the longer term if the country addresses some of the remaining deficiencies in its road and rail infrastructure and its business environment. An inefficient commercial court system, a rigid labor code, bureaucratic red tape, burdensome tax system, and persistent low-level corruption keep the private sector from performing up to its full potential. Rising demands to fund health care, education, and the state pension system caused the public sector budget deficit to rise to 7.9% of GDP in 2010. The PO/PSL coalition government, which came to power in November 2007, plans to reduce the budget deficit in 2011 and has also announced its intention to enact business-friendly reforms, increase workforce participation, reduce public sector spending growth, lower taxes, and accelerate privatization. The government, however, has moved slowly on major reforms. The legislature passed a law significantly limiting early retirement benefits. A health-care bill also passed through the legislature, but the legislature failed to overturn a presidential veto.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$721.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $698.6 billion (2009 est.)

$687 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$438.9 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 1.7% (2009 est.)

5.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$18,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $18,200 (2009 est.)

$17,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.9%

industry: 31.8%

services: 63% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

17 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 17.4%

industry: 29.2%

services: 53.4% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

11.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 11% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

17% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 27.2% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.9 (2005) country comparison to the world: 87 31.6 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Public debt:

50.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 46.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 3.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 89 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.99% (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 5.72% (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$138.7 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 24 $124.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$251.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $229.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$288.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $264.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$135.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 38 $90.23 billion (31 December 2008)

$207.3 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, fruits, vegetables, wheat; poultry, eggs, pork, dairy

Industries:

machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

6.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Electricity - production:

149.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Electricity - consumption:

129.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Electricity - exports:

9.703 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

8.48 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

34,140 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Oil - consumption:

545,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Oil - exports:

65,280 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Oil - imports:

553,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Oil - proved reserves:

96.38 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Natural gas - production:

5.842 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Natural gas - consumption:

16.33 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - exports:

40 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Natural gas - imports:

9.954 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - proved reserves:

164.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Current account balance:

-$12.33 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 -$9.598 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$160.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $142.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 37.8%, intermediate manufactured goods 23.7%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 17.1%, food and live animals 7.6%

Exports - partners:

Germany 26.06%, Italy 6.84%, France 6.78%, UK 6.38%, Czech Republic 5.85%, Netherlands 4.14% (2009)

Imports:

$167.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $146.4 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 38%, intermediate manufactured goods 21%, chemicals 15%, minerals, fuels, lubricants, and related materials 9%

Imports - partners:

Germany 28.08%, Russia 8.65%, Italy 6.5%, Netherlands 5.59%, China 5.27%, France 4.6%, Czech Republic 4.05% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$99.76 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $79.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$252.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $239.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$198.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $182.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$30.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $26.21 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

zlotych (PLN) per US dollar - 3.0718 (2010), 3.1214 (2009), 2.3 (2008), 2.81 (2007), 3.1032 (2006)

Communications ::Poland

Telephones - main lines in use:

9.556 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 23

Telephones - mobile cellular:

44.553 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 28

Telephone system:

general assessment: modernization of the telecommunications network has accelerated with market-based competition; fixed-line service, dominated by the former state-owned company, is dwarfed by the growth in mobile-cellular services

domestic: mobile-cellular service available since 1993 and provided by three nation-wide networks with a fourth provider beginning operations in late 2006; coverage is generally good with some gaps in the east; fixed-line service lags in rural areas

international: country code - 48; international direct dialing with automated exchanges; satellite earth station - 1 with access to Intelsat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run public television operates 2 national channels supplemented by 16 regional channels and several niche channels; privately-owned entities operate several national TV broadcast networks and a number of special interest channels; large number of privately-owned channels broadcasting locally; roughly half of all households are linked to either satellite or cable TV systems providing access to foreign television networks; state-run public radio operates 5 national networks and 17 regional radio stations; 2 privately-owned national radio networks, several commercial stations broadcasting to multiple cities, and a large number of privately-owned local radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.pl

Internet hosts:

10.51 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 11

Internet users:

22.452 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 19

Transportation ::Poland

Airports:

129 (2010) country comparison to the world: 47

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 86

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 39

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 43

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Heliports:

7 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 13,631 km; oil 1,384 km; refined products 777 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 22,314 km country comparison to the world: 12 broad gauge: 633 km 1.524-m gauge

standard gauge: 21,681 km 1.435-m gauge (11,769 km electrified) (2007)

Roadways:

total: 423,997 km country comparison to the world: 15 paved: 295,356 km (includes 765 km of expressways)

unpaved: 128,641 km (2008)

Waterways:

3,997 km (navigable rivers and canals) (2009) country comparison to the world: 28

Merchant marine:

total: 10 country comparison to the world: 116 by type: cargo 6, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 1

registered in other countries: 104 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Bahamas 32, Cyprus 20, Liberia 13, Malta 22, Norway 2, Panama 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Slovakia 2, Vanuatu 7) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Gdansk, Gdynia, Swinoujscie, Szczecin

Military ::Poland

Military branches:

Polish Armed Forces: Land Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Aviation
Forces, Special Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-28 years of age for male voluntary or compulsory military service; service obligation shortened from 12 to 9 months in 2005; conscription is to end in 2012; only soldiers who have completed their conscript service are allowed to volunteer for professional service; as of April 2004, women are only allowed to serve as officers and noncommissioned officers; reserve obligation to age 50 (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,597,047

females age 16-49: 9,364,939 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,860,841

females age 16-49: 7,828,221 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 235,248

female: 224,801 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.71% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Transnational Issues ::Poland

Disputes - international:

as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Poland has implemented the strict Schengen border rules to restrict illegal immigration and trade along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine

Illicit drugs:

despite diligent counternarcotics measures and international information sharing on cross-border crimes, a major illicit producer of synthetic drugs for the international market; minor transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and Latin American cocaine to Western Europe

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Portugal (Europe)

Introduction ::Portugal

Background:

Following its heyday as a global maritime power during the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, and the independence of its wealthiest colony of Brazil in 1822. A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy; for most of the next six decades, repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986. In January 2011, Portugal assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Geography ::Portugal

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of
Spain

Geographic coordinates:

39 30 N, 8 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 92,090 sq km country comparison to the world: 110 land: 91,470 sq km

water: 620 sq km

note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 1,214 km

border countries: Spain 1,214 km

Coastline:

1,793 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south

Terrain:

mountainous north of the Tagus River, rolling plains in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Ponta do Pico (Pico or Pico Alto) on Ilha do Pico in the Azores 2,351 m

Natural resources:

fish, forests (cork), iron ore, copper, zinc, tin, tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, arable land, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 17.29%

permanent crops: 7.84%

other: 74.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

6,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

73.6 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 11.09 cu km/yr (10%/12%/78%)

per capita: 1,056 cu m/yr (1998)

Natural hazards:

Azores subject to severe earthquakes

volcanism: Portugal experiences limited volcanic activity in the Azores Islands; Fayal or Faial (elev. 1,043 m, 3,422 ft) last erupted in 1958; most volcanoes have not erupted in centuries; historically active volcanoes include Agua de Pau, Furnas, Pico, Picos Volcanic System, San Jorge, Sete Cidades, and Terceira

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution, especially in coastal areas

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar

People ::Portugal

Population:

10,735,765 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.3% (male 912,147/female 834,941)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 3,525,717/female 3,554,513)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 772,413/female 1,108,193) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years

male: 37.6 years

female: 41.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.244% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Birth rate:

10.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Death rate:

10.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Net migration rate:

3.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Urbanization:

urban population: 59% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.067 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.72 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 190 male: 5.17 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.38 years country comparison to the world: 48 male: 75.12 years

female: 81.86 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.5 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

34,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Nationality:

noun: Portuguese (singular and plural)

adjective: Portuguese

Ethnic groups:

homogeneous Mediterranean stock; citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less than 100,000; since 1990 East Europeans have entered Portugal

Religions:

Roman Catholic 84.5%, other Christian 2.2%, other 0.3%, unknown 9%, none 3.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official - but locally used)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.3%

male: 95.5%

female: 91.3% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 15 years

female: 16 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 96

Government ::Portugal

Country name:

conventional long form: Portuguese Republic

conventional short form: Portugal

local long form: Republica Portuguesa

local short form: Portugal

Government type:

republic; parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Lisbon

geographic coordinates: 38 43 N, 9 08 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2 autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma); Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa (Lisbon), Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu

Independence:

1143 (Kingdom of Portugal recognized); 5 October 1910 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal), 10 June (1580); note - also called Camoes Day, the day that revered national poet Luis de Camoes (1524-80) died

Constitution:

adopted 2 April 1976; subsequently revised

note: the revisions placed the military under strict civilian control, trimmed the powers of the president, and laid the groundwork for a stable, pluralistic liberal democracy; they allowed for the privatization of nationalized firms and government-owned communications media

Legal system:

based on civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 9 March 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto de Sousa (since 12 March 2005)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative body to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 January 2006 (next to be held in January 2011); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president

election results: Anibal CAVACO SILVA elected president; percent of vote - Anibal CAVACO SILVA 50.6%, Manuel ALEGRE 20.7%, Mario Alberto Nobre Lopes SOARES 14.3%, Jeronimo DE SOUSA 8.5%, Franciso LOUCA 5.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica (230 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 27 September 2009 (next to be held in fall 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - PS 42%, PSD 35%, CDS/PP 9%, BE 7%, CDU 7%; seats by party - PS 97, PSD 81, CDS/PP 21, BE 16, CDU 15

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal de Justica); judges appointed for life by the Conselho Superior da Magistratura

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic and Social Center/Popular Party or CDS/PP [Paulo PORTAS];
Socialist Party or PS [Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto de Sousa];
Social Democratic Party or PSD [Pedro Manuel PASSOS COELHO]; The
Left Bloc or BE [Franciso Anacleto LOUCA]; Unitarian Democratic
Coalition or CDU [Jeronimo DE SOUSA] (includes Portuguese Communist
Party or PCP and Ecologist Party ("The Greens") or PEV)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

the media; labor unions

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia
Group, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, CPLP, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO,
FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club (associate), PCA, Schengen Convention,
SECI (observer), UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joao DE VALLERA

chancery: 2012 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 328-8610

FAX: [1] (202) 462-3726

consulate(s) general: Boston, New York, Newark (New Jersey), San Francisco

consulate(s): New Bedford (Massachusetts), Providence (Rhode Island)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Allan J. KATZ

embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisbon

mailing address: Apartado 43033, 1601-301 Lisboa; PSC 83, APO AE 09726

telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300

FAX: [351] (21) 726-9109

consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Flag description:

two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths) with the national coat of arms (armillary sphere and Portuguese shield) centered on the dividing line; explanations for the color meanings are ambiguous, but a popular interpretation has green symbolizing hope and red the blood of those defending the nation

National anthem:

name: "A Portugesa" (The Song of the Portuguese)

lyrics/music: Henrique LOPES DE MENDOCA/Alfredo KEIL

note: adopted 1910; "A Portuguesa" was originally written to protest the Portuguese monarchy's acquiescence to the 1890 British ultimatum forcing Portugal to give up areas of Africa; the lyrics refer to the "insult" that resulted from the event

Economy ::Portugal

Economy - overview:

Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly service-based economy since joining the European Community in 1986. Over the past two decades, successive governments have privatized many state-controlled firms and liberalized key areas of the economy, including the financial and telecommunications sectors. The country qualified for the European Monetary Union (EMU) in 1998 and began circulating the euro on 1 January 2002 along with 11 other EU member economies. Economic growth had been above the EU average for much of the 1990s, but fell back in 2001-08, shrank 2.6% in 2009, before growing 1% in 2010. GDP per capita stands at roughly two-thirds of the EU-27 average. A poor educational system and a rigid labor market have been obstacles to greater productivity and growth. Portugal also has been increasingly overshadowed by lower-cost producers in Central Europe and Asia as a target for foreign direct investment. Portugal's competitiveness problems, low growth prospects, and high levels of public debt have made it vulnerable to bond market turbulence. Lisbon is implementing austerity measures to reduce the budget deficit from 9.4% of GDP in 2009 to 4.6% of GDP in 2011, but some investors have expressed concern about Portugal's ability to achieve these targets and cover its sovereign debt. Without the option for stimulus measures, the government is focusing instead on boosting exports and implementing labor market reforms to try to raise GDP growth and tackle Portugal's competitiveness problems, which may help mitigate investor concerns over time.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$247 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $244.5 billion (2009 est.)

$251 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$223.7 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 -2.6% (2009 est.)

0% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$23,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $22,800 (2009 est.)

$23,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.6%

industry: 23%

services: 74.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.57 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%

industry: 30%

services: 60% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 9.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

18% (2006)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.1%

highest 10%: 28.4% (1995 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38.5 (2007) country comparison to the world: 72 35.6 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

19% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Public debt:

83.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 76.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 -0.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 125 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.12% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 8.35% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$98.23 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 31 $100.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$282 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $302.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$556.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $490.8 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$98.65 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 44 $68.71 billion (31 December 2008)

$132.3 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain, potatoes, tomatoes, olives, grapes; sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, dairy products; fish

Industries:

textiles, clothing, footwear, wood and cork, paper, chemicals, auto-parts manufacturing, base metals, diary products, wine and other foods, porcelain and ceramics, glassware, technology, telecommunications; ship construction and refurbishment; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

0.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Electricity - production:

44.47 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Electricity - consumption:

48.78 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Electricity - exports:

1.313 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

10.74 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

4,721 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Oil - consumption:

272,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Oil - exports:

53,660 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Oil - imports:

323,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - production:

NA (2008 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

4.846 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - imports:

4.895 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Current account balance:

-$19.03 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 -$23.95 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$46.27 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $44.49 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

agricultural products, food products, oil products, chemical products, plastics and rubber, skins and leather, wood and cork, wood pulp and paper, textile materials, clothing, footwear, minerals and mineral products, base metals, machinery and tools, vehicles and other transport material, and optical and precision instruments

Exports - partners:

Spain 26.25%, Germany 12.99%, France 12.04%, Angola 7.21%, UK 5.54% (2009)

Imports:

$68.22 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $68.9 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

agricultural products, food products, oil products, chemical products, plastics and rubber, skins and leather, wood and cork, wood pulp and paper, textile materials, clothing, footwear, minerals and mineral products, base metals, machinery and tools, vehicles and other transport material, and optical and precision instruments, computer accessories and parts, semi-conductors and related devices, household goods, passenger cars new and used, and wine products

Imports - partners:

Spain 31.58%, Germany 12.41%, France 8.58%, Italy 5.55%, Netherlands 5.31% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$16.03 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$497.8 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 20 $507 billion (30 June 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$105.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $102.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$63.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $63.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Portugal

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.049 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 39

Telephones - mobile cellular:

15.178 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 48

Telephone system:

general assessment: Portugal's telephone system has a state-of-the-art network with broadband, high-speed capabilities

domestic: integrated network of coaxial cables, open-wire, microwave radio relay, and domestic satellite earth stations

international: country code - 351; a combination of submarine cables provide connectivity to Europe, North and East Africa, South Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the US; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to Azores (2008)

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned TV broadcaster operates 2 domestic channels and external service channels to Africa; overall, roughly 40 domestic TV stations; viewers have widespread access to international broadcasters with more than half of all households connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems; publicly-owned radio operates 3 national networks and provides regional and external services; several privately-owned national radio stations and some 300 regional and local commercial radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.pt

Internet hosts:

3.267 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 28

Internet users:

5.168 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 45

Transportation ::Portugal

Airports:

65 (2010) country comparison to the world: 77

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 43

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 22

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,098 km; oil 11 km; refined products 188 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,786 km country comparison to the world: 59 broad gauge: 2,603 km 1.668-m gauge (1,351 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 183 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 82,900 km country comparison to the world: 57 paved: 71,294 km (includes 2,613 km of expressways)

unpaved: 11,606 km (2008)

Waterways:

210 km (on Douro River from Porto) (2008) country comparison to the world: 96

Merchant marine:

total: 111 country comparison to the world: 47 by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 33, carrier 1, chemical tanker 17, container 8, liquefied gas 9, passenger 13, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 7, roll on/roll off 1, vehicle carrier 9

foreign-owned: 80 (Belgium 8, Denmark 4, Germany 13, Greece 5, Italy 10, Japan 9, Mexico 1, Netherlands 1, Norway 1, Spain 15, Sweden 6, Switzerland 3, US 4)

registered in other countries: 14 (Cyprus 2, Malta 3, Panama 9) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Leixoes, Lisbon, Setubal, Sines

Military ::Portugal

Military branches:

Portuguese Army (Exercito Portuguesa), Portuguese Navy (Marinha
Portuguesa; includes Marine Corps), Portuguese Air Force (Forca
Aerea Portuguesa, FAP) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no compulsory military service; women serve in the armed forces, on naval ships since 1993, but are prohibited from serving in some combatant specialties; reserve obligation to age 35 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,572,007

females age 16-49: 2,474,719 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,104,945

females age 16-49: 2,034,912 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 62,628

female: 55,737 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Transnational Issues ::Portugal

Disputes - international:

Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the territory of Olivenza based on a difference of interpretation of the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the 1801 Treaty of Badajoz

Illicit drugs:

seizing record amounts of Latin American cocaine destined for Europe; a European gateway for Southwest Asian heroin; transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Europe; consumer of Southwest Asian heroin

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Puerto Rico (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Puerto Rico

Background:

Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following COLUMBUS' second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. Popularly-elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal self government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose not to alter the existing political status.

Geography ::Puerto Rico

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 N, 66 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 13,790 sq km country comparison to the world: 162 land: 8,870 sq km

water: 4,921 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

501 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m

Natural resources:

some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil

Land use:

arable land: 3.69%

permanent crops: 5.59%

other: 90.72% (2005)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; hurricanes

Environment - current issues:

erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages

Geography - note:

important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north

People ::Puerto Rico

Population:

3,978,702 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.8% (male 402,473/female 384,655)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 1,260,191/female 1,361,359)

65 years and over: 14.1% (male 239,957/female 317,578) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.8 years

male: 35 years

female: 38.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.27% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Birth rate:

11.42 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Death rate:

7.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Net migration rate:

-0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Urbanization:

urban population: 98% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.23 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 162 male: 9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.77 years country comparison to the world: 43 male: 75.15 years

female: 82.57 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.62 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

7,397 (1997) country comparison to the world: 115

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Puerto Rican

Ethnic groups:

white (mostly Spanish origin) 76.2%, black 6.9%, Asian 0.3%, Amerindian 0.2%, mixed 4.4%, other 12% (2007)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%

Languages:

Spanish, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.1%

male: 93.9%

female: 94.4% (2002 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Puerto Rico

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

conventional short form: Puerto Rico

Dependency status:

unincorporated, organized territory of the US with commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President

Government type:

commonwealth

Capital:

name: San Juan

geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 66 07 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status); there are no
first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US
Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular -
municipio) at the second order; Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas
Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta,
Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas,
Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio,
Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama,
Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao,
Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las
Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca,
Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce,
Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San
German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa
Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja,
Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco

Independence:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

National holiday:

US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico Constitution Day, 25
July (1952)

Constitution:

ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal system of justice

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor Luis FORTUNO (since 2 January 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Luis FORTUNO elected governor with 52.8% of the vote

Legislative branch:

bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (at least 27 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); House of Representatives - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PNP 81.5%, PPD 18.5%; seats by party - PNP 22, PPD 5; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PNP 72.5%, PPD 27.5%; seats by party - PNP 37, PPD 14

note: Puerto Rico elects, by popular vote, a resident commissioner to serve a four-year term as a nonvoting representative in the US House of Representatives; aside from not voting on the House floor, he enjoys all the rights of a member of Congress; elections last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNP 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Appellate Court; Court of First Instance composed of two sections: a Superior Court and a Municipal Court (justices for all these courts appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate)

Political parties and leaders:

National Democratic Party [Roberto PRATS]; National Republican Party
of Puerto Rico [Dr. Tiody FERRE]; New Progressive Party or PNP
[Pedro ROSSELLO] (pro-US statehood); Popular Democratic Party or PPD
[Anibal ACEVEDO-VILA] (pro-commonwealth); Puerto Rican Independence
Party or PIP [Ruben BERRIOS Martinez] (pro-independence)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Boricua Popular Army or EPB (a revolutionary group also known as Los Macheteros); note - the following radical groups are considered dormant by Federal law enforcement: Armed Forces for National Liberation or FALN, Armed Forces of Popular Resistance, Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC, UNWTO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Flag description:

five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large, white, five-pointed star in the center; the white star symbolizes Puerto Rico; the three sides of the triangle signify the executive, legislative and judicial parts of the government; blue stands for the sky and the coastal waters; red symbolizes the blood shed by warriors, while white represents liberty, victory, and peace

note: design initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the Cuban flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed

National anthem:

name: "La Borinquena" (The Puerto Rican)

lyrics/music: Manuel Fernandez JUNCOS/Felix Astol ARTES

note: music adopted 1952, lyrics adopted 1977; the local anthem's name is a reference to the indigenous name of the island, Borinquen; the music was originally composed as a dance in 1867 and gained popularity in the early 20th century; there is some evidence that the music was written by Francisco RAMIREZ; as a commonwealth of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Economy ::Puerto Rico

Economy - overview:

Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. A diverse industrial sector has far surpassed agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income with estimated arrivals of more than 3.6 million tourists in 2008.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$64.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $68.84 billion (2009 est.)

$71.51 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$93.52 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 -3.7% (2009 est.)

-2.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$16,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $17,400 (2009 est.)

$18,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 45%

services: 54% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

1.479 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 133

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.1%

industry: 19%

services: 79% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12% (2002) country comparison to the world: 129

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.5% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock products, chickens

Industries:

pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

23.72 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Electricity - consumption:

22.06 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1,783 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Oil - consumption:

164,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Oil - exports:

16,520 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Oil - imports:

225,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - consumption:

806.6 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - imports:

806.6 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Exports:

$46.9 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 55

Exports - commodities:

chemicals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates, medical equipment

Imports:

$29.1 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 61

Imports - commodities:

chemicals, machinery and equipment, clothing, food, fish, petroleum products

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Puerto Rico

Telephones - main lines in use:

870,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 83

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.716 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 118

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system integrated with that of the US by high-capacity submarine cable and Intelsat with high-speed data capability

domestic: digital telephone system; mobile-cellular services

international: country code - 1-787, 939; submarine cables provide connectivity to the US, Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat

Broadcast media:

more than 30 television stations operating; cable TV subscription services are available; roughly 125 radio stations operating (2007)

Internet country code:

.pr

Internet hosts:

482 (2010) country comparison to the world: 182

Internet users:

1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 100

Transportation ::Puerto Rico

Airports:

29 (2010) country comparison to the world: 117

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 17

over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 26,670 km country comparison to the world: 102 paved: 25,337 km (includes 427 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,333 km (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 country comparison to the world: 138 by type: roll on/roll off 3

foreign-owned: 3 (US 3)

registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Ensenada Honda, Mayaguez, Playa de Guayanilla, Playa de Ponce, San
Juan

Military ::Puerto Rico

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary National Guard, Police Force

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 704,833

females age 16-49: 788,234 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,616

female: 29,196 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Puerto Rico

Disputes - international:

increasing numbers of illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic cross the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico each year looking for work

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Qatar (Middle East)

Introduction ::Qatar

Background:

Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the Amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, overthrew him in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. As of 2007, oil and natural gas revenues had enabled Qatar to attain the second-highest per capita income in the world.

Geography ::Qatar

Location:

Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

25 30 N, 51 15 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 11,586 sq km country comparison to the world: 165 land: 11,586 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 60 km

border countries: Saudi Arabia 60 km

Coastline:

563 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: as determined by bilateral agreements or the median line

Climate:

arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Tuwayyir al Hamir 103 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, fish

Land use:

arable land: 1.64%

permanent crops: 0.27%

other: 98.09% (2005)

Irrigated land:

130 sq km (2002)

Total renewable water resources:

0.1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.29 cu km/yr (24%/3%/72%)

per capita: 358 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

haze, dust storms, sandstorms common

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits

People ::Qatar

Population:

840,926 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.8% (male 93,805/female 88,040)

15-64 years: 76.8% (male 454,714/female 185,004)

65 years and over: 1.4% (male 6,792/female 4,930) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.8 years

male: 32.9 years

female: 25.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.869% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Birth rate:

15.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Death rate:

2.44 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223

Net migration rate:

-4.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Urbanization:

urban population: 96% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 2.44 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.36 male(s)/female

total population: 1.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.24 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 137 male: 13.02 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.51 years country comparison to the world: 83 male: 73.78 years

female: 77.33 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.44 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Qatari(s)

adjective: Qatari

Ethnic groups:

Arab 40%, Indian 18%, Pakistani 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Religions:

Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14% (2004 census)

Languages:

Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89%

male: 89.1%

female: 88.6% (2004 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 12 years

female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 140

Government ::Qatar

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Qatar

conventional short form: Qatar

local long form: Dawlat Qatar

local short form: Qatar

note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation falls between cutter and gutter, but not like guitar

Government type:

emirate

Capital:

name: Doha

geographic coordinates: 25 17 N, 51 32 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Khawr wa adh Dhakhirah, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Ash Shamal, Az Za'ayin, Umm Salal

Independence:

3 September 1971 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 September (1971); also observed is National Day, 18 December (anniversary of Al Thani family accession to the throne)

Constitution:

ratified by public referendum on 29 April 2003, endorsed by the Amir on 8 June 2004, effective on 9 June 2005

Legal system:

based on Islamic and civil law codes; discretionary system of law controlled by the Amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law dominates family and personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (since 27 June 1995 when, as heir apparent, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup); Heir Apparent TAMIM bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, fourth son of the amir (selected Heir Apparent by the amir on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD also holds the positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

head of government: Prime Minister HAMAD bin Jasim bin Jabir Al Thani (since 3 April 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah bin Hamad al-ATIYAH (since 3 April 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the amir (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the amir is hereditary

note: in April 2007, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has limited consultative powers aimed at improving the provision of municipal services; the first election for the CMC was held in March 1999

Legislative branch:

unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (35 seats; members appointed)

note: no legislative elections have been held since 1970 when there were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their terms extended every year since the new constitution came into force on 9 June 2005; the constitution provides for a new 45-member Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura; the public would elect 30 members and the Amir would appoint 15; elections to the Majlis al-Shura are tentatively scheduled for June 2010

Judicial branch:

Courts of First Instance, Appeal, and Cassation; an Administrative Court and a Constitutional Court were established in 2007; note - all judges are appointed by Amiri Decree based on the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council for renewable three-year terms

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CICA (observer), FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA,
NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ali Fahad al-Shahwany al-HAJRI

chancery: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600 and 274-1603

FAX: [1] (202) 237-0061

consulate(s) general: Houston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LEBARON

embassy: Al-Luqta District, 22 February Road, Doha

mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha

telephone: [974] 488 4161

FAX: [974] 488 4150

Flag description:

maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side; maroon represents the blood shed in Qatari wars, white stands for peace; the nine-pointed serrated edge signifies Qatar as the ninth member of the "reconciled emirates" in the wake of the Qatari-British treaty of 1916

note: the other eight emirates are the seven that compose the UAE and Bahrain; according to some sources, the dominant color was formerly red, but this darkened to maroon upon exposure to the sun and the new shade was eventually adopted

National anthem:

name: "Al-Salam Al-Amiri" (The Peace for the Anthem)

lyrics/music: Sheikh MUBARAK bin Saif al-Thani/Abdul Aziz Nasser OBAIDAN

note: adopted 1996; the anthem was first performed that year at a meeting of the Gulf Cooperative Council hosted by Qatar

Economy ::Qatar

Economy - overview:

Despite the global financial crisis, Qatar has prospered in the last several years - in 2010 Qatar had the world's highest growth rate. Qatari authorities throughout the crisis sought to protect the local banking sector with direct investments into domestic banks. GDP rebounded in 2010 largely due to the increase in oil prices. Economic policy is focused on developing Qatar's nonassociated natural gas reserves and increasing private and foreign investment in non-energy sectors, but oil and gas still account for more than 50% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have made Qatar the second highest per-capita income country - following Liechtenstein - and likely the country with the lowest unemployment. Proved oil reserves of 15 billion barrels should enable continued output at current levels for 37 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas exceed 25 trillion cubic meters, about 14% of the world total and third largest in the world. Qatar's successful 2022 world cup bid will likely accelerate large-scale infrastructure projects such as Qatar's metro system and the Qatar-Bahrain causeway.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$122.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $102.3 billion (2009 est.)

$93.44 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$126.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

19.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 9.5% (2009 est.)

11.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$145,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $122,800 (2009 est.)

$113,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.1%

industry: 78.8%

services: 21.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.254 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Unemployment rate:

0.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 0.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

33% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Public debt:

10.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 14% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 -4.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

5.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 80 5.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 6.84% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$15.98 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 66 $14.59 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$65.95 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $59.09 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$70.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $69.21 billion (31 December 2009)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$87.86 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 42 $76.31 billion (31 December 2008)

$95.49 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables; poultry, dairy products, beef; fish

Industries:

liquefied natural gas, crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

27.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Electricity - production:

15.11 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Electricity - consumption:

13.73 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1.213 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Oil - consumption:

142,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Oil - exports:

753,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Oil - proved reserves:

25.41 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Natural gas - production:

76.98 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - consumption:

20.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - exports:

56.78 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - proved reserves:

25.47 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Current account balance:

$20.11 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $809 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$57.82 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $33.28 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel

Exports - partners:

Japan 34.68%, South Korea 22.44%, Singapore 10.03%, India 4.86% (2009)

Imports:

$23.38 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $20.89 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

US 13.43%, Italy 8.34%, South Korea 8.33%, Japan 8.04%, Germany 7.31%, France 6.26%, UK 5.59%, China 5%, UAE 4.67%, Saudi Arabia 3.96% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$22.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $18.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$71.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $70.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$26.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $20.75 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$19.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $14.27 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar - 3.64 (2010), 3.64 (2009), 3.64 (2008), 3.64 (2007), 3.64 (2006)

Communications ::Qatar

Telephones - main lines in use:

285,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 116

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.472 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 122

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system centered in Doha

domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 300 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 974; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the US; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and the UAE; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (2009)

Broadcast media:

television and radio broadcast media are state controlled; home of the satellite TV channel Al-Jazeera, which was originally owned and financed by the Qatari Government; Al-Jazeera claims editorial independence in broadcasting; transmissions of several international broadcasters are accessible on FM in Doha (2007)

Internet country code:

.qa

Internet hosts:

822 (2010) country comparison to the world: 170

Internet users:

563,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 117

Transportation ::Qatar

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 173

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 145 km; condensate/gas 132 km; gas 980 km; liquid petroleum gas 90 km; oil 382 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 7,790 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 144

Merchant marine:

total: 29 country comparison to the world: 86 by type: bulk carrier 3, chemical tanker 2, container 14, liquefied gas 6, petroleum tanker 4

foreign-owned: 7 (Kuwait 7)

registered in other countries: 30 (Liberia 5, Marshall Islands 24, Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Doha, Mesaieed (Umaieed), Ra's Laffan

Military ::Qatar

Military branches:

Qatari Amiri Land Force (QALF), Qatari Amiri Navy (QAN), Qatari
Amiri Air Force (QAAF) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 387,399

females age 16-49: 163,652 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 320,277

females age 16-49: 138,558 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 6,403

female: 5,144 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

10% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Transnational Issues ::Qatar

Disputes - international:

none

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Qatar is a destination country for men and women from South and Southeast Asia who migrate willingly, but are subsequently trafficked into involuntary servitude as domestic workers and laborers, and, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual exploitation; the most common offense was forcing workers to accept worse contract terms than those under which they were recruited; other conditions include bonded labor, withholding of pay, restrictions on movement, arbitrary detention, and physical, mental, and sexual abuse

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Qatar does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in February 2009, Qatar enacted a new migrant worker sponsorship law that criminalizes some practices commonly used by trafficking offenders, and it announced plans to use that law effectively to prevent human trafficking; punishment for offenses related to trafficking in persons remains lower than that for crimes such as rape and kidnapping, and the Qatari government has yet to take significant action to investigate, prosecute, and punish trafficking offenses; the government continues to lack formal victim identification procedures and, as a result, victims of trafficking are likely punished for acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked (2009)

page last updated on January 27, 2011

======================================================================

@Romania (Europe)

Introduction ::Romania

Background:

The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia - for centuries under the suzerainty of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - secured their autonomy in 1856; they united in 1859 and a few years later adopted the new name of Romania. The country gained recognition of its independence in 1878. It joined the Allied Powers in World War I and acquired new territories - most notably Transylvania - following the conflict. In 1940, Romania allied with the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. Three years later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. The post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a Communist "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae CEAUSESCU, who took power in 1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. CEAUSESCU was overthrown and executed in late 1989. Former Communists dominated the government until 1996 when they were swept from power. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

Geography ::Romania

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and
Ukraine

Geographic coordinates:

46 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 238,391 sq km country comparison to the world: 82 land: 229,891 sq km

water: 8,500 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 2,508 km

border countries: Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km, Serbia 476 km, Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (east) 169 km

Coastline:

225 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms

Terrain:

central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Moldavian Plateau on the east by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m

Natural resources:

petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 39.49%

permanent crops: 1.92%

other: 58.59% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30,770 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

42.3 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 6.5 cu km/yr (9%/34%/57%)

per capita: 299 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes, most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure and climate promote landslides

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta wetlands

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls most easily traversable land route between the Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine

People ::Romania

Population:

21,959,278 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.5% (male 1,772,583/female 1,681,539)

15-64 years: 69.7% (male 7,711,062/female 7,784,041)

65 years and over: 14.7% (male 1,332,120/female 1,934,076) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.4 years

male: 36.9 years

female: 39.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.247% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Birth rate:

9.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Death rate:

11.78 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Net migration rate:

-0.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Urbanization:

urban population: 54% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.32 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 145 male: 12.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.74 years country comparison to the world: 110 male: 70.26 years

female: 77.42 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.27 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

15,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

350 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Nationality:

noun: Romanian(s)

adjective: Romanian

Ethnic groups:

Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%, German 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4% (2002 census)

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox (including all sub-denominations) 86.8%, Protestant (various denominations including Reformate and Pentecostal) 7.5%, Roman Catholic 4.7%, other (mostly Muslim) and unspecified 0.9%, none 0.1% (2002 census)

Languages:

Romanian 91% (official), Hungarian 6.7%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.1%, other 1.2%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.3%

male: 98.4%

female: 96.3% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 94

Government ::Romania

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Romania

local long form: none

local short form: Romania

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Bucharest

geographic coordinates: 44 26 N, 26 06 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

41 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality* (municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud, Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti (Bucharest)*, Buzau, Calarasi, Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati, Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Ilfov, Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, Vrancea

Independence:

9 May 1877 (independence proclaimed from the Ottoman Empire; independence recognized 13 July 1878 by the Treaty of Berlin); 26 March 1881 (kingdom proclaimed); 30 December 1947 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

Unification Day (of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December (1918)

Constitution:

8 December 1991; revised 29 October 2003

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Traian BASESCU (since 20 December 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Emil BOC (since 22 December 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Marko BELA (since 23 December 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 November 2009 with runoff on 6 December 2009 (next to be held in November-December 2014); prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the Parliament

election results: Traian BASESCU reelected president; percent of vote - Traian BASESCU 50.3%, Mircea GEOANA 49.7%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or Senat (137 seats; members elected by popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camera Deputatilor (334 seats; members elected by popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 30 November 2008 (next expected to be held in November 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 30 November 2008 (next expected to be held in November 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by alliance/party - PSD-PC 34.2%, PDL 33.6%, PNL 18.7%, UDMR 6.4%, other 7.1%; seats by alliance/party - PSD-PC 49, PDL 51, PNL 28, UDMR 9; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by alliance/party - PSD-PC 33.1%, PDL 32.4%, PNL 18.6%, UDMR 6.2%, ethnic minorities 3.6%, other 6.1%; seats by alliance/party - PDL 115, PSD-PC 114, PNL 65, UDMR 22, ethnic minorities 18

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (comprised of 11 judges appointed for three-year terms by the president in consultation with the Superior Council of Magistrates, which is comprised of the minister of justice, the prosecutor general, two civil society representatives appointed by the Senate, and 14 judges and prosecutors elected by their peers); a separate body, the Constitutional Court, validates elections and makes decisions regarding the constitutionality of laws, treaties, ordinances, and internal rules of the Parliament; it is comprised of nine members serving nine-year terms, with three members each appointed by the president, the Senate, and the Chamber of Deputies

Political parties and leaders:

Conservative Party or PC [Daniel CONSTANTIN] (formerly Humanist Party or PUR); Democratic Liberal Party or PDL [Emil BOC]; Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania or UDMR [Bela MARKO]; National Liberal Party or PNL [Crin ANTONESCU]; National Union for Romania's Progress or UNPR [Gabriel OPREA]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Victor PONTA] (formerly Party of Social Democracy in Romania or PDSR)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: various human rights and professional associations

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD,
EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer),
MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA,
SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS,
UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Adrian Cosmin VIERITA

chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-4846, 4848, 4851, 4852

FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mark GITENSTEIN

embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest

mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Bucharest, US Department of State, 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260 (pouch)

telephone: [40] (21) 200-3300

FAX: [40] (21) 200-3442

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; modeled after the flag of France, the colors are those of the principalities of Walachia (red and yellow) and Moldavia (red and blue), which united in 1861 to form Romania; the national coat of arms that used to be centered in the yellow band has been removed

note: now similar to the flag of Chad, whose blue band is darker; also resembles the flags of Andorra and Moldova

National anthem:

name: "Desteapta-te romane!" (Wake up, Romanian)

lyrics/music: Andrei MURESIANU/Anton PANN

note: adopted 1990; the anthem was written during the 1848 Revolution

Economy ::Romania

Economy - overview:

Romania, which joined the European Union on 1 January 2007, began the transition from Communism in 1989 with a largely obsolete industrial base and a pattern of output unsuited to the country's needs. The country emerged in 2000 from a punishing three-year recession thanks to strong demand in EU export markets. Domestic consumption and investment have fueled strong GDP growth in recent years, but have led to large current account imbalances. Romania's macroeconomic gains have only recently started to spur creation of a middle class and address Romania's widespread poverty. Corruption and red tape continue to handicap its business environment. Inflation rose in 2007-08, driven in part by strong consumer demand and high wage growth, rising energy costs, a nation-wide drought affecting food prices, and a relaxation of fiscal discipline. Romania's GDP contracted markedly in the last quarter of 2008 as the country began to feel the effects of a global downturn in financial markets and trade, and GDP fell more than 7% in 2009, prompting Bucharest to seek a $26 billion emergency assistance package from the IMF, the EU, and other international lenders. Drastic austerity measures, as part of Romania's IMF-led agreement led to a further 1.9% GDP contraction in 2010. The economy is expected to return to positive growth in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$253.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $258.2 billion (2009 est.)

$277.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$158.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205 -7.1% (2009 est.)

7.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $11,700 (2009 est.)

$12,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.8%

industry: 36%

services: 51.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

9.35 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 29.7%

industry: 23.2%

services: 47.1% (2006)

Unemployment rate:

8.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 7.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

25% (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.2%

highest 10%: 20.8% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32 (2008) country comparison to the world: 103 28.8 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Public debt:

34.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 24% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 5.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

17.28% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 14.99% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$24.39 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 60 $26.03 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$63.67 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $61.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$77.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $72.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$30.32 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 61 $19.92 billion (31 December 2008)

$44.93 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes, grapes; eggs, sheep

Industries:

electric machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, light machinery and auto assembly, mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, food processing, petroleum refining

Industrial production growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Electricity - production:

58.28 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Electricity - consumption:

49.44 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Electricity - exports:

5.169 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

921 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

117,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Oil - consumption:

214,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Oil - exports:

115,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Oil - imports:

217,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Oil - proved reserves:

600 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Natural gas - production:

11.42 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - consumption:

16.92 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - imports:

5.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Natural gas - proved reserves:

63 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Current account balance:

-$7.934 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 -$7.139 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$51.91 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $40.6 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, metals and metal products, machinery and equipment, minerals and fuels, chemicals, agricultural products

Exports - partners:

Germany 18.76%, Italy 15.42%, France 8.2%, Turkey 4.99%, Hungary 4.33% (2009)

Imports:

$59.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $50.03 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels and minerals, chemicals, textile and products, metals, agricultural products

Imports - partners:

Germany 17.3%, Italy 11.78%, Hungary 8.36%, France 6.14%, China 4.91%, Austria 4.75% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$50.51 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $44.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$108.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $110 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$80.16 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $73.96 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.831 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $1.731 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

lei (RON) per US dollar - 3.2 (2010), 3.0493 (2009), 2.5 (2008), 2.43 (2007), 2.809 (2006)

Communications ::Romania

Telephones - main lines in use:

5.313 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 30

Telephones - mobile cellular:

25.377 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 34

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telecommunications sector is being expanded and modernized; domestic and international service improving rapidly, especially mobile-cellular services

domestic: more than 90 percent of telephone network is automatic; fixed-line teledensity exceeds 20 telephones per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity, expanding rapidly, roughly 115 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 40; the Black Sea Fiber Optic System provides connectivity to Bulgaria and Turkey; satellite earth stations - 10; digital, international, direct-dial exchanges operate in Bucharest (2009)

Broadcast media:

a mixture of public and private TV stations; the public broadcaster operates multiple stations; roughly 100 private national, regional, and local stations operating; more than 75% of households are connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems that provide access to Romanian, European, and international stations; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 4 national networks and regional and local stations; more than 100 private radio stations broadcasting (2008)

Internet country code:

.ro

Internet hosts:

2.464 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 34

Internet users:

7.787 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 37

Transportation ::Romania

Airports:

54 (2010) country comparison to the world: 88

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 26

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 28

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 3,588 km; oil 2,424 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 10,788 km country comparison to the world: 21 broad gauge: 57 km 1.524-m gauge

standard gauge: 10,731 km 1.435-m gauge (3,965 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 198,817 km country comparison to the world: 25 paved: 60,043 km (includes 281 km of expressways)

unpaved: 138,774 km (2008)

Waterways:

1,731 km country comparison to the world: 48 note: includes 1,075 km on Danube River, 524 km on secondary branches, and 132 km on canals (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 15 country comparison to the world: 102 by type: cargo 10, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 1

registered in other countries: 35 (Cambodia 1, Georgia 7, Liberia 3, Malta 8, Marshall Islands 2, Moldova 2, North Korea 1, Panama 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Sierra Leone 4, Syria 1, Togo 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Braila, Constanta, Galati (Galatz), Mancanului (Giurgiu), Midia,
Tulcea

Military ::Romania

Military branches:

Land Forces, Naval Forces, Romanian Air Force (Fortele Aeriene
Romane, FAR), Special Operations (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-35 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription officially ended October 2006; all military inductees (including women) contract for an initial 5-year term of service, with subsequent successive contracts for 3-year terms until age 36 (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,617,144

females age 16-49: 5,487,510 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,513,619

females age 16-49: 4,566,620 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 121,391

female: 115,258 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Transnational Issues ::Romania

Disputes - international:

the ICJ gave Ukraine until December 2006 to reply, and Romania until June 2007 to issue a rejoinder, in their dispute submitted in 2004 over Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy/Serpilor (Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary delimitation; Romania also opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the Danube border through Ukraine to the Black Sea

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route and small amounts of Latin American cocaine bound for Western Europe; although not a significant financial center, role as a narcotics conduit leaves it vulnerable to laundering, which occurs via the banking system, currency exchange houses, and casinos

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Russia (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Russia

Background:

Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy, was able to emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th centuries) and to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding principalities. In the early 17th century, a new Romanov Dynasty continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific. Under PETER I (ruled 1682-1725), hegemony was extended to the Baltic Sea and the country was renamed the Russian Empire. During the 19th century, more territorial acquisitions were made in Europe and Asia. Defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 contributed to the Revolution of 1905, which resulted in the formation of a parliament and other reforms. Repeated devastating defeats of the Russian army in World War I led to widespread rioting in the major cities of the Russian Empire and to the overthrow in 1917 of the imperial household. The Communists under Vladimir LENIN seized power soon after and formed the USSR. The brutal rule of Iosif STALIN (1928-53) strengthened Communist rule and Russian dominance of the Soviet Union at a cost of tens of millions of lives. The Soviet economy and society stagnated in the following decades until General Secretary Mikhail GORBACHEV (1985-91) introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) in an attempt to modernize Communism, but his initiatives inadvertently released forces that by December 1991 splintered the USSR into Russia and 14 other independent republics. Since then, Russia has shifted its post-Soviet democratic ambitions in favor of a centralized semi-authoritarian state whose legitimacy is buttressed, in part, by carefully managed national elections, former President PUTIN's genuine popularity, and the prudent management of Russia's windfall energy wealth. Russia has severely disabled a Chechen rebel movement, although violence still occurs throughout the North Caucasus.

Geography ::Russia

Location:

Northern Asia (the area west of the Urals is considered part of
Europe), bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North
Pacific Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

60 00 N, 100 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 17,098,242 sq km country comparison to the world: 1 land: 16,377,742 sq km

water: 720,500 sq km

Area - comparative:

approximately 1.8 times the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 20,241.5 km

border countries: Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China (southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 290 km, Finland 1,313 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 17.5 km, Latvia 292 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,441 km, Norway 196 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Ukraine 1,576 km

Coastline:

37,653 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast

Terrain:

broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern border regions

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

highest point: Gora El'brus 5,633 m

Natural resources:

wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, reserves of rare earth elements, timber

note: formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder exploitation of natural resources

Land use:

arable land: 7.17%

permanent crops: 0.11%

other: 92.72% (2005)

Irrigated land:

46,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

4,498 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 76.68 cu km/yr (19%/63%/18%)

per capita: 535 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to development; volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands; volcanoes and earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula; spring floods and summer/autumn forest fires throughout Siberia and parts of European Russia

volcanism: Russia experiences significant volcanic activity on the Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands; the peninsula alone is home to some 29 historically active volcanoes, with dozens more in the Kuril Islands; Kliuchevskoi (elev. 4,835 m, 15,863 ft), which erupted in 2007 and 2010, is Kamchatka's most active volcano; Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes, which pose a threat to the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Bezymianny, Chikurachki, Ebeko, Gorely, Grozny, Karymsky, Ketoi, Kronotsky, Ksudach, Medvezhia, Mutnovsky, Sarychev Peak, Shiveluch, Tiatia, Tolbachik, and Zheltovsky

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial, municipal, and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and seacoasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination; groundwater contamination from toxic waste; urban solid waste management; abandoned stocks of obsolete pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

Geography - note:

largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture; Mount El'brus is Europe's tallest peak

People ::Russia

Population:

139,390,205 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.8% (male 10,644,833/female 10,095,011)

15-64 years: 71.5% (male 48,004,040/female 52,142,313)

65 years and over: 13.7% (male 5,880,877/female 13,274,173) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.5 years

male: 35.3 years

female: 41.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.465% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

Birth rate:

11.11 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Death rate:

16.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Net migration rate:

0.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.44 male(s)/female

total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.32 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 150 male: 11.83 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.16 years country comparison to the world: 160 male: 59.54 years

female: 73.17 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.41 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

940,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

40,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Russian(s)

adjective: Russian

Ethnic groups:

Russian 79.8%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%, Chuvash 1.1%, other or unspecified 12.1% (2002 census)

Religions:

Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2% (2006 est.)

note: estimates are of practicing worshipers; Russia has large populations of non-practicing believers and non-believers, a legacy of over seven decades of Soviet rule

Languages:

Russian (official), many minority languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.2% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 109

Government ::Russia

Country name:

conventional long form: Russian Federation

conventional short form: Russia

local long form: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya

local short form: Rossiya

former: Russian Empire, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic

Government type:

federation

Capital:

name: Moscow

geographic coordinates: 55 45 N, 37 35 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

note: Russia is divided into 9 time zones

Administrative divisions:

46 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast), 21 republics (respublik, singular - respublika), 4 autonomous okrugs (avtonomnykh okrugov, singular - avtonomnyy okrug), 9 krays (krayev, singular - kray), 2 federal cities (goroda, singular - gorod), and 1 autonomous oblast (avtonomnaya oblast')

oblasts: Amur (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan', Belgorod,
Bryansk, Chelyabinsk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad, Kaluga,
Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma, Kurgan, Kursk, Leningrad, Lipetsk,
Magadan, Moscow, Murmansk, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novgorod, Novosibirsk,
Omsk, Orenburg, Orel, Penza, Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan', Sakhalin
(Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samara, Saratov, Smolensk, Sverdlovsk
(Yekaterinburg), Tambov, Tomsk, Tula, Tver', Tyumen', Ul'yanovsk,
Vladimir, Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Yaroslavl'

republics: Adygeya (Maykop), Altay (Gorno-Altaysk), Bashkortostan
(Ufa), Buryatiya (Ulan-Ude), Chechnya (Groznyy), Chuvashiya
(Cheboksary), Dagestan (Makhachkala), Ingushetiya (Magas),
Kabardino-Balkariya (Nal'chik), Kalmykiya (Elista),
Karachayevo-Cherkesiya (Cherkessk), Kareliya (Petrozavodsk),
Khakasiya (Abakan), Komi (Syktyvkar), Mariy-El (Yoshkar-Ola),
Mordoviya (Saransk), North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz), Sakha [Yakutiya]
(Yakutsk), Tatarstan (Kazan'), Tyva (Kyzyl), Udmurtiya (Izhevsk)

autonomous okrugs: Chukotka (Anadyr'), Khanty-Mansi (Khanty-Mansiysk), Nenets (Nar'yan-Mar), Yamalo-Nenets (Salekhard)

krays: Altay (Barnaul), Kamchatka (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy), Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Perm', Primorskiy [Maritime] (Vladivostok), Stavropol', Zabaykal'sk (Chita)

federal cities: Moscow [Moskva], Saint Petersburg [Sankt-Peterburg]

autonomous oblast: Yevrey [Jewish] (Birobidzhan)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union); notable earlier dates: 1157 (Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal created); 16 January 1547 (Tsardom of Muscovy established); 22 October 1721 (Russian Empire proclaimed); 30 December 1922 (Soviet Union established)

National holiday:

Russia Day, 12 June (1990)

Constitution:

adopted 12 December 1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Dmitriy Anatolyevich MEDVEDEV (since 7 May 2008)

head of government: Premier Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN (since 8 May 2008); First Deputy Premiers Igor Ivanovich SHUVALOV and Viktor Alekseyevich ZUBKOV (since 12 May 2008); Deputy Premiers Sergey Borisovich IVANOV (since 12 May 2008), Aleksandr Gennadiyevich KHLOPONIN (since 19 January 2010), Dmitriy Nikolayevich KOZAK (since 14 October 2008), Aleksey Leonidovich KUDRIN (since 24 September 2007), Igor Ivanovich SECHIN (since 12 May 2008), Vyacheslav Viktorovich VOLODIN (since 21 October 2010), Aleksandr Dmitriyevich ZHUKOV (since 9 March 2004)

cabinet: the "Government" is composed of the premier, his deputies, and ministers; all are appointed by the president, and the premier is also confirmed by the Duma (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that provides staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a Security Council also reports directly to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 2 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2012); note - the term length was extended to six years in late 2008, to go into effect following the 2012 presidential election; there is no vice president; if the president dies in office, cannot exercise his powers because of ill health, is impeached, or resigns, the premier serves as acting president until a new presidential election is held, which must be within three months; premier appointed by the president with the approval of the Duma

election results: Dmitriy MEDVEDEV elected president; percent of vote - Dmitriy MEDVEDEV 70.2%, Gennady ZYUGANOV 17.7%, Vladimir ZHIRINOVSKY 9.4%, Andrey BOGDANOV 1.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly or Federalnoye Sobraniye consists of an upper house, the Federation Council or Sovet Federatsii (166 seats; as of July 2000, members appointed by the top executive and legislative officials in each of the 83 federal administrative units - oblasts, krays, republics, autonomous okrugs and oblasts, and the federal cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg; members to serve four-year terms) and a lower house, the State Duma or Gosudarstvennaya Duma (450 seats; as of 2007, all members elected by proportional representation from party lists winning at least 7% of the vote; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: State Duma - last held on 2 December 2007 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: State Duma - United Russia 64.3%, CPRF 11.5%, LDPR 8.1%, Just Russia 7.7%, other 8.4%; total seats by party - United Russia 315, CPRF 57, LDPR 40, Just Russia 38

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Supreme Arbitration Court; judges for all courts are appointed for life by the Federation Council on the recommendation of the president

Political parties and leaders:

A Just Russia [Sergey MIRONOV]; Communist Party of the Russian
Federation or CPRF [Gennadiy Andreyevich ZYUGANOV]; Liberal
Democratic Party of Russia or LDPR [Vladimir Volfovich
ZHIRINOVSKIY]; Patriots of Russia [Gennadiy SEMIGIN]; Right Cause
[Leonid Yakovlevich GOZMAN, Boris Yuriyevich TITOV, and Georgiy
Georgiyevich BOVT] (formed from merger of Civic Force, Democratic
Party of Russia, and Union of Right Forces); United Russia [Vladimir
Vladimirovich PUTIN]; Yabloko Party [Sergey Sergeyevich MITROKHIN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association of Citizens with Initiative of Russia (TIGR);
Confederation of Labor of Russia (KTR); Federation of Independent
Labor Unions of Russia; Freedom of Choice Interregional Organization
of Automobilists; Glasnost Defense Foundation; Golos Association in
Defense of Voters' Rights; Greenpeace Russia; Human Rights Watch
(Russian chapter); Institute for Collective Action; Memorial (human
rights group); Movement Against Illegal Migration; Pamjat
(preservation of historical monuments and recording of history);
Russian Orthodox Church; Russian Federation of Car Owners;
Russian-Chechen Friendship Society; SOVA Analytical-Information
Center; Union of the Committees of Soldiers' Mothers; World Wildlife
Fund (Russian chapter)

International organization participation:

APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS, BSEC,
CBSS, CE, CERN (observer), CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, FAO,
FATF, G-20, G-8, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD (accession state), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE,
Paris Club, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sergey Ivanovich KISLYAK

chancery: 2650 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 298-5700, 5701, 5704, 5708

FAX: [1] (202) 298-5735

consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John R. BEYRLE

embassy: Bolshoy Deviatinskiy Pereulok No. 8, 121099 Moscow

mailing address: PSC-77, APO AE 09721

telephone: [7] (495) 728-5000

FAX: [7] (495) 728-5090

consulate(s) general: Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red

note: the colors may have been based on those of the Dutch flag; despite many popular interpretations, there is no official meaning assigned to the colors of the Russian flag; this flag inspired other Slav countries to adopt horizontal tricolors of the same colors but in different arrangements, and so red, blue, and white became the Pan-Slav colors

National anthem:

name: "Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsii" (National Anthem of the Russian Federation)

lyrics/music: Sergei Vladimirovich MIKHALKOV/Alexandr Vasilievich ALEXANDROV

note: in 2000, Russia adopted the tune of the anthem of the former Soviet Union (composed in 1939); the lyrics, also adopted in 2000, were written by the same person who authored the Soviet lyrics in 1943

Economy ::Russia

Economy - overview:

Russia has undergone significant changes since the collapse of the Soviet Union, moving from a globally-isolated, centrally-planned economy to a more market-based and globally-integrated economy. Economic reforms in the 1990s privatized most industry, with notable exceptions in the energy and defense-related sectors. The protection of property rights is still weak and the private sector remains subject to heavy state interference. Russian industry is primarily split between globally-competitive commodity producers - in 2009 Russia was the world's largest exporter of natural gas, the second largest exporter of oil, and the third largest exporter of steel and primary aluminum - and other less competitive heavy industries that remain dependent on the Russian domestic market. This reliance on commodity exports makes Russia vulnerable to boom and bust cycles that follow the highly volatile swings in global commodity prices. The government since 2007 has embarked on an ambitious program to reduce this dependency and build up the country's high technology sectors, but with few results so far. The economy had averaged 7% growth since the 1998 Russian financial crisis, resulting in a doubling of real disposable incomes and the emergence of a middle class. The Russian economy, however, was one of the hardest hit by the 2008-09 global economic crisis as oil prices plummeted and the foreign credits that Russian banks and firms relied on dried up. The Central Bank of Russia spent one-third of its $600 billion international reserves, the world's third largest, in late 2008 to slow the devaluation of the ruble. The government also devoted $200 billion in a rescue plan to increase liquidity in the banking sector and aid Russian firms unable to roll over large foreign debts coming due. The economic decline bottomed out in mid-2009 and the economy began to grow in the first quarter of 2010. However, a severe drought and fires in central Russia reduced agricultural output, prompting a ban on grain exports for part of the year, and slowed growth in other sectors such as manufacturing and retail trade. Russia's long-term challenges include a shrinking workforce, a high level of corruption, difficulty in accessing capital for smaller, non-energy companies, and poor infrastructure in need of large investments.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.229 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $2.147 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.331 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.477 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 -7.9% (2009)

5.2% (2008)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $15,300 (2009 est.)

$16,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.2%

industry: 33.8%

services: 62% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

75.55 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%

industry: 31.9%

services: 58.1% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 8.4% (2009)

Population below poverty line:

13.1% (2009)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%

highest 10%: 30.4% (September 2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

42.2 (2009) country comparison to the world: 53 39.9 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Public debt:

9.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 8.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 11.7% (2009)

Central bank discount rate:

8.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 28 13% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.31% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 12.23% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$269.1 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 16 $203.7 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$650.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $645.5 billion (31 December 2009)

Stock of domestic credit:

$549.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $420.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$861.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $1.322 trillion (31 December 2008)

$1.503 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, vegetables, fruits; beef, milk

Industries:

complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles; defense industries including radar, missile production, and advanced electronic components, shipbuilding; road and rail transportation equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer durables, textiles, foodstuffs, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Electricity - production:

925.9 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Electricity - consumption:

857.6 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Electricity - exports:

17.7 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.066 billion kWh (2009)

Oil - production:

10.12 million bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Oil - consumption:

2.74 million bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Oil - exports:

5.43 million bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 2

Oil - imports:

42,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Oil - proved reserves:

74.2 billion bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Natural gas - production:

583.6 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 2

Natural gas - consumption:

439.6 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 3

Natural gas - exports:

179.1 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - imports:

35.1 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Natural gas - proved reserves:

47.57 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Current account balance:

$68.85 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $48.97 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$376.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $303.4 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, metals, wood and wood products, chemicals, and a wide variety of civilian and military manufactures

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 10.62%, Italy 6.46%, Germany 6.24%, China 5.69%, Turkey 4.3%, Ukraine 4.01% (2009)

Imports:

$237.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $191.8 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, pharmaceutical products, plastic, semi-finished metal products, meat, fruits and nuts, optical and medical instruments, iron, steel

Imports - partners:

Germany 14.39%, China 13.98%, Ukraine 5.48%, Italy 4.84%, US 4.46% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$483.1 billion (30 November 2010) country comparison to the world: 2 $439.4 billion (31 December 2009)

Debt - external:

$480.2 billion (30 November 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $467.2 billion (31 December 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$306.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $256.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$260.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $224.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Russian rubles (RUB) per US dollar - 30 (2010), 31.742 (2009), 24.853 (2008), 25.581 (2007), 27.191 (2006)

Communications ::Russia

Telephones - main lines in use:

44.802 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 4

Telephones - mobile cellular:

230.5 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 4

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telephone system is experiencing significant changes; there are more than 1,000 companies licensed to offer communication services; access to digital lines has improved, particularly in urban centers; Internet and e-mail services are improving; Russia has made progress toward building the telecommunications infrastructure necessary for a market economy; the estimated number of mobile subscribers jumped from fewer than 1 million in 1998 to some 230 million in 2009; a large demand for fixed line service remains unsatisfied

domestic: cross-country digital trunk lines run from Saint Petersburg to Khabarovsk, and from Moscow to Novorossiysk; the telephone systems in 60 regional capitals have modern digital infrastructures; cellular services, both analog and digital, are available in many areas; in rural areas, the telephone services are still outdated, inadequate, and low density

international: country code - 7; Russia is connected internationally by undersea fiber optic cables; digital switches in several cities provide more than 50,000 lines for international calls; satellite earth stations provide access to Intelsat, Intersputnik, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Orbita systems (2008)

Broadcast media:

6 national TV stations with the federal government owning 1 and holding a controlling interest in a second; state-owned Gazprom maintains a controlling interest in a third national channel; government-affiliated Bank Rossiya owns controlling interest in a fourth and fifth, while the sixth national channel is owned by the Moscow city administration; roughly 3,300 national, regional, and local TV stations operating with over two-thirds completely or partially controlled by the federal or local governments; satellite TV services are available; 2 state-run national radio networks with a third majority-owned by Gazprom; roughly 2,400 public and commercial radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.ru; note - Russia also has responsibility for a legacy domain ".su" that was allocated to the Soviet Union and is being phased out

Internet hosts:

10.382 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 12

Internet users:

40.853 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 10

Transportation ::Russia

Airports:

1,213 (2010) country comparison to the world: 5

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 593

over 3,047 m: 51

2,438 to 3,047 m: 201

1,524 to 2,437 m: 126

914 to 1,523 m: 98

under 914 m: 117 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 620

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 68

914 to 1,523 m: 84

under 914 m: 452 (2010)

Heliports:

50 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 122 km; gas 159,552 km; liquid petroleum gas 127 km; oil 74,285 km; refined products 13,658 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 87,157 km country comparison to the world: 2 broad gauge: 86,200 km 1.520-m gauge (40,300 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 957 km 1.067-m gauge (on Sakhalin Island)

note: an additional 30,000 km of non-common carrier lines serve industries (2006)

Roadways:

total: 982,000 km country comparison to the world: 8 paved: 776,000 km (includes 30,000 km of expressways)

unpaved: 206,000 km

note: includes public, local, and departmental roads (2009)

Waterways:

102,000 km (including 48,000 km with guaranteed depth) country comparison to the world: 2 note: 72,000 km system in European Russia links Baltic Sea, White Sea, Caspian Sea, Sea of Azov, and Black Sea (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,097 country comparison to the world: 11 by type: bulk carrier 22, cargo 634, carrier 2, chemical tanker 38, combination ore/oil 39, container 13, passenger 15, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 236, refrigerated cargo 77, roll on/roll off 11, specialized tanker 4

foreign-owned: 145 (Belgium 4, Cyprus 11, Italy 9, South Korea 1, Switzerland 4, Turkey 104, Ukraine 12)

registered in other countries: 443 (Antigua and Barbuda 3, Belize 32, Bulgaria 2, Cambodia 60, Comoros 21, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 47, Dominica 6, Georgia 7, Hong Kong 1, Liberia 108, Malaysia 2, Malta 47, Marshall Islands 6, Moldova 5, Mongolia 4, Panama 39, Saint Kitts and Nevis 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15, Sierra Leone 6, Vanuatu 1, unknown 19) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kaliningrad, Kavkaz, Nakhodka, Novorossiysk, Primorsk, Saint
Petersburg, Vostochnyy

Military ::Russia

Military branches:

Ground Forces (Sukhoputnyye Voyskia, SV), Navy (Voyenno-Morskoy Flot, VMF), Air Forces (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily, VVS); Airborne Troops (VDV), Strategic Rocket Forces (Raketnyye Voyska Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya, RVSN), and Space Troops (Kosmicheskiye Voyska, KV) are independent "combat arms," not subordinate to any of the three branches; Russian Ground Forces include the following combat arms: motorized-rifle troops, tank troops, missile and artillery troops, air defense of the ground troops (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; service obligation - 1 year (conscripts can only be sent to combat zones after 6 months training); reserve obligation to age 50

note: over 60% of draft-age Russian males receive some type of deferment - generally health related - each draft cycle (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 34,850,217

females age 16-49: 35,693,977 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,746,777

females age 16-49: 27,174,148 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 712,838

female: 678,623 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 26

Transnational Issues ::Russia

Disputes - international:

China and Russia have demarcated the once disputed islands at the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in accordance with the 2004 Agreement, ending their centuries-long border disputes; the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kurils," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia, and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities; Russia and Georgia agree on delimiting all but small, strategic segments of the land boundary and the maritime boundary; OSCE observers monitor volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and the Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia signed equidistance boundaries in the Caspian seabed but the littoral states have no consensus on dividing the water column; Russia and Norway reached an agreement on how to align Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean boundaries over EEZ and continental shelf in an agreement signed on 15 September 2010; this agreement is pending ratification by the respective national assemblies; various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia (Kareliya) and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union following the Second World War but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands; in May 2005, Russia recalled its signatures to the 1996 border agreements with Estonia (1996) and Latvia (1997), when the two Baltic states announced issuance of unilateral declarations referencing Soviet occupation and ensuing territorial losses; Russia demands better treatment of ethnic Russians in Estonia and Latvia; Estonian citizen groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary based on the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now divided ethnic Setu people and parts of the Narva region within Estonia; Lithuania and Russia committed to demarcating their boundary in 2006 in accordance with the land and maritime treaty ratified by Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as an EU member state with an EU external border, where strict Schengen border rules apply; preparations for the demarcation delimitation of land boundary with Ukraine have commenced; the dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov remains unresolved despite a December 2003 framework agreement and on-going expert-level discussions; Kazakhstan and Russia boundary delimitation was ratified on November 2005 and field demarcation should commence in 2007; Russian Duma has not yet ratified 1990 Bering Sea Maritime Boundary Agreement with the US

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 18,000-160,000 (displacement from Chechnya and North Ossetia) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Russia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for various purposes; it remains a significant source of women trafficked to over 50 countries for commercial sexual exploitation; Russia is also a transit and destination country for men and women trafficked from Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and North Korea to Central and Western Europe and the Middle East for purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; internal trafficking remains a problem in Russia with women trafficked from rural areas to urban centers for commercial sexual exploitation, and men trafficked internally and from Central Asia for forced labor in the construction and agricultural industries; debt bondage is common among trafficking victims, and child sex tourism remains a concern

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Russia is on the Tier 2 Watch List for a fifth consecutive year for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking over the previous year, particularly in providing assistance to victims of trafficking; comprehensive trafficking victim assistance legislation, which would address key deficiencies, has been pending before the Duma since 2003 and was neither passed nor enacted in 2007 (2008)

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of illicit cannabis and opium poppy and producer of methamphetamine, mostly for domestic consumption; government has active illicit crop eradication program; used as transshipment point for Asian opiates, cannabis, and Latin American cocaine bound for growing domestic markets, to a lesser extent Western and Central Europe, and occasionally to the US; major source of heroin precursor chemicals; corruption and organized crime are key concerns; major consumer of opiates

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Rwanda (Africa)

Introduction ::Rwanda

Background:

In 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, the majority ethnic group, the Hutus, overthrew the ruling Tutsi king. Over the next several years, thousands of Tutsis were killed, and some 150,000 driven into exile in neighboring countries. The children of these exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), and began a civil war in 1990. The war, along with several political and economic upheavals, exacerbated ethnic tensions, culminating in April 1994 in the genocide of roughly 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The Tutsi rebels defeated the Hutu regime and ended the killing in July 1994, but approximately 2 million Hutu refugees - many fearing Tutsi retribution - fled to neighboring Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zaire. Since then, most of the refugees have returned to Rwanda, but several thousand remained in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC; the former Zaire) and formed an extremist insurgency bent on retaking Rwanda, much as the RPF tried in 1990. Rwanda held its first local elections in 1999 and its first post-genocide presidential and legislative elections in 2003. Rwanda in 2009 staged a joint military operation with the Congolese Army in DRC to rout out the Hutu extremist insurgency there and Kigali and Kinshasa restored diplomatic relations. Rwanda also joined the Commonwealth in late 2009.

Geography ::Rwanda

Location:

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

2 00 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 26,338 sq km country comparison to the world: 148 land: 24,668 sq km

water: 1,670 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 893 km

border countries: Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible

Terrain:

mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m

highest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

Natural resources:

gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 45.56%

permanent crops: 10.25%

other: 44.19% (2005)

Irrigated land:

90 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

5.2 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.15 cu km/yr (24%/8%/68%)

per capita: 17 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo

volcanism: Visoke (elev. 3,711 m, 12,175 ft), located on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the country's only historically active volcano

Environment - current issues:

deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; widespread poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is savanna grassland with the population predominantly rural

People ::Rwanda

Population:

11,055,976 country comparison to the world: 74 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.7% (male 2,309,323/female 2,277,269)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 2,932,686/female 2,961,300)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 106,740/female 158,993) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.6 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.818% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Birth rate:

37.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Death rate:

10.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Net migration rate:

1.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Urbanization:

urban population: 18% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 65.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 25 male: 69.21 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 61.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 57.46 years country comparison to the world: 193 male: 56.06 years

female: 58.91 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.99 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

150,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

7,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Rwandan(s)

adjective: Rwandan

Ethnic groups:

Hutu (Bantu) 84%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 15%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Muslim 4.6%, indigenous beliefs 0.1%, none 1.7% (2001)

Languages:

Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French (official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in commercial centers

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 70.4%

male: 76.3%

female: 64.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 9 years

female: 9 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.1% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 104

People - note:

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa

Government ::Rwanda

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Rwanda

conventional short form: Rwanda

local long form: Republika y'u Rwanda

local short form: Rwanda

former: Ruanda, German East Africa

Government type:

republic; presidential, multiparty system

Capital:

name: Kigali

geographic coordinates: 1 57 S, 30 04 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

4 provinces (in French - provinces, singular - province; in Kinyarwanda - intara for singular and plural) and 1 city* (in French - ville; in Kinyarwanda - umujyi); Est (Eastern), Kigali*, Nord (Northern), Ouest (Western), Sud (Southern)

Independence:

1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Constitution:

new constitution passed by referendum 26 May 2003

Legal system:

based on German and Belgian civil law systems and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March 2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 9 August 2010 (next to be held in 2017)

election results: Paul KAGAME elected to a second term as president; Paul KAGAME 93.1%, Jean NTAWUKURIRYAYO 5.1%, Prosper HIGIRO 1.4%, Alvera MUKABAR 0.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of Senate (26 seats; 12 members elected by local councils, 8 appointed by the president, 4 appointed by the Political Organizations Forum, 2 represent institutions of higher learning; members to serve eight-year terms) and Chamber of Deputies (80 seats; 53 members elected by popular vote, 24 women elected by local bodies, 3 selected by youth and disability organizations; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - members appointed as part of the transitional government (next to be held in 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 15 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - RPF 78.8%, PSD 13.1%, PL 7.5%; seats by party - RPF 42, PSD 7, PL 4, additional 27 members indirectly elected

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; High Courts of the Republic; Provincial Courts;
District Courts; mediation committees

Political parties and leaders:

Centrist Democratic Party or PDC [Alfred MUKEZAMFURA]; Democratic
Popular Union of Rwanda or UDPR [Adrien RANGIRA]; Democratic
Republican Movement or MDR [Celestin KABANDA] (officially banned);
Islamic Democratic Party or PDI [Andre BUMAYA]; Liberal Party or PL
[Protais MITALI]; Party for Democratic Renewal (officially banned);
Rwandan Patriotic Front or RPF [Paul KAGAME]; Social Democratic
Party or PSD [Vincent BIRUTA]; Solidarity and Prosperity Party or
PSP [Pheobe KANYANGE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

IBUKA (association of genocide survivors)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James KIMONYO

chancery: 1714 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 232-2882

FAX: [1] (202) 232-4544

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador W. Stuart SYMINGTON

embassy: 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie, Kigali

mailing address: B. P. 28, Kigali

telephone: [250] 596-400

FAX: [250] 596-591

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of sky blue (top, double width), yellow, and green, with a golden sun with 24 rays near the fly end of the blue band; blue represents happiness and peace, yellow economic development and mineral wealth, green hope of prosperity and natural resources; the sun symbolizes unity, as well as enlightenment and transparency from ignorance

National anthem:

name: "Rwanda nziza" (Rwanda, Our Beautiful Country)

lyrics/music: Faustin MURIGO/Jean-Bosco HASHAKAIMANA

note: adopted 2001

Economy ::Rwanda

Economy - overview:

Rwanda is a poor rural country with about 90% of the population engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture and some mineral and agro-processing. In 2008, minerals overtook coffee and tea as Rwanda's primary foreign exchange earner. The 1994 genocide decimated Rwanda's fragile economic base, severely impoverished the population, particularly women, and temporarily stalled the country's ability to attract private and external investment. However, Rwanda has made substantial progress in stabilizing and rehabilitating its economy to pre-1994 levels. GDP has rebounded and inflation has been curbed. Nonetheless, a majority still live below the poverty line of 250 Rwandan francs per day (about US$0.43). Despite Rwanda's fertile ecosystem, food production often does not keep pace with demand, requiring food imports. Rwanda continues to receive substantial aid money and obtained IMF-World Bank Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative debt relief in 2005-06. Rwanda also received a Millennium Challenge Account Compact in 2008. Africa's most densely populated country is trying to overcome the limitations of its small, landlocked economy by leveraging regional trade. Rwanda joined the East African Community and is aligning its budget, trade, and immigration policies with its regional partners. The government has embraced an expansionary fiscal policy to reduce poverty by improving education, infrastructure, and foreign and domestic investment and pursuing market-oriented reforms, although energy shortages, instability in neighboring states, and lack of adequate transportation linkages to other countries continue to handicap growth. The global downturn hurt export demand and tourism, but economic growth is recovering, driven in large part by the services sector, and inflation has been contained. On the back of this growth, government is gradually ending its fiscal stimulus policy while protecting aid to the poor.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$11.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $11.17 billion (2009 est.)

$10.69 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.693 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 4.5% (2009 est.)

11.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 $1,000 (2009 est.)

$1,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 42.1%

industry: 14.3%

services: 43.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.446 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 81

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%

industry and services: 10% (2000)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

60% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 38.2% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

46.8 (2000) country comparison to the world: 35 28.9 (1985)

Investment (gross fixed):

20% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 10.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

11.25% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 29 12.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 16.51% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$602.3 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 154 $537.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of broad money:

$1.243 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $1.068 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$600.4 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $515.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; livestock

Industries:

cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Electricity - production:

120 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Electricity - consumption:

231.6 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Electricity - exports:

10 million kWh (2007)

Electricity - imports:

130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Oil - imports:

5,623 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - proved reserves:

56.63 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Current account balance:

-$489 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 -$379 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$226 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 $193 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, tea, hides, tin ore

Exports - partners:

Kenya 33.88%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 13.56%, Thailand 6.22%, China 5.49%, US 5.47%, Swaziland 5.43%, Belgium 5.19% (2009)

Imports:

$1.047 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $961 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum products, cement and construction material

Imports - partners:

Kenya 16.53%, Uganda 14.92%, China 7.92%, UAE 6.89%, Belgium 5.54%,
Germany 5.19%, Tanzania 4.81%, Sweden 4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$816 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $742.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Rwandan francs (RWF) per US dollar - 586.25 (2010), 568.176 (2009), 550 (2008), 585 (2007), 560 (2006)

Communications ::Rwanda

Telephones - main lines in use:

33,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 174

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.429 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 123

Telephone system:

general assessment: small, inadequate telephone system primarily serves business, education, and government

domestic: the capital, Kigali, is connected to the centers of the provinces by microwave radio relay and, recently, by cellular telephone service; much of the network depends on wire and HF radiotelephone; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone density has increased to about 25 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 250; international connections employ microwave radio relay to neighboring countries and satellite communications to more distant countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) in Kigali (includes telex and telefax service)

Broadcast media:

government owns and operates the only TV station; government-owned and operated Radio Rwanda has a national reach; 9 private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.rw

Internet hosts:

815 (2010) country comparison to the world: 171

Internet users:

450,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 118

Transportation ::Rwanda

Airports:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 160

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 14,008 km country comparison to the world: 125 paved: 2,662 km

unpaved: 11,346 km (2004)

Waterways:

Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craft (2009)

Ports and terminals:

Cyangugu, Gisenyi, Kibuye

Military ::Rwanda

Military branches:

Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF), Rwandan Patriotic Air Force (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,573,834

females age 16-49: 2,553,707 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,641,563

females age 16-49: 1,696,514 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 98,164

female: 97,839 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Transnational Issues ::Rwanda

Disputes - international:

fighting among ethnic groups - loosely associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces in Great Lakes region transcending the boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda - abated substantially from a decade ago due largely to UN peacekeeping, international mediation, and efforts by local governments to create civil societies; nonetheless, 57,000 Rwandan refugees still reside in 21 African states, including Zambia, Gabon, and 20,000 who fled to Burundi in 2005 and 2006 to escape drought and recriminations from traditional courts investigating the 1994 massacres; the 2005 DROC and Rwanda border verification mechanism to stem rebel actions on both sides of the border remains in place

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 46,272 (Democratic Republic of the Congo); 4,400 (Burundi) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Saint Barthelemy (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Barthelemy

Background:

Discovered in 1493 by Christopher COLUMBUS who named it for his brother Bartolomeo, Saint Barthelemy was first settled by the French in 1648. In 1784, the French sold the island to Sweden, who renamed the largest town Gustavia, after the Swedish King GUSTAV III, and made it a free port; the island prospered as a trade and supply center during the colonial wars of the 18th century. France repurchased the island in 1878 and placed it under the administration of Guadeloupe. Saint Barthelemy retained its free port status along with various Swedish appellations such as Swedish street and town names, and the three-crown symbol on the coat of arms. In 2003, the populace of the island voted to secede from Guadeloupe and in 2007, the island became a French overseas collectivity.

Geography ::Saint Barthelemy

Location:

located approximately 125 miles northwest of Guadeloupe

Geographic coordinates:

17 90 N, 62 85 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

21 sq km

Area - comparative:

less than an eighth of the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Climate:

tropical, with practically no variation in temperature; has two seasons (dry and humid)

Terrain:

hilly, almost completely surrounded by shallow-water reefs, with 20 beaches

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morne du Vitet 286 m

Natural resources:

has few natural resources, its beaches being the most important

Environment - current issues:

with no natural rivers or streams, fresh water is in short supply, especially in summer, and provided by desalinization of sea water, collection of rain water, or imported via water tanker

People ::Saint Barthelemy

Population:

7,406 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.2% (male 734/female 696)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 2,855/female 2,402)

65 years and over: 10.2% (male 378/female 383) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.8 years

male: 39.9 years

female: 39.6 years (2010 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female

total population: 1.14 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ethnic groups:

white, Creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia)

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's Witness

Languages:

French (primary), English

Government ::Saint Barthelemy

Country name:

conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint Barthelemy

conventional short form: Saint Barthelemy

local long form: Collectivite d'outre mer de Saint-Barthelemy

local short form: Saint-Barthelemy

Dependency status:

overseas collectivity of France

Capital:

name: Gustavia

geographic coordinates: 17 53 N, 62 51 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Independence:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is St. Barthelemy
Day, 24 August

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Bruno MAGRAS (since 16 July 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory, economic, social, and cultural council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term

election results: Bruno MAGRAS unanimously elected president by the Territorial Council on 16 July 2007

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council (19 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - SBA 72.2%, Action-Equilibre-Transparence 9.9%, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy 7.9%, Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 9.9%; seats by party - SBA 16, Action-Equilibre-Transparence 1, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy 1, Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 1

note: Saint Barthelemy elects one seat to the French Senate; election last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1

Political parties and leaders:

Action-Equilibre-Transparence [Maxime DESOUCHES]; Ensemble pour
Saint-Barthelemy [Benoit CHAUVIN]; Saint-Barth d'Abord! or SBA
[Bruno MAGRAS]; Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy [Karine MIOT-RICHARD]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Marine Reserve (protection of fish); Rotary Club

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

National anthem:

name: "L'Hymne a St. Barthelemy" (Hymn to St. Barthelemy)

lyrics/music: Isabelle Massart DERAVIN/Michael VALENTI

note: local anthem in use since 1999; as a collectivity of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::Saint Barthelemy

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Barthelemy is based upon high-end tourism and duty-free luxury commerce, serving visitors primarily from North America. The luxury hotels and villas host 70,000 visitors each year with another 130,000 arriving by boat. The relative isolation and high cost of living inhibits mass tourism. The construction and public sectors also enjoy significant investment in support of tourism. With limited fresh water resources, all food must be imported, as must all energy resources and most manufactured goods. Employment is strong and attracts labor from Brazil and Portugal.

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Saint Barthelemy

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully integrated access

domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems

international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Broadcast media:

no local TV broadcasters; 3 FM radio channels (2 via repeater)

Internet country code:

.bl; note - .gp, the internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might also be encountered

Transportation ::Saint Barthelemy

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 226

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Gustavia

Transportation - note:

nearest airport for international flights is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten

Military ::Saint Barthelemy

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,543

females age 16-49: 1,303 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 21

female: 21 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha (Africa)

Introduction ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Background:

Saint Helena is a British Overseas Territory consisting of Saint
Helena and Ascension Islands, and the island group of Tristan da
Cunha.

Saint Helena: Uninhabited when first discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, Saint Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th century. It acquired fame as the place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's exile from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of call declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. During the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, several thousand Boer prisoners were confined on the island between 1900 and 1903.

Ascension Island: This barren and uninhabited island was discovered and named by the Portuguese in 1503. The British garrisoned the island in 1815 to prevent a rescue of Napoleon from Saint Helena. It served as a provisioning station for the Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron on anti-slavery patrol. The island remained under Admiralty control until 1922, when it became a dependency of Saint Helena. During World War II, the UK permitted the US to construct an airfield on Ascension in support of trans-Atlantic flights to Africa and anti-submarine operations in the South Atlantic. In the 1960s the island became an important space tracking station for the US. In 1982, Ascension was an essential staging area for British forces during the Falklands War. It remains a critical refueling point in the air-bridge from the UK to the South Atlantic.

Tristan da Cunha: The island group consists of the islands of Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale, Inaccessible, and Gough. Tristan da Cunha is named after its Portuguese discoverer (1506); it was garrisoned by the British in 1816 to prevent any attempt to rescue Napoleon from Saint Helena. Gough and Inaccessible Islands have been designated World Heritage Sites. South Africa leases a site for a meteorological station on Gough Island.

Geography ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Location:

islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa; Ascension Island lies 700 nm northwest of Saint Helena; Tristan da Cunha lies 2,300 nm southwest of Saint Helena

Geographic coordinates:

Saint Helena: 15 57 S, 5 42 W

Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W

Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 308 sq km country comparison to the world: 208 land: Saint Helena Island 122 sq km; Ascension Island 88 sq km; Tristan da Cunha island group 98 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

Saint Helena: 60 km

Ascension Island: NA

Tristan da Cunha: 40 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds

Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid

Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)

Terrain:

the islands of this group result from volcanic activity associated with the Atlantic Mid-Ocean Ridge

Saint Helena: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains

Ascension: surface covered by lava flows and cinder cones of 44 dormant volcanoes; ground rises to the east

Tristan da Cunha: sheer cliffs line the coastline of the nearly circular island; the flanks of the central volcanic peak are deeply dissected; narrow coastal plain lies between The Peak and the coastal cliffs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 2,060 m; Green Mountain on Ascension Island 859 m; Mount Actaeon on Saint Helena Island 818 m

Natural resources:

fish, lobster

Land use:

arable land: 12.9%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 87.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

active volcanism on Tristan da Cunha

volcanism: the island volcanoes of Tristan da Cunha (elev. 2,060 m, 6,758 ft) and Nightingale Island (elev. 365 m, 1,197 ft) experience volcanic activity; Tristan da Cunha erupted in 1962 and Nightingale in 2004

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

Saint Helena harbors at least 40 species of plants unknown anywhere else in the world; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns; Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha is the highest island mountain in the South Atlantic and a prominent landmark on the sea lanes around southern Africa

People ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Population:

7,670 country comparison to the world: 226 note: only Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha islands are inhabited (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 712/female 685)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 2,744/female 2,629)

65 years and over: 11.4% (male 412/female 455) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.2 years

male: 38.2 years

female: 38.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.404% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Birth rate:

10.95 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Death rate:

6.91 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 111

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.049 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.98 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 110 male: 19.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.6 years country comparison to the world: 45 male: 75.68 years

female: 81.67 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.56 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saint Helenian(s)

adjective: Saint Helenian

note: referred to locally as "Saints"

Ethnic groups:

African descent 50%, white 25%, Chinese 25%

Religions:

Anglican (majority), Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 20 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 98% (1987 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Country name:

conventional long form: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

conventional short form: none

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Jamestown

geographic coordinates: 15 56 S, 5 44 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 administrative areas; Ascension, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

The Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009, effective 1 September 2009

Legal system:

English common law and statutes supplemented by local statutes

Suffrage:

NA

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Governor Andrew GURR (since 11 November 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, 3 ex-officio officers, and 5 elected members of the Legislative Council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (17 seats, including a speaker and deputy speaker, 12 elected, and three ex officio members; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

note: the Constitution Order provides for separate Island Councils for both Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

elections: last held on 4 November 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 12

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: private sector; unions

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Saint Helenian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the upper third of the shield depicts a white plover (wire bird) on a yellow field; the remainder of the shield depicts a rocky coastline on the left, offshore is a three-masted sailing ship with sails furled but flying an English flag

National anthem:

note: as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Economy - overview:

The economy depends largely on financial assistance from the UK, which amounted to about $27 million in FY06/07 or more than twice the level of annual budgetary revenues. The local population earns income from fishing, raising livestock, and sales of handicrafts. Because there are few jobs, 25% of the work force has left to seek employment on Ascension Island, on the Falklands, and in the UK.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$18 million (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 225

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

2,486 country comparison to the world: 223 note: 1,200 work offshore (1998 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 6%

industry: 48%

services: 46% (1987 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14% (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.2% (1997 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Agriculture - products:

coffee, corn, potatoes, vegetables; timber; fish, lobster; livestock

Industries:

construction, crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishing, philatelic sales

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Electricity - consumption:

7.44 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Oil - consumption:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Oil - imports:

80 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Exports:

$19 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Exports - commodities:

fish (frozen, canned, and salt-dried skipjack, tuna), coffee, handicrafts

Imports:

$45 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Imports - commodities:

food, beverages, tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed, building materials, motor vehicles and parts, machinery and parts

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Saint Helenian pounds (SHP) per US dollar - 0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006), 0.5462 (2004)

note: the Saint Helenian pound is on par with the British pound

Communications ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 219

Telephone system:

general assessment: can communicate worldwide

domestic: automatic digital network

international: country code (Saint Helena) - 290, (Ascension Island) - 247; international direct dialing; satellite voice and data communications; satellite earth stations - 5 (Ascension Island - 4, Saint Helena - 1)

Broadcast media:

St. Helena has no local TV station; 2 local radio stations, one of which is relayed to Ascension Island; satellite TV stations rebroadcast terrestrially; Ascension Island has no local TV station, but has 1 local radio station and receives relays of broadcasts from 1 St. Helena radio station; broadcasts from the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) are available, as well as TV services for the US military; Tristan da Cunha has 1 local radio station and receives BFBS TV and radio broadcasts (2007)

Internet country code:

.sh; note - Ascension Island assigned .ac

Internet hosts:

6,873 (2010) country comparison to the world: 136

Internet users:

900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 214

Communications - note:

South Africa maintains a meteorological station on Gough Island

Transportation ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 225

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 198 km (Saint Helena 138 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 20 km) country comparison to the world: 208 paved: 168 km (Saint Helena 118 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 10 km)

unpaved: 30 km (Saint Helena 20 km, Ascension 0 km, Tristan da Cunha 10 km) (2002)

Ports and terminals:

Saint Helena: Jamestown

Ascension Island: Georgetown

Tristan da Cunha: Calshot Harbor (Edinburgh)

Transportation - note:

there is no air connection to Saint Helena or Tristan da Cunha; an international airport for Saint Helena is in development for 2010

Military ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,575

females age 16-49: 1,591 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 48

female: 47 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 3, 2011

======================================================================

@Saint Kitts and Nevis (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Background:

Carib Indians occupied the islands for hundreds of years before the British began settlement in 1623. The islands became an associated state of the UK with full internal autonomy in 1967. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. In 1998, a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from Saint Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. Nevis continues in its efforts to separate from Saint Kitts.

Geography ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Location:

Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

17 20 N, 62 45 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis 93 sq km) country comparison to the world: 211 land: 261 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

135 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical, tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Terrain:

volcanic with mountainous interiors

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m

Natural resources:

arable land

Land use:

arable land: 19.44%

permanent crops: 2.78%

other: 77.78% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

0.02 cu km (2000)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (July to October)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

with coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat and ball, the two volcanic islands are separated by a 3-km-wide channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in the center of its almost circular namesake island and its ball shape complements that of its sister island

People ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Population:

49,898 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.3% (male 5,397/female 5,138)

15-64 years: 65.9% (male 13,231/female 13,196)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 1,326/female 1,843) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.5 years

male: 31.5 years

female: 31.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.838% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Birth rate:

14.23 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Death rate:

7.11 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Net migration rate:

1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Urbanization:

urban population: 32% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.9 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 153 male: 6.45 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.37 years country comparison to the world: 96 male: 72.03 years

female: 76.75 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.79 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s)

adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian

Ethnic groups:

predominantly black; some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese

Religions:

Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 97.8%

male: NA

female: NA (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

9.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 6

Government ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Country name:

conventional long form: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

conventional short form: Saint Kitts and Nevis

former: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Basseterre

geographic coordinates: 17 18 N, 62 43 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point,
Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James
Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary
Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter
Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle Island,
Trinity Palmetto Point

Independence:

19 September 1983 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 19 September (1983)

Constitution:

19 September 1983

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Cuthbert Montraville SEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July 1995); Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation with the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (14 seats, 3 appointed and 11 popularly elected from single-member constituencies; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 January 2010 (next to be held by 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SKNLP 6, CCM 2, PAM 2, NRP 1

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consisting of a Court of Appeal and a High Court; based on Saint Lucia; two judges of the Supreme Court reside in Saint Kitts and Nevis); member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Vance AMORY]; Nevis Reformation
Party or NRP [Joseph PARRY]; People's Action Movement or PAM
[Lindsay GRANT]; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party or SKNLP [Dr.
Denzil DOUGLAS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS,
OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,
WHO, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Izben Cordinal WILLIAMS

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636

FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Kitts and Nevis

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band bearing two white, five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the lower triangle is red; green signifies the island's fertility, red symbolizes the struggles of the people from slavery, yellow denotes year-round sunshine, and black represents the African heritage of the people; the white stars stand for the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, but can also express hope and liberty, or independence and optimism

National anthem:

name: "Oh Land of Beauty!"

lyrics/music: Kenrick Anderson GEORGES

note: adopted 1983

Economy ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is heavily dependent upon tourism revenues, which has replaced sugar, the traditional mainstay of the economy until the 1970s. Following the 2005 harvest, the government closed the sugar industry after decades of losses of 3-4% of GDP annually. To compensate for employment losses, the government has embarked on a program to diversify the agricultural sector and to stimulate other sectors of the economy, such as tourism, export-oriented manufacturing, and offshore banking. More than 200,000 tourists visited the islands in 2009. Like other tourist destinations in the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to damage from natural disasters and shifts in tourism demand. The current government is constrained by one of the world's highest public debt burdens equivalent to roughly 185% of GDP, largely attributable to public enterprise losses.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$719.5 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 $730.5 million (2009 est.)

$772.7 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$562 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202 -5.5% (2009 est.)

4.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $14,800 (2009 est.)

$15,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.5%

industry: 25.8%

services: 70.7% (2001)

Labor force:

18,170 (June 1995) country comparison to the world: 209

Unemployment rate:

4.5% (1997) country comparison to the world: 42

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

185% of GDP (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 65 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.75% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 8.75% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$94.45 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 181 $93.23 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$823.8 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 167 $787.8 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$790.8 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $782.4 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$648 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 102 $595.2 million (31 December 2008)

$439.7 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fish

Industries:

tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

130 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Electricity - consumption:

120.9 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Oil - imports:

1,225 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Current account balance:

-$163 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Exports:

$84 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 198

Exports - commodities:

machinery, food, electronics, beverages, tobacco

Exports - partners:

US 62.3%, Canada 7.93%, Azerbaijan 6.72% (2009)

Imports:

$383 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 189

Imports - commodities:

machinery, manufactures, food, fuels

Imports - partners:

US 43.37%, Trinidad and Tobago 15.26%, Italy 11.83% (2009)

Debt - external:

$314 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 171

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 193

Telephones - mobile cellular:

83,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 189

Telephone system:

general assessment: good interisland and international connections

domestic: interisland links via Eastern Caribbean Fiber Optic cable; construction of enhanced wireless infrastructure launched in November 2004

international: country code - 1-869; connected internationally by the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables

Broadcast media:

the government operates a national television network that broadcasts on 2 channels; cable subscription services provide access to local and international channels; the government operates a national radio network; a mix of government-owned and privately-owned broadcasters operate roughly 15 radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.kn

Internet hosts:

51 (2010) country comparison to the world: 210

Internet users:

17,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 197

Transportation ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 204

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 50 km country comparison to the world: 131 narrow gauge: 50 km 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts for tourists (2008)

Roadways:

total: 383 km country comparison to the world: 199 paved: 163 km

unpaved: 220 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 160 country comparison to the world: 40 by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 92, chemical tanker 4, combination ore/oil 1, container 3, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 24, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 3

foreign-owned: 94 (Bahrain 1, Belgium 1, China 1, Estonia 3, Italy 1, Japan 3, Kuwait 3, Latvia 2, Malaysia 1, Norway 1, Pakistan 3, Russia 11, Singapore 5, Syria 5, Turkey 22, UAE 17, UK 2, Ukraine 10, US 1, Yemen 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Basseterre, Charlestown

Military ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Military branches:

Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (includes Coast Guard),
Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force; for national security,
Saint Kitts and Nevis relies on the Regional Security System,
headquartered in Barbados (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,510

females age 16-49: 13,075 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,736

females age 16-49: 10,913 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 402

female: 430 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Disputes - international:

joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; some money-laundering activity

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Saint Lucia (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Lucia

Background:

The island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries, was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally ceded to the UK in 1814. Even after the abolition of slavery on its plantations in 1834, Saint Lucia remained an agricultural island, dedicated to producing tropical commodity crops. Self-government was granted in 1967 and independence in 1979.

Geography ::Saint Lucia

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic
Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

13 53 N, 60 58 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 616 sq km country comparison to the world: 192 land: 606 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

158 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season January to April, rainy season May to August

Terrain:

volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m

Natural resources:

forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs, geothermal potential

Land use:

arable land: 6.45%

permanent crops: 22.58%

other: 70.97% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.01

per capita: 81 cu m/yr (1997)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes; volcanic activity

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean

People ::Saint Lucia

Population:

160,922 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.4% (male 20,035/female 19,021)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 51,593/female 54,843)

65 years and over: 9.2% (male 6,668/female 8,107) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.3 years

male: 29.3 years

female: 31.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.398% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Birth rate:

14.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Death rate:

6.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Net migration rate:

-3.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Urbanization:

urban population: 28% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.07 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 133 male: 12.19 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.65 years country comparison to the world: 67 male: 73.97 years

female: 79.48 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.82 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saint Lucian(s)

adjective: Saint Lucian

Ethnic groups:

black 82.5%, mixed 11.9%, East Indian 2.4%, other or unspecified 3.1% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 67.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.5%, Pentecostal 5.7%, Rastafarian 2.1%, Anglican 2%, Evangelical 2%, other Christian 5.1%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.5% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 90.1%

male: 89.5%

female: 90.6% (2001 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.3% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 32

Government ::Saint Lucia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Saint Lucia

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Castries

geographic coordinates: 14 01 N, 61 00 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

11 quarters; Anse-la-Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort

Independence:

22 February 1979 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 February (1979)

Constitution:

22 February 1979

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Dame Pearlette LOUISY (since September 1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Stephenson KING (since 9 September 2007); note - Sir John COMPTON died in office 7 September 2007

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats; six members appointed on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and two after consultation with religious, economic, and social groups) and the House of Assembly (17 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held on 11 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - UWP 50%, SLP 46.9%, other 3.1%; seats by party - UWP 11, SLP 6

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consists of a High Court and a
Court of Appeals; based on Saint Lucia; three judges of the Supreme
Court reside in Saint Lucia); member of the Caribbean Court of
Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

National Alliance or NA [George ODLUM]; Saint Lucia Freedom Party or
SFP [Martinus FRANCOIS]; Saint Lucia Labor Party or SLP [Kenneth
ANTHONY]; Sou Tout Apwe Fete Fini or STAFF [Christopher HUNTE];
United Workers Party or UWP [Stephenson KING]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, ITUC,
MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael LOUIS

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 through 6795

FAX: [1] (202) 364-6723

consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Lucia; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Lucia

Flag description:

blue, with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border; the blue color represents the sky and sea, gold stands for sunshine and prosperity, and white and black the racial composition of the island (with the latter being dominant); the two major triangles invoke the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), cone-shaped volcanic plugs that are a symbol of the island

National anthem:

name: "Sons and Daughters of St. Lucia"

lyrics/music: Charles JESSE/Leton Felix THOMAS

note: adopted 1967

Economy ::Saint Lucia

Economy - overview:

The island nation has been able to attract foreign business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism industries, with a surge in foreign direct investment in 2006, attributed to the construction of several tourism projects. Although crops such as bananas, mangos, and avocados continue to be grown for export, tourism provides Saint Lucia's main source of income and the industry is the island's biggest employer. Tourism is the main source of foreign exchange, although tourism sector revenues declined with the global economic downturn as US and European travel dropped in 2009. The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is trying to revitalize the banana industry, although recent hurricanes have caused exports to contract. Saint Lucia is vulnerable to a variety of external shocks including volatile tourism receipts, natural disasters, and dependence on foreign oil. The public debt-to-GDP ratio is about 77% and high debt servicing obligations constrain the KING administration's ability to respond to adverse external shocks. Economic fundamentals remain solid, even though unemployment needs to be reduced.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.789 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 $1.769 billion (2009 est.)

$1.866 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 -5.2% (2009 est.)

0.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $11,000 (2009 est.)

$11,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5%

industry: 15%

services: 80% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

79,700 (2007) country comparison to the world: 183

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 21.7%

industry: 24.7%

services: 53.6% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 63 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.58% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 10.08% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$244.3 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 169 $245 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.094 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 160 $1.061 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.378 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $1.217 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa

Industries:

clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism; lime processing, coconut processing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

325 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Electricity - consumption:

302.2 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - imports:

2,747 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Current account balance:

-$199 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Exports:

$288 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 175

Exports - commodities:

bananas 41%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, coconut oil

Exports - partners:

Spain 29.41%, UK 15.28%, South Korea 10.54%, US 9.75%, India 9.52% (2009)

Imports:

$791 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 179

Imports - commodities:

food 23%, manufactured goods 21%, machinery and transportation equipment 19%, chemicals, fuels

Imports - partners:

Brazil 83.44%, US 4.67%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.56% (2009)

Debt - external:

$257 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 172

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Lucia

Telephones - main lines in use:

41,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Telephones - mobile cellular:

176,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system

domestic: system is automatically switched

international: country code - 1-758; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables, along with Intelsat from Martinique, carry calls internationally; direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to Barbados

Broadcast media:

3 privately-owned television stations; 1 public television station operating on a cable network; multi-channel cable TV service is obtainable; a mix of state-owned and privately-owned broadcasters operate nearly 25 radio stations including repeater transmission stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.lc

Internet hosts:

106 (2010) country comparison to the world: 201

Internet users:

142,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 149

Transportation ::Saint Lucia

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 198

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,210 km (2002) country comparison to the world: 180

Ports and terminals:

Castries, Cul-de-Sac, Vieux-Fort

Military ::Saint Lucia

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (includes Special Service Unit and Coast Guard) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 41,177 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 32,406

females age 16-49: 36,216 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,627

female: 1,521 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Saint Lucia

Disputes - international:

joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transit point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Saint Martin (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Martin

Background:

Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 and set about exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the island in 1633, but continued to be harassed by the Dutch. The Spanish finally relinquished Saint Martin to the French and Dutch, who divided it amongst themselves in 1648. Friction between the two sides caused the border to frequently fluctuate over the next two centuries, with the French eventually holding the greater portion of the island (about 57%). The cultivation of sugar cane introduced slavery to the island in the late 18th century; the practice was not abolished until 1848. The island became a free port in 1939; the tourism industry was dramatically expanded during the 1970s and 1980s. In 2003, the populace of Saint Martin voted to secede from Guadeloupe and in 2007, the northern portion of the island became a French overseas collectivity.

Geography ::Saint Martin

Location:

island 300 km southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 05 N, 63 57 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 54.4 sq km country comparison to the world: 230 land: 54.4 sq km

water: NEGL

Area - comparative:

more than one-third the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 15 km

border countries: Sint Maarten 15 km

Coastline:

58.9 km (for entire island)

Climate:

temperature averages 80-85 degrees all year long; low humidity, gentle trade winds, brief, intense rain showers; July-November is the hurricane season

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m

Natural resources:

salt

Natural hazards:

subject to hurricanes from July to November

Environment - current issues:

fresh water supply is dependent on desalinization of sea water

Geography - note:

the island of Saint Martin is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two independent states, the French territory of Saint Martin and the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten

People ::Saint Martin

Population:

30,235 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27% (male 3,991/female 4,048)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 9,596/female 10,532)

65 years and over: 5.5% (male 742/female 911) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.8 years

male: 29.7 years

female: 31.6 years (2010 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ethnic groups:

creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia), white, East Indian

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant, Hindu

Languages:

French (official language), English, Dutch, French Patois, Spanish,
Papiamento (dialect of Netherlands Antilles)

Government ::Saint Martin

Country name:

conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint Martin

conventional short form: Saint Martin

local long form: Collectivity d'outre mer de Saint-Martin

local short form: Saint-Martin

Dependency status:

overseas collectivity of France

Capital:

name: Marigot

geographical coordinates: 18 04 N, 63 05 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight savings: +1 hour

Independence:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is Schoalcher Day
(Slavery Abolition Day) 12 July (1848)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Frantz GUMBS (since 5 May 2009)

cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory economic, social, and cultural council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) election: French president elected by popular vote to a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term

election results: Frantz GUMBS elected president by the Territorial Council on 7 August 2008 but election was declared invalid on 10 April 2009

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council (23 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012)

election results: percent of seats by party - UPP 49%, RRR 42.2%, Reussir Saint-Martin 8.9%; seats by party - UPP 16, RRR 6, Reussir Saint-Martin 1

note: Saint Martin elects one member to the French Senate; election last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1

Political parties and leaders:

Union Pour le Progres or UPP [Louis-Constant FLEMING]; Rassemblement
Responsabilite Reussite or RRR [Alain RICHARDSON]; Reussir
Saint-Martin [Jean-Luc HAMLET]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

National anthem:

name: "O Sweet Saint Martin's Land"

lyrics/music: Gerard KEMPS

note: the song, written in 1958, is used as an unofficial anthem for the entire island (both French and Dutch sides); as a collectivity of France, in addition to the local anthem, "La Marseillaise" remains official on the French side (see France); as a constituent part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in addition to the local anthem, "Het Wilhelmus" remains official on the Dutch side (see Netherlands)

Economy ::Saint Martin

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Martin centers around tourism with 85% of the labor force engaged in this sector. Over one million visitors come to the island each year with most arriving through the Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten. No significant agriculture and limited local fishing means that almost all food must be imported. Energy resources and manufactured goods are also imported, primarily from Mexico and the United States. Saint Martin is reported to have the highest per capita income in the Caribbean.

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 15%

services: 84% (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

85% directly or indirectly employed in tourist industry

Industries:

tourism, light industry and manufacturing, heavy industry

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, food, manufactured items

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Saint Martin

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully integrated access

domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems

international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Broadcast media:

1 local TV station; receives television broadcasts from the Netherlands Antilles; access to about 20 radio stations, including RFO Guadeloupe radio broadcasts via repeater (2008)

Internet country code:

.mf; note - .gp, the internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might also be encountered

Transportation ::Saint Martin

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 224

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Transportation - note:

nearest airport for international flights is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten

Military ::Saint Martin

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,391

females age 16-49: 6,947 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 172

female: 165 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Saint Pierre and Miquelon (North America)

Introduction ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Background:

First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American possessions.

Geography ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Location:

Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)

Geographic coordinates:

46 50 N, 56 20 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 242 sq km country comparison to the world: 213 land: 242 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groups

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

120 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

cold and wet, with considerable mist and fog; spring and autumn are often windy

Terrain:

mostly barren rock

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m

Natural resources:

fish, deepwater ports

Land use:

arable land: 12.5%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 87.5% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

persistent fog throughout the year can be a maritime hazard

Environment - current issues:

recent test drilling for oil in waters around Saint Pierre and Miquelon may bring future development that would impact the environment

Geography - note:

vegetation scanty

People ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Population:

5,943 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 228

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.9% (male 789/female 755)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 2,378/female 2,313)

65 years and over: 11.7% (male 382/female 446) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42 years

male: 41.6 years

female: 42.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.909% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 230

Birth rate:

8.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Death rate:

8.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Net migration rate:

-9.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Urbanization:

urban population: 89% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.65 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 163 male: 8.94 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.74 years country comparison to the world: 30 male: 77.49 years

female: 82.12 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Ethnic groups:

Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Languages:

French (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (1982 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Country name:

conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon

conventional short form: Saint Pierre and Miquelon

local long form: Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

local short form: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Dependency status:

self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Saint-Pierre

geographic coordinates: 46 46 N, 56 11 W

time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France); note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are two communes - Saint Pierre, Miquelon at the second order

Independence:

none (territorial collectivity of France; has been under French control since 1763)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by Prefect Jean-Regis BORIUS (since 29 October 2009)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Stephane ARTANO (since 21 February 2007)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 6 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council elected by the members of the council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council or Conseil Territorial (19 seats, 15 from Saint Pierre and four from Miquelon; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: elections last held on 19 and 26 in March 2006 (next to be held in March 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AD 16, Cap sur l'Avenir 2, SPM 2000/AM 1

note: Saint Pierre and Miquelon elect one member to the French Senate; elections last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1; Saint Pierre and Miquelon also elects one member to the French National Assembly; elections last held on, first round - 10 June 2007, second round - 17 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Left Radical Party 1

Judicial branch:

Superior Tribunal of Appeals or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Archipelago Tomorrow or AD (affiliated with UDF/RPR list); Cap sur
l'Avenir (affiliated with PRG); Left Radical Party or PRG;
Rassemblement pour la Republique or RPR (now UMP); Saint Pierre and
Miquelon 2000/Avenir Miquelon or SPM 2000/AM; Socialist Party or PS;
Union pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

UPU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

a yellow three-masted sailing ship facing the hoist side rides on a blue background with scattered, white, wavy lines under the ship; a continuous black-over-white wavy line divides the ship from the white wavy lines; on the hoist side, a vertical band is divided into three parts: the top part (called ikkurina) is red with a green diagonal cross extending to the corners overlaid by a white cross dividing the rectangle into four sections; the middle part has a white background with an ermine pattern; the third part has a red background with two stylized yellow lions outlined in black, one above the other; these three heraldic arms represent settlement by colonists from the Basque Country (top), Brittany, and Normandy; the blue on the main portion of the flag symbolizes the Atlantic Ocean and the stylized ship represents the Grande Hermine in which Jacques Cartier "discovered" the islands in 1536

note: the flag of France used for official occasions

National anthem:

note: as a collectivity of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Economy - overview:

The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because of disputes with Canada over fishing quotas and a steady decline in the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of what France had sought. France heavily subsidizes the islands to the great betterment of living standards. The government hopes an expansion of tourism will boost economic prospects. Fish farming, crab fishing, and agriculture are being developed to diversify the local economy. Recent test drilling for oil may pave the way for development of the energy sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$48.3 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 223 note: supplemented by annual payments from France of about $60 million

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

3,450 (2005) country comparison to the world: 221

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 18%

industry: 41%

services: 41% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.3% (1999) country comparison to the world: 113

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.1% (2005) country comparison to the world: 190

Agriculture - products:

vegetables; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Industries:

fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

53 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Electricity - consumption:

49.29 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Oil - imports:

564 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Exports:

$5.5 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products, soybeans, animal feed, mollusks and crustaceans, fox and mink pelts

Imports:

$68.2 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Imports - commodities:

meat, clothing, fuel, electrical equipment, machinery, building materials

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: NA

international: country code - 508; radiotelephone communication with most countries in the world; satellite earth station - 1 in French domestic satellite system

Broadcast media:

2 television stations with a third repeater station, all part of the French Overseas Network; has radio stations on St. Pierre and on Miquelon that are part of the French Overseas Network (2007)

Internet country code:

.pm

Internet hosts:

0 (2010) country comparison to the world: 232

Transportation ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 203

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 117 km country comparison to the world: 213 paved: 80 km

unpaved: 37 km (2000)

Ports and terminals:

Saint-Pierre

Military ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,097

females age 16-49: 1,096 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 36

female: 34 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Background:

Resistance by native Caribs prevented colonization on Saint Vincent until 1719. Disputed between France and the United Kingdom for most of the 18th century, the island was ceded to the latter in 1783. Between 1960 and 1962, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was a separate administrative unit of the Federation of the West Indies. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and independence in 1979.

Geography ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic
Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

13 15 N, 61 12 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344 sq km) country comparison to the world: 202 land: 389 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

84 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Terrain:

volcanic, mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: La Soufriere 1,234 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, cropland

Land use:

arable land: 17.95%

permanent crops: 17.95%

other: 64.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.01

per capita: 83 cu m/yr (1995)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat

Environment - current issues:

pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas, pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of 32 islands and cays

People ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Population:

104,217 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.9% (male 13,637/female 13,425)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 35,693/female 33,701)

65 years and over: 7.8% (male 3,659/female 4,459) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.5 years

male: 29.6 years

female: 29.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.341% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Birth rate:

14.89 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Death rate:

6.94 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Net migration rate:

-11.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.7 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 127 male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.9 years country comparison to the world: 107 male: 72.04 years

female: 75.82 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.94 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)

adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian

Ethnic groups:

black 66%, mixed 19%, East Indian 6%, European 4%, Carib Amerindian 2%, other 3%

Religions:

Anglican 47%, Methodist 28%, Roman Catholic 13%, other (includes
Hindu, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Protestant) 12%

Languages:

English, French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 96%

male: 96%

female: 96% (1970 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 22

Government ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Kingstown

geographic coordinates: 13 09 N, 61 14 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick

Independence:

27 October 1979 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 October (1979)

Constitution:

27 October 1979

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir Fredrick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE (since 2 September 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29 March 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (21 seats, 15 elected representatives and 6 appointed senators; representatives elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 13 December 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - ULP 51.6%, NDP 47.8%; seats by party - ULP 8, NDP 7

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consisting of a High Court and
Court of Appeals; based on Saint Lucia; two judges of the Supreme
Court reside in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)

Political parties and leaders:

New Democratic Party or NDP [Arnhim EUSTACE]; Unity Labor Party or
ULP [Ralph GONSALVES] (formed by the coalition of Saint Vincent
Labor Party or SVLP and the Movement for National Unity or MNU)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador La Celia A. PRINCE

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 364-6730

FAX: [1] (202) 364-6736

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Flag description:

three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V pattern, which stands for Vincent; the diamonds recall the islands as the "Gems of the Antilles"; blue conveys the colors of a tropical sky and crystal waters, yellow signifies the golden Grenadine sands, and green represents lush vegetation

National anthem:

name: "St. Vincent! Land So Beautiful!"

lyrics/music: Phyllis Joyce MCCLEAN PUNNETT/Joel Bertram MIGUEL

note: adopted 1967

Economy ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Economy - overview:

Success of the economy hinges upon seasonal variations in agriculture, tourism, and construction activity as well as remittance inflows. Much of the workforce is employed in banana production and tourism, but persistent high unemployment has prompted many to leave the islands. This lower-middle-income country is vulnerable to natural disasters - tropical storms wiped out substantial portions of crops in 1994, 1995, and 2002. In 2008, the islands had more than 200,000 tourist arrivals, mostly to the Grenadines, a drop of nearly 20% from 2007. Saint Vincent is home to a small offshore banking sector and has moved to adopt international regulatory standards. The government's ability to invest in social programs and respond to external shocks is constrained by its high public debt burden, which was over 90% of GDP at the end of 2010. Following the global downturn, St. Vincent and the Grenadines saw an economic decline in 2009, after slowing since 2006, when GDP growth reached a 10-year high of nearly 7%. The GONSALVES administration is directing government resources to infrastructure projects, including a new international airport that is expected to be completed in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.107 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198 $1.102 billion (2009 est.)

$1.112 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$583 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 -1% (2009 est.)

-0.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $10,500 (2009 est.)

$10,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10%

industry: 26%

services: 64% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

57,520 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 26%

industry: 17%

services: 57% (1980 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.8% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 5.3% (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 64 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.19% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 9.52% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$133 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 177 $138.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$444.4 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 173 $453.5 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$417.4 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 $387.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices; small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats; fish

Industries:

food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch

Electricity - production:

133.8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Electricity - consumption:

124.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Oil - imports:

1,451 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Current account balance:

-$149 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Exports:

$193 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 181

Exports - commodities:

bananas, eddoes and dasheen (taro), arrowroot starch; tennis racquets

Exports - partners:

Greece 40.04%, Poland 11.78%, France 9.05%, China 8.53%, India 4.71% (2009)

Imports:

$578 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 185

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, minerals and fuels

Imports - partners:

Singapore 16.16%, Trinidad and Tobago 13.71%, US 13.41%, China 10.9%, Italy 8.89%, Turkey 6.6%, France 5.64%, Romania 4.44% (2009)

Debt - external:

$479 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $223 million (2004)

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Telephones - main lines in use:

23,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 187

Telephones - mobile cellular:

121,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 182

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system

domestic: islandwide, fully automatic telephone system; VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to the other islands of the Grenadines; mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 1-784; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables carry international calls; connectivity also provided by VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to Barbados; SHF radiotelephone to Grenada and Saint Lucia; access to Intelsat earth station in Martinique through Saint Lucia

Broadcast media:

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Broadcasting Corporation operates 1 television station and 5 repeater stations that give near total coverage to the multi-island state; multi-channel cable TV service is obtainable; a partially government-funded national radio service broadcasts on 1 station and has 2 repeater stations; about a dozen privately-owned radio stations and repeater stations operate (2007)

Internet country code:

.vc

Internet hosts:

211 (2010) country comparison to the world: 192

Internet users:

76,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 168

Transportation ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 171

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 829 km country comparison to the world: 185 paved: 580 km

unpaved: 249 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

total: 444 country comparison to the world: 23 by type: bulk carrier 76, cargo 274, carrier 16, chemical tanker 4, container 21, liquefied gas 3, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 12, roll on/roll off 15, specialized tanker 2

foreign-owned: 382 (Austria 2, Bangladesh 1, Belgium 6, Bermuda 1,
Bulgaria 10, China 82, Croatia 8, Cyprus 2, Czech Republic 1,
Denmark 19, Dominica 1, Egypt 4, Estonia 10, France 2, Germany 2,
Greece 63, Guyana 2, Hong Kong 4, Israel 3, Italy 5, Japan 3, Kenya
2, Latvia 15, Lebanon 4, Lithuania 10, Monaco 3, Netherlands 2,
Nigeria 1, Norway 12, Oman 1, Pakistan 1, Poland 1, Romania 1,
Russia 15, Slovenia 2, Sweden 2, Switzerland 5, Syria 13, Turkey 18,
UAE 4, UK 7, Ukraine 12, US 19, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kingstown

Military ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Coast Guard; for national defense, Saint Vincent relies on the Regional Security System, headquartered in Barbados (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 27,940 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,932

females age 16-49: 22,134 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 990

female: 979 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Disputes - international:

joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; small-scale cannabis cultivation

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Samoa (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Samoa

Background:

New Zealand occupied the German protectorate of Western Samoa at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962, when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western" from its name in 1997.

Geography ::Samoa

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

13 35 S, 172 20 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 2,831 sq km country comparison to the world: 177 land: 2,821 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

403 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October)

Terrain:

two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets; narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Silisili 1,857 m

Natural resources:

hardwood forests, fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 21.13%

permanent crops: 24.3%

other: 54.57% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons; active volcanism

volcanism: Savai'I Island (elev. 1,858 m, 6,096 ft), which last erupted in 1911, is historically active

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion, deforestation, invasive species, overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

occupies an almost central position within Polynesia

People ::Samoa

Population:

192,001 country comparison to the world: 184 note: prior estimates used official net migration data by sex, but a highly unusual pattern for 1993 lead to a significant imbalance in the sex ratios (more men and fewer women) and a seeming reduction in the female population; the revised total was calculated using a 1993 number that was an average of the 1992 and 1994 migration figures (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.6% (male 42,117/female 40,603)

15-64 years: 56.7% (male 65,541/female 59,292)

65 years and over: 5.7% (male 5,538/female 6,907) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.8 years

male: 21.7 years

female: 21.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.605% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Birth rate:

22.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Death rate:

5.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Net migration rate:

-11.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Urbanization:

urban population: 23% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 23.21 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 89 male: 27.42 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.13 years country comparison to the world: 126 male: 69.28 years

female: 75.13 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.32 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Samoan(s)

adjective: Samoan

Ethnic groups:

Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians (persons of European and Polynesian blood) 7%, Europeans 0.4% (2001 census)

Religions:

Congregationalist 34.8%, Roman Catholic 19.6%, Methodist 15%, Latter-Day Saints 12.7%, Assembly of God 6.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.5%, Worship Centre 1.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

Samoan (Polynesian) (official), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.6%

female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 50

Government ::Samoa

Country name:

conventional long form: Independent State of Samoa

conventional short form: Samoa

local long form: Malo Sa'oloto Tuto'atasi o Samoa

local short form: Samoa

former: Western Samoa

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Apia

geographic coordinates: 13 50 S, 171 44 W

time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

+1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

Administrative divisions:

11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga, Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga, Va'a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano

Independence:

1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962); note - 1 January 1962 is the date of independence from the New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship; it is observed in June

Constitution:

1 January 1962

Legal system:

based on English common law and local customs; judicial review of legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the citizen; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi (since 20 June 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA (since 1998); Deputy Prime Minister MISA Telefoni (since 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members appointed by the chief of state on the prime minister's advice (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: chief of state elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 15 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually appointed prime minister by the chief of state with the approval of the Legislative Assembly

election results: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi unanimously elected by the Legislative Assembly

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fono (49 seats, 47 members elected by voters affiliated with traditional village-based electoral districts, 2 elected by independent, mostly non-Samoan or part-Samoan, voters who cannot, (or choose not to) establish a village affiliation; only chiefs (matai) may stand for election to the Fono from the 47 village-based electorates; members serve five-year terms)

elections: election last held on 31 March 2006 (next election to be held not later than March 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - HRPP 35, SDUP 10, independents 4

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; District Court; Land and Titles Court

Political parties and leaders:

Human Rights Protection Party or HRPP [Sailele Malielegaoi
TUILA'EPA]; Samoa Christian Party or TCP [Tuala Tiresa MALIETOA];
Samoa Democratic United Party or SDUP [LE MAMEA Ropati]; Samoa Party
or SP [Su'a Rimoni Ah CHONG]; Samoa Progressive Political Party or
SPPP [Toeolesulusulu SIUEVA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Aliioaiga Feturi ELISAIA

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 599-6196 through 6197

FAX: [1] (212) 599-0797

consulate(s) general: Pago Pago (American Samoa)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: US Ambassador to New Zealand is accredited to Samoa

embassy: Accident Corporation Building, 5th Floor, Matafele, Apia

mailing address: P. O. Box 3430, Matafele, Apia

telephone: [685] 21436/21631/21452/22696

FAX: [685] 22030

Flag description:

red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant bearing five white five-pointed stars representing the Southern Cross constellation; red stands for courage, blue represents freedom, and white signifies purity

National anthem:

name: "O le Fu"a o le Sa"olotoga o Samoa" (The Banner of Freedom)

lyrics/music: Sauni Iiga KURESA

note: adopted 1962; the anthem is also known as "Samoa Tula'i" (Samoa Arise)

Economy ::Samoa

Economy - overview:

The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on development aid, family remittances from overseas, agriculture, and fishing. The country is vulnerable to devastating storms. Agriculture employs two-thirds of the labor force and furnishes 90% of exports, featuring coconut cream, coconut oil, and copra. The manufacturing sector mainly processes agricultural products. One factory in the Foreign Trade Zone employs 3,000 people to make automobile electrical harnesses for an assembly plant in Australia. Tourism is an expanding sector accounting for 25% of GDP; 122,000 tourists visited the islands in 2007. In late September 2009, an earthquake and the resulting tsunami severely damaged Samoa, and nearby American Samoa, disrupting transportation and power generation, and resulting in about 200 deaths. The Samoan Government has called for deregulation of the financial sector, encouragement of investment, and continued fiscal discipline, while at the same time protecting the environment. Observers point to the flexibility of the labor market as a basic strength for future economic advances. Foreign reserves are in a relatively healthy state, the external debt is stable, and inflation is low.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.002 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200 $1.022 billion (2009 est.)

$1.059 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$550 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 -3.5% (2009 est.)

-3.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 $5,400 (2009 est.)

$5,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11.6%

industry: 13.1%

services: 75.3% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

66,270 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.08% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 12.66% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$80.56 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 182 $60.13 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$283.2 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 178 $222.9 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$243 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 172 $208.9 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, coffee, cocoa

Industries:

food processing, building materials, auto parts

Industrial production growth rate:

2.8% (2000) country comparison to the world: 115

Electricity - production:

109 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Electricity - consumption:

101.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Oil - imports:

1,105 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Current account balance:

-$24 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Exports:

$131 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 186

Exports - commodities:

fish, coconut oil and cream, copra, taro, automotive parts, garments, beer

Exports - partners:

American Samoa 41.12%, Australia 24.74%, Taiwan 6.24%, China 5.61%,
US 4.07% (2009)

Imports:

$324 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 193

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, industrial supplies, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

NZ 24.13%, Fiji 17.34%, Singapore 12.54%, China 10.02%, Australia 9.85%, US 5.95% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$70.15 million (FY03/04) country comparison to the world: 130

Debt - external:

$177 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 175

Exchange rates:

tala (SAT) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2.7594 (2006), 2.7103 (2005), 2.7807 (2004), 2.9732 (2003)

Communications ::Samoa

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 176

Telephones - mobile cellular:

151,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 176

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 85 telephones per 100 persons; coverage extended to roughly 95 percent of the country

international: country code - 685; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

state-owned television station privatized in 2008; 4 privately-owned television broadcast stations; about a half dozen privately-owned radio stations and one state-owned radio station; television and radio broadcasts of several stations from American Samoa are available (2009)

Internet country code:

.ws

Internet hosts:

17,044 (2010) country comparison to the world: 114

Internet users:

9,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 201

Transportation ::Samoa

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 187

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,337 km country comparison to the world: 170 paved: 332 km

unpaved: 2,005 km (2001)

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 143 by type: passenger/cargo 1, cargo 1

foreign-owned: 1 (NZ 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Apia

Military ::Samoa

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Samoa Police Force (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 47,423 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 37,674

females age 16-49: 37,492 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,219

female: 2,058 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

Samoa has no formal defense structure or regular armed forces; informal defense ties exist with NZ, which is required to consider any Samoan request for assistance under the 1962 Treaty of Friendship

Transnational Issues ::Samoa

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@San Marino (Europe)

Introduction ::San Marino

Background:

The third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See and Monaco), San Marino also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, it was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marinus in A.D. 301. San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of Italy; social and political trends in the republic also track closely with those of its larger neighbor.

Geography ::San Marino

Location:

Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy

Geographic coordinates:

43 46 N, 12 25 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 61 sq km country comparison to the world: 228 land: 61 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one third times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 39 km

border countries: Italy 39 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers

Terrain:

rugged mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m

highest point: Monte Titano 755 m

Natural resources:

building stone

Land use:

arable land: 16.67%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 83.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution

Geography - note:

landlocked; smallest independent state in Europe after the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennines

People ::San Marino

Population:

31,477 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.9% (male 2,635/female 2,452)

15-64 years: 66.2% (male 9,538/female 10,429)

65 years and over: 16.9% (male 2,188/female 2,925) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.1 years

male: 41.3 years

female: 42.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.106% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Birth rate:

9.18 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Death rate:

7.75 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Net migration rate:

9.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Urbanization:

urban population: 94% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.14 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.79 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 188 male: 4.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 82.95 years country comparison to the world: 3 male: 80.45 years

female: 85.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.46 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Sammarinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sammarinese

Ethnic groups:

Sammarinese, Italian

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

Italian

Literacy:

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: 97%

female: 95%

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::San Marino

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of San Marino

conventional short form: San Marino

local long form: Repubblica di San Marino

local short form: San Marino

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: San Marino

geographic coordinates: 43 56 N, 12 25 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello); Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino, San Marino Citta, Serravalle

Independence:

3 September 301

National holiday:

Founding of the Republic, 3 September (AD 301)

Constitution:

8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the functions of a constitution

Legal system:

based on civil law system with Italian law influences; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Co-chiefs of State Captain Regent Giovanni Francesco UGOLINI and Captain Regent Andrea ZAFFERANI (for the period 1 October 2010-1 April 2011)

head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs Antonella MULARONI (since 3 December 2008)

cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Council for a five-year term (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: co-chiefs of state (captains regent) elected by the Great and General Council for a six-month term; election last held in September 2009 (next to be held in March 2010); secretary of state for foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and General Council for a five-year term; election last held on 9 November 2008 (next to be held by 2013)

election results: Francesco MUSSONI and Stefano PALMIERI elected captains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA; Antonella MULARONI elected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs; percent of legislative vote - NA

note: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council) selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent (co-chiefs of state) for a six-month period; they preside over meetings of the Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State), which has 10 other members, all are selected by the Grand and General Council; assisting the captains regent are 10 secretaries of state; the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has assumed some prime ministerial roles

Legislative branch:

unicameral Grand and General Council or Consiglio Grande e Generale (60 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 November 2008 (next to be held by June 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Pact for San Marino coalition 54.2%: PDCS 31.9%, AP 11.5%, Freedom List 6.3%, San Marino Union of Moderates 4.2%; Reforms and Freedom coalition 45.8%: Party of Socialists and Democrats 32%, United Left 8.6%, Democrats of the Center 4.9%; seats by party - Pact for San Marino coalition 35: PDCS 22, AP 7, the Freedom List 4, San Marino Union of Moderates 2; Reforms and Freedom coalition 25: Party of Socialists and Democrats 18, United Left 5, Democrats of the Center 2

Judicial branch:

Council of Twelve or Consiglio dei XII

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democrats or PDCS [Pasquale VALENTINI]; Communist
Refoundation or RC [Ivan FOSHI]; Democrats of the Center or DdC
[Giovanni LONGERNINI]; Freedom List (including NPS and We
Sammarinesi) or NS [Gabriele GATTEI]; New Socialist Party or NPS
[Augusto CASALI]; Party of Socialists and Democrats or PDS [Paride
ANDREOLI]; Popular Alliance or AP [Carlo FRANCIOSI]; Union of
Moderates (including National Alliance or ANS [Glcuco SANSOVINI] and
San Marino Populars or pop [Romeo MORRI and Angela VENTURINI];
United Left of SU [Alessandro ROSSI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), OPCW, OSCE,
Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, Union
Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Paolo RONDELLI

chancery: 888 27th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: 202-337-2260

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in San Marino; the ambassador to Italy is accredited to San Marino

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the main colors derive from the shield of the coat of arms, which features three white towers on three peaks on a blue field; the towers represent three castles built on San Marino's highest feature Mount Titano: Guaita, Cesta, and Montale; the coat of arms is flanked by a wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS (Liberty); the white and blue colors are also said to stand for peace and liberty respectively

National anthem:

name: "Inno Nazionale della Repubblica" (National Anthem of the Republic)

lyrics/music: none/Federico CONSOLO

note: adopted 1894; the music for the lyric-less anthem is based on a 10th century chorale piece

Economy ::San Marino

Economy - overview:

San Marino's economy relies heavily on its tourism and banking industries, as well as on the manufacture and export of ceramics, clothing, fabrics, furniture, paints, spirits, tiles, and wine. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of the most prosperous regions of Italy, which supplies much of its food. San Marino boasts the world's longest life expectancy for men with 80 years. The economy benefits from foreign investment due to its relatively low corporate taxes and low taxes on interest earnings. San Marino has recently faced increased international pressure to improve cooperation with foreign tax authorities and transparency within its own banking sector, which generates about one-fifth of the country's tax revenues. Italy's implementation in October 2009 of a tax amnesty to repatriate untaxed funds held abroad has resulted in financial outflows from San Marino to Italy worth more than $4.5 billion. Such outflows, combined with a money-laundering scandal at San Marino's largest financial institution and the recent global economic downturn, have contributed to a deep recession and growing budget deficit. However, San Marino has no national debt, and an unemployment rate half the size of Italy's. The San Marino government has adopted measures to counter the downturn, including subsidized credit to businesses. San Marino also continues to work towards harmonizing its fiscal laws with EU members and international standards. In September 2009, the OECD removed San Marino from its list of tax havens that have yet to fully implement global tax standards.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.662 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 191 $850 million (2004 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.048 billion (2004)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$41,900 (2007) country comparison to the world: 16

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.1%

industry: 46.5%

services: 53.4% (2007)

Labor force:

22,660 (2008) country comparison to the world: 208

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.1%

industry: 37.7%

services: 62.2% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.1% (2008) country comparison to the world: 24

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-3.5% (2008) country comparison to the world: 1 -1.5% (2006)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$1.326 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$4.584 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.875 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 103 $7.511 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

wheat, grapes, corn, olives; cattle, pigs, horses, beef, cheese, hides

Industries:

tourism, banking, textiles, electronics, ceramics, cement, wine

Industrial production growth rate:

3.1% (2007) country comparison to the world: 101

Exports:

$4.628 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 110 $1.291 billion (2004)

Exports - commodities:

building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked goods, hides, ceramics

Imports:

$3.744 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 130 $2.035 billion (2004)

Imports - commodities:

wide variety of consumer manufactures, food

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::San Marino

Telephones - main lines in use:

21,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 191

Telephones - mobile cellular:

24,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 207

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic telephone system completely integrated into Italian system

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 150 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 378; connected to Italian international network

Broadcast media:

state-owned public broadcaster operates 1 TV station and 2 radio stations; receives radio and TV broadcasts from Italy (2008)

Internet country code:

.sm

Internet hosts:

8,895 (2010) country comparison to the world: 130

Internet users:

17,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 195

Transportation ::San Marino

Roadways:

total: 292 km country comparison to the world: 204 paved: 292 km (2006)

Military ::San Marino

Military branches:

no regular military forces; voluntary Military Force (Corpi Militari) performs ceremonial duties and limited police support functions (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16-55 for voluntary service in Voluntary Military Force (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,893 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,564

females age 16-49: 6,068 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 176

female: 164 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Italy

Transnational Issues ::San Marino

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Sao Tome and Principe (Africa)

Introduction ::Sao Tome and Principe

Background:

Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late 15th century, the islands' sugar-based economy gave way to coffee and cocoa in the 19th century - all grown with plantation slave labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. While independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not instituted until the late 1980s. The country held its first free elections in 1991, but frequent internal wrangling between the various political parties precipitated repeated changes in leadership and two failed coup attempts in 1995 and 2003. The recent discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea promises to attract increased attention to the small island nation.

Geography ::Sao Tome and Principe

Location:

Western Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, straddling the
Equator, west of Gabon

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 N, 7 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 964 sq km country comparison to the world: 184 land: 964 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

more than five times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

209 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)

Terrain:

volcanic, mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

Natural resources:

fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 8.33%

permanent crops: 48.96%

other: 42.71% (2005)

Irrigated land:

100 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the smallest country in Africa; the two main islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes and both are mountainous

People ::Sao Tome and Principe

Population:

175,808 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.9% (male 50,475/female 49,188)

15-64 years: 49.7% (male 51,325/female 54,289)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 3,335/female 4,067) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.5 years

male: 17 years

female: 17.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.112% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Birth rate:

39.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Death rate:

8.45 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Net migration rate:

-9.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 54.64 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 42 male: 56.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 52.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.73 years country comparison to the world: 176 male: 61.58 years

female: 63.91 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.21 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Sao Tomean(s)

adjective: Sao Tomean

Ethnic groups:

mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)

Religions:

Catholic 70.3%, Evangelical 3.4%, New Apostolic 2%, Adventist 1.8%, other 3.1%, none 19.4% (2001 census)

Languages:

Portuguese (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84.9%

male: 92.2%

female: 77.9% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 11 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Sao Tome and Principe

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

conventional short form: Sao Tome and Principe

local long form: Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe

local short form: Sao Tome e Principe

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Sao Tome

geographic coordinates: 0 12 N, 6 39 E

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

2 provinces; Principe, Sao Tome

note: Principe has had self government since 29 April 1995

Independence:

12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 July (1975)

Constitution:

approved March 1990, effective 10 September 1990

Legal system:

based on Portuguese legal system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Fradique Bandiera Melo DE MENEZES (since 3 September 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Joachim Rafael BRANCO (since 22 June 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the proposal of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 July 2006 (next to be held in July 2011); prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president

election results: Fradique DE MENEZES elected president; percent of vote - Fradique DE MENEZES 60%, Patrice TROVOADA 38.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (55 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ADI 26, MLSTP 21, PCD 7, MDFM 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Force for Change Democratic Movement or MDFM [Tome Soares da VERA
CRUZ]; Independent Democratic Action or ADI [Patrice TROVOADA];
Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe-Social
Democratic Party or MLSTP-PSD [Rafael BRANCO]; New Way Movement or
NR; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Delfim NEVES];
Ue-Kedadji coalition; other small parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association of Sao Tome and Principe NGOs or FONG

other: the media

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ITU,
ITUC, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ovidio PEQUENO

chancery: 1211 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 775-2075, 2076

FAX: [1] (202) 775-2077

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Sao Tome and Principe; the Ambassador to Gabon is accredited to Sao Tome and Principe on a nonresident basis and makes periodic visits to the islands

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; green stands for the country's rich vegetation, red recalls the struggle for independence, and yellow represents cocoa, one of the country's main agricultural products; the two stars symbolize the two main islands

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "Independencia total" (Total Independence)

lyrics/music: Alda Neves DA GRACA do Espirito Santo/Manuel dos Santos Barreto de Sousa e ALMEIDA

note: adopted 1975

Economy ::Sao Tome and Principe

Economy - overview:

This small, poor island economy has become increasingly dependent on cocoa since independence in 1975. Cocoa production has substantially declined in recent years because of drought and mismanagement. Sao Tome and Principe has to import all fuels, most manufactured goods, consumer goods, and a substantial amount of food. Over the years, it has had difficulty servicing its external debt and has relied heavily on concessional aid and debt rescheduling. Sao Tome and Principe benefited from $200 million in debt relief in December 2000 under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program, which helped bring down the country's $300 million debt burden. In August 2005, the government signed on to a new 3-year IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program worth $4.3 million. Considerable potential exists for development of a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to expand facilities in recent years. The government also has attempted to reduce price controls and subsidies. Potential exists for the development of petroleum resources in Sao Tome and Principe's territorial waters in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea, which are being jointly developed in a 60-40 split with Nigeria, but any actual production is at least several years off. The first production licenses were sold in 2004, though a dispute over licensing with Nigeria delayed the country's receipt of more than $20 million in signing bonuses for almost a year.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$316.9 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213 $299 million (2009 est.)

$287.5 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$187 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 4% (2009 est.)

5.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193 $1,700 (2009 est.)

$1,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 14.7%

industry: 22.9%

services: 62.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

52,490 (2007) country comparison to the world: 188

Labor force - by occupation:

note: population mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing; shortages of skilled workers

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

54% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

41% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213 16.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

16% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 4 28% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

32.4% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 32.4% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$17.18 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 187 $19.1 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$82.2 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 185 $64.79 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$17.14 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 $16.57 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, copra, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, papayas, beans; poultry; fish

Industries:

light construction, textiles, soap, beer, fish processing, timber

Industrial production growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Electricity - production:

19 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Electricity - consumption:

17.67 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Oil - imports:

726 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Current account balance:

-$73 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 -$49 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$13 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 $10 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cocoa 80%, copra, coffee, palm oil

Exports - partners:

UK 32.99%, Netherlands 26.93%, Belgium 21.04%, Portugal 4.31% (2009)

Imports:

$99 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209 $80 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment, food products, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Portugal 58.9%, Brazil 6.68%, US 4.71%, Japan 4.49% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$46 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $39 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$318 million (2002) country comparison to the world: 170

Exchange rates:

dobras (STD) per US dollar - 19,641 (2010), 16,000 (2009), 14,900 (2008), 13,700 (2007), 12,050 (2006)

Communications ::Sao Tome and Principe

Telephones - main lines in use:

7,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 205

Telephones - mobile cellular:

64,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 193

Telephone system:

general assessment: local telephone network of adequate quality with most lines connected to digital switches

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 35 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 239; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 government-owned TV station; 1 government-owned radio station; 3 independent local radio stations authorized in 2005 with 2 operating at the end of 2006; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.st

Internet hosts:

1,514 (2010) country comparison to the world: 158

Internet users:

26,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 183

Transportation ::Sao Tome and Principe

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 202

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 320 km country comparison to the world: 202 paved: 218 km

unpaved: 102 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 country comparison to the world: 137 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2

foreign-owned: 1 (Greece 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Sao Tome

Military ::Sao Tome and Principe

Military branches:

Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe (Forcas Armadas de Sao Tome e
Principe, FASTP): Army, Coast Guard of Sao Tome e Principe (Guarda
Costeira de Sao Tome e Principe, GCSTP), Presidential Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 38,211

females age 16-49: 38,929 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 26,530

females age 16-49: 28,450 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,997

female: 1,922 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 147

Military - note:

Sao Tome and Principe's army is a tiny force with almost no resources at its disposal and would be wholly ineffective operating unilaterally; infantry equipment is considered simple to operate and maintain but may require refurbishment or replacement after 25 years in tropical climates; poor pay, working conditions, and alleged nepotism in the promotion of officers have been problems in the past, as reflected in the 1995 and 2003 coups; these issues are being addressed with foreign assistance aimed at improving the army and its focus on realistic security concerns; command is exercised from the president, through the Minister of Defense, to the Chief of the Armed Forces staff (2005)

Transnational Issues ::Sao Tome and Principe

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Saudi Arabia (Middle East)

Introduction ::Saudi Arabia

Background:

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. A male descendent of Ibn Saud, his son ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz, rules the country today as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year. The continuing presence of foreign troops on Saudi soil after the liberation of Kuwait became a source of tension between the royal family and the public until all operational US troops left the country in 2003. Major terrorist attacks in May and November 2003 spurred a strong on-going campaign against domestic terrorism and extremism. King ABDALLAH has continued the cautious reform program begun when he was crown prince. To promote increased political participation, the government held elections nationwide from February through April 2005 for half the members of 179 municipal councils. In December 2005, King ABDALLAH completed the process by appointing the remaining members of the advisory municipal councils. The king instituted an Inter-Faith Dialogue initiative in 2008 to encourage religious tolerance on a global level; in February 2009, he reshuffled the cabinet, which led to more moderates holding ministerial and judicial positions, and appointed the first female to the cabinet. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds more than 20% of the world's proven oil reserves. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification, particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in December 2005, and promotes foreign investment in the kingdom. A burgeoning population, aquifer depletion, and an economy largely dependent on petroleum output and prices are all ongoing governmental concerns.

Geography ::Saudi Arabia

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of
Yemen

Geographic coordinates:

25 00 N, 45 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 2,149,690 sq km country comparison to the world: 14 land: 2,149,690 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 4,431 km

border countries: Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km

Coastline:

2,640 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 18 nm

continental shelf: not specified

Climate:

harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

Terrain:

mostly uninhabited, sandy desert

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

Land use:

arable land: 1.67%

permanent crops: 0.09%

other: 98.24% (2005)

Irrigated land:

16,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2.4 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 17.32 cu km/yr (10%/1%/89%)

per capita: 705 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent sand and dust storms

volcanism: Despite Saudi Arabia's many volcanic formations, there has been little activity in the past few centuries; volcanoes include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar

Environment - current issues:

desertification; depletion of underground water resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through Persian Gulf and Suez Canal

People ::Saudi Arabia

Population:

25,731,776 country comparison to the world: 46 note: includes 5,576,076 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38% (male 5,557,453/female 5,340,614)

15-64 years: 59.5% (male 9,608,032/female 7,473,543)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 363,241/female 343,750) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.9 years

male: 26 years

female: 23.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.548% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Birth rate:

19.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Death rate:

3.34 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Net migration rate:

-0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Urbanization:

urban population: 82% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.27 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 1.17 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.73 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 112 male: 19.19 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.87 years country comparison to the world: 108 male: 71.93 years

female: 75.9 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.35 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.01% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saudi(s)

adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Religions:

Muslim 100%

Languages:

Arabic (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 78.8%

male: 84.7%

female: 70.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 41

Government ::Saudi Arabia

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

conventional short form: Saudi Arabia

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

local short form: Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

name: Riyadh

geographic coordinates: 24 38 N, 46 43 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

13 provinces (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah); Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash
Shamaliyah (Northern Border), Al Jawf, Al Madinah (Medina), Al
Qasim, Ar Riyad (Riyadh), Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern), 'Asir, Ha'il,
Jizan, Makkah (Mecca), Najran, Tabuk

Independence:

23 September 1932 (unification of the kingdom)

National holiday:

Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)

Constitution:

governed according to Islamic law; the Basic Law that articulates the government's rights and responsibilities was promulgated by royal decree in 1992

Legal system:

based on sharia law, several secular codes have been introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; male

Executive branch:

chief of state: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SULTAN bin Abd al- Aziz Al Saud (half brother of the monarch); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Deputy Prime Minister SULTAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud; Second Deputy Prime Minister NAYIF bin Abd Al-Aziz Al Saud

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every four years and includes many royal family members (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; note - an Allegiance Commission created by royal decree in October 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes that will play a role in selecting future Saudi kings, but the system will not take effect until after Crown Prince Sultan becomes king

Legislative branch:

Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (150 members and a chairman appointed by the monarch to serve four-year terms); note - though the Council of Ministers announced in October 2003 its intent to introduce elections for a third of the Majlis al-Shura incrementally over a period of four to five years, to date no such elections have been held or announced

Judicial branch:

Supreme Council of Justice

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ansar Al Marah (supports women's rights)

other: gas companies; religious groups

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, FAO, G-20, G-77,
GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO,
ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Adil al-Ahmad al-JUBAYR

chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800

FAX: [1] (202) 944-3113

consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James B. SMITH

embassy: Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh

mailing address: American Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693

telephone: [966] (1) 488-3800

FAX: [966] (1) 488-7360

consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

Flag description:

green, a traditional color in Islamic flags, with the Shahada or Muslim creed in large white Arabic script (translated as "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God") above a white horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist side); design dates to the early twentieth century and is closely associated with the Al Saud family which established the kingdom in 1932; the flag is manufactured with differing obverse and reverse sides so that the Shahada reads - and the sword points - correctly from right to left on both sides

note: one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Paraguay

National anthem:

name: "Aash Al Maleek" (Long Live Our Beloved King)

lyrics/music: Ibrahim KHAFAJI/Abdul Rahman al-KHATEEB

note: music adopted 1947, lyrics adopted 1984

Economy ::Saudi Arabia

Economy - overview:

Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities. It possesses about 20% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 80% of budget revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. Saudi Arabia is encouraging the growth of the private sector in order to diversify its economy and to employ more Saudi nationals. Diversification efforts are focusing on power generation, telecommunications, natural gas exploration, and petrochemical sectors. Almost 6 million foreign workers play an important role in the Saudi economy, particularly in the oil and service sectors, while Riyadh is struggling to reduce unemployment among its own nationals. Saudi officials are particularly focused on employing its large youth population, which generally lacks the education and technical skills the private sector needs. Riyadh has substantially boosted spending on job training and education, most recently with the opening of the King Abdallah University of Science and Technology - Saudi Arabia's first co-educational university. As part of its effort to attract foreign investment, Saudi Arabia acceded to the WTO in December 2005 after many years of negotiations. The government has begun establishing six "economic cities" in different regions of the country to promote foreign investment and plans to spend $373 billion between 2010 and 2014 on social development and infrastructure projects to advance Saudi Arabia's economic development.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$622.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $599.7 billion (2009 est.)

$599.1 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$434.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 0.1% (2009 est.)

4.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$24,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $23,700 (2009 est.)

$24,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.7%

industry: 61.9%

services: 35.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

7.337 million country comparison to the world: 62 note: about 80% of the labor force is non-national (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 6.7%

industry: 21.4%

services: 71.9% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 10.5% (2009 est.)

note: data are for Saudi males only (local bank estimates; some estimates range as high as 25%)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

24.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Public debt:

16.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 22.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 5.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

2.5% (31 December 2008)

NA% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$166.9 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 20 $139.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$286.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $274.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$11.24 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $2.248 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$318.8 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 23 $246.3 billion (31 December 2008)

$515.1 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton, chickens, eggs, milk

Industries:

crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

3.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Electricity - production:

179.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Electricity - consumption:

165.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

9.764 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Oil - consumption:

2.43 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - exports:

8.728 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Oil - imports:

79,250 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Oil - proved reserves:

264.6 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - production:

77.1 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - consumption:

77.1 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - proved reserves:

7.461 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Current account balance:

$52.03 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $22.77 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$235.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $192.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 90%

Exports - partners:

Japan 15.33%, South Korea 12.71%, US 12.2%, China 10.38%, India 7.12%, Taiwan 4.54%, Singapore 4.25% (2009)

Imports:

$99.17 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $87.1 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles

Imports - partners:

US 12.32%, China 12.06%, Germany 7.67%, Japan 6.15%, South Korea 5.32%, India 4.99%, UK 4.72%, France 4.05% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$456.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $410.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$82.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $72.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$204.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $167 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$18 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $11.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Saudi riyals (SAR) per US dollar - 3.75 (2010), 3.75 (2009), 3.75 (2008), 3.745 (2007), 3.745 (2006)

Communications ::Saudi Arabia

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.171 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 36

Telephones - mobile cellular:

44.864 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 27

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system including a combination of extensive microwave radio relays, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic cables

domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly

international: country code - 966; landing point for the international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks providing connectivity to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region) (2008)

Broadcast media:

broadcast media are state-controlled; state-run TV operates 4 networks; Saudi Arabia is a major market for pan-Arab satellite TV broadcasters; state-run radio operates several networks; multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.sa

Internet hosts:

488,598 (2010) country comparison to the world: 51

Internet users:

9.774 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 30

Transportation ::Saudi Arabia

Airports:

217 (2010) country comparison to the world: 27

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 81

over 3,047 m: 33

2,438 to 3,047 m: 15

1,524 to 2,437 m: 27

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 136

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 71

914 to 1,523 m: 41

under 914 m: 16 (2010)

Heliports:

9 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 212 km; gas 1,880 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,183 km; oil 4,241 km; refined products 1,148 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,392 km country comparison to the world: 83 standard gauge: 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and sidings) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 221,372 km country comparison to the world: 23 paved: 47,529 km (includes 3,891 km of expressways)

unpaved: 173,843 km (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 74 country comparison to the world: 58 by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 22, container 4, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 11, petroleum tanker 22, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 8

foreign-owned: 15 (Egypt 1, Greece 4, Kuwait 4, UAE 6)

registered in other countries: 55 (Bahamas 16, Dominica 3, Liberia 24, Norway 3, Panama 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Jiddah, Yanbu' al Sinaiyah

Military ::Saudi Arabia

Military branches:

Ministry of Defense and Aviation Forces: Royal Saudi Land Forces,
Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes Marine Forces and Special
Forces), Royal Saudi Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya
as-Sa'udiya), Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic
Rocket Forces, Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,752,167

females age 16-49: 6,680,315 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,560,216

females age 16-49: 5,773,033 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 280,041

female: 269,580 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

10% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Transnational Issues ::Saudi Arabia

Disputes - international:

Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled security barrier along sections of the now fully demarcated border with Yemen to stem illegal cross-border activities; Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue discussions on a maritime boundary with Iran; Saudi Arabia claims Egyptian-administered islands of Tiran and Sanafir

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 240,015 (Palestinian Territories) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Saudi Arabia is a destination country for workers from South and Southeast Asia who are subjected to conditions that constitute involuntary servitude including being subjected to physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, confinement, and withholding of passports as a restriction on their movement; domestic workers are particularly vulnerable because some are confined to the house in which they work unable to seek help; Saudi Arabia is also a destination country for Nigerian, Yemeni, Pakistani, Afghan, Somali, Malian, and Sudanese children trafficked for forced begging and involuntary servitude as street vendors; some Nigerian women were reportedly trafficked into Saudi Arabia for commercial sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 3 - Saudi Arabia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government continues to lack adequate anti-trafficking laws and, despite evidence of widespread trafficking abuses, did not report any criminal prosecutions, convictions, or prison sentences for trafficking crimes committed against foreign domestic workers (2008)

Illicit drugs:

death penalty for traffickers; improving anti-money-laundering legislation and enforcement

page last updated on January 13, 2011

======================================================================

@Senegal (Africa)

Introduction ::Senegal

Background:

The French colonies of Senegal and the French Sudan were merged in 1959 and granted their independence as the Mali Federation in 1960. The union broke up after only a few months. Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982. The envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. The Movement of Democratic Forces in the Casamance (MFDC) has led a low-level separatist insurgency in southern Senegal since the 1980s, and several peace deals have failed to resolve the conflict. Nevertheless, Senegal remains one of the most stable democracies in Africa. Senegal was ruled by a Socialist Party for 40 years until current President Abdoulaye WADE was elected in 2000. He was reelected in February 2007 and has amended Senegal's constitution over a dozen times to increase executive power and to weaken the opposition, part of the President's increasingly autocratic governing style. Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping and regional mediation.

Geography ::Senegal

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania

Geographic coordinates:

14 00 N, 14 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 196,722 sq km country comparison to the world: 87 land: 192,530 sq km

water: 4,192 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Land boundaries:

total: 2,640 km

border countries: The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau 338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 km

Coastline:

531 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind

Terrain:

generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation southwest of Kedougou 581 m

Natural resources:

fish, phosphates, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 12.51%

permanent crops: 0.24%

other: 87.25% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

39.4 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.22 cu km/yr (4%/3%/93%)

per capita: 190 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

wildlife populations threatened by poaching; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

westernmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is almost an enclave within Senegal

People ::Senegal

Population:

12,323,252 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.2% (male 2,911,324/female 2,877,804)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 3,728,664/female 3,786,000)

65 years and over: 3% (male 190,343/female 217,462) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.9 years

male: 17.1 years

female: 18.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.579% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Birth rate:

37.27 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Death rate:

9.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Net migration rate:

-1.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Urbanization:

urban population: 42% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 57.7 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 36 male: 64.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 50.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 59.38 years country comparison to the world: 189 male: 57.48 years

female: 61.34 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.86 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

67,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, malaria, Rift Valley fever, and yellow fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Senegalese (singular and plural)

adjective: Senegalese

Ethnic groups:

Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka 3%,
Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%

Religions:

Muslim 94%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic), indigenous beliefs 1%

Languages:

French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 39.3%

male: 51.1%

female: 29.2% (2002 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years

male: 8 years

female: 7 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.1% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 64

Government ::Senegal

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Senegal

conventional short form: Senegal

local long form: Republique du Senegal

local short form: Senegal

former: Senegambia (along with The Gambia), Mali Federation

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Dakar

geographic coordinates: 14 40 N, 17 26 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kedougou, Kolda, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Sedhiou, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor

Independence:

4 April 1960 (from France); note - complete independence achieved upon dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 7 January 2001

Legal system:

based on French civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court; the Council of State audits the government's accounting office; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Abdoulaye WADE (since 1 April 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Soulayemane Ndene NDIAYE (since 1 May 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term) under new constitution; election last held on 25 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Abdoulaye WADE reelected president; percent of vote - Abdoulaye WADE 55.9%, Idrissa SECK 14.9%, Ousmane Tanor DIENG 13.6%, Moustapha NIASSE 5.9%, other 9.7%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consisting of the Senate, reinstituted in 2007, (100 seats; 35 members indirectly elected and 65 members appointed by the president) and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (150 seats; 90 members elected by direct popular vote and 60 elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 19 August 2007 (next to be held - NA); National Assembly - last held on 3 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); note - the National Assembly in December 2005 voted to postpone legislative elections originally scheduled for 2006; legislative elections were first rescheduled to coincide with the 25 February 2007 presidential elections and later for 3 June 2007; the election was boycotted by 12 opposition parties, including the former ruling Socialist Party, which resulted in a record-low 35% voter turnout

election results: Senate results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDS 34, AJ/PADS 1, 65 appointed by the president; National Assembly results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SOPI Coalition 131, other 19

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Council of State; Court of Final Appeals or
Cour de Cassation; Court of Appeals

Political parties and leaders:

African Party of Independence [Majhemout DIOP]; Alliance for the
Republic-Yakaar [Macky Sall]; Alliance of Forces of Progress or AFP
[Moustapha NIASSE]; And-Jef/African Party for Democracy and
Socialism or AJ/PADS [Landing SAVANE]; Democratic League-Labor Party
Movement or LD-MPT [Dr. Abdoulaye BATHILY]; Front for Socialism and
Democracy/Benno Jubel or FSD/BJ [Cheikh Abdoulaye Bamba DIEYE];
Gainde Centrist Bloc or BGC [Jean-Paul DIAS]; Independence and Labor
Party or PIT [Amath DANSOKHO]; Jef-Jel [Talla SYLLA]; National
Democratic Rally or RND [Madior DIOUF]; People's Labor Party or PTP
[El Hadji DIOUF]; Reform Party or PR [Abdourahim AGNE]; Rewmi Party
[Idrissa Seck]; Senegalese Democratic Party or PDS [Abdoulaye WADE];
Socialist Party or PS [Ousmane Tanor DIENG]; SOPI Coalition
[Abdoulaye WADE] (a coalition led by the PDS); Union for Democratic
Renewal or URD [Djibo Leyti KA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: labor; students; Sufi brotherhoods, including the Mourides and Tidjanes; teachers

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CPLP (associate), ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-15, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional),
WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Fatou Danielle DIAGNE

chancery: 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-0540

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6315

consulate(s) general: Houston, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Marcia S. BERNICAT

embassy: Avenue Jean XXIII at the corner of Rue Kleber, Dakar

mailing address: B. P. 49, Dakar

telephone: [221] 33-829-2100

FAX: [221] 33-822-2991

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red with a small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; green represents Islam, progress, and hope; yellow signifies natural wealth and progress; red symbolizes sacrifice and determination; the star denotes unity and hope

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the same as those of neighboring Mali and the reverse of those on the flag of neighboring Guinea

National anthem:

name: "Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons" (Pluck Your Koras, Strike the Balafons)

lyrics/music: Leopold Sedar SENGHOR/Herbert PEPPER

note: adopted 1960; the lyrics were written by Leopold Sedar SENGHOR, Senegal"s first president; the anthem is sometimes played incorporating the Koras (harp-like stringed instruments) and Balafons (types of xylophones) mentioned in the title

Economy ::Senegal

Economy - overview:

Senegal relies heavily on donor assistance. The country's key export industries are phosphate mining, fertilizer production, and commercial fishing. The country is also working on iron ore and oil exploration projects. In January 1994, Senegal undertook a bold and ambitious economic reform program with the support of the international donor community. Government price controls and subsidies have been steadily dismantled. After seeing its economy contract by 2.1% in 1993, Senegal made an important turnaround, thanks to the reform program, with real growth in GDP averaging over 5% annually during 1995-2008. Annual inflation had been pushed down to the single digits. The country was adversely affected by the global economic downturn in 2009 and GDP growth fell below 2%. As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Senegal is working toward greater regional integration with a unified external tariff and a more stable monetary policy. High unemployment, however, continues to prompt illegal migrants to flee Senegal in search of better job opportunities in Europe. Under the IMF's Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief program, Senegal benefited from eradication of two-thirds of its bilateral, multilateral, and private-sector debt. In 2007, Senegal and the IMF agreed to a new, non-disbursing, Policy Support Initiative program which was completed in 2010. Senegal received its first disbursement from the $540 million Millennium Challenge Account compact it signed in September 2009 for infrastructure and agriculture development. In 2010, the Senegalese people protested against frequent power cuts. The government pledged to expand capacity by 2012 and to promote renewable energy but until Senegal has more capacity, more protests are likely and economic activity will be hindered. During the year, bakers protested government price controls on bread. Foreign investment in Senegal is constrained by Senegal's business environment, which has slipped in recent years, and by perceptions of corruption.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$23.86 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 $22.96 billion (2009 est.)

$22.56 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$12.66 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 1.8% (2009 est.)

3.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 $1,900 (2009 est.)

$1,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 14.9%

industry: 21.4%

services: 63.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.53 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 77.5%

industry and services: 22.5% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

48% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Population below poverty line:

54% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 30.1% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41.3 (2001) country comparison to the world: 55 41.3 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Public debt:

32.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 29.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 -1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 95 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$2.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 112 $2.903 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.603 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $4.745 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.516 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $3.412 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

peanuts, millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, tomatoes, green vegetables; cattle, poultry, pigs; fish

Industries:

agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer production, petroleum refining; iron ore, zircon, and gold mining, construction materials, ship construction and repair

Industrial production growth rate:

3.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Electricity - production:

1.88 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Electricity - consumption:

1.384 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Oil - consumption:

39,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Oil - exports:

5,653 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Oil - imports:

42,850 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - production:

50 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Natural gas - consumption:

50 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - proved reserves:

NA cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Current account balance:

-$1.046 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 -$1.356 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.112 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $1.902 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fish, groundnuts (peanuts), petroleum products, phosphates, cotton

Exports - partners:

Mali 20.12%, India 9.84%, Gambia 5.58%, France 5.02%, Italy 4.23% (2009)

Imports:

$4.474 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $4.549 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food and beverages, capital goods, fuels

Imports - partners:

France 19.58%, UK 9.64%, China 8.08%, Netherlands 5.64%, Thailand 4.75%, US 3.97% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $2.123 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.885 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $3.462 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 507.71 (2010), 470.9 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.89 (2006)

Communications ::Senegal

Telephones - main lines in use:

278,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 118

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6.902 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 82

Telephone system:

general assessment: good system with microwave radio relay, coaxial cable and fiber-optic cable in trunk system

domestic: above-average urban system with a fiber-optic network; nearly two-thirds of all fixed-line connections are in Dakar where a call-center industry is emerging; expansion of fixed-line services in rural areas needed; mobile-cellular service is expanding rapidly

international: country code - 221; the SAT-3/WASC fiber optic cable provides connectivity to Europe and Asia while Atlantis-2 provides connectivity to South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Broadcast media:

state-run Radiodiffusion Television Senegalaise (RTS) operates 2 TV stations; a few private TV subscription channels rebroadcast foreign channels without providing any local news or programs; RTS operates a national radio network and a number of regional FM stations; a large number of community and private-broadcast radio stations are available; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible on FM in Dakar (2007)

Internet country code:

.sn

Internet hosts:

241 (2010) country comparison to the world: 190

Internet users:

1.818 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 76

Transportation ::Senegal

Airports:

20 (2010) country comparison to the world: 135

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

over 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 43 km; refined products 8 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 906 km country comparison to the world: 94 narrow gauge: 906 km 1.000 meter gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 13,576 km country comparison to the world: 127 paved: 3,972 km (includes 7 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,604 km (2003)

Waterways:

1,000 km (primarily on Senegal, Saloum, and Casamance rivers) (2008) country comparison to the world: 64

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 155 by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dakar

Military ::Senegal

Military branches:

Senegalese Armed Forces: Army, Senegalese Navy (Marine Senegalaise),
Senegalese Air Force (Armee de l'Air du Senegal) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,211,279

females age 16-49: 3,250,128 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,109,080

females age 16-49: 2,287,510 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 157,468

female: 156,689 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Transnational Issues ::Senegal

Disputes - international:

The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau attempt to stem separatist violence, cross border raids, and arms smuggling into their countries from Senegal's Casamance region, and in 2006, respectively accepted 6,000 and 10,000 Casamance residents fleeing the conflict; 2,500 Guinea-Bissau residents fled into Senegal in 2006 to escape armed confrontations along the border

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 19,630 (Mauritania)

IDPs: 22,400 (approximately 65% of the IDP population returned in 2005, but new displacement is occurring due to clashes between government troops and separatists in Casamance region) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and South American cocaine moving to Europe and North America; illicit cultivator of cannabis

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Serbia (Europe)

Introduction ::Serbia

Background:

The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Various paramilitary bands resisted Nazi Germany's occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945, but fought each other and ethnic opponents as much as the invaders. The military and political movement headed by Josip "TITO" Broz (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when German and Croatian separatist forces were defeated in 1945. Although Communist, TITO's new government and his successors (he died in 1980) managed to steer their own path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Republic of Serbia and his ultranationalist calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in April 1992 and under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia led various military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions led to Yugoslavia being ousted from the UN in 1992, but Serbia continued its - ultimately unsuccessful - campaign until signing the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. MILOSEVIC kept tight control over Serbia and eventually became president of the FRY in 1997. In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo provoked a Serbian counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo. The MILOSEVIC government's rejection of a proposed international settlement led to NATO's bombing of Serbia in the spring of 1999, to the withdrawal of Serbian military and police forces from Kosovo in June 1999, and to the stationing of a NATO-led force in Kosovo to provide a safe and secure environment for the region's ethnic communities. FRY elections in late 2000 led to the ouster of MILOSEVIC and the installation of democratic government. MILOSEVIC was arrested in 2001 and sent to be tried in The Hague for crimes against humanity; he died in March 2006 before the completion of his trial. In 2001, the country's suspension from the UN was lifted. In 2003, the FRY became Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics with a federal level parliament. Widespread violence predominantly targeting ethnic Serbs in Kosovo in March 2004 caused the international community to open negotiations on the future status of Kosovo in January 2006. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its right to secede from the federation and - following a successful referendum - it declared itself an independent nation on 3 June 2006. Two days later, Serbia declared that it was the successor state to the union of Serbia and Montenegro. A new Serbian constitution was approved in October 2006 and adopted the following month. In February 2008, after nearly two years of inconclusive negotiations, the UN-administered province of Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia - an action Serbia refuses to recognize. At Serbia's request, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2008 sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was in accordance with international law. In a ruling considered unfavorable to Serbia, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion in July 2010 stating that international law did not prohibit declarations of independence. In late 2010, Serbia agreed to an EU-drafted UNGA Resolution acknowledging the ICJ's decision and calling for a new round of talks between Serbia and Kosovo.

Geography ::Serbia

Location:

Southeastern Europe, between Macedonia and Hungary

Geographic coordinates:

44 00 N, 21 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 77,474 sq km country comparison to the world: 116 land: 77,474 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 2,026 km

border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 302 km, Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia 241 km, Hungary 151 km, Kosovo 352 km, Macedonia 62 km, Montenegro 124 km, Romania 476 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

in the north, continental climate (cold winters and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall); in other parts, continental and Mediterranean climate (relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns)

Terrain:

extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountains and hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Danube and Timok Rivers 35 m

highest point: Midzor 2,169 m

Natural resources:

oil, gas, coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, chromite, gold, silver, magnesium, pyrite, limestone, marble, salt, arable land

Land use:

arable land: NA

permanent crops: NA

other: NA

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

208.5 cu km (note - includes Kosovo) (2003)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities; water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls one of the major land routes from Western Europe to Turkey and the Near East

People ::Serbia

Population:

7,344,847 country comparison to the world: 97 note: does not include the population of Kosovo (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.4% (male 586,806/female 549,900)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 2,503,194/female 2,502,807)

65 years and over: 16.8% (male 508,606/female 728,026) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.1 years

male: 39.4 years

female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.469% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223

Birth rate:

9.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Death rate:

13.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and above: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.65 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 172 male: 7.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.09 years country comparison to the world: 102 male: 71.26 years

female: 77.1 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,400 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Serb(s)

adjective: Serbian

Ethnic groups:

Serb 82.9%, Hungarian 3.9%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.4%, Yugoslavs 1.1%,
Bosniaks 1.8%, Montenegrin 0.9%, other 8% (2002 census)

Religions:

Serbian Orthodox 85%, Catholic 5.5%, Protestant 1.1%, Muslim 3.2%, unspecified 2.6%, other, unknown, or atheist 2.6% (2002 census)

Languages:

Serbian 88.3% (official), Hungarian 3.8%, Bosniak 1.8%, Romany
(Gypsy) 1.1%, other 4.1%, unknown 0.9% (2002 census)

note: Romanian, Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, and Croatian all official in Vojvodina

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.4%

male: 98.9%

female: 94.1% (2003 census)

note: includes Montenegro

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 91

Government ::Serbia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Serbia

conventional short form: Serbia

local long form: Republika Srbija

local short form: Srbija

former: People's Republic of Serbia, Socialist Republic of Serbia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Belgrade (Beograd)

geographic coordinates: 44 50 N, 20 30 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

167 municipalities (opcstine, singular - opcstina)

Serbia Proper: Belgrade City (Beograd): Barajevo, Cukarica, Grocka,
Lazarevac, Mladenovac, Novi Beograd, Obrenovac, Palilula, Rakovica,
Savski Venac, Sopot, Stari Grad, Surcin, Vozdovac, Vracar, Zemun,
Zvezdara; Bor: Bor, Kladovo, Majdanpek, Negotin; Branicevo: Golubac,
Kucevo, Malo Crnice, Petrovac, Pozarevac, Veliko Gradiste, Zabari,
Zagubica; Grad Nis: Crveni Krst, Mediana, Niska Banja, Palilula,
Pantelej Jablanica: Bojnik, Crna Trava, Lebane, Leskovac, Medveda,
Vlasotince; Kolubara: Lajkovac, Ljig, Mionica, Osecina, Ub, Valjevo;
Macva: Bogatic, Koceljeva, Krupanj, Ljubovija, Loznica, Mali
Zvornik, Sabac, Vladimirci; Moravica: Cacak, Gornkji Milanovac,
Ivanjica, Lucani; Nisava: Aleksinac, Doljevac, Gadzin Han, Merosina,
Nis, Razanj, Svrljig; Pcinja: Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Presevo,
Surdulica, Trgoviste, Vladicin Han, Vranje; Pirot: Babusnica, Bela
Palanka, Dimitrovgrad, Pirot; Podunavlje: Smederevo, Smederevskia
Palanka, Velika Plana; Pomoravlje: Cuprija, Despotovac, Jagodina,
Paracin, Rekovac, Svilajnac; Rasina: Aleksandrovac, Brus, Cicevac,
Krusevac, Trstenik, Varvarin; Raska: Kraljevo, Novi Pazar, Raska,
Tutin, Vrnjacka Banja; Sumadija: Arandelovac, Batocina, Knic,
Kragujevac, Lapovo, Raca, Topola; Toplica: Blace, Kursumlija,
Prokuplje, Zitorada; Zajecar: Boljevac, Knjazevac, Sokobanja,
Zajecar; Zlatibor: Arilje, Bajina Basta, Cajetina, Kosjeric, Nova
Varos, Pozega, Priboj, Prijepolje, Sjenica, Uzice

Vojvodina Autonomous Province: South Backa: Bac, Backa Palanka,
Backi Petrovac, Becej, Beocin, Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci,
Srobobran, Temerin, Titel, Vrbas, Zabalj; South Banat: Alibunar,
Bela Crkva, Kovacica, Kovin, Opovo, Pancevo, Plandiste, Vrsac; North
Backa: Backa Topola, Mali Idjos, Subotica; North Banat: Ada, Coka,
Kanjiza, Kikinda, Novi Knezevac, Senta; Central Banat: Nova Crnja,
Novi Becej, Secanj, Zitiste, Zrenjanin; Srem: Indija, Irig, Pecinci,
Ruma, Sid, Sremska Mitrovica, Stara Pazova; West Backa: Apatin,
Kula, Odzaci, Sombor

Independence:

5 June 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)

National holiday:

National Day, 15 February

Constitution:

adopted 8 November 2006; effective 10 November 2006

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; note - Serbia is working to reform its justice sector and harmonize its judicial systems with EU standards

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Boris TADIC (since 11 July 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Mirko CVETKOVIC (since 7 July 2008)

cabinet: Republican Ministries act as cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister elected by the National Assembly

election results: Boris TADIC elected president in the second round of voting; Boris TADIC received 51.2% of the vote and Tomislav NIKOLIC 48.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (250 seats; deputies elected according to party lists to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 May 2008 (next to be held in May 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - For a European Serbia coalition 38.4%, SRS 29.5%, DSS-NS 11.6%, SPS-led coalition 7.6%, LPD 5.2%, other 7.7%; seats by party - For a European Serbia coalition 102, SRS 57, DSS-NS 30, SNS 21, SPS-led coalition 20, LDP 13, other 7

Judicial branch:

courts of general jurisdiction (municipal courts, district courts, Appellate Courts, the Supreme Court of Cassation); courts of special jurisdiction (commercial courts, the High Commercial Court, the High Magistrates Court, the Administrative Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Coalition for Sandzak or KZS [Sulejman UGLJANIN]; Democratic Party or DS [Boris TADIC]; Democratic Party of Albanians or PDSh [Ragmi MUSTAFA]; Democratic Party of Serbia or DSS [Vojislav KOSTUNICA]; Democratic Union of the Valley or BDL [Skender DESTANI]; Force of Serbia Movement or PSS [Bogoljub KARIC]; G17 Plus [Mladjan DINKIC]; League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina or LSV [Nenad CANAK]; League of Vojvodina Hungarians or SVM [Istvan PASTOR]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Cedomir JOVANOVIC]; Movement for Democratic Progress or LPD [Jonuz MUSLIU]; New Serbia or NS [Velimir ILIC]; Party of Democratic Action or PVD [Riza HALIMI]; Party of United Pensioners of Serbia or PUPS [Jovan KRKOBABIC]; People's Party or NS [Maja GOJKOVIC]; Roma Party or RP [Srdjan SAJN]; Sandzak Democratic Party or SDP [Resad HODZIC]; Serbian Progressive Party or SNS [Tomislav NIKOLIC]; Serbian Radical Party or SRS [Vojislav SESELJ (currently on trial at The Hague), with Dragan TODOROVIC as acting leader]; Serbian Renewal Movement or SPO [Vuk DRASKOVIC]; Social Democratic Party of Serbia or SDPS [Rasim LJAJIC]; Socialist Party of Serbia or SPS [Ivica DACIC]; Union of Roma of Serbia or URS [Rajko DJURIC]; United Serbia or JS [Dragan "Palma" MARKOVIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Obraz (Orthodox clero-fascist organization); 1389 (Serbian nationalist movement)

International organization participation:

BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer),
OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SECI, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vladimir PETROVIC

chancery: 2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-0333

FAX: [1] (202) 332-3933

consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mary WARLICK

embassy: Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade

mailing address: 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070

telephone: [381] (11) 361-9344

FAX: [381] (11) 361-8230

Flag description:

three equal horizontal stripes of red (top), blue, and white - the Pan-Slav colors representing freedom and revolutionary ideals; charged with the coat of arms of Serbia shifted slightly to the hoist side; the principal field of the coat of arms represents the Serbian state and displays a white two-headed eagle on a red shield; a smaller red shield on the eagle represents the Serbian nation, and is divided into four quarters by a white cross; a white Cyrillic "C" in each quarter stands for the phrase "Only Unity Saves the Serbs"; a royal crown surmounts the coat of arms

note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

National anthem:

name: "Boze pravde" (God of Justice)

lyrics/music: Jovan DORDEVIC/Davorin JENKO

note: adopted 1904; the song was originally written as part of a play in 1872 and has been used as an anthem by the Serbian people throughout the 20th and 21st centuries

Economy ::Serbia

Economy - overview:

MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended period of international economic sanctions, and the damage to Yugoslavia's infrastructure and industry during the NATO airstrikes in 1999 left the economy only half the size it was in 1990. After the ousting of former Federal Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC in September 2000, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition government implemented stabilization measures and embarked on a market reform program. After renewing its membership in the IMF in December 2000, Yugoslavia continued to reintegrate into the international community by rejoining the World Bank (IBRD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Belgrade has made progress in trade liberalization and enterprise restructuring and privatization, including telecommunications and small- and medium-size firms. It has made some progress towards EU membership, signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Brussels in May 2008, and with full implementation of the Interim Trade Agreement with the EU in February 2010. Serbia is also pursuing membership in the World Trade Organization. Reforms needed to ensure the country's long-term viability have largely stalled since the onset of the global financial crisis. Serbia is grappling with fallout from crisis, which has led to a sharp drop in exports to Western Europe and a decline in manufacturing output. Unemployment and limited export earnings remain ongoing political and economic problems. Serbia signed an augmented $4 billion Stand By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2009. IMF conditions on Serbia constrain the use of stimulus efforts to revive the economy, while Serbia's concerns about inflation and exchange rate stability preclude the use of expansionary monetary policy. Serbia's economy grew by 1.8% in 2010 after a 3% contraction in 2009 as a recovery in Western Europe began.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$80.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $79.22 billion (2009 est.)

$81.67 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$38.92 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 -3% (2009 est.)

5.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $10,700 (2009 est.)

$11,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 13%

industry: 22.6%

services: 64.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.25 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 23.9%

industry: 20.5%

services: 55.6% (October 2009)

Unemployment rate:

17.2% (2010 est.); 16.6% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Population below poverty line:

7.9% (2008 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2008) country comparison to the world: 129 30 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Public debt:

37.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 31.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 8.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9.92% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 14 17.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.78% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 26 18.11% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.554 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 105 $3.821 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$18.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $17.82 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$18.88 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $19.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$11.52 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 64 $12.17 billion (31 December 2008)

$23.93 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, maize, sugar beets, sunflower, raspberries; beef, pork, milk

Industries:

base metals, furniture, food processing, machinery, chemicals, sugar, tires, clothes, pharmaceuticals

Industrial production growth rate:

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Electricity - production:

36 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 60

Electricity - consumption:

33.4 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 57

Electricity - exports:

1.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

121 million kWh (2009)

Oil - production:

12,170 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Oil - consumption:

90,000 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Oil - exports:

5,045 bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 104

Oil - imports:

72,570 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Oil - proved reserves:

77.5 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - production:

230 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - consumption:

2.61 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - imports:

2.4 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - proved reserves:

48.14 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Current account balance:

-$1.046 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 -$1.356 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$9.372 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $8.368 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

iron and steel, clothes, wheat, fruit and vegetables, non-ferrous metals

Exports - partners:

Bosnia and Herzegovina 13.12%, Italy 10.96%, Germany 9.9%, Serbia and Montenegro 7%, Austria 5.4%, Slovenia 5.38%, Macedonia 5.26%, Russia 4.39%, Hungary 4.36% (2009)

Imports:

$15.78 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $15.03 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - partners:

Germany 11.79%, Italy 9.36%, Hungary 6.71%, Slovenia 6.52%, Austria 4.79% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$16.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $15.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$32.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $32.01 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$23.52 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $11.95 billion (2006 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Serbian dinars (RSD) per US dollar - 79.979 (2010), 62.9 (2008), 54.5 (2007), 59.98 (2006)

Communications ::Serbia

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.106 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 48

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.912 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 64

Telephone system:

general assessment: replacements of, and upgrades to, telecommunications equipment damaged during the 1999 war has resulted in a modern telecommunications system more than 95% digitalized in 2009

domestic: wireless service, available through multiple providers with national coverage, is growing very rapidly; best telecommunications services are centered in urban centers; 3G mobile network launched in 2007

international: country code - 381 (2009)

Internet country code:

.rs

Internet hosts:

528,253 (2010) country comparison to the world: 49

Internet users:

4.107 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 57

Transportation ::Serbia

Airports:

29 (2010) country comparison to the world: 116

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,921 km; oil 323 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,379 km country comparison to the world: 52 standard gauge: 3,379 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified 1,254 km) (2006)

Roadways:

total: 36,884 km country comparison to the world: 92 paved: 31,938 km

unpaved: 4,946 km (2007)

Waterways:

587 km (primarily on Danube and Sava rivers) (2009) country comparison to the world: 81

Military ::Serbia

Military branches:

Serbian Armed Forces (Vojska Srbije, VS): Land Forces Command (includes Riverine Component, consisting of a river flotilla on the Danube), Air and Air Defense Forces Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for male compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary service; conscription to be abolished effective 2011; 6-month service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 60 for men and 50 for women (2010)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,405,391

females age 16-49: 1,368,207 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 43,925

female: 41,342 (2010 est.)

Transnational Issues ::Serbia

Disputes - international:

Serbia with several other states protest the U.S. and other states' recognition of Kosovo's declaring itself as a sovereign and independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers under UNMIK authority continue to keep the peace within Kosovo between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in Kosovo; Serbia delimited about half of the boundary with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in dispute

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 71,111 (Croatia); 27,414 (Bosnia and Herzegovina); 206,000 (Kosovo), note - mostly ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999 (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin moving to Western Europe on the Balkan route; economy vulnerable to money laundering

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Seychelles (Africa)

Introduction ::Seychelles

Background:

A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. President France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James MICHEL took over the presidency and in July 2006 was elected to a new five-year term.

Geography ::Seychelles

Location:

archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

4 35 S, 55 40 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 455 sq km country comparison to the world: 197 land: 455 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

491 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)

Terrain:

Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky, hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m

Natural resources:

fish, copra, cinnamon trees

Land use:

arable land: 2.17%

permanent crops: 13.04%

other: 84.79% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; short droughts possible

Environment - current issues:

water supply depends on catchments to collect rainwater

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

41 granitic and about 75 coralline islands

People ::Seychelles

Population:

88,340 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.8% (male 10,201/female 9,732)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 31,870/female 29,439)

65 years and over: 7.1% (male 2,321/female 3,913) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 32 years

male: 31.5 years

female: 32.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.966% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Birth rate:

15.53 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Death rate:

6.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Net migration rate:

1.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Urbanization:

urban population: 54% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.031 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.97 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 140 male: 15.02 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.28 years country comparison to the world: 115 male: 68.6 years

female: 78.09 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Seychellois (singular and plural)

adjective: Seychellois

Ethnic groups:

mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab

Religions:

Roman Catholic 82.3%, Anglican 6.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.1%, other Christian 3.4%, Hindu 2.1%, Muslim 1.1%, other non-Christian 1.5%, unspecified 1.5%, none 0.6% (2002 census)

Languages:

Creole 91.8%, English 4.9% (official), other 3.1%, unspecified 0.2% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.8%

male: 91.4%

female: 92.3% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 69

Government ::Seychelles

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Seychelles

conventional short form: Seychelles

local long form: Republic of Seychelles

local short form: Seychelles

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Victoria

geographic coordinates: 4 38 S, 55 27 E

time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

23 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse
Etoile, Anse Louis, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau
Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand' Anse (on Mahe),
Grand' Anse (on Praslin), La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Mont
Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe La Rue, Port Glaud, Saint
Louis, Takamaka

Independence:

29 June 1976 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Constitution Day (National Day), 18 June (1993)

Constitution:

18 June 1993

Legal system:

based on English common law, French civil law, and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President James Alix MICHEL (since 14 April 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President James MICHEL (since 14 April 2004)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held on 28-30 July 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: President James MICHEL elected president; percent of vote - James MICHEL 53.7%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN 45.7%, Philippe BOULLE 0.6%; note - this was the first election in which President James MICHEL participated; he was originally sworn in as president after former president France Albert RENE stepped down in April 2004

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (34 seats; 25 members elected by popular vote, 9 allocated on a proportional basis to parties winning at least 10% of the vote; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 10-12 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - SPPF 56.2%, SNP 43.8%; seats by party - SPPF 23, SNP 11

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; judges for both courts are appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DP [James MANCHAM, Paul CHOW]; People's Party
(Parti Lepep) or PL [France Albert RENE, James MICHEL] (the
governing party); Seychelles National Party or SNP [Wavel
RAMKALAWAN] (formerly the United Opposition or UO)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Roman Catholic Church

other: trade unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jean Ronald JUMEAU

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785

FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Seychelles; the ambassador to Mauritius is accredited to Seychelles

Flag description:

five oblique bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, red, white, and green (bottom) radiating from the bottom of the hoist side; the oblique bands are meant to symbolize a dynamic new country moving into the future; blue represents sky and sea, yellow the sun giving light and life, red the peoples' determination to work for the future in unity and love, white social justice and harmony, green the land and natural environment

National anthem:

name: "Koste Seselwa" (Seychellois Unite)

lyrics/music: David Francois Marc ANDRE and George Charles Robert PAYET

note: adopted 1996

Economy ::Seychelles

Economy - overview:

Since independence in 1976, per capita output in this Indian Ocean archipelago has expanded to roughly seven times the pre-independence, near-subsistence level, moving the island into the upper-middle income group of countries. Growth has been led by the tourist sector, which employs about 30% of the labor force and provides more than 70% of hard currency earnings, and by tuna fishing. In recent years, the government has encouraged foreign investment to upgrade hotels and other services. At the same time, the government has moved to reduce the dependence on tourism by promoting the development of farming, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing. GDP grew about 7-8% per year in 2006-07, driven by tourism and a boom in tourism-related construction. The Seychelles rupee was allowed to depreciate in 2006 after being overvalued for years and fell by 10% in the first 9 months of 2007. Despite these actions, the Seychelles economy has struggled to maintain its gains and in 2008 suffered from food and oil price shocks, a foreign exchange shortage, high inflation, large financing gaps, and the global recession. In July 2008 the government defaulted on a Euro amortizing note worth roughly US$80 million, leading to a downgrading of Seychelles credit rating, but in October 2010 the EU approved a $2.9 million grant as part of a larger four-year program for Seychelles. In response to Seychelles successful implementation of tighter monetary and fiscal policies, the IMF upgraded Seychelles to a three-year exteneded fund facility (EFF) of $31 million in December 2009. In 2008, GDP fell more than 1% due to declining tourism, but the economy recovered in 2009-10 with a notable increase in tourist numbers for 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.908 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 $1.843 billion (2009 est.)

$1.83 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$919 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 0.7% (2009 est.)

-1.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$21,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $21,100 (2009 est.)

$21,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.9%

industry: 30.8%

services: 66.2% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

39,560 (2006) country comparison to the world: 197

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 23%

services: 74% (2006)

Unemployment rate:

2% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

36.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Public debt:

58.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 58.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 31.8% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 84 5.13% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.35% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 11.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$274.2 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 168 $240.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$415 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 $352 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$678.5 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 $582.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cassava (tapioca), copra, bananas; poultry; tuna

Industries:

fishing, tourism, processing of coconuts and vanilla, coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture; beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Electricity - production:

250 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Electricity - consumption:

232.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Oil - consumption:

7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Oil - imports:

7,653 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Current account balance:

-$351 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 -$284.2 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$464 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 $432.5 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

canned tuna, frozen fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum products (reexports)

Exports - partners:

UK 24.84%, France 18.53%, Italy 9.45%, Mauritius 9.03%, Japan 6.98%,
Spain 4.92% (2009)

Imports:

$831 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 $759.1 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals, other manufactured goods

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 16.44%, India 8.33%, Spain 7.49%, South Africa 6.72%,
France 6.39%, Brazil 6.07%, Singapore 5.07% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$193 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $190.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.374 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 $1.321 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Seychelles rupees (SCR) per US dollar - 12.221 (2010), 13.6124 (2009), 8 (2008), 6.5 (2007), 5.5 (2006)

Communications ::Seychelles

Telephones - main lines in use:

22,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 188

Telephones - mobile cellular:

92,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 186

Telephone system:

general assessment: effective system

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is 130 telephones per 100 persons; radiotelephone communications between islands in the archipelago

international: country code - 248; direct radiotelephone communications with adjacent island countries and African coastal countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Broadcast media:

the government operates the only terrestrial TV station, which provides local programming and airs broadcasts from international services; multi-channel cable and satellite TV are available via subscription; the government operates 1 AM and 1 FM radio station; transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are accessible in Victoria (2007)

Internet country code:

.sc

Internet hosts:

256 (2010) country comparison to the world: 187

Internet users:

32,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 179

Transportation ::Seychelles

Airports:

14 (2010) country comparison to the world: 150

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 458 km country comparison to the world: 195 paved: 440 km

unpaved: 18 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

total: 9 country comparison to the world: 120 by type: cargo 1, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6, petroleum tanker 1

foreign-owned: 3 (Hong Kong 1, Nigeria 1, South Africa 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Victoria

Military ::Seychelles

Military branches:

Seychelles Defense Force: Army, Coast Guard (includes Naval Wing,
Air Wing), National Guard (2005)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 26,040

females age 16-49: 23,961 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 19,989

females age 16-49: 19,882 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 704

female: 672 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Transnational Issues ::Seychelles

Disputes - international:

together with Mauritius, Seychelles claims the Chagos Archipelago (UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Sierra Leone (Africa)

Introduction ::Sierra Leone

Background:

Democracy is slowly being reestablished after the civil war from 1991 to 2002 that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (about one-third of the population). The military, which took over full responsibility for security following the departure of UN peacekeepers at the end of 2005, is increasingly developing as a guarantor of the country's stability. The armed forces remained on the sideline during the 2007 presidential election, but still look to the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) - a civilian UN mission - to support efforts to consolidate peace. The new government's priorities include furthering development, creating jobs, and stamping out endemic corruption.

Geography ::Sierra Leone

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Liberia

Geographic coordinates:

8 30 N, 11 30 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 71,740 sq km country comparison to the world: 118 land: 71,620 sq km

water: 120 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 958 km

border countries: Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km

Coastline:

402 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)

Terrain:

coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau, mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite

Land use:

arable land: 7.95%

permanent crops: 1.05%

other: 91% (2005)

Irrigated land:

300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

160 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.38 cu km/yr (5%/3%/92%)

per capita: 69 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to February); sandstorms, dust storms

Environment - current issues:

rapid population growth pressuring the environment; overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil exhaustion; civil war depleted natural resources; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

rainfall along the coast can reach 495 cm (195 inches) a year, making it one of the wettest places along coastal, western Africa

People ::Sierra Leone

Population:

5,245,695 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.7% (male 1,060,463/female 1,081,333)

15-64 years: 54.7% (male 1,344,650/female 1,461,203)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 83,595/female 100,894) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19 years

male: 18.6 years

female: 19.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.216% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Birth rate:

38.79 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Death rate:

11.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Net migration rate:

-4.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 198 note: refugees currently in surrounding countries are slowly returning (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 38% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 80.16 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 13 male: 89.06 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 70.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 55.69 years country comparison to the world: 197 male: 53.27 years

female: 58.18 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.97 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

55,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Sierra Leonean(s)

adjective: Sierra Leonean

Ethnic groups:

Temne 35%, Mende 31%, Limba 8%, Kono 5%, Kriole 2% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-18th century; also known as Krio), Mandingo 2%, Loko 2%, other 15% (includes refugees from Liberia's recent civil war, and small numbers of Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis, and Indians) (2008 census)

Religions:

Muslim 60%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs 30%

Languages:

English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English, Mende, Temne, or Arabic

total population: 35.1%

male: 46.9%

female: 24.4% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 7 years

male: 9 years

female: 6 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 114

Government ::Sierra Leone

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Sierra Leone

conventional short form: Sierra Leone

local long form: Republic of Sierra Leone

local short form: Sierra Leone

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

name: Freetown

geographic coordinates: 8 30 N, 13 15 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 provinces and 1 area*; Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western*

Independence:

27 April 1961 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 April (1961)

Constitution:

1 October 1991; amended several times

Legal system:

based on English law and customary laws indigenous to local tribes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ernest Bai KOROMA (since 17 September 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Ernest Bai KOROMA (since 17 September 2007)

cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president with the approval of the House of Representatives; the cabinet is responsible to the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 August 2007 and 8 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: second round results; percent of vote - Ernest Bai KOROMA 54.6%, Solomon BEREWA 45.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (124 seats; 112 members elected by popular vote, 12 filled by paramount chiefs elected in separate elections; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 August 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APC 59, SLPP 43, PMDC 10

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Appeals Court; High Court

Political parties and leaders:

All People's Congress or APC [Ernest Bai KOROMA]; Peace and
Liberation Party or PLP [Darlington MORRISON]; People's Movement for
Democratic Change or PMDC [Charles MARGAI]; Sierra Leone People's
Party or SLPP [Solomon BEREWA]; numerous others

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: student unions; trade unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bockari Kortu STEVENS

chancery: 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 939-9261 through 9263

FAX: [1] (202) 483-1793

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Glenn FEDZER

embassy: Southridge-Hill Station, Freetown

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [232] (22) 515 000 or (76) 515 000

FAX: [232] (22) 515 355

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and blue; green symbolizes agriculture, mountains, and natural resources, white represents unity and justice, and blue the sea and the natural harbor in Freetown

National anthem:

name: "High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free"

lyrics/music: Clifford Nelson FYLE/John Joseph AKA

note: adopted 1961

Economy ::Sierra Leone

Economy - overview:

Sierra Leone is an extremely poor nation with tremendous inequality in income distribution. While it possesses substantial mineral, agricultural, and fishery resources, its physical and social infrastructure has yet to recover from the civil war, and serious social disorders continue to hamper economic development. Nearly half of the working-age population engages in subsistence agriculture. Manufacturing consists mainly of the processing of raw materials and of light manufacturing for the domestic market. Alluvial diamond mining remains the major source of hard currency earnings accounting for nearly half of Sierra Leone's exports. The fate of the economy depends upon the maintenance of domestic peace and the continued receipt of substantial aid from abroad, which is essential to offset the severe trade imbalance and supplement government revenues. The IMF has completed a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility program that helped stabilize economic growth and reduce inflation and in 2010 approved a new program worth $45 million over three years. Political stability has led to a revival of economic activity such as the rehabilitation of bauxite and rutile mining, which are set to benefit from planned tax incentives. A number of offshore oil discoveries were announced in 2009 and 2010. The development on these reserves, which could be significant, is still several years away.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.812 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $4.574 billion (2009 est.)

$4.382 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.901 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 4.4% (2009 est.)

5.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221 $900 (2009 est.)

$900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 49%

industry: 31%

services: 21% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

2.207 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

70.2% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 33.6% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

62.9 (1989) country comparison to the world: 5

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 24.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$209.4 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 173 $219.1 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$437 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 174 $434.3 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$178.4 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 175 $140.9 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Industries:

diamond mining; small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear); petroleum refining, small commercial ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

80 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Electricity - consumption:

74.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

29 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Oil - consumption:

9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Oil - exports:

502 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Oil - imports:

8,316 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Current account balance:

-$63 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Exports:

$216 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 179

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish

Exports - partners:

Belgium 26.56%, US 11.87%, Netherlands 7.91%, UK 7.4%, India 6.67%,
Cote d'Ivoire 6.13%, Greece 4.05% (2009)

Imports:

$560 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 186

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels and lubricants, chemicals

Imports - partners:

South Africa 14.61%, China 7.58%, US 5.87%, Cote d'Ivoire 5.65%, India 5.19%, Malaysia 5.19%, France 5.08%, UK 4.48%, Netherlands 4.06% (2009)

Debt - external:

$1.61 billion (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Exchange rates:

leones (SLL) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2,961.7 (2006), 2,889.6 (2005), 2,701.3 (2004), 2,347.9 (2003)

Communications ::Sierra Leone

Telephones - main lines in use:

32,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 175

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.16 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 143

Telephone system:

general assessment: marginal telephone service with poor infrastructure

domestic: the national microwave radio relay trunk system connects Freetown to Bo and Kenema; while mobile-cellular service is growing rapidly from a small base, service area coverage remains limited

international: country code - 232; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 government-owned TV station; 1 private TV station began operating in 2005; a pay-per-view TV service began operations in late 2007; 1 government-owned national radio broadcast station; about two dozen private radio stations primarily clustered in major cities; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.sl

Internet hosts:

281 (2010) country comparison to the world: 184

Internet users:

14,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 198

Transportation ::Sierra Leone

Airports:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 159

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 11,300 km country comparison to the world: 132 paved: 904 km

unpaved: 10,396 km (2002)

Waterways:

800 km (600 km year round) (2007) country comparison to the world: 73

Merchant marine:

total: 189 country comparison to the world: 35 by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 131, carrier 1, chemical tanker 12, container 3, liquefied gas 3, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 3, vehicle carrier 1

foreign-owned: 91 (Bangladesh 1, China 12, Cyprus 1, Egypt 2, Estonia 1, Hong Kong 4, Japan 3, Malaysia 1, North Korea 1, Romania 4, Russia 6, Singapore 5, Syria 20, Taiwan 1, Turkey 14, UAE 6, UK 1, Ukraine 5, US 1, Yemen 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Freetown, Pepel, Sherbro Islands

Military ::Sierra Leone

Military branches:

Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF): Army (includes
Maritime Wing and Air Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years 6 months of age for male and female voluntary military service (younger with parental consent); no conscription; candidates must be HIV negative (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,156,724 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 713,190

females age 16-49: 813,830 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 53,349

female: 56,307 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 66

Transnational Issues ::Sierra Leone

Disputes - international:

as domestic fighting among disparate ethnic groups, rebel groups, warlords, and youth gangs in Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone gradually abates, the number of refugees in border areas has begun to slowly dwindle; Sierra Leone considers excessive Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa rivers and protests Guinea's continued occupation of these lands including the hamlet of Yenga occupied since 1998

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 27,311 (Liberia) (2007)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Singapore (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Singapore

Background:

Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Geography ::Singapore

Location:

Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

1 22 N, 103 48 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 697 sq km country comparison to the world: 191 land: 687 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

193 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea, as defined in treaties and practice

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - Northeastern monsoon (December to March) and Southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms

Terrain:

lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserve

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m

highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m

Natural resources:

fish, deepwater ports

Land use:

arable land: 1.47%

permanent crops: 1.47%

other: 97.06% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

0.6 cu km (1975)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.19 cu km/yr (45%/51%/4%)

per capita: 44 cu m/yr (1975)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal problems; seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes

People ::Singapore

Population:

4,701,069 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.4% (male 348,382/female 324,050)

15-64 years: 76.7% (male 1,737,972/female 1,833,415)

65 years and over: 8.9% (male 184,393/female 229,330) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.6 years

male: 39.1 years

female: 40 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.863% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Birth rate:

8.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Death rate:

4.8 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Net migration rate:

4.79 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 2.32 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 222 male: 2.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 82.06 years country comparison to the world: 7 male: 79.45 years

female: 84.87 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.1 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

4,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Nationality:

noun: Singaporean(s)

adjective: Singapore

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000 census)

Religions:

Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8% (2000 census)

Languages:

Mandarin (official) 35%, English (official) 23%, Malay (official) 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil (official) 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.5%

male: 96.6%

female: 88.6% (2000 census)

Education expenditures:

3.2% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 144

Government ::Singapore

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Singapore

conventional short form: Singapore

local long form: Republic of Singapore

local short form: Singapore

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Singapore

geographic coordinates: 1 17 N, 103 51 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)

National holiday:

National Day, 9 August (1965)

Constitution:

3 June 1959; amended 1965 (based on pre-independence State of Singapore Constitution)

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President S R NATHAN (since 1 September 1999)

note: uses S R NATHAN but his full name and the one used in formal communications is Sellapan RAMANATHAN

head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12 August 2004); Senior Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 12 August 2004); Senior Minister Shunmugam JAYAKUMAR (since 1 April 2009); Minister Mentor LEE Kuan Yew (since 12 August 2004); Deputy Prime Minister TEO Chee Huan (since 1 April 2009) and Deputy Prime Minister WONG Kan Seng (since 1 September 2005)

cabinet: appointed by president, responsible to parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term; appointed on 17 August 2005 (next election to be held by August 2011); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by president; deputy prime ministers appointed by president

election results: Sellapan Rama (S R) NATHAN was appointed president in August 2005 after Presidential Elections Committee disqualified three other would-be candidates; scheduled election not held

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - in addition, there are up to 9 nominated members; up to three losing opposition candidates who came closest to winning seats may be appointed as "nonconstituency" members

elections: last held on 6 May 2006 (next to be held by February 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 66.6%, WP 16.3%, SDA 13%, SDP 4.1%; seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SDA 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president with the advice of the prime minister, other judges are appointed by the president with the advice of the chief justice); Court of Appeals

Political parties and leaders:

People's Action Party or PAP [LEE Hsien Loong]; Reform Party [NG
Teck Siong]; Singapore Democratic Alliance or SDA [CHIAM See Tong];
Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [CHEE Soon Juan]; Workers' Party
or WP [Sylvia LIM Swee Lian]

note: SDA includes Singapore Justice Party or SJP, Singapore National Malay Organization or PKMS, Singapore People's Party or SPP

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, EAS, FATF, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIT, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador CHAN Heng Chee

chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100

FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876

consulate(s) general: San Francisco

consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David I. ADELMAN

embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508

mailing address: FPO AP 96507-0001

telephone: [65] 6476-9100

FAX: [65] 6476-9340

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle; red denotes brotherhood and equality; white signifies purity and virtue; the waxing crescent moon symbolizes a young nation on the ascendancy; the five stars represent the nation's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality

National anthem:

name: "Majulah Singapura" (Onward Singapore)

lyrics/music: ZUBIR Said

note: adopted 1965; the anthem, which was first performed in 1958 at the Victoria Theatre, is sung only in Malay

Economy ::Singapore

Economy - overview:

Singapore has a highly developed and successful free-market economy. It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP higher than that of most developed countries. The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in consumer electronics, information technology products, pharmaceuticals, and on a growing financial services sector. Real GDP growth averaged 6.9% between 2004 and 2008. The economy contracted 1.3% in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but rebounded nearly 15% in 2010, on the strength of renewed exports. Over the longer term, the government hopes to establish a new growth path that focuses on raising productivity growth, which has sunk to 1% per year in the last decade. Singapore has attracted major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$292.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $255 billion (2009 est.)

$258.3 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$217.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

14.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 -1.3% (2009 est.)

1.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$62,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $54,700 (2009 est.)

$56,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0%

industry: 27.2%

services: 72.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.09 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0%

industry: 23.8%

services: 76.2% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

2.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4.4%

highest 10%: 23.2% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

48.1 (2008) country comparison to the world: 29

Investment (gross fixed):

27.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Public debt:

102.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 110% of GDP (2009 est.)

note: for Singapore, public debt consists largely of Singapore Government Securities (SGS) issued to assist the Central Provident Fund (CPF), which administers Singapore's defined contribution pension fund; special issues of SGS are held by the CPF, and are non-tradeable; the government has not borrowed to finance deficit expenditures since the 1980s

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 0.6% (2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.38% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 5.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$80.5 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 35 $64.26 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$295.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $255.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$199.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $166.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$474.8 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 21 $268.6 billion (31 December 2008)

$353.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

orchids, vegetables; poultry, eggs; fish, ornamental fish

Industries:

electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences, entrepot trade

Industrial production growth rate:

10.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Electricity - production:

41.72 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Electricity - consumption:

37.94 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

9,667 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Oil - consumption:

878,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Oil - exports:

1.289 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Oil - imports:

2.109 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - consumption:

8.27 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - imports:

8.27 billion cu m country comparison to the world: 26 note: from Indonesia and Malaysia (2008 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Current account balance:

$40.44 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $32.63 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$358.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $273.4 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, mineral fuels

Exports - partners:

Hong Kong 11.6%, Malaysia 11.5%, US 11.2%, Indonesia 9.7%, China 9.7%, Japan 4.6%, Hong Kong 11.6% (2009)

Imports:

$315.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $243.2 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 14.7%, Malaysia 11.6%, China 10.5%, Japan 7.6%, Indonesia 5.8%,
South Korea 5.7%, Taiwan 5.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$212.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $187.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$21.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $20.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$274.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $260.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$172.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $167.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Singapore dollars (SGD) per US dollar - 1.3702 (2010), 1.4545 (2009), 1.415 (2008), 1.507 (2007), 1.5889 (2006)

Communications ::Singapore

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.852 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 61

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6.652 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 83

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent service

domestic: excellent domestic facilities; launched 3G wireless service in February 2005; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is more than 180 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 65; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 4; supplemented by VSAT coverage (2008)

Broadcast media:

state controls broadcast media; 8 domestic TV stations operated by MediaCorp, wholly owned by a state investment company; broadcasts from Malaysian and Indonesian stations available; satellite dishes banned; multi-channel cable TV service is accessible; a total of 18 domestic radio stations broadcasting with MediaCorp operating more than a dozen and another 4 stations are closely linked to the ruling party or controlled by the Singapore Armed Forces Reservists Association; large number of Malaysian and Indonesian radio stations are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.sg

Internet hosts:

992,786 (2010) country comparison to the world: 44

Internet users:

3.235 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 65

Transportation ::Singapore

Airports:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 164

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 106 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 3,356 km country comparison to the world: 163 paved: 3,356 km (includes 161 km of expressways) (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,422 country comparison to the world: 6 by type: bulk carrier 183, cargo 88, carrier 6, chemical tanker 233, container 321, liquefied gas 117, petroleum tanker 404, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle carrier 52

foreign-owned: 850 (Australia 11, Bangladesh 2, Bermuda 21, Chile 7, China 26, Cyprus 3, Denmark 125, France 3, Germany 30, Greece 19, Hong Kong 38, India 19, Indonesia 53, Italy 3, Japan 146, Malaysia 27, Netherlands 1, Norway 132, Slovenia 1, South Africa 3, South Korea 9, Sweden 9, Switzerland 4, Taiwan 79, Thailand 30, UAE 10, UK 6, US 33)

registered in other countries: 327 (Australia 2, Bahamas 7, Bangladesh 3, Belize 7, Cambodia 4, Cyprus 1, Dominica 1, France 3, Gibraltar 1, Honduras 12, Hong Kong 13, Indonesia 42, Isle of Man 1, Kiribati 11, Liberia 27, Malaysia 19, Malta 3, Marshall Islands 28, Mongolia 1, North Korea 2, Panama 79, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 5, Sierra Leone 5, Thailand 1, Tuvalu 25, US 17, unknown 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Singapore

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Military ::Singapore

Military branches:

Singapore Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (includes Air Defense) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; 2-year conscript service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age 50 (officers) (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,266,426 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,027,701

females age 16-49: 1,097,762 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 27,430

female: 25,918 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Transnational Issues ::Singapore

Disputes - international:

disputes persist with Malaysia over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's extensive land reclamation works, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awards sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, but does not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South Ledge; Indonesia and Singapore continue to work on finalization of their 1973 maritime boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of Indonesia's Batam Island; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

Illicit drugs:

drug abuse limited because of aggressive law enforcement efforts; as a transportation and financial services hub, Singapore is vulnerable, despite strict laws and enforcement, as a venue for money laundering

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Sint Maarten (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Sint Maarten

Background:

Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 and set about exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the island in 1633, but continued to be harassed by the Dutch. The Spanish finally relinquished the island of Saint Martin to the French and Dutch, who divided it amongst themselves in 1648. The establishment of cotton, tobacco, and sugar plantations dramatically expanded slavery on the island in the 18th and 19th centuries; the practice was not abolished in the Dutch half until 1863. The island's economy declined until 1939 when it became a free port; the tourism industry was dramatically expanded beginning in the 1950s. In 1954, Sint Maarten and several other Dutch Caribbean possessions became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the Netherlands Antilles. In a 2000 referendum, the citizens of Sint Maarten voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status became effective in October of 2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

Geography ::Sint Maarten

Location:

Caribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean Sea; Sint Maarten lies east of the US Virgin Islands

Geographic coordinates:

18 4 N, 63 4 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 34 sq km country comparison to the world: 235 land: 34 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin

Area - comparative:

one-fifth the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 15 km

border countries: Saint Martin (France) 15 km

Coastline:

364 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 1500 mm/year; July-November is the hurricane season

Terrain:

low, hilly terrain, volcanic origin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Flagstaff 386 m

Natural resources:

fish, salt

Land use:

arable land: 10%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 90%

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

subject to hurricanes from July to November

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

the northern border is shared with the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two enties make up the smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states

People ::Sint Maarten

Population:

37,429 (January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.4% (male 4,299/female 4,455)

15-64 years: 73% (male 13,053/female 14,259)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 608/female 755) (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

NA

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

3 deaths/1,000 population (2009) country comparison to the world: 221

Net migration rate:

14.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008) country comparison to the world: 4

Sex ratio:

at birth: 0.98 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: 73.1 years

female: 78.2 years (2009)

Total fertility rate:

1.7 children born/woman (2009) country comparison to the world: 170

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Religions:

Roman Catholic 39%, Protestant 27%, Pentecostal 11.6%, none 6.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.2%, other 5.4%, Jewish 3.4%, not reported 0.7% (2001 census)

Languages:

English 67.5% (official), Spanish 12.9%, Creole 8.2%, Dutch 4.2% (official), Papiamento 2.2% (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect), French 1.5%, other 3.5% (2001 census)

Government ::Sint Maarten

Country name:

Dutch long form: Land Sint Maarten

Dutch short form: Sint Maarten

English long form: Country of Sint Maarten

English short form: Sint Maarten

former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies

Dependency status:

constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Government type:

parliamentary

Capital:

name: Philipsburg

geographic coordinates: 18 1 N, 63 2 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April (1909 and 1980)

Constitution:

Staatsregeling, 10 October 2010; revised Kingdom Charter pending

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980); represented by Governor General Eugene HOLIDAY (since 10 October 2010)

head of government: Sarah WESCOTT-WILLIAMS (since 10 October 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime minister by the legislature

Legislative branch:

unicameral parliament or Staten (15 seats; members elected by popular vote for four year term)

elections: last held 17 September 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - National Alliance 45.9%, UPP 36.1%, Democratic Party 17.1%; seats by party - National Alliance 7, UPP 6, Democratic Party 2

Judicial branch:

Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice (judges appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DP [Sarah WESCOTT-WILLIAMS]; National Alliance or NA [William MARLIN]; United People's Party or UPP [Theodore HEYLIGER]; Concordia Political Alliance or CPA [Jeffery RICHARDSON]

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Sint Maarten; the Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Sint Maarten

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the center of the triangle displays the Sint Maarten coat of arms; the arms consist of an orange-bordered blue shield prominently displaying the white court house in Philipsburg, as well as a bouquet of yellow sage (the national flower) in the upper left, and the silhouette of a Dutch-French friendship monument in the upper right; the shield is surmounted by a yellow rising sun in front of which is a Brown Pelican in flight; a yellow scroll below the shield bears the motto: SEMPER PROGREDIENS (Always Progressing); the three main colors are identical to those on the Dutch flag

note: the flag somewhat resembles that of the Philippines, but with the main red and blue bands reversed; the banner more closely evokes the wartime Philippine flag

National anthem:

name: "O Sweet Saint Martin's Land"

lyrics/music: Gerard KEMPS

note: the song, written in 1958, is used as an unofficial anthem for the entire island (both French and Dutch sides); as a collectivity of France, in addition to the local anthem, "La Marseillaise" is official on the French side (see France); as a constituent part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in addition to the local anthem, "Het Wilhelmus" is official on the Dutch side (see Netherlands)

Economy ::Sint Maarten

Economy - overview:

The economy of Sint Maarten centers around tourism with nearly four-fifths of the labor force engaged in this sector. Over one million visitors come to the island each year - 1.3 million in 2008 - with most arriving through the Princess Juliana International Airport. Cruise ships and yachts also call on Sint Maarten's numerous ports and harbors. No significant agriculture and limited local fishing means that almost all food must be imported. Energy resources and manufactured goods are also imported. Sint Maarten had the highest per capita income among the five islands that formerly comprised the Netherlands Antilles.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$794.7 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 $748.9 million (2007 est.)

$703.2 million (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$794.7 million (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 4.5% (2007 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,400 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.4%

industry: 18.3%

services: 81.3% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

23,200 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.1%

industry: 15.2%

services: 83.7% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

10.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.7% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 4.6% (2008 est.)

Agriculture - products:

sugar

Industries:

tourism, light industry, and manufacturing

Electricity - production:

304.3 million kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 167

Exports - commodities:

sugar

Exports - partners:

China 23.49%, US 10.91%, Japan 5.92% (2009)

Imports - partners:

China 17.35%, Japan 14.79%, US 8.96%, Saudi Arabia 6.89% (2009)

Exchange rates:

Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar - 1.79 (2009), 1.79 (2008), 1.79 (2007), 1.79 (2006)

Communications ::Sint Maarten

Telephones - main lines in use:

5,153 (2001) country comparison to the world: 210

Telephone system:

general assessment: generally adequate facilities

domestic: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links

international: country code - 599; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the Americas-2 submarine cable systems provide connectivity to Central America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Transportation ::Sint Maarten

Airports:

1 country comparison to the world: 214

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 53 km country comparison to the world: 216

Ports and terminals:

Philipsburg

Military ::Sint Maarten

Military branches:

the Royal Netherlands Navy maintains a permanent and active presence in the region from its main operating base on Curacao and through a detachment on Sint Maarten; other local security forces include a coast guard, para-military National Guard (Vrijwilligers Korps Sint Maarten), and Police Force (KPSM) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

no conscription (2010)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Slovakia (Europe)

Introduction ::Slovakia

Background:

The dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the close of World War I allowed the Slovaks to join the closely related Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. Following the chaos of World War II, Czechoslovakia became a Communist nation within Soviet-dominated Eastern Europe. Soviet influence collapsed in 1989 and Czechoslovakia once more became free. The Slovaks and the Czechs agreed to separate peacefully on 1 January 1993. Slovakia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004 and the euro area on 1 January 2009.

Geography ::Slovakia

Location:

Central Europe, south of Poland

Geographic coordinates:

48 40 N, 19 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 49,035 sq km country comparison to the world: 130 land: 48,105 sq km

water: 930 sq km

Area - comparative:

about twice the size of New Hampshire

Land boundaries:

total: 1,474 km

border countries: Austria 91 km, Czech Republic 197 km, Hungary 676 km, Poland 420 km, Ukraine 90 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Terrain:

rugged mountains in the central and northern part and lowlands in the south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m

highest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m

Natural resources:

brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper and manganese ore; salt; arable land

Land use:

arable land: 29.23%

permanent crops: 2.67%

other: 68.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,830 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

50.1 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.04

per capita: 193 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human health risks; acid rain damaging forests

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is rugged and mountainous; the Tatra Mountains in the north are interspersed with many scenic lakes and valleys

People ::Slovakia

Population:

5,470,306 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.8% (male 442,168/female 422,055)

15-64 years: 71.7% (male 1,952,527/female 1,965,646)

65 years and over: 12.5% (male 254,510/female 426,140) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.3 years

male: 35.7 years

female: 38.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.129% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Birth rate:

10.55 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Death rate:

9.56 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Net migration rate:

0.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Urbanization:

urban population: 56% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.71 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 170 male: 7.83 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.62 years country comparison to the world: 79 male: 71.7 years

female: 79.74 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.36 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Nationality:

noun: Slovak(s)

adjective: Slovak

Ethnic groups:

Slovak 85.8%, Hungarian 9.7%, Roma 1.7%, Ruthenian/Ukrainian 1%, other and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 68.9%, Protestant 10.8%, Greek Catholic 4.1%, other or unspecified 3.2%, none 13% (2001 census)

Languages:

Slovak (official) 83.9%, Hungarian 10.7%, Roma 1.8%, Ukrainian 1%, other or unspecified 2.6% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.6% (2004)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 129

Government ::Slovakia

Country name:

conventional long form: Slovak Republic

conventional short form: Slovakia

local long form: Slovenska Republika

local short form: Slovensko

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Bratislava

geographic coordinates: 48 09 N, 17 07 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

8 regions (kraje, singular - kraj); Banskobystricky, Bratislavsky, Kosicky, Nitriansky, Presovsky, Trenciansky, Trnavsky, Zilinsky

Independence:

1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 1 September (1992)

Constitution:

ratified 1 September 1992, effective 1 January 1993; changed in September 1998; amended February 2001

note: the change in September 1998 allowed direct election of the president; the amendment of February 2001 allowed Slovakia to apply for NATO and EU membership

Legal system:

civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; legal code modified to comply with the obligations of Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ivan GASPAROVIC (since 15 June 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Iveta RADICOVA (since 8 July 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Jan FIGEL, Ivan MIKLOS, Jozef MIHAL, Rudolf CHMEL (since 9 July 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 March and 4 April 2009 (next to be held no later than April 2014); following National Council elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president

election results: Ivan GASPAROVIC reelected president in runoff; percent of vote - Ivan GASPAROVIC 55.5%, Iveta RADICOVA 44.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic or Narodna Rada Slovenskej Republiky (150 seats; members elected on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 12 June 2010 (next to be held in June 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - Smer 34.8%, SDKU-DS 15%, SaS 12.1%, KDH 8.5%, Most-Hid 8.1%, SNS 5.1%, other 16.2%; seats by party - Smer 62, SDKU-DS 28, SaS 22, KDH 15, Most-Hid 14, SNS 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Council); Constitutional Court (judges appointed by president from group of nominees approved by the National Council); Special Court (judges elected by a council of judges and appointed by president)

Political parties and leaders:

parties in the Parliament:: Bridge or Most-Hid [Bela BUGAR];
Christian Democratic Movement or KDH [Jan FIGEL]; Direction-Social
Democracy or Smer-SD [Robert FICO]; Freedom and Solidarity or SaS
[Richard SULIK]; Slovak Democratic and Christian Union-Democratic
Party or SDKU-DS [Mikulas DZURINDA]; Slovak National Party or SNS
[Jan SLOTA]

selected parties outside the Parliament:: Alliance for a Europe of
Nations or AZEN [Milan URBANI]; Association of Slovak Workers or ZRS
[Jan LUPTAK]; Civic Conservative Party or OKS [Peter ZAJAC]; Green
Party or SZ [Peter PILINSKY]; Party of the Democratic Left or SDL
[Marek BLAHA]; Party of the Hungarian Coalition or SMK [Jozsef
BERENYI]; People's Party - Movement for a Democratic Slovakia or
LS-HZDS [Vladimir MECIAR]; People's Party - Our Slovakia or LSNS
[Marian KOTLEBA]; Slovak Communist Party or KSS [Jozef HRDLICKA];
Union - Party for Slovakia or Unia [Milan CELIK]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association of Towns and Villages or ZMOS; Confederation of Trade
Unions or KOZ; Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia or ZPS;
Federation of Employers' Associations of the Slovak Republic;
National Union of Employers or RUZ; Slovak Chamber of Commerce and
Industry or SOPK; Slovenska Pospolitost; The Business Alliance of
Slovakia or PAS

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE, CEI,
CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF
(observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer),
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter BURIAN

chancery: 3523 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 237-1054

FAX: [1] (202) 237-6438

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Theodore SEDGWICK

embassy: Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, 81102 Bratislava

mailing address: P.O. Box 309, 814 99 Bratislava

telephone: [421] (2) 5443-3338

FAX: [421] (2) 5441-8861

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red derive from the Pan-Slav colors; the Slovakian coat of arms (consisting of a red shield bordered in white and bearing a white Cross of Lorraine surmounting three blue hills) is centered over the bands but offset slightly to the hoist side

note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

National anthem:

name: "Nad Tatrou sa blyska" (Storm Over the Tatras)

lyrics/music: Janko MATUSKA/traditional

note: adopted 1993, in use since 1844; the anthem"s music is based on the Slovak folk song "Kopala studienku"

Economy ::Slovakia

Economy - overview:

Slovakia has made significant economic reforms since its separation from the Czech Republic in 1993. Reforms to the taxation, healthcare, pension, and social welfare systems helped Slovakia to consolidate its budget and get on track to join the EU in 2004 and to adopt the euro in January 2009. Major privatizations are nearly complete, the banking sector is almost entirely in foreign hands, and the government has helped facilitate a foreign investment boom with business friendly policies such as labor market liberalization and a 19% flat tax. Foreign investment in the automotive and electronic sectors has been strong. Slovakia's economic growth exceeded expectations in 2001-08 despite the general European slowdown. Unemployment, at an unacceptable 18% in 2003-04, dropped to 7.7% in 2008 but remains the economy's Achilles heel. FICO's cabinet was careful to keep a lid on spending in order to meet euro adoption criteria and has focused on regulating energy and food prices instead. To maintain a stable operating environment for investors, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development advised the Slovak government to refrain from intervening in important sectors of the economy. However, Bratislava's approach to mitigating the economic slowdown has included substantial government intervention and the option to nationalize strategic companies. Slovakia was admitted to the euro zone in January 2009. RADICOVA's government, in power since July 2010, has allowed the budget deficit to rise slightly, to 8.2% of GDP in 2010. GDP fell nearly 5% in 2009 before gaining back 4% in 2010, and unemployment rose above 12% in 2010, as the global recession impacted many segments of the economy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$121.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $116.7 billion (2009 est.)

$122.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$86.26 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 -4.7% (2009 est.)

6.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$22,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $21,400 (2009 est.)

$22,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.7%

industry: 35.6%

services: 61.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.673 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.5%

industry: 27%

services: 69.4% (December 2009)

Unemployment rate:

12.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 11.4% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

21% (2002)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.1%

highest 10%: 20.9% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2005) country comparison to the world: 130 26.3 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Public debt:

41% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 35.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 1.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 124 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks from the euro area; as of 1 January 2009 Slovakia became a member of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$34.37 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 52 $34.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Slovak koruny in circulation prior to Slovakia joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$52.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $52.68 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$65.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $64.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$4.672 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 80 $5.079 billion (31 December 2008)

$6.971 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, cattle, poultry; forest products

Industries:

metal and metal products; food and beverages; electricity, gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals and manmade fibers; machinery; paper and printing; earthenware and ceramics; transport vehicles; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Electricity - production:

25.9 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Electricity - consumption:

28.75 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Electricity - exports:

8.891 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

9.412 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

4,114 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Oil - consumption:

79,930 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Oil - exports:

75,110 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Oil - imports:

144,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Oil - proved reserves:

9 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - production:

103 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - consumption:

6.493 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - exports:

15 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Natural gas - imports:

6.974 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Natural gas - proved reserves:

14.16 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Current account balance:

-$1.93 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 -$2.819 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$64.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $55.32 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment 35.9%, vehicles 21%, base metals 11.3%, chemicals and minerals 8.1%, plastics 4.9% (2009 est.)

Exports - partners:

Germany 20.1%, Czech Republic 12.9%, France 7.8%, Poland 7.2%,
Hungary 6.3%, Italy 6.1%, Austria 5.8%, UK 4.8% (2009)

Imports:

$62.43 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $53.67 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 31%, mineral products 13%, vehicles 12%, base metals 9%, chemicals 8%, plastics 6% (2009 est.)

Imports - partners:

Germany 16.8%, Czech Republic 12.3%, Russia 9%, South Korea 6.8%,
China 5.8%, Hungary 5.3%, Poland 4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$1.16 billion (31 January 2010 est.)

Debt - external:

$59.33 billion (30 June 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $52.53 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$52.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $50.26 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$2.643 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $2.743 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Slovak koruny (SKK) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.718 (2009), 21.05 (2008), 24.919 (2007), 29.611 (2006)

Communications ::Slovakia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.022 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 77

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.498 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 92

Telephone system:

general assessment: Slovakia has a modern telecommunications system that has expanded dramatically in recent years with the growth in cellular services

domestic: analog system is now receiving digital equipment and is being enlarged with fiber-optic cable, especially in the larger cities; 3 companies provide nationwide cellular services

international: country code - 421; 3 international exchanges (1 in Bratislava and 2 in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is participating in several international telecommunications projects that will increase the availability of external services

Broadcast media:

state-owned public broadcaster, Slovak Television (STV), operates 3 national TV stations; roughly 35 privately-owned television broadcast stations operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 40% of households are connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems; channels from the Czech Republic and Hungary are widely viewed; state-owned public radio operates multiple national and regional networks; more than 20 privately-owned radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.sk

Internet hosts:

1.133 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 41

Internet users:

4.063 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 58

Transportation ::Slovakia

Airports:

36 (2010) country comparison to the world: 107

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 20

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 6,769 km; oil 416 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,622 km country comparison to the world: 48 broad gauge: 99 km 1.520-m gauge

standard gauge: 3,473 km 1.435-m gauge (1,577 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 50 km (1.000-m or 0.750-m gauge) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 43,761 km country comparison to the world: 85 paved: 38,085 km (includes 384 km of expressways)

unpaved: 5,676 km (2008)

Waterways:

172 km (on Danube River) (2009) country comparison to the world: 100

Merchant marine:

total: 23 country comparison to the world: 97 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 19, refrigerated cargo 3

foreign-owned: 21 (Germany 4, Greece 1, Ireland 1, Italy 2, Montenegro 1, Poland 2, Slovenia 1, Turkey 2, Ukraine 7) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bratislava, Komarno

Military ::Slovakia

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Ozbrojene Sily Slovenskej Republiky): Land Forces (Pozemne Sily), Air Forces (Vzdusne Sily) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2006; women are eligible to serve (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,413,079

females age 16-49: 1,377,754 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,162,282

females age 16-49: 1,147,526 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 33,915

female: 32,448 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.87% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Transnational Issues ::Slovakia

Disputes - international:

bilateral government, legal, technical and economic working group negotiations continued in 2006 between Slovakia and Hungary over Hungary's completion of its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Slovakia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western Europe; producer of synthetic drugs for regional market; consumer of ecstasy

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Slovenia (Europe)

Introduction ::Slovenia

Background:

The Slovene lands were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the latter's dissolution at the end of World War I. In 1918, the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new multinational state, which was named Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which though Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied with the exercise of power by the majority Serbs, the Slovenes succeeded in establishing their independence in 1991 after a short 10-day war. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a modern state. Slovenia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004; it joined the eurozone in 2007.

Geography ::Slovenia

Location:

Central Europe, eastern Alps bordering the Adriatic Sea, between
Austria and Croatia

Geographic coordinates:

46 07 N, 14 49 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 20,273 sq km country comparison to the world: 154 land: 20,151 sq km

water: 122 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,086 km

border countries: Austria 330 km, Croatia 455 km, Hungary 102 km, Italy 199 km

Coastline:

46.6 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east

Terrain:

a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys with numerous rivers to the east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Triglav 2,864 m

Natural resources:

lignite coal, lead, zinc, building stone, hydropower, forests

Land use:

arable land: 8.53%

permanent crops: 1.43%

other: 90.04% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

32.1 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.9

per capita: 457 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

flooding; earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals; forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country controls some of Europe's major transit routes

People ::Slovenia

Population:

2,003,136 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.5% (male 139,880/female 131,826)

15-64 years: 69.9% (male 707,219/female 695,470)

65 years and over: 16.5% (male 129,662/female 201,635) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.1 years

male: 40.4 years

female: 43.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.142% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Birth rate:

8.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Death rate:

10.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Net migration rate:

0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Urbanization:

urban population: 48% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.21 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 200 male: 4.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.12 years country comparison to the world: 61 male: 73.45 years

female: 81.03 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.29 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

280 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Nationality:

noun: Slovene(s)

adjective: Slovenian

Ethnic groups:

Slovene 83.1%, Serb 2%, Croat 1.8%, Bosniak 1.1%, other or unspecified 12% (2002 census)

Religions:

Catholic 57.8%, Muslim 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3%, other Christian 0.9%, unaffiliated 3.5%, other or unspecified 23%, none 10.1% (2002 census)

Languages:

Slovenian (official) 91.1%, Serbo-Croatian 4.5%, other or unspecified 4.4%, Italian (official) Only in municipalities where Hungarian national communities reside, Hungarian (official) Only in municipalities where Hungarian national communities reside (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.6%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 16 years

female: 18 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 57

Government ::Slovenia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Slovenia

conventional short form: Slovenia

local long form: Republika Slovenija

local short form: Slovenija

former: People's Republic of Slovenia, Socialist Republic of Slovenia

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Ljubljana

geographic coordinates: 46 03 N, 14 31 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

210 municipalities (obcine, singular - obcina) including 11 urban
municipalities* (mestne obcine, singular - mestna obcina)
Ajdovscina, Apace, Beltinci, Benedikt, Bistrica ob Sotli, Bled,
Bloke, Bohinj, Borovnica, Bovec, Braslovce, Brda, Brezice,
Brezovica, Cankova, Celje*, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno,
Cerkvenjak, Cirkulane, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj,
Destrnik, Divaca, Dobje, Dobrepolje, Dobrna, Dobrova-Polhov Gradec,
Dobrovnik/Dobronak, Dolenjske Toplice, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale,
Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek, Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, Gorje,
Gornja Radgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Grosuplje,
Hajdina, Hoce-Slivnica, Hodos, Horjul, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina,
Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola/Isola, Jesenice,
Jezersko, Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje,
Kocevje, Komen, Komenda, Koper-Capodistria*, Kosanjevica na Krki,
Kostel, Kozje, Kranj*, Kranjska Gora, Krizevci, Krsko, Kungota,
Kuzma, Lasko, Lenart, Lendava/Lendva, Litija, Ljubljana*, Ljubno,
Ljutomer, Log-Dragomer, Logatec, Loska Dolina, Loski Potok, Lovrenc
na Pohorju, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk, Makole, Maribor*, Markovci,
Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miklavz na Dravskem Polju,
Miren-Kostanjevica, Mirna Pec, Mislinja, Mokronog-Trebelno, Moravce,
Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Murska Sobota*, Muta, Naklo, Nazarje,
Nova Gorica*, Novo Mesto*, Odranci, Oplotnica, Ormoz, Osilnica,
Pesnica, Piran/Pirano, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podlehnik, Podvelka,
Poljcane, Polzela, Postojna, Prebold, Preddvor, Prevalje, Ptuj*,
Puconci, Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob Dravi, Radovljica,
Ravne na Koroskem, Razkrizje, Recica ob Savinji, Rence-Vogrsko,
Ribnica, Ribnica na Pohorju, Rogaska Slatina, Rogasovci, Rogatec,
Ruse, Selnica ob Dravi, Semic, Sevnica, Sezana, Slovenj Gradec*,
Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Sodrazica, Solcava, Sredisce
ob Dravi, Starse, Straza, Sveta Ana, Sveta Trojica v Slovenskih
Goricah, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Jurij, Sveti Jurij
v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Tomaz, Salovci, Sempeter-Vrtojba,
Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur, Sentrupert, Skocjan, Skofja
Loka, Skofljica, Smarje pri Jelsah, Smarjeske Toplice, Smartno ob
Paki, Smartno pri Litiji, Sostanj, Store, Tabor, Tisina, Tolmin,
Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trnovska Vas, Trzic, Trzin, Turnisce, Velenje*,
Velika Polana, Velike Lasce, Verzej, Videm, Vipava, Vitanje, Vodice,
Vojnik, Vransko, Vrhnika, Vuzenica, Zagorje ob Savi, Zalec, Zavrc,
Zelezniki, Zetale, Ziri, Zirovnica, Zrece, Zuzemberk

Independence:

25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

National holiday:

Independence Day/Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 23 December 1991, amended 14 July 1997 and 25 July 2000

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Danilo TURK (since 22 December 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Borut PAHOR (since 7 November 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 October and 11 November 2007 (next to be held on 8 October 2012); following National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually nominated to become prime minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly; election last held on 21 September 2008 (next National Assembly elections to be held in 8 October 2012)

election results: Danilo TURK elected president; percent of vote - Danilo TURK 68.2%, Alojze PETERLE 31.8%; Borut PAHOR elected prime minister by National Assembly vote

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of a National Council or Drzavni Svet (40 seats; members indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve five-year terms; note - this is primarily an advisory body with limited legislative powers; it may propose laws, ask to review any National Assembly decision, and call national referenda) and the National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats; 40 members directly elected and 50 are elected on a proportional basis; note - the number of directly elected and proportionally elected seats varies with each election; the constitution mandates 1 seat each for Slovenia's Hungarian and Italian minorities; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held on 8 October 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - SD 30.5%, SDS 29.3%, ZARES 9.4%, DeSUS 7.5%, SNS 5.5%, SLS+SMS 5.2%, LDS 5.2%, other 7.4%; seats by party - SD 29, SDS 28, ZARES 9, DeSUS 7, SNS 5, SLS+SMS 5, LDS 5, Hungarian minority 1, Italian minority 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the Judicial Council); Constitutional Court (judges elected for nine-year terms by the National Assembly and nominated by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia or DeSUS [Karl ERJAVEC]; Liberal Democracy of Slovenia or LDS [Katarina KRESAL]; New Slovenia or NSi [Ljudmila NOVAK (acting)]; Slovene National Party or SNS [Zmago JELINCIC]; Slovene People's Party or SLS [Radovan ZERJAV]; Slovene Youth Party or SMS [Darko KRANJC]; Slovenian Democratic Party or SDS [Janez JANSA]; Social Democrats or SD [Borut PAHOR] (formerly ZLSD); ZARES [Gregor GOLOBIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Slovenian Roma Association [Jozek Horvat MUC]

other: Catholic Church

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA
(cooperating state), EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITU, MIGA, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer),
OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Roman KIRN

chancery: 2410 California Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 386-6601

FAX: [1] (202) 386-6633

consulate(s) general: Cleveland, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Bradley FREDEN

embassy: Presernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana

mailing address: American Embassy Ljubljana, US Department of State, 7140 Ljubljana Place, Washington, DC 20521-7140

telephone: [386] (1) 200-5500

FAX: [386] (1) 200-5555

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red, derive from the medieval coat of arms of the Duchy of Carniola; the Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak, in white against a blue background at the center; beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas and rivers, and above it are three six-pointed stars arranged in an inverted triangle, which are taken from the coat of arms of the Counts of Celje, the great Slovene dynastic house of the late 14th and early 15th centuries) appears in the upper hoist side of the flag centered on the white and blue bands

National anthem:

name: "Zdravljica" (A Toast)

lyrics/music: France PRESEREN/Stanko PREMRL

note: adopted 1989; the anthem was originally written in 1848; the full poem, whose seventh verse is used as the anthem, speaks of pan-Slavic nationalism

Economy ::Slovenia

Economy - overview:

Slovenia became the first 2004 European Union entrant to adopt the euro (on 1 January 2007) and has become a model of economic success and stability for the region. With the highest per capita GDP in Central Europe, Slovenia has excellent infrastructure, a well-educated work force, and a strategic location between the Balkans and Western Europe. Privatization has lagged since 2002, and the economy has one of highest levels of state control in the EU. Structural reforms to improve the business environment have allowed for somewhat greater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and have helped to lower unemployment. In March 2004, Slovenia became the first transition country to graduate from borrower status to donor partner at the World Bank. In December 2007, Slovenia was invited to begin the accession process for joining the OECD. Despite its economic success, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Slovenia has lagged behind the region average, and taxes remain relatively high. Furthermore, the labor market is often seen as inflexible, and legacy industries are losing sales to more competitive firms in China, India, and elsewhere. In 2009, the world recession caused the economy to contract - through falling exports and industrial production - by more than 8%, and unemployment to rise above 9%. Although growth resumed in 2010, the unemployment rate continued to rise, topping 10%.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$56.81 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $56.24 billion (2009 est.)

$61.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$46.44 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 -8.1% (2009 est.)

3.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$28,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $28,000 (2009 est.)

$30,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.4%

industry: 31%

services: 66.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

930,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.2%

industry: 35%

services: 62.8% (2009)

Unemployment rate:

10.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 9.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12.3% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.4%

highest 10%: 24.6% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28.4 (2008) country comparison to the world: 120 23.8 (2004)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Public debt:

35.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 31.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 0.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 123 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.47% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 7.41% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$10.47 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 71 $10.33 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: the figure for 2006 represents the US dollar value of tolars in circulation prior to Slovenia joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$24.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 $25.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$52.67 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $50.46 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$11.77 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 59 $22.1 billion (31 December 2008)

$28.96 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, hops, wheat, sugar beets, corn, grapes; cattle, sheep, poultry

Industries:

ferrous metallurgy and aluminum products, lead and zinc smelting; electronics (including military electronics), trucks, automobiles, electric power equipment, wood products, textiles, chemicals, machine tools

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Electricity - production:

13 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Electricity - consumption:

14.7 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Electricity - exports:

7.82 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

6.218 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

5 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Oil - consumption:

60,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Oil - imports:

57,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - consumption:

1.05 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - imports:

1.05 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Current account balance:

-$598 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 -$732.4 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$24.97 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $22.53 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

Exports - partners:

Germany 19.36%, Italy 11.31%, Croatia 7.75%, Austria 7.42%, France 7.35% (2009)

Imports:

$25.96 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $23.5 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, food

Imports - partners:

Germany 16.46%, Italy 15.89%, Austria 11.81%, France 4.98%, Croatia 4.32% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$1.08 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$51.57 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 56 $54.61 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$15.73 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $15.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$9.001 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $7.901 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.77399 (2010), 0.72 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007)

Communications ::Slovenia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.034 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 76

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 132

Telephone system:

general assessment: well-developed telecommunications infrastructure

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 150 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 386

Broadcast media:

public television broadcaster, Radiotelevizija Slovenija (RTV), operates a system of national and regional TV stations; 35 domestic commercial television stations operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 60% of households are connected to multi-channel cable TV systems; public radio broadcaster operates 3 national and 4 regional stations; more than 75 regional and local commercial and non-commercial radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.si

Internet hosts:

137,494 (2010) country comparison to the world: 72

Internet users:

1.298 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 92

Transportation ::Slovenia

Airports:

16 (2010) country comparison to the world: 143

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 840 km; oil 11 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,228 km country comparison to the world: 85 standard gauge: 1,228 km 1.435-m gauge (503 km electrified) (2007)

Roadways:

total: 38,873 km country comparison to the world: 90 paved: 38,873 km (includes 696 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

some transport on Drava River (2010)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 25 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Bahamas 1, Cyprus 4, Liberia 5, Malta 4, Marshall Islands 6, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 1, Slovakia 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 93

Ports and terminals:

Koper

Military ::Slovenia

Military branches:

Slovenian Army (includes air and naval forces)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2003 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 483,488

females age 16-49: 470,325 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 397,440

females age 16-49: 385,505 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 9,979

female: 9,610 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Transnational Issues ::Slovenia

Disputes - international:

the Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement, which would have ceded most of Piran Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains unratified and in dispute; Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Slovenia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules to curb illegal migration and commerce through southeastern Europe while encouraging close cross-border ties with Croatia

Illicit drugs:

minor transit point for cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western Europe, and for precursor chemicals

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Solomon Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Solomon Islands

Background:

The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the most bitter fighting of World War II occurred on this archipelago. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, then Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has generally been effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.

Geography ::Solomon Islands

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua
New Guinea

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 S, 159 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 28,896 sq km country comparison to the world: 143 land: 27,986 sq km

water: 910 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

5,313 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Popomanaseu 2,310 m

Natural resources:

fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc, nickel

Land use:

arable land: 0.62%

permanent crops: 2.04%

other: 97.34% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

44.7 cu km (1987)

Natural hazards:

typhoons, but rarely destructive; geologically active region with frequent earthquakes, tremors, and volcanic activity; tsunamis

volcanism: Tinakula (elev. 851 m, 2,792 ft) has frequent eruption activity, while an eruption of Savo (elev. 485 m, 1,591 ft) could affect the capital Honiara on nearby Guadalcanal

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; many of the surrounding coral reefs are dead or dying

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the
Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on sea routes between the South Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea; on 2 April 2007 an undersea earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale occurred 345 km WNW of the capital Honiara; the resulting tsunami devastated coastal areas of Western and Choiseul provinces with dozens of deaths and thousands dislocated; the provincial capital of Gizo was especially hard hit

People ::Solomon Islands

Population:

559,198 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.5% (male 119,875/female 115,127)

15-64 years: 57.1% (male 171,792/female 168,023)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 9,849/female 10,947) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.6 years

male: 20.4 years

female: 20.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.27% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Birth rate:

28.6 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Death rate:

3.96 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Net migration rate:

-1.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Urbanization:

urban population: 18% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 18.41 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 103 male: 20.95 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.94 years country comparison to the world: 106 male: 71.37 years

female: 76.63 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.67 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Solomon Islander(s)

adjective: Solomon Islander

Ethnic groups:

Melanesian 94.5%, Polynesian 3%, Micronesian 1.2%, other 1.1%, unspecified 0.2% (1999 census)

Religions:

Church of Melanesia 32.8%, Roman Catholic 19%, South Seas
Evangelical 17%, Seventh-Day Adventist 11.2%, United Church 10.3%,
Christian Fellowship Church 2.4%, other Christian 4.4%, other 2.4%,
unspecified 0.3%, none 0.2% (1999 census)

Languages:

Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca; English (official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the population); 120 indigenous languages

Literacy:

NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 9 years

female: 9 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

2.2% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 167

Government ::Solomon Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Solomon Islands

local long form: none

local short form: Solomon Islands

former: British Solomon Islands

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Honiara

geographic coordinates: 9 26 S, 159 57 E

time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces and 1 capital territory*; Central, Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, Rennell and Bellona, Temotu, Western

Independence:

7 July 1978 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 July (1978)

Constitution:

7 July 1978

Legal system:

English common law, which is widely disregarded; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Frank KABUI (since 7 July 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Danny PHILIP (since 25 August 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of 20 members appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members of parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of parliament for up to five years (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually elected prime minister by parliament; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members of parliament

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (50 seats; members elected from single-member constituencies by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 4 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Solomon Islands Democratic Party 13, Our Party 3, Reformed Democratic Party 3, Independent Democratic Party 2, PAP 2, SIPRA 2, Peoples Congress Party 1, Peoples Federation Party 1, Rural Development Party 1, Rural and Urban Political Party 1, Solomon Islands Liberal Party 1, Solomon Islands National Party 1, independents 19

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Association of Independent Members or AIM [Thomas CHAN]; Christian
Alliance Solomon Islands or CASI [Edward RONIA]; LAFARI Party [John
GARO]; National Party [Francis HILLY]; People's Alliance Party or
PAP [Sir Allan KEMAKEZA]; Social Credit Party or SOCRED [Manasseh
Damukana SOGAVARE]; Solomon First Party [David QUAN]; Solomon
Islands Democratic Party [Gabriel SURI]; Solomon Islands Labor Party
or SILP [Joses TUHANUKU]; Solomon Islands Liberal Party [Bartholomew
ULUFA'ALU]; Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement or SIPRA
[Job D. TAUSINGA]; United Party [Sir Peter KENILOREA]

note: in general, Solomon Islands politics is characterized by fluid coalitions

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM); Malaita Eagle Force (MEF); note - these rival armed ethnic factions crippled the Solomon Islands in a wave of violence from 1999 to 2003

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Collin David BECK

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400L, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 599-6192, 6193

FAX: [1] (212) 661-8925

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in the Solomon Islands; the US ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to the Solomon Islands

Flag description:

divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue with five white five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern; the lower triangle is green; blue represents the ocean; green the land; and yellow sunshine; the five stars stand for the five main island groups of the Solomon Islands

National anthem:

name: "God Save Our Solomon Islands"

lyrics/music: Panapasa BALEKANA and Matila BALEKANA/Panapasa BALEKANA

note: adopted 1978

Government - note:

by the end of 2007, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) - originally made up of police and troops from Australia, NZ, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga - had been scaled back to 303 police officers, 197 civilian technical advisers, and 72 military advisers from 15 countries across the region

Economy ::Solomon Islands

Economy - overview:

The bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of its livelihood. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and gold. Prior to the arrival of RAMSI, severe ethnic violence, the closing of key businesses, and an empty government treasury culminated in economic collapse. RAMSI's efforts to restore law and order and economic stability have led to modest growth as the economy rebuilds.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.559 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194 $1.517 billion (2009 est.)

$1.553 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$674 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 -2.3% (2009 est.)

7.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 $2,800 (2009 est.)

$2,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 42%

industry: 11%

services: 47% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

202,500 (2007) country comparison to the world: 168

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 75%

industry: 5%

services: 20% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.26% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 14.44% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$139.9 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 176 $124.4 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$227.1 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 180 $195.9 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$221.9 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 $183.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa beans, coconuts, palm kernels, rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit; timber; cattle, pigs; fish

Industries:

fish (tuna), mining, timber

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

71 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Electricity - consumption:

66.03 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - imports:

1,323 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Current account balance:

-$143 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Exports:

$237 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 177

Exports - commodities:

timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa

Exports - partners:

China 54.07%, South Korea 6.19%, Philippines 6.04%, Spain 4.87% (2009)

Imports:

$256 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 197

Imports - commodities:

food, plant and equipment, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Singapore 24.69%, Australia 23.06%, NZ 5.2%, Fiji 4.47%, Papua New
Guinea 4.34%, Malaysia 3.98% (2009)

Debt - external:

$166 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 176

Exchange rates:

Solomon Islands dollars (SBD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 7.3447 (2006), 7.5299 (2005), 7.4847 (2004), 7.5059 (2003)

Communications ::Solomon Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

8,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 204

Telephones - mobile cellular:

30,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 202

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: mobile-cellular telephone density is about 5 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 677; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) is the sole TV broadcaster with 1 station; multi-channel pay-TV is available; SIBC, the public service broadcaster, operates 2 national radio stations and 2 provincial stations; 2 local commercial radio stations operating; Radio Australia is obtainable via satellite feed (2009)

Internet country code:

.sb

Internet hosts:

4,065 (2010) country comparison to the world: 141

Internet users:

10,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 200

Transportation ::Solomon Islands

Airports:

36 (2010) country comparison to the world: 108

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 34

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,360 km country comparison to the world: 177 paved: 33 km

unpaved: 1,327 km

note: includes 800 km of private plantation roads (2002)

Ports and terminals:

Honiara, Malloco Bay, Viru Harbor, Tulaghi

Military ::Solomon Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Solomon Islands Police Force (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 150,987 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 125,928

females age 16-49: 126,999 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 7,256

female: 6,995 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 45

Transnational Issues ::Solomon Islands

Disputes - international:

since 2003, RAMSI, consisting of police, military, and civilian advisors drawn from 15 countries, has assisted in reestablishing and maintaining civil and political order while reinforcing regional stability and security

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 5,400 (displaced by tsunami on 2 April 2007) (2007)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Somalia (Africa)

Introduction ::Somalia

Background:

Britain withdrew from British Somaliland in 1960 to allow its protectorate to join with Italian Somaliland and form the new nation of Somalia. In 1969, a coup headed by Mohamed SIAD Barre ushered in an authoritarian socialist rule characterized by the persecution, jailing and torture of political opponents and dissidents. After the regime's collapse early in 1991, Somalia descended into turmoil, factional fighting, and anarchy. In May 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic of Somaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognized by any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence and continues efforts to establish a constitutional democracy, including holding municipal, parliamentary, and presidential elections. The regions of Bari, Nugaal, and northern Mudug comprise a neighboring semi-autonomous state of Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998 but does not aim at independence; it has also made strides toward reconstructing a legitimate, representative government but has suffered some civil strife. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as it also claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag. Beginning in 1993, a two-year UN humanitarian effort (primarily in the south) was able to alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995, having suffered significant casualties, order still had not been restored. In 2000, the Somalia National Peace Conference (SNPC) held in Djibouti resulted in the formation of an interim government, known as the Transitional National Government (TNG). When the TNG failed to establish adequate security or governing institutions, the Government of Kenya, under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), led a subsequent peace process that concluded in October 2004 with the election of Abdullahi YUSUF Ahmed as President of a second interim government, known as the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of the Somali Republic. The TFG included a 275-member parliamentary body, known as the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP). President YUSUF resigned late in 2008 while United Nations-sponsored talks between the TFG and the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) were underway in Djibouti. In January 2009, following the creation of a TFG-ARS unity government, Ethiopian military forces, which had entered Somalia in December 2006 to support the TFG in the face of advances by the opposition Islamic Courts Union (ICU), withdrew from the country. The TFP was increased to 550 seats with the addition of 200 ARS and 75 civil society members of parliament. The expanded parliament elected Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed, the former CIC and ARS chairman as president on 31 January 2009, in Djibouti. Subsequently, President SHARIF appointed Omar Abdirashid ali SHARMARKE, son of a former president of Somalia, as prime minister on 13 February 2009. SHARMARKE resigned in September 2010 and was replaced by Mohamed Abdullahi MOHAMED, aka Farmajo, a dual US-Somali citizen that lived in the United Stated from 1985 until his return to Somalia in October 2010. The creation of the TFG was based on the Transitional Federal Charter (TFC), which outlines a five-year mandate leading to the establishment of a new Somali constitution and a transition to a representative government following national elections. However, in January 2009 the TFP amended the TFC to extend TFG's mandate until 2011.

Geography ::Somalia

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, east of Ethiopia

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 N, 49 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 637,657 sq km country comparison to the world: 43 land: 627,337 sq km

water: 10,320 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,340 km

border countries: Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km

Coastline:

3,025 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

Climate:

principally desert; northeast monsoon (December to February), moderate temperatures in north and hot in south; southwest monsoon (May to October), torrid in the north and hot in the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili) between monsoons

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Shimbiris 2,416 m

Natural resources:

uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves

Land use:

arable land: 1.64%

permanent crops: 0.04%

other: 98.32% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

15.7 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.29 cu km/yr (0%/0%/100%)

per capita: 400 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in summer; floods during rainy season

Environment - current issues:

famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal

People ::Somalia

Population:

10,112,453 country comparison to the world: 82 note: this estimate was derived from an official census taken in 1975 by the Somali Government; population counting in Somalia is complicated by the large number of nomads and by refugee movements in response to famine and clan warfare (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45% (male 2,215,331/female 2,204,503)

15-64 years: 52.6% (male 2,588,356/female 2,579,737)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 101,764/female 142,326) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.6 years

male: 17.4 years

female: 17.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.809% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Birth rate:

43.33 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Death rate:

15.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 107.42 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 5 male: 116.47 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 98.11 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 50 years country comparison to the world: 213 male: 48.12 years

female: 51.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.44 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

24,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Rift Valley fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Somali(s)

adjective: Somali

Ethnic groups:

Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including Arabs 30,000)

Religions:

Sunni Muslim

Languages:

Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 37.8%

male: 49.7%

female: 25.8% (2001 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Somalia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Somalia

local long form: Jamhuuriyada Demuqraadiga Soomaaliyeed

local short form: Soomaaliya

former: Somali Republic, Somali Democratic Republic

Government type:

no permanent national government; transitional, parliamentary federal government

Capital:

name: Mogadishu

geographic coordinates: 2 04 N, 45 22 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

18 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka); Awdal, Bakool,
Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe (Middle
Jubba), Jubbada Hoose (Lower Jubba), Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag,
Shabeellaha Dhexe (Middle Shabeelle), Shabeellaha Hoose (Lower
Shabeelle), Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed

Independence:

1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland that became independent from the UK on 26 June 1960 and Italian Somaliland that became independent from the Italian-administered UN trusteeship on 1 July 1960 to form the Somali Republic)

National holiday:

Foundation of the Somali Republic, 1 July (1960); note - 26 June (1960) in Somaliland

Constitution:

25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979

note: the formation of transitional governing institutions, known as the Transitional Federal Government, is currently ongoing

Legal system:

no national system; a mixture of English common law, Italian law, Islamic sharia, and Somali customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Transitional Federal President Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed (since 31 January 2009); note - a transitional governing entity with a five-year mandate, known as the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs), was established in October 2004; the TFIs relocated to Somalia in June 2004; in 2009, the TFI's were given a two-year extension to October 2011

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed FARMAJO (since 1 November 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by the Transitional Federal Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) election results: Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed elected president by the expanded Transitional Federal Assembly in Djibouti

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly

note: unicameral Transitional Federal Assembly (TFA) (550 seats; 475 members appointed according to the 4.5 clan formula, with the remaining 75 seats reserved for civil society and business persons)

Judicial branch:

following the breakdown of the central government, most regions have reverted to local forms of conflict resolution, either secular, traditional Somali customary law, or sharia (Islamic) law with a provision for appeal of all sentences

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: numerous clan and sub-clan factions exist both in support and in opposition to the transitional government

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
ITSO, ITU, LAS, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Somalia does not have an embassy in the US (ceased operations on 8
May 1991); note - the Transitional Federal Government is represented
in the United States through its Permanent Mission to the United
Nations

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Somalia; US interests are represented by the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya at United Nations Avenue, Nairobi; mailing address: Unit 64100, Nairobi; APO AE 09831; telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000; FAX [254] (20) 363-6157

Flag description:

light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the center; the blue field was originally influenced by the flag of the UN, but today is said to denote the sky and the neighboring Indian Ocean; the five points of the star represent the five regions in the horn of Africa that are inhabited by Somali people: the former British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland (which together make up Somalia), Djibouti, Ogaden (Ethiopia), and the Northern Frontier District (Kenya)

National anthem:

name: "Soomaaliyeey toosoo" (Somalia Wake Up)

lyrics/music: Ali Mire AWALE and Yuusuf Xaaji Aadan Cilmi QABILLE

note: adopted 2000; written in 1947, the lyrics speak of creating unity and an end to fighting

Government - note:

although an interim government was created in 2004, other regional and local governing bodies continue to exist and control various regions of the country, including the self-declared Republic of Somaliland in northwestern Somalia and the semi-autonomous State of Puntland in northeastern Somalia

Economy ::Somalia

Economy - overview:

Despite the lack of effective national governance, Somalia has maintained a healthy informal economy, largely based on livestock, remittance/money transfer companies, and telecommunications. Agriculture is the most important sector with livestock normally accounting for about 40% of GDP and more than 50% of export earnings. Nomads and semi-pastoralists, who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood, make up a large portion of the population. Livestock, hides, fish, charcoal, and bananas are Somalia's principal exports, while sugar, sorghum, corn, qat, and machined goods are the principal imports. Somalia's small industrial sector, based on the processing of agricultural products, has largely been looted and the machinery sold as scrap metal. Somalia's service sector also has grown. Telecommunication firms provide wireless services in most major cities and offer the lowest international call rates on the continent. In the absence of a formal banking sector, money transfer/remittance services have sprouted throughout the country, handling up to $1.6 billion in remittances annually. Mogadishu's main market offers a variety of goods from food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotels continue to operate and are supported with private-security militias. Due to armed attacks on and threats to humanitarian aid workers, the World Food Programme partially suspended its operations in southern Somalia in early January 2010 pending improvement in the security situation. Somalia's arrears to the IMF have continued to grow.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.896 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 $5.75 billion (2009 est.)

$5.607 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.372 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 2.6% (2009 est.)

2.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 225 $600 (2009 est.)

$600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 65%

industry: 10%

services: 25% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

3.447 million (few skilled laborers) (2007) country comparison to the world: 97

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 71%

industry and services: 29% (1975)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

note: businesses print their own money, so inflation rates cannot be easily determined

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Agriculture - products:

bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts, rice, sugarcane, mangoes, sesame seeds, beans; cattle, sheep, goats; fish

Industries:

a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles, wireless communication

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

280 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Electricity - consumption:

260.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

108 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Oil - exports:

1,475 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Oil - imports:

6,387 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Exports:

$300 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 173

Exports - commodities:

livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, scrap metal

Exports - partners:

UAE 58.27%, Yemen 20.32%, Saudi Arabia 3.78% (2009)

Imports:

$798 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 178

Imports - commodities:

manufactures, petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials, qat

Imports - partners:

Djibouti 30.84%, Kenya 8.06%, India 7.86%, China 6.97%, Brazil 6.59%, Yemen 4.97%, Oman 4.72%, UAE 4.6% (2009)

Debt - external:

$3 billion (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Exchange rates:

Somali shillings (SOS) per US dollar - NA (2007-08), 1,438.3 (2006) official rate; the unofficial black market rate was about 23,000 shillings per dollar as of February 2007

note: the Republic of Somaliland, a self-declared independent country not recognized by any foreign government, issues its own currency, the Somaliland shilling

Communications ::Somalia

Telephones - main lines in use:

100,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 144

Telephones - mobile cellular:

641,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 155

Telephone system:

general assessment: the public telecommunications system was almost completely destroyed or dismantled during the civil war; private companies offer limited local fixed-line service and private wireless companies offer service in most major cities while charging the lowest international rates on the continent

domestic: local cellular telephone systems have been established in Mogadishu and in several other population centers

international: country code - 252; international connections are available from Mogadishu by satellite

Broadcast media:

2 private TV stations rebroadcast Al-Jazeera and CNN; Somaliland has 1 government-operated TV station and Puntland has 1 private TV station; Radio Mogadishu operated by the transitional government; 1 SW and roughly 10 private FM radio stations broadcast in Mogadishu; several radio stations operate in central and southern regions; Somaliland has 1 government-operated radio station; Puntland has roughly a half dozen private radio stations; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.so

Internet hosts:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 228

Internet users:

106,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 159

Transportation ::Somalia

Airports:

59 (2010) country comparison to the world: 80

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 52

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 23

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 22,100 km country comparison to the world: 106 paved: 2,608 km

unpaved: 19,492 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 154 by type: cargo 1

foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Berbera, Kismaayo

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean are high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers, and cargo are held for ransom; the presence of several naval task forces in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on the part of ship operators have reduced the piracy incidents; in response local pirates shifted operations farther south along the east coast of Somalia and eastward along the coast of Oman

Military ::Somalia

Military branches:

National Security Force (NSF): Somali Army (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

note: since 2005, the UN has listed the Transitional Federal Government and its allied militias as persistent violators in recruiting child soldiers (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,261,704

females age 16-49: 2,217,584 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,328,567

females age 16-49: 1,386,971 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 99,919

female: 99,771 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Transnational Issues ::Somalia

Disputes - international:

Ethiopian forces invaded southern Somalia and routed Islamist Courts from Mogadishu in January 2007; "Somaliland" secessionists provide port facilities in Berbera to landlocked Ethiopia and have established commercial ties with other regional states; "Puntland" and "Somaliland" "governments" seek international support in their secessionist aspirations and overlapping border claims; the undemarcated former British administrative line has little meaning as a political separation to rival clans within Ethiopia's Ogaden and southern Somalia's Oromo region; Kenya works hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading south across the border, which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 1.1 million (civil war since 1988, clan-based competition for resources) (2007)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@South Africa (Africa)

Introduction ::South Africa

Background:

Dutch traders landed at the southern tip of modern day South Africa in 1652 and established a stopover point on the spice route between the Netherlands and the Far East, founding the city of Cape Town. After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British encroachments but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902); however, the British and the Afrikaners, as the Boers became known, ruled together beginning in 1910 under the Union of South Africa, which became a republic in 1961 after a whites-only referendum. In 1948, the National Party was voted into power and instituted a policy of apartheid - the separate development of the races - which favored the white minority at the expense of the black majority. The African National Congress (ANC) led the opposition to apartheid and many top ANC leaders, such as Nelson MANDELA, spent decades in South Africa's prisons. Internal protests and insurgency, as well as boycotts by some Western nations and institutions, led to the regime's eventual willingness to negotiate a peaceful transition to majority rule. The first multi-racial elections in 1994 brought an end to apartheid and ushered in majority rule under an ANC-led government. South Africa since then has struggled to address apartheid-era imbalances in decent housing, education, and health care. ANC infighting, which has grown in recent years, came to a head in September 2008 when President Thabo MBEKI resigned, and Kgalema MOTLANTHE, the party's General-Secretary, succeeded him as interim president. Jacob ZUMA became president after the ANC won general elections in April 2009. In January 2011, South Africa assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Geography ::South Africa

Location:

Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa

Geographic coordinates:

29 00 S, 24 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,219,090 sq km country comparison to the world: 25 land: 1,214,470 sq km

water: 4,620 sq km

note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince Edward Island)

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,862 km

border countries: Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491 km, Namibia 967 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km

Coastline:

2,798 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights

Terrain:

vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Njesuthi 3,408 m

Natural resources:

gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 12.1%

permanent crops: 0.79%

other: 87.11% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,980 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

50 cu km (1990)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 12.5 cu km/yr (31%/6%/63%)

per capita: 264 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

prolonged droughts

volcanism: the volcano forming Marion Island in the Prince Edward Islands, which last erupted in 2004, is South Africa's only active volcano

Environment - current issues:

lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water usage outpacing supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine
Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands,
Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Swaziland

People ::South Africa

Population:

49,109,107 country comparison to the world: 25 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.9% (male 7,093,328/female 7,061,579)

15-64 years: 65.8% (male 16,275,424/female 15,984,181)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,075,117/female 1,562,860) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.7 years

male: 24.4 years

female: 25 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.051% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Birth rate:

19.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Death rate:

16.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Net migration rate:

-3.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 185 note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 43.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 61 male: 47.88 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 39.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 49.2 years country comparison to the world: 215 male: 50.08 years

female: 48.29 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.33 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

18.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5.7 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

350,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: South African(s)

adjective: South African

Ethnic groups:

black African 79%, white 9.6%, colored 8.9%, Indian/Asian 2.5% (2001 census)

Religions:

Zion Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%, Catholic 7.1%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%, Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, none 15.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

IsiZulu (official) 23.8%, IsiXhosa (official) 17.6%, Afrikaans (official) 13.3%, Sepedi (offcial) 9.4%, English (official) 8.2%, Setswana (official) 8.2%, Sesotho (official) 7.9%, Xitsonga (official) 4.4%, other 7.2%, isiNdebele (official), Tshivenda (official), siSwati (official) (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.4%

male: 87%

female: 85.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 49

Government ::South Africa

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of South Africa

conventional short form: South Africa

former: Union of South Africa

abbreviation: RSA

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Pretoria (administrative capital)

geographic coordinates: 25 42 S, 28 13 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North-West, Western Cape

Independence:

31 May 1910 (Union of South Africa formed from four British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free State); 31 May 1961 (republic declared); 27 April 1994 (majority rule)

National holiday:

Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)

Constitution:

10 December 1996; note - certified by the Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996; was signed by then President MANDELA on 10 December 1996; and entered into effect on 4 February 1997

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacob ZUMA (since 9 May 2009); Executive Deputy President Kgalema MOTLANTHE (since 11 May 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Jacob ZUMA (since 9 May 2009); Executive Deputy President Kgalema MOTLANTHE (since 11 May 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Jacob ZUMA elected president; National Assembly vote - Jacob ZUMA 277, Mvume DANDALA 47, other 76

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Council of Provinces (90 seats; 10 members elected by each of the nine provincial legislatures for five-year terms; has special powers to protect regional interests, including the safeguarding of cultural and linguistic traditions among ethnic minorities) and the National Assembly (400 seats; members elected by popular vote under a system of proportional representation to serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly and National Council of Provinces - last held on 22 April 2009 (next to be held in April 2014)

election results: National Council of Provinces - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - ANC 65.9%, DA 16.7%, COPE 7.4%, IFP 4.6%, other 5.4%; seats by party - ANC 264, DA 67, COPE 30, IFP 18, other 21

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court of Appeals; High Courts;
Magistrate Courts

Political parties and leaders:

African Christian Democratic Party or ACDP [Kenneth MESHOE]; African
National Congress or ANC [Jacob ZUMA]; Congress of the People or
COPE [Mosiuoa LEKOTA]; Democratic Alliance or DA [Helen ZILLE];
Freedom Front Plus or FF+ [Pieter MULDER]; Independent Democrats or
ID [Patricia DE LILLE]; Inkatha Freedom Party or IFP [Mangosuthu
BUTHELEZI]; Pan-Africanist Congress or PAC [Motsoko PHEKO]; United
Christian Democratic Party or UCDP [Lucas MANGOPE]; United
Democratic Movement or UDM [Bantu HOLOMISA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Congress of South African Trade Unions or COSATU [Zwelinzima VAVI,
general secretary]; South African Communist Party or SACP [Blade
NZIMANDE, general secretary]; South African National Civics
Organization or SANCO [Mlungisi HLONGWANE, national president]

note: note - COSATU and SACP are in a formal alliance with the ANC

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BIS, C, CD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO,
NAM, NSG, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UN
Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ebrahim RASOOL

chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 232-4400

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald H. GIPS

embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Pretoria

mailing address: P. O. Box 9536, Pretoria 0001

telephone: [27] (12) 431-4000

FAX: [27] (12) 342-2299

consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg

Flag description:

two equal width horizontal bands of red (top) and blue separated by a central green band that splits into a horizontal Y, the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side; the Y embraces a black isosceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow yellow bands; the red and blue bands are separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes; the flag colors do not have any official symbolism, but the Y stands for the "convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity"; black, yellow, and green are found on the flag of the African National Congress, while red, white, and blue are the colors in the flags of the Netherlands and the UK, whose settlers ruled South Africa during the colonial era

note: the South African flag is the only national flag to display six colors as part of its primary design

National anthem:

name: "National Anthem of South Africa"

lyrics/music: Enoch SONTONGA and Cornelius Jacob LANGENHOVEN/Enoch SONTONGA and Marthinus LOURENS de Villiers

note: adopted 1994; the anthem is a combination of "N'kosi Sikelel' iAfrica" (God Bless Africa) and "Die Stem van Suid Afrika" (The Call of South Africa), which were respectively the anthems of the non-white and white communities under apartheid; the official lyrics contain a mixture of Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and English; the music incorporates the melody used in the Tanzanian and Zambian anthems

Economy ::South Africa

Economy - overview:

South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with an abundant supply of natural resources; well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors; a stock exchange that is the 18th largest in the world; and modern infrastructure supporting a relatively efficient distribution of goods to major urban centers throughout the region. At the end of 2007, South Africa began to experience an electricity crisis. State power supplier Eskom encountered problems with aged plants, necessitating "load-shedding" cuts to residents and businesses in the major cities. Growth was robust from 2004 to 2007 as South Africa reaped the benefits of macroeconomic stability and a global commodities boom, but began to slow in the second half of 2007 due to the electricity crisis and the subsequent global financial crisis' impact on commodity prices and demand. GDP fell nearly 2% in 2009. Unemployment remains high and outdated infrastructure has constrained growth. Daunting economic problems remain from the apartheid era - especially poverty, lack of economic empowerment among the disadvantaged groups, and a shortage of public transportation. South Africa's former economic policy was fiscally conservative, focusing on controlling inflation, and attaining a budget surplus. The current government largely follows the same prudent policies, but must contend with the impact of the global crisis and is facing growing pressure from special interest groups to use state-owned enterprises to deliver basic services to low-income areas and to increase job growth. More than one-quarter of South Africa's population currently receives social grants.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$527.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $512.2 billion (2009 est.)

$521.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$354.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 -1.8% (2009 est.)

3.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $10,400 (2009 est.)

$10,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 31.2%

services: 65.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

17.32 million economically active (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 9%

industry: 26%

services: 65% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

23.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 24% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

50% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.3%

highest 10%: 44.7% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

65 (2005) country comparison to the world: 2 59.3 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Public debt:

33.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 29.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 7.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 37 11.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.71% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 15.13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$65.87 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 41 $52.04 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$256.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $199.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$328.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $255.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$704.8 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 18 $491.3 billion (31 December 2008)

$833.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; beef, poultry, mutton, wool, dairy products

Industries:

mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs, commercial ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Electricity - production:

240.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Electricity - consumption:

215.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Electricity - exports:

14.16 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

10.57 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

191,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Oil - consumption:

579,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Oil - exports:

128,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Oil - imports:

490,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Oil - proved reserves:

15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Natural gas - production:

3.25 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - consumption:

6.45 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Natural gas - imports:

3.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - proved reserves:

27.16 million cu m (1 January 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Current account balance:

-$16.51 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 -$11.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$76.86 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $66.54 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals and minerals, machinery and equipment

Exports - partners:

China 10.34%, US 9.19%, Japan 7.59%, Germany 7.01%, UK 5.54%,
Switzerland 4.72% (2009)

Imports:

$77.04 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $66.01 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum products, scientific instruments, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 17.21%, Germany 11.24%, US 7.38%, Saudi Arabia 4.87%, Japan 4.67%, Iran 3.95% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$45.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $39.68 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$80.52 billion (30 June 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $73.84 billion (30 June 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$83.08 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $73.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$53.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $51.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

rand (ZAR) per US dollar - 7.38 (2010), 8.4234 (2009), 7.9576 (2008), 7.05 (2007), 6.7649 (2006)

Communications ::South Africa

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.32 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 33

Telephones - mobile cellular:

46.436 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 26

Telephone system:

general assessment: the system is the best developed and most modern in Africa

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 105 telephones per 100 persons; consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay links, fiber-optic cable, radiotelephone communication stations, and wireless local loops; key centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria

international: country code - 27; the SAT-3/WASC and SAFE fiber optic cable systems connect South Africa to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) operates 4 TV stations, 3 are free-to-air and 1 is pay TV; e.tv, a private station, is accessible to more than half the population; multiple subscription TV services provide a mix of local and international channels; well developed mix of public and private radio stations at the national, regional, and local levels; the SABC radio network, state-owned and controlled but nominally independent, operates 18 stations, one for each of the 11 official languages, 4 community stations, and 3 commercial stations; more than 100 community-based stations extend coverage to rural areas (2007)

Internet country code:

.za

Internet hosts:

3.751 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 24

Internet users:

4.42 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 54

Transportation ::South Africa

Airports:

578 (2010) country comparison to the world: 11

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 147

over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 53

914 to 1,523 m: 67

under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 431

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 32

914 to 1,523 m: 261

under 914 m: 137 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 11 km; gas 908 km; oil 980 km; refined products 1,379 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 20,872 km country comparison to the world: 14 narrow gauge: 20,436 km 1.065-m gauge (8,271 km electrified); 436 km 0.610-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 362,099 km country comparison to the world: 18 paved: 73,506 km (includes 239 km of expressways)

unpaved: 288,593 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 4 country comparison to the world: 133 by type: container 1, petroleum tanker 3

foreign-owned: 1 (Denmark 1)

registered in other countries: 11 (Mexico 1, NZ 1, Seychelles 1, Singapore 3, UK 5) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay

Military ::South Africa

Military branches:

South African National Defense Force (SANDF): South African Army,
South African Navy (SAN), South African Air Force (SAAF), Joint
Operations Command, Military Intelligence, South African Military
Health Services (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; women are eligible to serve in noncombat roles; 2-year service obligation (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,508,255

females age 16-49: 12,541,371 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,676,331

females age 16-49: 6,521,338 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 492,743

female: 496,374 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 92

Military - note:

with the end of apartheid and the establishment of majority rule, former military, black homelands forces, and ex-opposition forces were integrated into the South African National Defense Force (SANDF); as of 2003 the integration process was considered complete

Transnational Issues ::South Africa

Disputes - international:

South Africa has placed military along the border to apprehend the thousands of Zimbabweans fleeing economic dysfunction and political persecution; as of January 2007, South Africa also supports large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (33,000), Somalia (20,000), Burundi (6,500), and other states in Africa (26,000); managed dispute with Namibia over the location of the boundary in the Orange River; in 2006, Swazi king advocates resort to ICJ to claim parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 10,772 (Democratic Republic of Congo); 7,818 (Somalia); 5,759 (Angola) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment center for heroin, hashish, and cocaine, as well as a major cultivator of marijuana in its own right; cocaine and heroin consumption on the rise; world's largest market for illicit methaqualone, usually imported illegally from India through various east African countries, but increasingly producing its own synthetic drugs for domestic consumption; attractive venue for money launderers given the increasing level of organized criminal and narcotics activity in the region and the size of the South African economy

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Southern Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Southern Ocean

Background:

A large body of recent oceanographic research has shown that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), an ocean current that flows from west to east around Antarctica, plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation. The region where the cold waters of the ACC meet and mingle with the warmer waters of the north defines a distinct border - the Antarctic Convergence - which fluctuates with the seasons, but which encompasses a discrete body of water and a unique ecologic region. The Convergence concentrates nutrients, which promotes marine plant life, and which in turn allows for a greater abundance of animal life. In the spring of 2000, the International Hydrographic Organization decided to delimit the waters within the Convergence as a fifth world ocean - the Southern Ocean - by combining the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. The Southern Ocean extends from the coast of Antarctica north to 60 degrees south latitude, which coincides with the Antarctic Treaty Limit and which approximates the extent of the Antarctic Convergence. As such, the Southern Ocean is now the fourth largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean, but larger than the Arctic Ocean). It should be noted that inclusion of the Southern Ocean does not imply recognition of this feature as one of the world's primary oceans by the US Government.

Geography ::Southern Ocean

Location:

body of water between 60 degrees south latitude and Antarctica

Geographic coordinates:

60 00 S, 90 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean has the unique distinction of being a large circumpolar body of water totally encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of water lies between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of Antarctica and encompasses 360 degrees of longitude

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 20.327 million sq km

note: includes Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, part of the Drake Passage, Ross Sea, a small part of the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of the US

Coastline:

17,968 km

Climate:

sea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius to -2 degrees Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the continent and frequently are intense because of the temperature contrast between ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about latitude 40 south to the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average winds found anywhere on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward to 65 degrees south latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees south latitude in the Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures well below 0 degrees Celsius; at some coastal points intense persistent drainage winds from the interior keep the shoreline ice-free throughout the winter

Terrain:

the Southern Ocean is deep, 4,000 to 5,000 m over most of its extent with only limited areas of shallow water; the Antarctic continental shelf is generally narrow and unusually deep, its edge lying at depths of 400 to 800 m (the global mean is 133 m); the Antarctic icepack grows from an average minimum of 2.6 million sq km in March to about 18.8 million sq km in September, better than a sixfold increase in area; the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (21,000 km in length) moves perpetually eastward; it is the world's largest ocean current, transporting 130 million cubic meters of water per second - 100 times the flow of all the world's rivers

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: -7,235 m at the southern end of the South Sandwich Trench

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

probable large and possible giant oil and gas fields on the continental margin; manganese nodules, possible placer deposits, sand and gravel, fresh water as icebergs; squid, whales, and seals - none exploited; krill, fish

Natural hazards:

huge icebergs with drafts up to several hundred meters; smaller bergs and iceberg fragments; sea ice (generally 0.5 to 1 m thick) with sometimes dynamic short-term variations and with large annual and interannual variations; deep continental shelf floored by glacial deposits varying widely over short distances; high winds and large waves much of the year; ship icing, especially May-October; most of region is remote from sources of search and rescue

Environment - current issues:

increased solar ultraviolet radiation resulting from the Antarctic ozone hole in recent years, reducing marine primary productivity (phytoplankton) by as much as 15% and damaging the DNA of some fish; illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in recent years, especially the landing of an estimated five to six times more Patagonian toothfish than the regulated fishery, which is likely to affect the sustainability of the stock; large amount of incidental mortality of seabirds resulting from long-line fishing for toothfish

note: the now-protected fur seal population is making a strong comeback after severe overexploitation in the 18th and 19th centuries

Environment - international agreements:

the Southern Ocean is subject to all international agreements regarding the world's oceans; in addition, it is subject to these agreements specific to the Antarctic region: International Whaling Commission (prohibits commercial whaling south of 40 degrees south [south of 60 degrees south between 50 degrees and 130 degrees west]); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (limits sealing); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (regulates fishing)

note: many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence), which is in the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the cold polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the north

Geography - note:

the major chokepoint is the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica; the Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence) is the best natural definition of the northern extent of the Southern Ocean; it is a distinct region at the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current that separates the cold polar surface waters to the south from the warmer waters to the north; the Front and the Current extend entirely around Antarctica, reaching south of 60 degrees south near New Zealand and near 48 degrees south in the far South Atlantic coinciding with the path of the maximum westerly winds

Economy ::Southern Ocean

Economy - overview:

Fisheries in 2006-07 landed 126,976 metric tons, of which 82% (104,586 tons) was krill (Euphausia superba) and 9.5% (12,027 tons) Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides - also known as Chilean sea bass), compared to 127,910 tons in 2005-06 of which 83% (106,591 tons) was krill and 9.7% (12,396 tons) Patagonian toothfish (estimated fishing from the area covered by the Convention of the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which extends slightly beyond the Southern Ocean area). International agreements were adopted in late 1999 to reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which in the 2000-01 season landed, by one estimate, 8,376 metric tons of Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish. In the 2007-08 Antarctic summer, 45,213 tourists visited the Southern Ocean, compared to 35,552 in 2006-2007, and 29,799 in 2005-2006 (estimates provided to the Antarctic Treaty by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), and does not include passengers on overflights and those flying directly in and out of Antarctica).

Transportation ::Southern Ocean

Ports and terminals:

McMurdo, Palmer, and offshore anchorages in Antarctica

note: few ports or harbors exist on the southern side of the Southern Ocean; ice conditions limit use of most to short periods in midsummer; even then some cannot be entered without icebreaker escort; most Antarctic ports are operated by government research stations and, except in an emergency, are not open to commercial or private vessels

Transportation - note:

Drake Passage offers alternative to transit through the Panama Canal

Transnational Issues ::Southern Ocean

Disputes - international:

Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctica entry), but Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK assert claims (some overlapping), including the continental shelf in the Southern Ocean; several states have expressed an interest in extending those continental shelf claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to include undersea ridges; the US and most other states do not recognize the land or maritime claims of other states and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia have reserved the right to do so); no formal claims exist in the waters in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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@South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (South America)

Introduction ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Background:

The islands, which have large bird and seal populations, lie approximately 1,000 km east of the Falkland Islands and have been under British administration since 1908 - except for a brief period in 1982 when Argentina occupied them. Grytviken, on South Georgia, was a 19th and early 20th century whaling station. Famed explorer Ernest SHACKLETON stopped there in 1914 en route to his ill-fated attempt to cross Antarctica on foot. He returned some 20 months later with a few companions in a small boat and arranged a successful rescue for the rest of his crew, stranded off the Antarctic Peninsula. He died in 1922 on a subsequent expedition and is buried in Grytviken. Today, the station houses scientists from the British Antarctic Survey. Recognizing the importance of preserving the marine stocks in adjacent waters, the UK, in 1993, extended the exclusive fishing zone from 12 nm to 200 nm around each island.

Geography ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Location:

Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the tip of South America

Geographic coordinates:

54 30 S, 37 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 3,903 sq km country comparison to the world: 176 land: 3,903 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Shag Rocks, Black Rock, Clerke Rocks, South Georgia Island, Bird Island, and the South Sandwich Islands, which consist of 11 islands

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

NA

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

variable, with mostly westerly winds throughout the year interspersed with periods of calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snow

Terrain:

most of the islands, rising steeply from the sea, are rugged and mountainous; South Georgia is largely barren and has steep, glacier-covered mountains; the South Sandwich Islands are of volcanic origin with some active volcanoes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (largely covered by permanent ice and snow with some sparse vegetation consisting of grass, moss, and lichen) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

the South Sandwich Islands have prevailing weather conditions that generally make them difficult to approach by ship; they are also subject to active volcanism

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

the north coast of South Georgia has several large bays, which provide good anchorage; reindeer, introduced early in the 20th century, live on South Georgia

People ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: the small military garrison on South Georgia withdrew in March 2001 replaced by a permanent group of scientists of the British Antarctic Survey, which also has a biological station on Bird Island; the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited

Government ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

conventional short form: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

abbreviation: SGSSI

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina; administered from the Falkland Islands by a commissioner, who is concurrently governor of the Falkland Islands, representing Queen ELIZABETH II

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply; the senior magistrate from the Falkland Islands presides over the Magistrates Court

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a shield with a golden lion rampant, holding a torch; the shield is supported by a fur seal on the left and a Macaroni penguin on the right; a reindeer appears above the crest, and below the shield on a scroll is the motto LEO TERRAM PROPRIAM PROTEGAT (Let the Lion Protect its Own Land)); the lion with the torch represents the UK and discovery; the background of the shield, blue and white estoiles, are found in the coat of arms of James Cook, discoverer of the islands; all the outer supporting animals represented are native to the islands

Economy ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Economy - overview:

Some fishing takes place in adjacent waters. There is a potential source of income from harvesting finfish and krill. The islands receive income from postage stamps produced in the UK, sale of fishing licenses, and harbor and landing fees from tourist vessels. Tourism from specialized cruise ships is increasing rapidly.

Communications ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: coastal radiotelephone station at Grytviken

Internet country code:

.gs

Internet hosts:

320 (2010) country comparison to the world: 183

Transportation ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Ports and terminals:

Grytviken

Military ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Disputes - international:

Argentina, which claims the islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in 1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force

page last updated on November 17, 2010

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@Spain (Europe)

Introduction ::Spain

Background:

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). A peaceful transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the EU in 1986) gave Spain a dynamic and rapidly growing economy and made it a global champion of freedom and human rights. The government continues to battle the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorist organization, but its major focus for the immediate future will be on measures to reverse the severe economic recession that started in mid-2008.

Geography ::Spain

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea,
North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 4 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 505,370 sq km country comparison to the world: 51 land: 498,980 sq km

water: 6,390 sq km

note: there are two autonomous cities - Ceuta and Melilla - and 17 autonomous communities including Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the coast of Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 1,917.8 km

border countries: Andorra 63.7 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km, Portugal 1,214 km, Morocco (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Morocco (Melilla) 9.6 km

Coastline:

4,964 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (applies only to the Atlantic Ocean)

Climate:

temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast

Terrain:

large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

Natural resources:

coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, tungsten, mercury, pyrites, magnesite, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite, kaolin, potash, hydropower, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 27.18%

permanent crops: 9.85%

other: 62.97% (2005)

Irrigated land:

37,800 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

111.1 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 37.22 cu km/yr (13%/19%/68%)

per capita: 864 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts, occasional flooding

volcanism: Spain experiences volcanic activity in the Canary Islands, located off Africa's northwest coast; Teide (elev. 3,715 m, 12,188 ft) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; La Palma (elev. 2,426 m, 7,959 ft), which last erupted in 1971, is the most active of the Canary Islands volcanoes; Lanzarote is the only other historically active volcano

Environment - current issues:

pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas; water quality and quantity nationwide; air pollution; deforestation; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar; Spain controls a number of territories in northern Morocco including the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and the islands of Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas

People ::Spain

Population:

46,505,963 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.5% (male 3,021,822/female 2,842,597)

15-64 years: 67.4% (male 13,705,107/female 13,601,399)

65 years and over: 18.1% (male 3,071,394/female 4,282,683) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.1 years

male: 38.9 years

female: 41.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.493% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Birth rate:

10.91 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Death rate:

8.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Net migration rate:

2.73 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.42 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 214 male: 3.77 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.07 years country comparison to the world: 13 male: 78.06 years

female: 84.27 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.47 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

140,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Nationality:

noun: Spaniard(s)

adjective: Spanish

Ethnic groups:

composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Religions:

Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%

Languages:

Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%, are official regionally

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.9%

male: 98.7%

female: 97.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 93

Government ::Spain

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Spain

conventional short form: Spain

local long form: Reino de Espana

local short form: Espana

Government type:

parliamentary monarchy

Capital:

name: Madrid

geographic coordinates: 40 24 N, 3 41 W

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

note: Spain is divided into two time zones including the Canary Islands

Administrative divisions:

17 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular - comunidad autonoma) and 2 autonomous cities* (ciudades autonomas, singular - ciudad autonoma); Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Baleares (Balearic Islands), Ceuta*, Canarias (Canary Islands), Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Cataluna (Catalonia), Comunidad Valenciana (Valencian Community), Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Melilla*, Murcia, Navarra, Pais Vasco (Basque Country)

note: the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla plus three small islands of Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, administered directly by the Spanish central government, are all along the coast of Morocco and are collectively referred to as Places of Sovereignty (Plazas de Soberania)

Independence:

1492; the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of independent kingdoms prior to the Muslim occupation that began in the early 8th century A.D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the small Christian redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost immediately, culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492; this event completed the unification of several kingdoms and is traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain

National holiday:

National Day, 12 October (1492); year when Columbus first set foot in the Americas

Constitution:

approved by legislature 31 October 1978; passed by referendum 6 December 1978; signed by the king 27 December 1978

Legal system:

civil law system with regional applications; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975); Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968

head of government: President of the Government (Prime Minister equivalent) Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO (since 17 April 2004); First Vice President (and Minister of the Interior) Alfredo Perez RUBALCABA (since 20 October 2010), Second Vice President (and Minister of Economy and Finance) Elena SALGADO Mendez (since 8 April 2009), and Third Vice President (and Minister of Regional Affairs) Manuel CHAVES Gonzalez (since 8 April 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme consultative organ of the government, but its recommendations are non-binding

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually proposed president by the monarch and elected by the National Assembly; election last held on 9 and 11 April 2008 (next to be held in March 2012); vice presidents appointed by the monarch on the proposal of the president

election results: Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO reelected President of the Government; percent of National Assembly vote - 46.9%

Legislative branch:

bicameral; General Courts or Las Cortes Generales (National Assembly) consists of the Senate or Senado (264 seats as of 2008; 208 members directly elected by popular vote and the other 56 - as of 2008 - appointed by the regional legislatures; members to serve four-year terms) and the Congress of Deputies or Congreso de los Diputados (350 seats; each of the 50 electoral provinces fills a minimum of two seats and the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla fill one seat each with members serving a four-year term; the other 248 members are determined by proportional representation based on popular vote on block lists who serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 9 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2012); Congress of Deputies - last held on 9 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PP 101, PSOE 88, Entesa Catalona de Progress 12, CiU 4, PNV 2, CC 1, members appointed by regional legislatures 56; Congress of Deputies - percent of vote by party - PSOE 43.6%, PP 40.1%, CiU 3.1%, PNV 1.2%, ERC 1.2%, other 10.8%; seats by party - PSOE 169, PP 154, CiU 10, PNV 6, ERC 3, other 8; note - seats by party in the Congress of Deputies as of 15 December 2009 - PSOE 169, PP 153, CiU 10, PNV 6, ERC 3, other 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo

Political parties and leaders:

Basque Nationalist Party or PNV or EAJ [Inigo URKULLU Renteria];
Canarian Coalition or CC [Claudina MORALES Rodriquez] (a coalition
of five parties); Convergence and Union or CiU [Artur MAS i Gavarro]
(a coalition of the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia or CDC
[Artur MAS i Gavarro] and the Democratic Union of Catalonia or UDC
[Josep Antoni DURAN i LLEIDA]); Entesa Catalonia de Progress (a
Senate coalition grouping four Catalan parties - PSC, ERC, ICV,
EUA); Galician Nationalist Bloc or BNG [Guillerme VAZQUEZ Vazquez];
Initiative for Catalonia Greens or ICV [Joan SAURA i Laporta];
Navarra Yes or NaBai [collective leadership] (a coalition of four
Navarran parties); Popular Party or PP [Mariano RAJOY Brey];
Republican Left of Catalonia or ERC [Joan PUIGCERCOS i Boixassa];
Spanish Socialist Workers Party or PSOE [Jose Luis Rodriguez
ZAPATERO]; Union of People of Navarra or UPN [Yolanda BARCINA
Angulo]; Union, Progress and Democracy or UPyD [Rosa DIEZ Gonzalez];
United Left or IU [Cayo LARA Moya] (a coalition of parties including
the Communist Party of Spain or PCE and other small parties)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association for Victims of Terrorism or AVT (grassroots organization devoted primarily to opposing ETA terrorist attacks and supporting its victims); Basta Ya (Spanish for "Enough is Enough"); grassroots organization devoted primarily to opposing ETA terrorist attacks and supporting its victims); Nunca Mais (Galician for "Never Again"; formed in response to the oil Tanker Prestige oil spill); Socialist General Union of Workers or UGT and the smaller independent Workers Syndical Union or USO; Trade Union Confederation of Workers' Commissions or CC.OO.

other: business and landowning interests; Catholic Church; free labor unions (authorized in April 1977); university students

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council
(observer), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CBSS (observer), CE, CERN,
EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA
(observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer),
SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union
Latina, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge DEZCALLAR de Mazarredo

chancery: 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 452-0100, 728-2340

FAX: [1] (202) 833-5670

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alan D. SOLOMONT

embassy: Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid

mailing address: PSC 61, APO AE 09642

telephone: [34] (91) 587-2200

FAX: [34] (91) 587-2303

consulate(s) general: Barcelona

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width), and red with the national coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band; the coat of arms is quartered to display the emblems of the traditional kingdoms of Spain (clockwise from upper left, Castile, Leon, Navarre, and Aragon) while Granada is represented by the stylized pomegranate at the bottom of the shield; the arms are framed by two columns representing the Pillars of Hercules, which are the two promontories (Gibraltar and Ceuta) on either side of the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar; the red scroll across the two columns bears the imperial motto of "Plus Ultra" (further beyond) referring to Spanish lands beyond Europe; the triband arrangement with the center stripe twice the width of the outer dates to the 18th century

note: the red and yellow colors are related to those of the oldest Spanish kingdoms: Aragon, Castile, Leon, and Navarre

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional Espanol" (National Anthem of Spain)

lyrics/music: none/unknown

note: officially in use between 1770 and 1931, restored in 1939; the Spanish anthem has no lyrics; in the years prior to 1931 it became known as "Marcha Real" (The Royal March); it first appeared in a 1761 military bugle call book and was replaced by "Himno de Riego" in the years between 1931 and 1939; the long version of the anthem is used for the king, while the short version is used for the prince, prime minister, and occasions such as sporting events

Economy ::Spain

Economy - overview:

Spain's mixed capitalist economy is the 12th largest in the world, and its per capita income roughly matches that of Germany and France. However, after almost 15 years of above average GDP growth, the Spanish economy began to slow in late 2007 and entered into a recession in the second quarter of 2008. GDP contracted by 3.7% in 2009, ending a 16-year growth trend, and by another 0.4% in 2010, making Spain the last major economy to emerge from the global recession. The reversal in Spain's economic growth reflects a significant decline in the construction sector, an oversupply of housing, falling consumer spending, and slumping exports. Government efforts to boost the economy through stimulus spending, extended unemployment benefits, and loan guarantees did not prevent a sharp rise in the unemployment rate, which rose from a low of about 8% in 2007 to 20% in 2010. The government budget deficit worsened from 3.8% of GDP in 2008 to about 9.7% of GDP in 2010, more than three times the euro-zone limit. Spain's large budget deficit and poor economic growth prospects have made it vulnerable to financial contagion from other highly-indebted euro zone members despite the government's efforts to cut spending, privatize industries, and boost competitiveness through labor market reforms. Spanish banks' high exposure to the collapsed domestic construction and real estate market also poses a continued risk for the sector. The government intervened in one regional savings bank in 2009, and investors remain concerned that Madrid may need to bail out more troubled banks. The Bank of Spain, however, is seeking to boost confidence in the financial sector by pressuring banks to come clean about their losses and consolidate into stronger groups.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.374 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $1.379 trillion (2009 est.)

$1.432 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.375 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192 -3.7% (2009 est.)

0.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$29,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $29,800 (2009 est.)

$31,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.9%

industry: 25.5%

services: 71.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

22.96 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.2%

industry: 24%

services: 71.7% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 18.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

19.8% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 26.6% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32 (2005) country comparison to the world: 102 32.5 (1990)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Public debt:

63.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 53.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 -0.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 122 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.72% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 11.02% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$849.2 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 9 $856.5 billion (31 December 2009 est)

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$2.264 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $2.451 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.683 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $3.451 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.297 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 11 $946.1 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.8 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish

Industries:

textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages, metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, machine tools, tourism, clay and refractory products, footwear, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment

Industrial production growth rate:

-2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Electricity - production:

300.5 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Electricity - consumption:

276.1 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Electricity - exports:

16.92 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

5.88 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

27,230 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Oil - consumption:

1.482 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Oil - exports:

218,600 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Oil - imports:

1.716 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Oil - proved reserves:

150 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Natural gas - production:

13 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - consumption:

33.88 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Natural gas - exports:

975 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Natural gas - imports:

34.67 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.548 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Current account balance:

-$66.74 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189 -$80.38 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$268.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $224 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery, motor vehicles; foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, medicines, other consumer goods

Exports - partners:

France 19.27%, Germany 11.11%, Portugal 9.21%, Italy 8.24%, UK 6.18% (2009)

Imports:

$324.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $286.8 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, measuring and medical control instruments

Imports - partners:

Germany 15.02%, France 12.82%, Italy 7.17%, China 5.8%, Netherlands 5.22%, UK 4.7% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$28.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.166 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 9 $2.317 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$668.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $664 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$641 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $634.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Spain

Telephones - main lines in use:

20.057 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 13

Telephones - mobile cellular:

50.991 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 23

Telephone system:

general assessment: well developed, modern facilities; fixed-line teledensity is roughly 50 per 100 persons

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is nearly 175 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 34; submarine cables provide connectivity to Europe, Middle East, Asia, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to adjacent countries

Broadcast media:

a mixture of both publicly-operated and privately-owned TV and radio stations broadcasting; overall, hundreds of TV channels are available including national, regional, local, public, and international channels; satellite and cable TV systems are accessible; multiple national radio networks, a large number of regional radio networks, and a larger number of local radio stations broadcasting; overall, hundreds of radio stations operating (2008)

Internet country code:

.es

Internet hosts:

3.822 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 23

Internet users:

28.119 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 14

Transportation ::Spain

Airports:

154 (2010) country comparison to the world: 35

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 97

over 3,047 m: 18

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

914 to 1,523 m: 24

under 914 m: 24 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 57

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Heliports:

9 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 7,738 km; oil 560 km; refined products 3,445 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 15,288 km country comparison to the world: 18 broad gauge: 11,919 km 1.668-m gauge (6,950 km electrified)

standard gauge: 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (1,054 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,949 km 1.000-m gauge (815 km electrified); 28 km 0.914-m gauge (28 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 681,298 km country comparison to the world: 10 paved: 681,298 km (includes 15,152 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways:

1,000 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 65

Merchant marine:

total: 138 country comparison to the world: 44 by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 17, chemical tanker 12, container 8, liquefied gas 13, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 40, petroleum tanker 17, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle carrier 5

foreign-owned: 26 (Canada 5, Denmark 2, Germany 5, Italy 1, Mexico 2, Norway 10, Switzerland 1)

registered in other countries: 107 (Angola 1, Argentina 3, Bahamas 9, Belize 1, Brazil 12, Cape Verde 1, Cyprus 7, France 1, Malta 10, Nigeria 1, Panama 40, Portugal 15, Uruguay 5, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Algeciras, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Huelva, Tarragona, Valencia
(Spain); Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Military ::Spain

Military branches:

Spanish Armed Forces: Army (Ejercito de Tierra), Spanish Navy
(Armada Espanola, AE; includes Marine Corps), Spanish Air Force
(Ejercito del Aire Espanola, EdA) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,851,306

females age 16-49: 9,574,929 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,040,207

females age 16-49: 7,798,254 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 193,038

female: 181,703 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Transnational Issues ::Spain

Disputes - international:

in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant Gibraltar greater autonomy; Morocco protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and the islands of Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; both countries claim Isla Perejil (Leila Island); Morocco serves as the primary launching site of illegal migration into Spain from North Africa; Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the territory of Olivenza based on a difference of interpretation of the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the 1801 Treaty of Badajoz

Illicit drugs:

despite rigorous law enforcement efforts, North African, Latin American, Galician, and other European traffickers take advantage of Spain's long coastline to land large shipments of cocaine and hashish for distribution to the European market; consumer for Latin American cocaine and North African hashish; destination and minor transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin; money-laundering site for Colombian narcotics trafficking organizations and organized crime

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Spratly Islands (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Spratly Islands

Background:

The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs. They are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and potentially by gas and oil deposits. They are claimed in their entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while portions are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines. About 45 islands are occupied by relatively small numbers of military forces from China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Brunei has established a fishing zone that overlaps a southern reef but has not made any formal claim.

Geography ::Spratly Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, group of reefs and islands in the South China Sea, about two-thirds of the way from southern Vietnam to the southern Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

8 38 N, 111 55 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: less than 5 sq km country comparison to the world: 247 land: less than 5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes 100 or so islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts scattered over an area of nearly 410,000 sq km of the central South China Sea

Area - comparative:

NA

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

926 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

flat

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 4 m

Natural resources:

fish, guano, undetermined oil and natural gas potential

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons; numerous reefs and shoals pose a serious maritime hazard

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

strategically located near several primary shipping lanes in the central South China Sea; includes numerous small islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs

People ::Spratly Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there are scattered garrisons occupied by personnel of several claimant states

Government ::Spratly Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Spratly Islands

Economy ::Spratly Islands

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to commercial fishing. The proximity to nearby oil- and gas-producing sedimentary basins suggests the potential for oil and gas deposits, but the region is largely unexplored. There are no reliable estimates of potential reserves. Commercial exploitation has yet to be developed.

Transportation ::Spratly Islands

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 185

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Spratly Islands

Military - note:

Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs of which about 45 are claimed and occupied by China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam

Transnational Issues ::Spratly Islands

Disputes - international:

all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China (including Taiwan) and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines; despite no public territorial claim to Louisa Reef, Brunei implicitly lays claim by including it within the natural prolongation of its continental shelf and basis for a seabed median with Vietnam; claimants in November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," which has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct"; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands

page last updated on November 17, 2010

======================================================================

@Sri Lanka (South Asia)

Introduction ::Sri Lanka

Background:

The first Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C. probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom in northern Sri Lanka. The coastal areas of the island were controlled by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century. The island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. After two decades of fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) formalized a cease-fire in February 2002 with Norway brokering peace negotiations. Violence between the LTTE and government forces intensified in 2006 and the government regained control of the Eastern Province in 2007. In May 2009, the government announced that its military had finally defeated the remnants of the LTTE and that its leader, Velupillai PRABHAKARAN, had been killed.

Geography ::Sri Lanka

Location:

Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India

Geographic coordinates:

7 00 N, 81 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 65,610 sq km country comparison to the world: 121 land: 64,630 sq km

water: 980 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,340 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)

Terrain:

mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m

Natural resources:

limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 13.96%

permanent crops: 15.24%

other: 70.8% (2005)

Irrigated land:

7,430 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

50 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 12.61 cu km/yr (2%/2%/95%)

per capita: 608 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional cyclones and tornadoes

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste disposal; air pollution in Colombo

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes

People ::Sri Lanka

Population:

21,513,990 country comparison to the world: 55 note: since the outbreak of hostilities between the government and armed Tamil separatists in the mid-1980s, several hundred thousand Tamil civilians have fled the island and more than 200,000 Tamils have sought refuge in the West (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.9% (male 2,594,815/female 2,493,002)

15-64 years: 68% (male 7,089,307/female 7,418,123)

65 years and over: 8.1% (male 803,172/female 926,372) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.3 years

male: 30.3 years

female: 32.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.863% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Birth rate:

15.88 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Death rate:

6.2 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Net migration rate:

-1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Urbanization:

urban population: 15% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.044 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 18.14 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 105 male: 19.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.3 years country comparison to the world: 85 male: 73.22 years

female: 77.47 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.96 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A

vectorborne disease: dengue fever and chikungunya

water contact disease: leptospirosis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Sri Lankan(s)

adjective: Sri Lankan

Ethnic groups:

Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, other 0.5%, unspecified 10% (2001 census provisional data)

Religions:

Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, unspecified 10% (2001 census provisional data)

Languages:

Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8%

note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken competently by about 10% of the population

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 90.7%

male: 92.3%

female: 89.1% (2001 census)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Sri Lanka

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

conventional short form: Sri Lanka

local long form: Shri Lamka Prajatantrika Samajaya di Janarajaya/Ilankai Jananayaka Choshalichak Kutiyarachu

local short form: Shri Lamka/Ilankai

former: Serendib, Ceylon

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Colombo

geographic coordinates: 6 56 N, 79 51 E

time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Central, Eastern, North Central, Northern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western

Independence:

4 February 1948 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 February (1948)

Constitution:

adopted 16 August 1978, certified 31 August 1978; amended 20 December 2001

Legal system:

a highly complex mixture of English common law, Roman-Dutch, Kandyan, and Jaffna Tamil law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mahinda Percy RAJAPAKSA (since 19 November 2005); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; Dissanayake Mudiyanselage JAYARATNE holds the largely ceremonial title of prime minister (since 21 April 2010)

head of government: President Mahinda Percy RAJAPAKSA (since 19 November 2005)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (two-term limit); election last held on 26 January 2010 (next to be held in 2016)

election results: Mahinda RAJAPAKSA reelected president for second term; percent of vote - Mahinda RAJAPAKSA 57.88%, Sarath FONSEKA 40.15%, other 1.97%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (225 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of an open-list, proportional representation system by electoral district to serve six-year terms)

elections: last held on 8 April 2010 with a repoll in two electorates held on 20 April 2010 (next to be held by April 2016)

election results: percent of vote by alliance or party - United People's Freedom Alliance 60.93%, United National Party 29.34%, Democratic National Alliance 5.49%, Tamil National Alliance 2.9%, other 1.94%; seats by alliance or party - United People's Freedom Alliance 144, United National Party 60, Tamil National Alliance 14, Democratic National Alliance 7

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; judges for both courts are appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

Coalitions and leaders: Democratic National Alliance led by Janatha
Vimukthi Peramuna or JVP [Somawansa AMARASINGHE]; Tamil National
Alliance led by Illandai Tamil Arasu Kachchi [R. SAMPANTHAN]; United
National Front led by United National Party [Ranil WICKREMESINGHE];
United People's Freedom Alliance led by Sri Lanka Freedom Party
[Mahinda RAJAPAKSA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or LTTE [P. SIVAPARAN, Chief of International Secretariat; V. RUDRAKUMARAN, legal advisor]; note - this insurgent group suffered military defeat in May 2009; some cadres remain scattered throughout country;

other: Buddhist clergy; labor unions; radical chauvinist Sinhalese groups such as the National Movement Against Terrorism; Sinhalese Buddhist lay groups

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CP, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO
(dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jaliya Chitran WICKRAMASURIYA

chancery: 2148 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-4025 through 4028

FAX: [1] (202) 232-7181

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia A. BUTENIS

embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3

mailing address: P. O. Box 106, Colombo

telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500

FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345

Flag description:

yellow with two panels; the smaller hoist-side panel has two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and orange; the other larger panel depicts a yellow lion holding a sword on a dark red rectangular field that also displays a yellow bo leaf in each corner; the yellow field appears as a border around the entire flag and extends between the two panels; the lion represents Sinhalese ethnicity, the strength of the nation, and bravery; the sword demonstrates the sovereignty of the nation; the four bo leaves - symbolizing Buddhism and its influence on the country - stand for the four virtues of kindness, friendliness, happiness, and equanimity; orange signifies Sri Lankan Tamils, green the Sri Lankan Moors; dark red represents the European Burghers, but also refers to the rich colonial background of the country; yellow denotes other ethnic groups; also referred to as the Lion Flag

National anthem:

name: "Sri Lanka Matha" (Mother Sri Lanka)

lyrics/music: Ananda SAMARKONE

note: adopted 1951

Economy ::Sri Lanka

Economy - overview:

Sri Lanka is engaging in large-scale reconstruction and development projects following the end of the 26-year conflict with the LTTE, including increasing electricity access and rebuilding its road and rail network. Additionally, Sri Lanka seeks to reduce poverty by using a combination of state directed policies and private investment promotion to spur growth in disadvantaged areas, develop small and medium enterprises, and promote increased agriculture, High levels of government funding may be difficult, as the government already is faced with high debt interest payments, a bloated civil service, and historically high budget deficits. The 2008-09 global financial crisis and recession exposed Sri Lanka's economic vulnerabilities and nearly caused a balance of payments crisis, which was alleviated by a $2.6 billion IMF standby agreement in July 2009. The end of the civil war and the IMF loan, however, have largely restored investors' confidence, reflected in part by the Sri Lankan stock market's recognition as one of the best performing markets in the world. Sri Lankan growth rates averaged nearly 5% in during the war, but increased government spending on development and fighting the LTTE in the final years spurred GDP growth to around 6-7% per year in 2006-08. After experiencing 3.5% growth in 2009, Sri Lanka's economy is poised to achieve high growth rates in the postwar period.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$104.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $97.91 billion (2009 est.)

$94.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$48.24 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 3.5% (2009 est.)

6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 $4,600 (2009 est.)

$4,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.6%

industry: 29.8%

services: 57.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

8.1 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 32.7%

industry: 26.3%

services: 41% (December 2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 5.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

23% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.1%

highest 10%: 39.7% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

49 (2007) country comparison to the world: 27 46 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Public debt:

86.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 85.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7.25% (December 2010) country comparison to the world: 55 7.5% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.37% (December 2010) country comparison to the world: 41 15.89% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$4.4 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 96 $3.628 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$19.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $16.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$18.34 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $16.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$11.5 billion (December 2010) country comparison to the world: 70 $8.133 billion (31 December 2009)

$4.326 billion (31 December 2008)

Agriculture - products:

rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, spices, vegetables, fruit, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs, hides, beef; fish

Industries:

processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, tobacco and other agricultural commodities; telecommunications, insurance, banking; tourism, shipping; clothing, textiles; cement, petroleum refining, information technology services, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

6.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Electricity - production:

9.882 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Electricity - consumption:

8.417 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Oil - consumption:

90,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Oil - imports:

90,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Current account balance:

-$1.784 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 -$291 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.908 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $7.085 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

textiles and apparel, tea and spices; rubber manufactures; precious stones; coconut products, fish

Exports - partners:

US 20.59%, UK 12.87%, Italy 5.51%, Germany 5.29%, India 4.54%,
Belgium 4.43% (2009)

Imports:

$11.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $9.186 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, textiles, machinery and transportation equipment, building materials, mineral products, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

India 20.73%, China 13.45%, Singapore 7.26%, Iran 6.7%, South Korea 5.23% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$5.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $5.358 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$17.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $17.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) per US dollar - 113.36 (2010), 114.95 (2009), 108.33 (2008), 110.78 (2007), 103.99 (2006)

Communications ::Sri Lanka

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.523 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 44

Telephones - mobile cellular:

15.868 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 46

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone services have improved significantly and are available in most parts of the country

domestic: national trunk network consists mostly of digital microwave radio relay; fiber-optic links now in use in Colombo area and fixed wireless local loops have been installed; competition is strong in mobile cellular systems and mobile cellular subscribership is increasing

international: country code - 94; the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cables provide connectivity to Asia, Australia, Middle East, Europe, US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Broadcast media:

government operates 2 television channels and a radio network; multi-channel satellite and cable TV subscription services are obtainable; 8 private TV stations and about a dozen private radio stations in operation (2008)

Internet country code:

.lk

Internet hosts:

8,865 (2010) country comparison to the world: 131

Internet users:

1.777 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 77

Transportation ::Sri Lanka

Airports:

18 (2010) country comparison to the world: 139

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 14

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,449 km country comparison to the world: 82 broad gauge: 1,449 km 1.676-m gauge (2007)

Roadways:

total: 91,907 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 54

Waterways:

160 km (primarily on rivers in southwest) (2008) country comparison to the world: 101

Merchant marine:

total: 22 country comparison to the world: 99 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 14, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker 3

foreign-owned: 5 (Germany 5) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Colombo

Military ::Sri Lanka

Military branches:

Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; 5-year service obligation (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,493,050

females age 16-49: 5,622,632 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,518,582

females age 16-49: 4,701,942 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 172,081

female: 166,358 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 55

Transnational Issues ::Sri Lanka

Disputes - international:

none

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 460,000 (both Tamils and non-Tamils displaced due to long-term civil war between the government and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Sri Lanka is a source and destination country for men and women trafficked for the purposes of involuntary servitude and commercial sexual exploitation; Sri Lankan men and women migrate willingly to the Persian Gulf, Middle East, and East Asia to work as construction workers, domestic servants, or garment factory workers, where some find themselves in situations of involuntary servitude when faced with restrictions on movement, withholding of passports, threats, physical or sexual abuse, and debt bondage; children are trafficked internally for commercial sexual exploitation and, less frequently, for forced labor

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a fourth consecutive year, Sri Lanka is on the Tier 2 Watch List for failing to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of human trafficking, particularly in the area of law enforcement; the government failed to arrest, prosecute, or convict any person for trafficking offenses and continued to punish some victims of trafficking for crimes committed as a result of being trafficked; Sri Lanka has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Sudan (Africa)

Introduction ::Sudan

Background:

Military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have dominated national politics since independence from the UK in 1956. Sudan was embroiled in two prolonged civil wars during most of the remainder of the 20th century. These conflicts were rooted in northern economic, political, and social domination of largely non-Muslim, non-Arab southern Sudanese. The first civil war ended in 1972 but broke out again in 1983. The second war and famine-related effects resulted in more than four million people displaced and, according to rebel estimates, more than two million deaths over a period of two decades. Peace talks gained momentum in 2002-04 with the signing of several accords. The final North/South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in January 2005, granted the southern rebels autonomy for six years. After which, a referendum for independence is scheduled to be held. A separate conflict, which broke out in the western region of Darfur in 2003, has displaced nearly two million people and caused an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 deaths. The UN took command of the Darfur peacekeeping operation from the African Union on 31 December 2007. As of early 2009, peacekeeping troops were struggling to stabilize the situation, which has become increasingly regional in scope and has brought instability to eastern Chad. Sudan also has faced large refugee influxes from neighboring countries primarily Ethiopia and Chad. Armed conflict, poor transport infrastructure, and lack of government support have chronically obstructed the provision of humanitarian assistance to affected populations.

Geography ::Sudan

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and Eritrea

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,505,813 sq km country comparison to the world: 10 land: 2.376 million sq km

water: 129,813 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than one-quarter the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 7,687 km

border countries: Central African Republic 1,165 km, Chad 1,360 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 628 km, Egypt 1,273 km, Eritrea 605 km, Ethiopia 1,606 km, Kenya 232 km, Libya 383 km, Uganda 435 km

Coastline:

853 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 18 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season varies by region (April to November)

Terrain:

generally flat, featureless plain; mountains in far south, northeast and west; desert dominates the north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Red Sea 0 m

highest point: Kinyeti 3,187 m

Natural resources:

petroleum; small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 6.78%

permanent crops: 0.17%

other: 93.05% (2005)

Irrigated land:

18,630 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

154 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 37.32 cu km/yr (3%/1%/97%)

per capita: 1,030 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust storms and periodic persistent droughts

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; wildlife populations threatened by excessive hunting; soil erosion; desertification; periodic drought

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

largest country in Africa; dominated by the Nile and its tributaries

People ::Sudan

Population:

43,939,598 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.7% (male 8,535,551/female 8,173,616)

15-64 years: 56.8% (male 11,745,683/female 11,603,906)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 532,968/female 496,101) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.4 years

male: 18 years

female: 18.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.497% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Birth rate:

36.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Death rate:

11.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Net migration rate:

0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Urbanization:

urban population: 43% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 72.39 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 19 male: 73.08 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 71.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.21 years country comparison to the world: 200 male: 53.04 years

female: 55.44 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.93 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

320,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

25,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Sudanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sudanese

Ethnic groups:

black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), Christian 5% (mostly in south and
Khartoum), indigenous beliefs 25%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages

note: program of "Arabization" in process

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 61.1%

male: 71.8%

female: 50.5% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 4 years (2000)

Education expenditures:

6% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 38

Government ::Sudan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Sudan

conventional short form: Sudan

local long form: Jumhuriyat as-Sudan

local short form: As-Sudan

former: Anglo-Egyptian Sudan

Government type:

Government of National Unity (GNU) - the National Congress Party (NCP) and Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) formed a power-sharing government under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA); the NCP, which came to power by military coup in 1989, is the majority partner; the agreement stipulated national elections in 2009, but these were subsequently rescheduled for April 2010

Capital:

name: Khartoum

geographic coordinates: 15 36 N, 32 32 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

25 states (wilayat, singular - wilayah); A'ali an Nil (Upper Nile),
Al Bahr al Ahmar (Red Sea), Al Buhayrat (Lakes), Al Jazira (Gezira),
Al Khartoum (Khartoum), Al Qadarif (Gedaref), Al Wahda (Unity), An
Nil al Abyad (White Nile), An Nil al Azraq (Blue Nile), Ash
Shimaliyya (Northern), Bahr al Jabal (Central Equatoria), Gharb al
Istiwa'iyya (Western Equatoria), Gharb Bahr al Ghazal (Western Bahr
el Ghazal), Gharb Darfur (Western Darfur), Janub Darfur (Southern
Darfur), Janub Kurdufan (Southern Kordofan), Junqoley (Jonglei),
Kassala (Kassala), Nahr an Nil (River Nile), Shimal Bahr al Ghazal
(Northern Bahr el Ghazal), Shimal Darfur (Northern Darfur), Shimal
Kurdufan (Northern Kordofan), Sharq al Istiwa'iyya (Eastern
Equatoria), Sinnar (Sinnar), Warab (Warrap)

Independence:

1 January 1956 (from Egypt and the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 January (1956)

Constitution:

Interim National Constitution ratified 5 July 2005

note: under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the Interim National Constitution was ratified 5 July 2005; Constitution of Southern Sudan was signed December 2005

Legal system:

based on English common law and Islamic law; as of 20 January 1991, the now defunct Revolutionary Command Council imposed Islamic law in the northern states; Islamic law applies to all residents of the northern states regardless of their religion; however, the CPA establishes some protections for non-Muslims in Khartoum; some separate religious courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; the southern legal system is still developing under the CPA following the civil war; Islamic law will not apply to the southern states

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since 16 October 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since 16 October 1993)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - the National Congress Party or NCP (formerly the National Islamic Front or NIF) dominates al-BASHIR's cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: election on 11-15 April 2010; next to be held in 2015

election results: Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR reelected president; percent of vote - Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR 68.2%, Yasir ARMAN 21.7%, Abdullah Deng NHIAL 3.9%, others 6.2%

note: al-BASHIR assumed power as chairman of Sudan's Revolutionary Command Council for National Salvation (RCC) in June 1989 and served concurrently as chief of state, chairman of the RCC, prime minister, and minister of defense until mid-October 1993 when he was appointed president by the RCC; he was elected president by popular vote for the first time in March 1996

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Legislature consists of a Council of States (50 seats; members indirectly elected by state legislatures to serve six-year terms) and a National Assembly (450 seats; 60% from geographic constituencies, 25% from a women's list, and 15% from party lists; members to serve six-year terms)

elections: last held on 11-15 April 2010 (next to be held in 2016)

election results: Not available; prior to the 11-15 April 2010 election, members appointmented under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court of nine justices; National Supreme Court;
National Courts of Appeal; other national courts; National Judicial
Service Commission will undertake overall management of the National
Judiciary

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Unionist Party or DUP [Hatim al-SIR]; National Congress Party or NCP [Umar Hassan al-BASHIR]; Popular Congress Party or PCP [Hassan al-TURABI]; Sudan People's Liberation Movement or SPLM [Salva KIIR]; elements of the National Democratic Alliance or NDA including factions of the Democratic Union Party [Muhammad Uthman al-MIRGHANI] and Umma Party

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Umma Party [SADIQ Siddiq al-Mahdi]; Popular Congress Party or PCP
[Hassan al-TURABI]; Darfur rebel groups including the Justice and
Equality Movement or JEM [Khalil IBRAHIM] and the Sudan Liberation
Movement or SLM [various factional leaders]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW,
PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Akec Khoc ACIEW Khoc

chancery: 2210 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 338-8565

FAX: [1] (202) 667-2406

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Robert E. WHITEHEAD

embassy: Sharia Ali Abdul Latif Street, Khartoum

mailing address: P.O. Box 699, Khartoum; APO AE 09829

telephone: [249] (183) 774700 through 704

FAX: [249] (183) 774137

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; colors and design based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I, but the meanings of the colors are expressed as follows: red signifies the struggle for freedom, white is the color of peace, light, and love, black represents Sudan itself (in Arabic 'Sudan' means black), green is the color of Islam, agriculture, and prosperity

National anthem:

name: "Nahnu Djundulla Djundulwatan" (We Are the Army of God and of Our Land)

lyrics/music: Sayed Ahmad Muhammad SALIH/Ahmad MURJAN

note: adopted 1956; the song originally served as the anthem of the Sudanese military

Economy ::Sudan

Economy - overview:

Since 1997, Sudan has been working with the IMF to implement macroeconomic reforms including a managed float of the exchange rate and a large reserve of foreign exchange. A new currency, the Sudanese Pound, was introduced in January 2007 at an initial exchange rate of $1.00 equals 2 Sudanese Pounds. Sudan began exporting crude oil in the last quarter of 1999 and the economy boomed on the back of increases in oil production, high oil prices, and significant inflows of foreign direct investment until the second half of 2008. The Darfur conflict, the aftermath of two decades of civil war in the south, the lack of basic infrastructure in large areas, and a reliance by much of the population on subsistence agriculture ensure much of the population will remain at or below the poverty line for years to come despite rapid rises in average per capita income. Sudan's real GDP expanded by 5.2% during 2010, an improvement over 2009's 4.2% growth but significantly below the more that 10% per year growth experienced prior to the global financial crisis in 2006 and 2007. While the oil sector continues to drive growth, services and utilities play an increasingly important role in the economy with agriculture production remaining important as it employs 80% of the work force and contributes a third of GDP. In the lead up to the referendum on southern secession, scheduled in January 2011, Sudan saw its currency depreciate considerably on the black market with the Central Bank's official rate also losing value as the Sudanese people started to hoard foreign currency. The Central Bank of Sudan intervened heavily in the currency market to defend the value of the pound and the Sudanese government introduced a number of measures to restrain excess local demand for hard currency, but uncertainty ahead of the referendum has meant that foreign exchange remained in heavy demand as 2010 came to a close.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$98.79 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $93.91 billion (2009 est.)

$90.12 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$65.93 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 4.2% (2009 est.)

6.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 $2,200 (2009 est.)

$2,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 32.1%

industry: 29%

services: 38.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

11.92 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%

industry: 7%

services: 13% (1998 est.)

Unemployment rate:

18.7% (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Population below poverty line:

40% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

20.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Public debt:

94.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 105.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207 11.2% (2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$7.713 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 76 $7.003 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$13.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $12.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$10.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $9.307 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), sorghum, millet, wheat, gum arabic, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), mangos, papaya, bananas, sweet potatoes, sesame; sheep, livestock

Industries:

oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar, soap distilling, shoes, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, armaments, automobile/light truck assembly

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Electricity - production:

4.341 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Electricity - consumption:

3.438 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

486,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Oil - consumption:

84,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Oil - exports:

303,800 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Oil - imports:

11,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Oil - proved reserves:

6.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - proved reserves:

84.95 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Current account balance:

-$2.595 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 -$2.817 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$9.777 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 $7.56 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and petroleum products; cotton, sesame, livestock, groundnuts, gum arabic, sugar

Exports - partners:

China 58.29%, Japan 14.7%, Indonesia 8.83%, India 4.86% (2009)

Imports:

$8.483 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $8.253 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactured goods, refinery and transport equipment, medicines and chemicals, textiles, wheat

Imports - partners:

China 21.87%, Saudi Arabia 7.22%, Egypt 6.1%, India 5.53%, UAE 5.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.063 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $897 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$37.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $35.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Sudanese pounds (SDG) per US dollar - 2.36 (2010), 2.32 (2009), 2.1 (2008), 2.06 (2007), 2.172 (2006)

Communications ::Sudan

Telephones - main lines in use:

370,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 105

Telephones - mobile cellular:

15.34 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 47

Telephone system:

general assessment: well-equipped system by regional standards and being upgraded; cellular communications started in 1996 and have expanded substantially with wide coverage of most major cities

domestic: consists of microwave radio relay, cable, fiber optic, radiotelephone communications, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations

international: country code - 249; linked to international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Arabsat (2000)

Broadcast media:

in the north, the Sudanese Government directly controls TV and radio, requiring that both media reflect government policies; TV has a permanent military censor; a private radio station is in operation; in southern Sudan, TV is controlled by the regional government; several private FM stations are operational in southern Sudan; some foreign radio broadcasts are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.sd

Internet hosts:

70 (2010) country comparison to the world: 207

Internet users:

4.2 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 56

Transportation ::Sudan

Airports:

140 (2010) country comparison to the world: 41

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 19

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 121

1,524 to 2,437 m: 21

914 to 1,523 m: 62

under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Heliports:

5 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 156 km; oil 4,070 km; refined products 1,613 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,978 km country comparison to the world: 30 narrow gauge: 4,578 km 1.067-m gauge; 1,400 km 0.600-m gauge for cotton plantations (2008)

Roadways:

total: 11,900 km country comparison to the world: 131 paved: 4,320 km

unpaved: 7,580 km (2000)

Waterways:

4,068 km (1,723 km open year round on White and Blue Nile rivers) (2008) country comparison to the world: 25

Merchant marine:

total: 2 country comparison to the world: 142 by type: cargo 2 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Port Sudan

Military ::Sudan

Military branches:

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): Land Forces, Navy (includes Marines),
Sudanese Air Force (Sikakh al-Jawwiya as-Sudaniya), Popular Defense
Forces; Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA): Popular Army, Air
Force (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-33 years of age for male and female compulsory and voluntary military service; 12-24 month service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,264,087

females age 16-49: 9,894,457 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,094,209

females age 16-49: 6,213,984 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 506,742

female: 487,434 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Transnational Issues ::Sudan

Disputes - international:

the effects of Sudan's almost constant ethnic and rebel militia fighting since the mid-20th century have penetrated all of the neighboring states; as of 2006, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda provided shelter for over half a million Sudanese refugees, which includes 240,000 Darfur residents driven from their homes by Janjawid armed militia and the Sudanese military forces; Sudan, in turn, hosted about 116,000 Eritreans, 20,000 Chadians, and smaller numbers of Ethiopians, Ugandans, Central Africans, and Congolese as refugees; in February 2006, Sudan and DROC signed an agreement to repatriate 13,300 Sudanese and 6,800 Congolese; Sudan accuses Eritrea of supporting Sudanese rebel groups; efforts to demarcate the porous boundary with Ethiopia proceed slowly due to civil and ethnic fighting in eastern Sudan; the boundary that separates Kenya and Sudan's sovereignty is unclear in the "Ilemi Triangle," which Kenya has administered since colonial times; Sudan claims but Egypt de facto administers security and economic development of Halaib region north of the 22nd parallel boundary; periodic violent skirmishes with Sudanese residents over water and grazing rights persist among related pastoral populations along the border with the Central African Republic

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 157,220 (Eritrea); 25,023 (Chad); 11,009 (Ethiopia); 7,895 (Uganda); 5,023 (Central African Republic)

IDPs: 5.3 - 6.2 million (civil war 1983-2005; ongoing conflict in
Darfur region) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Sudan is a source country for men, women, and children trafficked internally for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; Sudan is also a transit and destination country for Ethiopian women trafficked abroad for domestic servitude; Sudanese women and girls are trafficked within the country as well as possibly to Middle Eastern countries for domestic servitude; the terrorist rebel organization, Lord's Resistance Army, continues to harbor small numbers of Sudanese and Ugandan children in the southern part of the country for use as cooks, porters, and combatants; some of these children are also trafficked across borders into Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo; militia groups in Darfur, some of which are linked to the government, abduct women for short periods of forced labor and to perpetrate sexual violence; during the two decades-long north-south civil war, thousands of Dinka women and children were abducted and subsequently enslaved by members of the Missiriya and Rezeigat tribes; while there have been no known new abductions of Dinka by members of Baggara tribes in the last few years, inter-tribal abductions continue in southern Sudan

tier rating: Tier 3 - Sudan does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; combating human trafficking through law enforcement or prevention measures was not a priority for the government in 2007 (2008)

page last updated on January 26, 2011

======================================================================

@Suriname (South America)

Introduction ::Suriname

Background:

First explored by the Spaniards in the 16th century and then settled by the English in the mid-17th century, Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of slavery in 1863, workers were brought in from India and Java. Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five years later the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared a socialist republic. It continued to exert control through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a democratically elected government - a four-party coalition - returned to power in 1991. The coalition expanded to eight parties in 2005 and has continued to rule since.

Geography ::Suriname

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
French Guiana and Guyana

Geographic coordinates:

4 00 N, 56 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 163,820 sq km country comparison to the world: 91 land: 156,000 sq km

water: 7,820 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Georgia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,703 km

border countries: Brazil 593 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km

Coastline:

386 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m

highest point: Juliana Top 1,230 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 0.36%

permanent crops: 0.06%

other: 99.58% (2005)

Irrigated land:

510 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

122 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.67 cu km/yr (4%/3%/93%)

per capita: 1,489 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation as timber is cut for export; pollution of inland waterways by small-scale mining activities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea,
Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

smallest independent country on South American continent; mostly tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna that, for the most part, is increasingly threatened by new development; relatively small population, mostly along the coast

People ::Suriname

Population:

486,618 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.1% (male 66,603/female 64,035)

15-64 years: 66.6% (male 159,525/female 160,871)

65 years and over: 6.3% (male 13,004/female 17,229) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.3 years

male: 27.9 years

female: 28.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.108% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Birth rate:

16.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Death rate:

5.53 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Urbanization:

urban population: 75% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.068 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 18.19 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 104 male: 21.48 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.98 years country comparison to the world: 103 male: 71.24 years

female: 76.91 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: dengue fever, Mayaro virus, and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Surinamer(s)

adjective: Surinamese

Ethnic groups:

Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%, "Maroons" (their African ancestors were brought to the country in the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior) 10%, Amerindian 2%, Chinese 2%, white 1%, other 2%

Religions:

Hindu 27.4%, Protestant 25.2% (predominantly Moravian), Roman
Catholic 22.8%, Muslim 19.6%, indigenous beliefs 5%

Languages:

Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo
(Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of
Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca
among others), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89.6%

male: 92%

female: 87.2% (2004 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 11 years

female: 13 years (2002)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Suriname

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Suriname

conventional short form: Suriname

local long form: Republiek Suriname

local short form: Suriname

former: Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

name: Paramaribo

geographic coordinates: 5 50 N, 55 10 W

time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt); Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica

Independence:

25 November 1975 (from the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

Constitution:

ratified 30 September 1987; effective 30 October 1987

Legal system:

based on Dutch legal system incorporating French penal theory; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Desire Delano BOUTERSE (since 12 August 2010); Vice President Robert AMEERALI (since 12 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Desire Delano BOUTERSE (since 12 August 2010); Vice President Robert AMEERALI (since 12 August 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by the National Assembly or, if no presidential or vice presidential candidate receives a two-thirds constitutional majority in the National Assembly after two votes, by a simple majority in the larger United People's Assembly (893 representatives from the national, local, and regional councils), for five-year terms (no term limits); election last held on 19 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: Desire Delano BOUTERSE elected president; percent of vote - Desire Delano BOUTERSE 70.6%, Chandrikapersad SATOKHI 25.5%, other 3.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Nationale Assemblee (51 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - Mega Combination 45.1%, New Front 27.5%, A-Com 13.7%, People's Alliance 11.8%, DOE 1.9%; seats by party - Mega Combination 23, New Front 14, A-Com 7, People's Alliance 6, DOE 1

Judicial branch:

Cantonal Courts and a Court of Justice as an appellate court (justices are nominated for life); member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

A-Combination (a coalition that includes the General Liberation and Development Party ABOP [Ronnie BRUNSWIJK], SEEKA [Paul ABENA], Union of Brotherhood and Unity in Politics BEP [Caprino ALENDY]; Basic Party for Renewal and Democracy or BVD [Dilip SARDJOE]; Basic Party for Renewal and Democracy or PVF [Soedeschand JAIRAM]; Democratic Union Suriname or DUS [Japhet DIEKO]; Mega-Combination-Ruling Coalition (a coalition that joined with A-Combination and the PL to form a majority in Parliament in 2010 - includes the National Democratic Party or NDP [Desire BOUTERSE] (largest party in the coalition), Progressive Worker and Farmer's Union or PALU [Jim HOK], Party for National Unity and Solidarity of the Highest Order or KTPI [Willy SOEMITA], DNP-2000 [Jules WIJDENBOSCH], and New Suriname or NS [Nanan PANDAY]); National Union or NU [P. VAN LEEUWAARDE]; New Front for Democracy and Development or NF (a coalition made up of the National Party of Suriname or NPS [Runaldo VENETIAAN], United Reform Party or VHP [Ramdien SARDJOE], Democratic Alternative 1991 or DA-91 - an independent, business-oriented party [Winston JESSURUN], Surinamese Labor Party or SPA [Siegfried GILDS]); Party for Democracy and Development in Unity or DOE [Carl BREEVELD]; Party for the Permanent Prosperity Republic Suriname or PVRS [NA]; People's Alliance, Pertjaja Luhur's or PL [Paul SOMOHARDJO](includes D-21 [Soewarta MOESTADJA] and Pendawa Lima [Raymond SAPEON], which merged with PL in 2010)

note: BVD and PVF participated in the elections as a coalition (BVD/PVF) in the most recent elections, but separated after the election

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association of Indigenous Village Chiefs [Ricardo PANE]; Association of Saramaccan Authorities or Maroon [Head Captain WASE]; Women's Parliament Forum or PVF [Iris GILLIAD]

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, Caricom, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDB,
IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW,
PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jacques Ruben Constantijn KROSS

chancery: Suite 460, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 244-7488

FAX: [1] (202) 244-5878

consulate(s) general: Miami

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John R. NAY

embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo

mailing address: US Department of State, PO Box 1821, Paramaribo

telephone: [597] 472-900

FAX: [597] 410-025

Flag description:

five horizontal bands of green (top, double width), white, red (quadruple width), white, and green (double width); a large, yellow, five-pointed star is centered in the red band; red stands for progress and love; green symbolizes hope and fertility; white signifies peace, justice, and freedom; the star represents the unity of all ethnic groups; from its yellow light the nation draws strength to bear sacrifices patiently while working toward a golden future

National anthem:

name: "God zij met ons Suriname!" (God Be With Our Suriname)

lyrics/music: Cornelis Atses HOEKSTRA and Henry DE ZIEL/Johannes Corstianus DE PUY

note: adopted 1959; the anthem, originally adapted from a Sunday school song written in 1893, contains lyrics in both Dutch and Sranan Tongo

Economy ::Suriname

Economy - overview:

The economy is dominated by the mining industry, with exports of alumina, gold, and oil accounting for about 85% of exports and 25% of government revenues, making the economy highly vulnerable to mineral price volatility. In 2000, the government of Ronald VENETIAAN, returned to office and inherited an economy with inflation of over 100% and a growing fiscal deficit. He quickly implemented an austerity program, raised taxes, attempted to control spending, and tamed inflation. Economic growth reached about 6% in 2007 and 2008, owing to sizeable foreign investment in mining and oil. Suriname has received aid for projects in the bauxite and gold mining sectors from Netherlands, Belgium, and the European Development Fund. The economy contracted in 2009, however, as investment waned and the country earned less from its commodity exports when global prices for most commodities fell. Trade picked up, boosting Suriname's economic growth in 2010, but the government's budget remained strained, with increased social spending during last year's election. Suriname's economic prospects for the medium term will depend on continued commitment to responsible monetary and fiscal policies and to the introduction of structural reforms to liberalize markets and promote competition.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.794 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $4.632 billion (2009 est.)

$4.541 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.297 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 2% (2009 est.)

7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $9,600 (2009 est.)

$9,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10.8%

industry: 24.4%

services: 64.8% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

165,600 (2007) country comparison to the world: 176

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 8%

industry: 14%

services: 78% (2004)

Unemployment rate:

9.5% (2004) country comparison to the world: 105

Population below poverty line:

70% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.65% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 12.2% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$608 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 153 $495.6 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.809 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 145 $1.573 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$793.1 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 $651 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains, peanuts; beef, chickens; shrimp; forest products

Industries:

bauxite and gold mining, alumina production; oil, lumbering, food processing, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

6.5% (1994 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Electricity - production:

1.605 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Electricity - consumption:

1.467 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

15,190 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Oil - consumption:

14,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Oil - exports:

4,308 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Oil - imports:

6,296 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Oil - proved reserves:

79.6 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Current account balance:

$24 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Exports:

$1.391 billion (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Exports - commodities:

alumina, gold, crude oil, lumber, shrimp and fish, rice, bananas

Exports - partners:

Canada 35.47%, Belgium 14.92%, US 10.15%, UAE 9.87%, Norway 4.92%,
Netherlands 4.7%, France 4.47% (2009)

Imports:

$1.297 billion (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 30.79%, Netherlands 19.17%, Trinidad and Tobago 13.04%, China 6.8%, Japan 5.85% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$263.3 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 125

Debt - external:

$504.3 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Exchange rates:

Surinamese dollars (SRD) per US dollar - 2.745 (2007), 2.745 (2006), 2.7317 (2005), 2.7336 (2004), 2.6013 (2003)

note: in January 2004, the government replaced the guilder with the Surinamese dollar, tied to a US dollar-dominated currency basket

Communications ::Suriname

Telephones - main lines in use:

83,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 146

Telephones - mobile cellular:

763,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 150

Telephone system:

general assessment: international facilities are good

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 175 telephones per 100 persons; microwave radio relay network

international: country code - 597; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

2 state-owned TV stations; 1 state-owned radio station; multiple private radio and TV stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.sr

Internet hosts:

171 (2010) country comparison to the world: 199

Internet users:

163,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 146

Transportation ::Suriname

Airports:

51 (2010) country comparison to the world: 91

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5

over 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 46

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 41 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 50 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 4,304 km country comparison to the world: 154 paved: 1,130 km

unpaved: 3,174 km (2003)

Waterways:

1,200 km (most navigable by ships with drafts up to 7 m) (2010) country comparison to the world: 60

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 153 by type: cargo 1 (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Paramaribo, Wageningen

Military ::Suriname

Military branches:

National Army (Nationaal Leger, NL; includes Marine Section and Air
Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.); recruitment is voluntary, with personnel drawn almost exclusively from the Creole community (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 133,417

females age 16-49: 133,487 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 108,555

females age 16-49: 111,927 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 4,046

female: 4,056 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.6% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Transnational Issues ::Suriname

Disputes - international:

area claimed by French Guiana between Riviere Litani and Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa); Suriname claims a triangle of land between the New and Kutari/Koetari rivers in a historic dispute over the headwaters of the Courantyne; Guyana seeks United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) arbitration to resolve the long-standing dispute with Suriname over the axis of the territorial sea boundary in potentially oil-rich waters

Illicit drugs:

growing transshipment point for South American drugs destined for Europe via the Netherlands and Brazil; transshipment point for arms-for-drugs dealing

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Svalbard (Europe)

Introduction ::Svalbard

Background:

First discovered by the Norwegians in the 12th century, the islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and 18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1920; five years later it officially took over the territory.

Geography ::Svalbard

Location:

Northern Europe, islands between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea,
Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea, north of Norway

Geographic coordinates:

78 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 62,045 sq km country comparison to the world: 124 land: 62,045 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Spitsbergen and Bjornoya (Bear Island)

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,587 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 4 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm unilaterally claimed by Norway but not recognized by Russia

Climate:

arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool summers, cold winters; North Atlantic Current flows along west and north coasts of Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most of the year

Terrain:

wild, rugged mountains; much of high land ice covered; west coast clear of ice about one-half of the year; fjords along west and north coasts

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Arctic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Newtontoppen 1,717 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, phosphate, wildlife, fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (no trees; the only bushes are crowberry and cloudberry) (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

ice floes often block the entrance to Bellsund (a transit point for coal export) on the west coast and occasionally make parts of the northeastern coast inaccessible to maritime traffic

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway; consists of nine main islands; glaciers and snowfields cover 60% of the total area; Spitsbergen Island is the site of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a seed repository established by the Global Crop Diversity Trust and the Norwegian Government

People ::Svalbard

Population:

2,067 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 232

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.023% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0% (2001) country comparison to the world: 170

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

0 (2001) country comparison to the world: 165

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

0 (2001) country comparison to the world: 156

Ethnic groups:

Norwegian 55.4%, Russian and Ukrainian 44.3%, other 0.3% (1998)

Languages:

Norwegian, Russian

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Svalbard

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Svalbard (sometimes referred to as Spitzbergen)

Dependency status:

territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice, through a governor (sysselmann) residing in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; by treaty (9 February 1920) sovereignty was awarded to Norway

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Longyearbyen

geographic coordinates: 78 13 N, 15 33 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Independence:

none (territory of Norway)

Legal system:

the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Executive branch:

chief of state: King HARALD V of Norway (since 17 January 1991)

head of government: Governor Odd Olsen INGERO (since September 2009); Assistant Governor Lars FAUSE (since September 2008)

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor and assistant governor responsible to the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

none

Flag description:

the flag of Norway is used

National anthem:

note: as a territory of Norway, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" is official (see Norway)

Economy ::Svalbard

Economy - overview:

Coal mining, tourism, and international research are the major revenue sources on Svalbard. Coal mining is the dominant economic activity and a treaty of 9 February 1920 gave the 41 signatories equal rights to exploit mineral deposits, subject to Norwegian regulation. Although US, UK, Dutch, and Swedish coal companies have mined in the past, the only companies still engaging in this are Norwegian and Russian. The settlements on Svalbard are essentially company towns. The Norwegian state-owned coal company employs nearly 60% of the Norwegian population on the island, runs many of the local services, and provides most of the local infrastructure. There is also some hunting of seal, reindeer, and fox.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

Labor force:

1,234 in Norwegian settlements (2003) country comparison to the world: 225

Exports:

$197.6 million (2000)

Imports:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 6.1533 (2009), 5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006)

Communications ::Svalbard

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: probably adequate

domestic: local telephone service

international: country code - 47-790; satellite earth station - 1 of unknown type (for communication with Norwegian mainland only)

Broadcast media:

the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) began direct television transmission to Svalbard via satellite in 1984; Longyearbyen households have access to 3 NRK radio and 2 television stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.sj

Transportation ::Svalbard

Airports:

4 (2010) country comparison to the world: 186

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Barentsburg, Longyearbyen, Ny-Alesund, Pyramiden

Military ::Svalbard

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Military - note:

Svalbard is a territory of Norway, demilitarized by treaty on 9 February 1920; Norwegian military activity is limited to fisheries surveillance by the Norwegian Coast Guard

Transnational Issues ::Svalbard

Disputes - international:

despite recent discussions, Russia and Norway dispute their maritime limits in the Barents Sea and Russia's fishing rights beyond Svalbard's territorial limits within the Svalbard Treaty zone

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Swaziland (Africa)

Introduction ::Swaziland

Background:

Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in 1968. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured King MSWATI III, the world's last absolute monarch, to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy, although he has backslid on these promises in recent years. A constitution came into effect in 2006, but political parties remain banned. The African United Democratic Party tried unsuccessfully to register as an official political party in mid 2006. Talks over the constitution broke down between the government and progressive groups in 2007. Swaziland recently surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest known HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

Geography ::Swaziland

Location:

Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

26 30 S, 31 30 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 17,364 sq km country comparison to the world: 158 land: 17,204 sq km

water: 160 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 535 km

border countries: Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies from tropical to near temperate

Terrain:

mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m

highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

Natural resources:

asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Land use:

arable land: 10.25%

permanent crops: 0.81%

other: 88.94% (2005)

Irrigated land:

500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

4.5 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.04 cu km/yr (2%/1%/97%)

per capita: 1,010 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

drought

Environment - current issues:

limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa

People ::Swaziland

Population:

1,354,051 country comparison to the world: 152 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.6% (male 260,840/female 254,781)

15-64 years: 57.9% (male 383,236/female 391,478)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 19,857/female 26,994) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.1 years

male: 19.7 years

female: 20.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.213% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Birth rate:

27.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Death rate:

14.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 107

Urbanization:

urban population: 25% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 66.71 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 23 male: 70.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 62.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 47.97 years country comparison to the world: 218 male: 48.14 years

female: 47.8 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.19 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

26.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

190,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

10,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Swazi(s)

adjective: Swazi

Ethnic groups:

African 97%, European 3%

Religions:

Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%

Languages:

English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 81.6%

male: 82.6%

female: 80.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 11 years

female: 10 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

7.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 13

Government ::Swaziland

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland

conventional short form: Swaziland

local long form: Umbuso weSwatini

local short form: eSwatini

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

name: Mbabane

geographic coordinates: 26 18 S, 31 06 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Lobamba (royal and legislative capital)

Administrative divisions:

4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni

Independence:

6 September 1968 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 September (1968)

Constitution:

signed by the King in July 2005; went into effect on 8 February 2006

Legal system:

based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts and Swazi traditional law and custom in traditional courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)

head of government: Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso DLAMINI (since 16 October 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from among the elected members of the House of Assembly

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Libandla consists of the Senate (30 seats; 10 members appointed by the House of Assembly and 20 appointed by the monarch; members to serve five-year terms) and the House of Assembly (65 seats; 10 members appointed by the monarch and 55 elected by popular vote; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held on 19 September 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: House of Assembly - balloting is done on a nonparty basis; candidates for election nominated by the local council of each constituency and for each constituency the three candidates with the most votes in the first round of voting are narrowed to a single winner by a second round

Judicial branch:

High Court; Supreme Court; judges for both courts are appointed by the monarch

Political parties and leaders:

the status of political parties, previously banned, is unclear under the 2006 Constitution and currently being debated; the following are considered political associations; African United Democratic Party or AUDP [Stanley MAUNDZISA, president]; Imbokodvo National Movement or INM; Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or NNLC [Obed DLAMINI, president]; People's United Democratic Movement or PUDEMO [Mario MASUKU, president]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Swaziland Democracy Campaign; Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions;
Swaziland and Solidarity Network or SSN

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent),
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abednigo Mandla NTSHANGASE

chancery: 1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-5002

FAX: [1] (202) 234-8254

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Earl M. IRVING

embassy: 2350 Mbabane Place, Mbabane

mailing address: P. O. Box 199, Mbabane

telephone: [268] 404-2445

FAX: [268] 404-2059

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band is a large black and white shield covering two spears and a staff decorated with feather tassels, all placed horizontally; blue stands for peace and stability, red represents past struggles, and yellow the mineral resources of the country; the shield, spears, and staff symbolize protection from the country's enemies, while the black and white of the shield are meant to portray black and white people living in peaceful coexistence

National anthem:

name: "Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" (Oh God, Bestower of the Blessings of the Swazi)

lyrics/music: Andrease Enoke Fanyana SIMELANE/David Kenneth RYCROFT

note: adopted 1968; the anthem uses elements of both ethnic Swazi and Western music styles

Economy ::Swaziland

Economy - overview:

In this small, landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture occupies approximately 70% of the population. The manufacturing sector has diversified since the mid-1980s. Sugar and wood pulp remain important foreign exchange earners. In 2007, the sugar industry increased efficiency and diversification efforts, in response to a 17% decline in EU sugar prices. Mining has declined in importance in recent years with only coal and quarry stone mines remaining active. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short border with Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South Africa from which it receives more than nine-tenths of its imports and to which it sends 60% of its exports. Swaziland's currency is pegged to the South African rand, subsuming Swaziland's monetary policy to South Africa. Customs duties from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) account for two-thirds of Swaziland's government revenues, and worker remittances from South Africa substantially supplement domestically earned income. Customs revenues plummeted during the global economic crisis and Swaziland has appealed to SACU for assistance. With an estimated 40% unemployment rate, Swaziland's need to increase the number and size of small and medium enterprises and attract foreign direct investment is acute. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and sometimes floods persist as problems for the future. More than one-fourth of the population needed emergency food aid in 2006-07 because of drought, and more than one-quarter of the adult population has been infected by HIV/AIDS.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$6.055 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $5.937 billion (2009 est.)

$5.913 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.165 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 0.4% (2009 est.)

2.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 $4,400 (2009 est.)

$4,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.6%

industry: 42%

services: 49.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

457,900 (2007) country comparison to the world: 156

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

40% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Population below poverty line:

69% (2006)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.6%

highest 10%: 40.7% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.4 (2001) country comparison to the world: 22

Investment (gross fixed):

12.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 7.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 39 11% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.38% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 14.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$335.7 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 163 $273.9 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.266 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $920.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$258.5 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 $274.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 108 $203.1 million (31 December 2007)

$199.9 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, citrus, pineapples, sorghum, peanuts; cattle, goats, sheep

Industries:

coal, wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates, textiles and apparel

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Electricity - production:

441 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Electricity - consumption:

1.266 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

770 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Oil - imports:

4,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Current account balance:

-$374 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 -$213 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.417 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 $1.338 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn, refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit

Imports:

$1.643 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 $1.585 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$708 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $959 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$497 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $411 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

emalangeni per US dollar - 7.57 (2010), 8.4737 (2009), 7.75 (2008), 7.4 (2007), 6.85 (2006)

Communications ::Swaziland

Telephones - main lines in use:

44,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 165

Telephones - mobile cellular:

656,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 154

Telephone system:

general assessment: a somewhat modern but not an advanced system

domestic: single source for mobile-cellular service with a geographic coverage of about 90% and a rising subscribership base; combined fixed-line and mobile cellular teledensity exceeded 60 telephones per 100 persons in 2009; telephone system consists of carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and low-capacity, microwave radio relay

international: country code - 268; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned TV station; satellite dishes are able to access South African providers; state-owned radio network with 3 channels; 1 private radio station (2007)

Internet country code:

.sz

Internet hosts:

2,335 (2010) country comparison to the world: 152

Internet users:

90,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 162

Transportation ::Swaziland

Airports:

15 (2010) country comparison to the world: 146

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Railways:

total: 301 km country comparison to the world: 121 narrow gauge: 301 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 3,594 km country comparison to the world: 160 paved: 1,078 km

unpaved: 2,516 km (2002)

Military ::Swaziland

Military branches:

Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (USDF): Ground Force (includes Air
Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription; only HIV-negative applicants accepted; compulsory HIV testing required (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 336,436 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 196,633

females age 16-49: 172,602 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 16,024

female: 15,630 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 18

Transnational Issues ::Swaziland

Disputes - international:

in 2006, Swazi king advocates resort to ICJ to claim parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Swaziland is a source, destination, and transit country for women and children trafficked internally and transnationally for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced labor in agriculture; Swazi girls, particularly orphans, are trafficked internally for commercial sexual exploitation and domestic servitude, as well as to South Africa and Mozambique; Swazi boys are trafficked for forced labor in commercial agriculture and market vending; some Swazi women are forced into prostitution in South Africa and Mozambique after voluntarily migrating to these countries in search of work

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the government of Swaziland does not comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government believes that trafficking probably does occur, but does not know the extent of the problem; the government does not judge trafficking to be an "important" problem and chooses to direct its limited resources towards other issues, a judgment which significantly limited the government's current efforts to eliminate human trafficking, or to plan anti-trafficking activities or initiatives for the future (2010)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Sweden (Europe)

Introduction ::Sweden

Background:

A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated in any war for almost two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both World Wars. Sweden's long-successful economic formula of a capitalist system interlarded with substantial welfare elements was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment and in 2000-02 and 2009 by the global economic downturns, but fiscal discipline over the past several years has allowed the country to weather economic vagaries. Sweden joined the EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum.

Geography ::Sweden

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia,
Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway

Geographic coordinates:

62 00 N, 15 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 450,295 sq km country comparison to the world: 55 land: 410,335 sq km

water: 39,960 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 2,233 km

border countries: Finland 614 km, Norway 1,619 km

Coastline:

3,218 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm (adjustments made to return a portion of straits to high seas)

exclusive economic zone: agreed boundaries or midlines

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north

Terrain:

mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad -2.4 m

highest point: Kebnekaise 2,111 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten, uranium, arsenic, feldspar, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 5.93%

permanent crops: 0.01%

other: 94.06% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,150 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

179 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.68 cu km/yr (37%/54%/9%)

per capita: 296 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic

Environment - current issues:

acid rain damage to soils and lakes; pollution of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas

People ::Sweden

Population:

9,074,055 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.7% (male 733,597/female 692,194)

15-64 years: 65.5% (male 3,003,358/female 2,927,038)

65 years and over: 18.8% (male 753,293/female 950,171) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.7 years

male: 40.6 years

female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.16% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Birth rate:

10.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Death rate:

10.2 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Net migration rate:

1.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Urbanization:

urban population: 85% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 2.74 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 220 male: 2.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.97 years country comparison to the world: 14 male: 78.69 years

female: 83.4 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.67 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Nationality:

noun: Swede(s)

adjective: Swedish

Ethnic groups:

indigenous population: Swedes with Finnish and Sami minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns, Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks

Religions:

Lutheran 87%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist,
Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 13%

Languages:

Swedish (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 15 years

female: 16 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 28

Government ::Sweden

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Sweden

conventional short form: Sweden

local long form: Konungariket Sverige

local short form: Sverige

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Stockholm

geographic coordinates: 59 20 N, 18 03 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Blekinge, Dalarna,
Gavleborg, Gotland, Halland, Jamtland, Jonkoping, Kalmar, Kronoberg,
Norrbotten, Orebro, Ostergotland, Skane, Sodermanland, Stockholm,
Uppsala, Varmland, Vasterbotten, Vasternorrland, Vastmanland, Vastra
Gotaland

Independence:

6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king)

National holiday:

Swedish Flag Day, 6 June (1916); National Day, 6 June (1983)

Constitution:

1 January 1975

Legal system:

civil law system influenced by customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977)

head of government: Prime Minister Fredrik REINFELDT (since 5 October 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Jan BJORKLUND (since 5 October 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional representation basis to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democrats 30.7%,
Moderates 30.1%, Greens 7.3%, Liberal People's Party 7.1%, Center
Party 6.6%, Sweden Democrats 5.7%, Christian Democrats 5.6%, Left
Party 5.6%; seats by party - Social Democrats 112, Moderates 107,
Greens 25, Liberal People's Party 24, Center Party 23, Sweden
Democrats 20, Christian Democrats 19, Left Party 19

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hogsta Domstolen (judges are appointed by the prime minister and the cabinet)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party [Maud OLOFSSON]; Christian Democratic Party [Goran HAGGLUND]; Environment Party the Greens [no formal leader but party spokespersons are Maria WETTERSTRAND and Peter ERIKSSON]; Left Party or V (formerly Communist) [Lars OHLY]; Liberal People's Party [Jan BJORKLUND]; Moderate Party [Fredrik REINFELDT]; Social Democratic Party [Mona SAHLIN]; Sweden Democrats [Jimmie AKESSON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Children's Rights in Society; Swedish Confederation of Professional
Employees or TCO; Swedish Federation of Trade Unions or LO

other: media

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council,
Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO,
FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS
(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen
Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA,
UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jonas HAFSTROM

chancery: The House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 467-2600

FAX: [1] (202) 467-2699

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Matthew W. BARZUN

embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31, SE-11589 Stockholm

mailing address: American Embassy Stockholm, US Department of State, 5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750

telephone: [46] (08) 783 53 00

FAX: [46] (08) 661 19 64

Flag description:

blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors reflect those of the Swedish coat of arms - three gold crowns on a blue field

National anthem:

name: "Du Gamla, Du Fria" (Thou Ancient, Thou Free)

lyrics/music: Richard DYBECK/traditional

note: in use since 1844; the anthem, also known as "Sang till Norden" (Song of the North), is based on a Swedish folk tune; it has never been officially adopted by the government; "Kungssangen" (The King's Song) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies

Economy ::Sweden

Economy - overview:

Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole of the 20th century, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labor force. In September 2003, Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system concerned about the impact on the economy and sovereignty. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for about 90% of industrial output, of which the engineering sector accounts for 50% of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for little more than 1% of GDP and of employment. Until 2008, Sweden was in the midst of a sustained economic upswing, boosted by increased domestic demand and strong exports. This and robust finances offered the center-right government considerable scope to implement its reform program aimed at increasing employment, reducing welfare dependence, and streamlining the state's role in the economy. Despite strong finances and underlying fundamentals, the Swedish economy slid into recession in the third quarter of 2008 and growth continued downward in 2009 as deteriorating global conditions reduced export demand and consumption. Strong exports of commodities and a return to profitability by Sweden's banking sector drove the strong rebound in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$354 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $340.1 billion (2009 est.)

$358.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$444.6 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 -5.1% (2009 est.)

-0.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$39,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $37,500 (2009 est.)

$39,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.7%

industry: 26.1%

services: 72.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.93 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.1%

industry: 28.2%

services: 70.7% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 8.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 22.2% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

23 (2005) country comparison to the world: 134 25 (1992)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Public debt:

40.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 41.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 -0.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

2% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 111 3.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$225 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 17 $205.2 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$293.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $260.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$640.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $583.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$432.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 22 $252.5 billion (31 December 2008)

$612.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, sugar beets; meat, milk

Industries:

iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods, motor vehicles

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Electricity - production:

144 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Electricity - consumption:

134.5 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Electricity - exports:

14.71 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

12.75 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

4,833 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Oil - consumption:

328,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Oil - exports:

248,500 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Oil - imports:

589,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - consumption:

1.229 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Natural gas - imports:

1.229 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Current account balance:

$21.68 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $30.23 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$162.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $133.3 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery 35%, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood, iron and steel products, chemicals

Exports - partners:

Norway 10.61%, Germany 10.2%, UK 7.45%, Denmark 7.35%, Finland 6.44%, US 6.36%, France 5.05%, Netherlands 4.67% (2009)

Imports:

$158.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $120.5 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor vehicles, iron and steel; foodstuffs, clothing

Imports - partners:

Germany 17.9%, Denmark 8.9%, Norway 8.7%, Netherlands 6.17%, UK 5.56%, Finland 5.14%, France 5.06%, China 4.79% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$47.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$853.3 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 16 $617.3 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$321.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $304.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$383.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $367.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Swedish kronor (SEK) per US dollar - 7.5077 (2010), 7.6529 (2009), 6.4074 (2008), 6.7629 (2007), 7.3731 (2006)

Communications ::Sweden

Telephones - main lines in use:

5.146 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 31

Telephones - mobile cellular:

11.426 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 60

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed telecommunications infrastructure; ranked among leading countries for fixed-line, mobile-cellular, Internet and broadband penetration

domestic: coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some additional telephone channels

international: country code - 46; submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway)

Broadcast media:

publicly-owned television broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial networks plus regional stations; multiple privately-owned television broadcasters operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 50 local TV stations; widespread access to pan-Nordic and international broadcasters through multi-channel cable and satellite TV systems; publicly-owned radio broadcaster operates 3 national stations and a network of 25 regional channels; nearly a hundred privately-owned local radio stations with some consolidating into near national networks; an estimated 900 community and neighborhood radio stations broadcast intermittently (2008)

Internet country code:

.se

Internet hosts:

4.396 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 20

Internet users:

8.398 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 33

Transportation ::Sweden

Airports:

249 (2010) country comparison to the world: 26

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 152

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 76

914 to 1,523 m: 25

under 914 m: 36 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 97

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 92 (2010)

Heliports:

2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 786 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 11,633 km country comparison to the world: 20 standard gauge: 11,568 km 1.435-m gauge (7,531 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 65 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 572,900 km (includes 1,855 km of expressways) country comparison to the world: 12 note: (includes 98,400 km of state roads, 433,500 km of private roads, and 41,000 km of muncipal roads; 215,700 km of these are open to public traffic) (2009)

Waterways:

2,052 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 43

Merchant marine:

total: 163 country comparison to the world: 39 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 20, carrier 1, chemical tanker 31, passenger 5, passenger/cargo 37, petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 32, vehicle carrier 21

foreign-owned: 46 (Denmark 15, Estonia 3, Finland 16, Germany 3, Ireland 1, Italy 5, Norway 3)

registered in other countries: 194 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Bahamas 6, Barbados 6, Bermuda 17, Cook Islands 3, Cyprus 5, Denmark 16, Faroe Islands 5, France 6, Germany 1, Gibraltar 12, Isle of Man 1, Italy 1, Liberia 10, Malta 3, Netherlands 18, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 33, Panama 1, Portugal 6, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 9, UK 25, US 5, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Brofjorden, Goteborg, Helsingborg, Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo,
Stockholm, Trelleborg, Visby

Military ::Sweden

Military branches:

Swedish Armed Forces (Forsvarsmakten): Army (Armen), Royal Swedish
Navy (Marinen), Swedish Air Force (Svenska Flygvapnet) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; service obligation: 7.5 months (Army), 7-15 months (Navy), 8-12 months (Air Force); the Swedish Parliament has abolished compulsory military service, with exclusively voluntary recruitment as of July 2010; conscription remains an option in emergencies; after completing initial service, soldiers have a reserve commitment until age 47 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,065,782

females age 16-49: 1,995,451 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,709,592

females age 16-49: 1,649,875 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 58,937

female: 56,225 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Transnational Issues ::Sweden

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Switzerland (Europe)

Introduction ::Switzerland

Background:

The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, subsequently modified in 1874, replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government. Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.

Geography ::Switzerland

Location:

Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy

Geographic coordinates:

47 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 41,277 sq km country comparison to the world: 135 land: 39,997 sq km

water: 1,280 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,852 km

border countries: Austria 164 km, France 573 km, Italy 740 km, Liechtenstein 41 km, Germany 334 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers

Terrain:

mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m

highest point: Dufourspitze 4,634 m

Natural resources:

hydropower potential, timber, salt

Land use:

arable land: 9.91%

permanent crops: 0.58%

other: 89.51% (2005)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

53.3 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.52 cu km/yr (24%/74%/2%)

per capita: 348 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

avalanches, landslides; flash floods

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from vehicle emissions and open-air burning; acid rain; water pollution from increased use of agricultural fertilizers; loss of biodiversity

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe; along with southeastern France, northern Italy, and southwestern Austria, has the highest elevations in the Alps

People ::Switzerland

Population:

7,623,438 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.6% (male 616,561/female 571,610)

15-64 years: 68.1% (male 2,609,673/female 2,567,245)

65 years and over: 16.3% (male 514,761/female 724,617) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.3 years

male: 40.3 years

female: 42.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.223% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Birth rate:

9.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Death rate:

8.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Net migration rate:

1.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 203 male: 4.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.97 years country comparison to the world: 15 male: 78.14 years

female: 83.95 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.46 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

25,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Nationality:

noun: Swiss (singular and plural)

adjective: Swiss

Ethnic groups:

German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 41.8%, Protestant 35.3%, Muslim 4.3%, Orthodox 1.8%, other Christian 0.4%, other 1%, unspecified 4.3%, none 11.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 20.4%, Italian (official) 6.5%, Serbo-Croatian 1.5%, Albanian 1.3%, Portuguese 1.2%, Spanish 1.1%, English 1%, Romansch (official) 0.5%, other 2.8% (2000 census)

note: German, French, Italian, and Romansch are all national and official languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.3% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 53

Government ::Switzerland

Country name:

conventional long form: Swiss Confederation

conventional short form: Switzerland

local long form: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German); Confederation Suisse (French); Confederazione Svizzera (Italian); Confederaziun Svizra (Romansh)

local short form: Schweiz (German); Suisse (French); Svizzera (Italian); Svizra (Romansh)

Government type:

formally a confederation but similar in structure to a federal republic

Capital:

name: Bern

geographic coordinates: 46 57 N, 7 26 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

26 cantons, singular - canton in French; cantoni, singular - cantone in Italian; Kantone, singular - Kanton in German); Aargau, Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden, Appenzell Inner-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneve, Glarus, Graubunden, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Sankt Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Vaud, Zug, Zurich

note: 6 of the cantons - Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden, Appenzell-Inner-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Nidwalden, Obwalden - are styled half cantons because they elect only one member to the Council of States and, in popular referendums where a majority of popular votes and a majority of cantonal votes are required, these six cantons only have a half vote

Independence:

1 August 1291 (founding of the Swiss Confederation)

National holiday:

Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291)

Constitution:

revision of Constitution of 1874 approved by the Federal Parliament 18 December 1998, adopted by referendum 18 April 1999, officially entered into force 1 January 2000

Legal system:

civil law system influenced by customary law; judicial review of legislative acts, except with respect to federal decrees of general obligatory character; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline CALMY-REY (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF (since 1 January 2011); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government representing the Federal Council; the Federal Council is the formal chief of state and head of government whose council members, rotating in one-year terms as federal president, represent the Council

head of government: President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline CALMY-REY (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF (since 1 January 2011)

cabinet: Federal Council or Bundesrat (in German), Conseil Federal (in French), Consiglio Federale (in Italian) is elected by the Federal Assembly usually from among its members for a four-year term (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected by the Federal Assembly from among the members of the Federal Council for a one-year term (they may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 8 December 2010 (next to be held in early December 2011)

election results: Micheline CALMY-REY elected president; number of Federal Assembly votes - 106 of 189; Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF elected vice president; current Vice President Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF is slated to become president on 1 January 2012

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung (in German), Assemblee Federale (in French), Assemblea Federale (in Italian) consists of the Council of States or Standerat (in German), Conseil des Etats (in French), Consiglio degli Stati (in Italian) (46 seats; membership consists of 2 representatives from each canton and 1 from each half canton; members serve four-year terms) and the National Council or Nationalrat (in German), Conseil National (in French), Consiglio Nazionale (in Italian) (200 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation serve four-year terms)

elections: Council of States - last held in most cantons in October 2007 (each canton determines when the next election will be held); National Council - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held in October 2011)

election results: Council of States - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CVP 15, FDP 12, SVP 7, SPS 9, other 3; National Council - percent of vote by party - SVP 29%, SPS 19.5%, FDP 15.6%, CVP 14.6%, Greens 9.6%, other 11.7%; seats by party - SVP 62, SPS 43, FDP 31, CVP 31, Green Party 20, other small parties 13

Judicial branch:

Federal Supreme Court (judges elected for six-year terms by the
Federal Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Green Party (Gruene Partei der Schweiz or Gruene, Parti Ecologiste
Suisse or Les Verts, Partito Ecologista Svizzero or I Verdi, Partida
Ecologica Svizra or La Verda) [Ueli LEUENBERGER]; Christian
Democratic People's Party (Christlichdemokratische Volkspartei der
Schweiz or CVP, Parti Democrate-Chretien Suisse or PDC, Partito
Democratico-Cristiano Popolare Svizzero or PDC, Partida
Cristiandemocratica dalla Svizra or PCD) [Christophe DARBELLAY];
Free Democratic Party or FDP.The Liberals (FDP.Die Liberalen,
PLR.Les Liberaux-Radicaux, PLR.I Liberali) [Fulvio PELLI]; Social
Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei der Schweiz or SPS,
Parti Socialist Suisse or PSS, Partito Socialista Svizzero or PSS,
Partida Socialdemocratica de la Svizra or PSS) [Christian LEVRAT];
Swiss People's Party (Schweizerische Volkspartei or SVP, Union
Democratique du Centre or UDC, Unione Democratica de Centro or UDC,
Uniun Democratica dal Center or UDC) [Toni BRUNNER]; and other minor
parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia
Group, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, ESA, FAO, FATF, G-10, IADB,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA
(observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF,
OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Manuel SAGER

chancery: 2900 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 745-7900

FAX: [1] (202) 387-2564

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

consulate(s): Boston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald S. BEYER, Jr.

embassy: Sulgeneckstrasse 19, CH-3007 Bern

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [41] (031) 357 70 11

FAX: [41] (031) 357 73 44

Flag description:

red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the center that does not extend to the edges of the flag; various medieval legends purport to describe the origin of the flag; a white cross used as identification for troops of the Swiss Confederation is first attested at the Battle of Laupen (1339)

National anthem:

name: "Schweizerpsalm" [German] "Cantique Suisse" [French] "Salmo svizzero," [Italian] "Psalm svizzer" [Romansch] (Swiss Psalm)

lyrics/music: Leonhard WIDMER [German], Charles CHATELANAT [French], Camillo VALSANGIACOMO [Italian], and Flurin CAMATHIAS [Romansch]/Alberik ZWYSSIG

note: unofficially adopted 1961, official adoption 1981; the anthem has been popular in a number of Swiss cantons since its composition (in German) in 1841; translated into the other three official languages of the country (French, Italian, and Romansch), it is official in each of those languages

Economy ::Switzerland

Economy - overview:

Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous, and modern market economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a per capita GDP among the highest in the world. Switzerland's economy benefits from a highly developed service sector, led by financial services, and a manufacturing industry that specializes in high-technology, knowledge-based production. The Swiss have brought their economic practices largely into conformity with the EU's, in order to enhance their international competitiveness, but some trade protectionism remains, particularly for its small agricultural sector. The global financial crisis and resulting economic downturn put Switzerland in a recession in 2009 as global export demand stalled. The Swiss National Bank during this period effectively implemented a zero-interest rate policy in a bid to boost the economy and prevent appreciation of the franc. Switzerland's economy grew 2.8% in 2010, when Bern implemented a third fiscal stimulus program, but its prized banking sector has recently faced significant challenges. The country's largest banks suffered sizable losses in 2008-09, leading its largest bank to accept a government rescue deal in late 2008. Switzerland has also come under increasing pressure from individual neighboring countries, the EU, the US, and international institutions to reform its banking secrecy laws. Consequently, the government agreed to conform to OECD regulations on administrative assistance in tax matters, including tax evasion. The government has renegotiated its double taxation agreements with numerous countries, including the US, to incorporate the OECD standard, and it is working with Germany and the UK to resolve outsanding issues, particularly the possibility of imposing taxes on bank deposits held by foreigners. Parliament passed the first five double-taxation agreements, including that with the US, in March 2010, but the agreements are subject to public referendum. In 2009, Swiss financial regulators ordered the country's largest bank to reveal at Washington's behest the names of US account-holders suspected of using the bank to commit tax fraud. These steps will have a lasting impact on Switzerland's long history of bank secrecy.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$326.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $318 billion (2009 est.)

$324.1 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$522.4 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 -1.9% (2009 est.)

1.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$42,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $41,800 (2009 est.)

$42,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.3%

industry: 27.5%

services: 71.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.13 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.8%

industry: 23.9%

services: 72.3% (2009)

Unemployment rate:

3.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 3.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

7.4% (2009)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 7.5%

highest 10%: 19% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33.7 (2008) country comparison to the world: 93 33.1 (1992)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Public debt:

39.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 40.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 -0.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.05% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 140 0.05% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

2.75% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 3.34% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$384.2 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 11 $334.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$834.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $764.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$992.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $923.1 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.071 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 12 $862.7 billion (31 December 2008)

$1.275 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grains, fruits, vegetables; meat, eggs

Industries:

machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments, tourism, banking, and insurance

Industrial production growth rate:

2.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Electricity - production:

59.1 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Electricity - consumption:

62 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Electricity - exports:

49.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

46.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

3,488 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Oil - consumption:

280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Oil - exports:

12,230 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Oil - imports:

269,400 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Natural gas - consumption:

3.282 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - imports:

3.282 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Natural gas - proved reserves:

NA cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Current account balance:

$49.35 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $54.01 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$235.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $208.5 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, metals, watches, agricultural products

Exports - partners:

Germany 20.98%, US 9.09%, France 8.62%, Italy 8.08%, Austria 5.38% (2009)

Imports:

$220.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $192.8 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, vehicles, metals; agricultural products, textiles

Imports - partners:

Germany 27.19%, Italy 10.42%, US 9.61%, France 7.69%, Netherlands 4.35% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$135.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.19 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 13 $1.305 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$514 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $496.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$814.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $806.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Swiss francs (CHF) per US dollar - 1.0723 (2010), 1.0881 (2009), 1.0774 (2008), 1.1973 (2007), 1.2539 (2006)

Communications ::Switzerland

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.65 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 32

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.255 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 69

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed telecommunications infrastructure with excellent domestic and international services

domestic: ranked among leading countries for fixed-line teledensity and infrastructure; mobile-cellular subscribership roughly 120 per 100 persons; extensive cable and microwave radio relay networks

international: country code - 41; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean)

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned radio and television broadcaster, Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG/SSR), operates 7 national television networks, 3 broadcasting in German, 2 in Italian, and 2 in French; private commercial television stations broadcast regionally and locally; television broadcasts from stations in Germany, Italy, and France are widely accessed using multi-channel cable and satellite TV services; SRG/SSR operates 18 radio stations that, along with private broadcasters, provide national to local coverage (2008)

Internet country code:

.ch

Internet hosts:

4.816 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 17

Internet users:

6.152 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 42

Transportation ::Switzerland

Airports:

65 (2010) country comparison to the world: 76

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 42

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 23

under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,662 km; oil 94 km; refined products 7 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,888 km country comparison to the world: 36 standard gauge: 3,397 km 1.435-m gauge (3,142 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,481 km 1.000-m gauge (1,378 km electrified); 10 km 0.800-m gauge (10 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 71,384 km country comparison to the world: 66 paved: 71,384 km (includes 1,793 of expressways) (2009)

Waterways:

65 km; (Rhine River between Basel-Rheinfelden and Schaffhausen-Bodensee) (2008) country comparison to the world: 103

Merchant marine:

total: 35 country comparison to the world: 81 by type: bulk carrier 15, cargo 9, chemical tanker 6, container 4, petroleum tanker 1

registered in other countries: 109 (Antigua and Barbuda 7, Bahamas 2, Cayman Islands 1, France 5, Germany 1, Italy 6, Liberia 17, Luxembourg 1, Malta 14, Marshall Islands 12, NZ 2, Panama 22, Portugal 3, Russia 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5, Singapore 4, Spain 1, Tonga 1, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Basel

Military ::Switzerland

Military branches:

Swiss Armed Forces: Land Forces, Swiss Air Force (Schweizer
Luftwaffe) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

19-26 years of age for male compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; every Swiss male has to serve at least 260 days in the armed forces; conscripts receive 18 weeks of mandatory training, followed by seven 3-week intermittent recalls for training during the next 10 years (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,839,382

females age 16-49: 1,797,317 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,502,736

females age 16-49: 1,468,785 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 47,043

female: 43,033 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Transnational Issues ::Switzerland

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

a major international financial center vulnerable to the layering and integration stages of money laundering; despite significant legislation and reporting requirements, secrecy rules persist and nonresidents are permitted to conduct business through offshore entities and various intermediaries; transit country for and consumer of South American cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and Western European synthetics; domestic cannabis cultivation and limited ecstasy production

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Syria (Middle East)

Introduction ::Syria

Background:

Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French administered the area as Syria until granting it independence in 1946. The new country lacked political stability, however, and experienced a series of military coups during its first decades. Syria united with Egypt in February 1958 to form the United Arab Republic. In September 1961, the two entities separated, and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. In November 1970, Hafiz al-ASAD, a member of the Socialist Ba'th Party and the minority Alawite sect, seized power in a bloodless coup and brought political stability to the country. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to Israel. During the 1990s, Syria and Israel held occasional peace talks over its return. Following the death of President al-ASAD, his son, Bashar al-ASAD, was approved as president by popular referendum in July 2000. Syrian troops - stationed in Lebanon since 1976 in an ostensible peacekeeping role - were withdrawn in April 2005. During the July-August 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah, Syria placed its military forces on alert but did not intervene directly on behalf of its ally Hizballah. In May 2007 Bashar al-ASAD was elected to his second term as president.

Geography ::Syria

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon and
Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

35 00 N, 38 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 185,180 sq km country comparison to the world: 88 land: 183,630 sq km

water: 1,550 sq km

note: includes 1,295 sq km of Israeli-occupied territory

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than North Dakota

Land boundaries:

total: 2,253 km

border countries: Iraq 605 km, Israel 76 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon 375 km, Turkey 822 km

Coastline:

193 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

Climate:

mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast; cold weather with snow or sleet periodically in Damascus

Terrain:

primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain; mountains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: unnamed location near Lake Tiberias -200 m

highest point: Mount Hermon 2,814 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt, iron ore, rock salt, marble, gypsum, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 24.8%

permanent crops: 4.47%

other: 70.73% (2005)

Irrigated land:

13,330 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

46.1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 19.95 cu km/yr (3%/2%/95%)

per capita: 1,048 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dust storms, sandstorms

volcanism: Syria's two historically active volcanoes, Es Safa and an unnamed volcano near the Turkish border have not erupted in centuries

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution from raw sewage and petroleum refining wastes; inadequate potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

there are 41 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (2010 est.)

People ::Syria

Population:

22,198,110 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 note: approximately 19,100 Israeli settlers live in the Golan Heights (2008 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.4% (male 4,063,367/female 3,864,099)

15-64 years: 59.9% (male 6,628,644/female 6,406,864)

65 years and over: 3.7% (male 372,172/female 427,832) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.5 years

male: 21.3 years

female: 21.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.954% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Birth rate:

24.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Death rate:

3.7 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Net migration rate:

-1.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 162

Urbanization:

urban population: 54% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.14 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 117 male: 18.55 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.46 years country comparison to the world: 95 male: 72.1 years

female: 76.96 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.02 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 500 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Nationality:

noun: Syrian(s)

adjective: Syrian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 74%, other Muslim (includes Alawite, Druze) 16%,
Christian (various denominations) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in
Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)

Languages:

Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely understood; French, English somewhat understood

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 79.6%

male: 86%

female: 73.6% (2004 census)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 77

Government ::Syria

Country name:

conventional long form: Syrian Arab Republic

conventional short form: Syria

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah

local short form: Suriyah

former: United Arab Republic (with Egypt)

Government type:

republic under an authoritarian regime

Capital:

name: Damascus

geographic coordinates: 33 30 N, 36 18 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Friday in April; ends last Friday in October

Administrative divisions:

14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al
Ladhiqiyah (Latakia), Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar'a,
Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq
(Damascus), Tartus

Independence:

17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 April (1946)

Constitution:

13 March 1973

Legal system:

based on a combination of French and Ottoman civil law; Islamic law is used in the family court system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bashar al-ASAD (since 17 July 2000); Vice President Farouk al-SHARA (since 11 February 2006) oversees foreign policy; Vice President Najah al-ATTAR (since 23 March 2006) oversees cultural policy

head of government: Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-UTRI (since 10 September 2003); Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdallah al-DARDARI (since 14 June 2005)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president approved by popular referendum for a second seven-year term (no term limits); referendum last held on 27 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2014); the president appoints the vice presidents, prime minister, and deputy prime ministers

election results: Bashar al-ASAD approved as president; percent of vote - Bashar al-ASAD 97.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Council or Majlis al-Shaab (250 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 22-23 April 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NPF 172, independents 78

Judicial branch:

Supreme Judicial Council (appoints and dismisses judges; headed by the president); national level - Supreme Constitutional Court (adjudicates electoral disputes and rules on constitutionality of laws and decrees; justices appointed for four-year terms by the president); Court of Cassation; Appeals Courts (Appeals Courts represent an intermediate level between the Court of Cassation and local level courts); local level - Magistrate Courts; Courts of First Instance; Juvenile Courts; Customs Courts; specialized courts - Economic Security Courts (hear cases related to economic crimes); Supreme State Security Court (hear cases related to national security); Personal Status Courts (religious; hear cases related to marriage and divorce)

Political parties and leaders:

legal parties: National Progressive Front or NPF [President Bashar al-ASAD, Dr. Suleiman QADDAH] (includes Arab Socialist Renaissance (Ba'th) Party [President Bashar al-ASAD]; Socialist Unionist Democratic Party [Fadlallah Nasr Al-DIN]; Syrian Arab Socialist Union or ASU [Safwan al-QUDSI]; Syrian Communist Party (two branches) [Wissal Farha BAKDASH, Yusuf Rashid FAYSAL]; Syrian Social Nationalist Party [As'ad HARDAN]; Unionist Socialist Party [Fayez ISMAIL])

opposition parties not legally recognized: Communist Action Party [Fateh al-JAMOUS]; National Democratic Rally [Hasan ABDUL-AZIM, spokesman] (includes five parties - Arab Democratic Socialist Union Party [Hasan ABDUL-AZIM], Arab Socialist Movement, Democratic Ba'th Party [Ibrahim MAKHOS], Democratic People's Party [Riad al TURK], Revolutionary Workers' Party [Abdul Hafez al HAFEZ])

Kurdish parties (considered illegal): Azadi Party [Kheirudin MURAD];
Future Party [Masha'l TAMMO]; Kurdish Democratic Alliance (includes
four parties); Kurdish Democratic Front (includes three parties);
Yekiti Party [Fu'ad ALEYKO]

other parties: Syrian Democratic Party [Mustafa QALAAJI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Arab Human Rights Organization in Syria or AHRO; Damascus Declaration Group (a broad alliance of secular, religious, and Kurdish opposition groups); National Salvation Front (alliance between former Vice President Abd al-Halim KHADDAM and other small opposition groups in exile; formerly included the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood); Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression [Mazin DARWISH]; Syrian Human Rights Organization [Muhanad al-HASANI]; Syrian Human Rights Society or HRAS [Fayez FAWAZ]; Syrian Muslim Brotherhood or SMB [Muhammad Riyad al-SHAQFAH] (operates in exile in London)

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Imad MOUSTAPHA

chancery: 2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 232-6313

FAX: [1] (202) 265-4585

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Charles (Chuck) F. HUNTER

embassy: Abou Roumaneh, Al-Mansour Street, No. 2, Damascus

mailing address: P. O. Box 29, Damascus

telephone: [963] (11) 3391-4444

FAX: [963] (11) 3391-3999

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; two small, green, five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white); identical to the former flag of the United Arab Republic (1958-1961) where the two stars represented the constituent states of Syria and Egypt; the current design dates to 1980

note: similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band, Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the white band, and that of Egypt, which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "Humat ad-Diyar" (Guardians of the Homeland)

lyrics/music: Khalil Mardam BEY/Mohammad Salim FLAYFEL and Ahmad Salim FLAYFEL

note: adopted 1936, restored 1961; between 1958 and 1961, while Syria was a member of the United Arab Republic with Egypt, the country had a different anthem

Economy ::Syria

Economy - overview:

Syrian economic growth slowed to 1.8% in 2009 as the global economic crisis affected oil prices and the economies of Syria's key export partners and sources of investment. Damascus has implemented modest economic reforms in the past few years, including cutting lending interest rates, opening private banks, consolidating all of the multiple exchange rates, raising prices on some subsidized items, most notably gasoline and cement, and establishing the Damascus Stock Exchange - which began operations in 2009. In addition, President ASAD signed legislative decrees to encourage corporate ownership reform, and to allow the Central Bank to issue Treasury bills and bonds for government debt. Nevertheless, the economy remains highly controlled by the government. Long-run economic constraints include declining oil production, high unemployment, rising budget deficits, and increasing pressure on water supplies caused by heavy use in agriculture, rapid population growth, industrial expansion, and water pollution.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$106.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $102.4 billion (2009 est.)

$97.48 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$59.63 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 5% (2009 est.)

4.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $4,700 (2009 est.)

$4,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17.6%

industry: 26.8%

services: 55.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.527 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 17%

industry: 16%

services: 67% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 8.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

11.9% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

16.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Public debt:

29.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 28.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 2.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 88 5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 10.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$21.6 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 62 $19.53 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$161 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 43 $147.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$27.14 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $23.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas, olives, sugar beets; beef, mutton, eggs, poultry, milk

Industries:

petroleum, textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco, phosphate rock mining, cement, oil seeds crushing, car assembly

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Electricity - production:

36.5 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Electricity - consumption:

27.35 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.4 billion kWh (2007)

Oil - production:

400,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Oil - consumption:

252,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Oil - exports:

155,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Oil - imports:

58,710 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Oil - proved reserves:

2.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - production:

6.04 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Natural gas - consumption:

6.18 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - imports:

140 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Natural gas - proved reserves:

240.7 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Current account balance:

$649 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $394 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$12.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $11.76 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, minerals, petroleum products, fruits and vegetables, cotton fiber, textiles, clothing, meat and live animals, wheat

Exports - partners:

Iraq 30.22%, Lebanon 12.21%, Germany 8.89%, Egypt 6.8%, Saudi Arabia 5.04%, Italy 4.55% (2009)

Imports:

$13.57 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $12.62 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, electric power machinery, food and livestock, metal and metal products, chemicals and chemical products, plastics, yarn, paper

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 10.1%, China 9.95%, Turkey 6.97%, Egypt 6.44%, UAE 4.97%, Italy 4.93%, Russia 4.92%, Germany 4.38%, Lebanon 4.12% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$17.96 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $17.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$7.682 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $7.359 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Syrian pounds (SYP) per US dollar - 46.456 (2010), 46.7082 (2009), 46.5281 (2008), 50.0085 (2007), 51.689 (2006)

Communications ::Syria

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.871 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 41

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.697 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 66

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system currently undergoing significant improvement and digital upgrades, including fiber-optic technology and expansion of the network to rural areas

domestic: the number of fixed-line connections has increased markedly since 2000; mobile-cellular service growing with telephone subscribership reaching nearly 50 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 963; submarine cable connection to Egypt, Lebanon, and Cyprus; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region); coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey; participant in Medarabtel

Broadcast media:

state-run television and radio broadcast networks; state operates 2 TV networks and a satellite channel; roughly two-thirds of Syrian homes have a satellite dish providing access to foreign TV broadcasts; 3 state-run radio channels; first private radio station launched in 2005; private radio broadcasters prohibited from transmitting news or political content (2007)

Internet country code:

.sy

Internet hosts:

8,114 (2010) country comparison to the world: 133

Internet users:

4.469 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 52

Transportation ::Syria

Airports:

104 (2010) country comparison to the world: 57

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 29

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 15

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 75

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 15

under 914 m: 59 (2010)

Heliports:

7 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 3,101 km; oil 1,997 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,052 km country comparison to the world: 72 standard gauge: 1,801 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 251 km 1.050-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 97,401 km country comparison to the world: 45 paved: 19,490 km (includes 1,103 km of expressways)

unpaved: 77,911 km (2006)

Waterways:

900 km (navigable not economically significant) (2010) country comparison to the world: 69

Merchant marine:

total: 41 country comparison to the world: 77 by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 30, carrier 3, container 1

foreign-owned: 5 (Jordan 2, Lebanon 2, Romania 1)

registered in other countries: 199 (Barbados 1, Belize 2, Bolivia 4,
Cambodia 22, Comoros 6, Cyprus 1, Dominica 2, Georgia 35, Lebanon 3,
Liberia 1, Libya 2, Malta 5, Moldova 3, North Korea 6, Panama 42,
Saint Kitts and Nevis 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13, Sierra
Leone 20, Togo 5, unknown 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Baniyas, Latakia, Tartus

Military ::Syria

Military branches:

Syrian Armed Forces: Syrian Arab Army, Syrian Arab Navy, Syrian Arab
Air and Air Defense Forces (includes Air Defense Command) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 21 months (18 months in the Syrian Arab Navy); women are not conscripted but may volunteer to serve (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,766,853

females age 16-49: 5,540,828 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,948,802

females age 16-49: 4,786,596 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 253,578

female: 241,777 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Transnational Issues ::Syria

Disputes - international:

Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied with the almost 1,000-strong UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) patrolling a buffer zone since 1964; lacking a treaty or other documentation describing the boundary, portions of the Lebanon-Syria boundary are unclear with several sections in dispute; since 2000, Lebanon has claimed Shab'a Farms in the Golan Heights; 2004 Agreement and pending demarcation settles border dispute with Jordan; approximately two million Iraqis have fled the conflict in Iraq with the majority taking refuge in Syria and Jordan

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1-1.4 million (Iraq); 522,100 (Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA))

IDPs: 305,000 (most displaced from Golan Heights during 1967
Arab-Israeli War) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Syria is a destination and transit country for women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; a significant number of women and children in the large and expanding Iraqi refugee community in Syria are reportedly forced into commercial sexual exploitation by Iraqi gangs or, in some cases, their families; women from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone are recruited for work in Syria as domestic servants, but some face conditions of involuntary servitude, including long hours, non-payment of wages, withholding of passports, restrictions on movement, threats, and physical or sexual abuse

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Syria again failed to report any law enforcement efforts to punish trafficking offenses in 2007; in addition, the government did not offer protection services to victims of trafficking and may have arrested, prosecuted, or deported some victims for prostitution or immigration violations; Syria has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

a transit point for opiates, hashish, and cocaine bound for regional and Western markets; weak anti-money-laundering controls and bank privatization may leave it vulnerable to money laundering

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Taiwan (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Taiwan

Background:

In 1895, military defeat forced China to cede Taiwan to Japan. Taiwan reverted to Chinese control after World War II. Following the Communist victory on the mainland in 1949, 2 million Nationalists fled to Taiwan and established a government using the 1947 constitution drawn up for all of China. Over the next five decades, the ruling authorities gradually democratized and incorporated the local population within the governing structure. In 2000, Taiwan underwent its first peaceful transfer of power from the Nationalist to the Democratic Progressive Party. Throughout this period, the island prospered and became one of East Asia's economic "Tigers." The dominant political issues continue to be the relationship between Taiwan and China - specifically the question of Taiwan's eventual status - as well as domestic political and economic reform.

Geography ::Taiwan

Location:

Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China

Geographic coordinates:

23 30 N, 121 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 35,980 sq km country comparison to the world: 138 land: 32,260 sq km

water: 3,720 sq km

note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy islands

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,566.3 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year

Terrain:

eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Yu Shan 3,952 m

Natural resources:

small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos

Land use:

arable land: 24%

permanent crops: 1%

other: 75% (2001)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

67 cu km (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes; typhoons

volcanism: Kueishantao Island (elev. 401 m, 1,316 ft), east of Taiwan, is its only historically active volcano, although it has not erupted in centuries

Environment - current issues:

air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions, raw sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in endangered species; low-level radioactive waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: none of the selected agreements because of Taiwan's international status

Geography - note:

strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the Luzon Strait

People ::Taiwan

Population:

23,024,956 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.7% (male 1,996,905/female 1,844,611)

15-64 years: 72.6% (male 8,416,300/female 8,267,675)

65 years and over: 10.7% (male 1,183,382/female 1,265,474) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 37 years

male: 36.4 years

female: 37.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.213% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Birth rate:

8.97 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Death rate:

6.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Net migration rate:

0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.26 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 184 male: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.15 years country comparison to the world: 50 male: 75.34 years

female: 81.2 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.15 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Taiwan (singular and plural)

note: example - he or she is from Taiwan; they are from Taiwan

adjective: Taiwan

Ethnic groups:

Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, indigenous 2%

Religions:

mixture of Buddhist and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5%

Languages:

Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.1%

male: NA

female: NA (2003)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Taiwan

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Taiwan

local long form: none

local short form: Taiwan

former: Formosa

Government type:

multiparty democracy

Capital:

name: Taipei

geographic coordinates: 25 03 N, 121 30 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

includes main island of Taiwan plus smaller islands nearby and off coast of China's Fujian Province; Taiwan is divided into 18 counties (hsien, singular and plural), 5 municipalities (shih, singular and plural), and 2 special municipalities (chih-hsia-shih, singular and plural)

note: Taiwan uses a variety of romanization systems; while a modified Wade-Giles system still dominates, the city of Taipei has adopted a Pinyin romanization for street and place names within its boundaries; other local authorities use different romanization systems; names for administrative divisions that follow are taken from the Taiwan Yearbook 2007 published by the Government Information Office in Taipei.

counties: Changhua, Chiayi (county), Hsinchu (county), Hualien,
Kaohsiung (county), Kinmen, Lienchiang, Miaoli, Nantou, Penghu,
Pingtung, Taichung (county), Tainan (county), Taipei (county),
Taitung, Taoyuan, Yilan, and Yunlin

municipalities: Chiayi (city), Hsinchu (city), Keelung, Taichung (city), Tainan (city)

special municipalities: Kaohsiung (city), Taipei (city)

National holiday:

Republic Day (Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution), 10 October (1911)

Constitution:

adopted on 25 December 1946; promulgated on 1 January 1947; effective 25 December 1947; amended numerous times

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President MA Ying-jeou (since 20 May 2008); Vice President Vincent SIEW (since 20 May 2008)

head of government: Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) WU Den-yih (since 10 September 2009); Vice Premier (Vice President of Executive Yuan) Sean CHEN (since 17 May 2010)

cabinet: Executive Yuan - (ministers appointed by president on recommendation of premier) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2012); premier appointed by the president; vice premiers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the premier

election results: MA Ying-jeou elected president; percent of vote - MA Ying-jeou 58.45%, Frank HSIEH 41.55%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Yuan (113 seats - 73 district members elected by popular vote, 34 at-large members elected on basis of proportion of islandwide votes received by participating political parties, 6 elected by popular vote among aboriginal populations; members to serve four-year terms); parties must receive 5% of vote to qualify for at-large seats

elections: Legislative Yuan - last held on 12 January 2008 (next to be held in December 2011 or January 2012)

election results: Legislative Yuan - percent of vote by party - KMT 53.5%, DPP 38.2%, NPSU 2.4%, PFP 0.3%, others 1.6%, independents 4%; seats by party - KMT 81, DPP 27, NPSU 3, PFP 1, independent 1; note - following the 2008 elections, several rounds of byelections were held to fill seats vacated as a result of corruption changes; seats by party as of December 2010 - KMT 74, DPP 33, NPSU 3, independent 2, vacant 1

Judicial branch:

Judicial Yuan (justices appointed by the president with consent of the Legislative Yuan)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Progressive Party or DPP [TSAI Ing-wen]; Kuomintang or
KMT (Nationalist Party) [MA Ying-jeou]; Non-Partisan Solidarity
Union or NPSU [LIN Pin-kuan]; People First Party or PFP [James SOONG]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

environmental groups; independence movement; various business groups

note: debate on Taiwan independence has become acceptable within the mainstream of domestic politics on Taiwan; public opinion polls consistently show a substantial majority of Taiwan people supports maintaining Taiwan's status quo for the foreseeable future; advocates of Taiwan independence oppose the stand that the island will eventually unify with mainland China; advocates of eventual unification predicate their goal on the democratic transformation of the mainland

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, BCIE, ICC, IOC, ITUC, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; commercial and cultural relations with the people in the United States are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), a private nonprofit corporation that performs citizen and consular services similar to those at diplomatic posts

representative: Jason C. YUAN

office: 4201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] 202 895-1800

Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices (branch offices): Atlanta,
Boston, Chicago, Guam, Houston, Honolulu, Kansas City, Los Angeles,
Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none; commercial and cultural relations with the people on Taiwan are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a private nonprofit corporation that performs citizen and consular services similar to those at diplomatic posts

director: William A. STANTON

office: #7 Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3, Taipei, Taiwan

telephone: [1] [886] (02) 2162-2000

FAX: [1] [886] (07) 238-7744

other offices: Kaohsiung

Flag description:

red field with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays; the blue and white design of the canton (symbolizing the sun of progress) dates to 1895; it was later adopted as the flag of the Kuomintang Party; blue signifies liberty, justice, and democracy; red stands for fraternity, sacrifice, and nationaliam, white represents equality, frankness, and the people's livelihood; the 12 rays of the sun are those of the months and the twelve traditional Chinese hours (each ray equals two hours)

note: somewhat resembles the flag of Burma

National anthem:

name: "Zhonghua Minguo guoge" (National Anthem of the Republic of China)

lyrics/music: HU Han-min, TAI Chi-t'ao, and LIAO Chung-k'ai/CHENG Mao-Yun

note: adopted 1930; the anthem is also the song of the Kuomintang Party; it is informally known as "San Min Cau I" (Three Principles of the People); because of political pressure from China, "Guo qi ee" (National Banner Song) is used at international events rather than the official anthem of Taiwan; the "National Banner Song" has gained popularity in Taiwan and is commonly used during flag raisings

Economy ::Taiwan

Economy - overview:

Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with gradually decreasing government guidance of investment and foreign trade. In keeping with this trend, some large, state-owned banks and industrial firms have been privatized. Exports, led by electronics and machinery, generate about 70% of Taiwan's GDP growth, and have provided the primary impetus for economic development. This heavy dependence on exports makes the economy vulnerable to downturns in world demand. In 2009, Taiwan's GDP fell by 1.9%, due primarily to a 20% year-on-year decline in exports. GDP grew more than 8% in 2010, as exports returned to the level of previous years. Taiwan's diplomatic isolation, low birth rate, and rapidly aging population are major long-term challenges. Free trade agreements have proliferated in East Asia over the past several years, but so far Taiwan has been excluded from this greater economic integration, largely for reasons of diplomacy. Taiwan's birth rate of only 1.2 child per woman is among the lowest in the world, raising the prospect of future labor shortages, falling domestic demand, and declining tax revenues. Taiwan's population is aging quickly, with the number of people over 65 accounting for 10.8% of the island's total population as of the end of 2009. The island runs a large trade surplus, and its foreign reserves are the world's fourth largest, behind China, Japan, and Russia. Since President MA Ying-jeou took office in May 2008, cross-Strait economic ties have increased significantly. Since 2005 China has overtaken the US to become Taiwan's second-largest source of imports after Japan. China is also the island's number one destination for foreign direct investment. Taipei has focused much of its economic recovery effort on improving cross-Strait economic integration. Three financial memorandums of understanding, covering banking, securities, and insurance, took effect in mid-January 2010, opening the island to greater investments from the Mainland's financial firms and institutional investors, and providing new opportunities for Taiwan financial firms to operate in China. Taiwan and the mainland in June 2010 signed the landmark Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), an agreement similar to a free-trade agreement deal that will increase cross-Strait economic ties by lowering tariffs on a number of goods. Taiwan's goverment has said that the ECFA will serve as a stepping stone toward trade pacts with other regional partners and announced the beginning of negotiations on such an agreement with Singapore in August.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$807.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $745.4 billion (2009 est.)

$759.8 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$427 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 -1.9% (2009 est.)

0.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $32,400 (2009 est.)

$33,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 31.1%

services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

11.03 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 5.1%

industry: 36.8%

services: 58% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 5.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

1.08% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: 41.1% (2002)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Public debt:

31.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87 33% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 3.5% (2008)

Central bank discount rate:

1.25% (February 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

2.56% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 153 4.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$331.7 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 14 $317.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$952.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $891.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$661.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $630.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$657.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 20 $354.7 billion (31 December 2008)

$654 billion (28 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, vegetables, fruit, tea; pigs, poultry, beef, milk; fish

Industries:

electronics, communications and information technology products, petroleum refining, armaments, chemicals, textiles, iron and steel, machinery, cement, food processing, vehicles, consumer products, pharmaceuticals

Industrial production growth rate:

16% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Electricity - production:

238.3 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 18

Electricity - consumption:

229.8 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 15

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

276,800 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Oil - consumption:

910,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Oil - exports:

359,800 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Oil - imports:

931,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Oil - proved reserves:

2.8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Natural gas - production:

360 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Natural gas - consumption:

12.44 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Natural gas - imports:

12.08 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.229 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Current account balance:

$39 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $42.92 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$277.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $203.4 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electronics, flat panels, machinery; metals; textiles, plastics, chemicals; optical, photographic, measuring, and medical instruments

Exports - partners:

China 26.6%, Hong Kong 14.4%, US 11.6%, Japan 7.2%, Singapore 4.2% (2009)

Imports:

$250.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $172.8 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electronics, machinery, crude petroleum, precision instruments, organic chemicals, metals

Imports - partners:

Japan 20.7%, China 14%, US 10.3%, South Korea 6%, Saudi Arabia 4.8% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$382.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $353 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$91.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $75.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$65.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $107.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$122.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $145.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

New Taiwan dollars (TWD) per US dollar - 31.864 (2010), 33.061 (2009), 31.53 (2008), 32.84 (2007), 32.534 (2006)

Communications ::Taiwan

Telephones - main lines in use:

14.596 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 19

Telephones - mobile cellular:

26.959 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 33

Telephone system:

general assessment: provides telecommunications service for every business and private need

domestic: thoroughly modern; completely digitalized

international: country code - 886; roughly 15 submarine fiber cables cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2

Broadcast media:

5 free-to-air nationwide television networks operating roughly 75 TV stations; about 85% of households utilize multi-channel cable TV; national and regional radio networks with about 170 radio stations broadcasting (2008)

Internet country code:

.tw

Internet hosts:

6.336 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 15

Internet users:

16.147 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 24

Transportation ::Taiwan

Airports:

41 (2010) country comparison to the world: 104

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 38

over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 405 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,582 km country comparison to the world: 81 standard gauge: 345 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 1,091 km 1.067-m gauge; 146 km .762-m gauge

note: the 146 km of .762 gauge track belongs primarily to Taiwan Sugar Corporation and Taiwan Forestry Bureau, some to other entities (2008)

Roadways:

total: 41,279 km country comparison to the world: 88 paved: 40,843 km (includes 976 km of expressways)

unpaved: 436 km (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 101 country comparison to the world: 50 by type: bulk carrier 28, cargo 19, chemical tanker 2, container 27, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 12, refrigerated cargo 7, roll on/roll off 2

foreign-owned: 2 (France 1, Vietnam 1)

registered in other countries: 574 (Cambodia 1, Honduras 2, Hong
Kong 26, Indonesia 1, Italy 11, Kiribati 5, Liberia 88, Marshall
Islands 2, Panama 337, Philippines 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 79,
Thailand 1, UK 11, unknown 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Chilung (Keelung), Kaohsiung, Hualian, Taichung

Military ::Taiwan

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force, Coast Guard
Administration, Armed Forces Reserve Command, Combined Service
Forces Command, Armed Forces Police Command

Military service age and obligation:

19-35 years of age for male compulsory military service; service obligation 2 years; women may enlist; women in Air Force service are restricted to noncombat roles; reserve obligation to age 30 (Army); the Ministry of Defense is in the process of implementing a voluntary enlistment system over the period 2010-2015, although nonvolunteers will still be required to perform alternative service or go through 4 months of military training (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,218,009

females age 16-49: 6,038,964 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,094,111

females age 16-49: 4,980,454 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 166,141

female: 155,070 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.2% of GDP (in 2009, the Taiwanese president pledged to maintain defense spending at 3.0% or higher; projected 2.73% for 2011) (2009) country comparison to the world: 68

Transnational Issues ::Taiwan

Disputes - international:

involved in complex dispute with Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam over the Spratly Islands, and with China and the Philippines over Scarborough Reef; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; Paracel Islands are occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam; in 2003, China and Taiwan became more vocal in rejecting both Japan's claims to the uninhabited islands of the Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally declared exclusive economic zone in the East China Sea where all parties engage in hydrocarbon prospecting

Illicit drugs:

regional transit point for heroin, methamphetamine, and precursor chemicals; transshipment point for drugs to Japan; major problem with domestic consumption of methamphetamine and heroin; rising problems with use of ketamine and club drugs

page last updated on January 24, 2011

======================================================================

@Tajikistan (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Tajikistan

Background:

The Tajik people came under Russian rule in the 1860s and 1870s, but Russia's hold on Central Asia weakened following the Revolution of 1917. Bolshevik control of the area was fiercely contested and not fully reestablished until 1925. Much of present-day Sughd province was transferred from the Uzbek SSR to the newly formed Tajik SSR in 1929. Ethnic Uzbeks form a substantial minority in Sughd province. Tajikistan became independent in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union, and experienced a civil war between regional factions from 1992-97. There have been no major security incidents in recent years, although the country remains the poorest in the former Soviet sphere. Attention by the international community since the beginning of the NATO intervention in Afghanistan has brought increased economic development and security assistance, which could create jobs and strengthen stability in the long term. Tajikistan is in the early stages of seeking World Trade Organization membership and has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace.

Geography ::Tajikistan

Location:

Central Asia, west of China

Geographic coordinates:

39 00 N, 71 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 143,100 sq km country comparison to the world: 95 land: 141,510 sq km

water: 2,590 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Wisconsin

Land boundaries:

total: 3,651 km

border countries: Afghanistan 1,206 km, China 414 km, Kyrgyzstan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,161 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

midlatitude continental, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains

Terrain:

Pamir and Alay Mountains dominate landscape; western Fergana Valley in north, Kofarnihon and Vakhsh Valleys in southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Syr Darya (Sirdaryo) 300 m

highest point: Qullai Ismoili Somoni (Pik Imeni Ismail Samani) 7,495 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, some petroleum, uranium, mercury, brown coal, lead, zinc, antimony, tungsten, silver, gold

Land use:

arable land: 6.52%

permanent crops: 0.89%

other: 92.59% (2005)

Irrigated land:

7,220 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

99.7 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 11.96 cu km/yr (4%/5%/92%)

per capita: 1,837 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes; floods

Environment - current issues:

inadequate sanitation facilities; increasing levels of soil salinity; industrial pollution; excessive pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; mountainous region dominated by the Trans-Alay Range in the north and the Pamirs in the southeast; highest point, Qullai Ismoili Somoni (formerly Communism Peak), was the tallest mountain in the former USSR

People ::Tajikistan

Population:

7,487,489 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.3% (male 1,282,681/female 1,238,607)

15-64 years: 62.1% (male 2,260,552/female 2,303,034)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 112,334/female 151,937) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.2 years

male: 21.7 years

female: 22.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.852% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Birth rate:

26.49 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Death rate:

6.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Net migration rate:

-1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Urbanization:

urban population: 26% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 39.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 67 male: 44.55 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 34.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 65.68 years country comparison to the world: 164 male: 62.63 years

female: 68.88 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.94 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

10,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Tajikistani(s)

adjective: Tajikistani

Ethnic groups:

Tajik 79.9%, Uzbek 15.3%, Russian 1.1%, Kyrgyz 1.1%, other 2.6% (2000 census)

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 85%, Shia Muslim 5%, other 10% (2003 est.)

Languages:

Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and business

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.5%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.2% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 12 years

female: 10 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.5% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 132

Government ::Tajikistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Tajikistan

conventional short form: Tajikistan

local long form: Jumhurii Tojikiston

local short form: Tojikiston

former: Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Dushanbe

geographic coordinates: 38 35 N, 68 48 E

time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

2 provinces (viloyatho, singular - viloyat) and 1 autonomous province* (viloyati mukhtor); Viloyati Khatlon (Qurghonteppa), Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni Badakhshon [Gorno-Badakhshan]* (Khorugh), Viloyati Sughd (Khujand)

note: the administrative center name follows in parentheses

Independence:

9 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day (or National Day), 9 September (1991)

Constitution:

6 November 1994

Legal system:

based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Emomali RAHMON (since 6 November 1994; head of state and Supreme Assembly chairman since 19 November 1992)

head of government: Prime Minister Oqil OQILOV (since 20 January 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the Supreme Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 November 2006 (next to be held in November 2013); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Emomali RAHMON reelected president; percent of vote - Emomali RAHMON 79.3%, Olimjon BOBOEV 6.2%, other 14.5%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Supreme Assembly or Majlisi Oli consists of the National Assembly (upper chamber) or Majlisi Milliy (34 seats; 25 members selected by local deputies, 8 appointed by the president; 1 seat reserved for the former president; members serve five-year terms) and the Assembly of Representatives (lower chamber) or Majlisi Namoyandagon (63 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held on 28 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2015); Assembly of Representatives - last held on 28 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2015)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Assembly of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDPT 71%, Islamic Revival Party 8.2%, CPT 7%, APT 5.1%, PER 5.1%, other 3.6%; seats by party - PDPT 55, Islamic Revival Party 2, CPT 2, APT 2, PER 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Agrarian Party of Tajikistan or APT [Amir QARAQULOV]; Democratic
Party or DPT [Mahmadruzi ISKANDAROV (imprisoned October 2005);
Rahmatullo VALIYEV, deputy]; Islamic Revival Party [Muhiddin
KABIRI]; Party of Economic Reform or PER [Olimjon BOBOEV]; Party of
Economic Reforms [Mahmadsharif NOZIMOV]; People's Democratic Party
of Tajikistan or PDPT [Emomali RAHMON]; Social Democratic Party or
SDPT [Rahmatullo ZOYIROV]; Socialist Party or SPT [Mirhuseyn
NARZIEV]; Tajik Communist Party or CPT [Shodi SHABDOLOV]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

splinter parties recognized by the government but not by the base of the party: Democratic Party or DPT [Masud SOBIROV] (splintered from ISKANDAROV's DPT); Socialist Party or SPT [Abduhalim GHAFFOROV] (splintered from NARZIEV's SPT)

unregistered political parties: Agrarian Party [Hikmatullo NASREDDINOV]; Progressive Party [Sulton QUVVATOV]; Unity Party [Hikmatullo SAIDOV]

International organization participation:

ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, G-77, GCTU, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM
(observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abdujabbor SHIRINOV

chancery: 1005 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 223-6090

FAX: [1] (202) 223-6091

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth GROSS

embassy: 109-A Ismoili Somoni Avenue, Dushanbe 734019

mailing address: 7090 Dushanbe Place, Dulles, VA 20189

telephone: [992] (37) 229-20-00

FAX: [992] (37) 229-20-50

Flag description:

three horizontal stripes of red (top), a wider stripe of white, and green; a gold crown surmounted by seven gold, five-pointed stars is located in the center of the white stripe; red represents the sun, victory, and the unity of the nation, white stands for purity, cotton, and mountain snows, while green is the color of Islam and the bounty of nature; the crown symbolizes the Tajik people; the seven stars signify the Tajik magic word "seven" - a symbol of perfection and the embodiment of happiness

National anthem:

name: "Surudi milli" (National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Gulnazar KELDI/Suleiman YUDAKOV

note: adopted 1991; after the fall of the Soviet Union, Tajikistan kept the music of the anthem from its time as a Soviet republic but adopted new lyrics

Economy ::Tajikistan

Economy - overview:

Tajikistan has one of the lowest per capita GDPs among the 15 former Soviet republics. Because of a lack of employment opportunities in Tajikistan, nearly half of the labor force works abroad, primarily in Russia and Kazakhstan, supporting families in Tajikistan through remittances. The exact number of labor migrants is unknown, but estimated at around 1 million. Less than 7% of the land area is arable. Cotton is the most important crop, but this sector is burdened with debt and obsolete infrastructure; moreover, government has encouraged a gradual transition away from cotton and towards food cultivation due to its concerns about feeding the population. Mineral resources include silver, gold, uranium, and tungsten. Industry consists only of a large aluminum plant, hydropower facilities, and small obsolete factories mostly in light industry and food processing. The civil war (1992-97) severely damaged the already weak economic infrastructure and caused a sharp decline in industrial and agricultural production. Tajikistan's economic situation remains fragile due to uneven implementation of structural reforms, corruption, weak governance, seasonal power shortages, and the external debt burden. A debt restructuring agreement was reached with Russia in December 2002, including a $250 million write-off of Tajikistan's $300 million debt. Completion of the Sangtuda I hydropower dam - finished in 2009 with Russian investment - and the Sangtuda II and Rogun dams will add substantially to electricity output. If finished according to Tajik plans, Rogun will be the world's tallest dam. The World Bank, in 2010, agreed to fund safety and feasibility studies for the Rogun Dam. Favorable reports from these studies could increase investor interest in the project, which has been stalled due to lack of funding. Tajikistan has also received substantial infrastructure development loans from the Chinese government to improve roads and an electricity transmission network. To help increase north-south trade, the US funded a $36 million bridge which opened in August 2007 and links Tajikistan and Afghanistan. While Tajikistan has experienced steady economic growth since 1997, more than half of the population continues to live in poverty. Economic growth reached 10.6% in 2004, but dropped below 8% in 2005-08, as the effects of higher oil prices and then the international financial crisis began to register - mainly in the form of lower prices for key export commodities and lower remittances from Tajiks working abroad, due to the global economic downturn. In 2009 GDP growth dropped to 3.4% as a result of the world recession.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.61 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 $13.85 billion (2009 est.)

$13.4 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.578 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 3.4% (2009 est.)

7.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189 $1,900 (2009 est.)

$1,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 19.2%

industry: 22.6%

services: 58.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 119

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 49.8%

industry: 12.8%

services: 37.4% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.2% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 2.3% (2008 est.)

note: official rates; actual unemployment is higher

Population below poverty line:

60% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.3%

highest 10%: 25.6% (2007 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.6 (2006) country comparison to the world: 99 34.7 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158 6.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

8% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 25 13.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

22.91% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 23.7% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$863 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 141 $712.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.095 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 $851.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.209 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $939.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, grain, fruits, grapes, vegetables; cattle, sheep, goats

Industries:

aluminum, zinc, lead; chemicals and fertilizers, cement, vegetable oil, metal-cutting machine tools, refrigerators and freezers

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Electricity - production:

16.1 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Electricity - consumption:

16.7 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 73

Electricity - exports:

1 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

667.8 million kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

221 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Oil - consumption:

38,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Oil - exports:

349 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Oil - imports:

10,100 bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 139

Oil - proved reserves:

12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Natural gas - production:

16.1 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Natural gas - consumption:

266.1 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Natural gas - imports:

250 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Current account balance:

-$330 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 -$179.9 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.318 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 $1.039 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

aluminum, electricity, cotton, fruits, vegetable oil, textiles

Exports - partners:

Russia 19.16%, China 18.38%, Turkey 12.09%, Iran 11.11%, Uzbekistan 7.92%, Norway 6.17%, Greece 4.32% (2009)

Imports:

$3.301 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $2.77 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electricity, petroleum products, aluminum oxide, machinery and equipment, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Russia 23.92%, China 23.74%, Kazakhstan 8.92%, Turkey 4.96%,
Uzbekistan 4.73% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$303 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 $227 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.997 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $1.771 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$100.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $93.05 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$18.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $16.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Tajikistani somoni (TJS) per US dollar - 4.3788 (2010), 4.1428 (2009), 3.4563 (2008), 3.4418 (2007), 3.3 (2006)

Communications ::Tajikistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

290,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 115

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.9 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 97

Telephone system:

general assessment: foreign investment in the telephone system has resulted in major improvements; conversion of the existing fixed network from analogue to digital more than 90% complete by 2009

domestic: fixed line availability has not changed significantly since 1998 while mobile cellular subscribership, aided by competition among multiple operators, has expanded rapidly; coverage now extends to all major cities and towns

international: country code - 992; linked by cable and microwave radio relay to other CIS republics and by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; Dushanbe linked by Intelsat to international gateway switch in Ankara (Turkey); satellite earth stations - 3 (2 Intelsat and 1 Orbita) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run television broadcaster transmits nationally on 4 stations and regionally on 4 stations; about 10 independent TV stations broadcast locally and regionally; some households are able to receive Russian and other foreign stations via cable and satellite; state-run radio broadcaster operates Radio Tajikistan, Voice of Dushanbe, and several regional stations; a small number of independent radio stations also broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.tj

Internet hosts:

1,504 (2010) country comparison to the world: 160

Internet users:

700,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 110

Transportation ::Tajikistan

Airports:

26 (2010) country comparison to the world: 127

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 17

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9

1,524 to 2,437: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 549 km; oil 38 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 680 km country comparison to the world: 107 broad gauge: 680 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 27,767 km (2000) country comparison to the world: 100

Waterways:

200 km (along Vakhsh River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 99

Military ::Tajikistan

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Mobile Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,980,012

females age 16-49: 1,990,084 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,461,896

females age 16-49: 1,642,240 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 77,585

female: 75,201 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2010) country comparison to the world: 99

Transnational Issues ::Tajikistan

Disputes - international:

in 2006, China and Tajikistan pledged to commence demarcation of the revised boundary agreed to in the delimitation of 2002; talks continue with Uzbekistan to delimit border and remove minefields; disputes in Isfara Valley delay delimitation with Kyrgyzstan

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Tajikistan is a source country for women trafficked through Kyrgyzstan and Russia to the UAE, Turkey, and Russia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Russia and Kazakhstan for the purpose of forced labor, primarily in the construction and agricultural industries; boys and girls are trafficked internally for various purposes, including forced labor and forced begging

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Tajikistan is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking, especially efforts to investigate, prosecute, convict, and sentence traffickers; despite evidence of low- and mid-level officials' complicity in trafficking, the government did not punish any public officials for trafficking complicity during 2007; lack of capacity and poor coordination between government institutions remained key obstacles to effective anti-trafficking efforts (2008)

Illicit drugs:

major transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit cultivation of opium poppy for domestic consumption; Tajikistan seizes roughly 80% of all drugs captured in Central Asia and stands third worldwide in seizures of opiates (heroin and raw opium); significant consumer of opiates

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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@Tanzania (Africa)

Introduction ::Tanzania

Background:

Shortly after achieving independence from Britain in the early 1960s, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an end in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s. Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular opposition have led to two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling party won despite international observers' claims of voting irregularities.

Geography ::Tanzania

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and
Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 S, 35 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 947,300 sq km country comparison to the world: 31 land: 885,800 sq km

water: 61,500 sq km

note: includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 3,861 km

border countries: Burundi 451 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 459 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756 km, Rwanda 217 km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 km

Coastline:

1,424 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands

Terrain:

plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north, south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Kilimanjaro 5,895 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones, gold, natural gas, nickel

Land use:

arable land: 4.23%

permanent crops: 1.16%

other: 94.61% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,840 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

91 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 5.18 cu km/yr (10%/0%/89%)

per capita: 135 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season; drought

volcanism: Tanzania experiences limited volcanic activity; Ol Doinyo Lengai (elev. 2,962 m, 9,718 ft) has emitted lava in recent years; other historically active volcanoes include Kieyo and Meru

Environment - current issues:

soil degradation; deforestation; desertification; destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats; recent droughts affected marginal agriculture; wildlife threatened by illegal hunting and trade, especially for ivory

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa; bordered by three of the largest lakes on the continent: Lake Victoria (the world's second-largest freshwater lake) in the north, Lake Tanganyika (the world's second deepest) in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the southwest

People ::Tanzania

Population:

41,892,895 country comparison to the world: 31 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43% (male 8,853,529/female 8,805,810)

15-64 years: 54.1% (male 10,956,133/female 11,255,868)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 513,959/female 663,233) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.3 years

male: 18 years

female: 18.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.032% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Birth rate:

33.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Death rate:

12.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Net migration rate:

-0.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Urbanization:

urban population: 25% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 68.13 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 21 male: 75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 61.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.49 years country comparison to the world: 207 male: 50.99 years

female: 54.03 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.31 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

6.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.4 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

96,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Tanzanian(s)

adjective: Tanzanian

Ethnic groups:

mainland - African 99% (of which 95% are Bantu consisting of more than 130 tribes), other 1% (consisting of Asian, European, and Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, African, mixed Arab and African

Religions:

mainland - Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35%; Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslim

Languages:

Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguja (name for Swahili in
Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of commerce,
administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in
Zanzibar), many local languages

note: Kiswahili (Swahili) is the mother tongue of the Bantu people living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; although Kiswahili is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety of sources including Arabic and English; it has become the lingua franca of central and eastern Africa; the first language of most people is one of the local languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write Kiswahili (Swahili), English, or Arabic

total population: 69.4%

male: 77.5%

female: 62.2% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 5 years

male: 5 years

female: 5 years (1999)

Education expenditures:

6.8% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 25

Government ::Tanzania

Country name:

conventional long form: United Republic of Tanzania

conventional short form: Tanzania

local long form: Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania

local short form: Tanzania

former: United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Dar es Salaam

geographic coordinates: 6 48 S, 39 17 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: legislative offices have been transferred to Dodoma, which is planned as the new national capital, and the National Assembly now meets there on a regular basis; the Executive Branch with all ministries and diplomatic representation remains located in Dar es Salaam

Administrative divisions:

26 regions; Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kagera, Kigoma,
Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Manyara, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza,
Pemba North, Pemba South, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga, Singida,
Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar Central/South, Zanzibar North, Zanzibar
Urban/West

Independence:

26 April 1964; Tanganyika became independent 9 December 1961 (from UK-administered UN trusteeship); Zanzibar became independent 19 December 1963 (from UK); Tanganyika united with Zanzibar 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar; renamed United Republic of Tanzania 29 October 1964

National holiday:

Union Day (Tanganyika and Zanzibar), 26 April (1964)

Constitution:

25 April 1977; major revisions October 1984

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jakaya KIKWETE (since 21 December 2005); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July 2001); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Jakaya KIKWETE (since 21 December 2005); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July 2001)

note: Zanzibar elects a president who is head of government for matters internal to Zanzibar; Ali Mohamed SHEIN elected to that office on 31 October 2010, sworn in 3 November 2010

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ballot by popular vote for five-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 October 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Jakaya KIKWETE elected president; percent of vote - Jakaya KIKWETE 61.2%, Wilbrod SLAA 26.3%, Ibrahim LIPUMBA 8.1%, other 4.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Bunge (274 seats; 232 members elected by popular vote, 37 allocated to women nominated by the president, 5 to members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives; members serve five-year terms); note - in addition to enacting laws that apply to the entire United Republic of Tanzania, the Assembly enacts laws that apply only to the mainland; Zanzibar has its own House of Representatives to make laws especially for Zanzibar (the Zanzibar House of Representatives has 50 seats; members elected by universal suffrage to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 December 2005 (next to be held on 31 October 2010)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CCM 206, CUF 19, CHADEMA 5, other 2, women appointed by the president 37, Zanzibar representatives 5 Zanzibar House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CCM 30, CUF 19; 1 seat was nullified with a rerun to take place soon

Judicial branch:

Permanent Commission of Enquiry (official ombudsman); Court of Appeal (consists of a chief justice and four judges); High Court (consists of a Jaji Kiongozi and 29 judges appointed by the president; holds regular sessions in all regions); District Courts; Primary Courts (limited jurisdiction and appeals can be made to the higher courts)

Political parties and leaders:

Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Party of Democracy and
Development) or CHADEMA [Bob MAKANI]; Chama Cha Mapinduzi or CCM
(Revolutionary Party) [Jakaya Mrisho KIKWETE]; Civic United Front or
CUF [Ibrahim LIPUMBA]; Democratic Party [Christopher MTIKLA]
(unregistered); Tanzania Labor Party or TLP [Augustine Lyatonga
MREME]; United Democratic Party or UDP [John CHEYO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Economic and Social Research Foundation or ESRF; Free Zanzibar;
Tanzania Media Women's Association or TAMWA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, EAC, EADB, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mwandaidi Sinare MAAJAR

chancery: 2139 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-6125

FAX: [1] (202) 797-7408

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alfonso E. LENHARDT

embassy: 686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani, Dar es Salaam

mailing address: P. O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam

telephone: [255] (22) 266-8001

FAX: [255] (22) 266-8238, 266-8373

Flag description:

divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is blue; the banner combines colors found on the flags of Tanganyika and Zanzibar; green represents the natural vegetation of the country, gold its rich mineral deposits, black the native Swahili people, and blue the country's many lakes and rivers, as well as the Indian Ocean

National anthem:

name: "Mungu ibariki Afrika" (God Bless Africa)

lyrics/music: collective/Enoch Mankayi SONTONGA

note: adopted 1961; the anthem, which is also a popular song in Africa, shares the same melody with that of Zambia, but has different lyrics; the melody is also incorporated into South Africa's anthem

Economy ::Tanzania

Economy - overview:

Tanzania is one of the world's poorest economies in terms of per capita income, however, Tanzania average 7% GDP growth per year between 2000 and 2008 on strong gold production and tourism. The economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for more than one-fourth of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs about 60% of the work force. The World Bank, the IMF, and bilateral donors have provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania's aging economic infrastructure, including rail and port infrastructure that are important trade links for inland countries. Recent banking reforms have helped increase private-sector growth and investment, and the government has increased spending on agriculture to 7% of its budget. Continued donor assistance and solid macroeconomic policies supported a positive growth rate, despite the world recession. In 2008, Tanzania received the world's largest Millennium Challenge Compact grant, worth $698 million. Dar es Salaam used fiscal stimulus and loosened monitary policy to ease the impact of the global recession. GDP growth in 2009-10 was a respectable 6% per year due to high gold prices and increased production.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$62.22 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $58.48 billion (2009 est.)

$55.17 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$22.43 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 6% (2009 est.)

7.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202 $1,400 (2009 est.)

$1,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 41.6%

industry: 18.1%

services: 38.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

21.86 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%

industry and services: 20% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

36% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 26.9% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.6 (2000) country comparison to the world: 89 38.2 (1993)

Investment (gross fixed):

17.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Public debt:

23.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 21.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 12.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3.7% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 17 15.99% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.03% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 14.98% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.394 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 107 $2.972 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$7.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $6.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.163 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184 $3.878 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 99 $1.293 billion (31 December 2008)

$541.1 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), cashew nuts, tobacco, cloves, corn, wheat, cassava (tapioca), bananas, fruits, vegetables; cattle, sheep, goats

Industries:

agricultural processing (sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal twine); diamond, gold, and iron mining, salt, soda ash; cement, oil refining, shoes, apparel, wood products, fertilizer

Industrial production growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Electricity - production:

3.786 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Electricity - consumption:

3.182 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

200 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Oil - consumption:

34,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Oil - imports:

28,070 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - production:

560.7 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Natural gas - consumption:

560.7 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.513 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Current account balance:

-$1.523 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 -$1.746 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$3.809 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $3.365 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gold, coffee, cashew nuts, manufactures, cotton

Exports - partners:

India 8.51%, China 7.55%, Japan 7.12%, Netherlands 6.21%, UAE 5.71%,
Germany 5.17% (2009)

Imports:

$6.334 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $5.834 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, machinery and transportation equipment, industrial raw materials, crude oil

Imports - partners:

India 13.97%, China 13.71%, South Africa 7.8%, Kenya 6.89%, UAE 4.65%, Japan 4.34% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.687 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $3.206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

note: excludes gold

Debt - external:

$7.576 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $6.879 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Tanzanian shillings (TZS) per US dollar - 1,423.3 (2010), 1,320.3 (2009), 1,178.1 (2008), 1,255 (2007), 1,251.9 (2006)

Communications ::Tanzania

Telephones - main lines in use:

173,552 (2010) country comparison to the world: 130

Telephones - mobile cellular:

17.677 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 42

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications services are marginal; system operating below capacity and being modernized for better service; small aperture terminal (VSAT) system under construction

domestic: fixed-line telephone network inadequate with less than 1 connection per 100 persons; mobile-cellular service, aided by multiple providers, is increasing rapidly; trunk service provided by open-wire, microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, and fiber-optic cable; some links being made digital

international: country code - 255; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

a state-owned TV station and multiple privately-owned TV stations; state-owned national radio station supplemented by more than 40 privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.tz

Internet hosts:

24,182 (2010) country comparison to the world: 103

Internet users:

678,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 111

Transportation ::Tanzania

Airports:

124 (2010) country comparison to the world: 48

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 115

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 63

under 914 m: 33 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 254 km; oil 888 km; refined products 8 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,689 km country comparison to the world: 46 narrow gauge: 969 km 1.067-m gauge; 2,720 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 78,892 km country comparison to the world: 61 paved: 4,741 km

unpaved: 74,151 km (2007)

Waterways:

Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, and Lake Nyasa are principal avenues of commerce with neighboring countries; rivers are not navigable (2009)

Merchant marine:

total: 72 country comparison to the world: 59 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 43, carrier 4, chemical tanker 2, container 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 15

foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1)

registered in other countries: 3 (Honduras 1, Panama 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Indian Ocean are high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Tanzania

Military branches:

Tanzanian People's Defense Force (Jeshi la Wananchi la Tanzania, JWTZ): Army, Naval Wing (includes Coast Guard), Air Defense Command (includes Air Wing), National Service (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,683,768 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,667,987

females age 16-49: 5,690,331 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 498,815

female: 500,941 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Transnational Issues ::Tanzania

Disputes - international:

Tanzania still hosts more than a half-million refugees, more than any other African country, mainly from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite the international community's efforts at repatriation; disputes with Malawi over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River remain dormant

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 352,640 (Burundi); 127,973 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

targeted by traffickers moving hashish, Afghan heroin, and South American cocaine transported down the East African coastline, through airports, or overland through Central Africa; Zanzibar likely used by traffickers for drug smuggling; traffickers in the past have recruited Tanzanian couriers to move drugs through Iran into East Asia.

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Thailand (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Thailand

Background:

A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US treaty ally following the conflict. A military coup in September 2006 ousted then Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat. The interim government held elections in December 2007 that saw the former pro-THAKSIN People's Power Party (PPP) emerge at the head of a coalition government. The anti-THAKSIN People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in May 2008 began street demonstrations against the new government, eventually occupying the prime minister's office in August and Bangkok's two international airports in November. The PAD ended their protests in early December 2008 following a court ruling that dissolved the ruling PPP and two other coalition parties for election violations. The Democrat Party then formed a new coalition government and ABHISIT Wetchachiwa became prime minister. In October 2008 THAKSIN went into voluntary exile to avoid imprisonment for a corruption conviction, and has since agitated his followers from abroad. THAKSIN supporters re-organized into the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and rioted in April 2009, shutting down an ASEAN meeting in Phuket, and in early 2010 protested a court verdict confiscating most of THAKSIN's wealth. Between March and May 2010, the UDD staged large protests and occupied several blocks of downtown Bangkok. A government operation to disperse the protesters after nine weeks led to clashes that resulted in 89 deaths and an estimated $1.5 billion in arson-related property losses. These protests exposed major cleavages in the Thai body politic which continue to hamper the current government. Since January 2004, thousands have been killed as separatists in Thailand's southern ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces increased the violence associated with their cause.

Geography ::Thailand

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of
Thailand, southeast of Burma

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 100 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 513,120 sq km country comparison to the world: 50 land: 510,890 sq km

water: 2,230 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

Land boundaries:

total: 4,863 km

border countries: Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km, Malaysia 506 km

Coastline:

3,219 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid

Terrain:

central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

Natural resources:

tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 27.54%

permanent crops: 6.93%

other: 65.53% (2005)

Irrigated land:

49,860 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

409.9 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 82.75 cu km/yr (2%/2%/95%)

per capita: 1,288 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore

People ::Thailand

Population:

67,089,500 country comparison to the world: 20 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.8% (male 7,013,877/female 6,690,554)

15-64 years: 70.5% (male 23,000,156/female 23,519,298)

65 years and over: 8.7% (male 2,612,269/female 3,162,282) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 34 years

male: 33.2 years

female: 34.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.653% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Birth rate:

13.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Death rate:

6.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 106

Urbanization:

urban population: 33% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.71 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 113 male: 17.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.02 years country comparison to the world: 88 male: 72.94 years

female: 77.21 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.65 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

610,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

30,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria

animal contact disease: rabies

water contact disease: leptospirosis

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Thai (singular and plural)

adjective: Thai

Ethnic groups:

Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Religions:

Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.6%, Christian 0.7%, other 0.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.6%

male: 94.9%

female: 90.5% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 76

Government ::Thailand

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand

conventional short form: Thailand

local long form: Ratcha Anachak Thai

local short form: Prathet Thai

former: Siam

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Bangkok

geographic coordinates: 13 45 N, 100 31 E

time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Amnat Charoen, Ang
Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi,
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng
Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon
(Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha
Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom,
Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan,
Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani,
Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi,
Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket,
Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi
Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut
Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla,
Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon
Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

Independence:

1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

National holiday:

Birthday of King PHUMIPHON (BHUMIBOL), 5 December (1927)

Constitution:

24 August 2007

Legal system:

based on civil law system with influences of common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet, also spelled BHUMIBOL Adulyadej (since 9 June 1946)

head of government: Prime Minister ABHISIT Wetchachiwa, also spelled ABHISIT Vejjajiva (since 17 December 2008); Deputy Prime Minister SANAN Kachornprasat, also spelled SANAN Kachornparsart (since 7 February 2008); Deputy Prime Minister SUTHEP Thueaksuban, also spelled SUTHEP Thaugsuban (since 22 December 2008); Deputy Prime Minister TRAIRONG Suwannakhiri (since 18 January 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Privy Council advising the king

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; according to 2007 constitution, the prime minister elected from among members of House of Representatives; following national elections for House of Representatives, the leader of the party positioned to organize a majority coalition usually becomes prime minister by appointment by the king; the prime minister limited to two four-year terms

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Rathasapha consisted of the Senate or Wuthisapha (150 seats; 76 members elected by popular vote representing 76 provinces, 74 appointed by judges and independent government bodies; members serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon (480 seats; 400 members elected from 157 multi-seat constituencies and 80 elected on proportional party-list basis of 10 per eight zones or groupings of provinces; members serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 2 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2014); House of Representatives - last election held on 23 December 2007 (next to be held by December 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPP 233, DP 164, TNP 34, Motherland 24, Middle Way 11, Unity 9, Royalist People's 5; following the PPP's dissolution in December 2008, most of the party's seats were assumed by its successor, the Phuea Thai Party

note: 74 senators were appointed on 19 February 2008 by a seven-member committee headed by the chief of the Constitutional Court; 76 senators were elected on 2 March 2008; elections to the Senate are non-partisan; registered political party members are disqualified from being senators

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Justice, and Supreme Administrative Court; all judges are appointed by the king; the king's appointments to the Constitutional Courtare made upon the advice of the Senate; the nine Constitutional Court judges are drawn from the Supreme Court of Justice and Supreme Administrative Court as well as from among substantive experts in law and social sciences outside the judiciary

Political parties and leaders:

Chat Thai Phattana Party or CP (Thai Nation Development Party)
[CHUMPON Silpa-archa]; Democrat Party or DP (Prachathipat Party)
[ABHISIT Wetchachiwa, also spelled ABHISIT Vejjajiva]; Motherland
Party (Phuea Phaendin Party) [CHANCHAI Chairungrueng]; Phuea Thai
Party (For Thais Party) or PTP [YONGYUTH Wichaidit]; Phumjai
(Bhumjai) Thai Party or PJT (Thai Pride) [CHAWARAT Chanvirakun];
Royalist People's Party (Pracharaj) [SANOH Thienthong]; Ruam Jai
Thai Party (Thai Unity Party) [WANNARAT Channukun]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD; United Front for Democracy
Against Dictatorship or UDD

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BIS, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS
(observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE (partner),
PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kittiphong Na RANONG

chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600

FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie A. KENNEY

embassy: 120-122 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330

mailing address: APO AP 96546

telephone: [66] (2) 205-4000

FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131

consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai

Flag description:

five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red; the red color symbolizes the nation and the blood of life; white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism; blue stands for the monarchy

note: similar to the flag of Costa Rica but with the blue and red colors reversed

National anthem:

name: "Phleng Chat Thai" (National Anthem of Thailand)

lyrics/music: LUANG Saranuprapan/PHRA Jenduriyang

note: music adopted 1932, lyrics adopted 1939; by law, people are required to stand for the national anthem at 0800 and 1800 every day; the anthem is played in schools, offices, theaters, and on television and radio during this time; "Phleng Sansasoen Phra Barami" (A Salute to the Monarch) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies

Economy ::Thailand

Economy - overview:

With a well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, generally pro-investment policies, and strong export industries, Thailand enjoyed solid growth from 2000 to 2008 - averaging more than 4% per year - as it recovered from the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98. Thai exports - mostly machinery and electronic components, agricultural commodities, and jewelry - continue to drive the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 severely cut Thailand's exports, with most sectors experiencing double-digit drops. In 2009, the economy contracted 2.2%. In 2010, Thailand's economy expanded 7.6%, its fastest pace since 1995, as exports rebounded from their depressed 2009 level. Antigovernment protests during March-May and the country's polarized political situation had - at most - a temporary impact on business and consumer confidence. Although tourism was hit hard during the protests, its quick recovery helped boost consumer confidence to new highs. Moreover, business and investor sentiment remained buoyant as Thailand's stock market grew almost 5% during the three-month period. The economy probably will continue to experience high grow well into 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$580.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $539.3 billion (2009 est.)

$551.5 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$312.6 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 -2.2% (2009 est.)

2.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $8,100 (2009 est.)

$8,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10.4%

industry: 45.6%

services: 44% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

38.7 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 42.4%

industry: 19.7%

services: 37.9% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 1.5% (2009)

Population below poverty line:

9.6% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.6%

highest 10%: 33.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43 (2006) country comparison to the world: 50 42 (2002)

Investment (gross fixed):

24.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Public debt:

42.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 44.9% of GDP (2009)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 -0.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 134 1.25% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.1% (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 139 5.96% (31 December 2009)

Stock of narrow money:

$38 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 48 $34.26 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$354.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $309.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$336 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $292.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$138.2 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 34 $102.6 billion (31 December 2008)

$196 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans

Industries:

tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and electric appliances, computers and parts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics, automobiles and automotive parts; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer

Industrial production growth rate:

14.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Electricity - production:

148.2 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Electricity - consumption:

134.4 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Electricity - exports:

846 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.313 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

380,000 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Oil - consumption:

356,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Oil - exports:

269,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Oil - imports:

1.695 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Oil - proved reserves:

430 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Natural gas - production:

28.76 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Natural gas - consumption:

37.31 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Natural gas - imports:

8.55 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Natural gas - proved reserves:

342 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Current account balance:

$12.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $21.86 billion (2009)

Exports:

$191.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $151.9 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

textiles and footwear, fishery products, rice, rubber, jewelry, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances

Exports - partners:

US 10.9%, China 10.6%, Japan 10.3%, Hong Kong 6.2%, Australia 5.6%,
Malaysia 5%, Singapore 4.97% (2009)

Imports:

$156.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $118 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, intermediate goods and raw materials, consumer goods, fuels

Imports - partners:

Japan 18.7%, China 12.7%, Malaysia 6.4%, US 6.3%, UAE 5%, Singapore 4.3%, South Korea 4.1% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$176.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $138.4 billion (31 December 2009)

Debt - external:

$82.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $70.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$117.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $109.6 billion (31 December 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$20.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $18.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

baht per US dollar - 31.663 (2010), 34.286 (2009), 33.37 (2008), 34.52 (2007), 37.882 (2006)

Communications ::Thailand

Telephones - main lines in use:

7.024 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 27

Telephones - mobile cellular:

83.057 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 13

Telephone system:

general assessment: high quality system, especially in urban areas like Bangkok

domestic: fixed line system provided by both a government owned and commercial provider; wireless service expanding rapidly

international: country code - 66; connected to major submarine cable systems providing links throughout Asia, Australia, Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

6 terrestrial TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally via relay stations - 2 of the networks are owned by the military, the other 4 are government-owned or controlled, leased to private enterprise, and are all required to broadcast government-produced news programs twice a day; multi-channel satellite and cable TV subscription services are available; radio frequencies have been allotted for more than 500 government and commercial radio stations; many small community radio stations operate with low-power transmitters (2008)

Internet country code:

.th

Internet hosts:

1.335 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 37

Internet users:

17.483 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 23

Transportation ::Thailand

Airports:

105 (2010) country comparison to the world: 55

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 64

over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 15

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 41

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,348 km; refined products 323 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,071 km country comparison to the world: 41 standard gauge: 29 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 4,042 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 180,053 km (includes 450 km of expressways) (2006) country comparison to the world: 27

Waterways:

4,000 km country comparison to the world: 27 note: 3,701 km navigable by boats with drafts up to 0.9 m (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 382 country comparison to the world: 27 by type: bulk carrier 30, cargo 116, chemical tanker 23, container 19, liquefied gas 36, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 120, refrigerated cargo 27

foreign-owned: 15 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Japan 2, Malaysia 3, Singapore 1, Taiwan 1, UK 6)

registered in other countries: 41 (Bahamas 4, Panama 6, Singapore 30, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Map Ta Phut, Prachuap Port, Si Racha

Military ::Thailand

Military branches:

Royal Thai Army (Kongthap Bok Thai, RTA), Royal Thai Navy (Kongthap
Ruea Thai, RTN, includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air
Force (Kongthap Agard Thai, RTAF) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

21 years of age for compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary military service; males are registered at 18 years of age; 2-year conscript service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,650,648

females age 16-49: 17,762,077 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,247,646

females age 16-49: 14,166,227 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 535,884

female: 511,444 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.8% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Transnational Issues ::Thailand

Disputes - international:

separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Laos but disputes remain over several islands in the Mekong River; despite continuing border committee talks, Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border activities, and as of 2006, over 116,000 Karen, Hmong, and other refugees and asylum seekers from Burma; Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of historic boundary with missing boundary markers; Cambodia claims Thai encroachments into Cambodian territory and obstructing access to Preah Vihear temple ruins awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962; Thailand is studying the feasibility of jointly constructing the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween river near the border with Burma; in 2004, international environmentalist pressure prompted China to halt construction of 13 dams on the Salween River that flows through China, Burma, and Thailand

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 132,241 (Burma) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; transit point for illicit heroin en route to the international drug market from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication efforts; also a drug money-laundering center; minor role in methamphetamine production for regional consumption; major consumer of methamphetamine since the 1990s despite a series of government crackdowns

page last updated on January 13, 2011

======================================================================

@Timor-Leste (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Timor-Leste

Background:

The Portuguese began to trade with the island of Timor in the early 16th century and colonized it in mid-century. Skirmishing with the Dutch in the region eventually resulted in an 1859 treaty in which Portugal ceded the western portion of the island. Imperial Japan occupied Portuguese Timor from 1942 to 1945, but Portugal resumed colonial authority after the Japanese defeat in World War II. East Timor declared itself independent from Portugal on 28 November 1975 and was invaded and occupied by Indonesian forces nine days later. It was incorporated into Indonesia in July 1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor). An unsuccessful campaign of pacification followed over the next two decades, during which an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 individuals lost their lives. On 30 August 1999, in a UN-supervised popular referendum, an overwhelming majority of the people of Timor-Leste voted for independence from Indonesia. Between the referendum and the arrival of a multinational peacekeeping force in late September 1999, anti-independence Timorese militias - organized and supported by the Indonesian military - commenced a large-scale, scorched-earth campaign of retribution. The militias killed approximately 1,400 Timorese and forcibly pushed 300,000 people into western Timor as refugees. The majority of the country's infrastructure, including homes, irrigation systems, water supply systems, and schools, and nearly 100% of the country's electrical grid were destroyed. On 20 September 1999, the Australian-led peacekeeping troops of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) deployed to the country and brought the violence to an end. On 20 May 2002, Timor-Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state. In late April 2006, internal tensions threatened the new nation's security when a military strike led to violence and a near breakdown of law and order. At Dili's request, an Australian-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) deployed to Timor-Leste in late May. In August, the UN Security Council established the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), which included an authorized police presence of over 1,600 personnel. The ISF and UNMIT restored stability, allowing for presidential and parliamentary elections in April and June 2007 in a largely peaceful atmosphere. In February 2008, a rebel group staged an unsuccessful attack against the president and prime minister. The ringleader was killed in the attack and the majority of the rebels surrendered in April 2008. Since the unsuccessful attacks the government has enjoyed one of its longest periods of post-independence stability.

Geography ::Timor-Leste

Location:

Southeastern Asia, northwest of Australia in the Lesser Sunda
Islands at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago; note -
Timor-Leste includes the eastern half of the island of Timor, the
Oecussi (Ambeno) region on the northwest portion of the island of
Timor, and the islands of Pulau Atauro and Pulau Jaco

Geographic coordinates:

8 50 S, 125 55 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 14,874 sq km country comparison to the world: 159 land: 14,874 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 228 km

border countries: Indonesia 228 km

Coastline:

706 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons

Terrain:

mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m

highest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m

Natural resources:

gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble

Land use:

arable land: 8.2%

permanent crops: 4.57%

other: 87.23% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,065 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

floods and landslides are common; earthquakes; tsunamis; tropical cyclones

Environment - current issues:

widespread use of slash and burn agriculture has led to deforestation and soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Timor comes from the Malay word for "East"; the island of Timor is part of the Malay Archipelago and is the largest and easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands

People ::Timor-Leste

Population:

1,154,625 country comparison to the world: 156 note: other estimates range as low as 800,000 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.7% (male 199,237/female 192,900)

15-64 years: 61.9% (male 356,772/female 344,103)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 18,403/female 20,197) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.2 years

male: 22.2 years

female: 22.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.999% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Birth rate:

25.93 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Death rate:

5.93 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 105

Urbanization:

urban population: 27% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 39.32 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 68 male: 45.19 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 33.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.61 years country comparison to the world: 154 male: 65.23 years

female: 70.11 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.2 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Timorese

adjective: Timorese

Ethnic groups:

Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian), Papuan, small Chinese minority

Religions:

Roman Catholic 98%, Muslim 1%, Protestant 1% (2005)

Languages:

Tetum (official), Portuguese (official), Indonesian, English

note: there are about 16 indigenous languages; Tetum, Galole, Mambae, and Kemak are spoken by significant numbers of people

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 58.6%

male: NA

female: NA (2002)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years (2002)

Education expenditures:

7.1% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 20

Government ::Timor-Leste

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (pronounced TEE-mor LESS-tay)

conventional short form: Timor-Leste

local long form: Republika Demokratika Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum]; Republica Democratica de Timor-Leste [Portuguese]

local short form: Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum]; Timor-Leste [Portuguese]

former: East Timor, Portuguese Timor

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Dili

geographic coordinates: 8 35 S, 125 36 E

time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

13 administrative districts; Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro
(Maliana), Cova-Lima (Suai), Dili, Ermera (Gleno), Lautem (Los
Palos), Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi (Same), Oecussi (Ambeno),
Viqueque

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

28 November 1975 (independence proclaimed from Portugal); note - 20 May 2002 is the official date of international recognition of Timor-Leste's independence from Indonesia

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 November (1975)

Constitution:

20 May 2002 (effective date)

Legal system:

On 29 March 2009 the president promulgated the Timor-Leste penal code; UN-drafted legal system based on Indonesian law remains in place for civil codes but is to be replaced by civil codes based on Portuguese law; these have passed but have not been promulgated; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jose RAMOS-HORTA (since 20 May 2007); note - the president plays a largely symbolic role but is able to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national elections

head of government: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO (since 8 August 2007), note - he formerly used the name Jose Alexandre GUSMAO; Vice Prime Minister Jose Luis GUTERRES (since 8 August 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 9 April 2007 with run-off on 8 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012); following elections, president appoints leader of majority party or majority coalition as prime minister

election results: Jose RAMOS-HORTA elected president; percent of vote - Jose RAMOS-HORTA 69.2%, Francisco GUTTERES 30.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (number of seats can vary from 52 to 65; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 30 June 2007 (next elections due by June 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - FRETILIN 29%, CNRT 24.1%, ASDT-PSD 15.8%, PD 11.3%, PUN 4.5%, KOTA-PPT (Democratic Alliance) 3.2%, UNDERTIM 3.2%, others 8.9%; seats by party - FRETILIN 21, CNRT 18, ASDT-PSD 11, PD 8, PUN 3, KOTA-PPT 2, UNDERTIM 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice - constitution calls for one judge to be
appointed by National Parliament and rest appointed by Superior
Council for Judiciary; note - until Supreme Court is established,
Court of Appeals is highest court

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or PD [Fernando de ARAUJO]; National Congress for
Timorese Reconstruction or CNRT [Xanana GUSMAO]; National Democratic
Union of Timorese Resistance or UNDERTIM [Cornelio DA Conceicao
GAMA]; National Unity Party or PUN [Fernanda BORGES]; People's Party
of Timor or PPT [Jacob XAVIER]; Revolutionary Front of Independent
Timor-Leste or FRETILIN [Mari ALKATIRI]; Social Democratic
Association of Timor or ASDT [Francisco Xavier do AMARAL]; Social
Democratic Party or PSD [Zacarias Albano da COSTA]; Sons of the
Mountain Warriors or KOTA [Manuel TILMAN] (also known as Association
of Timorese Heroes)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, ARF, ASEAN (observer), CPLP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Constancio da Conceicao PINTO

chancery: 4201 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 504,Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 966-3202

FAX: [1] (202) 966-3205

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Judith FERGIN

embassy: Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos Conqueiros, Dili

mailing address: US Department of State, 8250 Dili Place, Washington, DC 20521-8250

telephone: (670) 332-4684

FAX: (670) 331-3206

Flag description:

red, with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) superimposed on a slightly longer yellow arrowhead that extends to the center of the flag; a white star - pointing to the upper hoist-side corner of the flag - is in the center of the black triangle; yellow denotes the colonialism in Timor-Leste's past; black represents the obscurantism that needs to be overcome; red stands for the national liberation struggle; the white star symbolizes peace and serves as a guiding light

National anthem:

name: "Patria" (Fatherland)

lyrics/music: Fransisco Borja DA COSTA/Afonso DE ARAUJO

note: adopted 2002; the song was first used as an anthem when Timor-Leste declared its independence from Portugal in 1975; the lyricist, Fransisco Borja DA COSTA, was killed in an Indonesian invasion just days after independence was declared

Economy ::Timor-Leste

Economy - overview:

In late 1999, about 70% of the economic infrastructure of Timor-Leste was laid waste by Indonesian troops and anti-independence militias. Three hundred thousand people fled westward. Over the next three years a massive international program, manned by 5,000 peacekeepers (8,000 at peak) and 1,300 police officers, led to substantial reconstruction in both urban and rural areas. By the end of 2005, refugees had returned or had settled in Indonesia. The country continues to face great challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure, strengthening the civil administration, and generating jobs for young people entering the work force. The development of oil and gas resources in offshore waters has greatly supplemented government revenues. This technology-intensive industry, however, has done little to create jobs for the unemployed because there are no production facilities in Timor. Gas is piped to Australia. In June 2005, the National Parliament unanimously approved the creation of a Petroleum Fund to serve as a repository for all petroleum revenues and to preserve the value of Timor-Leste's petroleum wealth for future generations. The Fund held assets of US$5.3 billion as of October 2009. The economy has been little impacted by the global financial crisis and continues to recover strongly from the mid-2006 outbreak of violence and civil unrest, which disrupted both private and public sector economic activity. The government in 2008 resettled tens of thousands of an estimated 100,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs); most IDPs returned home by early 2009. The underlying economic policy challenge the country faces remains how best to use oil-and-gas wealth to lift the non-oil economy onto a higher growth path and to reduce poverty.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.004 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 $2.782 billion (2009 est.)

$2.588 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$616 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 7.5% (2009 est.)

12.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 $2,500 (2009 est.)

$2,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 32.2%

industry: 12.8%

services: 55% (2005)

Labor force:

414,200 (2007) country comparison to the world: 157

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%

industry: NA%

services: NA% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 note: data are for rural areas, unemployment rises to more than 40% among urban youth

Population below poverty line:

42% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 31.3% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.17% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 13.11% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$102.8 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 180 $74.94 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$268.4 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 179 $192.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$127.1 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 $118.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, rice, corn, cassava, sweet potatoes, soybeans, cabbage, mangoes, bananas, vanilla

Industries:

printing, soap manufacturing, handicrafts, woven cloth

Industrial production growth rate:

8.5% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Electricity - production:

NA kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

96,270 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Oil - consumption:

2,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Oil - exports:

100,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Oil - proved reserves:

553.8 million bbl (1 January 2008) country comparison to the world: 46

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - proved reserves:

200 billion cu m (1 January 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Current account balance:

$1.161 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Exports:

$10 million (2005 est.); note - excludes oil country comparison to the world: 212

Exports - commodities:

coffee, sandalwood, marble; note - potential for oil and vanilla exports

Imports:

$202 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Imports - commodities:

food, gasoline, kerosene, machinery

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Timor-Leste

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 222

Telephones - mobile cellular:

116,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 183

Telephone system:

general assessment: rudimentary service limited to urban areas

domestic: system suffered significant damage during the violence associated with independence; extremely limited fixed-line services; mobile-cellular services and coverage limited primarily to urban areas

international: country code - 670; international service is available in major urban centers

Broadcast media:

1 public TV broadcast station broadcasting nationally and 1 public radio broadcaster with stations in each of the 13 administrative districts; a few commercial radio stations and roughly a dozen community radio stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.tl

Internet hosts:

206 (2010) country comparison to the world: 193

Internet users:

2,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 210

Transportation ::Timor-Leste

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 172

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

8 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 6,040 km country comparison to the world: 149 paved: 2,600 km

unpaved: 3,440 km (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 152 by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dili

Military ::Timor-Leste

Military branches:

Timor-Leste Defense Force (Forcas de Defesa de Timor-L'este,
Falintil (F-FDTL)): Army, Navy (Armada) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 299,008

females age 16-49: 286,465 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 236,996

females age 16-49: 245,033 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 12,795

female: 12,443 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Timor-Leste

Disputes - international:

Timor-Leste-Indonesia Boundary Committee has resolved all but some sections of border along Timor-Leste's Oecussi exclave; maritime boundaries with Indonesia remain unresolved; many refugees who left Timor-Leste in 2003 still reside in Indonesia and refuse repatriation; in 2007, Australia and Timor-Leste signed a 50-year development zone and revenue sharing agreement in lieu of a maritime boundary

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 100,000 (2007)

Illicit drugs:

NA

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Togo (Africa)

Introduction ::Togo

Background:

French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA, installed as military ruler in 1967, ruled Togo with a heavy hand for almost four decades. Despite the facade of multiparty elections instituted in the early 1990s, the government was largely dominated by President EYADEMA, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party has maintained power almost continually since 1967 and maintains a majority of seats in today's legislature. Upon EYADEMA's death in February 2005, the military installed the president's son, Faure GNASSINGBE, and then engineered his formal election two months later. Democratic gains since then allowed Togo to hold its first relatively free and fair legislative elections in October 2007. After years of political unrest and condemnation from international organizations for human rights abuses, Togo is finally being re-welcomed into the international community.

Geography ::Togo

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Benin and Ghana

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 1 10 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 56,785 sq km country comparison to the world: 125 land: 54,385 sq km

water: 2,400 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,647 km

border countries: Benin 644 km, Burkina Faso 126 km, Ghana 877 km

Coastline:

56 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 30 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Terrain:

gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern plateau; low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Agou 986 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, limestone, marble, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 44.2%

permanent crops: 2.11%

other: 53.69% (2005)

Irrigated land:

70 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

14.7 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.17 cu km/yr (53%/2%/45%)

per capita: 28 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during winter; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and the use of wood for fuel; water pollution presents health hazards and hinders the fishing industry; air pollution increasing in urban areas

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the country's length allows it to stretch through six distinct geographic regions; climate varies from tropical to savanna

People ::Togo

Population:

6,587,239 country comparison to the world: 100 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.4% (male 1,252,389/female 1,244,914)

15-64 years: 55.8% (male 1,645,885/female 1,719,810)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 66,192/female 102,618) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.2 years

male: 18.9 years

female: 19.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.773% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Birth rate:

35.88 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Death rate:

8.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 104

Urbanization:

urban population: 42% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 53.23 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 45 male: 60.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 45.97 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.25 years country comparison to the world: 178 male: 59.74 years

female: 64.83 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.74 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

130,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

9,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Togolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Togolese

Ethnic groups:

African (37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe, Mina, and
Kabre) 99%, European and Syrian-Lebanese less than 1%

Religions:

Christian 29%, Muslim 20%, indigenous beliefs 51%

Languages:

French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina (the two major African languages in the south), Kabye (sometimes spelled Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the north)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 60.9%

male: 75.4%

female: 46.9% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 11 years

female: 7 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 123

Government ::Togo

Country name:

conventional long form: Togolese Republic

conventional short form: Togo

local long form: Republique togolaise

local short form: none

former: French Togoland

Government type:

republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule

Capital:

name: Lome

geographic coordinates: 6 08 N, 1 13 E

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 regions (regions, singular - region); Centrale, Kara, Maritime, Plateaux, Savanes

Independence:

27 April 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 April (1960)

Constitution:

adopted by public referendum 27 September 1992

Legal system:

French-based court system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (adult)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Faure GNASSINGBE (since 4 May 2005);

head of government: Prime Minister Gilbert HOUNGBO (since 7 September 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 4 March 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Faure GNASSINGBE reelected president; percent of vote - Faure GNASSINGBE 60.9%, Jean-Pierre FABRE 33.9%, Yawovi AGBOYIBO 3%, other 2.2%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (81 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 October 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - RPT 39.4%, UFC 37.0%, CAR 8.2%, independents 2.5%, other 12.9%; seats by party - RPT 50, UFC 27, CAR 4

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Action Committee for Renewal or CAR [Yawovi AGBOYIBO]; Democratic
Convention of African Peoples or CDPA; Democratic Party for Renewal
or PDR; Juvento [Monsilia DJATO]; Movement of the Believers of Peace
and Equality or MOCEP; Pan-African Patriotic Convergence or CPP;
Rally for the Support for Development and Democracy or RSDD [Harry
OLYMPIO]; Rally of the Togolese People or RPT [Faure GNASSINGBE];
Socialist Pact for Renewal or PSR; Union for Democracy and Social
Progress or UDPS [Gagou KOKOU]; Union of Forces for Change or UFC
[Gilchrist OLYMPIO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF,
OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO,
UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kadangha Limbiya BARIKI

chancery: 2208 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-4212

FAX: [1] (202) 232-3190

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia McMahon HAWKINS

embassy: 4332 Blvd. Gnassingbe Eyadema, Cite OUA, Lome

mailing address: B. P. 852, Lome; 2300 Lome Place, Washington, DC 20512-2300

telephone: [228] 261-5470

FAX: [228] 261-5501

Flag description:

five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom) alternating with yellow; a white five-pointed star on a red square is in the upper hoist-side corner; the five horizontal stripes stand for the five different regions of the country; the red square is meant to express the loyalty and patriotism of the people; green symbolizes hope, fertility, and agriculture; yellow represents mineral wealth and faith that hard work and strength will bring prosperity; the star symbolizes life, purity, peace, dignity, and Togo's independence

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem:

name: "Salut a toi, pays de nos aieux" (Hail to Thee, Land of Our Forefathers)

lyrics/music: Alex CASIMIR-DOSSEH

note: adopted 1960, restored 1992; this anthem was replaced by another during one-party rule between 1979 and 1992

Economy ::Togo

Economy - overview:

This small, sub-Saharan economy suffers from anemic economic growth and depends heavily on both commercial and subsistence agriculture, which provides employment for 65% of the labor force. Some basic foodstuffs must still be imported. Cocoa, coffee, and cotton generate about 40% of export earnings with cotton being the most important cash crop. Togo is the world's fourth-largest producer of phosphate. The government's decade-long effort, supported by the World Bank and the IMF, to implement economic reform measures, encourage foreign investment, and bring revenues in line with expenditures has moved slowly. Progress depends on follow through on privatization, increased openness in government financial operations, progress toward legislative elections, and continued support from foreign donors. Togo is on track with its IMF Extended Credit Facility and reached a HIPC debt relief completion point in 2010 at which 95% of the country's debt was forgiven. Economic growth prospects remain marginal due to declining cotton production and underinvestment in phosphate mining.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.927 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 $5.738 billion (2009 est.)

$5.565 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.074 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 3.1% (2009 est.)

1.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220 $900 (2009 est.)

$900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 47.4%

industry: 25.4%

services: 27.2% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

2.595 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 109

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 65%

industry: 5%

services: 30% (1998 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

32% (1989 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.3%

highest 10%: 27.1% (2006)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 94 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$754.5 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 146 $789.7 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.238 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 $1.306 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$817.7 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $862.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cocoa, cotton, yams, cassava (tapioca), corn, beans, rice, millet, sorghum; livestock; fish

Industries:

phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement, handicrafts, textiles, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Electricity - production:

230 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Electricity - consumption:

640 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

514 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by Ghana (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Oil - consumption:

21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Oil - exports:

1,547 bbl/day (2005) country comparison to the world: 118

Oil - imports:

15,270 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Current account balance:

-$339 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 -$236 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$859 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $818 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

reexports, cotton, phosphates, coffee, cocoa

Exports - partners:

Germany 17.57%, Ghana 12.74%, Burkina Faso 11.02%, India 10.22%,
Belgium 7.1%, Benin 6.92%, Netherlands 5.94%, Mali 4.41% (2009)

Imports:

$1.337 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 $1.261 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

China 36.58%, France 8.64%, Netherlands 6.76%, India 5.06%, US 4.4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$686 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 $703.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$1.573 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 482.71 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Togo

Telephones - main lines in use:

178,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 128

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.187 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 129

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system based on a network of microwave radio relay routes supplemented by open-wire lines and a mobile-cellular system

domestic: microwave radio relay and open-wire lines for conventional system; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 40 telephones per 100 persons with mobile-cellular use predominating

international: country code - 228; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Symphonie

Broadcast media:

2 state-owned TV stations with multiple transmission sites; 5 private TV stations broadcast locally; cable TV service is available; state-owned radio network with multiple stations; several dozen private radio stations and a few community radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are obtainable (2007)

Internet country code:

.tg

Internet hosts:

860 (2010) country comparison to the world: 168

Internet users:

356,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 123

Transportation ::Togo

Airports:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 162

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Railways:

total: 532 km country comparison to the world: 113 narrow gauge: 532 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 7,520 km country comparison to the world: 145 paved: 2,376 km

unpaved: 5,144 km (2000)

Waterways:

50 km (seasonally on Mono River depending on rainfall) (2008) country comparison to the world: 104

Merchant marine:

total: 53 country comparison to the world: 69 by type: bulk carrier 5, cargo 40, chemical tanker 2, container 2, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 23 (China 2, Greece 1, Lebanon 6, Romania 1, Syria 5, Turkey 4, UAE 1, UK 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Kpeme, Lome

Military ::Togo

Military branches:

Togolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees Togolaise, FAT): Ground Forces,
Togolese Navy (Marine du Togo), Togolese Air Force (Force Aerienne
Togolaise, TAF), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military service; 2-year service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,462,206

females age 16-49: 1,463,189 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 983,283

females age 16-49: 1,004,887 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 71,081

female: 69,969 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Transnational Issues ::Togo

Disputes - international:

in 2001, Benin claimed Togo moved boundary monuments - joint commission continues to resurvey the boundary; in 2006, 14,000 Togolese refugees remain in Benin and Ghana out of the 40,000 who fled there in 2005

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 5,000 (Ghana)

IDPs: 1,500 (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transit hub for Nigerian heroin and cocaine traffickers; money laundering not a significant problem

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Tokelau (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Tokelau

Background:

Originally settled by Polynesian emigrants from surrounding island groups, the Tokelau Islands were made a British protectorate in 1889. They were transferred to New Zealand administration in 1925. Referenda held in 2006 and 2007 to change the status of the islands from that of a New Zealand territory to one of free association with New Zealand did not meet the needed threshold for approval.

Geography ::Tokelau

Location:

Oceania, group of three atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

9 00 S, 172 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 12 sq km country comparison to the world: 241 land: 12 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

101 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November)

Terrain:

low-lying coral atolls enclosing large lagoons

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 0% (soil is thin and infertile)

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

lies in Pacific typhoon belt

Environment - current issues:

limited natural resources and overcrowding are contributing to emigration to New Zealand

Geography - note:

consists of three atolls (Atafu, Fakaofo, Nukunonu), each with a lagoon surrounded by a number of reef-bound islets of varying length and rising to over 3 m above sea level

People ::Tokelau

Population:

1,400 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 234

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42%

15-64 years: 53%

65 years and over: 5% (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.011% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Urbanization:

urban population: 0% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Tokelauan(s)

adjective: Tokelauan

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian

Religions:

Congregational Christian Church 70%, Roman Catholic 28%, other 2%

note: on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; on Nukunonu, all Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, with the Congregational Christian Church predominant

Languages:

Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English

Literacy:

NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 10 years

female: 11 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Tokelau

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Tokelau

Dependency status:

self-administering territory of New Zealand; note - Tokelau and New Zealand have agreed to a draft constitution as Tokelau moves toward free association with New Zealand; a UN-sponsored referendum on self governance in October 2007 did not produce the two-thirds majority vote necessary for changing the political status

Government type:

NA

Capital:

none; each atoll has its own administrative center

time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Independence:

none (territory of New Zealand)

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Constitution:

administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948; amended in 1970

Legal system:

New Zealand and local statutes

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND (since 23 August 2006); New Zealand is represented by Administrator David PAYTON (since 17 October 2006)

head of government: Foua TOLOA (since 21 February 2009); note - position rotates annually among the 3 Faipule (village leaders)

cabinet: the Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau, consisting of 3 Faipule (village leaders) and 3 Pulenuku (village mayors), functions as a cabinet (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; the head of government chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves a one-year term

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Fono (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms based upon proportional representation from the three islands; Atafu has 7 seats, Fakaofo has 7 seats, Nukunonu has 6 seats); note - the Tokelau Amendment Act of 1996 confers limited legislative power to the General Fono

elections: last held on 17-19 January 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: independents 20

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court in New Zealand exercises civil and criminal jurisdiction in Tokelau

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

PIF (observer), SPC, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Flag description:

a yellow stylized Tokelauan canoe on a dark blue field sails toward the manu - the Southern Cross constellation of four, white, five-pointed stars at the hoist side; the Southern Cross represents the role of Christianity in Tokelauan culture and symbolizes the country's navigating into the future, the color yellow indicates happiness and peace, and the blue field represents the ocean on which the community relies

National anthem:

name: "Te Atua" (For the Almighty)

lyrics/music: unknown/Falani KALOLO

note: adopted 2008; in preparation for eventual self governance, Tokelau held a national contest to choose an anthem; as a territory of New Zealand, "God Defend New Zealand" and "God Save the Queen" are official (see New Zealand)

Economy ::Tokelau

Economy - overview:

Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack of resources greatly restrain economic development and confine agriculture to the subsistence level. The people rely heavily on aid from New Zealand - about $10 million annually in 2008 and 2009 - to maintain public services. New Zealand's support amounts to 80% of Tokelau's recurrent government budget. An international trust fund, currently worth nearly US$32 million, was established in 2004 to provide Tokelau an independent source of revenue. The principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to families from relatives in New Zealand.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.5 million (1993 est.) country comparison to the world: 228

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (1993 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

440 (2001) country comparison to the world: 228

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, copra, breadfruit, papayas, bananas; pigs, poultry, goats; fish

Industries:

small-scale enterprises for copra production, woodworking, plaited craft goods; stamps, coins; fishing

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Exports:

$0 (2002) country comparison to the world: 223

Exports - commodities:

stamps, copra, handicrafts

Imports:

$969,200 (2002) country comparison to the world: 222

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, building materials, fuel

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::Tokelau

Telephones - main lines in use:

300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 228

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern satellite-based communications system

domestic: radiotelephone service between islands

international: country code - 690; radiotelephone service to Samoa; government-regulated telephone service (TeleTok); satellite earth stations - 3

Broadcast media:

no broadcast television stations; each atoll operates a radio service that provides shipping news and weather reports (2009)

Internet country code:

.tk

Internet hosts:

526 (2010) country comparison to the world: 178

Internet users:

800 (2008) country comparison to the world: 215

Transportation ::Tokelau

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Tokelau

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Transnational Issues ::Tokelau

Disputes - international:

Tokelau included American Samoa's Swains Island (Olohega) in its 2006 draft constitution

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Tonga (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Tonga

Background:

Tonga - unique among Pacific nations - never completely lost its indigenous governance. The archipelagos of "The Friendly Islands" were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. Tonga became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900; it withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970. Tonga remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.

Geography ::Tonga

Location:

Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 175 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 747 sq km country comparison to the world: 189 land: 717 sq km

water: 30 sq km

Area - comparative:

four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

419 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)

Terrain:

most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation on Kao Island 1,033 m

Natural resources:

fish, fertile soil

Land use:

arable land: 20%

permanent crops: 14.67%

other: 65.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou

volcanism: the Tonga Islands experience volcanic activity; Fonualei (elev. 180 m, 591 ft) has shown frequent activity in recent years, while Niuafo'ou (elev. 260 m, 853 ft), which last erupted in 1985, has forced evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include Late and Tofua

Environment - current issues:

deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared for agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefs from starfish and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors; overhunting threatens native sea turtle populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited)

People ::Tonga

Population:

122,580 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32.8% (male 20,270/female 19,428)

15-64 years: 62.9% (male 37,837/female 38,166)

65 years and over: 4.3% (male 2,163/female 3,034) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.7 years

male: 22.3 years

female: 23.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.282% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Birth rate:

17.78 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Death rate:

4.95 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 103

Urbanization:

urban population: 25% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.28 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 147 male: 12.42 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.03 years country comparison to the world: 137 male: 68.46 years

female: 73.73 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Tongan(s)

adjective: Tongan

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian, Europeans

Religions:

Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)

Languages:

Tongan (official), English (official)

Literacy:

definition: can read and write Tongan and/or English

total population: 98.9%

male: 98.8%

female: 99% (1999 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

4.7% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 84

Government ::Tonga

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga

conventional short form: Tonga

local long form: Pule'anga Tonga

local short form: Tonga

former: Friendly Islands

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Nuku'alofa

geographic coordinates: 21 08 S, 175 12 W

time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u

Independence:

4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate)

National holiday:

Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970)

Constitution:

4 November 1875; revised 1 January 1967

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King George TUPOU V (since 11 September 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Lord Siale'ataonga TU'IVAKANO (since 22 December 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet is nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Privy Council that advises the monarch

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from the members of parliament and appointed by the monarch

election results: Lord Siale'ataonga TU'IVAKANO elected by parliament on 21 December 2010 with 14 of 26 votes

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats - 9 for nobles elected from among the country's 29 nobles, 17 members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - independents 67.3%, Democratic Party 28.5%; seats - Democratic Party 12, independents 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch); Court of Appeal (Chief Justice and high court justices from overseas chosen and approved by Privy Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands [Samuela 'Akilisi POHIVA];
People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tesina FUKO]; Sustainable
Nation-Building Party [Sione FONUA]; Tonga Democratic Labor Party
[NA]; Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement or THRDM [Uliti UATA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Human Rights and Democracy Movement Tonga or HRDMT [Rev. Simote VEA, chairman]; Public Servant's Association [Finau TUTONE]

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, PIF,
Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sonatane Tu'akinamolahi TAUMOEPEAU-TUPOU

chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022

telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025

FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024

consulate(s) general: San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the US ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga

Flag description:

red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner; the cross reflects the deep-rooted Christianity in Tonga; red represents the blood of Christ and his sacrifice; white signifies purity

National anthem:

name: "Ko e fasi `o e tu"i `o e `Otu Tonga" (Song of the King of the Tonga Islands)

lyrics/music: Uelingatoni Ngu TUPOUMALOHI/Karl Gustavus SCHMITT

note: in use since 1875; the anthem is more commonly known as "Fasi Fakafonua" (National Song)

Economy ::Tonga

Economy - overview:

Tonga has a small, open, South Pacific island economy. It has a narrow export base in agricultural goods. Squash, vanilla beans, and yams are the main crops. Agricultural exports, including fish, make up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The country remains dependent on external aid and remittances from Tongan communities overseas to offset its trade deficit. Tourism is the second-largest source of hard currency earnings following remittances. Tonga had 39,000 visitors in 2006. The government is emphasizing the development of the private sector, especially the encouragement of investment, and is committing increased funds for health and education. Tonga has a reasonably sound basic infrastructure and well developed social services. High unemployment among the young, a continuing upturn in inflation, pressures for democratic reform, and rising civil service expenditures are major issues facing the government.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$767 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208 $770.9 million (2009 est.)

$774.7 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$301 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194 -0.5% (2009 est.)

1.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $6,400 (2009 est.)

$6,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 25%

industry: 17%

services: 57% (FY05/06 est.)

Labor force:

39,960 (2007) country comparison to the world: 195

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 31.8%

industry: 30.6%

services: 2,003% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

13% (FY03/04 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Population below poverty line:

24% (FY03/04)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.47% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 12.46% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$44.64 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 184 $36.16 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$153.8 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 183 $136.9 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$149.2 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 $163.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper; fish

Industries:

tourism, construction, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Electricity - production:

43 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Electricity - consumption:

39.99 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Oil - imports:

1,173 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Current account balance:

-$23 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Exports:

$22 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 205

Exports - commodities:

squash, fish, vanilla beans, root crops

Exports - partners:

Hong Kong 25.42%, US 22.65%, Japan 12.21%, NZ 7.31%, Fiji 7.2%,
Samoa 6.06%, South Korea 4.48% (2009)

Imports:

$139 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 206

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Fiji 34.37%, NZ 25.03%, US 9.43%, Australia 7.53%, China 5.64% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$40.83 million (FY04/05) country comparison to the world: 132

Debt - external:

$80.7 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 182

Exchange rates:

pa'anga (TOP) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2.0277 (2006), 1.96 (2005), 1.9716 (2004), 2.142 (2003)

Communications ::Tonga

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 179

Telephones - mobile cellular:

53,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 196

Telephone system:

general assessment: competition between Tonga Telecommunications Corporation (TCC) and Shoreline Communications Tonga (SCT) is accelerating expansion of telecommunications; SCT granted approval to introduce high-speed digital service for telephone, Internet, and television while TCC has exclusive rights to operate the mobile-phone network; international telecom services are provided by government-owned Tonga Telecommunications International (TTI)

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 70 telephones per 100 persons; fully automatic switched network

international: country code - 676; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

2 state-owned television stations and 2 privately-owned stations; satellite and cable TV services are available; 2 state-owned and 3 privately-owned radio stations; Radio Australia broadcasts obtainable via a satellite feed (2009)

Internet country code:

.to

Internet hosts:

20,847 (2010) country comparison to the world: 110

Internet users:

8,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 202

Transportation ::Tonga

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 174

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 680 km country comparison to the world: 188 paved: 184 km

unpaved: 496 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 10 country comparison to the world: 115 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 6, carrier 1, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 1

foreign-owned: 3 (Australia 1, Switzerland 1, UK 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Nuku'alofa, Neiafu, Pangai

Military ::Tonga

Military branches:

Tonga Defense Services (TDS): Land Force (Royal Guard), Maritime
Force (includes Royal Marines, Air Wing) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16 years of age for voluntary enlistment (with parental approval); no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 34,254

females age 16-49: 32,974 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 27,404

females age 16-49: 28,509 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,448

female: 1,392 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Transnational Issues ::Tonga

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 3, 2011

======================================================================

@Trinidad and Tobago (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Trinidad and Tobago

Background:

First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834. Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export. Independence was attained in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing. The government is coping with a rise in violent crime.

Geography ::Trinidad and Tobago

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, northeast of Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

11 00 N, 61 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 5,128 sq km country comparison to the world: 173 land: 5,128 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Delaware

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

362 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (June to December)

Terrain:

mostly plains with some hills and low mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, asphalt

Land use:

arable land: 14.62%

permanent crops: 9.16%

other: 76.22% (2005)

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

3.8 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.31 cu km/yr (68%/26%/6%)

per capita: 237 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, and raw sewage; oil pollution of beaches; deforestation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt

People ::Trinidad and Tobago

Population:

1,228,691 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.6% (male 123,214/female 117,584)

15-64 years: 72.6% (male 457,868/female 434,486)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 41,467/female 55,334) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.6 years

male: 32.1 years

female: 33.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.094% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Birth rate:

14.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Death rate:

8.21 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Net migration rate:

-7.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Urbanization:

urban population: 13% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.028 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 28.9 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 75 male: 30.12 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 27.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.09 years country comparison to the world: 134 male: 68.23 years

female: 74.02 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.72 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

14,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,900 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Nationality:

noun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)

adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian

Ethnic groups:

Indian (South Asian) 40%, African 37.5%, mixed 20.5%, other 1.2%, unspecified 0.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 26%, Hindu 22.5%, Anglican 7.8%, Baptist 7.2%,
Pentecostal 6.8%, Muslim 5.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 4%, other
Christian 5.8%, other 10.8%, unspecified 1.4%, none 1.9% (2000
census)

Languages:

English (official), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi),
French, Spanish, Chinese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 99.1%

female: 98% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

4.2% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 102

People - note:

in 2007, the government of Trinidad and Tobago estimated the population to be 1.3 million

Government ::Trinidad and Tobago

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

conventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Port-of-Spain

geographic coordinates: 10 39 N, 61 31 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 regional corporations, 2 city corporations, 3 borough corporations, 1 ward

regional corporations: Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Diego Martin, Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, San Juan/Laventille, Siparia, Tunapuna/Piarco

city corporations: Port-of-Spain, San Fernando

borough corporations: Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortin

ward: Tobago

Independence:

31 August 1962 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 31 August (1962)

Constitution:

1 August 1976

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President George Maxwell RICHARDS (since 17 March 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR (since 26 May 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among the members of Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by an electoral college, which consists of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 February 2008 (next to be held by February 2013); the president usually appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives

election results: George Maxwell RICHARDS reelected president; percent of electoral college vote - NA

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (31 seats; 16 members appointed by the ruling party, 9 by the President, 6 by the opposition party to serve a maximum term of five years) and the House of Representatives (41 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held on 24 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote - NA; seats by party - UNC 21, PNM 12, COP 6, TOP 2

note: Tobago has a unicameral House of Assembly with 12 members serving four-year terms; last election held in January 2005; seats by party - PNM 11, DAC 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature (comprised of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeals; the chief justice is appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; other justices are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission); the highest court of appeal is the Privy Council in London; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Congress of the People or COP [Winston DOOKERAN]; Democratic Action
Congress or DAC [Hochoy CHARLES] (only active in Tobago); Democratic
National Alliance or DNA [Gerald YETMING] (coalition of NAR, DDPT,
MND); Movement for National Development or MND [Garvin NICHOLAS];
National Alliance for Reconstruction or NAR [Dr. Carson CHARLES];
People's National Movement or PNM [Patrick MANNING]; Tobago
Organization of the People or TOP [Ashworth JACK]; United National
Congress or UNC [Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Jamaat-al Muslimeen [Yasin ABU BAKR]

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
Paris Club (associate), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador vacant; Charge d'Affaires Donna HENRY

chancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490

FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130

consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Beatrice W. WELTERS

embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain

mailing address: P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spain

telephone: [1] (868) 622-6371 through 6376

FAX: [1] (868) 822-5905

Flag description:

red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upper hoist side to the lower fly side; the colors represent the elements of earth, water, and fire; black stands for the wealth of the land and the dedication of the people; white symbolizes the sea surrounding the islands, the purity of the country's aspirations, and equality; red symbolizes the warmth and energy of the sun, the vitality of the land, and the courage and friendliness of its people

National anthem:

name: "Forged From the Love of Liberty"

lyrics/music: Patrick Stanislaus CASTAGNE

note: adopted 1962; the song was originally created to serve as an anthem for the West Indies Federation; it was adopted by Trinidad and Tobago following the Federation's dissolution in 1962

Economy ::Trinidad and Tobago

Economy - overview:

Trinidad and Tobago has earned a reputation as an excellent investment site for international businesses and has one of the highest growth rates and per capita incomes in Latin America. Economic growth between 2000 and 2007 averaged slightly over 8%, significantly above the regional average of about 3.7% for that same period; however, GDP has slowed down since then and contracted about 3.5% in 2009, before rising more than 2% in 2010. Growth has been fueled by investments in liquefied natural gas (LNG), petrochemicals, and steel. Additional petrochemical, aluminum, and plastics projects are in various stages of planning. Trinidad and Tobago is the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas, and its economy is heavily dependent upon these resources but it also supplies manufactured goods, notably food products and beverages, as well as cement to the Caribbean region. Oil and gas account for about 40% of GDP and 80% of exports, but only 5% of employment. The country is also a regional financial center, and tourism is a growing sector, although it is not as important domestically as it is to many other Caribbean islands. The economy benefits from a growing trade surplus. The previous MANNING administration benefited from fiscal surpluses fueled by the dynamic export sector; however, declines in oil and gas prices have reduced government revenues which will challenge the new government's commitment to maintaining high levels of public investment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$27.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $26.54 billion (2009 est.)

$27.42 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$21.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 -3.2% (2009 est.)

3.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$22,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $21,600 (2009 est.)

$22,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.5%

industry: 59.4%

services: 40.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

631,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.8%

manufacturing, mining, and quarrying: 12.8%

construction and utilities: 20.4%

services: 62.9% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 5.8% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

17% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

11.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Public debt:

26.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 29% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203 7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 41 10.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.94% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 12.44% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.734 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 102 $3.407 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$12.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $11.35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.924 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $2.823 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$11.15 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 65 $12.16 billion (31 December 2008)

$15.61 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, rice, citrus, coffee, vegetables; poultry

Industries:

petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products, beverages, food processing, cement, cotton textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Electricity - production:

7.202 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Electricity - consumption:

7.034 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

151,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Oil - consumption:

43,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Oil - exports:

248,300 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Oil - imports:

92,480 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Oil - proved reserves:

728.3 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - production:

39.3 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - consumption:

21.94 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Natural gas - exports:

17.36 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - proved reserves:

436.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Current account balance:

$3.363 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $1.702 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$12.06 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $9.312 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products, beverages, cereal and cereal products, sugar, cocoa, coffee, citrus fruit, vegetables, flowers

Exports - partners:

US 38.53%, Jamaica 8.86%, Spain 6.88%, Mexico 6.23% (2009)

Imports:

$8.234 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $7.161 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral fuels, lubricants, machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals, live animals

Imports - partners:

US 30.87%, Colombia 7.1%, Venezuela 7.01%, Russia 6.64%, Brazil 5.53%, China 4.19% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$9.659 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $9.246 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.303 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $3.895 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$102 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $12.44 billion (2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$3.829 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 62

Exchange rates:

Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD) per US dollar - 6.3337 (2010), 6.3099 (2009), 6.2896 (2008), 6.3275 (2007), 6.3107 (2006)

Communications ::Trinidad and Tobago

Telephones - main lines in use:

314,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 111

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.97 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 133

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent international service; good local service

domestic: mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 185 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 1-868; submarine cable systems provide connectivity to US and parts of the Caribbean and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Barbados and Guyana

Broadcast media:

5 TV networks each broadcasting on multiple stations; one of the networks is state-owned; multiple cable TV subscription service providers; multiple radio networks, one state-owned, broadcast over about 35 stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.tt

Internet hosts:

168,876 (2010) country comparison to the world: 68

Internet users:

593,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 115

Transportation ::Trinidad and Tobago

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 176

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 659 km; oil 336 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 8,320 km country comparison to the world: 140 paved: 4,252 km

unpaved: 4,068 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 6 country comparison to the world: 127 by type: passenger 1, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1

registered in other countries: 2 (Bahamas 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Point Fortin, Point Lisas, Port-of-Spain, Scarborough

Military ::Trinidad and Tobago

Military branches:

Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF): Trinidad and Tobago Army,
Coast Guard, Air Guard, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (16 years of age with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 347,044

females age 16-49: 323,847 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 273,361

females age 16-49: 266,535 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 8,572

female: 7,966 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 170

Transnational Issues ::Trinidad and Tobago

Disputes - international:

in April 2006, the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a decision that delimited a maritime boundary with Trinidad and Tobago and compelled Barbados to enter a fishing agreement that limited Barbadian fishermen's catches of flying fish in Trinidad and Tobago's exclusive economic zone; in 2005, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago agreed to compulsory international arbitration under UNCLOS challenging whether the northern limit of Trinidad and Tobago's and Venezuela's maritime boundary extends into Barbadian waters; Guyana has also expressed its intention to include itself in the arbitration as the Trinidad and Tobago-Venezuela maritime boundary may extend into its waters as well

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; producer of cannabis

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Tunisia (Africa)

Introduction ::Tunisia

Background:

Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades following World War I was finally successful in getting the French to recognize Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. The country's first president, Habib BOURGUIBA, established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In November 1987, BOURGUIBA was removed from office and replaced by Zine el Abidine BEN ALI in a bloodless coup. BEN ALI is currently serving his fifth consecutive five-year term as president. Tunisia has long taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising pressure for a more open political society.

Geography ::Tunisia

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Libya

Geographic coordinates:

34 00 N, 9 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 163,610 sq km country comparison to the world: 92 land: 155,360 sq km

water: 8,250 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Georgia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,424 km

border countries: Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 km

Coastline:

1,148 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 12 nm

Climate:

temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south

Terrain:

mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m

highest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt

Land use:

arable land: 17.05%

permanent crops: 13.08%

other: 69.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

3,940 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

4.6 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.64 cu km/yr (14%/4%/82%)

per capita: 261 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and poses health risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location in central Mediterranean; Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration

People ::Tunisia

Population:

10,589,025 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.7% (male 1,227,238/female 1,149,796)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 3,701,661/female 3,652,322)

65 years and over: 7.2% (male 352,003/female 403,319) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.7 years

male: 29.1 years

female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.969% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Birth rate:

15.31 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Death rate:

5.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Net migration rate:

-0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Urbanization:

urban population: 67% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.073 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.75 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 94 male: 23.94 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.99 years country comparison to the world: 73 male: 74.17 years

female: 77.94 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.71 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Nationality:

noun: Tunisian(s)

adjective: Tunisian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Religions:

Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Languages:

Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 74.3%

male: 83.4%

female: 65.3% (2004 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

7.2% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 18

Government ::Tunisia

Country name:

conventional long form: Tunisian Republic

conventional short form: Tunisia

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah

local short form: Tunis

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Tunis

geographic coordinates: 36 48 N, 10 11 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

24 governorates; Ariana (Aryanah), Beja (Bajah), Ben Arous (Bin
'Arus), Bizerte (Banzart), Gabes (Qabis), Gafsa (Qafsah), Jendouba
(Jundubah), Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), Kasserine (Al Qasrayn), Kebili
(Qibili), Kef (Al Kaf), Mahdia (Al Mahdiyah), Manouba (Manubah),
Medenine (Madanin), Monastir (Al Munastir), Nabeul (Nabul), Sfax
(Safaqis), Sidi Bou Zid (Sidi Bu Zayd), Siliana (Silyanah), Sousse
(Susah), Tataouine (Tatawin), Tozeur (Tawzar), Tunis, Zaghouan
(Zaghwan)

Independence:

20 March 1956 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 20 March (1956); also the anniversary of BEN ALI's assumption of the presidency, 7 November (1987)

Constitution:

1 June 1959; amended 1988, 2002

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal except for active government security forces (including the police and the military), people with mental disabilities, people who have served more than three months in prison (criminal cases only), and people given a suspended sentence of more than six months

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Zine el Abidine BEN ALI (since 7 November 1987)

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed GHANNOUCHI (since 17 November 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 25 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI reelected for a fifth term; percent of vote - Zine El Abidine BEN ALI 89.6%, Mohamed BOUCHIHA 5%, Ahmed INOUBLI 3.8%, Ahmed BRAHIM 1.6%; voter turnout 89.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral system consists of the Chamber of Advisors (126 seats; 85 members elected by municipal counselors, deputies, mayors, and professional associations and trade unions; 41 members are presidential appointees; members serve six-year terms); and the Chamber of Deputies or Majlis al-Nuwaab (214 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Advisors - last held on 3 July 2005 (next to be held in July 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 25 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014);

election results: Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - RCD 84.6%, MDS 4.6%, PUP 3.4%, UDU 2.6%, PSL 2.2%, PVP 1.7%, Al-Tajdid 0.5%; seats by party - RCD 161, MDS 16, PUP 12, UDU 9, PSL 8, PVP 6, Al-Tajdid 2; voter turnout 89.4%

Judicial branch:

Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation

Political parties and leaders:

Al-Tajdid Movement [Ahmed IBRAHIM]; Constitutional Democratic Rally
Party (Rassemblement Constitutionnel Democratique) or RCD;
Democratic Forum for Labor and Liberties or FDTL [Mustapha Ben
JAFAAR]; Green Party for Progress or PVP [Mongi KHAMASSI]; Liberal
Social Party or PSL [Mondher THABET]; Movement of Socialist
Democrats or MDS [Ismail BOULAHYA]; Popular Unity Party or PUP
[Mohamed BOUCHIHA]; Progressive Democratic Party [Maya JERIBI];
Unionist Democratic Union or UDU [Ahmed INOUBLI]; note - the
Islamist party, Al Nahda (Renaissance), is outlawed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

18 October Group [collective leadership]; Tunisian League for Human Rights or LTDH [Mokhtar TRIFI]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, BSEC (observer), FAO, G-11, G-77,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS,
MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE
(partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Salah TEKAYA

chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005

telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850

FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gordon GRAY

embassy: Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac Nord de Tunis 1053

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [216] 71 107-000

FAX: [216] 71 963-263

Flag description:

red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent nearly encircling a red five-pointed star; resembles the Ottoman flag (red banner with white crescent and star) and recalls Tunisia's history as part of the Ottoman Empire; red represents the blood shed by martyrs in the struggle against oppression, white stands for peace; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam

note: the flag is based on that of Turkey, itself a successor state to the Ottoman Empire

National anthem:

name: "Humat Al Hima" (Defenders of the Homeland)

lyrics/music: Mustafa Sadik AL-RAFII and Aboul-Qacem ECHEBBI/Mohamad Abdel WAHAB

note: adopted 1957, replaced 1958, restored 1987; Mohamad Abdel WAHAB also composed the music for the anthem of the United Arab Emirates

Economy ::Tunisia

Economy - overview:

Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Governmental control of economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened over the past decade with increasing privatization, simplification of the tax structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Progressive social policies also have helped raise living conditions in Tunisia relative to the region. Real growth, which averaged almost 5% over the past decade, declined to 4.6% in 2008 and to 3-4% in 2009-10 because of economic contraction and slowing of import demand in Europe - Tunisia's largest export market. However, development of non-textile manufacturing, a recovery in agricultural production, and strong growth in the services sector somewhat mitigated the economic effect of slowing exports. Tunisia will need to reach even higher growth levels to create sufficient employment opportunities for an already large number of unemployed as well as the growing population of university graduates. The challenges ahead include: privatizing industry, liberalizing the investment code to increase foreign investment, improving government efficiency, reducing the trade deficit, and reducing socioeconomic disparities in the impoverished south and west.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$100.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $97.03 billion (2009 est.)

$94.22 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$43.86 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 3% (2009 est.)

4.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$9,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $9,300 (2009 est.)

$9,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10.6%

industry: 34.6%

services: 54.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.83 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 18.3%

industry: 31.9%

services: 49.8% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 13.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

3.8% (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 31.5% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 41.7 (1995 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

26.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Public debt:

49.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 47.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 3.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$11.49 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 70 $11.02 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$29.39 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $26.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$31.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $28.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$9.12 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 76 $6.374 billion (31 December 2008)

$5.355 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

olives, olive oil, grain, tomatoes, citrus fruit, sugar beets, dates, almonds; beef, dairy products

Industries:

petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Electricity - production:

11.08 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Electricity - consumption:

11.8 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Electricity - exports:

130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

145 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

91,380 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - consumption:

89,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Oil - exports:

77,130 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Oil - imports:

87,300 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Oil - proved reserves:

425 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - production:

2.97 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - consumption:

4.22 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - imports:

1.25 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Natural gas - proved reserves:

65.13 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Current account balance:

-$1.389 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 -$1.234 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$16.11 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $14.42 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, semi-finished goods and textiles, agricultural products, mechanical goods, phosphates and chemicals, hydrocarbons, electrical equipment

Exports - partners:

France 29.6%, Italy 21%, Germany 8.8%, Libya 5.8%, Spain 5%, UK 4.8% (2009)

Imports:

$20.02 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $18.12 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

textiles, machinery and equipment, hydrocarbons, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

France 20.1%, Italy 16.4%, Germany 8.8%, China 5%, Spain 4.5%, US 4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$11.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $11.06 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$18.76 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $19.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$33.56 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $31.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$251 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $233 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Tunisian dinars (TND) per US dollar - 1.4367 (2010), 1.3503 (2009), 1.211 (2008), 1.2776 (2007), 1.331 (2006)

Communications ::Tunisia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.279 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 69

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.754 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 65

Telephone system:

general assessment: above the African average and continuing to be upgraded; key centers are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis; telephone network is completely digitized; Internet access available throughout the country

domestic: in an effort to jumpstart expansion of the fixed-line network, the government has awarded a concession to build and operate a VSAT network with international connectivity; rural areas are served by wireless local loops; competition between the two mobile-cellular service providers has resulted in lower activation and usage charges and a strong surge in subscribership; a third mobile, fixed, and ISP operator was licensed in 2009 and will begin offering services in 2010; expansion of mobile-cellular services to include multimedia messaging and e-mail and Internet to mobile phone services also leading to a surge in subscribership; overall fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 100 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 216; a landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel; 2 international gateway digital switches

Broadcast media:

broadcast media is mainly government-controlled; the state-run Tunisian Radio and Television Establishment (ERTT) operates 2 national television networks, several national radio networks, and a number of regional radio stations; 1 TV and 3 radio stations are privately-owned and report domestic news stories directly from the official Tunisian news agency; the state retains control of broadcast facilities and transmitters through L'Office National de la Telediffusion; Tunisians also have access to Egyptian, pan-Arab, and European satellite TV channels (2007)

Internet country code:

.tn

Internet hosts:

490 (2010) country comparison to the world: 181

Internet users:

3.5 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 60

Transportation ::Tunisia

Airports:

32 (2010) country comparison to the world: 113

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,179 km; oil 1,285 km; refined products 372 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,167 km country comparison to the world: 70 standard gauge: 471 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 1,688 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified)

dual gauge: 8 km (2008)

Roadways:

total: 19,232 km country comparison to the world: 111 paved: 12,655 km (includes 262 km of expressways)

unpaved: 6,577 km (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 11 country comparison to the world: 111 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, passenger/cargo 4, roll on/roll off 2

registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bizerte, Gabes, Rades, Sfax, Skhira

Military ::Tunisia

Military branches:

Tunisian Armed Forces (Forces Armees Tunisiens, FAT): Army, Navy,
Republic of Tunisia Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriyah
At'tunisia) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for compulsory military service, 18 years of age for voluntary military service; 1-year conscript service obligation (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,065,431

females age 16-49: 2,974,060 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,594,602

females age 16-49: 2,510,159 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 96,697

female: 90,599 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 109

Transnational Issues ::Tunisia

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 24, 2011

======================================================================

@Turkey (Middle East)

Introduction ::Turkey

Background:

Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Anatolian remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk or "Father of the Turks." Under his authoritarian leadership, the country adopted wide-ranging social, legal, and political reforms. After a period of one-party rule, an experiment with multi-party politics led to the 1950 election victory of the opposition Democratic Party and the peaceful transfer of power. Since then, Turkish political parties have multiplied, but democracy has been fractured by periods of instability and intermittent military coups (1960, 1971, 1980), which in each case eventually resulted in a return of political power to civilians. In 1997, the military again helped engineer the ouster - popularly dubbed a "post-modern coup" - of the then Islamic-oriented government. Turkey intervened militarily on Cyprus in 1974 to prevent a Greek takeover of the island and has since acted as patron state to the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which only Turkey recognizes. A separatist insurgency begun in 1984 by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) - now known as the People's Congress of Kurdistan or Kongra-Gel (KGK) - has dominated the Turkish military's attention and claimed more than 30,000 lives. After the capture of the group's leader in 1999, the insurgents largely withdrew from Turkey mainly to northern Iraq. In 2004, KGK announced an end to its ceasefire and attacks attributed to the KGK increased. Turkey joined the UN in 1945 and in 1952 it became a member of NATO. In 1964, Turkey became an associate member of the European Community. Over the past decade, it has undertaken many reforms to strengthen its democracy and economy; it began accession membership talks with the European Union in 2005.

Geography ::Turkey

Location:

Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria

Geographic coordinates:

39 00 N, 35 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 783,562 sq km country comparison to the world: 37 land: 769,632 sq km

water: 13,930 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,648 km

border countries: Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km, Georgia 252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 352 km, Syria 822 km

Coastline:

7,200 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 6 nm in the Aegean Sea; 12 nm in Black Sea and in Mediterranean Sea

exclusive economic zone: in Black Sea only: to the maritime boundary agreed upon with the former USSR

Climate:

temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior

Terrain:

high central plateau (Anatolia); narrow coastal plain; several mountain ranges

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Ararat 5,166 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, copper, chromium, antimony, mercury, gold, barite, borate, celestite (strontium), emery, feldspar, limestone, magnesite, marble, perlite, pumice, pyrites (sulfur), clay, arable land, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 29.81%

permanent crops: 3.39%

other: 66.8% (2005)

Irrigated land:

52,150 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

234 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 39.78 cu km/yr (15%/11%/74%)

per capita: 544 cu m/yr (2001)

Natural hazards:

severe earthquakes, especially in northern Turkey, along an arc extending from the Sea of Marmara to Lake Van

volcanism: Turkey experiences little volcanic activity; its three historically active volcanoes; Ararat, Nemrut Dagi, and Tendurek Dagi have not erupted since the 19th century or earlier

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from dumping of chemicals and detergents; air pollution, particularly in urban areas; deforestation; concern for oil spills from increasing Bosporus ship traffic

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

strategic location controlling the Turkish Straits (Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black and Aegean Seas; Mount Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah's ark, is in the far eastern portion of the country

People ::Turkey

Population:

77,804,122 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.2% (male 10,701,631/female 10,223,260)

15-64 years: 66.7% (male 25,896,326/female 25,327,403)

65 years and over: 6.1% (male 2,130,360/female 2,526,544) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.1 years

male: 27.7 years

female: 28.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.272% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Birth rate:

18.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Death rate:

6.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Net migration rate:

0.53 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Urbanization:

urban population: 69% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 85 male: 25.89 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.23 years country comparison to the world: 125 male: 70.37 years

female: 74.19 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1%; note - no country specific models provided (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA (2007 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Turk(s)

adjective: Turkish

Ethnic groups:

Turkish 70-75%, Kurdish 18%, other minorities 7-12% (2008 est.)

Religions:

Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians and Jews)

Languages:

Turkish (official), Kurdish, other minority languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 87.4%

male: 95.3%

female: 79.6% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 11 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 155

Government ::Turkey

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Turkey

conventional short form: Turkey

local long form: Turkiye Cumhuriyeti

local short form: Turkiye

Government type:

republican parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Ankara

geographic coordinates: 39 56 N, 32 52 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

81 provinces (iller, singular - ili); Adana, Adiyaman,
Afyonkarahisar, Agri, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Ardahan,
Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir, Bartin, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol,
Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli,
Diyarbakir, Duzce, Edirne, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir,
Gaziantep, Giresun, Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Igdir, Isparta,
Istanbul, Izmir (Smyrna), Kahramanmaras, Karabuk, Karaman, Kars,
Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kilis, Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir, Kocaeli,
Konya, Kutahya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Mugla, Mus,
Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Osmaniye, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sanliurfa,
Siirt, Sinop, Sirnak, Sivas, Tekirdag, Tokat, Trabzon (Trebizond),
Tunceli, Usak, Van, Yalova, Yozgat, Zonguldak

Independence:

29 October 1923 (successor state to the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 29 October (1923)

Constitution:

7 November 1982; amended 17 May 1987, 1995, 2001, 2007 and 2010; note - amendment passed by referendum concerning presidential elections on 21 October 2007

Legal system:

civil law system derived from various European continental legal systems; note - member of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), although Turkey claims limited derogations on the ratified European Convention on Human Rights; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Abdullah GUL (since 28 August 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (since 14 March)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the nomination of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected directly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president from among members of parliament

election results: on 28 August 2007 the National Assembly elected Abdullah GUL president on the third ballot; National Assembly vote - 339

note: in October 2007 Turkish voters approved a referendum package of constitutional amendments including a provision for direct presidential elections

Legislative branch:

unicameral Grand National Assembly of Turkey or Turkiye Buyuk Millet Meclisi (550 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 22 July 2007 (next to be held by July 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - AKP 46.7%, CHP 20.8%, MHP 14.3%, independents 5.2%, other 13.0%; seats by party - AKP 341, CHP 112, MHP 71, independents 26; note - seats by party as of 15 November 2010 - AKP 335, CHP 101, MHP 70, BDP 20, DSP 6, DP 1, TP 1, independents 7, vacant 9 (BDP entered parliament as independents; DSP entered parliament on CHP's party list; DP and TP switched to their respective parties after having been elected to parliament as an independent or on the list of another party); only parties surpassing the 10% threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; High Court of Appeals (Yargitay); Council of State (Danistay); Court of Accounts (Sayistay); Military High Court of Appeals; Military High Administrative Court

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Left Party or DSP [Masum TURKER]; Democratic Party or DP
[Husamettin CINDORUK]; Equality and Democracy Party or EDP [Ziva
HALIS]; Felicity Party or SP [Necmettin ERBAKAN] (sometimes
translated as Contentment Party); Freedom and Solidarity Party or
ODP [Alper TAS]; Grand Unity Party or BBP [Yalcin TOPCU]; Justice
and Development Party or AKP [Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN]; Nationalist
Movement Party or MHP [Devlet BAHCELI]; Peace and Democracy Party or
BDP [Selahattin DEMIRTAS]; People's Rise Party or HSP [Numan
KURTULMUS]; Republican People's Party or CHP [Kemal KILICDAROGLU];
Turkey Party [Abdullatif SENER]

note: the parties listed above are some of the more significant of the 61 parties that Turkey had according to the Ministry of Interior statistics current as of May 2009

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey or TUSKON
[Rizanur MERAL}; Confederation of Public Sector Unions or KESK [Sami
EVREN]; Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Unions or DISK
[Suleyman CELEBI]; Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's
Association or MUSIAD [Omer Cihad VARDAN]; Moral Rights Workers
Union or Hak-Is [Salim USLU]; Turkish Confederation of Employers'
Unions or TISK [Tugrul KUDATGOBILIK]; Turkish Confederation of Labor
or Turk-Is [Mustafa KUMLU]; Turkish Confederation of Tradesmen and
Craftsmen or TESK [Bendevi PALANDOKEN]; Turkish Industrialists' and
Businessmen's Association or TUSIAD [Umit BOYNER]; Turkish Union of
Chambers of Commerce and Commodity Exchanges or TOBB [M. Rifat
HISARCIKLIOGLU]

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CERN
(observer), CICA, D-8, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EU (applicant), FAO, FATF,
G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIC, OPCW, OSCE,
Paris Club (associate), PCA, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Namik TAN

chancery: 2525 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 612-6700

FAX: [1] (202) 612-6744

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Douglas A. SILLIMAN

embassy: 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara

mailing address: PSC 93, Box 5000, APO AE 09823

telephone: [90] (312) 455-5555

FAX: [90] (312) 467-0019

consulate(s) general: Istanbul

consulate(s): Adana; note - there is a Consular Agent in Izmir

Flag description:

red with a vertical white crescent moon (the closed portion is toward the hoist side) and white five-pointed star centered just outside the crescent opening; the flag colors and designs closely resemble those on the banner of Ottoman Empire, which preceded modern-day Turkey; the crescent moon and star serve as insignia for the Turks, as well as being traditional symbols of Islam; according to legend, the flag represents the reflection of the moon and a star in a pool of blood of Turkish warriors

National anthem:

name: "Istiklal Marsi" (Independence March)

lyrics/music: Mehmet Akif ERSOY/Zeki UNGOR

note: lyrics adopted 1921, music adopted 1932; the anthem's original music was adopted in 1924; a new composition was agreed upon in 1932

Economy ::Turkey

Economy - overview:

Turkey's economy is increasingly driven by its industry and service sectors, although its traditional agriculture sector still accounts for about 30% of employment. An aggressive privatization program has reduced state involvement in basic industry, banking, transport, and communication, and an emerging cadre of middle-class entrepreneurs is adding a dynamism to the economy. Turkey's traditional textiles and clothing clothing sectors still account for one-third of industrial employment, despite stiff competition in international markets that resulted from the end of the global quota system. Other sectors, notably the automotive, construction, and electronics industries, are rising in importance and have surpassed textiles within Turkey's export mix. Oil began to flow through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in May 2006, marking a major milestone that will bring up to 1 million barrels per day from the Caspian to market. Several gas pipelines also are being planned to help move Central Asian gas to Europe via Turkey, which will help address Turkey's dependence on energy imports over the long term. After Turkey experienced a severe financial crisis in 2001, Ankara adopted financial and fiscal reforms as part of an IMF program. The reforms strengthened the country's economic fundamentals and ushered in an era of strong growth - averaging more than 6% annually until 2009, when global economic conditions and tighter fiscal policy slowed growth to 4.7%, reduced inflation to 6.5% - a 34-year low - and cut the public sector debt-to-GPD ratio below 50%. Turkey's well-regulated financial markets and banking system weathered the global financial crisis and GDP rebounded strongly to 7.3% in 2010, as exports returned to normal levels following the recession. The economy, however, continues to be burdened by a high current account deficit and remains dependent on often volatile, short-term investment to finance its trade deficit. The stock value of FDI stood at $174 billion at year-end 2010, but inflows have slowed considerably in light of continuing economic turmoil in Europe, the source of much of Turkey's FDI. Further economic and judicial reforms and prospective EU membership are expected to boost Turkey's attractiveness to foreign investors. However, Turkey's relatively high current account deficit, uncertainty related to policy-making, and fiscal imbalances leave the economy vulnerable to destabilizing shifts in investor confidence.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$958.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $893.1 billion (2009 est.)

$937.1 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$729.1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 -4.7% (2009 est.)

0.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $11,600 (2009 est.)

$12,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.8%

industry: 25.7%

services: 65.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

24.73 million country comparison to the world: 24 note: about 1.2 million Turks work abroad (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 29.5%

industry: 24.7%

services: 45.8% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

12.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 14.1% (2009 est.)

note: underemployment amounted to 4% in 2008

Population below poverty line:

17.11% (2008)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%

highest 10%: 33.2% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41 (2007) country comparison to the world: 56 43.6 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

18% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Public debt:

48.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 46.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194 6.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

15% (22 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 6 25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$57.02 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 44 $44.94 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$255.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $202.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$401.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $373.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$225.7 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 32 $117.9 billion (31 December 2008)

$286.6 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, hazelnuts, pulse, citrus; livestock

Industries:

textiles, food processing, autos, electronics, mining (coal, chromate, copper, boron), steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, paper

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Electricity - production:

198.4 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Electricity - consumption:

198.1 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Electricity - exports:

1.12 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

790 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

52,980 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Oil - consumption:

579,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Oil - exports:

133,100 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Oil - imports:

734,600 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Oil - proved reserves:

262.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - production:

1.014 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Natural gas - consumption:

35.07 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Natural gas - exports:

708 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Natural gas - imports:

35.77 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.088 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Current account balance:

-$38.82 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 -$13.94 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$117.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $109.6 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

apparel, foodstuffs, textiles, metal manufactures, transport equipment

Exports - partners:

Germany 9.6%, France 6.1%, UK 5.8%, Italy 5.8%, Iraq 5% (2009)

Imports:

$166.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $134.5 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, semi-finished goods, fuels, transport equipment

Imports - partners:

Russia 14%, Germany 10%, China 9%, US 6.1%, Italy 5.4%, France 5% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$78 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $75 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$270.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $268.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$84.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $174 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$16.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $15.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Turkish liras (TRY) per US dollar - 1.5181 (2010), 1.55 (2009), 1.3179 (2008), 1.319 (2007), 1.4286 (2006)

Communications ::Turkey

Telephones - main lines in use:

16.534 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 18

Telephones - mobile cellular:

62.78 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 17

Telephone system:

general assessment: comprehensive telecommunications network undergoing rapid modernization and expansion especially in mobile-cellular services

domestic: additional digital exchanges are permitting a rapid increase in subscribers; the construction of a network of technologically advanced intercity trunk lines, using both fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay, is facilitating communication between urban centers; remote areas are reached by a domestic satellite system; the number of subscribers to mobile-cellular telephone service is growing rapidly

international: country code - 90; international service is provided by the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable and by submarine fiber-optic cables in the Mediterranean and Black Seas that link Turkey with Italy, Greece, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania, and Russia; satellite earth stations - 12 Intelsat; mobile satellite terminals - 328 in the Inmarsat and Eutelsat systems (2002)

Broadcast media:

national public broadcaster Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) operates multiple TV and radio networks and stations; multiple privately-owned national television stations and up to 300 private regional and local television stations; multi-channel cable TV subcriptions are obtainable; more than 1,000 private radio broadcast stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.tr

Internet hosts:

3.433 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 26

Internet users:

27.233 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 15

Transportation ::Turkey

Airports:

99 (2010) country comparison to the world: 60

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 88

over 3,047 m: 16

2,438 to 3,047 m: 33

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

20 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 10,630 km; oil 3,636 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 8,697 km country comparison to the world: 23 standard gauge: 8,697 km 1.435-m gauge (1,920 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 352,046 km country comparison to the world: 19 paved: 313,151 km (includes 2,010 km of expressways)

unpaved: 38,895 km (2008)

Waterways:

1,200 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 61

Merchant marine:

total: 645 country comparison to the world: 18 by type: bulk carrier 95, cargo 290, chemical tanker 85, combination ore/oil 1, container 40, liquefied gas 6, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 59, petroleum tanker 31, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 34, specialized tanker 2

foreign-owned: 3 (Germany 1, Italy 2)

registered in other countries: 686 (Albania 1, Antigua and Barbuda
7, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 3, Barbados 1, Belize 18, Cambodia 26,
Comoros 16, Cook Islands 4, Dominica 1, Georgia 22, Italy 3,
Kiribati 3, Liberia 15, Malta 211, Marshall Islands 72, Moldova 18,
Mongolia 1, former Netherlands Antilles 8, Panama 79, Russia 104,
Saint Kitts and Nevis 22, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 18,
Sierra Leone 14, Slovakia 2, Tanzania 7, Togo 4, Turkmenistan 1,
Tuvalu 1, UK 1, unknown 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Aliaga, Diliskelesi, Eregli, Izmir, Kocaeli (Izmit), Mercin Limani,
Yarimca

Military ::Turkey

Military branches:

Turkish Armed Forces (TSK): Turkish Land Forces (Turk Kara
Kuvvetleri), Turkish Naval Forces (Turk Deniz Kuvvetleri; includes
naval air and naval infantry), Turkish Air Force (Turk Hava
Kuvvetleri) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,832,658

females age 16-49: 20,337,037 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,447,579

females age 16-49: 17,173,063 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 695,326

female: 666,026 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

5.3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Military - note:

a "National Security Policy Document" adopted in October 2005 increases the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) role in internal security, augmenting the General Directorate of Security and Gendarmerie General Command (Jandarma); the TSK leadership continues to play a key role in politics and considers itself guardian of Turkey's secular state; in April 2007, it warned the ruling party about any pro-Islamic appointments; despite on-going negotiations on EU accession since October 2005, progress has been limited in establishing required civilian supremacy over the military; primary domestic threats are listed as fundamentalism (with the definition in some dispute with the civilian government), separatism (the Kurdish problem), and the extreme left wing; Ankara strongly opposed establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region; an overhaul of the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) taking place under the "Force 2014" program is to produce 20-30% smaller, more highly trained forces characterized by greater mobility and firepower and capable of joint and combined operations; the TLFC has taken on increasing international peacekeeping responsibilities, and took charge of a NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) command in Afghanistan in April 2007; the Turkish Navy is a regional naval power that wants to develop the capability to project power beyond Turkey's coastal waters; the Navy is heavily involved in NATO, multinational, and UN operations; its roles include control of territorial waters and security for sea lines of communications; the Turkish Air Force adopted an "Aerospace and Missile Defense Concept" in 2002 and has initiated project work on an integrated missile defense system; Air Force priorities include attaining a modern deployable, survivable, and sustainable force structure, and establishing a sustainable command and control system (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Turkey

Disputes - international:

complex maritime, air, and territorial disputes with Greece in the Aegean Sea; status of north Cyprus question remains; Syria and Iraq protest Turkish hydrological projects to control upper Euphrates waters; Turkey has expressed concern over the status of Kurds in Iraq; border with Armenia remains closed over Nagorno-Karabakh

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 1-1.2 million (fighting 1984-99 between Kurdish PKK and
Turkish military; most IDPs in southeastern provinces) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

key transit route for Southwest Asian heroin to Western Europe and, to a lesser extent, the US - via air, land, and sea routes; major Turkish and other international trafficking organizations operate out of Istanbul; laboratories to convert imported morphine base into heroin exist in remote regions of Turkey and near Istanbul; government maintains strict controls over areas of legal opium poppy cultivation and over output of poppy straw concentrate; lax enforcement of money-laundering controls

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Turkmenistan (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Turkmenistan

Background:

Eastern Turkmenistan for centuries formed part of the Persian province of Khurasan; in medieval times Merv (today known as Mary) was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road. Annexed by Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1924. It achieved independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Extensive hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves could prove a boon to this underdeveloped country once extraction and delivery projects are expanded. The Turkmen Government is actively working to diversify its gas export routes beyond the still dominant Russian pipeline network. In 2010, new gas export pipelines that carry Turkmen gas to China and to northern Iran began operating, effectively ending the Russian monopoly on Turkmen gas exports. President for Life Saparmurat NYYAZOW died in December 2006, and Turkmenistan held its first multi-candidate presidential election in February 2007. Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW, a deputy cabinet chairman under NYYAZOW, emerged as the country's new president.

Geography ::Turkmenistan

Location:

Central Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Kazakhstan

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 60 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 488,100 sq km country comparison to the world: 52 land: 469,930 sq km

water: 18,170 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 3,736 km

border countries: Afghanistan 744 km, Iran 992 km, Kazakhstan 379 km, Uzbekistan 1,621 km

Coastline:

0 km; note - Turkmenistan borders the Caspian Sea (1,768 km)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

subtropical desert

Terrain:

flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes rising to mountains in the south; low mountains along border with Iran; borders Caspian Sea in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Vpadina Akchanaya -81 m

note: Sarygamysh Koli is a lake in northern Turkmenistan with a water level that fluctuates above and below the elevation of Vpadina Akchanaya (the lake has dropped as low as -110 m)

highest point: Gora Ayribaba 3,139 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, sulfur, salt

Land use:

arable land: 4.51%

permanent crops: 0.14%

other: 95.35% (2005)

Irrigated land:

18,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

60.9 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 24.65 cu km/yr (2%/1%/98%)

per capita: 5,104 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

contamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural chemicals, pesticides; salination, water logging of soil due to poor irrigation methods; Caspian Sea pollution; diversion of a large share of the flow of the Amu Darya into irrigation contributes to that river's inability to replenish the Aral Sea; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; the western and central low-lying desolate portions of the country make up the great Garagum (Kara-Kum) desert, which occupies over 80% of the country; eastern part is plateau

People ::Turkmenistan

Population:

4,940,916 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.9% (male 713,698/female 697,222)

15-64 years: 66.9% (male 1,618,678/female 1,646,992)

65 years and over: 4.3% (male 90,352/female 117,945) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.8 years

male: 24.4 years

female: 25.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.14% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Birth rate:

19.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Death rate:

6.27 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Net migration rate:

-1.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Urbanization:

urban population: 49% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 43.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 60 male: 52.13 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 35.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.2 years country comparison to the world: 151 male: 65.25 years

female: 71.29 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.19 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Nationality:

noun: Turkmen(s)

adjective: Turkmen

Ethnic groups:

Turkmen 85%, Uzbek 5%, Russian 4%, other 6% (2003)

Religions:

Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%

Languages:

Turkmen (official) 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.8%

male: 99.3%

female: 98.3% (1999 est.)

Education expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 110

Government ::Turkmenistan

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Turkmenistan

local long form: none

local short form: Turkmenistan

former: Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

defines itself as a secular democracy and a presidential republic; in actuality displays authoritarian presidential rule, with power concentrated within the presidential administration

Capital:

name: Ashgabat (Ashkhabad)

geographic coordinates: 37 57 N, 58 23 E

time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 provinces (welayatlar, singular - welayat) and 1 independent city*: Ahal Welayaty (Anew), Ashgabat*, Balkan Welayaty (Balkanabat), Dashoguz Welayaty, Lebap Welayaty (Turkmenabat), Mary Welayaty

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

27 October 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 October (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 26 September 2008

Legal system:

transitioning to civil law system and influenced by Islamic law tradition; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW (since 14 February 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW (since 14 February 2007)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 11 February 2007 (next to be held in February 2012)

election results: Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW elected president; percent of vote - Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW 89.2%, Amanyaz ATAJYKOW 3.2%, other candidates 7.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral parliament known as the National Assembly (Mejlis) (125 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 December 2008 (next to be held in December 2013)

election results: 100% of elected officials are members of either the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan or its pseudo-civil society parent organization, the Revival Movement, and are preapproved by the president

note: in 26 September 2008, a new constitution of Turkmenistan abolished a second, 2,507-member legislative body known as the People's Council and expanded the number of deputies in the National Assembly from 65 to 125; the powers formerly held by the People's Council were divided up between the president and the National Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of Turkmenistan or DPT [Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW is chairman; Kasymguly BABAYEW is DPT Political Council First Secretary]

note: formal opposition parties are outlawed; unofficial, small opposition movements exist abroad; the three most prominent opposition groups-in-exile are the National Democratic Movement of Turkmenistan (NDMT), the Republican Party of Turkmenistan, and the Watan (Fatherland) Party; the NDMT was led by former Foreign Minister Boris SHIKHMURADOV until his arrest and imprisonment in the wake of the 25 November 2002 attack on President NYYAZOW's motorcade

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ADB, CIS (associate member, has not ratified the 1993 CIS charter
although it participates in meetings), EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, G-77,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW,
OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Meret Bairamovich ORAZOW

chancery: 2207 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 588-1500

FAX: [1] (202) 588-0697

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Eileen A. MALLOY

embassy: No. 9 1984 Street (formerly Pushkin Street), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 744000

mailing address: 7070 Ashgabat Place, Washington, DC 20521-7070

telephone: [993] (12) 35-00-45

FAX: [993] (12) 39-26-14

Flag description:

green field with a vertical red stripe near the hoist side, containing five tribal guls (designs used in producing carpets) stacked above two crossed olive branches; five white stars and a white crescent moon appear in the upper corner of the field just to the fly side of the red stripe; the green color and crescent moon represent Islam; the five stars symbolize the regions or welayats of Turkmenistan; the guls reflect the national identity of Turkmenistan where carpet-making has long been a part of traditional nomadic life

note: the flag of Turkmenistan is the most intricate of all national flags

National anthem:

name: "Garassyz, Bitarap Turkmenistanyn" (Independent, Neutral, Turkmenistan State Anthem)

lyrics/music: collective/Veli MUKHATOV

note: adopted 1997, lyrics revised 2008; following the death of the President Saparmurat NYYAZOW, the lyrics were altered to eliminate references to the former president

Economy ::Turkmenistan

Economy - overview:

Turkmenistan is largely a desert country with intensive agriculture in irrigated oases and sizeable gas and oil resources. The two largest crops are cotton, most of which is produced for export, and wheat, which is domestically consumed. Although agriculture accounts for roughly 10% of GDP, it continues to employ nearly half of the country's workforce. With an authoritarian ex-Communist regime in power and a tribally based social structure, Turkmenistan has taken a cautious approach to economic reform, hoping to use gas and cotton export revenues to sustain its inefficient economy. Privatization goals remain limited. From 1998-2005, Turkmenistan suffered from the continued lack of adequate export routes for natural gas and from obligations on extensive short-term external debt. At the same time, however, total exports rose by an average of roughly 15% per year from 2003-08, largely because of higher international oil and gas prices. New pipelines to China and Iran, that began operation in late 2009 and early 2010, have given Turkmenistan additional export routes for its gas, although these new routes have not offset the sharp drop in export revenue since early 2009 from decreased gas exports to Russia. Overall prospects in the near future are discouraging because of widespread internal poverty, endemic corruption, a poor educational system, government misuse of oil and gas revenues, and Ashgabat's reluctance to adopt market-oriented reforms. In the past, Turkmenistan's economic statistics were state secrets. The new government has established a State Agency for Statistics, but GDP numbers and other figures are subject to wide margins of error. In particular, the rate of GDP growth is uncertain. Since his election, President BERDIMUHAMEDOW unified the country's dual currency exchange rate, ordered the redenomination of the manat, reduced state subsidies for gasoline, and initiated development of a special tourism zone on the Caspian Sea. Although foreign investment is encouraged, numerous bureaucratic obstacles impede international business activity.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$36.64 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $33.01 billion (2009 est.)

$31.11 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$27.96 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

11% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 6.1% (2009 est.)

10.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $6,800 (2009 est.)

$6,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10.2%

industry: 30%

services: 59.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.3 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 48.2%

industry: 14%

services: 37.8% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

60% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Population below poverty line:

30% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 31.7% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.8 (1998) country comparison to the world: 60

Investment (gross fixed):

12.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208 10% (2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$573 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 157 $469.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.053 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $912.3 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.089 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 $1.811 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, grain; livestock

Industries:

natural gas, oil, petroleum products, textiles, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

7.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Electricity - production:

15.5 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Electricity - consumption:

13 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Electricity - exports:

2.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

197,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Oil - consumption:

120,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Oil - exports:

38,360 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Oil - proved reserves:

600 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Natural gas - production:

34 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Natural gas - consumption:

20 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - exports:

14 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Natural gas - proved reserves:

7.504 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Current account balance:

$3.081 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $1.065 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$9.672 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $6.737 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gas, crude oil, petrochemicals, textiles, cotton fiber

Exports - partners:

Ukraine 22.3%, Turkey 10.27%, Hungary 6.75%, UAE 6.25%, Poland 6.16%, Afghanistan 5.79%, Iran 5.17% (2009)

Imports:

$4.888 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 $4.109 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 18.03%, Turkey 16.49%, Russia 16.45%, Germany 5.91%, UAE 5.81%, Ukraine 5.67%, US 5.41%, France 4.32% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$10.81 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $9.551 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $1.4 billion (2004 est.)

Exchange rates:

Turkmen manat (TMM) per US dollar - 2.85 (2010), 2.85 (2009), 14,250 (2008)

Communications ::Turkmenistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

478,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 99

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.5 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 139

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications network remains underdeveloped and progress toward improvement is slow; strict government control and censorship inhibits liberalization and modernization

domestic: Turkmentelekom, in cooperation with foreign partners, has installed high speed fiber-optic lines and has upgraded most of the country's telephone exchanges and switching centers with new digital technology; mobile telephone usage is expanding with Russia's Mobile Telesystems (MTS) the primary service provider; combined fixed-line and mobile teledensity is about 40 per 100 persons

international: country code - 993; linked by fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay to other CIS republics and to other countries by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; an exchange in Ashgabat switches international traffic through Turkey via Intelsat; satellite earth stations - 1 Orbita and 1 Intelsat (2008)

Broadcast media:

broadcast media is government controlled and censored; 4 state-owned TV and 4 state-owned radio networks; satellite dishes and programming provide an alternative to the state-run media; officials sometimes limit access to satellite TV by seizing satellite dishes (2007)

Internet country code:

.tm

Internet hosts:

794 (2010) country comparison to the world: 172

Internet users:

80,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 165

Transportation ::Turkmenistan

Airports:

27 (2010) country comparison to the world: 122

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 22

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 6,417 km; oil 1,457 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,980 km country comparison to the world: 56 broad gauge: 2,980 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 58,592 km country comparison to the world: 77 paved: 47,577 km

unpaved: 11,015 km (2002)

Waterways:

1,300 km (Amu Darya and Kara Kum canal are important inland waterways) (2008) country comparison to the world: 56

Merchant marine:

total: 9 country comparison to the world: 119 by type: cargo 4, petroleum tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 1

foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Turkmenbasy

Military ::Turkmenistan

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for compulsory military service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,360,898

females age 16-49: 1,368,265 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,046,907

females age 16-49: 1,168,960 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 55,805

female: 54,908 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Transnational Issues ::Turkmenistan

Disputes - international:

cotton monoculture in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan creates water-sharing difficulties for Amu Darya river states; field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2005, but Caspian seabed delimitation remains stalled with Azerbaijan, Iran, and Kazakhstan due to Turkmenistan's indecision over how to allocate the sea's waters and seabed

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 11,173 (Tajikistan); less than 1,000 (Afghanistan) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and Western European markets; transit point for heroin precursor chemicals bound for Afghanistan

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Turks and Caicos Islands (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Background:

The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate crown colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands remain a British overseas territory.

Geography ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Location:

Caribbean, two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti

Geographic coordinates:

21 45 N, 71 35 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 948 sq km country comparison to the world: 185 land: 948 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

389 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry

Terrain:

low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Flamingo Hill 48 m

Natural resources:

spiny lobster, conch

Land use:

arable land: 2.33%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 97.67% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

frequent hurricanes

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources, private cisterns collect rainwater

Geography - note:

about 40 islands (eight inhabited)

People ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Population:

23,528 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.2% (male 3,528/female 3,401)

15-64 years: 65.6% (male 7,875/female 7,164)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 475/female 499) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28 years

male: 28.8 years

female: 27.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.491% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Birth rate:

20.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Death rate:

4.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Net migration rate:

8.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.43 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 130 male: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.64 years country comparison to the world: 78 male: 73.32 years

female: 78.07 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.92 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: none

adjective: none

Ethnic groups:

black 90%, mixed, European, or North American 10%

Religions:

Baptist 40%, Anglican 18%, Methodist 16%, Church of God 12%, other 14% (1990)

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 98%

male: 99%

female: 98% (1970 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

NA

People - note:

destination and transit point for illegal Haitian immigrants bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Bahamas, and the US

Government ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Turks and Caicos Islands

abbreviation: TCI

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Grand Turk (Cockburn Town)

geographic coordinates: 21 28 N, 71 08 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 30 August (1976)

Constitution:

Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Interim Amendment) Order 2009, S.I. 2009/701 - effective 14 August 2009 - suspended Ministerial government, the House of Assembly, and the constitutional right to trial by jury, and imposed direct British rule

Legal system:

based on laws of England and Wales with a few adopted from Jamaica and The Bahamas

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Gordon WETHERELL (since 5 August 2008)

head of government: Governor Gordon WETHERELL (since 14 August 2009); note - the office of premier is suspended by the Order in Council, effective 14 August 2009

cabinet: under provisions of the Order in Council, the cabinet is suspended effective 14 August 2009 and replaced by an Advisory Council appointed by the governor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch

note: following an investigation into allegations of widespread corruption and misconduct within the Turks and Caicos Government, the UK foreign minister directed the governor to bring into effect on 14 August 2009 an Order in Council suspending Ministerial government and the House of Assembly, and imposing direct rule for a period of up to two years

Legislative branch:

under provisions of the Order in Council, the unicameral House of Assembly is dissolved and all seats vacated for a period of up to two years; in the interim, a Consultative Forum, appointed by the governor, will be established

elections: last held on 9 February 2007 (next to be held by July 2011)

election results: under provisions of the Order in Council, all seats in the House of Assembly are vacated

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Floyd SEYMOUR]; Progressive
National Party or PNP [Michael Eugene MISICK]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the colonial shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield is yellow and displays a conch shell, a spiny lobster, and Turks Head cactus - three common elements of the islands' biota

National anthem:

name: "This Land of Ours"

lyrics/music: Conrad HOWELL

note: serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is the official anthem (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Economy - overview:

The Turks and Caicos economy is based on tourism, offshore financial services, and fishing. Most capital goods and food for domestic consumption are imported. The US is the leading source of tourists, accounting for more than three-quarters of the 175,000 visitors that arrived in 2004. Major sources of government revenue also include fees from offshore financial activities and customs receipts.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$216 million (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

4.9% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,500 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

4,848 (1990 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Labor force - by occupation:

note: about 33% in government and 20% in agriculture and fishing; significant numbers in tourism, financial, and other services

Unemployment rate:

10% (1997 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (1995) country comparison to the world: 115

Agriculture - products:

corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), citrus fruits; fish

Industries:

tourism, offshore financial services

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

12 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Electricity - consumption:

11.16 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Oil - consumption:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Oil - imports:

80 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Exports:

$169.2 million (2000) country comparison to the world: 183

Exports - commodities:

lobster, dried and fresh conch, conch shells

Imports:

$175.6 million (2000) country comparison to the world: 202

Imports - commodities:

food and beverages, tobacco, clothing, manufactures, construction materials

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

3,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 217

Telephones - mobile cellular:

25,100 (2004) country comparison to the world: 205

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully digital system with international direct dialing

domestic: full range of services available; GSM wireless service available

international: country code - 1-649; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber optic telecommunications submarine cable provides connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

while there are no local terrestrial TV stations, broadcasts from the Bahamas can be received; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; government-run radio network operates alongside private broadcasters with a total of about 15 stations broadcasting (2007)

Internet country code:

.tc

Internet hosts:

8,969 (2010) country comparison to the world: 127

Transportation ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Airports:

8 (2010) country comparison to the world: 163

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 121 km country comparison to the world: 211 paved: 24 km

unpaved: 97 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2008) country comparison to the world: 151

Ports and terminals:

Cockburn Harbour, Grand Turk, Providenciales

Military ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,062

females age 16-49: 4,772 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 229

female: 223 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Turks and Caicos Islands

Disputes - international:

have received Haitians fleeing economic and civil disorder

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe

page last updated on December 28, 2010

======================================================================

@Tuvalu (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Tuvalu

Background:

In 1974, ethnic differences within the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands caused the Polynesians of the Ellice Islands to vote for separation from the Micronesians of the Gilbert Islands. The following year, the Ellice Islands became the separate British colony of Tuvalu. Independence was granted in 1978. In 2000, Tuvalu negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv" for $50 million in royalties over a 12-year period.

Geography ::Tuvalu

Location:

Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the South
Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 S, 178 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 26 sq km country comparison to the world: 237 land: 26 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

24 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)

Terrain:

low-lying and narrow coral atolls

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 66.67%

other: 33.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

severe tropical storms are usually rare, but in 1997 there were three cyclones; low level of islands make them sensitive to changes in sea level

Environment - current issues:

since there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not potable, most water needs must be met by catchment systems with storage facilities (the Japanese Government has built one desalination plant and plans to build one other); beachhead erosion because of the use of sand for building materials; excessive clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel; damage to coral reefs from the spread of the Crown of Thorns starfish; Tuvalu is concerned about global increases in greenhouse gas emissions and their effect on rising sea levels, which threaten the country's underground water table; in 2000, the government appealed to Australia and New Zealand to take in Tuvaluans if rising sea levels should make evacuation necessary

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

one of the smallest and most remote countries on Earth; six of the nine coral atolls - Nanumea, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti, and Nukulaelae - have lagoons open to the ocean; Nanumaya and Niutao have landlocked lagoons; Niulakita does not have a lagoon

People ::Tuvalu

Population:

10,472 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.2% (male 1,841/female 1,770)

15-64 years: 65.6% (male 3,973/female 4,141)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 240/female 408) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.9 years

male: 22.4 years

female: 26 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.659% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Birth rate:

23.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Death rate:

9.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Net migration rate:

-7.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 207

Urbanization:

urban population: 49% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 35.52 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 71 male: 38.66 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 32.22 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.39 years country comparison to the world: 168 male: 62.36 years

female: 66.51 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.14 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Tuvaluan(s)

adjective: Tuvaluan

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian 96%, Micronesian 4%

Religions:

Church of Tuvalu (Congregationalist) 97%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.4%, Baha'i 1%, other 0.6%

Languages:

Tuvaluan (official), English (official), Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui)

Literacy:

NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 11 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Tuvalu

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Tuvalu

local long form: none

local short form: Tuvalu

former: Ellice Islands

note: "Tuvalu" means "group of eight" referring to the country's eight traditionally inhabited islands

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: Funafuti

geographic coordinates: 8 30 S, 179 12 E

time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: administrative offices are in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale Islet

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

1 October 1978 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 October (1978)

Constitution:

1 October 1978

Legal system:

English common law supplemented by local customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Iakoba TAEIA Italeli (since May 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Willie TELAVI (since 24 December 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from the members of parliament following parliamentary elections

election results: Willie TELAVI elected prime minister in a parliamentary election on 24 December 2010 following a no-confidence vote on 21 December 2010 that ousted Maatia TOAFA

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Fale I Fono, also called House of Assembly (15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 16 September 2010 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 15; 10 members reelected

Judicial branch:

High Court (a chief justice visits twice a year to preside over its sessions; its rulings can be appealed to the Court of Appeal in Fiji); eight Island Courts (with limited jurisdiction)

Political parties and leaders:

there are no political parties but members of parliament usually align themselves in informal groupings

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, IDA, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO,
IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Tuvalu does not have an embassy in the US - the country's only diplomatic post is in Fiji - Tuvalu does, however, have a UN office located at 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017, telephone: [1] (212) 490-0534, fax: [1] (212) 937-0692

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Tuvalu; the US ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tuvalu

Flag description:

light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the outer half of the flag represents a map of the country with nine yellow, five-pointed stars on a blue field symbolizing the nine atolls in the ocean

National anthem:

name: "Tuvalu mo te Atua" (Tuvalu for the Almighty)

lyrics/music: Afaese MANOA

note: adopted 1978; the anthem's name is also the nation's motto

Economy ::Tuvalu

Economy - overview:

Tuvalu consists of a densely populated, scattered group of nine coral atolls with poor soil. The country has no known mineral resources and few exports and is almost entirely dependent upon imported food and fuel. Subsistence farming and fishing are the primary economic activities. Fewer than 1,000 tourists, on average, visit Tuvalu annually. Job opportunities are scarce and public sector workers make up most of those employed. About 15% of the adult male population work as seamen on merchant ships abroad, and remittances are a vital source of income contributing around $2 million in 2007. Substantial income is received annually from the Tuvalu Trust Fund (TTF) an international trust fund established in 1987 by Australia, NZ, and the UK and supported also by Japan and South Korea. Thanks to wise investments and conservative withdrawals, this fund grew from an initial $17 million to an estimated value of $77 million in 2006. The TTF contributed nearly $9 million towards the government budget in 2006 and is an important cushion for meeting shortfalls in the government's budget. The US Government is also a major revenue source for Tuvalu because of payments from a 1988 treaty on fisheries. In an effort to ensure financial stability and sustainability, the government is pursuing public sector reforms, including privatization of some government functions and personnel cuts. Tuvalu also derives royalties from the lease of its ".tv" Internet domain name with revenue of more than $2 million in 2006. A minor source of government revenue comes from the sale of stamps and coins. With merchandise exports only a fraction of merchandise imports, continued reliance must be placed on fishing and telecommunications license fees, remittances from overseas workers, official transfers, and income from overseas investments. Growing income disparities and the vulnerability of the country to climatic change are among leading concerns for the nation.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.94 million (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 226

GDP (official exchange rate):

$14.94 million (2002)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,600 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 16.6%

industry: 27.2%

services: 56.2% (2002)

Labor force:

3,615 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Labor force - by occupation:

note: people make a living mainly through exploitation of the sea, reefs, and atolls and from wages sent home by those abroad (mostly workers in the phosphate industry and sailors)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.8% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Agriculture - products:

coconuts; fish

Industries:

fishing, tourism, copra

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Current account balance:

-$11.68 million (2003) country comparison to the world: 62

Exports:

$1 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Exports - commodities:

copra, fish

Imports:

$12.91 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 220

Imports - commodities:

food, animals, mineral fuels, machinery, manufactured goods

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Tuvalu

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 226

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 215

Telephone system:

general assessment: serves particular needs for internal communications

domestic: radiotelephone communications between islands

international: country code - 688; international calls can be made by satellite

Broadcast media:

no television broadcast stations; many households use satellite dishes to watch foreign TV stations; 1 government-owned radio station, Radio Tuvalu, includes relays of programming from international broadcasters (2009)

Internet country code:

.tv

Internet hosts:

109,478 (2010) country comparison to the world: 77

Internet users:

4,200 (2008) country comparison to the world: 205

Transportation ::Tuvalu

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 213

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 8 km country comparison to the world: 221 paved: 8 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 66 country comparison to the world: 64 by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 20, chemical tanker 16, container 3, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 15, refrigerated cargo 1, vehicle carrier 1

foreign-owned: 49 (Thailand 1, Vietnam 6, Turkey 1, Switzerland 1, South Korea 1, Singapore 25, Maldives 1, Malaysia 1, Kenya 1, Hong Kong 1, China 9, Ukraine 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Funafuti

Military ::Tuvalu

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Tuvalu Police Force (2009)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,981

females age 16-49: 2,005 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 120

female: 110 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Tuvalu

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Uganda (Africa)

Introduction ::Uganda

Background:

The colonial boundaries created by Britain to delimit Uganda grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures. These differences prevented the establishment of a working political community after independence was achieved in 1962. The dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79) was responsible for the deaths of some 300,000 opponents; guerrilla war and human rights abuses under Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at least another 100,000 lives. The rule of Yoweri MUSEVENI since 1986 has brought relative stability and economic growth to Uganda. During the 1990s, the government promulgated non-party presidential and legislative elections.

Geography ::Uganda

Location:

Eastern Africa, west of Kenya

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 N, 32 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 241,038 sq km country comparison to the world: 80 land: 197,100 sq km

water: 43,938 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 2,698 km

border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 765 km, Kenya 933 km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August); semiarid in northeast

Terrain:

mostly plateau with rim of mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lake Albert 621 m

highest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m

Natural resources:

copper, cobalt, hydropower, limestone, salt, arable land, gold

Land use:

arable land: 21.57%

permanent crops: 8.92%

other: 69.51% (2005)

Irrigated land:

90 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

66 cu km (1970)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.3 cu km/yr (43%/17%/40%)

per capita: 10 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

draining of wetlands for agricultural use; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; widespread poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

landlocked; fertile, well-watered country with many lakes and rivers

People ::Uganda

Population:

33,398,682 country comparison to the world: 37 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 50% (male 8,152,830/female 8,034,366)

15-64 years: 47.9% (male 7,789,209/female 7,703,143)

65 years and over: 2.1% (male 286,693/female 403,317) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 15 years

male: 14.9 years

female: 15.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.563% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Birth rate:

47.55 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Death rate:

11.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Net migration rate:

-0.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Urbanization:

urban population: 13% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 63.7 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 28 male: 67.31 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 59.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.98 years country comparison to the world: 205 male: 51.92 years

female: 54.07 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.73 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

5.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

940,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

77,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria, plague, and African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Ugandan(s)

adjective: Ugandan

Ethnic groups:

Baganda 16.9%, Banyakole 9.5%, Basoga 8.4%, Bakiga 6.9%, Iteso 6.4%, Langi 6.1%, Acholi 4.7%, Bagisu 4.6%, Lugbara 4.2%, Bunyoro 2.7%, other 29.6% (2002 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 41.9%, Protestant 42% (Anglican 35.9%, Pentecostal 4.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.5%), Muslim 12.1%, other 3.1%, none 0.9% (2002 census)

Languages:

English (official national language, taught in grade schools, used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages, preferred for native language publications in the capital and may be taught in school), other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 66.8%

male: 76.8%

female: 57.7% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 11 years

female: 10 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 139

Government ::Uganda

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Uganda

conventional short form: Uganda

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Kampala

geographic coordinates: 0 19 N, 32 25 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

80 districts; Abim, Adjumani, Amolatar, Amuria, Amuru, Apac, Arua,
Budaka, Bududa, Bugiri, Bukedea, Bukwa, Bulisa, Bundibugyo,
Bushenyi, Busia, Butaleja, Dokolo, Gulu, Hoima, Ibanda, Iganga,
Isingiro, Jinja, Kaabong, Kabale, Kabarole, Kaberamaido, Kalangala,
Kaliro, Kampala, Kamuli, Kamwenge, Kanungu, Kapchorwa, Kasese,
Katakwi, Kayunga, Kibale, Kiboga, Kiruhara, Kisoro, Kitgum, Koboko,
Kotido, Kumi, Kyenjojo, Lira, Luwero, Lyantonde, Manafwa, Maracha,
Masaka, Masindi, Mayuge, Mbale, Mbarara, Mityana, Moroto, Moyo,
Mpigi, Mubende, Mukono, Nakapiripirit, Nakaseke, Nakasongola,
Namutumba, Nebbi, Ntungamo, Oyam, Pader, Pallisa, Rakai, Rukungiri,
Sembabule, Sironko, Soroti, Tororo, Wakiso, Yumbe

Independence:

9 October 1962 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 9 October (1962)

Constitution:

8 October 1995; amended in 2005

note: the amendments in 2005 removed presidential term limits and legalized a multiparty political system

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since seizing power on 26 January 1986); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since seizing power on 26 January 1986); Prime Minister Apolo NSIBAMBI (since 5 April 1999); note - the prime minister assists the president in the supervision of the cabinet

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among elected legislators (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 23 February 2006 (next to be held on 18 February 2011)

election results: Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI elected president; percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI 59.3%, Kizza BESIGYE 37.4%, other 3.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (332 seats; 215 members elected by popular vote, 104 nominated by legally established special interest groups [women 79, army 10, disabled 5, youth 5, labor 5], 13 ex-officio members; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 23 February 2006 (next to be held on 18 February 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NRM 205, FDC 37, UPC 9, DP 8, CP 1, JEEMA 1, independents 37, other 34

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the president and approved by the legislature); High Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Conservative Party or CP [Ken LUKYAMUZI]; Democratic Party or DP [Kizito SSEBAANA]; Forum for Democratic Change or FDC [Kizza BESIGYE]; Inter-Party Co-operation or IPC (a coalition of opposition groups); Justice Forum or JEEMA [Muhammad Kibirige MAYANJA]; National Resistance Movement or NRM [Yoweri MUSEVENI]; Peoples Progressive Party or PPP [Bidandi SSALI]; Ugandan People's Congress or UPC [Miria OBOTE]

note: a national referendum in July 2005 opened the way for Uganda's transition to a multi-party political system

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Lord's Resistance Army or LRA [Joseph KONY]; Young Parliamentary
Association [Henry BANYENZAKI]; Parliamentary Advocacy Forum or
PAFO; National Association of Women Organizations in Uganda or NAWOU
[Florence NEKYON]; The Ugandan Coalition for Political
Accountability to Women or COPAW

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, Interpol,
IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC,
OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Perezi Karukubiro KAMUNANWIRE

chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100 through 7102, 0416

FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jerry P. LANIER

embassy: 1577 Ggaba Road, Kampala

mailing address: P. O. Box 7007, Kampala

telephone: [256] (414) 259 791 through 93, 95

FAX: [256] (414) 258-794

Flag description:

six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red, black, yellow, and red; a white disk is superimposed at the center and depicts a red-crested crane (the national symbol) facing the hoist side; black symbolizes the African people, yellow sunshine and vitality, red African brotherhood; the crane was the military badge of Ugandan soldiers under the UK

National anthem:

name: "Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty!"

lyrics/music: George Wilberforce KAKOMOA

note: adopted 1962

Economy ::Uganda

Economy - overview:

Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils, regular rainfall, small deposits of copper, gold, and other minerals, and recently discovered oil. Uganda has never conducted a national minerals survey. Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee accounts for the bulk of export revenues. Since 1986, the government - with the support of foreign countries and international agencies - has acted to rehabilitate and stabilize the economy by undertaking currency reform, raising producer prices on export crops, increasing prices of petroleum products, and improving civil service wages. The policy changes are especially aimed at dampening inflation and boosting production and export earnings. Since 1990 economic reforms ushered in an era of solid economic growth based on continued investment in infrastructure, improved incentives for production and exports, lower inflation, better domestic security, and the return of exiled Indian-Ugandan entrepreneurs. Uganda has received about $2 billion in multilateral and bilateral debt relief. In 2007 Uganda received $10 million for a Millennium Challenge Account Threshold Program. The global economic downturn has hurt Uganda's exports; however, Uganda's GDP growth is still relatively strong due to past reforms and sound management of the downturn. Oil revenues and taxes will become a larger source of government funding as oil comes on line in the next few years. Instability in southern Sudan is the biggest risk for the Ugandan economy in 2011 because Uganda's main export partner is Sudan and Uganda is a key destination for Sudanese refugees.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$41.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $39.41 billion (2009 est.)

$36.76 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$17.12 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 7.2% (2009 est.)

8.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207 $1,200 (2009 est.)

$1,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 23.6%

industry: 24.5%

services: 51.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

15.51 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 82%

industry: 5%

services: 13% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

35% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 34.1% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.7 (2002) country comparison to the world: 39 37.4 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Public debt:

20.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 20.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 14.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9.65% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 13 19.42% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

20.96% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 20.45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.997 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 119 $1.603 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.905 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $3.322 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.882 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 $1.716 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$116.3 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), potatoes, corn, millet, pulses, cut flowers; beef, goat meat, milk, poultry

Industries:

sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles; cement, steel production

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Electricity - production:

2.256 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Electricity - consumption:

2.068 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Electricity - exports:

30 million kWh (2007)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Oil - imports:

13,090 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Current account balance:

-$784 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 -$451 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.941 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 $2.7 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, fish and fish products, tea, cotton, flowers, horticultural products; gold

Exports - partners:

Sudan 13.47%, Kenya 8.98%, UAE 7.52%, Rwanda 7.5%, Switzerland 7.42%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.85%, Netherlands 5.67%, Belgium 5.66%, Germany 5.18%, Italy 4.33% (2009)

Imports:

$4.474 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 $3.844 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, vehicles, petroleum, medical supplies; cereals

Imports - partners:

Kenya 13.9%, India 12.79%, UAE 11.16%, China 8.91%, South Africa 5.08%, France 4.6%, Japan 4.37%, US 4.07% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.743 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $2.995 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

note: excludes gold

Debt - external:

$2.888 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $2.554 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Ugandan shillings (UGX) per US dollar - 2,166 (2010), 2,038.9 (2009), 1,658.1 (2008), 1,685.8 (2007), 1,834.9 (2006)

Communications ::Uganda

Telephones - main lines in use:

233,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 124

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.384 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 68

Telephone system:

general assessment: mobile cellular service is increasing rapidly, but the number of main lines is still deficient; work underway on a national backbone information and communications technology infrastructure; international phone networks and Internet connectivity provided through satellite and VSAT applications

domestic: intercity traffic by wire, microwave radio relay, and radiotelephone communication stations, fixed and mobile-cellular systems for short-range traffic; mobile-cellular teledensity about 30 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 256; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat; analog links to Kenya and Tanzania

Broadcast media:

public broadcaster, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), operates radio and television networks; Uganda first began licensing privately-owned stations in the 1990s; by 2007 there were nearly 150 radio and 35 TV stations, mostly based in and around Kampala; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available in Kampala (2007)

Internet country code:

.ug

Internet hosts:

19,927 (2010) country comparison to the world: 111

Internet users:

3.2 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 66

Transportation ::Uganda

Airports:

46 (2010) country comparison to the world: 95

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5

over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 41

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 25

under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,244 km country comparison to the world: 84 narrow gauge: 1,244 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 70,746 km country comparison to the world: 68 paved: 16,272 km

unpaved: 54,474 km (2003)

Waterways:

there are no long navigable stretches of river in Uganda; parts of the Albert Nile that flow out of Lake Albert in the northwestern part of the country are navigable; several lakes including Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga have substantial traffic; Lake Albert is navigable along a 200 km stretch from its northern tip to its southern shores (2009)

Ports and terminals:

Entebbe, Jinja, Port Bell

Military ::Uganda

Military branches:

Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF): Army (includes Marine Unit),
Uganda Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-26 years of age for voluntary military duty; 18-30 years of age for professionals; no conscription; 9-year service obligation; the government has stated that recruitment below 18 years of age could occur with proper consent and that "no person under the apparent age of 13 years shall be enrolled in the armed forces"; Ugandan citizenship and secondary education required (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,972,134

females age 16-49: 6,752,005 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,138,180

females age 16-49: 4,028,125 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 412,640

female: 408,521 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.2% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 67

Transnational Issues ::Uganda

Disputes - international:

Uganda is subject to armed fighting among hostile ethnic groups, rebels, armed gangs, militias, and various government forces that extend across its borders; Uganda hosts 209,860 Sudanese, 27,560 Congolese, and 19,710 Rwandan refugees, while Ugandan refugees as well as members of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) seek shelter in southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Garamba National Park; LRA forces have also attacked Kenyan villages across the border

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 215,700 (Sudan); 28,880 (Democratic Republic of Congo); 24,900 (Rwanda)

IDPs: 1.27 million (350,000 IDPs returned in 2006 following ongoing peace talks between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Ukraine (Europe)

Introduction ::Ukraine

Background:

Ukraine was the center of the first eastern Slavic state, Kyivan Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest and most powerful state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels and Mongol invasions, Kyivan Rus was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The cultural and religious legacy of Kyivan Rus laid the foundation for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent centuries. A new Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was established during the mid-17th century after an uprising against the Poles. Despite continuous Muscovite pressure, the Hetmanate managed to remain autonomous for well over 100 years. During the latter part of the 18th century, most Ukrainian ethnographic territory was absorbed by the Russian Empire. Following the collapse of czarist Russia in 1917, Ukraine was able to achieve a short-lived period of independence (1917-20), but was reconquered and forced to endure a brutal Soviet rule that engineered two forced famines (1921-22 and 1932-33) in which over 8 million died. In World War II, German and Soviet armies were responsible for some 7 to 8 million more deaths. Although final independence for Ukraine was achieved in 1991 with the dissolution of the USSR, democracy and prosperity remained elusive as the legacy of state control and endemic corruption stalled efforts at economic reform, privatization, and civil liberties. A peaceful mass protest "Orange Revolution" in the closing months of 2004 forced the authorities to overturn a rigged presidential election and to allow a new internationally monitored vote that swept into power a reformist slate under Viktor YUSHCHENKO. Subsequent internal squabbles in the YUSHCHENKO camp allowed his rival Viktor YANUKOVYCH to stage a comeback in parliamentary elections and become prime minister in August of 2006. An early legislative election, brought on by a political crisis in the spring of 2007, saw Yuliya TYMOSHENKO, as head of an "Orange" coalition, installed as a new prime minister in December 2007. Viktor YANUKOVUYCH was elected president in a February 2010 run-off election that observers assessed as meeting most international standards. The following month, the Rada approved a vote of no-confidence prompting Yuliya TYMOSHENKO to resign from her post as prime minister.

Geography ::Ukraine

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland, Romania, and Moldova in the west and Russia in the east

Geographic coordinates:

49 00 N, 32 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 603,550 sq km country comparison to the world: 45 land: 579,330 sq km

water: 24,220 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,566 km

border countries: Belarus 891 km, Hungary 103 km, Moldova 940 km, Poland 428 km, Romania (south) 176 km, Romania (southwest) 362 km, Russia 1,576 km, Slovakia 90 km

Coastline:

2,782 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate continental; Mediterranean only on the southern Crimean coast; precipitation disproportionately distributed, highest in west and north, lesser in east and southeast; winters vary from cool along the Black Sea to cold farther inland; summers are warm across the greater part of the country, hot in the south

Terrain:

most of Ukraine consists of fertile plains (steppes) and plateaus, mountains being found only in the west (the Carpathians), and in the Crimean Peninsula in the extreme south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Hora Hoverla 2,061 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulfur, graphite, titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 53.8%

permanent crops: 1.5%

other: 44.7% (2005)

Irrigated land:

22,080 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

139.5 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 37.53 cu km/yr (12%/35%/52%)

per capita: 807 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; air and water pollution; deforestation; radiation contamination in the northeast from 1986 accident at Chornobyl' Nuclear Power Plant

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulfur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

Geography - note:

strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia; second-largest country in Europe

People ::Ukraine

Population:

45,415,596 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.8% (male 3,238,280/female 3,066,594)

15-64 years: 70.3% (male 15,399,488/female 16,742,612)

65 years and over: 15.9% (male 2,422,311/female 4,831,110) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years

male: 36.5 years

female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.619% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 226

Birth rate:

9.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Death rate:

15.7 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Net migration rate:

-0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Urbanization:

urban population: 68% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female

total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.73 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 160 male: 10.95 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.46 years country comparison to the world: 149 male: 62.56 years

female: 74.74 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.27 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

440,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

19,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Nationality:

noun: Ukrainian(s)

adjective: Ukrainian

Ethnic groups:

Ukrainian 77.8%, Russian 17.3%, Belarusian 0.6%, Moldovan 0.5%,
Crimean Tatar 0.5%, Bulgarian 0.4%, Hungarian 0.3%, Romanian 0.3%,
Polish 0.3%, Jewish 0.2%, other 1.8% (2001 census)

Religions:

Ukrainian Orthodox - Kyiv Patriarchate 50.4%, Ukrainian Orthodox -
Moscow Patriarchate 26.1%, Ukrainian Greek Catholic 8%, Ukrainian
Autocephalous Orthodox 7.2%, Roman Catholic 2.2%, Protestant 2.2%,
Jewish 0.6%, other 3.2% (2006 est.)

Languages:

Ukrainian (official) 67%, Russian 24%, other 9% (includes small
Romanian-, Polish-, and Hungarian-speaking minorities)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.3% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 54

Government ::Ukraine

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Ukraine

local long form: none

local short form: Ukrayina

former: Ukrainian National Republic, Ukrainian State, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Kyiv (Kiev)

note: pronounced KAY-yiv

geographic coordinates: 50 26 N, 30 31 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

24 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast'), 1 autonomous republic* (avtonomna respublika), and 2 municipalities (mista, singular - misto) with oblast status**; Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Crimea or Avtonomna Respublika Krym* (Simferopol'), Dnipropetrovs'k, Donets'k, Ivano-Frankivs'k, Kharkiv, Kherson, Khmel'nyts'kyy, Kirovohrad, Kyiv**, Kyiv, Luhans'k, L'viv, Mykolayiv, Odesa, Poltava, Rivne, Sevastopol'**, Sumy, Ternopil', Vinnytsya, Volyn' (Luts'k), Zakarpattya (Uzhhorod), Zaporizhzhya, Zhytomyr

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 August (1991); note - 22 January 1918, the day Ukraine first declared its independence (from Soviet Russia) and the day the short-lived Western and Greater (Eastern) Ukrainian republics united (1919), is now celebrated as Unity Day

Constitution:

adopted 28 June 1996

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Viktor YANUKOVYCH (since 25 February 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Mykola AZAROV (since 11 March 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister Andriy KLYUYEV (since 11 March 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Borys KOLESNIKOV, Serhiy TIHIPKO, Viktor TYKHONOV (all since 11 March 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the president and approved by the Rada (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a National Security and Defense Council or NSDC originally created in 1992 as the National Security Council; the NSDC staff is tasked with developing national security policy on domestic and international matters and advising the president; a Presidential Administration helps draft presidential edicts and provides policy support to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 January 2010 with runoff on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: Viktor YANUKOVYCH elected president; percent of vote - Viktor YANUKOVYCH 48.95%, Yuliya TYMOSHENKO 45.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Council or Verkhovna Rada (450 seats; members allocated on a proportional basis to those parties that gain 3% or more of the national electoral vote; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 30 September 2007 (next must be held in 2012 or sooner if a ruling coalition cannot be formed in the Rada)

election results: percent of vote by party/bloc - Party of Regions 34.4%, Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko 30.7%, Our Ukraine-People's Self Defense 14.2%, CPU 5.4%, Lytvyn Bloc 4%, other parties 11.3%; seats by party/bloc - Party of Regions 175, Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko 156, Our Ukraine-People's Self Defense 72, CPU 27, Lytvyn Bloc 20

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court

Political parties and leaders:

Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko-Batkivshchyna (BYuT-Batkivshchyna)
[Yuliya TYMOSHENKO]; Communist Party of Ukraine or CPU [Petro
SYMONENKO]; European Party of Ukraine [Mykola KATERYNCHUK]; Forward
Ukraine! [Viktor MUSIYAKA]; Front of Change [Arseniy YATSENYUK];
Lytvyn Bloc (composed of People's Party and Labor Party of Ukraine)
[Volodymyr LYTVYN]; Our Ukraine [Viktor YUSHCHENKO]; Party of
Industrialists and Entrepreneurs [Anatoliy KINAKH]; Party of Regions
[Viktor YANUKOVYCH]; Party of the Defenders of the Fatherland [Yuriy
KARMAZIN]; People's Movement of Ukraine (Rukh) [Borys TARASYUK];
People's Party [Volodymyr LYTVYN]; Peoples' Self-Defense [Yuriy
LUTSENKO]; PORA! (It's Time!) party [Vladyslav KASKIV]; Progressive
Socialist Party [Natalya VITRENKO]; Reforms and Order Party [Viktor
PYNZENYK]; Sobor [Anatoliy MATVIYENKO]; Social Democratic Party
[Yevhen KORNICHUK]; Social Democratic Party (United) or SDPU(o)
[Yuriy ZAHORODNIY]; Socialist Party of Ukraine or SPU [Oleksandr
MOROZ]; Strong Ukraine [SERHIY TIHIPKO]; Ukrainian People's Party
[Yuriy KOSTENKO]; United Center [Viktor BALOHA]; Viche [Inna
BOHOSLOVSKA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Committee of Voters of Ukraine [Aleksandr CHERNENKO]; OPORA [Olha
AIVAZOVSKA]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CE, CEI, CICA (observer), CIS (participating member, has not signed the 1993 CIS charter although it participates in meetings), EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Oleksandr MOTSYK

chancery: 3350 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 333-0606

FAX: [1] (202) 333-0817

consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John F. TEFFT

embassy: 10 Yurii Kotsiubynsky Street, 01901 Kyiv

mailing address: 5850 Kyiv Place, Washington, DC 20521-5850

telephone: [380] (44) 490-4000

FAX: [380] (44) 490-4085

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of azure (top) and golden yellow represent grain fields under a blue sky

National anthem:

name: "Sche ne vmerla Ukraina" (Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished)

lyrics/music: Paul CHUBYNSKYI/Mikhail VERBYTSKYI

note: music adopted 1991, lyrics adopted 2003; the song was first performed in 1864 at the Ukraine Theatre in Lviv; the lyrics, originally written in 1862, were revised in 2003

Economy ::Ukraine

Economy - overview:

After Russia, the Ukrainian republic was far and away the most important economic component of the former Soviet Union, producing about four times the output of the next-ranking republic. Its fertile black soil generated more than one-fourth of Soviet agricultural output, and its farms provided substantial quantities of meat, milk, grain, and vegetables to other republics. Likewise, its diversified heavy industry supplied the unique equipment (for example, large diameter pipes) and raw materials to industrial and mining sites (vertical drilling apparatus) in other regions of the former USSR. Shortly after independence in August 1991, the Ukrainian Government liberalized most prices and erected a legal framework for privatization, but widespread resistance to reform within the government and the legislature soon stalled reform efforts and led to some backtracking. Output by 1999 had fallen to less than 40% of the 1991 level. Ukraine's dependence on Russia for energy supplies and the lack of significant structural reform have made the Ukrainian economy vulnerable to external shocks. Ukraine depends on imports to meet about three-fourths of its annual oil and natural gas requirements and 100% of its nuclear fuel needs. After a two-week dispute that saw gas supplies cutoff to Europe, Ukraine agreed to ten-year gas supply and transit contracts with Russia in January 2009 that brought gas prices to "world" levels. The strict terms of the contracts have further hobbled Ukraine's cash-strapped state gas company, Naftohaz. Outside institutions - particularly the IMF - have encouraged Ukraine to quicken the pace and scope of reforms. Ukrainian Government officials eliminated most tax and customs privileges in a March 2005 budget law, bringing more economic activity out of Ukraine's large shadow economy, but more improvements are needed, including fighting corruption, developing capital markets, and improving the legislative framework. Ukraine's economy was buoyant despite political turmoil between the prime minister and president until mid-2008. Real GDP growth exceeded 7% in 2006-07, fueled by high global prices for steel - Ukraine's top export - and by strong domestic consumption, spurred by rising pensions and wages. Ukraine reached an agreement with the IMF for a $16.4 billion Stand-By Arrangement in November 2008 to deal with the economic crisis, but the Ukrainian Government's lack of progress in implementing reforms has twice delayed the release of IMF assistance funds. The drop in steel prices and Ukraine's exposure to the global financial crisis due to aggressive foreign borrowing lowered growth in 2008 and the economy contracted more than 15% in 2009, among the worst economic performances in the world; growth resumed in 2010, buoyed by exports. External conditions are likely to hamper efforts for economic recovery in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$306.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $293.7 billion (2009 est.)

$345.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$136.6 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 -15.1% (2009 est.)

2.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 $6,400 (2009 est.)

$7,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.8%

industry: 32.3%

services: 57.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

22.06 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 15.8%

industry: 18.5%

services: 65.7% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

8.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 8.8% (2009 est.)

note: officially registered; large number of unregistered or underemployed workers

Population below poverty line:

35% (2009)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.4%

highest 10%: 25.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31 (2006) country comparison to the world: 105 29 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

16.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Public debt:

38.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 30% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 198 15.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

10.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 32 12% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

20.86% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 17.49% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$34.97 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 51 $30 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$73.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $62.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$110.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $103.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$16.79 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 56 $24.36 billion (31 December 2008)

$111.8 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables; beef, milk

Industries:

coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Electricity - production:

172.9 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Electricity - consumption:

134.6 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Electricity - exports:

4 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

99,930 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Oil - consumption:

348,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Oil - exports:

154,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Oil - imports:

147,600 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - proved reserves:

395 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - production:

21.2 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas - consumption:

52 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - exports:

5 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Natural gas - imports:

26.83 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.104 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Current account balance:

$603 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 -$1.732 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$49.71 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $40.39 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

ferrous and nonferrous metals, fuel and petroleum products, chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, food products

Exports - partners:

Russia 21.1%, Turkey 5.3%, China 3.8% (2009)

Imports:

$53.54 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $45.05 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

energy, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Russia 28%, Germany 8.6%, China 6.1%, Kazakhstan 4.9%, Poland 4.9% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$32.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $26.51 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$97.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $94.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$52.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $46.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$2.327 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $2.067 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

hryvnia (UAH) per US dollar - 7.9111 (2010), 7.7912 (2009), 4.9523 (2008), 5.05 (2007), 5.05 (2006)

Communications ::Ukraine

Telephones - main lines in use:

13.026 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 20

Telephones - mobile cellular:

55.333 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 20

Telephone system:

general assessment: Ukraine's telecommunication development plan emphasizes improving domestic trunk lines, international connections, and the mobile-cellular system

domestic: at independence in December 1991, Ukraine inherited a telephone system that was antiquated, inefficient, and in disrepair; more than 3.5 million applications for telephones could not be satisfied; telephone density is rising and the domestic trunk system is being improved; about one-third of Ukraine's networks are digital and a majority of regional centers now have digital switching stations; improvements in local networks and local exchanges continue to lag; the mobile-cellular telephone system's expansion has slowed, largely due to saturation of the market which has reached 120 mobile phones per 100 people

international: country code - 380; 2 new domestic trunk lines are a part of the fiber-optic Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) system and 3 Ukrainian links have been installed in the fiber-optic Trans-European Lines (TEL) project that connects 18 countries; additional international service is provided by the Italy-Turkey-Ukraine-Russia (ITUR) fiber-optic submarine cable and by an unknown number of earth stations in the Intelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems

Broadcast media:

TV coverage is provided by Ukraine's state-controlled nationwide broadcast channel (UT1) and a number of privately-owned television broadcast networks; Russian television broadcasts have a small audience nationwide, but larger audiences in the eastern and southern regions; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; Ukraine's radio broadcast market, a mix of independent and state-owned networks, is comprised of some 300 stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.ua

Internet hosts:

1.098 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 42

Internet users:

7.77 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 38

Transportation ::Ukraine

Airports:

425 (2010) country comparison to the world: 19

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 189

over 3,047 m: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 51

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 97 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 236

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 12

under 914 m: 214 (2010)

Heliports:

7 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 33,327 km; oil 4,514 km; refined products 4,211 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 21,658 km country comparison to the world: 13 broad gauge: 21,658 km 1.524-m gauge (9,729 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 169,495 km country comparison to the world: 30 paved: 165,820 km (includes 15 km of expressways)

unpaved: 3,675 km (2009)

Waterways:

2,150 km (most on Dnieper River) (2009) country comparison to the world: 42

Merchant marine:

total: 160 country comparison to the world: 41 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 123, chemical tanker 1, passenger 5, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 9, refrigerated cargo 11, specialized tanker 2

foreign-owned: 1 (Iran 1)

registered in other countries: 197 (Belize 6, Cambodia 37, Comoros 10, Cyprus 2, Dominica 2, Georgia 15, Liberia 16, Malta 30, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 12, Mongolia 1, Panama 11, Russia 12, Saint Kitts and Nevis 10, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12, Sierra Leone 5, Slovakia 7, Tuvalu 1, Vanuatu 3, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Feodosiya (Theodosia), Illichivsk, Mariupol', Mykolayiv, Odesa,
Yuzhnyy

Military ::Ukraine

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces
(Viyskovo-Povitryani Syly, VPS) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army and Air Force, 18 months for Navy (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 11,149,646

females age 16-49: 11,437,891 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,970,035

females age 16-49: 9,015,224 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 256,196

female: 244,473 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Transnational Issues ::Ukraine

Disputes - international:

1997 boundary delimitation treaty with Belarus remains un-ratified due to unresolved financial claims, stalling demarcation and reducing border security; delimitation of land boundary with Russia is complete with preparations for demarcation underway; the dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov remains unresolved despite a December 2003 framework agreement and ongoing expert-level discussions; Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor transit of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away Transnistria Region, which remains under OSCE supervision; the ICJ gave Ukraine until December 2006 to reply, and Romania until June 2007 to rejoin, in their dispute submitted in 2004 over Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy/Serpilor (Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary; Romania opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the Danube border through Ukraine to the Black Sea

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS consumption; some synthetic drug production for export to the West; limited government eradication program; used as transshipment point for opiates and other illicit drugs from Africa, Latin America, and Turkey to Europe and Russia; Ukraine has improved anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in February 2004; Ukraine's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be monitored by FATF

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@United Arab Emirates (Middle East)

Introduction ::United Arab Emirates

Background:

The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region. For more than three decades, oil and global finance drove the UAE's economy, however, in 2008-09, the confluence of falling oil prices, collapsing real estate prices, and the international banking crisis hit the UAE especially hard.

Geography ::United Arab Emirates

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

24 00 N, 54 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 83,600 sq km country comparison to the world: 114 land: 83,600 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maine

Land boundaries:

total: 867 km

border countries: Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km

Coastline:

1,318 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

desert; cooler in eastern mountains

Terrain:

flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 0.77%

permanent crops: 2.27%

other: 96.96% (2005)

Irrigated land:

760 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.2 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.3 cu km/yr (23%/9%/68%)

per capita: 511 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent sand and dust storms

Environment - current issues:

lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

People ::United Arab Emirates

Population:

4,975,593 country comparison to the world: 114 note: estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census that included a significantly higher estimate of net immigration of non-citizens than previous estimates (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.4% (male 500,928/female 478,388)

15-64 years: 78.7% (male 2,768,030/female 1,008,404)

65 years and over: 0.9% (male 27,601/female 15,140)

note: 73.9% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.2 years

male: 32.1 years

female: 24.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.561% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Birth rate:

15.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Death rate:

2.08 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 225

Net migration rate:

21.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Urbanization:

urban population: 78% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 2.75 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.8 male(s)/female

total population: 2.2 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.3 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 136 male: 14.38 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.32 years country comparison to the world: 70 male: 73.75 years

female: 79.01 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.41 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Emirati(s)

adjective: Emirati

Ethnic groups:

Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)

note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)

Religions:

Muslim 96% (Shia 16%), other (includes Christian, Hindu) 4%

Languages:

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 77.9%

male: 76.1%

female: 81.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 184

Government ::United Arab Emirates

Country name:

conventional long form: United Arab Emirates

conventional short form: none

local long form: Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah

local short form: none

former: Trucial Oman, Trucial States

abbreviation: UAE

Government type:

federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates

Capital:

name: Abu Dhabi

geographic coordinates: 24 28 N, 54 22 E

time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah), Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn (Quwain)

Independence:

2 December 1971 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 2 December (1971)

Constitution:

2 December 1971; made permanent in 1996

Legal system:

based on a dual system of sharia and civil courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

none

Executive branch:

chief of state: President KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 3 November 2004), ruler of Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) (since 4 November 2004); Vice President and Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN RASHID Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister and Vice President MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers SAIF bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 11 May 2009) and MANSUR bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 11 May 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the seven emirate rulers; the FSC is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions federal legislation; meets four times a year; Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) and Dubayy (Dubai) rulers have effective veto power

elections: president and vice president elected by the FSC for five-year terms (no term limits) from among the seven FSC members; election last held 3 November 2009 upon the death of the UAE's Founding Father and first President ZAYID bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan (next election NA); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president

election results: KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan elected president by a unanimous vote of the FSC; MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Maktum unanimously affirmed vice president after the 2006 death of his brother Sheikh Maktum bin Rashid Al-Maktum

Legislative branch:

unicameral Federal National Council (FNC) or Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani (40 seats; 20 members appointed by the rulers of the constituent states, 20 members elected to serve four-year terms)

elections: elections for one half of the FNC (the other half remains appointed) held on 18-20 December 2006; the new electoral college - a body of 6,689 Emiratis (including 1,189 women) appointed by the rulers of the seven emirates - were the only eligible voters and candidates; 456 candidates including 65 women ran for 20 contested FNC seats; one female from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi won a seat and 8 women were among the 20 appointed members

note: the FNC reviews legislation but cannot change or veto

Judicial branch:

Union Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

none; political parties are not allowed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC,
OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yusif bin Mani bin Said al-UTAYBA

chancery: 3522 International Court NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 243-2400

FAX: [1] (202) 243-2432

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard G. OLSON, Jr.

embassy: Embassies District, Plot 38 Sector W59-02, Street No. 4, Abu Dhabi

mailing address: P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi

telephone: [971] (2) 414-2200

FAX: [971] (2) 414-2603

consulate(s) general: Dubai

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with a wider vertical red band on the hoist side; the flag incorporates all four Pan-Arab colors, which in this case represent fertility (green), neutrality (white), petroleum resources (black), and unity (red); red was the traditional color incorporated into all flags of the emirates before their unification

National anthem:

name: "Nashid al-watani al-imarati" (National Anthem of the UAE)

lyrics/music: AREF Al Sheikh Abdullah Al Hassan/Mohamad Abdel WAHAB

note: music adopted 1971, lyrics adopted 1996; Mohamad Abdel WAHAB also composed the music for the anthem of Tunisia

Economy ::United Arab Emirates

Economy - overview:

The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Successful efforts at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP based on oil and gas output to 25%. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE more than 30 years ago, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up utilities to greater private sector involvement. In April 2004, the UAE signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with Washington and in November 2004 agreed to undertake negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement with the US, however, those talks have not moved forward. The country's Free Trade Zones - offering 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes - are helping to attract foreign investors. The global financial crisis, tight international credit, and deflated asset prices slowed GDP growth in 2010. UAE authorities tried to blunt the crisis by increasing spending and boosting liquidity in the banking sector. The crisis hit Dubai hardest, as it was heavily exposed to depressed real estate prices. Dubai lacked sufficient cash to meet its debt obligations, prompting global concern about its solvency. The UAE Central Bank and Abu Dhabi-based banks bought the largest shares. In December 2009 Dubai received an additional $10 billion loan from the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The economy is expected to continue a slow rebound. Dependence on oil, a large expatriate workforce, and growing inflation pressures are significant long-term challenges. The UAE's strategic plan for the next few years focuses on diversification and creating more opportunities for nationals through improved education and increased private sector employment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$199.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $194.7 billion (2009 est.)

$200.1 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$239.7 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 -2.7% (2009 est.)

7.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$40,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $40,600 (2009 est.)

$43,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.9%

industry: 51.5%

services: 47.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.908 million country comparison to the world: 88 note: expatriates account for about 85% of the work force (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 7%

industry: 15%

services: 78% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.4% (2001) country comparison to the world: 20

Population below poverty line:

19.5% (2003)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

26.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Public debt:

44.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 48.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 1.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$68.76 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 39 $60.85 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$228.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $201.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$290 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $263.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$109.6 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 36 $97.85 billion (31 December 2008)

$224.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs, dairy products; fish

Industries:

petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Electricity - production:

71.54 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Electricity - consumption:

65.98 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.798 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Oil - consumption:

435,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Oil - exports:

2.7 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Oil - imports:

192,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Oil - proved reserves:

97.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - production:

50.24 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - consumption:

59.42 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Natural gas - exports:

7.567 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Natural gas - imports:

16.75 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.071 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Current account balance:

$3.409 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $7.871 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$195.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $192.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil 45%, natural gas, reexports, dried fish, dates

Exports - partners:

Japan 17.27%, South Korea 10.49%, India 9.96%, Iran 6.82%, Thailand 5.11% (2009)

Imports:

$159 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $150 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

Imports - partners:

China 15.03%, India 14.27%, US 8.44%, Germany 5.81%, Japan 4.52% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$39.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $36.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$122.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $122.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$76.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $70.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$54.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $51.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Emirati dirhams (AED) per US dollar - 3.673 (2010), 3.673 (2009), 3.6725 (2008), 3.6725 (2007), 3.6725 (2006)

Communications ::United Arab Emirates

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.561 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 62

Telephones - mobile cellular:

10.672 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 61

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of mobile-cellular telephones; key centers are Abu Dhabi and Dubai

domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber optic and coaxial cable

international: country code - 971; linked to the international submarine cable FLAG (Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe); landing point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia

Broadcast media:

except for the many organizations now operating in Dubai's Media Free Zone, most television and radio stations remain government-owned; widespread use of satellite dishes provides access to pan-Arab and other international broadcasts (2007)

Internet country code:

.ae

Internet hosts:

379,309 (2010) country comparison to the world: 54

Internet users:

3.449 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 61

Transportation ::United Arab Emirates

Airports:

41 (2010) country comparison to the world: 103

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 25

over 3,047 m: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Heliports:

5 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 458 km; gas 2,152 km; liquid petroleum gas 220 km; oil 1,310 km; refined products 212 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 4,080 km country comparison to the world: 156 paved: 4,080 km (includes 253 km of expressways) (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 57 country comparison to the world: 68 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 9, chemical tanker 7, container 7, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 24, roll on/roll off 4

foreign-owned: 13 (Greece 3, Kuwait 10)

registered in other countries: 278 (Bahamas 27, Belize 5, Cambodia 2, Comoros 11, Cyprus 5, Georgia 1, Gibraltar 5, Hong Kong 2, India 4, Iran 1, Jordan 7, Liberia 27, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 17, Mexico 1, Netherlands 4, North Korea 6, Panama 83, Papua New Guinea 6, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 17, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Saudi Arabia 6, Sierra Leone 6, Singapore 10, Tanzania 1, Togo 1, UK 9, Vanuatu 1, unknown 7) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Al Fujayrah, Mina' Jabal 'Ali (Dubai), Khawr Fakkan (Khor Fakkan),
Mubarraz Island, Mina' Rashid (Dubai), Mina' Saqr (Ra's al Khaymah),

Military ::United Arab Emirates

Military branches:

United Arab Emirates Armed Forces: Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force and Air Defense, Border and Coast Guard Directorate (BCGD) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.) for voluntary military service; 18 years of age for officers and women; no conscription (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,589,714 (includes non-nationals)

females age 16-49: 950,460 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,157,211

females age 16-49: 816,363 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 27,256

female: 24,305 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Transnational Issues ::United Arab Emirates

Disputes - international:

boundary agreement was signed and ratified with Oman in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah enclaves, but contents of the agreement and detailed maps showing the alignment have not been published; Iran and UAE dispute Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island, which Iran occupies

Illicit drugs:

the UAE is a drug transshipment point for traffickers given its proximity to Southwest Asian drug-producing countries; the UAE's position as a major financial center makes it vulnerable to money laundering; anti-money-laundering controls improving, but informal banking remains unregulated

page last updated on January 13, 2011

======================================================================

@United Kingdom (Europe)

Introduction ::United Kingdom

Background:

The United Kingdom has historically played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith in the 19th century, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two World Wars and the Irish republic withdraw from the union. The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy. The UK is also an active member of the EU, although it chose to remain outside the Economic and Monetary Union. The Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were established in 1999. The latter was suspended until May 2007 due to wrangling over the peace process, but devolution was fully completed in March 2010.

Geography ::United Kingdom

Location:

Western Europe, islands including the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

54 00 N, 2 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 243,610 sq km country comparison to the world: 79 land: 241,930 sq km

water: 1,680 sq km

note: includes Rockall and Shetland Islands

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 360 km

border countries: Ireland 360 km

Coastline:

12,429 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: as defined in continental shelf orders or in accordance with agreed upon boundaries

Climate:

temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are overcast

Terrain:

mostly rugged hills and low mountains; level to rolling plains in east and southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: The Fens -4 m

highest point: Ben Nevis 1,343 m

Natural resources:

coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica sand, slate, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 23.23%

permanent crops: 0.2%

other: 76.57% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,700 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

160.6 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 11.75 cu km/yr (22%/75%/3%)

per capita: 197 cu m/yr (1994)

Natural hazards:

winter windstorms; floods

Environment - current issues:

continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (has met Kyoto Protocol target of a 12.5% reduction from 1990 levels and intends to meet the legally binding target and move toward a domestic goal of a 20% cut in emissions by 2010); by 2005 the government reduced the amount of industrial and commercial waste disposed of in landfill sites to 85% of 1998 levels and recycled or composted at least 25% of household waste, increasing to 33% by 2015

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental
Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals,
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

lies near vital North Atlantic sea lanes; only 35 km from France and linked by tunnel under the English Channel; because of heavily indented coastline, no location is more than 125 km from tidal waters

People ::United Kingdom

Population:

62,348,447 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.7% (male 5,233,756/female 4,986,131)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 20,774,192/female 20,246,519)

65 years and over: 16.2% (male 4,259,654/female 5,612,953) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.8 years

male: 38.6 years

female: 40.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.563% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Birth rate:

12.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Death rate:

9.33 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Net migration rate:

2.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Urbanization:

urban population: 90% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 191 male: 5.15 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.92 years country comparison to the world: 28 male: 77.84 years

female: 82.11 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

77,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Nationality:

noun: Briton(s), British (collective plural)

adjective: British

Ethnic groups:

white (of which English 83.6%, Scottish 8.6%, Welsh 4.9%, Northern Irish 2.9%) 92.1%, black 2%, Indian 1.8%, Pakistani 1.3%, mixed 1.2%, other 1.6% (2001 census)

Religions:

Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 71.6%, Muslim 2.7%, Hindu 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified or none 23.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

English

note: the following are recognized regional languages: Scots (about 30% of the population of Scotland), Scottish Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland), Welsh (about 20% of the population of Wales), Irish (about 10% of the population of Northern Ireland), Cornish (some 2,000 to 3,000 in Cornwall)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 43

Government ::United Kingdom

Country name:

conventional long form: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; note - Great Britain includes England, Scotland, and Wales

conventional short form: United Kingdom

abbreviation: UK

Government type:

constitutional monarchy and Commonwealth realm

Capital:

name: London

geographic coordinates: 51 30 N, 0 10 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

note: applies to the United Kingdom proper, not to its overseas dependencies or territories

Administrative divisions:

England: 27 two-tier counties, 32 London boroughs and 1 City of London or Greater London, 36 metropolitan districts, 56 unitary authorities (including 4 single-tier counties*)

two-tier counties: Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cumbria,
Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucestershire,
Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire,
Lincolnshire, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire,
Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Staffordshire, Suffolk,
Surrey, Warwickshire, West Sussex, Worcestershire

London boroughs and City of London or Greater London: Barking and
Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing,
Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey,
Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and
Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, City of London,
Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton,
Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster

metropolitan districts: Barnsley, Birmingham, Bolton, Bradford,
Bury, Calderdale, Coventry, Doncaster, Dudley, Gateshead, Kirklees,
Knowlsey, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, North
Tyneside, Oldham, Rochdale, Rotherham, Salford, Sandwell, Sefton,
Sheffield, Solihull, South Tyneside, St. Helens, Stockport,
Sunderland, Tameside, Trafford, Wakefield, Walsall, Wigan, Wirral,
Wolverhampton

unitary authorities: Bath and North East Somerset, Blackburn with
Darwen, Bedford, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bracknell Forest, Brighton
and Hove, City of Bristol, Central Bedfordshire, Cheshire East,
Cheshire West and Chester, Cornwall, Darlington, Derby, Durham
County*, East Riding of Yorkshire, Halton, Hartlepool,
Herefordshire*, Isle of Wight*, Isles of Scilly*, City of Kingston
upon Hull, Leicester, Luton, Medway, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes,
North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Somerset,
Northumberland*, Nottingham, Peterborough, Plymouth, Poole,
Portsmouth, Reading, Redcar and Cleveland, Rutland, Shropshire,
Slough, South Gloucestershire, Southampton, Southend-on-Sea,
Stockton-on-Tees, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon, Telford and Wrekin,
Thurrock, Torbay, Warrington, West Berkshire, Wiltshire, Windsor and
Maidenhead, Wokingham, York

Northern Ireland: 26 district council areas

district council areas: Antrim, Ards, Armagh, Ballymena, Ballymoney,
Banbridge, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Coleraine,
Cookstown, Craigavon, Derry, Down, Dungannon, Fermanagh, Larne,
Limavady, Lisburn, Magherafelt, Moyle, Newry and Mourne,
Newtownabbey, North Down, Omagh, Strabane

Scotland: 32 council areas

council areas: Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll and Bute,
Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee City, East Ayrshire,
East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, City of
Edinburgh, Eilean Siar (Western Isles), Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow City,
Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, North Ayrshire, North
Lanarkshire, Orkney Islands, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire,
Shetland Islands, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, The
Scottish Borders, West Dunbartonshire, West Lothian

Wales: 22 unitary authorities

unitary authorities: Blaenau Gwent; Bridgend; Caerphilly; Cardiff;
Carmarthenshire; Ceredigion; Conwy; Denbighshire; Flintshire;
Gwynedd; Isle of Anglesey; Merthyr Tydfil; Monmouthshire; Neath Port
Talbot; Newport; Pembrokeshire; Powys; Rhondda, Cynon, Taff;
Swansea; The Vale of Glamorgan; Torfaen; Wrexham

Dependent areas:

Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin
Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat,
Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich
Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands

Independence:

12 April 1927 (Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act establishes current name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); notable earlier dates: 927 (minor English kingdoms united); 3 March 1284 (enactment of the Statute of Rhuddlan uniting England and Wales); 1536 (Act of Union formally incorporates England and Wales); 1 May 1707 (Acts of Union formally unite England and Scotland as Great Britain); 1 January 1801 (Acts of Union formally unite Great Britain and Ireland as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland); 6 December 1921 (Anglo-Irish Treaty formalizes partition of Ireland; six counties remain part of the United Kingdom as Northern Ireland)

National holiday:

the UK does not celebrate one particular national holiday

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

based on common law tradition with early Roman and modern continental influences; has nonbinding judicial review of Acts of Parliament under the Human Rights Act of 1998; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Heir Apparent Prince CHARLES (son of the queen, born 14 November 1948)

head of government: Prime Minister David CAMERON (since 11 May 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually the prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of House of Lords (741 seats; consisting of approximately 625 life peers, 91 hereditary peers, and 25 clergy - as of 15 December 2010) and House of Commons (650 seats since 2010 elections; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms unless the House is dissolved earlier)

elections: House of Lords - no elections (note - in 1999, as provided by the House of Lords Act, elections were held in the House of Lords to determine the 92 hereditary peers who would remain there; elections are held only as vacancies in the hereditary peerage arise); House of Commons - last held on 6 May 2010 (next to be held by June 2015)

election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party - Conservative 36.1%, Labor 29%, Liberal Democrats 23%, other 11.9%; seats by party - Conservative 305, Labor 258, Liberal Democrat 57, other 30

note: in 1998 elections were held for a Northern Ireland Assembly (because of unresolved disputes among existing parties, the transfer of power from London to Northern Ireland came only at the end of 1999 and has been suspended four times, the latest occurring in October 2002 and lasting until 8 May 2007); in 1999, the UK held the first elections for a Scottish Parliament and a Welsh Assembly, the most recent of which were held in May 2007

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of the UK (established in October 2009 taking over appellate jurisdiction formerly vested in the House of Lords); Senior Courts of England and Wales (comprising the Court of Appeal, the High Court of Justice, and the Crown Courts); Court of Judicature (Northern Ireland); Scotland's Court of Session and High Court of the Justiciary

Political parties and leaders:

Conservative [David CAMERON]; Democratic Unionist Party or DUP
(Northern Ireland) [Peter ROBINSON]; Labor Party [Ed MILIBAND];
Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems) [Nick CLEGG]; Party of Wales (Plaid
Cymru) [Ieuan Wyn JONES]; Scottish National Party or SNP [Alex
SALMOND]; Sinn Fein (Northern Ireland) [Gerry ADAMS]; Social
Democratic and Labor Party or SDLP (Northern Ireland) [Margaret
RICHIE]; Ulster Unionist Party (Northern Ireland) [Tom ELLIOTT]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Confederation of British Industry;
National Farmers' Union; Trades Union Congress

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council
(observer), Australia Group, BIS, C, CBSS (observer), CDB, CE, CERN,
EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10,
IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW,
OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SECI (observer), UN, UN
Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS,
UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sir Nigel E. SHEINWALD

chancery: 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 588-6500

FAX: [1] (202) 588-7870

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

consulate(s): Dallas, Denver, Orlando

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Louis B. SUSMAN

embassy: 24 Grosvenor Square, London, W1A 1AE

mailing address: PSC 801, Box 40, FPO AE 09498-4040

telephone: [44] (0) 20 7499-9000

FAX: [44] (0) 20 7629-9124

consulate(s) general: Belfast, Edinburgh

Flag description:

blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland); properly known as the Union Flag, but commonly called the Union Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue Ensign) have been the basis for a number of other flags including other Commonwealth countries and their constituent states or provinces, and British overseas territories

National anthem:

name: "God Save the Queen"

lyrics/music: unknown

note: in use since 1745; by tradition, the song serves as both the national and royal anthem of the United Kingdom; it is known as either "God Save the Queen" or "God Save the King," depending on the gender of the reigning monarch; it also serves as the royal anthem of many Commonwealth nations

Economy ::United Kingdom

Economy - overview:

The UK, a leading trading power and financial center, is the third largest economy in Europe after Germany and France. Over the past two decades, the government has greatly reduced public ownership and contained the growth of social welfare programs. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with less than 2% of the labor force. The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil resources, but its oil and natural gas reserves are declining and the UK became a net importer of energy in 2005. Services, particularly banking, insurance, and business services, account by far for the largest proportion of GDP while industry continues to decline in importance. After emerging from recession in 1992, Britain's economy enjoyed the longest period of expansion on record during which time growth outpaced most of Western Europe. In 2008, however, the global financial crisis hit the economy particularly hard, due to the importance of its financial sector. Sharply declining home prices, high consumer debt, and the global economic slowdown compounded Britain's economic problems, pushing the economy into recession in the latter half of 2008 and prompting the then BROWN government to implement a number of measures to stimulate the economy and stabilize the financial markets; these include nationalizing parts of the banking system, cutting taxes, suspending public sector borrowing rules, and moving forward public spending on capital projects. Facing burgeoning public deficits and debt levels, the CAMERON government in 2010 initiiated a five-year austerity program, which aims to lower London's budget deficit from over 11% of GDP in 2010 to nearly 1% by 2015. The Bank of England periodically coordinates interest rate moves with the European Central Bank, but Britain remains outside the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.189 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $2.154 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.268 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.259 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 -5% (2009 est.)

-0.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $34,800 (2009 est.)

$36,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.9%

industry: 22.1%

services: 77.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

31.45 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 18.2%

services: 80.4% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 7.6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

14% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 28.5% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34 (2005) country comparison to the world: 92 36.8 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Public debt:

76.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 68.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 2.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 136 0.86% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

0.63% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 4.63% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$88.62 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 33 $84.92 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.344 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $3.199 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$5.151 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 6 $4.436 trillion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.796 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 5 $1.852 trillion (31 December 2008)

$3.859 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cereals, oilseed, potatoes, vegetables; cattle, sheep, poultry; fish

Industries:

machine tools, electric power equipment, automation equipment, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, electronics and communications equipment, metals, chemicals, coal, petroleum, paper and paper products, food processing, textiles, clothing, other consumer goods

Industrial production growth rate:

1.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Electricity - production:

368.6 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Electricity - consumption:

345.8 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Electricity - exports:

1.272 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

12.29 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1.502 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Oil - consumption:

1.669 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Oil - exports:

1.393 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Oil - imports:

1.491 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Oil - proved reserves:

3.084 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas - production:

58.56 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Natural gas - consumption:

87.45 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Natural gas - exports:

12.17 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Natural gas - imports:

41.06 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - proved reserves:

292 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Current account balance:

-$40.34 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 -$23.65 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$405.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $356.2 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food, beverages, tobacco

Exports - partners:

US 14.71%, Germany 11.06%, France 8%, Netherlands 7.79%, Ireland 6.89%, Belgium 4.65%, Spain 4% (2009)

Imports:

$546.5 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $483.9 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Germany 12.87%, US 9.74%, China 8.88%, Netherlands 6.94%, France 6.64%, Belgium 4.86%, Norway 4.84%, Ireland 4.01%, Italy 3.99% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$66.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$8.981 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 3 $9.041 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$1.169 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $1.125 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.705 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $1.652 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

British pounds (GBP) per US dollar - 0.6504 (2010), 0.6389 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

Communications ::United Kingdom

Telephones - main lines in use:

32.117 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 10

Telephones - mobile cellular:

80.375 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 14

Telephone system:

general assessment: technologically advanced domestic and international system

domestic: equal mix of buried cables, microwave radio relay, and fiber-optic systems

international: country code - 44; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and US; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (7 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region), and 1 Eutelsat; at least 8 large international switching centers

Broadcast media:

public service broadcaster BBC is the largest broadcasting corporation in the world; BBC operates multiple TV networks with regional and local TV service; a mixed system of public and commercial TV broadcasters along with satellite and cable systems provide access to hundreds of TV stations throughout the world; BBC operates multiple national, regional, and local radio networks with multiple transmission sites; a large number of commercial radio stations as well as satellite radio services are available (2008)

Internet country code:

.uk

Internet hosts:

7.03 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 14

Internet users:

51.444 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 7

Transportation ::United Kingdom

Airports:

505 (2010) country comparison to the world: 14

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 306

over 3,047 m: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 32

1,524 to 2,437 m: 124

914 to 1,523 m: 77

under 914 m: 64 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 199

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 22

under 914 m: 173 (2010)

Heliports:

11 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 43 km; gas 7,992 km; liquid petroleum gas 59 km; oil 699 km; refined products 4,417 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 16,454 km country comparison to the world: 17 broad gauge: 303 km 1.600-m gauge (in Northern Ireland)

standard gauge: 16,151 km 1.435-m gauge (5,248 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 394,428 km country comparison to the world: 16 paved: 394,428 km (includes 3,519 km of expressways) (2009)

Waterways:

3,200 km (620 km used for commerce) (2008) country comparison to the world: 32

Merchant marine:

total: 527 country comparison to the world: 22 by type: bulk carrier 30, cargo 70, carrier 3, chemical tanker 71, container 190, liquefied gas 10, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 67, petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 29, vehicle carrier 24

foreign-owned: 292 (US 11)

registered in other countries: 275 (Algeria 12, Antigua and Barbuda 2, Argentina 2, Australia 5, Bahamas 24, Barbados 7, Belgium 2, Belize 4, Bermuda 11, Cambodia 3, Cape Verde 2, Cayman Islands 2, Comoros 1, Cook Islands 2, Cyprus 7, Georgia 4, Gibraltar 4, Greece 27, Honduras 1, Hong Kong 27, Italy 2, Liberia 44, Libya 1, Luxembourg 5, Malta 16, Marshall Islands 9, Moldova 6, Nigeria 2, Panama 44, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 7, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 6, Thailand 6, Togo 3, Tonga 1, US 4, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Dover, Felixstowe, Immingham, Liverpool, London, Southampton,
Teesport (England); Forth Ports, Hound Point (Scotland); Milford
Haven (Wales)

Military ::United Kingdom

Military branches:

Army, Royal Navy (includes Royal Marines), Royal Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

16-33 years of age (officers 17-28) for voluntary military service (with parental consent under 18); women serve in military services, but are excluded from ground combat positions and some naval postings; as of October 2009, women comprised 12.1% of officers and 9% of enlisted personnel in the regular forces; must be citizen of the UK, Commonwealth, or Republic of Ireland; reservists serve a minimum of 3 years, to age 45 or 55; 16 years of age for voluntary military service by Nepalese citizens in the Brigade of Gurkhas; 16-34 years of age for voluntary military service by Papua New Guinean citizens (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 14,732,445

females age 16-49: 14,118,320 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,113,310

females age 16-49: 11,604,784 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 386,492

female: 369,185 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Transnational Issues ::United Kingdom

Disputes - international:

in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement between the UK and Spain; the Government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks between the two countries; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant Gibraltar greater autonomy; Mauritius and Seychelles claim the Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean Territory), and its former inhabitants since their eviction in 1965; most Chagossians reside in Mauritius, and in 2001 were granted UK citizenship, where some have since resettled; in May 2006, the High Court of London reversed the UK Government's 2004 orders of council that banned habitation on the islands; UK rejects sovereignty talks requested by Argentina, which still claims the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; territorial claim in Antarctica (British Antarctic Territory) overlaps Argentine claim and partially overlaps Chilean claim; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

Illicit drugs:

producer of limited amounts of synthetic drugs and synthetic precursor chemicals; major consumer of Southwest Asian heroin, Latin American cocaine, and synthetic drugs; money-laundering center

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@United States (North America)

Introduction ::United States

Background:

Britain's American colonies broke with the mother country in 1776 and were recognized as the new nation of the United States of America following the Treaty of Paris in 1783. During the 19th and 20th centuries, 37 new states were added to the original 13 as the nation expanded across the North American continent and acquired a number of overseas possessions. The two most traumatic experiences in the nation's history were the Civil War (1861-65), in which a northern Union of states defeated a secessionist Confederacy of 11 southern slave states, and the Great Depression of the 1930s, an economic downturn during which about a quarter of the labor force lost its jobs. Buoyed by victories in World Wars I and II and the end of the Cold War in 1991, the US remains the world's most powerful nation state. Over a span of more than five decades, the economy has achieved steady growth, low unemployment and inflation, and rapid advances in technology.

Geography ::United States

Location:

North America, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean and the North
Pacific Ocean, between Canada and Mexico

Geographic coordinates:

38 00 N, 97 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 9,826,675 sq km country comparison to the world: 3 land: 9,161,966 sq km

water: 664,709 sq km

note: includes only the 50 states and District of Columbia

Area - comparative:

about half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the size of Africa; about half the size of South America (or slightly larger than Brazil); slightly larger than China; more than twice the size of the European Union

Land boundaries:

total: 12,034 km

border countries: Canada 8,893 km (including 2,477 km with Alaska), Mexico 3,141 km

note: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is leased by the US and is part of Cuba; the base boundary is 28 km

Coastline:

19,924 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: not specified

Climate:

mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the great plains west of the Mississippi River, and arid in the Great Basin of the southwest; low winter temperatures in the northwest are ameliorated occasionally in January and February by warm chinook winds from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains

Terrain:

vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low mountains in east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in Alaska; rugged, volcanic topography in Hawaii

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Death Valley -86 m

highest point: Mount McKinley 6,194 m

note: the peak of Mauna Kea (4,207 m above sea level) on the island of Hawaii rises about 10,200 m above the Pacific Ocean floor; by this measurement, it is the world's tallest mountain - higher than Mount Everest, which is recognized as the tallest mountain above sea level

Natural resources:

coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, rare earth elements, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timber

note: the US has the world's largest coal reserves with 491 billion short tons accounting for 27% of the world's total

Land use:

arable land: 18.01%

permanent crops: 0.21%

other: 81.78% (2005)

Irrigated land:

223,850 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

3,069 cu km (1985)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 477 cu km/yr (13%/46%/41%)

per capita: 1,600 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

tsunamis; volcanoes; earthquake activity around Pacific Basin; hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts; tornadoes in the Midwest and Southeast; mud slides in California; forest fires in the west; flooding; permafrost in northern Alaska, a major impediment to development

volcanism: the United States experiences volcanic activity in the Hawaiian Islands, Western Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and in the Northern Mariana Islands; both Mauna Loa (elev. 4,170 m, 13,678 ft) in Hawaii and Mount Rainier (elev. 4,392 m, 14,409 ft) in Washington have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Pavlof (elev. 2,519 m, 8,264 ft) is the most active volcano in Alaska's Aleutian Arc and poses a significant threat to air travel since the area constitutes a major flight path between North America and East Asia; St. Helens (elev. 2,549 m, 8,363 ft), famous for the devastating 1980 eruption, remains active today; numerous other historically active volcanoes exist, mostly concentrated in the Aleutian arc and Hawaii; they include: in Alaska: Aniakchak, Augustine, Chiginagak, Fourpeaked, Iliamna, Katmai, Kupreanof, Martin, Novarupta, Redoubt, Spurr, Wrangell; in Hawaii: Trident, Ugashik-Peulik, Ukinrek Maars, Veniaminof; in the Northern Mariana Islands: Anatahan; and in the Pacific Northwest: Mount Baker, Mount Hood

Environment - current issues:

air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US and Canada; the US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels; water pollution from runoff of pesticides and fertilizers; limited natural fresh water resources in much of the western part of the country require careful management; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping,
Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Hazardous Wastes

Geography - note:

world's third-largest country by size (after Russia and Canada) and by population (after China and India); Mt. McKinley is highest point in North America and Death Valley the lowest point on the continent

People ::United States

Population:

310,232,863 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.2% (male 31,639,127/female 30,305,704)

15-64 years: 67% (male 102,665,043/female 103,129,321)

65 years and over: 12.8% (male 16,901,232/female 22,571,696) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.8 years

male: 35.5 years

female: 38.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.97% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Birth rate:

13.83 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Death rate:

8.38 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Net migration rate:

4.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Urbanization:

urban population: 82% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.14 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 177 male: 6.81 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.24 years country comparison to the world: 49 male: 75.78 years

female: 80.81 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.06 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.2 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

22,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Nationality:

noun: American(s)

adjective: American

Ethnic groups:

white 79.96%, black 12.85%, Asian 4.43%, Amerindian and Alaska native 0.97%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.18%, two or more races 1.61% (July 2007 estimate)

note: a separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the US Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean persons of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin including those of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican Republic, Spanish, and Central or South American origin living in the US who may be of any race or ethnic group (white, black, Asian, etc.); about 15.1% of the total US population is Hispanic

Religions:

Protestant 51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Jewish 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Muslim 0.6%, other or unspecified 2.5%, unaffiliated 12.1%, none 4% (2007 est.)

Languages:

English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo-European 3.8%, Asian and
Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7% (2000 census)

note: Hawaiian is an official language in the state of Hawaii

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 15 years

female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 46

Government ::United States

Country name:

conventional long form: United States of America

conventional short form: United States

abbreviation: US or USA

Government type:

Constitution-based federal republic; strong democratic tradition

Capital:

name: Washington, DC

geographic coordinates: 38 53 N, 77 02 W

time difference: UTC-5 (during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

note: the 50 United States cover six time zones

Administrative divisions:

50 states and 1 district*; Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas,
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia*,
Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,
Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North
Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia,
Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Dependent areas:

American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island,
Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island,
Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin
Islands, Wake Island

note: from 18 July 1947 until 1 October 1994, the US administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; it entered into a political relationship with all four political units: the Northern Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with the US (effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 21 October 1986); the Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 3 November 1986); Palau concluded a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 1 October 1994)

Independence:

4 July 1776 (from Great Britain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 July (1776)

Constitution:

17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789

Legal system:

federal court system based on English common law; each state has its own unique legal system of which all but one (Louisiana, which is still influenced by the Napoleonic Code) is based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with Senate approval (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by a college of representatives who are elected directly from each state; president and vice president serve four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held on 6 November 2012)

election results: Barack H. OBAMA elected president; percent of popular vote - Barack H. OBAMA 52.4%, John MCCAIN 46.3%, other 1.3%;

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress consists of the Senate (100 seats, 2 members elected from each state by popular vote to serve six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the House of Representatives (435 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); House of Representatives - last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 51, Republican Party 47, independent 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 192, Republican Party 243

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (nine justices; nominated by the president and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate; appointed to serve for life); United States Courts of Appeal; United States District Courts; State and County Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Timothy KAINE]; Green Party; Libertarian Party
[William (Bill) REDPATH]; Republican Party [Reince PRIEBUS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

environmentalists; business groups; labor unions; churches; ethnic groups; political action committees or PAC; health groups; education groups; civic groups; youth groups; transportation groups; agricultural groups; veterans groups; women's groups; reform lobbies

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), ANZUS, APEC,
Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS,
BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CERN (observer), CICA
(observer), CP, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10,
IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SECI (observer),
SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNITAR, UNMIL,
UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Flag description:

13 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars represent the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies; the blue stands for loyalty, devotion, truth, justice, and friendship; red symbolizes courage, zeal, and fervency, while white denotes purity and rectitude of conduct; commonly referred to by its nickname of Old Glory

note: the design and colors have been the basis for a number of other flags, including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and Puerto Rico

National anthem:

name: "The Star-Spangled Banner"

lyrics/music: Francis Scott KEY/John Stafford SMITH

note: adopted 1931; during the War of 1812, after witnessing the successful American defense of Fort McHenry in Baltimore following British naval bombardment, Francis Scott KEY wrote the lyrics to what would become the national anthem; the lyrics were set to the tune of "The Anacreontic Song;" only the first verse is sung

Economy ::United States

Economy - overview:

The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $47,400. In this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace. US business firms enjoy greater flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant, to lay off surplus workers, and to develop new products. At the same time, they face higher barriers to enter their rivals' home markets than foreign firms face entering US markets. US firms are at or near the forefront in technological advances, especially in computers and in medical, aerospace, and military equipment; their advantage has narrowed since the end of World War II. The onrush of technology largely explains the gradual development of a "two-tier labor market" in which those at the bottom lack the education and the professional/technical skills of those at the top and, more and more, fail to get comparable pay raises, health insurance coverage, and other benefits. Since 1975, practically all the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of households. The war in March-April 2003 between a US-led coalition and Iraq, and the subsequent occupation of Iraq, required major shifts in national resources to the military. Soaring oil prices between 2005 and the first half of 2008 threatened inflation and unemployment, as higher gasoline prices ate into consumers' budgets. Imported oil accounts for about 60% of US consumption. Long-term problems include inadequate investment in economic infrastructure, rapidly rising medical and pension costs of an aging population, sizable trade and budget deficits, and stagnation of family income in the lower economic groups. The merchandise trade deficit reached a record $840 billion in 2008 before shrinking to $506 billion in 2009, and ramping back up to $630 billion in 2010. The global economic downturn, the sub-prime mortgage crisis, investment bank failures, falling home prices, and tight credit pushed the United States into a recession by mid-2008. GDP contracted until the third quarter of 2009, making this the deepest and longest downturn since the Great Depression. To help stabilize financial markets, the US Congress established a $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) in October 2008. The government used some of these funds to purchase equity in US banks and other industrial corporations, much of which had been returned to the government by early 2011. In January 2009 the US Congress passed and President Barack OBAMA signed a bill providing an additional $787 billion fiscal stimulus to be used over 10 years - two-thirds on additional spending and one-third on tax cuts - to create jobs and to help the economy recover. Approximately two-thirds of these funds were injected into the economy by the end of 2010. In March 2010, President OBAMA signed a health insurance reform bill into law that will extend coverage to an additional 32 million American citizens by 2016, through private health insurance for the general population and Medicaid for the impoverished. In July 2010, the president signed the DODD-FRANK Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, a bill designed to promote financial stability by protecting consumers from financial abuses, ending taxpayer bailouts of financial firms, dealing with troubled banks that are "too big to fail," and improving accountability and transparency in the financial system - in particular, by requiring certain financial derivatives to be traded in markets that are subject to government regulation and oversight. In late 2010, the US Federal Reserve Bank (The Fed) announced that it would purchase $600 billion worth of US Government bonds by June 2011, in an attempt to keep interest rates from rising and snuffing out the nascent recovery.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$14.72 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $14.33 trillion (2009 est.)

$14.72 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$14.62 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 -2.6% (2009 est.)

0% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$47,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $46,700 (2009 est.)

$48,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.2%

industry: 22.2%

services: 76.7% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

153.9 million country comparison to the world: 4 note: includes unemployed (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

farming, forestry, and fishing: 0.7%

manufacturing, extraction, transportation, and crafts: 20.3%

managerial, professional, and technical: 37.2%

sales and office: 24%

other services: 17.7%

note: figures exclude the unemployed (2009)

Unemployment rate:

9.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 9.3% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 30% (2007 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45 (2007) country comparison to the world: 42 40.8 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

12.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Public debt:

58.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 53.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

note: data cover only what the United States Treasury denotes as "Debt Held by the Public," which includes all debt instruments issued by the Treasury that are owned by non-US Government entities; the data include Treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by individual US states, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of Treasury borrowings from surpluses in the trusts for Federal Social Security, Federal Employees, Hospital Insurance (Medicare and Medicaid), Disability and Unemployment, and several other smaller trusts; if data for intra-government debt were added, "Gross Debt" would increase by about 30% of GDP

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 -0.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 137 0.86% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

3.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 5.09% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.74 trillion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 5 $1.722 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$12.39 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 3 $12.46 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$32.61 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $31.53 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$15.08 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 1 $11.74 trillion (31 December 2008)

$19.95 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish; forest products

Industries:

highly diversified, world leading, high-technology innovator, second largest industrial output in world; petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining

Industrial production growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Electricity - production:

4.11 trillion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Electricity - consumption:

3.873 trillion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Electricity - exports:

24.08 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

57.02 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

9.056 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Oil - consumption:

18.69 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Oil - exports:

1.704 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Oil - imports:

11.31 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Oil - proved reserves:

19.12 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Natural gas - production:

593.4 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - consumption:

646.6 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - exports:

30.35 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Natural gas - imports:

106.1 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.928 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Current account balance:

-$561 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 -$378.4 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.27 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $1.069 trillion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

agricultural products (soybeans, fruit, corn) 9.2%, industrial supplies (organic chemicals) 26.8%, capital goods (transistors, aircraft, motor vehicle parts, computers, telecommunications equipment) 49.0%, consumer goods (automobiles, medicines) 15.0%

Exports - partners:

Canada 19.37%, Mexico 12.21%, China 6.58%, Japan 4.84%, UK 4.33%,
Germany 4.1% (2009)

Imports:

$1.903 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $1.575 trillion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

agricultural products 4.9%, industrial supplies 32.9% (crude oil 8.2%), capital goods 30.4% (computers, telecommunications equipment, motor vehicle parts, office machines, electric power machinery), consumer goods 31.8% (automobiles, clothing, medicines, furniture, toys)

Imports - partners:

China 19.3%, Canada 14.24%, Mexico 11.12%, Japan 6.14%, Germany 4.53% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$130.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$13.98 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 1 $13.75 trillion (31 December 2008)

note: approximately 4/5ths of US external debt is denominated in US dollars; foreign lenders have been willing to hold US dollar denominated debt instruments because they view the dollar as the world's reserve currency

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$2.581 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $2.41 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$3.597 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $3.367 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

British pounds per US dollar: 1 (2010), 0.6504 (2010), 0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

Canadian dollars per US dollar: 1.0346 (2010), 1.1548 (2009), 1.0364 (2008), 1.0724 (2007), 1.1334 (2006)

Chinese yuan per US dollar: 6.7852 (2010), 6.8249 (2009), 6.9385 (2008), 7.61 (2007), 7.97 (2006)

euros per US dollar: 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Japanese yen per US dollar: 88.67 (2010), 94.5 (2009), 103.58 (2008), 117.99 (2007), 116.18 (2006)

Communications ::United States

Telephones - main lines in use:

141 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 2

Telephones - mobile cellular:

286 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 3

Telephone system:

general assessment: a large, technologically advanced, multipurpose communications system

domestic: a large system of fiber-optic cable, microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and domestic satellites carries every form of telephone traffic; a rapidly growing cellular system carries mobile telephone traffic throughout the country

international: country code - 1; multiple ocean cable systems provide international connectivity; satellite earth stations - 61 Intelsat (45 Atlantic Ocean and 16 Pacific Ocean), 5 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 4 Inmarsat (Pacific and Atlantic Ocean regions) (2000)

Broadcast media:

4 major terrestrial television networks with affiliate stations throughout the country, plus cable and satellite networks, independent stations, and a limited public broadcasting sector that is largely supported by private grants; overall, thousands of TV stations broadcasting; multiple national radio networks with large numbers of affiliate stations; while most stations are commercial, National Public Radio (NPR) has a network of some 600 member stations; satellite radio available; overall, nearly 15,000 radio stations operating (2008)

Internet country code:

.us

Internet hosts:

439 million (2010); note - the US Internet total host count includes the following top level domain host addresses: .us, .com, .edu, .gov, .mil, .net, and .org country comparison to the world: 1

Internet users:

245 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 2

Transportation ::United States

Airports:

15,079 (2010) country comparison to the world: 1

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5,194

over 3,047 m: 189

2,438 to 3,047 m: 235

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1,479

914 to 1,523 m: 2,316

under 914 m: 975 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9,885

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 155

914 to 1,523 m: 1,752

under 914 m: 7,971 (2010)

Heliports:

126 (2010)

Pipelines:

petroleum products 244,620 km; natural gas 548,665 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 226,427 km country comparison to the world: 1 standard gauge: 226,427 km 1.435-m gauge (2007)

Roadways:

total: 6,506,204 km country comparison to the world: 1 paved: 4,374,784 km (includes 75,238 km of expressways)

unpaved: 2,131,420 km (2008)

Waterways:

41,009 km (19,312 km used for commerce) country comparison to the world: 4 note: Saint Lawrence Seaway of 3,769 km, including the Saint Lawrence River of 3,058 km, shared with Canada (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 418 country comparison to the world: 26 by type: barge carrier 6, bulk carrier 58, cargo 58, carrier 3, chemical tanker 30, container 87, passenger 18, passenger/cargo 56, petroleum tanker 45, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 27, vehicle carrier 27

foreign-owned: 86 (Australia 1, Bermuda 5, Canada 1, Denmark 34, France 4, Germany 3, Malaysia 2, Norway 10, Singapore 17, Sweden 5, UK 4)

registered in other countries: 734 (Antigua and Barbuda 6, Australia 2, Bahamas 100, Belgium 2, Bermuda 25, Cambodia 4, Canada 9, Cayman Islands 54, Comoros 2, Cyprus 7, Georgia 1, Greece 7, Hong Kong 31, Indonesia 2, Ireland 2, Isle of Man 2, Italy 21, Liberia 39, Luxembourg 3, Malta 35, Marshall Islands 168, Netherlands 15, Norway 9, Panama 102, Portugal 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 19, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 33, South Korea 8, UK 11, unknown 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

cargo ports (tonnage): Baton Rouge, Corpus Christi, Houston, Long Beach, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Plaquemines, Tampa, Texas City

container ports (TEUs): Los Angeles (7,849,985), Long Beach (6,350,125), New York/New Jersey (5,265,058), Savannah (2,616,126), Oakland (2,236,244), Hampton Roads (2,083,278) (2008)

cruise departure ports (passengers): Miami (2,032,000), Port Everglades (1,277,000), Port Canaveral (1,189,000), Seattle (430,000), Long Beach (415,000) (2009)

Military ::United States

Military branches:

United States Armed Forces: US Army, US Navy (includes Marine Corps), US Air Force, US Coast Guard; note - Coast Guard administered in peacetime by the Department of Homeland Security, but in wartime reports to the Department of the Navy (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (17 years of age with parental consent) for male and female voluntary service; maximum enlistment age 42 (Army), 27 (Air Force), 34 (Navy), 28 (Marines); service obligation 8 years, including 2-5 years active duty (Army), 2 years active (Navy), 4 years active (Air Force, Marines) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 73,145,586

females age 16-49: 71,880,788 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 60,388,734

females age 16-49: 59,217,809 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,174,260

female: 2,065,595 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.06% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Transnational Issues ::United States

Disputes - international:

the U.S. has intensified domestic security measures and is collaborating closely with its neighbors, Canada and Mexico, to monitor and control legal and illegal personnel, transport, and commodities across the international borders; abundant rainfall in recent years along much of the Mexico-US border region has ameliorated periodically strained water-sharing arrangements; 1990 Maritime Boundary Agreement in the Bering Sea still awaits Russian Duma ratification; managed maritime boundary disputes with Canada at Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and around the disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock; The Bahamas and US have not been able to agree on a maritime boundary; US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased from Cuba and only mutual agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease; Haiti claims US-administered Navassa Island; US has made no territorial claim in Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of any other states; Marshall Islands claims Wake Island; Tokelau included American Samoa's Swains Island among the islands listed in its 2006 draft constitution

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): the US admitted 62,643 refugees during FY04/05 including; 10,586 (Somalia); 8,549 (Laos); 6,666 (Russia); 6,479 (Cuba); 3,100 (Haiti); 2,136 (Iran) (2006)

Illicit drugs:

world's largest consumer of cocaine (shipped from Colombia through Mexico and the Caribbean), Colombian heroin, and Mexican heroin and marijuana; major consumer of ecstasy and Mexican methamphetamine; minor consumer of high-quality Southeast Asian heroin; illicit producer of cannabis, marijuana, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine; money-laundering center

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Background:

All of the following US Pacific island territories except Midway Atoll constitute the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex and as such are managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior. Midway Atoll NWR has been included in a Refuge Complex with the Hawaiian Islands NWR and also designated as part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. These remote refuges are the most widespread collection of marine- and terrestrial-life protected areas on the planet under a single country's jurisdiction. They sustain many endemic species including corals, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, seabirds, water birds, land birds, insects, and vegetation not found elsewhere.

Baker Island: The US took possession of the island in 1857. Its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.

Howland Island: Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the uninhabited atoll was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano deposits until about 1890. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island, similar to the effort on nearby Baker Island, but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The famed American aviatrix Amelia EARHART disappeared while seeking out Howland Island as a refueling stop during her 1937 round-the-world flight; Earhart Light, a day beacon near the middle of the west coast, was named in her memory. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.

Jarvis Island: First discovered by the British in 1821, the uninhabited island was annexed by the US in 1858 but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano had been removed. The UK annexed the island in 1889 but never carried out plans for further exploitation. The US occupied and reclaimed the island in 1935. It was abandoned in 1942 during World War II. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.

Johnston Atoll: Both the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii annexed Johnston Atoll in 1858, but it was the US that mined the guano deposits until the late 1880s. Johnston and Sand Islands were designated wildlife refuges in 1926. The US Navy took over the atoll in 1934. Subsequently, the US Air Force assumed control in 1948. The site was used for high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s. Until late in 2000 the atoll was maintained as a storage and disposal site for chemical weapons. Munitions destruction, cleanup, and closure of the facility were completed by May 2005. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Air Force are currently discussing future management options; in the interim, Johnston Atoll and the three-mile Naval Defensive Sea around it remain under the jurisdiction and administrative control of the US Air Force.

Kingman Reef: The US annexed the reef in 1922. Its sheltered lagoon served as a way station for flying boats on Hawaii-to-American Samoa flights during the late 1930s. There are no terrestrial plants on the reef, which is frequently awash, but it does support abundant and diverse marine fauna and flora. In 2001, the waters surrounding the reef out to 12 nm were designated a US NWR.

Midway Islands: The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867. The laying of the trans-Pacific cable, which passed through the islands, brought the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used as a refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights. The US naval victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the turning points of World War II. The islands continued to serve as a naval station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a NWR and are the site of the world's largest Laysan albatross colony.

Palmyra Atoll: The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and the US included it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed the archipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did not include Palmyra Atoll, which is now partly privately owned by the Nature Conservancy with the rest owned by the Federal government and managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations are managing the atoll as a wildlife refuge. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12 nm US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and designated as a NWR in January 2001.

Geography ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Location:

Oceania

Baker Island: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,830 nm (3,389 km) southwest of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and Australia

Howland Island: island in the North Pacific Ocean 1,815 nm (3,361 km) southwest of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and Australia

Jarvis Island: island in the South Pacific Ocean 1,305 nm (2,417 km) south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and Cook Islands

Johnston Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 717 nm (1,328 km) southwest of Honolulu, about one-third of the way from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands

Kingman Reef: reef in the North Pacific Ocean 930 nm (1,722 km) south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and American Samoa

Midway Islands: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,260 nm (2,334 km) northwest of Honolulu near the end of the Hawaiian Archipelago, about one-third of the way from Honolulu to Tokyo

Palmyra Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 960 nm (1,778 km) south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and American Samoa

Geographic coordinates:

Baker Island: 0 13 N, 176 28 W

Howland Island: 0 48 N, 176 38 W

Jarvis Island: 0 23 S, 160 01 W

Johnston Atoll: 16 45 N, 169 31 W

Kingman Reef: 6 23 N, 162 25 W

Midway Islands: 28 12 N, 177 22 W

Palmyra Atoll: 5 53 N, 162 05 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total - 6,959.41 sq km; emergent land - 22.41 sq km; submerged - 6,937 sq km country comparison to the world: 238 Baker Island: total - 129.1 sq km; emergent land - 2.1 sq km; submerged - 127 sq km

Howland Island: total - 138.6 sq km; emergent land - 2.6 sq km; submerged - 136 sq km

Jarvis Island: total - 152 sq km; emergent land - 5 sq km; submerged - 147 sq km

Johnston Atoll: total - 276.6 sq km; emergent land - 2.6 sq km; submerged - 274 sq km

Kingman Reef: total - 1,958.01 sq km; emergent land - 0.01 sq km; submerged - 1,958 sq km

Midway Islands: total - 2,355.2 sq km; emergent land - 6.2 sq km; submerged - 2,349 sq km

Palmyra Atoll: total - 1,949.9 sq km; emergent land - 3.9 sq km; submerged - 1,946 sq km

Area - comparative:

Baker Island: about two and a half times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC

Howland Island: about three times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC

Jarvis Island: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington,
DC

Johnston Atoll: about four and a half times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC

Kingman Reef: a little more than one and a half times the size of
The Mall in Washington, DC

Midway Islands: about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington,
DC

Palmyra Atoll: about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

none

Coastline:

Baker Island: 4.8 km

Howland Island: 6.4 km

Jarvis Island: 8 km

Johnston Atoll: 34 km

Kingman Reef: 3 km

Midway Islands: 15 km

Palmyra Atoll: 14.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Johnston Atoll and Kingman Reef: tropical, but generally dry; consistent northeast trade winds with little seasonal temperature variation

Midway Islands: subtropical with cool, moist winters (December to February) and warm, dry summers (May to October); moderated by prevailing easterly winds; most of the 1,067 mm (42 in) of annual rainfall occurs during the winter

Palmyra Atoll: equatorial, hot; located within the low pressure area of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where the northeast and southeast trade winds meet, it is extremely wet with between 4,000-5,000 mm (160-200 in) of rainfall each year

Terrain:

low and nearly level sandy coral islands with narrow fringing reefs that have developed at the top of submerged volcanic mountains, which in most cases rise steeply from the ocean floor

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Baker Island, unnamed location - 8 m; Howland Island, unnamed location - 3 m; Jarvis Island, unnamed location - 7 m; Johnston Atoll, Sand Island - 10 m; Kingman Reef, unnamed location - less than 2 m; Midway Islands, unnamed location - 13 m; Palmyra Atoll, unnamed location - 3 m

Natural resources:

terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2008)

Natural hazards:

Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard

Kingman Reef: wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of less than 2 m makes Kingman Reef a maritime hazard

Midway Islands, Johnston, and Palmyra Atolls: NA

Environment - current issues:

Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands, and Johnston Atoll: no natural fresh water resources

Kingman Reef: none

Midway Islands and Palmyra Atoll: NA

Geography - note:

Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife; closed to the public

Johnston Atoll: Johnston Island and Sand Island are natural islands, which have been expanded by coral dredging; North Island (Akau) and East Island (Hikina) are manmade islands formed from coral dredging; the egg-shaped reef is 34 km in circumference; closed to the public

Kingman Reef: barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; closed to the public

Midway Islands: a coral atoll managed as a NWR and open to the public for wildlife-related recreation in the form of wildlife observation and photography

Palmyra Atoll: the high rainfall and resulting lush vegetation make the environment of this atoll unique among the US Pacific Island territories; supports a large undisturbed stand of Pisonia beach forest

People ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: public entry is by special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service

Johnston Atoll: in previous years, an average of 1,100 US military and civilian contractor personnel were present; as of May 2005, all US government personnel had left the island

Midway Islands: approximately 40 people make up the staff of US Fish and Wildlife Service and their services contractor living at the atoll

Palmyra Atoll: four to 20 Nature Conservancy, US Fish and Wildlife staff, and researchers

Government ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Baker Island; Howland Island; Jarvis Island; Johnston Atoll; Kingman Reef; Midway Islands; Palmyra Atoll

Dependency status:

unincorporated territories of the US; administered from Washington, DC by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system

note on Palmyra Atoll: incorporated Territory of the US; partly privately owned and partly federally owned; administered from Washington, DC by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior; the Office of Insular Affairs of the US Department of the Interior continues to administer nine excluded areas comprising certain tidal and submerged lands within the 12 nm territorial sea or within the lagoon

Legal system:

the laws of the US where applicable apply

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territories of the US)

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Economy - overview:

no economic activity

Transportation ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Airports:

Baker Island: one abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m covered with vegetation and unusable

Howland Island: airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling stop on the round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred NOONAN; the aviators left Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island but were never seen again; the airstrip is no longer serviceable

Johnston Atoll: one closed and not maintained

Kingman Reef: lagoon was used as a halfway station between Hawaii and American Samoa by Pan American Airways for flying boats in 1937 and 1938

Midway Islands: 3 - one operational (2,409 m paved); no fuel for sale except emergencies

Palmyra Atoll: 1 - 1,846 m unpaved runway; privately owned (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands, and Kingman Reef: none; offshore anchorage only

Johnston Atoll: Johnston Island

Midway Islands: Sand Island

Palmyra Atoll: West Lagoon

Military ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on November 17, 2010

======================================================================

@Uruguay (South America)

Introduction ::Uruguay

Background:

Montevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a military stronghold, soon took advantage of its natural harbor to become an important commercial center. Claimed by Argentina but annexed by Brazil in 1821, Uruguay declared its independence four years later and secured its freedom in 1828 after a three-year struggle. The administrations of President Jose BATLLE in the early 20th century established widespread political, social, and economic reforms that established a statist tradition. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement named the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president to cede control of the government to the military in 1973. By yearend, the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold over the government. Civilian rule was not restored until 1985. In 2004, the left-of-center Frente Amplio Coalition won national elections that effectively ended 170 years of political control previously held by the Colorado and Blanco parties. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest on the continent.

Geography ::Uruguay

Location:

Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between
Argentina and Brazil

Geographic coordinates:

33 00 S, 56 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 176,215 sq km country comparison to the world: 90 land: 175,015 sq km

water: 1,200 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the state of Washington

Land boundaries:

total: 1,648 km

border countries: Argentina 580 km, Brazil 1,068 km

Coastline:

660 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or edge of continental margin

Climate:

warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Terrain:

mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m

Natural resources:

arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fish

Land use:

arable land: 7.77%

permanent crops: 0.24%

other: 91.99% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,100 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

139 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.15 cu km/yr (2%/1%/96%)

per capita: 910 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and occasional violent wind that blows north from the Argentine pampas), droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry; inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

second-smallest South American country (after Suriname); most of the low-lying landscape (three-quarters of the country) is grassland, ideal for cattle and sheep raising

People ::Uruguay

Population:

3,510,386 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.4% (male 397,942/female 385,253)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 1,115,963/female 1,129,478)

65 years and over: 13.3% (male 187,176/female 278,570) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.7 years

male: 32.3 years

female: 35.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.447% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Birth rate:

13.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Death rate:

9.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Net migration rate:

-0.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Urbanization:

urban population: 92% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.037 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.99 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 149 male: 12.37 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.55 years country comparison to the world: 69 male: 73.3 years

female: 79.92 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

10,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Nationality:

noun: Uruguayan(s)

adjective: Uruguayan

Ethnic groups:

white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%, Amerindian (practically nonexistent)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 47.1%, non-Catholic Christians 11.1%, nondenominational 23.2%, Jewish 0.3%, atheist or agnostic 17.2%, other 1.1% (2006)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Portunol, Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 97.6%

female: 98.4% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 15 years

female: 17 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 154

Government ::Uruguay

Country name:

conventional long form: Oriental Republic of Uruguay

conventional short form: Uruguay

local long form: Republica Oriental del Uruguay

local short form: Uruguay

former: Banda Oriental, Cisplatine Province

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

name: Montevideo

geographic coordinates: 34 53 S, 56 11 W

time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends second Sunday in March

Administrative divisions:

19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Artigas,
Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida,
Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera,
Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres

Independence:

25 August 1825 (from Brazil)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 August (1825)

Constitution:

27 November 1966; effective 15 February 1967; suspended 27 June 1973; revised 26 November 1989 and 7 January 1997

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jose "Pepe" MUJICA Cordano (since 1 March 2010); Vice President Danilo ASTORI Saragoza (since 1 March 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Jose "Pepe" MUJICA Cordano (since 1 March 2010); Vice President Danilo ASTORI Saragoza (since 1 March 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president with parliamentary approval (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in October 2014)

election results: Jose "Pepe" MUJICA elected president; percent of vote - Jose "Pepe" MUJICA 54.8%, Luis Alberto LACALLE 45.2%

Legislative branch:

bicameral General Assembly or Asamblea General consists of Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (30 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; vice president has one vote in the Senate) and Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (99 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Senators - last held on 25 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 25 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Frente Amplio 16, Blanco 9, Colorado Party 5; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Frente Amplio 50, Blanco 30, Colorado Party 17, Independent Party 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and elected for 10-year terms by the General Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Broad Front (Frente Amplio) - formerly known as the Progressive
Encounter/Broad Front Coalition or EP-FA [Jorge BROVETTO] (a broad
governing coalition that includes Movement of the Popular
Participation or MPP, New Space Party (Nuevo Espacio) [Rafael
MICHELINI], Progressive Alliance (Alianza Progresista) [Rodolfo NIN
NOVOA], Socialist Party [Eduardo FERNANDEZ and Reinaldo GARGANO],
Communist Party [Eduardo LORIER], Uruguayan Assembly (Asamblea
Uruguay) [Danilo ASTORI], and Vertiente Artiguista [Mariano ARANA]);
Colorado Party (Foro Batllista) [Pedro BORDABERRY and Julio Maria
SANGUINETTI]; National Party or Blanco [Luis Alberto LACALLE and
Jorge LARRANAGA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Architect's Society of Uruguay (professional organization); Chamber of Uruguayan Industries (manufacturer's association); Chemist and Pharmaceutical Association (professional organization); PIT/CNT (powerful federation of Uruguayan Unions - umbrella labor organization); Rural Association of Uruguay (rancher's association); Uruguayan Construction League; Uruguayan Network of Political Women

other: Catholic Church; students

International organization participation:

CAN (associate), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH,
MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos Alberto GIANELLI Derois

chancery: 1913 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: [1] (202) 331-1313 through 1316

FAX: [1] (202) 331-8142

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York

consulate(s): San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David NELSON

embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200

mailing address: APO AA 34035

telephone: [598] (2) 418-7777

FAX: [598] (2) 418-8611

Flag description:

nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom) alternating with blue; a white square in the upper hoist-side corner with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May with 16 rays that alternate between triangular and wavy; the stripes represent the nine original departments of Uruguay; the sun symbol evokes the legend of the sun breaking through the clouds on 25 May 1810 as independence was first declared from Spain (Uruguay subsequently won its independence from Brazil)

note: the banner was inspired by the national colors of Argentina and by the design of the US flag

National anthem:

name: "Himno Nacional" (National Anthem of Uruguay)

lyrics/music: Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/Francisco Jose DEBALI

note: adopted 1848; the anthem is also known as "Orientales, la Patria o la tumba!" ("Uruguayans, the Fatherland or Death!"); it is the world's longest national anthem in terms of music (105 bars; almost five minutes); generally only the first verse and chorus are sung

Economy ::Uruguay

Economy - overview:

Uruguay's economy is characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated work force, and high levels of social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually during 1996-98, in 1999-2002 the economy suffered a major downturn, stemming largely from the spillover effects of the economic problems of its large neighbors, Argentina and Brazil. In 2001-02, Argentine citizens made massive withdrawals of dollars deposited in Uruguayan banks after bank deposits in Argentina were frozen, which led to a plunge in the Uruguayan peso, a banking crisis, and a sharp economic contraction. Real GDP fell in four years by nearly 20%, with 2002 the worst year. The unemployment rate rose, inflation surged, and the burden of external debt doubled. Financial assistance from the IMF helped stem the damage. Uruguay restructured its external debt in 2003 without asking creditors to accept a reduction on the principal. Economic growth for Uruguay resumed, and averaged 8% annually during the period 2004-08. The 2008-09 global financial crisis put a brake on Uruguay's vigorous growth, which decelerated to 2.9% in 2009. Nevertheless, the country managed to avoid a recession and keep positive growth rates, mainly through higher public expenditure and investment, and GDP growth exceeded 7% in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$47.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 $44.63 billion (2009 est.)

$43.38 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$40.71 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 2.9% (2009 est.)

8.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $12,800 (2009 est.)

$12,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9.3%

industry: 22.8%

services: 67.9% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.637 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 9%

industry: 15%

services: 76% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 7.6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

27.4% of households (2006)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.7%

highest 10%: 34.8% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.2 (2006) country comparison to the world: 41 44.8 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Public debt:

52.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 60% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 7.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

20% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 11 20% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.28% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 12.45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.706 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 103 $2.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$14.22 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 91 $11.78 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$10.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $8.888 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 111 $159 million (31 December 2007)

$125.1 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

rice, wheat, soybeans, barley; livestock, beef; fish; forestry

Industries:

food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

16.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Electricity - production:

9.265 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Electricity - consumption:

7.14 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Electricity - exports:

996 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

789 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

997 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Oil - consumption:

40,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Oil - exports:

7,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Oil - imports:

52,730 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - consumption:

70 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - imports:

70 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Current account balance:

-$377 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $258.8 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.413 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $6.389 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

meat, rice, leather products, wool, fish, dairy products

Exports - partners:

Brazil 21.05%, China 9.45%, Argentina 7.36%, Germany 5.16%, Mexico 4.88%, Netherlands 4.13%, US 3.96% (2009)

Imports:

$8.519 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $6.664 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum and petroleum products, machinery, chemicals, road vehicles, paper, plastics

Imports - partners:

Argentina 20.77%, Brazil 17.53%, China 10.23%, US 9.82%, Paraguay 6.87% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$7.407 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $8.038 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$13.39 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $13.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$4.19 billion (2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$156 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Exchange rates:

Uruguayan pesos (UYU) per US dollar - 20.276 (2010), 22.568 (2009), 20.936 (2008), 23.947 (2007), 24.048 (2006)

Communications ::Uruguay

Telephones - main lines in use:

953,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 81

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.802 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 106

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully digitalized

domestic: most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; new nationwide microwave radio relay network; overall fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is 135 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 598; the UNISOR submarine cable system provides direct connectivity to Brazil and Argentina; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

mixture of privately-owned and state-run broadcast media; more than 100 commercial radio stations and about 20 television channels broadcasting; cable TV is available; large number of community radio and TV stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.uy

Internet hosts:

765,525 (2010) country comparison to the world: 47

Internet users:

1.405 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 86

Transportation ::Uruguay

Airports:

58 (2010) country comparison to the world: 82

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 49

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 20

under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 226 km; oil 155 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,641 km (1,200 km operational) country comparison to the world: 79 standard gauge: 1,641 km 1.435-m gauge (2010)

Roadways:

total: 77,732 km country comparison to the world: 63 paved: 7,743 km

unpaved: 69,989 km (2010)

Waterways:

1,600 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 52

Merchant marine:

total: 18 country comparison to the world: 101 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2, chemical tanker 4, passenger/cargo 7, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 9 (Argentina 2, Denmark 1, Greece 1, Spain 5)

registered in other countries: 1 (Liberia 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Montevideo

Military ::Uruguay

Military branches:

Uruguayan Armed Forces: Uruguayan National Army (Ejercito Nacional
Uruguaya, ENU), Uruguayan National Navy (Armada Nacional del
Uruguay; includes naval air arm, Naval Rifle Corps (Cuerpo de
Fusileros Navales, Fusna), Maritime Prefecture in wartime),
Uruguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya, FAU) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; up to 40 years of age for specialists; enlistment is voluntary in peacetime, but the government has the authority to conscript in emergencies; minimum 6-year education (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 849,358

females age 16-49: 832,774 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 713,223

females age 16-49: 697,197 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 27,631

female: 26,703 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 95

Transnational Issues ::Uruguay

Disputes - international:

in Jan 2007, ICJ provisionally ruled Uruguay may begin construction of two paper mills on the Uruguay River, which forms the border with Argentina, while the court examines further whether Argentina has the legal right to stop such construction with potential environmental implications to both countries; two uncontested boundary disputes with Brazil over Isla Brasilera at the tripoint with Argentina at the confluence of the Quarai/Cuareim and Uruguay rivers, and, in the 235 square kilometer Invernada River region, over which tributary represents the legitimate source of the Quarai/Cuareim River

Illicit drugs:

small-scale transit country for drugs mainly bound for Europe, often through sea-borne containers; law enforcement corruption; money laundering because of strict banking secrecy laws; weak border control along Brazilian frontier; increasing consumption of cocaine base and synthetic drugs

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Uzbekistan (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Uzbekistan

Background:

Russia conquered the territory of present-day Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after the Boshevik Revolution was eventually suppressed and a socialist republic established in 1924. During the Soviet era, intensive production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, which have left the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain rivers half dry. Independent since 1991, the country seeks to gradually lessen its dependence on agriculture while developing its mineral and petroleum reserves. Current concerns include terrorism by Islamic militants, economic stagnation, and the curtailment of human rights and democratization.

Geography ::Uzbekistan

Location:

Central Asia, north of Afghanistan

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 N, 64 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 447,400 sq km country comparison to the world: 56 land: 425,400 sq km

water: 22,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 6,221 km

border countries: Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2,203 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,099 km, Tajikistan 1,161 km, Turkmenistan 1,621 km

Coastline:

0 km (doubly landlocked); note - Uzbekistan includes the southern portion of the Aral Sea with a 420 km shoreline

Maritime claims:

none (doubly landlocked)

Climate:

mostly midlatitude desert, long, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid grassland in east

Terrain:

mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad, flat intensely irrigated river valleys along course of Amu Darya, Syr Darya (Sirdaryo), and Zarafshon; Fergana Valley in east surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral Sea in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sariqamish Kuli -12 m

highest point: Adelunga Toghi 4,301 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver, copper, lead and zinc, tungsten, molybdenum

Land use:

arable land: 10.51%

permanent crops: 0.76%

other: 88.73% (2005)

Irrigated land:

42,810 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

72.2 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 58.34 cu km/yr (5%/2%/93%)

per capita: 2,194 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

shrinkage of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and contribute to desertification; water pollution from industrial wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause of many human health disorders; increasing soil salination; soil contamination from buried nuclear processing and agricultural chemicals, including DDT

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

along with Liechtenstein, one of the only two doubly landlocked countries in the world

People ::Uzbekistan

Population:

27,865,738 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 3,970,386/female 3,787,371)

15-64 years: 67% (male 9,191,439/female 9,309,791)

65 years and over: 4.9% (male 576,191/female 770,829) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.2 years

male: 24.7 years

female: 25.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.938% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Birth rate:

17.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Death rate:

5.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Net migration rate:

-2.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 22.66 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 91 male: 26.81 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.24 years country comparison to the world: 124 male: 69.22 years

female: 75.44 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

16,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Nationality:

noun: Uzbekistani

adjective: Uzbekistani

Ethnic groups:

Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak 2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5% (1996 est.)

Religions:

Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Languages:

Uzbek (official) 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.3%

male: 99.6%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 12 years

female: 11 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

9.4% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 7

Government ::Uzbekistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistan

conventional short form: Uzbekistan

local long form: Ozbekiston Respublikasi

local short form: Ozbekiston

former: Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little power outside the executive branch

Capital:

name: Tashkent (Toshkent)

geographic coordinates: 41 20 N, 69 18 E

time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

12 provinces (viloyatlar, singular - viloyat), 1 autonomous
republic* (respublika), and 1 city** (shahar); Andijon Viloyati,
Buxoro Viloyati, Farg'ona Viloyati, Jizzax Viloyati, Namangan
Viloyati, Navoiy Viloyati, Qashqadaryo Viloyati (Qarshi),
Qoraqalpog'iston Respublikasi [Karakalpakstan Republic]* (Nukus),
Samarqand Viloyati, Sirdaryo Viloyati (Guliston), Surxondaryo
Viloyati (Termiz), Toshkent Shahri [Tashkent City]**, Toshkent
Viloyati [Tashkent province], Xorazm Viloyati (Urganch)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

1 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 September (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 8 December 1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Islom KARIMOV (since 24 March 1990, when he was elected president by the then Supreme Soviet; elected president of independent Uzbekistan in 1991)

head of government: Prime Minister Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV (since 11 December 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam AZIMOV (since 2 January 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president with approval of the Supreme Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term; previously was a five-year term, extended by constitutional amendment in 2002); election last held on 23 December 2007 (next to be held in 2014); prime minister, ministers, and deputy ministers appointed by the president

election results: Islom KARIMOV reelected president; percent of vote - Islom KARIMOV 88.1%, Asliddin RUSTAMOV 3.2%, Dilorom T0SHMUHAMEDOVA 2.9%, Akmal SAIDOV 2.6%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Supreme Assembly or Oliy Majlis consists of an upper house or Senate (100 seats; 84 members elected by regional governing councils and 16 appointed by the president; members to serve five-year terms) and a lower house or Legislative Chamber (150 seats; 135 members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms, while 15 spots reserved for the new Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan)

elections: last held on 27 December 2009 and 10 January 2010 (next to be held in December 2014)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Legislative Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LDPU 53, NDP 32, National Rebirth Party 31, Adolat 19

note: all parties in the Supreme Assembly support President KARIMOV

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Supreme Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party [Ismoil SAIFNAZAROV];
Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan [Boriy ALIXONOV, chairman];
Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan or LDPU [Muhammadjon
AHMADJONOV]; National Rebirth Party (Milliy Tiklanish) [Ahtam
TURSUNOV]; People's Democratic Party or NDP (formerly Communist
Party) [Latif GULOMOV]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

there are no significant opposition political parties or pressure groups operating in Uzbekistan

International organization participation:

ADB, CICA, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM,
OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ilxamdjan NEMATOV

chancery: 1746 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 887-5300

FAX: [1] (202) 293-6804

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard B. NORLAND

embassy: 3 Moyqo'rq'on, 5th Block, Yunusobod District, Tashkent 100093

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [998] (71) 120-5450

FAX: [998] (71) 120-6335

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and green separated by red fimbriations with a white crescent moon (closed side to the hoist) and 12 white stars shifted to the hoist on the top band; blue is the color of the Turkic peoples and of the sky, white signifies peace and the striving for purity in thoughts and deeds, while green represents nature and is the color of Islam; the red stripes are the vital force of all living organisms that links good and pure ideas with the eternal sky and with deeds on earth; the crescent represents Islam and the 12 stars the months and constellations of the Uzbek calendar

National anthem:

name: "O'zbekiston Respublikasining Davlat Madhiyasi" (National Anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan)

lyrics/music: Abdulla ARIPOV/Mutal BURHANOV

note: adopted 1992; after the fall of the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan kept the music of the anthem from its time as a Soviet Republic but adopted new lyrics

Economy ::Uzbekistan

Economy - overview:

Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country; 11% of the land is intensely cultivated, in irrigated river valleys. More than 60% of the population lives in densely populated rural communities. Export of hydrocarbons, including natural gas and petroleum, provided about 40% of foreign exchange earnings in 2009. Other major export earners include gold and cotton. Uzbekistan is now the world's second-largest cotton exporter and fifth largest producer; it has come under increasing international criticism for the use of child labor in its annual cotton harvest. Nevertheless, Uzbekistan enjoyed a bumper cotton crop in 2010 amidst record high prices. Following independence in September 1991, the government sought to prop up its Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight controls on production and prices. While aware of the need to improve the investment climate, the government still sponsors measures that often increase, not decrease, its control over business decisions. A sharp increase in the inequality of income distribution has hurt the lower ranks of society since independence. In 2003, the government accepted Article VIII obligations under the IMF, providing for full currency convertibility. However, strict currency controls and tightening of borders have lessened the effects of convertibility and have also led to some shortages that have further stifled economic activity. The Central Bank often delays or restricts convertibility, especially for consumer goods. Potential investment by Russia and China in Uzbekistan's gas and oil industry, as well as increased cooperation with South Korea in the realm of civil aviation, may boost growth prospects. However, decreased demand for natural gas in Europe and Russia in the wake of the global financial crisis could reduce energy-related revenues in the near term. In November 2005, Russian President Vladimir PUTIN and Uzbekistan President KARIMOV signed an "alliance," which included provisions for economic and business cooperation. Russian businesses have shown increased interest in Uzbekistan, especially in mining, telecom, and oil and gas. In 2006, Uzbekistan took steps to rejoin the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Community (EurASEC), which it subsequently left in 2008, both organizations dominated by Russia. In the past Uzbek authorities had accused US and other foreign companies operating in Uzbekistan of violating Uzbek tax laws and have frozen their assets, but no new expropriations occurred in 2008-09. Instead, the Uzbek Government has actively courted several major U.S. and international corporations, offering attractive financing and tax advantages, and has landed a significant US investment in the automotive industry. Although growth slowed in 2009-10, Uzbekistan has seen few other effects from the global economic downturn, primarily due to its relative isolation from the global financial markets.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$86.07 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $79.55 billion (2009 est.)

$73.59 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$37.72 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 8.1% (2009 est.)

9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 $2,900 (2009 est.)

$2,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 21.2%

industry: 32.3%

services: 46.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

16 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 44%

industry: 20%

services: 36% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 1.1% (2009 est.)

note: officially measured by the Ministry of Labor, plus another 20% underemployed

Population below poverty line:

26% (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 29.6% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.8 (2003) country comparison to the world: 80 44.7 (1998)

Public debt:

9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 9.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220 14.1% (2009 est.)

note: official data; based on independent analysis of consumer prices, inflation reached 38% in 2008

Stock of narrow money:

$4.895 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 90 $3.829 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$7.197 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $5.648 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$6.482 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 $5.484 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$715.3 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain; livestock

Industries:

textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy, gold, petroleum, natural gas, chemicals

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Electricity - production:

44.8 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Electricity - consumption:

40.1 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Electricity - exports:

11.52 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

11.44 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

70,910 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Oil - consumption:

145,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Oil - exports:

6,104 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Oil - imports:

35,810 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Oil - proved reserves:

594 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - production:

67.6 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Natural gas - consumption:

52.6 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Natural gas - exports:

15 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.841 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Current account balance:

$5.588 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $3.595 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$13.13 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $10.74 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

energy products, cotton, gold, mineral fertilizers, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, textiles, food products, machinery, automobiles

Exports - partners:

Ukraine 29.91%, Russia 13.94%, Turkey 7.53%, Kazakhstan 7.26%,
Bangladesh 6.83%, China 5.69%, South Korea 4.19% (2009)

Imports:

$9.44 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $9.023 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, ferrous and non-ferrous metals

Imports - partners:

Russia 23.72%, China 20.36%, South Korea 13.03%, Germany 6.09%,
Ukraine 5.39%, Kazakhstan 4.68% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$10.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.236 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 $4.053 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Uzbekistani soum (UZS) per US dollar - 1,588.1 (2010), 1,466.7 (2009), 1,317 (2008), 1,263.8 (2007), 1,219.8 (2006)

Communications ::Uzbekistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.857 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 60

Telephones - mobile cellular:

16.418 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 45

Telephone system:

general assessment: digital exchanges in large cities but still antiquated and inadequate in rural areas

domestic: the state-owned telecommunications company, Uzbektelecom, owner of the fixed line telecommunications system, has used loans from the Japanese government and the China Development Bank to upgrade fixed-line services including conversion to digital exchanges; mobile-cellular services are growing rapidly, with the subscriber base exceeding 16 million in 2009

international: country code - 998; linked by fiber-optic cable or microwave radio relay with CIS member states and to other countries by leased connection via the Moscow international gateway switch; after the completion of the Uzbek link to the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic cable, Uzbekistan plans to establish a fiber-optic connection to Afghanistan (2009)

Broadcast media:

government controls media; 8 state-owned broadcasters - 4 TV and 4 radio - provide service to virtually the entire country; about 20 privately-owned TV stations, overseen by local officials, broadcast to local markets; privately-owned TV stations are required to lease transmitters from the government-owned Republic TV and Radio Industry Corporation and are prohibited from broadcasting live; about 15 privately-owned radio broadcasters; programming content includes news updates, music, call-in talk shows, and other entertainment in a half-Russian, half-Uzbek format mandated for private radio (2007)

Internet country code:

.uz

Internet hosts:

47,718 (2010) country comparison to the world: 89

Internet users:

4.689 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 50

Transportation ::Uzbekistan

Airports:

54 (2010) country comparison to the world: 87

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 33

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 21

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 9,706 km; oil 868 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,645 km country comparison to the world: 47 broad gauge: 3,645 km 1.520-m gauge (620 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 86,496 km country comparison to the world: 56 paved: 75,511 km

unpaved: 10,985 km (2000)

Waterways:

1,100 km (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Ports and terminals:

Termiz (Amu Darya)

Military ::Uzbekistan

Military branches:

Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; 1-year conscript service obligation; moving toward a professional military, but conscription will continue; the military cannot accommodate everyone who wishes to enlist, and competition for entrance into the military is similar to the competition for admission to universities (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,776,645

females age 16-49: 7,783,901 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,456,675

females age 16-49: 6,658,475 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 306,743

female: 299,264 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.5% of GDP (2010) country comparison to the world: 33

Transnational Issues ::Uzbekistan

Disputes - international:

prolonged drought and cotton monoculture in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan creates water-sharing difficulties for Amu Darya river states; field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2004; border delimitation of 130 km of border with Kyrgyzstan is hampered by serious disputes around enclaves and other areas

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 39,202 (Tajikistan); 1,060 (Afghanistan)

IDPs: 3,400 (forced population transfers by government from villages near Tajikistan border) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Uzbekistan is a source country for women and girls trafficked to Kazakhstan, Russia, Middle East, and Asia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Kazakhstan and Russia for purposes of forced labor in the construction, cotton, and tobacco industries; men and women are also trafficked internally for the purposes of domestic servitude, forced labor in the agricultural and construction industries, and for commercial sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Uzbekistan is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in 2007; the government did not amend its criminal code to increase penalties for convicted traffickers; in March 2008, Uzbekistan adopted ILO Conventions on minimum age of employment and on the elimination of the worst forms of child labor and is working with the ILO on implementation; the government also demonstrated its increasing commitment to combat trafficking in March 2008 by adopting a comprehensive anti-trafficking law; Uzbekistan has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and small amounts of opium poppy for domestic consumption; poppy cultivation almost wiped out by government crop eradication program; transit point for heroin precursor chemicals bound for Afghanistan

page last updated on January 24, 2011

======================================================================

@Vanuatu (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Vanuatu

Background:

Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted.

Geography ::Vanuatu

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 S, 167 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 12,189 sq km country comparison to the world: 163 land: 12,189 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,528 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April

Terrain:

mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

Natural resources:

manganese, hardwood forests, fish

Land use:

arable land: 1.64%

permanent crops: 6.97%

other: 91.39% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanic eruption on Aoba (Ambae) island began on 27 November 2005, volcanism also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis

volcanism: Vanuatu experiences significant volcanic activity, with many volcanoes erupting in recent years; Yasur (elev. 361 m, 1,184 ft), one of the world's most active volcanoes, has experienced continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active volcanoes include, Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi, Suretamatai, and Traitor's Head

Environment - current issues:

most of the population does not have access to a reliable supply of potable water; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes

People ::Vanuatu

Population:

221,552 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.7% (male 34,263/female 32,833)

15-64 years: 65.3% (male 72,670/female 69,970)

65 years and over: 4% (male 4,516/female 4,267) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.6 years

male: 24.5 years

female: 24.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.359% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Birth rate:

21.08 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Death rate:

7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 102

Urbanization:

urban population: 25% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 48.17 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 54 male: 50.65 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 45.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.33 years country comparison to the world: 169 male: 62.7 years

female: 66.04 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

adjective: Ni-Vanuatu

Ethnic groups:

Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census)

Religions:

Presbyterian 31.4%, Anglican 13.4%, Roman Catholic 13.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, other Christian 13.8%, indigenous beliefs 5.6% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%, unspecified 1.3% (1999 Census)

Languages:

local languages (more than 100) 72.6%, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama) 23.1%, English (official) 1.9%, French (official) 1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% (1999 Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 74%

male: NA

female: NA (1999 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 11 years

female: 10 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

6.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 24

Government ::Vanuatu

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu

conventional short form: Vanuatu

local long form: Ripablik blong Vanuatu

local short form: Vanuatu

former: New Hebrides

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Port-Vila (on Efate)

geographic coordinates: 17 44 S, 168 19 E

time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba

Independence:

30 July 1980 (from France and the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 July (1980)

Constitution:

30 July 1980

Legal system:

unified system being created from former dual French and British systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Iolu Johnson ABBIL (since 3 September 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Sato KILMAN (since 2 December 2010); note - Edward NATAPEI loses office in a no confidence vote on 2 December 2010

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of parliament and the presidents of the regional councils; election for president last held on 2 September 2009 (next to be held in 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by parliament from among its members; election for prime minister last held on 22 September 2008 (next to be held following general elections in 2012)

election results: Iolu Johnson ABBIL elected president, with 41 votes out of 58, on the third ballot on 2 September 2009

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 September 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - VP 11, NUP 8, UMP 7, VRP 7, PPP 4, GC 2, MPP 1, NA 1, NAG 1, PAP 1, Shepherds Alliance 1, VFFP 1, VLP 1, VNP 1, VPRFP 1, and independent 4; note - political party associations are fluid

note: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of culture and language

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission)

Political parties and leaders:

Greens Confederation or GC [Moana CARCASSES]; Jon Frum Movement or
JF [Song KEASPAI]; Melanesian Progressive Party or MPP [Barak SOPE];
Nagriamel movement or NAG [Havo MOLI]; Namangi Aute or NA [Paul
TELUKLUK]; National United Party or NUP [Ham LINI]; People's Action
Party or PAP [Peter VUTA]; People's Progressive Party or PPP [Sato
KILMAN]; Shepherds Alliance Party [leader NA]; Union of Moderate
Parties or UMP [Serge VOHOR]; Vanua'aku Pati (Our Land Party) or VP
[Edward NATAPEI]; Vanuatu Family First Party or VFFP [Eta RORI];
Vanuatu Labor Party or VLP [Joshua KALSAKAU]; Vanuatu National Party
or VNP [Issac HAMARILIU]; Vanuatu Republican Farmers Party or VPRFP
[Jean RAVOU]; Vanuatu Republican Party or VRP [Maxime Carlot KORMAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF,
OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Vanuatu does not have an embassy in the US; it does, however, have a
Permanent Mission to the UN

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the US ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle); centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed namele fern fronds, all in yellow; red represents the blood of boars and men, green the richness of the islands, and black the ni-Vanuatu people; the yellow Y-shape - which reflects the pattern of the islands in the Pacific Ocean - symbolizes the light of the Gospel spreading through the islands; the boar's tusk is a symbol of prosperity frequently worn as a pendant on the islands; the fern fronds represent peace

National anthem:

name: "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi" (We, We, We)

lyrics/music: Francois Vincent AYSSAV

note: adopted 1980, the anthem is written in Bislama, a Creole language that mixes Pidgin English and French

Economy ::Vanuatu

Economy - overview:

This South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about two-thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with nearly 197,000 visitors in 2008, are other mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main markets and between constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center. In mid-2002, the government stepped up efforts to boost tourism through improved air connections, resort development, and cruise ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a second target for growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main suppliers of tourists and foreign aid.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.216 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 $1.168 billion (2009 est.)

$1.126 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$721 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 3.8% (2009 est.)

6.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 $5,300 (2009 est.)

$5,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 26%

industry: 12%

services: 62% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

115,900 (2007) country comparison to the world: 181

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 65%

industry: 5%

services: 30% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1.7% (1999) country comparison to the world: 9

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Central bank discount rate:

6% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 77 6% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.5% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 5.29% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$229.2 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 171 $177.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$614.2 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 169 $531.6 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$274 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $229.5 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits, vegetables; beef; fish

Industries:

food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning

Electricity - production:

42 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Electricity - consumption:

39.06 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Oil - imports:

654 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Current account balance:

-$60 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Exports:

$40 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 200

Exports - commodities:

copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee

Exports - partners:

Thailand 53.15%, Japan 12.22%, Poland 11.78% (2009)

Imports:

$156 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 203

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels

Imports - partners:

Japan 17.3%, Australia 13.46%, China 12.26%, Singapore 12%, NZ 6.88%, Poland 6.61%, France 5.86%, Fiji 5.52% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$40.54 million (2003) country comparison to the world: 133

Debt - external:

$81.2 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 181

Exchange rates:

vatu (VUV) per US dollar - 97.93 (2009), NA (2007), 111.93 (2006), NA (2005), 111.79 (2004), 122.19 (2003)

Communications ::Vanuatu

Telephones - main lines in use:

7,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 206

Telephones - mobile cellular:

126,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 181

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: country code - 678; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned television station; multi-channel pay TV is available; state-owned Radio Vanuatu operates 2 radio stations; 2 privately-owned radio broadcasters; programming from multiple international broadcasters is accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.vu

Internet hosts:

1,347 (2010) country comparison to the world: 164

Internet users:

17,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 196

Transportation ::Vanuatu

Airports:

31 (2010) country comparison to the world: 114

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 28

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,070 km country comparison to the world: 183 paved: 256 km

unpaved: 814 km (1999)

Merchant marine:

total: 72 country comparison to the world: 60 by type: bulk carrier 35, cargo 5, container 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 26, vehicle carrier 1

foreign-owned: 70 (Australia 2, Belgium 1, Canada 5, Greece 4, Japan 44, Monaco 1, Norway 1, Poland 7, Russia 1, UAE 1, Ukraine 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Forari Bay, Luganville (Santo, Espiritu Santo), Port-Vila

Military ::Vanuatu

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF; includes Police Maritime Wing (PMW)) (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 61,178 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 42,450

females age 16-49: 43,894 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,346

female: 2,249 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Vanuatu

Disputes - international:

Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by Vanuatu and France

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Venezuela (South America)

Introduction ::Venezuela

Background:

Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959. Hugo CHAVEZ, president since 1999, seeks to implement his "21st Century Socialism," which purports to alleviate social ills while at the same time attacking capitalist globalization and existing democratic institutions. Current concerns include: a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian border, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

Geography ::Venezuela

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North
Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 66 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 912,050 sq km country comparison to the world: 33 land: 882,050 sq km

water: 30,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,993 km

border countries: Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km

Coastline:

2,800 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 15 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Terrain:

Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Pico Bolivar 5,007 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds

Land use:

arable land: 2.85%

permanent crops: 0.88%

other: 96.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

5,750 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,233.2 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.37 cu km/yr (6%/7%/47%)

per capita: 313 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation; urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean coast; threat to the rainforest ecosystem from irresponsible mining operations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed but not ratified:: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

on major sea and air routes linking North and South America; Angel Falls in the Guiana Highlands is the world's highest waterfall

People ::Venezuela

Population:

27,223,228 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.5% (male 4,157,194/female 4,022,595)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 8,480,872/female 8,754,620)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 620,657/female 778,905) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.8 years

male: 25.1 years

female: 26.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.515% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Birth rate:

20.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Death rate:

5.14 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Urbanization:

urban population: 93% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.07 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 96 male: 24.6 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 17.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.77 years country comparison to the world: 109 male: 70.69 years

female: 77 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.45 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.7%; note - no country specific models provided (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

110,000 (1999 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Venezuelan(s)

adjective: Venezuelan

Ethnic groups:

Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Languages:

Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93%

male: 93.3%

female: 92.7% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 15 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 122

Government ::Venezuela

Country name:

conventional long form: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

conventional short form: Venezuela

local long form: Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela

local short form: Venezuela

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Caracas

geographic coordinates: 10 30 N, 66 56 W

time difference: UTC-4.5 (half an hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 capital district* (distrito capital), and 1 federal dependency** (dependencia federal); Amazonas, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua, Barinas, Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales (Federal Dependencies)**, Distrito Capital (Capital District)*, Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Vargas, Yaracuy, Zulia

note: the federal dependency consists of 11 federally controlled island groups with a total of 72 individual islands

Independence:

5 July 1811 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 5 July (1811)

Constitution:

30 December 1999

Legal system:

open, adversarial court system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February 1999); Executive Vice President Elias JAUA Milano (since 26 January 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February 1999); Executive Vice President Elias JAUA Milano (since 26 January 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for unlimited reelection); election last held on 3 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2012)

note: in 1999, a National Constituent Assembly drafted a new constitution that increased the presidential term to six years; an election was subsequently held on 30 July 2000 under the terms of this constitution; in 2009, a national referendum approved the elimination of term limits on all elected officials, including the presidency

election results: Hugo CHAVEZ Frias reelected president; percent of vote - Hugo CHAVEZ Frias 62.9%, Manuel ROSALES 36.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (165 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; three seats reserved for the indigenous peoples of Venezuela)

elections: last held on 26 September 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - pro-government 48.9%, opposition coalition 47.9%, other 3.2%; seats by party - pro-government 98, opposition 65, other 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (32 magistrates are elected by the National Assembly for a single 12-year term)

Political parties and leaders:

A New Time or UNT [Omar BARBOZA]; Brave People's Alliance or ABP
[Oscar PEREZ]; Christian Democrats or COPEI [Luis Ignacio PLANAS];
Communist Party of Venezuela or PCV [Oscar FIGUERA]; Democratic
Action or AD [Henry RAMOS Allup]; Fatherland for All or PPT [Jose
ALBORNOZ]; For Social Democracy or PODEMOS [Ramon MARTINEZ]; Justice
First [Julio BORGES]; Movement Toward Socialism or MAS [Felipe
MUJICA]; United Socialist Party of Venezuela or PSUV [Hugo CHAVEZ];
Venezuela Project or PV [Henrique SALAS Romer]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; VECINOS groups; Venezuelan Confederation of Workers or CTV (labor organization dominated by the Democratic Action)

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), CDB, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, LAS
(observer), Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
OPEC, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bernardo ALVAREZ Herrera

chancery: 1099 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 342-2214

FAX: [1] (202) 342-6820

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)

embassy: Calle F con Calle Suapure, Urbanizacion Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas 1080

mailing address: P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A; APO AA 34037

telephone: [58] (212) 975-6411, 907-8400 (after hours)

FAX: [58] (212) 907-8199

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and red with the coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band and an arc of eight white five-pointed stars centered in the blue band; the flag retains the three equal horizontal bands and three main colors of the banner of Gran Colombia, the South American republic that broke up in 1830; yellow is interpreted as standing for the riches of the land, blue for the courage of its people, and red for the blood shed in attaining independence; the seven stars on the original flag represented the seven provinces in Venezuela that united in the war of independence; in 2006, President Hugo CHAVEZ ordered an eighth star added to the star arc - a decision that sparked much controversy

National anthem:

name: "Gloria al bravo pueblo" (Glory to the Brave Nation)

lyrics/music: Vicente SALIAS/Juan Jose LANDAETA

note: adopted 1881; the lyrics were written in 1810, the music some years later; both SALIAS and LANDAETA were executed in 1814 during Venezuela's struggle for independence

Economy ::Venezuela

Economy - overview:

Venezuela remains highly dependent on oil revenues, which account for roughly 95% of export earnings, about 55% of the federal budget revenues, and around 30% of GDP. A nationwide strike between December 2002 and February 2003 had far-reaching economic consequences - real GDP declined by around 9% in 2002 and 8% in 2003 - but economic output since then has recovered strongly. Fueled by high oil prices, record government spending helped to boost GDP by about 10% in 2006, 8% in 2007, and nearly 5% in 2008, before a sharp drop in oil prices caused a contraction in 2009-10. This spending, combined with recent minimum wage hikes and improved access to domestic credit, has created a consumption boom but has come at the cost of higher inflation - roughly 32% in 2008, and slowing only slightly to 30% in 2010, despite the lengthy downturn. Imports also jumped significantly before the recession of 2009. President Hugo CHAVEZ's continued efforts to increase the government's control of the economy by nationalizing firms in the agribusiness, financial, construction, oil, and steel sectors have hurt the private investment environment, reduced productive capacity, and slowed non-petroleum exports. In the first half of 2010 Venezuela faced the prospect of lengthy nationwide blackouts when its main hydroelectric power plant - which provides more than 35% of the country's electricity - nearly shut down. In January, 2010, CHAVEZ announced a dual exchange rate system for the bolivar and closed the unofficial foreign exchange market - the "parallel" market - in an effort to stem inflation and slow the currency's depreciation. The foreign exchange system offers a 2.6 bolivar per dollar rate for imports of essentials, including food, medicine, and industrial machinery, and a 4.3 bolivar per dollar rate for imports of other products, including cars and telephones.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$344.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $354.1 billion (2009 est.)

$366.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$285.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-2.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207 -3.3% (2009 est.)

4.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $13,200 (2009 est.)

$13,900 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.1%

industry: 34.9%

services: 61.1% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

13.3 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13%

industry: 23%

services: 64% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130 7.9% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

37.9% (yearend 2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.7%

highest 10%: 32.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41 (2009) country comparison to the world: 57 49.5 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

16.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Public debt:

25.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 18% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

29.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224 27.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

29.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 3 33.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

19.89% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 22.37% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$69.36 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 37 $93.19 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$78.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $107 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$54.22 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $75.87 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$8.251 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish

Industries:

petroleum, construction materials, food processing, textiles; iron ore mining, steel, aluminum; motor vehicle assembly

Industrial production growth rate:

-8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Electricity - production:

113.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Electricity - consumption:

83.02 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Electricity - exports:

540 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.651 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

2.472 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Oil - consumption:

740,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Oil - exports:

2.182 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Oil - proved reserves:

97.77 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Natural gas - production:

23.06 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Natural gas - consumption:

24.86 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - imports:

1.8 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Natural gas - proved reserves:

4.983 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Current account balance:

$22.07 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $8.561 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$64.87 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $57.6 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, bauxite and aluminum, minerals, chemicals, agricultural products, basic manufactures

Exports - partners:

US 35.18%, Netherlands Antilles 8.56%

note: excludes oil exports; Venezuela last published petroleum figures by country in 2008 (2009)

Imports:

$31.37 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $38.44 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

agricultural products, raw materials, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, construction materials

Imports - partners:

US 23.66%, Colombia 14.43%, Brazil 9.13%, China 8.44%, Mexico 5.47% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$29.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$55.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $53.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$37.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $41.21 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$20.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $17.67 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

bolivars (VEB) per US dollar - 4.3039 (2010), 2.1522 (2009), 2.147 (2008), 2,147 (2007), 2,147 (2006)

Communications ::Venezuela

Telephones - main lines in use:

6.867 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 28

Telephones - mobile cellular:

28.124 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 32

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern and expanding

domestic: domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations; recent substantial improvement in telephone service in rural areas; substantial increase in digitalization of exchanges and trunk lines; installation of a national interurban fiber-optic network capable of digital multimedia services; combined fixed and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership 130 per 100 persons

international: country code - 58; submarine cable systems provide connectivity to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and US; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 PanAmSat; participating with Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia in the construction of an international fiber-optic network (2009)

Broadcast media:

government supervises a mixture of state-run and private broadcast media; 1 state-run television network, 4 privately-owned TV networks, and a government-backed pan-American channel; state-run radio network includes 15 stations; large number of private broadcast radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.ve

Internet hosts:

238,665 (2010) country comparison to the world: 64

Internet users:

8.918 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 32

Transportation ::Venezuela

Airports:

409 (2010) country comparison to the world: 20

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 129

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 34

914 to 1,523 m: 63

under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 280

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 91

under 914 m: 172 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

extra heavy crude 980 km; gas 5,258 km; oil 6,695 km; refined products 1,484 km; unknown 141 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 806 km country comparison to the world: 101 standard gauge: 806 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 96,155 km country comparison to the world: 47 paved: 32,308 km

unpaved: 63,847 km (2002)

Waterways:

7,100 km country comparison to the world: 21 note: Orinoco River (400 km) and Lake de Maracaibo navigable by oceangoing vessels (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 59 country comparison to the world: 66 by type: bulk carrier 5, cargo 15, chemical tanker 5, liquefied gas 5, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 12, petroleum tanker 16

foreign-owned: 10 (Denmark 1, Estonia 1, Germany 1, Greece 4, Mexico 1, Norway 1, Spain 1)

registered in other countries: 9 (Panama 8, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

La Guaira, Maracaibo, Puerto Cabello, Punta Cardon

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Caribbean Sea as a significant risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Venezuela

Military branches:

National Bolivarian Armed Forces (Fuerza Armada Nacional
Bolivariana, FANB): Bolivarian Army (Ejercito Bolivariano, EB),
Bolivarian Navy (Armada Bolivariana, AB); includes Naval Infantry,
Coast Guard, Naval Aviation), Bolivarian Military Aviation (Aviacion
Militar Bolivariana, AMB), Bolivarian National Guard (Guardia
Nacional Bolivaria, GNB), Bolivarian Militia (Milicia Bolivariana,
MB) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; 30-month conscript service obligation; all citizens of military service age (18-60 years old) are obligated to register for military service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,891,648

females age 16-49: 7,047,565 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,504,152

females age 16-49: 5,976,339 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 276,612

female: 273,819 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Transnational Issues ::Venezuela

Disputes - international:

claims all of the area west of the Essequibo River in Guyana, preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana has expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims before the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into their waters; dispute with Colombia over maritime boundary and Venezuelan-administered Los Monjes islands near the Gulf of Venezuela; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics and paramilitary activities penetrate Venezuela's shared border region; in 2006, an estimated 139,000 Colombians sought protection in 150 communities along the border in Venezuela; US, France, and the Netherlands recognize Venezuela's granting full effect to Aves Island, thereby claiming a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf extending over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea; Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines protest Venezuela's full effect claim

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Venezuela is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; Venezuelan women and girls are trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation, lured from the nation's interior to urban and tourist areas; child prostitution in urban areas and child sex tourism in resort destinations appear to be growing; Venezuelan women and girls are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation to Western Europe, Mexico, and Caribbean destinations

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Venezuela is placed on the Tier 2 Watch List, up from Tier 3, as it showed greater resolve to address trafficking through law enforcement measures and prevention efforts in 2007, although stringent punishment of offenders and victim assistance remain lacking (2008)

Illicit drugs:

small-scale illicit producer of opium and coca for the processing of opiates and coca derivatives; however, large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana transit the country from Colombia bound for US and Europe; significant narcotics-related money-laundering activity, especially along the border with Colombia and on Margarita Island; active eradication program primarily targeting opium; increasing signs of drug-related activities by Colombian insurgents on border

page last updated on January 24, 2011

======================================================================

@Vietnam (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Vietnam

Background:

The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but France continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by Communist forces under Ho Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the Communist North and anti-Communist South. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country under Communist rule. Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the country experienced little economic growth because of conservative leadership policies, the persecution and mass exodus of individuals - many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants - and growing international isolation. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, Vietnamese authorities have committed to increased economic liberalization and enacted structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The Communist leaders, however, maintain control on political expression and have resisted outside calls to improve human rights. The country continues to experience small-scale protests from various groups, the vast majority connected to land-use issues, calls for increased political space and the lack of equitable mechanisms for resolving disputes. Various ethnic minorities, such as the Montagnards of the Central Highlands and the Khmer Krom in the southern delta region, have also held protests.

Geography ::Vietnam

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia

Geographic coordinates:

16 10 N, 107 50 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 331,210 sq km country comparison to the world: 65 land: 310,070 sq km

water: 21,140 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 4,639 km

border countries: Cambodia 1,228 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 2,130 km

Coastline:

3,444 km (excludes islands)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)

Terrain:

low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands; hilly, mountainous in far north and northwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 20.14%

permanent crops: 6.93%

other: 72.93% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

891.2 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 71.39 cu km/yr (8%/24%/68%)

per capita: 847 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding, especially in the Mekong River delta

Environment - current issues:

logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices contribute to deforestation and soil degradation; water pollution and overfishing threaten marine life populations; groundwater contamination limits potable water supply; growing urban industrialization and population migration are rapidly degrading environment in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

extending 1,650 km north to south, the country is only 50 km across at its narrowest point

People ::Vietnam

Population:

89,571,130 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.1% (male 12,069,408/female 11,033,738)

15-64 years: 68.3% (male 30,149,986/female 30,392,043)

65 years and over: 5.6% (male 1,892,505/female 3,039,078) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.4 years

male: 26.4 years

female: 28.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.096% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Birth rate:

17.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Death rate:

5.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Net migration rate:

-0.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Urbanization:

urban population: 28% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.115 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 95 male: 21.95 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 21.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.94 years country comparison to the world: 127 male: 69.48 years

female: 74.69 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.93 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

290,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

24,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, and plague

water contact disease: leptospirosis

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)

adjective: Vietnamese

Ethnic groups:

Kinh (Viet) 86.2%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.7%, Muong 1.5%, Khome 1.4%, Hoa 1.1%, Nun 1.1%, Hmong 1%, others 4.1% (1999 census)

Religions:

Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census)

Languages:

Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 90.3%

male: 93.9%

female: 86.9% (2002 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 11 years

female: 10 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

5.3% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 55

Government ::Vietnam

Country name:

conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnam

conventional short form: Vietnam

local long form: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam

local short form: Viet Nam

abbreviation: SRV

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

name: Hanoi (Ha Noi)

geographic coordinates: 21 02 N, 105 51 E

time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

58 provinces (tinh, singular and plural) and 5 municipalities (thanh pho, singular and plural)

provinces: An Giang, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Bac Lieu, Bac Ninh, Ba
Ria-Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Binh
Thuan, Ca Mau, Cao Bang, Dac Lak, Dac Nong, Dien Bien, Dong Nai,
Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Ha Nam, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong, Hau Giang,
Hoa Binh, Hung Yen, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam
Dong, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh
Thuan, Phu Tho, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang
Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thai
Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen
Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phuc, Yen Bai

municipalities: Can Tho, Da Nang, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City

Independence:

2 September 1945 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 2 September (1945)

Constitution:

15 April 1992

Legal system:

based on communist legal theory and French civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nguyen Minh TRIET (since 27 June 2006); Vice President Nguyen Thi DOAN (since 25 July 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan DUNG (since 27 June 2006); Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh HUNG (since 28 June 2006), Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung HAI (since 2 August 2007), Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien NHAN (since 2 August 2007), Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia KHIEM (since 28 June 2006), and Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh TRONG (since 28 June 2006)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president based on proposal of prime minister and confirmed by National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the National Assembly from among its members for five-year term; last election held 27 June 2006 (next to be held in January 2011); prime minister appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers appointed by the prime minister; appointment of prime minister and deputy prime ministers confirmed by National Assembly

election results: Nguyen Minh TRIET elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 94%; Nguyen Tan DUNG elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - 92%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Quoc Hoi (493 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPV 450, non-party CPV-approved 42, self-nominated 1; note - 493 candidates were elected; CPV and non-party CPV-approved delegates were members of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front

Judicial branch:

Supreme People's Court (chief justice is elected by the National
Assembly on the recommendation of the president for a five-year term)

Political parties and leaders:

Communist Party of Vietnam or CPV [Nong Duc MANH]; other parties proscribed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

8406 Bloc; Democratic Party of Vietnam or DPV; People's Democratic Party Vietnam or PDP-VN; Alliance for Democracy

note: these groups advocate democracy but are not recognized by the government

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Le Cong PHUNG

chancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737

FAX: [1] (202) 861-0917

consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael W. MICHALAK

embassy: 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

mailing address: PSC 461, Box 400, FPO AP 96521-0002

telephone: [84] (4) 3850-5000

FAX: [84] (4) 3850-5010

consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City

Flag description:

red field with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center; red symbolizes revolution and blood, the five-pointed star represents the five elements of the populace - peasants, workers, intellectuals, traders, and soldiers - that unite to build socialism

National anthem:

name: "Tien quan ca" (The Song of the Marching Troops)

lyrics/music: Nguyen Van CAO

note: adopted as the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945; it became the national anthem of the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976; although it consists of two verses, only the first is used as the official anthem

Economy ::Vietnam

Economy - overview:

Vietnam is a densely-populated developing country that in the last 30 years has had to recover from the ravages of war, the loss of financial support from the old Soviet Bloc, and the rigidities of a centrally-planned economy. Vietnamese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to economic liberalization and international integration. They have moved to implement the structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive export-driven industries. Vietnam joined the WTO in January 2007 following more than a decade-long negotiation process. WTO membership has provided Vietnam an anchor to the global market and reinforced the domestic economic reform process. Agriculture's share of economic output has continued to shrink from about 25% in 2000 to about 21% in 2009. Deep poverty has declined significantly and Vietnam is working to create jobs to meet the challenge of a labor force that is growing by more than one million people every year. The global recession has hurt Vietnam's export-oriented economy with GDP growing less than the 7% per annum average achieved during the last decade. In 2009 exports fell nearly 10% year-on-year, prompting the government to consider adjustments to tariffs to limit the trade deficit. The government has used stimulus spending, including a subsidized lending program, to help the economy through the global financial crisis. Vietnam's managed currency, the dong, faced downward pressure during the recession and the government devalued it by nearly 7% in December 2009. Foreign donors pledged $8 billion in new development assistance for 2010. Export growth resumed in 2010, driving GDP upward. However, Hanoi has struggled to control one of the region's highest inflation rates, which stands at 11.1% with interest hikes and multiple devaluations of the dong. Vietnam's economy faces higher lending rates, additional IMF scrutiny, domestic inflationary pressures, and an underperforming stock market.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$278.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $260.3 billion (2009 est.)

$247.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$102 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 5.3% (2009 est.)

6.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 $2,900 (2009 est.)

$2,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 20.5%

industry: 40.2%

services: 39.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

47.49 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 51.8%

industry: 15.4%

services: 32.7% (April 2009)

Unemployment rate:

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 6.5% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12.3% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.1%

highest 10%: 29.8% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37 (2004) country comparison to the world: 78 36.1 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

35.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Public debt:

53.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 52.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201 7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 43 10.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.78% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 81 11.18% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$33.76 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 53 $31.75 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$118.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $107.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$132.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $114.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$21.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $9.589 billion (31 December 2008)

$19.54 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

paddy rice, coffee, rubber, cotton, tea, pepper, soybeans, cashews, sugar cane, peanuts, bananas; poultry; fish, seafood

Industries:

food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building; mining, coal, steel; cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, paper

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Electricity - production:

86.9 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Electricity - consumption:

74.5 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Electricity - exports:

535 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.85 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:

338,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Oil - consumption:

302,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Oil - exports:

29,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Oil - imports:

134,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Oil - proved reserves:

4.7 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Natural gas - production:

7.9 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - consumption:

8.1 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - imports:

380,000 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - proved reserves:

610 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Current account balance:

-$9.622 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 -$7.44 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$70.76 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $57.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea, garments, shoes

Exports - partners:

US 21.43%, Japan 11.44%, China 7.27%, Australia 4.43%, Germany 4.27% (2009)

Imports:

$81.73 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $65.4 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer, steel products, raw cotton, grain, cement, motorcycles

Imports - partners:

China 16.42%, Singapore 9.61%, Japan 8.96%, Taiwan 8.23%, South
Korea 7.72%, Thailand 6.41%, Hong Kong 4.45%, US 4.27% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$16.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $16.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$33.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $27.84 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$59.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $49.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$7.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $NA (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

dong (VND) per US dollar - 19,148.9 (2010), 17,799.6 (2009), 16,548.3 (2008), 16,119 (2007), 15,983 (2006)

Communications ::Vietnam

Telephones - main lines in use:

17.427 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 17

Telephones - mobile cellular:

98.224 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 10

Telephone system:

general assessment: Vietnam is putting considerable effort into modernization and expansion of its telecommunication system

domestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or microwave radio relay networks; main lines have been increased, and the use of mobile telephones is growing rapidly

international: country code - 84; a landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3, the C2C, and Thailand-Vietnam-Hong Kong submarine cable systems; the Asia-America Gateway submarine cable system, scheduled for completion by the end of 2008, will provide new access links to Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)

Broadcast media:

government controls all broadcast media exercising oversight through the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC); government-controlled national television provider, Vietnam Television (VTV), operates a network of 9 channels with several regional broadcasting centers; programming is relayed nationwide via a network of provincial and municipal TV stations; law limits access to satellite TV but many households are able to access foreign programming via home satellite equipment; government-controlled Voice of Vietnam, the national radio broadcaster, broadcasts on 6 channels and is repeated on AM, FM, and shortwave stations throughout Vietnam (2008)

Internet country code:

.vn

Internet hosts:

129,318 (2010) country comparison to the world: 73

Internet users:

23.382 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 17

Transportation ::Vietnam

Airports:

44 (2010) country comparison to the world: 98

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 37

over 3,047 m: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate/gas 42 km; gas 66 km; refined products 206 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,347 km country comparison to the world: 67 standard gauge: 178 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 2,169 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 171,392 km country comparison to the world: 29 paved: 125,789 km

unpaved: 45,603 km (2008)

Waterways:

17,702 km (5,000 km navigable by vessels up to 1.8 m draft) (2011) country comparison to the world: 7

Merchant marine:

total: 537 country comparison to the world: 21 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 103, cargo 330, chemical tanker 24, container 20, liquefied gas 7, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 46, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1

registered in other countries: 84 (Cambodia 1, Honduras 1, Liberia 3, Mongolia 34, Panama 37, Taiwan 1, Tuvalu 6, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Cam Pha Port, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu My, Quy Nhon

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Military ::Vietnam

Military branches:

People's Armed Forces: People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) (includes
People's Navy Command (with Naval Infantry, Coast Guard), Air and
Air Defense Force (Khong Quan Nhan Dan), Border Defense Command),
People's Public Security Forces, Militia Force, Self-Defense Forces
(2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (male) for compulsory military service; females may volunteer for active duty military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (3 to 4 years in the navy); 18-45 years of age (male) or 18-40 years of age (female) for Militia Force or Self Defense Forces (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 25,402,395

females age 16-49: 24,834,928 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,153,269

females age 16-49: 20,980,830 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 877,075

female: 816,076 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Transnational Issues ::Vietnam

Disputes - international:

southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; Cambodia and Laos protest Vietnamese squatters and armed encroachments along border; an estimated 300,000 Vietnamese refugees reside in China; establishment of a maritime boundary with Cambodia is hampered by unresolved dispute over the sovereignty of offshore islands; the decade-long demarcation of the China-Vietnam land boundary was completed in 2009; China occupies the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; involved in complex dispute with Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan over the Spratly Islands; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; Vietnam continues to expand construction of facilities in the Spratly Islands; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands

Illicit drugs:

minor producer of opium poppy; probable minor transit point for Southeast Asian heroin; government continues to face domestic opium/heroin/methamphetamine addiction problems despite longstanding crackdowns

page last updated on January 19, 2011

======================================================================

@Virgin Islands (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Virgin Islands

Background:

During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.

Geography ::Virgin Islands

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 20 N, 64 50 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 1,910 sq km country comparison to the world: 181 land: 346 sq km

water: 1,564 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

188 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November

Terrain:

mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m

Natural resources:

sun, sand, sea, surf

Land use:

arable land: 5.71%

permanent crops: 2.86%

other: 91.43% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

lack of natural freshwater resources

Geography - note:

important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean

People ::Virgin Islands

Population:

109,750 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.4% (male 11,394/female 11,048)

15-64 years: 65.9% (male 33,843/female 38,574)

65 years and over: 13.6% (male 6,747/female 8,219) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.8 years

male: 39.2 years

female: 40.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.072% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Birth rate:

11.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Death rate:

6.96 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Net migration rate:

-5.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Urbanization:

urban population: 95% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 166 male: 8.14 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.19 years country comparison to the world: 38 male: 76.14 years

female: 82.41 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.81 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Virgin Islander

Ethnic groups:

black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%, mixed 3.5% (2000 census)

Religions:

Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7%

Languages:

English 74.7%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 16.8%, French or French
Creole 6.6%, other 1.9% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 90-95% est.

male: NA

female: NA (2005 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Virgin Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: United States Virgin Islands

conventional short form: Virgin Islands

former: Danish West Indies

abbreviation: USVI

Dependency status:

organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Charlotte Amalie

geographic coordinates: 18 21 N, 64 56 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

National holiday:

Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 31 March (1917)

Constitution:

Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954

Legal system:

based on US laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor John DeJONGH (since 1 January 2007)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Virgin Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2014)

election results: John DeJONGH reelected governor; percent of vote - John DeJONGH 56.3%, Kenneth MAPP 43.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Senate (15 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 10, ICM 2, independent 3

note: the Virgin Islands elects one non-voting representative to the US House of Representatives; election last held 2 November 2010 (next to be held on November 2012)

Judicial branch:

US District Court of the Virgin Islands (under Third Circuit jurisdiction); Superior Court of the Virgin Islands (judges appointed by the governor for 10-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Arturo WATLINGTON]; Independent Citizens' Movement or ICM [Usie RICHARDS]; Republican Party [Gary SPRAUVE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

IOC, UPU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

white field with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows a yellow eagle holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in the left with a superimposed shield of seven red and six white vertical stripes below a blue panel; white is a symbol of purity, the letters stand for the Virgin Islands

National anthem:

name: "Virgin Islands March"

lyrics/music: multiple/Alton Augustus ADAMS, Sr.

note: adopted 1963; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Economy ::Virgin Islands

Economy - overview:

Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP and employment. The islands hosted 2.4 million visitors in 2008. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, rum distilling, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly. One of the world's largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are small but growing components of the economy. The islands are vulnerable to substantial damage from storms. The government is working to improve fiscal discipline, to support construction projects in the private sector, to expand tourist facilities, to reduce crime, and to protect the environment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.577 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,500 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 19%

services: 80% (2003 est.)

Labor force:

49,820 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 19%

services: 80% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.2% (2004) country comparison to the world: 59

Population below poverty line:

28.9% (2002)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2003) country comparison to the world: 62

Agriculture - products:

fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle

Industries:

tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

776.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Electricity - consumption:

722 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

16,870 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Oil - consumption:

88,820 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Oil - exports:

388,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Oil - imports:

480,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Exports:

$4.234 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 116

Exports - commodities:

refined petroleum products

Imports:

$4.609 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 120

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Virgin Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

75,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 150

Telephones - mobile cellular:

80,300 (2005) country comparison to the world: 190

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system with total digital switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay

domestic: full range of services available

international: country code - 1-340; submarine cable connections to US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth stations - NA

Broadcast media:

about a dozen television broadcast stations including 1 public TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; 24 radio stations broadcasting (2009)

Internet country code:

.vi

Internet hosts:

8,933 (2010) country comparison to the world: 129

Internet users:

30,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 180

Transportation ::Virgin Islands

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 201

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,260 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 179

Ports and terminals:

Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Frederiksted, Limetree Bay

Military ::Virgin Islands

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 17,675

females age 16-49: 21,070 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 805

female: 849 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Virgin Islands

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@Wake Island (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Wake Island

Background:

The US annexed Wake Island in 1899 for a cable station. An important air and naval base was constructed in 1940-41. In December 1941, the island was captured by the Japanese and held until the end of World War II. In subsequent years, Wake was developed as a stopover and refueling site for military and commercial aircraft transiting the Pacific. Since 1974, the island's airstrip has been used by the US military, as well as for emergency landings. Although operations on the island were suspended and all personnel evacuated in August 2006 with the approach of super typhoon IOKE (category 5), damage was comparatively minor. A US Air Force repair team restored full capability to the airfield and facilities, which remains a vital strategic link in the Pacific region.

Geography ::Wake Island

Location:

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands

Geographic coordinates:

19 17 N, 166 39 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 6.5 sq km country comparison to the world: 243 land: 6.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

19.3 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

atoll of three low coral islands, Peale, Wake, and Wilkes, built up on an underwater volcano; central lagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 6 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing location for transpacific flights

People ::Wake Island

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: approximately 150 military personnel and civilian contractors maintain and operate the airfield and communications facilities (2009)

Government ::Wake Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Wake Island

Dependency status:

unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Department of the Interior; activities in the atoll are currently conducted by the US Air Force

Legal system:

the laws of the US where applicable apply

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy ::Wake Island

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to providing services to military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must be imported.

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Communications ::Wake Island

Telephone system:

general assessment: satellite communications; 2 DSN circuits off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); located in the Hawaii area code - 808

domestic: NA

international: NA

Broadcast media:

American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio/television broadcasts (2009)

Transportation ::Wake Island

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 212

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

none; two offshore anchorages for large ships

Transportation - note:

there are no commercial or civilian flights to and from Wake Island, except in direct support of island missions; emergency landing is available

Military ::Wake Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US; the US Air Force is responsible for overall administration and operation of the island facilities; the launch support facility is administered by the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

Transnational Issues ::Wake Island

Disputes - international:

claimed by Marshall Islands

page last updated on December 28, 2010

======================================================================

@Wallis and Futuna (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Wallis and Futuna

Background:

The Futuna island group was discovered by the Dutch in 1616 and Wallis by the British in 1767, but it was the French who declared a protectorate over the islands in 1842. In 1959, the inhabitants of the islands voted to become a French overseas territory.

Geography ::Wallis and Futuna

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

13 18 S, 176 12 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 142 sq km country comparison to the world: 220 land: 142 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), Ile Alofi, and 20 islets

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

129 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April); cool, dry season (May to October); rains 2,500-3,000 mm per year (80% humidity); average temperature 26.6 degrees C

Terrain:

volcanic origin; low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Singavi (on Futuna) 765 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 7.14%

permanent crops: 35.71%

other: 57.15% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (only small portions of the original forests remain) largely as a result of the continued use of wood as the main fuel source; as a consequence of cutting down the forests, the mountainous terrain of Futuna is particularly prone to erosion; there are no permanent settlements on Alofi because of the lack of natural fresh water resources

Geography - note:

both island groups have fringing reefs

People ::Wallis and Futuna

Population:

15,343 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.7% (male 2,141/female 1,935)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 5,069/female 5,065)

65 years and over: 7.1% (male 488/female 591) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.9 years

male: 26.8 years

female: 29.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.365% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Birth rate:

14.08 births/1,000 population NA country comparison to the world: 149

Death rate:

4.56 deaths/1,000 population NA country comparison to the world: 198

Net migration rate:

-5.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 204 note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New Caledonia (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 0% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.74 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 189 male: 4.98 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.83 years country comparison to the world: 40 male: 75.85 years

female: 81.96 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.84 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders

adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Languages:

Wallisian 58.9% (indigenous Polynesian language), Futunian 30.1%,
French (official) 10.8%, other 0.2% (2003 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 50%

male: 50%

female: 50% (1969 est.)

Government ::Wallis and Futuna

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands

conventional short form: Wallis and Futuna

local long form: Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna

local short form: Wallis et Futuna

Dependency status:

overseas territory of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)

geographic coordinates: 13 57 S, 171 56 W

time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three kingdoms at the second order named Alo, Sigave, Wallis

Independence:

none (overseas territory of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by High Administrator Michel JEANJEAN (since 10 June 2010)

head of government: President of the Territorial Assembly Victor BRIAL (since 11 December 2007)

cabinet: Council of the Territory consists of 3 kings and 3 members appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the Territorial Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) note: there are 3 traditional kings with limited powers

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; high administrator appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly elected by the members of the assembly

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 April 2007 (next to be held in April 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 13, other 7

note: Wallis and Futuna elects one senator to the French Senate and one deputy to the French National Assembly; French Senate - elections last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held by September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats - UMP 1; French National Assembly - elections last held on 17 June 2007 (next to be held by 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats - PS 1

Judicial branch:

justice generally administered under French law by the high administrator, but the three traditional kings administer customary law and there is a magistrate in Mata-Utu; a court of appeal is located in Noumea, New Caledonia

Political parties and leaders:

Lua Kae Tahi (Giscardians); Mouvement des Radicaux de Gauche or MRG;
Rally for the Republic or RPR (UMP); Socialist Party or PS; Taumu'a
Lelei; Union Populaire Locale or UPL; Union Pour la Democratie
Francaise or UDF

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

PIF (observer), SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

unofficial, local flag has a red field with four white isosceles triangles in the middle, representing the three native kings of the islands and the French administrator; the apexes of the triangles are oriented inward and at right angles to each other; the flag of France, outlined in white on two sides, is in the upper hoist quadrant

note: the design is derived from an original red banner with a white cross pattee that was introduced in the 19th century by French missionaries; the flag of France used for official occasions

National anthem:

note: as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::Wallis and Futuna

Economy - overview:

The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about 80% of labor force earnings from agriculture (coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing. About 4% of the population is employed in government. Revenues come from French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South Korea, import taxes, and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$60 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 222

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,800 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

3,104 (2003) country comparison to the world: 222

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80%

industry: 4%

services: 16% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15.2% (2003) country comparison to the world: 152

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

5.6% of GDP (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.8% (2005) country comparison to the world: 87

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, breadfruit, yams, taro, bananas; pigs, goats; fish

Industries:

copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumber

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2002)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2002)

Exports:

$47,450 (2004) country comparison to the world: 222

Exports - commodities:

copra, chemicals, construction materials

Imports:

$61.17 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 215

Imports - commodities:

chemicals, machinery, consumer goods

Debt - external:

$3.67 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 193

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004), 105.66 (2003)

Communications ::Wallis and Futuna

Telephones - main lines in use:

3,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 218

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: country code - 681

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which broadcasts to France's overseas departments and territories, is carried on the RFO Wallis and Fortuna television and radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.wf

Internet hosts:

1,734 (2010) country comparison to the world: 156

Internet users:

1,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 211

Transportation ::Wallis and Futuna

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 200

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 8 country comparison to the world: 122 by type: chemical tanker 2, passenger 6

foreign-owned: 8 (France 6, French Polynesia 2) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Leava, Mata-Utu

Military ::Wallis and Futuna

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,326

females age 16-49: 3,305 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 178

female: 153 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::Wallis and Futuna

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 11, 2011

======================================================================

@West Bank (Middle East)

Introduction ::West Bank

Background:

The September 1993 Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements provided for a transitional period of Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Under a series of agreements signed between May 1994 and September 1999, Israel transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA) security and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Negotiations to determine the permanent status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip stalled following the outbreak of an intifada in September 2000. In April 2003, the Quartet (US, EU, UN, and Russia) presented a roadmap to a final settlement of the conflict by 2005 based on reciprocal steps by the two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine. Following Palestinian leader Yasir ARAFAT's death in late 2004, Mahmud ABBAS was elected PA president in January 2005. A month later, Israel and the PA agreed to the Sharm el-Sheikh Commitments in an effort to move the peace process forward. In September 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew all its settlers and soldiers and dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip and withdrew settlers and redeployed soldiers from four small northern West Bank settlements. Nonetheless, Israel still controls maritime, airspace, and most access to the Gaza Strip. In January 2006, the Islamic Resistance Movement, HAMAS, won control of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). HAMAS took control of the PA government in March 2006, but President ABBAS had little success negotiating with HAMAS to present a political platform acceptable to the international community so as to lift economic sanctions on Palestinians. Violent clashes between Fatah and HAMAS supporters in the Gaza Strip in 2006 and early 2007 resulted in numerous Palestinian deaths and injuries. In February 2007, ABBAS and HAMAS Political Bureau Chief MISHAL signed the Mecca Agreement in Saudi Arabia that resulted in the formation of a Palestinian National Unity Government (NUG) headed by HAMAS member Ismail HANIYA. However, fighting continued in the Gaza Strip, and in June 2007, HAMAS militants succeeded in a violent takeover of all military and governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip. ABBAS dismissed the NUG and through a series of presidential decrees formed a PA government in the West Bank led by independent Salam FAYYAD. HAMAS rejected the NUG's dismissal, and despite multiple rounds of Egyptian-brokered reconciliation negotiations, the two groups have failed to bridge their differences. The status quo remains with HAMAS in control of the Gaza Strip and ABBAS and the Fatah-dominated PA governing the West Bank. FAYYAD and his PA government continue to implement a series of security and economic reforms to improve conditions in the West Bank. ABBAS has said he will not resume negotiations with current Prime Minister NETANYAHU until Israel halts all settlement activity in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Geography ::West Bank

Location:

Middle East, west of Jordan

Geographic coordinates:

32 00 N, 35 15 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 5,860 sq km country comparison to the world: 171 land: 5,640 sq km

water: 220 sq km

note: includes West Bank, Latrun Salient, and the northwest quarter of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt. Scopus; East Jerusalem and Jerusalem No Man's Land are also included only as a means of depicting the entire area occupied by Israel in 1967

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Delaware

Land boundaries:

total: 404 km

border countries: Israel 307 km, Jordan 97 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; temperature and precipitation vary with altitude, warm to hot summers, cool to mild winters

Terrain:

mostly rugged dissected upland, some vegetation in west, but barren in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m

highest point: Tall Asur 1,022 m

Natural resources:

arable land

Land use:

arable land: 16.9%

permanent crops: 18.97%

other: 64.13% (2001)

Irrigated land:

150 sq km; note - includes Gaza Strip (2003)

Natural hazards:

droughts

Environment - current issues:

adequacy of fresh water supply; sewage treatment

Geography - note:

landlocked; highlands are main recharge area for Israel's coastal aquifers; there are about 355 Israeli civilian sites including about 145 small outpost communities in the West Bank and 32 sites in East Jerusalem (2010 est.)

People ::West Bank

Population:

2,514,845 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 note: approximately 296,700 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank (2009 est.); approximately 192,800 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem (2008 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.3% (male 470,735/female 446,878)

15-64 years: 59.1% (male 744,822/female 708,695)

65 years and over: 3.7% (male 37,471/female 52,666) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.9 years

male: 20.7 years

female: 21.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.13% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Birth rate:

24.91 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Death rate:

3.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Urbanization:

urban population: 72% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.41 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 122 male: 17.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.78 years country comparison to the world: 91 male: 72.76 years

female: 76.92 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.12 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: NA

adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Palestinian Arab and other 83%, Jewish 17%

Religions:

Muslim 75% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 17%, Christian and other 8%

Languages:

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians),
English (widely understood)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.4%

male: 96.7%

female: 88% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::West Bank

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: West Bank

Economy ::West Bank

Economy - overview:

The West Bank - the larger of the two areas comprising the Palestinian territories - experienced a high single-digit economic growth rate in 2010 as a result of inflows of donor aid, the Palestinian Authority's (PA) implementation of economic and security reforms, and the easing of some movement and access restrictions by the Israeli Government. Nevertheless, overall standard-of-living measures remain near levels seen prior to the start of the second intifada in 2000. The almost decade-long downturn largely has been a result of Israeli closure policies - a steady increase in movement and access restrictions across the West Bank in response to Israeli security concerns which have disrupted labor and trade flows, industrial capacity, and basic commerce, both external and internal. Since 2008, the PA under President Mahmoud ABBAS and Prime Minister Salam FAYYAD has implemented a largely successful campaign of institutional reforms that has contributed to increased security and economic performance, supported by more than $3 billion in direct foreign donor assistance to the PA's budget since 2007. An easing of some Israeli restrictions on West Bank movement and access since 2008 also has contributed to an uptick in retail activity in larger cities. The biggest impediments to economic improvements in the West Bank remain Palestinians' lack of access to land and resources in Israeli-controlled areas, import and export restrictions, and a high-cost capital structure. Absent robust private sector growth, the PA will continue to rely heavily on donor aid for its budgetary needs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$12.79 billion (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 $11.95 billion (2008)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.641 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,900 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5%

industry: 14%

services: 81% (includes Gaza Strip) (2008 est.)

Labor force:

694,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 149

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 12%

industry: 23%

services: 65% (June 2008)

Unemployment rate:

16.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 19% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

46% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 9.9% (2009 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.78% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 7.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$1.574 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$5.567 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 116 $5.251 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $1.367 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 92 $2.123 billion (31 December 2008)

$2.475 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

olives, citrus fruit, vegetables; beef, dairy products

Industries:

small-scale manufacturing, quarrying, textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs

Industrial production growth rate:

NA% (2005)

Electricity - production:

500 million kWh country comparison to the world: 160 note: most imported electricity is from Israel; Jerusalem District Electric Company buys and distributes electricity to Palestinians in east Jerusalem and its concession in the West Bank; the Israel Electric Company directly supplies electricity to most Jewish residents and military facilities (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

3.265 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

2.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Oil - consumption:

24,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Oil - exports:

511 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Oil - imports:

22,150 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2009 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Exports:

$529 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 165 $339 million (2006)

note: includes Gaza Strip

Exports - commodities:

stone, olives, fruit, vegetables, limestone

Imports:

$3.772 billion (2008) country comparison to the world: 129 $2.84 billion (2006)

Imports - commodities:

food, consumer goods, construction materials, petroleum, chemicals

Debt - external:

$1.04 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $1.3 billion (2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010), 3.9326 (2009), 3.56 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Communications ::West Bank

Telephones - main lines in use:

360,400 (includes Gaza Strip) (2010) country comparison to the world: 109

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.405 million (includes Gaza Strip) (2010) country comparison to the world: 125

Telephone system:

general assessment: continuing political and economic instability has impeded significant liberalization of the telecommunications industry

domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are responsible for fixed line services; PALTEL plans to establish a fiber-optic connection to Jordan to route domestic mobile calls; the Palestinian JAWWAL company and WATANIYA PALESTINE provide cellular services

international: country code - 970; 1 international switch in Ramallah (2009) (2009)

Broadcast media:

the Palestinian Authority operates 1 television and 1 radio station; about 30 independent TV and 25 radio stations operating; Jordanian TV is available; satellite TV is accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.ps; note - same as Gaza Strip

Internet users:

1.379 million (includes Gaza Strip) (2009) country comparison to the world: 88

Transportation ::West Bank

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 199

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 5,147 km country comparison to the world: 153 paved: 5,147 km

note: includes Gaza Strip (2006)

Military ::West Bank

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 562,570

females age 16-49: 531,532 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,547

female: 29,062 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::West Bank

Disputes - international:

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Israel continues construction of a "seam line" separation barrier along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; Israel withdrew from four settlements in the northern West Bank in August 2005; since 1948, about 350 peacekeepers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), headquartered in Jerusalem, monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating, and assist other UN personnel in the region

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 722,000 (Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)) (2007)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

======================================================================

@Western Sahara (Africa)

Introduction ::Western Sahara

Background:

Morocco annexed the northern two-thirds of Western Sahara (formerly Spanish Sahara) in 1976 and claimed the rest of the territory in 1979, following Mauritania's withdrawal. A guerrilla war with the Polisario Front contesting Morocco's sovereignty ended in a 1991 UN-brokered cease-fire; a UN-organized referendum on the territory's final status has been repeatedly postponed. The UN since 2007 has sponsored intermittent talks between representatives of the Government of Morocco and the Polisario Front to negotiate the status of Western Sahara. Morocco has put forward an autonomy proposal for the territory, which would allow for some local administration while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty. The Polisario, with Algeria's support, demands a popular referendum that includes the option of independence.

Geography ::Western Sahara

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
Mauritania and Morocco

Geographic coordinates:

24 30 N, 13 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 266,000 sq km country comparison to the world: 77 land: 266,000 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about the size of Colorado

Land boundaries:

total: 2,046 km

border countries: Algeria 42 km, Mauritania 1,561 km, Morocco 443 km

Coastline:

1,110 km

Maritime claims:

contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issue

Climate:

hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore air currents produce fog and heavy dew

Terrain:

mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces rising to small mountains in south and northeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sebjet Tah -55 m

highest point: unnamed elevation 805 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 0.02%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 99.98% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restricting visibility

Environment - current issues:

sparse water and lack of arable land

Environment - international agreements:

party to: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the waters off the coast are particularly rich fishing areas

People ::Western Sahara

Population:

491,519 country comparison to the world: 171 note: estimate is based on projections by age, sex, fertility, mortality, and migration; fertility and mortality are based on data from neighboring countries (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.9% (male 92,428/female 89,570)

15-64 years: 52.8% (male 105,191/female 108,803)

65 years and over: 2.3% (male 3,881/female 5,337) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.1 years

male: 19.7 years

female: 20.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.169% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Birth rate:

32.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Death rate:

9.13 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Urbanization:

urban population: 81% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 61.97 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 33 male: 67.13 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 56.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.74 years country comparison to the world: 185 male: 58.57 years

female: 62.99 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.37 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Sahrawi(s), Sahraoui(s)

adjective: Sahrawi, Sahrawian, Sahraouian

Ethnic groups:

Arab, Berber

Religions:

Muslim

Languages:

Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan Arabic

Literacy:

NA

Government ::Western Sahara

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Western Sahara

former: Rio de Oro, Saguia el Hamra, Spanish Sahara

Government type:

legal status of territory and issue of sovereignty unresolved; territory contested by Morocco and Polisario Front (Popular Front for the Liberation of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro), which in February 1976 formally proclaimed a government-in-exile, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), near Tindouf, Algeria, led by President Mohamed ABDELAZIZ; territory partitioned between Morocco and Mauritania in April 1976 when Spain withdrew, with Morocco acquiring northern two-thirds; Mauritania, under pressure from Polisario guerrillas, abandoned all claims to its portion in August 1979; Morocco moved to occupy that sector shortly thereafter and has since asserted administrative control; the Polisario's government-in-exile was seated as an Organization of African Unity (OAU) member in 1984; Morocco between 1980 and 1987 built a fortified sand berm delineating the roughly 80 percent of Western Sahara west of the barrier that currently is controlled by Morocco; guerrilla activities continued sporadically until a UN-monitored cease-fire was implemented on 6 September 1991 (Security Council Resolution 690) by the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)

Capital:

none

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory west of the berm under de facto Moroccan control)

Suffrage:

none; (residents of Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara participate in Moroccan elections)

Executive branch:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

AU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none

Economy ::Western Sahara

Economy - overview:

Western Sahara has a small market-based economy whose main indutries are fishing, phosphate mining, and pastoral nomadism. The territory's arid desert climate makes sedentary agriculture difficult, and Wstern Sahara imports much of its food. The Moroccan Government administers Western Sahara's economy and is a source of employment, infrstructure development, and social spending in the territory. Western Sahara's unresolved legal status makes the exploitation of its natural resources a contentious issue between Morocco and the Polisario. Morocco and the EU in July 2006 signed a four-year agreement allowing European vessels to fish off the coast of Morocco, including the disputed waters off the coast of Western Sahara. Oil has never been found in Western Sahara in commercially significant quantities, but Morocco and the Polisario have quarreled over who has the right to authorize and benefit from oil exploration in the territory. Western Sahara's main long-term economic challenge is the development of a more diverse set of industries capable of providing greater employment and income to the territory.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$900 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: 40% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

144,000 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 50%

industry and services: 50% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Agriculture - products:

fruits and vegetables (grown in the few oases); camels, sheep, goats (kept by nomads); fish

Industries:

phosphate mining, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

90 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Electricity - consumption:

83.7 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Oil - imports:

1,702 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

phosphates 62%

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffs

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per US dollar - 8.3619 (2009), 7.526 (2008), 8.3563 (2007), 8.7722 (2006)

Communications ::Western Sahara

Telephones - main lines in use:

about 2,000 (1999 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1999) country comparison to the world: 221

Telephone system:

general assessment: sparse and limited system

domestic: NA

international: country code - 212; tied into Morocco's system by microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, and satellite; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) linked to Rabat, Morocco

Broadcast media:

Morocco's state-owned broadcaster, Radio-Television Marocaine (RTM), operates a radio service from Laayoune and relays TV service; a Polisario-backed radio station also broadcasts (2008)

Internet country code:

.eh

Transportation ::Western Sahara

Airports:

6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 175

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Ad Dakhla, Laayoune (El Aaiun)

Military ::Western Sahara

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 76,483

females age 16-49: 83,988 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 5,376

female: 5,280 (2010 est.)

Transnational Issues ::Western Sahara

Disputes - international:

Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, whose sovereignty remains unresolved; UN-administered cease-fire has remained in effect since September 1991, administered by the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), but attempts to hold a referendum have failed and parties thus far have rejected all brokered proposals; several states have extended diplomatic relations to the "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic" represented by the Polisario Front in exile in Algeria, while others recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; most of the approximately 102,000 Sahrawi refugees are sheltered in camps in Tindouf, Algeria

page last updated on January 13, 2011

======================================================================

@World (World)

Introduction ::World

Background:

Globally, the 20th century was marked by: (a) two devastating world wars; (b) the Great Depression of the 1930s; (c) the end of vast colonial empires; (d) rapid advances in science and technology, from the first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (US) to the landing on the moon; (e) the Cold War between the Western alliance and the Warsaw Pact nations; (f) a sharp rise in living standards in North America, Europe, and Japan; (g) increased concerns about the environment, including loss of forests, shortages of energy and water, the decline in biological diversity, and air pollution; (h) the onset of the AIDS epidemic; and (i) the ultimate emergence of the US as the only world superpower. The planet's population continues to explode: from 1 billion in 1820, to 2 billion in 1930, 3 billion in 1960, 4 billion in 1974, 5 billion in 1988, and 6 billion in 2000. For the 21st century, the continued exponential growth in science and technology raises both hopes (e.g., advances in medicine) and fears (e.g., development of even more lethal weapons of war).

Geography ::World

Geographic overview:

The surface of the earth is approximately 70.9% water and 29.1% land. The former portion is divided into large water bodies termed oceans. The World Factbook recognizes and describes five oceans, which are in decreasing order of size: the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean.

The land portion is generally divided into several, large, discrete landmasses termed continents. Depending on the convention used, the number of continents can vary from five to seven. The most common classification recognizes seven, which are (from largest to smallest): Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia. Asia and Europe are sometimes lumped together into a Eurasian continent resulting in six continents. Alternatively, North and South America are sometimes grouped as simply the Americas, resulting in a continent total of six (or five, if the Eurasia designation is used).

North America is commonly understood to include the island of Greenland, the isles of the Caribbean, and to extend south all the way to the Isthmus of Panama. The easternmost extent of Europe is generally defined as being the Ural Mountains and the Ural River; on the southeast the Caspian Sea; and on the south the Caucasus Mountains, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean. Portions of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey fall within both Europe and Asia, but in every instance the larger section is in Asia. These countries are considered part of both continents. Armenia and Cyprus, which lie completely in Western Asia, are geopolitically European countries.

Asia usually incorporates all the islands of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The islands of the Pacific are often lumped with Australia into a "land mass" termed Oceania or Australasia. Africa's northeast extremity is frequently delimited at the Isthmus of Suez, but for geopolitical purposes, the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula is often included as part of Africa.

Although the above groupings are the most common, different continental dispositions are recognized or taught in certain parts of the world, with some arrangements more heavily based on cultural spheres rather than physical geographic considerations.

Map references:

Political Map of the World , Physical Map of the World , Standard
Time Zones of the World

Area:

total: 510.072 million sq km

land: 148.94 million sq km

water: 361.132 million sq km

note: 70.9% of the world's surface is water, 29.1% is land

Area - comparative:

land area about 16 times the size of the US

top fifteen World Factbook entities ranked by size: Pacific Ocean 155.557 million sq km; Atlantic Ocean 76.762 million sq km; Indian Ocean 68.556 million sq km; Southern Ocean 20.327 million sq km; Russia 17,098,242 sq km; Arctic Ocean 14.056 million sq km; Antarctica 14 million sq km; Canada 9,984,670 sq km; United States 9,826,675 sq km; China 9,596,961 sq km; Brazil 8,514,877 sq km; Australia 7,741,220 sq km; European Union 4,324,782 sq km; India 3,287,263 sq km; Argentina 2,780,400 sq km

top ten largest islands: Greenland 2,166,086 sq km; New Guinea (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea) 785,753 sq km; Borneo (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia) 751,929 sq km; Madagascar 587,713 sq km; Baffin Island (Canada) 507,451 sq km; Sumatra (Indonesia) 472,784 sq km; Honshu (Japan) 227,963 sq km; Victoria Island (Canada) 217,291 sq km; Great Britain (United Kingdom) 209,331 sq km; Ellesmere Island (Canada) 196,236 sq km

Land boundaries:

the land boundaries in the world total 251,060 km (not counting shared boundaries twice); two nations, China and Russia, each border 14 other countries

note: 45 nations and other areas are landlocked, these include:
Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan,
Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic,
Chad, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary,
Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal,
Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Swaziland,
Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, West
Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe; two of these, Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan,
are doubly landlocked

Coastline:

356,000 km

note: 95 nations and other entities are islands that border no other
countries, they include: American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and
Barbuda, Aruba, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, The Bahamas, Bahrain,
Baker Island, Barbados, Bermuda, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean
Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands,
Christmas Island, Clipperton Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands,
Comoros, Cook Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus,
Dominica, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji,
French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Greenland,
Grenada, Guam, Guernsey, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Howland
Island, Iceland, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jan Mayen, Japan, Jarvis
Island, Jersey, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Kiribati, Madagascar,
Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte,
Federated States of Micronesia, Midway Islands, Montserrat, Nauru,
Navassa Island, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island,
Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Palmyra Atoll, Paracel Islands,
Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Saint
Barthelemy, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint
Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao
Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South
Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Spratly Islands, Sri Lanka,
Svalbard, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos
Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Virgin Islands, Wake Island, Wallis and
Futuna, Taiwan

Maritime claims:

a variety of situations exist, but in general, most countries make the following claims measured from the mean low-tide baseline as described in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea: territorial sea - 12 nm, contiguous zone - 24 nm, and exclusive economic zone - 200 nm; additional zones provide for exploitation of continental shelf resources and an exclusive fishing zone; boundary situations with neighboring states prevent many countries from extending their fishing or economic zones to a full 200 nm

Climate:

a wide equatorial band of hot and humid tropical climates - bordered north and south by subtropical temperate zones - that separate two large areas of cold and dry polar climates

Terrain:

the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924 m in the Pacific Ocean

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,555 m

note: in the oceanic realm, Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is the lowest point, lying -10,924 m below the surface of the Pacific Ocean

highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

top ten highest mountains (measured from sea level): Mount Everest (Nepal-China) 8,850 m; K2 (Pakistan) 8,611 m; Kanchenjunga (Nepal-India) 8,598 m; Lhotse (Nepal) 8,516 m; Makalu (Nepal-China) 8,463 m; Cho Oyu (Nepal-China) 8,201 m; Dhaulagiri (Nepal) 8,167 m; Manaslu (Nepal) 8,163 m; Nanga Parbat (Pakistan) 8,125 m; Anapurna (Nepal) 8,091 m

Natural resources:

the rapid depletion of nonrenewable mineral resources, the depletion of forest areas and wetlands, the extinction of animal and plant species, and the deterioration in air and water quality (especially in some countries of Eastern Europe, the former USSR, and China) pose serious long-term problems that governments and peoples are only beginning to address

Land use:

arable land: 10.57%

permanent crops: 1.04%

other: 88.39% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,770,980 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones); natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions)

volcanism: the world is home to more than 1,500 potentially active volcanoes, with over 500 of these having erupted in historical times; an estimated 500 million people live near these volcanoes; associated dangers include lava flows, lahars (mudflows), pyroclastic flows, ash clouds, ash fall, ballistic projectiles, gas emissions, landslides, earthquakes, and tsunamis; in the 1990s, the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, created a list of 16 volcanoes worthy of special study because of their great potential for destruction: Avachinsky-Koryaksky (Russia), Colima (Mexico), Etna (Italy), Galeras (Colombia), Mauna Loa (United States), Merapi (Indonesia), Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Rainier (United States), Sakurajima (Japan), Santa Maria (Guatemala), Santorini (Greece), Taal (Philippines), Teide (Spain), Ulawun (Papua New Guinea), Unzen (Japan), Vesuvius (Italy)

Environment - current issues:

large areas subject to overpopulation, industrial disasters, pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances), loss of vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification), loss of wildlife, soil degradation, soil depletion, erosion; global warming becoming a greater concern

Geography - note:

the world is now thought to be about 4.55 billion years old, just about one-third of the 13.7-billion-year age estimated for the universe

People ::World

Population:

6,768,181,146 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27% (male 944,987,919/female 884,268,378)

15-64 years: 65.3% (male 2,234,860,865/female 2,187,838,153)

65 years and over: 7.6% (male 227,164,176/female 289,048,221) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.4 years

male: 27.7 years

female: 29 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.133% (2009 est.)

Birth rate:

19.86 births/1,000 population (2009 est.)

Death rate:

8.37 deaths/1,000 population (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 50.5% of total population (2010)

rate of urbanization: 1.85% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

ten largest urban agglomerations: Tokyo (Japan) - 36,669,000; Delhi
(India) - 22,157,000; Sao Paulo (Brazil) - 20,262,000; Mumbai
(India) - 20,041,000; Mexico City (Mexico) - 19,460,000; New
York-Newark (US) - 19,425,000; Shanghai (China) - 16,575,000;
Kolkata (India) - 15,552,000; Dhaka (Bangladesh) - 14,648,000;
Karachi (Pakistan) - 13,125,000 (2009)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 44.13 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 46.19 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 41.92 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.12 years

male: 64.29 years

female: 68.07 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.56 children born/woman (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

33 million (2007 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2 million (2007 est.)

Religions:

Christians 33.32% (of which Roman Catholics 16.99%, Protestants 5.78%, Orthodox 3.53%, Anglicans 1.25%), Muslims 21.01%, Hindus 13.26%, Buddhists 5.84%, Sikhs 0.35%, Jews 0.23%, Baha'is 0.12%, other religions 11.78%, non-religious 11.77%, atheists 2.32% (2007 est.)

Languages:

Mandarin Chinese 12.65%, Spanish 4.93%, English 4.91%, Arabic 3.31%,
Hindi 2.73%, Bengali 2.71%, Portuguese 2.67%, Russian 2.16%,
Japanese 1.83%, Standard German 1.35%, Javanese 1.27% (2008 est.)

note: percents are for "first language" speakers only

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 82%

male: 87%

female: 77%

note: over two-thirds of the world's 785 million illiterate adults are found in only eight countries (Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan); of all the illiterate adults in the world, two-thirds are women; extremely low literacy rates are concentrated in three regions, the Arab states, South and West Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, where around one-third of the men and half of all women are illiterate (2005 est.)

Government ::World

Administrative divisions:

266 countries, dependent areas, and other entities

Legal system:

all members of the UN are parties to the statute that established the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or World Court

Economy ::World

Economy - overview:

In 2010, world output - and per capita income - began to recover from the 2008-09 recession, the first global downturn since 1946. Gross World Product (GWP) grew 4.6%, largely on the strength of rebounding exports, which rose about 20% from the level of 2009. Growth was not evenly distributed across countries, however. Lower income countries - those with per capita incomes below $30,000 per year - averaged 6.3% growth, while higher income countries - with per capita incomes above $30,000 - averaged just 2.8% growth. And countries with current account surpluses averaged 6.0% growth, while those with current account deficits averaged just 3.4% growth. Among large economies, China (+10.1%), Taiwan (+8.3%), India (+8.3%), Brazil (+7.5%), and South Korea (+6.1%) recorded the biggest GDP gains - China also became the world's largest exporter. Continuing uncertainties in mortgage and financial markets resulted in slower growth in Japan (+3.0%), the US (+2.8%), and the European Union (+1.7%). In 2010, global unemployment continued to creep upwards, reaching 8.8% - underemployment, especially in the developing world, remained much higher. Global gross fixed investment stabilized at about 23% of GWP, after a significant drop in 2009. World trade appears to be returning to pre-2009 patterns, with current account surpluses or deficits rising for a majority of countries. World external debt, however, dropped again in 2010 - about 5% from the 2009 level, as many countries reduced borrowing. Many, if not most, countries pursued expansionary monetary and fiscal policies. The global money supply, both narrowly and broadly defined, increased roughly 10%, as countries tried to keep interest rates low; the global budget deficit stablilized at roughly $3.5 trillion, as countries tried to rein in spending and slow the rise of public debt.

The international financial crisis of 2008-09 presents the world economy with a major new challenge, together with several long-standing ones. The fiscal stimulus packages put in place in 2009-10 required most countries to run budget deficits - government balances have deteriorated for 14 out of every 15 countries. Treasuries issued new public debt - totaling $5.5 trillion since 2008 - to pay for the additional expenditures. To keep interest rates low, many central banks monetized that debt, injecting large sums of money into the economies. As economic activity picks up, central banks will face the difficult task of containing inflation without raising interest rates so high they snuff out further growth. At the same time, governments will face the difficult task of spurring current growth and employment without saddling their economies with so much debt that they sacrifice long-term growth and financial stability.

Long-standing challenges the world faces are several. The addition of 80 million people each year to an already overcrowded globe is exacerbating the problems of underemployment, pollution, waste-disposal, epidemics, water-shortages, famine, over-fishing of oceans, deforestation, desertification, and depletion of non-renewable resources. The nation-state, as a bedrock economic-political institution, is steadily losing control over international flows of people, goods, funds, and technology. Internally, central governments often find their control over resources slipping as separatist regional movements - typically based on ethnicity - gain momentum, e.g., in many of the successor states of the former Soviet Union, in the former Yugoslavia, in India, in Iraq, in Indonesia, and in Canada. Externally, central governments are losing decisionmaking powers to international bodies, most notably the EU. The introduction of the euro as the common currency of much of Western Europe in January 1999, while paving the way for an integrated economic powerhouse, poses economic risks because the participating nations are culturally and politically diverse and have varying levels and rates of growth of income, and hence, differing needs for monetary and fiscal policies. In Western Europe, governments face the difficult political problem of channeling resources away from welfare programs in order to increase investment and strengthen incentives to seek employment. Because of their own internal problems and priorities, the industrialized countries devote insufficient resources to deal effectively with the poorer areas of the world, which, at least from an economic point of view, are becoming further marginalized. The terrorist attacks on the US on 11 September 2001 accentuated a growing risk to global prosperity, illustrated, for example, by the reallocation of resources away from investment to anti-terrorist programs. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan added new uncertainties to global economic prospects.

Despite these challenges, the world economy also shows great promise. Technology has made possible further advances in all fields, from agriculture, to medicine, alternative energy, metallurgy, and transportation. Improved global communications have greatly reduced the costs of international trade, helping the world gain from the international division of labor, raise living standards, and reduce income disparities among nations. Much of the resilience of the world economy in the aftermath of the financial crisis resulted from government leaders around the globe working in concert to stem the financial onslaught, knowing well the lessons of past economic failures.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$74.43 trillion (2010 est.)

$71.17 trillion (2009 est.)

$71.67 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

GWP (gross world product): $62.22 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.6% (2010 est.)

-0.7% (2009 est.)

2.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,100 (2010 est.)

$10,800 (2009 est.)

$11,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.8%

industry: 30.8%

services: 63.4% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.232 billion (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 37.3%

industry: 21.7%

services: 41% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.8% (2010 est.)

8.2% (2009 est.)

note: 30% (2007 est.) combined unemployment and underemployment in many non-industrialized countries; developed countries typically 4%-12% unemployment

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.7%

highest 10%: 27.3% (2005 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

23.1% of GDP (2009 est.) (2010 est.)

Public debt:

58.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

56.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

developed countries 2.5%

developing countries 5.6%

note: developed countries 0% to 4% typically; developing countries 5% to 10% typically; national inflation rates vary widely in individual cases; inflation rates have declined for most countries for the last several years, held in check by increasing international competition from several low wage countries, and by soft demand as a result of the world financial crisis (2010 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$22.4 trillion (31 December 2010 est)

$20.87 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$75.86 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

$68.54 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$104.2 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

$94.49 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$48.85 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

$36.41 trillion (31 December 2008)

$64.6 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Industries:

dominated by the onrush of technology, especially in computers, robotics, telecommunications, and medicines and medical equipment; most of these advances take place in OECD nations; only a small portion of non-OECD countries have succeeded in rapidly adjusting to these technological forces; the accelerated development of new industrial (and agricultural) technology is complicating already grim environmental problems

Industrial production growth rate:

4.6% (2010 est.)

Electricity - production:

19.25 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

17.93 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - exports:

615.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

613.9 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

84.24 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - consumption:

83.62 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:

61.37 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Oil - imports:

63.77 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Oil - proved reserves:

1.378 trillion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

3.127 trillion cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

3.073 trillion cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

949.9 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

947.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

187.8 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Exports:

$14.9 trillion (2010 est.)

$12.39 trillion (2009)

Exports - commodities:

the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services

top ten - share of world trade: electrical machinery, including computers 14.8%; mineral fuels, including oil, coal, gas, and refined products 14.4%; nuclear reactors, boilers, and parts 14.2%; cars, trucks, and buses 8.9%; scientific and precision instruments 3.5%; plastics 3.4%; iron and steel 2.7%; organic chemicals 2.6%; pharmaceutical products 2.6%; diamonds, pearls, and precious stones 1.9%

Exports - partners:

US 12.7%, Germany 7.2%, China 6.4%, France 4.5%, Japan 4.3%, UK 4.2% (2008 est.)

Imports:

$14.68 trillion (2010)

$12.19 trillion (2009)

Imports - commodities:

the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services

top ten - share of world trade: see listing for exports

Imports - partners:

China 10.3%, Germany 8.7%, US 8%, Japan 5% (2008 est.)

Debt - external:

$59.09 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

$62.25 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

note: this figure is the sum total of all countries' external debt, both public and private

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$17.53 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

$16.51 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$18.19 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

$17.28 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Communications ::World

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.268 billion (2008)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.3 billion (2010)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: NA

Internet users:

2.1 billion (2010)

Transportation ::World

Airports:

total airports - 44,010 (2010)

top ten by passengers: Atlanta (ATL) - 88,032,086; London (LHR) - 66,037,578; Beijing (PEK) - 65,372,012; Chicago (ORD) - 64,158,343; Tokyo (HND) - 61,903,656; Paris (CDG) - 57,906,866; Los Angeles (LAX) - 56,520,843; Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - 56,030,457; Frankfurt (FRA) - 50,932,840; Denver (DEN) - 50,167,485 (2009)

top ten by cargo (metric tons): Memphis (MEM) - 3,697,054; Hong Kong (HKG) - 3,385,313; Shanghai (PVG) - 2,543,394; Inch'on (ICN) - 2,313,001; Paris (CDG) - 2,054,515; Anchorage (ANC) - 1,994,629; Louisville (SDF) - 1,949,528; Dubai (DXB) - 1,927,520; Frankfurt (FRA) - 1,887,686; Tokyo (NRT) - 1,851,972 (2009)

Heliports:

3,825 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,138,632 km (2008)

Roadways:

total: 102,260,304 km (2008)

Waterways:

671,886 km (2004)

top ten longest rivers: Nile (Africa) 6,693 km; Amazon (South
America) 6,436 km; Mississippi-Missouri (North America) 6,238 km;
Yenisey-Angara (Asia) 5,981 km; Ob-Irtysh (Asia) 5,569 km; Yangtze
(Asia) 5,525 km; Yellow (Asia) 4,671 km; Amur (Asia) 4,352 km; Lena
(Asia) 4,345 km; Congo (Africa) 4,344 km

note: if measured by volume, the Amazon is the largest river in the world

Ports and terminals:

top ten container ports as measured by Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) throughput: Singapore - 25,866,400; Shanghai - 25,002,000; Hong Kong - 20,983,000; Shenzhen (China) - 18,250,100; Pusan (South Korea) - 11,954,861; Guangzhou (China) - 11,190,000; Dubai (UAE) - 11,124,082; Ningbo (China) - 10,502,800; Qingdao (China) - 10,260,000; - Rotterdam - 9,743,290 (2009)

Transportation - note:

as of September 2009, incidents of piracy around the world have more than doubled over the comparable time period in 2008; half of all attacks occur in the waters off Somalia, primarily in the Gulf of Aden; other high risk areas include the waters off Nigeria, the South China Sea, and waters off Malaysia

Military ::World

Military expenditures:

roughly 2% of GDP of gross world product (2005 est.)

Transnational Issues ::World

Disputes - international:

stretching over 250,000 km, the world's 322 international land boundaries separate 194 independent states and 71 dependencies, areas of special sovereignty, and other miscellaneous entities; ethnicity, culture, race, religion, and language have divided states into separate political entities as much as history, physical terrain, political fiat, or conquest, resulting in sometimes arbitrary and imposed boundaries; most maritime states have claimed limits that include territorial seas and exclusive economic zones; overlapping limits due to adjacent or opposite coasts create the potential for 430 bilateral maritime boundaries of which 209 have agreements that include contiguous and non-contiguous segments; boundary, borderland/resource, and territorial disputes vary in intensity from managed or dormant to violent or militarized; undemarcated, indefinite, porous, and unmanaged boundaries tend to encourage illegal cross-border activities, uncontrolled migration, and confrontation; territorial disputes may evolve from historical and/or cultural claims, or they may be brought on by resource competition; ethnic and cultural clashes continue to be responsible for much of the territorial fragmentation and internal displacement of the estimated 6.6 million people and cross-border displacements of 8.6 million refugees around the world as of early 2006; just over one million refugees were repatriated in the same period; other sources of contention include access to water and mineral (especially hydrocarbon) resources, fisheries, and arable land; armed conflict prevails not so much between the uniformed armed forces of independent states as between stateless armed entities that detract from the sustenance and welfare of local populations, leaving the community of nations to cope with resultant refugees, hunger, disease, impoverishment, and environmental degradation

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimated that in December 2006 there was a global population of 8.8 million registered refugees and as many as 24.5 million IDPs in more than 50 countries; the actual global population of refugees is probably closer to 10 million given the estimated 1.5 million Iraqi refugees displaced throughout the Middle East (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: approximately 800,000 people, mostly women and children, are trafficked annually across national borders, not including millions trafficked within their own countries; at least 80% of the victims are female and up to 50% are minors; 75% of all victims are trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation; almost two-thirds of the global victims are trafficked intra-regionally within East Asia and the Pacific (260,000 to 280,000 people) and Europe and Eurasia (170,000 to 210,000 people)

Tier 2 Watch List: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahrain,
Bangladesh, Belize, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African
Republic, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Federated
States of Micronesia, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Iraq, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya,
Mali, Moldova, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar,
Republic of the Congo, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine,
United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen

Tier 3: Burma, Chad, Cuba, Eritrea, Fiji, Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia,
Mauritania, Niger, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia,
Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Zimbabwe (2009)

Illicit drugs:

cocaine: worldwide coca leaf cultivation in 2007 amounted to 232,500 hectares; Colombia produced slightly more than two-thirds of the worldwide crop, followed by Peru and Bolivia; potential pure cocaine production decreased 7% to 865 metric tons in 2007; Colombia conducts an aggressive coca eradication campaign, but both Peruvian and Bolivian Governments are hesitant to eradicate coca in key growing areas; 551 metric tons of export-quality cocaine (85% pure) is documented to have been seized or destroyed in 2005; US consumption of export quality cocaine is estimated to have been in excess of 380 metric tons

opiates: worldwide illicit opium poppy cultivation continued to increase in 2007, with a potential opium production of 8,400 metric tons, reaching the highest levels recorded since estimates began in mid-1980s; Afghanistan is world's primary opium producer, accounting for 95% of the global supply; Southeast Asia - responsible for 9% of global opium - saw marginal increases in production; Latin America produced 1% of global opium, but most was refined into heroin destined for the US market; if all potential opium was processed into pure heroin, the potential global production would be 1,000 metric tons of heroin in 2007

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Yemen (Middle East)

Introduction ::Yemen

Background:

North Yemen became independent of the Ottoman Empire in 1918. The British, who had set up a protectorate area around the southern port of Aden in the 19th century, withdrew in 1967 from what became South Yemen. Three years later, the southern government adopted a Marxist orientation. The massive exodus of hundreds of thousands of Yemenis from the south to the north contributed to two decades of hostility between the states. The two countries were formally unified as the Republic of Yemen in 1990. A southern secessionist movement in 1994 was quickly subdued. In 2000, Saudi Arabia and Yemen agreed to a delimitation of their border.

Geography ::Yemen

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 48 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 527,968 sq km country comparison to the world: 49 land: 527,968 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Perim, Socotra, the former Yemen Arab Republic (YAR or North Yemen), and the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY or South Yemen)

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming

Land boundaries:

total: 1,746 km

border countries: Oman 288 km, Saudi Arabia 1,458 km

Coastline:

1,906 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in western mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot, dry, harsh desert in east

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills and rugged mountains; dissected upland desert plains in center slope into the desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

highest point: Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb 3,760 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, rock salt, marble; small deposits of coal, gold, lead, nickel, and copper; fertile soil in west

Land use:

arable land: 2.91%

permanent crops: 0.25%

other: 96.84% (2005)

Irrigated land:

5,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

4.1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 6.63 cu km/yr (4%/1%/95%)

per capita: 316 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

sandstorms and dust storms in summer

volcanism: Yemen experiences limited volcanic activity; Jebel at Tair (Jabal al-Tair, Jebel Teir, Jabal al-Tayr, Jazirat at-Tair) (elev. 244 m, 801 ft), which forms an island in the Red Sea, erupted in 2007 after awakening from dormancy; other historically active volcanoes include Harra of Arhab, Harras of Dhamar, Harra es-Sawad, and Jebel Zubair, although many of these have not erupted in over a century

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of potable water; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Bab el Mandeb, the strait linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, one of world's most active shipping lanes

People ::Yemen

Population:

23,495,361 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.9% (male 5,108,423/female 4,925,523)

15-64 years: 53.5% (male 6,215,999/female 6,013,334)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 285,752/female 309,207) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.9 years

male: 17.8 years

female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.713% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Birth rate:

34.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Death rate:

7.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 99

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 56.77 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 38 male: 61.46 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 51.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.36 years country comparison to the world: 173 male: 61.35 years

female: 65.47 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.81 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

12,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Yemeni(s)

adjective: Yemeni

Ethnic groups:

predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Religions:

Muslim including Shaf'i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shia), small numbers of
Jewish, Christian, and Hindu

Languages:

Arabic (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 50.2%

male: 70.5%

female: 30% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 11 years

female: 7 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 60

Government ::Yemen

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Yemen

conventional short form: Yemen

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Yamaniyah

local short form: Al Yaman

former: Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen]

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Sanaa

geographic coordinates: 15 21 N, 44 12 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

21 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Abyan, 'Adan
(Aden), Ad Dali', Al Bayda', Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, Al Mahrah, Al
Mahwit, Amanat al 'Asimah, 'Amran, Dhamar, Hadramawt, Hajjah, Ibb,
Lahij, Ma'rib, Raymah, Sa'dah, San'a' (Sanaa), Shabwah, Ta'izz

Independence:

22 May 1990 (Republic of Yemen was established with the merger of the Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and the Marxist-dominated People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen]); note - previously North Yemen became independent in November 1918 (from the Ottoman Empire) and became a republic with the overthrow of the theocratic Imamate in 1962; South Yemen became independent on 30 November 1967 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Unification Day, 22 May (1990)

Constitution:

16 May 1991; amended 29 September 1994 and February 2001

Legal system:

based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law, and local tribal customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ali Abdallah SALIH (since 22 May 1990, the former president of North Yemen, assumed office upon the merger of North and South Yemen); Vice President Maj. Gen. Abd al-Rab Mansur al-HADI (since 3 October 1994)

head of government: Prime Minister Ali Muhammad MUJAWWAR (since 31 March 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held on 20 September 2006 (next to be held in September 2013); vice president appointed by the president; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president

election results: Ali Abdallah SALIH elected president; percent of vote - Ali Abdallah SALIH 77.2%, Faysal BIN SHAMLAN 21.8%

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consisting of a Shura Council (111 seats; members appointed by the president) and House of Representatives (301 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve eight-year terms)

elections: last held on 27 April 2003 (scheduled April 2009 election postponed for two years)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - GPC 238, Islah 47, YSP 6, Nasserite Unionist Party 3, National Arab Socialist Ba'th Party 2, independents 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

General People's Congress or GPC [Abdul-Kader BAJAMMAL]; Islamic
Reform Grouping or Islah [Muhammed Abdallah AL-YADUMI]; Nasserite
Unionist Party [Abd al-Malik al-MAKHLAFI]; National Arab Socialist
Ba'th Party [Dr. Qasim SALAM]; Yemeni Socialist Party or YSP [Yasin
Said NUMAN]; note - there are at least seven more active political
parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Muslim Brotherhood; Women National Committee

other: conservative tribal groups; Huthis, southern secessionist groups; al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

International organization participation:

AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW,
UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abd al-Wahab Abdallah al-HAJRI

chancery: 2319 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 965-4760

FAX: [1] (202) 337-2017

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gerald M. FEIERSTEIN

embassy: Sa'awan Street, Sanaa

mailing address: P. O. Box 22347, Sanaa

telephone: [967] (1) 755-2000 ext. 2153 or 2266

FAX: [967] (1) 303-182

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white)

note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars in the white band, and of Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt, which has a heraldic eagle centered in the white band

National anthem:

name: "al-qumhuriyatu l-muttahida" (United Republic)

lyrics/music: Abdullah Abdulwahab NOA'MAN/Ayyoab Tarish ABSI

note: adopted 1990; the music first served as the anthem for South Yemen before unification with North Yemen in 1990

Economy ::Yemen

Economy - overview:

Yemen is a low income country that is highly dependent on declining oil resources for revenue. Petroleum accounts for roughly 25% of GDP and 70% of government revenue. Yemen has tried to counter the effects of its declining oil resources by diversifying its economy through an economic reform program initiated in 2006 that is designed to bolster non-oil sectors of the economy and foreign investment. In October 2009, Yemen exported its first liquefied natural gas as part of this diversification effort. In January 2010, the international community established the Friends of Yemen group that aims to support Yemen's efforts towards economic and political reform, and in August 2010 the IMF approved a three-year $370 million program to further this effort. Despite these ambitious endeavors, Yemen continues to face difficult long term challenges, including declining water resources and a high population growth rate.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$61.88 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $58.82 billion (2009 est.)

$56.67 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$30.02 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 3.8% (2009 est.)

3.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 $2,600 (2009 est.)

$2,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.2%

industry: 38.8%

services: 53% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

6.832 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Labor force - by occupation:

note: most people are employed in agriculture and herding; services, construction, industry, and commerce account for less than one-fourth of the labor force

Unemployment rate:

35% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Population below poverty line:

45.2% (2003)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 30.8% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37.7 (2005) country comparison to the world: 76 33.4 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Public debt:

39.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 36.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209 5.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$3.551 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 106 $3.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.739 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $9.552 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$5.297 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 $5.098 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

grain, fruits, vegetables, pulses, qat, coffee, cotton; dairy products, livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, camels), poultry; fish

Industries:

crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale production of cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing; handicrafts; small aluminum products factory; cement; commercial ship repair; natural gas production

Industrial production growth rate:

9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Electricity - production:

5.665 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Electricity - consumption:

4.133 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

288,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Oil - consumption:

155,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Oil - exports:

274,400 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Oil - imports:

65,860 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Oil - proved reserves:

3.16 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Natural gas - production:

454,700 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Natural gas - exports:

454,700 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Natural gas - proved reserves:

478.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Current account balance:

-$2.181 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 -$2.328 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.462 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $5.812 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish, liquefied natural gas

Exports - partners:

China 36%, Thailand 17.63%, India 13.54%, South Africa 6.16%, Japan 5.49%, UAE 4.99% (2009)

Imports:

$8.35 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $7.518 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food and live animals, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Imports - partners:

China 13.98%, UAE 12.3%, India 8.63%, Saudi Arabia 5.8%, US 4.52%,
Brazil 4.51%, Turkey 4.51%, Kuwait 4.33%, France 4.24% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$5.744 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $6.993 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$7.147 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 $6.552 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Yemeni rials (YER) per US dollar - 220.05 (2010), 202.85 (2009), 199.76 (2008), 199.14 (2007), 197.18 (2006)

Communications ::Yemen

Telephones - main lines in use:

997,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 79

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8.313 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 72

Telephone system:

general assessment: since unification in 1990, efforts have been made to create a national telecommunications network

domestic: the national network consists of microwave radio relay, cable, tropospheric scatter, GSM and CDMA mobile-cellular telephone systems; fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity remains low by regional standards

international: country code - 967; landing point for the international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 2 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and Djibouti

Broadcast media:

state-run TV with 2 stations; state-run radio with 2 national radio stations and 5 local stations; stations from Oman and Saudi Arabia can be accessed (2007)

Internet country code:

.ye

Internet hosts:

255 (2010) country comparison to the world: 188

Internet users:

2.349 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 71

Transportation ::Yemen

Airports:

55 (2010) country comparison to the world: 85

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 17

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 38

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 423 km; liquid petroleum gas 22 km; oil 1,367 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 71,300 km country comparison to the world: 67 paved: 6,200 km

unpaved: 65,100 km (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 6 country comparison to the world: 128 by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 2, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 1

registered in other countries: 14 (Moldova 1, Panama 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Sierra Leone 2, unknown 6) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Aden, Al Hudaydah, Al Mukalla

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports offshore waters in the Gulf of Aden are high risk for piracy; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers, and cargo are held for ransom

Military ::Yemen

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes Marines), Yemen Air Force (Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Jamahiriya al Yemeniya; includes Air Defense Force), Republican Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

voluntary military service program authorized in 2001; 2-year service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,458,642

females age 16-49: 5,205,387 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,902,186

females age 16-49: 3,952,370 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 279,283

female: 269,824 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

6.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 7

Military - note:

a Coast Guard was established in 2002

Transnational Issues ::Yemen

Disputes - international:

Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled security barrier along sections of the fully demarcated border with Yemen to stem illegal cross-border activities

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 91,587 (Somalia) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Zambia (Africa)

Introduction ::Zambia

Background:

The territory of Northern Rhodesia was administered by the [British] South Africa Company from 1891 until it was taken over by the UK in 1923. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred development and immigration. The name was changed to Zambia upon independence in 1964. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper prices and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991 brought an end to one-party rule, but the subsequent vote in 1996 saw blatant harassment of opposition parties. The election in 2001 was marked by administrative problems with three parties filing a legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate Levy MWANAWASA. The new president launched an anticorruption investigation in 2002 to probe high-level corruption during the previous administration. In 2006-07, this task force successfully prosecuted four cases, including a landmark civil case in the UK in which former President CHILUBA and numerous others were found liable for USD 41 million. MWANAWASA was reelected in 2006 in an election that was deemed free and fair. Upon his abrupt death in August 2008, he was succeeded by his Vice President Rupiah BANDA, who subsequently won a special presidential election in October 2008.

Geography ::Zambia

Location:

Southern Africa, east of Angola

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 752,618 sq km country comparison to the world: 39 land: 743,398 sq km

water: 9,220 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,664 km

border countries: Angola 1,110 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,930 km, Malawi 837 km, Mozambique 419 km, Namibia 233 km, Tanzania 338 km, Zimbabwe 797 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)

Terrain:

mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m

highest point: unnamed elevation in Mafinga Hills 2,301 m

Natural resources:

copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 6.99%

permanent crops: 0.04%

other: 92.97% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,560 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

105.2 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.74 cu km/yr (17%/7%/76%)

per capita: 149 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic drought; tropical storms (November to April)

Environment - current issues:

air pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral extraction and refining region; chemical runoff into watersheds; poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros, elephant, antelope, and large cat populations; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; lack of adequate water treatment presents human health risks

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary with Zimbabwe

People ::Zambia

Population:

13,460,305 country comparison to the world: 69 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45.1% (male 2,685,142/female 2,659,771)

15-64 years: 52.6% (male 3,122,305/female 3,116,846)

65 years and over: 2.3% (male 114,477/female 164,199) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.5 years

male: 16.5 years

female: 16.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.118% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Birth rate:

44.63 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Death rate:

12.84 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Net migration rate:

-0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Urbanization:

urban population: 35% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 68.4 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 20 male: 73.1 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 63.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.03 years country comparison to the world: 209 male: 50.81 years

female: 53.28 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.07 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

15.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.1 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

56,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague are high risks in some locations

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Zambian(s)

adjective: Zambian

Ethnic groups:

African 99.5% (includes Bemba, Tonga, Chewa, Lozi, Nsenga, Tumbuka, Ngoni, Lala, Kaonde, Lunda, and other African groups), other 0.5% (includes Europeans, Asians, and Americans) (2000 Census)

Religions:

Christian 50%-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24%-49%, indigenous beliefs 1%

Languages:

Bemba 30.1% (official), Nyanja 10.7% (official), Tonga 10.6% (official), Lozi 5.7% (official), Chewa 4.9%, Nsenga 3.4%, Tumbuka 2.5%, Lunda 2.2% (official), Kaonde 2% (official), Lala 2%, Luvale 1.7% (official), English 1.7% (official), other 22.5% (2000 Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English

total population: 80.6%

male: 86.8%

female: 74.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 7 years

male: 8 years

female: 7 years (2000)

Education expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 178

Government ::Zambia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Zambia

conventional short form: Zambia

former: Northern Rhodesia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

name: Lusaka

geographic coordinates: 15 25 S, 28 17 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Northern, North-Western, Southern, Western

Independence:

24 October 1964 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 October (1964)

Constitution:

24 August 1991; amended in 1996 to establish presidential term limits

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in an ad hoc constitutional council; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Rupiah BANDA (since 19 August 2008); Vice President George KUNDA (since 14 November 2008); note - President BANDA was acting president during the illness leading up to the death of President Levy MWANAWASA on 18 August 2008, he was then elected president on 30 October 2008 to serve out the remainder of MWANAWASA's term; the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Rupiah BANDA (since 19 August 2008); Vice President George KUNDA (since 14 November 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 October 2008 (next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed by the president; note - due to the death of former President Levy MWANAWASA, early elections were held to identify a replacement to serve out the remainder of his term

election results: Rupiah BANDA elected president; percent of vote - Rupiah BANDA 40.1%, Michael SATA 38.1%, Hakainde HICHILEMA 19.7%, Godfrey MIYANDA 0.8%, other 1.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (158 seats; 150 members are elected by popular vote, 8 members appointed by the president, to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 28 September 2006 (next to be held in October 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MMD 72, PF 44, UDA 27, ULP 2, NDF 1, independents 2; seats not determined 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the final court of appeal; justices are appointed by the president); High Court (has unlimited jurisdiction to hear civil and criminal cases)

Political parties and leaders:

Forum for Democracy and Development or FDD [Edith NAWAKWI]; Heritage
Party or HP [Godfrey MIYANDA]; Movement for Multiparty Democracy or
MMD [vacant]; Party of Unity for Democracy and Development or PUDD
[Dan PULE]; Patriotic Front or PF [Michael SATA]; Reform Party
[Nevers MUMBA]; United Democratic Alliance or UDA (a coalition of
RP, ZADECO, PUDD, and ZRP); United Liberal Party or ULP [Sakwiba
SIKOTA]; United National Independence Party or UNIP [Tilyenji
KAUNDA]; United Party for National Development or UPND [Hakainde
HICHILEMA]; Zambia Democratic Congress or ZADECO [Langton SICHONE];
Zambian Republican Party or ZRP [Benjamin MWILA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA,
SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Shelia Z. SIWELA

chancery: 2419 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-9717 through 9719

FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Michael KOPLOVSKY

embassy: corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues, Lusaka

mailing address: P. O. Box 31617, Lusaka

telephone: [260] (211) 250-955

FAX: [260] (211) 252-225

Flag description:

green field with a panel of three vertical bands of red (hoist side), black, and orange below a soaring orange eagle, on the outer edge of the flag; green stands for the country's natural resources and vegetation, red symbolizes the struggle for freedom, black the people of Zambia, and orange the country's mineral wealth; the eagle represents the people's ability to rise above the nation's problems

National anthem:

name: "Lumbanyeni Zambia" (Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free)

lyrics/music: multiple/Enoch Mankayi SONTONGA

note: adopted 1964; the melody, from the popular song "God Bless Africa," is the same as that of Tanzania but with different lyrics; the melody is also incorporated into South Africa's anthem

Economy ::Zambia

Economy - overview:

Zambia's economy has experienced strong growth in recent years, with real GDP growth in 2005-08 about 6% per year. Privatization of government-owned copper mines in the 1990s relieved the government from covering mammoth losses generated by the industry and greatly improved the chances for copper mining to return to profitability and spur economic growth. Copper output has increased steadily since 2004, due to higher copper prices and foreign investment. In 2005, Zambia qualified for debt relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Country Initiative, consisting of approximately USD 6 billion in debt relief. Poverty remains a significant problem in Zambia, despite a stronger economy. Declining world commodity prices and demand slowed GDP growth in 2008, but a sharp rebound in copper prices and a bumper maize crop helped Zambia recover. Lack of economic diversity subjects Zambia to fluctuations in copper prices and in the weather.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$20.03 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 $18.72 billion (2009 est.)

$17.61 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$15.69 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 6.3% (2009 est.)

5.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203 $1,400 (2009 est.)

$1,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 19.7%

industry: 33.7%

services: 46.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.524 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 85%

industry: 6%

services: 9% (2004)

Unemployment rate:

50% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Population below poverty line:

86% (1993)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.2%

highest 10%: 38.8% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.8 (2004) country comparison to the world: 20 52.6 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Public debt:

24.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 25.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192 13.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

8.39% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 23 14.49% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

22.06% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 19.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.234 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 132 $983.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$3.573 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 $2.744 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.992 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $2.373 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 91 $2.346 billion (31 December 2007)

$1.186 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

corn, sorghum, rice, peanuts, sunflower seed, vegetables, flowers, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), coffee; cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, milk, eggs, hides

Industries:

copper mining and processing, construction, foodstuffs, beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer, horticulture

Industrial production growth rate:

12.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Electricity - production:

9.752 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Electricity - consumption:

8.838 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Electricity - exports:

268 million kWh (2007)

Electricity - imports:

222 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

160 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Oil - exports:

275 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Oil - imports:

14,730 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Current account balance:

-$99 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 -$174 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$6.463 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $4.203 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copper/cobalt 64%, cobalt, electricity; tobacco, flowers, cotton

Exports - partners:

China 21.37%, Saudi Arabia 8.93%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 8.55%, South Korea 8.32%, Egypt 8.08%, South Africa 6.96%, India 5% (2009)

Imports:

$4.949 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $3.735 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, electricity, fertilizer; foodstuffs, clothing

Imports - partners:

South Africa 51.78%, UAE 7.7%, China 5.85%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 4.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.287 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 $1.892 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.495 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $3.091 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Zambian kwacha (ZMK) per US dollar - 4,823.6 (2010), 5,046.1 (2009), 3,512.9 (2008), 3,990.2 (2007), 3,601.5 (2006)

Communications ::Zambia

Telephones - main lines in use:

90,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 145

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.407 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 101

Telephone system:

general assessment: among the best in Sub-Saharan Africa

domestic: high-capacity microwave radio relay connects most larger towns and cities; several cellular telephone services in operation and network coverage is improving; domestic satellite system being installed to improve telephone service in rural areas; Internet service is widely available; very small aperture terminal (VSAT) networks are operated by private firms

international: country code - 260; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean), 3 owned by Zamtel

Broadcast media:

state-owned Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) operates 1 TV station and is the principal local-content provider; several private TV stations are available; multi-channel subscription TV services are obtainable; ZNBC operates 3 radio networks; about 2 dozen private radio stations also broadcasting; relays of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible in Lusaka and Kitwe (2007)

Internet country code:

.zm

Internet hosts:

14,771 (2010) country comparison to the world: 118

Internet users:

816,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 105

Transportation ::Zambia

Airports:

94 (2010) country comparison to the world: 64

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 86

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 63

under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 771 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,157 km country comparison to the world: 71 narrow gauge: 2,157 km 1.067-m gauge

note: includes 891 km of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 91,440 km country comparison to the world: 55 paved: 20,117 km

unpaved: 71,323 km (2001)

Waterways:

2,250 km; (includes Lake Tanganyika and the Zambezi and Luapula rivers) (2010) country comparison to the world: 40

Ports and terminals:

Mpulungu

Military ::Zambia

Military branches:

Zambian National Defense Force (ZNDF): Zambian Army, Zambian Air
Force, National Service (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (16 years of age with parental consent); no conscription; Zambian citizenship required; mandatory HIV testing upon enlistment; mandatory retirement for officers at age 65 (Army, Air Force) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,824,372

females age 16-49: 2,685,883 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,401,481

females age 16-49: 1,274,583 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 151,586

female: 150,839 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.8% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Transnational Issues ::Zambia

Disputes - international:

in 2004, Zimbabwe dropped objections to plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 42,565 (Angola); 60,874 (Democratic Republic of the Congo); 4,100 (Rwanda) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for moderate amounts of methaqualone, small amounts of heroin, and cocaine bound for southern Africa and possibly Europe; a poorly developed financial infrastructure coupled with a government commitment to combating money laundering make it an unattractive venue for money launderers; major consumer of cannabis

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@Zimbabwe (Africa)

Introduction ::Zimbabwe

Background:

The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the [British] South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister, has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated the country's political system since independence. His chaotic land redistribution campaign, which began in 2000, caused an exodus of white farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, MUGABE rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection. The ruling ZANU-PF party used fraud and intimidation to win a two-thirds majority in the March 2005 parliamentary election, allowing it to amend the constitution at will and recreate the Senate, which had been abolished in the late 1980s. In April 2005, Harare embarked on Operation Restore Order, ostensibly an urban rationalization program, which resulted in the destruction of the homes or businesses of 700,000 mostly poor supporters of the opposition. President MUGABE in June 2007 instituted price controls on all basic commodities causing panic buying and leaving store shelves empty for months. General elections held in March 2008 contained irregularities but still amounted to a censure of the ZANU-PF-led government with the opposition winning a majority of seats in parliament. MDC opposition leader Morgan TSVANGIRAI won the most votes in the presidential polls, but not enough to win outright. In the lead up to a run-off election in late June 2008, considerable violence enacted against opposition party members led to the withdrawal of TSVANGIRAI from the ballot. Extensive evidence of vote tampering and ballot-box stuffing resulted in international condemnation of the process. Difficult negotiations over a power-sharing government, in which MUGABE remained president and TSVANGIRAI became prime minister, were finally settled in February 2009, although the leaders have yet failed to agree upon many key outstanding governmental issues.

Geography ::Zimbabwe

Location:

Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 390,757 sq km country comparison to the world: 60 land: 386,847 sq km

water: 3,910 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 3,066 km

border countries: Botswana 813 km, Mozambique 1,231 km, South Africa 225 km, Zambia 797 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March)

Terrain:

mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld); mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save Rivers 162 m

highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m

Natural resources:

coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals

Land use:

arable land: 8.24%

permanent crops: 0.33%

other: 91.43% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,740 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

20 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 4.21 cu km/yr (14%/7%/79%)

per capita: 324 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and water pollution; the black rhinoceros herd - once the largest concentration of the species in the world - has been significantly reduced by poaching; poor mining practices have led to toxic waste and heavy metal pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary with Zambia; in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria Falls on the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water

People ::Zimbabwe

Population:

11,651,858 country comparison to the world: 72 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.9% (male 2,523,119/female 2,473,928)

15-64 years: 52.2% (male 2,666,928/female 3,283,474)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 194,360/female 250,820) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.8 years

male: 16.7 years

female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.954% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Birth rate:

31.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Death rate:

14.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Net migration rate:

12.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 6 note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.83 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 30.9 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 72 male: 33.44 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 28.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 47.55 years country comparison to the world: 219 male: 47.98 years

female: 47.11 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.66 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

15.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.3 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

140,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Zimbabwean(s)

adjective: Zimbabwean

Ethnic groups:

African 98% (Shona 82%, Ndebele 14%, other 2%), mixed and Asian 1%, white less than 1%

Religions:

syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%

Languages:

English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English

total population: 90.7%

male: 94.2%

female: 87.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 10 years

female: 9 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

4.6% of GDP (2000) country comparison to the world: 87

Government ::Zimbabwe

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Zimbabwe

conventional short form: Zimbabwe

former: Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Harare

geographic coordinates: 17 50 S, 31 03 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 provinces and 2 cities* with provincial status; Bulawayo*,
Harare*, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East,
Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South,
Midlands

Independence:

18 April 1980 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 April (1980)

Constitution:

21 December 1979

Legal system:

mixture of Roman-Dutch and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE (since 31 December 1987); Vice President John NKOMO (since December 2009) and Vice President Joyce MUJURU (since 6 December 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Morgan TSVANGIRAI (since 11 February 2009); Deputy Prime Minister Arthur MUTAMBARA

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and prime minister; responsible to the House of Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: presidential candidates nominated with a nomination paper signed by at least 10 registered voters (at least one from each province) and elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); elections last held on 28 March 2008 followed by a run-off on 27 June 2008 (next to be held in 2013); co-vice presidents drawn from party leadership

election results: Robert Gabriel MUGABE reelected president; percent of vote - Robert Gabriel MUGABE 85.5%, Morgan TSVANGIRAI 9.3%, other 5.2%; note - first round voting results - Morgan TSVANGIRAI 47.9%, Robert Gabriel MUGABE 43.2%, Simba MAKONI 8.3%, other 0.6%; first-round round polls were deemed to be flawed suppressing TSVANGIRAI's results; the 27 June 2008 run-off between MUGABE and TSVANGIRAI was severely flawed and internationally condemned

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate (93 seats - 60 members elected by popular vote for a five-year term, 10 provincial governors nominated by the president and the prime minister, 16 traditional chiefs elected by the Council of Chiefs, 2 seats held by the president and deputy president of the Council of Chiefs, and 5 members appointed by the president) and a House of Assembly (210 seats - members elected by popular vote for five-year terms)

elections: last held on 28 March 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - MDC 51.6%, ZANU-PF 45.8%, other 2.6%; seats by party - MDC 30, ZANU-PF 30; House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - MDC 51.3%, ZANU-PF 45.8%, other 2.9%; seats by party - MDC 109, ZANU-PF 97, other 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; High Court

Political parties and leaders:

African National Party or ANP [Egypt DZINEMUNHENZVA]; Movement for
Democratic Change or MDC [Morgan TSVANGIRAI]; Movement for
Democratic Change - Mutambara or MDC-M [Arthur MUTAMBARA] (splinter
faction of the MDC); Peace Action is Freedom for All or PAFA; United
Parties [Abel MUZOREWA]; United People's Party or UPP [Daniel
SHUMBA]; Zimbabwe African National Union-Ndonga or ZANU-Ndonga
[Wilson KUMBULA]; Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front or
ZANU-PF [Robert Gabriel MUGABE]; Zimbabwe African Peoples Union or
ZAPU [Agrippa MADLELA]; Zimbabwe Youth in Alliance or ZIYA

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition; National Constitutional Assembly or
NCA [Lovemore MADHUKU]; Women of Zimbabwe Arise or WOZA [Jenny
WILLIAMS]; Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions or ZCTU [Wellington
CHIBEBE]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
(correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN,
UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Machivenyika MAPURANGA

chancery: 1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 332-7100

FAX: [1] (202) 483-9326

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles A. RAY

embassy: 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare

mailing address: P. O. Box 3340, Harare

telephone: [263] (4) 250-593 through 250-594

FAX: [263] (4) 796-488, or 722-618

Flag description:

seven equal horizontal bands of green, yellow, red, black, red, yellow, and green with a white isosceles triangle edged in black with its base on the hoist side; a yellow Zimbabwe bird representing the long history of the country is superimposed on a red five-pointed star in the center of the triangle, which symbolizes peace; green represents agriculture, yellow mineral wealth, red the blood shed to achieve independence, and black stands for the native people

National anthem:

name: "Kalibusiswe Ilizwe leZimbabwe" [Northern Ndebele language] "Simudzai Mureza WeZimbabwe" [Shona] (Blessed Be the Land of Zimbabwe)

lyrics/music: Solomon MUTSWAIRO/Fred Lecture CHANGUNDEGA

note: adopted 1994

Economy ::Zimbabwe

Economy - overview:

The government of Zimbabwe faces a wide variety of difficult economic problems. Its 1998-2002 involvement in the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo drained hundreds of millions of dollars from the economy. The government's land reform program, characterized by chaos and violence, has badly damaged the commercial farming sector, the traditional source of exports and foreign exchange and the provider of 400,000 jobs, turning Zimbabwe into a net importer of food products. The EU and the US provide food aid on humanitarian grounds. Until early 2009, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe routinely printed money to fund the budget deficit, causing hyperinflation. The power-sharing government formed in February 2009 has led to some economic improvements, including the cessation of hyperinflation by eliminating the use of the Zimbabwe dollar and removing price controls. The economy is registering its first growth in a decade, but will be reliant on further political improvement for greater growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.395 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 $4.223 billion (2009 est.)

$4.279 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.574 billion

note: in 2009, the Zimbabwean dollar was taken out of circulation, making Zimbabwe's GDP at the official exchange rate a highly inaccurate statistic (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 79 -1.3% (2009 est.)

-14.4% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 227 $400 (2009 est.)

$400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 19.5%

industry: 24%

services: 56.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

3.848 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 66%

industry: 10%

services: 24% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

95% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 200 80% (2005 est.)

Population below poverty line:

68% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 40.4% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.1 (2006) country comparison to the world: 24 50.1 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

21% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Public debt:

241.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 282.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.03% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 5.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 1 975% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 578.96% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$NA (31 December 2009 est.)

$2.151 million (31 December 2008 est)

note: the money data for Zimbabwe for 2007 reflected the vastly overvalued official exchange rate of 30,000 Zimbabwe dollars per US dollar; at an unofficial rate of 800,000 Zimbabwe dollars per US dollar, the stock of Zimbabwe dollars, narrowly defined, would equal only about US$500 million and Zimbabwe's velocity of money (the number of times money turns over in the course of a year) would be nine, in line with the velocity of money for other countries in the region

Stock of broad money:

$3.057 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 $NA (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.186 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 $60 (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 79 $5.333 billion (31 December 2007)

$26.56 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

corn, cotton, tobacco, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, peanuts; sheep, goats, pigs

Industries:

mining (coal, gold, platinum, copper, nickel, tin, clay, numerous metallic and nonmetallic ores), steel; wood products, cement, chemicals, fertilizer, clothing and footwear, foodstuffs, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Electricity - production:

8.89 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Electricity - consumption:

10.89 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Electricity - exports:

32 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

2.691 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Oil - consumption:

11,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Oil - imports:

13,830 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Current account balance:

-$414.2 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 -$807.5 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.869 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 $1.213 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

platinum, cotton, tobacco, gold, ferroalloys, textiles/clothing

Exports - partners:

Democratic Republic of the Congo 14.82%, South Africa 13.39%, Botswana 13.23%, China 7.82%, Zambia 7.3%, Netherlands 5.39%, UK 4.93% (2009)

Imports:

$2.871 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 $2.413 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, other manufactures, chemicals, fuels, food products

Imports - partners:

South Africa 62.24%, China 4.2% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$376 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $351 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$5.772 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $5.667 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Zimbabwean dollars (ZWD) per US dollar - 234.25 (2010), 234 (2008), 30,000 (2007), 162 (2006), 78 (2005)

Communications ::Zimbabwe

Telephones - main lines in use:

385,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 103

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.991 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 113

Telephone system:

general assessment: system was once one of the best in Africa, but now suffers from poor maintenance

domestic: consists of microwave radio relay links, open-wire lines, radiotelephone communication stations, fixed wireless local loop installations, and a substantial mobile-cellular network; Internet connection is available in Harare and planned for all major towns and for some of the smaller ones

international: country code - 263; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat; 2 international digital gateway exchanges (in Harare and Gweru)

Broadcast media:

government owns all local radio and television stations; foreign shortwave broadcasts and satellite television are available to those who can afford antennas and receivers; in rural areas, access to television broadcasts is extremely limited (2007)

Internet country code:

.zw

Internet hosts:

29,866 (2010) country comparison to the world: 98

Internet users:

1.423 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 84

Transportation ::Zimbabwe

Airports:

216 (2010) country comparison to the world: 28

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 19

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 197

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 120

under 914 m: 74 (2010)

Pipelines:

refined products 270 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,077 km country comparison to the world: 55 narrow gauge: 3,077 km 1.067-m gauge (313 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 97,267 km country comparison to the world: 46 paved: 18,481 km

unpaved: 78,786 km (2002)

Waterways:

on Lake Kariba (2009)

Ports and terminals:

Binga, Kariba

Military ::Zimbabwe

Military branches:

Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF): Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Air
Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-24 years of age for compulsory military service; women are eligible to serve (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,366,038

females age 16-49: 2,742,036 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,327,894

females age 16-49: 1,525,815 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 155,117

female: 152,875 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 29

Transnational Issues ::Zimbabwe

Disputes - international:

Botswana built electric fences and South Africa has placed military along the border to stem the flow of thousands of Zimbabweans fleeing to find work and escape political persecution; Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 2,500 (Democratic Republic of Congo)

IDPs: 569,685 (MUGABE-led political violence, human rights violations, land reform, and economic collapse) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Zimbabwe is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; large scale migration of Zimbabweans to surrounding countries - as they flee a progressively more desperate situation at home - has increased; rural Zimbabwean men, women, and children are trafficked internally to farms for agricultural labor and domestic servitude and to cities for domestic labor and commercial sexual exploitation; NGOs believe internal trafficking increased during the year, largely due to the closure of schools, worsening political violence, and a faltering economy; young men and boys are trafficked to South Africa for farm work, often laboring for months in South Africa without pay before "employers" have them arrested and deported as illegal immigrants; young women and girls are lured abroad with false employment offers that result in involuntary domestic servitude or commercial sexual exploitation; men, women, and children from neighboring states are trafficked through Zimbabwe en route to South Africa

tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Zimbabwe does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government made minimal progress in combating trafficking in 2008, and members of its military and the former ruling party's youth militias perpetrated acts of trafficking on local populations; anti-trafficking efforts were further weakened as it failed to address Zimbabwe's economic and social problems during the reporting period, thus increasing the population's vulnerability to trafficking within and outside of the country (2009)

Illicit drugs:

transit point for cannabis and South Asian heroin, mandrax, and methamphetamines en route to South Africa

page last updated on January 20, 2011

======================================================================

@2001

Field Listing :: GDP (purchasing power parity)

This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates is the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States. This is the measure most economists prefer when looking at per-capita welfare and when comparing living conditions or use of resources across countries. The measure is difficult to compute, as a US dollar value has to be assigned to all goods and services in the country regardless of whether these goods and services have a direct equivalent in the United States (for example, the value of an ox-cart or non-US military equipment); as a result, PPP estimates for some countries are based on a small and sometimes different set of goods and services. In addition, many countries do not formally participate in the World Bank's PPP project that calculates these measures, so the resulting GDP estimates for these countries may lack precision. For many developing countries, PPP-based GDP measures are multiples of the official exchange rate (OER) measure. The differences between the OER- and PPP-denominated GDP values for most of the wealthy industrialized countries are generally much smaller. Country Comparison to the World Country

GDP (purchasing power parity)

Afghanistan
  $29.81 billion (2010 est.)
  $27.38 billion (2009 est.)
  $22.34 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Albania
  $23.95 billion (2010 est.)
  $23.23 billion (2009 est.)
  $22.49 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars
  Albania has an informal, and unreported, sector that may be as large
  as 50% of official GDP

Algeria
  $254.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $244.6 billion (2009 est.)
  $239.4 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

American Samoa
  $575.3 million (2007 est.)
  $510.1 million (2003 est.)

Andorra
  $4.22 billion (2008)
  $3.66 billion (2007)
  $3.588 billion (2006)

Angola
  $114.1 billion (2010 est.)
  $107.8 billion (2009 est.)
  $108.7 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Anguilla
  $175.4 million (2009 est.)
  $191.7 million (2008 est.)
  $108.9 million (2004 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  $1.433 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.494 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.64 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Argentina
  $596 billion (2010 est.)
  $554.5 billion (2009 est.)
  $571.6 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Armenia
  $17.27 billion (2010 est.)
  $16.5 billion (2009 est.)
  $19.23 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Aruba
  $2.258 billion (2005 est.)
  $2.205 billion (2004 est.)

Australia
  $889.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $861.1 billion (2009 est.)
  $850.9 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Austria
  $332.9 billion (2010 est.)
  $326.4 billion (2009 est.)
  $339.3 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Azerbaijan
  $90.15 billion (2010 est.)
  $86.93 billion (2009 est.)
  $79.54 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bahamas, The
  $8.878 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.923 billion (2009 est.)
  $9.285 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bahrain
  $29.82 billion (2010 est.)
  $28.7 billion (2009 est.)
  $27.83 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bangladesh
  $259.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $244.6 billion (2009 est.)
  $231.4 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Barbados
  $6.196 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.24 billion (2009 est.)
  $6.603 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belarus
  $128.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $122.5 billion (2009 est.)
  $122.3 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belgium
  $394.9 billion (2010 est.)
  $388.7 billion (2009 est.)
  $399.5 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belize
  $2.652 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.613 billion (2009 est.)
  $2.613 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Benin
  $14.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $13.79 billion (2009 est.)
  $13.42 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bermuda
  $4.5 billion (2004 est.)

Bhutan
  $3.526 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.301 billion (2009 est.)
  $3.123 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bolivia
  $47.98 billion (2010 est.)
  $46.22 billion (2009 est.)
  $44.7 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  $30.56 billion (2010 est.)
  $30.23 billion (2009 est.)
  $31.23 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Botswana
  $26.56 billion (2010 est.)
  $25.76 billion (2009 est.)
  $27.23 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Brazil
  $2.194 trillion (2010 est.)
  $2.041 trillion (2009 est.)
  $2.045 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

British Virgin Islands
  $853.4 million (2004 est.)

Brunei
  $19.88 billion (2010 est.)
  $19.68 billion (2009 est.)
  $20.04 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bulgaria
  $91.83 billion (2010 est.)
  $91.83 billion (2009 est.)
  $96.67 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burkina Faso
  $20.06 billion (2010 est.)
  $19.07 billion (2009 est.)
  $18.48 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burma
  $60.07 billion (2010 est.)
  $58.27 billion (2009 est.)
  $57.24 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burundi
  $3.418 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.29 billion (2009 est.)
  $3.178 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cambodia
  $29.46 billion (2010 est.)
  $28.3 billion (2009 est.)
  $28.73 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cameroon
  $44.65 billion (2010 est.)
  $43.44 billion (2009 est.)
  $43.05 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Canada
  $1.335 trillion (2010 est.)
  $1.297 trillion (2009 est.)
  $1.33 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cape Verde
  $1.861 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.781 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.749 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cayman Islands $2.25 billion (2008 est.) $2.23 billion (2003 est.)

Central African Republic
  $3.468 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.345 billion (2009 est.)
  $3.289 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Chad
  $18.56 billion (2010 est.)
  $18.2 billion (2009 est.)
  $18.49 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Chile
  $260 billion (2010 est.)
  $246.9 billion (2009 est.)
  $250.6 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

China
  $9.872 trillion (2010 est.)
  $8.95 trillion (2009 est.)
  $8.204 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Christmas Island
  $NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  $NA

Colombia
  $431.9 billion (2010 est.)
  $413.7 billion (2009 est.)
  $410.4 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Comoros
  $789.4 million (2010 est.)
  $776.2 million (2009 est.)
  $762.5 million (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  $22.92 billion (2010 est.)
  $22.25 billion (2009 est.)
  $21.64 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Congo, Republic of the
  $17.45 billion (2010 est.)
  $15.79 billion (2009 est.)
  $14.67 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cook Islands
  $183.2 million (2005 est.)

Costa Rica
  $51.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $49.57 billion (2009 est.)
  $49.91 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cote d'Ivoire
  $37.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $36.48 billion (2009 est.)
  $35.01 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Croatia
  $78.52 billion (2010 est.)
  $79.64 billion (2009 est.)
  $84.54 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cuba
  $114.1 billion (2010 est.)
  $112.4 billion (2009 est.)
  $110.8 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Curacao
  $2.838 billion (2008 est.)
  $2.606 billion (2007 est.)
  $2.452 billion (2006 est.)
  note: data are in 2008 US dollars

Cyprus
  $23.18 billion (2010 est.)
  $23.04 billion (2009 est.)
  $23.45 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Czech Republic
  $261.5 billion (2010 est.)
  $256.9 billion (2009 est.)
  $267.9 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Denmark
  $204.1 billion (2010 est.)
  $200.5 billion (2009 est.)
  $210.4 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Djibouti
  $2.099 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.003 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.908 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Dominica
  $765.4 million (2010 est.)
  $754.8 million (2009 est.)
  $757.1 million (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Dominican Republic
  $84.94 billion (2010 est.)
  $81.52 billion (2009 est.)
  $78.76 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ecuador
  $114.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $112 billion (2009 est.)
  $111.6 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Egypt
  $500.9 billion (2010 est.)
  $475.7 billion (2009 est.)
  $454.8 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

El Salvador
  $43.98 billion (2010 est.)
  $43.46 billion (2009 est.)
  $45.04 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Equatorial Guinea
  $24.66 billion (2010 est.)
  $24.18 billion (2009 est.)
  $22.96 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Eritrea
  $4.178 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.017 billion (2009 est.)
  $3.877 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Estonia
  $24.53 billion (2010 est.)
  $24.07 billion (2009 est.)
  $27.96 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ethiopia
  $84.02 billion (2010 est.)
  $78.52 billion (2009 est.)
  $72.24 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

European Union
  $14.89 trillion (2010 est.)
  $14.64 trillion (2009 est.)
  $15.27 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  $105.1 million (2002 est.)

Faroe Islands
  $1.642 billion (2008 est.)

Fiji
  $3.792 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.725 billion (2009 est.)
  $3.821 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Finland
  $185.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $181.6 billion (2009 est.)
  $197.6 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

France
  $2.16 trillion (2010 est.)
  $2.126 trillion (2009 est.)
  $2.18 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

French Polynesia
  $4.718 billion (2004 est.)
  $4.58 billion (2003 est.)

Gabon
  $22.54 billion (2010 est.)
  $21.39 billion (2009 est.)
  $21.69 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gambia, The
  $3.406 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.244 billion (2009 est.)
  $3.073 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gaza Strip
  see entry for West Bank

Georgia
  $22.32 billion (2010 est.)
  $21.16 billion (2009 est.)
  $22.02 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Germany
  $2.951 trillion (2010 est.)
  $2.857 trillion (2009 est.)
  $2.998 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ghana
  $38.24 billion (2010 est.)
  $36.53 billion (2009 est.)
  $35.09 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gibraltar
  $1.106 billion (2006 est.)
  $1.066 billion (2005 est.)
  $769 million (2000 est.)

Greece
  $321.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $337.9 billion (2009 est.)
  $344.8 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Greenland
  $2.03 billion (2008 est.)

Grenada
  $1.127 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.118 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.211 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guam
  $2.5 billion (2005 est.)

Guatemala
  $70.31 billion (2010 est.)
  $68.8 billion (2009 est.)
  $68.39 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guernsey
  $2.742 billion (2005)

Guinea
  $10.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.3 billion (2009 est.)
  $10.67 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guinea-Bissau
  $1.769 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.738 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.687 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guyana
  $5.069 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.946 billion (2009 est.)
  $4.834 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Haiti
  $11.18 billion (2010 est.)
  $12.15 billion (2009 est.)
  $11.81 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Holy See (Vatican City)
  $NA

Honduras
  $33.77 billion (2010 est.)
  $32.94 billion (2009 est.)
  $33.65 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Hong Kong
  $323.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $305.9 billion (2009 est.)
  $314.7 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Hungary
  $190 billion (2010 est.)
  $188.5 billion (2009 est.)
  $201.2 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iceland
  $11.86 billion (2010 est.)
  $12.28 billion (2009 est.)
  $13.17 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

India
  $4.046 trillion (2010 est.)
  $3.736 trillion (2009 est.)
  $3.478 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Indonesia
  $1.033 trillion (2010 est.)
  $974.6 billion (2009 est.)
  $932.6 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iran
  $863.5 billion (2010 est.)
  $838.3 billion (2009 est.)
  $825.9 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iraq
  $117.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $111.5 billion (2009 est.)
  $106.7 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ireland
  $174 billion (2010 est.)
  $175.1 billion (2009 est.)
  $189.5 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Isle of Man
  $2.719 billion (2005 est.)

Israel
  $217.1 billion (2010 est.)
  $210 billion (2009 est.)
  $209.6 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Italy
  $1.782 trillion (2010 est.)
  $1.763 trillion (2009 est.)
  $1.857 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Jamaica
  $23.93 billion (2010 est.)
  $24.12 billion (2009 est.)
  $24.81 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Japan
  $4.338 trillion (2010 est.)
  $4.211 trillion (2009 est.)
  $4.442 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Jersey
  $5.1 billion (2005 est.)

Jordan
  $33.79 billion (2010 est.)
  $32.74 billion (2009 est.)
  $31.98 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kazakhstan
  $193.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $184.8 billion (2009 est.)
  $182.6 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kenya
  $65.95 billion (2010 est.)
  $63.42 billion (2009 est.)
  $61.78 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kiribati
  $619.5 million (2010 est.)
  $610.4 million (2009 est.)
  $614.7 million (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Korea, North
  $40 billion (2009 est.)
  $40 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars;
  North Korea does not publish reliable National Income Accounts data;
  the data shown here are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP)
  GDP estimates for North Korea that were made by Angus MADDISON in a
  study conducted for the OECD; his figure for 1999 was extrapolated
  to 2009 using estimated real growth rates for North Korea's GDP and
  an inflation factor based on the US GDP deflator; the results were
  rounded to the nearest $10 billion.

Korea, South
  $1.467 trillion (2010 est.)
  $1.383 trillion (2009 est.)
  $1.38 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kosovo
  $5.3 billion (2008); $4.7 billion

Kuwait
  $144.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $139.8 billion (2009 est.)
  $146.5 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kyrgyzstan
  $11.85 billion (2010 est.)
  $12.28 billion (2009 est.)
  $12 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Laos
  $15.42 billion (2010 est.)
  $14.41 billion (2009 est.)
  $13.53 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Latvia
  $32.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $32.79 billion (2009 est.)
  $39.99 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Lebanon
  $58.65 billion (2010 est.)
  $54.71 billion (2009 est.)
  $51.18 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Lesotho
  $3.31 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.198 billion (2009 est.)
  $3.148 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Liberia
  $1.76 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.66 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.587 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Libya
  $89.03 billion (2010 est.)
  $86.19 billion (2009 est.)
  $86.77 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Liechtenstein
  $4.16 billion (2007)
  $4.035 billion (2006 est.)

Lithuania
  $56.22 billion (2010 est.)
  $55.99 billion (2009 est.)
  $65.72 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Luxembourg
  $40.81 billion (2010 est.)
  $39.55 billion (2009 est.)
  $41.07 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Macau
  $18.47 billion (2009 est.)
  $18.14 billion (2008 est.)
  $14.4 billion (2006)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Macedonia
  $19.46 billion (2010 est.)
  $19.18 billion (2009 est.)
  $19.31 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars; Macedonia has a large informal
  sector

Madagascar
  $20.73 billion (2010 est.)
  $20.42 billion (2009 est.)
  $20.63 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malawi
  $13.51 billion (2010 est.)
  $12.69 billion (2009 est.)
  $11.79 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malaysia
  $416.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $388.8 billion (2009 est.)
  $395.5 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Maldives
  $1.767 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.708 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.763 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mali
  $16.74 billion (2010 est.)
  $15.91 billion (2009 est.)
  $15.24 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malta
  $10.21 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.01 billion (2009 est.)
  $10.13 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Marshall Islands
  $133.5 million (2008 est.)
  $115 million (2001 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mauritania
  $6.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.476 billion (2009 est.)
  $6.542 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mauritius
  $17.49 billion (2010 est.)
  $16.88 billion (2009 est.)
  $16.37 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mayotte
  $953.6 million (2005 est.)

Mexico
  $1.56 trillion (2010 est.)
  $1.485 trillion (2009 est.)
  $1.589 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Micronesia, Federated States of $238.1 million (2008 est.) $277 million (2002 est.) note: data are in 2008 US dollars GDP supplemented by grant aid, averaging perhaps $100 million annually

Moldova
  $10.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.28 billion (2009 est.)
  $10.99 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Monaco
  $976.3 million (2006 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mongolia
  $10.16 billion (2010 est.)
  $9.5 billion (2009 est.)
  $9.654 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Montenegro
  $6.569 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.689 billion (2009 est.)
  $7.093 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Montserrat
  $29 million (2002 est.)

Morocco
  $153.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $147.6 billion (2009 est.)
  $140.6 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mozambique
  $22.19 billion (2010 est.)
  $20.49 billion (2009 est.)
  $19.28 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Namibia
  $14.64 billion (2010 est.)
  $14.06 billion (2009 est.)
  $14.17 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nauru
  $60 million (2005 est.)

Nepal
  $35.31 billion (2010 est.)
  $34.11 billion (2009 est.)
  $32.58 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Netherlands
  $680.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $669 billion (2009 est.)
  $696.1 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

New Caledonia
  $3.158 billion (2003 est.)

New Zealand
  $119.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $116.8 billion (2009 est.)
  $118.8 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nicaragua
  $17.34 billion (2010 est.)
  $16.87 billion (2009 est.)
  $17.12 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Niger
  $10.58 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.22 billion (2009 est.)
  $10.35 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nigeria
  $369.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $346.2 billion (2009 est.)
  $327.9 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Niue
  $10.01 million (2003 est.)

Norfolk Island
  $NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  $900 million (2000 est.)
  note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy

Norway
  $276.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $272.3 billion (2009 est.)
  $276.2 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Oman
  $76.53 billion (2010 est.)
  $73.87 billion (2009 est.)
  $72.42 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Pakistan
  $451.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $439.4 billion (2009 est.)
  $421.2 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Palau
  $164 million (2008 est.)
  $124.5 million (2004 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars
  GDP estimate includes US subsidy

Panama
  $43.48 billion (2010 est.)
  $41.37 billion (2009 est.)
  $40.4 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Papua New Guinea
  $14.93 billion (2010 est.)
  $14.06 billion (2009 est.)
  $13.33 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Paraguay
  $30.94 billion (2010 est.)
  $29.06 billion (2009 est.)
  $30.2 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Peru
  $274.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $254.8 billion (2009 est.)
  $252.5 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Philippines
  $351.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $329.2 billion (2009 est.)
  $325.6 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Pitcairn Islands
  $NA

Poland
  $721.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $698.6 billion (2009 est.)
  $687 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Portugal
  $247 billion (2010 est.)
  $244.5 billion (2009 est.)
  $251 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Puerto Rico
  $64.84 billion (2010 est.)
  $68.84 billion (2009 est.)
  $71.51 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Qatar
  $122.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $102.3 billion (2009 est.)
  $93.44 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Romania
  $253.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $258.2 billion (2009 est.)
  $277.9 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Russia
  $2.229 trillion (2010 est.)
  $2.147 trillion (2009 est.)
  $2.331 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Rwanda
  $11.84 billion (2010 est.)
  $11.17 billion (2009 est.)
  $10.69 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  $18 million (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  $719.5 million (2010 est.)
  $730.5 million (2009 est.)
  $772.7 million (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Lucia
  $1.789 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.769 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.866 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Pierre and Miquelon $48.3 million (2003 est.) note: supplemented by annual payments from France of about $60 million

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  $1.107 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.102 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.112 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Samoa
  $1.002 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.022 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.059 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

San Marino $1.662 billion (2007) $850 million (2004 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  $316.9 million (2010 est.)
  $299 million (2009 est.)
  $287.5 million (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saudi Arabia
  $622.5 billion (2010 est.)
  $599.7 billion (2009 est.)
  $599.1 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Senegal
  $23.86 billion (2010 est.)
  $22.96 billion (2009 est.)
  $22.56 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Serbia
  $80.65 billion (2010 est.)
  $79.22 billion (2009 est.)
  $81.67 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Seychelles
  $1.908 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.843 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.83 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sierra Leone
  $4.812 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.574 billion (2009 est.)
  $4.382 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Singapore
  $292.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $255 billion (2009 est.)
  $258.3 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sint Maarten
  $794.7 million (2008 est.)
  $748.9 million (2007 est.)
  $703.2 million (2006 est.)
  note: data are in 2008 US dollars

Slovakia
  $121.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $116.7 billion (2009 est.)
  $122.4 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Slovenia
  $56.81 billion (2010 est.)
  $56.24 billion (2009 est.)
  $61.2 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Solomon Islands
  $1.559 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.517 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.553 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Somalia
  $5.896 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.75 billion (2009 est.)
  $5.607 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

South Africa
  $527.5 billion (2010 est.)
  $512.2 billion (2009 est.)
  $521.6 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Spain
  $1.374 trillion (2010 est.)
  $1.379 trillion (2009 est.)
  $1.432 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sri Lanka
  $104.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $97.91 billion (2009 est.)
  $94.6 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sudan
  $98.79 billion (2010 est.)
  $93.91 billion (2009 est.)
  $90.12 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Suriname
  $4.794 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.632 billion (2009 est.)
  $4.541 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Svalbard
  $NA

Swaziland
  $6.055 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.937 billion (2009 est.)
  $5.913 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sweden
  $354 billion (2010 est.)
  $340.1 billion (2009 est.)
  $358.4 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Switzerland
  $326.9 billion (2010 est.)
  $318 billion (2009 est.)
  $324.1 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Syria
  $106.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $102.4 billion (2009 est.)
  $97.48 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Taiwan
  $807.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $745.4 billion (2009 est.)
  $759.8 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tajikistan
  $14.61 billion (2010 est.)
  $13.85 billion (2009 est.)
  $13.4 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tanzania
  $62.22 billion (2010 est.)
  $58.48 billion (2009 est.)
  $55.17 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Thailand
  $580.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $539.3 billion (2009 est.)
  $551.5 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Timor-Leste
  $3.004 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.782 billion (2009 est.)
  $2.588 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Togo
  $5.927 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.738 billion (2009 est.)
  $5.565 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tokelau
  $1.5 million (1993 est.)

Tonga
  $767 million (2010 est.)
  $770.9 million (2009 est.)
  $774.7 million (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Trinidad and Tobago
  $27.1 billion (2010 est.)
  $26.54 billion (2009 est.)
  $27.42 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tunisia
  $100.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $97.03 billion (2009 est.)
  $94.22 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turkey
  $958.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $893.1 billion (2009 est.)
  $937.1 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turkmenistan
  $36.64 billion (2010 est.)
  $33.01 billion (2009 est.)
  $31.11 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turks and Caicos Islands
  $216 million (2002 est.)

Tuvalu
  $14.94 million (2002 est.)

Uganda
  $41.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $39.41 billion (2009 est.)
  $36.76 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ukraine
  $306.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $293.7 billion (2009 est.)
  $345.9 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United Arab Emirates
  $199.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $194.7 billion (2009 est.)
  $200.1 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United Kingdom
  $2.189 trillion (2010 est.)
  $2.154 trillion (2009 est.)
  $2.268 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United States
  $14.72 trillion (2010 est.)
  $14.33 trillion (2009 est.)
  $14.72 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Uruguay
  $47.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $44.63 billion (2009 est.)
  $43.38 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Uzbekistan
  $86.07 billion (2010 est.)
  $79.55 billion (2009 est.)
  $73.59 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Vanuatu
  $1.216 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.168 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.126 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Venezuela
  $344.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $354.1 billion (2009 est.)
  $366.2 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Vietnam
  $278.1 billion (2010 est.)
  $260.3 billion (2009 est.)
  $247.2 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Virgin Islands
  $1.577 billion (2004 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  $60 million (2004 est.)

West Bank
  $12.79 billion (2009 est.)
  $11.95 billion (2008)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Western Sahara
  $900 million (2007 est.)

World
  $74.43 trillion (2010 est.)
  $71.17 trillion (2009 est.)
  $71.67 trillion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Yemen
  $61.88 billion (2010 est.)
  $58.82 billion (2009 est.)
  $56.67 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Zambia
  $20.03 billion (2010 est.)
  $18.72 billion (2009 est.)
  $17.61 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Zimbabwe
  $4.395 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.223 billion (2009 est.)
  $4.279 billion (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

======================================================================

@2002

Field Listing :: Population growth rate

  The average annual percent change in the population, resulting from
  a surplus (or deficit) of births over deaths and the balance of
  migrants entering and leaving a country. The rate may be positive or
  negative. The growth rate is a factor in determining how great a
  burden would be imposed on a country by the changing needs of its
  people for infrastructure (e.g., schools, hospitals, housing,
  roads), resources (e.g., food, water, electricity), and jobs. Rapid
  population growth can be seen as threatening by neighboring
  countries.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Population growth rate(%)

Afghanistan
  2.471% (2010 est.)

Albania
  0.249% (2010 est.)

Algeria
  1.177% (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  1.212% (2010 est.)

Andorra
  0.382% (2010 est.)

Angola
  2.063% (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  2.215% (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  1.3% (2010 est.)

Argentina
  1.036% (2010 est.)

Armenia
  0.016% (2010 est.)

Aruba
  1.457% (2010 est.)

Australia
  1.171% (2010 est.)

Austria
  0.042% (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  0.805% (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  0.935% (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  1.243% (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  1.55% (2010 est.)

Barbados
  0.374% (2010 est.)

Belarus
  -0.368% (2010 est.)

Belgium
  0.082% (2010 est.)

Belize
  2.102% (2010 est.)

Benin
  2.944% (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  0.62% (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  1.236% (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  1.72% (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  0.016% (2010 est.)

Botswana
  1.843% (2010 est.)

Brazil
  1.166% (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  1.784% (2010 est.)

Brunei
  1.733% (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  -0.768% (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  3.095% (2010 est.)

Burma
  1.096% (2010 est.)

Burundi
  3.561% (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  1.705% (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  2.157% (2010 est.)

Canada
  0.804% (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  1.459% (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  2.338% (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  2.149% (2010 est.)

Chad
  2.038% (2010 est.)

Chile
  0.856% (2010 est.)

China
  0.494% (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
  0% (2010 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  0% (2010 est.)

Colombia
  1.184% (2010 est.)

Comoros
  2.731% (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  3.165% (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  2.807% (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  -3.256% (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  1.347% (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  2.105% (2010 est.)

Croatia
  -0.061% (2010 est.)

Cuba
  0.217% (2010 est.)

Curacao
  NA

Cyprus
  1.663% (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  -0.106% (2010 est.)

Denmark
  0.267% (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  2.181% (2010 est.)

Dominica
  0.213% (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  1.357% (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  1.466% (2010 est.)

Egypt
  1.997% (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  0.332% (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  2.674% (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  2.522% (2010 est.)

Estonia
  -0.635% (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  3.202% (2010 est.)

European Union
  0.098 % (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0.011% (2009 est.)

Faroe Islands
  0.424% (2010 est.)

Fiji
  0.827% (2010 est.)

Finland
  0.084% (2010 est.)

France
  0.525% (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  1.355% (2010 est.)

Gabon
  2.025% (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  2.528% (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  3.29% (2010 est.)

Georgia
  -0.325% (2010 est.)

Germany
  -0.061% (2010 est.)

Ghana
  1.855% (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  0.27% (2010 est.)

Greece
  0.106% (2010 est.)

Greenland
  0.064% (2010 est.)

Grenada
  0.563% (2010 est.)

Guam
  1.346% (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  2.019% (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  0.466% (2010 est.)

Guinea
  2.649% (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  2.004% (2010 est.)

Guyana
  -0.547% (2010 est.)

Haiti
  0.787%
  note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those
  of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of
  the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely
  correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  0.004% (2010 est.)

Honduras
  1.935% (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  0.476% (2010 est.)

Hungary
  -0.156% (2010 est.)

Iceland
  0.699% (2010 est.)

India
  1.376% (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  1.097% (2010 est.)

Iran
  1.253% (2010 est.)

Iraq
  2.449% (2010 est.)

Ireland
  1.007% (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  0.968% (2010 est.)

Israel
  1.628% (2010 est.)

Italy
  -0.075% (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  0.747% (2010 est.)

Japan
  -0.242% (2010 est.)

Jersey
  0.86% (2010 est.)

Jordan
  2.159% (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  0.399% (2010 est.)

Kenya
  2.588% (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  1.271% (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  0.389% (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  0.258% (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  3.501%
  note: this rate reflects a return to pre-Gulf crisis immigration of
  expatriates (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  1.414% (2010 est.)

Laos
  1.712% (2010 est.)

Latvia
  -0.602% (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  0.621% (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  0.277% (2010 est.)

Liberia
  2.782% (2010 est.)

Libya
  2.117% (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  0.683% (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  -0.276% (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  1.158% (2010 est.)

Macau
  0.89% (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  0.257% (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  2.993% (2010 est.)

Malawi
  2.758% (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  1.609% (2010 est.)

Maldives
  -0.178% (2010 est.)

Mali
  2.607% (2010 est.)

Malta
  0.391% (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  2.023% (2010 est.)

Mauritania
  2.373% (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  0.751% (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  3.171% (2010 est.)

Mexico
  1.118% (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  -0.284% (2010 est.)

Moldova
  -0.072% (2010 est.)

Monaco
  -0.183% (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  1.495% (2010 est.)

Montenegro
  -0.777% (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  0.391% (2010 est.)

Morocco
  1.077% (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  1.797% (2010 est.)

Namibia
  0.909% (2010 est.)

Nauru
  0.594% (2010 est.)

Nepal
  1.419% (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  0.39% (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  1.561% (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  0.901% (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  1.74% (2010 est.)

Niger
  3.66% (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  1.966% (2010 est.)

Niue
  -0.032% (2010 est.)

Norfolk Island
  0.006% (2010 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
  -5.567% (2010 est.)

Norway
  0.334% (2010 est.)

Oman
  1.996% (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  1.589% (2010 est.)

Palau
  0.374% (2010 est.)

Panama
  1.463% (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  2.033% (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  1.31% (2010 est.)

Peru
  1.193% (2010 est.)

Philippines
  1.931% (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  0% (2010 est.)

Poland
  -0.053% (2010 est.)

Portugal
  0.244% (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  0.27% (2010 est.)

Qatar
  0.869% (2010 est.)

Romania
  -0.247% (2010 est.)

Russia
  -0.465% (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  2.818% (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  0.404% (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0.838% (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0.398% (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  -0.909% (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  -0.341% (2010 est.)

Samoa
  0.605% (2010 est.)

San Marino
  1.106% (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  2.112% (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  1.548% (2010 est.)

Senegal
  2.579% (2010 est.)

Serbia
  -0.469% (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  0.966% (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  2.216% (2010 est.)

Singapore
  0.863% (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  NA

Slovakia
  0.129% (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  -0.142% (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  2.27% (2010 est.)

Somalia
  2.809% (2010 est.)

South Africa
  -0.051% (2010 est.)

Spain
  0.493% (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  0.863% (2010 est.)

Sudan
  2.497% (2010 est.)

Suriname
  1.108% (2010 est.)

Svalbard
  -0.023% (2010 est.)

Swaziland
  1.213% (2010 est.)

Sweden
  0.16% (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  0.223% (2010 est.)

Syria
  1.954% (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  0.213% (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  1.852% (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  2.032% (2010 est.)

Thailand
  0.653% (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  1.999% (2010 est.)

Togo
  2.773% (2010 est.)

Tokelau
  -0.011% (2010 est.)

Tonga
  1.282% (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  -0.094% (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  0.969% (2010 est.)

Turkey
  1.272% (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  1.14% (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  2.491% (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  0.659% (2010 est.)

Uganda
  3.563% (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  -0.619% (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  3.561% (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  0.563% (2010 est.)

United States
  0.97% (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  0.447% (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  0.938% (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  1.359% (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  1.515% (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  1.096% (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  -0.072% (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  0.365% (2010 est.)

West Bank
  2.13% (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  3.169% (2010 est.)

World
  1.133% (2009 est.)

Yemen
  2.713% (2010 est.)

Zambia
  3.118% (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  2.954% (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2003

Field Listing :: GDP - real growth rate

  This entry gives GDP growth on an annual basis adjusted for
  inflation and expressed as a percent.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

GDP - real growth rate(%)

Afghanistan
  8.9% (2010 est.)
  22.5% (2009 est.)
  3.4% (2008 est.)

Albania
  3.1% (2010 est.)
  3.3% (2009 est.)
  7.8% (2008 est.)

Algeria
  4.1% (2010 est.)
  2.2% (2009 est.)
  2.8% (2008 est.)

American Samoa
  3% (2003)

Andorra
  2.6% (2008 est.)
  2% (2007 est.)
  3.5% (2005 est.)

Angola
  5.9% (2010 est.)
  -0.9% (2009 est.)
  13.4% (2008 est.)

Anguilla
  -8.5% (2009 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  -4.1% (2010 est.)
  -8.9% (2009 est.)
  1.8% (2008 est.)

Argentina
  7.5% (2010 est.)
  -3% (2009 est.)
  5% (2008 est.)

Armenia
  4.7% (2010 est.)
  -14.2% (2009 est.)
  6.9% (2008 est.)

Aruba
  2.4% (2005 est.)

Australia
  3.3% (2010 est.)
  1.2% (2009 est.)
  2.2% (2008 est.)

Austria
  2% (2010 est.)
  -3.8% (2009 est.)
  1.9% (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
  3.7% (2010 est.)
  9.3% (2009 est.)
  10.8% (2008 est.)

Bahamas, The
  -0.5% (2010 est.)
  -3.9% (2009 est.)
  -1.7% (2008 est.)

Bahrain
  3.9% (2010 est.)
  3.1% (2009 est.)
  6.3% (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
  6% (2010 est.)
  5.7% (2009 est.)
  6% (2008 est.)

Barbados
  -0.7% (2010 est.)
  -5.5% (2009 est.)
  -0.2% (2008 est.)

Belarus
  4.8% (2010 est.)
  0.2% (2009 est.)
  10.2% (2008 est.)

Belgium
  1.6% (2010 est.)
  -2.7% (2009 est.)
  0.8% (2008 est.)

Belize
  1.5% (2010 est.)
  0% (2009 est.)
  3.6% (2008 est.)

Benin
  3% (2010 est.)
  2.7% (2009 est.)
  5.1% (2008 est.)

Bermuda
  4.6% (2004 est.)

Bhutan
  6.8% (2010 est.)
  5.7% (2009 est.)
  2.7% (2008 est.)

Bolivia
  3.8% (2010 est.)
  3.4% (2009 est.)
  6.1% (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  1.1% (2010 est.)
  -3.2% (2009 est.)
  5.7% (2008 est.)

Botswana
  3.1% (2010 est.)
  -5.4% (2009 est.)
  2.9% (2008 est.)

Brazil
  7.5% (2010 est.)
  -0.2% (2009 est.)
  5.1% (2008 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  -0.6% (2008 est.)

Brunei
  1% (2010 est.)
  -1.8% (2009 est.)
  -1.9% (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  0% (2010 est.)
  -5% (2009 est.)
  6.2% (2008 est.)

Burkina Faso
  5.2% (2010 est.)
  3.2% (2009 est.)
  5.2% (2008 est.)

Burma
  3.1% (2010 est.)
  1.8% (2009 est.)
  1.1% (2008 est.)

Burundi
  3.9% (2010 est.)
  3.5% (2009 est.)
  4.5% (2008 est.)

Cambodia
  4.1% (2010 est.)
  -1.5% (2009 est.)
  5% (2008 est.)

Cameroon
  2.8% (2010 est.)
  0.9% (2009 est.)
  3.9% (2008 est.)

Canada
  3% (2010 est.)
  -2.5% (2009 est.)
  0.5% (2008 est.)

Cape Verde
  4.5% (2010 est.)
  1.8% (2009 est.)
  5.9% (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands 1.1% (2008 est.) 0.9% (2004 est.)

Central African Republic
  3.7% (2010 est.)
  1.7% (2009 est.)
  2% (2008 est.)

Chad
  2% (2010 est.)
  -1.6% (2009 est.)
  10.7% (2008 est.)

Chile
  5.3% (2010 est.)
  -1.5% (2009 est.)
  3.7% (2008 est.)

China
  10.3% (2010 est.)
  9.1% (2009 est.)
  9% (2008 est.)

Colombia
  4.4% (2010 est.)
  0.8% (2009 est.)
  2.7% (2008 est.)

Comoros
  1.7% (2010 est.)
  1.8% (2009 est.)
  1% (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  3% (2010 est.)
  2.8% (2009 est.)
  6.2% (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  10.5% (2010 est.)
  7.6% (2009 est.)
  5.6% (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
  0.1% (2005 est.)

Costa Rica
  3.5% (2010 est.)
  -0.7% (2009 est.)
  2.6% (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  3.6% (2010 est.)
  4.2% (2009 est.)
  2.3% (2008 est.)

Croatia
  -1.4% (2010 est.)
  -5.8% (2009 est.)
  2.4% (2008 est.)

Cuba
  1.5% (2010 est.)
  1.4% (2009 est.)
  4.1% (2008 est.)

Curacao
  3.5% (2008)
  2.2% (2007)

Cyprus
  0.6% (2010 est.)
  -1.8% (2009 est.)
  3.6% (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
  1.8% (2010 est.)
  -4.1% (2009 est.)
  2.5% (2008 est.)

Denmark
  1.8% (2010 est.)
  -4.7% (2009 est.)
  -0.9% (2008 est.)

Djibouti
  4.8% (2010 est.)
  5% (2009 est.)
  5.8% (2008 est.)

Dominica
  1.4% (2010 est.)
  -0.3% (2009 est.)
  3.2% (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
  4.2% (2010 est.)
  3.5% (2009 est.)
  5.3% (2008 est.)

Ecuador
  2.4% (2010 est.)
  0.4% (2009 est.)
  7.2% (2008 est.)

Egypt
  5.3% (2010 est.)
  4.6% (2009 est.)
  7.2% (2008 est.)

El Salvador
  1.2% (2010 est.)
  -3.5% (2009 est.)
  2.4% (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  2% (2010 est.)
  5.3% (2009 est.)
  11.3% (2008 est.)

Eritrea
  4% (2010 est.)
  3.6% (2009 est.)
  2% (2008 est.)

Estonia
  1.9% (2010 est.)
  -13.9% (2009 est.)
  -5.1% (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
  7% (2010 est.)
  8.7% (2009 est.)
  11.6% (2008 est.)

European Union
  1.7% (2010 est.)
  -4% (2009 est.)
  0.6% (2008 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA%

Faroe Islands
  0.5% (2008 est.)

Fiji
  1.8% (2010 est.)
  -2.5% (2009 est.)
  -0.1% (2008 est.)

Finland
  2.1% (2010 est.)
  -8.1% (2009 est.)
  1% (2008 est.)

France
  1.6% (2010 est.)
  -2.5% (2009 est.)
  0.1% (2008 est.)

French Polynesia
  2.7% (2005)
  5.1% (2002)

Gabon
  5.4% (2010 est.)
  -1.4% (2009 est.)
  2.3% (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
  5% (2010 est.)
  5.6% (2009 est.)
  6.3% (2008 est.)

Gaza Strip
  see entry for West Bank

Georgia
  5.5% (2010 est.)
  -3.9% (2009 est.)
  2.3% (2008 est.)

Germany
  3.3% (2010 est.)
  -4.7% (2009 est.)
  1% (2008 est.)

Ghana
  4.7% (2010 est.)
  4.1% (2009 est.)
  7.3% (2008 est.)

Gibraltar
  3.7% (2006)
  7% (2005 est.)

Greece
  -4.8% (2010 est.)
  -2% (2009 est.)
  2% (2008 est.)

Greenland
  1.5% (2008 est.)
  4% (2007 est.)
  2.6% (2006 est.)

Grenada
  0.8% (2010 est.)
  -7.7% (2009 est.)
  2.2% (2008 est.)

Guam
  NA%

Guatemala 2.2% (2010 est.) 0.6% (2009 est.) 3.3% (2008 est.)

Guernsey
  3% (2005 est.)

Guinea
  3% (2010 est.)
  -3.5% (2009 est.)
  4.7% (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  1.8% (2010 est.)
  3% (2009 est.)
  2.8% (2008 est.)

Guyana
  2.5% (2010 est.)
  2.3% (2009 est.)
  3% (2008 est.)

Haiti
  -8% (2010 est.)
  2.9% (2009 est.)
  0.8% (2008 est.)

Honduras
  2.5% (2010 est.)
  -2.1% (2009 est.)
  4.2% (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
  5.7% (2010 est.)
  -2.8% (2009 est.)
  2.2% (2008 est.)

Hungary
  0.8% (2010 est.)
  -6.3% (2009 est.)
  0.6% (2008 est.)

Iceland
  -3.4% (2010 est.)
  -6.8% (2009 est.)
  1% (2008 est.)

India
  8.3% (2010 est.)
  7.4% (2009 est.)
  7.4% (2008 est.)

Indonesia
  6% (2010 est.)
  4.5% (2009 est.)
  6% (2008 est.)

Iran
  3% (2010 est.)
  1.5% (2009 est.)
  2.5% (2008 est.)

Iraq
  5.5% (2010 est.)
  4.5% (2009 est.)
  7.8% (2008 est.)

Ireland
  -0.6% (2010 est.)
  -7.6% (2009 est.)
  -3.5% (2008 est.)

Isle of Man
  5.2% (2005)

Israel
  3.4% (2010 est.)
  0.2% (2009 est.)
  4.4% (2008 est.)

Italy
  1.1% (2010 est.)
  -5.1% (2009 est.)
  -1.3% (2008 est.)

Jamaica
  -0.8% (2010 est.)
  -2.8% (2009 est.)
  -0.9% (2008 est.)

Japan
  3% (2010 est.)
  -5.2% (2009 est.)
  -1.2% (2008 est.)

Jersey
  NA%

Jordan
  3.2% (2010 est.)
  2.4% (2009 est.)
  5.8% (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
  4.9% (2010 est.)
  1.2% (2009 est.)
  3.3% (2008 est.)

Kenya
  4% (2010 est.)
  2.6% (2009 est.)
  1.7% (2008 est.)

Kiribati
  1.5% (2010 est.)
  -0.7% (2009 est.)
  -1.1% (2008 est.)

Korea, North -0.9% (2009 est.) 3.7% (2008 est.)

Korea, South 6.1% (2010 est.) 0.2% (2009 est.) 2.3% (2008 est.)

Kosovo

Kuwait
  3.2% (2010 est.)
  -4.6% (2009 est.)
  8.5% (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  -3.5% (2010 est.)
  2.3% (2009 est.)
  8.4% (2008 est.)

Laos
  7% (2010 est.)
  6.5% (2009 est.)
  7.2% (2008 est.)

Latvia
  -1.8% (2010 est.)
  -18% (2009 est.)
  -4.2% (2008 est.)

Lebanon
  7.2% (2010 est.)
  6.9% (2009 est.)
  9.3% (2008 est.)

Lesotho
  3.5% (2010 est.)
  1.6% (2009 est.)
  3.9% (2008 est.)

Liberia
  6% (2010 est.)
  4.6% (2009 est.)
  8.6% (2008 est.)

Libya
  3.3% (2010 est.)
  -0.7% (2009 est.)
  2.7% (2008 est.)

Liechtenstein
  3.1% (2007 est.)

Lithuania
  0.4% (2010 est.)
  -14.8% (2009 est.)
  2.8% (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
  3.2% (2010 est.)
  -3.7% (2009 est.)
  1.4% (2008 est.)

Macau
  1% (2009 est.)
  12.9% (2008)
  26% (2007)

Macedonia
  1.5% (2010 est.)
  -0.7% (2009 est.)
  4.8% (2008 est.)

Madagascar
  1.5% (2010 est.)
  -1% (2009 est.)
  7% (2008 est.)

Malawi
  6.5% (2010 est.)
  7.6% (2009 est.)
  9.8% (2008 est.)

Malaysia
  7.1% (2010 est.)
  -1.7% (2009 est.)
  4.7% (2008 est.)

Maldives
  3.4% (2010 est.)
  -3.1% (2009 est.)
  6.2% (2008 est.)

Mali
  5.2% (2010 est.)
  4.4% (2009 est.)
  5% (2008 est.)

Malta
  2% (2010 est.)
  -1.2% (2009 est.)
  1.5% (2008 est.)

Marshall Islands -0.3% (2008 est.) 3.5% (2005 est.)

Mauritania
  5% (2010 est.)
  -1% (2009 est.)
  3.5% (2008 est.)

Mauritius
  3.6% (2010 est.)
  3.1% (2009 est.)
  5.1% (2008 est.)

Mayotte
  NA%

Mexico
  5% (2010 est.)
  -6.5% (2009 est.)
  1.5% (2008 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  NA%
  0.3% (2005 est.)

Moldova
  3.1% (2010 est.)
  -6.5% (2009 est.)
  7.8% (2008 est.)

Monaco
  NA% (2000 est.)

Mongolia
  7% (2010 est.)
  -1.6% (2009 est.)
  8.9% (2008 est.)

Montenegro
  -1.8% (2010 est.)
  -5.7% (2009 est.)
  6.9% (2008 est.)

Montserrat
  -1% (2002 est.)

Morocco
  4.2% (2010 est.)
  4.9% (2009 est.)
  5.6% (2008 est.)

Mozambique
  8.3% (2010 est.)
  6.3% (2009 est.)
  6.8% (2008 est.)

Namibia
  4.1% (2010 est.)
  -0.8% (2009 est.)
  4.3% (2008 est.)

Nauru
  NA%

Nepal
  3.5% (2010 est.)
  4.7% (2009 est.)
  5.3% (2008 est.)

Netherlands
  1.7% (2010 est.)
  -3.9% (2009 est.)
  1.9% (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
  NA%

New Zealand
  2.1% (2010 est.)
  -1.7% (2009 est.)
  -0.2% (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
  2.8% (2010 est.)
  -1.5% (2009 est.)
  2.8% (2008 est.)

Niger
  3.5% (2010 est.)
  -1.2% (2009 est.)
  9.3% (2008 est.)

Nigeria
  6.8% (2010 est.)
  5.6% (2009 est.)
  6% (2008 est.)

Niue
  6.2% (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
  NA%

Norway
  1.5% (2010 est.)
  -1.4% (2009 est.)
  1.8% (2008 est.)

Oman
  3.6% (2010 est.)
  2% (2009 est.)
  12.8% (2008 est.)

Pakistan
  2.7% (2010 est.)
  4.3% (2009 est.)
  3.6% (2008 est.)

Palau
  NA% (2009)
  5.5% (2005 est.)

Panama
  5.1% (2010 est.)
  2.4% (2009 est.)
  10.7% (2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  6.2% (2010 est.)
  5.5% (2009 est.)
  6.7% (2008 est.)

Paraguay
  6.5% (2010 est.)
  -3.8% (2009 est.)
  5.8% (2008 est.)

Peru
  7.8% (2010 est.)
  0.9% (2009 est.)
  9.8% (2008 est.)

Philippines
  6.7% (2010 est.)
  1.1% (2009 est.)
  3.7% (2008 est.)

Poland
  3.3% (2010 est.)
  1.7% (2009 est.)
  5.1% (2008 est.)

Portugal
  1% (2010 est.)
  -2.6% (2009 est.)
  0% (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
  -5.8% (2010 est.)
  -3.7% (2009 est.)
  -2.8% (2008 est.)

Qatar
  19.4% (2010 est.)
  9.5% (2009 est.)
  11.7% (2008 est.)

Romania
  -1.9% (2010 est.)
  -7.1% (2009 est.)
  7.1% (2008 est.)

Russia
  3.8% (2010 est.)
  -7.9% (2009)
  5.2% (2008)

Rwanda
  6% (2010 est.)
  4.5% (2009 est.)
  11.2% (2008 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  -1.5% (2010 est.)
  -5.5% (2009 est.)
  4.6% (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
  1.1% (2010 est.)
  -5.2% (2009 est.)
  0.7% (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0.5% (2010 est.)
  -1% (2009 est.)
  -0.6% (2008 est.)

Samoa
  -2% (2010 est.)
  -3.5% (2009 est.)
  -3.4% (2008 est.)

San Marino
  4.3% (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  6% (2010 est.)
  4% (2009 est.)
  5.8% (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  3.8% (2010 est.)
  0.1% (2009 est.)
  4.3% (2008 est.)

Senegal
  3.9% (2010 est.)
  1.8% (2009 est.)
  3.3% (2008 est.)

Serbia
  1.8% (2010 est.)
  -3% (2009 est.)
  5.5% (2008 est.)

Seychelles
  3.5% (2010 est.)
  0.7% (2009 est.)
  -1.3% (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
  5.2% (2010 est.)
  4.4% (2009 est.)
  5.5% (2008 est.)

Singapore
  14.6% (2010 est.)
  -1.3% (2009 est.)
  1.8% (2008 est.)

Sint Maarten 1.6% (2008 est.) 4.5% (2007 est.)

Slovakia
  4% (2010 est.)
  -4.7% (2009 est.)
  6.2% (2008 est.)

Slovenia
  1% (2010 est.)
  -8.1% (2009 est.)
  3.7% (2008 est.)

Solomon Islands
  2.8% (2010 est.)
  -2.3% (2009 est.)
  7.4% (2008 est.)

Somalia
  2.6% (2010 est.)
  2.6% (2009 est.)
  2.6% (2008 est.)

South Africa
  3% (2010 est.)
  -1.8% (2009 est.)
  3.7% (2008 est.)

Spain
  -0.4% (2010 est.)
  -3.7% (2009 est.)
  0.9% (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
  6.9% (2010 est.)
  3.5% (2009 est.)
  6% (2008 est.)

Sudan
  5.2% (2010 est.)
  4.2% (2009 est.)
  6.6% (2008 est.)

Suriname
  3.5% (2010 est.)
  2% (2009 est.)
  7% (2008 est.)

Svalbard
  NA%

Swaziland
  2% (2010 est.)
  0.4% (2009 est.)
  2.4% (2008 est.)

Sweden
  4.1% (2010 est.)
  -5.1% (2009 est.)
  -0.6% (2008 est.)

Switzerland
  2.8% (2010 est.)
  -1.9% (2009 est.)
  1.9% (2008 est.)

Syria
  4% (2010 est.)
  5% (2009 est.)
  4.3% (2008 est.)

Taiwan
  8.3% (2010 est.)
  -1.9% (2009 est.)
  0.7% (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
  5.5% (2010 est.)
  3.4% (2009 est.)
  7.9% (2008 est.)

Tanzania
  6.4% (2010 est.)
  6% (2009 est.)
  7.4% (2008 est.)

Thailand
  7.6% (2010 est.)
  -2.2% (2009 est.)
  2.5% (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
  8% (2010 est.)
  7.5% (2009 est.)
  12.8% (2008 est.)

Togo
  3.3% (2010 est.)
  3.1% (2009 est.)
  1.8% (2008 est.)

Tokelau
  NA%

Tonga
  -0.5% (2010 est.)
  -0.5% (2009 est.)
  1.2% (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  2.1% (2010 est.)
  -3.2% (2009 est.)
  3.5% (2008 est.)

Tunisia
  3.4% (2010 est.)
  3% (2009 est.)
  4.6% (2008 est.)

Turkey
  7.3% (2010 est.)
  -4.7% (2009 est.)
  0.7% (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
  11% (2010 est.)
  6.1% (2009 est.)
  10.5% (2008 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  4.9% (2000 est.)

Tuvalu
  3% (2006 est.)

Uganda
  5.8% (2010 est.)
  7.2% (2009 est.)
  8.7% (2008 est.)

Ukraine
  4.3% (2010 est.)
  -15.1% (2009 est.)
  2.1% (2008 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  2.6% (2010 est.)
  -2.7% (2009 est.)
  7.4% (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
  1.6% (2010 est.)
  -5% (2009 est.)
  -0.1% (2008 est.)

United States
  2.8% (2010 est.)
  -2.6% (2009 est.)
  0% (2008 est.)

Uruguay
  7.1% (2010 est.)
  2.9% (2009 est.)
  8.5% (2008 est.)

Uzbekistan
  8.2% (2010 est.)
  8.1% (2009 est.)
  9% (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
  4.1% (2010 est.)
  3.8% (2009 est.)
  6.6% (2008 est.)

Venezuela
  -2.8% (2010 est.)
  -3.3% (2009 est.)
  4.8% (2008 est.)

Vietnam
  6.8% (2010 est.)
  5.3% (2009 est.)
  6.3% (2008 est.)

Virgin Islands
  2% (2002 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  NA%

West Bank
  7% (2009 est.)
  2.3% (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
  NA%

World
  4.6% (2010 est.)
  -0.7% (2009 est.)
  2.7% (2008 est.)

Yemen
  5.2% (2010 est.)
  3.8% (2009 est.)
  3.2% (2008 est.)

Zambia
  7% (2010 est.)
  6.3% (2009 est.)
  5.7% (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
  4.1% (2010 est.)
  -1.3% (2009 est.)
  -14.4% (2008 est.)

======================================================================

@2004

Field Listing :: GDP - per capita (PPP)

  This entry shows GDP on a purchasing power parity basis divided by
  population as of 1 July for the same year.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

GDP - per capita (PPP)

Afghanistan
  $1,000 (2010 est.)
  $1,000 (2009 est.)
  $800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Albania
  $8,000 (2010 est.)
  $7,800 (2009 est.)
  $7,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Algeria
  $7,400 (2010 est.)
  $7,200 (2009 est.)
  $7,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

American Samoa $8,000 (2007 est.) $5,800 (2005 est.)

Andorra $44,900 (2008) $42,500 (2007) $38,800 (2005)

Angola
  $8,700 (2010 est.)
  $8,400 (2009 est.)
  $8,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Anguilla
  $12,200 (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  $16,500 (2010 est.)
  $17,400 (2009 est.)
  $19,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Argentina
  $14,700 (2010 est.)
  $13,700 (2009 est.)
  $14,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Armenia
  $5,800 (2010 est.)
  $5,600 (2009 est.)
  $6,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Aruba
  $21,800 (2004 est.)

Australia
  $41,300 (2010 est.)
  $40,500 (2009 est.)
  $40,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Austria
  $40,300 (2010 est.)
  $39,800 (2009 est.)
  $41,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Azerbaijan
  $11,000 (2010 est.)
  $10,600 (2009 est.)
  $9,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bahamas, The
  $28,600 (2010 est.)
  $29,000 (2009 est.)
  $30,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bahrain
  $40,400 (2010 est.)
  $39,400 (2009 est.)
  $38,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bangladesh
  $1,700 (2010 est.)
  $1,600 (2009 est.)
  $1,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Barbados
  $21,700 (2010 est.)
  $21,900 (2009 est.)
  $23,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belarus
  $13,400 (2010 est.)
  $12,700 (2009 est.)
  $12,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belgium
  $37,900 (2010 est.)
  $37,300 (2009 est.)
  $38,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Belize
  $8,400 (2010 est.)
  $8,500 (2009 est.)
  $8,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Benin
  $1,600 (2010 est.)
  $1,600 (2009 est.)
  $1,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bermuda
  $69,900 (2004 est.)

Bhutan
  $5,000 (2010 est.)
  $4,800 (2009 est.)
  $4,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bolivia
  $4,800 (2010 est.)
  $4,700 (2009 est.)
  $4,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  $6,600 (2010 est.)
  $6,600 (2009 est.)
  $6,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Botswana
  $13,100 (2010 est.)
  $12,900 (2009 est.)
  $13,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Brazil
  $10,900 (2010 est.)
  $10,300 (2009 est.)
  $10,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

British Virgin Islands
  $38,500 (2004 est.)

Brunei
  $50,300 (2010 est.)
  $50,700 (2009 est.)
  $52,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Bulgaria
  $12,800 (2010 est.)
  $12,700 (2009 est.)
  $13,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burkina Faso
  $1,200 (2010 est.)
  $1,200 (2009 est.)
  $1,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burma
  $1,100 (2010 est.)
  $1,100 (2009 est.)
  $1,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Burundi
  $300 (2010 est.)
  $300 (2009 est.)
  $300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cambodia
  $2,000 (2010 est.)
  $2,000 (2009 est.)
  $2,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cameroon
  $2,300 (2010 est.)
  $2,300 (2009 est.)
  $2,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Canada
  $39,600 (2010 est.)
  $38,700 (2009 est.)
  $40,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cape Verde
  $3,700 (2010 est.)
  $3,600 (2009 est.)
  $3,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cayman Islands
  $43,800 (2004 est.)

Central African Republic
  $700 (2010 est.)
  $700 (2009 est.)
  $700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Chad
  $1,800 (2010 est.)
  $1,800 (2009 est.)
  $1,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Chile
  $15,500 (2010 est.)
  $14,900 (2009 est.)
  $15,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

China
  $7,400 (2010 est.)
  $6,800 (2009 est.)
  $6,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Colombia
  $9,800 (2010 est.)
  $9,500 (2009 est.)
  $9,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Comoros
  $1,000 (2010 est.)
  $1,000 (2009 est.)
  $1,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  $300 (2010 est.)
  $300 (2009 est.)
  $300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Congo, Republic of the
  $4,200 (2010 est.)
  $3,900 (2009 est.)
  $3,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cook Islands
  $9,100 (2005 est.)

Costa Rica
  $11,400 (2010 est.)
  $11,100 (2009 est.)
  $11,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cote d'Ivoire
  $1,800 (2010 est.)
  $1,800 (2009 est.)
  $1,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Croatia
  $17,500 (2010 est.)
  $17,700 (2009 est.)
  $18,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Cuba
  $9,900 (2010 est.)
  $9,800 (2009 est.)
  $9,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Curacao
  $14,970 (2004 est.)

Cyprus
  $21,000 (2010 est.)
  $21,300 (2009 est.)
  $22,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Czech Republic
  $25,600 (2010 est.)
  $25,200 (2009 est.)
  $26,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Denmark
  $37,000 (2010 est.)
  $36,400 (2009 est.)
  $38,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Djibouti
  $2,800 (2010 est.)
  $2,800 (2009 est.)
  $2,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Dominica
  $10,500 (2010 est.)
  $10,400 (2009 est.)
  $10,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Dominican Republic
  $8,600 (2010 est.)
  $8,400 (2009 est.)
  $8,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ecuador
  $7,800 (2010 est.)
  $7,700 (2009 est.)
  $7,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Egypt
  $6,200 (2010 est.)
  $6,000 (2009 est.)
  $5,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

El Salvador
  $7,300 (2010 est.)
  $7,200 (2009 est.)
  $7,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Equatorial Guinea
  $37,900 (2010 est.)
  $38,200 (2009 est.)
  $37,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Eritrea
  $700 (2010 est.)
  $700 (2009 est.)
  $700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Estonia
  $19,000 (2010 est.)
  $18,500 (2009 est.)
  $21,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ethiopia
  $1,000 (2010 est.)
  $900 (2009 est.)
  $900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

European Union
  $32,900 (2010 est.)
  $32,400 (2009 est.)
  $33,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  $35,400 (2002 est.)

Faroe Islands
  $34,000 (2008 est.)

Fiji
  $4,300 (2010 est.)
  $4,300 (2009 est.)
  $4,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Finland
  $35,300 (2010 est.)
  $34,600 (2009 est.)
  $37,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

France
  $33,300 (2010 est.)
  $33,000 (2009 est.)
  $34,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

French Polynesia
  $18,000 (2004 est.)
  $17,500 (2003 est.)

Gabon
  $14,600 (2010 est.)
  $14,100 (2009 est.)
  $14,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gambia, The
  $1,900 (2010 est.)
  $1,800 (2009 est.)
  $1,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gaza Strip
  see entry for West Bank

Georgia
  $4,800 (2010 est.)
  $4,600 (2009 est.)
  $4,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Germany
  $35,900 (2010 est.)
  $34,700 (2009 est.)
  $36,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ghana
  $1,600 (2010 est.)
  $1,500 (2009 est.)
  $1,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Gibraltar
  $38,400 (2006 est.)
  $38,200 (2005 est.)
  $27,900 (2000 est.)

Greece
  $30,200 (2010 est.)
  $31,500 (2009 est.)
  $32,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Greenland
  $35,900 (2007 est.)

Grenada
  $10,500 (2010 est.)
  $10,400 (2009 est.)
  $11,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guam
  $15,000 (2005 est.)

Guatemala $5,200 (2010 est.) $5,200 (2009 est.) $5,300 (2008 est.) note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guernsey
  $44,600 (2005)

Guinea
  $1,000 (2010 est.)
  $1,000 (2009 est.)
  $1,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guinea-Bissau
  $1,100 (2010 est.)
  $1,100 (2009 est.)
  $1,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Guyana
  $6,800 (2010 est.)
  $6,600 (2009 est.)
  $6,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Haiti
  $1,200 (2010 est.)
  $1,200 (2009 est.)
  $1,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Honduras
  $4,200 (2010 est.)
  $4,200 (2009 est.)
  $4,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Hong Kong
  $45,600 (2010 est.)
  $43,400 (2009 est.)
  $44,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Hungary
  $19,000 (2010 est.)
  $18,800 (2009 est.)
  $20,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iceland
  $38,400 (2010 est.)
  $40,000 (2009 est.)
  $43,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

India
  $3,400 (2010 est.)
  $3,200 (2009 est.)
  $3,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Indonesia
  $4,300 (2010 est.)
  $4,100 (2009 est.)
  $3,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iran
  $11,200 (2010 est.)
  $11,000 (2009 est.)
  $11,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Iraq
  $3,600 (2010 est.)
  $3,600 (2009 est.)
  $3,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ireland
  $37,600 (2010 est.)
  $38,200 (2009 est.)
  $41,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Isle of Man
  $35,000 (2005 est.)

Israel
  $29,500 (2010 est.)
  $29,000 (2009 est.)
  $29,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Italy
  $30,700 (2010 est.)
  $30,300 (2009 est.)
  $31,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Jamaica
  $8,400 (2010 est.)
  $8,500 (2009 est.)
  $8,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Japan
  $34,200 (2010 est.)
  $33,100 (2009 est.)
  $34,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Jersey
  $57,000 (2005 est.)

Jordan
  $5,300 (2010 est.)
  $5,200 (2009 est.)
  $5,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kazakhstan
  $12,500 (2010 est.)
  $12,000 (2009 est.)
  $11,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kenya
  $1,600 (2010 est.)
  $1,600 (2009 est.)
  $1,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kiribati
  $6,200 (2010 est.)
  $6,200 (2009 est.)
  $6,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Korea, North $1,800 (2009 est.) $1,900 (2008 est.) note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Korea, South $30,200 (2010 est.) $28,500 (2009 est.) $28,500 (2008 est.) note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kosovo
  $2,500 (2007)

Kuwait
  $51,700 (2010 est.)
  $51,900 (2009 est.)
  $56,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Kyrgyzstan
  $2,200 (2010 est.)
  $2,300 (2009 est.)
  $2,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Laos
  $2,400 (2010 est.)
  $2,300 (2009 est.)
  $2,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Latvia
  $14,500 (2010 est.)
  $14,700 (2009 est.)
  $17,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Lebanon
  $14,200 (2010 est.)
  $13,300 (2009 est.)
  $12,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Lesotho
  $1,700 (2010 est.)
  $1,700 (2009 est.)
  $1,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Liberia
  $500 (2010 est.)
  $500 (2009 est.)
  $500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Libya
  $13,800 (2010 est.)
  $13,600 (2009 est.)
  $14,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Liechtenstein
  $122,100 (2007 est.)

Lithuania
  $15,900 (2010 est.)
  $15,700 (2009 est.)
  $18,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Luxembourg
  $81,800 (2010 est.)
  $80,700 (2009 est.)
  $84,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Macau
  $33,000 (2009)
  $31,800 (2008)
  $28,400 (2006)

Macedonia
  $9,400 (2010 est.)
  $9,300 (2009 est.)
  $9,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Madagascar
  $1,000 (2010 est.)
  $1,000 (2009 est.)
  $1,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malawi
  $900 (2010 est.)
  $800 (2009 est.)
  $800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malaysia
  $14,700 (2010 est.)
  $14,000 (2009 est.)
  $14,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Maldives
  $4,500 (2010 est.)
  $4,300 (2009 est.)
  $4,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mali
  $1,200 (2010 est.)
  $1,200 (2009 est.)
  $1,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Malta
  $25,100 (2010 est.)
  $24,700 (2009 est.)
  $25,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Marshall Islands $2,500 (2008 est.) $2,900 (2005 est.)

Mauritania
  $2,100 (2010 est.)
  $2,100 (2009 est.)
  $2,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mauritius
  $13,500 (2010 est.)
  $13,100 (2009 est.)
  $12,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mayotte
  $4,900 (2005 est.)

Mexico
  $13,800 (2010 est.)
  $13,400 (2009 est.)
  $14,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Micronesia, Federated States of
  $2,200 (2008 est.)
  $2,300 (2005 est.)
  note: data are in 2008 US dollars

Moldova
  $2,500 (2010 est.)
  $2,400 (2009 est.)
  $2,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Monaco
  $30,000 (2006 est.)

Mongolia
  $3,300 (2010 est.)
  $3,100 (2009 est.)
  $3,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Montenegro
  $9,900 (2010 est.)
  $10,000 (2009 est.)
  $10,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Montserrat
  $3,400 (2002 est.)

Morocco
  $4,900 (2010 est.)
  $4,700 (2009 est.)
  $4,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Mozambique
  $1,000 (2010 est.)
  $900 (2009 est.)
  $900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Namibia
  $6,900 (2010 est.)
  $6,700 (2009 est.)
  $6,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nauru
  $5,000 (2005 est.)

Nepal
  $1,200 (2010 est.)
  $1,200 (2009 est.)
  $1,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Netherlands
  $40,500 (2010 est.)
  $40,000 (2009 est.)
  $41,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

New Caledonia
  $15,000 (2003 est.)

New Zealand
  $28,000 (2010 est.)
  $27,700 (2009 est.)
  $28,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nicaragua
  $2,900 (2010 est.)
  $2,900 (2009 est.)
  $3,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Niger
  $700 (2010 est.)
  $700 (2009 est.)
  $700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Nigeria
  $2,400 (2010 est.)
  $2,300 (2009 est.)
  $2,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Niue
  $5,800 (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
  $12,500 (2000 est.)

Norway
  $59,100 (2010 est.)
  $58,400 (2009 est.)
  $59,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Oman
  $25,800 (2010 est.)
  $25,400 (2009 est.)
  $25,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Pakistan
  $2,400 (2010 est.)
  $2,400 (2009 est.)
  $2,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Palau
  $8,100 (2008 est.)
  $7,600 (2005 est.)

Panama
  $12,700 (2010 est.)
  $12,300 (2009 est.)
  $12,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Papua New Guinea
  $2,500 (2010 est.)
  $2,400 (2009 est.)
  $2,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Paraguay
  $4,900 (2010 est.)
  $4,600 (2009 est.)
  $4,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Peru
  $9,200 (2010 est.)
  $8,600 (2009 est.)
  $8,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Philippines
  $3,500 (2010 est.)
  $3,400 (2009 est.)
  $3,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Poland
  $18,800 (2010 est.)
  $18,200 (2009 est.)
  $17,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Portugal
  $23,000 (2010 est.)
  $22,800 (2009 est.)
  $23,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Puerto Rico
  $16,300 (2010 est.)
  $17,400 (2009 est.)
  $18,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Qatar
  $145,300 (2010 est.)
  $122,800 (2009 est.)
  $113,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Romania
  $11,500 (2010 est.)
  $11,700 (2009 est.)
  $12,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Russia
  $15,900 (2010 est.)
  $15,300 (2009 est.)
  $16,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Rwanda
  $1,100 (2010 est.)
  $1,000 (2009 est.)
  $1,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  $2,500 (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  $14,400 (2010 est.)
  $14,800 (2009 est.)
  $15,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Lucia
  $11,100 (2010 est.)
  $11,000 (2009 est.)
  $11,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  $7,000 (2001 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  $10,600 (2010 est.)
  $10,500 (2009 est.)
  $10,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Samoa
  $5,200 (2010 est.)
  $5,400 (2009 est.)
  $5,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

San Marino
  $41,900 (2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
  $1,800 (2010 est.)
  $1,700 (2009 est.)
  $1,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Saudi Arabia
  $24,200 (2010 est.)
  $23,700 (2009 est.)
  $24,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Senegal
  $1,900 (2010 est.)
  $1,900 (2009 est.)
  $1,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Serbia
  $11,000 (2010 est.)
  $10,700 (2009 est.)
  $11,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Seychelles
  $21,600 (2010 est.)
  $21,100 (2009 est.)
  $21,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sierra Leone
  $900 (2010 est.)
  $900 (2009 est.)
  $900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Singapore
  $62,200 (2010 est.)
  $54,700 (2009 est.)
  $56,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sint Maarten
  $15,400 (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  $22,200 (2010 est.)
  $21,400 (2009 est.)
  $22,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Slovenia
  $28,400 (2010 est.)
  $28,000 (2009 est.)
  $30,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Solomon Islands
  $2,800 (2010 est.)
  $2,800 (2009 est.)
  $2,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Somalia
  $600 (2010 est.)
  $600 (2009 est.)
  $600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

South Africa
  $10,700 (2010 est.)
  $10,400 (2009 est.)
  $10,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Spain
  $29,500 (2010 est.)
  $29,800 (2009 est.)
  $31,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sri Lanka
  $4,900 (2010 est.)
  $4,600 (2009 est.)
  $4,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sudan
  $2,200 (2010 est.)
  $2,200 (2009 est.)
  $2,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Suriname
  $9,900 (2010 est.)
  $9,600 (2009 est.)
  $9,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Swaziland
  $4,500 (2010 est.)
  $4,400 (2009 est.)
  $4,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Sweden
  $39,000 (2010 est.)
  $37,500 (2009 est.)
  $39,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Switzerland
  $42,900 (2010 est.)
  $41,800 (2009 est.)
  $42,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Syria
  $4,800 (2010 est.)
  $4,700 (2009 est.)
  $4,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Taiwan
  $35,100 (2010 est.)
  $32,400 (2009 est.)
  $33,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tajikistan
  $2,000 (2010 est.)
  $1,900 (2009 est.)
  $1,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tanzania
  $1,500 (2010 est.)
  $1,400 (2009 est.)
  $1,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Thailand
  $8,700 (2010 est.)
  $8,100 (2009 est.)
  $8,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Timor-Leste
  $2,600 (2010 est.)
  $2,500 (2009 est.)
  $2,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Togo
  $900 (2010 est.)
  $900 (2009 est.)
  $900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tokelau
  $1,000 (1993 est.)

Tonga
  $6,300 (2010 est.)
  $6,400 (2009 est.)
  $6,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Trinidad and Tobago
  $22,100 (2010 est.)
  $21,600 (2009 est.)
  $22,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Tunisia
  $9,500 (2010 est.)
  $9,300 (2009 est.)
  $9,100 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turkey
  $12,300 (2010 est.)
  $11,600 (2009 est.)
  $12,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turkmenistan
  $7,400 (2010 est.)
  $6,800 (2009 est.)
  $6,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Turks and Caicos Islands
  $11,500 (2002 est.)

Tuvalu
  $1,600 (2002 est.)

Uganda
  $1,200 (2010 est.)
  $1,200 (2009 est.)
  $1,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Ukraine
  $6,700 (2010 est.)
  $6,400 (2009 est.)
  $7,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United Arab Emirates
  $40,200 (2010 est.)
  $40,600 (2009 est.)
  $43,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United Kingdom
  $35,100 (2010 est.)
  $34,800 (2009 est.)
  $36,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

United States
  $47,400 (2010 est.)
  $46,700 (2009 est.)
  $48,300 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Uruguay
  $13,600 (2010 est.)
  $12,800 (2009 est.)
  $12,500 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Uzbekistan
  $3,100 (2010 est.)
  $2,900 (2009 est.)
  $2,700 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Vanuatu
  $5,500 (2010 est.)
  $5,300 (2009 est.)
  $5,200 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Venezuela
  $12,600 (2010 est.)
  $13,200 (2009 est.)
  $13,900 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Vietnam
  $3,100 (2010 est.)
  $2,900 (2009 est.)
  $2,800 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Virgin Islands
  $14,500 (2004 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  $3,800 (2004 est.)

West Bank $2,900 (2008 est.) note: data are in 2008 US dollars

Western Sahara
  $2,500 (2007 est.)

World
  $11,100 (2010 est.)
  $10,800 (2009 est.)
  $11,000 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Yemen
  $2,600 (2010 est.)
  $2,600 (2009 est.)
  $2,600 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Zambia
  $1,500 (2010 est.)
  $1,400 (2009 est.)
  $1,400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Zimbabwe
  $400 (2010 est.)
  $400 (2009 est.)
  $400 (2008 est.)
  note: data are in 2010 US dollars

======================================================================

@2005

Field Listing :: Affiliation

Country

Affiliation

Akrotiri
  (UK Sovereign Base Area)

American Samoa
  (territory of the US)

Anguilla
  (overseas territory of the UK)

Aruba
  (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  (territory of Australia)

Bermuda
  (overseas territory of the UK)

Bouvet Island
  (territory of Norway)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  (overseas territory of the UK)

British Virgin Islands
  (overseas territory of the UK)

Cayman Islands
  (overseas territory of the UK)

China
  (also see separate Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan entries)

Christmas Island
  (territory of Australia)

Clipperton Island
  (possession of France)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  (territory of Australia)

Cook Islands
  (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Coral Sea Islands
  (territory of Australia)

Curacao
  (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Dhekelia
  (UK sovereign base area)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands
  (part of the Kingdom of Denmark)

French Polynesia
  (overseas lands of France)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  (overseas territory of France)

Gibraltar
  (overseas territory of the UK)

Greenland
  (part of the Kingdom of Denmark)

Guam
  (territory of the US)

Guernsey
  (British crown dependency)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  (territory of Australia)

Hong Kong
  (special administrative region of China)

Isle of Man
  (British crown dependency)

Israel
  (also see separate Gaza Strip and West Bank entries)

Jan Mayen
  (territory of Norway)

Jersey
  (British crown dependency)

Macau
  (special administrative region of China)

Mayotte
  (overseas collectivity of France)

Montserrat
  (overseas territory of the UK)

Navassa Island
  (territory of the US)

New Caledonia
  (self-governing territory of France)

Niue
  (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Norfolk Island
  (territory of Australia)

Northern Mariana Islands
  (commonwealth in political union with the
  US)

Pitcairn Islands
  (overseas territory of the UK)

Puerto Rico
  (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Saint Barthelemy
  (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha (overseas territory of the UK)

Saint Martin (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Sint Maarten (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Svalbard
  (territory of Norway)

Tokelau
  (territory of New Zealand)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  (overseas territory of the UK)

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  (territories of the US)

Virgin Islands
  (territory of the US)

Wake Island
  (territory of the US)

Wallis and Futuna
  (overseas collectivity of France)

======================================================================

@2006

Field Listing :: Dependency status

This entry describes the formal relationship between a particular nonindependent entity and an independent state. Country

Dependency status

Akrotiri
  a special form of UK overseas territory; administered by an
  administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus

American Samoa
  unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US;
  administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the
  Interior

Anguilla
  overseas territory of the UK

Aruba
  constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full
  autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from
  the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense
  and foreign affairs

Ashmore and Cartier Islands territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Bermuda
  overseas territory of the UK

Bouvet Island
  territory of Norway; administered by the Polar
  Department of the Ministry of Justice and Oslo Police

British Indian Ocean Territory overseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London

British Virgin Islands overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing

Cayman Islands
  overseas territory of the UK

Christmas Island
  non-self governing territory of Australia;
  administered from Canberra by the Australian Government
  Attorney-General's Department

Clipperton Island
  possession of France; administered directly by the
  Minister of Overseas France

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  non-self governing territory of Australia;
  administered from Canberra by the Australian Government
  Attorney-General's Department

Cook Islands
  self-governing in free association with New Zealand;
  Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand
  retains responsibility for external affairs and defense in
  consultation with the Cook Islands

Coral Sea Islands
  territory of Australia; administered from Canberra
  by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Curacao
  constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands;
  full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government
  responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Dhekelia
  a special form of UK overseas territory; administered by an
  administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  overseas territory of the UK; also
  claimed by Argentina

Faroe Islands
  part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing
  overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948

French Polynesia
  overseas lands of France; overseas territory of
  France from 1946-2004

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  overseas territory of France
  since 1955

Gibraltar
  overseas territory of the UK

Greenland
  part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas
  administrative division of Denmark since 1979

Guam
  organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy
  relations between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the
  Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Guernsey
  British crown dependency

Heard Island and McDonald Islands territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

Hong Kong
  special administrative region of China

Isle of Man
  British crown dependency

Jan Mayen
  territory of Norway; since August 1994, administered from
  Oslo through the county governor (fylkesmann) of Nordland; however,
  authority has been delegated to a station commander of the Norwegian
  Defense Communication Service

Jersey
  British crown dependency

Macau
  special administrative region of China

Mayotte
  departmental collectivity of France

Montserrat
  overseas territory of the UK

Navassa Island
  unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US;
  administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the
  Interior from the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge in
  Boqueron, Puerto Rico; in September 1996 the Coast Guard ceased
  operations and maintenance of Navassa Island Light a 46-meter-tall
  lighthouse on the southern side of the island; there has also been a
  private claim advanced against the island

New Caledonia
  territorial collectivity of France since 1998

Niue
  self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974;
  Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains
  responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these
  responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised
  at the request of the Government of Niue

Norfolk Island
  self governing territory of Australia; administered
  from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's
  Department

Northern Mariana Islands
  commonwealth in political union with the
  US; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US
  Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

Pitcairn Islands
  overseas territory of the UK

Puerto Rico
  unincorporated, organized territory of the US with
  commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US
  conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President

Saint Barthelemy
  overseas collectivity of France

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha overseas territory of the UK

Saint Martin overseas collectivity of France

Saint Pierre and Miquelon self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France

Sint Maarten
  constituent country within the Kingdom of the
  Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010;
  Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  overseas territory of the
  UK, also claimed by Argentina; administered from the Falkland
  Islands by a commissioner, who is concurrently governor of the
  Falkland Islands, representing Queen ELIZABETH II

Svalbard
  territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department
  of the Ministry of Justice, through a governor (sysselmann) residing
  in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; by treaty (9 February 1920)
  sovereignty was awarded to Norway

Tokelau
  self-administering territory of New Zealand; note - Tokelau
  and New Zealand have agreed to a draft constitution as Tokelau moves
  toward free association with New Zealand; a UN-sponsored referendum
  on self governance in October 2007 did not produce the two-thirds
  majority vote necessary for changing the political status

Turks and Caicos Islands
  overseas territory of the UK

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  unincorporated
  territories of the US; administered from Washington, DC by the Fish
  and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of
  the National Wildlife Refuge system
  note on Palmyra Atoll: incorporated Territory of the US; partly
  privately owned and partly federally owned; administered from
  Washington, DC by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department
  of the Interior; the Office of Insular Affairs of the US Department
  of the Interior continues to administer nine excluded areas
  comprising certain tidal and submerged lands within the 12 nm
  territorial sea or within the lagoon

Virgin Islands
  organized, unincorporated territory of the US with
  policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the
  jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the
  Interior

Wake Island
  unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US;
  administered from Washington, DC, by the Department of the Interior;
  activities in the atoll are currently conducted by the US Air Force

Wallis and Futuna
  overseas territory of France

======================================================================

@2007

Field Listing :: Diplomatic representation from the US

This entry includes the chief of mission, embassy address, mailing address, telephone number, FAX number, branch office locations, consulate general locations, and consulate locations. Country

Diplomatic representation from the US

Afghanistan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Karl W. EIKENBERRY
  embassy: The Great Masood Road, Kabul
  mailing address: U.S. Embassy Kabul, APO, AE 09806
  telephone: [93] 0700 108 001
  FAX: [93] 0700 108 564

Akrotiri
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Albania
  chief of mission: Ambassador Alexander ARVIZU
  embassy: Rruga e Elbasanit, Labinoti #103, Tirana
  mailing address: US Department of State, 9510 Tirana Place, Dulles,
  VA 20189-9510
  telephone: [355] (4) 2247285
  FAX: [355] (4) 2232222

Algeria
  chief of mission: Ambassador David D. PEARCE
  embassy: 05 Chemin Cheikh Bachir, El-Ibrahimi, El-Biar 16000 Algiers
  mailing address: B. P. 408, Alger-Gare, 16030 Algiers
  telephone: [213] 770-08-2000
  FAX: [213] 21-60-7355

American Samoa
  none (territory of the US)

Andorra
  the US does not have an embassy in Andorra; the US
  Ambassador to Spain is accredited to Andorra; US interests in
  Andorra are represented by the US Consulate General's office in
  Barcelona (Spain); mailing address: Paseo Reina Elisenda de
  Montcada, 23, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; telephone: [34] (93) 280-2227;
  FAX: [34] (93) 280-6175

Angola
  chief of mission: Ambassador Dan MOZENA
  embassy: number 32 Rua Houari Boumedienne (in the Miramar area of
  Luanda), Luanda
  mailing address: international mail: Caixa Postal 6468, Luanda;
  pouch: US Embassy Luanda, US Department of State, 2550 Luanda Place,
  Washington, DC 20521-2550
  telephone: [244] (222) 64-1000
  FAX: [244] (222) 64-1232

Anguilla
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda
  the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and
  Barbuda; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and
  Barbuda

Argentina
  chief of mission: Ambassador Vilma MARTINEZ
  embassy: Avenida Colombia 4300, C1425GMN Buenos Aires
  mailing address: international mail: use embassy street address; APO
  address: US Embassy Buenos Aires, Unit 4334, APO AA 34034
  telephone: [54] (11) 5777-4533
  FAX: [54] (11) 5777-4240

Armenia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Marie L. YOVANOVITCH
  embassy: 1 American Ave., Yerevan 0082
  mailing address: American Embassy Yerevan, US Department of State,
  7020 Yerevan Place, Washington, DC 20521-7020
  telephone: [374](10) 464-700
  FAX: [374](10) 464-742

Aruba
  the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General
  to Curacao is accredited to Aruba

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  none (territory of Australia)

Australia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jeffrey L. BLEICH
  embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital
  Territory 2600
  mailing address: APO AP 96549
  telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600
  FAX: [61] (02) 6214-5970
  consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Austria
  chief of mission: Ambassador William C. EACHO III
  embassy: Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1090, Vienna
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [43] (1) 31339-0
  FAX: [43] (1) 3100682

Azerbaijan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Matthew BRYZA
  embassy: 83 Azadlig Prospecti, Baku AZ1007
  mailing address: American Embassy Baku, US Department of State, 7050
  Baku Place, Washington, DC 20521-7050
  telephone: [994] (12) 4980-335 through 337
  FAX: [994] (12) 4656-671

Bahamas, The
  chief of mission: Ambassador Nicole A. AVANT
  embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau, New Providence
  mailing address: local or express mail address: P. O. Box N-8197,
  Nassau; US Department of State, 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC
  20521-3370
  telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 (after hours)
  FAX: [1] (242) 328-2206

Bahrain
  chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph Adam ERELI
  embassy: Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club),
  Block 331, Zinj District, Manama
  mailing address: PSC 451, Box 660, FPO AE 09834-5100; international
  mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama
  telephone: [973] 1724-2700
  FAX: [973] 1727-0547

Bangladesh
  chief of mission: Ambassador James F. MORIARTY
  embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212
  mailing address: G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000
  telephone: [880] (2) 885-5500
  FAX: [880] (2) 882-3744

Barbados
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d' Affaires
  D. Brent HARDT
  embassy: U.S. Embassy, Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael BB
  14006
  mailing address: P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown BB 11000; CMR 1014, APO
  AA 34055
  telephone: [1] (246) 227-4399
  FAX: [1] (246) 431-0179

Belarus
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Michael SCANLAN
  embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya Street, Minsk 220002
  mailing address: PSC 78, Box B Minsk, APO 09723
  telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83, 217-7347 through 7348
  FAX: [375] (17) 334-7853

Belgium
  chief of mission: Ambassador Howard W. GUTMAN
  embassy: 27 Boulevard du Regent [Regentlaan], B-1000 Brussels
  mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710
  telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111
  FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725

Belize
  chief of mission: Ambassador Vinai THUMMALAPALLY
  embassy: Floral Park Road, Belmopan City, Cayo District
  mailing address: P.O. Box 497, Belmopan City, Cayo District, Belize
  telephone: [501] 822-4011
  FAX: [501] 822-4012

Benin
  chief of mission: Ambassador James A. KNIGHT
  embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou
  mailing address: 01 B. P. 2012, Cotonou
  telephone: [229] 21-30-06-50
  FAX: [229] 21-30-03-84

Bermuda
  chief of mission: Consul General Grace W. SHELTON
  consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3
  mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate
  General Hamilton, US Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place,
  Washington, DC 20520-5300
  telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342
  FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592, 296-9233

Bhutan
  the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations,
  although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US
  Embassy in New Delhi (India)

Bolivia
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  John CREAMER
  embassy: Avenida Arce 2780, Casilla 425, La Paz
  mailing address: P. O. Box 425, La Paz; APO AA 34032
  telephone: [591] (2) 216-8000
  FAX: [591] (2) 216-8111
  note: in September 2008, the Bolivian Government expelled the US
  Ambassador to Bolivia, and the countries have yet to reinstate
  ambassadors

Bosnia and Herzegovina chief of mission: Ambassador Patrick S. MOON embassy: Alipasina 43, 71000 Sarajevo mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [387] (33) 445-700 FAX: [387] (33) 659-722 branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar

Botswana
  chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen J. NOLAN
  embassy: Embassy Enclave (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone
  mailing address: Embassy Enclave, P. O. Box 90, Gaborone
  telephone: [267] 395-3982
  FAX: [267] 395-6947

Brazil
  chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas A. SHANNON
  embassy: Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal
  Cep 70403-900, Brasilia
  mailing address: Unit 7500, DPO, AA 34030
  telephone: [55] (61) 3312-7000
  FAX: [55] (61) 3225-9136
  consulate(s) general: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo
  consulate(s): Recife

British Indian Ocean Territory
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

British Virgin Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Alexander L. BARRASSO
  embassy: Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Kebangsaan, Bandar Seri Begawan,
  BS8811
  mailing address: PSC 470 (BSB), FPO AP 96507; P.O. Box 2991, Bandar
  Seri Begawan BS8675, Negara Brunei Darussalam
  telephone: [673] 238-4616
  FAX: [673] 238-4606

Bulgaria
  chief of mission: Ambassador James B. WARLICK, Jr
  embassy: 16 Kozyak Street, Sofia 1407
  mailing address: American Embassy Sofia, US Department of State,
  5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740
  telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100
  FAX: [359] (2) 937-5320

Burkina Faso
  chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas DOUGHERTY
  embassy: 602 Avenue Raoul Follereau, Koulouba, Secteur 4
  mailing address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou 01; pouch mail - US
  Department of State, 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC
  20521-2440
  telephone: [226] 50-30-67-23
  FAX: [226] 50-30-38-90

Burma
  chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires Larry M. DINGER - note:
  The United States does not have an ambassador to Burma
  embassy: 110 University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Rangoon
  mailing address: Box B, APO AP 96546
  telephone: [95] (1) 536-509, 535-756, 538-038
  FAX: [95] (1) 650-306

Burundi
  chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela J. H. SLUTZ
  embassy: Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura
  mailing address: B. P. 1720, Bujumbura
  telephone: [257] 223454
  FAX: [257] 222926

Cambodia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Carol A. RODLEY
  embassy: #1, Street 96, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
  mailing address: Box P, APO AP 96546
  telephone: [855] (23) 728-000
  FAX: [855] (23) 728-600

Cameroon
  chief of mission: Ambassador Janet E. GARVEY
  embassy: Avenue Rosa Parks, Yaounde
  mailing address: P. O. Box 817, Yaounde; pouch: American Embassy, US
  Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520
  telephone: [237] 2220 15 00; Consular: [237] 2220 16 03
  FAX: [237] 2220 16 00 Ext. 4531; Consular FAX: [237] 2220 17 52
  branch office(s): Douala

Canada
  chief of mission: Ambassador David C. JACOBSON
  embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8
  mailing address: P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430; P.O. Box
  866, Station B, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5T1
  telephone: [1] (613) 688-5335
  FAX: [1] (613) 688-3082
  consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto,
  Vancouver, Winnipeg

Cape Verde
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Dana BROWN
  embassy: Rua Abilio Macedo n6, Praia
  mailing address: C. P. 201, Praia
  telephone: [238] 2-60-89-00
  FAX: [238] 2-61-13-55

Cayman Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK); consular
  services provided through the US Embassy in Jamaica

Central African Republic
  chief of mission: Ambassador Frederick B.
  COOK
  embassy: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui
  mailing address: B. P. 924, Bangui
  telephone: [236] 61 02 00
  FAX: [236] 61 44 94
  note: the embassy is currently operating with a minimal staff

Chad
  chief of mission: Ambassador Louis NIGRO
  embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena
  mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena
  telephone: [235] 251-62-11, 251-70-09, 251-77-59
  FAX: [235] 251-56-54

Chile
  chief of mission: Ambassador Alejandro D. WOLFF
  embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago
  mailing address: APO AA 34033
  telephone: [56] (2) 330-3000
  FAX: [56] (2) 330-3710, 330-3160

China
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jon M. HUNTSMAN, Jr.
  embassy: 55 An Jia Lou Lu, 100600 Beijing
  mailing address: PSC 461, Box 50, FPO AP 96521-0002
  telephone: [86] (10) 8531-3000
  FAX: [86] (10) 8531-3300
  consulate(s) general: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan

Christmas Island
  none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  none (territory of Australia)

Colombia
  chief of mission: Ambassador William R. BROWNFIELD
  embassy: Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50, Bogota, D.C.
  mailing address: Carrera 45 No. 24B-27, Bogota, D.C.
  telephone: [57] (1) 315-0811
  FAX: [57] (1) 315-2197

Comoros
  the US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the ambassador
  to Madagascar is accredited to Comoros

Congo, Democratic Republic of the chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Samuel BROCK embassy: 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa mailing address: Unit 31550, APO AE 09828 telephone: [243] (81) 225-5872 FAX: [243] (81) 301-0561

Congo, Republic of the
  chief of mission: Ambassador Allan EASTHAM
  embassy: Boulevard de la Revolution, BDEAC Building, 4th Floor,
  Brazzaville; note - a new embassy is expected to open in 2009
  mailing address: B.P. 1015, Brazzaville
  telephone: [242] 281-1481, 281-3368; note - until the new embassy in
  Brazzaville becomes operational, some duties will still be handled
  in the US embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Cook Islands
  none (self-governing in free association with New
  Zealand)

Coral Sea Islands
  none (territory of Australia)

Costa Rica
  chief of mission: Ambassador Anne Slaughter ANDREW
  embassy: Calle 120 Avenida O, Pavas, San Jose
  mailing address: APO AA 34020
  telephone: [506] 2519-2000
  FAX: [506] 2519-2305

Cote d'Ivoire
  chief of mission: Ambassador Wanda L. NESBITT
  embassy: Cocody Riviera Golf 01, Abidjan
  mailing address: B. P. 1712, Abidjan 01
  telephone: [225] 22 49 40 00
  FAX: [225] 22 49 43 32

Croatia
  chief of mission: Ambassador James B. FOLEY
  embassy: 2 Thomas Jefferson Street, 10010 Zagreb
  mailing address: use street address
  telephone: [385] (1) 661-2200
  FAX: [385] (1) 661-2373

Cuba
  none; note - the US has an Interests Section in the Swiss
  Embassy, headed by Chief of Mission Jonathan D. FARRAR; address:
  USINT, Swiss Embassy, Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado,
  Havana; telephone: [53] (7) 833-3551 through 3559 (operator
  assistance required); FAX: [53] (7) 833-1653; protecting power in
  Cuba is Switzerland

Curacao
  chief of mission: Consul General Valerie BELON
  consulate(s) general: J. B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao
  mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao
  telephone: [599] (9) 4613066
  FAX: [599] (9) 4616489

Cyprus
  chief of mission: Ambassador Frank C. URBANCIC, Jr.
  embassy: corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, 2407 Engomi,
  Nicosia
  mailing address: P. O. Box 24536, 1385 Nicosia
  telephone: [357] (22) 393939
  FAX: [357] (22) 780944

Czech Republic
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge
  d'Affaires Joseph PENNINGTON
  embassy: Trziste 15, 118 01 Prague 1
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [420] 257 022 000
  FAX: [420] 257 022 809

Denmark
  chief of mission: Ambassador Laurie S. FULTON
  embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen
  mailing address: PSC 73, APO AE 09716
  telephone: [45] 33 41 71 00
  FAX: [45] 35 43 02 23

Dhekelia
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Djibouti
  chief of mission: Ambassador James C. SWAN
  embassy: Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti
  mailing address: B. P. 185, Djibouti
  telephone: [253] 35 39 95
  FAX: [253] 35 39 40

Dominica
  the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US
  Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica

Dominican Republic
  chief of mission: Ambassador Raul H. YZAGUIRRE
  embassy: corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo
  Navarro, Santo Domingo
  mailing address: Unit 5500, APO AA 34041-5500
  telephone: [1] (809) 221-2171
  FAX: [1] (809) 686-7437

Ecuador
  chief of mission: Ambassador Heather HODGES
  embassy: Avenida Avigiras E12-170 y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito
  mailing address: Avenida Guayacanes N52-205 y Avenida Avigiras
  telephone: [593] (2) 398-5000
  FAX: [593] (2) 398-5100
  consulate(s) general: Guayaquil

Egypt
  chief of mission: Ambassador Margaret SCOBEY
  embassy: 8 Kamal El Din Salah St., Garden City, Cairo
  mailing address: Unit 64900, Box 15, APO AE 09839-4900; 5 Tawfik
  Diab Street, Garden City, Cairo
  telephone: [20] (2) 2797-3300
  FAX: [20] (2) 2797-3200

El Salvador
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Robert BLAU
  embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena Sur, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La
  Libertad, San Salvador
  mailing address: Unit 3450, APO AA 34023; 3450 San Salvador Place,
  Washington, DC 20521-3450
  telephone: [503] 2501-2999
  FAX: [503] 2501-2150

Equatorial Guinea
  chief of mission: Ambassador Alberto M. FERNANDEZ
  embassy: K-3, Carreterade Aeropuerto, al lado de Restaurante El
  Paraiso, Malabo; note - relocated embassy is opened for limited
  functions; inquiries should continue to be directed to the US
  Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon
  mailing address: B.P. 817, Yaounde, Cameroon; US Embassy Yaounde, US
  Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520
  telephone: [237] 2220-1500
  FAX: [237] 2220-1572

Eritrea
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Joel REIFMAN
  embassy: 179 Ala Street, Asmara
  mailing address: P. O. Box 211, Asmara
  telephone: [291] (1) 120004
  FAX: [291] (1) 127584

Estonia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Michael C. POLT
  embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [372] 668-8100
  FAX: [372] 668-8265

Ethiopia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Donald E. BOOTH
  embassy: Entoto Street, Addis Ababa
  mailing address: P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa
  telephone: [251] 11-517-40-00
  FAX: [251] 11-517-40-01

European Union
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge
  d'Affaires Christopher MURRAY
  embassy: 13 Zinnerstraat/Rue Zinner, B-1000 Brussels
  mailing address: same as above
  telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111
  FAX: [32] (2) 508-2063

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  none (overseas territory of the
  UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands
  none (self-governing overseas administrative division
  of Denmark)

Fiji
  chief of mission: Ambassador C. Steven MCGANN
  embassy: 31 Loftus Street, Suva
  mailing address: P. O. Box 218, Suva
  telephone: [679] 331-4466
  FAX: [679] 330-0081

Finland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Bruce J. ORECK
  embassy: Itainen Puistotie 14B, 00140 Helsinki
  mailing address: APO AE 09723
  telephone: [358] (9) 616250
  FAX: [358] (9) 6162 5800

France
  chief of mission: Ambassador Charles H. RIVKIN
  embassy: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08
  mailing address: PSC 116, APO AE 09777
  telephone: [33] (1) 43-12-22-22
  FAX: [33] (1) 42 66 97 83
  consulate(s) general: Marseille, Strasbourg

French Polynesia
  none (overseas lands of France)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  none (overseas territory of
  France)

Gabon
  chief of mission: Ambassador Eunice S. REDDICK
  embassy: Boulevard du Bord de Mer, Libreville
  mailing address: Centre Ville, B. P. 4000, Libreville; pouch:2270
  Libreville Place, Washington, DC 20521-2270
  telephone: [241] 76 20 03 through 76 20 04, after hours - 07380171
  FAX: [241] 74 55 07

Gambia, The
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Cindy GREGG
  embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul
  mailing address: P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul
  telephone: [220] 439-2856, 437-6169, 437-6170
  FAX: [220] 439-2475

Georgia
  chief of mission: Ambassador John BASS
  embassy: 11 George Balanchine Street, T'bilisi 0131
  mailing address: 7060 T'bilisi Place, Washington, DC 20521-7060
  telephone: [995] (32) 27-70-00
  FAX: [995] (32) 53-23-10

Germany
  chief of mission: Ambassador Philip D. MURPHY
  embassy: Pariser Platz 2, 14191 Berlin; note - new embassy opened 4
  July 2008
  mailing address: PSC 120, Box 1000, APO AE 09265, Clayallee 170,
  14195 Berlin
  telephone: [49] (030) 2385174
  FAX: [49] (030) 8305-1215
  consulate(s) general: Duesseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg,
  Leipzig, Munich

Ghana
  chief of mission: Ambassador Donald G. TEITELBAUM
  embassy: 24 4th Circular Rd. Cantonments, Accra
  mailing address: P. O. Box 194, Accra
  telephone: [233] (21) 741-000
  FAX: [233] (21) 741-389

Gibraltar
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Greece
  chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel Bennett SMITH
  embassy: 91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens
  mailing address: PSC 108, APO AE 09842-0108
  telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951
  FAX: [30] (210) 645-6282
  consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki

Greenland
  none (self-governing overseas administrative division of
  Denmark)

Grenada
  chief of mission: the US Ambassador to Barbados is
  accredited to Grenada
  embassy: Lance-aux-Epines Stretch, Saint George's
  mailing address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's
  telephone: [1] (473) 444-1173 through 1177
  FAX: [1] (473) 444-4820

Guam
  none (territory of the US)

Guatemala
  chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen G. MCFARLAND
  embassy: 7-01 Avenida Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City
  mailing address: APO AA 34024
  telephone: [502] 2326-4000
  FAX: [502] 2326-4654

Guernsey
  none (British crown dependency)

Guinea
  chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia Newton MOLLER
  embassy: Koloma, Conakry, east of Hamdallaye Circle
  mailing address: B. P. 603, Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif
  de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry
  telephone: [224] 65-10-40-00
  FAX: [224] 65-10-42-97

Guinea-Bissau
  the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998 in
  the midst of violent conflict between forces loyal to then President
  VIEIRA and military-led junta; the US Ambassador to Senegal is
  accredited to Guinea-Bissau

Guyana
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Karen L. WILLIAMS
  embassy: US Embassy, 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown
  mailing address: P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown; US Embassy, 3170
  Georgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3170
  telephone: [592] 225-4900 through 4909
  FAX: [592] 225-8497

Haiti
  chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth H. MERTEN
  embassy: Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre, Port-au-Prince
  mailing address: use mailing address
  telephone: [509] 229-8000
  FAX: [509] 229-8028

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  none (territory of Australia)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  chief of mission: Ambassador Miguel Humberto
  DIAZ
  embassy: Villa Domiziana, Via delle Terme Deciane 26, 00153 Rome
  mailing address: PSC 833, Box 66, APO AE 09624
  telephone: [39] (06) 4674-3428
  FAX: [39] (06) 575-3411

Honduras
  chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo LLORENS
  embassy: Avenida La Paz, Apartado Postal No. 3453, Tegucigalpa
  mailing address: American Embassy, APO AA 34022, Tegucigalpa
  telephone: [504] 236-9320, 238-5114
  FAX: [504] 238-4357

Hong Kong
  chief of mission: Consul General Stephen M. YOUNG
  consulate(s) general: 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong
  mailing address: PSC 461, Box 1, FPO AP 96521-0006
  telephone: [852] 2523-9011
  FAX: [852] 2845-1598

Hungary
  chief of mission: Ambassador Tsakopoulos KOUNALAKIS
  embassy: Szabadsag ter 12, H-1054 Budapest
  mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Budapest, 5270 Budapest
  Place, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5270
  telephone: [36] (1) 475-4400
  FAX: [36] (1) 475-4764

Iceland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Luis E. ARREAGA
  embassy: Laufasvegur 21, 101 Reykjavik
  mailing address: US Department of State, 5640 Reykjavik Place,
  Washington, D.C. 20521-5640
  telephone: [354] 562-9100
  FAX: [354] 562-9118

India
  chief of mission: Ambassador Timothy J. ROEMER
  embassy: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [91] (011) 2419-8000
  FAX: [91] (11) 2419-0017
  consulate(s) general: Chennai (Madras), Hyderabad; Kolkata
  (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay)

Indonesia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Scot A. MARCIEL
  embassy: Jalan 1 Medan Merdeka Selatan 4-5, Jakarta 10110
  mailing address: Unit 8129, Box 1, FPO AP 96520
  telephone: [62] (21) 3435-9000
  FAX: [62] (21) 3435-9922
  consulate(s) general: Surabaya

Iran
  none; note - the US Interests Section is located in the Embassy
  of Switzerland No. 39 Shahid Mousavi (Golestan 5th), Pasdaran Ave.,
  Tehran, Iran; telephone [98] 21 2254 2178/2256 5273; FAX [98] 21
  2258 0432

Iraq
  chief of mission: Ambassador James F. Jeffrey
  embassy: Baghdad
  mailing address: APO AE 09316
  telephone: 1-240-553-0589 ext. 5340 or 5635; note - Consular Section
  FAX: NA

Ireland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel ROONEY
  embassy: 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [353] (1) 668-8777
  FAX: [353] (1) 668-9946

Isle of Man
  none (British crown dependency)

Israel
  chief of mission: Ambassador James B. CUNNINGHAM
  embassy: 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 63903
  telephone: [972] (3) 519-7575
  FAX: [972] (3) 516-4390
  consulate(s) general: Jerusalem; note - an independent US mission,
  established in 1928, whose members are not accredited to a foreign
  government

Italy
  chief of mission: Ambassador David THORNE
  embassy: Via Vittorio Veneto 121, 00187-Rome
  mailing address: PSC 59, Box 100, APO AE 09624
  telephone: [39] (06) 46741
  FAX: [39] (06) 488-2672, 4674-2356
  consulate(s) general: Florence, Milan, Naples

Jamaica
  chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela BRIDGEWATER
  embassy: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
  mailing address: P.O. Box 541, Kingston 5
  telephone: [1] (876) 702-6000
  FAX: [1] (876) 702-6001

Japan
  chief of mission: Ambassador John V. ROOS
  embassy: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420
  mailing address: Unit 9800, Box 300, APO AP 96303-0300
  telephone: [81] (03) 3224-5000
  FAX: [81] (03) 3505-1862
  consulate(s) general: Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo
  consulate(s): Fukuoka, Nagoya

Jersey
  none (British crown dependency)

Jordan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Robert S. BEECROFT
  embassy: Abdoun, Amman
  mailing address: P. O. Box 354, Amman 11118 Jordan; Unit 70200, Box
  5, DPO AE 09892-0200
  telephone: [962] (6) 590-6000
  FAX: [962] (6) 592-0121

Kazakhstan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Richard E. HOAGLAND
  embassy: Ak Bulak 4, Str. 23-22, Building #3, Astana 010010
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [7] (7172) 70-21-00
  FAX: [7] (7172) 34-08-90

Kenya
  chief of mission: Ambassador Michael E. RANNEBERGER
  embassy: US Embassy, United Nations Avenue, Nairobi; P. O. Box 606
  Village Market, Nairobi 00621
  mailing address: Box 21A, Unit 64100, APO AE 09831
  telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000
  FAX: [254] (20) 363-410

Kiribati
  the US does not have an embassy in Kiribati; the US
  ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Kiribati

Korea, North
  none; note - Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang represents
  the US as consular protecting power

Korea, South
  chief of mission: Ambassador Kathleen STEPHENS
  embassy: 32 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-710
  mailing address: US Embassy Seoul, APO AP 96205-5550
  telephone: [82] (2) 397-4114
  FAX: [82] (2) 738-8845

Kosovo
  chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher William DELL
  embassy: Arberia/Dragodan, Nazim Hikmet 30, Pristina, Kosovo
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [381] 38 59 59 3000
  FAX: [381] 38 549 890

Kuwait
  chief of mission: Ambassador Deborah K. JONES
  embassy: Bayan 36302, Block 13, Al-Masjed Al-Aqsa Street (near the
  Bayan palace), Kuwait City
  mailing address: P. O. Box 77 Safat 13001 Kuwait; or PSC 1280 APO AE
  09880-9000
  telephone: [965] 2259-1001
  FAX: [965] 2538-0282

Kyrgyzstan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Tatiana GFOELLER
  embassy: 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [996] (312) 551-241, (517) 777-217
  FAX: [996] (312) 551-264

Laos
  chief of mission: Ambassador Karen B. STEWART
  embassy: 19 Rue Bartholonie, That Dam, Vientiane
  mailing address: American Embassy Vientiane, APO AP 96546
  telephone: [856] 21-26-7000
  FAX: [856] 21-26-7190

Latvia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Judith G. GARBER
  embassy: 7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510
  mailing address: American Embassy Riga, PSC 78, Box Riga, APO AE
  09723
  telephone: [371] 670-36200
  FAX: [371] 678-20047

Lebanon
  chief of mission: Ambassador Maura CONNELLY
  embassy: Awkar, Lebanon (Awkar facing the Municipality)
  mailing address: P. O. Box 70-840, Antelias, Lebanon; from US: US
  Embassy Beirut, 6070 Beirut Place, Washington, DC 20521-6070
  telephone: [961] (4) 542600, 543600
  FAX: [961] (4) 544136

Lesotho
  chief of mission: Ambassador Robert NOLAN
  embassy: 254 Kingsway, Maseru West (Consular Section)
  mailing address: P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho
  telephone: [266] 22 312666
  FAX: [266] 22 310116

Liberia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Linda THOMAS-GREENFIELD
  embassy: 111 United Nations Drive, P. O. Box 98, Mamba Point, 1000
  Monrovia, 10
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [231] 7-705-4826
  FAX: [231] 7-701-0370

Libya
  chief of mission: Ambassador Gene A. CRETZ
  embassy: off Jaraba Street, behind the Libyan-Swiss clinic, Ben
  Ashour
  mailing address: US Embassy, 8850 Tripoli Place, Washington, DC
  20521-8850
  telephone: [218] 91-220-3239

Liechtenstein
  the US does not have an embassy in Liechtenstein; the
  US Ambassador to Switzerland is accredited to Liechtenstein

Lithuania
  chief of mission: Ambassador Anne E. DERSE
  embassy: Akmenu gatve 6, Vilnius, LT-03106
  mailing address: American Embassy, Akmenu Gatve 6, Vilnius LT-03106
  telephone: [370] (5) 266 5500
  FAX: [370] (5) 266 5510

Luxembourg
  chief of mission: Ambassador Cynthia STROUM
  embassy: 22 Boulevard Emmanuel Servais, L-2535 Luxembourg City
  mailing address: American Embassy Luxembourg, Unit 1410, APO AE
  09126-1410 (official mail); American Embassy Luxembourg, PSC 9, Box
  9500, APO AE 09123 (personal mail)
  telephone: [352] 46 01 23
  FAX: [352] 46 14 01

Macau
  the US has no offices in Macau; US Consulate General in Hong
  Kong is accredited to Macau

Macedonia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Philip T. REEKER
  embassy: Str. Samolilova, Nr. 21, 1000 Skopje
  mailing address: American Embassy Skopje, US Department of State,
  7120 Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120 (pouch)
  telephone: [389] 2 310-2000
  FAX: [389] 2 310-2499

Madagascar
  chief of mission: Ambassador R. Niels MARQUARDT
  embassy: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo 101
  mailing address: B. P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo
  telephone: [261] (20) 22-212-57, 22-212-73, 22-209-56
  FAX: [261] (20) 22-345-39

Malawi
  chief of mission: Ambassador Peter W. BODDE
  embassy: 16 Jomo Kenyatta Road, Lilongwe 3
  mailing address: P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
  telephone: [265] (1) 773 166
  FAX: [265] (1) 770 471

Malaysia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Paul W. JONES
  embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
  mailing address: US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152
  telephone: [60] (3) 2168-5000
  FAX: [60] (3) 2142-2207

Maldives
  the US does not have an embassy in Maldives; the US
  Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ambassador Patricia A. BUTENIS, is
  accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits

Mali
  chief of mission: Ambassador Gillian A. MILOVANOVIC
  embassy: located just off the Roi Bin Fahad Aziz Bridge just west of
  the Bamako central district
  mailing address: ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297, Bamako
  telephone: [223] 270-2300
  FAX: [223] 270-2479

Malta
  chief of mission: Ambassador Douglas W. KMIEC
  embassy: 3rd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana,
  FRN 9010
  mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta, VLT1000
  telephone: [356] 2561 4000
  FAX: [356] 2124 3229

Marshall Islands
  chief of mission: Ambassador Martha L. CAMPBELL
  embassy: Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro
  mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall
  Islands 96960-1379
  telephone: [692] 247-4011
  FAX: [692] 247-4012

Mauritania
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mark M. BOULWARE
  embassy: 288 Rue Abdallaye, Rue 42-100 (between Presidency building
  and Spanish Embassy), Nouakchott
  mailing address: BP 222, Nouakchott
  telephone: [222] 525-2660 through 2663
  FAX: [222] 525-1592

Mauritius
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Jo WILLS
  embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis
  mailing address: international mail: P. O. Box 544, Port Louis; US
  mail: American Embassy, Port Louis, US Department of State,
  Washington, DC 20521-2450
  telephone: [230] 202-4400
  FAX: [230] 208-9534

Mayotte
  none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Mexico
  chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos PASCUAL
  embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico,
  Distrito Federal
  mailing address: P. O. Box 9000, Brownsville, TX 78520-9000
  telephone: [52] (55) 5080-2000
  FAX: [52] (55) 5511-9980
  consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo,
  Matamoros, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana
  consulate(s): Merida, Nogales

Micronesia, Federated States of
  chief of mission: Ambassador Peter
  A. PRAHAR
  embassy: 101 Upper Pics Road, Kolonia
  mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Kolonia, Pohnpei, 96941
  telephone: [691] 320-2187
  FAX: [691] 320-2186

Moldova
  chief of mission: Ambassador Asif J. CHAUDHRY
  embassy: 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [373] (22) 40-8300
  FAX: [373] (22) 23-3044

Monaco
  the US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Ambassador
  to France is accredited to Monaco; the US Consul General in
  Marseille (France), under the authority of the US ambassador to
  France, handles routine diplomatic and consular matters concerning
  Monaco

Mongolia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jonathan ADDLETON
  embassy: Big Ring Road, 11th Micro Region, Ulaanbaatar, 14171
  Mongolia
  mailing address: PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002; P.O. Box 1021,
  Ulaanbaatar-13
  telephone: [976] (11) 329-095
  FAX: [976] (11) 320-776

Montenegro
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Benjamin LOWENTHAL
  embassy: Ljubljanska bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [382] 81 225 417
  FAX: [382] 81 241 358

Montserrat
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Morocco
  chief of mission: Ambassador Samuel L. KAPLAN
  embassy: 2 Avenue de Mohamed El Fassi, Rabat
  mailing address: PSC 74, Box 021, APO AE 09718
  telephone: [212] (37) 76 22 65
  FAX: [212] (37) 76 56 61
  consulate(s) general: Casablanca

Mozambique
  chief of mission: Ambassador Leslie V. ROWE
  embassy: Avenida Kenneth Kuanda 193, Maputo
  mailing address: P. O. Box 783, Maputo
  telephone: [258] (21) 492797
  FAX: [258] (21) 490114

Namibia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Gail Dennise MATHIEU
  embassy: 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek
  mailing address: Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek
  telephone: [264] (61) 295-8500
  FAX: [264] (61) 295-8603

Nauru
  the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to
  Fiji is accredited to Nauru

Navassa Island
  none (territory of the US)

Nepal
  chief of mission: Ambassador Scott H. DELISI
  embassy: Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [977] (1) 400-7200
  FAX: [977] (1) 400-7272

Netherlands
  chief of mission: Ambassador Fay HARTOG LEVIN
  embassy: Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ, The Hague
  mailing address: PSC 71, Box 1000, APO AE 09715
  telephone: [31] (70) 310-2209
  FAX: [31] (70) 361-4688
  consulate(s) general: Amsterdam

New Caledonia
  none (overseas territory of France)

New Zealand
  chief of mission: Ambassador David HUEBNER
  embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington
  mailing address: P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, APO AP
  96531-1034
  telephone: [64] (4) 462-6000
  FAX: [64] (4) 499-0490
  consulate(s) general: Auckland

Nicaragua
  chief of mission: Ambassador Robert J. CALLAHAN
  embassy: Kilometer 5.5 Carretera Sur, Managua
  mailing address: American Embassy Managua, APO AA 34021
  telephone: [505] 252-7100, 252-7888; 252-7634 (after hours)
  FAX: [505] 252-7304

Niger
  chief of mission: Ambassador Bisa WILLIAMS
  embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey
  mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey
  telephone: [227] 20-72-26-61 thru 64
  FAX: [227] 20-73-31-67

Nigeria
  chief of mission: Ambassador Robin R. SANDERS
  embassy: 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja
  mailing address: P. O. Box 5760, Garki, Abuja
  telephone: [234] (9) 461-4000
  FAX: [234] (9) 461-4036

Niue
  none (self-governing territory in free association with New
  Zealand)

Norfolk Island
  none (territory of Australia)

Norway
  chief of mission: Ambassador Barry B. WHITE
  embassy: Henrik Ibsens gate 48, 0244 Oslo; note - the embassy will
  move to Huseby in the near future
  mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707
  telephone: [47] 22 44 85 50
  FAX: [47] 22 44 33 63, 22 56 27 51

Oman
  chief of mission: Ambassador Richard J. SCHMIERER
  embassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat
  mailing address: P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos,
  Muscat
  telephone: [968] 24-643-400
  FAX: [968] 24-699771

Pakistan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Cameron MUNTER
  embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad
  mailing address: P. O. Box 1048, Unit 62200, APO AE 09812-2200
  telephone: [92] (51) 208-0000
  FAX: [92] (51) 2276427
  consulate(s) general: Karachi
  consulate(s): Lahore, Peshawar

Palau
  chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires James PANOS
  embassy: Koror (no street address)
  mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Republic of Palau 96940
  telephone: [680] 488-2920, 2990
  FAX: [680] 488-2911

Panama
  chief of mission: Ambassador Phyllis M. POWERS
  embassy: Edificio 783, Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas Panama,
  Apartado Postal 0816-02561, Zona 5, Panama City
  mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002
  telephone: [507] 207-7000
  FAX: [507] 317-5568

Papua New Guinea
  chief of mission: Ambassador Teddy B. TAYLOR
  embassy: Douglas Street, Port Moresby, N.C.D.
  mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby PI, US Department of State,
  Washington DC 20521-4240
  telephone: [675] 321-1455
  FAX: [675] 321-3423

Paraguay
  Ambassador Liliana AYALDE
  embassy: 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Casilla Postal 402, Asuncion
  mailing address: Unit 4711, APO AA 34036-0001
  telephone: [595] (21) 213-715
  FAX: [595] (21) 228-603

Peru
  chief of mission: Ambassador Rose M. LIKINS
  embassy: Avenida La Encalada, Cuadra 17s/n, Surco, Lima 33
  mailing address: P. O. Box 1995, Lima 1; American Embassy (Lima),
  APO AA 34031-5000
  telephone: [51] (1) 434-3000
  FAX: [51] (1) 618-2397

Philippines
  chief of mission: Ambassador Harry K. THOMAS Jr.
  embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila
  mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000
  telephone: [63] (2) 301-2000
  FAX: [63] (2) 301-2399

Pitcairn Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Lee FEINSTEIN
  embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw
  mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, US Department of State,
  Washington, DC 20521-5010 (pouch)
  telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000
  FAX: [48] (22) 504-2688
  consulate(s) general: Krakow

Portugal
  chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Allan J. KATZ
  embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisbon
  mailing address: Apartado 43033, 1601-301 Lisboa; PSC 83, APO AE
  09726
  telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300
  FAX: [351] (21) 726-9109
  consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Puerto Rico
  none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Qatar
  chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LEBARON
  embassy: Al-Luqta District, 22 February Road, Doha
  mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha
  telephone: [974] 488 4161
  FAX: [974] 488 4150

Romania
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mark GITENSTEIN
  embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest
  mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Bucharest, US Department of
  State, 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260 (pouch)
  telephone: [40] (21) 200-3300
  FAX: [40] (21) 200-3442

Russia
  chief of mission: Ambassador John R. BEYRLE
  embassy: Bolshoy Deviatinskiy Pereulok No. 8, 121099 Moscow
  mailing address: PSC-77, APO AE 09721
  telephone: [7] (495) 728-5000
  FAX: [7] (495) 728-5090
  consulate(s) general: Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg

Rwanda
  chief of mission: Ambassador W. Stuart SYMINGTON
  embassy: 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie, Kigali
  mailing address: B. P. 28, Kigali
  telephone: [250] 596-400
  FAX: [250] 596-591

Saint Barthelemy
  none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  none (overseas
  territory of the UK)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts
  and Nevis; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint
  Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia
  the US does not have an embassy in Saint Lucia; the US
  Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Lucia

Saint Martin
  none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  none (territorial overseas collectivity of
  France)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  the US does not have an embassy in
  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the US Ambassador to Barbados is
  accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa
  chief of mission: US Ambassador to New Zealand is accredited
  to Samoa
  embassy: Accident Corporation Building, 5th Floor, Matafele, Apia
  mailing address: P. O. Box 3430, Matafele, Apia
  telephone: [685] 21436/21631/21452/22696
  FAX: [685] 22030

San Marino
  the US does not have an embassy in San Marino; the
  ambassador to Italy is accredited to San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe
  the US does not have an embassy in Sao Tome
  and Principe; the Ambassador to Gabon is accredited to Sao Tome and
  Principe on a nonresident basis and makes periodic visits to the
  islands

Saudi Arabia
  chief of mission: Ambassador James B. SMITH
  embassy: Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh
  mailing address: American Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307;
  International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693
  telephone: [966] (1) 488-3800
  FAX: [966] (1) 488-7360
  consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

Senegal
  chief of mission: Ambassador Marcia S. BERNICAT
  embassy: Avenue Jean XXIII at the corner of Rue Kleber, Dakar
  mailing address: B. P. 49, Dakar
  telephone: [221] 33-829-2100
  FAX: [221] 33-822-2991

Serbia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mary WARLICK
  embassy: Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade
  mailing address: 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070
  telephone: [381] (11) 361-9344
  FAX: [381] (11) 361-8230

Seychelles
  the US does not have an embassy in Seychelles; the
  ambassador to Mauritius is accredited to Seychelles

Sierra Leone
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge
  d'Affaires Glenn FEDZER
  embassy: Southridge-Hill Station, Freetown
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [232] (22) 515 000 or (76) 515 000
  FAX: [232] (22) 515 355

Singapore
  chief of mission: Ambassador David I. ADELMAN
  embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508
  mailing address: FPO AP 96507-0001
  telephone: [65] 6476-9100
  FAX: [65] 6476-9340

Sint Maarten
  the US does not have an embassy in Sint Maarten; the
  Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Sint Maarten

Slovakia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Theodore SEDGWICK
  embassy: Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, 81102 Bratislava
  mailing address: P.O. Box 309, 814 99 Bratislava
  telephone: [421] (2) 5443-3338
  FAX: [421] (2) 5441-8861

Slovenia
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Bradley FREDEN
  embassy: Presernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana
  mailing address: American Embassy Ljubljana, US Department of State,
  7140 Ljubljana Place, Washington, DC 20521-7140
  telephone: [386] (1) 200-5500
  FAX: [386] (1) 200-5555

Solomon Islands
  the US does not have an embassy in the Solomon
  Islands; the US ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to the
  Solomon Islands

Somalia
  the US does not have an embassy in Somalia; US interests are
  represented by the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya at United Nations
  Avenue, Nairobi; mailing address: Unit 64100, Nairobi; APO AE 09831;
  telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000; FAX [254] (20) 363-6157

South Africa
  chief of mission: Ambassador Donald H. GIPS
  embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Pretoria
  mailing address: P. O. Box 9536, Pretoria 0001
  telephone: [27] (12) 431-4000
  FAX: [27] (12) 342-2299
  consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  none (overseas territory of
  the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Spain
  chief of mission: Ambassador Alan D. SOLOMONT
  embassy: Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid
  mailing address: PSC 61, APO AE 09642
  telephone: [34] (91) 587-2200
  FAX: [34] (91) 587-2303
  consulate(s) general: Barcelona

Sri Lanka
  chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia A. BUTENIS
  embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3
  mailing address: P. O. Box 106, Colombo
  telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500
  FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345

Sudan
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Robert E. WHITEHEAD
  embassy: Sharia Ali Abdul Latif Street, Khartoum
  mailing address: P.O. Box 699, Khartoum; APO AE 09829
  telephone: [249] (183) 774700 through 704
  FAX: [249] (183) 774137

Suriname
  chief of mission: Ambassador John R. NAY
  embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo
  mailing address: US Department of State, PO Box 1821, Paramaribo
  telephone: [597] 472-900
  FAX: [597] 410-025

Swaziland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Earl M. IRVING
  embassy: 2350 Mbabane Place, Mbabane
  mailing address: P. O. Box 199, Mbabane
  telephone: [268] 404-2445
  FAX: [268] 404-2059

Sweden
  chief of mission: Ambassador Matthew W. BARZUN
  embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31, SE-11589 Stockholm
  mailing address: American Embassy Stockholm, US Department of State,
  5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750
  telephone: [46] (08) 783 53 00
  FAX: [46] (08) 661 19 64

Switzerland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Donald S. BEYER, Jr.
  embassy: Sulgeneckstrasse 19, CH-3007 Bern
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [41] (031) 357 70 11
  FAX: [41] (031) 357 73 44

Syria
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Charles (Chuck) F. HUNTER
  embassy: Abou Roumaneh, Al-Mansour Street, No. 2, Damascus
  mailing address: P. O. Box 29, Damascus
  telephone: [963] (11) 3391-4444
  FAX: [963] (11) 3391-3999

Taiwan
  none; commercial and cultural relations with the people on
  Taiwan are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality, the
  American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a private nonprofit corporation
  that performs citizen and consular services similar to those at
  diplomatic posts
  director: William A. STANTON
  office: #7 Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3, Taipei, Taiwan
  telephone: [1] [886] (02) 2162-2000
  FAX: [1] [886] (07) 238-7744
  other offices: Kaohsiung

Tajikistan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth GROSS
  embassy: 109-A Ismoili Somoni Avenue, Dushanbe 734019
  mailing address: 7090 Dushanbe Place, Dulles, VA 20189
  telephone: [992] (37) 229-20-00
  FAX: [992] (37) 229-20-50

Tanzania
  chief of mission: Ambassador Alfonso E. LENHARDT
  embassy: 686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani, Dar es Salaam
  mailing address: P. O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam
  telephone: [255] (22) 266-8001
  FAX: [255] (22) 266-8238, 266-8373

Thailand
  chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie A. KENNEY
  embassy: 120-122 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330
  mailing address: APO AP 96546
  telephone: [66] (2) 205-4000
  FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131
  consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai

Timor-Leste
  chief of mission: Ambassador Judith FERGIN
  embassy: Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos Conqueiros, Dili
  mailing address: US Department of State, 8250 Dili Place,
  Washington, DC 20521-8250
  telephone: (670) 332-4684
  FAX: (670) 331-3206

Togo
  chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia McMahon HAWKINS
  embassy: 4332 Blvd. Gnassingbe Eyadema, Cite OUA, Lome
  mailing address: B. P. 852, Lome; 2300 Lome Place, Washington, DC
  20512-2300
  telephone: [228] 261-5470
  FAX: [228] 261-5501

Tokelau
  none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga
  the US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the US ambassador to
  Fiji is accredited to Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago
  chief of mission: Ambassador Beatrice W. WELTERS
  embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain
  mailing address: P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spain
  telephone: [1] (868) 622-6371 through 6376
  FAX: [1] (868) 822-5905

Tunisia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Gordon GRAY
  embassy: Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac Nord de Tunis 1053
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [216] 71 107-000
  FAX: [216] 71 963-263

Turkey
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Douglas A. SILLIMAN
  embassy: 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara
  mailing address: PSC 93, Box 5000, APO AE 09823
  telephone: [90] (312) 455-5555
  FAX: [90] (312) 467-0019
  consulate(s) general: Istanbul
  consulate(s): Adana; note - there is a Consular Agent in Izmir

Turkmenistan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Eileen A. MALLOY
  embassy: No. 9 1984 Street (formerly Pushkin Street), Ashgabat,
  Turkmenistan 744000
  mailing address: 7070 Ashgabat Place, Washington, DC 20521-7070
  telephone: [993] (12) 35-00-45
  FAX: [993] (12) 39-26-14

Turks and Caicos Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu
  the US does not have an embassy in Tuvalu; the US ambassador
  to Fiji is accredited to Tuvalu

Uganda
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jerry P. LANIER
  embassy: 1577 Ggaba Road, Kampala
  mailing address: P. O. Box 7007, Kampala
  telephone: [256] (414) 259 791 through 93, 95
  FAX: [256] (414) 258-794

Ukraine
  chief of mission: Ambassador John F. TEFFT
  embassy: 10 Yurii Kotsiubynsky Street, 01901 Kyiv
  mailing address: 5850 Kyiv Place, Washington, DC 20521-5850
  telephone: [380] (44) 490-4000
  FAX: [380] (44) 490-4085

United Arab Emirates
  chief of mission: Ambassador Richard G. OLSON,
  Jr.
  embassy: Embassies District, Plot 38 Sector W59-02, Street No. 4,
  Abu Dhabi
  mailing address: P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi
  telephone: [971] (2) 414-2200
  FAX: [971] (2) 414-2603
  consulate(s) general: Dubai

United Kingdom
  chief of mission: Ambassador Louis B. SUSMAN
  embassy: 24 Grosvenor Square, London, W1A 1AE
  mailing address: PSC 801, Box 40, FPO AE 09498-4040
  telephone: [44] (0) 20 7499-9000
  FAX: [44] (0) 20 7629-9124
  consulate(s) general: Belfast, Edinburgh

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  none (territories of
  the US)

Uruguay
  chief of mission: Ambassador David NELSON
  embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200
  mailing address: APO AA 34035
  telephone: [598] (2) 418-7777
  FAX: [598] (2) 418-8611

Uzbekistan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Richard B. NORLAND
  embassy: 3 Moyqo'rq'on, 5th Block, Yunusobod District, Tashkent
  100093
  mailing address: use embassy street address
  telephone: [998] (71) 120-5450
  FAX: [998] (71) 120-6335

Vanuatu
  the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the US
  ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu

Venezuela
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)
  embassy: Calle F con Calle Suapure, Urbanizacion Colinas de Valle
  Arriba, Caracas 1080
  mailing address: P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A; APO AA 34037
  telephone: [58] (212) 975-6411, 907-8400 (after hours)
  FAX: [58] (212) 907-8199

Vietnam
  chief of mission: Ambassador Michael W. MICHALAK
  embassy: 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
  mailing address: PSC 461, Box 400, FPO AP 96521-0002
  telephone: [84] (4) 3850-5000
  FAX: [84] (4) 3850-5010
  consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City

Virgin Islands
  none (territory of the US)

Wallis and Futuna
  none (overseas territory of France)

Western Sahara
  none

Yemen
  chief of mission: Ambassador Gerald M. FEIERSTEIN
  embassy: Sa'awan Street, Sanaa
  mailing address: P. O. Box 22347, Sanaa
  telephone: [967] (1) 755-2000 ext. 2153 or 2266
  FAX: [967] (1) 303-182

Zambia
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Michael KOPLOVSKY
  embassy: corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues, Lusaka
  mailing address: P. O. Box 31617, Lusaka
  telephone: [260] (211) 250-955
  FAX: [260] (211) 252-225

Zimbabwe
  chief of mission: Ambassador Charles A. RAY
  embassy: 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare
  mailing address: P. O. Box 3340, Harare
  telephone: [263] (4) 250-593 through 250-594
  FAX: [263] (4) 796-488, or 722-618

======================================================================

@2008

Field Listing :: Transportation - note

This entry includes miscellaneous transportation information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

Transportation - note

Antarctica
  US coastal stations include McMurdo (77 51 S, 166 40 E)
  and Palmer (64 43 S, 64 03 W); government use only except by permit
  (see Permit Office under "Legal System"); all ships at port are
  subject to inspection in accordance with Article 7, Antarctic
  Treaty; relevant legal instruments and authorization procedures
  adopted by the states parties to the Antarctic Treaty regulating
  access to the Antarctic Treaty area to all areas between 60 and 90
  degrees of latitude south have to be complied with (see "Legal
  System"); The Hydrographic Commission on Antarctica (HCA), a
  commission of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), is
  responsible for hydrographic surveying and nautical charting matters
  in Antarctic Treaty area; it coordinates and facilitates provision
  of accurate and appropriate charts and other aids to navigation in
  support of safety of navigation in region; membership of HCA is open
  to any IHO Member State whose government has acceded to the
  Antarctic Treaty and which contributes resources or data to IHO
  Chart coverage of the area

Arctic Ocean
  sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes;
  the Northwest Passage (North America) and Northern Sea Route
  (Eurasia) are important seasonal waterways

Atlantic Ocean
  Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two
  important waterways; significant domestic commercial and
  recreational use of Intracoastal Waterway on central and south
  Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of Mexico coast of US; the International
  Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of littoral states
  and offshore Atlantic waters as high risk for piracy and armed
  robbery against ships, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea off West
  Africa, the east coast of Brazil, and the Caribbean Sea; numerous
  commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor
  and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes
  stolen; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Bangladesh
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
  waters of Bangladesh as high risk for armed robbery against ships;
  numerous commercial vessels have been attacked both at anchor and
  while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Brazil
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and
  offshore waters in the Atlantic Ocean as a significant risk for
  piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels
  have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway;
  crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Djibouti
  the International Maritime Bureau reports offshore waters
  in the Gulf of Aden are high risk for piracy; numerous vessels,
  including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked
  and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers,
  and cargo are held for ransom

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  aids to navigation -
  lighthouses: Europa Island 18m; Juan de Nova Island (W side) 37m;
  Tromelin Island (NW point) 11m (all in the Iles Eparses district)

Georgia
  large parts of transportation network are in poor condition
  because of lack of maintenance and repair

Indian Ocean
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the
  territorial waters of littoral states and offshore waters as high
  risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships, particularly in the
  Gulf of Aden, along the east coast of Africa, the Bay of Bengal, and
  the Strait of Malacca; numerous vessels, including commercial
  shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at
  anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and
  cargoes stolen; crew and passengers are often held for ransom,
  murdered, or cast adrift; the presence of several naval task forces
  in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on the part
  of ship operators have reduced the piracy incidents; in response
  local pirates shifted operations farther south along the east coast
  of Somalia and eastward along the coast of Oman

Indonesia
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
  and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea as
  high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous
  commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor
  and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo
  diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast
  adrift

Malaysia
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
  and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea as
  high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous
  commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor
  and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo
  diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast
  adrift; increased naval patrols in 2009 resulted in significantly
  reduced numbers of incidents

Nigeria
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
  and offshore waters in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea as high
  risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial
  vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while
  underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Pacific Ocean
  the Inside Passage offers protected waters from
  southeast Alaska to Puget Sound (Washington state); the
  International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of
  littoral states and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high
  risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial
  vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while
  underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes stolen;
  crew and passengers are often held for ransom, murdered, or cast
  adrift

Philippines
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the
  territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk
  for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial
  vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while
  underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to
  ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Saint Barthelemy
  nearest airport for international flights is
  Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  there is no air
  connection to Saint Helena or Tristan da Cunha; an international
  airport for Saint Helena is in development for 2010

Saint Martin
  nearest airport for international flights is Princess
  Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten

Singapore
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
  and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy
  and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have
  been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway;
  hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in
  East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Somalia
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
  and offshore waters in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean are high
  risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous vessels,
  including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked
  and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers,
  and cargo are held for ransom; the presence of several naval task
  forces in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on
  the part of ship operators have reduced the piracy incidents; in
  response local pirates shifted operations farther south along the
  east coast of Somalia and eastward along the coast of Oman

Southern Ocean
  Drake Passage offers alternative to transit through
  the Panama Canal

Tanzania
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
  and offshore waters in the Indian Ocean are high risk for piracy and
  armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been
  attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have
  been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Venezuela
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
  and offshore waters in the Caribbean Sea as a significant risk for
  piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous vessels, including
  commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and
  hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed
  and stores or cargoes stolen

Vietnam
  the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial
  and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy
  and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have
  been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway;
  hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in
  East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Wake Island
  there are no commercial or civilian flights to and from
  Wake Island, except in direct support of island missions; emergency
  landing is available

World
  as of September 2009, incidents of piracy around the world
  have more than doubled over the comparable time period in 2008; half
  of all attacks occur in the waters off Somalia, primarily in the
  Gulf of Aden; other high risk areas include the waters off Nigeria,
  the South China Sea, and waters off Malaysia

Yemen
  the International Maritime Bureau reports offshore waters in
  the Gulf of Aden are high risk for piracy; numerous vessels,
  including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked
  and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers,
  and cargo are held for ransom

======================================================================

@2010

Field Listing :: Age structure

This entry provides the distribution of the population according to age. Information is included by sex and age group (0-14 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over). The age structure of a population affects a nation's key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest. Country

Age structure(%)

Afghanistan
  0-14 years: 43.6% (male 6,343,611/female 6,036,673)
  15-64 years: 54% (male 7,864,422/female 7,470,617)
  65 years and over: 2.4% (male 326,873/female 353,520) (2010 est.)

Albania
  0-14 years: 23.1% (male 440,528/female 400,816)
  15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,251,001/female 1,190,841)
  65 years and over: 9.8% (male 165,557/female 190,710) (2010 est.)

Algeria
  0-14 years: 25.4% (male 4,436,591/female 4,259,729)
  15-64 years: 69.5% (male 11,976,965/female 11,777,618)
  65 years and over: 5.1% (male 798,576/female 928,709) (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  0-14 years: 33.4% (male 11,159/female 10,768)
  15-64 years: 62.7% (male 20,848/female 20,271)
  65 years and over: 3.9% (male 1,211/female 1,371) (2010 est.)

Andorra
  0-14 years: 15.5% (male 6,710/female 6,305)
  15-64 years: 72.2% (male 31,604/female 28,925)
  65 years and over: 12.3% (male 5,113/female 5,231) (2010 est.)

Angola
  0-14 years: 43.5% (male 2,812,359/female 2,759,047)
  15-64 years: 53.7% (male 3,496,726/female 3,382,440)
  65 years and over: 2.7% (male 153,678/female 195,043) (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  0-14 years: 24.5% (male 1,815/female 1,725)
  15-64 years: 67.8% (male 4,665/female 5,125)
  65 years and over: 7.7% (male 534/female 572) (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0-14 years: 26.8% (male 11,660/female 11,303)
  15-64 years: 66.6% (male 26,597/female 30,414)
  65 years and over: 6.6% (male 2,456/female 3,202) (2010 est.)

Argentina
  0-14 years: 25.6% (male 5,369,477/female 5,122,260)
  15-64 years: 63.5% (male 12,961,725/female 13,029,265)
  65 years and over: 10.8% (male 1,819,057/female 2,611,800) (2010
  est.)

Armenia
  0-14 years: 18.2% (male 289,119/female 252,150)
  15-64 years: 71.1% (male 986,764/female 1,123,708)
  65 years and over: 10.6% (male 122,996/female 192,267) (2010 est.)

Aruba
  0-14 years: 19.1% (male 9,921/female 9,758)
  15-64 years: 70.3% (male 34,676/female 37,752)
  65 years and over: 10.6% (male 4,351/female 6,607) (2010 est.)

Australia
  0-14 years: 18.6% (male 2,026,975/female 1,923,828)
  15-64 years: 67.9% (male 7,318,743/female 7,121,613)
  65 years and over: 13.5% (male 1,306,329/female 1,565,153) (2010
  est.)

Austria
  0-14 years: 14.5% (male 609,748/female 581,144)
  15-64 years: 67.5% (male 2,785,091/female 2,756,402)
  65 years and over: 18% (male 612,613/female 865,283) (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  0-14 years: 23.9% (male 1,042,132/female 926,495)
  15-64 years: 69.4% (male 2,807,717/female 2,908,221)
  65 years and over: 6.7% (male 204,410/female 349,697) (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  0-14 years: 25.3% (male 39,493/female 38,355)
  15-64 years: 68.7% (male 103,889/female 107,528)
  65 years and over: 5.9% (male 6,998/female 11,289) (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  0-14 years: 25.9% (male 95,258/female 93,256)
  15-64 years: 70.1% (male 293,340/female 217,815)
  65 years and over: 4% (male 15,274/female 13,766) (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  0-14 years: 34.6% (male 27,065,625/female 26,913,961)
  15-64 years: 61.4% (male 45,222,182/female 50,537,052)
  65 years and over: 4% (male 3,057,255/female 3,254,808) (2010 est.)

Barbados
  0-14 years: 19.2% (male 27,383/female 27,352)
  15-64 years: 71.3% (male 99,829/female 103,049)
  65 years and over: 9.5% (male 10,464/female 16,512) (2010 est.)

Belarus
  0-14 years: 14.3% (male 707,550/female 667,560)
  15-64 years: 71.3% (male 3,337,253/female 3,540,916)
  65 years and over: 14.5% (male 446,746/female 948,508) (2010 est.)

Belgium
  0-14 years: 16.1% (male 857,373/female 822,303)
  15-64 years: 66.3% (male 3,480,072/female 3,419,721)
  65 years and over: 17.6% (male 760,390/female 1,074,477) (2010 est.)

Belize
  0-14 years: 37.9% (male 59,462/female 57,117)
  15-64 years: 58.6% (male 91,298/female 89,170)
  65 years and over: 3.5% (male 5,185/female 5,667) (2010 est.)

Benin
  0-14 years: 45.2% (male 2,028,493/female 1,948,353)
  15-64 years: 52.1% (male 2,275,662/female 2,308,945)
  65 years and over: 2.6% (male 94,569/female 135,810) (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  0-14 years: 18.3% (male 6,271/female 6,163)
  15-64 years: 67.5% (male 22,555/female 23,215)
  65 years and over: 14.2% (male 3,979/female 5,654) (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  0-14 years: 30.2% (male 106,410/female 102,164)
  15-64 years: 64.3% (male 235,988/female 208,484)
  65 years and over: 5.5% (male 20,169/female 17,926) (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  0-14 years: 35.5% (male 1,767,310/female 1,701,744)
  15-64 years: 60% (male 2,877,605/female 2,992,043)
  65 years and over: 4.5% (male 193,196/female 243,348) (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  0-14 years: 14.5% (male 344,760/female
  323,303)
  15-64 years: 70.7% (male 1,645,274/female 1,617,136)
  65 years and over: 14.8% (male 279,781/female 403,160) (2010 est.)

Botswana
  0-14 years: 34.8% (male 352,399/female 340,058)
  15-64 years: 61.4% (male 613,714/female 608,003)
  65 years and over: 3.9% (male 31,155/female 45,547) (2010 est.)

Brazil
  0-14 years: 26.7% (male 27,092,880/female 26,062,244)
  15-64 years: 66.8% (male 65,804,108/female 67,047,725)
  65 years and over: 6.4% (male 5,374,230/female 7,358,082) (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  0-14 years: 19.8% (male 2,454/female 2,387)
  15-64 years: 74.4% (male 9,346/female 8,881)
  65 years and over: 5.8% (male 734/female 689) (2010 est.)

Brunei
  0-14 years: 26.6% (male 53,282/female 50,141)
  15-64 years: 70.1% (male 135,640/female 136,292)
  65 years and over: 3.3% (male 6,199/female 6,636) (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  0-14 years: 13.8% (male 509,544/female 484,816)
  15-64 years: 68.5% (male 2,426,060/female 2,508,772)
  65 years and over: 17.7% (male 518,711/female 756,784) (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  0-14 years: 46.2% (male 3,646,661/female 3,621,648)
  15-64 years: 51.3% (male 4,025,917/female 4,054,865)
  65 years and over: 2.5% (male 156,895/female 240,246) (2010 est.)

Burma
  0-14 years: 25.3% (male 6,193,263/female 5,990,658)
  15-64 years: 69.3% (male 16,510,648/female 16,828,462)
  65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,121,412/female 1,493,298) (2010 est.)

Burundi
  0-14 years: 46.3% (male 2,213,667/female 2,189,197)
  15-64 years: 51.2% (male 2,399,466/female 2,470,743)
  65 years and over: 2.5% (male 95,324/female 142,933) (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  0-14 years: 32.6% (male 2,388,922/female 2,336,439)
  15-64 years: 63.8% (male 4,498,568/female 4,743,677)
  65 years and over: 3.6% (male 197,649/female 329,038) (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  0-14 years: 40.9% (male 3,891,762/female 3,822,870)
  15-64 years: 55.9% (male 5,298,143/female 5,250,493)
  65 years and over: 3.3% (male 283,289/female 332,744) (2010 est.)

Canada
  0-14 years: 16.1% (male 2,761,711/female 2,626,836)
  15-64 years: 68.7% (male 11,633,950/female 11,381,735)
  65 years and over: 15.2% (male 2,220,189/female 2,862,787) (2010
  est.)

Cape Verde
  0-14 years: 35.2% (male 76,012/female 74,993)
  15-64 years: 58.5% (male 123,376/female 127,653)
  65 years and over: 6.4% (male 10,040/female 17,400) (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  0-14 years: 19.6% (male 4,824/female 4,783)
  15-64 years: 71.1% (male 16,994/female 17,884)
  65 years and over: 9.3% (male 2,139/female 2,411) (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  0-14 years: 40.9% (male 928,277/female
  917,739)
  15-64 years: 55% (male 1,235,940/female 1,244,958)
  65 years and over: 4.1% (male 71,439/female 113,135) (2010 est.)

Chad
  0-14 years: 46.7% (male 2,445,841/female 2,381,319)
  15-64 years: 50.4% (male 2,386,428/female 2,816,050)
  65 years and over: 2.9% (male 126,351/female 173,219) (2010 est.)

Chile
  0-14 years: 23.2% (male 1,966,017/female 1,877,963)
  15-64 years: 67.8% (male 5,625,963/female 5,628,146)
  65 years and over: 9.1% (male 627,746/female 875,872) (2010 est.)

China
  0-14 years: 19.8% (male 140,877,745/female 124,290,090)
  15-64 years: 72.1% (male 495,724,889/female 469,182,087)
  65 years and over: 8.1% (male 51,774,115/female 56,764,042) (2010
  est.)

Christmas Island
  0-14 years: NA
  15-64 years: NA
  65 years and over: NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  0-14 years: NA
  15-64 years: NA
  65 years and over: NA

Colombia
  0-14 years: 27.7% (male 6,192,707/female 5,919,959)
  15-64 years: 66.4% (male 14,292,342/female 14,717,249)
  65 years and over: 5.8% (male 1,093,432/female 1,461,683) (2010 est.)

Comoros
  0-14 years: 42.2% (male 159,282/female 158,073)
  15-64 years: 54.8% (male 203,533/female 208,591)
  65 years and over: 3.1% (male 10,474/female 12,485) (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  0-14 years: 46.9% (male
  16,161,301/female 16,038,024)
  15-64 years: 50.6% (male 17,289,453/female 17,483,027)
  65 years and over: 2.5% (male 699,667/female 1,021,070) (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  0-14 years: 45.9% (male 927,599/female
  915,540)
  15-64 years: 51.2% (male 1,021,975/female 1,034,119)
  65 years and over: 2.8% (male 46,687/female 66,889) (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  0-14 years: 27.1% (male 1,704/female 1,508)
  15-64 years: 63.7% (male 3,898/female 3,664)
  65 years and over: 9.2% (male 540/female 556) (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  0-14 years: 26.7% (male 581,916/female 555,216)
  15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,443,606/female 1,411,168)
  65 years and over: 6.2% (male 120,969/female 141,002) (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  0-14 years: 40.6% (male 4,215,912/female 4,146,077)
  15-64 years: 56.6% (male 5,942,642/female 5,720,108)
  65 years and over: 2.9% (male 296,074/female 296,255) (2010 est.)

Croatia
  0-14 years: 15.6% (male 358,360/female 340,098)
  15-64 years: 67.5% (male 1,506,364/female 1,522,789)
  65 years and over: 17% (male 295,960/female 465,838) (2010 est.)

Cuba
  0-14 years: 18.3% (male 1,077,745/female 1,020,393)
  15-64 years: 70.4% (male 4,035,691/female 4,030,103)
  65 years and over: 11.2% (male 584,478/female 703,242) (2010 est.)

Curacao
  0-14 years: 21.1% (males 15,337/females 14,589)
  15-64 years: 66.7% (males 42,896/females 51,998)
  65 years and over: 12.2% (males 6,972/females 10,388) (2010)

Cyprus
  0-14 years: 17% (male 94,655/female 89,337)
  15-64 years: 73.1% (male 411,952/female 381,074)
  65 years and over: 9.9% (male 46,610/female 61,120) (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  0-14 years: 13.6% (male 712,045/female 673,657)
  15-64 years: 71% (male 3,641,887/female 3,604,044)
  65 years and over: 15.5% (male 623,882/female 956,389) (2010 est.)

Denmark
  0-14 years: 18.1% (male 511,882/female 485,782)
  15-64 years: 65.8% (male 1,817,800/female 1,798,964)
  65 years and over: 16.1% (male 387,142/female 498,940) (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  0-14 years: 36.3% (male 131,878/female 131,449)
  15-64 years: 60.4% (male 194,503/female 243,495)
  65 years and over: 3.2% (male 10,462/female 12,835) (2010 est.)

Dominica
  0-14 years: 24% (male 8,910/female 8,518)
  15-64 years: 65.8% (male 24,532/female 23,301)
  65 years and over: 10.2% (male 3,187/female 4,212) (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  0-14 years: 31.4% (male 1,543,141/female
  1,488,016)
  15-64 years: 62.7% (male 3,087,351/female 2,960,319)
  65 years and over: 5.9% (male 264,476/female 306,751) (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  0-14 years: 31.1% (male 2,312,610/female 2,220,378)
  15-64 years: 62.7% (male 4,506,908/female 4,636,703)
  65 years and over: 6.2% (male 432,144/female 464,358) (2010 est.)

Egypt
  0-14 years: 33% (male 13,308,407/female 12,711,900)
  15-64 years: 62.7% (male 25,138,546/female 24,342,230)
  65 years and over: 4.3% (male 1,546,774/female 1,818,778) (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  0-14 years: 35.4% (male 1,299,608/female 1,245,617)
  15-64 years: 59.3% (male 2,033,423/female 2,225,810)
  65 years and over: 5.3% (male 166,224/female 214,536) (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  0-14 years: 41.9% (male 134,823/female 130,308)
  15-64 years: 54% (male 167,820/female 174,238)
  65 years and over: 4.1% (male 11,574/female 14,678) (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  0-14 years: 42.8% (male 1,212,848/female 1,202,240)
  15-64 years: 53.7% (male 1,483,169/female 1,547,078)
  65 years and over: 3.6% (male 92,009/female 109,824) (2010 est.)

Estonia
  0-14 years: 14.9% (male 99,748/female 94,051)
  15-64 years: 67.5% (male 417,816/female 459,246)
  65 years and over: 17.6% (male 75,486/female 153,024) (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  0-14 years: 46.1% (male 19,596,784/female 19,688,887)
  15-64 years: 51.2% (male 21,376,495/female 22,304,812)
  65 years and over: 2.7% (male 975,923/female 1,294,437) (2010 est.)

European Union
  0-14 years: 15.44% (male 38,992,677/female 36,940,450)
  15-64 years: 67.23% (male 166,412,403/female 164,295,636)
  65 years and over: 17.33% (male 35,376,333/female 49,853,361) (2009
  est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0-14 years: NA
  15-64 years: NA
  65 years and over: NA

Faroe Islands
  0-14 years: 21.6% (male 5,451/female 5,108)
  15-64 years: 64% (male 16,708/female 14,544)
  65 years and over: 14.4% (male 3,324/female 3,721) (2010 est.)

Fiji
  0-14 years: 30.3% (male 146,327/female 140,327)
  15-64 years: 64.9% (male 307,077/female 305,886)
  65 years and over: 4.8% (male 20,300/female 24,803) (2010 est.)

Finland
  0-14 years: 16.4% (male 438,425/female 422,777)
  15-64 years: 66.8% (male 1,773,495/female 1,732,792)
  65 years and over: 16.8% (male 357,811/female 524,975) (2010 est.)

France
  0-14 years: 18.6% (male 6,129,729/female 5,838,925)
  15-64 years: 65% (male 20,963,124/female 20,929,280)
  65 years and over: 16.4% (male 4,403,248/female 6,155,767) (2010
  est.)

French Polynesia
  0-14 years: 24.3% (male 35,631/female 34,097)
  15-64 years: 68.9% (male 102,537/female 95,317)
  65 years and over: 6.8% (male 9,821/female 9,629) (2010 est.)

Gabon
  0-14 years: 42.1% (male 320,414/female 318,027)
  15-64 years: 53.9% (male 407,461/female 409,633)
  65 years and over: 3.9% (male 24,799/female 34,659) (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  0-14 years: 43.6% (male 389,877/female 386,218)
  15-64 years: 53.5% (male 472,216/female 479,595)
  65 years and over: 2.8% (male 24,985/female 25,190) (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  0-14 years: 44.4% (male 353,489/female 334,770)
  15-64 years: 53% (male 420,618/female 402,297)
  65 years and over: 2.6% (male 16,483/female 24,202) (2010 est.)

Georgia
  0-14 years: 16.1% (male 395,929/female 345,071)
  15-64 years: 67.6% (male 1,503,360/female 1,616,234)
  65 years and over: 16.4% (male 302,103/female 453,110) (2010 est.)

Germany
  0-14 years: 13.7% (male 5,768,366/female 5,470,516)
  15-64 years: 66.1% (male 27,707,761/female 26,676,759)
  65 years and over: 20.3% (male 7,004,805/female 9,701,551) (2010
  est.)

Ghana
  0-14 years: 37.2% (male 4,494,633/female 4,394,074)
  15-64 years: 59.2% (male 7,065,273/female 7,086,023)
  65 years and over: 3.5% (male 389,886/female 457,923) (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  0-14 years: 20.9% (male 3,088/female 2,922)
  15-64 years: 66.4% (male 9,667/female 9,467)
  65 years and over: 12.7% (male 1,754/female 1,898) (2010 est.)

Greece
  0-14 years: 14.3% (male 788,722/female 742,270)
  15-64 years: 66.6% (male 3,568,660/female 3,578,344)
  65 years and over: 19.2% (male 902,617/female 1,156,815) (2010 est.)

Greenland
  0-14 years: 23% (male 6,727/female 6,533)
  15-64 years: 70.1% (male 21,696/female 18,669)
  65 years and over: 6.9% (male 2,000/female 1,975) (2010 est.)

Grenada
  0-14 years: 32% (male 14,608/female 14,410)
  15-64 years: 65.2% (male 31,278/female 27,873)
  65 years and over: 2.8% (male 1,268/female 1,302) (2010 est.)

Guam
  0-14 years: 27.8% (male 25,651/female 23,904)
  15-64 years: 65.2% (male 59,304/female 56,995)
  65 years and over: 7% (male 5,786/female 6,790) (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  0-14 years: 39.4% (male 2,664,058/female 2,573,006)
  15-64 years: 56.8% (male 3,655,184/female 3,884,331)
  65 years and over: 3.8% (male 231,652/female 268,286) (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  0-14 years: 14.5% (male 4,799/female 4,673)
  15-64 years: 67.9% (male 22,056/female 22,410)
  65 years and over: 17.6% (male 5,009/female 6,537) (2010 est.)

Guinea
  0-14 years: 42.8% (male 2,175,852/female 2,128,518)
  15-64 years: 53.7% (male 2,701,184/female 2,704,161)
  65 years and over: 3.5% (male 153,053/female 195,207) (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0-14 years: 40.8% (male 312,253/female 313,609)
  15-64 years: 56.1% (male 414,924/female 445,639)
  65 years and over: 3.1% (male 19,191/female 28,348) (2010 est.)

Guyana
  0-14 years: 33.3% (male 127,818/female 123,261)
  15-64 years: 62.1% (male 233,270/female 234,025)
  65 years and over: 4.6% (male 14,481/female 20,085) (2010 est.)

Haiti
  0-14 years: 38.1% (male 1,735,917/female 1,704,383)
  15-64 years: 58.5% (male 2,621,059/female 2,665,447)
  65 years and over: 3.4% (male 120,040/female 188,690) (2010 est.)

Honduras
  0-14 years: 38% (male 1,521,006/female 1,457,790)
  15-64 years: 58.4% (male 2,290,300/female 2,280,848)
  65 years and over: 3.6% (male 127,187/female 156,565) (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  0-14 years: 12.2% (male 450,833/female 411,997)
  15-64 years: 74.6% (male 2,551,256/female 2,713,532)
  65 years and over: 13.1% (male 434,090/female 493,363) (2010 est.)

Hungary
  0-14 years: 15% (male 763,553/female 720,112)
  15-64 years: 69.3% (male 3,384,961/female 3,475,135)
  65 years and over: 15.8% (male 566,067/female 995,768) (2010 est.)

Iceland
  0-14 years: 20.7% (male 32,268/female 31,308)
  15-64 years: 67.1% (male 104,158/female 101,584)
  65 years and over: 12.2% (male 16,952/female 20,424) (2010 est.)

India
  0-14 years: 30.5% (male 187,197,389/female 165,285,592)
  15-64 years: 64.3% (male 384,131,994/female 359,795,835)
  65 years and over: 5.2% (male 28,816,115/female 31,670,841) (2010
  est.)

Indonesia
  0-14 years: 28.1% (male 34,337,341/female 33,162,207)
  15-64 years: 66% (male 79,549,569/female 78,918,321)
  65 years and over: 6% (male 6,335,208/female 7,968,876) (2010 est.)

Iran
  0-14 years: 21.7% (male 7,394,841/female 7,022,076)
  15-64 years: 72.9% (male 24,501,544/female 23,914,172)
  65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,725,828/female 1,870,823) (2010 est.)

Iraq
  0-14 years: 38.8% (male 5,711,187/female 5,514,794)
  15-64 years: 58.2% (male 8,535,550/female 8,303,942)
  65 years and over: 3% (male 410,395/female 469,701) (2010 est.)

Ireland
  0-14 years: 20.9% (male 454,571/female 424,022)
  15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,411,336/female 1,409,760)
  65 years and over: 12% (male 224,850/female 278,661) (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  0-14 years: 16.9% (male 6,612/female 6,300)
  15-64 years: 66% (male 25,433/female 25,083)
  65 years and over: 17.1% (male 5,408/female 7,676) (2010 est.)

Israel
  0-14 years: 27.9% (male 1,031,629/female 984,230)
  15-64 years: 62.3% (male 2,283,034/female 2,221,301)
  65 years and over: 9.9% (male 311,218/female 402,289) (2010 est.)

Italy
  0-14 years: 13.5% (male 4,056,156/female 3,814,070)
  15-64 years: 66.3% (male 19,530,696/female 18,981,084)
  65 years and over: 20.2% (male 4,903,762/female 6,840,444) (2010
  est.)

Jamaica
  0-14 years: 31.4% (male 451,310/female 436,466)
  15-64 years: 61.1% (male 851,372/female 875,132)
  65 years and over: 7.5% (male 94,833/female 116,815) (2010 est.)

Japan
  0-14 years: 13.5% (male 8,804,465/female 8,344,800)
  15-64 years: 64.3% (male 41,187,425/female 40,533,876)
  65 years and over: 22.2% (male 11,964,694/female 16,243,419) (2010
  est.)

Jersey
  0-14 years: 16.1% (male 7,623/female 7,087)
  15-64 years: 67.7% (male 30,914/female 31,081)
  65 years and over: 16.3% (male 6,614/female 8,307) (2010 est.)

Jordan
  0-14 years: 36% (male 1,161,484/female 1,096,441)
  15-64 years: 59.4% (male 1,892,472/female 1,829,112)
  65 years and over: 4.6% (male 143,058/female 146,718) (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  0-14 years: 21.8% (male 1,717,469/female 1,643,920)
  15-64 years: 70.2% (male 5,279,292/female 5,534,607)
  65 years and over: 7.9% (male 426,494/female 797,655) (2010 est.)

Kenya
  0-14 years: 42.3% (male 8,300,393/female 8,181,898)
  15-64 years: 55.1% (male 10,784,119/female 10,702,999)
  65 years and over: 2.6% (male 470,218/female 563,145) (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  0-14 years: 37.6% (male 21,488/female 20,899)
  15-64 years: 59% (male 32,871/female 33,690)
  65 years and over: 3.5% (male 1,656/female 2,246) (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  0-14 years: 21.3% (male 2,440,439/female 2,376,557)
  15-64 years: 69.4% (male 7,776,889/female 7,945,399)
  65 years and over: 9.4% (male 820,504/female 1,305,557) (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  0-14 years: 16.8% (male 4,278,581/female 3,887,516)
  15-64 years: 72.3% (male 17,897,053/female 17,196,840)
  65 years and over: 10.8% (male 2,104,589/female 3,144,393) (2010
  est.)

Kosovo
  0-14 years: 27.7% (male 260,678/female 239,779)
  15-64 years: 65.7% (male 617,890/female 567,939)
  65 years and over: 6.6% (male 50,463/female 68,089) (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  0-14 years: 26.4% (male 361,274/female 348,351)
  15-64 years: 70.7% (male 1,219,674/female 683,494)
  65 years and over: 3% (male 49,807/female 29,926) (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  0-14 years: 29.7% (male 822,128/female 789,425)
  15-64 years: 64.5% (male 1,717,497/female 1,787,551)
  65 years and over: 5.8% (male 123,045/female 192,101) (2010 est.)

Laos
  0-14 years: 40.8% (male 1,399,674/female 1,386,526)
  15-64 years: 56.2% (male 1,900,638/female 1,938,165)
  65 years and over: 3.1% (male 90,144/female 119,198) (2010 est.)

Latvia
  0-14 years: 13.3% (male 152,472/female 145,161)
  15-64 years: 69.6% (male 756,469/female 797,505)
  65 years and over: 17% (male 124,432/female 255,464) (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  0-14 years: 25.8% (male 528,047/female 506,838)
  15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,294,485/female 1,399,047)
  65 years and over: 7.2% (male 130,148/female 158,530) (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  0-14 years: 34.8% (male 373,159/female 368,271)
  15-64 years: 60.2% (male 629,346/female 654,054)
  65 years and over: 5% (male 42,074/female 63,915) (2010 est.)

Liberia
  0-14 years: 44.1% (male 760,989/female 758,554)
  15-64 years: 53% (male 904,770/female 920,704)
  65 years and over: 2.8% (male 47,013/female 49,760) (2010 est.)

Libya
  0-14 years: 33% (male 1,065,606/female 1,020,102)
  15-64 years: 62.6% (male 2,036,780/female 1,923,566)
  65 years and over: 4.4% (male 136,224/female 142,079) (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  0-14 years: 16.6% (male 2,877/female 2,901)
  15-64 years: 69.4% (male 11,917/female 12,220)
  65 years and over: 13.9% (male 2,085/female 2,761) (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  0-14 years: 14.2% (male 258,423/female 245,115)
  15-64 years: 69.6% (male 1,214,743/female 1,261,413)
  65 years and over: 16.2% (male 198,714/female 376,771) (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  0-14 years: 18.5% (male 46,918/female 44,052)
  15-64 years: 66.7% (male 165,342/female 162,681)
  65 years and over: 14.8% (male 29,839/female 42,943) (2010 est.)

Macau
  0-14 years: 16.1% (male 47,853/female 42,019)
  15-64 years: 76.2% (male 199,593/female 227,010)
  65 years and over: 7.7% (male 20,245/female 23,126) (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  0-14 years: 19.2% (male 206,054/female 191,354)
  15-64 years: 69.4% (male 722,823/female 710,830)
  65 years and over: 11.4% (male 102,231/female 133,426) (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  0-14 years: 43.5% (male 4,523,033/female 4,460,473)
  15-64 years: 53.5% (male 5,483,684/female 5,557,098)
  65 years and over: 3% (male 280,677/female 348,591) (2010 est.)

Malawi
  0-14 years: 45.4% (male 3,419,711/female 3,404,726)
  15-64 years: 51.9% (male 3,889,065/female 3,915,309)
  65 years and over: 2.7% (male 172,679/female 227,267) (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  0-14 years: 31.4% (male 4,153,621/female 3,914,962)
  15-64 years: 63.6% (male 8,210,373/female 8,143,043)
  65 years and over: 5% (male 569,245/female 724,575) (2010 est.)

Maldives
  0-14 years: 22.3% (male 45,038/female 43,291)
  15-64 years: 73.8% (male 180,874/female 111,703)
  65 years and over: 3.9% (male 7,711/female 7,717) (2010 est.)

Mali
  0-14 years: 47.6% (male 3,220,491/female 3,177,823)
  15-64 years: 49.5% (male 3,241,250/female 3,406,757)
  65 years and over: 3% (male 189,886/female 207,018) (2010 est.)

Malta
  0-14 years: 16.1% (male 33,526/female 31,780)
  15-64 years: 69.4% (male 142,491/female 138,769)
  65 years and over: 14.5% (male 25,406/female 33,193) (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  0-14 years: 38.6% (male 12,683/female 12,217)
  15-64 years: 58.5% (male 19,302/female 18,459)
  65 years and over: 2.9% (male 902/female 959) (2010 est.)

Mauritania
  0-14 years: 41% (male 643,436/female 638,793)
  15-64 years: 55.7% (male 818,778/female 923,046)
  65 years and over: 3.4% (male 44,836/female 60,597) (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  0-14 years: 22.5% (male 147,136/female 142,121)
  15-64 years: 70.4% (male 449,176/female 455,057)
  65 years and over: 7.1% (male 36,309/female 54,465) (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  0-14 years: 45.3% (male 50,985/female 50,413)
  15-64 years: 52.9% (male 63,395/female 54,882)
  65 years and over: 1.8% (male 2,085/female 2,005) (2010 est.)

Mexico
  0-14 years: 29.1% (male 16,544,223/female 15,861,141)
  15-64 years: 64.6% (male 34,734,571/female 37,129,793)
  65 years and over: 6.2% (male 3,130,518/female 3,811,543) (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of 0-14 years: 34.8% (male 19,010/female 18,411) 15-64 years: 62.3% (male 33,286/female 33,629) 65 years and over: 2.9% (male 1,317/female 1,781) (2010 est.)

Moldova
  0-14 years: 15.9% (male 353,495/female 334,592)
  15-64 years: 73.3% (male 1,536,263/female 1,629,882)
  65 years and over: 10.8% (male 172,070/female 294,446) (2010 est.)

Monaco
  0-14 years: 14.6% (male 2,466/female 2,349)
  15-64 years: 62.4% (male 10,184/female 10,395)
  65 years and over: 23% (male 3,068/female 4,503) (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  0-14 years: 28.1% (male 436,391/female 418,923)
  15-64 years: 67.9% (male 1,031,819/female 1,033,806)
  65 years and over: 4% (male 52,430/female 67,773) (2010 est.)

Montenegro
  0-14 years: 16% (male 52,645/female 54,846)
  15-64 years: 70.3% (male 244,949/female 227,794)
  65 years and over: 13.7% (male 37,217/female 54,729) (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  0-14 years: 27.6% (male 731/female 678)
  15-64 years: 65.5% (male 1,599/female 1,738)
  65 years and over: 6.9% (male 232/female 119) (2010 est.)

Morocco
  0-14 years: 28.7% (male 4,548,808/female 4,418,768)
  15-64 years: 65.4% (male 10,009,928/female 10,437,103)
  65 years and over: 6% (male 851,190/female 1,019,377) (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  0-14 years: 44.3% (male 4,829,272/female 4,773,209)
  15-64 years: 52.8% (male 5,605,227/female 5,842,679)
  65 years and over: 2.9% (male 257,119/female 361,772) (2010 est.)

Namibia
  0-14 years: 35.9% (male 381,904/female 375,059)
  15-64 years: 60.2% (male 641,995/female 627,146)
  65 years and over: 3.9% (male 36,894/female 45,667) (2010 est.)

Nauru
  0-14 years: 34.7% (male 2,482/female 2,384)
  15-64 years: 63.2% (male 4,362/female 4,495)
  65 years and over: 2.1% (male 151/female 145) (2010 est.)

Nepal
  0-14 years: 36.6% (male 5,327,484/female 5,127,178)
  15-64 years: 59.2% (male 8,094,494/female 8,812,675)
  65 years and over: 4.2% (male 566,666/female 634,880) (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  0-14 years: 17.4% (male 1,485,873/female 1,416,999)
  15-64 years: 67.7% (male 5,720,387/female 5,604,014)
  65 years and over: 14.9% (male 1,070,496/female 1,418,230) (2010
  est.)

New Caledonia
  0-14 years: 26.8% (male 31,191/female 29,870)
  15-64 years: 65.8% (male 75,189/female 74,552)
  65 years and over: 7.3% (male 7,681/female 8,953) (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  0-14 years: 20.7% (male 447,174/female 424,522)
  15-64 years: 66.5% (male 1,404,143/female 1,399,530)
  65 years and over: 12.8% (male 244,986/female 293,063) (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  0-14 years: 33.8% (male 1,013,866/female 976,430)
  15-64 years: 62.9% (male 1,847,756/female 1,857,264)
  65 years and over: 3.3% (male 85,782/female 110,101) (2010 est.)

Niger
  0-14 years: 49.6% (male 3,840,379/female 3,758,674)
  15-64 years: 48% (male 3,658,361/female 3,690,373)
  65 years and over: 2.3% (male 159,984/female 198,481) (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  0-14 years: 41.5% (male 31,624,050/female 30,242,637)
  15-64 years: 55.5% (male 42,240,641/female 40,566,672)
  65 years and over: 3.1% (male 2,211,840/female 2,343,250) (2010 est.)

Niue
  0-14 years: NA
  15-64 years: NA
  65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Norfolk Island
  0-14 years: 20.2%
  15-64 years: 63.9%
  65 years and over: 15.9% (2009 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
  0-14 years: 26% (male 7,203/female 6,180)
  15-64 years: 70.9% (male 16,751/female 19,747)
  65 years and over: 3.1% (male 784/female 819) (2010 est.)

Norway
  0-14 years: 18.5% (male 441,508/female 422,050)
  15-64 years: 66.2% (male 1,564,482/female 1,522,519)
  65 years and over: 15.2% (male 305,120/female 404,860) (2010 est.)

Oman
  0-14 years: 42.7% (male 744,265/female 714,116)
  15-64 years: 54.5% (male 1,079,511/female 783,243)
  65 years and over: 2.8% (male 55,180/female 41,770) (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  0-14 years: 36.7% (male 33,037,943/female 31,092,572)
  15-64 years: 59.1% (male 53,658,173/female 49,500,786)
  65 years and over: 4.2% (male 3,495,350/female 3,793,734) (2010 est.)

Palau
  0-14 years: 22.9% (male 2,458/female 2,314)
  15-64 years: 70.8% (male 8,207/female 6,521)
  65 years and over: 6.2% (male 401/female 895) (2010 est.)

Panama
  0-14 years: 29.3% (male 501,950/female 481,750)
  15-64 years: 63.9% (male 1,085,435/female 1,061,530)
  65 years and over: 6.8% (male 106,934/female 122,875) (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  0-14 years: 37.3% (male 1,126,214/female 1,088,211)
  15-64 years: 59.3% (male 1,815,731/female 1,704,430)
  65 years and over: 3.5% (male 113,285/female 92,904) (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  0-14 years: 36.7% (male 1,304,115/female 1,260,560)
  15-64 years: 58.1% (male 2,043,509/female 2,023,317)
  65 years and over: 5.2% (male 168,554/female 195,600) (2010 est.)

Peru
  0-14 years: 29.1% (male 4,370,923/female 4,216,364)
  15-64 years: 65.2% (male 9,695,270/female 9,574,018)
  65 years and over: 5.7% (male 796,631/female 893,757) (2010 est.)

Philippines
  0-14 years: 35.2% (male 17,606,352/female 16,911,376)
  15-64 years: 60.6% (male 29,679,327/female 29,737,919)
  65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,744,248/female 2,297,381) (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  0-14 years: NA
  15-64 years: NA
  65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Poland
  0-14 years: 15% (male 2,964,995/female 2,802,278)
  15-64 years: 71.6% (male 13,713,078/female 13,845,251)
  65 years and over: 13.4% (male 1,966,406/female 3,190,911) (2010
  est.)

Portugal
  0-14 years: 16.3% (male 912,147/female 834,941)
  15-64 years: 66.1% (male 3,525,717/female 3,554,513)
  65 years and over: 17.6% (male 772,413/female 1,108,193) (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  0-14 years: 19.8% (male 402,473/female 384,655)
  15-64 years: 66.1% (male 1,260,191/female 1,361,359)
  65 years and over: 14.1% (male 239,957/female 317,578) (2010 est.)

Qatar
  0-14 years: 21.8% (male 93,805/female 88,040)
  15-64 years: 76.8% (male 454,714/female 185,004)
  65 years and over: 1.4% (male 6,792/female 4,930) (2010 est.)

Romania
  0-14 years: 15.5% (male 1,772,583/female 1,681,539)
  15-64 years: 69.7% (male 7,711,062/female 7,784,041)
  65 years and over: 14.7% (male 1,332,120/female 1,934,076) (2010
  est.)

Russia
  0-14 years: 14.8% (male 10,644,833/female 10,095,011)
  15-64 years: 71.5% (male 48,004,040/female 52,142,313)
  65 years and over: 13.7% (male 5,880,877/female 13,274,173) (2010
  est.)

Rwanda
  0-14 years: 42.7% (male 2,309,323/female 2,277,269)
  15-64 years: 54.8% (male 2,932,686/female 2,961,300)
  65 years and over: 2.5% (male 106,740/female 158,993) (2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
  0-14 years: 19.2% (male 734/female 696)
  15-64 years: 70.6% (male 2,855/female 2,402)
  65 years and over: 10.2% (male 378/female 383) (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 0-14 years: 18.3% (male 712/female 685) 15-64 years: 70.4% (male 2,744/female 2,629) 65 years and over: 11.4% (male 412/female 455) (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0-14 years: 26.3% (male 5,397/female 5,138)
  15-64 years: 65.9% (male 13,231/female 13,196)
  65 years and over: 7.9% (male 1,326/female 1,843) (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0-14 years: 24.4% (male 20,035/female 19,021)
  15-64 years: 66.4% (male 51,593/female 54,843)
  65 years and over: 9.2% (male 6,668/female 8,107) (2010 est.)

Saint Martin
  0-14 years: 27% (male 3,991/female 4,048)
  15-64 years: 67.5% (male 9,596/female 10,532)
  65 years and over: 5.5% (male 742/female 911) (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0-14 years: 21.9% (male 789/female 755)
  15-64 years: 66.4% (male 2,378/female 2,313)
  65 years and over: 11.7% (male 382/female 446) (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0-14 years: 25.9% (male 13,637/female 13,425) 15-64 years: 66.4% (male 35,693/female 33,701) 65 years and over: 7.8% (male 3,659/female 4,459) (2010 est.)

Samoa
  0-14 years: 37.6% (male 42,117/female 40,603)
  15-64 years: 56.7% (male 65,541/female 59,292)
  65 years and over: 5.7% (male 5,538/female 6,907) (2010 est.)

San Marino
  0-14 years: 16.9% (male 2,635/female 2,452)
  15-64 years: 66.2% (male 9,538/female 10,429)
  65 years and over: 16.9% (male 2,188/female 2,925) (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  0-14 years: 46.9% (male 50,475/female 49,188)
  15-64 years: 49.7% (male 51,325/female 54,289)
  65 years and over: 3.5% (male 3,335/female 4,067) (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  0-14 years: 38% (male 5,557,453/female 5,340,614)
  15-64 years: 59.5% (male 9,608,032/female 7,473,543)
  65 years and over: 2.5% (male 363,241/female 343,750) (2010 est.)

Senegal
  0-14 years: 42.2% (male 2,911,324/female 2,877,804)
  15-64 years: 54.8% (male 3,728,664/female 3,786,000)
  65 years and over: 3% (male 190,343/female 217,462) (2010 est.)

Serbia
  0-14 years: 15.4% (male 586,806/female 549,900)
  15-64 years: 67.8% (male 2,503,194/female 2,502,807)
  65 years and over: 16.8% (male 508,606/female 728,026) (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  0-14 years: 22.8% (male 10,201/female 9,732)
  15-64 years: 70.1% (male 31,870/female 29,439)
  65 years and over: 7.1% (male 2,321/female 3,913) (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  0-14 years: 41.7% (male 1,060,463/female 1,081,333)
  15-64 years: 54.7% (male 1,344,650/female 1,461,203)
  65 years and over: 3.6% (male 83,595/female 100,894) (2010 est.)

Singapore
  0-14 years: 14.4% (male 348,382/female 324,050)
  15-64 years: 76.7% (male 1,737,972/female 1,833,415)
  65 years and over: 8.9% (male 184,393/female 229,330) (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  0-14 years: 23.4% (male 4,299/female 4,455)
  15-64 years: 73% (male 13,053/female 14,259)
  65 years and over: 3.6% (male 608/female 755) (2010 est.)

Slovakia
  0-14 years: 15.8% (male 442,168/female 422,055)
  15-64 years: 71.7% (male 1,952,527/female 1,965,646)
  65 years and over: 12.5% (male 254,510/female 426,140) (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  0-14 years: 13.5% (male 139,880/female 131,826)
  15-64 years: 69.9% (male 707,219/female 695,470)
  65 years and over: 16.5% (male 129,662/female 201,635) (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  0-14 years: 39.5% (male 119,875/female 115,127)
  15-64 years: 57.1% (male 171,792/female 168,023)
  65 years and over: 3.5% (male 9,849/female 10,947) (2010 est.)

Somalia
  0-14 years: 45% (male 2,215,331/female 2,204,503)
  15-64 years: 52.6% (male 2,588,356/female 2,579,737)
  65 years and over: 2.5% (male 101,764/female 142,326) (2010 est.)

South Africa
  0-14 years: 28.9% (male 7,093,328/female 7,061,579)
  15-64 years: 65.8% (male 16,275,424/female 15,984,181)
  65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,075,117/female 1,562,860) (2010 est.)

Spain
  0-14 years: 14.5% (male 3,021,822/female 2,842,597)
  15-64 years: 67.4% (male 13,705,107/female 13,601,399)
  65 years and over: 18.1% (male 3,071,394/female 4,282,683) (2010
  est.)

Sri Lanka
  0-14 years: 23.9% (male 2,594,815/female 2,493,002)
  15-64 years: 68% (male 7,089,307/female 7,418,123)
  65 years and over: 8.1% (male 803,172/female 926,372) (2010 est.)

Sudan
  0-14 years: 40.7% (male 8,535,551/female 8,173,616)
  15-64 years: 56.8% (male 11,745,683/female 11,603,906)
  65 years and over: 2.5% (male 532,968/female 496,101) (2010 est.)

Suriname
  0-14 years: 27.1% (male 66,603/female 64,035)
  15-64 years: 66.6% (male 159,525/female 160,871)
  65 years and over: 6.3% (male 13,004/female 17,229) (2010 est.)

Svalbard
  0-14 years: NA
  15-64 years: NA
  65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Swaziland
  0-14 years: 38.6% (male 260,840/female 254,781)
  15-64 years: 57.9% (male 383,236/female 391,478)
  65 years and over: 3.5% (male 19,857/female 26,994) (2010 est.)

Sweden
  0-14 years: 15.7% (male 733,597/female 692,194)
  15-64 years: 65.5% (male 3,003,358/female 2,927,038)
  65 years and over: 18.8% (male 753,293/female 950,171) (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  0-14 years: 15.6% (male 616,561/female 571,610)
  15-64 years: 68.1% (male 2,609,673/female 2,567,245)
  65 years and over: 16.3% (male 514,761/female 724,617) (2010 est.)

Syria
  0-14 years: 36.4% (male 4,063,367/female 3,864,099)
  15-64 years: 59.9% (male 6,628,644/female 6,406,864)
  65 years and over: 3.7% (male 372,172/female 427,832) (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  0-14 years: 16.7% (male 1,996,905/female 1,844,611)
  15-64 years: 72.6% (male 8,416,300/female 8,267,675)
  65 years and over: 10.7% (male 1,183,382/female 1,265,474) (2010
  est.)

Tajikistan
  0-14 years: 34.3% (male 1,282,681/female 1,238,607)
  15-64 years: 62.1% (male 2,260,552/female 2,303,034)
  65 years and over: 3.6% (male 112,334/female 151,937) (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  0-14 years: 43% (male 8,853,529/female 8,805,810)
  15-64 years: 54.1% (male 10,956,133/female 11,255,868)
  65 years and over: 2.9% (male 513,959/female 663,233) (2010 est.)

Thailand
  0-14 years: 20.8% (male 7,013,877/female 6,690,554)
  15-64 years: 70.5% (male 23,000,156/female 23,519,298)
  65 years and over: 8.7% (male 2,612,269/female 3,162,282) (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  0-14 years: 34.7% (male 199,237/female 192,900)
  15-64 years: 61.9% (male 356,772/female 344,103)
  65 years and over: 3.4% (male 18,403/female 20,197) (2010 est.)

Togo
  0-14 years: 41.4% (male 1,252,389/female 1,244,914)
  15-64 years: 55.8% (male 1,645,885/female 1,719,810)
  65 years and over: 2.8% (male 66,192/female 102,618) (2010 est.)

Tokelau
  0-14 years: 42%
  15-64 years: 53%
  65 years and over: 5% (2009 est.)

Tonga
  0-14 years: 32.8% (male 20,270/female 19,428)
  15-64 years: 62.9% (male 37,837/female 38,166)
  65 years and over: 4.3% (male 2,163/female 3,034) (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  0-14 years: 19.6% (male 123,214/female 117,584)
  15-64 years: 72.6% (male 457,868/female 434,486)
  65 years and over: 7.9% (male 41,467/female 55,334) (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  0-14 years: 22.7% (male 1,227,238/female 1,149,796)
  15-64 years: 70.1% (male 3,701,661/female 3,652,322)
  65 years and over: 7.2% (male 352,003/female 403,319) (2010 est.)

Turkey
  0-14 years: 27.2% (male 10,701,631/female 10,223,260)
  15-64 years: 66.7% (male 25,896,326/female 25,327,403)
  65 years and over: 6.1% (male 2,130,360/female 2,526,544) (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  0-14 years: 28.9% (male 713,698/female 697,222)
  15-64 years: 66.9% (male 1,618,678/female 1,646,992)
  65 years and over: 4.3% (male 90,352/female 117,945) (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0-14 years: 30.2% (male 3,528/female 3,401)
  15-64 years: 65.6% (male 7,875/female 7,164)
  65 years and over: 4.2% (male 475/female 499) (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  0-14 years: 29.2% (male 1,841/female 1,770)
  15-64 years: 65.6% (male 3,973/female 4,141)
  65 years and over: 5.2% (male 240/female 408) (2010 est.)

Uganda
  0-14 years: 50% (male 8,152,830/female 8,034,366)
  15-64 years: 47.9% (male 7,789,209/female 7,703,143)
  65 years and over: 2.1% (male 286,693/female 403,317) (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  0-14 years: 13.8% (male 3,238,280/female 3,066,594)
  15-64 years: 70.3% (male 15,399,488/female 16,742,612)
  65 years and over: 15.9% (male 2,422,311/female 4,831,110) (2010
  est.)

United Arab Emirates
  0-14 years: 20.4% (male 500,928/female 478,388)
  15-64 years: 78.7% (male 2,768,030/female 1,008,404)
  65 years and over: 0.9% (male 27,601/female 15,140)
  note: 73.9% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national
  (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  0-14 years: 16.7% (male 5,233,756/female 4,986,131)
  15-64 years: 67.1% (male 20,774,192/female 20,246,519)
  65 years and over: 16.2% (male 4,259,654/female 5,612,953) (2010
  est.)

United States
  0-14 years: 20.2% (male 31,639,127/female 30,305,704)
  15-64 years: 67% (male 102,665,043/female 103,129,321)
  65 years and over: 12.8% (male 16,901,232/female 22,571,696) (2010
  est.)

Uruguay
  0-14 years: 22.4% (male 397,942/female 385,253)
  15-64 years: 64.3% (male 1,115,963/female 1,129,478)
  65 years and over: 13.3% (male 187,176/female 278,570) (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  0-14 years: 28.1% (male 3,970,386/female 3,787,371)
  15-64 years: 67% (male 9,191,439/female 9,309,791)
  65 years and over: 4.9% (male 576,191/female 770,829) (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  0-14 years: 30.7% (male 34,263/female 32,833)
  15-64 years: 65.3% (male 72,670/female 69,970)
  65 years and over: 4% (male 4,516/female 4,267) (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  0-14 years: 30.5% (male 4,157,194/female 4,022,595)
  15-64 years: 64.3% (male 8,480,872/female 8,754,620)
  65 years and over: 5.2% (male 620,657/female 778,905) (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  0-14 years: 26.1% (male 12,069,408/female 11,033,738)
  15-64 years: 68.3% (male 30,149,986/female 30,392,043)
  65 years and over: 5.6% (male 1,892,505/female 3,039,078) (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  0-14 years: 20.4% (male 11,394/female 11,048)
  15-64 years: 65.9% (male 33,843/female 38,574)
  65 years and over: 13.6% (male 6,747/female 8,219) (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  0-14 years: 26.7% (male 2,141/female 1,935)
  15-64 years: 66.3% (male 5,069/female 5,065)
  65 years and over: 7.1% (male 488/female 591) (2010 est.)

West Bank
  0-14 years: 37.3% (male 470,735/female 446,878)
  15-64 years: 59.1% (male 744,822/female 708,695)
  65 years and over: 3.7% (male 37,471/female 52,666) (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  0-14 years: 44.9% (male 92,428/female 89,570)
  15-64 years: 52.8% (male 105,191/female 108,803)
  65 years and over: 2.3% (male 3,881/female 5,337) (2010 est.)

World
  0-14 years: 27% (male 944,987,919/female 884,268,378)
  15-64 years: 65.3% (male 2,234,860,865/female 2,187,838,153)
  65 years and over: 7.6% (male 227,164,176/female 289,048,221) (2010
  est.)

Yemen
  0-14 years: 43.9% (male 5,108,423/female 4,925,523)
  15-64 years: 53.5% (male 6,215,999/female 6,013,334)
  65 years and over: 2.6% (male 285,752/female 309,207) (2010 est.)

Zambia
  0-14 years: 45.1% (male 2,685,142/female 2,659,771)
  15-64 years: 52.6% (male 3,122,305/female 3,116,846)
  65 years and over: 2.3% (male 114,477/female 164,199) (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  0-14 years: 43.9% (male 2,523,119/female 2,473,928)
  15-64 years: 52.2% (male 2,666,928/female 3,283,474)
  65 years and over: 3.9% (male 194,360/female 250,820) (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2011

Field Listing :: Geographic coordinates

This entry includes rounded latitude and longitude figures for the purpose of finding the approximate geographic center of an entity and is based on the locations provided in the Geographic Names Server (GNS), maintained by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency on behalf of the US Board on Geographic Names. Country

Geographic coordinates

Afghanistan
  33 00 N, 65 00 E

Akrotiri
  34 37 N, 32 58 E

Albania
  41 00 N, 20 00 E

Algeria
  28 00 N, 3 00 E

American Samoa
  14 20 S, 170 00 W

Andorra
  42 30 N, 1 30 E

Angola
  12 30 S, 18 30 E

Anguilla
  18 15 N, 63 10 W

Antarctica
  90 00 S, 0 00 E

Antigua and Barbuda
  17 03 N, 61 48 W

Arctic Ocean
  90 00 N, 0 00 E

Argentina
  34 00 S, 64 00 W

Armenia
  40 00 N, 45 00 E

Aruba
  12 30 N, 69 58 W

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  12 14 S, 123 05 E

Atlantic Ocean
  0 00 N, 25 00 W

Australia
  27 00 S, 133 00 E

Austria
  47 20 N, 13 20 E

Azerbaijan
  40 30 N, 47 30 E

Bahamas, The
  24 15 N, 76 00 W

Bahrain
  26 00 N, 50 33 E

Bangladesh
  24 00 N, 90 00 E

Barbados
  13 10 N, 59 32 W

Belarus
  53 00 N, 28 00 E

Belgium
  50 50 N, 4 00 E

Belize
  17 15 N, 88 45 W

Benin
  9 30 N, 2 15 E

Bermuda
  32 20 N, 64 45 W

Bhutan
  27 30 N, 90 30 E

Bolivia
  17 00 S, 65 00 W

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  44 00 N, 18 00 E

Botswana
  22 00 S, 24 00 E

Bouvet Island
  54 26 S, 3 24 E

Brazil
  10 00 S, 55 00 W

British Indian Ocean Territory 6 00 S, 71 30 E; note - Diego Garcia 7 20 S, 72 25 E

British Virgin Islands
  18 30 N, 64 30 W

Brunei
  4 30 N, 114 40 E

Bulgaria
  43 00 N, 25 00 E

Burkina Faso
  13 00 N, 2 00 W

Burma
  22 00 N, 98 00 E

Burundi
  3 30 S, 30 00 E

Cambodia
  13 00 N, 105 00 E

Cameroon
  6 00 N, 12 00 E

Canada
  60 00 N, 95 00 W

Cape Verde
  16 00 N, 24 00 W

Cayman Islands
  19 30 N, 80 30 W

Central African Republic
  7 00 N, 21 00 E

Chad
  15 00 N, 19 00 E

Chile
  30 00 S, 71 00 W

China
  35 00 N, 105 00 E

Christmas Island
  10 30 S, 105 40 E

Clipperton Island
  10 17 N, 109 13 W

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  12 30 S, 96 50 E

Colombia
  4 00 N, 72 00 W

Comoros
  12 10 S, 44 15 E

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  0 00 N, 25 00 E

Congo, Republic of the
  1 00 S, 15 00 E

Cook Islands
  21 14 S, 159 46 W

Coral Sea Islands
  18 00 S, 152 00 E

Costa Rica
  10 00 N, 84 00 W

Cote d'Ivoire
  8 00 N, 5 00 W

Croatia
  45 10 N, 15 30 E

Cuba
  21 30 N, 80 00 W

Curacao
  12 10 N, 69 00 W

Cyprus
  35 00 N, 33 00 E

Czech Republic
  49 45 N, 15 30 E

Denmark
  56 00 N, 10 00 E

Dhekelia
  34 59 N, 33 45 E

Djibouti
  11 30 N, 43 00 E

Dominica
  15 25 N, 61 20 W

Dominican Republic
  19 00 N, 70 40 W

Ecuador
  2 00 S, 77 30 W

Egypt
  27 00 N, 30 00 E

El Salvador
  13 50 N, 88 55 W

Equatorial Guinea
  2 00 N, 10 00 E

Eritrea
  15 00 N, 39 00 E

Estonia
  59 00 N, 26 00 E

Ethiopia
  8 00 N, 38 00 E

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  51 45 S, 59 00 W

Faroe Islands
  62 00 N, 7 00 W

Fiji
  18 00 S, 175 00 E

Finland
  64 00 N, 26 00 E

France
  metropolitan France: 46 00 N, 2 00 E
  French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W
  Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W
  Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W
  Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 E

French Polynesia
  15 00 S, 140 00 W

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
  Ile Saint-Paul): 37 50 S, 77 32 E
  Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 38 72 S, 77 53 E
  Iles Crozet: 46 25 S, 51 00 E
  Iles Kerguelen: 49 15 S, 69 35 E
  Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 21 30 S, 39 50 E
  Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22 20 S, 40 22 E
  Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 11 30 S, 47 20 E
  Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 17 03 S, 42 45 E
  Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 15 52 S, 54 25 E

Gabon
  1 00 S, 11 45 E

Gambia, The
  13 28 N, 16 34 W

Gaza Strip
  31 25 N, 34 20 E

Georgia
  42 00 N, 43 30 E

Germany
  51 00 N, 9 00 E

Ghana
  8 00 N, 2 00 W

Gibraltar
  36 08 N, 5 21 W

Greece
  39 00 N, 22 00 E

Greenland
  72 00 N, 40 00 W

Grenada
  12 07 N, 61 40 W

Guam
  13 28 N, 144 47 E

Guatemala
  15 30 N, 90 15 W

Guernsey
  49 28 N, 2 35 W

Guinea
  11 00 N, 10 00 W

Guinea-Bissau
  12 00 N, 15 00 W

Guyana
  5 00 N, 59 00 W

Haiti
  19 00 N, 72 25 W

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  53 06 S, 72 31 E

Holy See (Vatican City)
  41 54 N, 12 27 E

Honduras
  15 00 N, 86 30 W

Hong Kong
  22 15 N, 114 10 E

Hungary
  47 00 N, 20 00 E

Iceland
  65 00 N, 18 00 W

India
  20 00 N, 77 00 E

Indian Ocean
  20 00 S, 80 00 E

Indonesia
  5 00 S, 120 00 E

Iran
  32 00 N, 53 00 E

Iraq
  33 00 N, 44 00 E

Ireland
  53 00 N, 8 00 W

Isle of Man
  54 15 N, 4 30 W

Israel
  31 30 N, 34 45 E

Italy
  42 50 N, 12 50 E

Jamaica
  18 15 N, 77 30 W

Jan Mayen
  71 00 N, 8 00 W

Japan
  36 00 N, 138 00 E

Jersey
  49 15 N, 2 10 W

Jordan
  31 00 N, 36 00 E

Kazakhstan
  48 00 N, 68 00 E

Kenya
  1 00 N, 38 00 E

Kiribati
  1 25 N, 173 00 E

Korea, North
  40 00 N, 127 00 E

Korea, South
  37 00 N, 127 30 E

Kosovo
  42 35 N, 21 00 E

Kuwait
  29 30 N, 45 45 E

Kyrgyzstan
  41 00 N, 75 00 E

Laos
  18 00 N, 105 00 E

Latvia
  57 00 N, 25 00 E

Lebanon
  33 50 N, 35 50 E

Lesotho
  29 30 S, 28 30 E

Liberia
  6 30 N, 9 30 W

Libya
  25 00 N, 17 00 E

Liechtenstein
  47 16 N, 9 32 E

Lithuania
  56 00 N, 24 00 E

Luxembourg
  49 45 N, 6 10 E

Macau
  22 10 N, 113 33 E

Macedonia
  41 50 N, 22 00 E

Madagascar
  20 00 S, 47 00 E

Malawi
  13 30 S, 34 00 E

Malaysia
  2 30 N, 112 30 E

Maldives
  3 15 N, 73 00 E

Mali
  17 00 N, 4 00 W

Malta
  35 50 N, 14 35 E

Marshall Islands
  9 00 N, 168 00 E

Mauritania
  20 00 N, 12 00 W

Mauritius
  20 17 S, 57 33 E

Mayotte
  12 50 S, 45 10 E

Mexico
  23 00 N, 102 00 W

Micronesia, Federated States of
  6 55 N, 158 15 E

Moldova
  47 00 N, 29 00 E

Monaco
  43 44 N, 7 24 E

Mongolia
  46 00 N, 105 00 E

Montenegro
  42 30 N, 19 18 E

Montserrat
  16 45 N, 62 12 W

Morocco
  32 00 N, 5 00 W

Mozambique
  18 15 S, 35 00 E

Namibia
  22 00 S, 17 00 E

Nauru
  0 32 S, 166 55 E

Navassa Island
  18 25 N, 75 02 W

Nepal
  28 00 N, 84 00 E

Netherlands
  52 30 N, 5 45 E

New Caledonia
  21 30 S, 165 30 E

New Zealand
  41 00 S, 174 00 E

Nicaragua
  13 00 N, 85 00 W

Niger
  16 00 N, 8 00 E

Nigeria
  10 00 N, 8 00 E

Niue
  19 02 S, 169 52 W

Norfolk Island
  29 02 S, 167 57 E

Northern Mariana Islands
  15 12 N, 145 45 E

Norway
  62 00 N, 10 00 E

Oman
  21 00 N, 57 00 E

Pacific Ocean
  0 00 N, 160 00 W

Pakistan
  30 00 N, 70 00 E

Palau
  7 30 N, 134 30 E

Panama
  9 00 N, 80 00 W

Papua New Guinea
  6 00 S, 147 00 E

Paracel Islands
  16 30 N, 112 00 E

Paraguay
  23 00 S, 58 00 W

Peru
  10 00 S, 76 00 W

Philippines
  13 00 N, 122 00 E

Pitcairn Islands
  25 04 S, 130 06 W

Poland
  52 00 N, 20 00 E

Portugal
  39 30 N, 8 00 W

Puerto Rico
  18 15 N, 66 30 W

Qatar
  25 30 N, 51 15 E

Romania
  46 00 N, 25 00 E

Russia
  60 00 N, 100 00 E

Rwanda
  2 00 S, 30 00 E

Saint Barthelemy
  17 90 N, 62 85 W

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  Saint Helena: 15 57 S,
  5 42 W
  Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W
  Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 W

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  17 20 N, 62 45 W

Saint Lucia
  13 53 N, 60 58 W

Saint Martin
  18 05 N, 63 57 W

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  46 50 N, 56 20 W

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  13 15 N, 61 12 W

Samoa
  13 35 S, 172 20 W

San Marino
  43 46 N, 12 25 E

Sao Tome and Principe
  1 00 N, 7 00 E

Saudi Arabia
  25 00 N, 45 00 E

Senegal
  14 00 N, 14 00 W

Serbia
  44 00 N, 21 00 E

Seychelles
  4 35 S, 55 40 E

Sierra Leone
  8 30 N, 11 30 W

Singapore
  1 22 N, 103 48 E

Sint Maarten
  18 4 N, 63 4 W

Slovakia
  48 40 N, 19 30 E

Slovenia
  46 07 N, 14 49 E

Solomon Islands
  8 00 S, 159 00 E

Somalia
  10 00 N, 49 00 E

South Africa
  29 00 S, 24 00 E

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  54 30 S, 37 00 W

Southern Ocean
  60 00 S, 90 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean
  has the unique distinction of being a large circumpolar body of
  water totally encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of
  water lies between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of
  Antarctica and encompasses 360 degrees of longitude

Spain
  40 00 N, 4 00 W

Spratly Islands
  8 38 N, 111 55 E

Sri Lanka
  7 00 N, 81 00 E

Sudan
  15 00 N, 30 00 E

Suriname
  4 00 N, 56 00 W

Svalbard
  78 00 N, 20 00 E

Swaziland
  26 30 S, 31 30 E

Sweden
  62 00 N, 15 00 E

Switzerland
  47 00 N, 8 00 E

Syria
  35 00 N, 38 00 E

Taiwan
  23 30 N, 121 00 E

Tajikistan
  39 00 N, 71 00 E

Tanzania
  6 00 S, 35 00 E

Thailand
  15 00 N, 100 00 E

Timor-Leste
  8 50 S, 125 55 E

Togo
  8 00 N, 1 10 E

Tokelau
  9 00 S, 172 00 W

Tonga
  20 00 S, 175 00 W

Trinidad and Tobago
  11 00 N, 61 00 W

Tunisia
  34 00 N, 9 00 E

Turkey
  39 00 N, 35 00 E

Turkmenistan
  40 00 N, 60 00 E

Turks and Caicos Islands
  21 45 N, 71 35 W

Tuvalu
  8 00 S, 178 00 E

Uganda
  1 00 N, 32 00 E

Ukraine
  49 00 N, 32 00 E

United Arab Emirates
  24 00 N, 54 00 E

United Kingdom
  54 00 N, 2 00 W

United States
  38 00 N, 97 00 W

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  Baker Island: 0 13 N,
  176 28 W
  Howland Island: 0 48 N, 176 38 W
  Jarvis Island: 0 23 S, 160 01 W
  Johnston Atoll: 16 45 N, 169 31 W
  Kingman Reef: 6 23 N, 162 25 W
  Midway Islands: 28 12 N, 177 22 W
  Palmyra Atoll: 5 53 N, 162 05 W

Uruguay
  33 00 S, 56 00 W

Uzbekistan
  41 00 N, 64 00 E

Vanuatu
  16 00 S, 167 00 E

Venezuela
  8 00 N, 66 00 W

Vietnam
  16 10 N, 107 50 E

Virgin Islands
  18 20 N, 64 50 W

Wake Island
  19 17 N, 166 39 E

Wallis and Futuna
  13 18 S, 176 12 W

West Bank
  32 00 N, 35 15 E

Western Sahara
  24 30 N, 13 00 W

Yemen
  15 00 N, 48 00 E

Zambia
  15 00 S, 30 00 E

Zimbabwe
  20 00 S, 30 00 E

======================================================================

@2012

Field Listing :: GDP - composition by sector

This entry gives the percentage contribution of agriculture, industry, and services to total GDP. The distribution will total less than 100 percent if the data are incomplete. Country

GDP - composition by sector(%)

Afghanistan agriculture: 31% industry: 26% services: 43% note: data exclude opium production (2008 est.)

Albania
  agriculture: 21.2%
  industry: 19.5%
  services: 59.3% (2010 est.)

Algeria
  agriculture: 8.3%
  industry: 61.5%
  services: 30.2% (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Andorra
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Angola
  agriculture: 9.6%
  industry: 65.8%
  services: 24.6% (2008 est.)

Anguilla
  agriculture: 4%
  industry: 18%
  services: 78% (2002 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  agriculture: 3.8%
  industry: 22%
  services: 74.3% (2002 est.)

Argentina
  agriculture: 8.5%
  industry: 31.6%
  services: 59.8% (2010 est.)

Armenia
  agriculture: 22%
  industry: 46.6%
  services: 31.4% (2010 est.)

Aruba
  agriculture: 0.4%
  industry: 33.3%
  services: 66.3% (2002 est.)

Australia
  agriculture: 4%
  industry: 24.8%
  services: 71.2% (2010 est.)

Austria
  agriculture: 1.5%
  industry: 29.4%
  services: 69.1% (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  agriculture: 5.5%
  industry: 61.4%
  services: 33.1% (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  agriculture: 1.2%
  industry: 14.7%
  services: 84.1% (2001 est.)

Bahrain
  agriculture: 0.5%
  industry: 56.6%
  services: 42.9% (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  agriculture: 18.4%
  industry: 28.7%
  services: 52.9% (2010 est.)

Barbados
  agriculture: 6%
  industry: 16%
  services: 78% (2000 est.)

Belarus
  agriculture: 9%
  industry: 42.9%
  services: 48.1% (2010 est.)

Belgium
  agriculture: 0.7%
  industry: 22.1%
  services: 77.2% (2010 est.)

Belize
  agriculture: 29%
  industry: 16.9%
  services: 54.1% (2008 est.)

Benin
  agriculture: 33.2%
  industry: 14.5%
  services: 52.3% (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  agriculture: 1%
  industry: 10%
  services: 89% (2002 est.)

Bhutan
  agriculture: 17.6%
  industry: 45%
  services: 37.4% (2006)

Bolivia
  agriculture: 11%
  industry: 38%
  services: 51% (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  agriculture: 9.8%
  industry: 25.9%
  services: 64.3% (2010 est.)

Botswana
  agriculture: 2.3%
  industry: 45.8%
  services: 51.9% (2009 est.)

Brazil
  agriculture: 6.1%
  industry: 26.4%
  services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  agriculture: 0.9%
  industry: 10.7%
  services: 88.3% (1996 est.)

Brunei
  agriculture: 0.7%
  industry: 74.1%
  services: 25.3% (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  agriculture: 7.5%
  industry: 27.6%
  services: 64.9% (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
  agriculture: 30.1%
  industry: 20.7%
  services: 49.2% (2009 est.)

Burma
  agriculture: 43.2%
  industry: 20%
  services: 36.8% (2010 est.)

Burundi
  agriculture: 31.6%
  industry: 21.4%
  services: 47% (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  agriculture: 29%
  industry: 30%
  services: 41% (2007 est.)

Cameroon
  agriculture: 20%
  industry: 30.9%
  services: 49.1% (2010 est.)

Canada
  agriculture: 2.3%
  industry: 26.4%
  services: 71.3% (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  agriculture: 9%
  industry: 16.2%
  services: 74.8% (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  agriculture: 1.4%
  industry: 3.2%
  services: 95.4% (1994 est.)

Central African Republic
  agriculture: 55%
  industry: 20%
  services: 25% (2001 est.)

Chad
  agriculture: 50.5%
  industry: 7%
  services: 42.5% (2010 est.)

Chile
  agriculture: 5.6%
  industry: 40.5%
  services: 53.9% (2009 est.)

China
  agriculture: 9.6%
  industry: 46.8%
  services: 43.6% (2010 est.)

Colombia
  agriculture: 9.3%
  industry: 38%
  services: 52.7% (2010 est.)

Comoros
  agriculture: 40%
  industry: 4%
  services: 56% (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  agriculture: 37.4%
  industry: 26%
  services: 36.6% (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  agriculture: 4.4%
  industry: 63.7%
  services: 32% (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  agriculture: 15.1%
  industry: 9.6%
  services: 75.3% (2004)

Costa Rica
  agriculture: 6.3%
  industry: 22.9%
  services: 70.8% (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  agriculture: 28.2%
  industry: 21.3%
  services: 50.6% (2010 est.)

Croatia
  agriculture: 6.8%
  industry: 27.2%
  services: 66% (2010 est.)

Cuba
  agriculture: 4.2%
  industry: 22.7%
  services: 72.9% (2010 est.)

Curacao
  agriculture: 1%
  industry: 15%
  services: 84% (2000 est.)

Cyprus
  agriculture: 2.1%
  industry: 18.6%
  services: 79.3% (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  agriculture: 2.2%
  industry: 38.3%
  services: 59.5% (2010 est.)

Denmark
  agriculture: 1.1%
  industry: 22.8%
  services: 76.1% (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  agriculture: 3.2%
  industry: 14.9%
  services: 81.9% (2006)

Dominica
  agriculture: 17.7%
  industry: 32.8%
  services: 49.5% (2004 est.)

Dominican Republic
  agriculture: 11.5%
  industry: 21%
  services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  agriculture: 6.8%
  industry: 32.9%
  services: 60.3% (2010 est.)

Egypt
  agriculture: 13.5%
  industry: 37.9%
  services: 48.6% (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  agriculture: 11%
  industry: 29.1%
  services: 59.9% (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  agriculture: 2.2%
  industry: 93.9%
  services: 3.8% (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  agriculture: 11.8%
  industry: 20.4%
  services: 67.7% (2010 est.)

Estonia
  agriculture: 2.5%
  industry: 28.7%
  services: 68.8% (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  agriculture: 42.9%
  industry: 13.7%
  services: 43.4% (2010 est.)

European Union
  agriculture: 1.8%
  industry: 25.2%
  services: 72.9% (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  agriculture: 95%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA% (1996)

Faroe Islands
  agriculture: 16%
  industry: 29%
  services: 55% (2007 est.)

Fiji
  agriculture: 8.9%
  industry: 13.5%
  services: 77.6% (2004 est.)

Finland
  agriculture: 2.6%
  industry: 29.1%
  services: 68.2% (2010 est.)

France
  agriculture: 1.8%
  industry: 19.2%
  services: 79% (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  agriculture: 3.5%
  industry: 20.4%
  services: 76.1% (2005)

Gabon
  agriculture: 4.5%
  industry: 62.7%
  services: 32.8% (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  agriculture: 30.1%
  industry: 16.3%
  services: 53.6% (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  see entry for West Bank

Georgia
  agriculture: 11%
  industry: 27.1%
  services: 62% (2010 est.)

Germany
  agriculture: 0.8%
  industry: 27.9%
  services: 71.3% (2010 est.)

Ghana
  agriculture: 33.7%
  industry: 24.7%
  services: 41.6% (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  agriculture: 0%
  industry: 0%
  services: 100% (2008)

Greece
  agriculture: 4%
  industry: 17.6%
  services: 78.5% (2010 est.)

Greenland
  agriculture: 4.9%
  industry: 31.9%
  services: 63.2% (2007 est.)

Grenada
  agriculture: 5.4%
  industry: 18%
  services: 76.6% (2003)

Guam
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Guatemala
  agriculture: 13.3%
  industry: 24.4%
  services: 62.3% (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  agriculture: 3%
  industry: 10%
  services: 87% (2000)

Guinea
  agriculture: 25.8%
  industry: 45.7%
  services: 28.5% (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  agriculture: 62%
  industry: 12%
  services: 26% (1999 est.)

Guyana
  agriculture: 24.3%
  industry: 24.7%
  services: 51% (2010 est.)

Haiti
  agriculture: 23%
  industry: 20%
  services: 57% (2009 est.)

Honduras
  agriculture: 12.4%
  industry: 26.9%
  services: 60.8% (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  agriculture: 0.1%
  industry: 7.6%
  services: 92.3% (2010 est.)

Hungary
  agriculture: 2.8%
  industry: 35.7%
  services: 61.5% (2010 est.)

Iceland
  agriculture: 5.5%
  industry: 24.7%
  services: 69.9% (2010 est.)

India
  agriculture: 16.1%
  industry: 28.6%
  services: 55.3% (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  agriculture: 14.9%
  industry: 46.8%
  services: 38.3% (2010 est.)

Iran
  agriculture: 11%
  industry: 45.9%
  services: 43.1% (2010 est.)

Iraq
  agriculture: 9.7%
  industry: 63%
  services: 27.3% (2010 est.)

Ireland
  agriculture: 5%
  industry: 46%
  services: 49% (2002 est.)

Isle of Man
  agriculture: 1%
  industry: 13%
  services: 86% (2000 est.)

Israel
  agriculture: 2.4%
  industry: 32.6%
  services: 65% (2010 est.)

Italy
  agriculture: 1.8%
  industry: 24.9%
  services: 73.3% (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  agriculture: 5.7%
  industry: 29.7%
  services: 64.6% (2010 est.)

Japan
  agriculture: 1.5%
  industry: 22.8%
  services: 75.7% (2010 est.)

Jersey
  agriculture: 1%
  industry: 2%
  services: 97% (2005)

Jordan
  agriculture: 3.4%
  industry: 30.3%
  services: 66.2% (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  agriculture: 6%
  industry: 42.8%
  services: 51.2% (2009 est.)

Kenya
  agriculture: 22%
  industry: 16%
  services: 62% (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  agriculture: 8.9%
  industry: 24.2%
  services: 66.8% (2004)

Korea, North
  agriculture: 20.9%
  industry: 46.9%
  services: 32.1% (2002 est.)

Korea, South
  agriculture: 3%
  industry: 39.4%
  services: 57.6% (2008 est.)

Kosovo
  agriculture: 12.9%
  industry: 22.6%
  services: 64.5% (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  agriculture: 0.3%
  industry: 48.1%
  services: 51.6% (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  agriculture: 24.6%
  industry: 25%
  services: 50.4% (2010 est.)

Laos
  agriculture: 29.8%
  industry: 31.7%
  services: 38.5% (2010 est.)

Latvia
  agriculture: 4.2%
  industry: 20.6%
  services: 75.2% (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  agriculture: 5.1%
  industry: 15.9%
  services: 79% (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  agriculture: 7.1%
  industry: 34.6%
  services: 58.2% (2010 est.)

Liberia
  agriculture: 76.9%
  industry: 5.4%
  services: 17.7% (2002 est.)

Libya
  agriculture: 2.6%
  industry: 63.8%
  services: 33.6% (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  agriculture: 8%
  industry: 39%
  services: 54% (2007)

Lithuania
  agriculture: 4.3%
  industry: 27.6%
  services: 68.2% (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  agriculture: 0.4%
  industry: 13.6%
  services: 86% (2007 est.)

Macau
  agriculture: 0.1%
  industry: 2.8%
  services: 97.1% (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  agriculture: 12.1%
  industry: 29.6%
  services: 58.3% (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  agriculture: 26.5%
  industry: 16.7%
  services: 56.8% (2010 est.)

Malawi
  agriculture: 33.4%
  industry: 21.7%
  services: 44.9% (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  agriculture: 9.1%
  industry: 41.6%
  services: 49.3% (2010 est.)

Maldives
  agriculture: 5.6%
  industry: 16.9%
  services: 77.5% (2009 est.)

Mali
  agriculture: 45%
  industry: 17%
  services: 38% (2001 est.)

Malta
  agriculture: 1.7%
  industry: 17.4%
  services: 80.9% (2007 est.)

Marshall Islands
  agriculture: 31.7%
  industry: 14.9%
  services: 53.4% (2004 est.)

Mauritania
  agriculture: 12.5%
  industry: 46.7%
  services: 40.7% (2008 est.)

Mauritius
  agriculture: 4.8%
  industry: 24.6%
  services: 70.5% (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Mexico
  agriculture: 4.2%
  industry: 33.3%
  services: 62.5% (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  agriculture: 28.9%
  industry: 15.2%
  services: 55.9% (2004 est.)

Moldova
  agriculture: 16.3%
  industry: 20.1%
  services: 63.6% (2010 est.)

Monaco
  agriculture: 0%
  industry: 4.9%
  services: 95.1% (2005)

Mongolia
  agriculture: 21.2%
  industry: 29.5%
  services: 49.3% (2009 est.)

Montenegro
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Montserrat
  agriculture: 1.2%
  industry: 23.1%
  services: 75.7% (1999 est.)

Morocco
  agriculture: 17.1%
  industry: 31.6%
  services: 51.4% (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  agriculture: 28.8%
  industry: 26%
  services: 45.2% (2010 est.)

Namibia
  agriculture: 9%
  industry: 32.7%
  services: 58.2% (2010 est.)

Nauru
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Nepal
  agriculture: 33%
  industry: 15%
  services: 52% (FY09 est.)

Netherlands
  agriculture: 2.6%
  industry: 24.9%
  services: 72.4% (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  agriculture: 15%
  industry: 8.8%
  services: 76.2% (2003)

New Zealand
  agriculture: 4.6%
  industry: 24%
  services: 71.4% (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  agriculture: 17.6%
  industry: 26.5%
  services: 56% (2010 est.)

Niger
  agriculture: 39%
  industry: 17%
  services: 44% (2001)

Nigeria
  agriculture: 31.9%
  industry: 32.9%
  services: 35.2% (2010 est.)

Niue
  agriculture: 23.5%
  industry: 26.9%
  services: 49.5% (2003)

Northern Mariana Islands
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Norway
  agriculture: 2.1%
  industry: 40.1%
  services: 57.8% (2010 est.)

Oman
  agriculture: 1.4%
  industry: 48.2%
  services: 50.3% (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  agriculture: 21.8%
  industry: 23.6%
  services: 54.6% (2010 est.)

Palau
  agriculture: 6.2%
  industry: 12%
  services: 81.8% (2003)

Panama
  agriculture: 5.8%
  industry: 16.6%
  services: 77.6% (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  agriculture: 32.2%
  industry: 35.7%
  services: 32.1% (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  agriculture: 21.8%
  industry: 18.2%
  services: 60.1% (2010 est.)

Peru
  agriculture: 5.8%
  industry: 33%
  services: 52.6% (2010 est.)

Philippines
  agriculture: 13.7%
  industry: 31.7%
  services: 54.6% (2010 est.)

Poland
  agriculture: 3.9%
  industry: 31.8%
  services: 63% (2010 est.)

Portugal
  agriculture: 2.6%
  industry: 23%
  services: 74.5% (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  agriculture: 1%
  industry: 45%
  services: 54% (2005 est.)

Qatar
  agriculture: 0.1%
  industry: 78.8%
  services: 21.1% (2010 est.)

Romania
  agriculture: 12.8%
  industry: 36%
  services: 51.2% (2010 est.)

Russia
  agriculture: 4.2%
  industry: 33.8%
  services: 62% (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  agriculture: 42.1%
  industry: 14.3%
  services: 43.6% (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  agriculture: 3.5%
  industry: 25.8%
  services: 70.7% (2001)

Saint Lucia
  agriculture: 5%
  industry: 15%
  services: 80% (2005 est.)

Saint Martin
  agriculture: 1%
  industry: 15%
  services: 84% (2000)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  agriculture: 10%
  industry: 26%
  services: 64% (2001 est.)

Samoa
  agriculture: 11.6%
  industry: 13.1%
  services: 75.3% (2004 est.)

San Marino
  agriculture: 0.1%
  industry: 46.5%
  services: 53.4% (2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
  agriculture: 14.7%
  industry: 22.9%
  services: 62.4% (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  agriculture: 2.7%
  industry: 61.9%
  services: 35.4% (2010 est.)

Senegal
  agriculture: 14.9%
  industry: 21.4%
  services: 63.6% (2010 est.)

Serbia
  agriculture: 13%
  industry: 22.6%
  services: 64.5% (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  agriculture: 2.9%
  industry: 30.8%
  services: 66.2% (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
  agriculture: 49%
  industry: 31%
  services: 21% (2005 est.)

Singapore
  agriculture: 0%
  industry: 27.2%
  services: 72.8% (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  agriculture: 0.4%
  industry: 18.3%
  services: 81.3% (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  agriculture: 2.7%
  industry: 35.6%
  services: 61.8% (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  agriculture: 2.4%
  industry: 31%
  services: 66.6% (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  agriculture: 42%
  industry: 11%
  services: 47% (2005 est.)

Somalia
  agriculture: 65%
  industry: 10%
  services: 25% (2005 est.)

South Africa
  agriculture: 3%
  industry: 31.2%
  services: 65.8% (2010 est.)

Spain
  agriculture: 2.9%
  industry: 25.5%
  services: 71.6% (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  agriculture: 12.6%
  industry: 29.8%
  services: 57.6% (2010 est.)

Sudan
  agriculture: 32.1%
  industry: 29%
  services: 38.9% (2010 est.)

Suriname
  agriculture: 10.8%
  industry: 24.4%
  services: 64.8% (2005 est.)

Swaziland
  agriculture: 8.6%
  industry: 42%
  services: 49.4% (2010 est.)

Sweden
  agriculture: 1.7%
  industry: 26.1%
  services: 72.2% (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  agriculture: 1.3%
  industry: 27.5%
  services: 71.2% (2010 est.)

Syria
  agriculture: 17.6%
  industry: 26.8%
  services: 55.6% (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  agriculture: 1.4%
  industry: 31.1%
  services: 67.5% (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  agriculture: 19.2%
  industry: 22.6%
  services: 58.1% (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  agriculture: 41.6%
  industry: 18.1%
  services: 38.4% (2010 est.)

Thailand
  agriculture: 10.4%
  industry: 45.6%
  services: 44% (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  agriculture: 32.2%
  industry: 12.8%
  services: 55% (2005)

Togo
  agriculture: 47.4%
  industry: 25.4%
  services: 27.2% (2009 est.)

Tokelau
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Tonga
  agriculture: 25%
  industry: 17%
  services: 57% (FY05/06 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  agriculture: 0.5%
  industry: 59.4%
  services: 40.1% (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  agriculture: 10.6%
  industry: 34.6%
  services: 54.8% (2010 est.)

Turkey
  agriculture: 8.8%
  industry: 25.7%
  services: 65.5% (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  agriculture: 10.2%
  industry: 30%
  services: 59.8% (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Tuvalu
  agriculture: 16.6%
  industry: 27.2%
  services: 56.2% (2002)

Uganda
  agriculture: 23.6%
  industry: 24.5%
  services: 51.9% (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  agriculture: 9.8%
  industry: 32.3%
  services: 57.9% (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  agriculture: 0.9%
  industry: 51.5%
  services: 47.6% (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  agriculture: 0.9%
  industry: 22.1%
  services: 77.1% (2010 est.)

United States
  agriculture: 1.2%
  industry: 22.2%
  services: 76.7% (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  agriculture: 9.3%
  industry: 22.8%
  services: 67.9% (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  agriculture: 21.2%
  industry: 32.3%
  services: 46.4% (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  agriculture: 26%
  industry: 12%
  services: 62% (2000 est.)

Venezuela
  agriculture: 4.1%
  industry: 34.9%
  services: 61.1% (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  agriculture: 20.5%
  industry: 40.2%
  services: 39.2% (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  agriculture: 1%
  industry: 19%
  services: 80% (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

West Bank
  agriculture: 5%
  industry: 14%
  services: 81% (includes Gaza Strip) (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: 40% (2007 est.)

World
  agriculture: 5.8%
  industry: 30.8%
  services: 63.4% (2010 est.)

Yemen
  agriculture: 8.2%
  industry: 38.8%
  services: 53% (2010 est.)

Zambia
  agriculture: 19.7%
  industry: 33.7%
  services: 46.6% (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  agriculture: 19.5%
  industry: 24%
  services: 56.5% (2010 est.)

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@2018

Field Listing :: Sex ratio

  This entry includes the number of males for each female in five age
  groups - at birth, under 15 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over,
  and for the total population. Sex ratio at birth has recently
  emerged as an indicator of certain kinds of sex discrimination in
  some countries. For instance, high sex ratios at birth in some Asian
  countries are now attributed to sex-selective abortion and
  infanticide due to a strong preference for sons. This will affect
  future marriage patterns and fertility patterns. Eventually, it
  could cause unrest among young adult males who are unable to find
  partners.
  Country

Sex ratio(male(s)/female)

Afghanistan
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Albania
  at birth: 1.123 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Algeria
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Andorra
  at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Angola
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  at birth: 1.032 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Argentina
  at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Armenia
  at birth: 1.133 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Aruba
  at birth: 1.021 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Australia
  at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Austria
  at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  at birth: 1.124 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.33 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.13 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.24 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Barbados
  at birth: 1.012 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Belarus
  at birth: 1.062 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.47 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.87 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Belgium
  at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Belize
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Benin
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  at birth: 1.018 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.12 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  at birth: 1.074 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Botswana
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Brazil
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.07 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Brunei
  at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Burma
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Burundi
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Canada
  at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  at birth: 1.016 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Chad
  at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Chile
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

China
  at birth: 1.14 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.17 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
  NA (2009 est.)

Colombia
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Comoros
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  at birth: 1.046 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Croatia
  at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Cuba
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Curacao
  at birth: 1.15 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010)

Cyprus
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Denmark
  at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.8 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Dominica
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Egypt
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Estonia
  at birth: 1.063 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.84 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

European Union
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Faroe Islands
  at birth: 1.069 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.09 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Fiji
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Finland
  at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

France
  at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Gabon
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Georgia
  at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Germany
  at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ghana
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  at birth: 1.071 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Greece
  at birth: 1.064 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Greenland
  at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Grenada
  at birth: 1.097 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guam
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  at birth: 1.049 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guinea
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Guyana
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Haiti
  at birth: 1.011 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Honduras
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  at birth: 1.076 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Hungary
  at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Iceland
  at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

India
  at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Iran
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Iraq
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ireland
  at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Israel
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Italy
  at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Japan
  at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Jersey
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Jordan
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  at birth: 1.058 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kenya
  at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kosovo
  at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  at birth: 1.041 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.79 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.65 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.54 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Laos
  at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Latvia
  at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Liberia
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Libya
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  at birth: 1.006 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Macau
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.14 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Malawi
  at birth: 1.015 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  at birth: 1.069 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Maldives
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.57 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.4 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mali
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Malta
  at birth: 1.058 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mauritania
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mexico
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Moldova
  at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Monaco
  at birth: 1.048 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Montenegro
  at birth: 1.074 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  at birth: 1.033 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 2.03 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Morocco
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  at birth: 1.017 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Namibia
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Nauru
  at birth: 0.838 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Nepal
  at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  at birth: 1.048 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Niger
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Niue
  NA

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Norway
  at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Oman
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.34 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.23 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Palau
  at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.25 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.43 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Panama
  at birth: 1.045 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.2 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Peru
  at birth: 1.046 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Philippines
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  NA

Poland
  at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Portugal
  at birth: 1.067 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Qatar
  at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 2.44 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.36 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Romania
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Russia
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.44 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
  at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.14 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha at birth: 1.049 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Martin
  at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Samoa
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

San Marino
  at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.14 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.27 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.17 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Senegal
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Serbia
  at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and above: 0.7 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  at birth: 1.031 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Singapore
  at birth: 1.077 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  at birth: 0.98 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010)

Slovakia
  at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  at birth: 1.066 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Somalia
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

South Africa
  at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Spain
  at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  at birth: 1.044 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sudan
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Suriname
  at birth: 1.068 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Svalbard
  NA

Swaziland
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Sweden
  at birth: 1.061 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Syria
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  at birth: 1.086 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Thailand
  at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Togo
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  at birth: 1.028 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  at birth: 1.073 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Turkey
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  at birth: 1.051 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Uganda
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  at birth: 1.065 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 2.75 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.8 male(s)/female
  total population: 2.2 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  at birth: 1.052 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

United States
  at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  at birth: 1.037 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  at birth: 1.115 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

West Bank
  at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

World
  at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Yemen
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Zambia
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
  total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
  under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  15-64 years: 0.83 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2019

Field Listing :: Heliports

This entry gives the total number of heliports with hard-surface runways, helipads, or landing areas that support routine sustained helicopter operations exclusively and have support facilities including one or more of the following facilities: lighting, fuel, passenger handling, or maintenance. It includes former airports used exclusively for helicopter operations but excludes heliports limited to day operations and natural clearings that could support helicopter landings and takeoffs. Country

Heliports

Afghanistan
  11 (2010)

Albania
  1 (2010)

Algeria
  2 (2010)

Antarctica
  53
  note: all year-round and seasonal stations operated by National
  Antarctic Programs stations have some kind of helicopter landing
  facilities, prepared (helipads) or unprepared (2010)

Argentina
  2 (2010)

Australia
  1 (2010)

Austria
  1 (2010)

Azerbaijan
  1 (2010)

Bahamas, The
  1 (2010)

Bahrain
  1 (2010)

Belarus
  1 (2010)

Belgium
  1 (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  5 (2010)

Brazil
  13 (2010)

Brunei
  3 (2010)

Bulgaria
  3 (2010)

Burma
  6 (2010)

Burundi
  1 (2010)

Cambodia
  1 (2010)

Canada
  12 (2010)

China
  48 (2010)

Colombia
  2 (2010)

Croatia
  1 (2010)

Cyprus
  9 (2010)

Czech Republic
  1 (2010)

Ecuador
  2 (2010)

Egypt
  6 (2010)

El Salvador
  1 (2010)

Eritrea
  1 (2010)

Estonia
  1 (2010)

European Union
  99 (2010)

France
  1 (2010)

French Polynesia
  1 (2010)

Gaza Strip
  1 (2010)

Georgia
  3 (2010)

Germany
  25 (2010)

Greece
  9 (2010)

Hong Kong
  9 (2010)

Hungary
  5 (2010)

India
  40 (2010)

Indonesia
  64 (2010)

Iran
  19 (2010)

Iraq
  21 (2010)

Israel
  3 (2010)

Italy
  6 (2010)

Japan
  15 (2010)

Jordan
  1 (2010)

Kazakhstan
  3 (2010)

Korea, North
  22 (2010)

Korea, South
  510 (2010)

Kosovo
  2 (2010)

Kuwait
  4 (2010)

Libya
  2 (2010)

Luxembourg
  1 (2010)

Macau
  2 (2010)

Malaysia
  3 (2010)

Mexico
  1 (2010)

Monaco
  1 (2010)

Mongolia
  1 (2010)

Montenegro
  1 (2010)

Morocco
  1 (2010)

Netherlands
  1 (2010)

New Caledonia
  8 (2010)

Nigeria
  4 (2010)

Northern Mariana Islands
  1 (2010)

Norway
  1 (2010)

Oman
  3 (2010)

Pakistan
  20 (2010)

Panama
  3 (2010)

Papua New Guinea
  2 (2010)

Peru
  1 (2010)

Philippines
  2 (2010)

Poland
  7 (2010)

Qatar
  1 (2010)

Romania
  3 (2010)

Russia
  50 (2010)

Saudi Arabia
  9 (2010)

Serbia
  2 (2010)

Sierra Leone
  2 (2010)

Slovakia
  1 (2010)

Solomon Islands
  3 (2010)

South Africa
  1 (2010)

Spain
  9 (2010)

Spratly Islands
  3 (2010)

Sudan
  5 (2010)

Svalbard
  1 (2010)

Sweden
  2 (2010)

Switzerland
  1 (2010)

Syria
  7 (2010)

Taiwan
  4 (2010)

Thailand
  4 (2010)

Timor-Leste
  8 (2010)

Turkey
  20 (2010)

Turkmenistan
  1 (2010)

Ukraine
  7 (2010)

United Arab Emirates
  5 (2010)

United Kingdom
  11 (2010)

United States
  126 (2010)

Venezuela
  4 (2010)

Vietnam
  1 (2010)

World
  3,825 (2010)

======================================================================

@2020

Field Listing :: Elevation extremes

  This entry includes both the highest point and the lowest point.
  Country

Elevation extremes(m)

Afghanistan
  lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m
  highest point: Noshak 7,485 m

Albania
  lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
  highest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m

Algeria
  lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m
  highest point: Tahat 3,003 m

American Samoa
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Lata Mountain 964 m

Andorra
  lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m
  highest point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m

Angola
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Morro de Moco 2,620 m

Anguilla
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Crocus Hill 65 m

Antarctica
  lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,540 m
  highest point: Vinson Massif 4,897 m
  note: the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the
  Bentley Subglacial Trench; at its surface is the deepest ice yet
  discovered and the world's lowest elevation not under seawater

Antigua and Barbuda
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Boggy Peak 402 m

Arctic Ocean
  lowest point: Fram Basin -4,665 m
  highest point: sea level 0 m

Argentina
  lowest point: Laguna del Carbon -105 m (located between
  Puerto San Julian and Comandante Luis Piedra Buena in the province
  of Santa Cruz)
  highest point: Cerro Aconcagua 6,960 m (located in the northwestern
  corner of the province of Mendoza)

Armenia
  lowest point: Debed River 400 m
  highest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m

Aruba
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Ceru Jamanota 188 m

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Atlantic Ocean
  lowest point: Milwaukee Deep in the Puerto Rico
  Trench -8,605 m
  highest point: sea level 0 m

Australia
  lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m
  highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m

Austria
  lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m
  highest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m

Azerbaijan
  lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m
  highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,485 m

Bahamas, The
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Alvernia on Cat Island 63 m

Bahrain
  lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
  highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m

Bangladesh
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Keokradong 1,230 m

Barbados
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m

Belarus
  lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m
  highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m

Belgium
  lowest point: North Sea 0 m
  highest point: Botrange 694 m

Belize
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Doyle's Delight 1,160 m

Benin
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m

Bermuda
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Town Hill 76 m

Bhutan
  lowest point: Drangeme Chhu 97 m
  highest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m

Bolivia
  lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m
  highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
  highest point: Maglic 2,386 m

Botswana
  lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513
  m
  highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m

Bouvet Island
  lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Olav Peak 935 m

Brazil
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m

British Indian Ocean Territory
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed location on Diego Garcia 15 m

British Virgin Islands
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mount Sage 521 m

Brunei
  lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
  highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

Bulgaria
  lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
  highest point: Musala 2,925 m

Burkina Faso
  lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m
  highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m

Burma
  lowest point: Andaman Sea 0 m
  highest point: Hkakabo Razi 5,881 m

Burundi
  lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m
  highest point: Heha 2,670 m

Cambodia
  lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m
  highest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m

Cameroon
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Fako 4,095 m (on Mt. Cameroon)

Canada
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m

Cape Verde
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (a volcano on Fogo Island)

Cayman Islands
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: The Bluff on Cayman Brac 43 m

Central African Republic
  lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m
  highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,420 m

Chad
  lowest point: Djourab 160 m
  highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m

Chile
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m

China
  lowest point: Turpan Pendi -154 m
  highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Christmas Island
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Murray Hill 361 m

Clipperton Island
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Colombia
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m
  note: nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation

Comoros
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Karthala 2,360 m

Congo, Democratic Republic of the lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m

Congo, Republic of the
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Berongou 903 m

Cook Islands
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Te Manga 652 m

Coral Sea Islands
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m

Costa Rica
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m

Cote d'Ivoire
  lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m
  highest point: Monts Nimba 1,752 m

Croatia
  lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
  highest point: Dinara 1,831 m

Cuba
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Pico Turquino 2,005 m

Curacao
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mt. Christoffel, 372m

Cyprus
  lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mount Olympus 1,951 m

Czech Republic
  lowest point: Elbe River 115 m
  highest point: Snezka 1,602 m

Denmark
  lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m
  highest point: Mollehoj/Ejer Bavnehoj 171 m

Djibouti
  lowest point: Lac Assal -155 m
  highest point: Moussa Ali 2,028 m

Dominica
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Morne Diablotins 1,447 m

Dominican Republic
  lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m
  highest point: Pico Duarte 3,175 m

Ecuador
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Chimborazo 6,267 m
  note: due to the fact that the earth is not a perfect sphere and has
  an equatorial bulge, the highest point on the planet furthest from
  its center is Mount Chimborazo not Mount Everest, which is merely
  the highest peak above sea-level

Egypt
  lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m
  highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m

El Salvador
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m

Equatorial Guinea
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Pico Basile 3,008 m

Eritrea
  lowest point: near Kulul within the Danakil Depression -75 m
  highest point: Soira 3,018 m

Estonia
  lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
  highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m

Ethiopia
  lowest point: Danakil Depression -125 m
  highest point: Ras Dejen 4,533 m

European Union
  lowest point: Lammefjord, Denmark -7 m;
  Zuidplaspolder, Netherlands -7 m
  highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m; note - situated on the border
  between France and Italy

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m

Faroe Islands
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m

Fiji
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Tomanivi 1,324 m

Finland
  lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
  highest point: Haltiatunturi 1,328 m

France
  lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m
  highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m
  note: in order to assess the possible effects of climate change on
  the ice and snow cap of Mont Blanc, its surface and peak have been
  extensively and periodically measured in recent years; these new
  peak measurements have exceeded the traditional height of 4,807 m
  and have varied between 4,808 m and 4,811 m; the actual rock summit
  is 4,792 m and is 40 m away from the ice-covered summit

French Polynesia lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m

French Southern and Antarctic Lands lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont de la Dives on Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 867 m; unnamed location on Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 272 m; Pic Marion-Dufresne in Iles Crozet 1,090 m; Mont Ross in Iles Kerguelen 1,850 m; unnamed location on Bassas de India (Iles Eparses) 2.4 m; unnamed location on Europa Island (Iles Eparses) 24 m; unnamed location on Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) 12 m; unnamed location on Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) 10 m; unnamed location on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) 7 m

Gabon
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mont Iboundji 1,575 m

Gambia, The
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation 53 m

Gaza Strip
  lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Abu 'Awdah (Joz Abu 'Awdah) 105 m

Georgia
  lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,201 m

Germany
  lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.54 m
  highest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m

Ghana
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Afadjato 885 m

Gibraltar
  lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

Greece
  lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m

Greenland
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Gunnbjorn Fjeld 3,700 m

Grenada
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

Guam
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

Guatemala
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m

Guernsey
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation on Sark 114 m

Guinea
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Guinea-Bissau
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation in the eastern part of the country
  300 m

Guyana
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Roraima 2,835 m

Haiti
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Chaine de la Selle 2,680 m

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano 2,745 m

Holy See (Vatican City)
  lowest point: unnamed location 19 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation 75 m

Honduras
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m

Hong Kong
  lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
  highest point: Tai Mo Shan 958 m

Hungary
  lowest point: Tisza River 78 m
  highest point: Kekes 1,014 m

Iceland
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Hvannadalshnukur 2,110 m (at Vatnajokull glacier)

India
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Kanchenjunga 8,598 m

Indian Ocean
  lowest point: Java Trench -7,258 m
  highest point: sea level 0 m

Indonesia
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Puncak Jaya 5,030 m

Iran
  lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m
  highest point: Kuh-e Damavand 5,671 m

Iraq
  lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
  highest point: unnamed peak; 3,611 m; note - this peak is neither
  Gundah Zhur 3,607 m nor Kuh-e Hajji-Ebrahim 3,595 m

Ireland
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m

Isle of Man
  lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m
  highest point: Snaefell 621 m

Israel
  lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
  highest point: Har Meron 1,208 m

Italy
  lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur 4,748 m (a
  secondary peak of Mont Blanc)

Jamaica
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m

Jan Mayen
  lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m
  highest point: Haakon VII Toppen on Beerenberg 2,277 m
  note: Beerenberg volcano has numerous peaks; the highest point on
  the volcano rim is named Haakon VII Toppen, after Norway's first
  king following the reestablishment of Norwegian independence in 1905

Japan
  lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m
  highest point: Fujiyama 3,776 m

Jersey
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation 143 m

Jordan
  lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
  highest point: Jabal Umm ad Dami 1,854 m

Kazakhstan
  lowest point: Vpadina Kaundy -132 m
  highest point: Khan Tangiri Shyngy (Pik Khan-Tengri) 6,995 m

Kenya
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m

Kiribati
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation on Banaba 81 m

Korea, North
  lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m
  highest point: Paektu-san 2,744 m

Korea, South
  lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m
  highest point: Halla-san 1,950 m

Kosovo
  lowest point: Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim 297 m (located on the
  border with Albania)
  highest point: Gjeravica/Deravica 2,656 m

Kuwait
  lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation 306 m

Kyrgyzstan
  lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m
  highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

Laos
  lowest point: Mekong River 70 m
  highest point: Phu Bia 2,817 m

Latvia
  lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
  highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m

Lebanon
  lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m

Lesotho
  lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers
  1,400 m
  highest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m

Liberia
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Wuteve 1,380 m

Libya
  lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m
  highest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m

Liechtenstein
  lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m
  highest point: Vorder-Grauspitz 2,599 m

Lithuania
  lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
  highest point: Aukstojas 294 m

Luxembourg
  lowest point: Moselle River 133 m
  highest point: Buurgplaatz 559 m

Macau
  lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
  highest point: Coloane Alto 172 m

Macedonia
  lowest point: Vardar River 50 m
  highest point: Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,764 m

Madagascar
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m

Malawi
  lowest point: junction of the Shire River and international
  boundary with Mozambique 37 m
  highest point: Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) 3,002 m

Malaysia
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,100 m

Maldives
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed location on Viligili in the Addu Atholhu 2.4 m

Mali
  lowest point: Senegal River 23 m
  highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m

Malta
  lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)

Marshall Islands
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

Mauritania
  lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m
  highest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m

Mauritius
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mont Piton 828 m

Mayotte
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mlima Benara 660 m

Mexico
  lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m
  highest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,700 m

Micronesia, Federated States of
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Dolohmwar (Totolom) 791 m

Moldova
  lowest point: Dniester (Nistru) 2 m
  highest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m

Monaco
  lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mont Agel 140 m

Mongolia
  lowest point: Hoh Nuur 560 m
  highest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Huyten Orgil) 4,374 m

Montenegro
  lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
  highest point: Bobotov Kuk 2,522 m

Montserrat
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: lava dome in English's Crater (in the Soufriere Hills
  volcanic complex) estimated at over 930 m (2006)

Morocco
  lowest point: Sebkha Tah -55 m
  highest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m

Mozambique
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m

Namibia
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Konigstein 2,606 m

Nauru
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation along plateau rim 61 m

Navassa Island
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation on southwest side 77 m

Nepal
  lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m
  highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Netherlands
  lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m
  highest point: Mount Scenery 862 m (on the island of Saba in the
  Caribbean, now considered an integral part of the Netherlands
  following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles)
  note: the highest point on continental Netherlands is Vaalserberg at
  322 m

New Caledonia
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m

New Zealand
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Aoraki-Mount Cook 3,754 m

Nicaragua
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mogoton 2,438 m

Niger
  lowest point: Niger River 200 m
  highest point: Idoukal-n-Taghes 2,022 m

Nigeria
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

Niue
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Norfolk Island
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Northern Mariana Islands
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation on Agrihan 965 m

Norway
  lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m
  highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

Oman
  lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m
  highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m

Pacific Ocean
  lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench
  -10,924 m
  highest point: sea level 0 m

Pakistan
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m

Palau
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

Panama
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m

Papua New Guinea
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

Paracel Islands
  lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
  highest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m

Paraguay
  lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m
  highest point: Cerro Pero 842 m

Peru
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m

Philippines
  lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

Pitcairn Islands
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Big Ridge 347 m

Poland
  lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m
  highest point: Rysy 2,499 m

Portugal
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Ponta do Pico (Pico or Pico Alto) on Ilha do Pico in
  the Azores 2,351 m

Puerto Rico
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m

Qatar
  lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
  highest point: Tuwayyir al Hamir 103 m

Romania
  lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
  highest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m

Russia
  lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m
  highest point: Gora El'brus 5,633 m

Rwanda
  lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m
  highest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

Saint Barthelemy
  lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Morne du Vitet 286 m

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  lowest point: Atlantic
  Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 2,060 m; Green
  Mountain on Ascension Island 859 m; Mount Actaeon on Saint Helena
  Island 818 m

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m

Saint Lucia
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m

Saint Martin
  lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: La Soufriere 1,234 m

Samoa
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Silisili 1,857 m

San Marino
  lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m
  highest point: Monte Titano 755 m

Sao Tome and Principe
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

Saudi Arabia
  lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
  highest point: Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

Senegal
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation southwest of Kedougou 581 m

Serbia
  lowest point: Danube and Timok Rivers 35 m
  highest point: Midzor 2,169 m

Seychelles
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m

Sierra Leone
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m

Singapore
  lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m
  highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m

Sint Maarten
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mount Flagstaff 386 m

Slovakia
  lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m
  highest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m

Slovenia
  lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
  highest point: Triglav 2,864 m

Solomon Islands
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Popomanaseu 2,310 m

Somalia
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Shimbiris 2,416 m

South Africa
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Njesuthi 3,408 m

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  lowest point: Atlantic
  Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m

Southern Ocean
  lowest point: -7,235 m at the southern end of the
  South Sandwich Trench
  highest point: sea level 0 m

Spain
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

Spratly Islands
  lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
  highest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 4 m

Sri Lanka
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m

Sudan
  lowest point: Red Sea 0 m
  highest point: Kinyeti 3,187 m

Suriname
  lowest point: unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m
  highest point: Juliana Top 1,230 m

Svalbard
  lowest point: Arctic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Newtontoppen 1,717 m

Swaziland
  lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m
  highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

Sweden
  lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near
  Kristianstad -2.4 m
  highest point: Kebnekaise 2,111 m

Switzerland
  lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m
  highest point: Dufourspitze 4,634 m

Syria
  lowest point: unnamed location near Lake Tiberias -200 m
  highest point: Mount Hermon 2,814 m

Taiwan
  lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
  highest point: Yu Shan 3,952 m

Tajikistan
  lowest point: Syr Darya (Sirdaryo) 300 m
  highest point: Qullai Ismoili Somoni (Pik Imeni Ismail Samani) 7,495
  m

Tanzania
  lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Kilimanjaro 5,895 m

Thailand
  lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m
  highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

Timor-Leste
  lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m
  highest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m

Togo
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mont Agou 986 m

Tokelau
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Tonga
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation on Kao Island 1,033 m

Trinidad and Tobago
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m

Tunisia
  lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m
  highest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m

Turkey
  lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Mount Ararat 5,166 m

Turkmenistan
  lowest point: Vpadina Akchanaya -81 m
  note: Sarygamysh Koli is a lake in northern Turkmenistan with a
  water level that fluctuates above and below the elevation of Vpadina
  Akchanaya (the lake has dropped as low as -110 m)
  highest point: Gora Ayribaba 3,139 m

Turks and Caicos Islands
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Flamingo Hill 48 m

Tuvalu
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Uganda
  lowest point: Lake Albert 621 m
  highest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m

Ukraine
  lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
  highest point: Hora Hoverla 2,061 m

United Arab Emirates
  lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
  highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m

United Kingdom
  lowest point: The Fens -4 m
  highest point: Ben Nevis 1,343 m

United States
  lowest point: Death Valley -86 m
  highest point: Mount McKinley 6,194 m
  note: the peak of Mauna Kea (4,207 m above sea level) on the island
  of Hawaii rises about 10,200 m above the Pacific Ocean floor; by
  this measurement, it is the world's tallest mountain - higher than
  Mount Everest, which is recognized as the tallest mountain above sea
  level

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  lowest point: Pacific
  Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Baker Island, unnamed location - 8 m; Howland Island,
  unnamed location - 3 m; Jarvis Island, unnamed location - 7 m;
  Johnston Atoll, Sand Island - 10 m; Kingman Reef, unnamed location -
  less than 2 m; Midway Islands, unnamed location - 13 m; Palmyra
  Atoll, unnamed location - 3 m

Uruguay
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m

Uzbekistan
  lowest point: Sariqamish Kuli -12 m
  highest point: Adelunga Toghi 4,301 m

Vanuatu
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

Venezuela
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Pico Bolivar 5,007 m

Vietnam
  lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
  highest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m

Virgin Islands
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m

Wake Island
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed location 6 m

Wallis and Futuna
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mont Singavi (on Futuna) 765 m

West Bank
  lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
  highest point: Tall Asur 1,022 m

Western Sahara
  lowest point: Sebjet Tah -55 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation 805 m

World
  lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,555 m
  note: in the oceanic realm, Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is
  the lowest point, lying -10,924 m below the surface of the Pacific
  Ocean
  highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m
  top ten highest mountains (measured from sea level): Mount Everest
  (Nepal-China) 8,850 m; K2 (Pakistan) 8,611 m; Kanchenjunga
  (Nepal-India) 8,598 m; Lhotse (Nepal) 8,516 m; Makalu (Nepal-China)
  8,463 m; Cho Oyu (Nepal-China) 8,201 m; Dhaulagiri (Nepal) 8,167 m;
  Manaslu (Nepal) 8,163 m; Nanga Parbat (Pakistan) 8,125 m; Anapurna
  (Nepal) 8,091 m

Yemen
  lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m
  highest point: Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb 3,760 m

Zambia
  lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation in Mafinga Hills 2,301 m

Zimbabwe
  lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save Rivers 162 m
  highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m

======================================================================

@2021

Field Listing :: Natural hazards

This entry lists potential natural disasters. For countries where volcanic activity is common, a volcanism subfield highlights historically active volcanoes. Country

Natural hazards

Afghanistan
  damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains;
  flooding; droughts

Albania
  destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern
  coast; floods; drought

Algeria
  mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; mudslides
  and floods in rainy season

American Samoa
  typhoons common from December to March
  volcanism: American Samoa experiences limited volcanic activity on
  the Ofu and Olosega Islands, neither has erupted since the 19th
  century

Andorra
  avalanches

Angola
  locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau

Anguilla
  frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to
  October)

Antarctica
  katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the
  high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau;
  cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the
  coast; volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West
  Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak; large icebergs may
  calve from ice shelf

Antigua and Barbuda
  hurricanes and tropical storms (July to
  October); periodic droughts

Arctic Ocean
  ice islands occasionally break away from northern
  Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland
  and extreme northeastern Canada; permafrost in islands; virtually
  ice locked from October to June; ships subject to superstructure
  icing from October to May

Argentina
  San Miguel de Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes
  subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can
  strike the pampas and northeast; heavy flooding in some areas
  volcanism: Argentina experiences volcanic activity in the Andes
  Mountains along the Chilean border; Copahue (elev. 2,997 m, 9,833
  ft) last erupted in 2000; other historically active volcanoes
  include Llullaillaco, Maipo, Planchon-Peteroa, San Jose, Tromen,
  Tupungatito, and Viedma

Armenia
  occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts

Aruba
  hurricanes; lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt and is
  rarely threatened

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  surrounded by shoals and reefs that can
  pose maritime hazards

Atlantic Ocean
  icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and
  the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have
  been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; ships
  subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from
  October to May; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to
  September; hurricanes (May to December)

Australia
  cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires
  volcanism: volcanic activity occurs on the Heard and McDonald Islands

Austria
  landslides; avalanches; earthquakes

Azerbaijan
  droughts

Bahamas, The
  hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive
  flood and wind damage

Bahrain
  periodic droughts; dust storms

Bangladesh
  droughts; cyclones; much of the country routinely
  inundated during the summer monsoon season

Barbados
  infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides

Belarus
  NA

Belgium
  flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed
  coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes

Belize
  frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and
  coastal flooding (especially in south)

Benin
  hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from December
  to March

Bermuda
  hurricanes (June to November)

Bhutan
  violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the
  country's name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon;
  frequent landslides during the rainy season

Bolivia
  flooding in the northeast (March-April)
  volcanism: Bolivia experiences volcanic activity in Andes Mountains
  on the border with Chile; historically active volcanoes in this
  region are Irruputuncu (elev. 5,163 m, 16,939 ft), which last
  erupted in 1995 and Olca-Paruma

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  destructive earthquakes

Botswana
  periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the
  west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure
  visibility

Bouvet Island
  NA

Brazil
  recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost
  in south

British Indian Ocean Territory
  NA

British Virgin Islands
  hurricanes and tropical storms (July to
  October)

Brunei
  typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare

Bulgaria
  earthquakes; landslides

Burkina Faso
  recurring droughts

Burma
  destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides
  common during rainy season (June to September); periodic droughts

Burundi
  flooding; landslides; drought

Cambodia
  monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional
  droughts

Cameroon
  volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases
  from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun volcanoes
  volcanism: Mt. Cameroon (elev. 4,095 m, 13,435 ft), which last
  erupted in 2000, is the most frequently active volcano in West
  Africa; lakes in Oku volcanic field have released fatal levels of
  gas on occasion, killing some 1,700 people in 1986

Canada
  continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to
  development; cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a
  result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and
  North American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and
  snow east of the mountains
  volcanism: the vast majority of volcanoes in Western Canada's Coast
  Mountains remain dormant

Cape Verde
  prolonged droughts; seasonal harmattan wind produces
  obscuring dust; volcanically and seismically active
  volcanism: Fogo (elev. 2,829 m, 9,281 ft), which last erupted in
  1995, is Cape Verde's only active volcano

Cayman Islands
  hurricanes (July to November)

Central African Republic
  hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect
  northern areas; floods are common

Chad
  hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic
  droughts; locust plagues

Chile
  severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis
  volcanism: Chile experiences significant volcanic activity due to
  the more than three-dozen active volcanoes situated within the Andes
  Mountains; Lascar (elev. 5,592 m, 18,346 ft), which last erupted in
  2007, is the most active volcano in the northern Chilean Andes;
  Llaima (elev. 3,125 m, 10,253 ft) in central Chile, which last
  erupted in 2009, is another of the country's most active; Chaiten's
  2008 eruption forced major evacuations; other notable historically
  active volcanoes include Cerro Hudson, Copahue, Guallatiri,
  Llullaillaco, Nevados de Chillan, San Pedro, and Villarrica

China
  frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and
  eastern coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes; droughts;
  land subsidence
  volcanism: China contains some historically active volcanoes
  including Changbaishan (also known as Baitoushan, Baegdu, or
  P'aektu-san), Hainan Dao, and Kunlun although most have been
  relatively inactive in recent centuries

Christmas Island
  the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can
  be a maritime hazard

Clipperton Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  cyclone season is October to April

Colombia
  highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional
  earthquakes; periodic droughts
  volcanism: Galeras (elev. 4,276 m, 14,029 ft) is one of Colombia's
  most active volcanoes, having erupted in 2009 and 2010 causing major
  evacuations; it has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the
  International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
  Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and
  close proximity to human populations; Nevado del Ruiz (elev. 5,321
  m, 17,453 ft), 129 km (80 mi) west of Bogota, erupted in 1985
  producing lahars that killed 23,000 people; the volcano last erupted
  in 1991; additionally, after 500 years of dormancy, Nevado del Huila
  reawakened in 2007 and has experienced frequent eruptions since
  then; other historically active volcanoes include Cumbal, Dona
  Juana, Nevado del Tolima, and Purace

Comoros
  cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April);
  volcanic activity on Grand Comore
  volcanism: Karthala (elev. 2,361 m, 7,746 ft) on Grand Comore Island
  last erupted in 2007; a 2005 eruption forced thousands of people to
  be evacuated and produced a large ash cloud

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  periodic droughts in south; Congo
  River floods (seasonal); in the east, in the Great Rift Valley,
  there are active volcanoes
  volcanism: Nyiragongo (elev. 3,470 m, 11,384 ft), which erupted in
  2002 and is experiencing ongoing activity, poses a major threat to
  the city of Goma, home to a quarter of a million people; the volcano
  produces unusually fast-moving lava, known to travel up to 100 km
  (60 mi)/hr; Nyiragongo has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the
  International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
  Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and
  close proximity to human populations; its neighbor, Nyamuragira,
  which erupted in 2010, is Africa's most active volcano; Visoke is
  the only other historically active volcano

Congo, Republic of the
  seasonal flooding

Cook Islands
  typhoons (November to March)

Coral Sea Islands
  occasional tropical cyclones

Costa Rica
  occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast;
  frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and
  landslides; active volcanoes
  volcanism: Arenal (elev. 1,670 m, 5,479 ft), which erupted in 2010,
  is the most active volcano in Costa Rica; a 1968 eruption destroyed
  the town of Tabacon; Irazu (elev. 3,432 m, 11,260 ft), situated just
  east of San Jose, has the potential to spew ash over the capital
  city as it did between 1963 and 1965; other historically active
  volcanoes include Miravalles, Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, and Turrialba

Cote d'Ivoire
  coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during
  the rainy season torrential flooding is possible

Croatia
  destructive earthquakes

Cuba
  the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November
  (in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other
  year); droughts are common

Curacao
  Curacao is south of the Caribbean hurricane belt and is
  rarely threatened

Cyprus
  moderate earthquake activity; droughts

Czech Republic
  flooding

Denmark
  flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g.,
  parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland)
  that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes

Djibouti
  earthquakes; droughts; occasional cyclonic disturbances
  from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floods
  volcanism: Djibouti experiences limited volcanic activity; Ardoukoba
  (elev. 298 m, 978 ft) last erupted in 1978; Manda-Inakir, located
  along the Ethiopian border, is also historically active

Dominica
  flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes
  can be expected during the late summer months

Dominican Republic
  lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and
  subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding;
  periodic droughts

Ecuador
  frequent earthquakes; landslides; volcanic activity; floods;
  periodic droughts
  volcanism: Ecuador experiences volcanic activity in the Andes
  Mountains; Sangay (elev. 5,230 m, 17,159 ft), which erupted in 2010,
  is mainland Ecuador's most active volcano; other historically active
  volcanoes in the Andes include Antisana, Cayambe, Chacana, Cotopaxi,
  Guagua Pichincha, Reventador, Sumaco, and Tungurahua; Fernandina
  (elev. 1,476 m, 4,842 ft), a shield volcano that last erupted in
  2009, is the most active of the many Galapagos volcanoes; other
  historically active Galapagos volcanoes include Wolf, Sierra Negra,
  Cerro Azul, Pinta, Marchena, and Santiago

Egypt
  periodic droughts; frequent earthquakes; flash floods;
  landslides; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring;
  dust storms; sandstorms

El Salvador
  known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes
  destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity; extremely susceptible
  to hurricanes
  volcanism: El Salvador experiences significant volcanic activity;
  San Salvador (elev. 1,893 m, 6,211 ft), which last erupted in 1917,
  has the potential to cause major harm to the country's capital,
  which lies just below the volcano's slopes; San Miguel (elev. 2,130
  m, 6,988 ft), which last erupted in 2002, is one of the most active
  volcanoes in the country; other historically active volcanoes
  include Conchaguita, Ilopango, Izalco, and Santa Ana

Equatorial Guinea
  violent windstorms; flash floods
  volcanism: Santa Isabel (elev. 3,007 m, 9,865 ft), which last
  erupted in 1923, is the country's only historically active volcano;
  Santa Isabel, along with two dormant volcanoes, forms Bioko Island
  in the Gulf of Guinea

Eritrea
  frequent droughts; locust swarms
  volcanism: Dubbi (elev. 1,625 m, 5,331 ft), which last erupted in
  1861, is the country's only historically active volcano

Estonia
  sometimes flooding occurs in the spring

Ethiopia
  geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to
  earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts
  volcanism: Ethiopia experiences volcanic activity in the Great Rift
  Valley; Erta Ale (elev. 613 m, 2,011 ft), which has caused frequent
  lava flows in recent years, is the country's most active volcano;
  Dabbahu became active in 2005, causing evacuations; other
  historically active volcanoes include Alayta, Dalaffilla, Dallol,
  Dama Ali, Fentale, Kone, Manda Hararo, and Manda-Inakir

European Union
  flooding along coasts; avalanches in mountainous
  area; earthquakes in the south; volcanic eruptions in Italy;
  periodic droughts in Spain; ice floes in the Baltic

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  strong winds persist throughout
  the year

Faroe Islands
  NA

Fiji
  cyclonic storms can occur from November to January

Finland
  NA

France
  metropolitan France: flooding; avalanches; midwinter
  windstorms; drought; forest fires in south near the Mediterranean
  overseas departments: hurricanes (cyclones); flooding; volcanic
  activity (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion)

French Polynesia
  occasional cyclonic storms in January

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul
  are inactive volcanoes; Iles Eparses subject to periodic cyclones;
  Bassas da India is a maritime hazard since it is under water for a
  period of three hours prior to and following the high tide and
  surrounded by reefs
  volcanism: Reunion Island - Piton de la Fournaise (elev. 2,632 m,
  8,635 ft), which has erupted many times in recent years, including
  2010, is one of the world's most active volcanoes; although rare,
  eruptions outside the volcano's caldera could threaten nearby cities

Gabon
  NA

Gambia, The
  drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30
  years)

Gaza Strip
  droughts

Georgia
  earthquakes

Germany
  flooding

Ghana
  dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds occur from January to
  March; droughts

Gibraltar
  NA

Greece
  severe earthquakes
  volcanism: Santorini (elev. 367 m, 1,204 ft) has been deemed a
  "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and
  Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its
  explosive history and close proximity to human populations; although
  there have been very few eruptions in recent centuries, Methana and
  Nisyros in the Aegean are classified as historically active

Greenland
  continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the
  island

Grenada
  lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from
  June to November

Guam
  frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare but
  potentially destructive typhoons (June - December)

Guatemala
  numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent
  earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and
  other tropical storms
  volcanism: Guatemala experiences significant volcanic activity in
  the Sierra Madre range; Santa Maria (elev. 3,772 m, 12,375 ft) has
  been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of
  Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study
  due to its explosive history and close proximity to human
  populations; Pacaya (elev. 2,552 m, 8,373 ft), which erupted in May
  2010 causing an ashfall on Guatemala City and prompting evacuations,
  is one of the country's most active volcanoes; the volcano has
  frequently been in eruption since 1965; other historically active
  volcanoes include Acatenango, Almolonga, Atitlan, Fuego, and Tacana

Guernsey
  NA

Guinea
  hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during
  dry season

Guinea-Bissau
  hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility
  during dry season; brush fires

Guyana
  flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons

Haiti
  lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe
  storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes;
  periodic droughts

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is
  on Heard Island

Holy See (Vatican City)
  NA

Honduras
  frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes; extremely
  susceptible to damaging hurricanes and floods along the Caribbean
  coast

Hong Kong
  occasional typhoons

Iceland
  earthquakes and volcanic activity
  volcanism: Iceland, situated on top of a hotspot, experiences severe
  volcanic activity; Eyjafjallajokull (elev. 1,666 m, 5,466 ft)
  erupted in 2010, sending ash high into the atmosphere and seriously
  disrupting European air traffic; scientists continue to monitor
  nearby Katla (elev. 1,512 m, 4,961 ft), which has a high probability
  of eruption in the very near future, potentially disrupting air
  traffic; Grimsvotn and Hekla are Iceland's most frequently active
  volcanoes; other historically active volcanoes include Askja,
  Bardarbunga, Brennisteinsfjoll, Esjufjoll, Hengill, Krafla,
  Krisuvik, Kverkfjoll, Oraefajokull, Reykjanes, Torfajokull, and
  Vestmannaeyjar

India
  droughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive
  flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakes
  volcanism: Barren Island (elev. 354 m, 1,161 ft) in the Andaman Sea
  has been active in recent years

Indian Ocean
  occasional icebergs pose navigational hazard in
  southern reaches

Indonesia
  occasional floods; severe droughts; tsunamis; earthquakes;
  volcanoes; forest fires
  volcanism: Indonesia contains the most volcanoes of any country in
  the world - some 76 are historically active; significant volcanic
  activity occurs on Java, western Sumatra, the Sunda Islands,
  Halmahera Island, Sulawesi Island, Sangihe Island, and in the Banda
  Sea; Merapi (elev. 2,968 m, 9,737 ft), Indonesia's most active
  volcano and in eruption since 2010, has been deemed a "Decade
  Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and
  Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its
  explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other
  notable historically active volcanoes include Agung, Awu,
  Karangetang, Krakatau (Krakatoa), Makian, Raung, and Tambora

Iran
  periodic droughts, floods; dust storms, sandstorms; earthquakes

Iraq
  dust storms; sandstorms; floods

Ireland
  NA

Isle of Man
  NA

Israel
  sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; droughts;
  periodic earthquakes

Italy
  regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches,
  earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venice
  volcanism: Italy experiences significant volcanic activity; Etna
  (elev. 3,330 m, 10,925 ft), which is in eruption as of 2010, is
  Europe's most active volcano; flank eruptions pose a threat to
  nearby Sicilian villages; Etna, along with the famous Vesuvius,
  which remains a threat to the millions of nearby residents in the
  Bay of Naples area, have both been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the
  International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
  Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and
  close proximity to human populations; Stromboli, on its namesake
  island, has also been continuously active with moderate volcanic
  activity; other historically active volcanoes include Campi Flegrei,
  Ischia, Larderello, Pantelleria, Vulcano, and Vulsini

Jamaica
  hurricanes (especially July to November)

Jan Mayen
  dominated by the volcano Beerenberg
  volcanism: Beerenberg (elev. 2,227 m, 7,306 ft) is Norway's only
  active volcano; volcanic activity resumed in 1970; the most recent
  eruption occurred in 1985

Japan
  many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic
  occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis; typhoons
  volcanism: both Unzen (elev. 1,500 m, 4,621 ft) and Sakura-jima
  (elev. 1,117 m, 3,665 ft), which lies near the densely populated
  city of Kagoshima, have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the
  International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
  Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and
  close proximity to human populations; other notable historically
  active volcanoes include Asama, Honshu Island's most active volcano,
  Aso, Bandai, Fuji, Iwo-Jima, Kikai, Kirishima, Komaga-take, Oshima,
  Suwanosejima, Tokachi, Yake-dake, and Usu

Jersey
  NA

Jordan
  droughts; periodic earthquakes

Kazakhstan
  earthquakes in the south; mudslides around Almaty

Kenya
  recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasons
  volcanism: Kenya experiences limited volcanic activity; the Barrier
  (elev. 1,032 m, 3,385 ft) last erupted in 1921; South Island is the
  only other historically active volcano

Kiribati
  typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March;
  occasional tornadoes; low level of some of the islands make them
  sensitive to changes in sea level

Korea, North
  late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding;
  occasional typhoons during the early fall
  volcanism: Changbaishan (elev. 2,744 m, 9,003 ft) (also known as
  Baitoushan, Baegdu or P'aektu-san), on the Chinese border, is
  considered historically active

Korea, South
  occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods;
  low-level seismic activity common in southwest
  volcanism: Halla (elev. 1,950 m, 6,398 ft) is considered
  historically active although it has not erupted in many centuries

Kuwait
  sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring
  heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust
  storms occur throughout the year but are most common between March
  and August

Kyrgyzstan
  NA

Laos
  floods, droughts

Latvia
  NA

Lebanon
  dust storms, sandstorms

Lesotho
  periodic droughts

Liberia
  dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to
  March)

Libya
  hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to
  four days in spring and fall; dust storms, sandstorms

Liechtenstein
  NA

Lithuania
  NA

Luxembourg
  NA

Macau
  typhoons

Macedonia
  high seismic risks

Madagascar
  periodic cyclones; drought; and locust infestation
  volcanism: Madagascar's volcanoes have not erupted in historical
  times

Malawi
  NA

Malaysia
  flooding; landslides; forest fires

Maldives
  tsunamis; low elevation of islands makes them sensitive to
  sea level rise

Mali
  hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons;
  recurring droughts; occasional Niger River flooding

Malta
  NA

Marshall Islands
  infrequent typhoons

Mauritania
  hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in
  March and April; periodic droughts

Mauritius
  cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded
  by reefs that may pose maritime hazards

Mayotte
  cyclones during rainy season

Mexico
  tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive
  earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific,
  Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coasts
  volcanism: Mexico experiences volcanic activity in the
  central-southern part of the country; the volcanoes in Baja
  California are mostly dormant; Colima (elev. 3,850 m, 12,631 ft),
  which erupted in 2010, is Mexico's most active volcano and is
  responsible for causing periodic evacuations of nearby villagers; it
  has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association
  of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of
  study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human
  populations; Popocatepetl (elev. 5,426 m, 17,802 ft) poses a threat
  to Mexico City; other historically active volcanoes include Barcena,
  Ceboruco, El Chichon, Michoacan-Guanajuato, Pico de Orizaba, San
  Martin, Socorro, and Tacana

Micronesia, Federated States of
  typhoons (June to December)

Moldova
  landslides

Monaco
  NA

Mongolia
  dust storms; grassland and forest fires; drought; "zud,"
  which is harsh winter conditions

Montenegro
  destructive earthquakes

Montserrat
  severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions
  (Soufriere Hills volcano has erupted continuously since 1995)

Morocco
  northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to
  earthquakes; periodic droughts

Mozambique
  severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods in
  central and southern provinces

Namibia
  prolonged periods of drought

Nauru
  periodic droughts

Navassa Island
  hurricanes

Nepal
  severe thunderstorms; flooding; landslides; drought and famine
  depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer
  monsoons

Netherlands
  flooding

New Caledonia
  cyclones, most frequent from November to March
  volcanism: Matthew and Hunter Islands are historically active

New Zealand
  earthquakes are common, though usually not severe;
  volcanic activity
  volcanism: New Zealand experiences significant volcanism on North
  Island; Ruapehu (elev. 2,797 m, 9,177 ft), which last erupted in
  2007, has a history of large eruptions in the past century; Taranaki
  has the potential to produce dangerous avalanches and lahars; other
  historically active volcanoes include Okataina, Raoul Island,
  Tongariro, and White Island

Nicaragua
  destructive earthquakes; volcanoes; landslides; extremely
  susceptible to hurricanes
  volcanism: Nicaragua experiences significant volcanic activity;
  Cerro Negro (elev. 728 m, 2,388 ft), which last erupted in 1999, is
  one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes; its lava flows and ash
  have been known to cause significant damage to farmland and
  buildings; other historically active volcanoes include Concepcion,
  Cosiguina, Las Pilas, Masaya, Momotombo, San Cristobal, and Telica

Niger
  recurring droughts

Nigeria
  periodic droughts; flooding

Niue
  typhoons

Norfolk Island
  typhoons (especially May to July)

Northern Mariana Islands
  active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan;
  typhoons (especially August to November)

Norway
  rockslides, avalanches
  volcanism: Beerenberg (elev. 2,227 m, 7,306 ft) on Jan Mayen Island
  in the Norwegian Sea is the country's only active volcano

Oman
  summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in
  interior; periodic droughts

Pacific Ocean
  surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and
  earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the "Pacific Ring of
  Fire"; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east
  Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October);
  tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike
  Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in
  August and September); cyclical El Nino/La Nina phenomenon occurs in
  the equatorial Pacific, influencing weather in the Western
  Hemisphere and the western Pacific; ships subject to superstructure
  icing in extreme north from October to May; persistent fog in the
  northern Pacific can be a maritime hazard from June to December

Pakistan
  frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in
  north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and
  August)

Palau
  typhoons (June to December)

Panama
  occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area

Papua New Guinea
  active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Ring
  of Fire"; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe
  earthquakes; mud slides; tsunamis
  volcanism: Papua New Guinea experiences severe volcanic activity;
  Ulawun (elev. 2,334 m, 7,657 ft), one of Papua New Guinea's
  potentially most dangerous volcanoes, has been deemed a "Decade
  Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and
  Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its
  explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Rabaul
  (elev. 688 m, 2,257 ft) destroyed the city of Rabaul in 1937 and
  1994; Lamington erupted in 1951 killing 3,000 people; Manam's 2004
  eruption forced the island's abandonment; other historically active
  volcanoes include Bam, Bagana, Garbuna, Karkar, Langila, Lolobau,
  Long Island, Pago, St. Andrew Strait, Victory, and Waiowa

Paracel Islands
  typhoons

Paraguay
  local flooding in southeast (early September to June);
  poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

Peru
  earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild volcanic
  activity
  volcanism: Peru experiences volcanic activity in the Andes
  Mountains; Ubinas (elev. 5,672 m, 18,609 ft), which last erupted in
  2009, is the country's most active volcano; other historically
  active volcanoes include El Misti, Huaynaputina, Sabancaya, and
  Yucamane

Philippines
  astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck
  by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active
  volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis
  volcanism: the Philippines experience significant volcanic activity;
  Taal (elev. 311 m, 1,020 ft), which has shown recent unrest and may
  erupt in the near future, has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the
  International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
  Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and
  close proximity to human populations; Mayon (elev. 2,462 m, 8,077
  ft), the country's most active volcano, erupted in 2009 forcing over
  33,000 to be evacuated; other historically active volcanoes include
  Biliran, Babuyan Claro, Bulusan, Camiguin, Camiguin de Babuyanes,
  Didicas, Iraya, Jolo, Kanlaon, Makaturing, Musuan, Parker, Pinatubo
  and Ragang

Pitcairn Islands
  typhoons (especially November to March)

Poland
  flooding

Portugal
  Azores subject to severe earthquakes
  volcanism: Portugal experiences limited volcanic activity in the
  Azores Islands; Fayal or Faial (elev. 1,043 m, 3,422 ft) last
  erupted in 1958; most volcanoes have not erupted in centuries;
  historically active volcanoes include Agua de Pau, Furnas, Pico,
  Picos Volcanic System, San Jorge, Sete Cidades, and Terceira

Puerto Rico
  periodic droughts; hurricanes

Qatar
  haze, dust storms, sandstorms common

Romania
  earthquakes, most severe in south and southwest; geologic
  structure and climate promote landslides

Russia
  permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to
  development; volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands; volcanoes and
  earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula; spring floods and
  summer/autumn forest fires throughout Siberia and parts of European
  Russia
  volcanism: Russia experiences significant volcanic activity on the
  Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands; the peninsula alone is home
  to some 29 historically active volcanoes, with dozens more in the
  Kuril Islands; Kliuchevskoi (elev. 4,835 m, 15,863 ft), which
  erupted in 2007 and 2010, is Kamchatka's most active volcano;
  Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes, which pose a threat to the city
  of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by
  the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
  Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and
  close proximity to human populations; other notable historically
  active volcanoes include Bezymianny, Chikurachki, Ebeko, Gorely,
  Grozny, Karymsky, Ketoi, Kronotsky, Ksudach, Medvezhia, Mutnovsky,
  Sarychev Peak, Shiveluch, Tiatia, Tolbachik, and Zheltovsky

Rwanda
  periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the
  northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo
  volcanism: Visoke (elev. 3,711 m, 12,175 ft), located on the border
  with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the country's only
  historically active volcano

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  active volcanism on
  Tristan da Cunha
  volcanism: the island volcanoes of Tristan da Cunha (elev. 2,060 m,
  6,758 ft) and Nightingale Island (elev. 365 m, 1,197 ft) experience
  volcanic activity; Tristan da Cunha erupted in 1962 and Nightingale
  in 2004

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  hurricanes (July to October)

Saint Lucia
  hurricanes; volcanic activity

Saint Martin
  subject to hurricanes from July to November

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  persistent fog throughout the year can be
  a maritime hazard

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on
  the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat

Samoa
  occasional typhoons; active volcanism
  volcanism: Savai'I Island (elev. 1,858 m, 6,096 ft), which last
  erupted in 1911, is historically active

San Marino
  NA

Sao Tome and Principe
  NA

Saudi Arabia
  frequent sand and dust storms
  volcanism: Despite Saudi Arabia's many volcanic formations, there
  has been little activity in the past few centuries; volcanoes
  include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar

Senegal
  lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts

Serbia
  destructive earthquakes

Seychelles
  lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare;
  short droughts possible

Sierra Leone
  dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara
  (December to February); sandstorms, dust storms

Singapore
  NA

Sint Maarten
  subject to hurricanes from July to November

Slovakia
  NA

Slovenia
  flooding; earthquakes

Solomon Islands
  typhoons, but rarely destructive; geologically
  active region with frequent earthquakes, tremors, and volcanic
  activity; tsunamis
  volcanism: Tinakula (elev. 851 m, 2,792 ft) has frequent eruption
  activity, while an eruption of Savo (elev. 485 m, 1,591 ft) could
  affect the capital Honiara on nearby Guadalcanal

Somalia
  recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains
  in summer; floods during rainy season

South Africa
  prolonged droughts
  volcanism: the volcano forming Marion Island in the Prince Edward
  Islands, which last erupted in 2004, is South Africa's only active
  volcano

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  the South Sandwich Islands
  have prevailing weather conditions that generally make them
  difficult to approach by ship; they are also subject to active
  volcanism

Southern Ocean
  huge icebergs with drafts up to several hundred
  meters; smaller bergs and iceberg fragments; sea ice (generally 0.5
  to 1 m thick) with sometimes dynamic short-term variations and with
  large annual and interannual variations; deep continental shelf
  floored by glacial deposits varying widely over short distances;
  high winds and large waves much of the year; ship icing, especially
  May-October; most of region is remote from sources of search and
  rescue

Spain
  periodic droughts, occasional flooding
  volcanism: Spain experiences volcanic activity in the Canary
  Islands, located off Africa's northwest coast; Teide (elev. 3,715 m,
  12,188 ft) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International
  Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior,
  worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to
  human populations; La Palma (elev. 2,426 m, 7,959 ft), which last
  erupted in 1971, is the most active of the Canary Islands volcanoes;
  Lanzarote is the only other historically active volcano

Spratly Islands
  typhoons; numerous reefs and shoals pose a serious
  maritime hazard

Sri Lanka
  occasional cyclones and tornadoes

Sudan
  dust storms and periodic persistent droughts

Suriname
  NA

Svalbard
  ice floes often block the entrance to Bellsund (a transit
  point for coal export) on the west coast and occasionally make parts
  of the northeastern coast inaccessible to maritime traffic

Swaziland
  drought

Sweden
  ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf
  of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic

Switzerland
  avalanches, landslides; flash floods

Syria
  dust storms, sandstorms
  volcanism: Syria's two historically active volcanoes, Es Safa and an
  unnamed volcano near the Turkish border have not erupted in centuries

Taiwan
  earthquakes; typhoons
  volcanism: Kueishantao Island (elev. 401 m, 1,316 ft), east of
  Taiwan, is its only historically active volcano, although it has not
  erupted in centuries

Tajikistan
  earthquakes; floods

Tanzania
  flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season;
  drought
  volcanism: Tanzania experiences limited volcanic activity; Ol Doinyo
  Lengai (elev. 2,962 m, 9,718 ft) has emitted lava in recent years;
  other historically active volcanoes include Kieyo and Meru

Thailand
  land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the
  depletion of the water table; droughts

Timor-Leste
  floods and landslides are common; earthquakes; tsunamis;
  tropical cyclones

Togo
  hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during
  winter; periodic droughts

Tokelau
  lies in Pacific typhoon belt

Tonga
  cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity
  on Fonuafo'ou
  volcanism: the Tonga Islands experience volcanic activity; Fonualei
  (elev. 180 m, 591 ft) has shown frequent activity in recent years,
  while Niuafo'ou (elev. 260 m, 853 ft), which last erupted in 1985,
  has forced evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include
  Late and Tofua

Trinidad and Tobago
  outside usual path of hurricanes and other
  tropical storms

Tunisia
  NA

Turkey
  severe earthquakes, especially in northern Turkey, along an
  arc extending from the Sea of Marmara to Lake Van
  volcanism: Turkey experiences little volcanic activity; its three
  historically active volcanoes; Ararat, Nemrut Dagi, and Tendurek
  Dagi have not erupted since the 19th century or earlier

Turkmenistan
  NA

Turks and Caicos Islands
  frequent hurricanes

Tuvalu
  severe tropical storms are usually rare, but in 1997 there
  were three cyclones; low level of islands make them sensitive to
  changes in sea level

Uganda
  NA

Ukraine
  NA

United Arab Emirates
  frequent sand and dust storms

United Kingdom
  winter windstorms; floods

United States
  tsunamis; volcanoes; earthquake activity around
  Pacific Basin; hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
  coasts; tornadoes in the Midwest and Southeast; mud slides in
  California; forest fires in the west; flooding; permafrost in
  northern Alaska, a major impediment to development
  volcanism: the United States experiences volcanic activity in the
  Hawaiian Islands, Western Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and in the
  Northern Mariana Islands; both Mauna Loa (elev. 4,170 m, 13,678 ft)
  in Hawaii and Mount Rainier (elev. 4,392 m, 14,409 ft) in Washington
  have been deemed "Decade Volcanoes" by the International Association
  of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of
  study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human
  populations; Pavlof (elev. 2,519 m, 8,264 ft) is the most active
  volcano in Alaska's Aleutian Arc and poses a significant threat to
  air travel since the area constitutes a major flight path between
  North America and East Asia; St. Helens (elev. 2,549 m, 8,363 ft),
  famous for the devastating 1980 eruption, remains active today;
  numerous other historically active volcanoes exist, mostly
  concentrated in the Aleutian arc and Hawaii; they include: in
  Alaska: Aniakchak, Augustine, Chiginagak, Fourpeaked, Iliamna,
  Katmai, Kupreanof, Martin, Novarupta, Redoubt, Spurr, Wrangell; in
  Hawaii: Trident, Ugashik-Peulik, Ukinrek Maars, Veniaminof; in the
  Northern Mariana Islands: Anatahan; and in the Pacific Northwest:
  Mount Baker, Mount Hood

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  Baker, Howland, and
  Jarvis Islands: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can
  be a maritime hazard
  Kingman Reef: wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of
  less than 2 m makes Kingman Reef a maritime hazard
  Midway Islands, Johnston, and Palmyra Atolls: NA

Uruguay
  seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and
  occasional violent wind that blows north from the Argentine pampas),
  droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains, which act as
  weather barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid
  changes from weather fronts

Uzbekistan
  NA

Vanuatu
  tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanic
  eruption on Aoba (Ambae) island began on 27 November 2005, volcanism
  also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis
  volcanism: Vanuatu experiences significant volcanic activity, with
  many volcanoes erupting in recent years; Yasur (elev. 361 m, 1,184
  ft), one of the world's most active volcanoes, has experienced
  continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active
  volcanoes include, Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi,
  Suretamatai, and Traitor's Head

Venezuela
  subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts

Vietnam
  occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive
  flooding, especially in the Mekong River delta

Virgin Islands
  several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and
  severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes

Wake Island
  occasional typhoons

Wallis and Futuna
  NA

West Bank
  droughts

Western Sahara
  hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur
  during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of
  time, often severely restricting visibility

World
  large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones);
  natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic
  eruptions)
  volcanism: the world is home to more than 1,500 potentially active
  volcanoes, with over 500 of these having erupted in historical
  times; an estimated 500 million people live near these volcanoes;
  associated dangers include lava flows, lahars (mudflows),
  pyroclastic flows, ash clouds, ash fall, ballistic projectiles, gas
  emissions, landslides, earthquakes, and tsunamis; in the 1990s, the
  International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the
  Earth's Interior, created a list of 16 volcanoes worthy of special
  study because of their great potential for destruction:
  Avachinsky-Koryaksky (Russia), Colima (Mexico), Etna (Italy),
  Galeras (Colombia), Mauna Loa (United States), Merapi (Indonesia),
  Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Rainier (United
  States), Sakurajima (Japan), Santa Maria (Guatemala), Santorini
  (Greece), Taal (Philippines), Teide (Spain), Ulawun (Papua New
  Guinea), Unzen (Japan), Vesuvius (Italy)

Yemen
  sandstorms and dust storms in summer
  volcanism: Yemen experiences limited volcanic activity; Jebel at
  Tair (Jabal al-Tair, Jebel Teir, Jabal al-Tayr, Jazirat at-Tair)
  (elev. 244 m, 801 ft), which forms an island in the Red Sea, erupted
  in 2007 after awakening from dormancy; other historically active
  volcanoes include Harra of Arhab, Harras of Dhamar, Harra es-Sawad,
  and Jebel Zubair, although many of these have not erupted in over a
  century

Zambia
  periodic drought; tropical storms (November to April)

Zimbabwe
  recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare

======================================================================

@2022

Field Listing :: People - note

This entry includes miscellaneous demographic information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

People - note

Cook Islands
  2001 census counted a resident population of 15,017

Cuba
  illicit emigration is a continuing problem; Cubans attempt to
  depart the island and enter the US using homemade rafts, alien
  smugglers, direct flights, or falsified visas; Cubans also use
  non-maritime routes to enter the US including direct flights to
  Miami and over-land via the southwest border

Germany
  second most populous country in Europe after Russia

Papua New Guinea
  the indigenous population of Papua New Guinea is
  one of the most heterogeneous in the world; PNG has several thousand
  separate communities, most with only a few hundred people; divided
  by language, customs, and tradition, some of these communities have
  engaged in low-scale tribal conflict with their neighbors for
  millennia; the advent of modern weapons and modern migrants into
  urban areas has greatly magnified the impact of this lawlessness

Rwanda
  Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa

Trinidad and Tobago
  in 2007, the government of Trinidad and Tobago
  estimated the population to be 1.3 million

Turks and Caicos Islands
  destination and transit point for illegal
  Haitian immigrants bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands, The
  Bahamas, and the US

======================================================================

@2023

Field Listing :: Area - comparative

This entry provides an area comparison based on total area equivalents. Most entities are compared with the entire US or one of the 50 states based on area measurements (1990 revised) provided by the US Bureau of the Census. The smaller entities are compared with Washington, DC (178 sq km, 69 sq mi) or The Mall in Washington, DC (0.59 sq km, 0.23 sq mi, 146 acres). Country

Area - comparative(sq km)

Afghanistan
  slightly smaller than Texas

Akrotiri
  about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Albania
  slightly smaller than Maryland

Algeria
  slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas

American Samoa
  slightly larger than Washington, DC

Andorra
  2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Angola
  slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Anguilla
  about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Antarctica
  slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Antigua and Barbuda
  2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Arctic Ocean
  slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Argentina
  slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US

Armenia
  slightly smaller than Maryland

Aruba
  slightly larger than Washington, DC

Ashmore and Cartier Islands about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Atlantic Ocean
  slightly less than 6.5 times the size of the US

Australia
  slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states

Austria
  slightly smaller than Maine

Azerbaijan
  slightly smaller than Maine

Bahamas, The
  slightly smaller than Connecticut

Bahrain
  3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Bangladesh
  slightly smaller than Iowa

Barbados
  2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Belarus
  slightly smaller than Kansas

Belgium
  about the size of Maryland

Belize
  slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Benin
  slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Bermuda
  about one-third the size of Washington, DC

Bhutan
  about one-half the size of Indiana

Bolivia
  slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  slightly smaller than West Virginia

Botswana
  slightly smaller than Texas

Bouvet Island
  about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Brazil
  slightly smaller than the US

British Indian Ocean Territory land area is about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

British Virgin Islands
  about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Brunei
  slightly smaller than Delaware

Bulgaria
  slightly larger than Tennessee

Burkina Faso
  slightly larger than Colorado

Burma
  slightly smaller than Texas

Burundi
  slightly smaller than Maryland

Cambodia
  slightly smaller than Oklahoma

Cameroon
  slightly larger than California

Canada
  slightly larger than the US

Cape Verde
  slightly larger than Rhode Island

Cayman Islands
  1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Central African Republic
  slightly smaller than Texas

Chad
  slightly more than three times the size of California

Chile
  slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

China
  slightly smaller than the US

Christmas Island
  about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC

Clipperton Island
  about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington,
  DC

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  about 24 times the size of The Mall in
  Washington, DC

Colombia
  slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Comoros
  slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC

Congo, Democratic Republic of the slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US

Congo, Republic of the
  slightly smaller than Montana

Cook Islands
  1.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Coral Sea Islands
  NA

Costa Rica
  slightly smaller than West Virginia

Cote d'Ivoire
  slightly larger than New Mexico

Croatia
  slightly smaller than West Virginia

Cuba
  slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Curacao
  more than two times the size of Washington, DC

Cyprus
  about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut

Czech Republic
  slightly smaller than South Carolina

Denmark
  slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts

Dhekelia
  about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC

Djibouti
  slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Dominica
  slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

Dominican Republic
  slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire

Ecuador
  slightly smaller than Nevada

Egypt
  slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico

El Salvador
  slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Equatorial Guinea
  slightly smaller than Maryland

Eritrea
  slightly larger than Pennsylvania

Estonia
  slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined

Ethiopia
  slightly less than twice the size of Texas

European Union
  less than one-half the size of the US

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  slightly smaller than Connecticut

Faroe Islands
  eight times the size of Washington, DC

Fiji
  slightly smaller than New Jersey

Finland
  slightly smaller than Montana

France
  slightly less than the size of Texas

French Polynesia
  slightly less than one-third the size of Connecticut

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
  Ile Saint-Paul): less than one-half the size of Washington, DC
  Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): more than 10 times
  the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
  Iles Crozet: about twice the size of Washington, DC
  Iles Kerguelen: slightly larger than Delaware
  Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): land area about one-third the size
  of The Mall in Washington, DC
  Europa Island (Iles Eparses): about one-sixth the size of
  Washington, DC
  Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): about eight times the size of The
  Mall in Washington, DC
  Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): about seven times the size of
  The Mall in Washington, DC
  Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): about 1.7 times the size of The Mall
  in Washington, DC

Gabon
  slightly smaller than Colorado

Gambia, The
  slightly less than twice the size of Delaware

Gaza Strip
  slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Georgia
  slightly smaller than South Carolina

Germany
  slightly smaller than Montana

Ghana
  slightly smaller than Oregon

Gibraltar
  more than 10 times the size of The National Mall in
  Washington, D.C.

Greece
  slightly smaller than Alabama

Greenland
  slightly more than three times the size of Texas

Grenada
  twice the size of Washington, DC

Guam
  three times the size of Washington, DC

Guatemala
  slightly smaller than Tennessee

Guernsey
  about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Guinea
  slightly smaller than Oregon

Guinea-Bissau
  slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Guyana
  slightly smaller than Idaho

Haiti
  slightly smaller than Maryland

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  slightly more than two times the
  size of Washington, DC

Holy See (Vatican City)
  about 0.7 times the size of The National
  Mall in Washington, DC

Honduras
  slightly larger than Tennessee

Hong Kong
  six times the size of Washington, DC

Hungary
  slightly smaller than Indiana

Iceland
  slightly smaller than Kentucky

India
  slightly more than one-third the size of the US

Indian Ocean
  about 5.5 times the size of the US

Indonesia
  slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Iran
  slightly smaller than Alaska

Iraq
  slightly more than twice the size of Idaho

Ireland
  slightly larger than West Virginia

Isle of Man
  slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC

Israel
  slightly smaller than New Jersey

Italy
  slightly larger than Arizona

Jamaica
  slightly smaller than Connecticut

Jan Mayen
  slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Japan
  slightly smaller than California

Jersey
  about two-thirds the size of Washington, DC

Jordan
  slightly smaller than Indiana

Kazakhstan
  slightly less than four times the size of Texas

Kenya
  slightly more than twice the size of Nevada

Kiribati
  four times the size of Washington, DC

Korea, North
  slightly smaller than Mississippi

Korea, South
  slightly larger than Indiana

Kosovo
  slightly larger than Delaware

Kuwait
  slightly smaller than New Jersey

Kyrgyzstan
  slightly smaller than South Dakota

Laos
  slightly larger than Utah

Latvia
  slightly larger than West Virginia

Lebanon
  about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut

Lesotho
  slightly smaller than Maryland

Liberia
  slightly larger than Tennessee

Libya
  slightly larger than Alaska

Liechtenstein
  about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Lithuania
  slightly larger than West Virginia

Luxembourg
  slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Macau
  less than one-sixth the size of Washington, DC

Macedonia
  slightly larger than Vermont

Madagascar
  slightly less than twice the size of Arizona

Malawi
  slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Malaysia
  slightly larger than New Mexico

Maldives
  about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Mali
  slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Malta
  slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Marshall Islands
  about the size of Washington, DC

Mauritania
  slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico

Mauritius
  almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC

Mayotte
  slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Mexico
  slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Micronesia, Federated States of
  four times the size of Washington,
  DC (land area only)

Moldova
  slightly larger than Maryland

Monaco
  about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Mongolia
  slightly smaller than Alaska

Montenegro
  slightly smaller than Connecticut

Montserrat
  about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Morocco
  slightly larger than California

Mozambique
  slightly less than twice the size of California

Namibia
  slightly more than half the size of Alaska

Nauru
  about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Navassa Island
  about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington,
  DC

Nepal
  slightly larger than Arkansas

Netherlands
  slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

New Caledonia
  slightly smaller than New Jersey

New Zealand
  about the size of Colorado

Nicaragua
  slightly smaller than New York state

Niger
  slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Nigeria
  slightly more than twice the size of California

Niue
  1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Norfolk Island
  about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Northern Mariana Islands
  2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Norway
  slightly larger than New Mexico

Oman
  slightly smaller than Kansas

Pacific Ocean
  about 15 times the size of the US; covers about 28% of
  the global surface; almost equal to the total land area of the world

Pakistan
  slightly less than twice the size of California

Palau
  slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Panama
  slightly smaller than South Carolina

Papua New Guinea
  slightly larger than California

Paracel Islands
  NA

Paraguay
  slightly smaller than California

Peru
  slightly smaller than Alaska

Philippines
  slightly larger than Arizona

Pitcairn Islands
  about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Poland
  slightly smaller than New Mexico

Portugal
  slightly smaller than Indiana

Puerto Rico
  slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island

Qatar
  slightly smaller than Connecticut

Romania
  slightly smaller than Oregon

Russia
  approximately 1.8 times the size of the US

Rwanda
  slightly smaller than Maryland

Saint Barthelemy
  less than an eighth of the size of Washington, DC

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Lucia
  3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Martin
  more than one-third the size of Washington, DC

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  twice the size of Washington, DC

Samoa
  slightly smaller than Rhode Island

San Marino
  about one third times the size of Washington, DC

Sao Tome and Principe
  more than five times the size of Washington, DC

Saudi Arabia
  slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US

Senegal
  slightly smaller than South Dakota

Serbia
  slightly smaller than South Carolina

Seychelles
  2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Sierra Leone
  slightly smaller than South Carolina

Singapore
  slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Sint Maarten
  one-fifth the size of Washington, DC

Slovakia
  about twice the size of New Hampshire

Slovenia
  slightly smaller than New Jersey

Solomon Islands
  slightly smaller than Maryland

Somalia
  slightly smaller than Texas

South Africa
  slightly less than twice the size of Texas

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  slightly larger than Rhode
  Island

Southern Ocean
  slightly more than twice the size of the US

Spain
  slightly more than twice the size of Oregon

Spratly Islands
  NA

Sri Lanka
  slightly larger than West Virginia

Sudan
  slightly more than one-quarter the size of the US

Suriname
  slightly larger than Georgia

Svalbard
  slightly smaller than West Virginia

Swaziland
  slightly smaller than New Jersey

Sweden
  slightly larger than California

Switzerland
  slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Syria
  slightly larger than North Dakota

Taiwan
  slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined

Tajikistan
  slightly smaller than Wisconsin

Tanzania
  slightly larger than twice the size of California

Thailand
  slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

Timor-Leste
  slightly larger than Connecticut

Togo
  slightly smaller than West Virginia

Tokelau
  about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Tonga
  four times the size of Washington, DC

Trinidad and Tobago
  slightly smaller than Delaware

Tunisia
  slightly larger than Georgia

Turkey
  slightly larger than Texas

Turkmenistan
  slightly larger than California

Turks and Caicos Islands
  2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Tuvalu
  0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Uganda
  slightly smaller than Oregon

Ukraine
  slightly smaller than Texas

United Arab Emirates
  slightly smaller than Maine

United Kingdom
  slightly smaller than Oregon

United States
  about half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the
  size of Africa; about half the size of South America (or slightly
  larger than Brazil); slightly larger than China; more than twice the
  size of the European Union

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  Baker Island: about
  two and a half times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
  Howland Island: about three times the size of The Mall in
  Washington, DC
  Jarvis Island: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington,
  DC
  Johnston Atoll: about four and a half times the size of The Mall in
  Washington, DC
  Kingman Reef: a little more than one and a half times the size of
  The Mall in Washington, DC
  Midway Islands: about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington,
  DC
  Palmyra Atoll: about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Uruguay
  slightly smaller than the state of Washington

Uzbekistan
  slightly larger than California

Vanuatu
  slightly larger than Connecticut

Venezuela
  slightly more than twice the size of California

Vietnam
  slightly larger than New Mexico

Virgin Islands
  twice the size of Washington, DC

Wake Island
  about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Wallis and Futuna
  1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

West Bank
  slightly smaller than Delaware

Western Sahara
  about the size of Colorado

World
  land area about 16 times the size of the US
  top fifteen World Factbook entities ranked by size: Pacific Ocean
  155.557 million sq km; Atlantic Ocean 76.762 million sq km; Indian
  Ocean 68.556 million sq km; Southern Ocean 20.327 million sq km;
  Russia 17,098,242 sq km; Arctic Ocean 14.056 million sq km;
  Antarctica 14 million sq km; Canada 9,984,670 sq km; United States
  9,826,675 sq km; China 9,596,961 sq km; Brazil 8,514,877 sq km;
  Australia 7,741,220 sq km; European Union 4,324,782 sq km; India
  3,287,263 sq km; Argentina 2,780,400 sq km
  top ten largest islands: Greenland 2,166,086 sq km; New Guinea
  (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea) 785,753 sq km; Borneo (Brunei,
  Indonesia, Malaysia) 751,929 sq km; Madagascar 587,713 sq km; Baffin
  Island (Canada) 507,451 sq km; Sumatra (Indonesia) 472,784 sq km;
  Honshu (Japan) 227,963 sq km; Victoria Island (Canada) 217,291 sq
  km; Great Britain (United Kingdom) 209,331 sq km; Ellesmere Island
  (Canada) 196,236 sq km

Yemen
  slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming

Zambia
  slightly larger than Texas

Zimbabwe
  slightly larger than Montana

======================================================================

@2024

Field Listing :: Military service age and obligation

This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation. Country

Military service age and obligation(years of age)

Afghanistan
  22 years of age; inductees are contracted into service
  for a 4-year term (2005)

Albania
  19 years of age (2004)

Algeria
  19-30 years of age for compulsory military service;
  conscript service obligation - 18 months (6 months basic training,
  12 months civil projects) (2006)

Angola
  20-45 years of age for compulsory and 18-45 years for
  voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years;
  Angolan citizenship required; minimum age for women volunteers is
  20; the MGA is entirely staffed with volunteers (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda
  18 years of age for voluntary military service;
  no conscription (2010)

Argentina
  18-24 years of age for voluntary military service (18-21
  requires parental permission); no conscription (2001)

Armenia
  18-27 years of age for voluntary or compulsory military
  service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2010)

Australia
  17 years of age for voluntary military service (with
  parental consent); no conscription; women allowed to serve in Army
  combat units in non-combat support roles (2010)

Austria
  18-35 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years
  of age for male or female voluntary service; service obligation 6
  months of training, followed by an 8-year reserve obligation;
  conscripts cannot be deployed in military operations outside Austria
  (2009)

Azerbaijan
  men between 18 and 35 are liable for military service; 18
  years of age for voluntary military service; length of military
  service is 18 months and 12 months for university graduates (2006)

Bahamas, The
  18 years of age; no conscription (2010)

Bahrain
  17 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of
  age for NCOs, technicians, and cadets; no conscription (2010)

Bangladesh
  16 years of age for voluntary enlisted military service
  (Air Force); 17 years of age (Army and Navy); conscription is by law
  possible in times of emergency, but has never been implemented (2010)

Barbados
  18 years of age for voluntary military service (younger
  volunteers require parental consent); no conscription (2009)

Belarus
  18-27 years of age for compulsory military service;
  conscript service obligation - 12-18 months, depending on academic
  qualifications (2010)

Belgium
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription
  suspended (2010)

Belize
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow
  for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient; conscription
  has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available
  positions by 3:1 (2008)

Benin
  21 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service;
  in practice, volunteers may be taken at the age of 18; both sexes
  are eligible for military service; conscript tour of duty - 18
  months (2006)

Bermuda
  18-30 years of age for voluntary or compulsory enlistment in
  the Bermuda Regiment; males must register at age 18; term of service
  is 38 months (2009)

Bhutan
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2010)

Bolivia
  18-49 years of age for 12-month compulsory military service;
  when annual number of volunteers falls short of goal, compulsory
  recruitment is effected, including conscription of boys as young as
  14; 15-19 years of age for voluntary premilitary service, provides
  exemption from further military service (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  18 years of age for voluntary military
  service; conscription abolished in January 2006; 4-month service
  obligation; mandatory retirement at age 35 or after 15 years of
  service (2010)

Botswana
  18 is the apparent age of voluntary military service;
  official minimum age is unknown (2001)

Brazil
  21-45 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript
  service obligation - 9 to 12 months; 17-45 years of age for
  voluntary service; an increasing percentage of the ranks are
  "long-service" volunteer professionals; women were allowed to serve
  in the armed forces beginning in early 1980s when the Brazilian Army
  became the first army in South America to accept women into career
  ranks; women serve in Navy and Air Force only in Women's Reserve
  Corps (2001)

Brunei
  18 years of age (est.) for voluntary military service;
  non-Malays are ineligible to serve (2007)

Bulgaria
  18-27 years of age for voluntary military service;
  conscription ended in January 2008; service obligation 6-9 months
  (2010)

Burkina Faso
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; women
  may serve in supporting roles (2009)

Burma
  18-35 years of age (men) and 18-27 years of age (women) for
  compulsory military service; service obligation 2 years; male (ages
  18-45) and female (ages 18-35) professionals (including doctors,
  engineers, mechanics) serve up to 3 years; service terms may be
  streched to 5 years in an officially declared emergency; forced
  conscription of children, although officially prohibited, reportedly
  continues (2011)

Burundi
  military service is voluntary; the armed forces law of 31
  December 2004 did not specify a minimum age for enlistment, but the
  government had previously said each recruit must have a primary
  school-leaving certificate; mandatory retirement age 45 (enlisted),
  50 (NCOs), and 55 (officers) (2010)

Cambodia
  conscription law of October 2006 requires all males between
  18-30 to register for military service; 18-month service obligation
  (2006)

Cameroon
  18-23 years of age for male and female voluntary military
  service; no conscription; high school graduation required; service
  obligation 4 years; the government makes periodic calls for
  volunteers (2010)

Canada
  17 years of age for male and female voluntary military
  service (with parental consent); 16 years of age for reserve and
  military college applicants; Canadian citizenship or permanent
  residence status required; maximum 34 years of age; service
  obligation 3-9 years (2008)

Cape Verde
  18 years of age (est.) for selective compulsory military
  service; 14-month conscript service obligation (2006)

Central African Republic
  18 years of age for selective military
  service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2010)

Chad
  20 years of age for conscripts, with 3-year service obligation;
  18 years of age for volunteers; no minimum age restriction for
  volunteers with consent from a guardian; women are subject to 1 year
  of compulsory military or civic service at age of 21 (2004)

Chile
  18-45 years of age for voluntary male and female military
  service, although the right to compulsory recruitment is retained;
  service obligation - 12 months for Army, 22 months for Navy and Air
  Force (2008)

China
  18-22 years of age for selective compulsory military service,
  with 24-month service obligation; no minimum age for voluntary
  service (all officers are volunteers); 18-19 years of age for women
  high school graduates who meet requirements for specific military
  jobs; in 2010, a decision was made to allow women in combat roles
  (2010)

Colombia
  18-24 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
  service; service obligation - 18 months (2004)

Comoros
  18 years of age for 2-year voluntary military service; no
  conscription; women first inducted into the Army in 2004 (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  18-45 years of age for voluntary
  military service (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
  18 years of age for voluntary military
  service; women allowed to serve (2007)

Cote d'Ivoire
  18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary male
  and female military service; voluntary recruitment of former rebels
  into the new national army is restricted to ages 22-29 (2010)

Croatia
  18-27 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years
  of age with consent for voluntary service; 6-month conscript service
  obligation; full conversion to voluntary military service by 2010
  (2006)

Cuba
  17-28 years of age for compulsory military service; 2-year
  service obligation; both sexes subject to military service (2006)

Curacao
  no conscription (2010)

Cyprus
  Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG): 18-50 years of age for
  compulsory military service for all Greek Cypriot males; 17 years of
  age for voluntary service; women may volunteer for a 3-year term;
  length of normal service is 25 months (2009)

Czech Republic
  18-28 years of age for male and female voluntary
  military service; no conscription (2010)

Denmark
  18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
  service; conscripts serve an initial training period that varies
  from 4 to 12 months according to specialization; reservists are
  assigned to mobilization units following completion of their
  conscript service; women eligible to volunteer for military service
  (2004)

Djibouti
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; 16-25 years
  of age for voluntary military training; no conscription (2008)

Dominican Republic
  16-21 years of age for compulsory military
  service; recruits must be Dominican Republic citizens; women may
  volunteer (2010)

Ecuador
  20 years of age for selective conscript military service;
  12-month service obligation (2008)

Egypt
  18-30 years of age for male conscript military service;
  service obligation 12-36 months, followed by a 9-year reserve
  obligation (2008)

El Salvador
  18 years of age for selective compulsory military
  service; 16-22 years of age for voluntary male or female service;
  service obligation - 12 months, with 11 months for officers and NCOs
  (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  18 years of age for selective compulsory military
  service; service obligation 2 years; women hold only administrative
  positions in the Coast Guard (2011)

Eritrea
  18-40 years of age for male and female voluntary and
  compulsory military service; 16-month conscript service obligation
  (2006)

Estonia
  obligation for compulsory service ages 16-60, with
  conscription "likely" ages 18-27; service requirement 8-11 months
  (2009)

Ethiopia
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  compulsory military service, but the military can conduct call-ups
  when necessary and compliance is compulsory (2009)

Fiji
  18 years of age for voluntary military service (2010)

Finland
  18 years of age for male voluntary and compulsory - and
  female voluntary - national military and nonmilitary service;
  service obligation 6-12 months; mandatory retirement at age 60 (2010)

France
  17-40 years of age for male or female voluntary military
  service (with parental consent); no conscription; 12-month service
  obligation; women serve in noncombat military posts (2010)

Gabon
  20 years of age for voluntary military service; there is no
  conscription (2009)

Gambia, The
  18 years of age for male and female voluntary military
  service; no conscription (2010)

Georgia
  18 to 34 years of age for compulsory and voluntary active
  duty military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months
  (2005)

Germany
  18 years of age (conscripts serve a 9-month tour of
  compulsory military service) (2004)

Ghana
  18 years of age for voluntary military service, with basic
  education certificate; no conscription (2010)

Greece
  19-45 years of age for compulsory military service; during
  wartime the law allows for recruitment beginning January of the year
  of inductee's 18th birthday, thus including 17 year olds; 17 years
  of age for volunteers; conscript service obligation - 1 year for all
  services; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2008)

Guatemala
  all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 50 are liable
  for military service; conscript service obligation varies from 12 to
  24 months; women can serve as officers (2009)

Guinea
  18-25 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military
  service; 18-month conscript service obligation (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
  18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military
  service (Air Force service is voluntary); 16 years of age or younger
  with parental consent, for voluntary service (2010)

Guyana
  18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2008)

Honduras
  18 years of age for voluntary 2 to 3-year military service
  (2004)

Hungary
  18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription; 6-month service obligation (2010)

India
  17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription; women may join as officers, but for noncombat roles
  only (2010)

Indonesia
  18 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary
  military service; 2-year conscript service obligation, with reserve
  obligation to age 45 (officers); Indonesian citizens only (2008)

Iran
  19 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of
  age for volunteers; 17 years of age for Law Enforcement Forces; 15
  years of age for Basij Forces (Popular Mobilization Army); conscript
  military service obligation - 18 months; women exempt from military
  service (2008)

Iraq
  18-40 years of age for voluntary military service (2010)

Ireland
  17-25 years of age for male or female voluntary military
  service (17-27 years of age for the Naval Service); enlistees 16
  years of age can be recruited for apprentice specialist positions;
  17-35 years of age for the Reserve Defense Forces (RDF); maximum
  obligation 12 years (5 years IDF, 7 years RDF); EU citizenship or
  5-year residence in Ireland required (2010)

Israel
  18 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druzes) and voluntary
  (Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are
  obligated to military service; conscript service obligation - 36
  months for enlisted men, 21 months for enlisted women, 48 months for
  officers; pilots commit to 9 years service; reserve obligation to
  age 41-51 (men), 24 (women) (2010)

Italy
  18-27 year of age for voluntary military service; conscription
  abolished January 2005; women may serve in any military branch;
  10-month service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 45
  (Army and Air Force) or 39 (Navy) (2006)

Jamaica
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; younger
  recruits may be conscripted with parental consent (2001)

Japan
  18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Jordan
  17 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription
  at age 18 was suspended in 1999, although all males under age 37 are
  required to register; women not subject to conscription, but can
  volunteer to serve in non-combat military positions in the Royal
  Jordanian Arab Army Women's Corps; conscription for males only
  resurrected in July 2007 in order to provide youth training
  necessary for job market needs (2010)

Kazakhstan
  18 years of age for compulsory military service;
  conscript service obligation - 2 years; minimum age for volunteers
  NA (2004)

Kenya
  18-26 years of age for voluntary service (less than 18 with
  parental consent), with a 9-year obligation (7 years for Kenyan
  Navy); applicants must be Kenyan citizens and provide a national
  identity card (obtained at age 18) and a school-leaving certificate
  (2010)

Korea, North
  17 years of age (2004)

Korea, South
  20-30 years of age for compulsory military service,
  with middle school education required; conscript service obligation
  - 21 months (Army, Marines), 23 months (Navy), 24 months (Air
  Force); 18-26 years of age for voluntary military service; women, in
  service since 1950, admitted to 7 service branches, including
  infantry, but excluded from artillery, armor, anti-air, and
  chaplaincy corps; some 4,000 women serve as commissioned and
  noncommissioned officers, approx. 2.3% of all officers; HIV-positive
  individuals are exempt from military service (2010)

Kuwait
  18-30 years of age for compulsory and 18-25 years of age for
  voluntary military service; women age 18-30 may be subject to
  compulsory military service; conscription suspended in 2001 (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
  18 years of age for compulsory male military service in
  the armed forces or Interior Ministry; service obligation 1 year;
  women may volunteer at age 19; 16-17 years of age for military
  cadets, who cannot take part in military operations (2010)

Laos
  18 years of age for compulsory military service; minimum
  18-month conscript service obligation (2010)

Latvia
  18 years of age for voluntary male and female military
  service; conscription abolished January 2007; under current law,
  every citizen is entitled to serve in the armed forces for life
  (2009)

Lebanon
  18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2007)

Lesotho
  18-24 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription; women serve as commissioned officers (2009)

Liberia
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2010)

Libya
  17 years of age (2004)

Lithuania
  19-26 years of age for compulsory military service; 18
  years of age for volunteers; 12-month conscript service obligation;
  male registration required at age 16 (2009)

Luxembourg
  17-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military
  service; soldiers under 18 are not deployed into combat or with
  peacekeeping missions; no conscription; Luxembourg citizen or EU
  citizen with 3-year residence in Luxembourg (2010)

Macedonia
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2010)

Madagascar
  18-25 years of age for male-only voluntary military
  service; no conscription; service obligation - 18 months (either
  military or equivalent civil service); 20-30 years of age for
  National Gendarmerie recruits (35 years of age for those with
  military experience) (2010)

Malawi
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; standard
  obligation is 2 years of active duty and 5 years of reserve service
  (2007)

Malaysia
  18 years of age for voluntary military service (2005)

Maldives
  18-28 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2010)

Mali
  18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service;
  conscript service obligation - 2 years (2010)

Malta
  17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2010)

Mauritania
  18 years of age (est.); conscript service obligation - 2
  years; majority of servicemen believed to be volunteers; service in
  Air Force and Navy is voluntary (2006)

Mexico
  18 years of age for compulsory military service, conscript
  service obligation - 12 months; 16 years of age with consent for
  voluntary enlistment; conscripts serve only in the Army; Navy and
  Air Force service is all voluntary; women are eligible for voluntary
  military service (2007)

Moldova
  18 years of age for compulsory military service; 17 years of
  age for voluntary service; male registration required at age 16;
  12-month service obligation (2009)

Mongolia
  18-25 years of age for compulsory military service;
  conscript service obligation - 12 months in land or air defense
  forces or police; a small portion of Mongolian land forces (2.5
  percent) is comprised of contract soldiers; women cannot be deployed
  overseas for military operations (2006)

Montenegro
  compulsory national military service abolished August 2006

Morocco
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; service
  obligation - 18 months (2010)

Mozambique
  registration for military service is mandatory for all
  males and females at 18 years of age; 18-35 years of age for
  selective compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary
  service; 2-year service obligation; women may serve as officers or
  enlisted (2010)

Namibia
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2010)

Nepal
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of
  age for military training; no conscription (2010)

Netherlands
  20 years of age for an all-volunteer force (2004)

New Zealand
  17 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers
  cannot be deployed until the age of 18; no conscription (2010)

Nicaragua
  17 years of age for voluntary military service; tour of
  duty 18-36 months (2008)

Niger
  17-21 years of age for selective compulsory or voluntary
  military service; enlistees must be Nigerien citizens and unmarried;
  2-year service term; women may serve in health care (2009)

Nigeria
  18 years of age for voluntary military service (2007)

Norway
  18-44 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16
  years of age in wartime; 17 years of age for male volunteers; 18
  years of age for women; 12-month service obligation, in practice
  shortened to 8 to 9 months; although all males between ages of 18
  and 44 are liable for service, in practice they are seldom called to
  duty after age 30; reserve obligation to age 35-60; 16 years of age
  for volunteers to the Home Guard, who serve 6-month duty tours (2009)

Oman
  18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2010)

Pakistan
  17-23 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers
  cannot be deployed for combat until age 18; the Pakistani Air Force
  and Pakistani Navy have inducted their first female pilots and
  sailors (2009)

Papua New Guinea
  16 years of age for voluntary military service
  (with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Paraguay
  18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
  service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army, 24
  months for Navy; volunteers for the Air Force must be younger than
  22 years of age with a secondary school diploma (2010)

Peru
  18-30 years of age for voluntary male and female military
  service; no conscription (2008)

Philippines
  18-25 years of age (officers 21-29) for compulsory and
  voluntary military service; applicants must be single male or female
  Philippine citizens (2010)

Poland
  18-28 years of age for male voluntary or compulsory military
  service; service obligation shortened from 12 to 9 months in 2005;
  conscription is to end in 2012; only soldiers who have completed
  their conscript service are allowed to volunteer for professional
  service; as of April 2004, women are only allowed to serve as
  officers and noncommissioned officers; reserve obligation to age 50
  (2009)

Portugal
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  compulsory military service; women serve in the armed forces, on
  naval ships since 1993, but are prohibited from serving in some
  combatant specialties; reserve obligation to age 35 (2010)

Qatar
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2010)

Romania
  18-35 years of age for male and female voluntary military
  service; conscription officially ended October 2006; all military
  inductees (including women) contract for an initial 5-year term of
  service, with subsequent successive contracts for 3-year terms until
  age 36 (2009)

Russia
  18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military
  service; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age;
  service obligation - 1 year (conscripts can only be sent to combat
  zones after 6 months training); reserve obligation to age 50
  note: over 60% of draft-age Russian males receive some type of
  deferment - generally health related - each draft cycle (2009)

Rwanda
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2010)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  18 years of age for voluntary military
  service; no conscription (2010)

San Marino
  16-55 for voluntary service in Voluntary Military Force
  (2006)

Sao Tome and Principe
  18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Saudi Arabia
  18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2004)

Senegal
  18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
  service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Serbia
  17 years of age for male compulsory military service; 18
  years of age for voluntary service; conscription to be abolished
  effective 2011; 6-month service obligation, with a reserve
  obligation to age 60 for men and 50 for women (2010)

Seychelles
  18 years of age for voluntary military service (younger
  with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Sierra Leone
  17 years 6 months of age for male and female voluntary
  military service (younger with parental consent); no conscription;
  candidates must be HIV negative (2009)

Singapore
  18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service;
  16 years of age for volunteers; 2-year conscript service obligation,
  with a reserve obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age 50 (officers)
  (2008)

Sint Maarten
  no conscription (2010)

Slovakia
  18-30 years of age for voluntary military service;
  conscription abolished in 2006; women are eligible to serve (2010)

Slovenia
  18-25 years of age for voluntary military service;
  conscription abolished in 2003 (2010)

Somalia
  note: since 2005, the UN has listed the Transitional Federal
  Government and its allied militias as persistent violators in
  recruiting child soldiers (2010)

South Africa
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; women
  are eligible to serve in noncombat roles; 2-year service obligation
  (2007)

Spain
  20 years of age (2004)

Sri Lanka
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; 5-year
  service obligation (2010)

Sudan
  18-33 years of age for male and female compulsory and
  voluntary military service; 12-24 month service obligation (2009)

Suriname
  18 years of age (est.); recruitment is voluntary, with
  personnel drawn almost exclusively from the Creole community (2007)

Swaziland
  18-30 years of age for male and female voluntary military
  service; no conscription; only HIV-negative applicants accepted;
  compulsory HIV testing required (2010)

Sweden
  18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military
  service; service obligation: 7.5 months (Army), 7-15 months (Navy),
  8-12 months (Air Force); the Swedish Parliament has abolished
  compulsory military service, with exclusively voluntary recruitment
  as of July 2010; conscription remains an option in emergencies;
  after completing initial service, soldiers have a reserve commitment
  until age 47 (2010)

Switzerland
  19-26 years of age for male compulsory military service;
  18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service;
  every Swiss male has to serve at least 260 days in the armed forces;
  conscripts receive 18 weeks of mandatory training, followed by seven
  3-week intermittent recalls for training during the next 10 years
  (2010)

Syria
  18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript
  service obligation - 21 months (18 months in the Syrian Arab Navy);
  women are not conscripted but may volunteer to serve (2010)

Taiwan
  19-35 years of age for male compulsory military service;
  service obligation 2 years; women may enlist; women in Air Force
  service are restricted to noncombat roles; reserve obligation to age
  30 (Army); the Ministry of Defense is in the process of implementing
  a voluntary enlistment system over the period 2010-2015, although
  nonvolunteers will still be required to perform alternative service
  or go through 4 months of military training (2010)

Tajikistan
  18 years of age for compulsory military service; 2-year
  conscript service obligation (2009)

Tanzania
  18 years of age for voluntary military service (2007)

Thailand
  21 years of age for compulsory military service; 18 years
  of age for voluntary military service; males are registered at 18
  years of age; 2-year conscript service obligation (2009)

Timor-Leste
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; no
  conscription (2008)

Togo
  18 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military
  service; 2-year service obligation (2006)

Tonga
  16 years of age for voluntary enlistment (with parental
  approval); no conscription (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
  18 years of age for voluntary military service
  (16 years of age with parental consent); no conscription (2010)

Tunisia
  20 years of age for compulsory military service, 18 years of
  age for voluntary military service; 1-year conscript service
  obligation (2007)

Turkey
  20 years of age (2004)

Turkmenistan
  18-30 years of age for compulsory military service;
  2-year conscript service obligation (2009)

Uganda
  18-26 years of age for voluntary military duty; 18-30 years
  of age for professionals; no conscription; 9-year service
  obligation; the government has stated that recruitment below 18
  years of age could occur with proper consent and that "no person
  under the apparent age of 13 years shall be enrolled in the armed
  forces"; Ugandan citizenship and secondary education required (2010)

Ukraine
  18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
  service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army and Air
  Force, 18 months for Navy (2010)

United Arab Emirates
  18 years of age (est.) for voluntary military
  service; 18 years of age for officers and women; no conscription
  (2009)

United Kingdom
  16-33 years of age (officers 17-28) for voluntary
  military service (with parental consent under 18); women serve in
  military services, but are excluded from ground combat positions and
  some naval postings; as of October 2009, women comprised 12.1% of
  officers and 9% of enlisted personnel in the regular forces; must be
  citizen of the UK, Commonwealth, or Republic of Ireland; reservists
  serve a minimum of 3 years, to age 45 or 55; 16 years of age for
  voluntary military service by Nepalese citizens in the Brigade of
  Gurkhas; 16-34 years of age for voluntary military service by Papua
  New Guinean citizens (2009)

United States
  18 years of age (17 years of age with parental
  consent) for male and female voluntary service; maximum enlistment
  age 42 (Army), 27 (Air Force), 34 (Navy), 28 (Marines); service
  obligation 8 years, including 2-5 years active duty (Army), 2 years
  active (Navy), 4 years active (Air Force, Marines) (2010)

Uruguay
  18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; up to 40
  years of age for specialists; enlistment is voluntary in peacetime,
  but the government has the authority to conscript in emergencies;
  minimum 6-year education (2009)

Uzbekistan
  18 years of age for compulsory military service; 1-year
  conscript service obligation; moving toward a professional military,
  but conscription will continue; the military cannot accommodate
  everyone who wishes to enlist, and competition for entrance into the
  military is similar to the competition for admission to universities
  (2009)

Venezuela
  18-30 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military
  service; 30-month conscript service obligation; all citizens of
  military service age (18-60 years old) are obligated to register for
  military service (2010)

Vietnam
  18 years of age (male) for compulsory military service;
  females may volunteer for active duty military service; conscript
  service obligation - 2 years (3 to 4 years in the navy); 18-45 years
  of age (male) or 18-40 years of age (female) for Militia Force or
  Self Defense Forces (2006)

Yemen
  voluntary military service program authorized in 2001; 2-year
  service obligation (2006)

Zambia
  18-27 years of age for male and female voluntary military
  service (16 years of age with parental consent); no conscription;
  Zambian citizenship required; mandatory HIV testing upon enlistment;
  mandatory retirement for officers at age 65 (Army, Air Force) (2010)

Zimbabwe
  18-24 years of age for compulsory military service; women
  are eligible to serve (2010)

======================================================================

@2025

Field Listing :: Manpower fit for military service

This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for a country (defined as being ages 16-49) and who are not otherwise disqualified for health reasons; accounts for the health situation in the country and provides a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Country

Manpower fit for military service

Afghanistan
  males age 16-49: 3,888,358
  females age 16-49: 3,641,998 (2010 est.)

Albania
  males age 16-49: 802,097
  females age 16-49: 768,953 (2010 est.)

Algeria
  males age 16-49: 8,481,036
  females age 16-49: 8,508,245 (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  males age 16-49: 14,230
  females age 16-49: 13,842 (2010 est.)

Andorra
  males age 16-49: 18,338
  females age 16-49: 17,395 (2010 est.)

Angola
  males age 16-49: 1,506,489
  females age 16-49: 1,451,427 (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  males age 16-49: 2,987
  females age 16-49: 3,354 (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  males age 16-49: 17,475
  females age 16-49: 19,764 (2010 est.)

Argentina
  males age 16-49: 8,366,206
  females age 16-49: 8,344,321 (2010 est.)

Armenia
  males age 16-49: 644,195
  females age 16-49: 724,085 (2010 est.)

Aruba
  males age 16-49: 20,398
  females age 16-49: 21,371 (2010 est.)

Australia
  males age 16-49: 4,377,411
  females age 16-49: 4,210,442 (2010 est.)

Austria
  males age 16-49: 1,595,379
  females age 16-49: 1,566,884 (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  males age 16-49: 1,753,878
  females age 16-49: 1,958,408 (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  males age 16-49: 62,779
  females age 16-49: 63,954 (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  males age 16-49: 170,633
  females age 16-49: 146,243 (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  males age 16-49: 25,310,750
  females age 16-49: 32,154,153 (2010 est.)

Barbados
  males age 16-49: 58,532
  females age 16-49: 58,542 (2010 est.)

Belarus
  males age 16-49: 1,708,634
  females age 16-49: 2,043,083 (2010 est.)

Belgium
  males age 16-49: 1,949,361
  females age 16-49: 1,891,966 (2010 est.)

Belize
  males age 16-49: 57,759
  females age 16-49: 55,903 (2010 est.)

Benin
  males age 16-49: 1,331,242
  females age 16-49: 1,345,145 (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  males age 16-49: 12,405
  females age 16-49: 12,327 (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  males age 16-49: 153,985
  females age 16-49: 140,437 (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  males age 16-49: 1,714,438
  females age 16-49: 1,959,763 (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  males age 16-49: 980,425
  females age 16-49: 948,791 (2010 est.)

Botswana
  males age 16-49: 347,070
  females age 16-49: 315,743 (2010 est.)

Brazil
  males age 16-49: 38,518,822
  females age 16-49: 44,560,717 (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  males age 16-49: 6,028
  females age 16-49: 5,778 (2010 est.)

Brunei
  males age 16-49: 93,809
  females age 16-49: 97,345 (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  males age 16-49: 1,337,201
  females age 16-49: 1,360,039 (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  males age 16-49: 2,280,776
  females age 16-49: 2,278,474 (2010 est.)

Burma
  males age 16-49: 10,281,131
  females age 16-49: 10,988,695 (2010 est.)

Burundi
  males age 16-49: 1,337,935
  females age 16-49: 1,414,035 (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  males age 16-49: 2,751,618
  females age 16-49: 2,835,807 (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  males age 16-49: 2,721,307
  females age 16-49: 2,647,640 (2010 est.)

Canada
  males age 16-49: 6,642,190
  females age 16-49: 6,402,896 (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  males age 16-49: 103,894
  females age 16-49: 114,721 (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  males age 16-49: 9,860
  females age 16-49: 10,287 (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  males age 16-49: 637,474
  females age 16-49: 643,188 (2010 est.)

Chad
  males age 16-49: 1,141,776
  females age 16-49: 1,354,111 (2010 est.)

Chile
  males age 16-49: 3,599,328
  females age 16-49: 3,544,156 (2010 est.)

China
  males age 16-49: 314,668,817
  females age 16-49: 298,745,786 (2010 est.)

Colombia
  males age 16-49: 8,957,960
  females age 16-49: 9,763,655 (2010 est.)

Comoros
  males age 16-49: 130,064
  females age 16-49: 140,600 (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  males age 16-49: 9,301,818
  females age 16-49: 9,440,111 (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  males age 16-49: 557,764
  females age 16-49: 546,755 (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  males age 16-49: 2,272
  females age 16-49: 2,222 (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  males age 16-49: 1,044,923
  females age 16-49: 1,026,432 (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  males age 16-49: 3,242,965
  females age 16-49: 3,069,569 (2010 est.)

Croatia
  males age 16-49: 770,574
  females age 16-49: 844,594 (2010 est.)

Cuba
  males age 16-49: 2,516,543
  females age 16-49: 2,450,902 (2010 est.)

Cyprus
  Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG):
  males age 16-49: 271,692
  females age 16-49: 236,908 (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  males age 16-49: 2,086,662
  females age 16-49: 2,003,055 (2010 est.)

Denmark
  males age 16-49: 1,013,814
  females age 16-49: 1,001,411 (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  males age 16-49: 110,441
  females age 16-49: 147,939 (2010 est.)

Dominica
  males age 16-49: 15,963
  females age 16-49: 15,426 (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  males age 16-49: 2,090,785
  females age 16-49: 1,957,233 (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  males age 16-49: 2,770,465
  females age 16-49: 3,217,235 (2010 est.)

Egypt
  males age 16-49: 17,733,851
  females age 16-49: 16,942,010 (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  males age 16-49: 1,056,532
  females age 16-49: 1,356,824 (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  males age 16-49: 109,311
  females age 16-49: 111,543 (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  males age 16-49: 864,608
  females age 16-49: 920,104 (2010 est.)

Estonia
  males age 16-49: 213,740
  females age 16-49: 255,926 (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  males age 16-49: 11,466,713
  females age 16-49: 12,444,706 (2010 est.)

Faroe Islands
  males age 16-49: 9,792
  females age 16-49: 8,354 (2010 est.)

Fiji
  males age 16-49: 195,414
  females age 16-49: 206,386 (2010 est.)

Finland
  males age 16-49: 958,949
  females age 16-49: 916,818 (2010 est.)

France
  males age 16-49: 12,053,912
  females age 16-49: 11,763,951 (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  males age 16-49: 66,451
  females age 16-49: 65,306 (2010 est.)

Gabon
  males age 16-49: 198,970
  females age 16-49: 192,807 (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  males age 16-49: 238,006
  females age 16-49: 248,065 (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  males age 16-49: 324,203
  females age 16-49: 308,835 (2010 est.)

Georgia
  males age 16-49: 901,307
  females age 16-49: 946,357 (2010 est.)

Germany
  males age 16-49: 15,564,748
  females age 16-49: 14,723,200 (2010 est.)

Ghana
  males age 16-49: 4,022,056
  females age 16-49: 4,101,964 (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  males age 16-49: 5,955
  females age 16-49: 5,687 (2010 est.)

Greece
  males age 16-49: 2,050,018
  females age 16-49: 2,033,450 (2010 est.)

Greenland
  males age 16-49: 10,833
  females age 16-49: 11,439 (2010 est.)

Grenada
  males age 16-49: 22,487
  females age 16-49: 22,535 (2010 est.)

Guam
  males age 16-49: 37,983
  females age 16-49: 36,469 (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  males age 16-49: 2,494,903
  females age 16-49: 2,827,208 (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  males age 16-49: 12,404
  females age 16-49: 12,510 (2010 est.)

Guinea
  males age 16-49: 1,443,655
  females age 16-49: 1,483,676 (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  males age 16-49: 199,771
  females age 16-49: 206,240 (2010 est.)

Guyana
  males age 16-49: 132,188
  females age 16-49: 147,296 (2010 est.)

Haiti
  males age 16-49: 1,573,371
  females age 16-49: 1,591,942 (2010 est.)

Honduras
  males age 16-49: 1,483,292
  females age 16-49: 1,502,788 (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  males age 16-49: 1,405,324
  females age 16-49: 1,526,196 (2010 est.)

Hungary
  males age 16-49: 1,884,232
  females age 16-49: 1,923,902 (2010 est.)

Iceland
  males age 16-49: 62,705
  females age 16-49: 61,392 (2010 est.)

India
  males age 16-49: 244,727,406
  females age 16-49: 235,662,750 (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  males age 16-49: 53,624,156
  females age 16-49: 52,879,309 (2010 est.)

Iran
  males age 16-49: 17,844,536
  females age 16-49: 17,312,808 (2010 est.)

Iraq
  males age 16-49: 6,402,171
  females age 16-49: 6,232,674 (2010 est.)

Ireland
  males age 16-49: 858,317
  females age 16-49: 855,125 (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  males age 16-49: 14,748
  females age 16-49: 14,392 (2010 est.)

Israel
  males age 16-49: 1,496,542
  females age 16-49: 1,425,537 (2010 est.)

Italy
  males age 16-49: 11,092,984
  females age 16-49: 10,452,910 (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  males age 16-49: 581,033
  females age 16-49: 590,437 (2010 est.)

Japan
  males age 16-49: 22,564,075
  females age 16-49: 21,720,375 (2010 est.)

Jersey
  males age 16-49: 16,853
  females age 16-49: 16,737 (2010 est.)

Jordan
  males age 16-49: 1,416,681
  females age 16-49: 1,358,608 (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  males age 16-49: 2,902,859
  females age 16-49: 3,543,467 (2010 est.)

Kenya
  males age 16-49: 6,162,904
  females age 16-49: 5,904,173 (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  males age 16-49: 17,941
  females age 16-49: 19,758 (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  males age 16-49: 4,127,999
  females age 16-49: 4,522,707 (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  males age 16-49: 10,929,625
  females age 16-49: 10,264,608 (2010 est.)

Kosovo
  males age 16-49: 429,645
  females age 16-49: 389,071 (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  males age 16-49: 979,832
  females age 16-49: 539,574 (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  males age 16-49: 1,101,709
  females age 16-49: 1,243,904 (2010 est.)

Laos
  males age 16-49: 1,056,050
  females age 16-49: 1,121,640 (2010 est.)

Latvia
  males age 16-49: 406,592
  females age 16-49: 456,071 (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  males age 16-49: 917,404
  females age 16-49: 940,238 (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  males age 16-49: 267,825
  females age 16-49: 273,348 (2010 est.)

Liberia
  males age 16-49: 510,337
  females age 16-49: 527,737 (2010 est.)

Libya
  males age 16-49: 1,490,011
  females age 16-49: 1,436,613 (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  males age 16-49: 6,559
  females age 16-49: 6,782 (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  males age 16-49: 674,265
  females age 16-49: 734,806 (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  males age 16-49: 96,585
  females age 16-49: 95,519 (2010 est.)

Macau
  males age 16-49: 124,074
  females age 16-49: 149,799 (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  males age 16-49: 442,953
  females age 16-49: 425,981 (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  males age 16-49: 3,268,291
  females age 16-49: 3,541,256 (2010 est.)

Malawi
  males age 16-49: 2,048,900
  females age 16-49: 1,960,258 (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  males age 16-49: 5,612,642
  females age 16-49: 5,501,129 (2010 est.)

Maldives
  males age 16-49: 137,181
  females age 16-49: 83,837 (2010 est.)

Mali
  males age 16-49: 1,760,901
  females age 16-49: 1,900,025 (2010 est.)

Malta
  males age 16-49: 79,961
  females age 16-49: 76,067 (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  males age 16-49: 13,277
  females age 16-49: 13,374 (2010 est.)

Mauritania
  males age 16-49: 464,959
  females age 16-49: 562,765 (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  males age 16-49: 279,405
  females age 16-49: 283,023 (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  males age 16-49: 37,001
  females age 16-49: 36,018 (2010 est.)

Mexico
  males age 16-49: 22,893,649
  females age 16-49: 25,401,642 (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  males age 16-49: 21,909
  females age 16-49: 23,410 (2010 est.)

Moldova
  males age 16-49: 877,031
  females age 16-49: 979,128 (2010 est.)

Monaco
  males age 16-49: 4,680
  females age 16-49: 4,691 (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  males age 16-49: 715,585
  females age 16-49: 748,083 (2010 est.)

Montenegro
  males age 16-49: 151,798
  females age 16-49: 134,267 (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  males age 16-49: 1,127
  females age 16-49: 1,217 (2010 est.)

Morocco
  males age 16-49: 6,960,026
  females age 16-49: 7,307,491 (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  males age 16-49: 2,448,161
  females age 16-49: 2,269,562 (2010 est.)

Namibia
  males age 16-49: 341,783
  females age 16-49: 304,496 (2010 est.)

Nauru
  males age 16-49: 2,683
  females age 16-49: 3,059 (2010 est.)

Nepal
  males age 16-49: 5,053,600
  females age 16-49: 5,730,116 (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  males age 16-49: 3,213,954
  females age 16-49: 3,133,972 (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  males age 16-49: 49,173
  females age 16-49: 49,619 (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  males age 16-49: 840,977
  females age 16-49: 828,081 (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  males age 16-49: 1,318,762
  females age 16-49: 1,374,652 (2010 est.)

Niger
  males age 16-49: 2,104,378
  females age 16-49: 2,129,985 (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  males age 16-49: 20,298,351
  females age 16-49: 19,355,456 (2010 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
  males age 16-49: 9,359
  females age 16-49: 12,385 (2010 est.)

Norway
  males age 16-49: 888,310
  females age 16-49: 864,344 (2010 est.)

Oman
  males age 16-49: 816,579
  females age 16-49: 622,927 (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  males age 16-49: 35,774,936
  females age 16-49: 34,572,451 (2010 est.)

Palau
  males age 16-49: 5,223
  females age 16-49: 3,949 (2010 est.)

Panama
  males age 16-49: 719,761
  females age 16-49: 719,444 (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  males age 16-49: 1,103,479
  females age 16-49: 1,107,479 (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  males age 16-49: 1,375,610
  females age 16-49: 1,400,597 (2010 est.)

Peru
  males age 16-49: 6,045,256
  females age 16-49: 6,501,224 (2010 est.)

Philippines
  males age 16-49: 19,650,825
  females age 16-49: 21,029,243 (2010 est.)

Poland
  males age 16-49: 7,860,841
  females age 16-49: 7,828,221 (2010 est.)

Portugal
  males age 16-49: 2,104,945
  females age 16-49: 2,034,912 (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  males age 16-49: 704,833
  females age 16-49: 788,234 (2010 est.)

Qatar
  males age 16-49: 320,277
  females age 16-49: 138,558 (2010 est.)

Romania
  males age 16-49: 4,513,619
  females age 16-49: 4,566,620 (2010 est.)

Russia
  males age 16-49: 20,746,777
  females age 16-49: 27,174,148 (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  males age 16-49: 1,641,563
  females age 16-49: 1,696,514 (2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
  males age 16-49: 1,543
  females age 16-49: 1,303 (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  males age 16-49: 1,575
  females age 16-49: 1,591 (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  males age 16-49: 10,736
  females age 16-49: 10,913 (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  males age 16-49: 32,406
  females age 16-49: 36,216 (2010 est.)

Saint Martin
  males age 16-49: 6,391
  females age 16-49: 6,947 (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  males age 16-49: 1,097
  females age 16-49: 1,096 (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  males age 16-49: 22,932
  females age 16-49: 22,134 (2010 est.)

Samoa
  males age 16-49: 37,674
  females age 16-49: 37,492 (2010 est.)

San Marino
  males age 16-49: 5,564
  females age 16-49: 6,068 (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  males age 16-49: 26,530
  females age 16-49: 28,450 (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  males age 16-49: 7,560,216
  females age 16-49: 5,773,033 (2010 est.)

Senegal
  males age 16-49: 2,109,080
  females age 16-49: 2,287,510 (2010 est.)

Serbia
  males age 16-49: 1,405,391
  females age 16-49: 1,368,207 (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  males age 16-49: 19,989
  females age 16-49: 19,882 (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  males age 16-49: 713,190
  females age 16-49: 813,830 (2010 est.)

Singapore
  males age 16-49: 1,027,701
  females age 16-49: 1,097,762 (2010 est.)

Slovakia
  males age 16-49: 1,162,282
  females age 16-49: 1,147,526 (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  males age 16-49: 397,440
  females age 16-49: 385,505 (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  males age 16-49: 125,928
  females age 16-49: 126,999 (2010 est.)

Somalia
  males age 16-49: 1,328,567
  females age 16-49: 1,386,971 (2010 est.)

South Africa
  males age 16-49: 7,676,331
  females age 16-49: 6,521,338 (2010 est.)

Spain
  males age 16-49: 8,040,207
  females age 16-49: 7,798,254 (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  males age 16-49: 4,518,582
  females age 16-49: 4,701,942 (2010 est.)

Sudan
  males age 16-49: 6,094,209
  females age 16-49: 6,213,984 (2010 est.)

Suriname
  males age 16-49: 108,555
  females age 16-49: 111,927 (2010 est.)

Swaziland
  males age 16-49: 196,633
  females age 16-49: 172,602 (2010 est.)

Sweden
  males age 16-49: 1,709,592
  females age 16-49: 1,649,875 (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  males age 16-49: 1,502,736
  females age 16-49: 1,468,785 (2010 est.)

Syria
  males age 16-49: 4,948,802
  females age 16-49: 4,786,596 (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  males age 16-49: 5,094,111
  females age 16-49: 4,980,454 (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  males age 16-49: 1,461,896
  females age 16-49: 1,642,240 (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  males age 16-49: 5,667,987
  females age 16-49: 5,690,331 (2010 est.)

Thailand
  males age 16-49: 13,247,646
  females age 16-49: 14,166,227 (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  males age 16-49: 236,996
  females age 16-49: 245,033 (2010 est.)

Togo
  males age 16-49: 983,283
  females age 16-49: 1,004,887 (2010 est.)

Tonga
  males age 16-49: 27,404
  females age 16-49: 28,509 (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  males age 16-49: 273,361
  females age 16-49: 266,535 (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  males age 16-49: 2,594,602
  females age 16-49: 2,510,159 (2010 est.)

Turkey
  males age 16-49: 17,447,579
  females age 16-49: 17,173,063 (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  males age 16-49: 1,046,907
  females age 16-49: 1,168,960 (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  males age 16-49: 5,062
  females age 16-49: 4,772 (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  males age 16-49: 1,981
  females age 16-49: 2,005 (2010 est.)

Uganda
  males age 16-49: 4,138,180
  females age 16-49: 4,028,125 (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  males age 16-49: 6,970,035
  females age 16-49: 9,015,224 (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  males age 16-49: 2,157,211
  females age 16-49: 816,363 (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  males age 16-49: 12,113,310
  females age 16-49: 11,604,784 (2010 est.)

United States
  males age 16-49: 60,388,734
  females age 16-49: 59,217,809 (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  males age 16-49: 713,223
  females age 16-49: 697,197 (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  males age 16-49: 6,456,675
  females age 16-49: 6,658,475 (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  males age 16-49: 42,450
  females age 16-49: 43,894 (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  males age 16-49: 5,504,152
  females age 16-49: 5,976,339 (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  males age 16-49: 20,153,269
  females age 16-49: 20,980,830 (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  males age 16-49: 17,675
  females age 16-49: 21,070 (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  males age 16-49: 3,326
  females age 16-49: 3,305 (2010 est.)

West Bank
  males age 16-49: 562,570
  females age 16-49: 531,532 (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  males age 16-49: 76,483
  females age 16-49: 83,988 (2010 est.)

Yemen
  males age 16-49: 3,902,186
  females age 16-49: 3,952,370 (2010 est.)

Zambia
  males age 16-49: 1,401,481
  females age 16-49: 1,274,583 (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  males age 16-49: 1,327,894
  females age 16-49: 1,525,815 (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2026

Field Listing :: Manpower reaching militarily significant age

annually

This entry gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Country

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

Afghanistan
  male: 378,996
  female: 357,822 (2010 est.)

Albania
  male: 35,249
  female: 31,855 (2010 est.)

Algeria
  male: 365,503
  female: 352,009 (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  male: 810
  female: 796 (2010 est.)

Andorra
  male: 396
  female: 350 (2010 est.)

Angola
  male: 151,237
  female: 147,919 (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  male: 111
  female: 111 (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  male: 763
  female: 758 (2010 est.)

Argentina
  male: 340,570
  female: 323,953 (2010 est.)

Armenia
  male: 24,611
  female: 22,682 (2010 est.)

Aruba
  male: 738
  female: 715 (2010 est.)

Australia
  male: 144,232
  female: 136,525 (2010 est.)

Austria
  male: 49,455
  female: 47,046 (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  male: 84,441
  female: 78,905 (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  male: 2,840
  female: 2,758 (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  male: 6,590
  female: 6,475 (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  male: 1,550,385
  female: 1,676,137 (2010 est.)

Barbados
  male: 1,897
  female: 1,884 (2010 est.)

Belarus
  male: 55,758
  female: 52,572 (2010 est.)

Belgium
  male: 60,726
  female: 57,882 (2010 est.)

Belize
  male: 3,678
  female: 3,543 (2010 est.)

Benin
  male: 105,468
  female: 101,603 (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  male: 436
  female: 397 (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  male: 7,432
  female: 7,153 (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  male: 108,336
  female: 104,934 (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  male: 26,134
  female: 24,518 (2010 est.)

Botswana
  male: 23,496
  female: 22,944 (2010 est.)

Brazil
  male: 1,712,427
  female: 1,652,491 (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  male: 174
  female: 167 (2010 est.)

Brunei
  male: 3,509
  female: 3,427 (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  male: 35,604
  female: 34,199 (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  male: 188,394
  female: 185,975 (2010 est.)

Burma
  male: 526,557
  female: 510,538 (2010 est.)

Burundi
  male: 111,829
  female: 111,802 (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  male: 168,519
  female: 166,418 (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  male: 213,538
  female: 209,549 (2010 est.)

Canada
  male: 220,538
  female: 208,033 (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  male: 6,077
  female: 6,075 (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  male: 326
  female: 347 (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  male: 54,024
  female: 53,203 (2010 est.)

Chad
  male: 125,073
  female: 125,069 (2010 est.)

Chile
  male: 143,778
  female: 138,058 (2010 est.)

China
  male: 10,699,186
  female: 9,460,217 (2010 est.)

Colombia
  male: 432,280
  female: 416,051 (2010 est.)

Comoros
  male: 8,519
  female: 8,498 (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  male: 842,020
  female: 839,044 (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  male: 48,365
  female: 47,874 (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  male: 136
  female: 115 (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  male: 42,486
  female: 40,745 (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  male: 240,989
  female: 237,180 (2010 est.)

Croatia
  male: 27,670
  female: 26,503 (2010 est.)

Cuba
  male: 74,084
  female: 70,445 (2010 est.)

Cyprus
  male: 8,317
  female: 7,542 (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  male: 55,139
  female: 52,440 (2010 est.)

Denmark
  male: 37,831
  female: 35,930 (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  male: 8,260
  female: 8,503 (2010 est.)

Dominica
  male: 729
  female: 688 (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  male: 98,394
  female: 94,576 (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  male: 150,296
  female: 145,184 (2010 est.)

Egypt
  male: 799,377
  female: 764,602 (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  male: 71,292
  female: 68,821 (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  male: 7,186
  female: 6,920 (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  male: 64,489
  female: 64,476 (2010 est.)

Estonia
  male: 6,945
  female: 6,564 (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  male: 934,523
  female: 947,103 (2010 est.)

Faroe Islands
  male: 379
  female: 368 (2010 est.)

Fiji
  male: 9,131
  female: 8,776 (2010 est.)

Finland
  male: 33,297
  female: 32,233 (2010 est.)

France
  male: 389,956
  female: 372,312 (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  male: 2,592
  female: 2,481 (2010 est.)

Gabon
  male: 17,283
  female: 17,276 (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  male: 20,858
  female: 20,762 (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  male: 18,931
  female: 18,010 (2010 est.)

Georgia
  male: 30,314
  female: 28,299 (2010 est.)

Germany
  male: 421,227
  female: 398,809 (2010 est.)

Ghana
  male: 270,993
  female: 263,961 (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  male: 250
  female: 233 (2010 est.)

Greece
  male: 53,222
  female: 49,828 (2010 est.)

Greenland
  male: 511
  female: 484 (2010 est.)

Grenada
  male: 987
  female: 1,026 (2010 est.)

Guam
  male: 1,687
  female: 1,597 (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  male: 168,959
  female: 166,414 (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  male: 347
  female: 350 (2010 est.)

Guinea
  male: 114,353
  female: 111,873 (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  male: 17,300
  female: 17,523 (2010 est.)

Guyana
  male: 8,842
  female: 8,452 (2010 est.)

Haiti
  male: 110,514
  female: 108,208 (2010 est.)

Honduras
  male: 94,501
  female: 90,757 (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  male: 41,717
  female: 38,240 (2010 est.)

Hungary
  male: 58,894
  female: 55,922 (2010 est.)

Iceland
  male: 2,318
  female: 2,263 (2010 est.)

India
  male: 12,011,217
  female: 10,639,158 (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  male: 2,227,993
  female: 2,156,427 (2010 est.)

Iran
  male: 636,558
  female: 604,658 (2010 est.)

Iraq
  male: 323,328
  female: 313,360 (2010 est.)

Ireland
  male: 27,987
  female: 26,240 (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  male: 469
  female: 449 (2010 est.)

Israel
  male: 61,613
  female: 58,679 (2010 est.)

Italy
  male: 280,255
  female: 263,336 (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  male: 32,723
  female: 32,098 (2010 est.)

Japan
  male: 626,115
  female: 593,905 (2010 est.)

Jersey
  male: 594
  female: 555 (2010 est.)

Jordan
  male: 73,554
  female: 69,359 (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  male: 133,884
  female: 127,415 (2010 est.)

Kenya
  male: 417,061
  female: 412,438 (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  male: 1,107
  female: 1,083 (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  male: 184,631
  female: 178,565 (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  male: 370,645
  female: 321,765 (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  male: 19,038
  female: 19,787 (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  male: 56,269
  female: 54,004 (2010 est.)

Laos
  male: 77,910
  female: 77,761 (2010 est.)

Latvia
  male: 11,536
  female: 11,058 (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  male: 37,856
  female: 36,072 (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  male: 19,435
  female: 20,400 (2010 est.)

Liberia
  male: 33,411
  female: 35,264 (2010 est.)

Libya
  male: 59,842
  female: 57,357 (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  male: 209
  female: 208 (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  male: 21,606
  female: 20,536 (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  male: 3,211
  female: 3,057 (2010 est.)

Macau
  male: 4,488
  female: 3,900 (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  male: 15,338
  female: 14,445 (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  male: 242,334
  female: 241,359 (2010 est.)

Malawi
  male: 177,376
  female: 176,905 (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  male: 267,646
  female: 253,529 (2010 est.)

Maldives
  male: 4,369
  female: 3,765 (2010 est.)

Mali
  male: 153,198
  female: 154,762 (2010 est.)

Malta
  male: 2,570
  female: 2,410 (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  male: 602
  female: 580 (2010 est.)

Mauritania
  male: 35,322
  female: 36,035 (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  male: 10,565
  female: 10,447 (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  male: 2,627
  female: 2,619 (2010 est.)

Mexico
  male: 1,108,032
  female: 1,069,885 (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  male: 1,270
  female: 1,221 (2010 est.)

Moldova
  male: 30,012
  female: 28,450 (2010 est.)

Monaco
  male: 147
  female: 133 (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  male: 29,240
  female: 28,156 (2010 est.)

Montenegro
  male: 3,407
  female: 3,741 (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  male: 38
  female: 36 (2010 est.)

Morocco
  male: 300,262
  female: 298,227 (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  male: 272,922
  female: 272,062 (2010 est.)

Namibia
  male: 26,152
  female: 25,790 (2010 est.)

Nauru
  male: 174
  female: 168 (2010 est.)

Nepal
  male: 374,882
  female: 361,848 (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  male: 104,694
  female: 99,874 (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  male: 2,138
  female: 2,061 (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  male: 30,956
  female: 29,236 (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  male: 71,171
  female: 68,948 (2010 est.)

Niger
  male: 177,985
  female: 172,180 (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  male: 1,731,734
  female: 1,652,632 (2010 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
  male: 430
  female: 346 (2010 est.)

Norway
  male: 32,045
  female: 30,610 (2010 est.)

Oman
  male: 31,827
  female: 30,148 (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  male: 2,144,574
  female: 2,000,479 (2010 est.)

Palau
  male: 212
  female: 218 (2010 est.)

Panama
  male: 31,398
  female: 30,182 (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  male: 66,139
  female: 64,244 (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  male: 72,455
  female: 70,910 (2010 est.)

Peru
  male: 312,375
  female: 302,452 (2010 est.)

Philippines
  male: 1,039,679
  female: 1,001,448 (2010 est.)

Poland
  male: 235,248
  female: 224,801 (2010 est.)

Portugal
  male: 62,628
  female: 55,737 (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  male: 30,616
  female: 29,196 (2010 est.)

Qatar
  male: 6,403
  female: 5,144 (2010 est.)

Romania
  male: 121,391
  female: 115,258 (2010 est.)

Russia
  male: 712,838
  female: 678,623 (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  male: 98,164
  female: 97,839 (2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
  male: 21
  female: 21 (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  male: 48
  female: 47 (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  male: 402
  female: 430 (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  male: 1,627
  female: 1,521 (2010 est.)

Saint Martin
  male: 172
  female: 165 (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  male: 36
  female: 34 (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  male: 990
  female: 979 (2010 est.)

Samoa
  male: 2,219
  female: 2,058 (2010 est.)

San Marino
  male: 176
  female: 164 (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  male: 1,997
  female: 1,922 (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  male: 280,041
  female: 269,580 (2010 est.)

Senegal
  male: 157,468
  female: 156,689 (2010 est.)

Serbia
  male: 43,925
  female: 41,342 (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  male: 704
  female: 672 (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  male: 53,349
  female: 56,307 (2010 est.)

Singapore
  male: 27,430
  female: 25,918 (2010 est.)

Slovakia
  male: 33,915
  female: 32,448 (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  male: 9,979
  female: 9,610 (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  male: 7,256
  female: 6,995 (2010 est.)

Somalia
  male: 99,919
  female: 99,771 (2010 est.)

South Africa
  male: 492,743
  female: 496,374 (2010 est.)

Spain
  male: 193,038
  female: 181,703 (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  male: 172,081
  female: 166,358 (2010 est.)

Sudan
  male: 506,742
  female: 487,434 (2010 est.)

Suriname
  male: 4,046
  female: 4,056 (2010 est.)

Swaziland
  male: 16,024
  female: 15,630 (2010 est.)

Sweden
  male: 58,937
  female: 56,225 (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  male: 47,043
  female: 43,033 (2010 est.)

Syria
  male: 253,578
  female: 241,777 (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  male: 166,141
  female: 155,070 (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  male: 77,585
  female: 75,201 (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  male: 498,815
  female: 500,941 (2010 est.)

Thailand
  male: 535,884
  female: 511,444 (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  male: 12,795
  female: 12,443 (2010 est.)

Togo
  male: 71,081
  female: 69,969 (2010 est.)

Tonga
  male: 1,448
  female: 1,392 (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  male: 8,572
  female: 7,966 (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  male: 96,697
  female: 90,599 (2010 est.)

Turkey
  male: 695,326
  female: 666,026 (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  male: 55,805
  female: 54,908 (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  male: 229
  female: 223 (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  male: 120
  female: 110 (2010 est.)

Uganda
  male: 412,640
  female: 408,521 (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  male: 256,196
  female: 244,473 (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  male: 27,256
  female: 24,305 (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  male: 386,492
  female: 369,185 (2010 est.)

United States
  male: 2,174,260
  female: 2,065,595 (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  male: 27,631
  female: 26,703 (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  male: 306,743
  female: 299,264 (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  male: 2,346
  female: 2,249 (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  male: 276,612
  female: 273,819 (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  male: 877,075
  female: 816,076 (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  male: 805
  female: 849 (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  male: 178
  female: 153 (2010 est.)

West Bank
  male: 30,547
  female: 29,062 (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  male: 5,376
  female: 5,280 (2010 est.)

Yemen
  male: 279,283
  female: 269,824 (2010 est.)

Zambia
  male: 151,586
  female: 150,839 (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  male: 155,117
  female: 152,875 (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2028

Field Listing :: Background

  This entry usually highlights major historic events and current
  issues and may include a statement about one or two key future
  trends.
  Country

Background

Afghanistan
  Ahmad Shah DURRANI unified the Pashtun tribes and
  founded Afghanistan in 1747. The country served as a buffer between
  the British and Russian Empires until it won independence from
  notional British control in 1919. A brief experiment in democracy
  ended in a 1973 coup and a 1978 Communist counter-coup. The Soviet
  Union invaded in 1979 to support the tottering Afghan Communist
  regime, touching off a long and destructive war. The USSR withdrew
  in 1989 under relentless pressure by internationally supported
  anti-Communist mujahedin rebels. A series of subsequent civil wars
  saw Kabul finally fall in 1996 to the Taliban, a hardline
  Pakistani-sponsored movement that emerged in 1994 to end the
  country's civil war and anarchy. Following the 11 September 2001
  terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., a US,
  Allied, and anti-Taliban Northern Alliance military action toppled
  the Taliban for sheltering Osama BIN LADIN. The UN-sponsored Bonn
  Conference in 2001 established a process for political
  reconstruction that included the adoption of a new constitution, a
  presidential election in 2004, and National Assembly elections in
  2005. In December 2004, Hamid KARZAI became the first democratically
  elected president of Afghanistan and the National Assembly was
  inaugurated the following December. Karzai was re-elected in August
  2009 for a second term. Despite gains toward building a stable
  central government, a resurgent Taliban and continuing provincial
  instability - particularly in the south and the east - remain
  serious challenges for the Afghan Government.

Akrotiri
  By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created
  the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty
  and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers -
  Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The southernmost and smallest of these is the
  Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the
  Western Sovereign Base Area.

Albania
  Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in
  1912, but was conquered by Italy in 1939. Communist partisans took
  over the country in 1944. Albania allied itself first with the USSR
  (until 1960), and then with China (to 1978). In the early 1990s,
  Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and established
  a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven challenging as
  successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment,
  widespread corruption, a dilapidated physical infrastructure,
  powerful organized crime networks, and combative political
  opponents. Albania has made progress in its democratic development
  since first holding multiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies
  remain. International observers judged elections to be largely free
  and fair since the restoration of political stability following the
  collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997; however, there have been claims
  of electoral fraud in every one of Albania's post-communist
  elections. In the 2005 general elections, the Democratic Party and
  its allies won a decisive victory on pledges to reduce crime and
  corruption, promote economic growth, and decrease the size of
  government. The election, and particularly the orderly transition of
  power, was considered an important step forward. Albania joined NATO
  in April 2009 and is a potential candidate for EU accession.
  Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is still
  one of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy
  and an inadequate energy and transportation infrastructure.

Algeria
  After more than a century of rule by France, Algerians
  fought through much of the 1950s to achieve independence in 1962.
  Algeria's primary political party, the National Liberation Front
  (FLN), was established in 1954 as part of the struggle for
  independence and has largely dominated politics since. The
  Government of Algeria in 1988 instituted a multi-party system in
  response to public unrest, but the surprising first round success of
  the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in the December 1991 balloting
  spurred the Algerian army to intervene and postpone the second round
  of elections to prevent what the secular elite feared would be an
  extremist-led government from assuming power. The army began a
  crackdown on the FIS that spurred FIS supporters to begin attacking
  government targets, and fighting escalated into an insurgency, which
  saw intense violence between 1992-98 resulting in over 100,000
  deaths - many attributed to indiscriminate massacres of villagers by
  extremists. The government gained the upper hand by the late-1990s,
  and FIS's armed wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded in
  January 2000. Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA, with the backing of the
  military, won the presidency in 1999 in an election widely viewed as
  fraudulent, was reelected to a second term in 2004, and
  overwhelmingly won a third term in 2009 after the government amended
  the constitution in 2008 to remove presidential term limits.
  Longstanding problems continue to face BOUTEFLIKA, including
  large-scale unemployment, a shortage of housing, unreliable
  electrical and water supplies, government inefficiencies and
  corruption, and the continuing activities of extremist militants.
  The Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) in 2006 merged
  with al-Qai'da to form al-Qai'da in the Lands of the Islamic
  Maghreb, which has launched an ongoing series of kidnappings and
  bombings targeting the Algerian Government and Western interests.

American Samoa
  Settled as early as 1000 B.C., Samoa was "discovered"
  by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries
  in the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899
  treaty in which Germany and the US divided the Samoan archipelago.
  The US formally occupied its portion - a smaller group of eastern
  islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago - the following year.

Andorra
  For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a
  unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from
  1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Seu
  d'Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular
  heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a
  parliamentary democracy. For decades Andorra enjoyed its status as a
  small refuge of fiscal and banking freedom and benefitted from
  Spanish and French tourists attracted to the country's duty-free
  shopping. The situation has changed in recent years as Andorra
  started to tax foreign investment and other sectors. Tourism
  accounts for over 80% of Andorra's gross domestic product.

Angola
  Angola is rebuilding its country after the end of a 27-year
  civil war in 2002. Fighting between the Popular Movement for the
  Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS, and the
  National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by
  Jonas SAVIMBI, followed independence from Portugal in 1975. Peace
  seemed imminent in 1992 when Angola held national elections, but
  fighting picked up again by 1996. Up to 1.5 million lives may have
  been lost - and 4 million people displaced - in the quarter century
  of fighting. SAVIMBI's death in 2002 ended UNITA's insurgency and
  strengthened the MPLA's hold on power. President DOS SANTOS held
  legislative elections in September 2008 and, despite promising to
  hold presidential elections in 2009, has since made a presidential
  poll contingent on the drafting of a new constitution.

Anguilla
  Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650,
  Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th
  century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants -
  was incorporated into a single British dependency along with Saint
  Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two
  years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this
  arrangement was formally recognized in 1980 with Anguilla becoming a
  separate British dependency.

Antarctica
  Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" was
  not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American
  commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions
  began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south
  of the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that
  Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands or
  an area of ocean. Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the
  early 20th century, but generally the area saw little human
  activity. Following World War II, however, there was an upsurge in
  scientific research on the continent. A number of countries have set
  up a range of year-round and seasonal stations, camps, and refuges
  to support scientific research in Antarctica. Seven have made
  territorial claims, but not all countries recognize these claims. In
  order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the
  continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies
  nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in
  1959, it entered into force in 1961.

Antigua and Barbuda
  The Siboney were the first to inhabit the
  islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak Indians
  populated the islands when COLUMBUS landed on his second voyage in
  1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by
  the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run
  the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands
  became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of
  Nations in 1981.

Arctic Ocean
  The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world's five
  oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and
  the recently delimited Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (US
  and Canada) and Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are two
  important seasonal waterways. In recent years the polar ice pack has
  thinned allowing for increased navigation and raising the
  possibility of future sovereignty and shipping disputes among
  countries bordering the Arctic Ocean.

Argentina
  In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared
  their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay
  went their separate ways, the area that remained became Argentina.
  The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by
  immigrants from throughout Europe, but most particularly Italy and
  Spain, which provided the largest percentage of newcomers from 1860
  to 1930. Up until about the mid-20th century, much of Argentina's
  history was dominated by periods of internal political conflict
  between Federalists and Unitarians and between civilian and military
  factions. After World War II, an era of Peronist populism and direct
  and indirect military interference in subsequent governments was
  followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy
  returned in 1983 after a failed bid to seize the Falkland (Malvinas)
  Islands by force, and has persisted despite numerous challenges, the
  most formidable of which was a severe economic crisis in 2001-02
  that led to violent public protests and the successive resignations
  of several presidents.

Armenia
  Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally
  adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy,
  over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires
  including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. During
  World War I in the western portion of Armenia, Ottoman Turkey
  instituted a policy of forced resettlement coupled with other harsh
  practices that resulted in an estimated 1 million Armenian deaths.
  The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in
  1828; this portion declared its independence in 1918, but was
  conquered by the Soviet Red Army in 1920. Armenian leaders remain
  preoccupied by the long conflict with Azerbaijan over
  Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to
  Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan
  began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after
  both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
  By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, ethnic Armenian forces
  held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a significant portion of
  Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both sides have been hurt by
  their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful
  resolution. Turkey closed the common border with Armenia in 1994
  because of the Armenian separatists' control of Nagorno-Karabakh and
  surrounding areas, further hampering Armenian economic growth. In
  2009, senior Armenian leaders began pursuing rapprochement with
  Turkey, aiming to secure an opening of the border; this process is
  currently dormant.

Aruba
  Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired
  by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by
  three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by
  prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The
  last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry.
  Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a
  separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
  Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in
  1990.

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  These uninhabited islands came under
  Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years
  later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine
  habitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier
  Island, a former bombing range, became a marine reserve in 2000.

Atlantic Ocean
  The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the
  world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than the
  Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal
  (Germany), Oresund (Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait of
  Gibraltar (Morocco-Spain), and the Saint Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US)
  are important strategic access waterways. The decision by the
  International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to
  delimit a fifth world ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion
  of the Atlantic Ocean south of 60 degrees south latitude.

Australia
  Aboriginal settlers arrived on the continent from
  Southeast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans began
  exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were
  made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the name
  of Great Britain. Six colonies were created in the late 18th and
  19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of
  Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural
  resources to rapidly develop agricultural and manufacturing
  industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in
  World Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has transformed
  itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy.
  It boasted one of the OECD's fastest growing economies during the
  1990s, a performance due in large part to economic reforms adopted
  in the 1980s. Long-term concerns include climate-change issues such
  as the depletion of the ozone layer and more frequent droughts, and
  management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great
  Barrier Reef.

Austria
  Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian
  Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in
  World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and
  subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's
  status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955
  ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade
  unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year
  declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for
  Soviet military withdrawal. The Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and
  Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995 have altered the
  meaning of this neutrality. A prosperous, democratic country,
  Austria entered the EU Economic and Monetary Union in 1999.

Azerbaijan
  Azerbaijan - a nation with a majority-Turkic and
  majority-Muslim population - was briefly independent from 1918 to
  1920; it regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet
  Union in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yet to
  resolve its conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily
  Armenian-populated region that Moscow recognized as part of Soviet
  Azerbaijan in the 1920s after Armenia and Azerbaijan disputed the
  status of the territory. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over
  the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries
  attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994,
  when a cease-fire took hold, ethnic Armenian forces held not only
  Nagorno-Karabakh but also seven surrounding provinces in the
  territory of Azerbaijan. Corruption in the country is ubiquitous,
  and the government, which eliminated presidential term limits in a
  2009 referendum, has been accused of authoritarianism. Although the
  poverty rate has been reduced in recent years due to revenue from
  oil production, the promise of widespread wealth resulting from the
  continued development of Azerbaijan's energy sector remains largely
  unfulfilled.

Bahamas, The
  Lucayan Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher
  COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492.
  British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became
  a colony in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973,
  The Bahamas has prospered through tourism and international banking
  and investment management. Because of its geography, the country is
  a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly
  shipments to the US and Europe, and its territory is used for
  smuggling illegal migrants into the US.

Bahrain
  In 1783, the al-Khalifa family captured Bahrain from the
  Persians. In order to secure these holdings, it entered into a
  series of treaties with the UK during the 19th century that made
  Bahrain a British protectorate. The archipelago attained its
  independence in 1971. Bahrain's small size and central location
  among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing
  act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining
  oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and
  refining and has transformed itself into an international banking
  center. King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa, after coming to power in
  1999, pushed economic and political reforms to improve relations
  with the Shia community. Shia political societies participated in
  2010 parliamentary and municipal elections. Al Wifaq, the largest
  Shia political society, won the largest number of seats in the
  elected chamber of the legislature. However, Shia discontent has
  resurfaced in recent years with street demonstrations and occasional
  low-level violence.

Bangladesh
  Europeans began to set up trading posts in the area of
  Bangladesh in the 16th century; eventually the British came to
  dominate the region and it became part of British India. In 1947,
  West Pakistan and East Bengal (both primarily Muslim) separated from
  India (largely Hindu) and jointly became the new country of
  Pakistan. East Bengal became East Pakistan in 1955, but the awkward
  arrangement of a two-part country with its territorial units
  separated by 1,600 km left the Bengalis marginalized and
  dissatisfied. East Pakistan seceded from its union with West
  Pakistan in 1971 and was renamed Bangladesh. A military-backed,
  emergency caretaker regime suspended parliamentary elections planned
  for January 2007 in an effort to reform the political system and
  root out corruption. In contrast to the strikes and violent street
  rallies that had marked Bangladeshi politics in previous years, the
  parliamentary elections finally held in late December 2008 were
  mostly peaceful and Sheikh HASINA Wajed was elected prime minister.
  About a third of this extremely poor country floods annually during
  the monsoon rainy season, hampering economic development.

Barbados
  The island was uninhabited when first settled by the
  British in 1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established on
  the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economy
  remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production
  through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social
  and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete
  independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and
  manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance.

Belarus
  After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR,
  Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer
  political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former
  Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state
  union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic
  integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the
  accord, serious implementation has yet to take place. Since his
  election in July 1994 as the country's first president, Aleksandr
  LUKASHENKO has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian
  means. Government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press,
  peaceful assembly, and religion remain in place.

Belgium
  Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it
  was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country
  prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically
  advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions
  between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the
  French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to
  constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition
  and autonomy.

Belize
  Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their
  decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and
  Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it
  formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1854. Territorial
  disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of
  Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation
  until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border
  dispute. Guatemala and Belize plan to hold a simultaneous referendum
  to determine if this dispute will go before the International Court
  of Justice at The Hague, though they have not yet set a date.
  Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns
  include the country's heavy foreign debt burden, high unemployment,
  growing involvement in the South American drug trade, high crime
  rates, and increasing incidences of HIV/AIDS.

Benin
  Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West
  African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became
  a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960,
  as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended
  in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the
  establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles.
  A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later,
  free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as
  president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa
  from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by
  elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were
  alleged. KEREKOU stepped down at the end of his second term in 2006
  and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and
  independent. YAYI has begun a high profile fight against corruption
  and has strongly promoted accelerating Benin's economic growth.

Bermuda
  Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English
  colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North
  American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism
  continues to be important to the island's economy, although
  international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has
  developed into a highly successful offshore financial center.
  Although a referendum on independence from the UK was soundly
  defeated in 1995, the present government has reopened debate on the
  issue.

Bhutan
  In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu,
  under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for
  ceding some border land to British India. Under British influence, a
  monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed
  whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal
  affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs.
  This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years
  later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan
  annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country
  received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and
  foreign relations. A refugee issue of over 100,000 Bhutanese in
  Nepal remains unresolved; 90% of the refugees are housed in seven
  United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
  camps. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the
  government's draft constitution - which would introduce major
  democratic reforms - and pledged to hold a national referendum for
  its approval. In December 2006, the King abdicated the throne to his
  son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK, in order to give him experience
  as head of state before the democratic transition. In early 2007,
  India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty to allow Bhutan greater
  autonomy in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu
  continues to coordinate policy decisions in this area with New
  Delhi. In July 2007, seven ministers of Bhutan's ten-member cabinet
  resigned to join the political process, and the cabinet acted as a
  caretaker regime until democratic elections for seats to the
  country's first parliament were completed in March 2008. The king
  ratified the country's first constitution in July 2008.

Bolivia
  Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR,
  broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history
  has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and countercoups.
  Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have
  faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and
  illegal drug production. In December 2005, Bolivians elected
  Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo MORALES president - by the
  widest margin of any leader since the restoration of civilian rule
  in 1982 - after he ran on a promise to change the country's
  traditional political class and empower the nation's poor,
  indigenous majority. However, since taking office, his controversial
  strategies have exacerbated racial and economic tensions between the
  Amerindian populations of the Andean west and the non-indigenous
  communities of the eastern lowlands. In December 2009, President
  MORALES easily won reelection, and his party took control of the
  legislative branch of the government, which will allow him to
  continue his process of change.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of
  sovereignty in October 1991 was followed by a declaration of
  independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a
  referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported
  by neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - responded with armed
  resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and
  joining Serb-held areas to form a "Greater Serbia." In March 1994,
  Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from
  three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak/Croat
  Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in
  Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement that
  brought to a halt three years of interethnic civil strife (the final
  agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Peace
  Accords retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries
  and created a multi-ethnic and democratic government charged with
  conducting foreign, diplomatic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized
  was a second tier of government composed of two entities roughly
  equal in size: the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and
  Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The
  Federation and RS governments were charged with overseeing most
  government functions. The Dayton Accords also established the Office
  of the High Representative (OHR) to oversee the implementation of
  the civilian aspects of the agreement. The Peace Implementation
  Council (PIC) at its conference in Bonn in 1997 also gave the High
  Representative the authority to impose legislation and remove
  officials, the so-called "Bonn Powers." In 1995-96, a NATO-led
  international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops served in
  Bosnia to implement and monitor the military aspects of the
  agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization
  Force (SFOR) whose mission was to deter renewed hostilities.
  European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replaced SFOR in December
  2004; their mission is to maintain peace and stability throughout
  the country. EUFOR's mission changed from peacekeeping to civil
  policing in October 2007, with its presence reduced from nearly
  7,000 to less than 2,500 troops. Troop strength at the end of 2009
  stood at roughly 2,000. In January 2010, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the
  2010-11 term.

Botswana
  Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana
  adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of
  uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and
  significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic
  economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining,
  dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due
  to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature
  preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates of
  HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and
  comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.

Bouvet Island
  This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely
  covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered
  in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named.
  No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In
  1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied
  the island the previous year. In 1971, Norway designated Bouvet
  Island and the adjacent territorial waters a nature reserve. Since
  1977, it has run an automated meteorological station on the island.

Brazil
  Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule,
  Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical
  system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the
  subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889.
  Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until
  populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. By far the
  largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil underwent
  more than half a century of populist and military government until
  1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian
  rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural
  growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural
  resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's
  leading economic power and a regional leader, one of the first in
  the area to begin an economic recovery. Highly unequal income
  distribution and crime remain pressing problems. In January 2010,
  Brazil assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for
  the 2010-11 term.

British Indian Ocean Territory
  Formerly administered as part of the
  British Crown Colony of Mauritius, the British Indian Ocean
  Territory (BIOT) was established as an overseas territory of the UK
  in 1965. A number of the islands of the territory were later
  transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976.
  Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups
  comprising the Chagos Archipelago. The largest and most southerly of
  the islands, Diego Garcia, contains a joint UK-US naval support
  facility. All of the remaining islands are uninhabited. Between 1967
  and 1973, former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the
  islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius, but also to the
  Seychelles. Negotiations between 1971 and 1982 resulted in the
  establishment of a trust fund by the British Government as
  compensation for the displaced islanders, known as Chagossians.
  Beginning in 1998, the islanders pursued a series of lawsuits
  against the British Government seeking further compensation and the
  right to return to the territory. In 2006 and 2007, British court
  rulings invalidated the immigration policies contained in the 2004
  BIOT Constitution Order that had excluded the islanders from the
  archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia.
  In 2008, the House of Lords, as the final court of appeal in the UK,
  ruled in favor of the British Government by overturning the lower
  court rulings and finding no right of return for the Chagossians.

British Virgin Islands
  First inhabited by Arawak and later by Carib
  Indians, the Virgin Islands were settled by the Dutch in 1648 and
  then annexed by the English in 1672. The islands were part of the
  British colony of the Leeward Islands from 1872-1960; they were
  granted autonomy in 1967. The economy is closely tied to the larger
  and more populous US Virgin Islands to the west; the US dollar is
  the legal currency.

Brunei
  The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th
  and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of
  northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently
  entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal
  succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In
  1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was
  achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six
  centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas
  fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in Asia.

Bulgaria
  The Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the
  local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first
  Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with
  the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the
  end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman
  Turks. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878 and all of
  Bulgaria became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1908. Having
  fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within
  the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in
  1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its
  first multiparty election since World War II and began the
  contentious process of moving toward political democracy and a
  market economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption,
  and crime. The country joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

Burkina Faso
  Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achieved
  independence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the
  1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early
  1990s. Current President Blaise COMPAORE came to power in a 1987
  military coup and has won every election since then. Burkina Faso's
  high population density and limited natural resources result in poor
  economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Recent unrest
  in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of
  several hundred thousand seasonal Burkinabe farm workers to find
  employment in neighboring countries.

Burma
  Britain conquered Burma over a period of 62 years (1824-1886)
  and incorporated it into its Indian Empire. Burma was administered
  as a province of India until 1937 when it became a separate,
  self-governing colony; independence from the Commonwealth was
  attained in 1948. Gen. NE WIN dominated the government from 1962 to
  1988, first as military ruler, then as self-appointed president, and
  later as political kingpin. In September 1988, the military deposed
  NE WIN and established a new ruling junta. Despite multiparty
  legislative elections in 1990 that resulted in the main opposition
  party - the National League for Democracy (NLD) - winning a
  landslide victory, the junta refused to hand over power. NLD leader
  and Nobel Peace Prize recipient AUNG SAN SUU KYI, who was under
  house arrest from 1989 to 1995 and 2000 to 2002, was imprisoned in
  May 2003 and subsequently transferred to house arrest. She was
  finally released in November 2010. After the ruling junta in August
  2007 unexpectedly increased fuel prices, tens of thousands of
  Burmese marched in protest, led by prodemocracy activists and
  Buddhist monks. In late September 2007, the government brutally
  suppressed the protests, killing at least 13 people and arresting
  thousands for participating in the demonstrations. Since then, the
  regime has continued to raid homes and monasteries and arrest
  persons suspected of participating in the pro-democracy protests.
  Burma in early May 2008 was struck by Cyclone Nargis which official
  estimates claimed left over 80,000 dead and 50,000 injured. Despite
  this tragedy, the junta proceeded with its May constitutional
  referendum, the first vote in Burma since 1990. Parliamentary
  elections held in November 2010, considered flawed by many in the
  international community, saw the junta's Union Solidarity and
  Development Party garnering over 70 percent of the seats. Parliament
  is constitutionally mandated to convene within 90 days of the
  election; the president, two vice presidents, and ministers will be
  selected at that time.

Burundi
  Burundi's first democratically elected president was
  assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office,
  triggering widespread ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi
  factions. More than 200,000 Burundians perished during the conflict
  that spanned almost a dozen years. Hundreds of thousands of
  Burundians were internally displaced or became refugees in
  neighboring countries. An internationally brokered power-sharing
  agreement between the Tutsi-dominated government and the Hutu rebels
  in 2003 paved the way for a transition process that led to an
  integrated defense force, established a new constitution in 2005,
  and elected a majority Hutu government in 2005. The new government,
  led by President Pierre NKURUNZIZA, signed a South African brokered
  ceasefire with the country's last rebel group in September of 2006
  but still faces many challenges.

Cambodia
  Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers,
  descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of
  Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th
  centuries. Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam)
  weakened the empire, ushering in a long period of decline. The king
  placed the country under French protection in 1863 and it became
  part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in
  World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953.
  In April 1975, after a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge
  forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. At
  least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships,
  or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A
  December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the
  countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off
  almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated
  democratic elections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected
  by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore
  some semblance of normalcy under a coalition government. Factional
  fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, but a second
  round of national elections in 1998 led to the formation of another
  coalition government and renewed political stability. The remaining
  elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early 1999. Some of the
  surviving Khmer Rouge leaders have been tried or are awaiting trial
  for crimes against humanity by a hybrid UN-Cambodian tribunal
  supported by international assistance. Elections in July 2003 were
  relatively peaceful, but it took one year of negotiations between
  contending political parties before a coalition government was
  formed. In October 2004, King Norodom SIHANOUK abdicated the throne
  and his son, Prince Norodom SIHAMONI, was selected to succeed him.
  Local elections were held in Cambodia in April 2007, with little of
  the pre-election violence that preceded prior elections. National
  elections in July 2008 were relatively peaceful.

Cameroon
  The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon
  merged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally
  enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of
  agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry.
  Despite slow movement toward democratic reform, political power
  remains firmly in the hands of President Paul BIYA.

Canada
  A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada
  became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the
  British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has
  developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across
  an unfortified border. Canada faces the political challenges of
  meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care and
  education services, as well as responding to the particular concerns
  of predominantly francophone Quebec. Canada also aims to develop its
  diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the
  environment.

Cape Verde
  The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by
  the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a
  trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and
  resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following
  independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with
  Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained
  until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues
  to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments.
  Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused
  significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result,
  Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one.
  Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

Cayman Islands
  The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the
  British during the 18th and 19th centuries and were administered by
  Jamaica after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within
  the Federation of the West Indies. When the Federation dissolved in
  1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency.

Central African Republic
  The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari
  became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After
  three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments
  - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade.
  President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by
  unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by
  General Francois BOZIZE, who established a transitional government.
  Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups
  and the main parties, a wide field of candidates contested the
  municipal, legislative, and presidential elections held in March and
  May of 2005 in which General BOZIZE was affirmed as president. The
  government still does not fully control the countryside, where
  pockets of lawlessness persist. Unrest in the neighboring nations of
  Chad, Sudan, and the DRC continues to affect stability in the
  Central African Republic as well.

Chad
  Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured
  three decades of civil warfare as well as invasions by Libya before
  a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government
  eventually drafted a democratic constitution and held flawed
  presidential elections in 1996 and 2001. In 1998, a rebellion broke
  out in northern Chad, which has sporadically flared up despite
  several peace agreements between the government and the rebels. In
  2005, new rebel groups emerged in western Sudan and made probing
  attacks into eastern Chad despite signing peace agreements in
  December 2006 and October 2007. Power remains in the hands of an
  ethnic minority. In June 2005, President Idriss DEBY held a
  referendum successfully removing constitutional term limits and won
  another controversial election in 2006. Sporadic rebel campaigns
  continued throughout 2006 and 2007. The capital experienced a
  significant rebel threat in early 2008.

Chile
  Prior to the coming of the Spanish in the 16th century,
  northern Chile was under Inca rule while the indigenous Mapuche
  inhabited central and southern Chile. Although Chile declared its
  independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not
  achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile
  defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its present northern regions. It
  was not until the 1880s that the Mapuche Indians were completely
  subjugated. After a series of elected governments, a three-year-old
  Marxist government of Salvador ALLENDE was overthrown in 1973 by a
  military coup led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a freely
  elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic policies,
  maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady
  growth, reduced poverty rates by over half, and have helped secure
  the country's commitment to democratic and representative
  government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and
  international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable,
  democratic nation.

China
  For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing
  the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and
  early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major
  famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War
  II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established an autocratic
  socialist system that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed
  strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of
  millions of people. After 1978, MAO's successor DENG Xiaoping and
  other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by
  2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living
  standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal
  choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight. China
  since the early 1990s has increased its global outreach and
  participation in international organizations.

Christmas Island
  Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the
  island was annexed and settlement began by the UK in 1888. Phosphate
  mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to
  Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared
  a national park.

Clipperton Island
  This isolated island was named for John
  CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th
  century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897.
  Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which took
  possession in 1935.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  There are 27 coral islands in the group.
  Captain William KEELING discovered the islands in 1609, but they
  remained uninhabited until the 19th century. From the 1820s to 1978,
  members of the CLUNIE-ROSS family controlled the islands and the
  copra produced from local coconuts. Annexed by the UK in 1857, the
  Cocos Islands were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955.
  The population on the two inhabited islands generally is split
  between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on
  Home Island.

Colombia
  Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from
  the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and
  Venezuela). A four-decade long conflict between government forces
  and anti-government insurgent groups, principally the Revolutionary
  Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) heavily funded by the drug trade,
  escalated during the 1990s. The insurgents lack the military or
  popular support necessary to overthrow the government and violence
  has been decreasing since about 2002, but insurgents continue
  attacks against civilians and large areas of the countryside are
  under guerrilla influence or are contested by security forces. More
  than 31,000 former paramilitaries had demobilized by the end of 2006
  and the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) as a formal
  organization had ceased to function. In the wake of the paramilitary
  demobilization, emerging criminal groups arose, whose members
  include some former paramilitaries. The Colombian Government has
  stepped up efforts to reassert government control throughout the
  country, and now has a presence in every one of its administrative
  departments. However, neighboring countries worry about the violence
  spilling over their borders. In January 2011, Colombia assumed a
  nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Comoros
  Comoros has endured more than 20 coups or attempted coups
  since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands
  of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999,
  military chief Col. AZALI seized power in a bloodless coup, and
  helped negotiate the 2000 Fomboni Accords power-sharing agreement in
  which the federal presidency rotates among the three islands, and
  each island maintains its own local government. AZALI won the 2002
  presidential election, and each island in the archipelago elected
  its own president. AZALI stepped down in 2006 and President SAMBI
  was elected to office. In 2007, Mohamed BACAR effected Anjouan's
  de-facto secession from the Union, refusing to step down in favor of
  fresh Anjouanais elections when Comoros' other islands held
  legitimate elections in July. The African Union (AU) initially
  attempted to resolve the political crisis by applying sanctions and
  a naval blockade on Anjouan, but in March 2008, AU and Comoran
  soldiers seized the island. The move was generally welcomed by the
  island's inhabitants.

Congo, Democratic Republic of the Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the Republic of the Congo gained its independence in 1960, but its early years were marred by political and social instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a November 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name - to MOBUTU Sese Seko - as well as that of the country - to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through brutal force. Ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow of refugees in 1994 from fighting in Rwanda and Burundi, led in May 1997 to the toppling of the MOBUTU regime by a rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent KABILA. He renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but in August 1998 his regime was itself challenged by a second insurrection again backed by Rwanda and Uganda. Troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe intervened to support KABILA's regime. A cease-fire was signed in July 1999 by the DRC, Congolese armed rebel groups, Angola, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe but sporadic fighting continued. Laurent KABILA was assassinated in January 2001 and his son, Joseph KABILA, was named head of state. In October 2002, the new president was successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying eastern Congo; two months later, the Pretoria Accord was signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. A transitional government was set up in July 2003. Joseph KABILA as president and four vice presidents represented the former government, former rebel groups, the political opposition, and civil society. The transitional government held a successful constitutional referendum in December 2005 and elections for the presidency, National Assembly, and provincial legislatures in 2006. The National Assembly was installed in September 2006 and KABILA was inaugurated president in December 2006. Provincial assemblies were constituted in early 2007, and elected governors and national senators in January 2007.

Congo, Republic of the
  Upon independence in 1960, the former French
  region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter
  century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a
  democratically elected government took office in 1992. A brief civil
  war in 1997 restored former Marxist President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO,
  and ushered in a period of ethnic and political unrest.
  Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March
  2003, but the calm is tenuous and refugees continue to present a
  humanitarian crisis. The Republic of Congo was once one of Africa's
  largest petroleum producers, but with declining production it will
  need new offshore oil finds to sustain its oil earnings over the
  long term.

Cook Islands
  Named after Captain COOK, who sighted them in 1770, the
  islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900,
  administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965,
  residents chose self-government in free association with New
  Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and
  government deficits are continuing problems.

Coral Sea Islands
  Scattered over more than three-quarters of a
  million square kilometers of ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were
  declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are uninhabited
  except for a small meteorological staff on the Willis Islets.
  Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many
  other islands and reefs.

Costa Rica
  Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th
  century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved
  unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including: disease
  from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives,
  and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement
  of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands.
  The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In
  1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces
  that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later
  it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this
  federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica
  proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th
  century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the
  country's democratic development. Although it still maintains a
  large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to
  include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of
  living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.

Cote d'Ivoire
  Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the
  development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment
  made Cote d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the West African
  states, but did not protect it from political turmoil. In December
  1999, a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's history -
  overthrew the government. Junta leader Robert GUEI blatantly rigged
  elections held in late 2000 and declared himself the winner. Popular
  protest forced him to step aside and brought Laurent GBAGBO into
  power. Ivorian dissidents and disaffected members of the military
  launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002. Rebel forces
  claimed the northern half of the country, and in January 2003 were
  granted ministerial positions in a unity government under the
  auspices of the Linas-Marcoussis Peace Accord. President GBAGBO and
  rebel forces resumed implementation of the peace accord in December
  2003 after a three-month stalemate, but issues that sparked the
  civil war, such as land reform and grounds for citizenship, remained
  unresolved. In March 2007 President GBAGBO and former New Force
  rebel leader Guillaume SORO signed the Ouagadougou Political
  Agreement. As a result of the agreement, SORO joined GBAGBO's
  government as Prime Minister and the two agreed to reunite the
  country by dismantling the zone of confidence separating North from
  South, integrate rebel forces into the national armed forces, and
  hold elections. Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of
  rebel forces have been problematic as rebels seek to enter the armed
  forces. Citizen identification and voter registration pose election
  difficulties, and balloting planned for November 2009 was postponed
  with no future date set. Several thousand UN troops and several
  hundred French remain in Cote d'Ivoire to help the parties implement
  their commitments and to support the peace process.

Croatia
  The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the
  Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the
  Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as
  Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal
  independent Communist state under the strong hand of Marshal TITO.
  Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991,
  it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before
  occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared from Croatian lands. Under
  UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was
  returned to Croatia in 1998. In April 2009, Croatia joined NATO; it
  is a candidate for eventual EU accession.

Cuba
  The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after
  the European discovery of the island by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492
  and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next
  several centuries. Large numbers of African slaves were imported to
  work the coffee and sugar plantations, and Havana became the
  launching point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from
  Mexico and Peru. Spanish rule eventually provoked an independence
  movement and occasional rebellions that were harshly suppressed. US
  intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898 assisted the
  Cubans in overthrowing Spanish rule. The Treaty of Paris established
  Cuban independence from the US in 1902 after which the island
  experienced a string of governments mostly dominated by the military
  and corrupt politicians. Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in
  1959; his iron rule held the subsequent regime together for nearly
  five decades. He stepped down as president in February 2008 in favor
  of his younger brother Raul CASTRO. Cuba's Communist revolution,
  with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and
  Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The country faced a
  severe economic downturn in 1990 following the withdrawal of former
  Soviet subsidies worth $4 billion to $6 billion annually. Cuba at
  times portrays the US embargo, in place since 1961, as the source if
  its difficulties. Illicit migration to the US - using homemade
  rafts, alien smugglers, air flights, or via the southwest border -
  is a continuing problem. The US Coast Guard intercepted 982
  individuals attempting to cross the Straits of Florida in fiscal
  year 2009.

Curacao
  Originally settled by Arawak Indians, Curacao was seized by
  the Dutch in 1634 along with the neighboring island of Bonaire. Once
  the center of the Caribbean slave trade, Curacao was hard hit by the
  abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of
  neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the
  construction of the Isla Refineria to service the newly discovered
  Venezuelan oil fields. In 1954, Curacao and several other Dutch
  Caribbean possesions were reorganized as the Netherlands Antilles,
  part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In referenda in 2005 and
  2009, the citizens of Curacao voted to become a self-governing
  country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status
  became effective in October of 2010 with the dissolution of the
  Netherlands Antilles.

Cyprus
  A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960
  following years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the
  Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head
  in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia.
  Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic
  intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into
  enclaves throughout the island. In 1974, a Greek
  Government-sponsored attempt to seize control of Cyprus was met by
  military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a
  third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot-occupied area
  declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"),
  but it is recognized only by Turkey. The election of a new Cypriot
  president in 2008 served as the impetus for the UN to encourage both
  the Turkish and Cypriot Governments to reopen unification
  negotiations. In September 2008, the leaders of the Greek Cypriot
  and Turkish Cypriot communities started negotiations under UN
  auspices aimed at reuniting the divided island. The entire island
  entered the EU on 1 May 2004, although the EU acquis - the body of
  common rights and obligations - applies only to the areas under the
  internationally recognized government, and is suspended in the areas
  administered by Turkish Cypriots. However, individual Turkish
  Cypriots able to document their eligibility for Republic of Cyprus
  citizenship legally enjoy the same rights accorded to other citizens
  of European Union states.

Czech Republic
  Following the First World War, the closely related
  Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to
  form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's
  leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of
  other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the
  Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II,
  a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of
  influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the
  efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule
  and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations
  the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the
  collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its
  freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993,
  the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national
  components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic
  joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Denmark
  Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north
  European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation
  that is participating in the general political and economic
  integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the
  EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements
  of the European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the European
  Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), European defense cooperation, and
  issues concerning certain justice and home affairs.

Dhekelia
  By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created
  the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty
  and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers -
  Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The larger of these is the Dhekelia Sovereign
  Base Area, which is also referred to as the Eastern Sovereign Base
  Area.

Djibouti
  The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became
  Djibouti in 1977. Hassan Gouled APTIDON installed an authoritarian
  one-party state and proceeded to serve as president until 1999.
  Unrest among the Afars minority during the 1990s led to a civil war
  that ended in 2001 following the conclusion of a peace accord
  between Afar rebels and the Issa-dominated government. In 1999,
  Djibouti's first multi-party presidential elections resulted in the
  election of Ismail Omar GUELLEH; he was re-elected to a second term
  in 2005. Djibouti occupies a strategic geographic location at the
  mouth of the Red Sea and serves as an important transshipment
  location for goods entering and leaving the east African highlands.
  The present leadership favors close ties to France, which maintains
  a significant military presence in the country but also has strong
  ties with the US. Djibouti hosts the only US military base in
  sub-Saharan Africa and is a front-line state in the global war on
  terrorism.

Dominica
  Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be
  colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the
  native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763,
  which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after
  independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and
  tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia
  CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who
  remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still
  living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining
  in the eastern Caribbean.

Dominican Republic
  Explored and claimed by Christopher COLUMBUS on
  his first voyage in 1492, the island of Hispaniola became a
  springboard for Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and the American
  mainland. In 1697, Spain recognized French dominion over the western
  third of the island, which in 1804 became Haiti. The remainder of
  the island, by then known as Santo Domingo, sought to gain its own
  independence in 1821 but was conquered and ruled by the Haitians for
  22 years; it finally attained independence as the Dominican Republic
  in 1844. In 1861, the Dominicans voluntarily returned to the Spanish
  Empire, but two years later they launched a war that restored
  independence in 1865. A legacy of unsettled, mostly
  non-representative rule followed, capped by the dictatorship of
  Rafael Leonidas TRUJILLO from 1930-61. Juan BOSCH was elected
  president in 1962 but was deposed in a military coup in 1963. In
  1965, the United States led an intervention in the midst of a civil
  war sparked by an uprising to restore BOSCH. In 1966, Joaquin
  BALAGUER defeated BOSCH in an election to become president. BALAGUER
  maintained a tight grip on power for most of the next 30 years when
  international reaction to flawed elections forced him to curtail his
  term in 1996. Since then, regular competitive elections have been
  held in which opposition candidates have won the presidency. Former
  President (1996-2000) Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna won election to a new
  term in 2004 following a constitutional amendment allowing
  presidents to serve more than one term, and was since reelected to a
  second consecutive term.

Ecuador
  What is now Ecuador formed part of the northern Inca Empire
  until the Spanish conquest in 1533. Quito became a seat of Spanish
  colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of New
  Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty - New Granada
  (Colombia), Venezuela, and Quito - gained their independence between
  1819 and 1822 and formed a federation known as Gran Colombia. When
  Quito withdrew in 1830, the traditional name was changed in favor of
  the "Republic of the Equator." Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost
  territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border
  war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although
  Ecuador marked 30 years of civilian governance in 2004, the period
  has been marred by political instability. Protests in Quito
  contributed to the mid-term ouster of three of Ecuador's last four
  democratically elected Presidents. In September 2008, voters
  approved a new constitution; Ecuador's twentieth since gaining
  independence. General elections, under the new constitutional
  framework, were held in April 2009, and voters re-elected President
  Rafael CORREA.

Egypt
  The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood,
  coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and
  west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great
  civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., and a series
  of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last
  native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were
  replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who
  introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who
  ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the
  Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the
  conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Following the
  completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important
  world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt.
  Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of
  Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman
  Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in
  1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty with the overthrow of the
  British-backed monarchy in 1952. The completion of the Aswan High
  Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered the
  time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology
  of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab
  world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue
  to overtax resources and stress society. The government has
  struggled to meet the demands of Egypt's growing population through
  economic reform and massive investment in communications and
  physical infrastructure.

El Salvador
  El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and
  from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war,
  which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when
  the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for
  military and political reforms.

Equatorial Guinea
  Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968
  after 190 years of Spanish rule. This tiny country, composed of a
  mainland portion plus five inhabited islands, is one of the smallest
  on the African continent. President Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO
  has ruled the country since 1979 when he seized power in a coup.
  Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996,
  2002, and 2009 presidential elections - as well as the 1999 and 2004
  legislative elections - were widely seen as flawed. The president
  exerts almost total control over the political system and has
  discouraged political opposition. Equatorial Guinea has experienced
  rapid economic growth due to the discovery of large offshore oil
  reserves, and in the last decade has become Sub-Saharan Africa's
  third largest oil exporter. Despite the country's economic windfall
  from oil production resulting in a massive increase in government
  revenue in recent years, there have been few improvements in the
  population's living standards.

Eritrea
  The UN awarded Eritrea to Ethiopia in 1952 as part of a
  federation. Ethiopia's annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years
  later sparked a 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991
  with Eritrean rebels defeating governmental forces; independence was
  overwhelmingly approved in a 1993 referendum. A two-and-a-half-year
  border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN
  auspices in December 2000. Eritrea hosted a UN peacekeeping
  operation that monitored a 25 km-wide Temporary Security Zone (TSZ)
  on the border with Ethiopia. Eritrea's denial of fuel to the mission
  caused the UN to withdraw the mission and terminate its mandate 31
  July 2008. An international commission, organized to resolve the
  border dispute, posted its findings in 2002. However, both parties
  have been unable to reach agreement on implementing the decision. On
  30 November 2007, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission remotely
  demarcated the border by coordinates and dissolved itself, leaving
  Ethiopia still occupying several tracts of disputed territory,
  including the town of Badme. Eritrea accepted the EEBC's "virtual
  demarcation" decision and called on Ethiopia to remove its troops
  from the TSZ that it states is Eritrean territory. Ethiopia has not
  accepted the virtual demarcation decision. In 2009 the UN imposed
  sanctions on Eritrea after accusing it of backing anti-Ethiopian
  Islamist insurgents in Somalia.

Estonia
  After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian
  rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated
  into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US - it
  regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union.
  Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to
  promote economic and political ties with Western Europe. It joined
  both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Ethiopia
  Unique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopian
  monarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule with the
  exception of a short-lived Italian occupation from 1936-41. In 1974,
  a military junta, the Derg, deposed Emperor Haile SELASSIE (who had
  ruled since 1930) and established a socialist state. Torn by bloody
  coups, uprisings, wide-scale drought, and massive refugee problems,
  the regime was finally toppled in 1991 by a coalition of rebel
  forces, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front
  (EPRDF). A constitution was adopted in 1994, and Ethiopia's first
  multiparty elections were held in 1995. A border war with Eritrea
  late in the 1990s ended with a peace treaty in December 2000. In
  November 2007, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Commission remotely
  demarcated the border by geographical coordinates, but final
  demarcation of the boundary on the ground is currently on hold
  because of Ethiopian objections to an international commission's
  finding requiring it to surrender territory considered sensitive to
  Ethiopia.

European Union Following the two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century, a number of European leaders in the late 1940s became convinced that the only way to establish a lasting peace was to unite the two chief belligerent nations - France and Germany - both economically and politically. In 1950, the French Foreign Minister Robert SCHUMAN proposed an eventual union of all Europe, the first step of which would be the integration of the coal and steel industries of Western Europe. The following year the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was set up when six members, Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, signed the Treaty of Paris. The ECSC was so successful that within a few years the decision was made to integrate other parts of the countries' economies. In 1957, the Treaties of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), and the six member states undertook to eliminate trade barriers among themselves by forming a common market. In 1967, the institutions of all three communities were formally merged into the European Community (EC), creating a single Commission, a single Council of Ministers, and the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament were initially selected by national parliaments, but in 1979 the first direct elections were undertaken and they have been held every five years since. In 1973, the first enlargement of the EC took place with the addition of Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The 1980s saw further membership expansion with Greece joining in 1981 and Spain and Portugal in 1986. The 1992 Treaty of Maastricht laid the basis for further forms of cooperation in foreign and defense policy, in judicial and internal affairs, and in the creation of an economic and monetary union - including a common currency. This further integration created the European Union (EU). In 1995, Austria, Finland, and Sweden joined the EU, raising the membership total to 15. A new currency, the euro, was launched in world money markets on 1 January 1999; it became the unit of exchange for all of the EU states except the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Denmark. In 2002, citizens of the 12 euro-area countries (the European Monetary Union or EMU) began using the euro banknotes and coins. Ten new countries joined the EU in 2004 - Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia - and in 2007 Bulgaria and Romania joined, bringing the current membership to 27. In order to ensure that the EU can continue to function efficiently with an expanded membership, the Treaty of Nice (in force as of 1 February 2003) set forth rules streamlining the size and procedures of EU institutions. An effort to establish an EU constitution, begun in October 2004, failed to attain unanimous ratification. A new effort, undertaken in June 2007, created an Intergovernmental Conference to formulate a political agreement - initially known as the Reform Treaty but subsequently referred to as the Treaty of Lisbon - which would serve as a constitution. Unlike the constitution, however, the Treaty of Lisbon sought to amend existing treaties rather than replace them. In October 2009, an Irish referendum approved the Treaty (overturning a previous rejection) and cleared the way for an ultimate unanimous endorsement - the Czech Republic signed on soon after. Treaty implementation began on 1 December 2009. In 2010, the prospect of a Greek default on its euro-denominated debt created severe strains within the EMU and raised the question of whether a member country might be removed.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  Although first sighted by an
  English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur
  until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement
  (French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over
  to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject
  of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then
  between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the
  islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina
  invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an
  expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce
  fighting forced an Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.

Faroe Islands
  The population of the Faroe Islands is largely
  descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The
  islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th
  century. A high degree of self government was granted the Faroese in
  1948, who have autonomy over most internal affairs while Denmark is
  responsible for justice, defense, and foreign affairs. The Faroe
  Islands are not part of the European Union.

Fiji
  Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century as a
  British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military
  coups in 1987 caused by concern over a government perceived as
  dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers
  brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). The
  coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian
  control of Fiji led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss
  resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians
  became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more
  equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a
  government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a civilian-led coup in May
  2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil.
  Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a
  democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia
  QARASE. Re-elected in May 2006, QARASE was ousted in a December 2006
  military coup led by Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA, who initially
  appointed himself acting president but in January 2007 became
  interim prime minister. Since taking power BAINIMARAMA has
  neutralized his opponents, crippled Fiji's democratic institutions,
  and refused to hold elections.

Finland
  Finland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden
  from the 12th to the 19th centuries, and an autonomous grand duchy
  of Russia after 1809. It won its complete independence in 1917.
  During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom
  and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of
  territory. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a
  remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a
  diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now
  among the highest in Western Europe. A member of the European Union
  since 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro
  system at its initiation in January 1999. In the 21st century, the
  key features of Finland's modern welfare state are a high standard
  of education, equality promotion, and national social security
  system; currently challenged by an aging population and the
  fluctuations of an export-driven economy.

France
  Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France
  suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank
  as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the
  most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European
  nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid
  presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the
  instabilities experienced in earlier more purely parliamentary
  administrations. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation
  with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of
  Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency,
  the euro, in January 1999.

French Polynesia
  The French annexed various Polynesian island groups
  during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up
  widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll
  after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January
  1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been
  considerably expanded.

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  In February 2007, the Iles
  Eparses became an integral part of the French Southern and Antarctic
  Lands (TAAF). The Southern Lands are now divided into five
  administrative districts, two of which are archipelagos, Iles Crozet
  and Iles Kerguelen; the third is a district composed of two volcanic
  islands, Ile Saint-Paul and Ile Amsterdam; the fourth, Iles Eparses,
  consists of five scattered tropical islands around Madagascar. They
  contain no permanent inhabitants and are visited only by researchers
  studying the native fauna, scientists at the various scientific
  stations, fishermen, and military personnel. The fifth district is
  the Antarctic portion, which consists of "Adelie Land," a thin slice
  of the Antarctic continent discovered and claimed by the French in
  1840.
  Ile Amsterdam: Discovered but not named in 1522 by the Spanish, the
  island subsequently received the appellation of Nieuw Amsterdam from
  a Dutchman; it was claimed by France in 1843. A short-lived attempt
  at cattle farming began in 1871. A French meteorological station
  established on the island in 1949 is still in use.
  Ile Saint Paul: Claimed by France since 1893, the island was a
  fishing industry center from 1843 to 1914. In 1928, a spiny lobster
  cannery was established, but when the company went bankrupt in 1931,
  seven workers were abandoned. Only two survived until 1934 when
  rescue finally arrived.
  Iles Crozet: A large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau,
  Iles Crozet is divided into two main groups: L'Occidental (the
  West), which includes Ile aux Cochons, Ilots des Apotres, Ile des
  Pingouins, and the reefs Brisants de l'Heroine; and L'Oriental (the
  east), which includes Ile d'Est and Ile de la Possession (the
  largest island of the Crozets). Discovered and claimed by France in
  1772, the islands were used for seal hunting and as a base for
  whaling. Originally administered as a dependency of Madagascar, they
  became part of the TAAF in 1955.
  Iles Kerguelen: This island group, discovered in 1772, is made up of
  one large island (Ile Kerguelen) and about 300 smaller islands. A
  permanent group of 50 to 100 scientists resides at the main base at
  Port-aux-Francais.
  Adelie Land: The only non-insular district of the TAAF is the
  Antarctic claim known as "Adelie Land." The US Government does not
  recognize it as a French dependency.
  Bassas da India: A French possession since 1897, this atoll is a
  volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide.
  Europa Island: This heavily wooded island has been a French
  possession since 1897; it is the site of a small military garrison
  that staffs a weather station.
  Glorioso Islands: A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso
  Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile
  Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison
  operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse.
  Juan de Nova Island: Named after a famous 15th century Spanish
  navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession
  since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate.
  Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological
  station.
  Tromelin Island: First explored by the French in 1776, the island
  came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it
  serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important
  meteorological station.

Gabon
  Until recently, only two autocratic presidents had ruled Gabon
  since its independence from France in 1960. The recent president of
  Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads
  of state in the world - had dominated the country's political scene
  for four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty
  system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However,
  allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and
  the presidential elections in 2005 exposed the weaknesses of formal
  political structures in Gabon. President BONGO died in June 2009.
  New elections in August 2009 brought Ali Ben BONGO, son of the
  former president, to power. Despite political conditions, a small
  population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign
  support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable
  African countries. In January 2010, Gabon assumed a nonpermanent
  seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Gambia, The
  The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965.
  Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived
  federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two
  nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions
  have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH led
  a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned
  political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in
  1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a
  nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president
  in all subsequent elections including most recently in late 2006.

Gaza Strip
  The September 1993 Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles
  on Interim Self-Government Arrangements provided for a transitional
  period of Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
  Under a series of agreements signed between May 1994 and September
  1999, Israel transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA) security
  and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of
  the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Negotiations to determine the
  permanent status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip stalled following
  the outbreak of an intifada in September 2000. In April 2003, the
  Quartet (US, EU, UN, and Russia) presented a roadmap to a final
  settlement of the conflict by 2005 based on reciprocal steps by the
  two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic
  Palestine. Following Palestinian leader Yasir ARAFAT's death in late
  2004, Mahmud ABBAS was elected PA president in January 2005. A month
  later, Israel and the PA agreed to the Sharm el-Sheikh Commitments
  in an effort to move the peace process forward. In September 2005,
  Israel unilaterally withdrew all its settlers and soldiers and
  dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip and withdrew
  settlers and redeployed soldiers from four small northern West Bank
  settlements. Nonetheless, Israel still controls maritime, airspace,
  and most access to the Gaza Strip; and it enforces a restricted zone
  along the border inside Gaza. In January 2006, the Islamic
  Resistance Movement, HAMAS, won control of the Palestinian
  Legislative Council (PLC). HAMAS took control of the PA government
  in March 2006, but President ABBAS had little success negotiating
  with HAMAS to present a political platform acceptable to the
  international community so as to lift economic sanctions on
  Palestinians. Violent clashes between Fatah and HAMAS supporters in
  the Gaza Strip in 2006 and early 2007 resulted in numerous
  Palestinian deaths and injuries. In February 2007, ABBAS and HAMAS
  Political Bureau Chief MISHAL signed the Mecca Agreement in Saudi
  Arabia that resulted in the formation of a Palestinian National
  Unity Government (NUG) headed by HAMAS member Ismail HANIYA.
  However, fighting continued in the Gaza Strip, and in June 2007,
  HAMAS militants succeeded in a violent takeover of all military and
  governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip. ABBAS dismissed the NUG
  and through a series of presidential decrees formed a PA government
  in the West Bank led by independent Salam FAYYAD. HAMAS rejected the
  NUG's dismissal, and despite multiple rounds of Egyptian-brokered
  reconciliation negotiations, the two groups have failed to bridge
  their differences. Late November 2007 through June 2008 witnessed a
  substantial increase in Israeli-Palestinian violence. An
  Egyptian-brokered truce in June 2008 between Israel and HAMAS
  brought about a five-month pause in hostilities, but spiraling
  end-of-year violence resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1,100 to
  1,400 Palestinians and left tens of thousands of people homeless.
  International donors pledged $4.5 billion in aid to rebuild the Gaza
  Strip, but by the end of 2010 large-scale reconstruction had not
  begun.

Georgia
  The region of present day Georgia contained the ancient
  kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman
  influence in the first centuries A.D. and Christianity became the
  state religion in the 330s. Domination by Persians, Arabs, and Turks
  was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th-13th centuries) that was
  cut short by the Mongol invasion of 1236. Subsequently, the Ottoman
  and Persian empires competed for influence in the region. Georgia
  was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century.
  Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian
  revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR until the
  Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. An attempt by the incumbent Georgian
  government to manipulate national legislative elections in November
  2003 touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of
  Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, president since 1995. New elections in early
  2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI into power along with his National
  Movement party. Progress on market reforms and democratization has
  been made in the years since independence, but this progress has
  been complicated by Russian assistance and support to the breakaway
  regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. After a series of Russian and
  separatist provocations in summer 2008, Georgian military action in
  South Ossetia in early August led to a Russian military response
  that not only occupied the breakaway areas, but large portions of
  Georgia proper as well. Russian troops pulled back from most
  occupied Georgian territory, but in late August 2008 Russia
  unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South
  Ossetia. This action was strongly condemned by most of the world's
  nations and international organizations.

Germany
  As Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation
  (after Russia), Germany is a key member of the continent's economic,
  political, and defense organizations. European power struggles
  immersed Germany in two devastating World Wars in the first half of
  the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious
  Allied powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945.
  With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in
  1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern
  German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself
  in key Western economic and security organizations, the EC, which
  became the EU, and NATO, while the Communist GDR was on the front
  line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the
  end of the Cold War allowed for German unification in 1990. Since
  then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring Eastern
  productivity and wages up to Western standards. In January 1999,
  Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European
  exchange currency, the euro. In January 2011, Germany assumed a
  nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Ghana
  Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast
  and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first
  sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence.
  Ghana endured a long series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took
  power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new
  constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won
  presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, but was constitutionally
  prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR
  succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS took over
  as head of state in early 2009.

Gibraltar
  Strategically important, Gibraltar was reluctantly ceded
  to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British
  garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum
  held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British
  dependency. The subsequent granting of autonomy in 1969 by the UK
  led to Spain closing the border and severing all communication
  links. A series of talks were held by the UK and Spain between 1997
  and 2002 on establishing temporary joint sovereignty over Gibraltar.
  In response to these talks, the Gibraltar Government called a
  referendum in late 2002 in which the majority of citizens voted
  overwhelmingly against any sharing of sovereignty with Spain. Since
  late 2004, tripartite talks among Spain, the UK, and Gibraltar have
  been held with the aim of cooperatively resolving problems that
  affect the local population, and work continues on cooperation
  agreements in areas such as taxation and financial services;
  communications and maritime security; policy, legal and customs
  services; environmental protection; and education and visa services.
  Throughout 2009, a dispute over Gibraltar's claim to territorial
  waters extending out three miles gave rise to periodic non-violent
  maritime confrontations between Spanish and UK naval patrols. A new
  noncolonial constitution came into effect in 2007, and the European
  Court of First Instance recognized Gibraltar's right to regulate its
  own tax regime in December 2008, but the UK retains responsibility
  for defense, foreign relations, internal security, and financial
  stability.

Greece
  Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829.
  During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the
  20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and
  territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II,
  Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied
  by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war
  between supporters of the king and other anti-Communists and
  Communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece
  joined NATO in 1952. In 1967, a group of military officers seized
  power, establishing a military dictatorship that suspended many
  political liberties and forced the king to flee the country. In
  1974, democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary
  republic and abolished the monarchy. In 1981, Greece joined the EC
  (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and
  Monetary Union in 2001. In 2010, the prospect of a Greek default on
  its euro-denominated debt created severe strains within the EMU and
  raised the question of whether a member country might voluntarily
  leave the common currency or be removed.

Greenland
  Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 81% ice
  capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland;
  Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland was
  made an integral part of Denmark in 1953. It joined the European
  Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973 but withdrew in 1985
  over a dispute centered on stringent fishing quotas. Greenland was
  granted self-government in 1979 by the Danish parliament; the law
  went into effect the following year. Greenland voted in favor of
  increased self-rule in November 2008 and acquired greater
  responsibility for internal affairs in June 2009. Denmark, however,
  continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs,
  security, and financial policy in consultation with Greenland's Home
  Rule Government.

Grenada
  Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when COLUMBUS discovered the
  island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century.
  The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar
  estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took
  the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the
  19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export
  crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In
  1967, Britain gave Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full
  independence was attained in 1974 making Grenada one of the smallest
  independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Grenada was seized
  by a Marxist military council on 19 October 1983. Six days later the
  island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean
  nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds
  of Cuban advisers. Free elections were reinstituted the following
  year and have continued since that time. Hurricane Ivan struck
  Grenada in September of 2004 causing severe damage.

Guam
  Guam was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898. Captured by the
  Japanese in 1941, it was retaken by the US three years later. The
  military installation on the island is one of the most strategically
  important US bases in the Pacific.

Guatemala
  The Mayan civilization flourished in Guatemala and
  surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost
  three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence
  in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced
  a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year
  guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement
  formally ending the conflict, which had left more than 100,000
  people dead and had created, by some estimates, some 1 million
  refugees.

Guernsey
  Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last
  remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy, which held sway in
  both France and England. The islands were the only British soil
  occupied by German troops in World War II. Guernsey is a British
  crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union.
  However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its
  defense and international representation.

Guinea
  Guinea has had a history of authoritarian rule since gaining
  its independence from France in 1958. Lansana CONTE came to power in
  1984 when the military seized the government after the death of the
  first president, Sekou TOURE. Guinea did not hold democratic
  elections until 1993 when Gen. CONTE (head of the military
  government) was elected president of the civilian government. He was
  reelected in 1998 and again in 2003, though all the polls were
  marred by irregularities. History repeated itself in December 2008
  when following President CONTE's death, Capt. Moussa Dadis CAMARA
  led a military coup, seizing power and suspending the constitution.
  His unwillingness to yield to domestic and international pressure to
  step down led to heightened political tensions that culminated in
  September 2009 when presidential guards opened fire on an opposition
  rally killing more than 150 people, and in early December 2009 when
  CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and evacuated to
  Morocco and subsequently to Burkina Faso. A transitional government
  led by General Sekouba KONATE held democratic elections in 2010 and
  Alpha CONDE was elected president in the country's first free and
  fair elections since independence.

Guinea-Bissau
  Since independence from Portugal in 1974,
  Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military
  upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established authoritarian
  dictator Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. Despite setting a
  path to a market economy and multiparty system, VIEIRA's regime was
  characterized by the suppression of political opposition and the
  purging of political rivals. Several coup attempts through the 1980s
  and early 1990s failed to unseat him. In 1994 VIEIRA was elected
  president in the country's first free elections. A military mutiny
  and resulting civil war in 1998 eventually led to VIEIRA's ouster in
  May 1999. In February 2000, a transitional government turned over
  power to opposition leader Kumba YALA after he was elected president
  in transparent polling. In September 2003, after only three years in
  office, YALA was ousted by the military in a bloodless coup, and
  businessman Henrique ROSA was sworn in as interim president. In
  2005, former President VIEIRA was re-elected president pledging to
  pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was
  assassinated in March 2009. Malam Bacai SANHA was elected in an
  emergency election held in June 2009.

Guyana
  Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana
  had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to
  black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured
  servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This
  ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent
  politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, and
  since then it has been ruled mostly by socialist-oriented
  governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president in what is
  considered the country's first free and fair election since
  independence. After his death five years later, his wife, Janet
  JAGAN, became president but resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her
  successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001 and again in 2006.

Haiti
  The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island of
  Hispaniola when it was discovered by COLUMBUS in 1492 - were
  virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the
  early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola.
  In 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island,
  which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and
  sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the
  Caribbean but only through the heavy importation of African slaves
  and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th
  century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint
  L'OUVERTURE. After a prolonged struggle, Haiti became the first
  black republic to declare independence in 1804. The poorest country
  in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has been plagued by political
  violence for most of its history. After an armed rebellion led to
  the forced resignation and exile of President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE
  in February 2004, an interim government took office to organize new
  elections under the auspices of the United Nations Stabilization
  Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Continued violence and technical delays
  prompted repeated postponements, but Haiti finally did inaugurate a
  democratically elected president and parliament in May of 2006. A
  massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010 with
  an epicenter about 15 km southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
  An estimated 2 million people live within the zone of heavy to
  moderate structural damage. The earthquake is assessed as the worst
  in this region over the last 200 years and massive international
  assistance will be required to help the country recover.

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  These uninhabited, barren,
  sub-Antarctic islands were transferred from the UK to Australia in
  1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species, the
  islands have been designated a nature preserve.

Holy See (Vatican City)
  Popes in their secular role ruled portions
  of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the
  mid 19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the
  newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were
  further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between
  a series of "prisoner" popes and Italy were resolved in 1929 by
  three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of
  Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy.
  In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified certain
  of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman
  Catholicism as the Italian state religion. Present concerns of the
  Holy See include religious freedom, international development, the
  environment, the Middle East, China, the decline of religion in
  Europe, terrorism, interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and
  the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and
  globalization. About one billion people worldwide profess the
  Catholic faith.

Honduras
  Once part of Spain's vast empire in the New World, Honduras
  became an independent nation in 1821. After two and a half decades
  of mostly military rule, a freely elected civilian government came
  to power in 1982. During the 1980s, Honduras proved a haven for
  anti-Sandinista contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan Government
  and an ally to Salvadoran Government forces fighting leftist
  guerrillas. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998,
  which killed about 5,600 people and caused approximately $2 billion
  in damage. Since then, the economy has slowly rebounded.

Hong Kong
  Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded
  by China the following year; various adjacent lands were added later
  in the 19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and
  the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special
  Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China on 1
  July 1997. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one
  country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system
  would not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong would enjoy a
  high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense
  affairs for the next 50 years.

Hungary
  Hungary became a Christian kingdom in A.D. 1000 and for many
  centuries served as a bulwark against Ottoman Turkish expansion in
  Europe. The kingdom eventually became part of the polyglot
  Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed during World War I. The
  country fell under Communist rule following World War II. In 1956, a
  revolt and an announced withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact were met
  with a massive military intervention by Moscow. Under the leadership
  of Janos KADAR in 1968, Hungary began liberalizing its economy,
  introducing so-called "Goulash Communism." Hungary held its first
  multiparty elections in 1990 and initiated a free market economy. It
  joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.

Iceland
  Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish)
  immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland
  boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the
  Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland
  was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja
  volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused
  widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the
  island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited
  home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence
  attained in 1944. The second half of the 20th century saw
  substantial economic growth driven primarily by the fishing
  industry. The economy diversified greatly after the country joined
  the European Economic Area in 1994, but Iceland was especially hard
  hit by the global financial crisis in the years following 2008.
  Literacy, longevity, and social cohesion are first rate by world
  standards.

India
  The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest,
  flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into
  northwestern India. Aryan tribes from the northwest infiltrated onto
  the Indian subcontinent about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the
  earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture.
  The Maurya Empire of the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. - which reached
  its zenith under ASHOKA - united much of South Asia. The Golden Age
  ushered in by the Gupta dynasty (4th to 6th centuries A.D.) saw a
  flowering of Indian science, art, and culture. Islam spread across
  the subcontinent over a period of 700 years. In the 10th and 11th
  centuries, Turks and Afghans invaded India and established the Delhi
  Sultanate. In the early 16th century, the Emperor BABUR established
  the Mughal Dynasty which ruled India for more than three centuries.
  European explorers began establishing footholds in India during the
  16th century. By the 19th century, Great Britain had become the
  dominant political power on the subcontinent. The British Indian
  Army played a vital role in both World Wars. Nonviolent resistance
  to British rule, led by Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU,
  eventually brought about independence in 1947. Communal violence led
  to the subcontinent's bloody partition, which resulted in the
  creation of two separate states, India and Pakistan. The two
  countries have fought three wars since independence, the last of
  which in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation
  of Bangladesh. India's nuclear weapons tests in 1998 caused Pakistan
  to conduct its own tests that same year. In November 2008,
  terrorists allegedly originating from Pakistan conducted a series of
  coordinated attacks in Mumbai, India's financial capital. Despite
  pressing problems such as significant overpopulation, environmental
  degradation, extensive poverty, and widespread corruption, rapid
  economic development is fueling India's rise on the world stage. In
  January 2011, India assumed a nonpermanent seat in the UN Security
  Council for the 2011-12 term.

Indian Ocean
  The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's
  five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, but larger
  than the Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean). Four critically important
  access waterways are the Suez Canal (Egypt), Bab el Mandeb
  (Djibouti-Yemen), Strait of Hormuz (Iran-Oman), and Strait of
  Malacca (Indonesia-Malaysia). The decision by the International
  Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth
  ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Indian Ocean
  south of 60 degrees south latitude.

Indonesia
  The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th
  century; Japan occupied the islands from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia
  declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required
  four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hostilities, and
  UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to transfer sovereignty
  in 1949. Free and fair legislative elections took place in 1999
  after decades of repressive rule. Indonesia is now the world's third
  most populous democracy, the world's largest archipelagic state, and
  home to the world's largest Muslim population. Current issues
  include: alleviating poverty, improving education, preventing
  terrorism, consolidating democracy after four decades of
  authoritarianism, implementing economic and financial reforms,
  stemming corruption, holding the military and police accountable for
  human rights violations, addressing climate change, and controlling
  avian influenza. In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace
  agreement with armed separatists in Aceh, which led to democratic
  elections in Aceh in December 2006. Indonesia continues to face low
  intensity armed resistance by the separatist Free Papua Movement.

Iran
  Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in
  1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza
  PAHLAVI was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces
  established a theocratic system of government with ultimate
  political authority vested in a learned religious scholar referred
  to commonly as the Supreme Leader who, according to the
  constitution, is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts - a
  popularly elected 86-member body of clerics. US-Iranian relations
  have been strained since a group of Iranian students seized the US
  Embassy in Tehran on 4 November 1979 and held it until 20 January
  1981. During 1980-88, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq
  that eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf and led to clashes
  between US Navy and Iranian military forces between 1987 and 1988.
  Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism for its
  activities in Lebanon and elsewhere in the world and remains subject
  to US, UN, and EU economic sanctions and export controls because of
  its continued involvement in terrorism and its nuclear weapons
  ambitions. Following the election of reformer Hojjat ol-Eslam
  Mohammad KHATAMI as president in 1997 and a reformist Majles
  (legislature) in 2000, a campaign to foster political reform in
  response to popular dissatisfaction was initiated. The movement
  floundered as conservative politicians, through the control of
  unelected institutions, prevented reform measures from being enacted
  and increased repressive measures. Starting with nationwide
  municipal elections in 2003 and continuing through Majles elections
  in 2004, conservatives reestablished control over Iran's elected
  government institutions, which culminated with the August 2005
  inauguration of hardliner Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD as president. His
  controversial reelection in June 2009 sparked nationwide protests
  over allegations of electoral fraud. The UN Security Council has
  passed a number of resolutions (1696 in July 2006, 1737 in December
  2006, 1747 in March 2007, 1803 in March 2008, and 1835 in September
  2008) calling for Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment and
  reprocessing activities and comply with its IAEA obligations and
  responsibilities. Resolutions 1737, 1477, and 1803 subject a number
  of Iranian individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear and
  ballistic missile programs to sanctions. Additionally, several
  Iranian entities are subject to US sanctions under Executive Order
  13382 designations for proliferation activities and EO 13224
  designations for support of terrorism.

Iraq
  Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by
  Britain during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a
  League of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over
  the next dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in
  1932. A "republic" was proclaimed in 1958, but in actuality a series
  of strongmen ruled the country until 2003. The last was SADDAM
  Husayn. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and
  costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait
  but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces during the Gulf War
  of January-February 1991. Following Kuwait's liberation, the UN
  Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass
  destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification
  inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions
  over a period of 12 years led to the US-led invasion of Iraq in
  March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn regime. US forces
  remained in Iraq under a UNSC mandate through 2009 and under a
  bilateral security agreement thereafter, helping to provide security
  and to train and mentor Iraqi security forces. In October 2005,
  Iraqis approved a constitution in a national referendum and,
  pursuant to this document, elected a 275-member Council of
  Representatives (CoR) in December 2005. After the election, Ibrahim
  al-JAFARI was selected as prime minister; he was replaced by Nuri
  al-MALIKI in May 2006. The CoR approved most cabinet ministers in
  May 2006, marking the transition to Iraq's first constitutional
  government in nearly a half century. On 31 January 2009, Iraq held
  elections for provincial councils in all provinces except for the
  three provinces comprising the Kurdistan Regional Government and
  Kirkuk province. Iraq held a national legislative election in March
  2010, and after nine months of deadlock the CoR approved the new
  government in December.

Ireland
  Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C.
  Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were
  finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014.
  English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than
  seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions
  and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched
  off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in
  independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern
  (Ulster) counties remained part of the UK. In 1949, Ireland withdrew
  from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in
  1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of
  Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A
  peace settlement for Northern Ireland is gradually being implemented
  despite some difficulties. In 2006, the Irish and British
  governments developed and began to implement the St. Andrews
  Agreement, building on the Good Friday Agreement approved in 1998.

Isle of Man
  Part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the
  13th century when it was ceded to Scotland, the isle came under the
  British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the almost
  extinct Manx Gaelic language. Isle of Man is a British crown
  dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union.
  However, the UK Government remains constitutionally responsible for
  its defense and international representation.

Israel
  Following World War II, the British withdrew from their
  mandate of Palestine, and the UN partitioned the area into Arab and
  Jewish states, an arrangement rejected by the Arabs. Subsequently,
  the Israelis defeated the Arabs in a series of wars without ending
  the deep tensions between the two sides. The territories Israel
  occupied since the 1967 war are not included in the Israel country
  profile, unless otherwise noted. On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew
  from the Sinai pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. In
  keeping with the framework established at the Madrid Conference in
  October 1991, bilateral negotiations were conducted between Israel
  and Palestinian representatives and Syria to achieve a permanent
  settlement. Israel and Palestinian officials signed on 13 September
  1993 a Declaration of Principles (also known as the "Oslo Accords")
  guiding an interim period of Palestinian self-rule. Outstanding
  territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved in the 26
  October 1994 Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace. In addition, on 25 May
  2000, Israel withdrew unilaterally from southern Lebanon, which it
  had occupied since 1982. In April 2003, US President BUSH, working
  in conjunction with the EU, UN, and Russia - the "Quartet" - took
  the lead in laying out a roadmap to a final settlement of the
  conflict by 2005, based on reciprocal steps by the two parties
  leading to two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine. However,
  progress toward a permanent status agreement was undermined by
  Israeli-Palestinian violence between September 2003 and February
  2005. In the summer of 2005, Israel unilaterally disengaged from the
  Gaza Strip, evacuating settlers and its military while retaining
  control over most points of entry into the Gaza Strip. The election
  of HAMAS to head the Palestinian Legislative Council froze relations
  between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Ehud OLMERT
  became prime minister in March 2006 and presided over a 34-day
  conflict with Hizballah in Lebanon in June-August 2006 and a 23-day
  conflict with HAMAS in the Gaza Strip during December 2008 and
  January 2009. OLMERT, who in June 2007 resumed talks with PA
  President Mahmoud ABBAS, resigned in September 2008. Prime Minister
  Binyamin NETANYAHU formed a coalition in March 2009 following a
  February 2009 general election. Direct talks launched in September
  2010 collapsed following the expiration of Israel's 10-month partial
  settlement construction moratorium in the West Bank. Diplomatic
  initiatives to revive the negotiations through proximity talks began
  at the end of 2010.

Italy
  Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the regional states
  of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under
  King Victor EMMANUEL II. An era of parliamentary government came to
  a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a
  Fascist dictatorship. His alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy's
  defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy
  in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter member of
  NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has been at the
  forefront of European economic and political unification, joining
  the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent problems include
  illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption, high unemployment,
  sluggish economic growth, and the low incomes and technical
  standards of southern Italy compared with the prosperous north.

Jamaica
  The island - discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 -
  was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native
  Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were
  gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England
  seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based
  on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed
  a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica
  gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain. In 1958 it
  joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of
  the West Indies. Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew
  from the Federation in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions
  during the 1970s led to recurrent violence as rival gangs affiliated
  with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized
  crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money
  laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, and poverty pose
  significant challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many
  rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute
  substantially to the economy.

Jan Mayen
  This desolate, arctic, mountainous island was named after
  a Dutch whaling captain who indisputably discovered it in 1614
  (earlier claims are inconclusive). Visited only occasionally by seal
  hunters and trappers over the following centuries, the island came
  under Norwegian sovereignty in 1929. The long dormant Beerenberg
  volcano resumed activity in 1970; the most recent eruption occurred
  in 1985. It is the northernmost active volcano on earth.

Japan
  In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa
  shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long
  period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign
  influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to
  enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. Japan opened its ports
  after signing the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854 and began
  to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and
  early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to
  defeat the forces of both China and Russia. It occupied Korea,
  Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan
  occupied Manchuria, and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of
  China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry
  into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast
  Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an
  economic power and an ally of the US. While the emperor retains his
  throne as a symbol of national unity, elected politicians hold
  actual decision-making power. Following three decades of
  unprecedented growth, Japan's economy experienced a major slowdown
  starting in the 1990s, but the country remains a major economic
  power.

Jersey
  Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last
  remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy that held sway in both
  France and England. These islands were the only British soil
  occupied by German troops in World War II. Jersey is a British crown
  dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union.
  However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its
  defense and international representation.

Jordan
  Following World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman
  Empire, the UK received a mandate to govern much of the Middle East.
  Britain separated out a semi-autonomous region of Transjordan from
  Palestine in the early 1920s, and the area gained its independence
  in 1946; it adopted the name of Jordan in 1950. The country's
  long-time ruler was King HUSSEIN (1953-99). A pragmatic leader, he
  successfully navigated competing pressures from the major powers
  (US, USSR, and UK), various Arab states, Israel, and a large
  internal Palestinian population. Jordan lost the West Bank to Israel
  in the 1967 war and barely managed to defeat Palestinian rebels who
  attempted to overthrow the monarchy in 1970. King HUSSEIN in 1988
  permanently relinquished Jordanian claims to the West Bank. In 1989,
  he reinstituted parliamentary elections and initiated a gradual
  political liberalization; political parties were legalized in 1992.
  In 1994, he signed a peace treaty with Israel. King ABDALLAH II, the
  son of King HUSSEIN, assumed the throne following his father's death
  in February 1999. Since then, he has consolidated his power and
  undertaken an aggressive economic reform program. Jordan acceded to
  the World Trade Organization in 2000, and began to participate in
  the European Free Trade Association in 2001. In 2003, Jordan
  staunchly supported the Coalition ouster of Saddam in Iraq and
  following the outbreak of insurgent violence in Iraq, absorbed
  thousands of displaced Iraqis. Municipal elections were held in July
  2007 under a system in which 20% of seats in all municipal councils
  were reserved by quota for women. Parliamentary elections were held
  in November 2010 and saw independent pro-government candidates win
  the vast majority of seats.

Kazakhstan
  Ethnic Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes
  who migrated into the region in the 13th century, were rarely united
  as a single nation. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th
  century, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. During the
  1950s and 1960s agricultural "Virgin Lands" program, Soviet citizens
  were encouraged to help cultivate Kazakhstan's northern pastures.
  This influx of immigrants (mostly Russians, but also some other
  deported nationalities) skewed the ethnic mixture and enabled
  non-ethnic Kazakhs to outnumber natives. Independence in 1991 drove
  many of these newcomers to emigrate. Kazakhstan's economy is larger
  than those of all the other Central Asian states largely due to the
  country's vast natural resources. Current issues include: developing
  a cohesive national identity; expanding the development of the
  country's vast energy resources and exporting them to world markets;
  diversifying the economy outside the oil, gas, and mining sectors;
  enhancing Kazakhstan's economic competitiveness; developing a
  multiparty parliament and advancing political and social reform; and
  strengthening relations with neighboring states and other foreign
  powers.

Kenya
  Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA
  led Kenya from independence in 1963 until his death in 1978, when
  President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI took power in a constitutional
  succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969
  until 1982 when the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) made
  itself the sole legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and
  external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. The
  ethnically fractured opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power
  in elections in 1992 and 1997, which were marred by violence and
  fraud, but were viewed as having generally reflected the will of the
  Kenyan people. President MOI stepped down in December 2002 following
  fair and peaceful elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate
  of the multiethnic, united opposition group, the National Rainbow
  Coalition (NARC), defeated KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA and assumed
  the presidency following a campaign centered on an anticorruption
  platform. KIBAKI's NARC coalition splintered in 2005 over the
  constitutional review process. Government defectors joined with KANU
  to form a new opposition coalition, the Orange Democratic Movement,
  which defeated the government's draft constitution in a popular
  referendum in November 2005. KIBAKI's reelection in December 2007
  brought charges of vote rigging from ODM candidate Raila ODINGA and
  unleashed two months of violence in which as many as 1,500 people
  died. UN-sponsored talks in late February produced a powersharing
  accord bringing ODINGA into the government in the restored position
  of prime minister.

Kiribati
  The Gilbert Islands became a British protectorate in 1892
  and a colony in 1915; they were captured by the Japanese in the
  Pacific War in 1941. The islands of Makin and Tarawa were the sites
  of major US amphibious victories over entrenched Japanese garrisons
  in 1943. The Gilbert Islands were granted self-rule by the UK in
  1971 and complete independence in 1979 under the new name of
  Kiribati. The US relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited
  Phoenix and Line Island groups in a 1979 treaty of friendship with
  Kiribati.

Korea, North
  An independent kingdom for much of its long history,
  Korea was occupied by Japan beginning in 1905 following the
  Russo-Japanese War. Five years later, Japan formally annexed the
  entire peninsula. Following World War II, Korea was split with the
  northern half coming under Soviet-sponsored Communist control. After
  failing in the Korean War (1950-53) to conquer the US-backed
  Republic of Korea (ROK) in the southern portion by force, North
  Korea (DPRK), under its founder President KIM Il Sung, adopted a
  policy of ostensible diplomatic and economic "self-reliance" as a
  check against outside influence. The DPRK demonized the US as the
  ultimate threat to its social system through state-funded
  propaganda, and molded political, economic, and military policies
  around the core ideological objective of eventual unification of
  Korea under Pyongyang's control. KIM's son, the current ruler KIM
  Jong Il, was officially designated as his father's successor in
  1980, assuming a growing political and managerial role until the
  elder KIM's death in 1994. After decades of economic mismanagement
  and resource misallocation, the DPRK since the mid-1990s has relied
  heavily on international aid to feed its population. North Korea's
  history of regional military provocations, proliferation of
  military-related items, long-range missile development, WMD programs
  including tests of nuclear devices in 2006 and 2009, and massive
  conventional armed forces are of major concern to the international
  community.

Korea, South
  An independent Korean state or collection of states has
  existed almost continuously for several millennia. Between its
  initial unification in the 7th century - from three predecessor
  Korean states - until the 20th century, Korea existed as a single
  independent country. In 1905, following the Russo-Japanese War,
  Korea became a protectorate of imperial Japan, and in 1910 it was
  annexed as a colony. Korea regained its independence following
  Japan's surrender to the United States in 1945. After World War II,
  a Republic of Korea (ROK) was set up in the southern half of the
  Korean Peninsula while a Communist-style government was installed in
  the north (the DPRK). During the Korean War (1950-53), US troops and
  UN forces fought alongside soldiers from the ROK to defend South
  Korea from DPRK attacks supported by China and the Soviet Union. An
  armistice was signed in 1953, splitting the peninsula along a
  demilitarized zone at about the 38th parallel. Thereafter, South
  Korea achieved rapid economic growth with per capita income rising
  to roughly 17 times the level of North Korea. In 1993, KIM Young-sam
  became South Korea's first civilian president following 32 years of
  military rule. South Korea today is a fully functioning modern
  democracy. President LEE Myung-bak has pursued a policy of global
  engagement since taking office in February 2008, highlighted by
  Seoul's hosting of the G-20 summit in November 2010. Serious
  tensions with North Korea have punctuated inter-Korean relations in
  recent years, including the North's sinking of the South Korean
  warship Cheonan in March 2010 and its artillery attack on South
  Korean soldiers and citizens in November 2010.

Kosovo
  Ethnic Serbs migrated to the territories of modern Kosovo in
  the 7th century but did not fully incorporate them into the Serbian
  realm until the early 13th century. During the medieval period,
  Kosovo became the center of a Serbian Empire and saw the
  construction of many important Serb religious sites, including many
  architecturally significant Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The defeat
  of Serbian forces at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 led to five
  centuries of Ottoman rule during which large numbers of Turks and
  Albanians moved to Kosovo. By the end of the 19th century, Albanians
  replaced the Serbs as the dominant ethnic group in Kosovo. Serbia
  reacquired control over Kosovo from the Ottoman Empire during the
  First Balkan War of 1912. Kosovo became an autonomous province of
  Serbia with status almost equivalent to that of a republic under the
  1974 Constitution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
  Despite legislative concessions, Albanian nationalism increased in
  the 1980s, which led to riots and calls for Kosovo's independence.
  At the same time, Serb nationalist leaders, such as Slobodan
  MILOSEVIC, exploited Kosovo Serb claims of maltreatment to secure
  votes from supporters, many of whom viewed Kosovo as their cultural
  heartland. Under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia instituted a new
  constitution in 1989 that revoked Kosovo's status as an autonomous
  province of Serbia. Kosovo Albanian leaders responded in 1991 by
  organizing a referendum that declared Kosovo independent. Under
  MILOSEVIC, Serbia carried out repressive measures against the
  Albanians in the early 1990s as the unofficial Kosovo government,
  led by Ibrahim RUGOVA, used passive resistance in an attempt to try
  to gain international assistance and recognition of an independent
  Kosovo. Albanians dissatisfied with RUGOVA's passive strategy in the
  1990s created the Kosovo Liberation Army and launched an insurgency.
  Starting in 1998, Serbian military, police, and paramilitary forces
  conducted a counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres
  and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians. Approximately 800,000
  Albanians were forced from their homes in Kosovo during this time.
  International attempts to mediate the conflict failed, and
  MILOSEVIC's rejection of a proposed settlement led to a three-month
  NATO military campaign against Serbia beginning in March 1999 that
  forced Serbia to agree to withdraw its military and police forces
  from Kosovo. UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) placed
  Kosovo under a transitional administration, the UN Interim
  Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), pending a determination of
  Kosovo's future status. A UN-led process began in late 2005 to
  determine Kosovo's final status. The negotiations ran in stages
  between 2006 and 2007, but ended without agreement between Belgrade
  and Pristina. On 17 February 2008, the Kosovo Assembly declared
  Kosovo independent. Since then, over sixty countries have recognized
  Kosovo, and it has joined the International Monetary Fund and World
  Bank. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo's independence and it
  subsequently sought an advisory opinion from the International Court
  of Justice (ICJ) on the legality under international law of Kosovo's
  independence declaration. In July 2010 the ICJ ruled that Kosovo's
  declaration of independence did not violate international law.

Kuwait
  Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling
  Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961.
  Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following
  several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a
  ground assault on 23 February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four
  days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure
  damaged during 1990-91. The AL-SABAH family has ruled since
  returning to power in 1991 and reestablished an elected legislature
  that in recent years has become increasingly assertive. The country
  witnessed the historic election in May 2009 of four women to its
  National Assembly.

Kyrgyzstan
  A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and
  proud nomadic traditions, most of Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed to
  Russia in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist
  Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population
  was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1936 and achieved
  independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Nationwide
  demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of
  President Askar AKAEV, who had run the country since 1990.
  Subsequent presidential elections in July 2005 were won
  overwhelmingly by former prime minister Kurmanbek BAKIEV. Over the
  next few years, the new president manipulated the parliament to
  accrue new powers for himself. In July 2009, after months of
  harassment against his opponents and media critics, BAKIEV won
  re-election in a presidential campaign that the international
  community deemed flawed. In April 2010, nationwide protests led to
  the resignation and expulsion of BAKIEV. He was replaced by
  President Roza OTUNBAEVA who will serve as president until 31
  December 2011 according to a presidential decree issued 19 May 2010.
  Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in October 2011.
  Continuing concerns include: endemic corruption, poor interethnic
  relations, and terrorism.

Laos
  Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan
  Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM. For 300
  years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and
  Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries
  of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam
  (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century
  when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty
  of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the
  Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a
  six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime
  closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual, limited return to private
  enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began
  in 1988. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997. In late 2009,
  Thailand returned to Laos about 3,000 Hmong residing in refugee
  camps.

Latvia
  The name "Latvia" originates from the ancient Latgalians, one
  of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the
  Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region
  subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and
  finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I,
  but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized
  by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its
  independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union.
  Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the
  Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to
  Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Lebanon Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French separated out the region of Lebanon in 1920, and granted this area independence in 1943. A lengthy civil war (1975-1990) devastated the country, but Lebanon has since made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions. Under the Ta'if Accord - the blueprint for national reconciliation - the Lebanese established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater voice in the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government. Since the end of the war, Lebanon has conducted several successful elections. Most militias have been reduced or disbanded, with the exception of Hizballah, designated by the US State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and Palestinian militant groups. During Lebanon's civil war, the Arab League legitimized in the Ta'if Accord Syria's troop deployment, numbering about 16,000 based mainly east of Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley. Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000 and the passage in September 2004 of UNSCR 1559 - a resolution calling for Syria to withdraw from Lebanon and end its interference in Lebanese affairs - encouraged some Lebanese groups to demand that Syria withdraw its forces as well. The assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq HARIRI and 22 others in February 2005 led to massive demonstrations in Beirut against the Syrian presence ("the Cedar Revolution"), and Syria withdrew the remainder of its military forces in April 2005. In May-June 2005, Lebanon held its first legislative elections since the end of the civil war free of foreign interference, handing a majority to the bloc led by Sa'ad HARIRI, the slain prime minister's son. In July 2006, Hizballah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers leading to a 34-day conflict with Israel in which approximately 1,200 Lebanese civilians were killed. UNSCR 1701 ended the war in August 2006, and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) deployed throughout the country for the first time in decades, charged with securing Lebanon's borders against weapons smuggling and maintaining a weapons-free zone in south Lebanon with the help of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The LAF in May-September 2007 battled Sunni extremist group Fatah al-Islam in the Nahr al-Barid Palestinian refugee camp, winning a decisive victory, but destroying the camp and displacing 30,000 Palestinian residents. Lebanese politicians in November 2007 were unable to agree on a successor to Emile LAHUD when he stepped down as president, creating a political vacuum until the election of LAF Commander Gen. Michel SULAYMAN in May 2008 and the formation of a new unity government in July 2008. Legislative elections in June 2009 again produced victory for the bloc led by Sa'ad HARIRI, but a period of prolonged negotiation over the composition of the cabinet ensued. A national unity government was finally formed in November 2009 and approved by the National Assembly the following month. In January 2010, Lebanon assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Lesotho
  Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon
  independence from the UK in 1966. The Basuto National Party ruled
  for the first two decades. King MOSHOESHOE was exiled in 1990, but
  returned to Lesotho in 1992 and was reinstated in 1995.
  Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after seven years of
  military rule. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny
  following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody
  intervention by South African and Botswana military forces under the
  aegis of the Southern African Development Community. Subsequent
  constitutional reforms restored relative political stability.
  Peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002, but the National
  Assembly elections of February 2007 were hotly contested and
  aggrieved parties continue to dispute how the electoral law was
  applied to award proportional seats in the Assembly.

Liberia
  Settlement of freed slaves from the US in what is today
  Liberia began in 1822; by 1847, the Americo-Liberians were able to
  establish a republic. William TUBMAN, president from 1944-71, did
  much to promote foreign investment and to bridge the economic,
  social, and political gaps between the descendents of the original
  settlers and the inhabitants of the interior. In 1980, a military
  coup led by Samuel DOE ushered in a decade of authoritarian rule. In
  December 1989, Charles TAYLOR launched a rebellion against DOE's
  regime that led to a prolonged civil war in which DOE himself was
  killed. A period of relative peace in 1997 allowed for elections
  that brought TAYLOR to power, but major fighting resumed in 2000. An
  August 2003 peace agreement ended the war and prompted the
  resignation of former president Charles TAYLOR, who faces war crimes
  charges in The Hague related to his involvement in Sierra Leone's
  civil war. After two years of rule by a transitional government,
  democratic elections in late 2005 brought President Ellen JOHNSON
  SIRLEAF to power. The UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) maintains a
  strong presence throughout the country, but the security situation
  is still fragile and the process of rebuilding the social and
  economic structure of this war-torn country continues.

Libya
  The Italians supplanted the Ottoman Turks in the area around
  Tripoli in 1911 and did not relinquish their hold until 1943 when
  defeated in World War II. Libya then passed to UN administration and
  achieved independence in 1951. Following a 1969 military coup, Col.
  Muammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI began to espouse his own political
  system, the Third Universal Theory. The system is a combination of
  socialism and Islam derived in part from tribal practices and is
  supposed to be implemented by the Libyan people themselves in a
  unique form of "direct democracy." QADHAFI has always seen himself
  as a revolutionary and visionary leader. He used oil funds during
  the 1970s and 1980s to promote his ideology outside Libya,
  supporting subversives and terrorists abroad to hasten the end of
  Marxism and capitalism. In addition, beginning in 1973, he engaged
  in military operations in northern Chad's Aozou Strip - to gain
  access to minerals and to use as a base of influence in Chadian
  politics - but was forced to retreat in 1987. UN sanctions in 1992
  isolated QADHAFI politically following the downing of Pan AM Flight
  103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. During the 1990s, QADHAFI began to
  rebuild his relationships with Europe. UN sanctions were suspended
  in April 1999 and finally lifted in September 2003 after Libya
  accepted responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing. In December 2003,
  Libya announced that it had agreed to reveal and end its programs to
  develop weapons of mass destruction and to renounce terrorism.
  QADHAFI has made significant strides in normalizing relations with
  Western nations since then. He has received various Western European
  leaders as well as many working-level and commercial delegations,
  and made his first trip to Western Europe in 15 years when he
  traveled to Brussels in April 2004. The US rescinded Libya's
  designation as a state sponsor of terrorism in June 2006. In January
  2008, Libya assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council
  for the 2008-09 term. In August 2008, the US and Libya signed a
  bilateral comprehensive claims settlement agreement to compensate
  claimants in both countries who allege injury or death at the hands
  of the other country, including the Lockerbie bombing, the LaBelle
  disco bombing, and the UTA 772 bombing. In October 2008, the US
  Government received $1.5 billion pursuant to the agreement to
  distribute to US national claimants, and as a result effectively
  normalized its bilateral relationship with Libya. The two countries
  then exchanged ambassadors for the first time since 1973 in January
  2009. Libya in May 2010 was elected to its first three-year seat on
  the UN Human Rights Council, prompting protests from international
  non-governmental organizations and human rights campaigners.

Liechtenstein
  The Principality of Liechtenstein was established
  within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719. Occupied by both French and
  Russian troops during the Napoleonic wars, it became a sovereign
  state in 1806 and joined the Germanic Confederation in 1815.
  Liechtenstein became fully independent in 1866 when the
  Confederation dissolved. Until the end of World War I, it was
  closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that
  conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary
  union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein
  remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding
  economic growth. In 2000, shortcomings in banking regulatory
  oversight resulted in concerns about the use of financial
  institutions for money laundering. However, Liechtenstein
  implemented anti-money-laundering legislation and a Mutual Legal
  Assistance Treaty with the US that went into effect in 2003.

Lithuania
  Lithuanian lands were united under MINDAUGAS in 1236; over
  the next century, through alliances and conquest, Lithuania extended
  its territory to include most of present-day Belarus and Ukraine. By
  the end of the 14th century Lithuania was the largest state in
  Europe. An alliance with Poland in 1386 led the two countries into a
  union through the person of a common ruler. In 1569, Lithuania and
  Poland formally united into a single dual state, the
  Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This entity survived until 1795 when
  its remnants were partitioned by surrounding countries. Lithuania
  regained its independence following World War I but was annexed by
  the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many
  other countries. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first of the
  Soviet republics to declare its independence, but Moscow did not
  recognize this proclamation until September of 1991 (following the
  abortive coup in Moscow). The last Russian troops withdrew in 1993.
  Lithuania subsequently restructured its economy for integration into
  Western European institutions; it joined both NATO and the EU in the
  spring of 2004.

Luxembourg
  Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815
  and an independent state under the Netherlands. It lost more than
  half of its territory to Belgium in 1839 but gained a larger measure
  of autonomy. Full independence was attained in 1867. Overrun by
  Germany in both world wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when it
  entered into the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO the
  following year. In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding
  countries of the European Economic Community (later the European
  Union), and in 1999 it joined the euro currency area.

Macau
  Colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was the
  first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an agreement
  signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau became the
  Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic
  of China on 20 December 1999. In this agreement, China promised
  that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's
  socialist economic system would not be practiced in Macau, and that
  Macau would enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except
  foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Macedonia
  Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from
  Yugoslavia in 1991. Greece's objection to the new state's use of
  what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols delayed international
  recognition, which occurred under the provisional designation of
  "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, Greece lifted
  a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize
  relations. The United States began referring to Macedonia by its
  constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia, in 2004 and negotiations
  continue between Greece and Macedonia to resolve the name issue.
  Some ethnic Albanians, angered by perceived political and economic
  inequities, launched an insurgency in 2001 that eventually won the
  support of the majority of Macedonia's Albanian population and led
  to the internationally-brokered Ohrid Framework Agreement, which
  ended the fighting by establishing a set of new laws enhancing the
  rights of minorities. Fully implementing the Framework Agreement and
  stimulating economic growth and development continue to be
  challenges for Macedonia, although progress has been made on both
  fronts over the past several years.

Madagascar
  Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a
  French colony in 1896 but regained independence in 1960. During
  1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held
  ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second
  presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and
  1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential
  election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and
  Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country.
  In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA
  the winner. RAVALOMANANA achieved a second term following a
  landslide victory in the generally free and fair presidential
  elections of 2006. In early 2009, protests over increasing
  restrictions on opposition press and activities resulted in
  RAVALOMANANA stepping down and the presidency was conferred to the
  mayor of Antananarivo, Andry RAJOELINA. Following negotiations in
  July and August of 2009, a power-sharing agreement with a 15-month
  transitional period was established, but has not yet been
  implemented.

Malawi
  Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland
  became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades
  of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country
  held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution
  that came into full effect the following year. Current President
  Bingu wa MUTHARIKA, elected in May 2004 after a failed attempt by
  the previous president to amend the constitution to permit another
  term, struggled to assert his authority against his predecessor and
  subsequently started his own party, the Democratic Progressive Party
  (DPP) in 2005. As president, MUTHARIKA has overseen economic
  improvement but because of political deadlock in the legislature,
  his minority party has been unable to pass significant legislation,
  and anti-corruption measures have stalled. Population growth,
  increasing pressure on agricultural lands, corruption, and the
  spread of HIV/AIDS pose major problems for Malawi. MUTHARIKA was
  reelected to a second term in May 2009.

Malaysia
  During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain
  established colonies and protectorates in the area of current
  Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948,
  the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the
  Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was
  formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the
  East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of
  Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the
  country's history were marred by a Communist insurgency, Indonesian
  confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and
  Singapore's secession from the Federation in 1965. During the
  22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (1981-2003),
  Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence
  on exports of raw materials to expansion in manufacturing, services,
  and tourism.

Maldives
  The Maldives was long a sultanate, first under Dutch and
  then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three
  years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated
  the islands' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive
  terms by single-party referendums. Following riots in the capital
  Male in August 2004, the president and his government pledged to
  embark upon democratic reforms including a more representative
  political system and expanded political freedoms. Progress was
  sluggish, however, and many promised reforms were slow to be
  realized. Nonetheless, political parties were legalized in 2005. In
  June 2008, a constituent assembly - termed the "Special Majlis" -
  finalized a new constitution, which was ratified by the president in
  August. The first-ever presidential elections under a
  multi-candidate, multi-party system were held in October 2008.
  GAYOOM was defeated in a runoff poll by Mohamed NASHEED, a political
  activist who had been jailed several years earlier by the former
  regime. Challenges facing the new president include strengthening
  democracy and combating poverty and drug abuse. Maldives officials
  have been prominent participants in international climate change
  talks due to the islands' low elevation and the threat from
  sea-level rise.

Mali
  The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France
  in 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a
  few months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed
  Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 by a
  military coup - led by the current president Amadou TOURE - enabling
  Mali's emergence as one of the strongest democracies on the
  continent. President Alpha KONARE won Mali's first democratic
  presidential election in 1992 and was reelected in 1997. In keeping
  with Mali's two-term constitutional limit, KONARE stepped down in
  2002 and was succeeded by Amadou TOURE, who was subsequently elected
  to a second term in 2007. The elections were widely judged to be
  free and fair.

Malta
  Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814.
  The island staunchly supported the UK through both world wars and
  remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A
  decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the
  island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a
  financial center, and a tourist destination. Malta became an EU
  member in May 2004 and began using the euro as currency in 2008.

Marshall Islands
  After almost four decades under US administration
  as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific
  Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a
  Compact of Free Association. Compensation claims continue as a
  result of US nuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and
  1962. The Marshall Islands hosts the US Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA)
  Reagan Missile Test Site, a key installation in the US missile
  defense network.

Mauritania
  Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the
  southern third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in
  1976 but relinquished it after three years of raids by the Polisario
  guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory. Maaouya Ould
  Sid Ahmed TAYA seized power in a coup in 1984 and ruled Mauritania
  with a heavy hand for more than two decades. A series of
  presidential elections that he held were widely seen as flawed. A
  bloodless coup in August 2005 deposed President TAYA and ushered in
  a military council that oversaw a transition to democratic rule.
  Independent candidate Sidi Ould Cheikh ABDALLAHI was inaugurated in
  April 2007 as Mauritania's first freely and fairly elected
  president. His term ended prematurely in August 2008 when a military
  junta led by General Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ deposed him and ushered
  in a military council government. AZIZ was subsequently elected
  president in July 2009. The country continues to experience ethnic
  tensions among its black population (Afro-Mauritanians) and white
  and black Moor (Arab-Berber) communities, and is having to confront
  a growing terrorism threat by al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb
  (AQIM).

Mauritius
  Although known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the
  10th century, Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in the
  16th century and subsequently settled by the Dutch - who named it in
  honor of Prince Maurits van NASSAU - in the 17th century. The French
  assumed control in 1715, developing the island into an important
  naval base overseeing Indian Ocean trade, and establishing a
  plantation economy of sugar cane. The British captured the island in
  1810, during the Napoleonic Wars. Mauritius remained a strategically
  important British naval base, and later an air station, playing an
  important role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy
  operations, as well as the collection of signals intelligence.
  Independence from the UK was attained in 1968. A stable democracy
  with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the
  country has attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned
  one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. Recent poor weather,
  declining sugar prices, and declining textile and apparel
  production, have slowed economic growth, leading to some protests
  over standards of living in the Creole community.

Mayotte
  Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of
  the Comoros group in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago
  that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forego
  independence. In March 2009, Mayotte voted overwhelmingly to become
  France's 101st department - and fifth overseas department - a change
  scheduled to become official in 2011.

Mexico
  The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came
  under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence
  early in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994
  threw Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst recession
  in over half a century. The global financial crisis beginning in
  late 2008 caused another massive economic downturn the following
  year. As the economy recovers, ongoing economic and social concerns
  include low real wages, underemployment for a large segment of the
  population, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement
  opportunities for the largely Amerindian population in the
  impoverished southern states. The elections held in 2000 marked the
  first time since the 1910 Mexican Revolution that an opposition
  candidate - Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) -
  defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary
  Party (PRI). He was succeeded in 2006 by another PAN candidate
  Felipe CALDERON. In January 2009, Mexico assumed a nonpermanent seat
  on the UN Security Council for the 2009-10 term.

Micronesia, Federated States of
  In 1979 the Federated States of
  Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a
  constitution. In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of
  Free Association with the US, which was amended and renewed in 2004.
  Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and
  overdependence on US aid.

Moldova
  Part of Romania during the interwar period, Moldova was
  incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II.
  Although the country has been independent from the USSR since 1991,
  Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the
  Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population, mostly
  Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria"
  republic. One of the poorest nations in Europe, Moldova became the
  first former Soviet state to elect a Communist, Vladimir VORONIN, as
  its president in 2001. VORONIN served as Moldova's president until
  he resigned in September 2009, following the opposition's gain of a
  narrow majority in July parliamentary elections and the Communist
  Party's (PCRM) subsequent inability to attract the three-fifths of
  parliamentary votes required to elect a president. Moldova's four
  opposition parties formed a new coalition, the Alliance for European
  Integration (AEI), which acted as Moldova's governing coalition
  until parliamentary elections were held in November 2010 and a new
  governing coalition could be formed. Moldova experienced significant
  political uncertainty in 2009 and 2010, holding three general
  elections (in April 2009, July 2009, and November 2010) and four
  presidential ballots in parliament, all of which failed to secure a
  president.

Monaco
  The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day
  Monaco in 1215. The current ruling Grimaldi family first seized
  temporary control in 1297, and again in 1331, but were not able to
  permanently secure their holding until 1419. Economic development
  was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to
  France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's
  mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made
  Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.

Mongolia
  The Mongols gained fame in the 13th century when under
  Chinggis KHAAN they established a huge Eurasian empire through
  conquest. After his death the empire was divided into several
  powerful Mongol states, but these broke apart in the 14th century.
  The Mongols eventually retired to their original steppe homelands
  and in the late 17th century came under Chinese rule. Mongolia won
  its independence in 1921 with Soviet backing and a Communist regime
  was installed in 1924. The modern country of Mongolia, however,
  represents only part of the Mongols' historical homeland; more
  ethnic Mongolians live in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in
  the People's Republic of China than in Mongolia. Following a
  peaceful democratic revolution, the ex-Communist Mongolian People's
  Revolutionary Party (MPRP) won elections in 1990 and 1992, but was
  defeated by the Democratic Union Coalition (DUC) in the 1996
  parliamentary election. The MPRP won an overwhelming majority in the
  2000 parliamentary election, but the party lost seats in the 2004
  election and shared power with democratic coalition parties from
  2004-08. The MPRP regained a solid majority in the 2008
  parliamentary elections but nevertheless formed a coalition
  government with the Democratic Party. In 2010 the MPRP voted to
  retake the name of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), a name it
  used in the early 1920s. The prime minister and most cabinet members
  are MPP members.

Montenegro
  The use of the name Montenegro began in the 15th century
  when the Crnojevic dynasty began to rule the Serbian principality of
  Zeta; over subsequent centuries Montenegro was able to maintain its
  independence from the Ottoman Empire. From the 16th to 19th
  centuries, Montenegro became a theocracy ruled by a series of bishop
  princes; in 1852, it was transformed into a secular principality.
  After World War I, Montenegro was absorbed by the Kingdom of Serbs,
  Croats, and Slovenes, which became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in
  1929; at the conclusion of World War II, it became a constituent
  republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. When the
  latter dissolved in 1992, Montenegro federated with Serbia, first as
  the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and, after 2003, in a looser
  union of Serbia and Montenegro. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its
  right under the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro to
  hold a referendum on independence from the state union. The vote for
  severing ties with Serbia exceeded 55% - the threshold set by the EU
  - allowing Montenegro to formally declare its independence on 3 June
  2006.

Montserrat
  English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled
  on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three
  decades later. The British and French fought for possession of the
  island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as
  a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy
  was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid 19th century.
  Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population
  fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano
  that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity
  since, with the last eruption occurring in July 2003.

Morocco
  In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North
  Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In
  the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad
  AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a
  golden age. The Alaouite dynasty, to which the current Moroccan
  royal family belongs, established a sultanate in Morocco beginning
  in the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and
  ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers
  that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French
  imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence
  struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The
  internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were
  turned over to the new country that same year. Sultan MOHAMMED V,
  the current monarch's grandfather, organized the new state as a
  constitutional monarchy and in 1957 assumed the title of King.
  Morocco annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final
  resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved.
  Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment
  of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. Under King
  MOHAMMED VI - who in 1999 succeeded his father to the throne - human
  rights have improved. Morocco enjoys a moderately free press, but
  the government occasionally takes action against journalists who
  report on three broad subjects considered to be taboo: the monarchy,
  Islam, and the status of Western Sahara. Despite the continuing
  reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch.

Mozambique
  Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a
  close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic
  dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil
  war hindered the country's development until the mid 1990's. The
  ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party
  formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the
  following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market
  economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel
  Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in
  1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition
  as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His
  elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, promised to continue the
  sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment.

Namibia
  South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa
  during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after
  World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966 the Marxist
  South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group
  launched a war of independence for the area that became Namibia, but
  it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its
  administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire
  region. Namibia has been governed by SWAPO since the country won
  independence in 1990. Hifikepunye POHAMBA was elected president in
  November 2004 in a landslide victory replacing Sam NUJOMA who led
  the country during its first 14 years of self rule. POHAMBA was
  reelected in November 2009.

Nauru
  The exact origins of the Nauruans are unclear since their
  language does not resemble any other in the Pacific. The island was
  annexed by Germany in 1888. Its phosphate deposits began to be mined
  early in the 20th century by a German-British consortium. Nauru was
  occupied by Australian forces in World War I and subsequently became
  a League of Nations mandate. After the Second World War - and a
  brutal occupation by Japan - Nauru became a UN trust territory. It
  achieved independence in 1968 and joined the UN in 1999 as the
  world's smallest independent republic.

Navassa Island
  This uninhabited island was claimed by the US in 1857
  for its guano. Mining took place between 1865 and 1898. The
  lighthouse, built in 1917, was shut down in 1996 and administration
  of Navassa Island transferred from the Coast Guard to the Department
  of the Interior. A 1998 scientific expedition to the island
  described it as a unique preserve of Caribbean biodiversity; the
  following year it became a National Wildlife Refuge and annual
  scientific expeditions have continued.

Nepal
  In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of
  rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of
  government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy
  within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. An insurgency led
  by Maoist extremists broke out in 1996. The ensuing ten-year civil
  war between insurgents and government forces witnessed the
  dissolution of the cabinet and parliament and assumption of absolute
  power by the king. Several weeks of mass protests in April 2006 were
  followed by several months of peace negotiations between the Maoists
  and government officials, and culminated in a November 2006 peace
  accord and the promulgation of an interim constitution. Following a
  nation-wide election in April 2008, the newly formed Constituent
  Assembly declared Nepal a federal democratic republic and abolished
  the monarchy at its first meeting the following month. The
  Constituent Assembly elected the country's first president in July.
  The Maoists, who received a plurality of votes in the Constituent
  Assembly election, formed a coalition government in August 2008, but
  resigned in May 2009 after the president overruled a decision to
  fire the chief of the army staff. The Communist Party of
  Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist and the Nepali Congress party then
  formed a new coalition government with several smaller parties. In
  June 2010, the prime minister resigned but, as of December 2010,
  continued to lead a caretaker government while the parties debate
  who should lead the next government. Disagreements among the
  political parties over issues such as the future of former Maoist
  combatants has hindered the drafting of a new constitution — due in
  May 2011 — and the formal conclusion of the peace process.

Netherlands
  The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence
  from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading
  seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around
  the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the
  Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a
  separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I,
  but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A
  modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large
  exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member
  of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the
  introduction of the euro in 1999. In October 2010, the former
  Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and the three smallest islands -
  Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba - became special municipalities in
  the Netherlands administrative structure. The larger islands of Sint
  Maarten and Curacao joined the Netherlands and Aruba as constituent
  countries forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

New Caledonia
  Settled by both Britain and France during the first
  half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in
  1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864.
  Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s ended in
  the 1998 Noumea Accord, which over a period of 15 to 20 years will
  transfer an increasing amount of governing responsibility from
  France to New Caledonia. The agreement also commits France to
  conduct a referendum between 2014 and 2019 to decide whether New
  Caledonia should assume full sovereignty and independence.

New Zealand
  The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D.
  800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain,
  the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen
  Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the
  British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of
  land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native
  peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent
  dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars.
  New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances
  lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to
  address longstanding Maori grievances.

Nicaragua
  The Pacific coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish
  colony from Panama in the early 16th century. Independence from
  Spain was declared in 1821 and the country became an independent
  republic in 1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first
  half of the 19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region
  in subsequent decades. Violent opposition to governmental
  manipulation and corruption spread to all classes by 1978 and
  resulted in a short-lived civil war that brought the Marxist
  Sandinista guerrillas to power in 1979. Nicaraguan aid to leftist
  rebels in El Salvador caused the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista
  contra guerrillas through much of the 1980s. Free elections in 1990,
  1996, and 2001, saw the Sandinistas defeated, but voting in 2006
  announced the return of former Sandinista President Daniel ORTEGA
  Saavedra. The 2008 municipal elections were characterized by
  widespread irregularities. Nicaragua's infrastructure and economy -
  hard hit by the earlier civil war and by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 -
  are slowly being rebuilt, but democratic institutions face new
  challenges under the ORTEGA administration.

Niger
  Niger became independent from France in 1960 and experienced
  single-party and military rule until 1991, when Gen. Ali SAIBOU was
  forced by public pressure to allow multiparty elections, which
  resulted in a democratic government in 1993. Political infighting
  brought the government to a standstill and in 1996 led to a coup by
  Col. Ibrahim BARE. In 1999, BARE was killed in a counter coup by
  military officers who restored democratic rule and held elections
  that brought Mamadou TANDJA to power in December of that year.
  TANDJA was reelected in 2004 and in 2009 spearheaded a
  constitutional amendment that would allow him to extend his term as
  president. In February 2010, a military coup deposed TANDJA,
  immediately suspended the constitution and dissolved the Cabinet,
  and promised that elections would be held following a transitional
  period of unspecified duration. Niger is one of the poorest
  countries in the world with minimal government services and
  insufficient funds to develop its resource base. The largely
  agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by
  extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa. A
  predominately Tuareg ethnic group emerged in February 2007, the
  Nigerien Movement for Justice (MNJ), and attacked several military
  targets in Niger's northern region throughout 2007 and 2008.
  Successful government offensives in 2009 limited the rebels'
  operational capabilities.

Nigeria
  British influence and control over what would become Nigeria
  and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A
  series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater
  autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of
  military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a
  peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The
  government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a
  petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through
  corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In
  addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and
  religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential
  elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence,
  Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian
  rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked
  the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's
  history. In January 2010, Nigeria assumed a nonpermanent seat on the
  UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Niue
  Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic
  differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the rest
  of the Cook Islands, have caused it to be separately administered.
  The population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200
  in 1966 to an estimated 1,398 in 2009) with substantial emigration
  to New Zealand 2,400 km to the southwest.

Norfolk Island
  Two British attempts at establishing the island as a
  penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In
  1856, the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of
  the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Northern Mariana Islands
  Under US administration as part of the UN
  Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana
  Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to
  forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status
  began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political
  union with the US was approved in 1975, and came into force on 24
  March 1976. A new government and constitution went into effect in
  1978.

Norway
  Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off
  following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in
  994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next
  several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with
  Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians
  resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new
  constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway
  keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a
  Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to
  a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway
  remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its
  shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World
  War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany
  (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a
  member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the
  late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is
  on containing spending on the extensive welfare system and planning
  for the time when petroleum reserves are depleted. In referenda held
  in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.

Oman
  The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered on
  Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, a newly established
  sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship
  treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British
  political and military advisors increased, but it never became a
  British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al-Said overthrew the
  restrictive rule of his father; he has ruled as sultan ever since.
  His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the
  outside world while preserving the longstanding close ties with the
  UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to
  maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

Pacific Ocean
  The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the world's five
  oceans (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern
  Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). Strategically important access waterways
  include the La Perouse, Tsugaru, Tsushima, Taiwan, Singapore, and
  Torres Straits. The decision by the International Hydrographic
  Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth ocean, the
  Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Pacific Ocean south of 60
  degrees south.

Pakistan
  The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the
  world and dating back at least 5,000 years, spread over much of what
  is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants
  of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples. The
  area underwent successive invasions in subsequent centuries from the
  Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and
  Turks. The Mughal Empire flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries;
  the British came to dominate the region in the 18th century. The
  separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of
  Pakistan (with West and East sections) and largely Hindu India was
  never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan fought two
  wars - in 1947-48 and 1965 - over the disputed Kashmir territory. A
  third war between these countries in 1971 - in which India
  capitalized on Islamabad's marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani
  politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of
  Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan
  conducted its own tests in 1998. India-Pakistan relations have been
  rocky since the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, but both countries are
  taking small steps to put relations back on track. In February 2008,
  Pakistan held parliamentary elections and in September 2008, after
  the resignation of former President MUSHARRAF, elected Asif Ali
  ZARDARI to the presidency. Pakistani government and military leaders
  are struggling to control domestic insurgents, many of whom are
  located in the tribal areas adjacent to the border with Afghanistan.

Palau
  After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the
  Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the
  Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the
  Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with
  the US was approved in 1986 but not ratified until 1993. It entered
  into force the following year when the islands gained independence.

Panama
  Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century,
  Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia,
  Ecuador, and Venezuela - named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When
  the latter dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. With
  US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed
  a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US
  sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the structure
  (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal was built by the US Army
  Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. In 1977, an agreement was
  signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama
  by the end of the century. Certain portions of the Zone and
  increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the
  subsequent decades. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was
  deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the
  Canal, and remaining US military bases were transferred to Panama by
  the end of 1999. In October 2006, Panamanians approved an ambitious
  plan (estimated to cost $5.3 billion) to expand the Canal. The
  project, which began in 2007 and could double the Canal's capacity,
  is expected to be completed in 2014-15.

Papua New Guinea
  The eastern half of the island of New Guinea -
  second largest in the world - was divided between Germany (north)
  and the UK (south) in 1885. The latter area was transferred to
  Australia in 1902, which occupied the northern portion during World
  War I and continued to administer the combined areas until
  independence in 1975. A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island
  of Bougainville ended in 1997 after claiming some 20,000 lives.

Paracel Islands
  The Paracel Islands are surrounded by productive
  fishing grounds and by potential oil and gas reserves. In 1932,
  French Indochina annexed the islands and set up a weather station on
  Pattle Island; maintenance was continued by its successor, Vietnam.
  China has occupied the Paracel Islands since 1974, when its troops
  seized a South Vietnamese garrison occupying the western islands.
  China built a military installation on Woody Island with an airfield
  and artificial harbor. The islands also are claimed by Taiwan and
  Vietnam.

Paraguay
  Paraguay achieved its independence from Spain in 1811. In
  the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70) - between
  Paraguay and Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay - Paraguay lost
  two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. The country
  stagnated economically for the next half century. Following the
  Chaco War of 1932-35 with Bolivia, Paraguay gained a large part of
  the Chaco lowland region. The 35-year military dictatorship of
  Alfredo STROESSNER ended in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in
  political infighting in recent years, Paraguay has held relatively
  free and regular presidential elections since then.

Peru
  Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean
  civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was
  captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peruvian independence
  was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1824.
  After a dozen years of military rule, Peru returned to democratic
  leadership in 1980, but experienced economic problems and the growth
  of a violent insurgency. President Alberto FUJIMORI's election in
  1990 ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic turnaround in the
  economy and significant progress in curtailing guerrilla activity.
  Nevertheless, the president's increasing reliance on authoritarian
  measures and an economic slump in the late 1990s generated mounting
  dissatisfaction with his regime, which led to his ouster in 2000. A
  caretaker government oversaw new elections in the spring of 2001,
  which ushered in Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique as the new head of
  government - Peru's first democratically elected president of Native
  American ethnicity. The presidential election of 2006 saw the return
  of Alan GARCIA Perez who, after a disappointing presidential term
  from 1985 to 1990, has overseen a robust macroeconomic performance.

Philippines
  The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during
  the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the
  Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a
  self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and
  was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a
  10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese
  occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought
  together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the
  Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. A 20-year
  rule by Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power"
  movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed
  Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several
  coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability
  and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992.
  His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress
  on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases
  on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998. He was
  succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January
  2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges
  broke down and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded
  his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as
  president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several
  corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few
  to avoid contraction following the 2008 global financial crisis,
  expanding each year of her administration. Benigno AQUINO III was
  elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010. The Philippine
  Government faces threats from several groups on the US Government's
  Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long
  struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern
  Philippines, which has led to a peace accord with the Moro National
  Liberation Front and on-again/off-again peace talks with the Moro
  Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New
  Peoples' Army insurgency also operates through much of the country.

Pitcairn Islands
  Pitcairn Island was discovered in 1767 by the
  British and settled in 1790 by the Bounty mutineers and their
  Tahitian companions. Pitcairn was the first Pacific island to become
  a British colony (in 1838) and today remains the last vestige of
  that empire in the South Pacific. Outmigration, primarily to New
  Zealand, has thinned the population from a peak of 233 in 1937 to
  less than 50 today.

Poland
  Poland is an ancient nation that was conceived near the
  middle of the 10th century. Its golden age occurred in the 16th
  century. During the following century, the strengthening of the
  gentry and internal disorders weakened the nation. In a series of
  agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria
  partitioned Poland amongst themselves. Poland regained its
  independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet
  Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following
  the war, but its government was comparatively tolerant and
  progressive. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the
  independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a
  political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and
  the presidency. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s
  enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most
  robust in Central Europe, but Poland still faces the lingering
  challenges of high unemployment, underdeveloped and dilapidated
  infrastructure, and a poor rural underclass. Solidarity suffered a
  major defeat in the 2001 parliamentary elections when it failed to
  elect a single deputy to the lower house of Parliament, and the new
  leaders of the Solidarity Trade Union subsequently pledged to reduce
  the Trade Union's political role. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the
  European Union in 2004. With its transformation to a democratic,
  market-oriented country largely completed, Poland is an increasingly
  active member of Euro-Atlantic organizations.

Portugal
  Following its heyday as a global maritime power during the
  15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status
  with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation
  during the Napoleonic Wars, and the independence of its wealthiest
  colony of Brazil in 1822. A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy;
  for most of the next six decades, repressive governments ran the
  country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad
  democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted
  independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding
  member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986. In January
  2011, Portugal assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security
  Council for the 2011-12 term.

Puerto Rico
  Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the
  island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following COLUMBUS'
  second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial
  rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and
  African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a
  result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US
  citizenship in 1917. Popularly-elected governors have served since
  1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal
  self government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters
  chose not to alter the existing political status.

Qatar
  Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar
  transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for
  pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural
  gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari
  economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum
  revenues by the Amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son,
  the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, overthrew him in a
  bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding
  border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. As of 2007, oil
  and natural gas revenues had enabled Qatar to attain the
  second-highest per capita income in the world.

Romania
  The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia - for centuries
  under the suzerainty of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - secured their
  autonomy in 1856; they united in 1859 and a few years later adopted
  the new name of Romania. The country gained recognition of its
  independence in 1878. It joined the Allied Powers in World War I and
  acquired new territories - most notably Transylvania - following the
  conflict. In 1940, Romania allied with the Axis powers and
  participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. Three years
  later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. The
  post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a Communist
  "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The
  decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae CEAUSESCU, who took power in
  1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive
  and draconian through the 1980s. CEAUSESCU was overthrown and
  executed in late 1989. Former Communists dominated the government
  until 1996 when they were swept from power. Romania joined NATO in
  2004 and the EU in 2007.

Russia
  Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy, was
  able to emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th
  centuries) and to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding
  principalities. In the early 17th century, a new Romanov Dynasty
  continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific.
  Under PETER I (ruled 1682-1725), hegemony was extended to the Baltic
  Sea and the country was renamed the Russian Empire. During the 19th
  century, more territorial acquisitions were made in Europe and Asia.
  Defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 contributed to the
  Revolution of 1905, which resulted in the formation of a parliament
  and other reforms. Repeated devastating defeats of the Russian army
  in World War I led to widespread rioting in the major cities of the
  Russian Empire and to the overthrow in 1917 of the imperial
  household. The Communists under Vladimir LENIN seized power soon
  after and formed the USSR. The brutal rule of Iosif STALIN (1928-53)
  strengthened Communist rule and Russian dominance of the Soviet
  Union at a cost of tens of millions of lives. The Soviet economy and
  society stagnated in the following decades until General Secretary
  Mikhail GORBACHEV (1985-91) introduced glasnost (openness) and
  perestroika (restructuring) in an attempt to modernize Communism,
  but his initiatives inadvertently released forces that by December
  1991 splintered the USSR into Russia and 14 other independent
  republics. Since then, Russia has shifted its post-Soviet democratic
  ambitions in favor of a centralized semi-authoritarian state whose
  legitimacy is buttressed, in part, by carefully managed national
  elections, former President PUTIN's genuine popularity, and the
  prudent management of Russia's windfall energy wealth. Russia has
  severely disabled a Chechen rebel movement, although violence still
  occurs throughout the North Caucasus.

Rwanda
  In 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, the
  majority ethnic group, the Hutus, overthrew the ruling Tutsi king.
  Over the next several years, thousands of Tutsis were killed, and
  some 150,000 driven into exile in neighboring countries. The
  children of these exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan
  Patriotic Front (RPF), and began a civil war in 1990. The war, along
  with several political and economic upheavals, exacerbated ethnic
  tensions, culminating in April 1994 in the genocide of roughly
  800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The Tutsi rebels defeated the
  Hutu regime and ended the killing in July 1994, but approximately 2
  million Hutu refugees - many fearing Tutsi retribution - fled to
  neighboring Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zaire. Since then, most
  of the refugees have returned to Rwanda, but several thousand
  remained in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC;
  the former Zaire) and formed an extremist insurgency bent on
  retaking Rwanda, much as the RPF tried in 1990. Rwanda held its
  first local elections in 1999 and its first post-genocide
  presidential and legislative elections in 2003. Rwanda in 2009
  staged a joint military operation with the Congolese Army in DRC to
  rout out the Hutu extremist insurgency there and Kigali and Kinshasa
  restored diplomatic relations. Rwanda also joined the Commonwealth
  in late 2009.

Saint Barthelemy
  Discovered in 1493 by Christopher COLUMBUS who
  named it for his brother Bartolomeo, Saint Barthelemy was first
  settled by the French in 1648. In 1784, the French sold the island
  to Sweden, who renamed the largest town Gustavia, after the Swedish
  King GUSTAV III, and made it a free port; the island prospered as a
  trade and supply center during the colonial wars of the 18th
  century. France repurchased the island in 1878 and placed it under
  the administration of Guadeloupe. Saint Barthelemy retained its free
  port status along with various Swedish appellations such as Swedish
  street and town names, and the three-crown symbol on the coat of
  arms. In 2003, the populace of the island voted to secede from
  Guadeloupe and in 2007, the island became a French overseas
  collectivity.

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  Saint Helena is a
  British Overseas Territory consisting of Saint Helena and Ascension
  Islands, and the island group of Tristan da Cunha.
  Saint Helena: Uninhabited when first discovered by the Portuguese in
  1502, Saint Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th
  century. It acquired fame as the place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's exile
  from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of
  call declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. During
  the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, several thousand Boer prisoners
  were confined on the island between 1900 and 1903.
  Ascension Island: This barren and uninhabited island was discovered
  and named by the Portuguese in 1503. The British garrisoned the
  island in 1815 to prevent a rescue of Napoleon from Saint Helena. It
  served as a provisioning station for the Royal Navy's West Africa
  Squadron on anti-slavery patrol. The island remained under Admiralty
  control until 1922, when it became a dependency of Saint Helena.
  During World War II, the UK permitted the US to construct an
  airfield on Ascension in support of trans-Atlantic flights to Africa
  and anti-submarine operations in the South Atlantic. In the 1960s
  the island became an important space tracking station for the US. In
  1982, Ascension was an essential staging area for British forces
  during the Falklands War. It remains a critical refueling point in
  the air-bridge from the UK to the South Atlantic.
  Tristan da Cunha: The island group consists of the islands of
  Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale, Inaccessible, and Gough. Tristan da
  Cunha is named after its Portuguese discoverer (1506); it was
  garrisoned by the British in 1816 to prevent any attempt to rescue
  Napoleon from Saint Helena. Gough and Inaccessible Islands have been
  designated World Heritage Sites. South Africa leases a site for a
  meteorological station on Gough Island.

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  Carib Indians occupied the islands for
  hundreds of years before the British began settlement in 1623. The
  islands became an associated state of the UK with full internal
  autonomy in 1967. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to
  secede in 1971. Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983.
  In 1998, a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from Saint
  Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. Nevis continues
  in its efforts to separate from Saint Kitts.

Saint Lucia
  The island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries,
  was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and
  early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally
  ceded to the UK in 1814. Even after the abolition of slavery on its
  plantations in 1834, Saint Lucia remained an agricultural island,
  dedicated to producing tropical commodity crops. Self-government was
  granted in 1967 and independence in 1979.

Saint Martin
  Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and
  claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631
  and set about exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the
  island in 1633, but continued to be harassed by the Dutch. The
  Spanish finally relinquished Saint Martin to the French and Dutch,
  who divided it amongst themselves in 1648. Friction between the two
  sides caused the border to frequently fluctuate over the next two
  centuries, with the French eventually holding the greater portion of
  the island (about 57%). The cultivation of sugar cane introduced
  slavery to the island in the late 18th century; the practice was not
  abolished until 1848. The island became a free port in 1939; the
  tourism industry was dramatically expanded during the 1970s and
  1980s. In 2003, the populace of Saint Martin voted to secede from
  Guadeloupe and in 2007, the northern portion of the island became a
  French overseas collectivity.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  First settled by the French in the early
  17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of
  France's once vast North American possessions.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  Resistance by native Caribs
  prevented colonization on Saint Vincent until 1719. Disputed between
  France and the United Kingdom for most of the 18th century, the
  island was ceded to the latter in 1783. Between 1960 and 1962, Saint
  Vincent and the Grenadines was a separate administrative unit of the
  Federation of the West Indies. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and
  independence in 1979.

Samoa
  New Zealand occupied the German protectorate of Western Samoa
  at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer
  the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962,
  when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish
  independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western"
  from its name in 1997.

San Marino
  The third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See
  and Monaco), San Marino also claims to be the world's oldest
  republic. According to tradition, it was founded by a Christian
  stonemason named Marinus in A.D. 301. San Marino's foreign policy is
  aligned with that of Italy; social and political trends in the
  republic also track closely with those of its larger neighbor.

Sao Tome and Principe
  Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late
  15th century, the islands' sugar-based economy gave way to coffee
  and cocoa in the 19th century - all grown with plantation slave
  labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. While
  independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not
  instituted until the late 1980s. The country held its first free
  elections in 1991, but frequent internal wrangling between the
  various political parties precipitated repeated changes in
  leadership and two failed coup attempts in 1995 and 2003. The recent
  discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea promises to attract increased
  attention to the small island nation.

Saudi Arabia
  Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to
  Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official
  title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The modern Saudi
  state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD
  (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian
  Peninsula. A male descendent of Ibn Saud, his son ABDALLAH bin Abd
  al-Aziz, rules the country today as required by the country's 1992
  Basic Law. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia
  accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while
  allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the
  liberation of Kuwait the following year. The continuing presence of
  foreign troops on Saudi soil after the liberation of Kuwait became a
  source of tension between the royal family and the public until all
  operational US troops left the country in 2003. Major terrorist
  attacks in May and November 2003 spurred a strong on-going campaign
  against domestic terrorism and extremism. King ABDALLAH has
  continued the cautious reform program begun when he was crown
  prince. To promote increased political participation, the government
  held elections nationwide from February through April 2005 for half
  the members of 179 municipal councils. In December 2005, King
  ABDALLAH completed the process by appointing the remaining members
  of the advisory municipal councils. The king instituted an
  Inter-Faith Dialogue initiative in 2008 to encourage religious
  tolerance on a global level; in February 2009, he reshuffled the
  cabinet, which led to more moderates holding ministerial and
  judicial positions, and appointed the first female to the cabinet.
  The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and
  holds more than 20% of the world's proven oil reserves. The
  government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification,
  particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in December
  2005, and promotes foreign investment in the kingdom. A burgeoning
  population, aquifer depletion, and an economy largely dependent on
  petroleum output and prices are all ongoing governmental concerns.

Senegal
  The French colonies of Senegal and the French Sudan were
  merged in 1959 and granted their independence as the Mali Federation
  in 1960. The union broke up after only a few months. Senegal joined
  with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in
  1982. The envisaged integration of the two countries was never
  carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. The Movement of
  Democratic Forces in the Casamance (MFDC) has led a low-level
  separatist insurgency in southern Senegal since the 1980s, and
  several peace deals have failed to resolve the conflict.
  Nevertheless, Senegal remains one of the most stable democracies in
  Africa. Senegal was ruled by a Socialist Party for 40 years until
  current President Abdoulaye WADE was elected in 2000. He was
  reelected in February 2007 and has amended Senegal's constitution
  over a dozen times to increase executive power and to weaken the
  opposition, part of the President's increasingly autocratic
  governing style. Senegal has a long history of participating in
  international peacekeeping and regional mediation.

Serbia The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Various paramilitary bands resisted Nazi Germany's occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945, but fought each other and ethnic opponents as much as the invaders. The military and political movement headed by Josip "TITO" Broz (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when German and Croatian separatist forces were defeated in 1945. Although Communist, TITO's new government and his successors (he died in 1980) managed to steer their own path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Republic of Serbia and his ultranationalist calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in April 1992 and under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia led various military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions led to Yugoslavia being ousted from the UN in 1992, but Serbia continued its - ultimately unsuccessful - campaign until signing the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. MILOSEVIC kept tight control over Serbia and eventually became president of the FRY in 1997. In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo provoked a Serbian counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo. The MILOSEVIC government's rejection of a proposed international settlement led to NATO's bombing of Serbia in the spring of 1999, to the withdrawal of Serbian military and police forces from Kosovo in June 1999, and to the stationing of a NATO-led force in Kosovo to provide a safe and secure environment for the region's ethnic communities. FRY elections in late 2000 led to the ouster of MILOSEVIC and the installation of democratic government. MILOSEVIC was arrested in 2001 and sent to be tried in The Hague for crimes against humanity; he died in March 2006 before the completion of his trial. In 2001, the country's suspension from the UN was lifted. In 2003, the FRY became Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics with a federal level parliament. Widespread violence predominantly targeting ethnic Serbs in Kosovo in March 2004 caused the international community to open negotiations on the future status of Kosovo in January 2006. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its right to secede from the federation and - following a successful referendum - it declared itself an independent nation on 3 June 2006. Two days later, Serbia declared that it was the successor state to the union of Serbia and Montenegro. A new Serbian constitution was approved in October 2006 and adopted the following month. In February 2008, after nearly two years of inconclusive negotiations, the UN-administered province of Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia - an action Serbia refuses to recognize. At Serbia's request, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2008 sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was in accordance with international law. In a ruling considered unfavorable to Serbia, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion in July 2010 stating that international law did not prohibit declarations of independence. In late 2010, Serbia agreed to an EU-drafted UNGA Resolution acknowledging the ICJ's decision and calling for a new round of talks between Serbia and Kosovo.

Seychelles
  A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for
  the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter.
  Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close
  with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. President
  France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected in
  2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James MICHEL took
  over the presidency and in July 2006 was elected to a new five-year
  term.

Sierra Leone
  Democracy is slowly being reestablished after the civil
  war from 1991 to 2002 that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths
  and the displacement of more than 2 million people (about one-third
  of the population). The military, which took over full
  responsibility for security following the departure of UN
  peacekeepers at the end of 2005, is increasingly developing as a
  guarantor of the country's stability. The armed forces remained on
  the sideline during the 2007 presidential election, but still look
  to the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) - a civilian
  UN mission - to support efforts to consolidate peace. The new
  government's priorities include furthering development, creating
  jobs, and stamping out endemic corruption.

Singapore
  Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819.
  It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years
  later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of
  the world's most prosperous countries with strong international
  trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of
  tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the
  leading nations of Western Europe.

Sint Maarten
  Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and
  claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631
  and set about exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the
  island in 1633, but continued to be harassed by the Dutch. The
  Spanish finally relinquished the island of Saint Martin to the
  French and Dutch, who divided it amongst themselves in 1648. The
  establishment of cotton, tobacco, and sugar plantations dramatically
  expanded slavery on the island in the 18th and 19th centuries; the
  practice was not abolished in the Dutch half until 1863. The
  island's economy declined until 1939 when it became a free port; the
  tourism industry was dramatically expanded beginning in the 1950s.
  In 1954, Sint Maarten and several other Dutch Caribbean possessions
  became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the Netherlands
  Antilles. In a 2000 referendum, the citizens of Sint Maarten voted
  to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the
  Netherlands. The change in status became effective in October of
  2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

Slovakia
  The dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the close
  of World War I allowed the Slovaks to join the closely related
  Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. Following the chaos of World War II,
  Czechoslovakia became a Communist nation within Soviet-dominated
  Eastern Europe. Soviet influence collapsed in 1989 and
  Czechoslovakia once more became free. The Slovaks and the Czechs
  agreed to separate peacefully on 1 January 1993. Slovakia joined
  both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004 and the euro area on 1
  January 2009.

Slovenia
  The Slovene lands were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
  until the latter's dissolution at the end of World War I. In 1918,
  the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new
  multinational state, which was named Yugoslavia in 1929. After World
  War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which
  though Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied
  with the exercise of power by the majority Serbs, the Slovenes
  succeeded in establishing their independence in 1991 after a short
  10-day war. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and
  a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a
  modern state. Slovenia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring
  of 2004; it joined the eurozone in 2007.

Solomon Islands
  The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon
  Islands in the 1890s. Some of the most bitter fighting of World War
  II occurred on this archipelago. Self-government was achieved in
  1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government
  malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil
  society. In June 2003, then Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA sought
  the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the
  following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to
  restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance
  Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has generally been effective
  in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.

Somalia Britain withdrew from British Somaliland in 1960 to allow its protectorate to join with Italian Somaliland and form the new nation of Somalia. In 1969, a coup headed by Mohamed SIAD Barre ushered in an authoritarian socialist rule characterized by the persecution, jailing and torture of political opponents and dissidents. After the regime's collapse early in 1991, Somalia descended into turmoil, factional fighting, and anarchy. In May 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic of Somaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognized by any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence and continues efforts to establish a constitutional democracy, including holding municipal, parliamentary, and presidential elections. The regions of Bari, Nugaal, and northern Mudug comprise a neighboring semi-autonomous state of Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998 but does not aim at independence; it has also made strides toward reconstructing a legitimate, representative government but has suffered some civil strife. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as it also claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag. Beginning in 1993, a two-year UN humanitarian effort (primarily in the south) was able to alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995, having suffered significant casualties, order still had not been restored. In 2000, the Somalia National Peace Conference (SNPC) held in Djibouti resulted in the formation of an interim government, known as the Transitional National Government (TNG). When the TNG failed to establish adequate security or governing institutions, the Government of Kenya, under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), led a subsequent peace process that concluded in October 2004 with the election of Abdullahi YUSUF Ahmed as President of a second interim government, known as the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of the Somali Republic. The TFG included a 275-member parliamentary body, known as the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP). President YUSUF resigned late in 2008 while United Nations-sponsored talks between the TFG and the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) were underway in Djibouti. In January 2009, following the creation of a TFG-ARS unity government, Ethiopian military forces, which had entered Somalia in December 2006 to support the TFG in the face of advances by the opposition Islamic Courts Union (ICU), withdrew from the country. The TFP was increased to 550 seats with the addition of 200 ARS and 75 civil society members of parliament. The expanded parliament elected Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed, the former CIC and ARS chairman as president on 31 January 2009, in Djibouti. Subsequently, President SHARIF appointed Omar Abdirashid ali SHARMARKE, son of a former president of Somalia, as prime minister on 13 February 2009. SHARMARKE resigned in September 2010 and was replaced by Mohamed Abdullahi MOHAMED, aka Farmajo, a dual US-Somali citizen that lived in the United Stated from 1985 until his return to Somalia in October 2010. The creation of the TFG was based on the Transitional Federal Charter (TFC), which outlines a five-year mandate leading to the establishment of a new Somali constitution and a transition to a representative government following national elections. However, in January 2009 the TFP amended the TFC to extend TFG's mandate until 2011.

South Africa
  Dutch traders landed at the southern tip of modern day
  South Africa in 1652 and established a stopover point on the spice
  route between the Netherlands and the Far East, founding the city of
  Cape Town. After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in
  1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found
  their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold
  (1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the
  subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British
  encroachments but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902);
  however, the British and the Afrikaners, as the Boers became known,
  ruled together beginning in 1910 under the Union of South Africa,
  which became a republic in 1961 after a whites-only referendum. In
  1948, the National Party was voted into power and instituted a
  policy of apartheid - the separate development of the races - which
  favored the white minority at the expense of the black majority. The
  African National Congress (ANC) led the opposition to apartheid and
  many top ANC leaders, such as Nelson MANDELA, spent decades in South
  Africa's prisons. Internal protests and insurgency, as well as
  boycotts by some Western nations and institutions, led to the
  regime's eventual willingness to negotiate a peaceful transition to
  majority rule. The first multi-racial elections in 1994 brought an
  end to apartheid and ushered in majority rule under an ANC-led
  government. South Africa since then has struggled to address
  apartheid-era imbalances in decent housing, education, and health
  care. ANC infighting, which has grown in recent years, came to a
  head in September 2008 when President Thabo MBEKI resigned, and
  Kgalema MOTLANTHE, the party's General-Secretary, succeeded him as
  interim president. Jacob ZUMA became president after the ANC won
  general elections in April 2009. In January 2011, South Africa
  assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the
  2011-12 term.

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  The islands, which have
  large bird and seal populations, lie approximately 1,000 km east of
  the Falkland Islands and have been under British administration
  since 1908 - except for a brief period in 1982 when Argentina
  occupied them. Grytviken, on South Georgia, was a 19th and early
  20th century whaling station. Famed explorer Ernest SHACKLETON
  stopped there in 1914 en route to his ill-fated attempt to cross
  Antarctica on foot. He returned some 20 months later with a few
  companions in a small boat and arranged a successful rescue for the
  rest of his crew, stranded off the Antarctic Peninsula. He died in
  1922 on a subsequent expedition and is buried in Grytviken. Today,
  the station houses scientists from the British Antarctic Survey.
  Recognizing the importance of preserving the marine stocks in
  adjacent waters, the UK, in 1993, extended the exclusive fishing
  zone from 12 nm to 200 nm around each island.

Southern Ocean
  A large body of recent oceanographic research has
  shown that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), an ocean current
  that flows from west to east around Antarctica, plays a crucial role
  in global ocean circulation. The region where the cold waters of the
  ACC meet and mingle with the warmer waters of the north defines a
  distinct border - the Antarctic Convergence - which fluctuates with
  the seasons, but which encompasses a discrete body of water and a
  unique ecologic region. The Convergence concentrates nutrients,
  which promotes marine plant life, and which in turn allows for a
  greater abundance of animal life. In the spring of 2000, the
  International Hydrographic Organization decided to delimit the
  waters within the Convergence as a fifth world ocean - the Southern
  Ocean - by combining the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean,
  Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. The Southern Ocean extends from the
  coast of Antarctica north to 60 degrees south latitude, which
  coincides with the Antarctic Treaty Limit and which approximates the
  extent of the Antarctic Convergence. As such, the Southern Ocean is
  now the fourth largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific
  Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean, but larger than the Arctic
  Ocean). It should be noted that inclusion of the Southern Ocean does
  not imply recognition of this feature as one of the world's primary
  oceans by the US Government.

Spain
  Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries
  ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent
  failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused
  the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic
  and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II
  but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). A peaceful
  transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco
  FRANCO in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the
  EU in 1986) gave Spain a dynamic and rapidly growing economy and
  made it a global champion of freedom and human rights. The
  government continues to battle the Basque Fatherland and Liberty
  (ETA) terrorist organization, but its major focus for the immediate
  future will be on measures to reverse the severe economic recession
  that started in mid-2008.

Spratly Islands
  The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small
  islands or reefs. They are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and
  potentially by gas and oil deposits. They are claimed in their
  entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while portions are claimed
  by Malaysia and the Philippines. About 45 islands are occupied by
  relatively small numbers of military forces from China, Malaysia,
  the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Brunei has established a
  fishing zone that overlaps a southern reef but has not made any
  formal claim.

Sri Lanka
  The first Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th
  century B.C. probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced
  in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization
  developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C.
  to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In
  the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom
  in northern Sri Lanka. The coastal areas of the island were
  controlled by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in
  the 17th century. The island was ceded to the British in 1796,
  became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by
  1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed
  to Sri Lanka in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and
  Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. After two decades of
  fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
  formalized a cease-fire in February 2002 with Norway brokering peace
  negotiations. Violence between the LTTE and government forces
  intensified in 2006 and the government regained control of the
  Eastern Province in 2007. In May 2009, the government announced that
  its military had finally defeated the remnants of the LTTE and that
  its leader, Velupillai PRABHAKARAN, had been killed.

Sudan
  Military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have
  dominated national politics since independence from the UK in 1956.
  Sudan was embroiled in two prolonged civil wars during most of the
  remainder of the 20th century. These conflicts were rooted in
  northern economic, political, and social domination of largely
  non-Muslim, non-Arab southern Sudanese. The first civil war ended in
  1972 but broke out again in 1983. The second war and famine-related
  effects resulted in more than four million people displaced and,
  according to rebel estimates, more than two million deaths over a
  period of two decades. Peace talks gained momentum in 2002-04 with
  the signing of several accords. The final North/South Comprehensive
  Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in January 2005, granted the southern
  rebels autonomy for six years. After which, a referendum for
  independence is scheduled to be held. A separate conflict, which
  broke out in the western region of Darfur in 2003, has displaced
  nearly two million people and caused an estimated 200,000 to 400,000
  deaths. The UN took command of the Darfur peacekeeping operation
  from the African Union on 31 December 2007. As of early 2009,
  peacekeeping troops were struggling to stabilize the situation,
  which has become increasingly regional in scope and has brought
  instability to eastern Chad. Sudan also has faced large refugee
  influxes from neighboring countries primarily Ethiopia and Chad.
  Armed conflict, poor transport infrastructure, and lack of
  government support have chronically obstructed the provision of
  humanitarian assistance to affected populations.

Suriname
  First explored by the Spaniards in the 16th century and
  then settled by the English in the mid-17th century, Suriname became
  a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of slavery in 1863,
  workers were brought in from India and Java. Independence from the
  Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five years later the civilian
  government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared a
  socialist republic. It continued to exert control through a
  succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when
  international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In
  1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a
  democratically elected government - a four-party coalition -
  returned to power in 1991. The coalition expanded to eight parties
  in 2005 and has continued to rule since.

Svalbard
  First discovered by the Norwegians in the 12th century, the
  islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and
  18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1920; five
  years later it officially took over the territory.

Swaziland
  Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed
  by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in
  1968. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured King
  MSWATI III, the world's last absolute monarch, to grudgingly allow
  political reform and greater democracy, although he has backslid on
  these promises in recent years. A constitution came into effect in
  2006, but political parties remain banned. The African United
  Democratic Party tried unsuccessfully to register as an official
  political party in mid 2006. Talks over the constitution broke down
  between the government and progressive groups in 2007. Swaziland
  recently surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest
  known HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

Sweden
  A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not
  participated in any war for almost two centuries. An armed
  neutrality was preserved in both World Wars. Sweden's
  long-successful economic formula of a capitalist system interlarded
  with substantial welfare elements was challenged in the 1990s by
  high unemployment and in 2000-02 and 2009 by the global economic
  downturns, but fiscal discipline over the past several years has
  allowed the country to weather economic vagaries. Sweden joined the
  EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in
  a 2003 referendum.

Switzerland
  The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a
  defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other
  localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation
  secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A
  constitution of 1848, subsequently modified in 1874, replaced the
  confederation with a centralized federal government. Switzerland's
  sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major
  European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the
  two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe
  over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN
  and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties
  with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a
  UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and
  international organizations but retains a strong commitment to
  neutrality.

Syria
  Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the
  northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The
  French administered the area as Syria until granting it independence
  in 1946. The new country lacked political stability, however, and
  experienced a series of military coups during its first decades.
  Syria united with Egypt in February 1958 to form the United Arab
  Republic. In September 1961, the two entities separated, and the
  Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. In November 1970, Hafiz
  al-ASAD, a member of the Socialist Ba'th Party and the minority
  Alawite sect, seized power in a bloodless coup and brought political
  stability to the country. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost
  the Golan Heights to Israel. During the 1990s, Syria and Israel held
  occasional peace talks over its return. Following the death of
  President al-ASAD, his son, Bashar al-ASAD, was approved as
  president by popular referendum in July 2000. Syrian troops -
  stationed in Lebanon since 1976 in an ostensible peacekeeping role -
  were withdrawn in April 2005. During the July-August 2006 conflict
  between Israel and Hizballah, Syria placed its military forces on
  alert but did not intervene directly on behalf of its ally
  Hizballah. In May 2007 Bashar al-ASAD was elected to his second term
  as president.

Taiwan
  In 1895, military defeat forced China to cede Taiwan to
  Japan. Taiwan reverted to Chinese control after World War II.
  Following the Communist victory on the mainland in 1949, 2 million
  Nationalists fled to Taiwan and established a government using the
  1947 constitution drawn up for all of China. Over the next five
  decades, the ruling authorities gradually democratized and
  incorporated the local population within the governing structure. In
  2000, Taiwan underwent its first peaceful transfer of power from the
  Nationalist to the Democratic Progressive Party. Throughout this
  period, the island prospered and became one of East Asia's economic
  "Tigers." The dominant political issues continue to be the
  relationship between Taiwan and China - specifically the question of
  Taiwan's eventual status - as well as domestic political and
  economic reform.

Tajikistan
  The Tajik people came under Russian rule in the 1860s and
  1870s, but Russia's hold on Central Asia weakened following the
  Revolution of 1917. Bolshevik control of the area was fiercely
  contested and not fully reestablished until 1925. Much of
  present-day Sughd province was transferred from the Uzbek SSR to the
  newly formed Tajik SSR in 1929. Ethnic Uzbeks form a substantial
  minority in Sughd province. Tajikistan became independent in 1991
  following the breakup of the Soviet Union, and experienced a civil
  war between regional factions from 1992-97. There have been no major
  security incidents in recent years, although the country remains the
  poorest in the former Soviet sphere. Attention by the international
  community since the beginning of the NATO intervention in
  Afghanistan has brought increased economic development and security
  assistance, which could create jobs and strengthen stability in the
  long term. Tajikistan is in the early stages of seeking World Trade
  Organization membership and has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace.

Tanzania
  Shortly after achieving independence from Britain in the
  early 1960s, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of
  Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an end in 1995 with the
  first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s.
  Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular opposition have led to
  two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling party won
  despite international observers' claims of voting irregularities.

Thailand
  A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th
  century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast
  Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A
  bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In
  alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US treaty
  ally following the conflict. A military coup in September 2006
  ousted then Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat. The interim government
  held elections in December 2007 that saw the former pro-THAKSIN
  People's Power Party (PPP) emerge at the head of a coalition
  government. The anti-THAKSIN People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)
  in May 2008 began street demonstrations against the new government,
  eventually occupying the prime minister's office in August and
  Bangkok's two international airports in November. The PAD ended
  their protests in early December 2008 following a court ruling that
  dissolved the ruling PPP and two other coalition parties for
  election violations. The Democrat Party then formed a new coalition
  government and ABHISIT Wetchachiwa became prime minister. In October
  2008 THAKSIN went into voluntary exile to avoid imprisonment for a
  corruption conviction, and has since agitated his followers from
  abroad. THAKSIN supporters re-organized into the United Front for
  Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and rioted in April 2009,
  shutting down an ASEAN meeting in Phuket, and in early 2010
  protested a court verdict confiscating most of THAKSIN's wealth.
  Between March and May 2010, the UDD staged large protests and
  occupied several blocks of downtown Bangkok. A government operation
  to disperse the protesters after nine weeks led to clashes that
  resulted in 89 deaths and an estimated $1.5 billion in arson-related
  property losses. These protests exposed major cleavages in the Thai
  body politic which continue to hamper the current government. Since
  January 2004, thousands have been killed as separatists in
  Thailand's southern ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces increased the
  violence associated with their cause.

Timor-Leste
  The Portuguese began to trade with the island of Timor
  in the early 16th century and colonized it in mid-century.
  Skirmishing with the Dutch in the region eventually resulted in an
  1859 treaty in which Portugal ceded the western portion of the
  island. Imperial Japan occupied Portuguese Timor from 1942 to 1945,
  but Portugal resumed colonial authority after the Japanese defeat in
  World War II. East Timor declared itself independent from Portugal
  on 28 November 1975 and was invaded and occupied by Indonesian
  forces nine days later. It was incorporated into Indonesia in July
  1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor). An unsuccessful
  campaign of pacification followed over the next two decades, during
  which an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 individuals lost their lives.
  On 30 August 1999, in a UN-supervised popular referendum, an
  overwhelming majority of the people of Timor-Leste voted for
  independence from Indonesia. Between the referendum and the arrival
  of a multinational peacekeeping force in late September 1999,
  anti-independence Timorese militias - organized and supported by the
  Indonesian military - commenced a large-scale, scorched-earth
  campaign of retribution. The militias killed approximately 1,400
  Timorese and forcibly pushed 300,000 people into western Timor as
  refugees. The majority of the country's infrastructure, including
  homes, irrigation systems, water supply systems, and schools, and
  nearly 100% of the country's electrical grid were destroyed. On 20
  September 1999, the Australian-led peacekeeping troops of the
  International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) deployed to the
  country and brought the violence to an end. On 20 May 2002,
  Timor-Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state.
  In late April 2006, internal tensions threatened the new nation's
  security when a military strike led to violence and a near breakdown
  of law and order. At Dili's request, an Australian-led International
  Stabilization Force (ISF) deployed to Timor-Leste in late May. In
  August, the UN Security Council established the UN Integrated
  Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), which included an authorized police
  presence of over 1,600 personnel. The ISF and UNMIT restored
  stability, allowing for presidential and parliamentary elections in
  April and June 2007 in a largely peaceful atmosphere. In February
  2008, a rebel group staged an unsuccessful attack against the
  president and prime minister. The ringleader was killed in the
  attack and the majority of the rebels surrendered in April 2008.
  Since the unsuccessful attacks the government has enjoyed one of its
  longest periods of post-independence stability.

Togo
  French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA,
  installed as military ruler in 1967, ruled Togo with a heavy hand
  for almost four decades. Despite the facade of multiparty elections
  instituted in the early 1990s, the government was largely dominated
  by President EYADEMA, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party
  has maintained power almost continually since 1967 and maintains a
  majority of seats in today's legislature. Upon EYADEMA's death in
  February 2005, the military installed the president's son, Faure
  GNASSINGBE, and then engineered his formal election two months
  later. Democratic gains since then allowed Togo to hold its first
  relatively free and fair legislative elections in October 2007.
  After years of political unrest and condemnation from international
  organizations for human rights abuses, Togo is finally being
  re-welcomed into the international community.

Tokelau
  Originally settled by Polynesian emigrants from surrounding
  island groups, the Tokelau Islands were made a British protectorate
  in 1889. They were transferred to New Zealand administration in
  1925. Referenda held in 2006 and 2007 to change the status of the
  islands from that of a New Zealand territory to one of free
  association with New Zealand did not meet the needed threshold for
  approval.

Tonga
  Tonga - unique among Pacific nations - never completely lost
  its indigenous governance. The archipelagos of "The Friendly
  Islands" were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. Tonga became
  a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in
  1900; it withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth
  of Nations in 1970. Tonga remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.

Trinidad and Tobago
  First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came
  under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar
  industry was hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834.
  Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from
  India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well
  as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910
  added another important export. Independence was attained in 1962.
  The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks
  largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing.
  Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing.
  The government is coping with a rise in violent crime.

Tunisia
  Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia
  culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a
  protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades following
  World War I was finally successful in getting the French to
  recognize Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. The country's
  first president, Habib BOURGUIBA, established a strict one-party
  state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic
  fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any
  other Arab nation. In November 1987, BOURGUIBA was removed from
  office and replaced by Zine el Abidine BEN ALI in a bloodless coup.
  BEN ALI is currently serving his fifth consecutive five-year term as
  president. Tunisia has long taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in
  its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising
  pressure for a more open political society.

Turkey
  Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Anatolian remnants
  of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who
  was later honored with the title Ataturk or "Father of the Turks."
  Under his authoritarian leadership, the country adopted wide-ranging
  social, legal, and political reforms. After a period of one-party
  rule, an experiment with multi-party politics led to the 1950
  election victory of the opposition Democratic Party and the peaceful
  transfer of power. Since then, Turkish political parties have
  multiplied, but democracy has been fractured by periods of
  instability and intermittent military coups (1960, 1971, 1980),
  which in each case eventually resulted in a return of political
  power to civilians. In 1997, the military again helped engineer the
  ouster - popularly dubbed a "post-modern coup" - of the then
  Islamic-oriented government. Turkey intervened militarily on Cyprus
  in 1974 to prevent a Greek takeover of the island and has since
  acted as patron state to the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,"
  which only Turkey recognizes. A separatist insurgency begun in 1984
  by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) - now known as the People's
  Congress of Kurdistan or Kongra-Gel (KGK) - has dominated the
  Turkish military's attention and claimed more than 30,000 lives.
  After the capture of the group's leader in 1999, the insurgents
  largely withdrew from Turkey mainly to northern Iraq. In 2004, KGK
  announced an end to its ceasefire and attacks attributed to the KGK
  increased. Turkey joined the UN in 1945 and in 1952 it became a
  member of NATO. In 1964, Turkey became an associate member of the
  European Community. Over the past decade, it has undertaken many
  reforms to strengthen its democracy and economy; it began accession
  membership talks with the European Union in 2005.

Turkmenistan
  Eastern Turkmenistan for centuries formed part of the
  Persian province of Khurasan; in medieval times Merv (today known as
  Mary) was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an
  important stop on the Silk Road. Annexed by Russia between 1865 and
  1885, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1924. It achieved
  independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Extensive
  hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves could prove a boon to this
  underdeveloped country once extraction and delivery projects are
  expanded. The Turkmen Government is actively working to diversify
  its gas export routes beyond the still dominant Russian pipeline
  network. In 2010, new gas export pipelines that carry Turkmen gas to
  China and to northern Iran began operating, effectively ending the
  Russian monopoly on Turkmen gas exports. President for Life
  Saparmurat NYYAZOW died in December 2006, and Turkmenistan held its
  first multi-candidate presidential election in February 2007.
  Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW, a deputy cabinet chairman under NYYAZOW,
  emerged as the country's new president.

Turks and Caicos Islands
  The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican
  colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate crown
  colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas
  oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the
  islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence
  was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands
  remain a British overseas territory.

Tuvalu
  In 1974, ethnic differences within the British colony of the
  Gilbert and Ellice Islands caused the Polynesians of the Ellice
  Islands to vote for separation from the Micronesians of the Gilbert
  Islands. The following year, the Ellice Islands became the separate
  British colony of Tuvalu. Independence was granted in 1978. In 2000,
  Tuvalu negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv"
  for $50 million in royalties over a 12-year period.

Uganda
  The colonial boundaries created by Britain to delimit Uganda
  grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different
  political systems and cultures. These differences prevented the
  establishment of a working political community after independence
  was achieved in 1962. The dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79)
  was responsible for the deaths of some 300,000 opponents; guerrilla
  war and human rights abuses under Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at
  least another 100,000 lives. The rule of Yoweri MUSEVENI since 1986
  has brought relative stability and economic growth to Uganda. During
  the 1990s, the government promulgated non-party presidential and
  legislative elections.

Ukraine
  Ukraine was the center of the first eastern Slavic state,
  Kyivan Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest
  and most powerful state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels
  and Mongol invasions, Kyivan Rus was incorporated into the Grand
  Duchy of Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian
  Commonwealth. The cultural and religious legacy of Kyivan Rus laid
  the foundation for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent
  centuries. A new Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was
  established during the mid-17th century after an uprising against
  the Poles. Despite continuous Muscovite pressure, the Hetmanate
  managed to remain autonomous for well over 100 years. During the
  latter part of the 18th century, most Ukrainian ethnographic
  territory was absorbed by the Russian Empire. Following the collapse
  of czarist Russia in 1917, Ukraine was able to achieve a short-lived
  period of independence (1917-20), but was reconquered and forced to
  endure a brutal Soviet rule that engineered two forced famines
  (1921-22 and 1932-33) in which over 8 million died. In World War II,
  German and Soviet armies were responsible for some 7 to 8 million
  more deaths. Although final independence for Ukraine was achieved in
  1991 with the dissolution of the USSR, democracy and prosperity
  remained elusive as the legacy of state control and endemic
  corruption stalled efforts at economic reform, privatization, and
  civil liberties. A peaceful mass protest "Orange Revolution" in the
  closing months of 2004 forced the authorities to overturn a rigged
  presidential election and to allow a new internationally monitored
  vote that swept into power a reformist slate under Viktor
  YUSHCHENKO. Subsequent internal squabbles in the YUSHCHENKO camp
  allowed his rival Viktor YANUKOVYCH to stage a comeback in
  parliamentary elections and become prime minister in August of 2006.
  An early legislative election, brought on by a political crisis in
  the spring of 2007, saw Yuliya TYMOSHENKO, as head of an "Orange"
  coalition, installed as a new prime minister in December 2007.
  Viktor YANUKOVUYCH was elected president in a February 2010 run-off
  election that observers assessed as meeting most international
  standards. The following month, the Rada approved a vote of
  no-confidence prompting Yuliya TYMOSHENKO to resign from her post as
  prime minister.

United Arab Emirates
  The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast
  granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th
  century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman,
  Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to
  form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by
  Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of
  leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and
  its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a
  vital role in the affairs of the region. For more than three
  decades, oil and global finance drove the UAE's economy, however, in
  2008-09, the confluence of falling oil prices, collapsing real
  estate prices, and the international banking crisis hit the UAE
  especially hard.

United Kingdom
  The United Kingdom has historically played a leading
  role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing
  literature and science. At its zenith in the 19th century, the
  British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The
  first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously
  depleted in two World Wars and the Irish republic withdraw from the
  union. The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and
  the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European
  nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council,
  a founding member of NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a
  global approach to foreign policy. The UK is also an active member
  of the EU, although it chose to remain outside the Economic and
  Monetary Union. The Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for
  Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were established in 1999.
  The latter was suspended until May 2007 due to wrangling over the
  peace process, but devolution was fully completed in March 2010.

United States
  Britain's American colonies broke with the mother
  country in 1776 and were recognized as the new nation of the United
  States of America following the Treaty of Paris in 1783. During the
  19th and 20th centuries, 37 new states were added to the original 13
  as the nation expanded across the North American continent and
  acquired a number of overseas possessions. The two most traumatic
  experiences in the nation's history were the Civil War (1861-65), in
  which a northern Union of states defeated a secessionist Confederacy
  of 11 southern slave states, and the Great Depression of the 1930s,
  an economic downturn during which about a quarter of the labor force
  lost its jobs. Buoyed by victories in World Wars I and II and the
  end of the Cold War in 1991, the US remains the world's most
  powerful nation state. Over a span of more than five decades, the
  economy has achieved steady growth, low unemployment and inflation,
  and rapid advances in technology.

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges All of the following US Pacific island territories except Midway Atoll constitute the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex and as such are managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior. Midway Atoll NWR has been included in a Refuge Complex with the Hawaiian Islands NWR and also designated as part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. These remote refuges are the most widespread collection of marine- and terrestrial-life protected areas on the planet under a single country's jurisdiction. They sustain many endemic species including corals, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, seabirds, water birds, land birds, insects, and vegetation not found elsewhere. Baker Island: The US took possession of the island in 1857. Its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The island was established as a NWR in 1974. Howland Island: Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the uninhabited atoll was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano deposits until about 1890. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island, similar to the effort on nearby Baker Island, but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The famed American aviatrix Amelia EARHART disappeared while seeking out Howland Island as a refueling stop during her 1937 round-the-world flight; Earhart Light, a day beacon near the middle of the west coast, was named in her memory. The island was established as a NWR in 1974. Jarvis Island: First discovered by the British in 1821, the uninhabited island was annexed by the US in 1858 but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano had been removed. The UK annexed the island in 1889 but never carried out plans for further exploitation. The US occupied and reclaimed the island in 1935. It was abandoned in 1942 during World War II. The island was established as a NWR in 1974. Johnston Atoll: Both the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii annexed Johnston Atoll in 1858, but it was the US that mined the guano deposits until the late 1880s. Johnston and Sand Islands were designated wildlife refuges in 1926. The US Navy took over the atoll in 1934. Subsequently, the US Air Force assumed control in 1948. The site was used for high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s. Until late in 2000 the atoll was maintained as a storage and disposal site for chemical weapons. Munitions destruction, cleanup, and closure of the facility were completed by May 2005. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Air Force are currently discussing future management options; in the interim, Johnston Atoll and the three-mile Naval Defensive Sea around it remain under the jurisdiction and administrative control of the US Air Force. Kingman Reef: The US annexed the reef in 1922. Its sheltered lagoon served as a way station for flying boats on Hawaii-to-American Samoa flights during the late 1930s. There are no terrestrial plants on the reef, which is frequently awash, but it does support abundant and diverse marine fauna and flora. In 2001, the waters surrounding the reef out to 12 nm were designated a US NWR. Midway Islands: The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867. The laying of the trans-Pacific cable, which passed through the islands, brought the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used as a refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights. The US naval victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the turning points of World War II. The islands continued to serve as a naval station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a NWR and are the site of the world's largest Laysan albatross colony. Palmyra Atoll: The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and the US included it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed the archipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did not include Palmyra Atoll, which is now partly privately owned by the Nature Conservancy with the rest owned by the Federal government and managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations are managing the atoll as a wildlife refuge. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12 nm US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and designated as a NWR in January 2001.

Uruguay
  Montevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a military
  stronghold, soon took advantage of its natural harbor to become an
  important commercial center. Claimed by Argentina but annexed by
  Brazil in 1821, Uruguay declared its independence four years later
  and secured its freedom in 1828 after a three-year struggle. The
  administrations of President Jose BATLLE in the early 20th century
  established widespread political, social, and economic reforms that
  established a statist tradition. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla
  movement named the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led
  Uruguay's president to cede control of the government to the
  military in 1973. By yearend, the rebels had been crushed, but the
  military continued to expand its hold over the government. Civilian
  rule was not restored until 1985. In 2004, the left-of-center Frente
  Amplio Coalition won national elections that effectively ended 170
  years of political control previously held by the Colorado and
  Blanco parties. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among
  the freest on the continent.

Uzbekistan
  Russia conquered the territory of present-day Uzbekistan
  in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after the
  Boshevik Revolution was eventually suppressed and a socialist
  republic established in 1924. During the Soviet era, intensive
  production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain led to overuse of
  agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, which have left
  the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain rivers half dry.
  Independent since 1991, the country seeks to gradually lessen its
  dependence on agriculture while developing its mineral and petroleum
  reserves. Current concerns include terrorism by Islamic militants,
  economic stagnation, and the curtailment of human rights and
  democratization.

Vanuatu
  Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct
  language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding
  European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern
  accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the
  archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New
  Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French
  Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in
  1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted.

Venezuela
  Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the
  collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New
  Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the
  20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military
  strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social
  reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since
  1959. Hugo CHAVEZ, president since 1999, seeks to implement his
  "21st Century Socialism," which purports to alleviate social ills
  while at the same time attacking capitalist globalization and
  existing democratic institutions. Current concerns include: a
  weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a
  politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian
  border, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price
  fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are
  endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

Vietnam
  The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was
  completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887.
  Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but France
  continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by Communist forces under Ho
  Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into
  the Communist North and anti-Communist South. US economic and
  military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt
  to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn
  following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North
  Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country under
  Communist rule. Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the
  country experienced little economic growth because of conservative
  leadership policies, the persecution and mass exodus of individuals
  - many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants - and growing
  international isolation. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's
  "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, Vietnamese authorities have
  committed to increased economic liberalization and enacted
  structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce
  more competitive, export-driven industries. The Communist leaders,
  however, maintain control on political expression and have resisted
  outside calls to improve human rights. The country continues to
  experience small-scale protests from various groups, the vast
  majority connected to land-use issues, calls for increased political
  space and the lack of equitable mechanisms for resolving disputes.
  Various ethnic minorities, such as the Montagnards of the Central
  Highlands and the Khmer Krom in the southern delta region, have also
  held protests.

Virgin Islands During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.

Wake Island
  The US annexed Wake Island in 1899 for a cable station.
  An important air and naval base was constructed in 1940-41. In
  December 1941, the island was captured by the Japanese and held
  until the end of World War II. In subsequent years, Wake was
  developed as a stopover and refueling site for military and
  commercial aircraft transiting the Pacific. Since 1974, the island's
  airstrip has been used by the US military, as well as for emergency
  landings. Although operations on the island were suspended and all
  personnel evacuated in August 2006 with the approach of super
  typhoon IOKE (category 5), damage was comparatively minor. A US Air
  Force repair team restored full capability to the airfield and
  facilities, which remains a vital strategic link in the Pacific
  region.

Wallis and Futuna
  The Futuna island group was discovered by the
  Dutch in 1616 and Wallis by the British in 1767, but it was the
  French who declared a protectorate over the islands in 1842. In
  1959, the inhabitants of the islands voted to become a French
  overseas territory.

West Bank
  The September 1993 Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on
  Interim Self-Government Arrangements provided for a transitional
  period of Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
  Under a series of agreements signed between May 1994 and September
  1999, Israel transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA) security
  and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of
  the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Negotiations to determine the
  permanent status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip stalled following
  the outbreak of an intifada in September 2000. In April 2003, the
  Quartet (US, EU, UN, and Russia) presented a roadmap to a final
  settlement of the conflict by 2005 based on reciprocal steps by the
  two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic
  Palestine. Following Palestinian leader Yasir ARAFAT's death in late
  2004, Mahmud ABBAS was elected PA president in January 2005. A month
  later, Israel and the PA agreed to the Sharm el-Sheikh Commitments
  in an effort to move the peace process forward. In September 2005,
  Israel unilaterally withdrew all its settlers and soldiers and
  dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip and withdrew
  settlers and redeployed soldiers from four small northern West Bank
  settlements. Nonetheless, Israel still controls maritime, airspace,
  and most access to the Gaza Strip. In January 2006, the Islamic
  Resistance Movement, HAMAS, won control of the Palestinian
  Legislative Council (PLC). HAMAS took control of the PA government
  in March 2006, but President ABBAS had little success negotiating
  with HAMAS to present a political platform acceptable to the
  international community so as to lift economic sanctions on
  Palestinians. Violent clashes between Fatah and HAMAS supporters in
  the Gaza Strip in 2006 and early 2007 resulted in numerous
  Palestinian deaths and injuries. In February 2007, ABBAS and HAMAS
  Political Bureau Chief MISHAL signed the Mecca Agreement in Saudi
  Arabia that resulted in the formation of a Palestinian National
  Unity Government (NUG) headed by HAMAS member Ismail HANIYA.
  However, fighting continued in the Gaza Strip, and in June 2007,
  HAMAS militants succeeded in a violent takeover of all military and
  governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip. ABBAS dismissed the NUG
  and through a series of presidential decrees formed a PA government
  in the West Bank led by independent Salam FAYYAD. HAMAS rejected the
  NUG's dismissal, and despite multiple rounds of Egyptian-brokered
  reconciliation negotiations, the two groups have failed to bridge
  their differences. The status quo remains with HAMAS in control of
  the Gaza Strip and ABBAS and the Fatah-dominated PA governing the
  West Bank. FAYYAD and his PA government continue to implement a
  series of security and economic reforms to improve conditions in the
  West Bank. ABBAS has said he will not resume negotiations with
  current Prime Minister NETANYAHU until Israel halts all settlement
  activity in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Western Sahara
  Morocco annexed the northern two-thirds of Western
  Sahara (formerly Spanish Sahara) in 1976 and claimed the rest of the
  territory in 1979, following Mauritania's withdrawal. A guerrilla
  war with the Polisario Front contesting Morocco's sovereignty ended
  in a 1991 UN-brokered cease-fire; a UN-organized referendum on the
  territory's final status has been repeatedly postponed. The UN since
  2007 has sponsored intermittent talks between representatives of the
  Government of Morocco and the Polisario Front to negotiate the
  status of Western Sahara. Morocco has put forward an autonomy
  proposal for the territory, which would allow for some local
  administration while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty. The
  Polisario, with Algeria's support, demands a popular referendum that
  includes the option of independence.

World
  Globally, the 20th century was marked by: (a) two devastating
  world wars; (b) the Great Depression of the 1930s; (c) the end of
  vast colonial empires; (d) rapid advances in science and technology,
  from the first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (US) to
  the landing on the moon; (e) the Cold War between the Western
  alliance and the Warsaw Pact nations; (f) a sharp rise in living
  standards in North America, Europe, and Japan; (g) increased
  concerns about the environment, including loss of forests, shortages
  of energy and water, the decline in biological diversity, and air
  pollution; (h) the onset of the AIDS epidemic; and (i) the ultimate
  emergence of the US as the only world superpower. The planet's
  population continues to explode: from 1 billion in 1820, to 2
  billion in 1930, 3 billion in 1960, 4 billion in 1974, 5 billion in
  1988, and 6 billion in 2000. For the 21st century, the continued
  exponential growth in science and technology raises both hopes
  (e.g., advances in medicine) and fears (e.g., development of even
  more lethal weapons of war).

Yemen
  North Yemen became independent of the Ottoman Empire in 1918.
  The British, who had set up a protectorate area around the southern
  port of Aden in the 19th century, withdrew in 1967 from what became
  South Yemen. Three years later, the southern government adopted a
  Marxist orientation. The massive exodus of hundreds of thousands of
  Yemenis from the south to the north contributed to two decades of
  hostility between the states. The two countries were formally
  unified as the Republic of Yemen in 1990. A southern secessionist
  movement in 1994 was quickly subdued. In 2000, Saudi Arabia and
  Yemen agreed to a delimitation of their border.

Zambia
  The territory of Northern Rhodesia was administered by the
  [British] South Africa Company from 1891 until it was taken over by
  the UK in 1923. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining
  spurred development and immigration. The name was changed to Zambia
  upon independence in 1964. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper
  prices and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991
  brought an end to one-party rule, but the subsequent vote in 1996
  saw blatant harassment of opposition parties. The election in 2001
  was marked by administrative problems with three parties filing a
  legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate
  Levy MWANAWASA. The new president launched an anticorruption
  investigation in 2002 to probe high-level corruption during the
  previous administration. In 2006-07, this task force successfully
  prosecuted four cases, including a landmark civil case in the UK in
  which former President CHILUBA and numerous others were found liable
  for USD 41 million. MWANAWASA was reelected in 2006 in an election
  that was deemed free and fair. Upon his abrupt death in August 2008,
  he was succeeded by his Vice President Rupiah BANDA, who
  subsequently won a special presidential election in October 2008.

Zimbabwe
  The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the [British] South
  Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that
  favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally
  declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and
  demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority
  in the country (then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla
  uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as
  Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister,
  has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has
  dominated the country's political system since independence. His
  chaotic land redistribution campaign, which began in 2000, caused an
  exodus of white farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in
  widespread shortages of basic commodities. Ignoring international
  condemnation, MUGABE rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure
  his reelection. The ruling ZANU-PF party used fraud and intimidation
  to win a two-thirds majority in the March 2005 parliamentary
  election, allowing it to amend the constitution at will and recreate
  the Senate, which had been abolished in the late 1980s. In April
  2005, Harare embarked on Operation Restore Order, ostensibly an
  urban rationalization program, which resulted in the destruction of
  the homes or businesses of 700,000 mostly poor supporters of the
  opposition. President MUGABE in June 2007 instituted price controls
  on all basic commodities causing panic buying and leaving store
  shelves empty for months. General elections held in March 2008
  contained irregularities but still amounted to a censure of the
  ZANU-PF-led government with the opposition winning a majority of
  seats in parliament. MDC opposition leader Morgan TSVANGIRAI won the
  most votes in the presidential polls, but not enough to win
  outright. In the lead up to a run-off election in late June 2008,
  considerable violence enacted against opposition party members led
  to the withdrawal of TSVANGIRAI from the ballot. Extensive evidence
  of vote tampering and ballot-box stuffing resulted in international
  condemnation of the process. Difficult negotiations over a
  power-sharing government, in which MUGABE remained president and
  TSVANGIRAI became prime minister, were finally settled in February
  2009, although the leaders have yet failed to agree upon many key
  outstanding governmental issues.

======================================================================

@2030

Field Listing :: Airports - with paved runways

This entry gives the total number of airports with paved runways (concrete or asphalt surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m (over 10,000 ft), (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m (8,000 to 10,000 ft), (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m (5,000 to 8,000 ft), (4) 914 to 1,523 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft), and (5) under 914 m (under 3,000 ft). Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. The type aircraft capable of operating from a runway of a given length is dependent upon a number of factors including elevation of the runway, runway gradient, average maximum daily temperature at the airport, engine types, flap settings, and take-off weight of the aircraft. Country

Airports - with paved runways

Afghanistan total: 19 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Albania total: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Algeria
  total: 57
  over 3,047 m: 12
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 28
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

American Samoa total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Angola
  total: 31
  over 3,047 m: 5
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 13
  914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Anguilla total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Argentina total: 156 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 27 1,524 to 2,437 m: 65 914 to 1,523 m: 51 under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Armenia
  total: 10
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Aruba total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Australia
  total: 326
  over 3,047 m: 11
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 13
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 148
  914 to 1,523 m: 140
  under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Austria
  total: 25
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 4
  under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Azerbaijan
  total: 27
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 13
  914 to 1,523 m: 4
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Bahamas, The total: 23 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Bahrain total: 4 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Bangladesh total: 15 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Barbados total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Belarus
  total: 35
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 22
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Belgium
  total: 27
  over 3,047 m: 6
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Belize
  total: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Benin
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Bermuda
  total: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Bhutan
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Bolivia
  total: 16
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  total: 7
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Botswana
  total: 9
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Brazil
  total: 726
  over 3,047 m: 7
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 28
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 176
  914 to 1,523 m: 460
  under 914 m: 55 (2010)

British Indian Ocean Territory total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

British Virgin Islands
  total: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Brunei
  total: 2
  over 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Bulgaria
  total: 130
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 17
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
  under 914 m: 96 (2010)

Burkina Faso
  total: 2
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Burma
  total: 37
  over 3,047 m: 12
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Burundi total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Cambodia total: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Cameroon total: 11 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Canada
  total: 514
  over 3,047 m: 18
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 20
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 148
  914 to 1,523 m: 249
  under 914 m: 79 (2010)

Cape Verde total: 9 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Cayman Islands total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Central African Republic total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Chad
  total: 8
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Chile
  total: 84
  over 3,047 m: 5
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 23
  914 to 1,523 m: 24
  under 914 m: 24 (2010)

China
  total: 442
  over 3,047 m: 63
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 137
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 132
  914 to 1,523 m: 27
  under 914 m: 83 (2010)

Christmas Island
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Colombia
  total: 116
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 41
  914 to 1,523 m: 50
  under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Comoros total: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the total: 26 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 17 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Congo, Republic of the total: 6 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Cook Islands total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Costa Rica total: 39 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire total: 7 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Croatia
  total: 23
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Cuba
  total: 65
  over 3,047 m: 7
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 17
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Curacao
  total: 1
  over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Cyprus
  total: 13
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Czech Republic
  total: 44
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 12
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Denmark
  total: 28
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 12
  under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Djibouti total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Dominica total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Dominican Republic
  total: 16
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 4
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Ecuador
  total: 105
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 17
  914 to 1,523 m: 25
  under 914 m: 55 (2010)

Egypt
  total: 73
  over 3,047 m: 15
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 36
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 5 (2010)

El Salvador total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Equatorial Guinea total: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Eritrea total: 4 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2010)

Estonia
  total: 13
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Ethiopia
  total: 17
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

European Union
  total: 1,992
  over 3,047 m: 116
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 340
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 546
  914 to 1,523 m: 422
  under 914 m: 568 (2010)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  total: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Faroe Islands
  total: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Fiji
  total: 4
  over 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Finland
  total: 75
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 26
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 10
  914 to 1,523 m: 22
  under 914 m: 14 (2010)

France
  total: 297
  over 3,047 m: 14
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 27
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 97
  914 to 1,523 m: 83
  under 914 m: 76 (2010)

French Polynesia total: 46 over 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 33 under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Gabon
  total: 13
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 9
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Gambia, The
  total: 1
  over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Gaza Strip
  total: 1
  over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Georgia
  total: 18
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 4
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Germany
  total: 330
  over 3,047 m: 13
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 53
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 59
  914 to 1,523 m: 70
  under 914 m: 135 (2010)

Ghana
  total: 7
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Gibraltar
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Greece
  total: 67
  over 3,047 m: 6
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 14
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 20
  914 to 1,523 m: 18
  under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Greenland total: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Grenada
  total: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Guam
  total: 4
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Guatemala total: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Guernsey
  total: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Guinea
  total: 4
  over 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Guinea-Bissau
  total: 2
  over 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Guyana
  total: 10
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Haiti
  total: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Honduras total: 12 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Hong Kong total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Hungary
  total: 22
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
  914 to 1,523 m: 6
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Iceland total: 6 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

India
  total: 249
  over 3,047 m: 21
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 57
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 75
  914 to 1,523 m: 81
  under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Indonesia
  total: 171
  over 3,047 m: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 19
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 50
  914 to 1,523 m: 64
  under 914 m: 34 (2010)

Iran
  total: 133
  over 3,047 m: 42
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 27
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 24
  914 to 1,523 m: 34
  under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Iraq
  total: 75
  over 3,047 m: 20
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 36
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
  914 to 1,523 m: 6
  under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Ireland
  total: 16
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Isle of Man
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Israel
  total: 30
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
  914 to 1,523 m: 11
  under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Italy
  total: 101
  over 3,047 m: 9
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 30
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 18
  914 to 1,523 m: 31
  under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Jamaica
  total: 12
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Japan
  total: 144
  over 3,047 m: 7
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 44
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 38
  914 to 1,523 m: 28
  under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Jersey
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Jordan
  total: 16
  over 3,047 m: 8
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Kazakhstan
  total: 65
  over 3,047 m: 10
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 26
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 16
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Kenya
  total: 17
  over 3,047 m: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 6
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Kiribati total: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Korea, North
  total: 37
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 23
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Korea, South
  total: 72
  over 3,047 m: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 21
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 13
  914 to 1,523 m: 12
  under 914 m: 22 (2010)

Kosovo
  total: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Kuwait
  total: 4
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Kyrgyzstan total: 18 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Laos
  total: 9
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Latvia
  total: 19
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Lebanon
  total: 5
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Lesotho total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Liberia total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Libya
  total: 59
  over 3,047 m: 24
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 23
  914 to 1,523 m: 6
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Lithuania
  total: 26
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Luxembourg
  total: 1
  over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Macau
  total: 1
  over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Macedonia total: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Madagascar total: 27 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 17 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Malawi
  total: 6
  over 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Malaysia
  total: 38
  over 3,047 m: 7
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 10
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
  914 to 1,523 m: 8
  under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Maldives
  total: 3
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Mali
  total: 8
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Malta total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Marshall Islands
  total: 4
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Mauritania
  total: 9
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Mauritius
  total: 2
  over 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Mayotte
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Mexico
  total: 250
  over 3,047 m: 12
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 30
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 85
  914 to 1,523 m: 83
  under 914 m: 40 (2010)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  total: 6
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Moldova
  total: 5
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Mongolia
  total: 14
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 10
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Montenegro
  total: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Montserrat
  total: 2
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Morocco
  total: 32
  over 3,047 m: 11
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 10
  914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Mozambique total: 23 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Namibia
  total: 21
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 13
  914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Nauru
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Nepal
  total: 11
  over 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 9
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Netherlands total: 20 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

New Caledonia total: 12 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

New Zealand total: 40 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 24 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Nicaragua total: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Niger
  total: 10
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Nigeria
  total: 38
  over 3,047 m: 9
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 11
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 10
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Niue
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Norfolk Island
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Northern Mariana Islands
  total: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Norway
  total: 67
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 12
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
  914 to 1,523 m: 18
  under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Oman
  total: 11
  over 3,047 m: 6
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Pakistan
  total: 101
  over 3,047 m: 15
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 20
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 39
  914 to 1,523 m: 18
  under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Palau
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Panama
  total: 54
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
  914 to 1,523 m: 17
  under 914 m: 30 (2010)

Papua New Guinea total: 21 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Paracel Islands total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Paraguay total: 15 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2010)

Peru
  total: 58
  over 3,047 m: 6
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 20
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
  914 to 1,523 m: 13
  under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Philippines
  total: 85
  over 3,047 m: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 29
  914 to 1,523 m: 34
  under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Poland
  total: 86
  over 3,047 m: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 30
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 39
  914 to 1,523 m: 7
  under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Portugal
  total: 43
  over 3,047 m: 5
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
  914 to 1,523 m: 13
  under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Puerto Rico total: 17 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Qatar
  total: 4
  over 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Romania
  total: 26
  over 3,047 m: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 10
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Russia
  total: 593
  over 3,047 m: 51
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 201
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 126
  914 to 1,523 m: 98
  under 914 m: 117 (2010)

Rwanda
  total: 4
  over 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Barthelemy
  total: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  total: 1
  over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  total: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Lucia
  total: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Martin total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  total: 5
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Samoa total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Sao Tome and Principe total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Saudi Arabia total: 81 over 3,047 m: 33 2,438 to 3,047 m: 15 1,524 to 2,437 m: 27 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Senegal total: 10 over 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Serbia
  total: 11
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Seychelles total: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Sierra Leone total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Singapore total: 8 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Sint Maarten total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Slovakia
  total: 20
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Slovenia
  total: 7
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Solomon Islands total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Somalia total: 7 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

South Africa
  total: 147
  over 3,047 m: 11
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 53
  914 to 1,523 m: 67
  under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Spain
  total: 97
  over 3,047 m: 18
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 13
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 18
  914 to 1,523 m: 24
  under 914 m: 24 (2010)

Spratly Islands total: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Sri Lanka total: 14 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 7 (2010)

Sudan
  total: 19
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 10
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Suriname total: 5 over 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Svalbard total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Swaziland total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Sweden
  total: 152
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 12
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 76
  914 to 1,523 m: 25
  under 914 m: 36 (2010)

Switzerland
  total: 42
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 14
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Syria
  total: 29
  over 3,047 m: 5
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 15
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Taiwan
  total: 38
  over 3,047 m: 8
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
  914 to 1,523 m: 7
  under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Tajikistan
  total: 17
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Tanzania total: 9 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Thailand
  total: 64
  over 3,047 m: 8
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 11
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 24
  914 to 1,523 m: 15
  under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Timor-Leste total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Togo
  total: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2010)

Tonga
  total: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Tunisia
  total: 16
  over 3,047 m: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2010)

Turkey
  total: 88
  over 3,047 m: 16
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 33
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 19
  914 to 1,523 m: 16
  under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Turkmenistan total: 22 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  total: 7
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Uganda
  total: 5
  over 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Ukraine
  total: 189
  over 3,047 m: 12
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 51
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 24
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 97 (2010)

United Arab Emirates
  total: 25
  over 3,047 m: 12
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 4
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

United Kingdom
  total: 306
  over 3,047 m: 9
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 32
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 124
  914 to 1,523 m: 77
  under 914 m: 64 (2010)

United States
  total: 5,194
  over 3,047 m: 189
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 235
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1,479
  914 to 1,523 m: 2,316
  under 914 m: 975 (2010)

Uruguay
  total: 9
  over 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Uzbekistan total: 33 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 13 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Vanuatu
  total: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Venezuela total: 129 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 34 914 to 1,523 m: 63 under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Vietnam
  total: 37
  over 3,047 m: 9
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 14
  914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2010)

Virgin Islands total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Wake Island total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Wallis and Futuna
  total: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

West Bank
  total: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Western Sahara
  total: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 (2010)

Yemen
  total: 17
  over 3,047 m: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Zambia
  total: 8
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Zimbabwe
  total: 19
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
  914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2010)

======================================================================

@2031

Field Listing :: Airports - with unpaved runways

This entry gives the total number of airports with unpaved runways (grass, dirt, sand, or gravel surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m (over 10,000 ft), (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m (8,000 to 10,000 ft), (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m (5,000 to 8,000 ft), (4) 914 to 1,523 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft), and (5) under 914 m (under 3,000 ft). Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. The type aircraft capable of operating from a runway of a given length is dependent upon a number of factors including elevation of the runway, runway gradient, average maximum daily temperature at the airport, engine types, flap settings, and take-off weight of the aircraft. Country

Airports - with unpaved runways

Afghanistan total: 34 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Albania total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Algeria
  total: 86
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 19
  914 to 1,523 m: 41
  under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Angola
  total: 162
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 31
  914 to 1,523 m: 78
  under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Anguilla total: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Antarctica total: 26 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Argentina total: 985 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 43 914 to 1,523 m: 530 under 914 m: 410 (2010)

Armenia total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Australia
  total: 139
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 17
  914 to 1,523 m: 110
  under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Austria
  total: 30
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Azerbaijan total: 8 under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Bahamas, The total: 39 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 22 (2010)

Bangladesh total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Belarus
  total: 32
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Belgium
  total: 16
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Belize
  total: 41
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 13
  under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Benin
  total: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Bhutan
  total: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Bolivia
  total: 865
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 58
  914 to 1,523 m: 187
  under 914 m: 615 (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  total: 18
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 6
  under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Botswana
  total: 69
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 52
  under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Brazil
  total: 3,346
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 87
  914 to 1,523 m: 1,617
  under 914 m: 1,642 (2010)

British Virgin Islands total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Bulgaria
  total: 80
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 6
  under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Burkina Faso
  total: 22
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 12
  under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Burma
  total: 39
  over 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 11
  under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Burundi total: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Cambodia
  total: 11
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 9
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Cameroon
  total: 23
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 14
  under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Canada
  total: 890
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 73
  914 to 1,523 m: 377
  under 914 m: 440 (2010)

Cape Verde
  total: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Cayman Islands
  total: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Central African Republic
  total: 35
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 12
  914 to 1,523 m: 16
  under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Chad
  total: 48
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
  914 to 1,523 m: 21
  under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Chile
  total: 282
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 12
  914 to 1,523 m: 50
  under 914 m: 217 (2010)

China
  total: 60
  over 3,047 m: 4
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 9
  914 to 1,523 m: 13
  under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Colombia total: 874 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 35 914 to 1,523 m: 228 under 914 m: 610 (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  total: 172
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 20
  914 to 1,523 m: 91
  under 914 m: 61 (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
  total: 19
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 8
  914 to 1,523 m: 10
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Cook Islands
  total: 9
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Costa Rica total: 112 914 to 1,523 m: 18 under 914 m: 94 (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire
  total: 20
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
  914 to 1,523 m: 11
  under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Croatia
  total: 46
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 7
  under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Cuba
  total: 71
  914 to 1,523 m: 13
  under 914 m: 58 (2010)

Cyprus total: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Czech Republic total: 78 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 27 under 914 m: 50 (2010)

Denmark total: 64 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 61 (2010)

Djibouti
  total: 10
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 7
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Dominican Republic
  total: 19
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Ecuador
  total: 323
  914 to 1,523 m: 39
  under 914 m: 284 (2010)

Egypt
  total: 13
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 4 (2010)

El Salvador total: 61 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 13 under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Equatorial Guinea total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Eritrea
  total: 9
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
  914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Estonia
  total: 6
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Ethiopia
  total: 44
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 12
  914 to 1,523 m: 22
  under 914 m: 7 (2010)

European Union total: 1,391 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 22 914 to 1,523 m: 254 under 914 m: 1,112 (2010)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  total: 5
  under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Fiji
  total: 24
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Finland
  total: 73
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 70 (2010)

France
  total: 177
  914 to 1,523 m: 69
  under 914 m: 108 (2010)

French Polynesia
  total: 7
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Gabon
  total: 31
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
  914 to 1,523 m: 11
  under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Georgia
  total: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Germany
  total: 219
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 33
  under 914 m: 184 (2010)

Ghana
  total: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Greece
  total: 14
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Greenland total: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Guam total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Guatemala total: 359 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 84 under 914 m: 271 (2010)

Guinea
  total: 12
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Guinea-Bissau
  total: 7
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Guyana
  total: 86
  914 to 1,523 m: 13
  under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Haiti
  total: 10
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Honduras
  total: 92
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 16
  under 914 m: 74 (2010)

Hungary
  total: 21
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 8
  under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Iceland
  total: 93
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 27
  under 914 m: 63 (2010)

India
  total: 103
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 8
  914 to 1,523 m: 43
  under 914 m: 48 (2010)

Indonesia total: 513 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 25 under 914 m: 484 (2010)

Iran
  total: 186
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 9
  914 to 1,523 m: 142
  under 914 m: 33 (2010)

Iraq
  total: 29
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 13
  under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Ireland
  total: 23
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Israel
  total: 18
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Italy
  total: 31
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 11
  under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Jamaica
  total: 15
  under 914 m: 15 (2010)

Jan Mayen
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Japan
  total: 32
  914 to 1,523 m: 4
  under 914 m: 28 (2010)

Jordan total: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Kazakhstan total: 32 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 13 (2010)

Kenya
  total: 174
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 12
  914 to 1,523 m: 107
  under 914 m: 55 (2010)

Kiribati total: 15 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Korea, North total: 42 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 14 under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Korea, South total: 44 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 42 (2010)

Kosovo total: 4 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Kuwait
  total: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Kyrgyzstan
  total: 10
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Laos
  total: 32
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 9
  under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Latvia
  total: 23
  under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Lebanon
  total: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Lesotho
  total: 23
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Liberia
  total: 27
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
  914 to 1,523 m: 8
  under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Libya
  total: 78
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 14
  914 to 1,523 m: 42
  under 914 m: 17 (2010)

Lithuania total: 55 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 51 (2010)

Luxembourg total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Macedonia total: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Madagascar
  total: 57
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 35
  under 914 m: 20 (2010)

Malawi
  total: 26
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 13
  under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Malaysia total: 80 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Maldives total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Mali
  total: 12
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Marshall Islands total: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Mauritania total: 19 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Mauritius total: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Mexico
  total: 1,569
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 66
  914 to 1,523 m: 438
  under 914 m: 1,063 (2010)

Moldova
  total: 6
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Mongolia
  total: 32
  over 3,047 m: 1
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 25
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Montenegro
  total: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Morocco
  total: 26
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
  914 to 1,523 m: 10
  under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Mozambique
  total: 83
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 9
  914 to 1,523 m: 34
  under 914 m: 39 (2010)

Namibia
  total: 108
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 25
  914 to 1,523 m: 71
  under 914 m: 11 (2010)

Nepal
  total: 36
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 4
  under 914 m: 31 (2010)

Netherlands
  total: 7
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 4 (2010)

New Caledonia
  total: 13
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 8 (2010)

New Zealand
  total: 82
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 32
  under 914 m: 47 (2010)

Nicaragua
  total: 132
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 16
  under 914 m: 115 (2010)

Niger
  total: 17
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 14
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Nigeria
  total: 16
  over 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 11
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Northern Mariana Islands
  total: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Norway
  total: 31
  914 to 1,523 m: 6
  under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Oman
  total: 119
  over 3,047 m: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 51
  914 to 1,523 m: 33
  under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Pakistan total: 47 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Palau total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2010)

Panama
  total: 64
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 11
  under 914 m: 52 (2010)

Papua New Guinea
  total: 541
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 9
  914 to 1,523 m: 63
  under 914 m: 469 (2010)

Paraguay
  total: 785
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 25
  914 to 1,523 m: 290
  under 914 m: 470 (2010)

Peru
  total: 153
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 24
  914 to 1,523 m: 40
  under 914 m: 87 (2010)

Philippines total: 169 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 66 under 914 m: 99 (2010)

Poland
  total: 43
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
  914 to 1,523 m: 16
  under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Portugal total: 22 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Puerto Rico total: 12 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Qatar
  total: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Romania
  total: 28
  914 to 1,523 m: 7
  under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Russia
  total: 620
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 13
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 68
  914 to 1,523 m: 84
  under 914 m: 452 (2010)

Rwanda
  total: 5
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  total: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Samoa
  total: 3
  under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Saudi Arabia total: 136 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 71 914 to 1,523 m: 41 under 914 m: 16 (2010)

Senegal
  total: 10
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Serbia
  total: 18
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 9
  under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Seychelles
  total: 6
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Sierra Leone
  total: 8
  914 to 1,523 m: 7
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Slovakia
  total: 16
  914 to 1,523 m: 9
  under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Slovenia
  total: 9
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 5 (2010)

Solomon Islands
  total: 34
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 8
  under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Somalia
  total: 52
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 19
  914 to 1,523 m: 23
  under 914 m: 6 (2010)

South Africa
  total: 431
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 32
  914 to 1,523 m: 261
  under 914 m: 137 (2010)

Spain
  total: 57
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 16
  under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Spratly Islands total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Sri Lanka total: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Sudan
  total: 121
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 21
  914 to 1,523 m: 62
  under 914 m: 38 (2010)

Suriname total: 46 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 41 (2010)

Svalbard total: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Swaziland
  total: 13
  914 to 1,523 m: 6
  under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Sweden
  total: 97
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 92 (2010)

Switzerland
  total: 23
  under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Syria
  total: 75
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 15
  under 914 m: 59 (2010)

Taiwan
  total: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Tajikistan
  total: 9
  1,524 to 2,437: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Tanzania
  total: 115
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 19
  914 to 1,523 m: 63
  under 914 m: 33 (2010)

Thailand
  total: 41
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 13
  under 914 m: 27 (2010)

Timor-Leste
  total: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Togo
  total: 6
  914 to 1,523 m: 4
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Tonga
  total: 5
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
  total: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Tunisia
  total: 16
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
  914 to 1,523 m: 7
  under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Turkey
  total: 11
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 6
  under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Turkmenistan total: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  total: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Tuvalu
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Uganda
  total: 41
  over 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
  914 to 1,523 m: 25
  under 914 m: 8 (2010)

Ukraine
  total: 236
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
  914 to 1,523 m: 12
  under 914 m: 214 (2010)

United Arab Emirates total: 16 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 5 (2010)

United Kingdom
  total: 199
  over 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 22
  under 914 m: 173 (2010)

United States
  total: 9,885
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 155
  914 to 1,523 m: 1,752
  under 914 m: 7,971 (2010)

Uruguay
  total: 49
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
  914 to 1,523 m: 20
  under 914 m: 26 (2010)

Uzbekistan
  total: 21
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
  under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Vanuatu
  total: 28
  914 to 1,523 m: 5
  under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Venezuela total: 280 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16 914 to 1,523 m: 91 under 914 m: 172 (2010)

Vietnam
  total: 7
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 3
  under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Western Sahara
  total: 3
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1
  under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Yemen
  total: 38
  over 3,047 m: 3
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
  914 to 1,523 m: 14
  under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Zambia
  total: 86
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
  914 to 1,523 m: 63
  under 914 m: 18 (2010)

Zimbabwe total: 197 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 120 under 914 m: 74 (2010)

======================================================================

@2032

Field Listing :: Environment - current issues

This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry: Acidification - the lowering of soil and water pH due to acid precipitation and deposition usually through precipitation; this process disrupts ecosystem nutrient flows and may kill freshwater fish and plants dependent on more neutral or alkaline conditions (see acid rain). Acid rain - characterized as containing harmful levels of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide; acid rain is damaging and potentially deadly to the earth's fragile ecosystems; acidity is measured using the pH scale where 7 is neutral, values greater than 7 are considered alkaline, and values below 5.6 are considered acid precipitation; note - a pH of 2.4 (the acidity of vinegar) has been measured in rainfall in New England. Aerosol - a collection of airborne particles dispersed in a gas, smoke, or fog. Afforestation - converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation involves replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire. Asbestos - a naturally occurring soft fibrous mineral commonly used in fireproofing materials and considered to be highly carcinogenic in particulate form. Biodiversity - also biological diversity; the relative number of species, diverse in form and function, at the genetic, organism, community, and ecosystem level; loss of biodiversity reduces an ecosystem's ability to recover from natural or man-induced disruption. Bio-indicators - a plant or animal species whose presence, abundance, and health reveal the general condition of its habitat. Biomass - the total weight or volume of living matter in a given area or volume. Carbon cycle - the term used to describe the exchange of carbon (in various forms, e.g., as carbon dioxide) between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits. Catchments - assemblages used to capture and retain rainwater and runoff; an important water management technique in areas with limited freshwater resources, such as Gibraltar. DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane) - a colorless, odorless insecticide that has toxic effects on most animals; the use of DDT was banned in the US in 1972. Defoliants - chemicals which cause plants to lose their leaves artificially; often used in agricultural practices for weed control, and may have detrimental impacts on human and ecosystem health. Deforestation - the destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural and range land clearing, and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel) without planting new growth. Desertification - the spread of desert-like conditions in arid or semi-arid areas, due to overgrazing, loss of agriculturally productive soils, or climate change. Dredging - the practice of deepening an existing waterway; also, a technique used for collecting bottom-dwelling marine organisms (e.g., shellfish) or harvesting coral, often causing significant destruction of reef and ocean-floor ecosystems. Drift-net fishing - done with a net, miles in extent, that is generally anchored to a boat and left to float with the tide; often results in an over harvesting and waste of large populations of non-commercial marine species (by-catch) by its effect of "sweeping the ocean clean." Ecosystems - ecological units comprised of complex communities of organisms and their specific environments. Effluents - waste materials, such as smoke, sewage, or industrial waste which are released into the environment, subsequently polluting it. Endangered species - a species that is threatened with extinction either by direct hunting or habitat destruction. Freshwater - water with very low soluble mineral content; sources include lakes, streams, rivers, glaciers, and underground aquifers. Greenhouse gas - a gas that "traps" infrared radiation in the lower atmosphere causing surface warming; water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and ozone are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Groundwater - water sources found below the surface of the earth often in naturally occurring reservoirs in permeable rock strata; the source for wells and natural springs. Highlands Water Project - a series of dams constructed jointly by Lesotho and South Africa to redirect Lesotho's abundant water supply into a rapidly growing area in South Africa; while it is the largest infrastructure project in southern Africa, it is also the most costly and controversial; objections to the project include claims that it forces people from their homes, submerges farmlands, and squanders economic resources. Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) - represents the roughly 150,000 Inuits of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia in international environmental issues; a General Assembly convenes every three years to determine the focus of the ICC; the most current concerns are long-range transport of pollutants, sustainable development, and climate change. Metallurgical plants - industries which specialize in the science, technology, and processing of metals; these plants produce highly concentrated and toxic wastes which can contribute to pollution of ground water and air when not properly disposed. Noxious substances - injurious, very harmful to living beings. Overgrazing - the grazing of animals on plant material faster than it can naturally regrow leading to the permanent loss of plant cover, a common effect of too many animals grazing limited range land. Ozone shield - a layer of the atmosphere composed of ozone gas (O3) that resides approximately 25 miles above the Earth's surface and absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation that can be harmful to living organisms. Poaching - the illegal killing of animals or fish, a great concern with respect to endangered or threatened species. Pollution - the contamination of a healthy environment by man-made waste. Potable water - water that is drinkable, safe to be consumed. Salination - the process through which fresh (drinkable) water becomes salt (undrinkable) water; hence, desalination is the reverse process; also involves the accumulation of salts in topsoil caused by evaporation of excessive irrigation water, a process that can eventually render soil incapable of supporting crops. Siltation - occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with silt and mud, a side effect of deforestation and soil erosion. Slash-and-burn agriculture - a rotating cultivation technique in which trees are cut down and burned in order to clear land for temporary agriculture; the land is used until its productivity declines at which point a new plot is selected and the process repeats; this practice is sustainable while population levels are low and time is permitted for regrowth of natural vegetation; conversely, where these conditions do not exist, the practice can have disastrous consequences for the environment. Soil degradation - damage to the land's productive capacity because of poor agricultural practices such as the excessive use of pesticides or fertilizers, soil compaction from heavy equipment, or erosion of topsoil, eventually resulting in reduced ability to produce agricultural products. Soil erosion - the removal of soil by the action of water or wind, compounded by poor agricultural practices, deforestation, overgrazing, and desertification. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation - a portion of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and naturally filtered in the upper atmosphere by the ozone layer; UV radiation can be harmful to living organisms and has been linked to increasing rates of skin cancer in humans. Waterborne diseases - those in which bacteria survive in, and are transmitted through, water; always a serious threat in areas with an untreated water supply. Country

Environment - current issues

Afghanistan
  limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate
  supplies of potable water; soil degradation; overgrazing;
  deforestation (much of the remaining forests are being cut down for
  fuel and building materials); desertification; air and water
  pollution

Akrotiri
  hunting around the salt lake; note - breeding place for
  loggerhead and green turtles; only remaining colony of griffon
  vultures is on the base

Albania
  deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial
  and domestic effluents

Algeria
  soil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming
  practices; desertification; dumping of raw sewage, petroleum
  refining wastes, and other industrial effluents is leading to the
  pollution of rivers and coastal waters; Mediterranean Sea, in
  particular, becoming polluted from oil wastes, soil erosion, and
  fertilizer runoff; inadequate supplies of potable water

American Samoa
  limited natural fresh water resources; the water
  division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past
  few years to improve water catchments and pipelines

Andorra
  deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes
  to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste
  disposal

Angola
  overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion attributable
  to population pressures; desertification; deforestation of tropical
  rain forest, in response to both international demand for tropical
  timber and to domestic use as fuel, resulting in loss of
  biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and
  siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water

Anguilla
  supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing
  demand largely because of poor distribution system

Antarctica
  in 1998, NASA satellite data showed that the Antarctic
  ozone hole was the largest on record, covering 27 million square
  kilometers; researchers in 1997 found that increased ultraviolet
  light passing through the hole damages the DNA of icefish, an
  Antarctic fish lacking hemoglobin; ozone depletion earlier was shown
  to harm one-celled Antarctic marine plants; in 2002, significant
  areas of ice shelves disintegrated in response to regional warming

Antigua and Barbuda
  water management - a major concern because of
  limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the
  clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to
  run off quickly

Arctic Ocean
  endangered marine species include walruses and whales;
  fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from
  disruptions or damage; thinning polar icepack

Argentina
  environmental problems (urban and rural) typical of an
  industrializing economy such as deforestation, soil degradation,
  desertification, air pollution, and water pollution
  note: Argentina is a world leader in setting voluntary greenhouse
  gas targets

Armenia
  soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; the energy
  crisis of the 1990s led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for
  firewood; pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; the
  draining of Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan), a result of its use as a
  source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; restart of
  Metsamor nuclear power plant in spite of its location in a
  seismically active zone

Aruba
  NA

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  illegal killing of protected wildlife by
  traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by
  non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems

Atlantic Ocean
  endangered marine species include the manatee, seals,
  sea lions, turtles, and whales; drift net fishing is hastening the
  decline of fish stocks and contributing to international disputes;
  municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and
  eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico,
  Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste
  and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and
  Mediterranean Sea

Australia
  soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development,
  urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due
  to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for
  agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique
  animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast
  coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by
  increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited
  natural fresh water resources

Austria
  some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution;
  soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air
  pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power
  stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria
  between northern and southern Europe

Azerbaijan
  local scientists consider the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron
  Peninsula) (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be
  the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe
  air, soil, and water pollution; soil pollution results from oil
  spills, from the use of DDT pesticide, and from toxic defoliants
  used in the production of cotton

Bahamas, The
  coral reef decay; solid waste disposal

Bahrain
  desertification resulting from the degradation of limited
  arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal
  degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation)
  resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers,
  oil refineries, and distribution stations; lack of freshwater
  resources (groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all
  water needs)

Bangladesh
  many people are landless and forced to live on and
  cultivate flood-prone land; waterborne diseases prevalent in surface
  water; water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results from
  the use of commercial pesticides; ground water contaminated by
  naturally occurring arsenic; intermittent water shortages because of
  falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the
  country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; severe
  overpopulation

Barbados
  pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships;
  soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination
  of aquifers

Belarus
  soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the
  country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident
  at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine

Belgium
  the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human
  activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry,
  extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water
  pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries;
  uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now
  resolved) had slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges

Belize
  deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial
  effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal

Benin
  inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens
  wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification

Bermuda
  sustainable development

Bhutan
  soil erosion; limited access to potable water

Bolivia
  the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the
  international demand for tropical timber are contributing to
  deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation
  methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification;
  loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used
  for drinking and irrigation

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  air pollution from metallurgical plants;
  sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; water shortages and
  destruction of infrastructure because of the 1992-95 civil strife;
  deforestation

Botswana
  overgrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resources

Bouvet Island
  NA

Brazil
  deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and
  endangers a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the
  area; there is a lucrative illegal wildlife trade; air and water
  pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large
  cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper
  mining activities; wetland degradation; severe oil spills

British Indian Ocean Territory
  NA

British Virgin Islands
  limited natural fresh water resources (except
  for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the
  islands' water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchments)

Brunei
  seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Bulgaria
  air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted
  from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest
  damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil
  contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and
  industrial wastes

Burkina Faso
  recent droughts and desertification severely affecting
  agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy;
  overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation

Burma
  deforestation; industrial pollution of air, soil, and water;
  inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease

Burundi
  soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of
  agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation (little forested land
  remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel); habitat
  loss threatens wildlife populations

Cambodia
  illegal logging activities throughout the country and strip
  mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand
  have resulted in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in
  particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural
  fisheries); soil erosion; in rural areas, most of the population
  does not have access to potable water; declining fish stocks because
  of illegal fishing and overfishing

Cameroon
  waterborne diseases are prevalent; deforestation;
  overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing

Canada
  air pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting
  lakes and damaging forests; metal smelting, coal-burning utilities,
  and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest
  productivity; ocean waters becoming contaminated due to
  agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestry activities

Cape Verde
  soil erosion; deforestation due to demand for wood used
  as fuel; water shortages; desertification; environmental damage has
  threatened several species of birds and reptiles; illegal beach sand
  extraction; overfishing

Cayman Islands
  no natural fresh water resources; drinking water
  supplies must be met by rainwater catchments

Central African Republic
  tap water is not potable; poaching has
  diminished the country's reputation as one of the last great
  wildlife refuges; desertification; deforestation

Chad
  inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal
  in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution;
  desertification

Chile
  widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural
  resources; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions;
  water pollution from raw sewage

China
  air pollution (greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide particulates)
  from reliance on coal produces acid rain; water shortages,
  particularly in the north; water pollution from untreated wastes;
  deforestation; estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land
  since 1949 to soil erosion and economic development;
  desertification; trade in endangered species

Christmas Island
  loss of rainforest; impact of phosphate mining

Clipperton Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  fresh water resources are limited to
  rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs

Colombia
  deforestation; soil and water quality damage from overuse
  of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle
  emissions

Comoros
  soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation
  on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation

Congo, Democratic Republic of the poaching threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; deforestation; refugees responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion, and wildlife poaching; mining of minerals (coltan - a mineral used in creating capacitors, diamonds, and gold) causing environmental damage

Congo, Republic of the
  air pollution from vehicle emissions; water
  pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable;
  deforestation

Cook Islands
  NA

Coral Sea Islands
  no permanent fresh water resources

Costa Rica
  deforestation and land use change, largely a result of
  the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil
  erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste
  management; air pollution

Cote d'Ivoire
  deforestation (most of the country's forests - once
  the largest in West Africa - have been heavily logged); water
  pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents

Croatia
  air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid
  rain is damaging the forests; coastal pollution from industrial and
  domestic waste; landmine removal and reconstruction of
  infrastructure consequent to 1992-95 civil strife

Cuba
  air and water pollution; biodiversity loss; deforestation

Curacao
  NA

Cyprus
  water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments,
  seasonal disparity in rainfall, sea water intrusion to island's
  largest aquifer, increased salination in the north); water pollution
  from sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of
  wildlife habitats from urbanization

Czech Republic
  air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia
  and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid
  rain damaging forests; efforts to bring industry up to EU code
  should improve domestic pollution

Denmark
  air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant
  emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea;
  drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and
  pesticides

Dhekelia
  netting and trapping of small migrant songbirds in the
  spring and autumn

Djibouti
  inadequate supplies of potable water; limited arable land;
  desertification; endangered species

Dominica
  NA

Dominican Republic
  water shortages; soil eroding into the sea
  damages coral reefs; deforestation

Ecuador
  deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water
  pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically
  sensitive areas of the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands

Egypt
  agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown
  sands; increasing soil salination below Aswan High Dam;
  desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and
  marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural pesticides,
  raw sewage, and industrial effluents; limited natural fresh water
  resources away from the Nile, which is the only perennial water
  source; rapid growth in population overstraining the Nile and
  natural resources

El Salvador
  deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution;
  contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes

Equatorial Guinea
  tap water is not potable; deforestation

Eritrea
  deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; overgrazing;
  loss of infrastructure from civil warfare

Estonia
  air polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning
  power plants in northeast; however, the amount of pollutants emitted
  to the air have fallen steadily, the emissions of 2000 were 80% less
  than in 1980; the amount of unpurified wastewater discharged to
  water bodies in 2000 was one-20th the level of 1980; in connection
  with the start-up of new water purification plants, the pollution
  load of wastewater decreased; Estonia has more than 1,400 natural
  and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas need
  to be monitored; coastal seawater is polluted in certain locations

Ethiopia
  deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification;
  water shortages in some areas from water-intensive farming and poor
  management

European Union
  NA

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) overfishing by unlicensed vessels is a problem; reindeer were introduced to the islands in 2001 for commercial reasons; this is the only commercial reindeer herd in the world unaffected by the 1986 Chornobyl disaster

Faroe Islands
  NA

Fiji
  deforestation; soil erosion

Finland
  air pollution from manufacturing and power plants
  contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes,
  agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

France
  some forest damage from acid rain; air pollution from
  industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes,
  agricultural runoff

French Polynesia
  NA

French Southern and Antarctic Lands introduction of foreign species on Iles Crozet has caused severe damage to the original ecosystem; overfishing of Patagonian toothfish around Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen

Gabon
  deforestation; poaching

Gambia, The
  deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases
  prevalent

Gaza Strip
  desertification; salination of fresh water; sewage
  treatment; water-borne disease; soil degradation; depletion and
  contamination of underground water resources

Georgia
  air pollution, particularly in Rust'avi; heavy pollution of
  Mtkvari River and the Black Sea; inadequate supplies of potable
  water; soil pollution from toxic chemicals

Germany
  emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries
  contribute to air pollution; acid rain, resulting from sulfur
  dioxide emissions, is damaging forests; pollution in the Baltic Sea
  from raw sewage and industrial effluents from rivers in eastern
  Germany; hazardous waste disposal; government established a
  mechanism for ending the use of nuclear power over the next 15
  years; government working to meet EU commitment to identify nature
  preservation areas in line with the EU's Flora, Fauna, and Habitat
  directive

Ghana
  recurrent drought in north severely affects agricultural
  activities; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and
  habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution;
  inadequate supplies of potable water

Gibraltar
  limited natural freshwater resources: large concrete or
  natural rock water catchments collect rainwater (no longer used for
  drinking water) and adequate desalination plant

Greece
  air pollution; water pollution

Greenland
  protection of the arctic environment; preservation of the
  Inuit traditional way of life, including whaling and seal hunting

Grenada
  NA

Guam
  extirpation of native bird population by the rapid
  proliferation of the brown tree snake, an exotic, invasive species

Guatemala
  deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water
  pollution

Guernsey
  NA

Guinea
  deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water;
  desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing,
  overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices have led to
  environmental damage

Guinea-Bissau
  deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing

Guyana
  water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial
  chemicals; deforestation

Haiti
  extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forested land
  is being cleared for agriculture and used as fuel); soil erosion;
  inadequate supplies of potable water

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  NA

Holy See (Vatican City)
  NA

Honduras
  urban population expanding; deforestation results from
  logging and the clearing of land for agricultural purposes; further
  land degradation and soil erosion hastened by uncontrolled
  development and improper land use practices such as farming of
  marginal lands; mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa (the
  country's largest source of fresh water), as well as several rivers
  and streams, with heavy metals

Hong Kong
  air and water pollution from rapid urbanization

Hungary
  the upgrading of Hungary's standards in waste management,
  energy efficiency, and air, soil, and water pollution to meet EU
  requirements will require large investments

Iceland
  water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate
  wastewater treatment

India
  deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air
  pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water
  pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap
  water is not potable throughout the country; huge and growing
  population is overstraining natural resources

Indian Ocean
  endangered marine species include the dugong, seals,
  turtles, and whales; oil pollution in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf,
  and Red Sea

Indonesia
  deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes,
  sewage; air pollution in urban areas; smoke and haze from forest
  fires

Iran
  air pollution, especially in urban areas, from vehicle
  emissions, refinery operations, and industrial effluents;
  deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the
  Persian Gulf; wetland losses from drought; soil degradation
  (salination); inadequate supplies of potable water; water pollution
  from raw sewage and industrial waste; urbanization

Iraq
  government water control projects have drained most of the
  inhabited marsh areas east of An Nasiriyah by drying up or diverting
  the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Marsh
  Arabs, who inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been
  displaced; furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses
  serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate
  supplies of potable water; development of the Tigris and Euphrates
  rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian
  Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation (salination) and
  erosion; desertification

Ireland
  water pollution, especially of lakes, from agricultural
  runoff

Isle of Man
  waste disposal (both household and industrial);
  transboundary air pollution

Israel
  limited arable land and natural fresh water resources pose
  serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial
  and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and
  domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides

Italy
  air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur
  dioxide; coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and
  agricultural effluents; acid rain damaging lakes; inadequate
  industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities

Jamaica
  heavy rates of deforestation; coastal waters polluted by
  industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air
  pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions

Jan Mayen
  NA

Japan
  air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain;
  acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and
  threatening aquatic life; Japan is one of the largest consumers of
  fish and tropical timber, contributing to the depletion of these
  resources in Asia and elsewhere

Jersey
  NA

Jordan
  limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation;
  overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Kazakhstan
  radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with
  former defense industries and test ranges scattered throughout the
  country pose health risks for humans and animals; industrial
  pollution is severe in some cities; because the two main rivers that
  flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is
  drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides
  and natural salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind
  and blown into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea;
  soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salination
  from poor infrastructure and wasteful irrigation practices

Kenya
  water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation
  of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers;
  water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil
  erosion; desertification; poaching

Kiribati
  heavy pollution in lagoon of south Tarawa atoll due to
  heavy migration mixed with traditional practices such as lagoon
  latrines and open-pit dumping; ground water at risk

Korea, North
  water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water;
  waterborne disease; deforestation; soil erosion and degradation

Korea, South
  air pollution in large cities; acid rain; water
  pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents;
  drift net fishing

Kuwait
  limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's
  largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much
  of the water; air and water pollution; desertification

Kyrgyzstan
  water pollution; many people get their water directly
  from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne
  diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty
  irrigation practices

Laos
  unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; most of the
  population does not have access to potable water

Latvia
  Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service
  industries after the country regained independence; the main
  environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality
  and sewage system, household, and hazardous waste management, as
  well as reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU
  accession negotiation chapter on environment committing to full
  enforcement of EU environmental directives by 2010

Lebanon
  deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution
  in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial
  wastes; pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills

Lesotho
  population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas
  results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, and soil exhaustion;
  desertification; Highlands Water Project controls, stores, and
  redirects water to South Africa

Liberia
  tropical rain forest deforestation; soil erosion; loss of
  biodiversity; pollution of coastal waters from oil residue and raw
  sewage

Libya
  desertification; limited natural fresh water resources; the
  Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in
  the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under
  the Sahara to coastal cities

Liechtenstein
  NA

Lithuania
  contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum
  products and chemicals at military bases

Luxembourg
  air and water pollution in urban areas, soil pollution of
  farmland

Macau
  NA

Macedonia
  air pollution from metallurgical plants

Madagascar
  soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing;
  desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and
  other organic wastes; several endangered species of flora and fauna
  unique to the island

Malawi
  deforestation; land degradation; water pollution from
  agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial wastes; siltation of
  spawning grounds endangers fish populations

Malaysia
  air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions;
  water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from
  Indonesian forest fires

Maldives
  depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies;
  global warming and sea level rise; coral reef bleaching

Mali
  deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate
  supplies of potable water; poaching

Malta
  limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on
  desalination

Marshall Islands
  inadequate supplies of potable water; pollution of
  Majuro lagoon from household waste and discharges from fishing
  vessels

Mauritania
  overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated
  by drought are contributing to desertification; limited natural
  fresh water resources away from the Senegal, which is the only
  perennial river; locust infestation

Mauritius
  water pollution, degradation of coral reefs

Mayotte
  NA

Mexico
  scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities; rural to
  urban migration; natural fresh water resources scarce and polluted
  in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme
  southeast; raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in
  urban areas; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification;
  deteriorating agricultural lands; serious air and water pollution in
  the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border; land
  subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion
  note: the government considers the lack of clean water and
  deforestation national security issues

Micronesia, Federated States of
  overfishing, climate change,
  pollution

Moldova
  heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned
  pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater;
  extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods

Monaco
  NA

Mongolia
  limited natural fresh water resources in some areas; the
  policies of former Communist regimes promoted rapid urbanization and
  industrial growth that had negative effects on the environment; the
  burning of soft coal in power plants and the lack of enforcement of
  environmental laws severely polluted the air in Ulaanbaatar;
  deforestation, overgrazing, and the converting of virgin land to
  agricultural production increased soil erosion from wind and rain;
  desertification and mining activities had a deleterious effect on
  the environment

Montenegro
  pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets,
  especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor

Montserrat
  land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for
  cultivation

Morocco
  land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting
  from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of
  vegetation); water supplies contaminated by raw sewage; siltation of
  reservoirs; oil pollution of coastal waters

Mozambique
  a long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands
  have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and
  coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences;
  desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters; elephant
  poaching for ivory is a problem

Namibia
  limited natural fresh water resources; desertification;
  wildlife poaching; land degradation has led to few conservation areas

Nauru
  limited natural fresh water resources, roof storage tanks
  collect rainwater but mostly dependent on a single, aging
  desalination plant; intensive phosphate mining during the past 90
  years - mainly by a UK, Australia, and NZ consortium - has left the
  central 90% of Nauru a wasteland and threatens limited remaining
  land resources

Navassa Island
  NA

Nepal
  deforestation (overuse of wood for fuel and lack of
  alternatives); contaminated water (with human and animal wastes,
  agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents); wildlife
  conservation; vehicular emissions

Netherlands
  water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic
  compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air
  pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain

New Caledonia
  erosion caused by mining exploitation and forest fires

New Zealand
  deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna
  hard-hit by invasive species

Nicaragua
  deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution

Niger
  overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification;
  wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and
  lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction

Nigeria
  soil degradation; rapid deforestation; urban air and water
  pollution; desertification; oil pollution - water, air, and soil;
  has suffered serious damage from oil spills; loss of arable land;
  rapid urbanization

Niue
  increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter
  loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  contamination of groundwater on Saipan may
  contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of
  endangered species conflicts with development

Norway
  water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely
  affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle
  emissions

Oman
  rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; limited
  natural fresh water resources

Pacific Ocean
  endangered marine species include the dugong, sea
  lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in
  Philippine Sea and South China Sea

Pakistan
  water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and
  agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; most of
  the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation;
  soil erosion; desertification

Palau
  inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to
  the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing
  practices, and overfishing

Panama
  water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery
  resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation
  and soil erosion threatens siltation of Panama Canal; air pollution
  in urban areas; mining threatens natural resources

Papua New Guinea
  rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of
  growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining
  projects; severe drought

Paracel Islands
  NA

Paraguay
  deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste
  disposal pose health risks for many urban residents; loss of wetlands

Peru
  deforestation (some the result of illegal logging); overgrazing
  of the slopes of the costa and sierra leading to soil erosion;
  desertification; air pollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and
  coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes

Philippines
  uncontrolled deforestation especially in watershed
  areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in major urban centers;
  coral reef degradation; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove
  swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

Pitcairn Islands
  deforestation (only a small portion of the original
  forest remains because of burning and clearing for settlement)

Poland
  situation has improved since 1989 due to decline in heavy
  industry and increased environmental concern by post-Communist
  governments; air pollution nonetheless remains serious because of
  sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, and the
  resulting acid rain has caused forest damage; water pollution from
  industrial and municipal sources is also a problem, as is disposal
  of hazardous wastes; pollution levels should continue to decrease as
  industrial establishments bring their facilities up to EU code, but
  at substantial cost to business and the government

Portugal
  soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and
  vehicle emissions; water pollution, especially in coastal areas

Puerto Rico
  erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages

Qatar
  limited natural fresh water resources are increasing
  dependence on large-scale desalination facilities

Romania
  soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution
  in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta
  wetlands

Russia
  air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired
  electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial,
  municipal, and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and
  seacoasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from
  improper application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of
  sometimes intense radioactive contamination; groundwater
  contamination from toxic waste; urban solid waste management;
  abandoned stocks of obsolete pesticides

Rwanda
  deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for
  fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; widespread poaching

Saint Barthelemy
  with no natural rivers or streams, fresh water is
  in short supply, especially in summer, and provided by
  desalinization of sea water, collection of rain water, or imported
  via water tanker

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  NA

Saint Lucia
  deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the
  northern region

Saint Martin
  fresh water supply is dependent on desalinization of
  sea water

Saint Pierre and Miquelon recent test drilling for oil in waters around Saint Pierre and Miquelon may bring future development that would impact the environment

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas, pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive

Samoa
  soil erosion, deforestation, invasive species, overfishing

San Marino
  NA

Sao Tome and Principe
  deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion

Saudi Arabia
  desertification; depletion of underground water
  resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies
  has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination
  facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills

Senegal
  wildlife populations threatened by poaching; deforestation;
  overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; overfishing

Serbia
  air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities;
  water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which
  flows into the Danube

Seychelles
  water supply depends on catchments to collect rainwater

Sierra Leone
  rapid population growth pressuring the environment;
  overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and
  slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil
  exhaustion; civil war depleted natural resources; overfishing

Singapore
  industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water
  resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal
  problems; seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in
  Indonesia

Sint Maarten
  NA

Slovakia
  air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human
  health risks; acid rain damaging forests

Slovenia
  Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste;
  pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals;
  forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at
  metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain

Solomon Islands
  deforestation; soil erosion; many of the surrounding
  coral reefs are dead or dying

Somalia
  famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human
  health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion;
  desertification

South Africa
  lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires
  extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water
  usage outpacing supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff
  and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil
  erosion; desertification

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  NA

Southern Ocean
  increased solar ultraviolet radiation resulting from
  the Antarctic ozone hole in recent years, reducing marine primary
  productivity (phytoplankton) by as much as 15% and damaging the DNA
  of some fish; illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in recent
  years, especially the landing of an estimated five to six times more
  Patagonian toothfish than the regulated fishery, which is likely to
  affect the sustainability of the stock; large amount of incidental
  mortality of seabirds resulting from long-line fishing for toothfish
  note: the now-protected fur seal population is making a strong
  comeback after severe overexploitation in the 18th and 19th centuries

Spain
  pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and
  effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas; water quality
  and quantity nationwide; air pollution; deforestation;
  desertification

Spratly Islands
  NA

Sri Lanka
  deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations
  threatened by poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from
  mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources
  being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste
  disposal; air pollution in Colombo

Sudan
  inadequate supplies of potable water; wildlife populations
  threatened by excessive hunting; soil erosion; desertification;
  periodic drought

Suriname
  deforestation as timber is cut for export; pollution of
  inland waterways by small-scale mining activities

Svalbard
  NA

Swaziland
  limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations
  being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil
  degradation; soil erosion

Sweden
  acid rain damage to soils and lakes; pollution of the North
  Sea and the Baltic Sea

Switzerland
  air pollution from vehicle emissions and open-air
  burning; acid rain; water pollution from increased use of
  agricultural fertilizers; loss of biodiversity

Syria
  deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification;
  water pollution from raw sewage and petroleum refining wastes;
  inadequate potable water

Taiwan
  air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions, raw
  sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in
  endangered species; low-level radioactive waste disposal

Tajikistan
  inadequate sanitation facilities; increasing levels of
  soil salinity; industrial pollution; excessive pesticides

Tanzania
  soil degradation; deforestation; desertification;
  destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats; recent
  droughts affected marginal agriculture; wildlife threatened by
  illegal hunting and trade, especially for ivory

Thailand
  air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from
  organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife
  populations threatened by illegal hunting

Timor-Leste
  widespread use of slash and burn agriculture has led to
  deforestation and soil erosion

Togo
  deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and
  the use of wood for fuel; water pollution presents health hazards
  and hinders the fishing industry; air pollution increasing in urban
  areas

Tokelau
  limited natural resources and overcrowding are contributing
  to emigration to New Zealand

Tonga
  deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared
  for agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefs from
  starfish and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors; overhunting
  threatens native sea turtle populations

Trinidad and Tobago
  water pollution from agricultural chemicals,
  industrial wastes, and raw sewage; oil pollution of beaches;
  deforestation; soil erosion

Tunisia
  toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and poses
  health risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural fresh
  water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion;
  desertification

Turkey
  water pollution from dumping of chemicals and detergents; air
  pollution, particularly in urban areas; deforestation; concern for
  oil spills from increasing Bosporus ship traffic

Turkmenistan
  contamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural
  chemicals, pesticides; salination, water logging of soil due to poor
  irrigation methods; Caspian Sea pollution; diversion of a large
  share of the flow of the Amu Darya into irrigation contributes to
  that river's inability to replenish the Aral Sea; desertification

Turks and Caicos Islands
  limited natural fresh water resources,
  private cisterns collect rainwater

Tuvalu
  since there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not
  potable, most water needs must be met by catchment systems with
  storage facilities (the Japanese Government has built one
  desalination plant and plans to build one other); beachhead erosion
  because of the use of sand for building materials; excessive
  clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel; damage to coral
  reefs from the spread of the Crown of Thorns starfish; Tuvalu is
  concerned about global increases in greenhouse gas emissions and
  their effect on rising sea levels, which threaten the country's
  underground water table; in 2000, the government appealed to
  Australia and New Zealand to take in Tuvaluans if rising sea levels
  should make evacuation necessary

Uganda
  draining of wetlands for agricultural use; deforestation;
  overgrazing; soil erosion; water hyacinth infestation in Lake
  Victoria; widespread poaching

Ukraine
  inadequate supplies of potable water; air and water
  pollution; deforestation; radiation contamination in the northeast
  from 1986 accident at Chornobyl' Nuclear Power Plant

United Arab Emirates
  lack of natural freshwater resources
  compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution
  from oil spills

United Kingdom
  continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (has met
  Kyoto Protocol target of a 12.5% reduction from 1990 levels and
  intends to meet the legally binding target and move toward a
  domestic goal of a 20% cut in emissions by 2010); by 2005 the
  government reduced the amount of industrial and commercial waste
  disposed of in landfill sites to 85% of 1998 levels and recycled or
  composted at least 25% of household waste, increasing to 33% by 2015

United States
  air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US
  and Canada; the US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide
  from the burning of fossil fuels; water pollution from runoff of
  pesticides and fertilizers; limited natural fresh water resources in
  much of the western part of the country require careful management;
  desertification

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  Baker, Howland, and
  Jarvis Islands, and Johnston Atoll: no natural fresh water resources
  Kingman Reef: none
  Midway Islands and Palmyra Atoll: NA

Uruguay
  water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry;
  inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal

Uzbekistan
  shrinkage of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing
  concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these
  substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and
  contribute to desertification; water pollution from industrial
  wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause
  of many human health disorders; increasing soil salination; soil
  contamination from buried nuclear processing and agricultural
  chemicals, including DDT

Vanuatu
  most of the population does not have access to a reliable
  supply of potable water; deforestation

Venezuela
  sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban
  pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation;
  urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean
  coast; threat to the rainforest ecosystem from irresponsible mining
  operations

Vietnam
  logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices contribute
  to deforestation and soil degradation; water pollution and
  overfishing threaten marine life populations; groundwater
  contamination limits potable water supply; growing urban
  industrialization and population migration are rapidly degrading
  environment in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Virgin Islands
  lack of natural freshwater resources

Wake Island
  NA

Wallis and Futuna
  deforestation (only small portions of the original
  forests remain) largely as a result of the continued use of wood as
  the main fuel source; as a consequence of cutting down the forests,
  the mountainous terrain of Futuna is particularly prone to erosion;
  there are no permanent settlements on Alofi because of the lack of
  natural fresh water resources

West Bank
  adequacy of fresh water supply; sewage treatment

Western Sahara
  sparse water and lack of arable land

World
  large areas subject to overpopulation, industrial disasters,
  pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances), loss of
  vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification), loss of
  wildlife, soil degradation, soil depletion, erosion; global warming
  becoming a greater concern

Yemen
  limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of
  potable water; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Zambia
  air pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral
  extraction and refining region; chemical runoff into watersheds;
  poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros, elephant, antelope, and
  large cat populations; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification;
  lack of adequate water treatment presents human health risks

Zimbabwe
  deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and
  water pollution; the black rhinoceros herd - once the largest
  concentration of the species in the world - has been significantly
  reduced by poaching; poor mining practices have led to toxic waste
  and heavy metal pollution

======================================================================

@2033

Field Listing :: Environment - international agreements

This entry separates country participation in international environmental agreements into two levels - party to and signed, but not ratified. Agreements are listed in alphabetical order by the abbreviated form of the full name. Country

Environment - international agreements

Afghanistan
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping,
  Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Life Conservation

Albania
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Algeria
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Andorra
  party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes,
  Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Angola
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Antigua and Barbuda
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Argentina
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
  Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
  Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Armenia
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Australia
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
  Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
  Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
  Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
  Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Austria
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
  Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Azerbaijan
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bahamas, The
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bahrain
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bangladesh
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Barbados
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Belarus
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Sulfur 85, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Belgium
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
  Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Belize
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Benin
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bhutan
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
  Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Bolivia
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
  Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life
  Conservation

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Botswana
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Brazil
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
  Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
  Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Brunei
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bulgaria
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
  Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Burkina Faso
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Burma
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
  Timber 94
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Burundi
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Cambodia
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Cameroon
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical
  Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Canada
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
  Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
  Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
  Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Marine Life Conservation

Cape Verde
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Central African Republic
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 94,
  Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Chad
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Chile
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
  Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
  Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

China
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,
  Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
  Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Colombia
  party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Comoros
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate
  Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
  Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Congo, Republic of the
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Cook Islands
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
  Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Costa Rica
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Cote d'Ivoire
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
  Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Croatia
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
  Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate
  Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
  Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Cuba
  party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Cyprus
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
  Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Czech Republic
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen
  Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air
  Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile
  Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic
  Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Denmark
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
  Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
  Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Djibouti
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Dominica
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Dominican Republic
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Ecuador
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic
  Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
  Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Egypt
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
  Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

El Salvador
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Equatorial Guinea
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Eritrea
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
  Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Estonia
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty,
  Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Ethiopia
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea

European Union
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen
  Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air
  Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
  Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94
  signed but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

Faroe Islands
  party to: Marine Dumping - associate member to the
  London Convention and Ship Pollution

Fiji
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea,
  Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber
  83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Finland
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
  Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
  Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
  Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

France
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
  Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
  Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
  Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Gabon
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
  Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Gambia, The
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Georgia
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Germany
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
  Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
  Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Ghana
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
  Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Greece
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Sulfur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
  Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
  Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
  Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

Grenada
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Guatemala
  party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Guinea
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Guinea-Bissau
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Guyana
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber
  83, Tropical Timber 94
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Haiti
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine
  Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: Hazardous Wastes

Holy See (Vatican City)
  party to: Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution, Environmental Modification

Honduras
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
  Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Hong Kong
  party to: Marine Dumping (associate member), Ship
  Pollution (associate member)

Hungary
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Iceland
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
  Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
  Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Transboundary Air Pollution, Wetlands,
  Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life
  Conservation

India
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
  Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
  Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Indonesia
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Iran
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
  Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the
  Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Iraq
  party to: Biodiversity, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Ireland
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
  Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
  Pollutants, Marine Life Conservation

Israel
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Italy
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
  Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
  Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Jamaica
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Japan
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
  Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
  Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Jordan
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Kazakhstan
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Kenya
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Kiribati
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
  Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Korea, North
  party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
  Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Korea, South
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
  Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
  Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Kuwait
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping

Kyrgyzstan
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Laos
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Latvia
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
  Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Lebanon
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life
  Conservation

Lesotho
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Liberia
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber
  83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life
  Conservation

Libya
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
  Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Liechtenstein
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen
  Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air
  Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile
  Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Lithuania
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,
  Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur
  85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic
  Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Luxembourg
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,
  Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur
  85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic
  Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
  Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Macau
  party to: Marine Dumping (associate member), Ship Pollution
  (associate member)

Macedonia
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Madagascar
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Malawi
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Malaysia
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
  Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Maldives
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
  Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mali
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Malta
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Marshall Islands
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
  Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mauritania
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mauritius
  party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
  Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mexico
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Micronesia, Federated States of
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate
  Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous
  Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Moldova
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
  Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Monaco
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air
  Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mongolia
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Montenegro
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes,
  Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Morocco
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
  Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Mozambique
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Namibia
  party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Nauru
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Nepal
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
  Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Netherlands
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,
  Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur
  85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic
  Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
  Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of
  the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
  Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

New Zealand
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
  Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
  Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Antarctic Seals, Marine Life Conservation

Nicaragua
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Niger
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Nigeria
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Niue
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Norway
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
  Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
  Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Oman
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Pakistan
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Palau
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Panama
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
  Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Papua New Guinea
  party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate
  Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
  Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
  Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
  Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Paraguay
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Peru
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
  Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Philippines
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
  Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Poland
  party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
  Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
  Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

Portugal
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
  Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
  Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
  Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental
  Modification

Qatar
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Romania
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
  Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,
  Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Russia
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Sulfur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
  Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
  Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

Rwanda
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Saint Lucia
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate
  Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
  Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
  Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Samoa
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

San Marino
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,
  Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution

Sao Tome and Principe
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Saudi Arabia
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Senegal
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Serbia
  party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
  Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Seychelles
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Sierra Leone
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of
  the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Singapore
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Slovakia
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Slovenia
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94,
  Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Solomon Islands
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification,
  Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Somalia
  party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

South Africa
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
  Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic
  Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the
  Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Southern Ocean
  the Southern Ocean is subject to all international
  agreements regarding the world's oceans; in addition, it is subject
  to these agreements specific to the Antarctic region: International
  Whaling Commission (prohibits commercial whaling south of 40 degrees
  south [south of 60 degrees south between 50 degrees and 130 degrees
  west]); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (limits
  sealing); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
  Resources (regulates fishing)
  note: many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource
  exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front
  (Antarctic Convergence), which is in the middle of the Antarctic
  Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the cold
  polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the north

Spain
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
  Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
  Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
  Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Sri Lanka
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Sudan
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Suriname
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of
  the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
  Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Swaziland
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Sweden
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,
  Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
  Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
  Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Switzerland
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,
  Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur
  85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic
  Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine
  Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
  Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Syria
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Taiwan
  party to: none of the selected agreements because of Taiwan's
  international status

Tajikistan
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tanzania
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Thailand
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Timor-Leste
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Togo
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical
  Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tonga
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine
  Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Trinidad and Tobago
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life
  Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical
  Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tunisia
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
  Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Turkey
  party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous
  Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Turkmenistan
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone
  Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tuvalu
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Ship Pollution, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Uganda
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Ukraine
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
  Pollution-Sulfur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
  Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
  Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
  Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic
  Compounds

United Arab Emirates
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

United Kingdom
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen
  Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air
  Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
  Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,
  Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
  Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
  Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

United States
  party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen
  Oxides, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living
  Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change,
  Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
  Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands,
  Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
  Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Hazardous Wastes

Uruguay
  party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine
  Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone
  Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Uzbekistan
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate
  Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Vanuatu
  party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity,
  Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Venezuela
  party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
  Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
  Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection,
  Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
  signed but not ratified:: none of the selected agreements

Vietnam
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Western Sahara
  party to: none of the selected agreements

Yemen
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental
  Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
  Protection
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Zambia
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
  Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law
  of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Zimbabwe
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,
  Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

======================================================================

@2034

Field Listing :: Military expenditures

This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). Country Comparison to the World Country

Military expenditures(% of GDP)

Afghanistan
  1.9% of GDP (2009)

Albania
  1.49% of GDP (2005 est.)

Algeria
  3.3% of GDP (2006)

Angola
  3.6% of GDP (2009)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0.5% of GDP (2009)

Argentina
  0.8% of GDP (2009)

Armenia
  2.8% of GDP (2010)

Australia
  3% of GDP (2009)

Austria
  0.8% of GDP (2009)

Azerbaijan
  2.6% of GDP (2005 est.)

Bahamas, The
  0.7% of GDP (2009)

Bahrain
  4.5% of GDP (2006)

Bangladesh
  1.3% of GDP (2009)

Barbados
  0.8% of GDP (2009)

Belarus
  1.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Belgium
  1.3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Belize
  1.4% of GDP (2009)

Benin
  1% of GDP (2009)

Bermuda
  0.11% of GDP (2005 est.)

Bhutan
  1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Bolivia
  1.3% of GDP (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  4.5% of GDP (2005 est.)

Botswana
  3.3% of GDP (2006)

Brazil
  1.7% of GDP (2009)

Brunei
  4.5% of GDP (2006)

Bulgaria
  2.6% of GDP (2005 est.)

Burkina Faso
  1.2% of GDP (2006)

Burma
  2.1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Burundi
  5.9% of GDP (2006 est.)

Cambodia
  3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Cameroon
  1.3% of GDP (2009)

Canada
  1.1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Cape Verde
  0.5% of GDP (2009)

Central African Republic
  0.9% of GDP (2009)

Chad
  1.7% of GDP (2009)

Chile
  2.7% of GDP (2006)

China
  4.3% of GDP (2006)

Colombia
  3.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Comoros
  2.8% of GDP (2006)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  2.5% of GDP (2006)

Congo, Republic of the
  0.9% of GDP (2009)

Costa Rica
  0.6% of GDP (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
  1.5% of GDP (2009)

Croatia
  2.39% of GDP (2005 est.)

Cuba
  3.8% of GDP (2006 est.)

Cyprus
  3.8% of GDP (2005 est.)

Czech Republic
  1.46% of GDP (2007 est.)

Denmark
  1.3% of GDP (2007 est.)

Djibouti
  3.8% of GDP (2006)

Dominica
  NA

Dominican Republic
  0.7% of GDP (2009)

Ecuador
  0.9% of GDP (2009)

Egypt
  3.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

El Salvador
  0.6% of GDP (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  0.1% of GDP (2009)

Eritrea
  6.3% of GDP (2006 est.)

Estonia
  2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Ethiopia
  1.2% of GDP (2009)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA

Faroe Islands
  NA

Fiji
  1.9% of GDP (2009)

Finland
  2% of GDP (2005 est.)

France
  2.6% of GDP (2005 est.)

Gabon
  0.9% of GDP (2009)

Gambia, The
  0.9% of GDP (2009)

Gaza Strip
  NA

Georgia
  1.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Germany
  1.5% of GDP (2005 est.)

Ghana
  1.7% of GDP (2009)

Greece
  4.3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Grenada
  NA

Guatemala
  0.4% of GDP (2009)

Guinea
  1.1% of GDP (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
  3.1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Guyana
  1.8% of GDP (2006)

Haiti
  0.4% of GDP (2006)

Honduras
  0.6% of GDP (2006 est.)

Hong Kong
  NA

Hungary
  1.75% of GDP (2005 est.)

Iceland
  0% of GDP (2005 est.)

India
  2.5% of GDP (2006)

Indonesia
  3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Iran
  2.5% of GDP (2006)

Iraq
  8.6% of GDP (2006)

Ireland
  0.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Israel
  7.3% of GDP (2006)

Italy
  1.8% of GDP (2005 est.)

Jamaica
  0.6% of GDP (2006 est.)

Japan
  0.8% of GDP (2006)

Jordan
  8.6% of GDP (2006)

Kazakhstan
  1.1% of GDP (2010)

Kenya
  2.8% of GDP (2006)

Kiribati
  NA

Korea, North
  NA

Korea, South
  2.7% of GDP (2006)

Kuwait
  5.3% of GDP (2006)

Kyrgyzstan
  0.5% of GDP (2009)

Laos
  0.5% of GDP (2006)

Latvia
  1.2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Lebanon
  3.1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Lesotho
  2.6% of GDP (2006)

Liberia
  1.3% of GDP (2006 est.)

Libya
  3.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Lithuania
  1.2% of GDP (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
  0.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Macedonia
  6% of GDP (2005 est.)

Madagascar
  1% of GDP (2006)

Malawi
  1.3% of GDP (2006)

Malaysia
  2.03% of GDP (2005 est.)

Maldives
  5.5% of GDP (2005 est.)

Mali
  1.9% of GDP (2006)

Malta
  0.7% of GDP (2006 est.)

Marshall Islands
  NA

Mauritania
  5.5% of GDP (2006)

Mauritius
  0.3% of GDP (2006 est.)

Mexico
  0.5% of GDP (2006 est.)

Moldova
  0.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Mongolia
  1.4% of GDP (2006)

Morocco
  5% of GDP (2003 est.)

Mozambique
  0.8% of GDP (2006)

Namibia
  3.7% of GDP (2006)

Nauru
  NA

Nepal
  1.6% of GDP (2006)

Netherlands
  1.6% of GDP (2005 est.)

New Caledonia
  NA

New Zealand
  1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Nicaragua
  0.6% of GDP (2006)

Niger
  1.3% of GDP (2006)

Nigeria
  1.5% of GDP (2006)

Norway
  1.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Oman
  11.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Pakistan
  3% of GDP (2007 est.)

Palau
  NA

Panama
  1% of GDP (2006)

Papua New Guinea
  1.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Paraguay
  1% of GDP (2006 est.)

Peru
  1.5% of GDP (2006)

Philippines
  0.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Poland
  1.71% of GDP (2005 est.)

Portugal
  2.3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Qatar
  10% of GDP (2005 est.)

Romania
  1.9% of GDP (2007 est.)

Russia
  3.9% of GDP (2005)

Rwanda
  2.9% of GDP (2006 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  NA

Saint Lucia
  NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  NA

Samoa
  NA

San Marino
  NA

Sao Tome and Principe
  0.8% of GDP (2006)

Saudi Arabia
  10% of GDP (2005 est.)

Senegal
  1.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Seychelles
  2% of GDP (2006 est.)

Sierra Leone
  2.3% of GDP (2006)

Singapore
  4.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Slovakia
  1.87% of GDP (2005 est.)

Slovenia
  1.7% of GDP (2005 est.)

Solomon Islands
  3% of GDP (2006)

Somalia
  0.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

South Africa
  1.7% of GDP (2006)

Spain
  1.2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Sri Lanka
  2.6% of GDP (2006)

Sudan
  3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Suriname
  0.6% of GDP (2006 est.)

Swaziland
  4.7% of GDP (2006)

Sweden
  1.5% of GDP (2005 est.)

Switzerland
  1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Syria
  5.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Taiwan
  2.2% of GDP (in 2009, the Taiwanese president pledged to
  maintain defense spending at 3.0% or higher; projected 2.73% for
  2011) (2009)

Tajikistan
  1.5% of GDP (2010)

Tanzania
  0.2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Thailand
  1.8% of GDP (2005 est.)

Timor-Leste
  NA

Togo
  1.6% of GDP (2005 est.)

Tonga
  0.9% of GDP (2006 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  0.3% of GDP (2006)

Tunisia
  1.4% of GDP (2006)

Turkey
  5.3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Turkmenistan
  3.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Tuvalu
  NA

Uganda
  2.2% of GDP (2006)

Ukraine
  1.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  3.1% of GDP (2005 est.)

United Kingdom
  2.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

United States
  4.06% of GDP (2005 est.)

Uruguay
  1.6% of GDP (2006)

Uzbekistan
  3.5% of GDP (2010)

Vanuatu
  NA

Venezuela
  1.2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Vietnam
  2.5% of GDP (2005 est.)

West Bank
  NA

World
  roughly 2% of GDP of gross world product (2005 est.)

Yemen
  6.6% of GDP (2006)

Zambia
  1.8% of GDP (2005 est.)

Zimbabwe
  3.8% of GDP (2006)

======================================================================

@2038

Field Listing :: Electricity - production

This entry is the annual electricity generated expressed in kilowatt-hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution. Country Comparison to the World Country

Electricity - production(kWh)

Afghanistan
  285.5 million kWh (2009 est.)

Albania
  2.888 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Algeria
  34.98 billion kWh (2007 est.)

American Samoa
  185 million kWh (2007 est.)

Andorra
  NA kWh

Angola
  3.722 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Anguilla
  NA kWh

Antigua and Barbuda
  110 million kWh (2007 est.)

Argentina
  109.5 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Armenia
  5.584 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Aruba
  850 million kWh (2007 est.)

Australia
  239.9 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Austria
  66.78 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
  18.6 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
  2.045 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bahrain
  10.25 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bangladesh
  25.62 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Barbados
  1.003 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belarus
  29.92 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belgium
  82.17 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belize
  213.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Benin
  124 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  675.6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bhutan
  1.48 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Bolivia
  5.495 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  14.58 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Botswana
  1.052 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Brazil
  438.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  NA kWh; note - electricity supplied
  by the US military

British Virgin Islands
  45 million kWh (2007 est.)

Brunei
  3.069 billion kWh (2008)

Bulgaria
  44.83 billion kWh (2008)

Burkina Faso
  611.6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Burma
  6.286 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Burundi
  92 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cambodia
  1.273 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cameroon
  5.601 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Canada
  620.7 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cape Verde
  250 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cayman Islands
  546 million kWh (2007 est.)

Central African Republic
  115 million kWh (2007 est.)

Chad
  100 million kWh (2007 est.)

Chile
  60.6 billion kWh (2007 est.)

China
  3.451 trillion kWh (2008 est.)

Colombia
  50.58 billion kWh (2007)

Comoros
  22 million kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  8.217 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  400 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
  31 million kWh (2007 est.)

Costa Rica
  8.808 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  5.275 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Croatia
  11.49 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cuba
  16.89 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Curacao
  848.5 kWh (2005)

Cyprus
  4.502 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Czech Republic
  82.72 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Denmark
  36.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Djibouti
  280 million kWh (2007 est.)

Dominica
  85 million kWh (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
  14.02 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ecuador
  16.42 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Egypt
  118.4 billion kWh (2007 est.)

El Salvador
  5.559 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  28 million kWh (2007 est.)

Eritrea
  271 million kWh (2007 est.)

Estonia
  11.46 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
  3.46 billion kWh (2007 est.)

European Union
  3.08 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  16 million kWh (2007 est.)

Faroe Islands
  275.8 million kWh (2008 est.)

Fiji
  928 million kWh (2007 est.)

Finland
  77.44 billion kWh (2008 est.)

France
  535.7 billion kWh (2007 est.)

French Polynesia
  650 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gabon
  1.774 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
  160 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
  65,000 kWh (2009)

Georgia
  7.97 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Germany
  593.4 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ghana
  6.746 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
  146 million kWh (2007 est.)

Greece
  58.79 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Greenland
  310.3 million kWh (2008 est.)

Grenada
  178.7 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guam
  1.767 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Guatemala
  8.425 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Guernsey
  NA kWh

Guinea
  850 million kWh
  note: excludes electricity generated at interior mining sites (2007
  est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  65 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guyana
  821 million kWh (2007 est.)

Haiti
  665 million kWh (2010 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  NA kWh

Honduras
  6.58 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  39.4 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Hungary
  40.03 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Iceland
  16.84 billion kWh (2009 est.)

India
  723.8 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  134.4 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iran
  212.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iraq
  46.39 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Ireland
  26.06 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Israel
  54.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Italy
  289.7 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Jamaica
  7.324 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Japan
  957.9 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Jordan
  12.21 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
  78.4 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Kenya
  5.223 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Kiribati
  14 million kWh (2007 est.)

Korea, North
  22.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, South
  417 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Kosovo
  832 million kWh (2006)

Kuwait
  45.83 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  15.96 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Laos
  1.656 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Latvia
  4.62 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Lebanon
  10.41 billion kWh (2009)

Lesotho 502 million kWh note: electricity supplied by South Africa (2007 est.)

Liberia
  350 million kWh (2007 est.)

Libya
  23.98 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Lithuania
  12.09 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
  2.696 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Macau
  1.424 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  6.162 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  1.045 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Malawi
  1.69 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Malaysia
  103.2 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Maldives
  542 million kWh (2009 est.)

Mali
  515 million kWh (2007 est.)

Malta
  2.146 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mauritania
  415.3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Mauritius
  2.321 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mayotte
  NA kWh

Mexico
  245 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  192 million kWh (2002)

Moldova
  3.617 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mongolia
  4.03 billion kWh (2009)

Montenegro
  2.864 billion kWh (2005 est.)

Montserrat
  22 million kWh (2007 est.)

Morocco
  19.78 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Mozambique
  15.91 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Namibia
  1.491 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Nauru
  31 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nepal
  2.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Netherlands
  108.2 billion kWh (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
  1.825 billion kWh (2007 est.)

New Zealand
  42.4 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Nicaragua
  3.286 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Niger
  150 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nigeria
  21.92 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Niue
  3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Norfolk Island
  NA kWh

Northern Mariana Islands
  60,600 kWh (January 2009)

Norway
  142.7 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oman
  13.58 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Pakistan
  90.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Panama
  6.322 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  2.885 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Paraguay
  53.19 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Peru
  30.57 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Philippines
  56.57 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  NA kWh; note - electric power is provided by a
  small diesel-powered generator

Poland
  149.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Portugal
  44.47 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
  23.72 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Qatar
  15.11 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Romania
  58.28 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Russia
  925.9 billion kWh (2009)

Rwanda
  120 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
  325 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  53 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  133.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Samoa
  109 million kWh (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  19 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  179.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Senegal
  1.88 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Serbia
  36 billion kWh (2009)

Seychelles
  250 million kWh (2007 est.)

Sierra Leone
  80 million kWh (2007 est.)

Singapore
  41.72 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sint Maarten
  304.3 million kWh (2008)

Slovakia
  25.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  13 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  71 million kWh (2007 est.)

Somalia
  280 million kWh (2007 est.)

South Africa
  240.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Spain
  300.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
  9.882 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sudan
  4.341 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Suriname
  1.605 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Swaziland
  441 million kWh (2007 est.)

Sweden
  144 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Switzerland
  59.1 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Syria
  36.5 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Taiwan
  238.3 billion kWh (2008)

Tajikistan
  16.1 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  3.786 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Thailand
  148.2 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
  NA kWh (2009 est.)

Togo
  230 million kWh (2007 est.)

Tokelau
  NA kWh

Tonga
  43 million kWh (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  7.202 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Tunisia
  11.08 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Turkey
  198.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
  15.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  12 million kWh (2007 est.)

Uganda
  2.256 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ukraine
  172.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  71.54 billion kWh (2007 est.)

United Kingdom
  368.6 billion kWh (2007 est.)

United States
  4.11 trillion kWh (2008 est.)

Uruguay
  9.265 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
  44.8 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  42 million kWh (2007 est.)

Venezuela
  113.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Vietnam
  86.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  776.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Wake Island
  NA kWh

Wallis and Futuna
  NA kWh

West Bank
  500 million kWh
  note: most imported electricity is from Israel; Jerusalem District
  Electric Company buys and distributes electricity to Palestinians in
  east Jerusalem and its concession in the West Bank; the Israel
  Electric Company directly supplies electricity to most Jewish
  residents and military facilities (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
  90 million kWh (2007 est.)

World
  19.25 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Yemen
  5.665 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Zambia
  9.752 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
  8.89 billion kWh (2007 est.)

======================================================================

@2042

Field Listing :: Electricity - consumption

This entry consists of total electricity generated annually plus imports and minus exports, expressed in kilowatt-hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution. Country Comparison to the World Country

Electricity - consumption(kWh)

Afghanistan
  231.1 million kWh (2009 est.)

Albania
  3.603 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Algeria
  28.34 billion kWh (2007 est.)

American Samoa
  172.1 million kWh (2007 est.)

Andorra
  NA kWh

Angola
  3.173 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  102.3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Argentina
  99.21 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Armenia
  4.776 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Aruba
  790.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Australia
  222 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Austria
  68.37 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
  18 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
  1.902 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bahrain
  10.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bangladesh
  23.94 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Barbados
  939.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Belarus
  30.54 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belgium
  84.88 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belize
  198.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Benin
  597 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  628.3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bhutan
  184 million kWh (2009 est.)

Bolivia
  4.665 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  11.62 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Botswana
  2.648 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Brazil
  404.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  NA kWh

British Virgin Islands
  41.85 million kWh (2007 est.)

Brunei
  2.98 billion kWh (2008)

Bulgaria
  29.9 billion kWh (2008)

Burkina Faso
  568.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Burma
  4.403 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Burundi
  125.6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cambodia
  1.272 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cameroon
  4.801 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Canada
  536.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cape Verde
  232.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cayman Islands
  507.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Central African Republic
  107 million kWh (2007 est.)

Chad
  93 million kWh (2007 est.)

Chile
  57.29 billion kWh (2007 est.)

China
  3.438 trillion kWh (2008 est.)

Colombia
  38.59 billion kWh (2007)

Comoros
  20.46 million kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  5.997 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  471 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
  28.83 million kWh (2007 est.)

Costa Rica
  8.064 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  3.231 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Croatia
  18 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cuba
  13.93 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Cyprus
  4.277 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Czech Republic
  61.65 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Denmark
  34.3 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Djibouti
  260.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Dominica
  79.05 million kWh (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
  12.7 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ecuador
  15.81 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Egypt
  104.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

El Salvador
  4.676 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  26.04 million kWh (2007 est.)

Eritrea
  228 million kWh (2007 est.)

Estonia
  7.686 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
  3.13 billion kWh (2007 est.)

European Union
  2.906 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  14.88 million kWh (2007 est.)

Faroe Islands
  264.4 million kWh (2008 est.)

Fiji
  863 million kWh (2007 est.)

Finland
  87.25 billion kWh (2008)

France
  447.2 billion kWh (2007 est.)

French Polynesia
  604.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gabon
  1.446 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
  148.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
  202,000 kWh (2009)

Georgia
  6.902 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Germany
  547.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ghana
  5.702 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
  146 million kWh (2007 est.)

Greece
  58.28 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Greenland
  285.6 million kWh (2008 est.)

Grenada
  155.7 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guam
  1.644 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Guatemala
  7.115 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Guernsey
  NA kWh

Guinea
  790.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  60.45 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guyana
  667 million kWh (2007 est.)

Haiti
  273 million kWh (2007 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  NA kWh

Honduras
  6.54 billion kWh
  note: approximately 1.5 billion kWh in transmission and distribution
  losses (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  42.1 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Hungary
  37.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Iceland
  16.48 billion kWh (2009 est.)

India
  568 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Indonesia
  119.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iran
  206.7 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iraq
  52 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Ireland
  25.12 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Israel
  46.38 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Italy
  315 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Jamaica
  6.345 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Japan
  925.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Jersey
  630.1 million kWh (2004 est.)

Jordan
  10.4 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
  77.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Kenya
  4.863 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Kiribati
  13.02 million kWh (2007 est.)

Korea, North
  18.8 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, South
  402 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Kosovo
  4.281 billion kWh (2006)

Kuwait
  40.21 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  9 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Laos
  1.798 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Latvia
  6.822 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Lebanon
  9.793 billion kWh (2009)

Lesotho
  516.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Liberia
  325.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Libya
  22.17 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Lithuania
  9.612 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
  6.525 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Macau
  3.474 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  7.797 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  971.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Malawi
  1.572 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Malaysia
  99.25 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Maldives
  542 million kWh (2009 est.)

Mali
  479 million kWh (2007 est.)

Malta
  1.832 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mauritania
  386.2 million kWh (2007 est.)

Mauritius
  2.158 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mayotte
  139.2 million kWh (2005)

Mexico
  181.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  178.6 million kWh (2002)

Moldova
  4.37 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Monaco
  NA kWh

Mongolia
  3.439 billion kWh (2009)

Montenegro
  18.6 million kWh (2005)

Montserrat
  20.46 million kWh (2007 est.)

Morocco
  20.78 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Mozambique
  10.16 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Namibia
  2.845 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Nauru
  28.83 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nepal
  2.243 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Netherlands
  124.1 billion kWh (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
  1.697 billion kWh (2007 est.)

New Zealand
  39.24 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Nicaragua
  2.569 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Niger
  589.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nigeria
  19.21 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Niue
  2.79 million kWh (2007 est.)

Norfolk Island
  NA kWh

Northern Mariana Islands
  48,300 kWh (January 2009)

Norway
  128.8 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oman
  11.36 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Pakistan
  72.2 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Panama
  5.17 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  2.683 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Paraguay
  8.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Peru
  28.97 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Philippines
  48.96 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Poland
  129.3 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Portugal
  48.78 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
  22.06 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Qatar
  13.73 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Romania
  49.44 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Russia
  857.6 billion kWh (2009)

Rwanda
  231.6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 7.44 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  120.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
  302.2 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  49.29 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  124.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Samoa
  101.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  17.67 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  165.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Senegal
  1.384 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Serbia
  33.4 billion kWh (2009)

Seychelles
  232.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Sierra Leone
  74.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

Singapore
  37.94 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  28.75 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  14.7 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  66.03 million kWh (2007 est.)

Somalia
  260.4 million kWh (2007 est.)

South Africa
  215.1 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Spain
  276.1 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
  8.417 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sudan
  3.438 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Suriname
  1.467 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Swaziland
  1.266 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Sweden
  134.5 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Switzerland
  62 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Syria
  27.35 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Taiwan
  229.8 billion kWh (2008)

Tajikistan
  16.7 billion kWh (2009)

Tanzania
  3.182 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Thailand
  134.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
  NA kWh (2009 est.)

Togo
  640 million kWh (2007 est.)

Tokelau
  NA kWh

Tonga
  39.99 million kWh (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  7.034 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Tunisia
  11.8 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Turkey
  198.1 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
  13 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  11.16 million kWh (2007 est.)

Uganda
  2.068 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Ukraine
  134.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  65.98 billion kWh (2007 est.)

United Kingdom
  345.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

United States
  3.873 trillion kWh (2008 est.)

Uruguay
  7.14 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
  40.1 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  39.06 million kWh (2007 est.)

Venezuela
  83.02 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Vietnam
  74.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  722 million kWh (2007 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  NA kWh

West Bank
  3.265 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
  83.7 million kWh (2007 est.)

World
  17.93 trillion kWh (2007 est.)

Yemen
  4.133 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Zambia
  8.838 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
  10.89 billion kWh (2007 est.)

======================================================================

@2043

Field Listing :: Electricity - imports

  This entry is the total imported electricity in kilowatt-hours.
  Country

Electricity - imports(kWh)

Afghanistan
  230 million kWh (2007 est.)

Albania
  2.475 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Algeria
  279 million kWh (2007 est.)

American Samoa
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Andorra
  NA kWh; note - most electricity supplied by Spain and
  France; Andorra generates a small amount of hydropower

Angola
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Argentina
  10.28 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Armenia
  418.7 million kWh; note - imports an unknown quantity from
  Iran (2007 est.)

Aruba
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Australia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Austria
  19.8 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
  548 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bahrain
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Barbados
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Belarus
  9.406 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belgium
  17.16 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Belize
  248.4 million kWh (2005)

Benin
  588 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bhutan
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Bolivia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  3.04 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Botswana
  2.181 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Brazil
  42.06 billion kWh; note - supplied by Paraguay (2008 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Brunei
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  3.097 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Burkina Faso
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Burma
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Burundi
  40 million kWh; note - supplied by the Democratic Republic
  of the Congo (2007 est.)

Cambodia
  167 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cameroon
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Canada
  23.5 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cape Verde
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Chad
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Chile
  1.628 billion kWh (2007 est.)

China
  3.842 billion kWh (2008)

Colombia
  39.4 million kWh (2007)

Comoros
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  6 million kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  449 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
  203.2 million kWh (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Croatia
  12.24 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cuba
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cyprus
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
  8.52 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Denmark
  12.82 billion kWh (2008)

Djibouti
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Dominica
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Ecuador
  1.12 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Egypt
  251 million kWh (2007 est.)

El Salvador
  38 million kWh (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Eritrea
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Estonia
  1.369 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

European Union
  NA kWh

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
  0 kWh (2008)

Fiji
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Finland
  16.11 billion kWh (2008)

France
  10.68 billion kWh (2008 est.)

French Polynesia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gabon
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gaza Strip
  120,000 kWh; note - from Israeli Electric Company (2009)

Georgia
  430 million kWh (2007 est.)

Germany
  41.67 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Ghana
  435 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Greece
  7.575 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Greenland
  0 kWh (2008)

Grenada
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guam
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guatemala
  8.11 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guernsey
  0 kWh (2002)

Guinea
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guyana
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Haiti
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by
  Italy; a small portion of electricity is self-produced from solar
  panels

Honduras
  11.8 million kWh (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
  11.7 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Hungary
  13.35 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Iceland
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

India
  5.27 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Iran
  2.06 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iraq
  5.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Ireland
  753 million kWh (2008 est.)

Israel
  0 kWh (2008)

Italy
  43 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Jamaica
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Japan
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Jersey
  NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by France

Jordan
  200 million kWh (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
  1.94 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Kenya
  22.5 million kWh (2007 est.)

Kiribati
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, North
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, South
  0 kWh (2009)

Kuwait
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Laos
  819.5 million kWh (2009 est.)

Latvia
  4.643 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Lebanon
  1.114 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Lesotho
  50 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa
  (2008 est.)

Liberia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Libya
  77 million kWh (2007 est.)

Lithuania
  5.649 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
  6.83 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Macau
  2.215 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  1.635 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Malawi
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Malaysia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Maldives
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Mali
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Malta
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Mauritania
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Mauritius
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Mexico
  584 million kWh (2008 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  0 kWh (2002)

Moldova
  2.931 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Monaco
  NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by France

Mongolia
  186.1 million kWh (2009)

Montenegro
  0 kWh (2005)

Montserrat
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Morocco
  3.429 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Mozambique
  8.278 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Namibia
  2.045 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Nauru
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Nepal
  213 million kWh (2008 est.)

Netherlands
  15.45 billion kWh (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

New Zealand
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
  63.95 million kWh (2007 est.)

Niger
  450 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nigeria
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Niue
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
  0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Norway
  3.414 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oman
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Pakistan
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Panama
  8.74 million kWh (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Paraguay
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Peru
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Philippines
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Poland
  8.48 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Portugal
  10.74 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Qatar
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Romania
  921 million kWh (2008 est.)

Russia
  3.066 billion kWh (2009)

Rwanda
  130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Samoa
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Senegal
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Serbia
  121 million kWh (2009)

Seychelles
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Singapore
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  9.412 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Slovenia
  6.218 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Solomon Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Somalia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

South Africa
  10.57 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Spain
  5.88 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sudan
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Suriname
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Swaziland
  770 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South
  Africa (2008 est.)

Sweden
  12.75 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Switzerland
  46.6 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Syria
  1.4 billion kWh (2007)

Taiwan
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  667.8 million kWh (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  200 million kWh (2007 est.)

Thailand
  2.313 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Togo
  514 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by Ghana (2007
  est.)

Tonga
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Tunisia
  145 million kWh (2007 est.)

Turkey
  790 million kWh (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Uganda
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Ukraine
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
  12.29 billion kWh (2008 est.)

United States
  57.02 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Uruguay
  789 million kWh (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
  11.44 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Venezuela
  1.651 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Vietnam
  3.85 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  0 kWh (2002)

West Bank
  2.8 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

World
  613.9 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Yemen
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Zambia
  222 million kWh (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
  2.691 billion kWh (2007 est.)

======================================================================

@2044

Field Listing :: Electricity - exports

  This entry is the total exported electricity in kilowatt-hours.
  Country

Electricity - exports(kWh)

Afghanistan
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Albania
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Algeria
  273 million kWh (2007 est.)

American Samoa
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Andorra
  NA kWh

Angola
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Argentina
  2.628 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Armenia
  451.3 million kWh; note - exports an unknown quantity to
  Georgia; includes exports to Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan
  (2007 est.)

Aruba
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Australia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Austria
  14.93 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
  786 million kWh (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bahrain
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Barbados
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Belarus
  5.062 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Belgium
  6.561 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Belize
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Benin
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bermuda
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bhutan
  1.296 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Bolivia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  6.024 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Botswana
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Brazil
  2.034 billion kWh (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Brunei
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  5.407 billion kWh (2008)

Burkina Faso
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Burma
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Burundi
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cambodia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cameroon
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Canada
  55.73 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cape Verde
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Chad
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Chile
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

China
  16.64 billion kWh (2008)

Colombia
  876.7 million kWh (2007)

Comoros
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  1.916 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
  77.16 million kWh (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  772 million kWh (2007 est.)

Croatia
  5.668 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Cuba
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Cyprus
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
  19.99 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Denmark
  11.36 billion kWh (2008)

Djibouti
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Dominica
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Ecuador
  20.68 million kWh (2007 est.)

Egypt
  814 million kWh (2007 est.)

El Salvador
  7 million kWh (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Eritrea
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Estonia
  2.31 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

European Union
  NA kWh

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
  0 kWh (2008)

Fiji
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Finland
  3.335 billion kWh (2008)

France
  58.69 billion kWh (2008 est.)

French Polynesia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gabon
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Gaza Strip
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Georgia
  628 million kWh (2007 est.)

Germany
  61.7 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Ghana
  249 million kWh (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Greece
  1.962 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Greenland
  0 kWh (2008)

Grenada
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guam
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guatemala
  131.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Guernsey
  0 kWh (2002)

Guinea
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Guyana
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Haiti
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Honduras
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
  3.926 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Hungary
  9.446 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Iceland
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

India
  810 million kWh (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Iran
  6.15 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Iraq
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Ireland
  303 million kWh (2008 est.)

Israel
  2.081 billion kWh (2007)

Italy
  3.431 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Jamaica
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Japan
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Jordan
  176 million kWh (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
  3.617 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Kenya
  58.3 million kWh (2007 est.)

Kiribati
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, North
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Korea, South
  0 kWh (2009)

Kuwait
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  2.379 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Laos
  230 million kWh (2009 est.)

Latvia
  2.123 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Lebanon
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Lesotho
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Liberia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Libya
  104 million kWh (2007 est.)

Lithuania
  6.606 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
  2.483 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Macau
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Malawi
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Malaysia
  2.268 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Maldives
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Mali
  0 kWh; note - recent hydropower developments may be providing
  electricity to Senegal and Mauritania (2008 est.)

Malta
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Mauritania
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Mauritius
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Mexico
  1.288 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  0 kWh (2002)

Moldova
  240 million kWh (2007 est.)

Mongolia
  21.2 million kWh (2009)

Montenegro
  0 kWh (2005)

Montserrat
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Morocco
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Mozambique
  11.82 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Namibia
  40 million kWh (2007 est.)

Nauru
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Nepal
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Netherlands
  10.56 billion kWh (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

New Zealand
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Niger
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Nigeria
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Niue
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
  0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Norway
  17.29 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oman
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Pakistan
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Panama
  124.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Paraguay
  45.14 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Peru
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Philippines
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Poland
  9.703 billion kWh (2008)

Portugal
  1.313 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Qatar
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Romania
  5.169 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Russia
  17.7 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Rwanda
  10 million kWh (2007)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Samoa
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  0 kWh (2008)

Saudi Arabia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Senegal
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Serbia
  1.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Singapore
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  8.891 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Slovenia
  7.82 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Solomon Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Somalia
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

South Africa
  14.16 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Spain
  16.92 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Sudan
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Suriname
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Swaziland
  0 kWh (2008)

Sweden
  14.71 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Switzerland
  49.9 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Syria
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Taiwan
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  1 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Tanzania
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Thailand
  846 million kWh (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
  0 kWh (2009 est.)

Togo
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Tonga
  0 kWh (2008)

Trinidad and Tobago
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Tunisia
  130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Turkey
  1.12 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
  2.5 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Uganda
  30 million kWh (2007)

Ukraine
  4 billion kWh (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
  1.272 billion kWh (2008 est.)

United States
  24.08 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Uruguay
  996 million kWh (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
  11.52 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Venezuela
  540 million kWh (2007 est.)

Vietnam
  535 million kWh (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  0 kWh (2002)

West Bank
  0 kWh (2008)

Western Sahara
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

World
  615.4 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Yemen
  0 kWh (2008 est.)

Zambia
  268 million kWh (2007)

Zimbabwe
  32 million kWh (2007 est.)

======================================================================

@2045

Field Listing :: Electricity - production by source

Country

Electricity - production by source(%)

======================================================================

@2046

Field Listing :: Population below poverty line

  National estimates of the percentage of the population falling below
  the poverty line are based on surveys of sub-groups, with the
  results weighted by the number of people in each group. Definitions
  of poverty vary considerably among nations. For example, rich
  nations generally employ more generous standards of poverty than
  poor nations.
  Country

Population below poverty line(%)

Afghanistan
  36% (FY08/09)

Albania
  25% (2004 est.)

Algeria
  23% (2006 est.)

American Samoa
  NA%

Andorra
  8% (2008)

Angola
  40.5% (2006 est.)

Anguilla
  23% (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda
  NA%

Argentina
  30% (January-June 2010)

Armenia
  26.5% (2006 est.)

Aruba
  NA%

Australia
  NA%

Austria
  6% (2008)

Azerbaijan
  11% (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
  9.3% (2004)

Bahrain
  NA%

Bangladesh
  36.3% (2008 est.)

Barbados
  NA%

Belarus
  27.1% (2003 est.)

Belgium
  15.2% (2007 est.)

Belize
  33.5% (2002 est.)

Benin
  37.4% (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  19% (2000)

Bhutan
  23.2% (2008)

Bolivia
  30.3% of population living on less than $2/day (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  25% (2004 est.)

Botswana
  30.3% (2003)

Brazil
  26% (2008)

British Virgin Islands
  NA%

Brunei
  NA%

Bulgaria
  14% (2008)

Burkina Faso
  46.4% (2004)

Burma
  32.7% (2007 est.)

Burundi
  68% (2002 est.)

Cambodia
  31% (2007 est.)

Cameroon
  48% (2000 est.)

Canada
  10.8%; note - this figure is the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO), a
  calculation that results in higher figures than found in many
  comparable economies; Canada does not have an official poverty line
  (2005)

Cape Verde
  30% (2000)

Cayman Islands
  NA%

Central African Republic
  NA%

Chad
  80% (2001 est.)

Chile
  18.2% (2005)

China
  2.8%
  note: 21.5 million rural population live below the official
  "absolute poverty" line (approximately $90 per year); an additional
  35.5 million rural population live above that level but below the
  official "low income" line (approximately $125 per year) (2007)

Colombia
  46.8% (2008)

Comoros
  60% (2002 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  NA% (2006 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  NA%

Cook Islands
  NA%

Costa Rica
  16% (2006 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  42% (2006 est.)

Croatia
  17% (2008)

Cuba
  NA%

Cyprus
  NA%

Czech Republic
  NA%

Denmark
  12.1% (2007)

Djibouti
  42% (2007 est.)

Dominica
  30% (2002 est.)

Dominican Republic
  42.2% (2004)

Ecuador
  35.1% (2008)

Egypt
  20% (2005 est.)

El Salvador
  30.7% (2006 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  NA%

Eritrea
  50% (2004 est.)

Estonia
  19.5% (2007)

Ethiopia
  38.7% (FY05/06 est.)

European Union
  note - see individual country entries of member states

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA%

Faroe Islands
  NA%

Fiji
  25.5% (FY90/91)

Finland
  NA%

France
  6.2% (2004)

French Polynesia
  NA%

Gabon
  NA%

Gambia, The
  NA%

Gaza Strip
  70% (2009 est.)

Georgia
  31% (2006)

Germany
  11% (2001 est.)

Ghana
  28.5% (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
  NA%

Greece
  20% (2009 est.)

Greenland
  9.2% (2007 est.)

Grenada
  32% (2000)

Guam
  23% (2001 est.)

Guatemala
  56.2% (2004 est.)

Guernsey
  NA%

Guinea
  47% (2006 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  NA%

Guyana
  NA%

Haiti
  80% (2003 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  NA%

Honduras
  65% (2010)

Hong Kong
  NA%

Hungary
  12% (2010 est.)

Iceland
  NA%

India
  25% (2007 est.)

Indonesia
  13.3% (2010)

Iran
  18% (2007 est.)

Iraq
  25% (2008 est.)

Ireland
  4.2% (2008 est.)

Isle of Man
  NA%

Israel
  23.6%
  note: Israel's poverty line is $7.30 per person per day (2007)

Italy
  NA%

Jamaica
  14.8% (2003 est.)

Japan
  NA%

Jersey
  NA%

Jordan
  14.2% (2002)

Kazakhstan
  12.1% (2008)

Kenya
  50% (2000 est.)

Kiribati
  NA%

Korea, North
  NA%

Korea, South
  15% (2006 est.)

Kosovo
  35% (2007 est.)

Kuwait
  NA%

Kyrgyzstan
  40% (2004 est.)

Laos
  26% (2009 est.)

Latvia
  NA%

Lebanon
  28% (1999 est.)

Lesotho
  49% (1999)

Liberia
  80% (2000 est.)

Libya
  NA
  note: About one-third of Libyans live at or below the national
  poverty line

Liechtenstein
  NA%

Lithuania
  4% (2003)

Luxembourg
  NA%

Macau
  NA%

Macedonia
  28.7% (2008)

Madagascar
  50% (2004 est.)

Malawi
  53% (2004)

Malaysia
  5.1% (2002 est.)

Maldives
  16% (2008)

Mali
  36.1% (2005 est.)

Malta
  NA%

Marshall Islands
  NA%

Mauritania
  40% (2004 est.)

Mauritius
  8% (2006 est.)

Mayotte
  NA%

Mexico
  18.2% using food-based definition of poverty; asset based
  poverty amounted to more than 47% (2008)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  26.7% (2000)

Moldova
  29.5% (2005)

Monaco
  NA%

Mongolia
  36.1% (2004)

Montenegro
  7% (2007 est.)

Montserrat
  NA%

Morocco
  15% (2007 est.)

Mozambique
  70% (2001 est.)

Namibia
  55.8%
  note: the UNDP's 2005 Human Development Report indicated that 34.9%
  of the population live on $1 per day and 55.8% live on $2 per day
  (2005 est.)

Nauru
  NA%

Nepal
  24.7% (2008)

Netherlands
  10.5% (2005)

New Caledonia
  NA%

New Zealand
  NA%

Nicaragua
  48% (2005)

Niger
  63% (1993 est.)

Nigeria
  70% (2007 est.)

Niue
  NA%

Northern Mariana Islands
  NA%

Norway
  NA%

Oman
  NA%

Pakistan
  24% (FY05/06 est.)

Palau
  NA%

Panama
  28.6% (2006 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  37% (2002 est.)

Paraguay
  19.4% (2008 est.)

Peru
  34.8% (2009)

Philippines
  32.9% (2006 est.)

Poland
  17% (2003 est.)

Portugal
  18% (2006)

Puerto Rico
  NA%

Qatar
  NA%

Romania
  25% (2005 est.)

Russia
  13.1% (2009)

Rwanda
  60% (2001 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  NA%

Saint Lucia
  NA%

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  NA%

Samoa
  NA%

San Marino
  NA%

Sao Tome and Principe
  54% (2004 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  NA%

Senegal
  54% (2001 est.)

Serbia
  7.9% (2008 est.)

Seychelles
  NA%

Sierra Leone
  70.2% (2004)

Singapore
  NA%

Slovakia
  21% (2002)

Slovenia
  12.3% (2008)

Solomon Islands
  NA%

Somalia
  NA%

South Africa
  50% (2000 est.)

Spain
  19.8% (2005)

Sri Lanka
  23% (2008 est.)

Sudan
  40% (2004 est.)

Suriname
  70% (2002 est.)

Swaziland
  69% (2006)

Sweden
  NA%

Switzerland
  7.4% (2009)

Syria
  11.9% (2006 est.)

Taiwan
  1.08% (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
  60% (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  36% (2002 est.)

Thailand
  9.6% (2006 est.)

Timor-Leste
  42% (2003 est.)

Togo
  32% (1989 est.)

Tokelau
  NA%

Tonga
  24% (FY03/04)

Trinidad and Tobago
  17% (2007 est.)

Tunisia
  3.8% (2005 est.)

Turkey
  17.11% (2008)

Turkmenistan
  30% (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  NA%

Tuvalu
  NA%

Uganda
  35% (2001 est.)

Ukraine
  35% (2009)

United Arab Emirates
  19.5% (2003)

United Kingdom
  14% (2006 est.)

United States
  12% (2004 est.)

Uruguay
  27.4% of households (2006)

Uzbekistan
  26% (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
  NA%

Venezuela
  37.9% (yearend 2005 est.)

Vietnam
  12.3% (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  28.9% (2002)

Wallis and Futuna
  NA%

West Bank
  46% (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
  NA%

Yemen
  45.2% (2003)

Zambia
  86% (1993)

Zimbabwe
  68% (2004)

======================================================================

@2047

Field Listing :: Household income or consumption by percentage share

Data on household income or consumption come from household surveys, the results adjusted for household size. Nations use different standards and procedures in collecting and adjusting the data. Surveys based on income will normally show a more unequal distribution than surveys based on consumption. The quality of surveys is improving with time, yet caution is still necessary in making inter-country comparisons. Country

Household income or consumption by percentage share(%)

Afghanistan
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Albania
  lowest 10%: 3.2%
  highest 10%: 25.9% (2005)

Algeria
  lowest 10%: 2.8%
  highest 10%: 26.8% (1995)

American Samoa
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Andorra
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Angola
  lowest 10%: 0.6%
  highest 10%: 44.7% (2000)

Anguilla
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Antigua and Barbuda
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Argentina
  lowest 10%: 1.2%
  highest 10%: 32.6% (2009)

Armenia
  lowest 10%: 1.6%
  highest 10%: 41.3% (2004)

Aruba
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Australia
  lowest 10%: 2%
  highest 10%: 25.4% (1994)

Austria
  lowest 10%: 4%
  highest 10%: 22% (2007)

Azerbaijan
  lowest 10%: 6.1%
  highest 10%: 17.5% (2005)

Bahamas, The
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: 27% (2000)

Bahrain
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Bangladesh
  lowest 10%: 8.8%
  highest 10%: 26.6% (2008 est.)

Barbados
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Belarus
  lowest 10%: 3.6%
  highest 10%: 22% (2005)

Belgium
  lowest 10%: 3.4%
  highest 10%: 28.4% (2006)

Belize
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Benin
  lowest 10%: 3.1%
  highest 10%: 29% (2003)

Bermuda
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Bhutan
  lowest 10%: 2.3%
  highest 10%: 37.6% (2003)

Bolivia
  lowest 10%: 0.5%
  highest 10%: 44.1% (2005)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  lowest 10%: 2.8%
  highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Botswana
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Brazil
  lowest 10%: 1.1%
  highest 10%: 43% (2007)

British Virgin Islands
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Brunei
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Bulgaria
  lowest 10%: 2.9%
  highest 10%: 24.1% (2008)

Burkina Faso
  lowest 10%: 2.8%
  highest 10%: 32.2% (2004)

Burma
  lowest 10%: 2.8%
  highest 10%: 32.4% (1998)

Burundi
  lowest 10%: 4.1%
  highest 10%: 28% (2006)

Cambodia
  lowest 10%: 3%
  highest 10%: 34.2% (2007)

Cameroon
  lowest 10%: 2.3%
  highest 10%: 35.4% (2001)

Canada
  lowest 10%: 2.6%
  highest 10%: 24.8% (2000)

Cape Verde
  lowest 10%: 1.9%
  highest 10%: 40.6% (2000)

Cayman Islands
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Central African Republic
  lowest 10%: 2.1%
  highest 10%: 33% (2003)

Chad
  lowest 10%: 2.6%
  highest 10%: 30.8% (2003)

Chile
  lowest 10%: 1.6%
  highest 10%: 41.7% (2006)

China
  lowest 10%: 3.5%
  highest 10%: 15%
  note: data are for urban households only (2008)

Colombia
  lowest 10%: 0.8%
  highest 10%: 45% (2008)

Comoros
  lowest 10%: 0.9%
  highest 10%: 55.2% (2004)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  lowest 10%: 2.3%
  highest 10%: 34.7% (2006)

Congo, Republic of the
  lowest 10%: 2.1%
  highest 10%: 37.1% (2005)

Cook Islands
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Costa Rica
  lowest 10%: 1.5%
  highest 10%: 35.5% (2005)

Cote d'Ivoire
  lowest 10%: 2%
  highest 10%: 34% (2002)

Croatia
  lowest 10%: 3.6%
  highest 10%: 23.1% (2005 est.)

Cuba
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Cyprus
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Czech Republic
  lowest 10%: 4.3%
  highest 10%: 22.4% (1996)

Denmark
  lowest 10%: 1.9%
  highest 10%: 28.7% (2007)

Djibouti
  lowest 10%: 2.4%
  highest 10%: 30.9% (2002)

Dominica
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Dominican Republic
  lowest 10%: 1.5%
  highest 10%: 38.7% (2005)

Ecuador
  lowest 10%: 1.2%
  highest 10%: 43.3%
  note: data for urban households only (2007)

Egypt
  lowest 10%: 3.9%
  highest 10%: 27.6% (2005)

El Salvador
  lowest 10%: 1%
  highest 10%: 37% (2005)

Equatorial Guinea
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Eritrea
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Estonia
  lowest 10%: 2.7%
  highest 10%: 27.7% (2004)

Ethiopia
  lowest 10%: 4.1%
  highest 10%: 25.6% (2005)

European Union
  lowest 10%: 2.9%
  highest 10%: 25.6% (2002 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Faroe Islands
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Fiji
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Finland
  lowest 10%: 3.6%
  highest 10%: 24.7% (2007)

France
  lowest 10%: 3%
  highest 10%: 24.8% (2004)

French Polynesia
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Gabon
  lowest 10%: 2.5%
  highest 10%: 32.7% (2005)

Gambia, The
  lowest 10%: 2%
  highest 10%: 36.9% (2003)

Georgia
  lowest 10%: 1.9%
  highest 10%: 30.6% (2008)

Germany
  lowest 10%: 3.6%
  highest 10%: 24% (2000)

Ghana
  lowest 10%: 2%
  highest 10%: 32.8% (2006)

Gibraltar
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Greece
  lowest 10%: 2.5%
  highest 10%: 26% (2000 est.)

Greenland
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Grenada
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Guam
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Guatemala
  lowest 10%: 1.3%
  highest 10%: 42.4% (2006)

Guernsey
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Guinea
  lowest 10%: 1.9%
  highest 10%: 41% (2006)

Guinea-Bissau
  lowest 10%: 2.9%
  highest 10%: 28% (2002)

Guyana
  lowest 10%: 1.3%
  highest 10%: 33.8% (1999)

Haiti
  lowest 10%: 0.7%
  highest 10%: 47.7% (2001)

Honduras
  lowest 10%: 0.7%
  highest 10%: 42.2% (2006)

Hong Kong
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Hungary
  lowest 10%: 3.5%
  highest 10%: 24.1% (2004)

Iceland
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

India
  lowest 10%: 3.6%
  highest 10%: 31.1% (2005)

Indonesia
  lowest 10%: 3%
  highest 10%: 32.3% (2006)

Iran
  lowest 10%: 2.6%
  highest 10%: 29.6% (2005)

Iraq
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Ireland
  lowest 10%: 2.9%
  highest 10%: 27.2% (2000)

Isle of Man
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Israel
  lowest 10%: 2.5%
  highest 10%: 24.3% (2008)

Italy
  lowest 10%: 2.3%
  highest 10%: 26.8% (2000)

Jamaica
  lowest 10%: 2.1%
  highest 10%: 35.8% (2004)

Japan
  lowest 10%: 4.8%
  highest 10%: 21.7% (1993)

Jersey
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Jordan
  lowest 10%: 3%
  highest 10%: 30.7% (2006)

Kazakhstan
  lowest 10%: 3.3%
  highest 10%: 26.5% (2004 est.)

Kenya
  lowest 10%: 1.8%
  highest 10%: 37.8% (2005)

Kiribati
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Korea, North
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Korea, South
  lowest 10%: 2.7%
  highest 10%: 24.2% (2007)

Kuwait
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Kyrgyzstan
  lowest 10%: 3.6%
  highest 10%: 25.9% (2004)

Laos
  lowest 10%: 3.4%
  highest 10%: 28.5% (2002)

Latvia
  lowest 10%: 2.7%
  highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Lebanon
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Lesotho
  lowest 10%: 1%
  highest 10%: 39.4% (2003)

Liberia
  lowest 10%: 2.4%
  highest 10%: 30.1% (2007)

Libya
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Liechtenstein
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Lithuania
  lowest 10%: 2.7%
  highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Luxembourg
  lowest 10%: 3.5%
  highest 10%: 23.8% (2000)

Macau
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Macedonia
  lowest 10%: 2.4%
  highest 10%: 29.6% (2003)

Madagascar
  lowest 10%: 2.6%
  highest 10%: 41.5% (2005)

Malawi
  lowest 10%: 3%
  highest 10%: 31.9% (2004)

Malaysia
  lowest 10%: 2.6%
  highest 10%: 28.5% (2005 est.)

Maldives
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Mali
  lowest 10%: 2.7%
  highest 10%: 30.5% (2006)

Malta
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Marshall Islands
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Mauritania
  lowest 10%: 2.5%
  highest 10%: 29.5% (2000)

Mauritius
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Mayotte
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Mexico
  lowest 10%: 1.7%
  highest 10%: 36.3% (2008)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Moldova
  lowest 10%: 3%
  highest 10%: 28.2% (2004)

Monaco
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Mongolia
  lowest 10%: 2.9%
  highest 10%: 24.9% (2005)

Montserrat
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Morocco
  lowest 10%: 2.7%
  highest 10%: 33.2% (2007)

Mozambique
  lowest 10%: 2.1%
  highest 10%: 39.2% (2003)

Namibia
  lowest 10%: 1.1%
  highest 10%: 53% (2008)

Nauru
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Nepal
  lowest 10%: 6%
  highest 10%: 40.6% (2008)

Netherlands
  lowest 10%: 2.5%
  highest 10%: 22.9% (1999)

New Caledonia
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

New Zealand
  lowest 10%: %NA
  highest 10%: %NA

Nicaragua
  lowest 10%: 1.4%
  highest 10%: 41.8% (2005)

Niger
  lowest 10%: 2.3%
  highest 10%: 35.7% (2005)

Nigeria
  lowest 10%: 2%
  highest 10%: 32.4% (2004)

Niue
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Northern Mariana Islands
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Norway
  lowest 10%: 3.9%
  highest 10%: 23.4% (2000)

Oman
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Pakistan
  lowest 10%: 3.9%
  highest 10%: 26.5% (2005)

Palau
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Panama
  lowest 10%: 0.8%
  highest 10%: 41.4% (2006)

Papua New Guinea
  lowest 10%: 1.7%
  highest 10%: 40.5% (1996)

Paraguay
  lowest 10%: 1.1%
  highest 10%: 42.3% (2007)

Peru
  lowest 10%: 1.5%
  highest 10%: 37.9% (2006)

Philippines
  lowest 10%: 2.4%
  highest 10%: 31.2% (2006)

Poland
  lowest 10%: 3%
  highest 10%: 27.2% (2005)

Portugal
  lowest 10%: 3.1%
  highest 10%: 28.4% (1995 est.)

Puerto Rico
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Qatar
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Romania
  lowest 10%: 1.2%
  highest 10%: 20.8% (2006)

Russia
  lowest 10%: 1.9%
  highest 10%: 30.4% (September 2007)

Rwanda
  lowest 10%: 2.1%
  highest 10%: 38.2% (2000)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Saint Lucia
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Samoa
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

San Marino
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Sao Tome and Principe
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Saudi Arabia
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Senegal
  lowest 10%: 2.5%
  highest 10%: 30.1% (2005)

Seychelles
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Sierra Leone
  lowest 10%: 2.6%
  highest 10%: 33.6% (2003)

Singapore
  lowest 10%: 4.4%
  highest 10%: 23.2% (2008)

Slovakia
  lowest 10%: 3.1%
  highest 10%: 20.9% (1996)

Slovenia
  lowest 10%: 3.4%
  highest 10%: 24.6% (2004)

Solomon Islands
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Somalia
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

South Africa
  lowest 10%: 1.3%
  highest 10%: 44.7% (2000)

Spain
  lowest 10%: 2.6%
  highest 10%: 26.6% (2000)

Sri Lanka
  lowest 10%: 1.1%
  highest 10%: 39.7% (2004)

Sudan
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Suriname
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Swaziland
  lowest 10%: 1.6%
  highest 10%: 40.7% (2001)

Sweden
  lowest 10%: 3.6%
  highest 10%: 22.2% (2000)

Switzerland
  lowest 10%: 7.5%
  highest 10%: 19% (2007)

Syria
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Taiwan
  lowest 10%: NA
  highest 10%: 41.1% (2002)

Tajikistan
  lowest 10%: 3.3%
  highest 10%: 25.6% (2007 est.)

Tanzania
  lowest 10%: 2.9%
  highest 10%: 26.9% (2000)

Thailand
  lowest 10%: 1.6%
  highest 10%: 33.7% (2006)

Timor-Leste
  lowest 10%: 2.9%
  highest 10%: 31.3% (2001)

Togo
  lowest 10%: 3.3%
  highest 10%: 27.1% (2006)

Tonga
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Trinidad and Tobago
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Tunisia
  lowest 10%: 2.3%
  highest 10%: 31.5% (2000)

Turkey
  lowest 10%: 1.9%
  highest 10%: 33.2% (2005)

Turkmenistan
  lowest 10%: 2.6%
  highest 10%: 31.7% (1998)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Tuvalu
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Uganda
  lowest 10%: 2.6%
  highest 10%: 34.1% (2005)

Ukraine
  lowest 10%: 3.4%
  highest 10%: 25.7% (2006)

United Arab Emirates
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

United Kingdom
  lowest 10%: 2.1%
  highest 10%: 28.5% (1999)

United States
  lowest 10%: 2%
  highest 10%: 30% (2007 est.)

Uruguay
  lowest 10%: 1.7%
  highest 10%: 34.8% (2006)

Uzbekistan
  lowest 10%: 2.8%
  highest 10%: 29.6% (2003)

Vanuatu
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Venezuela
  lowest 10%: 1.7%
  highest 10%: 32.7% (2006)

Vietnam
  lowest 10%: 3.1%
  highest 10%: 29.8% (2006)

Virgin Islands
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Wallis and Futuna
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

West Bank
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

Western Sahara
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%

World
  lowest 10%: 2.7%
  highest 10%: 27.3% (2005 est.)

Yemen
  lowest 10%: 2.9%
  highest 10%: 30.8% (2005)

Zambia
  lowest 10%: 1.2%
  highest 10%: 38.8% (2004)

Zimbabwe
  lowest 10%: 2%
  highest 10%: 40.4% (1995)

======================================================================

@2048

Field Listing :: Labor force - by occupation

  This entry lists the percentage distribution of the labor force by
  occupation. The distribution will total less than 100 percent if the
  data are incomplete and may range from 99-101 percent due to
  rounding.
  Country

Labor force - by occupation(%)

Afghanistan
  agriculture: 78.6%
  industry: 5.7%
  services: 15.7% (FY08/09 est.)

Albania
  agriculture: 58%
  industry: 15%
  services: 27% (September 2006 est.)

Algeria
  agriculture: 14%
  industry: 13.4%
  construction and public works: 10%
  trade: 14.6%
  government: 32%
  other: 16% (2003 est.)

American Samoa
  agriculture: 34%
  industry: 33%
  services: 33% (1990)

Andorra
  agriculture: 0.5%
  industry: 18.5%
  services: 81% (2008)

Angola
  agriculture: 85%
  industry and services: 15% (2003 est.)

Anguilla
  agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining: 4%
  manufacturing: 3%
  construction: 18%
  transportation and utilities: 10%
  commerce: 36%
  services: 29% (2000 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  agriculture: 7%
  industry: 11%
  services: 82% (1983)

Argentina
  agriculture: 5%
  industry: 23%
  services: 72% (2009 est.)

Armenia
  agriculture: 46.2%
  industry: 15.6%
  services: 38.2% (2006 est.)

Aruba
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%
  note: most employment is in wholesale and retail trade and repair,
  followed by hotels and restaurants; oil refining

Australia
  agriculture: 3.6%
  industry: 21.1%
  services: 75% (2009 est.)

Austria
  agriculture: 5.5%
  industry: 27.5%
  services: 67% (2005 est.)

Azerbaijan
  agriculture: 38.3%
  industry: 12.1%
  services: 49.6% (2008)

Bahamas, The agriculture: 5% industry: 5% tourism: 50% other services: 40% (2005 est.)

Bahrain
  agriculture: 1%
  industry: 79%
  services: 20% (1997 est.)

Bangladesh
  agriculture: 45%
  industry: 30%
  services: 25% (2008)

Barbados
  agriculture: 10%
  industry: 15%
  services: 75% (1996 est.)

Belarus
  agriculture: 14%
  industry: 34.7%
  services: 51.3% (2003 est.)

Belgium
  agriculture: 2%
  industry: 25%
  services: 73% (2007 est.)

Belize
  agriculture: 10.2%
  industry: 18.1%
  services: 71.7% (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  agriculture and fishing: 3%
  laborers: 17%
  clerical: 19%
  professional and technical: 21%
  administrative and managerial: 15%
  sales: 7%
  services: 19% (2004 est.)

Bhutan
  agriculture: 63%
  industry: 6%
  services: 31% (2004 est.)

Bolivia
  agriculture: 40%
  industry: 17%
  services: 43% (2006 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  agriculture: 20.5%
  industry: 32.6%
  services: 47% (2008)

Botswana
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Brazil
  agriculture: 20%
  industry: 14%
  services: 66% (2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  agriculture: 0.6%
  industry: 40%
  services: 59.4% (2005)

Brunei
  agriculture: 4.2%
  industry: 62.8%
  services: 33% (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  agriculture: 7.5%
  industry: 36.4%
  services: 56.1% (2008 est.)

Burkina Faso
  agriculture: 90%
  industry and services: 10% (2000 est.)

Burma
  agriculture: 70%
  industry: 7%
  services: 23% (2001 est.)

Burundi
  agriculture: 93.6%
  industry: 2.3%
  services: 4.1% (2002 est.)

Cambodia
  agriculture: 67.9%
  industry: 12.7%
  services: 19.5% (2009 est.)

Cameroon
  agriculture: 70%
  industry: 13%
  services: 17% (2001 est.)

Canada
  agriculture: 2%
  manufacturing: 13%
  construction: 6%
  services: 76%
  other: 3% (2006 est.)

Cayman Islands
  agriculture: 1.9%
  industry: 19.1%
  services: 79% (2008 est.)

Chad
  agriculture: 80% (subsistence farming, herding, and fishing)
  industry and services: 20% (2006 est.)

Chile
  agriculture: 13.2%
  industry: 23%
  services: 63.9% (2005)

China
  agriculture: 39.5%
  industry: 27.2%
  services: 33.2% (2008 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  note: the Cocos Islands Cooperative Society
  Ltd. employs construction workers, stevedores, and lighterage
  workers; tourism employs others

Colombia
  agriculture: 18%
  industry: 18.9%
  services: 63.1% (2009 est.)

Comoros agriculture: 80% industry and services: 20% (1996 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Cook Islands
  agriculture: 29%
  industry: 15%
  services: 56% (1995)

Costa Rica
  agriculture: 14%
  industry: 22%
  services: 64% (2006 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire agriculture: 68% industry and services: NA (2007 est.)

Croatia
  agriculture: 5%
  industry: 31.3%
  services: 63.6% (2008)

Cuba
  agriculture: 20%
  industry: 19.4%
  services: 60.6% (2005)

Curacao
  agriculture: 1.2%
  industry: 16.9%
  services: 81.8%

Cyprus
  agriculture: 8.5%
  industry: 20.5%
  services: 71% (2006 est.)

Czech Republic
  agriculture: 3.6%
  industry: 40.2%
  services: 56.2% (2007)

Denmark
  agriculture: 2.5%
  industry: 20.2%
  services: 77.3% (2005 est.)

Djibouti
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Dominica
  agriculture: 40%
  industry: 32%
  services: 28% (2000 est.)

Dominican Republic
  agriculture: 14.6%
  industry: 22.3%
  services: 63.1% (2005 est.)

Ecuador
  agriculture: 8.3%
  industry: 21.2%
  services: 70.4% (2005)

Egypt
  agriculture: 32%
  industry: 17%
  services: 51% (2001 est.)

El Salvador
  agriculture: 19%
  industry: 23%
  services: 58% (2006 est.)

Eritrea
  agriculture: 80%
  industry and services: 20% (2004 est.)

Estonia
  agriculture: 2.8%
  industry: 22.7%
  services: 74.5% (2008)

Ethiopia
  agriculture: 85%
  industry: 5%
  services: 10% (2009 est.)

European Union
  agriculture: 5.6%
  industry: 27.7%
  services: 66.7% (2007 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  agriculture: 95% (mostly
  sheepherding and fishing)
  industry and services: 5% (1996)

Faroe Islands
  agriculture: 10.2%
  industry: 20.5%
  services: 69.2% (2008)

Fiji
  agriculture: 70%
  industry and services: 30% (2001 est.)

Finland
  agriculture and forestry: 4.5%
  industry: 18.2%
  construction: 7.3%
  commerce: 15.9%
  finance, insurance, and business services: 14.5%
  transport and communications: 6.9%
  public services: 32.7% (2008)

France
  agriculture: 3.8%
  industry: 24.3%
  services: 71.8% (2005)

French Polynesia
  agriculture: 13%
  industry: 19%
  services: 68% (2002)

Gabon
  agriculture: 60%
  industry: 15%
  services: 25% (2000 est.)

Gambia, The
  agriculture: 75%
  industry: 19%
  services: 6% (1996)

Gaza Strip
  agriculture: 12%
  industry: 5%
  services: 83% (June 2008)

Georgia
  agriculture: 55.6%
  industry: 8.9%
  services: 35.5% (2006 est.)

Germany
  agriculture: 2.4%
  industry: 29.7%
  services: 67.8% (2005)

Ghana
  agriculture: 56%
  industry: 15%
  services: 29% (2005 est.)

Gibraltar
  agriculture: negligible
  industry: 40%
  services: 60% (2001)

Greece
  agriculture: 12.4%
  industry: 22.4%
  services: 65.1% (2005 est.)

Greenland
  agriculture: 4.9%
  industry: 31.9%
  services: 63.2% (2007 est.)

Grenada
  agriculture: 24%
  industry: 14%
  services: 62% (1999 est.)

Guam
  agriculture: 26%
  industry: 10%
  services: 64% (2004 est.)

Guatemala
  agriculture: 50%
  industry: 15%
  services: 35% (1999 est.)

Guinea
  agriculture: 76%
  industry and services: 24% (2006 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  agriculture: 82%
  industry and services: 18% (2000 est.)

Guyana
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Haiti
  agriculture: 66%
  industry: 9%
  services: 25% (1995)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  note: essentially services with a small
  amount of industry; nearly all dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards,
  and the approximately 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vatican

Honduras
  agriculture: 39.2%
  industry: 20.9%
  services: 39.8% (2005 est.)

Hong Kong
  manufacturing: 6.1%
  construction: 1.9%
  wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels: 42.9%
  financing, insurance, and real estate: 21.4%
  transport and communications: 7.9%
  community and social services: 19.7%
  note: above data exclude public sector (2008 est.)

Hungary
  agriculture: 4.5%
  industry: 32.1%
  services: 63.4% (2008)

Iceland
  agriculture: 4.8%
  industry: 22.2%
  services: 73% (2008)

India
  agriculture: 52%
  industry: 14%
  services: 34% (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  agriculture: 42.1%
  industry: 18.6%
  services: 39.3% (2005 est.)

Iran
  agriculture: 25%
  industry: 31%
  services: 45% (June 2007)

Iraq
  agriculture: 21.6%
  industry: 18.7%
  services: 59.8% (2008 est.)

Ireland
  agriculture: 6%
  industry: 27%
  services: 67% (2006 est.)

Isle of Man
  agriculture, forestry, and fishing: 3%
  manufacturing: 11%
  construction: 10%
  transport and communication: 8%
  wholesale and retail distribution: 11%
  professional and scientific services: 18%
  public administration: 6%
  banking and finance: 18%
  tourism: 2%
  entertainment and catering: 3%
  miscellaneous services: 10% (2001)

Israel
  agriculture: 2%
  industry: 16%
  services: 82% (September 2008)

Italy
  agriculture: 4.2%
  industry: 30.7%
  services: 65.1% (2005)

Jamaica
  agriculture: 17%
  industry: 19%
  services: 64% (2006)

Japan
  agriculture: 4%
  industry: 28%
  services: 68% (2009 est.)

Jordan
  agriculture: 2.7%
  industry: 20%
  services: 77.4% (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
  agriculture: 31.5%
  industry: 18.4%
  services: 50% (2006 est.)

Kenya
  agriculture: 75%
  industry and services: 25% (2007 est.)

Kiribati agriculture: 2.7% industry: 32% services: 65.3% (2000)

Korea, North agriculture: 35% industry and services: 65% (2008 est.)

Korea, South
  agriculture: 7.3%
  industry: 24.3%
  services: 68.4% (2010 est.)

Kosovo
  agriculture: 16.5%
  industry: NA
  services: NA (2007 est.)

Kuwait
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Kyrgyzstan
  agriculture: 48%
  industry: 12.5%
  services: 39.5% (2005 est.)

Laos
  agriculture: 80%
  industry and services: 20% (2009 est.)

Latvia
  agriculture: 12.1%
  industry: 25.8%
  services: 61.8% (2005 est.)

Lebanon
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Lesotho
  agriculture: 86% of resident population engaged in
  subsistence agriculture; roughly 35% of the active male wage earners
  work in South Africa
  industry and services: 14% (2002 est.)

Liberia
  agriculture: 70%
  industry: 8%
  services: 22% (2000 est.)

Libya
  agriculture: 17%
  industry: 23%
  services: 59% (2004 est.)

Liechtenstein
  agriculture: 1.7%
  industry: 43.5%
  services: 55.4% (December 2006)

Lithuania
  agriculture: 14%
  industry: 29.1%
  services: 56.9% (2005)

Luxembourg
  agriculture: 2.2%
  industry: 17.2%
  services: 80.6% (2007 est.)

Macau
  manufacturing: 4.9%
  construction: 9.3%
  transport and communications: 5.2%
  wholesale and retail trade: 12.6%
  restaurants and hotels: 13.6%
  gambling: 14.2%
  public sector: 6.6%
  financial services: 2.1%
  other services and agriculture: 31.5% (2009 est.)

Macedonia agriculture: 18.6% industry: 29.5% services: 51.9% (September 2009)

Malawi agriculture: 90% industry and services: 10% (2003 est.)

Malaysia
  agriculture: 13%
  industry: 36%
  services: 51% (2005 est.)

Maldives
  agriculture: 11%
  industry: 23%
  services: 65% (2006 est.)

Mali
  agriculture: 80%
  industry and services: 20% (2005 est.)

Malta
  agriculture: 1.6%
  industry: 22.8%
  services: 75.6% (2009 est.)

Marshall Islands
  agriculture: 21.4%
  industry: 20.9%
  services: 57.7% (2000)

Mauritania
  agriculture: 50%
  industry: 10%
  services: 40% (2001 est.)

Mauritius
  agriculture and fishing: 9%
  construction and industry: 30%
  transportation and communication: 7%
  trade, restaurants, hotels: 22%
  finance: 6%
  other services: 25% (2007)

Mexico
  agriculture: 13.7%
  industry: 23.4%
  services: 62.9% (2005)

Micronesia, Federated States of agriculture: 0.9% industry: 34.4% services: 64.7% note: two-thirds are government employees (FY05 est.)

Moldova
  agriculture: 40.6%
  industry: 16%
  services: 43.3% (2005 est.)

Mongolia
  agriculture: 34%
  industry: 5%
  services: 61% (2008)

Montenegro
  agriculture: 2%
  industry: 30%
  services: 68% (2004 est.)

Morocco
  agriculture: 44.6%
  industry: 19.8%
  services: 35.5% (2006 est.)

Mozambique
  agriculture: 81%
  industry: 6%
  services: 13% (1997 est.)

Namibia
  agriculture: 16.3%
  industry: 22.4%
  services: 61.3% (2008 est.)

Nauru
  note: employed in mining phosphates, public administration,
  education, and transportation (1992)

Nepal
  agriculture: 75%
  industry: 7%
  services: 18% (2004 est.)

Netherlands
  agriculture: 2%
  industry: 18%
  services: 80% (2005 est.)

New Caledonia
  agriculture: 20%
  industry: 20%
  services: 60% (2002)

New Zealand
  agriculture: 7%
  industry: 19%
  services: 74% (2006 est.)

Nicaragua
  agriculture: 28%
  industry: 19%
  services: 53% (2010 est.)

Niger
  agriculture: 90%
  industry: 6%
  services: 4% (1995)

Nigeria
  agriculture: 70%
  industry: 10%
  services: 20% (1999 est.)

Niue
  note: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in
  government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

Norfolk Island
  agriculture: 10%
  industry and services: 90%

Northern Mariana Islands
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Norway
  agriculture: 2.9%
  industry: 21.1%
  services: 76% (2008)

Oman
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Pakistan
  agriculture: 43%
  industry: 20.3%
  services: 36.6% (2005 est.)

Palau
  agriculture: 20%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA% (1990)

Panama
  agriculture: 6%
  industry: 18%
  services: 76% (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  agriculture: 85%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA% (2005 est.)

Paraguay
  agriculture: 26.5%
  industry: 18.5%
  services: 55% (2008)

Peru
  agriculture: 0.7%
  industry: 23.8%
  services: 75.5% (2005)

Philippines
  agriculture: 34%
  industry: 15%
  services: 51% (2009 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  note: no business community in the usual sense;
  some public works; subsistence farming and fishing

Poland
  agriculture: 17.4%
  industry: 29.2%
  services: 53.4% (2005)

Portugal
  agriculture: 10%
  industry: 30%
  services: 60% (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
  agriculture: 2.1%
  industry: 19%
  services: 79% (2005 est.)

Romania
  agriculture: 29.7%
  industry: 23.2%
  services: 47.1% (2006)

Russia
  agriculture: 10%
  industry: 31.9%
  services: 58.1% (2008)

Rwanda agriculture: 90% industry and services: 10% (2000)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  agriculture: 6%
  industry: 48%
  services: 46% (1987 est.)

Saint Lucia
  agriculture: 21.7%
  industry: 24.7%
  services: 53.6% (2002 est.)

Saint Martin
  85% directly or indirectly employed in tourist industry

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  agriculture: 18%
  industry: 41%
  services: 41% (1996 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  agriculture: 26%
  industry: 17%
  services: 57% (1980 est.)

Samoa
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

San Marino
  agriculture: 0.1%
  industry: 37.7%
  services: 62.2% (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe note: population mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing; shortages of skilled workers

Saudi Arabia agriculture: 6.7% industry: 21.4% services: 71.9% (2005 est.)

Senegal agriculture: 77.5% industry and services: 22.5% (2007 est.)

Serbia
  agriculture: 23.9%
  industry: 20.5%
  services: 55.6% (October 2009)

Seychelles
  agriculture: 3%
  industry: 23%
  services: 74% (2006)

Sierra Leone
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Singapore
  agriculture: 0%
  industry: 23.8%
  services: 76.2% (2008)

Sint Maarten
  agriculture: 1.1%
  industry: 15.2%
  services: 83.7% (2008)

Slovakia
  agriculture: 3.5%
  industry: 27%
  services: 69.4% (December 2009)

Slovenia
  agriculture: 2.2%
  industry: 35%
  services: 62.8% (2009)

Solomon Islands
  agriculture: 75%
  industry: 5%
  services: 20% (2000 est.)

Somalia agriculture: 71% industry and services: 29% (1975)

South Africa
  agriculture: 9%
  industry: 26%
  services: 65% (2007 est.)

Spain
  agriculture: 4.2%
  industry: 24%
  services: 71.7% (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  agriculture: 32.7%
  industry: 26.3%
  services: 41% (December 2008 est.)

Sudan
  agriculture: 80%
  industry: 7%
  services: 13% (1998 est.)

Suriname
  agriculture: 8%
  industry: 14%
  services: 78% (2004)

Swaziland
  agriculture: NA%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA%

Sweden
  agriculture: 1.1%
  industry: 28.2%
  services: 70.7% (2008 est.)

Switzerland
  agriculture: 3.8%
  industry: 23.9%
  services: 72.3% (2009)

Syria
  agriculture: 17%
  industry: 16%
  services: 67% (2008 est.)

Taiwan
  agriculture: 5.1%
  industry: 36.8%
  services: 58% (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
  agriculture: 49.8%
  industry: 12.8%
  services: 37.4% (2009 est.)

Tanzania agriculture: 80% industry and services: 20% (2002 est.)

Thailand
  agriculture: 42.4%
  industry: 19.7%
  services: 37.9% (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
  agriculture: 90%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA% (2006 est.)

Togo
  agriculture: 65%
  industry: 5%
  services: 30% (1998 est.)

Tonga
  agriculture: 31.8%
  industry: 30.6%
  services: 2,003% (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago agriculture: 3.8% manufacturing, mining, and quarrying: 12.8% construction and utilities: 20.4% services: 62.9% (2007 est.)

Tunisia
  agriculture: 18.3%
  industry: 31.9%
  services: 49.8% (2009 est.)

Turkey
  agriculture: 29.5%
  industry: 24.7%
  services: 45.8% (2005)

Turkmenistan
  agriculture: 48.2%
  industry: 14%
  services: 37.8% (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  note: about 33% in government and 20% in
  agriculture and fishing; significant numbers in tourism, financial,
  and other services

Tuvalu
  note: people make a living mainly through exploitation of the
  sea, reefs, and atolls and from wages sent home by those abroad
  (mostly workers in the phosphate industry and sailors)

Uganda
  agriculture: 82%
  industry: 5%
  services: 13% (1999 est.)

Ukraine
  agriculture: 15.8%
  industry: 18.5%
  services: 65.7% (2008)

United Arab Emirates
  agriculture: 7%
  industry: 15%
  services: 78% (2000 est.)

United Kingdom
  agriculture: 1.4%
  industry: 18.2%
  services: 80.4% (2006 est.)

United States
  farming, forestry, and fishing: 0.7%
  manufacturing, extraction, transportation, and crafts: 20.3%
  managerial, professional, and technical: 37.2%
  sales and office: 24%
  other services: 17.7%
  note: figures exclude the unemployed (2009)

Uruguay
  agriculture: 9%
  industry: 15%
  services: 76% (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
  agriculture: 44%
  industry: 20%
  services: 36% (1995)

Vanuatu
  agriculture: 65%
  industry: 5%
  services: 30% (2000 est.)

Venezuela
  agriculture: 13%
  industry: 23%
  services: 64% (1997 est.)

Vietnam
  agriculture: 51.8%
  industry: 15.4%
  services: 32.7% (April 2009)

Virgin Islands
  agriculture: 1%
  industry: 19%
  services: 80% (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  agriculture: 80%
  industry: 4%
  services: 16% (2001 est.)

West Bank
  agriculture: 12%
  industry: 23%
  services: 65% (June 2008)

Western Sahara
  agriculture: 50%
  industry and services: 50% (2005 est.)

World
  agriculture: 37.3%
  industry: 21.7%
  services: 41% (2005 est.)

Yemen
  note: most people are employed in agriculture and herding;
  services, construction, industry, and commerce account for less than
  one-fourth of the labor force

Zambia
  agriculture: 85%
  industry: 6%
  services: 9% (2004)

Zimbabwe
  agriculture: 66%
  industry: 10%
  services: 24% (1996)

======================================================================

@2049

Field Listing :: Exports - commodities

This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued exported products; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value. Country

Exports - commodities(%)

Afghanistan
  opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton,
  hides and pelts, precious and semi-precious gems

Albania
  textiles and footwear; asphalt, metals and metallic ores,
  crude oil; vegetables, fruits, tobacco

Algeria
  petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products 97%

American Samoa
  canned tuna 93%

Andorra
  tobacco products, furniture

Angola
  crude oil, diamonds, refined petroleum products, coffee,
  sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton

Anguilla
  lobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum

Antigua and Barbuda
  petroleum products, bedding, handicrafts,
  electronic components, transport equipment, food and live animals

Argentina
  soybeans and derivatives, petroleum and gas, vehicles,
  corn, wheat

Armenia
  pig iron, unwrought copper, nonferrous metals, diamonds,
  mineral products, foodstuffs, energy

Aruba
  live animals and animal products, art and collectibles,
  machinery and electrical equipment, transport equipment

Australia
  coal, iron ore, gold, meat, wool, alumina, wheat,
  machinery and transport equipment

Austria
  machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, paper and
  paperboard, metal goods, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles,
  foodstuffs

Azerbaijan
  oil and gas 90%, machinery, cotton, foodstuffs

Bahamas, The
  mineral products and salt, animal products, rum,
  chemicals, fruit and vegetables

Bahrain
  petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles

Bangladesh
  garments, frozen fish and seafood, jute and jute goods,
  leather

Barbados
  manufactures, sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and
  beverages, chemicals, electrical components

Belarus
  machinery and equipment, mineral products, chemicals,
  metals, textiles, foodstuffs

Belgium
  machinery and equipment, chemicals, finished diamonds,
  metals and metal products, foodstuffs

Belize
  sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses,
  wood, crude oil

Benin
  cotton, cashews, shea butter, textiles, palm products, seafood

Bermuda
  reexports of pharmaceuticals

Bhutan
  electricity (to India), ferrosilicon, cement, calcium
  carbide, copper wire, manganese, vegetable oil

Bolivia
  natural gas, soybeans and soy products, crude petroleum,
  zinc ore, tin

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  metals, clothing, wood products

Botswana
  diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles

Brazil
  transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee,
  autos

British Virgin Islands
  rum, fresh fish, fruits, animals; gravel, sand

Brunei
  crude oil, natural gas, garments

Bulgaria
  clothing, footwear, iron and steel, machinery and
  equipment, fuels

Burkina Faso
  cotton, livestock, gold

Burma
  natural gas, wood products, pulses, beans, fish, rice,
  clothing, jade and gems

Burundi
  coffee, tea, sugar, cotton, hides

Cambodia
  clothing, timber, rubber, rice, fish, tobacco, footwear

Cameroon
  crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans,
  aluminum, coffee, cotton

Canada
  motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft,
  telecommunications equipment; chemicals, plastics, fertilizers; wood
  pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity, aluminum

Cape Verde
  fuel, shoes, garments, fish, hides

Cayman Islands
  turtle products, manufactured consumer goods

Central African Republic
  diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco

Chad
  oil, cattle, cotton, gum arabic

Chile
  copper, fruit, fish products, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine

China
  electrical and other machinery, including data processing
  equipment, apparel, textiles, iron and steel, optical and medical
  equipment

Christmas Island
  phosphate

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  copra

Colombia
  petroleum, coffee, coal, nickel, emeralds, apparel,
  bananas, cut flowers

Comoros
  vanilla, ylang-ylang (perfume essence), cloves, copra

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt,
  wood products, crude oil, coffee

Congo, Republic of the
  petroleum, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa,
  coffee, diamonds

Cook Islands
  copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee;
  fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing

Costa Rica
  bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants,
  sugar; beef; seafood; electronic components, medical equipment

Cote d'Ivoire
  cocoa, coffee, timber, petroleum, cotton, bananas,
  pineapples, palm oil, fish

Croatia
  transport equipment, machinery, textiles, chemicals,
  foodstuffs, fuels

Cuba
  sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, coffee

Curacao
  petroleum products

Cyprus
  citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, clothing

Czech Republic
  machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and
  fuel, chemicals

Denmark
  machinery and instruments, meat and meat products, dairy
  products, fish, pharmaceuticals, furniture, windmills

Djibouti
  reexports, hides and skins, coffee (in transit)

Dominica
  bananas, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, oranges

Dominican Republic
  ferronickel, sugar, gold, silver, coffee, cocoa,
  tobacco, meats, consumer goods

Ecuador
  petroleum, bananas, cut flowers, shrimp, cacao, coffee,
  hemp, wood, fish

Egypt
  crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal
  products, chemicals, processed food

El Salvador
  offshore assembly exports, coffee, sugar, textiles and
  apparel, gold, ethanol, chemicals, electricity, iron and steel
  manufactures

Equatorial Guinea
  petroleum, methanol, timber, cocoa

Eritrea
  livestock, sorghum, textiles, food, small manufactures

Estonia
  machinery and equipment 29%, wood and paper 13%, metals 10%,
  food products 8%, textiles 5%, chemical products

Ethiopia
  coffee, qat, gold, leather products, live animals, oilseeds

European Union
  machinery, motor vehicles, aircraft, plastics,
  pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, fuels, iron and steel,
  nonferrous metals, wood pulp and paper products, textiles, meat,
  dairy products, fish, alcoholic beverages.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  wool, hides, meat, fish, squid

Faroe Islands
  fish and fish products 94%, stamps, ships

Fiji
  sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil

Finland
  electrical and optical equipment, machinery, transport
  equipment, paper and pulp, chemicals, basic metals; timber

France
  machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics,
  chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages

French Polynesia
  cultured pearls, coconut products, mother-of-pearl,
  vanilla, shark meat

Gabon
  crude oil 70%, timber, manganese, uranium

Gambia, The
  peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels,
  re-exports

Gaza Strip
  strawberries, carnations

Georgia
  scrap metal, wine, mineral water, ores, vehicles, fruits and
  nuts

Germany
  machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals and manufactures,
  foodstuffs, textiles

Ghana
  gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore,
  diamonds, horticulture

Gibraltar
  (principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods

Greece
  food and beverages, manufactured goods, petroleum products,
  chemicals, textiles

Greenland
  fish and fish products 72%, metals 10% (2008)

Grenada
  bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, mace

Guam
  transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction
  materials, fish, food and beverage products

Guatemala
  coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits and
  vegetables, cardamom

Guernsey
  tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other
  vegetables

Guinea
  bauxite, alumina, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish, agricultural
  products

Guinea-Bissau
  fish, shrimp; cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, sawn
  lumber

Guyana
  sugar, gold, bauxite, alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum,
  timber

Haiti
  apparel, manufactures, oils, cocoa, mangoes, coffee

Honduras
  apparel, coffee, shrimp, wire harnessing, cigars, bananas,
  gold, palm oil, fruit, lobster, lumber

Hong Kong
  electrical machinery and appliances, textiles, apparel,
  footwear, watches and clocks, toys, plastics, precious stones,
  printed material

Hungary
  machinery and equipment 61.1%, other manufactures 28.7%,
  food products 6.5%, raw materials 2%, fuels and electricity 1.6%
  (2009 est.)

Iceland
  fish and fish products 40%, aluminum, animal products,
  ferrosilicon, diatomite

India
  petroleum products, precious stones, machinery, iron and
  steel, chemicals, vehicles, apparel

Indonesia
  oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles,
  rubber

Iran
  petroleum 80%, chemical and petrochemical products, fruits and
  nuts, carpets

Iraq
  crude oil 84%, crude materials excluding fuels, food and live
  animals

Ireland
  machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals,
  pharmaceuticals; live animals, animal products

Isle of Man
  tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb

Israel
  machinery and equipment, software, cut diamonds, agricultural
  products, chemicals, textiles and apparel

Italy
  engineering products, textiles and clothing, production
  machinery, motor vehicles, transport equipment, chemicals; food,
  beverages and tobacco; minerals, and nonferrous metals

Jamaica
  alumina, bauxite, sugar, rum, coffee, yams, beverages,
  chemicals, wearing apparel, mineral fuels

Japan
  transport equipment, motor vehicles, semiconductors,
  electrical machinery, chemicals

Jersey
  light industrial and electrical goods, dairy cattle,
  foodstuffs, textiles, flowers

Jordan
  clothing, fertilizers, potash, phosphates, vegetables,
  pharmaceuticals

Kazakhstan
  oil and oil products 59%, ferrous metals 19%, chemicals
  5%, machinery 3%, grain, wool, meat, coal

Kenya
  tea, horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products, fish,
  cement

Kiribati
  copra 62%, coconuts, seaweed, fish

Korea, North
  minerals, metallurgical products, manufactures
  (including armaments), textiles, agricultural and fishery products

Korea, South
  semiconductors, wireless telecommunications equipment,
  motor vehicles, computers, steel, ships, petrochemicals

Kosovo
  mining and processed metal products, scrap metals, leather
  products, machinery, appliances

Kuwait
  oil and refined products, fertilizers

Kyrgyzstan
  cotton, wool, meat, tobacco; gold, mercury, uranium,
  natural gas, hydropower; machinery; shoes

Laos
  wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, gold

Latvia
  wood and wood products, machinery and equipment, metals,
  textiles, foodstuffs

Lebanon
  jewelry, base metals, chemicals, miscellaneous consumer
  goods, fruit and vegetables, tobacco, construction minerals,
  electric power machinery and switchgear, textile fibers, paper

Lesotho
  manufactures 75% (clothing, footwear, road vehicles), wool
  and mohair, food and live animals

Liberia
  rubber, timber, iron, diamonds, cocoa, coffee

Libya
  crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas, chemicals

Liechtenstein
  small specialty machinery, connectors for audio and
  video, parts for motor vehicles, dental products, hardware, prepared
  foodstuffs, electronic equipment, optical products

Lithuania
  mineral products 22%, machinery and equipment 10%,
  chemicals 9%, textiles 7%, foodstuffs 7%, plastics 7%

Luxembourg
  machinery and equipment, steel products, chemicals,
  rubber products, glass

Macau
  clothing, textiles, footwear, toys, electronics, machinery and
  parts

Macedonia
  food, beverages, tobacco; textiles, miscellaneous
  manufactures, iron and steel

Madagascar
  coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar, cotton cloth,
  chromite, petroleum products

Malawi
  tobacco 53%, tea, sugar, cotton, coffee, peanuts, wood
  products, apparel

Malaysia
  electronic equipment, petroleum and liquefied natural gas,
  wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals

Maldives
  fish

Mali
  cotton, gold, livestock

Malta
  electrical machinery, mechanical appliances, fish and
  crustaceans, pharmaceutical products, printed material

Marshall Islands
  copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish

Mauritania
  iron ore, fish and fish products, gold, copper, petroleum

Mauritius
  clothing and textiles, sugar, cut flowers, molasses, fish

Mayotte
  ylang-ylang (perfume essence), vanilla, copra, coconuts,
  coffee, cinnamon

Mexico
  manufactured goods, oil and oil products, silver, fruits,
  vegetables, coffee, cotton

Micronesia, Federated States of
  fish, garments, bananas, black
  pepper, sakau (kava), betel nut

Moldova
  foodstuffs, textiles, machinery

Mongolia
  copper, apparel, livestock, animal products, cashmere,
  wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals, coal

Montserrat
  electronic components, plastic bags, apparel; hot
  peppers, limes, live plants; cattle

Morocco
  clothing and textiles, electric components, inorganic
  chemicals, transistors, crude minerals, fertilizers (including
  phosphates), petroleum products, citrus fruits, vegetables, fish

Mozambique
  aluminum, prawns, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber;
  bulk electricity

Namibia
  diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium; cattle,
  processed fish, karakul skins

Nauru
  phosphates

Nepal
  clothing, pulses, carpets, textiles, juice, pashima, jute goods

Netherlands
  machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs

New Caledonia
  ferronickels, nickel ore, fish

New Zealand
  dairy products, meat, wood and wood products, fish,
  machinery

Nicaragua
  coffee, beef, shrimp and lobster, tobacco, sugar, gold,
  peanuts; textiles and apparel

Niger
  uranium ore, livestock, cowpeas, onions

Nigeria
  petroleum and petroleum products 95%, cocoa, rubber

Niue
  canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit
  products, pawpaws, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts

Norfolk Island
  postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and
  Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados

Northern Mariana Islands
  garments

Norway
  petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment,
  metals, chemicals, ships, fish

Oman
  petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles

Pakistan
  textiles (garments, bed linen, cotton cloth, yarn), rice,
  leather goods, sports goods, chemicals, manufactures, carpets and
  rugs

Palau
  shellfish, tuna, copra, garments

Panama
  bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing

Papua New Guinea
  oil, gold, copper ore, logs, palm oil, coffee,
  cocoa, crayfish, prawns

Paraguay
  soybeans, feed, cotton, meat, edible oils, electricity,
  wood, leather

Peru
  copper, gold, zinc, crude petroleum and petroleum products,
  coffee, potatoes, asparagus, textiles, fishmeal

Philippines
  semiconductors and electronic products, transport
  equipment, garments, copper products, petroleum products, coconut
  oil, fruits

Pitcairn Islands
  fruits, vegetables, curios, stamps

Poland
  machinery and transport equipment 37.8%, intermediate
  manufactured goods 23.7%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 17.1%,
  food and live animals 7.6%

Portugal
  agricultural products, food products, oil products,
  chemical products, plastics and rubber, skins and leather, wood and
  cork, wood pulp and paper, textile materials, clothing, footwear,
  minerals and mineral products, base metals, machinery and tools,
  vehicles and other transport material, and optical and precision
  instruments

Puerto Rico
  chemicals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum,
  beverage concentrates, medical equipment

Qatar
  liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers,
  steel

Romania
  machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, metals and
  metal products, machinery and equipment, minerals and fuels,
  chemicals, agricultural products

Russia
  petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, metals, wood
  and wood products, chemicals, and a wide variety of civilian and
  military manufactures

Rwanda
  coffee, tea, hides, tin ore

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  fish (frozen, canned,
  and salt-dried skipjack, tuna), coffee, handicrafts

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  machinery, food, electronics, beverages,
  tobacco

Saint Lucia
  bananas 41%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits,
  coconut oil

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  fish and fish products, soybeans, animal
  feed, mollusks and crustaceans, fox and mink pelts

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  bananas, eddoes and dasheen (taro),
  arrowroot starch; tennis racquets

Samoa
  fish, coconut oil and cream, copra, taro, automotive parts,
  garments, beer

San Marino
  building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked
  goods, hides, ceramics

Sao Tome and Principe
  cocoa 80%, copra, coffee, palm oil

Saudi Arabia
  petroleum and petroleum products 90%

Senegal
  fish, groundnuts (peanuts), petroleum products, phosphates,
  cotton

Serbia
  iron and steel, clothes, wheat, fruit and vegetables,
  non-ferrous metals

Seychelles
  canned tuna, frozen fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum
  products (reexports)

Sierra Leone
  diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish

Singapore
  machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer
  goods, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, mineral fuels

Sint Maarten
  sugar

Slovakia
  machinery and electrical equipment 35.9%, vehicles 21%,
  base metals 11.3%, chemicals and minerals 8.1%, plastics 4.9% (2009
  est.)

Slovenia
  manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment,
  chemicals, food

Solomon Islands
  timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa

Somalia
  livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, scrap metal

South Africa
  gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals and minerals,
  machinery and equipment

Spain
  machinery, motor vehicles; foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals,
  medicines, other consumer goods

Sri Lanka
  textiles and apparel, tea and spices; rubber manufactures;
  precious stones; coconut products, fish

Sudan
  oil and petroleum products; cotton, sesame, livestock,
  groundnuts, gum arabic, sugar

Suriname
  alumina, gold, crude oil, lumber, shrimp and fish, rice,
  bananas

Swaziland
  soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn,
  refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit

Sweden
  machinery 35%, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood,
  iron and steel products, chemicals

Switzerland
  machinery, chemicals, metals, watches, agricultural
  products

Syria
  crude oil, minerals, petroleum products, fruits and
  vegetables, cotton fiber, textiles, clothing, meat and live animals,
  wheat

Taiwan
  electronics, flat panels, machinery; metals; textiles,
  plastics, chemicals; optical, photographic, measuring, and medical
  instruments

Tajikistan
  aluminum, electricity, cotton, fruits, vegetable oil,
  textiles

Tanzania
  gold, coffee, cashew nuts, manufactures, cotton

Thailand
  textiles and footwear, fishery products, rice, rubber,
  jewelry, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances

Timor-Leste
  coffee, sandalwood, marble; note - potential for oil and
  vanilla exports

Togo
  reexports, cotton, phosphates, coffee, cocoa

Tokelau
  stamps, copra, handicrafts

Tonga
  squash, fish, vanilla beans, root crops

Trinidad and Tobago
  petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied
  natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products,
  beverages, cereal and cereal products, sugar, cocoa, coffee, citrus
  fruit, vegetables, flowers

Tunisia
  clothing, semi-finished goods and textiles, agricultural
  products, mechanical goods, phosphates and chemicals, hydrocarbons,
  electrical equipment

Turkey
  apparel, foodstuffs, textiles, metal manufactures, transport
  equipment

Turkmenistan
  gas, crude oil, petrochemicals, textiles, cotton fiber

Turks and Caicos Islands
  lobster, dried and fresh conch, conch shells

Tuvalu
  copra, fish

Uganda
  coffee, fish and fish products, tea, cotton, flowers,
  horticultural products; gold

Ukraine
  ferrous and nonferrous metals, fuel and petroleum products,
  chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, food products

United Arab Emirates
  crude oil 45%, natural gas, reexports, dried
  fish, dates

United Kingdom
  manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food,
  beverages, tobacco

United States
  agricultural products (soybeans, fruit, corn) 9.2%,
  industrial supplies (organic chemicals) 26.8%, capital goods
  (transistors, aircraft, motor vehicle parts, computers,
  telecommunications equipment) 49.0%, consumer goods (automobiles,
  medicines) 15.0%

Uruguay
  meat, rice, leather products, wool, fish, dairy products

Uzbekistan
  energy products, cotton, gold, mineral fertilizers,
  ferrous and non-ferrous metals, textiles, food products, machinery,
  automobiles

Vanuatu
  copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee

Venezuela
  petroleum, bauxite and aluminum, minerals, chemicals,
  agricultural products, basic manufactures

Vietnam
  crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea,
  garments, shoes

Virgin Islands
  refined petroleum products

Wallis and Futuna
  copra, chemicals, construction materials

West Bank
  stone, olives, fruit, vegetables, limestone

Western Sahara
  phosphates 62%

World
  the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and
  services
  top ten - share of world trade: electrical machinery, including
  computers 14.8%; mineral fuels, including oil, coal, gas, and
  refined products 14.4%; nuclear reactors, boilers, and parts 14.2%;
  cars, trucks, and buses 8.9%; scientific and precision instruments
  3.5%; plastics 3.4%; iron and steel 2.7%; organic chemicals 2.6%;
  pharmaceutical products 2.6%; diamonds, pearls, and precious stones
  1.9%

Yemen
  crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish, liquefied natural gas

Zambia
  copper/cobalt 64%, cobalt, electricity; tobacco, flowers,
  cotton

Zimbabwe
  platinum, cotton, tobacco, gold, ferroalloys,
  textiles/clothing

======================================================================

@2050

Field Listing :: Exports - partners

  This entry provides a rank ordering of trading partners starting
  with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total
  dollar value.
  Country

Exports - partners(%)

Afghanistan
  US 26.47%, India 23.09%, Pakistan 17.36%, Tajikistan
  12.51% (2009)

Albania
  Italy 58.75%, Greece 9.69%, Austria 6.73%, China 5.68% (2009)

Algeria
  US 23.2%, Italy 17.23%, Spain 10.83%, France 7.97%, Canada
  7.65%, Netherlands 5.19%, Turkey 4.22% (2009)

Angola
  China 35.65%, US 25.98%, France 8.83%, South Africa 4.13%
  (2009)

Argentina
  Brazil 18.78%, China 9.26%, Chile 7.11%, US 6.38% (2009)

Armenia
  Germany 16.47%, Russia 15.45%, US 9.64%, Bulgaria 8.6%,
  Georgia 7.57%, Netherlands 7.48%, Belgium 6.71%, Canada 4.91% (2009)

Aruba
  Panama 23.84%, Netherlands Antilles 20.49%, Colombia 17.48%,
  Venezuela 12.61%, US 9.12%, Netherlands 7.5% (2009)

Australia
  China 21.81%, Japan 19.19%, South Korea 7.88%, India
  7.51%, US 4.95%, UK 4.37%, NZ 4.1% (2009)

Austria
  Germany 30.96%, Italy 8.17%, Switzerland 4.99%, US 3.99%
  (2009)

Azerbaijan
  Italy 20.69%, India 10.67%, US 9.24%, France 8.15%,
  Germany 7.62%, Indonesia 6.63%, Canada 5.13% (2009)

Bahamas, The
  US 35.99%, Singapore 18.64%, Poland 12.1%, Germany
  6.24% (2009)

Bahrain
  India 4.2%, Saudi Arabia 2.78% (2009)

Bangladesh
  US 22.5%, Germany 14.2%, UK 9.6%, France 7%, Netherlands
  6.4% (2009)

Barbados
  Trinidad and Tobago 17.48%, Jamaica 15.63%, US 8.93%, Saint
  Lucia 8.13%, UK 5.36%, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5.04%,
  Antigua and Barbuda 4.12% (2009)

Belarus
  Russia 33.6%, Netherlands 13.78%, Ukraine 8.68%, Latvia
  6.32%, Poland 4.19%, Germany 4.17% (2009)

Belgium
  Germany 19.58%, France 17.71%, Netherlands 11.84%, UK 7.21%,
  US 5.37%, Italy 4.77% (2009)

Belize
  US 30.7%, UK 29.77%, Nigeria 4.9%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.45% (2009)

Benin
  India 19.72%, China 13.18%, Niger 6.94%, Nigeria 6.56%,
  Indonesia 5.73%, Togo 5.63%, Namibia 4.17% (2009)

Bermuda
  Spain 16.91%, India 10.15%, Brazil 9.55%, Germany 7.4% (2009)

Bhutan
  India 86.3%, Bangladesh 8.1%, Italy 1.5% (2008)

Bolivia
  Brazil 41.38%, US 13.87%, Japan 5.62%, Colombia 5.32%, South
  Korea 4.7%, Peru 4.16% (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Croatia 19.07%, Slovenia 18.58%, Italy
  16.87%, Germany 13.38%, Austria 10.25% (2009)

Brazil
  China 12.49%, US 10.5%, Argentina 8.4%, Netherlands 5.39%,
  Germany 4.05% (2009)

Brunei
  Japan 38.04%, Indonesia 25.95%, South Korea 14.17%, Australia
  7.24% (2009)

Bulgaria
  Germany 11.21%, Greece 9.43%, Italy 9.24%, Romania 8.52%,
  Turkey 7.33%, Belgium 5.61%, France 4.44% (2009)

Burkina Faso
  Singapore 16.76%, Belgium 12.78%, China 7.59%, Ghana
  6.89%, India 6.36%, Denmark 5.76%, Niger 5.13%, Thailand 4.52% (2009)

Burma
  Thailand 46.57%, India 12.99%, China 9.01%, Japan 5.65% (2009)

Burundi
  Germany 21.6%, Switzerland 14.86%, Belgium 9.32%, Sweden
  8.94%, Pakistan 5.82% (2009)

Cambodia
  US 45.32%, Singapore 9.46%, Germany 7.52%, UK 7.07%, Canada
  6.31%, Vietnam 4.15% (2009)

Cameroon
  Netherlands 13.99%, Spain 12.25%, Italy 11.84%, China
  9.14%, US 6.16%, France 5.51%, South Korea 4.66%, Belgium 4.33%, UK
  4% (2009)

Canada
  US 75.02%, UK 3.37%, China 3.09% (2009)

Cape Verde
  Spain 53.98%, Portugal 22.23%, Morocco 7.13% (2009)

Central African Republic
  Belgium 32.57%, China 10.49%, Indonesia
  10.36%, Morocco 10.24%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.87%,
  France 5.79% (2009)

Chad
  US 90.06%, France 4.81%, China 1.6% (2009)

Chile
  China 16.46%, US 11.31%, Japan 9.06%, South Korea 6.49%,
  Brazil 4.64%, Mexico 4.09% (2009)

China
  US 20.03%, Hong Kong 12.03%, Japan 8.32%, South Korea 4.55%,
  Germany 4.27% (2009)

Colombia
  US 39%, Venezuela 12%, Netherlands 4% (2009)

Comoros
  Turkey 25.2%, France 20.44%, Singapore 17.44%, Algeria
  8.02%, Italy 6.09%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  China 46.75%, US 15.35%, Belgium
  10.68%, Zambia 5.78%, Finland 4.38% (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
  US 40.08%, China 30.18%, France 8.17%, Taiwan
  6.4%, India 4.2% (2009)

Costa Rica
  US 32.61%, Netherlands 12.82%, China 11.81%, Mexico 4.2%
  (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
  Netherlands 13.92%, France 10.75%, US 7.79%, Germany
  7.2%, Nigeria 6.99%, Ghana 5.56% (2009)

Croatia
  Italy 19.1%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 12.98%, Germany 11.06%,
  Slovenia 7.47%, Austria 5.44%, Serbia 5.41% (2009)

Cuba
  China 25.68%, Canada 20.31%, Spain 6.79%, Netherlands 4.53%
  (2009)

Curacao
  US 13.1%, Guatemala 10.8%, Singapore 10.7%, Dominican
  Republic 9.6%, Haiti 7.6%, The Bahamas 6.1%, Honduras 4.5%, Mexico
  4.2% (2009 est.)

Cyprus
  Greece 23.83%, Germany 9.2%, UK 8.78% (2009)

Czech Republic
  Germany 32.25%, Slovakia 9.02%, Poland 5.8%, France
  5.62%, UK 4.93%, Austria 4.71%, Italy 4.38% (2009)

Denmark
  Germany 17.53%, Sweden 12.68%, UK 8.49%, US 6.05%, Norway
  6.01%, Netherlands 4.84%, France 4.57% (2009)

Djibouti
  Somalia 76.68%, France 4.89%, UAE 4.22% (2009)

Dominica
  Japan 28.62%, UK 19.81%, Antigua and Barbuda 7.7%, Guyana
  6.52%, Jamaica 5.4%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.2% (2009)

Dominican Republic
  US 54.08%, Haiti 9.78% (2009)

Ecuador
  US 33.5%, Peru 6.8%, Chile 6.5%, Columbia 4.9%, Colombia
  4.58%, Russia 4.11% (2009)

Egypt
  US 7.95%, Italy 7.26%, Spain 6.78%, India 6.69%, Saudi Arabia
  5.53%, Syria 5.3%, France 4.39%, South Korea 4.27% (2009)

El Salvador
  US 43.86%, Guatemala 13.92%, Honduras 13.22%, Nicaragua
  5.65% (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  US 30.31%, China 12.54%, Japan 9.21%, Spain 7.5%,
  South Korea 7.01%, Taiwan 5.63%, Italy 5.38%, Netherlands 4.09%
  (2009)

Eritrea
  India 25.3%, Italy 20.7%, Sudan 14.1%, China 12.9%, France
  5.5%, Saudi Arabia 5.4% (2008)

Estonia
  Finland 18.57%, Sweden 12.52%, Latvia 9.51%, Russia 9.33%,
  Germany 6.09%, Lithuania 4.76%, US 4.26% (2009)

Ethiopia
  China 10.87%, Germany 9.75%, Saudi Arabia 7.39%, US 7.21%,
  Netherlands 6.38%, Switzerland 5.33%, Sudan 4.35%, Belgium 4% (2009)

Faroe Islands
  Hungary 36.26%, Denmark 21.36%, UK 12.21%, Nigeria
  7.72%, US 6.49%, Norway 5.46% (2009)

Fiji
  US 15.21%, Australia 12.11%, UK 11.23%, Samoa 5.39%, Tonga
  4.74%, Japan 4.44% (2009)

Finland
  Germany 10.32%, Sweden 9.79%, Russia 9%, US 7.85%,
  Netherlands 5.9%, UK 5.24%, China 4.1% (2009)

France
  Germany 15.88%, Italy 8.16%, Spain 7.8%, Belgium 7.44%, UK
  7.04%, US 5.65%, Netherlands 3.99% (2009)

Gabon
  Russia 30.62%, US 16.56%, China 15.87%, France 4.28% (2009)

Gambia, The
  India 42.06%, France 15.34%, UK 9.03%, China 7.38%, Hong
  Kong 4.55%, Belgium 3.97% (2009)

Georgia
  Turkey 17.87%, Azerbaijan 12.3%, Bulgaria 9.6%, Canada
  8.78%, UK 7.49%, Ukraine 6.82%, Spain 5.27%, US 4.99% (2009)

Germany
  France 10.2%, US 6.7%, Netherlands 6.7%, UK 6.6%, Italy
  6.3%, Austria 6%, China 4.5%, Switzerland 4.4% (2009)

Ghana
  Netherlands 13.45%, UK 7.87%, France 5.85%, Ukraine 5.84%,
  Malaysia 3.97% (2009)

Greece
  Germany 11.11%, Italy 11.05%, Cyprus 7.28%, Bulgaria 6.74%,
  US 4.95%, UK 4.4%, Turkey 4.23% (2009)

Greenland
  Denmark 61.13%, Japan 13.69%, China 6.15%, Sweden 5.21%
  (2009)

Grenada
  Saint Lucia 19.73%, Antigua and Barbuda 13.41%, US 12.21%,
  Saint Kitts and Nevis 12.03%, Dominica 12% (2009)

Guatemala
  US 40.41%, El Salvador 11.2%, Honduras 8.48%, Mexico 5.86%
  (2009)

Guinea
  India 19.68%, Spain 13.18%, Russia 7.24%, Germany 6.86%,
  Ireland 5.87%, US 5.71%, Ukraine 5.6% (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
  India 62.21%, Nigeria 31.28%, Portugal 1.48% (2009)

Guyana
  Canada 27.52%, US 16.93%, UK 10.84%, Ukraine 5.54%,
  Netherlands 5%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.33%, Jamaica 4.12% (2009)

Haiti
  US 79.76%, Dominican Republic 7.24%, Canada 2.96% (2009)

Honduras
  US 59.6%, El Salvador 5.61%, Guatemala 5.28%, Mexico 4.19%,
  Germany 4.04% (2009)

Hong Kong
  China 51.2%, US 11.6%, Japan 4.4% (2009 est.)

Hungary
  Germany 25.54%, Italy 5.67%, UK 5.41%, France 5.37%, Romania
  5.28%, Slovakia 4.97%, Austria 4.52% (2009)

Iceland
  Netherlands 30.71%, UK 12.73%, Germany 11.21%, Norway 5.75%,
  Spain 4.82% (2009)

India
  UAE 12.87%, US 12.59%, China 5.59% (2009)

Indonesia
  Japan 17.28%, Singapore 11.29%, US 10.81%, China 7.62%,
  South Korea 5.53%, India 4.35%, Taiwan 4.11%, Malaysia 4.07% (2009)

Iran
  China 16.58%, Japan 11.9%, India 10.54%, South Korea 7.54%,
  Turkey 4.36% (2009)

Iraq
  US 27.62%, India 14.45%, Italy 10.14%, South Korea 8.62%,
  Taiwan 5.61%, China 4.23%, Netherlands 4.13%, Japan 3.99% (2009)

Ireland
  US 20.52%, Belgium 17.78%, UK 16.31%, Germany 5.66%, France
  5.56%, Spain 4.19% (2009)

Israel
  US 35.05%, Hong Kong 6.02%, Belgium 4.95% (2009)

Italy
  Germany 12.6%, France 11.57%, US 5.92%, Spain 5.69%, UK 5.13%,
  Switzerland 4.69% (2009)

Jamaica
  US 38.19%, Canada 12.2%, UK 10.79%, Norway 4.89%,
  Netherlands 4.69% (2009)

Japan
  China 18.88%, US 16.42%, South Korea 8.13%, Taiwan 6.27%, Hong
  Kong 5.49% (2009)

Jordan
  US 17.13%, Iraq 17%, India 13.59%, Saudi Arabia 10.56%, Syria
  4.18%, UAE 4.09% (2009)

Kazakhstan
  China 16.34%, France 9.23%, Germany 8.32%, Russia 6.9%,
  Ukraine 5.52%, Romania 5.25%, Italy 5.12%, US 4.34% (2009)

Kenya
  UK 11.31%, Netherlands 9.81%, Uganda 9.07%, Tanzania 8.83%, US
  5.93%, Pakistan 5.63% (2009)

Korea, North
  China 42%, South Korea 38%, India 5% (2008)

Korea, South
  China 21.5%, US 10.9%, Japan 6.6%, Hong Kong 4.6% (2008)

Kuwait
  Japan 17.9%, South Korea 17.31%, India 12.43%, Taiwan 9.07%,
  US 7.9%, China 7.55%, Singapore 5.48% (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
  Switzerland 25.96%, Russia 25.88%, Uzbekistan 15.72%,
  Kazakhstan 12.47% (2009)

Laos
  Thailand 29.18%, China 15.04%, Vietnam 14.96%, UK 4.29% (2009)

Latvia
  Lithuania 15.19%, Estonia 13.57%, Russia 13.17%, Germany
  8.13%, Sweden 5.7% (2009)

Lebanon
  Switzerland 22%, UAE 10%, Iraq 8%, Saudi Arabia 7% (2009)

Lesotho
  US 58.9%, Belgium 37%, Madagascar 1.2% (2008)

Liberia
  Germany 27.92%, Poland 17.12%, South Africa 15.83%, India
  10.48%, Greece 7.09%, US 6.23%, Norway 5.24% (2009)

Libya
  Italy 37.65%, Germany 10.11%, France 8.44%, Spain 7.94%,
  Switzerland 5.93%, US 5.27% (2009)

Lithuania
  Russia 13.2%, Latvia 10%, Germany 9.6%, Poland 7.1%,
  Estonia 7.1%, Belarus 4.7%, UK 4.3% (2009)

Luxembourg
  Germany 19.78%, France 15.87%, Belgium 11.07%, UK 7.96%,
  Italy 7.49%, Netherlands 4.31% (2009)

Macau
  Hong Kong 38.7%, US 17.9%, China 14.4%, Germany 4% (2009)

Macedonia
  Germany 20.31%, Greece 13.09%, Italy 11.08%, Bulgaria
  10.61%, Croatia 7.74% (2009)

Madagascar
  France 28.9%, US 20.49%, Germany 5.89%, China 4.36% (2009)

Malawi
  Germany 12.37%, Egypt 8.52%, South Africa 7.67%, Zimbabwe
  7.55%, US 7.4%, Russia 6.79%, Netherlands 6.64%, Japan 4.1% (2009)

Malaysia
  Singapore 13.9%, China 12.2%, US 10.9%, Japan 9.8%,
  Thailand 5.4%, Hong Kong 5.2% (2009)

Maldives
  France 17.01%, Thailand 15.16%, Italy 13.49%, UK 13.13%,
  Sri Lanka 12.38% (2009)

Mali
  China 14.61%, Thailand 8.28%, Pakistan 6.74%, Morocco 6.48%,
  Burkina Faso 4.67%, France 4.6%, India 4.45% (2009)

Malta
  Germany 13.3%, Singapore 12.5%, France 11.4%, US 9.4%, Hong
  Kong 6.5%, UK 5.9%, Italy 4.8% (2009)

Mauritania
  China 42.06%, Italy 9.71%, Japan 7.57%, Cote d'Ivoire
  6.16%, Spain 5.63%, Netherlands 4.32% (2009)

Mauritius
  UK 25.55%, France 16.89%, US 9.51%, Italy 5.68%, UAE
  5.47%, Belgium 4.93%, Madagascar 4.11% (2009)

Mexico
  US 80.5%, Canada 3.6%, Germany 1.4% (2009)

Moldova
  Russia 23.77%, Italy 14.11%, Romania 12.74%, Germany 6.92%,
  Turkey 6.08%, Belarus 5.38% (2009)

Mongolia
  China 78.52%, Canada 9.46%, Russia 3.02% (2009)

Montenegro
  Italy 29.52%, Greece 22.65%, Slovenia 11.83%, Hungary
  8.96%, US 7.93% (2009)

Morocco
  Spain 22.02%, France 20.22%, India 4.91%, Italy 4% (2009)

Mozambique
  Netherlands 47.62%, South Africa 11.6% (2009)

Nepal
  India 65.6%, US 8%, Bangladesh 6.04%, Germany 5% (2009)

Netherlands
  Germany 25.54%, Belgium 12.49%, France 9.27%, UK 8.17%,
  Italy 5.07%, US 3.97% (2009)

New Caledonia
  France 27.52%, Japan 14.87%, Taiwan 10.51%, Spain
  7.74%, China 7.31%, Australia 6.64%, Belgium 5.13%, South Korea 4.2%
  (2009)

New Zealand
  Australia 23.36%, US 9.64%, China 9.21%, Japan 7.1%, UK
  4.21% (2009)

Nicaragua
  US 61.98%, El Salvador 7.74%, Costa Rica 3.67% (2009)

Niger
  France 52.63%, Nigeria 22.43%, US 18.24% (2009)

Nigeria
  US 35.08%, India 10.43%, Brazil 9.32%, Spain 7.19%, France
  4.65% (2009)

Norway
  UK 24.28%, Germany 13.4%, Netherlands 10.87%, France 8.55%,
  Sweden 5.76%, US 4.82% (2009)

Oman
  China 26.98%, South Korea 17.19%, Japan 12.12%, UAE 11.23%,
  Thailand 7.64% (2009)

Pakistan
  US 15.87%, UAE 12.35%, Afghanistan 8.48%, UK 4.7%, China
  4.44% (2009)

Panama
  Greece 21.03%, US 17.63%, Japan 9.87%, Germany 4.28%, Italy
  4.27% (2009)

Papua New Guinea
  Australia 30.05%, Japan 7.48% (2009)

Paraguay
  Brazil 21%, Uruguay 17%, Chile 12%, Argentina 11%, Russia
  4% (2009)

Peru
  US 17.86%, China 15.96%, Canada 11.35%, Japan 6.75%, Chile
  5.42%, Germany 4.25% (2009)

Philippines
  US 17.6%, Japan 16.2%, Netherlands 9.8%, Hong Kong 8.6%,
  China 7.7%, Germany 6.5%, Singapore 6.2% (2009)

Poland
  Germany 26.06%, Italy 6.84%, France 6.78%, UK 6.38%, Czech
  Republic 5.85%, Netherlands 4.14% (2009)

Portugal
  Spain 26.25%, Germany 12.99%, France 12.04%, Angola 7.21%,
  UK 5.54% (2009)

Qatar
  Japan 34.68%, South Korea 22.44%, Singapore 10.03%, India
  4.86% (2009)

Romania
  Germany 18.76%, Italy 15.42%, France 8.2%, Turkey 4.99%,
  Hungary 4.33% (2009)

Russia
  Netherlands 10.62%, Italy 6.46%, Germany 6.24%, China 5.69%,
  Turkey 4.3%, Ukraine 4.01% (2009)

Rwanda
  Kenya 33.88%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 13.56%,
  Thailand 6.22%, China 5.49%, US 5.47%, Swaziland 5.43%, Belgium
  5.19% (2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  US 62.3%, Canada 7.93%, Azerbaijan 6.72% (2009)

Saint Lucia
  Spain 29.41%, UK 15.28%, South Korea 10.54%, US 9.75%,
  India 9.52% (2009)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  Greece 40.04%, Poland 11.78%,
  France 9.05%, China 8.53%, India 4.71% (2009)

Samoa
  American Samoa 41.12%, Australia 24.74%, Taiwan 6.24%, China
  5.61%, US 4.07% (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
  UK 32.99%, Netherlands 26.93%, Belgium 21.04%,
  Portugal 4.31% (2009)

Saudi Arabia
  Japan 15.33%, South Korea 12.71%, US 12.2%, China
  10.38%, India 7.12%, Taiwan 4.54%, Singapore 4.25% (2009)

Senegal
  Mali 20.12%, India 9.84%, Gambia 5.58%, France 5.02%, Italy
  4.23% (2009)

Serbia
  Bosnia and Herzegovina 13.12%, Italy 10.96%, Germany 9.9%,
  Serbia and Montenegro 7%, Austria 5.4%, Slovenia 5.38%, Macedonia
  5.26%, Russia 4.39%, Hungary 4.36% (2009)

Seychelles
  UK 24.84%, France 18.53%, Italy 9.45%, Mauritius 9.03%,
  Japan 6.98%, Spain 4.92% (2009)

Sierra Leone
  Belgium 26.56%, US 11.87%, Netherlands 7.91%, UK 7.4%,
  India 6.67%, Cote d'Ivoire 6.13%, Greece 4.05% (2009)

Singapore
  Hong Kong 11.6%, Malaysia 11.5%, US 11.2%, Indonesia 9.7%,
  China 9.7%, Japan 4.6%, Hong Kong 11.6% (2009)

Sint Maarten
  China 23.49%, US 10.91%, Japan 5.92% (2009)

Slovakia
  Germany 20.1%, Czech Republic 12.9%, France 7.8%, Poland
  7.2%, Hungary 6.3%, Italy 6.1%, Austria 5.8%, UK 4.8% (2009)

Slovenia
  Germany 19.36%, Italy 11.31%, Croatia 7.75%, Austria 7.42%,
  France 7.35% (2009)

Solomon Islands
  China 54.07%, South Korea 6.19%, Philippines 6.04%,
  Spain 4.87% (2009)

Somalia
  UAE 58.27%, Yemen 20.32%, Saudi Arabia 3.78% (2009)

South Africa
  China 10.34%, US 9.19%, Japan 7.59%, Germany 7.01%, UK
  5.54%, Switzerland 4.72% (2009)

Spain
  France 19.27%, Germany 11.11%, Portugal 9.21%, Italy 8.24%, UK
  6.18% (2009)

Sri Lanka
  US 20.59%, UK 12.87%, Italy 5.51%, Germany 5.29%, India
  4.54%, Belgium 4.43% (2009)

Sudan
  China 58.29%, Japan 14.7%, Indonesia 8.83%, India 4.86% (2009)

Suriname
  Canada 35.47%, Belgium 14.92%, US 10.15%, UAE 9.87%, Norway
  4.92%, Netherlands 4.7%, France 4.47% (2009)

Sweden
  Norway 10.61%, Germany 10.2%, UK 7.45%, Denmark 7.35%,
  Finland 6.44%, US 6.36%, France 5.05%, Netherlands 4.67% (2009)

Switzerland
  Germany 20.98%, US 9.09%, France 8.62%, Italy 8.08%,
  Austria 5.38% (2009)

Syria
  Iraq 30.22%, Lebanon 12.21%, Germany 8.89%, Egypt 6.8%, Saudi
  Arabia 5.04%, Italy 4.55% (2009)

Taiwan
  China 26.6%, Hong Kong 14.4%, US 11.6%, Japan 7.2%, Singapore
  4.2% (2009)

Tajikistan
  Russia 19.16%, China 18.38%, Turkey 12.09%, Iran 11.11%,
  Uzbekistan 7.92%, Norway 6.17%, Greece 4.32% (2009)

Tanzania
  India 8.51%, China 7.55%, Japan 7.12%, Netherlands 6.21%,
  UAE 5.71%, Germany 5.17% (2009)

Thailand
  US 10.9%, China 10.6%, Japan 10.3%, Hong Kong 6.2%,
  Australia 5.6%, Malaysia 5%, Singapore 4.97% (2009)

Togo
  Germany 17.57%, Ghana 12.74%, Burkina Faso 11.02%, India
  10.22%, Belgium 7.1%, Benin 6.92%, Netherlands 5.94%, Mali 4.41%
  (2009)

Tonga
  Hong Kong 25.42%, US 22.65%, Japan 12.21%, NZ 7.31%, Fiji
  7.2%, Samoa 6.06%, South Korea 4.48% (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
  US 38.53%, Jamaica 8.86%, Spain 6.88%, Mexico
  6.23% (2009)

Tunisia
  France 29.6%, Italy 21%, Germany 8.8%, Libya 5.8%, Spain 5%,
  UK 4.8% (2009)

Turkey
  Germany 9.6%, France 6.1%, UK 5.8%, Italy 5.8%, Iraq 5% (2009)

Turkmenistan
  Ukraine 22.3%, Turkey 10.27%, Hungary 6.75%, UAE 6.25%,
  Poland 6.16%, Afghanistan 5.79%, Iran 5.17% (2009)

Uganda
  Sudan 13.47%, Kenya 8.98%, UAE 7.52%, Rwanda 7.5%,
  Switzerland 7.42%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.85%,
  Netherlands 5.67%, Belgium 5.66%, Germany 5.18%, Italy 4.33% (2009)

Ukraine
  Russia 21.1%, Turkey 5.3%, China 3.8% (2009)

United Arab Emirates
  Japan 17.27%, South Korea 10.49%, India 9.96%,
  Iran 6.82%, Thailand 5.11% (2009)

United Kingdom
  US 14.71%, Germany 11.06%, France 8%, Netherlands
  7.79%, Ireland 6.89%, Belgium 4.65%, Spain 4% (2009)

United States
  Canada 19.37%, Mexico 12.21%, China 6.58%, Japan
  4.84%, UK 4.33%, Germany 4.1% (2009)

Uruguay
  Brazil 21.05%, China 9.45%, Argentina 7.36%, Germany 5.16%,
  Mexico 4.88%, Netherlands 4.13%, US 3.96% (2009)

Uzbekistan
  Ukraine 29.91%, Russia 13.94%, Turkey 7.53%, Kazakhstan
  7.26%, Bangladesh 6.83%, China 5.69%, South Korea 4.19% (2009)

Vanuatu
  Thailand 53.15%, Japan 12.22%, Poland 11.78% (2009)

Venezuela
  US 35.18%, Netherlands Antilles 8.56%
  note: excludes oil exports; Venezuela last published petroleum
  figures by country in 2008 (2009)

Vietnam
  US 21.43%, Japan 11.44%, China 7.27%, Australia 4.43%,
  Germany 4.27% (2009)

World
  US 12.7%, Germany 7.2%, China 6.4%, France 4.5%, Japan 4.3%,
  UK 4.2% (2008 est.)

Yemen
  China 36%, Thailand 17.63%, India 13.54%, South Africa 6.16%,
  Japan 5.49%, UAE 4.99% (2009)

Zambia
  China 21.37%, Saudi Arabia 8.93%, Democratic Republic of the
  Congo 8.55%, South Korea 8.32%, Egypt 8.08%, South Africa 6.96%,
  India 5% (2009)

Zimbabwe
  Democratic Republic of the Congo 14.82%, South Africa
  13.39%, Botswana 13.23%, China 7.82%, Zambia 7.3%, Netherlands
  5.39%, UK 4.93% (2009)

======================================================================

@2051

Field Listing :: Administrative divisions

This entry generally gives the numbers, designatory terms, and first-order administrative divisions as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Changes that have been reported but not yet acted on by the BGN are noted. Country

Administrative divisions

Afghanistan
  34 provinces (welayat, singular - welayat); Badakhshan,
  Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamyan, Daykundi, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni,
  Ghor, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabul, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khost,
  Kunar, Kunduz, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nimroz, Nuristan, Paktika,
  Paktiya, Panjshir, Parwan, Samangan, Sar-e Pul, Takhar, Uruzgan,
  Wardak, Zabul

Albania
  12 counties (qarqe, singular - qark); Berat, Diber, Durres,
  Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Korce, Kukes, Lezhe, Shkoder, Tirane,
  Vlore

Algeria
  48 provinces (wilayat, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Ain Defla,
  Ain Temouchent, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida,
  Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa,
  El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel,
  Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M'Sila,
  Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi
  Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset, Tebessa, Tiaret,
  Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen

American Samoa
  none (territory of the US); there are no first-order
  administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there
  are three districts and two islands* at the second order; Eastern,
  Manu'a, Rose Island*, Swains Island*, Western

Andorra
  7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra la
  Vella, Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, La Massana, Ordino, Sant
  Julia de Loria

Angola
  18 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Bengo,
  Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul,
  Cunene, Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje,
  Moxico, Namibe, Uige, Zaire

Anguilla
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda
  6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*,
  Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint
  Peter, Saint Philip

Argentina
  23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1
  autonomous city* (distrito federal); Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
  Capital Federal*, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes,
  Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Misiones,
  Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe,
  Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego - Antartida e Islas del
  Atlantico Sur (Tierra del Fuego), Tucuman
  note: the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica

Armenia
  11 provinces (marzer, singular - marz); Aragatsotn, Ararat,
  Armavir, Geghark'unik', Kotayk', Lorri, Shirak, Syunik', Tavush,
  Vayots' Dzor, Yerevan

Aruba
  none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Australia
  6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital
  Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South
  Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Austria
  9 states (Bundeslaender, singular - Bundesland); Burgenland,
  Kaernten (Carinthia), Niederoesterreich (Lower Austria),
  Oberoesterreich (Upper Austria), Salzburg, Steiermark (Styria),
  Tirol (Tyrol), Vorarlberg, Wien (Vienna)

Azerbaijan
  59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities
  (saharlar; sahar - singular), 1 autonomous republic (muxtar
  respublika)
  rayons: Abseron Rayonu, Agcabadi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdas Rayonu,
  Agstafa Rayonu, Agsu Rayonu, Astara Rayonu, Balakan Rayonu, Barda
  Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu, Bilasuvar Rayonu, Cabrayil Rayonu,
  Calilabad Rayonu, Daskasan Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu, Fuzuli Rayonu,
  Gadabay Rayonu, Goranboy Rayonu, Goycay Rayonu, Haciqabul Rayonu,
  Imisli Rayonu, Ismayilli Rayonu, Kalbacar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu,
  Lacin Rayonu, Lankaran Rayonu, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu,
  Neftcala Rayonu, Oguz Rayonu, Qabala Rayonu, Qax Rayonu, Qazax
  Rayonu, Qobustan Rayonu, Quba Rayonu, Qubadli Rayonu, Qusar Rayonu,
  Saatli Rayonu, Sabirabad Rayonu, Saki Rayonu, Salyan Rayonu, Samaxi
  Rayonu, Samkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu, Siyazan Rayonu, Susa Rayonu,
  Tartar Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu, Ucar Rayonu, Xacmaz Rayonu, Xanlar
  Rayonu, Xizi Rayonu, Xocali Rayonu, Xocavand Rayonu, Yardimli
  Rayonu, Yevlax Rayonu, Zangilan Rayonu, Zaqatala Rayonu, Zardab
  Rayonu
  cities: Ali Bayramli Sahari, Baki Sahari, Ganca Sahari, Lankaran
  Sahari, Mingacevir Sahari, Naftalan Sahari, Saki Sahari, Sumqayit
  Sahari, Susa Sahari, Xankandi Sahari, Yevlax Sahari
  autonomous republic: Naxcivan Muxtar Respublikasi (Nakhichevan)

Bahamas, The
  31 districts; Acklins Islands, Berry Islands, Bimini,
  Black Point, Cat Island, Central Abaco, Central Andros, Central
  Eleuthera, City of Freeport, Crooked Island and Long Cay, East Grand
  Bahama, Exuma, Grand Cay, Harbour Island, Hope Town, Inagua, Long
  Island, Mangrove Cay, Mayaguana, Moore's Island, North Abaco, North
  Andros, North Eleuthera, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, South
  Abaco, South Andros, South Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, West Grand
  Bahama

Bahrain
  5 governorates; Asamah, Janubiyah, Muharraq, Shamaliyah,
  Wasat
  note: each governorate administered by an appointed governor

Bangladesh
  7 divisions; Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna,
  Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet

Barbados
  11 parishes and 1 city*; Bridgetown*, Christ Church, Saint
  Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint
  Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas

Belarus
  6 provinces (voblastsi, singular - voblasts') and 1
  municipality* (horad); Brest, Homyel' (Gomel), Horad Minsk* (Minsk
  City), Hrodna (Grodno), Mahilyow (Mogilev), Minsk, Vitsyebsk
  (Vitebsk)
  note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
  administrative centers; Russian spelling provided for reference when
  different from Belarusian

Belgium
  3 regions (French: regions, singular - region; Dutch:
  gewesten, singular - gewest); Brussels-Capital Region, also known as
  Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (Dutch), Region de Bruxelles-Capitale
  (French long form), Bruxelles-Capitale (French short form); Flemish
  Region (Flanders), also known as Vlaams Gewest (Dutch long form),
  Vlaanderen (Dutch short form), Region Flamande (French long form),
  Flandre (French short form); Walloon Region (Wallonia), also known
  as Region Wallone (French long form), Wallonie (French short form),
  Waals Gewest (Dutch long form), Wallonie (Dutch short form)
  note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered
  devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of
  government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a
  complex division of responsibilities

Belize
  6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek,
  Toledo

Benin
  12 departments; Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou,
  Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou

Bermuda
  9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton,
  Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys,
  Smith's, Southampton, Warwick

Bhutan
  20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang,
  Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Gasa, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar,
  Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang,
  Tashigang, Tashi Yangtse, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang

Bolivia
  9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);
  Beni, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa
  Cruz, Tarija

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  2 first-order administrative divisions and 1
  internationally supervised district* - Brcko district (Brcko
  Distrikt)*, the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  (Federacija Bosna i Hercegovina) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika
  Srpska; note - Brcko district is in northeastern Bosnia and is a
  self-governing administrative unit under the sovereignty of Bosnia
  and Herzegovina and formally held in condominium between the two
  entities; the District remains under international supervision

Botswana
  9 districts and 5 town councils*; Central, Francistown*,
  Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Jwaneng*, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*,
  Northeast, Northwest, Selebi-Pikwe*, Southeast, Southern

Brazil
  26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal
  district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia,
  Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato
  Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana,
  Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande
  do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe,
  Tocantins

British Virgin Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei
  4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait,
  Brunei-Muara, Temburong, Tutong

Bulgaria
  28 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Blagoevgrad,
  Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Khaskovo, Kurdzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech,
  Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen,
  Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofiya (Sofia), Sofiya-Grad (Sofia City),
  Stara Zagora, Turgovishte, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, Vidin, Vratsa,
  Yambol

Burkina Faso
  45 provinces; Bale, Bam, Banwa, Bazega, Bougouriba,
  Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Comoe, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Ioba,
  Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komondjari, Kompienga, Kossi, Koulpelogo,
  Kouritenga, Kourweogo, Leraba, Loroum, Mouhoun, Nahouri, Namentenga,
  Nayala, Noumbiel, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie,
  Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Tuy, Yagha, Yatenga,
  Ziro, Zondoma, Zoundweogo

Burma
  7 divisions (taing-myar, singular - taing) and 7 states* (pyi
  ne-myar, singular - pyi ne)
  divisions: Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi,
  Yangon
  states: Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine (Arakan), Shan

Burundi
  17 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura Mairie, Bujumbura Rural,
  Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo,
  Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi

Cambodia
  23 provinces (khett, singular and plural) and 1
  municipality (krong, singular and plural)
  provinces: Banteay Mean Choay, Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong
  Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Keb,
  Krachen, Mondol Kiri, Otdar Mean Choay, Pailin, Pouthisat, Preah
  Seihanu (Sihanoukville), Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanokiri, Siem
  Reab, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev
  municipalities: Phnum Penh (Phnom Penh)

Cameroon
  10 regions (regions, singular - region); Adamaoua, Centre,
  Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord, North-West (Nord-Ouest), Ouest,
  Sud, South-West (Sud-Ouest)

Canada
  10 provinces and 3 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia,
  Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest
  Territories*, Nova Scotia, Nunavut*, Ontario, Prince Edward Island,
  Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory*

Cape Verde
  17 municipalities (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa
  Vista, Brava, Maio, Mosteiros, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira
  Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Domingos, Sao Filipe,
  Sao Miguel, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal

Cayman Islands
  8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town,
  Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western

Central African Republic
  14 prefectures (prefectures, singular -
  prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques,
  singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**;
  Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou,
  Kemo, Lobaye, Mambere-Kadei, Mbomou, Nana-Grebizi*, Nana-Mambere,
  Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere*, Vakaga

Chad
  22 regions (regions, singular - region); Barh el Gazel, Batha,
  Borkou, Chari-Baguirmi, Ennedi, Guera, Hadjer-Lamis, Kanem, Lac,
  Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mandoul, Mayo-Kebbi Est,
  Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Sila, Tandjile,
  Tibesti, Ville de N'Djamena, Wadi Fira

Chile
  15 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General
  Carlos Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Arica y Parinacota,
  Atacama, Biobio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins,
  Los Lagos, Los Rios, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule,
  Region Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso
  note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

China
  23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous
  regions (zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 4 municipalities (shi,
  singular and plural)
  provinces: Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei,
  Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin,
  Liaoning, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan,
  Zhejiang; (see note on Taiwan)
  autonomous regions: Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang Uygur,
  Xizang (Tibet)
  municipalities: Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Tianjin
  note: China considers Taiwan its 23rd province; see separate entries
  for the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau

Christmas Island
  none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  none (territory of Australia)

Colombia
  32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and
  1 capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca,
  Atlantico, Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare,
  Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare,
  Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander,
  Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Santander,
  Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada

Comoros
  3 islands and 4 municipalities*; Grande Comore (N'gazidja),
  Anjouan (Ndzuwani), Domoni*, Fomboni*, Moheli (Mwali), Moroni*,
  Moutsamoudou*

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10 provinces (provinces, singular - province) and 1 city* (ville); Bandundu, Bas-Congo, Equateur, Kasai-Occidental, Kasai-Oriental, Katanga, Kinshasa*, Maniema, Nord-Kivu, Orientale, Sud-Kivu note: according to the Constitution adopted in December 2005, the current administrative divisions will be subdivided into 26 new provinces by 2009

Congo, Republic of the
  10 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1
  commune*; Bouenza, Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Kouilou,
  Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha

Cook Islands
  none

Costa Rica
  7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela,
  Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose

Cote d'Ivoire
  19 regions; Agneby, Bafing, Bas-Sassandra, Denguele,
  Dix-Huit Montagnes, Fromager, Haut-Sassandra, Lacs, Lagunes,
  Marahoue, Moyen-Cavally, Moyen-Comoe, N'zi-Comoe, Savanes,
  Sud-Bandama, Sud-Comoe, Vallee du Bandama, Worodougou, Zanzan

Croatia
  20 counties (zupanije, zupanija - singular) and 1 city*
  (grad - singular); Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska, Brodsko-Posavska,
  Dubrovacko-Neretvanska (Dubrovnik-Neretva), Istarska (Istria),
  Karlovacka, Koprivnicko-Krizevacka, Krapinsko-Zagorska,
  Licko-Senjska (Lika-Senj), Medimurska, Osjecko-Baranjska,
  Pozesko-Slavonska (Pozega-Slavonia), Primorsko-Goranska,
  Sibensko-Kninska, Sisacko-Moslavacka, Splitsko-Dalmatinska
  (Split-Dalmatia), Varazdinska, Viroviticko-Podravska,
  Vukovarsko-Srijemska, Zadarska, Zagreb*, Zagrebacka

Cuba
  14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special
  municipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila,
  Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla
  de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio,
  Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara

Curacao
  none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Cyprus
  6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia,
  Paphos; note - Turkish Cypriot area's administrative divisions
  include Kyrenia, all but a small part of Famagusta, and small parts
  of Nicosia (Lefkosia) and Larnaca

Czech Republic
  13 regions (kraje, singular - kraj) and 1 capital
  city* (hlavni mesto); Jihocesky (South Bohemia), Jihomoravsky (South
  Moravia), Karlovarsky, Kralovehradecky, Liberecky, Moravskoslezsky
  (Moravia-Silesia), Olomoucky, Pardubicky, Plzensky (Pilsen), Praha
  (Prague)*, Stredocesky (Central Bohemia), Ustecky, Vysocina, Zlinsky

Denmark
  metropolitan Denmark - 5 regions (regioner, singular -
  region); Hovedstaden, Midtjylland, Nordjylland, Sjaelland, Syddanmark
  note: an extensive local government reform merged 271 municipalities
  into 98 and 13 counties into five regions, effective 1 January 2007

Djibouti
  6 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); Ali Sabieh, Arta,
  Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjourah

Dominica
  10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint
  John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint
  Paul, Saint Peter

Dominican Republic
  31 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia)
  and 1 district* (distrito); Azua, Bahoruco, Barahona, Dajabon,
  Distrito Nacional*, Duarte, El Seibo, Elias Pina, Espaillat, Hato
  Mayor, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria
  Trinidad Sanchez, Monsenor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata,
  Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Salcedo, Samana, San Cristobal,
  San Jose de Ocoa, San Juan, San Pedro de Macoris, Sanchez Ramirez,
  Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, Santo Domingo, Valverde

Ecuador
  24 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay,
  Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas,
  Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi,
  Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Santa Elena,
  Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Sucumbios, Tungurahua,
  Zamora-Chinchipe

Egypt
  29 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat); Ad
  Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al Ahmar (Red Sea), Al Buhayrah (El Beheira), Al
  Fayyum (El Faiyum), Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah (Alexandria), Al
  Isma'iliyah (Ismailia), Al Jizah (Giza), Al Minufiyah (El Monofia),
  Al Minya, Al Qahirah (Cairo), Al Qalyubiyah, Al Uqsur, Al Wadi al
  Jadid (New Valley), As Suways (Suez), Ash Sharqiyah, Aswan, Asyut,
  Bani Suwayf (Beni Suef), Bur Sa'id (Port Said), Dumyat (Damietta),
  Helwan, Janub Sina' (South Sinai), Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh (Western
  Desert), Qina (Qena), Shamal Sina' (North Sinai), Sittah Uktubar,
  Suhaj (Sohag)

El Salvador
  14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);
  Ahuachapan, Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz,
  La Union, Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, San Vicente, Santa Ana,
  Sonsonate, Usulutan

Equatorial Guinea
  7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia);
  Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral,
  Wele-Nzas

Eritrea
  6 regions (zobatat, singular - zoba); Anseba, Debub (South),
  Debubawi K'eyih Bahri (Southern Red Sea), Gash Barka, Ma'akel
  (Central), Semenawi Keyih Bahri (Northern Red Sea)

Estonia
  15 counties (maakonnad, singular - maakond); Harjumaa
  (Tallinn), Hiiumaa (Kardla), Ida-Virumaa (Johvi), Jarvamaa (Paide),
  Jogevamaa (Jogeva), Laanemaa (Haapsalu), Laane-Virumaa (Rakvere),
  Parnumaa (Parnu), Polvamaa (Polva), Raplamaa (Rapla), Saaremaa
  (Kuressaare), Tartumaa (Tartu), Valgamaa (Valga), Viljandimaa
  (Viljandi), Vorumaa (Voru)
  note: counties have the administrative center name following in
  parentheses

Ethiopia
  9 ethnically based states (kililoch, singular - kilil) and
  2 self-governing administrations* (astedaderoch, singular -
  astedader); Adis Abeba* (Addis Ababa), Afar, Amara (Amhara),
  Binshangul Gumuz, Dire Dawa*, Gambela Hizboch (Gambela Peoples),
  Hareri Hizb (Harari People), Oromiya (Oromia), Sumale (Somali),
  Tigray, Ye Debub Biheroch Bihereseboch na Hizboch (Southern Nations,
  Nationalities and Peoples)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  none (overseas territory of the
  UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands
  none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing
  overseas administrative division of Denmark); there are no
  first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US
  Government, but there are 34 municipalities

Fiji
  4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern,
  Rotuma*, Western

Finland
  20 regions (maakunnat, singular - maakunta (Finnish);
  landskapen, singular - landskapet (Swedish)); Aland (Swedish),
  Ahvenanmaa (Finnish); Etela-Karjala (Finnish), Sodra Karelen
  (Swedish) [South Karelia]; Etela-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Sodra
  Osterbotten (Swedish) [South Ostrobothnia]; Etela-Savo (Finnish),
  Sodra Savolax (Swedish) [South Savo]; Kanta-Hame (Finnish),
  Egentliga Tavastland (Swedish); Ita-Uusimaa (Finnish), Ostra Nyland
  (Swedish) [East Newland]; Kainuu (Finnish), Kajanaland (Swedish);
  Keski-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Mellersta Osterbotten (Swedish) [Central
  Ostrobothnia]; Keski-Suomi (Finnish), Mellersta Finland (Swedish)
  [Central Finland]; Kymenlaakso (Finnish), Kymmenedalen (Swedish);
  Lappi (Finnish), Lappland (Swedish); Paijat-Hame (Finnish),
  Paijanne-Tavastland (Swedish); Pirkanmaa (Finnish), Birkaland
  (Swedish) [Tampere]; Osterbotten (Swedish), Pohjanmaa (Finnish)
  [Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Karjala (Finnish), Norra Karelen (Swedish)
  [North Karelia]; Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Norra Osterbotten
  (Swedish) [North Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Savo (Finnish), Norra
  Savolax (Swedish) [North Savo]; Satakunta (Finnish and Swedish);
  Uusimaa (Finnish), Nyland (Swedish) [Newland]; Varsinais-Suomi
  (Finnish), Egentliga Finland (Swedish) [Southwest Finland]

France
  26 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine,
  Auvergne, Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy), Bourgogne (Burgundy),
  Bretagne (Brittany), Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Corse (Corsica),
  Franche-Comte, Guadeloupe, Guyane (French Guiana), Haute-Normandie
  (Upper Normandy), Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin,
  Lorraine, Martinique, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la
  Loire, Picardie, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur,
  Reunion, Rhone-Alpes
  note: France is divided into 22 metropolitan regions (including the
  "territorial collectivity" of Corse or Corsica) and 4 overseas
  regions (including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and
  Reunion) and is subdivided into 96 metropolitan departments and 4
  overseas departments (which are the same as the overseas regions)

French Polynesia
  none (overseas lands of France); there are no
  first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US
  Government, but there are five archipelagic divisions named Archipel
  des Marquises, Archipel des Tuamotu, Archipel des Tubuai, Iles du
  Vent, Iles Sous-le-Vent

French Southern and Antarctic Lands none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are five administrative districts named Iles Crozet, Iles Eparses, Iles Kerguelen, Ile Saint-Paul et Ile Amsterdam; the fifth district is the "Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Gabon
  9 provinces; Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie,
  Nyanga, Ogooue-Ivindo, Ogooue-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime, Woleu-Ntem

Gambia, The
  5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Central River, Lower
  River, North Bank, Upper River, Western

Georgia
  9 regions (mkharebi, singular - mkhare), 1 city (k'alak'i),
  and 2 autonomous republics (avtomnoy respubliki, singular - avtom
  respublika)
  regions: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti,
  Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti,
  Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli
  city: Tbilisi
  autonomous republics: Abkhazia or Ap'khazet'is Avtonomiuri
  Respublika (Sokhumi), Ajaria or Acharis Avtonomiuri Respublika
  (Bat'umi)
  note: the administrative centers of the two autonomous republics are
  shown in parentheses

Germany
  16 states (Laender, singular - Land); Baden-Wurttemberg,
  Bayern (Bavaria), Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen
  (Hesse), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania),
  Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Nordrhein-Westfalen (North
  Rhine-Westphalia), Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Saarland,
  Sachsen (Saxony), Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt),
  Schleswig-Holstein, Thueringen (Thuringia); note - Bayern, Sachsen,
  and Thueringen refer to themselves as free states (Freistaaten,
  singular - Freistaat)

Ghana
  10 regions; Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Greater
  Accra, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western

Gibraltar
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Greece
  51 prefectures (nomoi, singular - nomos) and 1 autonomous
  region*; Achaia, Agion Oros* (Mount Athos), Aitolia kai Akarnania,
  Argolis, Arkadia, Arta, Attiki, Chalkidiki, Chania, Chios,
  Dodekanisos, Drama, Evros, Evrytania, Evvoia, Florina, Fokidos,
  Fthiotis, Grevena, Ileia, Imathia, Ioannina, Irakleion, Karditsa,
  Kastoria, Kavala, Kefallinia, Kerkyra, Kilkis, Korinthia, Kozani,
  Kyklades, Lakonia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lefkada, Lesvos, Magnisia,
  Messinia, Pella, Pieria, Preveza, Rethymnis, Rodopi, Samos, Serres,
  Thesprotia, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Voiotia, Xanthi, Zakynthos

Greenland
  4 municipalities (kommuner, singular kommune); Kujalleq,
  Qaasuitsup, Qeqqata, Sermersooq
  note: the North and East Greenland National Park (Avannaarsuani
  Tunumilu Nuna Allanngutsaaliugaq) and the Thule Air Base in Pituffik
  (in northwest Greenland) are two unincorporated areas; the national
  park's 972,000 sq km - about 46% of the island - make it the largest
  national park in the world and also the most northerly

Grenada
  6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petite
  Martinique*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John,
  Saint Mark, Saint Patrick

Guam
  none (territory of the US)

Guatemala
  22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);
  Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso,
  Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten,
  Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa
  Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, Zacapa

Guernsey
  none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order
  administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there
  are 10 parishes including Castel, Forest, Saint Andrew, Saint
  Martin, Saint Peter Port, Saint Pierre du Bois, Saint Sampson, Saint
  Saviour, Torteval, Vale

Guinea
  33 prefectures and 1 special zone (zone special)*; Beyla,
  Boffa, Boke, Conakry*, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Dubreka,
  Faranah, Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan, Kerouane,
  Kindia, Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma,
  Lola, Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri,
  Telimele, Tougue, Yomou

Guinea-Bissau
  9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata,
  Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali; note -
  Bolama may have been renamed Bolama/Bijagos

Guyana
  10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica,
  East Berbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara,
  Mahaica-Berbice, Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper
  Demerara-Berbice, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo

Haiti
  10 departments (departements, singular - departement);
  Artibonite, Centre, Grand'Anse, Nippes, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest,
  Ouest, Sud, Sud-Est

Holy See (Vatican City)
  none

Honduras
  18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);
  Atlantida, Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso,
  Francisco Morazan, Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahia, La
  Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro

Hong Kong
  none (special administrative region of China)

Hungary
  19 counties (megyek, singular - megye), 23 urban counties
  (singular - megyei varos), and 1 capital city (fovaros)
  counties: Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen,
  Csongrad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves,
  Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komarom-Esztergom, Nograd, Pest, Somogy,
  Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zala
  urban counties: Bekescsaba, Debrecen, Dunaujvaros, Eger, Erd, Gyor,
  Hodmezovasarhely, Kaposvar, Kecskemet, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa,
  Nyiregyhaza, Pecs, Salgotarjan, Sopron, Szeged, Szekesfehervar,
  Szekszard, Szolnok, Szombathely, Tatabanya, Veszprem, Zalaegerszeg
  capital city: Budapest

Iceland
  8 regions; Austurland, Hofudhborgarsvaedhi, Nordhurland
  Eystra, Nordhurland Vestra, Sudhurland, Sudhurnes, Vestfirdhir,
  Vesturland

India
  28 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar
  Islands*, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar,
  Chandigarh*, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli*, Daman and Diu*,
  Delhi*, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir,
  Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh,
  Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa,
  Puducherry*, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar
  Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal

Indonesia
  30 provinces (provinsi-provinsi, singular - provinsi), 2
  special regions* (daerah-daerah istimewa, singular - daerah
  istimewa), and 1 special capital city district** (daerah khusus
  ibukota); Aceh*, Bali, Banten, Bengkulu, Gorontalo, Jakarta Raya**,
  Jambi, Jawa Barat (West Java), Jawa Tengah (Central Java), Jawa
  Timur (East Java), Kalimantan Barat (West Kalimantan), Kalimantan
  Selatan (South Kalimantan), Kalimantan Tengah (Central Kalimantan),
  Kalimantan Timur (East Kalimantan), Kepulauan Bangka Belitung
  (Bangka Belitung Islands), Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands), Lampung,
  Maluku, Maluku Utara (North Maluku), Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa
  Tenggara), Nusa Tenggara Timur (East Nusa Tenggara), Papua, Papua
  Barat (West Papua), Riau, Sulawesi Barat (West Sulawesi), Sulawesi
  Selatan (South Sulawesi), Sulawesi Tengah (Central Sulawesi),
  Sulawesi Tenggara (Southeast Sulawesi), Sulawesi Utara (North
  Sulawesi), Sumatera Barat (West Sumatra), Sumatera Selatan (South
  Sumatra), Sumatera Utara (North Sumatra), Yogyakarta*
  note: following the implementation of decentralization beginning on
  1 January 2001, regencies and municipalities have become the key
  administrative units responsible for providing most government
  services

Iran
  31 provinces (ostanha, singular - ostan); Alborz, Ardabil,
  Azarbayjan-e Gharbi (West Azerbaijan), Azarbayjan-e Sharqi (East
  Azerbaijan), Bushehr, Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Fars,
  Gilan, Golestan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Kermanshah,
  Khorasan-e Jonubi (South Khorasan), Khorasan-e Razavi (Razavi
  Khorasan), Khorasan-e Shomali (North Khorasan), Khuzestan,
  Kohgiluyeh va Bowyer Ahmad, Kordestan, Lorestan, Markazi,
  Mazandaran, Qazvin, Qom, Semnan, Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran,
  Yazd, Zanjan

Iraq
  18 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah) and 1
  region*; Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah (Ad
  Diwaniyah), An Najaf, Arbil (Erbil), As Sulaymaniyah, Babil,
  Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Kirkuk, Kurdistan
  Regional Government*, Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit

Ireland
  29 counties and 5 cities*; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork,
  Cork*, Donegal, Dublin*, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Galway,
  Galway*, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick,
  Limerick*, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, North Tipperary,
  Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, South Dublin, South Tipperary, Waterford,
  Waterford*, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow

Isle of Man
  none; there are no first-order administrative divisions
  as defined by the US Government, but there are 24 local authorities
  each with its own elections

Israel
  6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa,
  Jerusalem, Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv

Italy
  15 regions (regioni, singular - regione) and 5 autonomous
  regions (regioni autonome, singular - regione autonoma)
  regions: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna,
  Lazio (Latium), Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte
  (Piedmont), Puglia (Apulia), Toscana (Tuscany), Umbria, Veneto
  (Venetia)
  autonomous regions: Friuli-Venezia Giulia; Sardegna (Sardinia);
  Sicilia (Sicily); Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-South Tyrol) or
  Trentino-Suedtirol (German); Valle d'Aosta (Aosta Valley) or Vallee
  d'Aoste (French)

Jamaica
  14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester,
  Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth,
  Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland
  note: for local government purposes, Kingston and Saint Andrew were
  amalgamated in 1923 into the present single corporate body known as
  the Kingston and Saint Andrew Corporation

Japan
  47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui,
  Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gunma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo,
  Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi,
  Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara,
  Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga,
  Shimane, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama,
  Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, Yamanashi

Jersey
  none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order
  administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there
  are 12 parishes including Grouville, Saint Brelade, Saint Clement,
  Saint Helier, Saint John, Saint Lawrence, Saint Martin, Saint Mary,
  Saint Ouen, Saint Peter, Saint Saviour, and Trinity

Jordan
  12 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ajlun, Al
  'Aqabah, Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, 'Amman, At Tafilah, Az
  Zarqa', Irbid, Jarash, Ma'an, Madaba

Kazakhstan
  14 provinces (oblystar, singular - oblys) and 3 cities*
  (qalalar, singular - qala); Almaty Oblysy, Almaty Qalasy*, Aqmola
  Oblysy (Astana), Aqtobe Oblysy, Astana Qalasy*, Atyrau Oblysy, Batys
  Qazaqstan Oblysy [West Kazakhstan] (Oral), Bayqongyr Qalasy
  [Baykonur]*, Mangghystau Oblysy (Aqtau), Ongtustik Qazaqstan Oblysy
  [South Kazakhstan] (Shymkent), Pavlodar Oblysy, Qaraghandy Oblysy,
  Qostanay Oblysy, Qyzylorda Oblysy, Shyghys Qazaqstan Oblysy [East
  Kazakhstan] (Oskemen), Soltustik Qazaqstan Oblysy (Petropavlovsk),
  Zhambyl Oblysy (Taraz)
  note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
  administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
  name following in parentheses); in 1995, the Governments of
  Kazakhstan and Russia entered into an agreement whereby Russia would
  lease for a period of 20 years an area of 6,000 sq km enclosing the
  Baykonur space launch facilities and the city of Bayqongyr
  (Baykonur, formerly Leninsk); in 2004, a new agreement extended the
  lease to 2050

Kenya
  7 provinces and 1 area*; Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi
  Area*, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western

Kiribati
  3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands;
  note - in addition, there are 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts,
  Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) and 21
  island councils - one for each of the inhabited islands (Abaiang,
  Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Kanton,
  Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa,
  Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina)

Korea, North
  9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 2
  municipalities (si, singular and plural)
  provinces: Chagang-do (Chagang), Hamgyong-bukto (North Hamgyong),
  Hamgyong-namdo (South Hamgyong), Hwanghae-bukto (North Hwanghae),
  Hwanghae-namdo (South Hwanghae), Kangwon-do (Kangwon),
  P'yongan-bukto (North P'yongan), P'yongan-namdo (South P'yongan),
  Yanggang-do (Yanggang)
  municipalities: Nason-si, P'yongyang-si (Pyongyang)

Korea, South
  9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 7
  metropolitan cities (gwangyoksi, singular and plural)
  provinces: Cheju-do, Cholla-bukto (North Cholla), Cholla-namdo
  (South Cholla), Ch'ungch'ong-bukto (North Ch'ungch'ong),
  Ch'ungch'ong-namdo (South Ch'ungch'ong), Kangwon-do, Kyonggi-do,
  Kyongsang-bukto (North Kyongsang), Kyongsang-namdo (South Kyongsang)
  metropolitan cities: Inch'on-gwangyoksi, Kwangju-gwangyoksi,
  Pusan-gwangyoksi, Soul-t'ukpyolsi (Seoul), Taegu-gwangyoksi,
  Taejon-gwangyoksi, Ulsan-gwangyoksi

Kosovo
  30 municipalities (komunat, singular - komuna in Albanian;
  opstine, singular - opstina in Serbian); Decan (Decani), Dragash
  (Dragas), Ferizaj (Urosevac), Fushe Kosove (Kosovo Polje), Gjakove
  (Dakovica), Gjilan (Gnjilane), Gllogovc/Drenas (Glogovac), Istog
  (Istok), Kacanik, Kamenice/Dardana (Kamenica), Kline (Klina),
  Leposaviq (Leposavic), Lipjan (Lipljan), Malisheve (Malisevo),
  Mitrovice (Mitrovica), Novoberde (Novo Brdo), Obiliq (Obilic), Peje
  (Pec), Podujeve (Podujevo), Prishtine (Pristina), Prizren, Rahovec
  (Orahovac), Shterpce (Strpce), Shtime (Stimlje), Skenderaj (Srbica),
  Suhareke (Suva Reka), Viti (Vitina), Vushtrri (Vucitrn), Zubin
  Potok, Zvecan
  note - the Government of Kosovo has announced the establishment of
  eight additional municipalities in accordance with UN Special Envoy
  AHTISAARI's mandated decentralization process; the boundaries of
  several municipalities are pending final approval; the
  municipalities are: Gracanice (Gracanica), Hani i Elezit (Dzeneral
  Jankovic), Junik, Kllokot-Verboc (Klokot-Vrbovac), Mamushe (Mamusa),
  Partes, and Ranillug (Ranilug); in addition, the current Mitrovice
  (Mitrovica) municipality is to be split into Mitrovice (Mitrovica)
  North and Mitrovice (Mitrovica) South

Kuwait
  6 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi,
  Al 'Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra', Hawalli, Mubarak al Kabir

Kyrgyzstan
  7 provinces (oblastlar, singular - oblasty) and 1 city*
  (shaar); Batken Oblasty, Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek),
  Jalal-Abad Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty,
  Ysyk-Kol Oblasty (Karakol)
  note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
  administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
  name following in parentheses)

Laos
  16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 capital city*
  (nakhon luang, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai,
  Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang,
  Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*,
  Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xekong, Xiangkhoang

Latvia
  109 municipalities (novadi, singular-novads) and 9 cities*:
  Adazu Novads, Aglonas Novads, Aizkraukles Novads, Aizputes Novads,
  Aknistes Novads, Alojas Novads, Alsungas Novads, Aluksnes Novads,
  Amatas Novads, Apes Novads, Auces Novads, Babites Novads, Baldones
  Novads, Baltinavas Novads, Balvu Novads, Bauskas Novads, Beverinas
  Novads, Brocenu Novads, Burtnieku Novads, Carnikavas Novads, Cesu
  Novads, Cesvaines Novads, Ciblas Novads, Dagdas Novads, Daugavpils*,
  Daugavpils Novads, Dobeles Novads, Dundagas Novads, Durbes Novads,
  Engures Novads, Erglu Novads, Garkalnes Novads, Grobinas Novads,
  Gulbenes Novads, Iecavas Novads, Ikskiles Novads, Ilukstes Novads,
  Incukalna Novads, Jaunjelgavas Novads, Juanpiebalgas Novads,
  Jaunpils Novads, Jekabpils*, Jekabpils Novads, Jelgava*, Jelgavas
  Novads, Jurmala*, Kandavas Novads, Karsavas Novads, Keguma Novads,
  Kekavas Novads, Kocenu Novads, Kokneses Novads, Kraslavas Novads,
  Krimuldas Novads, Krustpils Novads, Kuldigas Novads, Lielvardes
  Novads, Liepaja*, Ligatnes Novads, Limbazu Novads, Livanu Novads,
  Lubanas Novads, Ludzas Novads, Madonas Novads, Malpils Novads,
  Marupes Novads, Mazsalacas Novads, Nauksenu Novads, Neretas Novads,
  Nicas Novads, Ogres Novads, Olaines Novads, Ozolnieku Novads,
  Pargaujas Novads, Pavilostas Novads, Plavinu Novads, Preilu Novads,
  Priekules Novads, Priekulu Novads, Raunas Novads, Rezekne*, Rezeknes
  Novads, Riebinu Novads, Riga*, Rojas Novads, Ropazu Novads, Rucavas
  Novads, Rugaju Novads, Rujienas Novads, Rundales Novads, Salacgrivas
  Novads, Salas Novads, Salaspils Novads, Saldus Novads, Saulkrastu
  Novads, Sejas Novads, Siguldas Novads, Skriveru Novads, Skrundas
  Novads, Smiltenes Novads, Stopinu Novads, Strencu Novads, Talsu
  Novads, Tervetes Novads, Tukuma Novads, Vainodes Novads, Valkas
  Novads, Valmiera*, Varaklanu Novads, Varkavas Novads, Vecpiebalgas
  Novads, Vecumnieku Novads, Ventspils*, Ventspils Novads, Viesites
  Novads, Vilakas Novads, Vilanu Novads, Zilupes Novads

Lebanon
  6 governorates (mohafazat, singular - mohafazah); Beqaa,
  Beyrouth (Beirut), Liban-Nord, Liban-Sud, Mont-Liban, Nabatiye
  note: two new governorates - Aakar and Baalbek-Hermel - have been
  legislated but not yet implemented

Lesotho
  10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru,
  Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka

Liberia
  15 counties; Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape
  Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado,
  Nimba, River Cess, River Gee, Sinoe

Libya
  22 states (shabiyat, singular - shabiyat); Al Butnan, Al Jabal
  al Akhdar, Al Jabal Al Gharbi, Al Jafarah, Al Jafrah, Al Kafrah, Al
  Maraj, Al Marqab, Al Murzuq, Al Wahat, An Nuqat al Khams, Az
  Zawiyah, Banghazi, Darnah, Ghat, Misratah, Nalut, Sibha, Surt,
  Tarabulus, Wadi al Hayat, Wadi ash Shati

Liechtenstein
  11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Balzers,
  Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg,
  Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz

Lithuania
  10 counties (apskritys, singular - apskritis); Alytaus,
  Kauno, Klaipedos, Marijampoles, Panevezio, Siauliu, Taurages,
  Telsiu, Utenos, Vilniaus

Luxembourg
  3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

Macau
  none (special administrative region of the People's Republic
  of China)

Macedonia
  84 municipalities (opstini, singular - opstina); Aerodrom
  (Skopje), Aracinovo, Berovo, Bitola, Bogdanci, Bogovinje, Bosilovo,
  Brvenica, Butel (Skopje), Cair (Skopje), Caska, Centar (Skopje),
  Centar Zupa, Cesinovo, Cucer Sandevo, Debar, Debarca, Delcevo, Demir
  Hisar, Demir Kapija, Dojran, Dolneni, Dorce Petrov (Gjorce Petrov)
  (Skopje), Drugovo, Gazi Baba (Skopje), Gevgelija, Gostivar, Gradsko,
  Ilinden, Jegunovce, Karbinci, Karpos (Skopje), Kavadarci, Kicevo,
  Kisela Voda (Skopje), Kocani, Konce, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka,
  Krivogastani, Krusevo, Kumanovo, Lipkovo, Lozovo, Makedonska
  Kamenica, Makedonski Brod, Mavrovo i Rostusa, Mogila, Negotino,
  Novaci, Novo Selo, Ohrid, Oslomej, Pehcevo, Petrovec, Plasnica,
  Prilep, Probistip, Radovis, Rankovce, Resen, Rosoman, Saraj
  (Skopje), Sopiste, Staro Nagoricane, Stip, Struga, Strumica,
  Studenicani, Suto Orizari (Skopje), Sveti Nikole, Tearce, Tetovo,
  Valandovo, Vasilevo, Veles, Vevcani, Vinica, Vranestica, Vrapciste,
  Zajas, Zelenikovo, Zelino, Zrnovci
  note: the 10 municipalities followed by Skopje in parentheses
  collectively constitute the larger Skopje Municipality

Madagascar
  6 provinces (faritany); Antananarivo, Antsiranana,
  Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara

Malawi
  28 districts; Balaka, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu,
  Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Likoma, Lilongwe, Machinga
  (Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Neno, Ntcheu,
  Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Phalombe, Rumphi, Salima,
  Thyolo, Zomba

Malaysia
  13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) Johor, Kedah,
  Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau
  Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and Terengganu; and 1 federal
  territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) with three components, city of Kuala
  Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya

Maldives
  19 atolls (atholhu, singular and plural) and the capital
  city*; Alifu, Baa, Dhaalu, Faafu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu,
  Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Lhaviyani, Maale
  (Male)*, Meemu, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Vaavu

Mali
  8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal,
  Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou

Malta
  none (administered directly from Valletta); note - local
  councils carry out administrative orders and have some
  responsibility for local road and other public maintenance

Marshall Islands
  33 municipalities; Ailinginae, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk,
  Arno, Aur, Bikar, Bikini, Bokak, Ebon, Enewetak, Erikub, Jabat,
  Jaluit, Jemo, Kili, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap,
  Mejit, Mili, Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Rongrik, Toke, Ujae, Ujelang,
  Utirik, Wotho, Wotje

Mauritania
  13 regions (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Assaba,
  Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui,
  Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri, Nouakchott, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza

Mauritius
  9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black
  River, Cargados Carajos Shoals*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka,
  Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart,
  Rodrigues*, Savanne

Mayotte
  none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Mexico
  31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal
  district* (distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja
  California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza,
  Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo,
  Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan de Ocampo, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon,
  Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro de Arteaga, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi,
  Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz-Llave,
  Yucatan, Zacatecas

Micronesia, Federated States of
  4 states; Chuuk (Truk), Kosrae
  (Kosaie), Pohnpei (Ponape), Yap

Moldova
  32 raions (raioane, singular - raion), 3 municipalities
  (municipii, singular - municipiu), 1 autonomous territorial unit
  (unitatea teritoriala autonoma), and 1 territorial unit (unitatea
  teritoriala)
  raions: Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Briceni, Cahul, Cantemir,
  Calarasi, Causeni, Cimislia, Criuleni, Donduseni, Drochia, Dubasari,
  Edinet, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Hincesti, Ialoveni, Leova,
  Nisporeni, Ocnita, Orhei, Rezina, Riscani, Singerei, Soldanesti,
  Soroca, Stefan-Voda, Straseni, Taraclia, Telenesti, Ungheni
  municipalities: Balti, Bender, Chisinau
  autonomous territorial unit: Gagauzia
  territorial unit: Stinga Nistrului (Transnistria)

Monaco
  none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as
  defined by the US Government, but there are four quarters
  (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine,
  Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo

Mongolia
  21 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 1
  municipality* (singular - hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy,
  Bulgan, Darhan-Uul, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan (Zavkhan),
  Govi-Altay, Govisumber, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Orhon,
  Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs

Montenegro
  21 municipalities (opstine, singular - opstina);
  Andrijevica, Bar, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Budva, Cetinje, Danilovgrad,
  Herceg Novi, Kolasin, Kotor, Mojkovac, Niksic, Plav, Pljevlja,
  Pluzine, Podgorica, Rozaje, Savnik, Tivat, Ulcinj, Zabljak

Montserrat
  3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter

Morocco
  15 regions; Grand Casablanca, Chaouia-Ouardigha,
  Doukkala-Abda, Fes-Boulemane, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Guelmim-Es
  Smara, Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz,
  Meknes-Tafilalet, Oriental, Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer,
  Souss-Massa-Draa, Tadla-Azilal, Tanger-Tetouan, Taza-Al
  Hoceima-Taounate
  note: Morocco claims the territory of Western Sahara, the political
  status of which is considered undetermined by the US Government;
  portions of the regions Guelmim-Es Smara and Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia
  El Hamra as claimed by Morocco lie within Western Sahara; Morocco
  also claims Oued Eddahab-Lagouira, another region that falls
  entirely within Western Sahara

Mozambique
  10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), 1 city
  (cidade)*; Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Cidade de
  Maputo*, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia

Namibia
  13 regions; Caprivi, Erongo, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene,
  Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa

Nauru
  14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe,
  Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren

Nepal
  14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri,
  Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali,
  Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti

Netherlands
  12 provinces (provincies, singular - provincie);
  Drenthe, Flevoland, Fryslan (Friesland), Gelderland, Groningen,
  Limburg, Noord-Brabant (North Brabant), Noord-Holland (North
  Holland), Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland (Zealand), Zuid-Holland
  (South Holland)

New Caledonia
  none (overseas territory of France); there are no
  first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US
  Government, but there are 3 provinces named Province des Iles,
  Province Nord, and Province Sud

New Zealand
  16 regions and 1 territory*; Auckland, Bay of Plenty,
  Canterbury, Chatham Islands*, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay,
  Manawatu-Wanganui, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland,
  Taranaki, Tasman, Waikato, Wellington, West Coast

Nicaragua
  15 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento)
  and 2 autonomous regions* (regiones autonomistas, singular - region
  autonoma); Atlantico Norte*, Atlantico Sur*, Boaco, Carazo,
  Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz,
  Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas

Niger
  8 regions (regions, singular - region) includes 1 capital
  district* (communite urbaine); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi,
  Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder

Nigeria
  36 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom,
  Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi,
  Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory*, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa,
  Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nassarawa, Niger,
  Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara

Niue
  none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions
  as defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the
  second order

Norfolk Island
  none (territory of Australia)

Northern Mariana Islands
  none (commonwealth in political union with
  the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as
  defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at
  the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Norway
  19 counties (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder,
  Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland,
  Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane,
  Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold

Oman
  5 regions (manatiq, singular - mintaqat) and 4 governorates*
  (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al
  Buraymi*, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat (Muscat)*,
  Musandam*, Zufar (Dhofar)*

Pakistan
  4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**;
  Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital
  Territory**, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly North-West Frontier
  Province), Punjab, Sindh
  note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and
  Kashmir region consists of two administrative entities: Azad Kashmir
  and Gilgit-Baltistan

Palau
  16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel,
  Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang,
  Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol

Panama
  11 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1
  territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Comarca Kuna Yala, Comarca
  Ngobe-Bugle, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos,
  Panama, San Blas* (Kuna Yala), and Veraguas

Papua New Guinea
  18 provinces, 1 autonomous region*, and 1
  district**; Bougainville*, Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East
  New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay,
  Morobe, National Capital**, New Ireland, Northern, Sandaun, Southern
  Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain

Paraguay
  17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and
  1 capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*,
  Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion,
  Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari,
  Presidente Hayes, San Pedro

Peru
  25 regions (regiones, singular - region) and 1 province*
  (provincia); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho,
  Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La
  Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Lima*, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua,
  Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali

Philippines
  80 provinces and 120 chartered cities
  provinces: Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay,
  Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas,
  Biliran, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines
  Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu,
  Compostela, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dinagat
  Islands, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur,
  Iloilo, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, La
  Union, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental,
  Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain
  Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato,
  Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pampanga,
  Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani,
  Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat,
  Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi,
  Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
  chartered cities: Alaminos, Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Bago,
  Baguio, Bais, Balanga, Batac, Batangas, Bayawan, Bislig, Butuan,
  Cabadbaran, Cabanatuan, Cadiz, Cagayan de Oro, Calamba, Calapan,
  Calbayog, Candon, Canlaon, Cauayan, Cavite, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan,
  Danao, Dapitan, Davao, Digos, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Escalante, Gapan,
  General Santos, Gingoog, Himamaylan, Iligan, Iloilo, Isabela, Iriga,
  Kabankalan, Kalookan, Kidapawan, Koronadal, La Carlota, Laoag,
  Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Legazpi, Ligao, Lipa, Lucena, Maasin, Makati,
  Malabon, Malaybalay, Malolos, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marawi,
  Marikina, Masbate, Mati, Meycauayan, Muntinlupa, Munoz, Naga,
  Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Oroquieta, Ozamis, Pagadian, Palayan,
  Panabo, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Passi, Puerto Princesa, Quezon,
  Roxas, Sagay, Samal, San Carlos (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos
  (in Pangasinan), San Fernando (in La Union), San Fernando (in
  Pampanga), San Jose, San Jose del Monte, San Juan, San Pablo, Santa
  Rosa, Santiago, Silay, Sipalay, Sorsogon, Surigao, Tabaco, Tacloban,
  Tacurong, Tagaytay, Tagbilaran, Taguig, Tagum, Talisay (in Cebu),
  Talisay (in Negros Occidental), Tanauan, Tangub, Tanjay, Tarlac,
  Toledo, Tuguegarao, Trece Martires, Urdaneta, Valencia, Valenzuela,
  Victorias, Vigan, Zamboanga (2009)

Pitcairn Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland
  16 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo);
  Dolnoslaskie (Lower Silesia), Kujawsko-Pomorskie
  (Kuyavia-Pomerania), Lodzkie, Lubelskie (Lublin), Lubuskie (Lubusz),
  Malopolskie (Lesser Poland), Mazowieckie (Masovia), Opolskie,
  Podkarpackie (Subcarpathia), Podlaskie, Pomorskie (Pomerania),
  Slaskie (Silesia), Swietokrzyskie, Warminsko-Mazurskie
  (Warmia-Masuria), Wielkopolskie (Greater Poland), Zachodniopomorskie
  (West Pomerania)

Portugal
  18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2
  autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma);
  Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco,
  Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa (Lisbon), Madeira*,
  Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real,
  Viseu

Puerto Rico
  none (territory of the US with commonwealth status);
  there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the
  US Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular
  - municipio) at the second order; Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas
  Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta,
  Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas,
  Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio,
  Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama,
  Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao,
  Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las
  Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca,
  Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce,
  Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San
  German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa
  Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja,
  Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco

Qatar
  7 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah,
  Al Khawr wa adh Dhakhirah, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Ash Shamal, Az
  Za'ayin, Umm Salal

Romania
  41 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality*
  (municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud,
  Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti (Bucharest)*, Buzau, Calarasi,
  Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati,
  Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Ilfov,
  Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare,
  Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, Vrancea

Russia
  46 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast), 21 republics
  (respublik, singular - respublika), 4 autonomous okrugs (avtonomnykh
  okrugov, singular - avtonomnyy okrug), 9 krays (krayev, singular -
  kray), 2 federal cities (goroda, singular - gorod), and 1 autonomous
  oblast (avtonomnaya oblast')
  oblasts: Amur (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan', Belgorod,
  Bryansk, Chelyabinsk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad, Kaluga,
  Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma, Kurgan, Kursk, Leningrad, Lipetsk,
  Magadan, Moscow, Murmansk, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novgorod, Novosibirsk,
  Omsk, Orenburg, Orel, Penza, Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan', Sakhalin
  (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samara, Saratov, Smolensk, Sverdlovsk
  (Yekaterinburg), Tambov, Tomsk, Tula, Tver', Tyumen', Ul'yanovsk,
  Vladimir, Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Yaroslavl'
  republics: Adygeya (Maykop), Altay (Gorno-Altaysk), Bashkortostan
  (Ufa), Buryatiya (Ulan-Ude), Chechnya (Groznyy), Chuvashiya
  (Cheboksary), Dagestan (Makhachkala), Ingushetiya (Magas),
  Kabardino-Balkariya (Nal'chik), Kalmykiya (Elista),
  Karachayevo-Cherkesiya (Cherkessk), Kareliya (Petrozavodsk),
  Khakasiya (Abakan), Komi (Syktyvkar), Mariy-El (Yoshkar-Ola),
  Mordoviya (Saransk), North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz), Sakha [Yakutiya]
  (Yakutsk), Tatarstan (Kazan'), Tyva (Kyzyl), Udmurtiya (Izhevsk)
  autonomous okrugs: Chukotka (Anadyr'), Khanty-Mansi
  (Khanty-Mansiysk), Nenets (Nar'yan-Mar), Yamalo-Nenets (Salekhard)
  krays: Altay (Barnaul), Kamchatka (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy),
  Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Perm', Primorskiy [Maritime]
  (Vladivostok), Stavropol', Zabaykal'sk (Chita)
  federal cities: Moscow [Moskva], Saint Petersburg [Sankt-Peterburg]
  autonomous oblast: Yevrey [Jewish] (Birobidzhan)
  note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
  administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
  name following in parentheses)

Rwanda
  4 provinces (in French - provinces, singular - province; in
  Kinyarwanda - intara for singular and plural) and 1 city* (in French
  - ville; in Kinyarwanda - umujyi); Est (Eastern), Kigali*, Nord
  (Northern), Ouest (Western), Sud (Southern)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  3 administrative
  areas; Ascension, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint
  Anne Sandy Point, Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland,
  Saint James Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree,
  Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown,
  Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle
  Island, Trinity Palmetto Point

Saint Lucia
  11 quarters; Anse-la-Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin,
  Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  none (territorial overseas collectivity of
  France); note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as
  defined by the US Government, but there are two communes - Saint
  Pierre, Miquelon at the second order

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines,
  Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick

Samoa
  11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga,
  Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga,
  Va'a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano

San Marino
  9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello);
  Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano,
  Fiorentino, Montegiardino, San Marino Citta, Serravalle

Sao Tome and Principe
  2 provinces; Principe, Sao Tome
  note: Principe has had self government since 29 April 1995

Saudi Arabia
  13 provinces (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah); Al Bahah,
  Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah (Northern Border), Al Jawf, Al Madinah
  (Medina), Al Qasim, Ar Riyad (Riyadh), Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern),
  'Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah (Mecca), Najran, Tabuk

Senegal
  14 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel,
  Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kedougou, Kolda, Louga, Matam,
  Saint-Louis, Sedhiou, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor

Serbia
  167 municipalities (opcstine, singular - opcstina)
  Serbia Proper: Belgrade City (Beograd): Barajevo, Cukarica, Grocka,
  Lazarevac, Mladenovac, Novi Beograd, Obrenovac, Palilula, Rakovica,
  Savski Venac, Sopot, Stari Grad, Surcin, Vozdovac, Vracar, Zemun,
  Zvezdara; Bor: Bor, Kladovo, Majdanpek, Negotin; Branicevo: Golubac,
  Kucevo, Malo Crnice, Petrovac, Pozarevac, Veliko Gradiste, Zabari,
  Zagubica; Grad Nis: Crveni Krst, Mediana, Niska Banja, Palilula,
  Pantelej Jablanica: Bojnik, Crna Trava, Lebane, Leskovac, Medveda,
  Vlasotince; Kolubara: Lajkovac, Ljig, Mionica, Osecina, Ub, Valjevo;
  Macva: Bogatic, Koceljeva, Krupanj, Ljubovija, Loznica, Mali
  Zvornik, Sabac, Vladimirci; Moravica: Cacak, Gornkji Milanovac,
  Ivanjica, Lucani; Nisava: Aleksinac, Doljevac, Gadzin Han, Merosina,
  Nis, Razanj, Svrljig; Pcinja: Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Presevo,
  Surdulica, Trgoviste, Vladicin Han, Vranje; Pirot: Babusnica, Bela
  Palanka, Dimitrovgrad, Pirot; Podunavlje: Smederevo, Smederevskia
  Palanka, Velika Plana; Pomoravlje: Cuprija, Despotovac, Jagodina,
  Paracin, Rekovac, Svilajnac; Rasina: Aleksandrovac, Brus, Cicevac,
  Krusevac, Trstenik, Varvarin; Raska: Kraljevo, Novi Pazar, Raska,
  Tutin, Vrnjacka Banja; Sumadija: Arandelovac, Batocina, Knic,
  Kragujevac, Lapovo, Raca, Topola; Toplica: Blace, Kursumlija,
  Prokuplje, Zitorada; Zajecar: Boljevac, Knjazevac, Sokobanja,
  Zajecar; Zlatibor: Arilje, Bajina Basta, Cajetina, Kosjeric, Nova
  Varos, Pozega, Priboj, Prijepolje, Sjenica, Uzice
  Vojvodina Autonomous Province: South Backa: Bac, Backa Palanka,
  Backi Petrovac, Becej, Beocin, Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci,
  Srobobran, Temerin, Titel, Vrbas, Zabalj; South Banat: Alibunar,
  Bela Crkva, Kovacica, Kovin, Opovo, Pancevo, Plandiste, Vrsac; North
  Backa: Backa Topola, Mali Idjos, Subotica; North Banat: Ada, Coka,
  Kanjiza, Kikinda, Novi Knezevac, Senta; Central Banat: Nova Crnja,
  Novi Becej, Secanj, Zitiste, Zrenjanin; Srem: Indija, Irig, Pecinci,
  Ruma, Sid, Sremska Mitrovica, Stara Pazova; West Backa: Apatin,
  Kula, Odzaci, Sombor

Seychelles
  23 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau,
  Anse Etoile, Anse Louis, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne,
  Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand' Anse (on
  Mahe), Grand' Anse (on Praslin), La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Mont
  Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe La Rue, Port Glaud, Saint
  Louis, Takamaka

Sierra Leone
  3 provinces and 1 area*; Eastern, Northern, Southern,
  Western*

Singapore
  none

Sint Maarten
  none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Slovakia
  8 regions (kraje, singular - kraj); Banskobystricky,
  Bratislavsky, Kosicky, Nitriansky, Presovsky, Trenciansky, Trnavsky,
  Zilinsky

Slovenia
  210 municipalities (obcine, singular - obcina) including 11
  urban municipalities* (mestne obcine, singular - mestna obcina)
  Ajdovscina, Apace, Beltinci, Benedikt, Bistrica ob Sotli, Bled,
  Bloke, Bohinj, Borovnica, Bovec, Braslovce, Brda, Brezice,
  Brezovica, Cankova, Celje*, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno,
  Cerkvenjak, Cirkulane, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj,
  Destrnik, Divaca, Dobje, Dobrepolje, Dobrna, Dobrova-Polhov Gradec,
  Dobrovnik/Dobronak, Dolenjske Toplice, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale,
  Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek, Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, Gorje,
  Gornja Radgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Grosuplje,
  Hajdina, Hoce-Slivnica, Hodos, Horjul, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina,
  Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola/Isola, Jesenice,
  Jezersko, Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje,
  Kocevje, Komen, Komenda, Koper-Capodistria*, Kosanjevica na Krki,
  Kostel, Kozje, Kranj*, Kranjska Gora, Krizevci, Krsko, Kungota,
  Kuzma, Lasko, Lenart, Lendava/Lendva, Litija, Ljubljana*, Ljubno,
  Ljutomer, Log-Dragomer, Logatec, Loska Dolina, Loski Potok, Lovrenc
  na Pohorju, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk, Makole, Maribor*, Markovci,
  Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miklavz na Dravskem Polju,
  Miren-Kostanjevica, Mirna Pec, Mislinja, Mokronog-Trebelno, Moravce,
  Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Murska Sobota*, Muta, Naklo, Nazarje,
  Nova Gorica*, Novo Mesto*, Odranci, Oplotnica, Ormoz, Osilnica,
  Pesnica, Piran/Pirano, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podlehnik, Podvelka,
  Poljcane, Polzela, Postojna, Prebold, Preddvor, Prevalje, Ptuj*,
  Puconci, Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob Dravi, Radovljica,
  Ravne na Koroskem, Razkrizje, Recica ob Savinji, Rence-Vogrsko,
  Ribnica, Ribnica na Pohorju, Rogaska Slatina, Rogasovci, Rogatec,
  Ruse, Selnica ob Dravi, Semic, Sevnica, Sezana, Slovenj Gradec*,
  Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Sodrazica, Solcava, Sredisce
  ob Dravi, Starse, Straza, Sveta Ana, Sveta Trojica v Slovenskih
  Goricah, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Jurij, Sveti Jurij
  v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Tomaz, Salovci, Sempeter-Vrtojba,
  Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur, Sentrupert, Skocjan, Skofja
  Loka, Skofljica, Smarje pri Jelsah, Smarjeske Toplice, Smartno ob
  Paki, Smartno pri Litiji, Sostanj, Store, Tabor, Tisina, Tolmin,
  Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trnovska Vas, Trzic, Trzin, Turnisce, Velenje*,
  Velika Polana, Velike Lasce, Verzej, Videm, Vipava, Vitanje, Vodice,
  Vojnik, Vransko, Vrhnika, Vuzenica, Zagorje ob Savi, Zalec, Zavrc,
  Zelezniki, Zetale, Ziri, Zirovnica, Zrece, Zuzemberk

Solomon Islands
  9 provinces and 1 capital territory*; Central,
  Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, Rennell
  and Bellona, Temotu, Western

Somalia
  18 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka); Awdal, Bakool,
  Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe (Middle
  Jubba), Jubbada Hoose (Lower Jubba), Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag,
  Shabeellaha Dhexe (Middle Shabeelle), Shabeellaha Hoose (Lower
  Shabeelle), Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed

South Africa
  9 provinces; Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng,
  KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North-West,
  Western Cape

Spain
  17 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular -
  comunidad autonoma) and 2 autonomous cities* (ciudades autonomas,
  singular - ciudad autonoma); Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Baleares
  (Balearic Islands), Ceuta*, Canarias (Canary Islands), Cantabria,
  Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Cataluna (Catalonia), Comunidad
  Valenciana (Valencian Community), Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja,
  Madrid, Melilla*, Murcia, Navarra, Pais Vasco (Basque Country)
  note: the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla plus three small
  islands of Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez
  de la Gomera, administered directly by the Spanish central
  government, are all along the coast of Morocco and are collectively
  referred to as Places of Sovereignty (Plazas de Soberania)

Sri Lanka
  9 provinces; Central, Eastern, North Central, Northern,
  North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western

Sudan
  25 states (wilayat, singular - wilayah); A'ali an Nil (Upper
  Nile), Al Bahr al Ahmar (Red Sea), Al Buhayrat (Lakes), Al Jazira
  (Gezira), Al Khartoum (Khartoum), Al Qadarif (Gedaref), Al Wahda
  (Unity), An Nil al Abyad (White Nile), An Nil al Azraq (Blue Nile),
  Ash Shimaliyya (Northern), Bahr al Jabal (Central Equatoria), Gharb
  al Istiwa'iyya (Western Equatoria), Gharb Bahr al Ghazal (Western
  Bahr el Ghazal), Gharb Darfur (Western Darfur), Janub Darfur
  (Southern Darfur), Janub Kurdufan (Southern Kordofan), Junqoley
  (Jonglei), Kassala (Kassala), Nahr an Nil (River Nile), Shimal Bahr
  al Ghazal (Northern Bahr el Ghazal), Shimal Darfur (Northern
  Darfur), Shimal Kurdufan (Northern Kordofan), Sharq al Istiwa'iyya
  (Eastern Equatoria), Sinnar (Sinnar), Warab (Warrap)

Suriname
  10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt); Brokopondo,
  Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo,
  Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica

Swaziland
  4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni

Sweden
  21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Blekinge, Dalarna,
  Gavleborg, Gotland, Halland, Jamtland, Jonkoping, Kalmar, Kronoberg,
  Norrbotten, Orebro, Ostergotland, Skane, Sodermanland, Stockholm,
  Uppsala, Varmland, Vasterbotten, Vasternorrland, Vastmanland, Vastra
  Gotaland

Switzerland
  26 cantons, singular - canton in French; cantoni,
  singular - cantone in Italian; Kantone, singular - Kanton in
  German); Aargau, Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden, Appenzell Inner-Rhoden,
  Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneve, Glarus,
  Graubunden, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Sankt
  Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri,
  Valais, Vaud, Zug, Zurich
  note: 6 of the cantons - Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden,
  Appenzell-Inner-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Nidwalden,
  Obwalden - are styled half cantons because they elect only one
  member to the Council of States and, in popular referendums where a
  majority of popular votes and a majority of cantonal votes are
  required, these six cantons only have a half vote

Syria
  14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al
  Ladhiqiyah (Latakia), Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar'a,
  Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq
  (Damascus), Tartus

Taiwan
  includes main island of Taiwan plus smaller islands nearby
  and off coast of China's Fujian Province; Taiwan is divided into 18
  counties (hsien, singular and plural), 5 municipalities (shih,
  singular and plural), and 2 special municipalities (chih-hsia-shih,
  singular and plural)
  note: Taiwan uses a variety of romanization systems; while a
  modified Wade-Giles system still dominates, the city of Taipei has
  adopted a Pinyin romanization for street and place names within its
  boundaries; other local authorities use different romanization
  systems; names for administrative divisions that follow are taken
  from the Taiwan Yearbook 2007 published by the Government
  Information Office in Taipei.
  counties: Changhua, Chiayi (county), Hsinchu (county), Hualien,
  Kaohsiung (county), Kinmen, Lienchiang, Miaoli, Nantou, Penghu,
  Pingtung, Taichung (county), Tainan (county), Taipei (county),
  Taitung, Taoyuan, Yilan, and Yunlin
  municipalities: Chiayi (city), Hsinchu (city), Keelung, Taichung
  (city), Tainan (city)
  special municipalities: Kaohsiung (city), Taipei (city)

Tajikistan
  2 provinces (viloyatho, singular - viloyat) and 1
  autonomous province* (viloyati mukhtor); Viloyati Khatlon
  (Qurghonteppa), Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni Badakhshon
  [Gorno-Badakhshan]* (Khorugh), Viloyati Sughd (Khujand)
  note: the administrative center name follows in parentheses

Tanzania
  26 regions; Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kagera,
  Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Manyara, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara,
  Mwanza, Pemba North, Pemba South, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga,
  Singida, Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar Central/South, Zanzibar North,
  Zanzibar Urban/West

Thailand
  76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Amnat
  Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum,
  Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin,
  Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep
  Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong
  Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon
  Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan,
  Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani,
  Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi,
  Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket,
  Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi
  Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut
  Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla,
  Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon
  Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

Timor-Leste
  13 administrative districts; Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau,
  Bobonaro (Maliana), Cova-Lima (Suai), Dili, Ermera (Gleno), Lautem
  (Los Palos), Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi (Same), Oecussi (Ambeno),
  Viqueque
  note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
  administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
  name following in parentheses)

Togo
  5 regions (regions, singular - region); Centrale, Kara,
  Maritime, Plateaux, Savanes

Tokelau
  none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga
  3 island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u

Trinidad and Tobago
  9 regional corporations, 2 city corporations, 3
  borough corporations, 1 ward
  regional corporations: Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Diego Martin,
  Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, San
  Juan/Laventille, Siparia, Tunapuna/Piarco
  city corporations: Port-of-Spain, San Fernando
  borough corporations: Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortin
  ward: Tobago

Tunisia
  24 governorates; Ariana (Aryanah), Beja (Bajah), Ben Arous
  (Bin 'Arus), Bizerte (Banzart), Gabes (Qabis), Gafsa (Qafsah),
  Jendouba (Jundubah), Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), Kasserine (Al Qasrayn),
  Kebili (Qibili), Kef (Al Kaf), Mahdia (Al Mahdiyah), Manouba
  (Manubah), Medenine (Madanin), Monastir (Al Munastir), Nabeul
  (Nabul), Sfax (Safaqis), Sidi Bou Zid (Sidi Bu Zayd), Siliana
  (Silyanah), Sousse (Susah), Tataouine (Tatawin), Tozeur (Tawzar),
  Tunis, Zaghouan (Zaghwan)

Turkey
  81 provinces (iller, singular - ili); Adana, Adiyaman,
  Afyonkarahisar, Agri, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Ardahan,
  Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir, Bartin, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol,
  Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli,
  Diyarbakir, Duzce, Edirne, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir,
  Gaziantep, Giresun, Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Igdir, Isparta,
  Istanbul, Izmir (Smyrna), Kahramanmaras, Karabuk, Karaman, Kars,
  Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kilis, Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir, Kocaeli,
  Konya, Kutahya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Mugla, Mus,
  Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Osmaniye, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sanliurfa,
  Siirt, Sinop, Sirnak, Sivas, Tekirdag, Tokat, Trabzon (Trebizond),
  Tunceli, Usak, Van, Yalova, Yozgat, Zonguldak

Turkmenistan
  5 provinces (welayatlar, singular - welayat) and 1
  independent city*: Ahal Welayaty (Anew), Ashgabat*, Balkan Welayaty
  (Balkanabat), Dashoguz Welayaty, Lebap Welayaty (Turkmenabat), Mary
  Welayaty
  note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
  administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
  name following in parentheses)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu
  none

Uganda
  80 districts; Abim, Adjumani, Amolatar, Amuria, Amuru, Apac,
  Arua, Budaka, Bududa, Bugiri, Bukedea, Bukwa, Bulisa, Bundibugyo,
  Bushenyi, Busia, Butaleja, Dokolo, Gulu, Hoima, Ibanda, Iganga,
  Isingiro, Jinja, Kaabong, Kabale, Kabarole, Kaberamaido, Kalangala,
  Kaliro, Kampala, Kamuli, Kamwenge, Kanungu, Kapchorwa, Kasese,
  Katakwi, Kayunga, Kibale, Kiboga, Kiruhara, Kisoro, Kitgum, Koboko,
  Kotido, Kumi, Kyenjojo, Lira, Luwero, Lyantonde, Manafwa, Maracha,
  Masaka, Masindi, Mayuge, Mbale, Mbarara, Mityana, Moroto, Moyo,
  Mpigi, Mubende, Mukono, Nakapiripirit, Nakaseke, Nakasongola,
  Namutumba, Nebbi, Ntungamo, Oyam, Pader, Pallisa, Rakai, Rukungiri,
  Sembabule, Sironko, Soroti, Tororo, Wakiso, Yumbe

Ukraine
  24 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast'), 1 autonomous
  republic* (avtonomna respublika), and 2 municipalities (mista,
  singular - misto) with oblast status**; Cherkasy, Chernihiv,
  Chernivtsi, Crimea or Avtonomna Respublika Krym* (Simferopol'),
  Dnipropetrovs'k, Donets'k, Ivano-Frankivs'k, Kharkiv, Kherson,
  Khmel'nyts'kyy, Kirovohrad, Kyiv**, Kyiv, Luhans'k, L'viv,
  Mykolayiv, Odesa, Poltava, Rivne, Sevastopol'**, Sumy, Ternopil',
  Vinnytsya, Volyn' (Luts'k), Zakarpattya (Uzhhorod), Zaporizhzhya,
  Zhytomyr
  note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
  administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
  name following in parentheses)

United Arab Emirates
  7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu
  Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah),
  Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn (Quwain)

United Kingdom
  England: 27 two-tier counties, 32 London boroughs and
  1 City of London or Greater London, 36 metropolitan districts, 56
  unitary authorities (including 4 single-tier counties*)
  two-tier counties: Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cumbria,
  Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucestershire,
  Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire,
  Lincolnshire, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire,
  Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Staffordshire, Suffolk,
  Surrey, Warwickshire, West Sussex, Worcestershire
  London boroughs and City of London or Greater London: Barking and
  Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing,
  Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey,
  Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and
  Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, City of London,
  Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton,
  Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
  metropolitan districts: Barnsley, Birmingham, Bolton, Bradford,
  Bury, Calderdale, Coventry, Doncaster, Dudley, Gateshead, Kirklees,
  Knowlsey, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, North
  Tyneside, Oldham, Rochdale, Rotherham, Salford, Sandwell, Sefton,
  Sheffield, Solihull, South Tyneside, St. Helens, Stockport,
  Sunderland, Tameside, Trafford, Wakefield, Walsall, Wigan, Wirral,
  Wolverhampton
  unitary authorities: Bath and North East Somerset, Blackburn with
  Darwen, Bedford, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bracknell Forest, Brighton
  and Hove, City of Bristol, Central Bedfordshire, Cheshire East,
  Cheshire West and Chester, Cornwall, Darlington, Derby, Durham
  County*, East Riding of Yorkshire, Halton, Hartlepool,
  Herefordshire*, Isle of Wight*, Isles of Scilly*, City of Kingston
  upon Hull, Leicester, Luton, Medway, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes,
  North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Somerset,
  Northumberland*, Nottingham, Peterborough, Plymouth, Poole,
  Portsmouth, Reading, Redcar and Cleveland, Rutland, Shropshire,
  Slough, South Gloucestershire, Southampton, Southend-on-Sea,
  Stockton-on-Tees, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon, Telford and Wrekin,
  Thurrock, Torbay, Warrington, West Berkshire, Wiltshire, Windsor and
  Maidenhead, Wokingham, York
  Northern Ireland: 26 district council areas
  district council areas: Antrim, Ards, Armagh, Ballymena, Ballymoney,
  Banbridge, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Coleraine,
  Cookstown, Craigavon, Derry, Down, Dungannon, Fermanagh, Larne,
  Limavady, Lisburn, Magherafelt, Moyle, Newry and Mourne,
  Newtownabbey, North Down, Omagh, Strabane
  Scotland: 32 council areas
  council areas: Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll and Bute,
  Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee City, East Ayrshire,
  East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, City of
  Edinburgh, Eilean Siar (Western Isles), Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow City,
  Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, North Ayrshire, North
  Lanarkshire, Orkney Islands, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire,
  Shetland Islands, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, The
  Scottish Borders, West Dunbartonshire, West Lothian
  Wales: 22 unitary authorities
  unitary authorities: Blaenau Gwent; Bridgend; Caerphilly; Cardiff;
  Carmarthenshire; Ceredigion; Conwy; Denbighshire; Flintshire;
  Gwynedd; Isle of Anglesey; Merthyr Tydfil; Monmouthshire; Neath Port
  Talbot; Newport; Pembrokeshire; Powys; Rhondda, Cynon, Taff;
  Swansea; The Vale of Glamorgan; Torfaen; Wrexham

United States
  50 states and 1 district*; Alabama, Alaska, Arizona,
  Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of
  Columbia*, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
  Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,
  Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska,
  Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North
  Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode
  Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,
  Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Uruguay
  19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);
  Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida,
  Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera,
  Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres

Uzbekistan
  12 provinces (viloyatlar, singular - viloyat), 1
  autonomous republic* (respublika), and 1 city** (shahar); Andijon
  Viloyati, Buxoro Viloyati, Farg'ona Viloyati, Jizzax Viloyati,
  Namangan Viloyati, Navoiy Viloyati, Qashqadaryo Viloyati (Qarshi),
  Qoraqalpog'iston Respublikasi [Karakalpakstan Republic]* (Nukus),
  Samarqand Viloyati, Sirdaryo Viloyati (Guliston), Surxondaryo
  Viloyati (Termiz), Toshkent Shahri [Tashkent City]**, Toshkent
  Viloyati [Tashkent province], Xorazm Viloyati (Urganch)
  note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
  administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
  name following in parentheses)

Vanuatu
  6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba

Venezuela
  23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 capital
  district* (distrito capital), and 1 federal dependency**
  (dependencia federal); Amazonas, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua, Barinas,
  Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales
  (Federal Dependencies)**, Distrito Capital (Capital District)*,
  Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva Esparta,
  Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Vargas, Yaracuy, Zulia
  note: the federal dependency consists of 11 federally controlled
  island groups with a total of 72 individual islands

Vietnam
  58 provinces (tinh, singular and plural) and 5
  municipalities (thanh pho, singular and plural)
  provinces: An Giang, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Bac Lieu, Bac Ninh, Ba
  Ria-Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Binh
  Thuan, Ca Mau, Cao Bang, Dac Lak, Dac Nong, Dien Bien, Dong Nai,
  Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Ha Nam, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong, Hau Giang,
  Hoa Binh, Hung Yen, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam
  Dong, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh
  Thuan, Phu Tho, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang
  Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thai
  Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen
  Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phuc, Yen Bai
  municipalities: Can Tho, Da Nang, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City

Virgin Islands
  none (territory of the US); there are no first-order
  administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there
  are three islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John,
  Saint Thomas

Wallis and Futuna
  none (overseas territory of France); there are no
  first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US
  Government, but there are three kingdoms at the second order named
  Alo, Sigave, Wallis

Western Sahara
  none (territory west of the berm under de facto
  Moroccan control)

World
  266 countries, dependent areas, and other entities

Yemen
  21 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Abyan,
  'Adan (Aden), Ad Dali', Al Bayda', Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, Al Mahrah,
  Al Mahwit, Amanat al 'Asimah, 'Amran, Dhamar, Hadramawt, Hajjah,
  Ibb, Lahij, Ma'rib, Raymah, Sa'dah, San'a' (Sanaa), Shabwah, Ta'izz

Zambia
  9 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka,
  Northern, North-Western, Southern, Western

Zimbabwe
  8 provinces and 2 cities* with provincial status;
  Bulawayo*, Harare*, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland
  East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland
  South, Midlands

======================================================================

@2052

Field Listing :: Agriculture - products

This entry is an ordered listing of major crops and products starting with the most important. Country

Agriculture - products

Afghanistan
  opium, wheat, fruits, nuts; wool, mutton, sheepskins,
  lambskins

Albania
  wheat, corn, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, sugar beets,
  grapes; meat, dairy products

Algeria
  wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus, fruits; sheep,
  cattle

American Samoa
  bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit,
  yams, copra, pineapples, papayas; dairy products, livestock

Andorra
  small quantities of rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables;
  sheep

Angola
  bananas, sugarcane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, manioc
  (tapioca), tobacco, vegetables, plantains; livestock; forest
  products; fish

Anguilla
  small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising

Antigua and Barbuda
  cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts,
  cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock

Argentina
  sunflower seeds, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco,
  peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock

Armenia
  fruit (especially grapes), vegetables; livestock

Aruba
  aloes; livestock; fish

Australia
  wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry

Austria
  grains, potatoes, sugar beets, wine, fruit; dairy products,
  cattle, pigs, poultry; lumber

Azerbaijan
  cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea,
  tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep, goats

Bahamas, The
  citrus, vegetables; poultry

Bahrain
  fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish

Bangladesh
  rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco,
  pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruit; beef, milk, poultry

Barbados
  sugarcane, vegetables, cotton

Belarus
  grain, potatoes, vegetables, sugar beets, flax; beef, milk

Belgium
  sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef,
  veal, pork, milk

Belize
  bananas, cacao, citrus, sugar; fish, cultured shrimp; lumber

Benin
  cotton, corn, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil,
  peanuts, cashews; livestock

Bermuda
  bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products, honey

Bhutan
  rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products,
  eggs

Bolivia
  soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice,
  potatoes; timber

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables; livestock

Botswana
  livestock, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, sunflowers,
  groundnuts

Brazil
  coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa,
  citrus; beef

British Virgin Islands
  fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish

Brunei
  rice, vegetables, fruits; chickens, water buffalo, cattle,
  goats, eggs

Bulgaria
  vegetables, fruits, tobacco, wine, wheat, barley,
  sunflowers, sugar beets; livestock

Burkina Faso
  cotton, peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, sorghum, millet,
  corn, rice; livestock

Burma
  rice, pulses, beans, sesame, groundnuts, sugarcane; hardwood;
  fish and fish products

Burundi
  coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas,
  manioc (tapioca); beef, milk, hides

Cambodia
  rice, rubber, corn, vegetables, cashews, tapioca, silk

Cameroon
  coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains,
  root starches; livestock; timber

Canada
  wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy
  products; forest products; fish

Cape Verde
  bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee,
  peanuts; fish

Cayman Islands
  vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming

Central African Republic
  timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco, manioc
  (tapioca), yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber

Chad
  cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc
  (tapioca); cattle, sheep, goats, camels

Chile
  grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches,
  garlic, asparagus, beans; beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber

China
  world leader in gross value of agricultural output; rice,
  wheat, potatoes, corn, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, apples, cotton,
  oilseed; pork; fish

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts

Colombia
  coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn,
  sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp

Comoros
  vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang, perfume essences, copra,
  coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea, quinine, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits; wood products

Congo, Republic of the
  cassava (tapioca), sugar, rice, corn,
  peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa; forest products

Cook Islands
  copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws,
  bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry

Costa Rica
  bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants,
  sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef, poultry, dairy; timber

Cote d'Ivoire
  coffee, cocoa beans, bananas, palm kernels, corn,
  rice, manioc (tapioca), sweet potatoes, sugar, cotton, rubber; timber

Croatia
  wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflower seed, barley, alfalfa,
  clover, olives, citrus, grapes, soybeans, potatoes; livestock, dairy
  products

Cuba
  sugar, tobacco, citrus, coffee, rice, potatoes, beans; livestock

Curacao
  aloe, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit

Cyprus
  citrus, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, vegetables;
  poultry, pork, lamb; dairy, cheese

Czech Republic
  wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs,
  poultry

Denmark
  barley, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets; pork, dairy products;
  fish

Djibouti
  fruits, vegetables; goats, sheep, camels, animal hides

Dominica
  bananas, citrus, mangos, root crops, coconuts, cocoa
  note: forest and fishery potential not exploited

Dominican Republic
  sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice,
  beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef,
  eggs

Ecuador
  bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca),
  plantains, sugarcane; cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy
  products; balsa wood; fish, shrimp

Egypt
  cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle,
  water buffalo, sheep, goats

El Salvador
  coffee, sugar, corn, rice, beans, oilseed, cotton,
  sorghum; beef, dairy products

Equatorial Guinea
  coffee, cocoa, rice, yams, cassava (tapioca),
  bananas, palm oil nuts; livestock; timber

Eritrea
  sorghum, lentils, vegetables, corn, cotton, tobacco, sisal;
  livestock, goats; fish

Estonia
  potatoes, vegetables; livestock and dairy products; fish

Ethiopia
  cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseed, cotton, sugarcane,
  potatoes, qat, cut flowers; hides, cattle, sheep, goats; fish

European Union
  wheat, barley, oilseeds, sugar beets, wine, grapes;
  dairy products, cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry; fish

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  fodder and vegetable crops; sheep,
  dairy products; fish, squid

Faroe Islands
  milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon, other fish

Fiji
  sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes,
  bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish

Finland
  barley, wheat, sugar beets, potatoes; dairy cattle; fish

France
  wheat, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; beef,
  dairy products; fish

French Polynesia
  fish; coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits,
  coffee; poultry, beef, dairy products

Gabon
  cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber; cattle; okoume (a
  tropical softwood); fish

Gambia, The
  rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, corn, sesame, cassava
  (tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats

Gaza Strip
  olives, fruit, vegetables, flowers; beef, dairy products

Georgia
  citrus, grapes, tea, hazelnuts, vegetables; livestock

Germany
  potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbages;
  cattle, pigs, poultry

Ghana
  cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, corn, shea nuts,
  bananas; timber

Gibraltar
  none

Greece
  wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine,
  tobacco, potatoes; beef, dairy products

Greenland
  forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep,
  reindeer; fish

Grenada
  bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops,
  sugarcane, corn, vegetables

Guam
  fruits, copra, vegetables; eggs, pork, poultry, beef

Guatemala
  sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle,
  sheep, pigs, chickens

Guernsey
  tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant,
  fruit; Guernsey cattle

Guinea
  rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca),
  bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber

Guinea-Bissau
  rice, corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts,
  peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; timber; fish

Guyana
  sugarcane, rice, edible oils; shrimp, fish, beef, pork,
  poultry

Haiti
  coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum; wood

Honduras
  bananas, coffee, citrus, corn, African palm; beef; timber;
  shrimp, tilapia, lobster

Hong Kong
  fresh vegetables; poultry, pork; fish

Hungary
  wheat, corn, sunflower seed, potatoes, sugar beets; pigs,
  cattle, poultry, dairy products

Iceland
  potatoes, green vegetables; mutton, chicken, pork, beef,
  dairy products; fish

India
  rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, lentils,
  onions, potatoes; dairy products, sheep, goats, poultry; fish

Indonesia
  rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee,
  palm oil, copra; poultry, beef, pork, eggs

Iran
  wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, sugar cane, fruits,
  nuts, cotton; dairy products, wool; caviar

Iraq
  wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep,
  poultry

Ireland
  turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat; beef, dairy
  products

Isle of Man
  cereals, vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry

Israel
  citrus, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products

Italy
  fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans,
  grain, olives; beef, dairy products; fish

Jamaica
  sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus, yams, ackees,
  vegetables; poultry, goats, milk; crustaceans, mollusks

Japan
  rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; pork, poultry, dairy
  products, eggs; fish

Jersey
  potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes; beef, dairy products

Jordan
  citrus, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, strawberries, stone
  fruits; sheep, poultry, dairy

Kazakhstan
  grain (mostly spring wheat), cotton; livestock

Kenya
  tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables; dairy
  products, beef, pork, poultry, eggs

Kiribati
  copra, taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables; fish

Korea, North
  rice, corn, potatoes, soybeans, pulses; cattle, pigs,
  pork, eggs

Korea, South
  rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit; cattle,
  pigs, chickens, milk, eggs; fish

Kosovo
  wheat, corn, berries, potatoes, peppers

Kuwait
  fish

Kyrgyzstan
  tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes, fruits and
  berries; sheep, goats, cattle, wool

Laos
  sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco,
  cotton, tea, peanuts, rice; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry

Latvia
  grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables; beef, pork, milk,
  eggs; fish

Lebanon
  citrus, grapes, tomatoes, apples, vegetables, potatoes,
  olives, tobacco; sheep, goats

Lesotho
  corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley; livestock

Liberia
  rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), palm oil,
  sugarcane, bananas; sheep, goats; timber

Libya
  wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus, vegetables, peanuts,
  soybeans; cattle

Liechtenstein
  wheat, barley, corn, potatoes; livestock, dairy
  products

Lithuania
  grain, potatoes, sugar beets, flax, vegetables; beef,
  milk, eggs; fish

Luxembourg
  grapes, barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits; dairy and
  livestock products

Macau
  only 2% of land area is cultivated, mainly by vegetable
  growers; fishing, mostly for crustaceans, is important; some of the
  catch is exported to Hong Kong

Macedonia
  grapes, tobacco, vegetables, fruits; milk, eggs

Madagascar
  coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava
  (tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts; livestock products

Malawi
  tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava
  (tapioca), sorghum, pulses, groundnuts, Macadamia nuts; cattle, goats

Malaysia
  Peninsular Malaysia - rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah
  - subsistence crops, coconuts, rice; rubber, timber; Sarawak -
  rubber, timber; pepper

Maldives
  coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish

Mali
  cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; cattle, sheep,
  goats

Malta
  potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes,
  citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs

Marshall Islands
  coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit,
  fruits; pigs, chickens

Mauritania
  dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn; cattle, sheep

Mauritius
  sugarcane, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses; cattle,
  goats; fish

Mayotte
  vanilla, ylang-ylang (perfume essence), coffee, copra; fish,
  livestock

Mexico
  corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruit,
  tomatoes; beef, poultry, dairy products; wood products

Micronesia, Federated States of
  black pepper, tropical fruits and
  vegetables, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca), sakau (kava),
  Kosraen citrus, betel nuts, sweet potatoes; pigs, chickens; fish

Moldova
  vegetables, fruits, grapes, grain, sugar beets,sunflower
  seed, tobacco; beef, milk; wine

Monaco
  none

Mongolia
  wheat, barley, vegetables, forage crops; sheep, goats,
  cattle, camels, horses

Montenegro
  tobacco, potatoes, citrus fruits, olives, grapes; sheep

Montserrat
  cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers;
  livestock products

Morocco
  barley, wheat, citrus fruits, grapes, vegetables, olives;
  livestock; wine

Mozambique
  cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava (tapioca),
  corn, coconuts, sisal, citrus and tropical fruits, potatoes,
  sunflowers; beef, poultry

Namibia
  millet, sorghum, peanuts, grapes; livestock; fish

Nauru
  coconuts

Nepal
  pulses, rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, jute, root crops; milk,
  water buffalo meat

Netherlands
  grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables;
  livestock

New Caledonia
  vegetables; beef, deer, other livestock products; fish

New Zealand
  dairy products, lamb and mutton; wheat, barley,
  potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables; wool, beef; fish

Nicaragua
  coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn, tobacco,
  sesame, soya, beans; beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products;
  shrimp, lobsters

Niger
  cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava (tapioca),
  rice; cattle, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, horses, poultry

Nigeria
  cocoa, peanuts, cotton, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum,
  millet, cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs;
  timber; fish

Niue
  coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes, taro, yams, cassava
  (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle

Norfolk Island
  Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals,
  vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry

Northern Mariana Islands vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts; ornamental plants; livestock, poultry and eggs, fish and aquaculture products

Norway
  barley, wheat, potatoes; pork, beef, veal, milk; fish

Oman
  dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish

Pakistan
  cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; milk,
  beef, mutton, eggs

Palau
  coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; fish

Panama
  bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables;
  livestock; shrimp

Papua New Guinea
  coffee, cocoa, copra, palm kernels, tea, sugar,
  rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables, vanilla; shell fish;
  poultry, pork

Paraguay
  cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava
  (tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber

Peru
  asparagus, coffee, cocoa, cotton, sugarcane, rice, potatoes,
  corn, plantains, grapes, oranges, pineapples, guavas, bananas,
  apples, lemons, pears, coca, tomatoes, mango, barley, medicinal
  plants, palm oil, marigold, onion, wheat, dry beans; poultry, beef,
  dairy products; fish; guinea pigs

Philippines
  sugarcane, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas, cassavas,
  pineapples, mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish

Pitcairn Islands
  honey; wide variety of fruits and vegetables;
  goats, chickens, fish

Poland
  potatoes, fruits, vegetables, wheat; poultry, eggs, pork,
  dairy

Portugal
  grain, potatoes, tomatoes, olives, grapes; sheep, cattle,
  goats, pigs, poultry, dairy products; fish

Puerto Rico
  sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas;
  livestock products, chickens

Qatar
  fruits, vegetables; poultry, dairy products, beef; fish

Romania
  wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes,
  grapes; eggs, sheep

Russia
  grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, vegetables, fruits; beef,
  milk

Rwanda
  coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from
  chrysanthemums), bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; livestock

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  coffee, corn,
  potatoes, vegetables; timber; fish, lobster; livestock

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas;
  fish

Saint Lucia
  bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  vegetables; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs;
  fish

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes,
  spices; small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats; fish

Samoa
  coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, coffee, cocoa

San Marino
  wheat, grapes, corn, olives; cattle, pigs, horses, beef,
  cheese, hides

Sao Tome and Principe
  cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, copra,
  cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, papayas, beans; poultry; fish

Saudi Arabia
  wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton,
  chickens, eggs, milk

Senegal
  peanuts, millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, tomatoes,
  green vegetables; cattle, poultry, pigs; fish

Serbia
  wheat, maize, sugar beets, sunflower, raspberries; beef,
  pork, milk

Seychelles
  coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cassava
  (tapioca), copra, bananas; poultry; tuna

Sierra Leone
  rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts;
  poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Singapore
  orchids, vegetables; poultry, eggs; fish, ornamental fish

Sint Maarten
  sugar

Slovakia
  grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, cattle,
  poultry; forest products

Slovenia
  potatoes, hops, wheat, sugar beets, corn, grapes; cattle,
  sheep, poultry

Solomon Islands
  cocoa beans, coconuts, palm kernels, rice, potatoes,
  vegetables, fruit; timber; cattle, pigs; fish

Somalia
  bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts, rice, sugarcane, mangoes,
  sesame seeds, beans; cattle, sheep, goats; fish

South Africa
  corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; beef,
  poultry, mutton, wool, dairy products

Spain
  grain, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus;
  beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish

Sri Lanka
  rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, spices,
  vegetables, fruit, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs, hides, beef;
  fish

Sudan
  cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), sorghum, millet, wheat, gum
  arabic, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), mangos, papaya, bananas, sweet
  potatoes, sesame; sheep, livestock

Suriname
  paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains,
  peanuts; beef, chickens; shrimp; forest products

Swaziland
  sugarcane, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, citrus,
  pineapples, sorghum, peanuts; cattle, goats, sheep

Sweden
  barley, wheat, sugar beets; meat, milk

Switzerland
  grains, fruits, vegetables; meat, eggs

Syria
  wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas, olives, sugar
  beets; beef, mutton, eggs, poultry, milk

Taiwan
  rice, corn, vegetables, fruit, tea; pigs, poultry, beef,
  milk; fish

Tajikistan
  cotton, grain, fruits, grapes, vegetables; cattle, sheep,
  goats

Tanzania
  coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide made
  from chrysanthemums), cashew nuts, tobacco, cloves, corn, wheat,
  cassava (tapioca), bananas, fruits, vegetables; cattle, sheep, goats

Thailand
  rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts,
  soybeans

Timor-Leste
  coffee, rice, corn, cassava, sweet potatoes, soybeans,
  cabbage, mangoes, bananas, vanilla

Togo
  coffee, cocoa, cotton, yams, cassava (tapioca), corn, beans,
  rice, millet, sorghum; livestock; fish

Tokelau
  coconuts, copra, breadfruit, papayas, bananas; pigs,
  poultry, goats; fish

Tonga
  squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa,
  coffee, ginger, black pepper; fish

Trinidad and Tobago
  cocoa, rice, citrus, coffee, vegetables; poultry

Tunisia
  olives, olive oil, grain, tomatoes, citrus fruit, sugar
  beets, dates, almonds; beef, dairy products

Turkey
  tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, hazelnuts,
  pulse, citrus; livestock

Turkmenistan
  cotton, grain; livestock

Turks and Caicos Islands corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), citrus fruits; fish

Tuvalu
  coconuts; fish

Uganda
  coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), potatoes,
  corn, millet, pulses, cut flowers; beef, goat meat, milk, poultry

Ukraine
  grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables; beef, milk

United Arab Emirates
  dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs,
  dairy products; fish

United Kingdom
  cereals, oilseed, potatoes, vegetables; cattle,
  sheep, poultry; fish

United States
  wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton;
  beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish; forest products

Uruguay
  rice, wheat, soybeans, barley; livestock, beef; fish;
  forestry

Uzbekistan
  cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain; livestock

Vanuatu
  copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits,
  vegetables; beef; fish

Venezuela
  corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables,
  coffee; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish

Vietnam
  paddy rice, coffee, rubber, cotton, tea, pepper, soybeans,
  cashews, sugar cane, peanuts, bananas; poultry; fish, seafood

Virgin Islands
  fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle

Wallis and Futuna coconuts, breadfruit, yams, taro, bananas; pigs, goats; fish

West Bank
  olives, citrus fruit, vegetables; beef, dairy products

Western Sahara
  fruits and vegetables (grown in the few oases);
  camels, sheep, goats (kept by nomads); fish

Yemen
  grain, fruits, vegetables, pulses, qat, coffee, cotton; dairy
  products, livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, camels), poultry; fish

Zambia
  corn, sorghum, rice, peanuts, sunflower seed, vegetables,
  flowers, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), coffee;
  cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, milk, eggs, hides

Zimbabwe
  corn, cotton, tobacco, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, peanuts;
  sheep, goats, pigs

======================================================================

@2053

Field Listing :: Airports

This entry gives the total number of airports or airfields recognizable from the air. The runway(s) may be paved (concrete or asphalt surfaces) or unpaved (grass, earth, sand, or gravel surfaces) and may include closed or abandoned installations. Airports or airfields that are no longer recognizable (overgrown, no facilities, etc.) are not included. Note that not all airports have accommodations for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. Country Comparison to the World Country

Airports

Afghanistan
  53 (2010)

Albania
  5 (2010)

Algeria
  143 (2010)

American Samoa
  3 (2010)

Angola
  193 (2010)

Anguilla
  3 (2010)

Antarctica
  26 (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda
  3 (2010)

Argentina
  1,141 (2010)

Armenia
  11 (2010)

Aruba
  1 (2010)

Australia
  465 (2010)

Austria
  55 (2010)

Azerbaijan
  35 (2010)

Bahamas, The
  62 (2010)

Bahrain
  4 (2010)

Bangladesh
  17 (2010)

Barbados
  1 (2010)

Belarus
  67 (2010)

Belgium
  43 (2010)

Belize
  45 (2010)

Benin
  5 (2010)

Bermuda
  1 (2010)

Bhutan
  2 (2010)

Bolivia
  881 (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  25 (2010)

Botswana
  78 (2010)

Brazil
  4,072 (2010)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  1 (2010)

British Virgin Islands
  4 (2010)

Brunei
  2 (2010)

Bulgaria
  210 (2010)

Burkina Faso
  24 (2010)

Burma
  76 (2010)

Burundi
  8 (2010)

Cambodia
  17 (2010)

Cameroon
  34 (2010)

Canada
  1,404 (2010)

Cape Verde
  10 (2010)

Cayman Islands
  3 (2010)

Central African Republic
  37 (2010)

Chad
  56 (2010)

Chile
  366 (2010)

China
  502 (2010)

Christmas Island
  1 (2010)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  1 (2010)

Colombia
  990 (2010)

Comoros
  4 (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  198 (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
  25 (2010)

Cook Islands
  10 (2010)

Costa Rica
  151 (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire
  27 (2010)

Croatia
  69 (2010)

Cuba
  136 (2010)

Curacao
  1

Cyprus
  15 (2010)

Czech Republic
  122 (2010)

Denmark
  92 (2010)

Djibouti
  13 (2010)

Dominica
  2 (2010)

Dominican Republic
  35 (2010)

Ecuador
  428 (2010)

Egypt
  86 (2010)

El Salvador
  65 (2010)

Equatorial Guinea
  7 (2010)

Eritrea
  13 (2010)

Estonia
  19 (2010)

Ethiopia
  61 (2010)

European Union
  3,383 (2010)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  7 (2010)

Faroe Islands
  1 (2010)

Fiji
  28 (2010)

Finland
  148 (2010)

France
  474 (2010)

French Polynesia
  53 (2010)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands 4 (note - one each on Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the Iles Eparses district) (2010)

Gabon
  44 (2010)

Gambia, The
  1 (2010)

Gaza Strip
  1 (2010)

Georgia
  22 (2010)

Germany
  549 (2010)

Ghana
  11 (2010)

Gibraltar
  1 (2010)

Greece
  81 (2010)

Greenland
  15 (2010)

Grenada
  3 (2010)

Guam
  5; note - 2 serviceable (2010)

Guatemala
  372 (2010)

Guernsey
  2 (2010)

Guinea
  16 (2010)

Guinea-Bissau
  9 (2010)

Guyana
  96 (2010)

Haiti
  14 (2010)

Honduras
  104 (2010)

Hong Kong
  2 (2010)

Hungary
  43 (2010)

Iceland
  99 (2010)

India
  352 (2010)

Indonesia
  684 (2010)

Iran
  319 (2010)

Iraq
  104 (2010)

Ireland
  39 (2010)

Isle of Man
  1 (2010)

Israel
  48 (2010)

Italy
  132 (2010)

Jamaica
  27 (2010)

Jan Mayen
  1 (2010)

Japan
  176 (2010)

Jersey
  1 (2010)

Jordan
  18 (2010)

Kazakhstan
  97 (2010)

Kenya
  191 (2010)

Kiribati
  19 (2010)

Korea, North
  79 (2010)

Korea, South
  116 (2010)

Kosovo
  8 (2010)

Kuwait
  7 (2010)

Kyrgyzstan
  28 (2010)

Laos
  41 (2010)

Latvia
  42 (2010)

Lebanon
  7 (2010)

Lesotho
  26 (2010)

Liberia
  29 (2010)

Libya
  137 (2010)

Lithuania
  81 (2010)

Luxembourg
  2 (2010)

Macau
  1 (2010)

Macedonia
  14 (2010)

Madagascar
  84 (2010)

Malawi
  32 (2010)

Malaysia
  118 (2010)

Maldives
  5 (2010)

Mali
  20 (2010)

Malta
  1 (2010)

Marshall Islands
  15 (2010)

Mauritania
  28 (2010)

Mauritius
  5 (2010)

Mayotte
  1 (2010)

Mexico
  1,819 (2010)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  6 (2010)

Moldova
  11 (2010)

Mongolia
  46 (2010)

Montenegro
  5 (2010)

Montserrat
  2 (2010)

Morocco
  58 (2010)

Mozambique
  106 (2010)

Namibia
  129 (2010)

Nauru
  1 (2010)

Nepal
  47 (2010)

Netherlands
  27 (2010)

New Caledonia
  25 (2010)

New Zealand
  122 (2010)

Nicaragua
  143 (2010)

Niger
  27 (2010)

Nigeria
  54 (2010)

Niue
  1 (2010)

Norfolk Island
  1 (2010)

Northern Mariana Islands
  5 (2010)

Norway
  98 (2010)

Oman
  130 (2010)

Pakistan
  148 (2010)

Palau
  3 (2010)

Panama
  118 (2010)

Papua New Guinea
  562 (2010)

Paracel Islands
  1 (2010)

Paraguay
  800 (2010)

Peru
  211 (2010)

Philippines
  254 (2010)

Poland
  129 (2010)

Portugal
  65 (2010)

Puerto Rico
  29 (2010)

Qatar
  6 (2010)

Romania
  54 (2010)

Russia
  1,213 (2010)

Rwanda
  9 (2010)

Saint Barthelemy
  1 (2010)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  1 (2010)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  2 (2010)

Saint Lucia
  2 (2010)

Saint Martin
  1 (2010)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  2 (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  6 (2010)

Samoa
  4 (2010)

Sao Tome and Principe
  2 (2010)

Saudi Arabia
  217 (2010)

Senegal
  20 (2010)

Serbia
  29 (2010)

Seychelles
  14 (2010)

Sierra Leone
  9 (2010)

Singapore
  8 (2010)

Sint Maarten
  1

Slovakia
  36 (2010)

Slovenia
  16 (2010)

Solomon Islands
  36 (2010)

Somalia
  59 (2010)

South Africa
  578 (2010)

Spain
  154 (2010)

Spratly Islands
  4 (2010)

Sri Lanka
  18 (2010)

Sudan
  140 (2010)

Suriname
  51 (2010)

Svalbard
  4 (2010)

Swaziland
  15 (2010)

Sweden
  249 (2010)

Switzerland
  65 (2010)

Syria
  104 (2010)

Taiwan
  41 (2010)

Tajikistan
  26 (2010)

Tanzania
  124 (2010)

Thailand
  105 (2010)

Timor-Leste
  6 (2010)

Togo
  8 (2010)

Tonga
  6 (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
  6 (2010)

Tunisia
  32 (2010)

Turkey
  99 (2010)

Turkmenistan
  27 (2010)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  8 (2010)

Tuvalu
  1 (2010)

Uganda
  46 (2010)

Ukraine
  425 (2010)

United Arab Emirates
  41 (2010)

United Kingdom
  505 (2010)

United States
  15,079 (2010)

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  Baker Island: one
  abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m covered with vegetation and
  unusable
  Howland Island: airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling
  stop on the round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred
  NOONAN; the aviators left Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island but
  were never seen again; the airstrip is no longer serviceable
  Johnston Atoll: one closed and not maintained
  Kingman Reef: lagoon was used as a halfway station between Hawaii
  and American Samoa by Pan American Airways for flying boats in 1937
  and 1938
  Midway Islands: 3 - one operational (2,409 m paved); no fuel for
  sale except emergencies
  Palmyra Atoll: 1 - 1,846 m unpaved runway; privately owned (2010)

Uruguay
  58 (2010)

Uzbekistan
  54 (2010)

Vanuatu
  31 (2010)

Venezuela
  409 (2010)

Vietnam
  44 (2010)

Virgin Islands
  2 (2010)

Wake Island
  1 (2010)

Wallis and Futuna
  2 (2010)

West Bank
  2 (2010)

Western Sahara
  6 (2010)

World
  total airports - 44,010 (2010)
  top ten by passengers: Atlanta (ATL) - 88,032,086; London (LHR) -
  66,037,578; Beijing (PEK) - 65,372,012; Chicago (ORD) - 64,158,343;
  Tokyo (HND) - 61,903,656; Paris (CDG) - 57,906,866; Los Angeles
  (LAX) - 56,520,843; Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - 56,030,457; Frankfurt
  (FRA) - 50,932,840; Denver (DEN) - 50,167,485 (2009)
  top ten by cargo (metric tons): Memphis (MEM) - 3,697,054; Hong Kong
  (HKG) - 3,385,313; Shanghai (PVG) - 2,543,394; Inch'on (ICN) -
  2,313,001; Paris (CDG) - 2,054,515; Anchorage (ANC) - 1,994,629;
  Louisville (SDF) - 1,949,528; Dubai (DXB) - 1,927,520; Frankfurt
  (FRA) - 1,887,686; Tokyo (NRT) - 1,851,972 (2009)

Yemen
  55 (2010)

Zambia
  94 (2010)

Zimbabwe
  216 (2010)

======================================================================

@2054

Field Listing :: Birth rate

This entry gives the average annual number of births during a year per 1,000 persons in the population at midyear; also known as crude birth rate. The birth rate is usually the dominant factor in determining the rate of population growth. It depends on both the level of fertility and the age structure of the population. Country Comparison to the World Country

Birth rate(births/1,000 population)

Afghanistan
  38.11 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Albania
  11.88 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Algeria
  16.71 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  23.05 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Andorra
  10.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Angola
  43.33 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  13 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  16.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Argentina
  17.75 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Armenia
  12.74 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Aruba
  12.77 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Australia
  12.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Austria
  8.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  17.75 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  16.25 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  16.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  23.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Barbados
  12.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belarus
  9.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belgium
  10.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belize
  26.84 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Benin
  38.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  11.47 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  19.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  25.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  8.87 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Botswana
  22.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Brazil
  18.11 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  14.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Brunei
  18 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  9.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  43.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Burma
  19.49 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Burundi
  41.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  25.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  33.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Canada
  10.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  21.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  12.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  36.79 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Chad
  40.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Chile
  14.46 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

China
  12.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  NA

Colombia
  17.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Comoros
  34.71 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 42.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  41.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  15.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  16.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  31.48 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Croatia
  9.63 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cuba
  11.02 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Curacao
  NA

Cyprus
  11.38 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  8.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Denmark
  10.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  25.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Dominica
  15.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  19.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  20.32 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Egypt
  25.02 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  18.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  36 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  33.48 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Estonia
  10.42 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  43.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

European Union
  9.83 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA

Faroe Islands
  12.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Fiji
  21.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Finland
  10.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

France
  12.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  15.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gabon
  35.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  37.31 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  36.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Georgia
  10.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Germany
  8.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ghana
  28.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  14.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Greece
  9.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Greenland
  14.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Grenada
  17.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guam
  18.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  27.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  10.25 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guinea
  37.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  35.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guyana
  17.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Haiti
  24.4 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Honduras
  25.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  7.45 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Hungary
  9.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iceland
  13.36 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

India
  21.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  18.45 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iran
  18.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iraq
  29.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ireland
  16.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  11.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Israel
  19.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Italy
  8.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  19.47 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Japan
  7.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Jersey
  10.73 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Jordan
  27.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  16.66 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kenya
  35.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  23.06 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  14.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  8.72 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  21.64 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  23.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Laos
  26.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Latvia
  9.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  15.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  27.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Liberia
  38.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Libya
  24.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  9.69 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  9.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  11.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Macau
  8.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  11.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  37.89 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Malawi
  41.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  21.41 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Maldives
  14.5 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mali
  46.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Malta
  10.38 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  29.94 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mauritania
  33.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  14.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  38.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mexico
  19.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of 22.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Moldova
  11.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Monaco
  7.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  21.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Montenegro
  11.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  11.72 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Morocco
  19.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  37.8 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Namibia
  21.82 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nauru
  28.16 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nepal
  22.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  10.3 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  16.52 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  13.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  22.77 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Niger
  51.08 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  36.07 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Niue
  NA

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  21.05 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Norway
  10.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Oman
  23.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  25.3 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Palau
  10.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Panama
  19.71 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  26.95 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  17.73 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Peru
  19 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Philippines
  25.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  NA

Poland
  10.04 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Portugal
  10.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  11.42 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Qatar
  15.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Romania
  9.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Russia
  11.11 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  37.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 10.95 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  14.23 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  14.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  8.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 14.89 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Samoa
  22.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

San Marino
  9.18 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  39.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  19.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Senegal
  37.27 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Serbia
  9.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  15.53 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  38.79 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Singapore
  8.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  NA

Slovakia
  10.55 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  8.92 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  28.6 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Somalia
  43.33 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

South Africa
  19.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Spain
  10.91 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  15.88 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sudan
  36.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Suriname
  16.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Svalbard
  NA

Swaziland
  27.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sweden
  10.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  9.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Syria
  24.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  8.97 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  26.49 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  33.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Thailand
  13.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  25.93 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Togo
  35.88 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  17.78 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  14.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  15.31 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turkey
  18.28 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  19.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  20.44 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  23.01 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Uganda
  47.55 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  9.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  15.98 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  12.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United States
  13.83 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  13.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  17.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  21.08 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  20.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  17.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  11.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  14.08 births/1,000 population NA

West Bank
  24.91 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  32.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

World
  19.86 births/1,000 population (2009 est.)

Yemen
  34.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Zambia
  44.63 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  31.57 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2055

Field Listing :: Military branches

  This entry lists the service branches subordinate to defense
  ministries or the equivalent (typically ground, naval, air, and
  marine forces).
  Country

Military branches

Afghanistan
  Afghan Armed Forces: Afghan National Army (ANA, includes
  Afghan National Army Air Force, ANAAF) (2010)

Albania
  Joint Force Command (includes Land, Naval, and Aviation
  Brigade Commands), Joint Support Command (includes Logistic
  Command), Training and Doctrine Command (2010)

Algeria
  People's National Army (Armee Nationale Populaire, ANP),
  Land Forces (Forces Terrestres, FT), Navy of the Republic of Algeria
  (Marine de la Republique Algerienne, MRA), Air Force (Al-Quwwat
  al-Jawwiya al-Jaza'eriya, QJJ), Territorial Air Defense Force (2009)

Andorra
  no regular military forces, Police Service of Andorra (2010)

Angola
  Angolan Armed Forces (FAA): Army, Navy (Marinha de Guerra
  Angola, MGA), Angolan National Air Force (Forca Aerea Nacional
  Angolana, FANA) (2009)

Antigua and Barbuda
  Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force
  (including Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard) (2010)

Argentina
  Argentine Army (Ejercito Argentino), Navy of the Argentine
  Republic (Armada Republica; includes naval aviation and naval
  infantry), Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Argentina, FAA) (2011)

Armenia
  Armenian Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Air Force and Air
  Defense; "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic": Nagorno-Karabakh Self Defense
  Force (NKSDF) (2010)

Aruba
  no regular military forces (2010)

Australia
  Australian Defense Force (ADF): Australian Army, Royal
  Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Special Operations
  Command (2006)

Austria
  Land Forces (KdoLdSK), Air Forces (KdoLuSK)

Azerbaijan
  Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (2010)

Bahamas, The
  Royal Bahamian Defense Force: Land Force, Navy, Air
  Wing (2010)

Bahrain
  Bahrain Defense Forces (BDF): Ground Force (includes Air
  Defense), Naval Force, Air Force, National Guard

Bangladesh
  Bangladesh Defense Force: Bangladesh Army (Sena Bahini),
  Bangladesh Navy (Noh Bahini, BN), Bangladesh Air Force (Biman
  Bahini, BAF) (2010)

Barbados
  Royal Barbados Defense Force: Troops Command, Barbados
  Coast Guard (2010)

Belarus
  Belarus Armed Forces: Land Force, Air and Air Defense Force,
  Special Operations Force (2010)

Belgium
  Belgian Armed Forces: Land Operations Command, Naval
  Operations Command, Air Operations Commands (2010)

Belize
  Belize Defense Force (BDF): Army, BDF Air Wing (includes
  Special Boat Unit), BDF Volunteer Guard (2010)

Benin
  Benin Armed Forces (FAB): Army (l'Arme de Terre), Benin Navy
  (Forces Navales Beninois, FNB), Benin People's Air Force (Force
  Aerienne Populaire de Benin, FAPB) (2008)

Bermuda
  Bermuda Regiment (2009)

Bhutan
  Royal Bhutan Army (includes Royal Bodyguard and Royal Bhutan
  Police) (2009)

Bolivia
  Bolivian Armed Forces: Bolivian Army (Ejercito Boliviano,
  EB), Bolivian Navy (Fuerza Naval Boliviana, FNB; includes marines),
  Bolivian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana, FAB) (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  (AFBiH): Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Air and Air Defense Forces
  of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Zrakoplovstvo i Protuzracna Obrana, ZPO)
  (2010)

Botswana
  Botswana Defense Force (BDF): Ground Forces Command, Air
  Arm Command, Logistics Command (2010)

Brazil
  Brazilian Army (Exercito Brasileiro, EB), Brazilian Navy
  (Marinha do Brasil (MB), includes Naval Air and Marine Corps (Corpo
  de Fuzileiros Navais)), Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira,
  FAB) (2010)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  no regular military forces

Brunei
  Royal Brunei Armed Forces: Royal Brunei Land Forces, Royal
  Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei)
  (2010)

Bulgaria
  Bulgarian Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Naval Forces,
  Bulgarian Air Forces (Bulgarski Voennovazdyshni Sily, BVVS) (2010)

Burkina Faso
  Army, Air Force of Burkina Faso (Force Aerienne de
  Burkina Faso, FABF), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Burma
  Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw): Army (Tatmadaw Kyi), Navy
  (Tatmadaw Yay), Air Force (Tatmadaw Lay) (2010)

Burundi
  National Defense Force (Forces de Defense Nationale, FDN):
  Army (includes naval detachment and Air Wing), National Gendarmerie
  (2010)

Cambodia
  Royal Cambodian Armed Forces: Royal Cambodian Army, Royal
  Khmer Navy, Royal Cambodian Air Force (2010)

Cameroon
  Cameroon Armed Forces (Forces Armees Camerounaises, FAC):
  Army (L'Armee de Terre), Navy (includes naval infantry), Air Force
  (Armee de l'Air du Cameroun, AAC), Fire Fighter Corps, Gendarmerie
  (2010)

Canada
  Canadian Forces: Land Forces Command (LFC), Maritime Command
  (MARCOM), Air Command (AIRCOM), Canada Command (homeland security)
  (2010)

Cape Verde
  People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP): Army, Coast
  Guard (includes maritime air wing) (2007)

Cayman Islands
  no regular military forces; Royal Cayman Islands
  Police Force (2010)

Central African Republic
  Central African Armed Forces (Forces Armees
  Centrafricaines, FACA): Ground Forces (includes Military Air
  Service), General Directorate of Gendarmerie Inspection (DGIG),
  National Police (2009)

Chad
  Armed Forces: Chadian National Army (Armee Nationale du Tchad,
  ANT), Chadian Air Force (Force Aerienne Tchadienne, FAT),
  Gendarmerie (2008)

Chile
  Army of the Nation, Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile, includes
  Naval Aviation, Marine Corps, and Maritime Territory and Merchant
  Marine Directorate (Directemar)), Chilean Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de
  Chile, FACh), Carabineros Corps (Cuerpo de Carabineros) (2010)

China
  People's Liberation Army (PLA): Ground Forces, Navy (includes
  marines and naval aviation), Air Force (Zhongguo Renmin Jiefangjun
  Kongjun, PLAAF; includes Airborne Forces), and Second Artillery
  Corps (strategic missile force); People's Armed Police (PAP); PLA
  Reserve Force (2010)

Colombia
  National Army (Ejercito Nacional), National Navy (Armada
  Republica de Colombia, includes Naval Aviation, Naval Infantry
  (Infanteria de Marina, IM), and Coast Guard), Colombian Air Force
  (Fuerza Aerea de Colombia, FAC) (2010)

Comoros
  Army of National Development (AND): Comoran Security Force,
  Comoran Coast Guard, Comoran Federal Police (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  Armed Forces of the Democratic
  Republic of the Congo (Forces d'Armees de la Republique Democratique
  du Congo, FARDC): Army, National Navy (La Marine Nationale),
  Congolese Air Force (Force Aerienne Congolaise, FAC) (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
  Congolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees
  Congolaises, FAC): Army (Armee de Terre), Navy, Congolese Air Force
  (Armee de l'Air Congolaise), Gendarmerie, Special Presidential
  Security Guard (GSSP) (2009)

Cook Islands
  no regular military forces; National Police Department
  (2009)

Costa Rica
  no regular military forces; Ministry of Public Security,
  Government, and Police (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire
  Cote d'Ivoire Defense and Security Forces (FDSCI):
  Army, Navy, Air Force (2006)

Croatia
  Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia (Oruzane Snage
  Republike Hrvatske, OSRH), consists of five major commands directly
  subordinate to a General Staff: Ground Forces (Hrvatska Kopnena
  Vojska, HKoV), Naval Forces (Hrvatska Ratna Mornarica, HRM; includes
  coast guard), Air Force and Air Defense Command, Joint Education and
  Training Command, Logistics Command; Military Police Force supports
  each of the three Croatian military forces (2010)

Cuba
  Revolutionary Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias,
  FAR): Revolutionary Army (Ejercito Revolucionario, ER, includes
  Territorial Militia Troops (Milicia de Tropas de Territoriales,
  MTT)); Revolutionary Navy (Marina de Guerra Revolucionaria, MGR,
  includes Marine Corps); Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Forces
  (DAAFAR), Youth Labor Army (Ejercito Juvenil del Trabajo, EJT) (2010)

Curacao
  the Royal Netherlands Navy maintains a permanent and active
  presence in the region from its main operating base on Curacao;
  other local security forces include a coast guard, para-military
  National Guard (Vrijwilligers Korps Curacao), and Police Force (2010)

Cyprus
  Republic of Cyprus: Greek Cypriot National Guard (Ethniki
  Forea, EF; includes naval and air elements); northern Cyprus:
  Turkish Cypriot Security Force (GKK) (2009)

Czech Republic
  Army of the Czech Republic (ACR): Joint Forces
  Command (includes Land Forces and Air Forces), Support and Training
  Forces Command (2010)

Denmark
  Defense Command: Army Operational Command, Admiral Danish
  Fleet, Arctic Command, Tactical Air Command, Home Guard (2010)

Djibouti
  Djibouti National Army (includes Navy and Air Force)

Dominica
  no regular military forces; Commonwealth of Dominica Police
  Force (includes Coast Guard) (2010)

Dominican Republic
  Army, Navy (Marina de Guerra), Air Force (Fuerza
  Aerea Dominicana, FAD) (2010)

Ecuador
  Army, Navy (includes Naval Infantry, Naval Aviation, Coast
  Guard), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana, FAE) (2007)

Egypt
  Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Command

El Salvador
  Salvadoran Army (ES), Salvadoran Navy (FNES), Salvadoran
  Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena, FAS) (2008)

Equatorial Guinea
  National Guard (Guardia Nacional de Guinea
  Ecuatoria, GNGE (Army), with Coast Guard (Navy) and Air Wing) (2010)

Eritrea
  Eritrean Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force (2010)

Estonia
  Estonian Defense Forces: Land Force, Navy, Air Force (Eesti
  Ohuvagi), Volunteer Defense League (Kaitseliit, KL) (2010)

Ethiopia
  Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF): Ground Forces,
  Ethiopian Air Force (ETAF) (2010)
  note: Ethiopia is landlocked and has no navy; following the
  secession of Eritrea, Ethiopian naval facilities remained in
  Eritrean possession

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  no regular military forces

Faroe Islands
  no regular military forces

Fiji
  Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF): Land Forces, Naval
  Forces (2009)

Finland
  Finnish Defense Forces (FDF): Army, Navy (includes Coastal
  Defense Forces), Air Force (Suomen Ilmavoimat) (2007)

France
  Army (Armee de Terre; includes Marines, Foreign Legion, Army
  Light Aviation), Navy (Marine Nationale, includes Naval Air,
  Maritime Gendarmerie (Coast Guard)), Air Force (Armee de l'Air
  (AdlA), includes Air Defense), National Gendarmerie (2010)

French Polynesia
  no regular military forces

Gabon
  Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police

Gambia, The
  Office of the Chief of Defense Staff: Gambian National
  Army (GNA), Gambian Navy (GN) (2010)

Gaza Strip
  Palestinian Authority security forces have operated only
  in the West Bank, not in the Gaza Strip, since HAMAS seized power in
  June 2007; law and order and other security functions are performed
  by HAMAS security organizations (2008)

Georgia
  Georgian Armed Forces: Land Forces
  note: naval forces have been incorporated into the coast guard and
  the Air and Air Defense forces were incorporated into the Land
  Forces (2010)

Germany
  Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr): Army (Heer), Navy
  (Deutsche Marine, includes naval air arm), Air Force (Luftwaffe),
  Joint Support Services (Streitkraeftbasis), Central Medical Service
  (Zentraler Sanitaetsdienst) (2010)

Ghana
  Ghanaian Army, Ghanaian Navy, Ghanaian Air Force (2010)

Gibraltar
  Royal Gibraltar Regiment (2009)

Greece
  Hellenic Army (Ellinikos Stratos, ES), Hellenic Navy
  (Ellinikos Polemiko Navtiko, EPN), Hellenic Air Force (Elliniki
  Polimiki Aeroporia, EPA) (2009)

Greenland
  no regular military forces

Grenada
  no regular military forces; Royal Grenada Police Force
  (includes Coast Guard) (2010)

Guatemala
  National Army of Guatemala (Ejercito Nacional de
  Guatemala, ENG), Guatemalan Navy (Marina Nacional, includes
  Marines), Guatemalan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca, FAG)
  (2009)

Guinea
  National Armed Forces: Army, Navy (Armee de Mer or Marine
  Guineenne, includes Marines), Guinean Air Force (Force Aerienne de
  Guinee) (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
  People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP): Army, Navy,
  Air Force; paramilitary force

Guyana
  Guyana Defense Force: Army (includes Coast Guard, Air Corps)
  (2009)

Haiti
  no regular military forces - small Coast Guard; the regular
  Haitian Armed Forces (FAdH) - Army, Navy, and Air Force - have been
  demobilized but still exist on paper until or unless they are
  constitutionally abolished (2009)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps (Corpo della
  Guardia Svizzera Pontificia) (2010)

Honduras
  Army, Navy (includes Naval Infantry), Honduran Air Force
  (Fuerza Aerea Hondurena, FAH) (2008)

Hong Kong
  no regular indigenous military forces; Hong Kong garrison
  of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) includes elements of the
  PLA Ground Forces, PLA Navy, and PLA Air Force; these forces are
  under the direct leadership of the Central Military Commission in
  Beijing and under administrative control of the adjacent Guangzhou
  Military Region (2009)

Hungary
  Land Forces, Hungarian Air Force (Magyar Legiero, ML) (2010)

Iceland
  no regular military forces; Icelandic National Police (2008)

India
  Army, Navy (includes naval air arm), Air Force (Bharatiya Vayu
  Sena), Coast Guard (2009)

Indonesia
  Indonesian Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, TNI):
  Army (TNI-Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD)), Navy (TNI-Angkatan Laut
  (TNI-AL); includes marines, naval air arm), Air Force (TNI-Angkatan
  Udara (TNI-AU)), National Air Defense Command (Kommando Pertahanan
  Udara Nasional (Kohanudnas)) (2009)

Iran
  Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces (Artesh): Ground
  Forces, Navy, Air Force (IRIAF), Khatemolanbia Air Defense; Islamic
  Revolutionary Guard Corps (Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Enqelab-e Eslami,
  IRGC): Ground Resistance Forces, Navy, Aerospace Force, Qods Force
  (special operations); Law Enforcement Forces (2010)

Iraq
  Iraqi Armed Forces: Iraqi Army (includes Iraqi Special
  Operations Force, Iraqi Intervention Force), Iraqi Navy (former
  Iraqi Coastal Defense Force), Iraqi Air Force (former Iraqi Army Air
  Corps) (2005)

Ireland
  Irish Defense Forces (IDF; Oglaigh na h-Eireann): Army,
  Naval Service, Air Corps (2010)

Israel
  Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Naval Forces (IN), Israel
  Air Force (IAF) (2010)

Italy
  Italian Armed Forces: Italian Army (Esercito Italiano, EI),
  Italian Navy (Marina Militare Italiana, MMI), Italian Air Force
  (Aeronautica Militare Italiana, AMI), Carabinieri Corps (Arma dei
  Carabinieri, CC) (2010)

Jamaica
  Jamaica Defense Force: Ground Forces, Coast Guard, Air Wing
  (2010)

Japan
  Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD): Ground Self-Defense Force
  (Rikujou Jietai, GSDF), Maritime Self-Defense Force (Kaijou Jietai,
  MSDF), Air Self-Defense Force (Koku Jieitai, ASDF) (2009)

Jordan
  Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF): Royal Jordanian Land Force
  (RJLF), Royal Jordanian Navy, Royal Jordanian Air Force (Al-Quwwat
  al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya al-Urduniya, RJAF), Special Operations
  Command (Socom); Public Security Directorate (normally falls under
  Ministry of Interior, but comes under JAF in wartime or crisis)
  (2008)

Kazakhstan
  Kazakhstani Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Mobile
  Forces, Air Defense Forces (2010)

Kenya
  Kenya Armed Forces: Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, Kenya Air Force
  (2010)

Kiribati
  no regular military forces (constitutionally prohibited);
  Police Force (2009)

Korea, North
  North Korean People's Army: Ground Forces, Navy, Air
  Force; civil security forces (2005)

Korea, South
  Republic of Korea Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps),
  Air Force (2009)

Kosovo
  Kosovo Security Force (2010)

Kuwait
  Kuwaiti Land Forces (KLF), Kuwaiti Navy, Kuwaiti Air Force
  (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Kuwaitiya), Kuwaiti National Guard (KNG)
  (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
  Ground Forces, Air Force (includes Air Defense Forces),
  National Guard (2010)

Laos
  Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF): Lao People's Army (LPA;
  includes Riverine Force), Air Force (2010)

Latvia
  National Armed Forces (Nacionalo Brunoto Speku): Ground
  Forces, Navy (Latvijas Juras Speki; includes Coast Guard (Latvijas
  Kara Flotes)), Latvian Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), Border
  Guard, Latvian Home Guard (Latvijas Zemessardze) (2010)

Lebanon
  Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF): Army ((Al Jaysh al Lubnaniya)
  includes Navy (Al Quwwat al Bahiriyya al Lubnaniya), Air Force (Al
  Quwwat al Jawwiya al Lubnaniya)) (2010)

Lesotho
  Lesotho Defense Force (LDF): Army (includes Air Wing) (2010)

Liberia
  Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL): Army, Navy, Air Force

Libya
  Armed Peoples on Duty (APOD, Army), Libyan Arab Navy, Libyan
  Arab Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriya al-Arabia
  al-Libyya, LAAF), Libyan Coast Guard (2008)

Liechtenstein
  no regular military forces (constitutionally
  prohibited); Principality of Liechtenstein National Police
  (Landespolizei, LP) (2010)

Lithuania
  Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air Forces (Karines Oro
  Pajegos, KOP), National Defense Volunteer Forces (2010)

Luxembourg
  Army (2010)

Macau
  no regular military forces

Macedonia
  Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM): Joint Operational
  Command, with subordinate Air Wing (Makedonsko Voeno
  Vozduhoplovstvo, MVV); Special Operations Regiment; Logistic Support
  Command; Training Command (2010)

Madagascar
  People's Armed Forces: Intervention Force, Development
  Force, and Aeronaval Force (navy and air); National Gendarmerie

Malawi
  Malawi Armed Forces: Army (includes Air Wing and Naval
  Detachment) (2009)

Malaysia
  Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM):
  Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy
  (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force
  (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, TUDM) (2010)

Maldives
  Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF): Marine Corps,
  Security Protection Group, Coast Guard (2010)

Mali
  Malian Armed Forces: Army, Republic of Mali Air Force (Force
  Aerienne de la Republique du Mali, FARM), National Guard (2008)

Malta
  Armed Forces of Malta (AFM; includes air and maritime
  elements) (2010)

Marshall Islands
  no regular military forces; under the 1983 Compact
  of Free Association, the US has full authority and responsibility
  for security and defense of the Marshall Islands; Marshall Islands
  Police (2009)

Mauritania
  Mauritanian Armed Forces: Army, Mauritanian Navy (Marine
  Mauritanienne; includes naval infantry), Islamic Air Force of
  Mauritania (Force Aerienne Islamique de Mauritanie, FAIM) (2010)

Mauritius
  no regular military forces; Mauritius Police Force,
  Special Mobile Force, National Coast Guard (2009)

Mexico
  Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaria de Defensa
  Nacional, Sedena): Army (Ejercito, includes Mexican Air Force
  (Fuerza Aerea Mexicana, FAM)); Secretariat of the Navy (Secretaria
  de Marina, Semar): Mexican Navy (Armada de Mexico, ARM, includes
  Naval Air Force (FAN), naval infantry) (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  no regular military forces

Moldova
  National Army: Land Forces Command (includes special
  forces), Air Forces Command (includes air defense unit), Logistics
  Command (2010)

Monaco
  no regular military forces; the Palace Guard performs
  ceremonial duties

Mongolia
  Mongolian Armed Forces: Mongolian Army, Mongolian Air
  Force; there is no navy (2010)

Montenegro
  Armed Forces of the Republic of Montenegro: Army, Navy,
  Air Force (2009)

Montserrat
  no regular military forces; Royal Montserrat Police Force
  (2010)

Morocco
  Royal Armed Forces (Forces Armees Royales, FAR): Royal
  Moroccan Army (includes Air Defense), Royal Moroccan Navy (includes
  Coast Guard, Marines), Royal Moroccan Air Force (Al Quwwat al
  Jawyiya al Malakiya Marakishiya; Force Aerienne Royale Marocaine)
  (2010)

Mozambique
  Mozambique Armed Defense Forces (FADM): Mozambique Army,
  Mozambique Navy (Marinha de Guerra, MdG), Mozambique Air Force
  (Forca Aerea de Mocambique, FAM) (2008)

Namibia
  Namibian Defense Force (NDF): Army, Navy, Air Force (2010)

Nauru
  no regular military forces; Nauru Police Force (2009)

Nepal
  Nepal Army (2010)

Netherlands
  Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (includes
  Naval Air Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force
  (Koninklijke Luchtmacht, KLu), Royal Military Police (2010)

New Caledonia
  no regular military forces; French military, police,
  and gendarmerie (2009)

New Zealand
  New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF): New Zealand Army,
  Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force (Te Hokowhitu o
  Kahurangi, RNZAF) (2010)

Nicaragua
  National Army of Nicaragua (Ejercito Nacional de
  Nicaragua, ENN; includes Navy, Air Force) (2010)

Niger
  Nigerien Armed Forces (Forces Armees Nigeriennes, FAN): Army,
  Nigerien Air Force (Force Aerienne du Niger) (2010)

Nigeria
  Nigerian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (2008)

Niue
  no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force

Norway
  Norwegian Army (Haeren), Royal Norwegian Navy (Kongelige
  Norske Sjoeforsvaret, RNoN; includes Coastal Rangers and Coast Guard
  (Kystvakt)), Royal Norwegian Air Force (Kongelige Norske
  Luftforsvaret, RNoAF), Home Guard (Heimevernet, HV) (2010)

Oman
  Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF): Royal Army of Oman, Royal Navy of
  Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Sultanat)
  (2010)

Pakistan
  Army (includes National Guard), Navy (includes Marines and
  Maritime Security Agency), Pakistan Air Force (Pakistan Fiza'ya)
  (2010)

Palau
  no regular military forces; Palau National Police (2009)

Panama
  no regular military forces; Panamanian public forces include:
  Panamanian National Police (PNP), National Air-Naval Service
  (SENAN), National Border Service (SENAFRONT) (2010)

Papua New Guinea
  Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF; includes
  Maritime Operations Element, Air Operations Element) (2009)

Paraguay
  Army, National Navy (Armada Nacional, includes Marine
  Corps, Naval Aviation), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Paraguay, FAP) (2010)

Peru
  Army of Peru (Ejercito Peruano), Navy of Peru (Marina de Guerra
  del Peru, MGP (includes naval air, naval infantry, and Coast
  Guard)), Air Force of Peru (Fuerza Aerea del Peru, FAP) (2010)

Philippines
  Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy
  (includes Marine Corps and Coast Guard), Air Force (2010)

Poland
  Polish Armed Forces: Land Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense
  Aviation Forces, Special Forces (2010)

Portugal
  Portuguese Army (Exercito Portuguesa), Portuguese Navy
  (Marinha Portuguesa; includes Marine Corps), Portuguese Air Force
  (Forca Aerea Portuguesa, FAP) (2010)

Puerto Rico
  no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary
  National Guard, Police Force

Qatar
  Qatari Amiri Land Force (QALF), Qatari Amiri Navy (QAN),
  Qatari Amiri Air Force (QAAF) (2009)

Romania
  Land Forces, Naval Forces, Romanian Air Force (Fortele
  Aeriene Romane, FAR), Special Operations (2010)

Russia
  Ground Forces (Sukhoputnyye Voyskia, SV), Navy
  (Voyenno-Morskoy Flot, VMF), Air Forces (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily,
  VVS); Airborne Troops (VDV), Strategic Rocket Forces (Raketnyye
  Voyska Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya, RVSN), and Space Troops
  (Kosmicheskiye Voyska, KV) are independent "combat arms," not
  subordinate to any of the three branches; Russian Ground Forces
  include the following combat arms: motorized-rifle troops, tank
  troops, missile and artillery troops, air defense of the ground
  troops (2010)

Rwanda
  Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF), Rwandan Patriotic Air Force
  (2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force
  (includes Coast Guard), Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force;
  for national security, Saint Kitts and Nevis relies on the Regional
  Security System, headquartered in Barbados (2010)

Saint Lucia
  no regular military forces; Royal Saint Lucia Police
  Force (includes Special Service Unit and Coast Guard) (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines no regular military forces; Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Coast Guard; for national defense, Saint Vincent relies on the Regional Security System, headquartered in Barbados (2010)

Samoa
  no regular military forces; Samoa Police Force (2008)

San Marino
  no regular military forces; voluntary Military Force
  (Corpi Militari) performs ceremonial duties and limited police
  support functions (2010)

Sao Tome and Principe
  Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe (Forcas
  Armadas de Sao Tome e Principe, FASTP): Army, Coast Guard of Sao
  Tome e Principe (Guarda Costeira de Sao Tome e Principe, GCSTP),
  Presidential Guard (2010)

Saudi Arabia
  Ministry of Defense and Aviation Forces: Royal Saudi
  Land Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes Marine Forces and
  Special Forces), Royal Saudi Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya
  al-Malakiya as-Sa'udiya), Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal
  Saudi Strategic Rocket Forces, Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG)

Senegal
  Senegalese Armed Forces: Army, Senegalese Navy (Marine
  Senegalaise), Senegalese Air Force (Armee de l'Air du Senegal) (2009)

Serbia
  Serbian Armed Forces (Vojska Srbije, VS): Land Forces Command
  (includes Riverine Component, consisting of a river flotilla on the
  Danube), Air and Air Defense Forces Command (2010)

Seychelles
  Seychelles Defense Force: Army, Coast Guard (includes
  Naval Wing, Air Wing), National Guard (2005)

Sierra Leone
  Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF): Army
  (includes Maritime Wing and Air Wing) (2010)

Singapore
  Singapore Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (includes
  Air Defense) (2010)

Sint Maarten
  the Royal Netherlands Navy maintains a permanent and
  active presence in the region from its main operating base on
  Curacao and through a detachment on Sint Maarten; other local
  security forces include a coast guard, para-military National Guard
  (Vrijwilligers Korps Sint Maarten), and Police Force (KPSM) (2010)

Slovakia
  Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Ozbrojene Sily
  Slovenskej Republiky): Land Forces (Pozemne Sily), Air Forces
  (Vzdusne Sily) (2010)

Slovenia
  Slovenian Army (includes air and naval forces)

Solomon Islands
  no regular military forces; Solomon Islands Police
  Force (2009)

Somalia
  National Security Force (NSF): Somali Army (2010)

South Africa
  South African National Defense Force (SANDF): South
  African Army, South African Navy (SAN), South African Air Force
  (SAAF), Joint Operations Command, Military Intelligence, South
  African Military Health Services (2009)

Spain
  Spanish Armed Forces: Army (Ejercito de Tierra), Spanish Navy
  (Armada Espanola, AE; includes Marine Corps), Spanish Air Force
  (Ejercito del Aire Espanola, EdA) (2010)

Sri Lanka
  Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force (2010)

Sudan
  Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): Land Forces, Navy (includes
  Marines), Sudanese Air Force (Sikakh al-Jawwiya as-Sudaniya),
  Popular Defense Forces; Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA):
  Popular Army, Air Force (2009)

Suriname
  National Army (Nationaal Leger, NL; includes Marine Section
  and Air Wing) (2010)

Svalbard
  no regular military forces

Swaziland
  Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (USDF): Ground Force
  (includes Air Wing) (2010)

Sweden
  Swedish Armed Forces (Forsvarsmakten): Army (Armen), Royal
  Swedish Navy (Marinen), Swedish Air Force (Svenska Flygvapnet) (2010)

Switzerland
  Swiss Armed Forces: Land Forces, Swiss Air Force
  (Schweizer Luftwaffe) (2010)

Syria
  Syrian Armed Forces: Syrian Arab Army, Syrian Arab Navy,
  Syrian Arab Air and Air Defense Forces (includes Air Defense
  Command) (2008)

Taiwan
  Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force, Coast Guard
  Administration, Armed Forces Reserve Command, Combined Service
  Forces Command, Armed Forces Police Command

Tajikistan
  Ground Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Mobile Forces
  (2010)

Tanzania
  Tanzanian People's Defense Force (Jeshi la Wananchi la
  Tanzania, JWTZ): Army, Naval Wing (includes Coast Guard), Air
  Defense Command (includes Air Wing), National Service (2007)

Thailand
  Royal Thai Army (Kongthap Bok Thai, RTA), Royal Thai Navy
  (Kongthap Ruea Thai, RTN, includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal
  Thai Air Force (Kongthap Agard Thai, RTAF) (2010)

Timor-Leste
  Timor-Leste Defense Force (Forcas de Defesa de
  Timor-L'este, Falintil (F-FDTL)): Army, Navy (Armada) (2010)

Togo
  Togolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees Togolaise, FAT): Ground
  Forces, Togolese Navy (Marine du Togo), Togolese Air Force (Force
  Aerienne Togolaise, TAF), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Tonga
  Tonga Defense Services (TDS): Land Force (Royal Guard),
  Maritime Force (includes Royal Marines, Air Wing) (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
  Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF):
  Trinidad and Tobago Army, Coast Guard, Air Guard, Trinidad and
  Tobago Police Service (2010)

Tunisia
  Tunisian Armed Forces (Forces Armees Tunisiens, FAT): Army,
  Navy, Republic of Tunisia Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya
  al-Jamahiriyah At'tunisia) (2009)

Turkey
  Turkish Armed Forces (TSK): Turkish Land Forces (Turk Kara
  Kuvvetleri), Turkish Naval Forces (Turk Deniz Kuvvetleri; includes
  naval air and naval infantry), Turkish Air Force (Turk Hava
  Kuvvetleri) (2010)

Turkmenistan
  Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (2010)

Tuvalu
  no regular military forces; Tuvalu Police Force (2009)

Uganda
  Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF): Army (includes Marine
  Unit), Uganda Air Force (2010)

Ukraine
  Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces
  (Viyskovo-Povitryani Syly, VPS) (2010)

United Arab Emirates
  United Arab Emirates Armed Forces: Army, Navy
  (includes Marines), Air Force and Air Defense, Border and Coast
  Guard Directorate (BCGD) (2009)

United Kingdom
  Army, Royal Navy (includes Royal Marines), Royal Air
  Force (2010)

United States
  United States Armed Forces: US Army, US Navy (includes
  Marine Corps), US Air Force, US Coast Guard; note - Coast Guard
  administered in peacetime by the Department of Homeland Security,
  but in wartime reports to the Department of the Navy (2009)

Uruguay
  Uruguayan Armed Forces: Uruguayan National Army (Ejercito
  Nacional Uruguaya, ENU), Uruguayan National Navy (Armada Nacional
  del Uruguay; includes naval air arm, Naval Rifle Corps (Cuerpo de
  Fusileros Navales, Fusna), Maritime Prefecture in wartime),
  Uruguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya, FAU) (2010)

Uzbekistan
  Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard

Vanuatu
  no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF),
  Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF; includes Police Maritime Wing (PMW))
  (2009)

Venezuela
  National Bolivarian Armed Forces (Fuerza Armada Nacional
  Bolivariana, FANB): Bolivarian Army (Ejercito Bolivariano, EB),
  Bolivarian Navy (Armada Bolivariana, AB); includes Naval Infantry,
  Coast Guard, Naval Aviation), Bolivarian Military Aviation (Aviacion
  Militar Bolivariana, AMB), Bolivarian National Guard (Guardia
  Nacional Bolivaria, GNB), Bolivarian Militia (Milicia Bolivariana,
  MB) (2010)

Vietnam
  People's Armed Forces: People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN)
  (includes People's Navy Command (with Naval Infantry, Coast Guard),
  Air and Air Defense Force (Khong Quan Nhan Dan), Border Defense
  Command), People's Public Security Forces, Militia Force,
  Self-Defense Forces (2010)

Yemen
  Army, Navy (includes Marines), Yemen Air Force (Al Quwwat al
  Jawwiya al Jamahiriya al Yemeniya; includes Air Defense Force),
  Republican Guard (2010)

Zambia
  Zambian National Defense Force (ZNDF): Zambian Army, Zambian
  Air Force, National Service (2009)

Zimbabwe
  Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF): Zimbabwe National Army
  (ZNA), Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)
  (2009)

======================================================================

@2056

Field Listing :: Budget

This entry includes revenues, expenditures, and capital expenditures. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Country

Budget

======================================================================

@2057

Field Listing :: Capital

This entry gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones. Country

Capital

Afghanistan
  name: Kabul
  geographic coordinates: 34 31 N, 69 11 E
  time difference: UTC+4.5 (9.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Akrotiri
  name: Episkopi Cantonment (base administrative center for
  Akrotiri and Dhekelia)
  geographic coordinates: 34 40 N, 32 51 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Albania
  name: Tirana (Tirane)
  geographic coordinates: 41 19 N, 19 49 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Algeria
  name: Algiers
  geographic coordinates: 36 45 N, 3 03 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

American Samoa
  name: Pago Pago
  geographic coordinates: 14 16 S, 170 42 W
  time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Andorra
  name: Andorra la Vella
  geographic coordinates: 42 30 N, 1 31 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Angola
  name: Luanda
  geographic coordinates: 8 50 S, 13 14 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Anguilla
  name: The Valley
  geographic coordinates: 18 13 N, 63 03 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Antigua and Barbuda
  name: Saint John's
  geographic coordinates: 17 07 N, 61 51 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Argentina
  name: Buenos Aires
  geographic coordinates: 34 36 S, 58 40 W
  time difference: UTC-3 (3 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: none scheduled for 2010

Armenia
  name: Yerevan
  geographic coordinates: 40 10 N, 44 30 E
  time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Aruba
  name: Oranjestad
  geographic coordinates: 12 31 N, 70 02 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Australia
  name: Canberra
  geographic coordinates: 35 17 S, 149 13 E
  time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends
  first Sunday in April
  note: Australia is divided into three time zones

Austria
  name: Vienna
  geographic coordinates: 48 12 N, 16 22 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Azerbaijan
  name: Baku (Baki, Baky)
  geographic coordinates: 40 23 N, 49 52 E
  time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Bahamas, The
  name: Nassau
  geographic coordinates: 25 05 N, 77 21 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
  first Sunday in November

Bahrain
  name: Manama
  geographic coordinates: 26 14 N, 50 34 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Bangladesh
  name: Dhaka
  geographic coordinates: 23 43 N, 90 24 E
  time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Barbados
  name: Bridgetown
  geographic coordinates: 13 06 N, 59 37 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Belarus
  name: Minsk
  geographic coordinates: 53 54 N, 27 34 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Belgium
  name: Brussels
  geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 20 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Belize
  name: Belmopan
  geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 46 W
  time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)

Benin
  name: Porto-Novo (official capital)
  geographic coordinates: 6 29 N, 2 37 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: Cotonou (seat of government)

Bermuda
  name: Hamilton
  geographic coordinates: 32 17 N, 64 47 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
  first Sunday in November

Bhutan
  name: Thimphu
  geographic coordinates: 27 29 N, 89 36 E
  time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Bolivia
  name: La Paz (administrative capital)
  geographic coordinates: 16 30 S, 68 09 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: Sucre (constitutional capital)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  name: Sarajevo
  geographic coordinates: 43 52 N, 18 25 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Botswana
  name: Gaborone
  geographic coordinates: 24 45 S, 25 55 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Brazil
  name: Brasilia
  geographic coordinates: 15 47 S, 47 55 W
  time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins third Sunday in October; ends
  third Sunday in February
  note: Brazil is divided into three time zones, including one for the
  Fernando de Noronha Islands

British Virgin Islands
  name: Road Town
  geographic coordinates: 18 27 N, 64 37 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Brunei
  name: Bandar Seri Begawan
  geographic coordinates: 4 53 N, 114 56 E
  time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Bulgaria
  name: Sofia
  geographic coordinates: 42 41 N, 23 19 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Burkina Faso
  name: Ouagadougou
  geographic coordinates: 12 22 N, 1 31 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Burma
  name: Rangoon (Yangon)
  geographic coordinates: 16 48 N, 96 09 E
  time difference: UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: Nay Pyi Taw is administrative capital

Burundi
  name: Bujumbura
  geographic coordinates: 3 22 S, 29 21 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Cambodia
  name: Phnom Penh
  geographic coordinates: 11 33 N, 104 55 E
  time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Cameroon
  name: Yaounde
  geographic coordinates: 3 52 N, 11 31 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Canada
  name: Ottawa
  geographic coordinates: 45 25 N, 75 42 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
  first Sunday in November
  note: Canada is divided into six time zones

Cape Verde
  name: Praia
  geographic coordinates: 14 55 N, 23 31 W
  time difference: UTC-1 (4 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Cayman Islands
  name: George Town (on Grand Cayman)
  geographic coordinates: 19 18 N, 81 23 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)

Central African Republic
  name: Bangui
  geographic coordinates: 4 22 N, 18 35 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Chad
  name: N'Djamena
  geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 15 02 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Chile
  name: Santiago
  geographic coordinates: 33 27 S, 70 40 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in October; ends
  second Sunday in March
  note: the Chilean Government announced on 4 March 2010 that the end
  of DST would be delayed until 4 April 2010 providing respite to
  those affected by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake of February 2010

China
  name: Beijing
  geographic coordinates: 39 55 N, 116 23 E
  time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: despite its size, all of China falls within one time zone;
  many people in Xinjiang Province observe an unofficial "Xinjiang
  timezone" of UTC+6, two hours behind Beijing

Christmas Island
  name: The Settlement
  geographic coordinates: 10 25 S, 105 43 E
  time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  name: West Island
  geographic coordinates: 12 10 S, 96 50 E
  time difference: UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Colombia
  name: Bogota
  geographic coordinates: 4 36 N, 74 05 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)

Comoros
  name: Moroni
  geographic coordinates: 11 42 S, 43 14 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  name: Kinshasa
  geographic coordinates: 4 19 S, 15 18 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (six hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Congo, Republic of the
  name: Brazzaville
  geographic coordinates: 4 15 S, 15 17 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (six hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Cook Islands
  name: Avarua
  geographic coordinates: 21 12 S, 159 46 W
  time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Costa Rica
  name: San Jose
  geographic coordinates: 9 56 N, 84 05 W
  time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)

Cote d'Ivoire
  name: Yamoussoukro
  geographic coordinates: 6 49 N, 5 17 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: although Yamoussoukro has been the official capital since
  1983, Abidjan remains the commercial and administrative center; the
  US, like other countries, maintains its Embassy in Abidjan

Croatia
  name: Zagreb
  geographic coordinates: 45 48 N, 16 00 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Cuba
  name: Havana
  geographic coordinates: 23 07 N, 82 21 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Curacao
  name: Willemstad
  geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 68 55 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Cyprus
  name: Nicosia (Lefkosia)
  geographic coordinates: 35 10 N, 33 22 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Czech Republic
  name: Prague
  geographic coordinates: 50 05 N, 14 28 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Denmark
  name: Copenhagen
  geographic coordinates: 55 40 N, 12 35 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October
  note: applies to continental Denmark only, not to its North Atlantic
  components

Dhekelia
  name: Episkopi Cantonment (base administrative center for
  Akrotiri and Dhekelia); located in Akrotiri
  geographic coordinates: 34 40 N, 32 51 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Djibouti
  name: Djibouti
  geographic coordinates: 11 35 N, 43 09 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Dominica
  name: Roseau
  geographic coordinates: 15 18 N, 61 24 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Dominican Republic
  name: Santo Domingo
  geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 69 54 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Ecuador
  name: Quito
  geographic coordinates: 0 13 S, 78 30 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)

Egypt
  name: Cairo
  geographic coordinates: 30 03 N, 31 15 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in April; ends first
  Friday in August

El Salvador
  name: San Salvador
  geographic coordinates: 13 42 N, 89 12 W
  time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)

Equatorial Guinea
  name: Malabo
  geographic coordinates: 3 45 N, 8 47 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Eritrea
  name: Asmara (Asmera)
  geographic coordinates: 15 20 N, 38 56 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Estonia
  name: Tallinn
  geographic coordinates: 59 26 N, 24 43 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Ethiopia
  name: Addis Ababa
  geographic coordinates: 9 02 N, 38 42 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

European Union
  name: Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France),
  Luxembourg
  geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 20 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October
  note: the Council of the European Union meets in Brussels, Belgium;
  the European Parliament meets in Brussels and Strasbourg, France;
  the Court of Justice of the European Communities meets in Luxembourg

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  name: Stanley
  geographic coordinates: 51 42 S, 57 51 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends
  third Sunday in April

Faroe Islands
  name: Torshavn
  geographic coordinates: 62 01 N, 6 46 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Fiji
  name: Suva (on Viti Levu)
  geographic coordinates: 18 08 S, 178 25 E
  time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins fourth Sunday in October; ends
  last Sunday in March

Finland
  name: Helsinki
  geographic coordinates: 60 10 N, 24 56 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

France
  name: Paris
  geographic coordinates: 48 52 N, 2 20 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October
  note: applies to metropolitan France only, not to its overseas
  departments, collectivities, or territories

French Polynesia
  name: Papeete
  geographic coordinates: 17 32 S, 149 34 W
  time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Gabon
  name: Libreville
  geographic coordinates: 0 23 N, 9 27 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Gambia, The
  name: Banjul
  geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Georgia
  name: T'bilisi
  geographic coordinates: 41 43 N, 44 47 E
  time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Germany
  name: Berlin
  geographic coordinates: 52 31 N, 13 24 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Ghana
  name: Accra
  geographic coordinates: 5 33 N, 0 13 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Gibraltar
  name: Gibraltar
  geographic coordinates: 36 08 N, 5 21 W
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Greece
  name: Athens
  geographic coordinates: 37 59 N, 23 44 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Greenland
  name: Nuuk (Godthab)
  geographic coordinates: 64 11 N, 51 45 W
  time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October
  note: Greenland is divided into four time zones

Grenada
  name: Saint George's
  geographic coordinates: 12 03 N, 61 45 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Guam
  name: Hagatna (Agana)
  geographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 144 44 E
  time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Guatemala
  name: Guatemala City
  geographic coordinates: 14 37 N, 90 31 W
  time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in April; ends last
  Friday in September; note - there is no DST planned for 2010

Guernsey
  name: Saint Peter Port
  geographic coordinates: 49 27 N, 2 32 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Guinea
  name: Conakry
  geographic coordinates: 9 33 N, 13 42 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Guinea-Bissau
  name: Bissau
  geographic coordinates: 11 51 N, 15 35 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Guyana
  name: Georgetown
  geographic coordinates: 6 48 N, 58 10 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Haiti
  name: Port-au-Prince
  geographic coordinates: 18 32 N, 72 20 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last
  Sunday in October

Holy See (Vatican City)
  name: Vatican City
  geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 27 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Honduras
  name: Tegucigalpa
  geographic coordinates: 14 06 N, 87 13 W
  time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
  first Sunday in November

Hungary
  name: Budapest
  geographic coordinates: 47 30 N, 19 05 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Iceland
  name: Reykjavik
  geographic coordinates: 64 09 N, 21 57 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

India
  name: New Delhi
  geographic coordinates: 28 36 N, 77 12 E
  time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Indonesia
  name: Jakarta
  geographic coordinates: 6 10 S, 106 49 E
  time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: Indonesia is divided into three time zones

Iran
  name: Tehran
  geographic coordinates: 35 40 N, 51 25 E
  time difference: UTC+3.5 (8.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins fourth Monday in March; ends
  fourth Wednesday in September

Iraq
  name: Baghdad
  geographic coordinates: 33 20 N, 44 23 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Ireland
  name: Dublin
  geographic coordinates: 53 19 N, 6 14 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Isle of Man
  name: Douglas
  geographic coordinates: 54 09 N, 4 29 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (five hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Israel
  name: Jerusalem
  geographic coordinates: 31 46 N, 35 14 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in March; ends the
  Sunday between the holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur
  note: Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in 1950, but the
  US, like all other countries, maintains its Embassy in Tel Aviv

Italy
  name: Rome
  geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 29 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Jamaica
  name: Kingston
  geographic coordinates: 18 00 N, 76 48 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)

Japan
  name: Tokyo
  geographic coordinates: 35 41 N, 139 45 E
  time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Jersey
  name: Saint Helier
  geographic coordinates: 49 11 N, 2 06 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Jordan
  name: Amman
  geographic coordinates: 31 57 N, 35 56 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in March; ends last
  Friday in October

Kazakhstan
  name: Astana
  geographic coordinates: 51 10 N, 71 25 E
  time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: Kazakhstan is divided into two time zones

Kenya
  name: Nairobi
  geographic coordinates: 1 17 S, 36 49 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Kiribati
  name: Tarawa
  geographic coordinates: 1 19 N, 172 58 E
  time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Korea, North
  name: Pyongyang
  geographic coordinates: 39 01 N, 125 45 E
  time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Korea, South
  name: Seoul
  geographic coordinates: 37 33 N, 126 59 E
  time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Kosovo
  name: Pristina (Prishtine, Prishtina)
  geographic coordinates: 42 40 N, 21 10 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Kuwait
  name: Kuwait City
  geographic coordinates: 29 22 N, 47 58 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Kyrgyzstan
  name: Bishkek
  geographic coordinates: 42 52 N, 74 36 E
  time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Laos
  name: Vientiane (Viangchan)
  geographic coordinates: 17 58 N, 102 36 E
  time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Latvia
  name: Riga
  geographic coordinates: 56 57 N, 24 06 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Lebanon
  name: Beirut
  geographic coordinates: 33 52 N, 35 30 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Lesotho
  name: Maseru
  geographic coordinates: 29 19 S, 27 29 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Liberia
  name: Monrovia
  geographic coordinates: 6 18 N, 10 48 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Libya
  name: Tripoli (Tarabulus)
  geographic coordinates: 32 53 N, 13 10 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Liechtenstein
  name: Vaduz
  geographic coordinates: 47 08 N, 9 31 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Lithuania
  name: Vilnius
  geographic coordinates: 54 41 N, 25 19 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Luxembourg
  name: Luxembourg
  geographic coordinates: 49 36 N, 6 07 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Macedonia
  name: Skopje
  geographic coordinates: 42 00 N, 21 26 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Madagascar
  name: Antananarivo
  geographic coordinates: 18 55 S, 47 31 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Malawi
  name: Lilongwe
  geographic coordinates: 13 59 S, 33 47 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Malaysia
  name: Kuala Lumpur
  geographic coordinates: 3 10 N, 101 42 E
  time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: Putrajaya is referred to as administrative center not capital;
  Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur

Maldives
  name: Male
  geographic coordinates: 4 10 N, 73 30 E
  time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Mali
  name: Bamako
  geographic coordinates: 12 39 N, 8 00 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Malta
  name: Valletta
  geographic coordinates: 35 53 N, 14 30 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Marshall Islands
  name: Majuro
  geographic coordinates: 7 06 N, 171 23 E
  time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Mauritania
  name: Nouakchott
  geographic coordinates: 18 07 N, 16 02 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Mauritius
  name: Port Louis
  geographic coordinates: 20 09 S, 57 29 E
  time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Mayotte
  name: Mamoudzou
  geographic coordinates: 12 46 S, 45 13 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Mexico
  name: Mexico City (Distrito Federal)
  geographic coordinates: 19 26 N, 99 08 W
  time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last
  Sunday in October
  note: Mexico is divided into three time zones

Micronesia, Federated States of
  name: Palikir
  geographic coordinates: 6 55 N, 158 09 E
  time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Moldova
  name: Chisinau (Kishinev)
  note: pronounced KEE-shee-now
  geographic coordinates: 47 00 N, 28 51 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Monaco
  name: Monaco
  geographic coordinates: 43 44 N, 7 25 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Mongolia
  name: Ulaanbaatar
  geographic coordinates: 47 55 N, 106 55 E
  time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Montenegro
  name: Podgorica
  geographic coordinates: 42 26 N, 19 16 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1 hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Montserrat
  name: Plymouth
  geographic coordinates: 16 42 N, 62 13 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 because of volcanic activity;
  interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate in the
  Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat

Morocco
  name: Rabat
  geographic coordinates: 34 01 N, 6 49 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Mozambique
  name: Maputo
  geographic coordinates: 25 57 S, 32 35 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Namibia
  name: Windhoek
  geographic coordinates: 22 34 S, 17 05 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends
  first Sunday in April

Nauru
  no official capital; government offices in Yaren District
  time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Nepal
  name: Kathmandu
  geographic coordinates: 27 43 N, 85 19 E
  time difference: UTC+5.75 (10.75 hours ahead of Washington, DC
  during Standard Time)

Netherlands
  name: Amsterdam
  geographic coordinates: 52 23 N, 4 54 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October
  note: The Hague is the seat of government; time descriptions apply
  to the continental Netherlands only, not to the Caribbean components

New Caledonia
  name: Noumea
  geographic coordinates: 22 16 S, 166 27 E
  time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

New Zealand
  name: Wellington
  geographic coordinates: 41 28 S, 174 51 E
  time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends
  first Sunday in April
  note: New Zealand is divided into two time zones - New Zealand
  standard time (12 hours in advance of UTC), and Chatham Islands time
  (45 minutes in advance of New Zealand standard time)

Nicaragua
  name: Managua
  geographic coordinates: 12 09 N, 86 17 W
  time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)

Niger
  name: Niamey
  geographic coordinates: 13 31 N, 2 07 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Nigeria
  name: Abuja
  geographic coordinates: 9 05 N, 7 32 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Niue
  name: Alofi
  geographic coordinates: 19 01 S, 169 55 W
  time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Norfolk Island
  name: Kingston
  geographic coordinates: 29 03 S, 167 58 E
  time difference: UTC+11.5 (16.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Northern Mariana Islands
  name: Saipan
  geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E
  time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Norway
  name: Oslo
  geographic coordinates: 59 55 N, 10 45 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Oman
  name: Muscat
  geographic coordinates: 23 37 N, 58 35 E
  time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Pakistan
  name: Islamabad
  geographic coordinates: 33 42 N, 73 10 E
  time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Palau
  name: Melekeok
  geographic coordinates: 7 29 N, 134 38 E
  time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Panama
  name: Panama City
  geographic coordinates: 8 58 N, 79 32 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)

Papua New Guinea
  name: Port Moresby
  geographic coordinates: 9 30 S, 147 10 E
  time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Paraguay
  name: Asuncion
  geographic coordinates: 25 16 S, 57 40 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends
  second Sunday in April

Peru
  name: Lima
  geographic coordinates: 12 03 S, 77 03 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)

Philippines
  name: Manila
  geographic coordinates: 14 35 N, 121 00 E
  time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Pitcairn Islands
  name: Adamstown
  geographic coordinates: 25 04 S, 130 05 W
  time difference: UTC-9 (4 hours behind Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Poland
  name: Warsaw
  geographic coordinates: 52 15 N, 21 00 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Portugal
  name: Lisbon
  geographic coordinates: 38 43 N, 9 08 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Puerto Rico
  name: San Juan
  geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 66 07 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Qatar
  name: Doha
  geographic coordinates: 25 17 N, 51 32 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Romania
  name: Bucharest
  geographic coordinates: 44 26 N, 26 06 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Russia
  name: Moscow
  geographic coordinates: 55 45 N, 37 35 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October
  note: Russia is divided into 9 time zones

Rwanda
  name: Kigali
  geographic coordinates: 1 57 S, 30 04 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Saint Barthelemy
  name: Gustavia
  geographic coordinates: 17 53 N, 62 51 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during
  Standard Time)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  name: Jamestown
  geographic coordinates: 15 56 S, 5 44 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  name: Basseterre
  geographic coordinates: 17 18 N, 62 43 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Saint Lucia
  name: Castries
  geographic coordinates: 14 01 N, 61 00 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Saint Martin
  name: Marigot
  geographical coordinates: 18 04 N, 63 05 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during
  Standard Time)
  daylight savings: +1 hour

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  name: Saint-Pierre
  geographic coordinates: 46 46 N, 56 11 W
  time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
  first Sunday in November

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  name: Kingstown
  geographic coordinates: 13 09 N, 61 14 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Samoa
  name: Apia
  geographic coordinates: 13 50 S, 171 44 W
  time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  +1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

San Marino
  name: San Marino
  geographic coordinates: 43 56 N, 12 25 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Sao Tome and Principe
  name: Sao Tome
  geographic coordinates: 0 12 N, 6 39 E
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Saudi Arabia
  name: Riyadh
  geographic coordinates: 24 38 N, 46 43 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Senegal
  name: Dakar
  geographic coordinates: 14 40 N, 17 26 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Serbia
  name: Belgrade (Beograd)
  geographic coordinates: 44 50 N, 20 30 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Seychelles
  name: Victoria
  geographic coordinates: 4 38 S, 55 27 E
  time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Sierra Leone
  name: Freetown
  geographic coordinates: 8 30 N, 13 15 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Singapore
  name: Singapore
  geographic coordinates: 1 17 N, 103 51 E
  time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Sint Maarten
  name: Philipsburg
  geographic coordinates: 18 1 N, 63 2 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Slovakia
  name: Bratislava
  geographic coordinates: 48 09 N, 17 07 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Slovenia
  name: Ljubljana
  geographic coordinates: 46 03 N, 14 31 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Solomon Islands
  name: Honiara
  geographic coordinates: 9 26 S, 159 57 E
  time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Somalia
  name: Mogadishu
  geographic coordinates: 2 04 N, 45 22 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

South Africa
  name: Pretoria (administrative capital)
  geographic coordinates: 25 42 S, 28 13 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial
  capital)

Spain
  name: Madrid
  geographic coordinates: 40 24 N, 3 41 W
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October
  note: Spain is divided into two time zones including the Canary
  Islands

Sri Lanka
  name: Colombo
  geographic coordinates: 6 56 N, 79 51 E
  time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital)

Sudan
  name: Khartoum
  geographic coordinates: 15 36 N, 32 32 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Suriname
  name: Paramaribo
  geographic coordinates: 5 50 N, 55 10 W
  time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Svalbard
  name: Longyearbyen
  geographic coordinates: 78 13 N, 15 33 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Swaziland
  name: Mbabane
  geographic coordinates: 26 18 S, 31 06 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: Lobamba (royal and legislative capital)

Sweden
  name: Stockholm
  geographic coordinates: 59 20 N, 18 03 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Switzerland
  name: Bern
  geographic coordinates: 46 57 N, 7 26 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Syria
  name: Damascus
  geographic coordinates: 33 30 N, 36 18 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Friday in April; ends last
  Friday in October

Taiwan
  name: Taipei
  geographic coordinates: 25 03 N, 121 30 E
  time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Tajikistan
  name: Dushanbe
  geographic coordinates: 38 35 N, 68 48 E
  time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Tanzania
  name: Dar es Salaam
  geographic coordinates: 6 48 S, 39 17 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: legislative offices have been transferred to Dodoma, which is
  planned as the new national capital, and the National Assembly now
  meets there on a regular basis; the Executive Branch with all
  ministries and diplomatic representation remains located in Dar es
  Salaam

Thailand
  name: Bangkok
  geographic coordinates: 13 45 N, 100 31 E
  time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Timor-Leste
  name: Dili
  geographic coordinates: 8 35 S, 125 36 E
  time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Togo
  name: Lome
  geographic coordinates: 6 08 N, 1 13 E
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Tokelau
  none; each atoll has its own administrative center
  time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Tonga
  name: Nuku'alofa
  geographic coordinates: 21 08 S, 175 12 W
  time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Trinidad and Tobago
  name: Port-of-Spain
  geographic coordinates: 10 39 N, 61 31 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Tunisia
  name: Tunis
  geographic coordinates: 36 48 N, 10 11 E
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Turkey
  name: Ankara
  geographic coordinates: 39 56 N, 32 52 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

Turkmenistan
  name: Ashgabat (Ashkhabad)
  geographic coordinates: 37 57 N, 58 23 E
  time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  name: Grand Turk (Cockburn Town)
  geographic coordinates: 21 28 N, 71 08 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard
  Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
  first Sunday in November

Tuvalu
  name: Funafuti
  geographic coordinates: 8 30 S, 179 12 E
  time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  note: administrative offices are in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale Islet

Uganda
  name: Kampala
  geographic coordinates: 0 19 N, 32 25 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Ukraine
  name: Kyiv (Kiev)
  note: pronounced KAY-yiv
  geographic coordinates: 50 26 N, 30 31 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October

United Arab Emirates
  name: Abu Dhabi
  geographic coordinates: 24 28 N, 54 22 E
  time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

United Kingdom
  name: London
  geographic coordinates: 51 30 N, 0 10 W
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last
  Sunday in October
  note: applies to the United Kingdom proper, not to its overseas
  dependencies or territories

United States
  name: Washington, DC
  geographic coordinates: 38 53 N, 77 02 W
  time difference: UTC-5 (during Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends
  first Sunday in November
  note: the 50 United States cover six time zones

Uruguay
  name: Montevideo
  geographic coordinates: 34 53 S, 56 11 W
  time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends
  second Sunday in March

Uzbekistan
  name: Tashkent (Toshkent)
  geographic coordinates: 41 20 N, 69 18 E
  time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Vanuatu
  name: Port-Vila (on Efate)
  geographic coordinates: 17 44 S, 168 19 E
  time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Venezuela
  name: Caracas
  geographic coordinates: 10 30 N, 66 56 W
  time difference: UTC-4.5 (half an hour ahead of Washington, DC
  during Standard Time)

Vietnam
  name: Hanoi (Ha Noi)
  geographic coordinates: 21 02 N, 105 51 E
  time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Virgin Islands
  name: Charlotte Amalie
  geographic coordinates: 18 21 N, 64 56 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Wallis and Futuna
  name: Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)
  geographic coordinates: 13 57 S, 171 56 W
  time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Western Sahara
  none
  time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Yemen
  name: Sanaa
  geographic coordinates: 15 21 N, 44 12 E
  time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Zambia
  name: Lusaka
  geographic coordinates: 15 25 S, 28 17 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

Zimbabwe
  name: Harare
  geographic coordinates: 17 50 S, 31 03 E
  time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
  Standard Time)

======================================================================

@2058

Field Listing :: Imports - commodities

This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued imported products; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value. Country

Imports - commodities(%)

Afghanistan
  machinery and other capital goods, food, textiles,
  petroleum products

Albania
  machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicals

Algeria
  capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

American Samoa
  raw materials for canneries 56%, food, petroleum
  products, machinery and parts

Andorra
  consumer goods, food, electricity

Angola
  machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts;
  medicines, food, textiles, military goods

Anguilla
  fuels, foodstuffs, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, textiles

Antigua and Barbuda
  food and live animals, machinery and transport
  equipment, manufactures, chemicals, oil

Argentina
  machinery, motor vehicles, petroleum and natural gas,
  organic chemicals, plastics

Armenia
  natural gas, petroleum, tobacco products, foodstuffs,
  diamonds

Aruba
  machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and
  reexport, chemicals; foodstuffs

Australia
  machinery and transport equipment, computers and office
  machines, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and
  petroleum products

Austria
  machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal
  goods, oil and oil products; foodstuffs

Azerbaijan
  machinery and equipment, oil products, foodstuffs,
  metals, chemicals

Bahamas, The
  machinery and transport equipment, manufactures,
  chemicals, mineral fuels; food and live animals

Bahrain
  crude oil, machinery, chemicals

Bangladesh
  machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel,
  textiles, foodstuffs, petroleum products, cement

Barbados
  consumer goods, machinery, foodstuffs, construction
  materials, chemicals, fuel, electrical components

Belarus
  mineral products, machinery and equipment, chemicals,
  foodstuffs, metals

Belgium
  raw materials, machinery and equipment, chemicals, raw
  diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil
  products

Belize
  machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods; fuels,
  chemicals, pharmaceuticals; food, beverages, tobacco

Benin
  foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products

Bermuda
  clothing, fuels, machinery and transport equipment,
  construction materials, chemicals, food and live animals

Bhutan
  fuel and lubricants, passenger cars, machinery and parts,
  fabrics, rice (2008)

Bolivia
  petroleum products, plastics, paper, aircraft and aircraft
  parts, prepared foods, automobiles, insecticides, soybeans

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels,
  foodstuffs

Botswana
  foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport
  equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper
  products, metal and metal products

Brazil
  machinery, electrical and transport equipment, chemical
  products, oil, automotive parts, electronics

British Virgin Islands
  building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs,
  machinery

Brunei
  machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food,
  chemicals

Bulgaria
  machinery and equipment; metals and ores; chemicals and
  plastics; fuels, minerals, and raw materials

Burkina Faso
  capital goods, foodstuffs, petroleum

Burma
  fabric, petroleum products, fertilizer, plastics, machinery,
  transport equipment; cement, construction materials, crude oil; food
  products, edible oil

Burundi
  capital goods, petroleum products, foodstuffs

Cambodia
  petroleum products, cigarettes, gold, construction
  materials, machinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceutical products

Cameroon
  machinery, electrical equipment, transport equipment, fuel,
  food

Canada
  machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, crude oil,
  chemicals, electricity, durable consumer goods

Cape Verde
  foodstuffs, industrial products, transport equipment,
  fuels

Cayman Islands
  foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels

Central African Republic
  food, textiles, petroleum products,
  machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals,
  pharmaceuticals

Chad
  machinery and transportation equipment, industrial goods,
  foodstuffs, textiles

Chile
  petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, electrical and
  telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles,
  natural gas

China
  electrical and other machinery, oil and mineral fuels, optical
  and medical equipment, metal ores, plastics, organic chemicals

Christmas Island
  consumer goods

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  foodstuffs

Colombia
  industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer
  goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity

Comoros
  rice and other foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum
  products, cement, transport equipment

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  foodstuffs, mining and other
  machinery, transport equipment, fuels

Congo, Republic of the
  capital equipment, construction materials,
  foodstuffs

Cook Islands
  foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods

Costa Rica
  raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment,
  petroleum, construction materials

Cote d'Ivoire
  fuel, capital equipment, foodstuffs

Croatia
  machinery, transport and electrical equipment; chemicals,
  fuels and lubricants; foodstuffs

Cuba
  petroleum, food, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Curacao
  crude petroleum, food, manufactures

Cyprus
  consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, intermediate goods,
  machinery, transport equipment

Czech Republic
  machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and
  fuels, chemicals

Denmark
  machinery and equipment, raw materials and semimanufactures
  for industry, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, consumer goods

Djibouti
  foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum
  products

Dominica
  manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, food, chemicals

Dominican Republic
  foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics,
  chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Ecuador
  industrial materials, fuels and lubricants, nondurable
  consumer goods

Egypt
  machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products,
  fuels

El Salvador
  raw materials, consumer goods, capital goods, fuels,
  foodstuffs, petroleum, electricity

Equatorial Guinea
  petroleum sector equipment, other equipment

Eritrea
  machinery, petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Estonia
  machinery and equipment 35%, textiles 19%, mineral fuels
  19%, chemical products 9%, foodstuffs 6%

Ethiopia
  food and live animals, petroleum and petroleum products,
  chemicals, machinery, motor vehicles, cereals, textiles

European Union
  machinery, vehicles, aircraft, plastics, crude oil,
  chemicals, textiles, metals, foodstuffs, clothing

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  fuel, food and drink, building
  materials, clothing

Faroe Islands
  consumer goods 36%, raw materials and
  semi-manufactures 32%, machinery and transport equipment 29%, fuels,
  fish, salt

Fiji
  manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment,
  petroleum products, food, chemicals

Finland
  foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals,
  transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and
  fabrics, grains

France
  machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft,
  plastics, chemicals

French Polynesia
  fuels, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment

Gabon
  machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, construction
  materials

Gambia, The
  foodstuffs, manufactures, fuel, machinery and transport
  equipment

Gaza Strip
  food, consumer goods
  note: Israel permits limited imports through crossings with Gaza,
  but many "dual use" goods, such as construction materials, are
  smuggled through tunnels beneath Gaza's border with Egypt

Georgia
  fuels, vehicles, machinery and parts, grain and other foods,
  pharmaceuticals

Germany
  machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals

Ghana
  capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs

Gibraltar
  fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs

Greece
  machinery, transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Greenland
  machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods,
  food, petroleum products

Grenada
  food, manufactured goods, machinery, chemicals, fuel

Guam
  petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Guatemala
  fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction
  materials, grain, fertilizers, electricity

Guernsey
  coal, gasoline, oil, machinery and equipment

Guinea
  petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment,
  textiles, grain and other foodstuffs

Guinea-Bissau
  foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment,
  petroleum products

Guyana
  manufactures, machinery, petroleum, food

Haiti
  food, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment,
  fuels, raw materials

Honduras
  machinery and transport equipment, industrial raw
  materials, chemical products, fuels, foodstuffs

Hong Kong
  raw materials and semi-manufactures, consumer goods,
  capital goods, foodstuffs, fuel (most is re-exported)

Hungary
  machinery and equipment 50%, fuels and electricity 11%, food
  products, raw materials

Iceland
  machinery and equipment, petroleum products, foodstuffs,
  textiles

India
  crude oil, precious stones, machinery, fertilizer, iron and
  steel, chemicals

Indonesia
  machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

Iran
  industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods,
  foodstuffs and other consumer goods, technical services

Iraq
  food, medicine, manufactures

Ireland
  data processing equipment, other machinery and equipment,
  chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, clothing

Isle of Man
  timber, fertilizers, fish

Israel
  raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough
  diamonds, fuels, grain, consumer goods

Italy
  engineering products, chemicals, transport equipment, energy
  products, minerals and nonferrous metals, textiles and clothing;
  food, beverages, and tobacco

Jamaica
  food and other consumer goods, industrial supplies, fuel,
  parts and accessories of capital goods, machinery and transport
  equipment, construction materials

Japan
  machinery and equipment, fuels, foodstuffs, chemicals,
  textiles, raw materials

Jersey
  machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods,
  foodstuffs, mineral fuels, chemicals

Jordan
  crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, iron, cereals

Kazakhstan
  machinery and equipment, metal products, foodstuffs

Kenya
  machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products,
  motor vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics

Kiribati
  foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous
  manufactured goods, fuel

Korea, North
  petroleum, coking coal, machinery and equipment,
  textiles, grain

Korea, South
  machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil,
  steel, transport equipment, organic chemicals, plastics

Kosovo
  foodstuffs, wood, petroleum, chemicals, machinery and
  electrical equipment

Kuwait
  food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing

Kyrgyzstan
  oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals,
  foodstuffs

Laos
  machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods

Latvia
  machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, vehicles

Lebanon
  petroleum products, cars, medicinal products, clothing, meat
  and live animals, consumer goods, paper, textile fabrics, tobacco,
  electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals

Lesotho
  food; building materials, vehicles, machinery, medicines,
  petroleum products

Liberia
  fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment,
  manufactured goods; foodstuffs

Libya
  machinery, semi-finished goods, food, transport equipment,
  consumer products

Liechtenstein
  agricultural products, raw materials, energy products,
  machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles

Lithuania
  mineral products, machinery and equipment, transport
  equipment, chemicals, textiles and clothing, metals

Luxembourg
  minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goods

Macau
  raw materials and semi-manufactured goods, consumer goods
  (foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco), capital goods, mineral fuels and
  oils

Macedonia
  machinery and equipment, automobiles, chemicals, fuels,
  food products

Madagascar
  capital goods, petroleum, consumer goods, food

Malawi
  food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods,
  transportation equipment

Malaysia
  electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics,
  vehicles, iron and steel products, chemicals

Maldives
  petroleum products, ships, foodstuffs, clothing,
  intermediate and capital goods

Mali
  petroleum, machinery and equipment, construction materials,
  foodstuffs, textiles

Malta
  mineral fuels and oils, electrical machinery, non-electrical
  machinery, aircraft and other transport equipment, plastic and other
  semi-manufactured goods; food, drink, tobacco

Marshall Islands
  foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels,
  beverages and tobacco

Mauritania
  machinery and equipment, petroleum products, capital
  goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Mauritius
  manufactured goods, capital equipment, foodstuffs,
  petroleum products, chemicals

Mayotte
  food, machinery and equipment, transportation equipment,
  metals, chemicals

Mexico
  metalworking machines, steel mill products, agricultural
  machinery, electrical equipment, car parts for assembly, repair
  parts for motor vehicles, aircraft, and aircraft parts

Micronesia, Federated States of
  food, manufactured goods, machinery
  and equipment, beverages

Moldova
  mineral products and fuel, machinery and equipment,
  chemicals, textiles

Mongolia
  machinery and equipment, fuel, cars, food products,
  industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea

Montserrat
  machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs,
  manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials

Morocco
  crude petroleum, textile fabric, telecommunications
  equipment, wheat, gas and electricity, transistors, plastics

Mozambique
  machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, chemicals, metal
  products, foodstuffs, textiles

Namibia
  foodstuffs; petroleum products and fuel, machinery and
  equipment, chemicals

Nauru
  food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery

Nepal
  petroleum products, machinery and equipment, gold, electrical
  goods, medicine

Netherlands
  machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels,
  foodstuffs, clothing

New Caledonia
  machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs

New Zealand
  machinery and equipment, vehicles and aircraft,
  petroleum, electronics, textiles, plastics

Nicaragua
  consumer goods, machinery and equipment, raw materials,
  petroleum products

Niger
  foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals

Nigeria
  machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured
  goods, food and live animals

Niue
  food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels,
  lubricants, chemicals, drugs

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Norway
  machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, foodstuffs

Oman
  machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food,
  livestock, lubricants

Pakistan
  petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, plastics,
  transportation equipment, edible oils, paper and paperboard, iron
  and steel, tea

Palau
  machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs

Panama
  capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, chemicals

Papua New Guinea
  machinery and transport equipment, manufactured
  goods, food, fuels, chemicals

Paraguay
  road vehicles, consumer goods, tobacco, petroleum products,
  electrical machinery, tractors, chemicals, vehicle parts

Peru
  petroleum and petroleum products, plastics, machinery,
  vehicles, iron and steel, wheat, paper

Philippines
  electronic products, mineral fuels, machinery and
  transport equipment, iron and steel, textile fabrics, grains,
  chemicals, plastic

Pitcairn Islands
  fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour,
  sugar, other foodstuffs

Poland
  machinery and transport equipment 38%, intermediate
  manufactured goods 21%, chemicals 15%, minerals, fuels, lubricants,
  and related materials 9%

Portugal
  agricultural products, food products, oil products,
  chemical products, plastics and rubber, skins and leather, wood and
  cork, wood pulp and paper, textile materials, clothing, footwear,
  minerals and mineral products, base metals, machinery and tools,
  vehicles and other transport material, and optical and precision
  instruments, computer accessories and parts, semi-conductors and
  related devices, household goods, passenger cars new and used, and
  wine products

Puerto Rico
  chemicals, machinery and equipment, clothing, food,
  fish, petroleum products

Qatar
  machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals

Romania
  machinery and equipment, fuels and minerals, chemicals,
  textile and products, metals, agricultural products

Russia
  machinery, vehicles, pharmaceutical products, plastic,
  semi-finished metal products, meat, fruits and nuts, optical and
  medical instruments, iron, steel

Rwanda
  foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum
  products, cement and construction material

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  food, beverages,
  tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed, building materials, motor vehicles
  and parts, machinery and parts

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  machinery, manufactures, food, fuels

Saint Lucia
  food 23%, manufactured goods 21%, machinery and
  transportation equipment 19%, chemicals, fuels

Saint Martin
  crude petroleum, food, manufactured items

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  meat, clothing, fuel, electrical
  equipment, machinery, building materials

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  foodstuffs, machinery and
  equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, minerals and fuels

Samoa
  machinery and equipment, industrial supplies, foodstuffs

San Marino
  wide variety of consumer manufactures, food

Sao Tome and Principe
  machinery and electrical equipment, food
  products, petroleum products

Saudi Arabia
  machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor
  vehicles, textiles

Senegal
  food and beverages, capital goods, fuels

Seychelles
  machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products,
  chemicals, other manufactured goods

Sierra Leone
  foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels and
  lubricants, chemicals

Singapore
  machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals,
  foodstuffs, consumer goods

Slovakia
  machinery and transport equipment 31%, mineral products
  13%, vehicles 12%, base metals 9%, chemicals 8%, plastics 6% (2009
  est.)

Slovenia
  machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods,
  chemicals, fuels and lubricants, food

Solomon Islands
  food, plant and equipment, manufactured goods,
  fuels, chemicals

Somalia
  manufactures, petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction
  materials, qat

South Africa
  machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum products,
  scientific instruments, foodstuffs

Spain
  machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods,
  foodstuffs, consumer goods, measuring and medical control instruments

Sri Lanka
  petroleum, textiles, machinery and transportation
  equipment, building materials, mineral products, foodstuffs

Sudan
  foodstuffs, manufactured goods, refinery and transport
  equipment, medicines and chemicals, textiles, wheat

Suriname
  capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer
  goods

Swaziland
  motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment,
  foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals

Sweden
  machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor
  vehicles, iron and steel; foodstuffs, clothing

Switzerland
  machinery, chemicals, vehicles, metals; agricultural
  products, textiles

Syria
  machinery and transport equipment, electric power machinery,
  food and livestock, metal and metal products, chemicals and chemical
  products, plastics, yarn, paper

Taiwan
  electronics, machinery, crude petroleum, precision
  instruments, organic chemicals, metals

Tajikistan
  electricity, petroleum products, aluminum oxide,
  machinery and equipment, foodstuffs

Tanzania
  consumer goods, machinery and transportation equipment,
  industrial raw materials, crude oil

Thailand
  capital goods, intermediate goods and raw materials,
  consumer goods, fuels

Timor-Leste
  food, gasoline, kerosene, machinery

Togo
  machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products

Tokelau
  foodstuffs, building materials, fuel

Tonga
  foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Trinidad and Tobago
  mineral fuels, lubricants, machinery,
  transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals, live
  animals

Tunisia
  textiles, machinery and equipment, hydrocarbons, chemicals,
  foodstuffs

Turkey
  machinery, chemicals, semi-finished goods, fuels, transport
  equipment

Turkmenistan
  machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs

Turks and Caicos Islands food and beverages, tobacco, clothing, manufactures, construction materials

Tuvalu
  food, animals, mineral fuels, machinery, manufactured goods

Uganda
  capital equipment, vehicles, petroleum, medical supplies;
  cereals

Ukraine
  energy, machinery and equipment, chemicals

United Arab Emirates machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

United Kingdom
  manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs

United States
  agricultural products 4.9%, industrial supplies 32.9%
  (crude oil 8.2%), capital goods 30.4% (computers, telecommunications
  equipment, motor vehicle parts, office machines, electric power
  machinery), consumer goods 31.8% (automobiles, clothing, medicines,
  furniture, toys)

Uruguay
  crude petroleum and petroleum products, machinery,
  chemicals, road vehicles, paper, plastics

Uzbekistan
  machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, ferrous
  and non-ferrous metals

Vanuatu
  machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels

Venezuela
  agricultural products, raw materials, machinery and
  equipment, transport equipment, construction materials

Vietnam
  machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer,
  steel products, raw cotton, grain, cement, motorcycles

Virgin Islands
  crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building
  materials

Wallis and Futuna
  chemicals, machinery, consumer goods

West Bank
  food, consumer goods, construction materials, petroleum,
  chemicals

Western Sahara
  fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffs

World
  the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and
  services
  top ten - share of world trade: see listing for exports

Yemen
  food and live animals, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Zambia
  machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products,
  electricity, fertilizer; foodstuffs, clothing

Zimbabwe
  machinery and transport equipment, other manufactures,
  chemicals, fuels, food products

======================================================================

@2059

Field Listing :: Climate

  This entry includes a brief description of typical weather regimes
  throughout the year.
  Country

Climate

Afghanistan
  arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers

Akrotiri
  temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool
  winters

Albania
  mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry
  summers; interior is cooler and wetter

Algeria
  arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers
  along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high
  plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in
  summer

American Samoa
  tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds;
  annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season (November to
  April), dry season (May to October); little seasonal temperature
  variation

Andorra
  temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers

Angola
  semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool,
  dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April)

Anguilla
  tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds

Antarctica
  severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation,
  and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West
  Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has
  the most moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January
  along the coast and average slightly below freezing

Antigua and Barbuda
  tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature
  variation

Arctic Ocean
  polar climate characterized by persistent cold and
  relatively narrow annual temperature ranges; winters characterized
  by continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions, and
  clear skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp and
  foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snow

Argentina
  mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in
  southwest

Armenia
  highland continental, hot summers, cold winters

Aruba
  tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  tropical

Atlantic Ocean
  tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast
  of Africa near Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea;
  hurricanes can occur from May to December but are most frequent from
  August to November

Australia
  generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east;
  tropical in north

Austria
  temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent
  rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate
  summers with occasional showers

Azerbaijan
  dry, semiarid steppe

Bahamas, The
  tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Bahrain
  arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Bangladesh
  tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid
  summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)

Barbados
  tropical; rainy season (June to October)

Belarus
  cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between
  continental and maritime

Belgium
  temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Belize
  tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November);
  dry season (February to May)

Benin
  tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Bermuda
  subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in
  winter

Bhutan
  varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot
  summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in
  Himalayas

Bolivia
  varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  hot summers and cold winters; areas of high
  elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild,
  rainy winters along coast

Botswana
  semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Bouvet Island
  antarctic

Brazil
  mostly tropical, but temperate in south

British Indian Ocean Territory
  tropical marine; hot, humid,
  moderated by trade winds

British Virgin Islands
  subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by
  trade winds

Brunei
  tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Bulgaria
  temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers

Burkina Faso
  tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Burma
  tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest
  monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild
  temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon,
  December to April)

Burundi
  equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude
  variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual
  temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees centigrade
  but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m;
  average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February
  to May and September to November), and two dry seasons (June to
  August and December to January)

Cambodia
  tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry
  season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation

Cameroon
  varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid
  and hot in north

Canada
  varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in
  north

Cape Verde
  temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and
  erratic

Cayman Islands
  tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October)
  and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)

Central African Republic
  tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot,
  wet summers

Chad
  tropical in south, desert in north

Chile
  temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region;
  cool and damp in south

China
  extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north

Christmas Island
  tropical with a wet season (December to April) and
  dry season; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds

Clipperton Island
  tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees
  C, wet season (May to October)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  tropical with high humidity, moderated by
  the southeast trade winds for about nine months of the year

Colombia
  tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

Comoros
  tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator - wet season (April to October), dry season (December to February); south of Equator - wet season (November to March), dry season (April to October)

Congo, Republic of the
  tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry
  season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity;
  particularly enervating climate astride the Equator

Cook Islands
  tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry
  season from April to November and a more humid season from December
  to March

Coral Sea Islands
  tropical

Costa Rica
  tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April);
  rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands

Cote d'Ivoire
  tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three
  seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to
  May), hot and wet (June to October)

Croatia
  Mediterranean and continental; continental climate
  predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry
  summers along coast

Cuba
  tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to
  April); rainy season (May to October)

Curacao
  tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade
  winds, results in mild temperatures; semi-arid with average rainfall
  of 600 mm/year

Cyprus
  temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool
  winters

Czech Republic
  temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Denmark
  temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool
  summers

Dhekelia
  temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool
  winters

Djibouti
  desert; torrid, dry

Dominica
  tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall

Dominican Republic
  tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature
  variation; seasonal variation in rainfall

Ecuador
  tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher
  elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

Egypt
  desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

El Salvador
  tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season
  (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands

Equatorial Guinea
  tropical; always hot, humid

Eritrea
  hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter
  in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually, heaviest
  June to September); semiarid in western hills and lowlands

Estonia
  maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers

Ethiopia
  tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation

European Union
  cold temperate; potentially subarctic in the north to
  temperate; mild wet winters; hot dry summers in the south

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 24 inches in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but typically does not accumulate

Faroe Islands
  mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy,
  windy

Fiji
  tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation

Finland
  cold temperate; potentially subarctic but comparatively mild
  because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current,
  Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes

France
  metropolitan France: generally cool winters and mild summers,
  but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional
  strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral
  French Guiana: tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature
  variation
  Guadeloupe and Martinique: subtropical tempered by trade winds;
  moderately high humidity; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable
  to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average
  Reunion: tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation; cool
  and dry (May to November), hot and rainy (November to April)

French Polynesia
  tropical, but moderate

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul:
  oceanic with persistent westerly winds and high humidity
  Iles Crozet: windy, cold, wet, and cloudy
  Iles Kerguelen: oceanic, cold, overcast, windy
  Iles Eparses: tropical

Gabon
  tropical; always hot, humid

Gambia, The
  tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler,
  dry season (November to May)

Gaza Strip
  temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers

Georgia
  warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast

Germany
  temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers;
  occasional warm mountain (foehn) wind

Ghana
  tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast;
  hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north

Gibraltar
  Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Greece
  temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Greenland
  arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters

Grenada
  tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds

Guam
  tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by
  northeast trade winds; dry season (January to June), rainy season
  (July to December); little seasonal temperature variation

Guatemala
  tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Guernsey
  temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of
  days are overcast

Guinea
  generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to
  November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May)
  with northeasterly harmattan winds

Guinea-Bissau
  tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type
  rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season
  (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Guyana
  tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two
  rainy seasons (May to August, November to January)

Haiti
  tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  antarctic

Holy See (Vatican City)
  temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to
  May) with hot, dry summers (May to September)

Honduras
  subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains

Hong Kong
  subtropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and
  rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall

Hungary
  temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers

Iceland
  temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy
  winters; damp, cool summers

India
  varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north

Indian Ocean
  northeast monsoon (December to April), southwest
  monsoon (June to October); tropical cyclones occur during May/June
  and October/November in the northern Indian Ocean and
  January/February in the southern Indian Ocean

Indonesia
  tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Iran
  mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast

Iraq
  mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless
  summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish
  borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that
  melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in
  central and southern Iraq

Ireland
  temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild
  winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the
  time

Isle of Man
  temperate; cool summers and mild winters; overcast about
  a third of the time

Israel
  temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas

Italy
  predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in
  south

Jamaica
  tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior

Jan Mayen
  arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog

Japan
  varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north

Jersey
  temperate; mild winters and cool summers

Jordan
  mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Kazakhstan
  continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and
  semiarid

Kenya
  varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior

Kiribati
  tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds

Korea, North
  temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer

Korea, South
  temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter

Kosovo
  influenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively
  cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns;
  Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation;
  maximum rainfall between October and December

Kuwait
  dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

Kyrgyzstan
  dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains;
  subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern
  foothill zone

Laos
  tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season
  (December to April)

Latvia
  maritime; wet, moderate winters

Lebanon
  Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry
  summers; Lebanon mountains experience heavy winter snows

Lesotho
  temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Liberia
  tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to
  cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers

Libya
  Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Liechtenstein
  continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow
  or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers

Lithuania
  transitional, between maritime and continental; wet,
  moderate winters and summers

Luxembourg
  modified continental with mild winters, cool summers

Macau
  subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers

Macedonia
  warm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters
  with heavy snowfall

Madagascar
  tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south

Malawi
  sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May
  to November)

Malaysia
  tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast
  (October to February) monsoons

Maldives
  tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to
  March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)

Mali
  subtropical to arid; hot and dry (February to June); rainy,
  humid, and mild (June to November); cool and dry (November to
  February)

Malta
  Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers

Marshall Islands
  tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to
  November; islands border typhoon belt

Mauritania
  desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty

Mauritius
  tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry
  winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)

Mayotte
  tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during
  northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to
  November)

Mexico
  varies from tropical to desert

Micronesia, Federated States of tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage

Moldova
  moderate winters, warm summers

Monaco
  Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers

Mongolia
  desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature
  ranges)

Montenegro
  Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and
  relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland

Montserrat
  tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Morocco
  Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior

Mozambique
  tropical to subtropical

Namibia
  desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Nauru
  tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to
  February)

Navassa Island
  marine, tropical

Nepal
  varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to
  subtropical summers and mild winters in south

Netherlands
  temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters

New Caledonia
  tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid

New Zealand
  temperate with sharp regional contrasts

Nicaragua
  tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Niger
  desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south

Nigeria
  varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in
  north

Niue
  tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Norfolk Island
  subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature
  variation

Northern Mariana Islands
  tropical marine; moderated by northeast
  trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season
  December to June, rainy season July to October

Norway
  temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current;
  colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers;
  rainy year-round on west coast

Oman
  dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong
  southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Pacific Ocean
  planetary air pressure systems and resultant wind
  patterns exhibit remarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade
  winds and westerly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by
  seasonal fluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south
  of Mexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central
  America; continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much
  less pronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same
  latitude in the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is
  monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when
  moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry
  season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian
  landmass back to the ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike
  southeast and east Asia from May to December

Pakistan
  mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in
  north

Palau
  tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November

Panama
  tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season
  (May to January), short dry season (January to May)

Papua New Guinea
  tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March),
  southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature
  variation

Paracel Islands
  tropical

Paraguay
  subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the
  eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

Peru
  varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate
  to frigid in Andes

Philippines
  tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April);
  southwest monsoon (May to October)

Pitcairn Islands
  tropical; hot and humid; modified by southeast
  trade winds; rainy season (November to March)

Poland
  temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with
  frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and
  thundershowers

Portugal
  maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and
  drier in south

Puerto Rico
  tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature
  variation

Qatar
  arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Romania
  temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog;
  sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms

Russia
  ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in
  much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in
  the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to
  frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool
  along Arctic coast

Rwanda
  temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to
  January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible

Saint Barthelemy
  tropical, with practically no variation in
  temperature; has two seasons (dry and humid)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  tropical, tempered by constant sea breezes;
  little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Saint Lucia
  tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season
  January to April, rainy season May to August

Saint Martin
  temperature averages 80-85 degrees all year long; low
  humidity, gentle trade winds, brief, intense rain showers;
  July-November is the hurricane season

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  cold and wet, with considerable mist and
  fog; spring and autumn are often windy

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  tropical; little seasonal
  temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Samoa
  tropical; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to
  October)

San Marino
  Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers

Sao Tome and Principe
  tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season
  (October to May)

Saudi Arabia
  harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

Senegal
  tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has
  strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by
  hot, dry, harmattan wind

Serbia
  in the north, continental climate (cold winters and hot,
  humid summers with well distributed rainfall); in other parts,
  continental and Mediterranean climate (relatively cold winters with
  heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns)

Seychelles
  tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast
  monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest
  monsoon (March to May)

Sierra Leone
  tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to
  December); winter dry season (December to April)

Singapore
  tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons
  - Northeastern monsoon (December to March) and Southwestern monsoon
  (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early
  evening thunderstorms

Sint Maarten
  tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade
  winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 1500
  mm/year; July-November is the hurricane season

Slovakia
  temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Slovenia
  Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate
  with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and
  valleys to the east

Solomon Islands
  tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and
  weather

Somalia
  principally desert; northeast monsoon (December to
  February), moderate temperatures in north and hot in south;
  southwest monsoon (May to October), torrid in the north and hot in
  the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili)
  between monsoons

South Africa
  mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny
  days, cool nights

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  variable, with mostly
  westerly winds throughout the year interspersed with periods of
  calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snow

Southern Ocean
  sea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius
  to -2 degrees Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the
  continent and frequently are intense because of the temperature
  contrast between ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about
  latitude 40 south to the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average
  winds found anywhere on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward
  to 65 degrees south latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees
  south latitude in the Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures
  well below 0 degrees Celsius; at some coastal points intense
  persistent drainage winds from the interior keep the shoreline
  ice-free throughout the winter

Spain
  temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and
  cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy
  and cool along coast

Spratly Islands
  tropical

Sri Lanka
  tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March);
  southwest monsoon (June to October)

Sudan
  tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season varies
  by region (April to November)

Suriname
  tropical; moderated by trade winds

Svalbard
  arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool
  summers, cold winters; North Atlantic Current flows along west and
  north coasts of Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most
  of the year

Swaziland
  varies from tropical to near temperate

Sweden
  temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly
  cloudy summers; subarctic in north

Switzerland
  temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy,
  rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with
  occasional showers

Syria
  mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and
  mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast; cold weather
  with snow or sleet periodically in Damascus

Taiwan
  tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June
  to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year

Tajikistan
  midlatitude continental, hot summers, mild winters;
  semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains

Tanzania
  varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands

Thailand
  tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to
  September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March);
  southern isthmus always hot and humid

Timor-Leste
  tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons

Togo
  tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Tokelau
  tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November)

Tonga
  tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to
  May), cool season (May to December)

Trinidad and Tobago
  tropical; rainy season (June to December)

Tunisia
  temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry
  summers; desert in south

Turkey
  temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher
  in interior

Turkmenistan
  subtropical desert

Turks and Caicos Islands
  tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds;
  sunny and relatively dry

Tuvalu
  tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to
  November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)

Uganda
  tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to
  February, June to August); semiarid in northeast

Ukraine
  temperate continental; Mediterranean only on the southern
  Crimean coast; precipitation disproportionately distributed, highest
  in west and north, lesser in east and southeast; winters vary from
  cool along the Black Sea to cold farther inland; summers are warm
  across the greater part of the country, hot in the south

United Arab Emirates
  desert; cooler in eastern mountains

United Kingdom
  temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds
  over the North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are
  overcast

United States
  mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida,
  arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the great plains west of the
  Mississippi River, and arid in the Great Basin of the southwest; low
  winter temperatures in the northwest are ameliorated occasionally in
  January and February by warm chinook winds from the eastern slopes
  of the Rocky Mountains

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  Baker, Howland, and
  Jarvis Islands: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning
  sun
  Johnston Atoll and Kingman Reef: tropical, but generally dry;
  consistent northeast trade winds with little seasonal temperature
  variation
  Midway Islands: subtropical with cool, moist winters (December to
  February) and warm, dry summers (May to October); moderated by
  prevailing easterly winds; most of the 1,067 mm (42 in) of annual
  rainfall occurs during the winter
  Palmyra Atoll: equatorial, hot; located within the low pressure area
  of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where the northeast and
  southeast trade winds meet, it is extremely wet with between
  4,000-5,000 mm (160-200 in) of rainfall each year

Uruguay
  warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Uzbekistan
  mostly midlatitude desert, long, hot summers, mild
  winters; semiarid grassland in east

Vanuatu
  tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to
  October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected
  by cyclones from December to April

Venezuela
  tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Vietnam
  tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season
  (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)

Virgin Islands
  subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds,
  relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation;
  rainy season September to November

Wake Island
  tropical

Wallis and Futuna
  tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April);
  cool, dry season (May to October); rains 2,500-3,000 mm per year
  (80% humidity); average temperature 26.6 degrees C

West Bank
  temperate; temperature and precipitation vary with
  altitude, warm to hot summers, cool to mild winters

Western Sahara
  hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore air
  currents produce fog and heavy dew

World
  a wide equatorial band of hot and humid tropical climates -
  bordered north and south by subtropical temperate zones - that
  separate two large areas of cold and dry polar climates

Yemen
  mostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in
  western mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot,
  dry, harsh desert in east

Zambia
  tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to
  April)

Zimbabwe
  tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to
  March)

======================================================================

@2060

Field Listing :: Coastline

This entry gives the total length of the boundary between the land area (including islands) and the sea. Country

Coastline(km)

Afghanistan
  0 km (landlocked)

Akrotiri
  56.3 km

Albania
  362 km

Algeria
  998 km

American Samoa
  116 km

Andorra
  0 km (landlocked)

Angola
  1,600 km

Anguilla
  61 km

Antarctica
  17,968 km

Antigua and Barbuda
  153 km

Arctic Ocean
  45,389 km

Argentina
  4,989 km

Armenia
  0 km (landlocked)

Aruba
  68.5 km

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  74.1 km

Atlantic Ocean
  111,866 km

Australia
  25,760 km

Austria
  0 km (landlocked)

Azerbaijan
  0 km (landlocked); note - Azerbaijan borders the Caspian
  Sea (713 km)

Bahamas, The
  3,542 km

Bahrain
  161 km

Bangladesh
  580 km

Barbados
  97 km

Belarus
  0 km (landlocked)

Belgium
  66.5 km

Belize
  386 km

Benin
  121 km

Bermuda
  103 km

Bhutan
  0 km (landlocked)

Bolivia
  0 km (landlocked)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  20 km

Botswana
  0 km (landlocked)

Bouvet Island
  29.6 km

Brazil
  7,491 km

British Indian Ocean Territory
  698 km

British Virgin Islands
  80 km

Brunei
  161 km

Bulgaria
  354 km

Burkina Faso
  0 km (landlocked)

Burma
  1,930 km

Burundi
  0 km (landlocked)

Cambodia
  443 km

Cameroon
  402 km

Canada
  202,080 km

Cape Verde
  965 km

Cayman Islands
  160 km

Central African Republic
  0 km (landlocked)

Chad
  0 km (landlocked)

Chile
  6,435 km

China
  14,500 km

Christmas Island
  138.9 km

Clipperton Island
  11.1 km

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  26 km

Colombia
  3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448
  km)

Comoros
  340 km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  37 km

Congo, Republic of the
  169 km

Cook Islands
  120 km

Coral Sea Islands
  3,095 km

Costa Rica
  1,290 km

Cote d'Ivoire
  515 km

Croatia
  5,835 km (mainland 1,777 km, islands 4,058 km)

Cuba
  3,735 km

Curacao
  364 km

Cyprus
  648 km

Czech Republic
  0 km (landlocked)

Denmark
  7,314 km

Dhekelia
  27.5 km

Djibouti
  314 km

Dominica
  148 km

Dominican Republic
  1,288 km

Ecuador
  2,237 km

Egypt
  2,450 km

El Salvador
  307 km

Equatorial Guinea
  296 km

Eritrea
  2,234 km (mainland on Red Sea 1,151 km, islands in Red Sea
  1,083 km)

Estonia
  3,794 km

Ethiopia
  0 km (landlocked)

European Union
  65,992.9 km

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  1,288 km

Faroe Islands
  1,117 km

Fiji
  1,129 km

Finland
  1,250 km

France total: 4,668 km metropolitan France: 3,427 km

French Polynesia
  2,525 km

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
  Ile Saint-Paul): 28 km
  Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul):
  Iles Kerguelen: 2,800 km
  Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km
  Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22.2 km
  Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km
  Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 24.1 km
  Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 3.7 km

Gabon
  885 km

Gambia, The
  80 km

Gaza Strip
  40 km

Georgia
  310 km

Germany
  2,389 km

Ghana
  539 km

Gibraltar
  12 km

Greece
  13,676 km

Greenland
  44,087 km

Grenada
  121 km

Guam
  125.5 km

Guatemala
  400 km

Guernsey
  50 km

Guinea
  320 km

Guinea-Bissau
  350 km

Guyana
  459 km

Haiti
  1,771 km

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  101.9 km

Holy See (Vatican City)
  0 km (landlocked)

Honduras
  820 km

Hong Kong
  733 km

Hungary
  0 km (landlocked)

Iceland
  4,970 km

India
  7,000 km

Indian Ocean
  66,526 km

Indonesia
  54,716 km

Iran
  2,440 km; note - Iran also borders the Caspian Sea (740 km)

Iraq
  58 km

Ireland
  1,448 km

Isle of Man
  160 km

Israel
  273 km

Italy
  7,600 km

Jamaica
  1,022 km

Jan Mayen
  124.1 km

Japan
  29,751 km

Jersey
  70 km

Jordan
  26 km

Kazakhstan
  0 km (landlocked); note - Kazakhstan borders the Aral
  Sea, now split into two bodies of water (1,070 km), and the Caspian
  Sea (1,894 km)

Kenya
  536 km

Kiribati
  1,143 km

Korea, North
  2,495 km

Korea, South
  2,413 km

Kosovo
  0 km (landlocked)

Kuwait
  499 km

Kyrgyzstan
  0 km (landlocked)

Laos
  0 km (landlocked)

Latvia
  498 km

Lebanon
  225 km

Lesotho
  0 km (landlocked)

Liberia
  579 km

Libya
  1,770 km

Liechtenstein
  0 km (doubly landlocked)

Lithuania
  90 km

Luxembourg
  0 km (landlocked)

Macau
  41 km

Macedonia
  0 km (landlocked)

Madagascar
  4,828 km

Malawi
  0 km (landlocked)

Malaysia
  4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607
  km)

Maldives
  644 km

Mali
  0 km (landlocked)

Malta
  196.8 km (excludes 56.01 km for the island of Gozo)

Marshall Islands
  370.4 km

Mauritania
  754 km

Mauritius
  177 km

Mayotte
  185.2 km

Mexico
  9,330 km

Micronesia, Federated States of
  6,112 km

Moldova
  0 km (landlocked)

Monaco
  4.1 km

Mongolia
  0 km (landlocked)

Montenegro
  293.5 km

Montserrat
  40 km

Morocco
  1,835 km

Mozambique
  2,470 km

Namibia
  1,572 km

Nauru
  30 km

Navassa Island
  8 km

Nepal
  0 km (landlocked)

Netherlands
  451 km

New Caledonia
  2,254 km

New Zealand
  15,134 km

Nicaragua
  910 km

Niger
  0 km (landlocked)

Nigeria
  853 km

Niue
  64 km

Norfolk Island
  32 km

Northern Mariana Islands
  1,482 km

Norway
  25,148 km (includes mainland 2,650 km, as well as long
  fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 22,498 km;
  length of island coastlines 58,133 km)

Oman
  2,092 km

Pacific Ocean
  135,663 km

Pakistan
  1,046 km

Palau
  1,519 km

Panama
  2,490 km

Papua New Guinea
  5,152 km

Paracel Islands
  518 km

Paraguay
  0 km (landlocked)

Peru
  2,414 km

Philippines
  36,289 km

Pitcairn Islands
  51 km

Poland
  440 km

Portugal
  1,793 km

Puerto Rico
  501 km

Qatar
  563 km

Romania
  225 km

Russia
  37,653 km

Rwanda
  0 km (landlocked)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  Saint Helena: 60 km
  Ascension Island: NA
  Tristan da Cunha: 40 km

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  135 km

Saint Lucia
  158 km

Saint Martin
  58.9 km (for entire island)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  120 km

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  84 km

Samoa
  403 km

San Marino
  0 km (landlocked)

Sao Tome and Principe
  209 km

Saudi Arabia
  2,640 km

Senegal
  531 km

Serbia
  0 km (landlocked)

Seychelles
  491 km

Sierra Leone
  402 km

Singapore
  193 km

Sint Maarten
  364 km

Slovakia
  0 km (landlocked)

Slovenia
  46.6 km

Solomon Islands
  5,313 km

Somalia
  3,025 km

South Africa
  2,798 km

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  NA

Southern Ocean
  17,968 km

Spain
  4,964 km

Spratly Islands
  926 km

Sri Lanka
  1,340 km

Sudan
  853 km

Suriname
  386 km

Svalbard
  3,587 km

Swaziland
  0 km (landlocked)

Sweden
  3,218 km

Switzerland
  0 km (landlocked)

Syria
  193 km

Taiwan
  1,566.3 km

Tajikistan
  0 km (landlocked)

Tanzania
  1,424 km

Thailand
  3,219 km

Timor-Leste
  706 km

Togo
  56 km

Tokelau
  101 km

Tonga
  419 km

Trinidad and Tobago
  362 km

Tunisia
  1,148 km

Turkey
  7,200 km

Turkmenistan
  0 km; note - Turkmenistan borders the Caspian Sea
  (1,768 km)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  389 km

Tuvalu
  24 km

Uganda
  0 km (landlocked)

Ukraine
  2,782 km

United Arab Emirates
  1,318 km

United Kingdom
  12,429 km

United States
  19,924 km

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  Baker Island: 4.8 km
  Howland Island: 6.4 km
  Jarvis Island: 8 km
  Johnston Atoll: 34 km
  Kingman Reef: 3 km
  Midway Islands: 15 km
  Palmyra Atoll: 14.5 km

Uruguay
  660 km

Uzbekistan
  0 km (doubly landlocked); note - Uzbekistan includes the
  southern portion of the Aral Sea with a 420 km shoreline

Vanuatu
  2,528 km

Venezuela
  2,800 km

Vietnam
  3,444 km (excludes islands)

Virgin Islands
  188 km

Wake Island
  19.3 km

Wallis and Futuna
  129 km

West Bank
  0 km (landlocked)

Western Sahara
  1,110 km

World
  356,000 km
  note: 95 nations and other entities are islands that border no other
  countries, they include: American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and
  Barbuda, Aruba, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, The Bahamas, Bahrain,
  Baker Island, Barbados, Bermuda, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean
  Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands,
  Christmas Island, Clipperton Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands,
  Comoros, Cook Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus,
  Dominica, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji,
  French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Greenland,
  Grenada, Guam, Guernsey, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Howland
  Island, Iceland, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jan Mayen, Japan, Jarvis
  Island, Jersey, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Kiribati, Madagascar,
  Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte,
  Federated States of Micronesia, Midway Islands, Montserrat, Nauru,
  Navassa Island, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island,
  Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Palmyra Atoll, Paracel Islands,
  Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Saint
  Barthelemy, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint
  Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao
  Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South
  Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Spratly Islands, Sri Lanka,
  Svalbard, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos
  Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Virgin Islands, Wake Island, Wallis and
  Futuna, Taiwan

Yemen
  1,906 km

Zambia
  0 km (landlocked)

Zimbabwe
  0 km (landlocked)

======================================================================

@2061

Field Listing :: Imports - partners

  This entry provides a rank ordering of trading partners starting
  with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total
  dollar value.
  Country

Imports - partners(%)

Afghanistan
  Pakistan 26.78%, US 24.81%, India 5.15%, Germany 5.06%,
  Russia 4.04% (2009)

Albania
  Italy 29.94%, Greece 14.05%, Turkey 7.1%, Germany 6.9%,
  China 5.39% (2009)

Algeria
  France 19.7%, China 11.72%, Italy 10.19%, Spain 8.13%,
  Germany 5.77%, Turkey 5.05% (2009)

Angola
  Portugal 18.71%, China 17.39%, US 8.51%, Brazil 8.22%, South
  Korea 6.72%, France 4.51%, Italy 4.28%, South Africa 4.02% (2009)

Argentina
  Brazil 31.12%, US 13.69%, China 10.26%, Germany 4.69%
  (2009)

Armenia
  Russia 24.02%, China 8.72%, Ukraine 6.15%, Turkey 5.39%,
  Germany 5.36%, Iran 4.07% (2009)

Aruba
  US 49.51%, Netherlands 16.15%, UK 4.94% (2009)

Australia
  China 17.94%, US 11.26%, Japan 8.36%, Thailand 5.81%,
  Singapore 5.54%, Germany 5.3% (2009)

Austria
  Germany 45.07%, Switzerland 6.76%, Italy 6.66%, Netherlands
  4.03% (2009)

Azerbaijan
  Turkey 18.69%, Russia 16.98%, Germany 7.87%, Ukraine
  7.3%, China 6.18%, UK 5.73% (2009)

Bahamas, The
  US 27.23%, South Korea 20.08%, Japan 14.55%, Singapore
  5.89%, China 4.75%, Venezuela 4.26%, Italy 4.12% (2009)

Bahrain
  Saudi Arabia 22.91%, France 9.76%, US 7.95%, China 6.4%,
  South Korea 5.26%, Japan 5.19%, Germany 5.01%, UK 4.34% (2009)

Bangladesh
  China 16.16%, India 12.61%, Singapore 7.55%, Japan 4.63%,
  Malaysia 4.46% (2009)

Barbados
  Trinidad and Tobago 28.52%, US 27.96%, Colombia 7.13%,
  China 4.76%, UK 4.39% (2009)

Belarus
  Russia 56.42%, Germany 8.31%, Ukraine 4.79%, China 4.04%
  (2009)

Belgium
  Netherlands 17.93%, Germany 17.14%, France 11.69%, Ireland
  6.26%, US 5.74%, UK 5.07%, China 4.09% (2009)

Belize
  US 33.65%, Mexico 14.17%, Cuba 8.51%, Guatemala 6.75%, Spain
  6.07%, China 4.12% (2009)

Benin
  China 35.62%, US 7.51%, France 7.38%, Thailand 6.71%, Malaysia
  6.13%, Netherlands 4.83%, Belgium 4.02% (2009)

Bermuda
  US 31.2%, South Korea 26.71%, Brazil 6.77%, Ireland 6.11%,
  Singapore 5.35% (2009)

Bhutan
  India 63%, Japan 12.3%, China 5.1% (2008)

Bolivia
  Brazil 27.12%, Argentina 15.69%, US 12.77%, Chile 9.11%,
  Peru 6.85% (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Croatia 22.17%, Germany 14.04%, Slovenia
  13.45%, Italy 11.89%, Austria 6.61%, Hungary 5.74% (2009)

Brazil
  US 16.12%, China 12.61%, Argentina 8.77%, Germany 7.65%,
  Japan 4.3% (2009)

Brunei
  Singapore 38.4%, Malaysia 18.7%, Japan 7.2%, China 5.42%,
  Thailand 5.19%, US 4.45%, UK 4.25% (2009)

Bulgaria
  Russia 13.14%, Germany 12.23%, Italy 7.78%, Greece 6.17%,
  Romania 5.65%, Turkey 5.48%, Ukraine 4.81%, Austria 4.08% (2009)

Burkina Faso
  Cote d'Ivoire 24.31%, France 19.48%, Togo 6.42% (2009)

Burma
  China 33.1%, Thailand 26.28%, Singapore 15.18% (2009)

Burundi
  Saudi Arabia 16.87%, Belgium 11.17%, Uganda 8.62%, Kenya
  7.57%, China 5.66%, France 5.35%, Germany 4.46%, India 4.24%,
  Tanzania 4.21% (2009)

Cambodia
  Thailand 24.83%, Vietnam 19.73%, China 14.08%, Singapore
  11.34%, Hong Kong 7.41%, Taiwan 5.1%, South Korea 4.06% (2009)

Cameroon
  France 21.03%, Nigeria 10.79%, China 10.25%, Belgium 6.62%,
  US 4.31% (2009)

Canada
  US 51.1%, China 10.88%, Mexico 4.56% (2009)

Cape Verde
  Portugal 44.86%, Netherlands 15.51%, Spain 6.1%, Italy
  4.46%, Brazil 4.21% (2009)

Central African Republic
  South Korea 19.29%, France 11.95%, US
  7.78%, Cameroon 7.39%, Netherlands 6.77% (2009)

Chad
  France 17.74%, Cameroon 12.7%, China 11.23%, US 7.59%, Italy
  6.54%, Ukraine 5.33%, Netherlands 4.37% (2009)

Chile
  US 21.77%, China 12.76%, Argentina 9.55%, Brazil 6.46%, South
  Korea 5.35% (2009)

China
  Japan 12.27%, Hong Kong 10.06%, South Korea 9.04%, US 7.66%,
  Taiwan 6.84%, Germany 5.54% (2009)

Colombia
  US 28%, China 11%, Mexico 7%, Brazil 6.5%, France 4.5%,
  Germany 4% (2009)

Comoros
  France 15.5%, China 14.66%, India 10.55%, UAE 7.88%,
  Pakistan 5.69%, Kenya 4.51% (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  South Africa 18.22%, Belgium
  10.2%, China 8.34%, Zambia 7.77%, France 7.28%, Zimbabwe 6.52%,
  Kenya 5.48%, Netherlands 4.13%, Italy 3.96% (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
  France 20.64%, China 14.54%, Italy 9.56%, US
  9.02%, India 5.55%, Belgium 4.51% (2009)

Costa Rica
  US 44.72%, Mexico 7.65%, Venezuela 5.56%, China 5.15%,
  Japan 4.36% (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
  Nigeria 20.75%, France 14.19%, China 7.18%, Thailand
  5.09% (2009)

Croatia
  Italy 15.46%, Germany 13.57%, Russia 9.29%, China 6.83%,
  Slovenia 5.75%, Austria 5.04% (2009)

Cuba
  Venezuela 30.51%, China 15.48%, Spain 8.3%, US 6.87% (2009)

Curacao
  Venezuela 57.3%, US 19.2%, Brazil 8.1% (2009 est.)

Cyprus
  Greece 20.18%, Italy 10.67%, UK 8.95%, Germany 8.79%, Israel
  6.99%, China 5.52%, Netherlands 4.85%, France 4.01% (2009)

Czech Republic
  Germany 30.67%, Poland 6.97%, Slovakia 6.6%,
  Netherlands 5.99%, China 5.7%, Austria 5.26%, Russia 4.93%, Italy
  3.98% (2009)

Denmark
  Germany 21.07%, Sweden 13.18%, Norway 7%, Netherlands 6.97%,
  China 6.22%, UK 5.53% (2009)

Djibouti
  Saudi Arabia 16.26%, India 16.03%, China 14.26%, US 9.57%,
  Malaysia 6.63%, Japan 4.74% (2009)

Dominica
  Japan 31.29%, US 19.73%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.8%, China
  11.58% (2009)

Dominican Republic
  US 42.79%, Venezuela 7.04%, Mexico 6.17%,
  Colombia 5.59% (2009)

Ecuador
  US 25.4%, Columbia 10.6%, Venezuela 6.5%, Brazil 4.5%,
  Brazil 4.35% (2009)

Egypt
  US 9.92%, China 9.63%, Germany 6.98%, Italy 6.88%, Turkey
  4.94% (2009)

El Salvador
  US 29.79%, Mexico 10.26%, Guatemala 9.7%, China 4.5%,
  Honduras 4.4% (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  China 19.97%, US 17.28%, Spain 14.94%, France
  9.49%, Cote d'Ivoire 6.34%, Italy 5.02% (2009)

Eritrea
  Saudi Arabia 20.7%, India 13.6%, Italy 12.6%, China 9.9%, US
  5.1%, Germany 4.6% (2008)

Estonia
  Finland 14.52%, Lithuania 10.84%, Latvia 10.47%, Germany
  10.33%, Russia 8.59%, Sweden 8.34%, Poland 5.63% (2009)

Ethiopia
  China 14.73%, Saudi Arabia 8.41%, India 7.65%, US 4.3%
  (2009)

Faroe Islands
  Denmark 54.42%, Norway 20.76%, Sweden 4.79% (2009)

Fiji
  Singapore 27.27%, Australia 19.36%, NZ 15.15%, China 6.92%,
  India 5.23%, Thailand 4.25% (2009)

Finland
  Russia 16.28%, Germany 15.76%, Sweden 14.65%, Netherlands
  6.99%, China 5.29%, France 4.22% (2009)

France
  Germany 19.41%, Belgium 11.61%, Italy 7.97%, Netherlands
  7.15%, Spain 6.68%, UK 4.9%, US 4.72%, China 4.44% (2009)

Gabon
  France 32.21%, US 7.92%, China 7.02%, Belgium 4.99%, Italy
  4.81%, Cameroon 4.56%, Netherlands 4.35% (2009)

Gambia, The
  China 20.45%, Senegal 11.97%, Brazil 8.48%, Cote
  d'Ivoire 4.71%, Netherlands 4.68%, US 4.49% (2009)

Georgia
  Turkey 16.81%, Azerbaijan 9.72%, Ukraine 9.17%, Russia
  7.39%, US 6.63%, Germany 6.22% (2009)

Germany
  Netherlands 8.5%, China 8.2%, France 8.2%, US 5.9%, Italy
  5.9%, UK 4.9%, Belgium 4.3%, Austria 4.3%, Switzerland 4.2% (2009)

Ghana
  China 16.8%, Nigeria 11.88%, US 6.63%, Cote d'Ivoire 5.99%,
  India 5.57%, France 5.09%, UK 4.23% (2009)

Greece
  Germany 13.73%, Italy 12.71%, China 7.08%, France 6.1%,
  Netherlands 6.02%, South Korea 5.68%, Belgium 4.34%, Spain 4.08%
  (2009)

Greenland
  Denmark 74.93%, Sweden 11.73%, Norway 2.29% (2009)

Grenada
  Trinidad and Tobago 39.76%, US 18.11% (2009)

Guatemala
  US 36.46%, Mexico 10.49%, China 5.88%, El Salvador 5.14%
  (2009)

Guinea
  China 8.67%, Netherlands 6.67%, France 4.33%, UK 4.22% (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
  Portugal 17.33%, Senegal 13.66%, Netherlands 9.27%,
  India 9.11%, Thailand 5.2%, Brazil 4.49% (2009)

Guyana
  US 25.23%, Trinidad and Tobago 23.23%, Cuba 6.41%, China
  6.05% (2009)

Haiti
  US 33.11%, Dominican Republic 23.53%, Netherlands Antilles
  10.75%, China 5.36% (2009)

Honduras
  US 46.81%, Guatemala 8.92%, El Salvador 7.13%, Mexico
  5.54%, Costa Rica 4.91% (2009)

Hong Kong
  China 46.4%, Japan 8.8%, Taiwan 6.5%, Singapore 6.5%, US
  5.3% (2009)

Hungary
  Germany 25.05%, China 8.56%, Russia 7.3%, Austria 6.08%,
  Netherlands 4.73%, France 4.51%, Slovakia 4.14%, Italy 4.13%, Poland
  4.07% (2009)

Iceland
  Norway 12.97%, Netherlands 8.62%, Germany 8.3%, Sweden
  8.03%, Denmark 7.27%, US 6.94%, China 4.98%, UK 4.55%, Brazil 4.09%
  (2009)

India
  China 10.94%, US 7.16%, Saudi Arabia 5.36%, UAE 5.18%,
  Australia 5.02%, Germany 4.86%, Singapore 4.02% (2009)

Indonesia
  Singapore 24.96%, China 12.52%, Japan 8.92%, Malaysia
  5.88%, South Korea 5.64%, US 4.88%, Thailand 4.45% (2009)

Iran
  UAE 15.14%, China 13.48%, Germany 9.66%, South Korea 7.16%,
  Italy 5.27%, Russia 4.81%, India 4.12% (2009)

Iraq
  Turkey 24.99%, Syria 17.36%, US 8.66%, China 6.79%, Jordan
  4.17%, Italy 3.98%, Germany 3.97% (2009)

Ireland
  UK 35.28%, US 16.87%, Germany 6.76%, Netherlands 5.86%,
  France 4.76% (2009)

Israel
  US 12.35%, China 7.43%, Germany 7.1%, Switzerland 6.94%,
  Belgium 5.42%, Italy 4.49%, UK 4.03%, Netherlands 3.98% (2009)

Italy
  Germany 16.68%, France 8.82%, China 6.53%, Netherlands 5.63%,
  Spain 4.3%, Russia 4.12%, Belgium 4.08% (2009)

Jamaica
  US 28.32%, Trinidad and Tobago 22.98%, Venezuela 12.14%,
  China 4.61%, Brazil 4.18% (2009)

Japan
  China 22.2%, US 10.96%, Australia 6.29%, Saudi Arabia 5.29%,
  UAE 4.12%, South Korea 3.98%, Indonesia 3.95% (2009)

Jordan
  Saudi Arabia 17.3%, China 10.95%, US 6.94%, Germany 6.29%,
  Egypt 6.1% (2009)

Kazakhstan
  Russia 28.5%, China 26.72%, Germany 6.59%, Italy 5.58%,
  Ukraine 4.8% (2009)

Kenya
  India 11.67%, China 10.58%, UAE 9.32%, South Africa 8.36%,
  Saudi Arabia 6.53%, US 6.25%, Japan 5.1% (2009)

Korea, North
  China 57%, South Korea 25%, Russia 3%, Singapore 3%
  (2008)

Korea, South
  China 17.7%, Japan 14%, US 8.9%, Saudi Arabia 7.8%, UAE
  4.4%, Australia 4.1% (2008)

Kuwait
  US 11.18%, China 9.07%, Germany 7.63%, Japan 7.14%, Saudi
  Arabia 6.24%, Italy 5%, France 4.77%, India 4.09%, UK 4.02% (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
  China 57.03%, Russia 19.34%, Kazakhstan 5.9% (2009)

Laos
  Thailand 66.2%, China 11.45%, Vietnam 5.3% (2009)

Latvia
  Lithuania 16.36%, Germany 11.34%, Russia 10.68%, Poland
  8.11%, Estonia 7.69% (2009)

Lebanon
  US 11%, France 10%, China 9%, Italy 8%, Germany 8%, Turkey
  4%, Ukraine 4.55%, Turkey 4.5% (2009)

Lesotho
  China 26.3%, Taiwan 20.1%, Hong Kong 16.4%, South Korea
  14.1%, India 9.2% (2008)

Liberia
  South Korea 28.29%, Singapore 19.06%, Japan 17.06%, China
  14.58%, Taiwan 4.02% (2009)

Libya
  Italy 18.9%, China 10.54%, Turkey 9.92%, Germany 9.78%, France
  5.63%, Tunisia 5.25%, South Korea 4.02% (2009)

Lithuania
  Russia 30.1%, Germany 11.1%, Poland 9.9%, Latvia 6.3%
  (2009)

Luxembourg
  Belgium 27.22%, Germany 23.14%, China 18.62%, France
  8.85%, Netherlands 5.06% (2009)

Macau
  China 31.1%, Hong Kong 10.8%, Japan 8.1%, France 8%, US 6.2%
  (2009)

Macedonia
  Germany 15.11%, Greece 14.88%, Bulgaria 9.08%, Italy
  7.68%, Turkey 7.59%, Slovenia 6.26%, Hungary 4.31% (2009)

Madagascar
  China 12.99%, Thailand 11.93%, Bahrain 7.1%, France
  6.89%, US 4.13% (2009)

Malawi
  South Africa 40.15%, China 6.79%, India 6.73%, France 5.03%,
  Tanzania 4.81%, Mozambique 4.03% (2009)

Malaysia
  China 13.9%, Japan 12.5%, US 11.2%, Singapore 11.1%,
  Thailand 6%, Indonesia 5.3% (2009)

Maldives
  Singapore 24.62%, UAE 15.7%, India 11.02%, Malaysia 8.98%,
  Sri Lanka 5.4%, Thailand 5.36% (2009)

Mali
  Senegal 12.21%, France 11.57%, Cote d'Ivoire 10.05%, China
  5.89% (2009)

Malta
  Italy 24.4%, UK 11.7%, Germany 9.3%, France 7.6%, China 4.2%,
  Singapore 4.11%, Switzerland 4.05% (2009)

Mauritania
  France 14.3%, Netherlands 10.33%, China 9.94%, Brazil
  5.58%, Belgium 4.87%, Germany 4.04%, Spain 4.02% (2009)

Mauritius
  India 24.5%, France 14.02%, South Africa 8.55%, China
  8.17% (2009)

Mexico
  US 48%, China 13.5%, Japan 4.8% (2009)

Moldova
  Ukraine 19.9%, Romania 15.1%, Russia 14.52%, Germany 8.69%,
  Italy 5.7%, Belarus 4.38% (2009)

Mongolia
  China 35.99%, Russia 31.56%, South Korea 7.08%, Japan 4.8%
  (2009)

Montenegro
  Italy 17.54%, Slovenia 14.62%, Germany 10.5%, Austria
  7.82%, China 7.82%, Russia 4.4%, Hungary 4.11%, Greece 4.11%,
  Netherlands 3.96% (2009)

Morocco
  France 16.95%, Spain 14.72%, China 7.1%, Italy 6.76%,
  Germany 6.28%, US 5.66%, Saudi Arabia 5.11% (2009)

Mozambique
  South Africa 33.54%, Netherlands 8.42%, India 5.93%,
  China 4.24% (2009)

Nepal
  India 57%, China 13% (2009)

Netherlands
  Germany 17.16%, China 11.58%, Belgium 8.68%, US 7.77%,
  UK 5.72%, Russia 4.47%, France 4.4% (2009)

New Caledonia
  France 39.89%, Singapore 14.12%, Australia 12.5%, NZ
  5.42% (2009)

New Zealand
  Australia 18.4%, China 15.09%, US 10.45%, Japan 7.24%,
  Germany 4.16%, Singapore 4.12% (2009)

Nicaragua
  US 22.63%, Venezuela 12.27%, Mexico 9.05%, Costa Rica
  8.66%, China 7.16%, Guatemala 6.59%, El Salvador 5.63% (2009)

Niger
  China 16.32%, France 15.95%, Netherlands 7.66%, Algeria 7.15%,
  French Polynesia 6.11%, Nigeria 5.48%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.15%, US 4.05%
  (2009)

Nigeria
  China 14.89%, US 8.88%, Netherlands 8.18%, South Korea
  5.46%, UK 4.63%, France 4.19% (2009)

Norway
  Sweden 13.86%, Germany 12.89%, China 7.8%, Denmark 6.78%, US
  6.16%, UK 6.01% (2009)

Oman
  UAE 22.9%, Japan 13.99%, US 6.46%, China 5.64%, India 5.27%,
  France 5.19%, South Korea 4.65% (2009)

Pakistan
  China 15.35%, Saudi Arabia 10.54%, UAE 9.8%, US 4.81%,
  Kuwait 4.73%, Malaysia 4.43%, India 4.02% (2009)

Panama
  Japan 36.21%, Singapore 16.86%, US 12.3%, China 7.84% (2009)

Papua New Guinea
  Australia 43.27%, China 13.29%, Singapore 9.59%, US
  6.4%, Japan 4.62% (2009)

Paraguay
  China 30%, Brazil 23%, Argentina 16%, US 5% (2009)

Peru
  US 23.96%, China 10.74%, Ecuador 7.25%, Brazil 7.19%, Chile
  5.68%, Argentina 5.59%, Mexico 5.02% (2009)

Philippines
  Japan 12.5%, US 12%, China 8.8%, Singapore 8.7%, South
  Korea 7.9% (2009)

Poland
  Germany 28.08%, Russia 8.65%, Italy 6.5%, Netherlands 5.59%,
  China 5.27%, France 4.6%, Czech Republic 4.05% (2009)

Portugal
  Spain 31.58%, Germany 12.41%, France 8.58%, Italy 5.55%,
  Netherlands 5.31% (2009)

Qatar
  US 13.43%, Italy 8.34%, South Korea 8.33%, Japan 8.04%,
  Germany 7.31%, France 6.26%, UK 5.59%, China 5%, UAE 4.67%, Saudi
  Arabia 3.96% (2009)

Romania
  Germany 17.3%, Italy 11.78%, Hungary 8.36%, France 6.14%,
  China 4.91%, Austria 4.75% (2009)

Russia
  Germany 14.39%, China 13.98%, Ukraine 5.48%, Italy 4.84%, US
  4.46% (2009)

Rwanda
  Kenya 16.53%, Uganda 14.92%, China 7.92%, UAE 6.89%, Belgium
  5.54%, Germany 5.19%, Tanzania 4.81%, Sweden 4% (2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  US 43.37%, Trinidad and Tobago 15.26%, Italy
  11.83% (2009)

Saint Lucia
  Brazil 83.44%, US 4.67%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.56% (2009)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  Singapore 16.16%, Trinidad and
  Tobago 13.71%, US 13.41%, China 10.9%, Italy 8.89%, Turkey 6.6%,
  France 5.64%, Romania 4.44% (2009)

Samoa
  NZ 24.13%, Fiji 17.34%, Singapore 12.54%, China 10.02%,
  Australia 9.85%, US 5.95% (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
  Portugal 58.9%, Brazil 6.68%, US 4.71%, Japan
  4.49% (2009)

Saudi Arabia
  US 12.32%, China 12.06%, Germany 7.67%, Japan 6.15%,
  South Korea 5.32%, India 4.99%, UK 4.72%, France 4.05% (2009)

Senegal
  France 19.58%, UK 9.64%, China 8.08%, Netherlands 5.64%,
  Thailand 4.75%, US 3.97% (2009)

Serbia
  Germany 11.79%, Italy 9.36%, Hungary 6.71%, Slovenia 6.52%,
  Austria 4.79% (2009)

Seychelles
  Saudi Arabia 16.44%, India 8.33%, Spain 7.49%, South
  Africa 6.72%, France 6.39%, Brazil 6.07%, Singapore 5.07% (2009)

Sierra Leone
  South Africa 14.61%, China 7.58%, US 5.87%, Cote
  d'Ivoire 5.65%, India 5.19%, Malaysia 5.19%, France 5.08%, UK 4.48%,
  Netherlands 4.06% (2009)

Singapore
  US 14.7%, Malaysia 11.6%, China 10.5%, Japan 7.6%,
  Indonesia 5.8%, South Korea 5.7%, Taiwan 5.22% (2009)

Sint Maarten
  China 17.35%, Japan 14.79%, US 8.96%, Saudi Arabia
  6.89% (2009)

Slovakia
  Germany 16.8%, Czech Republic 12.3%, Russia 9%, South Korea
  6.8%, China 5.8%, Hungary 5.3%, Poland 4% (2009)

Slovenia
  Germany 16.46%, Italy 15.89%, Austria 11.81%, France 4.98%,
  Croatia 4.32% (2009)

Solomon Islands
  Singapore 24.69%, Australia 23.06%, NZ 5.2%, Fiji
  4.47%, Papua New Guinea 4.34%, Malaysia 3.98% (2009)

Somalia
  Djibouti 30.84%, Kenya 8.06%, India 7.86%, China 6.97%,
  Brazil 6.59%, Yemen 4.97%, Oman 4.72%, UAE 4.6% (2009)

South Africa
  China 17.21%, Germany 11.24%, US 7.38%, Saudi Arabia
  4.87%, Japan 4.67%, Iran 3.95% (2009)

Spain
  Germany 15.02%, France 12.82%, Italy 7.17%, China 5.8%,
  Netherlands 5.22%, UK 4.7% (2009)

Sri Lanka
  India 20.73%, China 13.45%, Singapore 7.26%, Iran 6.7%,
  South Korea 5.23% (2009)

Sudan
  China 21.87%, Saudi Arabia 7.22%, Egypt 6.1%, India 5.53%, UAE
  5.3% (2009)

Suriname
  US 30.79%, Netherlands 19.17%, Trinidad and Tobago 13.04%,
  China 6.8%, Japan 5.85% (2009)

Sweden
  Germany 17.9%, Denmark 8.9%, Norway 8.7%, Netherlands 6.17%,
  UK 5.56%, Finland 5.14%, France 5.06%, China 4.79% (2009)

Switzerland
  Germany 27.19%, Italy 10.42%, US 9.61%, France 7.69%,
  Netherlands 4.35% (2009)

Syria
  Saudi Arabia 10.1%, China 9.95%, Turkey 6.97%, Egypt 6.44%,
  UAE 4.97%, Italy 4.93%, Russia 4.92%, Germany 4.38%, Lebanon 4.12%
  (2009)

Taiwan
  Japan 20.7%, China 14%, US 10.3%, South Korea 6%, Saudi
  Arabia 4.8% (2009)

Tajikistan
  Russia 23.92%, China 23.74%, Kazakhstan 8.92%, Turkey
  4.96%, Uzbekistan 4.73% (2009)

Tanzania
  India 13.97%, China 13.71%, South Africa 7.8%, Kenya 6.89%,
  UAE 4.65%, Japan 4.34% (2009)

Thailand
  Japan 18.7%, China 12.7%, Malaysia 6.4%, US 6.3%, UAE 5%,
  Singapore 4.3%, South Korea 4.1% (2009)

Togo
  China 36.58%, France 8.64%, Netherlands 6.76%, India 5.06%, US
  4.4% (2009)

Tonga
  Fiji 34.37%, NZ 25.03%, US 9.43%, Australia 7.53%, China 5.64%
  (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
  US 30.87%, Colombia 7.1%, Venezuela 7.01%,
  Russia 6.64%, Brazil 5.53%, China 4.19% (2009)

Tunisia
  France 20.1%, Italy 16.4%, Germany 8.8%, China 5%, Spain
  4.5%, US 4% (2009)

Turkey
  Russia 14%, Germany 10%, China 9%, US 6.1%, Italy 5.4%,
  France 5% (2009)

Turkmenistan
  China 18.03%, Turkey 16.49%, Russia 16.45%, Germany
  5.91%, UAE 5.81%, Ukraine 5.67%, US 5.41%, France 4.32% (2009)

Uganda
  Kenya 13.9%, India 12.79%, UAE 11.16%, China 8.91%, South
  Africa 5.08%, France 4.6%, Japan 4.37%, US 4.07% (2009)

Ukraine
  Russia 28%, Germany 8.6%, China 6.1%, Kazakhstan 4.9%,
  Poland 4.9% (2009)

United Arab Emirates
  China 15.03%, India 14.27%, US 8.44%, Germany
  5.81%, Japan 4.52% (2009)

United Kingdom
  Germany 12.87%, US 9.74%, China 8.88%, Netherlands
  6.94%, France 6.64%, Belgium 4.86%, Norway 4.84%, Ireland 4.01%,
  Italy 3.99% (2009)

United States
  China 19.3%, Canada 14.24%, Mexico 11.12%, Japan
  6.14%, Germany 4.53% (2009)

Uruguay
  Argentina 20.77%, Brazil 17.53%, China 10.23%, US 9.82%,
  Paraguay 6.87% (2009)

Uzbekistan
  Russia 23.72%, China 20.36%, South Korea 13.03%, Germany
  6.09%, Ukraine 5.39%, Kazakhstan 4.68% (2009)

Vanuatu
  Japan 17.3%, Australia 13.46%, China 12.26%, Singapore 12%,
  NZ 6.88%, Poland 6.61%, France 5.86%, Fiji 5.52% (2009)

Venezuela
  US 23.66%, Colombia 14.43%, Brazil 9.13%, China 8.44%,
  Mexico 5.47% (2009)

Vietnam
  China 16.42%, Singapore 9.61%, Japan 8.96%, Taiwan 8.23%,
  South Korea 7.72%, Thailand 6.41%, Hong Kong 4.45%, US 4.27% (2009)

World
  China 10.3%, Germany 8.7%, US 8%, Japan 5% (2008 est.)

Yemen
  China 13.98%, UAE 12.3%, India 8.63%, Saudi Arabia 5.8%, US
  4.52%, Brazil 4.51%, Turkey 4.51%, Kuwait 4.33%, France 4.24% (2009)

Zambia
  South Africa 51.78%, UAE 7.7%, China 5.85%, Democratic
  Republic of the Congo 4.22% (2009)

Zimbabwe
  South Africa 62.24%, China 4.2% (2009)

======================================================================

@2062

Field Listing ::

Country

======================================================================

@2063

Field Listing :: Constitution

  This entry includes the dates of adoption, revisions, and major
  amendments.
  Country

Constitution

Afghanistan
  constitution drafted 14 December 2003-4 January 2004;
  signed 16 January 2004; ratified 26 January 2004

Akrotiri
  Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in
  Council 1960, effective 16 August 1960, functions as a basic legal
  document

Albania
  approved by parliament on 21 October 1998; adopted by
  popular referendum on 22 November 1998; promulgated 28 November 1998

Algeria
  8 September 1963; revised 19 November 1976; effective 22
  November 1976; revised 3 November 1988, 23 February 1989, 28
  November 1996, 10 April 2002, and 12 November 2008

American Samoa
  ratified on 2 June 1966; effective 1 July 1967

Andorra
  Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991;
  approved by referendum 14 March 1993; effective 28 April 1993

Angola
  adopted by People's Assembly 25 August 1992

Anguilla
  Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990

Antigua and Barbuda
  1 November 1981

Argentina
  1 May 1853; amended many times starting in 1860

Armenia
  adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995; amendments
  adopted through a nationwide referendum 27 November 2005

Aruba
  1 January 1986

Australia
  9 July 1900; effective on 1 January 1901

Austria
  1920; revised 1929; reinstated 1 May 1945; note - during the
  period 1 May 1934-1 May 1945 there was a fascist (corporative)
  constitution in place

Azerbaijan
  adopted 12 November 1995; modified by referendum 24
  August 2002

Bahamas, The
  10 July 1973

Bahrain
  adopted 14 February 2002

Bangladesh
  4 November 1972; effective 16 December 1972; suspended
  following coup of 24 March 1982; restored 10 November 1986; amended
  many times

Barbados
  30 November 1966

Belarus
  15 March 1994; revised by national referendum of 24 November
  1996 giving the presidency greatly expanded powers and became
  effective 27 November 1996; revised again 17 October 2004 removing
  presidential term limits

Belgium
  7 February 1831; amended many times; revised 14 July 1993 to
  create a federal state

Belize
  21 September 1981

Benin
  adopted by referendum 2 December 1990

Bermuda
  8 June 1968; amended 1989 and 2003

Bhutan
  ratified 18 July 2008

Bolivia
  7 February 2009

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  the Dayton Peace Accords, signed on 14
  December 1995 in Paris, included a constitution; note - each of the
  entities also has its own constitution

Botswana
  March 1965; effective 30 September 1966

Brazil
  5 October 1988

British Virgin Islands
  13 June 2007

Brunei
  29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of
  Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1
  January 1984)

Bulgaria
  adopted on 12 July 1991

Burkina Faso
  approved by referendum 2 June 1991; formally adopted 11
  June 1991; last amended January 2002

Burma
  3 January 1974; suspended since 18 September 1988; a
  constitution officially received 92.48% support in a flawed May 2008
  referendum that most observers judged fell far short of
  international standards of free and fair elections; note - a new
  constitution is to take effect when a parliament is convened
  possibly in late January 2011

Burundi
  ratified by popular referendum 28 February 2005

Cambodia
  promulgated 21 September 1993

Cameroon
  approved by referendum 20 May 1972; adopted 2 June 1972;
  revised January 1996

Canada
  made up of unwritten and written acts, customs, judicial
  decisions, and traditions; the written part of the constitution
  consists of the Constitution Act of 29 March 1867, which created a
  federation of four provinces, and the Constitution Act of 17 April
  1982, which transferred formal control over the constitution from
  Britain to Canada, and added a Canadian Charter of Rights and
  Freedoms as well as procedures for constitutional amendments

Cape Verde
  25 September 1992; a major revision on 23 November 1995
  substantially increased the powers of the president; a 1999 revision
  created the position of national ombudsman (Provedor de Justica)

Cayman Islands
  The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009, 6
  November 2009

Central African Republic
  ratified by popular referendum 5 December
  2004; effective 27 December 2004

Chad
  passed by referendum 31 March 1996; a June 2005 referendum
  removed constitutional term limits

Chile
  11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 1989,
  1991, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2005

China
  most recent promulgation 4 December 1982 with amendments in
  1988, 1993, 1999, 2004

Christmas Island
  Christmas Island Act of 1958-59 (1 October 1958) as
  amended by the Territories Law Reform Act of 1992

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955 (23
  November 1955) as amended by the Territories Law Reform Act of 1992

Colombia
  5 July 1991; amended many times

Comoros
  23 December 2001

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  18 February 2006

Congo, Republic of the
  approved by referendum 20 January 2002

Cook Islands
  4 August 1965

Costa Rica
  7 November 1949

Cote d'Ivoire
  approved by referendum 23 July 2000

Croatia
  adopted on 22 December 1990; revised 2000, 2001

Cuba
  24 February 1976; amended July 1992 and June 2002

Curacao
  Staatsregeling, 10 October 2010; revised Kingdom Charter
  pending

Cyprus
  16 August 1960
  note: from December 1963, the Turkish Cypriots no longer
  participated in the government; negotiations to create the basis for
  a new or revised constitution to govern the island and for better
  relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held
  intermittently since the mid-1960s; in 1975, following the 1974
  Turkish intervention, Turkish Cypriots created their own
  constitution and governing bodies within the "Turkish Federated
  State of Cyprus," which became the "Turkish Republic of Northern
  Cyprus (TRNC)" when the Turkish Cypriots declared independence in
  1983; a new constitution for the "TRNC" passed by referendum on 5
  May 1985, although the "TRNC" remains unrecognized by any country
  other than Turkey

Czech Republic
  ratified on 16 December 1992, effective on 1 January
  1993; amended in 1997, 2000, 2001 (twice), 2002

Denmark
  5 June 1953; note - constitution allowed for a unicameral
  legislature and a female chief of state

Dhekelia
  Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in
  Council 1960, effective 16 August 1960, functions as a basic legal
  document

Djibouti
  approved by referendum 4 September 1992; note -
  constitution allows for multiparties

Dominica
  3 November 1978

Dominican Republic
  28 November 1966; amended 25 July 2002 and
  January 2010

Ecuador
  20 October 2008

Egypt
  11 September 1971; amended 22 May 1980, 25 May 2005, and 26
  March 2007

El Salvador
  20 December 1983

Equatorial Guinea
  approved by national referendum 17 November 1991;
  amended January 1995

Eritrea
  adopted on 23 May 1997, but has not yet been fully
  implemented

Estonia
  adopted 28 June 1992

Ethiopia
  ratified 8 December 1994, effective 22 August 1995

European Union
  none
  note: based on a series of treaties: the Treaty of Paris, which set
  up the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951; the
  Treaties of Rome, which set up the European Economic Community (EEC)
  and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) in 1957; the
  Single European Act in 1986; the Treaty on European Union
  (Maastricht) in 1992; the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997; and the
  Treaty of Nice in 2003; note - a new draft Constitutional Treaty,
  signed on 29 October 2004 in Rome, gave member states two years for
  ratification either by parliamentary vote or national referendum
  before it was scheduled to take effect on 1 November 2006; defeat in
  French and Dutch referenda in May-June 2005 dealt a severe setback
  to the ratification process; in June 2007, the European Council
  agreed on a clear and concise mandate for an Intergovernmental
  Conference to form a political agreement and put it into legal form;
  this agreement, known as the Reform Treaty, would have served as a
  constitution and was presented to the European Council in October
  2007 for individual country ratification; it was rejected by Irish
  voters in June 2008, again stalling the ratification process; the
  Reform Treaty, more recently known as the Treaty of Lisbon, was
  again circulated for ratification, and by November 2009 was approved
  by all 27 countries; it came into effect on 1 December 2009

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  1 January 2009

Faroe Islands
  5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)

Fiji
  enacted on 25 July 1997; effective on 28 July 1998; note - it
  encourages multiculturalism and makes multiparty government mandatory

Finland
  1 March 2000

France
  adopted by referendum 28 September 1958; effective 4 October
  1958; amended many times
  note: amended concerning election of president in 1962; amended to
  comply with provisions of 1992 EC Maastricht Treaty, 1997 Amsterdam
  Treaty, 2003 Treaty of Nice; amended to tighten immigration laws in
  1993; amended in 2000 to change the seven-year presidential term to
  a five-year term; amended in 2005 to make the EU constitutional
  treaty compatible with the Constitution of France and to ensure that
  the decision to ratify EU accession treaties would be made by
  referendum

French Polynesia
  4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Gabon
  adopted 14 March 1991

Gambia, The
  approved by national referendum 8 August 1996; effective
  16 January 1997

Georgia
  adopted 24 August 1995

Germany
  23 May 1949, known as Basic Law; became constitution of the
  united Germany 3 October 1990

Ghana
  approved 28 April 1992

Gibraltar
  5 June 2006; came into force 2 January 2007

Greece
  11 June 1975; amended March 1986 and April 2001

Greenland
  (November 2008) Act on Greenland Self Government

Grenada
  19 December 1973

Guam
  Organic Act of Guam, 1 August 1950

Guatemala
  31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; suspended 25 May
  1993; reinstated 5 June 1993; amended November 1993

Guernsey
  unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Guinea
  23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)

Guinea-Bissau
  16 May 1984; amended 4 May 1991, 4 December 1991, 26
  February 1993, 9 June 1993, and in 1996

Guyana
  6 October 1980

Haiti
  approved March 1987
  note: suspended June 1988 with most articles reinstated March 1989;
  constitutional government ousted in a military coup in September
  1991, although in October 1991 military government claimed to be
  observing the constitution; returned to constitutional rule in
  October 1994; constitution, while technically in force between
  2004-2006, was not enforced; returned to constitutional rule in May
  2006

Holy See (Vatican City)
  Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN
  PAUL II on 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001 (replaced
  the first Fundamental Law of 1929)

Honduras
  11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982; amended many
  times

Hong Kong
  Basic Law, approved in March 1990 by China's National
  People's Congress, is Hong Kong's charter

Hungary
  18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949; revised 19 April
  1972; 18 October 1989; and 1997
  note: 18 October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals
  and constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and
  also established the principle of parliamentary oversight; 1997
  amendment streamlined the judicial system

Iceland
  16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944; amended many times

India
  26 January 1950; amended many times

Indonesia
  August 1945; abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and
  Provisional Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959; series of
  amendments concluded in 2002

Iran
  2-3 December 1979; revised in 1989
  note: the revision in 1989 expanded powers of the presidency and
  eliminated the prime ministership

Iraq
  ratified on 15 October 2005 (subject to review by the
  Constitutional Review Committee and a possible public referendum)

Ireland
  adopted 1 July 1937 by plebiscite; effective 29 December 1937

Isle of Man
  unwritten; note - The Isle of Man Constitution Act of
  1961 does not embody the unwritten Manx Constitution

Israel
  no formal constitution; some of the functions of a
  constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948),
  the Basic Laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli
  citizenship law; note - since May 2003 the Constitution, Law, and
  Justice Committee of the Knesset has been working on a draft
  constitution

Italy
  passed 11 December 1947, effective 1 January 1948; amended
  many times

Jamaica
  6 August 1962

Japan
  3 May 1947

Jersey
  unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Jordan
  1 January 1952; amended many times

Kazakhstan
  first post-independence constitution adopted 28 January
  1993; new constitution adopted by national referendum 30 August 1995

Kenya
  27 August 2010; the new constitution abolishes the position of
  prime minister and establishes a bicameral legislature; many details
  have yet to be finalized and will require significant legislative
  action

Kiribati
  12 July 1979

Korea, North
  adopted 1948; revised several times most recently in
  2009

Korea, South
  17 July 1948; note - amended or rewritten many times;
  current constitution approved on 29 October 1987

Kosovo
  adopted by the Kosovo Assembly on 9 April 2008; effective 15
  June 2008

Kuwait
  approved and promulgated 11 November 1962

Kyrgyzstan
  27 June 2010

Laos
  promulgated 14 August 1991; amended in 2003

Latvia
  15 February 1922; restored to force by the Constitutional Law
  of the Republic of Latvia adopted by the Supreme Council on 21
  August 1991; multiple amendments since

Lebanon
  23 May 1926; amended a number of times, most recently in
  1990 to include changes necessitated by the Charter of Lebanese
  National Reconciliation (Ta'if Accord) of October 1989

Lesotho
  2 April 1993

Liberia
  6 January 1986

Libya
  none; note - following the September 1969 military overthrow
  of the Libyan government, the Revolutionary Command Council replaced
  the existing constitution with the Constitutional Proclamation in
  December 1969; in March 1977, Libya adopted the Declaration of the
  Establishment of the People's Authority

Liechtenstein
  5 October 1921; amended 15 September 2003

Lithuania
  adopted 25 October 1992; last amended 13 July 2004

Luxembourg
  17 October 1868; occasional revisions

Macau
  Basic Law, approved on 31 March 1993 by China's National
  People's Congress, is Macau's charter

Macedonia
  adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991;
  amended November 2001, 2005 and in 2009
  note: amended November 2001 by a series of new constitutional
  amendments strengthening minority rights, in 2005 with amendments
  related to the judiciary, and in 2009 with amendments related to the
  threshold required to elect the president

Madagascar
  passed by referendum 17 November 2010; promulgated 11
  December 2010 (2010)

Malawi
  18 May 1994

Malaysia
  31 August 1957; amended many times the latest in 2007

Maldives
  new constitution ratified 7 August 2008

Mali
  adopted 12 January 1992

Malta
  1964; amended many times

Marshall Islands
  1 May 1979

Mauritania
  12 July 1991

Mauritius
  12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992

Mayotte
  4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Mexico
  5 February 1917

Micronesia, Federated States of
  10 May 1979

Moldova
  adopted 29 July 1994; effective 27 August 1994; note -
  replaced 1979 Soviet constitution

Monaco
  17 December 1962; modified 2 April 2002

Mongolia
  13 January 1992

Montenegro
  approved 19 October 2007 (by the Assembly)

Montserrat
  effective 19 December 1989

Morocco
  10 March 1972; revised 4 September 1992, amended September
  1996
  note: the amendment of September 1996 was to create a bicameral
  legislature

Mozambique
  30 November 1990

Namibia
  ratified 9 February 1990, effective 12 March 1990

Nauru
  29 January 1968; amended 17 May 1968

Nepal
  15 January 2007 (interim Constitution); note - in April 2008,
  a Constituent Assembly was elected to draft and promulgate a new
  constitution by May 2010, but the deadline has been extended to May
  2011

Netherlands
  adopted 1815; amended many times, most recently in 2002

New Caledonia
  4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

New Zealand
  consists of a series of legal documents, including
  certain acts of the UK and New Zealand parliaments, as well as The
  Constitution Act 1986, which is the principal formal charter;
  adopted 1 January 1987, effective 1 January 1987

Nicaragua
  9 January 1987; revised in 1995, 2000, and 2005

Niger
  adopted 18 July 1999

Nigeria
  adopted 5 May 1999; effective 29 May 1999

Niue
  19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Norfolk Island
  Norfolk Island Act of 1979 as amended in 2005

Northern Mariana Islands
  Constitution of the Commonwealth of the
  Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978; Covenant
  Agreement fully effective 4 November 1986

Norway
  17 May 1814; amended many times

Oman
  none; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royal
  decree promulgating a basic law considered by the government to be a
  constitution which, among other things, clarifies the royal
  succession, provides for a prime minister, bars ministers from
  holding interests in companies doing business with the government,
  establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees basic civil
  liberties for Omani citizens

Pakistan
  12 April 1973; suspended 5 July 1977, restored 30 December
  1985; suspended 15 October 1999, restored in stages in 2002; amended
  31 December 2003; suspended 3 November 2007; restored on 15 December
  2007; amended 19 April 2010

Palau
  1 January 1981

Panama
  11 October 1972; revised in 1978, 1983, 1994, and 2004

Papua New Guinea
  16 September 1975

Paraguay
  promulgated 20 June 1992

Peru
  29 December 1993

Philippines
  2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Pitcairn Islands
  The Pitcairn Constitution Order 2010, effective 4
  March 2010

Poland
  adopted by the National Assembly 2 April 1997; passed by
  national referendum 25 May 1997; effective 17 October 1997

Portugal
  adopted 2 April 1976; subsequently revised
  note: the revisions placed the military under strict civilian
  control, trimmed the powers of the president, and laid the
  groundwork for a stable, pluralistic liberal democracy; they allowed
  for the privatization of nationalized firms and government-owned
  communications media

Puerto Rico
  ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July
  1952; effective 25 July 1952

Qatar
  ratified by public referendum on 29 April 2003, endorsed by
  the Amir on 8 June 2004, effective on 9 June 2005

Romania
  8 December 1991; revised 29 October 2003

Russia
  adopted 12 December 1993

Rwanda
  new constitution passed by referendum 26 May 2003

Saint Barthelemy
  4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  The Saint Helena,
  Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009, effective 1
  September 2009

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  19 September 1983

Saint Lucia
  22 February 1979

Saint Martin
  4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  27 October 1979

Samoa
  1 January 1962

San Marino
  8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the
  functions of a constitution

Sao Tome and Principe
  approved March 1990, effective 10 September
  1990

Saudi Arabia
  governed according to Islamic law; the Basic Law that
  articulates the government's rights and responsibilities was
  promulgated by royal decree in 1992

Senegal
  adopted 7 January 2001

Serbia
  adopted 8 November 2006; effective 10 November 2006

Seychelles
  18 June 1993

Sierra Leone
  1 October 1991; amended several times

Singapore
  3 June 1959; amended 1965 (based on pre-independence State
  of Singapore Constitution)

Sint Maarten
  Staatsregeling, 10 October 2010; revised Kingdom
  Charter pending

Slovakia
  ratified 1 September 1992, effective 1 January 1993;
  changed in September 1998; amended February 2001
  note: the change in September 1998 allowed direct election of the
  president; the amendment of February 2001 allowed Slovakia to apply
  for NATO and EU membership

Slovenia
  adopted 23 December 1991, amended 14 July 1997 and 25 July
  2000

Solomon Islands
  7 July 1978

Somalia
  25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979
  note: the formation of transitional governing institutions, known as
  the Transitional Federal Government, is currently ongoing

South Africa
  10 December 1996; note - certified by the
  Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996; was signed by then
  President MANDELA on 10 December 1996; and entered into effect on 4
  February 1997

Spain
  approved by legislature 31 October 1978; passed by referendum
  6 December 1978; signed by the king 27 December 1978

Sri Lanka
  adopted 16 August 1978, certified 31 August 1978; amended
  20 December 2001

Sudan
  Interim National Constitution ratified 5 July 2005
  note: under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the Interim National
  Constitution was ratified 5 July 2005; Constitution of Southern
  Sudan was signed December 2005

Suriname
  ratified 30 September 1987; effective 30 October 1987

Swaziland
  signed by the King in July 2005; went into effect on 8
  February 2006

Sweden
  1 January 1975

Switzerland
  revision of Constitution of 1874 approved by the Federal
  Parliament 18 December 1998, adopted by referendum 18 April 1999,
  officially entered into force 1 January 2000

Syria
  13 March 1973

Taiwan
  adopted on 25 December 1946; promulgated on 1 January 1947;
  effective 25 December 1947; amended numerous times

Tajikistan
  6 November 1994

Tanzania
  25 April 1977; major revisions October 1984

Thailand
  24 August 2007

Timor-Leste
  20 May 2002 (effective date)

Togo
  adopted by public referendum 27 September 1992

Tokelau
  administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948; amended
  in 1970

Tonga
  4 November 1875; revised 1 January 1967

Trinidad and Tobago
  1 August 1976

Tunisia
  1 June 1959; amended 1988, 2002

Turkey
  7 November 1982; amended 17 May 1987, 1995, 2001, 2007 and
  2010; note - amendment passed by referendum concerning presidential
  elections on 21 October 2007

Turkmenistan
  adopted 26 September 2008

Turks and Caicos Islands
  Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution
  (Interim Amendment) Order 2009, S.I. 2009/701 - effective 14 August
  2009 - suspended Ministerial government, the House of Assembly, and
  the constitutional right to trial by jury, and imposed direct
  British rule

Tuvalu
  1 October 1978

Uganda
  8 October 1995; amended in 2005
  note: the amendments in 2005 removed presidential term limits and
  legalized a multiparty political system

Ukraine
  adopted 28 June 1996

United Arab Emirates
  2 December 1971; made permanent in 1996

United Kingdom
  unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and
  practice

United States
  17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789

Uruguay
  27 November 1966; effective 15 February 1967; suspended 27
  June 1973; revised 26 November 1989 and 7 January 1997

Uzbekistan
  adopted 8 December 1992

Vanuatu
  30 July 1980

Venezuela
  30 December 1999

Vietnam
  15 April 1992

Virgin Islands
  Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954

Wallis and Futuna
  4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Yemen
  16 May 1991; amended 29 September 1994 and February 2001

Zambia
  24 August 1991; amended in 1996 to establish presidential
  term limits

Zimbabwe
  21 December 1979

======================================================================

@2064

Field Listing ::

Country

======================================================================

@2065

Field Listing ::

Country

======================================================================

@2066

Field Listing :: Death rate

This entry gives the average annual number of deaths during a year per 1,000 population at midyear; also known as crude death rate. The death rate, while only a rough indicator of the mortality situation in a country, accurately indicates the current mortality impact on population growth. This indicator is significantly affected by age distribution, and most countries will eventually show a rise in the overall death rate, in spite of continued decline in mortality at all ages, as declining fertility results in an aging population. Country Comparison to the World Country

Death rate(deaths/1,000 population)

Afghanistan
  17.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Albania
  6.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Algeria
  4.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

American Samoa
  4.09 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Andorra
  6.21 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Angola
  23.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Anguilla
  4.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  5.77 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Argentina
  7.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Armenia
  8.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Aruba
  7.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Australia
  6.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Austria
  10.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  8.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bahrain
  4.37 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  5.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Barbados
  8.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Belarus
  13.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Belgium
  10.5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Belize
  5.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Benin
  9.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bermuda
  7.43 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bhutan
  7.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bolivia
  6.95 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  8.71 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Botswana
  9.02 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Brazil
  6.35 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  4.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Brunei
  3.32 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  14.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  13.02 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Burma
  8.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Burundi
  9.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cambodia
  8.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cameroon
  12.01 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Canada
  7.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  6.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Central African Republic 15.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Chad
  15.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Chile
  5.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

China
  6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  NA

Colombia
  5.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Comoros
  7.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  11.39 deaths/1,000 population
  (July 2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  11.75 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  7.22 deaths/1,000 population NA

Costa Rica
  4.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  10.43 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Croatia
  11.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Cuba
  7.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Curacao
  8 deaths/1,000 population (2009)

Cyprus
  6.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  10.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Denmark
  10.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Djibouti
  8.37 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Dominica
  8.12 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  4.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Ecuador
  5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Egypt
  4.85 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

El Salvador
  5.61 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Eritrea
  8.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Estonia
  13.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  11.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

European Union
  10.33 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA

Faroe Islands
  8.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Fiji
  5.88 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Finland
  10.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

France
  8.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  4.8 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Gabon
  12.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  12.03 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  3.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Georgia
  9.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Germany
  11 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Ghana
  8.93 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  8.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Greece
  10.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Greenland
  8.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Grenada
  7.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guam
  4.64 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guatemala
  5.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guernsey
  8.35 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guinea
  10.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  15.52 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Guyana
  7.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Haiti
  8.21 deaths/1,000 population
  note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those
  of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of
  the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely
  correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Honduras
  4.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  6.91 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Hungary
  12.67 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Iceland
  6.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

India
  7.53 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Indonesia
  6.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Iran
  5.94 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Iraq
  4.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Ireland
  6.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  9.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Israel
  5.45 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Italy
  10.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Jamaica
  6.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Japan
  9.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Jersey
  7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Jordan
  2.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  9.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Kenya
  9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Kiribati
  7.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Korea, North
  10.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Korea, South
  6.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Kuwait
  2.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  6.85 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Laos
  8.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Latvia
  13.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Lebanon
  6.46 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Lesotho
  15.71 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Liberia
  10.88 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Libya
  3.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Lithuania
  11.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  8.46 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Macau
  3.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Macedonia
  8.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Madagascar
  7.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Malawi
  13.69 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Malaysia
  4.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Maldives
  3.68 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mali
  14.64 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Malta
  8.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  4.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mauritania
  9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mauritius
  6.63 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mayotte
  7.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mexico
  4.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of 4.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Moldova
  10.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Monaco
  8.01 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mongolia
  6.08 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Montenegro
  8.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Montserrat
  7.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Morocco
  4.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Mozambique
  19.83 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Namibia
  12.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Nauru
  6.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Nepal
  6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Netherlands
  8.78 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  5.23 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

New Zealand
  7.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  4.28 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Niger
  14.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Nigeria
  16.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Niue
  NA

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands 3.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Norway
  9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Oman
  3.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Pakistan
  7.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Palau
  7.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Panama
  4.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  6.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Paraguay
  4.55 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Peru
  6.13 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Philippines
  5.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  NA

Poland
  10.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Portugal
  10.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  7.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Qatar
  2.44 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Romania
  11.78 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Russia
  16.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Rwanda
  10.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 6.91 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  7.11 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  6.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  8.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010
  est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  6.94 deaths/1,000 population (July
  2010 est.)

Samoa
  5.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

San Marino
  7.75 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  8.45 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  3.34 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Senegal
  9.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Serbia
  13.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Seychelles
  6.92 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  11.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Singapore
  4.8 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  3 deaths/1,000 population (2009)

Slovakia
  9.56 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Slovenia
  10.74 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  3.96 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Somalia
  15.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

South Africa
  16.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Spain
  8.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  6.2 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sudan
  11.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Suriname
  5.53 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Svalbard
  NA

Swaziland
  14.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Sweden
  10.2 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Switzerland
  8.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Syria
  3.7 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Taiwan
  6.87 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  6.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Tanzania
  12.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Thailand
  6.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  5.93 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Togo
  8.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  4.95 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  8.21 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Tunisia
  5.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Turkey
  6.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  6.27 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands 4.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  9.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Uganda
  11.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Ukraine
  15.7 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  2.08 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  9.33 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

United States
  8.38 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Uruguay
  9.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  5.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  7.49 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Venezuela
  5.14 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Vietnam
  5.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  6.96 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  4.56 deaths/1,000 population NA

West Bank
  3.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  9.13 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

World
  8.37 deaths/1,000 population (2009 est.)

Yemen
  7.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Zambia
  12.84 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  14.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2068

Field Listing :: Dependent areas

This entry contains an alphabetical listing of all nonindependent entities associated in some way with a particular independent state. Country

Dependent areas

Australia
  Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos
  (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald
  Islands, Macquarie Island, Norfolk Island

France
  Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and
  Antarctic Lands, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint
  Martin, Wallis and Futuna
  note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica; New Caledonia
  has been considered a "sui generis" collectivity of France since
  1998, a unique status falling between that of an independent country
  and a French overseas department

Netherlands
  Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten

New Zealand
  Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau

Norway
  Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

United Kingdom
  Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory,
  British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar,
  Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the
  South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands

United States
  American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island,
  Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa
  Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin
  Islands, Wake Island
  note: from 18 July 1947 until 1 October 1994, the US administered
  the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; it entered into a
  political relationship with all four political units: the Northern
  Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with the US
  (effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the Marshall Islands
  signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 21
  October 1986); the Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact
  of Free Association with the US (effective 3 November 1986); Palau
  concluded a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 1
  October 1994)

======================================================================

@2070

Field Listing :: Disputes - international

This entry includes a wide variety of situations that range from traditional bilateral boundary disputes to unilateral claims of one sort or another. Information regarding disputes over international terrestrial and maritime boundaries has been reviewed by the US Department of State. References to other situations involving borders or frontiers may also be included, such as resource disputes, geopolitical questions, or irredentist issues; however, inclusion does not necessarily constitute official acceptance or recognition by the US Government. Country

Disputes - international

Afghanistan
  Pakistan has built fences in some portions of its border
  with Afghanistan which remains open in some areas to foreign
  terrorists and other illegal activities

Albania
  the Albanian Government calls for the protection of the
  rights of ethnic Albanians in neighboring countries, and the
  peaceful resolution of interethnic disputes; some ethnic Albanian
  groups in neighboring countries advocate for a "greater Albania,"
  but the idea has little appeal among Albanian nationals; the mass
  emigration of unemployed Albanians remains a problem for developed
  countries, chiefly Greece and Italy

Algeria
  Algeria, and many other states, rejects Moroccan
  administration of Western Sahara; the Polisario Front, exiled in
  Algeria, represents the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic; Algeria's
  border with Morocco remains an irritant to bilateral relations, each
  nation accusing the other of harboring militants and arms smuggling;
  Algeria remains concerned about armed bandits operating throughout
  the Sahel who sometimes destabilize southern Algerian towns; dormant
  disputes include Libyan claims of about 32,000 sq km still reflected
  on its maps of southeastern Algeria and the FLN's assertions of a
  claim to Chirac Pastures in southeastern Morocco

American Samoa
  Tokelau periodically asserts claims to American
  Samoa's Swains Island (Olohega), such as in its 2006 draft
  independence constitution

Andorra
  none

Angola
  Cabindan separatists continue to return to the Angolan
  exclave from exile in neighboring states and Europe since the 2006
  ceasefire and peace agreement

Anguilla
  none

Antarctica
  the Antarctic Treaty freezes, and most states do not
  recognize, the land and maritime territorial claims made by
  Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the
  United Kingdom (some overlapping) for three-fourths of the
  continent; the US and Russia reserve the right to make claims; no
  formal claims have been made in the sector between 90 degrees west
  and 150 degrees west; the International Whaling Commission created a
  sanctuary around the entire continent to deter catches by countries
  claiming to conduct scientific whaling; Australia has established a
  similar preserve in the waters around its territorial claim

Antigua and Barbuda
  none

Arctic Ocean
  the littoral states are engaged in various stages of
  demonstrating the limits of their continental shelves beyond 200
  nautical miles from their declared baselines in accordance with
  Article 76, paragraph 8, of the United Nations Convention on the Law
  of the Sea; record summer melting of sea ice in the Arctic has
  restimulated interest in maritime shipping lanes and sea floor
  exploration

Argentina
  Argentina continues to assert its claims to the
  UK-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia,
  and the South Sandwich Islands in its constitution, forcibly
  occupying the Falklands in 1982, but in 1995 agreed no longer to
  seek settlement by force; territorial claim in Antarctica partially
  overlaps UK and Chilean claims; unruly region at convergence of
  Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering,
  smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising
  for extremist organizations; uncontested dispute between Brazil and
  Uruguay over Braziliera/Brasiliera Island in the Quarai/Cuareim
  River leaves the tripoint with Argentina in question; in 2006,
  Argentina went to the ICJ to protest, on environmental grounds, the
  construction of two pulp mills in Uruguay on the Uruguay River,
  which forms the boundary; both parties presented their pleadings in
  2007 with Argentina's reply in January and Uruguay's rejoinder in
  July 2008; the joint boundary commission, established by Chile and
  Argentina in 2001 has yet to map and demarcate the delimited
  boundary in the inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de
  Hielo Sur)

Armenia
  Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in
  Nagorno-Karabakh and since the early 1990s, has militarily occupied
  16% of Azerbaijan - Organization for Security and Cooperation in
  Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate dispute; over 800,000 mostly
  ethnic Azerbaijanis were driven from the occupied lands and Armenia;
  about 230,000 ethnic Armenians were driven from their homes in
  Azerbaijan into Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh; Azerbaijan seeks
  transit route through Armenia to connect to Naxcivan exclave; border
  with Turkey remains closed over Nagorno-Karabakh dispute; ethnic
  Armenian groups in Javakheti region of Georgia seek greater
  autonomy; Armenians continue to emigrate, primarily to Russia,
  seeking employment

Aruba
  none

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  as the closest Australian territory to
  Indonesia, these islands became the target of human traffickers for
  the landing of illegal immigrants; in 2001, the Australian
  government removed these islands from the Australian Migration Zone
  making illegal arrivals ineligible for temporary visas and entry
  into Australia

Atlantic Ocean
  some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Australia
  In 2007 Australia and Timor-Leste signed a 50-year
  development zone and revenue sharing agreement in lieu of a maritime
  boundary; dispute with Timor-Leste hampers creation of a revised
  maritime boundary with Indonesia in the Timor Sea; regional states
  continue to express concern over Australia's 2004 declaration of a
  1,000-nautical mile-wide maritime identification zone; Australia
  asserts land and maritime claims to Antarctica; in 2004 Australia
  submitted its claims to Commission on the Limits of the Continental
  Shelf (CLCS) to extend its continental margins covering over 3.37
  million square kilometers, expanding its seabed roughly 30 percent
  more than its claimed exclusive economic zone; since 2003, Australia
  has led the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands
  (RAMSI) to maintain civil and political order and reinforce regional
  security

Austria
  while threats of international legal action never
  materialized in 2007, 915,220 Austrians, with the support of the
  newly elected Freedom Party, signed a petition in January 2008,
  demanding that Austria block the Czech Republic's accession to the
  EU unless Prague closed its nuclear power plant in Temelin,
  bordering Austria

Azerbaijan
  Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in
  Nagorno-Karabakh and since the early 1990s has militarily occupied
  16% of Azerbaijan; over 800,000 mostly ethnic Azerbaijanis were
  driven from the occupied lands and Armenia; about 230,000 ethnic
  Armenians were driven from their homes in Azerbaijan into Armenia
  and Nagorno-Karabakh; Azerbaijan seeks transit route through Armenia
  to connect to Naxcivan exclave; Organization for Security and
  Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate dispute;
  Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have ratified Caspian seabed
  delimitation treaties based on equidistance, while Iran continues to
  insist on an even one-fifth allocation and challenges Azerbaijan's
  hydrocarbon exploration in disputed waters; bilateral talks continue
  with Turkmenistan on dividing the seabed and contested oilfields in
  the middle of the Caspian; Azerbaijan and Georgia continue to
  discuss the alignment of their boundary at certain crossing areas

Bahamas, The
  disagrees with the US on the alignment the northern
  axis of a potential maritime boundary; continues to monitor and
  interdict drug dealers and Haitian and Cuban refugees in Bahamian
  waters

Bahrain
  none

Bangladesh
  discussions with India remain stalled to delimit a small
  section of river boundary, exchange territory for 51 small
  Bangladeshi exclaves in India and 111 small Indian exclaves in
  Bangladesh, allocate divided villages, and stop illegal cross-border
  trade, migration, violence, and transit of terrorists through the
  porous border; Bangladesh protests India's fencing and walling off
  high-traffic sections of the porous boundary; a joint
  Bangladesh-India boundary commission resurveyed and reconstructed 92
  missing pillars in 2007; after 21 years, Bangladesh in January 2008
  resumed talks with Burma on delimiting a maritime boundary

Barbados
  Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago abide by the April 2006
  Permanent Court of Arbitration decision delimiting a maritime
  boundary and limiting catches of flying fish in Trinidad and
  Tobago's exclusive economic zone; joins other Caribbean states to
  counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human
  habitation, a criterion under the UN Convention on the Law of the
  Sea (UNCLOS), which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental
  shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Belarus
  Boundary demarcated with Latvia and Lithuania in 2006; 1997
  boundary delimitation treaty with Ukraine remains unratified over
  unresolved financial claims, preventing demarcation and diminishing
  border security

Belgium
  none

Belize
  OAS-initiated Agreement on the Framework for Negotiations and
  Confidence Building Measures saw cooperation in repatriation of
  Guatemalan squatters and other areas, but Guatemalan land and
  maritime claims in Belize and the Caribbean Sea remain unresolved;
  the Line of Adjacency created under the 2002 Differendum serves in
  lieu of the contiguous international boundary to control squatting
  in the sparsely inhabited rain forests of Belize's border region;
  Honduras claims Belizean-administered Sapodilla Cays in its
  constitution but agreed to a joint ecological park under the
  Differendum

Benin
  in September 2007, Economic Community of West African States
  (ECOWAS) intervened to attempt to resolve the dispute over two
  villages along the Benin-Burkina Faso border that remain from 2005
  ICJ decision; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with
  Nigeria, remains undemarcated; in 2005, Nigeria ceded thirteen
  villages to Benin, but border relations remain strained by rival
  cross-border gang clashes; talks continue between Benin and Togo on
  funding the Adjrala hydroelectric dam on the Mona River

Bermuda
  none

Bhutan
  Bhutan cooperates with India to expel Indian Nagaland
  separatists; lacking any treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and
  China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment
  to resolve territorial disputes arising from substantial
  cartographic discrepancies, the largest of which lie in Bhutan's
  northwest and along the Chumbi salient

Bolivia
  Chile and Peru rebuff Bolivia's reactivated claim to restore
  the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, but Chile offers
  instead unrestricted but not sovereign maritime access through Chile
  for Bolivian natural gas and other commodities; an accord placed the
  long-disputed Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-Mirim, a fluvial island on
  the Rio Mamore, under Bolivian administration in 1958, but
  sovereignty remains in dispute

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  sections along the Drina River remain in
  dispute between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; discussions
  continue with Croatia on several small disputed sections of the
  boundary related to maritime access that hinder final ratification
  of the 1999 border agreement

Botswana
  Botswana still struggles to seal its border from thousands
  of Zimbabweans who flee economic collapse and political persecution;
  Namibia has long supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections
  to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the
  Zambezi River at Kazungula crossing, thereby de facto recognizing
  the short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary

Bouvet Island
  none

Brazil
  unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay
  borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal
  narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations;
  two uncontested boundary disputes with Uruguay over Isla Brasilera
  at the tripoint with Argentina at the confluence of the
  Quarai/Cuareim and Uruguay rivers, and in the 235 square kilometer
  Invernada River region over which tributary represents the
  legitimate source of the Quarai/Cuareim River; the Itaipu Dam
  reservoir covers over a once contested section of Brazil-Paraguay
  boundary west of Guaira Falls on the Rio Parana; an accord placed
  the long-disputed Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-Mirim, a fluvial
  island on the Rio Mamore, under Bolivian administration in 1958, but
  sovereignty remains in dispute

British Indian Ocean Territory
  Mauritius claims the Chagos
  Archipelago including Diego Garcia; in 2001, the former inhabitants
  of the Chagos Archipelago, evicted in 1967 and 1973 and now residing
  chiefly in Mauritius, were granted UK citizenship and the right to
  repatriation; in May 2007, the UK Court of Appeals upheld the May
  2006 High Court of London judgment reversing the UK government's
  2004 Orders of Council that banned habitation on the islands; a
  small group of Chagossians visited Diego Garcia in April 2006;
  repatriation is complicated by the exclusive US military lease of
  Diego Garcia that restricts access to the largest viable island in
  the chain

British Virgin Islands
  none

Brunei
  Brunei and Malaysia agreed in September 2008 to resolve their
  offshore and deepwater seabed dispute, resume hydrocarbon
  exploration, and renounce any territorial claims along their land
  boundary; despite no public territorial claim to Louisa Reef, Brunei
  implicitly lays claim by including it within the natural
  prolongation of its continental shelf and basis for a seabed median
  with Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the
  South China Sea" has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls
  short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of
  the disputants

Bulgaria
  none

Burkina Faso
  in September 2007, Economic Community of West African
  States (ECOWAS) intervened to attempt to resolve the dispute over
  two villages along the Benin-Burkina Faso border that remain from a
  2005 ICJ decision; in recent years citizens and rogue security
  forces rob and harass local populations on both sides of the poorly
  defined Burkina Faso-Niger border; despite the presence of more than
  9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict
  continues to spread into neighboring states that can no longer send
  their migrant workers to work in Ivorian cocoa plantations

Burma
  over half of Burma's population consists of diverse ethnic
  groups who have substantial numbers of kin in neighboring countries;
  Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic refugees, asylum
  seekers, and rebels, as well as illegal cross-border activities from
  Burma; Thailand is studying the feasibility of jointly constructing
  the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween River near the border with Burma;
  citing environmental, cultural, and social concerns, China is
  reconsidering construction of 13 dams on the Salween River but
  energy-starved Burma with backing from Thailand remains intent on
  building five hydro-electric dams downstream, despite identical
  regional and international protests; India seeks cooperation from
  Burma to keep Indian Nagaland separatists, such as the United
  Liberation Front of Assam, from hiding in remote Burmese Uplands;
  after 21 years, Bangladesh in January 2008 resumed talks with Burma
  on delimiting a maritime boundary

Burundi
  Burundi and Rwanda dispute sections of border on the
  Akanyaru/Kanyaru and the Kagera/Nyabarongo rivers, which have
  changed course since the 1960s, when the boundary was delimited;
  cross-border conflicts among Tutsi, Hutu, other ethnic groups,
  associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government
  forces persist in the Great Lakes region

Cambodia
  Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of boundary with
  missing boundary markers and claims of Thai encroachments into
  Cambodian territory; maritime boundary with Vietnam is hampered by
  unresolved dispute over sovereignty of offshore islands; Thailand
  accuses Cambodia of obstructing inclusion of Thai areas near Preah
  Vihear temple ruins, awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962, as
  part of a planned UN World Heritage site

Cameroon
  Joint Border Commission with Nigeria reviewed 2002 ICJ
  ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences,
  including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately ceded
  sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a full
  phase-out of Nigerian control and patriation of residents in 2008;
  Cameroon and Nigeria agree on maritime delimitation in March 2008;
  sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an
  island at the mouth of the Ntem River; only Nigeria and Cameroon
  have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the
  delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and
  Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Canada
  managed maritime boundary disputes with the US at Dixon
  Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Gulf of
  Maine including the disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock;
  Canada, the US, and other countries dispute the status of the
  Northwest Passage; US works closely with Canada to intensify
  security measures for monitoring and controlling legal and illegal
  movement of people, transport, and commodities across the
  international border; sovereignty dispute with Denmark over Hans
  Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and
  Greenland; commencing the collection of technical evidence for
  submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf
  in support of claims for continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles
  from its declared baselines in the Arctic, as stipulated in Article
  76, paragraph 8, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
  Sea

Cape Verde
  none

Cayman Islands
  none

Central African Republic
  periodic skirmishes over water and grazing
  rights among related pastoral populations along the border with
  southern Sudan persist

Chad
  since 2003, Janjawid armed militia and the Sudanese military
  have driven hundreds of thousands of Darfur residents into Chad;
  Chad remains an important mediator in the Sudanese civil conflict,
  reducing tensions with Sudan arising from cross-border banditry;
  Chadian Aozou rebels reside in southern Libya; only Nigeria and
  Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify
  the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and
  Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Chile
  Chile and Peru rebuff Bolivia's reinvigorated claim to restore
  the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, but Chile has offered
  instead unrestricted but not sovereign maritime access through Chile
  to Bolivian gas and other commodities; Chile rejects Peru's
  unilateral legislation to change its latitudinal maritime boundary
  with Chile to an equidistance line with a southwestern axis favoring
  Peru, in October 2007, Peru took its maritime complaint with Chile
  to the ICJ; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic
  Territory) partially overlaps Argentine and British claims; the
  joint boundary commission, established by Chile and Argentina in
  2001, has yet to map and demarcate the delimited boundary in the
  inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur)

China
  continuing talks and confidence-building measures work toward
  reducing tensions over Kashmir that nonetheless remains militarized
  with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai
  Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and
  Northern Areas); India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic
  Kashmir lands to China in 1964; China and India continue their
  security and foreign policy dialogue started in 2005 related to the
  dispute over most of their rugged, militarized boundary, regional
  nuclear proliferation, and other matters; China claims most of
  India's Arunachal Pradesh to the base of the Himalayas; lacking any
  treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and China continue
  negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve
  territorial disputes due to cartographic discrepancies; Chinese maps
  show an international boundary symbol off the coasts of the littoral
  states of the South China Seas, where China has interrupted
  Vietnamese hydrocarbon exploration; China asserts sovereignty over
  Scarborough Reef along with the Philippines and Taiwan, and over the
  Spratly Islands together with Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan,
  Vietnam, and Brunei; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties
  in the South China Sea" eased tensions in the Spratly's but is not
  the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties;
  Vietnam and China continue to expand construction of facilities in
  the Spratly's and in March 2005, the national oil companies of
  China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord on marine
  seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; China occupies some of
  the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; China and
  Taiwan continue to reject both Japan's claims to the uninhabited
  islands of Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally
  declared equidistance line in the East China Sea, the site of
  intensive hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation; certain islands
  in the Yalu and Tumen rivers are in dispute with North Korea; North
  Korea and China seek to stem illegal migration to China by North
  Koreans, fleeing privations and oppression, by building a fence
  along portions of the border and imprisoning North Koreans deported
  by China; China and Russia have demarcated the once disputed islands
  at the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in
  accordance with their 2004 Agreement; China and Tajikistan have
  begun demarcating the revised boundary agreed to in the delimitation
  of 2002; the decade-long demarcation of the China-Vietnam land
  boundary was completed in 2009; citing environmental, cultural, and
  social concerns, China has reconsidered construction of 13 dams on
  the Salween River, but energy-starved Burma, with backing from
  Thailand, remains intent on building five hydro-electric dams
  downstream despite regional and international protests; Chinese and
  Hong Kong authorities met in March 2008 to resolve ownership and use
  of lands recovered in Shenzhen River channelization, including
  96-hectare Lok Ma Chau Loop; Hong Kong developing plans to reduce
  2,000 out of 2,800 hectares of its restricted Closed Area by 2010

Christmas Island
  none

Clipperton Island
  none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  none

Colombia
  in December 2007, ICJ allocates San Andres, Providencia,
  and Santa Catalina islands to Colombia under 1928 Treaty but does
  not rule on 82 degrees W meridian as maritime boundary with
  Nicaragua; managed dispute with Venezuela over maritime boundary and
  Venezuelan-administered Los Monjes Islands near the Gulf of
  Venezuela; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics, guerrilla, and
  paramilitary activities penetrate all neighboring borders and have
  caused Colombian citizens to flee mostly into neighboring countries;
  Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Jamaica, and the US assert various
  claims to Bajo Nuevo and Serranilla Bank

Comoros
  claims French-administered Mayotte and challenges France's
  and Madagascar's claims to Banc du Geyser, a drying reef in the
  Mozambique Channel; in May 2008, African Union forces are called in
  to assist the Comoros military recapture Anjouan Island from rebels
  who seized it in 2001

Congo, Democratic Republic of the heads of the Great Lakes states and UN pledged in 2004 to abate tribal, rebel, and militia fighting in the region, including northeast Congo, where the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), organized in 1999, maintains over 16,500 uniformed peacekeepers; members of Uganda's Lords Resistance Army forces continue to seek refuge in Congo's Garamba National Park as peace talks with the Uganda government evolve; the location of the boundary in the broad Congo River with the Republic of the Congo is indefinite except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area; Uganda and DROC dispute Rukwanzi island in Lake Albert and other areas on the Semliki River with hydrocarbon potential; boundary commission continues discussions over Congolese-administered triangle of land on the right bank of the Lunkinda river claimed by Zambia near the DROC village of Pweto

Congo, Republic of the
  the location of the boundary in the broad
  Congo River with the Democratic Republic of the Congo is indefinite
  except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area

Cook Islands
  none

Coral Sea Islands
  none

Costa Rica
  the ICJ has given Costa Rica until January 2008 to reply
  and Nicaragua until July 2008 to rejoin before rendering its
  decision on the navigation, security, and commercial rights of Costa
  Rican vessels on the Rio San Juan over which Nicaragua retains
  sovereignty

Cote d'Ivoire
  despite the presence of over 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI)
  in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict still leaves displaced
  hundreds of thousands of Ivorians in and out of the country as well
  as driven out migrants from neighboring states who worked in Ivorian
  cocoa plantations; the March 2007 peace deal between Ivorian rebels
  and the government brought significant numbers of rebels out of
  hiding in neighboring states

Croatia
  dispute remains with Bosnia and Herzegovina over several
  small sections of the boundary related to maritime access that
  hinders ratification of the 1999 border agreement; the
  Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement, which would
  have ceded most of Pirin Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and
  several villages to Croatia, remains unratified and in dispute;
  Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an exclusive economic
  zone in the Adriatic; as a European Union peripheral state, Slovenia
  imposed a hard border Schengen regime with non-member Croatia in
  December 2007

Cuba
  US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased to US and only mutual
  agreement or US abandonment of the facility can terminate the lease

Cyprus
  hostilities in 1974 divided the island into two de facto
  autonomous entities, the internationally recognized Cypriot
  Government and a Turkish-Cypriot community (north Cyprus); the
  1,000-strong UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has served in
  Cyprus since 1964 and maintains the buffer zone between north and
  south; on 1 May 2004, Cyprus entered the European Union still
  divided, with the EU's body of legislation and standards (acquis
  communitaire) suspended in the north; Turkey protests Cypriot
  Government creating hydrocarbon blocks and maritime boundary with
  Lebanon in March 2007

Czech Republic
  while threats of international legal action never
  materialized in 2007, 915,220 Austrians, with the support of the
  popular Freedom Party, signed a petition in January 2008, demanding
  that Austria block the Czech Republic's accession to the EU unless
  Prague closes its controversial Soviet-style nuclear plant in
  Temelin, bordering Austria

Denmark
  Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that
  the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm; Faroese
  continue to study proposals for full independence; sovereignty
  dispute with Canada over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between
  Ellesmere Island and Greenland

Djibouti
  Djibouti maintains economic ties and border accords with
  "Somaliland" leadership while maintaining some political ties to
  various factions in Somalia; Kuwait is chief investor in the 2008
  restoration and upgrade of the Ethiopian-Djibouti rail link; in
  2008, Eritrean troops move across the border on Ras Doumera
  peninsula and occupy Doumera Island with undefined sovereignty in
  the Red Sea

Dominica
  Dominica is the only Caribbean state to challenge
  Venezuela's sovereignty claim over Aves Island and joins the other
  island nations in challenging whether the feature sustains human
  habitation, a criterion under the UN Convention on the Law of the
  Sea (UNCLOS), which permits Venezuela to extend its Exclusive
  Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf claims over a large
  portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Dominican Republic
  Haitian migrants cross the porous border into the
  Dominican Republic to find work; illegal migrants from the Dominican
  Republic cross the Mona Passage each year to Puerto Rico to find
  better work

Ecuador
  organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia penetrate
  across Ecuador's shared border, which thousands of Colombians also
  cross to escape the violence in their home country

Egypt
  Sudan claims but Egypt de facto administers security and
  economic development of Halaib region north of the 22nd parallel
  boundary; Egypt no longer shows its administration of the Bir Tawil
  trapezoid in Sudan on its maps; Gazan breaches in the security wall
  with Egypt in January 2008 highlight difficulties in monitoring the
  Sinai border; Saudi Arabia claims Egyptian-administered islands of
  Tiran and Sanafir

El Salvador
  International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on the
  delimitation of "bolsones" (disputed areas) along the El
  Salvador-Honduras boundary, in 1992, with final agreement by the
  parties in 2006 after an Organization of American States (OAS)
  survey and a further ICJ ruling in 2003; the 1992 ICJ ruling advised
  a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the Gulf of
  Fonseca advocating Honduran access to the Pacific; El Salvador
  continues to claim tiny Conejo Island, not identified in the ICJ
  decision, off Honduras in the Gulf of Fonseca

Equatorial Guinea
  in 2002, ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement
  of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf
  of Guinea, but a dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over
  an island at the mouth of the Ntem River and imprecisely defined
  maritime coordinates in the ICJ decision delay final delimitation;
  UN urges Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to resolve the sovereignty
  dispute over Gabon-occupied Mbane and lesser islands and to create a
  maritime boundary in the hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay

Eritrea
  Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by 2002
  Ethiopia-Eritrea Boundary Commission's (EEBC) delimitation decision
  but, neither party responded to the revised line detailed in the
  November 2006 EEBC Demarcation Statement; Sudan accuses Eritrea of
  supporting eastern Sudanese rebel groups; in 2008 Eritrean troops
  move across the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupy Doumera
  Island with undefined sovereignty in the Red Sea

Estonia
  Russia recalled its signature to the 1996 technical border
  agreement with Estonia in 2005, rather than concede to Estonia's
  appending prepared a unilateral declaration referencing Soviet
  occupation and territorial losses; Russia demands better
  accommodation of Russian-speaking population in Estonia; Estonian
  citizen groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary
  based on the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now
  divided ethnic Setu people and parts of the Narva region within
  Estonia; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external
  border, Estonia must implement the strict Schengen border rules with
  Russia

Ethiopia
  Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by the 2002
  Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission's (EEBC) delimitation decision,
  but neither party responded to the revised line detailed in the
  November 2006 EEBC Demarcation Statement; the undemarcated former
  British administrative line has little meaning as a political
  separation to rival clans within Ethiopia's Ogaden and southern
  Somalia's Oromo region; Ethiopian forces invaded southern Somalia
  and routed Islamist Courts from Mogadishu in January 2007;
  "Somaliland" secessionists provide port facilities in Berbera and
  trade ties to landlocked Ethiopia; civil unrest in eastern Sudan has
  hampered efforts to demarcate the porous boundary with Ethiopia

European Union
  as a political union, the EU has no border disputes
  with neighboring countries, but Estonia has no land boundary
  agreements with Russia, Slovenia disputes its land and maritime
  boundaries with Croatia, and Spain has territorial and maritime
  disputes with Morocco and with the UK over Gibraltar; the EU has set
  up a Schengen area - consisting of 22 EU member states that have
  signed the convention implementing the Schengen agreements or
  "acquis" (1985 and 1990) on the free movement of persons and the
  harmonization of border controls in Europe; these agreements became
  incorporated into EU law with the implementation of the 1997 Treaty
  of Amsterdam on 1 May 1999; in addition, non-EU states Iceland and
  Norway (as part of the Nordic Union) have been included in the
  Schengen area since 1996 (full members in 2001), and Switzerland
  since 2008 bringing the total current membership to 25; the UK
  (since 2000) and Ireland (since 2002) take part in only some aspects
  of the Schengen area, especially with respect to police and criminal
  matters; nine of the 12 new member states that joined the EU since
  2004 joined Schengen on 21 December 2007; of the three remaining EU
  states, Cyprus is expected to join by 2009, while Romania and
  Bulgaria continue to enhance their border security systems

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  Argentina, which claims the
  islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in
  1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force; UK
  continues to reject Argentine requests for sovereignty talks

Faroe Islands
  because anticipated offshore hydrocarbon resources
  have not been realized, earlier Faroese proposals for full
  independence have been deferred; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland
  dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf
  extends beyond 200 nm

Fiji
  none

Finland
  various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia
  and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union, but the Finnish
  Government asserts no territorial demands

France
  Madagascar claims the French territories of Bassas da India,
  Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, and Juan de Nova Island; Comoros
  claims Mayotte; Mauritius claims Tromelin Island; territorial
  dispute between Suriname and the French overseas department of
  French Guiana; France asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica
  (Adelie Land); France and Vanuatu claim Matthew and Hunter Islands,
  east of New Caledonia

French Polynesia
  none

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  French claim to "Adelie Land" in
  Antarctica is not recognized by the US
  Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova
  Island (Iles Eparses): claimed by Madagascar; the vegetated drying
  cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976,
  also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso
  Islands)
  Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): claimed by Mauritius

Gabon
  UN urges Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to resolve the
  sovereignty dispute over Gabon-occupied Mbane Island and lesser
  islands and to establish a maritime boundary in hydrocarbon-rich
  Corisco Bay

Gambia, The
  attempts to stem refugees, cross-border raids, arms
  smuggling, and other illegal activities by separatists from southern
  Senegal's Casamance region, as well as from conflicts in other west
  African states

Gaza Strip
  West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with
  current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement
  - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation;
  Israel removed settlers and military personnel from the Gaza Strip
  in August 2005

Georgia
  Russia and Georgia agree on delimiting 80% of their common
  border, leaving certain small, strategic segments and the maritime
  boundary unresolved; OSCE observers monitor volatile areas such as
  the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and the Argun Gorge in
  Abkhazia; UN Observer Mission in Georgia has maintained a
  peacekeeping force in Georgia since 1993; Meshkheti Turks scattered
  throughout the former Soviet Union seek to return to Georgia;
  boundary with Armenia remains undemarcated; ethnic Armenian groups
  in Javakheti region of Georgia seek greater autonomy from the
  Georgian government; Azerbaijan and Georgia continue to discuss the
  alignment of their boundary at certain crossing areas

Germany
  none

Ghana
  Ghana struggles to accommodate returning nationals who worked
  in the cocoa plantations and escaped fighting in Cote d'Ivoire

Gibraltar
  in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by
  referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the
  government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks
  between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant
  Gibraltar even greater autonomy

Greece
  Greece and Turkey continue discussions to resolve their
  complex maritime, air, territorial, and boundary disputes in the
  Aegean Sea; Cyprus question with Turkey; Greece rejects the use of
  the name Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia; the mass migration of
  unemployed Albanians still remains a problem for developed
  countries, chiefly Greece and Italy

Greenland
  managed dispute between Canada and Denmark over Hans
  Island in the Kennedy Channel between Canada's Ellesmere Island and
  Greenland

Grenada
  none

Guam
  none

Guatemala
  annual ministerial meetings under the OAS-initiated
  Agreement on the Framework for Negotiations and Confidence Building
  Measures continue to address Guatemalan land and maritime claims in
  Belize and the Caribbean Sea; the Line of Adjacency created under
  the 2002 Differendum serves in lieu of the contiguous international
  boundary to control squatting in the sparsely inhabited rain forests
  of Belize's border region; Mexico must deal with thousands of
  impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the
  porous border looking for work in Mexico and the United States

Guernsey
  none

Guinea
  conflicts among rebel groups, warlords, and youth gangs in
  neighboring states have spilled over into Guinea resulting in
  domestic instability; Sierra Leone considers Guinea's definition of
  the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the
  Makona and Moa rivers excessive and protests Guinea's continued
  occupation of these lands, including the hamlet of Yenga, occupied
  since 1998

Guinea-Bissau
  in 2006, political instability within Senegal's
  Casamance region resulted in thousands of Senegalese refugees,
  cross-border raids, and arms smuggling into Guinea-Bissau

Guyana
  all of the area west of the Essequibo River is claimed by
  Venezuela preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana
  has expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims
  before UNCLOS that Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with
  Venezuela extends into their waters; Suriname claims a triangle of
  land between the New and Kutari/Koetari rivers in a historic dispute
  over the headwaters of the Courantyne; Guyana seeks arbitration
  under provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
  to resolve the long-standing dispute with Suriname over the axis of
  the territorial sea boundary in potentially oil-rich waters

Haiti
  since 2004, about 8,000 peacekeepers from the UN Stabilization
  Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) maintain civil order in Haiti; despite
  efforts to control illegal migration, Haitians cross into the
  Dominican Republic and sail to neighboring countries; Haiti claims
  US-administered Navassa Island

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  none

Holy See (Vatican City)
  none

Honduras
  International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on the
  delimitation of "bolsones" (disputed areas) along the El
  Salvador-Honduras border in 1992 with final settlement by the
  parties in 2006 after an Organization of American States (OAS)
  survey and a further ICJ ruling in 2003; the 1992 ICJ ruling advised
  a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the Gulf of
  Fonseca with consideration of Honduran access to the Pacific; El
  Salvador continues to claim tiny Conejo Island, not mentioned in the
  ICJ ruling, off Honduras in the Gulf of Fonseca; Honduras claims the
  Belizean-administered Sapodilla Cays off the coast of Belize in its
  constitution, but agreed to a joint ecological park around the cays
  should Guatemala consent to a maritime corridor in the Caribbean
  under the OAS-sponsored 2002 Belize-Guatemala Differendum; memorials
  and countermemorials were filed by the parties in Nicaragua's 1999
  and 2001 proceedings against Honduras and Colombia at the ICJ over
  the maritime boundary and territorial claims in the western
  Caribbean Sea - final public hearings are scheduled for 2007

Hong Kong
  none

Hungary
  bilateral government, legal, technical and economic working
  group negotiations continue in 2006 with Slovakia over Hungary's
  failure to complete its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros
  hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that
  forms part of the EU's external border, Hungary has implemented the
  strict Schengen border rules

Iceland
  Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that
  the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

India
  since China and India launched a security and foreign policy
  dialogue in 2005, consolidated discussions related to the dispute
  over most of their rugged, militarized boundary, regional nuclear
  proliferation, Indian claims that China transferred missiles to
  Pakistan, and other matters continue; various talks and
  confidence-building measures have cautiously begun to defuse
  tensions over Kashmir, particularly since the October 2005
  earthquake in the region; Kashmir nevertheless remains the site of
  the world's largest and most militarized territorial dispute with
  portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin),
  India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern
  Areas); India and Pakistan have maintained the 2004 cease fire in
  Kashmir and initiated discussions on defusing the armed stand-off in
  the Siachen glacier region; Pakistan protests India's fencing the
  highly militarized Line of Control and construction of the Baglihar
  Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, which is part of the
  larger dispute on water sharing of the Indus River and its
  tributaries; UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan
  (UNMOGIP) has maintained a small group of peacekeepers since 1949;
  India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to
  China in 1964; to defuse tensions and prepare for discussions on a
  maritime boundary, India and Pakistan seek technical resolution of
  the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary at the mouth of the Rann
  of Kutch in the Arabian Sea; Pakistani maps continue to show its
  Junagadh claim in Indian Gujarat State; discussions with Bangladesh
  remain stalled to delimit a small section of river boundary, to
  exchange territory for 51 Bangladeshi exclaves in India and 111
  Indian exclaves in Bangladesh, to allocate divided villages, and to
  stop illegal cross-border trade, migration, violence, and transit of
  terrorists through the porous border; Bangladesh protests India's
  attempts to fence off high-traffic sections of the border; India
  seeks cooperation from Bhutan and Burma to keep Indian Nagaland and
  Assam separatists from hiding in remote areas along the borders;
  Joint Border Committee with Nepal continues to examine contested
  boundary sections, including the 400 square kilometer dispute over
  the source of the Kalapani River; India maintains a strict border
  regime to keep out Maoist insurgents and control illegal
  cross-border activities from Nepal

Indian Ocean
  some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Indonesia
  Indonesia has a stated foreign policy objective of
  establishing stable fixed land and maritime boundaries with all of
  its neighbors; some sections of border along Timor-Leste's Oecussi
  exclave and maritime boundaries with Timor-Leste remain unresolved;
  many refugees from Timor-Leste who left in 2003 still reside in
  Indonesia and refuse repatriation; a 1997 treaty between Indonesia
  and Australia settled some parts of their maritime boundary but
  outstanding issues remain; ICJ's award of Sipadan and Ligitan
  islands to Malaysia in 2002 left the sovereignty of Unarang rock and
  the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes Sea in
  dispute; the ICJ decision has prompted Indonesia to assert claims to
  and to establish a presence on its smaller outer islands; Indonesia
  and Singapore continue to work on finalization of their 1973
  maritime boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of
  Indonesia's Batam Island; Indonesian secessionists, squatters, and
  illegal migrants create repatriation problems for Papua New Guinea;
  maritime delimitation talks continue with Palau; Indonesian groups
  challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia has closed
  parts of the Ashmore and Cartier Reserve to Indonesian traditional
  fishing and placed restrictions on certain catches

Iran
  Iran protests Afghanistan's limiting flow of dammed tributaries
  to the Helmand River in periods of drought; Iraq's lack of a
  maritime boundary with Iran prompts jurisdiction disputes beyond the
  mouth of the Shatt al Arab in the Persian Gulf; Iran and UAE dispute
  Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island, which are occupied by Iran; Iran
  stands alone among littoral states in insisting upon a division of
  the Caspian Sea into five equal sectors

Iraq
  coalition forces assist Iraqis in monitoring internal and
  cross-border security; approximately two million Iraqis have fled
  the conflict in Iraq, with the majority taking refuge in Syria and
  Jordan, and lesser numbers to Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, and Turkey;
  Iraq's lack of a maritime boundary with Iran prompts jurisdiction
  disputes beyond the mouth of the Shatt al Arab in the Persian Gulf;
  Turkey has expressed concern over the autonomous status of Kurds in
  Iraq

Ireland
  Ireland, Iceland, and the UK dispute Denmark's claim that
  the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

Isle of Man
  none

Israel
  West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current
  status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement -
  permanent status to be determined through further negotiation;
  Israel continues construction of a "seam line" separation barrier
  along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; Israel
  withdrew its settlers and military from the Gaza Strip and from four
  settlements in the West Bank in August 2005; Golan Heights is
  Israeli-occupied (Lebanon claims the Shab'a Farms area of Golan
  Heights); since 1948, about 350 peacekeepers from the UN Truce
  Supervision Organization (UNTSO) headquartered in Jerusalem monitor
  ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated
  incidents from escalating, and assist other UN personnel in the
  region

Italy
  Italy's long coastline and developed economy entices tens of
  thousands of illegal immigrants from southeastern Europe and
  northern Africa

Jamaica
  none

Jan Mayen
  none

Japan
  the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu,
  Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as
  the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kuril
  Islands," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by
  Russia and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to
  signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities;
  Japan and South Korea claim Liancourt Rocks (Take-shima/Tok-do)
  occupied by South Korea since 1954; China and Taiwan dispute both
  Japan's claims to the uninhabited islands of the Senkaku-shoto
  (Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally declared exclusive economic
  zone in the East China Sea, the site of intensive hydrocarbon
  prospecting

Jersey
  none

Jordan
  approximately two million Iraqis have fled the conflict in
  Iraq, with the majority taking refuge in Syria and Jordan; 2004
  Agreement settles border dispute with Syria pending demarcation

Kazakhstan
  Kyrgyzstan has yet to ratify the 2001 boundary
  delimitation with Kazakhstan; field demarcation of the boundaries
  with Turkmenistan commenced in 2005, and with Uzbekistan in 2004;
  demarcation is scheduled to get underway with Russia in 2007;
  demarcation with China was completed in 2002; creation of a seabed
  boundary with Turkmenistan in the Caspian Sea remains under
  discussion; equidistant seabed treaties have been ratified with
  Azerbaijan and Russia in the Caspian Sea, but no resolution has been
  made on dividing the water column among any of the littoral states

Kenya
  Kenya served as an important mediator in brokering Sudan's
  north-south separation in February 2005; Kenya provides shelter to
  almost a quarter of a million refugees, including Ugandans who flee
  across the border periodically to seek protection from Lord's
  Resistance Army (LRA) rebels; Kenya works hard to prevent the clan
  and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading across the border,
  which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists; the boundary that
  separates Kenya's and Sudan's sovereignty is unclear in the "Ilemi
  Triangle," which Kenya has administered since colonial times

Kiribati
  none

Korea, North
  risking arrest, imprisonment, and deportation, tens of
  thousands of North Koreans cross into China to escape famine,
  economic privation, and political oppression; North Korea and China
  dispute the sovereignty of certain islands in Yalu and Tumen rivers;
  Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone
  has separated North from South Korea since 1953; periodic incidents
  in the Yellow Sea with South Korea which claims the Northern
  Limiting Line as a maritime boundary; North Korea supports South
  Korea in rejecting Japan's claim to Liancourt Rocks
  (Tok-do/Take-shima)

Korea, South
  Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide
  Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South Korea since 1953;
  periodic incidents with North Korea in the Yellow Sea over the
  Northern Limit Line, which South Korea claims as a maritime
  boundary; South Korea and Japan claim Liancourt Rocks
  (Tok-do/Take-shima), occupied by South Korea since 1954

Kosovo
  Serbia with several other states protest the US and other
  states' recognition of Kosovo's declaring itself as a sovereign and
  independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities
  along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of
  Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers
  under UNMIK authority continue to keep the peace within Kosovo
  between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in
  Kosovo; Kosovo and Macedonia completed demarcation of their boundary
  in September 2008

Kuwait
  Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue negotiating a joint maritime
  boundary with Iran; no maritime boundary exists with Iraq in the
  Persian Gulf

Kyrgyzstan
  Kyrgyzstan has yet to ratify the 2001 boundary
  delimitation with Kazakhstan; disputes in Isfara Valley delay
  completion of delimitation with Tajikistan; delimitation of 130 km
  of border with Uzbekistan is hampered by serious disputes around
  enclaves and other areas

Laos
  Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to
  check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of
  demarcation with Thailand but disputes remain over islands in the
  Mekong River; concern among Mekong Commission members that China's
  construction of dams on the Mekong River will affect water levels

Latvia
  Russia demands better Latvian treatment of ethnic Russians in
  Latvia; as of January 2007, ground demarcation of the boundary with
  Belarus was complete and mapped with final ratification
  documentation in preparation; the Latvian parliament has not
  ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily
  due to concerns over oil exploration rights; as a member state that
  forms part of the EU's external border, Latvia has implemented the
  strict Schengen border rules with Russia

Lebanon
  lacking a treaty or other documentation describing the
  boundary, portions of the Lebanon-Syria boundary are unclear with
  several sections in dispute; since 2000, Lebanon has claimed Shab'a
  Farms area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights; the roughly
  2,000-strong UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been in place
  since 1978

Lesotho
  none

Liberia
  although civil unrest continues to abate with the assistance
  of 18,000 UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) peacekeepers, as of January
  2007, Liberian refugees still remain in Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire,
  Sierra Leone, and Ghana; Liberia, in turn, shelters refugees fleeing
  turmoil in Cote d'Ivoire; despite the presence of over 9,000 UN
  forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict
  continues to spread into neighboring states who can no longer send
  their migrant workers to Ivorian cocoa plantations; UN sanctions ban
  Liberia from exporting diamonds and timber

Libya
  Libya has claimed more than 32,000 sq km in southeastern
  Algeria and about 25,000 sq km in the Tommo region of Niger in a
  currently dormant dispute; various Chadian rebels from the Aozou
  region reside in southern Libya

Liechtenstein
  none

Lithuania
  Lithuania and Russia committed to demarcating their
  boundary in 2006 in accordance with the land and maritime treaty
  ratified by Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania
  operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling
  from the Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still
  conforming, as a EU member state having an external border with a
  non-EU member, to strict Schengen border rules; the Latvian
  parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with
  Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over potential hydrocarbons; as
  of January 2007, ground demarcation of the boundary with Belarus was
  complete and mapped with final ratification documents in preparation

Luxembourg
  none

Macau
  none

Macedonia
  Kosovo and Macedonia completed demarcation of their
  boundary in September 2008; Greece continues to reject the use of
  the name Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia

Madagascar
  claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands,
  and Juan de Nova Island (all administered by France); the vegetated
  drying cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in
  1976, also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France
  (Glorioso Islands, part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands)

Malawi
  disputes with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake
  Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River remain dormant

Malaysia
  Malaysia is involved in a complex dispute with Brunei,
  China, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam over claims to part or all
  of the Spratly Islands; while the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct
  of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions over the
  Spratly Islands, it is not the legally binding "code of conduct"
  sought by some parties; Malaysia was not party to the March 2005
  joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the
  Philippines, and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in
  the Spratly Islands; disputes continue over deliveries of fresh
  water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation, bridge
  construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore
  Straits; in 2008, ICJ awards sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu
  Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia,
  but does not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of
  South Ledge; ICJ awarded Ligitan and Sipadan islands, also claimed
  by Indonesia and Philippines, to Malaysia but left maritime boundary
  and sovereignty of Unarang rock in the hydrocarbon-rich Celebes Sea
  in dispute; separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim
  southern provinces prompts measures to close and monitor border with
  Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Philippines retains a dormant
  claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo; Brunei and
  Malaysia agreed in September 2008 to resolve their offshore and
  deepwater seabed dispute, resume hydrocarbon exploration, and
  renounce any territorial claims along their land boundary; piracy
  remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

Maldives
  none

Mali
  none

Malta
  none

Marshall Islands
  claims US territory of Wake Island

Mauritania
  Mauritanian claims to Western Sahara remain dormant

Mauritius
  Mauritius claims the Chagos Archipelago (UK-administered
  British Indian Ocean Territory), and its former inhabitants, who
  reside chiefly in Mauritius; claims French-administered Tromelin
  Island

Mayotte
  claimed by Comoros

Mexico
  abundant rainfall in recent years along much of the Mexico-US
  border region has ameliorated periodically strained water-sharing
  arrangements; the US has intensified security measures to monitor
  and control legal and illegal personnel, transport, and commodities
  across its border with Mexico; Mexico must deal with thousands of
  impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the
  porous border looking for work in Mexico and the United States

Micronesia, Federated States of
  none

Moldova
  Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor
  the transit of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away
  Transnistria region, which remains under OSCE supervision

Monaco
  none

Mongolia
  none

Montenegro
  none

Montserrat
  none

Morocco
  claims and administers Western Sahara whose sovereignty
  remains unresolved - UN-administered cease-fire has remained in
  effect since September 1991, but attempts to hold a referendum have
  failed and parties thus far have rejected all brokered proposals;
  Morocco protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta,
  Melilla, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de
  Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; both
  countries claim Isla Perejil (Leila Island); discussions have not
  progressed on a comprehensive maritime delimitation, setting limits
  on resource exploration and refugee interdiction, since Morocco's
  2002 rejection of Spain's unilateral designation of a median line
  from the Canary Islands; Morocco serves as one of the primary
  launching areas of illegal migration into Spain from North Africa

Mozambique
  none

Namibia
  concerns from international experts and local populations
  over the Okavango Delta ecology in Botswana and human displacement
  scuttled Namibian plans to construct a hydroelectric dam on Popa
  Falls along the Angola-Namibia border; managed dispute with South
  Africa over the location of the boundary in the Orange River;
  Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to,
  plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi
  River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly
  delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

Nauru
  none

Navassa Island
  claimed by Haiti, source of subsistence fishing

Nepal
  joint border commission continues to work on contested
  sections of boundary with India, including the 400 square kilometer
  dispute over the source of the Kalapani River; India has instituted
  a stricter border regime to restrict transit of Maoist insurgents
  and illegal cross-border activities; approximately 106,000 Bhutanese
  Lhotshampas (Hindus) have been confined in refugee camps in
  southeastern Nepal since 1990

Netherlands
  none

New Caledonia
  Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia
  claimed by France and Vanuatu

New Zealand
  asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross
  Dependency)

Nicaragua
  memorials and countermemorials were filed by the parties
  in Nicaragua's 1999 and 2001 proceedings against Honduras and
  Colombia at the ICJ over the maritime boundary and territorial
  claims in the western Caribbean Sea, final public hearings are
  scheduled for 2007; the 1992 ICJ ruling for El Salvador and Honduras
  advised a tripartite resolution to establish a maritime boundary in
  the Gulf of Fonseca, which considers Honduran access to the Pacific;
  legal dispute over navigational rights of San Juan River on border
  with Costa Rica

Niger
  Libya claims about 25,000 sq km in a currently dormant dispute
  in the Tommo region; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including
  tripoint with Nigeria, remains undemarcated; only Nigeria and
  Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify
  the delimitation treaty that also includes the Chad-Niger and
  Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Nigeria
  Joint Border Commission with Cameroon reviewed 2002 ICJ
  ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences,
  including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately cedes
  sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a phase-out of
  Nigerian control within two years while resolving patriation issues;
  the ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement of Cameroon-Equatorial
  Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, but
  imprecisely defined coordinates in the ICJ decision and a
  sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an
  island at the mouth of the Ntem River all contribute to the delay in
  implementation; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad
  Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty which also
  includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Niue
  none

Norfolk Island
  none

Northern Mariana Islands
  none

Norway
  Norway asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud
  Land and its continental shelf); Russia and Norway reached an
  agreement on how to align Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean boundaries
  over EEZ and continental shelf in an agreement signed on 15
  September 2010; this agreement is pending ratification by the
  respective national assemblies

Oman
  boundary agreement reportedly signed and ratified with UAE in
  2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al
  Madhah exclave, but details of the alignment have not been made
  public

Pacific Ocean
  some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Pakistan
  various talks and confidence-building measures cautiously
  have begun to defuse tensions over Kashmir, particularly since the
  October 2005 earthquake in the region; Kashmir nevertheless remains
  the site of the world's largest and most militarized territorial
  dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China
  (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir
  and Northern Areas); UN Military Observer Group in India and
  Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has maintained a small group of peacekeepers
  since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic
  Kashmir lands to China in 1964; India and Pakistan have maintained
  their 2004 cease fire in Kashmir and initiated discussions on
  defusing the armed stand-off in the Siachen glacier region; Pakistan
  protests India's fencing the highly militarized Line of Control and
  construction of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and
  Kashmir, which is part of the larger dispute on water sharing of the
  Indus River and its tributaries; to defuse tensions and prepare for
  discussions on a maritime boundary, India and Pakistan seek
  technical resolution of the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary
  at the mouth of the Rann of Kutch in the Arabian Sea; Pakistani maps
  continue to show the Junagadh claim in India's Gujarat State; by
  2005, Pakistan, with UN assistance, repatriated 2.3 million Afghan
  refugees leaving slightly more than a million, many of whom remain
  at their own choosing; Pakistan has proposed and Afghanistan
  protests construction of a fence and laying of mines along portions
  of their porous border; Pakistan has sent troops into remote tribal
  areas to monitor and control the border with Afghanistan and to stem
  terrorist or other illegal activities

Palau
  maritime delineation negotiations continue with Philippines,
  Indonesia

Panama
  organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia operate
  within the remote border region with Panama

Papua New Guinea
  relies on assistance from Australia to keep out
  illegal cross-border activities from primarily Indonesia, including
  goods smuggling, illegal narcotics trafficking, and squatters and
  secessionists

Paracel Islands
  occupied by China, also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam

Paraguay
  unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay
  borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal
  narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations

Peru
  Chile and Ecuador rejected Peru's November 2005 unilateral
  legislation to shift the axis of their joint treaty-defined maritime
  boundaries along the parallels of latitude to equidistance lines
  which favor Peru; organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia
  have penetrated Peru's shared border; Peru rejects Bolivia's claim
  to restore maritime access through a sovereign corridor through
  Chile along the Peruvian border

Philippines
  Philippines claims sovereignty over Scarborough Reef
  (also claimed by China together with Taiwan) and over certain of the
  Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands,
  also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the 2002
  "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," has
  eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally
  binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; in
  March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines,
  and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic
  activities in the Spratly Islands; Philippines retains a dormant
  claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the
  Sultanate of Sulu's granting the Philippines Government power of
  attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf; maritime
  delimitation negotiations continue with Palau

Pitcairn Islands
  none

Poland
  as a member state that forms part of the EU's external
  border, Poland has implemented the strict Schengen border rules to
  restrict illegal immigration and trade along its eastern borders
  with Belarus and Ukraine

Portugal
  Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the
  territory of Olivenza based on a difference of interpretation of the
  1815 Congress of Vienna and the 1801 Treaty of Badajoz

Puerto Rico
  increasing numbers of illegal migrants from the
  Dominican Republic cross the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico each year
  looking for work

Qatar
  none

Romania
  the ICJ gave Ukraine until December 2006 to reply, and
  Romania until June 2007 to issue a rejoinder, in their dispute
  submitted in 2004 over Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy/Serpilor
  (Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary delimitation; Romania
  also opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the
  Danube border through Ukraine to the Black Sea

Russia
  China and Russia have demarcated the once disputed islands at
  the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in accordance
  with the 2004 Agreement, ending their centuries-long border
  disputes; the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu,
  Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the
  "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kurils,"
  occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia,
  and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing
  a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities; Russia and
  Georgia agree on delimiting all but small, strategic segments of the
  land boundary and the maritime boundary; OSCE observers monitor
  volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and
  the Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia
  signed equidistance boundaries in the Caspian seabed but the
  littoral states have no consensus on dividing the water column;
  Russia and Norway reached an agreement on how to align Barents Sea
  and Arctic Ocean boundaries over EEZ and continental shelf in an
  agreement signed on 15 September 2010; this agreement is pending
  ratification by the respective national assemblies; various groups
  in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia (Kareliya) and other
  areas ceded to the Soviet Union following the Second World War but
  the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands; in May 2005,
  Russia recalled its signatures to the 1996 border agreements with
  Estonia (1996) and Latvia (1997), when the two Baltic states
  announced issuance of unilateral declarations referencing Soviet
  occupation and ensuing territorial losses; Russia demands better
  treatment of ethnic Russians in Estonia and Latvia; Estonian citizen
  groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary based on
  the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now divided ethnic
  Setu people and parts of the Narva region within Estonia; Lithuania
  and Russia committed to demarcating their boundary in 2006 in
  accordance with the land and maritime treaty ratified by Russia in
  May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania operates a simplified
  transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the Kaliningrad
  coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as an EU member
  state with an EU external border, where strict Schengen border rules
  apply; preparations for the demarcation delimitation of land
  boundary with Ukraine have commenced; the dispute over the boundary
  between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov
  remains unresolved despite a December 2003 framework agreement and
  on-going expert-level discussions; Kazakhstan and Russia boundary
  delimitation was ratified on November 2005 and field demarcation
  should commence in 2007; Russian Duma has not yet ratified 1990
  Bering Sea Maritime Boundary Agreement with the US

Rwanda
  fighting among ethnic groups - loosely associated political
  rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces in Great Lakes
  region transcending the boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic
  of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda - abated substantially from a
  decade ago due largely to UN peacekeeping, international mediation,
  and efforts by local governments to create civil societies;
  nonetheless, 57,000 Rwandan refugees still reside in 21 African
  states, including Zambia, Gabon, and 20,000 who fled to Burundi in
  2005 and 2006 to escape drought and recriminations from traditional
  courts investigating the 1994 massacres; the 2005 DROC and Rwanda
  border verification mechanism to stem rebel actions on both sides of
  the border remains in place

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  none

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  joins other Caribbean states to counter
  Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a
  criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its
  EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean
  Sea

Saint Lucia
  joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's
  claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under
  UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf
  over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  none

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Samoa
  none

San Marino
  none

Sao Tome and Principe
  none

Saudi Arabia
  Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled
  security barrier along sections of the now fully demarcated border
  with Yemen to stem illegal cross-border activities; Kuwait and Saudi
  Arabia continue discussions on a maritime boundary with Iran; Saudi
  Arabia claims Egyptian-administered islands of Tiran and Sanafir

Senegal
  The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau attempt to stem separatist
  violence, cross border raids, and arms smuggling into their
  countries from Senegal's Casamance region, and in 2006, respectively
  accepted 6,000 and 10,000 Casamance residents fleeing the conflict;
  2,500 Guinea-Bissau residents fled into Senegal in 2006 to escape
  armed confrontations along the border

Serbia
  Serbia with several other states protest the U.S. and other
  states' recognition of Kosovo's declaring itself as a sovereign and
  independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities
  along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of
  Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers
  under UNMIK authority continue to keep the peace within Kosovo
  between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in
  Kosovo; Serbia delimited about half of the boundary with Bosnia and
  Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in dispute

Seychelles
  together with Mauritius, Seychelles claims the Chagos
  Archipelago (UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory)

Sierra Leone
  as domestic fighting among disparate ethnic groups,
  rebel groups, warlords, and youth gangs in Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea,
  Liberia, and Sierra Leone gradually abates, the number of refugees
  in border areas has begun to slowly dwindle; Sierra Leone considers
  excessive Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define
  the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa rivers and protests
  Guinea's continued occupation of these lands including the hamlet of
  Yenga occupied since 1998

Singapore
  disputes persist with Malaysia over deliveries of fresh
  water to Singapore, Singapore's extensive land reclamation works,
  bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and
  Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awards sovereignty of Pedra Branca
  (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks
  to Malaysia, but does not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or
  disposition of South Ledge; Indonesia and Singapore continue to work
  on finalization of their 1973 maritime boundary agreement by
  defining unresolved areas north of Indonesia's Batam Island; piracy
  remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

Slovakia
  bilateral government, legal, technical and economic working
  group negotiations continued in 2006 between Slovakia and Hungary
  over Hungary's completion of its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros
  hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that
  forms part of the EU's external border, Slovakia has implemented the
  strict Schengen border rules

Slovenia
  the Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement,
  which would have ceded most of Piran Bay and maritime access to
  Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains unratified and in
  dispute; Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an exclusive
  economic zone in the Adriatic; as a member state that forms part of
  the EU's external border, Slovenia has implemented the strict
  Schengen border rules to curb illegal migration and commerce through
  southeastern Europe while encouraging close cross-border ties with
  Croatia

Solomon Islands
  since 2003, RAMSI, consisting of police, military,
  and civilian advisors drawn from 15 countries, has assisted in
  reestablishing and maintaining civil and political order while
  reinforcing regional stability and security

Somalia
  Ethiopian forces invaded southern Somalia and routed
  Islamist Courts from Mogadishu in January 2007; "Somaliland"
  secessionists provide port facilities in Berbera to landlocked
  Ethiopia and have established commercial ties with other regional
  states; "Puntland" and "Somaliland" "governments" seek international
  support in their secessionist aspirations and overlapping border
  claims; the undemarcated former British administrative line has
  little meaning as a political separation to rival clans within
  Ethiopia's Ogaden and southern Somalia's Oromo region; Kenya works
  hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from
  spreading south across the border, which has long been open to
  nomadic pastoralists

South Africa
  South Africa has placed military along the border to
  apprehend the thousands of Zimbabweans fleeing economic dysfunction
  and political persecution; as of January 2007, South Africa also
  supports large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers from the
  Democratic Republic of the Congo (33,000), Somalia (20,000), Burundi
  (6,500), and other states in Africa (26,000); managed dispute with
  Namibia over the location of the boundary in the Orange River; in
  2006, Swazi king advocates resort to ICJ to claim parts of
  Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  Argentina, which claims the
  islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in
  1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force

Southern Ocean
  Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctica
  entry), but Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK
  assert claims (some overlapping), including the continental shelf in
  the Southern Ocean; several states have expressed an interest in
  extending those continental shelf claims under the United Nations
  Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to include undersea
  ridges; the US and most other states do not recognize the land or
  maritime claims of other states and have made no claims themselves
  (the US and Russia have reserved the right to do so); no formal
  claims exist in the waters in the sector between 90 degrees west and
  150 degrees west

Spain
  in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by
  referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the
  government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks
  between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant
  Gibraltar greater autonomy; Morocco protests Spain's control over
  the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and the islands of Penon de
  Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas, and
  surrounding waters; both countries claim Isla Perejil (Leila
  Island); Morocco serves as the primary launching site of illegal
  migration into Spain from North Africa; Portugal does not recognize
  Spanish sovereignty over the territory of Olivenza based on a
  difference of interpretation of the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the
  1801 Treaty of Badajoz

Spratly Islands
  all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China
  (including Taiwan) and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Brunei,
  Malaysia and the Philippines; despite no public territorial claim to
  Louisa Reef, Brunei implicitly lays claim by including it within the
  natural prolongation of its continental shelf and basis for a seabed
  median with Vietnam; claimants in November 2002 signed the
  "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,"
  which has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code
  of conduct"; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the
  Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine
  seismic activities in the Spratly Islands

Sri Lanka
  none

Sudan
  the effects of Sudan's almost constant ethnic and rebel
  militia fighting since the mid-20th century have penetrated all of
  the neighboring states; as of 2006, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Central
  African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda
  provided shelter for over half a million Sudanese refugees, which
  includes 240,000 Darfur residents driven from their homes by
  Janjawid armed militia and the Sudanese military forces; Sudan, in
  turn, hosted about 116,000 Eritreans, 20,000 Chadians, and smaller
  numbers of Ethiopians, Ugandans, Central Africans, and Congolese as
  refugees; in February 2006, Sudan and DROC signed an agreement to
  repatriate 13,300 Sudanese and 6,800 Congolese; Sudan accuses
  Eritrea of supporting Sudanese rebel groups; efforts to demarcate
  the porous boundary with Ethiopia proceed slowly due to civil and
  ethnic fighting in eastern Sudan; the boundary that separates Kenya
  and Sudan's sovereignty is unclear in the "Ilemi Triangle," which
  Kenya has administered since colonial times; Sudan claims but Egypt
  de facto administers security and economic development of Halaib
  region north of the 22nd parallel boundary; periodic violent
  skirmishes with Sudanese residents over water and grazing rights
  persist among related pastoral populations along the border with the
  Central African Republic

Suriname
  area claimed by French Guiana between Riviere Litani and
  Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa); Suriname claims a
  triangle of land between the New and Kutari/Koetari rivers in a
  historic dispute over the headwaters of the Courantyne; Guyana seeks
  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) arbitration
  to resolve the long-standing dispute with Suriname over the axis of
  the territorial sea boundary in potentially oil-rich waters

Svalbard
  despite recent discussions, Russia and Norway dispute their
  maritime limits in the Barents Sea and Russia's fishing rights
  beyond Svalbard's territorial limits within the Svalbard Treaty zone

Swaziland
  in 2006, Swazi king advocates resort to ICJ to claim parts
  of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa

Sweden
  none

Switzerland
  none

Syria
  Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied with the almost 1,000-strong
  UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) patrolling a buffer zone
  since 1964; lacking a treaty or other documentation describing the
  boundary, portions of the Lebanon-Syria boundary are unclear with
  several sections in dispute; since 2000, Lebanon has claimed Shab'a
  Farms in the Golan Heights; 2004 Agreement and pending demarcation
  settles border dispute with Jordan; approximately two million Iraqis
  have fled the conflict in Iraq with the majority taking refuge in
  Syria and Jordan

Taiwan
  involved in complex dispute with Brunei, China, Malaysia, the
  Philippines, and Vietnam over the Spratly Islands, and with China
  and the Philippines over Scarborough Reef; the 2002 "Declaration on
  the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions
  but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by
  several of the disputants; Paracel Islands are occupied by China,
  but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam; in 2003, China and Taiwan became
  more vocal in rejecting both Japan's claims to the uninhabited
  islands of the Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) and Japan's unilaterally
  declared exclusive economic zone in the East China Sea where all
  parties engage in hydrocarbon prospecting

Tajikistan
  in 2006, China and Tajikistan pledged to commence
  demarcation of the revised boundary agreed to in the delimitation of
  2002; talks continue with Uzbekistan to delimit border and remove
  minefields; disputes in Isfara Valley delay delimitation with
  Kyrgyzstan

Tanzania
  Tanzania still hosts more than a half-million refugees,
  more than any other African country, mainly from Burundi and the
  Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite the international
  community's efforts at repatriation; disputes with Malawi over the
  boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River
  remain dormant

Thailand
  separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim
  southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia
  to stem terrorist activities; Southeast Asian states have enhanced
  border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue
  on completion of demarcation with Laos but disputes remain over
  several islands in the Mekong River; despite continuing border
  committee talks, Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic
  rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border activities, and as of
  2006, over 116,000 Karen, Hmong, and other refugees and asylum
  seekers from Burma; Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of
  historic boundary with missing boundary markers; Cambodia claims
  Thai encroachments into Cambodian territory and obstructing access
  to Preah Vihear temple ruins awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in
  1962; Thailand is studying the feasibility of jointly constructing
  the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween river near the border with Burma; in
  2004, international environmentalist pressure prompted China to halt
  construction of 13 dams on the Salween River that flows through
  China, Burma, and Thailand

Timor-Leste
  Timor-Leste-Indonesia Boundary Committee has resolved
  all but some sections of border along Timor-Leste's Oecussi exclave;
  maritime boundaries with Indonesia remain unresolved; many refugees
  who left Timor-Leste in 2003 still reside in Indonesia and refuse
  repatriation; in 2007, Australia and Timor-Leste signed a 50-year
  development zone and revenue sharing agreement in lieu of a maritime
  boundary

Togo
  in 2001, Benin claimed Togo moved boundary monuments - joint
  commission continues to resurvey the boundary; in 2006, 14,000
  Togolese refugees remain in Benin and Ghana out of the 40,000 who
  fled there in 2005

Tokelau
  Tokelau included American Samoa's Swains Island (Olohega) in
  its 2006 draft constitution

Tonga
  none

Trinidad and Tobago
  in April 2006, the Permanent Court of
  Arbitration issued a decision that delimited a maritime boundary
  with Trinidad and Tobago and compelled Barbados to enter a fishing
  agreement that limited Barbadian fishermen's catches of flying fish
  in Trinidad and Tobago's exclusive economic zone; in 2005, Barbados
  and Trinidad and Tobago agreed to compulsory international
  arbitration under UNCLOS challenging whether the northern limit of
  Trinidad and Tobago's and Venezuela's maritime boundary extends into
  Barbadian waters; Guyana has also expressed its intention to include
  itself in the arbitration as the Trinidad and Tobago-Venezuela
  maritime boundary may extend into its waters as well

Tunisia
  none

Turkey
  complex maritime, air, and territorial disputes with Greece
  in the Aegean Sea; status of north Cyprus question remains; Syria
  and Iraq protest Turkish hydrological projects to control upper
  Euphrates waters; Turkey has expressed concern over the status of
  Kurds in Iraq; border with Armenia remains closed over
  Nagorno-Karabakh

Turkmenistan
  cotton monoculture in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
  creates water-sharing difficulties for Amu Darya river states; field
  demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2005, but
  Caspian seabed delimitation remains stalled with Azerbaijan, Iran,
  and Kazakhstan due to Turkmenistan's indecision over how to allocate
  the sea's waters and seabed

Turks and Caicos Islands have received Haitians fleeing economic and civil disorder

Tuvalu
  none

Uganda
  Uganda is subject to armed fighting among hostile ethnic
  groups, rebels, armed gangs, militias, and various government forces
  that extend across its borders; Uganda hosts 209,860 Sudanese,
  27,560 Congolese, and 19,710 Rwandan refugees, while Ugandan
  refugees as well as members of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) seek
  shelter in southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo's
  Garamba National Park; LRA forces have also attacked Kenyan villages
  across the border

Ukraine
  1997 boundary delimitation treaty with Belarus remains
  un-ratified due to unresolved financial claims, stalling demarcation
  and reducing border security; delimitation of land boundary with
  Russia is complete with preparations for demarcation underway; the
  dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the
  Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov remains unresolved despite a December
  2003 framework agreement and ongoing expert-level discussions;
  Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor transit
  of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away Transnistria
  Region, which remains under OSCE supervision; the ICJ gave Ukraine
  until December 2006 to reply, and Romania until June 2007 to rejoin,
  in their dispute submitted in 2004 over Ukrainian-administered
  Zmiyinyy/Serpilor (Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary;
  Romania opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the
  Danube border through Ukraine to the Black Sea

United Arab Emirates
  boundary agreement was signed and ratified with
  Oman in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula
  and Al Madhah enclaves, but contents of the agreement and detailed
  maps showing the alignment have not been published; Iran and UAE
  dispute Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island, which Iran occupies

United Kingdom
  in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by
  referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement between
  the UK and Spain; the Government of Gibraltar insists on equal
  participation in talks between the two countries; Spain disapproves
  of UK plans to grant Gibraltar greater autonomy; Mauritius and
  Seychelles claim the Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean
  Territory), and its former inhabitants since their eviction in 1965;
  most Chagossians reside in Mauritius, and in 2001 were granted UK
  citizenship, where some have since resettled; in May 2006, the High
  Court of London reversed the UK Government's 2004 orders of council
  that banned habitation on the islands; UK rejects sovereignty talks
  requested by Argentina, which still claims the Falkland Islands
  (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands;
  territorial claim in Antarctica (British Antarctic Territory)
  overlaps Argentine claim and partially overlaps Chilean claim;
  Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe
  Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

United States
  the U.S. has intensified domestic security measures
  and is collaborating closely with its neighbors, Canada and Mexico,
  to monitor and control legal and illegal personnel, transport, and
  commodities across the international borders; abundant rainfall in
  recent years along much of the Mexico-US border region has
  ameliorated periodically strained water-sharing arrangements; 1990
  Maritime Boundary Agreement in the Bering Sea still awaits Russian
  Duma ratification; managed maritime boundary disputes with Canada at
  Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and around the
  disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock; The Bahamas and US have
  not been able to agree on a maritime boundary; US Naval Base at
  Guantanamo Bay is leased from Cuba and only mutual agreement or US
  abandonment of the area can terminate the lease; Haiti claims
  US-administered Navassa Island; US has made no territorial claim in
  Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not
  recognize the claims of any other states; Marshall Islands claims
  Wake Island; Tokelau included American Samoa's Swains Island among
  the islands listed in its 2006 draft constitution

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  none

Uruguay
  in Jan 2007, ICJ provisionally ruled Uruguay may begin
  construction of two paper mills on the Uruguay River, which forms
  the border with Argentina, while the court examines further whether
  Argentina has the legal right to stop such construction with
  potential environmental implications to both countries; two
  uncontested boundary disputes with Brazil over Isla Brasilera at the
  tripoint with Argentina at the confluence of the Quarai/Cuareim and
  Uruguay rivers, and, in the 235 square kilometer Invernada River
  region, over which tributary represents the legitimate source of the
  Quarai/Cuareim River

Uzbekistan
  prolonged drought and cotton monoculture in Uzbekistan
  and Turkmenistan creates water-sharing difficulties for Amu Darya
  river states; field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan
  commenced in 2004; border delimitation of 130 km of border with
  Kyrgyzstan is hampered by serious disputes around enclaves and other
  areas

Vanuatu
  Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by
  Vanuatu and France

Venezuela
  claims all of the area west of the Essequibo River in
  Guyana, preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana has
  expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims before
  the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that
  Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into
  their waters; dispute with Colombia over maritime boundary and
  Venezuelan-administered Los Monjes islands near the Gulf of
  Venezuela; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics and paramilitary
  activities penetrate Venezuela's shared border region; in 2006, an
  estimated 139,000 Colombians sought protection in 150 communities
  along the border in Venezuela; US, France, and the Netherlands
  recognize Venezuela's granting full effect to Aves Island, thereby
  claiming a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf extending over a large
  portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea; Dominica, Saint Kitts and
  Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines protest
  Venezuela's full effect claim

Vietnam
  southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to
  check the spread of avian flu; Cambodia and Laos protest Vietnamese
  squatters and armed encroachments along border; an estimated 300,000
  Vietnamese refugees reside in China; establishment of a maritime
  boundary with Cambodia is hampered by unresolved dispute over the
  sovereignty of offshore islands; the decade-long demarcation of the
  China-Vietnam land boundary was completed in 2009; China occupies
  the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; involved in
  complex dispute with Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and
  Taiwan over the Spratly Islands; the 2002 "Declaration on the
  Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions but
  falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by
  several of the disputants; Vietnam continues to expand construction
  of facilities in the Spratly Islands; in March 2005, the national
  oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint
  accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands

Virgin Islands
  none

Wake Island
  claimed by Marshall Islands

Wallis and Futuna
  none

West Bank
  West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current
  status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement -
  permanent status to be determined through further negotiation;
  Israel continues construction of a "seam line" separation barrier
  along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; Israel
  withdrew from four settlements in the northern West Bank in August
  2005; since 1948, about 350 peacekeepers from the UN Truce
  Supervision Organization (UNTSO), headquartered in Jerusalem,
  monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated
  incidents from escalating, and assist other UN personnel in the
  region

Western Sahara
  Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, whose
  sovereignty remains unresolved; UN-administered cease-fire has
  remained in effect since September 1991, administered by the UN
  Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), but attempts
  to hold a referendum have failed and parties thus far have rejected
  all brokered proposals; several states have extended diplomatic
  relations to the "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic" represented by
  the Polisario Front in exile in Algeria, while others recognize
  Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; most of the approximately
  102,000 Sahrawi refugees are sheltered in camps in Tindouf, Algeria

World
  stretching over 250,000 km, the world's 322 international land
  boundaries separate 194 independent states and 71 dependencies,
  areas of special sovereignty, and other miscellaneous entities;
  ethnicity, culture, race, religion, and language have divided states
  into separate political entities as much as history, physical
  terrain, political fiat, or conquest, resulting in sometimes
  arbitrary and imposed boundaries; most maritime states have claimed
  limits that include territorial seas and exclusive economic zones;
  overlapping limits due to adjacent or opposite coasts create the
  potential for 430 bilateral maritime boundaries of which 209 have
  agreements that include contiguous and non-contiguous segments;
  boundary, borderland/resource, and territorial disputes vary in
  intensity from managed or dormant to violent or militarized;
  undemarcated, indefinite, porous, and unmanaged boundaries tend to
  encourage illegal cross-border activities, uncontrolled migration,
  and confrontation; territorial disputes may evolve from historical
  and/or cultural claims, or they may be brought on by resource
  competition; ethnic and cultural clashes continue to be responsible
  for much of the territorial fragmentation and internal displacement
  of the estimated 6.6 million people and cross-border displacements
  of 8.6 million refugees around the world as of early 2006; just over
  one million refugees were repatriated in the same period; other
  sources of contention include access to water and mineral
  (especially hydrocarbon) resources, fisheries, and arable land;
  armed conflict prevails not so much between the uniformed armed
  forces of independent states as between stateless armed entities
  that detract from the sustenance and welfare of local populations,
  leaving the community of nations to cope with resultant refugees,
  hunger, disease, impoverishment, and environmental degradation

Yemen
  Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled security
  barrier along sections of the fully demarcated border with Yemen to
  stem illegal cross-border activities

Zambia
  in 2004, Zimbabwe dropped objections to plans between
  Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River,
  thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited,
  Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

Zimbabwe
  Botswana built electric fences and South Africa has placed
  military along the border to stem the flow of thousands of
  Zimbabweans fleeing to find work and escape political persecution;
  Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to,
  plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi
  River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly
  delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

======================================================================

@2075

Field Listing :: Ethnic groups

  This entry provides an ordered listing of ethnic groups starting
  with the largest and normally includes the percent of total
  population.
  Country

Ethnic groups(%)

Afghanistan
  Pashtun 42%, Tajik 27%, Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%,
  Turkmen 3%, Baloch 2%, other 4%

Albania
  Albanian 95%, Greek 3%, other 2% (Vlach, Roma (Gypsy), Serb,
  Macedonian, Bulgarian) (1989 est.)
  note: in 1989, other estimates of the Greek population ranged from
  1% (official Albanian statistics) to 12% (from a Greek organization)

Algeria
  Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%
  note: almost all Algerians are Berber in origin, not Arab; the
  minority who identify themselves as Berber live mostly in the
  mountainous region of Kabylie east of Algiers; the Berbers are also
  Muslim but identify with their Berber rather than Arab cultural
  heritage; Berbers have long agitated, sometimes violently, for
  autonomy; the government is unlikely to grant autonomy but has
  offered to begin sponsoring teaching Berber language in schools

American Samoa
  native Pacific islander 91.6%, Asian 2.8%, white
  1.1%, mixed 4.2%, other 0.3% (2000 census)

Andorra
  Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other
  6% (1998)

Angola
  Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed
  European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%

Anguilla
  black (predominant) 90.1%, mixed, mulatto 4.6%, white 3.7%,
  other 1.5% (2001 census)

Antigua and Barbuda
  black 91%, mixed 4.4%, white 1.7%, other 2.9%
  (2001 census)

Argentina
  white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo (mixed
  white and Amerindian ancestry), Amerindian, or other non-white
  groups 3%

Armenia
  Armenian 97.9%, Yezidi (Kurd) 1.3%, Russian 0.5%, other 0.3%
  (2001 census)

Aruba
  mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%, other 20%

Australia
  white 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%

Austria
  Austrians 91.1%, former Yugoslavs 4% (includes Croatians,
  Slovenes, Serbs, and Bosniaks), Turks 1.6%, German 0.9%, other or
  unspecified 2.4% (2001 census)

Azerbaijan
  Azeri 90.6%, Dagestani 2.2%, Russian 1.8%, Armenian 1.5%,
  other 3.9% (1999 census)
  note: almost all Armenians live in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh
  region

Bahamas, The
  black 85%, white 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3%

Bahrain
  Bahraini 62.4%, non-Bahraini 37.6% (2001 census)

Bangladesh
  Bengali 98%, other 2% (includes tribal groups,
  non-Bengali Muslims) (1998)

Barbados
  black 93%, white 3.2%, mixed 2.6%, East Indian 1%, other
  0.2% (2000 census)

Belarus
  Belarusian 81.2%, Russian 11.4%, Polish 3.9%, Ukrainian
  2.4%, other 1.1% (1999 census)

Belgium
  Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%

Belize
  mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other
  9.7% (2000 census)

Benin
  Fon and related 39.2%, Adja and related 15.2%, Yoruba and
  related 12.3%, Bariba and related 9.2%, Peulh and related 7%,
  Ottamari and related 6.1%, Yoa-Lokpa and related 4%, Dendi and
  related 2.5%, other 1.6% (includes Europeans), unspecified 2.9%
  (2002 census)

Bermuda
  black 54.8%, white 34.1%, mixed 6.4%, other races 4.3%,
  unspecified 0.4% (2000 census)

Bhutan
  Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of
  several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%

Bolivia
  Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry)
  30%, Aymara 25%, white 15%

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Bosniak 48%, Serb 37.1%, Croat 14.3%, other
  0.6% (2000)
  note: Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid
  confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam

Botswana
  Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other,
  including Kgalagadi and white 7%

Brazil
  white 53.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 38.5%, black
  6.2%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 0.9%, unspecified
  0.7% (2000 census)

British Virgin Islands
  black 82%, white 6.8%, other 11.2% (includes
  Indian and mixed) (2008)

Brunei
  Malay 66.3%, Chinese 11.2%, indigenous 3.4%, other 19.1%
  (2004 est.)

Bulgaria
  Bulgarian 83.9%, Turk 9.4%, Roma 4.7%, other 2% (including
  Macedonian, Armenian, Tatar, Circassian) (2001 census)

Burkina Faso
  Mossi over 40%, other approximately 60% (includes
  Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, and Fulani)

Burma
  Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian
  2%, Mon 2%, other 5%

Burundi
  Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%,
  Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000

Cambodia
  Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%

Cameroon
  Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%,
  Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other
  African 13%, non-African less than 1%

Canada
  British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European
  15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed
  background 26%

Cape Verde
  Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Cayman Islands
  mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of
  various ethnic groups 20%

Central African Republic
  Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%,
  Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%, Yakoma 4%, other 2%

Chad
  Sara 27.7%, Arab 12.3%, Mayo-Kebbi 11.5%, Kanem-Bornou 9%,
  Ouaddai 8.7%, Hadjarai 6.7%, Tandjile 6.5%, Gorane 6.3%, Fitri-Batha
  4.7%, other 6.4%, unknown 0.3% (1993 census)

Chile
  white and white-Amerindian 95.4%, Mapuche 4%, other indigenous
  groups 0.6% (2002 census)

China
  Han Chinese 91.5%, Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uighur, Tujia,
  Yi, Mongol, Tibetan, Buyi, Dong, Yao, Korean, and other
  nationalities 8.5% (2000 census)

Christmas Island
  Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10%
  note: no indigenous population (2001)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Europeans, Cocos Malays

Colombia
  mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed
  black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%

Comoros
  Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  over 200 African ethnic groups of
  which the majority are Bantu; the four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba,
  Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about
  45% of the population

Congo, Republic of the
  Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%,
  Europeans and other 3%

Cook Islands
  Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 87.7%, part Cook Island
  Maori 5.8%, other 6.5% (2001 census)

Costa Rica
  white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%,
  Chinese 1%, other 1%

Cote d'Ivoire
  Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques or Gur 17.6%, Northern Mandes
  16.5%, Krous 11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (includes 130,000
  Lebanese and 14,000 French) (1998)

Croatia
  Croat 89.6%, Serb 4.5%, other 5.9% (including Bosniak,
  Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, and Roma) (2001 census)

Cuba
  white 65.1%, mulatto and mestizo 24.8%, black 10.1% (2002
  census)

Cyprus
  Greek 77%, Turkish 18%, other 5% (2001)

Czech Republic
  Czech 90.4%, Moravian 3.7%, Slovak 1.9%, other 4%
  (2001 census)

Denmark
  Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian,
  Somali

Djibouti
  Somali 60%, Afar 35%, other 5% (includes French, Arab,
  Ethiopian, and Italian)

Dominica
  black 86.8%, mixed 8.9%, Carib Amerindian 2.9%, white 0.8%,
  other 0.7% (2001 census)

Dominican Republic
  mixed 73%, white 16%, black 11%

Ecuador
  mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%,
  Spanish and others 7%, black 3%

Egypt
  Egyptian 99.6%, other 0.4% (2006 census)

El Salvador
  mestizo 90%, white 9%, Amerindian 1%

Equatorial Guinea
  Fang 85.7%, Bubi 6.5%, Mdowe 3.6%, Annobon 1.6%,
  Bujeba 1.1%, other 1.4% (1994 census)

Eritrea
  nine recognized ethnic groups: Tigrinya 55%, Tigre 30%, Saho
  4%, Kunama 2%, Rashaida 2%, Bilen 2%, other (Afar, Beni Amir, Nera)
  5% (2010 est.)

Estonia
  Estonian 68.7%, Russian 25.6%, Ukrainian 2.1%, Belarusian
  1.2%, Finn 0.8%, other 1.6% (2008 census)

Ethiopia
  Oromo 34.5%, Amara 26.9%, Somalie 6.2%, Tigraway 6.1%,
  Sidama 4%, Guragie 2.5%, Welaita 2.3%, Hadiya 1.7%, Affar 1.7%, Gamo
  1.5%, Gedeo 1.3%, other 11.3% (2007 Census)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  British

Faroe Islands
  Scandinavian

Fiji
  Fijian 57.3% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian
  admixture), Indian 37.6%, Rotuman 1.2%, other 3.9% (European, other
  Pacific Islanders, Chinese) (2007 census)

Finland
  Finn 93.4%, Swede 5.6%, Russian 0.5%, Estonian 0.3%, Roma
  (Gypsy) 0.1%, Sami 0.1% (2006)

France
  Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African,
  Indochinese, Basque minorities
  overseas departments: black, white, mulatto, East Indian, Chinese,
  Amerindian

French Polynesia
  Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%,
  metropolitan French 4%

Gabon
  Bantu tribes, including four major tribal groupings (Fang,
  Bapounou, Nzebi, Obamba); other Africans and Europeans, 154,000,
  including 10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality

Gambia, The
  African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola
  10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1% (2003 census)

Gaza Strip
  Palestinian Arab

Georgia
  Georgian 83.8%, Azeri 6.5%, Armenian 5.7%, Russian 1.5%,
  other 2.5% (2002 census)

Germany
  German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of
  Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish)

Ghana
  Akan 45.3%, Mole-Dagbon 15.2%, Ewe 11.7%, Ga-Dangme 7.3%, Guan
  4%, Gurma 3.6%, Grusi 2.6%, Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%,
  other 7.8% (2000 census)

Gibraltar
  Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese, German,
  North Africans

Greece
  population: Greek 93%, other (foreign citizens) 7% (2001
  census)
  note: percents represent citizenship, since Greece does not collect
  data on ethnicity

Greenland
  Inuit 89%, Danish and other 11% (2009)

Grenada
  black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East
  Indian 5%, and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian

Guam
  Chamorro 37.1%, Filipino 26.3%, other Pacific islander 11.3%,
  white 6.9%, other Asian 6.3%, other ethnic origin or race 2.3%,
  mixed 9.8% (2000 census)

Guatemala
  Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish - in local Spanish
  called Ladino) and European 59.4%, K'iche 9.1%, Kaqchikel 8.4%, Mam
  7.9%, Q'eqchi 6.3%, other Mayan 8.6%, indigenous non-Mayan 0.2%,
  other 0.1% (2001 census)

Guernsey
  British and Norman-French descent with small percentages
  from other European countries

Guinea
  Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller ethnic groups 10%

Guinea-Bissau
  African 99% (includes Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca
  14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%), European and mulatto less than 1%

Guyana
  East Indian 43.5%, black (African) 30.2%, mixed 16.7%,
  Amerindian 9.1%, other 0.5% (2002 census)

Haiti
  black 95%, mulatto and white 5%

Holy See (Vatican City)
  Italians, Swiss, other

Honduras
  mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%,
  black 2%, white 1%

Hong Kong
  Chinese 95%, Filipino 1.6%, Indonesian 1.3%, other 2.1%
  (2006 census)

Hungary
  Hungarian 92.3%, Roma 1.9%, other or unknown 5.8% (2001
  census)

Iceland
  homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts 94%,
  population of foreign origin 6%

India
  Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)

Indonesia
  Javanese 40.6%, Sundanese 15%, Madurese 3.3%, Minangkabau
  2.7%, Betawi 2.4%, Bugis 2.4%, Banten 2%, Banjar 1.7%, other or
  unspecified 29.9% (2000 census)

Iran
  Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%,
  Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%

Iraq
  Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian, or other 5%

Ireland
  Irish 87.4%, other white 7.5%, Asian 1.3%, black 1.1%, mixed
  1.1%, unspecified 1.6% (2006 census)

Isle of Man
  Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Britons

Israel
  Jewish 76.4% (of which Israel-born 67.1%, Europe/America-born
  22.6%, Africa-born 5.9%, Asia-born 4.2%), non-Jewish 23.6% (mostly
  Arab) (2004)

Italy
  Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and
  Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and
  Greek-Italians in the south)

Jamaica
  black 91.2%, mixed 6.2%, other or unknown 2.6% (2001 census)

Japan
  Japanese 98.5%, Koreans 0.5%, Chinese 0.4%, other 0.6%
  note: up to 230,000 Brazilians of Japanese origin migrated to Japan
  in the 1990s to work in industries; some have returned to Brazil
  (2004)

Jersey
  Jersey 51.1%, Britons 34.8%, Irish, French, and other white
  6.6%, Portuguese/Madeiran 6.4%, other 1.1% (2001 census)

Jordan
  Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%

Kazakhstan
  Kazakh (Qazaq) 53.4%, Russian 30%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Uzbek
  2.5%, German 2.4%, Tatar 1.7%, Uighur 1.4%, other 4.9% (1999 census)

Kenya
  Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii
  6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and
  Arab) 1%

Kiribati
  Micronesian 98.8%, other 1.2% (2000 census)

Korea, North
  racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese
  community and a few ethnic Japanese

Korea, South
  homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Kosovo
  Albanians 92%, other (Serb, Bosniak, Gorani, Roma, Turk,
  Ashkali, Egyptian) 8% (2008)

Kuwait
  Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%,
  other 7%

Kyrgyzstan
  Kyrgyz 64.9%, Uzbek 13.8%, Russian 12.5%, Dungan 1.1%,
  Ukrainian 1%, Uighur 1%, other 5.7% (1999 census)

Laos
  Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8%, other (over 100 minor ethnic
  groups) 26% (2005 census)

Latvia
  Latvian 59.3%, Russian 27.8%, Belarusian 3.6%, Ukrainian
  2.5%, Polish 2.4%, Lithuanian 1.3%, other 3.1% (2009)

Lebanon
  Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%
  note: many Christian Lebanese do not identify themselves as Arab but
  rather as descendents of the ancient Canaanites and prefer to be
  called Phoenicians

Lesotho
  Sotho 99.7%, Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3%,

Liberia
  Kpelle 20.3%, Bassa 13.4%, Grebo 10%, Gio 8%, Mano 7.9%, Kru
  6%, Lorma 5.1%, Kissi 4.8%, Gola 4.4%, other 20.1% (2008 Census)

Libya
  Berber and Arab 97%, other 3% (includes Greeks, Maltese,
  Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, and Tunisians)

Liechtenstein
  Liechtensteiner 65.6%, other 34.4% (2000 census)

Lithuania
  Lithuanian 84%, Polish 6.1%, Russian 4.9%, Belarusian
  1.1%, other or unspecified 3.9% (2009)

Luxembourg
  Luxembourger 63.1%, Portuguese 13.3%, French 4.5%,
  Italian 4.3%, German 2.3%, other EU 7.3%, other 5.2% (2000 census)

Macau
  Chinese 94.3%, other 5.7% (includes Macanese - mixed
  Portuguese and Asian ancestry) (2006 census)

Macedonia
  Macedonian 64.2%, Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.9%, Roma
  (Gypsy) 2.7%, Serb 1.8%, other 2.2% (2002 census)

Madagascar
  Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers
  (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry -
  Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian,
  Creole, Comoran

Malawi
  Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni,
  Ngonde, Asian, European

Malaysia
  Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%,
  others 7.8% (2004 est.)

Maldives
  South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs

Mali
  Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%,
  Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%

Malta
  Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians
  with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)

Marshall Islands
  Marshallese 92.1%, mixed Marshallese 5.9%, other 2%
  (2006)

Mauritania
  mixed Moor/black 40%, Moor 30%, black 30%

Mauritius
  Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%,
  Franco-Mauritian 2%

Mayotte
  NA

Mexico
  mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly
  Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%

Micronesia, Federated States of
  Chuukese 48.8%, Pohnpeian 24.2%,
  Kosraean 6.2%, Yapese 5.2%, Yap outer islands 4.5%, Asian 1.8%,
  Polynesian 1.5%, other 6.4%, unknown 1.4% (2000 census)

Moldova
  Moldovan/Romanian 78.2%, Ukrainian 8.4%, Russian 5.8%,
  Gagauz 4.4%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 1.3% (2004 census)
  note: internal disputes with ethnic Slavs in the Transnistrian region

Monaco
  French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%

Mongolia
  Mongol (mostly Khalkha) 94.9%, Turkic (mostly Kazakh) 5%,
  other (including Chinese and Russian) 0.1% (2000)

Montenegro
  Montenegrin 43%, Serbian 32%, Bosniak 8%, Albanian 5%,
  other (Muslims, Croats, Roma (Gypsy)) 12% (2003 census)

Montserrat
  black, white

Morocco
  Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Mozambique
  African 99.66% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and
  others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans 0.2%, Indians 0.08%

Namibia
  black 87.5%, white 6%, mixed 6.5%
  note: about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9%
  to the Kavangos tribe; other ethnic groups include Herero 7%, Damara
  7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

Nauru
  Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European
  8%

Nepal
  Chhettri 15.5%, Brahman-Hill 12.5%, Magar 7%, Tharu 6.6%,
  Tamang 5.5%, Newar 5.4%, Muslim 4.2%, Kami 3.9%, Yadav 3.9%, other
  32.7%, unspecified 2.8% (2001 census)

Netherlands
  Dutch 80.7%, EU 5%, Indonesian 2.4%, Turkish 2.2%,
  Surinamese 2%, Moroccan 2%, Caribbean 0.8%, other 4.8% (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
  Melanesian 44.1%, European 34.1%, Wallisian & Futunian
  9%, Tahitian 2.6%, Indonesian 2.5%, Vietnamese 1.4%, Ni-Vanuatu
  1.1%, other 5.2% (1996 census)

New Zealand
  European 56.8%, Asian 8%, Maori 7.4%, Pacific islander
  4.6%, mixed 9.7%, other 13.5% (2006 Census)

Nicaragua
  mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black
  9%, Amerindian 5%

Niger
  Haoussa 55.4%, Djerma Sonrai 21%, Tuareg 9.3%, Peuhl 8.5%,
  Kanouri Manga 4.7%, other 1.2% (2001 census)

Nigeria
  Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more
  than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and
  politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo
  (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%

Niue
  Niuen 78.2%, Pacific islander 10.2%, European 4.5%, mixed 3.9%,
  Asian 0.2%, unspecified 3% (2001 census)

Norfolk Island
  descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New
  Zealander, Polynesian

Northern Mariana Islands
  Asian 56.3%, Pacific islander 36.3%,
  Caucasian 1.8%, other 0.8%, mixed 4.8% (2000 census)

Norway
  Norwegian 94.4% (includes Sami, about 60,000), other European
  3.6%, other 2% (2007 estimate)

Oman
  Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan,
  Bangladeshi), African

Pakistan
  Punjabi 44.68%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.42%, Sindhi 14.1%,
  Sariaki 8.38%, Muhajirs 7.57%, Balochi 3.57%, other 6.28%

Palau
  Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures)
  69.9%, Filipino 15.3%, Chinese 4.9%, other Asian 2.4%, white 1.9%,
  Carolinian 1.4%, other Micronesian 1.1%, other or unspecified 3.2%
  (2000 census)

Panama
  mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and
  mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%

Papua New Guinea
  Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Paraguay
  mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%, other 5%

Peru
  Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white
  15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

Philippines
  Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%,
  Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%,
  other 25.3% (2000 census)

Pitcairn Islands
  descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their
  Tahitian wives

Poland
  Polish 96.7%, German 0.4%, Belarusian 0.1%, Ukrainian 0.1%,
  other and unspecified 2.7% (2002 census)

Portugal
  homogeneous Mediterranean stock; citizens of black African
  descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less
  than 100,000; since 1990 East Europeans have entered Portugal

Puerto Rico
  white (mostly Spanish origin) 76.2%, black 6.9%, Asian
  0.3%, Amerindian 0.2%, mixed 4.4%, other 12% (2007)

Qatar
  Arab 40%, Indian 18%, Pakistani 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Romania
  Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%,
  German 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4% (2002 census)

Russia
  Russian 79.8%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%,
  Chuvash 1.1%, other or unspecified 12.1% (2002 census)

Rwanda
  Hutu (Bantu) 84%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 15%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%

Saint Barthelemy
  white, Creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo
  (French-East Asia)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  African descent 50%,
  white 25%, Chinese 25%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  predominantly black; some British, Portuguese,
  and Lebanese

Saint Lucia
  black 82.5%, mixed 11.9%, East Indian 2.4%, other or
  unspecified 3.1% (2001 census)

Saint Martin
  creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo
  (French-East Asia), white, East Indian

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  black 66%, mixed 19%, East Indian
  6%, European 4%, Carib Amerindian 2%, other 3%

Samoa
  Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians (persons of European and Polynesian
  blood) 7%, Europeans 0.4% (2001 census)

San Marino
  Sammarinese, Italian

Sao Tome and Principe
  mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan
  slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract
  laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children
  of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)

Saudi Arabia
  Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Senegal
  Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka
  3%, Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%

Serbia
  Serb 82.9%, Hungarian 3.9%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.4%, Yugoslavs
  1.1%, Bosniaks 1.8%, Montenegrin 0.9%, other 8% (2002 census)

Seychelles
  mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab

Sierra Leone
  Temne 35%, Mende 31%, Limba 8%, Kono 5%, Kriole 2%
  (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the
  Freetown area in the late-18th century; also known as Krio),
  Mandingo 2%, Loko 2%, other 15% (includes refugees from Liberia's
  recent civil war, and small numbers of Europeans, Lebanese,
  Pakistanis, and Indians) (2008 census)

Singapore
  Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000
  census)

Slovakia
  Slovak 85.8%, Hungarian 9.7%, Roma 1.7%,
  Ruthenian/Ukrainian 1%, other and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

Slovenia
  Slovene 83.1%, Serb 2%, Croat 1.8%, Bosniak 1.1%, other or
  unspecified 12% (2002 census)

Solomon Islands
  Melanesian 94.5%, Polynesian 3%, Micronesian 1.2%,
  other 1.1%, unspecified 0.2% (1999 census)

Somalia
  Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including Arabs
  30,000)

South Africa
  black African 79%, white 9.6%, colored 8.9%,
  Indian/Asian 2.5% (2001 census)

Spain
  composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Sri Lanka
  Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%,
  Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, other 0.5%, unspecified 10% (2001 census
  provisional data)

Sudan
  black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%

Suriname
  Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their
  ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the
  19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%,
  "Maroons" (their African ancestors were brought to the country in
  the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior)
  10%, Amerindian 2%, Chinese 2%, white 1%, other 2%

Svalbard
  Norwegian 55.4%, Russian and Ukrainian 44.3%, other 0.3%
  (1998)

Swaziland
  African 97%, European 3%

Sweden
  indigenous population: Swedes with Finnish and Sami
  minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns,
  Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks

Switzerland
  German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other
  6%

Syria
  Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%

Taiwan
  Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%,
  indigenous 2%

Tajikistan
  Tajik 79.9%, Uzbek 15.3%, Russian 1.1%, Kyrgyz 1.1%,
  other 2.6% (2000 census)

Tanzania
  mainland - African 99% (of which 95% are Bantu consisting
  of more than 130 tribes), other 1% (consisting of Asian, European,
  and Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, African, mixed Arab and African

Thailand
  Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Timor-Leste
  Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian), Papuan, small Chinese
  minority

Togo
  African (37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe, Mina,
  and Kabre) 99%, European and Syrian-Lebanese less than 1%

Tokelau
  Polynesian

Tonga
  Polynesian, Europeans

Trinidad and Tobago
  Indian (South Asian) 40%, African 37.5%, mixed
  20.5%, other 1.2%, unspecified 0.8% (2000 census)

Tunisia
  Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Turkey
  Turkish 70-75%, Kurdish 18%, other minorities 7-12% (2008
  est.)

Turkmenistan
  Turkmen 85%, Uzbek 5%, Russian 4%, other 6% (2003)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  black 90%, mixed, European, or North
  American 10%

Tuvalu
  Polynesian 96%, Micronesian 4%

Uganda
  Baganda 16.9%, Banyakole 9.5%, Basoga 8.4%, Bakiga 6.9%,
  Iteso 6.4%, Langi 6.1%, Acholi 4.7%, Bagisu 4.6%, Lugbara 4.2%,
  Bunyoro 2.7%, other 29.6% (2002 census)

Ukraine
  Ukrainian 77.8%, Russian 17.3%, Belarusian 0.6%, Moldovan
  0.5%, Crimean Tatar 0.5%, Bulgarian 0.4%, Hungarian 0.3%, Romanian
  0.3%, Polish 0.3%, Jewish 0.2%, other 1.8% (2001 census)

United Arab Emirates
  Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South
  Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians)
  8% (1982)
  note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)

United Kingdom
  white (of which English 83.6%, Scottish 8.6%, Welsh
  4.9%, Northern Irish 2.9%) 92.1%, black 2%, Indian 1.8%, Pakistani
  1.3%, mixed 1.2%, other 1.6% (2001 census)

United States
  white 79.96%, black 12.85%, Asian 4.43%, Amerindian
  and Alaska native 0.97%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander
  0.18%, two or more races 1.61% (July 2007 estimate)
  note: a separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the US
  Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean persons of
  Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin including those of Mexican, Cuban,
  Puerto Rican, Dominican Republic, Spanish, and Central or South
  American origin living in the US who may be of any race or ethnic
  group (white, black, Asian, etc.); about 15.1% of the total US
  population is Hispanic

Uruguay
  white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%, Amerindian (practically
  nonexistent)

Uzbekistan
  Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak
  2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5% (1996 est.)

Vanuatu
  Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census)

Venezuela
  Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African,
  indigenous people

Vietnam
  Kinh (Viet) 86.2%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.7%, Muong 1.5%, Khome
  1.4%, Hoa 1.1%, Nun 1.1%, Hmong 1%, others 4.1% (1999 census)

Virgin Islands
  black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%,
  mixed 3.5% (2000 census)

Wallis and Futuna
  Polynesian

West Bank
  Palestinian Arab and other 83%, Jewish 17%

Western Sahara
  Arab, Berber

Yemen
  predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Zambia
  African 99.5% (includes Bemba, Tonga, Chewa, Lozi, Nsenga,
  Tumbuka, Ngoni, Lala, Kaonde, Lunda, and other African groups),
  other 0.5% (includes Europeans, Asians, and Americans) (2000 Census)

Zimbabwe
  African 98% (Shona 82%, Ndebele 14%, other 2%), mixed and
  Asian 1%, white less than 1%

======================================================================

@2076

Field Listing :: Exchange rates

This entry provides the official value of a country's monetary unit at a given date or over a given period of time, as expressed in units of local currency per US dollar and as determined by international market forces or official fiat. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4217 alphabetic currency code for the national medium of exchange is presented in parenthesis. Country

Exchange rates

Afghanistan
  afghanis (AFA) per US dollar - 50.23 (2009), 50.25
  (2008), 50 (2007), 46 (2006), 47.7 (2005), 48 (2004)

Akrotiri
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008)
  note: on 1 January 2008 Akrotiri and Dhekelia adopted the euro along
  with the rest of Cyprus

Albania
  leke (ALL) per US dollar - 106.5 (2010), 94.979 (2009),
  79.546 (2008), 92.668 (2007), 98.384 (2006)

Algeria
  Algerian dinars (DZD) per US dollar - 76 (2010), 72.6474
  (2009), 63.25 (2008), 69.9 (2007), 72.647 (2006)

American Samoa
  the US dollar is used

Andorra
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7306 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Angola
  kwanza (AOA) per US dollar - 92.08 (2010), 79.328 (2009),
  75.023 (2008), 76.6 (2007), 80.4 (2006)

Anguilla
  East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007),
  2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)
  note: fixed rate since 1976

Antigua and Barbuda
  East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7
  (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)
  note: fixed rate since 1976

Argentina
  Argentine pesos (ARS) per US dollar - 3.8983 (2010),
  3.7101 (2009), 3.1636 (2008), 3.1105 (2007), 3.0543 (2006)

Armenia
  drams (AMD) per US dollar - 374.29 (2010), 363.28 (2009),
  303.93 (2008), 344.06 (2007), 414.69 (2006)

Aruba
  Aruban guilders/florins (AWG) per US dollar - NA (2007), 1.79
  (2006), 1.79 (2005), 1.79 (2004), 1.79 (2003)

Australia
  Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010),
  1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Austria
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Azerbaijan
  Azerbaijani manats (AZN) per US dollar - 0.8035 (2010),
  0.8038 (2009), 0.8219 (2008), 0.8581 (2007), 0.8934 (2006)

Bahamas, The
  Bahamian dollars (BSD) per US dollar - 1 (2009), 1
  (2008), 1 (2007), 1 (2006)

Bahrain
  Bahraini dinars (BHD) per US dollar - 0.376 (2010), 0.376
  (2009), 0.376 (2008), 0.376 (2007), 0.376 (2006)

Bangladesh
  taka (BDT) per US dollar - 70.59 (2010), 69.039 (2009),
  68.554 (2008), 69.893 (2007), 69.031 (2006)

Barbados
  Barbadian dollars (BBD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2
  (2006), 2 (2005), 2 (2004), 2 (2003)

Belarus
  Belarusian rubles (BYB/BYR) per US dollar - 3,019.9 (2010),
  2,789.5 (2009), 2,130 (2008), 2,145 (2007), 2,144.6 (2006)

Belgium
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Belize
  Belizean dollars (BZD) per US dollar - 2 (2010), 2 (2009), 2
  (2008), 2 (2007), 2 (2006)

Benin
  Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
  506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59
  (2006)

Bermuda
  Bermudian dollars (BMD) per US dollar - 1.0000 (fixed rate
  pegged to the US dollar)

Bhutan
  ngultrum (BTN) per US dollar - 46.6 (2009), 41.487 (2007),
  45.279 (2006), 44.101 (2005), 45.317 (2004)
  note: the ngultrum is pegged to the Indian rupee

Bolivia
  bolivianos (BOB) per US dollar - 7.0699 (2010), 7.07 (2009),
  7.253 (2008), 7.8616 (2007), 8.0159 (2006)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  konvertibilna markas (BAM) per US dollar -
  1.5088 (2010), 1.4079 (2009), 1.3083 (2008), 1.4419 (2007), 1.5576
  (2006)

Botswana
  pulas (BWP) per US dollar - 6.7413 (2010), 7.1602 (2009),
  6.7907 (2008), 6.2035 (2007), 5.8447 (2006)

Brazil
  reals (BRL) per US dollar - 1.77 (2010), 1.9976 (2009),
  1.8644 (2008), 1.85 (2007), 2.1761 (2006)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  the US dollar is used

British Virgin Islands
  the US dollar is used

Brunei
  Bruneian dollars (BND) per US dollar - 1.45 (2009), 1.45
  (2009), 2 (2006), 2 (2005), 2 (2004)

Bulgaria
  leva (BGN) per US dollar - 1.5138 (2010), 1.404 (2009),
  1.3171 (2008), 1.4366 (2007), 1.5576 (2006)

Burkina Faso
  Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US
  dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007),
  522.59 (2006)

Burma
  kyats (MMK) per US dollar - 1,000 (2010), 1,055 (2009), 1,205
  (2008), 1,296 (2007), 1,280 (2006)

Burundi
  Burundi francs (BIF) per US dollar - 1,250.75 (2010),
  1,230.18 (2009), 1,198 (2008), 1,065 (2007), 1,030 (2006)

Cambodia
  riels (KHR) per US dollar - 4,217.96 (2010), 4,139.33
  (2009), 4,070.94 (2008), 4,006 (2007), 4,103 (2006)

Cameroon
  Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs 506.04
  (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Canada
  Canadian dollars (CAD) per US dollar - 1.0346 (2010), 1.1431
  (2009), 1.0364 (2008), 1.0724 (2007), 1.1334 (2006)

Cape Verde
  Cape Verdean escudos (CVE) per US dollar - 88.58 (2010),
  79.377 (2009), 73.84 (2008), 81.235 (2007), 87.946 (2006)

Cayman Islands
  Caymanian dollars (KYD) per US dollar - NA (2007),
  0.8496 (2006)

Central African Republic
  Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale
  francs (XAF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.8
  (2007), 522.59 (2006)
  note: since 1 January 1999, the Central African CFA franc (XAF) has
  been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro;
  Central African CFA franc (XAF) coins and banknotes are not accepted
  in countries using West African CFA francs (XOF), and vice versa,
  even though the two currencies trade at par

Chad
  Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs 506.04
  (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 480.1 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Chile
  Chilean pesos (CLP) per US dollar - 525.34 (2010), 560.86
  (2009), 509.02 (2008), 526.25 (2007), 530.29 (2006)

China
  Renminbi yuan (RMB) per US dollar - 6.7852 (2010), 6.8314
  (2009), 6.9385 (2008), 7.61 (2007), 7.97 (2006)

Christmas Island
  Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151
  (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -
  1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285
  (2006)

Colombia
  Colombian pesos (COP) per US dollar - 1,893.1 (2010),
  2,157.6 (2009), 2,243.6 (2008), 2,013.8 (2007), 2,358.6 (2006)

Comoros
  Comoran francs (KMF) per US dollar - 361.4 (2007), 391.8
  (2006), 395.6 (2005), 396.21 (2004), 435.9 (2003)
  note: the Comoran franc is pegged to the euro at a rate of 491.9677
  Comoran francs per euro

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  Congolese francs (CDF) per US
  dollar - 930 (2010), 810 (2009), 559 (2008), 516 (2007), 464.69
  (2006)

Congo, Republic of the
  Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale
  francs per US dollar - 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008),
  483.6 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Cook Islands
  NZ dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2009), 1.4151
  (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Costa Rica
  Costa Rican colones (CRC) per US dollar - 526.68 (2010),
  573.29 (2009), 530.41 (2008), 519.53 (2007), 511.3 (2006)

Cote d'Ivoire
  Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US
  dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007),
  522.89 (2006)

Croatia
  kuna (HRK) per US dollar - 5.6356 (2010), 5.271 (2009), 4.98
  (2008), 5.3735 (2007), 5.8625 (2006)

Cuba
  Cuban pesos (CUP) per US dollar - 0.9259 (2010), 0.9259 (2009),
  0.9259 (2008), 0.9259 (2007), 0.9231 (2006)

Curacao
  Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar - 1.79
  (2009), 1.79 (2008), 1.79 (2007), 1.79 (2006)

Cyprus
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.718 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.4286 (2007), 0.4586 (2006)

Czech Republic
  koruny (CZK) per US dollar - 19.737 (2010), 19.063
  (2009), 17.064 (2008), 20.53 (2007), 22.596 (2006)

Denmark
  Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2010), 5.3609
  (2009), 5.0236 (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Dhekelia
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008)
  note: on 1 January 2008, Dhekelia and Akrotiri adopted the euro
  along with the rest of Cyprus

Djibouti
  Djiboutian francs (DJF) per US dollar - 177.71 (2007),
  174.75 (2006), 177.72 (2005), 177.72 (2004), 177.72 (2003)

Dominica
  East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007),
  2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Dominican Republic
  Dominican pesos (DOP) per US dollar - 36.92
  (2010), 36.027 (2009), 34.775 (2008), 33.113 (2007), 33.406 (2006)

Ecuador
  1 (2010), 1 (2009)
  note: the US dollar is legal tender

Egypt
  Egyptian pounds (EGP) per US dollar - 5.6124 (2010), 5.545
  (2009), 5.4 (2008), 5.67 (2007), 5.725 (2006)

El Salvador
  the US dollar became El Salvador's currency in 2001

Equatorial Guinea
  Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs
  per US dollar - 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83
  (2007), 522.4 (2006)

Eritrea
  nakfa (ERN) per US dollar - 15.375 (2010), 15.375 (2009),
  15.38 (2008), 15.5 (2007), 15.4 (2006)

Estonia
  kroon (EEK) per US dollar - 12.11 (2010), 11.232 (2009),
  10.7 (2008), 11.535 (2007), 12.473 (2006)
  note: Estonia adopted the euro on 1 January 2011

Ethiopia
  birr (ETB) per US dollar - 14.4 (2010), 11.7776 (2009),
  9.57 (2008), 8.96 (2007), 8.69 (2006)

European Union
  euros per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  Falkland pounds (FKP) per US
  dollar - 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006), 0.5493 (2005),
  0.5462 (2004)
  note: the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound

Faroe Islands
  Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2009),
  5.0236 (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Fiji
  Fijian dollars (FJD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 1.7313 (2006),
  1.691 (2005), 1.7331 (2004), 1.8958 (2003)

Finland
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

France
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

French Polynesia
  Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US
  dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004),
  105.66 (2003)
  note: pegged at the rate of 119.25 XPF to the euro

Gabon
  Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs per US
  dollar - 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007),
  522.89 (2006)

Gambia, The
  dalasis (GMD) per US dollar - 28.5193 (2010), 26.67
  (2009), 22.75 (2008), 27.79 (2007), 28.066 (2006)

Gaza Strip
  new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010),
  3.9326 (2009), 3.56 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Georgia
  laris (GEL) per US dollar - 1.8009 (2010), 1.6705 (2009),
  1.47 (2008), 1.7 (2007), 1.78 (2006)

Germany
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Ghana
  cedis (GHC) per US dollar - 1.4 (2010), 1.4 (2009), 1.1
  (2008), 0.95 (2007), 9,174.8 (2006)

Gibraltar
  Gibraltar pounds (GIP) per US dollar - 0.6494 (2009),
  0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)
  note: the Gibraltar pound is at par with the British pound

Greece
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Greenland
  Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2009), 5.0236
  (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Grenada
  East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7
  (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Guam
  the US dollar is used

Guatemala
  quetzales (GTQ) per US dollar - 8.0798 (2010), 8.1616
  (2009), 7.5895 (2008), 7.6833 (2007), 7.6026 (2006)

Guernsey
  Guernsey pound 0.6504 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007),
  0.5418 (2006)
  note: the Guernsey pound is at par with the British pound

Guinea
  Guinean francs (GNF) per US dollar - 6,100 (2010), 5,500
  (2009), 5,500 (2008), 4,122.8 (2007), 5,350 (2006)

Guinea-Bissau
  Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US
  dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)
  note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has
  been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro;
  West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in
  countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa,
  even though the two currencies trade at par

Guyana
  Guyanese dollars (GYD) per US dollar - 204.07 (2010), 204.02
  (2009), 203.86 (2008), 201.89 (2007), 200.28 (2006)

Haiti
  gourdes (HTG) per US dollar - 41.198 (2010), 41.195 (2009),
  39.216 (2008), 37.138 (2007), 40.232 (2006)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010),
  0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Honduras
  lempiras (HNL) per US dollar - 18.9 (2010), 18.895 (2009),
  18.983 (2008), 18.9 (2007), 18.895 (2006)

Hong Kong
  Hong Kong dollars (HKD) per US dollar - 7.78 (2010),
  7.7518 (2009), 7.751 (2008), 7.802 (2007), 7.7678 (2006)

Hungary
  forints (HUF) per US dollar - 213.69 (2010), 202.34 (2009),
  171.8 (2008), 183.83 (2007), 210.39 (2006)

Iceland
  Icelandic kronur (ISK) per US dollar - 139.319 (2010),
  123.638 (2009), 85.619 (2008), 63.391 (2007), 70.195 (2006)

India
  Indian rupees (INR) per US dollar - 46.163 (2010), 48.405
  (2009), 43.319 (2008), 41.487 (2007), 45.3 (2006)

Indonesia
  Indonesian rupiah (IDR) per US dollar - 9,169.5 (2010),
  10,389.9 (2009), 9,698.9 (2008), 9,143 (2007), 9,159.3 (2006)

Iran
  Iranian rials (IRR) per US dollar - 10,308.2 (2010), 9,864.3
  (2009), 9,142.8 (2008), 9,407.5 (2007), 9,227.1 (2006)

Iraq
  Iraqi dinars (IQD) per US dollar - 1,170 (2010), 1,170 (2009),
  1,176 (2008), 1,255 (2007), 1,466 (2006)

Ireland
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Isle of Man
  Manx pounds (IMP) per US dollar - 0.6504 (2010), 0.6389
  (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)
  note: the Manx pound is at par with the British pound

Israel
  new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010),
  3.9326 (2009), 3.588 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Italy
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Jamaica
  Jamaican dollars (JMD) per US dollar - 87.41 (2010), 87.894
  (2009), 72.236 (2008), 69.034 (2007), 65.768 (2006)

Japan
  yen (JPY) per US dollar - 88.67 (2010), 93.57 (2009), 103.58
  (2008), 117.99 (2007), 116.18 (2006)

Jersey
  Jersey pounds per US dollar 0.6504 (2010), 0.6389 (2009),
  0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)
  note: the Jersey pound is at par with the British pound

Jordan
  Jordanian dinars (JOD) per US dollar - 0.709 (2010), 0.709
  (2009), 0.709 (2008), 0.709 (2007), 0.709 (2006)

Kazakhstan
  tenge (KZT) per US dollar - 147.28 (2010), 147.5 (2009),
  120.25 (2008), 122.55 (2007), 126.09 (2006)

Kenya
  Kenyan shillings (KES) per US dollar - 79.217 (2010), 77.35
  (2009), 68.358 (2008), 68.309 (2007), 72.101 (2006)

Kiribati
  Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010),
  1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Korea, North
  North Korean won (KPW) per US dollar (market rate)
  1,800 (December 2010), 3,630 (December 2008), 140 (2007), 141 (2006)

Korea, South
  South Korean won (KRW) per US dollar - 1,153.77 (2010),
  1,276.93 (2009), 1,101.7 (2008), 929.2 (2007), 954.8 (2006)

Kosovo
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007)

Kuwait
  Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US dollar - 0.2888 (2010), 0.2877
  (2009), 0.2679 (2008), 0.2844 (2007), 0.29 (2006)

Kyrgyzstan
  soms (KGS) per US dollar - 46.337 (2010), 42.905 (2009),
  36.108 (2008), 37.746 (2007), 40.149 (2006)

Laos
  kips (LAK) per US dollar - 8,320.27 (2010), 8,516.04 (2009),
  8,760.69 (2008), 9,658 (2007), 10,235 (2006)

Latvia
  lati (LVL) per US dollar - 0.5422 (2010), 0.5056 (2009),
  0.4701 (2008), 0.5162 (2007), 0.5597 (2006)

Lebanon
  Lebanese pounds (LBP) per US dollar - 1,507.5 (2010),
  1,507.5 (2009), 1,507.5 (2008), 1,507.5 (2007), 1,507.5 (2006)

Lesotho
  maloti (LSL) per US dollar - 7.9 (2010), 8.4737 (2009), 7.75
  (2008), 7.25 (2007), 6.85 (2006)

Liberia
  Liberian dollars (LRD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 59.43
  (2006), 53.098 (2005), 54.906 (2004), 59.379 (2003)

Libya
  Libyan dinars (LYD) per US dollar - 1.2648 (2010), 1.2535
  (2009), 1.2112 (2008), 1.2604 (2007), 1.3108 (2006)

Liechtenstein
  Swiss francs (CHF) per US dollar - 1.0723 (2010),
  1.0881 (2009), 1.0774 (2008), 1.1973 (2007), 1.2539 (2006)

Lithuania
  litai (LTL) per US dollar - 2.6637 (2010), 2.4787 (2009),
  2.3251 (2008), 2.5362 (2007), 2.7498 (2006)

Luxembourg
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Macau
  patacas (MOP) per US dollar - 7.985 (2009), 7.983 (2008),
  8.011 (2007), 8.0015 (2006)

Macedonia
  Macedonian denars (MKD) per US dollar - 47.601 (2010),
  44.1 (2009), 41.414 (2008), 44.732 (2007), 48.978 (2006)

Madagascar
  Malagasy ariary (MGA) per US dollar - 2,062.5 (2010),
  1,956.21 (2009), 1,654.78 (2008), 1,880 (2007), 2,161.4 (2006)

Malawi
  Malawian kwachas (MWK) per US dollar - 151.65 (2010), 141.14
  (2009), 142.41 (2008), 141.12 (2007), 135.96 (2006)

Malaysia
  ringgits (MYR) per US dollar - 3.2182 (2010), 3.5246
  (2009), 3.33 (2008), 3.46 (2007), 3.6683 (2006)

Maldives
  rufiyaa (MVR) per US dollar - 12.8 (2009), 12.8 (2008),
  12.8 (2007), 12.8 (2006)

Mali
  Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
  506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)
  note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has
  been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro;
  West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in
  countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa,
  even though the two currencies trade at par

Malta
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7732 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.3106 (2007), 0.37
  (2006)

Marshall Islands
  the US dollar is used

Mauritania
  ouguiyas (MRO) per US dollar - 261.5 (2010 est.), 262.4
  (2009), 238.2 (2008), 258.6 (2007), 271.3 (2006)

Mauritius
  Mauritian rupees (MUR) per US dollar - 30.991 (2010),
  31.96 (2009), 27.973 (2008), 31.798 (2007), 31.656 (2006)

Mayotte
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Mexico
  Mexican pesos (MXN) per US dollar - 12.687 (2010), 13.514
  (2009), 11.016 (2008), 10.8 (2007), 10.899 (2006)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  the US dollar is used

Moldova
  Moldovan lei (MDL) per US dollar - 12.443 (2010), 11.11
  (2009), 10.326 (2008), 12.177 (2007), 13.131 (2006)

Monaco
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Mongolia
  togrog/tugriks (MNT) per US dollar - 1,442.8 (2009),
  1,267.51 (2008), 1,170 (2007), 1,165 (2006)

Montenegro
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Montserrat
  East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007),
  2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)
  note: fixed rate since 1976

Morocco
  Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per US dollar - 8.3619 (2010), 8.0571
  (2009), 7.526 (2008), 8.3563 (2007), 8.7722 (2006)

Mozambique
  meticais (MZM) per US dollar - 35 (2010), 26.283 (2009),
  24.125 (2008), 26.264 (2007), 25.4 (2006)

Namibia
  Namibian dollars (NAD) per US dollar - 7.57 (2010), 8.4234
  (2009), 7.75 (2008), 7.18 (2007), 6.7649 (2006)

Nauru
  Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822
  (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Nepal
  Nepalese rupees (NPR) per US dollar - 72.56 (2010), 77.44
  (2009), 65.21 (2008), 70.35 (2007), 72.446 (2006)

Netherlands
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

New Caledonia
  Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US
  dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004),
  105.66 (2003)

New Zealand
  New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010),
  1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Nicaragua
  cordobas (NIO) per US dollar - 21.35 (2010), 20.34 (2009),
  19.374 (2008), 18.457 (2007), 17.582 (2006)

Niger
  Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
  506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)
  note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has
  been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro;
  West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in
  countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa,
  even though the two currencies trade at par

Nigeria
  nairas (NGN) per US dollar - 150.88 (2010), 148.84 (2009),
  117.8 (2008), 127.46 (2007), 127.38 (2006)

Niue
  New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002
  (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Norfolk Island
  Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151
  (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Northern Mariana Islands
  the US dollar is used

Norway
  Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 6.1533 (2010), 6.2883
  (2009), 5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006)

Oman
  Omani rials (OMR) per US dollar - 0.3845 (2010), 0.3845 (2009),
  0.3845 (2008), 0.3845 (2007), 0.3845 (2006)

Pakistan
  Pakistani rupees (PKR) per US dollar - 85.27 (2010),
  81.7129 (2009), 70.64 (2008), 60.6295 (2007), 60.35 (2006)

Palau
  the US dollar is used

Panama
  balboas (PAB) per US dollar - 1 (2010), 1 (2009), 1 (2008), 1
  (2007), 1 (2006)

Papua New Guinea
  kina (PGK) per US dollar - 2.7517 (2010), 2.7551
  (2009), 2.6956 (2008), 3.03 (2007), 3.0643 (2006)

Paraguay
  guarani (PYG) per US dollar - 4,767.6 (2010), 4,965.4
  (2009), 4,337.7 (2008), 5,031 (2007), 5,672.8 (2006)

Peru
  nuevo sol (PEN) per US dollar - 2.8178 (2010), 3.0115 (2009),
  2.91 (2008), 3.1731 (2007), 3.2742 (2006)

Philippines
  Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar - 45.459 (2010),
  47.68 (2009), 44.439 (2008), 46.148 (2007), 51.246 (2006)

Pitcairn Islands
  New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015
  (2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Poland
  zlotych (PLN) per US dollar - 3.0718 (2010), 3.1214 (2009),
  2.3 (2008), 2.81 (2007), 3.1032 (2006)

Portugal
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Puerto Rico
  the US dollar is used

Qatar
  Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar - 3.64 (2010), 3.64 (2009),
  3.64 (2008), 3.64 (2007), 3.64 (2006)

Romania
  lei (RON) per US dollar - 3.2 (2010), 3.0493 (2009), 2.5
  (2008), 2.43 (2007), 2.809 (2006)

Russia
  Russian rubles (RUB) per US dollar - 30 (2010), 31.742
  (2009), 24.853 (2008), 25.581 (2007), 27.191 (2006)

Rwanda
  Rwandan francs (RWF) per US dollar - 586.25 (2010), 568.176
  (2009), 550 (2008), 585 (2007), 560 (2006)

Saint Barthelemy
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338
  (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha Saint Helenian pounds (SHP) per US dollar - 0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006), 0.5462 (2004) note: the Saint Helenian pound is on par with the British pound

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar -
  2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Saint Lucia
  East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007),
  2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Saint Martin
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338
  (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010),
  0.7179 (2009), 0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US
  dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Samoa
  tala (SAT) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2.7594 (2006), 2.7103
  (2005), 2.7807 (2004), 2.9732 (2003)

San Marino
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Sao Tome and Principe
  dobras (STD) per US dollar - 19,641 (2010),
  16,000 (2009), 14,900 (2008), 13,700 (2007), 12,050 (2006)

Saudi Arabia
  Saudi riyals (SAR) per US dollar - 3.75 (2010), 3.75
  (2009), 3.75 (2008), 3.745 (2007), 3.745 (2006)

Senegal
  Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
  507.71 (2010), 470.9 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.89
  (2006)

Serbia
  Serbian dinars (RSD) per US dollar - 79.979 (2010), 62.9
  (2008), 54.5 (2007), 59.98 (2006)

Seychelles
  Seychelles rupees (SCR) per US dollar - 12.221 (2010),
  13.6124 (2009), 8 (2008), 6.5 (2007), 5.5 (2006)

Sierra Leone
  leones (SLL) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2,961.7 (2006),
  2,889.6 (2005), 2,701.3 (2004), 2,347.9 (2003)

Singapore
  Singapore dollars (SGD) per US dollar - 1.3702 (2010),
  1.4545 (2009), 1.415 (2008), 1.507 (2007), 1.5889 (2006)

Sint Maarten
  Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar -
  1.79 (2009), 1.79 (2008), 1.79 (2007), 1.79 (2006)

Slovakia
  Slovak koruny (SKK) per US dollar - 0.774 (2010), 0.718
  (2009), 21.05 (2008), 24.919 (2007), 29.611 (2006)

Slovenia
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.77399 (2010), 0.72 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007)

Solomon Islands
  Solomon Islands dollars (SBD) per US dollar - NA
  (2007), 7.3447 (2006), 7.5299 (2005), 7.4847 (2004), 7.5059 (2003)

Somalia
  Somali shillings (SOS) per US dollar - NA (2007-08), 1,438.3
  (2006) official rate; the unofficial black market rate was about
  23,000 shillings per dollar as of February 2007
  note: the Republic of Somaliland, a self-declared independent
  country not recognized by any foreign government, issues its own
  currency, the Somaliland shilling

South Africa
  rand (ZAR) per US dollar - 7.38 (2010), 8.4234 (2009),
  7.9576 (2008), 7.05 (2007), 6.7649 (2006)

Spain
  euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009),
  0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Sri Lanka
  Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) per US dollar - 113.36 (2010),
  114.95 (2009), 108.33 (2008), 110.78 (2007), 103.99 (2006)

Sudan
  Sudanese pounds (SDG) per US dollar - 2.36 (2010), 2.32
  (2009), 2.1 (2008), 2.06 (2007), 2.172 (2006)

Suriname
  Surinamese dollars (SRD) per US dollar - 2.745 (2007),
  2.745 (2006), 2.7317 (2005), 2.7336 (2004), 2.6013 (2003)
  note: in January 2004, the government replaced the guilder with the
  Surinamese dollar, tied to a US dollar-dominated currency basket

Svalbard
  Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 6.1533 (2009),
  5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006)

Swaziland
  emalangeni per US dollar - 7.57 (2010), 8.4737 (2009),
  7.75 (2008), 7.4 (2007), 6.85 (2006)

Sweden
  Swedish kronor (SEK) per US dollar - 7.5077 (2010), 7.6529
  (2009), 6.4074 (2008), 6.7629 (2007), 7.3731 (2006)

Switzerland
  Swiss francs (CHF) per US dollar - 1.0723 (2010), 1.0881
  (2009), 1.0774 (2008), 1.1973 (2007), 1.2539 (2006)

Syria
  Syrian pounds (SYP) per US dollar - 46.456 (2010), 46.7082
  (2009), 46.5281 (2008), 50.0085 (2007), 51.689 (2006)

Taiwan
  New Taiwan dollars (TWD) per US dollar - 31.864 (2010),
  33.061 (2009), 31.53 (2008), 32.84 (2007), 32.534 (2006)

Tajikistan
  Tajikistani somoni (TJS) per US dollar - 4.3788 (2010),
  4.1428 (2009), 3.4563 (2008), 3.4418 (2007), 3.3 (2006)

Tanzania
  Tanzanian shillings (TZS) per US dollar - 1,423.3 (2010),
  1,320.3 (2009), 1,178.1 (2008), 1,255 (2007), 1,251.9 (2006)

Thailand
  baht per US dollar - 31.663 (2010), 34.286 (2009), 33.37
  (2008), 34.52 (2007), 37.882 (2006)

Timor-Leste
  the US dollar is used

Togo
  Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
  507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 482.71 (2007), 522.59
  (2006)

Tokelau
  New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010),
  1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Tonga
  pa'anga (TOP) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2.0277 (2006), 1.96
  (2005), 1.9716 (2004), 2.142 (2003)

Trinidad and Tobago
  Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD) per US dollar
  - 6.3337 (2010), 6.3099 (2009), 6.2896 (2008), 6.3275 (2007), 6.3107
  (2006)

Tunisia
  Tunisian dinars (TND) per US dollar - 1.4367 (2010), 1.3503
  (2009), 1.211 (2008), 1.2776 (2007), 1.331 (2006)

Turkey
  Turkish liras (TRY) per US dollar - 1.5181 (2010), 1.55
  (2009), 1.3179 (2008), 1.319 (2007), 1.4286 (2006)

Turkmenistan
  Turkmen manat (TMM) per US dollar - 2.85 (2010), 2.85
  (2009), 14,250 (2008)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  the US dollar is used

Tuvalu
  Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -
  1.1151 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Uganda
  Ugandan shillings (UGX) per US dollar - 2,166 (2010), 2,038.9
  (2009), 1,658.1 (2008), 1,685.8 (2007), 1,834.9 (2006)

Ukraine
  hryvnia (UAH) per US dollar - 7.9111 (2010), 7.7912 (2009),
  4.9523 (2008), 5.05 (2007), 5.05 (2006)

United Arab Emirates
  Emirati dirhams (AED) per US dollar - 3.673
  (2010), 3.673 (2009), 3.6725 (2008), 3.6725 (2007), 3.6725 (2006)

United Kingdom
  British pounds (GBP) per US dollar - 0.6504 (2010),
  0.6389 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

United States
  British pounds per US dollar: 1 (2010), 0.6504 (2010),
  0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)
  Canadian dollars per US dollar: 1.0346 (2010), 1.1548 (2009), 1.0364
  (2008), 1.0724 (2007), 1.1334 (2006)
  Chinese yuan per US dollar: 6.7852 (2010), 6.8249 (2009), 6.9385
  (2008), 7.61 (2007), 7.97 (2006)
  euros per US dollar: 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008),
  0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)
  Japanese yen per US dollar: 88.67 (2010), 94.5 (2009), 103.58
  (2008), 117.99 (2007), 116.18 (2006)

Uruguay
  Uruguayan pesos (UYU) per US dollar - 20.276 (2010), 22.568
  (2009), 20.936 (2008), 23.947 (2007), 24.048 (2006)

Uzbekistan
  Uzbekistani soum (UZS) per US dollar - 1,588.1 (2010),
  1,466.7 (2009), 1,317 (2008), 1,263.8 (2007), 1,219.8 (2006)

Vanuatu
  vatu (VUV) per US dollar - 97.93 (2009), NA (2007), 111.93
  (2006), NA (2005), 111.79 (2004), 122.19 (2003)

Venezuela
  bolivars (VEB) per US dollar - 4.3039 (2010), 2.1522
  (2009), 2.147 (2008), 2,147 (2007), 2,147 (2006)

Vietnam
  dong (VND) per US dollar - 19,148.9 (2010), 17,799.6 (2009),
  16,548.3 (2008), 16,119 (2007), 15,983 (2006)

Virgin Islands
  the US dollar is used

Wallis and Futuna
  Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per
  US dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004),
  105.66 (2003)

West Bank
  new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010),
  3.9326 (2009), 3.56 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Western Sahara
  Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per US dollar - 8.3619 (2009),
  7.526 (2008), 8.3563 (2007), 8.7722 (2006)

Yemen
  Yemeni rials (YER) per US dollar - 220.05 (2010), 202.85
  (2009), 199.76 (2008), 199.14 (2007), 197.18 (2006)

Zambia
  Zambian kwacha (ZMK) per US dollar - 4,823.6 (2010), 5,046.1
  (2009), 3,512.9 (2008), 3,990.2 (2007), 3,601.5 (2006)

Zimbabwe
  Zimbabwean dollars (ZWD) per US dollar - 234.25 (2010), 234
  (2008), 30,000 (2007), 162 (2006), 78 (2005)

======================================================================

@2077

Field Listing :: Executive branch

This entry includes several subfields. Chief of state includes the name and title of the titular leader of the country who represents the state at official and ceremonial functions but may not be involved with the day-to-day activities of the government. Head of government includes the name and title of the top administrative leader who is designated to manage the day-to-day activities of the government. For example, in the UK, the monarch is the chief of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. In the US, the president is both the chief of state and the head of government. Cabinet includes the official name for this body of high-ranking advisers and the method for selection of members. Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote for each candidate in the last election. Country

Executive branch

Afghanistan
  chief of state: President of the Islamic Republic of
  Afghanistan Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); First Vice
  President Mohammad FAHIM Khan (since 19 November 2009); Second Vice
  President Abdul Karim KHALILI (since 7 December 2004); note - the
  president is both the chief of state and head of government
  head of government: President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
  Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); First Vice President Mohammad
  FAHIM Khan (since 19 November 2009); Second Vice President Abdul
  Karim KHALILI (since 7 December 2004)
  cabinet: 25 ministers; note - ministers are appointed by the
  president and approved by the National Assembly
  elections: the president and two vice presidents elected by direct
  vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if no
  candidate receives 50% or more of the vote in the first round of
  voting, the two candidates with the most votes will participate in a
  second round; election last held on 20 August 2009 (next to be held
  in 2014)
  election results: Hamid KARZAI reelected president; percent of vote
  (first round) - Hamid KARZAI 49.67%, Abdullah ABDULLAH 30.59%,
  Ramazan BASHARDOST 10.46%, Ashraf GHANI 2.94%; other 6.34%; note -
  ABDULLAH conceded the election to KARZAI following the first round
  vote

Akrotiri
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
  head of government: Administrator Major General Jamie GORDON (since
  October 2008); note - reports to the British Ministry of Defense
  elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the administrator
  appointed by the monarch

Albania
  chief of state: President of the Republic Bamir TOPI (since
  24 July 2007)
  head of government: Prime Minister Sali BERISHA (since 10 September
  2005)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister,
  nominated by the president, and approved by parliament
  elections: president elected by the Assembly for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); four election rounds held between 8
  and 20 July 2007 (next election to be held in 2012); prime minister
  appointed by the president
  election results: Bamir TOPI elected president; Assembly vote,
  fourth round (three-fifths majority, 84 votes, required): Bamir TOPI
  85 votes, Neritan CEKA 5 votes

Algeria
  chief of state: President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28
  April 1999) note - the president is both the chief of state and head
  of government; a November 2008 constitutional amendment separated
  the position of head of government from that of the prime minister
  head of government: President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28 April
  1999)
  cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
  note - a November 2008 constitutional amendment abolished
  presidential term limits; election last held on 9 April 2009 (next
  to be held in April 2014)
  election results: Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA was reelected president for a
  third term; percent of vote - Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA 90.2%, Louisa
  HANOUNE 4.2%, Moussa TOUATI 2.3%, Djahid YOUNSI 1.4%, Ali Fawzi
  REBIANE less than 1%, Mohamed SAID less than 1%

American Samoa
  chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20
  January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
  head of government: Governor Togiola TULAFONO (since 7 April 2003)
  cabinet: Cabinet made up of 12 department directors
  elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
  territories, such as American Samoa, do not vote in elections for US
  president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic
  and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and
  lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for
  four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on
  4 and 18 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
  election results: Togiola TULAFONO reelected governor; percent of
  vote - Togiola TULAFONO 56.5%, Afoa Moega LUTU 43.5%

Andorra
  chief of state: French Coprince Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16
  May 2007); represented by Christian FREMONT (since September 2008)
  and Spanish Coprince Bishop Joan-Enric VIVES i Sicilia (since 12 May
  2003); represented by Nemesi MARQUES i Oste (since 30 July 2003)
  head of government: Executive Council President Jaume BARTUMEU
  Cassany (since 5 June 2009)
  cabinet: Executive Council or Govern designated by the Executive
  Council president
  elections: Executive Council president elected by the General
  Council and formally appointed by the coprinces for a four-year
  term; election last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in
  April-May 2013)
  election results: Jaume BARTUMEU CASSANY elected executive council
  president; percent of General Council vote - NA

Angola
  chief of state: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21
  September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21
  September 1979); Antonio Paulo KASSOMA was named prime minister by
  MPLA on 26 September 2008
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by universal ballot for a five-year
  term (eligible for a second consecutive or discontinuous term) under
  the 1992 constitution; President DOS SANTOS was selected by the
  party to take over after the death of former President Augustino
  NETO(1979) under a one-party system and stood for reelection in
  Angola's first multiparty elections on 29-30 September 1992 (next
  were to be held in September 2009 but have been postponed)
  election results: Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS 49.6%, Jonas SAVIMBI
  40.1%, making a run-off election necessary; the run-off was never
  held leaving DOS SANTOS in his current position as the president

Anguilla
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
  represented by Governor Alistair HARRISON (since 21 April 2009)
  head of government: Chief Minister Hubert HUGHES (since 16 February
  2010)
  cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the
  elected members of the House of Assembly
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
  monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
  party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed
  chief minister by the governor

Antigua and Barbuda
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
  February 1952); represented by Governor General Louisse LAKE-TACK
  (since 17 July 2007)
  head of government: Prime Minister Winston Baldwin SPENCER (since 24
  March 2004)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on
  the advice of the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general chosen by
  the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following
  legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the
  leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
  the governor general

Argentina
  chief of state: President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER
  (since 10 December 2007); Vice President Julio COBOS (since 10
  December 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (since
  10 December 2007); Vice President Julio COBOS (since 10 December
  2007)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
  election last held on 28 October 2007 (next election to be held in
  2011)
  election results: Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER elected president;
  percent of vote - Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER 45%, Elisa CARRIO
  23%, Roberto LAVAGNA 17%, Alberto Rodriguez SAA 8%

Armenia
  chief of state: President Serzh SARGSIAN (since 9 April 2008)
  head of government: Prime Minister Tigran SARGSIAN (since 9 April
  2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 February 2008
  (next to be held in February 2013); prime minister appointed by the
  president based on majority or plurality support in parliament; the
  prime minister and Council of Ministers must resign if the National
  Assembly refuses to accept their program
  election results: Serzh SARGSIAN elected president; percent of vote
  - Serzh SARGSIAN 52.9%, Levon TER-PETROSSIAN 21.5%, Artur
  BAGHDASARIAN 16.7%

Aruba
  chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30
  April 1980); represented by Governor General Fredis REFUNJOL (since
  11 May 2004)
  head of government: Prime Minister Michiel Godfried (Mike) EMAN
  (since 30 October 2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed
  for a six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime
  minister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election last
  held in 2009 (next to be held by 2013)
  election results: Mike EMAN elected prime minister; percent of
  legislative vote - NA

Australia
  chief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6
  February 1952); represented by Governor General Quentin BRYCE (since
  5 September 2008)
  head of government: Prime Minister Julia Eileen GILLARD (since 24
  June 2010); Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Maxwell SWAN (since 24 June
  2010)
  cabinet: prime minister nominates, from among members of Parliament,
  candidates who are subsequently sworn in by the governor general to
  serve as government ministers
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following
  legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of
  a majority coalition is sworn in as prime minister by the governor
  general

Austria
  chief of state: President Heinz FISCHER (SPOe) (since 8 July
  2004)
  head of government: Chancellor Werner FAYMANN (SPOe) (since 2
  December 2008); Vice Chancellor Josef PROELL (OeVP) (since 2
  December 2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice
  of the chancellor
  elections: president elected for a six-year term (eligible for a
  second term) by direct popular vote and formally sworn into office
  before the Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung; presidential
  election last held on 25 April 2010 (next to be held on 25 April
  2016); chancellor formally chosen by the president but determined by
  the coalition parties forming a parliamentary majority; vice
  chancellor chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor
  election results: Heinz FISCHER reelected president with 79.3% of
  the vote
  note: government coalition - SPOe and OeVP

Azerbaijan
  chief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October
  2003)
  head of government: Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 4 November
  2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub EYYUBOV (since June 2006)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and
  confirmed by the National Assembly
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for unlimited terms); election last held on 15 October
  2008 (next to be held in October 2013); prime minister and first
  deputy prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed by
  the National Assembly
  election results: Ilham ALIYEV reelected president; percent of vote
  - Ilham ALIYEV 89%, Igbal AGHAZADE 2.9%, five other candidates with
  smaller percentages
  note: several political parties boycotted the election due to unfair
  conditions; OSCE observers concluded that the election did not meet
  international standards

Bahamas, The
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
  1952); represented by Governor General Sir Arthur A. FOULKES (since
  14 April 2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Hubert A. INGRAHAM (since 4 May
  2007)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the prime
  minister's recommendation
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
  majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
  appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister
  recommends the deputy prime minister

Bahrain
  chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa Al-Khalifa (since 6 March
  1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al-Khalifa (son
  of the monarch, born 21 October 1969)
  head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al-Khalifa
  (since 1971); Deputy Prime Ministers ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman
  Al-Khalifa, MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Jawad bin Salim
  al-ARAIDH
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by
  the monarch

Bangladesh
  chief of state: President Zillur RAHMAN (since 12
  February 2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA Wajed (since 6
  January 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by the
  president
  elections: president elected by National Parliament for a five-year
  term (eligible for a second term); last election held on 11 February
  2009 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: Zillur RAHMAN declared president-elect by the
  Election Commission on 11 February 2009 (sworn in on 12 February);
  he ran unopposed as president; percent of National Parliament vote -
  NA

Barbados
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
  represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn HUSBANDS
  (since 1 June 1996)
  head of government: Prime Minister Fruendel STUART (since 23 October
  2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
  the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
  majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
  appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister
  recommends the deputy prime minister

Belarus
  chief of state: President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20
  July 1994)
  head of government: Prime Minister Mikhail MYASNIKOVICH (since 28
  December 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir SEMASHKO (since
  December 2003)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
  first election took place on 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to
  the 1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in
  1999, however, Aleksandr LUKASHENKO extended his term to 2001 via a
  November 1996 referendum; subsequent election held on 9 September
  2001; an October 2004 referendum ended presidential term limits and
  allowed the president to run in a third (19 March 2006) and fourth
  election (19 December 2010); prime minister and deputy prime
  ministers appointed by the president
  election results: Aleksandr LUKASHENKO reelected president; percent
  of vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 79.7%, Andrey SANNIKAU 2.6%, other
  candidates 17.7%; note - election marred by electoral fraud

Belgium
  chief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir
  Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch
  head of government: Prime Minister Yves LETERME (since 25 November
  2009); note - the king accepted the resignation of LETERME on 26
  April 2010; LETERME remains as caretaker
  cabinet: Council of Ministers are formally appointed by the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following
  legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the
  leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
  the monarch and then approved by parliament

Belize
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
  represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17
  November 1993)
  head of government: Prime Minister Dean Oliver BARROW (since 8
  February 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar VEGA (since 12 February
  2008)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
  the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
  majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually
  appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister
  recommends the deputy prime minister

Benin
  chief of state: President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April
  2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April 2006)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); runoff election held on 19 March 2006
  (next to be held in March 2011)
  election results: Thomas YAYI Boni elected president; percent of
  vote - Thomas YAYI Boni 74.5%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI 25.5%

Bermuda
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
  represented by Governor Sir Richard GOZNEY (since 12 December 2007)
  head of government: Premier Paula COX (since 29 October 2010);
  Deputy Premier Derrick BURGESS
  cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
  monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
  party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed
  premier by the governor

Bhutan
  chief of state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14
  December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated the
  throne on 14 December 2006 and his son immediately succeeded him;
  the nearly two-year delay between the former King's abdication and
  his son's coronation on 6 November 2008 was to ensure an
  astrologically auspicious coronation date and to give the new king,
  who had limited experience, deeper administrative expertise under
  the guidance of this father
  head of government: Prime Minister Jigme THINLEY (since 9 April 2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the
  monarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed,
  five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council
  (Lodoi Tsokde); members are nominated by the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary, but democratic reforms in
  July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove the
  monarch with two-thirds vote; election of a new National Assembly
  occurred in March 2008; the leader of the majority party nominated
  as the prime minister

Bolivia
  chief of state: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22
  January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January
  2006); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22
  January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January
  2006)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for a five-year term and are eligible for a single
  re-election; election last held on 6 December 2009 (next to be held
  in 2014)
  election results: Juan Evo MORALES Ayma reelected president; percent
  of vote - Juan Evo MORALES Ayma 64%; Manfred REYES VILLA 26%; Samuel
  DORIA MEDINA Arana 6%; Rene JOAQUINO 2%; other 2%

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  chief of state: Chairman of the Presidency
  Nebojsa RADMANOVIC (chairman of the presidency since 10 November
  2010; presidency member since 1 October 2006 - Serb); other members
  of the three-member presidency rotate every eight months: Bakir
  IZETBEGOVIC (presidency member since 3 October 2010 - Bosniak);
  Zeljko KOMSIC (presidency member since 1 October 2006 - Croat)
  head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Nikola
  SPIRIC (since 11 January 2007)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman;
  approved by the state-level House of Representatives
  elections: the three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one
  Croat, one Serb) elected by popular vote for a four-year term
  (eligible for a second term, but then ineligible for four years);
  the chairmanship rotates every eight months and resumes where it
  left off following each general election; election last held on 3
  October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014); the chairman of the
  Council of Ministers appointed by the presidency and confirmed by
  the state-level House of Representatives
  election results: percent of vote - Nebojsa RADMANOVIC with 48.9% of
  the votes for the Serb seat; Zeljko KOMSIC with 60.6% of the votes
  for the Croat seat; Bakir IZETBEGOVIC with 34.9% of the votes for
  the Bosniak seat
  note: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Borjana
  KRISTO (since 21 February 2007); Vice Presidents Spomenka MICIC
  (since 21 February 2007) and Mirsad KEBO (since 21 February 2007);
  President of the Republika Srpska: Milorad DODIK (since 3 October
  2010); took office 15 November 2010

Botswana
  chief of state: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1
  April 2008); Vice President Mompati MERAFHE (since 1 April 2008);
  note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April
  2008); Vice President Mompati MERAFHE (since 1 April 2008)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
  elections: president indirectly elected for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 October 2009
  (next to be held in October 2014); vice president appointed by the
  president
  election results: Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA elected president; percent
  of National Assembly vote - NA%

Brazil
  chief of state: President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January
  2011); Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011); note -
  the president is both the chief of state and head of government
  head of government: President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January 2011);
  Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 3
  October 2010 with runoff on 31 October 2010 (next to be held on 5
  October 2014 and, if necessary, a runoff election on 2 November 2014)
  election results: Dilma ROUSSEFF (PT) elected president in a runoff
  election; percent of vote - Dilma ROUSSEFF 56.01%, Jose SERRA (PSDB)
  43.99%

British Indian Ocean Territory
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II
  (since 6 February 1952)
  head of government: Commissioner Colin ROBERTS (since July 2008);
  Administrator Joanne YEADON (since December 2007); note - both
  reside in the UK and are represented by the officer commanding
  British Forces on Diego Garcia
  cabinet: NA
  elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; commissioner and
  administrator appointed by the monarch

British Virgin Islands
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
  February 1952); represented by Governor Boyd MCCLEARY (since 20
  August 2010)
  head of government: Premier Ralph T. O'NEAL (since 23 August 2007)
  cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of
  the House of Assembly
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
  monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
  party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed
  premier by the governor

Brunei
  chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL
  Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief
  of state and head of government
  head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah
  (since 5 October 1967)
  cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by
  the monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also a
  Religious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises on
  religious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by the
  monarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council of
  Succession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines the
  succession to the throne if the need arises
  elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary

Bulgaria
  chief of state: President Georgi PARVANOV (since 22 January
  2002); Vice President Angel MARIN (since 22 January 2002)
  head of government: Prime Minister Boyko BORISSOV (since 27 July
  2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Simeon DJANKOV and Tsvetan TSVETANOV
  (since 27 July 2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
  elected by the National Assembly
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
  election last held on 22 and 29 October 2006 (next to be held in
  2011); chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) elected
  by the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers nominated by the
  prime minister and elected by the National Assembly
  election results: Georgi PARVANOV reelected president; percent of
  vote - Georgi PARVANOV 77.3%, Volen SIDEROV 22.7%; Boyko BORISSOV
  elected prime minister; result of legislative vote - 162 to 77 with
  1 abstention

Burkina Faso
  chief of state: President Blaise COMPAORE (since 15
  October 1987)
  head of government: Prime Minister Tertius ZONGO (since 4 June 2007)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
  recommendation of the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 November 2010
  (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president
  with the consent of the legislature
  election results: Blaise COMPAORE reelected president; percent of
  popular vote - Blaise COMPAORE 80.2%, Hama Arba DIALLO 8.2%,
  Benewende Stanislas SANKARA 6.3%

Burma
  chief of state: Chairman of the State Peace and Development
  Council (SPDC) Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992)
  head of government: Prime Minister Lt. Gen THEIN SEIN (since 24
  October 2007)
  cabinet: Cabinet is overseen by the military regime that assumed
  power 18 September 1988 under the name State Law and Order
  Restoration Council (SLORC); changed in 1997 to SPDC
  elections: none

Burundi
  chief of state: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26
  August 2005); First Vice President Therence SINUNGURUZA - Tutsi
  (since 29 August 2010); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI -
  Hutu (since 29 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief
  of state and head of government
  head of government: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26
  August 2005); First Vice President Therence SINUNGURUZA - Tutsi
  (since 29 August 2010); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI -
  Hutu (since 29 August 2010)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president
  elections: the president elected by popular vote for a five-year
  term (eligible for a second term); note - the constitution adopted
  in February 2005 permited the post-transition president to be
  elected by a two-thirds majority of the parliament; elections last
  held 28 June 2010 (next to be held in 2015); vice presidents
  nominated by the president, endorsed by parliament
  election results: Pierre NKURUNZIZA elected president by popular
  vote; Pierre NKURUNZIZA 91.6%, other 8.4%; note - opposition parties
  withdrew from the election due to alleged government interference in
  the electoral process

Cambodia
  chief of state: King Norodom SIHAMONI (since 29 October
  2004)
  head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985)
  [co-prime minister from 1993 to 1997]; Permanent Deputy Prime
  Minister MEN SAM AN (since 25 September 2008); Deputy Prime
  Ministers SAR KHENG (since 3 February 1992); SOK AN, TEA BANH, HOR
  NAMHONG, NHEK BUNCHHAY (since 16 July 2004); BIN CHHIN (since 5
  September 2007); KEAT CHHON, YIM CHHAI LY (since 24 September 2008);
  KE KIMYAN (since 12 March 2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and
  appointed by the monarch
  elections: the king chosen by a Royal Throne Council from among all
  eligible males of royal descent; following legislative elections, a
  member of the majority party or majority coalition named prime
  minister by the Chairman of the National Assembly and appointed by
  the king

Cameroon
  chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)
  head of government: Prime Minister Philemon YANG (since 30 June 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from proposals submitted
  by the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 October 2004
  (next to be held by October 2011); prime minister appointed by the
  president
  election results: President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote -
  Paul BIYA 70.9%, John FRU NDI 17.4%, Adamou Ndam NJOYA 4.5%, Garga
  Haman ADJI 3.7%

Canada
  head of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
  represented by Governor General David JOHNSTON (since 1 October 2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Stephen Joseph HARPER (since 6
  February 2006)
  cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister usually from
  among the members of his own party sitting in Parliament
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a five-year
  term; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
  party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House of
  Commons generally designated prime minister by the governor general

Cape Verde
  chief of state: President Pedro Verona Rodrigues PIRES
  (since 22 March 2001)
  head of government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 1
  February 2001)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
  recommendation of the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 February 2006
  (next to be held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the National
  Assembly and appointed by the president
  election results: Pedro PIRES reelected president; percent of vote -
  Pedro PIRES (PAICV) 51.2%, Carlos VIEGA (MPD) 48.8%

Cayman Islands
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
  1952); represented by Governor Duncan TAYLOR (since 15 January 2010)
  head of government: Premier McKeeva BUSH (since 6 November 2009)
  cabinet: The Cabinet (six members are appointed by the governor on
  the advice of the premier, selected from among the elected members
  of the Legislative Assembly)
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor appointed by the
  monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
  party or coalition appointed by the governor as premier

Central African Republic
  chief of state: President Francois BOZIZE
  (since 15 March 2003 coup)
  head of government: Prime Minister Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (since
  22 January 2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers
  elections: under the new constitution, the president elected for a
  five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on
  13 March and 8 May 2005 (next to be held on 23 January 2011); prime
  minister appointed by the political party with a parliamentary
  majority
  election results: Francois BOZIZE elected president; percent of
  second round balloting - Francois BOZIZE (KNK) 64.6%, Martin ZIGUELE
  (MLPC) 35.4%

Chad
  chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno (since 4
  December 1990)
  head of government: Prime Minister Emmanuel NADINGAR (since 5 March
  2010)
  cabinet: Council of State; members are appointed by the president on
  the recommendation of the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
  if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, the two
  candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a second round of
  voting; last election held on 3 May 2006 (next to be held by May
  2011); prime minister appointed by the president
  election results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno reelected president;
  percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY 64.7%, Delwa Kassire
  KOUMAKOYE 15.1%, Albert Pahimi PADACKE 7.8%, Mahamat ABDOULAYE 7.1%,
  Brahim KOULAMALLAH 5.3%; note - a June 2005 national referendum
  altered the constitution removing presidential term limits and
  permitting Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno to run for reelection

Chile
  chief of state: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11
  March 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11
  March 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a single four-year
  term; election last held on 13 December 2009 with runoff election
  held on 17 January 2010 (next to be held in December 2013)
  election results: Sebastian PINERA Echenique elected president;
  percent of vote - Sebastian PINERA Echenique 51.6%; Eduardo FREI
  48.4%

China
  chief of state: President HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003);
  Vice President XI Jinping (since 15 March 2008)
  head of government: Premier WEN Jiabao (since 16 March 2003);
  Executive Vice Premier LI Keqiang (17 March 2008), Vice Premier HUI
  Liangyu (since 17 March 2003), Vice Premier ZHANG Dejiang (since 17
  March 2008), and Vice Premier WANG Qishan (since 17 March 2008)
  cabinet: State Council appointed by National People's Congress
  elections: president and vice president elected by National People's
  Congress for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
  elections last held on 15-17 March 2008 (next to be held in
  mid-March 2013); premier nominated by president, confirmed by
  National People's Congress
  election results: HU Jintao elected president by National People's
  Congress with a total of 2,963 votes; XI Jinping elected vice
  president with a total of 2,919 votes

Christmas Island
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
  February 1952) represented by the Australian governor general
  head of government: Administrator Brian LACY (since 5 October 2009)
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by
  the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and
  Australia

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
  February 1952); represented by the Australian governor general
  head of government: Administrator (nonresident) Brian LACY (since 5
  October 2009)
  cabinet: NA
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by
  the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and
  Australia

Colombia
  chief of state: President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon
  (since 7 August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7
  August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7
  August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7 August 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet
  elections: president and vice president elected by popular vote for
  a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on
  30 May 2010 with a runoff election 20 June 2010 (next to be held in
  May 2014)
  election results: Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon elected president in
  runoff election; percent of vote - Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon
  69.06%, Antanas MOCKUS 27.52%

Comoros
  chief of state: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May
  2006)
  head of government: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May
  2006)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: as defined by the 2001 constitution, the presidency
  rotates every four years among the elected presidents from the three
  main islands in the Union; election last held on 14 May 2006 (next
  to be held on 7 November 2010)
  election results: Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI elected president; percent of
  vote - Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI 58.0%, Ibrahim HALIDI 28.3%, Mohamed
  DJAANFAMI 13.7%

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  chief of state: President Joseph
  KABILA (since 17 January 2001);
  head of government: Prime Minister Adolphe MUZITO (since 10 October
  2008)
  cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president
  elections: under the new constitution the president elected by
  popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
  elections last held on 30 July 2006 and on 29 October 2006 (next to
  be held on 27 November 2011); prime minister appointed by the
  president
  election results: Joseph KABILA elected president; percent of vote
  (second round) - Joseph KABILA 58%, Jean-Pierre BEMBA Gombo 42%
  note: Joseph KABILA succeeded his father, Laurent Desire KABILA,
  following the latter's assassination in January 2001; negotiations
  with rebel leaders led to the establishment of a transitional
  government in July 2003 with free elections held on 30 July 2006 and
  a run-off on 29 October 2006 confirming Joseph KABILA as president

Congo, Republic of the
  chief of state: President Denis
  SASSOU-Nguesso (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war in
  which he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the
  president is both the chief of state and head of government
  head of government: President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (since 25 October
  1997); note - the position of prime minister was abolished in
  September 2009
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 July 2009
  (next to be held in 2016)
  election results: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO reelected president; percent
  of vote - Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO 78.6%, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia MBOUNGOU
  7.5%, Nicephore Fylla de SAINT-EUDES 7%

Cook Islands
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
  1952) represented by Sir Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February 2001);
  New Zealand High Commissioner Linda TE PUNI (since 3 June 2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Henry PUNA (since 30 November
  2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively
  responsible to Parliament
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the UK representative
  appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner
  appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative
  elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
  majority coalition usually becomes prime minister

Coral Sea Islands
  administered from Canberra by the Australian
  Attorney-General's Department

Costa Rica
  chief of state: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since
  8 May 2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May
  2010); Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May
  2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since 8 May
  2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May 2010);
  Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president
  elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 7
  February 2010 (next to be held in February 2014)
  election results: Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda elected president;
  percent of vote - Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (PLN) 46.7%; Otton SOLIS
  (PAC) 25.1%, Otto GUEVARA Guth (ML) 20.8%

Cote d'Ivoire
  chief of state: President Alassane OUATTARA (since 4
  December 2010); note - former President Laurent GBAGBO has refused
  to cede power
  head of government: Prime Minister Guillaume SORO (since 4 April
  2007); note - on 4 December 2010, Gilbert Marie N'GBO AKE was also
  appointed to the position by former president GBAGBO
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note -
  under the current power-sharing agreement the prime minister and the
  president share the authority to appoint ministers
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (no term limits); election last held on 31 October and 28 November
  2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the
  president
  election results: Alassane OUATTARA elected president; percent of
  vote - Alassane OUATTARA 54.1%, Laurent GBAGBO 45.9%; note -
  President OUATTARA was declared winner by the election commission
  and took the oath of office on 4 December, Prime Minister SORO
  resigned from the incumbent administration and was subsequently
  appointed to the same position by OUATTARA; former president GBAGBO
  refused to cede and on 5 December appointed Gilbert Marie N'GBO AKE
  as Prime Minister

Croatia
  chief of state: President Ivo JOSIPOVIC (since 18 February
  2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Jadranka KOSOR (since 6 July
  2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Bozidar PANKRETIC (since 6 July 2009),
  Darko MILINOVIC (since 13 November 2009), Domagoj Ivan MILOSEVIC
  (since 29 December 2010), Petar COBANKOVIC (since 29 December 2010),
  Slobodan UZELAC (since 12 January 2008), Gordan JANDROKOVIC (since
  29 December 2010)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and
  approved by the parliamentary assembly
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 10 January 2010
  (next to be held in December 2015); the leader of the majority party
  or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime
  minister by the president and then approved by the assembly
  election results: Ivo JOSIPOVIC elected president; percent of vote
  in the second round - Ivo JOSIPOVIC 60%, Milan BANDIC 40%

Cuba
  chief of state: President of the Council of State and President
  of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24
  February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State and
  First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Jose Ramon MACHADO
  Ventura (since 24 February 2008); note - the president is both the
  chief of state and head of government
  head of government: President of the Council of State and President
  of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24
  February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State and
  First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Jose Ramon MACHADO
  Ventura (since 24 February 2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of the
  Council of State and appointed by the National Assembly or the
  31-member Council of State, elected by the assembly to act on its
  behalf when it is not in session
  elections: president and vice presidents elected by the National
  Assembly for a five-year term; election last held on 24 February
  2008 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz elected president; percent of
  legislative vote - 100%; Jose Ramon MACHADO Ventura elected vice
  president; percent of legislative vote - 100%

Curacao
  chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30
  April 1980); represented by Governor General Frits GOEDGEDRAG (since
  10 October 2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Gerrit SCHOTTE (since 10 October
  2010)
  cabinet: Executive Council
  elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
  majority party is usually elected prime minister by the parliament

Cyprus
  chief of state: President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28
  February 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and
  head of government; post of vice president is currently vacant;
  under the 1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish
  Cypriot
  head of government: President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28
  February 2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president and
  vice president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
  election last held on 17 and 24 February 2008 (next to be held in
  February 2013)
  election results: Demetris CHRISTOFIAS elected president; percent of
  vote (first round) - Ioannis KASOULIDES 33.5%, Demetris CHRISTOFIAS
  33.3%, Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 31.8%; (second round) Demetris
  CHRISTOFIAS 53.4%, Ioannis KASOULIDES 46.6%
  note: Dervis EROGLU became "president" of the "TRNC" on 23 April
  2010 after "presidential" elections on 18 April 2010; results -
  Dervis EROGLU 50.4%, Mehmet Ali TALAT 42.9%; Huseyin OZGURGUN is
  "TRNC acting prime minister"

Czech Republic
  chief of state: President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March
  2003)
  head of government: Prime Minister Petr NECAS (since 28 June 2010);
  First Deputy Prime Minister Karel SCHWARZENBERG (since 13 July
  2010), Deputy Prime Minister Radek JOHN (since 13 July 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
  the prime minister
  elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); last successful election held on 15
  February 2008 (after earlier elections held 8 and 9 February 2008
  were inconclusive; next election to be held in 2013); prime minister
  appointed by the president
  election results: Vaclav KLAUS reelected president on 15 February
  2008; Vaclav KLAUS 141 votes, Jan SVEJNAR 111 votes (third round;
  combined votes of both chambers of parliament)

Denmark
  chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972);
  Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born
  on 26 May 1968)
  head of government: Prime Minister Lars Loekke RASMUSSEN (since 5
  April 2009)
  cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
  elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
  majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

Dhekelia
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
  head of government: Administrator Major General Jamie GORDON (since
  October 2008); note - reports to the British Ministry of Defense
  elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the administrator
  appointed by the monarch

Djibouti
  chief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May
  1999)
  head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Dileita DILEITA (since 4
  March 2001)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
  president is eligible to hold office until age 75; election last
  held on 8 April 2005 (next to be held by April 2011); prime minister
  appointed by the president
  election results: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president; percent
  of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH 100%

Dominica
  chief of state: President Nicholas J. O. LIVERPOOL (since
  October 2003)
  head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8
  January 2004)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the
  prime minister
  elections: president elected by the House of Assembly for a
  five-year term; election last held on 1 October 2003 (next to be
  held in 2013); prime minister appointed by the president
  election results: Nicholas LIVERPOOL consented to a second term in
  2008 at the request of the prime minister and leader of the
  opposition

Dominican Republic
  chief of state: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna
  (since 16 August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro
  (since 16 August 2004); note - the president is both the chief of
  state and head of government
  head of government: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16
  August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro (since 16
  August 2004)
  cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held on 16 May
  2008 (next to be held in May 2012)
  election results: Leonel FERNANDEZ reelected president; percent of
  vote - Leonel FERNANDEZ 53.6%, Miguel VARGAS 41%, Amable ARISTY less
  than 5%

Ecuador
  chief of state: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15
  January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January
  2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15
  January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January
  2007)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
  elections: the president and vice president elected on the same
  ticket by popular vote for a four-year term and can be re-elected
  for another consecutive term; election last held on 26 April 2009
  (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: President Rafael CORREA Delgado reelected
  president; percent of vote - Rafael CORREA Delgado 52%; Lucio
  GUTIERREZ 28.2%; Alvaro NOBOA 11.4%; other 8.4%

Egypt
  chief of state: President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14
  October 1981)
  head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed NAZIF (since 9 July
  2004)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (no
  term limits); note - a national referendum in May 2005 approved a
  constitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to a
  multicandidate popular vote; previously the president was nominated
  by the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by a
  national, popular referendum; last referendum held on 26 September
  1999; first election under terms of the constitutional amendment
  held on 7 September 2005 (next scheduled for 2011)
  election results: Hosni MUBARAK reelected president; percent of vote
  - Hosni MUBARAK 88.6%, Ayman NOUR 7.6%, Noman GOMAA 2.9%

El Salvador
  chief of state: President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena
  (since 1 June 2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1
  June 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head
  of government
  head of government: President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena (since 1 June
  2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1 June 2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held on
  15 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2014)
  election results: Mauricio FUNES Cartagena elected president;
  percent of vote - Mauricio FUNES Cartagena 51.3%, Rodrigo AVILA 48.7%

Equatorial Guinea
  chief of state: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.)
  Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979 when he seized
  power in a military coup)
  head of government: Prime Minister Ignacio MILAM Tang (since 8 July
  2008);
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
  (no term limits); election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be
  held in 2016); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed
  by the president
  election results: Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected president;
  percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO 95.8%, Placido Mico
  ABOGO 3.6%; elections marred by widespread fraud

Eritrea
  chief of state: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June
  1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly
  head of government: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993)
  cabinet: State Council the collective executive authority; members
  appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
  five-year term (eligible for a second term); the most recent and
  only election held on 8 June 1993 (next election date uncertain as
  the National Assembly did not hold a presidential election in
  December 2001 as anticipated)
  election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent of
  National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%, other 5%

Estonia
  chief of state: President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9
  October 2006)
  head of government: Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
  cabinet: Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by
  Parliament
  elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure
  two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the
  Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus
  members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between
  the two candidates with the largest number of votes; election last
  held on 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011);
  prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
  election results: Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23
  September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; ILVES received
  174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots left
  blank or invalid

Ethiopia
  chief of state: President GIRMA Woldegiorgis (since 8
  October 2001)
  head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since August 1995)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided for in the December 1994
  constitution; ministers selected by the prime minister and approved
  by the House of People's Representatives
  elections: president elected by the House of People's
  Representatives for a six-year term (eligible for a second term);
  election last held on 9 October 2007 (next to be held in October
  2013); prime minister designated by the party in power following
  legislative elections
  election results: GIRMA Woldegiorgis elected president; percent of
  vote by the House of People's Representatives - 79%

European Union
  chief of union: President of the European Commission
  Jose Manuel BARROSO (since 2004)
  cabinet: European Commission (composed of 27 members, one from each
  member country; each commissioner responsible for one or more policy
  areas)
  elections: the president of the European Commission designated by
  member governments and confirmed by the European Parliament; working
  from member state recommendations, the Commission president then
  assembles a "college" of Commission members; the European Parliament
  confirms the entire Commission for a five-year term; the next
  confirmation process will likely be held in January 2015
  note: the European Council brings together heads of state and
  government and the president of the European Commission and meets at
  least four times a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for the
  major political issues relating to European integration and to issue
  general policy guidelines; leaders of the EU member states appointed
  then Belgian Prime Minister Herman VAN ROMPUY to be the first
  full-time president of the European Council in November 2009; he
  took office on 1 December 2009 and will serve a
  two-and-one-half-year term, renewable once; his core
  responsibilities include chairing the four summits each year and
  providing continuity beyond the rotating, six-month presidencies of
  the Council of the EU

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II
  (since 6 February 1952)
  head of government: Governor Nigel HAYWOOD (since 16 October 2010)
  is the Queen's representative; Chief Executive Dr. Tim THOROGOOD
  (since 3 January 2008)
  cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative
  Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial
  secretary), and the governor; the governor must obey the rulings of
  the Executive Council on domestic affairs
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
  monarch

Faroe Islands
  chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since
  14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Dan Michael
  KNUDSEN, chief administrative officer (since 2008)
  head of government: Prime Minister Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN (since 26
  September 2008)
  cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed
  by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
  majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
  elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held
  on 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012)
  election results: Joannes EIDESGAARD elected prime minister in 2008;
  governing coalition collapses in September 2008, Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN
  becomes prime minister

Fiji
  chief of state: President Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU (since 30 July
  2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10
  September 2000); note - although QARASE is still the legal prime
  minister, he has been confined to his home island; former President
  ILOILOVATU appointed Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA interim prime
  minister under the military regime
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the
  members of Parliament and responsible to Parliament; note - coup
  leader Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA has appointed an interim cabinet
  elections: under the constitution, president elected by the Great
  Council of Chiefs for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
  in 2007 the Great Council of Chiefs was suspended from its role in
  electing the president; prime minister appointed by the president
  election results: Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU was appointed by Chief
  Justice Anthony GATES

Finland
  chief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March 2000)
  head of government: Prime Minister Mari KIVINIEMI (since 22 June
  2010); Deputy Prime Minister Jyrki KATAINEN (since 19 April 2007)
  cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the
  president, responsible to parliament
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 15 January 2006
  (next to be held in January 2012); the president appoints the prime
  minister and deputy prime minister from the majority party or the
  majority coalition after parliamentary elections and the parliament
  must approve the appointment; Prime Minister VANHANEN reelected on
  17 April 2007
  election results: percent of vote - Tarja HALONEN (SDP) 46.3%, Sauli
  NIINISTO (Kok) 24.1%, Matti VANHANEN (Kesk) 18.6%, Heidi HAUTALA
  (VIHR) 3.5%; a runoff election between HALONEN and NIINISTO was held
  29 January 2006 - HALONEN 51.8%, NIINISTO 48.2%; Matti VANHANEN
  reelected prime minister; election results 121-71
  note: government coalition - Kesk, KOK, VIHR, and SFP

France
  chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007)
  head of government: Prime Minister Francois FILLON (since 17 May
  2007)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president at the
  suggestion of the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
  election last held on 22 April and 6 May 2007 (next to be held in
  the spring of 2012); prime minister appointed by the president
  election results: Nicolas SARKOZY elected; first round: percent of
  vote - Nicolas SARKOZY 31.2%, Segolene ROYAL 25.9%, Francois BAYROU
  18.6%, Jean-Marie LE PEN 10.4%, others 13.9%; second round: SARKOZY
  53.1%, ROYAL 46.9%

French Polynesia
  chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16
  May 2007), represented by High Commissioner of the Republic Adolphe
  COLRAT (since 7 July 2008); note - will be replaced in 2011 by
  Richard DIDIER
  head of government: President of French Polynesia Gaston Tong SANG
  (since 24 November 2009); President of the Territorial Assembly
  Oscar TEMARU (since 10 April 2010)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers; president submits a list of members
  of the Territorial Assembly for approval by them to serve as
  ministers
  elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
  term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the
  advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the
  territorial government and the president of the Territorial Assembly
  elected by the members of the assembly for five-year terms (no term
  limits)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  chief of state: President
  Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Senior
  Administrator Christian GAUDIN (since 4 November 2010)

Gabon
  chief of state: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba (since 16
  October 2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Paul BIYOGHE MBA (since 15 July
  2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in
  consultation with the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
  (no term limits); election last held on 30 August 2009 (next to be
  held in 2016); prime minister appointed by the president
  election results: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba elected; percent
  of vote - Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba 41.7%, Andre MBA OBAME 25.9%, Pierre
  MAMBOUNDOU 25.2%, Zacharie MYBOTO 3.9%, other 3.3%
  note: President BONGO died on 8 June 2009 after serving as president
  for 32 years; in accordance with the constitution he was replaced on
  an interim basis by the president of the Senate, Rose Francine
  ROGOMBE on 10 June 2009; new elections where held on 30 August 2009
  and the son of the former president, Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba, was
  elected president

Gambia, The
  chief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since
  18 October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of the
  junta; Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note
  - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
  head of government: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18
  October 1996); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (no term limits); election last held on 22 September 2006 (next to
  be held in 2011)
  election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH reelected president; percent
  of vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 67.3%, Ousainou DARBOE 26.6%, Halifa
  SALLAH 6%

Georgia
  chief of state: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25
  January 2004); the president is the chief of state and serves as
  head of government for the power ministries of internal affairs and
  defense
  head of government: Prime Minister Nikoloz GILAURI (since 6 February
  2009); the prime minister is head of government for all the
  ministries of government except the power ministries of internal
  affairs and defense
  cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 January 2008
  (next to be held in January 2013)
  election results: Mikheil SAAKASHVILI reelected president; percent
  of vote - Mikheil SAAKASHVILI 53.5%, Levan GACHECHILADZE 25.7%,
  Badri PATARKATSISHVILI 7.1%

Germany
  chief of state: President Christian WULFF (since 30 June
  2010)
  head of government: Chancellor Angela MERKEL (since 22 November 2005)
  cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed by
  the president on the recommendation of the chancellor
  elections: president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a
  second term) by a Federal Assembly, including all members of the
  Federal Diet and an equal number of delegates elected by the state
  parliaments; election last held on 30 June 2010 (next to be held by
  June 2015); chancellor elected by an absolute majority of the
  Federal Diet for a four-year term; Bundestag vote for Chancellor
  last held after 27 September 2009 (next to follow the legislative
  election to be held no later than 2013)
  election results: Christian WULFF elected president; received 625
  votes of the Federal Assembly against 494 for GAUCK and 121
  abstentions; Angela MERKEL reelected chancellor; vote by Federal
  Diet 323 to 285 with four abstentions

Ghana
  chief of state: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7
  January 2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January
  2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7 January
  2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers; president nominates members subject
  to approval by Parliament
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
  election last held on 7 and 28 December 2008 (next to be held on 7
  December 2012)
  election results: John Evans Atta MILLS elected president in run-off
  election; percent of vote - John Evans Atta MILLS 50.23%, Nana Addo
  Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO 49.77%

Gibraltar
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
  1952); represented by Governor Vice Admiral Sir Adrian JOHNS (since
  26 October 2009)
  head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected
  members of the Parliament by the governor in consultation with the
  chief minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
  monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
  party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed
  chief minister by the governor

Greece
  chief of state: President Karolos PAPOULIAS (since 12 March
  2005)
  head of government: Prime Minister Georgios Andreas PAPANDREOU
  (since 6 October 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
  the prime minister
  elections: president elected by parliament for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2010
  (next to be held by February 2015); president appoints leader of the
  party securing plurality of vote in election to become prime
  minister and form a government
  election results: Karolos PAPOULIAS reelected president; number of
  parliamentary votes, 266 out of 300

Greenland
  chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14
  January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Soeren Hald MOELLER
  (since April 2005)
  head of government: Prime Minister Kuupik KLEIST (since 12 June 2009)
  cabinet: Home Rule Government elected by the Parliament (Landsting)
  on the basis of the strength of parties
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed
  by the monarch; prime minister elected by parliament (usually the
  leader of the majority party)
  election results: Kuupik KLEIST elected prime minister

Grenada
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
  represented by Governor General Carlyle Arnold GLEAN (since 27
  November 2008)
  head of government: Prime Minister Tillman THOMAS (since 9 July 2008)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
  the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
  majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
  appointed prime minister by the governor general

Guam
  chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January
  2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
  head of government: Governor Eddie CALVO (since 3 January 2011);
  Lieutenant Governor Ray TENORIO (since 3 January 2011)
  cabinet: heads of executive departments; appointed by the governor
  with the consent of the Guam legislature
  elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
  territories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US president
  and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and
  Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant
  governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year
  term (can serve two consecutive terms, then must wait a full term
  before running again); election last held on 2 November 2010 (next
  to be held in November 2014)
  election results: Eddie CALVO elected governor; percent of vote -
  50.6%; Ray TENORIO elected lieutenant governor

Guatemala
  chief of state: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since
  14 January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14
  January 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since 14
  January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January
  2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
  (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 9 September
  2007; runoff held on 4 November 2007 (next to be held in September
  2011)
  election results: Alvaro COLOM Caballeros elected president; percent
  of vote - Alvaro COLOM Caballeros 52.8%, Otto PEREZ Molina 47.2%

Guernsey
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
  represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Fabian MALBON (since 28
  October 2005)
  head of government: Chief Minister Lyndon TROTT (since 1 May 2008);
  Bailiff Sir Geoffrey ROWLAND (since June 2005)
  cabinet: Policy Council elected by the States of Deliberation
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed
  by the monarch; chief minister elected by States of Deliberation
  election results: Lyndon TROTT elected chief minister, percent of
  vote of the States of Deliberation NA

Guinea
  chief of state: President Alpha Conde (since 21 December 2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Said FOFANA (since 24
  December 2010)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
  (no term limits); candidate must receive a majority of the votes
  cast to be elected president; election last held on 27 June 2010
  with a runoff election held on 7 November 2010
  election results: Alpha CONDE elected president in a runoff
  election; percent of vote Alpha CONDE 52.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO
  47.5%

Guinea-Bissau
  chief of state: President Malam Bacai SANHA (since 8
  September 2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Carlos GOMES Junior (since 25
  December 2008)
  cabinet: NA
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (no term limits); election last held on 28 June 2009 with a runoff
  between the two leading candidates held on 26 July 2009 (next to be
  held by 2014); prime minister appointed by the president after
  consultation with party leaders in the legislature
  election results: Malam Bacai SANHA elected president; percent of
  vote, second ballot - Malam Bacai SANHA 63.5%, Kumba YALA 36.5%

Guyana
  chief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August
  1999); note - assumed presidency after resignation of President
  Janet JAGAN and was reelected in 2001, and again in 2006
  head of government: Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since October 1992,
  except for a period as chief of state after the death of President
  Cheddi JAGAN on 6 March 1997)
  cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president,
  responsible to the legislature
  elections: president elected by popular vote as leader of a party
  list in parliamentary elections, which must be held at least every
  five years (no term limits); elections last held on 28 August 2006
  (next to be held by August 2011); prime minister appointed by the
  president
  election results: President Bharrat JAGDEO reelected; percent of
  vote 54.6%

Haiti
  chief of state: President Rene PREVAL (since 14 May 2006)
  head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Max BELLERIVE (since 7
  November 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with
  the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 28 November
  2010; runoff scheduled for 16 January 2011 (next to be held in
  2015); prime minister appointed by the president, ratified by the
  National Assembly
  election results: 2010 results not final, initial results are under
  OAS review; Mirlande MANIGAT 31.37%, Jude CELESTIN 22.48%, Michel
  MARTELLY 21.84%, all others less than 10% each

Holy See (Vatican City)
  chief of state: Pope BENEDICT XVI (since 19
  April 2005)
  head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio BERTONE
  (since 15 September 2006)
  cabinet: Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City
  appointed by the pope
  elections: pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals;
  election last held on 19 April 2005 (next to be held after the death
  of the current pope); secretary of state appointed by the pope
  election results: Joseph RATZINGER elected Pope BENEDICT XVI

Honduras
  chief of state: President Porfirio LOBO Sosa (since 27
  January 2010); Vice President Maria Antonieta Guillen de BOGRAN
  (since 27 January 2010); note - the president is both the chief of
  state and head of government
  head of government: President Porfirio LOBO Sosa (since 27 January
  2010); Vice President Maria Antonieta Guillen de BOGRAN (since 27
  January 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;
  election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in November
  2013)
  election results: Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa elected president;
  percent of vote - Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa 56.3%, Elvin SANTOS
  Lozano 38.1%, other 5.6%

Hong Kong
  chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15
  March 2003)
  head of government: Chief Executive Donald TSANG Yam-kuen (since 24
  June 2005)
  cabinet: Executive Council or ExCo consists of 15 official members
  and 14 non-official members
  elections: chief executive elected for five-year term by 800-member
  electoral committee; election last held on 25 March 2007 (next to be
  held in 2012)
  note: the LegCo voted in June 2010 to expand the electoral committee
  to 1,200 seats for the next election
  election results: Donald TSANG elected chief executive receiving
  84.1% of the vote of the election committee; Alan LEONG Kah-kit
  received 15.9%

Hungary
  chief of state: President Pal SCHMITT (since 6 August 2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Viktor ORBAN (since 29 May 2010)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers prime minister elected by the National
  Assembly on the recommendation of the president; other ministers
  proposed by the prime minister and appointed and relieved of their
  duties by the president
  elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
  five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on
  29 June 2010 (next to be held by June 2015); prime minister elected
  by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president;
  election last held 29 May 2010
  election results: Pal SCHMITT elected president; National Assembly
  vote - Pal SCHMITT 263, Andras BALOGH 58; Viktor ORBAN was elected
  prime minister; National Assembly vote - 261 to 107
  note: to be elected, the president must win two-thirds of
  legislative vote in the first two rounds or a simple majority in the
  third round

Iceland
  chief of state: President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1
  August 1996)
  head of government: Prime Minister Johanna SIGURDARDOTTIR (since 1
  February 2009);
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
  elections: president, a largely ceremonial post, elected by popular
  vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last held on 28
  June 2004 (next to be held in June 2012); following legislative
  elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
  majority coalition usually the prime minister
  note: the presidential election of 28 June 2008 was not held because
  Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON had no challengers; he was sworn in on 1
  August 2008
  2004 election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON elected president;
  percent of vote - Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON 85.6%, Baldur AGUSTSSON
  12.5%, Astthor MAGNUSSON 1.9%;

India
  chief of state: President Pratibha Devisingh PATIL (since 25
  July 2007); Vice President Mohammad Hamid ANSARI (since 11 August
  2007)
  head of government: Prime Minister Manmohan SINGH (since 22 May 2004)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
  the prime minister
  elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of
  elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of
  the states for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held
  in July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012); vice president elected
  by both houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last
  held in August 2007 (next to be held August 2012); prime minister
  chosen by parliamentary members of the majority party following
  legislative elections; election last held April - May 2009 (next to
  be held no later than May 2014)
  election results: Pratibha PATIL elected president; percent of vote
  - Pratibha PATIL 65.8%, Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT - 34.2%

Indonesia
  chief of state: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since
  20 October 2004); Vice President BOEDIONO (since 20 October 2009);
  note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since 20
  October 2004); Vice President BOEDIONO (since 20 October 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
  elections: president and vice president elected for five-year terms
  (eligible for a second term) by direct vote of the citizenry;
  election last held on 8 July 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO elected president;
  percent of vote - Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO 60.8%, MEGAWATI
  Sukarnoputri 26.8%, Jusuf KALLA 12.4%

Iran
  chief of state: Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4
  June 1989)
  head of government: President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since 3 August
  2005); First Vice President Mohammad Reza RAHIMI (since 13 September
  2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with
  legislative approval; the Supreme Leader has some control over
  appointments to the more sensitive ministries
  note: also considered part of the Executive branch of government are
  three oversight bodies: 1) Assembly of Experts (Majles-Khebregan), a
  popularly elected body charged with determining the succession of
  the Supreme Leader, reviewing his performance, and deposing him if
  deemed necessary; 2) Expediency Council or the Council for the
  Discernment of Expediency (Majma-e-Tashkhis-e-Maslahat-e-Nezam)
  exerts supervisory authority over the executive, judicial, and
  legislative branches and resolves legislative issues on which the
  Majles and the Council of Guardians disagree and since 1989 has been
  used to advise national religious leaders on matters of national
  policy; in 2005 the Council's powers were expanded to act as a
  supervisory body for the government; 3) Council of Guardians of the
  Constitution or Council of Guardians or Guardians Council (Shora-ye
  Negban-e Qanon-e Asassi) determines whether proposed legislation is
  both constitutional and faithful to Islamic law, vets candidates in
  popular elections for suitability, and supervises national elections
  elections: Supreme Leader appointed for life by the Assembly of
  Experts; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
  (eligible for a second term and third nonconsecutive term); election
  last held on 12 June 2009;(next presidential election slated for
  June 2013)
  election results: Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD reelected president; percent
  of vote - Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD 62.6%, Mir-Hosein MUSAVI-Khamenei
  33.8%, other 3.6%; voter turnout 85% (according to official figures
  published by the government)

Iraq
  chief of state: President Jalal TALABANI (since 6 April 2005)
  head of government: Prime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI (since 20 May 2006)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers consists of ministers appointed by the
  Presidency Council plus the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers
  elections: president elected by Council of Representatives
  (parliament) to serve a four-year term (eligible for a second term)
  election results: President Jalal TALABANI reelected on 11 November
  2010; parliamentary vote count on second ballot - 195 votes; Nuri
  al-MALIKI reselected prime minister

Ireland
  chief of state: President Mary MCALEESE (since 11 November
  1997)
  head of government: Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian COWEN (since 7
  May 2008)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with previous nomination
  by the prime minister and approval of the House of Representatives
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 October 1997
  (next scheduled for October 2011); note - Mary MCALEESE was
  appointed to a second term when no other candidate qualified for the
  2004 presidential election; prime minister (taoiseach) nominated by
  the House of Representatives (Dail Eireann) and appointed by the
  president
  election results: Mary MCALEESE elected president; percent of vote -
  Mary MCALEESE 44.8%, Mary BANOTTI 29.6%

Isle of Man
  chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
  February 1952); represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Paul K.
  HADDACKS (since 17 October 2005)
  head of government: Chief Minister Tony BROWN (since 14 December
  2006)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed
  by the monarch; the chief minister elected by the Tynwald for a
  five-year term; election last held on 14 December 2006 (next to be
  held in December 2011)
  election results: House of Keys speaker Tony BROWN elected chief
  minister by the Tynwald

Israel
  chief of state: President Shimon PERES (since 15 July 2007)
  head of government: Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU (since 31
  March 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the
  Knesset
  elections: president largely a ceremonial role and is elected by the
  Knesset for a seven-year term (one-term limit); election last held
  13 June 2007 (next to be held in 2014 but can be called earlier);
  following legislative elections, the president, in consultation with
  party leaders, assigns the task of forming a governing coalition to
  a Knesset member who he or she determines is most likely to
  accomplish that task
  election results: Shimon PERES elected president; number of votes in
  first round - Shimon PERES 58, Reuven RIVLIN 37, Colette AVITAL 21;
  PERES elected president in second round with 86 votes (unopposed)

Italy
  chief of state: President Giorgio NAPOLITANO (since 15 May
  2006)
  head of government: Prime Minister Silvio BERLUSCONI (since 8 May
  2008) note - in Italy the prime minister is referred to as the
  president of the Council of Ministers
  cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister and
  nominated by the president
  elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of
  both houses of parliament and 58 regional representatives for a
  seven-year term (no term limits); election last held on 10 May 2006
  (next to be held in May 2013); prime minister appointed by the
  president and confirmed by parliament
  election results: Giorgio NAPOLITANO elected president on the fourth
  round of voting; electoral college vote - 543

Jamaica
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
  represented by Governor General Dr. Patrick L. ALLEN (since 26
  February 2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Bruce GOLDING (since 11 September
  2007)
  cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the governor general on the advice
  of the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following
  legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the
  leader of the majority coalition in the House of Representatives is
  appointed prime minister by the governor general; the deputy prime
  minister recommended by the prime minister

Japan
  chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
  head of government: Prime Minister Naoto KAN (since 8 June 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister
  elections: Diet designates the prime minister; constitution requires
  that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following
  legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of
  majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime
  minister; the monarchy is hereditary

Jersey
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
  represented by Lieutenant Governor Andrew RIDGEWAY (since 14 June
  2006)
  head of government: Chief Minister Terry LE SUEUR (12 December
  2008); Bailiff Michael BIRT (since 9 July 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet (since December 2005)
  elections: ministers of the Cabinet including the chief minister are
  elected by the Assembly of States; the monarchy is hereditary;
  lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch

Jordan
  chief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999);
  Crown Prince HUSSEIN (born 28 June 1994), eldest son of King
  ABDALLAH II
  head of government: Prime Minister Samir al-RIFAI (since 9 December
  2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Ayman al-SAFADI, Khalid al-KARAKI,
  Sa'ad Hayel SROUR
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultation
  with the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by
  the monarch

Kazakhstan
  chief of state: President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV
  (chairman of the Supreme Soviet from 22 February 1990, elected
  president 1 December 1991)
  head of government: Prime Minister Karim MASIMOV (since 10 January
  2007); First Deputy Prime Minister Umirzak SHUKEYEV (since 3 March
  2009), Deputy Prime Ministers Yerbol ORYNBAYEV (since 29 October
  2007), Aset ISEKESHEV (since 12 March 2010)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
  election last held on 4 December 2005 (next to be held in 2012);
  prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the
  president, with Mazhilis approval; note - constitutional amendments
  of May 2007 shortened the presidential term from seven years to five
  years and established a two-consecutive-term limit; changes will
  take effect after NAZARBAYEV's term ends; he, and only he, is
  allowed to run for president indefinitely
  election results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president;
  percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 91.1%, Zharmakhan A.
  TUYAKBAY 6.6%, Alikhan M. BAYMENOV 1.6%

Kenya
  chief of state: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December
  2002); Vice President Stephen Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January
  2008);
  head of government: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002);
  Vice President Stephen Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January 2008); note
  - the roles of the president and prime minister are not well defined
  at this juncture; constitutionally, the president remains chief of
  state and head of government, but the prime minister is charged with
  coordinating government business
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and headed by the prime
  minister, who is the leader of the largest party in parliament
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); in addition to receiving the largest
  number of votes in absolute terms, the presidential candidate must
  also win 25% or more of the vote in at least five of Kenya's seven
  provinces and one area to avoid a runoff; election last held on 27
  December 2007 (next to be held in December 2012); vice president
  appointed by the president
  election results: President Mwai KIBAKI reelected; percent of vote -
  Mwai KIBAKI 46%, Raila ODINGA 44%, Kalonzo MUSYOKA 9%

Kiribati
  chief of state: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003);
  Vice President Teima ONORIO; note - the president is both the chief
  of state and head of government
  head of government: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice
  President Teima ONORIO
  cabinet: 12-member cabinet appointed by the president from among the
  members of the House of Parliament
  elections: the House of Parliament chooses the presidential
  candidates from among its members and then those candidates compete
  in a general election; president elected by popular vote for a
  four-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held on
  17 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed
  by the president
  election results: Anote TONG 63.7%, Nabuti MWEMWENIKARAWA 32.9%

Korea, North
  chief of state: KIM Jong Il (since July 1994); note -
  on 9 April 2009, rubberstamp Supreme People's Assembly (SPA)
  reelected KIM Jong Il chairman of the National Defense Commission, a
  position accorded nation's "highest administrative authority"; SPA
  reelected KIM Yong Nam in 2009 president of its Presidium also with
  responsibility of representing state and receiving diplomatic
  credentials
  head of government: Premier CHOE Yong Rim (since 7 June 2010); Vice
  Premier HAN Kwang Bok (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier JO Pyong Ju
  (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier JON Ha Chol (since 7 June 2010),
  Vice Premier KANG Nung Su (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier KIM Rak
  Hui (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier PAK Su Gil (since 18 September
  2009), Vice Premier RI Thae Nam (since 7 June 2010); Vice Premier RO
  Tu Chol (since 3 September 2003)
  cabinet: Naegak (cabinet) members, except for Minister of People's
  Armed Forces, are appointed by SPA
  elections: last election held in September 2003; date of next
  election NA
  election results: KIM Jong Il and KIM Yong Nam were only nominees
  for positions and ran unopposed

Korea, South
  chief of state: President LEE Myung-bak (since 25
  February 2008)
  head of government: Prime Minister KIM Hwang-sik (since 1 October
  2010)
  cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime
  minister's recommendation
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a single five-year
  term; election last held on 19 December 2007 (next to be held in
  December 2012); prime minister appointed by president with consent
  of National Assembly
  election results: LEE Myung-bak elected president on 19 December
  2007; percent of vote - LEE Myung-bak (GNP) 48.7%; CHUNG Dong-young
  (UNDP) 26.1%); LEE Hoi-chang (independent) 15.1; others 10.1%

Kosovo
  chief of state: Acting President Jakup KRASNIQI (since 27
  September 2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Hashim THACI (since 9 January
  2008)
  cabinet: ministers; elected by the Kosovo Assembly
  elections: the president elected for a five-year term by the Kosovo
  Assembly; election last held on 9 January 2008 (next to be held - a
  special election in 2011); the prime minister elected by the Kosovo
  Assembly
  election results: Fatmir SEJDIU reelected president after three
  rounds; note - resigned from the office of president on 27
  Septermber 2010; Hashim THACI elected prime minister by the Assembly

Kuwait
  chief of state: Amir SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since
  29 January 2006); Crown Prince NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah
  (since 7 February 2006)
  head of government: Prime Minister NASIR AL-MUHAMMAD al-Ahmad
  al-Sabah (since 3 April 2007); First Deputy Prime Minister JABIR
  AL-MUBAREK al-Hamad al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006); Deputy Prime
  Minister MUHAMMAD AL-SABAH al-Salim al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and
  approved by the amir
  elections: none; the amir is hereditary; the amir appoints the prime
  minister and deputy prime ministers

Kyrgyzstan
  chief of state: President Roza OTUNBAEVA (since 19 May
  2010); note - OTUNBAEVA became acting president on 7 April 2010
  following the early April 2010 riots that overthrew President
  Kurmanbek BAKIEV; she was appointed president through 31 December
  2011 by a 19 May 2010 decree of the provisional government, which
  also prohibited her from running in the next presidential election;
  she was officially sworn in on 3 July 2010
  head of government: Prime Minister Almazbek ATAMBAEV (since 17
  December 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister - Omurbek BABANOV (since
  17 December 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers - Shamil ATAKHANOV,
  Ibragim JUNUSOV, Jantoro SATYBALDIEV (since 17 December 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister,
  appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense and
  security, are appointed solely by the president
  elections: Kurmanbek BAKIEV reelected by popular vote for a
  five-year term; election last held on 23 July 2009 (next scheduled
  for 2011); prime minister nominated by the parliamentary party
  holding more than 50% of the seats; if no such party exists, the
  president selects the party that will form a coalition majority and
  government
  election results: Kurmanbek BAKIEV elected president; percent of
  vote - Kurmanbek BAKIEV 76.1%, Almaz ATAMBAEV 8.4%, Temir SARIEV
  6.7%, other candidates 8.8%

Laos
  chief of state: President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 8
  June 2006); Vice President BOUN-GNANG Volachit (since 8 June 2006)
  head of government: Prime Minister THONGSING Thammavong (since 24
  December 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since
  May 2002), Lt. Gen. DOUANGCHAI Phichit (since 8 June 2006), SOMSAVAT
  Lengsavat (since 26 February 1998), and THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 27
  March 2001)
  cabinet: Ministers appointed by president, approved by National
  Assembly
  elections: president and vice president elected by National Assembly
  for five-year terms; election last held on 8 June 2006 (next to be
  held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and elected
  by the National Assembly for five-year term
  election results: CHOUMMALI Saignason elected president; BOUN-GNANG
  Volachit elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote -
  100%; BOUASONE Bouphavanh elected prime minister; percent of
  National Assembly vote - 97%

Latvia
  chief of state: President Valdis ZATLERS (since 8 July 2007)
  head of government: Prime Minister Valdis DOMBROVSKIS (since 12
  March 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
  appointed by Parliament
  elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 May 2007
  (next to be held in 2011); prime minister appointed by the
  president, confirmed by Parliament
  election results: Valdis ZATLERS elected president; parliamentary
  vote - Valdis ZATLERS 58, Aivars ENDZINS 39

Lebanon
  chief of state: President Michel SULAYMAN (since 25 May 2008)
  head of government: Prime Minister Najib MIQATI (since 25 January
  2011)
  cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with
  the president and members of the National Assembly; note - the
  Cabinet resigned on 12 January 2010 following the resignation of
  over a third of the ministers
  elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a six-year
  term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 25 May
  2008 (next to be held in 2014); the prime minister and deputy prime
  minister appointed by the president in consultation with the
  National Assembly
  election results: Michel SULAYMAN elected president; National
  Assembly vote - 118 for, 6 abstentions, 3 invalidated; 1 seat
  unfilled due to death of incumbent

Lesotho
  chief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996);
  note - King LETSIE III formerly occupied the throne from November
  1990 to February 1995 while his father was in exile
  head of government: Prime Minister Pakalitha MOSISILI (since 23 May
  1998)
  cabinet: Cabinet
  elections: according to the constitution, the leader of the majority
  party in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister; the
  monarchy is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution
  that came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is
  a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative
  powers; under traditional law the college of chiefs has the power to
  depose the monarch, determine who is next in the line of succession,
  or who shall serve as regent in the event that the successor is not
  of mature age

Liberia
  chief of state: President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF (since 16
  January 2006); note - the President is both the chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF (since 16
  January 2006)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and confirmed by the
  Senate
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 8 November 2005
  (next to be held in October 2011)
  election results: Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF elected president; percent
  of vote, second round - Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF 59.6%, George WEAH
  40.4%

Libya
  chief of state: Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyar
  al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969); note - holds no official title,
  but is de facto chief of state
  head of government: Secretary of the General People's Committee
  (Prime Minister) al-Baghdadi Ali al-MAHMUDI (since 5 March 2006)
  cabinet: General People's Committee established by the General
  People's Congress
  elections: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of
  people's committees; head of government elected by the General
  People's Congress; election last held in March 2010 (next elections
  expected in early 2011)
  election results: NA

Liechtenstein
  chief of state: Prince HANS ADAM II (since 13 November
  1989, assumed executive powers on 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent
  Prince ALOIS, son of the monarch (born 11 June 1968); note - on 15
  August 2004, HANS ADAM transferred the official duties of the ruling
  prince to ALOIS, but HANS ADAM retains status of chief of state
  head of government: Head of Government Klaus TSCHUETSCHER (since 25
  March 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
  elections, the leader of the majority party in the Landtag usually
  appointed the head of government by the monarch and the leader of
  the largest minority party in the Landtag usually appointed the
  deputy head of government by the monarch if there is a coalition
  government

Lithuania
  chief of state: President Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE (since 12
  July 2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Andrius KUBILIUS (since 27
  November 2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
  nomination of the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 May 2009
  (next to be held in May 2014); prime minister appointed by the
  president on the approval of the Parliament
  election results: Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE elected president; percent of
  vote - Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE 69.1%, Algirdas BUTKEVICIUS 11.8%,
  Valentinas MAZURONIS 6.2%, others 12.9%; Andrius KUBILIUS'
  government approved by Parliament 83-40 with 5 abstentions

Luxembourg
  chief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000);
  Heir Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch, born 11 November
  1981)
  head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 20
  January 1995); Deputy Prime Minister Jean ASSELBORN (since 31 July
  2004)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister and
  appointed by the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following popular elections
  to the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority party or the
  leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
  the monarch; the deputy prime minister appointed by the monarch;
  they are responsible to the Chamber of Deputies
  note: government coalition - CSV and LSAP

Macau
  chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March
  2003)
  head of government: Chief Executive Fernando CHUI Sai-on (since 20
  December 2009)
  cabinet: Executive Council consists of 1 government secretary, 3
  legislators, 4 businessmen, 1 pro-Beijing unionist, and 1
  pro-Beijing educator
  elections: chief executive chosen by a 300-member Election Committee
  for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last
  held on 26 July 2009 (next to be held in July 2014)
  election results: Fernando CHUI Sai-on elected in 2009 with 282
  votes, took office on 20 December 2009

Macedonia
  chief of state: President Gjorge IVANOV (since 12 May 2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Nikola GRUEVSKI (since 26 August
  2006)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of all
  the deputies in the Assembly; note - current cabinet formed by the
  government coalition parties VMRO/DPMNE, BDI/DUI, and several small
  parties
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); two-round election: first round held
  on 22 March 2009, second round held on 5 April 2009 (next to be held
  in March 2014); prime minister elected by the Assembly following
  legislative elections
  election results: Gjorge IVANOV elected president on second-round
  ballot; percent of vote - Gjorge IVANOV 63.1%, Ljubomir FRCKOSKI
  36.9%

Madagascar
  chief of state: President Andry RAJOELINA (since 18 March
  2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Albert Camille VITAL (since 18
  December 2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 December 2006
  (next to be held on 4 May 2011); prime minister appointed by the
  president
  election results: percent of vote - Marc RAVALOMANANA 54.8%, Jean
  LAHINIRIKO 11.7%, Roland RATSIRAKA 10.1%, Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO 9.1%,
  Norbert RATSIRAHONANA 4.2%, Ny Hasina ANDRIAMANJATO 4.2%, Elia
  RAVELOMANANTSOA 2.6%, Pety RAKOTONIAINA 1.7%, other 1.6%; note -
  RAVALOMANANA stepped down on 17 March 2009
  note:: on 17 March 2009, democratically elected President Marc
  RAVALOMANANA stepped down handing the government over to the
  military, which in turn conferred the presidency on opposition
  leader and Antananarivo mayor Andry RAJOELINA, who will head the
  High Transition Authority; a power-sharing agreement reached in
  August 2009 established a 15-month transition period, concluding in
  general elections in 2010; as of December 2009 the agreement had not
  been fully implemented

Malawi
  chief of state: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May
  2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May 2004)
  cabinet: 46-member Cabinet named by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 May 2009
  (next to be held in May 2014)
  election results: Bingu wa MUTHARIKA elected president; percent of
  vote - Bingu wa MUTHARIKA 66%, John TEMBO 30.7%, other 3.3%

Malaysia
  chief of state: King - Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin (since 13
  December 2006); (the position of the king is primarily ceremonial)
  head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak
  (since 3 April 2009); Deputy Prime Minister MUHYIDDIN bin Mohamed
  Yassin (since 9 April 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the
  members of Parliament with consent of the king
  elections: kings elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine
  of the states for five-year terms; selection based on principle of
  rotation among rulers of states; election last held on 3 November
  2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister designated from among
  the members of the House of Representatives; following legislative
  elections, the leader who commands the support of the majority of
  members in the House becomes prime minister (since independence this
  has been the leader of the UMNO party)
  election results: Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin elected king

Maldives
  chief of state: President Mohamed "Anni" NASHEED (since 11
  November 2008); Vice President Mohamed WAHEED Hassan Maniku (since
  11 November 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state
  and head of government
  head of government: President Mohamed "Anni" NASHEED (since 11
  November 2008); Vice President Mohamed WAHEED Hassan Maniku (since
  11 November 2008)
  cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers is appointed by the president
  elections: under the new constitution, the president elected by
  direct vote; president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a
  second term); election last held on 8 and 28 October 2008 (next to
  be held in 2013)
  election results: Mohamed NASHEED elected president; percent of vote
  - NASHEED 54.3%, Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM 45.7%

Mali
  chief of state: President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June
  2002)
  head of government: Prime Minister Modibo SIDIBE (since 28 September
  2007)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 April 2007
  (next to be held in April 2012); prime minister appointed by the
  president
  election results: Amadou Toumani TOURE reelected president; percent
  of vote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 71.2%, Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA 19.2%,
  other 9.6%

Malta
  chief of state: President George ABELA (since 4 April 2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 23 March
  2004)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the
  prime minister
  elections: president elected by a resolution of the House of
  Representatives for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
  election last held on 12 January 2009 (next to be held by April
  2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
  party or leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime
  minister by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime
  minister appointed by the president on the advice of the prime
  minister
  election results: George ABELA elected president by the House of
  Representatives

Marshall Islands
  chief of state: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2
  November 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2 November
  2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of
  the legislature
  elections: president elected by Nitijela (legislature) from among
  its members for a four-year term; election last held on 7 January
  2008 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: Litokwa TOMEING removed as president by no
  confidence vote on 21 October 2009; legislature elects ZEDKAIA
  president on 26 October 2009

Mauritania
  chief of state: President Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ (since
  5 August 2009); note - AZIZ, who deposed democratically elected
  President Sidi Ould Cheikh ABDELLAHI in a coup and installed himself
  as President of the High State Council on 6 August 2008, retired
  from the military and stepped down from the Presidency in April 2009
  to run for president; he was elected president in an election held
  on 18 July 2009
  head of government: Prime Minister Moulaye Ould Mohamed LAGHDAF
  (since 14 August 2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers
  elections: following the August 2008 coup, the High State Council
  planned to hold a new presidential election in June 2009; the
  election was subsequently rescheduled to 18 July 2009 following the
  Dakar Accords, which brought Mauritania back to constitutional rule;
  under Mauritania's constitution, the president elected by popular
  vote for a five-year term; election last held on 18 July 2009 (next
  to be held by 2014)
  election results: percent of vote - Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ 52.6%,
  Messaoud Ould BOULKHEIR 16.3%, Ahmed Ould DADDAH 13.7%, Other 17.4%

Mauritius
  chief of state: President Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 7
  October 2003); Vice President Monique OHSAN-BELLEPEAU (since 13
  November 2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM (since 5
  July 2005)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
  recommendation of the prime minister
  elections: president and vice president elected by the National
  Assembly for five-year terms (eligible for a second term); elections
  last held on 19 September 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime
  minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president,
  responsible to the National Assembly
  election results: Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH reelected president by
  unanimous vote; percent of vote by the National Assembly - NA%

Mayotte
  chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May
  2007); represented by Prefect Hubert DERACHE (since 22 July 2009)
  head of government: President of the General Council Ahmed Attoumani
  DOUCHINA (since March 2008)
  cabinet: NA
  elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
  term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
  French Ministry of the Interior; president of the General Council
  elected by the members of the General Council for a six-year term;
  next election to be held in 2014

Mexico
  chief of state: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa
  (since 1 December 2006); note - the president is both the chief of
  state and head of government
  head of government: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa
  (since 1 December 2006)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment of
  attorney general, the head of the Bank of Mexico, and senior
  treasury officials require consent of the Senate
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a single six-year
  term; election last held on 2 July 2006 (next to be held 1 July 2012)
  election results: Felipe CALDERON elected president; percent of vote
  - Felipe CALDERON 35.9%, Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR 35.3%, Roberto
  MADRAZO 22.3%, other 6.5%

Micronesia, Federated States of
  chief of state: President Emanuel
  MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May
  2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Emanuel MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice
  President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May 2007)
  cabinet: Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of the 8
  executive departments
  elections: president and vice president elected by Congress from
  among the four senators at large for a four-year term (eligible for
  a second term); election last held on 11 May 2007 (next to be held
  in May 2011); note - a proposed constitutional amendment to
  establish popular elections for president and vice president failed
  election results: Emanuel MORI elected president; percent of
  Congress vote - NA; Alik L. ALIK elected vice president; percent of
  Congress vote - NA

Moldova
  chief of state: Acting President Marian LUPU (since 30
  December 2010)
  note: Vladimir VORONIN, president since 4 April 2001, resigned on 11
  September 2009; Marian LUPU, the Speaker of Parliament, is serving
  as acting president until new elections can be held
  head of government: Prime Minister Vladimir FILAT (since 25
  September 2009)
  note: Vladimir Filat resigned on 27 December 2010, but was
  reappointed on 31 December 2010
  cabinet: Cabinet selected by president, subject to approval of
  Parliament
  elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term
  (eligible for a second term); last successful election held on 4
  April 2005, most recent (failed) election held on 10 December 2009);
  note - prime minister designated by the president upon consultation
  with Parliament; within 15 days from designation, the prime
  minister-designate must request a vote of confidence from the
  Parliament regarding his/her work program and entire cabinet; prime
  minister (re)designated on 31 December 2010; cabinet received a vote
  of confidence on 14 January 2011
  election results: Vladimir VORONIN reelected president (2005);
  parliamentary votes - Vladimir VORONIN 75, Gheorghe DUCA 1; Vladimir
  FILAT (re)designated prime minister; parliamentary votes of
  confidence - 59 of 101

Monaco
  chief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)
  head of government: Minister of State Michel ROGER (since 29 March
  2010)
  cabinet: Council of Government under the authority of the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed
  by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates
  presented by the French Government

Mongolia
  chief of state: President Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ (since 18 June
  2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Sukhbaatar BATBOLD (since 29
  October 2009); First Deputy Prime Minister (Norov ALTANKHUYAG (since
  20 September 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Miegombyn ENKHBOLD (since
  6 December 2007)
  cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister in consultation
  with the president and confirmed by the State Great Hural
  (parliament)
  elections: presidential candidates nominated by political parties
  represented in State Great Hural and elected by popular vote for a
  four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on
  24 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2013); following legislative
  elections, leader of majority party or majority coalition usually
  elected prime minister by State Great Hural
  election results: in elections in May 2009, Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ
  elected president; percent of vote - Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ 51.2%, Nambar
  ENKHBAYAR 47.4%, others 1.3%

Montenegro
  chief of state: President Filip VUJANOVIC (since 6 April
  2008)
  head of government: Prime Minister Igor LUKSIC (since 29 December
  2010)
  cabinet: Ministries act as cabinet
  elections: president elected by direct vote for five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 April 2008
  (next to be held in 2013); prime minister proposed by president,
  accepted by Assembly
  election results: Filip VUJANOVIC reelected president; Filip
  VUJANOVIC 51.9%, Andrija MANDIC 19.6%, Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC 16.6%,
  Srdan MILIC 11.9%

Montserrat
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
  1952); represented by Governor Peter A. WATERWORTH (since 27 July
  2007)
  head of government: Chief Minister Rueben MEADE (since 10 September
  2009)
  cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief
  minister, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance
  secretary
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
  monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
  party usually becomes chief minister

Morocco
  chief of state: King MOHAMMED VI (since 30 July 1999)
  head of government: Prime Minister Abbas EL FASSI (since 19
  September 2007)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by
  the monarch following legislative elections

Mozambique
  chief of state: President Armando GUEBUZA (since 2
  February 2005)
  head of government: Prime Minister Aires Bonifacio ALI (since 16
  January 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 October 2009
  (next to be held in 2014); prime minister appointed by the president
  election results: Armando GUEBUZA reelected president; percent of
  vote - Armando GUEBUZA 76.3%, Afonso DHLAKAMA 14.9%, Daviz SIMANGO
  8.8%

Namibia
  chief of state: President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21
  March 2005)
  head of government: Prime Minister Nahas ANGULA (since 21 March 2005)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
  of the National Assembly
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 27-28 November
  2009 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: Hifikepunye POHAMBA reelected president; percent
  of vote - Hifikepunye POHAMBA 76.4%, Hidipo HAMUTENYA 11.0%,
  Katuutire KAURA 3.0%, Kuaima RIRUAKO 2.9%, Justus GAROEB 2.4%,
  Ignatius SHIXWAMENI 1.3%, Hendrick MUDGE 1.2%, other 1.3%

Nauru
  chief of state: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December
  2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December 2007)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
  of parliament
  elections: president elected by parliament for a three-year term;
  election last held on 1 November 2010 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: Marcus STEPHEN reelected in a parliamentary vote
  of 11 to 6

Nepal
  chief of state: President Ram Baran YADAV (since 23 July
  2008); Vice President Paramananda JHA (since 23 July 2008)
  head of government: vacant; Prime Minister Madhav Kumar NEPAL
  resigned on 30 June 2010 but leads a caretaker government
  cabinet: cabinet was formed in May 2009 by a majority coalition made
  up of the Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist, Nepali
  Congress, Madhesi People's Rights Forum, Nepal-Democratic, and
  several smaller parties
  elections: president elected by Parliament; term extends until the
  new constitution is promulgated; election last held on 21 July 2008;
  date of next election NA
  election results: Ram Baran YADAV elected president by the
  Constituent Assembly in a second round of voting on 21 July 2008;
  Ram Baran YADAV 308, Ram Jaja Prasad SINGH 282

Netherlands
  chief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980);
  Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of the
  monarch
  head of government: Prime Minister Mark RUTTE (since 14 October
  2010); Deputy Prime Minister Maxime VERHAGEN (since 14 October 2010)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamber
  elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority
  coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; deputy
  prime ministers appointed by the monarch
  note: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heir
  apparent, and councilors that provides consultations to the cabinet
  on legislative and administrative policy

New Caledonia
  chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16
  May 2007); represented by High Commissioner Albert DUPUY (since 6
  October 2010)
  head of government: President of the Government Philippe GOMES
  (since 5 June 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet consisting of 11 members elected from and by the
  Territorial Congress
  elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
  term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the
  advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the
  government elected by the members of the Territorial Congress for a
  five-year term (no term limits); note - last election held on 5 June
  2009

New Zealand
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
  1952); represented by Governor General Anand SATYANAND (since 23
  August 2006)
  head of government: Prime Minister John KEY (since 19 November
  2008); Deputy Prime Minister Bill ENGLISH (since 19 November 2008)
  cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the
  recommendation of the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
  majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually
  appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime
  minister appointed by the governor general

Nicaragua
  chief of state: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10
  January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January
  2007); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10
  January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January
  2007)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term so
  long as it is not consecutive); election last held on 5 November
  2006 (next to be held by November 2011)
  election results: Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra elected president - 38.1%,
  Eduardo MONTEALEGRE 29%, Jose RIZO 26.2%, Edmundo JARQUIN 6.4%

Niger
  chief of state: Djibo SALOU, chairman of the Supreme Council
  for the Restoration of Democracy, and a leader of the military coup
  that deposed President Mamadou TANDJA on 18 February 2010
  head of government: Prime Minister Mahamadou DANDA (since 19
  February 2010); appointed by the president and shares some executive
  responsibilities with the president
  cabinet: 26-member Cabinet appointed by the president (Cabinet
  dissolved following the 18 February 2010 coup)
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); second round of election last held on
  4 December 2004; a presidential election to restore civilian rule is
  scheduled for 31 January 2011
  election results: Mamadou TANDJA reelected president; percent of
  vote - Mamadou TANDJA 65.5%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 34.5%

Nigeria
  chief of state: President Goodluck JONATHAN (since 5 May
  2010, acting since 9 February 2010); note - the president is both
  the chief of state and head of government; JONATHAN assumed the
  presidency on 5 May 2010 following the death of President YAR'ADUA,
  he was declared Acting President on 9 February 2010 by the National
  Assembly during the extended illness of the former president
  head of government: President Goodluck JONATHAN (since 5 May 2010,
  acting since 9 February 2010)
  cabinet: Federal Executive Council
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 April 2007
  (next to be held on 22 January 2011)
  election results: Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA elected president; percent of
  vote - Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA 69.8%, Muhammadu BUHARI 18.7%, Atiku
  ABUBAKAR 7.5%, Orji Uzor KALU 1.7%, other 2.3%

Niue
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
  represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND
  (since 23 August 2006); the UK and New Zealand are represented by
  New Zealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since May 2000)
  head of government: Premier Toke TALAGI (since 18 June 2008)
  cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and 3 ministers
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; premier elected by the
  Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held on 18
  June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: Toke TALAGI defeats incumbent Young VIVIAN in
  Legislative Assembly vote; Toke TALAGI - 14, Young VIVIAN - 5

Norfolk Island
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
  1952); represented by the Australian governor general
  head of government: Administrator Owen WALSH (since October 2007)
  cabinet: Executive Council made up of 4 of the 9 members of the
  Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and acts
  as an advisor to the administrator
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by
  the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and
  Australia

Northern Mariana Islands
  chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA
  (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20
  January 2009)
  head of government: Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January
  2006); Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. INOS (since 1 May 2009)
  cabinet: the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal
  departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the
  governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members
  include special assistants to the governor and office heads
  appointed by and reporting directly to the governor
  elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
  territories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
  Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice
  president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican
  party presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant
  governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year
  terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 November
  2009 (run-off election was held on 23 November 2009)
  election results: percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL reelected with
  51.4% over Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER (48.6%) in the run-off election held
  on 23 November 2009

Norway
  chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir
  Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20
  July 1973)
  head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17
  October 2005)
  cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of
  parliament
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following parliamentary
  elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
  majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch
  with the approval of the parliament

Oman
  chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said
  Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July
  1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said
  Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July
  1972)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary

Pakistan
  chief of state: President Asif Ali ZARDARI (since 9
  September 2008)
  head of government: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI (since 25
  March 2008)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president upon the advice of the
  prime minister
  elections: the president elected by secret ballot through an
  Electoral College comprising the members of the Senate, National
  Assembly, and the provincial assemblies for a five-year term;
  election last held on 6 September 2008 (next to be held not later
  than 2013); note - any person who is a Muslim and not less than 45
  years of age and is qualified to be elected as a member of the
  National Assembly can contest the presidential election; the prime
  minister selected by the National Assembly; election last held on 24
  March 2008
  election results: Asif Ali ZARDARI elected president; ZARDARI 481
  votes, SIDDIQUE 153 votes, SYED 44 votes; Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI
  elected prime minister; GILANI 264 votes, Pervaiz ELAHI 42 votes;
  several abstentions

Palau
  chief of state: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January
  2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009); note -
  the president is both the chief of state and head of government
  head of government: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January
  2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009)
  cabinet: NA
  elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets
  by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
  election last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November
  2012)
  election results: Johnson TORIBIONG (51%) defeats Elias Camsek CHIN
  (49%) for president; Kerai MARIUR elected vice president

Panama
  chief of state: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since
  1 July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009);
  note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since 1
  July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for five-year terms (not eligible for immediate
  reelection; president and vice president must sit out two additional
  terms (10 years) before becoming eligible for reelection); election
  last held on 3 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal elected president;
  percent of vote - Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal 60%, Balbina HERRERA
  38%, Guillermo ENDARA Galimany 2%
  note: government coalition - CD (Democratic Change), Panamenista,
  MOLIRENA (Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement), and UP
  (Patriotic Union Party)

Papua New Guinea
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
  February 1952); represented by acting governor general Michael OGIO
  (since 20 December 2010)
  note: governor general Sir Paulias MATANE (since 29 June 2004) was
  replaced on 10 December 2010 when his reappointment to the office in
  May 2010 was declared null and void
  head of government: Acting Prime Minister Sam ABAL (since 14
  December 2010)
  note: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2 August 2002)
  stepped aside on 14 December 2010 because he was to be referred to a
  tribunal for not submitting three annual fiscal returns; Deputy
  Prime Minister Don POYLE (since 20 June 2010) was replaced on 9
  December 2010 by Sam ABAL
  cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor
  general on the recommendation of the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general
  nominated by parliament and appointed by the chief of state;
  following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
  leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
  the governor general acting in accordance with a decision of the
  parliament

Paraguay
  chief of state: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez
  (since 15 August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15
  August 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez (since 15
  August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15 August 2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held on
  20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013)
  election results: Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez elected president;
  percent of vote - Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez 40.8%, Blanca OVELAR
  30.6%, Lino OVIEDO 21.9%, Pedro FADUL 2.4%, other 4.3%

Peru
  chief of state: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July
  2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July
  2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28
  July 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head
  of government
  head of government: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July
  2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July
  2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28
  July 2006)
  note: Prime Minister Jose Antonio CHANG Escobedo (since 14 September
  2010) does not exercise executive power; this power rests with the
  president
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for nonconsecutive reelection); presidential and
  congressional elections last held on 9 April 2006 with runoff
  election held on 4 June 2006; next to be held in April 2011
  election results: Alan GARCIA Perez elected president in runoff
  election; percent of vote - Alan GARCIA Perez 52.5%, Ollanta HUMALA
  Tasso 47.5%

Philippines
  chief of state: President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June
  2010); Vice President Jejomar BINAY (since 30 June 2010); note -
  president is both chief of state and head of government
  head of government: President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of
  Commission of Appointments
  elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets
  by popular vote for a single six-year term; election held on 10 May
  2010; Benigno AQUINO declared winner and took office on 30 June
  2010; next election to be held in May 2016
  election results: Benigno AQUINO elected president; percent of vote
  - Benigno AQUINO 42.1%, Joseph ESTRADA 26.3%, seven others 31.6%;
  Jejomar BINAY elected vice president; percent of vote Jejomar BINAY
  41.6%, Manuel ROXAS 39.6%, six others 18.8%

Pitcairn Islands
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
  February 1952); represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand
  and Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands George FERGUSSON
  (since April 2006); Commissioner (nonresident) Leslie JAQUES (since
  September 2003) serves as liaison between the governor and the
  Island Council
  head of government: Governor George FERGUSSON (since April 2006);
  Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Mike WARREN (since 1
  January 2008)
  cabinet: NA
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor and commissioner
  appointed by the monarch; island mayor elected by popular vote for a
  three-year term; election last held in December 2007 (next to be
  held in December 2010)
  election results: Mike WARREN elected mayor and chairman of the
  Island Council

Poland
  chief of state: President Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI (since 6
  August 2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Donald TUSK (since 16 November
  2007); Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar PAWLAK (since 16 November 2007)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister and
  the Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, and
  the Sejm approves the Council of Ministers
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 June and 4
  July 2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister and deputy prime
  ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm
  election results: Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI elected president; percent of
  popular vote - Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI 53%, Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI 47%

Portugal
  chief of state: President Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 9
  March 2006)
  head of government: Prime Minister Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto de
  Sousa (since 12 March 2005)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
  recommendation of the prime minister
  note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative
  body to the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 January 2006
  (next to be held in January 2011); following legislative elections,
  the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition
  usually appointed prime minister by the president
  election results: Anibal CAVACO SILVA elected president; percent of
  vote - Anibal CAVACO SILVA 50.6%, Manuel ALEGRE 20.7%, Mario Alberto
  Nobre Lopes SOARES 14.3%, Jeronimo DE SOUSA 8.5%, Franciso LOUCA 5.3%

Puerto Rico
  chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20
  January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
  head of government: Governor Luis FORTUNO (since 2 January 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the
  legislature
  elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
  territories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US
  president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic
  and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor
  elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits);
  election last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November
  2012)
  election results: Luis FORTUNO elected governor with 52.8% of the
  vote

Qatar
  chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (since 27 June
  1995 when, as heir apparent, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin
  Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup); Heir Apparent TAMIM bin Hamad
  bin Khalifa Al Thani, fourth son of the amir (selected Heir Apparent
  by the amir on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD also holds the
  positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed
  Forces
  head of government: Prime Minister HAMAD bin Jasim bin Jabir Al
  Thani (since 3 April 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah bin Hamad
  al-ATIYAH (since 3 April 2007)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the amir
  elections: the amir is hereditary
  note: in April 2007, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member
  Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has limited consultative
  powers aimed at improving the provision of municipal services; the
  first election for the CMC was held in March 1999

Romania
  chief of state: President Traian BASESCU (since 20 December
  2004)
  head of government: Prime Minister Emil BOC (since 22 December
  2008); Deputy Prime Minister Marko BELA (since 23 December 2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 November 2009
  with runoff on 6 December 2009 (next to be held in November-December
  2014); prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of
  the Parliament
  election results: Traian BASESCU reelected president; percent of
  vote - Traian BASESCU 50.3%, Mircea GEOANA 49.7%

Russia
  chief of state: President Dmitriy Anatolyevich MEDVEDEV
  (since 7 May 2008)
  head of government: Premier Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN (since 8
  May 2008); First Deputy Premiers Igor Ivanovich SHUVALOV and Viktor
  Alekseyevich ZUBKOV (since 12 May 2008); Deputy Premiers Sergey
  Borisovich IVANOV (since 12 May 2008), Aleksandr Gennadiyevich
  KHLOPONIN (since 19 January 2010), Dmitriy Nikolayevich KOZAK (since
  14 October 2008), Aleksey Leonidovich KUDRIN (since 24 September
  2007), Igor Ivanovich SECHIN (since 12 May 2008), Vyacheslav
  Viktorovich VOLODIN (since 21 October 2010), Aleksandr Dmitriyevich
  ZHUKOV (since 9 March 2004)
  cabinet: the "Government" is composed of the premier, his deputies,
  and ministers; all are appointed by the president, and the premier
  is also confirmed by the Duma
  note: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that provides
  staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential
  decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a
  Security Council also reports directly to the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held 2 March 2008 (next
  to be held in March 2012); note - the term length was extended to
  six years in late 2008, to go into effect following the 2012
  presidential election; there is no vice president; if the president
  dies in office, cannot exercise his powers because of ill health, is
  impeached, or resigns, the premier serves as acting president until
  a new presidential election is held, which must be within three
  months; premier appointed by the president with the approval of the
  Duma
  election results: Dmitriy MEDVEDEV elected president; percent of
  vote - Dmitriy MEDVEDEV 70.2%, Gennady ZYUGANOV 17.7%, Vladimir
  ZHIRINOVSKY 9.4%, Andrey BOGDANOV 1.3%

Rwanda
  chief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000)
  head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March
  2000)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
  (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 9 August 2010
  (next to be held in 2017)
  election results: Paul KAGAME elected to a second term as president;
  Paul KAGAME 93.1%, Jean NTAWUKURIRYAYO 5.1%, Prosper HIGIRO 1.4%,
  Alvera MUKABAR 0.4%

Saint Barthelemy
  chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16
  May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March
  2007)
  head of government: President of the Territorial Council Bruno
  MAGRAS (since 16 July 2007)
  cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory,
  economic, social, and cultural council
  elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
  term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
  French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council
  elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term
  election results: Bruno MAGRAS unanimously elected president by the
  Territorial Council on 16 July 2007

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  chief of state: Queen
  ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
  head of government: Governor Andrew GURR (since 11 November 2007)
  cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, 3 ex-officio
  officers, and 5 elected members of the Legislative Council
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
  monarch

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
  February 1952); represented by Governor General Cuthbert Montraville
  SEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996)
  head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July
  1995); Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation
  with the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general
  appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
  leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition
  usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy
  prime minister appointed by the governor general

Saint Lucia
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
  1952); represented by Governor General Dame Pearlette LOUISY (since
  September 1997)
  head of government: Prime Minister Stephenson KING (since 9
  September 2007); note - Sir John COMPTON died in office 7 September
  2007
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
  the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general
  appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
  leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition
  usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy
  prime minister appointed by the governor general

Saint Martin
  chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May
  2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)
  head of government: President of the Territorial Council Frantz
  GUMBS (since 5 May 2009)
  cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory
  economic, social, and cultural council
  election: French president elected by popular vote to a five-year
  term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
  French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council
  elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term
  election results: Frantz GUMBS elected president by the Territorial
  Council on 7 August 2008 but election was declared invalid on 10
  April 2009

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY
  (since 16 May 2007); represented by Prefect Jean-Regis BORIUS (since
  29 October 2009)
  head of government: President of the Territorial Council Stephane
  ARTANO (since 21 February 2007)
  cabinet: NA
  elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
  term; election last held on 6 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012);
  prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
  French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council
  elected by the members of the council

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II
  (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir
  Fredrick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE (since 2 September 2002)
  head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29
  March 2001)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
  the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general
  appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
  leader of the majority party usually appointed prime minister by the
  governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor
  general on the advice of the prime minister

Samoa
  chief of state: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi (since 20 June 2007)
  head of government: Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA
  (since 1998); Deputy Prime Minister MISA Telefoni (since 2001)
  cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members appointed by the chief of
  state on the prime minister's advice
  elections: chief of state elected by the Legislative Assembly to
  serve a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 15
  June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); following legislative
  elections, the leader of the majority party usually appointed prime
  minister by the chief of state with the approval of the Legislative
  Assembly
  election results: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi unanimously elected by
  the Legislative Assembly

San Marino
  chief of state: Co-chiefs of State Captain Regent
  Giovanni Francesco UGOLINI and Captain Regent Andrea ZAFFERANI (for
  the period 1 October 2010-1 April 2011)
  head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political
  Affairs Antonella MULARONI (since 3 December 2008)
  cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Council
  for a five-year term
  elections: co-chiefs of state (captains regent) elected by the Great
  and General Council for a six-month term; election last held in
  September 2009 (next to be held in March 2010); secretary of state
  for foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and General
  Council for a five-year term; election last held on 9 November 2008
  (next to be held by 2013)
  election results: Francesco MUSSONI and Stefano PALMIERI elected
  captains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA; Antonella
  MULARONI elected secretary of state for foreign and political
  affairs; percent of legislative vote - NA
  note: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council)
  selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent
  (co-chiefs of state) for a six-month period; they preside over
  meetings of the Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress
  of State), which has 10 other members, all are selected by the Grand
  and General Council; assisting the captains regent are 10
  secretaries of state; the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has
  assumed some prime ministerial roles

Sao Tome and Principe
  chief of state: President Fradique Bandiera
  Melo DE MENEZES (since 3 September 2001)
  head of government: Prime Minister Joachim Rafael BRANCO (since 22
  June 2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
  proposal of the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 July 2006
  (next to be held in July 2011); prime minister chosen by the
  National Assembly and approved by the president
  election results: Fradique DE MENEZES elected president; percent of
  vote - Fradique DE MENEZES 60%, Patrice TROVOADA 38.5%

Saudi Arabia
  chief of state: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin
  Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Heir Apparent Crown
  Prince SULTAN bin Abd al- Aziz Al Saud (half brother of the
  monarch); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz
  Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Deputy Prime Minister SULTAN bin Abd
  al-Aziz Al Saud; Second Deputy Prime Minister NAYIF bin Abd Al-Aziz
  Al Saud
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every four
  years and includes many royal family members
  elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; note - an Allegiance
  Commission created by royal decree in October 2006 established a
  committee of Saudi princes that will play a role in selecting future
  Saudi kings, but the system will not take effect until after Crown
  Prince Sultan becomes king

Senegal
  chief of state: President Abdoulaye WADE (since 1 April 2000)
  head of government: Prime Minister Soulayemane Ndene NDIAYE (since 1
  May 2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in
  consultation with the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term) under new constitution; election last
  held on 25 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prime minister
  appointed by the president
  election results: Abdoulaye WADE reelected president; percent of
  vote - Abdoulaye WADE 55.9%, Idrissa SECK 14.9%, Ousmane Tanor DIENG
  13.6%, Moustapha NIASSE 5.9%, other 9.7%

Serbia
  chief of state: President Boris TADIC (since 11 July 2004)
  head of government: Prime Minister Mirko CVETKOVIC (since 7 July
  2008)
  cabinet: Republican Ministries act as cabinet
  elections: president elected by direct vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2008
  (next to be held in 2013); prime minister elected by the National
  Assembly
  election results: Boris TADIC elected president in the second round
  of voting; Boris TADIC received 51.2% of the vote and Tomislav
  NIKOLIC 48.8%

Seychelles
  chief of state: President James Alix MICHEL (since 14
  April 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President James MICHEL (since 14 April 2004)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for two more terms); election last held on 28-30 July 2006
  (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: President James MICHEL elected president; percent
  of vote - James MICHEL 53.7%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN 45.7%, Philippe
  BOULLE 0.6%; note - this was the first election in which President
  James MICHEL participated; he was originally sworn in as president
  after former president France Albert RENE stepped down in April 2004

Sierra Leone
  chief of state: President Ernest Bai KOROMA (since 17
  September 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President Ernest Bai KOROMA (since 17 September
  2007)
  cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president with the
  approval of the House of Representatives; the cabinet is responsible
  to the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 August 2007
  and 8 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: second round results; percent of vote - Ernest Bai
  KOROMA 54.6%, Solomon BEREWA 45.4%

Singapore
  chief of state: President S R NATHAN (since 1 September
  1999)
  note: uses S R NATHAN but his full name and the one used in formal
  communications is Sellapan RAMANATHAN
  head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12 August
  2004); Senior Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 12 August 2004); Senior
  Minister Shunmugam JAYAKUMAR (since 1 April 2009); Minister Mentor
  LEE Kuan Yew (since 12 August 2004); Deputy Prime Minister TEO Chee
  Huan (since 1 April 2009) and Deputy Prime Minister WONG Kan Seng
  (since 1 September 2005)
  cabinet: appointed by president, responsible to parliament
  elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term;
  appointed on 17 August 2005 (next election to be held by August
  2011); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or
  leader of majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
  president; deputy prime ministers appointed by president
  election results: Sellapan Rama (S R) NATHAN was appointed president
  in August 2005 after Presidential Elections Committee disqualified
  three other would-be candidates; scheduled election not held

Sint Maarten
  chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since
  30 April 1980); represented by Governor General Eugene HOLIDAY
  (since 10 October 2010)
  head of government: Sarah WESCOTT-WILLIAMS (since 10 October 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet
  elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections,
  the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime minister
  by the legislature

Slovakia
  chief of state: President Ivan GASPAROVIC (since 15 June
  2004)
  head of government: Prime Minister Iveta RADICOVA (since 8 July
  2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Jan FIGEL, Ivan MIKLOS, Jozef MIHAL,
  Rudolf CHMEL (since 9 July 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
  the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 March and 4
  April 2009 (next to be held no later than April 2014); following
  National Council elections, the leader of the majority party or the
  leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by
  the president
  election results: Ivan GASPAROVIC reelected president in runoff;
  percent of vote - Ivan GASPAROVIC 55.5%, Iveta RADICOVA 44.5%

Slovenia
  chief of state: President Danilo TURK (since 22 December
  2007)
  head of government: Prime Minister Borut PAHOR (since 7 November
  2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
  elected by the National Assembly
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 October and
  11 November 2007 (next to be held on 8 October 2012); following
  National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the
  leader of a majority coalition usually nominated to become prime
  minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly;
  election last held on 21 September 2008 (next National Assembly
  elections to be held in 8 October 2012)
  election results: Danilo TURK elected president; percent of vote -
  Danilo TURK 68.2%, Alojze PETERLE 31.8%; Borut PAHOR elected prime
  minister by National Assembly vote

Solomon Islands
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
  1952); represented by Governor General Frank KABUI (since 7 July
  2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Danny PHILIP (since 25 August
  2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet consists of 20 members appointed by the governor
  general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members
  of parliament
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch on the advice of parliament for up to five years
  (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the
  leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition
  usually elected prime minister by parliament; deputy prime minister
  appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime
  minister from among the members of parliament

Somalia
  chief of state: Transitional Federal President Sheikh SHARIF
  Sheikh Ahmed (since 31 January 2009); note - a transitional
  governing entity with a five-year mandate, known as the Transitional
  Federal Institutions (TFIs), was established in October 2004; the
  TFIs relocated to Somalia in June 2004; in 2009, the TFI's were
  given a two-year extension to October 2011
  head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed FARMAJO
  (since 1 November 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by the
  Transitional Federal Assembly
  election results: Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed elected president by
  the expanded Transitional Federal Assembly in Djibouti

South Africa
  chief of state: President Jacob ZUMA (since 9 May
  2009); Executive Deputy President Kgalema MOTLANTHE (since 11 May
  2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Jacob ZUMA (since 9 May 2009);
  Executive Deputy President Kgalema MOTLANTHE (since 11 May 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
  five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6
  May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: Jacob ZUMA elected president; National Assembly
  vote - Jacob ZUMA 277, Mvume DANDALA 47, other 76

Spain
  chief of state: King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975);
  Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968
  head of government: President of the Government (Prime Minister
  equivalent) Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO (since 17 April 2004);
  First Vice President (and Minister of the Interior) Alfredo Perez
  RUBALCABA (since 20 October 2010), Second Vice President (and
  Minister of Economy and Finance) Elena SALGADO Mendez (since 8 April
  2009), and Third Vice President (and Minister of Regional Affairs)
  Manuel CHAVES Gonzalez (since 8 April 2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president
  note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme
  consultative organ of the government, but its recommendations are
  non-binding
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
  elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
  majority coalition usually proposed president by the monarch and
  elected by the National Assembly; election last held on 9 and 11
  April 2008 (next to be held in March 2012); vice presidents
  appointed by the monarch on the proposal of the president
  election results: Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO reelected President
  of the Government; percent of National Assembly vote - 46.9%

Sri Lanka
  chief of state: President Mahinda Percy RAJAPAKSA (since
  19 November 2005); note - the president is both the chief of state
  and head of government; Dissanayake Mudiyanselage JAYARATNE holds
  the largely ceremonial title of prime minister (since 21 April 2010)
  head of government: President Mahinda Percy RAJAPAKSA (since 19
  November 2005)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the
  prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
  (two-term limit); election last held on 26 January 2010 (next to be
  held in 2016)
  election results: Mahinda RAJAPAKSA reelected president for second
  term; percent of vote - Mahinda RAJAPAKSA 57.88%, Sarath FONSEKA
  40.15%, other 1.97%

Sudan
  chief of state: President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since
  16 October 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state
  and head of government
  head of government: President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since 16
  October 1993)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - the
  National Congress Party or NCP (formerly the National Islamic Front
  or NIF) dominates al-BASHIR's cabinet
  elections: election on 11-15 April 2010; next to be held in 2015
  election results: Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR reelected president;
  percent of vote - Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR 68.2%, Yasir ARMAN
  21.7%, Abdullah Deng NHIAL 3.9%, others 6.2%
  note: al-BASHIR assumed power as chairman of Sudan's Revolutionary
  Command Council for National Salvation (RCC) in June 1989 and served
  concurrently as chief of state, chairman of the RCC, prime minister,
  and minister of defense until mid-October 1993 when he was appointed
  president by the RCC; he was elected president by popular vote for
  the first time in March 1996

Suriname
  chief of state: President Desire Delano BOUTERSE (since 12
  August 2010); Vice President Robert AMEERALI (since 12 August 2010);
  note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Desire Delano BOUTERSE (since 12
  August 2010); Vice President Robert AMEERALI (since 12 August 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president and vice president elected by the National
  Assembly or, if no presidential or vice presidential candidate
  receives a two-thirds constitutional majority in the National
  Assembly after two votes, by a simple majority in the larger United
  People's Assembly (893 representatives from the national, local, and
  regional councils), for five-year terms (no term limits); election
  last held on 19 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
  election results: Desire Delano BOUTERSE elected president; percent
  of vote - Desire Delano BOUTERSE 70.6%, Chandrikapersad SATOKHI
  25.5%, other 3.9%

Svalbard
  chief of state: King HARALD V of Norway (since 17 January
  1991)
  head of government: Governor Odd Olsen INGERO (since September
  2009); Assistant Governor Lars FAUSE (since September 2008)
  elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor and assistant
  governor responsible to the Polar Department of the Ministry of
  Justice

Swaziland
  chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)
  head of government: Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso DLAMINI (since
  16 October 2008)
  cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed by
  the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by
  the monarch from among the elected members of the House of Assembly

Sweden
  chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September
  1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree,
  daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977)
  head of government: Prime Minister Fredrik REINFELDT (since 5
  October 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Jan BJORKLUND (since 5 October
  2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
  elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
  majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister

Switzerland
  chief of state: President of the Swiss Confederation
  Micheline CALMY-REY (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Eveline
  WIDMER-SCHLUMPF (since 1 January 2011); note - the president is both
  the chief of state and head of government representing the Federal
  Council; the Federal Council is the formal chief of state and head
  of government whose council members, rotating in one-year terms as
  federal president, represent the Council
  head of government: President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline
  CALMY-REY (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Eveline
  WIDMER-SCHLUMPF (since 1 January 2011)
  cabinet: Federal Council or Bundesrat (in German), Conseil Federal
  (in French), Consiglio Federale (in Italian) is elected by the
  Federal Assembly usually from among its members for a four-year term
  elections: president and vice president elected by the Federal
  Assembly from among the members of the Federal Council for a
  one-year term (they may not serve consecutive terms); election last
  held on 8 December 2010 (next to be held in early December 2011)
  election results: Micheline CALMY-REY elected president; number of
  Federal Assembly votes - 106 of 189; Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF elected
  vice president; current Vice President Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF is
  slated to become president on 1 January 2012

Syria
  chief of state: President Bashar al-ASAD (since 17 July 2000);
  Vice President Farouk al-SHARA (since 11 February 2006) oversees
  foreign policy; Vice President Najah al-ATTAR (since 23 March 2006)
  oversees cultural policy
  head of government: Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-UTRI (since 10
  September 2003); Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdallah
  al-DARDARI (since 14 June 2005)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president approved by popular referendum for a second
  seven-year term (no term limits); referendum last held on 27 May
  2007 (next to be held in May 2014); the president appoints the vice
  presidents, prime minister, and deputy prime ministers
  election results: Bashar al-ASAD approved as president; percent of
  vote - Bashar al-ASAD 97.6%

Taiwan
  chief of state: President MA Ying-jeou (since 20 May 2008);
  Vice President Vincent SIEW (since 20 May 2008)
  head of government: Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) WU
  Den-yih (since 10 September 2009); Vice Premier (Vice President of
  Executive Yuan) Sean CHEN (since 17 May 2010)
  cabinet: Executive Yuan - (ministers appointed by president on
  recommendation of premier)
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
  election last held on 22 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2012);
  premier appointed by the president; vice premiers appointed by the
  president on the recommendation of the premier
  election results: MA Ying-jeou elected president; percent of vote -
  MA Ying-jeou 58.45%, Frank HSIEH 41.55%

Tajikistan
  chief of state: President Emomali RAHMON (since 6
  November 1994; head of state and Supreme Assembly chairman since 19
  November 1992)
  head of government: Prime Minister Oqil OQILOV (since 20 January
  1999)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved
  by the Supreme Assembly
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 November 2006
  (next to be held in November 2013); prime minister appointed by the
  president
  election results: Emomali RAHMON reelected president; percent of
  vote - Emomali RAHMON 79.3%, Olimjon BOBOEV 6.2%, other 14.5%

Tanzania
  chief of state: President Jakaya KIKWETE (since 21 December
  2005); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July 2001);
  note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
  head of government: President Jakaya KIKWETE (since 21 December
  2005); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July 2001)
  note: Zanzibar elects a president who is head of government for
  matters internal to Zanzibar; Ali Mohamed SHEIN elected to that
  office on 31 October 2010, sworn in 3 November 2010
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
  of the National Assembly
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ballot
  by popular vote for five-year terms (eligible for a second term);
  election last held on 31 October 2010 (next to be held in 2015);
  prime minister appointed by the president
  election results: Jakaya KIKWETE elected president; percent of vote
  - Jakaya KIKWETE 61.2%, Wilbrod SLAA 26.3%, Ibrahim LIPUMBA 8.1%,
  other 4.5%

Thailand
  chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet, also spelled
  BHUMIBOL Adulyadej (since 9 June 1946)
  head of government: Prime Minister ABHISIT Wetchachiwa, also spelled
  ABHISIT Vejjajiva (since 17 December 2008); Deputy Prime Minister
  SANAN Kachornprasat, also spelled SANAN Kachornparsart (since 7
  February 2008); Deputy Prime Minister SUTHEP Thueaksuban, also
  spelled SUTHEP Thaugsuban (since 22 December 2008); Deputy Prime
  Minister TRAIRONG Suwannakhiri (since 18 January 2010)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers
  note: there is also a Privy Council advising the king
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; according to 2007
  constitution, the prime minister elected from among members of House
  of Representatives; following national elections for House of
  Representatives, the leader of the party positioned to organize a
  majority coalition usually becomes prime minister by appointment by
  the king; the prime minister limited to two four-year terms

Timor-Leste
  chief of state: President Jose RAMOS-HORTA (since 20 May
  2007); note - the president plays a largely symbolic role but is
  able to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national
  elections
  head of government: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO (since 8
  August 2007), note - he formerly used the name Jose Alexandre
  GUSMAO; Vice Prime Minister Jose Luis GUTERRES (since 8 August 2007)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 9 April 2007
  with run-off on 8 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012); following
  elections, president appoints leader of majority party or majority
  coalition as prime minister
  election results: Jose RAMOS-HORTA elected president; percent of
  vote - Jose RAMOS-HORTA 69.2%, Francisco GUTTERES 30.8%

Togo
  chief of state: President Faure GNASSINGBE (since 4 May 2005);
  head of government: Prime Minister Gilbert HOUNGBO (since 7
  September 2008)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and the
  prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (no term limits); election last held on 4 March 2010 (next to be
  held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the president
  election results: Faure GNASSINGBE reelected president; percent of
  vote - Faure GNASSINGBE 60.9%, Jean-Pierre FABRE 33.9%, Yawovi
  AGBOYIBO 3%, other 2.2%

Tokelau
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
  represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND
  (since 23 August 2006); New Zealand is represented by Administrator
  David PAYTON (since 17 October 2006)
  head of government: Foua TOLOA (since 21 February 2009); note -
  position rotates annually among the 3 Faipule (village leaders)
  cabinet: the Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau,
  consisting of 3 Faipule (village leaders) and 3 Pulenuku (village
  mayors), functions as a cabinet
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by
  the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; the head
  of government chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves a
  one-year term

Tonga
  chief of state: King George TUPOU V (since 11 September 2006)
  head of government: Prime Minister Lord Siale'ataonga TU'IVAKANO
  (since 22 December 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet is nominated by the prime minister and appointed by
  the monarch
  note: there is also a Privy Council that advises the monarch
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy
  prime minister elected by and from the members of parliament and
  appointed by the monarch
  election results: Lord Siale'ataonga TU'IVAKANO elected by
  parliament on 21 December 2010 with 14 of 26 votes

Trinidad and Tobago
  chief of state: President George Maxwell
  RICHARDS (since 17 March 2003)
  head of government: Prime Minister Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR (since 26
  May 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among the members of Parliament
  elections: president elected by an electoral college, which consists
  of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, for a
  five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on
  11 February 2008 (next to be held by February 2013); the president
  usually appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party
  in the House of Representatives
  election results: George Maxwell RICHARDS reelected president;
  percent of electoral college vote - NA

Tunisia
  chief of state: President Zine el Abidine BEN ALI (since 7
  November 1987)
  head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed GHANNOUCHI (since 17
  November 1999)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (no term limits); election last held on 25 October 2009 (next to be
  held in October 2014); prime minister appointed by the president
  election results: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI reelected for a
  fifth term; percent of vote - Zine El Abidine BEN ALI 89.6%, Mohamed
  BOUCHIHA 5%, Ahmed INOUBLI 3.8%, Ahmed BRAHIM 1.6%; voter turnout
  89.4%

Turkey
  chief of state: President Abdullah GUL (since 28 August 2007)
  head of government: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (since 14
  March)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
  nomination of the prime minister
  elections: president elected directly for a five-year term (eligible
  for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president from
  among members of parliament
  election results: on 28 August 2007 the National Assembly elected
  Abdullah GUL president on the third ballot; National Assembly vote -
  339
  note: in October 2007 Turkish voters approved a referendum package
  of constitutional amendments including a provision for direct
  presidential elections

Turkmenistan
  chief of state: President Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW
  (since 14 February 2007); note - the president is both the chief of
  state and head of government
  head of government: President Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW (since 14
  February 2007)
  cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
  election last held on 11 February 2007 (next to be held in February
  2012)
  election results: Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW elected president;
  percent of vote - Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW 89.2%, Amanyaz ATAJYKOW
  3.2%, other candidates 7.6%

Turks and Caicos Islands
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
  February 1952); represented by Governor Gordon WETHERELL (since 5
  August 2008)
  head of government: Governor Gordon WETHERELL (since 14 August
  2009); note - the office of premier is suspended by the Order in
  Council, effective 14 August 2009
  cabinet: under provisions of the Order in Council, the cabinet is
  suspended effective 14 August 2009 and replaced by an Advisory
  Council appointed by the governor
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
  monarch
  note: following an investigation into allegations of widespread
  corruption and misconduct within the Turks and Caicos Government,
  the UK foreign minister directed the governor to bring into effect
  on 14 August 2009 an Order in Council suspending Ministerial
  government and the House of Assembly, and imposing direct rule for a
  period of up to two years

Tuvalu
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
  represented by Governor General Iakoba TAEIA Italeli (since May 2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Willie TELAVI (since 24 December
  2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the
  recommendation of the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
  the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; prime
  minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from the members
  of parliament following parliamentary elections
  election results: Willie TELAVI elected prime minister in a
  parliamentary election on 24 December 2010 following a no-confidence
  vote on 21 December 2010 that ousted Maatia TOAFA

Uganda
  chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI
  (since seizing power on 26 January 1986); note - the president is
  both chief of state and head of government
  head of government: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since
  seizing power on 26 January 1986); Prime Minister Apolo NSIBAMBI
  (since 5 April 1999); note - the prime minister assists the
  president in the supervision of the cabinet
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among elected
  legislators
  elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;
  election last held on 23 February 2006 (next to be held on 18
  February 2011)
  election results: Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI elected president;
  percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI 59.3%, Kizza
  BESIGYE 37.4%, other 3.3%

Ukraine
  chief of state: President Viktor YANUKOVYCH (since 25
  February 2010)
  head of government: Prime Minister Mykola AZAROV (since 11 March
  2010); First Deputy Prime Minister Andriy KLYUYEV (since 11 March
  2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Borys KOLESNIKOV, Serhiy TIHIPKO,
  Viktor TYKHONOV (all since 11 March 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the president and
  approved by the Rada
  note: there is also a National Security and Defense Council or NSDC
  originally created in 1992 as the National Security Council; the
  NSDC staff is tasked with developing national security policy on
  domestic and international matters and advising the president; a
  Presidential Administration helps draft presidential edicts and
  provides policy support to the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 January 2010
  with runoff on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
  election results: Viktor YANUKOVYCH elected president; percent of
  vote - Viktor YANUKOVYCH 48.95%, Yuliya TYMOSHENKO 45.5%

United Arab Emirates
  chief of state: President KHALIFA bin Zayid
  Al-Nuhayyan (since 3 November 2004), ruler of Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi)
  (since 4 November 2004); Vice President and Prime Minister MUHAMMAD
  BIN RASHID Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006)
  head of government: Prime Minister and Vice President MUHAMMAD bin
  Rashid Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers SAIF
  bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 11 May 2009) and MANSUR bin Zayid
  Al-Nuhayyan (since 11 May 2009)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  note: there is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the
  seven emirate rulers; the FSC is the highest constitutional
  authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions
  federal legislation; meets four times a year; Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi)
  and Dubayy (Dubai) rulers have effective veto power
  elections: president and vice president elected by the FSC for
  five-year terms (no term limits) from among the seven FSC members;
  election last held 3 November 2009 upon the death of the UAE's
  Founding Father and first President ZAYID bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan
  (next election NA); prime minister and deputy prime minister
  appointed by the president
  election results: KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan elected president by
  a unanimous vote of the FSC; MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Maktum
  unanimously affirmed vice president after the 2006 death of his
  brother Sheikh Maktum bin Rashid Al-Maktum

United Kingdom
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
  1952); Heir Apparent Prince CHARLES (son of the queen, born 14
  November 1948)
  head of government: Prime Minister David CAMERON (since 11 May 2010)
  cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
  elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
  elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
  majority coalition usually the prime minister

United States
  chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20
  January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January
  2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January
  2009); Vice President Joseph BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with Senate approval
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by a college of representatives who are elected directly from each
  state; president and vice president serve four-year terms (eligible
  for a second term); election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be
  held on 6 November 2012)
  election results: Barack H. OBAMA elected president; percent of
  popular vote - Barack H. OBAMA 52.4%, John MCCAIN 46.3%, other 1.3%;

Uruguay
  chief of state: President Jose "Pepe" MUJICA Cordano (since
  1 March 2010); Vice President Danilo ASTORI Saragoza (since 1 March
  2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
  government
  head of government: President Jose "Pepe" MUJICA Cordano (since 1
  March 2010); Vice President Danilo ASTORI Saragoza (since 1 March
  2010)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president with
  parliamentary approval
  elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
  by popular vote for five-year terms (may not serve consecutive
  terms); election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in
  October 2014)
  election results: Jose "Pepe" MUJICA elected president; percent of
  vote - Jose "Pepe" MUJICA 54.8%, Luis Alberto LACALLE 45.2%

Uzbekistan
  chief of state: President Islom KARIMOV (since 24 March
  1990, when he was elected president by the then Supreme Soviet;
  elected president of independent Uzbekistan in 1991)
  head of government: Prime Minister Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV (since 11
  December 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam AZIMOV (since 2
  January 2008)
  cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president with
  approval of the Supreme Assembly
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
  (eligible for a second term; previously was a five-year term,
  extended by constitutional amendment in 2002); election last held on
  23 December 2007 (next to be held in 2014); prime minister,
  ministers, and deputy ministers appointed by the president
  election results: Islom KARIMOV reelected president; percent of vote
  - Islom KARIMOV 88.1%, Asliddin RUSTAMOV 3.2%, Dilorom
  T0SHMUHAMEDOVA 2.9%, Akmal SAIDOV 2.6%

Vanuatu
  chief of state: President Iolu Johnson ABBIL (since 3
  September 2009)
  head of government: Prime Minister Sato KILMAN (since 2 December
  2010); note - Edward NATAPEI loses office in a no confidence vote on
  2 December 2010
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,
  responsible to parliament
  elections: president elected for a five-year term by an electoral
  college consisting of parliament and the presidents of the regional
  councils; election for president last held on 2 September 2009 (next
  to be held in 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of
  the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime
  minister by parliament from among its members; election for prime
  minister last held on 22 September 2008 (next to be held following
  general elections in 2012)
  election results: Iolu Johnson ABBIL elected president, with 41
  votes out of 58, on the third ballot on 2 September 2009

Venezuela
  chief of state: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3
  February 1999); Executive Vice President Elias JAUA Milano (since 26
  January 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February
  1999); Executive Vice President Elias JAUA Milano (since 26 January
  2010)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
  (eligible for unlimited reelection); election last held on 3
  December 2006 (next to be held in December 2012)
  note: in 1999, a National Constituent Assembly drafted a new
  constitution that increased the presidential term to six years; an
  election was subsequently held on 30 July 2000 under the terms of
  this constitution; in 2009, a national referendum approved the
  elimination of term limits on all elected officials, including the
  presidency
  election results: Hugo CHAVEZ Frias reelected president; percent of
  vote - Hugo CHAVEZ Frias 62.9%, Manuel ROSALES 36.9%

Vietnam
  chief of state: President Nguyen Minh TRIET (since 27 June
  2006); Vice President Nguyen Thi DOAN (since 25 July 2007)
  head of government: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan DUNG (since 27 June
  2006); Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh HUNG (since 28
  June 2006), Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung HAI (since 2 August
  2007), Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien NHAN (since 2 August
  2007), Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia KHIEM (since 28 June 2006),
  and Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh TRONG (since 28 June 2006)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president based on proposal of prime
  minister and confirmed by National Assembly
  elections: president elected by the National Assembly from among its
  members for five-year term; last election held 27 June 2006 (next to
  be held in January 2011); prime minister appointed by the president
  from among the members of the National Assembly; deputy prime
  ministers appointed by the prime minister; appointment of prime
  minister and deputy prime ministers confirmed by National Assembly
  election results: Nguyen Minh TRIET elected president; percent of
  National Assembly vote - 94%; Nguyen Tan DUNG elected prime
  minister; percent of National Assembly vote - 92%

Virgin Islands
  chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20
  January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
  head of government: Governor John DeJONGH (since 1 January 2007)
  cabinet: NA
  elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
  territories, such as the Virgin Islands, do not vote in elections
  for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the
  Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor
  and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote
  for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held
  on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2014)
  election results: John DeJONGH reelected governor; percent of vote -
  John DeJONGH 56.3%, Kenneth MAPP 43.6%

Wallis and Futuna
  chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since
  16 May 2007); represented by High Administrator Michel JEANJEAN
  (since 10 June 2010)
  head of government: President of the Territorial Assembly Victor
  BRIAL (since 11 December 2007)
  cabinet: Council of the Territory consists of 3 kings and 3 members
  appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the Territorial
  Assembly
  note: there are 3 traditional kings with limited powers
  elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
  term; high administrator appointed by the French president on the
  advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the
  Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly elected by the
  members of the assembly

Western Sahara
  none

Yemen
  chief of state: President Ali Abdallah SALIH (since 22 May
  1990, the former president of North Yemen, assumed office upon the
  merger of North and South Yemen); Vice President Maj. Gen. Abd
  al-Rab Mansur al-HADI (since 3 October 1994)
  head of government: Prime Minister Ali Muhammad MUJAWWAR (since 31
  March 2007)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
  advice of the prime minister
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;
  election last held on 20 September 2006 (next to be held in
  September 2013); vice president appointed by the president; prime
  minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president
  election results: Ali Abdallah SALIH elected president; percent of
  vote - Ali Abdallah SALIH 77.2%, Faysal BIN SHAMLAN 21.8%

Zambia
  chief of state: President Rupiah BANDA (since 19 August
  2008); Vice President George KUNDA (since 14 November 2008); note -
  President BANDA was acting president during the illness leading up
  to the death of President Levy MWANAWASA on 18 August 2008, he was
  then elected president on 30 October 2008 to serve out the remainder
  of MWANAWASA's term; the president is both the chief of state and
  head of government
  head of government: President Rupiah BANDA (since 19 August 2008);
  Vice President George KUNDA (since 14 November 2008)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
  of the National Assembly
  elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
  (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 October 2008
  (next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed by the
  president; note - due to the death of former President Levy
  MWANAWASA, early elections were held to identify a replacement to
  serve out the remainder of his term
  election results: Rupiah BANDA elected president; percent of vote -
  Rupiah BANDA 40.1%, Michael SATA 38.1%, Hakainde HICHILEMA 19.7%,
  Godfrey MIYANDA 0.8%, other 1.3%

Zimbabwe
  chief of state: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE
  (since 31 December 1987); Vice President John NKOMO (since December
  2009) and Vice President Joyce MUJURU (since 6 December 2004)
  head of government: Prime Minister Morgan TSVANGIRAI (since 11
  February 2009); Deputy Prime Minister Arthur MUTAMBARA
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and prime minister;
  responsible to the House of Assembly
  elections: presidential candidates nominated with a nomination paper
  signed by at least 10 registered voters (at least one from each
  province) and elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term
  limits); elections last held on 28 March 2008 followed by a run-off
  on 27 June 2008 (next to be held in 2013); co-vice presidents drawn
  from party leadership
  election results: Robert Gabriel MUGABE reelected president; percent
  of vote - Robert Gabriel MUGABE 85.5%, Morgan TSVANGIRAI 9.3%, other
  5.2%; note - first round voting results - Morgan TSVANGIRAI 47.9%,
  Robert Gabriel MUGABE 43.2%, Simba MAKONI 8.3%, other 0.6%;
  first-round round polls were deemed to be flawed suppressing
  TSVANGIRAI's results; the 27 June 2008 run-off between MUGABE and
  TSVANGIRAI was severely flawed and internationally condemned

======================================================================

@2078

Field Listing :: Exports

  This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise
  exports on an f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are
  calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power
  parity (PPP) terms.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Exports

Afghanistan
  $547 million (2009 est.)
  $603 million (2008 est.); note - not including illicit exports or
  reexports

Albania
  $1.339 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.048 billion (2009 est.)

Algeria
  $52.66 billion (2010 est.)
  $43.69 billion (2009 est.)

American Samoa
  $445.6 million (FY04 est.)

Andorra
  $89.5 million (2008)
  $117.1 million (2007)

Angola
  $51.65 billion (2010 est.)
  $40.08 billion (2009 est.)

Anguilla
  $119.5 million (2009 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  $84.3 million (2007 est.)

Argentina
  $68.01 billion (2010 est.)
  $55.67 billion (2009 est.)

Armenia
  $846 million (2010 est.)
  $722.3 million (2009 est.)

Aruba
  $124 million (2006); note - includes oil reexports

Australia
  $210.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $154.8 billion (2009 est.)

Austria
  $157.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $135.7 billion (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  $28.07 billion (2010 est.)
  $21.1 billion (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
  $674 million (2006)

Bahrain
  $15.13 billion (2010 est.)
  $12.05 billion (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  $16.24 billion (2010)
  $15.58 billion (2009)

Barbados
  $385 million (2006)

Belarus
  $24.49 billion (2010 est.)
  $21.34 billion (2009 est.)

Belgium
  $279.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $261.1 billion (2009 est.)

Belize
  $404 million (2010 est.)
  $381.9 million (2009 est.)

Benin
  $1.125 billion (2010 est.)
  $994 million (2009 est.)

Bermuda
  $763 million (2006)

Bhutan
  $513 million (2008)
  $350 million (2006)

Bolivia
  $6.058 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.848 billion (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  $4.787 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.057 billion (2009 est.)

Botswana
  $4.419 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.385 billion (2009 est.)

Brazil
  $199.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $153 billion (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  $25.3 million (2002)

Brunei
  $10.67 billion (2008)
  $8.25 billion (2007)

Bulgaria
  $19.33 billion (2010 est.)
  $16.53 billion (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
  $991 million (2010 est.)
  $772 million (2009 est.)

Burma
  $7.841 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.862 billion (2009 est.)
  note: official export figures are grossly underestimated due to the
  value of timber, gems, narcotics, rice, and other products smuggled
  to Thailand, China, and Bangladesh

Burundi
  $71 million (2010 est.)
  $68 million (2009 est.)

Cambodia
  $5.212 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.302 billion (2009 est.)

Cameroon
  $4.371 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.079 billion (2009 est.)

Canada
  $406.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $323.3 billion (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  $114 million (2010 est.)
  $105 million (2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
  $13.8 million (2008)
  $2.52 million (2004)

Central African Republic
  $146.7 million (2007 est.)

Chad
  $3.036 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.709 billion (2009 est.)

Chile
  $64.28 billion (2010 est.)
  $53.74 billion (2009 est.)

China
  $1.506 trillion (2010 est.)
  $1.204 trillion (2009 est.)

Christmas Island
  $NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  $NA

Colombia
  $40.24 billion (2010 est.)
  $34.03 billion (2009 est.)

Comoros
  $32 million (2006)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  $3.8 billion (2009 est.)
  $6.6 billion (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  $9.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $7.425 billion (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
  $5.222 million (2005)

Costa Rica
  $10.01 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.847 billion (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $10.25 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.5 billion (2009 est.)

Croatia
  $11.51 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.72 billion (2009 est.)

Cuba
  $3.311 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.879 billion (2009 est.)

Curacao
  $876 million (2008 est.)
  note: excludes oil

Cyprus
  $2.232 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.065 billion (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  $116.5 billion (2010 est.)
  $112.6 billion (2009 est.)

Denmark
  $99.37 billion (2010 est.)
  $91.51 billion (2009 est.)

Djibouti
  $100 million (2009); $340 million

Dominica
  $94 million (2006)

Dominican Republic
  $6.161 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.462 billion (2009 est.)

Ecuador
  $17.37 billion (2010 est.)
  $14.35 billion (2009 est.)

Egypt
  $25.34 billion (2010 est.)
  $23.09 billion (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  $4.377 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.797 billion (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  $10.24 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.495 billion (2009 est.)

Eritrea
  $25 million (2010 est.)
  $20 million (2009 est.)

Estonia
  $10.77 billion (2010 est.)
  $9.08 billion (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  $1.729 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.636 billion (2009 est.)

European Union $1.952 trillion (2007) $1.33 trillion (2005) note: external exports, excluding intra-EU trade

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $125 million (2004 est.)

Faroe Islands $848 million (2008) $634 million (2006)

Fiji
  $1.202 billion (2006)

Finland
  $73.53 billion (2010 est.)
  $62.69 billion (2009 est.)

France
  $508.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $473.9 billion (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
  $211 million (2005 est.)

Gabon
  $6.803 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.04 billion (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
  $107 million (2010 est.)
  $95 million (2009 est.)

Georgia
  $2.29 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.893 billion (2009 est.)

Germany
  $1.337 trillion (2010 est.)
  $1.145 trillion (2009 est.)

Ghana
  $7.326 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.84 billion (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
  $271 million (2004 est.)

Greece
  $21.14 billion (2010 est.)
  $21.34 billion (2009 est.)

Greenland
  $485 million (2008)
  $428 million (2007)

Grenada
  $38 million (2006)

Guam
  $45 million (2004 est.)

Guatemala
  $8.47 billion (2010 est.)
  $7.214 billion (2009)

Guernsey
  $NA

Guinea
  $1.468 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.18 billion (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  $133 million (2006)

Guyana
  $814 million (2010 est.)
  $763 million (2009 est.)

Haiti
  $559 million (2010 est.)
  $551 million (2009 est.)

Honduras
  $5.879 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.09 billion (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  $382.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $321.8 billion (2009 est.)

Hungary
  $93.74 billion (2010 est.)
  $82.1 billion (2009 est.)

Iceland
  $4.619 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.05 billion (2009 est.)

India
  $201 billion (2010 est.)
  $168.2 billion (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  $146.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $119.5 billion (2009 est.)

Iran
  $78.69 billion (2010 est.)
  $69.04 billion (2009 est.)

Iraq
  $49.1 billion (2010 est.)
  $40.86 billion (2009 est.)

Ireland
  $115.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $107.3 billion (2009 est.)

Isle of Man
  $NA

Israel
  $54.31 billion (2010 est.)
  $45.9 billion (2009 est.)

Italy
  $458.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $407.2 billion (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  $1.487 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.263 billion (2009 est.)

Japan
  $735.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $545.3 billion (2009 est.)

Jersey
  $NA

Jordan
  $7.333 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.366 billion (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
  $59.23 billion (2010 est.)
  $43.84 billion (2009 est.)

Kenya
  $5.141 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.459 billion (2009 est.)

Kiribati
  $17 million (2004 est.)

Korea, North
  $1.997 billion (2009)
  $2.062 billion (2008)

Korea, South
  $466.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $373.6 billion (2009 est.)

Kosovo
  $527 million (2007 est.)

Kuwait
  $65.03 billion (2010 est.)
  $50.34 billion (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  $1.682 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.726 billion (2009 est.)

Laos
  $1.215 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.104 billion (2009 est.)

Latvia
  $7.894 billion (2010 est.)
  $7.223 billion (2009 est.)

Lebanon
  $5.187 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.716 billion (2009 est.)

Lesotho
  $985 million (2010 est.)
  $821 million (2009 est.)

Liberia
  $1.197 billion (2006)

Libya
  $44.89 billion (2010 est.)
  $37.16 billion (2009 est.)

Liechtenstein
  $3.92 billion (2008)

Lithuania
  $19.29 billion (2010 est.)
  $16.48 billion (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  $17.82 billion (2010 est.)
  $15.5 billion (2009 est.)

Macau
  $950 million (2009 est.)
  $2 billion (2008); note - includes reexports

Macedonia
  $3.171 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.686 billion (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  $1.412 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.309 billion (2009 est.)

Malawi
  $1.189 billion (2010 est.)
  $912 million (2009 est.)

Malaysia
  $192.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $157.5 billion (2009 est.)

Maldives
  $88 million (2009 est.)
  $125 million (2008 est.)

Mali
  $294 million (2006)

Malta
  $2.954 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.383 billion (2009 est.)

Marshall Islands
  $19.4 million (2008 est.)
  $9.1 million (2000 est.)

Mauritania
  $1.395 billion (2006)

Mauritius
  $2.041 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.942 billion (2009 est.)

Mayotte
  $6.5 million (2005)

Mexico
  $303 billion (2010 est.)
  $229.8 billion (2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  $14 million (2004 est.)

Moldova
  $1.45 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.332 billion (2009 est.)

Monaco
  $716.3 million (2005)
  note: full customs integration with France, which collects and
  rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market
  system through customs union with France

Mongolia $1.902 billion (2009) $2.539 billion (2008)

Montenegro
  $171.3 million (2003)

Montserrat
  $700,000 (2001 est.)

Morocco
  $14.49 billion (2010 est.)
  $13.92 billion (2009 est.)

Mozambique
  $2.517 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.947 billion (2009 est.)

Namibia
  $4.277 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.535 billion (2009 est.)

Nauru
  $64,000 (2005 est.)

Nepal
  $849 million (2009)
  $907 million (2008)

Netherlands
  $451.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $421.3 billion (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  $1.341 billion (2006)

New Zealand
  $33.24 billion (2010 est.)
  $25.35 billion (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  $3.182 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.593 billion (2009 est.)

Niger
  $428 million (2006)

Nigeria
  $76.33 billion (2010 est.)
  $59.32 billion (2009 est.)

Niue
  $201,400 (2004)

Norfolk Island
  $1.5 million (FY91/92)

Northern Mariana Islands
  $98.2 million (2008)

Norway
  $137 billion (2010 est.)
  $122 billion (2009 est.)

Oman
  $36.12 billion (2010 est.)
  $27.65 billion (2009 est.)

Pakistan
  $20.29 billion (2010 est.)
  $18.33 billion (2009 est.)

Palau
  $5.882 million (2004 est.)

Panama
  $12.52 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.9 billion (2009 est.)
  note: includes the Colon Free Zone

Papua New Guinea
  $5.976 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.392 billion (2009 est.)

Paraguay
  $7.606 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.784 billion (2009 est.)

Peru
  $33.73 billion (2010 est.)
  $26.88 billion (2009 est.)

Philippines
  $45.89 billion (2010 est.)
  $37.51 billion (2009 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  $NA

Poland
  $160.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $142.1 billion (2009 est.)

Portugal
  $46.27 billion (2010 est.)
  $44.49 billion (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
  $46.9 billion (2001)

Qatar
  $57.82 billion (2010 est.)
  $33.28 billion (2009 est.)

Romania
  $51.91 billion (2010 est.)
  $40.6 billion (2009 est.)

Russia
  $376.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $303.4 billion (2009 est.)

Rwanda
  $226 million (2010 est.)
  $193 million (2009 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  $19 million (2004 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  $84 million (2006)

Saint Lucia
  $288 million (2006)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  $5.5 million (2005 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  $193 million (2006)

Samoa
  $131 million (2006)

San Marino
  $4.628 billion (2007)
  $1.291 billion (2004)

Sao Tome and Principe
  $13 million (2010 est.)
  $10 million (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  $235.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $192.3 billion (2009 est.)

Senegal
  $2.112 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.902 billion (2009 est.)

Serbia
  $9.372 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.368 billion (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  $464 million (2010 est.)
  $432.5 million (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
  $216 million (2006)

Singapore
  $358.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $273.4 billion (2009 est.)

Slovakia
  $64.18 billion (2010 est.)
  $55.32 billion (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  $24.97 billion (2010 est.)
  $22.53 billion (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  $237 million (2006)

Somalia
  $300 million (2006)

South Africa
  $76.86 billion (2010 est.)
  $66.54 billion (2009 est.)

Spain
  $268.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $224 billion (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  $7.908 billion (2010 est.)
  $7.085 billion (2009 est.)

Sudan
  $9.777 billion (2010 est.)
  $7.56 billion (2009 est.)

Suriname
  $1.391 billion (2006 est.)

Svalbard
  $197.6 million (2000)

Swaziland
  $1.417 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.338 billion (2009 est.)

Sweden
  $162.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $133.3 billion (2009 est.)

Switzerland
  $235.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $208.5 billion (2009 est.)

Syria
  $12.84 billion (2010 est.)
  $11.76 billion (2009 est.)

Taiwan
  $277.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $203.4 billion (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  $1.318 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.039 billion (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  $3.809 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.365 billion (2009 est.)

Thailand
  $191.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $151.9 billion (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
  $10 million (2005 est.); note - excludes oil

Togo
  $859 million (2010 est.)
  $818 million (2009 est.)

Tokelau
  $0 (2002)

Tonga
  $22 million (2006)

Trinidad and Tobago
  $12.06 billion (2010 est.)
  $9.312 billion (2009 est.)

Tunisia
  $16.11 billion (2010 est.)
  $14.42 billion (2009 est.)

Turkey
  $117.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $109.6 billion (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  $9.672 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.737 billion (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  $169.2 million (2000)

Tuvalu
  $1 million (2004 est.)

Uganda
  $2.941 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.7 billion (2009 est.)

Ukraine
  $49.71 billion (2010 est.)
  $40.39 billion (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  $195.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $192.2 billion (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  $405.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $356.2 billion (2009 est.)

United States
  $1.27 trillion (2010 est.)
  $1.069 trillion (2009 est.)

Uruguay
  $7.413 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.389 billion (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
  $13.13 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.74 billion (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  $40 million (2006)

Venezuela
  $64.87 billion (2010 est.)
  $57.6 billion (2009 est.)

Vietnam
  $70.76 billion (2010 est.)
  $57.1 billion (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  $4.234 billion (2001)

Wallis and Futuna
  $47,450 (2004)

West Bank
  $529 million (2008)
  $339 million (2006)
  note: includes Gaza Strip

Western Sahara
  $NA

World
  $14.9 trillion (2010 est.)
  $12.39 trillion (2009)

Yemen
  $7.462 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.812 billion (2009 est.)

Zambia
  $6.463 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.203 billion (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
  $1.869 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.213 billion (2009 est.)

======================================================================

@2079

Field Listing :: Debt - external

This entry gives the total public and private debt owed to nonresidents repayable in internationally accepted currencies, goods, or services. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Country Comparison to the World Country

Debt - external

Afghanistan $2.7 billion (2008/2009) $8 billion (2004)

Albania
  $1.55 billion (2004)

Algeria
  $4.138 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.413 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

American Samoa
  $NA

Andorra
  $NA

Angola
  $17.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $13.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Anguilla
  $8.8 million (1998)

Antigua and Barbuda
  $359.8 million (June 2006)

Argentina
  $128.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $118.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Armenia
  $5.227 billion (30 June 2010)
  $3.449 billion (31 December 2008)

Aruba
  $478.6 million (2005 est.)

Australia
  $1.169 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.094 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
  $755 billion (30 June 2010)
  $864.2 billion (31 December 2008)

Azerbaijan
  $3.221 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
  $342.6 million (2004 est.)

Bahrain
  $14.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $10.55 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  $24.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $24.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Barbados
  $668 million (2003)

Belarus
  $24.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $19.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belgium
  $1.241 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $1.354 trillion (31 December 2008)

Belize
  $1.01 billion (2009 est.)
  $954.1 million (2008 est.)

Benin
  $2.894 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $986.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Bermuda
  $160 million (FY99/00)

Bhutan
  $836 million (2009)
  $713.3 million (2006)

Bolivia
  $6.13 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.653 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  $7.996 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $8.048 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Botswana
  $2.222 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.681 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Brazil
  $310.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $273.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  $36.1 million (1997)

Brunei
  $0 (2005)

Bulgaria
  $36.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $39.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
  $2.002 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.784 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burma
  $7.145 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.079 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burundi
  $1.2 billion (2003)

Cambodia
  $4.338 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.284 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cameroon
  $3.344 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.231 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
  $1.009 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $781.1 billion (31 December 2008)

Cape Verde
  $325 million (2002)

Cayman Islands
  $70 million (1996)

Central African Republic
  $1.153 billion (2007 est.)

Chad
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.749 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Chile
  $84.51 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $72.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

China
  $406.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $349.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
  $57.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $52.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Comoros
  $232 million (2000 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the $4.3 billion (2009 est.) $12.7 billion (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  $5 billion (2000 est.)

Cook Islands
  $141 million (1996 est.)

Costa Rica
  $9.126 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.972 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $11.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $11.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Croatia
  $59.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $62.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
  $19.75 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $19.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cyprus
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $32.61 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Czech Republic
  $86.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $82.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
  $559.5 billion (30 June 2010)
  $588.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Djibouti
  $428 million (2006)

Dominica
  $213 million (2004)

Dominican Republic
  $13.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $11.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
  $14.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $13.48 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
  $30.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $29.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
  $11.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $10.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  $832 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $766 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Eritrea
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $961.9 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Estonia
  $25.13 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $25.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  $4.289 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.621 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

European Union

$13.72 trillion (30 June 2010); This is the external debt for the euro area only; it excludes the external debt of the non-euro-area members of the EU

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  $NA

Faroe Islands
  $68.1 million (2006)

Fiji
  $127 million (2004 est.)

Finland
  $370.8 billion (30 June 2010)
  $339.5 billion (31 December 2008)

France
  $4.698 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $4.935 trillion (31 December 2008)

French Polynesia
  $NA

Gabon
  $2.374 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.352 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gambia, The
  $530 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $489 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Gaza Strip
  see entry for West Bank

Georgia
  $3.381 billion (31 December 2009)
  $7.711 billion (31 December 2008)

Germany
  $4.713 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $5.158 trillion (31 December 2008)

Ghana
  $6.483 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.427 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gibraltar
  $NA

Greece
  $532.9 billion (30 June 2010)
  $504.6 billion (31 December 2008)

Greenland
  $58 million (2009)
  $25 million (1999)

Grenada
  $347 million (2004)

Guam
  $NA

Guatemala
  $17.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $16.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Guernsey
  $NA

Guinea
  $3.072 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $3.222 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  $941.5 million (2000 est.)

Guyana
  $804.3 million (30 September 2008)
  $1.2 billion (2002)

Haiti
  $494 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.362 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Honduras
  $3.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.311 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  $69.86 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $655.1 billion (30 September 2009)

Hungary
  $134.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $147.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
  $3.073 billion (2002)

India
  $237.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $221.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
  $155.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $156.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
  $12.84 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $12.63 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iraq
  $52.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $73 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ireland
  $2.131 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $2.356 trillion (31 December 2008)

Isle of Man
  $NA

Israel
  $89.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $86.78 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Italy
  $2.223 trillion (30 June 2010 est.)
  $2.328 trillion (31 December 2008)

Jamaica
  $12.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $10.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
  $2.246 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $2.231 trillion (31 December 2008)

Jersey
  $NA

Jordan
  $5.522 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.766 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
  $94.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $106.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
  $7.935 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.795 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kiribati
  $10 million (1999 est.)

Korea, North
  $12.5 billion (2001 est.)

Korea, South
  $370.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $370.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kosovo
  $NA

Kuwait
  $56.81 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $55.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  $3.738 billion (30 June 2010)
  $3.467 billion (31 December 2008)

Laos
  $3.085 billion (2009 est.)
  $3.179 billion (2006 est.)

Latvia
  $37.28 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $41.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
  $34.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $31.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lesotho
  $647 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $671 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Liberia
  $3.2 billion (2005 est.)

Libya
  $6.378 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.891 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Liechtenstein
  $0 (2001)

Lithuania
  $27.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $28.69 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  $1.892 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $2.02 trillion (31 December 2008)

Macau
  $0 (2009)

Macedonia
  $5.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Madagascar
  $2.973 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.261 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malawi
  $1.213 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.166 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malaysia
  $62.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $58.79 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Maldives
  $589 million (2009 est.)
  $477 million (2008 est.)

Mali
  $2.8 billion (2002)

Malta
  $41.02 billion (30 June 2010)
  $3.75 billion (2008)

Marshall Islands
  $87 million (2008 est.)
  $86.5 million (FY99/00 est.)

Mauritania
  $NA

Mauritius
  $5.043 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.474 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mayotte
  $NA

Mexico
  $212.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $204.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  $60.8 million (FY05 est.)

Moldova
  $4.146 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.844 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Monaco
  $18 billion (2000 est.)

Mongolia $1.86 billion (2009) $1.6 billion (2008)

Montenegro
  $650 million (2006)

Montserrat
  $8.9 million (1997)

Morocco
  $22.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $21.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mozambique
  $4.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.246 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
  $2.373 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.175 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nauru
  $33.3 million (2004 est.)

Nepal
  $4.5 billion (2009)
  $3.285 billion (2008)

Netherlands
  $NA (30 June 2010)
  $3.733 trillion (31 December 2009)

New Caledonia
  $79 million (1998 est.)

New Zealand
  $64.33 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $62.47 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  $4.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.633 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Niger
  $2.1 billion (2003 est.)

Nigeria
  $11.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $10.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Niue
  $418,000 (2002 est.)

Norfolk Island
  $NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  $NA

Norway
  $2.232 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $475.9 billion (31 December 2008)
  note: Norway is a net external creditor

Oman
  $8.829 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.061 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Pakistan
  $57.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $53.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Palau
  $0 (FY99/00)

Panama
  $13.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $13.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  $1.548 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.436 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Paraguay
  $4.346 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.883 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Peru
  $33.29 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $30.51 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
  $61.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $62.97 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
  $252.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $239.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
  $497.8 billion (30 June 2010)
  $507 billion (30 June 2009)

Puerto Rico
  $NA

Qatar
  $71.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $70.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Romania
  $108.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $110 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
  $480.2 billion (30 November 2010 est.)
  $467.2 billion (31 December 2009)

Rwanda
  $NA

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  $NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  $314 million (2004)

Saint Lucia
  $257 million (2004)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  $NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $479 million (2010 est.) $223 million (2004)

Samoa
  $177 million (2004)

San Marino
  $NA

Sao Tome and Principe
  $318 million (2002)

Saudi Arabia
  $82.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $72.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Senegal
  $3.885 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.462 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
  $32.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $32.01 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Seychelles
  $1.374 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.321 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
  $1.61 billion (2003 est.)

Singapore
  $21.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $20.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
  $59.33 billion (30 June 2010 est.)
  $52.53 billion (31 December 2008)

Slovenia
  $51.57 billion (30 June 2010)
  $54.61 billion (31 December 2008)

Solomon Islands
  $166 million (2004)

Somalia
  $3 billion (2001 est.)

South Africa
  $80.52 billion (30 June 2010 est.)
  $73.84 billion (30 June 2009)

Spain
  $2.166 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $2.317 trillion (31 December 2008)

Sri Lanka
  $17.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $17.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sudan
  $37.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $35.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Suriname
  $504.3 million (2005 est.)

Swaziland
  $497 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $411 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sweden
  $853.3 billion (30 June 2010)
  $617.3 billion (31 December 2008)

Switzerland
  $1.19 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $1.305 trillion (31 December 2008)

Syria
  $7.682 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.359 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taiwan
  $91.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $75.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  $1.997 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.771 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tanzania
  $7.576 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.879 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Thailand
  $82.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $70.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Togo
  $NA (31 December 2010)
  $1.573 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Tonga
  $80.7 million (2004)

Trinidad and Tobago
  $4.303 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.895 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tunisia
  $18.76 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $19.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
  $270.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $268.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  $5 billion (2009 est.)
  $1.4 billion (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  $NA

Tuvalu
  $NA

Uganda
  $2.888 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.554 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ukraine
  $97.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $94.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  $122.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $122.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  $8.981 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $9.041 trillion (31 December 2008)

United States
  $13.98 trillion (30 June 2010)
  $13.75 trillion (31 December 2008)
  note: approximately 4/5ths of US external debt is denominated in US
  dollars; foreign lenders have been willing to hold US dollar
  denominated debt instruments because they view the dollar as the
  world's reserve currency

Uruguay
  $13.39 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $13.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
  $4.236 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.053 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  $81.2 million (2004)

Venezuela
  $55.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $53.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
  $33.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $27.84 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  $NA

Wallis and Futuna
  $3.67 million (2004)

West Bank
  $1.04 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.3 billion (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
  $NA

World
  $59.09 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $62.25 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
  note: this figure is the sum total of all countries' external debt,
  both public and private

Yemen
  $7.147 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.552 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zambia
  $3.495 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.091 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
  $5.772 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.667 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

======================================================================

@2080

Field Listing ::

Country

======================================================================

@2081

Field Listing :: Flag description

This entry provides a written flag description produced from actual flags or the best information available at the time the entry was written. The flags of independent states are used by their dependencies unless there is an officially recognized local flag. Some disputed and other areas do not have flags. Country

Flag description

Afghanistan
  three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), red,
  and green, with the national emblem in white centered on the red
  band and slightly overlapping the other two bands; the center of the
  emblem features a mosque with pulpit and flags on either side, below
  the mosque are numerals for the solar year 1298 (1919 in the
  Gregorian calendar, the year of Afghan independence from the UK);
  this central image is circled by a border consisting of sheaves of
  wheat on the left and right, in the upper-center is an Arabic
  inscription of the Shahada (Muslim creed) below which are rays of
  the rising sun over the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is
  great"), and at bottom center is a scroll bearing the name
  Afghanistan; black signifies the past, red is for the blood shed for
  independence, and green can represent either hope for the future,
  agricultural prosperity, or Islam
  note: Afghanistan had more changes to its national flag in the 20th
  century than any other country; the colors black, red, and green
  appeared on most of them

Akrotiri
  the flag of the UK is used

Albania
  red with a black two-headed eagle in the center; the design
  is claimed to be that of 15th-century hero George Castriota
  SKANDERBERG, who led a successful uprising against the Turks that
  resulted in a short-lived independence for some Albanian regions
  (1443-1478); an unsubstantiated explanation for the eagle symbol is
  the tradition that Albanians see themselves as descendants of the
  eagle; they refer to themselves as "Shkypetars," which translates as
  "sons of the eagle"

Algeria
  two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white; a
  red, five-pointed star within a red crescent centered over the
  two-color boundary; the colors represent Islam (green), purity and
  peace (white), and liberty (red); the crescent and star are also
  Islamic symbols, but the crescent is more closed than those of other
  Muslim countries because the Algerians believe the long crescent
  horns bring happiness

American Samoa
  blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is
  based on the fly side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and
  white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying
  two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a war club known as a
  "Fa'alaufa'i" (upper; left talon), and a coconut fiber fly whisk
  known as a "Fue" (lower; right talon); the combination of symbols
  broadly mimics that seen on the US Great Seal and reflects the
  relationship between the United States and American Samoa

Andorra
  three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red,
  with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the
  latter band is slightly wider than the other two so that the ratio
  of band widths is 8:9:8; the coat of arms features a quartered
  shield with the emblems of (starting in the upper left and
  proceeding clockwise): Urgell, Foix, Bearn, and Catalonia; the motto
  reads VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR (Strength United is Stronger); the flag
  combines the blue and red French colors with the red and yellow of
  Spain to show Franco-Spanish protection
  note: similar to the flags of Chad and Romania, which do not have a
  national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which
  does bear a national emblem

Angola
  two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a
  centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half
  a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and
  sickle); red represents liberty, black the African continent, the
  symbols characterize workers and peasants

Anguilla
  blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
  quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half
  of the flag; the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an
  interlocking circular design on a white background with a
  turquoise-blue field below; the white in the background represents
  peace; the blue base symbolizes the surrounding sea, as well as
  faith, youth, and hope; the three dolphins stand for endurance,
  unity, and strength

Antigua and Barbuda
  red, with an inverted isosceles triangle based
  on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal
  bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising
  sun in the black band; the sun symbolizes the dawn of a new era,
  black represents the African heritage of most of the population,
  blue is for hope, and red is for the dynamism of the people; the "V"
  stands for victory; the successive yellow, blue, and white coloring
  is also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun,
  sea, and sand

Argentina
  three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white,
  and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun
  with a human face known as the Sun of May; the colors represent the
  clear skies and snow of the Andes; the sun symbol commemorates the
  appearance of the sun through cloudy skies on 25 May 1810 during the
  first mass demonstration in favor of independence; the sun features
  are those of Inti, the Inca god of the sun

Armenia
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange;
  the color red recalls the blood shed for liberty, blue the Armenian
  skies as well as hope, and orange the land and the courage of the
  workers who farm it

Aruba
  blue, with two narrow, horizontal, yellow stripes across the
  lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the
  upper hoist-side corner; the star represents Aruba and its red soil
  and white beaches, its four points the four major languages
  (Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, English) as well as the four points of
  a compass, to indicate that its inhabitants come from all over the
  world; the blue symbolizes Caribbean waters and skies; the stripes
  represent the island's two main "industries": the flow of tourists
  to the sun-drenched beaches and the flow of minerals from the earth

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  the flag of Australia is used

Australia
  blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
  quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side
  quadrant known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star, representing
  the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star
  depicts one point for each of the six original states and one
  representing all of Australia's internal and external territories;
  on the fly half is a representation of the Southern Cross
  constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four
  larger, seven-pointed stars

Austria
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red;
  the flag design is certainly one of the oldest - if not the oldest -
  national banners in the world; according to tradition, in 1191,
  following a fierce battle in the Third Crusade, Duke Leopold V of
  Austria's white tunic became completely blood-spattered; upon
  removal of his wide belt or sash, a white band was revealed; the
  red-white-red color combination was subsequently adopted as his
  banner

Azerbaijan
  three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and
  green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in
  the red band; the blue band recalls Azerbaijan's Turkic heritage,
  red stands for modernization and progress, and green refers to
  Islam; the crescent moon is an Islamic symbol, while the
  eight-pointed star represents the eight Turkic peoples of the world

Bahamas, The
  three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold,
  and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist
  side; the band colors represent the golden beaches of the islands
  surrounded by the aquamarine sea; black represents the vigor and
  force of a united people, while the pointing triangle indicates the
  enterprise and determination of the Bahamian people to develop the
  rich resources of land and sea

Bahrain
  red, the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states,
  with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side;
  the five points represent the five pillars of Islam
  note: until 2002 the flag had eight white points, but this was
  reduced to five to avoid confusion with the Qatari flag

Bangladesh
  green field with a large red disk shifted slightly to the
  hoist side of center; the red disk represents the rising sun and the
  sacrifice to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the
  lush vegetation of Bangladesh

Barbados
  three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and
  blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the
  band colors represent the blue of the sea and sky and the gold of
  the beaches; the trident head represents independence and a break
  with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete
  trident)

Belarus
  red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half
  the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side
  bears Belarusian national ornamentation in red; the red band color
  recalls past struggles from oppression, the green band represents
  hope and the many forests of the country

Belgium
  three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow,
  and red; the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the
  colors are those of the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion
  with red claws and tongue on a black field)

Belize
  blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom
  edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the
  coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a
  mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in
  the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green
  garland of 50 mahogany leaves; the colors are those of the two main
  political parties: blue for the PUP and red for the UDP; various
  elements of the coat of arms - the figures, the tools, the mahogany
  tree, and the garland of leaves - recall the logging industry that
  led to British settlement of Belize
  note: Belize's flag is the only national flag that depicts human
  beings; two British overseas territories, Montserrat and the British
  Virgin Islands, also depict humans

Benin
  two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red (bottom)
  with a vertical green band on the hoist side; green symbolizes hope
  and revival, yellow wealth, and red courage
  note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Bermuda
  red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
  quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (a white shield with a red
  lion standing on a green grassy field holding a scrolled shield
  showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609)
  centered on the outer half of the flag; it was the shipwreck of the
  vessel, filled with English colonists originally bound for Virginia,
  that led to settling of Bermuda
  note: the flag is unusual in that it is only British overseas
  territory that uses a red ensign, all others use blue

Bhutan
  divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner; the
  upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered
  along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing
  away from the hoist side; the dragon, called the Druk (Thunder
  Dragon), is the emblem of the nation; its white color stands for
  purity and the jewels in its claws symbolize wealth; the background
  colors represent spiritual and secular powers within Bhutan: the
  orange is associated with Bhuddism, while the yellow denotes the
  ruling dynasty

Bolivia
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green
  with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; red stands for
  bravery and the blood of national heroes, yellow for the nation's
  mineral resources, and green for the fertility of the land
  note: similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black
  five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; in 2009, a
  presidential decree made it mandatory for a so-called wiphala - a
  square, multi-colored flag representing the country's indigenous
  peoples - to be used alongside the traditional flag

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  a wide medium blue vertical band on the fly
  side with a yellow isosceles triangle abutting the band and the top
  of the flag; the remainder of the flag is medium blue with seven
  full five-pointed white stars and two half stars top and bottom
  along the hypotenuse of the triangle; the triangle approximates the
  shape of the country and its three points stand for the constituent
  peoples - Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs; the stars represent Europe
  and are meant to be continuous (thus the half stars at top and
  bottom); the colors (white, blue, and yellow) are often associated
  with neutrality and peace, and traditionally are linked with Bosnia

Botswana
  light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in
  the center; the blue symbolizes water in the form of rain, while the
  black and white bands represent racial harmony

Bouvet Island
  the flag of Norway is used

Brazil
  green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a
  blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars; the globe has
  a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and
  Progress); the current flag was inspired by the banner of the former
  Empire of Brazil (1822-1889); on the imperial flag, the green
  represented the House of Braganza of Pedro I, the first Emperor of
  Brazil, while the yellow stood for the Habsburg Family of his wife;
  on the modern flag the green represents the forests of the country
  and the yellow rhombus its mineral wealth; the blue circle and
  stars, which replaced the coat of arms of the original flag, depict
  the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of 15 November 1889 - the
  day the Republic of Brazil was declared; the number of stars has
  changed with the creation of new states and has risen from an
  original 21 to the current 27 (one for each state and the Federal
  District)

British Indian Ocean Territory white with six blue wavy horizontal stripes; the flag of the UK is in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the striped section bears a palm tree and yellow crown (the symbols of the territory) centered on the outer half of the flag; the wavy stripes represent the Indian Ocean; although not officially described, the six blue stripes may stand for the six main atolls of the archipelago

British Virgin Islands
  blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper
  hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in
  the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked
  on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll
  bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful); the islands were
  named by COLUMBUS in 1493 in honor of Saint Ursula and her 11 virgin
  followers (some sources say 11,000) who reputedly were martyred by
  the Huns in the 4th or 5th century; the figure on the banner holding
  a lamp represents the saint, the other lamps symbolize her followers

Brunei
  yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double
  width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national
  emblem in red is superimposed at the center; yellow is the color of
  royalty and symbolizes the sultanate; the white and black bands
  denote Brunei's chief ministers; the emblem includes five main
  components: a swallow-tailed flag, the royal umbrella representing
  the monarchy, the wings of four feathers symbolizing justice,
  tranquility, prosperity, and peace, the two upraised hands
  signifying the government's pledge to preserve and promote the
  welfare of the people, and the crescent moon denoting Islam, the
  state religion; the state motto "Always render service with God's
  guidance" appears in yellow Arabic script on the crescent; a ribbon
  below the crescent reads "Brunei, the Abode of Peace"

Bulgaria
  three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and
  red; the pan-Slavic white-blue-red colors were modified by
  substituting a green band (representing freedom) for the blue
  note: the national emblem, formerly on the hoist side of the white
  stripe, has been removed

Burkina Faso
  two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with
  a yellow five-pointed star in the center; red recalls the country's
  struggle for independence, green is for hope and abundance,and
  yellow represents the country's mineral wealth
  note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Burma
  design consists of three equal horizontal stripes of yellow
  (top), green, and red; centered on the green band is a large white
  five-pointed star that partially overlaps onto the adjacent colored
  stripes; the design revives the triband colors used by Burma from
  1943-45, during the Japanese occupation

Burundi
  divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and
  bottom) and green panels (hoist side and fly side) with a white disk
  superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars
  outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above,
  two stars below); green symbolizes hope and optimism, white purity
  and peace, and red the blood shed in the struggle for independence;
  the three stars in the disk represent the three major ethnic groups:
  Hutu, Twa, Tutsi, as well as the three elements in the national
  motto: unity, work, progress

Cambodia
  three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width),
  and blue with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat
  outlined in black in the center of the red band; red and blue are
  traditional Cambodian colors
  note: only national flag to incorporate an actual building in its
  design

Cameroon
  three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and
  yellow, with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band;
  the vertical tricolor recalls the flag of France; red symbolizes
  unity, yellow the sun, happiness, and the savannahs in the north,
  and green hope and the forests in the south; the star is referred to
  as the "star of unity"
  note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Canada
  two vertical bands of red (hoist and fly side, half width)
  with white square between them; an 11-pointed red maple leaf is
  centered in the white square; the maple leaf has long been a
  Canadian symbol; the official colors of Canada are red and white

Cape Verde
  five unequal horizontal bands; the top-most band of blue
  - equal to one half the width of the flag - is followed by three
  bands of white, red, and white, each equal to 1/12 of the width, and
  a bottom stripe of blue equal to one quarter of the flag width; a
  circle of 10, yellow, five-pointed stars is centered on the red
  stripe and positioned 3/8 of the length of the flag from the hoist
  side; blue stands for the sea and the sky, the circle of stars
  represents the 10 major islands united into a nation, the stripes
  symbolize the road to formation of the country through peace (white)
  and effort (red)

Cayman Islands
  a blue field, with the flag of the UK in the upper
  hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the
  outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a crest with a
  pineapple, representing the connection with Jamaica, and a turtle,
  representing Cayman's seafaring tradition, above a shield bearing a
  golden lion, symbolizing Great Britain, below which are three green
  stars (representing the three islands) surmounting white and blue
  wavy lines representing the sea and a scroll at the bottom bearing
  the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

Central African Republic
  four equal horizontal bands of blue (top),
  white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; a
  yellow five-pointed star to the hoist side of the blue band; banner
  combines the Pan-African and French flag colors; red symbolizes the
  blood spilled in the struggle for independence, blue represents the
  sky and freedom, white peace and dignity, green hope and faith, and
  yellow tolerance; the star represents aspiration towards a vibrant
  future

Chad
  three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and
  red; the flag combines the blue and red French (former colonial)
  colors with the red and yellow of the Pan-African colors; blue
  symbolizes the sky, hope, and the south of the country, which is
  relatively well-watered; yellow represents the sun, as well as the
  desert in the north of the country; red stands for progress, unity,
  and sacrifice
  note: similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flags of
  Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms
  centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France

Chile
  two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; a blue
  square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of
  the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the
  center representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes
  the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red represents the
  blood spilled to achieve independence
  note: design was influenced by the US flag

China
  red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller
  yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the
  middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner; the color red
  represents revolution, while the stars symbolize the four social
  classes - the working class, the peasantry, the urban petty
  bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie (capitalists) - united
  under the Communist Party of China

Christmas Island
  territorial flag; divided diagonally from upper
  hoist to lower fly; the upper triangle is green with a yellow image
  of the Golden Bosun Bird superimposed, the lower triangle is blue
  with the Southern Cross constellation, representing Australia,
  superimposed; a centered yellow disk displays a green map of the
  island
  note: the flag of Australia is used for official purposes

Clipperton Island
  the flag of France is used

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  the flag of Australia is used

Colombia
  three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue,
  and red; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of
  Gran Columbia, the short-lived South American republic that broke up
  in 1830; various interpretations of the colors exist and include:
  yellow for the gold in Colombia's land, blue for the seas on its
  shores, and red for the blood spilled in attaining freedom;
  alternatively, the colors have been described as representing more
  elemental concepts such as sovereignty and justice (yellow), loyalty
  and vigilance (blue), and valour and generosity (red); or simply the
  principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity
  note: similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the
  Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center

Comoros
  four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and
  blue, with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered
  within the triangle is a white crescent with the convex side facing
  the hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed vertically in a
  line between the points of the crescent; the horizontal bands and
  the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago -
  Mwali, N'gazidja, Nzwani, and Mahore (Mayotte - territorial
  collectivity of France, but claimed by Comoros)
  note: the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols
  of Islam

Congo, Democratic Republic of the sky blue field divided diagonally from the lower hoist corner to upper fly corner by a red stripe bordered by two narrow yellow stripes; a yellow, five-pointed star appears in the upper hoist corner; blue represents peace and hope, red the blood of the country's martyrs, and yellow the country's wealth and prosperity; the star symbolizes unity and the brilliant future for the country

Congo, Republic of the
  divided diagonally from the lower hoist side
  by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the
  lower triangle is red; green symbolizes agriculture and forests,
  yellow the friendship and nobility of the people, red is unexplained
  but has been associated with the struggle for independence
  note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Cook Islands
  blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
  quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for
  every island) centered in the outer half of the flag

Coral Sea Islands
  the flag of Australia is used

Costa Rica
  five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double
  width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical
  disk toward the hoist side of the red band; Costa Rica retained the
  earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in
  response to revolutionary activity in Europe, it was decided to
  incorporate the French colors into the national flag and a central
  red stripe was added; today the blue color is said to stand for the
  sky, opportunity, and perseverence, white denotes peace, happiness,
  and wisdom, while red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well
  as the generosity and vibrancy of the people
  note: somewhat resembles the flag of North Korea; similar to the
  flag of Thailand but with the blue and red colors reversed

Cote d'Ivoire
  three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side),
  white, and green; orange symbolizes the land (savannah) of the north
  and fertility, white stands for peace and unity, green represents
  the forests of the south and the hope for a bright future
  note: similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the
  colors reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also
  similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white,
  and red; design was based on the flag of France

Croatia
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue -
  the Pan-Slav colors - superimposed by the Croatian coat of arms; the
  coat of arms consists of one main shield (a checkerboard of 13 red
  and 12 silver (white) fields) surmounted by five smaller shields
  that form a crown over the main shield; the five small shields
  represent five historic regions, they are (from left to right):
  Croatia, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia
  note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of
  Russia

Cuba
  five equal horizontal bands of blue (top, center, and bottom)
  alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the
  hoist side bears a white, five-pointed star in the center; the blue
  bands refer to the three old divisions of the island: central,
  occidental, and oriental; the white bands describe the purity of the
  independence ideal; the triangle symbolizes liberty, equality, and
  fraternity, while the red color stands for the blood shed in the
  independence struggle; the white star, called La Estrella Solitaria
  (the Lone Star) lights the way to freedom and was taken from the
  flag of Texas
  note: design similar to the Puerto Rican flag, with the colors of
  the bands and triangle reversed

Curacao
  on a blue field a horizontal yellow band somewhat below the
  center divides the flag into proportions of 5:1:2; two five-pointed
  white stars - the smaller above and to the left of the larger -
  appear in the canton; the blue of the upper and lower sections
  symbolizes the sky and sea respectively; yellow represents the sun;
  the stars symbolize Curacao and its uninhabited smaller sister
  island of Klein Curacao; the five star points signify the five
  continents from which Curacao's people derive

Cyprus
  white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the
  name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two
  green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches
  symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek
  and Turkish communities
  note: the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" flag retains the
  white field of the Cyprus national flag but displays narrow
  horizontal red stripes positioned a small distance from the top and
  bottom edges between which are centered a red crescent and a red
  five-pointed star; the banner is modeled after the Turkish national
  flag but with the colors reversed

Czech Republic
  two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red
  with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side
  note: is identical to the flag of the former Czechoslovakia; uses
  the Pan-Slav colors inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

Denmark
  red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the
  flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side;
  the banner is referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one
  of the oldest national flags in the world; traditions as to the
  origin of the flag design vary, but the best known is a legend that
  the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th century battle;
  caught up by the Danish king before it ever touched the earth, this
  heavenly talisman inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality,
  the flag may derive from a crusade banner or ensign
  note: the shifted design element was subsequently adopted by the
  other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden

Dhekelia
  the flag of the UK is used

Djibouti
  two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light
  green with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side
  bearing a red five-pointed star in the center; blue stands for sea
  and sky and the Issa Somali people; green symbolizes earth and the
  Afar people; white represents peace; the red star recalls the
  struggle for independence and stands for unity

Dominica
  green, with a centered cross of three equal bands - the
  vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and the
  horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in
  the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a Sisserou Parrot,
  unique to Dominica, encircled by 10 green, five-pointed stars edged
  in yellow; the 10 stars represent the 10 administrative divisions
  (parishes); green symbolizes the island's lush vegetation; the
  triple-colored cross represents the Christian Trinity; the yellow
  color denotes sunshine, the main agricultural products (citrus and
  bananas), and the native Carib Indians; black is for the rich soil
  and the African heritage of most citizens; white signifies rivers,
  waterfalls, and the purity of aspirations; the red disc stands for
  social justice

Dominican Republic
  a centered white cross that extends to the edges
  divides the flag into four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist
  side) and red, and the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a
  small coat of arms featuring a shield supported by a laurel branch
  (left) and a palm branch (right) is at the center of the cross;
  above the shield a blue ribbon displays the motto, DIOS, PATRIA,
  LIBERTAD (God, Fatherland, Liberty), and below the shield, REPUBLICA
  DOMINICANA appears on a red ribbon; in the shield a bible is opened
  to a verse that reads "Y la verdad nos hara libre" (And the truth
  shall set you free); blue stands for liberty, white for salvation,
  and red for the blood of heroes

Ecuador
  three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue,
  and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the
  flag; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of Gran
  Columbia, the South American republic that broke up in 1830; the
  yellow color represents sunshine, grain, and mineral wealth, blue
  the sky, sea, and rivers, and red the blood of patriots spilled in
  the struggle for freedom and justice
  note: similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not
  bear a coat of arms

Egypt
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
  the national emblem (a gold Eagle of Saladin facing the hoist side
  with a shield superimposed on its chest above a scroll bearing the
  name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band; the band
  colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression
  (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a
  bright future (white)
  note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars in the
  white band, Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the
  white band, and Yemen, which has a plain white band

El Salvador
  three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and
  blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the
  coat of arms features a round emblem encircled by the words
  REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; the banner is based
  on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of
  Central America; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the
  Caribbean Sea, while the white band represents the land between the
  two bodies of water, as well as peace and prosperity
  note: similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat
  of arms centered in the white band - it features a triangle
  encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA
  CENTRAL on the bottom; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which
  has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white
  band

Equatorial Guinea
  three equal horizontal bands of green (top),
  white, and red, with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist
  side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of
  arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and
  five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton
  tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ,
  JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice); green symbolizes the jungle and
  natural resources, blue represents the sea that connects the
  mainland to the islands, white stands for peace, and red recalls the
  fight for independence

Eritrea
  red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing
  the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the
  lower one is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is
  centered on the hoist side of the red triangle; green stands for the
  country's agriculture economy, red signifies the blood shed in the
  fight for freedom, and blue symbolizes the bounty of the sea; the
  wreath-olive branch symbol is similar to that on the first flag of
  Eritrea from 1952; the shape of the red triangle broadly mimics the
  shape of the country

Estonia
  three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and
  white; various interpretations are linked to the flag colors; blue
  represents faith, loyalty, and devotion, while also reminiscent of
  the sky, sea, and lakes of the country; black symbolizes the soil of
  the country and the dark past and suffering endured by the Estonian
  people; white refers to the striving towards enlightenment and
  virtue, and is the color of birch bark and snow, as well as summer
  nights illuminated by the midnight sun

Ethiopia
  three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and
  red, with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from
  the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the
  three bands; green represents hope and the fertility of the land,
  yellow symbolizes justice and harmony, while red stands for
  sacrifice and heroism in the defense of the land; the blue of the
  disk symbolizes peace and the pentagram represents the unity and
  equality of the nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia
  note: Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and the
  three main colors of her flag (adopted ca. 1895) were so often
  adopted by other African countries upon independence that they
  became known as the Pan-African colors; the emblem in the center of
  the current flag was added in 1996

European Union
  a blue field with 12 five-pointed gold stars arranged
  in a circle in the center; blue represents the sky of the Western
  world, the stars are the peoples of Europe in a circle, a symbol of
  unity; the number of stars is fixed

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising was once the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT

Faroe Islands
  white with a red cross outlined in blue extending to
  the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted
  toward the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag);
  referred to as Merkid, meaning "the banner" or "the mark," the flag
  resembles those of neighboring Iceland and Norway, and uses the same
  three colors - but in a different sequence; white represents the
  clear Faroese sky as well as the foam of the waves; red and blue are
  traditional Faroese colors

Fiji
  light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
  quadrant and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the
  flag; the blue symbolizes the Pacific ocean and the Union Jack
  reflects the links with Great Britain; the shield - taken from
  Fiji's coat of arms - depicts a yellow lion above a white field
  quartered by the cross of Saint George; the four quarters depict
  stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove

Finland
  white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag;
  the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the
  style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the blue represents the
  thousands of lakes scattered across the country, while the white is
  for the snow that covers the land in winter

France
  three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and
  red; known as the "Le drapeau tricolore" (French Tricolor), the
  origin of the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution when the
  "ancient French color" of white was combined with the blue and red
  colors of the Parisian militia; the official flag for all French
  dependent areas
  note: the design and/or colors are similar to a number of other
  flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Ireland,
  Italy, Luxembourg, and Netherlands

French Polynesia
  two red horizontal bands encase a wide white band
  in a 1:2:1 ratio; centered on the white band is a disk with a blue
  and white wave pattern depicting the sea on the lower half and a
  gold and white ray pattern depicting the sun on the upper half; a
  stylized red, blue, and white ship rides on the wave pattern; the
  ship has a crew of five represented by five stars that symbolize the
  five island groups; red and white are traditional Polynesian colors
  note: similar to the red-white-red flag of Tahiti, the largest of
  the islands in French Polynesia, which has no emblem in the white
  band; the flag of France is used for official occasions

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  the flag of France is used

Gabon
  three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue;
  green represents the country's forests and natural resources, gold
  represents the equator (which transects Gabon) as well as the sun,
  blue represents the sea

Gambia, The
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with
  white edges, and green; red stands for the sun and the savannah,
  blue represents the Gambia River, and green symbolizes forests and
  agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace

Georgia
  white rectangle with a central red cross extending to all
  four sides of the flag; each of the four quadrants displays a small
  red bolnur-katskhuri cross; although adopted as the official
  Georgian flag in 2004, the five-cross flag design appears to date
  back to the 14th century

Germany
  three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold;
  these colors have played an important role in German history and can
  be traced back to the medieval banner of the Holy Roman Emperor - a
  black eagle with red claws and beak on a gold field

Ghana
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green,
  with a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band;
  red symbolizes the blood shed for independence, yellow represents
  the country's mineral wealth, while green stands for its forests and
  natural wealth; the black star is said to be the lodestar of African
  freedom
  note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to
  the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow
  band

Gibraltar
  two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red
  with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band;
  hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band;
  the design is that of Gibraltar's coat of arms granted on 10 July
  1502 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain; the castle
  symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents
  Gibraltar's strategic importance - the key to the Mediterranean

Greece
  nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white;
  a blue square bearing a white cross appears in the upper hoist-side
  corner; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established
  religion of the country; there is no agreed upon meaning for the
  nine stripes or for the colors; the exact shade of blue has never
  been set by law and has varied from a light to a dark blue over time

Greenland
  two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a
  large disk slightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of
  the disk is red, the bottom half is white; the design represents the
  sun reflecting off a field of ice; the colors are the same as those
  of the Danish flag and symbolize Greenland's links to the Kingdom of
  Denmark

Grenada
  a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top
  and bottom) and green triangles (hoist side and outer side), with a
  red border around the flag; there are seven yellow, five-pointed
  stars with three centered in the top red border, three centered in
  the bottom red border, and one on a red disk superimposed at the
  center of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the
  hoist-side triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largest producer
  of nutmeg, after Indonesia); the seven stars stand for the seven
  administrative divisions, with the central star denoting the
  capital, St. George; yellow represents the sun and the warmth of the
  people, green stands for vegetation and agriculture, and red
  symbolizes harmony, unity, and courage

Guam
  territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all
  four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse
  containing a beach scene, a proa or outrigger canoe with sail, and a
  palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; the
  proa is sailing in Agana Bay with the promontory of Punta Dos
  Amantes, near the capital, in the background; blue represents the
  sea and red the blood shed in the struggle against oppression
  note: the US flag is the national flag

Guatemala
  three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side),
  white, and light blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white
  band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the
  national bird) representing liberty and a scroll bearing the
  inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of
  independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed
  rifles signifying Guatemala's willingness to defend itself and a
  pair of crossed swords representing honor and framed by a laurel
  wreath symbolizing victory; the blue bands stand for the Pacific
  Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and the sea and sky; the white band
  denotes peace and purity

Guernsey
  white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of
  England) extending to the edges of the flag and a yellow equal-armed
  cross of William the Conqueror superimposed on the Saint George
  cross; the red cross represents the old ties with England and the
  fact that Guernsey is a British Crown dependency; the gold cross is
  a replica of the one used by Duke William of Normandy at the Battle
  of Hastings

Guinea
  three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and
  green; red represents the people's sacrifice for liberation and
  work; yellow stands for the sun, for the riches of the earth, and
  for justice; green symbolizes the country's vegetation and unity
  note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors
  from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of
  neighboring Mali and Senegal

Guinea-Bissau
  two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green
  with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black
  five-pointed star centered in the red band; yellow symbolizes the
  sun; green denotes hope; red represents blood shed during the
  struggle for independence; the black star stands for African unity
  note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the flag
  design was heavily influenced by the Ghanian flag

Guyana
  green, with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist
  side) superimposed on a long, yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow,
  black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow, white border
  between the yellow and the green; green represents forest and
  foliage; yellow stands for mineral resources and a bright future;
  white symbolizes Guyana's rivers; red signifies zeal and the
  sacrifice of the people; black indicates perseverance

Haiti
  two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a
  centered white rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a
  palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing
  the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength); the colors
  are taken from the French Tricolor and represent the union of blacks
  and mulattoes

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  the flag of Australia is used

Holy See (Vatican City)
  two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side)
  and white with the arms of the Holy See, consisting of the crossed
  keys of Saint Peter surmounted by the three-tiered papal tiara,
  centered in the white band; the yellow color represents the pope's
  spiritual power, the white his worldly power

Honduras
  three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and
  blue, with five blue, five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern
  centered in the white band; the stars represent the members of the
  former Federal Republic of Central America - Costa Rica, El
  Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; the blue bands
  symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea; the white band
  represents the land between the two bodies of water and the peace
  and prosperity of its people
  note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round
  emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA
  CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of
  Nicaragua, which features a triangle encircled by the words
  REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom,
  centered in the white band

Hong Kong
  red with a stylized, white, five-petal Bauhinia flower in
  the center; each petal contains a small, red, five-pointed star in
  its middle; the red color is the same as that on the Chinese flag
  and represents the motherland; the fragrant Bauhinia - developed in
  Hong Kong the late 19th century - has come to symbolize the region;
  the five stars echo those on the flag of China

Hungary
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green;
  the flag dates to the national movement of the 18th and 19th
  centuries, and fuses the medieval colors of the Hungarian coat of
  arms with the revolutionary tricolor form of the French flag;
  folklore attributes virtues to the colors: red for strength, white
  for faithfulness, and green for hope; alternatively, the red is seen
  as being for the blood spilled in defense of the land, white for
  freedom, and green for the pasturelands that make up so much of the
  country

Iceland
  blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the
  edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the
  hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors
  represent three of the elements that make up the island: red is for
  the island's volcanic fires, white recalls the snow and ice fields
  of the island, and blue is for the surrounding ocean

India
  three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange)
  (top), white, and green, with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel)
  centered in the white band; saffron represents courage, sacrifice,
  and the spirit of renunciation; white signifies purity and truth;
  green stands for faith and fertility; the blue chakra symbolizes the
  wheel of life in movement and death in stagnation
  note: similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk
  centered in the white band

Indonesia
  two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the
  colors derive from the banner of the Majapahit Empire of the
  13th-15th centuries; red symbolizes courage, white represents purity
  note: similar to the flag of Monaco, which is shorter; also similar
  to the flag of Poland, which is white (top) and red

Iran
  three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red;
  the national emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah in
  the shape of a tulip, a symbol of martyrdom) in red is centered in
  the white band; ALLAH AKBAR (God is Great) in white Arabic script is
  repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11
  times along the top edge of the red band; green is the color of
  Islam and also represents growth, white symbolizes honesty and
  peace, red stands for bravery and martyrdom

Iraq
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
  the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great") in green
  Arabic script is centered in the white band; the band colors derive
  from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black),
  overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright
  future (white); the Council of Representatives approved this flag in
  2008 as a compromise temporary replacement for the Ba'athist
  Saddam-era flag
  note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two stars but no
  script, Yemen, which has a plain white band, and that of Egypt,
  which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the white band

Ireland
  three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and
  orange; officially the flag colors have no meaning, but a common
  interpretation is that the green represents the Irish nationalist
  (Gaelic) tradition of Ireland; orange represents the Orange
  tradition (minority supporters of William of Orange); white
  symbolizes peace (or a lasting truce) between the green and the
  orange
  note: similar to the flag of Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and has
  the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green; also
  similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors of
  green (hoist side), white, and red

Isle of Man
  red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (triskelion), in
  the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the
  knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of
  the flag, a two-sided emblem is used; the flag is based on the
  coat-of-arms of the last recognized Norse King of Mann, Magnus III
  (r. 1252-1265); the triskelion has its roots in an early Celtic sun
  symbol

Israel
  white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as
  the Magen David (Shield of David) centered between two equal
  horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag; the
  basic design resembles a Jewish prayer shawl (tallit), which is
  white with blue stripes; the hexagram as a Jewish symbol dates back
  to medieval times

Italy
  three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and
  red; design inspired by the French flag brought to Italy by Napoleon
  in 1797; colors are those of Milan (red and white) combined with the
  green uniform color of the Milanese civic guard
  note: similar to the flag of Mexico, which is longer, uses darker
  shades of red and green, and has its coat of arms centered on the
  white band; Ireland, which is longer and is green (hoist side),
  white, and orange; also similar to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire,
  which has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green

Jamaica
  diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles -
  green (top and bottom) and black (hoist side and outer side); green
  represents hope, vegetation, and agriculture, black reflects
  hardships overcome and to be faced, and yellow recalls golden
  sunshine and the island's natural resources

Jan Mayen
  the flag of Norway is used

Japan
  white with a large red disk (representing the sun without
  rays) in the center

Jersey
  white with a diagonal red cross extending to the corners of
  the flag; in the upper quadrant, surmounted by a yellow crown, a red
  shield with three lions in yellow; according to tradition, the ships
  of Jersey - in an attempt to differentiate themselves from English
  ships flying the horizontal cross of St. George - rotated the cross
  to the "X" (saltire) configuration; because this arrangement still
  resembled the Irish cross of St. Patrick, the yellow Plantagenet
  crown and Jersey coat of arms were added

Jordan
  three equal horizontal bands of black (top), representing the
  Abbassid Caliphate, white, representing the Ummayyad Caliphate, and
  green, representing the Fatimid Caliphate; a red isosceles triangle
  on the hoist side, representing the Great Arab Revolt of 1916, and
  bearing a small white seven-pointed star symbolizing the seven
  verses of the opening Sura (Al-Fatiha) of the Holy Koran; the seven
  points on the star represent faith in One God, humanity, national
  spirit, humility, social justice, virtue, and aspirations; design is
  based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I

Kazakhstan
  a gold sun with 32 rays above a soaring golden steppe
  eagle, both centered on a sky blue background; the hoist side
  displays a national ornamental pattern "koshkar-muiz" (the horns of
  the ram) in gold; the blue color is of religious significance to the
  Turkic peoples of the country, and so symbolizes cultural and ethnic
  unity; it also represents the endless sky as well as water; the sun,
  a source of life and energy, exemplifies wealth and plenitude; the
  sun's rays are shaped like grain, which is the basis of abundance
  and prosperity; the eagle has appeared on the flags of Kazakh tribes
  for centuries and represents freedom, power, and the flight to the
  future

Kenya
  three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green;
  the red band is edged in white; a large Maasai warrior's shield
  covering crossed spears is superimposed at the center; black
  symbolizes the majority population, red the blood shed in the
  struggle for freedom, green stands for natural wealth, and white for
  peace; the shield and crossed spears symbolize the defense of freedom

Kiribati
  the upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird flying
  over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half is blue with three
  horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the Pacific ocean; the
  white stripes represent the three island groups - the Gilbert, Line,
  and Phoenix Islands; the 17 rays of the sun represent the 16 Gilbert
  Islands and Banaba (formerly Ocean Island); the frigate bird
  symbolizes authority and freedom

Korea, North
  three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple
  width), and blue; the red band is edged in white; on the hoist side
  of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star; the
  broad red band symbolizes revolutionary traditions; the narrow white
  bands stands for purity, strength, and dignity; the blue bands
  signify sovereignty, peace, and friendship; the red star represents
  socialism

Korea, South
  white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the
  center; there is a different black trigram from the ancient I Ching
  (Book of Changes) in each corner of the white field; the Korean
  national flag is called Taegukki; white is a traditional Korean
  color and represents peace and purity; the blue section represents
  the negative cosmic forces of the yin, while the red symbolizes the
  opposite positive forces of the yang; each trigram (kwae) denotes
  one of the four universal elements, which together express the
  principle of movement and harmony

Kosovo
  centered on a dark blue field is the geographical shape of
  Kosovo in a gold color surmounted by six white, five-pointed stars
  arrayed in a slight arc; each star represents one of the major
  ethnic groups of Kosovo: Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Gorani, Roma, and
  Bosniaks

Kuwait
  three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red
  with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side; colors and design
  are based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I; green represents
  fertile fields, white stands for purity, red denotes blood on
  Kuwaiti swords, black signifies the defeat of the enemy

Kyrgyzstan
  red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays
  representing the 40 Kyrgyz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run
  counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the
  sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized
  representation of a "tunduk" - the crown of a traditional Kyrgyz
  yurt; red symbolizes bravery and valor, the sun evinces peace and
  wealth

Laos
  three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and
  red with a large white disk centered in the blue band; the red bands
  recall the blood shed for liberation; the blue band represents the
  Mekong River and prosperity; the white disk symbolizes the full moon
  against the Mekong River, but also signifies the unity of the people
  under the Pathet Lao, as well as the country's bright future

Latvia
  three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width),
  and maroon; the flag is one of the older banners in the world; a
  medieval chronicle mentions a red standard with a white stripe being
  used by Latvian tribes in about 1280

Lebanon
  three horizontal bands consisting of red (top), white
  (middle, double width), and red (bottom) with a green cedar tree
  centered in the white band; the red bands symbolize blood shed for
  liberation, the white band denotes peace, the snow of the mountains,
  and purity; the green cedar tree is the symbol of Lebanon and
  represents eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity

Lesotho
  three horizontal stripes of blue (top), white, and green in
  the proportions of 3:4:3; the colors represent rain, peace, and
  prosperity respectively; centered in the white stripe is a black
  Basotho hat representing the indigenous people; the flag was
  unfurled in October 2006 to celebrate 40 years of independence

Liberia
  11 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom)
  alternating with white; a white five-pointed star appears on a blue
  square in the upper hoist-side corner; the stripes symbolize the
  signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence; the blue
  square represents the African mainland, and the star represents the
  freedom granted to the ex-slaves; according to the constitution, the
  blue color signifies liberty, justice, and fidelity, the white color
  purity, cleanliness, and guilelessness, and the red color
  steadfastness, valor, and fervor
  note: the design is based on the US flag

Libya
  plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the
  state religion)

Liechtenstein
  two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with
  a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band; the colors may
  derive from the blue and red livery design used in the
  principality's household in the 18th century; the prince's crown was
  introduced in 1937 to distinguish the flag from that of Haiti

Lithuania
  three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and
  red; yellow symbolizes golden fields, as well as the sun, light, and
  goodness; green represents the forests of the countryside, in
  addition to nature, freedom, and hope; red stands for courage and
  the blood spilled in defense of the homeland

Luxembourg
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and
  light blue; similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a
  darker blue and is shorter; the coloring is derived from the Grand
  Duke's coat of arms (a red lion on a white and blue striped field)

Macau
  green with a lotus flower above a stylized bridge and water in
  white, beneath an arc of five gold, five-pointed stars: one large in
  the center of the arc and two smaller on either side; the lotus is
  the floral emblem of Macau, the three petals represent the peninsula
  and two islands that make up Macau; the five stars echo those on the
  flag of China

Macedonia
  a yellow sun (the Sun of Liberty) with eight broadening
  rays extending to the edges of the red field; the red and yellow
  colors have long been associated with Macedonia

Madagascar
  two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a
  vertical white band of the same width on hoist side; by tradition,
  red stands for sovereignty, green for hope, white for purity

Malawi
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), black, and green;
  a white sun disc is centered on the black band, its surrounding 45
  white rays extend partially into the red and green bands; black
  represents the native peoples, red the blood shed in their struggle
  for freedom, and green the color of nature; the sun represents
  Malawi's economic progress since attaining independence

Malaysia
  14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with
  white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side
  corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow 14-pointed star; the
  flag is often referred to as Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory); the
  14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13
  member states and the federal government; the 14 points on the star
  represent the unity between these entities; the crescent is a
  traditional symbol of Islam; blue symbolizes the unity of the Malay
  people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers
  note: the design is based on the flag of the US

Maldives
  red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a
  vertical white crescent moon; the closed side of the crescent is on
  the hoist side of the flag; red recalls those who have sacrificed
  their lives in defense of their country, the green rectangle
  represents peace and prosperity, and the white crescent signifies
  Islam

Mali
  three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and
  red
  note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors
  from left to right are the same as those of neighboring Senegal
  (which has an additional green central star) and the reverse of
  those on the flag of neighboring Guinea

Malta
  two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the
  upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross,
  edged in red; according to legend, the colors are taken from the red
  and white checkered banner of Count Roger of Sicily who removed a
  bi-colored corner and granted it to Malta in 1091; an uncontested
  explanation is that the colors are those of the Knights of Saint
  John who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798; in 1942, King George VI of
  the United Kingdom awarded the George Cross to the islanders for
  their exceptional bravery and gallantry in World War II; since
  independence in 1964, the George Cross bordered in red has appeared
  directly on the white field

Marshall Islands
  blue with two stripes radiating from the lower
  hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; a white star with four
  large rays and 20 small rays appears on the hoist side above the two
  stripes; blue represents the Pacific Ocean, the orange stripe
  signifies the Ralik Chain or sunset and courage, while the white
  stripe signifies the Ratak Chain or sunrise and peace; the star
  symbolizes the cross of Christianity, each of the 24 rays designates
  one of the electoral districts in the country and the four larger
  rays highlight the principal cultural centers of Majuro, Jaluit,
  Wotje, and Ebeye; the rising diagonal band can also be interpreted
  as representing the equator, with the star showing the archipelago's
  position just to the north

Mauritania
  green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow,
  horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the
  crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam;
  the gold color stands for the sands of the Sahara

Mauritius
  four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow,
  and green; red represents the blood shed for independence, blue the
  Indian Ocean surrounding the island, yellow has been interpreted as
  the new light of independence, golden sunshine, or the bright
  future, and green can symbolize either agriculture or the lush
  vegetation of the island

Mayotte
  unofficial, local flag with the coat of arms of Mayotte
  centered on a white field, above which the name of the island
  appears in red capital letters; the main elements of the coat of
  arms are a blue upper half with white upturned crescent moon and a
  red lower half with two yellow ylang-ylang flowers, supported on
  either side by a white seahorse, and set above a scroll with the
  motto RA HACHIRI (We are Vigilant)
  note: the flag of France used for official occasions

Mexico
  three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and
  red; Mexico's coat of arms (an eagle with a snake in its beak
  perched on a cactus) is centered in the white band; green signifies
  hope, joy, and love; white represents peace and honesty; red stands
  for hardiness, bravery, strength, and valor; the coat of arms is
  derived from a legend that the wandering Aztec people were to settle
  at a location where they would see an eagle on a catus eating a
  snake; the city they founded, Tenochtitlan, is now Mexico City
  note: similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter, uses lighter
  shades of red and green, and does not have anything in its white band

Micronesia, Federated States of light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the stars represent the four island groups of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap

Moldova
  three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and
  red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagle of gold outlined
  in black with a red beak and talons carrying a yellow cross in its
  beak and a green olive branch in its right talons and a yellow
  scepter in its left talons; on its breast is a shield divided
  horizontally red over blue with a stylized ox head, star, rose, and
  crescent all in black-outlined yellow; based on the color scheme of
  the flag of Romania - with whom Moldova shares a history and culture
  - but Moldova's blue band is lighter; the reverse of the flag does
  not display any coat of arms
  note: one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse
  and reverse sides - the others are Paraguay and Saudi Arabia

Monaco
  two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors
  are those of the ruling House of Grimaldi and have been in use since
  1339, making the flag one of the world's oldest national banners
  note: similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag
  of Poland which is white (top) and red

Mongolia
  three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), blue, and
  red; centered on the hoist-side red band in yellow is the national
  emblem ("soyombo" - a columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric
  representation for fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang
  symbol); blue represents the sky, red symbolizes progress and
  prosperity

Montenegro
  a red field bordered by a narrow golden-yellow stripe
  with the Montenegrin coat of arms centered; the arms consist of a
  double-headed golden eagle - symbolizing the unity of church and
  state - surmounted by a crown; the eagle holds a golden scepter in
  its right claw and a blue orb in its left; the breast shield over
  the eagle shows a golden lion passant on a green field in front of a
  blue sky; the lion is symbol of episcopal authority and harks back
  to the three and a half centuries that Montenegro was ruled as a
  theocracy

Montserrat
  blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
  quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer
  half of the flag; the arms feature a woman in green dress, Erin, the
  female personification of Ireland, standing beside a yellow harp and
  embracing a large dark cross with her right arm; Erin and the harp
  are symbols of Ireland reflecting the territory's Irish ancestry;
  blue represents awareness, trustworthiness, determination, and
  righteousness

Morocco
  red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known
  as Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal in the center of the flag; red and
  green are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red
  is more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian
  gulf; the pentacle represents the five pillars of Islam and
  signifies the association between God and the nation; design dates
  to 1912

Mozambique
  three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and
  yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the
  black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow
  five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black
  superimposed on an open white book; green represents the riches of
  the land, white peace, black the African continent, yellow the
  country's minerals, and red the struggle for independence; the rifle
  symbolizes defense and vigilance, the hoe refers to the country's
  agriculture, the open book stresses the importance of education, and
  the star represents Marxism and internationalism

Namibia
  a wide red stripe edged by narrow white stripes divides the
  flag diagonally from lower hoist corner to upper fly corner; the
  upper hoist-side triangle is blue and charged with a yellow,
  12-rayed sunburst; the lower fly-side triangle is green; red
  signifies the heroism of the people and their determination to build
  a future of equal opportunity for all; white stands for peace,
  unity, tranquility, and harmony; blue represents the Namibian sky
  and the Atlantic Ocean, the country's precious water resources and
  rain; the yellow sun denotes power and existence; green symbolizes
  vegetation and agricultural resources

Nauru
  blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the
  center and a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the
  hoist side; blue stands for the Pacific Ocean, the star indicates
  the country's location in relation to the Equator (the yellow
  stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru

Navassa Island
  the flag of the US is used

Nepal
  red with a blue border around the unique shape of two
  overlapping right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a
  white stylized moon and the larger, lower triangle displays a white
  12-pointed sun; the color red represents the rhododendron (Nepal's
  national flower) and is a sign of victory and bravery, the blue
  border signifies peace and harmony; the two right triangles are a
  combination of two single pennons (pennants) that originally
  symbolized the Himalaya Mountains while their charges represented
  the families of the king (upper) and the prime minister, but today
  they are understood to denote Hinduism and Buddhism, the country's
  two main religions; the moon represents the serenity of the Nepalese
  people and the shade and cool weather in the Himalayas, while the
  sun depicts the heat and higher temperatures of the lower parts of
  Nepal; the moon and the sun are also said to express the hope that
  the nation will endure as long as these heavenly bodies
  note: Nepal is the only country in the world whose flag is not
  rectangular or square

Netherlands
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and
  blue; similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue
  and is longer; the colors were those of WILLIAM I, Prince of Orange,
  who led the Dutch Revolt against Spanish sovereignty in the latter
  half of the 16th century; originally the upper band was orange, but
  because it tended to fade to red over time, the red shade was
  eventually made the permanent color; the banner is perhaps the
  oldest tricolor in continuous use

New Caledonia
  the flag of France is used

New Zealand
  blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
  quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in
  the outer half of the flag; the stars represent the Southern Cross
  constellation

Nicaragua
  three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and
  blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the
  coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE
  NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; the banner
  is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic
  of Central America; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and
  the Caribbean Sea, while the white band represents the land between
  the two bodies of water
  note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round
  emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA
  CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of
  Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern
  centered in the white band

Niger
  three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green
  with a small orange disk centered in the white band; the orange band
  denotes the drier northern regions of the Sahara; white stands for
  purity and innocence; green symbolizes hope and the fertile and
  productive southern and western areas, as well as the Niger River;
  the orange disc represents the sun and the sacrifices made by the
  people
  note: similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel
  centered in the white band

Nigeria
  three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and
  green; the color green represents the forests and abundant natural
  wealth of the country, white stands for peace and unity

Niue
  yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
  quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars -
  a large star on a blue disk in the center and a smaller star on each
  arm of the bold red cross; the larger star stands for Niue, the
  smaller stars recall the Southern Cross constellation on the New
  Zealand flag and symbolize links with that country; yellow
  represents the bright sunshine of Niue and the warmth and friendship
  between Niue and New Zealand

Norfolk Island
  three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white,
  and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in
  the slightly wider white band; green stands for the rich vegetation
  on the island, and the pine tree - endemic to the island - is a
  symbol of Norfolk Island
  note: somewhat reminiscent of the flag of Canada with its use of
  only two colors and depiction of a prominent local floral symbol in
  the central white band

Northern Mariana Islands
  blue, with a white, five-pointed star
  superimposed on a gray latte stone (the traditional foundation stone
  used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath; blue
  symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the star represents the Commonwealth;
  the latte stone and the floral head wreath display elements of the
  native Chamorro culture

Norway
  red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the
  edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the
  hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors
  recall Norway's past political unions with Denmark (red and white)
  and Sweden (blue)

Oman
  three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal width
  with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national
  emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed
  swords in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the
  vertical band; white represents peace and prosperity, red recalls
  battles against foreign invaders, and green symbolizes the Jebel
  Akhdar (Green Mountains) and fertility

Pakistan
  green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of
  religious minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and
  star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color
  green are traditional symbols of Islam

Palau
  light blue with a large yellow disk shifted slightly to the
  hoist side; the blue color represents the ocean, the disk represents
  the moon; Palauans consider the full moon to be the optimum time for
  human activity; it is also considered a symbol of peace, love, and
  tranquility

Panama
  divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are
  white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and
  plain red; the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and
  white with a red five-pointed star in the center; the blue and red
  colors are those of the main political parties (Conservatives and
  Liberals respectively) and the white denotes peace between them; the
  blue star stands for the civic virtues of purity and honesty, the
  red star signifies authority and law

Papua New Guinea
  divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner;
  the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise
  centered; the lower triangle is black with five, white, five-pointed
  stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered; red, black, and
  yellow are traditional colors of Papua New Guinea; the bird of
  paradise - endemic to the island of New Guinea - is an emblem of
  regional tribal culture and represents the emergence of Papua New
  Guinea as a nation; the Southern Cross, visible in the night sky,
  symbolizes Papua New Guinea's connection with Australia and several
  other countries in the South Pacific

Paraguay
  three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue
  with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the
  emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the
  left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star
  within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY,
  all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears
  a circular seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of
  Liberty and the words PAZ Y JUSTICIA (Peace and Justice)); red
  symbolizes bravery and patriotism, white represents integrity and
  peace, and blue denotes liberty and generosity
  note: the three color bands resemble those on the flag of the
  Netherlands; one of only three national flags that differ on their
  obverse and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Saudi Arabia

Peru
  three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red
  with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms
  features a shield bearing a vicuna (representing fauna), a cinchona
  tree (the source of quinine, signifying flora), and a yellow
  cornucopia spilling out coins (denoting mineral wealth); red recalls
  blood shed for independence, white symbolizes peace

Philippines
  two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red; a
  white equilateral triangle is based on the hoist side; the center of
  the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays; each
  corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star;
  blue stands for peace and justice, red symbolizes courage, the white
  equal-sided triangle represents equality; the rays recall the first
  eight provinces that sought independence from Spain, while the stars
  represent the three major geographical divisions of the country:
  Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the design of the flag dates to 1897
  note: in wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at
  the top

Pitcairn Islands
  blue with the flag of the UK in the upper
  hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered
  on the outer half of the flag; the green, yellow, and blue of the
  shield represents the island rising from the ocean; the green field
  features a yellow anchor surmounted by a bible (both the anchor and
  the bible were items found on the HMS Bounty); sitting on the crest
  is a Pitcairn Island wheelbarrow from which springs a slip of miro
  (a local plant)

Poland
  two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; colors
  derive from the Polish emblem - a white eagle on a red field
  note: similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red
  (top) and white

Portugal
  two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and
  red (three-fifths) with the national coat of arms (armillary sphere
  and Portuguese shield) centered on the dividing line; explanations
  for the color meanings are ambiguous, but a popular interpretation
  has green symbolizing hope and red the blood of those defending the
  nation

Puerto Rico
  five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom)
  alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist
  side bears a large, white, five-pointed star in the center; the
  white star symbolizes Puerto Rico; the three sides of the triangle
  signify the executive, legislative and judicial parts of the
  government; blue stands for the sky and the coastal waters; red
  symbolizes the blood shed by warriors, while white represents
  liberty, victory, and peace
  note: design initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the
  Cuban flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed

Qatar
  maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on
  the hoist side; maroon represents the blood shed in Qatari wars,
  white stands for peace; the nine-pointed serrated edge signifies
  Qatar as the ninth member of the "reconciled emirates" in the wake
  of the Qatari-British treaty of 1916
  note: the other eight emirates are the seven that compose the UAE
  and Bahrain; according to some sources, the dominant color was
  formerly red, but this darkened to maroon upon exposure to the sun
  and the new shade was eventually adopted

Romania
  three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and
  red; modeled after the flag of France, the colors are those of the
  principalities of Walachia (red and yellow) and Moldavia (red and
  blue), which united in 1861 to form Romania; the national coat of
  arms that used to be centered in the yellow band has been removed
  note: now similar to the flag of Chad, whose blue band is darker;
  also resembles the flags of Andorra and Moldova

Russia
  three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red
  note: the colors may have been based on those of the Dutch flag;
  despite many popular interpretations, there is no official meaning
  assigned to the colors of the Russian flag; this flag inspired other
  Slav countries to adopt horizontal tricolors of the same colors but
  in different arrangements, and so red, blue, and white became the
  Pan-Slav colors

Rwanda
  three horizontal bands of sky blue (top, double width),
  yellow, and green, with a golden sun with 24 rays near the fly end
  of the blue band; blue represents happiness and peace, yellow
  economic development and mineral wealth, green hope of prosperity
  and natural resources; the sun symbolizes unity, as well as
  enlightenment and transparency from ignorance

Saint Barthelemy
  the flag of France is used

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  blue with the flag of
  the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Saint Helenian
  shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the upper third of
  the shield depicts a white plover (wire bird) on a yellow field; the
  remainder of the shield depicts a rocky coastline on the left,
  offshore is a three-masted sailing ship with sails furled but flying
  an English flag

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  divided diagonally from the lower hoist side
  by a broad black band bearing two white, five-pointed stars; the
  black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the
  lower triangle is red; green signifies the island's fertility, red
  symbolizes the struggles of the people from slavery, yellow denotes
  year-round sunshine, and black represents the African heritage of
  the people; the white stars stand for the islands of Saint Kitts and
  Nevis, but can also express hope and liberty, or independence and
  optimism

Saint Lucia
  blue, with a gold isosceles triangle below a black
  arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border; the
  blue color represents the sky and sea, gold stands for sunshine and
  prosperity, and white and black the racial composition of the island
  (with the latter being dominant); the two major triangles invoke the
  twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), cone-shaped volcanic plugs
  that are a symbol of the island

Saint Martin
  the flag of France is used

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  a yellow three-masted sailing ship facing
  the hoist side rides on a blue background with scattered, white,
  wavy lines under the ship; a continuous black-over-white wavy line
  divides the ship from the white wavy lines; on the hoist side, a
  vertical band is divided into three parts: the top part (called
  ikkurina) is red with a green diagonal cross extending to the
  corners overlaid by a white cross dividing the rectangle into four
  sections; the middle part has a white background with an ermine
  pattern; the third part has a red background with two stylized
  yellow lions outlined in black, one above the other; these three
  heraldic arms represent settlement by colonists from the Basque
  Country (top), Brittany, and Normandy; the blue on the main portion
  of the flag symbolizes the Atlantic Ocean and the stylized ship
  represents the Grande Hermine in which Jacques Cartier "discovered"
  the islands in 1536
  note: the flag of France used for official occasions

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V pattern, which stands for Vincent; the diamonds recall the islands as the "Gems of the Antilles"; blue conveys the colors of a tropical sky and crystal waters, yellow signifies the golden Grenadine sands, and green represents lush vegetation

Samoa
  red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant
  bearing five white five-pointed stars representing the Southern
  Cross constellation; red stands for courage, blue represents
  freedom, and white signifies purity

San Marino
  two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue
  with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the main
  colors derive from the shield of the coat of arms, which features
  three white towers on three peaks on a blue field; the towers
  represent three castles built on San Marino's highest feature Mount
  Titano: Guaita, Cesta, and Montale; the coat of arms is flanked by a
  wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS
  (Liberty); the white and blue colors are also said to stand for
  peace and liberty respectively

Sao Tome and Principe
  three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow
  (double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed
  side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles
  triangle based on the hoist side; green stands for the country's
  rich vegetation, red recalls the struggle for independence, and
  yellow represents cocoa, one of the country's main agricultural
  products; the two stars symbolize the two main islands
  note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Saudi Arabia
  green, a traditional color in Islamic flags, with the
  Shahada or Muslim creed in large white Arabic script (translated as
  "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God") above a
  white horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist side); design
  dates to the early twentieth century and is closely associated with
  the Al Saud family which established the kingdom in 1932; the flag
  is manufactured with differing obverse and reverse sides so that the
  Shahada reads - and the sword points - correctly from right to left
  on both sides
  note: one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse
  and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Paraguay

Senegal
  three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow,
  and red with a small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow
  band; green represents Islam, progress, and hope; yellow signifies
  natural wealth and progress; red symbolizes sacrifice and
  determination; the star denotes unity and hope
  note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors
  from left to right are the same as those of neighboring Mali and the
  reverse of those on the flag of neighboring Guinea

Serbia
  three equal horizontal stripes of red (top), blue, and white
  - the Pan-Slav colors representing freedom and revolutionary ideals;
  charged with the coat of arms of Serbia shifted slightly to the
  hoist side; the principal field of the coat of arms represents the
  Serbian state and displays a white two-headed eagle on a red shield;
  a smaller red shield on the eagle represents the Serbian nation, and
  is divided into four quarters by a white cross; a white Cyrillic "C"
  in each quarter stands for the phrase "Only Unity Saves the Serbs";
  a royal crown surmounts the coat of arms
  note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of
  Russia

Seychelles
  five oblique bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, red,
  white, and green (bottom) radiating from the bottom of the hoist
  side; the oblique bands are meant to symbolize a dynamic new country
  moving into the future; blue represents sky and sea, yellow the sun
  giving light and life, red the peoples' determination to work for
  the future in unity and love, white social justice and harmony,
  green the land and natural environment

Sierra Leone
  three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and
  blue; green symbolizes agriculture, mountains, and natural
  resources, white represents unity and justice, and blue the sea and
  the natural harbor in Freetown

Singapore
  two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near
  the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent
  (closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five
  white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle; red denotes
  brotherhood and equality; white signifies purity and virtue; the
  waxing crescent moon symbolizes a young nation on the ascendancy;
  the five stars represent the nation's ideals of democracy, peace,
  progress, justice, and equality

Sint Maarten
  two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a
  white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the center of the
  triangle displays the Sint Maarten coat of arms; the arms consist of
  an orange-bordered blue shield prominently displaying the white
  court house in Philipsburg, as well as a bouquet of yellow sage (the
  national flower) in the upper left, and the silhouette of a
  Dutch-French friendship monument in the upper right; the shield is
  surmounted by a yellow rising sun in front of which is a Brown
  Pelican in flight; a yellow scroll below the shield bears the motto:
  SEMPER PROGREDIENS (Always Progressing); the three main colors are
  identical to those on the Dutch flag
  note: the flag somewhat resembles that of the Philippines, but with
  the main red and blue bands reversed; the banner more closely evokes
  the wartime Philippine flag

Slovakia
  three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red
  derive from the Pan-Slav colors; the Slovakian coat of arms
  (consisting of a red shield bordered in white and bearing a white
  Cross of Lorraine surmounting three blue hills) is centered over the
  bands but offset slightly to the hoist side
  note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of
  Russia

Slovenia
  three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red,
  derive from the medieval coat of arms of the Duchy of Carniola; the
  Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav, Slovenia's
  highest peak, in white against a blue background at the center;
  beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas and rivers, and
  above it are three six-pointed stars arranged in an inverted
  triangle, which are taken from the coat of arms of the Counts of
  Celje, the great Slovene dynastic house of the late 14th and early
  15th centuries) appears in the upper hoist side of the flag centered
  on the white and blue bands

Solomon Islands
  divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the
  lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue
  with five white five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern; the
  lower triangle is green; blue represents the ocean; green the land;
  and yellow sunshine; the five stars stand for the five main island
  groups of the Solomon Islands

Somalia
  light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the
  center; the blue field was originally influenced by the flag of the
  UN, but today is said to denote the sky and the neighboring Indian
  Ocean; the five points of the star represent the five regions in the
  horn of Africa that are inhabited by Somali people: the former
  British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland (which together make up
  Somalia), Djibouti, Ogaden (Ethiopia), and the Northern Frontier
  District (Kenya)

South Africa
  two equal width horizontal bands of red (top) and blue
  separated by a central green band that splits into a horizontal Y,
  the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side; the Y
  embraces a black isosceles triangle from which the arms are
  separated by narrow yellow bands; the red and blue bands are
  separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes;
  the flag colors do not have any official symbolism, but the Y stands
  for the "convergence of diverse elements within South African
  society, taking the road ahead in unity"; black, yellow, and green
  are found on the flag of the African National Congress, while red,
  white, and blue are the colors in the flags of the Netherlands and
  the UK, whose settlers ruled South Africa during the colonial era
  note: the South African flag is the only national flag to display
  six colors as part of its primary design

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  blue, with the flag of the
  UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the South Georgia and South
  Sandwich Islands coat of arms centered on the outer half of the
  flag; the coat of arms features a shield with a golden lion rampant,
  holding a torch; the shield is supported by a fur seal on the left
  and a Macaroni penguin on the right; a reindeer appears above the
  crest, and below the shield on a scroll is the motto LEO TERRAM
  PROPRIAM PROTEGAT (Let the Lion Protect its Own Land)); the lion
  with the torch represents the UK and discovery; the background of
  the shield, blue and white estoiles, are found in the coat of arms
  of James Cook, discoverer of the islands; all the outer supporting
  animals represented are native to the islands

Spain
  three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width),
  and red with the national coat of arms on the hoist side of the
  yellow band; the coat of arms is quartered to display the emblems of
  the traditional kingdoms of Spain (clockwise from upper left,
  Castile, Leon, Navarre, and Aragon) while Granada is represented by
  the stylized pomegranate at the bottom of the shield; the arms are
  framed by two columns representing the Pillars of Hercules, which
  are the two promontories (Gibraltar and Ceuta) on either side of the
  eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar; the red scroll across the
  two columns bears the imperial motto of "Plus Ultra" (further
  beyond) referring to Spanish lands beyond Europe; the triband
  arrangement with the center stripe twice the width of the outer
  dates to the 18th century
  note: the red and yellow colors are related to those of the oldest
  Spanish kingdoms: Aragon, Castile, Leon, and Navarre

Sri Lanka
  yellow with two panels; the smaller hoist-side panel has
  two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and orange; the other
  larger panel depicts a yellow lion holding a sword on a dark red
  rectangular field that also displays a yellow bo leaf in each
  corner; the yellow field appears as a border around the entire flag
  and extends between the two panels; the lion represents Sinhalese
  ethnicity, the strength of the nation, and bravery; the sword
  demonstrates the sovereignty of the nation; the four bo leaves -
  symbolizing Buddhism and its influence on the country - stand for
  the four virtues of kindness, friendliness, happiness, and
  equanimity; orange signifies Sri Lankan Tamils, green the Sri Lankan
  Moors; dark red represents the European Burghers, but also refers to
  the rich colonial background of the country; yellow denotes other
  ethnic groups; also referred to as the Lion Flag

Sudan
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black
  with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; colors and
  design based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I, but the
  meanings of the colors are expressed as follows: red signifies the
  struggle for freedom, white is the color of peace, light, and love,
  black represents Sudan itself (in Arabic 'Sudan' means black), green
  is the color of Islam, agriculture, and prosperity

Suriname
  five horizontal bands of green (top, double width), white,
  red (quadruple width), white, and green (double width); a large,
  yellow, five-pointed star is centered in the red band; red stands
  for progress and love; green symbolizes hope and fertility; white
  signifies peace, justice, and freedom; the star represents the unity
  of all ethnic groups; from its yellow light the nation draws
  strength to bear sacrifices patiently while working toward a golden
  future

Svalbard
  the flag of Norway is used

Swaziland
  three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width),
  and blue; the red band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band
  is a large black and white shield covering two spears and a staff
  decorated with feather tassels, all placed horizontally; blue stands
  for peace and stability, red represents past struggles, and yellow
  the mineral resources of the country; the shield, spears, and staff
  symbolize protection from the country's enemies, while the black and
  white of the shield are meant to portray black and white people
  living in peaceful coexistence

Sweden
  blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the
  flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in
  the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors reflect those
  of the Swedish coat of arms - three gold crowns on a blue field

Switzerland
  red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the
  center that does not extend to the edges of the flag; various
  medieval legends purport to describe the origin of the flag; a white
  cross used as identification for troops of the Swiss Confederation
  is first attested at the Battle of Laupen (1339)

Syria
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
  two small, green, five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered
  in the white band; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation
  flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody
  struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white); identical
  to the former flag of the United Arab Republic (1958-1961) where the
  two stars represented the constituent states of Syria and Egypt; the
  current design dates to 1980
  note: similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band,
  Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the white band,
  and that of Egypt, which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the
  white band

Taiwan
  red field with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side
  corner bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays; the blue and
  white design of the canton (symbolizing the sun of progress) dates
  to 1895; it was later adopted as the flag of the Kuomintang Party;
  blue signifies liberty, justice, and democracy; red stands for
  fraternity, sacrifice, and nationaliam, white represents equality,
  frankness, and the people's livelihood; the 12 rays of the sun are
  those of the months and the twelve traditional Chinese hours (each
  ray equals two hours)
  note: somewhat resembles the flag of Burma

Tajikistan
  three horizontal stripes of red (top), a wider stripe of
  white, and green; a gold crown surmounted by seven gold,
  five-pointed stars is located in the center of the white stripe; red
  represents the sun, victory, and the unity of the nation, white
  stands for purity, cotton, and mountain snows, while green is the
  color of Islam and the bounty of nature; the crown symbolizes the
  Tajik people; the seven stars signify the Tajik magic word "seven" -
  a symbol of perfection and the embodiment of happiness

Tanzania
  divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the
  lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green
  and the lower triangle is blue; the banner combines colors found on
  the flags of Tanganyika and Zanzibar; green represents the natural
  vegetation of the country, gold its rich mineral deposits, black the
  native Swahili people, and blue the country's many lakes and rivers,
  as well as the Indian Ocean

Thailand
  five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double
  width), white, and red; the red color symbolizes the nation and the
  blood of life; white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism;
  blue stands for the monarchy
  note: similar to the flag of Costa Rica but with the blue and red
  colors reversed

Timor-Leste
  red, with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist
  side) superimposed on a slightly longer yellow arrowhead that
  extends to the center of the flag; a white star - pointing to the
  upper hoist-side corner of the flag - is in the center of the black
  triangle; yellow denotes the colonialism in Timor-Leste's past;
  black represents the obscurantism that needs to be overcome; red
  stands for the national liberation struggle; the white star
  symbolizes peace and serves as a guiding light

Togo
  five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom)
  alternating with yellow; a white five-pointed star on a red square
  is in the upper hoist-side corner; the five horizontal stripes stand
  for the five different regions of the country; the red square is
  meant to express the loyalty and patriotism of the people; green
  symbolizes hope, fertility, and agriculture; yellow represents
  mineral wealth and faith that hard work and strength will bring
  prosperity; the star symbolizes life, purity, peace, dignity, and
  Togo's independence
  note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Tokelau
  a yellow stylized Tokelauan canoe on a dark blue field sails
  toward the manu - the Southern Cross constellation of four, white,
  five-pointed stars at the hoist side; the Southern Cross represents
  the role of Christianity in Tokelauan culture and symbolizes the
  country's navigating into the future, the color yellow indicates
  happiness and peace, and the blue field represents the ocean on
  which the community relies

Tonga
  red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper
  hoist-side corner; the cross reflects the deep-rooted Christianity
  in Tonga; red represents the blood of Christ and his sacrifice;
  white signifies purity

Trinidad and Tobago
  red with a white-edged black diagonal band from
  the upper hoist side to the lower fly side; the colors represent the
  elements of earth, water, and fire; black stands for the wealth of
  the land and the dedication of the people; white symbolizes the sea
  surrounding the islands, the purity of the country's aspirations,
  and equality; red symbolizes the warmth and energy of the sun, the
  vitality of the land, and the courage and friendliness of its people

Tunisia
  red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent
  nearly encircling a red five-pointed star; resembles the Ottoman
  flag (red banner with white crescent and star) and recalls Tunisia's
  history as part of the Ottoman Empire; red represents the blood shed
  by martyrs in the struggle against oppression, white stands for
  peace; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam
  note: the flag is based on that of Turkey, itself a successor state
  to the Ottoman Empire

Turkey
  red with a vertical white crescent moon (the closed portion
  is toward the hoist side) and white five-pointed star centered just
  outside the crescent opening; the flag colors and designs closely
  resemble those on the banner of Ottoman Empire, which preceded
  modern-day Turkey; the crescent moon and star serve as insignia for
  the Turks, as well as being traditional symbols of Islam; according
  to legend, the flag represents the reflection of the moon and a star
  in a pool of blood of Turkish warriors

Turkmenistan
  green field with a vertical red stripe near the hoist
  side, containing five tribal guls (designs used in producing
  carpets) stacked above two crossed olive branches; five white stars
  and a white crescent moon appear in the upper corner of the field
  just to the fly side of the red stripe; the green color and crescent
  moon represent Islam; the five stars symbolize the regions or
  welayats of Turkmenistan; the guls reflect the national identity of
  Turkmenistan where carpet-making has long been a part of traditional
  nomadic life
  note: the flag of Turkmenistan is the most intricate of all national
  flags

Turks and Caicos Islands
  blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper
  hoist-side quadrant and the colonial shield centered on the outer
  half of the flag; the shield is yellow and displays a conch shell, a
  spiny lobster, and Turks Head cactus - three common elements of the
  islands' biota

Tuvalu
  light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
  quadrant; the outer half of the flag represents a map of the country
  with nine yellow, five-pointed stars on a blue field symbolizing the
  nine atolls in the ocean

Uganda
  six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red,
  black, yellow, and red; a white disk is superimposed at the center
  and depicts a red-crested crane (the national symbol) facing the
  hoist side; black symbolizes the African people, yellow sunshine and
  vitality, red African brotherhood; the crane was the military badge
  of Ugandan soldiers under the UK

Ukraine
  two equal horizontal bands of azure (top) and golden yellow
  represent grain fields under a blue sky

United Arab Emirates
  three equal horizontal bands of green (top),
  white, and black with a wider vertical red band on the hoist side;
  the flag incorporates all four Pan-Arab colors, which in this case
  represent fertility (green), neutrality (white), petroleum resources
  (black), and unity (red); red was the traditional color incorporated
  into all flags of the emirates before their unification

United Kingdom
  blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron
  saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red
  cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is
  superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron
  saint of Scotland); properly known as the Union Flag, but commonly
  called the Union Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue
  Ensign) have been the basis for a number of other flags including
  other Commonwealth countries and their constituent states or
  provinces, and British overseas territories

United States
  13 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom)
  alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper
  hoist-side corner bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars
  arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and
  bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars represent
  the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies;
  the blue stands for loyalty, devotion, truth, justice, and
  friendship; red symbolizes courage, zeal, and fervency, while white
  denotes purity and rectitude of conduct; commonly referred to by its
  nickname of Old Glory
  note: the design and colors have been the basis for a number of
  other flags, including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and Puerto Rico

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  the flag of the US is
  used

Uruguay
  nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom)
  alternating with blue; a white square in the upper hoist-side corner
  with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May with
  16 rays that alternate between triangular and wavy; the stripes
  represent the nine original departments of Uruguay; the sun symbol
  evokes the legend of the sun breaking through the clouds on 25 May
  1810 as independence was first declared from Spain (Uruguay
  subsequently won its independence from Brazil)
  note: the banner was inspired by the national colors of Argentina
  and by the design of the US flag

Uzbekistan
  three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and
  green separated by red fimbriations with a white crescent moon
  (closed side to the hoist) and 12 white stars shifted to the hoist
  on the top band; blue is the color of the Turkic peoples and of the
  sky, white signifies peace and the striving for purity in thoughts
  and deeds, while green represents nature and is the color of Islam;
  the red stripes are the vital force of all living organisms that
  links good and pure ideas with the eternal sky and with deeds on
  earth; the crescent represents Islam and the 12 stars the months and
  constellations of the Uzbek calendar

Vanuatu
  two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a
  black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by
  a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two
  points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle);
  centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed
  namele fern fronds, all in yellow; red represents the blood of boars
  and men, green the richness of the islands, and black the ni-Vanuatu
  people; the yellow Y-shape - which reflects the pattern of the
  islands in the Pacific Ocean - symbolizes the light of the Gospel
  spreading through the islands; the boar's tusk is a symbol of
  prosperity frequently worn as a pendant on the islands; the fern
  fronds represent peace

Venezuela
  three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and
  red with the coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band and
  an arc of eight white five-pointed stars centered in the blue band;
  the flag retains the three equal horizontal bands and three main
  colors of the banner of Gran Colombia, the South American republic
  that broke up in 1830; yellow is interpreted as standing for the
  riches of the land, blue for the courage of its people, and red for
  the blood shed in attaining independence; the seven stars on the
  original flag represented the seven provinces in Venezuela that
  united in the war of independence; in 2006, President Hugo CHAVEZ
  ordered an eighth star added to the star arc - a decision that
  sparked much controversy

Vietnam
  red field with a large yellow five-pointed star in the
  center; red symbolizes revolution and blood, the five-pointed star
  represents the five elements of the populace - peasants, workers,
  intellectuals, traders, and soldiers - that unite to build socialism

Virgin Islands
  white field with a modified US coat of arms in the
  center between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms
  shows a yellow eagle holding an olive branch in its right talon and
  three arrows in the left with a superimposed shield of seven red and
  six white vertical stripes below a blue panel; white is a symbol of
  purity, the letters stand for the Virgin Islands

Wake Island
  the flag of the US is used

Wallis and Futuna
  unofficial, local flag has a red field with four
  white isosceles triangles in the middle, representing the three
  native kings of the islands and the French administrator; the apexes
  of the triangles are oriented inward and at right angles to each
  other; the flag of France, outlined in white on two sides, is in the
  upper hoist quadrant
  note: the design is derived from an original red banner with a white
  cross pattee that was introduced in the 19th century by French
  missionaries; the flag of France used for official occasions

Yemen
  three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
  the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent
  oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be
  replaced by a bright future (white)
  note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars in the
  white band, and of Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in
  the white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt, which has a
  heraldic eagle centered in the white band

Zambia
  green field with a panel of three vertical bands of red
  (hoist side), black, and orange below a soaring orange eagle, on the
  outer edge of the flag; green stands for the country's natural
  resources and vegetation, red symbolizes the struggle for freedom,
  black the people of Zambia, and orange the country's mineral wealth;
  the eagle represents the people's ability to rise above the nation's
  problems

Zimbabwe
  seven equal horizontal bands of green, yellow, red, black,
  red, yellow, and green with a white isosceles triangle edged in
  black with its base on the hoist side; a yellow Zimbabwe bird
  representing the long history of the country is superimposed on a
  red five-pointed star in the center of the triangle, which
  symbolizes peace; green represents agriculture, yellow mineral
  wealth, red the blood shed to achieve independence, and black stands
  for the native people

======================================================================

@2085

Field Listing :: Roadways

  This entry gives the total length of the road network and includes
  the length of the paved and unpaved portions.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Roadways(km)

Afghanistan
  total: 42,150 km
  paved: 12,350 km
  unpaved: 29,800 km (2006)

Albania
  total: 18,000 km
  paved: 7,020 km
  unpaved: 10,980 km (2002)

Algeria
  total: 108,302 km
  paved: 76,028 km (includes 645 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 32,274 km (2004)

American Samoa
  total: 241 km (2008)

Andorra
  total: 320 km (2008)

Angola
  total: 51,429 km
  paved: 5,349 km
  unpaved: 46,080 km (2001)

Anguilla
  total: 175 km
  paved: 82 km
  unpaved: 93 km (2004)

Antigua and Barbuda
  total: 1,165 km
  paved: 384 km
  unpaved: 781 km (2002)

Argentina
  total: 231,374 km
  paved: 69,412 km (includes 734 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 161,962 km (2004)

Armenia
  total: 8,888 km
  paved: 7,079 km (includes 1,561 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 1,809 km (2008)

Australia
  total: 812,972 km
  paved: 341,448 km
  unpaved: 471,524 km (2004)

Austria total: 107,262 km paved: 107,262 km (includes 1,696 km of expressways) (2006)

Azerbaijan
  total: 59,141 km
  paved: 29,210 km
  unpaved: 29,931 km (2004)

Bahamas, The
  total: 2,717 km
  paved: 1,560 km
  unpaved: 1,157 km (2002)

Bahrain
  total: 3,851 km
  paved: 3,121 km
  unpaved: 730 km (2007)

Bangladesh
  total: 239,226 km
  paved: 22,726 km
  unpaved: 216,500 km (2003)

Barbados
  total: 1,600 km
  paved: 1,600 km (2004)

Belarus
  total: 94,797 km
  paved: 84,028 km
  unpaved: 10,769 km (2005)

Belgium
  total: 152,256 km
  paved: 119,079 km (includes 1,763 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 33,177 km (2006)

Belize
  total: 3,007 km
  paved: 575 km
  unpaved: 2,432 km (2006)

Benin
  total: 16,000 km
  paved: 1,400 km
  unpaved: 14,600 km (2006)

Bermuda
  total: 447 km
  paved: 447 km
  note: public roads - 225 km; private roads - 222 km (2007)

Bhutan
  total: 8,050 km
  paved: 4,991 km
  unpaved: 3,059 km (2003)

Bolivia
  total: 62,479 km
  paved: 3,749 km
  unpaved: 58,730 km (2004)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  total: 21,846 km
  paved: 11,425 km (4,714 km of interurban roads)
  unpaved: 10,421 km (2006)

Botswana
  total: 25,798 km
  paved: 8,410 km
  unpaved: 17,388 km (2005)

Brazil
  total: 1,751,868 km
  paved: 96,353 km
  unpaved: 1,655,515 km (2004)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  note: short section of paved road
  between port and airfield on Diego Garcia

British Virgin Islands
  total: 200 km
  paved: 200 km (2007)

Brunei
  total: 2,971 km
  paved: 2,411 km
  unpaved: 560 km (2008)

Bulgaria
  total: 40,231 km
  paved: 39,587 km (includes 418 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 644 km (2008)

Burkina Faso
  total: 92,495 km
  paved: 3,857 km
  unpaved: 88,638 km (2004)

Burma
  total: 27,000 km
  paved: 3,200 km
  unpaved: 23,800 km (2006)

Burundi
  total: 12,322 km
  paved: 1,286 km
  unpaved: 11,036 km (2004)

Cambodia
  total: 38,093 km
  paved: 2,977 km
  unpaved: 35,116 km (2007)

Cameroon
  total: 50,000 km
  paved: 5,000 km
  unpaved: 45,000 km (2004)

Canada
  total: 1,042,300 km
  paved: 415,600 km (includes 17,000 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 626,700 km (2008)

Cape Verde
  total: 1,350 km
  paved: 932 km
  unpaved: 418 km (2000)

Cayman Islands total: 785 km paved: 785 km (2007)

Central African Republic
  total: 24,307 km (2000)

Chad
  total: 33,400 km
  paved: 267 km
  unpaved: 33,133 km (2002)

Chile
  total: 80,505 km
  paved: 16,745 km (includes 2,414 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 63,760 km (2004)

China
  total: 3,583,715 km (includes 53,913 km of expressways) (2007)

Christmas Island
  total: 140 km
  paved: 30 km
  unpaved: 110 km (2007)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  total: 22 km
  paved: 10 km
  unpaved: 12 km (2007)

Colombia
  total: 164,257 km (2005)

Comoros
  total: 880 km
  paved: 673 km
  unpaved: 207 km (2002)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  total: 153,497 km
  paved: 2,794 km
  unpaved: 150,703 km (2004)

Congo, Republic of the
  total: 17,289 km
  paved: 864 km
  unpaved: 16,425 km (2004)

Cook Islands
  total: 320 km
  paved: 33 km
  unpaved: 287 km (2003)

Costa Rica
  total: 35,330 km
  paved: 8,621 km
  unpaved: 26,709 km (2004)

Cote d'Ivoire
  total: 80,000 km
  paved: 6,500 km
  unpaved: 73,500 km
  note: includes intercity and urban roads; another 20,000 km of dirt
  roads are in poor condition and 150,000 km of dirt roads are
  impassable (2006)

Croatia
  total: 29,248 km (includes 1,043 km of expressways) (2008)

Cuba
  total: 60,858 km
  paved: 29,820 km (includes 638 km of expressway)
  unpaved: 31,038 km (2000)

Curacao
  total: 550 km

Cyprus
  total: 14,671 km
  12,321 km under government control (includes 257 km of expressways),
  2,350 km administered by Turkish Cypriots (2008)

Czech Republic
  total: 128,582 km
  paved: 128,582 km (includes 691 km of expressways) (2008)

Denmark
  total: 73,197 km
  paved: 73,197 km (includes 1,111 km of expressways) (2008)

Djibouti
  total: 3,065 km
  paved: 1,226 km
  unpaved: 1,839 km (2000)

Dominica
  total: 780 km
  paved: 393 km
  unpaved: 387 km (2000)

Dominican Republic
  total: 19,705 km
  paved: 9,872 km
  unpaved: 9,833 km (2002)

Ecuador
  total: 43,670 km
  paved: 6,472 km
  unpaved: 37,198 km (2006)

Egypt
  total: 65,050 km
  paved: 47,500 km
  unpaved: 17,550 km (2009)

El Salvador
  total: 10,886 km
  paved: 2,827 km (includes 327 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 8,059 km (2000)

Equatorial Guinea
  total: 2,880 km (2000)

Eritrea
  total: 4,010 km
  paved: 874 km
  unpaved: 3,136 km (2000)

Estonia
  total: 58,034 km
  paved: 34,936 km (includes 104 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 23,098 km (2009)

Ethiopia
  total: 36,469 km
  paved: 6,980 km
  unpaved: 29,489 km (2004)

European Union
  total: 5,919,704 km (2008)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) total: 440 km paved: 50 km unpaved: 390 km (2008)

Faroe Islands
  total: 463 km (2006)

Fiji
  total: 3,440 km
  paved: 1,692 km
  unpaved: 1,748 km (2000)

Finland
  total: 78,141 km
  paved: 50,914 km (includes 739 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 27,227 km (2009)

France
  total: 1,027,183 km (metropolitan France; includes 10,958 km
  of expressways)
  note: there are another 5,100 km of roadways in overseas departments
  (2007)

French Polynesia
  total: 2,590 km
  paved: 1,735 km
  unpaved: 855 km (1999)

Gabon
  total: 9,170 km
  paved: 937 km
  unpaved: 8,233 km (2004)

Gambia, The
  total: 3,742 km
  paved: 723 km
  unpaved: 3,019 km (2004)

Gaza Strip
  note: see entry for West Bank

Georgia
  total: 20,329 km
  paved: 7,854 km (includes 13 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 12,475 km (2006)

Germany
  total: 644,480 km
  paved: 644,480 km (includes 12,645 km of expressways)
  note: includes local roads (2008)

Ghana
  total: 62,221 km
  paved: 9,955 km
  unpaved: 52,266 km (2006)

Gibraltar
  total: 29 km
  paved: 29 km (2007)

Greece
  total: 117,533 km
  paved: 107,895 km (includes 880 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 9,638 km (2005)

Greenland
  note: although there are short roads in towns, there are
  no roads between towns; inter-urban transport takes place either by
  sea or air (2005)

Grenada
  total: 1,127 km
  paved: 687 km
  unpaved: 440 km (2000)

Guam
  total: 1,045 km (2008)

Guatemala
  total: 14,095 km
  paved: 4,863 km (includes 75 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 9,232 km (2000)

Guinea
  total: 44,348 km
  paved: 4,342 km
  unpaved: 40,006 km (2003)

Guinea-Bissau
  total: 3,455 km
  paved: 965 km
  unpaved: 2,490 km (2002)

Guyana
  total: 7,970 km
  paved: 590 km
  unpaved: 7,380 km (2000)

Haiti
  total: 4,160 km
  paved: 1,011 km
  unpaved: 3,149 km (2000)

Honduras
  total: 14,239 km
  paved: 3,159 km
  unpaved: 11,080 km (1,420 km summer only) (2009)

Hong Kong
  total: 2,050 km
  paved: 2,050 km (2009)

Hungary
  total: 160,057 km
  paved: 70,539 km (31,363 km of interurban roads including 858 km of
  expressways)
  unpaved: 89,518 km (2008)

Iceland
  total: 12,869 km
  paved/oiled gravel: 4,438 km (does not include urban roads)
  unpaved: 8,431 km (2009)

India
  total: 3,320,410 km (includes 200 km of expressways) (2009)

Indonesia
  total: 437,759 km
  paved: 258,744 km
  unpaved: 179,015 km (2008)

Iran
  total: 172,927 km
  paved: 125,908 km (includes 1,429 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 47,019 km (2006)

Iraq
  total: 44,900 km
  paved: 37,851 km
  unpaved: 7,049 km (2002)

Ireland total: 96,036 km paved: 96,036 km (includes 423 km of expressways) (2008)

Isle of Man total: 500 km (2008)

Israel
  total: 18,096 km
  paved: 18,096 km (includes 146 km of expressways) (2008)

Italy
  total: 487,700 km
  paved: 487,700 km (includes 6,700 km of expressways) (2007)

Jamaica
  total: 21,552 km
  paved: 15,937 km (includes 33 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 5,615 km (2005)

Japan
  total: 1,203,777 km
  paved: 961,366 km (includes 7,560 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 242,411 km (2008)

Jersey
  total: 576 km (2010)

Jordan total: 7,891 km paved: 7,891 km (2009)

Kazakhstan
  total: 93,612 km
  paved: 84,100 km
  unpaved: 9,512 km (2008)

Kenya
  total: 160,886 km
  paved: 11,197 km
  unpaved: 149,689 km (2008)

Kiribati
  total: 670 km (2000)

Korea, North
  total: 25,554 km
  paved: 724 km
  unpaved: 24,830 km (2006)

Korea, South
  total: 103,029 km
  paved: 80,642 km (includes 3,367 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 22,387 km (2008)

Kosovo
  total: 1,926 km
  paved: 1,668 km
  unpaved: 258 km (2009)

Kuwait
  total: 5,749 km
  paved: 4,887 km
  unpaved: 862 km (2004)

Kyrgyzstan
  total: 18,500 km
  paved: 16,909 km (includes 140 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 1,591 km (2003)

Laos
  total: 36,831 km
  paved: 4,811 km
  unpaved: 32,020 km (2007)

Latvia
  total: 73,074 km
  paved: 14,459 km
  unpaved: 58,615 km (2010)

Lebanon
  total: 6,970 km (includes 170 km of expressways) (2005)

Lesotho
  total: 7,091 km
  paved: 1,404 km
  unpaved: 5,687 km (2003)

Liberia
  total: 10,600 km
  paved: 657 km
  unpaved: 9,943 km (2000)

Libya
  total: 100,024 km
  paved: 57,214 km
  unpaved: 42,810 km (2003)

Liechtenstein
  total: 380 km
  paved: 380 km (2010)

Lithuania
  total: 81,030 km
  paved: 71,563 km (includes 309 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 9,467 km (2008)

Luxembourg
  total: 5,227 km
  paved: 5,227 km (includes 147 km of expressways) (2008)

Macau
  total: 413 km
  paved: 413 km (2009)

Macedonia
  total: 13,736 km (includes 216 km of expressways) (2009)

Madagascar
  total: 65,663 km
  paved: 7,617 km
  unpaved: 58,046 km (2003)

Malawi
  total: 15,451 km
  paved: 6,956 km
  unpaved: 8,495 km (2003)

Malaysia
  total: 98,721 km
  paved: 80,280 km (includes 1,821 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 18,441 km (2004)

Maldives
  total: 88 km
  paved roads: 88 km - 60 km in Male; 14 km on Addu Atolis; 14 km on
  Laamu
  note: village roads are mainly compacted coral (2006)

Mali
  total: 18,709 km
  paved: 3,368 km
  unpaved: 15,341 km (2004)

Malta
  total: 2,227 km
  paved: 2,014 km
  unpaved: 213 km (2005)

Marshall Islands
  total: 2,028 km (includes 75 km of expressways)
  (2007)

Mauritania total: 11,066 km paved: 2,966 km unpaved: 8,100 km (2006)

Mauritius total: 2,066 km paved: 2,066 km (includes 75 km of expressways) (2009)

Mexico
  total: 366,095 km
  paved: 132,289 km (includes 6,279 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 233,806 km (2008)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  total: 240 km
  paved: 42 km
  unpaved: 198 km (2000)

Moldova
  total: 9,343 km
  paved: 8,810 km
  unpaved: 533 km (2008)

Monaco
  total: 50 km
  paved: 50 km (2007)

Mongolia
  total: 49,250 km
  paved: 2,824 km
  unpaved: 46,426 km (includes 1,994 km with gravel surface and 1,874
  km with improved surface) (2009)

Montenegro
  total: 7,404 km
  paved: 4,927 km
  unpaved: 2,477 km (2008)

Montserrat
  note: volcanic eruptions that began in 1995 destroyed
  most of the 227 km road system; a new road infrastructure has been
  built in the north end of the island (2008)

Morocco
  total: 57,625 km
  paved: 35,664 km (includes 639 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 21,961 km (2006)

Mozambique
  total: 30,400 km
  paved: 5,685 km
  unpaved: 24,715 km (2000)

Namibia
  total: 64,189 km
  paved: 5,477 km
  unpaved: 58,712 km (2010)

Nauru
  total: 24 km
  paved: 24 km (2002)

Nepal
  total: 17,282 km
  paved: 10,142 km
  unpaved: 7,140 km (2007)

Netherlands
  total: 136,827 km (includes 2,582 km of expressways)
  (2008)

New Caledonia
  total: 5,622 km (2006)

New Zealand
  total: 93,911 km
  paved: 61,879 km (includes 172 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 32,032 km (2009)

Nicaragua
  total: 19,137 km
  paved: 2,033 km
  unpaved: 17,104 km (2009)

Niger
  total: 18,949 km
  paved: 3,912 km
  unpaved: 15,037 km (2008)

Nigeria
  total: 193,200 km
  paved: 28,980 km
  unpaved: 164,220 km (2004)

Niue
  total: 120 km
  paved: 120 km (2008)

Norfolk Island total: 80 km paved: 53 km unpaved: 27 km (2008)

Northern Mariana Islands
  total: 536 km (2008)

Norway
  total: 92,946 km
  paved: 72,033 km (includes 664 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 20,913 km (2007)

Oman
  total: 68,467 km
  paved: 23,223 km (includes 1,384 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 30,207 km (2008)

Pakistan
  total: 259,197 km
  paved: 172,827 km (includes 711 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 86,370 km (2007)

Panama
  total: 11,978 km
  paved: 4,300 km
  unpaved: 7,678 km (2002)

Papua New Guinea
  total: 9,349 km
  paved: 3,000 km
  unpaved: 6,349 km (2011)

Paraguay
  total: 29,500 km
  paved: 14,986 km
  unpaved: 14,514 km (2000)

Peru
  total: 102,887 km
  note: includes 23,838 km of national roads, 19,049 km of
  departmental roads, and 60,000 km of local roads (2007)

Philippines
  total: 201,910 km
  paved: 21,677 km
  unpaved: 180,233 km (2008)

Poland
  total: 423,997 km
  paved: 295,356 km (includes 765 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 128,641 km (2008)

Portugal
  total: 82,900 km
  paved: 71,294 km (includes 2,613 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 11,606 km (2008)

Puerto Rico
  total: 26,670 km
  paved: 25,337 km (includes 427 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 1,333 km (2008)

Qatar
  total: 7,790 km (2006)

Romania
  total: 198,817 km
  paved: 60,043 km (includes 281 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 138,774 km (2008)

Russia
  total: 982,000 km
  paved: 776,000 km (includes 30,000 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 206,000 km
  note: includes public, local, and departmental roads (2009)

Rwanda
  total: 14,008 km
  paved: 2,662 km
  unpaved: 11,346 km (2004)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  total: 198 km (Saint
  Helena 138 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 20 km)
  paved: 168 km (Saint Helena 118 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da
  Cunha 10 km)
  unpaved: 30 km (Saint Helena 20 km, Ascension 0 km, Tristan da Cunha
  10 km) (2002)

Saint Kitts and Nevis total: 383 km paved: 163 km unpaved: 220 km (2002)

Saint Lucia total: 1,210 km (2002)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  total: 117 km
  paved: 80 km
  unpaved: 37 km (2000)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  total: 829 km
  paved: 580 km
  unpaved: 249 km (2003)

Samoa
  total: 2,337 km
  paved: 332 km
  unpaved: 2,005 km (2001)

San Marino total: 292 km paved: 292 km (2006)

Sao Tome and Principe
  total: 320 km
  paved: 218 km
  unpaved: 102 km (2000)

Saudi Arabia
  total: 221,372 km
  paved: 47,529 km (includes 3,891 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 173,843 km (2006)

Senegal
  total: 13,576 km
  paved: 3,972 km (includes 7 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 9,604 km (2003)

Serbia
  total: 36,884 km
  paved: 31,938 km
  unpaved: 4,946 km (2007)

Seychelles
  total: 458 km
  paved: 440 km
  unpaved: 18 km (2003)

Sierra Leone
  total: 11,300 km
  paved: 904 km
  unpaved: 10,396 km (2002)

Singapore total: 3,356 km paved: 3,356 km (includes 161 km of expressways) (2009)

Sint Maarten
  total: 53 km

Slovakia
  total: 43,761 km
  paved: 38,085 km (includes 384 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 5,676 km (2008)

Slovenia total: 38,873 km paved: 38,873 km (includes 696 km of expressways) (2008)

Solomon Islands total: 1,360 km paved: 33 km unpaved: 1,327 km note: includes 800 km of private plantation roads (2002)

Somalia
  total: 22,100 km
  paved: 2,608 km
  unpaved: 19,492 km (2000)

South Africa
  total: 362,099 km
  paved: 73,506 km (includes 239 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 288,593 km (2002)

Spain
  total: 681,298 km
  paved: 681,298 km (includes 15,152 km of expressways) (2008)

Sri Lanka
  total: 91,907 km (2008)

Sudan
  total: 11,900 km
  paved: 4,320 km
  unpaved: 7,580 km (2000)

Suriname
  total: 4,304 km
  paved: 1,130 km
  unpaved: 3,174 km (2003)

Swaziland
  total: 3,594 km
  paved: 1,078 km
  unpaved: 2,516 km (2002)

Sweden
  total: 572,900 km (includes 1,855 km of expressways)
  note: (includes 98,400 km of state roads, 433,500 km of private
  roads, and 41,000 km of muncipal roads; 215,700 km of these are open
  to public traffic) (2009)

Switzerland
  total: 71,384 km
  paved: 71,384 km (includes 1,793 of expressways) (2009)

Syria
  total: 97,401 km
  paved: 19,490 km (includes 1,103 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 77,911 km (2006)

Taiwan
  total: 41,279 km
  paved: 40,843 km (includes 976 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 436 km (2008)

Tajikistan
  total: 27,767 km (2000)

Tanzania total: 78,892 km paved: 4,741 km unpaved: 74,151 km (2007)

Thailand total: 180,053 km (includes 450 km of expressways) (2006)

Timor-Leste
  total: 6,040 km
  paved: 2,600 km
  unpaved: 3,440 km (2005)

Togo
  total: 7,520 km
  paved: 2,376 km
  unpaved: 5,144 km (2000)

Tonga
  total: 680 km
  paved: 184 km
  unpaved: 496 km (2000)

Trinidad and Tobago
  total: 8,320 km
  paved: 4,252 km
  unpaved: 4,068 km (2000)

Tunisia
  total: 19,232 km
  paved: 12,655 km (includes 262 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 6,577 km (2006)

Turkey
  total: 352,046 km
  paved: 313,151 km (includes 2,010 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 38,895 km (2008)

Turkmenistan
  total: 58,592 km
  paved: 47,577 km
  unpaved: 11,015 km (2002)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  total: 121 km
  paved: 24 km
  unpaved: 97 km (2003)

Tuvalu
  total: 8 km
  paved: 8 km (2002)

Uganda
  total: 70,746 km
  paved: 16,272 km
  unpaved: 54,474 km (2003)

Ukraine
  total: 169,495 km
  paved: 165,820 km (includes 15 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 3,675 km (2009)

United Arab Emirates
  total: 4,080 km
  paved: 4,080 km (includes 253 km of expressways) (2008)

United Kingdom
  total: 394,428 km
  paved: 394,428 km (includes 3,519 km of expressways) (2009)

United States
  total: 6,506,204 km
  paved: 4,374,784 km (includes 75,238 km of expressways)
  unpaved: 2,131,420 km (2008)

Uruguay
  total: 77,732 km
  paved: 7,743 km
  unpaved: 69,989 km (2010)

Uzbekistan
  total: 86,496 km
  paved: 75,511 km
  unpaved: 10,985 km (2000)

Vanuatu
  total: 1,070 km
  paved: 256 km
  unpaved: 814 km (1999)

Venezuela
  total: 96,155 km
  paved: 32,308 km
  unpaved: 63,847 km (2002)

Vietnam
  total: 171,392 km
  paved: 125,789 km
  unpaved: 45,603 km (2008)

Virgin Islands
  total: 1,260 km (2008)

West Bank total: 5,147 km paved: 5,147 km note: includes Gaza Strip (2006)

World
  total: 102,260,304 km (2008)

Yemen
  total: 71,300 km
  paved: 6,200 km
  unpaved: 65,100 km (2005)

Zambia
  total: 91,440 km
  paved: 20,117 km
  unpaved: 71,323 km (2001)

Zimbabwe
  total: 97,267 km
  paved: 18,481 km
  unpaved: 78,786 km (2002)

======================================================================

@2086

Field Listing :: Illicit drugs

This entry gives information on the five categories of illicit drugs - narcotics, stimulants, depressants (sedatives), hallucinogens, and cannabis. These categories include many drugs legally produced and prescribed by doctors as well as those illegally produced and sold outside of medical channels. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is the common hemp plant, which provides hallucinogens with some sedative properties, and includes marijuana (pot, Acapulco gold, grass, reefer), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, Marinol), hashish (hash), and hashish oil (hash oil). Coca (mostly Erythroxylum coca) is a bush with leaves that contain the stimulant used to make cocaine. Coca is not to be confused with cocoa, which comes from cacao seeds and is used in making chocolate, cocoa, and cocoa butter. Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca bush. Depressants (sedatives) are drugs that reduce tension and anxiety and include chloral hydrate, barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (Librium, Valium), methaqualone (Quaalude), glutethimide (Doriden), and others (Equanil, Placidyl, Valmid). Drugs are any chemical substances that effect a physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral change in an individual. Drug abuse is the use of any licit or illicit chemical substance that results in physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral impairment in an individual. Hallucinogens are drugs that affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness, and emotion. Hallucinogens include LSD (acid, microdot), mescaline and peyote (mexc, buttons, cactus), amphetamine variants (PMA, STP, DOB), phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust, hog), phencyclidine analogues (PCE, PCPy, TCP), and others (psilocybin, psilocyn). Hashish is the resinous exudate of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Heroin is a semisynthetic derivative of morphine. Mandrax is a trade name for methaqualone, a pharmaceutical depressant. Marijuana is the dried leaf of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Methaqualone is a pharmaceutical depressant, referred to as mandrax in Southwest Asia and Africa. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain, often induce sleep, and refer to opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic substitutes. Natural narcotics include opium (paregoric, parepectolin), morphine (MS-Contin, Roxanol), codeine (Tylenol with codeine, Empirin with codeine, Robitussin AC), and thebaine. Semisynthetic narcotics include heroin (horse, smack), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Synthetic narcotics include meperidine or Pethidine (Demerol, Mepergan), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), and others (Darvon, Lomotil). Opium is the brown, gummy exudate of the incised, unripe seedpod of the opium poppy. Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is the source for the natural and semisynthetic narcotics. Poppy straw is the entire cut and dried opium poppy-plant material, other than the seeds. Opium is extracted from poppy straw in commercial operations that produce the drug for medical use. Qat (kat, khat) is a stimulant from the buds or leaves of Catha edulis that is chewed or drunk as tea. Quaaludes is the North American slang term for methaqualone, a pharmaceutical depressant. Stimulants are drugs that relieve mild depression, increase energy and activity, and include cocaine (coke, snow, crack), amphetamines (Desoxyn, Dexedrine), ephedrine, ecstasy (clarity, essence, doctor, Adam), phenmetrazine (Preludin), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and others (Cylert, Sanorex, Tenuate). Country

Illicit drugs

Afghanistan
  world's largest producer of opium; poppy cultivation
  decreased 22% to 157,000 hectares in 2008 but remains at a
  historically high level; less favorable growing conditions in 2008
  reduced potential opium production to 5,500 metric tons, down 31
  percent from 2007; if the entire opium crop were processed, 648
  metric tons of pure heroin potentially could be produced; the
  Taliban and other antigovernment groups participate in and profit
  from the opiate trade, which is a key source of revenue for the
  Taliban inside Afghanistan; widespread corruption and instability
  impede counterdrug efforts; most of the heroin consumed in Europe
  and Eurasia is derived from Afghan opium; vulnerable to drug money
  laundering through informal financial networks; regional source of
  hashish (2008)

Albania
  increasingly active transshipment point for Southwest Asian
  opiates, hashish, and cannabis transiting the Balkan route and - to
  a lesser extent - cocaine from South America destined for Western
  Europe; limited opium and expanding cannabis production; ethnic
  Albanian narcotrafficking organizations active and expanding in
  Europe; vulnerable to money laundering associated with regional
  trafficking in narcotics, arms, contraband, and illegal aliens

Angola
  used as a transshipment point for cocaine destined for
  Western Europe and other African states, particularly South Africa

Anguilla
  transshipment point for South American narcotics destined
  for the US and Europe

Antigua and Barbuda
  considered a minor transshipment point for
  narcotics bound for the US and Europe; more significant as an
  offshore financial center

Argentina
  a transshipment country for cocaine headed for Europe,
  heroin headed for the US, and ephedrine and pseudoephedrine headed
  for Mexico; some money-laundering activity, especially in the
  Tri-Border Area; law enforcement corruption; a source for precursor
  chemicals; increasing domestic consumption of drugs in urban
  centers, especially cocaine base and synthetic drugs (2008)

Armenia
  illicit cultivation of small amount of cannabis for domestic
  consumption; minor transit point for illicit drugs - mostly opium
  and hashish - moving from Southwest Asia to Russia and to a lesser
  extent the rest of Europe

Aruba
  transit point for US- and Europe-bound narcotics with some
  accompanying money-laundering activity; relatively high percentage
  of population consumes cocaine

Australia
  Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit
  opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of
  opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate; major
  consumer of cocaine and amphetamines

Austria
  transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and South
  American cocaine destined for Western Europe; increasing consumption
  of European-produced synthetic drugs

Azerbaijan
  limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy,
  mostly for CIS consumption; small government eradication program;
  transit point for Southwest Asian opiates bound for Russia and to a
  lesser extent the rest of Europe

Bahamas, The
  transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for
  US and Europe; offshore financial center

Bangladesh
  transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring
  countries

Barbados
  one of many Caribbean transshipment points for narcotics
  bound for Europe and the US; offshore financial center

Belarus
  limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for
  the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to and
  via Russia, and to the Baltics and Western Europe; a small and
  lightly regulated financial center; anti-money-laundering
  legislation does not meet international standards and was weakened
  further when know-your-customer requirements were curtailed in 2008;
  few investigations or prosecutions of money-laundering activities
  (2008)

Belgium
  growing producer of synthetic drugs and cannabis; transit
  point for US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South
  American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine,
  heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe; despite a
  strengthening of legislation, the country remains vulnerable to
  money laundering related to narcotics, automobiles, alcohol, and
  tobacco; significant domestic consumption of ecstasy

Belize
  transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer
  of cannabis, primarily for local consumption; offshore sector
  money-laundering activity related to narcotics trafficking and other
  crimes (2008)

Benin
  transshipment point used by traffickers for cocaine destined
  for Western Europe; vulnerable to money laundering due to poorly
  enforced financial regulations (2008)

Bolivia
  world's third-largest cultivator of coca (after Colombia and
  Peru) with an estimated 29,500 hectares under cultivation in 2007,
  increased slightly when compared to 2006; third largest producer of
  cocaine, estimated at 120 metric tons potential pure cocaine in
  2007; transit country for Peruvian and Colombian cocaine destined
  for Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Europe; cultivation
  generally increasing since 2000, despite eradication and alternative
  crop programs; weak border controls; some money-laundering activity
  related to narcotics trade; major cocaine consumption (2008)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  increasingly a transit point for heroin being
  trafficked to Western Europe; minor transit point for marijuana;
  remains highly vulnerable to money-laundering activity given a
  primarily cash-based and unregulated economy, weak law enforcement,
  and instances of corruption

Brazil
  second-largest consumer of cocaine in the world; illicit
  producer of cannabis; trace amounts of coca cultivation in the
  Amazon region, used for domestic consumption; government has a
  large-scale eradication program to control cannabis; important
  transshipment country for Bolivian, Colombian, and Peruvian cocaine
  headed for Europe; also used by traffickers as a way station for
  narcotics air transshipments between Peru and Colombia; upsurge in
  drug-related violence and weapons smuggling; important market for
  Colombian, Bolivian, and Peruvian cocaine; illicit narcotics
  proceeds are often laundered through the financial system;
  significant illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area (2008)

British Virgin Islands
  transshipment point for South American
  narcotics destined for the US and Europe; large offshore financial
  center makes it vulnerable to money laundering

Brunei
  drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled
  substances are serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory
  death penalty

Bulgaria
  major European transshipment point for Southwest Asian
  heroin and, to a lesser degree, South American cocaine for the
  European market; limited producer of precursor chemicals; vulnerable
  to money laundering because of corruption, organized crime; some
  money laundering of drug-related proceeds through financial
  institutions (2008)

Burma
  remains world's second largest producer of illicit opium with
  an estimated production in 2008 of 340 metric tons, an increase of
  26%, and poppy cultivation in 2008 totaled 22,500 hectares, a 4%
  increase from 2007; production in the United Wa State Army's areas
  of greatest control remains low; Shan state is the source of 94% of
  Burma's poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major
  narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money
  laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major
  source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2008)

Cambodia
  narcotics-related corruption reportedly involving some in
  the government, military, and police; limited methamphetamine
  production; vulnerable to money laundering due to its cash-based
  economy and porous borders

Canada
  illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market and
  export to US; use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant
  large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; increasing
  ecstasy production, some of which is destined for the US; vulnerable
  to narcotics money laundering because of its mature financial
  services sector

Cape Verde
  used as a transshipment point for Latin American cocaine
  destined for Western Europe, particularly because of Lusophone links
  to Brazil, Portugal, and Guinea-Bissau; has taken steps to deter
  drug money laundering, including a 2002 anti-money laundering reform
  that criminalizes laundering the proceeds of narcotics trafficking
  and other crimes and the establishment in 2008 of a Financial
  Intelligence Unit (2008)

Cayman Islands
  major offshore financial center; vulnerable to drug
  transshipment to the US and Europe (2008)

Chile
  transshipment country for cocaine destined for Europe and the
  region; some money laundering activity, especially through the
  Iquique Free Trade Zone; imported precursors passed on to Bolivia;
  domestic cocaine consumption is rising, making Chile a significant
  consumer of cocaine (2008)

China
  major transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden
  Triangle region of Southeast Asia; growing domestic consumption of
  synthetic drugs, and heroin from Southeast and Southwest Asia;
  source country for methamphetamine and heroin chemical precursors,
  despite new regulations on its large chemical industry (2008)

Colombia
  illicit producer of coca, opium poppy, and cannabis;
  world's leading coca cultivator with 167,000 hectares in coca
  cultivation in 2007, a 6% increase over 2006, producing a potential
  of 535 mt of pure cocaine; the world's largest producer of coca
  derivatives; supplies cocaine to nearly all of the US market and the
  great majority of other international drug markets; in 2005, aerial
  eradication dispensed herbicide to treat over 130,000 hectares but
  aggressive replanting on the part of coca growers means Colombia
  remains a key producer; a significant portion of narcotics proceeds
  are either laundered or invested in Colombia through the black
  market peso exchange; important supplier of heroin to the US market;
  opium poppy cultivation is estimated to have fallen 25% between 2006
  and 2007; most Colombian heroin is destined for the US market (2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the one of Africa's biggest producers of cannabis, but mostly for domestic consumption; traffickers exploit lax shipping controls to transit pseudoephedrine through the capital; while rampant corruption and inadequate supervision leaves the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center (2008)

Costa Rica
  transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South
  America; illicit production of cannabis in remote areas; domestic
  cocaine consumption, particularly crack cocaine, is rising;
  significant consumption of amphetamines; seizures of smuggled cash
  in Costa Rica and at the main border crossing to enter Costa Rica
  from Nicaragua have risen in recent years (2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
  illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for local
  consumption; utility as a narcotic transshipment point to Europe
  reduced by ongoing political instability; while rampant corruption
  and inadequate supervision leave the banking system vulnerable to
  money laundering, the lack of a developed financial system limits
  the country's utility as a major money-laundering center (2008)

Croatia
  transit point along the Balkan route for Southwest Asian
  heroin to Western Europe; has been used as a transit point for
  maritime shipments of South American cocaine bound for Western
  Europe (2008)

Cuba
  territorial waters and air space serve as transshipment zone
  for US- and European-bound drugs; established the death penalty for
  certain drug-related crimes in 1999 (2008)

Cyprus
  minor transit point for heroin and hashish via air routes and
  container traffic to Europe, especially from Lebanon and Turkey;
  some cocaine transits as well; despite a strengthening of
  anti-money-laundering legislation, remains vulnerable to money
  laundering; reporting of suspicious transactions in offshore sector
  remains weak (2008)

Czech Republic
  transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and
  minor transit point for Latin American cocaine to Western Europe;
  producer of synthetic drugs for local and regional markets;
  susceptible to money laundering related to drug trafficking,
  organized crime; significant consumer of ecstasy (2008)

Dominica
  transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and
  Europe; minor cannabis producer (2008)

Dominican Republic
  transshipment point for South American drugs
  destined for the US and Europe; has become a transshipment point for
  ecstasy from the Netherlands and Belgium destined for US and Canada;
  substantial money laundering activity in particular by Colombian
  narcotics traffickers; significant amphetamine consumption (2008)

Ecuador
  significant transit country for cocaine originating in
  Colombia and Peru, with much of the US-bound cocaine passing through
  Ecuadorian Pacific waters; importer of precursor chemicals used in
  production of illicit narcotics; attractive location for
  cash-placement by drug traffickers laundering money because of
  dollarization and weak anti-money-laundering regime; increased
  activity on the northern frontier by trafficking groups and
  Colombian insurgents (2008)

Egypt
  transit point for cannabis, heroin, and opium moving to
  Europe, Israel, and North Africa; transit stop for Nigerian drug
  couriers; concern as money laundering site due to lax enforcement of
  financial regulations

El Salvador
  transshipment point for cocaine; small amounts of
  marijuana produced for local consumption; significant use of cocaine

Estonia
  growing producer of synthetic drugs; increasingly important
  transshipment zone for cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and synthetic
  drugs since joining the European Union and the Schengen Accord;
  potential money laundering related to organized crime and drug
  trafficking is a concern, as is possible use of the gambling sector
  to launder funds; major use of opiates and ecstasy

Ethiopia
  transit hub for heroin originating in Southwest and
  Southeast Asia and destined for Europe, as well as cocaine destined
  for markets in southern Africa; cultivates qat (khat) for local use
  and regional export, principally to Djibouti and Somalia (legal in
  all three countries); the lack of a well-developed financial system
  limits the country's utility as a money laundering center

France
  metropolitan France: transshipment point for South American
  cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and European synthetics
  French Guiana: small amount of marijuana grown for local
  consumption; minor transshipment point to Europe
  Martinique: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for
  the US and Europe

Georgia
  limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for
  domestic consumption; used as transshipment point for opiates via
  Central Asia to Western Europe and Russia

Germany
  source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine
  processors; transshipment point for and consumer of Southwest Asian
  heroin, Latin American cocaine, and European-produced synthetic
  drugs; major financial center

Ghana
  illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;
  major transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and, to a
  lesser extent, South American cocaine destined for Europe and the
  US; widespread crime and money laundering problem, but the lack of a
  well developed financial infrastructure limits the country's utility
  as a money laundering center; significant domestic cocaine and
  cannabis use

Greece
  a gateway to Europe for traffickers smuggling cannabis and
  heroin from the Middle East and Southwest Asia to the West and
  precursor chemicals to the East; some South American cocaine
  transits or is consumed in Greece; money laundering related to drug
  trafficking and organized crime

Grenada
  small-scale cannabis cultivation; lesser transshipment point
  for marijuana and cocaine to US

Guatemala
  major transit country for cocaine and heroin; in 2005,
  cultivated 100 hectares of opium poppy after reemerging as a
  potential source of opium in 2004; potential production of less than
  1 metric ton of pure heroin; marijuana cultivation for mostly
  domestic consumption; proximity to Mexico makes Guatemala a major
  staging area for drugs (particularly for cocaine); money laundering
  is a serious problem; corruption is a major problem

Guinea-Bissau
  increasingly important transit country for South
  American cocaine enroute to Europe; enabling environment for
  trafficker operations thanks to pervasive corruption;
  archipelago-like geography around the capital facilitates drug
  smuggling

Guyana
  transshipment point for narcotics from South America -
  primarily Venezuela - to Europe and the US; producer of cannabis;
  rising money laundering related to drug trafficking and human
  smuggling

Haiti
  Caribbean transshipment point for cocaine en route to the US
  and Europe; substantial bulk cash smuggling activity; Colombian
  narcotics traffickers favor Haiti for illicit financial
  transactions; pervasive corruption; significant consumer of cannabis

Honduras
  transshipment point for drugs and narcotics; illicit
  producer of cannabis, cultivated on small plots and used principally
  for local consumption; corruption is a major problem; some
  money-laundering activity

Hong Kong
  despite strenuous law enforcement efforts, faces difficult
  challenges in controlling transit of heroin and methamphetamine to
  regional and world markets; modern banking system provides conduit
  for money laundering; rising indigenous use of synthetic drugs,
  especially among young people

Hungary
  transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and cannabis
  and for South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; limited
  producer of precursor chemicals, particularly for amphetamine and
  methamphetamine; efforts to counter money laundering, related to
  organized crime and drug trafficking are improving but remain
  vulnerable; significant consumer of ecstasy

India
  world's largest producer of licit opium for the pharmaceutical
  trade, but an undetermined quantity of opium is diverted to illicit
  international drug markets; transit point for illicit narcotics
  produced in neighboring countries and throughout Southwest Asia;
  illicit producer of methaqualone; vulnerable to narcotics money
  laundering through the hawala system; licit ketamine and precursor
  production

Indonesia
  illicit producer of cannabis largely for domestic use;
  producer of methamphetamine and ecstasy

Iran
  despite substantial interdiction efforts and considerable
  control measures along the border with Afghanistan, Iran remains one
  of the primary transshipment routes for Southwest Asian heroin to
  Europe; suffers one of the highest opiate addiction rates in the
  world, and has an increasing problem with synthetic drugs; lacks
  anti-money laundering laws; has reached out to neighboring countries
  to share counter-drug intelligence

Ireland
  transshipment point for and consumer of hashish from North
  Africa to the UK and Netherlands and of European-produced synthetic
  drugs; increasing consumption of South American cocaine; minor
  transshipment point for heroin and cocaine destined for Western
  Europe; despite recent legislation, narcotics-related money
  laundering - using bureaux de change, trusts, and shell companies
  involving the offshore financial community - remains a concern

Israel
  increasingly concerned about ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin
  abuse; drugs arrive in country from Lebanon and, increasingly, from
  Jordan; money-laundering center

Italy
  important gateway for and consumer of Latin American cocaine
  and Southwest Asian heroin entering the European market; money
  laundering by organized crime and from smuggling

Jamaica
  transshipment point for cocaine from South America to North
  America and Europe; illicit cultivation and consumption of cannabis;
  government has an active manual cannabis eradication program;
  corruption is a major concern; substantial money-laundering
  activity; Colombian narcotics traffickers favor Jamaica for illicit
  financial transactions

Kazakhstan
  significant illicit cultivation of cannabis for CIS
  markets, as well as limited cultivation of opium poppy and ephedra
  (for the drug ephedrine); limited government eradication of illicit
  crops; transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia
  and the rest of Europe; significant consumer of opiates

Kenya
  widespread harvesting of small plots of marijuana; transit
  country for South Asian heroin destined for Europe and North
  America; Indian methaqualone also transits on way to South Africa;
  significant potential for money-laundering activity given the
  country's status as a regional financial center; massive corruption,
  and relatively high levels of narcotics-associated activities

Korea, North
  for years, from the 1970s into the 2000s, citizens of
  the Democratic People's Republic of (North) Korea (DPRK), many of
  them diplomatic employees of the government, were apprehended abroad
  while trafficking in narcotics, including two in Turkey in December
  2004; police investigations in Taiwan and Japan in recent years have
  linked North Korea to large illicit shipments of heroin and
  methamphetamine, including an attempt by the North Korean merchant
  ship Pong Su to deliver 150 kg of heroin to Australia in April 2003

Kyrgyzstan
  limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy
  for CIS markets; limited government eradication of illicit crops;
  transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia and the
  rest of Europe; major consumer of opiates

Laos
  estimated opium poppy cultivation in 2008 was 1,900 hectares,
  about a 73% increase from 2007; estimated potential opium production
  in 2008 more than tripled to 17 metric tons; unsubstantiated reports
  of domestic methamphetamine production; growing domestic
  methamphetamine problem (2007)

Latvia
  transshipment and destination point for cocaine, synthetic
  drugs, opiates, and cannabis from Southwest Asia, Western Europe,
  Latin America, and neighboring Balkan countries; despite improved
  legislation, vulnerable to money laundering due to nascent
  enforcement capabilities and comparatively weak regulation of
  offshore companies and the gaming industry; CIS organized crime
  (including counterfeiting, corruption, extortion, stolen cars, and
  prostitution) accounts for most laundered proceeds

Lebanon
  cannabis cultivation dramatically reduced to 2,500 hectares
  in 2002 despite continued significant cannabis consumption; opium
  poppy cultivation minimal; small amounts of Latin American cocaine
  and Southwest Asian heroin transit country on way to European
  markets and for Middle Eastern consumption; money laundering of drug
  proceeds fuels concern that extremists are benefiting from drug
  trafficking

Liberia
  transshipment point for Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin
  and South American cocaine for the European and US markets;
  corruption, criminal activity, arms-dealing, and diamond trade
  provide significant potential for money laundering, but the lack of
  well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a
  major money-laundering center

Liechtenstein
  has strengthened money laundering controls, but money
  laundering remains a concern due to Liechtenstein's sophisticated
  offshore financial services sector

Lithuania
  transshipment and destination point for cannabis, cocaine,
  ecstasy, and opiates from Southwest Asia, Latin America, Western
  Europe, and neighboring Baltic countries; growing production of
  high-quality amphetamines, but limited production of cannabis,
  methamphetamines; susceptible to money laundering despite changes to
  banking legislation

Macau
  transshipment point for drugs going into mainland China;
  consumer of opiates and amphetamines

Macedonia
  major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and
  hashish; minor transit point for South American cocaine destined for
  Europe; although not a financial center and most criminal activity
  is thought to be domestic, money laundering is a problem due to a
  mostly cash-based economy and weak enforcement

Madagascar
  illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild
  varieties) used mostly for domestic consumption; transshipment point
  for heroin

Malaysia
  drug trafficking prosecuted vigorously and carries severe
  penalties; heroin still primary drug of abuse, but synthetic drug
  demand remains strong; continued ecstasy and methamphetamine
  producer for domestic users and, to a lesser extent, the regional
  drug market

Malta
  minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to
  Western Europe

Mauritius
  consumer and transshipment point for heroin from South
  Asia; small amounts of cannabis produced and consumed locally;
  significant offshore financial industry creates potential for money
  laundering, but corruption levels are relatively low and the
  government appears generally to be committed to regulating its
  banking industry

Mexico
  major drug-producing nation; cultivation of opium poppy in
  2007 rose to 6,900 hectares yielding a potential production of 18
  metric tons of pure heroin, or 50 metric tons of "black tar" heroin,
  the dominant form of Mexican heroin in the western United States;
  marijuana cultivation increased to 8,900 hectares in 2007 and
  yielded a potential production of 15,800 metric tons; government
  conducts the largest independent illicit-crop eradication program in
  the world; continues as the primary transshipment country for
  US-bound cocaine from South America, with an estimated 90% of annual
  cocaine movements toward the US stopping in Mexico; major drug
  syndicates control the majority of drug trafficking throughout the
  country; producer and distributor of ecstasy; significant
  money-laundering center; major supplier of heroin and largest
  foreign supplier of marijuana and methamphetamine to the US market
  (2007)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  major consumer of cannabis

Moldova
  limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for
  CIS consumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs from
  Southwest Asia via Central Asia to Russia, Western Europe, and
  possibly the US; widespread crime and underground economic activity

Montserrat
  transshipment point for South American narcotics destined
  for the US and Europe

Morocco
  one of the world's largest producers of illicit hashish;
  shipments of hashish mostly directed to Western Europe; transit
  point for cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe;
  significant consumer of cannabis

Mozambique
  southern African transit point for South Asian hashish
  and heroin, and South American cocaine probably destined for the
  European and South African markets; producer of cannabis (for local
  consumption) and methaqualone (for export to South Africa);
  corruption and poor regulatory capability makes the banking system
  vulnerable to money laundering, but the lack of a well-developed
  financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a
  money-laundering center

Nepal
  illicit producer of cannabis and hashish for the domestic and
  international drug markets; transit point for opiates from Southeast
  Asia to the West

Netherlands
  major European producer of synthetic drugs, including
  ecstasy, and cannabis cultivator; important gateway for cocaine,
  heroin, and hashish entering Europe; major source of US-bound
  ecstasy; large financial sector vulnerable to money laundering;
  significant consumer of ecstasy

New Zealand
  significant consumer of amphetamines

Nicaragua
  transshipment point for cocaine destined for the US and
  transshipment point for arms-for-drugs dealing

Nigeria
  a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for
  European, East Asian, and North American markets; consumer of
  amphetamines; safe haven for Nigerian narcotraffickers operating
  worldwide; major money-laundering center; massive corruption and
  criminal activity; Nigeria has improved some anti-money-laundering
  controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task
  Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in
  June 2006; Nigeria's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be
  monitored by FATF

Pakistan
  significant transit area for Afghan drugs, including
  heroin, opium, morphine, and hashish, bound for Iran, Western
  markets, the Gulf States, Africa, and Asia; financial crimes related
  to drug trafficking, terrorism, corruption, and smuggling remain
  problems; opium poppy cultivation estimated to be 2,300 hectares in
  2007 with 600 of those hectares eradicated; federal and provincial
  authorities continue to conduct anti-poppy campaigns that utilizes
  forced eradication, fines, and arrests

Panama
  major cocaine transshipment point and primary
  money-laundering center for narcotics revenue; money-laundering
  activity is especially heavy in the Colon Free Zone; offshore
  financial center; negligible signs of coca cultivation; monitoring
  of financial transactions is improving; official corruption remains
  a major problem

Papua New Guinea
  major consumer of cannabis

Paraguay
  major illicit producer of cannabis, most or all of which is
  consumed in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile; transshipment country for
  Andean cocaine headed for Brazil, other Southern Cone markets, and
  Europe; weak border controls, extensive corruption and
  money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area; weak
  anti-money-laundering laws and enforcement

Peru
  until 1996 the world's largest coca leaf producer, Peru is now
  the world's second largest producer of coca leaf, though it lags far
  behind Colombia; cultivation of coca in Peru declined to 36,000
  hectares in 2007; second largest producer of cocaine, estimated at
  210 metric tons of potential pure cocaine in 2007; finished cocaine
  is shipped out from Pacific ports to the international drug market;
  increasing amounts of base and finished cocaine, however, are being
  moved to Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia for use in the
  Southern Cone or transshipment to Europe and Africa; increasing
  domestic drug consumption

Philippines
  domestic methamphetamine production has been a growing
  problem in recent years despite government crackdowns; major
  consumer of amphetamines; longstanding marijuana producer mainly in
  rural areas where Manila's control is limited

Poland
  despite diligent counternarcotics measures and international
  information sharing on cross-border crimes, a major illicit producer
  of synthetic drugs for the international market; minor transshipment
  point for Southwest Asian heroin and Latin American cocaine to
  Western Europe

Portugal
  seizing record amounts of Latin American cocaine destined
  for Europe; a European gateway for Southwest Asian heroin;
  transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Europe;
  consumer of Southwest Asian heroin

Romania
  major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin
  transiting the Balkan route and small amounts of Latin American
  cocaine bound for Western Europe; although not a significant
  financial center, role as a narcotics conduit leaves it vulnerable
  to laundering, which occurs via the banking system, currency
  exchange houses, and casinos

Russia
  limited cultivation of illicit cannabis and opium poppy and
  producer of methamphetamine, mostly for domestic consumption;
  government has active illicit crop eradication program; used as
  transshipment point for Asian opiates, cannabis, and Latin American
  cocaine bound for growing domestic markets, to a lesser extent
  Western and Central Europe, and occasionally to the US; major source
  of heroin precursor chemicals; corruption and organized crime are
  key concerns; major consumer of opiates

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  transshipment point for South American drugs
  destined for the US and Europe; some money-laundering activity

Saint Lucia
  transit point for South American drugs destined for the
  US and Europe

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  transshipment point for South
  American drugs destined for the US and Europe; small-scale cannabis
  cultivation

Saudi Arabia
  death penalty for traffickers; improving
  anti-money-laundering legislation and enforcement

Senegal
  transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin
  and South American cocaine moving to Europe and North America;
  illicit cultivator of cannabis

Serbia
  transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin moving to
  Western Europe on the Balkan route; economy vulnerable to money
  laundering

Singapore
  drug abuse limited because of aggressive law enforcement
  efforts; as a transportation and financial services hub, Singapore
  is vulnerable, despite strict laws and enforcement, as a venue for
  money laundering

Slovakia
  transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for
  Western Europe; producer of synthetic drugs for regional market;
  consumer of ecstasy

Slovenia
  minor transit point for cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin
  bound for Western Europe, and for precursor chemicals

South Africa
  transshipment center for heroin, hashish, and cocaine,
  as well as a major cultivator of marijuana in its own right; cocaine
  and heroin consumption on the rise; world's largest market for
  illicit methaqualone, usually imported illegally from India through
  various east African countries, but increasingly producing its own
  synthetic drugs for domestic consumption; attractive venue for money
  launderers given the increasing level of organized criminal and
  narcotics activity in the region and the size of the South African
  economy

Spain
  despite rigorous law enforcement efforts, North African, Latin
  American, Galician, and other European traffickers take advantage of
  Spain's long coastline to land large shipments of cocaine and
  hashish for distribution to the European market; consumer for Latin
  American cocaine and North African hashish; destination and minor
  transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin; money-laundering
  site for Colombian narcotics trafficking organizations and organized
  crime

Suriname
  growing transshipment point for South American drugs
  destined for Europe via the Netherlands and Brazil; transshipment
  point for arms-for-drugs dealing

Switzerland
  a major international financial center vulnerable to the
  layering and integration stages of money laundering; despite
  significant legislation and reporting requirements, secrecy rules
  persist and nonresidents are permitted to conduct business through
  offshore entities and various intermediaries; transit country for
  and consumer of South American cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and
  Western European synthetics; domestic cannabis cultivation and
  limited ecstasy production

Syria
  a transit point for opiates, hashish, and cocaine bound for
  regional and Western markets; weak anti-money-laundering controls
  and bank privatization may leave it vulnerable to money laundering

Taiwan
  regional transit point for heroin, methamphetamine, and
  precursor chemicals; transshipment point for drugs to Japan; major
  problem with domestic consumption of methamphetamine and heroin;
  rising problems with use of ketamine and club drugs

Tajikistan
  major transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for
  Russian and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited
  illicit cultivation of opium poppy for domestic consumption;
  Tajikistan seizes roughly 80% of all drugs captured in Central Asia
  and stands third worldwide in seizures of opiates (heroin and raw
  opium); significant consumer of opiates

Tanzania
  targeted by traffickers moving hashish, Afghan heroin, and
  South American cocaine transported down the East African coastline,
  through airports, or overland through Central Africa; Zanzibar
  likely used by traffickers for drug smuggling; traffickers in the
  past have recruited Tanzanian couriers to move drugs through Iran
  into East Asia.

Thailand
  a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; transit
  point for illicit heroin en route to the international drug market
  from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of
  cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring
  countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication
  efforts; also a drug money-laundering center; minor role in
  methamphetamine production for regional consumption; major consumer
  of methamphetamine since the 1990s despite a series of government
  crackdowns

Timor-Leste
  NA

Togo
  transit hub for Nigerian heroin and cocaine traffickers; money
  laundering not a significant problem

Trinidad and Tobago
  transshipment point for South American drugs
  destined for the US and Europe; producer of cannabis

Turkey
  key transit route for Southwest Asian heroin to Western
  Europe and, to a lesser extent, the US - via air, land, and sea
  routes; major Turkish and other international trafficking
  organizations operate out of Istanbul; laboratories to convert
  imported morphine base into heroin exist in remote regions of Turkey
  and near Istanbul; government maintains strict controls over areas
  of legal opium poppy cultivation and over output of poppy straw
  concentrate; lax enforcement of money-laundering controls

Turkmenistan
  transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian
  and Western European markets; transit point for heroin precursor
  chemicals bound for Afghanistan

Turks and Caicos Islands
  transshipment point for South American
  narcotics destined for the US and Europe

Ukraine
  limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for
  CIS consumption; some synthetic drug production for export to the
  West; limited government eradication program; used as transshipment
  point for opiates and other illicit drugs from Africa, Latin
  America, and Turkey to Europe and Russia; Ukraine has improved
  anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the
  Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and
  Territories List in February 2004; Ukraine's anti-money-laundering
  regime continues to be monitored by FATF

United Arab Emirates
  the UAE is a drug transshipment point for
  traffickers given its proximity to Southwest Asian drug-producing
  countries; the UAE's position as a major financial center makes it
  vulnerable to money laundering; anti-money-laundering controls
  improving, but informal banking remains unregulated

United Kingdom
  producer of limited amounts of synthetic drugs and
  synthetic precursor chemicals; major consumer of Southwest Asian
  heroin, Latin American cocaine, and synthetic drugs;
  money-laundering center

United States
  world's largest consumer of cocaine (shipped from
  Colombia through Mexico and the Caribbean), Colombian heroin, and
  Mexican heroin and marijuana; major consumer of ecstasy and Mexican
  methamphetamine; minor consumer of high-quality Southeast Asian
  heroin; illicit producer of cannabis, marijuana, depressants,
  stimulants, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine; money-laundering
  center

Uruguay
  small-scale transit country for drugs mainly bound for
  Europe, often through sea-borne containers; law enforcement
  corruption; money laundering because of strict banking secrecy laws;
  weak border control along Brazilian frontier; increasing consumption
  of cocaine base and synthetic drugs

Uzbekistan
  transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian
  and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit
  cultivation of cannabis and small amounts of opium poppy for
  domestic consumption; poppy cultivation almost wiped out by
  government crop eradication program; transit point for heroin
  precursor chemicals bound for Afghanistan

Venezuela
  small-scale illicit producer of opium and coca for the
  processing of opiates and coca derivatives; however, large
  quantities of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana transit the country
  from Colombia bound for US and Europe; significant narcotics-related
  money-laundering activity, especially along the border with Colombia
  and on Margarita Island; active eradication program primarily
  targeting opium; increasing signs of drug-related activities by
  Colombian insurgents on border

Vietnam
  minor producer of opium poppy; probable minor transit point
  for Southeast Asian heroin; government continues to face domestic
  opium/heroin/methamphetamine addiction problems despite longstanding
  crackdowns

World
  cocaine: worldwide coca leaf cultivation in 2007 amounted to
  232,500 hectares; Colombia produced slightly more than two-thirds of
  the worldwide crop, followed by Peru and Bolivia; potential pure
  cocaine production decreased 7% to 865 metric tons in 2007; Colombia
  conducts an aggressive coca eradication campaign, but both Peruvian
  and Bolivian Governments are hesitant to eradicate coca in key
  growing areas; 551 metric tons of export-quality cocaine (85% pure)
  is documented to have been seized or destroyed in 2005; US
  consumption of export quality cocaine is estimated to have been in
  excess of 380 metric tons
  opiates: worldwide illicit opium poppy cultivation continued to
  increase in 2007, with a potential opium production of 8,400 metric
  tons, reaching the highest levels recorded since estimates began in
  mid-1980s; Afghanistan is world's primary opium producer, accounting
  for 95% of the global supply; Southeast Asia - responsible for 9% of
  global opium - saw marginal increases in production; Latin America
  produced 1% of global opium, but most was refined into heroin
  destined for the US market; if all potential opium was processed
  into pure heroin, the potential global production would be 1,000
  metric tons of heroin in 2007

Zambia
  transshipment point for moderate amounts of methaqualone,
  small amounts of heroin, and cocaine bound for southern Africa and
  possibly Europe; a poorly developed financial infrastructure coupled
  with a government commitment to combating money laundering make it
  an unattractive venue for money launderers; major consumer of
  cannabis

Zimbabwe
  transit point for cannabis and South Asian heroin, mandrax,
  and methamphetamines en route to South Africa

======================================================================

@2087

Field Listing :: Imports

This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise imports on a c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and freight) or f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Country Comparison to the World Country

Imports

Afghanistan
  $5.3 billion (2008 est.)
  $4.5 billion (2007)

Albania
  $4.337 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.264 billion (2009 est.)

Algeria
  $37.07 billion (2010 est.)
  $39.1 billion (2009 est.)

American Samoa
  $308.8 million (FY04 est.)

Andorra
  $1.801 billion (2008)
  $1.789 billion (2007)

Angola
  $18.1 billion (2010 est.)
  $15.74 billion (2009 est.)

Anguilla
  $143 million (2006)

Antigua and Barbuda
  $522.8 million (2007 est.)

Argentina
  $52.61 billion (2010 est.)
  $37.14 billion (2009 est.)

Armenia
  $2.988 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.817 billion (2009 est.)

Aruba
  $1.054 billion (2006)

Australia
  $200.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $160.4 billion (2009 est.)

Austria
  $156 billion (2010 est.)
  $138.7 billion (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  $7.035 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.514 billion (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
  $2.401 billion (2006)

Bahrain
  $12.14 billion (2010 est.)
  $9.613 billion (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  $21.34 billion (2010)
  $20.3 billion (2009)

Barbados
  $1.586 billion (2006)

Belarus
  $29.79 billion (2010 est.)
  $28.31 billion (2009 est.)

Belgium
  $281.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $261.3 billion (2009 est.)

Belize
  $740 million (2010 est.)
  $620.5 million (2009 est.)

Benin
  $1.812 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.703 billion (2009 est.)

Bermuda
  $1.162 billion (2006)

Bhutan
  $533 million (2008)
  $320 million (2006)

Bolivia
  $5.006 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.095 billion (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  $9.403 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.788 billion (2009 est.)

Botswana
  $4.518 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.243 billion (2009 est.)

Brazil
  $187.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $127.7 billion (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  $187 million f.o.b.

Brunei
  $2.61 billion (2008 est.)
  $2.055 billion (2007 est.)

Bulgaria
  $22.78 billion (2010 est.)
  $22.22 billion (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
  $1.48 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.186 billion (2009 est.)

Burma
  $4.532 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.02 billion (2009 est.)
  note: import figures are grossly underestimated due to the value of
  consumer goods, diesel fuel, and other products smuggled in from
  Thailand, China, Malaysia, and India

Burundi
  $336 million (2010 est.)
  $275 million (2009 est.)

Cambodia
  $6.944 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.876 billion (2009 est.)

Cameroon
  $4.869 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.405 billion (2009 est.)

Canada
  $406.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $327.3 billion (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  $858 million (2010 est.)
  $835 million (2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
  $876.5 million (2008)
  $866.9 million (2004)

Central African Republic
  $237.3 million (2007 est.)

Chad
  $2.631 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.539 billion (2009 est.)

Chile
  $54.23 billion (2010 est.)
  $39.75 billion (2009 est.)

China
  $1.307 trillion (2010 est.)
  $954.3 billion (2009 est.)

Christmas Island
  $NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  $NA

Colombia
  $36.26 billion (2010 est.)
  $31.48 billion (2009 est.)

Comoros
  $143 million (2006)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  $5.2 billion (2009 est.)
  $6.7 billion (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  $3.607 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.259 billion (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
  $81.04 million (2005)

Costa Rica
  $13.69 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.87 billion (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $7.015 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.318 billion (2009 est.)

Croatia
  $20.93 billion (2010 est.)
  $21 billion (2009 est.)

Cuba
  $10.25 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.91 billion (2009 est.)

Curacao
  $1.34 billion (2008 est.)

Cyprus
  $7.962 billion (2010 est.)
  $7.973 billion (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  $109.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $103.1 billion (2009 est.)

Denmark
  $90.83 billion (2010 est.)
  $84.46 billion (2009 est.)

Djibouti
  $644 million (2009 est.)
  $1.555 billion (2006)

Dominica
  $296 million (2006)

Dominican Republic
  $14.53 billion (2010 est.)
  $12.28 billion (2009 est.)

Ecuador
  $17.65 billion (2010 est.)
  $14.27 billion (2009 est.)

Egypt
  $46.52 billion (2010 est.)
  $45.56 billion (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  $7.98 billion (2010 est.)
  $7.255 billion (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  $5.743 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.258 billion (2009 est.)

Eritrea
  $738 million (2010 est.)
  $682 million (2009 est.)

Estonia
  $11.52 billion (2010 est.)
  $9.783 billion (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  $7.517 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.946 billion (2009 est.)

European Union $1.69 trillion (2007) $1.466 trillion (2005) note: external imports, excluding intra-EU trade

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $90 million (2004 est.)

Faroe Islands $983 million (2008) $751 million (2006)

Fiji
  $3.12 billion (2006)

Finland
  $69.11 billion (2010 est.)
  $57.68 billion (2009 est.)

France
  $577.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $535.8 billion (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
  $1.706 billion (2005 est.)

Gabon
  $2.433 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.298 billion (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
  $306 million (2010 est.)
  $280 million (2009 est.)

Gaza Strip
  see entry for West Bank

Georgia
  $4.828 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.293 billion (2009 est.)

Germany
  $1.12 trillion (2010 est.)
  $956.7 billion (2009 est.)

Ghana
  $10.18 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.046 billion (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
  $2.967 billion (2004 est.)

Greece
  $44.9 billion (2010 est.)
  $64.2 billion (2009 est.)

Greenland
  $867 million (2008)
  $669 million (2007)

Grenada
  $343 million (2006)

Guam
  $701 million (2004 est.)

Guatemala
  $12.65 billion (2010 est.)
  $11.52 billion (2009)

Guernsey
  $NA

Guinea
  $1.551 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.236 billion (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  $200 million (2006)

Guyana
  $1.366 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.161 billion (2009 est.)

Haiti
  $2.446 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.032 billion (2009 est.)

Honduras
  $8.878 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.924 billion (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  $413 billion (2010 est.)
  $348.7 billion (2009 est.)

Hungary
  $87.44 billion (2010 est.)
  $76.42 billion (2009 est.)

Iceland
  $3.677 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.318 billion (2009 est.)

India
  $327 billion (2010 est.)
  $274.3 billion (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  $111.1 billion (2010 est.)
  $84.35 billion (2009 est.)

Iran
  $58.97 billion (2010 est.)
  $58.97 billion (2009 est.)

Iraq
  $42.56 billion (2010 est.)
  $50 billion (2008 est.)

Ireland
  $70.36 billion (2010 est.)
  $62.22 billion (2009 est.)

Isle of Man
  $NA

Israel
  $55.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $45.99 billion (2009 est.)

Italy
  $459.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $403.9 billion (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  $5.378 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.581 billion (2009 est.)

Japan
  $636.8 billion (2010 est.)
  $501.6 billion (2009 est.)

Jersey
  $NA

Jordan
  $12.97 billion (2010 est.)
  $12.5 billion (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
  $30.11 billion (2010 est.)
  $28.77 billion (2009 est.)

Kenya
  $10.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $9.715 billion (2009 est.)

Kiribati
  $62 million (2004 est.)

Korea, North
  $3.096 billion (2009)
  $3.574 billion (2008)

Korea, South
  $417.9 billion (2010 est.)
  $317.5 billion (2009 est.)

Kosovo
  $2.6 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Kuwait
  $20.36 billion (2010 est.)
  $17.08 billion (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  $3.075 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.987 billion (2009 est.)

Laos
  $1.504 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.308 billion (2009 est.)

Latvia
  $9.153 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.906 billion (2009 est.)

Lebanon
  $17.97 billion (2010 est.)
  $15.9 billion (2009 est.)

Lesotho
  $1.766 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.572 billion (2009 est.)

Liberia
  $7.143 billion (2006)

Libya
  $24.47 billion (2010 est.)
  $22.01 billion (2009 est.)

Liechtenstein
  $2.59 billion (2008)

Lithuania
  $20.34 billion (2010 est.)
  $17.56 billion (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  $23.67 billion (2010 est.)
  $19.76 billion (2009 est.)

Macau
  $4.5 billion (2009 est.)
  $5.4 billion (2008 est.)

Macedonia
  $5.113 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.842 billion (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  $1.958 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.893 billion (2009 est.)

Malawi
  $1.675 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.502 billion (2009 est.)

Malaysia
  $149.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $117.3 billion (2009 est.)

Maldives
  $782 million (2008 est.)
  $1.221 billion (2008 est.)

Mali
  $2.358 billion (2006)

Malta
  $4.074 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.595 billion (2009 est.)

Marshall Islands
  $79.4 million (2008 est.)
  $54.7 million (2000 est.)

Mauritania
  $1.475 billion (2006)

Mauritius
  $3.935 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.499 billion (2009 est.)

Mayotte
  $341 million (2005)

Mexico
  $306 billion (2010 est.)
  $234.4 billion (2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  $132.7 million (2004)

Moldova
  $3.66 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.276 billion (2009 est.)

Monaco
  $916.1 million (2005)
  note: full customs integration with France, which collects and
  rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market
  system through customs union with France

Mongolia $2.131 billion (2009) $3.224 billion (2008)

Montenegro
  $601.7 million (2003)

Montserrat
  $17 million (2001); $17 million

Morocco
  $34.19 billion (2010 est.)
  $30.55 billion (2009 est.)

Mozambique
  $3.527 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.059 billion (2009 est.)

Namibia
  $5.152 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.519 billion (2009 est.)

Nauru
  $20 million (2004 est.)

Nepal
  $5.26 billion (2009)
  $4.1 billion (2008)

Netherlands
  $408.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $371.9 billion (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  $1.998 billion (2006)

New Zealand
  $30.24 billion (2010 est.)
  $23.95 billion (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  $4.7 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.481 billion (2009 est.)

Niger
  $800 million (2006)

Nigeria
  $34.18 billion (2010 est.)
  $29.05 billion (2009 est.)

Niue
  $9.038 million (2004)

Norfolk Island
  $17.9 million c.i.f. (FY91/92); $17.9 million

Northern Mariana Islands
  $214.4 million (2001)

Norway
  $74.02 billion (2010 est.)
  $66.68 billion (2009 est.)

Oman
  $19.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $16.13 billion (2009 est.)

Pakistan
  $32.71 billion (2010 est.)
  $28.53 billion (2009 est.)

Palau
  $107.3 million (2004 est.)

Panama
  $16.05 billion (2010 est.)
  $12.93 billion (2009 est.)
  note: includes the Colon Free Zone

Papua New Guinea
  $3.547 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.871 billion (2009 est.)

Paraguay
  $9.242 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.917 billion (2009 est.)

Peru
  $25.74 billion (2010 est.)
  $21.01 billion (2009 est.)

Philippines
  $57.24 billion (2010 est.)
  $46.39 billion (2009 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  $NA

Poland
  $167.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $146.4 billion (2009 est.)

Portugal
  $68.22 billion (2010 est.)
  $68.9 billion (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
  $29.1 billion (2001)

Qatar
  $23.38 billion (2010 est.)
  $20.89 billion (2009 est.)

Romania
  $59.84 billion (2010 est.)
  $50.03 billion (2009 est.)

Russia
  $237.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $191.8 billion (2009 est.)

Rwanda
  $1.047 billion (2010 est.)
  $961 million (2009 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  $45 million (2004 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  $383 million (2006)

Saint Lucia
  $791 million (2006)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  $68.2 million (2005 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  $578 million (2006)

Samoa
  $324 million (2006)

San Marino
  $3.744 billion (2007)
  $2.035 billion (2004)

Sao Tome and Principe
  $99 million (2010 est.)
  $80 million (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  $99.17 billion (2010 est.)
  $87.1 billion (2009 est.)

Senegal
  $4.474 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.549 billion (2009 est.)

Serbia
  $15.78 billion (2010 est.)
  $15.03 billion (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  $831 million (2010 est.)
  $759.1 million (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
  $560 million (2006)

Singapore
  $315.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $243.2 billion (2009 est.)

Slovakia
  $62.43 billion (2010 est.)
  $53.67 billion (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  $25.96 billion (2010 est.)
  $23.5 billion (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  $256 million (2006)

Somalia
  $798 million (2006)

South Africa
  $77.04 billion (2010 est.)
  $66.01 billion (2009 est.)

Spain
  $324.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $286.8 billion (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  $11.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $9.186 billion (2009 est.)

Sudan
  $8.483 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.253 billion (2009 est.)

Suriname
  $1.297 billion (2006 est.)

Svalbard
  $NA

Swaziland
  $1.643 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.585 billion (2009 est.)

Sweden
  $158.6 billion (2010 est.)
  $120.5 billion (2009 est.)

Switzerland
  $220.4 billion (2010 est.)
  $192.8 billion (2009 est.)

Syria
  $13.57 billion (2010 est.)
  $12.62 billion (2009 est.)

Taiwan
  $250.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $172.8 billion (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  $3.301 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.77 billion (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  $6.334 billion (2010 est.)
  $5.834 billion (2009 est.)

Thailand
  $156.9 billion (2010 est.)
  $118 billion (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
  $202 million (2004 est.)

Togo
  $1.337 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.261 billion (2009 est.)

Tokelau
  $969,200 (2002)

Tonga
  $139 million (2006)

Trinidad and Tobago
  $8.234 billion (2010 est.)
  $7.161 billion (2009 est.)

Tunisia
  $20.02 billion (2010 est.)
  $18.12 billion (2009 est.)

Turkey
  $166.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $134.5 billion (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  $4.888 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.109 billion (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  $175.6 million (2000)

Tuvalu
  $12.91 million (2005)

Uganda
  $4.474 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.844 billion (2009 est.)

Ukraine
  $53.54 billion (2010 est.)
  $45.05 billion (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  $159 billion (2010 est.)
  $150 billion (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  $546.5 billion (2010 est.)
  $483.9 billion (2009 est.)

United States
  $1.903 trillion (2010 est.)
  $1.575 trillion (2009 est.)

Uruguay
  $8.519 billion (2010 est.)
  $6.664 billion (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
  $9.44 billion (2010 est.)
  $9.023 billion (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  $156 million (2006)

Venezuela
  $31.37 billion (2010 est.)
  $38.44 billion (2009 est.)

Vietnam
  $81.73 billion (2010 est.)
  $65.4 billion (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  $4.609 billion (2001)

Wallis and Futuna
  $61.17 million (2004)

West Bank
  $3.772 billion (2008)
  $2.84 billion (2006)

Western Sahara
  $NA

World
  $14.68 trillion (2010)
  $12.19 trillion (2009)

Yemen
  $8.35 billion (2010 est.)
  $7.518 billion (2009 est.)

Zambia
  $4.949 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.735 billion (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
  $2.871 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.413 billion (2009 est.)

======================================================================

@2088

Field Listing :: Independence

  For most countries, this entry gives the date that sovereignty was
  achieved and from which nation, empire, or trusteeship. For the
  other countries, the date given may not represent "independence" in
  the strict sense, but rather some significant nationhood event such
  as the traditional founding date or the date of unification,
  federation, confederation, establishment, fundamental change in the
  form of government, or state succession. For a number of countries,
  the establishment of statehood was a lengthy evolutionary process
  occurring over decades or even centuries. In such cases, several
  significant dates are cited. Dependent areas include the notation
  "none" followed by the nature of their dependency status. Also see
  the Terminology note.
  Country

Independence

Afghanistan
  19 August 1919 (from UK control over Afghan foreign
  affairs)

Albania
  28 November 1912 (from the Ottoman Empire)

Algeria
  5 July 1962 (from France)

American Samoa
  none (territory of the US)

Andorra
  1278 (formed under the joint suzerainty of the French Count
  of Foix and the Spanish Bishop of Seu d'Urgel)

Angola
  11 November 1975 (from Portugal)

Anguilla
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda
  1 November 1981 (from the UK)

Argentina
  9 July 1816 (from Spain)

Armenia
  21 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Aruba
  none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Australia
  1 January 1901 (from the federation of UK colonies)

Austria
  12 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier
  dates: 976 (Margravate of Austria established); 17 September 1156
  (Duchy of Austria founded); 11 August 1804 (Austrian Empire
  proclaimed)

Azerbaijan
  30 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 18
  October 1991 (adopted by the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan)

Bahamas, The
  10 July 1973 (from the UK)

Bahrain
  15 August 1971 (from the UK)

Bangladesh
  16 December 1971 (from West Pakistan); note - 26 March
  1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December
  1971 is known as Victory Day and commemorates the official creation
  of the state of Bangladesh

Barbados
  30 November 1966 (from the UK)

Belarus
  25 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Belgium
  4 October 1830 (a provisional government declared
  independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I
  ascended to the throne)

Belize
  21 September 1981 (from the UK)

Benin
  1 August 1960 (from France)

Bermuda
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Bhutan
  1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary
  king)

Bolivia
  6 August 1825 (from Spain)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  1 March 1992 (from Yugoslavia; referendum for
  independence completed on 1 March 1992; independence declared on 3
  March 1992)

Botswana
  30 September 1966 (from the UK)

Brazil
  7 September 1822 (from Portugal)

British Virgin Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei
  1 January 1984 (from the UK)

Bulgaria
  3 March 1878 (as an autonomous principality within the
  Ottoman Empire); 22 September 1908 (complete independence from the
  Ottoman Empire)

Burkina Faso
  5 August 1960 (from France)

Burma
  4 January 1948 (from the UK)

Burundi
  1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian
  administration)

Cambodia
  9 November 1953 (from France)

Cameroon
  1 January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

Canada
  1 July 1867 (union of British North American colonies); 11
  December 1931 (recognized by UK)

Cape Verde
  5 July 1975 (from Portugal)

Cayman Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Central African Republic
  13 August 1960 (from France)

Chad
  11 August 1960 (from France)

Chile
  18 September 1810 (from Spain)

China
  1 October 1949 (People's Republic of China established);
  notable earlier dates: 221 BC (unification under the Qin Dynasty); 1
  January 1912 (Qing Dynasty replaced by the Republic of China)

Christmas Island
  none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  none (territory of Australia)

Colombia
  20 July 1810 (from Spain)

Comoros
  6 July 1975 (from France)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  30 June 1960 (from Belgium)

Congo, Republic of the
  15 August 1960 (from France)

Cook Islands
  none (became self-governing in free association with
  New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move
  to full independence by unilateral action)

Costa Rica
  15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Cote d'Ivoire
  7 August 1960 (from France)

Croatia
  25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

Cuba
  20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the
  US from 1898 to 1902); not acknowledged by the Cuban Government as a
  day of independence

Curacao
  none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Cyprus
  16 August 1960 (from the UK); note - Turkish Cypriots
  proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983,
  but these proclamations are only recognized by Turkey

Czech Republic
  1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech
  Republic and Slovakia); note - although 1 January is the day the
  Czech Republic came into being, the Czechs generally consider 28
  October 1918, the day the former Czechoslovakia declared its
  independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as their independence
  day

Denmark
  ca. 965 (unified and Christianized under HARALD I Gormson);
  5 June 1849 (becomes a constitutional monarchy)

Djibouti
  27 June 1977 (from France)

Dominica
  3 November 1978 (from the UK)

Dominican Republic
  27 February 1844 (from Haiti)

Ecuador
  24 May 1822 (from Spain)

Egypt
  28 February 1922 (from UK protectorate status; the revolution
  that began 23 July 1952 led to a republic being declared on 18 June
  1953 and all British troops withdrawn 18 June 1956); note - it was
  in ca. 3200 B.C. that the Two Lands of Upper (southern) and Lower
  (northern) Egypt were first united politically

El Salvador
  15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Equatorial Guinea
  12 October 1968 (from Spain)

Eritrea
  24 May 1993 (from Ethiopia)

Estonia
  20 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Ethiopia
  oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest
  in the world - at least 2,000 years (may be traced to the Aksumite
  Kingdom, which coalesced in the first centuries B.C.)

European Union
  7 February 1992 (Maastricht Treaty signed
  establishing the EU); 1 November 1993 (Maastricht Treaty entered
  into force)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  none (overseas territory of the
  UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands
  none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing
  overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Fiji
  10 October 1970 (from the UK)

Finland
  6 December 1917 (from Russia)

France
  no official date of independence: 486 (Frankish tribes
  unified under Merovingian kingship); 10 August 843 (Western Francia
  established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 14 July
  1789 (French monarchy overthrown); 22 September 1792 (First French
  Republic founded); 4 October 1958 (Fifth French Republic established)

French Polynesia
  none (overseas lands of France)

Gabon
  17 August 1960 (from France)

Gambia, The
  18 February 1965 (from the UK)

Georgia
  9 April 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Germany
  18 January 1871 (German Empire unification); divided into
  four zones of occupation (UK, US, USSR, and France) in 1945
  following World War II; Federal Republic of Germany (FRG or West
  Germany) proclaimed 23 May 1949 and included the former UK, US, and
  French zones; German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany)
  proclaimed 7 October 1949 and included the former USSR zone; West
  Germany and East Germany unified 3 October 1990; all four powers
  formally relinquished rights 15 March 1991; notable earlier dates:
  10 August 843 (Eastern Francia established from the division of the
  Carolingian Empire); 2 February 962 (crowning of OTTO I, recognized
  as the first Holy Roman Emperor)

Ghana
  6 March 1957 (from the UK)

Gibraltar
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Greece
  1829 (from the Ottoman Empire)

Greenland
  none (extensive self-rule as part of the Kingdom of
  Denmark; foreign affairs is the responsibility of Denmark, but
  Greenland actively participates in international agreements relating
  to Greenland)

Grenada
  7 February 1974 (from the UK)

Guam
  none (territory of the US)

Guatemala
  15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Guernsey
  none (British crown dependency)

Guinea
  2 October 1958 (from France)

Guinea-Bissau
  24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from
  Portugal)

Guyana
  26 May 1966 (from the UK)

Haiti
  1 January 1804 (from France)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  11 February 1929 (from Italy); note - the
  three treaties signed with Italy on 11 February 1929 acknowledged,
  among other things, the full sovereignty of the Vatican and
  established its territorial extent; however, the origin of the Papal
  States, which over the years have varied considerably in extent, may
  be traced back to the 8th century

Honduras
  15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Hong Kong
  none (special administrative region of China)

Hungary
  16 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier
  dates: 25 December 1000 (crowning of King STEPHEN I, traditional
  founding date); 30 March 1867 (dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary
  created)

Iceland
  1 December 1918 (became a sovereign state under the Danish
  Crown); 17 June 1944 (from Denmark)

India
  15 August 1947 (from the UK)

Indonesia
  17 August 1945 (declared); 27 December 1949 (by the
  Netherlands); note - in August 2005 the Netherlands announced that
  it had recognized de facto Indonesian independence on 17 August 1945

Iran
  1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed); notable
  earlier dates: ca. 625 B.C. (unification of Iran under the Medes);
  ca. A.D. 1501 (Iran reunified under the Safavids); 12 December 1925
  (modern Iran established under the Pahlavis)

Iraq
  3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British
  administration); note - on 28 June 2004 the Coalition Provisional
  Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi-controlled Government

Ireland
  6 December 1921 (from the UK by treaty)

Isle of Man
  none (British crown dependency)

Israel
  14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British
  administration)

Italy
  17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed; Italy was not
  finally unified until 1870)

Jamaica
  6 August 1962 (from the UK)

Japan
  3 May 1947 (current constitution adopted as amendment to Meiji
  Constitution); notable earlier dates: 660 B.C. (traditional date of
  the founding of the nation by Emperor JIMMU); 29 November 1890
  (Meiji Constitution provides for constitutional monarchy)

Jersey
  none (British crown dependency)

Jordan
  25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British
  administration)

Kazakhstan
  16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Kenya
  12 December 1963 (from the UK)

Kiribati
  12 July 1979 (from the UK)

Korea, North
  15 August 1945 (from Japan)

Korea, South
  15 August 1945 (from Japan)

Kosovo
  17 February 2008 (from Serbia)

Kuwait
  19 June 1961 (from the UK)

Kyrgyzstan
  31 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Laos
  19 July 1949 (from France)

Latvia
  18 November 1918 (from the Soviet Russia)

Lebanon
  22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under
  French administration)

Lesotho
  4 October 1966 (from the UK)

Liberia
  26 July 1847

Libya
  24 December 1951 (from UN trusteeship)

Liechtenstein
  23 January 1719 (Principality of Liechtenstein
  established); 12 July 1806 (independence from the Holy Roman Empire)

Lithuania
  11 March 1990 (declared); 6 September 1991 (recognized by
  the Soviet Union)

Luxembourg
  1839 (from the Netherlands)

Macau
  none (special administrative region of China)

Macedonia
  8 September 1991 (referendum by registered voters endorsed
  independence from Yugoslavia)

Madagascar
  26 June 1960 (from France)

Malawi
  6 July 1964 (from the UK)

Malaysia
  31 August 1957 (from the UK)

Maldives
  26 July 1965 (from the UK)

Mali
  22 September 1960 (from France)

Malta
  21 September 1964 (from the UK)

Marshall Islands 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

Mauritania
  28 November 1960 (from France)

Mauritius
  12 March 1968 (from the UK)

Mayotte
  none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Mexico
  16 September 1810 (declared); 27 September 1821 (recognized
  by Spain)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  3 November 1986 (from the
  US-administered UN trusteeship)

Moldova
  27 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Monaco
  1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of Grimaldi)

Mongolia
  11 July 1921 (from China)

Montenegro
  3 June 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)

Montserrat
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Morocco
  2 March 1956 (from France)

Mozambique
  25 June 1975 (from Portugal)

Namibia
  21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)

Nauru
  31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered
  UN trusteeship)

Nepal
  1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan SHAH)

Netherlands
  23 January 1579 (the northern provinces of the Low
  Countries conclude the Union of Utrecht breaking with Spain; on 26
  July 1581 they formally declared their independence with an Act of
  Abjuration; however, it was not until 30 January 1648 and the Peace
  of Westphalia that Spain recognized this independence)

New Caledonia
  none (overseas territory of France); note - a
  referendum on independence was held in 1998 but did not pass; a new
  referendum is scheduled for 2014

New Zealand
  26 September 1907 (from the UK)

Nicaragua
  15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Niger
  3 August 1960 (from France)

Nigeria
  1 October 1960 (from the UK)

Niue
  19 October 1974 (Niue became a self-governing parliamentary
  government in free association with New Zealand)

Norfolk Island
  none (territory of Australia)

Northern Mariana Islands
  none (commonwealth in political union with
  the US)

Norway
  7 June 1905 (Norway declared the union with Sweden
  dissolved); 26 October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the
  union)

Oman
  1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

Pakistan
  14 August 1947 (from British India)

Palau
  1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

Panama
  3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain
  28 November 1821)

Papua New Guinea
  16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered
  UN trusteeship)

Paraguay
  14 May 1811 (from Spain)

Peru
  28 July 1821 (from Spain)

Philippines
  12 June 1898 (independence proclaimed from Spain); 4
  July 1946 (from the US)

Pitcairn Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland
  11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed)

Portugal
  1143 (Kingdom of Portugal recognized); 5 October 1910
  (republic proclaimed)

Puerto Rico
  none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Qatar
  3 September 1971 (from the UK)

Romania
  9 May 1877 (independence proclaimed from the Ottoman Empire;
  independence recognized 13 July 1878 by the Treaty of Berlin); 26
  March 1881 (kingdom proclaimed); 30 December 1947 (republic
  proclaimed)

Russia
  24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union); notable earlier
  dates: 1157 (Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal created); 16 January
  1547 (Tsardom of Muscovy established); 22 October 1721 (Russian
  Empire proclaimed); 30 December 1922 (Soviet Union established)

Rwanda
  1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)

Saint Barthelemy
  none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha none (overseas territory of the UK)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  19 September 1983 (from the UK)

Saint Lucia
  22 February 1979 (from the UK)

Saint Martin
  none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon none (territorial collectivity of France; has been under French control since 1763)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  27 October 1979 (from the UK)

Samoa
  1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship)

San Marino
  3 September 301

Sao Tome and Principe
  12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

Saudi Arabia
  23 September 1932 (unification of the kingdom)

Senegal
  4 April 1960 (from France); note - complete independence
  achieved upon dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960

Serbia
  5 June 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)

Seychelles
  29 June 1976 (from the UK)

Sierra Leone
  27 April 1961 (from the UK)

Singapore
  9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)

Sint Maarten
  none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Slovakia
  1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech
  Republic and Slovakia)

Slovenia
  25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

Solomon Islands
  7 July 1978 (from the UK)

Somalia
  1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland that became
  independent from the UK on 26 June 1960 and Italian Somaliland that
  became independent from the Italian-administered UN trusteeship on 1
  July 1960 to form the Somali Republic)

South Africa
  31 May 1910 (Union of South Africa formed from four
  British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free
  State); 31 May 1961 (republic declared); 27 April 1994 (majority
  rule)

Spain
  1492; the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of
  independent kingdoms prior to the Muslim occupation that began in
  the early 8th century A.D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the
  small Christian redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost
  immediately, culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492; this
  event completed the unification of several kingdoms and is
  traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain

Sri Lanka
  4 February 1948 (from the UK)

Sudan
  1 January 1956 (from Egypt and the UK)

Suriname
  25 November 1975 (from the Netherlands)

Svalbard
  none (territory of Norway)

Swaziland
  6 September 1968 (from the UK)

Sweden
  6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king)

Switzerland
  1 August 1291 (founding of the Swiss Confederation)

Syria
  17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French
  administration)

Tajikistan
  9 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Tanzania
  26 April 1964; Tanganyika became independent 9 December
  1961 (from UK-administered UN trusteeship); Zanzibar became
  independent 19 December 1963 (from UK); Tanganyika united with
  Zanzibar 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and
  Zanzibar; renamed United Republic of Tanzania 29 October 1964

Thailand
  1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

Timor-Leste
  28 November 1975 (independence proclaimed from
  Portugal); note - 20 May 2002 is the official date of international
  recognition of Timor-Leste's independence from Indonesia

Togo
  27 April 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

Tokelau
  none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga
  4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate)

Trinidad and Tobago
  31 August 1962 (from the UK)

Tunisia
  20 March 1956 (from France)

Turkey
  29 October 1923 (successor state to the Ottoman Empire)

Turkmenistan
  27 October 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu
  1 October 1978 (from the UK)

Uganda
  9 October 1962 (from the UK)

Ukraine
  24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

United Arab Emirates
  2 December 1971 (from the UK)

United Kingdom
  12 April 1927 (Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act
  establishes current name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
  Northern Ireland); notable earlier dates: 927 (minor English
  kingdoms united); 3 March 1284 (enactment of the Statute of Rhuddlan
  uniting England and Wales); 1536 (Act of Union formally incorporates
  England and Wales); 1 May 1707 (Acts of Union formally unite England
  and Scotland as Great Britain); 1 January 1801 (Acts of Union
  formally unite Great Britain and Ireland as the United Kingdom of
  Great Britain and Ireland); 6 December 1921 (Anglo-Irish Treaty
  formalizes partition of Ireland; six counties remain part of the
  United Kingdom as Northern Ireland)

United States
  4 July 1776 (from Great Britain)

Uruguay
  25 August 1825 (from Brazil)

Uzbekistan
  1 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Vanuatu
  30 July 1980 (from France and the UK)

Venezuela
  5 July 1811 (from Spain)

Vietnam
  2 September 1945 (from France)

Virgin Islands
  none (territory of the US)

Wallis and Futuna
  none (overseas territory of France)

Yemen
  22 May 1990 (Republic of Yemen was established with the merger
  of the Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and the
  Marxist-dominated People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen
  (Aden) or South Yemen]); note - previously North Yemen became
  independent in November 1918 (from the Ottoman Empire) and became a
  republic with the overthrow of the theocratic Imamate in 1962; South
  Yemen became independent on 30 November 1967 (from the UK)

Zambia
  24 October 1964 (from the UK)

Zimbabwe
  18 April 1980 (from the UK)

======================================================================

@2089

Field Listing :: Industrial production growth rate

  This entry gives the annual percentage increase in industrial
  production (includes manufacturing, mining, and construction).
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Industrial production growth rate(%)

Afghanistan
  NA%

Albania
  3% (2010 est.)

Algeria
  4.8% (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  NA%

Andorra
  NA%

Angola
  5% (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  NA%

Antigua and Barbuda
  NA%

Argentina
  6.7% (2010 est.)

Armenia
  8% (2010 est.)

Aruba
  NA%

Australia
  3% (2010 est.)

Austria
  3% (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  3.5% (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  NA%

Bahrain
  1.5% (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  6.4% (2010 est.)

Barbados
  -3.2% (2000 est.)

Belarus
  10.5% (2010 est.)

Belgium
  4% (2010 est.)

Belize
  1.4% (2010 est.)

Benin
  3% (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  NA%

Bhutan
  NA%

Bolivia
  4% (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  3.3% (2010 est.)

Botswana
  6.9% (2010 est.)

Brazil
  11.5% (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  NA%

Brunei
  -5.4% (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  0.4% (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  5.5% (2010 est.)

Burma
  4.3% (2010 est.)

Burundi
  7% (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  4.5% (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  4% (2010 est.)

Canada
  5.8% (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  4% (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  NA%

Central African Republic
  3% (2002)

Chad
  3% (2010 est.)

Chile
  3.2% (2010 est.)

China
  11% (2010 est.)

Colombia
  5.5% (2010 est.)

Comoros
  NA%

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  NA%

Congo, Republic of the
  12% (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  1% (2002)

Costa Rica
  3% (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  4.5% (2010 est.)

Croatia
  -0.9% (2010 est.)

Cuba
  0.8% (2010 est.)

Curacao
  NA

Cyprus
  0.1% (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  3% (2010 est.)

Denmark
  4% (2010 est.)

Dominica
  NA%

Dominican Republic
  1.5% (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  2% (2010 est.)

Egypt
  5.5% (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  0.9% (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  1.8% (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  8% (2010 est.)

Estonia
  10% (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  9.5% (2010 est.)

European Union
  3.8% (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA%

Faroe Islands
  8% (2007 est.)

Fiji
  NA%

Finland
  6% (2010 est.)

France
  3.5% (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  NA%

Gabon
  4.8% (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  8.9%
  note: although The Gambia had the highest industrial growth rate in
  the world in 2009, this growth is from a tiny industrial base (2010
  est.)

Gaza Strip
  see entry for West Bank

Georgia
  4% (2010 est.)

Germany
  9% (2010 est.)

Ghana
  5% (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  NA%

Greece
  3.2% (2010 est.)

Greenland
  NA%

Guam
  NA%

Guatemala
  2.6% (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  NA%

Guinea
  3% (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  4.7% (2003 est.)

Guyana
  2.5% (2010 est.)

Haiti
  -8% (2010 est.)

Honduras
  2.4% (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  -0.3% (2010 est.)

Hungary
  5% (2010 est.)

Iceland
  -1% (2010 est.)

India
  9.7% (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  4% (2010 est.)

Iran
  4.3% excluding oil (2010 est.)

Iraq
  4.8% (2010 est.)

Ireland
  5% (2010 est.)

Israel
  5.7% (2010 est.)

Italy
  0.5% (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  -2% (2010 est.)

Japan
  7.5% (2010 est.)

Jersey
  NA%

Jordan
  2.7% (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  7.3% (2010 est.)

Kenya
  4% (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  NA%

Korea, North
  NA%

Korea, South
  12.1% (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  2.1% (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  6% (2010 est.)

Laos
  12% (2010 est.)

Latvia
  -1.8% (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  2.1% (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  3% (2010 est.)

Liberia
  NA%

Libya
  2.7% (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  NA%

Lithuania
  2.5% (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  1.7% (2009 est.)

Macau
  NA%

Macedonia
  1.3% (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  2% (2010 est.)

Malawi
  17.3% (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  8.5% (2010 est.)

Maldives
  -0.9% (2004 est.)

Mali
  NA%

Malta
  NA%

Marshall Islands
  NA%

Mauritania
  2% (2000 est.)

Mauritius
  3.3% (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  NA%

Mexico
  6% (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  NA%

Moldova
  4.5% (2010 est.)

Monaco
  NA%

Mongolia
  3% (2006 est.)

Montserrat
  NA%

Morocco
  4.4% (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  8% (2010 est.)

Namibia
  6.5% (2010 est.)

Nauru
  NA%

Nepal
  1.8% (FY08)

Netherlands
  3.2% (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  2% (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  1.5% (2010 est.)

Niger
  5.1% (2003 est.)

Nigeria
  4% (2010 est.)

Niue
  NA%

Northern Mariana Islands
  NA%

Norway
  0.3% (2010 est.)

Oman
  4.5% (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  4.9% (2010 est.)

Palau
  NA%

Panama
  2% (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  10% (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  6.5% (2010 est.)

Peru
  8.5% (2010 est.)

Philippines
  11.5% (2010 est.)

Poland
  6.5% (2010 est.)

Portugal
  0.9% (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  NA%

Qatar
  27.1% (2010 est.)

Romania
  1.5% (2010 est.)

Russia
  8.3% (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  7.5% (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  NA%

Saint Lucia
  NA%

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  NA%

Samoa
  2.8% (2000)

San Marino
  3.1% (2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
  7% (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  3.1% (2010 est.)

Senegal
  3.8% (2010 est.)

Serbia
  1.3% (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  2% (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  NA%

Singapore
  10.2% (2010 est.)

Slovakia
  7.5% (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  1% (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  NA%

Somalia
  NA%

South Africa
  3% (2010 est.)

Spain
  -2% (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  6.9% (2010 est.)

Sudan
  3.5% (2010 est.)

Suriname
  6.5% (1994 est.)

Swaziland
  1% (2010 est.)

Sweden
  8% (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  2.7% (2010 est.)

Syria
  6% (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  16% (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  7.5% (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  7% (2010 est.)

Thailand
  14.5% (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  8.5% (2004 est.)

Togo
  2.5% (2010 est.)

Tonga
  1% (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  2.5% (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  1.6% (2010 est.)

Turkey
  6% (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  7.3% (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  NA%

Tuvalu
  NA%

Uganda
  6% (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  8% (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  3.2% (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  1.9% (2010 est.)

United States
  3.3% (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  16.5% (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  8% (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  -8% (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  7.5% (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  NA%

Wallis and Futuna
  NA%

West Bank
  NA% (2005)

Western Sahara
  NA%

World
  4.6% (2010 est.)

Yemen
  9% (2010 est.)

Zambia
  12.1% (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  4% (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2090

Field Listing :: Industries

This entry provides a rank ordering of industries starting with the largest by value of annual output. Country

Industries

Afghanistan
  small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture,
  shoes, fertilizer, apparel, food-products, non-alcoholic beverages,
  mineral water, cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, coal, copper

Albania
  food processing, textiles and clothing; lumber, oil, cement,
  chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower

Algeria
  petroleum, natural gas, light industries, mining,
  electrical, petrochemical, food processing

American Samoa
  tuna canneries (largely supplied by foreign fishing
  vessels), handicrafts

Andorra
  tourism (particularly skiing), cattle raising, timber,
  banking, tobacco, furniture

Angola
  petroleum; diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite,
  uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing;
  food processing, brewing, tobacco products, sugar; textiles; ship
  repair

Anguilla
  tourism, boat building, offshore financial services

Antigua and Barbuda
  tourism, construction, light manufacturing
  (clothing, alcohol, household appliances)

Argentina
  food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables,
  textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel

Armenia
  diamond-processing, metal-cutting machine tools,
  forging-pressing machines, electric motors, tires, knitted wear,
  hosiery, shoes, silk fabric, chemicals, trucks, instruments,
  microelectronics, jewelry manufacturing, software development, food
  processing, brandy

Aruba
  tourism, transshipment facilities

Australia
  mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food
  processing, chemicals, steel

Austria
  construction, machinery, vehicles and parts, food, metals,
  chemicals, lumber and wood processing, paper and paperboard,
  communications equipment, tourism

Azerbaijan
  petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield
  equipment; steel, iron ore; cement; chemicals and petrochemicals;
  textiles

Bahamas, The
  tourism, banking, cement, oil transshipment, salt, rum,
  aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral-welded steel pipe

Bahrain
  petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron
  pelletization, fertilizers, Islamic and offshore banking, insurance,
  ship repairing, tourism

Bangladesh
  cotton textiles, jute, garments, tea processing, paper
  newsprint, cement, chemical fertilizer, light engineering, sugar

Barbados
  tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for
  export

Belarus
  metal-cutting machine tools, tractors, trucks, earthmovers,
  motorcycles, televisions, synthetic fibers, fertilizer, textiles,
  radios, refrigerators

Belgium
  engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly,
  transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and
  beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum

Belize
  garment production, food processing, tourism, construction,
  oil

Benin
  textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement

Bermuda
  international business, tourism, light manufacturing

Bhutan
  cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages,
  calcium carbide, tourism

Bolivia
  mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco,
  handicrafts, clothing

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  steel, coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese,
  bauxite, vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden
  furniture, tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances, oil
  refining

Botswana
  diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal,
  iron ore, silver; livestock processing; textiles

Brazil
  textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin,
  steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and
  equipment

British Virgin Islands
  tourism, light industry, construction, rum,
  concrete block, offshore financial center

Brunei
  petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas,
  construction

Bulgaria
  electricity, gas, water; food, beverages, tobacco;
  machinery and equipment, base metals, chemical products, coke,
  refined petroleum, nuclear fuel

Burkina Faso
  cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap,
  cigarettes, textiles, gold

Burma
  agricultural processing; wood and wood products; copper, tin,
  tungsten, iron; cement, construction materials; pharmaceuticals;
  fertilizer; oil and natural gas; garments, jade and gems

Burundi
  light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly
  of imported components; public works construction; food processing

Cambodia
  tourism, garments, construction, rice milling, fishing,
  wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles

Cameroon
  petroleum production and refining, aluminum production,
  food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, lumber, ship repair

Canada
  transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and
  unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish
  products, petroleum and natural gas

Cape Verde
  food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments,
  salt mining, ship repair

Cayman Islands
  tourism, banking, insurance and finance,
  construction, construction materials, furniture

Central African Republic
  gold and diamond mining, logging, brewing,
  textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles

Chad
  oil, cotton textiles, meatpacking, brewing, natron (sodium
  carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials

Chile
  copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and
  steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles

China
  world leader in gross value of industrial output; mining and
  ore processing, iron, steel, aluminum, and other metals, coal;
  machine building; armaments; textiles and apparel; petroleum;
  cement; chemicals; fertilizers; consumer products, including
  footwear, toys, and electronics; food processing; transportation
  equipment, including automobiles, rail cars and locomotives, ships,
  and aircraft; telecommunications equipment, commercial space launch
  vehicles, satellites

Christmas Island
  tourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  copra products and tourism

Colombia
  textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear,
  beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds

Comoros
  fishing, tourism, perfume distillation

Congo, Democratic Republic of the mining (diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, coltan, zinc, tin, diamonds), mineral processing, consumer products (including textiles, footwear, cigarettes, processed foods and beverages), cement, commercial ship repair

Congo, Republic of the
  petroleum extraction, cement, lumber,
  brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes

Cook Islands
  fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing,
  handicrafts

Costa Rica
  microprocessors, food processing, medical equipment,
  textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic
  products

Cote d'Ivoire
  foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining,
  truck and bus assembly, textiles, fertilizer, building materials,
  electricity, ship construction and repair

Croatia
  chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal,
  electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum, paper,
  wood products, construction materials, textiles, shipbuilding,
  petroleum and petroleum refining, food and beverages, tourism

Cuba
  sugar, petroleum, tobacco, construction, nickel, steel, cement,
  agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals

Curacao
  tourism, petroleum refining, petroleum transshipment
  facilities, light manufacturing

Cyprus
  tourism, food and beverage processing, cement and gypsum
  production, ship repair and refurbishment, textiles, light
  chemicals, metal products, wood, paper, stone, and clay products

Czech Republic
  motor vehicles, metallurgy, machinery and equipment,
  glass, armaments

Denmark
  iron, steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, food processing,
  machinery and transportation equipment, textiles and clothing,
  electronics, construction, furniture and other wood products,
  shipbuilding and refurbishment, windmills, pharmaceuticals, medical
  equipment

Dhekelia
  none

Djibouti
  construction, agricultural processing

Dominica
  soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement
  blocks, shoes

Dominican Republic
  tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold
  mining, textiles, cement, tobacco

Ecuador
  petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products,
  chemicals

Egypt
  textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals,
  pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals, light
  manufactures

El Salvador
  food processing, beverages, petroleum, chemicals,
  fertilizer, textiles, furniture, light metals

Equatorial Guinea
  petroleum, fishing, sawmilling, natural gas

Eritrea
  food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles, light
  manufacturing, salt, cement

Estonia
  engineering, electronics, wood and wood products, textiles;
  information technology, telecommunications

Ethiopia
  food processing, beverages, textiles, leather, chemicals,
  metals processing, cement

European Union
  among the world's largest and most technologically
  advanced, the EU industrial base includes: ferrous and non-ferrous
  metal production and processing, metal products, petroleum, coal,
  cement, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, rail transportation
  equipment, passenger and commercial vehicles, construction
  equipment, industrial equipment, shipbuilding, electrical power
  equipment, machine tools and automated manufacturing systems,
  electronics and telecommunications equipment, fishing, food and
  beverage processing, furniture, paper, textiles, tourism

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  fish and wool processing; tourism

Faroe Islands
  fishing, fish processing, small ship repair and
  refurbishment, handicrafts

Fiji
  tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small
  cottage industries

Finland
  metals and metal products, electronics, machinery and
  scientific instruments, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, foodstuffs,
  chemicals, textiles, clothing

France
  machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft,
  electronics; textiles, food processing; tourism

French Polynesia
  tourism, pearls, agricultural processing,
  handicrafts, phosphates

Gabon
  petroleum extraction and refining; manganese, gold; chemicals,
  ship repair, food and beverages, textiles, lumbering and plywood,
  cement

Gambia, The
  processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism, beverages,
  agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing

Gaza Strip
  textiles, food processing

Georgia
  steel, aircraft, machine tools, electrical appliances,
  mining (manganese and copper), chemicals, wood products, wine

Germany
  among the world's largest and most technologically advanced
  producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery,
  vehicles, machine tools, electronics, food and beverages,
  shipbuilding, textiles

Ghana
  mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting,
  food processing, cement, small commercial ship building

Gibraltar
  tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco

Greece
  tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals,
  metal products; mining, petroleum

Greenland
  fish processing (mainly shrimp and Greenland halibut);
  gold, niobium, tantalite, uranium, iron and diamond mining;
  handicrafts, hides and skins, small shipyards

Grenada
  food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations,
  tourism, construction

Guam
  US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services,
  concrete products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles

Guatemala
  sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals,
  petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

Guernsey
  tourism, banking

Guinea
  bauxite, gold, diamonds, iron; alumina refining; light
  manufacturing, and agricultural processing

Guinea-Bissau
  agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

Guyana
  bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining

Haiti
  textiles, sugar refining, flour milling, cement, light
  assembly based on imported parts

Holy See (Vatican City) printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps; mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities

Honduras
  sugar, coffee, woven and knit apparel, wood products, cigars

Hong Kong
  textiles, clothing, tourism, banking, shipping,
  electronics, plastics, toys, watches, clocks

Hungary
  mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods,
  textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles

Iceland
  fish processing; aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production;
  geothermal power, hydropower, tourism

India
  textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation
  equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software,
  pharmaceuticals

Indonesia
  petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear,
  mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food, tourism

Iran
  petroleum, petrochemicals, fertilizers, caustic soda, textiles,
  cement and other construction materials, food processing
  (particularly sugar refining and vegetable oil production), ferrous
  and non-ferrous metal fabrication, armaments

Iraq
  petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction
  materials, food processing, fertilizer, metal fabrication/processing

Ireland
  steel, lead, zinc, silver, aluminum, barite, and gypsum
  mining processing; food products, brewing, textiles, clothing;
  chemicals, pharmaceuticals; machinery, rail transportation
  equipment; glass and crystal; software, tourism

Isle of Man
  financial services, light manufacturing, tourism

Israel
  high-technology products (including aviation, communications,
  computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics, fiber
  optics), wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food,
  beverages, and tobacco, caustic soda, cement, construction, metals
  products, chemical products, plastics, diamond cutting, textiles,
  footwear

Italy
  tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food
  processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramics

Jamaica
  tourism, bauxite/alumina, agro processing, light
  manufactures, rum, cement, metal, paper, chemical products,
  telecommunications

Japan
  among world's largest and technologically advanced producers
  of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and
  nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods

Jersey
  tourism, banking and finance, dairy, electronics

Jordan
  clothing, fertilizers, potash, phosphate mining,
  pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement, inorganic chemicals,
  light manufacturing, tourism

Kazakhstan
  oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc,
  copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, iron
  and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric
  motors, construction materials

Kenya
  small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries,
  textiles, clothing, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products,
  horticulture, oil refining; aluminum, steel, lead; cement,
  commercial ship repair, tourism

Kiribati
  fishing, handicrafts

Korea, North
  military products; machine building, electric power,
  chemicals; mining (coal, iron ore, limestone, magnesite, graphite,
  copper, zinc, lead, and precious metals), metallurgy; textiles, food
  processing; tourism

Korea, South
  electronics, telecommunications, automobile production,
  chemicals, shipbuilding, steel

Kosovo
  mineral mining, construction materials, base metals, leather,
  machinery, appliances

Kuwait
  petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair,
  water desalination, food processing, construction materials

Kyrgyzstan
  small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement,
  shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold,
  rare earth metals

Laos
  copper, tin, gold, and gypsum mining; timber, electric power,
  agricultural processing, construction, garments, cement, tourism

Latvia
  pharmaceuticals, plastics, synthetic fibers, agricultural
  machinery, fertilizers, soaps, paints, rubber, processed foods,
  textiles

Lebanon
  banking, tourism, food processing, wine, jewelry, cement,
  textiles, mineral and chemical products, wood and furniture
  products, oil refining, metal fabricating

Lesotho
  food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts,
  construction, tourism

Liberia
  rubber processing, palm oil processing, timber, diamonds

Libya
  petroleum, petrochemicals, aluminum, iron and steel, food
  processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement

Liechtenstein
  electronics, metal manufacturing, dental products,
  ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments,
  tourism, optical instruments

Lithuania
  metal-cutting machine tools, electric motors, television
  sets, refrigerators and freezers, petroleum refining, shipbuilding
  (small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing,
  fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic
  components, computers, amber jewelry

Luxembourg
  banking and financial services, iron and steel,
  information technology, telecommunications, cargo transportation,
  food processing, chemicals, metal products, engineering, tires,
  glass, aluminum, tourism

Macau
  tourism, gambling, clothing, textiles, electronics, footwear,
  toys

Macedonia
  food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, iron,
  steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals

Madagascar
  meat processing, seafood, soap, breweries, tanneries,
  sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant,
  paper, petroleum, tourism

Malawi
  tobacco, tea, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods

Malaysia
  Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and
  manufacturing, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical
  technology, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging, timber
  processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum production; Sarawak -
  agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging

Maldives
  tourism, fish processing, shipping, boat building, coconut
  processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand
  mining

Mali
  food processing; construction; phosphate and gold mining

Malta
  tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction,
  food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, footwear, clothing, tobacco,
  aviation services, financial services, information technology
  services

Marshall Islands
  copra, tuna processing, tourism, craft items (from
  seashells, wood, and pearls)

Mauritania
  fish processing, oil production, mining of iron ore,
  gold, and copper
  note: gypsum deposits have never been exploited

Mauritius
  food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles,
  clothing, mining, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment,
  nonelectrical machinery, tourism

Mayotte
  newly created lobster and shrimp industry, construction

Mexico
  food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel,
  petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer
  durables, tourism

Micronesia, Federated States of
  tourism, construction; fish
  processing, specialized aquaculture; craft items (from shell, wood,
  and pearls)

Moldova
  sugar, vegetable oil, food processing, agricultural
  machinery; foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing
  machines; hosiery, shoes, textiles

Monaco
  tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer
  products

Mongolia
  construction and construction materials; mining (coal,
  copper, molybdenum, fluorspar, tin, tungsten, and gold); oil; food
  and beverages; processing of animal products, cashmere and natural
  fiber manufacturing

Montenegro
  steelmaking, aluminum, agricultural processing, consumer
  goods, tourism

Montserrat
  tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances

Morocco
  phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing,
  leather goods, textiles, construction, energy, tourism

Mozambique
  food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints),
  aluminum, petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass, asbestos,
  tobacco

Namibia
  meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products; mining
  (diamonds, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper)

Nauru
  phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products

Nepal
  tourism, carpets, textiles; small rice, jute, sugar, and
  oilseed mills; cigarettes, cement and brick production

Netherlands
  agroindustries, metal and engineering products,
  electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum,
  construction, microelectronics, fishing

New Caledonia
  nickel mining and smelting

New Zealand
  food processing, wood and paper products, textiles,
  machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism,
  mining

Nicaragua
  food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal products,
  knit and woven apparel, petroleum refining and distribution,
  beverages, footwear, wood

Niger
  uranium mining, cement, brick, soap, textiles, food
  processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses

Nigeria
  crude oil, coal, tin, columbite; rubber products, wood;
  hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials,
  food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics,
  steel

Niue
  handicrafts, food processing

Norfolk Island
  tourism, light industry, ready mixed concrete

Northern Mariana Islands
  banking, construction, fishing, garment,
  tourism, handicrafts

Norway
  petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and
  paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing

Oman
  crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied
  natural gas (LNG) production; construction, cement, copper, steel,
  chemicals, optic fiber

Pakistan
  textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals,
  construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp

Palau
  tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction,
  garment making

Panama
  construction, brewing, cement and other construction
  materials, sugar milling

Papua New Guinea
  copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood
  production, wood chip production; mining of gold, silver, and
  copper; crude oil production, petroleum refining; construction,
  tourism

Paraguay
  sugar, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel,
  metallurgic, electric power

Peru
  mining and refining of minerals; steel, metal fabrication;
  petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas; fishing and fish
  processing, textiles, clothing, food processing

Philippines
  electronics assembly, garments, footwear,
  pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing,
  petroleum refining, fishing

Pitcairn Islands
  postage stamps, handicrafts, beekeeping, honey

Poland
  machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals,
  shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

Portugal
  textiles, clothing, footwear, wood and cork, paper,
  chemicals, auto-parts manufacturing, base metals, diary products,
  wine and other foods, porcelain and ceramics, glassware, technology,
  telecommunications; ship construction and refurbishment; tourism

Puerto Rico
  pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products,
  tourism

Qatar
  liquefied natural gas, crude oil production and refining,
  ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars,
  cement, commercial ship repair

Romania
  electric machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear,
  light machinery and auto assembly, mining, timber, construction
  materials, metallurgy, chemicals, food processing, petroleum refining

Russia
  complete range of mining and extractive industries producing
  coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building
  from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles;
  defense industries including radar, missile production, and advanced
  electronic components, shipbuilding; road and rail transportation
  equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery,
  tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and
  transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer
  durables, textiles, foodstuffs, handicrafts

Rwanda
  cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap,
  furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  construction, crafts
  (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishing, philatelic sales

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing,
  footwear, beverages

Saint Lucia
  clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages,
  corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism; lime processing, coconut
  processing

Saint Martin
  tourism, light industry and manufacturing, heavy
  industry

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  fish processing and supply base for
  fishing fleets; tourism

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  food processing, cement, furniture,
  clothing, starch

Samoa
  food processing, building materials, auto parts

San Marino
  tourism, banking, textiles, electronics, ceramics,
  cement, wine

Sao Tome and Principe
  light construction, textiles, soap, beer, fish
  processing, timber

Saudi Arabia
  crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic
  petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic
  soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair,
  commercial aircraft repair, construction

Senegal
  agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining,
  fertilizer production, petroleum refining; iron ore, zircon, and
  gold mining, construction materials, ship construction and repair

Serbia
  base metals, furniture, food processing, machinery,
  chemicals, sugar, tires, clothes, pharmaceuticals

Seychelles
  fishing, tourism, processing of coconuts and vanilla,
  coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture;
  beverages

Sierra Leone
  diamond mining; small-scale manufacturing (beverages,
  textiles, cigarettes, footwear); petroleum refining, small
  commercial ship repair

Singapore
  electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling
  equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber
  products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore
  platform construction, life sciences, entrepot trade

Sint Maarten
  tourism, light industry, and manufacturing

Slovakia
  metal and metal products; food and beverages; electricity,
  gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals and manmade fibers;
  machinery; paper and printing; earthenware and ceramics; transport
  vehicles; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products

Slovenia
  ferrous metallurgy and aluminum products, lead and zinc
  smelting; electronics (including military electronics), trucks,
  automobiles, electric power equipment, wood products, textiles,
  chemicals, machine tools

Solomon Islands
  fish (tuna), mining, timber

Somalia
  a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles,
  wireless communication

South Africa
  mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold,
  chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textiles,
  iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs, commercial ship
  repair

Spain
  textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages,
  metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles,
  machine tools, tourism, clay and refractory products, footwear,
  pharmaceuticals, medical equipment

Sri Lanka
  processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, tobacco and other
  agricultural commodities; telecommunications, insurance, banking;
  tourism, shipping; clothing, textiles; cement, petroleum refining,
  information technology services, construction

Sudan
  oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar,
  soap distilling, shoes, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals,
  armaments, automobile/light truck assembly

Suriname
  bauxite and gold mining, alumina production; oil,
  lumbering, food processing, fishing

Swaziland
  coal, wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates, textiles
  and apparel

Sweden
  iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and
  telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed
  foods, motor vehicles

Switzerland
  machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision
  instruments, tourism, banking, and insurance

Syria
  petroleum, textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco,
  phosphate rock mining, cement, oil seeds crushing, car assembly

Taiwan
  electronics, communications and information technology
  products, petroleum refining, armaments, chemicals, textiles, iron
  and steel, machinery, cement, food processing, vehicles, consumer
  products, pharmaceuticals

Tajikistan
  aluminum, zinc, lead; chemicals and fertilizers, cement,
  vegetable oil, metal-cutting machine tools, refrigerators and
  freezers

Tanzania
  agricultural processing (sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal
  twine); diamond, gold, and iron mining, salt, soda ash; cement, oil
  refining, shoes, apparel, wood products, fertilizer

Thailand
  tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing,
  beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and
  electric appliances, computers and parts, integrated circuits,
  furniture, plastics, automobiles and automotive parts; world's
  second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer

Timor-Leste
  printing, soap manufacturing, handicrafts, woven cloth

Togo
  phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement, handicrafts,
  textiles, beverages

Tokelau
  small-scale enterprises for copra production, woodworking,
  plaited craft goods; stamps, coins; fishing

Tonga
  tourism, construction, fishing

Trinidad and Tobago
  petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied
  natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products,
  beverages, food processing, cement, cotton textiles

Tunisia
  petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore),
  tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages

Turkey
  textiles, food processing, autos, electronics, mining (coal,
  chromate, copper, boron), steel, petroleum, construction, lumber,
  paper

Turkmenistan
  natural gas, oil, petroleum products, textiles, food
  processing

Turks and Caicos Islands
  tourism, offshore financial services

Tuvalu
  fishing, tourism, copra

Uganda
  sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles; cement, steel
  production

Ukraine
  coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals,
  machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food processing

United Arab Emirates
  petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing,
  aluminum, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, construction
  materials, some boat building, handicrafts, textiles

United Kingdom
  machine tools, electric power equipment, automation
  equipment, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor
  vehicles and parts, electronics and communications equipment,
  metals, chemicals, coal, petroleum, paper and paper products, food
  processing, textiles, clothing, other consumer goods

United States
  highly diversified, world leading, high-technology
  innovator, second largest industrial output in world; petroleum,
  steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals,
  electronics, food processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining

Uruguay
  food processing, electrical machinery, transportation
  equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages

Uzbekistan
  textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy,
  gold, petroleum, natural gas, chemicals

Vanuatu
  food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning

Venezuela
  petroleum, construction materials, food processing,
  textiles; iron ore mining, steel, aluminum; motor vehicle assembly

Vietnam
  food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building; mining,
  coal, steel; cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, paper

Virgin Islands
  tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum
  distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics

Wallis and Futuna
  copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumber

West Bank
  small-scale manufacturing, quarrying, textiles, soap,
  olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs

Western Sahara
  phosphate mining, handicrafts

World
  dominated by the onrush of technology, especially in
  computers, robotics, telecommunications, and medicines and medical
  equipment; most of these advances take place in OECD nations; only a
  small portion of non-OECD countries have succeeded in rapidly
  adjusting to these technological forces; the accelerated development
  of new industrial (and agricultural) technology is complicating
  already grim environmental problems

Yemen
  crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale
  production of cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing;
  handicrafts; small aluminum products factory; cement; commercial
  ship repair; natural gas production

Zambia
  copper mining and processing, construction, foodstuffs,
  beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer, horticulture

Zimbabwe
  mining (coal, gold, platinum, copper, nickel, tin, clay,
  numerous metallic and nonmetallic ores), steel; wood products,
  cement, chemicals, fertilizer, clothing and footwear, foodstuffs,
  beverages

======================================================================

@2091

Field Listing :: Infant mortality rate

This entry gives the number of deaths of infants under one year old in a given year per 1,000 live births in the same year; included is the total death rate, and deaths by sex, male and female. This rate is often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country. Country Comparison to the World Country

Infant mortality rate(deaths/1,000 live births)

Afghanistan
  total: 151.5 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 155.15 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 147.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Albania
  total: 15.11 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 16.79 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 13.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Algeria
  total: 26.75 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 29.8 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 23.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  total: 9.91 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 12.91 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 6.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Andorra
  total: 3.84 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Angola
  total: 178.13 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 190.12 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 165.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  total: 3.49 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 3.94 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  total: 15.1 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 17.41 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 12.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Argentina
  total: 11.11 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 12.4 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 9.75 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Armenia
  total: 19.5 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 24.16 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 14.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Aruba
  total: 13.34 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 17.65 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 8.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Australia
  total: 4.67 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Austria
  total: 4.37 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5.31 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  total: 52.84 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 58.37 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 46.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  total: 13.68 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 13.68 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 13.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  total: 14.76 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 17.01 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 12.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  total: 52.54 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 55.04 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 49.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Barbados
  total: 12.09 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 13.42 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 10.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Belarus
  total: 6.34 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 7.34 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Belgium
  total: 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.92 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Belize
  total: 22.52 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 25.22 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 19.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Benin
  total: 63.13 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 66.51 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 59.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  total: 2.46 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 2.57 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 2.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  total: 46.92 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 47.8 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 45.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  total: 43.41 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 47.26 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 39.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  total: 8.88 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 10.18 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 7.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Botswana
  total: 11.79 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 12.51 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 11.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Brazil
  total: 21.86 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 25.39 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 18.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  total: 14.11 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 16.01 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 12.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Brunei
  total: 11.87 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 14.19 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 9.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  total: 17.26 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 20.59 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 13.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  total: 82.98 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 90.53 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 75.21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Burma
  total: 50.76 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 57.85 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 43.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Burundi
  total: 63.38 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 68.02 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 58.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  total: 56.94 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 64.09 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 49.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  total: 62.15 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 66.8 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 57.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Canada
  total: 4.99 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5.34 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  total: 27.89 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 31.86 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 23.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  total: 6.78 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 7.77 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  total: 101.6 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 109.65 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 93.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Chad
  total: 97.05 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 103 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 90.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Chile
  total: 7.52 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 8.29 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 6.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

China
  total: 16.51 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 15.84 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 17.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
  total: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  total: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Colombia
  total: 16.87 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 20.52 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 13.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Comoros
  total: 64.61 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 72.41 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 56.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  total: 79.36 deaths/1,000 live
  births
  male: 87.13 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 71.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  total: 77.93 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 83.39 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 72.31 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  total: 16.33 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 19.88 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 12.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  total: 9.72 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 10.59 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 8.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  total: 66.43 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 73.37 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 59.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Croatia
  total: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 6.33 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 6.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cuba
  total: 5.72 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 6.39 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Cyprus
  total: 9.57 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 11.46 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 7.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  total: 3.76 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.1 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Denmark
  total: 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.34 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  total: 56.65 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 64.55 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 48.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Dominica
  total: 13.2 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 17.7 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 8.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  total: 23.1 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 25.11 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  total: 20.26 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 23.7 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 16.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Egypt
  total: 26.2 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 27.84 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 24.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  total: 20.97 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 23.01 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 18.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  total: 79.47 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 80.55 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 78.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  total: 42.33 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 47.87 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 36.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Estonia
  total: 7.19 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 8.34 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  total: 78.99 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 90.08 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 67.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

European Union
  total: 5.61 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  total: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Faroe Islands
  total: 6.18 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 6.43 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Fiji
  total: 11.28 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 12.42 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 10.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Finland
  total: 3.45 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 3.75 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

France
  total: 3.31 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 3.63 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 2.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  total: 7.41 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 8.51 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Gabon
  total: 50.88 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 59 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 42.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  total: 67.49 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 73.52 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 61.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  total: 17.71 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 18.87 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 16.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Georgia
  total: 15.67 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 17.64 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 13.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Germany
  total: 3.95 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.36 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Ghana
  total: 49.89 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 53.38 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 46.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  total: 6.82 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 7.6 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Greece
  total: 5.08 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5.58 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Greenland
  total: 10.26 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 11.71 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 8.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Grenada
  total: 11.76 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 12.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guam
  total: 5.93 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 6.35 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  total: 26.91 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 29.22 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 24.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  total: 3.58 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 3.9 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guinea
  total: 63.09 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 66.46 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 59.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  total: 98.05 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 108.03 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 87.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Guyana
  total: 37.89 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 42.3 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 33.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Haiti
  total: 54.02 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 58.16 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 49.83 deaths/1,000 live births
  note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those
  of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of
  the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely
  correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Honduras
  total: 21.04 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 23.82 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 18.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  total: 2.91 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 3.09 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 2.72 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Hungary
  total: 5.38 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5.64 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Iceland
  total: 3.21 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 3.36 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

India
  total: 49.13 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 47.7 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 50.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  total: 28.94 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 33.76 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 23.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Iran
  total: 43.45 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 43.93 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 42.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Iraq
  total: 43.16 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 47.47 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 38.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Ireland
  total: 3.89 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  total: 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Israel
  total: 4.17 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.34 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Italy
  total: 5.41 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5.96 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  total: 14.91 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 14.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Japan
  total: 2.79 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 2.98 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 2.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Jersey
  total: 4.02 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.25 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Jordan
  total: 17.03 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 17.55 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 16.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  total: 24.93 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 29.29 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 20.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Kenya
  total: 53.49 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 56.28 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 50.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  total: 40.13 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 41.38 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 38.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  total: 50.15 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 57.39 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 42.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  total: 4.24 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.46 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  total: 8.75 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 9.35 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 8.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  total: 30.25 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 35.09 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 25.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Laos
  total: 61.19 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 67.36 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 54.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Latvia
  total: 8.59 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 10.41 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 6.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  total: 16.4 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 16.52 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  total: 56.42 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 60.78 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 51.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Liberia
  total: 76.43 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 80.92 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 71.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Libya
  total: 20.87 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 22.87 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 18.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  total: 4.2 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 2.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  total: 6.37 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 7.61 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  total: 4.49 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.51 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Macau
  total: 3.2 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 3.36 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  total: 8.76 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 8.98 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 8.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  total: 52.84 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 57.69 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 47.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Malawi
  total: 83.5 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 87.6 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 79.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  total: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 17.92 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 12.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Maldives
  total: 28.47 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 30.97 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 25.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mali
  total: 113.66 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 120.5 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 106.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Malta
  total: 3.72 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.16 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  total: 24.57 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 27.61 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 21.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mauritania
  total: 61.94 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 67.13 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 56.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  total: 11.85 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 14.09 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 9.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  total: 54.75 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 60.23 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 49.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mexico
  total: 17.84 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 19.71 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 15.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  total: 25.2 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 27.82 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 22.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Moldova
  total: 12.77 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 14.2 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 11.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Monaco
  total: 1.78 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 2.03 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 1.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  total: 38.56 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 41.63 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 35.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  total: 15.8 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 19.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Morocco
  total: 28.61 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 33.52 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 23.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  total: 103.82 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 106.53 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 101.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Namibia
  total: 45.52 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 48.89 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 42.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Nauru
  total: 8.81 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 11.36 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 6.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Nepal
  total: 46 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 45.97 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 46.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  total: 4.66 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5.16 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  total: 5.8 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 6.85 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  total: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.22 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  total: 24.16 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 27.14 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 21.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Niger
  total: 114.5 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 119.52 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 109.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  total: 92.99 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 98.94 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 86.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Niue
  total: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Norfolk Island
  total: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  total: 5.89 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Norway
  total: 3.55 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 3.88 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Oman
  total: 16 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 15.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  total: 65.32 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 68.59 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 61.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Palau
  total: 12.78 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 14.43 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 11.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Panama
  total: 11.97 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 12.75 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 11.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  total: 44.59 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 48.47 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 40.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  total: 23.83 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 27.84 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 19.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Peru
  total: 27.74 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 30.15 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 25.21 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Philippines
  total: 19.94 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 22.49 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 17.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  total: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Poland
  total: 6.66 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 7.38 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Portugal
  total: 4.72 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5.17 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  total: 8.23 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 9 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 7.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Qatar
  total: 12.24 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 13.02 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 11.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Romania
  total: 11.32 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 12.76 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 9.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Russia
  total: 10.32 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 11.83 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 8.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  total: 65.57 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 69.21 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 61.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  total: 16.98
  deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 19.97 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 13.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  total: 9.9 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 6.45 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 13.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  total: 13.07 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 12.19 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 13.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  total: 7.65 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 8.94 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  total: 14.7 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 13.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Samoa
  total: 23.21 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 27.42 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 18.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

San Marino
  total: 4.79 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.97 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  total: 54.64 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 56.75 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 52.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  total: 16.73 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 19.19 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 14.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Senegal
  total: 57.7 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 64.34 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 50.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Serbia
  total: 6.65 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 7.68 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  total: 11.97 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 15.02 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 8.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  total: 80.16 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 89.06 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 70.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Singapore
  total: 2.32 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 2.52 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Slovakia
  total: 6.71 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 7.83 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  total: 4.21 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.76 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  total: 18.41 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 20.95 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 15.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Somalia
  total: 107.42 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 116.47 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 98.11 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

South Africa
  total: 43.78 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 47.88 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 39.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Spain
  total: 3.42 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 3.77 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  total: 18.14 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 19.9 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 16.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Sudan
  total: 72.39 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 73.08 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 71.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Suriname
  total: 18.19 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 21.48 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 14.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Svalbard
  total: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Swaziland
  total: 66.71 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 70.76 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 62.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Sweden
  total: 2.74 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 2.9 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 2.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  total: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.58 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 3.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Syria
  total: 16.14 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 18.55 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 13.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  total: 5.26 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  total: 39.78 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 44.55 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 34.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  total: 68.13 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 75 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 61.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Thailand
  total: 16.71 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 17.7 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 15.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  total: 39.32 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 45.19 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 33.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Togo
  total: 53.23 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 60.29 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 45.97 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Tokelau
  total: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Tonga
  total: 11.28 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 12.42 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 10.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  total: 28.9 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 30.12 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 27.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  total: 21.75 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 23.94 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 19.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Turkey
  total: 24.84 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 25.89 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 23.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  total: 43.84 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 52.13 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 35.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  total: 13.43 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 15.5 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 11.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  total: 35.52 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 38.66 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 32.22 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Uganda
  total: 63.7 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 67.31 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 59.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  total: 8.73 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 10.95 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 6.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  total: 12.3 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 14.38 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 10.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  total: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 5.15 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

United States
  total: 6.14 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 6.81 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  total: 10.99 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 12.37 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 9.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  total: 22.66 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 26.81 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 18.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  total: 48.17 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 50.65 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 45.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  total: 21.07 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 24.6 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 17.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  total: 21.57 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 21.95 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 21.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  total: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 8.14 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 6.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  total: 4.74 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 4.98 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 4.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

West Bank
  total: 15.41 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 17.29 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 13.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  total: 61.97 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 67.13 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 56.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

World
  total: 44.13 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 46.19 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 41.92 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Yemen
  total: 56.77 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 61.46 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 51.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Zambia
  total: 68.4 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 73.1 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 63.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  total: 30.9 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 33.44 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 28.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2092

Field Listing :: Inflation rate (consumer prices)

  This entry furnishes the annual percent change in consumer prices
  compared with the previous year's consumer prices.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Inflation rate (consumer prices)(%)

Afghanistan
  13.3% (2009 est.)
  20.7% (2008 est.)

Albania
  3.4% (2010 est.)
  2.2% (2009 est.)

Algeria
  5% (2010 est.)
  5.7% (2009 est.)

American Samoa
  NA%

Andorra
  2.3% (2008)
  3.9% (2007)

Angola
  13.3% (2010 est.)
  13.7% (2009 est.)

Anguilla
  5.3% (2006 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  1.5% (2007 est.)

Argentina
  22% (2010 est.)
  16% (2009 est.)

Armenia
  6.9% (2010 est.)
  3.4% (2009 est.)

Aruba
  3.4% (2005)

Australia
  2.9% (2010 est.)
  1.8% (2009 est.)

Austria
  1.5% (2010 est.)
  0.4% (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  5.1% (2010 est.)
  1.5% (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
  2.4% (2007 est.)

Bahrain
  3.3% (2010 est.)
  2.8% (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  8.1% (2010 est.)
  5.4% (2009 est.)

Barbados
  5.5% (2007 est.)

Belarus
  7% (2010 est.)
  12.9% (2009 est.)

Belgium
  2.3% (2010 est.)
  0% (2009 est.)

Belize
  4.1% (2010 est.)
  -1.1% (2009 est.)

Benin
  1.6% (2010 est.)
  2.2% (2009 est.)

Bermuda
  2.8% (November 2005)

Bhutan
  4.3% (2008 est.)
  4.9% (2007 est.)

Bolivia
  2.1% (2010 est.)
  3.3% (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  1.9% (2010 est.)
  -0.4% (2009 est.)

Botswana
  7.1% (2010 est.)
  8.1% (2009 est.)

Brazil
  4.9% (2010 est.)
  4.9% (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  7.1% (2008)
  2% (2005)

Brunei
  2.7% (2008 est.)
  0.3% (2007 est.)

Bulgaria
  2.1% (2010 est.)
  1.6% (2009)

Burkina Faso
  1.4% (2010 est.)
  2.6% (2009 est.)

Burma
  9.6% (2010 est.)
  1.5% (2009 est.)

Burundi
  7.2% (2010 est.)
  10.7% (2009 est.)

Cambodia
  4.1% (2010 est.)
  -0.7% (2009 est.)

Cameroon
  1.9% (2010 est.)
  3% (2009 est.)

Canada
  1.6% (2010 est.)
  0.3% (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  2.5% (2010 est.)
  1% (2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
  4.1% (2008)
  4.4% (2004)

Central African Republic
  0.9% (2007 est.)

Chad
  4% (2010 est.)
  10% (2009 est.)

Chile
  1.7% (2010 est.)
  1.5% (2009 est.)

China
  5% (2010 est.)
  -0.7% (2009 est.)

Colombia
  2.6% (2010 est.)
  4.2% (2009 est.)

Comoros
  3% (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  26.2% (2010 est.)
  46.2% (2009 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  5.2% (2010 est.)
  4.3% (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
  2.1% (2005 est.)

Costa Rica
  5.8% (2010 est.)
  7.8% (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  1.4% (2010 est.)
  0.9% (2009 est.)

Croatia
  1.3% (2010 est.)
  2.4% (2009 est.)

Cuba
  0.7% (2010 est.)
  -0.5% (2009 est.)

Curacao
  1.7% (2009 est,)
  6.8% (2008 est.)

Cyprus
  2.2% (2010 est.)
  0.4% (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  1.6% (2010 est.)
  1% (2009 est.)

Denmark
  2.2% (2010 est.)
  1.3% (2009 est.)

Djibouti
  6% (2009 est.) 5%

Dominica
  0.1% (2009 est.)
  2.7% (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
  6.3% (2010 est.)
  1.4% (2009 est.)

Ecuador
  3.6% (2010 est.)
  8.4% (2008 est.)

Egypt
  12.8% (2010 est.)
  11.9% (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  0.8% (2010 est.)
  -0.2% (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  8.2% (2010 est.)
  7.1% (2009 est.)

Eritrea
  20% (2010 est.)
  20% (2009 est.)

Estonia
  2.4% (2010 est.)
  -0.1% (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  7% (2010 est.)
  8.5% (2009 est.)

European Union
  1.7% (2010 est.)
  1.8% (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  3.6% (1998)

Faroe Islands -1.1% (2009) 6.4% (2008)

Fiji 4.8% (2007)

Finland
  1.1% (2010 est.)
  0% (2009 est.)

France
  1.5% (2010 est.)
  0.1% (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
  1.1% (2007)
  1.1% (2006 est.)

Gabon
  -1.3% (2010 est.)
  1.9% (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
  5.5% (2010 est.)
  4.6% (2009 est.)

Gaza Strip 9.9% (2009 est.) 11.5% (2008) note: includes West Bank

Georgia
  5.7% (2010 est.)
  1.7% (2009 est.)

Germany
  1% (2010 est.)
  0.3% (2009 est.)

Ghana
  10.9% (2010 est.)
  19.3% (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
  2.6% (2006)
  2.9% (2005)

Greece
  4.5% (2010 est.)
  1.2% (2009 est.)

Greenland
  9.4% (2008 est.)
  1% (2005 est.)

Grenada
  3.7% (2007 est.)

Guam
  2.5% (2005 est.)

Guatemala 3.9% (2010 est.) 1.9% (2009 est.)

Guernsey 3.4% (June 2006)

Guinea 15% (2010 est.) 9% (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau 3.8% (2007 est.)

Guyana
  6.8% (2010 est.)
  2.9% (2009 est.)

Haiti
  4.6% (2010 est.)
  2% (2009 est.)

Honduras
  4.6% (2010 est.)
  5.5% (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  2.2% (2010 est.)
  -0.5% (2009 est.)

Hungary
  4.5% (2010 est.)
  4.2% (2009 est.)

Iceland
  5.5% (2010 est.)
  12% (2009 est.)

India
  11.7% (2010 est.)
  10.9% (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  5.2% (2010 est.)
  4.8% (2009 est.)

Iran
  11.8% (2010 est.)
  13.5% (2009 est.)
  note: official Iranian estimate

Iraq
  4.2% (2010 est.)
  6.8% (2009 est.)

Ireland
  -1.5% (2010 est.)
  -4.5% (2009 est.)

Isle of Man
  3.1% (December 2006 est.)

Israel
  2.6% (2010 est.)
  3.3% (2009 est.)

Italy
  1.4% (2010 est.)
  0.8% (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  13% (2010 est.)
  9.6% (2009 est.)

Japan
  -0.9% (2010 est.)
  -1.4% (2009 est.)

Jersey
  3.7% (December 2006)

Jordan
  4.4% (2010 est.)
  -0.7% (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
  6.7% (2010 est.)
  7.3% (2009 est.)

Kenya
  4.2% (2010 est.)
  9.3% (2009 est.)

Kiribati
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Korea, North
  NA%

Korea, South 3% (2010 est.) 2.8% (2009 est.)

Kosovo 5.3% (2007 est.)

Kuwait
  3.8% (2010 est.)
  4% (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  4.8% (2010 est.)
  6.9% (2009 est.)

Laos
  6.2% (2010 est.)
  0% (2009 est.)

Latvia
  -1.2% (2010 est.)
  3.5% (2009 est.)

Lebanon
  3.7% (2010 est.)
  1.2% (2009 est.)

Lesotho
  6.1% (2010 est.)
  7.2% (2009 est.)

Liberia
  11.2% (2007 est.)

Libya
  3% (2010 est.)
  2.4% (2009 est.)

Liechtenstein
  0.5% (2009)

Lithuania
  0.9% (2010 est.)
  4.5% (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  2.1% (2010 est.)
  0.4% (2009 est.)

Macau
  1.2% (December 2009)
  8.6% (2008)

Macedonia
  1.5% (2010 est.)
  -0.8% (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  8.1% (2010 est.)
  9% (2009 est.)

Malawi
  8% (2010 est.)
  8.4% (2009 est.)

Malaysia 1.8% (2010 est.) 0.6% (2009 est.) note: approximately 30% of goods are price-controlled

Maldives 7.3% (2009 est.) 12.3% (2008 est.)

Mali
  2.5% (2007 est.)

Malta
  1.7% (2010 est.)
  2.1% (2009 est.)

Marshall Islands
  12.9% (2008 est.)
  3% (2005 est.)

Mauritania
  7.3% (2007 est.)

Mauritius 2.9% (2010 est.) 2.5% (2009 est.)

Mayotte 1.7% (2005)

Mexico 4.1% (2010 est.) 3.6% (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of 2.2% (2005)

Moldova 7.3% (2010 est.) -0.1% (2009 est.)

Monaco 1.9% (2000)

Mongolia 4.2% (2009 est.) 28% (2008 est.)

Montenegro
  3.4% (2007)

Montserrat
  2.6% (2002 est.)

Morocco
  2.5% (2010 est.)
  1% (2009 est.)

Mozambique
  13.5% (2010 est.)
  3.3% (2009 est.)

Namibia
  4.6% (2010 est.)
  8.8% (2009 est.)

Nauru
  NA%

Nepal
  8.6% (September 2010)
  13.2% (2009 est.)

Netherlands
  1.1% (2010 est.)
  1.2% (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  1.4% (2000 est.)

New Zealand
  2.6% (2010 est.)
  2.1% (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  4.7% (2010 est.)
  3.7% (2009 est.)

Niger
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Nigeria 13.9% (2010 est.) 11.5% (2009 est.)

Niue
  4% (2005)

Northern Mariana Islands
  -0.8% (2000)

Norway
  2.4% (2010 est.)
  2.1% (2009 est.)

Oman
  4% (2010 est.)
  3.5% (2009 est.)

Pakistan
  13.4% (2010 est.)
  13.6% (2009 est.)

Palau
  2.7% (2005 est.)

Panama
  3.3% (2010 est.)
  2.4% (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  6.8% (2010 est.)
  6.9% (2009 est.)

Paraguay
  4.2% (2010 est.)
  2.6% (2009 est.)

Peru
  1.8% (2010 est.)
  2.9% (2009 est.)

Philippines
  4.2% (2010 est.)
  3.2% (2009 est.)

Poland
  2.4% (2010 est.)
  3.5% (2009 est.)

Portugal
  1.1% (2010 est.)
  -0.8% (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
  6.5% (2003 est.)

Qatar
  1.1% (2010 est.)
  -4.9% (2009 est.)

Romania
  6% (2010 est.)
  5.6% (2009 est.)

Russia
  6.7% (2010 est.)
  11.7% (2009)

Rwanda
  6.4% (2010 est.)
  10.4% (2009 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  3.2% (1997 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  4.5% (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
  1.9% (2007 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  8.1% (2005)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.8% (2009 est.) 5.3% (2008 est.)

Samoa 6% (2007 est.)

San Marino
  -3.5% (2008)
  -1.5% (2006)

Sao Tome and Principe
  13% (2010 est.)
  16.7% (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  5.7% (2010 est.)
  5.1% (2009 est.)

Senegal
  1.2% (2010 est.)
  -1% (2009 est.)

Serbia
  4.9% (2010 est.)
  8.4% (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  -2.2% (2010 est.)
  31.8% (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
  11.7% (2007 est.)

Singapore
  2.6% (2010 est.)
  0.6% (2009 est.)

Sint Maarten
  0.7% (2009 est.)
  4.6% (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  1.2% (2010 est.)
  1.6% (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  2.1% (2010 est.)
  0.9% (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  6.3% (2007 est.)

Somalia
  NA%
  note: businesses print their own money, so inflation rates cannot be
  easily determined

South Africa
  4.5% (2010 est.)
  7.2% (2009 est.)

Spain
  1.3% (2010 est.)
  -0.3% (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  5.6% (2010 est.)
  3% (2009 est.)

Sudan
  11.8% (2010 est.)
  11.2% (2009 est.)

Suriname
  6.4% (2007 est.)

Swaziland
  5% (2010 est.)
  7.3% (2009 est.)

Sweden
  1.4% (2010 est.)
  -0.3% (2009 est.)

Switzerland
  0.7% (2010 est.)
  -0.5% (2009 est.)

Syria
  5.9% (2010 est.)
  2.6% (2009 est.)

Taiwan
  1.3% (2010 est.)
  3.5% (2008)

Tajikistan
  5.8% (2010 est.)
  6.4% (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  7.2% (2010 est.)
  12.1% (2009 est.)

Thailand
  3.3% (2010 est.)
  -0.9% (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
  7.8% (2007 est.)

Togo
  2.6% (2010 est.)
  2% (2009 est.)

Tokelau
  NA%

Tonga
  5.9% (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  11.3% (2010 est.)
  7% (2009 est.)

Tunisia
  4.5% (2010 est.)
  3.5% (2009 est.)

Turkey
  8.7% (2010 est.)
  6.3% (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  12% (2010 est.)
  10% (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  4% (1995)

Tuvalu
  3.8% (2006 est.)

Uganda
  9.4% (2010 est.)
  14.2% (2009 est.)

Ukraine
  9.8% (2010 est.)
  15.9% (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  2.2% (2010 est.)
  1.6% (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  3.3% (2010 est.)
  2.2% (2009 est.)

United States
  1.4% (2010 est.)
  -0.3% (2009 est.)

Uruguay
  6.8% (2010 est.)
  7.1% (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
  15% (2010 est.)
  14.1% (2009 est.)
  note: official data; based on independent analysis of consumer
  prices, inflation reached 38% in 2008

Vanuatu
  3.9% (2007 est.)

Venezuela
  29.8% (2010 est.)
  27.1% (2009 est.)

Vietnam
  11.1% (2010 est.)
  7% (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  2.2% (2003)

Wallis and Futuna
  2.8% (2005)

West Bank
  3.5% (2010 est.)
  9.9% (2009 est.)
  note: includes Gaza Strip

Western Sahara
  NA%

World
  developed countries 2.5%
  developing countries 5.6%
  note: developed countries 0% to 4% typically; developing countries
  5% to 10% typically; national inflation rates vary widely in
  individual cases; inflation rates have declined for most countries
  for the last several years, held in check by increasing
  international competition from several low wage countries, and by
  soft demand as a result of the world financial crisis (2010 est.)

Yemen
  12.2% (2010 est.)
  5.4% (2009 est.)

Zambia
  8.5% (2010 est.)
  13.4% (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
  5.03% (2010 est.)
  5.1% (2009 est.)

======================================================================

@2093

Field Listing :: Waterways

  This entry gives the total length of navigable rivers, canals, and
  other inland bodies of water.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Waterways(km)

Afghanistan
  1,200 km; (chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up
  to 500 DWT) (2008)

Albania
  43 km (on the Bojana River) (2010)

Angola
  1,300 km (2010)

Argentina
  11,000 km (2007)

Australia
  2,000 km (mainly used for recreation on Murray and
  Murray-Darling river systems) (2006)

Austria
  358 km (2007)

Bangladesh
  8,370 km
  note: includes up to 3,060 km main cargo routes; network reduced to
  5,200 km in dry season (2007)

Belarus
  2,500 km (use limited by location on perimeter of country
  and by shallowness) (2003)

Belgium
  2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) (2008)

Belize
  825 km (navigable only by small craft) (2010)

Benin
  150 km (on River Niger along northern border) (2007)

Bolivia
  10,000 km (commercially navigable almost exclusively in the
  northern and eastern parts of the country) (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Sava River (northern border) open to shipping
  but use limited (2009)

Brazil
  50,000 km (most in areas remote from industry and population)
  (2010)

Brunei
  209 km (navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m; the
  Belait, Brunei, and Tutong rivers are major transport links) (2011)

Bulgaria
  470 km (2009)

Burma
  12,800 km (2008)

Burundi
  mainly on Lake Tanganyika between Bujumbura, Burundi's
  principal port, and lake ports in Tanzania, Zambia, and the
  Democratic Republic of Congo (2010)

Cambodia
  2,400 km (mainly on Mekong River) (2010)

Cameroon
  major rivers in the south, such as the Wouri and the
  Sanaga, are largely non-navigable; in the north, the Benue, which
  connects through Nigeria to the Niger River, is navigable in the
  rainy season only to the port of Garoua (2010)

Canada
  636 km
  note: Saint Lawrence Seaway of 3,769 km, including the Saint
  Lawrence River of 3,058 km, shared with United States (2008)

Central African Republic
  2,800 km (the primary navigable river is
  the Ubangi, which joins the River Congo; it was the traditional
  route for the export of products because it connected with the
  Congo-Ocean railway at Brazzaville; because of the warfare on both
  sides of the River Congo from 1997, however, routes through Cameroon
  became preferred by importers and exporters) (2010)

Chad
  Chari and Legone rivers are navigable only in wet season (2010)

China
  110,000 km navigable (2010)

Colombia
  18,000 km (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  15,000 km (including the Congo,
  its tributaries, and unconnected lakes) (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
  1,120 km (commercially navigable on Congo and
  Oubanqui rivers above Brazzaville; there are many ferries across the
  river to Kinshasa; the Congo south of Brazzaville-Kinshasa to the
  coast is not navigable because of rapids, thereby necessitating a
  rail connection to Pointe Noire; other rivers are used for local
  traffic only) (2010)

Costa Rica
  730 km (seasonally navigable by small craft) (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire
  980 km (navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal
  lagoons) (2008)

Croatia
  785 km (2009)

Cuba
  240 km (almost all navigable inland waterways are near the
  mouths of rivers) (2010)

Czech Republic
  664 km (principally on Elbe, Vltava, Oder, and other
  navigable rivers, lakes, and canals) (2010)

Denmark
  400 km (2008)

Ecuador
  1,500 km (most inaccessible) (2010)

Egypt
  3,500 km
  note: includes Nile River, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway,
  and numerous smaller canals in delta; Suez Canal (193.5 km including
  approaches) navigable by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 17.68 m
  (2010)

El Salvador
  Rio Lempa is partially navigable for small craft (2010)

Estonia
  520 km (320 km are navigable year round) (2010)

European Union
  52,332 km (2006)

Fiji
  203 km
  note: 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges
  (2008)

Finland
  7,842 km (includes Saimaa Canal system of 3,577 km; southern
  part leased from Russia; water transport is used frequently in the
  summer and is widely replaced with sledges on the ice in winter;
  there are 187,888 lakes in Finland that cover 31,500 km) (2010)

France
  metropolitan France: 8,501 km (1,621 km accessible to craft
  of 3,000 metric tons)
  French Guiana: 3,760 km (460 km navigable by small oceangoing
  vessels and coastal and river steamers, 3,300 km by native craft)
  (2008)

Gabon
  1,600 km (310 km on Ogooue River) (2010)

Gambia, The
  390 km (on River Gambia; small ocean-going vessels can
  reach 190 km) (2008)

Germany
  7,467 km
  note: Rhine River carries most goods; Main-Danube Canal links North
  Sea and Black Sea (2008)

Ghana
  1,293 km
  note: 168 km for launches and lighters on Volta, Ankobra, and Tano
  rivers; 1,125 km of arterial and feeder waterways on Lake Volta
  (2008)

Greece
  6 km
  note: Corinth Canal (6 km) crosses the Isthmus of Corinth; shortens
  sea voyage by 325 km (2010)

Guatemala
  990 km (260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km
  navigable during high-water season) (2010)

Guinea
  1,300 km (navigable by shallow-draft native craft) (2008)

Guinea-Bissau
  rivers are navigable for some distance; many inlets
  and creeks give shallow-water access to much of interior (2008)

Guyana
  330 km
  note: Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo rivers are navigable by
  oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100 km, and 80 km respectively (2010)

Honduras
  465 km (most navigable only by small craft) (2010)

Hungary
  1,622 km (most on Danube River) (2010)

India
  14,500 km
  note: 5,200 km on major rivers and 485 km on canals suitable for
  mechanized vessels (2008)

Indonesia
  21,579 km (2011)

Iran
  850 km (on Karun River; some navigation on Lake Urmia) (2009)

Iraq
  5,279 km
  note: Euphrates River (2,815 km), Tigris River (1,899 km), and Third
  River (565 km) are principal waterways (2008)

Ireland
  956 km (pleasure craft only) (2008)

Italy
  2,400 km
  note: used for commercial traffic; of limited overall value compared
  to road and rail (2008)

Japan
  1,770 km (seagoing vessels use inland seas) (2010)

Kazakhstan
  4,000 km; on the Ertis (Irtysh) River (80%) and Syr Darya
  (Syrdariya) River (2008)

Kenya
  the only significant inland waterway in the country is the
  part of Lake Victoria within the boundaries of Kenya; Kisumu is the
  main port and has ferry connections to Uganda and Tanzania (2010)

Kiribati
  5 km (small network of canals in Line Islands) (2007)

Korea, North
  2,250 km; (most navigable only by small craft) (2010)

Korea, South
  1,608 km; (most navigable only by small craft) (2010)

Kyrgyzstan
  600 km (2010)

Laos
  4,600 km
  note: primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,900 additional km are
  intermittently navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m (2010)

Latvia
  300 km (navigable year round) (2010)

Liechtenstein
  28 km (2008)

Lithuania
  441 km (navigable year round) (2007)

Luxembourg
  37 km (on Moselle River) (2008)

Madagascar 600 km note: 432 km navigable (2008)

Malawi
  700 km; (on Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and Shire River) (2010)

Malaysia
  7,200 km
  note: Peninsular Malaysia 3,200 km; Sabah 1,500 km; Sarawak 2,500 km
  (2011)

Mali
  1,800 km (downstream of Koulikoro; low water levels on the
  River Niger cause problems in dry years; in the months before the
  rainy season the river is not navigable by commercial vessels) (2010)

Mauritania
  some navigation possible on Senegal River (2010)

Mexico
  2,900 km (navigable rivers and coastal canals mostly
  connected with ports on the country's east coast) (2010)

Moldova
  558 km (in public use on Danube, Dniester and Prut rivers)
  (2008)

Mongolia
  580 km
  note: only waterway in operation is Lake Hovsgol (135 km); Selenge
  River (270 km) and Orhon River (175 km) are navigable but carry
  little traffic; lakes and rivers freeze in winter, are open from May
  to September (2010)

Mozambique
  460 km (Zambezi River navigable to Tete and along Cahora
  Bassa Lake) (2010)

Netherlands
  6,215 km (navigable for ships of 50 tons) (2007)

Nicaragua
  2,220 km (navigable waterways as well as the use of the
  large Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua; rivers serve only the
  sparsely populated eastern part of the country) (2010)

Niger
  300 km; (the Niger, the only major river, is navigable to Gaya
  between September and March) (2008)

Nigeria
  8,600 km (Niger and Benue rivers and smaller rivers and
  creeks) (2009)

Norway
  1,577 km (2008)

Panama
  800 km (includes the 82-km Panama Canal that is being
  widened) (2010)

Papua New Guinea
  11,000 km (2006)

Paraguay
  3,100 km (primarily on the Paraguay and Parana river
  systems) (2010)

Peru
  8,808 km
  note: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries on Amazon system and 208 km
  on Lago Titicaca (2010)

Philippines
  3,219 km; (limited to vessels with draft less than 1.5
  m) (2011)

Poland
  3,997 km (navigable rivers and canals) (2009)

Portugal
  210 km (on Douro River from Porto) (2008)

Romania
  1,731 km
  note: includes 1,075 km on Danube River, 524 km on secondary
  branches, and 132 km on canals (2006)

Russia
  102,000 km (including 48,000 km with guaranteed depth)
  note: 72,000 km system in European Russia links Baltic Sea, White
  Sea, Caspian Sea, Sea of Azov, and Black Sea (2009)

Rwanda
  Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craft
  (2009)

Senegal
  1,000 km (primarily on Senegal, Saloum, and Casamance
  rivers) (2008)

Serbia
  587 km (primarily on Danube and Sava rivers) (2009)

Sierra Leone
  800 km (600 km year round) (2007)

Slovakia
  172 km (on Danube River) (2009)

Slovenia
  some transport on Drava River (2010)

Spain
  1,000 km (2008)

Sri Lanka
  160 km (primarily on rivers in southwest) (2008)

Sudan
  4,068 km (1,723 km open year round on White and Blue Nile
  rivers) (2008)

Suriname
  1,200 km (most navigable by ships with drafts up to 7 m)
  (2010)

Sweden
  2,052 km (2010)

Switzerland
  65 km; (Rhine River between Basel-Rheinfelden and
  Schaffhausen-Bodensee) (2008)

Syria
  900 km (navigable not economically significant) (2010)

Tajikistan
  200 km (along Vakhsh River) (2010)

Tanzania
  Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, and Lake Nyasa are
  principal avenues of commerce with neighboring countries; rivers are
  not navigable (2009)

Thailand 4,000 km note: 3,701 km navigable by boats with drafts up to 0.9 m (2010)

Togo
  50 km (seasonally on Mono River depending on rainfall) (2008)

Turkey
  1,200 km (2008)

Turkmenistan
  1,300 km (Amu Darya and Kara Kum canal are important
  inland waterways) (2008)

Uganda
  there are no long navigable stretches of river in Uganda;
  parts of the Albert Nile that flow out of Lake Albert in the
  northwestern part of the country are navigable; several lakes
  including Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga have substantial traffic;
  Lake Albert is navigable along a 200 km stretch from its northern
  tip to its southern shores (2009)

Ukraine
  2,150 km (most on Dnieper River) (2009)

United Kingdom
  3,200 km (620 km used for commerce) (2008)

United States
  41,009 km (19,312 km used for commerce)
  note: Saint Lawrence Seaway of 3,769 km, including the Saint
  Lawrence River of 3,058 km, shared with Canada (2008)

Uruguay
  1,600 km (2010)

Uzbekistan
  1,100 km (2009)

Venezuela
  7,100 km
  note: Orinoco River (400 km) and Lake de Maracaibo navigable by
  oceangoing vessels (2010)

Vietnam
  17,702 km (5,000 km navigable by vessels up to 1.8 m draft)
  (2011)

World
  671,886 km (2004)
  top ten longest rivers: Nile (Africa) 6,693 km; Amazon (South
  America) 6,436 km; Mississippi-Missouri (North America) 6,238 km;
  Yenisey-Angara (Asia) 5,981 km; Ob-Irtysh (Asia) 5,569 km; Yangtze
  (Asia) 5,525 km; Yellow (Asia) 4,671 km; Amur (Asia) 4,352 km; Lena
  (Asia) 4,345 km; Congo (Africa) 4,344 km
  note: if measured by volume, the Amazon is the largest river in the
  world

Zambia
  2,250 km; (includes Lake Tanganyika and the Zambezi and
  Luapula rivers) (2010)

Zimbabwe
  on Lake Kariba (2009)

======================================================================

@2094

Field Listing :: Judicial branch

This entry contains the name(s) of the highest court(s) and a brief description of the selection process for members. Country

Judicial branch

Afghanistan
  the constitution establishes a nine-member Stera Mahkama
  or Supreme Court (its nine justices are appointed for 10-year terms
  by the president with approval of the Wolesi Jirga) and subordinate
  High Courts and Appeals Courts; there is also a minister of justice;
  a separate Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission established by
  the Bonn Agreement is charged with investigating human rights abuses
  and war crimes

Albania
  Constitutional Court, Supreme Court (chairman is elected by
  the People's Assembly for a four-year term) and multiple appeals and
  district courts

Algeria
  Supreme Court

American Samoa
  High Court (chief justice and associate justices are
  appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior)

Andorra
  Tribunal of Judges or Tribunal de Batlles; Tribunal of the
  Courts or Tribunal de Corts; Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra or
  Tribunal Superior de Justicia d'Andorra; Supreme Council of Justice
  or Consell Superior de la Justicia; Constitutional Tribunal or
  Tribunal Constitucional

Angola
  Supreme Court and separate provincial courts (judges are
  appointed by the president)

Anguilla
  High Court (judge provided by Eastern Caribbean Supreme
  Court)

Antigua and Barbuda
  Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court consisting of a
  High Court of Justice and a Court of Appeal (based in Saint Lucia;
  two judges of the Supreme Court are residents of the islands and
  preside over the Court of Summary Jurisdiction); Magistrates'
  Courts; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice

Argentina
  Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (the Supreme Court judges
  are appointed by the president with approval of the Senate)
  note: the Supreme Court has seven judges; the Argentine Congress in
  2006 passed a bill to gradually reduce the number of Supreme Court
  judges to five

Armenia
  Constitutional Court; Court of Cassation (Appeals Court)

Aruba
  Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice (judges
  appointed by the monarch)

Australia
  High Court (the chief justice and six other justices are
  appointed by the governor general acting on the advice of the
  government)

Austria
  Supreme Judicial Court or Oberster Gerichtshof;
  Administrative Court or Verwaltungsgerichtshof; Constitutional Court
  or Verfassungsgerichtshof

Azerbaijan
  Supreme Court

Bahamas, The
  Privy Council in London; Courts of Appeal; Supreme
  (lower) Court; Magistrates' Courts

Bahrain
  High Civil Appeals Court

Bangladesh
  Supreme Court (the chief justices and other judges are
  appointed by the president)

Barbados
  Supreme Court of Judicature consists of a High Court and a
  Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for
  the Judicial and Legal Services); Caribbean Court of Justice or CCJ
  is the highest court of appeal; based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and
  Tobago

Belarus
  Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president);
  Constitutional Court (half of the judges appointed by the president
  and half appointed by the Chamber of Representatives)

Belgium
  Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or
  Cour de Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the
  government; candidacies have to be submitted by the High Justice
  Council)

Belize
  Summary Jurisdiction Courts (criminal) and District Courts
  (civil jurisdiction); Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed
  by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister); Court
  of Appeal; Privy Council in the UK; member of the Caribbean Court of
  Justice (CCJ)

Benin
  Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle; Supreme Court
  or Cour Supreme; High Court of Justice

Bermuda
  Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate Courts

Bhutan
  Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges
  appointed by the monarch); note - the draft constitution establishes
  a Supreme Court that will serve as chief court of appeal

Bolivia
  Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges elected by popular
  vote from list of candidates pre-selected by Assembly for six-year
  terms); District Courts (one in each department); Plurinational
  Constitutional Court (five primary or titulares and five alternate
  or suplente magistrates elected by popular vote from list of
  candidates pre-selected by Assembly for six-year terms; to rule on
  constitutional issues); Plurinational Electoral Organ (seven members
  elected by the Assembly and the president; one member must be of
  indigenous origin to six-year terms); Agro-Environmental Court
  (judges elected by popular vote from list of candidates pre-selected
  by Assembly for six-year terms; to run on agro-environmental
  issues); provincial and local courts (to try minor cases)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  BiH Constitutional Court (consists of nine
  members: four members are selected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's
  House of Representatives, two members by the Republika Srpska's
  National Assembly, and three non-Bosnian members by the president of
  the European Court of Human Rights); BiH State Court (consists of 44
  national judges and seven international judges and has three
  divisions - Administrative, Appellate and Criminal - having
  jurisdiction over cases related to state-level law and cases
  initiated in the entities that question BiH's sovereignty, political
  independence, or national security or with economic crimes that have
  serious repercussions to BiH's economy, beyond that of an entity or
  Brcko District); a War Crimes Chamber opened in March 2005
  note: the entities each have a Supreme Court; each entity also has a
  number of lower courts; there are 10 cantonal courts in the
  Federation, plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska
  has five district courts and a number of municipal courts

Botswana
  High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts (one in
  each district)

Brazil
  Supreme Federal Tribunal or STF (11 ministers are appointed
  for life by the president and confirmed by the Senate); Higher
  Tribunal of Justice; Regional Federal Tribunals (judges are
  appointed for life); note - though appointed "for life," judges,
  like all federal employees, have a mandatory retirement age of 70

British Virgin Islands
  Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting
  of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal (one judge of
  the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the
  High Court); Magistrate's Court; Juvenile Court; Court of Summary
  Jurisdiction

Brunei
  Supreme Court - chief justice and judges are sworn in by
  monarch for three-year terms; Judicial Committee of Privy Council in
  London is final court of appeal for civil cases; Sharia courts deal
  with Islamic laws (2006)

Bulgaria
  independent judiciary comprised of judges, prosecutors and
  investigating magistrates who are appointed, promoted, demoted, and
  dismissed by a 25-member Supreme Judicial Council (consists of the
  chairmen of the two Supreme Courts, the Chief Prosecutor, and 22
  members, half of whom are elected by the National Assembly and the
  other half by the bodies of the judiciary for a 5-year term in
  office); three levels of case review; 182 courts of which two
  Supreme Courts act as the last instance on civil and criminal cases
  (the Supreme Court of Cassation) and appeals of government decisions
  (the Supreme Administrative Court)

Burkina Faso
  Supreme Court; Appeals Court

Burma
  remnants of the British-era legal system are in place, but
  there is no guarantee of a fair public trial; the judiciary is not
  independent of the executive

Burundi
  Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court; High
  Court of Justice (composed of the Supreme Court and the
  Constitutional Court)

Cambodia
  Supreme Council of the Magistracy (provided for in the
  constitution and formed in December 1997); Supreme Court (and lower
  courts) exercises judicial authority

Cameroon
  Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); High
  Court of Justice (consists of nine judges and six substitute judges;
  elected by the National Assembly)

Canada
  Supreme Court of Canada (judges are appointed by the prime
  minister through the governor general); Federal Court of Canada;
  Federal Court of Appeal; Provincial Courts (these are named
  variously Court of Appeal, Court of Queen's Bench, Superior Court,
  Supreme Court, and Court of Justice)

Cape Verde
  Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Supremo Tribunal de Justia

Cayman Islands
  Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal; Summary
  Court

Central African Republic
  Supreme Court or Cour Supreme;
  Constitutional Court (three judges appointed by the president, three
  by the president of the National Assembly, and three by fellow
  judges); Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Inferior Courts

Chad
  Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Magistrate
  Courts

Chile
  Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are appointed by the
  president and ratified by the Senate from lists of candidates
  provided by the court itself; the president of the Supreme Court is
  elected every three years by the 20-member court); Constitutional
  Tribunal (eight-members - two each from the Senate, Chamber of
  Deputies, Supreme Court, and National Security Council - review the
  constitutionality of laws approved by Congress)

China
  Supreme People's Court (judges appointed by the National
  People's Congress); Local People's Courts (comprise higher,
  intermediate, and basic courts); Special People's Courts (primarily
  military, maritime, railway transportation, and forestry courts)

Christmas Island
  Supreme Court; District Court; Magistrate's Court

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court

Colombia
  four roughly coequal, supreme judicial organs; Supreme
  Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (highest court of
  criminal law; judges are selected by their peers from the nominees
  of the Superior Judicial Council for eight-year terms); Council of
  State (highest court of administrative law; judges are selected from
  the nominees of the Superior Judicial Council for eight-year terms);
  Constitutional Court (guards integrity and supremacy of the
  constitution; rules on constitutionality of laws, amendments to the
  constitution, and international treaties); Superior Judicial Council
  (administers and disciplines the civilian judiciary; resolves
  jurisdictional conflicts arising between other courts; members are
  elected by three sister courts and Congress for eight-year terms)

Comoros
  Supreme Court or Cour Supremes (two members appointed by the
  president, two members elected by the Federal Assembly, one elected
  by the Council of each island, and others are former presidents of
  the republic)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  Constitutional Court; Appeals
  Court or Cour de Cassation; Council of State; High Military Court;
  plus civil and military courts and tribunals

Congo, Republic of the
  Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Cook Islands
  High Court

Costa Rica
  Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (22 justices are elected
  for renewable eight-year terms by the Legislative Assembly)

Cote d'Ivoire
  Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consists of four
  chambers: Judicial Chamber for criminal cases, Audit Chamber for
  financial cases, Constitutional Chamber for judicial review cases,
  and Administrative Chamber for civil cases; there is no legal limit
  to the number of members

Croatia
  Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; judges for both courts
  are appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial Council of the
  Republic, which is elected by the Assembly

Cuba
  People's Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo Popular (president,
  vice presidents, and other judges are elected by the National
  Assembly)

Curacao
  Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice (judges
  appointed by the monarch)

Cyprus
  Supreme Court (judges are appointed jointly by the president
  and vice president)
  note: there is also a Supreme Court in the area administered by
  Turkish Cypriots

Czech Republic
  Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; Supreme
  Administrative Court; chairman and deputy chairmen are appointed by
  the president for a 10-year term

Denmark
  Supreme Court (judges are appointed for life by the monarch)

Djibouti
  Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Dominica
  Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the Court of
  Appeal and the High Court (located in Saint Lucia; one of the six
  judges must reside in Dominica and preside over the Court of Summary
  Jurisdiction)

Dominican Republic
  Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are
  appointed by the National Judicial Council comprised of the
  president, the leaders of both chambers of congress, the president
  of the Supreme Court, and an additional non-governing party
  congressional representative)

Ecuador
  National Court of Justice or Corte Nacional de Justicia
  (according to the Constitution, justices are elected through a
  procedure overseen by the Judiciary Council); Constitutional Court
  or Corte Constitucional (Constitutional Court justices are appointed
  by a commission composed of two delegates each from the Executive,
  Legislative, and Transparency branches of government)

Egypt
  Supreme Constitutional Court

El Salvador
  Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (15 judges are selected
  by the Legislative Assembly; the 15 judges are assigned to four
  Supreme Court chambers - constitutional, civil, penal, and
  administrative conflict)

Equatorial Guinea
  Supreme Tribunal

Eritrea
  High Court - regional, subregional, and village courts; also
  have military and special courts

Estonia
  Supreme Court (chairman appointed for life by Parliament)

Ethiopia
  Federal Supreme Court (the president and vice president of
  the Federal Supreme Court are recommended by the prime minister and
  appointed by the House of People's Representatives; for other
  federal judges, the prime minister submits to the House of People's
  Representatives for appointment candidates selected by the Federal
  Judicial Administrative Council)

European Union
  Court of Justice of the European Communities (ensures
  that the treaties are interpreted and applied uniformly throughout
  the EU; resolve constitutional issues among the EU institutions) -
  27 justices (one from each member state) appointed for a six-year
  term; note - for the sake of efficiency, the court can sit with 13
  justices known as the "Grand Chamber"; Court of First Instance - 27
  justices appointed for a six-year term

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Supreme Court (chief justice is a nonresident); Magistrates Court (senior magistrate presides over civil and criminal divisions); Court of Summary Jurisdiction

Faroe Islands
  none

Fiji
  Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Court of
  Appeal; High Court; Magistrates' Courts

Finland
  general courts - deal with criminal and civil cases (include
  district courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court or Korkein
  Oikeus, whose judges are appointed by the president); administrative
  courts

France
  Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation (judges are
  appointed by the president from nominations of the High Council of
  the Judiciary); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel
  (three members appointed by the president, three appointed by the
  president of the National Assembly, and three appointed by the
  president of the Senate); Council of State or Conseil d'Etat

French Polynesia
  Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court of the First
  Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of Administrative
  Law or Tribunal Administratif

Gabon
  Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consisting of three chambers -
  Judicial, Administrative, and Accounts; Constitutional Court; Courts
  of Appeal; Court of State Security; County Courts

Gambia, The
  Supreme Court

Georgia
  Supreme Court (judges elected by the Supreme Council on the
  president's or chairman of the Supreme Court's recommendation);
  Constitutional Court; first and second instance courts

Germany
  Federal Constitutional Court or Bundesverfassungsgericht
  (half the judges are elected by the Bundestag and half by the
  Bundesrat)

Ghana
  Supreme Court

Gibraltar
  Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Greece
  Supreme Judicial Court; Special Supreme Tribunal; all judges
  are appointed for life by the president after consultation with a
  judicial council

Greenland
  High Court or Landsret (appeals can be made to the Ostre
  Landsret or Eastern Division of the High Court or Supreme Court in
  Copenhagen)

Grenada
  Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of a court of
  Appeal and a High Court of Justice (two High Court judges are
  assigned to and reside in Grenada); Itinerant Court of Appeal three
  judges; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Guam
  Federal District Court (judge is appointed by the president);
  Territorial Superior Court (judges appointed for eight-year terms by
  the governor)

Guatemala
  Constitutional Court or Corte de Constitucionalidad is
  Guatemala's highest court (five judges are elected by Congress for
  concurrent five-year terms); Supreme Court of Justice or Corte
  Suprema de Justicia (13 members are elected by Congress to serve
  concurrent five-year terms and elect a president of the Court each
  year from among their number; the president of the Supreme Court of
  Justice also supervises trial judges around the country, who are
  named to five-year terms)

Guernsey
  Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the
  bailiff)

Guinea
  Court of First Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance;
  Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Guinea-Bissau
  Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal da Justica (consists
  of nine justices appointed by the president and serve at his
  pleasure; final court of appeals in criminal and civil cases);
  Regional Courts (one in each of nine regions; first court of appeals
  for Sectoral Court decisions; hear all felony cases and civil cases
  valued at more than $1,000); 24 Sectoral Courts (judges are not
  necessarily trained lawyers; they hear civil cases valued at less
  than $1,000 and misdemeanor criminal cases)

Guyana
  Supreme Court of Judicature, consisting of the High Court and
  the Court of Appeal, with right of final appeal to the Caribbean
  Court of Justice (CCJ)

Haiti
  Supreme Court or Cour de Cassation

Holy See (Vatican City)
  there are three tribunals responsible for
  civil and criminal matters within Vatican City; three other
  tribunals rule on issues pertaining to the Holy See
  note: judicial duties were established by the Motu Proprio, papal
  directive, of Pope PIUS XII on 1 May 1946

Honduras
  Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (15
  judges are elected for seven-year terms by the National Congress)

Hong Kong
  Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong Special
  Administrative Region

Hungary
  Constitutional Court (judges are elected by the National
  Assembly for nine-year terms)

Iceland
  Supreme Court or Haestirettur (justices are appointed for
  life by the Minister of Justice); eight district courts (justices
  are appointed for life by the Minister of Justice)

India
  Supreme Court (one chief justice and 25 associate justices are
  appointed by the president and remain in office until they reach the
  age of 65 or are removed for "proved misbehavior")

Indonesia
  Supreme Court or Mahkamah Agung is the final court of
  appeal but does not have the power of judicial review (justices are
  appointed by the president from a list of candidates selected by the
  legislature); in March 2004 the Supreme Court assumed administrative
  and financial responsibility for the lower court system from the
  Ministry of Justice and Human Rights; Constitutional Court or
  Mahkamah Konstitusi (invested by the president on 16 August 2003)
  has the power of judicial review, jurisdiction over the results of a
  general election, and reviews actions to dismiss a president from
  office; Labor Court under supervision of Supreme Court began
  functioning in January 2006; the Anti-Corruption Court has
  jurisdiction over corruption cases brought by the independent
  Corruption Eradication Commission

Iran
  The Supreme Court (Qeveh Qazaieh) and the four-member High
  Council of the Judiciary have a single head and overlapping
  responsibilities; together they supervise the enforcement of all
  laws and establish judicial and legal policies; lower courts include
  a special clerical court, a revolutionary court, and a special
  administrative court

Iraq
  the Iraq Constitution calls for the federal judicial power to
  be comprised of the Higher Judicial Council, Federal Supreme Court,
  Federal Court of Cassation, Public Prosecution Department, Judiciary
  Oversight Commission and other federal courts that are regulated in
  accordance with the law

Ireland
  Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the
  advice of the prime minister and cabinet)

Isle of Man
  High Court of Justice (justices are appointed by the
  Lord Chancellor of England on the nomination of the lieutenant
  governor)

Israel
  Supreme Court (justices appointed by Judicial Selection
  Committee - made up of all three branches of the government;
  mandatory retirement age is 70)

Italy
  Constitutional Court or Corte Costituzionale (composed of 15
  judges: one-third appointed by the president, one-third elected by
  parliament, one-third elected by the ordinary and administrative
  Supreme Courts)

Jamaica
  Supreme Court (judges appointed by the governor general on
  the advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal; Privy Council in
  UK; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Japan
  Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the monarch after
  designation by the cabinet; all other justices are appointed by the
  cabinet)

Jersey
  Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the
  bailiff)

Jordan
  Court of Cassation (Supreme Court)

Kazakhstan
  Supreme Court (44 members); Constitutional Council (seven
  members)

Kenya
  Court of Appeal (chief justice is appointed by the president);
  High Court

Kiribati
  Court of Appeal; High Court; 26 Magistrates' courts; judges
  at all levels are appointed by the president

Korea, North
  Central Court (judges are elected by the Supreme
  People's Assembly)

Korea, South
  Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president with
  consent of National Assembly); Constitutional Court (justices
  appointed by the president based partly on nominations by National
  Assembly and Chief Justice of the court)

Kosovo
  Supreme Court; district courts; municipal courts
  note: the Kosovo Constitution dictates that the Supreme Court of
  Kosovo is the highest judicial authority, and provides for a Kosovo
  Judicial Council (KJC) that proposes to the president candidates for
  appointment or reappointment as judges and prosecutors; the KJC is
  also responsible for decisions on the promotion and transfer of
  judges and disciplinary proceedings against judges; at least 15
  percent of Supreme Court and district court judges shall be from
  non-majority communities

Kuwait
  High Court of Appeal

Kyrgyzstan
  Supreme Court; Constitutional Court (judges of both the
  Supreme and Constitutional Courts are appointed for 10-year terms by
  the Jogorku Kengesh on the recommendation of the president; their
  mandatory retirement age is 70 years); Higher Court of Arbitration;
  Local Courts (judges appointed by the president on the
  recommendation of the National Council on Legal Affairs for a
  probationary period of five years, then 10 years)

Laos
  People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme
  Court is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of
  the National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the
  People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National
  Assembly Standing Committee)

Latvia
  Supreme Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by
  parliament); Constitutional Court (judges' appointments are
  confirmed by parliament)

Lebanon
  four Courts of Cassation (three courts for civil and
  commercial cases and one court for criminal cases); Constitutional
  Council (called for in Ta'if Accord - rules on constitutionality of
  laws); Supreme Council (hears charges against the president and
  prime minister as needed)

Lesotho
  High Court (chief justice appointed by the monarch acting on
  the advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal; Magistrate
  Courts; customary or traditional court

Liberia
  Supreme Court

Libya
  Supreme Court

Liechtenstein
  Supreme Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Court of Appeal
  or Obergericht

Lithuania
  Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal;
  judges for all courts appointed by the president

Luxembourg
  judicial courts and tribunals (three Justices of the
  Peace, two district courts, and one Supreme Court of Appeals);
  administrative courts and tribunals (State Prosecutor's Office,
  administrative courts and tribunals, and the Constitutional Court);
  judges for all courts are appointed for life by the monarch

Macau
  Court of Final Appeal in Macau Special Administrative Region

Macedonia
  Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; Republican Judicial
  Council
  note: the Assembly appoints the judges

Madagascar
  Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; High Constitutional Court
  or Haute Cour Constitutionnelle

Malawi
  Supreme Court of Appeal; High Court (chief justice appointed
  by the president, puisne judges appointed on the advice of the
  Judicial Service Commission); magistrate's courts

Malaysia
  civil courts include Federal Court, Court of Appeal, High
  Court of Malaya on peninsula Malaysia, and High Court of Sabah and
  Sarawak in states of Borneo (judges are appointed by the king on the
  advice of the prime minister); sharia courts include Sharia Appeal
  Court, Sharia High Court, and Sharia Subordinate Courts at
  state-level and deal with religious and family matters such as
  custody, divorce, and inheritance only for Muslims; decisions of
  sharia courts cannot be appealed to civil courts

Maldives
  Supreme Court; Supreme Court judges are appointed by the
  president with approval of voting members of the People's Council;
  High Court; Trial Courts; all lower court judges are appointed by
  the Judicial Service Commission

Mali
  Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Malta
  Constitutional Court; Court of First Instance; Court of Appeal
  note: magistrates and judges for the courts are appointed by the
  president on the advice of the prime minister

Marshall Islands
  Supreme Court; High Court; Traditional Rights Court

Mauritania
  Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Court of Appeals; lower
  courts

Mauritius
  Supreme Court

Mayotte
  Supreme Court or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel

Mexico
  Supreme Court of Justice or Suprema Corte de Justicia de la
  Nacion (justices or ministros are appointed by the president with
  consent of the Senate)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  Supreme Court

Moldova
  Supreme Court; Constitutional Court (the sole authority for
  constitutional judicature)

Monaco
  Supreme Court or Tribunal Supreme (judges appointed by the
  monarch on the basis of nominations by the National Council)

Mongolia
  Supreme Court (serves as appeals court for people's and
  provincial courts but rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts;
  judges are nominated by the General Council of Courts and approved
  by the president)

Montenegro
  Constitutional Court (five judges serve nine-year terms);
  Supreme Court (judges have life tenure)

Montserrat
  Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia,
  one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and
  presides over the High Court)

Morocco
  Supreme Court (judges are appointed on the recommendation of
  the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, presided over by the monarch)

Mozambique
  Supreme Court (the court of final appeal; some of its
  professional judges are appointed by the president, and some are
  elected by the Assembly); other courts include an Administrative
  Court, Constitutional Court, customs courts, maritime courts, courts
  marshal, labor courts

Namibia
  Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the
  recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission)

Nauru
  Supreme Court

Nepal
  Supreme Court or Sarbochha Adalat (the president appoints the
  chief justice on recommendation of the Constitutional Council; the
  chief justice appoints other judges on the recommendation of the
  Judicial Council)

Netherlands
  Supreme Court or Hoge Raad (justices are nominated for
  life by the monarch)

New Caledonia
  Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; County Courts; Joint
  Commerce Tribunal Court; Children's Court

New Zealand
  Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; High Court; note -
  judges appointed by the governor general

Nicaragua
  Supreme Court or Corte Suprema de Justicia (16 judges
  elected for five-year terms by the National Assembly)

Niger
  State Court or Cour d'Etat; Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel

Nigeria
  Supreme Court (judges recommended by the National Judicial
  Council and appointed by the president); Federal Court of Appeal
  (judges are appointed by the federal government from a pool of
  judges recommended by the National Judicial Council)

Niue
  Supreme Court of New Zealand; High Court of Niue

Norfolk Island
  Supreme Court; Court of Petty Sessions

Northern Mariana Islands
  Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court;
  Federal District Court

Norway
  Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (justices appointed by the
  monarch)

Oman
  Supreme Court
  note: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, has
  judges who practice secular and sharia law

Pakistan
  Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president);
  Federal Islamic or Sharia Court

Palau
  Supreme Court; Court of Common Pleas; Land Court

Panama
  Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine
  judges appointed for 10-year terms); five superior courts; three
  courts of appeal

Papua New Guinea
  Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by
  the governor general on the proposal of the National Executive
  Council after consultation with the minister responsible for
  justice; other judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal
  Services Commission)

Paraguay
  Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine
  judges proposed by the Council of Magistrates or Consejo de la
  Magistratura, and approved by the Senate and president)

Peru
  Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges
  are appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary)

Philippines
  Supreme Court (15 justices are appointed by the
  president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and
  serve until 70 years of age); Court of Appeals; Sandigan-bayan
  (special court for hearing corruption cases of government officials)

Pitcairn Islands
  Magistrate's Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal;
  judicial officers are appointed by the governor

Poland
  Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president on the
  recommendation of the National Council of the Judiciary for an
  indefinite period); Constitutional Tribunal (judges are chosen by
  the Sejm for nine-year terms)

Portugal
  Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal de Justica); judges
  appointed for life by the Conselho Superior da Magistratura

Puerto Rico
  Supreme Court; Appellate Court; Court of First Instance
  composed of two sections: a Superior Court and a Municipal Court
  (justices for all these courts appointed by the governor with the
  consent of the Senate)

Qatar
  Courts of First Instance, Appeal, and Cassation; an
  Administrative Court and a Constitutional Court were established in
  2007; note - all judges are appointed by Amiri Decree based on the
  recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council for renewable
  three-year terms

Romania
  Supreme Court of Justice (comprised of 11 judges appointed
  for three-year terms by the president in consultation with the
  Superior Council of Magistrates, which is comprised of the minister
  of justice, the prosecutor general, two civil society
  representatives appointed by the Senate, and 14 judges and
  prosecutors elected by their peers); a separate body, the
  Constitutional Court, validates elections and makes decisions
  regarding the constitutionality of laws, treaties, ordinances, and
  internal rules of the Parliament; it is comprised of nine members
  serving nine-year terms, with three members each appointed by the
  president, the Senate, and the Chamber of Deputies

Russia
  Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Supreme Arbitration
  Court; judges for all courts are appointed for life by the
  Federation Council on the recommendation of the president

Rwanda
  Supreme Court; High Courts of the Republic; Provincial
  Courts; District Courts; mediation committees

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  Supreme Court; Court
  of Appeal

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consisting of
  a Court of Appeal and a High Court; based on Saint Lucia; two judges
  of the Supreme Court reside in Saint Kitts and Nevis); member of the
  Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Saint Lucia
  Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consists of a High
  Court and a Court of Appeals; based on Saint Lucia; three judges of
  the Supreme Court reside in Saint Lucia); member of the Caribbean
  Court of Justice (CCJ)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  Superior Tribunal of Appeals or Tribunal
  Superieur d'Appel

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
  (consisting of a High Court and Court of Appeals; based on Saint
  Lucia; two judges of the Supreme Court reside in Saint Vincent and
  the Grenadines)

Samoa
  Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; District Court; Land and
  Titles Court

San Marino
  Council of Twelve or Consiglio dei XII

Sao Tome and Principe
  Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the
  National Assembly)

Saudi Arabia
  Supreme Council of Justice

Senegal
  Constitutional Court; Council of State; Court of Final
  Appeals or Cour de Cassation; Court of Appeals

Serbia
  courts of general jurisdiction (municipal courts, district
  courts, Appellate Courts, the Supreme Court of Cassation); courts of
  special jurisdiction (commercial courts, the High Commercial Court,
  the High Magistrates Court, the Administrative Court)

Seychelles
  Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; judges for both courts
  are appointed by the president

Sierra Leone
  Supreme Court; Appeals Court; High Court

Singapore
  Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president
  with the advice of the prime minister, other judges are appointed by
  the president with the advice of the chief justice); Court of Appeals

Sint Maarten
  Common Court of Justice, Joint High Court of Justice
  (judges appointed by the monarch)

Slovakia
  Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Council);
  Constitutional Court (judges appointed by president from group of
  nominees approved by the National Council); Special Court (judges
  elected by a council of judges and appointed by president)

Slovenia
  Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly
  on the recommendation of the Judicial Council); Constitutional Court
  (judges elected for nine-year terms by the National Assembly and
  nominated by the president)

Solomon Islands
  Court of Appeal

Somalia
  following the breakdown of the central government, most
  regions have reverted to local forms of conflict resolution, either
  secular, traditional Somali customary law, or sharia (Islamic) law
  with a provision for appeal of all sentences

South Africa
  Constitutional Court; Supreme Court of Appeals; High
  Courts; Magistrate Courts

Spain
  Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo

Sri Lanka
  Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; judges for both courts
  are appointed by the president

Sudan
  Constitutional Court of nine justices; National Supreme Court;
  National Courts of Appeal; other national courts; National Judicial
  Service Commission will undertake overall management of the National
  Judiciary

Suriname
  Cantonal Courts and a Court of Justice as an appellate
  court (justices are nominated for life); member of the Caribbean
  Court of Justice (CCJ)

Swaziland
  High Court; Supreme Court; judges for both courts are
  appointed by the monarch

Sweden
  Supreme Court or Hogsta Domstolen (judges are appointed by
  the prime minister and the cabinet)

Switzerland
  Federal Supreme Court (judges elected for six-year terms
  by the Federal Assembly)

Syria
  Supreme Judicial Council (appoints and dismisses judges;
  headed by the president); national level - Supreme Constitutional
  Court (adjudicates electoral disputes and rules on constitutionality
  of laws and decrees; justices appointed for four-year terms by the
  president); Court of Cassation; Appeals Courts (Appeals Courts
  represent an intermediate level between the Court of Cassation and
  local level courts); local level - Magistrate Courts; Courts of
  First Instance; Juvenile Courts; Customs Courts; specialized courts
  - Economic Security Courts (hear cases related to economic crimes);
  Supreme State Security Court (hear cases related to national
  security); Personal Status Courts (religious; hear cases related to
  marriage and divorce)

Taiwan
  Judicial Yuan (justices appointed by the president with
  consent of the Legislative Yuan)

Tajikistan
  Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Tanzania
  Permanent Commission of Enquiry (official ombudsman); Court
  of Appeal (consists of a chief justice and four judges); High Court
  (consists of a Jaji Kiongozi and 29 judges appointed by the
  president; holds regular sessions in all regions); District Courts;
  Primary Courts (limited jurisdiction and appeals can be made to the
  higher courts)

Thailand
  Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Justice, and Supreme
  Administrative Court; all judges are appointed by the king; the
  king's appointments to the Constitutional Courtare made upon the
  advice of the Senate; the nine Constitutional Court judges are drawn
  from the Supreme Court of Justice and Supreme Administrative Court
  as well as from among substantive experts in law and social sciences
  outside the judiciary

Timor-Leste
  Supreme Court of Justice - constitution calls for one
  judge to be appointed by National Parliament and rest appointed by
  Superior Council for Judiciary; note - until Supreme Court is
  established, Court of Appeals is highest court

Togo
  Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Tokelau
  Supreme Court in New Zealand exercises civil and criminal
  jurisdiction in Tokelau

Tonga
  Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch); Court of
  Appeal (Chief Justice and high court justices from overseas chosen
  and approved by Privy Council)

Trinidad and Tobago
  Supreme Court of Judicature (comprised of the
  High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeals; the chief justice is
  appointed by the president after consultation with the prime
  minister and the leader of the opposition; other justices are
  appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial and Legal
  Service Commission); the highest court of appeal is the Privy
  Council in London; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Tunisia
  Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation

Turkey
  Constitutional Court; High Court of Appeals (Yargitay);
  Council of State (Danistay); Court of Accounts (Sayistay); Military
  High Court of Appeals; Military High Administrative Court

Turkmenistan
  Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Tuvalu
  High Court (a chief justice visits twice a year to preside
  over its sessions; its rulings can be appealed to the Court of
  Appeal in Fiji); eight Island Courts (with limited jurisdiction)

Uganda
  Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the president and
  approved by the legislature); High Court (judges are appointed by
  the president)

Ukraine
  Supreme Court; Constitutional Court

United Arab Emirates
  Union Supreme Court (judges are appointed by
  the president)

United Kingdom
  Supreme Court of the UK (established in October 2009
  taking over appellate jurisdiction formerly vested in the House of
  Lords); Senior Courts of England and Wales (comprising the Court of
  Appeal, the High Court of Justice, and the Crown Courts); Court of
  Judicature (Northern Ireland); Scotland's Court of Session and High
  Court of the Justiciary

United States
  Supreme Court (nine justices; nominated by the
  president and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate;
  appointed to serve for life); United States Courts of Appeal; United
  States District Courts; State and County Courts

Uruguay
  Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and
  elected for 10-year terms by the General Assembly)

Uzbekistan
  Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and
  confirmed by the Supreme Assembly)

Vanuatu
  Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president
  after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the
  opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on
  the advice of the Judicial Service Commission)

Venezuela
  Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Tribunal Supremo de
  Justicia (32 magistrates are elected by the National Assembly for a
  single 12-year term)

Vietnam
  Supreme People's Court (chief justice is elected by the
  National Assembly on the recommendation of the president for a
  five-year term)

Virgin Islands
  US District Court of the Virgin Islands (under Third
  Circuit jurisdiction); Superior Court of the Virgin Islands (judges
  appointed by the governor for 10-year terms)

Wallis and Futuna
  justice generally administered under French law by
  the high administrator, but the three traditional kings administer
  customary law and there is a magistrate in Mata-Utu; a court of
  appeal is located in Noumea, New Caledonia

Yemen
  Supreme Court

Zambia
  Supreme Court (the final court of appeal; justices are
  appointed by the president); High Court (has unlimited jurisdiction
  to hear civil and criminal cases)

Zimbabwe
  Supreme Court; High Court

======================================================================

@2095

Field Listing :: Labor force

  This entry contains the total labor force figure.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Labor force

Afghanistan
  15 million (2004 est.)

Albania
  1.1 million (2009 est.)

Algeria
  9.877 million (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  17,630 (2005)

Andorra
  42,220 (2008)

Angola
  7.977 million (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  6,049 (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda
  30,000 (1991)

Argentina 16.62 million note: urban areas only (2010 est.)

Armenia
  1.481 million (2007 est.)

Aruba
  41,500 (2004 est.)

Australia
  11.62 million (2010 est.)

Austria
  3.63 million (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  5.874 million (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  184,000 (2009)

Bahrain
  611,000
  note: 44% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national
  (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  73.87 million
  note: extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman,
  Qatar, and Malaysia; workers' remittances estimated at $10.9 billion
  in 2009-10 (2010 est.)

Barbados
  175,000 (2007 est.)

Belarus
  5 million (2009)

Belgium
  5.02 million (2010 est.)

Belize
  120,500
  note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel
  (2008 est.)

Benin
  3.662 million (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  38,360 (2004)

Bhutan 299,900 note: major shortage of skilled labor (2008)

Bolivia
  4.614 million (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  1.863 million (2007)

Botswana
  685,300 formal sector employees (2007)

Brazil
  103.6 million (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  12,770 (2004)

Brunei
  188,800 (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  2.61 million (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  6.668 million
  note: a large part of the male labor force migrates annually to
  neighboring countries for seasonal employment (2007)

Burma
  31.68 million (2010 est.)

Burundi
  4.245 million (2007)

Cambodia
  8 million (2009 est.)

Cameroon
  7.836 million (2010 est.)

Canada
  18.59 million (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  196,100 (2007)

Cayman Islands 39,000 note: nearly 55% are non-nationals (2007)

Central African Republic
  1.926 million (2007)

Chad
  4.293 million (2007)

Chile
  7.58 million (2010 est.)

China
  819.5 million (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  NA

Colombia
  21.27 million (2010 est.)

Comoros
  268,500 (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  23.53 million (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  1.514 million (2007)

Cook Islands
  6,820 (2001)

Costa Rica
  2.17 million
  note: this official estimate excludes Nicaraguans living in Costa
  Rica (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  7.617 million (2010 est.)

Croatia
  1.762 million (2010 est.)

Cuba
  5.164 million
  note: state sector 78%, non-state sector 22% (2010 est.)

Curacao
  63,000 (2008 est.)

Cyprus
  400,000 (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  5.37 million (2010 est.)

Denmark
  2.82 million (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  351,700 (2007)

Dominica
  25,000 (2000 est.)

Dominican Republic
  4.498 million (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  4.59 million (urban) (2010 est.)

Egypt
  26.1 million (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  2.94 million (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  195,200 NA (2007)

Eritrea
  1.935 million NA (2007)

Estonia
  688,000 (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  37.9 million (2007)

European Union
  225.2 million (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  1,724 (1996) (1996)

Faroe Islands
  34,680 (November 2008)

Fiji
  335,000 (2007 est.)

Finland
  2.68 million (2010 est.)

France
  28.21 million (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  116,000 (2007)

Gabon
  712,000 (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  777,100 (2007)

Gaza Strip
  339,000 (2009)

Georgia
  1.918 million (2007 est.)

Germany
  43.35 million (2010 est.)

Ghana
  10.56 million (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  12,690 (including non-Gibraltar laborers) (2001)

Greece
  5.05 million (2010 est.)

Greenland
  28,240 (January 2009)

Grenada
  42,300 (1996)

Guam
  82,950 (2007 est.)

Guatemala
  4.26 million (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  31,470 (March 2006)

Guinea
  4.392 million (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  632,700 (2007)

Guyana
  333,900 (2007 est.)

Haiti
  3.643 million
  note: shortage of skilled labor, unskilled labor abundant (2007)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  NA

Honduras
  3.394 million (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  3.7 million (2010 est.)

Hungary
  4.17 million (2010 est.)

Iceland
  188,000 (2010 est.)

India
  478.3 million (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  114.9 million (2010 est.)

Iran
  25.7 million
  note: shortage of skilled labor (2010 est.)

Iraq
  8.5 million (2009 est.)

Ireland
  2.18 million (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  39,690 (2001)

Israel
  3.08 million (2010 est.)

Italy
  25.05 million (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  1.317 million (2010 est.)

Japan
  65.64 million (2010 est.)

Jersey
  53,560 (June 2006)

Jordan
  1.719 million (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  8.718 million (2010 est.)

Kenya
  17.94 million (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  7,870 economically active, not including subsistence
  farmers (2001 est.)

Korea, North
  12.2 million
  note: estimates vary widely (2009 est.)

Korea, South
  24.62 million (2010 est.)

Kosovo
  NA (2009 est.)

Kuwait 2.154 million note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 60% of the labor force (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  2.344 million (2007)

Laos
  3.65 million (2009 est.)

Latvia
  1.178 million (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  1.481 million
  note: in addition, there are as many as 1 million foreign workers
  (2007 est.)

Lesotho
  854,600 (2007 est.)

Liberia
  1.372 million (2007)

Libya
  1.729 million (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  32,440 of whom 16,200 commute from Austria,
  Switzerland, and Germany to work each day (2008)

Lithuania
  1.633 million (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  206,000 of whom 125,400 are foreign cross-border workers
  commuting primarily from France, Belgium, and Germany (2010 est.)

Macau
  322,000 (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  942,000 (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  9.504 million (2007)

Malawi
  5.747 million (2007 est.)

Malaysia
  11.62 million (2010 est.)

Maldives
  144,000 (2009)

Mali
  3.241 million (2007 est.)

Malta
  174,000 (2009 est.)

Marshall Islands
  14,680 (2000)

Mauritania
  1.318 million (2007)

Mauritius
  597,000 (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  44,560 (2002)

Mexico
  46.99 million (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  16,360 (2008)

Moldova
  1.203 million (2010 est.)

Monaco 44,000 note: includes workers from all foreign countries (2005 est.)

Mongolia
  1.068 million (2008)

Montenegro
  259,100 (2004)

Montserrat
  NA

Morocco
  11.63 million (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  9.87 million (2010 est.)

Namibia
  729,000 (2010 est.)

Nepal 18 million note: severe lack of skilled labor (2009 est.)

Netherlands
  7.86 million (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  102,600 (2007)

New Zealand
  2.32 million (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  2.343 million (2010 est.)

Niger
  4.688 million (2007)

Nigeria
  48.33 million (2010 est.)

Niue
  663 (2001)

Norfolk Island
  978 (2006)

Northern Mariana Islands 38,450 total indigenous labor force; 28,717 foreign workers (2005 est.)

Norway 2.59 million (2010 est.)

Oman 968,800 note: about 60% of the labor force is non-national (2007)

Pakistan
  55.77 million
  note: extensive export of labor, mostly to the Middle East, and use
  of child labor (2010 est.)

Palau
  9,777 (2005)

Panama
  1.49 million
  note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled
  labor (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  3.809 million (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  3.038 million (2010 est.)

Peru
  10.58 million (2010 est.)

Philippines
  38.91 million (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  15 able-bodied men (2004)

Poland
  17 million (2010 est.)

Portugal
  5.57 million (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  1.479 million (2007)

Qatar
  1.254 million (2010 est.)

Romania
  9.35 million (2010 est.)

Russia
  75.55 million (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  4.446 million (2007)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  2,486
  note: 1,200 work offshore (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  18,170 (June 1995)

Saint Lucia
  79,700 (2007)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  3,450 (2005)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  57,520 (2007 est.)

Samoa
  66,270 (2007 est.)

San Marino
  22,660 (2008)

Sao Tome and Principe
  52,490 (2007)

Saudi Arabia 7.337 million note: about 80% of the labor force is non-national (2010 est.)

Senegal
  5.53 million (2010 est.)

Serbia
  3.25 million (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  39,560 (2006)

Sierra Leone
  2.207 million (2007 est.)

Singapore
  3.09 million (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  23,200 (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  2.673 million (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  930,000 (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  202,500 (2007)

Somalia
  3.447 million (few skilled laborers) (2007)

South Africa
  17.32 million economically active (2010 est.)

Spain
  22.96 million (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  8.1 million (2010 est.)

Sudan
  11.92 million (2007 est.)

Suriname
  165,600 (2007)

Svalbard
  1,234 in Norwegian settlements (2003)

Swaziland
  457,900 (2007)

Sweden
  4.93 million (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  4.13 million (2010 est.)

Syria
  5.527 million (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  11.03 million (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  2.1 million (2009)

Tanzania
  21.86 million (2010 est.)

Thailand
  38.7 million (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  414,200 (2007)

Togo
  2.595 million (2007)

Tokelau
  440 (2001)

Tonga
  39,960 (2007)

Trinidad and Tobago
  631,000 (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  3.83 million (2010 est.)

Turkey 24.73 million note: about 1.2 million Turks work abroad (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  2.3 million (2008 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  4,848 (1990 est.)

Tuvalu
  3,615 (2004 est.)

Uganda
  15.51 million (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  22.06 million (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates 3.908 million note: expatriates account for about 85% of the work force (2010 est.)

United Kingdom 31.45 million (2010 est.)

United States 153.9 million note: includes unemployed (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  1.637 million (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  16 million (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  115,900 (2007)

Venezuela
  13.3 million (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  47.49 million (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  49,820 (2007 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  3,104 (2003)

West Bank
  694,000 (2009)

Western Sahara
  144,000 (2005 est.)

World
  3.232 billion (2010 est.)

Yemen
  6.832 million (2010 est.)

Zambia
  5.524 million (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  3.848 million (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2096

Field Listing :: Land boundaries

This entry contains the total length of all land boundaries and the individual lengths for each of the contiguous border countries. When available, official lengths published by national statistical agencies are used. Because surveying methods may differ, country border lengths reported by contiguous countries may differ. Country

Land boundaries(km)

Afghanistan
  total: 5,529 km
  border countries: China 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km,
  Tajikistan 1,206 km, Turkmenistan 744 km, Uzbekistan 137 km

Akrotiri
  total: 47.4 km
  border countries: Cyprus 47.4 km

Albania
  total: 717 km
  border countries: Greece 282 km, Macedonia 151 km, Montenegro 172
  km, Kosovo 112 km

Algeria
  total: 6,343 km
  border countries: Libya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km,
  Morocco 1,559 km, Niger 956 km, Tunisia 965 km, Western Sahara 42 km

American Samoa
  0 km

Andorra
  total: 120.3 km
  border countries: France 56.6 km, Spain 63.7 km

Angola
  total: 5,198 km
  border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,511 km (of
  which 225 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda Province),
  Republic of the Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zambia 1,110 km

Anguilla
  0 km

Antarctica 0 km note: see entry on Disputes - international

Antigua and Barbuda
  0 km

Argentina
  total: 9,861 km
  border countries: Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,261 km, Chile 5,308 km,
  Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 580 km

Armenia
  total: 1,254 km
  border countries: Azerbaijan-proper 566 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan
  exclave 221 km, Georgia 164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km

Aruba
  0 km

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  0 km

Australia
  0 km

Austria
  total: 2,562 km
  border countries: Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366
  km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 35 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330
  km, Switzerland 164 km

Azerbaijan
  total: 2,013 km
  border countries: Armenia (with Azerbaijan-proper) 566 km, Armenia
  (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran
  (with Azerbaijan-proper) 432 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan
  exclave) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km

Bahamas, The
  0 km

Bahrain
  0 km

Bangladesh total: 4,246 km border countries: Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km

Barbados
  0 km

Belarus
  total: 3,306 km
  border countries: Latvia 171 km, Lithuania 680 km, Poland 605 km,
  Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km

Belgium
  total: 1,385 km
  border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km,
  Netherlands 450 km

Belize
  total: 516 km
  border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km

Benin
  total: 1,989 km
  border countries: Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km,
  Togo 644 km

Bermuda
  0 km

Bhutan
  total: 1,075 km
  border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km

Bolivia
  total: 6,940 km
  border countries: Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,423 km, Chile 860 km,
  Paraguay 750 km, Peru 1,075 km

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  total: 1,538 km
  border countries: Croatia 932 km, Montenegro 249 km, Serbia 357 km

Botswana
  total: 4,013 km
  border countries: Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe
  813 km

Bouvet Island
  0 km

Brazil
  total: 16,885 km
  border countries: Argentina 1,261 km, Bolivia 3,423 km, Colombia
  1,644 km, French Guiana 730 km, Guyana 1,606 km, Paraguay 1,365 km,
  Peru 2,995 km, Suriname 593 km, Uruguay 1,068 km, Venezuela 2,200 km

British Indian Ocean Territory
  0 km

British Virgin Islands
  0 km

Brunei
  total: 381 km
  border countries: Malaysia 381 km

Bulgaria
  total: 1,808 km
  border countries: Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km,
  Serbia 318 km, Turkey 240 km

Burkina Faso
  total: 3,193 km
  border countries: Benin 306 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Ghana 549 km,
  Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km

Burma
  total: 5,876 km
  border countries: Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km,
  Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km

Burundi
  total: 974 km
  border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 233 km, Rwanda
  290 km, Tanzania 451 km

Cambodia
  total: 2,572 km
  border countries: Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km

Cameroon
  total: 4,591 km
  border countries: Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km,
  Republic of the Congo 523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298
  km, Nigeria 1,690 km

Canada total: 8,893 km border countries: US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska)

Cape Verde
  0 km

Cayman Islands
  0 km

Central African Republic
  total: 5,203 km
  border countries: Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Democratic
  Republic of the Congo 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 467 km, Sudan
  1,165 km

Chad
  total: 5,968 km
  border countries: Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197
  km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km

Chile
  total: 6,339 km
  border countries: Argentina 5,308 km, Bolivia 860 km, Peru 171 km

China
  total: 22,117 km
  border countries: Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km,
  India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km,
  Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Mongolia 4,677 km, Nepal 1,236 km,
  Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40
  km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km
  regional borders: Hong Kong 30 km, Macau 0.34 km

Christmas Island
  0 km

Clipperton Island
  0 km

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  0 km

Colombia
  total: 6,309 km
  border countries: Brazil 1,644 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km,
  Peru 1,800 km, Venezuela 2,050 km

Comoros
  0 km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  total: 10,730 km
  border countries: Angola 2,511 km (of which 225 km is the boundary
  of Angola's discontiguous Cabinda Province), Burundi 233 km, Central
  African Republic 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Rwanda
  217 km, Sudan 628 km, Tanzania 459 km, Uganda 765 km, Zambia 1,930 km

Congo, Republic of the
  total: 5,504 km
  border countries: Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African
  Republic 467 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Gabon
  1,903 km

Cook Islands
  0 km

Coral Sea Islands
  0 km

Costa Rica
  total: 639 km
  border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km

Cote d'Ivoire
  total: 3,110 km
  border countries: Burkina Faso 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km,
  Liberia 716 km, Mali 532 km

Croatia
  total: 1,982 km
  border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km,
  Serbia 241 km, Montenegro 25 km, Slovenia 455 km

Cuba
  total: 29 km
  border countries: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 29 km
  note: Guantanamo Naval Base is leased by the US and remains part of
  Cuba

Curacao
  none

Cyprus
  total: 150.4 km (approximately)
  border sovereign base areas: Akrotiri 47.4 km, Dhekelia 103 km
  (approximately)

Czech Republic
  total: 1,989 km
  border countries: Austria 362 km, Germany 815 km, Poland 615 km,
  Slovakia 197 km

Denmark
  total: 68 km
  border countries: Germany 68 km

Dhekelia
  total: 103 km (approximately)
  border countries: Cyprus 103 km (approximately)

Djibouti
  total: 516 km
  border countries: Eritrea 109 km, Ethiopia 349 km, Somalia 58 km

Dominica
  0 km

Dominican Republic
  total: 360 km
  border countries: Haiti 360 km

Ecuador
  total: 2,010 km
  border countries: Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km

Egypt
  total: 2,665 km
  border countries: Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 266 km, Libya 1,115 km,
  Sudan 1,273 km

El Salvador
  total: 545 km
  border countries: Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 km

Equatorial Guinea
  total: 539 km
  border countries: Cameroon 189 km, Gabon 350 km

Eritrea
  total: 1,626 km
  border countries: Djibouti 109 km, Ethiopia 912 km, Sudan 605 km

Estonia
  total: 633 km
  border countries: Latvia 343 km, Russia 290 km

Ethiopia
  total: 5,328 km
  border countries: Djibouti 349 km, Eritrea 912 km, Kenya 861 km,
  Somalia 1,600 km, Sudan 1,606 km

European Union
  total: 12,440.8 km
  border countries: Albania 282 km, Andorra 120.3 km, Belarus 1,050
  km, Croatia 999 km, Holy See 3.2 km, Liechtenstein 34.9 km,
  Macedonia 394 km, Moldova 450 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Norway 2,348 km,
  Russia 2,257 km, San Marino 39 km, Serbia 945 km, Switzerland 1,811
  km, Turkey 446 km, Ukraine 1,257 km
  note: data for European Continent only

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 km

Faroe Islands
  0 km

Fiji
  0 km

Finland
  total: 2,654 km
  border countries: Norway 727 km, Sweden 614 km, Russia 1,313 km

France
  metropolitan France - total: 2,889 km
  border countries: Andorra 56.6 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km,
  Italy 488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km,
  Switzerland 573 km
  French Guiana - total: 1,183 km
  border countries: Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 km

French Polynesia
  0 km

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  0 km

Gabon
  total: 2,551 km
  border countries: Cameroon 298 km, Republic of the Congo 1,903 km,
  Equatorial Guinea 350 km

Gambia, The
  total: 740 km
  border countries: Senegal 740 km

Gaza Strip
  total: 62 km
  border countries: Egypt 11 km, Israel 51 km

Georgia
  total: 1,461 km
  border countries: Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km,
  Turkey 252 km

Germany
  total: 3,621 km
  border countries: Austria 784 km, Belgium 167 km, Czech Republic 646
  km, Denmark 68 km, France 451 km, Luxembourg 138 km, Netherlands 577
  km, Poland 456 km, Switzerland 334 km

Ghana
  total: 2,094 km
  border countries: Burkina Faso 549 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo
  877 km

Gibraltar
  total: 1.2 km
  border countries: Spain 1.2 km

Greece
  total: 1,228 km
  border countries: Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km,
  Macedonia 246 km

Greenland
  0 km

Grenada
  0 km

Guam
  0 km

Guatemala
  total: 1,687 km
  border countries: Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256
  km, Mexico 962 km

Guernsey
  0 km

Guinea
  total: 3,399 km
  border countries: Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Guinea-Bissau 386 km,
  Liberia 563 km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km

Guinea-Bissau
  total: 724 km
  border countries: Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km

Guyana
  total: 2,949 km
  border countries: Brazil 1,606 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

Haiti
  total: 360 km
  border countries: Dominican Republic 360 km

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  0 km

Holy See (Vatican City)
  total: 3.2 km
  border countries: Italy 3.2 km

Honduras
  total: 1,520 km
  border countries: Guatemala 256 km, El Salvador 342 km, Nicaragua
  922 km

Hong Kong
  total: 30 km
  regional border: China 30 km

Hungary
  total: 2,185 km
  border countries: Austria 366 km, Croatia 329 km, Romania 443 km,
  Serbia 166 km, Slovakia 676 km, Slovenia 102 km, Ukraine 103 km

Iceland
  0 km

India
  total: 14,103 km
  border countries: Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463
  km, China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km

Indonesia
  total: 2,830 km
  border countries: Timor-Leste 228 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New
  Guinea 820 km

Iran
  total: 5,440 km
  border countries: Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km,
  Azerbaijan-proper 432 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 179 km, Iraq
  1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km, Turkmenistan 992 km

Iraq
  total: 3,650 km
  border countries: Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi
  Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km

Ireland total: 360 km border countries: UK 360 km

Isle of Man
  0 km

Israel
  total: 1,017 km
  border countries: Egypt 266 km, Gaza Strip 51 km, Jordan 238 km,
  Lebanon 79 km, Syria 76 km, West Bank 307 km

Italy
  total: 1,899.2 km
  border countries: Austria 430 km, France 488 km, Holy See (Vatican
  City) 3.2 km, San Marino 39 km, Slovenia 199 km, Switzerland 740 km

Jamaica
  0 km

Jan Mayen
  0 km

Japan
  0 km

Jersey
  0 km

Jordan
  total: 1,635 km
  border countries: Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 744 km,
  Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km

Kazakhstan
  total: 12,185 km
  border countries: China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,224 km, Russia 6,846
  km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km

Kenya
  total: 3,477 km
  border countries: Ethiopia 861 km, Somalia 682 km, Sudan 232 km,
  Tanzania 769 km, Uganda 933 km

Kiribati
  0 km

Korea, North
  total: 1,673 km
  border countries: China 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 km

Korea, South
  total: 238 km
  border countries: North Korea 238 km

Kosovo
  total: 702 km
  border countries: Albania 112 km, Macedonia 159 km, Montenegro 79
  km, Serbia 352 km

Kuwait
  total: 462 km
  border countries: Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km

Kyrgyzstan
  total: 3,051 km
  border countries: China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,224 km, Tajikistan 870
  km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km

Laos
  total: 5,083 km
  border countries: Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km,
  Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km

Latvia
  total: 1,382 km
  border countries: Belarus 171 km, Estonia 343 km, Lithuania 576 km,
  Russia 292 km

Lebanon
  total: 454 km
  border countries: Israel 79 km, Syria 375 km

Lesotho
  total: 909 km
  border countries: South Africa 909 km

Liberia
  total: 1,585 km
  border countries: Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone
  306 km

Libya
  total: 4,348 km
  border countries: Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,115 km,
  Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km

Liechtenstein
  total: 76 km
  border countries: Austria 34.9 km, Switzerland 41.1 km

Lithuania
  total: 1,574 km
  border countries: Belarus 680 km, Latvia 576 km, Poland 91 km,
  Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km

Luxembourg
  total: 359 km
  border countries: Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km

Macau
  total: 0.34 km
  regional border: China 0.34 km

Macedonia
  total: 766 km
  border countries: Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 246 km,
  Kosovo 159 km, Serbia 62 km

Madagascar
  0 km

Malawi
  total: 2,881 km
  border countries: Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km

Malaysia
  total: 2,669 km
  border countries: Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km

Maldives
  0 km

Mali
  total: 7,243 km
  border countries: Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina Faso 1,000 km, Guinea
  858 km, Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km,
  Senegal 419 km

Malta
  0 km

Marshall Islands
  0 km

Mauritania
  total: 5,074 km
  border countries: Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km,
  Western Sahara 1,561 km

Mauritius
  0 km

Mayotte
  0 km

Mexico total: 4,353 km border countries: Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,141 km

Micronesia, Federated States of 0 km

Moldova
  total: 1,390 km
  border countries: Romania 450 km, Ukraine 940 km

Monaco
  total: 4.4 km
  border countries: France 4.4 km

Mongolia
  total: 8,220 km
  border countries: China 4,677 km, Russia 3,543 km

Montenegro
  total: 625 km
  border countries: Albania 172 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 225 km,
  Croatia 25 km, Kosovo 79 km, Serbia 124 km

Montserrat
  0 km

Morocco
  total: 2,017.9 km
  border countries: Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain
  (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) 9.6 km

Mozambique
  total: 4,571 km
  border countries: Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland
  105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km

Namibia
  total: 3,936 km
  border countries: Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa
  967 km, Zambia 233 km

Nauru
  0 km

Navassa Island
  0 km

Nepal
  total: 2,926 km
  border countries: China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km

Netherlands
  total: 1,027 km
  border countries: Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km

New Caledonia
  0 km

New Zealand
  0 km

Nicaragua
  total: 1,231 km
  border countries: Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km

Niger
  total: 5,697 km
  border countries: Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina Faso 628 km,
  Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km

Nigeria
  total: 4,047 km
  border countries: Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger
  1,497 km

Niue
  0 km

Norfolk Island
  0 km

Northern Mariana Islands
  0 km

Norway
  total: 2,542 km
  border countries: Finland 727 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 196 km

Oman
  total: 1,374 km
  border countries: Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km

Pakistan
  total: 6,774 km
  border countries: Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912
  km, Iran 909 km

Palau
  0 km

Panama
  total: 555 km
  border countries: Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km

Papua New Guinea
  total: 820 km
  border countries: Indonesia 820 km

Paracel Islands
  0 km

Paraguay
  total: 3,995 km
  border countries: Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,365 km

Peru
  total: 7,461 km
  border countries: Bolivia 1,075 km, Brazil 2,995 km, Chile 171 km,
  Colombia 1,800 km, Ecuador 1,420 km

Philippines
  0 km

Pitcairn Islands
  0 km

Poland
  total: 3,047 km
  border countries: Belarus 605 km, Czech Republic 615 km, Germany 456
  km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Slovakia
  420 km, Ukraine 428 km

Portugal total: 1,214 km border countries: Spain 1,214 km

Puerto Rico 0 km

Qatar total: 60 km border countries: Saudi Arabia 60 km

Romania
  total: 2,508 km
  border countries: Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km,
  Serbia 476 km, Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (east) 169 km

Russia
  total: 20,241.5 km
  border countries: Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China
  (southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 290 km, Finland
  1,313 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 17.5 km,
  Latvia 292 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,441
  km, Norway 196 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Ukraine 1,576
  km

Rwanda
  total: 893 km
  border countries: Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo
  217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km

Saint Barthelemy
  0 km

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  0 km

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0 km

Saint Lucia
  0 km

Saint Martin total: 15 km border countries: Sint Maarten 15 km

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 km

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0 km

Samoa
  0 km

San Marino total: 39 km border countries: Italy 39 km

Sao Tome and Principe
  0 km

Saudi Arabia
  total: 4,431 km
  border countries: Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman
  676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km

Senegal
  total: 2,640 km
  border countries: The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau
  338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 km

Serbia
  total: 2,026 km
  border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 302 km, Bulgaria 318 km,
  Croatia 241 km, Hungary 151 km, Kosovo 352 km, Macedonia 62 km,
  Montenegro 124 km, Romania 476 km

Seychelles
  0 km

Sierra Leone total: 958 km border countries: Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km

Singapore 0 km

Sint Maarten total: 15 km border countries: Saint Martin (France) 15 km

Slovakia
  total: 1,474 km
  border countries: Austria 91 km, Czech Republic 197 km, Hungary 676
  km, Poland 420 km, Ukraine 90 km

Slovenia
  total: 1,086 km
  border countries: Austria 330 km, Croatia 455 km, Hungary 102 km,
  Italy 199 km

Solomon Islands
  0 km

Somalia
  total: 2,340 km
  border countries: Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km

South Africa
  total: 4,862 km
  border countries: Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491
  km, Namibia 967 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  0 km

Spain
  total: 1,917.8 km
  border countries: Andorra 63.7 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km,
  Portugal 1,214 km, Morocco (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Morocco (Melilla) 9.6 km

Spratly Islands
  0 km

Sri Lanka
  0 km

Sudan
  total: 7,687 km
  border countries: Central African Republic 1,165 km, Chad 1,360 km,
  Democratic Republic of the Congo 628 km, Egypt 1,273 km, Eritrea 605
  km, Ethiopia 1,606 km, Kenya 232 km, Libya 383 km, Uganda 435 km

Suriname total: 1,703 km border countries: Brazil 593 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km

Svalbard 0 km

Swaziland
  total: 535 km
  border countries: Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km

Sweden
  total: 2,233 km
  border countries: Finland 614 km, Norway 1,619 km

Switzerland
  total: 1,852 km
  border countries: Austria 164 km, France 573 km, Italy 740 km,
  Liechtenstein 41 km, Germany 334 km

Syria
  total: 2,253 km
  border countries: Iraq 605 km, Israel 76 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon
  375 km, Turkey 822 km

Taiwan
  0 km

Tajikistan
  total: 3,651 km
  border countries: Afghanistan 1,206 km, China 414 km, Kyrgyzstan 870
  km, Uzbekistan 1,161 km

Tanzania
  total: 3,861 km
  border countries: Burundi 451 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo
  459 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756 km, Rwanda 217
  km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 km

Thailand
  total: 4,863 km
  border countries: Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km,
  Malaysia 506 km

Timor-Leste
  total: 228 km
  border countries: Indonesia 228 km

Togo
  total: 1,647 km
  border countries: Benin 644 km, Burkina Faso 126 km, Ghana 877 km

Tokelau
  0 km

Tonga
  0 km

Trinidad and Tobago
  0 km

Tunisia
  total: 1,424 km
  border countries: Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 km

Turkey
  total: 2,648 km
  border countries: Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km,
  Georgia 252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 352 km, Syria 822 km

Turkmenistan
  total: 3,736 km
  border countries: Afghanistan 744 km, Iran 992 km, Kazakhstan 379
  km, Uzbekistan 1,621 km

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 km

Tuvalu
  0 km

Uganda
  total: 2,698 km
  border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 765 km, Kenya 933
  km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km

Ukraine
  total: 4,566 km
  border countries: Belarus 891 km, Hungary 103 km, Moldova 940 km,
  Poland 428 km, Romania (south) 176 km, Romania (southwest) 362 km,
  Russia 1,576 km, Slovakia 90 km

United Arab Emirates
  total: 867 km
  border countries: Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km

United Kingdom
  total: 360 km
  border countries: Ireland 360 km

United States
  total: 12,034 km
  border countries: Canada 8,893 km (including 2,477 km with Alaska),
  Mexico 3,141 km
  note: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is leased by the US and
  is part of Cuba; the base boundary is 28 km

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  none

Uruguay
  total: 1,648 km
  border countries: Argentina 580 km, Brazil 1,068 km

Uzbekistan
  total: 6,221 km
  border countries: Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2,203 km,
  Kyrgyzstan 1,099 km, Tajikistan 1,161 km, Turkmenistan 1,621 km

Vanuatu
  0 km

Venezuela
  total: 4,993 km
  border countries: Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km

Vietnam
  total: 4,639 km
  border countries: Cambodia 1,228 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 2,130 km

Virgin Islands
  0 km

Wake Island
  0 km

Wallis and Futuna
  0 km

West Bank
  total: 404 km
  border countries: Israel 307 km, Jordan 97 km

Western Sahara
  total: 2,046 km
  border countries: Algeria 42 km, Mauritania 1,561 km, Morocco 443 km

World
  the land boundaries in the world total 251,060 km (not
  counting shared boundaries twice); two nations, China and Russia,
  each border 14 other countries
  note: 45 nations and other areas are landlocked, these include:
  Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan,
  Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic,
  Chad, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary,
  Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein,
  Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal,
  Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Swaziland,
  Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, West
  Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe; two of these, Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan,
  are doubly landlocked

Yemen
  total: 1,746 km
  border countries: Oman 288 km, Saudi Arabia 1,458 km

Zambia
  total: 5,664 km
  border countries: Angola 1,110 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo
  1,930 km, Malawi 837 km, Mozambique 419 km, Namibia 233 km, Tanzania
  338 km, Zimbabwe 797 km

Zimbabwe
  total: 3,066 km
  border countries: Botswana 813 km, Mozambique 1,231 km, South Africa
  225 km, Zambia 797 km

======================================================================

@2097

Field Listing :: Land use

  This entry contains the percentage shares of total land area for
  three different types of land use: arable land - land cultivated for
  crops like wheat, maize, and rice that are replanted after each
  harvest; permanent crops - land cultivated for crops like citrus,
  coffee, and rubber that are not replanted after each harvest;
  includes land under flowering shrubs, fruit trees, nut trees, and
  vines, but excludes land under trees grown for wood or timber; other
  - any land not arable or under permanent crops; includes permanent
  meadows and pastures, forests and woodlands, built-on areas, roads,
  barren land, etc.
  Country

Land use(%)

Afghanistan
  arable land: 12.13%
  permanent crops: 0.21%
  other: 87.66% (2005)

Albania
  arable land: 20.1%
  permanent crops: 4.21%
  other: 75.69% (2005)

Algeria
  arable land: 3.17%
  permanent crops: 0.28%
  other: 96.55% (2005)

American Samoa
  arable land: 10%
  permanent crops: 15%
  other: 75% (2005)

Andorra
  arable land: 2.13%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 97.87% (2005)

Angola
  arable land: 2.65%
  permanent crops: 0.23%
  other: 97.12% (2005)

Anguilla
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some
  commercial salt ponds) (2005)

Antarctica
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%) (2005)

Antigua and Barbuda
  arable land: 18.18%
  permanent crops: 4.55%
  other: 77.27% (2005)

Argentina
  arable land: 10.03%
  permanent crops: 0.36%
  other: 89.61% (2005)

Armenia
  arable land: 16.78%
  permanent crops: 2.01%
  other: 81.21% (2005)

Aruba
  arable land: 10.53%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 89.47% (2005)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2005)

Australia
  arable land: 6.15% (includes about 27 million hectares of
  cultivated grassland)
  permanent crops: 0.04%
  other: 93.81% (2005)

Austria
  arable land: 16.59%
  permanent crops: 0.85%
  other: 82.56% (2005)

Azerbaijan
  arable land: 20.62%
  permanent crops: 2.61%
  other: 76.77% (2005)

Bahamas, The
  arable land: 0.58%
  permanent crops: 0.29%
  other: 99.13% (2005)

Bahrain
  arable land: 2.82%
  permanent crops: 5.63%
  other: 91.55% (2005)

Bangladesh
  arable land: 55.39%
  permanent crops: 3.08%
  other: 41.53% (2005)

Barbados
  arable land: 37.21%
  permanent crops: 2.33%
  other: 60.46% (2005)

Belarus
  arable land: 26.77%
  permanent crops: 0.6%
  other: 72.63% (2005)

Belgium
  arable land: 27.42%
  permanent crops: 0.69%
  other: 71.89%
  note: includes Luxembourg (2005)

Belize
  arable land: 3.05%
  permanent crops: 1.39%
  other: 95.56% (2005)

Benin
  arable land: 23.53%
  permanent crops: 2.37%
  other: 74.1% (2005)

Bermuda
  arable land: 20%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 80% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2005)

Bhutan
  arable land: 2.3%
  permanent crops: 0.43%
  other: 97.27% (2005)

Bolivia
  arable land: 2.78%
  permanent crops: 0.19%
  other: 97.03% (2005)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  arable land: 19.61%
  permanent crops: 1.89%
  other: 78.5% (2005)

Botswana
  arable land: 0.65%
  permanent crops: 0.01%
  other: 99.34% (2005)

Bouvet Island
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (93% ice) (2005)

Brazil
  arable land: 6.93%
  permanent crops: 0.89%
  other: 92.18% (2005)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

British Virgin Islands
  arable land: 20%
  permanent crops: 6.67%
  other: 73.33% (2005)

Brunei
  arable land: 2.08%
  permanent crops: 0.87%
  other: 97.05% (2005)

Bulgaria
  arable land: 29.94%
  permanent crops: 1.9%
  other: 68.16% (2005)

Burkina Faso
  arable land: 17.66%
  permanent crops: 0.22%
  other: 82.12% (2005)

Burma
  arable land: 14.92%
  permanent crops: 1.31%
  other: 83.77% (2005)

Burundi
  arable land: 35.57%
  permanent crops: 13.12%
  other: 51.31% (2005)

Cambodia
  arable land: 20.44%
  permanent crops: 0.59%
  other: 78.97% (2005)

Cameroon
  arable land: 12.54%
  permanent crops: 2.52%
  other: 84.94% (2005)

Canada
  arable land: 4.57%
  permanent crops: 0.65%
  other: 94.78% (2005)

Cape Verde
  arable land: 11.41%
  permanent crops: 0.74%
  other: 87.85% (2005)

Cayman Islands
  arable land: 3.85%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 96.15% (2005)

Central African Republic
  arable land: 3.1%
  permanent crops: 0.15%
  other: 96.75% (2005)

Chad
  arable land: 2.8%
  permanent crops: 0.02%
  other: 97.18% (2005)

Chile
  arable land: 2.62%
  permanent crops: 0.43%
  other: 96.95% (2005)

China
  arable land: 14.86%
  permanent crops: 1.27%
  other: 83.87% (2005)

Christmas Island arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (mainly tropical rainforest; 63% of the island is a national park) (2005)

Clipperton Island
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (all coral) (2005)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Colombia
  arable land: 2.01%
  permanent crops: 1.37%
  other: 96.62% (2005)

Comoros
  arable land: 35.87%
  permanent crops: 23.32%
  other: 40.81% (2005)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  arable land: 2.86%
  permanent crops: 0.47%
  other: 96.67% (2005)

Congo, Republic of the
  arable land: 1.45%
  permanent crops: 0.15%
  other: 98.4% (2005)

Cook Islands
  arable land: 16.67%
  permanent crops: 8.33%
  other: 75% (2005)

Coral Sea Islands
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (2005)

Costa Rica
  arable land: 4.4%
  permanent crops: 5.87%
  other: 89.73% (2005)

Cote d'Ivoire
  arable land: 10.23%
  permanent crops: 11.16%
  other: 78.61% (2005)

Croatia
  arable land: 25.82%
  permanent crops: 2.19%
  other: 71.99% (2005)

Cuba
  arable land: 27.63%
  permanent crops: 6.54%
  other: 65.83% (2005)

Curacao
  arable land: 10%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 90%

Cyprus
  arable land: 10.81%
  permanent crops: 4.32%
  other: 84.87% (2005)

Czech Republic
  arable land: 38.82%
  permanent crops: 3%
  other: 58.18% (2005)

Denmark
  arable land: 52.59%
  permanent crops: 0.19%
  other: 47.22% (2005)

Djibouti
  arable land: 0.04%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 99.96% (2005)

Dominica
  arable land: 6.67%
  permanent crops: 21.33%
  other: 72% (2005)

Dominican Republic
  arable land: 22.49%
  permanent crops: 10.26%
  other: 67.25% (2005)

Ecuador
  arable land: 5.71%
  permanent crops: 4.81%
  other: 89.48% (2005)

Egypt
  arable land: 2.92%
  permanent crops: 0.5%
  other: 96.58% (2005)

El Salvador
  arable land: 31.37%
  permanent crops: 11.88%
  other: 56.75% (2005)

Equatorial Guinea
  arable land: 4.63%
  permanent crops: 3.57%
  other: 91.8% (2005)

Eritrea
  arable land: 4.78%
  permanent crops: 0.03%
  other: 95.19% (2005)

Estonia
  arable land: 12.05%
  permanent crops: 0.35%
  other: 87.6% (2005)

Ethiopia
  arable land: 10.01%
  permanent crops: 0.65%
  other: 89.34% (2005)

European Union
  arable land: NA
  permanent crops: NA
  other: NA

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (99% permanent pastures, 1% other) (2005)

Faroe Islands
  arable land: 2.14%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 97.86% (2005)

Fiji
  arable land: 10.95%
  permanent crops: 4.65%
  other: 84.4% (2005)

Finland
  arable land: 6.54%
  permanent crops: 0.02%
  other: 93.44% (2005)

France
  arable land: 33.46%
  permanent crops: 2.03%
  other: 64.51%
  note: French Guiana - arable land 0.13%, permanent crops 0.04%,
  other 99.83% (90% forest, 10% other); Guadeloupe - arable land
  11.70%, permanent crops 2.92%, other 85.38%; Martinique - arable
  land 9.09%, permanent crops 10.0%, other 80.91%; Reunion - arable
  land 13.94%, permanent crops 1.59%, other 84.47% (2005)

French Polynesia
  arable land: 0.75%
  permanent crops: 5.5%
  other: 93.75% (2005)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
  Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% trees, grasses, ferns, and moss; Ile
  Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% grass, ferns,
  and moss; Iles Crozet - 100% tossock grass, heath, and fern; Iles
  Kerguelen - 100% tossock grass and Kerguelen cabbage; Bassas da
  India (Iles Eparses) - 100% rock, coral reef, and sand; Europa
  Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% mangrove swamp and dry woodlands;
  Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) - 100% lush vegetation and coconut
  palms; Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) - 90% forest, 10% other;
  Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% grasses and scattered brush
  (2005)

Gabon
  arable land: 1.21%
  permanent crops: 0.64%
  other: 98.15% (2005)

Gambia, The
  arable land: 27.88%
  permanent crops: 0.44%
  other: 71.68% (2005)

Gaza Strip
  arable land: 29%
  permanent crops: 21%
  other: 50% (2002)

Georgia
  arable land: 11.51%
  permanent crops: 3.79%
  other: 84.7% (2005)

Germany
  arable land: 33.13%
  permanent crops: 0.6%
  other: 66.27% (2005)

Ghana
  arable land: 17.54%
  permanent crops: 9.22%
  other: 73.24% (2005)

Gibraltar
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Greece
  arable land: 20.45%
  permanent crops: 8.59%
  other: 70.96% (2005)

Greenland
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Grenada
  arable land: 5.88%
  permanent crops: 29.41%
  other: 64.71% (2005)

Guam
  arable land: 3.64%
  permanent crops: 18.18%
  other: 78.18% (2005)

Guatemala
  arable land: 13.22%
  permanent crops: 5.6%
  other: 81.18% (2005)

Guernsey
  arable land: NA
  permanent crops: NA
  other: NA

Guinea
  arable land: 4.47%
  permanent crops: 2.64%
  other: 92.89% (2005)

Guinea-Bissau
  arable land: 8.31%
  permanent crops: 6.92%
  other: 84.77% (2005)

Guyana
  arable land: 2.23%
  permanent crops: 0.14%
  other: 97.63% (2005)

Haiti
  arable land: 28.11%
  permanent crops: 11.53%
  other: 60.36% (2005)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (urban area) (2005)

Honduras
  arable land: 9.53%
  permanent crops: 3.21%
  other: 87.26% (2005)

Hong Kong
  arable land: 5.05%
  permanent crops: 1.01%
  other: 93.94% (2001)

Hungary
  arable land: 49.58%
  permanent crops: 2.06%
  other: 48.36% (2005)

Iceland
  arable land: 0.07%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 99.93% (2005)

India
  arable land: 48.83%
  permanent crops: 2.8%
  other: 48.37% (2005)

Indonesia
  arable land: 11.03%
  permanent crops: 7.04%
  other: 81.93% (2005)

Iran
  arable land: 9.78%
  permanent crops: 1.29%
  other: 88.93% (2005)

Iraq
  arable land: 13.12%
  permanent crops: 0.61%
  other: 86.27% (2005)

Ireland
  arable land: 16.82%
  permanent crops: 0.03%
  other: 83.15% (2005)

Isle of Man
  arable land: 9%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 91% (permanent pastures, forests, mountain, and heathland)
  (2002)

Israel
  arable land: 15.45%
  permanent crops: 3.88%
  other: 80.67% (2005)

Italy
  arable land: 26.41%
  permanent crops: 9.09%
  other: 64.5% (2005)

Jamaica
  arable land: 15.83%
  permanent crops: 10.01%
  other: 74.16% (2005)

Jan Mayen
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Japan
  arable land: 11.64%
  permanent crops: 0.9%
  other: 87.46% (2005)

Jersey
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Jordan
  arable land: 3.32%
  permanent crops: 1.18%
  other: 95.5% (2005)

Kazakhstan
  arable land: 8.28%
  permanent crops: 0.05%
  other: 91.67% (2005)

Kenya
  arable land: 8.01%
  permanent crops: 0.97%
  other: 91.02% (2005)

Kiribati
  arable land: 2.74%
  permanent crops: 47.95%
  other: 49.31% (2005)

Korea, North
  arable land: 22.4%
  permanent crops: 1.66%
  other: 75.94% (2005)

Korea, South
  arable land: 16.58%
  permanent crops: 2.01%
  other: 81.41% (2005)

Kuwait
  arable land: 0.84%
  permanent crops: 0.17%
  other: 98.99% (2005)

Kyrgyzstan
  arable land: 6.55%
  permanent crops: 0.28%
  other: 93.17%
  note: Kyrgyzstan has the world's largest natural-growth walnut
  forest (2005)

Laos
  arable land: 4.01%
  permanent crops: 0.34%
  other: 95.65% (2005)

Latvia
  arable land: 28.19%
  permanent crops: 0.45%
  other: 71.36% (2005)

Lebanon
  arable land: 16.35%
  permanent crops: 13.75%
  other: 69.9% (2005)

Lesotho
  arable land: 10.87%
  permanent crops: 0.13%
  other: 89% (2005)

Liberia
  arable land: 3.43%
  permanent crops: 1.98%
  other: 94.59% (2005)

Libya
  arable land: 1.03%
  permanent crops: 0.19%
  other: 98.78% (2005)

Liechtenstein
  arable land: 25%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 75% (2005)

Lithuania
  arable land: 44.81%
  permanent crops: 0.9%
  other: 54.29% (2005)

Luxembourg
  arable land: 27.42%
  permanent crops: 0.69%
  other: 71.89% (includes Belgium) (2005)

Macau
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Macedonia
  arable land: 22.01%
  permanent crops: 1.79%
  other: 76.2% (2005)

Madagascar
  arable land: 5.03%
  permanent crops: 1.02%
  other: 93.95% (2005)

Malawi
  arable land: 20.68%
  permanent crops: 1.18%
  other: 78.14% (2005)

Malaysia
  arable land: 5.46%
  permanent crops: 17.54%
  other: 77% (2005)

Maldives
  arable land: 13.33%
  permanent crops: 30%
  other: 56.67% (2005)

Mali
  arable land: 3.76%
  permanent crops: 0.03%
  other: 96.21% (2005)

Malta
  arable land: 31.25%
  permanent crops: 3.13%
  other: 65.62% (2005)

Marshall Islands
  arable land: 11.11%
  permanent crops: 44.44%
  other: 44.45% (2005)

Mauritania
  arable land: 0.2%
  permanent crops: 0.01%
  other: 99.79% (2005)

Mauritius
  arable land: 49.02%
  permanent crops: 2.94%
  other: 48.04% (2005)

Mayotte
  arable land: NA%
  permanent crops: NA%
  other: NA%

Mexico
  arable land: 12.66%
  permanent crops: 1.28%
  other: 86.06% (2005)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  arable land: 5.71%
  permanent crops: 45.71%
  other: 48.58% (2005)

Moldova
  arable land: 54.52%
  permanent crops: 8.81%
  other: 36.67% (2005)

Monaco
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (urban area) (2005)

Mongolia
  arable land: 0.76%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 99.24% (2005)

Montenegro
  arable land: 13.7%
  permanent crops: 1%
  other: 85.3%

Montserrat
  arable land: 20%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 80% (2005)

Morocco
  arable land: 19%
  permanent crops: 2%
  other: 79% (2005)

Mozambique
  arable land: 5.43%
  permanent crops: 0.29%
  other: 94.28% (2005)

Namibia
  arable land: 0.99%
  permanent crops: 0.01%
  other: 99% (2005)

Nauru
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Navassa Island
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Nepal
  arable land: 16.07%
  permanent crops: 0.85%
  other: 83.08% (2005)

Netherlands
  arable land: 21.96%
  permanent crops: 0.77%
  other: 77.27% (2005)

New Caledonia
  arable land: 0.32%
  permanent crops: 0.22%
  other: 99.46% (2005)

New Zealand
  arable land: 5.54%
  permanent crops: 6.92%
  other: 87.54% (2005)

Nicaragua
  arable land: 14.81%
  permanent crops: 1.82%
  other: 83.37% (2005)

Niger
  arable land: 11.43%
  permanent crops: 0.01%
  other: 88.56% (2005)

Nigeria
  arable land: 33.02%
  permanent crops: 3.14%
  other: 63.84% (2005)

Niue
  arable land: 11.54%
  permanent crops: 15.38%
  other: 73.08% (2005)

Norfolk Island
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Northern Mariana Islands
  arable land: 13.04%
  permanent crops: 4.35%
  other: 82.61% (2005)

Norway
  arable land: 2.7%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 97.3% (2005)

Oman
  arable land: 0.12%
  permanent crops: 0.14%
  other: 99.74% (2005)

Pakistan
  arable land: 24.44%
  permanent crops: 0.84%
  other: 74.72% (2005)

Palau
  arable land: 8.7%
  permanent crops: 4.35%
  other: 86.95% (2005)

Panama
  arable land: 7.26%
  permanent crops: 1.95%
  other: 90.79% (2005)

Papua New Guinea
  arable land: 0.49%
  permanent crops: 1.4%
  other: 98.11% (2005)

Paracel Islands
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Paraguay
  arable land: 7.47%
  permanent crops: 0.24%
  other: 92.29% (2005)

Peru
  arable land: 2.88%
  permanent crops: 0.47%
  other: 96.65% (2005)

Philippines
  arable land: 19%
  permanent crops: 16.67%
  other: 64.33% (2005)

Pitcairn Islands
  arable land: NA
  permanent crops: NA
  other: NA

Poland
  arable land: 40.25%
  permanent crops: 1%
  other: 58.75% (2005)

Portugal
  arable land: 17.29%
  permanent crops: 7.84%
  other: 74.87% (2005)

Puerto Rico
  arable land: 3.69%
  permanent crops: 5.59%
  other: 90.72% (2005)

Qatar
  arable land: 1.64%
  permanent crops: 0.27%
  other: 98.09% (2005)

Romania
  arable land: 39.49%
  permanent crops: 1.92%
  other: 58.59% (2005)

Russia
  arable land: 7.17%
  permanent crops: 0.11%
  other: 92.72% (2005)

Rwanda
  arable land: 45.56%
  permanent crops: 10.25%
  other: 44.19% (2005)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  arable land: 12.9%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 87.1% (2005)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  arable land: 19.44%
  permanent crops: 2.78%
  other: 77.78% (2005)

Saint Lucia
  arable land: 6.45%
  permanent crops: 22.58%
  other: 70.97% (2005)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  arable land: 12.5%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 87.5% (2005)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  arable land: 17.95%
  permanent crops: 17.95%
  other: 64.1% (2005)

Samoa
  arable land: 21.13%
  permanent crops: 24.3%
  other: 54.57% (2005)

San Marino
  arable land: 16.67%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 83.33% (2005)

Sao Tome and Principe
  arable land: 8.33%
  permanent crops: 48.96%
  other: 42.71% (2005)

Saudi Arabia
  arable land: 1.67%
  permanent crops: 0.09%
  other: 98.24% (2005)

Senegal
  arable land: 12.51%
  permanent crops: 0.24%
  other: 87.25% (2005)

Serbia
  arable land: NA
  permanent crops: NA
  other: NA

Seychelles
  arable land: 2.17%
  permanent crops: 13.04%
  other: 84.79% (2005)

Sierra Leone
  arable land: 7.95%
  permanent crops: 1.05%
  other: 91% (2005)

Singapore
  arable land: 1.47%
  permanent crops: 1.47%
  other: 97.06% (2005)

Sint Maarten
  arable land: 10%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 90%

Slovakia
  arable land: 29.23%
  permanent crops: 2.67%
  other: 68.1% (2005)

Slovenia
  arable land: 8.53%
  permanent crops: 1.43%
  other: 90.04% (2005)

Solomon Islands
  arable land: 0.62%
  permanent crops: 2.04%
  other: 97.34% (2005)

Somalia
  arable land: 1.64%
  permanent crops: 0.04%
  other: 98.32% (2005)

South Africa
  arable land: 12.1%
  permanent crops: 0.79%
  other: 87.11% (2005)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (largely covered by permanent ice and snow with some
  sparse vegetation consisting of grass, moss, and lichen) (2005)

Spain
  arable land: 27.18%
  permanent crops: 9.85%
  other: 62.97% (2005)

Spratly Islands
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Sri Lanka
  arable land: 13.96%
  permanent crops: 15.24%
  other: 70.8% (2005)

Sudan
  arable land: 6.78%
  permanent crops: 0.17%
  other: 93.05% (2005)

Suriname
  arable land: 0.36%
  permanent crops: 0.06%
  other: 99.58% (2005)

Svalbard
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (no trees; the only bushes are crowberry and cloudberry)
  (2005)

Swaziland
  arable land: 10.25%
  permanent crops: 0.81%
  other: 88.94% (2005)

Sweden
  arable land: 5.93%
  permanent crops: 0.01%
  other: 94.06% (2005)

Switzerland
  arable land: 9.91%
  permanent crops: 0.58%
  other: 89.51% (2005)

Syria
  arable land: 24.8%
  permanent crops: 4.47%
  other: 70.73% (2005)

Taiwan
  arable land: 24%
  permanent crops: 1%
  other: 75% (2001)

Tajikistan
  arable land: 6.52%
  permanent crops: 0.89%
  other: 92.59% (2005)

Tanzania
  arable land: 4.23%
  permanent crops: 1.16%
  other: 94.61% (2005)

Thailand
  arable land: 27.54%
  permanent crops: 6.93%
  other: 65.53% (2005)

Timor-Leste
  arable land: 8.2%
  permanent crops: 4.57%
  other: 87.23% (2005)

Togo
  arable land: 44.2%
  permanent crops: 2.11%
  other: 53.69% (2005)

Tokelau
  arable land: 0% (soil is thin and infertile)
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Tonga
  arable land: 20%
  permanent crops: 14.67%
  other: 65.33% (2005)

Trinidad and Tobago
  arable land: 14.62%
  permanent crops: 9.16%
  other: 76.22% (2005)

Tunisia
  arable land: 17.05%
  permanent crops: 13.08%
  other: 69.87% (2005)

Turkey
  arable land: 29.81%
  permanent crops: 3.39%
  other: 66.8% (2005)

Turkmenistan
  arable land: 4.51%
  permanent crops: 0.14%
  other: 95.35% (2005)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  arable land: 2.33%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 97.67% (2005)

Tuvalu
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 66.67%
  other: 33.33% (2005)

Uganda
  arable land: 21.57%
  permanent crops: 8.92%
  other: 69.51% (2005)

Ukraine
  arable land: 53.8%
  permanent crops: 1.5%
  other: 44.7% (2005)

United Arab Emirates
  arable land: 0.77%
  permanent crops: 2.27%
  other: 96.96% (2005)

United Kingdom
  arable land: 23.23%
  permanent crops: 0.2%
  other: 76.57% (2005)

United States
  arable land: 18.01%
  permanent crops: 0.21%
  other: 81.78% (2005)

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2008)

Uruguay
  arable land: 7.77%
  permanent crops: 0.24%
  other: 91.99% (2005)

Uzbekistan
  arable land: 10.51%
  permanent crops: 0.76%
  other: 88.73% (2005)

Vanuatu
  arable land: 1.64%
  permanent crops: 6.97%
  other: 91.39% (2005)

Venezuela
  arable land: 2.85%
  permanent crops: 0.88%
  other: 96.27% (2005)

Vietnam
  arable land: 20.14%
  permanent crops: 6.93%
  other: 72.93% (2005)

Virgin Islands
  arable land: 5.71%
  permanent crops: 2.86%
  other: 91.43% (2005)

Wake Island
  arable land: 0%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 100% (2005)

Wallis and Futuna
  arable land: 7.14%
  permanent crops: 35.71%
  other: 57.15% (2005)

West Bank
  arable land: 16.9%
  permanent crops: 18.97%
  other: 64.13% (2001)

Western Sahara
  arable land: 0.02%
  permanent crops: 0%
  other: 99.98% (2005)

World
  arable land: 10.57%
  permanent crops: 1.04%
  other: 88.39% (2005)

Yemen
  arable land: 2.91%
  permanent crops: 0.25%
  other: 96.84% (2005)

Zambia
  arable land: 6.99%
  permanent crops: 0.04%
  other: 92.97% (2005)

Zimbabwe
  arable land: 8.24%
  permanent crops: 0.33%
  other: 91.43% (2005)

======================================================================

@2098

Field Listing :: Languages

  This entry provides a rank ordering of languages starting with the
  largest and sometimes includes the percent of total population
  speaking that language.
  Country

Languages(%)

Afghanistan
  Afghan Persian or Dari (official) 50%, Pashto (official)
  35%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor
  languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism

Akrotiri
  English, Greek

Albania
  Albanian (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek,
  Vlach, Romani, Slavic dialects

Algeria
  Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects

American Samoa
  Samoan 90.6% (closely related to Hawaiian and other
  Polynesian languages), English 2.9%, Tongan 2.4%, other Pacific
  islander 2.1%, other 2%
  note: most people are bilingual (2000 census)

Andorra
  Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese

Angola
  Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages

Anguilla
  English (official)

Antigua and Barbuda
  English (official), local dialects

Argentina
  Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French

Armenia
  Armenian (official) 97.7%, Yezidi 1%, Russian 0.9%, other
  0.4% (2001 census)

Aruba
  Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 66.3%,
  Spanish 12.6%, English (widely spoken) 7.7%, Dutch (official) 5.8%,
  other 2.2%, unspecified or unknown 5.3% (2000 census)

Australia
  English 78.5%, Chinese 2.5%, Italian 1.6%, Greek 1.3%,
  Arabic 1.2%, Vietnamese 1%, other 8.2%, unspecified 5.7% (2006
  Census)

Austria
  German (official nationwide) 88.6%, Turkish 2.3%, Serbian
  2.2%, Croatian (official in Burgenland) 1.6%, other (includes
  Slovene, official in Carinthia, and Hungarian, official in
  Burgenland) 5.3% (2001 census)

Azerbaijan
  Azerbaijani (Azeri) (official) 90.3%, Lezgi 2.2%, Russian
  1.8%, Armenian 1.5%, other 3.3%, unspecified 1% (1999 census)

Bahamas, The
  English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)

Bahrain
  Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu

Bangladesh
  Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English

Barbados
  English

Belarus
  Belarusian (official) 36.7%, Russian (official) 62.8%, other
  0.5% (includes small Polish- and Ukrainian-speaking minorities)
  (1999 census)

Belgium
  Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German
  (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)

Belize
  Spanish 46%, Creole 32.9%, Mayan dialects 8.9%, English 3.9%
  (official), Garifuna 3.4% (Carib), German 3.3%, other 1.4%, unknown
  0.2% (2000 census)

Benin
  French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in
  south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)

Bermuda
  English (official), Portuguese

Bhutan
  Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects,
  Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects

Bolivia
  Spanish 60.7% (official), Quechua 21.2% (official), Aymara
  14.6% (official), foreign languages 2.4%, other 1.2% (2001 census)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Bosnian (official), Croatian (official),
  Serbian

Botswana
  Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English
  2.1% (official), other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 census)

Brazil
  Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); note -
  less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools),
  German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor
  Amerindian languages

British Virgin Islands
  English (official)

Brunei
  Malay (official), English, Chinese

Bulgaria
  Bulgarian (official) 84.5%, Turkish 9.6%, Roma 4.1%, other
  and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

Burkina Faso
  French (official), native African languages belonging
  to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population

Burma
  Burmese (offical) minority ethnic groups have their own
  languages

Burundi
  Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake
  Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area)

Cambodia
  Khmer (official) 95%, French, English

Cameroon
  24 major African language groups, English (official),
  French (official)

Canada
  English (official) 58.8%, French (official) 21.6%, other
  19.6% (2006 Census)

Cape Verde
  Portuguese (official), Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and
  West African words)

Cayman Islands
  English (official) 95%, Spanish 3.2%, other 1.8%
  (1999 census)

Central African Republic
  French (official), Sangho (lingua franca
  and national language), tribal languages

Chad
  French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more
  than 120 different languages and dialects

Chile
  Spanish (official), Mapudungun, German, English

China
  Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing
  dialect) (official), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei
  (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects,
  minority languages (see Ethnic groups entry)
  note: Mongolian is official in Nei Mongol, Uighur is official in
  Xinjiang Uygur, and Tibetan is official in Xizang (Tibet)

Christmas Island
  English (official), Chinese, Malay

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Malay (Cocos dialect), English

Colombia
  Spanish (official)

Comoros
  Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (a blend of
  Swahili and Arabic)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  French (official), Lingala (a
  lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or
  Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba

Congo, Republic of the
  French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba
  (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects
  (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)

Cook Islands
  English (official), Maori

Costa Rica
  Spanish (official), English

Cote d'Ivoire
  French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the
  most widely spoken

Croatia
  Croatian (official) 96.1%, Serbian 1%, other and
  undesignated 2.9% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and
  German) (2001 census)

Cuba
  Spanish (official)

Curacao
  Papiamento 81.2% (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English
  dialect), Dutch 8% (official), Spanish 4%, English 2.9%, other 3.9%
  (2001 census)

Cyprus
  Greek (official), Turkish (official), English

Czech Republic
  Czech 94.9%, Slovak 2%, other 2.3%, unidentified 0.8%
  (2001 census)

Denmark
  Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German
  (small minority)
  note: English is the predominant second language

Dhekelia
  English, Greek

Djibouti
  French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar

Dominica
  English (official), French patois

Dominican Republic
  Spanish (official)

Ecuador
  Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)

Egypt
  Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by
  educated classes

El Salvador
  Spanish (official), Nahua (among some Amerindians)

Equatorial Guinea
  Spanish 67.6% (official), other 32.4% (includes
  French (official), Fang, Bubi) (1994 census)

Eritrea
  Tigrinya (official), Arabic (official), English (official),
  Tigre, Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages

Estonia
  Estonian (official) 67.3%, Russian 29.7%, other 2.3%,
  unknown 0.7% (2000 census)

Ethiopia
  Amarigna (Amharic) (official) 32.7%, Oromigna (official
  regional) 31.6%, Tigrigna (official regional) 6.1%, Somaligna 6%,
  Guaragigna 3.5%, Sidamigna 3.5%, Hadiyigna 1.7%, other 14.8%,
  English (official) (major foreign language taught in schools),
  Arabic (official) (1994 census)

European Union
  Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian,
  Finnish, French, Gaelic, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian,
  Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene,
  Spanish, Swedish
  note: only official languages are listed; German, the major language
  of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, is the most widely spoken
  mother tongue - over 19% of the EU population; English is the most
  widely spoken language - about 49% of the EU population is
  conversant with it (2007)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  English

Faroe Islands
  Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Fiji
  English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani

Finland
  Finnish 91.2% (official), Swedish 5.5% (official), other
  3.3% (small Sami- and Russian-speaking minorities) (2007)

France
  French (official) 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects
  and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan,
  Basque, Flemish)
  overseas departments: French, Creole patois

French Polynesia
  French 61.1% (official), Polynesian 31.4%
  (official), Asian languages 1.2%, other 0.3%, unspecified 6% (2002
  census)

Gabon
  French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira,
  Bandjabi

Gambia, The
  English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other
  indigenous vernaculars

Gaza Strip
  Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by many Palestinians), English
  (widely understood)

Georgia
  Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%,
  other 7%
  note: Abkhaz is the official language in Abkhazia

Germany
  German

Ghana
  Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante 9.9%, Boron (Brong) 4.6%,
  Dagomba 4.3%, Dangme 4.3%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.7%, Akyem 3.4%, Ga
  3.4%, Akuapem 2.9%, other 36.1% (includes English (official)) (2000
  census)

Gibraltar
  English (used in schools and for official purposes),
  Spanish, Italian, Portuguese

Greece
  Greek 99% (official), other 1% (includes English and French)

Greenland
  Greenlandic (East Inuit) (official), Danish, English

Grenada
  English (official), French patois

Guam
  English 38.3%, Chamorro 22.2%, Philippine languages 22.2%,
  other Pacific island languages 6.8%, Asian languages 7%, other
  languages 3.5% (2000 census)

Guatemala
  Spanish (official) 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23
  officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche,
  Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

Guernsey
  English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country
  districts

Guinea
  French (official); note - each ethnic group has its own
  language

Guinea-Bissau
  Portuguese (official), Crioulo, African languages

Guyana
  English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Caribbean Hindustani (a
  dialect of Hindi), Urdu

Haiti
  French (official), Creole (official)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  Italian, Latin, French, various other
  languages

Honduras
  Spanish (official), Amerindian dialects

Hong Kong
  Cantonese 90.8% (official), English 2.8% (official),
  Putonghua (Mandarin) 0.9%, other Chinese dialects 4.4%, other 1.1%
  (2006 census)

Hungary
  Hungarian 93.6%, other or unspecified 6.4% (2001 census)

Iceland
  Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German widely spoken

India
  Hindi 41%, Bengali 8.1%, Telugu 7.2%, Marathi 7%, Tamil 5.9%,
  Urdu 5%, Gujarati 4.5%, Kannada 3.7%, Malayalam 3.2%, Oriya 3.2%,
  Punjabi 2.8%, Assamese 1.3%, Maithili 1.2%, other 5.9%
  note: English enjoys the status of subsidiary official language but
  is the most important language for national, political, and
  commercial communication; Hindi is the most widely spoken language
  and primary tongue of 41% of the people; there are 14 other official
  languages: Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati,
  Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and
  Sanskrit; Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken
  widely throughout northern India but is not an official language
  (2001 census)

Indonesia
  Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay),
  English, Dutch, local dialects (the most widely spoken of which is
  Javanese)

Iran
  Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects
  26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%

Iraq
  Arabic (official), Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions),
  Turkoman (a Turkish dialect), Assyrian (Neo-Aramaic), Armenian

Ireland
  English (official) is the language generally used, Irish
  (Gaelic or Gaeilge) (official) spoken mainly in areas along the
  western coast

Isle of Man
  English, Manx Gaelic (about 2% of the population has
  some knowledge)

Israel
  Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority,
  English most commonly used foreign language

Italy
  Italian (official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige
  region are predominantly German speaking), French (small
  French-speaking minority in Valle d'Aosta region), Slovene
  (Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area)

Jamaica
  English, English patois

Japan
  Japanese

Jersey
  English 94.5% (official), Portuguese 4.6%, other 0.9% (2001
  census)

Jordan
  Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and
  middle classes

Kazakhstan
  Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) 64.4%, Russian (official,
  used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic
  communication") 95% (2001 est.)

Kenya
  English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous
  languages

Kiribati
  I-Kiribati, English (official)

Korea, North
  Korean

Korea, South
  Korean, English widely taught in junior high and high
  school

Kosovo
  Albanian (official), Serbian (official), Bosnian, Turkish,
  Roma

Kuwait
  Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Kyrgyzstan
  Kyrgyz 64.7% (official), Uzbek 13.6%, Russian 12.5%
  (official), Dungun 1%, other 8.2% (1999 census)

Laos
  Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages

Latvia
  Latvian (official) 58.2%, Russian 37.5%, Lithuanian and other
  4.3% (2000 census)

Lebanon
  Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian

Lesotho
  Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa

Liberia
  English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages few
  of which can be written or used in correspondence

Libya
  Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the
  major cities

Liechtenstein
  German (official), Alemannic dialect

Lithuania
  Lithuanian (official) 82%, Russian 8%, Polish 5.6%, other
  and unspecified 4.4% (2001 census)

Luxembourg
  Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative
  language), French (administrative language)

Macau
  Cantonese 85.7%, Hokkien 4%, Mandarin 3.2%, other Chinese
  dialects 2.7%, English 1.5%, Tagalog 1.3%, other 1.6% (2001 census)

Macedonia
  Macedonian (official) 66.5%, Albanian (official) 25.1%,
  Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1.2%, other 1.8% (2002 census)

Madagascar
  French (official), Malagasy (official), English

Malawi
  Chichewa 57.2% (official), Chinyanja 12.8%, Chiyao 10.1%,
  Chitumbuka 9.5%, Chisena 2.7%, Chilomwe 2.4%, Chitonga 1.7%, other
  3.6% (1998 census)

Malaysia
  Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese,
  Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu,
  Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai
  note: in East Malaysia there are several indigenous languages; most
  widely spoken are Iban and Kadazan

Maldives
  Dhivehi (official) (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from
  Arabic), English spoken by most government officials

Mali
  French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages

Malta
  Maltese (official) 90.2%, English (official) 6%, multilingual
  3%, other 0.8% (2005 census)

Marshall Islands
  Marshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8%
  (1999 census)
  note: English (official), widely spoken as a second language

Mauritania
  Arabic (official and national), Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof
  (all national languages), French, Hassaniya

Mauritius
  Creole 80.5%, Bhojpuri 12.1%, French 3.4%, English
  (official; spoken by less than 1% of the population), other 3.7%,
  unspecified 0.3% (2000 census)

Mayotte
  Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language)
  spoken by 35% of the population

Mexico
  Spanish only 92.7%, Spanish and indigenous languages 5.7%,
  indigenous only 0.8%, unspecified 0.8%; note - indigenous languages
  include various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional languages (2005)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  English (official and common
  language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian,
  Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi

Moldova
  Moldovan (official, virtually the same as the Romanian
  language), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)

Monaco
  French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque

Mongolia
  Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian (1999)

Montenegro
  Serbian 63.6%, Montenegrin (official) 22%, Bosnian 5.5%,
  Albanian 5.3%, unspecified 3.7% (2003 census)

Montserrat
  English

Morocco
  Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the
  language of business, government, and diplomacy

Mozambique
  Emakhuwa 26.1%, Xichangana 11.3%, Portuguese 8.8%
  (official; spoken by 27% of population as a second language), Elomwe
  7.6%, Cisena 6.8%, Echuwabo 5.8%, other Mozambican languages 32%,
  other foreign languages 0.3%, unspecified 1.3% (1997 census)

Namibia
  English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of
  the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%,
  indigenous languages 1% (includes Oshivambo, Herero, Nama)

Nauru
  Nauruan (official; a distinct Pacific Island language),
  English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and
  commercial purposes

Nepal
  Nepali (official) 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu
  (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi
  2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5% (2001 census)
  note: many in government and business also speak English (2001 est.)

Netherlands
  Dutch (official), Frisian (official)

New Caledonia
  French (official), 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects

New Zealand
  English 91.2% (official), Maori 3.9% (official), Samoan
  2.1%, French 1.3%, Hindi 1.1%, Yue 1.1%, Northern Chinese 1%, other
  12.9%, New Zealand Sign Language (official)
  note: shares sum to 114.6% due to multiple responses on census (2006
  Census)

Nicaragua
  Spanish 97.5% (official), Miskito 1.7%, other 0.8% (1995
  census)
  note: English and indigenous languages on Atlantic coast

Niger
  French (official), Hausa, Djerma

Nigeria
  English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over
  500 additional indigenous languages

Niue
  English (official), Niuean a Polynesian language closely
  related to Tongan and Samoan; English

Norfolk Island
  English (official), Norfolk - a mixture of 18th
  century English and ancient Tahitian

Northern Mariana Islands
  Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%,
  Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%,
  other 9.6% (2000 census)

Norway
  Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official),
  small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities; note - Sami is official
  in six municipalities

Oman
  Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Pakistan
  Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%,
  Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%,
  English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most
  government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%

Palau
  Palauan 64.7% official in all islands except Sonsoral
  (Sonsoralese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are
  official), and Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official),
  Filipino 13.5%, English 9.4%, Chinese 5.7%, Carolinian 1.5%,
  Japanese 1.5%, other Asian 2.3%, other languages 1.5% (2000 census)

Panama
  Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians
  bilingual

Papua New Guinea
  Tok Pisin, English, and Hiri Motu are official
  languages; some 860 indigenous languages spoken (over one-tenth of
  the world's total)
  note: Tok Pisin, a creole language, is widely used and understood;
  English is spoken by 1%-2%; Hiri Motu is spoken by less than 2%

Paraguay
  Spanish (official), Guarani (official)

Peru
  Spanish 84.1% (official), Quechua 13% (official), Aymara 1.7%,
  Ashaninka 0.3%, other native languages 0.7% (includes a large number
  of minor Amazonian languages), other 0.2% (2007 Census)

Philippines
  Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English
  (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano,
  Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

Pitcairn Islands
  English (official), Pitkern (mixture of an 18th
  century English dialect and a Tahitian dialect)

Poland
  Polish (official) 97.8%, other and unspecified 2.2% (2002
  census)

Portugal
  Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official - but locally
  used)

Puerto Rico
  Spanish, English

Qatar
  Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Romania
  Romanian 91% (official), Hungarian 6.7%, Romany (Gypsy)
  1.1%, other 1.2%

Russia
  Russian (official), many minority languages

Rwanda
  Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French
  (official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in
  commercial centers

Saint Barthelemy
  French (primary), English

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  English

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  English (official)

Saint Lucia
  English (official), French patois

Saint Martin
  French (official language), English, Dutch, French
  Patois, Spanish, Papiamento (dialect of Netherlands Antilles)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  French (official)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  English, French patois

Samoa
  Samoan (Polynesian) (official), English

San Marino
  Italian

Sao Tome and Principe
  Portuguese (official)

Saudi Arabia
  Arabic (official)

Senegal
  French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka

Serbia
  Serbian 88.3% (official), Hungarian 3.8%, Bosniak 1.8%,
  Romany (Gypsy) 1.1%, other 4.1%, unknown 0.9% (2002 census)
  note: Romanian, Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, and Croatian all
  official in Vojvodina

Seychelles
  Creole 91.8%, English 4.9% (official), other 3.1%,
  unspecified 0.2% (2002 census)

Sierra Leone
  English (official, regular use limited to literate
  minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne
  (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole,
  spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled
  in the Freetown area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10%
  of the population but understood by 95%)

Singapore
  Mandarin (official) 35%, English (official) 23%, Malay
  (official) 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil
  (official) 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000
  census)

Sint Maarten
  English 67.5% (official), Spanish 12.9%, Creole 8.2%,
  Dutch 4.2% (official), Papiamento 2.2% (a
  Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect), French 1.5%, other 3.5%
  (2001 census)

Slovakia
  Slovak (official) 83.9%, Hungarian 10.7%, Roma 1.8%,
  Ukrainian 1%, other or unspecified 2.6% (2001 census)

Slovenia
  Slovenian (official) 91.1%, Serbo-Croatian 4.5%, other or
  unspecified 4.4%, Italian (official) Only in municipalities where
  Hungarian national communities reside, Hungarian (official) Only in
  municipalities where Hungarian national communities reside (2002
  census)

Solomon Islands
  Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua
  franca; English (official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the
  population); 120 indigenous languages

Somalia
  Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English

South Africa
  IsiZulu (official) 23.8%, IsiXhosa (official) 17.6%,
  Afrikaans (official) 13.3%, Sepedi (offcial) 9.4%, English
  (official) 8.2%, Setswana (official) 8.2%, Sesotho (official) 7.9%,
  Xitsonga (official) 4.4%, other 7.2%, isiNdebele (official),
  Tshivenda (official), siSwati (official) (2001 census)

Spain
  Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%,
  Basque 2%, are official regionally

Sri Lanka
  Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil
  (national language) 18%, other 8%
  note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken
  competently by about 10% of the population

Sudan
  Arabic (official), English (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie,
  diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages
  note: program of "Arabization" in process

Suriname
  Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo
  (Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of
  Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca
  among others), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese

Svalbard
  Norwegian, Russian

Swaziland
  English (official, government business conducted in
  English), siSwati (official)

Sweden
  Swedish (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking
  minorities

Switzerland
  German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 20.4%,
  Italian (official) 6.5%, Serbo-Croatian 1.5%, Albanian 1.3%,
  Portuguese 1.2%, Spanish 1.1%, English 1%, Romansch (official) 0.5%,
  other 2.8% (2000 census)
  note: German, French, Italian, and Romansch are all national and
  official languages

Syria
  Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian
  widely understood; French, English somewhat understood

Taiwan
  Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects

Tajikistan
  Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and
  business

Tanzania
  Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguja (name for Swahili
  in Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of commerce,
  administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in
  Zanzibar), many local languages
  note: Kiswahili (Swahili) is the mother tongue of the Bantu people
  living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; although Kiswahili
  is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety
  of sources including Arabic and English; it has become the lingua
  franca of central and eastern Africa; the first language of most
  people is one of the local languages

Thailand
  Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and
  regional dialects

Timor-Leste
  Tetum (official), Portuguese (official), Indonesian,
  English
  note: there are about 16 indigenous languages; Tetum, Galole,
  Mambae, and Kemak are spoken by significant numbers of people

Togo
  French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina
  (the two major African languages in the south), Kabye (sometimes
  spelled Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the
  north)

Tokelau
  Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English

Tonga
  Tongan (official), English (official)

Trinidad and Tobago
  English (official), Caribbean Hindustani (a
  dialect of Hindi), French, Spanish, Chinese

Tunisia
  Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce),
  French (commerce)

Turkey
  Turkish (official), Kurdish, other minority languages

Turkmenistan
  Turkmen (official) 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%

Turks and Caicos Islands
  English (official)

Tuvalu
  Tuvaluan (official), English (official), Samoan, Kiribati (on
  the island of Nui)

Uganda
  English (official national language, taught in grade schools,
  used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio
  broadcasts), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo
  languages, preferred for native language publications in the capital
  and may be taught in school), other Niger-Congo languages,
  Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic

Ukraine
  Ukrainian (official) 67%, Russian 24%, other 9% (includes
  small Romanian-, Polish-, and Hungarian-speaking minorities)

United Arab Emirates
  Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

United Kingdom
  English
  note: the following are recognized regional languages: Scots (about
  30% of the population of Scotland), Scottish Gaelic (about 60,000 in
  Scotland), Welsh (about 20% of the population of Wales), Irish
  (about 10% of the population of Northern Ireland), Cornish (some
  2,000 to 3,000 in Cornwall)

United States
  English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo-European
  3.8%, Asian and Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7% (2000 census)
  note: Hawaiian is an official language in the state of Hawaii

Uruguay
  Spanish (official), Portunol, Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish
  mix on the Brazilian frontier)

Uzbekistan
  Uzbek (official) 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other
  7.1%

Vanuatu
  local languages (more than 100) 72.6%, pidgin (known as
  Bislama or Bichelama) 23.1%, English (official) 1.9%, French
  (official) 1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% (1999 Census)

Venezuela
  Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

Vietnam
  Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a
  second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area
  languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Virgin Islands
  English 74.7%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 16.8%,
  French or French Creole 6.6%, other 1.9% (2000 census)

Wallis and Futuna
  Wallisian 58.9% (indigenous Polynesian language),
  Futunian 30.1%, French (official) 10.8%, other 0.2% (2003 census)

West Bank
  Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many
  Palestinians), English (widely understood)

Western Sahara
  Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan Arabic

World
  Mandarin Chinese 12.65%, Spanish 4.93%, English 4.91%, Arabic
  3.31%, Hindi 2.73%, Bengali 2.71%, Portuguese 2.67%, Russian 2.16%,
  Japanese 1.83%, Standard German 1.35%, Javanese 1.27% (2008 est.)
  note: percents are for "first language" speakers only

Yemen
  Arabic (official)

Zambia
  Bemba 30.1% (official), Nyanja 10.7% (official), Tonga 10.6%
  (official), Lozi 5.7% (official), Chewa 4.9%, Nsenga 3.4%, Tumbuka
  2.5%, Lunda 2.2% (official), Kaonde 2% (official), Lala 2%, Luvale
  1.7% (official), English 1.7% (official), other 22.5% (2000 Census)

Zimbabwe
  English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the
  Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal
  dialects

======================================================================

@2100

Field Listing :: Legal system

This entry provides the description of a country's legal system; it also includes information on acceptance of International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction. The legal systems of nearly all countries are generally modeled upon elements of five main types: civil law (including French law, the Napoleonic Code, Roman law, Roman-Dutch law, and Spanish law); common law (including United State law); customary law; mixed or pluralistic law; and religious law (including Islamic law). An additional type of legal system - international law, which governs the conduct of independent nations in their relationships with one another - is also addressed below. The following list describes these legal systems, the countries or world regions where these systems are enforced, and a brief statement on the origins and major features of each. Civil Law - The most widespread type of legal system in the world, applied in various forms in approximately 150 countries. Also referred to as European continental law, the civil law system is derived mainly from the Roman Corpus Juris Civilus, (Body of Civil Law), a collection of laws and legal interpretations compiled under the East Roman (Byzantine) Emperor Justinian I between A.D. 528 and 565. The major feature of civil law systems is that the laws are organized into systematic written codes. In civil law the sources recognized as authoritative are principally legislation - especially codifications in constitutions or statutes enacted by governments - and secondarily, custom. The civil law systems in some countries are based on more than one code. Common Law - A type of legal system, often synonymous with "English common law," which is the system of England and Wales in the UK, and is also in force in approximately 80 countries formerly part of or influenced by the former British Empire. English common law reflects Biblical influences as well as remnants of law systems imposed by early conquerors including the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans. Some legal scholars attribute the formation of the English common law system to King Henry II (r.1154-1189). Until the time of his reign, laws customary among England's various manorial and ecclesiastical (church) jurisdictions were administered locally. Henry II established the king's court and designated that laws were "common" to the entire English realm. The foundation of English common law is "legal precedent" - referred to as stare decisis, meaning "to stand by things decided." In the English common law system, court judges are bound in their decisions in large part by the rules and other doctrines developed - and supplemented over time - by the judges of earlier English courts. Customary Law - A type of legal system that serves as the basis of, or has influenced, the present-day laws in approximately 40 countries - mostly in Africa, but some in the Pacific islands, Europe, and the Near East. Customary law is also referred to as "primitive law," "unwritten law," "indigenous law," and "folk law." There is no single history of customary law such as that found in Roman civil law, English common law, Islamic law, or the Napoleonic Civil Code. The earliest systems of law in human society were customary, and usually developed in small agrarian and hunter-gatherer communities. As the term implies, customary law is based upon the customs of a community. Common attributes of customary legal systems are that they are seldom written down, they embody an organized set of rules regulating social relations, and they are agreed upon by members of the community. Although such law systems include sanctions for law infractions, resolution tends to be reconciliatory rather than punitive. A number of African states practiced customary law many centuries prior to colonial influences. Following colonization, such laws were written down and incorporated to varying extents into the legal systems imposed by their colonial powers. European Union Law - A sub-discipline of international law known as "supranational law" in which the rights of sovereign nations are limited in relation to one another. Also referred to as the Law of the European Union or Community Law, it is the unique and complex legal system that operates in tandem with the laws of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU). Similar to federal states, the EU legal system ensures compliance from the member states because of the Union's decentralized political nature. The European Court of Justice (ECJ), established in 1952 by the Treaty of Paris, has been largely responsible for the development of EU law. Fundamental principles of European Union law include: subsidiarity - the notion that issues be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority; proportionality - the EU may only act to the extent needed to achieve its objectives; conferral - the EU is a union of member states, and all its authorities are voluntarily granted by its members; legal certainty - requires that legal rules be clear and precise; and precautionary principle - a moral and political principle stating that if an action or policy might cause severe or irreversible harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of a scientific consensus that harm would not ensue, the burden of proof falls on those who would advocate taking the action. French Law - A type of civil law that is the legal system of France. The French system also serves as the basis for, or is mixed with, other legal systems in approximately 50 countries, notably in North Africa, the Near East, and the French territories and dependencies. French law is primarily codified or systematic written civil law. Prior to the French Revolution (1789-1799), France had no single national legal system. Laws in the northern areas of present-day France were mostly local customs based on privileges and exemptions granted by kings and feudal lords, while in the southern areas Roman law predominated. The introduction of the Napoleonic Civil Code during the reign of Napoleon I in the first decade of the 19th century brought major reforms to the French legal system, many of which remain part of France's current legal structure, though all have been extensively amended or redrafted to address a modern nation. French law distinguishes between "public law" and "private law." Public law relates to government, the French Constitution, public administration, and criminal law. Private law covers issues between private citizens or corporations. The most recent changes to the French legal system - introduced in the 1980s - were the decentralization laws, which transferred authority from centrally appointed government representatives to locally elected representatives of the people. International Law - The law of the international community, or the body of customary rules and treaty rules accepted as legally binding by states in their relations with each other. International law differs from other legal systems in that it primarily concerns sovereign political entities. There are three separate disciplines of international law: public international law, which governs the relationship between provinces and international entities and includes treaty law, law of the sea, international criminal law, and international humanitarian law; private international law, which addresses legal jurisdiction; and supranational law - a legal framework wherein countries are bound by regional agreements in which the laws of the member countries are held inapplicable when in conflict with supranational laws. At present the European Union is the only entity under a supranational legal system. The term "international law" was coined by Jeremy Bentham in 1780 in his Principles of Morals and Legislation, though laws governing relations between states have been recognized from very early times (many centuries B.C.). Modern international law developed alongside the emergence and growth of the European nation-states beginning in the early 16th century. Other factors that influenced the development of international law included the revival of legal studies, the growth of international trade, and the practice of exchanging emissaries and establishing legations. The sources of International law are set out in Article 38-1 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice within the UN Charter. Islamic Law - The most widespread type of religious law, it is the legal system enforced in over 30 countries, particularly in the Near East, but also in Central and South Asia, Africa, and Indonesia. In many countries Islamic law operates in tandem with a civil law system. Islamic law is embodied in the sharia, an Arabic word meaning "the right path." Sharia covers all aspects of public and private life and organizes them into five categories: obligatory, recommended, permitted, disliked, and forbidden. The primary sources of sharia law are the Qur'an, believed by Muslims to be the word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel, and the Sunnah, the teachings of the Prophet and his works. In addition to these two primary sources, traditional Sunni Muslims recognize the consensus of Muhammad's companions and Islamic jurists on certain issues, called ijmas, and various forms of reasoning, including analogy by legal scholars, referred to as qiyas. Shia Muslims reject ijmas and qiyas as sources of sharia law. Mixed Law - Also referred to as pluralistic law, mixed law consists of elements of some or all of the other main types of legal systems - civil, common, customary, and religious. The mixed legal systems of a number of countries came about when colonial powers overlaid their own legal systems upon colonized regions but retained elements of the colonies' existing legal systems. Napoleonic Civil Code - A type of civil law, referred to as the Civil Code or Code Civil des Francais, forms part of the legal system of France, and underpins the legal systems of Bolivia, Egypt, Lebanon, Poland, and the US state of Louisiana. The Civil Code was established under Napoleon I, enacted in 1804, and officially designated the Code Napoleon in 1807. This legal system combined the Teutonic civil law tradition of the northern provinces of France with the Roman law tradition of the southern and eastern regions of the country. The Civil Code bears similarities in its arrangement to the Roman Body of Civil Law (see Civil Law above). As enacted in 1804, the Code addressed personal status, property, and the acquisition of property. Codes added over the following six years included civil procedures, commercial law, criminal law and procedures, and a penal code. Religious Law - A legal system which stems from the sacred texts of religious traditions and in most cases professes to cover all aspects of life as a seamless part of devotional obligations to a transcendent, imminent, or deep philosophical reality. Implied as the basis of religious law is the concept of unalterability, because the word of God cannot be amended or legislated against by judges or governments. However, a detailed legal system generally requires human elaboration. The main types of religious law are sharia in Islam, halakha in Judaism, and canon law in some Christian groups. Sharia is the most widespread religious legal system (see Islamic Law), and is the sole system of law for countries including Iran, the Maldives, and Saudi Arabia. No country is fully governed by halakha, but Jewish people may decide to settle disputes through Jewish courts and be bound by their rulings. Canon law is not a divine law as such because it is not found in revelation. It is viewed instead as human law inspired by the word of God and applying the demands of that revelation to the actual situation of the church. Canon law regulates the internal ordering of the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. Roman Law - A type of civil law developed in ancient Rome and practiced from the time of the city's founding (traditionally 753 B.C.) until the fall of the Western Empire in the 5th century A.D. Roman law remained the legal system of the Byzantine (Eastern Empire) until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Preserved fragments of the first legal text, known as the Law of the Twelve Tables, dating from the 5th century B.C., contained specific provisions designed to change the prevailing customary law. Early Roman law was drawn from custom and statutes; later, during the time of the empire, emperors asserted their authority as the ultimate source of law. The basis for Roman laws was the idea that the exact form - not the intention - of words or of actions produced legal consequences. It was only in the late 6th century A.D. that a comprehensive Roman code of laws was published (see Civil Law above). Roman law served as the basis of law systems developed in a number of continental European countries. Roman-Dutch Law - A type of civil law based on Roman law as applied in the Netherlands. Roman-Dutch law serves as the basis for legal systems in seven African countries, as well as Guyana, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. This law system, which originated in the province of Holland and expanded throughout the Netherlands (to be replaced by the French Civil Code in 1809), was instituted in a number of sub-Saharan African countries during the Dutch colonial period. The Dutch jurist/philosopher Hugo Grotius was the first to attempt to reduce Roman-Dutch civil law into a system in his Jurisprudence of Holland (written 1619-20, commentary published 1621). The Dutch historian/lawyer Simon van Leeuwen coined the term "Roman-Dutch law" in 1652. Spanish Law - A type of civil law, often referred to as the Spanish Civil Code, it is the present legal system of Spain and is the basis of legal systems in 12 countries mostly in Central and South America, but also in southwestern Europe, northern and western Africa, and southeastern Asia. The Spanish Civil Code reflects a complex mixture of customary, Roman, Napoleonic, local, and modern codified law. The laws of the Visigoth invaders of Spain in the 5th to 7th centuries had the earliest major influence on Spanish legal system development. The Christian Reconquest of Spain in the 11th through 15th centuries witnessed the development of customary law, which combined canon (religious) and Roman law. During several centuries of Hapsburg and Bourbon rule, systematic recompilations of the existing national legal system were attempted, but these often conflicted with local and regional customary civil laws. Legal system development for most of the 19th century concentrated on formulating a national civil law system, which was finally enacted in 1889 as the Spanish Civil Code. Several sections of the code have been revised, the most recent of which are the penal code in 1989 and the judiciary code in 2001. The Spanish Civil Code separates public and private law. Public law includes constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law, process law, financial and tax law, and international public law. Private law includes civil law, commercial law, labor law, and international private law. United States Law - A type of common law, which is the basis of the legal system of the United States and that of its island possessions in the Caribbean and the Pacific. This legal system has several layers, more possibly than in most other countries, and is due in part to the division between federal and state law. The United States was founded not as one nation but as a union of 13 colonies, each claiming independence from the British Crown. The US Constitution, implemented in 1789, began shifting power away from the states and toward the federal government, though the states today retain substantial legal authority. US law draws its authority from four sources: constitutional law, statutory law, administrative regulations, and case law. Constitutional law is based on the US Constitution and serves as the supreme federal law. Taken together with those of the state constitutions, these documents outline the general structure of the federal and state governments and provide the rules and limits of power. US statutory law is legislation enacted by the US Congress and is codified in the United States Code. The 50 state legislatures have similar authority to enact state statutes. Administrative law is the authority delegated to federal and state executive agencies. Case law, also referred to as common law, covers areas where constitutional or statutory law is lacking. Case law is a collection of judicial decisions, customs, and general principles that began in England centuries ago, that were adopted in America at the time of the Revolution, and that continue to develop today. Country

Legal system

Afghanistan
  based on mixed civil and sharia law; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Akrotiri
  the Sovereign Base Area Administration has its own court
  system to deal with civil and criminal matters; laws applicable to
  the Cypriot population are, as far as possible, the same as the laws
  of the Republic of Cyprus

Albania
  has a civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction; has accepted jurisdiction of the International
  Criminal Court for its citizens

Algeria
  socialist, based on French and Islamic law; judicial review
  of legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of
  various public officials including several Supreme Court justices;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

American Samoa
  NA

Andorra
  based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review
  of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Angola
  based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law;
  modified to accommodate political pluralism and increased use of
  free markets; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Anguilla
  based on English common law

Antarctica
  Antarctica is administered through annual meetings -
  known as Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings - which include
  consultative member nations, non-consultative member nations,
  observer organizations, and expert organizations; decisions from
  these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect
  to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own
  national laws; more generally, access to the Antarctic Treaty area,
  that is to all areas between 60 and 90 degrees south latitude, is
  subject to a number of relevant legal instruments and authorization
  procedures adopted by the states party to the Antarctic Treaty; note
  - US law, including certain criminal offenses by or against US
  nationals, such as murder, may apply extraterritorially; some US
  laws directly apply to Antarctica; for example, the Antarctic
  Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. section 2401 et seq., provides civil and
  criminal penalties for the following activities unless authorized by
  regulation of statute: the taking of native mammals or birds; the
  introduction of nonindigenous plants and animals; entry into
  specially protected areas; the discharge or disposal of pollutants;
  and the importation into the US of certain items from Antarctica;
  violation of the Antarctic Conservation Act carries penalties of up
  to $10,000 in fines and one year in prison; the National Science
  Foundation and Department of Justice share enforcement
  responsibilities; Public Law 95-541, the US Antarctic Conservation
  Act of 1978, as amended in 1996, requires expeditions from the US to
  Antarctica to notify, in advance, the Office of Oceans, Room 5805,
  Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, which reports such plans
  to other nations as required by the Antarctic Treaty; for more
  information, contact Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs,
  National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone:
  (703) 292-8030, or visit its website at www.nsf.gov

Antigua and Barbuda
  based on English common law

Argentina
  mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Armenia
  based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Aruba
  based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law
  influence

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  the laws of the Commonwealth of
  Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia where
  applicable apply

Australia
  based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations; accepts International Criminal Court
  jurisdiction with conditions

Austria
  civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of
  legislative acts by the Constitutional Court; separate
  administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; accepts compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

Azerbaijan
  based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

Bahamas, The
  based on English common law; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bahrain
  based on Islamic law and English common law; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bangladesh
  based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

Barbados
  English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts;
  accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Belarus
  based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Belgium
  based on civil law system influenced by English
  constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Belize
  English law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Benin
  based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bermuda
  English law

Bhutan
  based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bolivia
  based on Spanish law and Napoleonic Code; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; the 2009 Constitution incorporates
  indigenous community justice into Bolivia's judicial system

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  based on civil law system; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Botswana
  based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial
  review limited to matters of interpretation; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations

Bouvet Island
  the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Brazil
  based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

British Indian Ocean Territory
  the laws of the UK where applicable
  apply

British Virgin Islands
  English law

Brunei
  based on English common law; for Muslims, Islamic sharia law
  supersedes civil law concerning Muslim marriages and inheritance;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bulgaria
  civil and criminal law based on Roman law; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Burkina Faso
  based on French civil law system and customary law; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Burma
  based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Burundi
  based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Cambodia
  primarily a civil law mixture of French-influenced codes
  from the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC)
  period, royal decrees, and acts of the legislature with influences
  of customary law and remnants of communist legal theory; increasing
  influence of common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
  reservations

Cameroon
  based on French civil law system with common law influence;
  accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Canada
  based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil
  law system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations

Cape Verde
  based on the legal system of Portugal; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Cayman Islands
  British common law and local statutes

Central African Republic
  based on French law; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Chad
  based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Chile
  based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent
  codes influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of
  legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction; note - in June 2005, Chile completed overhaul of
  its criminal justice system to a US-style adversarial system

China
  based on civil law system; derived from Soviet and continental
  civil code legal principles; legislature retains power to interpret
  statutes; constitution ambiguous on judicial review of legislation;
  party organs exercise authority over judiciary; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Christmas Island
  under the authority of the governor general of
  Australia and Australian law

Clipperton Island
  the laws of France where applicable apply

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  based upon the laws of Australia and local
  laws

Colombia
  based on Spanish law; a new criminal code modeled after US
  procedures was enacted into law in 2004 and reached full
  implementation in January 2008; judicial review of executive and
  legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Comoros
  French and Islamic law in a new consolidated code; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Congo, Democratic Republic of the civil law based on Belgian law with Napoleonic Civil Code influence; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Congo, Republic of the based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Cook Islands
  based on New Zealand law and English common law

Coral Sea Islands
  the laws of Australia where applicable apply

Costa Rica
  based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of
  legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Cote d'Ivoire
  based on French civil law system and customary law;
  judicial review in the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court;
  accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Croatia
  based on Austro-Hungarian law system with Communist law
  influences; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Cuba
  based on Spanish civil law and influenced by American legal
  concepts with large elements of Communist legal theory; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Curacao
  based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law
  influence

Cyprus
  based on English common law with civil law modifications;
  accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Czech Republic
  civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes;
  legal code modified to bring it in line with European Union
  obligations and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Denmark
  civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts;
  accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Dhekelia
  the Sovereign Base Area Administration has its own court
  system to deal with civil and criminal matters; laws applicable to
  the Cypriot population are, as far as possible, the same as the laws
  of the Republic of Cyprus

Djibouti
  based on French civil law system, traditional practices,
  and Islamic law; accepts ICJ compulsory jurisdiction with
  reservations

Dominica
  based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Dominican Republic
  based on French civil codes; Criminal Procedures
  Code modified in 2004 to include important elements of an accusatory
  system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Ecuador
  based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Egypt
  based on Islamic and civil law (particularly Napoleonic
  codes); judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State
  (oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

El Salvador
  based on civil and Roman law with traces of common law;
  judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Equatorial Guinea
  partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal
  custom; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Eritrea
  primary basis is the Ethiopian legal code of 1957 with
  revisions; new civil, commercial, and penal codes have not yet been
  promulgated; government also issues unilateral proclamations setting
  laws and policies; also relies on customary and
  post-independence-enacted laws and, for civil cases involving
  Muslims, Islamic law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Estonia
  based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations

Ethiopia
  based on civil law; currently transitional mix of national
  and regional courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

European Union
  comparable to the legal systems of member states;
  first supranational law system

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  English common law

Faroe Islands
  the laws of Denmark where applicable apply

Fiji
  based on British system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Finland
  civil law system based on Swedish law; the president may
  request the Supreme Court to review laws; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations

France
  civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of
  administrative but not legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

French Polynesia
  the laws of France where applicable apply

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  the laws of France where
  applicable apply

Gabon
  based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial
  review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme
  Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Gambia, The
  based on a composite of English common law, Islamic law,
  and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
  reservations

Georgia
  based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Germany
  civil law system with indigenous concepts; judicial review
  of legislative acts in the Federal Constitutional Court; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Ghana
  based on English common law and customary law; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Gibraltar
  the laws of the UK where applicable apply

Greece
  based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil,
  criminal, and administrative courts; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations

Greenland
  the laws of Denmark where applicable apply

Grenada
  based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Guam
  modeled on US; US federal laws apply

Guatemala
  civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Guernsey
  the laws of the UK where applicable apply; justice is
  administered by the Royal Court

Guinea
  based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree;
  accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Guinea-Bissau
  based on French civil law; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Guyana
  based on English common law with certain admixtures of
  Roman-Dutch law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Haiti
  based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  the laws of Australia where
  applicable apply

Holy See (Vatican City)
  based on Code of Canon Law and revisions to
  it; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Honduras
  rooted in Roman and Spanish civil law with increasing
  influence of English common law; recent judicial reforms include
  abandoning Napoleonic legal codes in favor of the oral adversarial
  system; accepts ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Hong Kong
  based on English common law

Hungary
  based on the German-Austrian legal system; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Iceland
  civil law system based on Danish law; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

India
  based on English common law; judicial review of legislative
  acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations;
  separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus, and Muslims

Indonesia
  based on Roman-Dutch law, substantially modified by
  indigenous concepts and by new criminal procedures and election
  codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Iran
  based on sharia law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Iraq
  based on European civil and Islamic law under the framework
  outlined in the Iraqi Constitution; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Ireland
  based on English common law substantially modified by
  indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme
  Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Isle of Man
  the laws of the UK where applicable apply and Manx
  statutes

Israel
  mixture of English common law, British Mandate regulations,
  and in personal matters Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legal systems;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Italy
  based on civil law system; appeals treated as new trials;
  judicial review under certain conditions in Constitutional Court;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Jamaica
  based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Jan Mayen
  the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Japan
  modeled after European civil law systems with English-American
  influence; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court;
  accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Jersey
  the laws of the UK where applicable apply and local statutes;
  justice is administered by the Royal Court

Jordan
  based on Islamic law and French codes; judicial review of
  legislative acts in a specially provided High Tribunal; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Kazakhstan
  based on Islamic law and Roman law; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Kenya
  based on Kenyan statutory law, Kenyan and English common law,
  tribal law, and Islamic law; judicial review in High Court; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; constitutional
  amendment of 1982 making Kenya a de jure one-party state repealed in
  1991

Kiribati
  English common law supplemented by local, customary law;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Korea, North
  based on Prussian civil law system with Japanese
  influences and Communist legal theory; no judicial review of
  legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Korea, South
  combines elements of continental European civil law
  systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Kosovo
  evolving legal system based on terms of former UN Special
  Envoy Martti AHTISAARI's Plan for Kosovo's supervised independence;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Kuwait
  civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal
  matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Kyrgyzstan
  based on French and Russian laws; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Laos
  based on traditional customs, French legal norms and
  procedures, and socialist practice; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Latvia
  based on civil law system with traces of Socialist legal
  traditions and practices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Lebanon
  mixture of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and
  civil law; the constitutional court reviews laws only after they
  have been passed; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Lesotho
  based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial
  review of legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal;
  accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Liberia
  dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common
  law for the modern sector and customary law based on unwritten
  tribal practices for indigenous sector; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations

Libya
  based on Italian and French civil law systems and Islamic law;
  separate religious courts; no constitutional provision for judicial
  review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Liechtenstein
  local civil and penal codes based on civil law system;
  accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Lithuania
  based on civil law system; legislative acts can be
  appealed to the constitutional court; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

Luxembourg
  based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Macau
  based on Portuguese civil law system

Macedonia
  based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative
  acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Madagascar
  based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy
  law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Malawi
  based on English common law and customary law; judicial
  review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Malaysia
  based on English common law; judicial review of legislative
  acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the
  federation; Islamic law is applied to Muslims in matters of family
  law and religion; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Maldives
  based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law
  primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Mali
  based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial
  review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Malta
  based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Marshall Islands
  based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the
  legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Mauritania
  a combination of Islamic law and French civil law; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Mauritius
  based on French civil law system with elements of English
  common law in certain areas; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
  with reservations

Mayotte
  the laws of France where applicable apply

Mexico
  mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system;
  judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations

Micronesia, Federated States of
  based on adapted Trust Territory
  laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary
  laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Moldova
  based on civil law system; Constitutional Court reviews
  legality of legislative acts and governmental decisions of
  resolution; accepts many UN and Organization for Security and
  Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) documents; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

Monaco
  based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Mongolia
  blend of Soviet and German systems that employ
  "continental" or "civil" code; case-precedent may be used to inform
  judges, but all decisions must refer to the law as written;
  constitution ambiguous on judicial review of legislative acts; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Montenegro
  based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

Montserrat
  English common law and statutory law

Morocco
  based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law
  systems; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional
  Chamber of Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Mozambique
  based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Namibia
  based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Nauru
  acts of the Nauru Parliament and British common law; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Navassa Island
  the laws of the US where applicable apply

Nepal
  based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Netherlands
  based on civil law system incorporating French penal
  theory; constitution does not permit judicial review of acts of the
  States General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

New Caledonia
  based on French civil law; the 1988 Matignon Accords
  grant substantial autonomy to the islands

New Zealand
  based on English law, with special land legislation and
  land courts for the Maori; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
  reservations

Nicaragua
  civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative
  acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Niger
  based on French civil law system and customary law; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Nigeria
  based on English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern
  states), and traditional law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
  with reservations

Niue
  English common law; note - Niue is self-governing with the
  power to make its laws

Norfolk Island
  based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and
  acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either
  Australian or Norfolk Island law

Northern Mariana Islands
  based on US system except for customs,
  wages, immigration laws, and taxation

Norway
  mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law
  traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature
  when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Oman
  based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to
  the monarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Pakistan
  based on English common law with provisions to accommodate
  Pakistan's status as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations

Palau
  based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature,
  municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

Panama
  based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative
  acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations

Papua New Guinea
  based on English common law; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Paraguay
  based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes;
  judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice;
  accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Peru
  based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
  with reservations

Philippines
  based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Pitcairn Islands
  local island by-laws

Poland
  based on a mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and
  holdover Communist legal theory; changes being gradually introduced
  as part of broader democratization process; limited judicial review
  of legislative acts, but rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are
  final; court decisions can be appealed to the European Court of
  Justice in Strasbourg; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
  reservations

Portugal
  based on civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal
  reviews the constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations

Puerto Rico
  based on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal
  system of justice

Qatar
  based on Islamic and civil law codes; discretionary system of
  law controlled by the Amir, although civil codes are being
  implemented; Islamic law dominates family and personal matters; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Romania
  based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Russia
  based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative
  acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Rwanda
  based on German and Belgian civil law systems and customary
  law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Saint Barthelemy
  the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  English common law and
  statutes supplemented by local statutes

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  based on English common law; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Saint Lucia
  based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

Saint Martin
  the laws of France where applicable apply

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  the laws of France where applicable apply

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  based on English common law; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Samoa
  based on English common law and local customs; judicial review
  of legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the
  citizen; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

San Marino
  based on civil law system with Italian law influences;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Sao Tome and Principe
  based on Portuguese legal system and customary
  law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Saudi Arabia
  based on sharia law, several secular codes have been
  introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Senegal
  based on French civil law system; judicial review of
  legislative acts in Constitutional Court; the Council of State
  audits the government's accounting office; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations

Serbia
  based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction with reservations; note - Serbia is working to reform
  its justice sector and harmonize its judicial systems with EU
  standards

Seychelles
  based on English common law, French civil law, and
  customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Sierra Leone
  based on English law and customary laws indigenous to
  local tribes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Singapore
  based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

Sint Maarten
  based on Dutch civil law system with some English
  common law influence

Slovakia
  civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; legal code modified
  to comply with the obligations of Organization on Security and
  Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal
  theory

Slovenia
  based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Solomon Islands
  English common law, which is widely disregarded; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Somalia
  no national system; a mixture of English common law, Italian
  law, Islamic sharia, and Somali customary law; accepts compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

South Africa
  based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  the laws of the UK where
  applicable apply; the senior magistrate from the Falkland Islands
  presides over the Magistrates Court

Spain
  civil law system with regional applications; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Sri Lanka
  a highly complex mixture of English common law,
  Roman-Dutch, Kandyan, and Jaffna Tamil law; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Sudan
  based on English common law and Islamic law; as of 20 January
  1991, the now defunct Revolutionary Command Council imposed Islamic
  law in the northern states; Islamic law applies to all residents of
  the northern states regardless of their religion; however, the CPA
  establishes some protections for non-Muslims in Khartoum; some
  separate religious courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
  reservations; the southern legal system is still developing under
  the CPA following the civil war; Islamic law will not apply to the
  southern states

Suriname
  based on Dutch legal system incorporating French penal
  theory; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Svalbard
  the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Swaziland
  based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts
  and Swazi traditional law and custom in traditional courts; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Sweden
  civil law system influenced by customary law; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Switzerland
  civil law system influenced by customary law; judicial
  review of legislative acts, except with respect to federal decrees
  of general obligatory character; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
  with reservations

Syria
  based on a combination of French and Ottoman civil law;
  Islamic law is used in the family court system; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Taiwan
  based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Tajikistan
  based on civil law system; no judicial review of
  legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Tanzania
  based on English common law; judicial review of legislative
  acts limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Thailand
  based on civil law system with influences of common law;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Timor-Leste
  On 29 March 2009 the president promulgated the
  Timor-Leste penal code; UN-drafted legal system based on Indonesian
  law remains in place for civil codes but is to be replaced by civil
  codes based on Portuguese law; these have passed but have not been
  promulgated; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Togo
  French-based court system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
  with reservations

Tokelau
  New Zealand and local statutes

Tonga
  based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Trinidad and Tobago
  based on English common law; judicial review of
  legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

Tunisia
  based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some
  judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint
  session; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Turkey
  civil law system derived from various European continental
  legal systems; note - member of the European Court of Human Rights
  (ECHR), although Turkey claims limited derogations on the ratified
  European Convention on Human Rights; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Turkmenistan
  transitioning to civil law system and influenced by
  Islamic law tradition; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Turks and Caicos Islands
  based on laws of England and Wales with a
  few adopted from Jamaica and The Bahamas

Tuvalu
  English common law supplemented by local customary law; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Uganda
  based on English common law and customary law; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Ukraine
  based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative
  acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

United Arab Emirates
  based on a dual system of sharia and civil
  courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

United Kingdom
  based on common law tradition with early Roman and
  modern continental influences; has nonbinding judicial review of
  Acts of Parliament under the Human Rights Act of 1998; accepts
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

United States
  federal court system based on English common law; each
  state has its own unique legal system of which all but one
  (Louisiana, which is still influenced by the Napoleonic Code) is
  based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  the laws of the US
  where applicable apply

Uruguay
  based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Uzbekistan
  based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory
  ICJ jurisdiction

Vanuatu
  unified system being created from former dual French and
  British systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Venezuela
  open, adversarial court system; has not accepted
  compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Vietnam
  based on communist legal theory and French civil law system;
  has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Virgin Islands
  based on US laws

Wake Island
  the laws of the US where applicable apply

Wallis and Futuna
  the laws of France where applicable apply

World
  all members of the UN are parties to the statute that
  established the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or World Court

Yemen
  based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law, and
  local tribal customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
  jurisdiction

Zambia
  based on English common law and customary law; judicial
  review of legislative acts in an ad hoc constitutional council; has
  not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Zimbabwe
  mixture of Roman-Dutch and English common law; has not
  accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

======================================================================

@2101

Field Listing :: Legislative branch

This entry contains information on the structure (unicameral, bicameral, tricameral), formal name, number of seats, and term of office. Elections includes the nature of the election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote and/or number of seats held by each party in the last election. Country

Legislative branch

Afghanistan
  the bicameral National Assembly consists of the Meshrano
  Jirga or House of Elders (102 seats, one-third of members elected
  from provincial councils for four-year terms, one-third elected from
  local district councils for three-year terms, and one-third
  nominated by the president for five-year terms) and the Wolesi Jirga
  or House of People (no more than 250 seats); members directly
  elected for five-year terms
  note: on rare occasions the government may convene a Loya Jirga
  (Grand Council) on issues of independence, national sovereignty, and
  territorial integrity; it can amend the provisions of the
  constitution and prosecute the president; it is made up of members
  of the National Assembly and chairpersons of the provincial and
  district councils
  elections: last held on 18 September 2010 (next election expected in
  2015)
  election results: NA

Albania
  unicameral National Assembly or Kuvendi (140 deputies; 100
  deputies elected directly in single member electoral zones with an
  approximate number of voters; 40 deputies elected from multi-name
  lists of parties or party coalitions according to their respective
  order)
  elections: last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PD
  68, PS 65, LSI 4, other 3

Algeria
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Council of the Nation
  (upper house; 144 seats; one-third of the members appointed by the
  president, two-thirds elected by indirect vote to serve six-year
  terms; the constitution requires half the Council to be renewed
  every three years) and the National People's Assembly (lower house;
  389 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: Council of the Nation - last held on 29 December 2009
  (next to be held in December 2012); National People's Assembly -
  last held on 17 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: Council of the Nation - percent of vote by party -
  NA; seats by party - NA; National People's Assembly - percent of
  vote by party - NA; seats by party - FLN 136, RND 61, MSP 52, PT 26,
  RCD 19, FNA 13, other 49, independents 33;

American Samoa
  bicameral Fono or Legislative Assembly consists of
  the Senate (18 seats; members are elected from local chiefs to serve
  four-year terms)and the House of Representatives (21 seats; 20
  members are elected by popular vote and 1 is an appointed, nonvoting
  delegate from Swains Island; members serve two-year terms)
  elections: House of Representatives - last held on 4 November 2008
  (next to be held in November 2010); Senate - last held on 4 November
  2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
  election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by
  party - NA; seats by party - NA; Senate - percent of vote by party -
  NA; seats by party - independents 18
  note: American Samoa elects one nonvoting representative to the US
  House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010
  (next to be held in November 2012); results - Eni F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA
  reelected as delegate

Andorra
  unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General
  de las Valls (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote,
  14 from a single national constituency and 14 to represent each of
  the seven parishes; to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in
  March-April 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PS 45%, Reformist
  Coaliton 32%, Andorra for Change 19%, Andorran Green 4%; seats by
  party - PS 14, Reformist Coalition 11, Andorra for Change 3

Angola
  unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (220
  seats; members elected by proportional vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 5-6 September 2008 (next to be held in
  September 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - MPLA 81.6%, UNITA
  10.4%, PRS 3.2%, ND 1.2%, FNLA 1.1%, other 2.5%; seats by party -
  MPLA 191, UNITA 16, PRS 8, FNLA 3, ND 2

Anguilla
  unicameral House of Assembly (11 seats; 7 members elected
  by direct popular vote, 2 ex officio members, and 2 appointed;
  members serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 15 February 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  AUM 4, AUF 2, APP 1

Antigua and Barbuda
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (17
  seats; members appointed by the governor general) and the House of
  Representatives (17 seats; members are elected by proportional
  representation to serve five-year terms)
  elections: House of Representatives - last held on 12 March 2009
  (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - UPP 50.9%, ALP 47.2%,
  BPM 1.1%; seats by party - UPP 9, ALP 7, BPM 1

Argentina
  bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists
  of the Senate (72 seats; members are elected by direct vote;
  presently one-third of the members elected every two years to serve
  six-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 seats; members are
  elected by direct vote; one-half of the members elected every two
  years to serve four-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be held in
  2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 28 June 2009 (next to be
  held in 2011)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA;
  seats by bloc or party - FpV 8, ACyS 14, PJ disidente 2; Chamber of
  Deputies - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA; seats by bloc or
  party - FpV 45, ACyS 42, PRO 20, PJ disidente 12, other 8; note - as
  of 13 January 2009, the composition of the entire legislature is as
  follows: Senate - seats by bloc or party - FpV 36, ACyS 23, PJ
  disidente 9, other 4; Chamber of Deputies - seats by bloc or party -
  FpV 113, ACyS 77, PRO 26, PJ disidente 17, other 24

Armenia
  unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) or Azgayin Zhoghov
  (131 seats; members elected by popular vote, 90 members elected by
  party list and 41 by direct vote; to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 12 May 2007 (next to be held in the spring
  of 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - HHK 33.9%, Prosperous
  Armenia 15.1%, ARF (Dashnak) 13.2%, Rule of Law 7.1%, Heritage Party
  6%, other 24.7%; seats by party - HHK 64, Prosperous Armenia 18, ARF
  (Dashnak) 16, Rule of Law 9, Heritage Party 7, independent 17

Aruba
  unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by
  direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 25 September 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - AVP 48%, MEP 35.9%, PDR
  5.7%; seats by party - AVP 12, MEP 8, PDR 1

Australia
  bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76
  seats; 12 members from each of the six states and 2 from each of the
  two mainland territories; one-half of state members are elected
  every three years by popular vote to serve six-year terms while all
  territory members are elected every three years) and the House of
  Representatives (150 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  terms of up to three-years; no state can have fewer than 5
  representatives)
  elections: half-Senate - last held on 21 August 2010; House of
  Representatives - last held on 21 August 2010 (the latest a
  simultaneous half-Senate and House of Representative elections can
  be held is 2014)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - Liberal/National Party 34, Australian Labor Party 31, Greens
  9, others 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party -
  Australian Labor Party 38.1%, Liberal Party 30.4%, Greens 11.5%,
  Liberal National Party of Queensland 9.3%, independents 6.6%, The
  Nationals 3.7%, Country Liberals 0.3%; seats by party - Australian
  Labor Party 72, Liberal Party 44, Liberal National Party of
  Queensland 21, The Nationals 7, Country Liberals 1, Greens 1,
  independents 4

Austria
  bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung consists of
  Federal Council or Bundesrat (62 seats; delegates appointed by state
  parliaments with each state receiving 3 to 12 seats in proportion to
  its population; members serve five- or six-year terms) and the
  National Council or Nationalrat (183 seats; members elected by
  popular vote for a five-year term under a system of proportional
  representation with partially-open party lists)
  elections: National Council - last held on 28 September 2008 (next
  to be held by September 2013)
  election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - SPOe
  29.3%, OeVP 26%, FPOe 17.5%, BZOe 10.7%, Greens 10.4%, other 6.1%;
  seats by party - SPOe 57, OeVP 51, FPOe 34, BZOe 21, Greens 20

Azerbaijan
  unicameral National Assembly or Milli Mejlis (125 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 7 November 2010 (next to be held in November
  2015)
  election results: percent of vote by party - YAP 45.8%, CSP 1.6%,
  Motherland 1.4%, independents 48.2%, other 3.1%; seats by party -
  YAP 71, CSP 3, Motherland 2, Democratic Reforms 1, Great Creation 1,
  Hope Party 1, Social Welfare 1, Civil Unity 1, Whole Azerbaijan
  Popular Front 1, Justice 1, independents 42

Bahamas, The
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (16 seats;
  members appointed by the governor general upon the advice of the
  prime minister and the opposition leader to serve five-year terms)
  and the House of Assembly (41 seats; members elected by direct
  popular vote to serve five-year terms); the government may dissolve
  the parliament and call elections at any time
  elections: last held on 2 May 2007 (next to be held by May 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - FNM 49.86%, PLP 47.02%;
  seats by party - FNM 23, PLP 18

Bahrain
  bicameral legislature consists of the Consultative Council
  (40 members appointed by the King) and the Council of
  Representatives or Chamber of Deputies (40 seats; members directly
  elected to serve four-year terms)
  elections: Council of Representatives - last held in two rounds on
  23 and 30 October 2010 (next election to be held in 2014)
  election results: Council of Representatives - percent of vote by
  society - NA; seats by society - al Wifaq (Shia) 18, al Asala (Sunni
  Salafi) 3, al Minbar (Sunni Muslim Brotherhood) 2, independents 17

Bangladesh
  unicameral National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad; 300
  seats elected by popular vote from single territorial
  constituencies; members serve five-year terms
  elections: last held on 29 December 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - AL 49%, BNP 33.2%, JP
  7%, JIB 4.6%, other 6.2%; seats by party - AL 230, BNP 30, JP 27,
  JIB 2, other 11

Barbados
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (21 seats;
  members appointed by the governor general - 12 on the advice of the
  Prime Minister, 2 on the advice of the opposition leader, and 7 at
  his discretion) and the House of Assembly (30 seats; members are
  elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: House of Assembly - last held on 15 January 2008 (next to
  be called in 2012)
  election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - DLP
  52.5%, BLP 47.3%; seats by party - DLP 20, BLP 10

Belarus
  bicameral National Assembly or Natsionalnoye Sobraniye
  consists of the Council of the Republic or Sovet Respubliki (64
  seats; 56 members elected by regional and Minsk city councils and 8
  members appointed by the president, to serve four-year terms) and
  the Chamber of Representatives or Palata Predstaviteley (110 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: Palata Predstaviteley - last held on 28 September 2008
  (next to be held in the spring of 2012); international observers
  determined that despite minor improvements the election ultimately
  fell short of democratic standards; pro-LUKASHENKO candidates won
  every seat
  election results: Sovet Respubliki - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - NA; Palata Predstaviteley - percent of vote by
  party - NA; seats by party - NA

Belgium
  bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in
  Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members directly elected by
  popular vote, 31 indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms)
  and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in
  Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members
  directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional
  representation to serve four-year terms)
  elections: Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 June
  2010 (next to be held no later than June 2014)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - N-VA 19.6%, PS
  13.6%, CD&V 10%, sp.a 9.5%, MR 9.3%, Open VLD 8.2%, VB 7.6%, Ecolo
  5.5%, CDH 5.1% Groen! 3.9%, other 7.7%; seats by party - N-VA 9, PS
  7, CD&V 4, sp.a 4, MR 4, Open VLD 4, VB 3, Ecolo 2, CDH 2, Groen! 1;
  Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - N-VA 17.4%, PS
  13.7%, CD&V 10.9%, MR 9.3%, sp.a 9.2%, Open VLD 8.6%, VB 7.8%, CDH
  5.5%, Ecolo 4.8%, Groen! 4.4%, List Dedecker 2.3%, the Popular Party
  1.3%, other 4.8%; seats by party - N-VA 27, PS 26, CD&V 17, MR 18,
  sp.a 13, Open VLD 13, VB 12, CDH 9, Ecolo 8, Groen! 5, List Dedecker
  1, the Popular Party 1
  note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered
  devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of
  government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a
  complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six
  governments, each with its own legislative assembly

Belize
  bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 seats;
  members appointed by the governor general - 6 on the advice of the
  prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and
  1 each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and
  Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce
  and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, and the National
  Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; to
  serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives (31 seats;
  members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: House of Representatives - last held on 6 February 2008
  (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - UDP 56.3%, PUP 40.9%;
  seats by party - UDP 25, PUP 6

Benin
  unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats;
  members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 31 March 2007 (next to be held by March 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  FCBE 35, ADD 20, PRD 10, other and independents 18

Bermuda
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats;
  members appointed by the governor, the premier, and the opposition)
  and the House of Assembly (36 seats; members are elected by popular
  vote to serve up to five-year terms)
  elections: last general election held on 18 December 2007 (next to
  be held not later than 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 52.5%, UBP 47.3%;
  seats by party - PLP 22, UBP 14

Bhutan
  bicameral Parliament consists of the non-partisan National
  Council (25 seats; 20 members elected by each of the 20 electoral
  districts (dzongkhags) for four-year terms and 5 members nominated
  by the King); and the National Assembly (47 seats; members elected
  by direct, popular vote for five-year terms)
  elections: National Council elections last held on 31 December 2007
  and 29 January 2008 (next to be held by December 2012); National
  Assembly elections last held on 24 March 2008 (next to be held by
  March 2013)
  election results: National Council - NA; National Assembly - percent
  of vote by party - DPT 67%, PDP 33%; seats by party - DPT 45, PDP 2

Bolivia
  bicameral Plurinational Legislative Assembly or Asamblea
  Legislativa Plurinacional consists of Chamber of Senators or Camara
  de Senadores (36 seats; members are elected by proportional
  representation from party lists to serve five-year terms) and
  Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (130 seats total; 70
  uninominal deputies directly elected from a single district, 7
  "special" indigenous deputies directly elected from non-contiguous
  indigenous districts, and 53 plurinominal deputies elected by
  proportional representation from party lists; all deputies serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: Chamber of Senators and Chamber of Deputies - last held
  on 6 December 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -
  NA; seats by party - MAS 26, PPB-CN 10; Chamber of Deputies -
  percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MAS 89, PPB-CN 36,
  UN 3, AS 2

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  bicameral Parliamentary Assembly or Skupstina
  consists of the House of Peoples or Dom Naroda (15 seats, 5 Bosniak,
  5 Croat, 5 Serb; members elected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's
  House of Peoples and the Republika Srpska's National Assembly to
  serve four-year terms); and the state-level House of Representatives
  or Predstavnicki Dom (42 seats, 28 seats allocated for the
  Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 14 seats for the Republika
  Srpska; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional
  representation to serve four-year terms); note - Bosnia's election
  law specifies four-year terms for the state and first-order
  administrative division entity legislatures
  elections: House of Peoples - last constituted in February 2007
  (next to be constituted in 2011); state-level House of
  Representatives - elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be
  held in October 2014)
  election results: House of Peoples - percent of vote by
  party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - NA; state-level
  House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA;
  seats by party/coalition - SDP BiH 8, SDA 7, SNSD 7, SDS 5, SBBBiH
  4, HDZ-BiH 3, SBiH 2, HDZ-1990/HSP 2, other 4
  note: the Bosniak/Croat Federation has a bicameral legislature that
  consists of a House of Peoples (58 seats - 17 Bosniak, 17 Croat, 17
  Serb, 7 other); last constituted February 2007; and a House of
  Representatives (98 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms); elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be
  held in October 2014); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party/coalition - SDP 28, SDA 23, SBBBiH 13, HDZ-BiH 12,
  HDZ-1990/HSP 5, other 17; the Republika Srpska has a National
  Assembly (83 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms); elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be
  held in October 2014); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party/coalition - SNSD 37, SDS 18, PDP 7, DNS 6, SP 4, DP 3, SDP 3,
  SDA 2, NDS 2 SRS-RS 1; as a result of the 2002 constitutional reform
  process, a 28-member Republika Srpska Council of Peoples (COP) was
  established in the Republika Srpska National Assembly including 8
  Croats, 8 Bosniaks, 8 Serbs, and 4 members of the smaller communities

Botswana
  bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (a
  largely advisory 15-member body with 8 ex-officio members consisting
  of the chiefs of the principal tribes, and 7 non-permanent members
  serving 5-year terms, consisting of 4 elected subchiefs and 3
  members selected by the other 12 members) and the National Assembly
  (63 seats; 57 members directly elected by popular vote, 4 appointed
  by the majority party, and 2, the President and Attorney General,
  serve as ex-officio members; members serve five-year terms)
  elections: National Assembly elections last held on 16 October 2009
  (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - BDP 53.3%, BNF 21.9%,
  BCP 19.2%, 2.3%, other 4.3%; seats by party - BDP 45, BNF 6, BCP 4,
  BAM 1, other 1

Brazil
  bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of
  the Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; 3 members from each
  state and federal district elected according to the principle of
  majority to serve eight-year terms; one-third and two-thirds of
  members elected every four years, alternately) and the Chamber of
  Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members are elected by
  proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
  elections: Federal Senate - last held on 3 October 2010 for
  two-thirds of the Senate (next to be held in October 2014 for
  one-third of the Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 3
  October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014)
  election results: Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - PMDB 20, PT 13, PSDB 10, DEM (formerly PFL) 7,
  PTdoB 6, PP 5, PDT 4, PR 4, PSB 4, PPS 1, PRB 1, other 3; Chamber of
  Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PT 87,
  PMDB 80, PSDB 53, DEM (formerly PFL) 43, PP 41, PR 41, PSB 34, PDT
  28, PTdoB 21, PSC 17, PCdoB 15, PV 15, PPS 12, other 18

British Virgin Islands
  unicameral House of Assembly (13 elected
  seats and 1 non-voting ex officio member in the attorney general;
  members are elected by direct popular vote, 1 member from each of
  nine electoral districts, 4 at-large members; members serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 20 August 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - VIP 45.2%, NDP 39.6%,
  independent 15.2%; seats by party - VIP 10, NDP 2, independent 1

Brunei
  The Sultan appointed a Legislative Council with 29 members as
  of 2 September 2005; the council has met in March of each year since
  then
  elections: last held in March 1962 (date of next election NA)
  note: The Legislative Council met on 25 September 2004 for first
  time in 20 years with 21 members appointed by the Sultan; it passed
  constitutional amendments calling for a 45-seat council with 15
  elected members; no timeframe for an election has been announced

Bulgaria
  unicameral National Assembly or Narodno Sabranie (240
  seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 5 July 2009 (next to be held in mid-2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - GERB 39.7%, BSP 17.7%,
  MRF 14.4%, ATAKA 9.4%, Blue Coalition 6.8%, RZS 4.1%, other 7.9%;
  seats by party - GERB 117, BSP 40, MRF 37, ATAKA 21, Blue Coalition
  15, RZS 8, independents 2

Burkina Faso
  unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale
  (111 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year
  terms)
  elections: National Assembly election last held on 6 May 2007 (next
  to be held in May 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  CDP 73, ADF-RDA 14, UPR 5, UNIR-MS 4, CFD-B 3, UPS 2, PDP-PS 2, RDB
  2, PDS 2, PAREN 1, PAI 1, RPC 1, UDPS 1

Burma
  bicameral, consists of the House of Nationalities [Amyotha
  Hluttaw] (224 seats, 168 directly elected and 56 appointed by the
  military; members serve five-year terms) and the House of
  Representatives [Pythu Hluttaw] (440 seats, 330 directly elected and
  110 appointed by the military; members serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 7 November 2010 (next to be held in December
  2015)
  election results: House of Nationalities - percent of vote by party
  - USDP 74.8%, others (NUP, SNDP, RNDP, NDF, AMRDP) 25.2%; seats by
  party - USDP 129, others 39; House of Representatives - percent of
  vote by party - USDP 79.6%, others (NUP, SNDP, RNDP, NDF, AMRDP)
  20.4%; seats by party - USDP 259, others 66

Burundi
  bicameral Parliament or Parlement, consists of a Senate (54
  seats; 34 members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year terms,
  with remaining seats assigned to ethnic groups and former chiefs of
  state) and a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (minimum 100
  seats, 60% Hutu and 40% Tutsi with at least 30% being women;
  additional seats appointed by a National Independent Electoral
  Commission to ensure ethnic representation; members are elected by
  popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 23 July 2010 (next to be held in
  2015); National Assembly - last held on 23 July 2010 (next to be
  held in 2015)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by
  party - TBD; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CNDD
  81.2%, UPRONA 11.6%, FRODEBU 5.9%, others 1.3%; seats by party -
  CNDD 81, UPRONA 17, FRODEBU 5, other 3

Cambodia
  bicameral, consists of the Senate (61 seats; 2 members
  appointed by the monarch, 2 elected by the National Assembly, and 57
  elected by parliamentarians and commune councils; members serve
  five-year terms) and the National Assembly (123 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 22 January 2006 (next to be held in
  January 2012); National Assembly - last held on 27 July 2008 (next
  to be held in July 2013)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - CPP 69%,
  FUNCINPEC 21%, SRP 10%; seats by party - CPP 45, FUNCINPEC 10, SRP
  2; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CPP 58%, SRP 22%,
  HRP 7%; NRP 6%; FUNCINPEC 5%; others 2%; seats by party - CPP 90,
  SRP 26, HRP 3, FUNCINPEC 2, NRP 2

Cameroon
  unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (180
  seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year
  terms); note - the president can either lengthen or shorten the term
  of the legislature
  elections: last held on 22 July 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  CPDM 140, SDF 14, UDC 4, UNDP 4, MP 1, vacant 17
  note: the constitution calls for an upper chamber for the
  legislature, to be called a Senate, but it has yet to be established

Canada
  bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or
  Senat (105 seats; members appointed by the governor general on the
  advice of the prime minister and serve until 75 years of age) and
  the House of Commons or Chambre des Communes (308 seats; members
  elected by direct, popular vote to serve a maximum of five-year
  terms)
  elections: House of Commons - last held on 14 October 2008 (next to
  be held no later than 15 October 2012)
  election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party -
  Conservative Party 37.6%, Liberal Party 26.2%, New Democratic Party
  18.2%, Bloc Quebecois 10%, Greens 6.8%, other 1%; seats by party -
  Conservative Party 145, Liberal Party 77, New Democratic Party 37,
  Bloc Quebecois 48, other 1

Cape Verde
  unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (72
  seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 22 January 2006 (next to be held on 6
  February 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PAICV 52.3%, MPD 44%,
  UCID 2.7%; seats by party - PAICV 41, MPD 29, UCID 2

Cayman Islands
  unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; 18 members
  elected by popular vote and 2 ex officio members from The Cabinet;
  to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 20 May 2009 (next to be held not later than
  May 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  UDP 9, PPM 5, independent 1

Central African Republic
  unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee
  Nationale (105 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 13 March 2005 and 8 May 2005 (next to be
  held on 23 January 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  KNK 42, MLPC 11, RDC 8, PSD 4, FPP 2, ADP 2, LONDO 1, independents
  34, other 1

Chad
  unicameral National Assembly (155 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - the 1996 constitution
  called for a Senate that has never been formed
  elections: National Assembly - last held on 21 April 2002 (next to
  be held by February 2011); note - legislative elections, originally
  scheduled for 2006, were first delayed by National Assembly action
  and subsequently by an accord, signed in August 2007, between
  government and opposition parties
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  MPS 110, RDP 12, FAR 9, RNDP 5, UNDR 5, URD 3, other 11

Chile
  bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of
  the Senate or Senado (38 seats; members elected by popular vote to
  serve eight-year terms; one-half elected every four years) and the
  Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (120 seats; members are
  elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held
  in December 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 December
  2009 (next to be held in December 2013)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - CPD 9 (PDC 4, PPD 3, PS 2), APC 9 (RN 6, UDI 3); Chamber of
  Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CC 58
  (UDI 37, RN 18, other 3), CPD 57 (PDC 19, PPD 18, PS 11, PRSD 5, PC
  3, other 1), PRI 3, independent 2

China
  unicameral National People's Congress or Quanguo Renmin
  Daibiao Dahui (2,987 seats; members elected by municipal, regional,
  and provincial people's congresses, and People's Liberation Army to
  serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held in December 2007-February 2008 (date of next
  election to be held in late 2012 to early 2013)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - 2,987
  note: only members of the CCP, its eight allied parties, and
  sympathetic independent candidates are elected

Christmas Island
  unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: held every two years with half the members standing for
  election; last held on 17 October 2009 (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  unicameral Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire
  Council (7 seats)
  elections: held every two years with half the members standing for
  election; last held in May 2007 (next to be held in May 2009)

Colombia
  bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Senate or
  Senado (102 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Camara de
  Representantes (166 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 14 March 2010 (next to be held in
  March 2014); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 14 March 2010
  (next to be held in March 2014)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - U Party 28, PC 22, PL 16, PIN 9, CR 8, PDA 8, Green Party 5,
  other parties 5; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by
  party - NA; seats by party - U Party 47, PC 37, PL 36, CR 16, PIN
  12, PDA 4, Green Party 3, other parties 10; note - as of 1 January
  2011, the Senate currently has 101 seats after one seat became
  vacant due to a PL senator losing their seat for illegal collusion
  with the FARC; the Chamber of Representatives also has one seat
  vacant after only 165 of the 166 candidates were credentialed

Comoros
  unicameral Assembly of the Union (33 seats; 15 deputies are
  selected by the individual islands' local assemblies and 18 by
  universal suffrage to serve for five years);
  elections: last held on 6 and 20 December 2009 (next to be held in
  2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  pro-union coalition 19, autonomous coalition 4, independents 1; note
  - 9 additional seats are filled by deputies from local island
  assemblies

Congo, Democratic Republic of the bicameral legislature consists of a Senate (108 seats; members elected by provincial assemblies to serve five-year terms) and a National Assembly (500 seats; 61 members elected by majority vote in single-member constituencies, 439 members elected by open list proportional-representation in multi-member constituencies to serve five-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 19 January 2007 (next to be held on 27 November 2011); National Assembly - last held on 30 July 2006 (next to be held on 27 November 2011) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPRD 22, MLC 14, FR 7, RCD 7, PDC 6, CDC 3, MSR 3, PALU 2, independents 26, others 18 (political parties that won a single seat); National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPRD 111, MLC 64, PALU 34, MSR 27, FR 26, RCD 15, independents 63, others 160 (includes 63 political parties that won 10 or fewer seats)

Congo, Republic of the
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate
  (72 seats; members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year
  terms) and the National Assembly (137 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 5 August 2008 (next to be held in
  2013); National Assembly - last held on 24 June and 5 August 2007
  (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - RMP 33, FDU 23, UPADS 2, independents 7, other 7; National
  Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PCT 46,
  MCDDI 11, UPADS 11, MAR 5, MSD 5, independents 37, other 22

Cook Islands
  bicameral Parliament consists of a House of Ariki, or
  upper house, made up of traditional leaders and a Legislative
  Assembly, or lower house, (24 seats; members elected by popular vote
  to serve four-year terms)
  note: the House of Ariki advises on traditional matters and
  maintains considerable influence but has no legislative powers
  elections: last held on 17 November 2010 (next to be held by 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  CIP 16, Demo 8

Costa Rica
  unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa
  (57 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in February
  2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  PLN 23, PAC 10, ML 9, PUSC 6, PASE 4, other 5

Cote d'Ivoire
  unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale
  (225 seats; members elected in single- and multi-district elections
  by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: elections last held on 10 December 2000 with by-elections
  on 14 January 2001 (elections originally scheduled for 2005 have
  been repeatedly postponed by the government)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  FPI 96, PDCI-RDA 94, RDR 5, PIT 4, other 2, independents 22, vacant 2
  note: a Senate was scheduled to be created in October 2006 elections
  that never took place

Croatia
  unicameral Assembly or Sabor (153 seats; members elected
  from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 25 November 2007 (next to be held by
  November 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; number of seats by
  party - HDZ 66, SDP 57, HNS 6, HSS 6, HDSSB 3, IDS 3, SDSS 3, other 9

Cuba
  unicameral National Assembly of People's Power or Asemblea
  Nacional del Poder Popular (number of seats in the National Assembly
  is based on population; 614 seats; members elected directly from
  slates approved by special candidacy commissions to serve five-year
  terms)
  elections: last held on 20 January 2008 (next to be held in January
  2013)
  election results: Cuba's Communist Party is the only legal party,
  and officially sanctioned candidates run unopposed

Curacao
  unicameral parliament or Staten (21 seats; members elected
  by popular vote for four year terms)
  elections: last held 27 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PAR 30%, MFK 21%, PS
  19%, MAN 9%, FOL 7%, PNP 6%; seats by party - PAR 8, MFK 5, PS 4,
  MAN 2, FOL 1, PNP 1

Cyprus
  unicameral - area under government control: House of
  Representatives or Vouli Antiprosopon (80 seats; 56 assigned to the
  Greek Cypriots, 24 to Turkish Cypriots; note - only those assigned
  to Greek Cypriots are filled; members are elected by popular vote to
  serve five-year terms); area administered by Turkish Cypriots:
  Assembly of the Republic or Cumhuriyet Meclisi (50 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: area under government control: last held on 21 May 2006
  (next to be held in May 2011); area administered by Turkish
  Cypriots: last held on 19 April 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: area under government control: House of
  Representatives - percent of vote by party - AKEL 31.1%, DISY 30.3%,
  DIKO 17.9%, EDEK 8.9%, EURO.KO 5.8%, Greens 2.0%; seats by party -
  AKEL 18, DISY 18, DIKO 11, EDEK 4, EURO.KO 4, Greens 1; area
  administered by Turkish Cypriots: Assembly of the Republic - percent
  of vote by party - UBP 44.1%, CTP 29.3%, DP 10.6%, other 16%; seats
  by party - UBP 26, CTP 15, DP 5, other 4

Czech Republic
  bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the
  Senate or Senat (81 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber
  of Deputies or Poslanecka Snemovna (200 seats; members are elected
  by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held in two rounds on 15-16 and 22-23
  October 2010 (next to be held by October 2012); Chamber of Deputies
  - last held on 28-29 May 2010 (next to be held by 2014)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - CSSD 41, ODS 25, KDU-CSL 6, TOP 09 5, others 4; Chamber of
  Deputies - percent of vote by party - CSSD 22.1%, ODS 20.2%, TOP 09
  16.7%, KSCM 11.3%, VV 10.9%; seats by party - CSSD 56, ODS 53, TOP
  09 41, KSCM 26, VV 24

Denmark
  unicameral People's Assembly or Folketing (179 seats,
  including 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands; members
  elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation
  to serve four-year terms unless the Folketing is dissolved earlier)
  elections: last held on 13 November 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Liberal Party 26.2%,
  Social Democrats 25.5%, Danish People's Party 13.9%, Socialist
  People's Party 13.0%, Conservative People's Party 10.4%, Social
  Liberal Party 5.1%, New Alliance 2.8%, Red-Green Unity List 2.2%,
  other 0.9%; seats by party - Liberal Party 46, Social Democrats 45,
  Danish People's Party 25, Socialist People's Party 23, Conservative
  People's Party 18, Social Liberal Party 9, New Alliance 5, Red-Green
  Alliance 4; note - does not include the two seats from Greenland and
  the two seats from the Faroe Islands

Djibouti
  unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (65
  seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms);
  note - constitutional amendments in 2010 provided for the
  establishment of a senate
  elections: last held on 8 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats - UMP
  (coalition of parties associated with President Ismail Omar GUELLAH)
  65

Dominica
  unicameral House of Assembly (30 seats; 9 members
  appointed, 21 elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 18 December 2009 (next to be held in 2015);
  note - tradition dictates that the election will be held within five
  years of the last election, but technically it is five years from
  the first seating of parliament (12 May 2005) plus a 90-day grace
  period
  election results: percent of vote by party - DLP 61.2%, UWP 34.9%;
  seats by party - DLP 18, UWP 3

Dominican Republic
  bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional
  consists of the Senate or Senado (32 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of
  Representatives or Camara de Diputados (178 seats; members are
  elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 16 May 2010 (next to be held in May
  2014); House of Representatives - last held on 16 May 2010 (next to
  be held in May 2014)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - PLD 31, PRD 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by
  party - NA; seats by party - PLD 105, PRD 75, PRSC 3

Ecuador
  unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (124
  seats; members are elected through a party-list proportional
  representation system to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 26 April 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  PAIS 59, PSP 19, PSC 11, PRIAN 7, MPD 5, PRE 3, other 20; note -
  defections by members of National Assembly are commonplace,
  resulting in frequent changes in the numbers of seats held by the
  various parties

Egypt
  bicameral system consists of the Advisory Council or Majlis
  al-Shura (Shura Council) that traditionally functions only in a
  consultative role (264 seats; 176 members elected by popular vote,
  88 appointed by the president; members serve six-year terms;
  mid-term elections for half of the elected members) and the People's
  Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (518 seats; 508 members elected by
  popular vote, 64 seats reserved for women, 10 appointed by the
  president; members serve five-year terms)
  elections: Advisory Council - last held in June 2007 (next to be
  held in 2013); People's Assembly - last held in November-December
  2010 in one round of voting and one run-off election (next to be
  held in 2015)
  election results: Advisory Council - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - NDP 80, Al-Geel 1, Nasserist 1, NWP 1, Tagammu 1,
  Tomorrow Party 1, independents 3; People's Assembly - percent of
  vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDP 419, NWP 6, Tagammu 5,
  Democratic Peace Party 1, Social Justice Party 1, Tomorrow Party 1,
  independents 71, seats undecided 4, seats appointed by president 10

El Salvador
  unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa
  (84 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve
  three-year terms)
  elections: last held on 18 January 2009 (next to be held in March
  2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  FMLN 35, ARENA 32, PCN 11, PDC 5, CD 1; note - as of 1 January 2011,
  the current composition of the legislature by seats is as follows:
  FMLN 35, ARENA 19, GANA 16, PCN 10, PDC 2, CD 1, Independent 1

Equatorial Guinea
  unicameral House of People's Representatives or
  Camara de Representantes del Pueblo (100 seats; members directly
  elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 4 May 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  PDGE 89, EC 10, CPDS 1
  note: Parliament has little power since the constitution vests all
  executive authority in the president

Eritrea
  unicameral National Assembly (150 seats; members elected by
  direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: in May 1997, following the adoption of the new
  constitution, 75 members of the PFDJ Central Committee (the old
  Central Committee of the EPLF), 60 members of the 527-member
  Constituent Assembly, which had been established in 1997 to discuss
  and ratify the new constitution, and 15 representatives of Eritreans
  living abroad were formed into a Transitional National Assembly to
  serve as the country's legislative body until countrywide elections
  to a National Assembly were held; although only 75 of 150 members of
  the Transitional National Assembly were elected, the constitution
  stipulates that once past the transition stage, all members of the
  National Assembly will be elected by secret ballot of all eligible
  voters; National Assembly elections scheduled for December 2001 were
  postponed indefinitely

Estonia
  unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 4 March 2007 (next to be held in March 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Estonian Reform Party
  27.8%, Center Party of Estonia 26.1%, Union of Pro Patria and Res
  Publica 17.9%, Social Democratic Party 10.6%, Estonian Greens 7.1%,
  Estonian People's Union 7.1%, other 5%; seats by party - Estonian
  Reform Party 31, Center Party 28, Union of Pro Patria and Res
  Publica 19, Social Democratic Party 10, Estonian Greens 6, Estonian
  People's Union 6, independent 1

Ethiopia
  bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Federation
  (or upper chamber responsible for interpreting the constitution and
  federal-regional issues) (108 seats; members chosen by state
  assemblies to serve five-year terms) and the House of People's
  Representatives (or lower chamber responsible for passing
  legislation) (547 seats; members directly elected by popular vote
  from single-member districts to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 23 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party - EPRDF 499,
  SPDP 24, BGPDP 9, ANDP 8, GPUDM 3, HNL 1, FORUM 1, APDO 1,
  independent 1

European Union
  two legislative bodies consisting of the Council of
  the European Union (27 member-state ministers having 345 votes; the
  number of votes is roughly proportional to member-states'
  population) and the European Parliament (736 seats; seats allocated
  among member states in proportion to population; members elected by
  direct universal suffrage for a five-year term); note - the Council
  is the main decision-making body of the EU; leaders of the EU member
  states appointed UK Baroness Catherine Ashton to be the first High
  Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy;
  Ashton took office on 1 December 2009; her concurrent appointment as
  Vice President of the European Commission - both of which are
  subject to confirmation by the European Parliament - endows her
  position with the policymaking influence of the Council of the EU
  and the budgetary influence of the European Commission
  elections: last held on 4-7 June 2009 (next to be held in June 2014)
  election results: percent of vote - EPP 36%, S&D 25%, ALDE 11.4%,
  Greens/EFA 7.5%, ECR 7.3%, GUE/NGL 4.8%, EFD 4.3%, independents
  3.7%; seats by party - EPP 265, S&D 184, ALDE 84, Greens/EFA 55, ECR
  54, GUE/NGL 35, EFD 32, independents 27

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  unicameral Legislative Assembly
  (10 seats; 2 members are ex officio and 8 are elected by popular
  vote; members to serve four-year terms); presided over by the
  governor
  elections: last held on 5 November 2009 (next to be held in November
  2013)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 8

Faroe Islands
  unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (33 seats;
  members elected by popular vote on a proportional basis from the
  seven constituencies to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later
  than January 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Union Party 21%, Social
  Democratic Party 19.3%, Republican Party 23.3%, People's Party
  20.1%, Center Party 8.4%, Independence Party 7.2%, other 0.7%; seats
  by party - Republican Party 8, Union Party 7, Social Democratic
  Party 6, People's Party 7, Center Party 3, Independence Party 2
  note: election of two seats to the Danish Parliament was last held
  on 13 November 2007 (next to be held no later than November 2011);
  results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican
  Party 1, Union Party 1

Fiji
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (32 seats; 14
  members appointed by the president on the advice of the Great
  Council of Chiefs, 9 appointed by the president on the advice of the
  Prime Minister, 8 on the advice of the opposition leader, and 1
  appointed on the advice of the council of Rotuma) and the House of
  Representatives (71 seats; 23 members reserved for ethnic Fijians,
  19 reserved for ethnic Indians, 3 reserved for other ethnic groups,
  1 reserved for the council of Rotuma constituency encompassing the
  whole of Fiji, and 25 open seats; members serve five-year terms)
  elections: House of Representatives - last held on 6-13 May 2006
  (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by
  party - SDL 44.6%, FLP 39.2%, UPP 0.8%, independents 4.9%, other
  10.5%; seats by party - SDL 36, FLP 31, UPP 2, independents 2

Finland
  unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members
  elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve four-year
  terms)
  elections: last held on 18 March 2007 (next to be held in April 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Kesk 23.1%, Kok 22.3%,
  SDP 21.4%, VAS 8.8%, VIHR 8.5%, KD 4.9%, SFP 4.5%, True Finns 4.1%,
  other 3.4%; seats by party - Kesk 51, Kok 50, SDP 45, VAS 17, VIHR
  15, SFP 9, KD 7, True Finns 5, other 1 (the constituency of Aland)

France
  bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or
  Senat (343 seats; 321 for metropolitan France and overseas
  departments, 2 for New Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre
  and Miquelon, 1 for Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for
  overseas territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; members
  indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year terms;
  one third elected every three years); note - between 2006 and 2011,
  15 new seats will be added to the Senate for a total of 348 seats -
  326 for metropolitan France and overseas departments, 2 for New
  Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 1 for
  Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for overseas territories,
  and 12 for French nationals abroad; starting in 2008, members will
  be indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year
  terms with one-half elected every three years; and the National
  Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (577 seats; 555 for metropolitan
  France, 15 for overseas departments, 7 for dependencies; members
  elected by popular vote under a single-member majority system to
  serve five-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held
  in September 2014); National Assembly - last held on 10 and 17 June
  2007 (next to be held in June 2012)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - UMP 151, PS 102, PCF 22, MoDem 11, NC 11, Greens 5, PG 2,
  other 39; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - UMP 46.4%,
  PS 42.2%, miscellaneous left wing parties 2.5%, PCF 2.3%, NC 2.1%,
  PRG 1.6%, miscellaneous right wing parties 1.2%, the Greens 0.4%,
  other 1.2%; seats by party - UMP 313, PS 186, NC 22, miscellaneous
  left wing parties 15, PCF 16, miscellaneous right wing parties 9,
  PRG 7, the Greens 3, other 6

French Polynesia
  unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee
  Territoriale (57 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 27 January 2008 (first round) and 10
  February 2008 (second round) (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Our Home alliance
  45.2%, Union for Democracy alliance 37.2%, Popular Rally (Tahoeraa
  Huiraatira) 17.2% other 0.5%; seats by party - Our Home alliance 27,
  Union for Democracy alliance 20, Popular Rally 10
  note: two seats were elected to the French Senate on 21 September
  2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote
  by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1, independent 1; two seats were
  elected to the French National Assembly on 10-17 June 2007 (next to
  be held in 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - UMP 2

Gabon
  bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (102 seats;
  members elected by members of municipal councils and departmental
  assemblies to serve six-year terms) and the National Assembly or
  Assemblee Nationale (120 seats; members are elected by direct,
  popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 18 January 2009 (next to be held in
  January 2015); National Assembly - last held on 17 and 24 December
  2006 (next to be held in December 2011)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - PDG 75, RPG 6, UGDD 3, CLR 2, PGCI 2, PSD 2, UPG 2, ADERE 1,
  independents 9; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - PDG 82, RPG 8, UPG 8, UGDD 4, ADERE 3, CLR 2,
  PGP-Ndaot 2, PSD 2, independents 4, others 5

Gambia, The
  unicameral National Assembly (53 seats; 48 members
  elected by popular vote, 5 appointed by the president; members to
  serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 25 January 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  APRC 47, UDP 4, NADD 1, independent 1

Georgia
  unicameral Parliament or Parlamenti (also known as Supreme
  Council or Umaghlesi Sabcho) (150 seats; 75 members elected by
  proportional representation, 75 from single-seat constituencies;
  members to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 21 May 2008 (next to be held in the spring
  of 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - United National
  Movement 59.2%, National Council-New Rights (a Joint Opposition,
  nine-party bloc) 17.7%, Christian Democratic Movement 8.8%, Labor
  Party 7.4%, Republican Party 3.8%; seats by party - United National
  Movement 120, National Council-New Rights 16, Christian Democratic
  Movement 6, Labor Party 6, Republican Party 2

Germany
  bicameral legislature consists of the Federal Council or
  Bundesrat (69 votes; state governments sit in the Council; each has
  three to six votes in proportion to population and is required to
  vote as a block) and the Federal Diet or Bundestag (622 seats;
  members elected by popular vote for a four-year term under a system
  of personalized proportional representation; a party must win 5% of
  the national vote or three direct mandates to gain proportional
  representation and caucus recognition)
  elections: Bundestag - last held on 27 September 2009 (next to be
  held no later than autumn 2013); note - there are no elections for
  the Bundesrat; composition is determined by the composition of the
  state-level governments; the composition of the Bundesrat has the
  potential to change any time one of the 16 states holds an election
  election results: Bundestag - percent of vote by party - CDU/CSU
  33.8%, SPD 23%, FDP 14.6%, Left 11.9%, Greens 10.7%, other 6%; seats
  by party - CDU/CSU 239, SPD 146, FDP 93, Left 76, Greens 68

Ghana
  unicameral Parliament (230 seats; members elected by direct,
  popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 7 December 2008 (next to be held on 7
  December 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  NDC 114, NPP 107, PNC 2, CPP 1, independent 4, other 2

Gibraltar
  unicameral Parliament (18 seats: 17 members elected by
  popular vote, 1 for the speaker appointed by Parliament; members
  serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 11 October 2007 (next to be held not later
  than October 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - GSD 49.3%, GSLP 31.8%,
  Gibraltar Liberal Party 13.6%; seats by party - GSD 10, GSLP 4,
  Gibraltar Liberal Party 3

Greece
  unicameral Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon (300 seats;
  members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 4 October 2009 (next to be held by 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PASOK 43.9%, ND 33.5%,
  KKE 7.5%, LAOS 5.6%, SYRIZA 4.6%, other 4.9%; seats by party - PASOK
  160, ND 91, KKE 21, LAOS 15, SYRIZA 13; note - seats by party as of
  15 December 2010 - PASOK 156, ND 86, KKE 21 LAOS 15, SYRIZA 9, DISY
  5, Democratic Left 4, independents 4 (DISY and Democratic Left
  entered parliament as members of ND and SYRIZA, respectively, and
  the independents entered parliament as members of PASOK); only
  parties supassing a 3% threshold are entitled to parliamentary
  seats; parties need 10 seats to become formal parliamentary groups,
  but can retain that status if the party participated in the last
  election and received the minimum 3% threshold

Greenland
  unicameral Parliament or Landsting (31 seats; members
  elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation
  to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 2 June 2009 (next to be held by 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Inuit Ataqatigiit
  43.7%, Siumut 26.5%, Demokratiit 12.7%, Atassut 10.9%;
  Kattusseqatigiit 3.8%, other 2.4%; seats by party - IA 14, Siumut 9,
  Demokraatiit 4, Atassut 3, Kattusseqatigiit 1
  note: two representatives were elected to the Danish Parliament or
  Folketing on 13 November 2007 (next to be held by November 2011);
  percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Siumut 1, Inuit
  Ataqatigiit 1

Grenada
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (13 seats, 10
  members appointed by the government and 3 by the leader of the
  opposition) and the House of Representatives (15 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 8 July 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by
  party - NA; seats by party - NDC 11, NNP 4

Guam
  unicameral Legislature (15 seats; members elected by popular
  vote to serve two-year terms)
  elections: last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November
  2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  Democratic Party 9, Republican Party 6
  note: Guam elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of
  Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be
  held in November 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - Democratic Party 1

Guatemala
  unicameral Congress of the Republic or Congreso de la
  Republica (158 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 9 September 2007 (next to be held in
  September 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - UNE 30.4%, GANA 23.4%,
  PP 18.9%, FRG 9.5%, PU 5.1%, other 12.7%; seats by party - UNE 48,
  GANA 37, PP 30, FRG 15, PU 8, CASA 5, EG 4, PAN 4, UCN 4, URNG 2, UD
  1

Guernsey
  unicameral States of Deliberation (45 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - Alderney
  and Sark have parliaments
  elections: last held on 23 April 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - all independents

Guinea
  unicameral People's National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale
  Populaire (114 seats; members elected by a mixed system of direct
  popular vote and proportional party lists)
  elections: last held on 30 June 2002 (legislative elections first
  due in 2007 have been rescheduled multiple times and are currently
  unscheduled)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PUP 61.6%, UPR 26.6%,
  other 11.8%; seats by party - PUP 85, UPR 20, other 9

Guinea-Bissau
  unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia
  Nacional Popular (100 seats; members elected by popular vote to
  serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 16 November 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PAIGC 49.8%, PRS 25.3%,
  PRID 7.5%, PND 2.4%, AD 1.4%, other parties 13.6%; seats by party -
  PAIGC 67, PRS 28, PRID 3, PND 1, AD 1

Guyana
  unicameral National Assembly (65 seats; members elected by
  popular vote, also not more than 4 non-elected non-voting ministers
  and 2 non-elected non-voting parliamentary secretaries appointed by
  the president; members to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 28 August 2006 (next to be held by August
  2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PPP/C 54.6%, PNC/R 34%,
  AFC 8.1%, other 3.3%; seats by party - PPP/C 36, PNC/R 22, AFC 5,
  other 2

Haiti
  bicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale consists of
  the Senate (30 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber
  of Deputies (99 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms); note - in reestablishing the Senate in 2006, the
  candidate in each department receiving the most votes in the last
  election serves six years, the candidate with the second most votes
  serves four years, and the candidate with the third most votes
  serves two years
  elections: Senate - last held on 28 November 2010 with run-off
  elections scheduled for 16 January 2011 (next regular election, for
  one third of seats, to be held in 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last
  held on 28 November 2010 with run-off elections schedule for 16
  January 2011 (next regular election to be held in 2014)
  election results: 2010 election results are not final; 2006 Senate -
  percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - L'ESPWA 11, FUSION
  5, OPL 4, FL 3, LAAA 2, UNCRH 2, PONT 2, ALYANS 1; 2006 Chamber of
  Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - L'ESPWA
  23, FUSION 17, FRN 12, OPL 10, ALYANS 10, LAAA 5, MPH 3, MOCHRENA 3,
  other 10; results for six other seats contested on 3 December 2006
  remain unknown

Holy See (Vatican City)
  unicameral Pontifical Commission for Vatican
  City State

Honduras
  unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (128
  seats; members elected proportionally by department to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in
  November 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  PNH 71, PL 45, PDC 5, PUD 4, PINU 3

Hong Kong
  unicameral Legislative Council or LegCo (60 seats; 30
  members indirectly elected by functional constituencies, 30 elected
  by popular vote; members serve four-year terms)
  note: the LegCo voted in June 2010 to expand to 70 seats for the
  next election; the measure was approved by the National People's
  Congress Standing Committee in August 2010; the 10 new seats will be
  chosen by popular vote
  elections: last held on 7 September 2008 (next to be held in
  September 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - pro-democracy 57%;
  pro-Beijing 40%, independent 3%; seats by parties - (pro-Beijing 35)
  DAB 13, Liberal Party 7, FTU 1, others 14; (pro-democracy 23)
  Democratic Party 8, Civic Party 5, CTU 3, League of Social Democrats
  3, ADPL 2, The Frontier 1, NWSC 1; others 11; independents and
  non-voting LegCo president 2

Hungary
  unicameral National Assembly or Orszaggyules (386 seats;
  members elected by popular vote under a system of proportional and
  direct representation to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 11 and 25 April 2010 (next to be held in
  April 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party (5% or more of the vote
  required for parliamentary representation in the first round) -
  Fidesz 52.7%, MSzP 19.3%, Jobbik 16.7%, LMP 7.5%; seats by party -
  Fidesz 263, MSzP 59, Jobbik 47, LMP 16, independent 1

Iceland
  unicameral Parliament or Althing (63 seats; members elected
  by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 25 April 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democratic
  Alliance 29.8%, Independence Party 23.7%, Left-Green Movement 21.7%,
  Progressive Party 14.8%, Citizens' Movement 7.2%, other 2.8%; seats
  by party - Social Democratic Alliance 20, Independence Party 16,
  Left-Green Alliance 14, Progressive Party 9, Citizens' Movement 4
  note: the Citizens' Movement disintegrated in September 2009; three
  of its former MPs are now represented under the banner of The
  Movement and the fourth former MP is an independent

India
  bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of the Council of
  States or Rajya Sabha (a body consisting of not more than 250
  members up to 12 of whom are appointed by the president, the
  remainder are chosen by the elected members of the state and
  territorial assemblies; members serve six-year terms) and the
  People's Assembly or Lok Sabha (545 seats; 543 members elected by
  popular vote, 2 appointed by the president; members serve five-year
  terms)
  elections: People's Assembly - last held in five phases on 16,
  22-23, 30 April and 7, 13 May 2009 (next must be held by May 2014)
  election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - INC 206, BJP 116, SP 23, BSP 21, JD (U) 20, AITC
  19, DMK 18, CPI-M 16, BJD 14, SS 11, AIADMK 9, NCP 9, other 61,
  vacant 2; note - seats by party as November 2009 - INC 207, BJP 116,
  SP 22, BSP 21, JD (U) 20, AITC 19, DMK 18, CPI-M 16, BJD 14, SS 11,
  AIADMK 9, NCP 9, other 61, vacant 2

Indonesia
  People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan
  Rakyat or MPR) is the upper house; it consists of members of the DPR
  and DPD and has role in inaugurating and impeaching the president
  and in amending the constitution but does not formulate national
  policy; House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR)
  (560 seats, members elected to serve five-year terms), formulates
  and passes legislation at the national level; House of Regional
  Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Daerah or DPD), constitutionally
  mandated role includes providing legislative input to DPR on issues
  affecting regions (132 members, four from each of Indonesia's 30
  provinces, two special regions, and one special capital city
  district)
  elections: last held on 9 April 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PD 20.9%, GOLKAR 14.5%,
  PDI-P 14.0%, PKS 7.9%, PAN 6.0%, PPP 5.3%, PKB 4.9%, GERINDRA 4.5%,
  HANURA 3.8%, others 18.2%; seats by party - PD 148, GOLKAR 107,
  PDI-P 94, PKS 57, PAN 46, PPP 37, PKB 28, GERINDRA 26, HANURA 17
  note: 29 other parties received less than 2.5% of the vote so did
  not obtain any seats; because of election rules, the number of seats
  won does not always follow the percentage of votes received by
  parties

Iran
  unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly or
  Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami or Majles (290 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 14 March 2008 with a runoff held on 25 April
  2008 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party -
  conservatives/Islamists 167, reformers 39, independents 74,
  religious minorities 5, other 5

Iraq
  unicameral Council of Representatives (325 seats consisting of
  317 members elected by an optional open-list, proportional
  representation system and 8 seats reserved for minorities; members
  serve four-year terms); note - Iraq's Constitution calls for the
  establishment of an upper house, the Federation Council
  elections: last held on 7 March 2010 for an enlarged 325-seat
  parliament; next election to be held in 2014
  election results: Council of Representatives - percent of vote by
  coalition - Iraqi National Movement 25.9%, State of Law coalition
  25.8%, Iraqi National Alliance 19.4%, Kurdistan Alliance 15.3%,
  Goran (Change) List 4.4%, Tawafuq Front 2.7%, Iraqi Unity Alliance
  2.9%, Kurdistan Islamic Union 2.3%, Kurdistan Islamic Group 1.4%;
  seats by coalition - Iraqi National Movement 91, State of Law
  Coalition 89, Iraqi National Alliance 70, Kurdistan Alliance 43,
  Goran (Change) List 8, Tawafuq Front 6, Iraqi Unity Alliance 4,
  Kurdistan Islamic Union 4, Kurdistan Islamic Group 2, seats reserved
  for minorities 8

Ireland
  bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of the Senate or
  Seanad Eireann (60 seats; 49 members elected by the universities and
  from candidates put forward by five vocational panels, 11 are
  nominated by the prime minister; members serve five-year terms) and
  the House of Representatives or Dail Eireann (166 seats; members
  elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation
  to serve five-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held in July 2007 (next to be held probably
  in early 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 24 May 2007
  (next to be held probably in early 2011)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - Fianna Fail 28, Fine Gael 14, Labor Party 6, Progressive
  Democrats 2, Green Party 2, Sein Fein 1, independents 7; House of
  Representatives - percent of vote by party - Fianna Fail 41.6%, Fine
  Gael 27.3%, Labor Party 10.1%, Sinn Fein 6.9%, Green Party 4.7%,
  Progressive Democrats 2.7%, other 6.7%; seats by party - Fianna Fail
  78, Fine Gael 51, Labor Party 20, Sinn Fein 4, Green Party 6,
  Progressive Democrats 2, independents 4, Speaker of the Dail 1; note
  - through dissertions and attrition the makeup of both houses is
  greatly changed
  note: on 8 November 2008, delegates voted to disband the Progressive
  Democrats, and in November 2009 it officially stopped operating as a
  political party

Isle of Man
  bicameral Tynwald consists of the Legislative Council
  (11 seats; members composed of the President of Tynwald, the Lord
  Bishop of Sodor and Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others
  named by the House of Keys) and the House of Keys (24 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: House of Keys - last held on 23 November 2006 (next to be
  held in November 2011)
  election results: House of Keys - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - Liberal Vannin Party 2, Manx Labor Party 1,
  independents 21

Israel
  unicameral Knesset (120 seats; political parties are elected
  by popular vote and assigned seats for members on a proportional
  basis; members serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 10 February 2009 (next scheduled election to
  be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Kadima 23.2%, Likud-Ahi
  22.3%, YB 12.1%, Labor 10.2%, SHAS 8.8%, United Torah Judaism 4.5%,
  United Arab List 3.5%, National Union 3.4%, Hadash 3.4%, The Jewish
  Home 3%, The New Movement-Meretz 3%, Balad 2.6%; seats by party -
  Kadima 28, Likud-Ahi 27, YB 15, Labor 13, SHAS 11, United Torah
  Judaism 5, United Arab List 4, National Union 4, HADASH 4, The
  Jewish Home 3, The New Movement-Meretz 3, Balad 3

Italy
  bicameral Parliament or Parlamento consists of the Senate or
  Senato della Repubblica (315 seats; members elected by proportional
  vote with the winning coalition in each region receiving 55% of
  seats from that region; members to serve five-year terms; and up to
  5 senators for life appointed by the president of the Republic) and
  the Chamber of Deputies or Camera dei Deputati (630 seats; members
  elected by popular vote with the winning national coalition
  receiving 54% of chamber seats; members to serve five-year terms);
  note - it has not been clarified if each president has the power to
  designate up to five senators or if five is the number of senators
  for life who might sit in the Senate
  elections: Senate - last held on 13-14 April 2008 (next to be held
  in April 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13-14 April 2008
  (next to be held in April 2013)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - S. BERLUSCONI coalition 174 (PdL 147, LN 25, MpA 2), W.
  VELTRONI coalition 132 (PD 118, IdV 3), UdC 3, other 6; Chamber of
  Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - S.
  BERLUSCONI coalition 344 (PdL 276, LN 60, MpA 8), W. VELTRONI
  coalition 246 (PD 217, IdV 29), UdC 36, other 4

Jamaica
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 21-member
  body appointed by the governor general on the recommendations of the
  prime minister and the leader of the opposition; ruling party is
  allocated 13 seats, and the opposition is allocated 8 seats) and the
  House of Representatives (60 seats; members elected by popular vote
  to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 3 September 2007 (next to be held no later
  than October 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - JLP 50.1%, PNP 49.8%;
  seats by party - JLP 33, PNP 27

Japan
  bicameral Diet or Kokkai consists of the House of Councillors
  or Sangi-in (242 seats - members elected for fixed six-year terms;
  half reelected every three years; 146 members in multi-seat
  constituencies and 96 by proportional representation) and the House
  of Representatives or Shugi-in (480 seats - members elected for
  maximum four-year terms; 300 in single-seat constituencies; 180
  members by proportional representation in 11 regional blocs); the
  prime minister has the right to dissolve the House of
  Representatives at any time with the concurrence of the cabinet
  elections: House of Councillors - last held on 11 July 2010 (next to
  be held in July 2013); House of Representatives - last held on 30
  August 2009 (next to be held by August 2013)
  election results: House of Councillors - percent of vote by party -
  DPJ 31.6%, LDP 24.1%, YP 13.6%, NK 13.1%, JCP 6.1%, SDP 3.8%, others
  7.7%; seats by party - DPJ 106, LDP 84, NK 19, YP 11, JCP 6, SDP 4,
  others 12
  House of Representatives - percent of vote by party (by proportional
  representation) - DPJ 42.4%, LDP 26.7%, NK 11.5%, JCP 7.0%, SDP
  4.3%, others 8.1%; seats by party - DPJ 308, LDP 119, NK 21, JCP 9,
  SDP 7, others 16 (2009)

Jersey
  unicameral Assembly of the States of Jersey (58 seats; 55 are
  voting members, of which 12 are senators elected for six-year terms,
  12 are constables or heads of parishes elected for three-year terms,
  29 are deputies elected for three-year terms, the bailiff and the
  deputy bailiff, and 3 non-voting members include the Dean of Jersey,
  the Attorney General, and the Solicitor General appointed by the
  monarch)
  elections: last held on 15 October 2008 for senators and 26 November
  2008 for deputies (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 55

Jordan
  bicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-'Umma consists of
  the Senate, also called the House of Notables or Majlis al-Ayan (60
  seats; members appointed by the monarch to serve four-year terms)
  and the Chamber of Deputies, also called the House of
  Representatives or Majlis al-Nuwaab (120 seats; members elected
  using a single, non-transferable vote system in multi-member
  districts to serve four-year terms); note - the new electoral law
  enacted in May 2010 allocated an additional 10 seats (6 seats added
  to the number reserved for women, bringing the total to 12; 2
  additional seats for Amman; and 1 seat each for the cities of Zarqa
  and Irbid; unchanged are 9 seats reserved for Christian candidates,
  9 for Bedouin candidates, and 3 for Jordanians of Chechen or
  Circassian descent
  elections: Chamber of Deputies - last held on 9 November 2010 (next
  scheduled in 2014); note - the King dissolved the previous Chamber
  of Deputies in November 2009, midway through the parliamentary term
  election results: Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party -
  NA; seats by party - independents and other 120 (includes 12 seats
  filled by women's quota and 1 woman was directly elected); note -
  the IAF boycotted the election

Kazakhstan
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (47 seats; 15
  members are appointed by the president; 32 members elected by local
  assemblies; members serve six-year terms, but elections are
  staggered with half of the members up for re-election every three
  years) and the Mazhilis (107 seats; 9 out of the 107 Mazhilis
  members elected by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, a
  presidentially appointed advisory body designed to represent the
  country's ethnic minorities; non-appointed members are popularly
  elected to serve five-year terms)
  elections: Senate - (indirect) last held in October 2008 (next to be
  held in 2011); Mazhilis - last held on 18 August 2007 (next to be
  held in 2012)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - Nur Otan 16; Mazhilis - percent of vote by party - Nur-Otan
  88.1%, NSDP 4.6%, Ak Zhol 3.3%, Auyl 1.6%, Communist People's Party
  1.3%, Patriots Party 0.8% Ruhaniyat 0.4%; seats by party - Nur-Otan
  98; note - parties had to achieve a threshold of 7% of the
  electorate to qualify for seats in the Mazhilis; changes to
  electoral legislation enacted since the 2007 election now ensure
  that the second-placed party will enter the Majilis at the next
  parliamentary election, even if it does not clear the 7% threshold

Kenya
  unicameral National Assembly or Bunge usually referred to as
  Parliament (224 seats; 210 members elected by popular vote to serve
  five-year terms, 12 nominated members appointed by the president but
  selected by the parties in proportion to their parliamentary vote
  totals, 2 ex-officio members)
  elections: last held on 27 December 2007 (next to be held in
  December 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  ODM 99, PNU 46, ODM-K 16, KANU 14 other 35; ex-officio 2; seats
  appointed by the president - ODM 6, PNU 3, ODM-K 2, KANU 1

Kiribati
  unicameral House of Parliament or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (46
  seats; 44 members elected by popular vote, 1 ex officio member - the
  attorney general, 1 nominated by the Rabi Council of Leaders
  (representing Banaba Island); members serve four-year terms)
  elections: legislative elections were held in two rounds - the first
  round on 22 August 2007 and the second round on 30 August 2007 (next
  to be held in 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  NA, other 2 (includes attorney general)

Korea, North
  unicameral Supreme People's Assembly or Ch'oego Inmin
  Hoeui (687 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year
  terms)
  elections: last held on 8 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  NA; ruling party approves a list of candidates who are elected
  without opposition; a token number of seats are reserved for minor
  parties

Korea, South
  unicameral National Assembly or Kukhoe (299 seats; 245
  members elected in single-seat constituencies, 54 elected by
  proportional representation; members serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 9 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  GNP 172, UDP 83, LFP 20, PPA 8, DLP 5, RKP 1, independents 9

Kosovo
  unicameral national Assembly (120 seats; 100 seats directly
  elected, 10 seats guaranteed for ethnic Serbs, 10 seats guaranteed
  for other ethnic minorities; members to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 17 November 2007 (next expected to be held
  in 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PDK 34.3%, LDK 22.6%,
  AKR 12.3%, LDD 10.0%, AAK 9.6%, other 11.2%; seats by party - PDK
  37, LDK 25, AKR 13, LDD 11, AAK 10, other 4

Kuwait
  unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; all
  cabinet ministers are also ex officio voting members of the National
  Assembly)
  elections: last held on 16 May 2009 (next election to be held in
  2013)
  election results: percent of vote by bloc - NA; seats by bloc -
  tribal MPs 25 (all Sunni Muslims, and represented primarily by the
  Al-Mutairi, Al-Azmi, Al-Ajmi, and Al-Rasheedi tribes), Shia Muslims
  9, liberals 7, independents 6, Salafi (Sunni) Islamists 3

Kyrgyzstan
  unicameral Supreme Council or Jogorku Kengesh (120 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 10 October 2007 (next to be held in 2015)
  election results: Supreme Council - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - Ata-Jurt 28, SDPK 26, Ar-Namys 25, Respublika 23,
  Ata-Meken 18

Laos
  unicameral National Assembly (115 seats; members elected by
  popular vote from a list of candidates selected by the Lao People's
  Revolutionary Party to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held 30 on April 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  LPRP 113, independents 2

Latvia
  unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members elected
  by proportional representation from party lists by popular vote to
  serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 2 October 2010 (next to be held in October
  2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Unity bloc 31.2%, SC
  26%, ZZS 19.7%, National Alliance 7.7%, For a Good Latvia bloc 7.7%;
  seats by party - Unity Coalition 33, SC 29, ZZS 22, National
  Alliance 8, For a Good Latvia 8

Lebanon
  unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Nuwab (Arabic) or
  Assemblee Nationale (French) (128 seats; members elected by popular
  vote on the basis of sectarian proportional representation to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 7 June 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by group - March 8 Coalition
  54.7%, March 14 Coalition 45.3%; seats by group - March 14 Coalition
  71; March 8 Coalition 57

Lesotho
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (33 members - 22
  principal chiefs and 11 other members appointed by the ruling party)
  and the Assembly (120 seats, 80 by popular vote and 40 by
  proportional vote; members elected by popular vote to serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 17 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  LCD 61, NIP 21, ABC 17, LWP 10, ACP 4, BNP 3, other 4

Liberia
  bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (30
  seats; note - number of seats changed in 11 October 2005 elections;
  members elected by popular vote to serve nine-year terms) and the
  House of Representatives (64 seats; members elected by popular vote
  to serve six-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 11 October 2005 (next to be held in
  October 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 11 October
  2005 (next to be held in October 2011)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - COTOL 7, NPP 4, CDC 3, LP 3, UP 3, APD 3, other 7; House of
  Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  CDC 15, LP 9, COTOL 8, UP 8, APD 5, NPP 4, other 15; note - the UP
  now holds 13 out of 30 senate seats and 16 out of 64 house seats
  following a merger with several smaller parties in 2009
  note: junior senators - those who received the second most votes in
  each county in the 11 October 2005 election - will only serve a
  six-year first term because the Liberian constitution mandates
  staggered Senate elections to ensure continuity of government; all
  senators will be eligible for nine-year terms thereafter

Libya
  unicameral General People's Congress (760 seats; members
  elected indirectly through a hierarchy of people's committees)

Liechtenstein
  unicameral Parliament or Landtag (25 seats; members
  elected by popular vote under proportional representation to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 8 February 2009 (next to be held in February
  2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - VU 47.6%, FBP 43.5%, FL
  8.9%; seats by party - VU 13, FBP 11, FL 1

Lithuania
  unicameral Parliament or Seimas (141 seats; 71 members
  elected by popular vote, 70 elected by proportional representation;
  members to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 12 and 26 October 2008 (next to be held in
  October 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - TS-LKD 19.7%, TPP
  15.1%, TT 12.7%, LSDP 11.7%, KDP+J 9%, LRLS 5.7%, LCS 5.3%, LLRA
  4.8%, LVLS 3.7%, NS 3.6%, other 8.7%; seats by faction - TS-LKD 44,
  LSDP 26, TPP 16, TT 15, LRLS 11, KDP+J 10, LCS 8, LLRA 3, LVLS 3, NS
  1, independent 4; note - seats by faction as of 15 March 2010 -
  TS-LKD 46, LSDP 25, TT 18, Christian Party 12, LS 11, DP 10, LCS 7,
  TPP 7, unaffiliated 5; note - TS-LKD, LS, LCS, and TPP form the
  ruling coalition

Luxembourg
  unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (60
  seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 7 June 2009 (next to be held by June 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - CSV 38%, LSAP 21.6%, DP
  15%, Green Party 11.7%, ADR 8.1%, The Left 3.3%, other 2.3%; seats
  by party - CSV 26, LSAP 13, DP 9, Green Party 7, ADR 4, The Left 1
  note: there is also a Council of State that serves as an advisory
  body to the Chamber of Deputies; the Council of State has 21 members
  appointed by the Grand Duke on the advice of the prime minister

Macau
  unicameral Legislative Assembly (29 seats; 12 members elected
  by popular vote, 10 by indirect vote, and 7 appointed by the chief
  executive; members to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 20 September 2009 (next to be held in
  September 2013)
  election results: percent of vote - UPD 14.9%, ACUM 12%, APMD 11.6%,
  NUDM 9.9%, UPP 9.9%, ANMD 7.8%, UMG 7.3%, MUDAR 5.5%, others 21.1%;
  seats by political group - UPD 2, ACUM 2, APMD 2, NUMD 1, UPP 1,
  ANMD 1, UMG 1, MUDAR 1; 10 seats filled by professional and business
  groups; 7 members appointed by the chief executive

Macedonia
  unicameral Assembly or Sobranie (120 seats; members
  elected by popular vote from party lists based on the percentage of
  the overall vote the parties gain in each of six electoral
  districts; members serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 1 June and 15 June 2008 (next to be held by
  July 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - VMRO-DPMNE-led block
  49%, SDSM-led block 24%, BDI/DUI 13%, PDSh/DPA 8%, other 6%; seats
  by party - VMRO-DPMNE-led block 63, SDSM-led block 27, BDI/DUI 18,
  PDSh/DPA 11, PEI 1

Madagascar
  bicameral legislature consists of a Senate or Senat (100
  seats; two-thirds of the members appointed by regional assemblies;
  the remaining one-third appointed by the president; members to serve
  four-year terms) and a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (127
  seats - reduced from 160 seats by an April 2007 national referendum;
  members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: National Assembly - last held on 23 September 2007 (next
  to be held on 16 March 2011); note - a power-sharing agreement in
  the summer of 2009 established a 15-month transition, concluding in
  general elections
  election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - TIM 106, LEADER/Fanilo 1, independents 20

Malawi
  unicameral National Assembly (193 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 19 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  DPP 114, MCP 26, UDF 17, independents 32, other 4

Malaysia
  bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of Senate or
  Dewan Negara (70 seats; 44 members appointed by the king, 26 elected
  by 13 state legislatures to serve three-year terms with a two term
  limit) and House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (222 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve up to five-year terms)
  elections: House of Representatives - last held on 8 March 2008
  (next to be held by June 2013)
  election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote - BN
  coalition 50.3%, opposition parties 46.8%, others 2.9%; seats - BN
  coalition 140, opposition parties 82

Maldives
  unicameral People's Council or People's Majlis (77 seats;
  members elected by direct vote to serve five-year terms); note - the
  Majlis in February 2009 passed legislation that increased the number
  of seats to 77 from 50
  elections: last held on 9 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: percent of vote - DRP 36.4%, MDP 33.8 %, PA 9.1%,
  DQP 2.6% Republican Party 1.2%, independents 16.9%; seats by party -
  DRP 28, MDP 26, PA 7, DQP 2, Republican Party 1, independents 13

Mali
  unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (147 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 1 and 22 July 2007 (next to be held in July
  2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  ADP coalition 113 (ADEMA 51, URD 34, MPR 8, CNID 7, UDD 3, and other
  10), FDR coalition 15 (RPM 11, PARENA 4), SADI 4, independent 15

Malta
  unicameral House of Representatives (normally 65 seats;
  members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional
  representation to serve five-year terms; note - the Parliament
  elected in 2008 is composed of 69 seats; when the political party
  winning the plurality of votes does not win a majority of seats, the
  constitution provides that a sufficient number of seats will be
  added to Parliament to ensure that the party that won the elections
  has a majority in Parliament)
  elections: last held on 8 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PN 49.3%, PL 48.8%,
  other 1.9%; seats by party - PN 35, PL 34

Marshall Islands
  unicameral legislature or Nitijela (33 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 19 November 2007 (next to be held by
  November 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  independents 4
  note: the Council of Chiefs or Ironij is a 12-member body comprised
  of tribal chiefs that advises on matters affecting customary law and
  practice

Mauritania
  bicameral legislature consists of the Senate or Majlis
  al-Shuyukh (56 seats; 53 members elected by municipal leaders and 3
  members elected for Mauritanians abroad to serve six-year terms; a
  portion of seats up for election every two years) and the National
  Assembly or Al Jamiya Al Wataniya (95 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on November 2009; National Assembly -
  last held on 19 November and 3 December 2006 (next to be held in
  2011)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - CPM (Coalition of Majority Parties) 45, COD (Coordination of
  Democratic Opposition) 7, RNRD-TAWASSOUL 4; National Assembly -
  percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPM 63 (UPR 50, PRDR
  7, UDP 3, HATEM-PMUC 2, RD 1), COD 27 (RFD 9, UFP 6, APP 6,
  PNDD-ADIL 6), RNRD-TAWASSOUL 4, FP 1

Mauritius
  unicameral National Assembly (70 seats; 62 members elected
  by popular vote, 8 appointed by the election commission to give
  representation to various ethnic minorities; members to serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 5 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AF
  41, MMM 18, MR 2, MSF 1; appointed seats - to be assigned 8

Mayotte
  unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats;
  members are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms)
  elections: last held on 9 and 16 March 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  UMP 8, Diverse Right 4, independents 4, Citizens and Republic
  Movement 1, Democratic Movement 1, Diverse Left 1; note - political
  parties are the same as parties in France
  note: Mayotte elects two members of the French Senate; elections
  last held 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014);
  results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UC-UDF 1,
  UMP 1; Mayotte also elects one member to the French National
  Assembly; elections last held 10-17 June 2007 (next to be held in
  2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  independent 1

Mexico
  bicameral National Congress or Congreso de la Union consists
  of the Senate or Camara de Senadores (128 seats; 96 members elected
  by popular vote to serve six-year terms, and 32 seats allocated on
  the basis of each party's popular vote) and the Chamber of Deputies
  or Camara de Diputados (500 seats; 300 members are elected by
  popular vote; remaining 200 members are allocated on the basis of
  each party's popular vote; members to serve three-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 2 July 2006 for all of the seats
  (next to be held on 1 July 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on
  5 July 2009 (next to be held on 1 July 2012)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - PAN 52, PRI 33, PRD 26, PVEM 6, CD 5, PT 5, independent 1;
  Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party
  - PRI 237, PAN 143, PRD 72, PVEM 21, PT 13, CD 6, other 8; note - as
  of 1 January 2011, the current composition of the Senate is: PAN 50,
  PRI 33, PRD 25, PVEM 6, CD 6, PT 5, independent 3; the current
  composition of the Chamber of Deputies is: PRI 237, PAN 142, PRD 69,
  PVEM 21, PT 13, CD 8, other 10

Micronesia, Federated States of unicameral Congress (14 seats; 4 - one elected from each state to serve four-year terms and 10 - elected from single-member districts delineated by population to serve two-year terms; members elected by popular vote) elections: last held on 3 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2011) election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 14

Moldova
  unicameral Parliament or Parlamentul (101 seats; members
  elected on an at-large basis by popular vote to serve four-year
  terms)
  elections: last held on 28 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014);
  note - this was the third parliamentary election in less than two
  years; the earlier parliaments (elected 5 April 2009 and 29 July
  2009) could not agree on a presidential candidate
  election results: percent of vote by party - PCRM 39.3%, PLDM 29.4%,
  PD 12.7%, PL 10%, other 8.6%; seats by party - PCRM 42, PLDM 32, PD
  15, PL 12; note - the PLDM, PD, and PL governing coalition, termed
  the Alliance for European Integration, has 59 seats; it remains 2
  votes short of the 61 needed to elect a new president

Monaco
  unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16
  members elected by list majority system, 8 by proportional
  representation to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 3 February 2008 (next to be held in February
  2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - UPM 52.2%, REM 40.5%,
  Monaco Together 7.3%; seats by party - UPM 21, REM 3

Mongolia
  unicameral State Great Hural 76 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve four-year terms
  elections: last held on 29 June 2008 (next to be held in June 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  MPP 46, DP 27, others 3

Montenegro
  unicameral Assembly (81 seats; members elected by direct
  vote to serve four-year terms; note - seats increased from 74 seats
  in 2006)
  elections: last held on 29 March 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Coalition for European
  Montenegro 51.94%, SNP 16.83%, NOVA 9.22%, PZP 6.03%, other
  (including Albanian minority parties) 15.98%; seats by party -
  Coalition for European Montenegro 48, SNP 16, NOVA 8, PZP 5,
  Albanian minority parties 4

Montserrat
  unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats; 9 members
  popularly elected to serve five-year terms; the attorney general and
  financial secretary sit as ex-officio members)
  elections: last held on 8 September 2009 (next to be held by 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  MCAP 6, independents 3

Morocco
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Chamber of Counselors
  (or upper house) (270 seats; members elected indirectly by local
  councils, professional organizations, and labor syndicates to serve
  nine-year terms; one-third of the members are elected every three
  years) and Chamber of Representatives (or lower house) (325 seats;
  295 members elected by multi-seat constituencies and 30 from
  national lists of women; members elected by popular vote to serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: Chamber of Counselors - last held on 3 October 2009 (next
  to be held in 2012); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 7
  September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: Chamber of Counselors - percent of vote by party -
  NA; seats by party - NA; Chamber of Representatives - percent of
  vote by party - NA; seats by party - PI 52, PJD 46, MP 41, RNI 39,
  USFP 38, UC 27, PPS 17, FFD 9, MDS 9, Al Ahd 8, other 39

Mozambique
  unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da
  Republica (250 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to
  serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 28 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - FRELIMO 74.7%, RENAMO
  17.7%, MDM 3.9%, other 3.7%; seats by party - FRELIMO 191, RENAMO
  51, MDM 8

Namibia
  bicameral legislature consists of the National Council,
  primarily an advisory body (26 seats; two members chosen from each
  regional council to serve six-year terms), and the National Assembly
  (72 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: National Council - elections for regional councils to
  determine members of the National Council held on 29-30 November
  2004 (next to be held on 26-27 November 2010); National Assembly -
  last held on 26-27 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2014)
  election results: National Council - percent of vote by party -
  SWAPO 89.7%, UDF 4.7%, NUDO 2.8%, DTA 1.9%, other 0.9%; seats by
  party - SWAPO 24, UDF 1, DTA 1; National Assembly - percent of vote
  by party - SWAPO 75.3%, RDP 11.3%, DTA 3.1%, NUDO 3.0%, UDF 2.4%,
  APP 1.4%, RP 0.8%, COD 0.7%, SWANU 0.6%, other 1.3%; seats by party
  - SWAPO 54, RDP 8, DTA 2, NUDO 2, UDF 2, APP 1, RP 1, COD 1, SWANU 1

Nauru
  unicameral parliament (18 seats; members elected by popular
  vote to serve three-year terms)
  elections: last held on 19 June 2010 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 18

Nepal
  unicameral Constituent Assembly (601 seats; 240 members
  elected by direct popular vote, 335 by proportional representation,
  and 26 appointed by the Cabinet (Council of Ministers))
  elections: last held on 10 April 2008 (next to be held NA)
  election results: percent of vote by party - CPN-M 38%, NC 19%,
  CPN-UML 19%,Madhesi People's Right Forum 9%, Terai Madhes Democratic
  Party and Sadbhawana Party 5%, other 15%; seats by party - CPN-M
  220, NC 110, CPN-UML 103, Madhesi People's Rights Forum 52, Terai
  Madhes Democratic Party 20, Sadbhawana Party 9, other smaller
  parties 56; note - 26 seats filled by the new Cabinet and are
  included in the seat totals above

Netherlands
  bicameral States General or Staten Generaal consists of
  the First Chamber or Eerste Kamer (75 seats; members indirectly
  elected by the country's 12 provincial councils to serve four-year
  terms) and the Second Chamber or Tweede Kamer (150 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: First Chamber - last held 29 May 2007 (next to be held in
  May 2011); Second Chamber - last held 9 June 2010 (next to be held
  by May 2015)
  election results: First Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA%;
  seats by party - CDA 21, PvdA 14, VVD 14, Socialist Party 11,
  Christian Union 4, Green Left Party 4, D66 2, other 5; Second
  Chamber - percent of vote by party - VVD 20.5%, PvdA 19.6%, PVV,
  15.4%, CDA 13.6%, SP 9.8%, D66 6.9%, GL 6.7%, CU 3.2, other 4.3%;
  seats by party - VVD 31, PvdA 30, PVV 24, CDA 21, SP 15, D66 10, GL
  10, CU 5, other 4

New Caledonia
  elections: unicameral Territorial Congress or Congres
  du territoire (54 seats; members belong to the three Provincial
  Assemblies or Assemblees Provinciales elected by popular vote to
  serve five-year terms) last held on 9 May 2009 (next to be held on
  10 May 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  UMP 13, Caledonia Together 10, UC 8, UNI 8, AE 6, FLNKS 3, Labor
  Party 3, other 3
  note: New Caledonia holds two seats in the French Senate; elections
  last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held not later than
  September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - UMP 2; New Caledonia also elects two seats to the French
  National Assembly; elections last held on 10 and 17 June 2007 (next
  to be held in June 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - UMP 2

New Zealand
  unicameral House of Representatives - commonly called
  Parliament (usually 120 seats; 70 members elected by popular vote in
  single-member constituencies including 7 Maori constituencies, 50
  proportional seats chosen from party lists; serve three-year terms)
  elections: last held on 8 November 2008 (next to be held not later
  than 27 November 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - National Party 44.9%,
  Labor Party 34%, Green Party 6.7%, NZ First 4%, ACT Party 3.7%,
  Maori 2.4%, Progressive 0.9%, United Front 0.9%, other 6.6%; seats
  by party - National Party 58, Labor Party 43, Green Party 9, ACT
  Party 5, Maori 5, Progressive 1, United Front 1
  note: results of 2008 election saw the total number of seats
  increase to 122

Nicaragua
  unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (92
  seats; 90 members elected by proportional representation and party
  lists to serve five-year terms; 1 seat for the previous president, 1
  seat for the runner-up in previous presidential election)
  elections: last held on 5 November 2006 (next to be held by November
  2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  FSLN 38, PLC 25, ALN 23 (22 plus one for presidential candidate
  Eduardo MONTEALEGRE, runner-up in the 2006 presidential election),
  MRS 5, APRE 1 (outgoing President Enrique BOLANOS); note - as of 1
  May 2009: seats by party - FSLN 38, PLC 20, BDN 17, ALN 6, MRS 3,
  APRE 1, Independent 7

Niger
  unicameral National Assembly (113 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 20 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  MNSD 76, RSD 15, RDP 7, PNA-Alouma 1, Alkalami 1, Nigerien Party of
  the Masses for Labor 1, independents 12

Nigeria
  bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (109
  seats, 3 from each state plus 1 from Abuja; members elected by
  popular vote to serve four-year terms) and House of Representatives
  (360 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 21 April 2007 (next to be held in
  April 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 21 April 2007
  (next to be held on 15 January 2011)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - PDP 85, ANPP 16, AC 6, PPA 1, ACCORD 1; House of
  Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDP 65.1%, ANPP 21.6%,
  AC 8.8%, PPA 0.8%, LP 0.8%; seats by party - PDP 263, ANPP 63, AC
  30, PPA 3, LP 1

Niue
  unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve three-year terms; six elected from a common
  roll and 14 are village representatives)
  elections: last held on 7 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - 20
  independents

Norfolk Island
  unicameral Legislative Assembly (9 seats; members
  elected by electors who have nine equal votes each but only four
  votes can be given to any one candidate; members to serve three-year
  terms)
  elections: last held on 17 March 2010 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: seats - independents 9 (note - no political
  parties)

Northern Mariana Islands
  bicameral legislature consists of the
  Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year
  staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (20 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in
  November 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 7 November
  2009 (next to be held in November 2011)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - Covenant Party 3, Republican Party 3, Democratic Party 1,
  independents 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party
  - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 12, Covenant Party 4,
  Democratic Party 1, independents 3
  note: the Northern Mariana Islands elects one nonvoting delegate to
  the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November
  2010 (next to be held in November 2012); seats by party -
  independent 1

Norway
  modified unicameral Parliament or Storting (169 seats;
  members elected by popular vote by proportional representation to
  serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 14 September 2009 (next to be held in
  September 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - DNA 35.4%, FrP 22.9%, H
  17.2%, SV 6.2%, Sp 6.2%, KrF 5.5%, V 3.9%, other 2.7%; seats by
  party - DNA 64, FrP 41, H 30, SV 11, Sp 11, KrF 10, V 2
  note: for certain purposes, the parliament divides itself into two
  chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership in the Lagting and
  three-fourths of its membership in the Odelsting

Oman
  bicameral Majlis Oman consists of Majlis al-Dawla or upper
  chamber (71 seats; members appointed by the monarch; has only
  advisory powers and Majlis al-Shura or lower chamber (84 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; body has
  only advisory powers)
  elections: last held on 27 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: new candidates won 46 seats and 38 members of the
  outgoing Majlis kept their positions; none of the 20 female
  candidates was elected

Pakistan
  bicameral parliament or Majlis-e-Shoora consists of the
  Senate (100 seats; members indirectly elected by provincial
  assemblies and the territories' representatives in the National
  Assembly to serve six-year terms; one half are elected every three
  years) and the National Assembly (342 seats; 272 members elected by
  popular vote; 60 seats reserved for women; 10 seats reserved for
  non-Muslims; members serve five-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 3 March 2009 (next to be held in
  March 2012); National Assembly - last held on 18 February 2008 with
  by-elections on 26 June 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - PPPP 27, PML-Q 21, MMA 9, PML-N 7, ANP 6, MQM 6, JUI-F 4,
  BNP-A 2, JWP 1, NPP 1, PKMAP 1, PML-F 1, PPP 1, independents 13;
  National Assembly - percent of votes by party - NA; seats by party
  as of October 2010 - PPPP 127, PML-N 90, PML 51, MQM 25, ANP 13,
  JUI-F 8, PML-F 5, BNP-A 1, NPP 1, PPP-S 1, independents 18, unfilled
  seats - 2

Palau
  bicameral National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK)
  consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote on
  a population basis to serve four-year terms) and the House of
  Delegates (16 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in
  November 2012); House of Delegates - last held on 4 November 2008
  (next to be held in November 2012)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote - NA; seats -
  independents 9; House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA; seats -
  independents 16

Panama
  unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (71 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 3 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  PRD 26, Panamenista 22, CD 14, UP 4, Independent 2, MOLIRENA 2, PP 1
  note: legislators from outlying rural districts chosen on a
  plurality basis while districts located in more populous towns and
  cities elect multiple legislators by means of a proportion-based
  formula

Papua New Guinea
  unicameral National Parliament (109 seats, 89
  filled from open electorates and 20 from provinces and national
  capital district; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year
  terms); constitution allows up to 126 seats
  elections: last held from 30 June to 10 July 2007; next to be held
  in June 2012
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA
  27, PNGP 8, PAP 6, URP 6, PANGU PATI 5, PDM 5, independents 19,
  others 33; note - election to 1 seat was nullified
  note: 15 other parties won 4 or fewer seats; association with
  political parties is fluid

Paraguay
  bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists
  of the Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (45 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of
  Deputies or Camara de Diputados (80 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: Chamber of Senators - last held on 20 April 2008 (next to
  be held in April 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 20 April
  2008 (next to be held in April 2013)
  election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -
  NA; seats by party - ANR 15, PLRA 14, UNACE 9, PPQ 4, other 3;
  Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party
  - ANR 30, PLRA 27, UNACE 15, PPQ 3, APC 2, other 3; note - as of 1
  January 2010, the composition of the Chamber of Deputies is ANR 30,
  PLRA 29, UNACE 15, PPQ 4, other 2

Peru
  unicameral Congress of the Republic of Peru or Congreso de la
  Republica del Peru (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote
  to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 9 April 2006 (next to be held in April 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - UPP 21.2%, PAP 20.6%,
  UN 15.3%, AF 13.1%, FC 7.1%, PP 4.1%, RN 4.0%, other 14.6%; seats by
  party - UPP 45, PAP 36, UN 17, AF 13, FC 5, PP 2, RN 2

Philippines
  bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or
  Senado (24 seats - one-half elected every three years; members
  elected at large by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the
  House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Nga Kinatawan; the House
  has 287 seats including 230 members in one tier representing
  districts and 57 sectoral party-list members in a second tier
  representing special minorities elected on the basis of one seat for
  every 2% of the total vote but are limited to three seats; a party
  represented in one tier may not hold seats in the other tier; all
  House members are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms
  note: the constitution limits the House of Representatives to 250
  members; the number of members allowed was increased, however,
  through legislation when in April 2009 the Philippine Supreme Court
  ruled that additional party members could sit in the House of
  Representatives if they received the required number of votes
  elections: Senate - elections last held on 10 May 2010 (next to be
  held in May 2013); House of Representatives - elections last held on
  10 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2013)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 4, LP 4, NP 4, NPC 2, PMP 2, LDP 1, PRP 1,
  independents 5; note - there are 23 rather than 24 sitting senators
  because one senator was elected mayor of Manila; House of
  Representatives - percent of vote by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 38.4%,
  LP 20.3%, NPC 15.4%, NP 11.5%, independents 7.1%, others 7.3%; seats
  by party - Lakas-Kampi CMD 104, LP 45, NPC 31, NP 26, others 17,
  independents 7, party-list 56

Pitcairn Islands
  unicameral Island Council (11 seats; mayor, deputy
  mayor, 4 members elected by popular vote, 1 member appointed by the
  governor, 3 ex officio members including governor, deputy governor,
  and commissioner; deputy mayor and elected members serve two-year
  terms)
  elections: last held on 24 December 2009 (next to be held on 24
  December 2011)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - all independents

Poland
  bicameral legislature consists of an upper house, the Senate
  or Senat (100 seats; members elected by a majority vote on a
  provincial basis to serve four-year terms), and a lower house, the
  Sejm (460 seats; members elected under a complex system of
  proportional representation to serve four-year terms); the
  designation of National Assembly or Zgromadzenie Narodowe is only
  used on those rare occasions when the two houses meet jointly
  elections: Senate - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held by
  October 2011); Sejm - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held
  by October 2011)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - PO 60, PiS 39, independents 1; Sejm - percent of vote by
  party - PO 41.5%, PiS 32.1%, LiD 13.2%, PSL 8.9%, other 4.3%; seats
  by party - PO 209, PiS 166, LiD 53, PSL 31, German minorities 1;
  note - seats by party as of December 2010 - PO 203, PiS 147, SLD 44,
  PSL 31, PJN 17, SPDL 4, DKP_SD 3, German minorities 1, Independents
  9, Vacant 1
  note: one seat is assigned to ethnic minority parties in the Sejm
  only

Portugal
  unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da
  Republica (230 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 27 September 2009 (next to be held in fall
  2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PS 42%, PSD 35%, CDS/PP
  9%, BE 7%, CDU 7%; seats by party - PS 97, PSD 81, CDS/PP 21, BE 16,
  CDU 15

Puerto Rico
  bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate
  (at least 27 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to
  serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in
  November 2012); House of Representatives - last held on 4 November
  2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PNP 81.5%, PPD
  18.5%; seats by party - PNP 22, PPD 5; House of Representatives -
  percent of vote by party - PNP 72.5%, PPD 27.5%; seats by party -
  PNP 37, PPD 14
  note: Puerto Rico elects, by popular vote, a resident commissioner
  to serve a four-year term as a nonvoting representative in the US
  House of Representatives; aside from not voting on the House floor,
  he enjoys all the rights of a member of Congress; elections last
  held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); results -
  percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNP 1

Qatar
  unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (35 seats;
  members appointed)
  note: no legislative elections have been held since 1970 when there
  were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their
  terms extended every year since the new constitution came into force
  on 9 June 2005; the constitution provides for a new 45-member
  Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura; the public would elect 30
  members and the Amir would appoint 15; elections to the Majlis
  al-Shura are tentatively scheduled for June 2010

Romania
  bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or
  Senat (137 seats; members elected by popular vote in a mixed
  electoral system to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of
  Deputies or Camera Deputatilor (334 seats; members elected by
  popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 30 November 2008 (next expected to
  be held in November 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 30
  November 2008 (next expected to be held in November 2012)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by alliance/party -
  PSD-PC 34.2%, PDL 33.6%, PNL 18.7%, UDMR 6.4%, other 7.1%; seats by
  alliance/party - PSD-PC 49, PDL 51, PNL 28, UDMR 9; Chamber of
  Deputies - percent of vote by alliance/party - PSD-PC 33.1%, PDL
  32.4%, PNL 18.6%, UDMR 6.2%, ethnic minorities 3.6%, other 6.1%;
  seats by alliance/party - PDL 115, PSD-PC 114, PNL 65, UDMR 22,
  ethnic minorities 18

Russia
  bicameral Federal Assembly or Federalnoye Sobraniye consists
  of an upper house, the Federation Council or Sovet Federatsii (166
  seats; as of July 2000, members appointed by the top executive and
  legislative officials in each of the 83 federal administrative units
  - oblasts, krays, republics, autonomous okrugs and oblasts, and the
  federal cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg; members to serve
  four-year terms) and a lower house, the State Duma or
  Gosudarstvennaya Duma (450 seats; as of 2007, all members elected by
  proportional representation from party lists winning at least 7% of
  the vote; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: State Duma - last held on 2 December 2007 (next to be
  held in December 2011)
  election results: State Duma - United Russia 64.3%, CPRF 11.5%, LDPR
  8.1%, Just Russia 7.7%, other 8.4%; total seats by party - United
  Russia 315, CPRF 57, LDPR 40, Just Russia 38

Rwanda
  bicameral Parliament consists of Senate (26 seats; 12 members
  elected by local councils, 8 appointed by the president, 4 appointed
  by the Political Organizations Forum, 2 represent institutions of
  higher learning; members to serve eight-year terms) and Chamber of
  Deputies (80 seats; 53 members elected by popular vote, 24 women
  elected by local bodies, 3 selected by youth and disability
  organizations; members to serve five-year terms)
  elections: Senate - members appointed as part of the transitional
  government (next to be held in 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last
  held on 15 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - RPF 78.8%, PSD 13.1%,
  PL 7.5%; seats by party - RPF 42, PSD 7, PL 4, additional 27 members
  indirectly elected

Saint Barthelemy
  unicameral Territorial Council (19 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July
  2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - SBA 72.2%,
  Action-Equilibre-Transparence 9.9%, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy
  7.9%, Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 9.9%; seats by party - SBA 16,
  Action-Equilibre-Transparence 1, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy 1,
  Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 1
  note: Saint Barthelemy elects one seat to the French Senate;
  election last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in
  September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - UMP 1

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  unicameral Legislative
  Council (17 seats, including a speaker and deputy speaker, 12
  elected, and three ex officio members; members elected by popular
  vote to serve four-year terms)
  note: the Constitution Order provides for separate Island Councils
  for both Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
  elections: last held on 4 November 2009 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 12

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  unicameral National Assembly (14 seats, 3
  appointed and 11 popularly elected from single-member
  constituencies; members serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 25 January 2010 (next to be held by 2015)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  SKNLP 6, CCM 2, PAM 2, NRP 1

Saint Lucia
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats;
  six members appointed on the advice of the prime minister, three on
  the advice of the leader of the opposition, and two after
  consultation with religious, economic, and social groups) and the
  House of Assembly (17 seats; members elected by popular vote to
  serve five-year terms)
  elections: House of Assembly - last held on 11 December 2006 (next
  to be held in December 2011)
  election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - UWP
  50%, SLP 46.9%, other 3.1%; seats by party - UWP 11, SLP 6

Saint Martin
  unicameral Territorial Council (23 seats; members are
  elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July
  2012)
  election results: percent of seats by party - UPP 49%, RRR 42.2%,
  Reussir Saint-Martin 8.9%; seats by party - UPP 16, RRR 6, Reussir
  Saint-Martin 1
  note: Saint Martin elects one member to the French Senate; election
  last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014);
  results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  unicameral Territorial Council or Conseil
  Territorial (19 seats, 15 from Saint Pierre and four from Miquelon;
  members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)
  elections: elections last held on 19 and 26 in March 2006 (next to
  be held in March 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AD
  16, Cap sur l'Avenir 2, SPM 2000/AM 1
  note: Saint Pierre and Miquelon elect one member to the French
  Senate; elections last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in
  September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - UMP 1; Saint Pierre and Miquelon also elects one member to
  the French National Assembly; elections last held on, first round -
  10 June 2007, second round - 17 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012);
  results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Left
  Radical Party 1

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines unicameral House of Assembly (21 seats, 15 elected representatives and 6 appointed senators; representatives elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: last held on 13 December 2010 (next to be held in 2015) election results: percent of vote by party - ULP 51.6%, NDP 47.8%; seats by party - ULP 8, NDP 7

Samoa
  unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fono (49 seats, 47 members
  elected by voters affiliated with traditional village-based
  electoral districts, 2 elected by independent, mostly non-Samoan or
  part-Samoan, voters who cannot, (or choose not to) establish a
  village affiliation; only chiefs (matai) may stand for election to
  the Fono from the 47 village-based electorates; members serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: election last held on 31 March 2006 (next election to be
  held not later than March 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  HRPP 35, SDUP 10, independents 4

San Marino
  unicameral Grand and General Council or Consiglio Grande
  e Generale (60 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 9 November 2008 (next to be held by June
  2013)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Pact for San Marino
  coalition 54.2%: PDCS 31.9%, AP 11.5%, Freedom List 6.3%, San Marino
  Union of Moderates 4.2%; Reforms and Freedom coalition 45.8%: Party
  of Socialists and Democrats 32%, United Left 8.6%, Democrats of the
  Center 4.9%; seats by party - Pact for San Marino coalition 35: PDCS
  22, AP 7, the Freedom List 4, San Marino Union of Moderates 2;
  Reforms and Freedom coalition 25: Party of Socialists and Democrats
  18, United Left 5, Democrats of the Center 2

Sao Tome and Principe
  unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia
  Nacional (55 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 1 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  ADI 26, MLSTP 21, PCD 7, MDFM 1

Saudi Arabia
  Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (150 members
  and a chairman appointed by the monarch to serve four-year terms);
  note - though the Council of Ministers announced in October 2003 its
  intent to introduce elections for a third of the Majlis al-Shura
  incrementally over a period of four to five years, to date no such
  elections have been held or announced

Senegal
  bicameral Parliament consisting of the Senate, reinstituted
  in 2007, (100 seats; 35 members indirectly elected and 65 members
  appointed by the president) and the National Assembly or Assemblee
  Nationale (150 seats; 90 members elected by direct popular vote and
  60 elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 19 August 2007 (next to be held -
  NA); National Assembly - last held on 3 June 2007 (next to be held
  in 2012); note - the National Assembly in December 2005 voted to
  postpone legislative elections originally scheduled for 2006;
  legislative elections were first rescheduled to coincide with the 25
  February 2007 presidential elections and later for 3 June 2007; the
  election was boycotted by 12 opposition parties, including the
  former ruling Socialist Party, which resulted in a record-low 35%
  voter turnout
  election results: Senate results - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - PDS 34, AJ/PADS 1, 65 appointed by the president;
  National Assembly results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - SOPI Coalition 131, other 19

Serbia
  unicameral National Assembly (250 seats; deputies elected
  according to party lists to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 11 May 2008 (next to be held in May 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - For a European Serbia
  coalition 38.4%, SRS 29.5%, DSS-NS 11.6%, SPS-led coalition 7.6%,
  LPD 5.2%, other 7.7%; seats by party - For a European Serbia
  coalition 102, SRS 57, DSS-NS 30, SNS 21, SPS-led coalition 20, LDP
  13, other 7

Seychelles
  unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (34
  seats; 25 members elected by popular vote, 9 allocated on a
  proportional basis to parties winning at least 10% of the vote;
  members to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 10-12 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - SPPF 56.2%, SNP 43.8%;
  seats by party - SPPF 23, SNP 11

Sierra Leone
  unicameral Parliament (124 seats; 112 members elected
  by popular vote, 12 filled by paramount chiefs elected in separate
  elections; members to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 11 August 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  APC 59, SLPP 43, PMDC 10

Singapore
  unicameral Parliament (84 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - in addition, there
  are up to 9 nominated members; up to three losing opposition
  candidates who came closest to winning seats may be appointed as
  "nonconstituency" members
  elections: last held on 6 May 2006 (next to be held by February 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 66.6%, WP 16.3%,
  SDA 13%, SDP 4.1%; seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SDA 1

Sint Maarten
  unicameral parliament or Staten (15 seats; members
  elected by popular vote for four year term)
  elections: last held 17 September 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - National Alliance
  45.9%, UPP 36.1%, Democratic Party 17.1%; seats by party - National
  Alliance 7, UPP 6, Democratic Party 2

Slovakia
  unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic or
  Narodna Rada Slovenskej Republiky (150 seats; members elected on the
  basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 12 June 2010 (next to be held in June 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Smer 34.8%, SDKU-DS
  15%, SaS 12.1%, KDH 8.5%, Most-Hid 8.1%, SNS 5.1%, other 16.2%;
  seats by party - Smer 62, SDKU-DS 28, SaS 22, KDH 15, Most-Hid 14,
  SNS 9

Slovenia
  bicameral Parliament consists of a National Council or
  Drzavni Svet (40 seats; members indirectly elected by an electoral
  college to serve five-year terms; note - this is primarily an
  advisory body with limited legislative powers; it may propose laws,
  ask to review any National Assembly decision, and call national
  referenda) and the National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats; 40
  members directly elected and 50 are elected on a proportional basis;
  note - the number of directly elected and proportionally elected
  seats varies with each election; the constitution mandates 1 seat
  each for Slovenia's Hungarian and Italian minorities; members
  elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: National Assembly - last held on 21 September 2008 (next
  to be held on 8 October 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - SD 30.5%, SDS 29.3%,
  ZARES 9.4%, DeSUS 7.5%, SNS 5.5%, SLS+SMS 5.2%, LDS 5.2%, other
  7.4%; seats by party - SD 29, SDS 28, ZARES 9, DeSUS 7, SNS 5,
  SLS+SMS 5, LDS 5, Hungarian minority 1, Italian minority 1

Solomon Islands
  unicameral National Parliament (50 seats; members
  elected from single-member constituencies by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 4 August 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  Solomon Islands Democratic Party 13, Our Party 3, Reformed
  Democratic Party 3, Independent Democratic Party 2, PAP 2, SIPRA 2,
  Peoples Congress Party 1, Peoples Federation Party 1, Rural
  Development Party 1, Rural and Urban Political Party 1, Solomon
  Islands Liberal Party 1, Solomon Islands National Party 1,
  independents 19

Somalia
  unicameral National Assembly
  note: unicameral Transitional Federal Assembly (TFA) (550 seats; 475
  members appointed according to the 4.5 clan formula, with the
  remaining 75 seats reserved for civil society and business persons)

South Africa
  bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Council
  of Provinces (90 seats; 10 members elected by each of the nine
  provincial legislatures for five-year terms; has special powers to
  protect regional interests, including the safeguarding of cultural
  and linguistic traditions among ethnic minorities) and the National
  Assembly (400 seats; members elected by popular vote under a system
  of proportional representation to serve five-year terms)
  elections: National Assembly and National Council of Provinces -
  last held on 22 April 2009 (next to be held in April 2014)
  election results: National Council of Provinces - percent of vote by
  party - NA; seats by party - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote
  by party - ANC 65.9%, DA 16.7%, COPE 7.4%, IFP 4.6%, other 5.4%;
  seats by party - ANC 264, DA 67, COPE 30, IFP 18, other 21

Spain
  bicameral; General Courts or Las Cortes Generales (National
  Assembly) consists of the Senate or Senado (264 seats as of 2008;
  208 members directly elected by popular vote and the other 56 - as
  of 2008 - appointed by the regional legislatures; members to serve
  four-year terms) and the Congress of Deputies or Congreso de los
  Diputados (350 seats; each of the 50 electoral provinces fills a
  minimum of two seats and the North African enclaves of Ceuta and
  Melilla fill one seat each with members serving a four-year term;
  the other 248 members are determined by proportional representation
  based on popular vote on block lists who serve four-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 9 March 2008 (next to be held by
  March 2012); Congress of Deputies - last held on 9 March 2008 (next
  to be held by March 2012)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - PP 101, PSOE 88, Entesa Catalona de Progress 12, CiU 4, PNV
  2, CC 1, members appointed by regional legislatures 56; Congress of
  Deputies - percent of vote by party - PSOE 43.6%, PP 40.1%, CiU
  3.1%, PNV 1.2%, ERC 1.2%, other 10.8%; seats by party - PSOE 169, PP
  154, CiU 10, PNV 6, ERC 3, other 8; note - seats by party in the
  Congress of Deputies as of 15 December 2009 - PSOE 169, PP 153, CiU
  10, PNV 6, ERC 3, other 9

Sri Lanka
  unicameral Parliament (225 seats; members elected by
  popular vote on the basis of an open-list, proportional
  representation system by electoral district to serve six-year terms)
  elections: last held on 8 April 2010 with a repoll in two
  electorates held on 20 April 2010 (next to be held by April 2016)
  election results: percent of vote by alliance or party - United
  People's Freedom Alliance 60.93%, United National Party 29.34%,
  Democratic National Alliance 5.49%, Tamil National Alliance 2.9%,
  other 1.94%; seats by alliance or party - United People's Freedom
  Alliance 144, United National Party 60, Tamil National Alliance 14,
  Democratic National Alliance 7

Sudan
  bicameral National Legislature consists of a Council of States
  (50 seats; members indirectly elected by state legislatures to serve
  six-year terms) and a National Assembly (450 seats; 60% from
  geographic constituencies, 25% from a women's list, and 15% from
  party lists; members to serve six-year terms)
  elections: last held on 11-15 April 2010 (next to be held in 2016)
  election results: Not available; prior to the 11-15 April 2010
  election, members appointmented under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace
  Agreement

Suriname
  unicameral National Assembly or Nationale Assemblee (51
  seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 25 May 2010 (next to be held in May 2015)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Mega Combination 45.1%,
  New Front 27.5%, A-Com 13.7%, People's Alliance 11.8%, DOE 1.9%;
  seats by party - Mega Combination 23, New Front 14, A-Com 7,
  People's Alliance 6, DOE 1

Swaziland
  bicameral Parliament or Libandla consists of the Senate
  (30 seats; 10 members appointed by the House of Assembly and 20
  appointed by the monarch; members to serve five-year terms) and the
  House of Assembly (65 seats; 10 members appointed by the monarch and
  55 elected by popular vote; members to serve five-year terms)
  elections: House of Assembly - last held on 19 September 2008 (next
  to be held in 2013)
  election results: House of Assembly - balloting is done on a
  nonparty basis; candidates for election nominated by the local
  council of each constituency and for each constituency the three
  candidates with the most votes in the first round of voting are
  narrowed to a single winner by a second round

Sweden
  unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; members are
  elected by popular vote on a proportional representation basis to
  serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in
  September 2014)
  election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democrats 30.7%,
  Moderates 30.1%, Greens 7.3%, Liberal People's Party 7.1%, Center
  Party 6.6%, Sweden Democrats 5.7%, Christian Democrats 5.6%, Left
  Party 5.6%; seats by party - Social Democrats 112, Moderates 107,
  Greens 25, Liberal People's Party 24, Center Party 23, Sweden
  Democrats 20, Christian Democrats 19, Left Party 19

Switzerland
  bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung (in
  German), Assemblee Federale (in French), Assemblea Federale (in
  Italian) consists of the Council of States or Standerat (in German),
  Conseil des Etats (in French), Consiglio degli Stati (in Italian)
  (46 seats; membership consists of 2 representatives from each canton
  and 1 from each half canton; members serve four-year terms) and the
  National Council or Nationalrat (in German), Conseil National (in
  French), Consiglio Nazionale (in Italian) (200 seats; members
  elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation
  serve four-year terms)
  elections: Council of States - last held in most cantons in October
  2007 (each canton determines when the next election will be held);
  National Council - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held in
  October 2011)
  election results: Council of States - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - CVP 15, FDP 12, SVP 7, SPS 9, other 3; National
  Council - percent of vote by party - SVP 29%, SPS 19.5%, FDP 15.6%,
  CVP 14.6%, Greens 9.6%, other 11.7%; seats by party - SVP 62, SPS
  43, FDP 31, CVP 31, Green Party 20, other small parties 13

Syria
  unicameral People's Council or Majlis al-Shaab (250 seats;
  members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 22-23 April 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  NPF 172, independents 78

Taiwan
  unicameral Legislative Yuan (113 seats - 73 district members
  elected by popular vote, 34 at-large members elected on basis of
  proportion of islandwide votes received by participating political
  parties, 6 elected by popular vote among aboriginal populations;
  members to serve four-year terms); parties must receive 5% of vote
  to qualify for at-large seats
  elections: Legislative Yuan - last held on 12 January 2008 (next to
  be held in December 2011 or January 2012)
  election results: Legislative Yuan - percent of vote by party - KMT
  53.5%, DPP 38.2%, NPSU 2.4%, PFP 0.3%, others 1.6%, independents 4%;
  seats by party - KMT 81, DPP 27, NPSU 3, PFP 1, independent 1; note
  - following the 2008 elections, several rounds of byelections were
  held to fill seats vacated as a result of corruption changes; seats
  by party as of December 2010 - KMT 74, DPP 33, NPSU 3, independent
  2, vacant 1

Tajikistan
  bicameral Supreme Assembly or Majlisi Oli consists of the
  National Assembly (upper chamber) or Majlisi Milliy (34 seats; 25
  members selected by local deputies, 8 appointed by the president; 1
  seat reserved for the former president; members serve five-year
  terms) and the Assembly of Representatives (lower chamber) or
  Majlisi Namoyandagon (63 seats; members elected by popular vote to
  serve five-year terms)
  elections: National Assembly - last held on 28 February 2010 (next
  to be held in February 2015); Assembly of Representatives - last
  held on 28 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2015)
  election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - NA; Assembly of Representatives - percent of vote
  by party - PDPT 71%, Islamic Revival Party 8.2%, CPT 7%, APT 5.1%,
  PER 5.1%, other 3.6%; seats by party - PDPT 55, Islamic Revival
  Party 2, CPT 2, APT 2, PER 2

Tanzania
  unicameral National Assembly or Bunge (274 seats; 232
  members elected by popular vote, 37 allocated to women nominated by
  the president, 5 to members of the Zanzibar House of
  Representatives; members serve five-year terms); note - in addition
  to enacting laws that apply to the entire United Republic of
  Tanzania, the Assembly enacts laws that apply only to the mainland;
  Zanzibar has its own House of Representatives to make laws
  especially for Zanzibar (the Zanzibar House of Representatives has
  50 seats; members elected by universal suffrage to serve five-year
  terms)
  elections: last held on 14 December 2005 (next to be held on 31
  October 2010)
  election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - CCM 206, CUF 19, CHADEMA 5, other 2, women
  appointed by the president 37, Zanzibar representatives 5 Zanzibar
  House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - CCM 30, CUF 19; 1 seat was nullified with a rerun to take
  place soon

Thailand
  bicameral National Assembly or Rathasapha consisted of the
  Senate or Wuthisapha (150 seats; 76 members elected by popular vote
  representing 76 provinces, 74 appointed by judges and independent
  government bodies; members serve six-year terms) and the House of
  Representatives or Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon (480 seats; 400 members
  elected from 157 multi-seat constituencies and 80 elected on
  proportional party-list basis of 10 per eight zones or groupings of
  provinces; members serve four-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 2 March 2008 (next to be held in
  March 2014); House of Representatives - last election held on 23
  December 2007 (next to be held by December 2011)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party -
  NA; seats by party - PPP 233, DP 164, TNP 34, Motherland 24, Middle
  Way 11, Unity 9, Royalist People's 5; following the PPP's
  dissolution in December 2008, most of the party's seats were assumed
  by its successor, the Phuea Thai Party
  note: 74 senators were appointed on 19 February 2008 by a
  seven-member committee headed by the chief of the Constitutional
  Court; 76 senators were elected on 2 March 2008; elections to the
  Senate are non-partisan; registered political party members are
  disqualified from being senators

Timor-Leste
  unicameral National Parliament (number of seats can vary
  from 52 to 65; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year
  terms)
  elections: last held on 30 June 2007 (next elections due by June
  2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - FRETILIN 29%, CNRT
  24.1%, ASDT-PSD 15.8%, PD 11.3%, PUN 4.5%, KOTA-PPT (Democratic
  Alliance) 3.2%, UNDERTIM 3.2%, others 8.9%; seats by party -
  FRETILIN 21, CNRT 18, ASDT-PSD 11, PD 8, PUN 3, KOTA-PPT 2, UNDERTIM
  2

Togo
  unicameral National Assembly (81 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 14 October 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - RPT 39.4%, UFC 37.0%,
  CAR 8.2%, independents 2.5%, other 12.9%; seats by party - RPT 50,
  UFC 27, CAR 4

Tokelau
  unicameral General Fono (20 seats; members elected by
  popular vote to serve three-year terms based upon proportional
  representation from the three islands; Atafu has 7 seats, Fakaofo
  has 7 seats, Nukunonu has 6 seats); note - the Tokelau Amendment Act
  of 1996 confers limited legislative power to the General Fono
  elections: last held on 17-19 January 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
  election results: independents 20

Tonga
  unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats - 9 for
  nobles elected from among the country's 29 nobles, 17 members
  elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 25 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: Peoples Representatives: percent of vote -
  independents 67.3%, Democratic Party 28.5%; seats - Democratic Party
  12, independents 5

Trinidad and Tobago
  bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (31
  seats; 16 members appointed by the ruling party, 9 by the President,
  6 by the opposition party to serve a maximum term of five years) and
  the House of Representatives (41 seats; members are elected by
  popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: House of Representatives - last held on 24 May 2010 (next
  to be held in 2015)
  election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote - NA;
  seats by party - UNC 21, PNM 12, COP 6, TOP 2
  note: Tobago has a unicameral House of Assembly with 12 members
  serving four-year terms; last election held in January 2005; seats
  by party - PNM 11, DAC 1

Tunisia
  bicameral system consists of the Chamber of Advisors (126
  seats; 85 members elected by municipal counselors, deputies, mayors,
  and professional associations and trade unions; 41 members are
  presidential appointees; members serve six-year terms); and the
  Chamber of Deputies or Majlis al-Nuwaab (214 seats; members elected
  by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: Chamber of Advisors - last held on 3 July 2005 (next to
  be held in July 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 25 October
  2009 (next to be held in October 2014);
  election results: Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party -
  RCD 84.6%, MDS 4.6%, PUP 3.4%, UDU 2.6%, PSL 2.2%, PVP 1.7%,
  Al-Tajdid 0.5%; seats by party - RCD 161, MDS 16, PUP 12, UDU 9, PSL
  8, PVP 6, Al-Tajdid 2; voter turnout 89.4%

Turkey
  unicameral Grand National Assembly of Turkey or Turkiye Buyuk
  Millet Meclisi (550 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 22 July 2007 (next to be held by July 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - AKP 46.7%, CHP 20.8%,
  MHP 14.3%, independents 5.2%, other 13.0%; seats by party - AKP 341,
  CHP 112, MHP 71, independents 26; note - seats by party as of 15
  November 2010 - AKP 335, CHP 101, MHP 70, BDP 20, DSP 6, DP 1, TP 1,
  independents 7, vacant 9 (BDP entered parliament as independents;
  DSP entered parliament on CHP's party list; DP and TP switched to
  their respective parties after having been elected to parliament as
  an independent or on the list of another party); only parties
  surpassing the 10% threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats

Turkmenistan
  unicameral parliament known as the National Assembly
  (Mejlis) (125 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 14 December 2008 (next to be held in
  December 2013)
  election results: 100% of elected officials are members of either
  the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan or its pseudo-civil society
  parent organization, the Revival Movement, and are preapproved by
  the president
  note: in 26 September 2008, a new constitution of Turkmenistan
  abolished a second, 2,507-member legislative body known as the
  People's Council and expanded the number of deputies in the National
  Assembly from 65 to 125; the powers formerly held by the People's
  Council were divided up between the president and the National
  Assembly

Turks and Caicos Islands
  under provisions of the Order in Council,
  the unicameral House of Assembly is dissolved and all seats vacated
  for a period of up to two years; in the interim, a Consultative
  Forum, appointed by the governor, will be established
  elections: last held on 9 February 2007 (next to be held by July
  2011)
  election results: under provisions of the Order in Council, all
  seats in the House of Assembly are vacated

Tuvalu
  unicameral Parliament or Fale I Fono, also called House of
  Assembly (15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 16 September 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 15; 10
  members reelected

Uganda
  unicameral National Assembly (332 seats; 215 members elected
  by popular vote, 104 nominated by legally established special
  interest groups [women 79, army 10, disabled 5, youth 5, labor 5],
  13 ex-officio members; members to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 23 February 2006 (next to be held on 18
  February 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  NRM 205, FDC 37, UPC 9, DP 8, CP 1, JEEMA 1, independents 37, other
  34

Ukraine
  unicameral Supreme Council or Verkhovna Rada (450 seats;
  members allocated on a proportional basis to those parties that gain
  3% or more of the national electoral vote; members to serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 30 September 2007 (next must be held in 2012
  or sooner if a ruling coalition cannot be formed in the Rada)
  election results: percent of vote by party/bloc - Party of Regions
  34.4%, Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko 30.7%, Our Ukraine-People's Self
  Defense 14.2%, CPU 5.4%, Lytvyn Bloc 4%, other parties 11.3%; seats
  by party/bloc - Party of Regions 175, Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko
  156, Our Ukraine-People's Self Defense 72, CPU 27, Lytvyn Bloc 20

United Arab Emirates
  unicameral Federal National Council (FNC) or
  Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani (40 seats; 20 members appointed by the
  rulers of the constituent states, 20 members elected to serve
  four-year terms)
  elections: elections for one half of the FNC (the other half remains
  appointed) held on 18-20 December 2006; the new electoral college -
  a body of 6,689 Emiratis (including 1,189 women) appointed by the
  rulers of the seven emirates - were the only eligible voters and
  candidates; 456 candidates including 65 women ran for 20 contested
  FNC seats; one female from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi won a seat and 8
  women were among the 20 appointed members
  note: the FNC reviews legislation but cannot change or veto

United Kingdom
  bicameral Parliament consists of House of Lords (741
  seats; consisting of approximately 625 life peers, 91 hereditary
  peers, and 25 clergy - as of 15 December 2010) and House of Commons
  (650 seats since 2010 elections; members elected by popular vote to
  serve five-year terms unless the House is dissolved earlier)
  elections: House of Lords - no elections (note - in 1999, as
  provided by the House of Lords Act, elections were held in the House
  of Lords to determine the 92 hereditary peers who would remain
  there; elections are held only as vacancies in the hereditary
  peerage arise); House of Commons - last held on 6 May 2010 (next to
  be held by June 2015)
  election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party -
  Conservative 36.1%, Labor 29%, Liberal Democrats 23%, other 11.9%;
  seats by party - Conservative 305, Labor 258, Liberal Democrat 57,
  other 30
  note: in 1998 elections were held for a Northern Ireland Assembly
  (because of unresolved disputes among existing parties, the transfer
  of power from London to Northern Ireland came only at the end of
  1999 and has been suspended four times, the latest occurring in
  October 2002 and lasting until 8 May 2007); in 1999, the UK held the
  first elections for a Scottish Parliament and a Welsh Assembly, the
  most recent of which were held in May 2007

United States
  bicameral Congress consists of the Senate (100 seats,
  2 members elected from each state by popular vote to serve six-year
  terms; one-third elected every two years) and the House of
  Representatives (435 seats; members directly elected by popular vote
  to serve two-year terms)
  elections: Senate - last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in
  November 2012); House of Representatives - last held on 2 November
  2010 (next to be held in November 2012)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - Democratic Party 51, Republican Party 47, independent 2;
  House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - Democratic Party 192, Republican Party 243

Uruguay
  bicameral General Assembly or Asamblea General consists of
  Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (30 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; vice president has
  one vote in the Senate) and Chamber of Representatives or Camara de
  Representantes (99 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: Chamber of Senators - last held on 25 October 2009 (next
  to be held in October 2014); Chamber of Representatives - last held
  on 25 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014)
  election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -
  NA; seats by party - Frente Amplio 16, Blanco 9, Colorado Party 5;
  Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - Frente Amplio 50, Blanco 30, Colorado Party 17, Independent
  Party 2

Uzbekistan
  bicameral Supreme Assembly or Oliy Majlis consists of an
  upper house or Senate (100 seats; 84 members elected by regional
  governing councils and 16 appointed by the president; members to
  serve five-year terms) and a lower house or Legislative Chamber (150
  seats; 135 members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms,
  while 15 spots reserved for the new Ecological Movement of
  Uzbekistan)
  elections: last held on 27 December 2009 and 10 January 2010 (next
  to be held in December 2014)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by
  party - NA; Legislative Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA;
  seats by party - LDPU 53, NDP 32, National Rebirth Party 31, Adolat
  19
  note: all parties in the Supreme Assembly support President KARIMOV

Vanuatu
  unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular
  vote to serve four-year terms)
  elections: last held on 2 September 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - VP
  11, NUP 8, UMP 7, VRP 7, PPP 4, GC 2, MPP 1, NA 1, NAG 1, PAP 1,
  Shepherds Alliance 1, VFFP 1, VLP 1, VNP 1, VPRFP 1, and independent
  4; note - political party associations are fluid
  note: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of culture
  and language

Venezuela
  unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (165
  seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms;
  three seats reserved for the indigenous peoples of Venezuela)
  elections: last held on 26 September 2010 (next to be held in 2015)
  election results: percent of vote by party - pro-government 48.9%,
  opposition coalition 47.9%, other 3.2%; seats by party -
  pro-government 98, opposition 65, other 2

Vietnam
  unicameral National Assembly or Quoc Hoi (493 seats; members
  elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 20 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  CPV 450, non-party CPV-approved 42, self-nominated 1; note - 493
  candidates were elected; CPV and non-party CPV-approved delegates
  were members of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front

Virgin Islands
  unicameral Senate (15 seats; members are elected by
  popular vote to serve two-year terms)
  elections: last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November
  2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  Democratic Party 10, ICM 2, independent 3
  note: the Virgin Islands elects one non-voting representative to the
  US House of Representatives; election last held 2 November 2010
  (next to be held on November 2012)

Wallis and Futuna
  unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee
  Territoriale (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 1 April 2007 (next to be held in April 2012)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  UMP 13, other 7
  note: Wallis and Futuna elects one senator to the French Senate and
  one deputy to the French National Assembly; French Senate -
  elections last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held by
  September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats -
  UMP 1; French National Assembly - elections last held on 17 June
  2007 (next to be held by 2012); results - percent of vote by party -
  NA; seats - PS 1

Yemen
  bicameral legislature consisting of a Shura Council (111
  seats; members appointed by the president) and House of
  Representatives (301 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve
  eight-year terms)
  elections: last held on 27 April 2003 (scheduled April 2009 election
  postponed for two years)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  GPC 238, Islah 47, YSP 6, Nasserite Unionist Party 3, National Arab
  Socialist Ba'th Party 2, independents 5

Zambia
  unicameral National Assembly (158 seats; 150 members are
  elected by popular vote, 8 members appointed by the president, to
  serve five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 28 September 2006 (next to be held in
  October 2011)
  election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
  MMD 72, PF 44, UDA 27, ULP 2, NDF 1, independents 2; seats not
  determined 2

Zimbabwe
  bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate (93 seats - 60
  members elected by popular vote for a five-year term, 10 provincial
  governors nominated by the president and the prime minister, 16
  traditional chiefs elected by the Council of Chiefs, 2 seats held by
  the president and deputy president of the Council of Chiefs, and 5
  members appointed by the president) and a House of Assembly (210
  seats - members elected by popular vote for five-year terms)
  elections: last held on 28 March 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
  election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - MDC 51.6%,
  ZANU-PF 45.8%, other 2.6%; seats by party - MDC 30, ZANU-PF 30;
  House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - MDC 51.3%, ZANU-PF
  45.8%, other 2.9%; seats by party - MDC 109, ZANU-PF 97, other 4

======================================================================

@2102

Field Listing :: Life expectancy at birth

This entry contains the average number of years to be lived by a group of people born in the same year, if mortality at each age remains constant in the future. The entry includes total population as well as the male and female components. Life expectancy at birth is also a measure of overall quality of life in a country and summarizes the mortality at all ages. It can also be thought of as indicating the potential return on investment in human capital and is necessary for the calculation of various actuarial measures. Country Comparison to the World Country

Life expectancy at birth(years)

Afghanistan
  total population: 44.65 years
  male: 44.45 years
  female: 44.87 years (2010 est.)

Albania
  total population: 77.22 years
  male: 74.65 years
  female: 80.11 years (2010 est.)

Algeria
  total population: 74.26 years
  male: 72.57 years
  female: 76.04 years (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  total population: 73.97 years
  male: 71.04 years
  female: 77.08 years (2010 est.)

Andorra
  total population: 82.36 years
  male: 80.3 years
  female: 84.55 years (2010 est.)

Angola
  total population: 38.48 years
  male: 37.48 years
  female: 39.52 years (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  total population: 80.77 years
  male: 78.22 years
  female: 83.39 years (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  total population: 75.26 years
  male: 73.27 years
  female: 77.35 years (2010 est.)

Argentina
  total population: 76.76 years
  male: 73.52 years
  female: 80.17 years (2010 est.)

Armenia
  total population: 72.96 years
  male: 69.33 years
  female: 77.07 years (2010 est.)

Aruba
  total population: 75.51 years
  male: 72.47 years
  female: 78.61 years (2010 est.)

Australia
  total population: 81.72 years
  male: 79.33 years
  female: 84.25 years (2010 est.)

Austria
  total population: 79.65 years
  male: 76.74 years
  female: 82.71 years (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  total population: 67.01 years
  male: 62.86 years
  female: 71.67 years (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  total population: 70.84 years
  male: 68.48 years
  female: 73.27 years (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  total population: 75.4 years
  male: 72.87 years
  female: 78.01 years (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  total population: 69.44 years
  male: 67.64 years
  female: 71.3 years (2010 est.)

Barbados
  total population: 74.14 years
  male: 71.88 years
  female: 76.42 years (2010 est.)

Belarus
  total population: 70.92 years
  male: 65.26 years
  female: 76.93 years (2010 est.)

Belgium
  total population: 79.37 years
  male: 76.21 years
  female: 82.68 years (2010 est.)

Belize
  total population: 68.23 years
  male: 66.54 years
  female: 70 years (2010 est.)

Benin
  total population: 59.42 years
  male: 58.21 years
  female: 60.68 years (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  total population: 80.6 years
  male: 77.37 years
  female: 83.88 years (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  total population: 66.71 years
  male: 65.89 years
  female: 67.57 years (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  total population: 67.23 years
  male: 64.52 years
  female: 70.07 years (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  total population: 78.66 years
  male: 75.09 years
  female: 82.49 years (2010 est.)

Botswana
  total population: 60.93 years
  male: 61.11 years
  female: 60.75 years (2010 est.)

Brazil
  total population: 72.26 years
  male: 68.7 years
  female: 76 years (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  total population: 77.45 years
  male: 76.18 years
  female: 78.78 years (2010 est.)

Brunei
  total population: 75.96 years
  male: 73.72 years
  female: 78.31 years (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  total population: 73.35 years
  male: 69.74 years
  female: 77.17 years (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  total population: 53.32 years
  male: 51.39 years
  female: 55.31 years (2010 est.)

Burma
  total population: 64.52 years
  male: 62.23 years
  female: 66.94 years (2010 est.)

Burundi
  total population: 58.29 years
  male: 56.65 years
  female: 59.98 years (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  total population: 62.28 years
  male: 59.95 years
  female: 64.72 years (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  total population: 54.04 years
  male: 53.21 years
  female: 54.9 years (2010 est.)

Canada
  total population: 81.29 years
  male: 78.72 years
  female: 84 years (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  total population: 70.41 years
  male: 68.24 years
  female: 72.64 years (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  total population: 80.57 years
  male: 77.91 years
  female: 83.27 years (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  total population: 49.68 years
  male: 48.45 years
  female: 50.95 years (2010 est.)

Chad
  total population: 47.99 years
  male: 46.95 years
  female: 49.07 years (2010 est.)

Chile
  total population: 77.53 years
  male: 74.26 years
  female: 80.96 years (2010 est.)

China
  total population: 74.51 years
  male: 72.54 years
  female: 76.77 years (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
  total population: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  total population: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Colombia
  total population: 74.31 years
  male: 70.98 years
  female: 77.84 years (2010 est.)

Comoros
  total population: 63.83 years
  male: 61.41 years
  female: 66.32 years (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  total population: 54.73 years
  male: 52.93 years
  female: 56.59 years (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  total population: 54.54 years
  male: 53.27 years
  female: 55.84 years (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  total population: 74.47 years
  male: 71.69 years
  female: 77.38 years (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  total population: 77.54 years
  male: 74.93 years
  female: 80.28 years (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  total population: 56.19 years
  male: 55.27 years
  female: 57.13 years (2010 est.)

Croatia
  total population: 75.58 years
  male: 71.95 years
  female: 79.4 years (2010 est.)

Cuba
  total population: 77.64 years
  male: 75.36 years
  female: 80.05 years (2010 est.)

Curacao
  total: NA
  males: 72.4 years
  females: 80.1 years (2009)

Cyprus
  total population: 77.66 years
  male: 74.88 years
  female: 80.57 years (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  total population: 77.01 years
  male: 73.74 years
  female: 80.48 years (2010 est.)

Denmark
  total population: 78.47 years
  male: 76.11 years
  female: 80.97 years (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  total population: 60.73 years
  male: 58.31 years
  female: 63.22 years (2010 est.)

Dominica
  total population: 75.77 years
  male: 72.82 years
  female: 78.87 years (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  total population: 77.15 years
  male: 75.01 years
  female: 79.38 years (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  total population: 75.52 years
  male: 72.58 years
  female: 78.6 years (2010 est.)

Egypt
  total population: 72.4 years
  male: 69.82 years
  female: 75.1 years (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  total population: 73.18 years
  male: 69.91 years
  female: 76.62 years (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  total population: 61.98 years
  male: 61.05 years
  female: 62.94 years (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  total population: 62.15 years
  male: 60.06 years
  female: 64.3 years (2010 est.)

Estonia
  total population: 73.08 years
  male: 67.74 years
  female: 78.76 years (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  total population: 55.8 years
  male: 53.28 years
  female: 58.39 years (2010 est.)

European Union
  total population: 78.82 years
  male: 75.7 years
  female: 82.13 years (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  total population: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Faroe Islands
  total population: 79.58 years
  male: 77.13 years
  female: 82.21 years (2010 est.)

Fiji
  total population: 71.03 years
  male: 68.46 years
  female: 73.73 years (2010 est.)

Finland
  total population: 79.13 years
  male: 75.64 years
  female: 82.76 years (2010 est.)

France
  total population: 81.09 years
  male: 77.91 years
  female: 84.44 years (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  total population: 76.91 years
  male: 74.44 years
  female: 79.5 years (2010 est.)

Gabon
  total population: 52.75 years
  male: 51.96 years
  female: 53.58 years (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  total population: 54.07 years
  male: 52.32 years
  female: 55.86 years (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  total population: 73.68 years
  male: 72.05 years
  female: 75.4 years (2010 est.)

Georgia
  total population: 76.93 years
  male: 73.61 years
  female: 80.64 years (2010 est.)

Germany
  total population: 79.41 years
  male: 76.41 years
  female: 82.57 years (2010 est.)

Ghana
  total population: 60.55 years
  male: 59.36 years
  female: 61.78 years (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  total population: 78.53 years
  male: 75.69 years
  female: 81.56 years (2010 est.)

Greece
  total population: 79.8 years
  male: 77.24 years
  female: 82.52 years (2010 est.)

Greenland
  total population: 70.67 years
  male: 68.05 years
  female: 73.43 years (2010 est.)

Grenada
  total population: 72.79 years
  male: 70.27 years
  female: 75.55 years (2010 est.)

Guam
  total population: 78.18 years
  male: 75.14 years
  female: 81.41 years (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  total population: 70.59 years
  male: 68.76 years
  female: 72.51 years (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  total population: 82.08 years
  male: 79.43 years
  female: 84.87 years (2010 est.)

Guinea
  total population: 57.6 years
  male: 56.13 years
  female: 59.12 years (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  total population: 48.3 years
  male: 46.44 years
  female: 50.22 years (2010 est.)

Guyana
  total population: 66.74 years
  male: 62.93 years
  female: 70.74 years (2010 est.)

Haiti
  total population: 62.17 years
  male: 60.84 years
  female: 63.53 years
  note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those
  of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of
  the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely
  correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Honduras
  total population: 70.51 years
  male: 68.82 years
  female: 72.28 years (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  total population: 81.96 years
  male: 79.24 years
  female: 84.88 years (2010 est.)

Hungary
  total population: 74.57 years
  male: 70.8 years
  female: 78.55 years (2010 est.)

Iceland
  total population: 80.79 years
  male: 78.63 years
  female: 83.04 years (2010 est.)

India
  total population: 66.46 years
  male: 65.46 years
  female: 67.57 years (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  total population: 71.05 years
  male: 68.53 years
  female: 73.69 years (2010 est.)

Iran
  total population: 69.77 years
  male: 68.32 years
  female: 71.29 years (2010 est.)

Iraq
  total population: 70.25 years
  male: 68.88 years
  female: 71.69 years (2010 est.)

Ireland
  total population: 80.07 years
  male: 77.86 years
  female: 82.41 years (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  total population: 80.53 years
  male: 79.01 years
  female: 82.18 years (2010 est.)

Israel
  total population: 80.86 years
  male: 78.7 years
  female: 83.12 years (2010 est.)

Italy
  total population: 80.33 years
  male: 77.39 years
  female: 83.46 years (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  total population: 73.48 years
  male: 71.8 years
  female: 75.25 years (2010 est.)

Japan
  total population: 82.17 years
  male: 78.87 years
  female: 85.66 years (2010 est.)

Jersey
  total population: 81.28 years
  male: 78.88 years
  female: 83.83 years (2010 est.)

Jordan
  total population: 79.92 years
  male: 78.64 years
  female: 81.28 years (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  total population: 68.19 years
  male: 62.91 years
  female: 73.78 years (2010 est.)

Kenya
  total population: 58.82 years
  male: 58.33 years
  female: 59.32 years (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  total population: 64.03 years
  male: 61.68 years
  female: 66.49 years (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  total population: 64.13 years
  male: 61.53 years
  female: 66.89 years (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  total population: 78.81 years
  male: 75.56 years
  female: 82.28 years (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  total population: 77.89 years
  male: 76.64 years
  female: 79.18 years (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  total population: 69.74 years
  male: 65.74 years
  female: 73.94 years (2010 est.)

Laos
  total population: 62 years
  male: 60.14 years
  female: 63.94 years (2010 est.)

Latvia
  total population: 72.42 years
  male: 67.27 years
  female: 77.84 years (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  total population: 74.79 years
  male: 73.28 years
  female: 76.36 years (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  total population: 50.67 years
  male: 50.58 years
  female: 50.76 years (2010 est.)

Liberia
  total population: 56.58 years
  male: 55.05 years
  female: 58.14 years (2010 est.)

Libya
  total population: 77.47 years
  male: 75.18 years
  female: 79.88 years (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  total population: 80.19 years
  male: 76.73 years
  female: 83.66 years (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  total population: 75.12 years
  male: 70.23 years
  female: 80.29 years (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  total population: 79.48 years
  male: 76.22 years
  female: 82.95 years (2010 est.)

Macau
  total population: 84.38 years
  male: 81.42 years
  female: 87.49 years (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  total population: 74.92 years
  male: 72.4 years
  female: 77.64 years (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  total population: 63.26 years
  male: 61.27 years
  female: 65.3 years (2010 est.)

Malawi
  total population: 50.92 years
  male: 50.22 years
  female: 51.64 years (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  total population: 73.55 years
  male: 70.81 years
  female: 76.48 years (2010 est.)

Maldives
  total population: 74.21 years
  male: 72 years
  female: 76.54 years (2010 est.)

Mali
  total population: 52.17 years
  male: 50.59 years
  female: 53.8 years (2010 est.)

Malta
  total population: 79.59 years
  male: 77.34 years
  female: 81.97 years (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  total population: 71.48 years
  male: 69.41 years
  female: 73.65 years (2010 est.)

Mauritania
  total population: 60.75 years
  male: 58.57 years
  female: 62.99 years (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  total population: 74.25 years
  male: 70.77 years
  female: 77.89 years (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  total population: 63.28 years
  male: 60.99 years
  female: 65.63 years (2010 est.)

Mexico
  total population: 76.26 years
  male: 73.45 years
  female: 79.22 years (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  total population: 71.23 years
  male: 69.32 years
  female: 73.24 years (2010 est.)

Moldova
  total population: 71.09 years
  male: 67.39 years
  female: 75 years (2010 est.)

Monaco
  total population: 89.78 years
  male: 85.81 years
  female: 93.9 years (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  total population: 67.98 years
  male: 65.54 years
  female: 70.54 years (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  total population: 72.91 years
  male: 74.82 years
  female: 70.91 years (2010 est.)

Morocco
  total population: 75.69 years
  male: 72.63 years
  female: 78.9 years (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  total population: 41.37 years
  male: 42.05 years
  female: 40.68 years (2010 est.)

Namibia
  total population: 51.95 years
  male: 52.25 years
  female: 51.64 years (2010 est.)

Nauru
  total population: 64.99 years
  male: 60.93 years
  female: 68.39 years (2010 est.)

Nepal
  total population: 65.81 years
  male: 64.62 years
  female: 67.05 years (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  total population: 79.55 years
  male: 76.94 years
  female: 82.3 years (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  total population: 76.56 years
  male: 72.46 years
  female: 80.86 years (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  total population: 80.48 years
  male: 78.52 years
  female: 82.53 years (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  total population: 71.78 years
  male: 69.61 years
  female: 74.05 years (2010 est.)

Niger
  total population: 52.99 years
  male: 51.75 years
  female: 54.26 years (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  total population: 47.24 years
  male: 46.46 years
  female: 48.08 years (2010 est.)

Niue
  total population: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Norfolk Island
  total population: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  total population: 76.9 years
  male: 74.27 years
  female: 79.68 years (2010 est.)

Norway
  total population: 80.08 years
  male: 77.42 years
  female: 82.89 years (2010 est.)

Oman
  total population: 73.97 years
  male: 72.15 years
  female: 75.88 years (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  total population: 65.63 years
  male: 63.84 years
  female: 67.5 years (2010 est.)

Palau
  total population: 71.51 years
  male: 68.36 years
  female: 74.84 years (2010 est.)

Panama
  total population: 77.61 years
  male: 74.85 years
  female: 80.5 years (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  total population: 65.99 years
  male: 63.78 years
  female: 68.31 years (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  total population: 75.99 years
  male: 73.39 years
  female: 78.71 years (2010 est.)

Peru
  total population: 71.03 years
  male: 69.14 years
  female: 73 years (2010 est.)

Philippines
  total population: 71.38 years
  male: 68.45 years
  female: 74.45 years (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  total population: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Poland
  total population: 75.85 years
  male: 71.88 years
  female: 80.06 years (2010 est.)

Portugal
  total population: 78.38 years
  male: 75.12 years
  female: 81.86 years (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  total population: 78.77 years
  male: 75.15 years
  female: 82.57 years (2010 est.)

Qatar
  total population: 75.51 years
  male: 73.78 years
  female: 77.33 years (2010 est.)

Romania
  total population: 73.74 years
  male: 70.26 years
  female: 77.42 years (2010 est.)

Russia
  total population: 66.16 years
  male: 59.54 years
  female: 73.17 years (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  total population: 57.46 years
  male: 56.06 years
  female: 58.91 years (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  total population: 78.6
  years
  male: 75.68 years
  female: 81.67 years (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  total population: 74.37 years
  male: 72.03 years
  female: 76.75 years (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  total population: 76.65 years
  male: 73.97 years
  female: 79.48 years (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  total population: 79.74 years
  male: 77.49 years
  female: 82.12 years (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  total population: 73.9 years
  male: 72.04 years
  female: 75.82 years (2010 est.)

Samoa
  total population: 72.13 years
  male: 69.28 years
  female: 75.13 years (2010 est.)

San Marino
  total population: 82.95 years
  male: 80.45 years
  female: 85.68 years (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  total population: 62.73 years
  male: 61.58 years
  female: 63.91 years (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  total population: 73.87 years
  male: 71.93 years
  female: 75.9 years (2010 est.)

Senegal
  total population: 59.38 years
  male: 57.48 years
  female: 61.34 years (2010 est.)

Serbia
  total population: 74.09 years
  male: 71.26 years
  female: 77.1 years (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  total population: 73.28 years
  male: 68.6 years
  female: 78.09 years (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  total population: 55.69 years
  male: 53.27 years
  female: 58.18 years (2010 est.)

Singapore
  total population: 82.06 years
  male: 79.45 years
  female: 84.87 years (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  total population: NA
  male: 73.1 years
  female: 78.2 years (2009)

Slovakia
  total population: 75.62 years
  male: 71.7 years
  female: 79.74 years (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  total population: 77.12 years
  male: 73.45 years
  female: 81.03 years (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  total population: 73.94 years
  male: 71.37 years
  female: 76.63 years (2010 est.)

Somalia
  total population: 50 years
  male: 48.12 years
  female: 51.94 years (2010 est.)

South Africa
  total population: 49.2 years
  male: 50.08 years
  female: 48.29 years (2010 est.)

Spain
  total population: 81.07 years
  male: 78.06 years
  female: 84.27 years (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  total population: 75.3 years
  male: 73.22 years
  female: 77.47 years (2010 est.)

Sudan
  total population: 54.21 years
  male: 53.04 years
  female: 55.44 years (2010 est.)

Suriname
  total population: 73.98 years
  male: 71.24 years
  female: 76.91 years (2010 est.)

Svalbard
  total population: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Swaziland
  total population: 47.97 years
  male: 48.14 years
  female: 47.8 years (2010 est.)

Sweden
  total population: 80.97 years
  male: 78.69 years
  female: 83.4 years (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  total population: 80.97 years
  male: 78.14 years
  female: 83.95 years (2010 est.)

Syria
  total population: 74.46 years
  male: 72.1 years
  female: 76.96 years (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  total population: 78.15 years
  male: 75.34 years
  female: 81.2 years (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  total population: 65.68 years
  male: 62.63 years
  female: 68.88 years (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  total population: 52.49 years
  male: 50.99 years
  female: 54.03 years (2010 est.)

Thailand
  total population: 75.02 years
  male: 72.94 years
  female: 77.21 years (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  total population: 67.61 years
  male: 65.23 years
  female: 70.11 years (2010 est.)

Togo
  total population: 62.25 years
  male: 59.74 years
  female: 64.83 years (2010 est.)

Tokelau
  total population: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA

Tonga
  total population: 71.03 years
  male: 68.46 years
  female: 73.73 years (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  total population: 71.09 years
  male: 68.23 years
  female: 74.02 years (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  total population: 75.99 years
  male: 74.17 years
  female: 77.94 years (2010 est.)

Turkey
  total population: 72.23 years
  male: 70.37 years
  female: 74.19 years (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  total population: 68.2 years
  male: 65.25 years
  female: 71.29 years (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  total population: 75.64 years
  male: 73.32 years
  female: 78.07 years (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  total population: 64.39 years
  male: 62.36 years
  female: 66.51 years (2010 est.)

Uganda
  total population: 52.98 years
  male: 51.92 years
  female: 54.07 years (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  total population: 68.46 years
  male: 62.56 years
  female: 74.74 years (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  total population: 76.32 years
  male: 73.75 years
  female: 79.01 years (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  total population: 79.92 years
  male: 77.84 years
  female: 82.11 years (2010 est.)

United States
  total population: 78.24 years
  male: 75.78 years
  female: 80.81 years (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  total population: 76.55 years
  male: 73.3 years
  female: 79.92 years (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  total population: 72.24 years
  male: 69.22 years
  female: 75.44 years (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  total population: 64.33 years
  male: 62.7 years
  female: 66.04 years (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  total population: 73.77 years
  male: 70.69 years
  female: 77 years (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  total population: 71.94 years
  male: 69.48 years
  female: 74.69 years (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  total population: 79.19 years
  male: 76.14 years
  female: 82.41 years (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  total population: 78.83 years
  male: 75.85 years
  female: 81.96 years (2010 est.)

West Bank
  total population: 74.78 years
  male: 72.76 years
  female: 76.92 years (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  total population: 60.74 years
  male: 58.57 years
  female: 62.99 years (2010 est.)

World
  total population: 66.12 years
  male: 64.29 years
  female: 68.07 years (2009 est.)

Yemen
  total population: 63.36 years
  male: 61.35 years
  female: 65.47 years (2010 est.)

Zambia
  total population: 52.03 years
  male: 50.81 years
  female: 53.28 years (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  total population: 47.55 years
  male: 47.98 years
  female: 47.11 years (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2103

Field Listing :: Literacy

This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of the Factbook. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons. Low levels of literacy, and education in general, can impede the economic development of a country in the current rapidly changing, technology-driven world. Country

Literacy(%)

Afghanistan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 28.1%
  male: 43.1%
  female: 12.6% (2000 est.)

Albania
  definition: age 9 and over can read and write
  total population: 98.7%
  male: 99.2%
  female: 98.3% (2001 census)

Algeria
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 69.9%
  male: 79.6%
  female: 60.1% (2002 est.)

American Samoa
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 97%
  male: 98%
  female: 97% (1980 est.)

Andorra
  definition: NA
  total population: 100%
  male: 100%
  female: 100%

Angola
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 67.4%
  male: 82.9%
  female: 54.2% (2001 est.)

Anguilla
  definition: age 12 and over can read and write
  total population: 95%
  male: 95%
  female: 95% (1984 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  definition: age 15 and over has completed five
  or more years of schooling
  total population: 85.8%
  male: NA
  female: NA (2003 est.)

Argentina
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 97.2%
  male: 97.2%
  female: 97.2% (2001 census)

Armenia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.4%
  male: 99.7%
  female: 99.2% (2001 census)

Aruba
  definition: NA
  total population: 97.3%
  male: 97.5%
  female: 97.1% (2000 census)

Australia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Austria
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 98%
  male: NA
  female: NA

Azerbaijan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 98.8%
  male: 99.5%
  female: 98.2% (1999 census)

Bahamas, The
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 95.6%
  male: 94.7%
  female: 96.5% (2003 est.)

Bahrain
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 86.5%
  male: 88.6%
  female: 83.6% (2001 census)

Bangladesh
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 47.9%
  male: 54%
  female: 41.4% (2001 Census)

Barbados
  definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
  total population: 99.7%
  male: 99.7%
  female: 99.7% (2002 est.)

Belarus
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.6%
  male: 99.8%
  female: 99.4% (1999 census)

Belgium
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Belize
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 76.9%
  male: 76.7%
  female: 77.1% (2000 census)

Benin
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 34.7%
  male: 47.9%
  female: 23.3% (2002 census)

Bermuda
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 98%
  male: 98%
  female: 99% (2005 est.)

Bhutan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 47%
  male: 60%
  female: 34% (2003 est.)

Bolivia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 86.7%
  male: 93.1%
  female: 80.7% (2001 census)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 96.7%
  male: 99%
  female: 94.4% (2000 est.)

Botswana
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 81.2%
  male: 80.4%
  female: 81.8% (2003 est.)

Brazil
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 88.6%
  male: 88.4%
  female: 88.8% (2004 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 97.8% (1991 est.)
  male: NA
  female: NA

Brunei
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 92.7%
  male: 95.2%
  female: 90.2% (2001 census)

Bulgaria
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 98.2%
  male: 98.7%
  female: 97.7% (2001 census)

Burkina Faso
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 21.8%
  male: 29.4%
  female: 15.2% (2003 est.)

Burma
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 89.9%
  male: 93.9%
  female: 86.4% (2006 est.)

Burundi
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 59.3%
  male: 67.3%
  female: 52.2% (2000 est.)

Cambodia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 73.6%
  male: 84.7%
  female: 64.1% (2004 est.)

Cameroon
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 67.9%
  male: 77%
  female: 59.8% (2001 est.)

Canada
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Cape Verde
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 76.6%
  male: 85.8%
  female: 69.2% (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands
  definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
  total population: 98%
  male: 98%
  female: 98% (1970 est.)

Central African Republic
  definition: age 15 and over can read and
  write
  total population: 48.6%
  male: 64.8%
  female: 33.5% (2000 est.)

Chad
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic
  total population: 25.7%
  male: 40.8%
  female: 12.8% (2000 est.)

Chile
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 95.7%
  male: 95.8%
  female: 95.6% (2002 census)

China
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 91.6%
  male: 95.7%
  female: 87.6% (2007)

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  NA

Colombia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 90.4%
  male: 90.1%
  female: 90.7% (2005 census)

Comoros
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 56.5%
  male: 63.6%
  female: 49.3% (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  definition: age 15 and over can
  read and write French, Lingala, Kingwana, or Tshiluba
  total population: 67.2%
  male: 80.9%
  female: 54.1% (2001 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 83.8%
  male: 89.6%
  female: 78.4% (2003 est.)

Cook Islands
  definition: NA
  total population: 95%
  male: NA
  female: NA

Costa Rica
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 94.9%
  male: 94.7%
  female: 95.1% (2000 census)

Cote d'Ivoire
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 48.7%
  male: 60.8%
  female: 38.6% (2000 est.)

Croatia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 98.1%
  male: 99.3%
  female: 97.1% (2001 census)

Cuba
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.8%
  male: 99.8%
  female: 99.8% (2002 census)

Cyprus
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 97.6%
  male: 98.9%
  female: 96.3% (2001 census)

Czech Republic
  definition: NA
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Denmark
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Djibouti
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 67.9%
  male: 78%
  female: 58.4% (2003 est.)

Dominica
  definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
  total population: 94%
  male: 94%
  female: 94% (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 87%
  male: 86.8%
  female: 87.2% (2002 census)

Ecuador
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 91%
  male: 92.3%
  female: 89.7% (2001 census)

Egypt
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 71.4%
  male: 83%
  female: 59.4% (2005 est.)

El Salvador
  definition: age 5 and over can read and write
  total population: 81.1%
  male: 82.8%
  female: 79.6% (2007 census)

Equatorial Guinea
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 87%
  male: 93.4%
  female: 80.5% (2000 est.)

Eritrea
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 58.6%
  male: 69.9%
  female: 47.6% (2003 est.)

Estonia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.8%
  male: 99.8%
  female: 99.8% (2000 census)

Ethiopia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 42.7%
  male: 50.3%
  female: 35.1% (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA

Faroe Islands
  NA; note - probably 99%, the same as Denmark proper

Fiji
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 93.7%
  male: 95.5%
  female: 91.9% (2003 est.)

Finland
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 100%
  male: 100%
  female: 100% (2000 est.)

France
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

French Polynesia
  definition: age 14 and over can read and write
  total population: 98%
  male: 98%
  female: 98% (1977 est.)

Gabon
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 63.2%
  male: 73.7%
  female: 53.3% (1995 est.)

Gambia, The
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 40.1%
  male: 47.8%
  female: 32.8% (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 92.4%
  male: 96.7%
  female: 88% (2004 est.)

Georgia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 100%
  male: 100%
  female: 100% (2004 est.)

Germany
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Ghana
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 57.9%
  male: 66.4%
  female: 49.8% (2000 census)

Gibraltar
  definition: NA
  total population: above 80%
  male: NA
  female: NA

Greece
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 96%
  male: 97.8%
  female: 94.2% (2001 census)

Greenland
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 100%
  male: 100%
  female: 100% (2001 est.)

Grenada
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 96%
  male: NA
  female: NA (2003 est.)

Guam
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (1990 est.)

Guatemala
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 69.1%
  male: 75.4%
  female: 63.3% (2002 census)

Guernsey
  NA

Guinea
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 29.5%
  male: 42.6%
  female: 18.1% (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 42.4%
  male: 58.1%
  female: 27.4% (2003 est.)

Guyana
  definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
  total population: 91.8%
  male: 92%
  female: 91.6% (2002 Census)

Haiti
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 52.9%
  male: 54.8%
  female: 51.2% (2003 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  definition: NA
  total population: 100%
  male: 100%
  female: 100%

Honduras
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 80%
  male: 79.8%
  female: 80.2% (2001 census)

Hong Kong
  definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
  total population: 93.5%
  male: 96.9%
  female: 89.6% (2002)

Hungary
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.4%
  male: 99.5%
  female: 99.3% (2003 est.)

Iceland
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

India
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 61%
  male: 73.4%
  female: 47.8% (2001 census)

Indonesia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 90.4%
  male: 94%
  female: 86.8% (2004 est.)

Iran
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 77%
  male: 83.5%
  female: 70.4% (2002 est.)

Iraq
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 74.1%
  male: 84.1%
  female: 64.2% (2000 est.)

Ireland
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Isle of Man
  NA

Israel
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 97.1%
  male: 98.5%
  female: 95.9% (2004 est.)

Italy
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 98.4%
  male: 98.8%
  female: 98% (2001 census)

Jamaica
  definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
  total population: 87.9%
  male: 84.1%
  female: 91.6% (2003 est.)

Japan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2002)

Jersey
  NA

Jordan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 89.9%
  male: 95.1%
  female: 84.7% (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.5%
  male: 99.8%
  female: 99.3% (1999 est.)

Kenya
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 85.1%
  male: 90.6%
  female: 79.7% (2003 est.)

Kiribati
  NA

Korea, North
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99%

Korea, South
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 97.9%
  male: 99.2%
  female: 96.6% (2002)

Kosovo
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 91.9%
  male: 96.6%
  female: 87.5% (2007 Census)

Kuwait
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 93.3%
  male: 94.4%
  female: 91% (2005 census)

Kyrgyzstan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 98.7%
  male: 99.3%
  female: 98.1% (1999 census)

Laos
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 73%
  male: 83%
  female: 63% (2005 Census)

Latvia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.7%
  male: 99.8%
  female: 99.7% (2000 census)

Lebanon
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 87.4%
  male: 93.1%
  female: 82.2% (2003 est.)

Lesotho
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 84.8%
  male: 74.5%
  female: 94.5% (2003 est.)

Liberia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 57.5%
  male: 73.3%
  female: 41.6% (2003 est.)

Libya
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 82.6%
  male: 92.4%
  female: 72% (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein
  definition: age 10 and over can read and write
  total population: 100%
  male: 100%
  female: 100%

Lithuania
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.6%
  male: 99.6%
  female: 99.6% (2001 census)

Luxembourg
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 100%
  male: 100%
  female: 100% (2000 est.)

Macau
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 91.3%
  male: 95.3%
  female: 87.8% (2001 census)

Macedonia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 96.1%
  male: 98.2%
  female: 94.1% (2002 census)

Madagascar
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 68.9%
  male: 75.5%
  female: 62.5% (2003 est.)

Malawi
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 62.7%
  male: 76.1%
  female: 49.8% (2003 est.)

Malaysia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 88.7%
  male: 92%
  female: 85.4% (2000 census)

Maldives
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 93.8%
  male: 93%
  female: 94.7% (2006 Census)

Mali
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 46.4%
  male: 53.5%
  female: 39.6% (2003 est.)

Malta
  definition: age 10 and over can read and write
  total population: 92.8%
  male: 91.7%
  female: 93.9% (2005 Census)

Marshall Islands
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 93.7%
  male: 93.6%
  female: 93.7% (1999)

Mauritania
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 51.2%
  male: 59.5%
  female: 43.4% (2000 census)

Mauritius
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 84.4%
  male: 88.4%
  female: 80.5% (2000 census)

Mayotte
  86%

Mexico
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 86.1%
  male: 86.9%
  female: 85.3% (2005 Census)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  definition: age 15 and over can read
  and write
  total population: 89%
  male: 91%
  female: 88% (1980 est.)

Moldova
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.1%
  male: 99.7%
  female: 98.6% (2005 est.)

Monaco
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Mongolia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 97.8%
  male: 98%
  female: 97.5% (2000 census)

Montserrat
  definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
  total population: 97%
  male: 97%
  female: 97% (1970 est.)

Morocco
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 52.3%
  male: 65.7%
  female: 39.6% (2004 census)

Mozambique
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 47.8%
  male: 63.5%
  female: 32.7% (2003 est.)

Namibia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 85%
  male: 86.8%
  female: 83.5% (2001 census)

Nauru
  NA

Nepal
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 48.6%
  male: 62.7%
  female: 34.9% (2001 census)

Netherlands
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

New Caledonia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 96.2%
  male: 96.8%
  female: 95.5% (1996 census)

New Zealand
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Nicaragua
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 67.5%
  male: 67.2%
  female: 67.8% (2003 est.)

Niger
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 28.7%
  male: 42.9%
  female: 15.1% (2005 est.)

Nigeria
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 68%
  male: 75.7%
  female: 60.6% (2003 est.)

Niue
  definition: NA
  total population: 95%
  male: NA
  female: NA

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  definition: age 15 and over can read and
  write
  total population: 97%
  male: 97%
  female: 96% (1980 est.)

Norway
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 100%
  male: 100%
  female: 100%

Oman
  definition: NA
  total population: 81.4%
  male: 86.8%
  female: 73.5% (2003 census)

Pakistan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 49.9%
  male: 63%
  female: 36% (2005 est.)

Palau
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 92%
  male: 93%
  female: 90% (1980 est.)

Panama
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 91.9%
  male: 92.5%
  female: 91.2% (2000 census)

Papua New Guinea
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 57.3%
  male: 63.4%
  female: 50.9% (2000 census)

Paraguay
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 94%
  male: 94.9%
  female: 93% (2003 est.)

Peru
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 92.9%
  male: 96.4%
  female: 89.4% (2007 Census)

Philippines
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 92.6%
  male: 92.5%
  female: 92.7% (2000 census)

Pitcairn Islands
  NA

Poland
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.8%
  male: 99.8%
  female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

Portugal
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 93.3%
  male: 95.5%
  female: 91.3% (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 94.1%
  male: 93.9%
  female: 94.4% (2002 est.)

Qatar
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 89%
  male: 89.1%
  female: 88.6% (2004 census)

Romania
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 97.3%
  male: 98.4%
  female: 96.3% (2002 census)

Russia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.4%
  male: 99.7%
  female: 99.2% (2002 census)

Rwanda
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 70.4%
  male: 76.3%
  female: 64.7% (2003 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  definition: age 20 and
  over can read and write
  total population: 97%
  male: 97%
  female: 98% (1987 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  definition: age 15 and over has ever attended
  school
  total population: 97.8%
  male: NA
  female: NA (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia
  definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
  total population: 90.1%
  male: 89.5%
  female: 90.6% (2001 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  definition: age 15 and over can read and
  write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (1982 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  definition: age 15 and over has
  ever attended school
  total population: 96%
  male: 96%
  female: 96% (1970 est.)

Samoa
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.7%
  male: 99.6%
  female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

San Marino
  definition: age 10 and over can read and write
  total population: 96%
  male: 97%
  female: 95%

Sao Tome and Principe
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 84.9%
  male: 92.2%
  female: 77.9% (2001 census)

Saudi Arabia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 78.8%
  male: 84.7%
  female: 70.8% (2003 est.)

Senegal
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 39.3%
  male: 51.1%
  female: 29.2% (2002 est.)

Serbia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 96.4%
  male: 98.9%
  female: 94.1% (2003 census)
  note: includes Montenegro

Seychelles
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 91.8%
  male: 91.4%
  female: 92.3% (2002 census)

Sierra Leone
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write English,
  Mende, Temne, or Arabic
  total population: 35.1%
  male: 46.9%
  female: 24.4% (2004 est.)

Singapore
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 92.5%
  male: 96.6%
  female: 88.6% (2000 census)

Slovakia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.6%
  male: 99.7%
  female: 99.6% (2004)

Slovenia
  definition: NA
  total population: 99.7%
  male: 99.7%
  female: 99.6%

Solomon Islands
  NA

Somalia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 37.8%
  male: 49.7%
  female: 25.8% (2001 est.)

South Africa
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 86.4%
  male: 87%
  female: 85.7% (2003 est.)

Spain
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 97.9%
  male: 98.7%
  female: 97.2% (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 90.7%
  male: 92.3%
  female: 89.1% (2001 census)

Sudan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 61.1%
  male: 71.8%
  female: 50.5% (2003 est.)

Suriname
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 89.6%
  male: 92%
  female: 87.2% (2004 census)

Svalbard
  NA

Swaziland
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 81.6%
  male: 82.6%
  female: 80.8% (2003 est.)

Sweden
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Switzerland
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Syria
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 79.6%
  male: 86%
  female: 73.6% (2004 census)

Taiwan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 96.1%
  male: NA
  female: NA (2003)

Tajikistan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.5%
  male: 99.7%
  female: 99.2% (2000 census)

Tanzania
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write Kiswahili
  (Swahili), English, or Arabic
  total population: 69.4%
  male: 77.5%
  female: 62.2% (2002 census)

Thailand
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 92.6%
  male: 94.9%
  female: 90.5% (2000 census)

Timor-Leste
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 58.6%
  male: NA
  female: NA (2002)

Togo
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 60.9%
  male: 75.4%
  female: 46.9% (2003 est.)

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  definition: can read and write Tongan and/or English
  total population: 98.9%
  male: 98.8%
  female: 99% (1999 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 98.6%
  male: 99.1%
  female: 98% (2003 est.)

Tunisia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 74.3%
  male: 83.4%
  female: 65.3% (2004 census)

Turkey
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 87.4%
  male: 95.3%
  female: 79.6% (2004 est.)

Turkmenistan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 98.8%
  male: 99.3%
  female: 98.3% (1999 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  definition: age 15 and over has ever
  attended school
  total population: 98%
  male: 99%
  female: 98% (1970 est.)

Tuvalu
  NA

Uganda
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 66.8%
  male: 76.8%
  female: 57.7% (2002 census)

Ukraine
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.4%
  male: 99.7%
  female: 99.2% (2001 census)

United Arab Emirates
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 77.9%
  male: 76.1%
  female: 81.7% (2003 est.)

United Kingdom
  definition: age 15 and over has completed five or
  more years of schooling
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

United States
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99%
  male: 99%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Uruguay
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 98%
  male: 97.6%
  female: 98.4% (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 99.3%
  male: 99.6%
  female: 99% (2003 est.)

Vanuatu
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 74%
  male: NA
  female: NA (1999 census)

Venezuela
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 93%
  male: 93.3%
  female: 92.7% (2001 census)

Vietnam
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 90.3%
  male: 93.9%
  female: 86.9% (2002 est.)

Virgin Islands
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 90-95% est.
  male: NA
  female: NA (2005 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 50%
  male: 50%
  female: 50% (1969 est.)

West Bank
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 92.4%
  male: 96.7%
  female: 88% (2004 est.)

Western Sahara
  NA

World
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 82%
  male: 87%
  female: 77%
  note: over two-thirds of the world's 785 million illiterate adults
  are found in only eight countries (Bangladesh, China, Egypt,
  Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan); of all the
  illiterate adults in the world, two-thirds are women; extremely low
  literacy rates are concentrated in three regions, the Arab states,
  South and West Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, where around one-third
  of the men and half of all women are illiterate (2005 est.)

Yemen
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write
  total population: 50.2%
  male: 70.5%
  female: 30% (2003 est.)

Zambia
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write English
  total population: 80.6%
  male: 86.8%
  female: 74.8% (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe
  definition: age 15 and over can read and write English
  total population: 90.7%
  male: 94.2%
  female: 87.2% (2003 est.)

======================================================================

@2105

Field Listing :: Manpower available for military service

This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for a country (defined as being ages 16-49) and assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Country

Manpower available for military service

Afghanistan
  males age 16-49: 6,800,888
  females age 16-49: 6,413,647 (2010 est.)

Albania
  males age 16-49: 947,446
  females age 16-49: 910,145 (2010 est.)

Algeria
  males age 16-49: 10,113,472
  females age 16-49: 9,959,693 (2010 est.)

Andorra
  males age 16-49: 22,776 (2010 est.)

Angola
  males age 16-49: 2,991,424
  females age 16-49: 2,893,898 (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  males age 16-49: 3,611 (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  males age 16-49: 20,909
  females age 16-49: 23,815 (2010 est.)

Argentina
  males age 16-49: 9,934,765
  females age 16-49: 9,868,008 (2010 est.)

Armenia
  males age 16-49: 809,293
  females age 16-49: 862,679 (2010 est.)

Aruba
  males age 16-49: 24,779
  females age 16-49: 26,090 (2010 est.)

Australia
  males age 16-49: 5,275,667
  females age 16-49: 5,082,543 (2010 est.)

Austria
  males age 16-49: 1,960,781
  females age 16-49: 1,926,134 (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  males age 16-49: 2,336,611
  females age 16-49: 2,329,275 (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  males age 16-49: 84,903 (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  males age 16-49: 208,365
  females age 16-49: 174,375 (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  males age 16-49: 36,560,110 (2010 est.)

Barbados
  males age 16-49: 74,418
  females age 16-49: 74,450 (2010 est.)

Belarus
  males age 16-49: 2,435,318
  females age 16-49: 2,466,762 (2010 est.)

Belgium
  males age 16-49: 2,377,191
  females age 16-49: 2,309,941 (2010 est.)

Belize
  males age 16-49: 79,088
  females age 16-49: 77,147 (2010 est.)

Benin
  males age 16-49: 2,023,449
  females age 16-49: 1,971,788 (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  males age 16-49: 15,217 (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  males age 16-49: 198,553
  females age 16-49: 176,226 (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  males age 16-49: 2,415,712
  females age 16-49: 2,482,359 (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  males age 16-49: 1,194,832
  females age 16-49: 1,156,698 (2010 est.)

Botswana
  males age 16-49: 543,097
  females age 16-49: 520,896 (2010 est.)

Brazil
  males age 16-49: 52,942,805
  females age 16-49: 53,038,688 (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  males age 16-49: 7,230 (2010 est.)

Brunei
  males age 16-49: 111,166
  females age 16-49: 115,071 (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  males age 16-49: 1,660,930
  females age 16-49: 1,646,170 (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  males age 16-49: 3,608,963 (2010 est.)

Burma
  males age 16-49: 14,558,921
  females age 16-49: 14,539,703 (2010 est.)

Burundi
  males age 16-49: 2,099,541
  females age 16-49: 2,118,918 (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  males age 16-49: 3,980,995
  females age 16-49: 3,970,244 (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  males age 16-49: 4,553,576
  females age 16-49: 4,443,217 (2010 est.)

Canada
  males age 16-49: 8,051,656
  females age 16-49: 7,780,644 (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  males age 16-49: 128,858
  females age 16-49: 133,581 (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  males age 16-49: 12,108 (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  males age 16-49: 1,121,548
  females age 16-49: 1,118,432 (2010 est.)

Chad
  males age 16-49: 2,025,929
  females age 16-49: 2,377,898 (2010 est.)

Chile
  males age 16-49: 4,301,900
  females age 16-49: 4,232,956 (2010 est.)

China
  males age 16-49: 381,747,145
  females age 16-49: 360,385,629 (2010 est.)

Colombia
  males age 16-49: 11,556,939
  females age 16-49: 11,609,122 (2010 est.)

Comoros
  males age 16-49: 178,670
  females age 16-49: 177,811 (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  males age 16-49: 15,192,858 (2010
  est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  males age 16-49: 898,850
  females age 16-49: 886,063 (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  males age 16-49: 1,241,183
  females age 16-49: 1,217,037 (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  males age 16-49: 5,094,762
  females age 16-49: 4,895,446 (2010 est.)

Croatia
  males age 16-49: 1,021,904
  females age 16-49: 1,023,465 (2010 est.)

Cuba
  males age 16-49: 3,078,049
  females age 16-49: 3,004,713 (2010 est.)

Cyprus
  Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG):
  males age 16-49: 322,807
  females age 16-49: 284,386 (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  males age 16-49: 2,517,268
  females age 16-49: 2,418,163 (2010 est.)

Denmark
  males age 16-49: 1,235,947
  females age 16-49: 1,221,386 (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  males age 16-49: 165,000
  females age 16-49: 213,894 (2010 est.)

Dominica
  males age 16-49: 18,975 (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  males age 16-49: 2,514,160
  females age 16-49: 2,395,804 (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  males age 16-49: 3,662,176
  females age 16-49: 3,781,102 (2010 est.)

Egypt
  males age 16-49: 20,619,887
  females age 16-49: 19,785,004 (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  males age 16-49: 1,426,142
  females age 16-49: 1,590,778 (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  males age 16-49: 146,241
  females age 16-49: 146,138 (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  males age 16-49: 1,307,012
  females age 16-49: 1,319,682 (2010 est.)

Estonia
  males age 16-49: 297,096
  females age 16-49: 308,229 (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  males age 16-49: 18,485,269
  females age 16-49: 19,145,307 (2010 est.)

Faroe Islands
  males age 16-49: 11,788 (2010 est.)

Fiji
  males age 16-49: 248,020
  females age 16-49: 243,468 (2010 est.)

Finland
  males age 16-49: 1,160,812
  females age 16-49: 1,111,743 (2010 est.)

France
  males age 16-49: 14,591,656
  females age 16-49: 14,285,551 (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  males age 16-49: 81,794 (2010 est.)

Gabon
  males age 16-49: 344,147
  females age 16-49: 345,292 (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  males age 16-49: 402,073
  females age 16-49: 406,100 (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  males age 16-49: 372,843 (2010 est.)

Georgia
  males age 16-49: 1,094,390
  females age 16-49: 1,140,758 (2010 est.)

Germany
  males age 16-49: 19,195,804
  females age 16-49: 18,159,851 (2010 est.)

Ghana
  males age 16-49: 6,126,707
  females age 16-49: 6,058,958 (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  males age 16-49: 6,949 (2010 est.)

Greece
  males age 16-49: 2,502,268
  females age 16-49: 2,486,171 (2010 est.)

Greenland
  males age 16-49: 15,474 (2010 est.)

Grenada
  males age 16-49: 27,453 (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  males age 16-49: 3,062,027
  females age 16-49: 3,266,655 (2010 est.)

Guinea
  males age 16-49: 2,292,338
  females age 16-49: 2,264,589 (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  males age 16-49: 361,785
  females age 16-49: 363,488 (2010 est.)

Guyana
  males age 16-49: 189,456 (2010 est.)

Haiti
  males age 16-49: 2,283,915
  females age 16-49: 2,250,220 (2010 est.)

Honduras
  males age 16-49: 1,989,556
  females age 16-49: 1,939,462 (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  males age 16-49: 1,729,179
  females age 16-49: 1,899,296 (2010 est.)

Hungary
  males age 16-49: 2,380,381
  females age 16-49: 2,319,142 (2010 est.)

Iceland
  males age 16-49: 75,259 (2010 est.)

India
  males age 16-49: 313,905,989
  females age 16-49: 291,755,100 (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  males age 16-49: 65,166,986
  females age 16-49: 62,715,534 (2010 est.)

Iran
  males age 16-49: 20,763,890
  females age 16-49: 20,157,570 (2010 est.)

Iraq
  males age 16-49: 7,541,723
  females age 16-49: 7,238,553 (2010 est.)

Ireland
  males age 16-49: 1,031,985
  females age 16-49: 1,030,606 (2010 est.)

Israel
  males age 16-49: 1,771,661
  females age 16-49: 1,687,698 (2010 est.)

Italy
  males age 16-49: 13,705,846
  females age 16-49: 12,929,946 (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  males age 16-49: 712,627
  females age 16-49: 730,845 (2010 est.)

Japan
  males age 16-49: 27,461,338
  females age 16-49: 26,478,466 (2010 est.)

Jordan
  males age 16-49: 1,646,215
  females age 16-49: 1,579,268 (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  males age 16-49: 4,176,999
  females age 16-49: 4,202,422 (2010 est.)

Kenya
  males age 16-49: 9,525,556
  females age 16-49: 9,242,381 (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  males age 16-49: 24,734 (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  males age 16-49: 6,132,987
  females age 16-49: 6,119,405 (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  males age 16-49: 13,274,442
  females age 16-49: 12,542,699 (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  males age 16-49: 1,131,529
  females age 16-49: 612,126 (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  males age 16-49: 1,439,750
  females age 16-49: 1,455,806 (2010 est.)

Laos
  males age 16-49: 1,633,725
  females age 16-49: 1,654,235 (2010 est.)

Latvia
  males age 16-49: 554,943
  females age 16-49: 550,700 (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  males age 16-49: 1,075,503
  females age 16-49: 1,112,139 (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  males age 16-49: 469,509
  females age 16-49: 505,707 (2010 est.)

Liberia
  males age 16-49: 797,084
  females age 16-49: 808,017 (2010 est.)

Libya
  males age 16-49: 1,746,512
  females age 16-49: 1,683,390 (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  males age 16-49: 8,041 (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  males age 16-49: 900,746
  females age 16-49: 887,843 (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  males age 16-49: 117,892
  females age 16-49: 116,517 (2010 est.)

Macau
  males age 16-49: 150,712 (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  males age 16-49: 530,966
  females age 16-49: 511,534 (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  males age 16-49: 4,745,274
  females age 16-49: 4,750,188 (2010 est.)

Malawi
  males age 16-49: 3,402,724 (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  males age 16-49: 6,692,438
  females age 16-49: 6,494,413 (2010 est.)

Maldives
  males age 16-49: 158,307
  females age 16-49: 97,166 (2010 est.)

Mali
  males age 16-49: 2,759,648
  females age 16-49: 2,894,776 (2010 est.)

Malta
  males age 16-49: 95,899
  females age 16-49: 91,412 (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  males age 16-49: 16,138 (2010 est.)

Mauritania males age 16-49: 699,028 females age 16-49: 783,108 (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  males age 16-49: 343,279 (2010 est.)

Mexico
  males age 16-49: 28,475,126
  females age 16-49: 30,048,077 (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  males age 16-49: 26,687 (2010 est.)

Moldova
  males age 16-49: 1,150,585
  females age 16-49: 1,168,169 (2010 est.)

Monaco
  males age 16-49: 5,814 (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  males age 16-49: 887,059
  females age 16-49: 880,788 (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  males age 16-49: 1,339 (2010 est.)

Morocco
  males age 16-49: 8,167,760
  females age 16-49: 8,599,418 (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  males age 16-49: 4,787,832 (2010 est.)

Namibia
  males age 16-49: 554,531 (2010 est.)

Nauru
  males age 16-49: 3,682 (2010 est.)

Nepal
  males age 16-49: 6,699,614
  females age 16-49: 7,388,240 (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  males age 16-49: 3,927,311
  females age 16-49: 3,831,110 (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  males age 16-49: 59,612 (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  males age 16-49: 1,017,575
  females age 16-49: 1,003,087 (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  males age 16-49: 1,605,398
  females age 16-49: 1,594,270 (2010 est.)

Niger
  males age 16-49: 3,202,237
  females age 16-49: 3,151,521 (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  males age 16-49: 36,203,921
  females age 16-49: 34,409,821 (2010 est.)

Norway
  males age 16-49: 1,078,562
  females age 16-49: 1,049,529 (2010 est.)

Oman
  males age 16-49: 964,200
  females age 16-49: 714,421 (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  males age 16-49: 45,829,360
  females age 16-49: 41,716,682 (2010 est.)

Palau
  males age 16-49: 6,955 (2010 est.)

Panama
  males age 16-49: 878,281 (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  males age 16-49: 1,532,378
  females age 16-49: 1,440,528 (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  males age 16-49: 1,640,761
  females age 16-49: 1,637,460 (2010 est.)

Peru
  males age 16-49: 7,920,056
  females age 16-49: 7,795,130 (2010 est.)

Philippines
  males age 16-49: 25,079,262
  females age 16-49: 24,556,912 (2010 est.)

Poland
  males age 16-49: 9,597,047
  females age 16-49: 9,364,939 (2010 est.)

Portugal
  males age 16-49: 2,572,007
  females age 16-49: 2,474,719 (2010 est.)

Qatar
  males age 16-49: 387,399
  females age 16-49: 163,652 (2010 est.)

Romania
  males age 16-49: 5,617,144
  females age 16-49: 5,487,510 (2010 est.)

Russia
  males age 16-49: 34,850,217
  females age 16-49: 35,693,977 (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  males age 16-49: 2,573,834
  females age 16-49: 2,553,707 (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  males age 16-49: 13,510
  females age 16-49: 13,075 (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  males age 16-49: 41,177 (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  males age 16-49: 27,940 (2010 est.)

Samoa
  males age 16-49: 47,423 (2010 est.)

San Marino
  males age 16-49: 6,893 (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  males age 16-49: 38,211
  females age 16-49: 38,929 (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  males age 16-49: 8,752,167
  females age 16-49: 6,680,315 (2010 est.)

Senegal
  males age 16-49: 3,211,279
  females age 16-49: 3,250,128 (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  males age 16-49: 26,040
  females age 16-49: 23,961 (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  males age 16-49: 1,156,724 (2010 est.)

Singapore
  males age 16-49: 1,266,426 (2010 est.)

Slovakia
  males age 16-49: 1,413,079
  females age 16-49: 1,377,754 (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  males age 16-49: 483,488
  females age 16-49: 470,325 (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  males age 16-49: 150,987 (2010 est.)

Somalia
  males age 16-49: 2,261,704
  females age 16-49: 2,217,584 (2010 est.)

South Africa
  males age 16-49: 13,508,255
  females age 16-49: 12,541,371 (2010 est.)

Spain
  males age 16-49: 9,851,306
  females age 16-49: 9,574,929 (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  males age 16-49: 5,493,050
  females age 16-49: 5,622,632 (2010 est.)

Sudan
  males age 16-49: 10,264,087
  females age 16-49: 9,894,457 (2010 est.)

Suriname
  males age 16-49: 133,417
  females age 16-49: 133,487 (2010 est.)

Swaziland
  males age 16-49: 336,436 (2010 est.)

Sweden
  males age 16-49: 2,065,782
  females age 16-49: 1,995,451 (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  males age 16-49: 1,839,382
  females age 16-49: 1,797,317 (2010 est.)

Syria
  males age 16-49: 5,766,853
  females age 16-49: 5,540,828 (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  males age 16-49: 6,218,009
  females age 16-49: 6,038,964 (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  males age 16-49: 1,980,012
  females age 16-49: 1,990,084 (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  males age 16-49: 9,683,768 (2010 est.)

Thailand
  males age 16-49: 17,650,648
  females age 16-49: 17,762,077 (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  males age 16-49: 299,008
  females age 16-49: 286,465 (2010 est.)

Togo
  males age 16-49: 1,462,206
  females age 16-49: 1,463,189 (2010 est.)

Tonga
  males age 16-49: 34,254
  females age 16-49: 32,974 (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  males age 16-49: 347,044
  females age 16-49: 323,847 (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  males age 16-49: 3,065,431
  females age 16-49: 2,974,060 (2010 est.)

Turkey
  males age 16-49: 20,832,658
  females age 16-49: 20,337,037 (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  males age 16-49: 1,360,898
  females age 16-49: 1,368,265 (2010 est.)

Uganda
  males age 16-49: 6,972,134
  females age 16-49: 6,752,005 (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  males age 16-49: 11,149,646
  females age 16-49: 11,437,891 (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates males age 16-49: 2,589,714 (includes non-nationals) females age 16-49: 950,460 (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  males age 16-49: 14,732,445
  females age 16-49: 14,118,320 (2010 est.)

United States
  males age 16-49: 73,145,586
  females age 16-49: 71,880,788 (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  males age 16-49: 849,358
  females age 16-49: 832,774 (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  males age 16-49: 7,776,645
  females age 16-49: 7,783,901 (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  males age 16-49: 61,178 (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  males age 16-49: 6,891,648
  females age 16-49: 7,047,565 (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  males age 16-49: 25,402,395
  females age 16-49: 24,834,928 (2010 est.)

Yemen
  males age 16-49: 5,458,642
  females age 16-49: 5,205,387 (2010 est.)

Zambia
  males age 16-49: 2,824,372
  females age 16-49: 2,685,883 (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  males age 16-49: 2,366,038
  females age 16-49: 2,742,036 (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2106

Field Listing :: Maritime claims

This entry includes the following claims, the definitions of which are excerpted from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which alone contains the full and definitive descriptions: territorial sea - the sovereignty of a coastal state extends beyond its land territory and internal waters to an adjacent belt of sea, described as the territorial sea in the UNCLOS (Part II); this sovereignty extends to the air space over the territorial sea as well as its underlying seabed and subsoil; every state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles; the normal baseline for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea is the mean low-water line along the coast as marked on large-scale charts officially recognized by the coastal state; the UNCLOS describes specific rules for archipelagic states. contiguous zone - according to the UNCLOS (Article 33), this is a zone contiguous to a coastal state's territorial sea, over which it may exercise the control necessary to: prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea; punish infringement of the above laws and regulations committed within its territory or territorial sea; the contiguous zone may not extend beyond 24 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured (e.g. the US has claimed a 12-nautical mile contiguous zone in addition to its 12-nautical mile territorial sea). exclusive economic zone (EEZ) - the UNCLOS (Part V) defines the EEZ as a zone beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea in which a coastal state has: sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil, and with regard to other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone, such as the production of energy from the water, currents, and winds; jurisdiction with regard to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, and structures; marine scientific research; the protection and preservation of the marine environment; the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone shall not exceed 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. continental shelf - the UNCLOS (Article 76) defines the continental shelf of a coastal state as comprising the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance; the continental margin comprises the submerged prolongation of the landmass of the coastal state, and consists of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, the slope and the rise; wherever the continental margin extends beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline, coastal states may extend their claim to a distance not to exceed 350 nautical miles from the baseline or 100 nautical miles from the 2500 meter isobath; it does not include the deep ocean floor with its oceanic ridges or the subsoil thereof. exclusive fishing zone - while this term is not used in the UNCLOS, some states (e.g., the United Kingdom) have chosen not to claim an EEZ, but rather to claim jurisdiction over the living resources off their coast; in such cases, the term exclusive fishing zone is often used; the breadth of this zone is normally the same as the EEZ or 200 nautical miles. Country

Maritime claims

Afghanistan
  none (landlocked)

Albania
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Algeria
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 32-52 nm

American Samoa
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Andorra
  none (landlocked)

Angola
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Anguilla
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Antarctica
  Australia, Chile, and Argentina claim Exclusive Economic
  Zone (EEZ) rights or similar over 200 nm extensions seaward from
  their continental claims, but like the claims themselves, these
  zones are not accepted by other countries; 21 of 28 Antarctic
  consultative nations have made no claims to Antarctic territory
  (although Russia and the US have reserved the right to do so) and do
  not recognize the claims of the other nations; also see the Disputes
  - international entry

Antigua and Barbuda
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Argentina
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Armenia
  none (landlocked)

Aruba
  territorial sea: 12 nm

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 12 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Australia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Austria
  none (landlocked)

Azerbaijan
  none (landlocked)

Bahamas, The
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Bahrain
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  continental shelf: extending to boundaries to be determined

Bangladesh
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 18 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: up to the outer limits of the continental margin

Barbados territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Belarus
  none (landlocked)

Belgium
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit
  continental shelf: median line with neighbors

Belize
  territorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south; note
  - from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's
  territorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act,
  1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for
  negotiating a definitive agreement on territorial differences with
  Guatemala
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Benin
  territorial sea: 200 nm

Bermuda
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Bhutan
  none (landlocked)

Bolivia
  none (landlocked)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  no data available

Botswana
  none (landlocked)

Bouvet Island
  territorial sea: 4 nm

Brazil
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

British Indian Ocean Territory
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

British Virgin Islands
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Brunei
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to median line

Bulgaria
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Burkina Faso
  none (landlocked)

Burma
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Burundi
  none (landlocked)

Cambodia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm

Cameroon
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm

Canada
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Cape Verde
  measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Cayman Islands territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Central African Republic
  none (landlocked)

Chad
  none (landlocked)

Chile
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200/350 nm

China
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Christmas Island territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Clipperton Island
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Colombia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Comoros
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: boundaries with neighbors

Congo, Republic of the
  territorial sea: 200 nm

Cook Islands territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Coral Sea Islands territorial sea: 3 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Costa Rica
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm

Cote d'Ivoire
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm

Croatia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Cuba
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Curacao
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Cyprus
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Czech Republic
  none (landlocked)

Denmark
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Djibouti
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Dominica
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Dominican Republic
  measured from claimed archipelagic straight
  baselines
  territorial sea: 6 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Ecuador
  territorial sea: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 100 nm from 2,500-m isobath

Egypt
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

El Salvador territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Equatorial Guinea territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Eritrea
  territorial sea: 12 nm

Estonia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: limits fixed in coordination with
  neighboring states

Ethiopia
  none (landlocked)

European Union
  NA

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Faroe Islands
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

Fiji
  measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation;
  rectilinear shelf claim added

Finland
  territorial sea: 12 nm (in the Gulf of Finland - 3 nm)
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm; extends to continental shelf boundary
  with Sweden
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

France
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (does not apply to the Mediterranean)
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

French Polynesia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm from Iles Kerguelen and Iles Eparses
  (does not include the rest of French Southern and Antarctic Lands);
  Juan de Nova Island and Tromelin Island claim a continental shelf of
  200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Gabon
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Gambia, The
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 18 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: extent not specified

Gaza Strip
  Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the
  Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be
  determined through further negotiation

Georgia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Germany
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Ghana
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm

Gibraltar
  territorial sea: 3 nm

Greece
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Greenland
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
  continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

Grenada
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Guam
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Guatemala
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Guernsey
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Guinea
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Guinea-Bissau
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Guyana
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental
  margin

Haiti
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Heard Island and McDonald Islands territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Holy See (Vatican City)
  none (landlocked)

Honduras
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: natural extension of territory or to 200 nm

Hong Kong
  territorial sea: 3 nm

Hungary
  none (landlocked)

Iceland
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

India
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Indonesia
  measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Iran
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: bilateral agreements or median lines in the
  Persian Gulf
  continental shelf: natural prolongation

Iraq
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  continental shelf: not specified

Ireland
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Isle of Man
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Israel
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Italy
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Jamaica
  measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

Jan Mayen
  territorial sea: 4 nm
  contiguous zone: 10 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Japan
  territorial sea: 12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the
  international straits - La Perouse or Soya, Tsugaru, Osumi, and
  Eastern and Western Channels of the Korea or Tsushima Strait
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Jersey
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Jordan
  territorial sea: 3 nm

Kazakhstan
  none (landlocked)

Kenya
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Kiribati
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Korea, North
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  note: military boundary line 50 nm in the Sea of Japan and the
  exclusive economic zone limit in the Yellow Sea where all foreign
  vessels and aircraft without permission are banned

Korea, South
  territorial sea: 12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the
  Korea Strait
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: not specified

Kosovo
  none (landlocked)

Kuwait
  territorial sea: 12 nm

Kyrgyzstan
  none (landlocked)

Laos
  none (landlocked)

Latvia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Lebanon
  territorial sea: 12 nm

Lesotho
  none (landlocked)

Liberia
  territorial sea: 200 nm

Libya
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  note: Gulf of Sidra closing line - 32 degrees, 30 minutes north
  exclusive fishing zone: 62 nm

Liechtenstein
  none (landlocked)

Lithuania
  territorial sea: 12 nm

Luxembourg
  none (landlocked)

Macau
  not specified

Macedonia
  none (landlocked)

Madagascar
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or 100 nm from the 2,500-m isobath

Malawi
  none (landlocked)

Malaysia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation;
  specified boundary in the South China Sea

Maldives
  measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Mali
  none (landlocked)

Malta
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
  exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm

Marshall Islands
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Mauritania
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Mauritius
  measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Mayotte
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Mexico
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Micronesia, Federated States of territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Moldova
  none (landlocked)

Monaco
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 12 nm

Mongolia
  none (landlocked)

Montenegro
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  continental shelf: defined by treaty

Montserrat
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Morocco
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Mozambique
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Namibia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Nauru
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Navassa Island territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Nepal none (landlocked)

Netherlands territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

New Caledonia territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

New Zealand
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Nicaragua
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  continental shelf: natural prolongation

Niger
  none (landlocked)

Nigeria
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Niue
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Norfolk Island
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Northern Mariana Islands
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Norway
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 10 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm

Oman
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Pakistan
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Palau
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Panama
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or edge of continental margin

Papua New Guinea
  measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Paracel Islands
  NA

Paraguay
  none (landlocked)

Peru
  territorial sea: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm

Philippines
  territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100
  nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has
  also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm
  in breadth
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Pitcairn Islands
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Poland
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: defined by international treaties

Portugal
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Puerto Rico
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Qatar
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: as determined by bilateral agreements or
  the median line

Romania
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Russia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Rwanda
  none (landlocked)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Saint Lucia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Saint Pierre and Miquelon territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm

Samoa
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

San Marino
  none (landlocked)

Sao Tome and Principe
  measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Saudi Arabia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 18 nm
  continental shelf: not specified

Senegal
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Serbia
  none (landlocked)

Seychelles
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Sierra Leone
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm

Singapore
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea, as
  defined in treaties and practice

Sint Maarten territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Slovakia
  none (landlocked)

Slovenia
  territorial sea: 12 nm

Solomon Islands measured from claimed archipelagic baselines territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm

Somalia territorial sea: 200 nm

South Africa territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Spain
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (applies only to the Atlantic Ocean)

Spratly Islands
  NA

Sri Lanka
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Sudan
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 18 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Suriname
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Svalbard
  territorial sea: 4 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm unilaterally claimed by Norway but
  not recognized by Russia

Swaziland
  none (landlocked)

Sweden
  territorial sea: 12 nm (adjustments made to return a portion
  of straits to high seas)
  exclusive economic zone: agreed boundaries or midlines
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Switzerland
  none (landlocked)

Syria
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm

Taiwan
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Tajikistan
  none (landlocked)

Tanzania
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Thailand
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Timor-Leste
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Togo
  territorial sea: 30 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Tokelau
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Tonga
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Trinidad and Tobago measured from claimed archipelagic baselines territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin

Tunisia
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 12 nm

Turkey
  territorial sea: 6 nm in the Aegean Sea; 12 nm in Black Sea
  and in Mediterranean Sea
  exclusive economic zone: in Black Sea only: to the maritime boundary
  agreed upon with the former USSR

Turkmenistan
  none (landlocked)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Tuvalu
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Uganda
  none (landlocked)

Ukraine
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m or to the depth of exploitation

United Arab Emirates
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

United Kingdom
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: as defined in continental shelf orders or in
  accordance with agreed upon boundaries

United States
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: not specified

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Uruguay
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or edge of continental margin

Uzbekistan
  none (doubly landlocked)

Vanuatu
  measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Venezuela
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 15 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Vietnam
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Virgin Islands
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Wake Island
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Wallis and Futuna
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

West Bank
  none (landlocked)

Western Sahara
  contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issue

World
  a variety of situations exist, but in general, most countries
  make the following claims measured from the mean low-tide baseline
  as described in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea:
  territorial sea - 12 nm, contiguous zone - 24 nm, and exclusive
  economic zone - 200 nm; additional zones provide for exploitation of
  continental shelf resources and an exclusive fishing zone; boundary
  situations with neighboring states prevent many countries from
  extending their fishing or economic zones to a full 200 nm

Yemen
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Zambia
  none (landlocked)

Zimbabwe
  none (landlocked)

======================================================================

@2107

Field Listing :: International organization participation

This entry lists in alphabetical order by abbreviation those international organizations in which the subject country is a member or participates in some other way. Country

International organization participation

Afghanistan
  ADB, CICA, CP, ECO, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
  ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE
  (partner), SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
  WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Albania
  BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
  OSCE, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO

Algeria
  ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, BIS, FAO, G-15, G-24,
  G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
  ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
  LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC,
  OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

American Samoa
  AOSIS, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, SPC, UPU

Andorra
  CE, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU,
  OIF, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, Union Latina, UNWTO, WCO, WHO,
  WIPO, WTO (observer)

Angola
  ACP, AfDB, AU, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
  (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OPEC,
  SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
  WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Anguilla
  Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU

Antigua and Barbuda
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS,
  OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO

Argentina
  AfDB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CAN
  (associate), FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA,
  Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL,
  OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina (observer),
  UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Armenia
  ADB, BSEC, CE, CIS, CSTO, EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO,
  GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS
  (observer), OIF (associate member), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Aruba
  Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITUC,
  UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU

Australia
  ADB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia
  Group, BIS, C, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NEA, NSG, OECD,
  OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris Club, PCA, PIF, SAARC (observer),
  Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNRWA,
  UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Austria
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
  Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD,
  EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NEA, NSG, OAS
  (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP,
  Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO,
  UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Azerbaijan
  ADB, BSEC, CE, CICA, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU,
  GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM
  (observer), OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI (observer),
  UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
  WTO (observer)

Bahamas, The
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
  PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO (observer)

Bahrain
  ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICC, ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC,
  OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Bangladesh
  ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, FAO,
  G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
  IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
  ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN,
  UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT,
  UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Barbados
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
  ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Belarus
  BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CEI, CIS, CSTO, EAEC,
  EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,
  IMF, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, NSG,
  OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Belgium
  ADB (nonregional members), AfDB (nonregional members),
  Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA,
  EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
  IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
  (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen
  Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
  UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Belize
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
  PetroCaribe, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO

Benin
  ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WAEMU, WCO,
  WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Bermuda
  Caricom (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC, UPU,
  WCO

Bhutan
  ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, NAM,
  OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Bolivia
  CAN, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
  IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
  (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA,
  MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO,
  NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP,
  SECI, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Botswana
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
  IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Brazil
  AfDB (nonregional member), BIS, CAN (associate), CPLP, FAO,
  FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer),
  Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL,
  OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UN
  Security Council (temporary), UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP,
  UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

British Virgin Islands
  Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol
  (subbureau), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Brunei
  ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, CP, EAS, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
  IDB, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent),
  ITSO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Bulgaria
  Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB,
  EU, FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,
  IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SECI, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Burkina Faso
  ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Burma
  ADB, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), SAARC
  (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Burundi
  ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN,
  UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Cambodia
  ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CICA (observer), EAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO

Cameroon
  ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, C, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM,
  OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Canada
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), APEC,
  Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS,
  C, CDB, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
  IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OIF, OPCW,
  OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SECI (observer), UN, UNAMID,
  UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Cape Verde
  ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CD, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Cayman Islands
  Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC,
  UNESCO (associate), UPU

Central African Republic
  ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM,
  OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO

Chad
  ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,
  ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Chile
  APEC, BIS, CAN (associate), CD, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES,
  LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OECD, OPANAL,
  OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP,
  UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

China
  ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue
  partner), BIS, CDB, CICA, EAS, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24 (observer),
  G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
  ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG,
  OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SCO,
  SICA (observer), UN, UN Security Council, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNTSO,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Christmas Island
  none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  none

Colombia
  BCIE, CAN, Caricom (observer), CDB, FAO, G-3, G-24, G-77,
  IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
  ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
  LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
  RG, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
  WTO

Comoros
  ACP, AfDB, AMF, AOSIS, AU, COMESA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  InOC, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
  UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, COMESA, FAO,
  G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
  IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
  MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Congo, Republic of the
  ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
  WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Cook Islands
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS,
  IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITUC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Costa Rica
  BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM
  (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
  WTO

Cote d'Ivoire
  ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS (suspended), Entente, FAO, FZ,
  G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,
  IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM,
  OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina,
  UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Croatia
  Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD,
  EU (applicant), FAO, G-11, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
  IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer),
  NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SECI,
  UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS,
  UNMOGIP, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Cuba
  ACP, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO,
  ILO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
  LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since
  1962), OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Cyprus
  Australia Group, C, CE, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICC, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF
  (associate member), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
  UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Czech Republic
  Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CD, CE, CEI,
  CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
  (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen
  Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Denmark
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
  Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA,
  EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
  IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG,
  OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen
  Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS,
  UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Djibouti
  ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, OIF,
  OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO

Dominica
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM,
  IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO
  (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW,
  PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Dominican Republic
  ACP, AOSIS, BCIE, Caricom (observer), FAO, G-77,
  IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,
  ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO,
  ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
  PetroCaribe, RG, SICA (associated member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Ecuador
  CAN, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA,
  MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Egypt
  ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CICA,
  COMESA, D-8, EBRD, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
  ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO,
  MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OSCE (partner), PCA,
  UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
  UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

El Salvador
  BCIE, CACM, CD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer),
  MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Equatorial Guinea
  ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, CPLP (associate),
  FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW,
  UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO (observer)

Eritrea
  ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO
  (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, LAS (observer), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Estonia
  Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU,
  ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
  IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
  PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNTSO, UPU,
  WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Ethiopia
  ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
  (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN,
  UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
  WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

European Union
  European Union: ARF (dialogue member), ASEAN
  (dialogue member), FAO, G-8, G-20, IDA, OAS (observer), PIF
  (partner), SAARC (observer), UN (observer), WTO
  European Commission: Australian Group, CBSS, CERN, EBRD, FATF, G-10,
  IEA, LAIA WTO, ZC (observer)
  European Central Bank: BIS
  European Investment Bank: EBRD

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  UPU

Faroe Islands
  Arctic Council, IMO (associate), NC, NIB, UNESCO
  (associate), UPU

Fiji
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C (suspended), CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OPCW, PCA, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO

Finland
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
  Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU,
  ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
  IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS
  (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen
  Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMOGIP,
  UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

France
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
  Council (observer), Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer),
  CBSS (observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF,
  FZ, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO,
  MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW,
  OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SECI
  (observer), SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
  UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNTSO,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

French Polynesia
  ITUC, PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  UPU

Gabon
  ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Gambia, The
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN,
  UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Georgia
  ADB, BSEC, CE, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-11, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI (observer),
  UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Germany
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
  Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS,
  CDB, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5,
  G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
  ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
  OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer),
  SICA (observer), UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMID,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Ghana
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO,
  MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF (associate member), OPCW, UN,
  UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Gibraltar
  Interpol (subbureau), UPU

Greece
  Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU,
  ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
  ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
  OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Greenland
  Arctic Council, NC, NIB, UPU

Grenada
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
  IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC,
  LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

Guam
  IOC, SPC, UPU

Guatemala
  BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer),
  MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe,
  RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNITAR,
  UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Guernsey
  UPU

Guinea
  ACP, AfDB, AU (suspended), ECOWAS (suspended), FAO, G-77,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  MINURSO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
  UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Guinea-Bissau
  ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
  UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WADB
  (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Guyana
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
  (observer), ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC,
  OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Haiti
  ACP, AOSIS, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
  PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Holy See (Vatican City)
  IAEA, Interpol, IOM (observer), ITSO, ITU,
  ITUC, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto
  member), UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, Union Latina (observer),
  UNWTO (observer), UPU, WIPO, WTO (observer)

Honduras
  BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC
  (suspended), IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA
  (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NAM, OAS (suspended), OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
  PetroCaribe, RG (suspended), SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union
  Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO (suspended), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Hong Kong
  ADB, APEC, BIS, FATF, ICC, IHO, IMF, IMO (associate),
  Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITUC, UNWTO
  (associate), UPU, WCO, WTO

Hungary
  Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA
  (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
  (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen
  Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Iceland
  Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD,
  EFTA, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
  IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
  ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW,
  OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO

India
  ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner),
  BIMSTEC, BIS, C, CD, CERN (observer), CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, FATF,
  G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
  IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, ITUC, LAS (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW,
  PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UN Security
  Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
  UNITAR, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
  WTO

Indonesia
  ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS,
  FAO, G-11, G-15, G-20, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
  (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC,
  OPCW, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
  UNMIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Iran
  CICA, CP, D-8, ECO, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OPEC,
  PCA, SAARC (observer), SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
  UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
  (observer)

Iraq
  ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
  IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC,
  PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO (observer)

Ireland
  ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, CE, EAPC,
  EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG,
  OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Isle of Man
  UPU

Israel
  BIS, BSEC (observer), CERN (observer), CICA, EBRD, FAO, IADB,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OAS
  (observer), OECD, OPCW (signatory), OSCE (partner), Paris Club
  (associate), PCA, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Italy
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia
  Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CDB, CE, CEI,
  CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-7, G-8,
  G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
  IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
  (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner),
  Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNRWA,
  UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Jamaica
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
  PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
  WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Japan
  ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue
  partner), Australia Group, BIS, CERN (observer), CICA (observer),
  CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
  IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA
  (observer), MIGA, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE
  (partner), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SECI
  (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNRWA,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Jordan
  ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO,
  MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMID,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Kazakhstan
  ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), NSG,
  OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC

Kenya
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO,
  NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Kiribati
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
  IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Korea, North
  ARF, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IOC,
  IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
  WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Korea, South
  ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN
  (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CD, CICA, CP, EAS, EBRD,
  FAO, FATF, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
  ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NEA, NSG, OAS
  (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris Club (associate), PCA,
  PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
  UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO, ZC

Kosovo
  IBRD, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITUC, MIGA

Kuwait
  ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU,
  FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,
  IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
  ITUC, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, Paris Club
  (associate), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Kyrgyzstan
  ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM
  (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Laos
  ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber),
  ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Latvia
  Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA,
  Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO

Lebanon
  ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
  ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
  IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF,
  OPCW, PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
  (observer)

Lesotho
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
  IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
  (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Liberia
  ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, UN,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Libya
  ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, COMESA, FAO, G-77,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM,
  OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Liechtenstein
  CE, EBRD, EFTA, IAEA, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol,
  IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention (de
  facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WIPO, WTO

Lithuania
  Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB,
  EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG,
  OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen
  Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO

Luxembourg
  ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, Benelux, CE,
  EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
  (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Macau
  IHO, IMF, IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), ISO
  (correspondent), UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WTO

Macedonia
  BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OIF, OPCW, OSCE,
  PCA, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Madagascar
  ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF,
  OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
  WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Malawi
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO
  (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SADC,
  UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO

Malaysia
  ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8,
  EAS, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
  IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, PIF
  (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS,
  UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Maldives
  ADB, AOSIS, C, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
  IFC, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, MIGA,
  NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Mali
  ACP, AfDB, AU, CD, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
  UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WADB
  (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Malta
  Australia Group, C, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OPCW,
  OSCE, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
  Union Latina (observer), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Marshall Islands
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
  IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF,
  Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Mauritania
  ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, FAO, G-77,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS,
  MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Mauritius
  ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, COMESA, CPLP (associate), FAO,
  G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
  IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
  MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SAARC (observer), SADC, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Mayotte
  InOC, UPU

Mexico
  APEC, BCIE, BIS, CAN (observer), Caricom (observer), CD, CDB,
  CSN (observer), EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-3, G-15, G-24, IADB, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES,
  LAIA, MIGA, NAFTA, NAM (observer), NEA, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW,
  Paris Club (associate), PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR
  (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Micronesia, Federated States of
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IOC, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF,
  Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO, WMO

Moldova
  BSEC, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU,
  GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, OIF,
  OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union
  Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Monaco
  CE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE,
  Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
  Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Mongolia
  ADB, ARF, CD, CICA, CP, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW,
  OSCE (partner), SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL,
  UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Montenegro
  CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
  IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
  (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM (observer), OPCW, OSCE,
  PCA, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Montserrat
  Caricom, CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU

Morocco
  ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
  IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS,
  MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner),
  Paris Club (associate), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
  UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Mozambique
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU,
  ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF (observer), OPCW, SADC, UN,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Namibia
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
  WTO

Nauru
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW,
  PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO

Nepal
  ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
  (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO,
  NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL,
  UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO

Netherlands
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
  Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CBSS
  (observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF,
  G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
  IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE,
  Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNAMID,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

New Caledonia
  ITUC, PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU, WFTU

New Zealand
  ADB, ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on
  11 August 1986), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia
  Group, BIS, C, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OECD,
  OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO

Nicaragua
  BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU,
  ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
  PetroCaribe, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union
  Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Niger
  ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS (suspended), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW,
  UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB
  (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Nigeria
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, D-8, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
  IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UN
  Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
  UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
  WTO

Niue
  ACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU,
  WHO, WMO

Norfolk Island
  UPU

Northern Mariana Islands
  SPC, UPU

Norway
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
  Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA,
  ESA, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
  ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS
  (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention,
  UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Oman
  ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB,
  IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Pakistan
  ADB, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), C, CICA, CP, D-8, ECO,
  FAO, G-11, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,
  IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
  ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC,
  OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Palau
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS,
  IMF, IOC, IPU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  WHO

Panama
  BCIE, CAN (observer), CSN (observer), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA
  (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN, UNASUR
  (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
  WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Papua New Guinea
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (observer), C,
  CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
  IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent),
  ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Paraguay
  CAN (associate), FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA,
  Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS,
  OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO,
  Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
  WTO

Peru
  APEC, CAN, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur
  (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,
  RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL,
  UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Philippines
  ADB, APEC, APT, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CD, CICA (observer),
  CP, EAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
  IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
  ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF
  (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina,
  UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO

Pitcairn Islands
  SPC, UPU

Poland
  Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC
  (observer), CBSS, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA
  (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
  IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG,
  OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen
  Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Portugal
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
  Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, CPLP, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA,
  EU, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
  ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS
  (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club (associate), PCA, Schengen
  Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UN Security Council (temporary),
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIT, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Puerto Rico
  Caricom (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC,
  UNWTO (associate), UPU

Qatar
  ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CICA (observer), FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS,
  MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Romania
  Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CE, CEI, EAPC,
  EBRD, EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer),
  MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA,
  SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS,
  UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Russia
  APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS,
  BSEC, CBSS, CE, CERN (observer), CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD,
  FAO, FATF, G-20, G-8, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC,
  IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU,
  ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NSG,
  OAS (observer), OECD (accession state), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE,
  Paris Club, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
  WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC

Rwanda
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
  IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN,
  UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO

Saint Barthelemy
  UPU

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  UPU

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

Saint Lucia
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
  ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW,
  PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO

Saint Martin
  UPU

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  UPU, WFTU

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO,
  G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS,
  OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU,
  WHO, WIPO, WTO

Samoa
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC,
  MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

San Marino
  CE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer),
  OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO

Sao Tome and Principe
  ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM
  (observer), IPU, ITU, ITUC, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Saudi Arabia
  ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, FAO,
  G-20, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,
  IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU,
  ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW,
  OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Senegal
  ACP, AfDB, AU, CPLP (associate), ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-15,
  G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
  ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC,
  MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional),
  WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Serbia
  BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM
  (observer), OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP,
  SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Seychelles
  ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol,
  IOC, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW,
  SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
  WTO (observer)

Sierra Leone
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW,
  UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Singapore
  ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, EAS, FATF, G-77,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW,
  PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIT, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Slovakia
  Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE,
  CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
  OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI
  (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Slovenia
  Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA
  (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
  ISO, ITU, MIGA, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer),
  OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Solomon Islands
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, MIGA, OPCW,
  PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO

Somalia
  ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, LAS, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
  UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

South Africa
  ACP, AfDB, AU, BIS, C, CD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24, G-77,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
  IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  MONUSCO, NAM, NSG, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SACU, SADC,
  UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
  UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Spain
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
  Council (observer), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CBSS (observer), CE,
  CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA
  (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,
  OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer),
  SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union
  Latina, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Sri Lanka
  ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CP, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-24, G-77,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, SAARC,
  SACEP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Sudan
  ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU, COMESA, FAO, G-77,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC,
  OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Suriname
  ACP, AOSIS, Caricom, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO
  (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW,
  PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO

Svalbard
  none

Swaziland
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,
  IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO
  (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC,
  UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Sweden
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic
  Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA,
  EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,
  IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG,
  OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen
  Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA,
  UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Switzerland
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
  Australia Group, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, ESA, FAO, FATF,
  G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
  IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
  ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
  OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention,
  UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Syria
  ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
  (observer)

Taiwan
  ADB, APEC, BCIE, ICC, IOC, ITUC, WTO

Tajikistan
  ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, G-77,
  GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,
  IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA,
  NAM (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Tanzania
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, EAC, EADB, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,
  IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SADC, UN,
  UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Thailand
  ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BIS, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO,
  G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
  IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  NAM, OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE
  (partner), PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
  UNIDO, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Timor-Leste
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, ARF, ASEAN (observer), CPLP, FAO, G-77,
  IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF (observer), UN,
  UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO

Togo
  ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL,
  UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO

Tokelau
  PIF (observer), SPC, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Tonga
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
  IFC, IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC, OPCW,
  PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
  WMO, WTO

Trinidad and Tobago
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-24, G-77,
  IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS,
  OPANAL, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
  UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Tunisia
  ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, BSEC (observer), FAO,
  G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
  IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
  ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF,
  OPCW, OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Turkey
  ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE,
  CERN (observer), CICA, D-8, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EU (applicant), FAO,
  FATF, G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IEA, IFAD, IFC,
  IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIC, OPCW,
  OSCE, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
  UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
  WTO, ZC

Turkmenistan
  ADB, CIS (associate member, has not ratified the 1993
  CIS charter although it participates in meetings), EAPC, EBRD, ECO,
  FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM,
  OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO,
  WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Turks and Caicos Islands
  Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol
  (subbureau), UPU

Tuvalu
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, IDA, IFRCS (observer), ILO,
  IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UPU, WHO

Uganda
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF,
  Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
  NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
  UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Ukraine
  Australia Group, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CE, CEI, CICA
  (observer), CIS (participating member, has not signed the 1993 CIS
  charter although it participates in meetings), EAEC (observer),
  EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC,
  IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU,
  ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS
  (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SECI (observer),
  UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
  WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

United Arab Emirates
  ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
  IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM,
  OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO,
  WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

United Kingdom
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
  Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, C, CBSS (observer),
  CDB, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7,
  G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD,
  IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,
  ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),
  OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SECI (observer),
  UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO,
  UNMIS, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

United States
  ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member),
  ANZUS, APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner),
  Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CERN
  (observer), CICA (observer), CP, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5,
  G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD,
  IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS,
  OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer),
  SECI (observer), SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNHCR, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Uruguay
  CAN (associate), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,
  ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO,
  MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN,
  UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO,
  UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Uzbekistan
  ADB, CICA, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU,
  MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Vanuatu
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC,
  IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS
  (observer), OIF, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
  UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Venezuela
  Caricom (observer), CDB, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB,
  IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,
  IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, LAS
  (observer), Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,
  OPEC, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,
  UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Vietnam
  ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
  ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,
  IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,
  UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Virgin Islands
  IOC, UPU, WFTU

Wallis and Futuna
  PIF (observer), SPC, UPU

Western Sahara
  AU, WFTU

Yemen
  AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB,
  IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO,
  ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC,
  OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Zambia
  ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO
  (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA,
  SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI,
  UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Zimbabwe
  ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
  ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,
  ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SADC,
  UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU,
  WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

======================================================================

@2108

Field Listing :: Merchant marine

  Merchant marine may be defined as all ships engaged in the carriage
  of goods; or all commercial vessels (as opposed to all nonmilitary
  ships), which excludes tugs, fishing vessels, offshore oil rigs,
  etc. This entry contains information in four fields - total, ships
  by type, foreign-owned, and registered in other countries.
  Total includes the number of ships (1,000 GRT or over), total DWT
  for those ships, and total GRT for those ships. DWT or dead weight
  tonnage is the total weight of cargo, plus bunkers, stores, etc.,
  that a ship can carry when immersed to the appropriate load line.
  GRT or gross register tonnage is a figure obtained by measuring the
  entire sheltered volume of a ship available for cargo and passengers
  and converting it to tons on the basis of 100 cubic feet per ton;
  there is no stable relationship between GRT and DWT.
  Ships by type includes a listing of barge carriers, bulk cargo
  ships, cargo ships, chemical tankers, combination bulk carriers,
  combination ore/oil carriers, container ships, liquefied gas
  tankers, livestock carriers, multifunctional large-load carriers,
  petroleum tankers, passenger ships, passenger/cargo ships, railcar
  carriers, refrigerated cargo ships, roll-on/roll-off cargo ships,
  short-sea passenger ships, specialized tankers, and vehicle carriers.
  Foreign-owned are ships that fly the flag of one country but belong
  to owners in another.
  Registered in other countries are ships that belong to owners in one
  country but fly the flag of another.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Merchant marine

Albania
  total: 25
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 23, roll on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1)
  registered in other countries: 4 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Panama 3)
  (2010)

Algeria
  total: 35
  by type: bulk carrier 6, cargo 8, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas
  9, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 4, roll on/roll off 3
  foreign-owned: 12 (UK 12) (2010)

Angola
  total: 7
  by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 3, roll
  on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 1 (Spain 1)
  registered in other countries: 15 (Bahamas 5, Liberia 1, Malta 7,
  former Netherlands Antilles 2) (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda
  total: 1,219
  by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 53, cargo 703, carrier 6,
  chemical tanker 4, container 412, liquefied gas 12, petroleum tanker
  1, refrigerated cargo 9, roll on/roll off 16, vehicle carrier 2
  foreign-owned: 1,186 (Albania 1, Colombia 1, Denmark 20, Estonia 20,
  Germany 1050, Greece 5, Iceland 9, Isle of Man 2, Latvia 16,
  Lithuania 4, Mexico 2, Netherlands 18, Norway 9, NZ 2, Poland 2,
  Russia 3, Slovenia 1, Sweden 1, Switzerland 7, Turkey 7, US 6) (2010)

Argentina
  total: 43
  by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 7, chemical tanker 4, container 1,
  passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 23, refrigerated cargo 2
  foreign-owned: 12 (Brazil 1, Chile 6, Spain 3, UK 2)
  registered in other countries: 17 (Liberia 3, Panama 7, Paraguay 5,
  Uruguay 2) (2010)

Australia
  total: 45
  by type: bulk carrier 10, cargo 8, liquefied gas 4, passenger 6,
  passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 6, roll on/roll off 5
  foreign-owned: 20 (Canada 7, Germany 2, Netherlands 1, Norway 1,
  Singapore 2, UK 5, US 2)
  registered in other countries: 29 (Dominica 1, Fiji 2, Liberia 2,
  Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 1, NZ 1, Panama 5, Singapore 11,
  Tonga 1, UK 1, US 1, Vanuatu 2) (2010)

Austria
  total: 2
  by type: cargo 2
  registered in other countries: 4 (Cyprus 1, Malta 1, Saint Vincent
  and the Grenadines 2) (2010)

Azerbaijan
  total: 92
  by type: cargo 27, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker
  48, roll on/roll off 3, specialized tanker 3
  foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1)
  registered in other countries: 2 (Malta 1, Panama 1) (2010)

Bahamas, The
  total: 1,170
  by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 229, cargo 191, carrier 2,
  chemical tanker 80, combination ore/oil 8, container 50, liquefied
  gas 78, passenger 100, passenger/cargo 29, petroleum tanker 222,
  refrigerated cargo 106, roll on/roll off 12, specialized tanker 2,
  vehicle carrier 60
  foreign-owned: 1,080 (Angola 5, Belgium 9, Bermuda 12, Brazil 1,
  Canada 102, China 4, Croatia 1, Cyprus 14, Denmark 59, Finland 8,
  France 19, Germany 39, Greece 209, Guernsey 6, Hong Kong 2,
  Indonesia 2, Ireland 3, Italy 5, Japan 93, Jordan 2, Kuwait 2,
  Malaysia 13, Monaco 14, Montenegro 2, Netherlands 22, Nigeria 2,
  Norway 198, Poland 32, Saudi Arabia 16, Singapore 7, Slovenia 1,
  Spain 9, Sweden 6, Switzerland 2, Thailand 4, Trinidad and Tobago 1,
  Turkey 3, UAE 27, UK 24, US 100)
  registered in other countries: 10 (Bolivia 1, Malta 1, Panama 7,
  Peru 1) (2010)

Bahrain
  total: 7
  by type: bulk carrier 2, container 4, petroleum tanker 1
  foreign-owned: 5 (Kuwait 5)
  registered in other countries: 6 (Honduras 5, Saint Kitts and Nevis
  1) (2010)

Bangladesh
  total: 50
  by type: bulk carrier 16, cargo 25, container 5, petroleum tanker 4
  foreign-owned: 4 (China 1, Singapore 3)
  registered in other countries: 9 (Comoros 1, Malta 1, Panama 3,
  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 2)
  (2010)

Barbados
  total: 95
  by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 55, chemical tanker 9, passenger 1,
  passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 5, roll
  on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 89 (Canada 13, Greece 14, Iran 4, Lebanon 2, Norway
  41, Sweden 6, Syria 1, Turkey 1, UK 7)
  registered in other countries: 1 (unknown 1) (2010)

Belgium
  total: 81
  by type: bulk carrier 21, cargo 8, chemical tanker 5, container 4,
  liquefied gas 23, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off
  7
  foreign-owned: 13 (Denmark 4, France 5, UK 2, US 2)
  registered in other countries: 104 (Bahamas 9, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 2,
  France 7, Gibraltar 2, Greece 16, Hong Kong 16, Liberia 1,
  Luxembourg 9, Malta 14, Moldova 2, Mozambique 2, North Korea 1,
  Panama 2, Portugal 8, Russia 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint
  Vincent and the Grenadines 6, Vanuatu 1) (2010)

Belize
  total: 231
  by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 37, cargo 146, chemical
  tanker 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 7,
  refrigerated cargo 27, roll on/roll off 10
  foreign-owned: 171 (Chile 1, China 64, Croatia 1, Cyprus 1, Estonia
  1, Germany 1, Greece 2, Iceland 2, Italy 3, Japan 1, Latvia 10,
  Lithuania 2, Netherlands 1, Nigeria 2, Norway 3, Peru 1, Russia 32,
  Singapore 7, Spain 1, Syria 2, Turkey 18, UAE 5, UK 4, Ukraine 6)
  (2010)

Bermuda
  total: 139
  by type: bulk carrier 22, chemical tanker 3, container 15, liquefied
  gas 38, passenger 26, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 20,
  refrigerated cargo 9
  foreign-owned: 114 (China 13, France 1, Germany 15, Greece 2, Hong
  Kong 5, Ireland 2, Israel 3, Japan 2, Monaco 2, Nigeria 11, Norway
  5, Sweden 17, UK 11, US 25)
  registered in other countries: 180 (Bahamas 12, Cyprus 1, Greece 3,
  Hong Kong 12, Isle of Man 7, Liberia 4, Malta 8, Marshall Islands
  34, Norway 5, Panama 15, Philippines 43, Saint Vincent and the
  Grenadines 1, Singapore 21, UK 9, US 5) (2010)

Bolivia
  total: 22
  by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 11, carrier 1, passenger/cargo 1,
  petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 3, specialized tanker 1
  foreign-owned: 7 (Bahamas 1, Ecuador 1, Iran 1, Syria 4) (2010)

Brazil
  total: 126
  by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 18, chemical tanker 6, container 12,
  liquefied gas 12, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 42, roll
  on/roll off 7
  foreign-owned: 26 (Chile 1, Denmark 3, Germany 6, Greece 1, Norway
  3, Spain 12)
  registered in other countries: 27 (Argentina 1, Bahamas 1, Ghana 1,
  Liberia 20, Marshall Islands 1, Panama 3) (2010)

British Virgin Islands
  registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1)
  (2008)

Brunei
  total: 9
  by type: chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 8 (2010)

Bulgaria
  total: 37
  by type: bulk carrier 16, cargo 10, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas
  2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 4,
  specialized tanker 1
  foreign-owned: 27 (Germany 25, Russia 2)
  registered in other countries: 31 (Comoros 8, Malta 7, Panama 6,
  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10) (2010)

Burma
  total: 26
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 19, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 3,
  specialized tanker 1
  foreign-owned: 3 (Cyprus 1, Germany 1, Japan 1)
  registered in other countries: 3 (Panama 3) (2010)

Cambodia
  total: 620
  by type: bulk carrier 40, cargo 526, carrier 5, chemical tanker 5,
  container 5, liquefied gas 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 7,
  petroleum tanker 12, refrigerated cargo 13, roll on/roll off 5
  foreign-owned: 426 (Belgium 1, Canada 2, China 203, Cyprus 8, Egypt
  12, Estonia 1, French Polynesia 1, Gabon 1, Greece 2, Hong Kong 11,
  Indonesia 2, Japan 2, Latvia 1, Lebanon 6, Netherlands 1, Romania 1,
  Russia 60, Singapore 4, South Korea 11, Syria 22, Taiwan 1, Turkey
  26, UAE 2, UK 3, Ukraine 37, US 4, Vietnam 1) (2010)

Canada
  total: 184
  by type: bulk carrier 66, cargo 12, carrier 1, chemical tanker 14,
  combination ore/oil 1, container 2, passenger 6, passenger/cargo 64,
  petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 6
  foreign-owned: 15 (France 1, Netherlands 1, Norway 4, US 9)
  registered in other countries: 223 (Australia 7, Bahamas 102,
  Barbados 13, Cambodia 2, Cyprus 2, Honduras 1, Hong Kong 70, Liberia
  4, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 4, Norway 1, Panama 5, Spain 5, US 1,
  Vanuatu 5) (2010)

Cape Verde
  total: 13
  by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 7
  foreign-owned: 3 (Spain 1, UK 2) (2010)

Cayman Islands
  total: 113
  by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 3, chemical tanker 56, liquefied gas
  1, petroleum tanker 8, refrigerated cargo 10, vehicle carrier 15
  foreign-owned: 99 (Germany 6, Greece 11, Italy 6, Japan 19,
  Switzerland 1, UK 2, US 54) (2010)

Chile
  total: 48
  by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 10, chemical tanker 8, container 1,
  liquefied gas 2, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 8,
  roll on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1)
  registered in other countries: 48 (Argentina 6, Belize 1, Brazil 1,
  Cyprus 1, Isle of Man 8, Liberia 7, Panama 17, Singapore 7) (2010)

China
  total: 2,010
  by type: barge carrier 6, bulk carrier 571, cargo 639, carrier 5,
  chemical tanker 98, container 204, liquefied gas 55, passenger 9,
  passenger/cargo 83, petroleum tanker 271, refrigerated cargo 35,
  roll on/roll off 9, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 24
  foreign-owned: 18 (Germany 1, Hong Kong 15, Japan 2)
  registered in other countries: 1,623 (Bahamas 4, Bangladesh 1,
  Belize 64, Bermuda 13, Cambodia 203, Comoros 1, Cyprus 6, France 5,
  Georgia 11, Germany 2, Honduras 2, Hong Kong 432, India 1, Indonesia
  1, Kiribati 28, Liberia 10, Malta 11, Marshall Islands 16, North
  Korea 1, Norway 25, Panama 574, Philippines 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis
  1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 82, Sierra Leone 12, Singapore
  26, South Korea 9, Thailand 1, Togo 2, Tuvalu 9, UK 7, unknown 59)
  (2010)

Colombia
  total: 13
  by type: cargo 11, petroleum tanker 1, specialized tanker 1
  registered in other countries: 3 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Panama 2)
  (2010)

Comoros
  total: 177
  by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 102, carrier 5, chemical tanker 6,
  container 2, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 15,
  refrigerated cargo 12, roll on/roll off 12
  foreign-owned: 98 (Bangladesh 1, Bulgaria 8, China 1, Cyprus 2,
  Greece 3, Kenya 1, Kuwait 1, Latvia 1, Lebanon 3, Lithuania 3,
  Monaco 1, Nigeria 1, Norway 2, Pakistan 3, Russia 21, Syria 6,
  Turkey 16, UAE 11, UK 1, Ukraine 10, US 2) (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  total: 1
  by type: petroleum tanker 1
  foreign-owned: 1 (Republic of the Congo 1) (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
  registered in other countries: 1 (Democratic
  Republic of the Congo 1) (2010)

Cook Islands
  total: 34
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 27, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 5
  foreign-owned: 23 (Egypt 1, Germany 1, Latvia 1, Lithuania 2, former
  Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 6, NZ 1, Russia 1, Sweden 3, Turkey
  4, UK 2) (2010)

Costa Rica
  total: 1
  by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Croatia
  total: 75
  by type: bulk carrier 24, cargo 7, chemical tanker 6,
  passenger/cargo 27, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 1
  foreign-owned: 2 (Norway 2)
  registered in other countries: 33 (Bahamas 1, Belize 1, Liberia 2,
  Malta 7, Marshall Islands 12, Panama 2, Saint Vincent and the
  Grenadines 8) (2010)

Cuba
  total: 5
  by type: cargo 2, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 2
  registered in other countries: 6 (Cyprus 1, former Netherlands
  Antilles 1, Panama 4) (2010)

Cyprus
  total: 839
  by type: bulk carrier 267, cargo 173, chemical tanker 77, container
  193, liquefied gas 10, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 24, petroleum
  tanker 69, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle
  carrier 4
  foreign-owned: 637 (Austria 1, Belgium 2, Bermuda 1, Canada 2, Chile
  1, China 6, Cuba 1, Denmark 6, Estonia 7, France 16, Germany 189,
  Greece 216, Hong Kong 2, India 2, Iran 10, Ireland 3, Israel 1,
  Italy 6, Japan 19, Monaco 1, Netherlands 24, Norway 12, Philippines
  1, Poland 20, Portugal 2, Russia 47, Singapore 1, Slovenia 4, Spain
  7, Sweden 5, Syria 1, UAE 5, UK 7, Ukraine 2, US 7)
  registered in other countries: 138 (Bahamas 14, Belize 1, Burma 1,
  Cambodia 8, Comoros 2, Finland 1, Gibraltar 1, Greece 4, Hong Kong
  3, Liberia 7, Malta 29, Marshall Islands 38, Norway 1, Panama 8,
  Russia 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Sierra Leone 1,
  Singapore 3, unknown 3) (2010)

Czech Republic
  registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and
  the Grenadines 1) (2010)

Denmark
  total: 347
  by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 56, carrier 1, chemical tanker 104,
  container 87, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 40, petroleum tanker
  38, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 6, specialized tanker 3
  foreign-owned: 32 (Germany 10, Greece 1, Iceland 3, Norway 2, Sweden
  16)
  registered in other countries: 592 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Bahamas
  59, Belgium 4, Brazil 3, Cyprus 6, Egypt 1, France 12, Georgia 1,
  Gibraltar 6, Hong Kong 41, Isle of Man 26, Italy 4, Jamaica 1,
  Liberia 4, Lithuania 8, Malaysia 1, Malta 41, Marshall Islands 7,
  Mexico 2, Netherlands 36, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 11,
  Panama 46, Portugal 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 19,
  Singapore 125, South Africa 1, Spain 2, Sweden 15, UK 46, Uruguay 1,
  US 34, Venezuela 1, unknown 3) (2010)

Dominica
  total: 40
  by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 20, chemical tanker 2, petroleum
  tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 37 (Australia 1, Estonia 6, Germany 2, Greece 9,
  India 2, Latvia 1, Norway 1, Russia 6, Saudi Arabia 3, Singapore 1,
  Syria 2, Turkey 1, Ukraine 2)
  registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  1) (2010)

Dominican Republic
  total: 1
  by type: cargo 1
  registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2008)

Ecuador
  total: 41
  by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 3, liquefied gas 1, passenger 9,
  petroleum tanker 26, refrigerated cargo 1
  registered in other countries: 7 (Bolivia 1, Panama 6) (2010)

Egypt
  total: 66
  by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 24, container 3, passenger/cargo 7,
  petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 9
  foreign-owned: 13 (Denmark 1, France 1, Greece 8, Jordan 2, Lebanon
  1)
  registered in other countries: 52 (Cambodia 12, Cook Islands 1,
  Georgia 11, Honduras 2, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 5,
  Panama 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Saudi Arabia 1,
  Sierra Leone 2, unknown 1) (2010)

Equatorial Guinea
  total: 4
  by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker 2
  foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1) (2010)

Eritrea
  total: 4
  by type: cargo 2, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1 (2010)

Estonia
  total: 24
  by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 17, petroleum
  tanker 2
  foreign-owned: 3 (Germany 1, Norway 2)
  registered in other countries: 77 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Belize 1,
  Cambodia 1, Cyprus 7, Dominica 6, Finland 2, Latvia 4, Malta 16,
  former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3,
  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, Sierra Leone 1, Sweden 3,
  Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ethiopia
  total: 9
  by type: cargo 8, roll on/roll off 1 (2010)

Faroe Islands
  total: 26
  by type: cargo 11, chemical tanker 6, container 2, passenger 1,
  passenger/cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 11 (Norway 6, Sweden 5) (2010)

Fiji
  total: 10
  by type: passenger 4, passenger/cargo 4, roll on/roll off 2
  foreign-owned: 2 (Australia 2) (2010)

Finland
  total: 93
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 26, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6,
  container 3, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 16, petroleum tanker 5,
  roll on/roll off 28, vehicle carrier 3
  foreign-owned: 6 (Cyprus 1, Estonia 2, Iceland 1, Norway 2)
  registered in other countries: 52 (Bahamas 8, Germany 5, Gibraltar
  2, Liberia 2, Malta 2, Netherlands 14, Norway 1, Panama 2, Sweden
  16) (2010)

France
  total: 167
  by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 8, chemical tanker 36, container 25,
  liquefied gas 12, passenger 11, passenger/cargo 44, petroleum tanker
  17, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 11
  foreign-owned: 57 (Belgium 7, China 5, Denmark 12, French Polynesia
  12, Germany 1, New Caledonia 3, Norway 1, NZ 1, Singapore 3, Spain
  1, Sweden 6, Switzerland 5)
  registered in other countries: 146 (Bahamas 19, Belgium 5, Bermuda
  1, Canada 1, Cyprus 16, Egypt 1, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 1, Italy 2,
  Luxembourg 16, Malta 13, Morocco 4, Netherlands 2, Norway 4, Panama
  13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 3, South Korea 1,
  Taiwan 1, UK 33, US 4, unknown 1) (2010)

French Polynesia
  registered in other countries: 13 (Cambodia 1,
  France 12) (2010)

Gabon
  registered in other countries: 2 (Cambodia 1, Panama 1) (2010)

Gambia, The
  total: 5
  by type: passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1 (2010)

Georgia
  total: 193
  by type: bulk carrier 18, cargo 151, carrier 1, chemical tanker 3,
  container 2, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 3,
  refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 7, vehicle carrier 2
  foreign-owned: 132 (China 11, Denmark 1, Egypt 11, Germany 4, Greece
  3, Hong Kong 4, Israel 1, Italy 2, Latvia 1, Lebanon 1, Pakistan 1,
  Romania 7, Russia 7, Syria 35, Turkey 22, UAE 1, UK 4, Ukraine 15,
  US 1)
  registered in other countries: 1 (unknown 1) (2010)

Germany
  total: 421
  by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 7, cargo 44, carrier 1,
  chemical tanker 15, container 293, liquefied gas 7, passenger 4,
  passenger/cargo 27, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 1, roll
  on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 1
  foreign-owned: 10 (China 2, Finland 5, Greece 1, Sweden 1,
  Switzerland 1)
  registered in other countries: 3,287 (Antigua and Barbuda 1050,
  Australia 2, Bahamas 39, Belize 1, Bermuda 15, Brazil 6, Bulgaria
  25, Burma 1, Cayman Islands 6, China 1, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 189,
  Denmark 10, Dominica 2, Estonia 1, France 1, Georgia 4, Gibraltar
  125, Hong Kong 10, Isle of Man 56, Italy 1, Jamaica 10, Liberia
  1049, Luxembourg 9, Malta 127, Marshall Islands 247, Morocco 2,
  Netherlands 92, former Netherlands Antilles 32, NZ 2, Panama 27,
  Portugal 13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 30,
  Slovakia 4, Spain 5, Sri Lanka 5, Sweden 3, Turkey 1, UK 77, US 3,
  Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ghana
  total: 4
  by type: petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 3
  foreign-owned: 2 (Brazil 1, South Korea 1) (2010)

Gibraltar
  total: 265
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 139, chemical tanker 65, container
  35, liquefied gas 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 4,
  vehicle carrier 8
  foreign-owned: 250 (Belgium 2, Cyprus 1, Denmark 6, Finland 2,
  Germany 125, Greece 7, Iceland 1, Italy 4, Jersey 1, Morocco 4,
  Netherlands 33, Norway 42, Singapore 1, Sweden 12, UAE 5, UK 4)
  registered in other countries: 6 (Liberia 5, Panama 1) (2010)

Greece
  total: 886
  by type: bulk carrier 263, cargo 53, carrier 1, chemical tanker 72,
  container 34, liquefied gas 13, passenger 8, passenger/cargo 116,
  petroleum tanker 312, roll on/roll off 13, specialized tanker 1
  foreign-owned: 62 (Belgium 16, Bermuda 3, Cyprus 4, Italy 5, UK 27,
  US 7)
  registered in other countries: 2,391 (Antigua and Barbuda 5, Bahamas
  209, Barbados 14, Belize 2, Bermuda 2, Brazil 1, Cambodia 2, Cayman
  Islands 11, Comoros 3, Cyprus 216, Denmark 1, Dominica 9, Egypt 8,
  Georgia 3, Germany 1, Gibraltar 7, Honduras 4, Hong Kong 22,
  Indonesia 1, Isle of Man 57, Italy 8, Jamaica 8, Liberia 454, Malta
  458, Marshall Islands 358, Mexico 1, Moldova 4, Panama 402,
  Philippines 4, Portugal 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 63, Sao
  Tome and Principe 1, Saudi Arabia 4, Singapore 19, Slovakia 1, Togo
  1, UAE 3, UK 1, Uruguay 1, Vanuatu 4, Venezuela 4, unknown 8) (2010)

Greenland
  total: 1
  by type: passenger 1 (2010)

Guyana
  total: 8
  by type: cargo 6, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1
  registered in other countries: 3 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  2, unknown 1) (2010)

Honduras
  total: 104
  by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 50, carrier 2, chemical tanker 7,
  container 1, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 22,
  refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 3
  foreign-owned: 49 (Bahrain 5, Canada 1, China 2, Egypt 2, Greece 4,
  Hong Kong 1, Israel 1, Japan 4, Lebanon 2, Mexico 1, Montenegro 2,
  Panama 1, Singapore 12, South Korea 6, Taiwan 2, Tanzania 1, UK 1,
  Vietnam 1) (2010)

Hong Kong
  total: 1,429
  by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 629, cargo 177, carrier 11,
  chemical tanker 134, container 274, liquefied gas 37, passenger 4,
  passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker 139, roll on/roll off 5, vehicle
  carrier 8
  foreign-owned: 855 (Belgium 16, Bermuda 12, Canada 70, China 432,
  Cyprus 3, Denmark 41, France 3, Germany 10, Greece 22, Indonesia 8,
  Iran 1, Japan 84, Libya 1, Norway 49, Russia 1, Singapore 13, South
  Korea 3, Taiwan 26, UAE 2, UK 27, US 31)
  registered in other countries: 297 (Bahamas 2, Bermuda 5, Cambodia
  11, China 15, Cyprus 2, Georgia 4, Honduras 1, India 1, Kiribati 1,
  Liberia 47, Malaysia 8, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 3, former
  Netherlands Antilles 1, NZ 1, Panama 125, Saint Vincent and the
  Grenadines 4, Seychelles 1, Sierra Leone 4, Singapore 38, Thailand
  1, Tuvalu 1, UK 8, unknown 11) (2010)

Iceland
  total: 2
  by type: passenger/cargo 2
  registered in other countries: 19 (Antigua and Barbuda 9, Belize 2,
  Denmark 3, Finland 1, Gibraltar 1, Norway 3) (2010)

India
  total: 324
  by type: bulk carrier 94, cargo 78, chemical tanker 23, container
  15, liquefied gas 11, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 12, petroleum
  tanker 87
  foreign-owned: 8 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Jersey 1, Malaysia 1, UAE 4)
  registered in other countries: 56 (Cyprus 2, Dominica 2, Liberia 1,
  Malta 4, Marshall Islands 8, Nigeria 1, Panama 17, Singapore 19,
  unknown 2) (2010)

Indonesia
  total: 1,244
  by type: bulk carrier 95, cargo 601, chemical tanker 57, container
  112, liquefied gas 17, passenger 47, passenger/cargo 76, petroleum
  tanker 214, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 12, specialized
  tanker 1, vehicle carrier 8
  foreign-owned: 61 (China 1, France 1, Greece 1, Japan 7, Malaysia 1,
  Norway 4, Singapore 42, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1, US 2)
  registered in other countries: 87 (Bahamas 2, Cambodia 2, Hong Kong
  8, Liberia 4, Mongolia 2, Panama 14, Singapore 53, unknown 2) (2010)

Iran
  total: 74
  by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 40, chemical tanker 5, container 9,
  liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated
  cargo 2, roll on/roll off 2
  foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1)
  registered in other countries: 78 (Barbados 4, Bolivia 1, Cyprus 10,
  Hong Kong 1, Malta 56, Panama 5, Ukraine 1) (2010)

Iraq
  total: 2
  by type: petroleum tanker 2
  registered in other countries: 2 (Marshall Islands 2) (2010)

Ireland
  total: 28
  by type: cargo 25, chemical tanker 2, container 1
  foreign-owned: 5 (Norway 3, US 2)
  registered in other countries: 21 (Bahamas 3, Bermuda 2, Cyprus 3,
  Isle of Man 1, Kazakhstan 1, Malta 1, Netherlands 7, Panama 1,
  Slovakia 1, Sweden 1) (2010)

Isle of Man
  total: 292
  by type: bulk carrier 45, cargo 49, chemical tanker 48, container 6,
  liquefied gas 41, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 91, roll
  on/roll off 5, vehicle carrier 5
  foreign-owned: 200 (Bermuda 7, Chile 8, Denmark 26, Germany 56,
  Greece 57, Ireland 1, Japan 15, Norway 26, Singapore 1, Sweden 1, US
  2) (2010)

Israel
  total: 10
  by type: cargo 2, container 8
  registered in other countries: 51 (Bermuda 3, Cyprus 1, Georgia 1,
  Honduras 1, Liberia 31, Malta 5, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 4,
  Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3) (2010)

Italy
  total: 667
  by type: bulk carrier 81, cargo 47, carrier 1, chemical tanker 169,
  container 22, liquefied gas 25, passenger 23, passenger/cargo 160,
  petroleum tanker 56, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 34,
  specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 34
  foreign-owned: 78 (Denmark 4, France 2, Germany 1, Greece 8,
  Luxembourg 12, Nigeria 1, Norway 6, Sweden 1, Switzerland 6, Taiwan
  11, Turkey 3, UK 2, US 21)
  registered in other countries: 213 (Bahamas 5, Belize 3, Cayman
  Islands 6, Cyprus 6, Georgia 2, Gibraltar 4, Greece 5, Kiribati 1,
  Liberia 48, Malta 52, Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 9, Norway 3,
  Panama 23, Portugal 10, Russia 9, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint
  Vincent and the Grenadines 5, Singapore 3, Slovakia 2, Spain 1,
  Sweden 5, Turkey 2, UK 4, unknown 3) (2010)

Jamaica
  total: 19
  by type: bulk carrier 9, cargo 5, container 4, roll on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 19 (Denmark 1, Germany 10, Greece 8) (2010)

Japan
  total: 673
  by type: bulk carrier 152, cargo 31, carrier 3, chemical tanker 28,
  container 2, liquefied gas 63, passenger 12, passenger/cargo 120,
  petroleum tanker 152, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 52,
  vehicle carrier 54
  foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1)
  registered in other countries: 3,064 (Bahamas 93, Belize 1, Bermuda
  2, Burma 1, Cambodia 2, Cayman Islands 19, China 2, Cyprus 19,
  Honduras 4, Hong Kong 84, Indonesia 7, Isle of Man 15, Liberia 102,
  Malaysia 4, Malta 5, Marshall Islands 41, Netherlands 1, Panama
  2347, Philippines 82, Portugal 9, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint
  Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Sierra Leone 3, Singapore 146, South
  Korea 15, Thailand 2, UK 4, Vanuatu 44, unknown 4) (2010)

Jersey
  registered in other countries: 11 (Gibraltar 1, India 1,
  Marshall Islands 9) (2010)

Jordan
  total: 13
  by type: cargo 5, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 1, roll
  on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 7 (UAE 7)
  registered in other countries: 20 (Bahamas 2, Egypt 2, Panama 13,
  Syria 2, unknown 1) (2010)

Kazakhstan
  total: 8
  by type: petroleum tanker 6, refrigerated cargo 1, specialized
  tanker 1
  foreign-owned: 1 (Ireland 1) (2010)

Kenya
  total: 1
  by type: petroleum tanker 1
  registered in other countries: 5 (Comoros 1, Saint Vincent and the
  Grenadines 2, Tuvalu 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Kiribati
  total: 71
  by type: bulk carrier 6, cargo 32, chemical tanker 6,
  passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 15
  foreign-owned: 51 (China 28, Hong Kong 1, Italy 1, Singapore 11,
  South Korea 2, Taiwan 5, Turkey 3) (2010)

Korea, North
  total: 158
  by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 129, carrier 1, container 3,
  passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 3, roll
  on/roll off 2
  foreign-owned: 19 (Belgium 1, China 1, Nigeria 1, Romania 1,
  Singapore 2, South Korea 1, Syria 6, UAE 6)
  registered in other countries: 5 (Mongolia 1, Sierra Leone 1,
  unknown 3) (2010)

Korea, South
  total: 819
  by type: bulk carrier 201, cargo 246, carrier 5, chemical tanker
  132, container 69, liquefied gas 40, passenger 5, passenger/cargo
  21, petroleum tanker 67, refrigerated cargo 15, roll on/roll off 9,
  vehicle carrier 9
  foreign-owned: 33 (China 9, France 1, Japan 15, US 8)
  registered in other countries: 438 (Cambodia 11, Ghana 1, Honduras
  6, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 1, Kiribati 2, Liberia 1, Malta 3,
  Marshall Islands 25, North Korea 1, Panama 366, Philippines 1,
  Russia 1, Singapore 9, Tuvalu 1, unknown 6) (2010)

Kuwait
  total: 30
  by type: bulk carrier 1, carrier 3, container 6, liquefied gas 4,
  petroleum tanker 16
  registered in other countries: 47 (Bahamas 2, Bahrain 5, Comoros 1,
  Libya 1, Malta 2, Panama 12, Qatar 7, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saudi
  Arabia 4, UAE 10) (2010)

Laos
  total: 1
  by type: cargo 1 (2008)

Latvia
  total: 13
  by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum
  tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 4 (Estonia 4)
  registered in other countries: 90 (Antigua and Barbuda 16, Belize
  10, Cambodia 1, Comoros 1, Cook Islands 1, Dominica 1, Georgia 1,
  Liberia 9, Malta 11, Marshall Islands 18, Panama 4, Saint Kitts and
  Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15) (2010)

Lebanon
  total: 29
  by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 12, carrier 11, refrigerated cargo 1,
  vehicle carrier 2
  foreign-owned: 3 (Syria 3)
  registered in other countries: 40 (Barbados 2, Cambodia 6, Comoros
  3, Egypt 1, Georgia 1, Honduras 2, Liberia 1, Malta 7, Moldova 1,
  Panama 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Syria 2, Togo 6,
  unknown 2) (2010)

Liberia
  total: 2,512
  by type: barge carrier 3, bulk carrier 507, cargo 136, carrier 1,
  chemical tanker 232, combination ore/oil 6, container 875, liquefied
  gas 93, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 509,
  refrigerated cargo 109, roll on/roll off 2, specialized tanker 10,
  vehicle carrier 25
  foreign-owned: 2,356 (Angola 1, Argentina 3, Australia 2, Belgium 1,
  Bermuda 4, Brazil 20, Canada 4, Chile 7, China 10, Croatia 2, Cyprus
  7, Denmark 4, Finland 2, Germany 1049, Gibraltar 5, Greece 454, Hong
  Kong 47, India 1, Indonesia 4, Isle of Man 19, Israel 31, Italy 48,
  Japan 102, Latvia 9, Lebanon 1, Monaco 10, Netherlands 35, Nigeria
  4, Norway 42, Poland 13, Qatar 5, Romania 3, Russia 108, Saudi
  Arabia 24, Singapore 27, Slovenia 5, South Korea 1, Sweden 10,
  Switzerland 17, Syria 1, Taiwan 88, Turkey 15, UAE 27, UK 25,
  Ukraine 16, Uruguay 1, US 39, Vietnam 3) (2010)

Libya
  total: 27
  by type: cargo 5, chemical tanker 4, liquefied gas 3, petroleum
  tanker 13, roll on/roll off 2
  foreign-owned: 5 (Kuwait 1, Norway 1, Syria 2, UK 1)
  registered in other countries: 5 (Hong Kong 1, Malta 4) (2010)

Lithuania
  total: 42
  by type: cargo 22, container 1, passenger/cargo 6, refrigerated
  cargo 11, roll on/roll off 2
  foreign-owned: 8 (Denmark 8)
  registered in other countries: 29 (Antigua and Barbuda 4, Belize 2,
  Comoros 3, Cook Islands 2, Norway 1, Panama 4, Saint Vincent and the
  Grenadines 10, unknown 3) (2010)

Luxembourg
  total: 47
  by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 3, chemical tanker 16, container 10,
  passenger 3, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 10
  foreign-owned: 45 (Belgium 9, France 16, Germany 9, Netherlands 2,
  Switzerland 1, UK 5, US 3)
  registered in other countries: 16 (Italy 12, Malta 3, Panama 1)
  (2010)

Madagascar
  total: 8
  by type: cargo 4, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2 (2010)

Malaysia
  total: 321
  by type: bulk carrier 9, cargo 97, carrier 2, chemical tanker 45,
  container 44, liquefied gas 35, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker
  79, roll on/roll off 2, vehicle carrier 4
  foreign-owned: 35 (Denmark 1, Hong Kong 8, Japan 4, Nigeria 1,
  Russia 2, Singapore 19)
  registered in other countries: 79 (Bahamas 13, India 1, Indonesia 1,
  Malta 1, Marshall Islands 11, Panama 12, Papua New Guinea 1,
  Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore
  27, Thailand 3, Tuvalu 1, US 2, unknown 3) (2010)

Maldives
  total: 24
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 20, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated
  cargo 2
  registered in other countries: 4 (Panama 3, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Malta
  total: 1,571
  by type: bulk carrier 522, cargo 377, carrier 1, chemical tanker
  280, container 91, liquefied gas 31, passenger 45, passenger/cargo
  22, petroleum tanker 141, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off
  30, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 15
  foreign-owned: 1,401 (Angola 7, Austria 1, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 1,
  Bangladesh 1, Belgium 14, Bermuda 8, Bulgaria 7, Canada 1, China 11,
  Croatia 7, Cyprus 29, Denmark 41, Egypt 1, Estonia 16, Finland 2,
  France 13, Germany 127, Greece 458, Hong Kong 2, India 4, Iran 56,
  Ireland 1, Israel 5, Italy 52, Japan 5, Kuwait 2, Latvia 11, Lebanon
  7, Libya 4, Luxembourg 3, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 2, Nigeria 1,
  Norway 84, Poland 22, Portugal 3, Romania 8, Russia 47, Singapore 3,
  Slovenia 4, South Korea 3, Spain 10, Sweden 3, Switzerland 14, Syria
  5, Turkey 211, UAE 1, UK 16, Ukraine 30, US 35)
  registered in other countries: 2 (Panama 2) (2010)

Marshall Islands
  total: 1,381
  by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 415, cargo 63, chemical
  tanker 314, combination ore/oil 2, container 206, liquefied gas 83,
  passenger 7, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 259, refrigerated
  cargo 14, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 7
  foreign-owned: 1,284 (Australia 1, Bermuda 34, Brazil 1, Canada 4,
  China 16, Croatia 12, Cyprus 38, Denmark 7, Egypt 1, Germany 247,
  Greece 358, Hong Kong 3, India 8, Iraq 2, Isle of Man 2, Israel 1,
  Italy 1, Japan 41, Jersey 9, Latvia 18, Malaysia 11, Mexico 4,
  Monaco 21, Netherlands 16, Norway 57, Pakistan 1, Qatar 24, Romania
  2, Russia 6, Singapore 28, Slovenia 6, South Korea 25, Switzerland
  12, Taiwan 2, Turkey 72, UAE 17, UK 7, Ukraine 1, US 168) (2010)

Mauritius
  total: 3
  by type: passenger/cargo 2, refrigerated cargo 1 (2010)

Mexico
  total: 60
  by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 3, chemical tanker 12, liquefied gas
  4, passenger/cargo 11, petroleum tanker 22, roll on/roll off 4
  foreign-owned: 5 (Denmark 2, Greece 1, South Africa 1, UAE 1)
  registered in other countries: 18 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Honduras
  1, Marshall Islands 4, Panama 6, Portugal 1, Spain 2, Venezuela 1,
  unknown 1) (2010)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  total: 3
  by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 2 (2010)

Moldova
  total: 107
  by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 89, chemical tanker 2,
  passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll
  on/roll off 6
  foreign-owned: 63 (Belgium 2, Egypt 5, Greece 4, Israel 4, Lebanon
  1, Romania 2, Russia 5, Syria 3, Turkey 18, UK 6, Ukraine 12, Yemen
  1) (2010)

Monaco
  registered in other countries: 68 (Bahamas 14, Bermuda 2,
  Comoros 1, Cyprus 1, Liberia 10, Marshall Islands 21, Norway 1,
  Panama 14, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Vanuatu 1) (2010)

Mongolia
  total: 58
  by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 29, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas
  2, passenger/cargo 1, roll on/roll off 3, vehicle carrier 1
  foreign-owned: 44 (Indonesia 2, North Korea 1, Russia 4, Singapore
  1, Turkey 1, Ukraine 1, Vietnam 34) (2010)

Montenegro
  total: 2
  by type: cargo 1, passenger/cargo 1
  registered in other countries: 5 (Bahamas 2, Honduras 2, Slovakia 1)
  (2010)

Morocco
  total: 30
  by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, container 7, passenger/cargo
  15, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 3
  foreign-owned: 6 (France 4, Germany 2)
  registered in other countries: 5 (Gibraltar 4, Panama 1) (2010)

Mozambique total: 2 by type: cargo 2 foreign-owned: 2 (Belgium 2) (2010)

Namibia total: 1 by type: cargo 1 (2010)

Netherlands
  total: 706
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 464, carrier 21, chemical tanker 57,
  container 73, liquefied gas 19, passenger 17, passenger/cargo 15,
  petroleum tanker 5, refrigerated cargo 10, roll on/roll off 21,
  specialized tanker 3
  foreign-owned: 217 (Australia 1, Denmark 36, Finland 14, France 2,
  Germany 92, Ireland 7, Italy 9, Japan 1, Norway 18, Sweden 18, UAE
  4, US 15)
  registered in other countries: 240 (Antigua and Barbuda 18,
  Australia 1, Bahamas 22, Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Canada 1, Cyprus 24,
  Gibraltar 33, Liberia 35, Luxembourg 2, Malta 2, Marshall Islands
  16, former Netherlands Antilles 52, Panama 8, Paraguay 1,
  Philippines 18, Portugal 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2,
  Singapore 1, unknown 1) (2010)

New Caledonia
  registered in other countries: 3 (France 3) (2010)

New Zealand
  total: 14
  by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, container 1,
  passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 2
  foreign-owned: 7 (Australia 1, Germany 2, Hong Kong 1, South Africa
  1, Switzerland 2)
  registered in other countries: 6 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Cook
  Islands 1, France 1, Samoa 1, UK 1) (2010)

Nigeria
  total: 98
  by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 30, liquefied gas 2,
  passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 60, specialized tanker 1
  foreign-owned: 4 (India 1, Spain 1, UK 2)
  registered in other countries: 37 (Bahamas 2, Belize 2, Bermuda 11,
  Comoros 1, Italy 1, Liberia 4, Malaysia 1, Malta 1, North Korea 1,
  Panama 7, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Seychelles 1, unknown
  4) (2010)

Norway
  total: 632
  by type: bulk carrier 43, cargo 133, carrier 5, chemical tanker 139,
  combination ore/oil 12, container 1, liquefied gas 53, passenger 3,
  passenger/cargo 116, petroleum tanker 58, refrigerated cargo 14,
  roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 46
  foreign-owned: 104 (Bermuda 5, Canada 1, China 25, Cyprus 1, Denmark
  11, Estonia 1, Finland 1, France 4, Iceland 3, Italy 3, Lithuania 1,
  Monaco 1, Poland 2, Saudi Arabia 3, Sweden 33, US 9)
  registered in other countries: 940 (Antigua and Barbuda 9, Australia
  1, Bahamas 198, Barbados 41, Belize 3, Bermuda 5, Brazil 3, Canada
  4, Chile 1, Comoros 2, Cook Islands 6, Croatia 2, Cyprus 12, Denmark
  2, Dominica 1, Equatorial Guinea 1, Estonia 2, Faroe Islands 6,
  Finland 2, France 1, Gibraltar 42, Hong Kong 49, Indonesia 4,
  Ireland 3, Isle of Man 26, Italy 6, Japan 1, Liberia 42, Libya 1,
  Malta 84, Marshall Islands 57, Netherlands 18, former Netherlands
  Antilles 2, Panama 89, Portugal 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint
  Vincent and the Grenadines 12, Singapore 132, Spain 10, Sweden 3, UK
  39, US 10, Vanuatu 1, Venezuela 1, unknown 4) (2010)

Oman
  total: 4
  by type: chemical tanker 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2
  registered in other countries: 9 (Panama 8, Saint Vincent and the
  Grenadines 1) (2010)

Pakistan
  total: 10
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 4, petroleum tanker 5
  registered in other countries: 14 (Comoros 3, Georgia 1, Marshall
  Islands 1, Panama 5, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the
  Grenadines 1) (2010)

Panama
  total: 6,379
  by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 2,383, cargo 1,129, carrier
  18, chemical tanker 626, combination ore/oil 3, container 751,
  liquefied gas 192, passenger 42, passenger/cargo 61, petroleum
  tanker 576, refrigerated cargo 212, roll on/roll off 100,
  specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 282
  foreign-owned: 5,244 (Albania 3, Argentina 7, Australia 5,
  Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 7, Bangladesh 3, Belgium 2, Bermuda 15, Brazil
  3, Bulgaria 6, Burma 3, Canada 5, Chile 17, China 574, Colombia 2,
  Croatia 2, Cuba 4, Cyprus 8, Denmark 46, Ecuador 6, Egypt 11,
  Finland 2, France 13, Gabon 1, Germany 27, Gibraltar 1, Greece 402,
  Hong Kong 125, India 17, Indonesia 14, Iran 5, Ireland 1, Isle of
  Man 11, Israel 1, Italy 23, Japan 2347, Jordan 13, Kuwait 12, Latvia
  4, Lebanon 2, Lithuania 4, Luxembourg 1, Malaysia 12, Maldives 3,
  Malta 2, Mexico 6, Monaco 14, Morocco 1, Netherlands 8, Nigeria 7,
  Norway 89, Oman 8, Pakistan 5, Peru 12, Philippines 6, Poland 3,
  Portugal 9, Qatar 1, Romania 2, Russia 39, Saudi Arabia 8, Singapore
  79, South Korea 366, Spain 40, Sweden 1, Switzerland 22, Syria 42,
  Taiwan 337, Tanzania 2, Thailand 6, Tunisia 1, Turkey 79, UAE 83, UK
  33, Ukraine 11, US 102, Venezuela 8, Vietnam 37, Yemen 4)
  registered in other countries: 1 (Honduras 1) (2010)

Papua New Guinea
  total: 28
  by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 24, petroleum tanker 2
  foreign-owned: 7 (Malaysia 1, UAE 6) (2010)

Paraguay
  total: 23
  by type: cargo 15, carrier 1, container 2, passenger 1, petroleum
  tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 6 (Argentina 5, Netherlands 1) (2010)

Peru
  total: 13
  by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas 2, petroleum
  tanker 7
  foreign-owned: 1 (Bahamas 1)
  registered in other countries: 13 (Belize 1, Panama 12) (2010)

Philippines
  total: 428
  by type: bulk carrier 75, cargo 135, carrier 16, chemical tanker 26,
  container 13, liquefied gas 5, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 68,
  petroleum tanker 45, refrigerated cargo 17, roll on/roll off 12,
  vehicle carrier 9
  foreign-owned: 156 (Bermuda 43, China 4, Greece 4, Japan 82,
  Malaysia 1, Netherlands 18, Singapore 1, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1,
  UAE 1)
  registered in other countries: 7 (Cyprus 1, Panama 6) (2010)

Poland
  total: 10
  by type: cargo 6, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 1
  registered in other countries: 104 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Bahamas
  32, Cyprus 20, Liberia 13, Malta 22, Norway 2, Panama 3, Saint
  Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Slovakia 2, Vanuatu 7) (2010)

Portugal
  total: 111
  by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 33, carrier 1, chemical tanker 17,
  container 8, liquefied gas 9, passenger 13, passenger/cargo 5,
  petroleum tanker 7, roll on/roll off 1, vehicle carrier 9
  foreign-owned: 80 (Belgium 8, Denmark 4, Germany 13, Greece 5, Italy
  10, Japan 9, Mexico 1, Netherlands 1, Norway 1, Spain 15, Sweden 6,
  Switzerland 3, US 4)
  registered in other countries: 14 (Cyprus 2, Malta 3, Panama 9)
  (2010)

Puerto Rico
  total: 3
  by type: roll on/roll off 3
  foreign-owned: 3 (US 3)
  registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  1) (2008)

Qatar
  total: 29
  by type: bulk carrier 3, chemical tanker 2, container 14, liquefied
  gas 6, petroleum tanker 4
  foreign-owned: 7 (Kuwait 7)
  registered in other countries: 30 (Liberia 5, Marshall Islands 24,
  Panama 1) (2010)

Romania
  total: 15
  by type: cargo 10, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2, roll
  on/roll off 1
  registered in other countries: 35 (Cambodia 1, Georgia 7, Liberia 3,
  Malta 8, Marshall Islands 2, Moldova 2, North Korea 1, Panama 2,
  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Sierra Leone 4, Syria 1, Togo 1,
  unknown 1) (2010)

Russia
  total: 1,097
  by type: bulk carrier 22, cargo 634, carrier 2, chemical tanker 38,
  combination ore/oil 39, container 13, passenger 15, passenger/cargo
  6, petroleum tanker 236, refrigerated cargo 77, roll on/roll off 11,
  specialized tanker 4
  foreign-owned: 145 (Belgium 4, Cyprus 11, Italy 9, South Korea 1,
  Switzerland 4, Turkey 104, Ukraine 12)
  registered in other countries: 443 (Antigua and Barbuda 3, Belize
  32, Bulgaria 2, Cambodia 60, Comoros 21, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 47,
  Dominica 6, Georgia 7, Hong Kong 1, Liberia 108, Malaysia 2, Malta
  47, Marshall Islands 6, Moldova 5, Mongolia 4, Panama 39, Saint
  Kitts and Nevis 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15, Sierra
  Leone 6, Vanuatu 1, unknown 19) (2010)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  total: 160
  by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 92, chemical tanker 4, combination
  ore/oil 1, container 3, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 5,
  petroleum tanker 24, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 3
  foreign-owned: 94 (Bahrain 1, Belgium 1, China 1, Estonia 3, Italy
  1, Japan 3, Kuwait 3, Latvia 2, Malaysia 1, Norway 1, Pakistan 3,
  Russia 11, Singapore 5, Syria 5, Turkey 22, UAE 17, UK 2, Ukraine
  10, US 1, Yemen 1) (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  total: 444
  by type: bulk carrier 76, cargo 274, carrier 16, chemical tanker 4,
  container 21, liquefied gas 3, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 9,
  petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 12, roll on/roll off 15,
  specialized tanker 2
  foreign-owned: 382 (Austria 2, Bangladesh 1, Belgium 6, Bermuda 1,
  Bulgaria 10, China 82, Croatia 8, Cyprus 2, Czech Republic 1,
  Denmark 19, Dominica 1, Egypt 4, Estonia 10, France 2, Germany 2,
  Greece 63, Guyana 2, Hong Kong 4, Israel 3, Italy 5, Japan 3, Kenya
  2, Latvia 15, Lebanon 4, Lithuania 10, Monaco 3, Netherlands 2,
  Nigeria 1, Norway 12, Oman 1, Pakistan 1, Poland 1, Romania 1,
  Russia 15, Slovenia 2, Sweden 2, Switzerland 5, Syria 13, Turkey 18,
  UAE 4, UK 7, Ukraine 12, US 19, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Samoa
  total: 2
  by type: passenger/cargo 1, cargo 1
  foreign-owned: 1 (NZ 1) (2010)

Sao Tome and Principe
  total: 3
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2
  foreign-owned: 1 (Greece 1) (2010)

Saudi Arabia
  total: 74
  by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 22, container 4, liquefied gas 2,
  passenger/cargo 11, petroleum tanker 22, refrigerated cargo 3, roll
  on/roll off 8
  foreign-owned: 15 (Egypt 1, Greece 4, Kuwait 4, UAE 6)
  registered in other countries: 55 (Bahamas 16, Dominica 3, Liberia
  24, Norway 3, Panama 8) (2010)

Senegal
  total: 1
  by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Seychelles
  total: 9
  by type: cargo 1, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6, petroleum tanker 1
  foreign-owned: 3 (Hong Kong 1, Nigeria 1, South Africa 1) (2010)

Sierra Leone
  total: 189
  by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 131, carrier 1, chemical tanker 12,
  container 3, liquefied gas 3, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 6,
  petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 3,
  vehicle carrier 1
  foreign-owned: 91 (Bangladesh 1, China 12, Cyprus 1, Egypt 2,
  Estonia 1, Hong Kong 4, Japan 3, Malaysia 1, North Korea 1, Romania
  4, Russia 6, Singapore 5, Syria 20, Taiwan 1, Turkey 14, UAE 6, UK
  1, Ukraine 5, US 1, Yemen 2) (2010)

Singapore
  total: 1,422
  by type: bulk carrier 183, cargo 88, carrier 6, chemical tanker 233,
  container 321, liquefied gas 117, petroleum tanker 404, refrigerated
  cargo 5, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle carrier 52
  foreign-owned: 850 (Australia 11, Bangladesh 2, Bermuda 21, Chile 7,
  China 26, Cyprus 3, Denmark 125, France 3, Germany 30, Greece 19,
  Hong Kong 38, India 19, Indonesia 53, Italy 3, Japan 146, Malaysia
  27, Netherlands 1, Norway 132, Slovenia 1, South Africa 3, South
  Korea 9, Sweden 9, Switzerland 4, Taiwan 79, Thailand 30, UAE 10, UK
  6, US 33)
  registered in other countries: 327 (Australia 2, Bahamas 7,
  Bangladesh 3, Belize 7, Cambodia 4, Cyprus 1, Dominica 1, France 3,
  Gibraltar 1, Honduras 12, Hong Kong 13, Indonesia 42, Isle of Man 1,
  Kiribati 11, Liberia 27, Malaysia 19, Malta 3, Marshall Islands 28,
  Mongolia 1, North Korea 2, Panama 79, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and
  Nevis 5, Sierra Leone 5, Thailand 1, Tuvalu 25, US 17, unknown 6)
  (2010)

Slovakia
  total: 23
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 19, refrigerated cargo 3
  foreign-owned: 21 (Germany 4, Greece 1, Ireland 1, Italy 2,
  Montenegro 1, Poland 2, Slovenia 1, Turkey 2, Ukraine 7) (2010)

Slovenia
  registered in other countries: 25 (Antigua and Barbuda 1,
  Bahamas 1, Cyprus 4, Liberia 5, Malta 4, Marshall Islands 6, Saint
  Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 1, Slovakia 1) (2010)

Somalia
  total: 1
  by type: cargo 1
  foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1) (2008)

South Africa
  total: 4
  by type: container 1, petroleum tanker 3
  foreign-owned: 1 (Denmark 1)
  registered in other countries: 11 (Mexico 1, NZ 1, Seychelles 1,
  Singapore 3, UK 5) (2010)

Spain
  total: 138
  by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 17, chemical tanker 12, container 8,
  liquefied gas 13, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 40, petroleum tanker
  17, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 13, vehicle carrier 5
  foreign-owned: 26 (Canada 5, Denmark 2, Germany 5, Italy 1, Mexico
  2, Norway 10, Switzerland 1)
  registered in other countries: 107 (Angola 1, Argentina 3, Bahamas
  9, Belize 1, Brazil 12, Cape Verde 1, Cyprus 7, France 1, Malta 10,
  Nigeria 1, Panama 40, Portugal 15, Uruguay 5, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Sri Lanka
  total: 22
  by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 14, chemical tanker 1, petroleum
  tanker 3
  foreign-owned: 5 (Germany 5) (2010)

Sudan
  total: 2
  by type: cargo 2 (2010)

Suriname
  total: 1
  by type: cargo 1 (2008)

Sweden
  total: 163
  by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 20, carrier 1, chemical tanker 31,
  passenger 5, passenger/cargo 37, petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll
  off 32, vehicle carrier 21
  foreign-owned: 46 (Denmark 15, Estonia 3, Finland 16, Germany 3,
  Ireland 1, Italy 5, Norway 3)
  registered in other countries: 194 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Bahamas
  6, Barbados 6, Bermuda 17, Cook Islands 3, Cyprus 5, Denmark 16,
  Faroe Islands 5, France 6, Germany 1, Gibraltar 12, Isle of Man 1,
  Italy 1, Liberia 10, Malta 3, Netherlands 18, former Netherlands
  Antilles 1, Norway 33, Panama 1, Portugal 6, Saint Vincent and the
  Grenadines 2, Singapore 9, UK 25, US 5, unknown 1) (2010)

Switzerland
  total: 35
  by type: bulk carrier 15, cargo 9, chemical tanker 6, container 4,
  petroleum tanker 1
  registered in other countries: 109 (Antigua and Barbuda 7, Bahamas
  2, Cayman Islands 1, France 5, Germany 1, Italy 6, Liberia 17,
  Luxembourg 1, Malta 14, Marshall Islands 12, NZ 2, Panama 22,
  Portugal 3, Russia 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5, Singapore
  4, Spain 1, Tonga 1, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Syria
  total: 41
  by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 30, carrier 3, container 1
  foreign-owned: 5 (Jordan 2, Lebanon 2, Romania 1)
  registered in other countries: 199 (Barbados 1, Belize 2, Bolivia 4,
  Cambodia 22, Comoros 6, Cyprus 1, Dominica 2, Georgia 35, Lebanon 3,
  Liberia 1, Libya 2, Malta 5, Moldova 3, North Korea 6, Panama 42,
  Saint Kitts and Nevis 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13, Sierra
  Leone 20, Togo 5, unknown 8) (2010)

Taiwan
  total: 101
  by type: bulk carrier 28, cargo 19, chemical tanker 2, container 27,
  passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 12, refrigerated cargo 7, roll
  on/roll off 2
  foreign-owned: 2 (France 1, Vietnam 1)
  registered in other countries: 574 (Cambodia 1, Honduras 2, Hong
  Kong 26, Indonesia 1, Italy 11, Kiribati 5, Liberia 88, Marshall
  Islands 2, Panama 337, Philippines 1, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 79,
  Thailand 1, UK 11, unknown 8) (2010)

Tanzania
  total: 72
  by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 43, carrier 4, chemical tanker 2,
  container 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 15
  foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1)
  registered in other countries: 3 (Honduras 1, Panama 2) (2010)

Thailand
  total: 382
  by type: bulk carrier 30, cargo 116, chemical tanker 23, container
  19, liquefied gas 36, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum
  tanker 120, refrigerated cargo 27
  foreign-owned: 15 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, Japan 2, Malaysia 3,
  Singapore 1, Taiwan 1, UK 6)
  registered in other countries: 41 (Bahamas 4, Panama 6, Singapore
  30, Tuvalu 1) (2010)

Timor-Leste
  total: 1
  by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)

Togo
  total: 53
  by type: bulk carrier 5, cargo 40, chemical tanker 2, container 2,
  petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 23 (China 2, Greece 1, Lebanon 6, Romania 1, Syria 5,
  Turkey 4, UAE 1, UK 3) (2010)

Tonga
  total: 10
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 6, carrier 1, liquefied gas 1,
  passenger/cargo 1
  foreign-owned: 3 (Australia 1, Switzerland 1, UK 1) (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
  total: 6
  by type: passenger 1, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1
  registered in other countries: 2 (Bahamas 1, unknown 1) (2010)

Tunisia
  total: 11
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, passenger/cargo
  4, roll on/roll off 2
  registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1) (2010)

Turkey
  total: 645
  by type: bulk carrier 95, cargo 290, chemical tanker 85, combination
  ore/oil 1, container 40, liquefied gas 6, passenger 1,
  passenger/cargo 59, petroleum tanker 31, refrigerated cargo 1, roll
  on/roll off 34, specialized tanker 2
  foreign-owned: 3 (Germany 1, Italy 2)
  registered in other countries: 686 (Albania 1, Antigua and Barbuda
  7, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 3, Barbados 1, Belize 18, Cambodia 26,
  Comoros 16, Cook Islands 4, Dominica 1, Georgia 22, Italy 3,
  Kiribati 3, Liberia 15, Malta 211, Marshall Islands 72, Moldova 18,
  Mongolia 1, former Netherlands Antilles 8, Panama 79, Russia 104,
  Saint Kitts and Nevis 22, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 18,
  Sierra Leone 14, Slovakia 2, Tanzania 7, Togo 4, Turkmenistan 1,
  Tuvalu 1, UK 1, unknown 2) (2010)

Turkmenistan
  total: 9
  by type: cargo 4, petroleum tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 1
  foreign-owned: 1 (Turkey 1) (2010)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  registered in other countries: 1 (Panama 1)
  (2008)

Tuvalu
  total: 66
  by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 20, chemical tanker 16, container 3,
  passenger 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 15, refrigerated
  cargo 1, vehicle carrier 1
  foreign-owned: 49 (Thailand 1, Vietnam 6, Turkey 1, Switzerland 1,
  South Korea 1, Singapore 25, Maldives 1, Malaysia 1, Kenya 1, Hong
  Kong 1, China 9, Ukraine 1) (2010)

Ukraine
  total: 160
  by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 123, chemical tanker 1, passenger 5,
  passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 9, refrigerated cargo 11,
  specialized tanker 2
  foreign-owned: 1 (Iran 1)
  registered in other countries: 197 (Belize 6, Cambodia 37, Comoros
  10, Cyprus 2, Dominica 2, Georgia 15, Liberia 16, Malta 30, Marshall
  Islands 1, Moldova 12, Mongolia 1, Panama 11, Russia 12, Saint Kitts
  and Nevis 10, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12, Sierra Leone 5,
  Slovakia 7, Tuvalu 1, Vanuatu 3, unknown 4) (2010)

United Arab Emirates
  total: 57
  by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 9, chemical tanker 7, container 7,
  liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 24, roll
  on/roll off 4
  foreign-owned: 13 (Greece 3, Kuwait 10)
  registered in other countries: 278 (Bahamas 27, Belize 5, Cambodia
  2, Comoros 11, Cyprus 5, Georgia 1, Gibraltar 5, Hong Kong 2, India
  4, Iran 1, Jordan 7, Liberia 27, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 17,
  Mexico 1, Netherlands 4, North Korea 6, Panama 83, Papua New Guinea
  6, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 17, Saint Vincent and the
  Grenadines 4, Saudi Arabia 6, Sierra Leone 6, Singapore 10, Tanzania
  1, Togo 1, UK 9, Vanuatu 1, unknown 7) (2010)

United Kingdom
  total: 527
  by type: bulk carrier 30, cargo 70, carrier 3, chemical tanker 71,
  container 190, liquefied gas 10, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 67,
  petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 29,
  vehicle carrier 24
  foreign-owned: 292 (US 11)
  registered in other countries: 275 (Algeria 12, Antigua and Barbuda
  2, Argentina 2, Australia 5, Bahamas 24, Barbados 7, Belgium 2,
  Belize 4, Bermuda 11, Cambodia 3, Cape Verde 2, Cayman Islands 2,
  Comoros 1, Cook Islands 2, Cyprus 7, Georgia 4, Gibraltar 4, Greece
  27, Honduras 1, Hong Kong 27, Italy 2, Liberia 44, Libya 1,
  Luxembourg 5, Malta 16, Marshall Islands 9, Moldova 6, Nigeria 2,
  Panama 44, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  7, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 6, Thailand 6, Togo 3, Tonga 1, US 4,
  unknown 1) (2010)

United States
  total: 418
  by type: barge carrier 6, bulk carrier 58, cargo 58, carrier 3,
  chemical tanker 30, container 87, passenger 18, passenger/cargo 56,
  petroleum tanker 45, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 27,
  vehicle carrier 27
  foreign-owned: 86 (Australia 1, Bermuda 5, Canada 1, Denmark 34,
  France 4, Germany 3, Malaysia 2, Norway 10, Singapore 17, Sweden 5,
  UK 4)
  registered in other countries: 734 (Antigua and Barbuda 6, Australia
  2, Bahamas 100, Belgium 2, Bermuda 25, Cambodia 4, Canada 9, Cayman
  Islands 54, Comoros 2, Cyprus 7, Georgia 1, Greece 7, Hong Kong 31,
  Indonesia 2, Ireland 2, Isle of Man 2, Italy 21, Liberia 39,
  Luxembourg 3, Malta 35, Marshall Islands 168, Netherlands 15, Norway
  9, Panama 102, Portugal 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent
  and the Grenadines 19, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 33, South Korea 8,
  UK 11, unknown 8) (2010)

Uruguay
  total: 18
  by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 2, chemical tanker 4, passenger/cargo
  7, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1
  foreign-owned: 9 (Argentina 2, Denmark 1, Greece 1, Spain 5)
  registered in other countries: 1 (Liberia 1) (2010)

Vanuatu
  total: 72
  by type: bulk carrier 35, cargo 5, container 1, liquefied gas 2,
  passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 26, vehicle carrier 1
  foreign-owned: 70 (Australia 2, Belgium 1, Canada 5, Greece 4, Japan
  44, Monaco 1, Norway 1, Poland 7, Russia 1, UAE 1, Ukraine 3) (2010)

Venezuela
  total: 59
  by type: bulk carrier 5, cargo 15, chemical tanker 5, liquefied gas
  5, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 12, petroleum tanker 16
  foreign-owned: 10 (Denmark 1, Estonia 1, Germany 1, Greece 4, Mexico
  1, Norway 1, Spain 1)
  registered in other countries: 9 (Panama 8, Saint Vincent and the
  Grenadines 1) (2010)

Vietnam
  total: 537
  by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 103, cargo 330, chemical
  tanker 24, container 20, liquefied gas 7, passenger 1,
  passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 46, refrigerated cargo 2, roll
  on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1
  registered in other countries: 84 (Cambodia 1, Honduras 1, Liberia
  3, Mongolia 34, Panama 37, Taiwan 1, Tuvalu 6, unknown 1) (2010)

Wallis and Futuna
  total: 8
  by type: chemical tanker 2, passenger 6
  foreign-owned: 8 (France 6, French Polynesia 2) (2008)

Yemen
  total: 6
  by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 2, petroleum tanker 2, roll
  on/roll off 1
  registered in other countries: 14 (Moldova 1, Panama 4, Saint Kitts
  and Nevis 1, Sierra Leone 2, unknown 6) (2010)

======================================================================

@2109

Field Listing :: National holiday

  This entry gives the primary national day of celebration - usually
  independence day.
  Country

National holiday

Afghanistan
  Independence Day, 19 August (1919)

Albania
  Independence Day, 28 November (1912)

Algeria
  Revolution Day, 1 November (1954)

American Samoa
  Flag Day, 17 April (1900)

Andorra
  Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278)

Angola
  Independence Day, 11 November (1975)

Anguilla
  Anguilla Day, 30 May (1967)

Antigua and Barbuda
  Independence Day (National Day), 1 November
  (1981)

Argentina
  Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)

Armenia
  Independence Day, 21 September (1991)

Aruba
  Flag Day, 18 March (1976)

Australia
  Australia Day, 26 January (1788); ANZAC Day (commemorated
  as the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and
  New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25
  April (1915)

Austria
  National Day, 26 October (1955); note - commemorates the
  passage of the law on permanent neutrality

Azerbaijan
  Founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, 28 May
  (1918)

Bahamas, The
  Independence Day, 10 July (1973)

Bahrain
  National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 was
  the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date
  of independence from British protection

Bangladesh
  Independence Day, 26 March (1971); note - 26 March 1971
  is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is
  Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of
  Bangladesh

Barbados
  Independence Day, 30 November (1966)

Belarus
  Independence Day, 3 July (1944); note - 3 July 1944 was the
  date Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the
  date of independence from the Soviet Union

Belgium
  21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King LEOPOLD I

Belize
  Independence Day, 21 September (1981)

Benin
  National Day, 1 August (1960)

Bermuda
  Bermuda Day, 24 May

Bhutan
  National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king),
  17 December (1907)

Bolivia
  Independence Day, 6 August (1825)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  National Day, 25 November (1943)

Botswana
  Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)

Brazil
  Independence Day, 7 September (1822)

British Virgin Islands
  Territory Day, 1 July (1956)

Brunei
  National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was
  the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date
  of independence from British protection

Bulgaria
  Liberation Day, 3 March (1878)

Burkina Faso
  Republic Day, 11 December (1958); note - commemorates
  the day that Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French
  Community

Burma
  Independence Day, 4 January (1948); Union Day, 12 February
  (1947)

Burundi
  Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Cambodia
  Independence Day, 9 November (1953)

Cameroon
  Republic Day (National Day), 20 May (1972)

Canada
  Canada Day, 1 July (1867)

Cape Verde
  Independence Day, 5 July (1975)

Cayman Islands
  Constitution Day, first Monday in July

Central African Republic
  Republic Day, 1 December (1958)

Chad
  Independence Day, 11 August (1960)

Chile
  Independence Day, 18 September (1810)

China
  Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China,
  1 October (1949)

Christmas Island
  Australia Day, 26 January (1788)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Australia Day, 26 January (1788)

Colombia
  Independence Day, 20 July (1810)

Comoros
  Independence Day, 6 July (1975)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  Independence Day, 30 June (1960)

Congo, Republic of the
  Independence Day, 15 August (1960)

Cook Islands
  Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)

Costa Rica
  Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Cote d'Ivoire
  Independence Day, 7 August (1960)

Croatia
  Independence Day, 8 October (1991); note - 25 June 1991 was
  the day the Croatian parliament voted for independence; following a
  three-month moratorium to allow the European Community to solve the
  Yugoslav crisis peacefully, Parliament adopted a decision on 8
  October 1991 to sever constitutional relations with Yugoslavia

Cuba
  Triumph of the Revolution, 1 January (1959)

Curacao
  Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA and accession
  to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April (1909 and
  1980)

Cyprus
  Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriots
  celebrate 15 November (1983) as Independence Day

Czech Republic
  Czechoslovak Founding Day, 28 October (1918)

Denmark
  none designated; Constitution Day, 5 June (1849) is
  generally viewed as the National Day

Djibouti
  Independence Day, 27 June (1977)

Dominica
  Independence Day, 3 November (1978)

Dominican Republic
  Independence Day, 27 February (1844)

Ecuador
  Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)

Egypt
  Revolution Day, 23 July (1952)

El Salvador
  Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Equatorial Guinea
  Independence Day, 12 October (1968)

Eritrea
  Independence Day, 24 May (1993)

Estonia
  Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February
  1918 was the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet
  Russia; 20 August 1991 was the date it declared its independence
  from the Soviet Union

Ethiopia
  National Day (defeat of MENGISTU regime), 28 May (1991)

European Union
  Europe Day 9 May (1950); note - a Union-wide holiday,
  the day that Robert SCHUMAN proposed the creation of the European
  Coal and Steel Community to achieve an organized Europe

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)

Faroe Islands
  Olaifest (Olavsoka ), 29 July

Fiji
  Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)

Finland
  Independence Day, 6 December (1917)

France
  Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1790); note - although often
  incorrectly referred to as Bastille Day, the celebration actually
  commemorates the holiday held on the first anniversary of the
  storming of the Bastille (on 14 July 1789) and the establishment of
  a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are Fete
  Nationale (National Holiday) and quatorze juillet (14th of July)

French Polynesia
  Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Gabon
  Independence Day, 17 August (1960)

Gambia, The
  Independence Day, 18 February (1965)

Georgia
  Independence Day, 26 May (1918); note - 26 May 1918 was the
  date of independence from Soviet Russia, 9 April 1991 was the date
  of independence from the Soviet Union

Germany
  Unity Day, 3 October (1990)

Ghana
  Independence Day, 6 March (1957)

Gibraltar
  National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the
  national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or join
  Spain

Greece
  Independence Day, 25 March (1821)

Greenland
  June 21 (longest day)

Grenada
  Independence Day, 7 February (1974)

Guam
  Discovery Day, first Monday in March (1521)

Guatemala
  Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Guernsey
  Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Guinea
  Independence Day, 2 October (1958)

Guinea-Bissau
  Independence Day, 24 September (1973)

Guyana
  Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

Haiti
  Independence Day, 1 January (1804)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  Election Day of Pope BENEDICT XVI, 19 April
  (2005)

Honduras
  Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Hong Kong
  National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's
  Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 1 July 1997 is
  celebrated as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment
  Day

Hungary
  Saint Stephen's Day, 20 August

Iceland
  Independence Day, 17 June (1944)

India
  Republic Day, 26 January (1950)

Indonesia
  Independence Day, 17 August (1945)

Iran
  Republic Day, 1 April (1979)

Iraq
  Republic Day, July 14 (1958); note - the Government of Iraq has
  yet to declare an official national holiday but still observes
  Republic Day

Ireland
  Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March

Isle of Man
  Tynwald Day, 5 July

Israel
  Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared
  independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and
  the holiday may occur in April or May

Italy
  Republic Day, 2 June (1946)

Jamaica
  Independence Day, 6 August (1962)

Japan
  Birthday of Emperor AKIHITO, 23 December (1933)

Jersey
  Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Jordan
  Independence Day, 25 May (1946)

Kazakhstan
  Independence Day, 16 December (1991)

Kenya
  Independence Day, 12 December (1963)

Kiribati
  Independence Day, 12 July (1979)

Korea, North
  Founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
  (DPRK), 9 September (1948)

Korea, South
  Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

Kosovo
  Independence Day, 17 February (2008)

Kuwait
  National Day, 25 February (1950)

Kyrgyzstan
  Independence Day, 31 August (1991)

Laos
  Republic Day, 2 December (1975)

Latvia
  Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918
  was the date Latvia declared itself independent from Soviet Russia;
  4 May 1990 is when it declared the renewal of independence; 21
  August 1991 was the date of de facto independence from the Soviet
  Union

Lebanon
  Independence Day, 22 November (1943)

Lesotho
  Independence Day, 4 October (1966)

Liberia
  Independence Day, 26 July (1847)

Libya
  Revolution Day, 1 September (1969)

Liechtenstein
  Assumption Day, 15 August

Lithuania
  Independence Day, 16 February (1918); note - 16 February
  1918 was the date Lithuania declared its independence from Soviet
  Russia and established its statehood; 11 March 1990 was the date it
  declared its independence from the Soviet Union

Luxembourg
  National Day (Birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte) 23
  June; note - the actual date of birth was 23 January 1896, but the
  festivities were shifted by five months to allow observance during a
  more favorable time of year

Macau
  National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's
  Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 20 December 1999 is
  celebrated as Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

Macedonia
  Independence Day, 8 September (1991); also known as
  National Day

Madagascar
  Independence Day, 26 June (1960)

Malawi
  Independence Day (Republic Day), 6 July (1964)

Malaysia
  Independence Day/Malaysia Day, 31 August (1957)

Maldives
  Independence Day, 26 July (1965)

Mali
  Independence Day, 22 September (1960)

Malta
  Independence Day, 21 September (1964); Republic Day, 13
  December (1974)

Marshall Islands
  Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)

Mauritania
  Independence Day, 28 November (1960)

Mauritius
  Independence Day, 12 March (1968)

Mayotte
  Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Mexico
  Independence Day, 16 September (1810)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)

Moldova
  Independence Day, 27 August (1991)

Monaco
  National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857)

Mongolia
  Independence Day/Revolution Day, 11 July (1921)

Montenegro
  National Day, 13 July (1878)

Montserrat
  Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June
  (1926)

Morocco
  Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMMED VI to the throne), 30
  July (1999)

Mozambique
  Independence Day, 25 June (1975)

Namibia
  Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

Nauru
  Independence Day, 31 January (1968)

Nepal
  Republic Day, 29 May; Democracy Day, 24 April

Netherlands
  Queen's Day (Birthday of deceased Queen-Mother JULIANA
  and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30
  April (1909 and 1980)

New Caledonia
  Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

New Zealand
  Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British
  sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840); ANZAC Day
  (commemorated as the anniversary of the landing of troops of the
  Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at
  Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915)

Nicaragua
  Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Niger
  Republic Day, 18 December (1958); note - commemorates the
  founding of the Republic of Niger which predated independence from
  France in 1960

Nigeria
  Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960)

Niue
  Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British
  sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Norfolk Island
  Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn
  Islanders), 8 June (1856)

Northern Mariana Islands
  Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Norway
  Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)

Oman
  Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)

Pakistan
  Republic Day, 23 March (1956)

Palau
  Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)

Panama
  Independence Day, 3 November (1903)

Papua New Guinea
  Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Paraguay
  Independence Day, 14 May 1811 (observed 15 May)

Peru
  Independence Day, 28 July (1821)

Philippines
  Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898
  was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was
  date of independence from US

Pitcairn Islands
  Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in
  June (1926)

Poland
  Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)

Portugal
  Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal), 10 June (1580); note - also
  called Camoes Day, the day that revered national poet Luis de Camoes
  (1524-80) died

Puerto Rico
  US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico
  Constitution Day, 25 July (1952)

Qatar
  Independence Day, 3 September (1971); also observed is
  National Day, 18 December (anniversary of Al Thani family accession
  to the throne)

Romania
  Unification Day (of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December
  (1918)

Russia
  Russia Day, 12 June (1990)

Rwanda
  Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Saint Barthelemy
  Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday
  is St. Barthelemy Day, 24 August

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  Birthday of Queen
  ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  Independence Day, 19 September (1983)

Saint Lucia
  Independence Day, 22 February (1979)

Saint Martin
  Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is
  Schoalcher Day (Slavery Abolition Day) 12 July (1848)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  Independence Day, 27 October (1979)

Samoa
  Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962); note - 1 January
  1962 is the date of independence from the New Zealand-administered
  UN trusteeship; it is observed in June

San Marino
  Founding of the Republic, 3 September (AD 301)

Sao Tome and Principe
  Independence Day, 12 July (1975)

Saudi Arabia
  Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)

Senegal
  Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

Serbia
  National Day, 15 February

Seychelles
  Constitution Day (National Day), 18 June (1993)

Sierra Leone
  Independence Day, 27 April (1961)

Singapore
  National Day, 9 August (1965)

Sint Maarten
  Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA and
  accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX), 30 April
  (1909 and 1980)

Slovakia
  Constitution Day, 1 September (1992)

Slovenia
  Independence Day/Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)

Solomon Islands
  Independence Day, 7 July (1978)

Somalia
  Foundation of the Somali Republic, 1 July (1960); note - 26
  June (1960) in Somaliland

South Africa
  Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)

Spain
  National Day, 12 October (1492); year when Columbus first set
  foot in the Americas

Sri Lanka
  Independence Day, 4 February (1948)

Sudan
  Independence Day, 1 January (1956)

Suriname
  Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

Swaziland
  Independence Day, 6 September (1968)

Sweden
  Swedish Flag Day, 6 June (1916); National Day, 6 June (1983)

Switzerland
  Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291)

Syria
  Independence Day, 17 April (1946)

Taiwan
  Republic Day (Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution), 10
  October (1911)

Tajikistan
  Independence Day (or National Day), 9 September (1991)

Tanzania
  Union Day (Tanganyika and Zanzibar), 26 April (1964)

Thailand
  Birthday of King PHUMIPHON (BHUMIBOL), 5 December (1927)

Timor-Leste
  Independence Day, 28 November (1975)

Togo
  Independence Day, 27 April (1960)

Tokelau
  Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British
  sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Tonga
  Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970)

Trinidad and Tobago
  Independence Day, 31 August (1962)

Tunisia
  Independence Day, 20 March (1956); also the anniversary of
  BEN ALI's assumption of the presidency, 7 November (1987)

Turkey
  Republic Day, 29 October (1923)

Turkmenistan
  Independence Day, 27 October (1991)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  Constitution Day, 30 August (1976)

Tuvalu
  Independence Day, 1 October (1978)

Uganda
  Independence Day, 9 October (1962)

Ukraine
  Independence Day, 24 August (1991); note - 22 January 1918,
  the day Ukraine first declared its independence (from Soviet Russia)
  and the day the short-lived Western and Greater (Eastern) Ukrainian
  republics united (1919), is now celebrated as Unity Day

United Arab Emirates
  Independence Day, 2 December (1971)

United Kingdom
  the UK does not celebrate one particular national
  holiday

United States
  Independence Day, 4 July (1776)

Uruguay
  Independence Day, 25 August (1825)

Uzbekistan
  Independence Day, 1 September (1991)

Vanuatu
  Independence Day, 30 July (1980)

Venezuela
  Independence Day, 5 July (1811)

Vietnam
  Independence Day, 2 September (1945)

Virgin Islands
  Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 31 March (1917)

Wallis and Futuna
  Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Yemen
  Unification Day, 22 May (1990)

Zambia
  Independence Day, 24 October (1964)

Zimbabwe
  Independence Day, 18 April (1980)

======================================================================

@2110

Field Listing :: Nationality

  This entry provides the identifying terms for citizens - noun and
  adjective.
  Country

Nationality

Afghanistan
  noun: Afghan(s)
  adjective: Afghan

Albania
  noun: Albanian(s)
  adjective: Albanian

Algeria
  noun: Algerian(s)
  adjective: Algerian

American Samoa
  noun: American Samoan(s) (US nationals)
  adjective: American Samoan

Andorra
  noun: Andorran(s)
  adjective: Andorran

Angola
  noun: Angolan(s)
  adjective: Angolan

Anguilla
  noun: Anguillan(s)
  adjective: Anguillan

Antigua and Barbuda
  noun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)
  adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan

Argentina
  noun: Argentine(s)
  adjective: Argentine

Armenia
  noun: Armenian(s)
  adjective: Armenian

Aruba
  noun: Aruban(s)
  adjective: Aruban; Dutch

Australia
  noun: Australian(s)
  adjective: Australian

Austria
  noun: Austrian(s)
  adjective: Austrian

Azerbaijan
  noun: Azerbaijani(s)
  adjective: Azerbaijani

Bahamas, The
  noun: Bahamian(s)
  adjective: Bahamian

Bahrain
  noun: Bahraini(s)
  adjective: Bahraini

Bangladesh
  noun: Bangladeshi(s)
  adjective: Bangladeshi

Barbados
  noun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)
  adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)

Belarus
  noun: Belarusian(s)
  adjective: Belarusian

Belgium
  noun: Belgian(s)
  adjective: Belgian

Belize
  noun: Belizean(s)
  adjective: Belizean

Benin
  noun: Beninese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Beninese

Bermuda
  noun: Bermudian(s)
  adjective: Bermudian

Bhutan
  noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Bhutanese

Bolivia
  noun: Bolivian(s)
  adjective: Bolivian

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  noun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s)
  adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian

Botswana
  noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)
  adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

Brazil
  noun: Brazilian(s)
  adjective: Brazilian

British Virgin Islands
  noun: British Virgin Islander(s)
  adjective: British Virgin Islander

Brunei
  noun: Bruneian(s)
  adjective: Bruneian

Bulgaria
  noun: Bulgarian(s)
  adjective: Bulgarian

Burkina Faso
  noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural)
  adjective: Burkinabe

Burma
  noun: Burmese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Burmese

Burundi
  noun: Burundian(s)
  adjective: Burundian

Cambodia
  noun: Cambodian(s)
  adjective: Cambodian

Cameroon
  noun: Cameroonian(s)
  adjective: Cameroonian

Canada
  noun: Canadian(s)
  adjective: Canadian

Cape Verde
  noun: Cape Verdean(s)
  adjective: Cape Verdean

Cayman Islands
  noun: Caymanian(s)
  adjective: Caymanian

Central African Republic
  noun: Central African(s)
  adjective: Central African

Chad
  noun: Chadian(s)
  adjective: Chadian

Chile
  noun: Chilean(s)
  adjective: Chilean

China
  noun: Chinese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Chinese

Christmas Island
  noun: Christmas Islander(s)
  adjective: Christmas Island

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  noun: Cocos Islander(s)
  adjective: Cocos Islander

Colombia
  noun: Colombian(s)
  adjective: Colombian

Comoros
  noun: Comoran(s)
  adjective: Comoran

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  noun: Congolese (singular and
  plural)
  adjective: Congolese or Congo

Congo, Republic of the
  noun: Congolese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Congolese or Congo

Cook Islands
  noun: Cook Islander(s)
  adjective: Cook Islander

Costa Rica
  noun: Costa Rican(s)
  adjective: Costa Rican

Cote d'Ivoire
  noun: Ivoirian(s)
  adjective: Ivoirian

Croatia
  noun: Croat(s), Croatian(s)
  adjective: Croatian

Cuba
  noun: Cuban(s)
  adjective: Cuban

Cyprus
  noun: Cypriot(s)
  adjective: Cypriot

Czech Republic
  noun: Czech(s)
  adjective: Czech

Denmark
  noun: Dane(s)
  adjective: Danish

Djibouti
  noun: Djiboutian(s)
  adjective: Djiboutian

Dominica
  noun: Dominican(s)
  adjective: Dominican

Dominican Republic
  noun: Dominican(s)
  adjective: Dominican

Ecuador
  noun: Ecuadorian(s)
  adjective: Ecuadorian

Egypt
  noun: Egyptian(s)
  adjective: Egyptian

El Salvador
  noun: Salvadoran(s)
  adjective: Salvadoran

Equatorial Guinea
  noun: Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)
  adjective: Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean

Eritrea
  noun: Eritrean(s)
  adjective: Eritrean

Estonia
  noun: Estonian(s)
  adjective: Estonian

Ethiopia
  noun: Ethiopian(s)
  adjective: Ethiopian

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  noun: Falkland Islander(s)
  adjective: Falkland Island

Faroe Islands
  noun: Faroese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Faroese

Fiji
  noun: Fijian(s)
  adjective: Fijian

Finland
  noun: Finn(s)
  adjective: Finnish

France
  noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)
  adjective: French

French Polynesia
  noun: French Polynesian(s)
  adjective: French Polynesian

Gabon
  noun: Gabonese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Gabonese

Gambia, The
  noun: Gambian(s)
  adjective: Gambian

Gaza Strip
  noun: NA
  adjective: NA

Georgia
  noun: Georgian(s)
  adjective: Georgian

Germany
  noun: German(s)
  adjective: German

Ghana
  noun: Ghanaian(s)
  adjective: Ghanaian

Gibraltar
  noun: Gibraltarian(s)
  adjective: Gibraltar

Greece
  noun: Greek(s)
  adjective: Greek

Greenland
  noun: Greenlander(s)
  adjective: Greenlandic

Grenada
  noun: Grenadian(s)
  adjective: Grenadian

Guam
  noun: Guamanian(s) (US citizens)
  adjective: Guamanian

Guatemala
  noun: Guatemalan(s)
  adjective: Guatemalan

Guernsey
  noun: Channel Islander(s)
  adjective: Channel Islander

Guinea
  noun: Guinean(s)
  adjective: Guinean

Guinea-Bissau
  noun: Guinean(s)
  adjective: Guinean

Guyana
  noun: Guyanese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Guyanese

Haiti
  noun: Haitian(s)
  adjective: Haitian

Holy See (Vatican City)
  noun: none
  adjective: none

Honduras
  noun: Honduran(s)
  adjective: Honduran

Hong Kong
  noun: Chinese/Hong Konger
  adjective: Chinese/Hong Kong

Hungary
  noun: Hungarian(s)
  adjective: Hungarian

Iceland
  noun: Icelander(s)
  adjective: Icelandic

India
  noun: Indian(s)
  adjective: Indian

Indonesia
  noun: Indonesian(s)
  adjective: Indonesian

Iran
  noun: Iranian(s)
  adjective: Iranian

Iraq
  noun: Iraqi(s)
  adjective: Iraqi

Ireland
  noun: Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective
  plural)
  adjective: Irish

Isle of Man
  noun: Manxman (men), Manxwoman (women)
  adjective: Manx

Israel
  noun: Israeli(s)
  adjective: Israeli

Italy
  noun: Italian(s)
  adjective: Italian

Jamaica
  noun: Jamaican(s)
  adjective: Jamaican

Japan
  noun: Japanese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Japanese

Jersey
  noun: Channel Islander(s)
  adjective: Channel Islander

Jordan
  noun: Jordanian(s)
  adjective: Jordanian

Kazakhstan
  noun: Kazakhstani(s)
  adjective: Kazakhstani

Kenya
  noun: Kenyan(s)
  adjective: Kenyan

Kiribati
  noun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural)
  adjective: I-Kiribati

Korea, North
  noun: Korean(s)
  adjective: Korean

Korea, South
  noun: Korean(s)
  adjective: Korean

Kosovo
  noun: Kosovar (Albanian), Kosovac (Serbian)
  adjective: Kosovar (Albanian), Kosovski (Serbian)
  note: Kosovan, a neutral term, is sometimes also used as a noun or
  adjective

Kuwait
  noun: Kuwaiti(s)
  adjective: Kuwaiti

Kyrgyzstan
  noun: Kyrgyzstani(s)
  adjective: Kyrgyzstani

Laos
  noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)
  adjective: Lao or Laotian

Latvia
  noun: Latvian(s)
  adjective: Latvian

Lebanon
  noun: Lebanese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Lebanese

Lesotho
  noun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)
  adjective: Basotho

Liberia
  noun: Liberian(s)
  adjective: Liberian

Libya
  noun: Libyan(s)
  adjective: Libyan

Liechtenstein
  noun: Liechtensteiner(s)
  adjective: Liechtenstein

Lithuania
  noun: Lithuanian(s)
  adjective: Lithuanian

Luxembourg
  noun: Luxembourger(s)
  adjective: Luxembourg

Macau
  noun: Chinese
  adjective: Chinese

Macedonia
  noun: Macedonian(s)
  adjective: Macedonian

Madagascar
  noun: Malagasy (singular and plural)
  adjective: Malagasy

Malawi
  noun: Malawian(s)
  adjective: Malawian

Malaysia
  noun: Malaysian(s)
  adjective: Malaysian

Maldives
  noun: Maldivian(s)
  adjective: Maldivian

Mali
  noun: Malian(s)
  adjective: Malian

Malta
  noun: Maltese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Maltese

Marshall Islands
  noun: Marshallese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Marshallese

Mauritania
  noun: Mauritanian(s)
  adjective: Mauritanian

Mauritius
  noun: Mauritian(s)
  adjective: Mauritian

Mayotte
  noun: Mahorais (singular and plural)
  adjective: Mahoran

Mexico
  noun: Mexican(s)
  adjective: Mexican

Micronesia, Federated States of
  noun: Micronesian(s)
  adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese

Moldova
  noun: Moldovan(s)
  adjective: Moldovan

Monaco
  noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)
  adjective: Monegasque or Monacan

Mongolia
  noun: Mongolian(s)
  adjective: Mongolian

Montenegro
  noun: Montenegrin(s)
  adjective: Montenegrin

Montserrat
  noun: Montserratian(s)
  adjective: Montserratian

Morocco
  noun: Moroccan(s)
  adjective: Moroccan

Mozambique
  noun: Mozambican(s)
  adjective: Mozambican

Namibia
  noun: Namibian(s)
  adjective: Namibian

Nauru
  noun: Nauruan(s)
  adjective: Nauruan

Nepal
  noun: Nepalese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Nepalese

Netherlands
  noun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)
  adjective: Dutch

New Caledonia
  noun: New Caledonian(s)
  adjective: New Caledonian

New Zealand
  noun: New Zealander(s)
  adjective: New Zealand

Nicaragua
  noun: Nicaraguan(s)
  adjective: Nicaraguan

Niger
  noun: Nigerien(s)
  adjective: Nigerien

Nigeria
  noun: Nigerian(s)
  adjective: Nigerian

Niue
  noun: Niuean(s)
  adjective: Niuean

Norfolk Island
  noun: Norfolk Islander(s)
  adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Northern Mariana Islands
  noun: NA (US citizens)
  adjective: NA

Norway
  noun: Norwegian(s)
  adjective: Norwegian

Oman
  noun: Omani(s)
  adjective: Omani

Pakistan
  noun: Pakistani(s)
  adjective: Pakistani

Palau
  noun: Palauan(s)
  adjective: Palauan

Panama
  noun: Panamanian(s)
  adjective: Panamanian

Papua New Guinea
  noun: Papua New Guinean(s)
  adjective: Papua New Guinean

Paraguay
  noun: Paraguayan(s)
  adjective: Paraguayan

Peru
  noun: Peruvian(s)
  adjective: Peruvian

Philippines
  noun: Filipino(s)
  adjective: Philippine

Pitcairn Islands
  noun: Pitcairn Islander(s)
  adjective: Pitcairn Islander

Poland
  noun: Pole(s)
  adjective: Polish

Portugal
  noun: Portuguese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Portuguese

Puerto Rico
  noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)
  adjective: Puerto Rican

Qatar
  noun: Qatari(s)
  adjective: Qatari

Romania
  noun: Romanian(s)
  adjective: Romanian

Russia
  noun: Russian(s)
  adjective: Russian

Rwanda
  noun: Rwandan(s)
  adjective: Rwandan

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha noun: Saint Helenian(s) adjective: Saint Helenian note: referred to locally as "Saints"

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s)
  adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian

Saint Lucia
  noun: Saint Lucian(s)
  adjective: Saint Lucian

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)
  adjective: French

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  noun: Saint Vincentian(s) or
  Vincentian(s)
  adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian

Samoa
  noun: Samoan(s)
  adjective: Samoan

San Marino
  noun: Sammarinese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Sammarinese

Sao Tome and Principe
  noun: Sao Tomean(s)
  adjective: Sao Tomean

Saudi Arabia
  noun: Saudi(s)
  adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian

Senegal
  noun: Senegalese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Senegalese

Serbia
  noun: Serb(s)
  adjective: Serbian

Seychelles
  noun: Seychellois (singular and plural)
  adjective: Seychellois

Sierra Leone
  noun: Sierra Leonean(s)
  adjective: Sierra Leonean

Singapore
  noun: Singaporean(s)
  adjective: Singapore

Slovakia
  noun: Slovak(s)
  adjective: Slovak

Slovenia
  noun: Slovene(s)
  adjective: Slovenian

Solomon Islands
  noun: Solomon Islander(s)
  adjective: Solomon Islander

Somalia
  noun: Somali(s)
  adjective: Somali

South Africa
  noun: South African(s)
  adjective: South African

Spain
  noun: Spaniard(s)
  adjective: Spanish

Sri Lanka
  noun: Sri Lankan(s)
  adjective: Sri Lankan

Sudan
  noun: Sudanese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Sudanese

Suriname
  noun: Surinamer(s)
  adjective: Surinamese

Swaziland
  noun: Swazi(s)
  adjective: Swazi

Sweden
  noun: Swede(s)
  adjective: Swedish

Switzerland
  noun: Swiss (singular and plural)
  adjective: Swiss

Syria
  noun: Syrian(s)
  adjective: Syrian

Taiwan
  noun: Taiwan (singular and plural)
  note: example - he or she is from Taiwan; they are from Taiwan
  adjective: Taiwan

Tajikistan
  noun: Tajikistani(s)
  adjective: Tajikistani

Tanzania
  noun: Tanzanian(s)
  adjective: Tanzanian

Thailand
  noun: Thai (singular and plural)
  adjective: Thai

Timor-Leste
  noun: Timorese
  adjective: Timorese

Togo
  noun: Togolese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Togolese

Tokelau
  noun: Tokelauan(s)
  adjective: Tokelauan

Tonga
  noun: Tongan(s)
  adjective: Tongan

Trinidad and Tobago
  noun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)
  adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian

Tunisia
  noun: Tunisian(s)
  adjective: Tunisian

Turkey
  noun: Turk(s)
  adjective: Turkish

Turkmenistan
  noun: Turkmen(s)
  adjective: Turkmen

Turks and Caicos Islands
  noun: none
  adjective: none

Tuvalu
  noun: Tuvaluan(s)
  adjective: Tuvaluan

Uganda
  noun: Ugandan(s)
  adjective: Ugandan

Ukraine
  noun: Ukrainian(s)
  adjective: Ukrainian

United Arab Emirates
  noun: Emirati(s)
  adjective: Emirati

United Kingdom
  noun: Briton(s), British (collective plural)
  adjective: British

United States
  noun: American(s)
  adjective: American

Uruguay
  noun: Uruguayan(s)
  adjective: Uruguayan

Uzbekistan
  noun: Uzbekistani
  adjective: Uzbekistani

Vanuatu
  noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)
  adjective: Ni-Vanuatu

Venezuela
  noun: Venezuelan(s)
  adjective: Venezuelan

Vietnam
  noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)
  adjective: Vietnamese

Virgin Islands
  noun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)
  adjective: Virgin Islander

Wallis and Futuna noun: Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

West Bank
  noun: NA
  adjective: NA

Western Sahara
  noun: Sahrawi(s), Sahraoui(s)
  adjective: Sahrawi, Sahrawian, Sahraouian

Yemen
  noun: Yemeni(s)
  adjective: Yemeni

Zambia
  noun: Zambian(s)
  adjective: Zambian

Zimbabwe
  noun: Zimbabwean(s)
  adjective: Zimbabwean

======================================================================

@2111

Field Listing :: Natural resources

  This entry lists a country's mineral, petroleum, hydropower, and
  other resources of commercial importance, such as rare earth
  elements (REEs).
  Country

Natural resources

Afghanistan
  natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc,
  barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and
  semiprecious stones

Albania
  petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper,
  iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, hydropower

Algeria
  petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead,
  zinc

American Samoa
  pumice, pumicite

Andorra
  hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead

Angola
  petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar,
  gold, bauxite, uranium

Anguilla
  salt, fish, lobster

Antarctica
  iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and
  other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small
  uncommercial quantities; none presently exploited; krill, finfish,
  and crab have been taken by commercial fisheries

Antigua and Barbuda
  NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism

Arctic Ocean
  sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits,
  polymetallic nodules, oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals
  (seals and whales)

Argentina
  fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper,
  iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium

Armenia
  small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, bauxite

Aruba
  NEGL; white sandy beaches

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  fish

Atlantic Ocean
  oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and
  whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic
  nodules, precious stones

Australia
  bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver,
  uranium, nickel, tungsten, rare earth elements, mineral sands, lead,
  zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum
  note: Australia is the world's largest net exporter of coal
  accounting for 29% of global coal exports

Austria
  oil, coal, lignite, timber, iron ore, copper, zinc,
  antimony, magnesite, tungsten, graphite, salt, hydropower

Azerbaijan
  petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals,
  bauxite

Bahamas, The
  salt, aragonite, timber, arable land

Bahrain
  oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls

Bangladesh
  natural gas, arable land, timber, coal

Barbados
  petroleum, fish, natural gas

Belarus
  timber, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural
  gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, clay

Belgium
  construction materials, silica sand, carbonates

Belize
  arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower

Benin
  small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber

Bermuda
  limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism

Bhutan
  timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate

Bolivia
  tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony,
  silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, lead, zinc,
  chromite, cobalt, manganese, nickel, clay, gypsum, salt, sand,
  timber, hydropower

Botswana
  diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal,
  iron ore, silver

Bouvet Island
  none

Brazil
  bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates,
  platinum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower,
  timber

British Indian Ocean Territory
  coconuts, fish, sugarcane

British Virgin Islands
  NEGL

Brunei
  petroleum, natural gas, timber

Bulgaria
  bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land

Burkina Faso
  manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold,
  phosphates, pumice, salt

Burma
  petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten,
  lead, coal, marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas,
  hydropower

Burundi
  nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper,
  platinum, vanadium, arable land, hydropower, niobium, tantalum,
  gold, tin, tungsten, kaolin, limestone

Cambodia
  oil and gas, timber, gemstones, iron ore, manganese,
  phosphates, hydropower potential

Cameroon
  petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower

Canada
  iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, rare earth
  elements, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber,
  wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower

Cape Verde
  salt, basalt rock, limestone, kaolin, fish, clay, gypsum

Cayman Islands
  fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism

Central African Republic
  diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil,
  hydropower

Chad
  petroleum, uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad), gold,
  limestone, sand and gravel, salt

Chile
  copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals,
  molybdenum, hydropower

China
  coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin,
  tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite,
  aluminum, lead, zinc, rare earth elements, uranium, hydropower
  potential (world's largest)

Christmas Island
  phosphate, beaches

Clipperton Island
  fish

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  fish

Colombia
  petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold,
  copper, emeralds, hydropower

Comoros
  NEGL

Congo, Democratic Republic of the cobalt, copper, niobium, tantalum, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, uranium, coal, hydropower, timber

Congo, Republic of the petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, gold, magnesium, natural gas, hydropower

Cook Islands
  NEGL

Coral Sea Islands
  NEGL

Costa Rica
  hydropower

Cote d'Ivoire
  petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore,
  cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, silica sand, clay,
  cocoa beans, coffee, palm oil, hydropower

Croatia
  oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium,
  gypsum, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, hydropower

Cuba
  cobalt, nickel, iron ore, chromium, copper, salt, timber,
  silica, petroleum, arable land

Curacao
  calcium phosphates, aloes, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables,
  tropical fruit

Cyprus
  copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay
  earth pigment

Czech Republic
  hard coal, soft coal, kaolin, clay, graphite, timber

Denmark
  petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, chalk, stone,
  gravel and sand

Djibouti
  potential geothermal power, gold, clay, granite, limestone,
  marble, salt, diatomite, gypsum, pumice, petroleum

Dominica
  timber, hydropower, arable land

Dominican Republic
  nickel, bauxite, gold, silver

Ecuador
  petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower

Egypt
  petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese,
  limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, rare earth elements, zinc

El Salvador
  hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land

Equatorial Guinea
  petroleum, natural gas, timber, gold, bauxite,
  diamonds, tantalum, sand and gravel, clay

Eritrea
  gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, possibly oil and natural
  gas, fish

Estonia
  oil shale, peat, rare earth elements, phosphorite, clay,
  limestone, sand, dolomite, arable land, sea mud

Ethiopia
  small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural
  gas, hydropower

European Union
  iron ore, natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, lead,
  zinc, bauxite, uranium, potash, salt, hydropower, arable land,
  timber, fish

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss

Faroe Islands
  fish, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

Fiji
  timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, hydropower

Finland
  timber, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, nickel,
  gold, silver, limestone

France
  metropolitan France: coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium,
  antimony, arsenic, potash, feldspar, fluorspar, gypsum, timber, fish
  French Guiana: gold deposits, petroleum, kaolin, niobium, tantalum,
  clay

French Polynesia
  timber, fish, cobalt, hydropower

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  fish, crayfish
  note: Glorioso Islands and Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) have
  guano, phosphates, and coconuts

Gabon
  petroleum, natural gas, diamond, niobium, manganese, uranium,
  gold, timber, iron ore, hydropower

Gambia, The
  fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite),
  tin, zircon

Gaza Strip
  arable land, natural gas

Georgia
  timber, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper,
  minor coal and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for
  important tea and citrus growth

Germany
  coal, lignite, natural gas, iron ore, copper, nickel,
  uranium, potash, salt, construction materials, timber, arable land

Ghana
  gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish,
  rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, limestone

Gibraltar
  none

Greece
  lignite, petroleum, iron ore, bauxite, lead, zinc, nickel,
  magnesite, marble, salt, hydropower potential

Greenland
  coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, molybdenum, diamonds, gold,
  platinum, niobium, tantalite, uranium, fish, seals, whales,
  hydropower, possible oil and gas

Grenada
  timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors

Guam
  aquatic wildlife (supporting tourism), fishing (largely
  undeveloped)

Guatemala
  petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower

Guernsey
  cropland

Guinea
  bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish,
  salt

Guinea-Bissau
  fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, clay, granite,
  limestone, unexploited deposits of petroleum

Guyana
  bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish

Haiti
  bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble, hydropower

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  fish

Holy See (Vatican City)
  none

Honduras
  timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore,
  antimony, coal, fish, hydropower

Hong Kong
  outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar

Hungary
  bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils, arable land

Iceland
  fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite

India
  coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), iron ore,
  manganese, mica, bauxite, rare earth elements, titanium ore,
  chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestone, arable land

Indian Ocean
  oil and gas fields, fish, shrimp, sand and gravel
  aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules

Indonesia
  petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite,
  copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver

Iran
  petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead,
  manganese, zinc, sulfur

Iraq
  petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur

Ireland
  natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite,
  gypsum, limestone, dolomite

Isle of Man
  none

Israel
  timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock,
  magnesium bromide, clays, sand

Italy
  coal, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice,
  fluorspar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil
  reserves, fish, arable land

Jamaica
  bauxite, gypsum, limestone

Jan Mayen
  none

Japan
  negligible mineral resources, fish
  note: with virtually no energy natural resources, Japan is the
  world's largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas, as well
  as the second largest importer of oil

Jersey
  arable land

Jordan
  phosphates, potash, shale oil

Kazakhstan
  major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore,
  manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead,
  zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium

Kenya
  limestone, soda ash, salt, gemstones, fluorspar, zinc,
  diatomite, gypsum, wildlife, hydropower

Kiribati
  phosphate (production discontinued in 1979)

Korea, North
  coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron
  ore, copper, gold, pyrites, salt, fluorspar, hydropower

Korea, South
  coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower
  potential

Kosovo
  nickel, lead, zinc, magnesium, lignite, kaolin, chrome,
  bauxite

Kuwait
  petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas

Kyrgyzstan
  abundant hydropower; significant deposits of gold and
  rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas;
  other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc

Laos
  timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Latvia
  peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable
  land

Lebanon
  limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a
  water-deficit region, arable land

Lesotho
  water, agricultural and grazing land, diamonds, sand, clay,
  building stone

Liberia
  iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower

Libya
  petroleum, natural gas, gypsum

Liechtenstein
  hydroelectric potential, arable land

Lithuania
  peat, arable land, amber

Luxembourg
  iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land

Macau
  NEGL

Macedonia
  low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite,
  manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber,
  arable land

Madagascar
  graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, rare earth elements,
  salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower

Malawi
  limestone, arable land, hydropower, unexploited deposits of
  uranium, coal, and bauxite

Malaysia
  tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas,
  bauxite

Maldives
  fish

Mali
  gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, gypsum,
  granite, hydropower
  note: bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are
  known but not exploited

Malta
  limestone, salt, arable land

Marshall Islands
  coconut products, marine products, deep seabed
  minerals

Mauritania
  iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil,
  fish

Mauritius
  arable land, fish

Mayotte
  NEGL

Mexico
  petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas,
  timber

Micronesia, Federated States of
  timber, marine products, deep-seabed
  minerals, phosphate

Moldova
  lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, arable land, limestone

Monaco
  none

Mongolia
  oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin,
  nickel, zinc, fluorspar, gold, silver, iron

Montenegro
  bauxite, hydroelectricity

Montserrat
  NEGL

Morocco
  phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt

Mozambique
  coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum,
  graphite

Namibia
  diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, silver, lead, tin, lithium,
  cadmium, tungsten, zinc, salt, hydropower, fish
  note: suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore

Nauru
  phosphates, fish

Navassa Island
  guano

Nepal
  quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small
  deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore

Netherlands
  natural gas, petroleum, peat, limestone, salt, sand and
  gravel, arable land

New Caledonia
  nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold,
  lead, copper

New Zealand
  natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower,
  gold, limestone

Nicaragua
  gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish

Niger
  uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum,
  gypsum, salt, petroleum

Nigeria
  natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone,
  niobium, lead, zinc, arable land

Niue
  fish, arable land

Norfolk Island
  fish

Northern Mariana Islands
  arable land, fish

Norway
  petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc,
  titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower

Oman
  petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium,
  gypsum, natural gas

Pacific Ocean
  oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and
  gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish

Pakistan
  land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum,
  poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone

Palau
  forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products,
  deep-seabed minerals

Panama
  copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower

Papua New Guinea
  gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil,
  fisheries

Paracel Islands
  none

Paraguay
  hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone

Peru
  copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal,
  phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas

Philippines
  timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt,
  copper

Pitcairn Islands
  miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish
  note: manganese, iron, copper, gold, silver, and zinc have been
  discovered offshore

Poland
  coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber,
  arable land

Portugal
  fish, forests (cork), iron ore, copper, zinc, tin,
  tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, arable
  land, hydropower

Puerto Rico
  some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and
  offshore oil

Qatar
  petroleum, natural gas, fish

Romania
  petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal,
  iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower

Russia
  wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil,
  natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, reserves of rare
  earth elements, timber
  note: formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder
  exploitation of natural resources

Rwanda
  gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore),
  methane, hydropower, arable land

Saint Barthelemy
  has few natural resources, its beaches being the
  most important

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  fish, lobster

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  arable land

Saint Lucia
  forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral
  springs, geothermal potential

Saint Martin
  salt

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  fish, deepwater ports

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  hydropower, cropland

Samoa
  hardwood forests, fish, hydropower

San Marino
  building stone

Sao Tome and Principe
  fish, hydropower

Saudi Arabia
  petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

Senegal
  fish, phosphates, iron ore

Serbia
  oil, gas, coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, chromite,
  gold, silver, magnesium, pyrite, limestone, marble, salt, arable land

Seychelles
  fish, copra, cinnamon trees

Sierra Leone
  diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold,
  chromite

Singapore
  fish, deepwater ports

Sint Maarten
  fish, salt

Slovakia
  brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper
  and manganese ore; salt; arable land

Slovenia
  lignite coal, lead, zinc, building stone, hydropower,
  forests

Solomon Islands
  fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead,
  zinc, nickel

Somalia
  uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin,
  gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves

South Africa
  gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese,
  nickel, phosphates, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, gem diamonds,
  platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  fish

Southern Ocean
  probable large and possible giant oil and gas fields
  on the continental margin; manganese nodules, possible placer
  deposits, sand and gravel, fresh water as icebergs; squid, whales,
  and seals - none exploited; krill, fish

Spain
  coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium,
  tungsten, mercury, pyrites, magnesite, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite,
  kaolin, potash, hydropower, arable land

Spratly Islands
  fish, guano, undetermined oil and natural gas
  potential

Sri Lanka
  limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates,
  clay, hydropower

Sudan
  petroleum; small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore,
  zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold, hydropower

Suriname
  timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold,
  and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore

Svalbard
  coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, phosphate, wildlife, fish

Swaziland
  asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests,
  small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Sweden
  iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten,
  uranium, arsenic, feldspar, timber, hydropower

Switzerland
  hydropower potential, timber, salt

Syria
  petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt,
  iron ore, rock salt, marble, gypsum, hydropower

Taiwan
  small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and
  asbestos

Tajikistan
  hydropower, some petroleum, uranium, mercury, brown coal,
  lead, zinc, antimony, tungsten, silver, gold

Tanzania
  hydropower, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds,
  gemstones, gold, natural gas, nickel

Thailand
  tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead,
  fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land

Timor-Leste
  gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble

Togo
  phosphates, limestone, marble, arable land

Tokelau
  NEGL

Tonga
  fish, fertile soil

Trinidad and Tobago
  petroleum, natural gas, asphalt

Tunisia
  petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt

Turkey
  coal, iron ore, copper, chromium, antimony, mercury, gold,
  barite, borate, celestite (strontium), emery, feldspar, limestone,
  magnesite, marble, perlite, pumice, pyrites (sulfur), clay, arable
  land, hydropower

Turkmenistan
  petroleum, natural gas, sulfur, salt

Turks and Caicos Islands
  spiny lobster, conch

Tuvalu
  fish

Uganda
  copper, cobalt, hydropower, limestone, salt, arable land, gold

Ukraine
  iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulfur,
  graphite, titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timber,
  arable land

United Arab Emirates
  petroleum, natural gas

United Kingdom
  coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc,
  gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica
  sand, slate, arable land

United States
  coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, rare earth
  elements, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash,
  silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timber
  note: the US has the world's largest coal reserves with 491 billion
  short tons accounting for 27% of the world's total

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Uruguay
  arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fish

Uzbekistan
  natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver,
  copper, lead and zinc, tungsten, molybdenum

Vanuatu
  manganese, hardwood forests, fish

Venezuela
  petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other
  minerals, hydropower, diamonds

Vietnam
  phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite,
  chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits, timber, hydropower

Virgin Islands
  sun, sand, sea, surf

Wake Island
  none

Wallis and Futuna
  NEGL

West Bank
  arable land

Western Sahara
  phosphates, iron ore

World
  the rapid depletion of nonrenewable mineral resources, the
  depletion of forest areas and wetlands, the extinction of animal and
  plant species, and the deterioration in air and water quality
  (especially in some countries of Eastern Europe, the former USSR,
  and China) pose serious long-term problems that governments and
  peoples are only beginning to address

Yemen
  petroleum, fish, rock salt, marble; small deposits of coal,
  gold, lead, nickel, and copper; fertile soil in west

Zambia
  copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver,
  uranium, hydropower

Zimbabwe
  coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron
  ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals

======================================================================

@2112

Field Listing :: Net migration rate

  This entry includes the figure for the difference between the number
  of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000
  persons (based on midyear population). An excess of persons entering
  the country is referred to as net immigration (e.g., 3.56
  migrants/1,000 population); an excess of persons leaving the country
  as net emigration (e.g., -9.26 migrants/1,000 population). The net
  migration rate indicates the contribution of migration to the
  overall level of population change. The net migration rate does not
  distinguish between economic migrants, refugees, and other types of
  migrants nor does it distinguish between lawful migrants and
  undocumented migrants.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Net migration rate(migrant(s)/1,000 population)

Afghanistan
  4.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Albania
  -3.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Algeria
  -0.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  -6.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Andorra
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Angola
  1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  13.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  2.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Argentina
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Armenia
  -4.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Aruba
  9.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Australia
  6.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Austria
  1.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  -1.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  -2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Barbados
  -0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belarus
  0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belgium
  1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Belize
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Benin
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  2.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Bolivia
  -1.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Botswana
  4.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population
  note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa
  and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2010 est.)

Brazil
  -0.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  7.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Brunei
  2.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  -2.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Burma
  -0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Burundi
  4.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  -0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Cameroon
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Canada
  5.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  -0.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  16.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population
  note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US (2010
  est.)

Central African Republic
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Chad
  -3.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Chile
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

China
  -0.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  NA

Colombia
  -0.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Comoros
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.77 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  -1.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  1.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population NA

Croatia
  1.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Cuba
  -1.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Curacao
  1.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008)

Cyprus
  11.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Denmark
  2.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  4.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Dominica
  -5.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  -2.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  -0.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Egypt
  -0.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  -9.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Eritrea
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Estonia
  -3.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  -0.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population
  note: repatriation of Ethiopian refugees residing in Sudan is
  expected to continue for several years; some Sudanese, Somali, and
  Eritrean refugees, who fled to Ethiopia from the fighting or famine
  in their own countries, continue to return to their homes (2010 est.)

European Union
  1.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA

Faroe Islands
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Fiji
  -7.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Finland
  0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

France
  1.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  2.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gabon
  -2.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Georgia
  -4.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Germany
  2.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ghana
  -0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  -3.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Greece
  2.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Greenland
  -5.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Grenada
  -3.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guam
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Guatemala
  -2.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  2.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guinea
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Guyana
  -15.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Haiti
  -8.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Honduras
  -1.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  4.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Hungary
  1.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iceland
  0.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

India
  -0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  -1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iran
  -0.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Iraq
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Ireland
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  8.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Israel
  2.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Italy
  2.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  -5.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Japan
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Jersey
  5.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Jordan
  -2.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  -3.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kenya
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  -2.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Korea, North
  -0.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  15.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  -2.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Laos
  -1.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Latvia
  -2.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  -2.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Lesotho
  -8.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Liberia
  0.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Libya
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Liechtenstein
  4.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  -0.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  8.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Macau
  3.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  -0.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Malawi
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Malaysia
  -0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population
  note: does not reflect net flow of an unknown number of illegal
  immigrants from other countries in the region (2009 est.)

Maldives
  -12.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mali
  -5.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Malta
  2.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  -5.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mauritania
  -0.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  -0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mexico
  -3.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of -21.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Moldova
  -1.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Monaco
  -0.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Montserrat
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Morocco
  -3.88 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Namibia
  0.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nauru
  -16.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Nepal
  -1.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  2.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  4.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population
  note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New
  Caledonia (2009 est.)

New Zealand
  2.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  -1.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Niger
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  -0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Niue
  NA

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands -73.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Norway
  1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Oman
  -0.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  -2.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Palau
  0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Panama
  -0.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Paraguay
  -0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Peru
  -0.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Philippines
  -1.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  NA

Poland
  -0.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Portugal
  3.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  -0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Qatar
  -4.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Romania
  -0.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Russia
  0.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  1.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  -3.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  -9.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010
  est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  -11.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population
  (2010 est.)

Samoa
  -11.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

San Marino
  9.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  -9.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  -0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Senegal
  -1.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Serbia
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  1.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  -4.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population
  note: refugees currently in surrounding countries are slowly
  returning (2010 est.)

Singapore
  4.79 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  14.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008)

Slovakia
  0.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  -1.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.)

Somalia
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

South Africa
  -3.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population
  note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa
  and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2010 est.)

Spain
  2.73 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  -1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Sudan
  0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Suriname
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Svalbard
  NA

Swaziland
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Sweden
  1.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  1.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Syria
  -1.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Taiwan
  0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  -1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  -0.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Thailand
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Timor-Leste
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Togo
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Trinidad and Tobago
  -7.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  -0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turkey
  0.53 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  -1.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  8.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  -7.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Uganda
  -0.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  -0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  21.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  2.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

United States
  4.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  -0.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  -2.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Venezuela
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  -0.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  -5.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  -5.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population
  note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New
  Caledonia (2010 est.)

West Bank
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Yemen
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Zambia
  -0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  12.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population
  note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa
  and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2009 est.)

======================================================================

@2113

Field Listing :: Geography - note

This entry includes miscellaneous geographic information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

Geography - note

Afghanistan
  landlocked; the Hindu Kush mountains that run northeast
  to southwest divide the northern provinces from the rest of the
  country; the highest peaks are in the northern Vakhan (Wakhan
  Corridor)

Akrotiri
  British extraterritorial rights also extended to several
  small off-post sites scattered across Cyprus; of the Sovereign Base
  Area (SBA) land, 60% is privately owned and farmed, 20% is owned by
  the Ministry of Defense, and 20% is SBA Crown land

Albania
  strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic
  Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea)

Algeria
  second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan)

American Samoa
  Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater
  harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough
  seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds;
  strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean

Andorra
  landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in
  the Pyrenees

Angola
  the province of Cabinda is an exclave, separated from the
  rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Anguilla
  the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser
  Antilles

Antarctica
  the coldest, windiest, highest (on average), and driest
  continent; during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface
  at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent
  period; mostly uninhabitable

Antigua and Barbuda
  Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with
  many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a large western harbor

Arctic Ocean
  major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern
  access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); strategic
  location between North America and Russia; shortest marine link
  between the extremes of eastern and western Russia; floating
  research stations operated by the US and Russia; maximum snow cover
  in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean;
  snow cover lasts about 10 months

Argentina
  second-largest country in South America (after Brazil);
  strategic location relative to sea lanes between the South Atlantic
  and the South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel,
  Drake Passage); diverse geophysical landscapes range from tropical
  climates in the north to tundra in the far south; Cerro Aconcagua is
  the Western Hemisphere's tallest mountain, while Laguna del Carbon
  is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere

Armenia
  landlocked in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains; Sevana Lich
  (Lake Sevan) is the largest lake in this mountain range

Aruba
  a flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches;
  its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the
  Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27
  degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve
  established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve
  established in 2000

Atlantic Ocean
  major chokepoints include the Dardanelles, Strait of
  Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits
  include the Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The
  Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the
  Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean

Australia
  world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country;
  population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts;
  the invigorating sea breeze known as the "Fremantle Doctor" affects
  the city of Perth on the west coast and is one of the most
  consistent winds in the world

Austria
  landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central
  Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major
  river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands
  because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere

Azerbaijan
  both the main area of the country and the Naxcivan
  exclave are landlocked

Bahamas, The
  strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive
  island chain of which 30 are inhabited

Bahrain
  close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic
  location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's
  petroleum must transit to reach open ocean

Bangladesh
  most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers
  flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main
  channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually
  empty into the Bay of Bengal

Barbados
  easternmost Caribbean island

Belarus
  landlocked; glacial scouring accounts for the flatness of
  Belarusian terrain and for its 11,000 lakes

Belgium
  crossroads of Western Europe; most West European capitals
  within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and
  NATO

Belize
  only country in Central America without a coastline on the
  North Pacific Ocean

Benin
  sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural
  harbors, river mouths, or islands

Bermuda
  consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample
  rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by
  the US Government from 1941 to 1995

Bhutan
  landlocked; strategic location between China and India;
  controls several key Himalayan mountain passes

Bolivia
  landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest
  navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  within Bosnia and Herzegovina's recognized
  borders, the country is divided into a joint Bosniak/Croat
  Federation (about 51% of the territory) and the Bosnian Serb-led
  Republika Srpska or RS (about 49% of the territory); the region
  called Herzegovina is contiguous to Croatia and Montenegro, and
  traditionally has been settled by an ethnic Croat majority in the
  west and an ethnic Serb majority in the east

Botswana
  landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the
  country

Bouvet Island
  covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve by
  Norway

Brazil
  largest country in South America; shares common boundaries
  with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador

British Indian Ocean Territory archipelago of 55 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility

British Virgin Islands
  strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and
  Puerto Rico

Brunei
  close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking
  Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by
  Malaysia; almost an enclave within Malaysia

Bulgaria
  strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land
  routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia

Burkina Faso
  landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of
  the Black, Red, and White Voltas

Burma
  strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes

Burundi
  landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the
  Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote
  headstream of the White Nile

Cambodia
  a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River
  and Tonle Sap

Cameroon
  sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout
  the country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of
  current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest
  mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano

Canada
  second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic
  location between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately
  90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km of the US border

Cape Verde
  strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near
  major north-south sea routes; important communications station;
  important sea and air refueling site

Cayman Islands
  important location between Cuba and Central America

Central African Republic
  landlocked; almost the precise center of
  Africa

Chad
  landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the
  Sahel

Chile
  strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and
  Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage);
  Atacama Desert is one of world's driest regions

China
  world's fourth largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US);
  Mount Everest on the border with Nepal is the world's tallest peak

Christmas Island
  located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean

Clipperton Island
  reef 12 km in circumference

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  islands are thickly covered with coconut
  palms and other vegetation; site of a World War I naval battle in
  November 1914 between the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney and
  the German raider SMS Emden; after being heavily damaged in the
  engagement, the Emden was beached by her captain on North Keeling
  Island

Colombia
  only South American country with coastlines on both the
  North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea

Comoros
  important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel

Congo, Democratic Republic of the straddles equator; has narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo River and is only outlet to South Atlantic Ocean; dense tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands

Congo, Republic of the
  about 70% of the population lives in
  Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them

Cook Islands
  the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely
  populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands, where most of
  the population lives, consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic
  isles, including the largest, Rarotonga, at 67 sq km

Coral Sea Islands
  important nesting area for birds and turtles

Costa Rica
  four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital
  of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes,
  Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65

Cote d'Ivoire
  most of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal
  region; apart from the capital area, the forested interior is
  sparsely populated

Croatia
  controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea
  and Turkish Straits; most Adriatic Sea islands lie off the coast of
  Croatia - some 1,200 islands, islets, ridges, and rocks

Cuba
  largest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the
  Greater Antilles

Curacao
  Curacao is a part of the Windward Islands (southern) group

Cyprus
  the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after
  Sicily and Sardinia)

Czech Republic
  landlocked; strategically located astride some of
  oldest and most significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is
  a traditional military corridor between the North European Plain and
  the Danube in central Europe

Denmark
  controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking
  Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in
  greater Copenhagen

Dhekelia
  British extraterritorial rights also extended to several
  small off-post sites scattered across Cyprus; of the Sovereign Base
  Area land 60% is privately owned and farmed, 20% is owned by the
  Ministry of Defense, and 20% is SBA Crown land

Djibouti
  strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and
  close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia;
  mostly wasteland; Lac Assal (Lake Assal) is the lowest point in
  Africa

Dominica
  known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its
  spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected
  by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the
  Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and
  include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in
  the world

Dominican Republic
  shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti

Ecuador
  Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world

Egypt
  controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and
  remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, a sea link
  between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; size, and juxtaposition
  to Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics;
  dependence on upstream neighbors; dominance of Nile basin issues;
  prone to influxes of refugees

El Salvador
  smallest Central American country and only one without a
  coastline on Caribbean Sea

Equatorial Guinea
  insular and continental regions widely separated

Eritrea
  strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest
  shipping lanes; Eritrea retained the entire coastline of Ethiopia
  along the Red Sea upon de jure independence from Ethiopia on 24 May
  1993

Estonia
  the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded;
  offshore lie more than 1,500 islands

Ethiopia
  landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost
  with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993; the Blue
  Nile, the chief headstream of the Nile by water volume, rises in
  T'ana Hayk (Lake Tana) in northwest Ethiopia; three major crops are
  believed to have originated in Ethiopia: coffee, grain sorghum, and
  castor bean

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  deeply indented coast provides
  good natural harbors; short growing season

Faroe Islands
  archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one
  uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically
  located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic;
  precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands

Fiji
  includes 332 islands; approximately 110 are inhabited

Finland
  long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national
  capital on European continent; population concentrated on small
  southwestern coastal plain

France
  largest West European nation

French Polynesia
  includes five archipelagoes (four volcanic, one
  coral); Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three great
  phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba
  (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Nauru

French Southern and Antarctic Lands islands component is widely scattered across remote locations in the southern Indian Ocean Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): the atoll is a circular reef that sits atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano Europa Island and Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): wildlife sanctuary for seabirds and sea turtles Glorioso Island (Iles Eparses): the islands and rocks are surrounded by an extensive reef system Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones in the western Indian Ocean; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)

Gabon
  a small population and oil and mineral reserves have helped
  Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries; in general, these
  circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and conserve its
  pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity

Gambia, The
  almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the
  continent of Africa

Gaza Strip
  strategic strip of land along Mideast-North African trade
  routes has experienced an incredibly turbulent history; the town of
  Gaza itself has been besieged countless times in its history

Georgia
  strategically located east of the Black Sea; Georgia
  controls much of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them

Germany
  strategic location on North European Plain and along the
  entrance to the Baltic Sea

Ghana
  Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake

Gibraltar
  strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the
  North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

Greece
  strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern
  approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an
  archipelago of about 2,000 islands

Greenland
  dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and
  Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast;
  close to one-quarter of the population lives in the capital, Nuuk;
  world's second largest ice cap

Grenada
  the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is
  divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada

Guam
  largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands
  archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean

Guatemala
  no natural harbors on west coast

Guernsey
  large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port

Guinea
  the Niger and its important tributary the Milo have their
  sources in the Guinean highlands

Guinea-Bissau
  this small country is swampy along its western coast
  and low-lying inland

Guyana
  the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname
  and Uruguay; substantial portions of its western and eastern
  territories are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively

Haiti
  shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western
  one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands Mawson Peak on Heard Island is the highest Australian mountain (at 2,745 meters, it is taller than Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia proper), and one of only two active volcanoes located in Australian territory, the other being McDonald Island; in 1992, McDonald Island broke its dormancy and began erupting; it has erupted several times since, the most recent being in 2005

Holy See (Vatican City)
  landlocked; enclave in Rome, Italy; world's
  smallest state; beyond the territorial boundary of Vatican City, the
  Lateran Treaty of 1929 grants the Holy See extraterritorial
  authority over 23 sites in Rome and five outside of Rome, including
  the Pontifical Palace at Castel Gandolfo (the Pope's summer
  residence)

Honduras
  has only a short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean
  shoreline, including the virtually uninhabited eastern Mosquito Coast

Hong Kong
  more than 200 islands

Hungary
  landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes
  between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between
  Ukraine and Mediterranean basin; the north-south flowing Duna
  (Danube) and Tisza Rivers divide the country into three large regions

Iceland
  strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost
  European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in
  the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental
  Europe

India
  dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian
  Ocean trade routes; Kanchenjunga, third tallest mountain in the
  world, lies on the border with Nepal

Indian Ocean
  major chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of
  Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and
  the Lombok Strait

Indonesia
  archipelago of 17,508 islands (6,000 inhabited); straddles
  equator; strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from
  Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean

Iran
  strategic location on the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz,
  which are vital maritime pathways for crude oil transport

Iraq
  strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of
  the Persian Gulf

Ireland
  strategic location on major air and sea routes between North
  America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides
  within 100 km of Dublin

Isle of Man
  one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest
  and is a bird sanctuary

Israel
  Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) is an important freshwater
  source; there are about 355 Israeli civilian sites including about
  145 small outpost communities in the West Bank, 41 sites in the
  Golan Heights, and 32 in East Jerusalem (2010 est.)

Italy
  strategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as
  southern sea and air approaches to Western Europe

Jamaica
  strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica
  Channel, the main sea lanes for the Panama Canal

Jan Mayen
  barren volcanic island with some moss and grass

Japan
  strategic location in northeast Asia

Jersey
  largest and southernmost of Channel Islands; about 30% of
  population concentrated in Saint Helier

Jordan
  strategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba and as
  the Arab country that shares the longest border with Israel and the
  occupied West Bank

Kazakhstan
  landlocked; Russia leases approximately 6,000 sq km of
  territory enclosing the Baykonur Cosmodrome; in January 2004,
  Kazakhstan and Russia extended the lease to 2050

Kenya
  the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful
  agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers are found on
  Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak; unique physiography
  supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic
  value

Kiribati
  21 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island)
  in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the
  Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia, and Nauru

Korea, North
  strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and
  Russia; mountainous interior is isolated and sparsely populated

Korea, South
  strategic location on Korea Strait

Kuwait
  strategic location at head of Persian Gulf

Kyrgyzstan
  landlocked; entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien
  Shan range; 94% of the country is 1,000 m above sea level with an
  average elevation of 2,750 m; many tall peaks, glaciers, and
  high-altitude lakes

Laos
  landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly
  forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western
  boundary with Thailand

Latvia
  most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains
  with some hills in the east

Lebanon
  Nahr el Litani is the only major river in Near East not
  crossing an international boundary; rugged terrain historically
  helped isolate, protect, and develop numerous factional groups based
  on religion, clan, and ethnicity

Lesotho
  landlocked, completely surrounded by South Africa;
  mountainous, more than 80% of the country is 1,800 m above sea level

Liberia
  facing the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline is characterized by
  lagoons, mangrove swamps, and river-deposited sandbars; the inland
  grassy plateau supports limited agriculture

Libya
  more than 90% of the country is desert or semidesert

Liechtenstein
  along with Uzbekistan, one of only two doubly
  landlocked countries in the world; variety of microclimatic
  variations based on elevation

Lithuania
  fertile central plains are separated by hilly uplands that
  are ancient glacial deposits

Luxembourg
  landlocked; the only Grand Duchy in the world

Macau
  essentially urban; an area of land reclaimed from the sea
  measuring 5.2 sq km and known as Cotai now connects the islands of
  Coloane and Taipa; the island area is connected to the mainland
  peninsula by three bridges

Macedonia
  landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and
  Central Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe

Madagascar
  world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along
  Mozambique Channel

Malawi
  landlocked; Lake Nyasa, some 580 km long, is the country's
  most prominent physical feature

Malaysia
  strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern
  South China Sea

Maldives
  1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited
  islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); archipelago with
  strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean

Mali
  landlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern,
  cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and the
  northern, arid Saharan

Malta
  the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three
  largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino)
  being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and
  Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the
  continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil
  exploration

Marshall Islands
  the islands of Bikini and Enewetak are former US
  nuclear test sites; Kwajalein atoll, famous as a World War II
  battleground, surrounds the world's largest lagoon and is used as a
  US missile test range; the island city of Ebeye is the second
  largest settlement in the Marshall Islands, after the capital of
  Majuro, and one of the most densely populated locations in the
  Pacific

Mauritania
  most of the population is concentrated in the cities of
  Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the
  southern part of the country

Mauritius
  the main island, from which the country derives its name,
  is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral
  reefs; home of the dodo, a large flightless bird related to pigeons,
  driven to extinction by the end of the 17th century through a
  combination of hunting and the introduction of predatory species

Mayotte
  part of Comoro Archipelago (18 islands)

Mexico
  strategic location on southern border of US; corn (maize),
  one of the world's major grain crops, is thought to have originated
  in Mexico

Micronesia, Federated States of
  four major island groups totaling
  607 islands

Moldova
  landlocked; well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and
  minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone

Monaco
  second-smallest independent state in the world (after Holy
  See); almost entirely urban

Mongolia
  landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia

Montenegro
  strategic location along the Adriatic coast

Montserrat
  the island is entirely volcanic in origin and comprised
  of three major volcanic centers of differing ages

Morocco
  strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar

Mozambique
  the Zambezi flows through the north-central and most
  fertile part of the country

Namibia
  first country in the world to incorporate the protection of
  the environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is
  protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip

Nauru
  Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the
  Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and
  Makatea in French Polynesia; only 53 km south of Equator

Navassa Island
  strategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base
  at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; mostly exposed rock with numerous solution
  holes but with enough grassland to support goat herds; dense stands
  of fig trees, scattered cactus

Nepal
  landlocked; strategic location between China and India;
  contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest
  and Kanchenjunga - the world's tallest and third tallest - on the
  borders with China and India respectively

Netherlands
  located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine,
  Maas or Meuse, and Schelde)

New Caledonia
  consists of the main island of New Caledonia (one of
  the largest in the Pacific Ocean), the archipelago of Iles Loyaute,
  and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls

New Zealand
  almost 90% of the population lives in cities; Wellington
  is the southernmost national capital in the world

Nicaragua
  largest country in Central America; contains the largest
  freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua

Niger
  landlocked; one of the hottest countries in the world;
  northern four-fifths is desert, southern one-fifth is savanna,
  suitable for livestock and limited agriculture

Nigeria
  the Niger enters the country in the northwest and flows
  southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in
  the Gulf of Guinea

Niue
  one of world's largest coral islands

Norfolk Island
  most of the 32 km coastline consists of almost
  inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one
  small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is
  situated

Northern Mariana Islands
  strategic location in the North Pacific
  Ocean

Norway
  about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its
  much-indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes
  and air routes in North Atlantic; one of the most rugged and longest
  coastlines in the world

Oman
  strategic location on Musandam Peninsula adjacent to Strait of
  Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

Pacific Ocean
  the major chokepoints are the Bering Strait, Panama
  Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides
  the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific
  Ocean; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in
  the southwestern Pacific Ocean

Pakistan
  controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion
  routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent

Palau
  westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six
  island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II
  battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands

Panama
  strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land
  bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal
  that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific
  Ocean

Papua New Guinea
  shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of
  world's largest swamps along southwest coast

Paracel Islands
  composed of 130 small coral islands and reefs
  divided into the northeast Amphitrite Group and the western Crescent
  Group

Paraguay
  landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil;
  population concentrated in southern part of country

Peru
  shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable
  lake, with Bolivia; a remote slope of Nevado Mismi, a 5,316 m peak,
  is the ultimate source of the Amazon River

Philippines
  the Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands;
  favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water
  bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea,
  and Luzon Strait

Pitcairn Islands
  Britain's most isolated dependency; only the larger
  island of Pitcairn is inhabited but it has no port or natural
  harbor; supplies must be transported by rowed longboat from larger
  ships stationed offshore

Poland
  historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and
  the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain

Portugal
  Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along
  western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar

Puerto Rico
  important location along the Mona Passage - a key
  shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest
  and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and
  high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast
  relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north

Qatar
  strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major
  petroleum deposits

Romania
  controls most easily traversable land route between the
  Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine

Russia
  largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably
  located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its
  size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either
  too cold or too dry) for agriculture; Mount El'brus is Europe's
  tallest peak

Rwanda
  landlocked; most of the country is savanna grassland with the
  population predominantly rural

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  Saint Helena harbors
  at least 40 species of plants unknown anywhere else in the world;
  Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns;
  Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha is the highest island mountain
  in the South Atlantic and a prominent landmark on the sea lanes
  around southern Africa

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  with coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat
  and ball, the two volcanic islands are separated by a 3-km-wide
  channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball
  bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in
  the center of its almost circular namesake island and its ball shape
  complements that of its sister island

Saint Lucia
  the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking
  cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural
  highlights of the Caribbean

Saint Martin
  the island of Saint Martin is the smallest landmass in
  the world shared by two independent states, the French territory of
  Saint Martin and the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  vegetation scanty

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of 32 islands and cays

Samoa
  occupies an almost central position within Polynesia

San Marino
  landlocked; smallest independent state in Europe after
  the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennines

Sao Tome and Principe
  the smallest country in Africa; the two main
  islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes and both are
  mountainous

Saudi Arabia
  extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea
  provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through
  Persian Gulf and Suez Canal

Senegal
  westernmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is
  almost an enclave within Senegal

Serbia
  controls one of the major land routes from Western Europe to
  Turkey and the Near East

Seychelles
  41 granitic and about 75 coralline islands

Sierra Leone
  rainfall along the coast can reach 495 cm (195 inches)
  a year, making it one of the wettest places along coastal, western
  Africa

Singapore
  focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes

Sint Maarten
  the northern border is shared with the French overseas
  collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two enties make up the
  smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states

Slovakia
  landlocked; most of the country is rugged and mountainous;
  the Tatra Mountains in the north are interspersed with many scenic
  lakes and valleys

Slovenia
  despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country
  controls some of Europe's major transit routes

Solomon Islands
  strategic location on sea routes between the South
  Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea; on 2 April 2007
  an undersea earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale occurred
  345 km WNW of the capital Honiara; the resulting tsunami devastated
  coastal areas of Western and Choiseul provinces with dozens of
  deaths and thousands dislocated; the provincial capital of Gizo was
  especially hard hit

Somalia
  strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern
  approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal

South Africa
  South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost
  completely surrounds Swaziland

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  the north coast of South
  Georgia has several large bays, which provide good anchorage;
  reindeer, introduced early in the 20th century, live on South Georgia

Southern Ocean
  the major chokepoint is the Drake Passage between
  South America and Antarctica; the Polar Front (Antarctic
  Convergence) is the best natural definition of the northern extent
  of the Southern Ocean; it is a distinct region at the middle of the
  Antarctic Circumpolar Current that separates the cold polar surface
  waters to the south from the warmer waters to the north; the Front
  and the Current extend entirely around Antarctica, reaching south of
  60 degrees south near New Zealand and near 48 degrees south in the
  far South Atlantic coinciding with the path of the maximum westerly
  winds

Spain
  strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar;
  Spain controls a number of territories in northern Morocco including
  the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and the islands of Penon de Velez
  de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas

Spratly Islands
  strategically located near several primary shipping
  lanes in the central South China Sea; includes numerous small
  islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs

Sri Lanka
  strategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes

Sudan
  largest country in Africa; dominated by the Nile and its
  tributaries

Suriname
  smallest independent country on South American continent;
  mostly tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna
  that, for the most part, is increasingly threatened by new
  development; relatively small population, mostly along the coast

Svalbard
  northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway; consists of
  nine main islands; glaciers and snowfields cover 60% of the total
  area; Spitsbergen Island is the site of the Svalbard Global Seed
  Vault, a seed repository established by the Global Crop Diversity
  Trust and the Norwegian Government

Swaziland
  landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa

Sweden
  strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and
  North Seas

Switzerland
  landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe;
  along with southeastern France, northern Italy, and southwestern
  Austria, has the highest elevations in the Alps

Syria
  there are 41 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites
  in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the
  Luzon Strait

Tajikistan
  landlocked; mountainous region dominated by the
  Trans-Alay Range in the north and the Pamirs in the southeast;
  highest point, Qullai Ismoili Somoni (formerly Communism Peak), was
  the tallest mountain in the former USSR

Tanzania
  Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa; bordered by three
  of the largest lakes on the continent: Lake Victoria (the world's
  second-largest freshwater lake) in the north, Lake Tanganyika (the
  world's second deepest) in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the southwest

Thailand
  controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore

Timor-Leste
  Timor comes from the Malay word for "East"; the island
  of Timor is part of the Malay Archipelago and is the largest and
  easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands

Togo
  the country's length allows it to stretch through six distinct
  geographic regions; climate varies from tropical to savanna

Tokelau
  consists of three atolls (Atafu, Fakaofo, Nukunonu), each
  with a lagoon surrounded by a number of reef-bound islets of varying
  length and rising to over 3 m above sea level

Tonga
  archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited)

Trinidad and Tobago
  Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is
  the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt

Tunisia
  strategic location in central Mediterranean; Malta and
  Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the
  continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil
  exploration

Turkey
  strategic location controlling the Turkish Straits (Bosporus,
  Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black and Aegean Seas; Mount
  Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah's ark, is in the far
  eastern portion of the country

Turkmenistan
  landlocked; the western and central low-lying desolate
  portions of the country make up the great Garagum (Kara-Kum) desert,
  which occupies over 80% of the country; eastern part is plateau

Turks and Caicos Islands
  about 40 islands (eight inhabited)

Tuvalu
  one of the smallest and most remote countries on Earth; six
  of the nine coral atolls - Nanumea, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau,
  Funafuti, and Nukulaelae - have lagoons open to the ocean; Nanumaya
  and Niutao have landlocked lagoons; Niulakita does not have a lagoon

Uganda
  landlocked; fertile, well-watered country with many lakes and
  rivers

Ukraine
  strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and
  Asia; second-largest country in Europe

United Arab Emirates
  strategic location along southern approaches to
  Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

United Kingdom
  lies near vital North Atlantic sea lanes; only 35 km
  from France and linked by tunnel under the English Channel; because
  of heavily indented coastline, no location is more than 125 km from
  tidal waters

United States
  world's third-largest country by size (after Russia
  and Canada) and by population (after China and India); Mt. McKinley
  is highest point in North America and Death Valley the lowest point
  on the continent

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  Baker, Howland, and
  Jarvis Islands: scattered vegetation consisting of grasses,
  prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a nesting,
  roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine
  wildlife; closed to the public
  Johnston Atoll: Johnston Island and Sand Island are natural islands,
  which have been expanded by coral dredging; North Island (Akau) and
  East Island (Hikina) are manmade islands formed from coral dredging;
  the egg-shaped reef is 34 km in circumference; closed to the public
  Kingman Reef: barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; closed
  to the public
  Midway Islands: a coral atoll managed as a NWR and open to the
  public for wildlife-related recreation in the form of wildlife
  observation and photography
  Palmyra Atoll: the high rainfall and resulting lush vegetation make
  the environment of this atoll unique among the US Pacific Island
  territories; supports a large undisturbed stand of Pisonia beach
  forest

Uruguay
  second-smallest South American country (after Suriname);
  most of the low-lying landscape (three-quarters of the country) is
  grassland, ideal for cattle and sheep raising

Uzbekistan
  along with Liechtenstein, one of the only two doubly
  landlocked countries in the world

Vanuatu
  a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller
  islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes

Venezuela
  on major sea and air routes linking North and South
  America; Angel Falls in the Guiana Highlands is the world's highest
  waterfall

Vietnam
  extending 1,650 km north to south, the country is only 50 km
  across at its narrowest point

Virgin Islands
  important location along the Anegada Passage - a key
  shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best
  natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean

Wake Island
  strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency
  landing location for transpacific flights

Wallis and Futuna
  both island groups have fringing reefs

West Bank
  landlocked; highlands are main recharge area for Israel's
  coastal aquifers; there are about 355 Israeli civilian sites
  including about 145 small outpost communities in the West Bank and
  32 sites in East Jerusalem (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  the waters off the coast are particularly rich
  fishing areas

World
  the world is now thought to be about 4.55 billion years old,
  just about one-third of the 13.7-billion-year age estimated for the
  universe

Yemen
  strategic location on Bab el Mandeb, the strait linking the
  Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, one of world's most active shipping
  lanes

Zambia
  landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary
  with Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe
  landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary
  with Zambia; in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria
  Falls on the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water

======================================================================

@2115

Field Listing :: Political pressure groups and leaders

  This entry includes a listing of a country's political, social,
  labor, or religious organizations that are involved in politics, or
  that exert political pressure, but whose leaders do not stand for
  legislative election. International movements or organizations are
  generally not listed.
  Country

Political pressure groups and leaders

Afghanistan
  other: religious groups; tribal leaders; ethnically
  based groups; Taliban

Albania
  Citizens Advocacy Office [Kreshnik SPAHIU]; Confederation of
  Trade Unions of Albania or KSSH [Kastriot MUCO]; Front for Albanian
  National Unification or FBKSH [Gafur ADILI]; Mjaft Movement [Elton
  KACIDHJA]; Omonia [Ligorag KARAMELO]; Union of Independent Trade
  Unions of Albania or BSPSH [Gezim KALAJA]

Algeria
  The Algerian Human Rights League or LADDH [Hocine ZEHOUANE];
  SOS Disparus [Nacera DUTOUR]

American Samoa
  Population Pressure LAS (addresses the growing
  population pressures)

Andorra
  NA

Angola
  Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda or FLEC
  [N'zita Henriques TIAGO, Antonio Bento BEMBE]
  note: FLEC's small-scale armed struggle for the independence of
  Cabinda Province persists despite the signing of a peace accord with
  the government in August 2006

Anguilla
  NA

Antigua and Barbuda
  Antigua Trades and Labor Union or ATLU [William
  ROBINSON]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Hugh MARSHALL]

Argentina
  Argentine Association of Pharmaceutical Labs (CILFA);
  Argentine Industrial Union (manufacturers' association); Argentine
  Rural Confederation or CRA (small to medium landowners'
  association); Argentine Rural Society (large landowners'
  association); Central of Argentine Workers or CTA (a radical union
  for employed and unemployed workers); General Confederation of Labor
  or CGT (Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization); White and
  Blue CGT (dissident CGT labor confederation); Roman Catholic Church
  other: business organizations; Peronist-dominated labor movement;
  Piquetero groups (popular protest organizations that can be either
  pro or anti-government); students

Armenia
  Aylentrank (Impeachment Alliance) [Nikol PASHINIAN];
  Yerkrapah Union [Manvel GRIGORIAN]

Aruba
  other: environmental groups

Australia
  other: business groups; environmental groups; social
  groups; trade unions

Austria
  Austrian Trade Union Federation or OeGB (nominally
  independent but primarily Social Democratic); Federal Economic
  Chamber; OeVP-oriented Association of Austrian Industrialists or IV;
  Roman Catholic Church, including its chief lay organization,
  Catholic Action
  other: three composite leagues of the Austrian People's Party or
  OeVP representing business, labor, farmers, and other nongovernment
  organizations in the areas of environment and human rights

Azerbaijan
  Azerbaijan Public Forum [Eldar NAMAZOV]; Karabakh
  Liberation Organization

Bahamas, The
  Friends of the Environment
  other: trade unions

Bahrain
  Shia activists; Sunni Islamist legislators
  other: several small leftist and other groups are active

Bangladesh
  Advocacy to End Gender-based Violence through the MoWCA
  (Ministry of Women's and Children's Affairs)
  other: environmentalists; Islamist groups; religious leaders;
  teachers; union leaders

Barbados
  Barbados Secondary Teachers' Union or BSTU [Patrick FROST];
  Barbados Union of Teachers or BUT [Herbert GITTENS]; Congress of
  Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados or CTUSAB, (includes
  the BWU, NUPW, BUT, and BSTU) [Leroy TROTMAN]; Barbados Workers
  Union or BWU [Leroy TROTMAN]; Clement Payne Labor Union [David
  COMISSIONG]; National Union of Public Workers [Joseph GODDARD]

Belarus
  Assembly of Pro-Democratic NGOs (unregistered) [Sergey
  MATSKEVICH]; Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions
  [Aleksandr YAROSHUK]; Belarusian Association of Journalists [Zhana
  LITVINA]; Belarusian Helsinki Committee [Aleh HULAK]; Belarusian
  Independence Bloc (unregistered) and For Freedom movement [Aleksandr
  MILINKEVICH]; Belarusian Organization of Working Women [Irina
  ZHIKHAR]; BPF-Youth [Andrus KRECHKA]; Charter 97 (unregistered)
  [Andrey SANNIKOV]; Perspektiva small business association [Anatol
  SHUMCHENKO]; Nasha Vyasna (unregistered) ("Our Spring") human rights
  center; "Tell the Truth" Movement [Vladimir NEKLYAYEV]; Women's
  Independent Democratic Movement [Ludmila PETINA]; Young Belarus
  (Malady Belarus) [Zmitser KASPYAROVICH]; Youth Front (Malady Front)
  [Zmitser DASHKEVICH]

Belgium
  Christian, Socialist, and Liberal Trade Unions; Federation
  of Belgian Industries
  other: numerous other associations representing bankers,
  manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical
  professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests
  of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi
  and groups representing immigrants

Belize
  Society for the Promotion of Education and Research or SPEAR
  [Nicole HAYLOCK]; Association of Concerned Belizeans or ACB [David
  VASQUEZ]; National Trade Union Congress of Belize or NTUC/B [Rene
  GOMEZ]

Benin
  other: economic groups; environmentalists; political groups;
  teachers' unions and other educational groups

Bermuda
  Bermuda Employer's Union [Eddie SAINTS]; Bermuda Industrial
  Union or BIU [Derrick BURGESS]; Bermuda Public Services Union or
  BPSU [Ed BALL]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES]

Bhutan
  United Front for Democracy (exiled); Druk National Congress
  (exiled)
  other: Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading
  militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community

Bolivia
  Bolivian Workers Central or COR; Federation of Neighborhood
  Councils of El Alto or FEJUVE; Landless Movement or MST; National
  Coordinator for Change or CONALCAM; Sole Confederation of Campesino
  Workers of Bolivia or CSUTCB
  other: Cocalero groups; indigenous organizations (including
  Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of Eastern Bolivia or CIDOB and
  National Council of Ayullus and Markas of Quollasuyu or CONAMAQ);
  labor unions (including the Central Bolivian Workers' Union or COB
  and Cooperative Miners Federation or FENCOMIN)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  other: war veterans; displaced persons
  associations; family associations of missing persons; private media

Botswana
  First People of the Kalahari (Bushman organization); Pitso
  Ya Ba Tswana; Society for the Promotion of Ikalanga Language
  (Kalanga elites)
  other: diamond mining companies

Brazil
  Landless Workers' Movement or MST
  other: labor unions and federations; large farmers' associations;
  religious groups including evangelical Christian churches and the
  Catholic Church

British Virgin Islands
  The Family Support Network; The Women's Desk
  other: environmentalists

Brunei
  NA

Bulgaria
  Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria or
  CITUB; Podkrepa Labor Confederation
  other: numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with
  various agendas

Burkina Faso
  Burkinabe General Confederation of Labor or CGTB [Tole
  SAGNON]; Burkinabe Movement for Human Rights or MBDHP [Chrysigone
  ZOUGMORE]; Group of 14 February [Benewende STANISLAS]; National
  Confederation of Burkinabe Workers or CNTB [Laurent OUEDRAOGO];
  National Organization of Free Unions or ONSL [Paul KABORE]
  other: watchdog/political action groups throughout the country in
  both organizations and communities

Burma
  Thai border: Ethnic Nationalities Council or ENC; Federation
  of Trade Unions-Burma or FTUB (exile trade union and labor
  advocates); National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma or
  NCGUB (self-proclaimed government in exile) ["Prime Minister" Dr.
  SEIN WIN] consists of individuals, some legitimately elected to the
  People's Assembly in 1990 (the group fled to a border area and
  joined insurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel government in
  exile); National Council-Union of Burma or NCUB (exile coalition of
  opposition groups)
  Inside Burma: Kachin Independence Organization or KIO; Karen
  National Union or KNU; Karenni National People's Party or KNPP;
  Union Solidarity and Development Association or USDA (pro-regime, a
  social and political mass-member organization) [HTAY OO, general
  secretary] became the Union Solidarity and Development Party in
  2010; United Wa State Army or UWSA; 88 Generation Students
  (pro-democracy movement); several other Shan factions

Burundi
  Forum for the Strengthening of Civil Society or FORSC
  [Pacifique NININAHAZWE] (civil society umbrella organization);
  Observatoire de lutte contre la corruption et les malversations
  economiques or OLUCOME [Gabriel RUFYIRI] (anti-corruption pressure
  group)
  other: Hutu and Tutsi militias (loosely organized)

Cambodia
  Cambodian Freedom Fighters or CFF; Partnership for
  Transparency Fund or PTF (anti-corruption organization); Students
  Movement for Democracy; The Committee for Free and Fair Elections or
  Comfrel
  other: human rights organizations; vendors

Cameroon
  Human Rights Defense Group [Albert MUKONG, president];
  Southern Cameroon National Council [Ayamba Ette OTUN]

Canada
  other: agricultural sector; automobile industry; business
  groups; chemical industry; commercial banks; communications sector;
  energy industry; environmentalists; public administration groups;
  steel industry; trade unions

Cape Verde
  other: environmentalists; political pressure groups

Cayman Islands
  National Trust
  other: environmentalists

Central African Republic
  Monam (combating gender-base violence)

Chad
  rebel groups

Chile
  Roman Catholic Church, particularly conservative groups such
  as Opus Dei; United Labor Central or CUT includes trade unionists
  from the country's five largest labor confederations
  other: revitalized university student federations at all major
  universities

China
  no substantial political opposition groups exist

Christmas Island
  none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  The Cocos Islands Youth Support Centre

Colombia
  National Liberation Army or ELN; Revolutionary Armed Forces
  of Colombia or FARC
  note: two largest insurgent groups active in Colombia

Comoros
  other: environmentalists

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  MONUC - UN organization working
  with the government; FARDC (Forces Armees de la Republique
  Democratique du Congo) - Army of the Democratic Republic of the
  Congo which commits atrocities on citizens; FDL (Forces
  Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda) - Rwandan militia group

Congo, Republic of the
  Congolese Trade Union Congress or CSC;
  General Union of Congolese Pupils and Students or UGEEC;
  Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women or URFC; Union of Congolese
  Socialist Youth or UJSC

Cook Islands
  Reform Conference (lobby for political system changes)
  other: various groups lobbying for political change

Costa Rica
  Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers or CATD
  (Communist Party affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; Confederated
  Union of Workers or CUT (Communist Party affiliate); Costa Rican
  Confederation of Democratic Workers or CCTD (Liberation Party
  affiliate); Costa Rican Exporter's Chamber or CADEXCO; Costa Rican
  Solidarity Movement; Costa Rican Union of Private Sector Enterprises
  or UCCAEP [Rafael CARRILLO]; Federation of Public Service Workers or
  FTSP; National Association for Economic Development or ANFE;
  National Association of Educators or ANDE; National Association of
  Public and Private Employees or ANEP [Albino VARGAS]; Rerum Novarum
  or CTRN (PLN affiliate) [Gilbert BROWN]

Cote d'Ivoire
  Federation of University and High School Students of
  Cote d'Ivoire or FESCI [Serges KOFFI]; Rally of Houphouetists for
  Democracy and Peace or RHDP [Alphonse DJEDJE MADY]; Young Patriots
  [Charles BLE GOUDE]

Croatia
  other: human rights groups

Cuba
  Human Rights Watch; National Association of Small Farmers

Cyprus
  Confederation of Cypriot Workers or SEK (pro-West);
  Confederation of Revolutionary Labor Unions or Dev-Is; Federation of
  Turkish Cypriot Labor Unions or Turk-Sen; Pan-Cyprian Labor
  Federation or PEO (Communist controlled)

Czech Republic
  Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions or CMKOS
  [Jaroslav ZAVADIL]

Denmark
  Confederation of Danish Employers or DA [President Jorn
  Neergaard LARSEN]; Principal DA member organizations: Confederation
  of Danish Industries [CEO Karsten DYBVAD]; Confederation of Danish
  Labor Unions [President Harald BORSTING]; Danish Bankers Association
  [CEO Joergen HORWITZ]; DaneAge Association [President Bjarne
  HASTRUP]; Danish Society for Nature Conservation [President Ella
  Maria BISSCHOP-LARSEN]
  other: humanitarian relief; development assistance; human rights NGOs

Djibouti
  Union for Presidential Majority UMP (coalition includes
  RPP, FRUD, PPSD and PND); Union for Democratic Changeover or UAD
  (opposition coalition includes ARD, MRDD, and UDJ)

Dominica
  Dominica Liberation Movement or DLM (a small leftist party)

Dominican Republic
  Citizen Participation Group (Participacion
  Ciudadania); Collective of Popular Organizations or COP; Foundation
  for Institution-Building and Justice (FINJUS)

Ecuador
  Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador or
  CONAIE [Marlon SANTI, president]; Coordinator of Social Movements or
  CMS [F. Napoleon SALTOS]; Federation of Indigenous Evangelists of
  Ecuador or FEINE [Manuel CHUGCHILAN, president]; National Federation
  of Indigenous Afro-Ecuatorianos and Peasants or FENOCIN [Luis
  Alberto ANDRANGO Cadena, president]

Egypt
  Muslim Brotherhood (technically illegal)
  note: despite a constitutional ban against religious-based parties
  and political activity, the technically illegal Muslim Brotherhood
  constitutes Egypt's most potentially significant political
  opposition; President MUBARAK has alternated between tolerating
  limited political activity by the Brotherhood and blocking its
  influence (its members compete as independents in elections but do
  not currently hold any seats in the legislature); civic society
  groups are sanctioned, but constrained in practical terms; only
  trade unions and professional associations affiliated with the
  government are officially sanctioned; Internet social networking
  groups and bloggers

El Salvador
  labor organizations - Electrical Industry Union of El
  Salvador or SIES; Federation of the Construction Industry, Similar
  Transport and other activities, or FESINCONTRANS; National
  Confederation of Salvadoran Workers or CNTS; National Union of
  Salvadoran Workers or UNTS; Port Industry Union of El Salvador or
  SIPES; Salvadoran Union of Ex-Petrolleros and Peasant Workers or
  USEPOC; Salvadoran Workers Central or CTS; Workers Union of
  Electrical Corporation or STCEL; business organizations - National
  Association of Small Enterprise or ANEP; Salvadoran Assembly
  Industry Association or ASIC; Salvadoran Industrial Association or
  ASI

Equatorial Guinea
  ASODEGUE (Madrid-based pressure group for
  democratic reform); Global Witness (anti-corruption)

Eritrea
  Eritrean Democratic Party (EDP) [HAGOS, Mesfin]; Eritrean
  Islamic Jihad or EIJ (includes Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement or
  EIJM also known as the Abu Sihel Movement); Eritrean Islamic
  Salvation or EIS (also known as the Arafa Movement); Eritrean
  Liberation Front or ELF [ABDULLAH Muhammed]; Eritrean National
  Alliance or ENA (a coalition including EIJ, EIS, ELF, and a number
  of ELF factions) [HERUY Tedla Biru]; Eritrean Public Forum or EPF
  [ARADOM Iyob]

Ethiopia
  Ethiopian People's Patriotic Front or EPPF; Ogaden National
  Liberation Front or ONLF; Oromo Liberation Front or OLF [DAOUD Ibsa]

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  Falkland Islands Association
  (supports freedom of the people from external causes)

Faroe Islands
  conservationists

Fiji
  Group Against Racial Discrimination or GARD [Dr. Anirudk SINGH]
  (for restoration of a democratic government); Viti Landowners
  Association

France
  Confederation francaise democratique du travail or CFDT,
  left-leaning labor union with approximately 803,000 members;
  Confederation francaise de l'encadrement - Confederation generale
  des cadres or CFE-CGC, independent white-collar union with 196,000
  members; Confederation francaise des travailleurs chretiens of CFTC,
  independent labor union founded by Catholic workers that claims
  132,000 members; Confederation generale du travail or CGT,
  historically communist labor union with approximately 700,000
  members; Confederation generale du travail - Force ouvriere or FO,
  independent labor union with an estimated 300,000 members; Mouvement
  des entreprises de France or MEDEF, employers' union with 750,000
  companies as members (claimed)
  French Guiana: conservationists; gold mining pressure groups;
  hunting pressure groups
  Guadeloupe: Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe or
  KLPG; General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers or CGT-G; General
  Union of Guadeloupe Workers or UGTG; Movement for an Independent
  Guadeloupe or MPGI; The Socialist Renewal Movement
  Martinique: Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance or ARC; Central Union
  for Martinique Workers or CSTM; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of
  Workers and Peasants; Proletarian Action Group or GAP
  Reunion: NA

French Polynesia
  NA

Gabon
  NA

Gambia, The
  National Environment Agency or NEA; West African Peace
  Building Network-Gambian Chapter or WANEB-GAMBIA; Youth Employment
  Network Gambia or YENGambia
  other: special needs group advocates; teachers and principals

Georgia
  separatists in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South
  Ossetia

Germany
  business associations and employers' organizations; trade
  unions; religious, immigrant, expellee, and veterans groups

Ghana
  Christian Aid (water rights); Committee for Joint Action or
  CJA (education reform); National Coalition Against the Privatization
  of Water or CAP (water rights); Oxfam (water rights); Public Citizen
  (water rights); Students Coalition Against EPA [Kwabena Ososukene
  OKAI] (education reform); Third World Network (education reform)

Gibraltar
  Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar Representatives
  Organization; Women's Association

Greece
  Civil Servants Confederation or ADEDY [Spyros PAPASPYROS];
  Federation of Greek Industries or SEV [Dimitris DASKALOPOULOS];
  General Confederation of Greek Workers or GSEE [Ioannis PANAGOPOULOS]

Greenland
  other: conservationists; environmentalists

Grenada
  Committee for Human Rights in Grenada or CHRG; New Jewel
  Movement Support Group; The British Grenada Friendship Society; The
  New Jewel 19 Committee

Guam
  Guam Federation of Teachers' Union; Guam Waterworks Authority
  Workers
  other: activists; indigenous groups

Guatemala
  Agrarian Owners Group or UNAGRO; Alliance Against Impunity
  or AAI; Committee for Campesino Unity or CUC; Coordinating Committee
  of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations
  or CACIF; International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala or
  CICIG; Mutual Support Group or GAM

Guernsey
  Stop Traffic Endangering Pedestrian Safety or STEPS; No
  More Masts [Colin FALLAIZE]

Guinea
  National Confederation of Guinean Workers-Labor Union of
  Guinean Workers or CNTG-USTG Alliance (includes National
  Confederation of Guinean Workers or CNTG [Rabiatou Sarah DIALLO] and
  Labor Union of Guinean Workers or USTG [Dr. Ibrahima FOFANA]);
  Syndicate of Guinean Teachers and Researchers or SLECG [Dr. Louis
  M'Bemba SOUMAH]

Guinea-Bissau
  NA

Guyana
  Amerindian People's Association; Guyana Bar Association;
  Guyana Citizens Initiative; Guyana Human Rights Association; Guyana
  Public Service Union or GPSU; Private Sector Commission; Trades
  Union Congress

Haiti
  Autonomous Organizations of Haitian Workers or CATH [Fignole
  ST-CYR]; Confederation of Haitian Workers or CTH; Federation of
  Workers Trade Unions or FOS; General Organization of Independent
  Haitian Workers [Patrick NUMAS]; Grand-Anse Resistance Committee, or
  KOREGA; National Popular Assembly or APN; Papaye Peasants Movement
  or MPP [Chavannes JEAN-BAPTISTE]; Popular Organizations Gathering
  Power or PROP; Protestant Federation of Haiti; Roman Catholic Church

Holy See (Vatican City)
  none (exclusive of influence exercised by
  church officers)

Honduras
  Beverage and Related Industries Syndicate or STIBYS;
  Committee for the Defense of Human Rights in Honduras or CODEH;
  Confederation of Honduran Workers or CTH; Coordinating Committee of
  Popular Organizations or CCOP; General Workers Confederation or CGT;
  Honduran Council of Private Enterprise or COHEP; National
  Association of Honduran Campesinos or ANACH; National Union of
  Campesinos or UNC; Popular Bloc or BP; United Confederation of
  Honduran Workers or CUTH

Hong Kong
  Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (pro-China); Chinese
  Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong; Confederation of Trade
  Unions or CTU (pro-democracy) [LAU Chin-shek, president; LEE
  Cheuk-yan, general secretary]; Federation of Hong Kong Industries;
  Federation of Trade Unions or FTU (pro-China) [CHENG Yiu-tong,
  executive councilor]; Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic
  Democratic Movement in China [Szeto WAH, chairman]; Hong Kong and
  Kowloon Trade Union Council (pro-Taiwan); Hong Kong General Chamber
  of Commerce; Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union [CHEUNG
  Man-kwong, president]; Neighborhood and Workers' Service Center or
  NWSC [LEUNG Yiu-chung, LegCo member] (pro-democracy); Civic Act-up
  [Cyd HO Sau-lan, LegCo member] (pro-democracy)

Hungary
  Air Work Group (works to reduce air pollution in towns and
  cities); Company For Freedom Rights (Tarsasag a Szabadsagjogokert)
  or TASZ (personal data protection); Danube Circle (protests the
  building of the Gabchikovo-Nagymaros dam); Green Future (protests
  the impact of lead contamination of local factory on health of the
  people); environmentalists: Hungarian Ornithological and Nature
  Conservation Society (Magyar Madartani Egyesulet)or MME; Green
  Alternative (Zold Alternativa)

India
  All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Kashmir Valley
  (separatist group); Bajrang Dal (religious organization); National
  Socialist Council of Nagaland in the northeast (separatist group);
  Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh [Mohan BHAGWAT] (religious
  organization); Vishwa Hindu Parishad [Ashok SINGHAL] (religious
  organization)
  other: numerous religious or militant/chauvinistic organizations;
  various separatist groups seeking greater communal and/or regional
  autonomy

Indonesia
  Commission for the "Disappeared" and Victims of Violence
  or KontraS; Indonesia Corruption Watch or ICW; Indonesian Forum for
  the Environment or WALHI; Islamic Defenders Front or FPI; People's
  Democracy Fortress or Bendera

Iran
  groups that generally support the Islamic Republic: Ansar-e
  Hizballah-Islamic Coalition Party (Motalefeh); Followers of the Line
  of the Imam and the Leader; Islamic Engineers Society; Tehran
  Militant Clergy Association (Ruhaniyat); active pro-reform student
  group: Office of Strengthening Unity (OSU); opposition groups:
  Baluchistan People's Party (BPP); Freedom Movement of Iran; Green
  Path movement [Mehdi KARUBI, Mir-Hosein MUSAVI]; Marz-e Por Gohar;
  National Front; and various ethnic and Monarchist organizations;
  armed political groups that have been repressed by the government:
  Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI); Jundallah; Komala;
  Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK or MKO); People's Fedayeen;
  People's Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK)

Iraq
  Sunni militias; Shia militias, some associated with political
  parties

Ireland
  Families Acting for Innocent Relatives or FAIR [Brian
  MCCONNELL] (seek compensation for victims of violence); Families
  Against Intimidation and Terror or FAIT (oppose terrorism);
  Gaeltacht Civil Rights Campaign (Coiste Cearta Sibhialta na Gaeilge)
  or CCSG (encourages the use of the Irish language and campaigns for
  greater civil rights in Irish speaking areas); Iona Institute [David
  QUINN] (a conservative Catholic think tank); Irish Anti-War Movement
  [Richard Boyd BARRETT] (campaigns against wars around the world);
  Irish Republican Army or IRA (terrorist group); Keep Ireland Open
  (environmental group); Midland Railway Action Group or MRAG [Willie
  ALLEN] (transportation promoters); Peace and Neutrality Alliance
  [Roger COLE] (campaigns to protect Irish neutrality); Rail Users
  Ireland (formerly the Platform 11 - transportation promoters); 32
  Country Sovereignty Movement or 32CSM (supports a fully sovereign
  Ireland); Ulster Defence Association or UDA (terrorist group)

Isle of Man
  Alliance for Progressive Government or APG (a government
  watchdog); Mec Vannin (political party advocating a sovereign state
  and environment policies); note - has only had one member elected to
  the Tynwald

Israel
  B'Tselem [Jessica MONTELL, Executive Director] monitors human
  rights abuses; Peace Now [Yariv OPPENHEIMER, Secretary General]
  supports territorial concessions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip;
  YESHA Council of Settlements [Danny DAYAN, Chairman] promotes
  settler interests and opposes territorial compromise; Breaking the
  Silence [Yehuda SHAUL, Executive Director] collects testimonies from
  soldiers who served in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

Italy
  manufacturers and merchants associations - Confcommercio;
  Confindustria; organized farm groups - Confcoltivatori;
  Confagricoltura; Roman Catholic Church; three major trade union
  confederations - Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro or CGIL
  [Guglielmo EPIFANI] which is left wing; Confederazione Italiana dei
  Sindacati Lavoratori or CISL [Raffaele BONANNO], which is Roman
  Catholic centrist; Unione Italiana del Lavoro or UIL [Luigi
  ANGELETTI] which is lay centrist)

Jamaica
  New Beginnings Movement or NBM; Rastafarians (black
  religious/racial cultists, pan-Africanists)

Japan
  other: business groups; trade unions

Jersey
  Institute of Directors, Jersey branch (provides business
  support); Jersey Hospitality Association [Robert JONES] (trade
  association); Jersey Rights Association [David ROTHERHAM] (human
  rights); La Societe Jersiaise (education and conservation group);
  Progress Jersey [Daren O'TOOLE, Gino RISOLI] (human rights); Royal
  Jersey Agriculture and Horticultural Society or RJA&HS (development
  and management of the Jersey breed of cattle); Save Jersey's
  Heritage (protects heritage through building preservation)

Jordan
  Anti-Normalization Committee [Hamzeh MANSOUR, chairman];
  Higher Coordination Committee of Opposition Parties [Hamzeh
  MANZOUR]; Jordan Bar Association [Saleh al-ARMUTI, chairman];
  Jordanian Press Association [Sayf al-SHARIF, president]; Jordanian
  Muslim Brotherhood [Dr. Hamam SAID, controller general]

Kazakhstan
  Adil-Soz [Tamara KALEYEVA]; Almaty Helsinki Committee
  [Ninel FOKINA]; Confederation of Free Trade Unions [Sergei BELKIN];
  For Fair Elections [Yevgeniy ZHOVTIS (jailed), Sabit ZHUSUPOV,
  Sergey DUVANOV, Ibrash NUSUPBAYEV]; Kazakhstan International Bureau
  on Human Rights [Yevgeniy ZHOVTIS, executive director]; Pan-National
  Social Democratic Party of Kazakhstan [Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY];
  Pensioners Movement or Pokoleniye [Irina SAVOSTINA, chairwoman];
  Republican Network of International Monitors [Dos KUSHIM];
  Transparency International [Sergey ZLOTNIKOV]

Kenya
  Council of Islamic Preachers of Kenya or CIPK [Sheikh Idris
  MOHAMMED]; Kenya Human Rights Commission [L. Muthoni WANYEKI];
  Muslim Human Rights Forum [Ali-Amin KIMATHI]; National Convention
  Executive Council or NCEC, a proreform coalition of political
  parties and nongovernment organizations [Ndung'u WAINANA]; National
  Muslim Leaders Forum or NAMLEF [Abdullahi ABDI]; Protestant National
  Council of Churches of Kenya or NCCK [Canon Peter Karanja MWANGI];
  Roman Catholic and other Christian churches; Supreme Council of
  Kenya Muslims or SUPKEM [Shaykh Abdul Gafur al-BUSAIDY]
  other: labor unions

Kiribati
  NA

Korea, North
  none

Korea, South
  Federation of Korean Industries; Federation of Korean
  Trade Unions; Korean Confederation of Trade Unions; Korean National
  Council of Churches; Korean Traders Association; Korean Veterans'
  Association; National Council of Labor Unions; National Democratic
  Alliance of Korea; National Federation of Farmers' Associations;
  National Federation of Student Associations

Kosovo
  Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedom (human
  rights); Humanitarian Law Centre (human rights); Movement for
  Self-Determination; Serb National Council (SNV)

Kuwait
  other: Islamists; merchants; political groups; secular
  liberals and pro-governmental deputies; Shia activists; tribal groups

Kyrgyzstan
  Adilet Legal Clinic [Cholpon JAKUPOVA]; Coalition for
  Democracy and Civil Society [Dinara OSHURAKHUNOVA]; Interbilim
  [Asiya SASYKBAEVA]

Laos
  NA

Latvia
  Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia [Peteris KRIGERS],
  Employers' Confederation of Latvia [Elina EGLE], Farmers' Parliament
  [Juris LAZDINS]

Lebanon
  Maronite Church [Patriarch Nasrallah SFAYR]
  other: note - most sects retain militias and a number of militant
  groups operate in Palestinian refugee camps

Lesotho
  Media Institute of Southern Africa, Lesotho chapter [Thabang
  MATJAMA] (pushes for media freedom)

Liberia
  other: demobilized former military officers

Libya
  other: anti-QADHAFI Libyan exile movement; Islamic elements

Liechtenstein
  NA

Luxembourg
  ABBL (bankers' association); ALEBA (financial sector
  trade union); Centrale Paysanne (federation of agricultural
  producers); CEP (professional sector chamber); CGFP (trade union
  representing civil service); Chambre de Commerce (Chamber of
  Commerce); Chambre des Metiers (Chamber of Artisans); FEDIL
  (federation of industrialists); Greenpeace (environment protection);
  LCGP (center-right trade union); Mouvement Ecologique (protection of
  ecology); OGBL (center-left trade union)

Macau
  Civic Power [Agnes LAM Lok-fong]; Macau New Chinese Youth
  Association [LEONG Sin-man]; Macau Society of Tourism and
  Entertainment or STDM [Stanley HO]; Macau Worker's Union [HO
  Heng-kuok]; Union for Democracy Development [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong]

Macedonia
  Federation of Free Trade Unions [Svetlana PETROVIC];
  Federation of Trade Unions [Vanco MURATOVSKI]; Trade Union of
  Education, Science and Culture [Dojcin CVETANOSKI]

Madagascar
  Committee for the Defense of Truth and Justice or KMMR;
  Committee for National Reconciliation or CRN [Albert Zafy]; National
  Council of Christian Churches or FFKM

Malawi
  Agri-Ecology Media (agriculture and environmental group);
  Council for NGOs in Malawi or CONGOMA (human rights, democracy, and
  development); Human Rights Consultative Committee or HRCC (human
  rights); Malawi Law Society (human rights and law reform); Malawi
  Movement for the Restoration of Democracy or MMRD (acts to restore
  and maintain democracy); Public Affairs Committee or PAC (promotes
  democracy, development, peace and unity)

Malaysia
  Bar Council; BERSIH (electoral reform coalition); PEMBELA
  (Muslim NGO coalition)
  other: religious groups; women's groups; youth groups

Maldives
  other: various unregistered political parties

Mali
  other: the army; Islamic authorities; rebels in the northern
  region; state-run cotton company CMDT; tuaregs

Malta
  Alleanza Liberal-Demokratika Maltra or ALDM (for divorce,
  abortion, gay marriage, the rights existent in other EU member
  states); Alleanza Nazzionali Repubblikana or ANR (for traditional
  values, anti-immigration); Alternattiva Demokratika
  (pro-environment); Azzjoni Nazzjonali or AN (freedom to participate
  in democratic government); Flimkien Ghal-Ambjent Ahjar
  (pro-environment); Ghazda tal-Konsumaturi (consumer rights)
  other: environmentalists

Marshall Islands
  NA

Mauritania
  General Confederation of Mauritanian Workers or CGTM
  [Abdallahi Ould MOHAMED, secretary general]; Independent
  Confederation of Mauritanian Workers or CLTM [Samory Ould BEYE];
  Mauritanian Workers Union or UTM [Mohamed Ely Ould BRAHIM, secretary
  general]
  other: Arab nationalists; Ba'thists; Islamists

Mauritius
  other: various labor unions

Mayotte
  NA

Mexico
  Businessmen's Coordinating Council or CCE; Confederation of
  Employers of the Mexican Republic or COPARMEX; Confederation of
  Industrial Chambers or CONCAMIN; Confederation of Mexican Workers or
  CTM; Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce or CONCANACO;
  Coordinator for Foreign Trade Business Organizations or COECE;
  Dialogue for the Reconstruction of Mexico or DIA; Federation of
  Unions Providing Goods and Services or FESEBES; National Chamber of
  Transformation Industries or CANACINTRA; National Peasant
  Confederation or CNC; National Small Business Chamber or CANACOPE;
  National Syndicate of Education Workers or SNTE; National Union of
  Workers or UNT; Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca or APPO;
  Roman Catholic Church

Micronesia, Federated States of
  NA

Moldova
  NA

Monaco
  NA

Mongolia
  other: human rights groups; women's groups

Montserrat
  NA

Morocco
  Democratic Confederation of Labor or CDT [Noubir AMAOUI];
  General Union of Moroccan Workers or UGTM [Abderrazzak AFILAL];
  Moroccan Employers Association or CGEM [Hassan CHAMI]; National
  Labor Union of Morocco or UNMT [Abdelslam MAATI]; Union of Moroccan
  Workers or UMT [Mahjoub BENSEDDIK]

Mozambique
  Mozambican League of Human Rights (Liga Mocambicana dos
  Direitos Humanos) or LDH [Alice MABOTE, president]

Namibia
  Earthlife Namibia [Berthchen KOHRS] (environmentalist
  group); National Society for Human Rights or NSHR; The World
  Information Services of Energy or WISE (group against nuclear power)

Nauru
  Woman Information and News Agency (women's issues)

Nepal
  other: several small armed Madhesi groups along the southern
  border with India; a variety of groups advocating regional autonomy
  for individual ethnic groups

Netherlands
  Christian Trade Union Federation or CNV [Jaap SMIT];
  Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers or VNO-NCW
  [Bernard WIENTJES]; Federation for Small and Medium-sized businesses
  or MKB [Loek HERMANS]; Netherlands Trade Union Federation or FNV
  [Agnes JONGERIUS]; Social Economic Council or SER [Alexander RINNOOY
  KAN]; Trade Union Federation of Middle and High Personnel or MHP
  [Richard STEENBORG]

New Caledonia
  NA

New Zealand
  Women's Electoral Lobby or WEL
  other: apartheid groups; civil rights groups; farmers groups; Maori;
  nuclear weapons groups; women's rights groups

Nicaragua
  National Workers Front or FNT (a Sandinista umbrella group
  of eight labor unions including: Farm Workers Association or ATC,
  Health Workers Federation or FETASALUD, Heroes and Martyrs
  Confederation of Professional Associations or CONAPRO, National
  Association of Educators of Nicaragua or ANDEN, National Union of
  Employees or UNE, National Union of Farmers and Ranchers or UNAG,
  Sandinista Workers Central or CST, and Union of Journalists of
  Nicaragua or UPN); Permanent Congress of Workers or CPT (an umbrella
  group of four non-Sandinista labor unions including: Autonomous
  Nicaraguan Workers Central or CTN-A, Confederation of Labor
  Unification or CUS, Independent General Confederation of Labor or
  CGT-I, and Labor Action and Unity Central or CAUS); Nicaraguan
  Workers' Central or CTN (an independent labor union); Superior
  Council of Private Enterprise or COSEP (a confederation of business
  groups)

Niger
  The Nigerien Movement for Justice or MNJ, a predominantly
  Tuareg rebel group

Nigeria
  Academic Staff Union for Universities or ASUU; Campaign for
  Democracy or CD; Civil Liberties Organization or CLO; Committee for
  the Defense of Human Rights or CDHR; Constitutional Right Project or
  CRP; Human Right Africa; National Association of Democratic Lawyers
  or NADL; National Association of Nigerian Students or NANS; Nigerian
  Bar Association or NBA; Nigerian Labor Congress or NLC; Nigerian
  Medical Association or NMA; the press; Universal Defenders of
  Democracy or UDD

Niue
  NA

Norfolk Island
  none

Northern Mariana Islands
  NA

Norway
  Norwegian Aid Committee or NORWAC; Norwegian Association of
  the Disabled; Pure Salmon Campaign; The Consumer Council (consumer
  advocacy group)
  other: environmental groups; media; reform movements

Oman
  none

Pakistan
  other: military (most important political force); ulema
  (clergy); landowners; industrialists; small merchants

Palau
  NA

Panama
  Chamber of Commerce; National Civic Crusade; National Council
  of Organized Workers or CONATO; National Council of Private
  Enterprise or CONEP; National Union of Construction and Similar
  Workers (SUNTRACS); Panamanian Association of Business Executives or
  APEDE; Panamanian Industrialists Society or SIP; Workers
  Confederation of the Republic of Panama or CTRP

Papua New Guinea
  Ahora [Andrew MAMOKO] (represents local tribes);
  Centre for Environment Law and Community Rights or Celcor [Damien
  ASE]; Community Coalition Against Corruption

Paraguay
  Ahorristas Estafados or AE; National Coordinating Board of
  Campesino Organizations or MCNOC [Luis AGUAYO]; National Federation
  of Campesinos or FNC [Odilon ESPINOLA]; National Workers Central or
  CNT [Secretary General Juan TORRALES]; Paraguayan Workers
  Confederation or CPT; Roman Catholic Church; Unitary Workers Central
  or CUT [Jorge Guzman ALVARENGA Malgarejo]

Peru
  General Workers Confederation of Peru (Confederacion General de
  Trabajadores del Peru) or CGTP [Mario HUAMAN]; Shining Path (Sendero
  Luminoso) or SL [Abimael GUZMAN Reynoso (imprisoned), Victor QUISPE
  Palomino (top leader at-large)] (leftist guerrilla group)

Philippines
  ABONO [Robert ESTRELLA]; AKBAYAN [Anna Theresia
  BARAQUIEL]; An Waray [Florencio NOEL]; Anak Mindanao [Mujiv
  HATAMIN]; ANAKPAWIS [Rafael MARIANO]; ARC [Narciso SANTIAGO III];
  Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) [Ernesto
  PABLO and Edgar VALDEZ]; A TEACHER [Mariano PIAMONTE]; Bayan Muna
  [Satur OCAMPO and Teodoro CASINO, Jr.]; Black and White Movement
  [Vicente ROMANO]; BUHAY [Rene VELARDE, Carissa COSCOLLUELLA, and
  William TIENG]; BUTIL [Leonila CHAVEZ]; CIBAC [Emmanuel Joel
  VILLANUEVA]; COOP-NATCO [Jose PING-AY]; GABRIELA [Liza MAZA and
  Luzviminda ILAGAN]; KABATAAN [Raymon PALATINO]; Kilosbayan [Jovito
  SALONGA]; YACAP [Carol LOPEZ]

Pitcairn Islands
  none

Poland
  All Poland Trade Union Alliance or OPZZ (trade union) [Jan
  GUZ]; Roman Catholic Church [Cardinal Stanislaw DZIWISZ, Archbishop
  Jozef MICHALIK]; Solidarity Trade Union [Piotr DUDA]

Portugal
  the media; labor unions

Puerto Rico
  Boricua Popular Army or EPB (a revolutionary group also
  known as Los Macheteros); note - the following radical groups are
  considered dormant by Federal law enforcement: Armed Forces for
  National Liberation or FALN, Armed Forces of Popular Resistance,
  Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution

Qatar
  none

Romania
  other: various human rights and professional associations

Russia
  Association of Citizens with Initiative of Russia (TIGR);
  Confederation of Labor of Russia (KTR); Federation of Independent
  Labor Unions of Russia; Freedom of Choice Interregional Organization
  of Automobilists; Glasnost Defense Foundation; Golos Association in
  Defense of Voters' Rights; Greenpeace Russia; Human Rights Watch
  (Russian chapter); Institute for Collective Action; Memorial (human
  rights group); Movement Against Illegal Migration; Pamjat
  (preservation of historical monuments and recording of history);
  Russian Orthodox Church; Russian Federation of Car Owners;
  Russian-Chechen Friendship Society; SOVA Analytical-Information
  Center; Union of the Committees of Soldiers' Mothers; World Wildlife
  Fund (Russian chapter)

Rwanda
  IBUKA (association of genocide survivors)

Saint Barthelemy
  The Marine Reserve (protection of fish); Rotary Club

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  other: private sector;
  unions

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  NA

Saint Lucia
  NA

Saint Martin
  NA

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  NA

Samoa
  NA

San Marino
  NA

Sao Tome and Principe
  Association of Sao Tome and Principe NGOs or
  FONG
  other: the media

Saudi Arabia
  Ansar Al Marah (supports women's rights)
  other: gas companies; religious groups

Senegal
  other: labor; students; Sufi brotherhoods, including the
  Mourides and Tidjanes; teachers

Serbia
  Obraz (Orthodox clero-fascist organization); 1389 (Serbian
  nationalist movement)

Seychelles
  Roman Catholic Church
  other: trade unions

Sierra Leone
  other: student unions; trade unions

Singapore
  none

Slovakia
  Association of Towns and Villages or ZMOS; Confederation of
  Trade Unions or KOZ; Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia or ZPS;
  Federation of Employers' Associations of the Slovak Republic;
  National Union of Employers or RUZ; Slovak Chamber of Commerce and
  Industry or SOPK; Slovenska Pospolitost; The Business Alliance of
  Slovakia or PAS

Slovenia
  Slovenian Roma Association [Jozek Horvat MUC]
  other: Catholic Church

Solomon Islands
  Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM); Malaita Eagle Force
  (MEF); note - these rival armed ethnic factions crippled the Solomon
  Islands in a wave of violence from 1999 to 2003

Somalia
  other: numerous clan and sub-clan factions exist both in
  support and in opposition to the transitional government

South Africa
  Congress of South African Trade Unions or COSATU
  [Zwelinzima VAVI, general secretary]; South African Communist Party
  or SACP [Blade NZIMANDE, general secretary]; South African National
  Civics Organization or SANCO [Mlungisi HLONGWANE, national president]
  note: note - COSATU and SACP are in a formal alliance with the ANC

Spain
  Association for Victims of Terrorism or AVT (grassroots
  organization devoted primarily to opposing ETA terrorist attacks and
  supporting its victims); Basta Ya (Spanish for "Enough is Enough");
  grassroots organization devoted primarily to opposing ETA terrorist
  attacks and supporting its victims); Nunca Mais (Galician for "Never
  Again"; formed in response to the oil Tanker Prestige oil spill);
  Socialist General Union of Workers or UGT and the smaller
  independent Workers Syndical Union or USO; Trade Union Confederation
  of Workers' Commissions or CC.OO.
  other: business and landowning interests; Catholic Church; free
  labor unions (authorized in April 1977); university students

Sri Lanka
  Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or LTTE [P. SIVAPARAN,
  Chief of International Secretariat; V. RUDRAKUMARAN, legal advisor];
  note - this insurgent group suffered military defeat in May 2009;
  some cadres remain scattered throughout country;
  other: Buddhist clergy; labor unions; radical chauvinist Sinhalese
  groups such as the National Movement Against Terrorism; Sinhalese
  Buddhist lay groups

Sudan
  Umma Party [SADIQ Siddiq al-Mahdi]; Popular Congress Party or
  PCP [Hassan al-TURABI]; Darfur rebel groups including the Justice
  and Equality Movement or JEM [Khalil IBRAHIM] and the Sudan
  Liberation Movement or SLM [various factional leaders]

Suriname
  Association of Indigenous Village Chiefs [Ricardo PANE];
  Association of Saramaccan Authorities or Maroon [Head Captain WASE];
  Women's Parliament Forum or PVF [Iris GILLIAD]

Svalbard
  NA

Swaziland
  Swaziland Democracy Campaign; Swaziland Federation of
  Trade Unions; Swaziland and Solidarity Network or SSN

Sweden
  Children's Rights in Society; Swedish Confederation of
  Professional Employees or TCO; Swedish Federation of Trade Unions or
  LO
  other: media

Switzerland
  NA

Syria
  Arab Human Rights Organization in Syria or AHRO; Damascus
  Declaration Group (a broad alliance of secular, religious, and
  Kurdish opposition groups); National Salvation Front (alliance
  between former Vice President Abd al-Halim KHADDAM and other small
  opposition groups in exile; formerly included the Syrian Muslim
  Brotherhood); Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression
  [Mazin DARWISH]; Syrian Human Rights Organization [Muhanad
  al-HASANI]; Syrian Human Rights Society or HRAS [Fayez FAWAZ];
  Syrian Muslim Brotherhood or SMB [Muhammad Riyad al-SHAQFAH]
  (operates in exile in London)

Taiwan
  environmental groups; independence movement; various business
  groups
  note: debate on Taiwan independence has become acceptable within the
  mainstream of domestic politics on Taiwan; public opinion polls
  consistently show a substantial majority of Taiwan people supports
  maintaining Taiwan's status quo for the foreseeable future;
  advocates of Taiwan independence oppose the stand that the island
  will eventually unify with mainland China; advocates of eventual
  unification predicate their goal on the democratic transformation of
  the mainland

Tajikistan
  splinter parties recognized by the government but not by
  the base of the party: Democratic Party or DPT [Masud SOBIROV]
  (splintered from ISKANDAROV's DPT); Socialist Party or SPT
  [Abduhalim GHAFFOROV] (splintered from NARZIEV's SPT)
  unregistered political parties: Agrarian Party [Hikmatullo
  NASREDDINOV]; Progressive Party [Sulton QUVVATOV]; Unity Party
  [Hikmatullo SAIDOV]

Tanzania
  Economic and Social Research Foundation or ESRF; Free
  Zanzibar; Tanzania Media Women's Association or TAMWA

Thailand
  People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD; United Front for
  Democracy Against Dictatorship or UDD

Timor-Leste
  NA

Togo
  NA

Tokelau
  none

Tonga
  Human Rights and Democracy Movement Tonga or HRDMT [Rev.
  Simote VEA, chairman]; Public Servant's Association [Finau TUTONE]

Trinidad and Tobago
  Jamaat-al Muslimeen [Yasin ABU BAKR]

Tunisia
  18 October Group [collective leadership]; Tunisian League
  for Human Rights or LTDH [Mokhtar TRIFI]

Turkey
  Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey or
  TUSKON [Rizanur MERAL}; Confederation of Public Sector Unions or
  KESK [Sami EVREN]; Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Unions or
  DISK [Suleyman CELEBI]; Independent Industrialists' and
  Businessmen's Association or MUSIAD [Omer Cihad VARDAN]; Moral
  Rights Workers Union or Hak-Is [Salim USLU]; Turkish Confederation
  of Employers' Unions or TISK [Tugrul KUDATGOBILIK]; Turkish
  Confederation of Labor or Turk-Is [Mustafa KUMLU]; Turkish
  Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen or TESK [Bendevi
  PALANDOKEN]; Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association
  or TUSIAD [Umit BOYNER]; Turkish Union of Chambers of Commerce and
  Commodity Exchanges or TOBB [M. Rifat HISARCIKLIOGLU]

Turkmenistan
  none

Turks and Caicos Islands
  NA

Tuvalu
  none

Uganda
  Lord's Resistance Army or LRA [Joseph KONY]; Young
  Parliamentary Association [Henry BANYENZAKI]; Parliamentary Advocacy
  Forum or PAFO; National Association of Women Organizations in Uganda
  or NAWOU [Florence NEKYON]; The Ugandan Coalition for Political
  Accountability to Women or COPAW

Ukraine
  Committee of Voters of Ukraine [Aleksandr CHERNENKO]; OPORA
  [Olha AIVAZOVSKA]

United Arab Emirates
  NA

United Kingdom
  Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Confederation of
  British Industry; National Farmers' Union; Trades Union Congress

United States
  environmentalists; business groups; labor unions;
  churches; ethnic groups; political action committees or PAC; health
  groups; education groups; civic groups; youth groups; transportation
  groups; agricultural groups; veterans groups; women's groups; reform
  lobbies

Uruguay
  Architect's Society of Uruguay (professional organization);
  Chamber of Uruguayan Industries (manufacturer's association);
  Chemist and Pharmaceutical Association (professional organization);
  PIT/CNT (powerful federation of Uruguayan Unions - umbrella labor
  organization); Rural Association of Uruguay (rancher's association);
  Uruguayan Construction League; Uruguayan Network of Political Women
  other: Catholic Church; students

Uzbekistan
  there are no significant opposition political parties or
  pressure groups operating in Uzbekistan

Vanuatu
  NA

Venezuela
  FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; VECINOS
  groups; Venezuelan Confederation of Workers or CTV (labor
  organization dominated by the Democratic Action)

Vietnam
  8406 Bloc; Democratic Party of Vietnam or DPV; People's
  Democratic Party Vietnam or PDP-VN; Alliance for Democracy
  note: these groups advocate democracy but are not recognized by the
  government

Virgin Islands
  NA

Wallis and Futuna
  NA

Western Sahara
  none

Yemen
  Muslim Brotherhood; Women National Committee
  other: conservative tribal groups; Huthis, southern secessionist
  groups; al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

Zambia
  NA

Zimbabwe
  Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition; National Constitutional
  Assembly or NCA [Lovemore MADHUKU]; Women of Zimbabwe Arise or WOZA
  [Jenny WILLIAMS]; Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions or ZCTU
  [Wellington CHIBEBE]

======================================================================

@2116

Field Listing :: Economy - overview

This entry briefly describes the type of economy, including the degree of market orientation, the level of economic development, the most important natural resources, and the unique areas of specialization. It also characterizes major economic events and policy changes in the most recent 12 months and may include a statement about one or two key future macroeconomic trends. Country

Economy - overview

Afghanistan
  Afghanistan's economy is recovering from decades of
  conflict. The economy has improved significantly since the fall of
  the Taliban regime in 2001 largely because of the infusion of
  international assistance, the recovery of the agricultural sector,
  and service sector growth. Despite the progress of the past few
  years, Afghanistan is extremely poor, landlocked, and highly
  dependent on foreign aid, agriculture, and trade with neighboring
  countries. Much of the population continues to suffer from shortages
  of housing, clean water, electricity, medical care, and jobs.
  Criminality, insecurity, weak governance, and the Afghan
  Government's inability to extend rule of law to all parts of the
  country pose challenges to future economic growth. Afghanistan's
  living standards are among the lowest in the world. While the
  international community remains committed to Afghanistan's
  development, pledging over $67 billion at four donors' conferences
  since 2002, the Government of Afghanistan will need to overcome a
  number of challenges, including low revenue collection, anemic job
  creation, high levels of corruption, weak government capacity, and
  poor public infrastructure.

Akrotiri
  Economic activity is limited to providing services to the
  military and their families located in Akrotiri. All food and
  manufactured goods must be imported.

Albania
  Albania, a formerly closed, centrally-planned state, is
  making the difficult transition to a more modern open-market
  economy. Macroeconomic growth averaged around 6% between 2004-08,
  but declined to about 3% in 2009-10. Inflation is low and stable.
  The government has taken measures to curb violent crime, and
  recently adopted a fiscal reform package aimed at reducing the large
  gray economy and attracting foreign investment. The economy is
  bolstered by annual remittances from abroad representing about 15%
  of GDP, mostly from Albanians residing in Greece and Italy; this
  helps offset the towering trade deficit. The agricultural sector,
  which accounts for over half of employment but only about one-fifth
  of GDP, is limited primarily to small family operations and
  subsistence farming because of lack of modern equipment, unclear
  property rights, and the prevalence of small, inefficient plots of
  land. Energy shortages because of a reliance on hydropower, and
  antiquated and inadequate infrastructure contribute to Albania's
  poor business environment and lack of success in attracting new
  foreign investment needed to expand the country's export base. The
  completion of a new thermal power plant near Vlore has helped
  diversify generation capacity, and plans to upgrade transmission
  lines between Albania and Montenegro and Kosovo would help relieve
  the energy shortages. Also, with help from EU funds, the government
  is taking steps to improve the poor national road and rail network,
  a long-standing barrier to sustained economic growth.

Algeria
  Algeria's economy remains dominated by the state, a legacy
  of the country's socialist post-independence development model.
  Gradual liberalization since the mid-1990s has opened up more of the
  economy, but in recent years Algeria has imposed new restrictions on
  foreign involvement in its economy and largely halted the
  privatization of state-owned industries. Hydrocarbons have long been
  the backbone of the economy, accounting for roughly 60% of budget
  revenues, 30% of GDP, and over 95% of export earnings. Algeria has
  the eighth-largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the
  fourth-largest gas exporter. It ranks 16th in oil reserves. Thanks
  to strong hydrocarbon revenues, Algeria has a cushion of $150
  billion in foreign currency reserves and a large hydrocarbon
  stabilization fund. In addition, Algeria's external debt is
  extremely low at about 1% of GDP. Algeria has struggled to develop
  industires outside of hydrocarbons in part because of high costs and
  an inert state bureaucracy.The government's efforts to diversify the
  economy by attracting foregin and domestic investment outside the
  energy sector have done little to reduce high poverty and youth
  unemployment rates. In 2010, Algeria began a five-year, $286 billion
  development program to update the country's infrastructure and
  provide jobs. The costly program will boost Algeria's economy in
  2011 but worsen the country's budget deficit. Long-term economic
  challenges include diversification from hydrocarbons, relaxing state
  control of the economy, and providing adequate jobs for youger
  Algerians.

American Samoa
  American Samoa has a traditional Polynesian economy
  in which more than 90% of the land is communally owned. Economic
  activity is strongly linked to the US with which American Samoa
  conducts most of its commerce. Tuna fishing and tuna processing
  plants are the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the
  primary export. The two tuna canneries account for 80% of
  employment. In late September 2009, an earthquake and the resulting
  tsunami devastated American Samoa and nearby Samoa, disrupting
  transportation and power generation, and resulting in about 200
  deaths. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency is overseeing a
  relief program of nearly $25 million. Transfers from the US
  Government add substantially to American Samoa's economic well
  being. Attempts by the government to develop a larger and broader
  economy are restrained by Samoa's remote location, its limited
  transportation, and its devastating hurricanes. Tourism is a
  promising developing sector.

Andorra
  Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy,
  accounts for more than 80% of GDP. An estimated 11 million tourists
  visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status for some
  products and by its summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative
  advantage eroded when the borders of neighboring France and Spain
  opened, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs.
  The banking sector, with its partial "tax haven" status, also
  contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is
  limited - only 2% of the land is arable - and most food has to be
  imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising.
  Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and
  furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is
  treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs)
  and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.

Angola
  Angola's high growth rate in recent years was driven by high
  international prices for its oil. Angola became a member of OPEC in
  late 2006 and in late 2007 was assigned a production quota of 1.9
  million barrels a day (bbl/day), somewhat less than the 2-2.5
  million bbl/day Angola's government had wanted. Oil production and
  its supporting activities contribute about 85% of GDP. Diamond
  exports contribute an additional 5%. Subsistence agriculture
  provides the main livelihood for most of the people, but half of the
  country's food is still imported. Increased oil production supported
  growth averaging more than 15% per year from 2004 to 2008. A postwar
  reconstruction boom and resettlement of displaced persons has led to
  high rates of growth in construction and agriculture as well. Much
  of the country's infrastructure is still damaged or undeveloped from
  the 27-year-long civil war. Land mines left from the war still mar
  the countryside, even though peace was established after the death
  of rebel leader Jonas SAVIMBI in February 2002. Since 2005, the
  government has used billions of dollars in credit lines from China,
  Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Spain, and the EU to rebuild Angola's
  public infrastructure. The global recession temporarily stalled
  economic growth. Lower prices for oil and diamonds during the global
  recession led to a contraction in GDP in 2009, and many construction
  projects stopped because Luanda accrued $9 billion in arrears to
  foreign construction companies when government revenue fell in 2008
  and 2009. Angola abandoned its currency peg in 2009, and in November
  2009 signed onto an IMF Stand-By Arrangement loan of $1.4 billion to
  rebuild international reserves. Although consumer inflation declined
  from 325% in 2000 to under 14% in 2010, Luanda has been unable to
  reduce inflation below 10%. The Angolan kwanza depreciated again in
  mid 2010, which, along with higher oil prices, should boost economic
  growth in all sectors. Corruption, especially in the extractive
  sectors, also is a major challenge.

Anguilla
  Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends
  heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and
  remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism
  industry has spurred the growth of the construction sector
  contributing to economic growth. Anguillan officials have put
  substantial effort into developing the offshore financial sector,
  which is small but growing. In the medium term, prospects for the
  economy will depend largely on the tourism sector and, therefore, on
  revived income growth in the industrialized nations as well as on
  favorable weather conditions.

Antarctica
  Scientific undertakings rather than commercial pursuits
  are the predominate human activity in Antarctica. Fishing off the
  coast and tourism, both based abroad, account for Antarctica's
  limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries, targeting three main
  species - Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus
  eleginoides and D. mawsoni), mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus
  gunnari), and krill (Euphausia superba) - reported landing 141,147
  metric tons in 2008-09 (1 July - 30 June). (Estimated fishing is
  from the area covered by the Convention on the Conservation of
  Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which extends slightly
  beyond the Antarctic Treaty area.) Unregulated fishing, particularly
  of Patagonian toothfish (also known as Chilean sea bass), is a
  serious problem. The CCAMLR determines the recommended catch limits
  for marine species. A total of 37,858 tourists visited the Antarctic
  Treaty area in the 2008-09 Antarctic summer, down from the 46,265
  visitors in 2007-2008 (estimates provided to the Antarctic Treaty by
  the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO);
  this does not include passengers on overflights). Nearly all of them
  were passengers on commercial (nongovernmental) ships and several
  yachts that make trips during the summer.

Antigua and Barbuda
  Tourism continues to dominate Antigua and
  Barbuda's economy, accounting for nearly 60% of GDP and 40% of
  investment. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is
  focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water
  supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages
  in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type
  assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts,
  and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the
  medium term will continue to depend on tourist arrivals from the US,
  Canada, and Europe and potential damages from natural disasters.
  After taking office in 2004, the SPENCER government adopted an
  ambitious fiscal reform program, and was successful in reducing its
  public debt-to-GDP ratio from 120% to about 90% in 2008. However,
  the global financial crisis that began in 2008, has led to a
  significant increase in the national debt, which topped 130% at the
  end of 2010. The Antiguan economy experienced solid growth from 2003
  to 2007, reaching over 12% in 2006 driven by a construction boom in
  hotels and housing associated with the Cricket World Cup, but growth
  dropped off in 2008 with the end of the boom. In 2009, Antigua's
  economy was severely hit by the global economic crisis, suffering
  from the collapse of its largest financial institution and a steep
  decline in tourism. This decline continued in 2010 as the country
  struggled with a yawning budget deficit.

Arctic Ocean
  Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of
  natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals.

Argentina
  Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly
  literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a
  diversified industrial base. Although one of the world's wealthiest
  countries 100 years ago, Argentina suffered during most of the 20th
  century from recurring economic crises, persistent fiscal and
  current account deficits, high inflation, mounting external debt,
  and capital flight. A severe depression, growing public and external
  indebtedness, and a bank run culminated in 2001 in the most serious
  economic, social, and political crisis in the country's turbulent
  history. Interim President Adolfo RODRIGUEZ SAA declared a default -
  the largest in history - on the government's foreign debt in
  December of that year, and abruptly resigned only a few days after
  taking office. His successor, Eduardo DUHALDE, announced an end to
  the peso's decade-long 1-to-1 peg to the US dollar in early 2002.
  The economy bottomed out that year, with real GDP 18% smaller than
  in 1998 and almost 60% of Argentines under the poverty line. Real
  GDP rebounded to grow by an average 8.5% annually over the
  subsequent six years, taking advantage of previously idled
  industrial capacity and labor, an audacious debt restructuring and
  reduced debt burden, excellent international financial conditions,
  and expansionary monetary and fiscal policies. Inflation also
  increased, however, during the administration of President Nestor
  KIRCHNER, which responded with price restraints on businesses, as
  well as export taxes and restraints, and beginning in early 2007,
  with understating inflation data. Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER
  succeeded her husband as President in late 2007, and the rapid
  economic growth of previous years began to slow sharply the
  following year as government policies held back exports and the
  world economy fell into recession. The economy has rebounded from
  the 2009 recession, but the government's continued reliance on
  expansionary fiscal and monetary policies risks exacerbating already
  high inflation, which remains under-reported by official statistics.

Armenia After several years of double-digit economic growth, Armenia faced a severe economic recession with GDP declining more than 14% in 2009, despite large loans from multilateral institutions. Sharp declines in the construction sector and workers' remittances, particularly from Russia, were the main reasons for the downturn. The economy began to recover in 2010 with nearly 5% growth. Under the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools, textiles, and other manufactured goods to sister republics, in exchange for raw materials and energy. Armenia has since switched to small-scale agriculture and away from the large agroindustrial complexes of the Soviet era. Armenia has managed to reduce poverty, slash inflation, stabilize its currency, and privatize most small- and medium-sized enterprises. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia had made progress in implementing some economic reforms, including privatization, price reforms, and prudent fiscal policies, but geographic isolation, a narrow export base, and pervasive monopolies in important business sectors have made Armenia particularly vulnerable to the sharp deterioration in the global economy and the economic downturn in Russia. The conflict with Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian-dominated region of Nagorno-Karabakh contributed to a severe economic decline in the early 1990s and Armenia's borders with Turkey remain closed until 2010, when Turkey and Armenia signed an accord to reestablish diplomatic relations. Armenia is particularly dependent on Russian commercial and governmental support and most key Armenian infrastructure is Russian-owned and/or managed, especially in the energy sector. The electricity distribution system was privatized in 2002 and bought by Russia's RAO-UES in 2005. Construction of a pipeline to deliver natural gas from Iran to Armenia was completed in December 2008, and gas deliveries are slated to expand due to the April 2010 completion of the Yerevan Thermal Power Plant. Armenia has some mineral deposits (copper, gold, bauxite). Pig iron, unwrought copper, and other nonferrous metals are Armenia's highest valued exports. Armenia's severe trade imbalance has been offset somewhat by international aid, remittances from Armenians working abroad, and foreign direct investment. Armenia joined the WTO in January 2003. The government made some improvements in tax and customs administration in recent years, but anti-corruption measures have been ineffective and the current economic downturn has led to a sharp drop in tax revenue and forced the government to accept large loan packages from Russia, the IMF, and other international financial institutions. Armenia will need to pursue additional economic reforms in order to regain economic growth and improve economic competitiveness and employment opportunities, especially given its economic isolation from two of its nearest neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Aruba
  Tourism is the mainstay of the small open Aruban economy,
  together with offshore banking. Oil refining and storage ended in
  2009. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade
  has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Over
  1.5 million tourists per year visit Aruba with 75% of those from the
  US. Construction continues to boom with hotel capacity five times
  the 1985 level. Tourist arrivals rebounded strongly following a dip
  after the 11 September 2001 attacks. The government has made cutting
  the budget and trade deficits a high priority.

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  no economic activity

Atlantic Ocean
  The Atlantic Ocean provides some of the world's most
  heavily trafficked sea routes, between and within the Eastern and
  Western Hemispheres. Other economic activity includes the
  exploitation of natural resources, e.g., fishing, dredging of
  aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and production of crude oil and
  natural gas (Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea).

Australia
  Australia's abundant and diverse natural resources attract
  high levels of foreign investment and include extensive reserves of
  coal, iron ore, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable
  energy sources. A series of major investments, such as the US$40
  billion Gorgon Liquid Natural Gas project, will significantly expand
  the resources sector. Australia also has a large services sector and
  is a significant exporter of natural resources, energy, and food.
  Key tenets of Australia's trade policy include support for open
  trade and the successful culmination of the Doha Round of
  multilateral trade negotiations, particularly for agriculture and
  services. The Australian economy grew for 17 consecutive years
  before the global financial crisis. Subsequently, the Rudd
  government introduced a fiscal stimulus package worth over US$50
  billion to offset the effect of the slowing world economy, while the
  Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates to historic lows. These
  policies - and continued demand for commodities, especially from
  China - helped the Australian economy rebound after just one quarter
  of negative growth. The economy grew by 1.2% during 2009 - the best
  performance in the OECD. Unemployment, originally expected to reach
  8-10%, peaked at 5.7% in late 2009 and fell to 5.1% in 2010. As a
  result of an improved economy, the budget deficit is expected to
  peak below 4.2% of GDP and the government could return to budget
  surpluses as early as 2015. Australia was one of the first advanced
  economies to raise interest rates, with seven rate hikes between
  October 2009 and November 2010. The GILLARD government is focused on
  raising Australia's economic productivity to ensure the
  sustainability of growth, and continues to manage the symbiotic, but
  sometimes tense, economic relationship with China. Australia is
  engaged in the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks and ongoing free
  trade agreement negotiations with China, Japan, and Korea.

Austria
  Austria, with its well-developed market economy and high
  standard of living, is closely tied to other EU economies,
  especially Germany's. Its economy features a large service sector, a
  sound industrial sector, and a small, but highly developed
  agricultural sector. Following several years of solid foreign demand
  for Austrian exports and record employment growth, the international
  financial crisis and global economic downturn in 2008 led to a
  recession that persisted until the third quarter of 2009. Austrian
  GDP contracted 3.8% in 2009 but saw positive growth of about 2% in
  2010. Unemployment has not risen as steeply in Austria as elsewhere
  in Europe, partly because its government has subsidized reduced
  working hour schemes to allow companies to retain employees. Such
  stabilization measures, stimulus initiatives, and the government's
  income tax reforms pushed the budget deficit to 3.5% of GDP in 2009
  and about 5% in 2010, from only about 1.3% in 2008. The
  international financial crisis caused difficulties for some of
  Austria's largest banks whose extensive operations in central,
  eastern, and southeastern Europe faced large losses. The government
  provided bank support - including in some instances, nationalization
  - to prevent insolvency and possible regional contagion. In the
  medium-term all large Austrian banks will need additional capital.
  Even after the global economic outlook improves, Austria will need
  to continue restructuring, emphasizing knowledge-based sectors of
  the economy, and encouraging greater labor flexibility and greater
  labor participation to offset growing unemployment and Austria's
  aging population and exceedingly low fertility rate.

Azerbaijan
  Azerbaijan's high economic growth during 2006-08 was
  attributable to large and growing oil exports, but some non-export
  sectors also featured double-digit growth, spurred by growth in the
  construction, banking, and real estate sectors. In 2009, economic
  growth remained above 9% even as oil prices moderated and growth in
  the construction sector cooled. In 2010, economic growth slowed to
  approximately 3.7%, although the impact of the global financial
  crisis was less severe than in many other countries in the region.
  The current global economic slowdown presents some challenges for
  the Azerbaijani economy as oil prices remain below their mid-2008
  highs, highlighting Azerbaijan's reliance on energy exports and
  lackluster attempts to diversify its economy. Azerbaijan's oil
  production increased dramatically in 1997, when Azerbaijan signed
  the first production-sharing arrangement (PSA) with the Azerbaijan
  International Operating Company. Oil exports through the
  Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline remain the main economic driver while
  efforts to boost Azerbaijan's gas production are underway. However,
  Azerbaijan has made only limited progress on instituting
  market-based economic reforms. Pervasive public and private sector
  corruption and structural economic inefficiencies remain a drag on
  long-term growth, particularly in non-energy sectors. Several other
  obstacles impede Azerbaijan's economic progress: the need for
  stepped up foreign investment in the non-energy sector and the
  continuing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
  Trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics is declining
  in importance, while trade is building with Turkey and the nations
  of Europe. Long-term prospects will depend on world oil prices, the
  location of new oil and gas pipelines in the region, and
  Azerbaijan's ability to manage its energy wealth to promote
  sustainable growth in non-energy sectors of the economy and spur
  employment.

Bahamas, The
  The Bahamas is one of the wealthiest Caribbean
  countries with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore
  banking. Tourism together with tourism-driven construction and
  manufacturing accounts for approximately 60% of GDP and directly or
  indirectly employs half of the archipelago's labor force. Prior to
  2006, a steady growth in tourism receipts and a boom in construction
  of new hotels, resorts, and residences led to solid GDP growth but
  since then tourism receipts have begun to drop off. The global
  recession in 2009 took a sizeable toll on the Bahamas, resulting in
  a contraction in GDP and a widening budget deficit. The decline
  continued in 2010 as tourism from the US and sector investment
  lagged. Financial services constitute the second-most important
  sector of the Bahamian economy and, when combined with business
  services, account for about 36% of GDP. However, the financial
  sector currently is smaller than it has been in the past because of
  the enactment of new and more strict financial regulations in 2000
  that caused many international businesses to relocate elsewhere.
  Manufacturing and agriculture combined contribute approximately a
  tenth of GDP and show little growth, despite government incentives
  aimed at those sectors. Overall growth prospects in the short run
  rest heavily on the fortunes of the tourism sector.

Bahrain
  Bahrain is one of the most diversified economies in the
  Persian Gulf. Highly developed communication and transport
  facilities make Bahrain home to numerous multinational firms with
  business in the Gulf. As part of its diversification plans, Bahrain
  implemented a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US in August 2006,
  the first FTA between the US and a Gulf state. Bahrain's economy,
  however, continues to depend heavily on oil. Petroleum production
  and refining account for more than 60% of Bahrain's export receipts,
  70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP (exclusive of allied
  industries). Other major economic activities are production of
  aluminum - Bahrain's second biggest export after oil - finance, and
  construction. Bahrain competes with Malaysia as a worldwide center
  for Islamic banking and continues to seek new natural gas supplies
  as feedstock to support its expanding petrochemical and aluminum
  industries. Unemployment, especially among the young, is a long-term
  economic problem Bahrain struggles to address. In 2009, to help
  lower unemployment among Bahraini nationals, Bahrain reduced
  sponsorship for expatriate workers, increasing the costs of
  employing foreign labor. The global financial crisis caused funding
  for many non-oil projects to dry up and resulted in slower economic
  growth for Bahrain. Other challenges facing Bahrain include the slow
  growth of government debt as a result of a large subsidy program,
  the financing of large government projects, and debt restructuring,
  such as the bailout of state-owned Gulf Air.

Bangladesh
  The economy has grown 5-6% per year since 1996 despite
  political instability, poor infrastructure, corruption, insufficient
  power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms.
  Bangladesh remains a poor, overpopulated, and inefficiently-governed
  nation. Although more than half of GDP is generated through the
  service sector, 45% of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture
  sector, with rice as the single-most-important product. Bangladesh's
  growth was resilient during the 2008-09 global financial crisis and
  recession. Garment exports, totaling $12.3 billion in FY09 and
  remittances from overseas Bangladeshis totaling $9.7 billion in FY09
  accounted for almost 25% of GDP.

Barbados
  Historically, the Barbadian economy was dependent on
  sugarcane cultivation and related activities. However, in recent
  years the economy has diversified into light industry and tourism
  with about three-quarters of GDP and 80% of exports being attributed
  to services. Growth has rebounded since 2003, bolstered by increases
  in construction projects and tourism revenues, reflecting its
  success in the higher-end segment, but the sector faced declining
  revenues in 2009 with the global economic downturn. The country
  enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the region. Offshore
  finance and information services are important foreign exchange
  earners and thrive from having the same time zone as eastern US
  financial centers and a relatively highly educated workforce. The
  government continues its efforts to reduce unemployment, to
  encourage direct foreign investment, and to privatize remaining
  state-owned enterprises. The public debt-to-GDP ratio rose to over
  100% in 2009, largely because a sharp slowdown in tourism and
  financial services led to a wide budget deficit.

Belarus
  Belarus has seen limited structural reform since 1995, when
  President LUKASHENKO launched the country on the path of "market
  socialism." In keeping with this policy, LUKASHENKO reimposed
  administrative controls over prices and currency exchange rates and
  expanded the state's right to intervene in the management of private
  enterprises. Since 2005, the government has re-nationalized a number
  of private companies. In addition, businesses have been subjected to
  pressure by central and local governments, including arbitrary
  changes in regulations, numerous rigorous inspections, retroactive
  application of new business regulations, and arrests of "disruptive"
  businessmen and factory owners. Continued state control over
  economic operations hampers market entry for businesses, both
  domestic and foreign. Government statistics indicate GDP growth was
  strong, surpassing 10% in 2008, despite the roadblocks of a tough,
  centrally directed economy with a high rate of inflation and a low
  rate of unemployment. However, the global crisis pushed the country
  into recession in 2009, and GDP grew only 0.2% for the year.
  Slumping foreign demand hit the industrial sector hard. Minsk has
  depended on a standby-agreement with the IMF to assist with balance
  of payments shortfalls. In line with IMF conditions, in 2009,
  Belarus devalued the ruble more than 40% and tightened some fiscal
  and monetary policies. On 1 January 2010, Russia, Kazakhstan and
  Belarus launched a customs union, with unified trade regulations and
  customs codes still under negotiation. In late January, Russia and
  Belarus amended their 2007 oil supply agreement. The new terms
  raised prices for above quota purchases, increasing Belarus' current
  account deficit. GDP grew 4.8% in 2010, in part, on the strength of
  renewed export growth. In December 2010, Belarus, Russia and
  Kazakhstan signed an agreement to form a Common Economic Space and
  Russia removed all Belarusian oil duties.

Belgium
  This modern, private-enterprise economy has capitalized on
  its central geographic location, highly developed transport network,
  and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is
  concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With
  few natural resources, Belgium imports substantial quantities of raw
  materials and exports a large volume of manufactures, making its
  economy vulnerable to volatility in world markets. Roughly
  three-quarters of Belgium's trade is with other EU countries. In
  2009 Belgian GDP contracted by 2.7%, the unemployment rate rose
  slightly, and the budget deficit worsened because of large-scale
  bail-outs in the financial sector. Belgium's budget deficit widened
  to 4.8% of GDP in 2010, while public debt was just over 100% of GDP.
  Belgian banks have been severely affected by the international
  financial crisis with three major banks receiving capital injections
  from the government. An ageing population and rising social
  expenditures are also increasing pressure on public finances, making
  it likely the government will need to implement unpopular austerity
  measures to assuage investor concerns about Belgium's ability to
  restore fiscal balance.

Belize
  In this small, essentially private-enterprise economy,
  tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner followed by
  exports of marine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and
  garments. The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal
  policies, initiated in September 1998, led to sturdy GDP growth
  averaging nearly 4% in 1999-2007, though growth slipped to 3.8% in
  2008, 0% in 2009, and 1.5% in 2010 as a result of the global
  slowdown, natural disasters, and the drop in the price of oil. Oil
  discoveries in 2006 bolstered economic growth. Exploration efforts
  continue and production increased a small amount in 2009. Major
  concerns continue to be the sizable trade deficit and heavy foreign
  debt burden. In February 2007, the government restructured nearly
  all of its public external commercial debt, which helped reduce
  interest payments and relieved some of the country's liquidity
  concerns. A key objective remains the reduction of poverty and
  inequality with the help of international donors.

Benin
  The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on
  subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade.
  Growth in real output had averaged about 4% before the global
  recession, but fell to 2.5% in 2009 and 3% in 2010. Inflation has
  subsided over the past several years. In order to raise growth,
  Benin plans to attract more foreign investment, place more emphasis
  on tourism, facilitate the development of new food processing
  systems and agricultural products, and encourage new information and
  communication technology. Specific projects to improve the business
  climate by reforms to the land tenure system, the commercial justice
  system, and the financial sector were included in Benin's $307
  million Millennium Challenge Account grant signed in February 2006.
  The 2001 privatization policy continues in telecommunications,
  water, electricity, and agriculture. As result of these reforms,
  Benin has become the most competitive country in the West African
  Economic and Monetary Union, according to the World Economic Forum.
  The Paris Club and bilateral creditors have eased the external debt
  situation, with Benin benefiting from a G-8 debt reduction announced
  in July 2005, while pressing for more rapid structural reforms. An
  insufficient electrical supply continues to adversely affect Benin's
  economic growth though the government recently has taken steps to
  increase domestic power production.

Bermuda
  Bermuda enjoys the third highest per capita income in the
  world, more than 50% higher than that of the US; the average cost of
  a house by the mid-2000s exceeded $1,000,000. Its economy is
  primarily based on providing financial services for international
  business and luxury facilities for tourists. A number of reinsurance
  companies relocated to the island following the 11 September 2001
  attacks and again after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005
  contributing to the expansion of an already robust international
  business sector. Bermuda's tourism industry - which derives over 80%
  of its visitors from the US - continues to struggle but remains the
  island's number two industry. Most capital equipment and food must
  be imported. Bermuda's industrial sector is largely focused on
  construction and agriculture is limited, with only 20% of the land
  being arable.

Bhutan
  The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed,
  is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main
  livelihood for more than 60% of the population. Agriculture consists
  largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged
  mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and
  other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely
  aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and
  dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is
  technologically backward, with most production of the cottage
  industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction,
  rely on Indian migrant labor. Model education, social, and
  environment programs are underway with support from multilateral
  development organizations. Each economic program takes into account
  the government's desire to protect the country's environment and
  cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious
  expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale,
  environmentally conscientious tourists. Complicated controls and
  uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade,
  labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Hydropower
  exports to India have boosted Bhutan's overall growth. New
  hydropower projects will be the driving force behind Bhutan's
  ability to create employment and sustain growth in the coming years.

Bolivia
  Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed countries
  in Latin America. Following a disastrous economic crisis during the
  early 1980s, reforms spurred private investment, stimulated economic
  growth, and cut poverty rates in the 1990s. The period 2003-05 was
  characterized by political instability, racial tensions, and violent
  protests against plans - subsequently abandoned - to export
  Bolivia's newly discovered natural gas reserves to large northern
  hemisphere markets. In 2005, the government passed a controversial
  hydrocarbons law that imposed significantly higher royalties and
  required foreign firms then operating under risk-sharing contracts
  to surrender all production to the state energy company in exchange
  for a predetermined service fee. After higher prices for mining and
  hydrocarbons exports produced a fiscal surplus in 2008, the global
  recession in 2009 slowed growth. A decline in commodity prices that
  began in late 2008, a lack of foreign investment in the mining and
  hydrocarbon sectors, a poor infrastructure, and the suspension of
  trade benefits with the United States will pose challenges for the
  Bolivian economy.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  The interethnic warfare in Bosnia and
  Herzegovina caused production to plummet by 80% from 1992 to 1995
  and unemployment to soar. With an uneasy peace in place, output
  recovered in 1996-99 at high percentage rates from a low base; but
  output growth slowed in 2000-02. Part of the lag in output was made
  up in 2003-08 when GDP growth exceeded 5% per year. However, the
  country experienced negative GDP growth of almost 3% in 2009 due in
  large part to a reduction in exports caused by the global economic
  crisis. One of Bosnia's main economic challenges in 2010 has been to
  reduce spending on public sector wages and social benefits to meet
  the IMF's criteria for obtaining funding for budget shortfalls.
  Banking reform accelerated in 2001 as all the Communist-era payments
  bureaus were shut down; foreign banks, primarily from Austria and
  Italy, now control most of the banking sector. The konvertibilna
  marka (convertible mark or BAM)- the national currency introduced in
  1998 - is pegged to the euro, and confidence in the currency and the
  banking sector has increased. Bosnia's private sector is growing and
  foreign investment is slowly increasing, but government spending, at
  roughly 50% of GDP, remains high because of redundant government
  offices at the state, entity and municipal level. Privatization of
  state enterprises, however, has been slow, particularly in the
  Federation where political division between ethnically-based
  political parties makes agreement on economic policy more difficult.
  A sizeable current account deficit and high unemployment rate remain
  the two most serious macroeconomic problems. Successful
  implementation of a value-added tax in 2006 provided a predictable
  source of revenue for the government and helped rein in gray market
  activity. National-level statistics have also improved over time but
  a large share of economic activity remains unofficial and
  unrecorded. Bosnia and Herzegovina became a full member of the
  Central European Free Trade Agreement in September 2007.

Botswana
  Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest economic
  growth rates since independence in 1966, though growth fell below 5%
  in 2007-08, and turned sharply negative in 2009, with industry
  falling nearly 30%. Through fiscal discipline and sound management,
  Botswana transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the
  world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of $13,100 in
  2010. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit
  risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fueled much of the expansion and
  currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP, 70-80% of export
  earnings, and about half of the government's revenues. Botswana's
  heavy reliance on a single luxury export was a critical factor in
  the sharp economic contraction of 2009. Tourism, financial services,
  subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors.
  Although unemployment was 7.5% in 2007 according to official
  reports, unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. The prevalence
  of HIV/AIDS is second highest in the world and threatens Botswana's
  impressive economic gains. An expected leveling off in diamond
  mining production within the next two decades overshadows long-term
  prospects.

Bouvet Island
  no economic activity; declared a nature reserve

Brazil
  Characterized by large and well-developed agricultural,
  mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy
  outweighs that of all other South American countries, and Brazil is
  expanding its presence in world markets. Since 2003, Brazil has
  steadily improved its macroeconomic stability, building up foreign
  reserves, and reducing its debt profile by shifting its debt burden
  toward real denominated and domestically held instruments. In 2008,
  Brazil became a net external creditor and two ratings agencies
  awarded investment grade status to its debt. After record growth in
  2007 and 2008, the onset of the global financial crisis hit Brazil
  in September 2008. Brazil experienced two quarters of recession, as
  global demand for Brazil's commodity-based exports dwindled and
  external credit dried up. However, Brazil was one of the first
  emerging markets to begin a recovery. Consumer and investor
  confidence revived and GDP growth returned to positive in 2010,
  boosted by an export recovery. Brazil's strong growth and high
  interest rates make it an attractive destination for foreign
  investors. Large capital inflows over the past year have contributed
  to the rapid appreciation of its currency and led the government to
  raise taxes on some foreign investments. President Dilma ROUSSEFF
  has pledged to retain the previous administration's commitment to
  inflation targeting by the Central Bank, a floating exchange rate,
  and fiscal restraint.

British Indian Ocean Territory All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where a joint UK-US military facility is located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installation are performed by military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. The territory earns foreign exchange by selling fishing licenses and postage stamps.

British Virgin Islands
  The economy, one of the most stable and
  prosperous in the Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism
  generating an estimated 45% of the national income. More than
  934,000 tourists, mainly from the US, visited the islands in 2008.
  In the mid-1980s, the government began offering offshore
  registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and
  incorporation fees now generate substantial revenues. Roughly
  400,000 companies were on the offshore registry by yearend 2000. The
  adoption of a comprehensive insurance law in late 1994, which
  provides a blanket of confidentiality with regulated statutory
  gateways for investigation of criminal offenses, made the British
  Virgin Islands even more attractive to international business.
  Livestock raising is the most important agricultural activity; poor
  soils limit the islands' ability to meet domestic food requirements.
  Because of traditionally close links with the US Virgin Islands, the
  British Virgin Islands has used the US dollar as its currency since
  1959.

Brunei
  Brunei has a small well-to-do economy that encompasses a
  mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government
  regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and
  natural gas production account for just over half of GDP and more
  than 90% of exports. Per capita GDP is among the highest in Asia,
  and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income
  from domestic production. The government provides for all medical
  services and free education through the university level and
  subsidizes rice and housing. A new monetary authority was
  established in January 2011 with responsibilities that include
  monetary policy, monitoring of financial institutions, and currency
  trading activities. Other plans for the future include upgrading the
  labor force, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and
  tourist sectors, increasing agricultural production, and, in
  general, further widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.

Bulgaria
  Bulgaria, a former Communist country that entered the EU on
  1 January 2007, averaged more than 6% growth from 2004 to 2008,
  driven by significant amounts of foreign direct investment and
  consumption. Successive governments have demonstrated a commitment
  to economic reforms and responsible fiscal planning, but the global
  downturn sharply reduced domestic demand, exports, capital inflows,
  and industrial production. GDP contracted by approximately 5% in
  2009, and stagnated in 2010, despite a significant recovery in
  exports. The economy is expected to grow modestly in 2011, however.
  Corruption in the public administration, a weak judiciary, and the
  presence of organized crime remain significant challenges.

Burkina Faso
  Burkina Faso is a poor, landlocked country that relies
  heavily on cotton and gold exports for revenue. The country has few
  natural resources and a weak industrial base. About 90% of the
  population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, which is
  vulnerable to periodic drought. Cotton is the main cash crop. Since
  1998, Burkina Faso has embarked upon a gradual privatization of
  state-owned enterprises and in 2004 revised its investment code to
  attract foreign investment. As a result of this new code and other
  legislation favoring the mining sector, the country has seen an
  upswing in gold exploration and production. By 2010, gold had become
  the main source of export revenue.

Burma Burma, a resource-rich country, suffers from pervasive government controls, inefficient economic policies, corruption, and rural poverty. Despite Burma's emergence as a natural gas exporter, socio-economic conditions have deteriorated under the regime's mismanagement, leaving most of the public in poverty, while military leaders and their business cronies exploit the country's ample natural resources. The economy suffers from serious macroeconomic imbalances - including rising inflation, fiscal deficits, multiple official exchange rates that overvalue the Burmese kyat, a distorted interest rate regime, unreliable statistics, and an inability to reconcile national accounts to determine a realistic GDP figure. Burma's poor investment climate hampers the inflow of foreign investment; in recent years, foreign investors have shied away from nearly every sector except for natural gas, power generation, timber, and mining. The business climate is widely perceived as opaque, corrupt, and highly inefficient. Over 60% of the FY 2009-10 budget is allocated to state owned enterprises - most operating at a deficit. The government has recently privatized a number of state owned enterprises, but most of the benefits have accrued to regime insiders and cronies. The most productive sectors will continue to be in extractive industries - especially oil and gas, mining, and timber - with the latter two causing significant environmental degradation. Other areas, such as manufacturing, tourism and services, struggle in the face of inadequate infrastructure, unpredictable trade policies, neglected health and education systems, and endemic corruption. A major banking crisis in 2003 caused 20 private banks to close; private banks still operate under tight restrictions, limiting the private sector's access to credit. The United States, the European Union, Canada, and Australia have imposed financial and economic sanctions on Burma, prohibiting most financial transactions with Burmese entities, imposing travel bans on Burmese officials and others connected to the ruling regime, and banning imports of certain Burmese products. These sanctions affected the country's fledgling garment industry, isolated the struggling banking sector, and raised the costs of doing business with Burmese companies, particularly firms tied to Burmese regime leaders. The global crisis of 2008-09 caused exports and domestic consumer demand to drop. Remittances from overseas Burmese workers - who had provided significant financial support for their families - slowed or dried up as jobs were lost and migrant workers returned home. Though the Burmese government has good economic relations with its neighbors, better investment and business climates and an improved political situation are needed to promote serious foreign investment, exports, and tourism.

Burundi
  Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an
  underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly
  agricultural which accounts for about 35% of GDP and employs more
  than 90% of the population. Burundi's primary exports are coffee and
  tea, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings, though
  exports are a relatively small share of GDP. Burundi's export
  earning - and its ability to pay for imports - rests primarily on
  weather conditions and international coffee and tea prices. The
  Tutsi minority, 14% of the population, dominates the coffee trade.
  An ethnic-based war that lasted for over a decade resulted in more
  than 200,000 deaths, forced more than 48,000 refugees into Tanzania,
  and displaced 140,000 others internally. Only one in two children go
  to school, and approximately one in 15 adults has HIV/AIDS. Food,
  medicine, and electricity remain in short supply. Burundi's GDP grew
  around 4% annually in 2006-09. Political stability and the end of
  the civil war have improved aid flows and economic activity has
  increased, but underlying weaknesses - a high poverty rate, poor
  education rates, a weak legal system, and low administrative
  capacity - risk undermining planned economic reforms. Burundi will
  continue to remain heavily dependent on aid from bilateral and
  multilateral donors; the delay of funds after a corruption scandal
  cut off bilateral aid in 2007 reduced government's revenues and its
  ability to pay salaries. Burundi joined the East African Community,
  which should boost Burundi's regional trade ties, and received $700
  million in debt relief in 2009. Instability spilling over from
  eastern Congo-Kinshasa and the ban on minerals smuggled across
  Burundi's border will be the main challenges to economic growth.

Cambodia
  From 2004 to 2007, the economy grew about 10% per year,
  driven largely by an expansion in the garment sector, construction,
  agriculture, and tourism. GDP contracted 1.5% in 2009 as a result of
  the global economic slowdown, but climbed more than 4% in 1010,
  driven by renewed exports. With the January 2005 expiration of a WTO
  Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, Cambodian textile producers were
  forced to compete directly with lower-priced countries such as
  China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. The garment industry
  currently employs more than 280,000 people - about 5% of the work
  force - and contributes more than 70% of Cambodia's exports. In
  2005, exploitable oil deposits were found beneath Cambodia's
  territorial waters, representing a new revenue stream for the
  government if commercial extraction begins. Mining also is
  attracting significant investor interest, particularly in the
  northern parts of the country. The government has said opportunities
  exist for mining bauxite, gold, iron and gems. In 2006, a
  US-Cambodia bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
  (TIFA) was signed, and several rounds of discussions have been held
  since 2007. Rubber exports increased about 25% in 2009 due to rising
  global demand. The tourism industry has continued to grow rapidly,
  with foreign arrivals exceeding 2 million per year in 2007-08,
  however, economic troubles abroad dampened growth in 2009. The
  global financial crisis is weakening demand for Cambodian exports,
  and construction is declining due to a shortage of credit. The
  long-term development of the economy remains a daunting challenge.
  The Cambodian government is working with bilateral and multilateral
  donors, including the World Bank and IMF, to address the country's
  many pressing needs. The major economic challenge for Cambodia over
  the next decade will be fashioning an economic environment in which
  the private sector can create enough jobs to handle Cambodia's
  demographic imbalance. More than 50% of the population is less than
  25 years old. The population lacks education and productive skills,
  particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside, which suffers from
  an almost total lack of basic infrastructure.

Cameroon
  Because of its modest oil resources and favorable
  agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed
  primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces
  many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries,
  such as stagnate per capita income, a relatively inequitable
  distribution of income, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally
  unfavorable climate for business enterprise. Since 1990, the
  government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs
  designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in
  agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks. The
  IMF is pressing for more reforms, including increased budget
  transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs. Weak
  prices for oil and cocoa led to the significant slowdown in growth
  in 2009. The government is under pressure to reduce its budget
  deficit, which by the government's own forecast will hit 2.8% of
  GDP, but the presidential election in 2011 may make fiscal austerity
  difficult.

Canada
  As an affluent, high-tech industrial society in the
  trillion-dollar class, Canada resembles the US in its
  market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and affluent
  living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the
  manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the
  nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial
  and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the
  1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes
  Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic
  integration with the US, its principal trading partner. Canada
  enjoys a substantial trade surplus with the US, which absorbs about
  three-fourths of Canadian exports each year. Canada is the US's
  largest foreign supplier of energy, including oil, gas, uranium, and
  electric power. Given its great natural resources, skilled labor
  force, and modern capital plant, Canada enjoyed solid economic
  growth from 1993 through 2007. Buffeted by the global economic
  crisis, the economy dropped into a sharp recession in the final
  months of 2008, and Ottawa posted its first fiscal deficit in 2009
  after 12 years of surplus. Canada's major banks, however, emerged
  from the financial crisis of 2008-09 among the strongest in the
  world, owing to the country's tradition of conservative lending
  practices and strong capitalization. During 2010, Canada's economy
  grew only 3%, because of weak exports.

Cape Verde
  This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource
  base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of
  long-term drought and poor soil for agriculture on several of the
  islands. The economy is service oriented with commerce, transport,
  tourism, and public services accounting for about three-fourths of
  GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the
  share of food production in GDP is low. About 82% of food must be
  imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not
  fully exploited. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit
  financed by foreign aid and remittances from its large pool of
  emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more than 20%. Despite the
  lack of resources, sound economic management has produced steadily
  improving incomes. Continued economic reforms are aimed at
  developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to
  diversify the economy. Future prospects depend heavily on the
  maintenance of aid flows, the encouragement of tourism, remittances,
  and the momentum of the government's development program. Cape Verde
  became a member of the WTO in July 2008.

Cayman Islands
  With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving
  offshore financial center. More than 93,000 companies were
  registered in the Cayman Islands as of 2008, including almost 300
  banks, 800 insurers, and 10,000 mutual funds. A stock exchange was
  opened in 1997. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70%
  of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is
  aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North
  America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 1.9 million in 2008, with
  about half from the US. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer
  goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest
  outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the
  world.

Central African Republic
  Subsistence agriculture, together with
  forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African
  Republic (CAR), with about 60% of the population living in outlying
  areas. The agricultural sector generates more than half of GDP.
  Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the
  diamond industry, for 40%. Important constraints to economic
  development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor
  transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy
  of misdirected macroeconomic policies. Factional fighting between
  the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic
  revitalization. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal.
  Grants from France and the international community can only
  partially meet humanitarian needs.

Chad
  Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be
  boosted by major foreign direct investment projects in the oil
  sector that began in 2000. At least 80% of Chad's population relies
  on subsistence farming and livestock raising for its livelihood.
  Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its landlocked position,
  high energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad relies on
  foreign assistance and foreign capital for most public and private
  sector investment projects. A consortium led by two US companies has
  been investing $3.7 billion to develop oil reserves - estimated at 1
  billion barrels - in southern Chad. Chinese companies are also
  expanding exploration efforts and are currently building a 300-km
  pipleline and the country's first refinery. The nation's total oil
  reserves are estimated at 1.5 billion barrels. Oil production came
  on stream in late 2003. Chad began to export oil in 2004. Cotton,
  cattle, and gum arabic provide the bulk of Chad's non-oil export
  earnings.

Chile Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade and a reputation for strong financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. Exports account for more than one-fourth of GDP, with commodities making up some three-quarters of total exports. Copper alone provides one-third of government revenue. During the early 1990s, Chile's reputation as a role model for economic reform was strengthened when the democratic government of Patricio AYLWIN - which took over from the military in 1990 - deepened the economic reform initiated by the military government. Growth in real GDP averaged 8% during 1991-97, but fell to half that level in 1998 because of tight monetary policies implemented to keep the current account deficit in check and because of lower export earnings - the latter a product of the global financial crisis. A severe drought exacerbated the situation in 1999, reducing crop yields and causing hydroelectric shortfalls and electricity rationing, and Chile experienced negative economic growth for the first time in more than 15 years. In the years since then, growth has averaged 4% per year. Chile deepened its longstanding commitment to trade liberalization with the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which took effect on 1 January 2004. Chile claims to have more bilateral or regional trade agreements than any other country. It has 57 such agreements (not all of them full free trade agreements), including with the European Union, Mercosur, China, India, South Korea, and Mexico. Over the past seven years, foreign direct investment inflows have quadrupled to some $15 billion in 2010, but FDI had dropped to about $7 billion in 2009 in the face of diminished investment throughout the world. The Chilean government conducts a rule-based countercyclical fiscal policy, accumulating surpluses in sovereign wealth funds during periods of high copper prices and economic growth, and allowing deficit spending only during periods of low copper prices and growth. As of September 2008, those sovereign wealth funds - kept mostly outside the country and separate from Central Bank reserves - amounted to more than $20 billion. Chile used $4 billion from this fund to finance a fiscal stimulus package to fend off recession. In December 2009, the OECD invited Chile to become a full member, after a two year period of compliance with organization mandates. The economy started to show signs of a rebound in the fourth quarter, 2009, and GDP grew more than 5% in 2010. The magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck Chile in February 2010 was one of the top ten strongest earthquakes on record. It caused considerable damage near the epicenter, located about 70 miles from Concepcion - and about 200 miles southwest of Santiago.

China China's economy since the late 1970s has changed from a closed, centrally planned system to a more market-oriented one that plays a major role in the global economy - in 2010 China became the world's largest exporter. Reforms began with the phasing out of collectivized agriculture, and expanded to include the gradual liberalization of prices, fiscal decentralization, increased autonomy for state enterprises, creation of a diversified banking system, development of stock markets, rapid growth of the private sector, and opening to foreign trade and investment. China generally has implemented reforms in a gradualist fashion. In recent years, China has renewed its support for state-owned enterprises in sectors it considers important to "economic security," explicitly looking to foster globally competitive national champions. After keeping its currency tightly linked to the US dollar for years, in July 2005 China revalued its currency by 2.1% against the US dollar and moved to an exchange rate system that references a basket of currencies. From mid 2005 to late 2008 cumulative appreciation of the renminbi against the US dollar was more than 20%, but the exchange rate remained virtually pegged to the dollar from the onset of the global financial crisis until June 2010, when Beijing allowed resumption of a gradual appreciation. The restructuring of the economy and resulting efficiency gains have contributed to a more than tenfold increase in GDP since 1978. Measured on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis that adjusts for price differences, China in 2010 stood as the second-largest economy in the world after the US, having surpassed Japan in 2001. The dollar values of China's agricultural and industrial output each exceeded those of the US, although China was second to the US in the value of services it produced. Still, per capita income is below the world average. The Chinese government faces numerous economic development challenges, including: (a) reducing its high domestic savings rate and correspondingly low domestic demand; (b) sustaining adequate job growth for tens of millions of migrants and new entrants to the work force; (c) reducing corruption and other economic crimes; and (d) containing environmental damage and social strife related to the economy's rapid transformation. Economic development has progressed further in coastal provinces than in the interior, and approximately 200 million rural laborers and their dependents have relocated to urban areas to find work. One demographic consequence of the "one child" policy is that China is now one of the most rapidly aging countries in the world. Deterioration in the environment - notably air pollution, soil erosion, and the steady fall of the water table, especially in the north - is another long-term problem. China continues to lose arable land because of erosion and economic development. The Chinese government is seeking to add energy production capacity from sources other than coal and oil, focusing on nuclear and alternative energy development. In 2009, the global economic downturn reduced foreign demand for Chinese exports for the first time in many years, but China rebounded quickly, outperforming all other major economies in 2010 with GDP growth around 10%. The economy appears set to remain on a strong growth trajectory in 2011, lending credibility to the stimulus policies the regime rolled out during the global financial crisis. The government vows to continue reforming the economy and emphasizes the need to increase domestic consumption in order to make the economy less dependent on exports for GDP growth in the future, but China likely will make only marginal progress toward these rebalancing goals in 2011. Two economic problems China currently faces are inflation - which, late in 2010, surpassed the government's target of 3% - and local government debt, which swelled as a result of stimulus policies, and is largely off-the-books and potentially low-quality.

Christmas Island
  Phosphate mining had been the only significant
  economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian government
  closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of
  the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993, but closed in
  1998.

Clipperton Island
  Although 115 species of fish have been identified
  in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic
  activity is tuna fishing.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Coconuts, grown throughout the islands, are
  the sole cash crop. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to
  the food supply, but additional food and most other necessities must
  be imported from Australia. There is a small tourist industry.

Colombia
  Colombia experienced accelerating growth between 2002 and
  2007, chiefly due to improvements in domestic security, rising
  commodity prices, and to President URIBE's promarket economic
  policies. Foreign direct investment reached a record $10 billion in
  2008, and continues to flow in, especially in the oil sector. A
  series of policies enhanced Colombia's investment climate:
  pro-business reforms in the oil and gas sectors and export-led
  growth fueled mainly by the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug
  Eradication Act. Inequality, underemployment, and narcotrafficking
  remain significant challenges, and Colombia's infrastructure
  requires major improvements to sustain economic expansion. Because
  of the global financial crisis and weakening demand for Colombia's
  exports, Colombia's economy grew only 2.7% in 2008, and 0.8% in 2009
  but rebounded to around 4.5% in 2010. The government has encouraged
  exporters to diversify their customer base beyond the United States
  and Venezuela, traditionally Colombia's largest trading partners;
  the SANTOS administration continues to pursue free trade agreements
  with Asian and South American partners and awaits the approval of a
  Canadian trade accord by Canada's and EU's parliaments. The business
  sector remains concerned about Venezuela's trade restrictions on
  Colombian exports, an appreciating domestic currency, and the
  pending US Congressional approval of the US-Colombia Trade Promotion
  Agreement.

Comoros
  One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of
  three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and
  rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low
  educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence
  level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy
  dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture,
  including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 40% to GDP,
  employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports.
  Export income is heavily reliant on the three main crops of vanilla,
  cloves, and ylang-ylang and Comoros' export earnings are easily
  disrupted by disasters such as fires. The country is not
  self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts
  for the bulk of imports. The government - which is hampered by
  internal political disputes - lacks a comprehensive strategy to
  attract foreign investment and is struggling to upgrade education
  and technical training, privatize commercial and industrial
  enterprises, improve health services, diversify exports, promote
  tourism, and reduce the high population growth rate. Political
  problems have inhibited growth, which has averaged only about 1% in
  2006-09. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans abroad help supplement
  GDP. In September 2009 the IMF approved Comoros for a three-year $21
  million loan. The IMF gave generally positive reports of the
  country's program performance as of October 2010. The African
  Development Bank approved a $34.6 million debt-relief package loan
  for Comoros in September 2010, and Comoros will attempt to qualifry
  for debt relief in 2012 under the IMF and World Bank's Heavily
  Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  The economy of the Democratic
  Republic of the Congo - a nation endowed with vast potential wealth
  - is slowly recovering from decades of decline. Systemic corruption
  since independence in 1960 and conflict that began in May 1997 has
  dramatically reduced national output and government revenue,
  increased external debt, and resulted in the deaths of more than 5
  million people from violence, famine, and disease. Foreign
  businesses curtailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome
  of the conflict, lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating
  environment. Conditions began to improve in late 2002 with the
  withdrawal of a large portion of the invading foreign troops. The
  transitional government reopened relations with international
  financial institutions and international donors, and President
  KABILA began implementing reforms. Progress has been slow and the
  International Monetary Fund curtailed their program for the DRC at
  the end of March 2006 because of fiscal overruns. Much economic
  activity still occurs in the informal sector, and is not reflected
  in GDP data. Renewed activity in the mining sector, the source of
  most export income, boosted Kinshasa's fiscal position and GDP
  growth from 2006-2008, however, the government's review of mining
  contracts that began in 2006, combined with a fall in world market
  prices for the DRC's key mineral exports temporarily weakened output
  in 2009, leading to a balance of payments crisis. The recovery in
  mineral prices beginning in mid 2009 boosted mineral exports, and
  emergency funds from the IMF boosted foreign reserves. An uncertain
  legal framework, corruption, a lack of transparency in government
  policy are long-term problems for the mining sector and the economy
  as a whole. The global recession cut economic growth in 2009 to less
  than half its 2008 level, but growth returned to 3% in 2010. The DRC
  signed a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF in 2009
  and received $12 billion in multilateral and bilateral debt relief
  in 2010.

Congo, Republic of the
  The economy is a mixture of subsistence
  agriculture, an industrial sector based largely on oil and support
  services, and government spending. Oil has supplanted forestry as
  the mainstay of the economy, providing a major share of government
  revenues and exports. In the early 1980s, rapidly rising oil
  revenues enabled the government to finance large-scale development
  projects with GDP growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest
  rates in Africa. Characterized by budget problems and overstaffing,
  the government has mortgaged a substantial portion of its oil
  earnings through oil-backed loans that have contributed to a growing
  debt burden and chronic revenue shortfalls. Economic reform efforts
  have been undertaken with the support of international
  organizations, notably the World Bank and the IMF. However, the
  reform program came to a halt in June 1997 when civil war erupted.
  Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, who returned to power when the war ended in
  October 1997, publicly expressed interest in moving forward on
  economic reforms and privatization and in renewing cooperation with
  international financial institutions. Economic progress was badly
  hurt by slumping oil prices and the resumption of armed conflict in
  December 1998, which worsened the republic's budget deficit. The
  current administration presides over an uneasy internal peace and
  faces difficult economic challenges of stimulating recovery and
  reducing poverty. The drop in oil prices during the global crisis
  reduced oil revenue by about 30%, but the subsequent recovery of oil
  prices has boosted the economy's GDP and near-term prospects. In
  March 2006, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
  approved Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) treatment for Congo,
  receiving $1.9 billion in debt relief under the program in 2010.

Cook Islands
  Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook
  Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the
  country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets,
  lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural
  disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture, employing
  more than one-quarter of the working population, provides the
  economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit.
  Black pearls are the Cook Islands' leading export. Manufacturing
  activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and
  handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants
  and by foreign aid overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and
  1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated
  public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent
  reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of
  economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt
  restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth.

Coral Sea Islands
  no economic activity

Costa Rica
  Prior to the global economic crisis, Costa Rica enjoyed
  stable economic growth. The economy contracted 0.7% in 2009, but
  resumed growth at more than 3% in 2010. While the traditional
  agricultural exports of bananas, coffee, sugar, and beef are still
  the backbone of commodity export trade, a variety of industrial and
  specialized agricultural products have broadened export trade in
  recent years. High value added goods and services, including
  microchips, have further bolstered exports. Tourism continues to
  bring in foreign exchange, as Costa Rica's impressive biodiversity
  makes it a key destination for ecotourism. Foreign investors remain
  attracted by the country's political stability and relatively high
  education levels, as well as the fiscal incentives offered in the
  free-trade zones; and Costa Rica has attracted one of the highest
  levels of foreign direct investment per capita in Latin America.
  However, many business impediments, such as high levels of
  bureaucracy, difficulty of enforcing contracts, and weak investor
  protection, remain. Poverty has remained around 15-20% for nearly 20
  years, and the strong social safety net that had been put into place
  by the government has eroded due to increased financial constraints
  on government expenditures. Unlike the rest of Central America,
  Costa Rica is not highly dependent on remittances as they only
  represent about 2% of GDP. Immigration from Nicaragua has
  increasingly become a concern for the government. The estimated
  300,000-500,000 Nicaraguans in Costa Rica legally and illegally are
  an important source of - mostly unskilled - labor, but also place
  heavy demands on the social welfare system. The US-Central
  American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) entered
  into force on 1 January 2009, after significant delays within the
  Costa Rican legislature. CAFTA-DR will likely lead to increased
  foreign direct investment in key sectors of the economy, including
  the insurance and telecommunications sectors recently opened to
  private investors. President CHINCHILLA is likely to push for fiscal
  reform in the coming year, seeking to boost revenue, possibly
  through revised tax legislation, to fund an increase in security
  services and education.

Cote d'Ivoire
  Cote d'Ivoire is heavily dependent on agriculture and
  related activities, which engage roughly 68% of the population. Cote
  d'Ivoire is the world's largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans
  and a significant producer and exporter of coffee and palm oil.
  Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in
  international prices for these products, and, to a lesser extent, in
  climatic conditions. Cocoa, oil, and coffee are the country's top
  export revenue earners, but the country is also producing gold.
  Since the end of the civil war in 2003, political turmoil has
  continued to damage the economy, resulting in the loss of foreign
  investment and slow economic growth. GDP grew by more than 2% in
  2008 and around 4% per year in 2009-10. Per capita income has
  declined by 15% since 1999, but registered a slight improvement in
  2009-10. Power cuts caused by a turbine failure in early 2010 slowed
  economic activity. Cote d'Ivoire in 2010 signed agreements to
  restructure its Paris Club bilateral, other bilateral, and London
  Club debt. Cote d'Ivoire's long term challenges include political
  instability and degrading infrastructure.

Croatia
  Once one of the wealthiest of the Yugoslav republics,
  Croatia's economy suffered badly during the 1991-95 war as output
  collapsed and the country missed the early waves of investment in
  Central and Eastern Europe that followed the fall of the Berlin
  Wall. Between 2000 and 2007, however, Croatia's economic fortunes
  began to improve slowly, with moderate but steady GDP growth between
  4% and 6% led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer
  spending. Inflation over the same period has remained tame and the
  currency, the kuna, stable. Nevertheless, difficult problems still
  remain, including a stubbornly high unemployment rate, a growing
  trade deficit and uneven regional development. The state retains a
  large role in the economy, as privatization efforts often meet stiff
  public and political resistance. While macroeconomic stabilization
  has largely been achieved, structural reforms lag because of deep
  resistance on the part of the public and lack of strong support from
  politicians. The EU accession process should accelerate fiscal and
  structural reform. While long term growth prospects for the economy
  remain strong, Croatia will face significant pressure as a result of
  the global financial crisis. Croatia's high foreign debt, anemic
  export sector, strained state budget, and over-reliance on tourism
  revenue will result in higher risk to economic stability over the
  medium term.

Cuba
  The government continues to balance the need for economic
  loosening against a desire for firm political control. The
  government announced it would eliminate 500,000 state jobs by March
  2011 and has expanded opportunities for self-employment. President
  CASTRO said such changes were needed to update the economic model to
  ensure the survival of socialism. It has rolled back limited reforms
  undertaken in the 1990s to increase enterprise efficiency and
  alleviate serious shortages of food, consumer goods, and services.
  The average Cuban's standard of living remains at a lower level than
  before the downturn of the 1990s, which was caused by the loss of
  Soviet aid and domestic inefficiencies. Since late 2000, Venezuela
  has been providing oil on preferential terms, and it currently
  supplies about 100,000 barrels per day of petroleum products. Cuba
  has been paying for the oil, in part, with the services of Cuban
  personnel in Venezuela including some 30,000 medical professionals.

Curacao
  Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance are the
  mainstays of this small economy, which is closely tied to the
  outside world. Although GDP grew slightly during the past decade,
  the island enjoys a high per capita income and a well-developed
  infrastructure compared with other countries in the region. Curacao
  has an excellent natural harbor that can accommodate large oil
  tankers. The Venezuelan state oil company leases the single refinery
  on the island from the government; most of the oil for the refinery
  is imported from Venezuela; most of the refined products are
  exported to the US. Almost all consumer and capital goods are
  imported, with the US, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico being the major
  suppliers. The government is attempting to diversify its industry
  and trade and has signed an Association Agreement with the EU to
  expand business there. Poor soils and inadequate water supplies
  hamper the development of agriculture. Budgetary problems complicate
  reform of the health and pension systems for an aging population.

Cyprus
  The area of the Republic of Cyprus under government control
  has a market economy dominated by the service sector, which accounts
  for nearly four-fifths of GDP. Tourism, financial services, and real
  estate are the most important sectors. Erratic growth rates over the
  past decade reflect the economy's reliance on tourism, which often
  fluctuates with political instability in the region and economic
  conditions in Western Europe. Nevertheless, the economy in the area
  under government control has grown at a rate well above the EU
  average since 2000. Cyprus joined the European Exchange Rate
  Mechanism (ERM2) in May 2005 and adopted the euro as its national
  currency on 1 January 2008. An aggressive austerity program in the
  preceding years, aimed at paving the way for the euro, helped turn a
  soaring fiscal deficit (6.3% in 2003) into a surplus of 1.2% in
  2008, and reduced inflation to 4.7%. This prosperity came under
  pressure in 2009, as construction and tourism slowed in the face of
  reduced foreign demand triggered by the ongoing global financial
  crisis. Although Cyprus lagged its EU peers in showing signs of
  stress from the global crisis, the economy tipped into recession in
  mid 2009 and contracted 1.8% for the year. In addition, the budget
  deficit is on the rise and reached 5.7% of GDP in 2010, a violation
  of the EU's budget deficit criteria of no more than 3% of GDP. In
  response to the country's deteriorating finances, Nicosia is
  promising to implement measures to cut the cost of the state
  payroll, curb tax evasion, and revamp social benefits. However, it
  has been slow to act, lacking a consensus in parliament and among
  the social partners for its proposed measures.

Czech Republic
  The Czech Republic is one of the most stable and
  prosperous of the post-Communist states of Central and Eastern
  Europe. Maintaining an open investment climate has been a key
  element of the Czech Republic's transition from a communist,
  centrally planned economy to a functioning market economy. As a
  member of the European Union, with an advantageous location in the
  center of Europe, a relatively low cost structure, and a
  well-qualified labor force, the Czech Republic is an attractive
  destination for foreign investment. Prior to its EU accession in
  2004, the Czech government harmonized its laws and regulations with
  those of the European Union. The small, open, export-driven Czech
  economy grew by over 6% annually from 2005-2007 and by 2.5% in 2008.
  The conservative Czech financial system has remained relatively
  healthy throughout 2009. Nevertheless, the real economy contracted
  by 4.1% in 2009, mainly due to a significant drop in external demand
  as the Czech Republic's main export markets fell into recession. GDP
  is expected to grow by 2.4% in 2010, driven largely by a rebound in
  external demand, particularly from Gremany.

Denmark
  This thoroughly modern market economy features a high-tech
  agricultural sector, state-of-the-art industry with world-leading
  firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy,
  and a high dependence on foreign trade. The Danish economy is also
  characterized by extensive government welfare measures, an equitable
  distribution of income, and comfortable living standards. Denmark is
  a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance
  of payments surplus. After a long consumption-driven upswing,
  Denmark's economy began slowing in 2007 with the end of a housing
  boom. Housing prices dropped markedly in 2008-09. The global
  financial crisis has exacerbated this cyclical slowdown through
  increased borrowing costs and lower export demand, consumer
  confidence, and investment. The global financial crises cut Danish
  GDP by 0.9% in 2008 and 4.7% in 2009. Historically low levels of
  unemployment rose sharply with the recession but remain below 5%,
  about half the level of the EU. Denmark made a modest recovery in
  2010 in part because of increased government spending. An impending
  decline in the ratio of workers to retirees will be a major
  long-term issue. Denmark maintained a healthy budget surplus for
  many years up to 2008, but the budget balance swung into deficit
  during 2009-10. Nonetheless, Denmark's fiscal position remains among
  the strongest in the EU. Despite previously meeting the criteria to
  join the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), so far Denmark
  has decided not to join, although the Danish krone remains pegged to
  the euro.

Dhekelia
  Economic activity is limited to providing services to the
  military and their families located in Dhekelia. All food and
  manufactured goods must be imported.

Djibouti
  The economy is based on service activities connected with
  the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in
  the Horn of Africa. Two-thirds of Djibouti's inhabitants live in the
  capital city; the remainder are mostly nomadic herders. Scanty
  rainfall limits crop production to fruits and vegetables, and most
  food must be imported. Djibouti provides services as both a transit
  port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling
  center. Imports and exports from landlocked neighbor Ethiopia
  represent 70% of port activity at Djibouti's container terminal.
  Djibouti has few natural resources and little industry. The nation
  is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to help
  support its balance of payments and to finance development projects.
  An unemployment rate of nearly 60% in urban areas continues to be a
  major problem. While inflation is not a concern, due to the fixed
  tie of the Djiboutian franc to the US dollar, the artificially high
  value of the Djiboutian franc adversely affects Djibouti's balance
  of payments. Per capita consumption dropped an estimated 35% between
  1999 and 2006 because of recession, civil war, and a high population
  growth rate (including immigrants and refugees). Djibouti has
  experienced relatively minimal impact from the global economic
  downturn, but its reliance on diesel-generated electricity and
  imported food leave average consumers vulnerable to global price
  shocks.

Dominica
  The Dominican economy has been dependent on agriculture -
  primarily bananas - in years past, but increasingly has been driven
  by tourism as the government seeks to promote Dominica as an
  "ecotourism" destination. In order to diversify the island's
  production base, the government also is attempting to develop an
  offshore financial sector and has signed an agreement with the EU to
  develop geothermal energy resources. In 2003, the government began a
  comprehensive restructuring of the economy - including elimination
  of price controls, privatization of the state banana company, and
  tax increases - to address an economic and financial crisis and to
  meet IMF requirements. This restructuring paved the way for an
  economic recovery - real growth for 2006 reached a two-decade high -
  and helped to reduce the debt burden, which remains at about 85% of
  GDP. Hurricane Dean struck the island in August 2007 causing damages
  equivalent to 20% of GDP. In 2009, growth slowed as a result of the
  global recession; it picked up only slightly in 2010.

Dominican Republic
  The Dominican Republic has long been viewed
  primarily as an exporter of sugar, coffee, and tobacco, but in
  recent years the service sector has overtaken agriculture as the
  economy's largest employer, due to growth in tourism and free trade
  zones. The economy is highly dependent upon the US, the destination
  for nearly 60% of exports. Remittances from the US amount to about a
  tenth of GDP, equivalent to almost half of exports and
  three-quarters of tourism receipts. The country suffers from marked
  income inequality; the poorest half of the population receives less
  than one-fifth of GDP, while the richest 10% enjoys nearly 40% of
  GDP. High unemployment and underemployment remains an important
  long-term challenge. The Central America-Dominican Republic Free
  Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) came into force in March 2007, boosting
  investment and exports and reducing losses to the Asian garment
  industry. The growth of the Dominican Republic's economy slowed in
  2008-09 because of the global recession, but still remained one of
  the fastest growing in the region.

Ecuador
  Ecuador is substantially dependent on its petroleum
  resources, which have accounted for more than half of the country's
  export earnings and one-fourth of public sector revenues in recent
  years. In 1999/2000, Ecuador suffered a severe economic crisis, with
  GDP contracting by more than 6%. Poverty increased significantly,
  the banking system collapsed, and Ecuador defaulted on its external
  debt later that year. In March 2000, the Congress approved a series
  of structural reforms that also provided for the adoption of the US
  dollar as legal tender. Dollarization stabilized the economy, and
  positive growth returned in the years that followed, helped by high
  oil prices, remittances, and increased non-traditional exports. From
  2002-06 the economy grew 5.5%, the highest five-year average in 25
  years. After moderate growth in 2007, the economy reached a growth
  rate of 7.2% in 2008, in large part due to high global petroleum
  prices. President Rafael CORREA, who took office in January 2007,
  defaulted on Ecuador's sovereign debt in December 2008, refusing to
  make payment on $3.2 billion in international bonds, representing
  over 80% of Ecuador's private external debt. Economic policies under
  the CORREA administration - including an announcement in late 2009
  terminating 13 bilateral investment treaties - have generated
  economic uncertainty and discouraged private investment. The
  Ecuadorian economy slowed to 0.4% growth in 2009 due to the global
  financial crisis, and the sharp decline in world oil prices and
  remittance flows, but picked up to a 2.4% growth rate in 2010.

Egypt
  Occupying the northeast corner of the African continent, Egypt
  is bisected by the highly fertile Nile valley, where most economic
  activity takes place. Egypt's economy was highly centralized during
  the rule of former President Gamal Abdel NASSER but has opened up
  considerably under former President Anwar EL-SADAT and current
  President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK. Cairo from 2004 to 2008
  aggressively pursued economic reforms to attract foreign investment
  and facilitate GDP growth. The global financial crisis has slowed
  the reform efforts. The budget deficit climbed to over 8% of GDP and
  Egypt's GDP growth slowed to 4.6% in 2009, predominately due to
  reduced growth in export-oriented sectors, including manufacturing
  and tourism, and Suez Canal revenues. In 2010, the government spent
  more on infrastructure and public projects, and exports drove GDP
  growth to more than 5%, but GDP growth in 2011 is unlikely to bounce
  back to pre-global financial recession levels, when it stood at 7%.
  Despite the relatively high levels of economic growth over the past
  few years, living conditions for the average Egyptian remain poor.

El Salvador
  Despite being the smallest country geographically in
  Central America, El Salvador has the third largest economy in the
  region. The economy took a hit from the global recession and real
  GDP contracted by 3.5% in 2009. The economy began a slow recovery in
  2010 on the back of improved export and remittances figures.
  Remittances accounted for 16% of GDP in 2009, and about a third of
  all households receive these transfers. In 2006 El Salvador was the
  first country to ratify the Dominican Republic-Central American Free
  Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), which has bolstered the export of
  processed foods, sugar, and ethanol, and supported investment in the
  apparel sector amid increased Asian competition and the expiration
  of the Multi-Fiber Agreement in 2005. El Salvador has promoted an
  open trade and investment environment, and has embarked on a wave of
  privatizations extending to telecom, electricity distribution,
  banking, and pension funds. In late 2006, the government and the
  Millennium Challenge Corporation signed a five-year, $461 million
  compact to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty in the
  country's northern region, the primary conflict zone during the
  civil war, through investments in education, public services,
  enterprise development, and transportation infrastructure. With the
  adoption of the US dollar as its currency in 2001, El Salvador lost
  control over monetary policy. Any counter-cyclical policy response
  to the downturn must be through fiscal policy, which is constrained
  by legislative requirements for a two-thirds majority to approve any
  international financing.

Equatorial Guinea
  The discovery and exploitation of large oil
  reserves have contributed to dramatic economic growth but
  fluctuating oil prices have produced huge swings in GDP growth in
  recent years. Forestry, farming, and fishing are also major
  components of GDP. Subsistence farming is the dominate form of
  livelihood. Although pre-independence Equatorial Guinea counted on
  cocoa production for hard currency earnings, the neglect of the
  rural economy under successive regimes has diminished potential for
  agriculture-led growth (the government has stated its intention to
  reinvest some oil revenue into agriculture). A number of aid
  programs sponsored by the World Bank and the IMF have been cut off
  since 1993 because of corruption and mismanagement. Government
  officials and their family members own most businesses, but
  corruption is rampant. Undeveloped natural resources include
  titanium, iron ore, manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold. Growth
  remained strong in 2008, led by oil, but dropped in 2009-10, as the
  price of oil fell.

Eritrea
  Since independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Eritrea has faced
  the economic problems of a small, desperately poor country,
  accentuated by the recent implementation of restrictive economic
  policies. Eritrea has a command economy under the control of the
  sole political party, the People's Front for Democracy and Justice
  (PFDJ). Like the economies of many African nations, a large share of
  the population - nearly 80% - is engaged in subsistence agriculture,
  but they produce only a small share of total output. Since the
  conclusion of the Ethiopian-Eritrea war in 2000, the government has
  maintained a firm grip on the economy, expanding the use of the
  military and party-owned businesses to complete Eritrea's
  development agenda. The government strictly controls the use of
  foreign currency by limiting access and availability. Few private
  enterprises remain in Eritrea. Eritrea's economy depends heavily on
  taxes paid by members of the diaspora. Erratic rainfall and the
  delayed demobilization of agriculturalists from the military
  continue to interfere with agricultural production, and Eritrea's
  recent harvests have been unable to meet the food needs of the
  country. The Government continues to place its hope for additional
  revenue on the development of several international mining projects.
  Despite difficulties for international companies in working with the
  Eritrean Government, a Canadian mining company signed a contract
  with the government in 2007 and began mineral extraction in 2010.
  Eritrea's economic future depends upon its ability to master social
  problems such as illiteracy, unemployment, and low skills, and more
  importantly, on the government's willingness to support a true
  market economy.

Estonia
  Estonia, a 2004 European Union entrant, has a modern
  market-based economy and one of the higher per capita income levels
  in Central Europe and the Baltic region. Estonia's successive
  governments have pursued a free market, pro-business economic agenda
  and have wavered little in their commitment to pro-market reforms.
  The current government has pursued relatively sound fiscal policies
  that have resulted in balanced budgets and very low public debt. The
  economy benefits from strong electronics and telecommunications
  sectors and strong trade ties with Finland, Sweden, and Germany.
  Tallinn's priority has been to sustain high growth rates - on
  average 8% per year from 2003 to 2007. Estonia's economy slowed down
  markedly and fell sharply into recession in mid-2008, primarily as a
  result of an investment and consumption slump following the bursting
  of the real estate market bubble. GDP dropped nearly 15% in 2009,
  among the world's highest rates of contraction. A modest recovery
  began in 2010, but unemployment stands above 13%. Estonia adopted
  the euro in January 2011.

Ethiopia
  Ethiopia's poverty-stricken economy is based on
  agriculture, accounting for almost 45% of GDP, and 85% of total
  employment. The agricultural sector suffers from frequent drought
  and poor cultivation practices. Coffee is critical to the Ethiopian
  economy with exports of some $350 million in 2006, but historically
  low prices have seen many farmers switching to qat to supplement
  income. Under Ethiopia's constitution, the state owns all land and
  provides long-term leases to the tenants; the system continues to
  hamper growth in the industrial sector as entrepreneurs are unable
  to use land as collateral for loans. In November 2001, Ethiopia
  qualified for debt relief from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries
  (HIPC) initiative, and in December 2005 the IMF forgave Ethiopia's
  debt. The global economic downturn led to balance of payments
  pressures, partially alleviated by recent emergency funding from the
  IMF. While GDP growth has remained high, per capita inome is among
  the lowest in the world.

European Union
  Internally, the EU has abolished trade barriers,
  adopted a common currency, and is striving toward convergence of
  living standards. Internationally, the EU aims to bolster Europe's
  trade position and its political and economic power. Because of the
  great differences in per capita income among member states (from
  $7,000 to $78,000) and in national attitudes toward issues like
  inflation, debt, and foreign trade, the EU faces difficulties in
  devising and enforcing common policies. In the wake of the global
  economic crisis, the European Commission projected that the EU's
  economy would shrink by 4% in 2009 and 0.1% in 2010. The EU has
  recovered from the crisis faster than expected, however, and the
  Commission estimates 2010 growth at 1.8%. Significant risks to
  growth nevertheless remain, including, high official debts and
  deficits, aging populations, over-regulation of non-financial
  businesses, and doubts about the sustainability of European Economic
  and Monetary Union (EMU). In June 2010, prompted by the Greek
  financial crisis, the EU and the IMF set up a $1 trillion bailout
  fund to rescue any EMU member in danger of default, but it has not
  calmed market jitters that have diminished the value of the euro.
  Eleven established EU member states introduced the euro as their
  common currency on 1 January 1999 (Greece did so two years later),
  but the UK and Denmark have 'opt-outs' that allow them to keep their
  national currencies, and Sweden has not taken the steps needed to
  participate. Between 2004 and 2007, the EU admitted 12 countries
  that are, in general, less advanced economically than the other 15.
  Of the 12 most recent member states, only Slovenia (1 January 2007),
  Cyprus and Malta (1 January 2008), Slovakia (1 January 2009), and
  Estonia (1 January 2011) have adopted the euro; the remaining states
  other than the UK and Denmark are legally required to adopt the
  currency upon meeting EU's fiscal and monetary convergence criteria.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987, the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falkland Islands' exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which help support the island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Foreign exchange earnings come from shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day; to date, no exploitable site has been identified. An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves. Political tensions between the UK and Argentina rose in early 2010 after a UK company began oil drilling activities in the waters around the Falkland Islands but abated somewhat when the drilling operation failed to discover commercially exploitable oil reserves. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001. Another large source of income is interest paid on money the government has in the bank. The British military presence also provides a sizeable economic boost.

Faroe Islands
  The Faroese economy is dependent on fishing, which
  makes the economy vulnerable to price swings. The sector accounts
  for about 95% of exports and nearly half of GDP. In early 2008 the
  Faroese economy began to slow as a result of smaller catches and
  historically high oil prices that continue to trouble the economy.
  Though oil prices have come down, reduced catches, especially of cod
  and haddock, have continued to strain the Faroese economy. GDP grew
  0.5% in 2008-09. The slowdown in the Faroese economy followed a
  strong performance since the mid-1990s with annual growth rates
  averaging close to 6%, mostly a result of increased fish landings
  and salmon farming, and high export prices. Unemployment reached its
  lowest level in the first half of 2008, but increased to 3.9% in
  2009 and is rising. The Faroese Home Rule Government produced
  increasing budget surpluses that helped to reduce the large public
  debt, most of it to Denmark. However, total dependence on fishing
  and salmon farming make the Faroese economy very vulnerable to
  fluctuations in world demand. In addition, budget surpluses turned
  to deficits in 2008-09, and the economy at both the country and
  local level is running large deficits. Initial discoveries of oil in
  the Faroese area give hope for eventual oil production, which may
  provide a foundation for a more diversified economy and less
  dependence on Danish economic assistance. Aided by an annual subsidy
  from Denmark amounting to about 6% of Faroese GDP, the Faroese have
  a standard of living almost equal to that of Denmark and Greenland.

Fiji
  Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one
  of the most developed of the Pacific island economies though still
  with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports, remittances from
  Fijians working abroad, and a growing tourist industry - with
  400,000 to 500,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of
  foreign exchange. Fiji's sugar has special access to European Union
  markets but will be harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar
  subsidies. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial
  activity but is not efficient. Fiji's tourism industry was damaged
  by the December 2006 coup and is facing an uncertain recovery time.
  In 2007 tourist arrivals were down almost 6%, with substantial job
  losses in the service sector, and GDP dipped. The coup has created a
  difficult business climate. The EU has suspended all aid until the
  interim government takes steps toward new elections. Long-term
  problems include low investment, uncertain land ownership rights,
  and the government's inability to manage its budget. Overseas
  remittances from Fijians working in Kuwait and Iraq have decreased
  significantly. Fiji's current account deficit reached 23% of GDP in
  2006.

Finland
  Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market
  economy with per capita output roughly that of Austria, Belgium, the
  Netherlands, and Sweden. Trade is important with exports accounting
  for over one third of GDP in recent years. Finland is strongly
  competitive in manufacturing - principally the wood, metals,
  engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries. Finland
  excels in high-tech exports such as mobile phones. Except for timber
  and several minerals, Finland depends on imports of raw materials,
  energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the
  climate, agricultural development is limited to maintaining
  self-sufficiency in basic products. Forestry, an important export
  earner, provides a secondary occupation for the rural population.
  Finland had been one of the best performing economies within the EU
  in recent years and its banks and financial markets avoided the
  worst of global financial crisis. However, the world slowdown hit
  exports and domestic demand hard in 2009, with Finland experiencing
  one of the deepest contractions in the euro zone. A recovery of
  exports stimulated economic growth in 2010, and led to a lowering of
  unemployment. The recession left a deep mark on general government
  finances and the debt ratio, turning previously strong budget
  surpluses into deficits. In the next few years, the great challenge
  of economic policy will be to implement a post-recession exit
  strategy in which measures supporting growth will be combined with
  general government adjustment measures. Longer-term, Finland must
  address a rapidly aging population and decreasing productivity that
  threaten competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth.

France
  France is in the midst of transition from a well-to-do modern
  economy that has featured extensive government ownership and
  intervention to one that relies more on market mechanisms. The
  government has partially or fully privatized many large companies,
  banks, and insurers, and has ceded stakes in such leading firms as
  Air France, France Telecom, Renault, and Thales. It maintains a
  strong presence in some sectors, particularly power, public
  transport, and defense industries. With at least 75 million foreign
  tourists per year, France is the most visited country in the world
  and maintains the third largest income in the world from tourism.
  France's leaders remain committed to a capitalism in which they
  maintain social equity by means of laws, tax policies, and social
  spending that reduce income disparity and the impact of free markets
  on public health and welfare. France has weathered the global
  economic crisis better than most other big EU economies because of
  the relative resilience of domestic consumer spending, a large
  public sector, and less exposure to the downturn in global demand
  than in some other countries. Nonetheless, France's real GDP
  contracted 2.5% in 2009, but recovered somewhat in 2010, while the
  unemployment rate increased from 7.4% in 2008 to 9.5% in 2010. The
  government pursuit of aggressive stimulus and investment measures in
  response to the economic crisis, however, are contributing to a
  deterioration of France's public finances. The government budget
  deficit rose sharply from 3.4% of GDP in 2008 to 7.8% of GDP in
  2010, while France's public debt rose from 68% of GDP to 84% over
  the same period. Paris is terminating stimulus measures, eliminating
  tax credits, and freezing most government spending to bring the
  budget deficit under the 3% euro-zone ceiling by 2013, and to
  highlight France's commitment to fiscal discipline at a time of
  intense financial market scrutiny of euro zone debt levels.
  President SARKOZY - who secured passage of pension reform in 2010 -
  is expected to seek passage of some tax reforms in 2011, but he may
  delay additional, more costly, reforms until after the 2012 election.

French Polynesia
  Since 1962, when France stationed military
  personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a
  subsistence agricultural economy to one in which a high proportion
  of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the
  tourist industry. With the halt of French nuclear testing in 1996,
  the military contribution to the economy fell sharply. Tourism
  accounts for about one-fourth of GDP and is a primary source of hard
  currency earnings. Other sources of income are pearl farming and
  deep-sea commercial fishing. The small manufacturing sector
  primarily processes agricultural products. The territory benefits
  substantially from development agreements with France aimed
  principally at creating new businesses and strengthening social
  services.

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  Economic activity is limited to
  servicing meteorological and geophysical research stations, military
  bases, and French and other fishing fleets. The fish catches landed
  on Iles Kerguelen by foreign ships are exported to France and
  Reunion.

Gabon
  Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most
  sub-Saharan African nations, but because of high income inequality,
  a large proportion of the population remains poor. Gabon depended on
  timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early
  1970s. The oil sector now accounts for more than 50% of GDP although
  the industry is in decline as fields pass their peak production.
  Gabon continues to face fluctuating prices for its oil, timber, and
  manganese exports and the global recession led to a GDP contraction
  of 1.4% in 2009. Despite the abundance of natural wealth, poor
  fiscal management hobbles the economy. In 1997, an IMF mission to
  Gabon criticized the government for overspending on off-budget
  items, overborrowing from the central bank, and slipping on its
  schedule for privatization and administrative reform. The rebound of
  oil prices from 1999 to 2008 helped growth, but drops in production
  have hampered Gabon from fully realizing potential gains. Gabon
  signed a 14-month Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2007, and
  later that year issued a $1 billion sovereign bond to buy back a
  sizable portion of its Paris Club debt.

Gambia, The
  The Gambia has sparse natural resource deposits and a
  limited agricultural base, and relies in part on remittances from
  workers overseas and tourist receipts. About three-quarters of the
  population depends on the agricultural sector for its livelihood.
  Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of
  peanuts, fish, and hides. The Gambia's natural beauty and proximity
  to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West
  Africa, boosted by government and private sector investments in
  eco-tourism and upscale facilities. In the past few years, The
  Gambia's re-export trade - traditionally a major segment of economic
  activity - has declined, but its banking sector has grown rapidly.
  Unemployment and underemployment rates remain high; economic
  progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on
  responsible government economic management, and on continued
  technical assistance from multilateral and bilateral donors. The
  quality of fiscal management, however, is weak. The government has
  promised to raise civil service wages over the next two years and
  the deficit is projected to worsen.

Gaza Strip
  High population density, limited land and sea access,
  continuing isolation, and strict internal and external security
  controls have degraded economic conditions in the Gaza Strip - the
  smaller of the two areas in the Palestinian Territories.
  Israeli-imposed crossings closures, which became more restrictive
  after HAMAS violently took over the territory in June 2007, and
  fighting between HAMAS and Israel during December 2008-January 2009,
  resulted in the near collapse of most of the private sector,
  extremely high unemployment, and high poverty rates. Shortages of
  goods are met through large-scale humanitarian assistance - led by
  UNRWA - and the HAMAS-regulated black market tunnel trade that
  flourishes under the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. However,
  chnages to the blockade in 2010 included moving from a white list -
  in which only approved items were allowed into Gaza through the
  crossings - to a black list, where all but non-approved items were
  allowed into Gaza through the crossings. Israeli authorities have
  recently signaled that exports from the territory might be possible
  in the future, but currently regular exports from Gaza are not
  permitted.

Georgia
  Georgia's economy sustained GDP growth of more than 10% in
  2006-07, based on strong inflows of foreign investment and robust
  government spending. However, GDP growth slowed in 2008 following
  the August 2008 conflict with Russia, and turned negative in 2009 as
  foreign direct investment and workers' remittances declined in the
  wake of the global financial crisis, but rebounded in 2010.
  Georgia's main economic activities include the cultivation of
  agricultural products such as grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts;
  mining of manganese and copper; and output of a small industrial
  sector producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, metals,
  machinery, aircraft and chemicals. Areas of recent improvement
  include growth in the construction, banking services, and mining
  sectors, but reduced availability of external investment and the
  slowing regional economy are emerging risks. The country imports
  nearly all its needed supplies of natural gas and oil products. It
  has sizeable hydropower capacity, a growing component of its energy
  supplies. Georgia has overcome the chronic energy shortages and gas
  supply interruptions of the past by renovating hydropower plants and
  by increasingly relying on natural gas imports from Azerbaijan
  instead of from Russia. The construction on the Baku-T'bilisi-Ceyhan
  oil pipeline, the Baku-T'bilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline, and the
  Kars-Akhalkalaki Railroad are part of a strategy to capitalize on
  Georgia's strategic location between Europe and Asia and develop its
  role as a transit point for gas, oil and other goods. Georgia has
  historically suffered from a chronic failure to collect tax
  revenues; however, the government, since coming to power in 2004,
  has simplified the tax code, improved tax administration, increased
  tax enforcement, and cracked down on petty corruption. However, the
  economic downturn of 2008-09 eroded the tax base and led to a
  decline in the budget surplus and an increase in public borrowing
  needs. The country is pinning its hopes for renewed growth on a
  determined effort to continue to liberalize the economy by reducing
  regulation, taxes, and corruption in order to attract foreign
  investment, but the economy faces a more difficult investment
  climate both domestically and internationally.

Germany
  The German economy - the fifth largest economy in the world
  in PPP terms and Europe's largest - is a leading exporter of
  machinery, vehicles, chemicals, and household equipment and benefits
  from a highly skilled labor force. Like its western European
  neighbors, Germany faces significant demographic challenges to
  sustained long-term growth. Low fertility rates and declining net
  immigration are increasing pressure on the country's social welfare
  system and necessitate structural reforms. The modernization and
  integration of the eastern German economy - where unemployment can
  exceed 20% in some municipalities - continues to be a costly
  long-term process, with annual transfers from west to east amounting
  in 2008 alone to roughly $12 billion. Reforms launched by the
  government of Chancellor Gerhard SCHROEDER (1998-2005), deemed
  necessary to address chronically high unemployment and low average
  growth, contributed to strong growth in 2006 and 2007 and falling
  unemployment, which in 2008 reached a new post-reunification low of
  7.8%. These advances, as well as a government subsidized, reduced
  working hour scheme, help explain the relatively modest increase in
  unemployment during the 2008-09 recession - the deepest since World
  War II - and its healthy decrease in 2010. GDP contracted nearly 5%
  in 2009 but grew by 3.3% in 2010. Germany crept out of recession
  thanks largely to rebounding manufacturing orders and exports -
  primarily outside the Euro Zone - and relatively steady consumer
  demand. Stimulus and stabilization efforts initiated in 2008 and
  2009 and tax cuts introduced in Chancellor Angela MERKEL's second
  term increased Germany's budget deficit to 3.3% in 2009 and to 3.6%
  in 2010. The EU has given Germany until 2013 to get its consolidated
  budget deficit below 3% of GDP. A new constitutional amendment
  likewise limits the federal government to structural deficits of no
  more than 0.35% of GDP per annum as of 2016.

Ghana
  Ghana is well endowed with natural resources and agriculture
  accounts for roughly one-third of GDP and employs more than half of
  the workforce, mainly small landholders. The services sector
  accounts for 50% of GDP. Gold and cocoa production and individual
  remittances are major sources of foreign exchange. Oil production at
  Ghana's offshore Jubilee field began in mid-December and is expected
  to boost economic growth. Ghana signed a Millennium Challenge
  Corporation (MCC) Compact in 2006, which aims to assist in
  transforming Ghana's agricultural sector. Ghana opted for debt
  relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) program in
  2002, and is also benefiting from the Multilateral Debt Relief
  Initiative that took effect in 2006. In 2009 Ghana signed a
  three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF to
  improve macroeconomic stability, private sector competitiveness,
  human resource development, and good governance and civic
  responsibility. Sound macro-economic management along with high
  prices for gold and cocoa helped sustain GDP growth in 2008-10. In
  early 2010 President John Atta MILLS targeted recovery from high
  inflation and current account and budget deficits as his priorities.

Gibraltar
  Self-sufficient Gibraltar benefits from an extensive
  shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an
  international conference center. Tax rates are low to attract
  foreign investment. The British military presence has been sharply
  reduced and now contributes about 7% to the local economy, compared
  with 60% in 1984. The financial sector, tourism (almost 5 million
  visitors in 1998), gaming revenues, shipping services fees, and
  duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. The financial
  sector, tourism, and the shipping sector contribute 30%, 30%, and
  25%, respectively, of GDP. Telecommunications, e-commerce, and
  e-gaming account for the remaining 15%. In recent years, Gibraltar
  has seen major structural change from a public to a private sector
  economy, but changes in government spending still have a major
  impact on the level of employment.

Greece Greece has a capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for about 40% of GDP and with per capita GDP about two-thirds that of the leading euro-zone economies. Tourism provides 15% of GDP. Immigrants make up nearly one-fifth of the work force, mainly in agricultural and unskilled jobs. Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 3.3% of annual GDP. The Greek economy grew by nearly 4.0% per year between 2003 and 2007, due partly to infrastructural spending related to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and in part to an increased availability of credit, which has sustained record levels of consumer spending. But the economy went into recession in 2009 as a result of the world financial crisis, tightening credit conditions, and Athens' failure to address a growing budget deficit, which was triggered by falling state revenues, and increased government expenditures. The economy contracted by 2% in 2009, and 4.8% in 2010. Greece violated the EU's Growth and Stability Pact budget deficit criterion of no more than 3% of GDP from 2001 to 2006, but finally met that criterion in 2007-08, before exceeding it again in 2009, with the deficit reaching 15.4% of GDP. Austerity measures reduced the deficit to 9.4% of GDP in 2010. Public debt, inflation, and unemployment are above the euro-zone average while per capita income is below; unemployment rose to 12% in 2010. Eroding public finances, a credibility gap stemming from inaccurate and misreported statistics, and consistent underperformance on following through with reforms prompted major credit rating agencies in late 2009 to downgrade Greece's international debt rating, and has led the country into a financial crisis. Under intense pressure by the EU and international market participants, the government has adopted a medium-term austerity program that includes cutting government spending, reducing the size of the public sector, decreasing tax evasion, reforming the health care and pension systems, and improving competitiveness through structural reforms to the labor and product markets. Athens, however, faces long-term challenges to push through unpopular reforms in the face of often vocal opposition from the country's powerful labor unions and the general public. Greek labor unions are striking over new austerity measures, but the strikes so far have had a limited impact on the government's will to adopt reforms. An uptick in widespread unrest, however, could challenge the government's ability to implement reforms and meet budget targets, and could also lead to rioting or violence. In April 2010 a leading credit agency assigned Greek debt its lowest possible credit rating; in May, the International Monetary Fund and Eurozone governments provided Greece emergency short- and medium-term loans worth $147 billion so that the country could make debt repayments to creditors. In exchange for the largest bailout ever assembled, the government announced combined spending cuts and tax increases totaling $40 billion over three years, on top of the tough austerity measures already taken. Greece, however, struggled to boost revenues and cut spending to meet 2010 targets set by the EU and the IMF, especially after Eurostat - the EU's statistical office - revised upward Greece's deficit and debt numbers for 2009 and 2010. Greece's lenders are calling on Athens to step up efforts in 2011 to increase tax collection, shore up public enterprises, and rein in health spending, and are planning to give Greece more time to repay its EU-IMF loan. Greece responded by introducing major structural reforms, but investors still question whether Greece can sustain fiscal efforts in the face of a bleak economic outlook and public discontent.

Greenland
  The economy remains critically dependent on exports of
  shrimp and fish and on a substantial subsidy - about $650 million in
  2009 - from the Danish Government, which supplies nearly 60% of
  government revenues. The public sector, including publicly owned
  enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in
  Greenland's economy. Greenland's GDP contracted about 2% in 2009 as
  a result of the global economic slowdown. Budget surpluses turned to
  deficits beginning in 2007 and unemployment has risen. During the
  last decade the Greenland Home Rule Government (GHRG) pursued
  conservative fiscal and monetary policies, but public pressure has
  increased for better schools, health care and retirement systems.
  The Greenlandic economy has benefited from increasing catches and
  exports of shrimp, Greenland halibut and, more recently, crabs. Due
  to Greenland's continued dependence on exports of fish - which
  account for 82% of exports - the economy remains very sensitive to
  foreign developments. International consortia are increasingly
  active in exploring for hydrocarbon resources off Greenland's
  western coast, and international studies indicate the potential for
  oil and gas fields in northern and northeastern Greenland. In May
  2007 a US aluminum producer concluded a memorandum of understanding
  with the Greenland Home Rule Government to build an aluminum smelter
  and a power generation facility, which takes advantage of
  Greenland's abundant hydropower potential. Within the area of
  mining, olivine sand continues to be produced and gold production
  has resumed in south Greenland. Tourism also offers another avenue
  of economic growth for Greenland, with increasing numbers of cruise
  lines now operating in Greenland's western and southern waters
  during the peak summer tourism season.

Grenada
  Grenada relies on tourism as its main source of foreign
  exchange especially since the construction of an international
  airport in 1985. Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Emily (2005) severely
  damaged the agricultural sector - particularly nutmeg and cocoa
  cultivation - which had been a key driver of economic growth.
  Grenada has rebounded from the devastating effects of the hurricanes
  but is now saddled with the debt burden from the rebuilding process.
  Public debt-to-GDP is nearly 110%, leaving the THOMAS administration
  limited room to engage in public investments and social spending.
  Strong performances in construction and manufacturing, together with
  the development of tourism and an offshore financial industry, have
  also contributed to growth in national output; however, economic
  growth was stagnant in 2010 after a sizeable contraction in 2009,
  because of the global economic slowdown's effects on tourism and
  remittances.

Guam
  The economy depends largely on US military spending and
  tourism. Total US grants, wage payments, and procurement outlays
  amounted to $1.3 billion in 2004. Over the past 30 years, the
  tourist industry has grown to become the largest income source
  following national defense. The Guam economy continues to experience
  expansion in both its tourism and military sectors.

Guatemala
  Guatemala is the most populous of the Central American
  countries with a GDP per capita roughly one-half that of the average
  for Latin America and the Caribbean. The agricultural sector
  accounts for nearly 15% of GDP and half of the labor force; key
  agricultural exports include coffee, sugar, and bananas. The 1996
  peace accords, which ended 36 years of civil war, removed a major
  obstacle to foreign investment, and since then Guatemala has pursued
  important reforms and macroeconomic stabilization. The Central
  American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) entered into force in July
  2006 spurring increased investment and diversification of exports,
  with the largest increases in ethanol and non-traditional
  agricultural exports. While CAFTA has helped improve the investment
  climate, concerns over security, the lack of skilled workers and
  poor infrastructure continue to hamper foreign direct investment.
  The distribution of income remains highly unequal with the richest
  decile comprising over 40% of Guatemala's overall consumption. More
  than half of the population is below the national poverty line and
  15% lives in extreme poverty. Poverty among indigenous groups, which
  make up 38% of the population, averages 76% and extreme poverty
  rises to 28%. 43% of children under five are chronically
  malnourished, one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world.
  President COLOM entered into office with the promise to increase
  education, healthcare, and rural development, and in April 2008 he
  inaugurated a conditional cash transfer program, modeled after
  programs in Brazil and Mexico, that provide financial incentives for
  poor families to keep their children in school and get regular
  health check-ups. Given Guatemala's large expatriate community in
  the United States, it is the top remittance recipient in Central
  America, with inflows serving as a primary source of foreign income
  equivalent to nearly two-thirds of exports. Economic growth fell in
  2009 as export demand from US and other Central American markets
  fell and foreign investment slowed amid the global recession, but
  the economy recovered gradually in 2010 and will likely return to
  more normal growth rates by 2012. President COLOM, in his last year
  in office, will likely face opposition to economic reform,
  particularly over a long-delayed tax reform and an IMF-recommended
  reform to strengthen the banking sector. Larger budget deficits and
  increased debt can be expected in 2011.

Guernsey
  Financial services - banking, fund management, insurance -
  account for about 23% of employment and about 55% of total income in
  this tiny, prosperous Channel Island economy. Tourism,
  manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers,
  have been declining. Financial services, construction, retail, and
  the public sector have been growing. Light tax and death duties make
  Guernsey a popular tax haven. The evolving economic integration of
  the EU nations is changing the environment under which Guernsey
  operates.

Guinea
  Guinea is a poor country that possesses major mineral,
  hydropower, and agricultural resources. The country has almost half
  of the world's bauxite reserves. The mining sector accounts for more
  than 70% of exports. Long-run improvements in the management of the
  economy, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if the country
  is to move out of poverty. Investor confidence has been sapped by
  rampant corruption, a lack of electricity and other infrastructure,
  a lack of skilled workers, and the political uncertainty resulting
  from the death of President Lansana CONTE in December 2008.
  International donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World
  Bank, cut their development programming significantly in response to
  the coup, and international partners have said that a resumption of
  aid will be contingent on a successful democratic transition with a
  democratically elected president and a functioning National
  Assembly. Growth rose slightly in 2006-08, primarily due to
  increases in global demand and commodity prices on world markets,
  but bauxite and alumina exports were negatively affected by the
  global economic downturn and the economy in 2009 contracted.
  International investors expressed renewed interest in Guinea's iron
  ore mines in 2010.

Guinea-Bissau
  One of the poorest countries in the world,
  Guinea-Bissau's legal economy depends mainly on farming and fishing,
  but trafficking narcotics is probably the most lucrative trade.
  Cashew crops have increased remarkably in recent years.
  Guinea-Bissau exports fish and seafood along with small amounts of
  peanuts, palm kernels, and timber. Rice is the major crop and staple
  food. However, intermittent fighting between Senegalese-backed
  government troops and a military junta destroyed much of the
  country's infrastructure and caused widespread damage to the economy
  in 1998; the civil war led to a 28% drop in GDP that year, with
  partial recovery in 1999-2002. In December 2003, the World Bank,
  IMF, and UNDP were forced to step in to provide emergency budgetary
  support in the amount of $107 million for 2004, representing over
  80% of the total national budget. The combination of limited
  economic prospects, a weak and faction-ridden government, and
  favorable geography have made this West African country a way
  station for drugs bound for Europe.

Guyana
  The Guyanese economy exhibited moderate economic growth in
  recent years and is based largely on agriculture and extractive
  industries. The economy is heavily dependent upon the export of six
  commodities - sugar, gold, bauxite, shrimp, timber, and rice - which
  represent nearly 60% of the country's GDP and are highly susceptible
  to adverse weather conditions and fluctuations in commodity prices.
  Guyana's entrance into the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME)
  in January 2006 has broadened the country's export market, primarily
  in the raw materials sector. Economic recovery since a 2005
  flood-related contraction was buoyed by increases in remittances and
  foreign direct investment in the sugar and rice industries as well
  as the mining sector. Chronic problems include a shortage of skilled
  labor and a deficient infrastructure. The government is juggling a
  sizable external debt against the urgent need for expanded public
  investment. In March 2007, the Inter-American Development Bank,
  Guyana's principal donor, canceled Guyana's nearly $470 million
  debt, equivalent to nearly 48% of GDP, which along with other Highly
  Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) debt forgiveness brought the
  debt-to-GDP ratio down from 183% in 2006 to 120% in 2007. Guyana
  became heavily indebted as a result of the inward-looking, state-led
  development model pursued in the 1970s and 1980s. Growth slowed in
  2009-10 as a result of the world recession. The slowdown in the
  domestic economy and lower import costs helped to narrow the
  country's current account deficit, despite generally lower earnings
  from exports.

Haiti
  Haiti's economy suffered a severe setback when a 7.1 magnitude
  earthquake damaged its capital city, Port-au-Prince, in January
  2010. Already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with 80%
  of the population living under the poverty line and 54% in abject
  poverty, the damage to Port-au-Prince caused the country's GDP to
  contract an estimated 8% in 2010. Two-thirds of all Haitians depend
  on the agricultural sector, mainly small-scale subsistence farming,
  and remain vulnerable to damage from frequent natural disasters,
  exacerbated by the country's widespread deforestation. US economic
  engagement under the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through
  Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act, passed in December 2006, has
  boosted apparel exports and investment by providing tariff-free
  access to the US. Congress voted in 2010 to extend the legislation
  until 2020 under the Haitian Economic Lift Act (HELP); the apparel
  sector accounts for three-quarters of Haitian exports and nearly
  one-tenth of GDP. Remittances are the primary source of foreign
  exchange, equaling nearly a quarter of GDP and more than twice the
  earnings from exports. Haiti suffers from a lack of investment
  because of insecurity and limited infrastructure, and a severe trade
  deficit. In 2005, Haiti paid its arrears to the World Bank, paving
  the way for reengagement with the Bank. Haiti received debt
  forgiveness for over $1 billion of its debt through the
  Highly-Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative in 2009. The
  remainder of its outstanding external debt was cancelled by donor
  countries in early 2010 but has since climbed back to about $500
  million. The government relies on formal international economic
  assistance for fiscal sustainability.

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  The islands have no indigenous
  economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited
  fishing in the surrounding waters.

Holy See (Vatican City)
  The Holy See is supported financially by a
  variety of sources, including investments, real estate income, and
  donations from Catholic individuals, dioceses, and institutions;
  these help fund the Roman Curia (Vatican bureaucracy), diplomatic
  missions, and media outlets. The separate Vatican City State budget
  includes the Vatican museums and post office and is supported
  financially by the sale of stamps, coins, medals, and tourist
  mementos; by fees for admission to museums; and by publications
  sales. Moreover, an annual collection taken up in dioceses and
  direct donations go to a non-budgetary fund known as Peter's Pence,
  which is used directly by the Pope for charity, disaster relief, and
  aid to churches in developing nations. The incomes and living
  standards of lay workers are comparable to those of counterparts who
  work in the city of Rome.

Honduras
  Honduras, the second poorest country in Central America,
  suffers from extraordinarily unequal distribution of income, as well
  as high underemployment. While historically dependent on the export
  of bananas and coffee, Honduras has diversified its export base to
  include apparel and automobile wire harnessing. Nearly half of
  Honduras's economic activity is directly tied to the US, with
  exports to the US equivalent to 30% of GDP and remittances for
  another 20%. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)
  came into force in 2006 and has helped foster foriegn direct
  investment, but physical and political insecurity may deter
  potential investors; about 70% of FDI is from US firms. The economy
  registered marginally positive economic growth in 2010, insufficient
  to improve living standards for the nearly 60% of the population in
  poverty. The LOBO administration inherited a difficult fiscal
  position with off-budget debts accrued in previous administrations
  and government salaries nearly equivalent to tax collections. His
  government has displayed a commitment to improving tax collection
  and cutting expenditures. This enabled Tegucigalpa to secure an IMF
  Precautionary Stand-By agreement in October 2010. The IMF agreement
  has helped renew multilateral and bilateral donor confidence in
  Honduras following the ZELAYA administration's economic
  mismanagement and the political coup.

Hong Kong Hong Kong has a free market economy highly dependent on international trade and finance - the value of goods and services trade, including the sizable share of re-exports, is about four times GDP. Hong Kong's open economy left it exposed to the global economic slowdown, but its increasing integration with China, through trade, tourism, and financial links, helped it recover more quickly than many observers anticipated. The Hong Kong government is promoting the Special Administrative Region (SAR) as the site for Chinese renminbi (RMB) internationalization. Hong Kong residents are allowed to establish RMB-denominated savings accounts; RMB-denominated corporate and Chinese government bonds have been issued in Hong Kong; and RMB trade settlement is allowed. The territory far exceeded the RMB conversion quota set by Beijing for trade settlements in 2010 due to the growth of earnings from exports to the mainland. RMB deposits grew to roughly 3.6% of total system deposits in Hong Kong by October 2010, an increase of over 250% since the beginning of the year. The government is pursuing efforts to introduce additional use of RMB in Hong Kong financial markets and is seeking to expand the RMB quota for 2011. The mainland has long been Hong Kong's largest trading partner, accounting for about half of Hong Kong's exports by value. Hong Kong's natural resources are limited, and food and raw materials must be imported. As a result of China's easing of travel restrictions, the number of mainland tourists to the territory has surged from 4.5 million in 2001 to 17.7 million in 2009, outnumbering visitors from all other countries combined. Hong Kong has also established itself as the premier stock market for Chinese firms seeking to list abroad. In 2009 mainland Chinese companies constituted about 40% of the firms listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and accounted for 60% of the Exchange's market capitalization. During the past decade, as Hong Kong's manufacturing industry moved to the mainland, its service industry has grown rapidly and in 2009 accounted for more than 90% of the territory's GDP. GDP growth averaged a strong 4% from 1989 to 2008. Hong Kong's GDP fell in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but a recovery began in third quarter 2009, and the economy grew nearly 6% in 2010. The Hong Kong government adopted several temporary fiscal policy support measures in response to the crisis that it may discontinue if strong growth is sustained. Credit expansion and tight housing supply conditions caused Hong Kong property prices to rise rapidly in 2010, and some lower income segments of the population are increasingly unable to afford adequate housing. Hong Kong continues to link its currency closely to the US dollar, maintaining an arrangement established in 1983.

Hungary
  Hungary has made the transition from a centrally planned to
  a market economy, with a per capita income nearly two-thirds that of
  the EU-25 average. The private sector accounts for more than 80% of
  GDP. Foreign ownership of and investment in Hungarian firms are
  widespread, with cumulative foreign direct investment worth more
  than $70 billion. The government's austerity measures, imposed since
  late 2006, have reduced the budget deficit from over 9% of GDP in
  2006 to 3.8% in 2010. Hungary's impending inability to service its
  short-term debt - brought on by the global financial crisis in late
  2008 - led Budapest to obtain an IMF-arranged financial assistance
  package worth over $25 billion. The global economic downturn,
  declining exports, and low domestic consumption and fixed asset
  accumulation, dampened by government austerity measures, resulted in
  an economic contraction of 6.3% in 2009. The economy rebounded in
  2010 with a big boost from exports, and growth of more than 2.5% is
  expected in 2011. Unemployment remained high, at more than 11%.

Iceland Iceland's Scandinavian-type social-market economy combines a capitalist structure and free-market principles with an extensive welfare system. Prior to the 2008 crisis, Iceland had achieved high growth, low unemployment, and a remarkably even distribution of income. The economy depends heavily on the fishing industry, which provides 40% of export earnings, more than 12% of GDP, and employs 7% of the work force. It remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to fluctuations in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. Iceland's economy has been diversifying into manufacturing and service industries in the last decade, particularly within the fields of software production, biotechnology, and tourism. Abundant geothermal and hydropower sources have attracted substantial foreign investment in the aluminum sector and boosted economic growth, although the financial crisis has put several investment projects on hold. Much of Iceland's economic growth in recent years came as the result of a boom in domestic demand following the rapid expansion of the country's financial sector. Domestic banks expanded aggressively in foreign markets, and consumers and businesses borrowed heavily in foreign currencies, following the privatization of the banking sector in the early 2000s. Worsening global financial conditions throughout 2008 resulted in a sharp depreciation of the krona vis-a-vis other major currencies. The foreign exposure of Icelandic banks, whose loans and other assets totaled more than 10 times the country's GDP, became unsustainable. Iceland's three largest banks collapsed in late 2008. The country secured over $10 billion in loans from the IMF and other countries to stabilize its currency and financial sector, and to back government guarantees for foreign deposits in Icelandic banks. GDP fell 6.8% in 2009, and unemployment peaked at 9.4% in February 2009. GDP fell 3.4% in 2010. Since the collapse of Iceland's financial sector, government economic priorities have included: stabilizing the krona, reducing Iceland's high budget deficit, containing inflation, restructuring the financial sector, and diversifying the economy. Three new banks were established to take over the domestic assets of the collapsed banks. Two of them have foreign majority ownership, while the State holds a majority of the shares of the third. British and Dutch authorities have pressed claims totaling over $5 billion against Iceland to compensate their citizens for losses suffered on deposits held in the failed Icelandic bank, Landsbanki Islands. Iceland agreed to new terms with the UK and the Netherlands to compensate British and Dutch depositors, but the agreement must first be approved by the Icelandic President. Iceland began EU accession negotiations with the EU in July 2010, however, public support has dropped substantially because of concern about losing control over fishing resources and in reaction to measures taken by Brussels during the ongoing Eurozone crisis.

India
  India is developing into an open-market economy, yet traces of
  its past autarkic policies remain. Economic liberalization,
  including industrial deregulation, privatization of state-owned
  enterprises, and reduced controls on foreign trade and investment,
  began in the early 1990s and has served to accelerate the country's
  growth, which has averaged more than 7% per year since 1997. India's
  diverse economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern
  agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a
  multitude of services. Slightly more than half of the work force is
  in agriculture, but services are the major source of economic
  growth, accounting for more than half of India's output, with only
  one-third of its labor force. India has capitalized on its large
  educated English-speaking population to become a major exporter of
  information technology services and software workers. In 2010, the
  Indian economy rebounded robustly from the global financial crisis -
  in large part because of strong domestic demand - and growth
  exceeded 8% year-on-year in real terms. Merchandise exports, which
  account for about 15% of GDP, returned to pre-financial crisis
  levels. An industrial expansion and high food prices, resulting from
  the combined effects of the weak 2009 monsoon and inefficiencies in
  the government's food distribution system, fueled inflation which
  peaked at about 11% in the first half fo 2010, but has gradually
  decreased to single digits following a series of central bank
  interest rate hikes. New Delhi in 2010 reduced subsidies in fuel and
  fertilizers, sold a small percentage of its shares in some
  state-owned enterprises and auctioned off rights to radio bandwidth
  for 3G telecommunications in part to lower the government's deficit.
  The Indian Government seeks to reduce its deficit to 5.5% of GDP in
  FY 2010-11, down from 6.8% in the previous fiscal year. India's long
  term challenges include widespread poverty, inadequate physical and
  social infrastructure, limited non-agricultural employment
  opportunities, insufficient access to quality basic and higher
  education, and accommodiating rual-to-urban migration.

Indian Ocean
  The Indian Ocean provides major sea routes connecting
  the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia with Europe and the Americas.
  It carries a particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum
  products from the oilfields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. Its
  fish are of great and growing importance to the bordering countries
  for domestic consumption and export. Fishing fleets from Russia,
  Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan also exploit the Indian Ocean, mainly
  for shrimp and tuna. Large reserves of hydrocarbons are being tapped
  in the offshore areas of Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and western
  Australia. An estimated 40% of the world's offshore oil production
  comes from the Indian Ocean. Beach sands rich in heavy minerals and
  offshore placer deposits are actively exploited by bordering
  countries, particularly India, South Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka,
  and Thailand.

Indonesia
  Indonesia, a vast polyglot nation, has weathered the
  global financial crisis relatively smoothly because of its heavy
  reliance on domestic consumption as the driver of economic growth.
  Although the economy slowed significantly in 2009 from the 6%-plus
  growth rate recorded in 2007 and 2008, by 2010 growth returned to a
  6% rate. During the recession, Indonesia outperformed its regional
  neighbors and joined China and India as the only G20 members posting
  growth. The government made economic advances under the first
  administration of President YUDHOYONO, introducing significant
  reforms in the financial sector, including tax and customs reforms,
  the use of Treasury bills, and capital market development and
  supervision. Indonesia's debt-to-GDP ratio in recent years has
  declined steadily because of increasingly robust GDP growth and
  sound fiscal stewardship. Indonesia still struggles with poverty and
  unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, a complex
  regulatory environment, and unequal resource distribution among
  regions. YUDHOYONO's reelection, with respected economist BOEDIONO
  as his vice president, suggests broad continuity of economic policy,
  although the start of their term has been marred by corruption
  scandals and the departure of an internationally respected finance
  minister. The government in 2010 faces the ongoing challenge of
  improving Indonesia's insufficient infrastructure to remove
  impediments to economic growth, while addressing climate change
  mitigation and adaptation needs, particularly with regard to
  conserving Indonesia's forests and peatlands, the focus of a
  potentially trailblazing $1 billion REDD+ pilot project.

Iran
  Iran's economy is marked by an inefficient state sector,
  reliance on the oil sector, which provides the majority of
  government revenues, and statist policies, which create major
  distortions throughout the system. Private sector activity is
  typically limited to small-scale workshops, farming, and services.
  Price controls, subsidies, and other rigidities weigh down the
  economy, undermining the potential for private-sector-led growth.
  Significant informal market activity flourishes. The legislature in
  late 2009 passed President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD's bill to reduce
  subsidies, particularly on food and energy. The bill would phase out
  subsidies - which benefit Iran's upper and middle classes the most -
  over three to five years and replace them with cash payments to
  Iran's lower classes. However, the start of the program was delayed
  repeatedly throughout 2010 over fears of public reaction to higher
  prices. This is the most extensive economic reform since the
  government implemented gasoline rationing in 2007. The recovery of
  world oil prices in the last year increased Iran's oil export
  revenue by at least $10 billion over 2009, easing some of the
  financial impact of the newest round of international sanctions.
  Although inflation has fallen substantially since the mid-2000s,
  Iran continues to suffer from double-digit unemployment and
  underemployment. Underemployment among Iran's educated youth has
  convinced many to seek jobs overseas, resulting in a significant
  "brain drain."

Iraq An improved security environment and an initial wave of foreign investment are helping to spur economic activity, particularly in the energy, construction, and retail sectors. Broader economic improvement, long-term fiscal health, and sustained increases in the standard of living still depend on the government passing major policy reforms and on continued development of Iraq's massive oil reserves. Although foreign investors viewed Iraq with increasing interest in 2010, most are still hampered by difficulties in acquiring land for projects and by other regulatory impediments. Iraq's economy is dominated by the oil sector, which provides over 90% of government revenue and 80% of foreign exchange earnings. Since mid-2009, oil export earnings have returned to levels seen before Operation Iraqi Freedom and government revenues have rebounded, along with global oil prices. In 2011 Baghdad probably will increase oil exports above the current level of 1.9 million barrels per day (bbl/day) as a result of new contracts with international oil companies, but is likely to fall short of the 2.4 million bbl/day it is forecasting in its budget. Iraq is making modest progress in building the institutions needed to implement economic policy. In 2010, Bagdad signed a new agreement with both the IMF and World Bank for conditional aid programs that will help strengthen Iraq's economic institutions. Some reform-minded leaders within the Iraqi government are seeking to pass laws to strengthen the economy. This legislation includes a package of laws to establish a modern legal framework for the oil sector and a mechanism to equitably divide oil revenues within the nation, although these and other important reforms are still under contentious and sporadic negotiation. Iraq's recent contracts with major oil companies have the potential to greatly expand oil revenues, but Iraq will need to upgrade its oil processing, pipeling, and export infrastructure to enable these deals to reach their potential. The Government of Iraq is pursuing a strategy to gain additional foreign investment in Iraq's economy. This includes an amendment to the National Investment Law, multiple international trade and investment events, as well as potential participation in joint ventures with state-owned enterprises. Provincial Councils also are using their own budgets to promote and facilitate investment at the local level. However, widespread corruption, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient essential services, and antiquated commercial laws and regulations stifle investment and continue to constrain the growth of private, non-energy sectors. The Central Bank has successfully held the exchange rate at approximately 1,170 Iraqi dinar/US dollar since January 2009. Inflation has decreased consistently since 2006 as the security situation has improved. However, Iraqi leaders remain hard pressed to translate macroeconomic gains into improved lives for ordinary Iraqis. Unemployment remains a problem throughout the country. Reducing corruption and implementing reforms - such as bank restructuring and developing the private sector - would be important steps in this direction.

Ireland
  Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy. Ireland
  joined 11 other EU nations in circulating the euro on 1 January
  2002. GDP growth averaged 6% in 1995-2007, but economic activity has
  dropped sharply since 2008 with GDP falling by over 3% in 2008,
  nearly 8% in 2009, and 1% in 2010, and further contraction is
  expectd in 2011. Ireland entered into a recession for the first time
  in more than a decade with the onset of the world financial crisis
  and subsequent severe slowdown in its domestic property and
  construction markets. Agriculture, once the most important sector,
  is now dwarfed by industry and services. Although the export sector,
  dominated by foreign multinationals, remains a key component of
  Ireland's economy, construction most recently fueled economic growth
  along with strong consumer spending and business investment.
  Property prices rose more rapidly in Ireland in the decade up to
  2007 than in any other developed economy. However, average home
  prices have fallen 50% from the 2007 peak. In 2008 the COWEN
  government moved to guarantee all bank deposits, recapitalize the
  banking system, and establish partly-public venture capital funds in
  response to the country's economic downturn. In 2009, in an effort
  to stabilize the banking sector, the Irish Government established
  the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) to acquire problem
  commercial property and development loans from Irish banks. Faced
  with sharply reduced revenues and a burgeoning budget deficit, the
  Irish Government introduced the first in a series of draconian
  budgets in 2009. In addition to across-the-board cuts in spending,
  the 2009 budget included wage reductions for all public servants.
  These measures were not sufficient. The budget deficit reached
  nearly 38% of GDP in 2010 because of additional government support
  for the banking sector. In late 2010, the COWEN Government agreed to
  a $112 billion loan package from the EU and IMF to help Dublin
  recapitalize its banking sector and avoid defaulting on its
  sovereign debt, and initiated a four-year austerity plan to cut an
  additional $20 billion from its budget.

Isle of Man
  Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key
  sectors of the economy. The government offers low taxes and other
  incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions
  to locate on the island; this has paid off in expanding employment
  opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture
  and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in
  their contributions to GDP. The Isle of Man also attracts online
  gambling sites and the film industry. Trade is mostly with the UK.
  The Isle of Man enjoys free access to EU markets.

Israel
  Israel has a technologically advanced market economy. It
  depends on imports of crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military
  equipment. Despite limited natural resources, Israel has intensively
  developed its agricultural and industrial sectors over the past 20
  years. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and agricultural
  products (fruits and vegetables) are the leading exports. Israel
  usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by large
  transfer payments from abroad and by foreign loans. Roughly half of
  the government's external debt is owed to the US, its major source
  of economic and military aid. Israel's GDP, after contracting
  slightly in 2001 and 2002 due to the Palestinian conflict and
  troubles in the high-technology sector, grew about 5% per year from
  2004-07. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 spurred a brief
  recession in Israel, but the country entered the crisis with solid
  fundamentals - following years of prudent fiscal policy and a series
  of liberalizing reforms - and a resilient banking sector, and the
  economy has shown signs of an early recovery. Following GDP growth
  of 4% in 2008, Israel's GDP slipped to 0.2% in 2009, but reached
  3.4% in 2010, as exports rebounded. The global economic downturn
  affected Israel's economy primarily through reduced demand for
  Israel's exports in the United States and EU, Israel's top trading
  partners. Exports account for about 25% of the country's GDP. The
  Israeli Government responded to the recession by implementing a
  modest fiscal stimulus package and an aggressive expansionary
  monetary policy - including cutting interest rates to record lows,
  purchasing government bonds, and intervening in the foreign currency
  market. The Bank of Israel began raising interest rates in the
  summer of 2009 when inflation rose above the upper end of the Bank's
  target and the economy began to show signs of recovery.

Italy Italy has a diversified industrial economy, which is divided into a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less-developed, welfare-dependent, agricultural south, with high unemployment. The Italian economy is driven in large part by the manufacture of high-quality consumer goods produced by small and medium-sized enterprises, many of them family owned. Italy also has a sizable underground economy, which by some estimates accounts for as much as 15% of GDP. These activities are most common within the agriculture, construction, and service sectors. Italy has moved slowly on implementing needed structural reforms, such as reducing graft, overhauling costly entitlement programs, and increasing employment opportunities for young workers, particularly women. The international financial crisis worsened conditions in Italy's labor market, with unemployment rising from 6.2% in 2007 to 8.4% in 2010, but in the longer-term Italy's low fertility rate and quota-driven immigration policies will increasingly strain its economy. A rise in exports and investment driven by the global economic recovery nevertheless helped the economy grow by about 1% in 2010 following a 5% contraction in 2009. The Italian government has struggled to limit government spending, but Italy's exceedingly high public debt remains above 115% of GDP, and its fiscal deficit - just 1.5% of GDP in 2007 - exceeded 5% in 2009 and 2010, as the costs of servicing the country's debt rose.

Jamaica
  The Jamaican economy is heavily dependent on services, which
  now account for more than 60% of GDP. The country continues to
  derive most of its foreign exchange from tourism, remittances, and
  bauxite/alumina. Remittances account for nearly 15% of GDP and
  exports of bauxite and alumina make up about 10%. Tourism revenues
  account for roughly 10% of GDP, and both arrivals and revenues grew
  in 2010, up 4% and 6% respectively. The Economic growth faces many
  challenges: high crime and corruption, large-scale unemployment and
  underemployment, and a debt-to-GDP ratio of more than 120%.
  Jamaica's onerous debt burden - the fourth highest per capita - is
  the result of government bailouts to ailing sectors of the economy,
  most notably to the financial sector in the mid-to-late 1990s. The
  Government of Jamaica signed a $1.27 billion, 27-month Standby
  Agreement with the International Monetary Fund for balance of
  payment support in February 2010. Other multilaterals have also
  provided millions of dollars in loans and grants. The government's
  difficult fiscal position hinders spending on infrastructure and
  social programs, particularly as job losses rise in a shrinking
  economy. The GOLDING administration faces the difficult prospect of
  having to achieve fiscal discipline in order to maintain debt
  payments, while simultaneously attacking a serious and growing crime
  problem that is hampering economic growth. High unemployment
  exacerbates the crime problem, including gang violence that is
  fueled by the drug trade.

Jan Mayen
  Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no exploitable natural
  resources, although surrounding waters contain substantial fish
  stocks and potential untapped petroleum resources. Economic activity
  is limited to providing services for employees of Norway's radio and
  meteorological stations on the island.

Japan
  In the years following World War II, government-industry
  cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a
  comparatively small defense allocation (1% of GDP) helped Japan
  develop a technologically advanced economy. Two notable
  characteristics of the post-war economy were the close interlocking
  structures of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, known as
  keiretsu, and the guarantee of lifetime employment for a substantial
  portion of the urban labor force. Both features are now eroding
  under the dual pressures of global competition and domestic
  demographic change. Japan's industrial sector is heavily dependent
  on imported raw materials and fuels. A tiny agricultural sector is
  highly subsidized and protected, with crop yields among the highest
  in the world. Usually self sufficient in rice, Japan imports about
  60% of its food on a caloric basis. Japan maintains one of the
  world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the
  global catch. For three decades, overall real economic growth had
  been spectacular - a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5% average in the
  1970s, and a 4% average in the 1980s. Growth slowed markedly in the
  1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the after effects of
  inefficient investment and an asset price bubble in the late 1980s
  that required a protracted period of time for firms to reduce excess
  debt, capital, and labor. The Japanese financial sector was not
  heavily exposed to sub-prime mortgages or their derivative
  instruments and weathered the initial effect of the recent global
  credit crunch, but a sharp downturn in business investment and
  global demand for Japan's exports in late 2008 pushed Japan further
  into recession. Government stimulus spending helped the economy
  recover in late 2009 and 2010, but Tokyo is warning that GDP growth
  will slow in 2011. Prime Minister Kan's government has proposed
  opening the agricultural and services sectors to greater foreign
  competition and boosting exports through free-trade agreements, but
  debate continues on restructuring the economy and funding new
  stimulus programs in the face of a tight fiscal situation. Japan's
  huge government debt, which is approaching 200 percent of GDP,
  persistent deflation, and an aging and shrinking population are
  major complications for the economy.

Jersey
  Jersey's economy is based on international financial
  services, agriculture, and tourism. In 2005 the finance sector
  accounted for about 50% of the island's output. Potatoes,
  cauliflower, tomatoes, and especially flowers are important export
  crops, shipped mostly to the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is
  known worldwide and represents an important export income earner.
  Milk products go to the UK and other EU countries. Tourism accounts
  for one-quarter of GDP. In recent years, the government has
  encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey with the result that
  an electronics industry has developed, displacing more traditional
  industries. All raw material and energy requirements are imported as
  well as a large share of Jersey's food needs. Light taxes and death
  duties make the island a popular tax haven. Living standards come
  close to those of the UK.

Jordan
  Jordan's economy is among the smallest in the Middle East,
  with insufficient supplies of water, oil, and other natural
  resources, underlying the government's heavy reliance on foreign
  assistance. Other economic challenges for the government include
  chronic high rates of poverty, unemployment, inflation, and a large
  budget deficit. Since assuming the throne in 1999, King ABDALLAH has
  implemented significant economic reforms, such as opening the trade
  regime, privatizing state-owned companies, and eliminating most fuel
  subsidies, which in the past few years have spurred economic growth
  by attracting foreign investment and creating some jobs. The global
  economic slowdown, however, has depressed Jordan's GDP growth.
  Export-oriented sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and the
  transport of re-exports have been hit the hardest. The Government
  approved two supplementary budgets in 2010, but sweeping tax cuts
  planned for 2010 did not materialize because of Amman's need for
  additional revenue to cover excess spending. The budget deficit is
  likely to remain high, at 5-6% of GDP, and Amman likely will
  continue to depend heavily on foreign assistance to finance the
  deficit in 2011. Jordan's financial sector has been relatively
  isolated from the international financial crisis because of its
  limited exposure to overseas capital markets. Jordan is currently
  exploring nuclear power generation to forestall energy shortfalls.

Kazakhstan
  Kazakhstan, geographically the largest of the former
  Soviet republics, excluding Russia, possesses enormous fossil fuel
  reserves and plentiful supplies of other minerals and metals, such
  as uranium, copper, and zinc. It also has a large agricultural
  sector featuring livestock and grain. Kazakhstan's industrial sector
  is primarily focused on the extraction and processing of these
  natural resources. Kazakhstan enjoyed double-digit growth in 2000-01
  and 8% or more per year in 2002-07 - thanks largely to its booming
  energy sector but also to economic reform, good harvests, and
  increased foreign investment; GDP growth slowed dramatically
  following the near-collapse of the banking sector in late 2007 and
  the declines in oil and metals prices associated with the global
  economic downturn in 2008-09. Kazakhstan has embarked upon an
  industrial policy designed to diversify the economy away from
  overdependence on the oil sector as well expanding export markets
  away from its historical reliance on Russia. Nevertheless, growth is
  still driven by oil. The government has engaged in several disputes
  with Western oil companies over the terms of production agreements,
  most recently, with regard to the Kashagan project in 2007-08 and
  the Karachaganak project in 2009.

Kenya
  Although the regional hub for trade and finance in East
  Africa, Kenya has been hampered by corruption and by reliance upon
  several primary goods whose prices have remained low. In 1997, the
  IMF suspended Kenya's Enhanced Structural Adjustment Program due to
  the government's failure to maintain reforms and curb corruption.
  The IMF, which had resumed loans in 2000 to help Kenya through a
  drought, again halted lending in 2001 when the government failed to
  institute several anticorruption measures. In the key December 2002
  elections, Daniel Arap MOI's 24-year-old reign ended, and a new
  opposition government took on the formidable economic problems
  facing the nation. After some early progress in rooting out
  corruption and encouraging donor support, the KIBAKI government was
  rocked by high-level graft scandals in 2005 and 2006. In 2006, the
  World Bank and IMF delayed loans pending action by the government on
  corruption. The international financial institutions and donors have
  since resumed lending, despite little action on the government's
  part to deal with corruption. Post-election violence in early 2008,
  coupled with the effects of the global financial crisis on
  remittance and exports, reduced GDP growth to 1.7 in 2008, but the
  economy rebounded in 2009-10.

Kiribati
  A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has
  few natural resources and is one of the least developed Pacific
  Islands. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted at
  the time of independence from the UK in 1979. Copra and fish now
  represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy has
  fluctuated widely in recent years. Economic development is
  constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure,
  and remoteness from international markets. Tourism provides more
  than one-fifth of GDP. Private sector initiatives and a financial
  sector are in the early stages of development. Foreign financial aid
  from the EU, UK, US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UN
  agencies, and Taiwan accounts for 20-25% of GDP. Remittances from
  seamen on merchant ships abroad account for more than $5 million
  each year. Kiribati receives around $15 million annually for the
  government budget from an Australian trust fund.

Korea, North
  North Korea, one of the world's most centrally directed
  and least open economies, faces chronic economic problems.
  Industrial capital stock is nearly beyond repair as a result of
  years of underinvestment and shortages of spare parts. Large-scale
  military spending draws off resources needed for investment and
  civilian consumption. Industrial and power output have declined in
  parallel from pre-1990 levels. Severe flooding in the summer of 2007
  aggravated chronic food shortages caused by on-going systemic
  problems, including a lack of arable land, collective farming
  practices, and persistent shortages of tractors and fuel.
  Large-scale international food aid deliveries have allowed the
  people of North Korea to escape widespread starvation since famine
  threatened in 1995, but the population continues to suffer from
  prolonged malnutrition and poor living conditions. Since 2002, the
  government has allowed private "farmers' markets" to begin selling a
  wider range of goods. It also permitted some private farming - on an
  experimental basis - in an effort to boost agricultural output. In
  October 2005, the government tried to reverse some of these policies
  by forbidding private sales of grains and reinstituting a
  centralized food rationing system. By December 2005, the government
  terminated most international humanitarian assistance operations in
  North Korea (calling instead for developmental assistance only) and
  restricted the activities of remaining international and
  non-governmental aid organizations. In mid-2008, North Korea began
  receiving food aid under a US program to deliver 500,000 metric tons
  of food via the World Food Program and US nongovernmental
  organizations; but Pyongyang stopped accepting the aid in March
  2009. In December 2009, North Korea carried out a redenomination of
  its currency, capping the amount of North Korean won that could be
  exchanged for the new notes, and limiting the exchange to a one-week
  window. A concurrent crackdown on markets and foreign currency use
  yielded severe shortages and inflation, forcing Pyongyang to ease
  the restrictions by February 2010. Nevertheless, firm political
  control remains the Communist government's overriding concern, which
  likely will inhibit changes to North Korea's current economic system.

Korea, South
  Since the 1960s, South Korea has achieved an incredible
  record of growth and global integration to become a high-tech
  industrialized economy. Four decades ago, GDP per capita was
  comparable with levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia.
  In 2004, South Korea joined the trillion dollar club of world
  economies, and currently is among the world's 20 largest economies.
  Initially, a system of close government and business ties, including
  directed credit and import restrictions, made this success possible.
  The government promoted the import of raw materials and technology
  at the expense of consumer goods, and encouraged savings and
  investment over consumption. The Asian financial crisis of 1997-98
  exposed longstanding weaknesses in South Korea's development model
  including high debt/equity ratios and massive short-term foreign
  borrowing. GDP plunged by 6.9% in 1998, and then recovered by 9% in
  1999-2000. Korea adopted numerous economic reforms following the
  crisis, including greater openness to foreign investment and
  imports. Growth moderated to about 4-5% annually between 2003 and
  2007. With the global economic downturn in late 2008, South Korean
  GDP growth slowed to 0.2% in 2009. In the third quarter of 2009, the
  economy began to recover, in large part due to export growth, low
  interest rates, and an expansionary fiscal policy, and growth
  exceeded 6% in 2010. The South Korean economy's long term challenges
  include a rapidly aging population, inflexible labor market, and
  overdependence on manufacturing exports to drive economic growth.

Kosovo
  Over the past few years Kosovo's economy has shown
  significant progress in transitioning to a market-based system and
  maintaining macroeconomic stability, but it is still highly
  dependent on the international community and the diaspora for
  financial and technical assistance. Remittances from the diaspora -
  located mainly in Germany and Switzerland - are estimated to account
  for about 14% of GDP, and donor-financed activities and aid for
  another 7.5%. Kosovo's citizens are the poorest in Europe with an
  average annual per capita income of only $2,500. Unemployment,
  around 40% of the population, is a significant problem that
  encourages outward migration and black market activity. Most of
  Kosovo's population lives in rural towns outside of the capital,
  Pristina. Inefficient, near-subsistence farming is common - the
  result of small plots, limited mechanization, and lack of technical
  expertise. With international assistance, Kosovo has been able to
  privatize 50% of its state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by number, and
  over 90% of SOEs by value. Minerals and metals - including lignite,
  lead, zinc, nickel, chrome, aluminum, magnesium, and a wide variety
  of construction materials - once formed the backbone of industry,
  but output has declined because of ageing equipment and insufficient
  investment. A limited and unreliable electricity supply due to
  technical and financial problems is a major impediment to economic
  development. Kosovo's Ministry of Energy and Mining has solicited
  expressions of interest from private investors to develop a new
  power plant in order to address Kosovo and the region's unmet and
  growing demands for power. The official currency of Kosovo is the
  euro, but the Serbian dinar is also used in Serb enclaves. Kosovo's
  tie to the euro has helped keep core inflation low. Kosovo has one
  of the most open economies in the region, and continues to work with
  the international community on measures to improve the business
  environment and attract foreign investment. Kosovo has kept the
  government budget in balance as a result of efficient value added
  tax (VAT) collection at the borders and inefficient budget
  execution. In order to help integrate Kosovo into regional economic
  structures, UNMIK signed (on behalf of Kosovo) its accession to the
  Central Europe Free Trade Area (CEFTA) in 2006. However, Serbia and
  Bosnia have refused to recognize Kosovo's customs stamp or extend
  reduced tariff privileges for Kosovo products under CEFTA. In July
  2008, Kosovo received pledges of $1.9 billion from 37 countries in
  support of its reform priorities. In June 2009, Kosovo joined the
  World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and Kosovo began
  servicing its share of the former Yugoslavia's debt.

Kuwait
  Kuwait has a geographically small, but wealthy, relatively
  open economy with self-reported crude oil reserves of about 102
  billion barrels - about 9% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for
  nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 95% of government
  income. Kuwaiti officials have committed to increasing oil
  production to 4 million barrels per day by 2020. The rise in global
  oil prices throughout 2010 is reviving government consumption and
  economic growth as Kuwait experiences a 20% increase in government
  budget revenue. Kuwait has done little to diversify its economy, in
  part, because of this positive fiscal situation, and, in part, due
  to the poor business climate and the acrimonious relationship
  between the National Assembly and the executive branch, which has
  stymied most movement on economic reforms. Nonetheless, the
  government in May 2010 passed a privatization bill that allows the
  government to sell assets to private investors, and in January
  passed an economic development plan that pledges to spend up to $130
  billion in five years to diversify the economy away from oil,
  attract more investment, and boost private sector participation in
  the economy. Increasing government expenditures by so large an
  amount during the planned time frame may be difficult to accomplish.

Kyrgyzstan
  Kyrgyzstan is a poor, mountainous country with a dominant
  agricultural sector. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat are the main
  agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton are exported
  in any quantity. Industrial exports include gold, mercury, uranium,
  natural gas, and electricity. The economy depends heavily on gold
  exports - mainly from output at the Kumtor gold mine. Following
  independence, Kyrgyzstan was progressive in carrying out market
  reforms, such as an improved regulatory system and land reform.
  Kyrgyzstan was the first Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
  country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. Much of
  the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in
  production had been severe after the breakup of the Soviet Union in
  December 1991, but by mid-1995, production began to recover and
  exports began to increase. In 2005, the BAKIEV government and
  international financial institutions initiated a comprehensive
  medium-term poverty reduction and economic growth strategy. Bishkek
  agreed to pursue much needed tax reform and, in 2006, became
  eligible for the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative.
  The government made steady strides in controlling its substantial
  fiscal deficit, nearly closing the gap between revenues and
  expenditures in 2006, before boosting expenditures more than 20% in
  2007-08. GDP grew about 8% annually in 2007-08, partly due to higher
  gold prices internationally, but slowed to 2.3% in 2009. The
  overthrow of President BAKIEV in April, 2010 and subsequent ethnic
  clashes left hundreds dead and damaged infrastructure. Shrinking
  trade and agricultural production, as well as political instability,
  caused GDP to contract about 3.5% in 2010. The fiscal deficit
  widened to 12% of GDP, reflecting significant increases in
  crisis-related spending, including both rehabilitation of damaged
  infrastructure and bank recapitalization. Progress in
  reconstruction, fighting corruption, restructuring domestic
  industry, and attracting foreign aid and investment are key to
  future growth.

Laos
  The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party
  Communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging
  private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely
  low base, were striking - growth averaged 6% per year from 1988-2008
  except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial
  crisis that began in 1997. Despite this high growth rate, Laos
  remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure,
  particularly in rural areas. It has a rudimentary, but improving,
  road system, and limited external and internal telecommunications.
  Electricity is available in urban areas and in many rural districts.
  Subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland
  areas, accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 80% of total
  employment. The government in FY08/09 received $560 million from
  international donors. Economic growth has reduced official poverty
  rates from 46% in 1992 to 26% in 2009. The economy has benefited
  from high foreign investment in hydropower, mining, and
  construction. Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US
  in 2004, and is taking steps required to join the World Trade
  Organization, such as reforming import licensing. Related trade
  policy reforms will improve the business environment. On the fiscal
  side, Laos launched an effort to ensure the collection of taxes in
  2009 as the global economic slowdown reduced revenues from mining
  projects. Simplified investment procedures and expanded bank credits
  for small farmers and small entrepreneurs will improve Lao's
  economic prospects. The government appears committed to raising the
  country's profile among investors. The World Bank has declared that
  Laos's goal of graduating from the UN Development Program's list of
  least-developed countries by 2020 is achievable. According Laotian
  officials, the 7th Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2011-15 will
  outline efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goals.

Latvia
  Latvia's economy experienced GDP growth of more than 10% per
  year during 2006-07 but entered a severe recession in 2008 as a
  result of an unsustainable current account deficit and large debt
  exposure amid the softening world economy. GDP plunged 18% in 2009 -
  the three former Soviet Baltic republics had the world's worst
  declines that year - and another 1.8% in 2010. The IMF, EU, and
  other donors provided assistance to Latvia as part of an agreement
  to defend the currency's peg to the euro and reduce the fiscal
  deficit to about 5% of GDP over time. DOMBROVSKIS' government
  enacted major speding cuts to reduce the fiscal deficit to 7.8% of
  GDP in 2010, and plans to cut the deficit further in 2011. The
  majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized,
  although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large
  enterprises. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization
  in February 1999. EU membership, a top foreign policy goal, came in
  May 2004.

Lebanon
  Lebanon has a free-market economy and a strong laissez-faire
  commercial tradition. The government does not restrict foreign
  investment; however, the investment climate suffers from red tape,
  corruption, arbitrary licensing decisions, high taxes, tariffs, and
  fees, archaic legislation, and weak intellectual property rights.
  The Lebanese economy is service-oriented; main growth sectors
  include banking and tourism. The 1975-90 civil war seriously damaged
  Lebanon's economic infrastructure, cut national output by half, and
  all but ended Lebanon's position as a Middle Eastern entrepot and
  banking hub. In the years since, Lebanon has rebuilt much of its
  war-torn physical and financial infrastructure by borrowing heavily
  - mostly from domestic banks. In an attempt to reduce the ballooning
  national debt, the Rafiq HARIRI government in 2000 began an
  austerity program, reining in government expenditures, increasing
  revenue collection, and passing legislation to privatize state
  enterprises, but economic and financial reform initiatives stalled
  and public debt continued to grow despite receipt of more than $2
  billion in bilateral assistance at the 2002 Paris II Donors
  Conference. The Israeli-Hizballah conflict in July-August 2006
  caused an estimated $3.6 billion in infrastructure damage, and
  prompted international donors to pledge nearly $1 billion in
  recovery and reconstruction assistance. Donors met again in January
  2007 at the Paris III Donor Conference and pledged more than $7.5
  billion to Lebanon for development projects and budget support,
  conditioned on progress on Beirut's fiscal reform and privatization
  program. An 18-month political stalemate and sporadic sectarian and
  political violence hampered economic activity, particularly tourism,
  retail sales, and investment, until the new government was formed in
  July 2008. Political stability following the Doha Accord of May 2008
  helped boost tourism and, together with a strong banking sector,
  enabled real GDP growth of 7% per year in 2009-10 despite a slowdown
  in the region.

Lesotho
  Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho relies on
  remittances from miners employed in South Africa, customs duties
  from the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), and export revenue
  for the majority of government revenue. However, the government has
  recently strengthened its tax system to reduce dependency on customs
  duties. Completion of a major hydropower facility in January 1998
  permitted the sale of water to South Africa and generated royalties
  for Lesotho. Lesotho produces about 90% of its own electrical power
  needs. As the number of mineworkers has declined steadily over the
  past several years, a small manufacturing base has developed based
  on farm products that support the milling, canning, leather, and
  jute industries, as well as an apparel-assembly sector. Despite
  Lesotho's market-based economy being heavily tied to its neighbor
  South Africa, the US is an important trade partner because of the
  export sector's heavy dependence on apparel exports. Exports have
  grown significantly because of the trade benefits contained in the
  Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. The economy is still primarily
  based on subsistence agriculture, especially livestock, although
  drought has decreased agricultural activity. The extreme inequality
  in the distribution of income remains a major drawback. Lesotho has
  signed an Interim Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the
  IMF. In July 2007, Lesotho signed a Millennium Challenge Account
  Compact with the US worth $362.5 million. Economic growth dropped in
  2009, due mainly to the effects of the global economic crisis as
  demand for the country's exports declined and SACU revenue fell
  precipitously when South Africa - the primary contributor to the
  SACU revenue pool - went into recession, but growth returned to 3.5%
  in 2010.

Liberia
  Liberia is a low income country heavily reliant on foreign
  assistance for revenue. Civil war and government mismanagement
  destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially the infrastructure
  in and around the capital, Monrovia. Many businesses fled the
  country, taking capital and expertise with them, but with the
  conclusion of fighting and the installation of a
  democratically-elected government in 2006, several have returned.
  Liberia has the distinction of having the highest ratio of direct
  foreign investment to GDP in the world. Richly endowed with water,
  mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture,
  Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products,
  primarily raw timber and rubber and is reviving those sectors. Local
  manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope.
  President JOHNSON SIRLEAF, a Harvard-trained banker and
  administrator, has taken steps to reduce corruption, build support
  from international donors, and encourage private investment.
  Embargos on timber and diamond exports have been lifted, opening new
  sources of revenue for the government and Liberia shipped its first
  major timber exports to Europe in 2010. The country reached its
  Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative completion point in 2010
  and nearly $5 billion of international debt was permanently
  eliminated. This new status will enable Liberia to estabilish a
  sovereign credit rating and issue bonds. Liberia's Paris Club
  creditors agreed to cancel Liberia's debt as well. Rebuilding
  infrastructure and raising incomes will depend on generous financial
  and technical assistance from donor countries and foreign investment
  in key sectors, such as infrastructure and power generation.

Libya
  The Libyan economy depends primarily upon revenues from the
  oil sector, which contribute about 95% of export earnings, 25% of
  GDP, and 80% of government revenue. The weakness in world
  hydrocarbon prices in 2009 reduced Libyan government tax income and
  constrained economic growth. Substantial revenues from the energy
  sector coupled with a small population give Libya one of the highest
  per capita GDPs in Africa, but little of this income flows down to
  the lower orders of society. Libyan officials in the past five years
  have made progress on economic reforms as part of a broader campaign
  to reintegrate the country into the international fold. This effort
  picked up steam after UN sanctions were lifted in September 2003 and
  as Libya announced in December 2003 that it would abandon programs
  to build weapons of mass destruction. The process of lifting US
  unilateral sanctions began in the spring of 2004; all sanctions were
  removed by June 2006, helping Libya attract greater foreign direct
  investment, especially in the energy sector. Libyan oil and gas
  licensing rounds continue to draw high international interest; the
  National Oil Corporation (NOC) set a goal of nearly doubling oil
  production to 3 million bbl/day by 2012. In November 2009, the NOC
  announced that that target may slip to as late as 2017. Libya faces
  a long road ahead in liberalizing the socialist-oriented economy,
  but initial steps - including applying for WTO membership, reducing
  some subsidies, and announcing plans for privatization - are laying
  the groundwork for a transition to a more market-based economy. The
  non-oil manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for
  more than 20% of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly
  agricultural products to include the production of petrochemicals,
  iron, steel, and aluminum. Climatic conditions and poor soils
  severely limit agricultural output, and Libya imports about 75% of
  its food. Libya's primary agricultural water source remains the
  Great Manmade River Project, but significant resources are being
  invested in desalinization research to meet growing water demands.

Liechtenstein
  Despite its small size and limited natural resources,
  Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly
  industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial
  service sector and the highest per capita income in the world. The
  Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a large number of
  small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% -
  and easy incorporation rules have induced many holding companies to
  establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein providing 30% of state
  revenues. The country participates in a customs union with
  Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its national currency. It
  imports more than 90% of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has
  been a member of the European Economic Area (an organization serving
  as a bridge between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and
  the EU) since May 1995. The government is working to harmonize its
  economic policies with those of an integrated Europe. In 2008,
  Liechtenstein came under renewed international pressure -
  particularly from Germany - to improve transparency in its banking
  and tax systems. In December 2008, Liechtenstein signed a Tax
  Information Exchange Agreement with the US. Upon Liechtenstein's
  conclusion of 12 bilateral information-sharing agreements, the OECD
  in October 2009 removed the principality from its "grey list" of
  countries that had yet to implement the organization's Model Tax
  Convention.

Lithuania
  Lithuania gained membership in the World Trade
  Organization and joined the EU in May 2004. Despite Lithuania's EU
  accession, Lithuania's trade with its Central and Eastern European
  neighbors, and Russia in particular, accounts for a growing
  percentage of total trade. Privatization of the large, state-owned
  utilities is nearly complete. Foreign government and business
  support have helped in the transition from the old command economy
  to a market economy. Lithuania's economy grew on average 8% per year
  for the four years prior to 2008 driven by exports and domestic
  demand. However, GDP plunged nearly 15% in 2009 - during the 2008-09
  crisis the three former Soviet Baltic republics had the world's
  worst economic declines. In 2009, the government launched a
  high-profile campaign, led by Prime Minister KUBILIUS, to attract
  foreign investment and to develop export markets. The current
  account deficit, which had risen to roughly 15% of GDP in 2007-08,
  recovered to a surplus of 4% 2009 and 3.5% in 2010 in the wake of a
  cutback in imports to almost half the 2008 level. Nevertheless,
  economic growth was flat and unemployment continued upward to 16% in
  2010.

Luxembourg
  This small, stable, high-income economy - benefiting from
  its proximity to France, Belgium, and Germany - has historically
  featured solid growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The
  industrial sector, initially dominated by steel, has become
  increasingly diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other
  products. Growth in the financial sector, which now accounts for
  about 28% of GDP, has more than compensated for the decline in
  steel. Most banks are foreign owned and have extensive foreign
  dealings, but Luxembourg has lost some of its advantages as a tax
  haven because of OECD and EU pressure. The economy depends on
  foreign and cross-border workers for about 60% of its labor force.
  Luxembourg, like all EU members, suffered from the global economic
  crisis that began in late 2008, but unemployment has trended below
  the EU average. Following strong expansion from 2004 to 2007,
  Luxembourg's economy contracted and 3.4% in 2009, but rebounded 2.6%
  in 2010. The country continues to enjoy an extraordinarily high
  standard of living - GDP per capita ranks third in the world, after
  Liechtenstein and Qatar, and is the highest in the EU. Turmoil in
  the world financial markets and lower global demand during 2008-09
  prompted the government to inject capital into the banking sector
  and implement stimulus measures to boost the economy. Government
  stimulus measures and support for the banking sector, however, led
  to a 5% government budget deficit in 2009, however, the deficit was
  cut below 3% in 2010.

Macau
  Macau's economy slowed dramatically in 2009 as a result of the
  global economic slowdown, but strong growth resumed in 2010, largely
  on the back of strong tourism and gaming sectors. After opening up
  its locally-controlled casino industry to foreign competition in
  2001, the territory attracted tens of billions of dollars in foreign
  investment, transforming Macau into one of the world's largest
  gaming center. Macau's gaming and tourism businesses were fueled by
  China's decision to relax travel restrictions on Chinese citizens
  wishing to visit Macau. By 2006, Macau's gaming revenue surpassed
  that of the Las Vegas strip, and gaming-related taxes accounted for
  more than 70% of total government revenue. In 2008, Macau introduced
  measures to cool the rapidly developing sector. This city of nearly
  570,000 hosted more than 21 million visitors in 2009. Almost 51%
  came from mainland China. Macau's traditional manufacturing industry
  has virtually disappeared since the termination of the Multi-Fiber
  Agreement in 2005. In 2009, total exports were less than US$1
  billion, while gaming receipts were almost US$15 billion. By October
  2010, gross gaming revenue had already reached US$19 billion for the
  year. The Macau government plans to tighten control over the opening
  of new casinos and strengthen supervision of local casino operations
  in 2011 and has introduced measures to diversify the economy. The
  Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Macau and
  mainland China that came into effect on 1 January 2004 offers
  Macau-made products tariff-free access to the mainland;
  nevertheless, China remains Macau's third largest goods export
  market, behind Hong Kong and the United States. Macau's currency,
  the Pataca, is closely tied to the Hong Kong dollar, which is also
  freely accepted in the territory.

Macedonia
  Having a small, open economy makes Macedonia vulnerable to
  economic developments in Europe and dependent on regional
  integration and progress toward EU membership for continued economic
  growth. At independence in September 1991, Macedonia was the least
  developed of the Yugoslav republics, producing a mere 5% of the
  total federal output of goods and services. The collapse of
  Yugoslavia ended transfer payments from the central government and
  eliminated advantages from inclusion in a de facto free trade area.
  An absence of infrastructure, UN sanctions on the downsized
  Yugoslavia, and a Greek economic embargo over a dispute about the
  country's constitutional name and flag hindered economic growth
  until 1996. Since then, Macedonia has maintained macroeconomic
  stability with low inflation, but it has so far lagged the region in
  attracting foreign investment and creating jobs, despite making
  extensive fiscal and business sector reforms. Official unemployment
  remains high at 33%, but may be overstated based on the existence of
  an extensive gray market, estimated to be more than 20% of GDP, that
  is not captured by official statistics. In the wake of the global
  economic downturn, Macedonia has experienced decreased foreign
  direct investment, lowered credit, and a large trade deficit, but
  the financial system remained sound. Macroeconomic stability was
  maintained by a prudent monetary policy, which kept the domestic
  currency at the pegged level against the euro, at the expense of
  raising interest rates. As a result, GDP fell in 2009. but returned
  to positive in 2010.

Madagascar
  After discarding socialist economic policies in the
  mid-1990s, Madagascar followed a World Bank- and IMF-led policy of
  privatization and liberalization that has been undermined since the
  start of the political crisis. This strategy placed the country on a
  slow and steady growth path from an extremely low level.
  Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the
  economy, accounting for more than one-fourth of GDP and employing
  80% of the population. Exports of apparel have boomed in recent
  years primarily due to duty-free access to the US. However,
  Madagascar's failure to comply with the requirements of the African
  Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) led to the termination of the
  country's duty-free access in January 2010. Deforestation and
  erosion, aggravated by the use of firewood as the primary source of
  fuel, are serious concerns. Former President RAVALOMANANA worked
  aggressively to revive the economy following the 2002 political
  crisis, which triggered a 12% drop in GDP that year. The current
  political crisis which began in early 2009 has dealt additional
  blows to the economy. Tourism dropped more than 50% in 2009,
  compared with the previous year, and many investors are wary of
  entering the uncertain investment environment.

Malawi
  Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's most densely
  populated and least developed countries. The economy is
  predominately agricultural with about 80% of the population living
  in rural areas. Agriculture, which has benefited from fertilizer
  subsidies since 2006, accounts for more than one-third of GDP and
  90% of export revenues. The performance of the tobacco sector is key
  to short-term growth as tobacco accounts for more than half of
  exports. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic
  assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor
  nations. In 2006, Malawi was approved for relief under the Heavily
  Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program. In December 2007, the US
  granted Malawi eligibility status to receive financial support
  within the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) initiative. The
  government faces many challenges including developing a market
  economy, improving educational facilities, facing up to
  environmental problems, dealing with the rapidly growing problem of
  HIV/AIDS, and satisfying foreign donors that fiscal discipline is
  being tightened. Since 2005 President MUTHARIKA'S government has
  exhibited improved financial discipline under the guidance of
  Finance Minister Goodall GONDWE and signed a three year Poverty
  Reduction and Growth Facility worth $56 million with the IMF.
  Improved relations with the IMF lead other international donors to
  resume aid as well. The government has announced infrastructure
  projects that could yield improvements, such as a new oil pipeline,
  for better fuel access, and the potential for a waterway link
  through Mozambican rivers to the ocean, for better transportation
  options. Since 2009, however, Malawi experienced some setbacks,
  including a general shortage of foreign exchange, which has damaged
  its ability to pay for imports, and fuel shortages that hinder
  transportation and productivity. Investment fell 23% in 2009. The
  government has failed to address barriers to investment such as
  unreliable power, water shortages, poor telecommunications
  infrastructure, and the high costs of services.

Malaysia
  Malaysia, a middle-income country, has transformed itself
  since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into an emerging
  multi-sector economy. Under current Prime Minister NAJIB, Malaysia
  is attempting to achieve high-income status by 2020 and to move
  farther up the value-added production chain by attracting
  investments in Islamic finance, high technology industries, medical
  technology, and pharmaceuticals. The NAJIB administration also is
  continuing efforts to boost domestic demand and to wean the economy
  off of its dependence on exports. Nevertheless, exports -
  particularly of electronics - remain a significant driver of the
  economy. As an oil and gas exporter, Malaysia has profited from
  higher world energy prices, although the rising cost of domestic
  gasoline and diesel fuel, combined with strained government
  finances, has forced Kuala Lumpur to reduce government subsidies.
  The government is also trying to lessen its dependence on state oil
  producer Petronas, which supplies at least 40% of government
  revenue. The central bank maintains healthy foreign exchange
  reserves and its well-developed regulatory regime has limited
  Malaysia's exposure to riskier financial instruments and the global
  financial crisis. Nevertheless, decreasing worldwide demand for
  consumer goods hurt Malaysia's exports and economic growth in 2009,
  although both showed signs of recovery in 2010. In order to attract
  increased investment, NAJIB has also sought to revise the special
  economic and social preferences accorded to ethnic Malays under the
  New Economic Policy of 1970, but he has encountered significant
  opposition, especially from Malay nationalists.

Maldives
  Tourism, Maldives' largest economic activity, accounts for
  28% of GDP and more than 60% of foreign exchange receipts. Over 90%
  of government tax revenue comes from import duties and
  tourism-related taxes. Fishing is the second leading sector.
  Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a lesser role in the
  economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land
  and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be
  imported. The Maldivian Government implemented economic reforms,
  beginning in 1989 that initially lifted import quotas, opened some
  exports to the private sector, and liberalized regulations to allow
  more foreign investment. Real GDP growth averaged over 7.5% per year
  for more than a decade, and registered 18% in 2006, due to a rebound
  in tourism and reconstruction following the tsunami of December
  2004. GDP slowed in 2007-08, then contracted in 2009 due to the
  global recession. Falling tourist arrivals and fish exports,
  combined with high government spending on social needs, subsidies,
  and civil servant salaries contributed to a balance of payments
  crisis, which was eased with a December 2009, $79.3 million dollar
  IMF standby agreement. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism and
  fishing, reforming public finance, and increasing employment
  opportunities are major challenges facing the government. Over the
  longer term Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion
  and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the
  area is 1 meter or less above sea level.

Mali
  Among the 25 poorest countries in the world, Mali is a
  landlocked country highly dependent on gold mining and agricultural
  exports for revenue. The country's fiscal status fluctuates with
  gold and agricultural commodity prices and the harvest. Mali remains
  dependent on foreign aid. Economic activity is largely confined to
  the riverine area irrigated by the Niger River and about 65% of its
  land area is desert or semidesert. About 10% of the population is
  nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and
  fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm
  commodities. The government has continued an IMF-recommended
  structural adjustment program that has helped the economy grow,
  diversify, and attract foreign investment. Mali is developing its
  cotton and iron ore extraction industries to diversify its revenue
  sources because gold production has started to fall. Mali has
  invested in tourism but security issues are hurting the industry.
  Mali's adherence to economic reform and the 50% devaluation of the
  CFA franc in January 1994 have pushed up economic growth to a 5%
  average in 1996-2010. Worker remittances and external trade routes
  for the landlocked country have been jeopardized by continued unrest
  in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire, however, Mali is building a road
  network that will connect it to all adjacent countries and it has a
  railway line to Senegal. In 2010, Mali experienced a regional
  drought that hurt livestock and livelihoods.

Malta
  Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited
  fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta's
  geographic position between the EU and Africa makes it a target for
  illegal immigration, which has strained Malta's political and
  economic resources. Malta adopted the euro on 1 January 2008.
  Malta's financial services industry has grown in recent years and in
  2008-09 it escaped significant damage from the international
  financial crisis, largely because the sector is centered on the
  indigenous real estate market and is not highly leveraged. Locally,
  the restricted damage from the financial crisis has been attributed
  to the stability of the Maltese banking system and to its prudent
  risk-management practices. The global economic downturn and high
  electricity and water prices hurt Malta's real economy, which is
  dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing - especially electronics
  and pharmaceuticals - and tourism, but growth bounced back as the
  global economy recovered in 2010. Following a 1.2% contraction in
  2009, GDP grew 2% in 2010.

Marshall Islands
  US Government assistance is the mainstay of this
  tiny island economy. The Marshall Islands received more than $1
  billion in aid from the US from 1986-2002. Agricultural production,
  primarily subsistence, is concentrated on small farms; the most
  important commercial crops are coconuts and breadfruit. Small-scale
  industry is limited to handicrafts, tuna processing, and copra. The
  tourist industry, now a small source of foreign exchange employing
  less than 10% of the labor force, remains the best hope for future
  added income. The islands have few natural resources, and imports
  far exceed exports. Under the terms of the Amended Compact of Free
  Association, the US will provide millions of dollars per year to the
  Marshall Islands (RMI) through 2023, at which time a Trust Fund made
  up of US and RMI contributions will begin perpetual annual payouts.
  Government downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline
  in tourism, and less income from the renewal of fishing vessel
  licenses have held GDP growth to an average of 1% over the past
  decade.

Mauritania
  Half the population still depends on agriculture and
  livestock for a livelihood, even though many of the nomads and
  subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent
  droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits
  of iron ore, which account for nearly 40% of total exports. The
  nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the
  world but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source
  of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near
  Nouakchott in 1986. Before 2000, drought and economic mismanagement
  resulted in a buildup of foreign debt. In February 2000, Mauritania
  qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries
  (HIPC) initiative and nearly all of its foreign debt has since been
  forgiven. A new investment code approved in December 2001 improved
  the opportunities for direct foreign investment. Mauritania and the
  IMF agreed to a three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility
  (PRGF) arrangement in 2006. Mauritania made satisfactory progress,
  but the IMF, World Bank, and other international actors suspended
  assistance and investment in Mauritania after the August 2008 coup.
  Since the presidential election in July 2009, donors have resumed
  assistance. Oil prospects, while initially promising, have largely
  failed to materialize, and the government has placed a priority on
  attracting private investment to spur economic growth. The
  Government also emphasizes reduction of poverty, improvement of
  health and education, and privatization of the economy.

Mauritius
  Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a
  low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income
  diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist
  sectors. For most of the period, annual growth has been in the order
  of 5% to 6%. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in more
  equitable income distribution, increased life expectancy, lowered
  infant mortality, and a much-improved infrastructure. The economy
  rests on sugar, tourism, textiles and apparel, and financial
  services, and is expanding into fish processing, information and
  communications technology, and hospitality and property development.
  Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and
  accounts for 15% of export earnings. The government's development
  strategy centers on creating vertical and horizontal clusters of
  development in these sectors. Mauritius has attracted more than
  32,000 offshore entities, many aimed at commerce in India, South
  Africa, and China. Investment in the banking sector alone has
  reached over $1 billion. Mauritius, with its strong textile sector,
  has been well poised to take advantage of the Africa Growth and
  Opportunity Act (AGOA). Mauritius' sound economic policies and
  prudent banking practices helped to mitigate negative effects from
  the global financial crisis in 2008-09. GDP grew 3.6% in 2010 and
  the country continues to expand its trade and investment outreach
  around the globe.

Mayotte
  Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural
  sector, including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self
  sufficient and must import a large portion of its food requirements,
  mainly from France. The economy and future development of the island
  are heavily dependent on French financial assistance, an important
  supplement to GDP. Mayotte's remote location is an obstacle to the
  development of tourism.

Mexico
  Mexico has a free market economy in the trillion dollar
  class. It contains a mixture of modern and outmoded industry and
  agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Recent
  administrations have expanded competition in seaports, railroads,
  telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas
  distribution, and airports. Per capita income is roughly one-third
  that of the US; income distribution remains highly unequal. Since
  the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement
  (NAFTA) in 1994, Mexico's share of US imports has increased from 7%
  to 12%, and its share of Canadian imports has doubled to 5%. Mexico
  has free trade agreements with over 50 countries including,
  Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, the European Free Trade Area, and
  Japan, putting more than 90% of trade under free trade agreements.
  In 2007, during its first year in office, the Felipe CALDERON
  administration was able to garner support from the opposition to
  successfully pass pension and fiscal reforms. The administration
  passed an energy reform measure in 2008, and another fiscal reform
  in 2009. Mexico's GDP plunged 6.5% in 2009 as world demand for
  exports dropped and asset prices tumbled, but GDP posted positive
  growth of 5% in 2010, with export growth leading the way. The
  administration continues to face many economic challenges, including
  improving the public education system, upgrading infrastructure,
  modernizing labor laws, and fostering private investment in the
  energy sector. CALDERON has stated that his top economic priorities
  remain reducing poverty and creating jobs.

Micronesia, Federated States of
  Economic activity consists primarily
  of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral
  deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The
  potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remote location, a
  lack of adequate facilities, and limited air connections hinder
  development. Under the original terms of the Compact of Free
  Association, the US provided $1.3 billion in grant aid during the
  period 1986-2001; the level of aid has been subsequently reduced.
  The Amended Compact of Free Association with the US guarantees the
  Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) millions of dollars in annual
  aid through 2023, and establishes a Trust Fund into which the US and
  the FSM make annual contributions in order to provide annual payouts
  to the FSM in perpetuity after 2023. The country's medium-term
  economic outlook appears fragile due not only to the reduction in US
  assistance but also to the current slow growth of the private sector.

Moldova
  Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe
  despite recent progress from its small economic base. It enjoys a
  favorable climate and good farmland but has no major mineral
  deposits. As a result, the economy depends heavily on agriculture,
  featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Moldova must import
  almost all of its energy supplies. Moldova's dependence on Russian
  energy was underscored at the end of 2005, when a Russian-owned
  electrical station in Moldova's separatist Transnistria region cut
  off power to Moldova and Russia's Gazprom cut off natural gas in
  disputes over pricing. In January 2009, gas supplies were cut during
  a dispute between Russia and Ukraine. Russia's decision to ban
  Moldovan wine and agricultural products, coupled with its decision
  to double the price Moldova paid for Russian natural gas, have hurt
  growth. The onset of the global financial crisis and poor economic
  conditions in Moldova's main foreign markets, caused GDP to fall
  6.5% in 2009. Unemployment almost doubled and inflation disappeared
  - at -0.1%, a record low. Moldova's IMF agreement expired in May
  2009. In fall 2009, the IMF allocated $186 million to Moldova to
  cover its immediate budgetary needs, and the government signed an
  new agreement with the IMF in January 2010 for a program worth $574
  million. In 2010, an upturn in the world economy boosted GDP growth
  to 3.1% and inflation to 7.3%. Economic reforms have been slow
  because of corruption and strong political forces backing government
  controls. Nevertheless, the government's primary goal of EU
  integration has resulted in some market-oriented progress. The
  granting of EU trade preferences and increased exports to Russia
  will encourage higher growth rates, but the agreements are unlikely
  to serve as a panacea, given the extent to which export success
  depends on higher quality standards and other factors. The economy
  has made a modest recovery, but remains vulnerable to political
  uncertainty, weak administrative capacity, vested bureaucratic
  interests, higher fuel prices, poor agricultural weather, and the
  skepticism of foreign investors as well as the presence of an
  illegal separatist regime in Moldova's Transnistria region.

Monaco
  Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a
  popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant
  climate. The principality also is a major banking center and has
  successfully sought to diversify into services and small,
  high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income
  tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for
  individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies
  that have set up businesses and offices. Monaco, however, is not a
  tax-free shelter; it charges nearly 20% value-added tax, collects
  stamp duties, and companies face a 33% tax on profits unless they
  can show that three-quarters of profits are generated within the
  principality. Monaco was formally removed from the OECD's "grey
  list" of uncooperative tax jurisdictions in late 2009, but continues
  to face international pressure to abandon its banking secrecy laws
  and help combat tax evasion. The state retains monopolies in a
  number of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the
  postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to
  those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.

Mongolia
  Economic activity in Mongolia has traditionally been based
  on herding and agriculture - Mongolia's extensive mineral deposits,
  however, have attracted foreign investors. The country holds copper,
  gold, coal, molybdenum, fluorspar, uranium, tin, and tungsten
  deposits, which account for a large part of foreign direct
  investment and government revenues. Soviet assistance, at its height
  one-third of GDP, disappeared almost overnight in 1990 and 1991 at
  the time of the dismantlement of the USSR. The following decade saw
  Mongolia endure both deep recession, because of political inaction
  and natural disasters, as well as economic growth, because of
  reform-embracing, free-market economics and extensive privatization
  of the formerly state-run economy. Severe winters and summer
  droughts in 2000-02 resulted in massive livestock die-off and zero
  or negative GDP growth. This was compounded by falling prices for
  Mongolia's primary sector exports and widespread opposition to
  privatization. Growth averaged nearly 9% per year in 2004-08 largely
  because of high copper prices and new gold production. In 2008
  Mongolia experienced a soaring inflation rate with year-to-year
  inflation reaching nearly 30% - the highest inflation rate in over a
  decade. By late 2008, as the country began to feel the effects of
  the global financial crisis, falling commodity prices helped lower
  inflation, but also reduced government revenues and forced cuts in
  spending. In early 2009, the International Monetary Fund reached a
  $236 million Stand-by Arrangement with Mongolia, and the country has
  started to move out of the crisis. Although the banking sector
  remains unstable, the government is now enforcing stricter
  supervision regulations. In October 2009, the government passed
  long-awaited legislation on an investment agreement to develop
  Mongolia's Oyu Tolgoi mine, considered to be one of the world's
  largest untapped copper deposits. The economy grew an estimated 7%
  in 2010, largely on the strength of exports to nearby countries, and
  international reserves reached $1.6 billion in September, an all
  time high for Mongolia. Mongolia's economy continues to be heavily
  influenced by its neighbors. Mongolia purchases 95% of its petroleum
  products and a substantial amount of electric power from Russia,
  leaving it vulnerable to price increases. Trade with China
  represents more than half of Mongolia's total external trade - China
  receives about two-thirds of Mongolia's exports. Remittances from
  Mongolians working abroad are sizable, but have fallen due to the
  economic crisis; money laundering is a growing concern. Mongolia
  joined the World Trade Organization in 1997 and seeks to expand its
  participation in regional economic and trade regimes.

Montenegro
  Montenegro severed its economy from federal control and
  from Serbia during the MILOSEVIC era and maintained its own central
  bank, adopted the Deutchmark, then the euro - rather than the
  Yugoslav dinar - as official currency, collected customs tariffs,
  and managed its own budget. The dissolution of the loose political
  union between Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 led to separate
  membership in several international financial institutions, such as
  the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In January
  2007, Montenegro joined the World Bank and IMF. Montenegro is
  pursuing its own membership in the World Trade Organization and
  signed a Stabilization and Association agreement with the European
  Union in October 2007. The European Council granted candidate
  country status to Montenegro at the December 2010 session.
  Unemployment and regional disparities in development are key
  political and economic problems. Montenegro has privatized its large
  aluminum complex - the dominant industry - as well as most of its
  financial sector, and has begun to attract foreign direct investment
  in the tourism sector. The global financial crisis has had a
  significant negative impact on the economy, due to the ongoing
  credit crunch, a decline in the real estate sector, and a fall in
  aluminum exports.

Montserrat
  Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, has
  put a damper on this small, open economy. A catastrophic eruption in
  June 1997 closed the airports and seaports, causing further economic
  and social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled
  the island. Some began to return in 1998 but lack of housing limited
  the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected by the
  lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of crops.
  Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation
  to the volcanic activity and on public sector construction activity.
  The UK has launched a three-year $122.8 million aid program to help
  reconstruct the economy. Half of the island is expected to remain
  uninhabitable for another decade.

Morocco
  Morocco's market economy benefits from the country's
  relatively low labor costs and proximity to Europe, which aid key
  areas of the economy such as agriculture, light manufacturing,
  tourism, and remittances. Morocco is also the world's largest
  exporter of phosphate, which has long provided a source of export
  earnings and economic stability. Economic policies pursued since
  2003 by King MOHAMMED VI have brought macroeconomic stability to the
  country with generally low inflation, improved financial
  performance, and steady progress in developing the service and
  industrial sectors. In 2006, Morocco entered a Free Trade Agreement
  (FTA) with the US, and in 2008 entered into an advanced status in
  its 2000 Association Agreement with the EU. However, poverty,
  illiteracy, and unemployment rates remain high. In response to these
  challenges, King MOHAMMED in 2005 launched a National Initiative for
  Human Development, a $2 billion program aimed at alleviating poverty
  and underdevelopment by expanding electricity to rural areas and
  replacing urban slums with public and subsidized housing, among
  other policies. Morocco's trade and budget deficits widened in 2010,
  and reducing govenment spending and adapting to sluggish economic
  growth in Europe will be challenges in 2011. Morocco's long-term
  challenges include improving education and job prospects for young
  Moroccans, closing the disparity in wealth between the rich and the
  poor, confronting corruption, and expanding and diversifying exports
  beyond phosphates and low-value-added products.

Mozambique
  At independence in 1975, Mozambique was one of the
  world's poorest countries. Socialist mismanagement and a brutal
  civil war from 1977-92 exacerbated the situation. In 1987, the
  government embarked on a series of macroeconomic reforms designed to
  stabilize the economy. These steps, combined with donor assistance
  and with political stability since the multi-party elections in
  1994, have led to dramatic improvements in the country's growth
  rate. Fiscal reforms, including the introduction of a value-added
  tax and reform of the customs service, have improved the
  government's revenue collection abilities. In spite of these gains,
  Mozambique remains dependent upon foreign assistance for more than
  half of its annual budget, and the majority of the population
  remains below the poverty line. Subsistence agriculture continues to
  employ the vast majority of the country's work force and smallholder
  agricultural productivity and productivity growth is weak. A
  substantial trade imbalance persists although the opening of the
  Mozal aluminum smelter, the country's largest foreign investment
  project to date, has increased export earnings. At the end of 2007,
  and after years of negotiations, the government took over Portugal's
  majority share of the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectricity (HCB) company, a
  dam that was not transferred to Mozambique at independence because
  of the ensuing civil war and unpaid debts. More power is needed for
  additional investment projects in titanium extraction and processing
  and garment manufacturing that could further close the import/export
  gap. Mozambique's once substantial foreign debt has been reduced
  through forgiveness and rescheduling under the IMF's Heavily
  Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and Enhanced HIPC initiatives, and is
  now at a manageable level. In July 2007 the Millennium Challenge
  Corporation (MCC) signed a Compact with Mozambique; the Compact
  entered into force in September 2008 and will continue for five
  years. Compact projects will focus on improving sanitation, roads,
  agriculture, and the business regulation environment in an effort to
  spur economic growth in the four northern provinces of the country.
  Mozambique grew at an average annual rate of 9% in the decade up to
  2007, one of Africa's strongest performances. However, heavy
  reliance on aluminum, which accounts for about one-third of exports,
  subjects the economy to volatile international prices. The sharp
  decline in aluminum prices during the global economic crisis lowered
  GDP growth by several percentage points. Despite 8.3% GDP growth in
  2010, the increasing cost of living prompted citizens to riot in
  September 2010, after bread price increases were announced. In an
  attempt to contain the cost of living, the government implemented
  subsidies, decreased taxes and tariffs, and instituted other fiscal
  measures.

Namibia
  The economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and
  processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for 8% of GDP,
  but provides more than 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Rich
  alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for
  gem-quality diamonds. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of
  nonfuel minerals in Africa, the world's fifth-largest producer of
  uranium, and the producer of large quantities of lead, zinc, tin,
  silver, and tungsten. The mining sector employs only about 3% of the
  population while about 35-40% of the population depends on
  subsistence agriculture for its livelihood. Namibia normally imports
  about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years food
  shortages are a major problem in rural areas. A high per capita GDP,
  relative to the region, hides one of the world's most unequal income
  distributions, as shown by Namibia's GINI coefficient. The Namibian
  economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar
  pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. Until 2010, Namibia
  drew 40% of its budget revenues from the Southern African Customs
  Union (SACU). Increased payments from SACU put Namibia's budget into
  surplus in 2007 for the first time since independence. SACU
  allotments to Namibia increased in 2009, but will drop for 2010 and
  2011 because South Africa went into recession during the global
  economic crisis, reducing overall SACU income. Increased fish
  production and mining of zinc, copper, uranium, and silver spurred
  growth in 2003-08, but growth in recent years was undercut by poor
  fish catches, higher costs of producing metals, and the global
  recession.

Nauru
  Revenues of this tiny island have traditionally come from
  exports of phosphates now significantly depleted. An Australian
  company in 2005 entered into an agreement intended to exploit
  remaining supplies. Few other resources exist with most necessities
  being imported, mainly from Australia its former occupier and later
  major source of support. The rehabilitation of mined land and the
  replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term
  problems. Reserves of phosphates may only last until 2010 at current
  mining rates. In anticipation of the exhaustion of Nauru's phosphate
  deposits, substantial amounts of phosphate income were invested in
  trust funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's
  economic future. As a result of heavy spending from the trust funds,
  the government faces virtual bankruptcy. To cut costs the government
  has frozen wages and reduced overstaffed public service departments.
  Nauru lost further revenue in 2008 with the closure of Australia's
  refugee processing center, making it almost totally dependent on
  food imports and foreign aid. Housing, hospitals, and other capital
  plant is deteriorating. The cost to Australia of keeping the
  government and economy afloat continues to climb. Few comprehensive
  statistics on the Nauru economy exist with estimates of Nauru's GDP
  varying widely.

Navassa Island
  Subsistence fishing and commercial trawling occur
  within refuge waters.

Nepal
  Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in
  the world, with almost one-quarter of its population living below
  the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy,
  providing a livelihood for three-fourths of the population and
  accounting for about one-third of GDP. Industrial activity mainly
  involves the processing of agricultural products, including pulses,
  jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Nepal has considerable scope
  for exploiting its potential in hydropower, with an estimated 42,000
  MW of feasible capacity, but political instability hampers foreign
  investment. Additional challenges to Nepal's growth include its
  landlocked geographic location, civil strife and labor unrest, and
  its susceptibility to natural disaster.

Netherlands
  The Netherlands economy is noted for stable industrial
  relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current
  account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation
  hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing,
  chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly
  mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force
  but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and
  for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners,
  began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country
  has been one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign
  direct investment and is one of the four largest investors in the
  US. After 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, the
  Netherlands' economy - which is highly open and dependent on foreign
  trade and financial services - was hard-hit by global economic
  crisis. Dutch GDP contracted 3.9% in 2009, while exports declined
  nearly 25% due to a sharp contraction in world demand. The Dutch
  financial sector has also suffered, due in part to the high exposure
  of some Dutch banks to U.S. mortgage-backed securities. In response
  to turmoil in financial markets, the government nationalized two
  banks and injected billions of dollars into a third, to prevent
  further systemic risk. The government also sought to boost the
  domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering
  corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding
  export credit facilities. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts,
  however, resulted in a government budget deficit of nearly 4.6% of
  GDP in 2009 and 5.6% in 2010 that contrasts sharply with a surplus
  of 0.7% of GDP in 2008. With unemployment weighing on private-sector
  consumption, the government of Prime Minister Mark RUTTE is likely
  to come under increased pressure to keep the budget deficit in check
  while promoting economic recovery.

New Caledonia
  New Caledonia has about 25% of the world's known
  nickel resources. Only a small amount of the land is suitable for
  cultivation, and food accounts for about 20% of imports. In addition
  to nickel, substantial financial support from France - equal to more
  than 15% of GDP - and tourism are keys to the health of the economy.
  Substantial new investment in the nickel industry, combined with the
  recovery of global nickel prices, brightens the economic outlook for
  the next several years.

New Zealand
  Over the past 20 years the government has transformed
  New Zealand from an agrarian economy dependent on concessionary
  British market access to a more industrialized, free market economy
  that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real
  incomes - but left behind some at the bottom of the ladder - and
  broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the
  industrial sector. Per capita income rose for ten consecutive years
  until 2007 in purchasing power parity terms, but fell in 2008-09.
  Debt-driven consumer spending drove robust growth in the first half
  of the decade, helping fuel a large balance of payments deficit that
  posed a challenge for economic managers. Inflationary pressures
  caused the central bank to raise its key rate steadily from January
  2004 until it was among the highest in the OECD in 2007-08;
  international capital inflows attracted to the high rates further
  strengthened the currency and housing market, however, aggravating
  the current account deficit. The economy fell into recession before
  the start of the global financial crisis and contracted for five
  consecutive quarters in 2008-09. In line with global peers, the
  central bank cut interest rates aggressively and the government
  developed fiscal stimulus measures. The economy posted a 1.7%
  decline in 2009, but pulled out of recession late in the year, and
  achieved 2.1% growth in 2010. Nevertheless, key trade sectors remain
  vulnerable to weak external demand. The government plans to raise
  productivity growth and develop infrastructure, while reining in
  government spending.

Nicaragua
  Nicaragua, the poorest country in Central America and the
  second poorest in the Hemisphere, has widespread underemployment and
  poverty. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) has
  been in effect since April 2006 and has expanded export
  opportunities for many agricultural and manufactured goods. Textiles
  and apparel account for nearly 60% of Nicaragua's exports, but
  increases in the minimum wage during the ORTEGA administration will
  likely erode its comparative advantage in this industry. ORTEGA's
  promotion of mixed business initiatives, owned by the Nicaraguan and
  Venezuelan state oil firms, together with the weak rule of law,
  could undermine the investment climate for domestic and
  international private firms in the near-term. Nicaragua relies on
  international economic assistance to meet internal- and
  external-debt financing obligations. Foreign donors have curtailed
  this funding, however, in response to November 2008 electoral fraud.
  Managua has an IMF extended Credit Facility program, which could
  help keep the government's fiscial deficit on target during the 2011
  election year and encourage transparency in the use of Venezuelan
  off-budget loans and assistance. In early 2004, Nicaragua secured
  some $4.5 billion in foreign debt reduction under the Heavily
  Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, however, Managua still
  struggles with a high public debt burden. Nicaragua is gradually
  recovering from the global economic crisis as increased exports
  drove positive growth in 2010. The economy is expected to grow at a
  rate of about 3% in 2011.

Niger
  Niger is a landlocked, Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy
  centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's
  largest uranium deposits. Drought, desertification, and strong
  population growth have undercut the economy. Niger shares a common
  currency, the CFA franc, and a common central bank, the Central Bank
  of West African States (BCEAO), with seven other members of the West
  African Monetary Union. In December 2000, Niger qualified for
  enhanced debt relief under the International Monetary Fund program
  for Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and concluded an agreement
  with the Fund on a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF).
  Debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative
  significantly reduces Niger's annual debt service obligations,
  freeing funds for expenditures on basic health care, primary
  education, HIV/AIDS prevention, rural infrastructure, and other
  programs geared at poverty reduction. In December 2005, Niger
  received 100% multilateral debt relief from the IMF, which
  translates into the forgiveness of approximately US $86 million in
  debts to the IMF, excluding the remaining assistance under HIPC. In
  2010, the Niger economy was recovering from the effects of a 2009
  drought that reduced grain and cowpea production and decimated
  livestock herds. The economy was also hurt when the international
  community cut off non-humanitarian aid in response to TANDJA's moves
  to extend his term as president. Nearly half of the government's
  budget is derived from foreign donor resources. Future growth may be
  sustained by exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral
  resources.

Nigeria
  Oil-rich Nigeria has been hobbled by political instability,
  corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic
  management but in 2008 began pursuing economic reforms. Nigeria's
  former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away from its
  overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides
  95% of foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary
  revenues. Following the signing of an IMF stand-by agreement in
  August 2000, Nigeria received a debt-restructuring deal from the
  Paris Club and a $1 billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on
  economic reforms. Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program in April
  2002, after failing to meet spending and exchange rate targets,
  making it ineligible for additional debt forgiveness from the Paris
  Club. In November 2005, Abuja won Paris Club approval for a
  debt-relief deal that eliminated $18 billion of debt in exchange for
  $12 billion in payments - a total package worth $30 billion of
  Nigeria's total $37 billion external debt. Since 2008 the government
  has begun to show the political will to implement the
  market-oriented reforms urged by the IMF, such as modernizing the
  banking system, curbing inflation by blocking excessive wage
  demands, and resolving regional disputes over the distribution of
  earnings from the oil industry. GDP rose strongly in 2007-10 because
  of increased oil exports and high global crude prices in 2010.
  President JONATHAN has pledged to continue the economic reforms of
  his predecessor with emphasis on infrastructure improvements.
  Infrastructure is the main impediment to growth and in August 2010
  JONATHAN unveiled a power sector blueprint that includes
  privatization of the state-run electricity generation and
  distribution facilities. The government also is working toward
  developing stronger public-private partnerships for roads. Nigeria's
  financial sector was hurt by the global financial and economic
  crises and the Central Bank governor has taken measures to
  strengthen that sector.

Niue
  The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of
  geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population.
  Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall
  is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are
  used to pay wages to public employees. Niue has cut government
  expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The
  agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening,
  although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists
  primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil,
  honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign
  collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent
  years has suffered a serious loss of population because of
  emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the
  promotion of tourism and financial services, although the
  International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination
  of all offshore banking licenses. Economic aid from New Zealand in
  FY08/09 was US$5.7 million. Niue suffered a devastating typhoon in
  January 2004, which decimated nascent economic programs. While in
  the process of rebuilding, Niue has been dependent on foreign aid.

Norfolk Island
  Tourism, the primary economic activity, has steadily
  increased over the years and has brought a level of prosperity
  unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural
  sector has become self sufficient in the production of beef,
  poultry, and eggs.

Northern Mariana Islands
  The economy benefits substantially from
  financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined
  as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist
  industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for
  roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual
  tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but
  financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown.
  The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms
  producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment
  production is by far the most important industry with the employment
  of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US
  under duty and quota exemptions.

Norway
  The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfare
  capitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity and
  government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as
  the vital petroleum sector, through large-scale state-majority-owned
  enterprises. The country is richly endowed with natural resources -
  petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly
  dependent on the petroleum sector, which accounts for nearly half of
  exports and over 30% of state revenue. Norway is the world's
  second-largest gas exporter; its position as an oil exporter has
  slipped to ninth-largest as production has begun to decline. Norway
  opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994;
  nonetheless, as a member of the European Economic Area, it
  contributes sizably to the EU budget. In anticipation of eventual
  declines in oil and gas production, Norway saves almost all state
  revenue from the petroleum sector in the world's second largest
  sovereign wealth fund, valued at over $500 billion in 2010. After
  lackluster growth of less than 1.5% in 2002-03, GDP growth picked up
  to 2.5-6.2% in 2004-07, partly due to higher oil prices. Growth fell
  to 1.8% in 2008, and the economy contracted by 1.4% in 2009 as a
  result of the slowing world economy and the drop in oil prices.

Oman
  Oman is a middle-income economy that is heavily dependent on
  dwindling oil resources. Because of declining reserves, Muscat has
  actively pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification,
  industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing
  the oil sector's contribution to GDP to 9% by 2020. Tourism and
  gas-based industries are key components of the government's
  diversification strategy. By using enhanced oil recovery techniques,
  Oman succeeded in increasing oil production, giving the country more
  time to diversify, and the increase in global oil prices thoughout
  2010 provides the government greater financial resources to invest
  in non-oil sectors.

Pacific Ocean
  The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world
  economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch.
  It provides low-cost sea transportation between East and West,
  extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals,
  and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1996, over 60%
  of the world's fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean. Exploitation
  of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role
  in the energy supplies of the US, Australia, NZ, China, and Peru.
  The high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the
  wide swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has led to
  fluctuations in new drillings.

Pakistan
  Pakistan, an impoverished and underdeveloped country, has
  suffered from decades of internal political disputes and low levels
  of foreign investment. Between 2001-07, however, poverty levels
  decreased by 10%, as Islamabad steadily raised development spending.
  Between 2004-07, GDP growth in the 5-8% range was spurred by gains
  in the industrial and service sectors - despite severe electricity
  shortfalls - but growth slowed in 2008-09 and unemployment rose.
  Inflation remains the top concern among the public, climbing from
  7.7% in 2007 to more than 13% in 2010. In addition, the Pakistani
  rupee has depreciated since 2007 as a result of political and
  economic instability. The government agreed to an International
  Monetary Fund Standby Arrangement in November 2008 in response to a
  balance of payments crisis, but during 2009-10 its current account
  strengthened and foreign exchange reserves stabilized - largely
  because of lower oil prices and record remittances from workers
  abroad. Record floods in July-August 2010 lowered agricultural
  output and contributed to a jump in inflation, and reconstruction
  costs will strain the limited resources of the government. Textiles
  account for most of Pakistan's export earnings, but Pakistan's
  failure to expand a viable export base for other manufactures has
  left the country vulnerable to shifts in world demand. Other long
  term challenges include expanding investment in education,
  healthcare, and electricity production, and reducing dependence on
  foreign donors.

Palau
  The economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence
  agriculture, and fishing. The government is the major employer of
  the work force relying heavily on financial assistance from the US.
  The Compact of Free Association with the US, entered into after the
  end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994, provided Palau with up
  to $700 million in US aid for the following 15 years in return for
  furnishing military facilities. Business and tourist arrivals
  numbered 85,000 in 2007. The population enjoys a per capita income
  roughly 50% higher than that of the Philippines and much of
  Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the key tourist sector have been
  greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the
  rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries, and the
  willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.

Panama
  Panama's dollarized economy rests primarily on a
  well-developed services sector that accounts for three-quarters of
  GDP. Services include operating the Panama Canal, banking, the Colon
  Free Zone, insurance, container ports, flagship registry, and
  tourism. Economic growth will be bolstered by the Panama Canal
  expansion project that began in 2007 and is scheduled to be
  completed by 2014 at a cost of $5.3 billion - about 25% of current
  GDP. The expansion project will more than double the Canal's
  capacity, enabling it to accommodate ships that are now too large to
  transverse the transoceanic crossway, and should help to reduce the
  unemployment rate. The United States and China are the top users of
  the Canal. Panama also plans to construct a metro system in Panama
  City, valued at $1.2 billion and scheduled to be completed by 2014.
  Panama's aggressive infrastructure development projects will likely
  lead the economy to continued growth in 2011. Strong economic
  performance has not translated into broadly shared prosperity as
  Panama has the second worst income distribution in Latin America.
  About 30% of the population lives in poverty, however, during
  TORRIJOS's term poverty was reduced from 40% to 30% and unemployment
  dropped from 12% to 6%. Not a CAFTA signatory, Panama in December
  2006 independently negotiated a free trade agreement with the US,
  which, when implemented, will help promote the country's economic
  growth. Seeking removal from the Organization of Economic
  Development's gray-list of tax havens, Panama has also recently
  signed various double taxation treaties with other nations.

Papua New Guinea
  Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural
  resources, but exploitation has been hampered by rugged terrain and
  the high cost of developing infrastructure. Agriculture provides a
  subsistence livelihood for 85% of the population. Mineral deposits,
  including copper, gold, and oil, account for nearly two-thirds of
  export earnings. Natural gas reserves amount to an estimated 227
  billion cubic meters. A consortium led by a major American oil
  company is constructing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production
  facility that could begin exporting in 2013 or 2014. As the largest
  investment project in the country's history, it has the potential to
  double GDP in the near-term and triple Papua New Guinea's export
  revenue. The government faces the challenge of ensuring transparency
  and accountability for revenues flowing from this and other large
  LNG projects. The government of Prime Minister SOMARE has expended
  much of its energy remaining in power. He was the first prime
  minister ever to serve a full five-year term. The government has
  brought stability to the national budget, largely through
  expenditure control; however, it relaxed spending constraints in
  2006 and 2007 as elections approached. Numerous challenges still
  face the government, including providing physical security for
  foreign investors, regaining investor confidence, restoring
  integrity to state institutions, promoting economic efficiency by
  privatizing moribund state institutions, and balancing relations
  with Australia, its former colonial ruler. Other socio-cultural
  challenges could upend the economy including an HIV/AIDS epidemic,
  with the highest infection rate in all of East Asia and the Pacific,
  and chronic law and order and land tenure issues. The global
  financial crisis had little impact because of continued high demand
  for Papua New Guinea's commodities exports.

Paracel Islands
  The islands have the potential for oil and gas
  development. Waters around the islands support commercial fishing,
  but the islands themselves are not populated on a permanent basis.

Paraguay
  Landlocked Paraguay has a market economy distinguished by a
  large informal sector, featuring re-export of imported consumer
  goods to neighboring countries, as well as the activities of
  thousands of microenterprises and urban street vendors. A large
  percentage of the population, especially in rural areas, derives its
  living from agricultural activity, often on a subsistence basis.
  Because of the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic
  measures are difficult to obtain. On a per capita basis, real income
  has stagnated at 1980 levels. The economy grew rapidly between 2003
  and 2008 as growing world demand for commodities combined with high
  prices and favorable weather to support Paraguay's commodity-based
  export expansion. Paraguay is the sixth largest soy producer in the
  world. Drought hit in 2008, reducing agricultural exports and
  slowing the economy even before the onset of the global recession.
  The economy fell 3.8% in 2009, as lower world demand and commodity
  prices caused exports to contract. The government reacted by
  introducing fiscal and monetary stimulus packages. Growth resumed at
  a 6.5% level in 2010. Political uncertainty, corruption, limited
  progress on structural reform, and deficient infrastructure are the
  main obstacles to growth.

Peru
  Peru's economy reflects its varied geography - an arid coastal
  region, the Andes further inland, and tropical lands bordering
  Colombia and Brazil. Abundant mineral resources are found in the
  mountainous areas, and Peru's coastal waters provide excellent
  fishing grounds. The Peruvian economy grew by more than 4% per year
  during the period 2002-06, with a stable exchange rate and low
  inflation. Growth jumped to 9% per year in 2007 and 2008, driven by
  higher world prices for minerals and metals and the government's
  aggressive trade liberalization strategies, but then fell to less
  than 1% in 2009 in the face of the world recession and lower
  commodity export prices. Growth resumed in 2010 at nearly 8%, due
  partly to increased exports. Peru's rapid expansion has helped to
  reduce the national poverty rate by about 15% since 2002, though
  underemployment remains high; inflation has trended downward in
  2009, to below the Central Bank's 1-3% target. Despite Peru's strong
  macroeconomic performance, overdependence on minerals and metals
  subjects the economy to fluctuations in world prices, and poor
  infrastructure precludes the spread of growth to Peru's non-coastal
  areas. Not all Peruvians therefore have shared in the benefits of
  growth and despite President GARCIA's pursuit of sound trade and
  macroeconomic policies, persistent inequality has cost him political
  support. Nevertheless, he remains committed to Peru's free-trade
  path. Since 2006, Peru has signed trade deals with the United
  States, Canada, Singapore, and China, concluded negotiations with
  the European Union, and begun trade talks with Korea, Japan, and
  others. The US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) entered into
  force 1 February 2009, opening the way to greater trade and
  investment between the two economies.

Philippines
  Philippine GDP grew nearly 7% in 2010. The economy
  weathered the 2008-09 global recession better than its regional
  peers due to minimal exposure to securities issued by troubled
  global financial institutions; lower dependence on exports;
  relatively resilient domestic consumption, supported by large
  remittances from four-to five-million overseas Filipino workers; and
  a growing business process outsourcing industry. Economic growth in
  the Philippines has averaged 4.5% per year since 2001, when former
  President MACAPAGAL-ARROYO took office. Despite this growth, poverty
  worsened during the term of MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, because of a high
  population growth rate and inequitable distribution of income.
  MACAPAGAL-ARROYO averted a fiscal crisis by pushing for new revenue
  measures and, until recently, tightening expenditures to address the
  government's yawning budget deficit and to reduce high debt and debt
  service ratios. But the government abandoned its 2008
  balanced-budget goal in order to help the economy weather the global
  financial and economic storm. The economy under AQUINO faces budget
  shortfalls in the near term, but has had little difficulty issuing
  debt both locally and internationally to finance the deficits.
  AQUINO's first budget emphasizes education and other social spending
  programs, relying on the private sector to finance important
  infrastructure projects. Weak tax collection in recent years limits
  the government's ability to address major challenges.

Pitcairn Islands
  The inhabitants of this tiny isolated economy exist
  on fishing, subsistence farming, handicrafts, and postage stamps.
  The fertile soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits
  and vegetables, including citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas,
  yams, and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The
  major sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to
  collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships. In October
  2004, more than one-quarter of Pitcairn's small labor force was
  arrested, putting the economy in a bind, since their services were
  required as lighter crew to load or unload passing ships.

Poland
  Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization since
  1990 and today stands out as a success story among transition
  economies. Before 2009, GDP had grown about 5% annually, based on
  rising private consumption, a jump in corporate investment, and EU
  funds inflows. GDP per capita is still much below the EU average,
  but is similar to that of the three Baltic states. Since 2004, EU
  membership and access to EU structural funds have provided a major
  boost to the economy. Unemployment fell rapidly to 6.4% in October
  2008, but climbed back to 11.8% for the year 2010, exceeding the EU
  average by more than 2%. In 2008 inflation reached 4.2%, more than
  the upper limit of the National Bank of Poland's target range, but
  fell to 2.4% in 2010 due to global economic slowdown. Poland's
  economic performance could improve over the longer term if the
  country addresses some of the remaining deficiencies in its road and
  rail infrastructure and its business environment. An inefficient
  commercial court system, a rigid labor code, bureaucratic red tape,
  burdensome tax system, and persistent low-level corruption keep the
  private sector from performing up to its full potential. Rising
  demands to fund health care, education, and the state pension system
  caused the public sector budget deficit to rise to 7.9% of GDP in
  2010. The PO/PSL coalition government, which came to power in
  November 2007, plans to reduce the budget deficit in 2011 and has
  also announced its intention to enact business-friendly reforms,
  increase workforce participation, reduce public sector spending
  growth, lower taxes, and accelerate privatization. The government,
  however, has moved slowly on major reforms. The legislature passed a
  law significantly limiting early retirement benefits. A health-care
  bill also passed through the legislature, but the legislature failed
  to overturn a presidential veto.

Portugal
  Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly
  service-based economy since joining the European Community in 1986.
  Over the past two decades, successive governments have privatized
  many state-controlled firms and liberalized key areas of the
  economy, including the financial and telecommunications sectors. The
  country qualified for the European Monetary Union (EMU) in 1998 and
  began circulating the euro on 1 January 2002 along with 11 other EU
  member economies. Economic growth had been above the EU average for
  much of the 1990s, but fell back in 2001-08, shrank 2.6% in 2009,
  before growing 1% in 2010. GDP per capita stands at roughly
  two-thirds of the EU-27 average. A poor educational system and a
  rigid labor market have been obstacles to greater productivity and
  growth. Portugal also has been increasingly overshadowed by
  lower-cost producers in Central Europe and Asia as a target for
  foreign direct investment. Portugal's competitiveness problems, low
  growth prospects, and high levels of public debt have made it
  vulnerable to bond market turbulence. Lisbon is implementing
  austerity measures to reduce the budget deficit from 9.4% of GDP in
  2009 to 4.6% of GDP in 2011, but some investors have expressed
  concern about Portugal's ability to achieve these targets and cover
  its sovereign debt. Without the option for stimulus measures, the
  government is focusing instead on boosting exports and implementing
  labor market reforms to try to raise GDP growth and tackle
  Portugal's competitiveness problems, which may help mitigate
  investor concerns over time.

Puerto Rico
  Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the
  Caribbean region. A diverse industrial sector has far surpassed
  agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income.
  Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax incentives, US
  firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US
  minimum wage laws apply. Sugar production has lost out to dairy
  production and other livestock products as the main source of income
  in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an
  important source of income with estimated arrivals of more than 3.6
  million tourists in 2008.

Qatar
  Despite the global financial crisis, Qatar has prospered in
  the last several years - in 2010 Qatar had the world's highest
  growth rate. Qatari authorities throughout the crisis sought to
  protect the local banking sector with direct investments into
  domestic banks. GDP rebounded in 2010 largely due to the increase in
  oil prices. Economic policy is focused on developing Qatar's
  nonassociated natural gas reserves and increasing private and
  foreign investment in non-energy sectors, but oil and gas still
  account for more than 50% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings,
  and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have made Qatar the
  second highest per-capita income country - following Liechtenstein -
  and likely the country with the lowest unemployment. Proved oil
  reserves of 15 billion barrels should enable continued output at
  current levels for 37 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas
  exceed 25 trillion cubic meters, about 14% of the world total and
  third largest in the world. Qatar's successful 2022 world cup bid
  will likely accelerate large-scale infrastructure projects such as
  Qatar's metro system and the Qatar-Bahrain causeway.

Romania
  Romania, which joined the European Union on 1 January 2007,
  began the transition from Communism in 1989 with a largely obsolete
  industrial base and a pattern of output unsuited to the country's
  needs. The country emerged in 2000 from a punishing three-year
  recession thanks to strong demand in EU export markets. Domestic
  consumption and investment have fueled strong GDP growth in recent
  years, but have led to large current account imbalances. Romania's
  macroeconomic gains have only recently started to spur creation of a
  middle class and address Romania's widespread poverty. Corruption
  and red tape continue to handicap its business environment.
  Inflation rose in 2007-08, driven in part by strong consumer demand
  and high wage growth, rising energy costs, a nation-wide drought
  affecting food prices, and a relaxation of fiscal discipline.
  Romania's GDP contracted markedly in the last quarter of 2008 as the
  country began to feel the effects of a global downturn in financial
  markets and trade, and GDP fell more than 7% in 2009, prompting
  Bucharest to seek a $26 billion emergency assistance package from
  the IMF, the EU, and other international lenders. Drastic austerity
  measures, as part of Romania's IMF-led agreement led to a further
  1.9% GDP contraction in 2010. The economy is expected to return to
  positive growth in 2011.

Russia
  Russia has undergone significant changes since the collapse
  of the Soviet Union, moving from a globally-isolated,
  centrally-planned economy to a more market-based and
  globally-integrated economy. Economic reforms in the 1990s
  privatized most industry, with notable exceptions in the energy and
  defense-related sectors. The protection of property rights is still
  weak and the private sector remains subject to heavy state
  interference. Russian industry is primarily split between
  globally-competitive commodity producers - in 2009 Russia was the
  world's largest exporter of natural gas, the second largest exporter
  of oil, and the third largest exporter of steel and primary aluminum
  - and other less competitive heavy industries that remain dependent
  on the Russian domestic market. This reliance on commodity exports
  makes Russia vulnerable to boom and bust cycles that follow the
  highly volatile swings in global commodity prices. The government
  since 2007 has embarked on an ambitious program to reduce this
  dependency and build up the country's high technology sectors, but
  with few results so far. The economy had averaged 7% growth since
  the 1998 Russian financial crisis, resulting in a doubling of real
  disposable incomes and the emergence of a middle class. The Russian
  economy, however, was one of the hardest hit by the 2008-09 global
  economic crisis as oil prices plummeted and the foreign credits that
  Russian banks and firms relied on dried up. The Central Bank of
  Russia spent one-third of its $600 billion international reserves,
  the world's third largest, in late 2008 to slow the devaluation of
  the ruble. The government also devoted $200 billion in a rescue plan
  to increase liquidity in the banking sector and aid Russian firms
  unable to roll over large foreign debts coming due. The economic
  decline bottomed out in mid-2009 and the economy began to grow in
  the first quarter of 2010. However, a severe drought and fires in
  central Russia reduced agricultural output, prompting a ban on grain
  exports for part of the year, and slowed growth in other sectors
  such as manufacturing and retail trade. Russia's long-term
  challenges include a shrinking workforce, a high level of
  corruption, difficulty in accessing capital for smaller, non-energy
  companies, and poor infrastructure in need of large investments.

Rwanda
  Rwanda is a poor rural country with about 90% of the
  population engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture and some
  mineral and agro-processing. In 2008, minerals overtook coffee and
  tea as Rwanda's primary foreign exchange earner. The 1994 genocide
  decimated Rwanda's fragile economic base, severely impoverished the
  population, particularly women, and temporarily stalled the
  country's ability to attract private and external investment.
  However, Rwanda has made substantial progress in stabilizing and
  rehabilitating its economy to pre-1994 levels. GDP has rebounded and
  inflation has been curbed. Nonetheless, a majority still live below
  the poverty line of 250 Rwandan francs per day (about US$0.43).
  Despite Rwanda's fertile ecosystem, food production often does not
  keep pace with demand, requiring food imports. Rwanda continues to
  receive substantial aid money and obtained IMF-World Bank Heavily
  Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative debt relief in 2005-06.
  Rwanda also received a Millennium Challenge Account Compact in 2008.
  Africa's most densely populated country is trying to overcome the
  limitations of its small, landlocked economy by leveraging regional
  trade. Rwanda joined the East African Community and is aligning its
  budget, trade, and immigration policies with its regional partners.
  The government has embraced an expansionary fiscal policy to reduce
  poverty by improving education, infrastructure, and foreign and
  domestic investment and pursuing market-oriented reforms, although
  energy shortages, instability in neighboring states, and lack of
  adequate transportation linkages to other countries continue to
  handicap growth. The global downturn hurt export demand and tourism,
  but economic growth is recovering, driven in large part by the
  services sector, and inflation has been contained. On the back of
  this growth, government is gradually ending its fiscal stimulus
  policy while protecting aid to the poor.

Saint Barthelemy
  The economy of Saint Barthelemy is based upon
  high-end tourism and duty-free luxury commerce, serving visitors
  primarily from North America. The luxury hotels and villas host
  70,000 visitors each year with another 130,000 arriving by boat. The
  relative isolation and high cost of living inhibits mass tourism.
  The construction and public sectors also enjoy significant
  investment in support of tourism. With limited fresh water
  resources, all food must be imported, as must all energy resources
  and most manufactured goods. Employment is strong and attracts labor
  from Brazil and Portugal.

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  The economy depends
  largely on financial assistance from the UK, which amounted to about
  $27 million in FY06/07 or more than twice the level of annual
  budgetary revenues. The local population earns income from fishing,
  raising livestock, and sales of handicrafts. Because there are few
  jobs, 25% of the work force has left to seek employment on Ascension
  Island, on the Falklands, and in the UK.

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is
  heavily dependent upon tourism revenues, which has replaced sugar,
  the traditional mainstay of the economy until the 1970s. Following
  the 2005 harvest, the government closed the sugar industry after
  decades of losses of 3-4% of GDP annually. To compensate for
  employment losses, the government has embarked on a program to
  diversify the agricultural sector and to stimulate other sectors of
  the economy, such as tourism, export-oriented manufacturing, and
  offshore banking. More than 200,000 tourists visited the islands in
  2009. Like other tourist destinations in the Caribbean, St. Kitts
  and Nevis is vulnerable to damage from natural disasters and shifts
  in tourism demand. The current government is constrained by one of
  the world's highest public debt burdens equivalent to roughly 185%
  of GDP, largely attributable to public enterprise losses.

Saint Lucia
  The island nation has been able to attract foreign
  business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and
  tourism industries, with a surge in foreign direct investment in
  2006, attributed to the construction of several tourism projects.
  Although crops such as bananas, mangos, and avocados continue to be
  grown for export, tourism provides Saint Lucia's main source of
  income and the industry is the island's biggest employer. Tourism is
  the main source of foreign exchange, although tourism sector
  revenues declined with the global economic downturn as US and
  European travel dropped in 2009. The manufacturing sector is the
  most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is
  trying to revitalize the banana industry, although recent hurricanes
  have caused exports to contract. Saint Lucia is vulnerable to a
  variety of external shocks including volatile tourism receipts,
  natural disasters, and dependence on foreign oil. The public
  debt-to-GDP ratio is about 77% and high debt servicing obligations
  constrain the KING administration's ability to respond to adverse
  external shocks. Economic fundamentals remain solid, even though
  unemployment needs to be reduced.

Saint Martin
  The economy of Saint Martin centers around tourism with
  85% of the labor force engaged in this sector. Over one million
  visitors come to the island each year with most arriving through the
  Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten. No
  significant agriculture and limited local fishing means that almost
  all food must be imported. Energy resources and manufactured goods
  are also imported, primarily from Mexico and the United States.
  Saint Martin is reported to have the highest per capita income in
  the Caribbean.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  The inhabitants have traditionally earned
  their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets
  operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been
  declining, however, because of disputes with Canada over fishing
  quotas and a steady decline in the number of ships stopping at Saint
  Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an
  exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding
  territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of
  what France had sought. France heavily subsidizes the islands to the
  great betterment of living standards. The government hopes an
  expansion of tourism will boost economic prospects. Fish farming,
  crab fishing, and agriculture are being developed to diversify the
  local economy. Recent test drilling for oil may pave the way for
  development of the energy sector.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Success of the economy hinges upon seasonal variations in agriculture, tourism, and construction activity as well as remittance inflows. Much of the workforce is employed in banana production and tourism, but persistent high unemployment has prompted many to leave the islands. This lower-middle-income country is vulnerable to natural disasters - tropical storms wiped out substantial portions of crops in 1994, 1995, and 2002. In 2008, the islands had more than 200,000 tourist arrivals, mostly to the Grenadines, a drop of nearly 20% from 2007. Saint Vincent is home to a small offshore banking sector and has moved to adopt international regulatory standards. The government's ability to invest in social programs and respond to external shocks is constrained by its high public debt burden, which was over 90% of GDP at the end of 2010. Following the global downturn, St. Vincent and the Grenadines saw an economic decline in 2009, after slowing since 2006, when GDP growth reached a 10-year high of nearly 7%. The GONSALVES administration is directing government resources to infrastructure projects, including a new international airport that is expected to be completed in 2011.

Samoa
  The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on
  development aid, family remittances from overseas, agriculture, and
  fishing. The country is vulnerable to devastating storms.
  Agriculture employs two-thirds of the labor force and furnishes 90%
  of exports, featuring coconut cream, coconut oil, and copra. The
  manufacturing sector mainly processes agricultural products. One
  factory in the Foreign Trade Zone employs 3,000 people to make
  automobile electrical harnesses for an assembly plant in Australia.
  Tourism is an expanding sector accounting for 25% of GDP; 122,000
  tourists visited the islands in 2007. In late September 2009, an
  earthquake and the resulting tsunami severely damaged Samoa, and
  nearby American Samoa, disrupting transportation and power
  generation, and resulting in about 200 deaths. The Samoan Government
  has called for deregulation of the financial sector, encouragement
  of investment, and continued fiscal discipline, while at the same
  time protecting the environment. Observers point to the flexibility
  of the labor market as a basic strength for future economic
  advances. Foreign reserves are in a relatively healthy state, the
  external debt is stable, and inflation is low.

San Marino
  San Marino's economy relies heavily on its tourism and
  banking industries, as well as on the manufacture and export of
  ceramics, clothing, fabrics, furniture, paints, spirits, tiles, and
  wine. The per capita level of output and standard of living are
  comparable to those of the most prosperous regions of Italy, which
  supplies much of its food. San Marino boasts the world's longest
  life expectancy for men with 80 years. The economy benefits from
  foreign investment due to its relatively low corporate taxes and low
  taxes on interest earnings. San Marino has recently faced increased
  international pressure to improve cooperation with foreign tax
  authorities and transparency within its own banking sector, which
  generates about one-fifth of the country's tax revenues. Italy's
  implementation in October 2009 of a tax amnesty to repatriate
  untaxed funds held abroad has resulted in financial outflows from
  San Marino to Italy worth more than $4.5 billion. Such outflows,
  combined with a money-laundering scandal at San Marino's largest
  financial institution and the recent global economic downturn, have
  contributed to a deep recession and growing budget deficit. However,
  San Marino has no national debt, and an unemployment rate half the
  size of Italy's. The San Marino government has adopted measures to
  counter the downturn, including subsidized credit to businesses. San
  Marino also continues to work towards harmonizing its fiscal laws
  with EU members and international standards. In September 2009, the
  OECD removed San Marino from its list of tax havens that have yet to
  fully implement global tax standards.

Sao Tome and Principe
  This small, poor island economy has become
  increasingly dependent on cocoa since independence in 1975. Cocoa
  production has substantially declined in recent years because of
  drought and mismanagement. Sao Tome and Principe has to import all
  fuels, most manufactured goods, consumer goods, and a substantial
  amount of food. Over the years, it has had difficulty servicing its
  external debt and has relied heavily on concessional aid and debt
  rescheduling. Sao Tome and Principe benefited from $200 million in
  debt relief in December 2000 under the Highly Indebted Poor
  Countries (HIPC) program, which helped bring down the country's $300
  million debt burden. In August 2005, the government signed on to a
  new 3-year IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program
  worth $4.3 million. Considerable potential exists for development of
  a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to expand
  facilities in recent years. The government also has attempted to
  reduce price controls and subsidies. Potential exists for the
  development of petroleum resources in Sao Tome and Principe's
  territorial waters in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea, which are being
  jointly developed in a 60-40 split with Nigeria, but any actual
  production is at least several years off. The first production
  licenses were sold in 2004, though a dispute over licensing with
  Nigeria delayed the country's receipt of more than $20 million in
  signing bonuses for almost a year.

Saudi Arabia
  Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong
  government controls over major economic activities. It possesses
  about 20% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the
  largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The
  petroleum sector accounts for roughly 80% of budget revenues, 45% of
  GDP, and 90% of export earnings. Saudi Arabia is encouraging the
  growth of the private sector in order to diversify its economy and
  to employ more Saudi nationals. Diversification efforts are focusing
  on power generation, telecommunications, natural gas exploration,
  and petrochemical sectors. Almost 6 million foreign workers play an
  important role in the Saudi economy, particularly in the oil and
  service sectors, while Riyadh is struggling to reduce unemployment
  among its own nationals. Saudi officials are particularly focused on
  employing its large youth population, which generally lacks the
  education and technical skills the private sector needs. Riyadh has
  substantially boosted spending on job training and education, most
  recently with the opening of the King Abdallah University of Science
  and Technology - Saudi Arabia's first co-educational university. As
  part of its effort to attract foreign investment, Saudi Arabia
  acceded to the WTO in December 2005 after many years of
  negotiations. The government has begun establishing six "economic
  cities" in different regions of the country to promote foreign
  investment and plans to spend $373 billion between 2010 and 2014 on
  social development and infrastructure projects to advance Saudi
  Arabia's economic development.

Senegal
  Senegal relies heavily on donor assistance. The country's
  key export industries are phosphate mining, fertilizer production,
  and commercial fishing. The country is also working on iron ore and
  oil exploration projects. In January 1994, Senegal undertook a bold
  and ambitious economic reform program with the support of the
  international donor community. Government price controls and
  subsidies have been steadily dismantled. After seeing its economy
  contract by 2.1% in 1993, Senegal made an important turnaround,
  thanks to the reform program, with real growth in GDP averaging over
  5% annually during 1995-2008. Annual inflation had been pushed down
  to the single digits. The country was adversely affected by the
  global economic downturn in 2009 and GDP growth fell below 2%. As a
  member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU),
  Senegal is working toward greater regional integration with a
  unified external tariff and a more stable monetary policy. High
  unemployment, however, continues to prompt illegal migrants to flee
  Senegal in search of better job opportunities in Europe. Under the
  IMF's Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief program,
  Senegal benefited from eradication of two-thirds of its bilateral,
  multilateral, and private-sector debt. In 2007, Senegal and the IMF
  agreed to a new, non-disbursing, Policy Support Initiative program
  which was completed in 2010. Senegal received its first disbursement
  from the $540 million Millennium Challenge Account compact it signed
  in September 2009 for infrastructure and agriculture development. In
  2010, the Senegalese people protested against frequent power cuts.
  The government pledged to expand capacity by 2012 and to promote
  renewable energy but until Senegal has more capacity, more protests
  are likely and economic activity will be hindered. During the year,
  bakers protested government price controls on bread. Foreign
  investment in Senegal is constrained by Senegal's business
  environment, which has slipped in recent years, and by perceptions
  of corruption.

Serbia
  MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended
  period of international economic sanctions, and the damage to
  Yugoslavia's infrastructure and industry during the NATO airstrikes
  in 1999 left the economy only half the size it was in 1990. After
  the ousting of former Federal Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC in
  September 2000, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition
  government implemented stabilization measures and embarked on a
  market reform program. After renewing its membership in the IMF in
  December 2000, Yugoslavia continued to reintegrate into the
  international community by rejoining the World Bank (IBRD) and the
  European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Belgrade
  has made progress in trade liberalization and enterprise
  restructuring and privatization, including telecommunications and
  small- and medium-size firms. It has made some progress towards EU
  membership, signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with
  Brussels in May 2008, and with full implementation of the Interim
  Trade Agreement with the EU in February 2010. Serbia is also
  pursuing membership in the World Trade Organization. Reforms needed
  to ensure the country's long-term viability have largely stalled
  since the onset of the global financial crisis. Serbia is grappling
  with fallout from crisis, which has led to a sharp drop in exports
  to Western Europe and a decline in manufacturing output.
  Unemployment and limited export earnings remain ongoing political
  and economic problems. Serbia signed an augmented $4 billion Stand
  By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2009. IMF conditions on Serbia
  constrain the use of stimulus efforts to revive the economy, while
  Serbia's concerns about inflation and exchange rate stability
  preclude the use of expansionary monetary policy. Serbia's economy
  grew by 1.8% in 2010 after a 3% contraction in 2009 as a recovery in
  Western Europe began.

Seychelles
  Since independence in 1976, per capita output in this
  Indian Ocean archipelago has expanded to roughly seven times the
  pre-independence, near-subsistence level, moving the island into the
  upper-middle income group of countries. Growth has been led by the
  tourist sector, which employs about 30% of the labor force and
  provides more than 70% of hard currency earnings, and by tuna
  fishing. In recent years, the government has encouraged foreign
  investment to upgrade hotels and other services. At the same time,
  the government has moved to reduce the dependence on tourism by
  promoting the development of farming, fishing, and small-scale
  manufacturing. GDP grew about 7-8% per year in 2006-07, driven by
  tourism and a boom in tourism-related construction. The Seychelles
  rupee was allowed to depreciate in 2006 after being overvalued for
  years and fell by 10% in the first 9 months of 2007. Despite these
  actions, the Seychelles economy has struggled to maintain its gains
  and in 2008 suffered from food and oil price shocks, a foreign
  exchange shortage, high inflation, large financing gaps, and the
  global recession. In July 2008 the government defaulted on a Euro
  amortizing note worth roughly US$80 million, leading to a
  downgrading of Seychelles credit rating, but in October 2010 the EU
  approved a $2.9 million grant as part of a larger four-year program
  for Seychelles. In response to Seychelles successful implementation
  of tighter monetary and fiscal policies, the IMF upgraded Seychelles
  to a three-year exteneded fund facility (EFF) of $31 million in
  December 2009. In 2008, GDP fell more than 1% due to declining
  tourism, but the economy recovered in 2009-10 with a notable
  increase in tourist numbers for 2010.

Sierra Leone
  Sierra Leone is an extremely poor nation with
  tremendous inequality in income distribution. While it possesses
  substantial mineral, agricultural, and fishery resources, its
  physical and social infrastructure has yet to recover from the civil
  war, and serious social disorders continue to hamper economic
  development. Nearly half of the working-age population engages in
  subsistence agriculture. Manufacturing consists mainly of the
  processing of raw materials and of light manufacturing for the
  domestic market. Alluvial diamond mining remains the major source of
  hard currency earnings accounting for nearly half of Sierra Leone's
  exports. The fate of the economy depends upon the maintenance of
  domestic peace and the continued receipt of substantial aid from
  abroad, which is essential to offset the severe trade imbalance and
  supplement government revenues. The IMF has completed a Poverty
  Reduction and Growth Facility program that helped stabilize economic
  growth and reduce inflation and in 2010 approved a new program worth
  $45 million over three years. Political stability has led to a
  revival of economic activity such as the rehabilitation of bauxite
  and rutile mining, which are set to benefit from planned tax
  incentives. A number of offshore oil discoveries were announced in
  2009 and 2010. The development on these reserves, which could be
  significant, is still several years away.

Singapore
  Singapore has a highly developed and successful
  free-market economy. It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free
  environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP higher than that of
  most developed countries. The economy depends heavily on exports,
  particularly in consumer electronics, information technology
  products, pharmaceuticals, and on a growing financial services
  sector. Real GDP growth averaged 6.9% between 2004 and 2008. The
  economy contracted 1.3% in 2009 as a result of the global financial
  crisis, but rebounded nearly 15% in 2010, on the strength of renewed
  exports. Over the longer term, the government hopes to establish a
  new growth path that focuses on raising productivity growth, which
  has sunk to 1% per year in the last decade. Singapore has attracted
  major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology
  production and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as
  Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub.

Sint Maarten
  The economy of Sint Maarten centers around tourism with
  nearly four-fifths of the labor force engaged in this sector. Over
  one million visitors come to the island each year - 1.3 million in
  2008 - with most arriving through the Princess Juliana International
  Airport. Cruise ships and yachts also call on Sint Maarten's
  numerous ports and harbors. No significant agriculture and limited
  local fishing means that almost all food must be imported. Energy
  resources and manufactured goods are also imported. Sint Maarten had
  the highest per capita income among the five islands that formerly
  comprised the Netherlands Antilles.

Slovakia
  Slovakia has made significant economic reforms since its
  separation from the Czech Republic in 1993. Reforms to the taxation,
  healthcare, pension, and social welfare systems helped Slovakia to
  consolidate its budget and get on track to join the EU in 2004 and
  to adopt the euro in January 2009. Major privatizations are nearly
  complete, the banking sector is almost entirely in foreign hands,
  and the government has helped facilitate a foreign investment boom
  with business friendly policies such as labor market liberalization
  and a 19% flat tax. Foreign investment in the automotive and
  electronic sectors has been strong. Slovakia's economic growth
  exceeded expectations in 2001-08 despite the general European
  slowdown. Unemployment, at an unacceptable 18% in 2003-04, dropped
  to 7.7% in 2008 but remains the economy's Achilles heel. FICO's
  cabinet was careful to keep a lid on spending in order to meet euro
  adoption criteria and has focused on regulating energy and food
  prices instead. To maintain a stable operating environment for
  investors, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
  advised the Slovak government to refrain from intervening in
  important sectors of the economy. However, Bratislava's approach to
  mitigating the economic slowdown has included substantial government
  intervention and the option to nationalize strategic companies.
  Slovakia was admitted to the euro zone in January 2009. RADICOVA's
  government, in power since July 2010, has allowed the budget deficit
  to rise slightly, to 8.2% of GDP in 2010. GDP fell nearly 5% in 2009
  before gaining back 4% in 2010, and unemployment rose above 12% in
  2010, as the global recession impacted many segments of the economy.

Slovenia
  Slovenia became the first 2004 European Union entrant to
  adopt the euro (on 1 January 2007) and has become a model of
  economic success and stability for the region. With the highest per
  capita GDP in Central Europe, Slovenia has excellent infrastructure,
  a well-educated work force, and a strategic location between the
  Balkans and Western Europe. Privatization has lagged since 2002, and
  the economy has one of highest levels of state control in the EU.
  Structural reforms to improve the business environment have allowed
  for somewhat greater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and
  have helped to lower unemployment. In March 2004, Slovenia became
  the first transition country to graduate from borrower status to
  donor partner at the World Bank. In December 2007, Slovenia was
  invited to begin the accession process for joining the OECD. Despite
  its economic success, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Slovenia
  has lagged behind the region average, and taxes remain relatively
  high. Furthermore, the labor market is often seen as inflexible, and
  legacy industries are losing sales to more competitive firms in
  China, India, and elsewhere. In 2009, the world recession caused the
  economy to contract - through falling exports and industrial
  production - by more than 8%, and unemployment to rise above 9%.
  Although growth resumed in 2010, the unemployment rate continued to
  rise, topping 10%.

Solomon Islands
  The bulk of the population depends on agriculture,
  fishing, and forestry for at least part of its livelihood. Most
  manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The
  islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead,
  zinc, nickel, and gold. Prior to the arrival of RAMSI, severe ethnic
  violence, the closing of key businesses, and an empty government
  treasury culminated in economic collapse. RAMSI's efforts to restore
  law and order and economic stability have led to modest growth as
  the economy rebuilds.

Somalia
  Despite the lack of effective national governance, Somalia
  has maintained a healthy informal economy, largely based on
  livestock, remittance/money transfer companies, and
  telecommunications. Agriculture is the most important sector with
  livestock normally accounting for about 40% of GDP and more than 50%
  of export earnings. Nomads and semi-pastoralists, who are dependent
  upon livestock for their livelihood, make up a large portion of the
  population. Livestock, hides, fish, charcoal, and bananas are
  Somalia's principal exports, while sugar, sorghum, corn, qat, and
  machined goods are the principal imports. Somalia's small industrial
  sector, based on the processing of agricultural products, has
  largely been looted and the machinery sold as scrap metal. Somalia's
  service sector also has grown. Telecommunication firms provide
  wireless services in most major cities and offer the lowest
  international call rates on the continent. In the absence of a
  formal banking sector, money transfer/remittance services have
  sprouted throughout the country, handling up to $1.6 billion in
  remittances annually. Mogadishu's main market offers a variety of
  goods from food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotels continue to
  operate and are supported with private-security militias. Due to
  armed attacks on and threats to humanitarian aid workers, the World
  Food Programme partially suspended its operations in southern
  Somalia in early January 2010 pending improvement in the security
  situation. Somalia's arrears to the IMF have continued to grow.

South Africa
  South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with
  an abundant supply of natural resources; well-developed financial,
  legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors; a stock
  exchange that is the 18th largest in the world; and modern
  infrastructure supporting a relatively efficient distribution of
  goods to major urban centers throughout the region. At the end of
  2007, South Africa began to experience an electricity crisis. State
  power supplier Eskom encountered problems with aged plants,
  necessitating "load-shedding" cuts to residents and businesses in
  the major cities. Growth was robust from 2004 to 2007 as South
  Africa reaped the benefits of macroeconomic stability and a global
  commodities boom, but began to slow in the second half of 2007 due
  to the electricity crisis and the subsequent global financial
  crisis' impact on commodity prices and demand. GDP fell nearly 2% in
  2009. Unemployment remains high and outdated infrastructure has
  constrained growth. Daunting economic problems remain from the
  apartheid era - especially poverty, lack of economic empowerment
  among the disadvantaged groups, and a shortage of public
  transportation. South Africa's former economic policy was fiscally
  conservative, focusing on controlling inflation, and attaining a
  budget surplus. The current government largely follows the same
  prudent policies, but must contend with the impact of the global
  crisis and is facing growing pressure from special interest groups
  to use state-owned enterprises to deliver basic services to
  low-income areas and to increase job growth. More than one-quarter
  of South Africa's population currently receives social grants.

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Some fishing takes place in adjacent waters. There is a potential source of income from harvesting finfish and krill. The islands receive income from postage stamps produced in the UK, sale of fishing licenses, and harbor and landing fees from tourist vessels. Tourism from specialized cruise ships is increasing rapidly.

Southern Ocean
  Fisheries in 2006-07 landed 126,976 metric tons, of
  which 82% (104,586 tons) was krill (Euphausia superba) and 9.5%
  (12,027 tons) Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides - also
  known as Chilean sea bass), compared to 127,910 tons in 2005-06 of
  which 83% (106,591 tons) was krill and 9.7% (12,396 tons) Patagonian
  toothfish (estimated fishing from the area covered by the Convention
  of the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR),
  which extends slightly beyond the Southern Ocean area).
  International agreements were adopted in late 1999 to reduce
  illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which in the 2000-01
  season landed, by one estimate, 8,376 metric tons of Patagonian and
  Antarctic toothfish. In the 2007-08 Antarctic summer, 45,213
  tourists visited the Southern Ocean, compared to 35,552 in
  2006-2007, and 29,799 in 2005-2006 (estimates provided to the
  Antarctic Treaty by the International Association of Antarctica Tour
  Operators (IAATO), and does not include passengers on overflights
  and those flying directly in and out of Antarctica).

Spain
  Spain's mixed capitalist economy is the 12th largest in the
  world, and its per capita income roughly matches that of Germany and
  France. However, after almost 15 years of above average GDP growth,
  the Spanish economy began to slow in late 2007 and entered into a
  recession in the second quarter of 2008. GDP contracted by 3.7% in
  2009, ending a 16-year growth trend, and by another 0.4% in 2010,
  making Spain the last major economy to emerge from the global
  recession. The reversal in Spain's economic growth reflects a
  significant decline in the construction sector, an oversupply of
  housing, falling consumer spending, and slumping exports. Government
  efforts to boost the economy through stimulus spending, extended
  unemployment benefits, and loan guarantees did not prevent a sharp
  rise in the unemployment rate, which rose from a low of about 8% in
  2007 to 20% in 2010. The government budget deficit worsened from
  3.8% of GDP in 2008 to about 9.7% of GDP in 2010, more than three
  times the euro-zone limit. Spain's large budget deficit and poor
  economic growth prospects have made it vulnerable to financial
  contagion from other highly-indebted euro zone members despite the
  government's efforts to cut spending, privatize industries, and
  boost competitiveness through labor market reforms. Spanish banks'
  high exposure to the collapsed domestic construction and real estate
  market also poses a continued risk for the sector. The government
  intervened in one regional savings bank in 2009, and investors
  remain concerned that Madrid may need to bail out more troubled
  banks. The Bank of Spain, however, is seeking to boost confidence in
  the financial sector by pressuring banks to come clean about their
  losses and consolidate into stronger groups.

Spratly Islands
  Economic activity is limited to commercial fishing.
  The proximity to nearby oil- and gas-producing sedimentary basins
  suggests the potential for oil and gas deposits, but the region is
  largely unexplored. There are no reliable estimates of potential
  reserves. Commercial exploitation has yet to be developed.

Sri Lanka
  Sri Lanka is engaging in large-scale reconstruction and
  development projects following the end of the 26-year conflict with
  the LTTE, including increasing electricity access and rebuilding its
  road and rail network. Additionally, Sri Lanka seeks to reduce
  poverty by using a combination of state directed policies and
  private investment promotion to spur growth in disadvantaged areas,
  develop small and medium enterprises, and promote increased
  agriculture, High levels of government funding may be difficult, as
  the government already is faced with high debt interest payments, a
  bloated civil service, and historically high budget deficits. The
  2008-09 global financial crisis and recession exposed Sri Lanka's
  economic vulnerabilities and nearly caused a balance of payments
  crisis, which was alleviated by a $2.6 billion IMF standby agreement
  in July 2009. The end of the civil war and the IMF loan, however,
  have largely restored investors' confidence, reflected in part by
  the Sri Lankan stock market's recognition as one of the best
  performing markets in the world. Sri Lankan growth rates averaged
  nearly 5% in during the war, but increased government spending on
  development and fighting the LTTE in the final years spurred GDP
  growth to around 6-7% per year in 2006-08. After experiencing 3.5%
  growth in 2009, Sri Lanka's economy is poised to achieve high growth
  rates in the postwar period.

Sudan
  Since 1997, Sudan has been working with the IMF to implement
  macroeconomic reforms including a managed float of the exchange rate
  and a large reserve of foreign exchange. A new currency, the
  Sudanese Pound, was introduced in January 2007 at an initial
  exchange rate of $1.00 equals 2 Sudanese Pounds. Sudan began
  exporting crude oil in the last quarter of 1999 and the economy
  boomed on the back of increases in oil production, high oil prices,
  and significant inflows of foreign direct investment until the
  second half of 2008. The Darfur conflict, the aftermath of two
  decades of civil war in the south, the lack of basic infrastructure
  in large areas, and a reliance by much of the population on
  subsistence agriculture ensure much of the population will remain at
  or below the poverty line for years to come despite rapid rises in
  average per capita income. Sudan's real GDP expanded by 5.2% during
  2010, an improvement over 2009's 4.2% growth but significantly below
  the more that 10% per year growth experienced prior to the global
  financial crisis in 2006 and 2007. While the oil sector continues to
  drive growth, services and utilities play an increasingly important
  role in the economy with agriculture production remaining important
  as it employs 80% of the work force and contributes a third of GDP.
  In the lead up to the referendum on southern secession, scheduled in
  January 2011, Sudan saw its currency depreciate considerably on the
  black market with the Central Bank's official rate also losing value
  as the Sudanese people started to hoard foreign currency. The
  Central Bank of Sudan intervened heavily in the currency market to
  defend the value of the pound and the Sudanese government introduced
  a number of measures to restrain excess local demand for hard
  currency, but uncertainty ahead of the referendum has meant that
  foreign exchange remained in heavy demand as 2010 came to a close.

Suriname
  The economy is dominated by the mining industry, with
  exports of alumina, gold, and oil accounting for about 85% of
  exports and 25% of government revenues, making the economy highly
  vulnerable to mineral price volatility. In 2000, the government of
  Ronald VENETIAAN, returned to office and inherited an economy with
  inflation of over 100% and a growing fiscal deficit. He quickly
  implemented an austerity program, raised taxes, attempted to control
  spending, and tamed inflation. Economic growth reached about 6% in
  2007 and 2008, owing to sizeable foreign investment in mining and
  oil. Suriname has received aid for projects in the bauxite and gold
  mining sectors from Netherlands, Belgium, and the European
  Development Fund. The economy contracted in 2009, however, as
  investment waned and the country earned less from its commodity
  exports when global prices for most commodities fell. Trade picked
  up, boosting Suriname's economic growth in 2010, but the
  government's budget remained strained, with increased social
  spending during last year's election. Suriname's economic prospects
  for the medium term will depend on continued commitment to
  responsible monetary and fiscal policies and to the introduction of
  structural reforms to liberalize markets and promote competition.

Svalbard
  Coal mining, tourism, and international research are the
  major revenue sources on Svalbard. Coal mining is the dominant
  economic activity and a treaty of 9 February 1920 gave the 41
  signatories equal rights to exploit mineral deposits, subject to
  Norwegian regulation. Although US, UK, Dutch, and Swedish coal
  companies have mined in the past, the only companies still engaging
  in this are Norwegian and Russian. The settlements on Svalbard are
  essentially company towns. The Norwegian state-owned coal company
  employs nearly 60% of the Norwegian population on the island, runs
  many of the local services, and provides most of the local
  infrastructure. There is also some hunting of seal, reindeer, and
  fox.

Swaziland
  In this small, landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture
  occupies approximately 70% of the population. The manufacturing
  sector has diversified since the mid-1980s. Sugar and wood pulp
  remain important foreign exchange earners. In 2007, the sugar
  industry increased efficiency and diversification efforts, in
  response to a 17% decline in EU sugar prices. Mining has declined in
  importance in recent years with only coal and quarry stone mines
  remaining active. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short
  border with Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South
  Africa from which it receives more than nine-tenths of its imports
  and to which it sends 60% of its exports. Swaziland's currency is
  pegged to the South African rand, subsuming Swaziland's monetary
  policy to South Africa. Customs duties from the Southern African
  Customs Union (SACU) account for two-thirds of Swaziland's
  government revenues, and worker remittances from South Africa
  substantially supplement domestically earned income. Customs
  revenues plummeted during the global economic crisis and Swaziland
  has appealed to SACU for assistance. With an estimated 40%
  unemployment rate, Swaziland's need to increase the number and size
  of small and medium enterprises and attract foreign direct
  investment is acute. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and
  sometimes floods persist as problems for the future. More than
  one-fourth of the population needed emergency food aid in 2006-07
  because of drought, and more than one-quarter of the adult
  population has been infected by HIV/AIDS.

Sweden
  Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole of the 20th
  century, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a
  mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits.
  It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external
  communications, and a skilled labor force. In September 2003,
  Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system concerned
  about the impact on the economy and sovereignty. Timber, hydropower,
  and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily
  oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for
  about 90% of industrial output, of which the engineering sector
  accounts for 50% of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for
  little more than 1% of GDP and of employment. Until 2008, Sweden was
  in the midst of a sustained economic upswing, boosted by increased
  domestic demand and strong exports. This and robust finances offered
  the center-right government considerable scope to implement its
  reform program aimed at increasing employment, reducing welfare
  dependence, and streamlining the state's role in the economy.
  Despite strong finances and underlying fundamentals, the Swedish
  economy slid into recession in the third quarter of 2008 and growth
  continued downward in 2009 as deteriorating global conditions
  reduced export demand and consumption. Strong exports of commodities
  and a return to profitability by Sweden's banking sector drove the
  strong rebound in 2010.

Switzerland
  Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous, and modern market
  economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a
  per capita GDP among the highest in the world. Switzerland's economy
  benefits from a highly developed service sector, led by financial
  services, and a manufacturing industry that specializes in
  high-technology, knowledge-based production. The Swiss have brought
  their economic practices largely into conformity with the EU's, in
  order to enhance their international competitiveness, but some trade
  protectionism remains, particularly for its small agricultural
  sector. The global financial crisis and resulting economic downturn
  put Switzerland in a recession in 2009 as global export demand
  stalled. The Swiss National Bank during this period effectively
  implemented a zero-interest rate policy in a bid to boost the
  economy and prevent appreciation of the franc. Switzerland's economy
  grew 2.8% in 2010, when Bern implemented a third fiscal stimulus
  program, but its prized banking sector has recently faced
  significant challenges. The country's largest banks suffered sizable
  losses in 2008-09, leading its largest bank to accept a government
  rescue deal in late 2008. Switzerland has also come under increasing
  pressure from individual neighboring countries, the EU, the US, and
  international institutions to reform its banking secrecy laws.
  Consequently, the government agreed to conform to OECD regulations
  on administrative assistance in tax matters, including tax evasion.
  The government has renegotiated its double taxation agreements with
  numerous countries, including the US, to incorporate the OECD
  standard, and it is working with Germany and the UK to resolve
  outsanding issues, particularly the possibility of imposing taxes on
  bank deposits held by foreigners. Parliament passed the first five
  double-taxation agreements, including that with the US, in March
  2010, but the agreements are subject to public referendum. In 2009,
  Swiss financial regulators ordered the country's largest bank to
  reveal at Washington's behest the names of US account-holders
  suspected of using the bank to commit tax fraud. These steps will
  have a lasting impact on Switzerland's long history of bank secrecy.

Syria
  Syrian economic growth slowed to 1.8% in 2009 as the global
  economic crisis affected oil prices and the economies of Syria's key
  export partners and sources of investment. Damascus has implemented
  modest economic reforms in the past few years, including cutting
  lending interest rates, opening private banks, consolidating all of
  the multiple exchange rates, raising prices on some subsidized
  items, most notably gasoline and cement, and establishing the
  Damascus Stock Exchange - which began operations in 2009. In
  addition, President ASAD signed legislative decrees to encourage
  corporate ownership reform, and to allow the Central Bank to issue
  Treasury bills and bonds for government debt. Nevertheless, the
  economy remains highly controlled by the government. Long-run
  economic constraints include declining oil production, high
  unemployment, rising budget deficits, and increasing pressure on
  water supplies caused by heavy use in agriculture, rapid population
  growth, industrial expansion, and water pollution.

Taiwan Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with gradually decreasing government guidance of investment and foreign trade. In keeping with this trend, some large, state-owned banks and industrial firms have been privatized. Exports, led by electronics and machinery, generate about 70% of Taiwan's GDP growth, and have provided the primary impetus for economic development. This heavy dependence on exports makes the economy vulnerable to downturns in world demand. In 2009, Taiwan's GDP fell by 1.9%, due primarily to a 20% year-on-year decline in exports. GDP grew more than 8% in 2010, as exports returned to the level of previous years. Taiwan's diplomatic isolation, low birth rate, and rapidly aging population are major long-term challenges. Free trade agreements have proliferated in East Asia over the past several years, but so far Taiwan has been excluded from this greater economic integration, largely for reasons of diplomacy. Taiwan's birth rate of only 1.2 child per woman is among the lowest in the world, raising the prospect of future labor shortages, falling domestic demand, and declining tax revenues. Taiwan's population is aging quickly, with the number of people over 65 accounting for 10.8% of the island's total population as of the end of 2009. The island runs a large trade surplus, and its foreign reserves are the world's fourth largest, behind China, Japan, and Russia. Since President MA Ying-jeou took office in May 2008, cross-Strait economic ties have increased significantly. Since 2005 China has overtaken the US to become Taiwan's second-largest source of imports after Japan. China is also the island's number one destination for foreign direct investment. Taipei has focused much of its economic recovery effort on improving cross-Strait economic integration. Three financial memorandums of understanding, covering banking, securities, and insurance, took effect in mid-January 2010, opening the island to greater investments from the Mainland's financial firms and institutional investors, and providing new opportunities for Taiwan financial firms to operate in China. Taiwan and the mainland in June 2010 signed the landmark Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), an agreement similar to a free-trade agreement deal that will increase cross-Strait economic ties by lowering tariffs on a number of goods. Taiwan's goverment has said that the ECFA will serve as a stepping stone toward trade pacts with other regional partners and announced the beginning of negotiations on such an agreement with Singapore in August.

Tajikistan Tajikistan has one of the lowest per capita GDPs among the 15 former Soviet republics. Because of a lack of employment opportunities in Tajikistan, nearly half of the labor force works abroad, primarily in Russia and Kazakhstan, supporting families in Tajikistan through remittances. The exact number of labor migrants is unknown, but estimated at around 1 million. Less than 7% of the land area is arable. Cotton is the most important crop, but this sector is burdened with debt and obsolete infrastructure; moreover, government has encouraged a gradual transition away from cotton and towards food cultivation due to its concerns about feeding the population. Mineral resources include silver, gold, uranium, and tungsten. Industry consists only of a large aluminum plant, hydropower facilities, and small obsolete factories mostly in light industry and food processing. The civil war (1992-97) severely damaged the already weak economic infrastructure and caused a sharp decline in industrial and agricultural production. Tajikistan's economic situation remains fragile due to uneven implementation of structural reforms, corruption, weak governance, seasonal power shortages, and the external debt burden. A debt restructuring agreement was reached with Russia in December 2002, including a $250 million write-off of Tajikistan's $300 million debt. Completion of the Sangtuda I hydropower dam - finished in 2009 with Russian investment - and the Sangtuda II and Rogun dams will add substantially to electricity output. If finished according to Tajik plans, Rogun will be the world's tallest dam. The World Bank, in 2010, agreed to fund safety and feasibility studies for the Rogun Dam. Favorable reports from these studies could increase investor interest in the project, which has been stalled due to lack of funding. Tajikistan has also received substantial infrastructure development loans from the Chinese government to improve roads and an electricity transmission network. To help increase north-south trade, the US funded a $36 million bridge which opened in August 2007 and links Tajikistan and Afghanistan. While Tajikistan has experienced steady economic growth since 1997, more than half of the population continues to live in poverty. Economic growth reached 10.6% in 2004, but dropped below 8% in 2005-08, as the effects of higher oil prices and then the international financial crisis began to register - mainly in the form of lower prices for key export commodities and lower remittances from Tajiks working abroad, due to the global economic downturn. In 2009 GDP growth dropped to 3.4% as a result of the world recession.

Tanzania
  Tanzania is one of the world's poorest economies in terms
  of per capita income, however, Tanzania average 7% GDP growth per
  year between 2000 and 2008 on strong gold production and tourism.
  The economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for more
  than one-fourth of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs about
  60% of the work force. The World Bank, the IMF, and bilateral donors
  have provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania's aging economic
  infrastructure, including rail and port infrastructure that are
  important trade links for inland countries. Recent banking reforms
  have helped increase private-sector growth and investment, and the
  government has increased spending on agriculture to 7% of its
  budget. Continued donor assistance and solid macroeconomic policies
  supported a positive growth rate, despite the world recession. In
  2008, Tanzania received the world's largest Millennium Challenge
  Compact grant, worth $698 million. Dar es Salaam used fiscal
  stimulus and loosened monitary policy to ease the impact of the
  global recession. GDP growth in 2009-10 was a respectable 6% per
  year due to high gold prices and increased production.

Thailand
  With a well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise
  economy, generally pro-investment policies, and strong export
  industries, Thailand enjoyed solid growth from 2000 to 2008 -
  averaging more than 4% per year - as it recovered from the Asian
  financial crisis of 1997-98. Thai exports - mostly machinery and
  electronic components, agricultural commodities, and jewelry -
  continue to drive the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP.
  The global financial crisis of 2008-09 severely cut Thailand's
  exports, with most sectors experiencing double-digit drops. In 2009,
  the economy contracted 2.2%. In 2010, Thailand's economy expanded
  7.6%, its fastest pace since 1995, as exports rebounded from their
  depressed 2009 level. Antigovernment protests during March-May and
  the country's polarized political situation had - at most - a
  temporary impact on business and consumer confidence. Although
  tourism was hit hard during the protests, its quick recovery helped
  boost consumer confidence to new highs. Moreover, business and
  investor sentiment remained buoyant as Thailand's stock market grew
  almost 5% during the three-month period. The economy probably will
  continue to experience high grow well into 2011.

Timor-Leste
  In late 1999, about 70% of the economic infrastructure
  of Timor-Leste was laid waste by Indonesian troops and
  anti-independence militias. Three hundred thousand people fled
  westward. Over the next three years a massive international program,
  manned by 5,000 peacekeepers (8,000 at peak) and 1,300 police
  officers, led to substantial reconstruction in both urban and rural
  areas. By the end of 2005, refugees had returned or had settled in
  Indonesia. The country continues to face great challenges in
  rebuilding its infrastructure, strengthening the civil
  administration, and generating jobs for young people entering the
  work force. The development of oil and gas resources in offshore
  waters has greatly supplemented government revenues. This
  technology-intensive industry, however, has done little to create
  jobs for the unemployed because there are no production facilities
  in Timor. Gas is piped to Australia. In June 2005, the National
  Parliament unanimously approved the creation of a Petroleum Fund to
  serve as a repository for all petroleum revenues and to preserve the
  value of Timor-Leste's petroleum wealth for future generations. The
  Fund held assets of US$5.3 billion as of October 2009. The economy
  has been little impacted by the global financial crisis and
  continues to recover strongly from the mid-2006 outbreak of violence
  and civil unrest, which disrupted both private and public sector
  economic activity. The government in 2008 resettled tens of
  thousands of an estimated 100,000 internally displaced persons
  (IDPs); most IDPs returned home by early 2009. The underlying
  economic policy challenge the country faces remains how best to use
  oil-and-gas wealth to lift the non-oil economy onto a higher growth
  path and to reduce poverty.

Togo
  This small, sub-Saharan economy suffers from anemic economic
  growth and depends heavily on both commercial and subsistence
  agriculture, which provides employment for 65% of the labor force.
  Some basic foodstuffs must still be imported. Cocoa, coffee, and
  cotton generate about 40% of export earnings with cotton being the
  most important cash crop. Togo is the world's fourth-largest
  producer of phosphate. The government's decade-long effort,
  supported by the World Bank and the IMF, to implement economic
  reform measures, encourage foreign investment, and bring revenues in
  line with expenditures has moved slowly. Progress depends on follow
  through on privatization, increased openness in government financial
  operations, progress toward legislative elections, and continued
  support from foreign donors. Togo is on track with its IMF Extended
  Credit Facility and reached a HIPC debt relief completion point in
  2010 at which 95% of the country's debt was forgiven. Economic
  growth prospects remain marginal due to declining cotton production
  and underinvestment in phosphate mining.

Tokelau
  Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack
  of resources greatly restrain economic development and confine
  agriculture to the subsistence level. The people rely heavily on aid
  from New Zealand - about $10 million annually in 2008 and 2009 - to
  maintain public services. New Zealand's support amounts to 80% of
  Tokelau's recurrent government budget. An international trust fund,
  currently worth nearly US$32 million, was established in 2004 to
  provide Tokelau an independent source of revenue. The principal
  sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage stamps,
  souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to families
  from relatives in New Zealand.

Tonga
  Tonga has a small, open, South Pacific island economy. It has
  a narrow export base in agricultural goods. Squash, vanilla beans,
  and yams are the main crops. Agricultural exports, including fish,
  make up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high
  proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The country remains
  dependent on external aid and remittances from Tongan communities
  overseas to offset its trade deficit. Tourism is the second-largest
  source of hard currency earnings following remittances. Tonga had
  39,000 visitors in 2006. The government is emphasizing the
  development of the private sector, especially the encouragement of
  investment, and is committing increased funds for health and
  education. Tonga has a reasonably sound basic infrastructure and
  well developed social services. High unemployment among the young, a
  continuing upturn in inflation, pressures for democratic reform, and
  rising civil service expenditures are major issues facing the
  government.

Trinidad and Tobago
  Trinidad and Tobago has earned a reputation as
  an excellent investment site for international businesses and has
  one of the highest growth rates and per capita incomes in Latin
  America. Economic growth between 2000 and 2007 averaged slightly
  over 8%, significantly above the regional average of about 3.7% for
  that same period; however, GDP has slowed down since then and
  contracted about 3.5% in 2009, before rising more than 2% in 2010.
  Growth has been fueled by investments in liquefied natural gas
  (LNG), petrochemicals, and steel. Additional petrochemical,
  aluminum, and plastics projects are in various stages of planning.
  Trinidad and Tobago is the leading Caribbean producer of oil and
  gas, and its economy is heavily dependent upon these resources but
  it also supplies manufactured goods, notably food products and
  beverages, as well as cement to the Caribbean region. Oil and gas
  account for about 40% of GDP and 80% of exports, but only 5% of
  employment. The country is also a regional financial center, and
  tourism is a growing sector, although it is not as important
  domestically as it is to many other Caribbean islands. The economy
  benefits from a growing trade surplus. The previous MANNING
  administration benefited from fiscal surpluses fueled by the dynamic
  export sector; however, declines in oil and gas prices have reduced
  government revenues which will challenge the new government's
  commitment to maintaining high levels of public investment.

Tunisia
  Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural,
  mining, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Governmental control of
  economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened over the
  past decade with increasing privatization, simplification of the tax
  structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Progressive social
  policies also have helped raise living conditions in Tunisia
  relative to the region. Real growth, which averaged almost 5% over
  the past decade, declined to 4.6% in 2008 and to 3-4% in 2009-10
  because of economic contraction and slowing of import demand in
  Europe - Tunisia's largest export market. However, development of
  non-textile manufacturing, a recovery in agricultural production,
  and strong growth in the services sector somewhat mitigated the
  economic effect of slowing exports. Tunisia will need to reach even
  higher growth levels to create sufficient employment opportunities
  for an already large number of unemployed as well as the growing
  population of university graduates. The challenges ahead include:
  privatizing industry, liberalizing the investment code to increase
  foreign investment, improving government efficiency, reducing the
  trade deficit, and reducing socioeconomic disparities in the
  impoverished south and west.

Turkey
  Turkey's economy is increasingly driven by its industry and
  service sectors, although its traditional agriculture sector still
  accounts for about 30% of employment. An aggressive privatization
  program has reduced state involvement in basic industry, banking,
  transport, and communication, and an emerging cadre of middle-class
  entrepreneurs is adding a dynamism to the economy. Turkey's
  traditional textiles and clothing clothing sectors still account for
  one-third of industrial employment, despite stiff competition in
  international markets that resulted from the end of the global quota
  system. Other sectors, notably the automotive, construction, and
  electronics industries, are rising in importance and have surpassed
  textiles within Turkey's export mix. Oil began to flow through the
  Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in May 2006, marking a major milestone
  that will bring up to 1 million barrels per day from the Caspian to
  market. Several gas pipelines also are being planned to help move
  Central Asian gas to Europe via Turkey, which will help address
  Turkey's dependence on energy imports over the long term. After
  Turkey experienced a severe financial crisis in 2001, Ankara adopted
  financial and fiscal reforms as part of an IMF program. The reforms
  strengthened the country's economic fundamentals and ushered in an
  era of strong growth - averaging more than 6% annually until 2009,
  when global economic conditions and tighter fiscal policy slowed
  growth to 4.7%, reduced inflation to 6.5% - a 34-year low - and cut
  the public sector debt-to-GPD ratio below 50%. Turkey's
  well-regulated financial markets and banking system weathered the
  global financial crisis and GDP rebounded strongly to 7.3% in 2010,
  as exports returned to normal levels following the recession. The
  economy, however, continues to be burdened by a high current account
  deficit and remains dependent on often volatile, short-term
  investment to finance its trade deficit. The stock value of FDI
  stood at $174 billion at year-end 2010, but inflows have slowed
  considerably in light of continuing economic turmoil in Europe, the
  source of much of Turkey's FDI. Further economic and judicial
  reforms and prospective EU membership are expected to boost Turkey's
  attractiveness to foreign investors. However, Turkey's relatively
  high current account deficit, uncertainty related to policy-making,
  and fiscal imbalances leave the economy vulnerable to destabilizing
  shifts in investor confidence.

Turkmenistan
  Turkmenistan is largely a desert country with intensive
  agriculture in irrigated oases and sizeable gas and oil resources.
  The two largest crops are cotton, most of which is produced for
  export, and wheat, which is domestically consumed. Although
  agriculture accounts for roughly 10% of GDP, it continues to employ
  nearly half of the country's workforce. With an authoritarian
  ex-Communist regime in power and a tribally based social structure,
  Turkmenistan has taken a cautious approach to economic reform,
  hoping to use gas and cotton export revenues to sustain its
  inefficient economy. Privatization goals remain limited. From
  1998-2005, Turkmenistan suffered from the continued lack of adequate
  export routes for natural gas and from obligations on extensive
  short-term external debt. At the same time, however, total exports
  rose by an average of roughly 15% per year from 2003-08, largely
  because of higher international oil and gas prices. New pipelines to
  China and Iran, that began operation in late 2009 and early 2010,
  have given Turkmenistan additional export routes for its gas,
  although these new routes have not offset the sharp drop in export
  revenue since early 2009 from decreased gas exports to Russia.
  Overall prospects in the near future are discouraging because of
  widespread internal poverty, endemic corruption, a poor educational
  system, government misuse of oil and gas revenues, and Ashgabat's
  reluctance to adopt market-oriented reforms. In the past,
  Turkmenistan's economic statistics were state secrets. The new
  government has established a State Agency for Statistics, but GDP
  numbers and other figures are subject to wide margins of error. In
  particular, the rate of GDP growth is uncertain. Since his election,
  President BERDIMUHAMEDOW unified the country's dual currency
  exchange rate, ordered the redenomination of the manat, reduced
  state subsidies for gasoline, and initiated development of a special
  tourism zone on the Caspian Sea. Although foreign investment is
  encouraged, numerous bureaucratic obstacles impede international
  business activity.

Turks and Caicos Islands
  The Turks and Caicos economy is based on
  tourism, offshore financial services, and fishing. Most capital
  goods and food for domestic consumption are imported. The US is the
  leading source of tourists, accounting for more than three-quarters
  of the 175,000 visitors that arrived in 2004. Major sources of
  government revenue also include fees from offshore financial
  activities and customs receipts.

Tuvalu
  Tuvalu consists of a densely populated, scattered group of
  nine coral atolls with poor soil. The country has no known mineral
  resources and few exports and is almost entirely dependent upon
  imported food and fuel. Subsistence farming and fishing are the
  primary economic activities. Fewer than 1,000 tourists, on average,
  visit Tuvalu annually. Job opportunities are scarce and public
  sector workers make up most of those employed. About 15% of the
  adult male population work as seamen on merchant ships abroad, and
  remittances are a vital source of income contributing around $2
  million in 2007. Substantial income is received annually from the
  Tuvalu Trust Fund (TTF) an international trust fund established in
  1987 by Australia, NZ, and the UK and supported also by Japan and
  South Korea. Thanks to wise investments and conservative
  withdrawals, this fund grew from an initial $17 million to an
  estimated value of $77 million in 2006. The TTF contributed nearly
  $9 million towards the government budget in 2006 and is an important
  cushion for meeting shortfalls in the government's budget. The US
  Government is also a major revenue source for Tuvalu because of
  payments from a 1988 treaty on fisheries. In an effort to ensure
  financial stability and sustainability, the government is pursuing
  public sector reforms, including privatization of some government
  functions and personnel cuts. Tuvalu also derives royalties from the
  lease of its ".tv" Internet domain name with revenue of more than $2
  million in 2006. A minor source of government revenue comes from the
  sale of stamps and coins. With merchandise exports only a fraction
  of merchandise imports, continued reliance must be placed on fishing
  and telecommunications license fees, remittances from overseas
  workers, official transfers, and income from overseas investments.
  Growing income disparities and the vulnerability of the country to
  climatic change are among leading concerns for the nation.

Uganda
  Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile
  soils, regular rainfall, small deposits of copper, gold, and other
  minerals, and recently discovered oil. Uganda has never conducted a
  national minerals survey. Agriculture is the most important sector
  of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee
  accounts for the bulk of export revenues. Since 1986, the government
  - with the support of foreign countries and international agencies -
  has acted to rehabilitate and stabilize the economy by undertaking
  currency reform, raising producer prices on export crops, increasing
  prices of petroleum products, and improving civil service wages. The
  policy changes are especially aimed at dampening inflation and
  boosting production and export earnings. Since 1990 economic reforms
  ushered in an era of solid economic growth based on continued
  investment in infrastructure, improved incentives for production and
  exports, lower inflation, better domestic security, and the return
  of exiled Indian-Ugandan entrepreneurs. Uganda has received about $2
  billion in multilateral and bilateral debt relief. In 2007 Uganda
  received $10 million for a Millennium Challenge Account Threshold
  Program. The global economic downturn has hurt Uganda's exports;
  however, Uganda's GDP growth is still relatively strong due to past
  reforms and sound management of the downturn. Oil revenues and taxes
  will become a larger source of government funding as oil comes on
  line in the next few years. Instability in southern Sudan is the
  biggest risk for the Ugandan economy in 2011 because Uganda's main
  export partner is Sudan and Uganda is a key destination for Sudanese
  refugees.

Ukraine After Russia, the Ukrainian republic was far and away the most important economic component of the former Soviet Union, producing about four times the output of the next-ranking republic. Its fertile black soil generated more than one-fourth of Soviet agricultural output, and its farms provided substantial quantities of meat, milk, grain, and vegetables to other republics. Likewise, its diversified heavy industry supplied the unique equipment (for example, large diameter pipes) and raw materials to industrial and mining sites (vertical drilling apparatus) in other regions of the former USSR. Shortly after independence in August 1991, the Ukrainian Government liberalized most prices and erected a legal framework for privatization, but widespread resistance to reform within the government and the legislature soon stalled reform efforts and led to some backtracking. Output by 1999 had fallen to less than 40% of the 1991 level. Ukraine's dependence on Russia for energy supplies and the lack of significant structural reform have made the Ukrainian economy vulnerable to external shocks. Ukraine depends on imports to meet about three-fourths of its annual oil and natural gas requirements and 100% of its nuclear fuel needs. After a two-week dispute that saw gas supplies cutoff to Europe, Ukraine agreed to ten-year gas supply and transit contracts with Russia in January 2009 that brought gas prices to "world" levels. The strict terms of the contracts have further hobbled Ukraine's cash-strapped state gas company, Naftohaz. Outside institutions - particularly the IMF - have encouraged Ukraine to quicken the pace and scope of reforms. Ukrainian Government officials eliminated most tax and customs privileges in a March 2005 budget law, bringing more economic activity out of Ukraine's large shadow economy, but more improvements are needed, including fighting corruption, developing capital markets, and improving the legislative framework. Ukraine's economy was buoyant despite political turmoil between the prime minister and president until mid-2008. Real GDP growth exceeded 7% in 2006-07, fueled by high global prices for steel - Ukraine's top export - and by strong domestic consumption, spurred by rising pensions and wages. Ukraine reached an agreement with the IMF for a $16.4 billion Stand-By Arrangement in November 2008 to deal with the economic crisis, but the Ukrainian Government's lack of progress in implementing reforms has twice delayed the release of IMF assistance funds. The drop in steel prices and Ukraine's exposure to the global financial crisis due to aggressive foreign borrowing lowered growth in 2008 and the economy contracted more than 15% in 2009, among the worst economic performances in the world; growth resumed in 2010, buoyed by exports. External conditions are likely to hamper efforts for economic recovery in 2011.

United Arab Emirates
  The UAE has an open economy with a high per
  capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Successful efforts
  at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP based on
  oil and gas output to 25%. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE
  more than 30 years ago, the UAE has undergone a profound
  transformation from an impoverished region of small desert
  principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. The
  government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure
  expansion and is opening up utilities to greater private sector
  involvement. In April 2004, the UAE signed a Trade and Investment
  Framework Agreement with Washington and in November 2004 agreed to
  undertake negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement with the US,
  however, those talks have not moved forward. The country's Free
  Trade Zones - offering 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes - are
  helping to attract foreign investors. The global financial crisis,
  tight international credit, and deflated asset prices slowed GDP
  growth in 2010. UAE authorities tried to blunt the crisis by
  increasing spending and boosting liquidity in the banking sector.
  The crisis hit Dubai hardest, as it was heavily exposed to depressed
  real estate prices. Dubai lacked sufficient cash to meet its debt
  obligations, prompting global concern about its solvency. The UAE
  Central Bank and Abu Dhabi-based banks bought the largest shares. In
  December 2009 Dubai received an additional $10 billion loan from the
  emirate of Abu Dhabi. The economy is expected to continue a slow
  rebound. Dependence on oil, a large expatriate workforce, and
  growing inflation pressures are significant long-term challenges.
  The UAE's strategic plan for the next few years focuses on
  diversification and creating more opportunities for nationals
  through improved education and increased private sector employment.

United Kingdom
  The UK, a leading trading power and financial center,
  is the third largest economy in Europe after Germany and France.
  Over the past two decades, the government has greatly reduced public
  ownership and contained the growth of social welfare programs.
  Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by
  European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with less than
  2% of the labor force. The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil
  resources, but its oil and natural gas reserves are declining and
  the UK became a net importer of energy in 2005. Services,
  particularly banking, insurance, and business services, account by
  far for the largest proportion of GDP while industry continues to
  decline in importance. After emerging from recession in 1992,
  Britain's economy enjoyed the longest period of expansion on record
  during which time growth outpaced most of Western Europe. In 2008,
  however, the global financial crisis hit the economy particularly
  hard, due to the importance of its financial sector. Sharply
  declining home prices, high consumer debt, and the global economic
  slowdown compounded Britain's economic problems, pushing the economy
  into recession in the latter half of 2008 and prompting the then
  BROWN government to implement a number of measures to stimulate the
  economy and stabilize the financial markets; these include
  nationalizing parts of the banking system, cutting taxes, suspending
  public sector borrowing rules, and moving forward public spending on
  capital projects. Facing burgeoning public deficits and debt levels,
  the CAMERON government in 2010 initiiated a five-year austerity
  program, which aims to lower London's budget deficit from over 11%
  of GDP in 2010 to nearly 1% by 2015. The Bank of England
  periodically coordinates interest rate moves with the European
  Central Bank, but Britain remains outside the European Economic and
  Monetary Union (EMU).

United States The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $47,400. In this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace. US business firms enjoy greater flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant, to lay off surplus workers, and to develop new products. At the same time, they face higher barriers to enter their rivals' home markets than foreign firms face entering US markets. US firms are at or near the forefront in technological advances, especially in computers and in medical, aerospace, and military equipment; their advantage has narrowed since the end of World War II. The onrush of technology largely explains the gradual development of a "two-tier labor market" in which those at the bottom lack the education and the professional/technical skills of those at the top and, more and more, fail to get comparable pay raises, health insurance coverage, and other benefits. Since 1975, practically all the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of households. The war in March-April 2003 between a US-led coalition and Iraq, and the subsequent occupation of Iraq, required major shifts in national resources to the military. Soaring oil prices between 2005 and the first half of 2008 threatened inflation and unemployment, as higher gasoline prices ate into consumers' budgets. Imported oil accounts for about 60% of US consumption. Long-term problems include inadequate investment in economic infrastructure, rapidly rising medical and pension costs of an aging population, sizable trade and budget deficits, and stagnation of family income in the lower economic groups. The merchandise trade deficit reached a record $840 billion in 2008 before shrinking to $506 billion in 2009, and ramping back up to $630 billion in 2010. The global economic downturn, the sub-prime mortgage crisis, investment bank failures, falling home prices, and tight credit pushed the United States into a recession by mid-2008. GDP contracted until the third quarter of 2009, making this the deepest and longest downturn since the Great Depression. To help stabilize financial markets, the US Congress established a $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) in October 2008. The government used some of these funds to purchase equity in US banks and other industrial corporations, much of which had been returned to the government by early 2011. In January 2009 the US Congress passed and President Barack OBAMA signed a bill providing an additional $787 billion fiscal stimulus to be used over 10 years - two-thirds on additional spending and one-third on tax cuts - to create jobs and to help the economy recover. Approximately two-thirds of these funds were injected into the economy by the end of 2010. In March 2010, President OBAMA signed a health insurance reform bill into law that will extend coverage to an additional 32 million American citizens by 2016, through private health insurance for the general population and Medicaid for the impoverished. In July 2010, the president signed the DODD-FRANK Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, a bill designed to promote financial stability by protecting consumers from financial abuses, ending taxpayer bailouts of financial firms, dealing with troubled banks that are "too big to fail," and improving accountability and transparency in the financial system - in particular, by requiring certain financial derivatives to be traded in markets that are subject to government regulation and oversight. In late 2010, the US Federal Reserve Bank (The Fed) announced that it would purchase $600 billion worth of US Government bonds by June 2011, in an attempt to keep interest rates from rising and snuffing out the nascent recovery.

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  no economic activity

Uruguay
  Uruguay's economy is characterized by an export-oriented
  agricultural sector, a well-educated work force, and high levels of
  social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually during
  1996-98, in 1999-2002 the economy suffered a major downturn,
  stemming largely from the spillover effects of the economic problems
  of its large neighbors, Argentina and Brazil. In 2001-02, Argentine
  citizens made massive withdrawals of dollars deposited in Uruguayan
  banks after bank deposits in Argentina were frozen, which led to a
  plunge in the Uruguayan peso, a banking crisis, and a sharp economic
  contraction. Real GDP fell in four years by nearly 20%, with 2002
  the worst year. The unemployment rate rose, inflation surged, and
  the burden of external debt doubled. Financial assistance from the
  IMF helped stem the damage. Uruguay restructured its external debt
  in 2003 without asking creditors to accept a reduction on the
  principal. Economic growth for Uruguay resumed, and averaged 8%
  annually during the period 2004-08. The 2008-09 global financial
  crisis put a brake on Uruguay's vigorous growth, which decelerated
  to 2.9% in 2009. Nevertheless, the country managed to avoid a
  recession and keep positive growth rates, mainly through higher
  public expenditure and investment, and GDP growth exceeded 7% in
  2010.

Uzbekistan
  Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country; 11% of the land
  is intensely cultivated, in irrigated river valleys. More than 60%
  of the population lives in densely populated rural communities.
  Export of hydrocarbons, including natural gas and petroleum,
  provided about 40% of foreign exchange earnings in 2009. Other major
  export earners include gold and cotton. Uzbekistan is now the
  world's second-largest cotton exporter and fifth largest producer;
  it has come under increasing international criticism for the use of
  child labor in its annual cotton harvest. Nevertheless, Uzbekistan
  enjoyed a bumper cotton crop in 2010 amidst record high prices.
  Following independence in September 1991, the government sought to
  prop up its Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight
  controls on production and prices. While aware of the need to
  improve the investment climate, the government still sponsors
  measures that often increase, not decrease, its control over
  business decisions. A sharp increase in the inequality of income
  distribution has hurt the lower ranks of society since independence.
  In 2003, the government accepted Article VIII obligations under the
  IMF, providing for full currency convertibility. However, strict
  currency controls and tightening of borders have lessened the
  effects of convertibility and have also led to some shortages that
  have further stifled economic activity. The Central Bank often
  delays or restricts convertibility, especially for consumer goods.
  Potential investment by Russia and China in Uzbekistan's gas and oil
  industry, as well as increased cooperation with South Korea in the
  realm of civil aviation, may boost growth prospects. However,
  decreased demand for natural gas in Europe and Russia in the wake of
  the global financial crisis could reduce energy-related revenues in
  the near term. In November 2005, Russian President Vladimir PUTIN
  and Uzbekistan President KARIMOV signed an "alliance," which
  included provisions for economic and business cooperation. Russian
  businesses have shown increased interest in Uzbekistan, especially
  in mining, telecom, and oil and gas. In 2006, Uzbekistan took steps
  to rejoin the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the
  Eurasian Economic Community (EurASEC), which it subsequently left in
  2008, both organizations dominated by Russia. In the past Uzbek
  authorities had accused US and other foreign companies operating in
  Uzbekistan of violating Uzbek tax laws and have frozen their assets,
  but no new expropriations occurred in 2008-09. Instead, the Uzbek
  Government has actively courted several major U.S. and international
  corporations, offering attractive financing and tax advantages, and
  has landed a significant US investment in the automotive industry.
  Although growth slowed in 2009-10, Uzbekistan has seen few other
  effects from the global economic downturn, primarily due to its
  relative isolation from the global financial markets.

Vanuatu
  This South Pacific island economy is based primarily on
  small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about
  two-thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services,
  and tourism, with nearly 197,000 visitors in 2008, are other
  mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the
  country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry
  sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from
  import duties. Economic development is hindered by dependence on
  relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural
  disasters, and long distances from main markets and between
  constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government
  has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center.
  In mid-2002, the government stepped up efforts to boost tourism
  through improved air connections, resort development, and cruise
  ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a
  second target for growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main
  suppliers of tourists and foreign aid.

Venezuela
  Venezuela remains highly dependent on oil revenues, which
  account for roughly 95% of export earnings, about 55% of the federal
  budget revenues, and around 30% of GDP. A nationwide strike between
  December 2002 and February 2003 had far-reaching economic
  consequences - real GDP declined by around 9% in 2002 and 8% in 2003
  - but economic output since then has recovered strongly. Fueled by
  high oil prices, record government spending helped to boost GDP by
  about 10% in 2006, 8% in 2007, and nearly 5% in 2008, before a sharp
  drop in oil prices caused a contraction in 2009-10. This spending,
  combined with recent minimum wage hikes and improved access to
  domestic credit, has created a consumption boom but has come at the
  cost of higher inflation - roughly 32% in 2008, and slowing only
  slightly to 30% in 2010, despite the lengthy downturn. Imports also
  jumped significantly before the recession of 2009. President Hugo
  CHAVEZ's continued efforts to increase the government's control of
  the economy by nationalizing firms in the agribusiness, financial,
  construction, oil, and steel sectors have hurt the private
  investment environment, reduced productive capacity, and slowed
  non-petroleum exports. In the first half of 2010 Venezuela faced the
  prospect of lengthy nationwide blackouts when its main hydroelectric
  power plant - which provides more than 35% of the country's
  electricity - nearly shut down. In January, 2010, CHAVEZ announced a
  dual exchange rate system for the bolivar and closed the unofficial
  foreign exchange market - the "parallel" market - in an effort to
  stem inflation and slow the currency's depreciation. The foreign
  exchange system offers a 2.6 bolivar per dollar rate for imports of
  essentials, including food, medicine, and industrial machinery, and
  a 4.3 bolivar per dollar rate for imports of other products,
  including cars and telephones.

Vietnam
  Vietnam is a densely-populated developing country that in
  the last 30 years has had to recover from the ravages of war, the
  loss of financial support from the old Soviet Bloc, and the
  rigidities of a centrally-planned economy. Vietnamese authorities
  have reaffirmed their commitment to economic liberalization and
  international integration. They have moved to implement the
  structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce
  more competitive export-driven industries. Vietnam joined the WTO in
  January 2007 following more than a decade-long negotiation process.
  WTO membership has provided Vietnam an anchor to the global market
  and reinforced the domestic economic reform process. Agriculture's
  share of economic output has continued to shrink from about 25% in
  2000 to about 21% in 2009. Deep poverty has declined significantly
  and Vietnam is working to create jobs to meet the challenge of a
  labor force that is growing by more than one million people every
  year. The global recession has hurt Vietnam's export-oriented
  economy with GDP growing less than the 7% per annum average achieved
  during the last decade. In 2009 exports fell nearly 10%
  year-on-year, prompting the government to consider adjustments to
  tariffs to limit the trade deficit. The government has used stimulus
  spending, including a subsidized lending program, to help the
  economy through the global financial crisis. Vietnam's managed
  currency, the dong, faced downward pressure during the recession and
  the government devalued it by nearly 7% in December 2009. Foreign
  donors pledged $8 billion in new development assistance for 2010.
  Export growth resumed in 2010, driving GDP upward. However, Hanoi
  has struggled to control one of the region's highest inflation
  rates, which stands at 11.1% with interest hikes and multiple
  devaluations of the dong. Vietnam's economy faces higher lending
  rates, additional IMF scrutiny, domestic inflationary pressures, and
  an underperforming stock market.

Virgin Islands
  Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting
  for 80% of GDP and employment. The islands hosted 2.4 million
  visitors in 2008. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum
  refining, rum distilling, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals,
  and watch assembly. One of the world's largest petroleum refineries
  is at Saint Croix. The agricultural sector is small, with most food
  being imported. International business and financial services are
  small but growing components of the economy. The islands are
  vulnerable to substantial damage from storms. The government is
  working to improve fiscal discipline, to support construction
  projects in the private sector, to expand tourist facilities, to
  reduce crime, and to protect the environment.

Wake Island
  Economic activity is limited to providing services to
  military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food
  and manufactured goods must be imported.

Wallis and Futuna
  The economy is limited to traditional subsistence
  agriculture, with about 80% of labor force earnings from agriculture
  (coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing.
  About 4% of the population is employed in government. Revenues come
  from French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to
  Japan and South Korea, import taxes, and remittances from expatriate
  workers in New Caledonia.

West Bank
  The West Bank - the larger of the two areas comprising the
  Palestinian territories - experienced a high single-digit economic
  growth rate in 2010 as a result of inflows of donor aid, the
  Palestinian Authority's (PA) implementation of economic and security
  reforms, and the easing of some movement and access restrictions by
  the Israeli Government. Nevertheless, overall standard-of-living
  measures remain near levels seen prior to the start of the second
  intifada in 2000. The almost decade-long downturn largely has been a
  result of Israeli closure policies - a steady increase in movement
  and access restrictions across the West Bank in response to Israeli
  security concerns which have disrupted labor and trade flows,
  industrial capacity, and basic commerce, both external and internal.
  Since 2008, the PA under President Mahmoud ABBAS and Prime Minister
  Salam FAYYAD has implemented a largely successful campaign of
  institutional reforms that has contributed to increased security and
  economic performance, supported by more than $3 billion in direct
  foreign donor assistance to the PA's budget since 2007. An easing of
  some Israeli restrictions on West Bank movement and access since
  2008 also has contributed to an uptick in retail activity in larger
  cities. The biggest impediments to economic improvements in the West
  Bank remain Palestinians' lack of access to land and resources in
  Israeli-controlled areas, import and export restrictions, and a
  high-cost capital structure. Absent robust private sector growth,
  the PA will continue to rely heavily on donor aid for its budgetary
  needs.

Western Sahara
  Western Sahara has a small market-based economy whose
  main indutries are fishing, phosphate mining, and pastoral nomadism.
  The territory's arid desert climate makes sedentary agriculture
  difficult, and Wstern Sahara imports much of its food. The Moroccan
  Government administers Western Sahara's economy and is a source of
  employment, infrstructure development, and social spending in the
  territory. Western Sahara's unresolved legal status makes the
  exploitation of its natural resources a contentious issue between
  Morocco and the Polisario. Morocco and the EU in July 2006 signed a
  four-year agreement allowing European vessels to fish off the coast
  of Morocco, including the disputed waters off the coast of Western
  Sahara. Oil has never been found in Western Sahara in commercially
  significant quantities, but Morocco and the Polisario have quarreled
  over who has the right to authorize and benefit from oil exploration
  in the territory. Western Sahara's main long-term economic challenge
  is the development of a more diverse set of industries capable of
  providing greater employment and income to the territory.

World In 2010, world output - and per capita income - began to recover from the 2008-09 recession, the first global downturn since 1946. Gross World Product (GWP) grew 4.6%, largely on the strength of rebounding exports, which rose about 20% from the level of 2009. Growth was not evenly distributed across countries, however. Lower income countries - those with per capita incomes below $30,000 per year - averaged 6.3% growth, while higher income countries - with per capita incomes above $30,000 - averaged just 2.8% growth. And countries with current account surpluses averaged 6.0% growth, while those with current account deficits averaged just 3.4% growth. Among large economies, China (+10.1%), Taiwan (+8.3%), India (+8.3%), Brazil (+7.5%), and South Korea (+6.1%) recorded the biggest GDP gains - China also became the world's largest exporter. Continuing uncertainties in mortgage and financial markets resulted in slower growth in Japan (+3.0%), the US (+2.8%), and the European Union (+1.7%). In 2010, global unemployment continued to creep upwards, reaching 8.8% - underemployment, especially in the developing world, remained much higher. Global gross fixed investment stabilized at about 23% of GWP, after a significant drop in 2009. World trade appears to be returning to pre-2009 patterns, with current account surpluses or deficits rising for a majority of countries. World external debt, however, dropped again in 2010 - about 5% from the 2009 level, as many countries reduced borrowing. Many, if not most, countries pursued expansionary monetary and fiscal policies. The global money supply, both narrowly and broadly defined, increased roughly 10%, as countries tried to keep interest rates low; the global budget deficit stablilized at roughly $3.5 trillion, as countries tried to rein in spending and slow the rise of public debt. The international financial crisis of 2008-09 presents the world economy with a major new challenge, together with several long-standing ones. The fiscal stimulus packages put in place in 2009-10 required most countries to run budget deficits - government balances have deteriorated for 14 out of every 15 countries. Treasuries issued new public debt - totaling $5.5 trillion since 2008 - to pay for the additional expenditures. To keep interest rates low, many central banks monetized that debt, injecting large sums of money into the economies. As economic activity picks up, central banks will face the difficult task of containing inflation without raising interest rates so high they snuff out further growth. At the same time, governments will face the difficult task of spurring current growth and employment without saddling their economies with so much debt that they sacrifice long-term growth and financial stability. Long-standing challenges the world faces are several. The addition of 80 million people each year to an already overcrowded globe is exacerbating the problems of underemployment, pollution, waste-disposal, epidemics, water-shortages, famine, over-fishing of oceans, deforestation, desertification, and depletion of non-renewable resources. The nation-state, as a bedrock economic-political institution, is steadily losing control over international flows of people, goods, funds, and technology. Internally, central governments often find their control over resources slipping as separatist regional movements - typically based on ethnicity - gain momentum, e.g., in many of the successor states of the former Soviet Union, in the former Yugoslavia, in India, in Iraq, in Indonesia, and in Canada. Externally, central governments are losing decisionmaking powers to international bodies, most notably the EU. The introduction of the euro as the common currency of much of Western Europe in January 1999, while paving the way for an integrated economic powerhouse, poses economic risks because the participating nations are culturally and politically diverse and have varying levels and rates of growth of income, and hence, differing needs for monetary and fiscal policies. In Western Europe, governments face the difficult political problem of channeling resources away from welfare programs in order to increase investment and strengthen incentives to seek employment. Because of their own internal problems and priorities, the industrialized countries devote insufficient resources to deal effectively with the poorer areas of the world, which, at least from an economic point of view, are becoming further marginalized. The terrorist attacks on the US on 11 September 2001 accentuated a growing risk to global prosperity, illustrated, for example, by the reallocation of resources away from investment to anti-terrorist programs. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan added new uncertainties to global economic prospects. Despite these challenges, the world economy also shows great promise. Technology has made possible further advances in all fields, from agriculture, to medicine, alternative energy, metallurgy, and transportation. Improved global communications have greatly reduced the costs of international trade, helping the world gain from the international division of labor, raise living standards, and reduce income disparities among nations. Much of the resilience of the world economy in the aftermath of the financial crisis resulted from government leaders around the globe working in concert to stem the financial onslaught, knowing well the lessons of past economic failures.

Yemen
  Yemen is a low income country that is highly dependent on
  declining oil resources for revenue. Petroleum accounts for roughly
  25% of GDP and 70% of government revenue. Yemen has tried to counter
  the effects of its declining oil resources by diversifying its
  economy through an economic reform program initiated in 2006 that is
  designed to bolster non-oil sectors of the economy and foreign
  investment. In October 2009, Yemen exported its first liquefied
  natural gas as part of this diversification effort. In January 2010,
  the international community established the Friends of Yemen group
  that aims to support Yemen's efforts towards economic and political
  reform, and in August 2010 the IMF approved a three-year $370
  million program to further this effort. Despite these ambitious
  endeavors, Yemen continues to face difficult long term challenges,
  including declining water resources and a high population growth
  rate.

Zambia
  Zambia's economy has experienced strong growth in recent
  years, with real GDP growth in 2005-08 about 6% per year.
  Privatization of government-owned copper mines in the 1990s relieved
  the government from covering mammoth losses generated by the
  industry and greatly improved the chances for copper mining to
  return to profitability and spur economic growth. Copper output has
  increased steadily since 2004, due to higher copper prices and
  foreign investment. In 2005, Zambia qualified for debt relief under
  the Highly Indebted Poor Country Initiative, consisting of
  approximately USD 6 billion in debt relief. Poverty remains a
  significant problem in Zambia, despite a stronger economy. Declining
  world commodity prices and demand slowed GDP growth in 2008, but a
  sharp rebound in copper prices and a bumper maize crop helped Zambia
  recover. Lack of economic diversity subjects Zambia to fluctuations
  in copper prices and in the weather.

Zimbabwe
  The government of Zimbabwe faces a wide variety of
  difficult economic problems. Its 1998-2002 involvement in the war in
  the Democratic Republic of the Congo drained hundreds of millions of
  dollars from the economy. The government's land reform program,
  characterized by chaos and violence, has badly damaged the
  commercial farming sector, the traditional source of exports and
  foreign exchange and the provider of 400,000 jobs, turning Zimbabwe
  into a net importer of food products. The EU and the US provide food
  aid on humanitarian grounds. Until early 2009, the Reserve Bank of
  Zimbabwe routinely printed money to fund the budget deficit, causing
  hyperinflation. The power-sharing government formed in February 2009
  has led to some economic improvements, including the cessation of
  hyperinflation by eliminating the use of the Zimbabwe dollar and
  removing price controls. The economy is registering its first growth
  in a decade, but will be reliant on further political improvement
  for greater growth.

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@2117

Field Listing :: Pipelines

This entry gives the lengths and types of pipelines for transporting products like natural gas, crude oil, or petroleum products. Country

Pipelines(km)

Afghanistan
  gas 466 km (2009)

Albania
  gas 339 km; oil 207 km (2009)

Algeria
  condensate 1,937 km; gas 14,648 km; liquid petroleum gas
  2,933 km; oil 7,579 km (2009)

Angola
  gas 2 km; oil 87 km (2009)

Argentina
  gas 28,248 km; liquid petroleum gas 41 km; oil 5,977 km;
  refined products 3,636 km (2009)

Armenia
  gas 2,233 km (2009)

Australia
  gas 27,105 km; liquid petroleum gas 240 km; oil 3,258 km;
  oil/gas/water 1 km (2009)

Austria
  gas 2,721 km; oil 663 km; refined products 157 km (2009)

Azerbaijan
  condensate 1 km; gas 3,361 km; oil 1,424 km (2009)

Bahrain
  gas 20 km; oil 32 km (2009)

Bangladesh
  gas 2,597 km (2009)

Belarus
  gas 5,250 km; oil 1,528 km; refined products 1,730 km (2009)

Belgium
  gas 1,330 km; oil 158 km; refined products 535 km (2009)

Bolivia
  gas 5,192 km; liquid petroleum gas 51 km; oil 2,488 km;
  refined products 1,590 km (2009)

Brazil
  condensate/gas 62 km; gas 9,989 km; liquid petroleum gas 353
  km; oil 4,517 km; refined products 4,465 km (2009)

Brunei
  gas 37 km; oil 18 km (2009)

Bulgaria
  gas 2,926 km; oil 339 km; refined products 156 km (2009)

Burma
  gas 2,228 km; oil 558 km (2009)

Cameroon
  oil 889 km (2009)

Canada
  crude and refined oil 23,564 km; liquid petroleum gas 74,980
  km (2009)

Chad
  oil 250 km (2009)

Chile
  gas 2,673 km; liquid petroleum gas 519 km; oil 892 km; refined
  products 769 km (2009)

China
  gas 32,545 km; oil 20,097 km; refined products 10,915 km (2009)

Colombia
  gas 4,567 km; oil 6,097 km; refined products 3,382 km (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the gas 37 km; oil 39 km; refined products 756 km (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
  gas 7 km; oil 211 km (2009)

Costa Rica
  refined products 796 km (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
  condensate 86 km; gas 180 km; oil 92 km (2009)

Croatia
  gas 1,327 km; oil 583 km (2009)

Cuba
  gas 41 km; oil 230 km (2009)

Czech Republic
  gas 7,010 km; oil 547 km; refined products 94 km
  (2009)

Denmark
  gas 2,858 km; oil 107 km (2009)

Ecuador
  extra heavy crude 435 km; gas 5 km; oil 1,374 km; refined
  products 1,301 km (2009)

Egypt
  condensate 320 km; condensate/gas 13 km; gas 6,262 km; liquid
  petroleum gas 956 km; oil 4,319 km; oil/gas/water 3 km; refined
  products 895 km; unknown 59 km (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  gas 38 km (2009)

Estonia
  gas 859 km (2009)

Finland
  gas 694 km (2009)

France
  gas 14,688 km; oil 2,943 km; refined products 5,080 km (2009)

Gabon
  gas 240 km; oil 858 km (2009)

Georgia
  gas 1,596 km; oil 1,258 km (2009)

Germany
  gas 24,364 km; oil 3,379 km; refined products 3,843 km (2009)

Ghana
  oil 5 km; refined products 309 km (2009)

Greece
  gas 1,197 km; oil 75 km (2009)

Guatemala
  oil 480 km (2009)

Hungary
  gas 4,407 km; oil 987 km; refined products 335 km (2009)

India
  condensate/gas 2 km; gas 7,542 km; liquid petroleum gas 2,163
  km; oil 7,659 km; refined products 7,201 km (2009)

Indonesia
  condensate 735 km; condensate/gas 73 km; gas 5,800 km; oil
  5,721 km; oil/gas/water 12 km; refined products 1,370 km (2009)

Iran
  condensate 7 km; condensate/gas 12 km; gas 19,246 km; liquid
  petroleum gas 570 km; oil 7,018 km; refined products 7,936 km (2009)

Iraq
  gas 2,501 km; liquid petroleum gas 918 km; oil 5,032 km;
  refined products 1,637 km (2009)

Ireland
  gas 1,550 km (2009)

Israel
  gas 176 km; oil 442 km; refined products 261 km (2009)

Italy
  gas 17,558 km; oil 1,241 km (2009)

Japan
  gas 3,879 km; oil 167 km; oil/gas/water 53 km (2009)

Jordan
  gas 439 km; oil 49 km (2009)

Kazakhstan
  condensate 658 km; gas 11,146 km; oil 10,376 km; refined
  products 1,095 km (2009)

Kenya
  oil 4 km; refined products 928 km (2009)

Korea, North
  oil 154 km (2009)

Korea, South
  gas 1,423 km; refined products 827 km (2009)

Kuwait
  gas 269 km; oil 540 km; refined products 57 km (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
  gas 254 km; oil 16 km (2009)

Laos
  refined products 540 km (2009)

Latvia
  gas 948 km; refined products 415 km (2009)

Lebanon
  gas 43 km (2009)

Libya
  condensate 776 km; gas 2,860 km; oil 6,987 km (2009)

Liechtenstein
  gas 20 km (2009)

Lithuania
  gas 1,695 km; refined products 114 km (2009)

Luxembourg
  gas 155 km (2009)

Macedonia
  gas 268 km; oil 120 km (2009)

Malaysia
  condensate 3 km; gas 1,965 km; oil 31 km; refined products
  114 km (2009)

Mexico
  gas 22,705 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,875 km; oil 8,688 km;
  oil/gas/water 228 km; refined products 6,520 km (2009)

Moldova
  gas 1,906 km (2009)

Morocco
  gas 830 km; oil 439 km (2009)

Mozambique
  gas 918 km; refined products 278 km (2009)

Netherlands
  gas 3,816 km; oil 365 km; refined products 716 km (2009)

New Zealand
  condensate 331 km; gas 1,838 km; liquid petroleum gas
  172 km; oil 288 km; refined products 198 km (2009)

Nicaragua
  oil 54 km (2009)

Nigeria
  condensate 26 km; gas 2,565 km; liquid petroleum gas 97 km;
  oil 3,424 km; refined products 4,090 km (2009)

Norway
  condensate 31 km; gas 64 km (2009)

Oman
  gas 4,209 km; oil 3,558 km; refined products 263 km (2009)

Pakistan
  gas 10,402 km; oil 2,011 km; refined products 787 km (2009)

Papua New Guinea
  oil 195 km (2009)

Peru
  extra heavy crude 533 km; gas 1,083 km; liquid petroleum gas
  677 km; oil 1,018 km; refined products 15 km (2009)

Philippines
  oil 107 km; refined products 112 km (2009)

Poland
  gas 13,631 km; oil 1,384 km; refined products 777 km (2009)

Portugal
  gas 1,098 km; oil 11 km; refined products 188 km (2009)

Qatar
  condensate 145 km; condensate/gas 132 km; gas 980 km; liquid
  petroleum gas 90 km; oil 382 km (2009)

Romania
  gas 3,588 km; oil 2,424 km (2009)

Russia
  condensate 122 km; gas 159,552 km; liquid petroleum gas 127
  km; oil 74,285 km; refined products 13,658 km (2009)

Saudi Arabia
  condensate 212 km; gas 1,880 km; liquid petroleum gas
  1,183 km; oil 4,241 km; refined products 1,148 km (2009)

Senegal
  gas 43 km; refined products 8 km (2009)

Serbia
  gas 1,921 km; oil 323 km (2009)

Singapore
  gas 106 km (2009)

Slovakia
  gas 6,769 km; oil 416 km (2009)

Slovenia
  gas 840 km; oil 11 km (2009)

South Africa
  condensate 11 km; gas 908 km; oil 980 km; refined
  products 1,379 km (2009)

Spain
  gas 7,738 km; oil 560 km; refined products 3,445 km (2009)

Sudan
  gas 156 km; oil 4,070 km; refined products 1,613 km (2009)

Suriname
  oil 50 km (2009)

Sweden
  gas 786 km (2009)

Switzerland
  gas 1,662 km; oil 94 km; refined products 7 km (2009)

Syria
  gas 3,101 km; oil 1,997 km (2009)

Taiwan
  gas 405 km (2009)

Tajikistan
  gas 549 km; oil 38 km (2009)

Tanzania
  gas 254 km; oil 888 km; refined products 8 km (2009)

Thailand
  gas 1,348 km; refined products 323 km (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
  gas 659 km; oil 336 km (2009)

Tunisia
  gas 2,179 km; oil 1,285 km; refined products 372 km (2009)

Turkey
  gas 10,630 km; oil 3,636 km (2009)

Turkmenistan
  gas 6,417 km; oil 1,457 km (2009)

Ukraine
  gas 33,327 km; oil 4,514 km; refined products 4,211 km (2009)

United Arab Emirates
  condensate 458 km; gas 2,152 km; liquid
  petroleum gas 220 km; oil 1,310 km; refined products 212 km (2009)

United Kingdom
  condensate 43 km; gas 7,992 km; liquid petroleum gas
  59 km; oil 699 km; refined products 4,417 km (2009)

United States
  petroleum products 244,620 km; natural gas 548,665 km
  (2009)

Uruguay
  gas 226 km; oil 155 km (2009)

Uzbekistan
  gas 9,706 km; oil 868 km (2009)

Venezuela
  extra heavy crude 980 km; gas 5,258 km; oil 6,695 km;
  refined products 1,484 km; unknown 141 km (2009)

Vietnam
  condensate/gas 42 km; gas 66 km; refined products 206 km
  (2009)

Yemen
  gas 423 km; liquid petroleum gas 22 km; oil 1,367 km (2009)

Zambia
  oil 771 km (2009)

Zimbabwe
  refined products 270 km (2009)

======================================================================

@2118

Field Listing :: Political parties and leaders

  This entry includes a listing of significant political organizations
  and their leaders.
  Country

Political parties and leaders

Afghanistan
  Afghanistan Peoples' Treaty Party [Sayyed Amir TAHSEEN];
  Afghanistan's Islamic Mission Organization [Abdul Rasoul SAYYAF];
  Afghanistan's Islamic Nation Party [Toran Noor Aqa Ahmad ZAI];
  Afghanistan's National Islamic Party [Rohullah LOUDIN];
  Afghanistan's Welfare Party [Meer Asef ZAEEFI]; Afghan Social
  Democratic Party [Anwarul Haq AHADI]; Afghan Society for the Call to
  the Koran and Sunna [Mawlawee Samiullah NAJEEBEE]; Comprehensive
  Movement of Democracy and Development of Afghanistan Party [Sher
  Mohammad BAZGAR]; Democratic Party of Afghanistan [Al-hajj Mohammad
  Tawos ARAB]; Democratic Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Kabir RANJBAR];
  Elites People of Afghanistan Party [Abdul Hamid JAWAD]; Freedom and
  Democracy Movement of Afghanistan [Abdul Raqib Jawid KOHISTANEE];
  Freedom Party of Afghanistan [Abdul MALEK]; Freedom Party of
  Afghanistan [Dr. Ghulam Farooq NEJRABEE]; Hizullah-e-Afghanistan
  [Qari Ahmad ALI]; Human Rights Protection and Development Party of
  Afghanistan [Baryalai NASRATI]; Islamic Justice Party of Afghanistan
  [Mohammad Kabir MARZBAN]; Islamic Movement of Afghanistan [Mohammad
  Ali JAWID]; Islamic Movement of Afghanistan Party [Mohammad Mukhtar
  MUFLEH]; Islamic Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad Khalid FAROOQI,
  Abdul Hadi ARGHANDIWAL]; Islamic Party of the Afghan Land [Mohammad
  Hassan FEROZKHEL]; Islamic People's Movement of Afghanistan [Al-haj
  Said Hussain ANWARY]; Islamic Society of Afghanistan [Ustad
  RABBANI]; Islamic Unity of the Nation of Afghanistan Party [Qurban
  Ali URFANI]; Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad Karim
  KHALILI]; Islamic Unity Party of the People of Afghanistan [Haji
  Mohammad MOHAQQEQ]; Labor and Progress of Afghanistan Party
  [Zulfiqar OMID]; Muslim People of Afghanistan Party [Besmellah
  JOYAN]; Muslim Unity Movement Party of Afghanistan [Wazir Mohammad
  WAHDAT]; National and Islamic Sovereignty Movement Party of
  Afghanistan [Ahmad Shah AHMADZAI]; National Congress Party of
  Afghanistan [Abdul Latif PEDRAM]; National Country Party [Ghulam
  MOHAMMAD]; National Development Party of Afghanistan [Dr. Assef
  BAKTASH]; National Freedom Seekers Party [Abdul Hadi DABEER];
  National Independence Party of Afghanistan [Taj Mohammad WARDAK];
  National Islamic Fighters Party of Afghanistan [Amanat NINGARHAREE];
  National Islamic Front of Afghanistan [Pir Sayed Ahmad GAILANEE];
  National Islamic Moderation Party of Afghanistan [Qara Baik
  IZADYAR]; National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan [Sayed NOORULLAH]
  National Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad AKBAREE];
  National Movement of Afghanistan [Ahmad Wali MASOOUD]; National
  Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Rashid ARYAN]; National Patch of
  Afghanistan Party [Sayed Kamal SADAT]; National Peace Islamic Party
  of Afghanistan [Shah Mohammood Popal ZAI]; National Peace & Islamic
  Party of the Tribes of Afghanistan [Abdul Qaher SHARIATEE]; National
  Peace & Unity Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Qader IMAMI]; National
  Prosperity and Islamic Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad Osman
  SALEKZADA]; National Prosperity Party [Mohammad Hassan JAHFAREE];
  National Solidarity Movement of Afghanistan [Pir Sayed Eshaq
  GAILANEE]; National Solidarity Party of Afghanistan [Sayed Mansoor
  NADREEI]; National Sovereignty Party [Sayed Mustafa KAZEMI];
  National Stability Party [Mohammad Same KHAROTI]; National Stance
  Party [Habibullah JANEBDAR]; National Tribal Unity Islamic Party of
  Afghanistan [Mohammad Shah KHOGYANI]; National Unity Movement
  [Sultan Mohammad GHAZI]; National Unity Movement of Afghanistan
  [Mohammad Nadir AATASH]; National Unity Party of Afghanistan [Abdul
  Rashid JALILI]; New Afghanistan Party [Mohammad Yunis QANUNI]; Peace
  and National Welfare Activists Society [Shamsul al-Haq Noor SHAMS];
  Peace Movement [Shahnawaz TANAI]; People's Aspirations Party of
  Afghanistan [Ilhaj Saraj-u-din ZAFAREE]; People's Freedom Seekers
  Party of Afghanistan [Feda Mohammad EHSAS]; People's Liberal Freedom
  Seekers Party of Afghanistan [Ajmal SUHAIL]; People's Message Party
  of Afghanistan [Noor Aqa WAINEE]; People's Movement of the National
  Unity of Afghanistan [Abdul Hakim NOORZAI]; People's Party of
  Afghanistan [Ahmad Shah ASAR]; People's Prosperity Party of
  Afghanistan [Ustad Mohammad ZAREEF]; People's Sovereignty Movement
  of Afghanistan [Hayatullah SUBHANEE]; People's Uprising Party of
  Afghanistan [Sayed Zahir Qayedam Al-BELADI]; People's Welfare Party
  of Afghanistan [Miagul WASIQ]; People's Welfare Party of Afghanistan
  [Mohammad Zubair PAIROZ]; Progressive Democratic Party of
  Afghanistan [Mohammad Wali ARYA]; Republican Party [Sebghatullah
  SANJAR]; Solidarity Party of Afghanistan [Abdul Khaleq NEMAT]; The
  Afghanistan's Mujahid Nation's Islamic Unity Movement [Saeedullah
  SAEED]; The People of Afghanistan's Democratic Movement [Mohammad
  Sharif NAZARI]; Tribes Solidarity Party of Afghanistan [Mohammad
  Zarif NASERI]; Understanding and Democracy Party of Afghanistan
  [Ahamad SHAHEEN]
  United Afghanistan Party [Mohammad Wasil RAHIMEE]; United Islamic
  Party of Afghanistan [Wahidullah SABAWOON]; Young Afghanistan's
  Islamic Organization [Sayed Jawad HUSSINEE]; Youth Solidarity Party
  of Afghanistan [Mohammad Jamil KARZAI]; note - includes only
  political parties approved by the Ministry of Justice

Albania
  Democratic Party or PD [Sali BERISHA]; Party for Justice and
  Integration or PDI [Tahir MUCHEDINI]; Republican Party or PR [Fatmir
  MEDIU]; Socialist Movement for Integration or LSI [Ilir META];
  Socialist Party or PS [Edi RAMA]; Unity for Humen Rights Party or
  PBDNJ [Vangjel DULE]

Algeria
  Ahd 54 [Ali Fauzi REBAINE]; Algerian National Front or FNA
  [Moussa TOUATI]; National Democratic Rally (Rassemblement National
  Democratique) or RND [Ahmed OUYAHIA]; National Liberation Front or
  FLN [Abdelaziz BELKHADEM, secretary general]; National Reform
  Movement or Islah [Ahmed ABDESLAM] (formerly MRN); Rally for Culture
  and Democracy or RCD [Said SADI]; Renaissance Movement or EnNahda
  Movement [Fatah RABEI]; Socialist Forces Front or FFS [Hocine Ait
  AHMED]; Society of Peace Movement or MSP [Boudjerra SOLTANI];
  Workers Party or PT [Louisa HANOUNE]
  note: a law banning political parties based on religion was enacted
  in March 1997

American Samoa
  Democratic Party [Oreta M. TOGAFAU]; Republican Party
  [Tautai A. F. FAALEVAO]

Andorra
  Andorra for Change [Juan Eusebio NOMEN CALVET]; Greens of
  Andorra [Isabel LOZANO MUNOZ]; Liberal Party of Andorra or PLA [Joan
  GABRIEL i ESTANY] (formerly Liberal Union or UL); New Center [Vicenc
  MATEU] (formerly Andorran Democratic Center Party); Reformist
  Coalition [Joan GABRIEL i ESTANY] (includes the Liberal Party and
  New Center); Social Democratic Party or PS [Jaume BARTUMEU CASSANY]
  (formerly part of National Democratic Group or AND)

Angola
  National Front for the Liberation of Angola or FNLA [Ngola
  KABANGU]; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola or
  UNITA [Isaias SAMAKUVA] (largest opposition party); New Democracy
  Electoral Union or ND [Quintino de MOREIRA]; Popular Movement for
  the Liberation of Angola or MPLA [Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS] (ruling
  party in power since 1975); Social Renewal Party or PRS [Eduardo
  KUANGANA]
  note: nine other parties participated in the legislative election in
  September 2008 but won no seats

Anguilla
  Anguilla Progressive Party or APP [Roy ROGERS]; Anguilla
  Strategic Alternative or ANSA [Edison BAIRD]; Anguilla United Front
  or AUF [Osbourne FLEMING, Victor BANKS] (a coalition of the Anguilla
  Democratic Party or ADP and the Anguilla National Alliance or ANA);
  Anguilla United Movement or AUM [Hubert HUGHES]

Antigua and Barbuda
  Antigua Labor Party or ALP [Lester Bryant BIRD];
  Barbuda People's Movement or BPM [Thomas H. FRANK]; Barbuda People's
  Movement for Change [Arthur NIBBS]; Barbudans for a Better Barbuda
  [Ordrick SAMUEL]; United Progressive Party or UPP [Baldwin SPENCER]
  (a coalition of three parties - Antigua Caribbean Liberation
  Movement or ACLM, Progressive Labor Movement or PLM, United National
  Democratic Party or UNDP)

Argentina
  Civic and Social Accord or ACyS (a broad center-left
  alliance-including the CC, UCR, and Socialist parties-created ahead
  of the 2009 legislative elections); Civic Coalition or CC (a broad
  coalition loosely affiliated with Elisa CARRIO); Dissident Peronists
  or PJ Disidente (a sector of the Justicialist Party opposed to the
  Kirchners); Front for Victory or FpV (a broad coalition, including
  elements of the UCR and numerous provincial parties) [Cristina
  FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER]; Interbloque Federal or IF (a broad coalition
  of approximately 12 parties including PRO); Justicialist Party or PJ
  [Daniel SCIOLI]; Radical Civic Union or UCR [Ernesto SANZ];
  Republican Proposal or PRO [Mauricio MACRI] (including Federal
  Recreate Movement or RECREAR [Esteban BULLRICH]; Socialist Party or
  PS [Ruben GIUSTINIANI]; Union For All [Patricia BULLRICH]
  (associated with the Civic Coalition); numerous provincial parties

Armenia
  Armenian National Congress or ANC (bloc of independent and
  opposition parties) [Levon TER-PETROSSIAN]; Armenian National
  Movement or ANM [Ararat ZURABIAN]; Armenian Revolutionary Federation
  ("Dashnak" Party) or ARF [Hrant MARKARIAN]; Heritage Party [Raffi
  HOVHANNISIAN]; People's Party of Armenia [Stepan DEMIRCHIAN];
  Prosperous Armenia [Gagik TSARUKIAN]; Republican Party of Armenia or
  HHK [Serzh SARGSIAN]; Rule of Law Party (Orinats Yerkir) [Artur
  BAGHDASARIAN]

Aruba
  Aliansa/Aruban Social Movement or MSA [Robert WEVER]; Aruban
  Liberal Organization or OLA [Glenbert CROES]; Aruban Patriotic
  Movement or MPA [Monica ARENDS-KOCK]; Aruban Patriotic Party or PPA
  [Benny NISBET]; Aruban People's Party or AVP [Mike EMAN]; People's
  Electoral Movement Party or MEP [Nelson O. ODUBER]; Real Democracy
  or PDR [Andin BIKKER]; RED [Rudy LAMPE]; Workers Political Platform
  or PTT [Gregorio WOLFF]

Australia
  Australian Greens [Bob BROWN]; Australian Labor Party
  [Julia GILLARD]; Family First Party [Steve FIELDING]; Liberal Party
  [Tony ABBOTT]; The Nationals [Warren TRUSS]

Austria
  Alliance for the Future of Austria or BZOe [Josef BUCHER];
  Austrian People's Party or OeVP [Josef PROELL]; Freedom Party of
  Austria or FPOe [Heinz Christian STRACHE]; Social Democratic Party
  of Austria or SPOe [Werner FAYMANN]; The Greens [Eva GLAWISCHNIG]

Azerbaijan
  Azerbaijan Democratic Party or ADP [Sardar JALALOGLU];
  Civil Solidarity Party or CSP [Sabir RUSTAMKHANLI]; Civil Unity
  Party [Sabir HACIYEV]; Classic People's Front of Azerbaijan
  [Mirmahmud MIRALI-OGLU]; Democratic Reform Party [Asim MOLLAZADE];
  Great Creation Party [Fazil Gazanfaroglu MUSTAFAYEV]; Hope (Umid)
  Party [Iqbal AGAZADE]; Justice Party [Ilyas ISMAYILOV]; Liberal
  Party of Azerbaijan [Lala Shovkat HACIYEVA]; Motherland Party
  [Fazail AGAMALI]; Musavat (Equality) [Isa GAMBAR, chairman]; Open
  Society Party [Rasul GULIYEV, in exile in the US]; Social Democratic
  Party of Azerbaijan or SDP [Araz ALIZADE and Ayaz MUTALIBOV (in
  exile)]; Social Welfare Party [Hussein KAZIMLI]; United Popular
  Azerbaijan Front Party or AXCP [Ali KARIMLI]; Whole Azerbaijan
  Popular Front Party [Gudrat HASANGULIYEV]; Yeni (New) Azerbaijan
  Party or YAP [President Ilham ALIYEV]
  note: opposition parties regularly factionalize and form new parties

Bahamas, The
  Free National Movement or FNM [Hubert INGRAHAM];
  Progressive Liberal Party or PLP [Perry CHRISTIE]

Bahrain
  political parties prohibited but political societies were
  legalized per a July 2005 law

Bangladesh
  Awami League or AL [Sheikh HASINA]; Bangladesh Communist
  Party or BCP [Manjurul A. KHAN]; Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP
  [Khaleda ZIA]; Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh or BDB [Badrudozza
  CHOWDHURY]; Islami Oikya Jote or IOJ [multiple leaders];
  Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh or JIB [Matiur Rahman NIZAMI]; Jatiya
  Party or JP (Ershad faction) [Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD]; Liberal
  Democratic Party or LDP [Oli AHMED]

Barbados
  Barbados Labor Party or BLP [Owen ARTHUR]; Democratic Labor
  Party or DLP [Freundel STUART]; People's Empowerment Party or PEP
  [David COMISSIONG]

Belarus
  pro-government parties: Belarusian Agrarian Party or AP
  [Mikhail SHIMANSKY]; Belarusian Patriotic Movement (Belarusian
  Patriotic Party) or BPR [Nikolay ULAKHOVICH, chairman]; Communist
  Party of Belarus or KPB [Tatsyana HOLUBEVA]; Liberal Democratic
  Party or LDP [Sergey GAYDUKEVICH]; Republican Party of Labor and
  Justice [Vasiliy ZADNEPRYANYY]
  opposition parties: Belarusian Christian Democracy Party [Pavel
  SEVERINETS] (unregistered); Belarusian Party of Communists or PKB
  [Sergey KALYAKIN]; Belarusian Party of Labor [Aleksandr BUKHVOSTOV]
  (unregistered); Belarusian Popular Front or BPF [Aleksey
  YANUKEVICH]; Belarusian Social-Democratic Hramada [Stanislav
  SHUSHKEVICH]; Belarusian Social Democratic Party Hramada
  ("Assembly") or BSDPH [Anatoliy LEVKOVICH]; Belarusian Social
  Democratic Party People's Assembly ("Narodnaya Hramada") [Nikolay
  STATKEVICH] (unregistered); Belarusian Women's Party Nadzeya
  ("Hope") [Yelena YESKOVA, chairperson]; Christian Conservative Party
  or BPF [Zyanon PAZNIAK]; European Belarus Campaign [Andrey
  SANNIKOV]; Party of Freedom and Progress [Vladimir NOVOSYAD]
  (unregistered); "Tell the Truth" Campaign [Vladimir NEKLYAYEV];
  United Civic Party or UCP [Anatoliy LEBEDKO]

Belgium
  Flemish parties: Christian Democratic and Flemish or CDV
  [Wouter BEKE]; Dedecker List or LDD [Lode VEREECK]; Flemish Liberals
  and Democrats or Open VLD [Alexander DE CROO]; Groen! [Wouter VAN
  BESIEN] (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens); New Flemish Alliance or
  N-VA [Bart DE WEVER]; Social Progressive Alternative or SP.A
  [Caroline GENNEZ]; Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) or VB [Bruno
  VALKENIERS]
  Francophone parties: Ecolo (Francophone Greens) [Jean-Michel JAVAUX,
  Sarah TURINE]; Humanist and Democratic Center or CDH [Joelle
  MILQUET]; Popular Party or PP [ Mischael MODRIKAMEN]; Reform
  Movement or MR [Didier REYNDERS]; Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI
  RUPO]; other minor parties

Belize
  National Alliance for Belizean Rights or NABR; National
  Reform Party or NRP [Cornelius DUECK]; People's National Party or
  PNP [Wil MAHEIA]; People's United Party or PUP [John BRICENO];
  United Democratic Party or UDP [Dean BARROW]; Vision Inspired by the
  People or VIP [Paul MORGAN]; We the People Reform Movement or WTP
  [Hipolito BAUTISTA]

Benin
  African Movement for Democracy and Progress or MADEP [Sefou
  FAGBOHOUN]; Alliance for Dynamic Democracy or ADD; Alliance of
  Progress Forces or AFP; Benin Renaissance or RB [Rosine SOGLO];
  Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI]; Force Cowrie
  for an Emerging Benin or FCBE; Impulse for Progress and Democracy or
  IPD [Theophile NATA]; Key Force or FC [Lazare SEHOUETO]; Movement
  for the People's Alternative or MAP [Olivier CAPO-CHICHI]; Rally for
  Democracy and Progress or RDP [Dominique HOUNGNINOU]; Social
  Democrat Party or PSD [Bruno AMOUSSOU]; Union for Democracy and
  National Solidarity or UDS [Sacca LAFIA]; Union for the Relief or
  UPR [Issa SALIFOU]
  note: approximately 20 additional minor parties

Bermuda
  Progressive Labor Party or PLP [Ewart BROWN]; United Bermuda
  Party or UBP [Kim SWAN]

Bhutan
  Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) or
  DPT [Jigme THINLEY]; People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tshering
  TOBGAY]

Bolivia
  Bolivia-National Convergence or PPB-CN [Manfred REYES
  VILLA]; Fearless Movement or MSM [Juan DE GRANADO Cosio]; Movement
  Toward Socialism or MAS [Juan Evo MORALES Ayma]; National Unity or
  UN [Samuel DORIA MEDINA Arana]; People or Gente [Roman LOAYZA];
  Social Alliance or AS [Rene JOAQUINO]

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Alliance for a Better Future of BiH or
  SBB-BiH [ Fahrudin RADONCIC]; Alliance of Independent Social
  Democrats or SNSD [Milorad DODIK]; Bosnian Party or BOSS [Mirnes
  AJANOVIC]; Bosnian Patriotic Party or BPS [Sefer HALILOVIC]; Civic
  Democratic Party or GDS [Ibrahim SPAHIC]; Croat Party of Rights or
  HSP [Zvonko JURISIC]; Croat Peasants' Party-New Croat Initiative or
  HSS-NHI [Ante COLAK]; Croatian Christian Democratic Union of Bosnia
  and Herzegovina or HKDU [Ivan MUSA]; Croatian Democratic Union of
  Bosnia and Herzegovina or HDZ-BiH [Dragan COVIC]; Croatian
  Democratic Union 1990 or HDZ-1990 [Bozo LJUBIC]; Croatian Peoples
  Union [Milenko BRKIC]; Democratic National Union or DNZ [Rifat
  DOLIC]; Democratic Party or DP [Dragan CAVIC]; Democratic Peoples'
  Alliance or DNS [Marko PAVIC]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDS
  [Rasim KADIC]; Nasa Stranka or NS [NA; leadership elections late
  2010/early 2011]; New Socialist Party or NSP [Zdravko KRSMANOVIC];
  Party for Bosnia and Herzegovina or SBiH [Haris SILAJDZIC]; Party of
  Democratic Action or SDA [Sulejman TIHIC]; Party of Democratic
  Progress or PDP [Mladen IVANIC]; Peoples' Party of Work for Progress
  or NSRzB [Mladen IVANKOVIC-LIJANOVIC]; Serb Democratic Party or SDS
  [Mladen BOSIC]; Serb Radical Party of the Republika Srpska or SRS-RS
  [Milanko MIHAJLICA]; Serb Radical Party-Dr. Vojislav Seselj or
  SRS-VS [Mirko BLAGOJEVIC]; Social Democratic Party of BiH or SDP BiH
  [Zlatko LAGUMDZIJA]; Social Democratic Union or SDU [Nermin
  PECANAC]; Socialist Party of Republika Srpska or SPRS [Petar DJOKIC]

Botswana
  Botswana Alliance Movement or BAM [Ephraim Lepetu
  SETSHWAELO]; Botswana Congress Party or BCP [Gilson SALESHANDO];
  Botswana Democratic Party or BDP [Daniel KWELAGOBE]; Botswana
  National Front or BNF [Otswoletse MOUPO]; Botswana Peoples Party or
  BPP [Bernard BALIKANI]; MELS Movement of Botswana or MELS [Themba
  JOINA]; New Democratic Front or NDF [Dick BAYFORD]
  note: a number of minor parties joined forces in 1999 to form the
  BAM but did not capture any parliamentary seats - includes the
  United Action Party [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO]; the Independence
  Freedom Party or IFP [Motsamai MPHO]; the Botswana Progressive Union
  [D. K. KWELE]

Brazil
  Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB [Federal Deputy
  Michel TEMER]; Brazilian Labor Party or PTB [Roberto JEFFERSON];
  Brazilian Renewal Labor Party or PRTB [Jose Levy FIDELIX da Cruz];
  Brazilian Republican Party or PRB [Vitor Paulo Araujo DOS SANTOS];
  Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB [Senator Sergio GUERRA];
  Brazilian Socialist Party or PSB [Governor Eduardo Henrique Accioly
  CAMPOS]; Christian Labor Party or PTC [Daniel TOURINHO]; Communist
  Party of Brazil or PCdoB [Jose Renato RABELO]; Democratic Labor
  Party or PDT [Carlos Roberto LUPI]; the Democrats or DEM [Federal
  Deputy Rodrigo MAIA] (formerly Liberal Front Party or PFL); Freedom
  and Socialism Party or PSOL [Heloisa HELENA]; Green Party or PV
  [Jose Luiz de Franca PENNA]; Humanist Party of Solidarity or PHS
  [Paulo Roberto MATOS]; Labor Party of Brazil or PTdoB [Luis Henrique
  de Oliveira RESENDE]; Liberal Front Party or PFL (now known as the
  Democrats or DEM); National Mobilization Party or PMN [Oscar Noronha
  FILHO]; Party of the Republic or PR [Sergio TAMER]; Popular
  Socialist Party or PPS [Federal Deputy Fernando CORUJA]; Progressive
  Party or PP [Francisco DORNELLES]; Social Christian Party or PSC
  [Vitor Jorge Abdala NOSSEIS]; Workers' Party or PT [Jose Eduardo
  DUTRA]

British Virgin Islands
  Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Ethlyn
  SMITH]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Orlando SMITH]; United
  Party or UP [Gregory MADURO]; Virgin Islands Party or VIP [Ralph T.
  O'NEAL]

Brunei
  National Development Party or NDP [YASSIN Affendi]
  note: Brunei National Solidarity Party or PPKB [Abdul LATIF bin
  Chuchu] and People's Awareness Party or PAKAR [Awang Haji MAIDIN bin
  Haji Ahmad] were deregistered in 2007; parties are small and have
  limited activity

Bulgaria
  Agrarian National Union or ANU [Stefan LICHEV]; ATAKA
  (Attack party) [Volen SIDEROV]; Blue Coalition [Ivan KOSTOV and
  Martin DIMITROV] (a coalition of center-right parties dominated by
  UDF and DSB); Bulgarian New Democracy [Borislav RALCHEV]; Bulgarian
  Socialist Party or BSP [Sergei STANISHEV]; Citizens for the European
  Development of Bulgaria or GERB [Boyko BORISSOV]; Coalition for
  Bulgaria or CfB [Sergei STANISHEV] (coalition of parties dominated
  by BSP); Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria or DSB [Ivan KOSTOV];
  Gergyovden [Petar STOYANOVICH]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary
  Organization or IMRO [Krasimir KARAKACHANOV]; Liberal Initiative for
  Democratic European Development or LIDER [Khristo KOVACHKI];
  Movement for Rights and Freedoms or MRF [Ahmed DOGAN]; National
  Movement for Stability and Progress or NDSV [Hristina HRISTOVA]
  (formerly National Movement Simeon II or NMS2); New Time [Emil
  KOSHLUKOV]; Order, Law, Justice or RZS [Yane YANEV]; Union of
  Democratic Forces or UDF [Martin DIMITROV]; Union of Free Democrats
  or UFD [Stefan SOFIYANSKI]; United Agrarians [Anastasia MOZER]

Burkina Faso
  African Democratic Rally-Alliance for Democracy and
  Federation or ADF-RDA [Gilbert OUEDRAOGO]; Citizen's Popular Rally
  or RPC [Antoine QUARE]; Coalition of Democratic Forces of Burkina or
  CFD-B [Amadou Diemdioda DICKO]; Congress for Democracy and Progress
  or CDP [Roch Marc-Christian KABORE]; Democratic and Popular Rally or
  RDP [Nana THIBAUT]; Movement for Tolerance and Progress or MTP
  [Nayabtigungou Congo KABORE]; Party for African Independence or PAI
  [Soumane TOURE]; Party for Democracy and Progress-Socialist Party or
  PDP-PS [Ali LANKOANDE]; Party for Democracy and Socialism or PDS
  [Felix SOUBEIGA]; Party for National Rebirth or PAREN [Jeanne
  TRAORE]; Rally for the Development of Burkina or RDB [Antoine
  KARGOUGOU]; Rally of Ecologists of Burkina Faso or RDEB [Ram
  OUEDRAGO]; Republican Party for Integration and Solidarity or PARIS;
  Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Fidele HIEN]; Union
  for Rebirth - Sankarist Movement or UNIR-MS [Benewende STANISLAS];
  Union for the Republic or UPR [Toussaint Abel COULIBALY]; Union of
  Sankarist Parties or UPS [Ernest Nongma OUEDRAOGO]

Burma
  All Mon Region Democracy Party or AMRDP; National Democratic
  Force or NDF [KHIN MAUNG SWE]; National League for Democracy or NLD
  [AUNG SHWE, AUNG SAN SUU KYI]; note - the party is defunct because
  it did not register for the 2010 election; National Unity Party or
  NUP [TUN YE]; Rakhine Nationalities Development Party or RNDP; Shan
  Nationalities League for Democracy or SNLD [HKUN HTUN OO]; Union
  Solidarity and Development Party or USDP [THEIN SEIN]; numerous
  smaller parties

Burundi
  governing parties: Burundi Democratic Front or FRODEBU
  [Leonce NGENDAKUMANA]; National Council for the Defense of Democracy
  - Front for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD-FDD [Jeremie
  NGENDAKUMANA]; Unity for National Progress or UPRONA [Bonaventure
  NIYOYANKANA]
  note: a multiparty system was introduced after 1998, included are:
  National Council for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD [Leonard
  NYANGOMA]; National Resistance Movement for the Rehabilitation of
  the Citizen or MRC-Rurenzangemero [Epitace BANYAGANAKANDI]; Party
  for National Redress or PARENA [Jean-Baptiste BAGAZA]

Cambodia
  Cambodian People's Party or CPP [CHEA SIM]; Human Rights
  Party or HRP [KHEM SOKHA, also spelled KEM SOKHA]; National United
  Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative
  Cambodia or FUNCINPEC [KEV PUT REAKSMEI]; Nationalist Party or NP
  [CHHIM SEAK LENG] (formerly the NRP); Sam Rangsi Party or SRP [SAM
  RANGSI, also spelled SAM RAINSY]

Cameroon
  Cameroon People's Democratic Movement or CPDM [Paul BIYA];
  Cameroonian Democratic Union or UDC [Adamou Ndam NJOYA]; Movement
  for the Defense of the Republic or MDR [Dakole DAISSALA]; Movement
  for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon or MLDC [Marcel
  YONDO]; National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP [Maigari
  BELLO BOUBA]; Progressive Movement or MP; Social Democratic Front or
  SDF [John FRU NDI]; Union of Peoples of Cameroon or UPC [Augustin
  Frederic KODOCK]

Canada
  Bloc Quebecois [Gilles DUCEPPE]; Conservative Party of Canada
  [Stephen HARPER] (a merger of the Canadian Alliance and the
  Progressive Conservative Party); Green Party [Elizabeth MAY];
  Liberal Party [Michael IGNATIEFF]; New Democratic Party [Jack LAYTON]

Cape Verde
  African Party for Independence of Cape Verde or PAICV
  [Jose Maria Pereira NEVES, chairman]; Democratic and Independent
  Cape Verdean Union or UCID [Antonio MONTEIRO]; Democratic Christian
  Party or PDC [Manuel RODRIGUES]; Democratic Renovation Party or PRD
  [Victor FIDALGO]; Movement for Democracy or MPD [Jorge SANTOS];
  Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Dr. Eurico MONTEIRO]; Party
  of Work and Solidarity or PTS [Isaias RODRIGUES]; Social Democratic
  Party or PSD [Joao ALEM]

Cayman Islands
  People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Kurt TIBBETTS];
  United Democratic Party or UDP [McKeeva BUSH]

Central African Republic
  Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP
  [Jacques MBOLIEDAS]; Central African Democratic Rally or RDC [Andre
  KOLINGBA]; Civic Forum or FC [Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA]; Democratic
  Forum for Modernity or FODEM [Charles MASSI]; Liberal Democratic
  Party or PLD [Nestor KOMBO-NAGUEMON]; Londo Association or LONDO;
  Movement for Democracy and Development or MDD [David DACKO];
  Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC
  [Ange-Felix PATASSE] (the party of deposed president); National
  Convergence or KNK; National Unity Party or PUN [Jean-Paul
  NGOUPANDE]; Patriotic Front for Progress or FPP [Abel GOUMBA];
  People's Union for the Republic or UPR [Pierre Sammy MAKFOY]; Social
  Democratic Party or PSD [Enoch LAKOUE]

Chad
  Federation Action for the Republic or FAR [Ngarledjy YORONGAR];
  National Rally for Development and Progress or RNDP [Delwa Kassire
  KOUMAKOYE]; National Union for Democracy and Renewal or UNDR [Saleh
  KEBZABO]; Party for Liberty and Development or PLD [Ibni Oumar
  Mahamat SALEH]; Patriotic Salvation Movement or MPS [Mahamat Saleh
  AHMAT, chairman]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Lol
  Mahamat CHOUA]; Union for Renewal and Democracy or URD [Gen. Wadal
  Abdelkader KAMOUGUE]

Chile
  Broad Social Movement or MAS; Clean Chile Vote Happy or CLVF
  (including Broad Social Movement, Country Force, and Regionalist
  Party of Independents or PRI); Coalition for Change or CC (formerly
  known as the Alliance for Chile (Alianza) or APC) (including
  National Renewal or RN [Carlos LARRAIN Pena], Independent Democratic
  Union or UDI [Juan Antonio COLOMA Correa], and Chile First [Vlado
  MIROSEVIC]); Coalition of Parties for Democracy (Concertacion) or
  CPD (including Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Ignacio WALKER],
  Party for Democracy or PPD [Carolina TOHA Morales], Radical Social
  Democratic Party or PRSD [Jose Antonio GOMEZ Urrutia], and Socialist
  Party or PS [Osvaldo ANDRADE]); Partido Ecologista del Sur; Together
  We Can Do More (including Communist Party or PC [Guillermo TEILLIER
  del Valle], and Humanist Party or PH [Danilo MONTEVERDE])

China
  Chinese Communist Party or CCP [HU Jintao]; eight registered
  small parties controlled by CCP

Christmas Island
  none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  none

Colombia
  Alternative Democratic Pole or PDA [Clara LOPEZ];
  Conservative Party or PC [Fernando ARAUJO]; Green Party [Luis
  GARZON]; Liberal Party or PL [Rafael PARDO]; National Integration
  Party or PIN [Angel ALIRIO Moreno]; Radical Change or CR [German
  VARGAS Lleras]; Social National Unity Party or U Party [Juan
  Francisco LOZANO Ramirez]
  note: Colombia has seven major political parties, and numerous
  smaller movements

Comoros
  Camp of the Autonomous Islands or CdIA (a coalition of
  parties organized by the islands' presidents in opposition to the
  Union President); Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros or CRC
  [AZALI Assowmani]; Front National pour la Justice or FNJ [Ahmed
  RACHID] (Islamic party in opposition); Mouvement pour la Democratie
  et le Progress or MDP-NGDC [Abbas DJOUSSOUF]; Parti Comorien pour la
  Democratie et le Progress or PCDP [Ali MROUDJAE]; Rassemblement
  National pour le Development or RND [Omar TAMOU, Abdoulhamid
  AFFRAITANE]

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  Christian Democrat Party or PDC
  [Jose ENDUNDO]; Congolese Rally for Democracy or RCD [Azarias
  RUBERWA]; Convention of Christian Democrats or CDC; Forces of
  Renewal or FR [Mbusa NYAMWISI]; Movement for the Liberation of the
  Congo or MLC [Jean-Pierre BEMBA]; People's Party for Reconstruction
  and Democracy or PPRD [Joseph KABILA]; Social Movement for Renewal
  or MSR [Pierre LUMBI]; Unified Lumumbist Party or PALU [Antoine
  GIZENGA]; Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Etienne
  TSHISEKEDI]; Union of Mobutuist Democrats or UDEMO [MOBUTU Nzanga]

Congo, Republic of the
  Action Movement for Renewal or MAR; Congolese
  Labour Party or PCT; Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral
  Development or MCDDI [Michel MAMPOUYA]; Movement for Solidarity and
  Development or MSD; Pan-African Union for Social Development or
  UPADS [Martin MBERI]; Rally for Democracy and the Republic or RDR
  [Raymond Damasge NGOLLO]; Rally for Democracy and Social Progress or
  RDPS [Jean-Pierre Thystere TCHICAYA, president]; Rally of the
  Presidential Majority or RMP; Union for Democracy and Republic or
  UDR; United Democratic Forces or FDU [Sebastian EBAO]; many less
  important parties

Cook Islands
  Cook Islands Party or CIP [Henry PUNA]; Democratic
  Party or Demo [Dr. Terepai MAOATE]

Costa Rica
  Accessibility Without Exclusion or PASE [Oscar Andres
  LOPEZ Arias]; Citizen Action Party or PAC [Alberto CANAS Escalante];
  Costa Rican Renovation Party or PRC [Gerardo Justo OROZCO Alvarez];
  Democratic Force Party or PFD [Marco GONZALEZ Nunez]; Frente Amplio
  [Jose MERINO del Rio]; Homeland First or PP (Patria Primero) [Juan
  Jose VARGAS Fallas]; Libertarian Movement Party or PML [Otto GUEVARA
  Guth]; National Democratic Alliance or ADN [Jose Miguel VILLALOBOS
  Umana]; National Integration Party or PIN [Walter MUNOZ Cespedes];
  National Liberation Party or PLN [Francisco Antonio PACHECO
  Fernandez]; National Rescue Party or PRN [Fabio Enrique DELGADO
  Hernandez]; National Union Party or PUN [Arturo ACOSTA Mora];
  Patriotic Alliance [Mariano FIGUERES Olsen]; Patriotic Union or UP
  [Jose Miguel CORRALES Bolanos]; Popular Vanguard [Trino BARRANTES
  Araya]; Social Christian Unity Party or PUSC [Luis FISHMAN
  Zonzinski]; Union for Change Party or UPC [Antonio ALVAREZ Desanti]

Cote d'Ivoire
  Citizen's Democratic Union or UDCY [Theodore MEL EG];
  Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire or PDCI [Henri Konan BEDIE];
  Ivorian Popular Front or FPI [Pascale Affi N'GUESSAN]; Ivorian
  Worker's Party or PIT [Francis WODIE]; Opposition Movement of the
  Future or MFA [Innocent Augustin ANAKY]; Rally of the Republicans or
  RDR [Alassane OUATTARA]; Union for Democracy and Peace in Cote
  d'Ivoire or UDPCI [Toikeuse MABRI]; over 144 smaller registered
  parties

Croatia
  Croatian Democratic Congress of Slavonia and Baranja or
  HDSSB [Vladimir SISLJAGIC]; Croatian Democratic Union or HDZ
  [Jadranka KOSOR]; Croatian Party of the Right or HSP [Anto DJAPIC];
  Croatian Peasant Party or HSS [Josip FRISCIC]; Croatian Pensioner
  Party or HSU [Silvano HRELJA]; Croatian People's Party or HNS
  [Radimir CACIC]; Croatian Social Liberal Party or HSLS [Darinko
  KOSOR]; Independent Democratic Serb Party or SDSS [Vojislav
  STANIMIROVIC]; Istrian Democratic Assembly or IDS [Ivan JAKOVCIC];
  Social Democratic Party of Croatia or SDP [Zoran MILANOVIC]

Cuba
  Cuban Communist Party or PCC [Fidel CASTRO Ruz, first secretary]

Curacao
  Frente Obrero Liberashon (Workers' Liberation Front) or FOL
  [Anthony GODETT]; Movimentu Antiyas Nobo (New Antilles Movement) or
  MAN [Charles COOPER]; Movementu Futuro Korsou or MFK [Gerrit
  SCHOTTE]; Partido Antia Restruktura or PAR [Emily DE JONGH-ELHAGE];
  People's National Party or PNP [Ersilia DE LANNOOY]; Pueblo Soberano
  or PS [Herman WIELS]

Cyprus
  area under government control: Democratic Party or DIKO
  [Marios KAROYIAN]; Democratic Rally or DISY [Nikos ANASTASIADES];
  European Party or EURO.KO [Demetris SYLLOURIS]; Fighting Democratic
  Movement or ADIK [Dinos MIKHAILIDES]; Green Party of Cyprus [George
  PERDIKIS]; Movement for Social Democrats or EDEK [Yiannakis OMIROU];
  Progressive Party of the Working People or AKEL (Communist Party)
  [Andros KYPRIANOU]; United Democrats or EDI [Michalis PAPAPETROU]
  area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Centrist Party or HP [Rasit
  PERTEV]; Communal Democracy Party or TDP [Mehmet CAKICI]; Cyprus
  Socialist Party or KSP [Yusuf ALKIM]; Democratic Party or DP
  [Serdaer DENKTASH]; Freedom and Reform Party or ORP [Turgay AVCI];
  National Unity Party or UBP [Dervis EROGLU]; Nationalist Justice
  Party or MAP [Ata TEPE]; New Cyprus Party or YKP [Murat KANATLI];
  Politics for the People Party or HIS [Ahmet YONLUER]; Republican
  Turkish Party or CTP [Ferdi Sabit SOYER]; United Cyprus Party or BKP
  [Izzet IZCAN]

Czech Republic
  Association of Independent Candidates-European
  Democrats or SNK-ED [Zdenka MARKOVA]; Christian Democratic
  Union-Czechoslovak People's Party or KDU-CSL [Pavel BELOBRADEK];
  Civic Democratic Party or ODS [Petr NECAS]; Communist Party of
  Bohemia and Moravia or KSCM [Vojtech FILIP]; Czech Social Democratic
  Party or CSSD [Bohuslav SOBOTKA (acting)]; Green Party [Ondrej
  LISKA]; Public Affairs (VV) [Radek JOHN]; Tradice Odpovednost
  Prosperita 09 or TOP 09 [Karel SCHWARZENBERG]; Union of
  Freedom-Democratic Union or US-DEU [Jan CERNY]

Denmark
  Christian Democrats [Bjarne Hartung KIRKEGAARD] (was
  Christian People's Party); Conservative Party [Lars BARFOED]
  (sometimes known as Conservative People's Party); Danish People's
  Party [Pia KJAERSGAARD]; Liberal Alliance [Anders SAMUELSEN]
  (formerly known as New Alliance); Liberal Party [Lars Loekke
  RASMUSSEN]; Red-Green Unity List (Alliance) [collective leadership]
  (bloc includes Left Socialist Party, Communist Party of Denmark,
  Socialist Workers' Party); Social Democratic Party [Helle
  THORNING-SCHMIDT]; Social Liberal Party [Margrethe VESTAGER];
  Socialist People's Party [Villy SOEVNDAL]

Djibouti
  Democratic National Party or PND [ADEN Robleh Awaleh];
  Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Abdillahi HAMARITEH]; Djibouti
  Development Party or PDD [Mohamed Daoud CHEHEM]; Front pour la
  Restauration de l'Unite Democratique or FRUD [Ali Mohamed DAOUD];
  People's Progress Assembly or RPP [Ismail Omar GUELLEH] (governing
  party); Peoples Social Democratic Party or PPSD [Moumin Bahdon
  FARAH]; Republican Alliance for Democracy or ARD [Ahmed YOUSSOUF];
  Union for a Presidential Majority or UMP [Mohamed Dileita DILEITA]
  (a coalition of parties including RPP, FRUD, PND, and PPSD); Union
  for Democracy and Justice or UDJ

Dominica
  Dominica Freedom Party or DFP [Charles SAVARIN]; Dominica
  Labor Party or DLP [Roosevelt SKERRIT]; Dominica United Workers
  Party or UWP [Earl WILLIAMS]

Dominican Republic
  Dominican Liberation Party or PLD [Leonel
  FERNANDEZ Reyna]; Dominican Revolutionary Party or PRD [Ramon
  ALBURQUERQUE]; National Progressive Front [Vincent CASTILLO,
  Pelegrin CASTILLO]; Social Christian Reformist Party or PRSC
  [Enrique ANTUN]

Ecuador
  Alianza PAIS movement [Rafael Vicente CORREA Delgado];
  Christian Democratic Union or UDC [Luis ACOSTA Moreta]; Democratic
  Left or ID [Dalton BACIGALUPO]; Ethical and Democratic Network or
  RED [Martha ROLDOS]; Institutional Renewal and National Action Party
  or PRIAN [Vicente TAIANO]; Pachakutik Plurinational Unity Movement -
  New Country or MUPP-NP [Jorge GUAMAN Coronel]; Patriotic Society
  Party or PSP [Lucio GUTIERREZ Borbua]; Popular Democratic Movement
  or MPD [Luis VILLACIS]; Roldosist Party or PRE [Abdala BUCARAM
  Pulley, director]; Social Christian Party or PSC [Pascual DEL
  CIOPPO]; Socialist Party - Broad Front or PS-FA [Silvia SALGADO]

Egypt
  Al-Geel; Democratic Peace Party; Nasserist Party [Ahmed
  HASSAN]; National Democratic Party or NDP (governing party) [Mohamed
  Hosni MUBARAK]; National Progressive Unionist Grouping or Tagammu
  [Rifaat EL-SAID]; New Wafd Party or NWP [Sayed EL-BEDAWY]; Social
  Justice Party [Mohamed Abdel Al HASAN]; Tomorrow Party [Ayman NOURI]
  note: formation of political parties must be approved by the
  government; only parties with representation in elected bodies are
  listed

El Salvador
  Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Rodolfo PARKER];
  Democratic Convergence or CD [Oscar KATTAN] (formerly United
  Democratic Center or CDU); Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front
  or FMLN [Medardo GONZALEZ]; National Conciliation Party or PCN [Ciro
  CRUZ ZEPEDA]; Nationalist Republican Alliance or ARENA [Alfredo
  CRISTIANI]; Great Alliance for National Unity or GANA [Andres ROVIRA]

Equatorial Guinea
  Convergence Party for Social Democracy or CPDS
  [Placido MICO Abogo]; Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea or PDGE
  [Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO] (ruling party); Electoral Coalition
  or EC; Party for Progress of Equatorial Guinea or PPGE [Severo
  MOTO]; Popular Action of Equatorial Guinea or APGE [Avelino
  MOCACHE]; Popular Union or UP

Eritrea
  People's Front for Democracy and Justice or PFDJ [ISAIAS
  Afworki] (the only party recognized by the government); note - a
  National Assembly committee drafted a law on political parties in
  January 2001, but the full National Assembly has yet to debate or
  vote on it

Estonia
  Center Party of Estonia (Keskerakond) [Edgar SAVISAAR];
  Estonian Greens (Rohelised) [Marek STRANDBERG]; Estonian People's
  Union (Rahvaliit) [Juhan AARE]; Estonian Reform Party
  (Reformierakond) [Andrus ANSIP]; Social Democratic Party [Sven
  MIKSER]; Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica (Isamaa je Res Publica
  Liit) [Mart LAAR]

Ethiopia
  Afar National Democratic Party or ANDP [Mohammed KEDIR];
  Arena Tigray; Argoba People's Democratic Organization or APDO;
  Benishangul Gumuz People's Democratic Party or BGPDP [Mulualem
  BESSE]; Coalition for Unity and Democratic Party or CUDP; Ethiopian
  Federal Democatic Forum or FORUM (a UDJ-led 8-party alliance
  established for the 2010 parliamentary elections); Ethiopian
  People's Revolutionary Democratic Front or EPRDF; Gambella Peoples
  Unity Democratic Movement or GPUDM [Umod UBONG]; Gurage
  Nationalities' Democratic Movement or GNDM; Harari National League
  or HNL [Murad ABDULHADI]; Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement or
  OFDM [BULCHA Demeksa]; Oromo People's Congress or OPC [IMERERA
  Gudina]; Somali Democratic Alliance Forces or SODAF; Somali People's
  Democratic Party or SPDP; United Ethiopian Democratic Forces or UEDF
  [BEYENE Petros]; Unity for Democracy and Justice or UDJ [Birtukan
  MEDEKSA, currently imprisoned]

European Union
  Confederal Group of the European United Left-Nordic
  Green Left or GUE/NGL [Lothar BISKY]; Europe of Freedom and
  Democracy Group or EFD [Nigel FARAGE and Francesco SPERONI];
  European Conservatives and Reformists Group or ECR [Michael
  KAMINSKI]; Group of Greens/European Free Alliance or Greens/EFA
  [Rebecca HARMS and Daniel COHN-BENDIT]; Group of the Alliance of
  Liberals and Democrats for Europe or ALDE [Guy VERHOFSTADT]; Group
  of the European People's Party or EPP [Joseph DAUL]; Group of the
  Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European
  Parliament or S&D [Martin SCHULZ]

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  none; all independents

Faroe Islands
  Center Party [Jenis av RANA]; Independence Party [Kari
  P. HOJGAARD]; People's Party [Jorgen NICLASEN]; Republican Party
  [Hogni HOYDAL]; Social Democratic Party [Joannes EIDESGAARD]; Union
  Party [Kaj Leo JOHANNESEN]

Fiji
  Dodonu Ni Taukei Party or DNT [Fereti S. DEWA]; Fiji Democratic
  Party or FDP [Filipe BOLE] (a merger of the Christian Democrat
  Alliance or VLV [Poesci Waqalevu BUNE], Fijian Association Party or
  FAP, Fijian Political Party or SVT [Sitiveni RABUKA] (primarily
  Fijian), and New Labor Unity Party or NLUP [Ofa SWANN]); Fiji Labor
  Party or FLP [Mahendra CHAUDHRY]; General Voters Party or GVP
  (became part of United General Party); Girmit Heritage Party or GHP;
  Justice and Freedom Party or AIM; Lio 'On Famor Rotuma Party or LFR;
  National Federation Party or NFP [Pramond RAE] (primarily Indian);
  Nationalist Vanua Takolavo Party or NVTLP [Saula TELAWA]; Party of
  National Unity or PANU [Ponipate LESAVUA]; Party of the Truth or
  POTT; United Fiji Party/Sogosogo Duavata ni Lewenivanua or SDL
  [Laisenia QARASE]; United Peoples Party or UPP [Millis Mick BEDDOES]

Finland
  Center Party or Kesk [Mari KIVINIEMI]; Christian Democrats
  or KD [Paivi RASANEN]; Green Party or VIHR [Anni SINNEMAKI]; Left
  Alliance or VAS [Paavo ARHINMAKI]; National Coalition Party or Kok
  [Jyrki KATAINEN]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Jutta URPILAINEN];
  Swedish People's Party or SFP [Stefan WALLIN]; True Finns [Timo
  SOINI]

France
  Democratic Movement or MoDem [Francois BAYROU] (previously
  Union for French Democracy or UDF); French Communist Party or PCF
  [Pierre LAURENT]; Greens [Cecile DUFLOT]; Left Party or PG [Jean-Luc
  MELENCHON]; Left Radical Party or PRG [Jean-Michel BAYLET]
  (previously Radical Socialist Party or PRS and the Left Radical
  Movement or MRG); Movement for France or MPF [Philippe DE VILLIERS];
  National Front or FN [Jean-Marie LE PEN]; New Anticapitalist Party
  or NPA [Olivier BESANCENOT]; New Center or NC [Herve MORIN]; Radical
  Party [Jean-Louis BORLOO]; Rally for France or RPF [Charles PASQUA];
  Republican and Citizen Movement or MRC [Jean Pierre CHEVENEMENT];
  Socialist Party or PS [Martine AUBRY]; Union for a Popular Movement
  or UMP [Jean-Francois COPE]; Worker's Struggle or LO [Nathalie
  ARTHAUD]

French Polynesia
  Alliance for a New Democracy or ADN(includes the
  parties The New Star and This Country is Yours); New Fatherland
  Party (Ai'a Api); Our Home alliance; People's Servant Party (Tavini
  Huiraatira); Popular Rally (Tahoeraa Huiraatira); Union for
  Democracy alliance or UPD

Gabon
  Circle of Liberal Reformers or CLR [General Jean Boniface
  ASSELE]; Congress for Democracy and Justice or CDJ [Jules Aristide
  Bourdes OGOULIGUENDE]; Democratic and Republican Alliance or ADERE
  [Divungui-di-Ndinge DIDJOB]; Gabonese Democratic Party or PDG
  [Simplice Nguedet MANZELA] (former sole party); Gabonese Party for
  Progress or PGP [Benoit Mouity NZAMBA]; Gabonese Union for Democracy
  and Development or UGDD [Zacherie MYBOTO]; National Rally of
  Woodcutters or RNB; National Rally of Woodcutters-Rally for Gabon or
  RNB-RPG (Bucherons) [Fr. Paul M'BA-ABESSOLE]; Party of Development
  and Social Solidarity or PDS [Seraphin Ndoat REMBOGO]; People's
  Unity Party or PUP [Louis Gaston MAYILA]; Social Democratic Party or
  PSD [Pierre Claver MAGANGA-MOUSSAVOU]; Union for Democracy and
  Social Integration or UDIS; Union of Gabonese Patriots or UPG
  [Pierre MAMBOUNDOU]

Gambia, The
  Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or
  APRC [Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH] (the ruling party); Gambia People's
  Democratic Party or GPDP [Henry GOMEZ]; National Alliance for
  Democracy and Development or NADD [Halifa SALLAH]; National
  Convention Party or NCP [Sheriff DIBBA]; National Reconciliation
  Party or NRP [Hamat N. K. BAH]; People's Democratic Organization for
  Independence and Socialism or PDOIS [Halifa SALLAH]; United
  Democratic Party or UDP [Ousainou DARBOE]

Georgia
  Christian Democratic Movement [Giorgi TARGAMADZE];
  Conservative Party [Kakha KUKAVA]; Democratic Movement United
  Georgia [Nino BURJANADZE]; For Fair Georgia [Zurab NOGAIDELI];
  Georgian Party [Sozar SUBARI]; Georgian People's Front [Nodar
  NATADZE]; Greens [Giorgi GACHECHILADZE]; Industry Will Save Georgia
  (Industrialists) or IWSG [Georgi TOPADZE]; Labor Party [Shalva
  NATELASHVILI]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Bachuki KARDAVA];
  National Forum [Kakhaber SHARTAVA]; New Rights [David GAMKRELIDZE];
  Our Georgia-Free Democrats (OGFD) [Irakli ALASANIA]; People's Party
  [Koba DAVITASHVILI; Republican Party [David USUPASHVILI]; Socialist
  Party or SPG [Irakli MINDELI]; Traditionalists [Akaki ASATIANI];
  United National Movement or UNM [Mikheil SAAKASHVILI]

Germany
  Alliance '90/Greens [Claudia ROTH and Cem OZDEMIR];
  Christian Democratic Union or CDU [Angela MERKEL]; Christian Social
  Union or CSU [Horst SEEHOFER]; Free Democratic Party or FDP [Guido
  WESTERWELLE]; Left Party or Die Linke [Klaus ERNST and Gesine
  LOETZSCH]; Social Democratic Party or SPD [Sigmar GABRIEL]

Ghana
  Convention People's Party or CPP [Ladi NYLANDER]; Democratic
  Freedom Party or DFP [Alhaji Abudu Rahman ISSAKAH]; Every Ghanaian
  Living Everywhere or EGLE; Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP
  [Dan LARTEY]; National Democratic Congress or NDC [Dr. Kwabena
  ADJEI]; New Patriotic Party or NPP [Peter MAC-MANU]; People's
  National Convention or PNC [Alhaji Amed RAMADAN]; Reform Party
  [Kyeretwie OPUKU]; United Renaissance Party or URP [Charles WAYO]

Gibraltar
  Gibraltar Liberal Party [Joseph GARCIA]; Gibraltar Social
  Democrats or GSD [Peter CARUANA]; Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or
  GSLP [Joseph John BOSSANO]

Greece
  Anticapitalist Left Cooperation for the Overthrow or ANTARSYA
  [Petros KONSTANTINOU]; Coalition of the Radical Left or SYRIZA
  [Alexis TSIPRAS]; Communist Party of Greece or KKE [Aleka PAPARIGA];
  Democratic Left [Fotis KOUVELIS]; Democratic Alliance or DISY
  [Theodora BAKOGIANNI]; Ecologist Greens [Nikos CHRYSOGELOS]; Golden
  Dawn [Nikolaos MICHALOLIAKOS]; New Democracy or ND [Antonis
  SAMARAS]; Panhellenic Socialist Movement or PASOK [Georgios
  PAPANDREOU]; Popular Orthodox Rally or LAOS [Georgios KARATZAFERIS]

Greenland
  Atassut Party (Solidarity) [Gerhardt PETERSEN] (a
  conservative party favoring continuing close relations with
  Denmark); Demokratiit [Jens B. FREDERIKSEN]; Inuit Ataqatigiit or IA
  (Eskimo Brotherhood) [Kuupik KLEIST] (a leftist party favoring
  complete independence from Denmark rather than home rule);
  Kattusseqatigiit (Candidate List) [Anthon FREDERIKSEN] (an
  independent right-of-center party with no official platform); Siumut
  (Forward Party) [Alega HAMMOND] (a social democratic party
  advocating more distinct Greenlandic identity and greater autonomy
  from Denmark)

Grenada
  Grenada United Labor Party or GULP [Gloria Payne BANFIELD];
  National Democratic Congress or NDC [Tillman THOMAS]; New National
  Party or NNP [Keith MITCHELL]

Guam
  Democratic Party [Michael PHILLIPS]; Republican Party [Philip
  J. FLORES] (controls the legislature)

Guatemala
  Center of Social Action or CASA [Feliz Adolfo RUANO de
  Leon]; Democracy Front or FRENTE [Alfonso CABRERA]; Democratic Union
  or UD [Edwin Armando MARTINEZ Herrera]; Encounter for Guatemala or
  EG [Nineth MONTENGRO]; Grand National Alliance or GANA [Jaime
  Antonio MARTINEZ Lohayza]; Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity
  or URNG [Hector Alfredo NUILA Ericastilla]; Guatemalan Republican
  Front or FRG [Luis Fernando PEREZ]; Independent Bloc Guatemala or BG
  [Macario Efrain OLIVA Muralles]; Independent Democratic Freedom
  Renewed or LIDER [Manuel BALDIZON]; National Advancement Party or
  PAN [Juan GUTIERREZ]; National Unity for Hope or UNE [Roberto
  KESTLER Velasquez]; Nationalist Change Union or UCN [Mario ESTRADA];
  Patriot Party or PP [Ingrid Roxana BALDETTI Elias]; Unionista Party
  or PU [Alvaro ARZU Irigoyen]

Guernsey
  none; all independents

Guinea
  Democratic Union of Guinea or UDG [Mamadou SYLLA]; Guinean
  Union for Democracy or UGD; New Democratic Forces or NDF [Muoctar
  DIALLO]; Party for Unity and Progress or PUP [Sekouba KONATE]; Rally
  for the Guinean People or RPG [Alpha CONDE]; Union for Progress and
  Renewal or UPR [Ousmane BAH]; Union for Progress of Guinea or UPG
  [Jean-Marie DORE, secretary-general]; Union of Democratic Forces of
  Guinea or UFDG [Cellou Dalein DIALLO]; Union of Republican Forces or
  UFR [Sidya TOURE]; United Front for Democracy and Change or FUDEC
  [Francois FALL]

Guinea-Bissau
  African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau
  and Cape Verde or PAIGC [Carlos GOMES Junior]; Democratic Alliance
  or AD [Victor MANDINGA]; Democratic Social Front or FDS [Rafael
  BARBOSA]; Electoral Union or UE [Joaquim BALDE]; Guinea-Bissau Civic
  Forum/Social Democracy or FCGSD [Antonieta Rosa GOMES];
  Guinea-Bissau Democratic Party or PDG; Guinea-Bissau Socialist
  Democratic Party or PDSG [Serifo BALDE]; Labor and Solidarity Party
  or PST [Lancuba INDJAI]; New Democracy Party or PND; Party for
  Democratic Convergence or PCD [Victor MANDINGA]; Party for Renewal
  and Progress or PRP; Party for Social Renewal or PRS [Kumba YALA];
  Progress Party or PP; Republican Party for Independence and
  Development or PRID [Aristides GOMES]; Union of Guinean Patriots or
  UPG [Francisca VAZ]; Union for Change or UM [Amine SAAD]; United
  Platform or UP (coalition formed by PCD, FDS, FLING, and RGB-MB);
  United Popular Alliance or APU; United Social Democratic Party or
  PUSD [Frnacisco FADUL]

Guyana
  Alliance for Change or AFC [Raphael TROTMAN and Khemraj
  RAMJATTAN]; Guyana Action Party or GAP [Paul HARDY]; Justice for All
  Party [C.N. SHARMA]; People's National Congress/Reform or PNC/R
  [Robert Herman Orlando CORBIN]; People's Progressive Party/Civic or
  PPP/C [Bharrat JAGDEO]; Rise, Organize, and Rebuild or ROAR [Ravi
  DEV]; The United Force or TUF [Manzoor NADIR]; The Unity Party [Joey
  JAGAN]; Vision Guyana [Peter RAMSAROOP]; Working People's Alliance
  or WPA [Rupert ROOPNARAINE]

Haiti
  Artibonite in Action or LAAA [Youri LATORTUE]; Assembly of
  Progressive National Democrats or RDNP [Leslie MANIGAT]; Convention
  for Democratic Unity or KID [Evans PAUL]; Cooperative Action to
  Build Haiti or KONBA [Evans LESCOUFALIR]; Democratic Alliance or
  ALYANS [Evans PAUL] (coalition composed of KID and PPRH); Effort and
  Solidarity to Create an Alternative for the People or ESKAMP [Joseph
  JASME]; Fanmi Lavalas or FL [Rudy HERIVEAUX]; For Us All or PONT
  [Jean-Marie CHERESTAL]; Front for Hope or L'ESPWA [Rene PREVAL]
  (alliance of ESKAMP, PLB, and grass-roots organizations Grand-Anse
  Resistance Committee, the Central Plateau Peasants' Group, and
  Kombit Sudest); Haitian Christian Democratic Party or PDCH [Osner
  FEVRY and Marie-Denise CLAUDE]; Haitian Democratic and Reform
  Movement or MODEREH [Dany TOUSSAINT and Pierre Soncon PRINCE]; Heads
  Together or Tet-Ansanm [Dr. Gerard BLOT]; Independent Movement for
  National Reconciliation or MIRN [Luc FLEURINORD]; Justice for Peace
  and National Development or JPDN [Rigaud DUPLAN]; Liberal Party of
  Haiti or PLH [Gehy MICHEL]; Merging of Haitian Social Democratic
  Parties or FUSION or FPSDH [Serge GILLES] (coalition of Ayiti
  Capable, Haitian National Revolutionary Party, and National Congress
  of Democratic Movements); Mobilization for Haiti's Development or
  MPH [Samir MOURRA]; Mobilization for National Development or MDN
  [Hubert de RONCERAY]; Movement for National Reconstruction or MRN
  [Jean Henold BUTEAU]; Movement for the Installation of Democracy in
  Haiti or MIDH [Marc BAZIN]; National Christian Union for the
  Reconstruction of Haiti or UNCRH [Marie Claude GERMAIN]; National
  Front for the Reconstruction of Haiti or FRN [Guy PHILIPPE]; New
  Christian Movement for a New Haiti or MOCHRENA [Luc MESADIEU]; Open
  the Gate Party or PLB [Anes LUBIN]; Popular Party for the Renewal of
  Haiti or PPRH [Claude ROMAIN]; Struggling People's Organization or
  OPL [Edgard LEBLANC]; Union of Nationalist and Progressive Haitians
  or UNITE [Edouard FRANCISQUE]

Holy See (Vatican City)
  none

Honduras
  Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Felicito AVILA Ordonez];
  Democratic Unification Party or PUD [Cesar HAM]; Liberal Party or PL
  [Roberto MICHELETTI Bain]; National Party or PN [Antonio ALVAREZ
  Arias]; Social Democratic Innovation and Unity Party or PINU [Jorge
  Rafael AGUILAR Paredes]

Hong Kong
  parties: Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood
  or ADPL [LIU Sung Lee]; Civic Party [Audrey EU Yuet-mee]; Democratic
  Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong or DAB [TAM
  Yiu Cheng]; Democratic Party [Albert HO Chun-yan]; League of Social
  Democrats [Raymond WONG Yuk-man]; Liberal Party [Miriam LAU
  Kin-yee]; The Frontier (disbanded)
  others: Confederation of Trade Unions or CTU; Federation of Trade
  Unions or FTU; Neighborhood and Workers Service Center or NWSC
  note: political blocs include: pro-democracy - ADPL, Civic Party,
  Democratic Party, League of Social Democrats; pro-Beijing - DAB,
  Liberal Party, The Professional Forum (an informal group of three
  generally pro-government and pro-business LegCo members from
  functional constituencies and one independent elected from a
  geographic constituency); there is no political party ordinance, so
  there are no registered political parties; politically active groups
  register as societies or companies

Hungary
  Alliance of Free Democrats or SzDSz [5 administrators];
  Christian Democratic People's Party or KDNP [Semjen ZSOLT];
  Hungarian Civic Alliance or Fidesz [Viktor ORBAN, chairman];
  Hungarian Democratic Forum or MDF [Ibolya DAVID]; Hungarian
  Socialist Party or MSzP [Atilla MESTERHAZY]; Movement for a Better
  Hungary or Jobbik [Gabor VONA]; Politics Can Be Different or LMP
  [13-member leadership]

Iceland
  Independence Party or IP [Bjarni BENEDIKTSSON]; Left-Green
  Movement or LGM [Steingrimur SIGFUSSON]; Progressive Party or PP
  [Sigmundur David GUNNLAUGSSON]; Social Democratic Alliance or SDA
  [Johanna SIGURDARDOTTIR]; The Movement [Birgitta JONSDOTTIR]

India
  All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or AIADMK [J.
  JAYALALITHAA]; All India Trinamool Congress or AITC [Mamata
  BANERJEE]; Bahujan Samaj Party or BSP [MAYAWATI]; Bharatiya Janata
  Party or BJP [Nitin GADKARI]; Biju Janata Dal or BJD [Naveen
  PATNAIK]; Communist Party of India or CPI [B. BARDHAN]; Communist
  Party of India-Marxist or CPI-M [Prakash KARAT]; Dravida Munnetra
  Kazhagam or DMK [Kalaignar M.KARUNANIDHI]; Indian National Congress
  or INC [Sonia GANDHI]; Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) [Sharad YADAV];
  Left Front (an alliance of Indian leftist parties); Nationalist
  Congress Party or NCP [Sharad PAWAR]; Rashtriya Lok Dal or RLD [Ajit
  SINGH]; Samajwadi Party or SP [Mulayam Singh YADAV]; Shiromani Akali
  Dal or SAD [Parkash Singh BADAL]; Shiv Sena or SS [Bal THACKERAY];
  Telugu Desam Party or TDP [Chandrababu NAIDU]; note - India has
  dozens of national and regional political parties; only parties or
  coalitions with four or more seats in the People's Assembly are
  listed

Indonesia
  Democrat Party or PD [Anas URANINGRUM]; Functional Groups
  Party or GOLKAR [Aburizal BAKRIE]; Great Indonesia Movement Party or
  GERINDRA [SUHARDI]; Indonesia Democratic Party-Struggle or PDI-P
  [MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri]; National Awakening Party or PKB [Muhaiman
  ISKANDAR]; National Mandate Party or PAN [Hatta RAJASA]; People's
  Conscience Party or HANURA [WIRANTO]; Prosperous Justice Party or
  PKS [Luthfi Hasan ISHAQ]; United Development Party or PPP
  [Suryadharma ALI]

Iran
  formal political parties are a relatively new phenomenon in
  Iran and most conservatives still prefer to work through political
  pressure groups rather than parties; often political parties or
  coalitions are formed prior to elections and disbanded soon
  thereafter; a loose pro-reform coalition called the 2nd Khordad
  Front, which includes political parties as well as less formal
  groups and organizations, achieved considerable success in elections
  for the sixth Majles in early 2000; groups in the coalition included
  the Islamic Iran Participation Front (IIPF), Executives of
  Construction Party (Kargozaran), Solidarity Party, Islamic Labor
  Party, Mardom Salari, Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution
  Organization (MIRO), and Militant Clerics Society (Ruhaniyun); the
  coalition participated in the seventh Majles elections in early
  2004; following his defeat in the 2005 presidential elections,
  former MCS Secretary General and sixth Majles Speaker Mehdi KARUBI
  formed the National Trust Party; a new conservative group, Islamic
  Iran Developers Coalition (Abadgaran), took a leading position in
  the new Majles after winning a majority of the seats in February
  2004; following the 2004 Majles elections, traditional and hardline
  conservatives have attempted to close ranks under the United Front
  of Principlists and the Broad Popular Coalition of Principlists;
  several reformist groups, such as the Mujahadin of the Islamic
  Revolution, came together as a reformist coalition in advance of the
  2008 Majles elections; the IIPF has repeatedly complained that the
  overwhelming majority of its candidates have been unfairly
  disqualified from the 2008 elections

Iraq
  Badr Organization [Hadi al-AMIRI]; Da'wa al-Islamiya Party
  [Prime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI]; Da'wa Tanzim [Hashim al-MUSAWI
  branch]; Da-wa Tanzim [Abd al-Karim al-ANZI branch]; Fadilah Party
  [Hashim al-HASHIMI]; Hadba Gathering [Athil al-NUJAYFI]; Iraqi
  Charter Assembly [Ahmad Abd al-Ghafur al-SAMARRAI]; Iraqi
  Constitutional Party [Jawad al-BULANI]; Iraqi Front for National
  Dialogue [Salih al-MUTLAQ]; Iraqi Islamic Party or IIP [Usama
  al-TIKRITI]; Iraqi Justice and Reform Movement [Shaykh Abdallah
  al-YAWR]; Iraqi National Congress or INC [Ahmad CHALABI]; Iraqi
  National Accord or INA [former Prime Minister Ayad ALLAWI]; Islamic
  Supreme Council of Iraq or ISCI [Ammar al-HAKIM]; Kurdistan
  Democratic Party or KDP [Kurdistan Regional Government President
  Masud BARZANI]; National Gathering [Deputy Prime Minister Rafi
  al-ISSAWI]; National Movement for Reform and Development [Jamal
  al-KARBULI]; National Reform Trend [former Prime Minister Ibrahim
  al-JAFARI]; Patriotic Union of Kurdistan or PUK [Jalal TALABANI];
  Renewal List [Vice President Tariq al-HASHIMI]; Sadrist Trend
  [Muqtada al-SADR]; Sahawa al-Iraq [Ahmad al-RISHAWI]; Tawafuq Front
  note: numerous smaller local, tribal, and minority parties

Ireland
  Fianna Fail [Brian COWEN]; Fine Gael [Enda KENNY]; Green
  Party [John GORMLEY]; Labor Party [Eamon GILMORE]; Progressive
  Democrats or PD [Noel GREALISH] (formerly dissolved on 20 November
  2009); Sinn Fein [Gerry ADAMS]; Socialist Party [Joe HIGGINS]; The
  Workers' Party [Michael FINNEGAN]

Isle of Man
  Alliance for Progressive Government; Liberal Vannin
  Party [Peter KARRAN]; Manx Labor Party; Manx Nationalist Party (Mec
  Vannin) [Bernard MOFFATT]
  note: most members sit as independents

Israel
  Balad [Jamal ZAHALKA]; Democratic Front for Peace and
  Equality (HADASH) [Muhammad BARAKEH]; Kadima [Tzipora "Tzipi"
  LIVNI]; Labor Party [Ehud BARAK]; Likud [Binyamin NETANYAHU];
  National Union [Yaakov KATZ]; SHAS [Eliyahu YISHAI]; The Jewish Home
  (HaBayit HaYehudi) [Daniel HERSCHKOWITZ]; The New Movement-Meretz
  [Haim ORON]; United Arab List-Ta'al [Ibrahim SARSUR]; United Torah
  Judaism or UTJ [Yaakov LITZMAN]; Yisrael Beiteinu or YB [Avigdor
  LIEBERMAN]

Italy
  Center-Right coalition: Lega Nord or LN [Umberto BOSSI];
  Movement for Autonomy or MpA [Raffaele LOMBARDO]; People of Freedom
  or PdL [Silvio BERLUSCONI]
  Center-Left coalition: Democratic Party or PD [Pier Luigi BERSANI];
  Italy of Values or IdV [Antonio DI PIETRO]
  other non-allied parties: Future and Liberty Party or FLI
  [Gianfranco FINI]; Union of the Center or UdC [Pier Ferdinando
  CASINI]

Jamaica
  Jamaica Labor Party or JLP [Bruce GOLDING]; People's
  National Party or PNP [Portia SIMPSON-MILLER]; National Democratic
  Movement or NDM [Michael WILLIAMS]

Japan
  Democratic Party of Japan or DPJ [Naoto KAN]; Japan Communist
  Party or JCP [Kazuo SHII]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Sadakazu
  TANIGAKI]; New Komeito or NK [Natsuo YAMAGUCHI]; People's New Party
  or PNP [Shizuka KAMEI]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Mizuho
  FUKUSHIMA]; Your Party or YP [Yoshimi WATANABE]

Jersey
  two declared parties: Centre Party; Jersey Democratic Alliance
  note: all senators and deputies elected in 2008 were independents

Jordan
  Arab Ba'ath Socialist Party [Fuad DABBOUR]; Ba'ath Arab
  Progressive Party [Tayseer al-HAMSI]; Call Party [Mohammed Abu
  BAKR]; Democratic People's Party [Ablah al-ULBAH]; Democratic
  Popular Unity Party [Sa'ed DIAB]; Islamic Action Front or IAF
  [Hamzeh MANSOUR]; Islamic Center Party [Marwan al-FA'OURI; Jordanian
  Communist Party [Munir HAMARNEH]; Jordanian National Party [Mona Abu
  BAKR]; Jordanian United Front [Amjad al-MAJALI]; Life Party [Thaher
  'AMROU]; Message Party [Hazem QASHOU]; National Constitution Party
  [Ahmed al-SHUNAQ]; National Current Party [Abd al-Hadi al-MAJALI];
  National Movement for Direct Democracy [Mohammed al-QAQ]

Kazakhstan
  Adilet (Justice) [Maksut NARIKBAYEV, Zeynulla
  ALSHIMBAYEV, Serik ABDRAHMANOV, Bakhytbek AKHMETZHAN, Yerkin
  ONGARBAYEV, Tolegan SYDYKOV] (formerly Democratic Party of
  Kazakhstan); Agrarian and Industrial Union of Workers Block or AIST
  (Agrarian Party and Civic Party); Ak Zhol Party (Bright Path)
  [Alikhan BAYMENOV]; Alga [Vladimir KOZLOV] (unregistered); Auyl
  (Village) [Gani KALIYEV]; Azat (Freedom) Party [Bolat ABILOV]
  (formerly True Ak Zhol Party); Azat NSDP [co-chaired by Bolat ABILOV
  and Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY]; Azat and NSDP united in 2009, but the
  authorities have refused to register Azat NSDP as a single party;
  Communist Party of Kazakhstan or KPK [Serikbolsyn ABDILDIN];
  Communist People's Party of Kazakhstan [Vladislav KOSAREV]; National
  Social Democratic Party or NSDP [Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY]; Nur-Otan
  [Bakhytzhan ZHUMAGULOV] (the Agrarian, Asar, and Civic parties
  merged with Otan); Patriots' Party [Gani KASYMOV]; Rukhaniyat
  (Spirituality) [Altynshash ZHAGANOVA]

Kenya
  Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-Kenya or FORD-Kenya
  [Musikari KOMBO]; Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-People or
  FORD-People [Reuben OYONDI]; Kenya African National Union or KANU
  [Uhuru KENYATTA]; National Rainbow Coalition-Kenya or NARC-Kenya
  [Martha KARUA]; Orange Democratic Movement or ODM [Raila ODINGA];
  Orange Democratic Movement-Kenya or ODM-K [Kalonzo MUSYOKA]; Party
  of National Unity or PNU [Mwai KIBAKI]; Shirikisho Party of Kenya or
  SPK [Chirau Ali MWAKWERE]

Kiribati
  Boutokaan Te Koaua Party or BTK [Taberannang TIMEON];
  Maneaban Te Mauri Party or MTM [Teburoro TITO]; Maurin Kiribati Pati
  or MKP; National Progressive Party or NPP [Dr. Harry TONG]
  note: there is no tradition of formally organized political parties
  in Kiribati; they more closely resemble factions or interest groups
  because they have no party headquarters, formal platforms, or party
  structures

Korea, North
  major party - Korean Workers' Party or KWP [KIM Jong
  Il]; minor parties - Chondoist Chongu Party [RYU Mi Yong] (under KWP
  control), Social Democratic Party [KIM Yong Dae] (under KWP control)

Korea, South
  Democratic Party or DP [CHUNG Sye-kyun] (formerly the
  United Democratic Party or UDP); Democratic Labor Party or DLP [KANG
  Ki-kap]; Grand National Party or GNP [AHN Sang-soo]; Liberty Forward
  Party or LFP [LEE Hoi-chang]; New Progressive Party or NPP [ROH
  Hoe-chan]; Pro-Park Alliance or PPA [SUH Choung-won]; Renewal Korea
  Party or RKP [SONG Yong-o]

Kosovo
  Albanian Christian Democratic Party of Kosovo or PShDK [Ton
  MARKU]; Alliance for a New Kosovo or AKR [Behgjet PACOLLI]; Alliance
  for the Future of Kosovo or AAK [Ramush HARADINAJ]; Alliance of
  Independent Social Democrats of Kosovo and Metohija or SDSKIM
  [Ljubisa ZIVIC]; Bosniak Vakat Coalition or DSV [Sadik IDRIZI];
  Citizens' Initiative of Gora or GIG [Murselj HALJILJI]; Democratic
  Action Party or SDA [Numan BALIC]; Democratic League of Dardania or
  LDD [Nexhat DACI]; Democratic League of Kosovo or LDK [Fatmir
  SEJDIU]; Democratic Party of Ashkali of Kosovo or PDAK [Berat
  QERIMI]; Democratic Party of Bosniaks [Dzezair MURATI]; Democratic
  Party of Kosovo or PDK [Hashim THACI]; Independent Liberal Party or
  SLS [Slobadan PETROVIC]; Kosovo Democratic Turkish Party of KDTP
  [Mahir YAGCILAR]; New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo or IRDK
  [Xhevdet NEZIRAJ]; New Democratic Party or ND [Predrag JOVIC]; New
  Kosovo Alliance or AKR [Behxhet PACOLLI]; Reform Party Ora [Teuta
  SAHATCIA]; Serb National Party or SNS [Mihailo SCEPANOVIC]; Serbian
  Democratic Party of Kosovo and Metohija or SDS KiM [Slavisa
  PETKOVIC]; Serbian Kosovo and Metohija Party or SKMS [Dragisa
  MIRIC]; Serbian National Council of Northern Kosovo and Metohija or
  SNV [Milan IVANOVIC]; Social Democratic Party of Kosovo or PSDK
  [Agim CEKU]; Socialist Party of Kosovo or PSK [Emrush XHEMAJLI];
  United Roma Party of Kosovo or PREBK [Haxhi Zylfi MERXHA]

Kuwait
  none; formation of political parties is in practice illegal
  but is not forbidden by law

Kyrgyzstan
  Ar-Namys (Dignity) Party [Feliks KULOV]; Ata-Jurt
  (Homeland) [Kamchybek TASHIEV, Akhmat KELDIBEKOV]; Ata-Meken
  (Fatherland) [Omurbek TEKEBAEV]; Butun Kyrgyzstan (All Kyrgyzstan)
  [Adakhan MADUMAROV, Miroslav NIYAZOV]; Respublika [Omurbek BABANOV];
  Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK) [Almazbek ATAMBAEV]

Laos
  Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [CHOUMMALI Saignason];
  other parties proscribed

Latvia
  All For Latvia! [Irnants PARADNIEKS, Raivis DZINTARS]; Civic
  Union [Sandra KALNIETE, Girts Valdis KRISTOVSKIS]; First Party of
  Latvia/Latvia's Way or LPP/LC [Ainars SLESERS]; For a Good Latvia
  (alliance of TP, LPP/LC); For Human Rights in a United Latvia or
  PCTVL [Jakovs PLINERS, Tatjana ZDANOKA]; For the Fatherland and
  Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement or TB/LNNK [Roberts
  ZILE, Maris GRINBLATS]; Harmony Center or SC [Nils USAKOVS, Janis
  URBANOVICS]; National Alliance (alliance of TB/LNNK, All For
  Latvia!); New Era Party or JL [Solvita ABOLTINA, Dzintars ZAKIS];
  People's Party or TP [Andris SKELE]; Society for Different Politics
  or SCP [Aigars STOKENBERGS; Artis PABRIKS]; The Union of Latvian
  Greens and Farmers Party or ZZS [Augusts BRIGMANIS]; Unity bloc
  (alliance of Civic Union, New Era, SCP)

Lebanon
  14 March Coalition: Democratic Left [Ilyas ATALLAH];
  Democratic Renewal Movement [Nassib LAHUD]; Future Movement Bloc
  [Sa'ad al-HARIRI]; Kataeb Party [Amine GEMAYEL]; Lebanese Forces
  [Samir JA'JA]; Tripoli Independent Bloc
  8 March Coalition: Development and Resistance Bloc [Nabih BERRI,
  leader of Amal Movement]; Free Patriotic Movement [Michel AWN];
  Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc [Mohammad RA'AD] (includes Hizballah
  [Hassan NASRALLAH]); Nasserite Popular Movement [Usama SAAD];
  Popular Bloc [Elias SKAFF]; Syrian Ba'th Party [Sayez SHUKR]; Syrian
  Social Nationalist Party [Ali QANSO]; Tashnaq [Hovig MEKHITIRIAN]
  Independent: Democratic Gathering Bloc [Walid JUNBLATT, leader of
  Progressive Socialist Party]; Metn Bloc [Michel MURR]

Lesotho
  Alliance of Congress Parties or ACP (including the Lesotho
  People's Congress or LCP [Kelebone MAOPE], the Basotholand African
  Congress or BAC [Khauhelo RALITAPOLE], and a faction of the Basotho
  Congress Party or BCP [Ntsukunyane MPHANYA]); All Basotho Convention
  or ABC [Thomas THABANE]; Basotho Batho Democratic Party or BBDP;
  Basotho Congress Party or BCP; Basotho Democratic National Party or
  BDNP [Thabang NYEOE]; Basotho National Party or BNP [Maj. Gen.
  Justin Metsing LEKHANYA]; Basotholand African National Congress or
  BANC; Christian Democratic Party or CDP [Enerst RAMOKOENA]; Lesotho
  Congress for Democracy or LCD [Pakalitha MOSISILI] (the governing
  party); Lesotho Workers Party or LWP [Macaefa BILLY]; National
  Independent Party or NIP [Anthony MANYELI]

Liberia
  Alliance for Peace and Democracy or APD [Togba-na TIPOTEH];
  Coalition for the Transformation of Liberia or COTOL [H. Varney
  SHERMAN]; Congress for Democratic Change or CDC [George WEAH];
  Liberty Party or LP [Charles BRUMSKINE]; National Patriotic Party or
  NPP [Roland MASSAQUOI]; Unity Party or UP [Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF]

Libya
  none

Liechtenstein
  Die Freie Liste (The Free List) or FL [Wolfgang
  MARXER]; Fortschrittliche Buergerpartei (Progressive Citizens'
  Party) or FBP [Alexander BATLINER]; Vaterlaendische Union
  (Fatherland Union) or VU [Adolf HEEB]

Lithuania
  Christian party [Gediminas VAGNORIUS]; Civil Democracy
  Party or PDP [Algimantas MATULEVICIUS]; Electoral Action of
  Lithuanian Poles or LLRA [Valdemar TOMASZEVSKI]; Homeland Union -
  Lithuanian Christian Democrats or TS-LKD [Andrius KUBILIUS]; Labor
  Party or DP [Viktor USPASKICH]; Liberal and Center Union or LCS
  [Gintautas BABRAVICIUS]; Liberal Movement or LS or LRLS [Eligijus
  MASIULIS]; Lithuanian Farmers' Union or LVLS or VLS [ Ramunas
  KARBAUSKIS]; Lithuanian People's Party (not yet officially
  established) [Kazimiera PRUNSKIENE]; National Revival or TPP [Arunas
  VALINSKAS]; New Union (Social Liberal) or NS [Arturas PAULAUSKAS];
  Order and Justice Party or TT [Rolandas PAKSAS]; Social Democratic
  Party or LSDP [Algirdas BUTKEVICIUS]

Luxembourg
  Alternative Democratic Reform Party or ADR [Robert
  MEHLEN]; Christian Social People's Party or CSV [Michel WOLTER]; dei
  Lenk/la Gauche (the Left); Democratic Party or DP [Claude MEISCH];
  Green Party [Francois BAUSCH]; Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party
  or LSAP [Alex BODRY]; other minor parties

Macau
  Alliance for Change or MUDAR; Macau Development Alliance or
  NUDM [Angela LEONG On-kei]; Macau-Guangdong Union or UNG; Macau
  United Citizens' Association or ACUM [CHAN Meng-kam]; New Democratic
  Macau Association or APMD [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong]; New Hope or NE
  [Jose Maria Pereira COUTINHO]; Union for Promoting Progress or UPP
  [LEONG Heng-teng]
  note: there is no political party ordinance, so there are no
  registered political parties; politically active groups register as
  societies or companies

Macedonia
  Democratic Alliance or DS [Pavle TRAJANOV]; Democratic
  Party of Serbs in Macedonia [Ivan STOILJKOVIC]; Democratic Party of
  the Albanians or PDSh/DPA [Menduh THACI]; Democratic Party of Turks
  in Macedonia [Kenan HASIPI]; Democratic Union for Integration or
  BDI/DUI [Ali AHMETI]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary
  Organization—Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity
  (VMRO-DPMNE) [Nikola GRUEVSKI]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP
  [Jovan MANSIJEVSKI]; Liberal Party [Borce STOJANOVSKI]; Movement for
  Reconstruction of Macedonia or DOM [Liljana POPOVSKA]; New
  Alternative [Gjorgji OROVCANEC]; New Democracy or DR [Imer SELMANI];
  New Social-Democratic Party or NSDP [Tito PETKOVSKI]; Party for
  Democratic Action in Macedonia or SDAM [Avdija PEPIC]; Party for
  European Future or PEI [Fijat CANOSKI]; Social-Democratic Union of
  Macedonia or SDSM [Branko CRVENKOVSKI]; Socialist Party or SP
  [Ljubisav IVANOV-ZINGO]; Union of Roma of Macedonia [Amdi BAJRAM];
  United for Macedonia or OM [Ljube BOSKOVSKI]; VMRO-Macedonian
  [Borislav STOJMENOV]

Madagascar
  Association for the Rebirth of Madagascar or AREMA
  [Pierrot RAJAONARIVELO]; Democratic Party for Union in Madagascar or
  PSDUM [Jean LAHINIRIKO]; Economic Liberalism and Democratic Action
  for National Recovery or LEADER/Fanilo [Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO];
  Fihaonana Party or FP [Guy-Willy RAZANAMASY]; I Love Madagascar or
  TIM [Marc RAVALOMANANA]; Renewal of the Social Democratic Party or
  RPSD [Evariste MARSON]

Malawi
  Alliance for Democracy or AFORD [Dindi NYASULU]; Congress of
  Democrats or CODE [Ralph KASAMBARA]; Democratic Progressive Party or
  DPP [Bingu wa MUTHARIKA]; Malawi Congress Party or MCP [John TEMBO];
  Malawi Democratic Party or MDP [Kampelo KALUA]; Malawi Forum for
  Unity and Development or MAFUNDE [George MNESA]; Maravi People's
  Party [Uladi MUSSA]; National Unity Party or NUP [Harry CHIUME]; New
  Rainbow Coalition Party [Beatrice MWALE]; New Republican Party
  [Gwanda CHAKUWAMBA]; People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Aleke
  BANDA]; People's Transformation Movement or PETRA [Kamuzu CHIBAMBO];
  Republican Party or RP [Stanley MASAULI]; United Democratic Front or
  UDF [Bakili MULUZI]; United Democratic Party [Kenedy KALAMBO]

Malaysia
  National Front (Barisan Nasional) or BN (ruling coalition)
  consists of the following parties: Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Party or
  PGRM [KOH Tsu Koon]; Liberal Democratic Party (Parti Liberal
  Demokratik - Sabah) or LDP [LIEW Vui Keong]; Malaysian Chinese
  Association (Persatuan China Malaysia) or MCA [CHUA Soi Lek];
  Malaysian Indian Congress (Kongres India Malaysia) or MIC
  [Govindasamy PALANIVEL]; Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah or PBRS [Joseph
  KURUP]; Parti Bersatu Sabah or PBS [Joseph PAIRIN Kitingan]; Parti
  Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu or PBB [Abdul TAIB Mahmud]; Parti Rakyat
  Sarawak or PRS [James MASING]; Sarawak United People's Party (Parti
  Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak) or SUPP [George CHAN Hong Nam]; United
  Malays National Organization or UMNO [NAJIB bin Abdul Razak]; United
  Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organization (Pertubuhan Pasko
  Momogun Kadazan Dusun Bersatu) or UPKO [Bernard DOMPOK]; People's
  Progressive Party (Parti Progresif Penduduk Malaysia) or PPP
  [M.Kayveas]; Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party or SPDP [William
  MAWAN])
  People's Alliance (Pakatan Rakyat) or PR (opposition coalition)
  consists of the following parties: Democratic Action Party (Parti
  Tindakan Demokratik) or DAP [KARPAL Singh]; Islamic Party of
  Malaysia (Parti Islam se Malaysia) or PAS [Abdul HADI Awang];
  People's Justice Party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) or PKR [WAN AZIZAH
  Wan Ismail]; Sarawak National Party or SNAP [Edwin DUNDANG]
  independent party: Sabah Progressive Party (Parti Progresif Saban)
  or SAPP [YONG Teck Lee]

Maldives
  Adhaalath (Justice) Party or AP [Shaykh Hussein RASHEED
  Ahmed]; Dhivehi Quamee Party or DQP [Hassan SAEED]; Dhivehi
  Rayyithunge Party (Maldivian People's Party) or DRP [THASMEEN Ali];
  Gaumii Ithihaad (National Alliance) or GI [Mohamed WAHEED]; Islamic
  Democratic Party or IDP; Maldivian Democratic Party or MDP [Mariya
  DIDI]; Maldives National Congress or MNC; Maldives Social Democratic
  Party or MSDP; People's Alliance or PA [Abdullah YAMEEN]; People's
  Party or PP; Poverty Alleviation Party or PAP; Republican
  (Jumhooree) Party or JP [Gasim IBRAHIM]; Social Liberal Party or SLP
  [Ibrahim ISMAIL]

Mali
  African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence or SADI
  [Oumar MARIKO, secretary general]; Alliance for Democracy or ADEMA
  [Diounconda TRAORE]; Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP (a
  coalition of political parties including ADEMA and URD formed in
  December 2006 to support the presidential candidacy of Amadou
  TOURE); Alliance for Democratic Change (political group comprised
  mainly of Tuareg from Mali's northern region); Convergence 2007
  [Soumeylou Boubeye MAIGA]; Front for Democracy and the Republic or
  FDR (a coalition of political parties including RPM and PARENA
  formed to oppose the presidential candidacy of Amadou TOURE);
  National Congress for Democratic Initiative or CNID [Mountaga TALL];
  Party for Democracy and Progress or PDP [Mady KONATE]; Party for
  National Renewal or PARENA [Tiebile DRAME]; Patriotic Movement for
  Renewal or MPR [Choguel MAIGA]; Rally for Democracy and Labor or RDT
  [Amadou Ali NIANGADOU]; Rally for Mali or RPM [Ibrahim Boubacar
  KEITA]; Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally or US/RDA [Mamadou
  Basir GOLOGO]; Union for Democracy and Development or UDD [Moussa
  Balla COULIBALY]; Union for Republic and Democracy or URD [Soumaila
  CISSE]

Malta
  Alternativa Demokratika/Alliance for Social Justice or AD
  [Michael BRIGUGLIO]; Azzjoni Nazzjonaili or AN [Josi MUSCAT]; Malta
  Labor Party or PL [Joseph MUSCAT]; Nationalist Party or PN [Lawrence
  GONZI]

Marshall Islands
  traditionally there have been no formally organized
  political parties; what has existed more closely resembles factions
  or interest groups because they do not have party headquarters,
  formal platforms, or party structures; the following two "groupings"
  have competed in legislative balloting in recent years - Aelon Kein
  Ad Party [Michael KABUA] and United Democratic Party or UDP [Litokwa
  TOMEING]

Mauritania
  Alternative or El-Badil [Mohamed Yahdhi Ould MOCTAR
  HACEN]; Coalition of Majority Parties or CPM (parties supporting the
  regime including PRDR, UPR, RD, HATEM-PMUC, UCD); Coordination of
  Democratic Opposition or COD (coalition of opposition political
  parties opposed to the government including APP, RFD, UFP,
  PNDD-ADIL, Alternative or El-Badil); Democratic Renewal or RD
  [Moustapha Ould ABDEIDARRAHMANE]; Mauritanian Party for Unity and
  Change or HATEM-PMUC [Saleh Ould HANENA]; National Pact for
  Democracy and Development or PNDD-ADIL [Yahya Ould Ahmed Ould
  WAGHEF] (independents formerly supporting President Abdellahi);
  National Rally for Freedom, Democracy and Equality or RNDLE;
  National Rally for Reform and Development/RNRD-TAWASSOUL [Mohamed
  Jamil MANSOUR] (moderate Islamists); Popular Front or FP [Ch'bih
  Ould CHEIKH MALAININE]; Popular Progressive Alliance or APP [Messoud
  Ould BOULKHEIR]; Rally of Democratic Forces or RFD [Ahmed Ould
  DADDAH]; Republican Party for Democracy and Renewal or PRDR [Mintata
  Mint HDEID]; Socialist and Democratic Unity Party or PUDS; Union for
  Democracy and Progress or UDP [Naha Mint MOUKNASS]; Union for the
  Republic or UPR; Union of Democratic Center or UCD [Cheikh Sid'Ahmed
  Ould BABA]; Union of the Forces for Progress or UFP [Mohamed Ould
  MAOULOUD];

Mauritius
  Alliance of the Future or AF [Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM]
  (governing coalition - includes MLD, MMSM, MR, MSD, PMXD); Mauritian
  Labor Party or MLP [Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM]; Mauritian Militant
  Movement or MMM [Paul BERENGER]; Mauritian Militant Socialist
  Movement or MMSM [Pravind JUGNAUTH]; Mauritian Socialist Militant
  Movement or MSMM [Madan DULLOO]; Mauritian Solidarity Front [Cehl
  FAKEERMEEAH]; Mouvement Republicain or MR [Jayarama VALAYDEN]; Parti
  Mauricien Xavier Duval or PMXD [Xavier Luc DUVAL]; Rodrigues
  Movement or MR [Joseph (Nicholas) Von MALLY]; Rodrigues Peoples
  Organization or OPR [Serge CLAIR]

Mayotte
  Democratic Front or FD [Youssouf MOUSSA]; Federation of
  Mahorans or UMP-RPR [Mansour KAMARDINE]; Force of the Rally and the
  Alliance for Democracy or FRAP; Mahoran Popular Movement or MPM
  [Ahmed MADI]; Movement for Department Status Mayotte or MDM
  [Mouhoutar SALIM]; Renewed Communist Party of Mayotte or MRC [Omar
  SIMBA]; Socialist Party or PS [Ibrahim ABUBACAR] (local branch of
  French Parti Socialiste); Union for French Democracy or UDF [Henri
  JEAN-BAPTISTE]

Mexico
  Convergence for Democracy or CD [Luis WALTON Aburto];
  Institutional Revolutionary Party or PRI [Beatriz PAREDES Rangel];
  Labor Party or PT [Alberto ANAYA Gutierrez]; Mexican Green
  Ecological Party or PVEM [Jorge Emilio GONZALEZ Martinez]; National
  Action Party (Partido Accion Nacional) or PAN [Gustavo MADERO
  Munoz]; New Alliance Party (Partido Nueva Alianza) or PNA/PANAL
  [Jorge Antonio KAHWAGI Macari]; Party of the Democratic Revolution
  (Partido de la Revolucion Democratica) or PRD [Jesus ORTEGA Martinez]

Micronesia, Federated States of
  no formal parties

Moldova
  represented in Parliament: Communist Party of the Republic
  of Moldova or PCRM [Vladimir VORONIN]; Democratic Party or PD [Mihai
  LUPU]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLDM [Vladmir FILAT]; Liberal
  Party or PL [Mihai GHIMPU]
  not represented in Parliament: Christian Democratic People's Party
  or PPCD [Iurie ROSCA]; Conservative Party or PC [Natalia NIRCA];
  Ecological Party of Moldova "Green Alliance" or PEMAVE [Vladimir
  BRAGA]; European Action Movement or MAE [Veaceslav UNTILA]; For
  Nation and Country Party or PpNT [Sergiu MOCANU]; Humanist Party of
  Moldova or PUM [Valeriu PASAT]; Labor Party or PM [Gheorghe SIMA];
  National Liberal Party or PNL [Vitalia PAVLICENKO]; Our Moldova
  Alliance or AMN [Serafim URECHEAN]; Patriots of Moldova Party or PPM
  [Mihail GARBUZ]; Popular Republican Party or PPR [Nicolae ANDRONIC];
  Republican Party of Moldova or PRM [Andrei STRATAN]; Roma Social
  Political Movement of the Republic of Moldova or MRRM [Ion BUCUR];
  Social Democratic Party or PSD [Victor SELIN]; Social Political
  Movement "Equality" or MR [Valeriy KLIMENCO]; United Moldova Party
  or PMUEM [Vladimir TURCAN]

Monaco
  Monaco Together; Rally and Issues for Monaco or REM; Union
  for Monaco or UPM (including National Union for the Future of Monaco
  or UNAM)

Mongolia
  Democratic Party or DP [Norov ALTANHUYAG]; Mongolian
  People's Party or MPP [Sukhbaatar BATBOLD]

Montenegro
  Albanian Alternative or AA [Vesel SINISHTAJ]; Coalition
  for European Montenegro (bloc) [Milo DJUKANOVIC] (includes
  Democratic Party of Socialists or DPS [Milo DJUKANOVIC], Social
  Democratic Party or SDP [Ranko KRIVOKAPIC], Bosniak Party of BS
  [Rafet HUSOVIC], and Croatian Civic Initiative or HGI [Marija
  VUCINOVIC); Coalition SNP-NS-DSS (bloc) (includes Socialist People's
  Party or SNP [Srdjan MILIC], People's Party of Montenegro or NS
  [Predrag POPOVIC], and Democratic Serbian Party of Montenegro or DSS
  [Ranko KADIC]); Democratic League-Party of Democratic Prosperity or
  SPP [Mehmet BARDHIJ]; Democratic Union of Albanians or DUA [Ferhat
  DINOSHA]; For a Different Montenegro (bloc) [Goran BATRICEVIC]
  (includes Democratic Center or DC [Goran BATRICEVIC] and Liberal
  Party of Montenegro or LP [Miodrag ZIVKOVIC]); FORCA [Nazif CUNGU];
  Movement for Changes or PZP [Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC]; National Coalition
  (includes People's Party of Montenegro or NS [Predrag POPOVIC] and
  Democratic Serbian Party of Montenegro or DSS [Ranko KADIC]); New
  Serb Democracy or NOVA [Andrija MANDIC]; Socialist People's Party of
  Montenegro or SNP [Srdjan MILIC]

Montserrat
  Montserrat Democratic Party or MDP [Lowell LEWIS];
  Movement for Change and Prosperity or MCAP [Roselyn CASSELL-SEALY];
  New People's Liberation Movement or NPLM [John A. OSBORNE]

Morocco
  Action Party or PA [Mohammed EL IDRISSI]; Al Ahd (The
  Covenant) Party [Najib EL OUAZZANI]; Alliance des Libert'es
  (Alliance of Liberty) or ADL [Ali BELHAJ]; An-Nahj Ad-Dimocrati or
  An-Nahj [Abdellah EL HARIF]; Authenticity and Modernity Party or PAM
  [Mohamed Cheikh BIADILLAH, Secretary General]; Choura et Istiqlal
  (Consultation and Independence) Party or PCI [Abdelwahed MAACH];
  Citizens' Forces or FC [Abderrahman LAHJOUJI]; Citizenship and
  Development Initiative or ICD [Mohamed BENHAMOU]; Constitutional
  Union Party or UC [Mohammed ABIED]; Democratic and Social Movement
  or MDS [Mahmoud ARCHANE]; Democratic Forces Front or FFD [Touhami EL
  KHIARI]; Democratic Socialist Vanguard Party or PADS [Ahmed
  BENJELLOUN]; Democratic Society Party or PSD [Zhor CHEKKAFI];
  Democratic Union or UD [Bouazza IKKEN]; Environment and Development
  Party or PED [Ahmed EL ALAMI]; Istiqlal (Independence) Party or PI
  [Abbas EL FASSI]; Justice and Development Party or PJD [Abdelilah
  BENKIRANE]; Labor Party or PT [Abdelkrim BENATIK]; Moroccan Liberal
  Party or PML [Mohamed ZIANE]; National Democratic Party or PND
  [Abdallah KADIRI]; National Ittihadi Congress Party or CNI
  [Abdelmajid BOUZOUBAA]; National Popular Movement or MNP [Mahjoubi
  AHERDANE]; National Rally of Independents or RNI [Mustapha EL
  MANSOURI]; National Union of Popular Forces or UNFP [Abdellah
  IBRAHIM]; Popular Movement or MP [Mohamed LAENSER]; Progress and
  Socialism Party or PPS [Ismail ALAOUI]; Reform and Development Party
  or PRD [Abderrahmane EL KOUHEN]; Renaissance and Virtue Party or PRV
  [Mohamed KHALIDI]; Renewal and Equity Party or PRE [Chakir ACHABAR];
  Social Center Party or PSC [Lahcen MADIH]; Socialist Democratic
  Party or PSD [Aissa OUARDIGHI]; Socialist Union of Popular Forces or
  USFP [Abdelwahed RADI]; Unified Socialist Left Party or PGSU
  [Mohamed Ben Said AIT IDDER]

Mozambique
  Democratic Movement of Mozambique (Movimento Democratico
  de Mocambique) or MDM [Daviz SIMANGO]; Front for the Liberation of
  Mozambique (Frente de Liberatacao de Mocambique) or FRELIMO [Armando
  Emilio GUEBUZA]; Mozambique National Resistance (Resistencia
  Nacional Mocambicana) or RENAMO [Afonso DHLAKAMA]

Namibia
  All People's Party or APP [Ignatius SHIXWAMENI]; Congress of
  Democrats or COD [Benjamin ULENGA]; Democratic Turnhalle Alliance of
  Namibia or DTA [Katuutire KAURA]; Monitor Action Group or MAG [Jurie
  VILJOEN]; National Democratic Movement for Change or NamDMC;
  National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO [Kuaima RIRUAKO];
  Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Hidipo HAMUTENYA];
  Republican Party or RP [Hendrick MUDGE]; South West Africa National
  Union or SWANU [Usutuaije MAAMBERUA]; South West Africa People's
  Organization or SWAPO [Hifikepunye POHAMBA]; United Democratic Front
  or UDF [Justus GAROEB]

Nauru
  Democratic Party [Kennan ADEANG]; Nauru First (Naoero Amo)
  Party; Nauru Party (informal); note - loose multiparty system

Nepal
  Chure Bhawar Rastriya Ekata Party [Keshav Prasad MAINALI];
  Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (inactive); Communist Party of
  Nepal-Marxist Leninist or CPN-ML [C.P. MAINALI]; Communist Party of
  Nepal-Unified [Raj Singh SHRIS]; Communist Party of Nepal-United
  [Chandra Dev JOSHI]; Communist Party of Nepal-United
  Marxist-Leninist or CPN-UML [Jhalanath KHANAL]; Dalit Janajati Party
  [Vishwendraman PASHWAN]; Federal Democratic National Forum; Madhesi
  People's Rights Forum-Democratic [Bijay Kumar GACHHADAR]; Madhesi
  People's Rights Forum-Nepal [Upendra YADAV]; Nepal Loktantrik
  Samajbadi Dal [Upendra GACHCHHADAR]; Nepal Pariwar Dal [Eknath
  DHAKAL]; Nepal Sadbhavana Party-Anandi Devi [Sarita GIRI]; Nepal
  Workers and Peasants Party or [Narayan Man BIJUKCHHE]; Nepali
  Congress or NC [Sushil KOIRALA]; Nepali Janata Dal [Harish Chandra
  SHA]; Newa Rastriya Party [Keshav Man SHAKYA]; Rastriya Janamorcha
  [Chitra Bahadur K.C.]; Rastriya Janamukti Party [Malwar Singh
  THAPA]; Rastriya Janashakti Party or RJP [Surya Bahadur THAPA];
  Rastriya Prajantantra Party [Pashupati Shumsher RANA]; Rastriya
  Prajantantra Party Nepal [Kamal THAPA]; Sadbhavana Party [Rajendra
  MAHATO]; Samajbadi Prajatantrik Janata Party Nepal [Prem Bahadur
  SINGH]; Terai Madhes Democratic Party [Mahantha THAKUR]; Unified
  Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) [Pushpa Kamal DAHAL, also known as
  PRACHANDA]

Netherlands
  Christian Democratic Appeal or CDA [Maxime VERHAGEN];
  Christian Union [Andre ROUVOET]; Democrats 66 or D66 [Alexander
  PECHTOLD]; Green Left [Jolande SAP]; Labor Party or PvdA [Job
  COHEN]; Party for Freedom or PVV [Geert WILDERS]; Party for the
  Animals or PvdD [Marianne THIEME]; People's Party for Freedom and
  Democracy or VVD [Mark RUTTE] (Liberal); Reformed Political Party of
  SGP [Kees VAN DER STAAIJ]; Socialist Party [Emile ROEMER]; plus a
  few minor parties

New Caledonia
  Caledonia My Country; Caledonia Together [Philippe
  GOMES]; Caledonian Union or UC [Nicholas ABOUT]; Communist
  Republican and Left Party or CRC-SPG [Nichole BORVO COHEN-SEAT];
  Democratic and European Social Rally or R.D.S.E. [Yvon COLLIN];
  Front National or FN [Jean-Marie LE PEN]; Kanak Socialist Front for
  National Liberation or FLNKS (includes PALIKA, UNI, UC, and UPM);
  National Union for Independence-Kanak and Socialist National
  Liberation Front; Parti de Liberation Kanak or PALIKA [Paul
  NEAOUTYINE]; Renewed Caledonian Union; Socialist Group [Jean Pierre
  BEL]; Socialist Kanak Liberation or LKS [Nidoish NAISSELINE]; The
  Future Together or AE [Didier LEROUX]; The Rally or UMP [Gerard
  LONGUET]; Union Nationale pour l'Independance or UNI; Union of
  Pro-Independence Co-operation Committees [Francois BURCK]

New Zealand
  ACT New Zealand [Rodney HIDE]; Green Party [Russel
  NORMAN and Metiria TUREI]; Maori Party [Tariana TURIA and Dr. Pita
  SHARPLES]; New Zealand National Party [John KEY]; New Zealand First
  Party or NZ First [Winston PETERS]; New Zealand Labor Party [Phil
  GOFF]; Jim Anderton's Progressive Party [James (Jim) ANDERTON];
  United Future New Zealand [Peter DUNNE]

Nicaragua
  Alliance for the Republic or APRE; Conservative Party or
  PC [Alejandro BOLANOS Davis]; Independent Liberal Party or PLI
  [Indalecio RODRIGUEZ]; Liberal Constitutionalist Party or PLC [Jorge
  CASTILLO Quant]; Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance or ALN [Alejandro MEJIA
  Ferreti]; Sandinista National Liberation Front or FSLN [Daniel
  ORTEGA Saavedra]; Sandinista Renovation Movement or MRS [Enrique
  SAENZ Navarrete]

Niger
  Alkalama; Democratic and Social Convention-Rahama or
  CDS-Rahama [Mahamane OUSMANE]; National Movement for a Developing
  Society-Nassara or MNSD-Nassara [Hama AMADOU]; Niger Social
  Democratic Party or PSDN; Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Social
  Progress-Zaman Lahiya or ANDP-Zaman Lahiya [Moumouni DJERMAKOYE];
  Nigerien Party for Autonomy or PNA-Alouma [Sanousi JACKOU]; Nigerien
  Party for Democracy and Socialism or PNDS-Tarrayya [Issifou
  MAHAMADOU]; Nigerien Party of the Masses for Labor; Nigerien
  Progressive Party or PPN-RDA; Rally for Democracy and Progress or
  RDP-jama'a [Hamid ALGABID]; Social and Democratic Rally or
  RSD-Gaskiyya [Cheiffou AMADOU]

Nigeria
  Accord Party [Augustine MAZIE, acting]; Action Congress or
  AC [Bisi AKANDE]; All Nigeria Peoples Party or ANPP [Edwin
  UME-EZEOKE]; All Progressives Grand Alliance or APGA [Victor C.
  UMEH]; Alliance for Democracy or AD [Mojisoluwa AKINFENWA];
  Conference of Nigerian Political Parities or CNPP [Abdulkadir
  Balarabe MUSA]; Democratic Peoples Party or DPP [Jeremiah USENI];
  Fresh Democratic Party [Chris OKOTIE]; Labor Party [Dan NWANYANWU];
  National Democratic Party or NDP [Aliyu Habu FARI]; Peoples
  Democratic Party or PDP [Vincent OGBULAFOR]; Peoples Progressive
  Alliance [Larry ESIN]

Niue
  Alliance of Independents or AI; Niue People's Action Party or
  NPP [Young VIVIAN]

Norfolk Island
  none

Northern Mariana Islands
  Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL];
  Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Juan S.
  REYES]

Norway
  Center Party (Senterpartiet or Sp) [Liv Signe NAVARSETE];
  Christian People's Party (Kristelig Folkeparti or KrF) [Dagfinn
  HOYBRATEN]; Conservative Party (Hoyre or H) [Erna SOLBERG]; Labor
  Party (Det norske Arbeiderpartiet or DNA) [Jens STOLTENBERG];
  Liberal Party (Venstre or V) [Trine SKEI-GRANDE]; Progress Party
  (Framstegspartiet or FrP) [Siv JENSEN]; Socialist Left Party
  (Sosialistisk Venstreparti or SV) [Kristin HALVORSEN]

Oman
  none

Pakistan
  Awami National Party or ANP [Asfandyar Wali KHAN];
  Balochistan National Party-Awami or BNP-A [Moheem Khan BALOCH];
  Balochistan National Party-Hayee Group or BNP-H [Dr. Hayee BALOCH];
  Balochistan National Party-Mengal or BNP-M [Sardar Ataullah MENGAL];
  Jamaat-i Islami or JI [Syed Munawar HASAN]; Jamhoori Watan Party or
  JWP; Jamiat Ahle Hadith or JAH [Sajid MIR]; Jamiat Ulema-i Islam
  Fazl-ur Rehman or JUI-F [Fazl-ur REHMAN]; Jamiat Ulema-i Islam
  Sami-ul HAQ or JUI-S [Sami ul-HAQ]; Jamiat Ulema-i Pakistan or JUP
  [Shah Faridul HAQ]; Muttahida Majlis-e Amal or MMA [Qazi Hussain
  AHMED]; Muttahida Qaumi Movement or MQM [Altaf HUSSAIN]; National
  Alliance or NA [Ghulam Mustapha JATOI] (merged with PML); National
  Peoples Party or NPP; Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party or PKMAP
  [Mahmood Khan ACHAKZAI]; Pakistan Awami Tehrik or PAT [Tahir ul
  QADRI]; Pakistan Muslim League or PML [Chaudhry Shujaat HUSSAIN];
  Pakistan Muslim League-Functional or PML-F [Pir PAGARO]; Pakistan
  Muslim League-Nawaz or PML-N [Nawaz SHARIF]; Pakistan Peoples Party
  Parliamentarians or PPPP [Bilawal Bhutto ZARDARI, chairman; Asif Ali
  ZARDARI, co-chairman]; Pakistan Peoples Party-SHERPAO or PPP-S
  [Aftab Ahmed Khan SHERPAO]; Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaaf or PTI [Imran
  KHAN]; Tehrik-i Islami [Allama Sajid NAQVI]
  note: political alliances in Pakistan can shift frequently

Palau
  none

Panama
  Democratic Change or CD [Ricardo MARTINELLI]; Democratic
  Revolutionary Party or PRD [Francisco SANCHEZ Cardenas]; Nationalist
  Republican Liberal Movement or MOLIRENA [Sergio GONZALEZ-Ruiz];
  Panamenista Party [Juan Carlos VARELA Rodriguez] (formerly the
  Arnulfista Party); Patriotic Union Party or UP (combination of the
  Liberal National Party or PLN and the Solidarity Party or PS)[Anibal
  GALINDO]; Popular Party or PP [Milton HENRIQUEZ] (formerly Christian
  Democratic Party or PDC)

Papua New Guinea
  National Alliance Party or NA [Michael SOMARE];
  Papua and Niugini Union Party or PANGU PATI [Andrew KUMBAKOR]; Papua
  New Guinea Party or PNGP [Sir Mekere MORAUTA]; People's Action Party
  or PAP [Gabriel KAPRIS]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM
  [Michael OGIO]; United Resources Party or URP [William DUMA]

Paraguay
  Alianza Patriotica por el Cambio (Patriotic Alliance for
  Change) or APC [Fernando LUGO]; Asociacion Nacional Republicana -
  Colorado Party or ANR [Lilian SAMANIEGO]; Movimiento Popolar
  Tekojoja or Tekojoja [Sixto PEREIRA]; Movimiento Union Nacional de
  Ciudadanos Eticos or UNACE [Lino Cesar OVIEDO Silva]; Patria Querida
  (Beloved Fatherland Party) or PPQ [Pedro Nicolas Maraa FADUL
  Niella]; Partido del Movimiento al Socialismo or P-MAS [Camilo
  Ernesto SOARES Machado]; Partido Democratica Progresista or PDP
  [Rafael Augusto FILIZZOLA Serra]; Partido Encuentro Nacional or PEN
  [Fernando CAMACHO Paredes]; Partido Liberal Radical Autentico or
  PLRA [Amanda NUNEZ]; Partido Pais Solidario or PPS [Carlos Alberto
  FILIZZOLA Pallares]

Peru
  Alliance For Progress (Alianza Para El Progreso) [Cesar ACUNA
  Peralta]; Alliance For The Future (Alianza Por El Futuro) or AF (a
  coalition of pro-FUJIMORI parties including Cambio 90, Nueva
  Mayoria, and Si Cumple); Central Front (Frente Del Centro) or FC (a
  coalition of Accion Popular, Somos Peru, and Coordinadora Nacional
  de Independientes) [Victor Andres GARCIA Belaunde]; National
  Renovation Party (Partido Renovacion Nacional) [Rafael REY];
  National Restoration Party (Restauracion Nacional) or RN [Humberto
  LAY Sun]; National Solidarity Party (Partido Solidaridad Nacional)
  or SN [Luis CASTANEDA Lossio]; Peru Possible (Peru Posible) or PP
  [Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique]; Peruvian Aprista Party (Partido Aprista
  Peruano) or PAP [Alan GARCIA Perez] (also referred to by its
  original name Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana or APRA);
  Peruvian Nationalist Party (Partido Nacionalista Peruano) or PNP
  [Ollanta HUMALA Tasso]; Popular Christian Party (Partido Popular
  Cristiano) or PPC [Lourdes FLORES Nano]; Union for Peru (Union por
  el Peru) or UPP [Aldo ESTRADA Choque]

Philippines
  Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino
  Democrats) or LDP [Edgardo ANGARA]; Lakas ng EDSA-Christian Muslim
  Democrats or Lakas-CMD [Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO]; Liberal Party or
  LP [Manuel ROXAS]; Nacionalista Party or NP [Manuel VILLAR];
  Nationalist People's Coalition or NPC [Frisco SAN JUAN]; PDP-Laban
  [Aquilino PIMENTEL]; People's Reform Party [Miriam Defensor
  SANTIAGO]; Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (Force of the Philippine
  Masses) or PMP [Joseph ESTRADA]; United Opposition or UNO [Jejomar
  BINAY]

Pitcairn Islands
  none

Poland
  Civic Platform or PO [Donald TUSK, chairman; Tomasz
  TOMCZYKIEWICZ, parliamentary caucus leader]; Democratic Caucus of
  the Democratic Party (SD) or DKP SD [Bogdan LIS, parliamentary
  caucus leader]; Democratic Left Alliance or SLD [Grzegorz
  NAPIERALSKI, chairman, parlimentary caucus leader]; Democratic Party
  or PD [Brygida KUZNIAK, chairwoman]; Democratic Party or SD [Pawel
  PISKORSKI, chairman]; German Minority of Lower Silesia or MNSO
  [Richard GALL, representative]; Law and Justice or PiS [Jaroslaw
  KACZYNSKI, chairman; Mariusz BLASZCZAK, parliamentary caucus
  leader]; League of Polish Families or LPR [Witold BALAZAK,
  chairman]; Poland is the most important or PJN [Joanna
  KLUZIK-ROSTKOWSKA, president]; Polish People's Party or PSL
  [Waldemar PAWLAK, chairman; Stanislaw ZELICHOWSKI, parliamentary
  caucus leader]; Samoobrona or SO [Andrzej LEPPER, chairman]; Social
  Democratic Party of Poland or SDPL [Wojciech FILEMONOWICZ, chairman;
  Marek BOROWSKI, parliamentary caucus leader]; Union of Labor or UP
  [Waldemar WITKOWSKI, chairman]

Portugal
  Democratic and Social Center/Popular Party or CDS/PP [Paulo
  PORTAS]; Socialist Party or PS [Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto de
  Sousa]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Pedro Manuel PASSOS COELHO];
  The Left Bloc or BE [Franciso Anacleto LOUCA]; Unitarian Democratic
  Coalition or CDU [Jeronimo DE SOUSA] (includes Portuguese Communist
  Party or PCP and Ecologist Party ("The Greens") or PEV)

Puerto Rico
  National Democratic Party [Roberto PRATS]; National
  Republican Party of Puerto Rico [Dr. Tiody FERRE]; New Progressive
  Party or PNP [Pedro ROSSELLO] (pro-US statehood); Popular Democratic
  Party or PPD [Anibal ACEVEDO-VILA] (pro-commonwealth); Puerto Rican
  Independence Party or PIP [Ruben BERRIOS Martinez] (pro-independence)

Qatar
  none

Romania
  Conservative Party or PC [Daniel CONSTANTIN] (formerly
  Humanist Party or PUR); Democratic Liberal Party or PDL [Emil BOC];
  Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania or UDMR [Bela MARKO];
  National Liberal Party or PNL [Crin ANTONESCU]; National Union for
  Romania's Progress or UNPR [Gabriel OPREA]; Social Democratic Party
  or PSD [Victor PONTA] (formerly Party of Social Democracy in Romania
  or PDSR)

Russia
  A Just Russia [Sergey MIRONOV]; Communist Party of the
  Russian Federation or CPRF [Gennadiy Andreyevich ZYUGANOV]; Liberal
  Democratic Party of Russia or LDPR [Vladimir Volfovich
  ZHIRINOVSKIY]; Patriots of Russia [Gennadiy SEMIGIN]; Right Cause
  [Leonid Yakovlevich GOZMAN, Boris Yuriyevich TITOV, and Georgiy
  Georgiyevich BOVT] (formed from merger of Civic Force, Democratic
  Party of Russia, and Union of Right Forces); United Russia [Vladimir
  Vladimirovich PUTIN]; Yabloko Party [Sergey Sergeyevich MITROKHIN]

Rwanda
  Centrist Democratic Party or PDC [Alfred MUKEZAMFURA];
  Democratic Popular Union of Rwanda or UDPR [Adrien RANGIRA];
  Democratic Republican Movement or MDR [Celestin KABANDA] (officially
  banned); Islamic Democratic Party or PDI [Andre BUMAYA]; Liberal
  Party or PL [Protais MITALI]; Party for Democratic Renewal
  (officially banned); Rwandan Patriotic Front or RPF [Paul KAGAME];
  Social Democratic Party or PSD [Vincent BIRUTA]; Solidarity and
  Prosperity Party or PSP [Pheobe KANYANGE]

Saint Barthelemy
  Action-Equilibre-Transparence [Maxime DESOUCHES];
  Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy [Benoit CHAUVIN]; Saint-Barth
  d'Abord! or SBA [Bruno MAGRAS]; Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy
  [Karine MIOT-RICHARD]

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  none

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Vance
  AMORY]; Nevis Reformation Party or NRP [Joseph PARRY]; People's
  Action Movement or PAM [Lindsay GRANT]; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor
  Party or SKNLP [Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS]

Saint Lucia
  National Alliance or NA [George ODLUM]; Saint Lucia
  Freedom Party or SFP [Martinus FRANCOIS]; Saint Lucia Labor Party or
  SLP [Kenneth ANTHONY]; Sou Tout Apwe Fete Fini or STAFF [Christopher
  HUNTE]; United Workers Party or UWP [Stephenson KING]

Saint Martin
  Union Pour le Progres or UPP [Louis-Constant FLEMING];
  Rassemblement Responsabilite Reussite or RRR [Alain RICHARDSON];
  Reussir Saint-Martin [Jean-Luc HAMLET]

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  Archipelago Tomorrow or AD (affiliated
  with UDF/RPR list); Cap sur l'Avenir (affiliated with PRG); Left
  Radical Party or PRG; Rassemblement pour la Republique or RPR (now
  UMP); Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2000/Avenir Miquelon or SPM 2000/AM;
  Socialist Party or PS; Union pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  New Democratic Party or NDP [Arnhim
  EUSTACE]; Unity Labor Party or ULP [Ralph GONSALVES] (formed by the
  coalition of Saint Vincent Labor Party or SVLP and the Movement for
  National Unity or MNU)

Samoa
  Human Rights Protection Party or HRPP [Sailele Malielegaoi
  TUILA'EPA]; Samoa Christian Party or TCP [Tuala Tiresa MALIETOA];
  Samoa Democratic United Party or SDUP [LE MAMEA Ropati]; Samoa Party
  or SP [Su'a Rimoni Ah CHONG]; Samoa Progressive Political Party or
  SPPP [Toeolesulusulu SIUEVA]

San Marino
  Christian Democrats or PDCS [Pasquale VALENTINI];
  Communist Refoundation or RC [Ivan FOSHI]; Democrats of the Center
  or DdC [Giovanni LONGERNINI]; Freedom List (including NPS and We
  Sammarinesi) or NS [Gabriele GATTEI]; New Socialist Party or NPS
  [Augusto CASALI]; Party of Socialists and Democrats or PDS [Paride
  ANDREOLI]; Popular Alliance or AP [Carlo FRANCIOSI]; Union of
  Moderates (including National Alliance or ANS [Glcuco SANSOVINI] and
  San Marino Populars or pop [Romeo MORRI and Angela VENTURINI];
  United Left of SU [Alessandro ROSSI]

Sao Tome and Principe
  Force for Change Democratic Movement or MDFM
  [Tome Soares da VERA CRUZ]; Independent Democratic Action or ADI
  [Patrice TROVOADA]; Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and
  Principe-Social Democratic Party or MLSTP-PSD [Rafael BRANCO]; New
  Way Movement or NR; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Delfim
  NEVES]; Ue-Kedadji coalition; other small parties

Saudi Arabia
  none

Senegal
  African Party of Independence [Majhemout DIOP]; Alliance for
  the Republic-Yakaar [Macky Sall]; Alliance of Forces of Progress or
  AFP [Moustapha NIASSE]; And-Jef/African Party for Democracy and
  Socialism or AJ/PADS [Landing SAVANE]; Democratic League-Labor Party
  Movement or LD-MPT [Dr. Abdoulaye BATHILY]; Front for Socialism and
  Democracy/Benno Jubel or FSD/BJ [Cheikh Abdoulaye Bamba DIEYE];
  Gainde Centrist Bloc or BGC [Jean-Paul DIAS]; Independence and Labor
  Party or PIT [Amath DANSOKHO]; Jef-Jel [Talla SYLLA]; National
  Democratic Rally or RND [Madior DIOUF]; People's Labor Party or PTP
  [El Hadji DIOUF]; Reform Party or PR [Abdourahim AGNE]; Rewmi Party
  [Idrissa Seck]; Senegalese Democratic Party or PDS [Abdoulaye WADE];
  Socialist Party or PS [Ousmane Tanor DIENG]; SOPI Coalition
  [Abdoulaye WADE] (a coalition led by the PDS); Union for Democratic
  Renewal or URD [Djibo Leyti KA]

Serbia
  Coalition for Sandzak or KZS [Sulejman UGLJANIN]; Democratic
  Party or DS [Boris TADIC]; Democratic Party of Albanians or PDSh
  [Ragmi MUSTAFA]; Democratic Party of Serbia or DSS [Vojislav
  KOSTUNICA]; Democratic Union of the Valley or BDL [Skender DESTANI];
  Force of Serbia Movement or PSS [Bogoljub KARIC]; G17 Plus [Mladjan
  DINKIC]; League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina or LSV [Nenad
  CANAK]; League of Vojvodina Hungarians or SVM [Istvan PASTOR];
  Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Cedomir JOVANOVIC]; Movement for
  Democratic Progress or LPD [Jonuz MUSLIU]; New Serbia or NS [Velimir
  ILIC]; Party of Democratic Action or PVD [Riza HALIMI]; Party of
  United Pensioners of Serbia or PUPS [Jovan KRKOBABIC]; People's
  Party or NS [Maja GOJKOVIC]; Roma Party or RP [Srdjan SAJN]; Sandzak
  Democratic Party or SDP [Resad HODZIC]; Serbian Progressive Party or
  SNS [Tomislav NIKOLIC]; Serbian Radical Party or SRS [Vojislav
  SESELJ (currently on trial at The Hague), with Dragan TODOROVIC as
  acting leader]; Serbian Renewal Movement or SPO [Vuk DRASKOVIC];
  Social Democratic Party of Serbia or SDPS [Rasim LJAJIC]; Socialist
  Party of Serbia or SPS [Ivica DACIC]; Union of Roma of Serbia or URS
  [Rajko DJURIC]; United Serbia or JS [Dragan "Palma" MARKOVIC]

Seychelles
  Democratic Party or DP [James MANCHAM, Paul CHOW];
  People's Party (Parti Lepep) or PL [France Albert RENE, James
  MICHEL] (the governing party); Seychelles National Party or SNP
  [Wavel RAMKALAWAN] (formerly the United Opposition or UO)

Sierra Leone
  All People's Congress or APC [Ernest Bai KOROMA]; Peace
  and Liberation Party or PLP [Darlington MORRISON]; People's Movement
  for Democratic Change or PMDC [Charles MARGAI]; Sierra Leone
  People's Party or SLPP [Solomon BEREWA]; numerous others

Singapore
  People's Action Party or PAP [LEE Hsien Loong]; Reform
  Party [NG Teck Siong]; Singapore Democratic Alliance or SDA [CHIAM
  See Tong]; Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [CHEE Soon Juan];
  Workers' Party or WP [Sylvia LIM Swee Lian]
  note: SDA includes Singapore Justice Party or SJP, Singapore
  National Malay Organization or PKMS, Singapore People's Party or SPP

Sint Maarten
  Democratic Party or DP [Sarah WESCOTT-WILLIAMS];
  National Alliance or NA [William MARLIN]; United People's Party or
  UPP [Theodore HEYLIGER]; Concordia Political Alliance or CPA
  [Jeffery RICHARDSON]

Slovakia
  parties in the Parliament:: Bridge or Most-Hid [Bela
  BUGAR]; Christian Democratic Movement or KDH [Jan FIGEL];
  Direction-Social Democracy or Smer-SD [Robert FICO]; Freedom and
  Solidarity or SaS [Richard SULIK]; Slovak Democratic and Christian
  Union-Democratic Party or SDKU-DS [Mikulas DZURINDA]; Slovak
  National Party or SNS [Jan SLOTA]
  selected parties outside the Parliament:: Alliance for a Europe of
  Nations or AZEN [Milan URBANI]; Association of Slovak Workers or ZRS
  [Jan LUPTAK]; Civic Conservative Party or OKS [Peter ZAJAC]; Green
  Party or SZ [Peter PILINSKY]; Party of the Democratic Left or SDL
  [Marek BLAHA]; Party of the Hungarian Coalition or SMK [Jozsef
  BERENYI]; People's Party - Movement for a Democratic Slovakia or
  LS-HZDS [Vladimir MECIAR]; People's Party - Our Slovakia or LSNS
  [Marian KOTLEBA]; Slovak Communist Party or KSS [Jozef HRDLICKA];
  Union - Party for Slovakia or Unia [Milan CELIK]

Slovenia
  Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia or DeSUS [Karl
  ERJAVEC]; Liberal Democracy of Slovenia or LDS [Katarina KRESAL];
  New Slovenia or NSi [Ljudmila NOVAK (acting)]; Slovene National
  Party or SNS [Zmago JELINCIC]; Slovene People's Party or SLS
  [Radovan ZERJAV]; Slovene Youth Party or SMS [Darko KRANJC];
  Slovenian Democratic Party or SDS [Janez JANSA]; Social Democrats or
  SD [Borut PAHOR] (formerly ZLSD); ZARES [Gregor GOLOBIC]

Solomon Islands
  Association of Independent Members or AIM [Thomas
  CHAN]; Christian Alliance Solomon Islands or CASI [Edward RONIA];
  LAFARI Party [John GARO]; National Party [Francis HILLY]; People's
  Alliance Party or PAP [Sir Allan KEMAKEZA]; Social Credit Party or
  SOCRED [Manasseh Damukana SOGAVARE]; Solomon First Party [David
  QUAN]; Solomon Islands Democratic Party [Gabriel SURI]; Solomon
  Islands Labor Party or SILP [Joses TUHANUKU]; Solomon Islands
  Liberal Party [Bartholomew ULUFA'ALU]; Solomon Islands Party for
  Rural Advancement or SIPRA [Job D. TAUSINGA]; United Party [Sir
  Peter KENILOREA]
  note: in general, Solomon Islands politics is characterized by fluid
  coalitions

Somalia
  none

South Africa
  African Christian Democratic Party or ACDP [Kenneth
  MESHOE]; African National Congress or ANC [Jacob ZUMA]; Congress of
  the People or COPE [Mosiuoa LEKOTA]; Democratic Alliance or DA
  [Helen ZILLE]; Freedom Front Plus or FF+ [Pieter MULDER];
  Independent Democrats or ID [Patricia DE LILLE]; Inkatha Freedom
  Party or IFP [Mangosuthu BUTHELEZI]; Pan-Africanist Congress or PAC
  [Motsoko PHEKO]; United Christian Democratic Party or UCDP [Lucas
  MANGOPE]; United Democratic Movement or UDM [Bantu HOLOMISA]

Spain
  Basque Nationalist Party or PNV or EAJ [Inigo URKULLU
  Renteria]; Canarian Coalition or CC [Claudina MORALES Rodriquez] (a
  coalition of five parties); Convergence and Union or CiU [Artur MAS
  i Gavarro] (a coalition of the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia
  or CDC [Artur MAS i Gavarro] and the Democratic Union of Catalonia
  or UDC [Josep Antoni DURAN i LLEIDA]); Entesa Catalonia de Progress
  (a Senate coalition grouping four Catalan parties - PSC, ERC, ICV,
  EUA); Galician Nationalist Bloc or BNG [Guillerme VAZQUEZ Vazquez];
  Initiative for Catalonia Greens or ICV [Joan SAURA i Laporta];
  Navarra Yes or NaBai [collective leadership] (a coalition of four
  Navarran parties); Popular Party or PP [Mariano RAJOY Brey];
  Republican Left of Catalonia or ERC [Joan PUIGCERCOS i Boixassa];
  Spanish Socialist Workers Party or PSOE [Jose Luis Rodriguez
  ZAPATERO]; Union of People of Navarra or UPN [Yolanda BARCINA
  Angulo]; Union, Progress and Democracy or UPyD [Rosa DIEZ Gonzalez];
  United Left or IU [Cayo LARA Moya] (a coalition of parties including
  the Communist Party of Spain or PCE and other small parties)

Sri Lanka
  Coalitions and leaders: Democratic National Alliance led
  by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna or JVP [Somawansa AMARASINGHE]; Tamil
  National Alliance led by Illandai Tamil Arasu Kachchi [R.
  SAMPANTHAN]; United National Front led by United National Party
  [Ranil WICKREMESINGHE]; United People's Freedom Alliance led by Sri
  Lanka Freedom Party [Mahinda RAJAPAKSA]

Sudan
  Democratic Unionist Party or DUP [Hatim al-SIR]; National
  Congress Party or NCP [Umar Hassan al-BASHIR]; Popular Congress
  Party or PCP [Hassan al-TURABI]; Sudan People's Liberation Movement
  or SPLM [Salva KIIR]; elements of the National Democratic Alliance
  or NDA including factions of the Democratic Union Party [Muhammad
  Uthman al-MIRGHANI] and Umma Party

Suriname
  A-Combination (a coalition that includes the General
  Liberation and Development Party ABOP [Ronnie BRUNSWIJK], SEEKA
  [Paul ABENA], Union of Brotherhood and Unity in Politics BEP
  [Caprino ALENDY]; Basic Party for Renewal and Democracy or BVD
  [Dilip SARDJOE]; Basic Party for Renewal and Democracy or PVF
  [Soedeschand JAIRAM]; Democratic Union Suriname or DUS [Japhet
  DIEKO]; Mega-Combination-Ruling Coalition (a coalition that joined
  with A-Combination and the PL to form a majority in Parliament in
  2010 - includes the National Democratic Party or NDP [Desire
  BOUTERSE] (largest party in the coalition), Progressive Worker and
  Farmer's Union or PALU [Jim HOK], Party for National Unity and
  Solidarity of the Highest Order or KTPI [Willy SOEMITA], DNP-2000
  [Jules WIJDENBOSCH], and New Suriname or NS [Nanan PANDAY]);
  National Union or NU [P. VAN LEEUWAARDE]; New Front for Democracy
  and Development or NF (a coalition made up of the National Party of
  Suriname or NPS [Runaldo VENETIAAN], United Reform Party or VHP
  [Ramdien SARDJOE], Democratic Alternative 1991 or DA-91 - an
  independent, business-oriented party [Winston JESSURUN], Surinamese
  Labor Party or SPA [Siegfried GILDS]); Party for Democracy and
  Development in Unity or DOE [Carl BREEVELD]; Party for the Permanent
  Prosperity Republic Suriname or PVRS [NA]; People's Alliance,
  Pertjaja Luhur's or PL [Paul SOMOHARDJO](includes D-21 [Soewarta
  MOESTADJA] and Pendawa Lima [Raymond SAPEON], which merged with PL
  in 2010)
  note: BVD and PVF participated in the elections as a coalition
  (BVD/PVF) in the most recent elections, but separated after the
  election

Swaziland
  the status of political parties, previously banned, is
  unclear under the 2006 Constitution and currently being debated; the
  following are considered political associations; African United
  Democratic Party or AUDP [Stanley MAUNDZISA, president]; Imbokodvo
  National Movement or INM; Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or
  NNLC [Obed DLAMINI, president]; People's United Democratic Movement
  or PUDEMO [Mario MASUKU, president]

Sweden
  Center Party [Maud OLOFSSON]; Christian Democratic Party
  [Goran HAGGLUND]; Environment Party the Greens [no formal leader but
  party spokespersons are Maria WETTERSTRAND and Peter ERIKSSON]; Left
  Party or V (formerly Communist) [Lars OHLY]; Liberal People's Party
  [Jan BJORKLUND]; Moderate Party [Fredrik REINFELDT]; Social
  Democratic Party [Mona SAHLIN]; Sweden Democrats [Jimmie AKESSON]

Switzerland
  Green Party (Gruene Partei der Schweiz or Gruene, Parti
  Ecologiste Suisse or Les Verts, Partito Ecologista Svizzero or I
  Verdi, Partida Ecologica Svizra or La Verda) [Ueli LEUENBERGER];
  Christian Democratic People's Party (Christlichdemokratische
  Volkspartei der Schweiz or CVP, Parti Democrate-Chretien Suisse or
  PDC, Partito Democratico-Cristiano Popolare Svizzero or PDC, Partida
  Cristiandemocratica dalla Svizra or PCD) [Christophe DARBELLAY];
  Free Democratic Party or FDP.The Liberals (FDP.Die Liberalen,
  PLR.Les Liberaux-Radicaux, PLR.I Liberali) [Fulvio PELLI]; Social
  Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei der Schweiz or SPS,
  Parti Socialist Suisse or PSS, Partito Socialista Svizzero or PSS,
  Partida Socialdemocratica de la Svizra or PSS) [Christian LEVRAT];
  Swiss People's Party (Schweizerische Volkspartei or SVP, Union
  Democratique du Centre or UDC, Unione Democratica de Centro or UDC,
  Uniun Democratica dal Center or UDC) [Toni BRUNNER]; and other minor
  parties

Syria
  legal parties: National Progressive Front or NPF [President
  Bashar al-ASAD, Dr. Suleiman QADDAH] (includes Arab Socialist
  Renaissance (Ba'th) Party [President Bashar al-ASAD]; Socialist
  Unionist Democratic Party [Fadlallah Nasr Al-DIN]; Syrian Arab
  Socialist Union or ASU [Safwan al-QUDSI]; Syrian Communist Party
  (two branches) [Wissal Farha BAKDASH, Yusuf Rashid FAYSAL]; Syrian
  Social Nationalist Party [As'ad HARDAN]; Unionist Socialist Party
  [Fayez ISMAIL])
  opposition parties not legally recognized: Communist Action Party
  [Fateh al-JAMOUS]; National Democratic Rally [Hasan ABDUL-AZIM,
  spokesman] (includes five parties - Arab Democratic Socialist Union
  Party [Hasan ABDUL-AZIM], Arab Socialist Movement, Democratic Ba'th
  Party [Ibrahim MAKHOS], Democratic People's Party [Riad al TURK],
  Revolutionary Workers' Party [Abdul Hafez al HAFEZ])
  Kurdish parties (considered illegal): Azadi Party [Kheirudin MURAD];
  Future Party [Masha'l TAMMO]; Kurdish Democratic Alliance (includes
  four parties); Kurdish Democratic Front (includes three parties);
  Yekiti Party [Fu'ad ALEYKO]
  other parties: Syrian Democratic Party [Mustafa QALAAJI]

Taiwan
  Democratic Progressive Party or DPP [TSAI Ing-wen];
  Kuomintang or KMT (Nationalist Party) [MA Ying-jeou]; Non-Partisan
  Solidarity Union or NPSU [LIN Pin-kuan]; People First Party or PFP
  [James SOONG]

Tajikistan
  Agrarian Party of Tajikistan or APT [Amir QARAQULOV];
  Democratic Party or DPT [Mahmadruzi ISKANDAROV (imprisoned October
  2005); Rahmatullo VALIYEV, deputy]; Islamic Revival Party [Muhiddin
  KABIRI]; Party of Economic Reform or PER [Olimjon BOBOEV]; Party of
  Economic Reforms [Mahmadsharif NOZIMOV]; People's Democratic Party
  of Tajikistan or PDPT [Emomali RAHMON]; Social Democratic Party or
  SDPT [Rahmatullo ZOYIROV]; Socialist Party or SPT [Mirhuseyn
  NARZIEV]; Tajik Communist Party or CPT [Shodi SHABDOLOV]

Tanzania
  Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Party of Democracy and
  Development) or CHADEMA [Bob MAKANI]; Chama Cha Mapinduzi or CCM
  (Revolutionary Party) [Jakaya Mrisho KIKWETE]; Civic United Front or
  CUF [Ibrahim LIPUMBA]; Democratic Party [Christopher MTIKLA]
  (unregistered); Tanzania Labor Party or TLP [Augustine Lyatonga
  MREME]; United Democratic Party or UDP [John CHEYO]

Thailand
  Chat Thai Phattana Party or CP (Thai Nation Development
  Party) [CHUMPON Silpa-archa]; Democrat Party or DP (Prachathipat
  Party) [ABHISIT Wetchachiwa, also spelled ABHISIT Vejjajiva];
  Motherland Party (Phuea Phaendin Party) [CHANCHAI Chairungrueng];
  Phuea Thai Party (For Thais Party) or PTP [YONGYUTH Wichaidit];
  Phumjai (Bhumjai) Thai Party or PJT (Thai Pride) [CHAWARAT
  Chanvirakun]; Royalist People's Party (Pracharaj) [SANOH
  Thienthong]; Ruam Jai Thai Party (Thai Unity Party) [WANNARAT
  Channukun]

Timor-Leste
  Democratic Party or PD [Fernando de ARAUJO]; National
  Congress for Timorese Reconstruction or CNRT [Xanana GUSMAO];
  National Democratic Union of Timorese Resistance or UNDERTIM
  [Cornelio DA Conceicao GAMA]; National Unity Party or PUN [Fernanda
  BORGES]; People's Party of Timor or PPT [Jacob XAVIER];
  Revolutionary Front of Independent Timor-Leste or FRETILIN [Mari
  ALKATIRI]; Social Democratic Association of Timor or ASDT [Francisco
  Xavier do AMARAL]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Zacarias Albano
  da COSTA]; Sons of the Mountain Warriors or KOTA [Manuel TILMAN]
  (also known as Association of Timorese Heroes)

Togo
  Action Committee for Renewal or CAR [Yawovi AGBOYIBO];
  Democratic Convention of African Peoples or CDPA; Democratic Party
  for Renewal or PDR; Juvento [Monsilia DJATO]; Movement of the
  Believers of Peace and Equality or MOCEP; Pan-African Patriotic
  Convergence or CPP; Rally for the Support for Development and
  Democracy or RSDD [Harry OLYMPIO]; Rally of the Togolese People or
  RPT [Faure GNASSINGBE]; Socialist Pact for Renewal or PSR; Union for
  Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Gagou KOKOU]; Union of Forces
  for Change or UFC [Gilchrist OLYMPIO]

Tokelau
  none

Tonga
  Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands [Samuela 'Akilisi
  POHIVA]; People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tesina FUKO]; Sustainable
  Nation-Building Party [Sione FONUA]; Tonga Democratic Labor Party
  [NA]; Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement or THRDM [Uliti UATA]

Trinidad and Tobago
  Congress of the People or COP [Winston
  DOOKERAN]; Democratic Action Congress or DAC [Hochoy CHARLES] (only
  active in Tobago); Democratic National Alliance or DNA [Gerald
  YETMING] (coalition of NAR, DDPT, MND); Movement for National
  Development or MND [Garvin NICHOLAS]; National Alliance for
  Reconstruction or NAR [Dr. Carson CHARLES]; People's National
  Movement or PNM [Patrick MANNING]; Tobago Organization of the People
  or TOP [Ashworth JACK]; United National Congress or UNC [Kamla
  PERSAD-BISSESSAR]

Tunisia
  Al-Tajdid Movement [Ahmed IBRAHIM]; Constitutional
  Democratic Rally Party (Rassemblement Constitutionnel Democratique)
  or RCD; Democratic Forum for Labor and Liberties or FDTL [Mustapha
  Ben JAFAAR]; Green Party for Progress or PVP [Mongi KHAMASSI];
  Liberal Social Party or PSL [Mondher THABET]; Movement of Socialist
  Democrats or MDS [Ismail BOULAHYA]; Popular Unity Party or PUP
  [Mohamed BOUCHIHA]; Progressive Democratic Party [Maya JERIBI];
  Unionist Democratic Union or UDU [Ahmed INOUBLI]; note - the
  Islamist party, Al Nahda (Renaissance), is outlawed

Turkey
  Democratic Left Party or DSP [Masum TURKER]; Democratic Party
  or DP [Husamettin CINDORUK]; Equality and Democracy Party or EDP
  [Ziva HALIS]; Felicity Party or SP [Necmettin ERBAKAN] (sometimes
  translated as Contentment Party); Freedom and Solidarity Party or
  ODP [Alper TAS]; Grand Unity Party or BBP [Yalcin TOPCU]; Justice
  and Development Party or AKP [Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN]; Nationalist
  Movement Party or MHP [Devlet BAHCELI]; Peace and Democracy Party or
  BDP [Selahattin DEMIRTAS]; People's Rise Party or HSP [Numan
  KURTULMUS]; Republican People's Party or CHP [Kemal KILICDAROGLU];
  Turkey Party [Abdullatif SENER]
  note: the parties listed above are some of the more significant of
  the 61 parties that Turkey had according to the Ministry of Interior
  statistics current as of May 2009

Turkmenistan
  Democratic Party of Turkmenistan or DPT [Gurbanguly
  BERDIMUHAMEDOW is chairman; Kasymguly BABAYEW is DPT Political
  Council First Secretary]
  note: formal opposition parties are outlawed; unofficial, small
  opposition movements exist abroad; the three most prominent
  opposition groups-in-exile are the National Democratic Movement of
  Turkmenistan (NDMT), the Republican Party of Turkmenistan, and the
  Watan (Fatherland) Party; the NDMT was led by former Foreign
  Minister Boris SHIKHMURADOV until his arrest and imprisonment in the
  wake of the 25 November 2002 attack on President NYYAZOW's motorcade

Turks and Caicos Islands
  People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Floyd
  SEYMOUR]; Progressive National Party or PNP [Michael Eugene MISICK]

Tuvalu
  there are no political parties but members of parliament
  usually align themselves in informal groupings

Uganda
  Conservative Party or CP [Ken LUKYAMUZI]; Democratic Party or
  DP [Kizito SSEBAANA]; Forum for Democratic Change or FDC [Kizza
  BESIGYE]; Inter-Party Co-operation or IPC (a coalition of opposition
  groups); Justice Forum or JEEMA [Muhammad Kibirige MAYANJA];
  National Resistance Movement or NRM [Yoweri MUSEVENI]; Peoples
  Progressive Party or PPP [Bidandi SSALI]; Ugandan People's Congress
  or UPC [Miria OBOTE]
  note: a national referendum in July 2005 opened the way for Uganda's
  transition to a multi-party political system

Ukraine
  Block of Yuliya Tymoshenko-Batkivshchyna
  (BYuT-Batkivshchyna) [Yuliya TYMOSHENKO]; Communist Party of Ukraine
  or CPU [Petro SYMONENKO]; European Party of Ukraine [Mykola
  KATERYNCHUK]; Forward Ukraine! [Viktor MUSIYAKA]; Front of Change
  [Arseniy YATSENYUK]; Lytvyn Bloc (composed of People's Party and
  Labor Party of Ukraine) [Volodymyr LYTVYN]; Our Ukraine [Viktor
  YUSHCHENKO]; Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs [Anatoliy
  KINAKH]; Party of Regions [Viktor YANUKOVYCH]; Party of the
  Defenders of the Fatherland [Yuriy KARMAZIN]; People's Movement of
  Ukraine (Rukh) [Borys TARASYUK]; People's Party [Volodymyr LYTVYN];
  Peoples' Self-Defense [Yuriy LUTSENKO]; PORA! (It's Time!) party
  [Vladyslav KASKIV]; Progressive Socialist Party [Natalya VITRENKO];
  Reforms and Order Party [Viktor PYNZENYK]; Sobor [Anatoliy
  MATVIYENKO]; Social Democratic Party [Yevhen KORNICHUK]; Social
  Democratic Party (United) or SDPU(o) [Yuriy ZAHORODNIY]; Socialist
  Party of Ukraine or SPU [Oleksandr MOROZ]; Strong Ukraine [SERHIY
  TIHIPKO]; Ukrainian People's Party [Yuriy KOSTENKO]; United Center
  [Viktor BALOHA]; Viche [Inna BOHOSLOVSKA]

United Arab Emirates
  none; political parties are not allowed

United Kingdom
  Conservative [David CAMERON]; Democratic Unionist
  Party or DUP (Northern Ireland) [Peter ROBINSON]; Labor Party [Ed
  MILIBAND]; Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems) [Nick CLEGG]; Party of Wales
  (Plaid Cymru) [Ieuan Wyn JONES]; Scottish National Party or SNP
  [Alex SALMOND]; Sinn Fein (Northern Ireland) [Gerry ADAMS]; Social
  Democratic and Labor Party or SDLP (Northern Ireland) [Margaret
  RICHIE]; Ulster Unionist Party (Northern Ireland) [Tom ELLIOTT]

United States
  Democratic Party [Timothy KAINE]; Green Party;
  Libertarian Party [William (Bill) REDPATH]; Republican Party [Reince
  PRIEBUS]

Uruguay
  Broad Front (Frente Amplio) - formerly known as the
  Progressive Encounter/Broad Front Coalition or EP-FA [Jorge
  BROVETTO] (a broad governing coalition that includes Movement of the
  Popular Participation or MPP, New Space Party (Nuevo Espacio)
  [Rafael MICHELINI], Progressive Alliance (Alianza Progresista)
  [Rodolfo NIN NOVOA], Socialist Party [Eduardo FERNANDEZ and Reinaldo
  GARGANO], Communist Party [Eduardo LORIER], Uruguayan Assembly
  (Asamblea Uruguay) [Danilo ASTORI], and Vertiente Artiguista
  [Mariano ARANA]); Colorado Party (Foro Batllista) [Pedro BORDABERRY
  and Julio Maria SANGUINETTI]; National Party or Blanco [Luis Alberto
  LACALLE and Jorge LARRANAGA]

Uzbekistan
  Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party [Ismoil
  SAIFNAZAROV]; Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan [Boriy ALIXONOV,
  chairman]; Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan or LDPU
  [Muhammadjon AHMADJONOV]; National Rebirth Party (Milliy Tiklanish)
  [Ahtam TURSUNOV]; People's Democratic Party or NDP (formerly
  Communist Party) [Latif GULOMOV]

Vanuatu
  Greens Confederation or GC [Moana CARCASSES]; Jon Frum
  Movement or JF [Song KEASPAI]; Melanesian Progressive Party or MPP
  [Barak SOPE]; Nagriamel movement or NAG [Havo MOLI]; Namangi Aute or
  NA [Paul TELUKLUK]; National United Party or NUP [Ham LINI];
  People's Action Party or PAP [Peter VUTA]; People's Progressive
  Party or PPP [Sato KILMAN]; Shepherds Alliance Party [leader NA];
  Union of Moderate Parties or UMP [Serge VOHOR]; Vanua'aku Pati (Our
  Land Party) or VP [Edward NATAPEI]; Vanuatu Family First Party or
  VFFP [Eta RORI]; Vanuatu Labor Party or VLP [Joshua KALSAKAU];
  Vanuatu National Party or VNP [Issac HAMARILIU]; Vanuatu Republican
  Farmers Party or VPRFP [Jean RAVOU]; Vanuatu Republican Party or VRP
  [Maxime Carlot KORMAN]

Venezuela
  A New Time or UNT [Omar BARBOZA]; Brave People's Alliance
  or ABP [Oscar PEREZ]; Christian Democrats or COPEI [Luis Ignacio
  PLANAS]; Communist Party of Venezuela or PCV [Oscar FIGUERA];
  Democratic Action or AD [Henry RAMOS Allup]; Fatherland for All or
  PPT [Jose ALBORNOZ]; For Social Democracy or PODEMOS [Ramon
  MARTINEZ]; Justice First [Julio BORGES]; Movement Toward Socialism
  or MAS [Felipe MUJICA]; United Socialist Party of Venezuela or PSUV
  [Hugo CHAVEZ]; Venezuela Project or PV [Henrique SALAS Romer]

Vietnam
  Communist Party of Vietnam or CPV [Nong Duc MANH]; other
  parties proscribed

Virgin Islands
  Democratic Party [Arturo WATLINGTON]; Independent
  Citizens' Movement or ICM [Usie RICHARDS]; Republican Party [Gary
  SPRAUVE]

Wallis and Futuna
  Lua Kae Tahi (Giscardians); Mouvement des Radicaux
  de Gauche or MRG; Rally for the Republic or RPR (UMP); Socialist
  Party or PS; Taumu'a Lelei; Union Populaire Locale or UPL; Union
  Pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF

Yemen
  General People's Congress or GPC [Abdul-Kader BAJAMMAL];
  Islamic Reform Grouping or Islah [Muhammed Abdallah AL-YADUMI];
  Nasserite Unionist Party [Abd al-Malik al-MAKHLAFI]; National Arab
  Socialist Ba'th Party [Dr. Qasim SALAM]; Yemeni Socialist Party or
  YSP [Yasin Said NUMAN]; note - there are at least seven more active
  political parties

Zambia
  Forum for Democracy and Development or FDD [Edith NAWAKWI];
  Heritage Party or HP [Godfrey MIYANDA]; Movement for Multiparty
  Democracy or MMD [vacant]; Party of Unity for Democracy and
  Development or PUDD [Dan PULE]; Patriotic Front or PF [Michael
  SATA]; Reform Party [Nevers MUMBA]; United Democratic Alliance or
  UDA (a coalition of RP, ZADECO, PUDD, and ZRP); United Liberal Party
  or ULP [Sakwiba SIKOTA]; United National Independence Party or UNIP
  [Tilyenji KAUNDA]; United Party for National Development or UPND
  [Hakainde HICHILEMA]; Zambia Democratic Congress or ZADECO [Langton
  SICHONE]; Zambian Republican Party or ZRP [Benjamin MWILA]

Zimbabwe
  African National Party or ANP [Egypt DZINEMUNHENZVA];
  Movement for Democratic Change or MDC [Morgan TSVANGIRAI]; Movement
  for Democratic Change - Mutambara or MDC-M [Arthur MUTAMBARA]
  (splinter faction of the MDC); Peace Action is Freedom for All or
  PAFA; United Parties [Abel MUZOREWA]; United People's Party or UPP
  [Daniel SHUMBA]; Zimbabwe African National Union-Ndonga or
  ZANU-Ndonga [Wilson KUMBULA]; Zimbabwe African National
  Union-Patriotic Front or ZANU-PF [Robert Gabriel MUGABE]; Zimbabwe
  African Peoples Union or ZAPU [Agrippa MADLELA]; Zimbabwe Youth in
  Alliance or ZIYA

======================================================================

@2119

Field Listing :: Population

This entry gives an estimate from the US Bureau of the Census based on statistics from population censuses, vital statistics registration systems, or sample surveys pertaining to the recent past and on assumptions about future trends. The total population presents one overall measure of the potential impact of the country on the world and within its region. Note: Starting with the 1993 Factbook, demographic estimates for some countries (mostly African) have explicitly taken into account the effects of the growing impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These countries are currently: The Bahamas, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Country Comparison to the World Country

Population

Afghanistan
  29,121,286
  note: this is a significantly revised figure; the previous estimate
  of 33,609,937 was extrapolated from the last Afghan census held in
  1979, which was never completed because of the Soviet invasion; a
  new Afghan census is scheduled to take place in 2010 (July 2010 est.)

Akrotiri
  approximately 15,700 live on the Sovereign Base Areas of
  Akrotiri and Dhekelia including 7,700 Cypriots, 3,600 Service and
  UK-based contract personnel, and 4,400 dependents

Albania
  2,986,952 (July 2010 est.)

Algeria
  34,586,184 (July 2010 est.)

American Samoa
  66,432 (July 2010 est.)

Andorra
  84,525 (July 2010 est.)

Angola
  13,068,161 (July 2010 est.)

Anguilla
  14,766 (July 2010 est.)

Antarctica
  no indigenous inhabitants, but there are both permanent
  and summer-only staffed research stations
  note: 29 nations, all signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, operate
  through their National Antarctic Program a number of seasonal-only
  (summer) and year-round research stations on the continent and its
  nearby islands south of 60 degrees south latitude (the region
  covered by the Antarctic Treaty); the population doing and
  supporting science or engaged in the management and protection of
  the Antarctic region varies from approximately 4,400 in summer to
  1,100 in winter; in addition, approximately 1,000 personnel,
  including ship's crew and scientists doing onboard research, are
  present in the waters of the treaty region; peak summer
  (December-February) population - 4,490 total; Argentina 667,
  Australia 200, Australia and Romania jointly 13, Belgium 20, Brazil
  40, Bulgaria 18, Chile 359, China 90, Czech Republic 20, Ecuador 26,
  Finland 20, France 125, France and Italy jointly 60, Germany 90,
  India 65, Italy 102, Japan 125, South Korea 70, NZ 85, Norway 44,
  Peru 28, Poland 40, Russia 429, South Africa 80, Spain 50, Sweden
  20, Ukraine 24, UK 217, US 1,293, Uruguay 70 (2008-2009); winter
  (June-August) station population - 1,106 total; Argentina 176,
  Australia 62, Brazil 12, Chile 114, China 29, France 26, France and
  Italy jointly 13, Germany 9, India 25, Japan 40, South Korea 18, NZ
  10, Norway 7, Poland 12, Russia 148, South Africa 10, Ukraine 12, UK
  37, US 337, Uruguay 9 (2009); research stations operated within the
  Antarctic Treaty area (south of 60 degrees south latitude) by
  National Antarctic Programs: year-round stations - 40 total;
  Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 6, China 2, France 1,
  France and Italy jointly 1, Germany 1, India 1, Japan 1, South Korea
  1, NZ 1, Norway 1, Poland 1, Russia 5, South Africa 1, Ukraine 1, UK
  2, US 3, Uruguay 1 (2009); a range of seasonal-only (summer)
  stations, camps, and refuges - Argentina, Australia, Belgium,
  Bulgaria, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland,
  France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand,
  Norway, Peru, Poland, Romania (with Australia), Russia, South
  Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK, US, and Uruguay (2008-2009); in
  addition, during the austral summer some nations have numerous
  occupied locations such as tent camps, summer-long temporary
  facilities, and mobile traverses in support of research (May 2009
  est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  86,754 (July 2010 est.)

Argentina
  41,343,201 (July 2010 est.)

Armenia
  2,966,802 (July 2010 est.)

Aruba
  104,589
  note: estimate based on a revision of the base population,
  fertility, and mortality numbers, as well as a revision of 1985-99
  migration estimates from outmigration to inmigration, which is
  assumed to continue into the future; the new results are consistent
  with the 2000 census (July 2010 est.)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands no indigenous inhabitants note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island; access to East and Middle Islands is by permit only

Australia
  21,515,754 (July 2010 est.)

Austria
  8,214,160 (July 2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  8,303,512 (July 2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  310,426
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Bahrain 738,004 note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  156,118,464 (July 2010 est.)

Barbados
  285,653 (July 2010 est.)

Belarus
  9,612,632 (July 2010 est.)

Belgium
  10,423,493 (July 2010 est.)

Belize
  314,522 (July 2010 est.)

Benin
  9,056,010
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Bermuda
  68,265 (July 2010 est.)

Bhutan
  699,847
  note: the Factbook population estimate is consistent with the first
  modern census of Bhutan, conducted in 2005; previous Factbook
  population estimates for this country, which were on the order of
  three times the total population reported here, were based on
  Bhutanese government publications that did not include the census
  (July 2010 est.)

Bolivia
  9,947,418 (July 2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  4,621,598 (July 2010 est.)

Botswana
  2,029,307
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Bouvet Island
  uninhabited

Brazil
  201,103,330
  note: Brazil conducted a census in August 2000, which reported a
  population of 169,872,855; that figure was about 3.8% lower than
  projections by the US Census Bureau, and is close to the implied
  underenumeration of 4.6% for the 1991 census (July 2010 est.)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  no indigenous inhabitants
  note: approximately 1,200 former agricultural workers resident in
  the Chagos Archipelago, often referred to as Chagossians or Ilois,
  were relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles in the 1960s and
  1970s; in November 2004, approximately 4,000 UK and US military
  personnel and civilian contractors were living on the island of
  Diego Garcia

British Virgin Islands
  24,939 (July 2010 est.)

Brunei
  395,027 (July 2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  7,148,785 (July 2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  16,241,811
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Burma
  53,414,374
  note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of
  excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life
  expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Burundi
  9,863,117
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Cambodia
  14,453,680
  note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of
  excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life
  expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Cameroon
  19,294,149
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Canada
  33,759,742 (July 2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  508,659 (July 2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  50,209
  note: most of the population lives on Grand Cayman (July 2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  4,844,927
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Chad
  10,543,464 (July 2010 est.)

Chile
  16,746,491 (July 2010 est.)

China
  1,330,141,295 (July 2010 est.)

Christmas Island
  1,402 (July 2010 est.)

Clipperton Island
  uninhabited

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  596 (July 2010 est.)

Colombia
  44,205,293 (July 2010 est.)

Comoros
  773,407 (July 2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  70,916,439
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  4,125,916
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  11,488 (July 2010 est.)

Coral Sea Islands
  no indigenous inhabitants
  note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological
  station on Willis Island (July 2007 est.)

Costa Rica
  4,516,220 (July 2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  21,058,798
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Croatia
  4,486,881 (July 2010 est.)

Cuba
  11,477,459 (July 2010 est.)

Curacao
  142,180 (est. January 2010)

Cyprus
  1,102,677 (July 2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  10,201,707 (July 2010 est.)

Denmark
  5,515,575 (July 2010 est.)

Dhekelia
  approximately 15,700 live on the Sovereign Base Areas of
  Akrotiri and Dhekelia including 7,700 Cypriots, 3,600 service and UK
  based contract personnel, and 4,400 dependents

Djibouti
  740,528 (July 2010 est.)

Dominica
  72,813 (July 2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  9,823,821 (July 2010 est.)

Ecuador
  14,790,608 (July 2010 est.)

Egypt
  80,471,869 (July 2010 est.)

El Salvador
  6,052,064 (July 2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  650,702 (July 2010 est.)

Eritrea
  5,792,984 (July 2010 est.)

Estonia
  1,291,170 (July 2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  88,013,491
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

European Union
  492,387,344 (July 2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  3,140 (July 2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
  49,057 (July 2010 est.)

Fiji
  875,983 (July 2010 est.)

Finland
  5,255,068 (July 2010 est.)

France
  64,768,389
  note: the above figure is for metropolitan France and its four
  overseas regions; the metropolitan France population is 62,814,233
  (July 2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  291,000 (July 2010 est.)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  no indigenous inhabitants
  Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): has no permanent
  residents but has a meteorological station
  Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): is uninhabited but
  is frequently visited by fishermen and has a scientific research
  cabin for short stays
  Iles Crozet: are uninhabited except for 18 to 30 people staffing the
  Alfred Faure research station on Ile del la Possession
  Iles Kerguelen: 50 to 100 scientists are located at the main base at
  Port-aux-Francais on Ile Kerguelen
  Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): uninhabitable
  Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses):
  a small French military garrison and a few meteorologists on each
  possession; visited by scientists
  Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): uninhabited, except for visits by
  scientists

Gabon
  1,545,255
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  1,824,158 (July 2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  1,604,238 (July 2010 est.)

Georgia
  4,600,825 (July 2010 est.)

Germany
  82,282,988 (July 2010 est.)

Ghana
  24,339,838
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  28,877 (July 2010 est.)

Greece
  10,749,943 (July 2010 est.)

Greenland
  57,637 (July 2010 est.)

Grenada
  107,818 (July 2010 est.)

Guam
  180,865 (July 2010 est.)

Guatemala
  13,550,440 (July 2010 est.)

Guernsey
  64,775 (July 2010 est.)

Guinea
  10,324,025 (July 2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  1,565,126 (July 2010 est.)

Guyana
  748,486
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Haiti
  9,719,932
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (2011
  est.)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  uninhabited

Holy See (Vatican City)
  829 (July 2010 est.)

Honduras
  7,989,415
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  7,089,705 (July 2010 est.)

Hungary
  9,992,339 (July 2010 est.)

Iceland
  308,910 (July 2010 est.)

India
  1,173,108,018 (July 2010 est.)

Indonesia
  242,968,342 (July 2010 est.)

Iran
  76,923,300 (July 2010 est.)

Iraq
  29,671,605 (July 2010 est.)

Ireland
  4,622,917 (July 2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  83,859 (July 2010 est.)

Israel
  7,353,985 (July 2010 est.)
  note: approximately 296,700 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank
  (2009 est.); approximately 19,100 Israeli settlers live in the Golan
  Heights (2008 est.); approximately 192,800 Israeli settlers live in
  East Jerusalem (2008 est.)

Italy
  58,090,681 (July 2010 est.)

Jamaica
  2,847,232 (July 2010 est.)

Jan Mayen
  no indigenous inhabitants
  note: personnel operate the Long Range Navigation (Loran-C) base and
  the weather and coastal services radio station

Japan
  126,804,433 (July 2010 est.)

Jersey
  93,363 (July 2010 est.)

Jordan
  6,407,085 (July 2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  15,460,484 (July 2010 est.)

Kenya
  40,046,566
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Kiribati
  99,482 (July 2010 est.)

Korea, North
  22,757,275 (July 2010 est.)

Korea, South
  48,636,068 (July 2010 est.)

Kosovo
  1,815,048 (July 2010 est.)

Kuwait 2,789,132 note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  5,508,626 (July 2010 est.)

Laos
  6,368,162 (July 2010 est.)

Latvia
  2,217,969 (July 2010 est.)

Lebanon
  4,125,247 (July 2010 est.)

Lesotho
  1,919,552
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Liberia
  3,685,076 (July 2010 est.)

Libya 6,461,454 note: includes 166,510 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  35,002 (July 2010 est.)

Lithuania
  3,545,319 (July 2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  497,538 (July 2010 est.)

Macau
  567,957 (July 2010 est.)

Macedonia
  2,072,086 (July 2010 est.)

Madagascar
  21,281,844 (July 2010 est.)

Malawi
  15,447,500
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Malaysia
  28,274,729 (July 2010 est.)

Maldives
  395,650 (July 2010 est.)

Mali
  13,796,354 (July 2010 est.)

Malta
  406,771 (July 2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  65,859 (July 2010 est.)

Mauritania
  3,205,060 (July 2010 est.)

Mauritius
  1,294,104 (July 2010 est.)

Mayotte
  231,139 (July 2010 est.)

Mexico
  112,468,855 (July 2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  107,154 (July 2010 est.)

Moldova
  4,317,483 (July 2010 est.)

Monaco
  30,586 (July 2010 est.)

Mongolia
  3,086,918 (July 2010 est.)

Montenegro
  666,730 (July 2010 est.)

Montserrat
  5,118
  note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the
  resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned
  (July 2010 est.)

Morocco
  31,627,428 (July 2010 est.)

Mozambique
  22,061,451
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected; the 1997
  Mozambican census reported a population of 16,099,246 (July 2010
  est.)

Namibia
  2,128,471
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Nauru
  9,267 (July 2010 est.)

Navassa Island uninhabited note: transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island

Nepal
  28,951,852 (July 2010 est.)

Netherlands
  16,783,092 (July 2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  252,352 (July 2010 est.)

New Zealand
  4,252,277 (July 2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  5,995,928 (July 2010 est.)

Niger
  15,878,271 (July 2010 est.)

Nigeria
  152,217,341
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Niue
  1,354 (July 2010 est.)

Norfolk Island
  2,155 (July 2010 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
  48,317 (July 2010 est.)

Norway
  4,676,305 (July 2010 est.)

Oman 2,967,717 note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Pakistan
  184,404,791 (July 2010 est.)

Palau
  20,879 (July 2010 est.)

Panama
  3,410,676 (July 2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  6,064,515 (July 2010 est.)

Paracel Islands no indigenous inhabitants note: there are scattered Chinese garrisons

Paraguay
  6,375,830 (July 2010 est.)

Peru
  29,907,003 (July 2010 est.)

Philippines
  99,900,177 (July 2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  48 (July 2010 est.)

Poland
  38,463,689 (July 2010 est.)

Portugal
  10,735,765 (July 2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  3,978,702 (July 2010 est.)

Qatar
  840,926 (July 2010 est.)

Romania
  21,959,278 (July 2010 est.)

Russia
  139,390,205 (July 2010 est.)

Rwanda
  11,055,976
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
  7,406 (July 2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  7,670
  note: only Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha islands are
  inhabited (July 2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  49,898 (July 2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  160,922 (July 2010 est.)

Saint Martin
  30,235 (July 2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  5,943 (July 2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  104,217 (July 2010 est.)

Samoa
  192,001
  note: prior estimates used official net migration data by sex, but a
  highly unusual pattern for 1993 lead to a significant imbalance in
  the sex ratios (more men and fewer women) and a seeming reduction in
  the female population; the revised total was calculated using a 1993
  number that was an average of the 1992 and 1994 migration figures
  (July 2010 est.)

San Marino
  31,477 (July 2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  175,808 (July 2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia 25,731,776 note: includes 5,576,076 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Senegal 12,323,252 (July 2010 est.)

Serbia 7,344,847 note: does not include the population of Kosovo (July 2010 est.)

Seychelles
  88,340 (July 2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  5,245,695 (July 2010 est.)

Singapore
  4,701,069 (July 2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  37,429 (January 2010 est.)

Slovakia
  5,470,306 (July 2010 est.)

Slovenia
  2,003,136 (July 2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  559,198 (July 2010 est.)

Somalia
  10,112,453
  note: this estimate was derived from an official census taken in
  1975 by the Somali Government; population counting in Somalia is
  complicated by the large number of nomads and by refugee movements
  in response to famine and clan warfare (July 2010 est.)

South Africa
  49,109,107
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands no indigenous inhabitants note: the small military garrison on South Georgia withdrew in March 2001 replaced by a permanent group of scientists of the British Antarctic Survey, which also has a biological station on Bird Island; the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited

Spain
  46,505,963 (July 2010 est.)

Spratly Islands
  no indigenous inhabitants
  note: there are scattered garrisons occupied by personnel of several
  claimant states

Sri Lanka
  21,513,990
  note: since the outbreak of hostilities between the government and
  armed Tamil separatists in the mid-1980s, several hundred thousand
  Tamil civilians have fled the island and more than 200,000 Tamils
  have sought refuge in the West (July 2010 est.)

Sudan
  43,939,598 (July 2010 est.)

Suriname
  486,618 (July 2010 est.)

Svalbard
  2,067 (July 2010 est.)

Swaziland
  1,354,051
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Sweden
  9,074,055 (July 2010 est.)

Switzerland
  7,623,438 (July 2010 est.)

Syria
  22,198,110 (July 2010 est.)
  note: approximately 19,100 Israeli settlers live in the Golan
  Heights (2008 est.)

Taiwan
  23,024,956 (July 2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  7,487,489 (July 2010 est.)

Tanzania
  41,892,895
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Thailand
  67,089,500
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  1,154,625
  note: other estimates range as low as 800,000 (July 2010 est.)

Togo
  6,587,239
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Tokelau
  1,400 (July 2010 est.)

Tonga
  122,580 (July 2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  1,228,691 (July 2010 est.)

Tunisia
  10,589,025 (July 2010 est.)

Turkey
  77,804,122 (July 2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  4,940,916 (July 2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  23,528 (July 2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  10,472 (July 2010 est.)

Uganda
  33,398,682
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Ukraine
  45,415,596 (July 2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  4,975,593
  note: estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census that
  included a significantly higher estimate of net immigration of
  non-citizens than previous estimates (July 2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  62,348,447 (July 2010 est.)

United States
  310,232,863 (July 2010 est.)

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  no indigenous
  inhabitants
  note: public entry is by special-use permit from US Fish and
  Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and
  educators; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service
  Johnston Atoll: in previous years, an average of 1,100 US military
  and civilian contractor personnel were present; as of May 2005, all
  US government personnel had left the island
  Midway Islands: approximately 40 people make up the staff of US Fish
  and Wildlife Service and their services contractor living at the
  atoll
  Palmyra Atoll: four to 20 Nature Conservancy, US Fish and Wildlife
  staff, and researchers

Uruguay
  3,510,386 (July 2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  27,865,738 (July 2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  221,552 (July 2010 est.)

Venezuela
  27,223,228 (July 2010 est.)

Vietnam
  89,571,130 (July 2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  109,750 (July 2010 est.)

Wake Island
  no indigenous inhabitants
  note: approximately 150 military personnel and civilian contractors
  maintain and operate the airfield and communications facilities
  (2009)

Wallis and Futuna
  15,343 (July 2010 est.)

West Bank
  2,514,845 (July 2010 est.)
  note: approximately 296,700 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank
  (2009 est.); approximately 192,800 Israeli settlers live in East
  Jerusalem (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
  491,519
  note: estimate is based on projections by age, sex, fertility,
  mortality, and migration; fertility and mortality are based on data
  from neighboring countries (July 2010 est.)

World
  6,768,181,146 (July 2010 est.)

Yemen
  23,495,361 (July 2010 est.)

Zambia
  13,460,305
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  11,651,858
  note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the
  effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
  life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower
  population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
  population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
  2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2120

Field Listing :: Ports and terminals

This entry lists major ports and terminals primarily on the basis of the amount of cargo tonnage shipped through the facilities on an annual basis. In some instances, the number of containers handled or ship visits were also considered. Country

Ports and terminals

Afghanistan
  Kheyrabad, Shir Khan

Albania
  Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore

Algeria
  Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Djendjene, Jijel,
  Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda

American Samoa
  Pago Pago

Angola
  Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda, Namibe

Anguilla
  Blowing Point, Road Bay

Antarctica
  McMurdo Station; most coastal stations have sparse and
  intermittent offshore anchorages; a few stations have basic wharf
  facilities

Antigua and Barbuda
  Saint John's

Arctic Ocean
  Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (Russia), Prudhoe Bay (US)

Argentina
  Arroyo Seco, Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, La Plata, Punta
  Colorada, Rosario, San Lorenzo-San Martin

Aruba
  Barcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  none; offshore anchorage only

Atlantic Ocean
  Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp
  (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca
  (Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal),
  Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas
  (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal),
  London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal
  (Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran
  (Algeria), Oslo (Norway), Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Rio de
  Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Saint Petersburg
  (Russia), Stockholm (Sweden)

Australia
  Brisbane, Cairns, Dampier, Darwin, Fremantle, Gladstone,
  Geelong, Hay Point, Hobart, Jervis Bay, Melbourne, Newcastle, Port
  Adelaide, Port Dalrymple, Port Hedland, Port Kembla, Port Lincoln,
  Port Walcott, Sydney

Austria
  Enns, Krems, Linz, Vienna

Azerbaijan
  Baku (Baki)

Bahamas, The
  Freeport, Nassau, South Riding Point

Bahrain
  Mina' Salman, Sitrah

Bangladesh
  Chittagong, Mongla Port

Barbados
  Bridgetown

Belarus
  Mazyr

Belgium
  cargo ports (tonnage): Antwerp, Gent, Liege, Zeebrugge
  container ports (TEUs): Antwerp (8,662,891), Zeebrugge (2,209,715)

Belize
  Belize City, Big Creek

Benin
  Cotonou

Bermuda
  Hamilton, Ireland Island, Saint George

Bolivia
  Puerto Aguirre (inland port on the Paraguay/Parana waterway
  at the Bolivia/Brazil border); Bolivia has free port privileges in
  maritime ports in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Bosanska Gradiska, Bosanski Brod, Bosanski
  Samac, and Brcko (all inland waterway ports on the Sava River),
  Orasje

Bouvet Island
  none; offshore anchorage only

Brazil
  cargo ports (tonnage): Ilha Grande (Gebig), Paranagua, Rio
  Grande, Santos, Sao Sebastiao, Tubarao
  container ports (TEUs): Santos (2,677,839), Itajai (693,580)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  Diego Garcia

British Virgin Islands
  Road Harbor

Brunei
  Lumut, Muara, Seria

Bulgaria
  Burgas, Varna

Burma
  Moulmein, Rangoon, Sittwe

Burundi
  Bujumbura

Cambodia
  Phnom Penh, Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville)

Cameroon
  Douala, Garoua, Limboh Terminal

Canada
  Fraser River Port, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, Port-Cartier,
  Quebec City, Saint John (New Brunswick), Sept-Isles, Vancouver

Cape Verde
  Porto Grande

Cayman Islands
  Cayman Brac, George Town

Central African Republic
  Bangui, Nola, Salo, Nzinga

Chile
  Coronel, Huasco, Lirquen, Puerto Ventanas, San Antonio, San
  Vicente, Valparaiso

China
  Dalian, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai,
  Shenzhen, Tianjin

Christmas Island
  Flying Fish Cove

Clipperton Island
  none; offshore anchorage only

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Port Refuge

Colombia
  Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Puerto Bolivar,
  Santa Marta, Turbo

Comoros
  Mayotte, Mutsamudu

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  Banana, Boma, Bukavu, Bumba, Goma,
  Kalemie, Kindu, Kinshasa, Kisangani, Matadi, Mbandaka

Congo, Republic of the
  Brazzaville, Djeno, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo,
  Pointe-Noire

Cook Islands
  Avatiu

Coral Sea Islands
  none; offshore anchorage only

Costa Rica
  Caldera, Puerto Limon

Cote d'Ivoire
  Abidjan, Espoir, San-Pedro

Croatia
  Omisalj, Ploce, Rijeka, Sibernik, Split, Vukovar (on Danube
  River)

Cuba
  Antilla, Cienfuegos, Guantanamo, Havana, Matanzas, Mariel,
  Nuevitas Bay, Santiago de Cuba, Tanamo

Curacao
  Bullen Baai, Fuik Bay, Willemstad

Cyprus
  area under government control: Larnaca, Limassol, Vasilikos;;
  area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Famagusta, Kyrenia

Czech Republic
  Decin, Prague, Usti nad Labem

Denmark
  Aalborg, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Ensted, Esbjerg, Fredericia,
  Kalundborg

Djibouti
  Djibouti

Dominica
  Portsmouth, Roseau

Dominican Republic
  Andres (Boca Chica), Puerto Haina, Puerto Plata,
  Santo Domingo

Ecuador
  Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Manta, Puerto Bolivar

Egypt
  Ayn Sukhnah, Alexandria, Damietta, El Dekheila, Port Said,
  Sidi Kurayr, Suez

El Salvador
  Acajutla, Puerto Cutuco

Equatorial Guinea
  Bata, Luba, Malabo (2010)

Eritrea
  Assab, Massawa

Estonia
  Kuivastu, Kunda, Muuga, Parnu Reid, Sillamae, Tallinn

Ethiopia
  Ethiopia is landlocked and uses ports of Djibouti in
  Djibouti and Berbera in Somalia

European Union
  Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Braila
  (Romania), Bremen (Germany), Burgas (Bulgaria), Constanta (Romania),
  Copenhagen (Denmark), Galati (Romania), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg
  (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain),
  Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille
  (France), Naples (Italy), Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Riga
  (Latvia), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Stockholm (Sweden), Talinn
  (Estonia), Tulcea (Romania), Varna (Bulgaria)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  Stanley

Faroe Islands
  Fuglafjordur, Torshavn, Vagur

Fiji
  Lautoka, Levuka, Suva

Finland
  Helsinki, Kotka, Naantali, Porvoo, Raahe, Rauma

France
  Calais, Dunkerque, Le Havre, Marseille, Nantes, Paris, Rouen

French Polynesia
  Papeete

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  none; offshore anchorage only

Gabon
  Gamba, Libreville, Lucinda, Owendo, Port-Gentil

Gambia, The
  Banjul

Gaza Strip
  Gaza

Georgia
  Bat'umi, P'ot'i

Germany
  Bremen, Bremerhaven, Duisburg, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Lubeck,
  Neuss-Dusseldorf, Rostock, Wilhemshaven

Ghana
  Takoradi, Tema

Gibraltar
  Gibraltar

Greece
  Agioi Theodoroi, Aspropyrgos, Pachi, Piraeus, Thessaloniki

Greenland
  Sisimiut

Grenada
  Saint George's

Guam
  Apra Harbor

Guatemala
  Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomas de Castilla

Guernsey
  Braye Bay, Saint Peter Port

Guinea
  Conakry, Kamsar

Guinea-Bissau
  Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim

Guyana
  Georgetown

Haiti
  Cap-Haitien, Gonaives, Jacmel, Port-au-Prince

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  none; offshore anchorage only

Honduras
  La Ceiba, Puerto Cortes, San Lorenzo, Tela

Hong Kong
  Hong Kong

Hungary
  Budapest, Dunaujvaros, Gyor-Gonyu, Csepel, Baja, Mohacs

Iceland
  Grundartangi, Hafnarfjordur, Reykjavik

India
  Chennai, Jawaharal Nehru, Kandla, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai
  (Bombay), Sikka, Vishakhapatnam

Indian Ocean
  Chennai (Madras; India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Durban
  (South Africa), Jakarta (Indonesia), Kolkata (Calcutta; India)
  Melbourne (Australia), Mumbai (Bombay; India), Richards Bay (South
  Africa)

Indonesia
  Banjarmasin, Belawan, Kotabaru, Krueg Geukueh, Palembang,
  Panjang, Sungai Pakning, Tanjung Perak, Tanjung Priok

Iran
  Assaluyeh, Bandar Abbas, Bandar-e-Eman Khomeyni

Iraq
  Al Basrah, Khawr az Zubayr, Umm Qasr

Ireland
  Cork, Dublin, Shannon Foynes, Waterford

Isle of Man
  Douglas, Ramsey

Israel
  Ashdod, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa

Italy
  Augusta, Cagliari, Genoa, Livorno, Santa Panagia (Melilli),
  Taranto, Trieste, Venice

Jamaica
  Discovery Bay (Port Rhoades), Kingston, Montego Bay, Port
  Antonio, Port Esquivel, Port Kaiser, Rocky Point

Jan Mayen
  none; offshore anchorage only

Japan
  Chiba, Kawasaki, Kobe, Mizushima, Moji, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo,
  Tomakomai, Yokohama

Jersey
  Gorey, Saint Aubin, Saint Helier

Jordan
  Al 'Aqabah

Kazakhstan
  Aqtau (Shevchenko), Atyrau (Gur'yev), Oskemen
  (Ust-Kamenogorsk), Pavlodar, Semey (Semipalatinsk)

Kenya
  Kisumu, Mombasa

Kiribati
  Betio (Tarawa Atoll), Canton Island, English Harbor

Korea, North
  Ch'ongjin, Haeju, Hungnam (Hamhung), Namp'o, Senbong,
  Songnim, Sonbong (formerly Unggi), Wonsan

Korea, South
  Inch'on, P'ohang, Pusan, Ulsan, Yosu

Kuwait
  Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Az Zawr (Mina' Sa'ud), Mina'
  'Abd Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi

Kyrgyzstan
  Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye)

Latvia
  Riga, Ventspils

Lebanon
  Beirut, Tripoli

Liberia
  Buchanan, Monrovia

Libya
  Marsa al Burayqah, Ra's Lanuf, Tripoli

Lithuania
  Butinge, Klaipeda

Luxembourg
  Mertert

Macau
  Macau

Madagascar
  Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara
  (Tulear)

Malawi
  Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Chilumba

Malaysia
  Bintulu, Johor Bahru, George Town (Penang), Port Kelang
  (Port Klang), Tanjung Pelepas

Maldives
  Male

Mali
  Koulikoro

Malta
  Marsaxlokk (Malta Freeport), Valletta

Marshall Islands
  Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro

Mauritania
  Nouadhibou, Nouakchott

Mauritius
  Port Louis

Mayotte
  Dzaoudzi

Mexico
  Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Salina
  Cruz, Veracruz

Micronesia, Federated States of
  Colonia (Tomil Harbor), Lele Harbor,
  Pohnepi Harbor

Monaco
  Monaco

Montenegro
  Bar

Montserrat
  Little Bay, Plymouth

Morocco
  Casablanca, Jorf Lasfar, Mohammedia, Safi, Tangier

Mozambique
  Beira, Maputo, Nacala

Namibia
  Luderitz, Walvis Bay

Nauru
  Nauru

Navassa Island
  none; offshore anchorage only

Netherlands
  Amsterdam, IJmuiden, Moerdijk, Rotterdam, Terneuzen,
  Vlissingen

New Caledonia
  Noumea

New Zealand
  Auckland, Lyttelton, Manukau Harbor, Marsden Point,
  Tauranga, Wellington

Nicaragua
  Bluefields, Corinto

Nigeria
  Bonny Inshore Terminal, Calabar, Lagos

Niue
  Alofi

Norfolk Island
  Kingston

Northern Mariana Islands
  Saipan, Tinian, Rota

Norway
  Bergen, Haugesund, Maaloy, Mongstad, Narvik, Sture

Oman
  Mina' Qabus, Salalah, Suhar

Pacific Ocean
  Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong (China), Kao-hsiung
  (Taiwan), Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South
  Korea), San Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China),
  Singapore, Sydney (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington
  (NZ), Yokohama (Japan)

Pakistan
  Karachi, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim

Palau
  Koror

Panama
  Balboa, Colon, Cristobal

Papua New Guinea
  Kimbe, Lae, Madang, Rabaul, Wewak

Paracel Islands
  small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and
  Duncan Island

Paraguay
  Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnacion

Peru
  Callao, Iquitos, Matarani, Paita, Pucallpa, Yurimaguas; note -
  Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Yurimaguas are on the upper reaches of the
  Amazon and its tributaries

Philippines
  Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Liman, Manila

Pitcairn Islands
  Adamstown (on Bounty Bay)

Poland
  Gdansk, Gdynia, Swinoujscie, Szczecin

Portugal
  Leixoes, Lisbon, Setubal, Sines

Puerto Rico
  Ensenada Honda, Mayaguez, Playa de Guayanilla, Playa de
  Ponce, San Juan

Qatar
  Doha, Mesaieed (Umaieed), Ra's Laffan

Romania
  Braila, Constanta, Galati (Galatz), Mancanului (Giurgiu),
  Midia, Tulcea

Russia
  Kaliningrad, Kavkaz, Nakhodka, Novorossiysk, Primorsk, Saint
  Petersburg, Vostochnyy

Rwanda
  Cyangugu, Gisenyi, Kibuye

Saint Barthelemy
  Gustavia

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  Saint Helena: Jamestown
  Ascension Island: Georgetown
  Tristan da Cunha: Calshot Harbor (Edinburgh)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  Basseterre, Charlestown

Saint Lucia
  Castries, Cul-de-Sac, Vieux-Fort

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  Saint-Pierre

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  Kingstown

Samoa
  Apia

Sao Tome and Principe
  Sao Tome

Saudi Arabia
  Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Jiddah, Yanbu' al Sinaiyah

Senegal
  Dakar

Seychelles
  Victoria

Sierra Leone
  Freetown, Pepel, Sherbro Islands

Singapore
  Singapore

Sint Maarten
  Philipsburg

Slovakia
  Bratislava, Komarno

Slovenia
  Koper

Solomon Islands
  Honiara, Malloco Bay, Viru Harbor, Tulaghi

Somalia
  Berbera, Kismaayo

South Africa
  Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay,
  Saldanha Bay

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  Grytviken

Southern Ocean
  McMurdo, Palmer, and offshore anchorages in Antarctica
  note: few ports or harbors exist on the southern side of the
  Southern Ocean; ice conditions limit use of most to short periods in
  midsummer; even then some cannot be entered without icebreaker
  escort; most Antarctic ports are operated by government research
  stations and, except in an emergency, are not open to commercial or
  private vessels

Spain
  Algeciras, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Huelva, Tarragona,
  Valencia (Spain); Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Spratly Islands
  none; offshore anchorage only

Sri Lanka
  Colombo

Sudan
  Port Sudan

Suriname
  Paramaribo, Wageningen

Svalbard
  Barentsburg, Longyearbyen, Ny-Alesund, Pyramiden

Sweden
  Brofjorden, Goteborg, Helsingborg, Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo,
  Stockholm, Trelleborg, Visby

Switzerland
  Basel

Syria
  Baniyas, Latakia, Tartus

Taiwan
  Chilung (Keelung), Kaohsiung, Hualian, Taichung

Tanzania
  Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar

Thailand
  Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Map Ta Phut, Prachuap Port, Si Racha

Timor-Leste
  Dili

Togo
  Kpeme, Lome

Tokelau
  none; offshore anchorage only

Tonga
  Nuku'alofa, Neiafu, Pangai

Trinidad and Tobago
  Point Fortin, Point Lisas, Port-of-Spain,
  Scarborough

Tunisia
  Bizerte, Gabes, Rades, Sfax, Skhira

Turkey
  Aliaga, Diliskelesi, Eregli, Izmir, Kocaeli (Izmit), Mercin
  Limani, Yarimca

Turkmenistan
  Turkmenbasy

Turks and Caicos Islands
  Cockburn Harbour, Grand Turk, Providenciales

Tuvalu
  Funafuti

Uganda
  Entebbe, Jinja, Port Bell

Ukraine
  Feodosiya (Theodosia), Illichivsk, Mariupol', Mykolayiv,
  Odesa, Yuzhnyy

United Arab Emirates
  Al Fujayrah, Mina' Jabal 'Ali (Dubai), Khawr
  Fakkan (Khor Fakkan), Mubarraz Island, Mina' Rashid (Dubai), Mina'
  Saqr (Ra's al Khaymah),

United Kingdom
  Dover, Felixstowe, Immingham, Liverpool, London,
  Southampton, Teesport (England); Forth Ports, Hound Point
  (Scotland); Milford Haven (Wales)

United States
  cargo ports (tonnage): Baton Rouge, Corpus Christi,
  Houston, Long Beach, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York,
  Plaquemines, Tampa, Texas City
  container ports (TEUs): Los Angeles (7,849,985), Long Beach
  (6,350,125), New York/New Jersey (5,265,058), Savannah (2,616,126),
  Oakland (2,236,244), Hampton Roads (2,083,278) (2008)
  cruise departure ports (passengers): Miami (2,032,000), Port
  Everglades (1,277,000), Port Canaveral (1,189,000), Seattle
  (430,000), Long Beach (415,000) (2009)

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  Baker, Howland, and
  Jarvis Islands, and Kingman Reef: none; offshore anchorage only
  Johnston Atoll: Johnston Island
  Midway Islands: Sand Island
  Palmyra Atoll: West Lagoon

Uruguay
  Montevideo

Uzbekistan
  Termiz (Amu Darya)

Vanuatu
  Forari Bay, Luganville (Santo, Espiritu Santo), Port-Vila

Venezuela
  La Guaira, Maracaibo, Puerto Cabello, Punta Cardon

Vietnam
  Cam Pha Port, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu My,
  Quy Nhon

Virgin Islands
  Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay,
  Frederiksted, Limetree Bay

Wake Island
  none; two offshore anchorages for large ships

Wallis and Futuna
  Leava, Mata-Utu

Western Sahara
  Ad Dakhla, Laayoune (El Aaiun)

World
  top ten container ports as measured by Twenty-Foot Equivalent
  Units (TEUs) throughput: Singapore - 25,866,400; Shanghai -
  25,002,000; Hong Kong - 20,983,000; Shenzhen (China) - 18,250,100;
  Pusan (South Korea) - 11,954,861; Guangzhou (China) - 11,190,000;
  Dubai (UAE) - 11,124,082; Ningbo (China) - 10,502,800; Qingdao
  (China) - 10,260,000; - Rotterdam - 9,743,290 (2009)

Yemen
  Aden, Al Hudaydah, Al Mukalla

Zambia
  Mpulungu

Zimbabwe
  Binga, Kariba

======================================================================

@2121

Field Listing :: Railways

  This entry states the total route length of the railway network and
  of its component parts by gauge: broad, standard, narrow, and dual.
  Other gauges are listed under note.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Railways(km)

Albania total: 896 km standard gauge: 896 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Algeria
  total: 3,973 km
  standard gauge: 2,888 km 1.435-m gauge (283 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 1,085 km 1.055-m gauge (2008)

Angola
  total: 2,764 km
  narrow gauge: 2,641 km 1.067-m gauge; 123 km 0.600-m gauge (2008)

Argentina
  total: 31,409 km
  broad gauge: 27,301 km 1.676-m gauge (94 km electrified)
  standard gauge: 2,780 km 1.435-m gauge (26 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 1,328 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Armenia
  total: 845 km
  broad gauge: 845 km 1.520-m gauge (818 km electrified)
  note: some lines are out of service (2008)

Australia
  total: 37,855 km
  broad gauge: 142 km 1.600-m gauge
  standard gauge: 24,409 km 1.435-m gauge (1,094 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 13,304 km 1.067-m gauge (1,193 km electrified) (2008)

Austria
  total: 6,399 km
  standard gauge: 5,927 km 1.435-m gauge (3,688 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 384 km 1.000-m gauge (15 km electrified); 88 km
  0.760-m gauge (10 km electrified) (2008)

Azerbaijan
  total: 2,918 km
  broad gauge: 2,918 km 1.520-m gauge (1,278 km electrified) (2009)

Bangladesh
  total: 2,768 km
  broad gauge: 946 km 1.676-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 1,822 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Belarus
  total: 5,537 km
  broad gauge: 5,512 km 1.520-m gauge (874 km electrified)
  standard gauge: 25 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Belgium
  total: 3,233 km
  standard gauge: 3,233 km 1.435-m gauge (2,950 km electrified) (2008)

Benin
  total: 578 km
  narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Bolivia
  total: 3,504 km
  narrow gauge: 3,504 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  total: 1,000 km
  standard gauge: 1,000 km 1.435-m gauge (590 km electrified) (2008)

Botswana
  total: 888 km
  narrow gauge: 888 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Brazil
  total: 28,857 km
  broad gauge: 5,709 km 1.600-m gauge (459 km electrified)
  standard gauge: 194 km 1.440-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 22,954 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Bulgaria
  total: 4,294 km
  standard gauge: 4,049 km 1.435-m gauge (2,880 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 245 km 0.760-m gauge (2008)

Burkina Faso
  total: 622 km
  narrow gauge: 622 km 1.000-m gauge
  note: another 660 km of this railway extends into Cote d'Ivoire
  (2008)

Burma
  total: 3,955 km
  narrow gauge: 3,955 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Cambodia
  total: 690 km
  narrow gauge: 690 km 1.000-m gauge
  note: under restoration (2010)

Cameroon
  total: 987 km
  narrow gauge: 987 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Canada
  total: 46,688 km
  standard gauge: 46,688 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Chile
  total: 5,483 km
  broad gauge: 1,706 km 1.676-m gauge (850 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 3,777 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

China
  total: 77,834 km
  standard gauge: 77,084 km 1.435-m gauge (24,433 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 750 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Christmas Island
  total: 18 km
  standard gauge: 18 km 1.435-m (not in operation) (2010)

Colombia
  total: 3,802 km
  standard gauge: 150 km 1.435-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 3,652 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  total: 4,007 km
  narrow gauge: 3,882 km 1.067-m gauge (858 km electrified); 125 km
  1.000-m gauge (2008)

Congo, Republic of the
  total: 795 km
  narrow gauge: 795 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Costa Rica
  total: 278 km
  narrow gauge: 278 km 1.067-m gauge
  note: none of the railway network is in use (2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
  total: 660 km
  narrow gauge: 660 km 1.000 meter gauge
  note: an additional 622 km of this railroad extends into Burkina
  Faso (2008)

Croatia
  total: 2,722 km
  standard gauge: 2,722 km 1.435-m gauge (985 km electrified) (2009)

Cuba
  total: 8,598 km
  standard gauge: 8,322 km 1.435-m gauge (176 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 276 km 1.000-gauge
  note: 4,533 km of the track is used by sugar plantations; 4,257 km
  is standard gauge; 276 km is narrow gauge (2006)

Czech Republic
  total: 9,620 km
  standard gauge: 9,521 km 1.435-m gauge (3,013 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 99 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Denmark
  total: 2,667 km
  standard gauge: 2,667 km 1.435-m gauge (640 km electrified) (2008)

Djibouti
  total: 100 km (Djibouti segment of the 781 km Addis
  Ababa-Djibouti railway)
  narrow gauge: 100 km 1.000-m gauge
  note: railway is under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia but is
  largely inoperable (2008)

Dominican Republic
  total: 1,784 km
  standard gauge: 375 km 1.435-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 1,409 km 1.076-m, 0.889-m, and 0.762-m gauges
  note: 1,226 km operated by sugar companies in 1.076 m, 0.889 m, and
  0.762-m gauges (2008)

Ecuador
  total: 965 km
  narrow gauge: 965 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Egypt
  total: 5,500 km
  standard gauge: 5,500 km 1.435-m gauge (62 km electrified) (2009)

El Salvador
  total: 283 km
  narrow gauge: 283 km 0.914-m gauge
  note: railways have been inoperable since 2005 because of disuse and
  high costs that led to a lack of maintenance (2008)

Eritrea
  total: 306 km
  narrow gauge: 306 km 0.950-m gauge (2008)

Estonia
  total: 1,196 km
  broad gauge: 1,196 km 1.520 m/1.524-m gauge (131 km electrified)
  (2008)

Ethiopia
  total: 681 km (Ethiopian segment of the 781 km Addis
  Ababa-Djibouti railroad)
  narrow gauge: 681 km 1.000-m gauge
  note: railway is under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia but is
  largely inoperable (2008)

European Union
  total: 229,450 km (2008)

Fiji
  total: 597 km
  narrow gauge: 597 km 0.600-m gauge
  note: belongs to the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation; used
  to haul sugarcane during the harvest season, which runs from May to
  December (2008)

Finland
  total: 5,794 km
  broad gauge: 5,794 km 1.524-m gauge (3,047 km electrified) (2008)

France
  total: 29,213 km
  standard gauge: 29,046 km 1.435-m gauge (15,164 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 167 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Gabon
  total: 814 km
  standard gauge: 814 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Georgia
  total: 1,612 km
  broad gauge: 1,575 km 1.520-m gauge (1,575 electrified)
  narrow gauge: 37 km 0.912-m gauge (37 electrified) (2008)

Germany
  total: 41,896 km
  standard gauge: 41,641 km 1.435-m gauge (20,053 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 75 km 1.000-m gauge (75 km electrified); 180 km
  0.750-m gauge (24 km electrified) (2008)

Ghana
  total: 947 km
  narrow gauge: 947 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Greece
  total: 2,548 km
  standard gauge: 1,565 km 1.435-m gauge (764 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 961 km 1.000-m gauge; 22 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Guatemala
  total: 332 km
  narrow gauge: 332 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Guinea
  total: 1,185 km
  standard gauge: 238 km 1.435-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 947 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Honduras
  total: 75 km
  narrow gauge: 75 km 1.067-m gauge (2009)

Hungary
  total: 8,057 km
  broad gauge: 36 km 1.524-m gauge
  standard gauge: 7,802 km 1.435-m gauge (2,628 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 219 km 0.760-m gauge (2008)

India
  total: 64,015 km
  broad gauge: 52,808 km 1.676-m gauge (18,172 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 8,473 km 1.000-m gauge; 2,734 km 0.762-m gauge and
  0.610-m gauge (2009)

Indonesia
  total: 8,529 km
  narrow gauge: 8,529 km 1.067-m gauge (565 km electrified) (2008)

Iran
  total: 8,442 km
  broad gauge: 94 km 1.676-m gauge
  standard gauge: 8,348 km 1.435-m gauge (148 km electrified) (2008)

Iraq
  total: 2,272 km
  standard gauge: 2,272 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Ireland
  total: 3,237 km
  broad gauge: 1,872 km 1.600-m gauge (37 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 1,365 km 0.914-m gauge (operated by the Irish Peat
  Board to transport peat to power stations and briquetting plants)
  (2008)

Isle of Man
  total: 63 km
  narrow gauge: 6 km 1.076-m gauge (6 km electrified); 57 km 0.914-m
  gauge (29 km electrified)
  note: primarily summer tourist attractions (2008)

Israel
  total: 949 km
  standard gauge: 949 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Italy
  total: 19,729 km
  standard gauge: 18,317 km 1.435-m gauge (12,458 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 123 km 1.000-m gauge (123 km electrified); 1,058 km
  0.950-m gauge (151 km electrified); 231 km 0.850-m gauge (2008)

Japan
  total: 26,435 km
  standard gauge: 3,978 km 1.435-m gauge (3,978 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 96 km 1.372-m gauge (96 km electrified); 22,313 km
  1.067-m gauge (15,235 km electrified); 48 km 0.762-m gauge (48 km
  electrified) (2009)

Jordan
  total: 507 km
  narrow gauge: 507 km 1.050-m gauge (2008)

Kazakhstan
  total: 15,082 km
  broad gauge: 15,082 km 1.520-m gauge (3,700 km electrified) (2008)

Kenya
  total: 2,778 km
  narrow gauge: 2,778 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Korea, North
  total: 5,242 km
  standard gauge: 5,242 km 1.435-m gauge (3,500 km electrified) (2009)

Korea, South
  total: 3,381 km
  standard gauge: 3,381 km 1.435-m gauge (1,843 km electrified) (2008)

Kosovo
  total: 430 km
  standard gauge: 430 km 1.435-m gauge (2007)

Kyrgyzstan
  total: 470 km
  broad gauge: 470 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Latvia
  total: 2,298 km
  broad gauge: 2,265 km 1.520-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Lebanon
  total: 401 km
  standard gauge: 319 km 1.435 m
  narrow gauge: 82 km 1.050 m
  note: rail system unusable because of the damage done during
  fighting in the 1980s and in 2006 (2008)

Liberia
  total: 429 km
  standard gauge: 345 km 1.435-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 84 km 1.067-m gauge
  note: most sections of the railway are inoperable because of damage
  suffered during the civil wars from 1980 to 2003 (2008)

Liechtenstein
  9 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified)
  note: belongs to the Austrian Railway System connecting Austria and
  Switzerland (2008)

Lithuania
  total: 1,768 km
  broad gauge: 1,746 km 1.524-m gauge (122 km electrified)
  standard gauge: 22 km 1.435-m gauge (2009)

Luxembourg
  total: 275 km
  standard gauge: 275 km 1.435-m gauge (243 km electrified) (2008)

Macedonia
  total: 699 km
  standard gauge: 699 km 1.435-m gauge (234 km electrified) (2009)

Madagascar
  total: 854 km
  narrow gauge: 854 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Malawi
  total: 797 km
  narrow gauge: 797 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Malaysia
  total: 1,849 km
  standard gauge: 57 km 1.435-m gauge (57 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 1,792 km 1.000-m gauge (150 km electrified) (2008)

Mali
  total: 593 km
  narrow gauge: 593 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Mauritania
  728 km
  standard gauge: 728 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Mexico
  total: 17,516 km
  standard gauge: 17,516 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Moldova
  total: 1,138 km
  broad gauge: 1,124 km 1.520-m gauge
  standard gauge: 14 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Mongolia
  total: 1,810 km
  broad gauge: 1,810 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Montenegro
  total: 250 km
  standard gauge: 250 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified 169 km) (2007)

Morocco
  total: 1,907 km
  standard gauge: 1,907 km 1.435-m gauge (1,022 km electrified) (2008)

Mozambique
  total: 4,787 km
  narrow gauge: 4,787 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Namibia
  total: 2,629 km
  narrow gauge: 2,629 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Nepal
  total: 59 km
  narrow gauge: 59 km 0.762-m gauge (2008)

Netherlands
  total: 2,896 km
  standard gauge: 2,896 km 1.435-m gauge (2,064 km electrified) (2009)

New Zealand
  total: 4,128 km
  narrow gauge: 4,128 km 1.067-m gauge (506 km electrified) (2008)

Nigeria
  total: 3,505 km
  narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Norway
  total: 4,114 km
  standard gauge: 4,114 km 1.435-m gauge (2,552 km electrified) (2009)

Pakistan
  total: 7,791 km
  broad gauge: 7,479 km 1.676-m gauge (293 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 312 km 1.000-m gauge (2007)

Panama
  total: 76 km
  standard gauge: 76 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Paraguay
  total: 36 km
  standard gauge: 36 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Peru
  total: 1,989 km
  standard gauge: 1,726 km 1.435-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 263 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Philippines
  total: 897 km
  narrow gauge: 897 km 1.067-m gauge (492 km are in operation) (2008)

Poland
  total: 22,314 km
  broad gauge: 633 km 1.524-m gauge
  standard gauge: 21,681 km 1.435-m gauge (11,769 km electrified)
  (2007)

Portugal
  total: 2,786 km
  broad gauge: 2,603 km 1.668-m gauge (1,351 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 183 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Romania
  total: 10,788 km
  broad gauge: 57 km 1.524-m gauge
  standard gauge: 10,731 km 1.435-m gauge (3,965 km electrified) (2008)

Russia
  total: 87,157 km
  broad gauge: 86,200 km 1.520-m gauge (40,300 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 957 km 1.067-m gauge (on Sakhalin Island)
  note: an additional 30,000 km of non-common carrier lines serve
  industries (2006)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  total: 50 km
  narrow gauge: 50 km 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts for tourists (2008)

Saudi Arabia
  total: 1,392 km
  standard gauge: 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and
  sidings) (2008)

Senegal
  total: 906 km
  narrow gauge: 906 km 1.000 meter gauge (2008)

Serbia
  total: 3,379 km
  standard gauge: 3,379 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified 1,254 km) (2006)

Slovakia
  total: 3,622 km
  broad gauge: 99 km 1.520-m gauge
  standard gauge: 3,473 km 1.435-m gauge (1,577 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 50 km (1.000-m or 0.750-m gauge) (2008)

Slovenia
  total: 1,228 km
  standard gauge: 1,228 km 1.435-m gauge (503 km electrified) (2007)

South Africa
  total: 20,872 km
  narrow gauge: 20,436 km 1.065-m gauge (8,271 km electrified); 436 km
  0.610-m gauge (2008)

Spain
  total: 15,288 km
  broad gauge: 11,919 km 1.668-m gauge (6,950 km electrified)
  standard gauge: 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (1,054 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 1,949 km 1.000-m gauge (815 km electrified); 28 km
  0.914-m gauge (28 km electrified) (2008)

Sri Lanka
  total: 1,449 km
  broad gauge: 1,449 km 1.676-m gauge (2007)

Sudan
  total: 5,978 km
  narrow gauge: 4,578 km 1.067-m gauge; 1,400 km 0.600-m gauge for
  cotton plantations (2008)

Swaziland
  total: 301 km
  narrow gauge: 301 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Sweden
  total: 11,633 km
  standard gauge: 11,568 km 1.435-m gauge (7,531 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 65 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified) (2008)

Switzerland
  total: 4,888 km
  standard gauge: 3,397 km 1.435-m gauge (3,142 km electrified)
  narrow gauge: 1,481 km 1.000-m gauge (1,378 km electrified); 10 km
  0.800-m gauge (10 km electrified) (2008)

Syria
  total: 2,052 km
  standard gauge: 1,801 km 1.435-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 251 km 1.050-m gauge (2008)

Taiwan
  total: 1,582 km
  standard gauge: 345 km 1.435-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 1,091 km 1.067-m gauge; 146 km .762-m gauge
  note: the 146 km of .762 gauge track belongs primarily to Taiwan
  Sugar Corporation and Taiwan Forestry Bureau, some to other entities
  (2008)

Tajikistan
  total: 680 km
  broad gauge: 680 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Tanzania
  total: 3,689 km
  narrow gauge: 969 km 1.067-m gauge; 2,720 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Thailand
  total: 4,071 km
  standard gauge: 29 km 1.435-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 4,042 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Togo
  total: 532 km
  narrow gauge: 532 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Tunisia
  total: 2,167 km
  standard gauge: 471 km 1.435-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 1,688 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified)
  dual gauge: 8 km (2008)

Turkey
  total: 8,697 km
  standard gauge: 8,697 km 1.435-m gauge (1,920 km electrified) (2008)

Turkmenistan
  total: 2,980 km
  broad gauge: 2,980 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

Uganda
  total: 1,244 km
  narrow gauge: 1,244 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Ukraine
  total: 21,658 km
  broad gauge: 21,658 km 1.524-m gauge (9,729 km electrified) (2009)

United Kingdom
  total: 16,454 km
  broad gauge: 303 km 1.600-m gauge (in Northern Ireland)
  standard gauge: 16,151 km 1.435-m gauge (5,248 km electrified) (2008)

United States
  total: 226,427 km
  standard gauge: 226,427 km 1.435-m gauge (2007)

Uruguay
  total: 1,641 km (1,200 km operational)
  standard gauge: 1,641 km 1.435-m gauge (2010)

Uzbekistan
  total: 3,645 km
  broad gauge: 3,645 km 1.520-m gauge (620 km electrified) (2008)

Venezuela
  total: 806 km
  standard gauge: 806 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Vietnam
  total: 2,347 km
  standard gauge: 178 km 1.435-m gauge
  narrow gauge: 2,169 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

World
  total: 1,138,632 km (2008)

Zambia
  total: 2,157 km
  narrow gauge: 2,157 km 1.067-m gauge
  note: includes 891 km of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority
  (TAZARA) (2008)

Zimbabwe total: 3,077 km narrow gauge: 3,077 km 1.067-m gauge (313 km electrified) (2008)

======================================================================

@2122

Field Listing :: Religions

This entry is an ordered listing of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. The core characteristics and beliefs of the world's major religions are described below. Baha'i - Founded by Mirza Husayn-Ali (known as Baha'u'llah) in Iran in 1852, Baha'i faith emphasizes monotheism and believes in one eternal transcendent God. Its guiding focus is to encourage the unity of all peoples on the earth so that justice and peace may be achieved on earth. Baha'i revelation contends the prophets of major world religions reflect some truth or element of the divine, believes all were manifestations of God given to specific communities in specific times, and that Baha'u'llah is an additional prophet meant to call all humankind. Bahais are an open community, located worldwide, with the greatest concentration of believers in South Asia. Buddhism - Religion or philosophy inspired by the 5th century B.C. teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (also known as Gautama Buddha "the enlightened one"). Buddhism focuses on the goal of spiritual enlightenment centered on an understanding of Gautama Buddha's Four Noble Truths on the nature of suffering, and on the Eightfold Path of spiritual and moral practice, to break the cycle of suffering of which we are a part. Buddhism ascribes to a karmic system of rebirth. Several schools and sects of Buddhism exist, differing often on the nature of the Buddha, the extent to which enlightenment can be achieved - for one or for all, and by whom - religious orders or laity. Basic Groupings Theravada Buddhism: The oldest Buddhist school, Theravada is practiced mostly in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Thailand, with minority representation elsewhere in Asia and the West. Theravadans follow the Pali Canon of Buddha's teachings, and believe that one may escape the cycle of rebirth, worldly attachment, and suffering for oneself; this process may take one or several lifetimes. Mahayana Buddhism, including subsets Zen and Tibetan Buddhism: Forms of Mahayana Buddhism are common in East Asia and Tibet, and parts of the West. Mahayanas have additional scriptures beyond the Pali Canon and believe the Buddha is eternal and still teaching. Unlike Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana schools maintain the Buddha-nature is present in all beings and all will ultimately achieve enlightenment. Christianity - Descending from Judaism, Christianity's central belief maintains Jesus of Nazareth is the promised messiah of the Hebrew Scriptures, and that his life, death, and resurrection are salvific for the world. Christianity is one of the three monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, along with Islam and Judaism, which traces its spiritual lineage to Abraham of the Hebrew Scriptures. Its sacred texts include the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament (or the Christian Gospels). Basic Groupings Catholicism (or Roman Catholicism): This is the oldest established western Christian church and the world's largest single religious body. It is supranational, and recognizes a hierarchical structure with the Pope, or Bishop of Rome, as its head, located at the Vatican. Catholics believe the Pope is the divinely ordered head of the Church from a direct spiritual legacy of Jesus' apostle Peter. Catholicism is comprised of 23 particular Churches, or Rites - one Western (Roman or Latin-Rite) and 22 Eastern. The Latin Rite is by far the largest, making up about 98% of Catholic membership. Eastern-Rite Churches, such as the Maronite Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church, are in communion with Rome although they preserve their own worship traditions and their immediate hierarchy consists of clergy within their own rite. The Catholic Church has a comprehensive theological and moral doctrine specified for believers in its catechism, which makes it unique among most forms of Christianity. Mormonism (including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints): Originating in 1830 in the United States under Joseph Smith, Mormonism is not characterized as a form of Protestant Christianity because it claims additional revealed Christian scriptures after the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. The Book of Mormon maintains there was an appearance of Jesus in the New World following the Christian account of his resurrection, and that the Americas are uniquely blessed continents. Mormonism believes earlier Christian traditions, such as the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant reform faiths, are apostasies and that Joseph Smith's revelation of the Book of Mormon is a restoration of true Christianity. Mormons have a hierarchical religious leadership structure, and actively proselytize their faith; they are located primarily in the Americas and in a number of other Western countries. Orthodox Christianity: The oldest established eastern form of Christianity, the Holy Orthodox Church, has a ceremonial head in the Bishop of Constantinople (Istanbul), also known as a Patriarch, but its various regional forms (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox) are autocephalous (independent of Constantinople's authority, and have their own Patriarchs). Orthodox churches are highly nationalist and ethnic. The Orthodox Christian faith shares many theological tenets with the Roman Catholic Church, but diverges on some key premises and does not recognize the governing authority of the Pope. Protestant Christianity: Protestant Christianity originated in the 16th century as an attempt to reform Roman Catholicism's practices, dogma, and theology. It encompasses several forms or denominations which are extremely varied in structure, beliefs, relationship to state, clergy, and governance. Many protestant theologies emphasize the primary role of scripture in their faith, advocating individual interpretation of Christian texts without the mediation of a final religious authority such as the Roman Pope. The oldest Protestant Christianities include Lutheranism, Calvinism (Presbyterians), and Anglican Christianity (Episcopalians), which have established liturgies, governing structure, and formal clergy. Other variants on Protestant Christianity, including Pentecostal movements and independent churches, may lack one or more of these elements, and their leadership and beliefs are individualized and dynamic. Hinduism - Originating in the Vedic civilization of India (second and first millennium B.C.), Hinduism is an extremely diverse set of beliefs and practices with no single founder or religious authority. Hinduism has many scriptures; the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita are among some of the most important. Hindus may worship one or many deities, usually with prayer rituals within their own home. The most common figures of devotion are the gods Vishnu, Shiva, and a mother goddess, Devi. Most Hindus believe the soul, or atman, is eternal, and goes through a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) determined by one's positive or negative karma, or the consequences of one's actions. The goal of religious life is to learn to act so as to finally achieve liberation (moksha) of one's soul, escaping the rebirth cycle. Islam - The third of the monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, Islam originated with the teachings of Muhammad in the 7th century. Muslims believe Muhammad is the final of all religious prophets (beginning with Abraham) and that the Qu'ran, which is the Islamic scripture, was revealed to him by God. Islam derives from the word submission, and obedience to God is a primary theme in this religion. In order to live an Islamic life, believers must follow the five pillars, or tenets, of Islam, which are the testimony of faith (shahada), daily prayer (salah), giving alms (zakah), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). Basic Groupings The two primary branches of Islam are Sunni and Shia, which split from each other over a religio-political leadership dispute about the rightful successor to Muhammad. The Shia believe Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, was the only divinely ordained Imam (religious leader), while the Sunni maintain the first three caliphs after Muhammad were also legitimate authorities. In modern Islam, Sunnis and Shia continue to have different views of acceptable schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and who is a proper Islamic religious authority. Islam also has an active mystical branch, Sufism, with various Sunni and Shia subsets. Sunni Islam accounts for over 75% of the world's Muslim population. It recognizes the Abu Bakr as the first caliph after Muhammad. Sunni has four schools of Islamic doctrine and law - Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali - which uniquely interpret the Hadith, or recorded oral traditions of Muhammad. A Sunni Muslim may elect to follow any one of these schools, as all are considered equally valid. Shia Islam represents 10-20% of Muslims worldwide, and its distinguishing feature is its reverence for Ali as an infallible, divinely inspired leader, and as the first Imam of the Muslim community after Muhammad. A majority of Shia are known as "Twelvers," because they believe that the 11 familial successor imams after Muhammad culminate in a 12th Imam (al-Mahdi) who is hidden in the world and will reappear at its end to redeem the righteous. Variants Ismaili faith: A sect of Shia Islam, its adherents are also known as "Seveners," because they believe that the rightful seventh Imam in Islamic leadership was Isma'il, the elder son of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq. Ismaili tradition awaits the return of the seventh Imam as the Mahdi, or Islamic messianic figure. Ismailis are located in various parts of the world, particularly South Asia and the Levant. Alawi faith: Another Shia sect of Islam, the name reflects followers' devotion to the religious authority of Ali. Alawites are a closed, secretive religious group who assert they are Shia Muslims, although outside scholars speculate their beliefs may have a syncretic mix with other faiths originating in the Middle East. Alawis live mostly in Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey. Druze faith: A highly secretive tradition and a closed community that derives from the Ismaili sect of Islam; its core beliefs are thought to emphasize a combination of Gnostic principles believing that the Fatimid caliph, al-Hakin, is the one who embodies the key aspects of goodness of the universe, which are, the intellect, the word, the soul, the preceder, and the follower. The Druze have a key presence in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Jainism - Originating in India, Jain spiritual philosophy believes in an eternal human soul, the eternal universe, and a principle of "the own nature of things." It emphasizes compassion for all living things, seeks liberation of the human soul from reincarnation through enlightenment, and values personal responsibility due to the belief in the immediate consequences of one's behavior. Jain philosophy teaches non-violence and prescribes vegetarianism for monks and laity alike; its adherents are a highly influential religious minority in Indian society. Judaism - One of the first known monotheistic religions, likely dating to between 2000-1500 B.C., Judaism is the native faith of the Jewish people, based upon the belief in a covenant of responsibility between a sole omnipotent creator God and Abraham, the patriarch of Judaism's Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh. Divine revelation of principles and prohibitions in the Hebrew Scriptures form the basis of Jewish law, or halakhah, which is a key component of the faith. While there are extensive traditions of Jewish halakhic and theological discourse, there is no final dogmatic authority in the tradition. Local communities have their own religious leadership. Modern Judaism has three basic categories of faith: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform/Liberal. These differ in their views and observance of Jewish law, with the Orthodox representing the most traditional practice, and Reform/Liberal communities the most accommodating of individualized interpretations of Jewish identity and faith. Shintoism - A native animist tradition of Japan, Shinto practice is based upon the premise that every being and object has its own spirit or kami. Shinto practitioners worship several particular kamis, including the kamis of nature, and families often have shrines to their ancestors' kamis. Shintoism has no fixed tradition of prayers or prescribed dogma, but is characterized by individual ritual. Respect for the kamis in nature is a key Shinto value. Prior to the end of World War II, Shinto was the state religion of Japan, and bolstered the cult of the Japanese emperor. Sikhism - Founded by the Guru Nanak (born 1469), Sikhism believes in a non-anthropomorphic, supreme, eternal, creator God; centering one's devotion to God is seen as a means of escaping the cycle of rebirth. Sikhs follow the teachings of Nanak and nine subsequent gurus. Their scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib - also known as the Adi Granth - is considered the living Guru, or final authority of Sikh faith and theology. Sikhism emphasizes equality of humankind and disavows caste, class, or gender discrimination. Taoism - Chinese philosophy or religion based upon Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, which centers on belief in the Tao, or the way, as the flow of the universe and the nature of things. Taoism encourages a principle of non-force, or wu-wei, as the means to live harmoniously with the Tao. Taoists believe the esoteric world is made up of a perfect harmonious balance and nature, while in the manifest world - particularly in the body - balance is distorted. The Three Jewels of the Tao - compassion, simplicity, and humility - serve as the basis for Taoist ethics. Zoroastrianism - Originating from the teachings of Zoroaster in about the 9th or 10th century B.C., Zoroastrianism may be the oldest continuing creedal religion. Its key beliefs center on a transcendent creator God, Ahura Mazda, and the concept of free will. The key ethical tenets of Zoroastrianism expressed in its scripture, the Avesta, are based on a dualistic worldview where one may prevent chaos if one chooses to serve God and exercises good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Zoroastrianism is generally a closed religion and members are almost always born to Zoroastrian parents. Prior to the spread of Islam, Zoroastrianism dominated greater Iran. Today, though a minority, Zoroastrians remain primarily in Iran, India, and Pakistan. Country

Religions(%)

Afghanistan
  Sunni Muslim 80%, Shia Muslim 19%, other 1%

Albania
  Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10%
  note: percentages are estimates; there are no available current
  statistics on religious affiliation; all mosques and churches were
  closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November
  1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice

Algeria
  Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1%

American Samoa
  Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%,
  Protestant and other 30%

Andorra
  Roman Catholic (predominant)

Angola
  indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15%
  (1998 est.)

Anguilla
  Anglican 29%, Methodist 23.9%, other Protestant 30.2%,
  Roman Catholic 5.7%, other Christian 1.7%, other 5.2%, none or
  unspecified 4.3% (2001 census)

Antigua and Barbuda
  Anglican 25.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.3%,
  Pentecostal 10.6%, Moravian 10.5%, Roman Catholic 10.4%, Methodist
  7.9%, Baptist 4.9%, Church of God 4.5%, other Christian 5.4%, other
  2%, none or unspecified 5.8% (2001 census)

Argentina
  nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing),
  Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%

Armenia
  Armenian Apostolic 94.7%, other Christian 4%, Yezidi
  (monotheist with elements of nature worship) 1.3%

Aruba
  Roman Catholic 80.8%, Evangelist 4.1%, Protestant 2.5%,
  Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%, Methodist 1.2%, Jewish 0.2%, other 5.1%,
  none or unspecified 4.6%

Australia
  Catholic 25.8%, Anglican 18.7%, Uniting Church 5.7%,
  Presbyterian and Reformed 3%, Eastern Orthodox 2.7%, other Christian
  7.9%, Buddhist 2.1%, Muslim 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 11.3%,
  none 18.7% (2006 Census)

Austria
  Roman Catholic 73.6%, Protestant 4.7%, Muslim 4.2%, other
  3.5%, unspecified 2%, none 12% (2001 census)

Azerbaijan
  Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox
  2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.)
  note: religious affiliation is still nominal in Azerbaijan;
  percentages for actual practicing adherents are much lower

Bahamas, The
  Baptist 35.4%, Anglican 15.1%, Roman Catholic 13.5%,
  Pentecostal 8.1%, Church of God 4.8%, Methodist 4.2%, other
  Christian 15.2%, none or unspecified 2.9%, other 0.8% (2000 census)

Bahrain
  Muslim (Shia and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8%
  (2001 census)

Bangladesh
  Muslim 89.5%, Hindu 9.6%, other 0.9% (2004)

Barbados
  Protestant 63.4% (Anglican 28.3%, Pentecostal 18.7%,
  Methodist 5.1%, other 11.3%), Roman Catholic 4.2%, other Christian
  7%, other 4.8%, none or unspecified 20.6% (2008 est.)

Belarus
  Eastern Orthodox 80%, other (including Roman Catholic,
  Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) 20% (1997 est.)

Belgium
  Roman Catholic 75%, other (includes Protestant) 25%

Belize
  Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Pentecostal 7.4%,
  Anglican 5.3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Mennonite 4.1%, Methodist
  3.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), other 14%, none 9.4% (2000)

Benin
  Christian 42.8% (Catholic 27.1%, Celestial 5%, Methodist 3.2%,
  other Protestant 2.2%, other 5.3%), Muslim 24.4%, Vodoun 17.3%,
  other 15.5% (2002 census)

Bermuda
  Anglican 23%, Roman Catholic 15%, African Methodist
  Episcopal 11%, other Protestant 18%, other 12%, unaffiliated 6%,
  unspecified 1%, none 14% (2000 census)

Bhutan
  Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced
  Hinduism 25%

Bolivia
  Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist) 5%

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%,
  other 14%

Botswana
  Christian 71.6%, Badimo 6%, other 1.4%, unspecified 0.4%,
  none 20.6% (2001 census)

Brazil
  Roman Catholic (nominal) 73.6%, Protestant 15.4%,
  Spiritualist 1.3%, Bantu/voodoo 0.3%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.2%,
  none 7.4% (2000 census)

British Virgin Islands
  Protestant 86% (Methodist 33%, Anglican 17%,
  Church of God 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's
  Witnesses 2%, other 15%), Roman Catholic 10%, other 2%, none 2%
  (1991)

Brunei
  Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, other
  (includes indigenous beliefs) 10%

Bulgaria
  Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, other Christian
  1.2%, other 4% (2001 census)

Burkina Faso
  Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian (mainly
  Roman Catholic) 10%

Burma
  Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%),
  Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2%

Burundi
  Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%),
  indigenous beliefs 23%, Muslim 10%

Cambodia
  Buddhist 96.4%, Muslim 2.1%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.2%
  (1998 census)

Cameroon
  indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Canada
  Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (including United
  Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%), other
  Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16%
  (2001 census)

Cape Verde
  Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs),
  Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene)

Cayman Islands
  Church of God 25.5%, Roman Catholic 12.6%,
  Presbyterian / United Church 9.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.4%,
  Baptist 8.3%, Pentecostal 6.7%, Anglican 3.9%, other religions 4%,
  non-denominational 5.7%, other 6.5%, none 6.1%, unspecified 3.2%
  (2007)

Central African Republic
  indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%,
  Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%
  note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the
  Christian majority

Chad
  Muslim 53.1%, Catholic 20.1%, Protestant 14.2%, animist 7.3%,
  other 0.5%, unknown 1.7%, atheist 3.1% (1993 census)

Chile
  Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 15.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%,
  other Christian 1%, other 4.6%, none 8.3% (2002 census)

China
  Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Christian 3%-4%, Muslim 1%-2%
  note: officially atheist (2002 est.)

Christmas Island
  Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21%
  (1997)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Sunni Muslim 80%, other 20% (2002 est.)

Colombia
  Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Comoros
  Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant
  20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other (includes syncretic sects
  and indigenous beliefs) 10%

Congo, Republic of the
  Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2%

Cook Islands
  Cook Islands Christian Church 55.9%, Roman Catholic
  16.8%, Seventh-Day Adventists 7.9%, Church of Latter Day Saints
  3.8%, other Protestant 5.8%, other 4.2%, unspecified 2.6%, none 3%
  (2001 census)

Costa Rica
  Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's
  Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%

Cote d'Ivoire
  Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8%, indigenous 11.9%, none
  16.7% (2008 est.)
  note: the majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim
  (70%) and Christian (20%)

Croatia
  Roman Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, other Christian 0.4%,
  Muslim 1.3%, other and unspecified 0.9%, none 5.2% (2001 census)

Cuba
  nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power;
  Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also
  represented

Curacao
  Roman Catholic 80.1%, Protestant 5.5%, none 4.6%,
  Pentecostal 3.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses
  1.7%, Jewish 0.8%, other 1.3%, not reported 0.3% (2001 census)

Cyprus
  Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, other (includes Maronite and
  Armenian Apostolic) 4%

Czech Republic
  Roman Catholic 26.8%, Protestant 2.1%, other 3.3%,
  unspecified 8.8%, unaffiliated 59% (2001 census)

Denmark
  Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Christian (includes
  Protestant and Roman Catholic) 3%, Muslim 2%

Djibouti
  Muslim 94%, Christian 6%

Dominica
  Roman Catholic 61.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 6%, Pentecostal
  5.6%, Baptist 4.1%, Methodist 3.7%, Church of God 1.2%, Jehovah's
  Witnesses 1.2%, other Christian 7.7%, Rastafarian 1.3%, other or
  unspecified 1.6%, none 6.1% (2001 census)

Dominican Republic
  Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%

Ecuador
  Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%

Egypt
  Muslim (mostly Sunni) 90%, Coptic 9%, other Christian 1%

El Salvador
  Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 21.2%, Jehovah's
  Witnesses 1.9%, Mormon 0.7%, other religions 2.3%, none 16.8% (2003
  est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  nominally Christian and predominantly Roman
  Catholic, pagan practices

Eritrea
  Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant

Estonia
  Evangelical Lutheran 13.6%, Orthodox 12.8%, other Christian
  (including Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic,
  Pentecostal) 1.4%, unaffiliated 34.1%, other and unspecified 32%,
  none 6.1% (2000 census)

Ethiopia
  Orthodox 43.5%, Muslim 33.9%, Protestant 18.6%, traditional
  2.6%, Catholic 0.7%, other 0.7% (2007 Census)

European Union
  Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  Christian 67.2%, none 31.5%, other
  1.3% (2006 census)

Faroe Islands
  Evangelical Lutheran 83.8%, other and unspecified
  16.2% (2006 census)

Fiji
  Christian 64.5% (Methodist 34.6%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Assembly
  of God 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 3.9%, Anglican 0.8%, other
  10.4%), Hindu 27.9%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, other or unspecified
  0.3%, none 0.7% (2007 census)

Finland
  Lutheran Church of Finland 82.5%, Orthodox Church 1.1%,
  other Christian 1.1%, other 0.1%, none 15.1% (2006)

France
  Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim
  5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%
  overseas departments: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Muslim,
  Buddhist, pagan

French Polynesia
  Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no
  religion 6%

Gabon
  Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%

Gambia, The
  Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%

Gaza Strip
  Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 99.3%, Christian 0.7%

Georgia
  Orthodox Christian 83.9%, Muslim 9.9%, Armenian-Gregorian
  3.9%, Catholic 0.8%, other 0.8%, none 0.7% (2002 census)

Germany
  Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%,
  unaffiliated or other 28.3%

Ghana
  Christian 68.8% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant
  18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%,
  other 0.7%, none 6.1% (2000 census)

Gibraltar
  Roman Catholic 78.1%, Church of England 7%, other
  Christian 3.2%, Muslim 4%, Jewish 2.1%, Hindu 1.8%, other or
  unspecified 0.9%, none 2.9% (2001 census)

Greece
  Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Greenland
  Evangelical Lutheran

Grenada
  Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%

Guam
  Roman Catholic 85%, other 15% (1999 est.)

Guatemala
  Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Guernsey
  Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist,
  Congregational, Methodist

Guinea
  Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Guinea-Bissau
  Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 10%

Guyana
  Hindu 28.4%, Pentecostal 16.9%, Roman Catholic 8.1%, Anglican
  6.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 5%, Methodist 1.7%, Jehovah Witness
  1.1%, other Christian 17.7%, Muslim 7.2%, other 4.3%, none 4.3%
  (2002 census)

Haiti
  Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal
  4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3%
  note: roughly half of the population practices voodoo

Holy See (Vatican City)
  Roman Catholic

Honduras
  Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant 3%

Hong Kong
  eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%

Hungary
  Roman Catholic 51.9%, Calvinist 15.9%, Lutheran 3%, Greek
  Catholic 2.6%, other Christian 1%, other or unspecified 11.1%,
  unaffiliated 14.5% (2001 census)

Iceland
  Lutheran Church of Iceland 80.7%, Roman Catholic Church
  2.5%, Reykjavik Free Church 2.4%, Hafnarfjorour Free Church 1.6%,
  other religions 3.6%, unaffiliated 3%, other or unspecified 6.2%
  (2006 est.)

India
  Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other
  1.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)

Indonesia
  Muslim 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu
  1.8%, other or unspecified 3.4% (2000 census)

Iran
  Muslim 98% (Shia 89%, Sunni 9%), other (includes Zoroastrian,
  Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i) 2%

Iraq
  Muslim 97% (Shia 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3%

Ireland
  Roman Catholic 87.4%, Church of Ireland 2.9%, other
  Christian 1.9%, other 2.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.2% (2006 census)

Isle of Man
  Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist,
  Presbyterian, Society of Friends

Israel
  Jewish 75.5%, Muslim 16.8%, Christian 2.1%, Druze 1.7%, other
  3.9% (2008)

Italy
  Roman Catholic 90% (approximately; about one-third
  practicing), other 10% (includes mature Protestant and Jewish
  communities and a growing Muslim immigrant community)

Jamaica
  Protestant 62.5% (Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, Pentecostal
  9.5%, Other Church of God 8.3%, Baptist 7.2%, New Testament Church
  of God 6.3%, Church of God in Jamaica 4.8%, Church of God of
  Prophecy 4.3%, Anglican 3.6%, other Christian 7.7%), Roman Catholic
  2.6%, other or unspecified 14.2%, none 20.9%, (2001 census)

Japan
  Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%, Christianity 2%, other 7.8%
  note: total adherents exceeds 100% because many people belong to
  both Shintoism and Buddhism (2005)

Jersey
  Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Congregational New Church,
  Methodist, Presbyterian

Jordan
  Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but
  some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox,
  Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several
  small Shia Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan
  Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%

Kenya
  Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, Muslim 10%, indigenous
  beliefs 10%, other 2%
  note: a large majority of Kenyans are Christian, but estimates for
  the percentage of the population that adheres to Islam or indigenous
  beliefs vary widely

Kiribati
  Roman Catholic 55%, Protestant 36%, Mormon 3.1%, Bahai
  2.2%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.9%, other 1.8% (2005 census)

Korea, North
  traditionally Buddhist and Confucianist, some Christian
  and syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way)
  note: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent;
  government-sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of
  religious freedom

Korea, South
  Christian 26.3% (Protestant 19.7%, Roman Catholic
  6.6%), Buddhist 23.2%, other or unknown 1.3%, none 49.3% (1995
  census)

Kosovo
  Muslim, Serbian Orthodox, Roman Catholic

Kuwait
  Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shia 30%), other (includes Christian,
  Hindu, Parsi) 15%

Kyrgyzstan
  Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%

Laos
  Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and unspecified 31.5% (2005
  census)

Latvia
  Lutheran 19.6%, Orthodox 15.3%, other Christian 1%, other
  0.4%, unspecified 63.7% (2006)

Lebanon
  Muslim 59.7% (Shia, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or
  Nusayri), Christian 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite
  Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic,
  Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Copt,
  Protestant), other 1.3%
  note: 17 religious sects recognized

Lesotho
  Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%

Liberia
  Christian 85.6%, Muslim 12.2%, Traditional 0.6%, other 0.2%,
  none 1.4% (2008 Census)

Libya
  Sunni Muslim 97%, other 3%

Liechtenstein
  Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%,
  other 6.2% (June 2002)

Lithuania
  Roman Catholic 79%, Russian Orthodox 4.1%, Protestant
  (including Lutheran and Evangelical Christian Baptist) 1.9%, other
  or unspecified 5.5%, none 9.5% (2001 census)

Luxembourg
  Roman Catholic 87%, other (includes Protestant, Jewish,
  and Muslim) 13% (2000)

Macau
  Buddhist 50%, Roman Catholic 15%, none or other 35% (1997 est.)

Macedonia
  Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, Muslim 33.3%, other Christian
  0.37%, other and unspecified 1.63% (2002 census)

Madagascar
  indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%

Malawi
  Christian 79.9%, Muslim 12.8%, other 3%, none 4.3% (1998
  census)

Malaysia
  Muslim 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.3%,
  Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 2.6%,
  other or unknown 1.5%, none 0.8% (2000 census)

Maldives
  Sunni Muslim

Mali
  Muslim 90%, Christian 1%, indigenous beliefs 9%

Malta
  Roman Catholic 98%

Marshall Islands
  Protestant 54.8%, Assembly of God 25.8%, Roman
  Catholic 8.4%, Bukot nan Jesus 2.8%, Mormon 2.1%, other Christian
  3.6%, other 1%, none 1.5% (1999 census)

Mauritania
  Muslim 100%

Mauritius
  Hindu 48%, Roman Catholic 23.6%, Muslim 16.6%, other
  Christian 8.6%, other 2.5%, unspecified 0.3%, none 0.4% (2000 census)

Mayotte
  Muslim 97%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) 3%

Mexico
  Roman Catholic 76.5%, Protestant 6.3% (Pentecostal 1.4%,
  Jehovah's Witnesses 1.1%, other 3.8%), other 0.3%, unspecified
  13.8%, none 3.1% (2000 census)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  Roman Catholic 52.7%, Congregational
  40.1%, Baptist 0.9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 0.7%, other 3.8%, none or
  unspecified 0.8% (2000 Census)

Moldova
  Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5%
  (2000)

Monaco
  Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Mongolia
  Buddhist Lamaist 50%, Shamanist and Christian 6%, Muslim
  4%, none 40% (2004)

Montenegro
  Orthodox 74.2%, Muslim 17.7%, Catholic 3.5%, other 0.6%,
  unspecified 3%, atheist 1% (2003 census)

Montserrat
  Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal,
  Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations

Morocco
  Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

Mozambique
  Catholic 23.8%, Muslim 17.8%, Zionist Christian 17.5%,
  other 17.8%, none 23.1% (1997 census)

Namibia
  Christian 80% to 90% (Lutheran 50% at least), indigenous
  beliefs 10% to 20%

Nauru
  Nauru Congregational 35.4%, Roman Catholic 33.2%, Nauru
  Independent Church 10.4%, other 14.1%, none 4.5%, unspecified 2.4%
  (2002 census)

Nepal
  Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6%, other
  0.9% (2001 census)

Netherlands
  Roman Catholic 30%, Dutch Reformed 11%, Calvinist 6%,
  other Protestant 3%, Muslim 5.8%, other 2.2%, none 42% (2006)

New Caledonia
  Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10%

New Zealand
  Anglican 13.8%, Roman Catholic 12.6%, Presbyterian,
  Congregational, and Reformed 10%, Christian (no denomination
  specified) 4.6%, Methodist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Baptist 1.4%, other
  Christian 3.8%, Maori Christian 1.6%, Hindu 1.6%, Buddhist 1.3%,
  other religions 2.2%, none 32.2%, other or unidentified 9.9% (2006
  Census)

Nicaragua
  Roman Catholic 58.5%, Evangelical 21.6%, Moravian 1.6%,
  Jehovah's Witness 0.9%, other 1.7%, none 15.7% (2005 census)

Niger
  Muslim 80%, other (includes indigenous beliefs and Christian)
  20%

Nigeria
  Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

Niue
  Ekalesia Niue (Niuean Church - a Protestant church closely
  related to the London Missionary Society) 61.1%, Latter-Day Saints
  8.8%, Roman Catholic 7.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2.4%, Seventh-Day
  Adventist 1.4%, other 8.4%, unspecified 8.7%, none 1.9% (2001 census)

Norfolk Island
  Anglican 31.8%, Roman Catholic 11.5%, Uniting Church
  in Australia 10.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.2%, other Christian
  5.6%, none 19.9%, unspecified 16.6% (2006 census)

Northern Mariana Islands
  Christian (Roman Catholic majority,
  although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)

Norway
  Church of Norway 85.7%, Pentecostal 1%, Roman Catholic 1%,
  other Christian 2.4%, Muslim 1.8%, other 8.1% (2004)

Oman
  Ibadhi Muslim 75%, other (includes Sunni Muslim, Shia Muslim,
  Hindu) 25%

Pakistan
  Muslim 95% (Sunni 75%, Shia 20%), other (includes Christian
  and Hindu) 5%

Palau
  Roman Catholic 41.6%, Protestant 23.3%, Modekngei 8.8%
  (indigenous to Palau), Seventh-Day Adventist 5.3%, Jehovah's Witness
  0.9%, Latter-Day Saints 0.6%, other 3.1%, unspecified or none 16.4%
  (2000 census)

Panama
  Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

Papua New Guinea
  Roman Catholic 27%, Evangelical Lutheran 19.5%,
  United Church 11.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10%, Pentecostal 8.6%,
  Evangelical Alliance 5.2%, Anglican 3.2%, Baptist 2.5%, other
  Protestant 8.9%, Bahai 0.3%, indigenous beliefs and other 3.3% (2000
  census)

Paraguay
  Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian
  1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 census)

Peru
  Roman Catholic 81.3%, Evangelical 12.5%, other 3.3%,
  unspecified or none 2.9% (2007 Census)

Philippines
  Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%,
  Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other
  1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

Pitcairn Islands
  Seventh-Day Adventist 100%

Poland
  Roman Catholic 89.8% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox
  1.3%, Protestant 0.3%, other 0.3%, unspecified 8.3% (2002)

Portugal
  Roman Catholic 84.5%, other Christian 2.2%, other 0.3%,
  unknown 9%, none 3.9% (2001 census)

Puerto Rico
  Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%

Qatar
  Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14% (2004 census)

Romania
  Eastern Orthodox (including all sub-denominations) 86.8%,
  Protestant (various denominations including Reformate and
  Pentecostal) 7.5%, Roman Catholic 4.7%, other (mostly Muslim) and
  unspecified 0.9%, none 0.1% (2002 census)

Russia
  Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2%
  (2006 est.)
  note: estimates are of practicing worshipers; Russia has large
  populations of non-practicing believers and non-believers, a legacy
  of over seven decades of Soviet rule

Rwanda
  Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Muslim
  4.6%, indigenous beliefs 0.1%, none 1.7% (2001)

Saint Barthelemy
  Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's Witness

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  Anglican (majority),
  Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

Saint Lucia
  Roman Catholic 67.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.5%,
  Pentecostal 5.7%, Rastafarian 2.1%, Anglican 2%, Evangelical 2%,
  other Christian 5.1%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.5% (2001
  census)

Saint Martin
  Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant, Hindu

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  Anglican 47%, Methodist 28%, Roman
  Catholic 13%, other (includes Hindu, Seventh-Day Adventist, other
  Protestant) 12%

Samoa
  Congregationalist 34.8%, Roman Catholic 19.6%, Methodist 15%,
  Latter-Day Saints 12.7%, Assembly of God 6.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist
  3.5%, Worship Centre 1.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.9%,
  unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)

San Marino
  Roman Catholic

Sao Tome and Principe
  Catholic 70.3%, Evangelical 3.4%, New
  Apostolic 2%, Adventist 1.8%, other 3.1%, none 19.4% (2001 census)

Saudi Arabia
  Muslim 100%

Senegal
  Muslim 94%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic), indigenous
  beliefs 1%

Serbia
  Serbian Orthodox 85%, Catholic 5.5%, Protestant 1.1%, Muslim
  3.2%, unspecified 2.6%, other, unknown, or atheist 2.6% (2002 census)

Seychelles
  Roman Catholic 82.3%, Anglican 6.4%, Seventh Day
  Adventist 1.1%, other Christian 3.4%, Hindu 2.1%, Muslim 1.1%, other
  non-Christian 1.5%, unspecified 1.5%, none 0.6% (2002 census)

Sierra Leone
  Muslim 60%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs 30%

Singapore
  Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%,
  Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8% (2000
  census)

Sint Maarten
  Roman Catholic 39%, Protestant 27%, Pentecostal 11.6%,
  none 6.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.2%, other 5.4%, Jewish 3.4%, not
  reported 0.7% (2001 census)

Slovakia
  Roman Catholic 68.9%, Protestant 10.8%, Greek Catholic
  4.1%, other or unspecified 3.2%, none 13% (2001 census)

Slovenia
  Catholic 57.8%, Muslim 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3%, other Christian
  0.9%, unaffiliated 3.5%, other or unspecified 23%, none 10.1% (2002
  census)

Solomon Islands
  Church of Melanesia 32.8%, Roman Catholic 19%, South
  Seas Evangelical 17%, Seventh-Day Adventist 11.2%, United Church
  10.3%, Christian Fellowship Church 2.4%, other Christian 4.4%, other
  2.4%, unspecified 0.3%, none 0.2% (1999 census)

Somalia
  Sunni Muslim

South Africa
  Zion Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%,
  Catholic 7.1%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%,
  Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, none
  15.1% (2001 census)

Spain
  Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%

Sri Lanka
  Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%,
  unspecified 10% (2001 census provisional data)

Sudan
  Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), Christian 5% (mostly in south and
  Khartoum), indigenous beliefs 25%

Suriname
  Hindu 27.4%, Protestant 25.2% (predominantly Moravian),
  Roman Catholic 22.8%, Muslim 19.6%, indigenous beliefs 5%

Swaziland
  Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous
  ancestral worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes
  Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%

Sweden
  Lutheran 87%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox,
  Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 13%

Switzerland
  Roman Catholic 41.8%, Protestant 35.3%, Muslim 4.3%,
  Orthodox 1.8%, other Christian 0.4%, other 1%, unspecified 4.3%,
  none 11.1% (2000 census)

Syria
  Sunni Muslim 74%, other Muslim (includes Alawite, Druze) 16%,
  Christian (various denominations) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in
  Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)

Taiwan
  mixture of Buddhist and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5%

Tajikistan
  Sunni Muslim 85%, Shia Muslim 5%, other 10% (2003 est.)

Tanzania
  mainland - Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs
  35%; Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslim

Thailand
  Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.6%, Christian 0.7%, other 0.1%
  (2000 census)

Timor-Leste
  Roman Catholic 98%, Muslim 1%, Protestant 1% (2005)

Togo
  Christian 29%, Muslim 20%, indigenous beliefs 51%

Tokelau
  Congregational Christian Church 70%, Roman Catholic 28%,
  other 2%
  note: on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; on
  Nukunonu, all Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, with
  the Congregational Christian Church predominant

Tonga
  Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)

Trinidad and Tobago
  Roman Catholic 26%, Hindu 22.5%, Anglican 7.8%,
  Baptist 7.2%, Pentecostal 6.8%, Muslim 5.8%, Seventh Day Adventist
  4%, other Christian 5.8%, other 10.8%, unspecified 1.4%, none 1.9%
  (2000 census)

Tunisia
  Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Turkey
  Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians
  and Jews)

Turkmenistan
  Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%

Turks and Caicos Islands
  Baptist 40%, Anglican 18%, Methodist 16%,
  Church of God 12%, other 14% (1990)

Tuvalu
  Church of Tuvalu (Congregationalist) 97%, Seventh-Day
  Adventist 1.4%, Baha'i 1%, other 0.6%

Uganda
  Roman Catholic 41.9%, Protestant 42% (Anglican 35.9%,
  Pentecostal 4.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.5%), Muslim 12.1%, other
  3.1%, none 0.9% (2002 census)

Ukraine
  Ukrainian Orthodox - Kyiv Patriarchate 50.4%, Ukrainian
  Orthodox - Moscow Patriarchate 26.1%, Ukrainian Greek Catholic 8%,
  Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox 7.2%, Roman Catholic 2.2%,
  Protestant 2.2%, Jewish 0.6%, other 3.2% (2006 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  Muslim 96% (Shia 16%), other (includes
  Christian, Hindu) 4%

United Kingdom
  Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian,
  Methodist) 71.6%, Muslim 2.7%, Hindu 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified or
  none 23.1% (2001 census)

United States
  Protestant 51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%,
  other Christian 1.6%, Jewish 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Muslim 0.6%, other
  or unspecified 2.5%, unaffiliated 12.1%, none 4% (2007 est.)

Uruguay
  Roman Catholic 47.1%, non-Catholic Christians 11.1%,
  nondenominational 23.2%, Jewish 0.3%, atheist or agnostic 17.2%,
  other 1.1% (2006)

Uzbekistan
  Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Vanuatu
  Presbyterian 31.4%, Anglican 13.4%, Roman Catholic 13.1%,
  Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, other Christian 13.8%, indigenous
  beliefs 5.6% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%,
  unspecified 1.3% (1999 Census)

Venezuela
  nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Vietnam
  Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%,
  Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census)

Virgin Islands
  Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%,
  other 7%

Wallis and Futuna
  Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

West Bank
  Muslim 75% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 17%, Christian
  and other 8%

Western Sahara
  Muslim

World
  Christians 33.32% (of which Roman Catholics 16.99%,
  Protestants 5.78%, Orthodox 3.53%, Anglicans 1.25%), Muslims 21.01%,
  Hindus 13.26%, Buddhists 5.84%, Sikhs 0.35%, Jews 0.23%, Baha'is
  0.12%, other religions 11.78%, non-religious 11.77%, atheists 2.32%
  (2007 est.)

Yemen
  Muslim including Shaf'i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shia), small
  numbers of Jewish, Christian, and Hindu

Zambia
  Christian 50%-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24%-49%, indigenous
  beliefs 1%

Zimbabwe
  syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%,
  Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%

======================================================================

@2123

Field Listing :: Suffrage

This entry gives the age at enfranchisement and whether the right to vote is universal or restricted. Country

Suffrage

Afghanistan
  18 years of age; universal

Albania
  18 years of age; universal

Algeria
  18 years of age; universal

American Samoa
  18 years of age; universal

Andorra
  18 years of age; universal

Angola
  18 years of age; universal

Anguilla
  18 years of age; universal

Antigua and Barbuda
  18 years of age; universal

Argentina
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Armenia
  18 years of age; universal

Aruba
  18 years of age; universal

Australia
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Austria
  16 years of age; universal; note - reduced from 18 years of
  age in 2007

Azerbaijan
  18 years of age; universal

Bahamas, The
  18 years of age; universal

Bahrain
  20 years of age; universal

Bangladesh
  18 years of age; universal

Barbados
  18 years of age; universal

Belarus
  18 years of age; universal

Belgium
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Belize
  18 years of age; universal

Benin
  18 years of age; universal

Bermuda
  18 years of age; universal

Bhutan
  18 years of age; universal

Bolivia
  18 years of age, universal and compulsory (married); 21
  years of age, universal and compulsory (single)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Botswana
  18 years of age; universal

Brazil
  voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70;
  compulsory over 18 and under 70 years of age; note - military
  conscripts do not vote

British Virgin Islands
  18 years of age; universal

Brunei
  18 years of age for village elections; universal

Bulgaria
  18 years of age; universal

Burkina Faso
  18 years of age; universal

Burma
  18 years of age; universal

Burundi
  18 years of age; universal (adult)

Cambodia
  18 years of age; universal

Cameroon
  20 years of age; universal

Canada
  18 years of age; universal

Cape Verde
  18 years of age; universal

Cayman Islands
  18 years of age; universal

Central African Republic
  21 years of age; universal

Chad
  18 years of age; universal

Chile
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

China
  18 years of age; universal

Christmas Island
  18 years of age

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  18 years of age

Colombia
  18 years of age; universal

Comoros
  18 years of age; universal

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Congo, Republic of the
  18 years of age; universal

Cook Islands
  18 years of age; universal (adult)

Costa Rica
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Cote d'Ivoire
  18 years of age; universal

Croatia
  18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Cuba
  16 years of age; universal

Curacao
  18 years of age; universal

Cyprus
  18 years of age; universal

Czech Republic
  18 years of age; universal

Denmark
  18 years of age; universal

Djibouti
  18 years of age; universal

Dominica
  18 years of age; universal

Dominican Republic
  18 years of age, universal and compulsory;
  married persons regardless of age; note - members of the armed
  forces and national police cannot vote

Ecuador
  16 years of age; universal, compulsory for persons ages
  18-65, optional for other eligible voters

Egypt
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

El Salvador
  18 years of age; universal

Equatorial Guinea
  18 years of age; universal

Eritrea
  18 years of age; universal

Estonia
  18 years of age; universal for all Estonian citizens

Ethiopia
  18 years of age; universal

European Union
  18 years of age; universal

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  18 years of age; universal

Faroe Islands
  18 years of age; universal

Fiji
  21 years of age; universal

Finland
  18 years of age; universal

France
  18 years of age; universal

French Polynesia
  18 years of age; universal

Gabon
  21 years of age; universal

Gambia, The
  18 years of age; universal

Georgia
  18 years of age; universal

Germany
  18 years of age; universal

Ghana
  18 years of age; universal

Gibraltar
  18 years of age; universal; and British citizens who have
  been residents six months or more

Greece
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Greenland
  18 years of age; universal

Grenada
  18 years of age; universal

Guam
  18 years of age; universal; US citizens but do not vote in US
  presidential elections

Guatemala
  18 years of age; universal; note - active duty members of
  the armed forces may not vote and are restricted to their barracks
  on election day

Guernsey
  16 years of age; universal

Guinea
  18 years of age; universal

Guinea-Bissau
  18 years of age; universal

Guyana
  18 years of age; universal

Haiti
  18 years of age; universal

Holy See (Vatican City)
  limited to cardinals less than 80 years old

Honduras
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Hong Kong
  direct election - 18 years of age for half the legislature
  and a majority of seats in 18 district councils; universal for
  permanent residents living in the territory of Hong Kong for the
  past seven years
  indirect election - limited to about 220,000 members of functional
  constituencies for the other half of the legislature and an
  800-member election committee for the chief executive drawn from
  broad sectoral groupings, central government bodies, and municipal
  organizations

Hungary
  18 years of age; universal

Iceland
  18 years of age; universal

India
  18 years of age; universal

Indonesia
  17 years of age; universal and married persons regardless
  of age

Iran
  18 years of age; universal

Iraq
  18 years of age; universal

Ireland
  18 years of age; universal

Isle of Man
  16 years of age; universal

Israel
  18 years of age; universal

Italy
  18 years of age; universal (except in senatorial elections,
  where minimum age is 25)

Jamaica
  18 years of age; universal

Japan
  20 years of age; universal

Jersey
  16 years of age; universal

Jordan
  18 years of age; universal

Kazakhstan
  18 years of age; universal

Kenya
  18 years of age; universal

Kiribati
  18 years of age; universal

Korea, North
  17 years of age; universal

Korea, South
  19 years of age; universal

Kosovo
  18 years of age; universal

Kuwait
  21 years of age; universal (adult); note - males in the
  military or police are not allowed to vote; adult females were
  allowed to vote as of 16 May 2005; all voters must have been
  citizens for 20 years

Kyrgyzstan
  18 years of age; universal

Laos
  18 years of age; universal

Latvia
  18 years of age; universal for Latvian citizens

Lebanon
  21 years of age; compulsory for all males; authorized for
  women at age 21 with elementary education; excludes military
  personnel

Lesotho
  18 years of age; universal

Liberia
  18 years of age; universal

Libya
  18 years of age; universal and technically compulsory

Liechtenstein
  18 years of age; universal

Lithuania
  18 years of age; universal

Luxembourg
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Macau
  direct election 18 years of age for some non-executive
  positions, universal for permanent residents living in Macau for the
  past seven years; indirect election limited to organizations
  registered as "corporate voters" (257 are currently registered) and
  a 300-member Election Committee drawn from broad regional groupings,
  municipal organizations, and central government bodies

Macedonia
  18 years of age; universal

Madagascar
  18 years of age; universal

Malawi
  18 years of age; universal

Malaysia
  21 years of age; universal

Maldives
  18 years of age; universal

Mali
  18 years of age; universal

Malta
  18 years of age; universal

Marshall Islands
  18 years of age; universal

Mauritania
  18 years of age; universal

Mauritius
  18 years of age; universal

Mayotte
  18 years of age; universal

Mexico
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  18 years of age; universal

Moldova
  18 years of age; universal

Monaco
  18 years of age; universal

Mongolia
  18 years of age; universal

Montenegro
  18 years of age; universal

Montserrat
  18 years of age; universal

Morocco
  18 years of age; universal

Mozambique
  18 years of age; universal

Namibia
  18 years of age; universal

Nauru
  20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Nepal
  18 years of age; universal

Netherlands
  18 years of age; universal

New Caledonia
  18 years of age; universal

New Zealand
  18 years of age; universal

Nicaragua
  16 years of age; universal

Niger
  18 years of age; universal

Nigeria
  18 years of age; universal

Niue
  18 years of age; universal

Norfolk Island
  18 years of age; universal

Northern Mariana Islands 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Norway
  18 years of age; universal

Oman
  21 years of age; universal; note - members of the military and
  security forces are not allowed to vote

Pakistan
  18 years of age; universal; joint electorates and reserved
  parliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims

Palau
  18 years of age; universal

Panama
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Papua New Guinea
  18 years of age; universal

Paraguay
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 75

Peru
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 70

Philippines
  18 years of age; universal

Pitcairn Islands 18 years of age; universal with three years residency

Poland
  18 years of age; universal

Portugal
  18 years of age; universal

Puerto Rico
  18 years of age; universal; island residents are US
  citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Qatar
  18 years of age; universal

Romania
  18 years of age; universal

Russia
  18 years of age; universal

Rwanda
  18 years of age; universal

Saint Barthelemy
  18 years of age, universal

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  18 years of age; universal

Saint Lucia
  18 years of age; universal

Saint Martin
  18 years of age, universal

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  18 years of age; universal

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  18 years of age; universal

Samoa
  21 years of age; universal

San Marino
  18 years of age; universal

Sao Tome and Principe
  18 years of age; universal

Saudi Arabia
  21 years of age; male

Senegal
  18 years of age; universal

Serbia
  18 years of age; universal

Seychelles
  17 years of age; universal

Sierra Leone
  18 years of age; universal

Singapore
  21 years of age; universal and compulsory

Sint Maarten
  18 years of age; universal

Slovakia
  18 years of age; universal

Slovenia
  18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Solomon Islands
  21 years of age; universal

Somalia
  18 years of age; universal

South Africa
  18 years of age; universal

Spain
  18 years of age; universal

Sri Lanka
  18 years of age; universal

Sudan
  17 years of age; universal

Suriname
  18 years of age; universal

Swaziland
  18 years of age

Sweden
  18 years of age; universal

Switzerland
  18 years of age; universal

Syria
  18 years of age; universal

Taiwan
  20 years of age; universal

Tajikistan
  18 years of age; universal

Tanzania
  18 years of age; universal

Thailand
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Timor-Leste
  17 years of age; universal

Togo
  18 years of age; universal (adult)

Tokelau
  21 years of age; universal

Tonga
  21 years of age; universal

Trinidad and Tobago
  18 years of age; universal

Tunisia
  18 years of age; universal except for active government
  security forces (including the police and the military), people with
  mental disabilities, people who have served more than three months
  in prison (criminal cases only), and people given a suspended
  sentence of more than six months

Turkey
  18 years of age; universal

Turkmenistan
  18 years of age; universal

Turks and Caicos Islands
  18 years of age; universal

Tuvalu
  18 years of age; universal

Uganda
  18 years of age; universal

Ukraine
  18 years of age; universal

United Arab Emirates
  none

United Kingdom
  18 years of age; universal

United States
  18 years of age; universal

Uruguay
  18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Uzbekistan
  18 years of age; universal

Vanuatu
  18 years of age; universal

Venezuela
  18 years of age; universal

Vietnam
  18 years of age; universal

Virgin Islands
  18 years of age; universal; island residents are US
  citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Wallis and Futuna
  18 years of age; universal

Western Sahara
  none; (residents of Moroccan-controlled Western
  Sahara participate in Moroccan elections)

Yemen
  18 years of age; universal

Zambia
  18 years of age; universal

Zimbabwe
  18 years of age; universal

======================================================================

@2124

Field Listing :: Telephone system

This entry includes a brief general assessment of the system with details on the domestic and international components. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry: Arabsat - Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Autodin - Automatic Digital Network (US Department of Defense). CB - citizen's band mobile radio communications. Cellular telephone system - the telephones in this system are radio transceivers, with each instrument having its own private radio frequency and sufficient radiated power to reach the booster station in its area (cell), from which the telephone signal is fed to a telephone exchange. Central American Microwave System - a trunk microwave radio relay system that links the countries of Central America and Mexico with each other. Coaxial cable - a multichannel communication cable consisting of a central conducting wire, surrounded by and insulated from a cylindrical conducting shell; a large number of telephone channels can be made available within the insulated space by the use of a large number of carrier frequencies. Comsat - Communications Satellite Corporation (US). DSN - Defense Switched Network (formerly Automatic Voice Network or Autovon); basic general-purpose, switched voice network of the Defense Communications System (US Department of Defense). Eutelsat - European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Paris). Fiber-optic cable - a multichannel communications cable using a thread of optical glass fibers as a transmission medium in which the signal (voice, video, etc.) is in the form of a coded pulse of light. GSM - a global system for mobile (cellular) communications devised by the Groupe Special Mobile of the pan-European standardization organization, Conference Europeanne des Posts et Telecommunications (CEPT) in 1982. HF - high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000-kHz range. Inmarsat - International Maritime Satellite Organization (London); provider of global mobile satellite communications for commercial, distress, and safety applications at sea, in the air, and on land. Intelsat - International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Washington, DC). Intersputnik - International Organization of Space Communications (Moscow); first established in the former Soviet Union and the East European countries, it is now marketing its services worldwide with earth stations in North America, Africa, and East Asia. Landline - communication wire or cable of any sort that is installed on poles or buried in the ground. Marecs - Maritime European Communications Satellite used in the Inmarsat system on lease from the European Space Agency. Marisat - satellites of the Comsat Corporation that participate in the Inmarsat system. Medarabtel - the Middle East Telecommunications Project of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) providing a modern telecommunications network, primarily by microwave radio relay, linking Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen; it was initially started in Morocco in 1970 by the Arab Telecommunications Union (ATU) and was known at that time as the Middle East Mediterranean Telecommunications Network. Microwave radio relay - transmission of long distance telephone calls and television programs by highly directional radio microwaves that are received and sent on from one booster station to another on an optical path. NMT - Nordic Mobile Telephone; an analog cellular telephone system that was developed jointly by the national telecommunications authorities of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). Orbita - a Russian television service; also the trade name of a packet-switched digital telephone network. Radiotelephone communications - the two-way transmission and reception of sounds by broadcast radio on authorized frequencies using telephone handsets. PanAmSat - PanAmSat Corporation (Greenwich, CT). SAFE - South African Far East Cable Satellite communication system - a communication system consisting of two or more earth stations and at least one satellite that provide long distance transmission of voice, data, and television; the system usually serves as a trunk connection between telephone exchanges; if the earth stations are in the same country, it is a domestic system. Satellite earth station - a communications facility with a microwave radio transmitting and receiving antenna and required receiving and transmitting equipment for communicating with satellites. Satellite link - a radio connection between a satellite and an earth station permitting communication between them, either one-way (down link from satellite to earth station - television receive-only transmission) or two-way (telephone channels). SHF - super high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000-MHz range. Shortwave - radio frequencies (from 1.605 to 30 MHz) that fall above the commercial broadcast band and are used for communication over long distances. Solidaridad - geosynchronous satellites in Mexico's system of international telecommunications in the Western Hemisphere. Statsionar - Russia's geostationary system for satellite telecommunications. Submarine cable - a cable designed for service under water. TAT - Trans-Atlantic Telephone; any of a number of high-capacity submarine coaxial telephone cables linking Europe with North America. Telefax - facsimile service between subscriber stations via the public switched telephone network or the international Datel network. Telegraph - a telecommunications system designed for unmodulated electric impulse transmission. Telex - a communication service involving teletypewriters connected by wire through automatic exchanges. Tropospheric scatter - a form of microwave radio transmission in which the troposphere is used to scatter and reflect a fraction of the incident radio waves back to earth; powerful, highly directional antennas are used to transmit and receive the microwave signals; reliable over-the-horizon communications are realized for distances up to 600 miles in a single hop; additional hops can extend the range of this system for very long distances. Trunk network - a network of switching centers, connected by multichannel trunk lines. UHF - ultra high frequency; any radio frequency in the 300- to 3,000-MHz range. VHF - very high frequency; any radio frequency in the 30- to 300-MHz range. Country

Telephone system

Afghanistan
  general assessment: limited fixed-line telephone
  service; an increasing number of Afghans utilize mobile-cellular
  phone networks
  domestic: aided by the presence of multiple providers,
  mobile-cellular telephone service continues to improve rapidly
  international: country code - 93; multiple VSAT's provide
  international and domestic voice and data connectivity (2009)

Albania
  general assessment: despite new investment in fixed lines
  teledensity remains low with roughly 10 fixed lines per 100 people;
  mobile-cellular telephone use is widespread and generally effective;
  combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is now exceeds
  100 per 100 persons
  domestic: offsetting the shortage of fixed line capacity,
  mobile-cellular phone service has been available since 1996; by
  2003, two companies were providing mobile services at a greater
  teledensity than some of Albania's neighbors; Internet broadband
  services initiated in 2005; Internet cafes are popular in Tirana and
  have started to spread outside the capital
  international: country code - 355; submarine cable provides
  connectivity to Italy, Croatia, and Greece; the Trans-Balkan Line, a
  combination submarine cable and land fiber-optic system, provides
  additional connectivity to Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Turkey;
  international traffic carried by fiber-optic cable and, when
  necessary, by microwave radio relay from the Tirana exchange to
  Italy and Greece (2009)

Algeria
  general assessment: privatization of Algeria's
  telecommunications sector began in 2000; three mobile cellular
  licenses have been issued and, in 2005, a consortium led by Egypt's
  Orascom Telecom won a 15-year license to build and operate a
  fixed-line network in Algeria; the license will allow Orascom to
  develop high-speed data and other specialized services and
  contribute to meeting the large unfulfilled demand for basic
  residential telephony; Internet broadband services began in 2003
  domestic: a limited network of fixed lines with a teledensity of
  less than 10 telephones per 100 persons is offset by the rapid
  increase in mobile-cellular subscribership; in 2009, combined
  fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity was roughly 100
  telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 213; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4
  fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe,
  the Middle East, and Asia; microwave radio relay to Italy, France,
  Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia; coaxial cable to Morocco and Tunisia;
  participant in Medarabtel; satellite earth stations - 51 (Intelsat,
  Intersputnik, and Arabsat) (2009)

American Samoa
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: good telex, telegraph, facsimile, and cellular telephone
  services; domestic satellite system with 1 Comsat earth station
  international: country code - 1-684; satellite earth station - 1
  (Intelsat-Pacific Ocean)

Andorra
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: modern system with microwave radio relay connections
  between exchanges
  international: country code - 376; landline circuits to France and
  Spain

Angola
  general assessment: limited system; state-owned telecom had
  monopoly for fixed-lines until 2005; demand outstripped capacity,
  prices were high, and services poor; Telecom Namibia, through an
  Angolan company, became the first private licensed operator in
  Angola's fixed-line telephone network; by 2010, the number of
  fixed-line providers had expanded to 5; Angola Telecom established
  mobile-cellular service in Luanda in 1993 and the network has been
  extended to larger towns; a privately-owned, mobile-cellular service
  provider began operations in 2001
  domestic: only about two fixed-lines per 100 persons; combined
  fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 65 telephones per
  100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 244; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
  fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
  Asia; satellite earth stations - 29 (2009)

Anguilla
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: modern internal telephone system
  international: country code - 1-264; landing point for the East
  Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13 other
  islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin
  Islands to Trinidad; microwave radio relay to island of Saint
  Martin/Sint Maarten (2007)

Antarctica
  general assessment: local systems at some research
  stations
  domestic: commercial cellular networks operating in a small number
  of locations
  international: country code - none allocated; via satellite
  (including mobile Inmarsat and Iridium systems) to and from all
  research stations, ships, aircraft, and most field parties (2007)

Antigua and Barbuda
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: good automatic telephone system
  international: country code - 1-268; landing points for the East
  Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) and the Global Caribbean Network (GCN)
  submarine cable systems with links to other islands in the eastern
  Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad;
  satellite earth stations - 2; tropospheric scatter to Saba
  (Netherlands) and Guadeloupe (France) (2007)

Argentina
  general assessment: the "Telecommunications Liberalization
  Plan of 1998" opened the telecommunications market to competition
  and foreign investment encouraging the growth of modern
  telecommunications technology; fiber-optic cable trunk lines are
  being installed between all major cities; major networks are
  entirely digital and the availability of telephone service is
  improving
  domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber-optic cable, and a domestic
  satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network;
  fixed-line teledensity is increasing gradually and mobile-cellular
  subscribership is increasing rapidly; broadband Internet services
  are gaining ground
  international: country code - 54; landing point for the Atlantis-2,
  UNISUR, South America-1, and South American Crossing/Latin American
  Nautilus submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe,
  Africa, South and Central America, and US; satellite earth stations
  - 112; 2 international gateways near Buenos Aires (2009)

Armenia
  general assessment: telecommunications investments have made
  major inroads in modernizing and upgrading the outdated
  telecommunications network inherited from the Soviet era; now 100%
  privately owned and undergoing modernization and expansion;
  mobile-cellular services monopoly terminated in late 2004 and a
  second provider began operations in mid-2005
  domestic: reliable modern fixed-line and mobile-cellular services
  are available across Yerevan in major cities and towns; significant
  but ever-shrinking gaps remain in mobile-cellular coverage in rural
  areas
  international: country code - 374; Yerevan is connected to the
  Trans-Asia-Europe fiber-optic cable through Iran; additional
  international service is available by microwave radio relay and
  landline connections to the other countries of the Commonwealth of
  Independent States, through the Moscow international switch, and by
  satellite to the rest of the world; satellite earth stations - 3
  (2008)

Aruba
  general assessment: modern fully automatic telecommunications
  system
  domestic: increased competition through privatization; 3
  mobile-cellular service providers are now licensed
  international: country code - 297; landing site for the PAN-AM
  submarine telecommunications cable system that extends from the US
  Virgin Islands through Aruba to Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and the
  west coast of South America; extensive interisland microwave radio
  relay links (2007)

Australia
  general assessment: excellent domestic and international
  service
  domestic: domestic satellite system; significant use of
  radiotelephone in areas of low population density; rapid growth of
  mobile telephones
  international: country code - 61; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
  optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the
  Middle East, and Europe; the Southern Cross fiber optic submarine
  cable provides links to New Zealand and the United States; satellite
  earth stations - 19 (10 Intelsat - 4 Indian Ocean and 6 Pacific
  Ocean, 2 Inmarsat - Indian and Pacific Ocean regions, 2 Globalstar,
  5 other) (2007)

Austria
  general assessment: highly developed and efficient
  domestic: fixed-line subscribership has been in decline since the
  mid-1990s with mobile-cellular subscribership eclipsing it by the
  late 1990s; the fiber-optic net is very extensive; all telephone
  applications and Internet services are available
  international: country code - 43; satellite earth stations - 15; in
  addition, there are about 600 VSATs (very small aperture terminals)
  (2007)

Azerbaijan
  general assessment: requires considerable expansion and
  modernization; fixed-line telephony and a broad range of other
  telecom services are controlled by a state-owned telecommunications
  monopoly and growth has been stagnant; more competition exists in
  the mobile-cellular market with four providers in 2009
  domestic: teledensity of 17 fixed lines per 100 persons;
  mobile-cellular teledensity has increased and is rapidly approaching
  100 telephones per 100 persons; satellite service connects Baku to a
  modern switch in its exclave of Nakhchivan
  international: country code - 994; the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE)
  fiber-optic link transits Azerbaijan providing international
  connectivity to neighboring countries; the old Soviet system of
  cable and microwave is still serviceable; satellite earth stations -
  2 (2009)

Bahamas, The
  general assessment: modern facilities
  domestic: totally automatic system; highly developed; the Bahamas
  Domestic Submarine Network links 14 of the islands and is designed
  to satisfy increasing demand for voice and broadband internet
  services
  international: country code - 1-242; landing point for the Americas
  Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber-optic submarine cable
  that provides links to South and Central America, parts of the
  Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 (2007)

Bahrain
  general assessment: modern system
  domestic: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network
  with rapidly growing use of mobile-cellular telephones
  international: country code - 973; landing point for the Fiber-Optic
  Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides
  links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; tropospheric scatter to
  Qatar and UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite
  earth station - 1 (2007)

Bangladesh
  general assessment: inadequate for a modern country;
  introducing digital systems; trunk systems include VHF and UHF
  microwave radio relay links, and some fiber-optic cable in cities
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity remains only about 1 per 100
  persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has been
  increasing rapidly and now exceeds 30 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 880; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4
  fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe,
  the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 6;
  international radiotelephone communications and landline service to
  neighboring countries (2009)

Barbados
  general assessment: island-wide automatic telephone system
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity of roughly 50 per 100 persons;
  mobile-cellular telephone density approaching 125 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 1-246; landing point for the East
  Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13 other
  islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin
  Islands to Trinidad; satellite earth stations - 1 (Intelsat
  -Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia
  (2009)

Belarus
  general assessment: Belarus lags behind its neighbors in
  upgrading telecommunications infrastructure; modernization of the
  network progressing with roughly two-thirds of switching equipment
  now digital
  domestic: state-owned Beltelcom is the sole provider of fixed-line
  local and long distance service; fixed-line teledensity is improving
  although rural areas continue to be underserved; multiple GSM
  mobile-cellular networks are experiencing rapid growth;
  mobile-cellular teledensity reached 100 telephones per 100 persons
  in 2009
  international: country code - 375; Belarus is a member of the
  Trans-European Line (TEL), Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line,
  and has access to the Trans-Siberia Line (TSL); 3 fiber-optic
  segments provide connectivity to Latvia, Poland, Russia, and
  Ukraine; worldwide service is available to Belarus through this
  infrastructure; additional analog lines to Russia; Intelsat,
  Eutelsat, and Intersputnik earth stations (2008)

Belgium
  general assessment: highly developed, technologically
  advanced, and completely automated domestic and international
  telephone and telegraph facilities
  domestic: nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive
  cable network; limited microwave radio relay network
  international: country code - 32; landing point for a number of
  submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and
  Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)

Belize
  general assessment: above-average system; trunk network
  depends primarily on microwave radio relay
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity of 10 per 100 persons;
  mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 55 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 501; landing point for the Americas
  Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber-optic
  telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to South and
  Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth
  station - 8 (Intelsat - 2, unknown - 6) (2008)

Benin
  general assessment: inadequate system of open-wire, microwave
  radio relay, and cellular connections; fixed-line network
  characterized by aging, deteriorating equipment
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity only about 2 per 100 persons;
  spurred by the presence of multiple mobile-cellular providers,
  cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly
  international: country code - 229; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
  fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
  Asia; long distance fiber-optic links with Togo, Burkina Faso,
  Niger, and Nigeria; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat-Atlantic
  Ocean) (2008)

Bermuda
  general assessment: good
  domestic: fully automatic digital telephone system; fiber optic
  trunk lines
  international: country code - 1-441; landing points for the
  GlobeNet, Gemini Bermuda, and the Challenger Bermuda-1
  (CB-1)submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 (2007)

Bhutan
  general assessment: urban towns and district headquarters
  have telecommunications services
  domestic: low teledensity; domestic service is poor especially in
  rural areas; mobile-cellular service available since 2003
  international: country code - 975; international telephone and
  telegraph service via landline and microwave relay through India;
  satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (2009)

Bolivia
  general assessment: privatization begun in 1995; primary
  trunk system, which is being expanded, employs digital microwave
  radio relay; some areas are served by fiber-optic cable; overall
  reliability has steadily improved
  domestic: most telephones are concentrated in La Paz and other
  cities; mobile-cellular telephone use expanding rapidly and, in
  2009, teledensity reached 75 per 100 persons; fixed-line teledensity
  is low at less than 10 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 591; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  general assessment: post-war reconstruction
  of the telecommunications network, aided by a internationally
  sponsored program under EBRD, resulting in sharp increases in the
  number of fixed telephone lines available
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity roughly 22 per 100 persons;
  mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly and, in
  2009, reached 70 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 387; no satellite earth stations (2009)

Botswana
  general assessment: Botswana is participating in regional
  development efforts; expanding fully digital system with fiber-optic
  cables linking the major population centers in the east as well as a
  system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relays links, and
  radiotelephone communication stations
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity has declined in recent years and
  now stands at roughly 7 telephones per 100 persons; mobile-cellular
  subscribership is rapidly approaching a teledensity of 100
  telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 267; international calls are made via
  satellite, using international direct dialing; 2 international
  exchanges; digital microwave radio relay links to Namibia, Zambia,
  Zimbabwe, and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
  (Indian Ocean) (2008)

Brazil
  general assessment: good working system including an
  extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite
  system with 64 earth stations; mobile-cellular usage has more than
  tripled in the past 5 years
  domestic: fixed-line connections have remained relatively stable in
  recent years and stand at about 20 per 100 persons; less expensive
  mobile-cellular technology has been a major driver in expanding
  telephone service to the lower-income segments of the population
  with mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 90 per 100 persons in
  2009
  international: country code - 55; landing point for a number of
  submarine cables, including Americas-1, Americas-2, Atlantis-2,
  GlobeNet, South Amrica-1, South American Crossing/Latin American
  Nautilius, and UNISUR that provide direct connectivity to South and
  Central America, the Caribbean, the US, Africa, and Europe;
  satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat
  (Atlantic Ocean region east), connected by microwave relay system to
  Mercosur Brazilsat B3 satellite earth station (2009)

British Indian Ocean Territory general assessment: separate facilities for military and public needs are available domestic: all commercial telephone services are available, including connection to the Internet international: country code (Diego Garcia) - 246; international telephone service is carried by satellite (2000)

British Virgin Islands
  general assessment: worldwide telephone
  service
  domestic: fixed line connections exceed 80 per 100 persons and
  mobile cellular subscribership is approaching 100 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 1-284; connected via submarine cable
  to Bermuda; the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) submarine cable
  provides connectivity to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean
  (2008)

Brunei
  general assessment: service throughout the country is good;
  international service is good to Southeast Asia, Middle East,
  Western Europe, and the US
  domestic: every service available
  international: country code - 673; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
  optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to
  Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the Asia-America Gateway
  submarine cable network, scheduled for completion by late 2008, will
  provide new links to Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2
  Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Bulgaria
  general assessment: inherited an extensive but antiquated
  telecommunications network from the Soviet era; quality has improved
  with a modern digital trunk line now connecting switching centers in
  most of the regions; remaining areas are connected by digital
  microwave radio relay
  domestic: the Bulgaria Telecommunications Company's fixed-line
  monopoly terminated in 2005 in an effort to upgrade fixed-line
  services; mobile-cellular teledensity, fostered by multiple service
  providers, approached 150 telephones per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 359; submarine cable provides
  connectivity to Ukraine and Russia; a combination submarine cable
  and land fiber-optic system provides connectivity to Italy, Albania,
  and Macedonia; satellite earth stations - 3 (1 Intersputnik in the
  Atlantic Ocean region, 2 Intelsat in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean
  regions) (2009)

Burkina Faso
  general assessment: system includes microwave radio
  relay, open-wire, and radiotelephone communication stations; in 2006
  the government sold a 51 percent stake in the national telephone
  company and ultimately plans to retain only a 23 percent stake in
  the company
  domestic: fixed-line connections stand at less than 1 per 100
  persons; mobile-cellular usage, fostered by multiple providers, is
  increasing rapidly from a low base
  international: country code - 226; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Burma
  general assessment: meets minimum requirements for local and
  intercity service for business and government
  domestic: system barely capable of providing basic service;
  mobile-cellular phone system is grossly underdeveloped with a
  subscribership base of only 1 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 95; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
  optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to
  Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2,
  Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and ShinSat (2009)

Burundi
  general assessment: sparse system of open-wire,
  radiotelephone communications, and low-capacity microwave radio
  relays
  domestic: telephone density one of the lowest in the world;
  fixed-line connections stand at well less than 1 per 100 persons;
  mobile-cellular usage is increasing but remains at a meager 10 per
  100 persons
  international: country code - 257; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Cambodia
  general assessment: adequate fixed-line and/or cellular
  service in Phnom Penh and other provincial cities; mobile-cellular
  phone systems are widely used in urban areas to bypass deficiencies
  in the fixed-line network; mobile-phone coverage is rapidly
  expanding in rural areas
  domestic: fixed-line connections stand at well less than 1 per 100
  persons; mobile-cellular usage, aided by increasing competition
  among service providers, is increasing and stands at 40 per 100
  persons
  international: country code - 855; adequate but expensive landline
  and cellular service available to all countries from Phnom Penh and
  major provincial cities; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik
  (Indian Ocean region) (2009)

Cameroon
  general assessment: system includes cable, microwave radio
  relay, and tropospheric scatter; Camtel, the monopoly provider of
  fixed-line service, provides connections for only about 1 per 100
  persons; equipment is old and outdated, and connections with many
  parts of the country are unreliable
  domestic: mobile-cellular usage, in part a reflection of the poor
  condition and general inadequacy of the fixed-line network, has
  increased sharply, reaching a subscribership base of 40 per 100
  persons
  international: country code - 237; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
  fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
  Asia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Canada
  general assessment: excellent service provided by modern
  technology
  domestic: domestic satellite system with about 300 earth stations
  international: country code - 1; submarine cables provide links to
  the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 7 (5 Intelsat - 4
  Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean, and 2 Intersputnik - Atlantic
  Ocean region) (2007)

Cape Verde
  general assessment: effective system, extensive
  modernization from 1996-2000 following partial privatization in 1995
  domestic: major service provider is Cabo Verde Telecom (CVT);
  fiber-optic ring, completed in 2001, links all islands providing
  Internet access and ISDN services; cellular service introduced in
  1998; broadband services launched in 2004
  international: country code - 238; landing point for the Atlantis-2
  fiber-optic transatlantic telephone cable that provides links to
  South America, Senegal, and Europe; HF radiotelephone to Senegal and
  Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
  (2007)

Cayman Islands
  general assessment: reasonably good system
  domestic: liberalization of telecom market in 2003; introduction of
  competition in the mobile-cellular market in 2004
  international: country code - 1-345; landing points for the MAYA-1,
  Eastern Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS), and the Cayman-Jamaica Fiber
  System submarine cables that provide links to the US and parts of
  Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
  (Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Central African Republic
  general assessment: network consists
  principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered
  radiotelephone communication
  domestic: limited telephone service with less than 1 fixed-line
  connection per 100 persons; spurred by the presence of multiple
  mobile-cellular service providers, cellular usage is increasing from
  a low base; most fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone services
  are concentrated in Bangui
  international: country code - 236; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Chad
  general assessment: inadequate system of radiotelephone
  communication stations with high costs and low telephone density
  domestic: fixed-line connections for only about 1 per 1000 persons
  coupled with mobile-cellular subscribership base of only about 25
  per 100 persons
  international: country code - 235; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Chile
  general assessment: privatization begun in 1988; most advanced
  telecommunications infrastructure in South America; modern system
  based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities; domestic
  satellite system with 3 earth stations
  domestic: number of fixed-line connections have stagnated in recent
  years as mobile-cellular usage continues to increase, reaching a
  level of 100 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 56; landing points for the Pan
  American, South America-1, and South American Crossing/Latin America
  Nautilius submarine cables providing links to the US and to Central
  and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic
  Ocean) (2009)

China
  general assessment: domestic and international services are
  increasingly available for private use; unevenly distributed
  domestic system serves principal cities, industrial centers, and
  many towns; China continues to develop its telecommunications
  infrastructure, and is partnering with foreign providers to expand
  its global reach; China in the summer of 2008 began a major
  restructuring of its telecommunications industry, resulting in the
  consolidation of its six telecom service operators to three, China
  Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom, each providing both
  fixed-line and mobile services
  domestic: interprovincial fiber-optic trunk lines and cellular
  telephone systems have been installed; mobile-cellular
  subscribership is increasing rapidly; the number of Internet users
  exceeded 250 million by summer 2008; a domestic satellite system
  with 55 earth stations is in place
  international: country code - 86; a number of submarine cables
  provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the US;
  satellite earth stations - 7 (5 Intelsat - 4 Pacific Ocean and 1
  Indian Ocean; 1 Intersputnik - Indian Ocean region; and 1 Inmarsat -
  Pacific and Indian Ocean regions) (2008)

Christmas Island
  general assessment: service provided by the
  Australian network
  domestic: GSM mobile-cellular telephone service replaced older
  analog system in February 2005
  international: country code - 61-8; satellite earth station - 1
  (Intelsat provides telephone and telex service) (2005)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  general assessment: connected within
  Australia's telecommunication system; a local mobile-cellular
  network is in operation
  domestic: NA
  international: country code - 61; telephone, telex, and facsimile
  communications with Australia and elsewhere via satellite; satellite
  earth station - 1 (Intelsat) (2001)

Colombia
  general assessment: modern system in many respects with a
  nationwide microwave radio relay system, a domestic satellite system
  with 41 earth stations, and a fiber-optic network linking 50 cities;
  telecommunications sector liberalized during the 1990s; multiple
  providers of both fixed-line and mobile-cellular services
  domestic: fixed-line connections stand at about 15 per 100 persons;
  mobile cellular telephone subscribership is about 90 per 100
  persons; competition among cellular service providers is resulting
  in falling local and international calling rates and contributing to
  the steep decline in the market share of fixed line services
  international: country code - 57; landing points for the ARCOS,
  Colombia-Florida Subsea Fiber (CFX-1), Maya-1, Pan American, and the
  South America-1 submarine cables providing links to the US, parts of
  the Caribbean, and Central and South America; satellite earth
  stations - 10 (6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 3 fully digitalized
  international switching centers) (2009)

Comoros
  general assessment: sparse system of microwave radio relay
  and HF radiotelephone communication stations
  domestic: fixed-line connections only about 3 per 100 persons;
  mobile cellular usage about 15 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 269; HF radiotelephone communications
  to Madagascar and Reunion

Congo, Democratic Republic of the general assessment: barely adequate wire and microwave radio relay service in and between urban areas; domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations; inadequate fixed line infrastructure domestic: state-owned operator providing less than 1 fixed-line connection per 1000 persons; given the backdrop of a wholly inadequate fixed-line infrastructure, the use of mobile-cellular services has surged and subscribership in 2009 exceeded 10 million - roughly 15 per 100 persons international: country code - 243; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
  general assessment: primary network consists
  of microwave radio relay and coaxial cable with services barely
  adequate for government use; key exchanges are in Brazzaville,
  Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; intercity lines frequently out of order
  domestic: fixed-line infrastructure inadequate providing less than 1
  connection per 100 persons; in the absence of an adequate fixed line
  infrastructure, mobile-cellular subscribership has surged and now
  exceeds 50 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 242; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Cook Islands
  general assessment: Telecom Cook Islands offers
  international direct dialing, Internet, email, fax, and Telex
  domestic: individual islands are connected by a combination of
  satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF
  radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small
  exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and
  fiber-optic cable
  international: country code - 682; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Costa Rica
  general assessment: good domestic telephone service in
  terms of breadth of coverage; under the terms of CAFTA-DR, the
  state-run telecommunications monopoly scheduled to be opened to
  competition from domestic and international firms, has been delayed
  by the nation's telecommunications regulator.
  domestic: point-to-point and point-to-multi-point microwave,
  fiber-optic, and coaxial cable link rural areas; Internet service is
  available
  international: country code - 506; landing points for the Americas
  Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), MAYA-1, and the Pan American
  Crossing submarine cables that provide links to South and Central
  America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to Central
  American Microwave System; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat
  (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
  general assessment: well developed by African
  standards; telecommunications sector privatized in late 1990s and
  operational fixed-lines have increased since that time with two
  fixed-line providers operating over open-wire lines, microwave radio
  relay, and fiber-optics; 90% digitalized
  domestic: with multiple mobile-cellular service providers competing
  in the market, usage has increased sharply to roughly 65 per 100
  persons
  international: country code - 225; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
  fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
  Asia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1
  Indian Ocean) (2009)

Croatia
  general assessment: the telecommunications network has
  improved steadily since the mid-1990s; local lines are digital
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity holding steady at about 40 per 100
  persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions exceed the
  population
  international: country code - 385; digital international service is
  provided through the main switch in Zagreb; Croatia participates in
  the Trans-Asia-Europe (TEL) fiber-optic project, which consists of 2
  fiber-optic trunk connections with Slovenia and a fiber-optic trunk
  line from Rijeka to Split and Dubrovnik; the ADRIA-1 submarine cable
  provides connectivity to Albania and Greece (2009)

Cuba
  general assessment: greater investment beginning in 1994 and
  the establishment of a new Ministry of Information Technology and
  Communications in 2000 has resulted in improvements in the system;
  national fiber-optic system under development; 95% of switches
  digitized by end of 2006; mobile-cellular telephone service is
  expensive and must be paid in convertible pesos, which effectively
  limits subscribership
  domestic: fixed-line density remains low at less than 10 per 100
  inhabitants; mobile-cellular service expanding but remains less than
  5 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 53; fiber-optic cable laid to but not
  linked to US network; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik
  (Atlantic Ocean region) (2009)

Cyprus
  general assessment: excellent in both area under government
  control and area administered by Turkish Cypriots
  domestic: open-wire, fiber-optic cable, and microwave radio relay
  international: country code - 357 (area administered by Turkish
  Cypriots uses the country code of Turkey - 90); a number of
  submarine cables, including the SEA-ME-WE-3, combine to provide
  connectivity to Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia;
  tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 8 (3 Intelsat - 1
  Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1
  Arabsat)

Czech Republic
  general assessment: privatization and modernization
  of the Czech telecommunication system got a late start but is
  advancing steadily; virtually all exchanges now digital; existing
  copper subscriber systems enhanced with Asymmetric Digital
  Subscriber Line (ADSL) equipment to accommodate Internet and other
  digital signals; trunk systems include fiber-optic cable and
  microwave radio relay
  domestic: access to the fixed-line telephone network expanded
  throughout the 1990s but the number of fixed line connections has
  been dropping since then; mobile telephone usage increased sharply
  beginning in the mid-1990s and the number of cellular telephone
  subscriptions now greatly exceeds the population
  international: country code - 420; satellite earth stations - 6 (2
  Intersputnik - Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions, 1 Intelsat, 1
  Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 1 Globalstar) (2009)

Denmark
  general assessment: excellent telephone and telegraph
  services
  domestic: buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relay form
  trunk network, multiple cellular mobile communications systems
  international: country code - 45; a series of fiber-optic submarine
  cables link Denmark with Canada, Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland,
  Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and UK; satellite earth
  stations - 18 (6 Intelsat, 10 Eutelsat, 1 Orion, 1 Inmarsat
  (Blaavand-Atlantic-East)); note - the Nordic countries (Denmark,
  Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) share the Danish earth station
  and the Eik, Norway, station for worldwide Inmarsat access (2008)

Djibouti
  general assessment: telephone facilities in the city of
  Djibouti are adequate, as are the microwave radio relay connections
  to outlying areas of the country
  domestic: Djibouti Telecom is the sole provider of
  telecommunications services and utilizes mostly a microwave radio
  relay network; fiber-optic cable is installed in the capital; rural
  areas connected via wireless local loop radio systems; mobile
  cellular coverage is primarily limited to the area in and around
  Djibouti city
  international: country code - 253; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
  optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the
  Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat -
  Indian Ocean and 1 Arabsat); Medarabtel regional microwave radio
  relay telephone network (2009)

Dominica
  general assessment: fully automatic network
  domestic: Fixed-line teledensity is roughly 25 per 100 persons;
  mobile-cellular teledensity approached 150 per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 1-767; landing points for the East
  Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and the Global Caribbean Network
  (GCN) submarine cables providing connectivity to other islands in
  the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to
  Trinidad; microwave radio relay and SHF radiotelephone links to
  Martinique and Guadeloupe; VHF and UHF radiotelephone links to Saint
  Lucia

Dominican Republic
  general assessment: relatively efficient system
  based on island-wide microwave radio relay network
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 10 per 100 persons;
  multiple providers of mobile-cellular service with a subscribership
  of roughly 75 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 1-809; landing point for the Americas
  Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), Antillas 1, and the
  Fibralink submarine cables that provide links to South and Central
  America, parts of the Caribbean, and US; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Ecuador
  general assessment: generally elementary but being expanded
  domestic: fixed-line services provided by multiple
  telecommunications operators; fixed-line teledensity stands at about
  14 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular use has surged and
  subscribership reached about 95 per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 593; landing points for the PAN-AM and
  South America-1 submarine cables that provide links to the west
  coast of South America, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and extending
  onward to Aruba and the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean;
  satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Egypt
  general assessment: underwent extensive upgrading during
  1990s; principal centers at Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah,
  Ismailia, Suez, and Tanta are connected by coaxial cable and
  microwave radio relay
  domestic: largest fixed-line system in the region; as of 2010 there
  were three mobile-cellular networks with a total of more than 55
  million subscribers
  international: country code - 20; landing point for Aletar, the
  SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks, Link Around
  the Globe (FLAG) Falcon and FLAG FEA; satellite earth stations - 4
  (2 Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean, 1 Arabsat, and 1
  Inmarsat); tropospheric scatter to Sudan; microwave radio relay to
  Israel; a participant in Medarabtel (2009)

El Salvador
  general assessment: multiple mobile-cellular providers
  are expanding services rapidly and in 2009 teledensity exceeded 100
  per 100 persons; growth in fixed-line services has slowed in the
  face of mobile-cellular competition
  domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system
  international: country code - 503; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave
  System (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  general assessment: digital fixed-line network in
  most major urban areas and good mobile coverage
  domestic: fixed-line density is about 2 per 100 persons;
  mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing and in 2009 stood
  at about 70 percent of the population
  international: country code - 240; international communications from
  Bata and Malabo to African and European countries; satellite earth
  station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Eritrea
  general assessment: inadequate; most telephones are in
  Asmara; government is seeking international tenders to improve the
  system (2002)
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership is
  only about 3 per 100 persons (2009)
  international: country code - 291; note - international connections
  exist

Estonia
  general assessment: foreign investment in the form of joint
  business ventures greatly improved telephone service with a wide
  range of high quality voice, data, and Internet services available
  domestic: substantial fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV,
  and radio traffic in the digital mode; Internet services are widely
  available; schools and libraries are connected to the Internet, a
  large percentage of the population files income-tax returns online,
  and online voting was used for the first time in the 2005 local
  elections
  international: country code - 372; fiber-optic cables to Finland,
  Sweden, Latvia, and Russia provide worldwide packet-switched
  service; 2 international switches are located in Tallinn (2008)

Ethiopia
  general assessment: inadequate telephone system with the
  Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) maintaining a
  monopoly over telecommunication services; open-wire, microwave radio
  relay; radio communication in the HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies; 2
  domestic satellites provide the national trunk service
  domestic: the number of fixed lines and mobile telephones is
  increasing from a small base; combined fixed and mobile-cellular
  teledensity is only about 5 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 251; open-wire to Sudan and Djibouti;
  microwave radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; satellite earth
  stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean) (2009)

European Union
  note - see individual country entries of member states

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB
  radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all
  points on both islands
  international: country code - 500; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other
  countries

Faroe Islands
  general assessment: good international communications;
  good domestic facilities
  domestic: conversion to digital system completed in 1998; both NMT
  (analog) and GSM (digital) mobile telephone systems are installed
  international: country code - 298; satellite earth stations - 1
  Orion; 1 fiber-optic submarine cable to the Shetland Islands,
  linking the Faroe Islands with Denmark and Iceland; fiber-optic
  submarine cable connection to Canada-Europe cable

Fiji
  general assessment: modern local, interisland, and
  international (wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose
  telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio
  communications center
  domestic: telephone or radio telephone links to almost all inhabited
  islands; most towns and large villages have automatic telephone
  exchanges and direct dialing; combined fixed and mobile-cellular
  teledensity is about 80 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 679; access to important cable links
  between US and Canada as well as between NZ and Australia; satellite
  earth stations - 2 Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Finland
  general assessment: modern system with excellent service
  domestic: digital fiber-optic fixed-line network and an extensive
  mobile-cellular network provide domestic needs
  international: country code - 358; submarine cables provide links to
  Estonia and Sweden; satellite earth stations - access to Intelsat
  transmission service via a Swedish satellite earth station, 1
  Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Finland shares
  the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark,
  Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)

France
  general assessment: highly developed
  domestic: extensive cable and microwave radio relay; extensive use
  of fiber-optic cable; domestic satellite system
  international: country code - 33; numerous submarine cables provide
  links throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and US;
  satellite earth stations - more than 3 (2 Intelsat (with total of 5
  antennas - 2 for Indian Ocean and 3 for Atlantic Ocean), NA
  Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat - Atlantic Ocean region); HF radiotelephone
  communications with more than 20 countries
  overseas departments: country codes: French Guiana - 594; Guadeloupe
  - 590; Martinique - 596; Reunion - 262

French Polynesia
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular density is roughly 90
  per 100 persons
  international: country code - 689; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Gabon
  general assessment: adequate system of cable, microwave radio
  relay, tropospheric scatter, radiotelephone communication stations,
  and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations
  domestic: a growing mobile-cellular network with multiple providers
  is making telephone service more widely available; subscribership
  reached 90 per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 241; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
  fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
  Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Gambia, The
  general assessment: adequate microwave radio relay and
  open-wire network; state-owned Gambia Telecommunications partially
  privatized in 2007
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity, aided
  by multiple mobile-cellular providers, approached 85 per 100 persons
  in 2009
  international: country code - 220; microwave radio relay links to
  Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; a landing station for the Africa Coast to
  Europe (ACE) undersea fiber-optic cable is scheduled for completion
  in 2011; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Gaza Strip
  general assessment: Gaza continues to repair the damage
  to its telecommunications infrastructure caused by fighting in 2009
  domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL
  are responsible for fixed line services; the Palestinian JAWWAL
  company provides cellular services
  international: country code - 970 (2009)

Georgia
  general assessment: fixed-line telecommunications network
  has only limited coverage outside Tbilisi; long list of people
  waiting for fixed line connections; multiple mobile-cellular
  providers provide services to an increasing subscribership
  throughout the country
  domestic: cellular telephone networks cover the entire country;
  mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 60 per 100 people; urban
  fixed-line telephone density is about 20 per 100 people; rural
  telephone density is about 4 per 100 people; intercity facilities
  include a fiber-optic line between T'bilisi and K'ut'aisi;
  nationwide pager service is available
  international: country code - 995; the Georgia-Russia fiber optic
  submarine cable provides connectivity to Russia; international
  service is available by microwave, landline, and satellite through
  the Moscow switch; international electronic mail and telex service
  are available

Germany
  general assessment: Germany has one of the world's most
  technologically advanced telecommunications systems; as a result of
  intensive capital expenditures since reunification, the formerly
  backward system of the eastern part of the country, dating back to
  World War II, has been modernized and integrated with that of the
  western part
  domestic: Germany is served by an extensive system of automatic
  telephone exchanges connected by modern networks of fiber-optic
  cable, coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, and a domestic
  satellite system; cellular telephone service is widely available,
  expanding rapidly, and includes roaming service to many foreign
  countries
  international: country code - 49; Germany's international service is
  excellent worldwide, consisting of extensive land and undersea cable
  facilities as well as earth stations in the Inmarsat, Intelsat,
  Eutelsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems (2001)

Ghana
  general assessment: primarily microwave radio relay; wireless
  local loop has been installed; outdated and unreliable fixed-line
  infrastructure heavily concentrated in Accra
  domestic: competition among multiple mobile-cellular providers has
  spurred growth with a subscribership of more than 60 per 100 persons
  and rising
  international: country code - 233; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC,
  Main One, and GLO-1 fiber-optic submarine cables that provide
  connectivity to South Africa, Europe, and Asia; satellite earth
  stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); microwave radio relay link
  to Panaftel system connects Ghana to its neighbors (2009)

Gibraltar
  general assessment: adequate, automatic domestic system
  and adequate international facilities
  domestic: automatic exchange facilities
  international: country code - 350; radiotelephone; microwave radio
  relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Greece
  general assessment: adequate, modern networks reach all
  areas; good mobile telephone and international service
  domestic: microwave radio relay trunk system; extensive open-wire
  connections; submarine cable to offshore islands
  international: country code - 30; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
  optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to
  Europe, Middle East, and Asia; a number of smaller submarine cables
  provide connectivity to various parts of Europe, the Middle East,
  and Cyprus; tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 4 (2
  Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1
  Inmarsat - Indian Ocean region)

Greenland
  general assessment: adequate domestic and international
  service provided by satellite, cables and microwave radio relay;
  totally digital since 1995
  domestic: microwave radio relay and satellite
  international: country code - 299; satellite earth stations - 15 (12
  Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 2 Americom GE-2 (all Atlantic Ocean)) (2000)

Grenada
  general assessment: automatic, island-wide telephone system
  domestic: interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links
  international: country code - 1-473; landing point for the East
  Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13
  other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British
  Virgin Islands to Trinidad; SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and
  Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad

Guam
  general assessment: modern system, integrated with US
  facilities for direct dialing, including free use of 800 numbers
  domestic: digital system, including mobile-cellular service and
  local access to the Internet
  international: country code - 1-671; major landing point for
  submarine cables between Asia and the US (Guam is a trans-Pacific
  communications hub for major carriers linking the US and Asia);
  satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Guatemala
  general assessment: fairly modern network centered in the
  city of Guatemala
  domestic: state-owned telecommunications company privatized in the
  late 1990s opening the way for competition; fixed-line teledensity
  roughly 10 per 100 persons; fixed-line investments are being
  concentrated on improving rural connectivity; mobile-cellular
  teledensity exceeds 100 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 502; landing point for both the
  Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the SAM-1 fiber
  optic submarine cable system that together provide connectivity to
  South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US;
  connected to Central American Microwave System; satellite earth
  station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Guernsey
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available;
  combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 per 100
  persons
  international: country code - 44; 1 submarine cable

Guinea
  general assessment: inadequate system of open-wire lines,
  small radiotelephone communication stations, and new microwave radio
  relay system
  domestic: Conakry reasonably well served; coverage elsewhere remains
  inadequate and large companies tend to rely on their own systems for
  nationwide links; fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100
  persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is expanding and exceeded 50
  per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 224; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Guinea-Bissau
  general assessment: small system including a
  combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines,
  radiotelephone, and mobile-cellular communications
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons;
  mobile-cellular teledensity reached 35 per 100 in 2009
  international: country code - 245 (2008)

Guyana
  general assessment: fair system for long-distance service;
  microwave radio relay network for trunk lines; many areas still lack
  fixed-line telephone services
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 15 per 100 persons; ;
  mobile-cellular teledensity about 35 per 100 persons in 2005
  international: country code - 592; tropospheric scatter to Trinidad;
  satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Haiti
  general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is among
  the least developed in Latin America and the Caribbean; domestic
  facilities barely adequate; international facilities slightly better
  domestic: mobile-cellular telephone services are expanding rapidly
  due, in part, to the introduction of low-cost GSM phones;
  mobile-cellular teledensity reached 40 per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 509; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  general assessment: automatic digital
  exchange
  domestic: connected via fiber optic cable to Telecom Italia network
  international: country code - 39; uses Italian system

Honduras
  general assessment: the number of fixed-line connections
  are increasing but still limited; competition among multiple
  providers of mobile-cellular services is contributing to a sharp
  increase in the number of subscribers
  domestic: beginning in 2003, private sub-operators allowed to
  provide fixed-lines in order to expand telephone coverage
  contributing to an increase in fixed-line teledensity to roughly 10
  per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership reached 100 per 100
  persons in 2009
  international: country code - 504; landing point for both the
  Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the MAYA-1 fiber
  optic submarine cable system that together provide connectivity to
  South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US;
  satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to
  Central American Microwave System

Hong Kong
  general assessment: modern facilities provide excellent
  domestic and international services
  domestic: microwave radio relay links and extensive fiber-optic
  network
  international: country code - 852; multiple international submarine
  cables provide connections to Asia, US, Australia, the Middle East,
  and Western Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Pacific
  Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); coaxial cable to Guangzhou, China

Hungary
  general assessment: the telephone system has been
  modernized; the system is digital and highly automated; trunk
  services are carried by fiber-optic cable and digital microwave
  radio relay; a program for fiber-optic subscriber connections was
  initiated in 1996
  domestic: competition among mobile-cellular service providers has
  led to a sharp increase in the use of mobile-cellular phones since
  2000 and a decrease in the number of fixed-line connections
  international: country code - 36; Hungary has fiber-optic cable
  connections with all neighboring countries; the international switch
  is in Budapest; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic
  Ocean and Indian Ocean regions), 1 Inmarsat, 1 very small aperture
  terminal (VSAT) system of ground terminals

Iceland
  general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is
  modern and fully digitized, with satellite-earth stations,
  fiber-optic cables, and an extensive broadband network
  domestic: liberalization of the telecommunications sector beginning
  in the late 1990s has led to increased competition especially in the
  mobile services segment of the market
  international: country code - 354; the CANTAT-3 and FARICE-1
  submarine cable systems provide connectivity to Canada, the Faroe
  Islands, UK, Denmark, and Germany; a planned new section of the
  Hibernia-Atlantic submarine cable will provide additional
  connectivity to Canada, US, and Ireland; satellite earth stations -
  2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean
  regions); note - Iceland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the
  other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)

India
  general assessment: supported by recent deregulation and
  liberalization of telecommunications laws and policies, India has
  emerged as one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the world;
  total telephone subscribership base reached 700 million, an overall
  teledensity of 60%, and subscribership is currently growing more
  than 15 million per month; urban teledensity has reached 100% and
  rural teledensity is about 20% and steadily growing
  domestic: mobile cellular service introduced in 1994 and organized
  nationwide into four metropolitan areas and 19 telecom circles each
  with multiple private service providers and one or more state-owned
  service providers; in recent years significant trunk capacity added
  in the form of fiber-optic cable and one of the world's largest
  domestic satellite systems, the Indian National Satellite system
  (INSAT), with 6 satellites supporting 33,000 very small aperture
  terminals (VSAT)
  international: country code - 91; a number of major international
  submarine cable systems, including Sea-Me-We-3 with landing sites at
  Cochin and Mumbai (Bombay), Sea-Me-We-4 with a landing site at
  Chennai, Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) with a landing
  site at Mumbai (Bombay), South Africa - Far East (SAFE) with a
  landing site at Cochin, the i2i cable network linking to Singapore
  with landing sites at Mumbai (Bombay) and Chennai (Madras), and Tata
  Indicom linking Singapore and Chennai (Madras), provide a
  significant increase in the bandwidth available for both voice and
  data traffic; satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)
  and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region); 9 gateway exchanges operating
  from Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai
  (Madras), Jalandhar, Kanpur, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, and Ernakulam
  (2010)

Indonesia
  general assessment: domestic service includes an
  interisland microwave system, an HF radio police net, and a domestic
  satellite communications system; international service good
  domestic: coverage provided by existing network has been expanded by
  use of over 200,000 telephone kiosks many located in remote areas;
  mobile-cellular subscribership growing rapidly
  international: country code - 62; landing point for both the
  SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks that provide
  links throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth
  stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)

Iran
  general assessment: currently being modernized and expanded
  with the goal of not only improving the efficiency and increasing
  the volume of the urban service but also bringing telephone service
  to several thousand villages, not presently connected
  domestic: the addition of new fiber cables and modern switching and
  exchange systems installed by Iran's state-owned telecom company
  have improved and expanded the fixed-line network greatly;
  fixed-line availability has more than doubled to nearly 26 million
  lines since 2000; additionally, mobile-cellular service has
  increased dramatically serving more than 50 million subscribers in
  2009; combined fixed and mobile-cellular subscribership now exceeds
  100 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 98; submarine fiber-optic cable to UAE
  with access to Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG);
  Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line runs from Azerbaijan
  through the northern portion of Iran to Turkmenistan with expansion
  to Georgia and Azerbaijan; HF radio and microwave radio relay to
  Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Syria,
  Kuwait, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; satellite earth stations - 13 (9
  Intelsat and 4 Inmarsat) (2009)

Iraq
  general assessment: the 2003 liberation of Iraq severely
  disrupted telecommunications throughout Iraq including international
  connections; widespread government efforts to rebuild domestic and
  international communications through fiber optic links are in
  progress; the mobile cellular market has expanded rapidly and its
  subscribership base is expected to continue increasing rapidly
  domestic: repairs to switches and lines destroyed during 2003
  continue; additional switching capacity is improving access;
  mobile-cellular service is available and centered on 3 GSM networks
  which are being expanded beyond their regional roots, improving
  country-wide connectivity; wireless local loop is available in some
  metropolitan areas and additional licenses have been issued with the
  hope of overcoming the lack of fixed-line infrastructure
  international: country code - 964; satellite earth stations - 4 (2
  Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik -
  Atlantic Ocean region, and 1 Arabsat (inoperative)); local microwave
  radio relay connects border regions to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and
  Turkey; international terrestrial fiber-optic connections have been
  established with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Kuwait with planned
  connections to Iran and Jordan; a link to the Fiber-Optic Link
  Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine fiber-optic cable is planned (2009)

Ireland
  general assessment: modern digital system using cable and
  microwave radio relay
  domestic: system privatized but dominated by former state monopoly
  operator; increasing levels of broadband access
  international: country code - 353; landing point for the
  Hibernia-Atlantic submarine cable with links to the US, Canada, and
  UK; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Isle of Man
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: landline, telefax, mobile cellular telephone system
  international: country code - 44; fiber-optic cable, microwave radio
  relay, satellite earth station, submarine cable

Israel
  general assessment: most highly developed system in the
  Middle East although not the largest
  domestic: good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay;
  all systems are digital; four privately-owned mobile-cellular
  service providers with countrywide coverage
  international: country code - 972; submarine cables provide links to
  Europe, Cyprus, and parts of the Middle East; satellite earth
  stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2008)

Italy
  general assessment: modern, well developed, fast; fully
  automated telephone, telex, and data services
  domestic: high-capacity cable and microwave radio relay trunks
  international: country code - 39; a series of submarine cables
  provide links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and US;
  satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (with a total of 5 antennas -
  3 for Atlantic Ocean and 2 for Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic
  Ocean region), and NA Eutelsat

Jamaica
  general assessment: fully automatic domestic telephone
  network
  domestic: the 1999 agreement to open the market for
  telecommunications services resulted in rapid growth in
  mobile-cellular telephone usage while the number of fixed-lines in
  use has declined; combined mobile-cellular teledensity exceeded 110
  per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 1-876; the Fibralink submarine cable
  network provides enhanced delivery of business and broadband traffic
  and is linked to the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1)
  submarine cable in the Dominican Republic; the link to ARCOS-1
  provides seamless connectivity to US, parts of the Caribbean,
  Central America, and South America; satellite earth stations - 2
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Japan
  general assessment: excellent domestic and international
  service
  domestic: high level of modern technology and excellent service of
  every kind
  international: country code - 81; numerous submarine cables provide
  links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US;
  satellite earth stations - 7 Intelsat (Pacific and Indian Oceans), 1
  Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region), 3 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian
  Ocean regions), and 8 SkyPerfect JSAT (2008)

Jersey
  general assessment: state-owned, partially-competitive
  market; increasingly modern, with some broadband access
  domestic: digital telephone system launch announced in 2006 and
  currently being implemented; fixed-line and mobile-cellular services
  widely available; combined fixed and mobile-cellular density exceeds
  100 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 44; submarine cable connectivity to
  Guernsey, the UK, and France (2008)

Jordan
  general assessment: service has improved recently with
  increased use of digital switching equipment; microwave radio relay
  transmission and coaxial and fiber-optic cable are employed on trunk
  lines; growing mobile-cellular usage in both urban and rural areas
  is reducing use of fixed-line services; Internet penetration remains
  modest and slow-growing
  domestic: 1995 telecommunications law opened all non-fixed-line
  services to private competition; in 2005, monopoly over fixed-line
  services terminated and the entire telecommunications sector was
  opened to competition; currently multiple mobile-cellular providers
  with subscribership rapidly approaching 100 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 962; landing point for the Fiber-Optic
  Link Around the Globe (FLAG) FEA and FLAG Falcon submarine cable
  networks; satellite earth stations - 33 (3 Intelsat, 1 Arabsat, and
  29 land and maritime Inmarsat terminals); fiber-optic cable to Saudi
  Arabia and microwave radio relay link with Egypt and Syria;
  participant in Medarabtel (2010)

Kazakhstan
  general assessment: inherited an outdated
  telecommunications network from the Soviet era requiring
  modernization
  domestic: intercity by landline and microwave radio relay; number of
  fixed-line connections is gradually increasing and fixed-line
  teledensity now roughly 25 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage is
  increasing and the subscriber base now is roughly 100 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 7; international traffic with other
  former Soviet republics and China carried by landline and microwave
  radio relay and with other countries by satellite and by the
  Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic cable; satellite earth stations
  - 2 Intelsat (2008)

Kenya
  general assessment: inadequate; fixed-line telephone system is
  small and inefficient; trunks are primarily microwave radio relay;
  business data commonly transferred by a very small aperture terminal
  (VSAT) system
  domestic: sole fixed-line provider, Telkom Kenya, is slated for
  privatization; multiple providers in the mobile-cellular segment of
  the market fostering a boom in mobile-cellular telephone usage with
  teledensity reaching 50 per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 254; The East Africa Marine System
  (TEAMS) and the SEACOM undersea fiber-optic cable systems; satellite
  earth stations - 4 Intelsat

Kiribati
  general assessment: generally good quality national and
  international service
  domestic: wire line service available on Tarawa and Kiritimati
  (Christmas Island); connections to outer islands by HF/VHF
  radiotelephone; wireless service available in Tarawa since 1999
  international: country code - 686; Kiribati is being linked to the
  Pacific Ocean Cooperative Telecommunications Network, which should
  improve telephone service; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
  (Pacific Ocean)

Korea, North
  general assessment: adequate system; nationwide
  fiber-optic network; mobile-cellular service expanding beyond
  Pyongyang
  domestic: fiber-optic links installed down to the county level;
  telephone directories unavailable; mobile-cellular service,
  initiated in 2002, suspended in 2004; Orascom Telecom, an Egyptian
  company, launched mobile service on December 15, 2008 for the
  Pyongyang area with plans to expand nationwide
  international: country code - 850; satellite earth stations - 2 (1
  Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1 Russian - Indian Ocean region); other
  international connections through Moscow and Beijing (2009)

Korea, South
  general assessment: excellent domestic and
  international services featuring rapid incorporation of new
  technologies
  domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available
  with a combined telephone subscribership of roughly 140 per 100
  persons; rapid assimilation of a full range of telecommunications
  technologies leading to a boom in e-commerce
  international: country code - 82; numerous submarine cables provide
  links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US;
  satellite earth stations - 66

Kuwait
  general assessment: the quality of service is excellent
  domestic: new telephone exchanges provide a large capacity for new
  subscribers; trunk traffic is carried by microwave radio relay,
  coaxial cable, and open-wire and fiber-optic cable; a
  mobile-cellular telephone system operates throughout Kuwait, and the
  country is well supplied with pay telephones
  international: country code - 965; linked to international submarine
  cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); linked to Bahrain,
  Qatar, UAE via the Fiber-Optic Gulf (FOG) cable; coaxial cable and
  microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 6
  (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 1 Inmarsat -
  Atlantic Ocean, and 2 Arabsat)

Kyrgyzstan
  general assessment: telecommunications infrastructure is
  being upgraded; loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and
  Development (EBRD) are being used to install a digital network,
  digital radio-relay stations, and fiber-optic links
  domestic: fixed-line penetration remains low and concentrated in
  urban areas; multiple mobile-cellular service providers with growing
  coverage; mobile-cellular subscribership exceeded 80 per 100 persons
  in 2009
  international: country code - 996; connections with other CIS
  countries by landline or microwave radio relay and with other
  countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway
  switch and by satellite; satellite earth stations - 2 (1
  Intersputnik, 1 Intelsat); connected internationally by the
  Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line

Laos
  general assessment: service to general public is poor but
  improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to
  communicate with remote areas
  domestic: multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing
  very rapidly
  international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1
  Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by
  China (2008)

Latvia
  general assessment: recent efforts focused on bringing
  competition to the telecommunications sector; the number of fixed
  lines is decreasing as mobile-cellular telephone service expands
  domestic: number of telecommunications operators has grown rapidly
  since the fixed-line market opened to competition in 2003; combined
  fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 125 per 100
  persons
  international: country code - 371; the Latvian network is now
  connected via fiber optic cable to Estonia, Finland, and Sweden
  (2008)

Lebanon
  general assessment: repair of the telecommunications system,
  severely damaged during the civil war, now complete
  domestic: two mobile-cellular networks provide good service;
  combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 55
  per 100 persons
  international: country code - 961; submarine cable links to Cyprus,
  Egypt, and Syria; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian
  Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean); coaxial cable to Syria (2009)

Lesotho
  general assessment: rudimentary system consisting of a
  modest number of landlines, a small microwave radio relay system,
  and a small radiotelephone communication system; mobile-cellular
  telephone system is expanding
  domestic: privatized in 2001, Telecom Lesotho was tasked with
  providing an additional 50,000 fixed-line connections within five
  years, a target not met; mobile-cellular service dominates the
  market and is expanding with a subscribership exceeding 30 per 100
  persons in 2009; rural services are scant
  international: country code - 266; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Liberia
  general assessment: the limited services available are found
  almost exclusively in the capital Monrovia; fixed-line service
  stagnant and extremely limited; telephone coverage extended to a
  number of other towns and rural areas by four mobile-cellular
  network operators
  domestic: mobile-cellular subscription base growing and teledensity
  reached 25 per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 231; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Libya
  general assessment: telecommunications system is state-owned
  and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade; state
  retains monopoly in fixed-line services; mobile-cellular telephone
  system became operational in 1996
  domestic: multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is
  growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
  is approaching 100 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4
  Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cable to France
  and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric
  scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2009)

Liechtenstein
  general assessment: automatic telephone system
  domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available;
  combined telephone service subscribership exceeds 150 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 423; linked to Swiss networks by cable
  and microwave radio relay (2008)

Lithuania
  general assessment: adequate; being modernized to provide
  improved international capability and better residential access
  domestic: rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services has resulted
  in a steady decline in the number of fixed-line connections;
  mobile-cellular teledensity stands at about 140 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 370; major international connections
  to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway by submarine cable for further
  transmission by satellite; landline connections to Latvia and Poland
  (2008)

Luxembourg
  general assessment: highly developed, completely
  automated and efficient system, mainly buried cables
  domestic: fixed line teledensity over 50 per 100 persons; nationwide
  mobile-cellular telephone system with market for mobile-cellular
  phones virtually saturated
  international: country code - 352 (2008)

Macau
  general assessment: fairly modern communication facilities
  maintained for domestic and international services
  domestic: termination of monopoly over mobile-cellular telephone
  services in 2001 spurred sharp increase in subscriptions with
  mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 200 per 100 persons in 2010;
  fixed-line subscribership appears to have peaked and is now in
  decline
  international: country code - 853; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
  submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, the Middle
  East, and Europe; HF radiotelephone communication facility;
  satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2010)

Macedonia
  general assessment: competition from the mobile-cellular
  segment of the telecommunications market has led to a drop in
  fixed-line telephone subscriptions
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone
  subscribership about 115 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 389 (2009)

Madagascar
  general assessment: system is above average for the
  region; Antananarivo's main telephone exchange modernized in the
  late 1990s, but the rest of the analogue-based telephone system is
  poorly developed; have been adding fixed line connections since 2005
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about
  30 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 261; SEACOM undersea fiber-optic cable
  and the Lion undersea cable connecting to Reunion and Mauritius;
  satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1
  Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region) (2009)

Malawi
  general assessment: rudimentary; privatization of Malawi
  Telecommunications (MTL), a necessary step in bringing improvement
  to telecommunications services, completed in 2006
  domestic: limited fixed-line subscribership of about 1 per 100
  persons; mobile-cellular services are expanding but network coverage
  is limited and is based around the main urban areas; mobile-cellular
  subscribership about 15 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 265; satellite earth stations - 2
  Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Malaysia
  general assessment: modern system featuring good intercity
  service on Peninsular Malaysia provided mainly by microwave radio
  relay and an adequate intercity microwave radio relay network
  between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service excellent
  domestic: domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations; combined
  fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 135 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 60; landing point for several major
  international submarine cable networks that provide connectivity to
  Asia, Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat
  (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2008)

Maldives
  general assessment: telephone services have improved;
  interatoll communication through microwave links; all inhabited
  islands and resorts are connected with telephone and fax service
  domestic: each island now has at least 1 public telephone, and there
  are mobile-cellular networks with a rapidly expanding subscribership
  that exceeds 100 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 960; linked to international submarine
  cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth
  station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009)

Mali
  general assessment: domestic system unreliable but improving;
  increasing use of local radio loops to extend network coverage to
  remote areas
  domestic: fixed-line subscribership remains less than 1 per 100
  persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has increased sharply to
  nearly 30 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 223; satellite communications center
  and fiber-optic links to neighboring countries; satellite earth
  stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean) (2008)

Malta
  general assessment: automatic system featuring submarine cable
  and microwave radio relay between islands
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership
  exceeds 165 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 356; submarine cable connects to
  Italy; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Marshall Islands
  general assessment: digital switching equipment;
  modern services include telex, cellular, Internet, international
  calling, caller ID, and leased data circuits
  domestic: Majuro Atoll and Ebeye and Kwajalein islands have regular,
  seven-digit, direct-dial telephones; other islands interconnected by
  high frequency radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes)
  and mini-satellite telephones
  international: country code - 692; satellite earth stations - 2
  Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); US Government satellite communications
  system on Kwajalein (2005)

Mauritania
  general assessment: limited system of cable and open-wire
  lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone
  communications stations; mobile-cellular services expanding rapidly
  domestic: Mauritel, the national telecommunications company, was
  privatized in 2001 but remains the monopoly provider of fixed-line
  services; fixed-line teledensity 2 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular
  network coverage extends mainly to urban areas with a teledensity of
  70 per 100 persons; mostly cable and open-wire lines; a domestic
  satellite telecommunications system links Nouakchott with regional
  capitals
  international: country code - 222; satellite earth stations - 3 (1
  Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean, 2 Arabsat); optical-fiber and Asymmetric
  Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) cables for internet access (2008)

Mauritius
  general assessment: small system with good service
  domestic: monopoly over fixed-line services terminated in 2005;
  fixed-line teledensity roughly 30 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular
  services launched in 1989 with teledensity in 2009 reaching 85 per
  100 persons
  international: country code - 230; landing point for the SAFE
  submarine cable that provides links to Asia and South Africa where
  it connects to the SAT-3/WASC submarine cable that provides further
  links to parts of East Africa, and Europe; satellite earth station -
  1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); new microwave link to Reunion; HF
  radiotelephone links to several countries (2009)

Mayotte
  general assessment: small system administered by French
  Department of Posts and Telecommunications
  domestic: NA
  international: country code - 262; microwave radio relay and HF
  radiotelephone communications to Comoros

Mexico
  general assessment: adequate telephone service for business
  and government; improving quality and increasing mobile cellular
  availability, with mobile subscribers far outnumbering fixed-line
  subscribers; domestic satellite system with 120 earth stations;
  extensive microwave radio relay network; considerable use of
  fiber-optic cable and coaxial cable
  domestic: despite the opening to competition in January 1997, Telmex
  remains dominant; Fixed-line teledensity is less than 20 per 100
  persons; mobile-cellular teledensity reached 75 per 100 persons in
  2009
  international: country code - 52; Columbus-2 fiber-optic submarine
  cable with access to the US, Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Spain,
  and Italy; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and
  the MAYA-1 submarine cable system together provide access to Central
  America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the US;
  satellite earth stations - 120 (32 Intelsat, 2 Solidaridad (giving
  Mexico improved access to South America, Central America, and much
  of the US as well as enhancing domestic communications), 1 Panamsat,
  numerous Inmarsat mobile earth stations); linked to Central American
  Microwave System of trunk connections (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of general assessment: adequate system domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes), satellite (Intelsat) ground stations, and some coaxial and fiber-optic cable; mobile-cellular service available on Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap international: country code - 691; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2002)

Moldova
  general assessment: poor service outside Chisinau; some
  modernization is under way
  domestic: depending on location, new subscribers may face long wait
  for service; multiple private operators of GSM mobile-cellular
  telephone service are operating; GPRS system is being introduced; a
  CDMA mobile telephone network began operations in 2007; combined
  fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 90 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 373; service through Romania and
  Russia via landline; satellite earth stations - at least 3
  (Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik) (2009)

Monaco
  general assessment: modern automatic telephone system; the
  country's sole fixed line operator offers a full range of services
  to residential and business customers
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
  exceeds 100%
  international: country code - 377; no satellite earth stations;
  connected by cable into the French communications system

Mongolia
  general assessment: network is improving with international
  direct dialing available in many areas; a fiber-optic network has
  been installed that is improving broadband and communication
  services between major urban centers with multiple companies
  providing inter-city fiber-optic cable services
  domestic: very low fixed-line teledensity; there are multiple
  mobile- cellular providers and subscribership is increasing rapidly;
  international: country code - 976; satellite earth stations - 7

Montenegro
  general assessment: modern telecommunications system with
  access to European satellites
  domestic: GSM mobile-cellular service, available through multiple
  providers with national coverage, is growing
  international: country code - 382; 2 international switches connect
  the national system

Montserrat
  general assessment: modern and fully digitalized
  domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone systems available
  international: country code - 1-664; landing point for the East
  Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) optic submarine cable with links to 13
  other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British
  Virgin Islands to Trinidad

Morocco
  general assessment: good system composed of open-wire lines,
  cables, and microwave radio relay links; principal switching centers
  are Casablanca and Rabat; national network nearly 100% digital using
  fiber-optic links; improved rural service employs microwave radio
  relay; Internet available but expensive
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity is roughly 10 per 100 persons;
  mobile-cellular subscribership approached 75 per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 212; landing point for the Atlas
  Offshore, Estepona-Tetouan, Euroafrica, Spain-Morocco, and
  SEA-ME-WE-3 fiber-optical telecommunications undersea cables that
  provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite
  earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat;
  microwave radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara;
  coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria; participant in
  Medarabtel; fiber-optic cable link from Agadir to Algeria and
  Tunisia (2009)

Mozambique
  general assessment: a fair telecommunications system that
  is shackled with a heavy state presence, lack of competition, and
  high operating costs and charges
  domestic: stagnation in the fixed-line network contrasts with rapid
  growth in the mobile-cellular network; mobile-cellular coverage now
  includes all the main cities and key roads, including those from
  Maputo to the South African and Swaziland borders, the national
  highway through Gaza and Inhambane provinces, the Beira corridor,
  and from Nampula to Nacala; extremely low fixed-line teledensity;
  despite significant growth in mobile-cellular services, teledensity
  remains low at about 25 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 258; satellite earth stations - 5
  Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean); landing point for
  the SEACOM fiber-optic cable

Namibia
  general assessment: good system; core fiber-optic network
  links most centers and connections are now digital
  domestic: multiple mobile-cellular providers with a combined
  subscribership of nearly 60 telephones per 100 persons; combined
  fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 65 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 264; fiber-optic cable to South
  Africa, microwave radio relay link to Botswana, direct links to
  other neighboring countries; connected to the South African Far East
  (SAFE) submarine cable through South Africa; satellite earth
  stations - 4 Intelsat (2008)

Nauru
  general assessment: adequate local and international
  radiotelephone communication provided via Australian facilities
  domestic: NA
  international: country code - 674; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Nepal
  general assessment: poor telephone and telegraph service; fair
  radiotelephone communication service and mobile-cellular telephone
  network
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone service
  subscribership base only about 30 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 977; radiotelephone communications;
  microwave landline to India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
  (Indian Ocean) (2008)

Netherlands
  general assessment: highly developed and well maintained
  domestic: extensive fixed-line fiber-optic network; large cellular
  telephone system with 5 major operators utilizing the third
  generation of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
  technology; one in five households now use Voice over the Internet
  Protocol (VoIP) services
  international: country code - 31; submarine cables provide links to
  the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 5 (3 Intelsat - 1
  Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (2007)

New Caledonia
  general assessment: a submarine cable network
  connection between New Caledonia and Australia, completed in 2007,
  is expected to significantly increase network capacity and improve
  high-speed connectivity and access to international networks
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone
  subscribership exceeds 100 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 687; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2008)

New Zealand
  general assessment: excellent domestic and international
  systems
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone
  subscribership exceeds 150 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 64; the Southern Cross submarine cable
  system provides links to Australia, Fiji, and the US; satellite
  earth stations - 8 (1 Inmarsat - Pacific Ocean, 7 other)

Nicaragua
  general assessment: system being upgraded by foreign
  investment; nearly all installed telecommunications capacity now
  uses digital technology, owing to investments since privatization of
  the formerly state-owned telecommunications company
  domestic: since privatization, access to fixed-line and
  mobile-cellular services has improved but teledensity still lags
  behind other Central American countries; fixed-line teledensity
  roughly 5 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership
  is increasing and reached 55 per 100 persons in 2009; connected to
  Central American Microwave System
  international: country code - 505; the Americas Region Caribbean
  Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber optic submarine cable provides
  connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean,
  and the US; satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic
  Ocean region) and 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Niger
  general assessment: inadequate; small system of wire, radio
  telephone communications, and microwave radio relay links
  concentrated in the southwestern area of Niger
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
  remains less than 20 per 100 persons despite a rapidly increasing
  cellular subscribership base; domestic satellite system with 3 earth
  stations and 1 planned
  international: country code - 227; satellite earth stations - 2
  Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2009)

Nigeria
  general assessment: further expansion and modernization of
  the fixed-line telephone network is needed; network quality remains
  a problem
  domestic: the addition of a second fixed-line provider in 2002
  resulted in faster growth but subscribership remains only about 1
  per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services growing rapidly, in part
  responding to the shortcomings of the fixed-line network; multiple
  cellular providers operate nationally with subscribership reaching
  50 per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 234; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC
  fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and
  Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1
  Indian Ocean) (2009)

Niue
  domestic: single-line telephone system connects all villages on
  island
  international: country code - 683 (2001)

Norfolk Island
  general assessment: adequate
  domestic: free local calls
  international: country code - 672; undersea coaxial cable links with
  Australia and New Zealand; satellite earth station - 1

Northern Mariana Islands
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: NA
  international: country code - 1-670; satellite earth stations - 2
  Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Norway
  general assessment: modern in all respects; one of the most
  advanced telecommunications networks in Europe
  domestic: Norway has a domestic satellite system; the prevalence of
  rural areas encourages the wide use of mobile-cellular systems
  international: country code - 47; 2 buried coaxial cable systems;
  submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe;
  satellite earth stations - NA Eutelsat, NA Intelsat (Atlantic
  Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note -
  Norway shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic
  countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) (1999)

Oman
  general assessment: modern system consisting of open-wire,
  microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; limited
  coaxial cable; domestic satellite system with 8 earth stations
  domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership both
  increasing with fixed-line phone service gradually being introduced
  to remote villages using wireless local loop systems
  international: country code - 968; the Fiber-Optic Link Around the
  Globe (FLAG) and the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable provide
  connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth
  stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat (2008)

Pakistan
  general assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure
  is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in
  fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks; system consists of
  microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular,
  and satellite networks;
  domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding
  100 million in 2009, up from only about 300,000 in 2000;
  approximately 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have
  cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access
  to a cell phone; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the
  country to aid in network growth; fixed line availability has risen
  only marginally over the same period and there are still
  difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas
  international: country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3
  and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia,
  the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat
  (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international
  gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio
  relay to neighboring countries (2009)

Palau
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services available with a
  combined subscribership of roughly 100 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 680; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2008)

Panama
  general assessment: domestic and international facilities
  well developed
  domestic: mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has increased
  rapidly
  international: country code - 507; landing point for the Americas
  Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), the MAYA-1, and PAN-AM
  submarine cable systems that together provide links to the US and
  parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America;
  satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to
  the Central American Microwave System (2008)

Papua New Guinea
  general assessment: services are minimal;
  facilities provide radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio,
  aeronautical radio, and international radio communication services
  domestic: access to telephone services is not widely available;
  combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 15 per
  100 persons
  international: country code - 675; submarine cables to Australia and
  Guam; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean);
  international radio communication service (2009)

Paraguay
  general assessment: the fixed-line market is a state
  monopoly and fixed-line telephone service is meager; principal
  switching center is in Asuncion
  domestic: deficiencies in provision of fixed-line service have
  resulted in a rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services fostered
  by competition among multiple providers
  international: country code - 595; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Peru
  general assessment: adequate for most requirements; nationwide
  microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 12
  earth stations
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity is only about 10 per 100 persons;
  mobile-cellular teledensity, spurred by competition among multiple
  providers, has increased to roughly 85 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 51; the South America-1 (SAM-1) and
  Pan American (PAN-AM) submarine cable systems provide links to parts
  of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and US; satellite earth
  stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Philippines
  general assessment: good international radiotelephone
  and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service
  adequate
  domestic: domestic satellite system with 11 earth stations;
  mobile-cellular communications now dominate the industry; combined
  fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 80 telephones per
  100 persons
  international: country code - 63; a series of submarine cables
  together provide connectivity to Asia, US, the Middle East, and
  Europe; multiple international gateways (2009)

Pitcairn Islands
  general assessment: satellite phone services
  domestic: domestic communication via radio (CB)
  international: country code - 872; satellite earth station - 1
  (Inmarsat)

Poland
  general assessment: modernization of the telecommunications
  network has accelerated with market-based competition; fixed-line
  service, dominated by the former state-owned company, is dwarfed by
  the growth in mobile-cellular services
  domestic: mobile-cellular service available since 1993 and provided
  by three nation-wide networks with a fourth provider beginning
  operations in late 2006; coverage is generally good with some gaps
  in the east; fixed-line service lags in rural areas
  international: country code - 48; international direct dialing with
  automated exchanges; satellite earth station - 1 with access to
  Intelsat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik (2009)

Portugal
  general assessment: Portugal's telephone system has a
  state-of-the-art network with broadband, high-speed capabilities
  domestic: integrated network of coaxial cables, open-wire, microwave
  radio relay, and domestic satellite earth stations
  international: country code - 351; a combination of submarine cables
  provide connectivity to Europe, North and East Africa, South Africa,
  the Middle East, Asia, and the US; satellite earth stations - 3
  Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat;
  tropospheric scatter to Azores (2008)

Puerto Rico
  general assessment: modern system integrated with that
  of the US by high-capacity submarine cable and Intelsat with
  high-speed data capability
  domestic: digital telephone system; mobile-cellular services
  international: country code - 1-787, 939; submarine cables provide
  connectivity to the US, Caribbean, Central and South America;
  satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat

Qatar
  general assessment: modern system centered in Doha
  domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular telephone
  subscribership exceeds 300 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 974; landing point for the Fiber-Optic
  Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides
  links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the US; tropospheric scatter
  to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and the UAE;
  satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian
  Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (2009)

Romania
  general assessment: the telecommunications sector is being
  expanded and modernized; domestic and international service
  improving rapidly, especially mobile-cellular services
  domestic: more than 90 percent of telephone network is automatic;
  fixed-line teledensity exceeds 20 telephones per 100 persons;
  mobile-cellular teledensity, expanding rapidly, roughly 115
  telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 40; the Black Sea Fiber Optic System
  provides connectivity to Bulgaria and Turkey; satellite earth
  stations - 10; digital, international, direct-dial exchanges operate
  in Bucharest (2009)

Russia
  general assessment: the telephone system is experiencing
  significant changes; there are more than 1,000 companies licensed to
  offer communication services; access to digital lines has improved,
  particularly in urban centers; Internet and e-mail services are
  improving; Russia has made progress toward building the
  telecommunications infrastructure necessary for a market economy;
  the estimated number of mobile subscribers jumped from fewer than 1
  million in 1998 to some 230 million in 2009; a large demand for
  fixed line service remains unsatisfied
  domestic: cross-country digital trunk lines run from Saint
  Petersburg to Khabarovsk, and from Moscow to Novorossiysk; the
  telephone systems in 60 regional capitals have modern digital
  infrastructures; cellular services, both analog and digital, are
  available in many areas; in rural areas, the telephone services are
  still outdated, inadequate, and low density
  international: country code - 7; Russia is connected internationally
  by undersea fiber optic cables; digital switches in several cities
  provide more than 50,000 lines for international calls; satellite
  earth stations provide access to Intelsat, Intersputnik, Eutelsat,
  Inmarsat, and Orbita systems (2008)

Rwanda
  general assessment: small, inadequate telephone system
  primarily serves business, education, and government
  domestic: the capital, Kigali, is connected to the centers of the
  provinces by microwave radio relay and, recently, by cellular
  telephone service; much of the network depends on wire and HF
  radiotelephone; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone
  density has increased to about 25 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 250; international connections employ
  microwave radio relay to neighboring countries and satellite
  communications to more distant countries; satellite earth stations -
  1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) in Kigali (includes telex and telefax
  service)

Saint Barthelemy
  general assessment: fully integrated access
  domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems
  international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable
  provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  general assessment:
  can communicate worldwide
  domestic: automatic digital network
  international: country code (Saint Helena) - 290, (Ascension Island)
  - 247; international direct dialing; satellite voice and data
  communications; satellite earth stations - 5 (Ascension Island - 4,
  Saint Helena - 1)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  general assessment: good interisland and
  international connections
  domestic: interisland links via Eastern Caribbean Fiber Optic cable;
  construction of enhanced wireless infrastructure launched in
  November 2004
  international: country code - 1-869; connected internationally by
  the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean
  fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables

Saint Lucia
  general assessment: adequate system
  domestic: system is automatically switched
  international: country code - 1-758; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic
  System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF)
  submarine cables, along with Intelsat from Martinique, carry calls
  internationally; direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique
  and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to
  Barbados

Saint Martin
  general assessment: fully integrated access
  domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems
  international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable
  provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  general assessment: adequate
  domestic: NA
  international: country code - 508; radiotelephone communication with
  most countries in the world; satellite earth station - 1 in French
  domestic satellite system

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  general assessment: adequate system
  domestic: islandwide, fully automatic telephone system; VHF/UHF
  radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to the other islands of the
  Grenadines; mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 telephones per
  100 persons
  international: country code - 1-784; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic
  System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF)
  submarine cables carry international calls; connectivity also
  provided by VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to Barbados;
  SHF radiotelephone to Grenada and Saint Lucia; access to Intelsat
  earth station in Martinique through Saint Lucia

Samoa
  general assessment: adequate
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
  roughly 85 telephones per 100 persons; coverage extended to roughly
  95 percent of the country
  international: country code - 685; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

San Marino
  general assessment: automatic telephone system completely
  integrated into Italian system
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 150
  telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 378; connected to Italian
  international network

Sao Tome and Principe
  general assessment: local telephone network of
  adequate quality with most lines connected to digital switches
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
  roughly 35 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 239; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Saudi Arabia
  general assessment: modern system including a
  combination of extensive microwave radio relays, coaxial cables, and
  fiber-optic cables
  domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly
  international: country code - 966; landing point for the
  international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe
  (FLAG) and for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable
  networks providing connectivity to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and
  US; microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE,
  Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; satellite
  earth stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1
  Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region) (2008)

Senegal
  general assessment: good system with microwave radio relay,
  coaxial cable and fiber-optic cable in trunk system
  domestic: above-average urban system with a fiber-optic network;
  nearly two-thirds of all fixed-line connections are in Dakar where a
  call-center industry is emerging; expansion of fixed-line services
  in rural areas needed; mobile-cellular service is expanding rapidly
  international: country code - 221; the SAT-3/WASC fiber optic cable
  provides connectivity to Europe and Asia while Atlantis-2 provides
  connectivity to South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
  (Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Serbia
  general assessment: replacements of, and upgrades to,
  telecommunications equipment damaged during the 1999 war has
  resulted in a modern telecommunications system more than 95%
  digitalized in 2009
  domestic: wireless service, available through multiple providers
  with national coverage, is growing very rapidly; best
  telecommunications services are centered in urban centers; 3G mobile
  network launched in 2007
  international: country code - 381 (2009)

Seychelles
  general assessment: effective system
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is 130
  telephones per 100 persons; radiotelephone communications between
  islands in the archipelago
  international: country code - 248; direct radiotelephone
  communications with adjacent island countries and African coastal
  countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Sierra Leone
  general assessment: marginal telephone service with
  poor infrastructure
  domestic: the national microwave radio relay trunk system connects
  Freetown to Bo and Kenema; while mobile-cellular service is growing
  rapidly from a small base, service area coverage remains limited
  international: country code - 232; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Singapore
  general assessment: excellent service
  domestic: excellent domestic facilities; launched 3G wireless
  service in February 2005; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular
  teledensity is more than 180 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 65; numerous submarine cables provide
  links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US;
  satellite earth stations - 4; supplemented by VSAT coverage (2008)

Sint Maarten
  general assessment: generally adequate facilities
  domestic: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links
  international: country code - 599; the Americas Region Caribbean
  Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the Americas-2 submarine cable systems
  provide connectivity to Central America, parts of South America and
  the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat
  (Atlantic Ocean)

Slovakia
  general assessment: Slovakia has a modern
  telecommunications system that has expanded dramatically in recent
  years with the growth in cellular services
  domestic: analog system is now receiving digital equipment and is
  being enlarged with fiber-optic cable, especially in the larger
  cities; 3 companies provide nationwide cellular services
  international: country code - 421; 3 international exchanges (1 in
  Bratislava and 2 in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is
  participating in several international telecommunications projects
  that will increase the availability of external services

Slovenia
  general assessment: well-developed telecommunications
  infrastructure
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
  roughly 150 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 386

Solomon Islands
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: mobile-cellular telephone density is about 5 telephones
  per 100 persons
  international: country code - 677; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Somalia
  general assessment: the public telecommunications system was
  almost completely destroyed or dismantled during the civil war;
  private companies offer limited local fixed-line service and private
  wireless companies offer service in most major cities while charging
  the lowest international rates on the continent
  domestic: local cellular telephone systems have been established in
  Mogadishu and in several other population centers
  international: country code - 252; international connections are
  available from Mogadishu by satellite

South Africa
  general assessment: the system is the best developed
  and most modern in Africa
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
  roughly 105 telephones per 100 persons; consists of carrier-equipped
  open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay links,
  fiber-optic cable, radiotelephone communication stations, and
  wireless local loops; key centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town,
  Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria
  international: country code - 27; the SAT-3/WASC and SAFE fiber
  optic cable systems connect South Africa to Europe and Asia;
  satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic
  Ocean)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: NA
  international: coastal radiotelephone station at Grytviken

Spain
  general assessment: well developed, modern facilities;
  fixed-line teledensity is roughly 50 per 100 persons
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is
  nearly 175 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 34; submarine cables provide
  connectivity to Europe, Middle East, Asia, and US; satellite earth
  stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA
  Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to adjacent countries

Sri Lanka
  general assessment: telephone services have improved
  significantly and are available in most parts of the country
  domestic: national trunk network consists mostly of digital
  microwave radio relay; fiber-optic links now in use in Colombo area
  and fixed wireless local loops have been installed; competition is
  strong in mobile cellular systems and mobile cellular subscribership
  is increasing
  international: country code - 94; the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4
  submarine cables provide connectivity to Asia, Australia, Middle
  East, Europe, US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian
  Ocean)

Sudan
  general assessment: well-equipped system by regional standards
  and being upgraded; cellular communications started in 1996 and have
  expanded substantially with wide coverage of most major cities
  domestic: consists of microwave radio relay, cable, fiber optic,
  radiotelephone communications, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic
  satellite system with 14 earth stations
  international: country code - 249; linked to international submarine
  cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth
  stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Arabsat (2000)

Suriname
  general assessment: international facilities are good
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
  roughly 175 telephones per 100 persons; microwave radio relay network
  international: country code - 597; satellite earth stations - 2
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Svalbard
  general assessment: probably adequate
  domestic: local telephone service
  international: country code - 47-790; satellite earth station - 1 of
  unknown type (for communication with Norwegian mainland only)

Swaziland
  general assessment: a somewhat modern but not an advanced
  system
  domestic: single source for mobile-cellular service with a
  geographic coverage of about 90% and a rising subscribership base;
  combined fixed-line and mobile cellular teledensity exceeded 60
  telephones per 100 persons in 2009; telephone system consists of
  carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and low-capacity, microwave radio
  relay
  international: country code - 268; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Sweden
  general assessment: highly developed telecommunications
  infrastructure; ranked among leading countries for fixed-line,
  mobile-cellular, Internet and broadband penetration
  domestic: coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice
  traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some
  additional telephone channels
  international: country code - 46; submarine cables provide links to
  other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and
  Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth
  station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland,
  and Norway)

Switzerland
  general assessment: highly developed telecommunications
  infrastructure with excellent domestic and international services
  domestic: ranked among leading countries for fixed-line teledensity
  and infrastructure; mobile-cellular subscribership roughly 120 per
  100 persons; extensive cable and microwave radio relay networks
  international: country code - 41; satellite earth stations - 2
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean)

Syria
  general assessment: fair system currently undergoing
  significant improvement and digital upgrades, including fiber-optic
  technology and expansion of the network to rural areas
  domestic: the number of fixed-line connections has increased
  markedly since 2000; mobile-cellular service growing with telephone
  subscribership reaching nearly 50 per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 963; submarine cable connection to
  Egypt, Lebanon, and Cyprus; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat
  (Indian Ocean) and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region); coaxial
  cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and
  Turkey; participant in Medarabtel

Taiwan
  general assessment: provides telecommunications service for
  every business and private need
  domestic: thoroughly modern; completely digitalized
  international: country code - 886; roughly 15 submarine fiber cables
  cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East,
  Europe, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2

Tajikistan
  general assessment: foreign investment in the telephone
  system has resulted in major improvements; conversion of the
  existing fixed network from analogue to digital more than 90%
  complete by 2009
  domestic: fixed line availability has not changed significantly
  since 1998 while mobile cellular subscribership, aided by
  competition among multiple operators, has expanded rapidly; coverage
  now extends to all major cities and towns
  international: country code - 992; linked by cable and microwave
  radio relay to other CIS republics and by leased connections to the
  Moscow international gateway switch; Dushanbe linked by Intelsat to
  international gateway switch in Ankara (Turkey); satellite earth
  stations - 3 (2 Intelsat and 1 Orbita) (2009)

Tanzania
  general assessment: telecommunications services are
  marginal; system operating below capacity and being modernized for
  better service; small aperture terminal (VSAT) system under
  construction
  domestic: fixed-line telephone network inadequate with less than 1
  connection per 100 persons; mobile-cellular service, aided by
  multiple providers, is increasing rapidly; trunk service provided by
  open-wire, microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, and
  fiber-optic cable; some links being made digital
  international: country code - 255; satellite earth stations - 2
  Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Thailand
  general assessment: high quality system, especially in
  urban areas like Bangkok
  domestic: fixed line system provided by both a government owned and
  commercial provider; wireless service expanding rapidly
  international: country code - 66; connected to major submarine cable
  systems providing links throughout Asia, Australia, Middle East,
  Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian
  Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean)

Timor-Leste
  general assessment: rudimentary service limited to urban
  areas
  domestic: system suffered significant damage during the violence
  associated with independence; extremely limited fixed-line services;
  mobile-cellular services and coverage limited primarily to urban
  areas
  international: country code - 670; international service is
  available in major urban centers

Togo
  general assessment: fair system based on a network of microwave
  radio relay routes supplemented by open-wire lines and a
  mobile-cellular system
  domestic: microwave radio relay and open-wire lines for conventional
  system; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly
  40 telephones per 100 persons with mobile-cellular use predominating
  international: country code - 228; satellite earth stations - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Symphonie

Tokelau
  general assessment: modern satellite-based communications
  system
  domestic: radiotelephone service between islands
  international: country code - 690; radiotelephone service to Samoa;
  government-regulated telephone service (TeleTok); satellite earth
  stations - 3

Tonga
  general assessment: competition between Tonga
  Telecommunications Corporation (TCC) and Shoreline Communications
  Tonga (SCT) is accelerating expansion of telecommunications; SCT
  granted approval to introduce high-speed digital service for
  telephone, Internet, and television while TCC has exclusive rights
  to operate the mobile-phone network; international telecom services
  are provided by government-owned Tonga Telecommunications
  International (TTI)
  domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about
  70 telephones per 100 persons; fully automatic switched network
  international: country code - 676; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
  general assessment: excellent international
  service; good local service
  domestic: mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 185 telephones per 100
  persons
  international: country code - 1-868; submarine cable systems provide
  connectivity to US and parts of the Caribbean and South America;
  satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric
  scatter to Barbados and Guyana

Tunisia
  general assessment: above the African average and continuing
  to be upgraded; key centers are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis;
  telephone network is completely digitized; Internet access available
  throughout the country
  domestic: in an effort to jumpstart expansion of the fixed-line
  network, the government has awarded a concession to build and
  operate a VSAT network with international connectivity; rural areas
  are served by wireless local loops; competition between the two
  mobile-cellular service providers has resulted in lower activation
  and usage charges and a strong surge in subscribership; a third
  mobile, fixed, and ISP operator was licensed in 2009 and will begin
  offering services in 2010; expansion of mobile-cellular services to
  include multimedia messaging and e-mail and Internet to mobile phone
  services also leading to a surge in subscribership; overall
  fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 100 telephones
  per 100 persons
  international: country code - 216; a landing point for the
  SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable system that provides links to Europe,
  Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat
  (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave radio
  relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel; 2
  international gateway digital switches

Turkey
  general assessment: comprehensive telecommunications network
  undergoing rapid modernization and expansion especially in
  mobile-cellular services
  domestic: additional digital exchanges are permitting a rapid
  increase in subscribers; the construction of a network of
  technologically advanced intercity trunk lines, using both
  fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay, is facilitating
  communication between urban centers; remote areas are reached by a
  domestic satellite system; the number of subscribers to
  mobile-cellular telephone service is growing rapidly
  international: country code - 90; international service is provided
  by the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable and by submarine fiber-optic
  cables in the Mediterranean and Black Seas that link Turkey with
  Italy, Greece, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania, and Russia; satellite
  earth stations - 12 Intelsat; mobile satellite terminals - 328 in
  the Inmarsat and Eutelsat systems (2002)

Turkmenistan
  general assessment: telecommunications network remains
  underdeveloped and progress toward improvement is slow; strict
  government control and censorship inhibits liberalization and
  modernization
  domestic: Turkmentelekom, in cooperation with foreign partners, has
  installed high speed fiber-optic lines and has upgraded most of the
  country's telephone exchanges and switching centers with new digital
  technology; mobile telephone usage is expanding with Russia's Mobile
  Telesystems (MTS) the primary service provider; combined fixed-line
  and mobile teledensity is about 40 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 993; linked by fiber-optic cable and
  microwave radio relay to other CIS republics and to other countries
  by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; an
  exchange in Ashgabat switches international traffic through Turkey
  via Intelsat; satellite earth stations - 1 Orbita and 1 Intelsat
  (2008)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  general assessment: fully digital system
  with international direct dialing
  domestic: full range of services available; GSM wireless service
  available
  international: country code - 1-649; the Americas Region Caribbean
  Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber optic telecommunications submarine cable
  provides connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the
  Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
  (Atlantic Ocean)

Tuvalu
  general assessment: serves particular needs for internal
  communications
  domestic: radiotelephone communications between islands
  international: country code - 688; international calls can be made
  by satellite

Uganda
  general assessment: mobile cellular service is increasing
  rapidly, but the number of main lines is still deficient; work
  underway on a national backbone information and communications
  technology infrastructure; international phone networks and Internet
  connectivity provided through satellite and VSAT applications
  domestic: intercity traffic by wire, microwave radio relay, and
  radiotelephone communication stations, fixed and mobile-cellular
  systems for short-range traffic; mobile-cellular teledensity about
  30 per 100 persons in 2009
  international: country code - 256; satellite earth stations - 1
  Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat; analog links to Kenya and
  Tanzania

Ukraine
  general assessment: Ukraine's telecommunication development
  plan emphasizes improving domestic trunk lines, international
  connections, and the mobile-cellular system
  domestic: at independence in December 1991, Ukraine inherited a
  telephone system that was antiquated, inefficient, and in disrepair;
  more than 3.5 million applications for telephones could not be
  satisfied; telephone density is rising and the domestic trunk system
  is being improved; about one-third of Ukraine's networks are digital
  and a majority of regional centers now have digital switching
  stations; improvements in local networks and local exchanges
  continue to lag; the mobile-cellular telephone system's expansion
  has slowed, largely due to saturation of the market which has
  reached 120 mobile phones per 100 people
  international: country code - 380; 2 new domestic trunk lines are a
  part of the fiber-optic Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) system and 3
  Ukrainian links have been installed in the fiber-optic
  Trans-European Lines (TEL) project that connects 18 countries;
  additional international service is provided by the
  Italy-Turkey-Ukraine-Russia (ITUR) fiber-optic submarine cable and
  by an unknown number of earth stations in the Intelsat, Inmarsat,
  and Intersputnik satellite systems

United Arab Emirates
  general assessment: modern fiber-optic
  integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of
  mobile-cellular telephones; key centers are Abu Dhabi and Dubai
  domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber optic and coaxial cable
  international: country code - 971; linked to the international
  submarine cable FLAG (Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe); landing
  point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable
  networks; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean
  and 2 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain;
  microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia

United Kingdom
  general assessment: technologically advanced domestic
  and international system
  domestic: equal mix of buried cables, microwave radio relay, and
  fiber-optic systems
  international: country code - 44; numerous submarine cables provide
  links throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and US;
  satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (7 Atlantic Ocean and 3
  Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region), and 1 Eutelsat;
  at least 8 large international switching centers

United States
  general assessment: a large, technologically advanced,
  multipurpose communications system
  domestic: a large system of fiber-optic cable, microwave radio
  relay, coaxial cable, and domestic satellites carries every form of
  telephone traffic; a rapidly growing cellular system carries mobile
  telephone traffic throughout the country
  international: country code - 1; multiple ocean cable systems
  provide international connectivity; satellite earth stations - 61
  Intelsat (45 Atlantic Ocean and 16 Pacific Ocean), 5 Intersputnik
  (Atlantic Ocean region), and 4 Inmarsat (Pacific and Atlantic Ocean
  regions) (2000)

Uruguay
  general assessment: fully digitalized
  domestic: most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; new
  nationwide microwave radio relay network; overall fixed-line and
  mobile-cellular teledensity is 135 telephones per 100 persons
  international: country code - 598; the UNISOR submarine cable system
  provides direct connectivity to Brazil and Argentina; satellite
  earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Uzbekistan
  general assessment: digital exchanges in large cities but
  still antiquated and inadequate in rural areas
  domestic: the state-owned telecommunications company, Uzbektelecom,
  owner of the fixed line telecommunications system, has used loans
  from the Japanese government and the China Development Bank to
  upgrade fixed-line services including conversion to digital
  exchanges; mobile-cellular services are growing rapidly, with the
  subscriber base exceeding 16 million in 2009
  international: country code - 998; linked by fiber-optic cable or
  microwave radio relay with CIS member states and to other countries
  by leased connection via the Moscow international gateway switch;
  after the completion of the Uzbek link to the Trans-Asia-Europe
  (TAE) fiber-optic cable, Uzbekistan plans to establish a fiber-optic
  connection to Afghanistan (2009)

Vanuatu
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: NA
  international: country code - 678; satellite earth station - 1
  Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Venezuela
  general assessment: modern and expanding
  domestic: domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations; recent
  substantial improvement in telephone service in rural areas;
  substantial increase in digitalization of exchanges and trunk lines;
  installation of a national interurban fiber-optic network capable of
  digital multimedia services; combined fixed and mobile-cellular
  telephone subscribership 130 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 58; submarine cable systems provide
  connectivity to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and US;
  satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1
  PanAmSat; participating with Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia in
  the construction of an international fiber-optic network (2009)

Vietnam
  general assessment: Vietnam is putting considerable effort
  into modernization and expansion of its telecommunication system
  domestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to
  Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or
  microwave radio relay networks; main lines have been increased, and
  the use of mobile telephones is growing rapidly
  international: country code - 84; a landing point for the
  SEA-ME-WE-3, the C2C, and Thailand-Vietnam-Hong Kong submarine cable
  systems; the Asia-America Gateway submarine cable system, scheduled
  for completion by the end of 2008, will provide new access links to
  Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian
  Ocean region)

Virgin Islands
  general assessment: modern system with total digital
  switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay
  domestic: full range of services available
  international: country code - 1-340; submarine cable connections to
  US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth
  stations - NA

Wake Island
  general assessment: satellite communications; 2 DSN
  circuits off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); located in the
  Hawaii area code - 808
  domestic: NA
  international: NA

Wallis and Futuna
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: NA
  international: country code - 681

West Bank
  general assessment: continuing political and economic
  instability has impeded significant liberalization of the
  telecommunications industry
  domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL
  are responsible for fixed line services; PALTEL plans to establish a
  fiber-optic connection to Jordan to route domestic mobile calls; the
  Palestinian JAWWAL company and WATANIYA PALESTINE provide cellular
  services
  international: country code - 970; 1 international switch in
  Ramallah (2009) (2009)

Western Sahara
  general assessment: sparse and limited system
  domestic: NA
  international: country code - 212; tied into Morocco's system by
  microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, and satellite;
  satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) linked to
  Rabat, Morocco

World
  general assessment: NA
  domestic: NA
  international: NA

Yemen
  general assessment: since unification in 1990, efforts have
  been made to create a national telecommunications network
  domestic: the national network consists of microwave radio relay,
  cable, tropospheric scatter, GSM and CDMA mobile-cellular telephone
  systems; fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity remains low by
  regional standards
  international: country code - 967; landing point for the
  international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe
  (FLAG); satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Indian Ocean and 1
  Atlantic Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 2
  Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and Djibouti

Zambia
  general assessment: among the best in Sub-Saharan Africa
  domestic: high-capacity microwave radio relay connects most larger
  towns and cities; several cellular telephone services in operation
  and network coverage is improving; domestic satellite system being
  installed to improve telephone service in rural areas; Internet
  service is widely available; very small aperture terminal (VSAT)
  networks are operated by private firms
  international: country code - 260; satellite earth stations - 2
  Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean), 3 owned by Zamtel

Zimbabwe
  general assessment: system was once one of the best in
  Africa, but now suffers from poor maintenance
  domestic: consists of microwave radio relay links, open-wire lines,
  radiotelephone communication stations, fixed wireless local loop
  installations, and a substantial mobile-cellular network; Internet
  connection is available in Harare and planned for all major towns
  and for some of the smaller ones
  international: country code - 263; satellite earth stations - 2
  Intelsat; 2 international digital gateway exchanges (in Harare and
  Gweru)

======================================================================

@2125

Field Listing :: Terrain

  This entry contains a brief description of the topography.
  Country

Terrain

Afghanistan
  mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest

Albania
  mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast

Algeria
  mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow,
  discontinuous coastal plain

American Samoa
  five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited
  coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)

Andorra
  rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys

Angola
  narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau

Anguilla
  flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone

Antarctica
  about 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock,
  with average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain
  ranges up to nearly 5,000 meters; ice-free coastal areas include
  parts of southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic
  Peninsula area, and parts of Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers
  form ice shelves along about half of the coastline, and floating ice
  shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continent

Antigua and Barbuda
  mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands,
  with some higher volcanic areas

Arctic Ocean
  central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar
  icepack that, on average, is about 3 meters thick, although pressure
  ridges may be three times that thickness; clockwise drift pattern in
  the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearly straight-line movement from
  the New Siberian Islands (Russia) to Denmark Strait (between
  Greenland and Iceland); the icepack is surrounded by open seas
  during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter
  and extends to the encircling landmasses; the ocean floor is about
  50% continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the
  remainder a central basin interrupted by three submarine ridges
  (Alpha Cordillera, Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonosov Ridge)

Argentina
  rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to
  rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western
  border

Armenia
  Armenian Highland with mountains; little forest land; fast
  flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley

Aruba
  flat with a few hills; scant vegetation

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  low with sand and coral

Atlantic Ocean
  surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea,
  Denmark Strait, and coastal portions of the Baltic Sea from October
  to June; clockwise warm-water gyre (broad, circular system of
  currents) in the northern Atlantic, counterclockwise warm-water gyre
  in the southern Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the
  Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire
  Atlantic basin

Australia
  mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast

Austria
  in the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the
  eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping

Azerbaijan
  large, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland) (much
  of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north,
  Qarabag Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) in west; Baku lies on Abseron
  Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea

Bahamas, The
  long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills

Bahrain
  mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central
  escarpment

Bangladesh
  mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast

Barbados
  relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region

Belarus
  generally flat and contains much marshland

Belgium
  flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills,
  rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast

Belize
  flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south

Benin
  mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains

Bermuda
  low hills separated by fertile depressions

Bhutan
  mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna

Bolivia
  rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano),
  hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  mountains and valleys

Botswana
  predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari
  Desert in southwest

Bouvet Island
  volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible

Brazil
  mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills,
  mountains, and narrow coastal belt

British Indian Ocean Territory
  flat and low (most areas do not
  exceed two meters in elevation)

British Virgin Islands
  coral islands relatively flat; volcanic
  islands steep, hilly

Brunei
  flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland
  in west

Bulgaria
  mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast

Burkina Faso
  mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in
  west and southeast

Burma
  central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands

Burundi
  hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some
  plains

Cambodia
  mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north

Cameroon
  diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau
  in center, mountains in west, plains in north

Canada
  mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast

Cape Verde
  steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic

Cayman Islands
  low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs

Central African Republic
  vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau;
  scattered hills in northeast and southwest

Chad
  broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in
  northwest, lowlands in south

Chile
  low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in
  east

China
  mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains,
  deltas, and hills in east

Christmas Island
  steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central
  plateau

Clipperton Island
  coral atoll

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  flat, low-lying coral atolls

Colombia
  flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes
  Mountains, eastern lowland plains

Comoros
  volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low
  hills

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  vast central basin is a low-lying
  plateau; mountains in east

Congo, Republic of the
  coastal plain, southern basin, central
  plateau, northern basin

Cook Islands
  low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in
  south

Coral Sea Islands
  sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)

Costa Rica
  coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including
  over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes

Cote d'Ivoire
  mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in
  northwest

Croatia
  geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border,
  low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands

Cuba
  mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains
  in the southeast

Curacao
  generally low, hilly terrain

Cyprus
  central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered
  but significant plains along southern coast

Czech Republic
  Bohemia in the west consists of rolling plains,
  hills, and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; Moravia in the east
  consists of very hilly country

Denmark
  low and flat to gently rolling plains

Djibouti
  coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains

Dominica
  rugged mountains of volcanic origin

Dominican Republic
  rugged highlands and mountains with fertile
  valleys interspersed

Ecuador
  coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands
  (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)

Egypt
  vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta

El Salvador
  mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central
  plateau

Equatorial Guinea
  coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are
  volcanic

Eritrea
  dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending
  highlands, descending on the east to a coastal desert plain, on the
  northwest to hilly terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling
  plains

Estonia
  marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south

Ethiopia
  high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great
  Rift Valley

European Union
  fairly flat along the Baltic and Atlantic coast;
  mountainous in the central and southern areas

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  rocky, hilly, mountainous with
  some boggy, undulating plains

Faroe Islands
  rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of
  coast

Fiji
  mostly mountains of volcanic origin

Finland
  mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes
  and low hills

France
  metropolitan France: mostly flat plains or gently rolling
  hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially
  Pyrenees in south, Alps in east
  French Guiana: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small
  mountains
  Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior
  mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the
  seven other islands are volcanic in origin
  Martinique: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano
  Reunion: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast

French Polynesia
  mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with
  reefs

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
  Ile Saint-Paul): a volcanic island with steep coastal cliffs; the
  center floor of the volcano is a large plateau
  Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): triangular in
  shape, the island is the top of a volcano, rocky with steep cliffs
  on the eastern side; has active thermal springs
  Iles Crozet: a large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau is
  divided into two groups of islands
  Iles Kerguelen: the interior of the large island of Ile Kerguelen is
  composed of rugged terrain of high mountains, hills, valleys, and
  plains with a number of peninsulas stretching off its coasts
  Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): atoll, awash at high tide; shallow
  (15 m) lagoon
  Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island: low, flat, and
  sandy
  Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): low, flat, sandy; likely volcanic
  seamount

Gabon
  narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south

Gambia, The
  flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills

Gaza Strip
  flat to rolling, sand- and dune-covered coastal plain

Georgia
  largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the
  north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi
  (Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River
  Basin in the east; good soils in river valley flood plains,
  foothills of Kolkhida Lowland

Germany
  lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south

Ghana
  mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area

Gibraltar
  a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar

Greece
  mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as
  peninsulas or chains of islands

Greenland
  flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow,
  mountainous, barren, rocky coast

Grenada
  volcanic in origin with central mountains

Guam
  volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat
  coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water), with steep
  coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low hills in
  center, mountains in south

Guatemala
  mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling
  limestone plateau

Guernsey
  mostly level with low hills in southwest

Guinea
  generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior

Guinea-Bissau
  mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east

Guyana
  mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

Haiti
  mostly rough and mountainous

Heard Island and McDonald Islands Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky

Holy See (Vatican City)
  urban; low hill

Honduras
  mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains

Hong Kong
  hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north

Hungary
  mostly flat to rolling plains; hills and low mountains on
  the Slovakian border

Iceland
  mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields;
  coast deeply indented by bays and fiords

India
  upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain
  along the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north

Indian Ocean
  surface dominated by counterclockwise gyre (broad,
  circular system of currents) in the southern Indian Ocean; unique
  reversal of surface currents in the northern Indian Ocean; low
  atmospheric pressure over southwest Asia from hot, rising, summer
  air results in the southwest monsoon and southwest-to-northeast
  winds and currents, while high pressure over northern Asia from
  cold, falling, winter air results in the northeast monsoon and
  northeast-to-southwest winds and currents; ocean floor is dominated
  by the Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge and subdivided by the Southeast Indian
  Ocean Ridge, Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, and Ninetyeast Ridge

Indonesia
  mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior
  mountains

Iran
  rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts,
  mountains; small, discontinuous plains along both coasts

Iraq
  mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in
  south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran
  and Turkey

Ireland
  mostly level to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged
  hills and low mountains; sea cliffs on west coast

Isle of Man
  hills in north and south bisected by central valley

Israel
  Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central
  mountains; Jordan Rift Valley

Italy
  mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands

Jamaica
  mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain

Jan Mayen
  volcanic island, partly covered by glaciers

Japan
  mostly rugged and mountainous

Jersey
  gently rolling plain with low, rugged hills along north coast

Jordan
  mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great
  Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River

Kazakhstan
  vast flat steppe extending from the Volga in the west to
  the Altai Mountains in the east and from the plains of western
  Siberia in the north to oases and deserts of Central Asia in the
  south

Kenya
  low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift
  Valley; fertile plateau in west

Kiribati
  mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs

Korea, North
  mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow
  valleys; coastal plains wide in west, discontinuous in east

Korea, South
  mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west
  and south

Kosovo
  flat fluvial basin with an elevation of 400-700 m above sea
  level surrounded by several high mountain ranges with elevations of
  2,000 to 2,500 m

Kuwait
  flat to slightly undulating desert plain

Kyrgyzstan
  peaks of Tien Shan and associated valleys and basins
  encompass entire nation

Laos
  mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Latvia
  low plain

Lebanon
  narrow coastal plain; El Beqaa (Bekaa Valley) separates
  Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains

Lesotho
  mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains

Liberia
  mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling
  plateau and low mountains in northeast

Libya
  mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions

Liechtenstein
  mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western
  third

Lithuania
  lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil

Luxembourg
  mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow
  valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope
  down to Moselle flood plain in the southeast

Macau
  generally flat

Macedonia
  mountainous territory covered with deep basins and
  valleys; three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country
  bisected by the Vardar River

Madagascar
  narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center

Malawi
  narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills,
  some mountains

Malaysia
  coastal plains rising to hills and mountains

Maldives
  flat, with white sandy beaches

Mali
  mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna
  in south, rugged hills in northeast

Malta
  mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal
  cliffs

Marshall Islands
  low coral limestone and sand islands

Mauritania
  mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central
  hills

Mauritius
  small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains
  encircling central plateau

Mayotte
  generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic
  peaks

Mexico
  high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus;
  desert

Micronesia, Federated States of islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk

Moldova
  rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea

Monaco
  hilly, rugged, rocky

Mongolia
  vast semidesert and desert plains, grassy steppe, mountains
  in west and southwest; Gobi Desert in south-central

Montenegro
  highly indented coastline with narrow coastal plain
  backed by rugged high limestone mountains and plateaus

Montserrat
  volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal
  lowland

Morocco
  northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas
  of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains

Mozambique
  mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus
  in northwest, mountains in west

Namibia
  mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari
  Desert in east

Nauru
  sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs
  with phosphate plateau in center

Navassa Island
  raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to
  undulating; ringed by vertical white cliffs (9 to 15 m high)

Nepal
  Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill
  region, rugged Himalayas in north

Netherlands
  mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders);
  some hills in southeast

New Caledonia
  coastal plains with interior mountains

New Zealand
  predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains

Nicaragua
  extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central
  interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by
  volcanoes

Niger
  predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling
  plains in south; hills in north

Nigeria
  southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus;
  mountains in southeast, plains in north

Niue
  steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau

Norfolk Island
  volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains

Northern Mariana Islands
  southern islands are limestone with level
  terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic

Norway
  glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken
  by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply
  indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north

Oman
  central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Pacific Ocean
  surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated
  by a clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents)
  and in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre;
  in the northern Pacific, sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of
  Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific, sea ice from Antarctica
  reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the
  eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the
  western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the Mariana
  Trench, which is the world's deepest

Pakistan
  flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest;
  Balochistan plateau in west

Palau
  varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of
  Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier
  reefs

Panama
  interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland
  plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills

Papua New Guinea
  mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling
  foothills

Paracel Islands
  mostly low and flat

Paraguay
  grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran
  Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the
  river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere

Peru
  western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center
  (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)

Philippines
  mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal
  lowlands

Pitcairn Islands
  rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with
  cliffs

Poland
  mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

Portugal
  mountainous north of the Tagus River, rolling plains in
  south

Puerto Rico
  mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north;
  mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most
  coastal areas

Qatar
  mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and
  gravel

Romania
  central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Moldavian
  Plateau on the east by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and
  separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian
  Alps

Russia
  broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous
  forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern
  border regions

Rwanda
  mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with
  altitude declining from west to east

Saint Barthelemy
  hilly, almost completely surrounded by
  shallow-water reefs, with 20 beaches

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  the islands of this
  group result from volcanic activity associated with the Atlantic
  Mid-Ocean Ridge
  Saint Helena: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains
  Ascension: surface covered by lava flows and cinder cones of 44
  dormant volcanoes; ground rises to the east
  Tristan da Cunha: sheer cliffs line the coastline of the nearly
  circular island; the flanks of the central volcanic peak are deeply
  dissected; narrow coastal plain lies between The Peak and the
  coastal cliffs

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  volcanic with mountainous interiors

Saint Lucia
  volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  mostly barren rock

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  volcanic, mountainous

Samoa
  two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands
  and uninhabited islets; narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky,
  rugged mountains in interior

San Marino
  rugged mountains

Sao Tome and Principe
  volcanic, mountainous

Saudi Arabia
  mostly uninhabited, sandy desert

Senegal
  generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in
  southeast

Serbia
  extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the
  east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient
  mountains and hills

Seychelles
  Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky,
  hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs

Sierra Leone
  coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country,
  upland plateau, mountains in east

Singapore
  lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water
  catchment area and nature preserve

Sint Maarten
  low, hilly terrain, volcanic origin

Slovakia
  rugged mountains in the central and northern part and
  lowlands in the south

Slovenia
  a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain
  region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys
  with numerous rivers to the east

Solomon Islands
  mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls

Somalia
  mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north

South Africa
  vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow
  coastal plain

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  most of the islands, rising
  steeply from the sea, are rugged and mountainous; South Georgia is
  largely barren and has steep, glacier-covered mountains; the South
  Sandwich Islands are of volcanic origin with some active volcanoes

Southern Ocean
  the Southern Ocean is deep, 4,000 to 5,000 m over
  most of its extent with only limited areas of shallow water; the
  Antarctic continental shelf is generally narrow and unusually deep,
  its edge lying at depths of 400 to 800 m (the global mean is 133 m);
  the Antarctic icepack grows from an average minimum of 2.6 million
  sq km in March to about 18.8 million sq km in September, better than
  a sixfold increase in area; the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
  (21,000 km in length) moves perpetually eastward; it is the world's
  largest ocean current, transporting 130 million cubic meters of
  water per second - 100 times the flow of all the world's rivers

Spain
  large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills;
  Pyrenees in north

Spratly Islands
  flat

Sri Lanka
  mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in
  south-central interior

Sudan
  generally flat, featureless plain; mountains in far south,
  northeast and west; desert dominates the north

Suriname
  mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps

Svalbard
  wild, rugged mountains; much of high land ice covered; west
  coast clear of ice about one-half of the year; fjords along west and
  north coasts

Swaziland
  mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains

Sweden
  mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west

Switzerland
  mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with
  a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes

Syria
  primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain;
  mountains in west

Taiwan
  eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently
  rolling plains in west

Tajikistan
  Pamir and Alay Mountains dominate landscape; western
  Fergana Valley in north, Kofarnihon and Vakhsh Valleys in southwest

Tanzania
  plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north,
  south

Thailand
  central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains
  elsewhere

Timor-Leste
  mountainous

Togo
  gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern
  plateau; low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes

Tokelau
  low-lying coral atolls enclosing large lagoons

Tonga
  most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral
  formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base

Trinidad and Tobago
  mostly plains with some hills and low mountains

Tunisia
  mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south
  merges into the Sahara

Turkey
  high central plateau (Anatolia); narrow coastal plain;
  several mountain ranges

Turkmenistan
  flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes rising to
  mountains in the south; low mountains along border with Iran;
  borders Caspian Sea in west

Turks and Caicos Islands low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps

Tuvalu
  low-lying and narrow coral atolls

Uganda
  mostly plateau with rim of mountains

Ukraine
  most of Ukraine consists of fertile plains (steppes) and
  plateaus, mountains being found only in the west (the Carpathians),
  and in the Crimean Peninsula in the extreme south

United Arab Emirates
  flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling
  sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east

United Kingdom
  mostly rugged hills and low mountains; level to
  rolling plains in east and southeast

United States
  vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low
  mountains in east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in
  Alaska; rugged, volcanic topography in Hawaii

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  low and nearly level
  sandy coral islands with narrow fringing reefs that have developed
  at the top of submerged volcanic mountains, which in most cases rise
  steeply from the ocean floor

Uruguay
  mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland

Uzbekistan
  mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad,
  flat intensely irrigated river valleys along course of Amu Darya,
  Syr Darya (Sirdaryo), and Zarafshon; Fergana Valley in east
  surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral
  Sea in west

Vanuatu
  mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow
  coastal plains

Venezuela
  Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest;
  central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast

Vietnam
  low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands;
  hilly, mountainous in far north and northwest

Virgin Islands
  mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little
  level land

Wake Island
  atoll of three low coral islands, Peale, Wake, and
  Wilkes, built up on an underwater volcano; central lagoon is former
  crater, islands are part of the rim

Wallis and Futuna
  volcanic origin; low hills

West Bank
  mostly rugged dissected upland, some vegetation in west,
  but barren in east

Western Sahara
  mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or
  sandy surfaces rising to small mountains in south and northeast

World
  the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924 m in
  the Pacific Ocean

Yemen
  narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills and rugged
  mountains; dissected upland desert plains in center slope into the
  desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula

Zambia
  mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains

Zimbabwe
  mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high
  veld); mountains in east

======================================================================

@2127

Field Listing :: Total fertility rate

  This entry gives a figure for the average number of children that
  would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their
  childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility
  rate at each age. The total fertility rate (TFR) is a more direct
  measure of the level of fertility than the crude birth rate, since
  it refers to births per woman. This indicator shows the potential
  for population change in the country. A rate of two children per
  woman is considered the replacement rate for a population, resulting
  in relative stability in terms of total numbers. Rates above two
  children indicate populations growing in size and whose median age
  is declining. Higher rates may also indicate difficulties for
  families, in some situations, to feed and educate their children and
  for women to enter the labor force. Rates below two children
  indicate populations decreasing in size and growing older. Global
  fertility rates are in general decline and this trend is most
  pronounced in industrialized countries, especially Western Europe,
  where populations are projected to decline dramatically over the
  next 50 years.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Total fertility rate(children born/woman)

Afghanistan
  5.5 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Albania
  1.47 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Algeria
  1.76 children born/woman (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  3.22 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Andorra
  1.34 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Angola
  6.05 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  1.75 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  2.06 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Argentina
  2.33 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Armenia
  1.36 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Aruba
  1.85 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Australia
  1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Austria
  1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  2.03 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  2 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  2.47 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Barbados
  1.68 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Belarus
  1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Belgium
  1.65 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Belize
  3.28 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Benin
  5.4 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  1.98 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  2.29 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  3.07 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  1.26 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Botswana
  2.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Brazil
  2.19 children born/woman (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  1.71 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Brunei
  1.88 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  1.41 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  6.21 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Burma
  2.28 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Burundi
  6.25 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  2.9 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  4.25 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Canada
  1.58 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  2.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  1.88 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  4.68 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Chad
  5.18 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Chile
  1.9 children born/woman (2010 est.)

China
  1.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  NA

Colombia
  2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Comoros
  4.78 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.11 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  5.77 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  1.93 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  4.01 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Croatia
  1.43 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Cuba
  1.61 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Curacao
  2.1 children born/woman (2009)

Cyprus
  1.45 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Denmark
  1.74 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  2.79 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Dominica
  2.08 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  2.47 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  2.46 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Egypt
  3.01 children born/woman (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  2.12 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  5 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  4.6 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Estonia
  1.43 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  6.07 children born/woman (2010 est.)

European Union
  1.51 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA

Faroe Islands
  2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Fiji
  2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Finland
  1.73 children born/woman (2010 est.)

France
  1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Gabon
  4.62 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  4.96 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  4.9 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Georgia
  1.44 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Germany
  1.42 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Ghana
  3.57 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  1.96 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Greece
  1.37 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Greenland
  2.16 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Grenada
  2.21 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guam
  2.52 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  3.36 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  1.53 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guinea
  5.15 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  4.58 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Guyana
  2.4 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Haiti
  3.07 children born/woman (2011 est.)

Honduras
  3.17 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  1.04 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Hungary
  1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Iceland
  1.9 children born/woman (2010 est.)

India
  2.65 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  2.28 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Iran
  1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Iraq
  3.76 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Ireland
  2.03 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Israel
  2.72 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Italy
  1.32 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  2.21 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Japan
  1.2 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Jersey
  1.66 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Jordan
  3.42 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  1.87 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Kenya
  4.38 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  2.86 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  1.94 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  1.22 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  2.7 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  2.64 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Laos
  3.22 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Latvia
  1.31 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  3 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Liberia
  5.24 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Libya
  3.01 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  1.53 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  1.24 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  1.78 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Macau
  0.91 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  1.58 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  5.09 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Malawi
  5.51 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  2.7 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Maldives
  1.83 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mali
  6.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Malta
  1.52 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  3.51 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mauritania
  4.37 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  1.8 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  5.4 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mexico
  2.31 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  2.8 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Moldova
  1.28 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Monaco
  1.5 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  2.22 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  1.25 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Morocco
  2.23 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  5.13 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Namibia
  2.57 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Nauru
  3.13 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Nepal
  2.53 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  1.66 children born/woman (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  2.09 children born/woman (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  2.09 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  2.51 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Niger
  7.68 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  4.82 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Niue
  NA

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Norway
  1.77 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Oman
  2.87 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  3.28 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Palau
  1.73 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Panama
  2.48 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  3.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  2.16 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Peru
  2.32 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Philippines
  3.23 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  NA

Poland
  1.29 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Portugal
  1.5 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  1.62 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Qatar
  2.44 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Romania
  1.27 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Russia
  1.41 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  4.99 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 1.56 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  1.79 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  1.82 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  1.54 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  1.94 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Samoa
  3.32 children born/woman (2010 est.)

San Marino
  1.46 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  5.21 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  2.35 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Senegal
  4.86 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Serbia
  1.39 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  4.97 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Singapore
  1.1 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  1.7 children born/woman (2009)

Slovakia
  1.36 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  1.29 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  3.67 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Somalia
  6.44 children born/woman (2010 est.)

South Africa
  2.33 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Spain
  1.47 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  1.96 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sudan
  4.93 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Suriname
  1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Svalbard
  NA

Swaziland
  3.19 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Sweden
  1.67 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  1.46 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Syria
  3.02 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  1.15 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  2.94 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  4.31 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Thailand
  1.65 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  3.2 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Togo
  4.74 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  2 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  1.72 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  1.71 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Turkey
  2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  2.19 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  2.92 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  3.14 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Uganda
  6.73 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  1.27 children born/woman (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  2.41 children born/woman (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.)

United States
  2.06 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  1.92 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  2.43 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  2.45 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  1.93 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  1.81 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  1.84 children born/woman (2010 est.)

West Bank
  3.12 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  4.37 children born/woman (2010 est.)

World
  2.56 children born/woman (2009 est.)

Yemen
  4.81 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Zambia
  6.07 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  3.66 children born/woman (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2128

Field Listing :: Government type

This entry gives the basic form of government. Definitions of the major governmental terms are as follows. (Note that for some countries more than one definition applies.): Absolute monarchy - a form of government where the monarch rules unhindered, i.e., without any laws, constitution, or legally organized opposition. Anarchy - a condition of lawlessness or political disorder brought about by the absence of governmental authority. Authoritarian - a form of government in which state authority is imposed onto many aspects of citizens' lives. Commonwealth - a nation, state, or other political entity founded on law and united by a compact of the people for the common good. Communist - a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single - often authoritarian - party holds power; state controls are imposed with the elimination of private ownership of property or capital while claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people (i.e., a classless society). Confederacy (Confederation) - a union by compact or treaty between states, provinces, or territories, that creates a central government with limited powers; the constituent entities retain supreme authority over all matters except those delegated to the central government. Constitutional - a government by or operating under an authoritative document (constitution) that sets forth the system of fundamental laws and principles that determines the nature, functions, and limits of that government. Constitutional democracy - a form of government in which the sovereign power of the people is spelled out in a governing constitution. Constitutional monarchy - a system of government in which a monarch is guided by a constitution whereby his/her rights, duties, and responsibilities are spelled out in written law or by custom. Democracy - a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed. Democratic republic - a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them. Dictatorship - a form of government in which a ruler or small clique wield absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws). Ecclesiastical - a government administrated by a church. Emirate - similar to a monarchy or sultanate, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of an emir (the ruler of a Muslim state); the emir may be an absolute overlord or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Federal (Federation) - a form of government in which sovereign power is formally divided - usually by means of a constitution - between a central authority and a number of constituent regions (states, colonies, or provinces) so that each region retains some management of its internal affairs; differs from a confederacy in that the central government exerts influence directly upon both individuals as well as upon the regional units. Federal republic - a state in which the powers of the central government are restricted and in which the component parts (states, colonies, or provinces) retain a degree of self-government; ultimate sovereign power rests with the voters who chose their governmental representatives. Islamic republic - a particular form of government adopted by some Muslim states; although such a state is, in theory, a theocracy, it remains a republic, but its laws are required to be compatible with the laws of Islam. Maoism - the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in China by Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung), which states that a continuous revolution is necessary if the leaders of a communist state are to keep in touch with the people. Marxism - the political, economic, and social principles espoused by 19th century economist Karl Marx; he viewed the struggle of workers as a progression of historical forces that would proceed from a class struggle of the proletariat (workers) exploited by capitalists (business owners), to a socialist "dictatorship of the proletariat," to, finally, a classless society - Communism. Marxism-Leninism - an expanded form of communism developed by Lenin from doctrines of Karl Marx; Lenin saw imperialism as the final stage of capitalism and shifted the focus of workers' struggle from developed to underdeveloped countries. Monarchy - a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - with constitutionally limited authority. Oligarchy - a government in which control is exercised by a small group of individuals whose authority generally is based on wealth or power. Parliamentary democracy - a political system in which the legislature (parliament) selects the government - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor along with the cabinet ministers - according to party strength as expressed in elections; by this system, the government acquires a dual responsibility: to the people as well as to the parliament. Parliamentary government (Cabinet-Parliamentary government) - a government in which members of an executive branch (the cabinet and its leader - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor) are nominated to their positions by a legislature or parliament, and are directly responsible to it; this type of government can be dissolved at will by the parliament (legislature) by means of a no confidence vote or the leader of the cabinet may dissolve the parliament if it can no longer function. Parliamentary monarchy - a state headed by a monarch who is not actively involved in policy formation or implementation (i.e., the exercise of sovereign powers by a monarch in a ceremonial capacity); true governmental leadership is carried out by a cabinet and its head - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor - who are drawn from a legislature (parliament). Presidential - a system of government where the executive branch exists separately from a legislature (to which it is generally not accountable). Republic - a representative democracy in which the people's elected deputies (representatives), not the people themselves, vote on legislation. Socialism - a government in which the means of planning, producing, and distributing goods is controlled by a central government that theoretically seeks a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor; in actuality, most socialist governments have ended up being no more than dictatorships over workers by a ruling elite. Sultanate - similar to a monarchy, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of a sultan (the head of a Muslim state); the sultan may be an absolute ruler or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Theocracy - a form of government in which a Deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the Deity's laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities (bishops, mullahs, etc.); a government subject to religious authority. Totalitarian - a government that seeks to subordinate the individual to the state by controlling not only all political and economic matters, but also the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population. Country

Government type

Afghanistan
  Islamic republic

Albania
  republic

Algeria
  republic

American Samoa
  NA

Andorra
  parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as
  its chiefs of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the
  president of France and bishop of Seu d'Urgell, Spain, who are
  represented in Andorra by the coprinces' representatives

Angola
  republic; multiparty presidential regime

Anguilla
  NA

Antarctica Antarctic Treaty Summary - the Antarctic region is governed by a system known as the Antarctic Treaty System; the system includes: 1. the Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, which establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica, 2. Recommendations and Measures adopted at meetings of Antarctic Treaty countries, 3. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972), 4. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980), and 5. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991); the 33rd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Punta del Este, Uruguay in May 2010; at these periodic meetings, decisions are made by consensus (not by vote) of all consultative member nations; by April 2010, there were 48 treaty member nations: 28 consultative and 20 non-consultative; consultative (decision-making) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 21 non-claimant nations; the US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims; the US does not recognize the claims of others; Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations; decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; the years in parentheses indicate when a consultative member-nation acceded to the Treaty and when it was accepted as a consultative member, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory; claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998) China (1983/1985), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1962/1993), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Monaco (2008), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993; claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998) China (1983/1985), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1962/1993), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Monaco (2008), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993; Article 1 - area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose; Article 2 - freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3 - free exchange of information and personnel, cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4 - does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5 - prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes; Article 6 - includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south and reserves high seas rights; Article 7 - treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all expeditions and of the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8 - allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9 - frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10 - treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11 - disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14 - deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations; other agreements - some 200 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and ratified by governments; a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988 but remains unratified; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment through six specific annexes: 1) environmental impact assessment, 2) conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, 3) waste disposal and waste management, 4) prevention of marine pollution, 5) area protection and management and 6) liability arising from environmental emergencies; it prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research; a permanent Antarctic Treaty Secretariat was established in 2004 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Antigua and Barbuda constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government and a Commonwealth realm

Argentina
  republic

Armenia
  republic

Aruba
  parliamentary democracy

Australia
  federal parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Austria
  federal republic

Azerbaijan
  republic

Bahamas, The
  constitutional parliamentary democracy and a
  Commonwealth realm

Bahrain
  constitutional monarchy

Bangladesh
  parliamentary democracy

Barbados
  parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Belarus
  republic in name, although in fact a dictatorship

Belgium
  federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional
  monarchy

Belize
  parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Benin
  republic

Bermuda
  parliamentary; self-governing territory

Bhutan
  constitutional monarchy

Bolivia
  republic; note - the new constitution defines Bolivia as a
  "Social Unitarian State"

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  emerging federal democratic republic

Botswana
  parliamentary republic

Brazil
  federal republic

British Virgin Islands
  NA

Brunei
  constitutional sultanate (locally known as Malay Islamic
  Monarchy)

Bulgaria
  parliamentary democracy

Burkina Faso
  parliamentary republic

Burma
  military regime

Burundi
  republic

Cambodia
  multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Cameroon
  republic; multiparty presidential regime

Canada
  a parliamentary democracy, a federation, and a constitutional
  monarchy

Cape Verde
  republic

Cayman Islands
  parliamentary democracy

Central African Republic
  republic

Chad
  republic

Chile
  republic

China
  Communist state

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  NA

Colombia
  republic; executive branch dominates government structure

Comoros
  republic

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  republic

Congo, Republic of the
  republic

Cook Islands
  self-governing parliamentary democracy

Costa Rica
  democratic republic

Cote d'Ivoire
  republic; multiparty presidential regime established
  1960
  note: the government is currently operating under a power-sharing
  agreement mandated by international mediators

Croatia
  presidential/parliamentary democracy

Cuba
  Communist state

Curacao
  parliamentary

Cyprus
  republic
  note: a separation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the
  island began following the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this
  separation was further solidified after the Turkish intervention in
  July 1974 that followed a Greek military-junta-supported coup
  attempt that gave the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in the
  north; Greek Cypriots control the only internationally recognized
  government; on 15 November 1983 Turkish Cypriot "President" Rauf
  DENKTASH declared independence and the formation of a "Turkish
  Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"), which is recognized only by
  Turkey

Czech Republic
  parliamentary democracy

Denmark
  constitutional monarchy

Djibouti
  republic

Dominica
  parliamentary democracy

Dominican Republic
  democratic republic

Ecuador
  republic

Egypt
  republic

El Salvador
  republic

Equatorial Guinea
  republic

Eritrea
  transitional government
  note: following a successful referendum on independence for the
  Autonomous Region of Eritrea on 23-25 April 1993, a National
  Assembly, composed entirely of the People's Front for Democracy and
  Justice or PFDJ, was established as a transitional legislature; a
  Constitutional Commission was also established to draft a
  constitution; ISAIAS Afworki was elected president by the
  transitional legislature; the constitution, ratified in May 1997,
  did not enter into effect, pending parliamentary and presidential
  elections; parliamentary elections were scheduled in December 2001
  but were postponed indefinitely; currently the sole legal party is
  the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ)

Estonia
  parliamentary republic

Ethiopia
  federal republic

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA

Faroe Islands
  NA

Fiji
  republic

Finland
  republic

France
  republic

French Polynesia
  NA

Gabon
  republic; multiparty presidential regime

Gambia, The
  republic

Georgia
  republic

Germany
  federal republic

Ghana
  constitutional democracy

Gibraltar
  NA

Greece
  parliamentary republic

Greenland
  parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy

Grenada
  parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Guam
  NA

Guatemala
  constitutional democratic republic

Guernsey
  parliamentary democracy

Guinea
  republic

Guinea-Bissau
  republic

Guyana
  republic

Haiti
  republic

Holy See (Vatican City)
  ecclesiastical

Honduras
  democratic constitutional republic

Hong Kong
  limited democracy

Hungary
  parliamentary democracy

Iceland
  constitutional republic

India
  federal republic

Indonesia
  republic

Iran
  theocratic republic

Iraq
  parliamentary democracy

Ireland
  republic, parliamentary democracy

Isle of Man
  parliamentary democracy

Israel
  parliamentary democracy

Italy
  republic

Jamaica
  constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth
  realm

Japan
  a parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy

Jersey
  parliamentary democracy

Jordan
  constitutional monarchy

Kazakhstan
  republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little
  power outside the executive branch

Kenya
  republic

Kiribati
  republic

Korea, North
  Communist state one-man dictatorship

Korea, South
  republic

Kosovo
  republic

Kuwait
  constitutional emirate

Kyrgyzstan
  republic

Laos
  Communist state

Latvia
  parliamentary democracy

Lebanon
  republic

Lesotho
  parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Liberia
  republic

Libya
  Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the
  populace through local councils; in practice, an authoritarian state

Liechtenstein
  constitutional monarchy

Lithuania
  parliamentary democracy

Luxembourg
  constitutional monarchy

Macau
  limited democracy

Macedonia
  parliamentary democracy

Madagascar
  republic

Malawi
  multiparty democracy

Malaysia
  constitutional monarchy
  note: nominally headed by paramount ruler (commonly referred to as
  the King) and a bicameral Parliament consisting of a nonelected
  upper house and an elected lower house; all Peninsular Malaysian
  states have hereditary rulers (commonly referred to as sultans)
  except Melaka and Pulau Pinang (Penang); those two states along with
  Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia have governors appointed by
  government; powers of state governments are limited by federal
  constitution; under terms of federation, Sabah and Sarawak retain
  certain constitutional prerogatives (e.g., right to maintain their
  own immigration controls)

Maldives
  republic

Mali
  republic

Malta
  republic

Marshall Islands
  constitutional government in free association with
  the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 21
  October 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004

Mauritania
  military junta

Mauritius
  parliamentary democracy

Mayotte
  NA

Mexico
  federal republic

Micronesia, Federated States of constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 3 November 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004

Moldova
  republic

Monaco
  constitutional monarchy

Mongolia
  parliamentary

Montenegro
  republic

Montserrat
  NA

Morocco
  constitutional monarchy

Mozambique
  republic

Namibia
  republic

Nauru
  republic

Nepal
  federal democratic republic

Netherlands
  constitutional monarchy

New Caledonia
  NA

New Zealand
  parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Nicaragua
  republic

Niger
  republic

Nigeria
  federal republic

Niue
  self-governing parliamentary democracy

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

Norway
  constitutional monarchy

Oman
  monarchy

Pakistan
  federal republic

Palau
  constitutional government in free association with the US; the
  Compact of Free Association entered into force on 1 October 1994

Panama
  constitutional democracy

Papua New Guinea
  constitutional parliamentary democracy and a
  Commonwealth realm

Paraguay
  constitutional republic

Peru
  constitutional republic

Philippines
  republic

Pitcairn Islands
  NA

Poland
  republic

Portugal
  republic; parliamentary democracy

Puerto Rico
  commonwealth

Qatar
  emirate

Romania
  republic

Russia
  federation

Rwanda
  republic; presidential, multiparty system

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Saint Lucia
  parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  parliamentary democracy and a
  Commonwealth realm

Samoa
  parliamentary democracy

San Marino
  republic

Sao Tome and Principe
  republic

Saudi Arabia
  monarchy

Senegal
  republic

Serbia
  republic

Seychelles
  republic

Sierra Leone
  constitutional democracy

Singapore
  parliamentary republic

Sint Maarten
  parliamentary

Slovakia
  parliamentary democracy

Slovenia
  parliamentary republic

Solomon Islands
  parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Somalia
  no permanent national government; transitional,
  parliamentary federal government

South Africa
  republic

Spain
  parliamentary monarchy

Sri Lanka
  republic

Sudan
  Government of National Unity (GNU) - the National Congress
  Party (NCP) and Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) formed a
  power-sharing government under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace
  Agreement (CPA); the NCP, which came to power by military coup in
  1989, is the majority partner; the agreement stipulated national
  elections in 2009, but these were subsequently rescheduled for April
  2010

Suriname
  constitutional democracy

Svalbard
  NA

Swaziland
  monarchy

Sweden
  constitutional monarchy

Switzerland
  formally a confederation but similar in structure to a
  federal republic

Syria
  republic under an authoritarian regime

Taiwan
  multiparty democracy

Tajikistan
  republic

Tanzania
  republic

Thailand
  constitutional monarchy

Timor-Leste
  republic

Togo
  republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  constitutional monarchy

Trinidad and Tobago
  parliamentary democracy

Tunisia
  republic

Turkey
  republican parliamentary democracy

Turkmenistan
  defines itself as a secular democracy and a
  presidential republic; in actuality displays authoritarian
  presidential rule, with power concentrated within the presidential
  administration

Turks and Caicos Islands
  NA

Tuvalu
  parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Uganda
  republic

Ukraine
  republic

United Arab Emirates
  federation with specified powers delegated to
  the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member
  emirates

United Kingdom
  constitutional monarchy and Commonwealth realm

United States
  Constitution-based federal republic; strong democratic
  tradition

Uruguay
  constitutional republic

Uzbekistan
  republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little
  power outside the executive branch

Vanuatu
  parliamentary republic

Venezuela
  federal republic

Vietnam
  Communist state

Virgin Islands
  NA

Wallis and Futuna
  NA

Western Sahara
  legal status of territory and issue of sovereignty
  unresolved; territory contested by Morocco and Polisario Front
  (Popular Front for the Liberation of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de
  Oro), which in February 1976 formally proclaimed a
  government-in-exile, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR),
  near Tindouf, Algeria, led by President Mohamed ABDELAZIZ; territory
  partitioned between Morocco and Mauritania in April 1976 when Spain
  withdrew, with Morocco acquiring northern two-thirds; Mauritania,
  under pressure from Polisario guerrillas, abandoned all claims to
  its portion in August 1979; Morocco moved to occupy that sector
  shortly thereafter and has since asserted administrative control;
  the Polisario's government-in-exile was seated as an Organization of
  African Unity (OAU) member in 1984; Morocco between 1980 and 1987
  built a fortified sand berm delineating the roughly 80 percent of
  Western Sahara west of the barrier that currently is controlled by
  Morocco; guerrilla activities continued sporadically until a
  UN-monitored cease-fire was implemented on 6 September 1991
  (Security Council Resolution 690) by the United Nations Mission for
  the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)

Yemen
  republic

Zambia
  republic

Zimbabwe
  parliamentary democracy

======================================================================

@2129

Field Listing :: Unemployment rate

  This entry contains the percent of the labor force that is without
  jobs. Substantial underemployment might be noted.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Unemployment rate(%)

Afghanistan 35% (2008 est.) 40% (2005 est.)

Albania
  12.7% (2010 est.)
  12.8% (2009 est.)
  note: these are official rates, but actual rates may exceed 30% due
  to preponderance of near-subsistence farming

Algeria 9.9% (2010 est.) 10.2% (2009 est.)

American Samoa 29.8% (2005)

Andorra 7% (2008) 0% (2007)

Angola
  NA

Anguilla
  8% (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda
  11% (2001 est.)

Argentina 7.9% (2010 est.) 8.7% (2009 est.) note: based on official data, which may understate unemployment

Armenia
  7.1% (2007 est.)

Aruba
  6.9% (2005 est.)

Australia
  5.1% (2010 est.)
  5.6% (2009 est.)

Austria
  4.6% (2010 est.)
  4.8% (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  0.9% (2010 est.)
  6% (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
  7.6% (2006 est.)

Bahrain
  15% (2005 est.)

Bangladesh
  5.1% (2010 est.)
  5.1% (2009 est.)
  note: about 40% of the population is underemployed; many
  participants in the labor force work only a few hours a week, at low
  wages

Barbados
  10.7% (2003 est.)

Belarus
  1% (2009 est.)
  1.6% (2005)
  note: official registered unemployed; large number of underemployed
  workers

Belgium
  8.1% (2010 est.)
  7.9% (2009 est.)

Belize
  13.1% (2009)
  8.2% (2008)

Benin
  NA%

Bermuda
  2.1% (2004 est.)

Bhutan
  4% (2009)
  2.5% (2004)

Bolivia
  8.3% (2010 est.)
  7.7% (2009 est.)
  note: data are for urban areas; widespread underemployment

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  27.2% (2010 est.)
  24.1% (2009 est.)
  note: official rate

Botswana
  7.5% (2007 est.)

Brazil 7% (2010 est.) 8.1% (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands 3.6% (1997)

Brunei
  3.7% (2008)
  4% (2006)

Bulgaria
  9.5% (2010 est.)
  6.3% (2008 est.)

Burkina Faso
  77% (2004)

Burma
  5.7% (2010 est.)
  4.9% (2009 est.)

Burundi
  NA%

Cambodia 3.5% (2007 est.) 2.5% (2000 est.)

Cameroon 30% (2001 est.)

Canada 8% (2010 est.) 8.3% (2009 est.)

Cape Verde 21% (2000 est.)

Cayman Islands
  4% (2008)
  4.4% (2004)

Central African Republic
  8% (2001 est.)
  note: 23% unemployment for Bangui

Chad
  NA% est.)

Chile
  8.7% (2010 est.)
  9.6% (2009 est.)

China
  4.3% (September 2009 est.)
  4.2% (December 2008 est.)
  note: official data for urban areas only; including migrants may
  boost total unemployment to 9%; substantial unemployment and
  underemployment in rural areas

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  60% (2000 est.)

Colombia 11.2% (2010 est.) 12% (2009 est.)

Comoros
  20% (1996 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  NA%

Congo, Republic of the
  NA%

Cook Islands
  13.1% (2005)

Costa Rica
  6.6% (2010 est.)
  7.8% (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  NA
  note: unemployment may have climbed to 40-50% as a result of the
  civil war

Croatia
  17.6% (2010 est.)
  16.1% (2009 est.)

Cuba
  2% (2010 est.)
  1.7% (2009 est.)

Curacao
  10.3% (2008 est.)

Cyprus
  6% (2010 est.)
  5.3% (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  9.3% (2010 est.)
  8.1% (2009 est.)

Denmark
  4.2% (2010 est.)
  4.3% (2009 est.)

Djibouti
  59% (2007 est.)
  note: data are for urban areas, 83% in rural areas

Dominica
  23% (2000 est.)

Dominican Republic
  14.2% (2010 est.)
  14.9% (2009 est.)

Ecuador
  7.6% (2010 est.)
  8.5% (2009 est.)

Egypt
  9.7% (2010 est.)
  9.4% (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  7% (2010 est.)
  7.2% (2009 est.)
  note: data are official rates; but the economy has much
  underemployment

Equatorial Guinea
  30% (1998 est.)

Eritrea
  NA%

Estonia
  13.5% (2010 est.)
  13.8% (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  NA%

European Union
  9.5% (2010 est.)
  9% (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA%

Faroe Islands 3.9% (2009) 1.2% (2008)

Fiji 7.6% (1999)

Finland
  7.9% (2010 est.)
  8.2% (2009 est.)

France
  9.5% (2010 est.)
  9.1% (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
  11.7% (2005)

Gabon
  21% (2006 est.); NA%

Gambia, The
  NA%

Gaza Strip
  40% (2010 est.)
  40% (2009 est.)

Georgia
  16.4% (2009 est.)
  13.6% (2006 est.)

Germany
  7.1% (2010 est.)
  7.5% (2009 est.)
  note: this is the International Labor Organization's estimated rate
  for international comparisons; Germany's Federal Employment Office
  estimated a seasonally adjusted rate of 10.8%

Ghana
  11% (2000 est.)

Gibraltar
  3% (2005 est.)

Greece
  12% (2010 est.)
  9.4% (2009 est.)

Greenland
  6.8% (2007 est.)
  7.3% (2006 est.)

Grenada
  12.5% (2000)

Guam
  11.4% (2002 est.)

Guatemala
  3.2% (2005 est.)

Guernsey
  0.9% (March 2006 est.)

Guinea
  NA% est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  NA%

Guyana
  11% (2007)

Haiti
  NA% est.)
  note: widespread unemployment and underemployment; more than
  two-thirds of the labor force do not have formal jobs

Honduras
  5.1% (2010 est.)
  3.2% (2009 est.)
  note: about 36% are unemployed or underemployed

Hong Kong
  4.6% (2010 est.)
  5.2% (2009 est.)

Hungary
  11.5% (2010 est.)
  10% (2009 est.)

Iceland
  8.6% (2010 est.)
  8% (2009 est.)

India
  10.8% (2010 est.)
  10.7% (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  7.1% (2010 est.)
  8.1% (2009 est.)

Iran
  14.6% (2010 est.)
  10.3% (2008 est.)
  note: data are according to the Iranian Government

Iraq
  15.3% (2009 est.)
  15.2% (2008 est.)

Ireland
  13.7% (2010 est.)
  11.8% (2009 est.)

Isle of Man
  1.8% (October 2010 est.)
  1.5% (December 2006 est.)

Israel
  6.4% (2010 est.)
  7.6% (2009 est.)

Italy
  8.4% (2010 est.)
  7.8% (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  12.9% (2010 est.)
  11.4% (2009 est.)

Japan
  5.2% (2010 est.)
  5.1% (2009 est.)

Jersey
  2.2% (2006 est.)

Jordan
  13.4% (2010 est.)
  12.9% (2009 est.)
  note: official rate; unofficial rate is approximately 30%

Kazakhstan
  5.5% (2010 est.)
  6.3% (2009 est.)

Kenya
  40% (2008 est.)
  40% (2001 est.)

Kiribati
  2% (1992 est.)

Korea, North
  NA%

Korea, South 3.7% (2010 est.) 3.7% (2009 est.)

Kosovo
  16.6% (2009 est.); 14%

Kuwait
  2.2% (2004 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  18% (2004 est.)

Laos
  2.5% (2009 est.)
  2.4% (2005 est.)

Latvia
  19.1% (2010 est.)
  17.1% (2009 est.)

Lebanon
  NA%

Lesotho
  45% (2002)

Liberia
  85% (2003 est.)

Libya
  30% (2004 est.)

Liechtenstein
  1.5% (31 December 2007)
  1.3% (September 2002)

Lithuania
  16% (2010 est.)
  13.7% (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  5.5% (2010 est.)
  5.7% (2009 est.)

Macau
  3.6% (2009)
  3% (2008)

Macedonia
  33.1% (2010 est.)
  32.2% (2009 est.)

Malawi
  NA%

Malaysia 3.5% (2010 est.) 3.7% (2009 est.)

Maldives
  14.4% (2006 est.)

Mali
  30% (2004 est.)

Malta
  7% (2009 est.)
  6% (2008 est.)

Marshall Islands
  36% (2006 est.)
  30.9% (2000 est.)

Mauritania
  30% (2008 est.)
  20% (2004 est.)

Mauritius
  7.5% (2010 est.)
  7.3% (2009 est.)

Mayotte
  25.4% (2005)

Mexico
  5.6% (2010 est.)
  5.5% (2009 est.)
  note: underemployment may be as high as 25%

Micronesia, Federated States of
  22% (2000 est.)

Moldova 3.4% (2010 est.) 3.1% (2009 est.)

Monaco 0% (2005)

Mongolia 2.8% (2008) 3% (2007)

Montenegro
  14.7% (2007 est.)

Montserrat
  6% (1998 est.)

Morocco 9.8% (2010 est.) 9.1% (2009 est.)

Mozambique 21% (1997 est.)

Namibia 51.2% (2008 est.) 36.7% (2004 est.)

Nauru
  90% (2004 est.)

Nepal
  46% (2008 est.)
  42% (2004 est.)

Netherlands
  5.5% (2010 est.)
  4.8% (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  17.1% (2004)

New Zealand 6.5% (2010 est.) 6.2% (2009 est.)

Nicaragua 8% (2010 est.) 8.2% (2009 est.) note: underemployment was 46.5% in 2008

Niger
  NA%

Nigeria
  4.9% (2007 est.)

Niue
  12% (2001)

Northern Mariana Islands
  8% (2005 est.)
  3.9% (2001)

Norway
  3.7% (2010 est.)
  3.2% (2009 est.)

Oman
  15% (2004 est.)

Pakistan 15% (2010 est.) 14% (2009 est.) note: substantial underemployment exists

Palau 4.2% (2005 est.)

Panama 4.4% (2010 est.) 6.7% (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea 1.8% (2004)

Paraguay 6.9% (2010 est.) 7.9% (2009 est.)

Peru
  6.7% (2010 est.)
  8.1% (2009 est.)
  note: data are for metropolitan Lima; widespread underemployment

Philippines
  7.5% (2010 est.)
  7.5% (2009 est.)

Poland
  11.8% (2010 est.)
  11% (2009 est.)

Portugal
  10.7% (2010 est.)
  9.5% (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
  12% (2002)

Qatar
  0.5% (2010 est.)
  0.5% (2009 est.)

Romania
  8.2% (2010 est.)
  7.8% (2009 est.)

Russia
  7.6% (2010 est.)
  8.4% (2009)

Rwanda
  NA%

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  14% (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  4.5% (1997)

Saint Lucia
  20% (2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  10.3% (1999)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  15% (2001 est.)

Samoa
  NA%

San Marino
  3.1% (2008)

Sao Tome and Principe
  NA%

Saudi Arabia
  10.8% (2010 est.)
  10.5% (2009 est.)
  note: data are for Saudi males only (local bank estimates; some
  estimates range as high as 25%)

Senegal
  48% (2007 est.)

Serbia
  17.2% (2010 est.); 16.6% (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  2% (2006 est.)

Sierra Leone
  NA%

Singapore 2.3% (2010 est.) 3% (2009 est.)

Sint Maarten 10.6% (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  12.5% (2010 est.)
  11.4% (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  10.6% (2010 est.)
  9.2% (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  NA%

Somalia
  NA%

South Africa
  23.3% (2010 est.)
  24% (2009 est.)

Spain
  20% (2010 est.)
  18.1% (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  5.4% (2010 est.)
  5.9% (2009 est.)

Sudan
  18.7% (2002 est.)

Suriname
  9.5% (2004)

Swaziland
  40% (2006 est.)

Sweden
  8.3% (2010 est.)
  8.3% (2009 est.)

Switzerland
  3.9% (2010 est.)
  3.7% (2009 est.)

Syria
  8.3% (2010 est.)
  8.5% (2009 est.)

Taiwan
  5.2% (2010 est.)
  5.9% (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  2.2% (2009 est.)
  2.3% (2008 est.)
  note: official rates; actual unemployment is higher

Tanzania
  NA%

Thailand
  1.2% (2010 est.)
  1.5% (2009)

Timor-Leste
  20% (2006 est.)
  note: data are for rural areas, unemployment rises to more than 40%
  among urban youth

Togo
  NA%

Tokelau
  NA%

Tonga
  13% (FY03/04 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  6.4% (2010 est.)
  5.8% (2009 est.)

Tunisia
  14% (2010 est.)
  13.3% (2009 est.)

Turkey
  12.4% (2010 est.)
  14.1% (2009 est.)
  note: underemployment amounted to 4% in 2008

Turkmenistan
  60% (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  10% (1997 est.)

Tuvalu
  NA%

Uganda
  NA%

Ukraine
  8.4% (2010 est.)
  8.8% (2009 est.)
  note: officially registered; large number of unregistered or
  underemployed workers

United Arab Emirates
  2.4% (2001)

United Kingdom
  7.9% (2010 est.)
  7.6% (2009 est.)

United States
  9.6% (2010 est.)
  9.3% (2009 est.)

Uruguay
  7.4% (2010 est.)
  7.6% (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
  1.1% (2010 est.)
  1.1% (2009 est.)
  note: officially measured by the Ministry of Labor, plus another 20%
  underemployed

Vanuatu
  1.7% (1999)

Venezuela
  12.1% (2010 est.)
  7.9% (2009 est.)

Vietnam
  6.4% (2010 est.)
  6.5% (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  6.2% (2004)

Wallis and Futuna
  15.2% (2003)

West Bank
  16.5% (2010 est.)
  19% (2009 est.)

Western Sahara
  NA%

World
  8.8% (2010 est.)
  8.2% (2009 est.)
  note: 30% (2007 est.) combined unemployment and underemployment in
  many non-industrialized countries; developed countries typically
  4%-12% unemployment

Yemen
  35% (2003 est.)

Zambia
  50% (2000 est.)

Zimbabwe 95% (2009 est.) 80% (2005 est.)

======================================================================

@2137

Field Listing :: Military - note

This entry includes miscellaneous military information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

Military - note

Akrotiri
  Akrotiri has a full RAF base, Headquarters for British
  Forces Cyprus, and Episkopi Support Unit

American Samoa
  defense is the responsibility of the US

Andorra
  defense is the responsibility of France and Spain

Anguilla
  defense is the responsibility of the UK

Antarctica
  the Antarctic Treaty prohibits any measures of a military
  nature, such as the establishment of military bases and
  fortifications, the carrying out of military maneuvers, or the
  testing of any type of weapon; it permits the use of military
  personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other
  peaceful purposes

Argentina
  the Argentine military is a well-organized force
  constrained by the country's prolonged economic hardship; the
  country has recently experienced a strong recovery, and the military
  is implementing a modernization plan aimed at making the ground
  forces lighter and more responsive (2008)

Aruba
  defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  defense is the responsibility of
  Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal
  Australian Air Force

Barbados
  the Royal Barbados Defense Force includes a land-based
  Troop Command and a small Coast Guard; the primary role of the land
  element is to defend the island against external aggression; the
  Command consists of a single, part-time battalion with a small
  regular cadre that is deployed throughout the island; it
  increasingly supports the police in patrolling the coastline to
  prevent smuggling and other illicit activities (2007)

Bermuda
  defense is the responsibility of the UK

Bouvet Island
  defense is the responsibility of Norway

British Indian Ocean Territory
  defense is the responsibility of the
  UK; the US lease on Diego Garcia expires in 2016

British Virgin Islands
  defense is the responsibility of the UK

Cayman Islands
  defense is the responsibility of the UK

Christmas Island
  defense is the responsibility of Australia

Clipperton Island
  defense is the responsibility of France

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  defense is the responsibility of Australia;
  the territory has a five-person police force

Cook Islands
  defense is the responsibility of New Zealand in
  consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request

Coral Sea Islands
  defense is the responsibility of Australia

Cuba
  the collapse of the Soviet Union deprived the Cuban military of
  its major economic and logistic support and had a significant impact
  on the state of Cuban equipment; the army remains well trained and
  professional in nature; while the lack of replacement parts for its
  existing equipment has increasingly affected operational
  capabilities, Cuba remains able to offer considerable resistance to
  any regional power (2010)

Curacao
  defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the
  Netherlands

Dhekelia
  includes Dhekelia Garrison and Ayios Nikolaos Station
  connected by a roadway

European Union
  the five-nation Eurocorps - created in 1992 by
  France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Luxembourg - has deployed
  troops and police on peacekeeping missions to Bosnia-Herzegovina,
  Macedonia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and assumed
  command of the ISAF in Afghanistan in August 2004; Eurocorps
  directly commands the 5,000-man Franco-German Brigade, the
  Multinational Command Support Brigade, and EUFOR in Bosnia and
  Herzegovina; in November 2004, the EU Council of Ministers formally
  committed to creating 13 1,500-man battle groups by the end of 2007,
  to respond to international crises on a rotating basis; 22 of the
  EU's 27 nations have agreed to supply troops; France, Italy, and the
  UK formed the first of three battle groups in 2005; Norway, Sweden,
  Estonia, and Finland established the Nordic Battle Group effective 1
  January 2008; nine other groups are to be formed; a rapid-reaction
  naval EU Maritime Task Group was stood up in March 2007 (2007)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) defense is the responsibility of the UK

Faroe Islands
  defense is the responsibility of Denmark

French Polynesia
  defense is the responsibility of France

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  defense is the responsibility of
  France

Georgia
  a CIS peacekeeping force of Russian troops is deployed in
  the Abkhazia region of Georgia together with a UN military observer
  group; a Russian peacekeeping battalion is deployed in South Ossetia

Gibraltar
  defense is the responsibility of the UK; the Royal
  Gibraltar Regiment replaced the last British regular infantry forces
  in 1992

Greenland
  defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Guam
  defense is the responsibility of the US

Guernsey
  defense is the responsibility of the UK

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  defense is the responsibility of
  Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols

Holy See (Vatican City) defense is the responsibility of Italy; ceremonial and limited security duties performed by Pontifical Swiss Guard

Hong Kong
  defense is the responsibility of China

Iceland
  Iceland has no standing military force; under a 1951
  bilateral agreement - still valid - its defense was provided by the
  US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik;
  however, all US military forces in Iceland were withdrawn as of
  October 2006; although wartime defense of Iceland remains a NATO
  commitment, in April 2007, Iceland and Norway signed a bilateral
  agreement providing for Norwegian aerial surveillance and defense of
  Icelandic airspace (2008)

Isle of Man
  defense is the responsibility of the UK

Jan Mayen
  defense is the responsibility of Norway

Jersey
  defense is the responsibility of the UK

Kiribati
  Kiribati does not have military forces; defense assistance
  is provided by Australia and NZ

Laos
  serving one of the world's least developed countries, the Lao
  People's Armed Forces (LPAF) is small, poorly funded, and
  ineffectively resourced; its mission focus is border and internal
  security, primarily in countering ethnic Hmong insurgent groups;
  together with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the
  government, the Lao People's Army (LPA) is the third pillar of state
  machinery, and as such is expected to suppress political and civil
  unrest and similar national emergencies, but the LPA also has
  upgraded skills to respond to avian influenza outbreaks; there is no
  perceived external threat to the state and the LPA maintains strong
  ties with the neighboring Vietnamese military (2008)

Lesotho
  Lesotho's declared policy is maintenance of its independent
  sovereignty and preservation of internal security; in practice,
  external security is guaranteed by South Africa; restructuring of
  the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) and Ministry of Defense and Public
  Service over the past five years has focused on subordinating the
  defense apparatus to civilian control and restoring the LDF's
  cohesion; the restructuring has considerably improved capabilities
  and professionalism, but the LDF is disproportionately large for a
  small, poor country; the government has outlined a reduction to a
  planned 1,500-man strength, but these plans have met with vociferous
  resistance from the political opposition and from inside the LDF
  (2008)

Liechtenstein
  Liechtenstein has no military forces but is interested
  in European security policy and is an active member of the
  Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Macau
  defense is the responsibility of China

Maldives
  the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), with its small
  size and with little serviceable equipment, is inadequate to prevent
  external aggression and is primarily tasked to reinforce the
  Maldives Police Service (MPS) and ensure security in the exclusive
  economic zone (2008)

Marshall Islands
  defense is the responsibility of the US

Mayotte
  defense is the responsibility of France; a small contingent
  of French forces is stationed on the island

Micronesia, Federated States of
  defense is the responsibility of the
  US

Monaco
  defense is the responsibility of France

Montserrat
  defense is the responsibility of the UK

Nauru
  Nauru maintains no defense forces; under an informal
  agreement, defense is the responsibility of Australia

Navassa Island
  defense is the responsibility of the US

New Caledonia
  defense is the responsibility of France

Niue
  defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Norfolk Island
  defense is the responsibility of Australia

Northern Mariana Islands
  defense is the responsibility of the US

Palau
  defense is the responsibility of the US; under a Compact of
  Free Association between Palau and the US, the US military is
  granted access to the islands for 50 years, but it has not stationed
  any military forces there (2008)

Panama
  on 10 February 1990, the government of then President ENDARA
  abolished Panama's military and reformed the security apparatus by
  creating the Panamanian Public Forces; in October 1994, Panama's
  Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting
  the creation of a standing military force but allowing the temporary
  establishment of special police units to counter acts of "external
  aggression"

Paracel Islands
  occupied by China

Pitcairn Islands
  defense is the responsibility of the UK

Puerto Rico
  defense is the responsibility of the US

Saint Barthelemy
  defense is the responsibility of France

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha defense is the responsibility of the UK

Saint Martin
  defense is the responsibility of France

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  defense is the responsibility of France

Samoa
  Samoa has no formal defense structure or regular armed forces;
  informal defense ties exist with NZ, which is required to consider
  any Samoan request for assistance under the 1962 Treaty of Friendship

San Marino
  defense is the responsibility of Italy

Sao Tome and Principe
  Sao Tome and Principe's army is a tiny force
  with almost no resources at its disposal and would be wholly
  ineffective operating unilaterally; infantry equipment is considered
  simple to operate and maintain but may require refurbishment or
  replacement after 25 years in tropical climates; poor pay, working
  conditions, and alleged nepotism in the promotion of officers have
  been problems in the past, as reflected in the 1995 and 2003 coups;
  these issues are being addressed with foreign assistance aimed at
  improving the army and its focus on realistic security concerns;
  command is exercised from the president, through the Minister of
  Defense, to the Chief of the Armed Forces staff (2005)

Sint Maarten
  defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the
  Netherlands

South Africa
  with the end of apartheid and the establishment of
  majority rule, former military, black homelands forces, and
  ex-opposition forces were integrated into the South African National
  Defense Force (SANDF); as of 2003 the integration process was
  considered complete

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  defense is the
  responsibility of the UK

Spratly Islands
  Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small
  islands or reefs of which about 45 are claimed and occupied by
  China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam

Svalbard
  Svalbard is a territory of Norway, demilitarized by treaty
  on 9 February 1920; Norwegian military activity is limited to
  fisheries surveillance by the Norwegian Coast Guard

Tokelau
  defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Turkey
  a "National Security Policy Document" adopted in October 2005
  increases the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) role in internal security,
  augmenting the General Directorate of Security and Gendarmerie
  General Command (Jandarma); the TSK leadership continues to play a
  key role in politics and considers itself guardian of Turkey's
  secular state; in April 2007, it warned the ruling party about any
  pro-Islamic appointments; despite on-going negotiations on EU
  accession since October 2005, progress has been limited in
  establishing required civilian supremacy over the military; primary
  domestic threats are listed as fundamentalism (with the definition
  in some dispute with the civilian government), separatism (the
  Kurdish problem), and the extreme left wing; Ankara strongly opposed
  establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region; an overhaul of the
  Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) taking place under the "Force
  2014" program is to produce 20-30% smaller, more highly trained
  forces characterized by greater mobility and firepower and capable
  of joint and combined operations; the TLFC has taken on increasing
  international peacekeeping responsibilities, and took charge of a
  NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) command in
  Afghanistan in April 2007; the Turkish Navy is a regional naval
  power that wants to develop the capability to project power beyond
  Turkey's coastal waters; the Navy is heavily involved in NATO,
  multinational, and UN operations; its roles include control of
  territorial waters and security for sea lines of communications; the
  Turkish Air Force adopted an "Aerospace and Missile Defense Concept"
  in 2002 and has initiated project work on an integrated missile
  defense system; Air Force priorities include attaining a modern
  deployable, survivable, and sustainable force structure, and
  establishing a sustainable command and control system (2008)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  defense is the responsibility of the UK

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges defense is the responsibility of the US

Virgin Islands
  defense is the responsibility of the US

Wake Island
  defense is the responsibility of the US; the US Air
  Force is responsible for overall administration and operation of the
  island facilities; the launch support facility is administered by
  the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

Wallis and Futuna
  defense is the responsibility of France

Yemen
  a Coast Guard was established in 2002

======================================================================

@2138

Field Listing :: Communications - note

This entry includes miscellaneous communications information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

Communications - note

Afghanistan
  Internet access is growing through Internet cafes as
  well as public "telekiosks" in Kabul (2005)

Bouvet Island
  automatic meteorological station

Coral Sea Islands there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland

French Southern and Antarctic Lands one or more meteorological stations on each possession; note - meteorological station on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) is important for forecasting cyclones

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha South Africa maintains a meteorological station on Gough Island

======================================================================

@2140

Field Listing :: Government - note

This entry includes miscellaneous government information of significance not included elsewhere. Country

Government - note

French Polynesia
  under certain acts of France, French Polynesia has
  acquired autonomy in all areas except those relating to police and
  justice, monetary policy, tertiary education, immigration, and
  defense and foreign affairs; the duties of its president are
  fashioned after those of the French prime minister

New Zealand
  while not an official symbol, the Kiwi, a small native
  flightless bird, represents New Zealand

Solomon Islands
  by the end of 2007, the Regional Assistance Mission
  to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) - originally made up of police and
  troops from Australia, NZ, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga - had
  been scaled back to 303 police officers, 197 civilian technical
  advisers, and 72 military advisers from 15 countries across the
  region

Somalia
  although an interim government was created in 2004, other
  regional and local governing bodies continue to exist and control
  various regions of the country, including the self-declared Republic
  of Somaliland in northwestern Somalia and the semi-autonomous State
  of Puntland in northeastern Somalia

======================================================================

@2141

Field Listing :: Group

Country

Group

Afghanistan
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Akrotiri
  All, Europe, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Albania
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Algeria
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

American Samoa
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Andorra
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Angola
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Anguilla
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Antarctica
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central
  America

Arctic Ocean
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Argentina
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Armenia
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Middle East

Aruba
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia
  - Oceania

Atlantic Ocean
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Australia
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Austria
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Azerbaijan
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Middle East

Bahamas, The
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Bahrain
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Bangladesh
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Barbados
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Belarus
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Europe

Belgium
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Belize
  All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, Central America

Benin
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Bermuda
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, North America

Bhutan
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Bolivia
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Botswana
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Bouvet Island
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Antarctica

Brazil
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

British Indian Ocean Territory
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, South
  Asia

British Virgin Islands
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central
  America

Brunei
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Bulgaria
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Burkina Faso
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Burma
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Burundi
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Cambodia
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Cameroon
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Canada
  All, APLAA, Eurasia/North America, North America

Cape Verde
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Cayman Islands
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Central African Republic
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Chad
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Chile
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

China
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Christmas Island
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Clipperton Island
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, North
  America

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia -
  Oceania

Colombia
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Comoros
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa,
  Africa

Congo, Republic of the
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Cook Islands
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Coral Sea Islands
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Costa Rica
  All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, Central America

Cote d'Ivoire
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Croatia
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Cuba
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Cyprus
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Czech Republic
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Denmark
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Dhekelia
  All, Europe, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Djibouti
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Dominica
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Dominican Republic
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central
  America

Ecuador
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Egypt
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

El Salvador
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Equatorial Guinea
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Eritrea
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Estonia
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Ethiopia
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

European Union
  All, Europe, Europe

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  All, APLAA, South America/Global,
  South America

Faroe Islands
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Fiji
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Finland
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

France
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

French Polynesia
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Australia -
  Oceania

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  All, OREA, Europe/French
  Dependencies, Antarctica

Gabon
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Gambia, The
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Gaza Strip
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Georgia
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Middle East

Germany
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Ghana
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Gibraltar
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Greece
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Greenland
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, North America

Grenada
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Guam
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Guatemala
  All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, Central America

Guernsey
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Guinea
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Guinea-Bissau
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Guyana
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Haiti
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania,
  Antarctica

Holy See (Vatican City)
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Honduras
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Hong Kong
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Hungary
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Iceland
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

India
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Indian Ocean
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Indonesia
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Iran
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Iraq
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Ireland
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Isle of Man
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Israel
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Italy
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Jamaica
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Jan Mayen
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Japan
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Jersey
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Jordan
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Kazakhstan
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Kenya
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Kiribati
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Korea, North
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Korea, South
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Kosovo
  All, Europe

Kuwait
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Kyrgyzstan
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Laos
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Latvia
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Lebanon
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Lesotho
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Liberia
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Libya
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

Liechtenstein
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Lithuania
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Luxembourg
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union,
  Europe

Macau
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Macedonia
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Madagascar
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Malawi
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Malaysia
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Maldives
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Mali
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Malta
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Marshall Islands
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Mauritania
  All, NESA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Mauritius
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Mayotte
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Africa

Mexico
  All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, North America

Micronesia, Federated States of
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania,
  Australia - Oceania

Moldova
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Europe

Monaco
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Mongolia
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Montenegro
  All, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Montserrat
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Morocco
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

Mozambique
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Namibia
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Nauru
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Navassa Island
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Nepal
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Netherlands
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union,
  Europe

New Caledonia
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Australia -
  Oceania

New Zealand
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Nicaragua
  All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, Central America

Niger
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Nigeria
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Niue
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Norfolk Island
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Northern Mariana Islands
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia -
  Oceania

Norway
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Oman
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Pacific Ocean
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Pakistan
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Palau
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Panama
  All, APLAA, South America/Meso America, Central America

Papua New Guinea
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Paracel Islands
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Paraguay
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Peru
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Philippines
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Pitcairn Islands
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Poland
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Portugal
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union,
  Europe

Puerto Rico
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Qatar
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Romania
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Russia
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Rwanda
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Saint Barthelemy
  All, Central America

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  All, APLAA,
  Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central
  America

Saint Lucia
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Saint Martin
  All, Central America

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies,
  North America

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  All, APLAA, North
  America/Caribbean, Central America

Samoa
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

San Marino
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Sao Tome and Principe
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Saudi Arabia
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Senegal
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Serbia
  All, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Seychelles
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Sierra Leone
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Singapore
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Slovakia
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Slovenia
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, European Union, Europe

Solomon Islands
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Somalia
  All, APLAA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

South Africa
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  All, APLAA, South
  America/Global

Southern Ocean
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Spain
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Spratly Islands
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Sri Lanka
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, South Asia

Sudan
  All, NESA, Sahel Region Africa, Africa

Suriname
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Svalbard
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Swaziland
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Sweden
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European Union, Europe

Switzerland
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Europe

Syria
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Taiwan
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Tajikistan
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Tanzania
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Thailand
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Timor-Leste
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Togo
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Tokelau
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Tonga
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Trinidad and Tobago
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central
  America

Tunisia
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

Turkey
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Middle East

Turkmenistan
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Turks and Caicos Islands
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean,
  Central America

Tuvalu
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Uganda
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Ukraine
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Europe

United Arab Emirates
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

United Kingdom
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, European
  Union, Europe

United States
  All, APLAA, Eurasia/North America, North America

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  All, Australia -
  Oceania

Uruguay
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Uzbekistan
  All, OREA, Russia/Eurasia, Central Asia

Vanuatu
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Venezuela
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, South America

Vietnam
  All, APLAA, East Asia/Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia

Virgin Islands
  All, APLAA, North America/Caribbean, Central America

Wake Island
  All, APLAA, Caribbean/Oceania, Australia - Oceania

Wallis and Futuna
  All, OREA, Europe/French Dependencies, Australia -
  Oceania

West Bank
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Western Sahara
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Africa

World
  All, APLAA, South America/Global, Oceans

Yemen
  All, NESA, Near East/South Asia, Middle East

Zambia
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

Zimbabwe
  All, APLAA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa

======================================================================

@2142

Field Listing :: Country name

  This entry includes all forms of the country's name approved by the
  US Board on Geographic Names (Italy is used as an example):
  conventional long form (Italian Republic), conventional short form
  (Italy), local long form (Repubblica Italiana), local short form
  (Italia), former (Kingdom of Italy), as well as the abbreviation.
  Also see the Terminology note.
  Country

Country name

Afghanistan
  conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
  conventional short form: Afghanistan
  local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Afghanestan
  local short form: Afghanestan
  former: Republic of Afghanistan

Akrotiri
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Akrotiri

Albania
  conventional long form: Republic of Albania
  conventional short form: Albania
  local long form: Republika e Shqiperise
  local short form: Shqiperia
  former: People's Socialist Republic of Albania

Algeria
  conventional long form: People's Democratic Republic of
  Algeria
  conventional short form: Algeria
  local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash
  Sha'biyah
  local short form: Al Jaza'ir

American Samoa
  conventional long form: Territory of American Samoa
  conventional short form: American Samoa
  abbreviation: AS

Andorra
  conventional long form: Principality of Andorra
  conventional short form: Andorra
  local long form: Principat d'Andorra
  local short form: Andorra

Angola
  conventional long form: Republic of Angola
  conventional short form: Angola
  local long form: Republica de Angola
  local short form: Angola
  former: People's Republic of Angola

Anguilla
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Anguilla

Antarctica
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina
  conventional long form: Argentine Republic
  conventional short form: Argentina
  local long form: Republica Argentina
  local short form: Argentina

Armenia
  conventional long form: Republic of Armenia
  conventional short form: Armenia
  local long form: Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun
  local short form: Hayastan
  former: Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic, Armenian Republic

Aruba
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Aruba

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  conventional long form: Territory of
  Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Australia
  conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia
  conventional short form: Australia

Austria
  conventional long form: Republic of Austria
  conventional short form: Austria
  local long form: Republik Oesterreich
  local short form: Oesterreich

Azerbaijan
  conventional long form: Republic of Azerbaijan
  conventional short form: Azerbaijan
  local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi
  local short form: Azarbaycan
  former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic

Bahamas, The
  conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamas
  conventional short form: The Bahamas

Bahrain
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Bahrain
  conventional short form: Bahrain
  local long form: Mamlakat al Bahrayn
  local short form: Al Bahrayn
  former: Dilmun

Bangladesh
  conventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladesh
  conventional short form: Bangladesh
  local long form: Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh
  local short form:
  former: East Bengal, East Pakistan

Barbados
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Barbados

Belarus
  conventional long form: Republic of Belarus
  conventional short form: Belarus
  local long form: Respublika Byelarus'
  local short form: Byelarus'
  former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic

Belgium
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium
  conventional short form: Belgium
  local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie
  local short form: Belgique/Belgie

Belize
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Belize
  former: British Honduras

Benin
  conventional long form: Republic of Benin
  conventional short form: Benin
  local long form: Republique du Benin
  local short form: Benin
  former: Dahomey

Bermuda
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Bermuda
  former: Somers Islands

Bhutan
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan
  conventional short form: Bhutan
  local long form: Druk Gyalkhap
  local short form: Druk Yul

Bolivia
  conventional long form: Plurinational State of Bolivia
  conventional short form: Bolivia
  local long form: Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia
  local short form: Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina local long form: none local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina former: People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana
  conventional long form: Republic of Botswana
  conventional short form: Botswana
  local long form: Republic of Botswana
  local short form: Botswana
  former: Bechuanaland

Bouvet Island
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Bouvet Island

Brazil
  conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil
  conventional short form: Brazil
  local long form: Republica Federativa do Brasil
  local short form: Brasil

British Indian Ocean Territory
  conventional long form: British
  Indian Ocean Territory
  conventional short form: none
  abbreviation: BIOT

British Virgin Islands
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: British Virgin Islands
  abbreviation: BVI

Brunei
  conventional long form: Brunei Darussalam
  conventional short form: Brunei
  local long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam
  local short form: Brunei

Bulgaria
  conventional long form: Republic of Bulgaria
  conventional short form: Bulgaria
  local long form: Republika Balgariya
  local short form: Balgariya

Burkina Faso
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Burkina Faso
  local long form: none
  local short form: Burkina Faso
  former: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta

Burma
  conventional long form: Union of Burma
  conventional short form: Burma
  local long form: Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the
  US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of
  Myanmar)
  local short form: Myanma Naingngandaw
  former: Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma
  note: since 1989 the military authorities in Burma have promoted the
  name Myanmar as a conventional name for their state; the US
  Government did not adopt the name, which is a derivative of the
  Burmese short-form name Myanma Naingngandaw

Burundi
  conventional long form: Republic of Burundi
  conventional short form: Burundi
  local long form: Republique du Burundi/Republika y'u Burundi
  local short form: Burundi
  former: Urundi

Cambodia
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodia
  conventional short form: Cambodia
  local long form: Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea (phonetic
  pronunciation)
  local short form: Kampuchea
  former: Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, People's Republic of
  Kampuchea, State of Cambodia

Cameroon
  conventional long form: Republic of Cameroon
  conventional short form: Cameroon
  local long form: Republique du Cameroun/Republic of Cameroon
  local short form: Cameroun/Cameroon
  former: French Cameroon, British Cameroon, Federal Republic of
  Cameroon, United Republic of Cameroon

Canada
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Canada

Cape Verde
  conventional long form: Republic of Cape Verde
  conventional short form: Cape Verde
  local long form: Republica de Cabo Verde
  local short form: Cabo Verde

Cayman Islands
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Cayman Islands

Central African Republic
  conventional long form: Central African
  Republic
  conventional short form: none
  local long form: Republique Centrafricaine
  local short form: none
  former: Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire
  abbreviation: CAR

Chad
  conventional long form: Republic of Chad
  conventional short form: Chad
  local long form: Republique du Tchad/Jumhuriyat Tshad
  local short form: Tchad/Tshad

Chile
  conventional long form: Republic of Chile
  conventional short form: Chile
  local long form: Republica de Chile
  local short form: Chile

China
  conventional long form: People's Republic of China
  conventional short form: China
  local long form: Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo
  local short form: Zhongguo
  abbreviation: PRC

Christmas Island
  conventional long form: Territory of Christmas
  Island
  conventional short form: Christmas Island

Clipperton Island conventional long form: none conventional short form: Clipperton Island local long form: none local short form: Ile Clipperton former: sometimes called Ile de la Passion

Cocos (Keeling) Islands conventional long form: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands conventional short form: Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Colombia
  conventional long form: Republic of Colombia
  conventional short form: Colombia
  local long form: Republica de Colombia
  local short form: Colombia

Comoros
  conventional long form: Union of the Comoros
  conventional short form: Comoros
  local long form: Udzima wa Komori (Comorian); Union des Comores
  (French); Jumhuriyat al Qamar al Muttahidah (Arabic)
  local short form: Komori (Comorian); Comores (French); Juzur al
  Qamar (Arabic)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the conventional long form: Democratic Republic of the Congo conventional short form: DRC local long form: Republique Democratique du Congo local short form: RDC former: Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville, Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire abbreviation: DRC

Congo, Republic of the conventional long form: Republic of the Congo conventional short form: Congo (Brazzaville) local long form: Republique du Congo local short form: none former: Middle Congo, Congo/Brazzaville, Congo

Cook Islands
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Cook Islands
  former: Harvey Islands

Coral Sea Islands
  conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory
  conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands

Costa Rica
  conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica
  conventional short form: Costa Rica
  local long form: Republica de Costa Rica
  local short form: Costa Rica

Cote d'Ivoire
  conventional long form: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire
  conventional short form: Cote d'Ivoire
  local long form: Republique de Cote d'Ivoire
  local short form: Cote d'Ivoire
  note: pronounced coat-div-whar
  former: Ivory Coast

Croatia
  conventional long form: Republic of Croatia
  conventional short form: Croatia
  local long form: Republika Hrvatska
  local short form: Hrvatska
  former: People's Republic of Croatia, Socialist Republic of Croatia

Cuba
  conventional long form: Republic of Cuba
  conventional short form: Cuba
  local long form: Republica de Cuba
  local short form: Cuba

Curacao
  Dutch long form: Land Curacao
  Dutch short form: Curacao
  Papiamentu long form: Pais Korsou
  Papiamentu short form: Korsou
  former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies

Cyprus
  conventional long form: Republic of Cyprus
  conventional short form: Cyprus
  local long form: Kypriaki Dimokratia/Kibris Cumhuriyeti
  local short form: Kypros/Kibris
  note: the Turkish Cypriot community, which administers the northern
  part of the island, refers to itself as the "Turkish Republic of
  Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC")

Czech Republic
  conventional long form: Czech Republic
  conventional short form: Czech Republic
  local long form: Ceska Republika
  local short form: Cesko

Denmark
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Denmark
  conventional short form: Denmark
  local long form: Kongeriget Danmark
  local short form: Danmark

Dhekelia
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Dhekelia

Djibouti
  conventional long form: Republic of Djibouti
  conventional short form: Djibouti
  local long form: Republique de Djibouti/Jumhuriyat Jibuti
  local short form: Djibouti/Jibuti
  former: French Territory of the Afars and Issas, French Somaliland

Dominica
  conventional long form: Commonwealth of Dominica
  conventional short form: Dominica

Dominican Republic
  conventional long form: Dominican Republic
  conventional short form: The Dominican
  local long form: Republica Dominicana
  local short form: La Dominicana

Ecuador
  conventional long form: Republic of Ecuador
  conventional short form: Ecuador
  local long form: Republica del Ecuador
  local short form: Ecuador

Egypt
  conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt
  conventional short form: Egypt
  local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah
  local short form: Misr
  former: United Arab Republic (with Syria)

El Salvador
  conventional long form: Republic of El Salvador
  conventional short form: El Salvador
  local long form: Republica de El Salvador
  local short form: El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea
  conventional long form: Republic of Equatorial
  Guinea
  conventional short form: Equatorial Guinea
  local long form: Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial/Republique de Guinee
  equatoriale
  local short form: Guinea Ecuatorial/Guinee equatoriale
  former: Spanish Guinea

Eritrea
  conventional long form: State of Eritrea
  conventional short form: Eritrea
  local long form: Hagere Ertra
  local short form: Ertra
  former: Eritrea Autonomous Region in Ethiopia

Estonia
  conventional long form: Republic of Estonia
  conventional short form: Estonia
  local long form: Eesti Vabariik
  local short form: Eesti
  former: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic

Ethiopia
  conventional long form: Federal Democratic Republic of
  Ethiopia
  conventional short form: Ethiopia
  local long form: Ityop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripeblik
  local short form: Ityop'iya
  former: Abyssinia, Italian East Africa
  abbreviation: FDRE

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Faroe Islands
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Faroe Islands
  local long form: none
  local short form: Foroyar

Fiji
  conventional long form: Republic of the Fiji Islands
  conventional short form: Fiji
  local long form: Republic of the Fiji Islands/Matanitu ko Viti
  local short form: Fiji/Viti

Finland
  conventional long form: Republic of Finland
  conventional short form: Finland
  local long form: Suomen tasavalta/Republiken Finland
  local short form: Suomi/Finland

France
  conventional long form: French Republic
  conventional short form: France
  local long form: Republique francaise
  local short form: France

French Polynesia
  conventional long form: Overseas Lands of French
  Polynesia
  conventional short form: French Polynesia
  local long form: Pays d'outre-mer de la Polynesie Francaise
  local short form: Polynesie Francaise
  former: French Colony of Oceania

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  conventional long form:
  Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  conventional short form: French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  local long form: Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques
  Francaises
  local short form: Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises
  abbreviation: TAAF

Gabon
  conventional long form: Gabonese Republic
  conventional short form: Gabon
  local long form: Republique Gabonaise
  local short form: Gabon

Gambia, The
  conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia
  conventional short form: The Gambia

Gaza Strip
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Gaza Strip
  local long form: none
  local short form: Qita' Ghazzah

Georgia
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Georgia
  local long form: none
  local short form: Sak'art'velo
  former: Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic

Germany
  conventional long form: Federal Republic of Germany
  conventional short form: Germany
  local long form: Bundesrepublik Deutschland
  local short form: Deutschland
  former: German Empire, German Republic, German Reich

Ghana
  conventional long form: Republic of Ghana
  conventional short form: Ghana
  former: Gold Coast

Gibraltar
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Gibraltar

Greece
  conventional long form: Hellenic Republic
  conventional short form: Greece
  local long form: Elliniki Dhimokratia
  local short form: Ellas or Ellada
  former: Kingdom of Greece

Greenland
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Greenland
  local long form: none
  local short form: Kalaallit Nunaat

Grenada
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Grenada

Guam
  conventional long form: Territory of Guam
  conventional short form: Guam
  local long form: Guahan
  local short form: Guahan

Guatemala
  conventional long form: Republic of Guatemala
  conventional short form: Guatemala
  local long form: Republica de Guatemala
  local short form: Guatemala

Guernsey
  conventional long form: Bailiwick of Guernsey
  conventional short form: Guernsey

Guinea
  conventional long form: Republic of Guinea
  conventional short form: Guinea
  local long form: Republique de Guinee
  local short form: Guinee
  former: French Guinea

Guinea-Bissau
  conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau
  conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau
  local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau
  local short form: Guine-Bissau
  former: Portuguese Guinea

Guyana
  conventional long form: Cooperative Republic of Guyana
  conventional short form: Guyana
  former: British Guiana

Haiti
  conventional long form: Republic of Haiti
  conventional short form: Haiti
  local long form: Republique d'Haiti/Repiblik d' Ayiti
  local short form: Haiti/Ayiti

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  conventional long form: Territory
  of Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  abbreviation: HIMI

Holy See (Vatican City) conventional long form: The Holy See (State of the Vatican City) conventional short form: Holy See (Vatican City) local long form: Santa Sede (Stato della Citta del Vaticano) local short form: Santa Sede (Citta del Vaticano)

Honduras
  conventional long form: Republic of Honduras
  conventional short form: Honduras
  local long form: Republica de Honduras
  local short form: Honduras

Hong Kong
  conventional long form: Hong Kong Special Administrative
  Region
  conventional short form: Hong Kong
  local long form: Xianggang Tebie Xingzhengqu
  local short form: Xianggang
  abbreviation: HK

Hungary
  conventional long form: Republic of Hungary
  conventional short form: Hungary
  local long form: Magyar Koztarsasag
  local short form: Magyarorszag

Iceland
  conventional long form: Republic of Iceland
  conventional short form: Iceland
  local long form: Lydveldid Island
  local short form: Island

India
  conventional long form: Republic of India
  conventional short form: India
  local long form: Republic of India/Bharatiya Ganarajya
  local short form: India/Bharat

Indonesia
  conventional long form: Republic of Indonesia
  conventional short form: Indonesia
  local long form: Republik Indonesia
  local short form: Indonesia
  former: Netherlands East Indies, Dutch East Indies

Iran
  conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Iran
  conventional short form: Iran
  local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran
  local short form: Iran
  former: Persia

Iraq
  conventional long form: Republic of Iraq
  conventional short form: Iraq
  local long form: Jumhuriyat al-Iraq
  local short form: Al Iraq

Ireland
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Ireland
  local long form: none
  local short form: Eire

Isle of Man
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Isle of Man
  abbreviation: I.O.M.

Israel
  conventional long form: State of Israel
  conventional short form: Israel
  local long form: Medinat Yisra'el
  local short form: Yisra'el

Italy
  conventional long form: Italian Republic
  conventional short form: Italy
  local long form: Repubblica Italiana
  local short form: Italia
  former: Kingdom of Italy

Jamaica
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Jamaica

Jan Mayen
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Jan Mayen

Japan
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Japan
  local long form: Nihon-koku/Nippon-koku
  local short form: Nihon/Nippon

Jersey
  conventional long form: Bailiwick of Jersey
  conventional short form: Jersey

Jordan
  conventional long form: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
  conventional short form: Jordan
  local long form: Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah
  local short form: Al Urdun
  former: Transjordan

Kazakhstan
  conventional long form: Republic of Kazakhstan
  conventional short form: Kazakhstan
  local long form: Qazaqstan Respublikasy
  local short form: Qazaqstan
  former: Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

Kenya
  conventional long form: Republic of Kenya
  conventional short form: Kenya
  local long form: Republic of Kenya/Jamhuri ya Kenya
  local short form: Kenya
  former: British East Africa

Kiribati
  conventional long form: Republic of Kiribati
  conventional short form: Kiribati
  local long form: Republic of Kiribati
  local short form: Kiribati
  note: pronounced keer-ree-bahss
  former: Gilbert Islands

Korea, North
  conventional long form: Democratic People's Republic of
  Korea
  conventional short form: North Korea
  local long form: Choson-minjujuui-inmin-konghwaguk
  local short form: Choson
  abbreviation: DPRK

Korea, South
  conventional long form: Republic of Korea
  conventional short form: South Korea
  local long form: Taehan-min'guk
  local short form: Han'guk
  abbreviation: ROK

Kosovo
  conventional long form: Republic of Kosovo
  conventional short form: Kosovo
  local long form: Republika e Kosoves (Republika Kosovo)
  local short form: Kosova (Kosovo)

Kuwait
  conventional long form: State of Kuwait
  conventional short form: Kuwait
  local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt
  local short form: Al Kuwayt

Kyrgyzstan
  conventional long form: Kyrgyz Republic
  conventional short form: Kyrgyzstan
  local long form: Kyrgyz Respublikasy
  local short form: Kyrgyzstan
  former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic

Laos
  conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic
  conventional short form: Laos
  local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao
  local short form: Pathet Lao (unofficial)

Latvia
  conventional long form: Republic of Latvia
  conventional short form: Latvia
  local long form: Latvijas Republika
  local short form: Latvija
  former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

Lebanon
  conventional long form: Lebanese Republic
  conventional short form: Lebanon
  local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah
  local short form: Lubnan
  former: Greater Lebanon

Lesotho
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Lesotho
  conventional short form: Lesotho
  local long form: Kingdom of Lesotho
  local short form: Lesotho
  former: Basutoland

Liberia
  conventional long form: Republic of Liberia
  conventional short form: Liberia

Libya
  conventional long form: Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab
  Jamahiriya
  conventional short form: Libya
  local long form: Al Jamahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah
  al Ishtirakiyah al Uthma
  local short form: none

Liechtenstein
  conventional long form: Principality of Liechtenstein
  conventional short form: Liechtenstein
  local long form: Fuerstentum Liechtenstein
  local short form: Liechtenstein

Lithuania
  conventional long form: Republic of Lithuania
  conventional short form: Lithuania
  local long form: Lietuvos Respublika
  local short form: Lietuva
  former: Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic

Luxembourg
  conventional long form: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
  conventional short form: Luxembourg
  local long form: Grand Duche de Luxembourg
  local short form: Luxembourg

Macau
  conventional long form: Macau Special Administrative Region
  conventional short form: Macau
  local long form: Aomen Tebie Xingzhengqu (Chinese); Regiao
  Administrativa Especial de Macau (Portuguese)
  local short form: Aomen (Chinese); Macau (Portuguese)

Macedonia
  conventional long form: Republic of Macedonia
  conventional short form: Macedonia
  local long form: Republika Makedonija
  local short form: Makedonija
  note: the provisional designation used by the UN, EU, and NATO is
  the "former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" (FYROM)
  former: People's Republic of Macedonia, Socialist Republic of
  Macedonia

Madagascar
  conventional long form: Republic of Madagascar
  conventional short form: Madagascar
  local long form: Republique de Madagascar/Repoblikan'i Madagasikara
  local short form: Madagascar/Madagasikara
  former: Malagasy Republic

Malawi
  conventional long form: Republic of Malawi
  conventional short form: Malawi
  local long form: Dziko la Malawi
  local short form: Malawi
  former: British Central African Protectorate, Nyasaland
  Protectorate, Nyasaland

Malaysia
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Malaysia
  local long form: none
  local short form: Malaysia
  former: Federation of Malaya

Maldives
  conventional long form: Republic of Maldives
  conventional short form: Maldives
  local long form: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa
  local short form: Dhivehi Raajje

Mali
  conventional long form: Republic of Mali
  conventional short form: Mali
  local long form: Republique de Mali
  local short form: Mali
  former: French Sudan and Sudanese Republic

Malta
  conventional long form: Republic of Malta
  conventional short form: Malta
  local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta
  local short form: Malta

Marshall Islands
  conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall
  Islands
  conventional short form: Marshall Islands
  local long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands
  local short form: Marshall Islands
  abbreviation: RMI
  former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands
  District

Mauritania
  conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
  conventional short form: Mauritania
  local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah
  local short form: Muritaniyah

Mauritius
  conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius
  conventional short form: Mauritius
  local long form: Republic of Mauritius
  local short form: Mauritius

Mayotte
  conventional long form: Department Collectivity of Mayotte
  conventional short form: Mayotte

Mexico
  conventional long form: United Mexican States
  conventional short form: Mexico
  local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos
  local short form: Mexico

Micronesia, Federated States of
  conventional long form: Federated
  States of Micronesia
  conventional short form: none
  local long form: Federated States of Micronesia
  local short form: none
  former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Ponape, Truk, and
  Yap Districts
  abbreviation: FSM

Moldova
  conventional long form: Republic of Moldova
  conventional short form: Moldova
  local long form: Republica Moldova
  local short form: Moldova
  former: Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, Moldovan Soviet
  Socialist Republic

Monaco
  conventional long form: Principality of Monaco
  conventional short form: Monaco
  local long form: Principaute de Monaco
  local short form: Monaco

Mongolia
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Mongolia
  local long form: none
  local short form: Mongol Uls
  former: Outer Mongolia

Montenegro
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Montenegro
  local long form: none
  local short form: Crna Gora
  former: People's Republic of Montenegro, Socialist Republic of
  Montenegro, Republic of Montenegro

Montserrat
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Montserrat

Morocco
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco
  conventional short form: Morocco
  local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah
  local short form: Al Maghrib

Mozambique
  conventional long form: Republic of Mozambique
  conventional short form: Mozambique
  local long form: Republica de Mocambique
  local short form: Mocambique
  former: Portuguese East Africa

Namibia
  conventional long form: Republic of Namibia
  conventional short form: Namibia
  local long form: Republic of Namibia
  local short form: Namibia
  former: German Southwest Africa, South-West Africa

Nauru
  conventional long form: Republic of Nauru
  conventional short form: Nauru
  local long form: Republic of Nauru
  local short form: Nauru
  former: Pleasant Island

Navassa Island
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Navassa Island

Nepal
  conventional long form: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
  conventional short form: Nepal
  local long form: Sanghiya Loktantrik Ganatantra Nepal
  local short form: Nepal

Netherlands
  conventional long form: Kingdom of the Netherlands
  conventional short form: Netherlands
  local long form: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden
  local short form: Nederland

New Caledonia
  conventional long form: Territory of New Caledonia and
  Dependencies
  conventional short form: New Caledonia
  local long form: Territoire des Nouvelle-Caledonie et Dependances
  local short form: Nouvelle-Caledonie

New Zealand
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: New Zealand
  abbreviation: NZ

Nicaragua
  conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua
  conventional short form: Nicaragua
  local long form: Republica de Nicaragua
  local short form: Nicaragua

Niger
  conventional long form: Republic of Niger
  conventional short form: Niger
  local long form: Republique du Niger
  local short form: Niger

Nigeria
  conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria
  conventional short form: Nigeria

Niue
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Niue
  note: pronunciation falls between nyu-way and new-way, but not like
  new-wee
  former: Savage Island

Norfolk Island
  conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island
  conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Northern Mariana Islands conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands abbreviation: CNMI former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District

Norway
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway
  conventional short form: Norway
  local long form: Kongeriket Norge
  local short form: Norge

Oman
  conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman
  conventional short form: Oman
  local long form: Saltanat Uman
  local short form: Uman
  former: Muscat and Oman

Pakistan
  conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
  conventional short form: Pakistan
  local long form: Jamhuryat Islami Pakistan
  local short form: Pakistan
  former: West Pakistan

Palau
  conventional long form: Republic of Palau
  conventional short form: Palau
  local long form: Beluu er a Belau
  local short form: Belau
  former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District

Panama
  conventional long form: Republic of Panama
  conventional short form: Panama
  local long form: Republica de Panama
  local short form: Panama

Papua New Guinea
  conventional long form: Independent State of Papua
  New Guinea
  conventional short form: Papua New Guinea
  local short form: Papuaniugini
  former: Territory of Papua and New Guinea
  abbreviation: PNG

Paracel Islands
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Paracel Islands

Paraguay
  conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay
  conventional short form: Paraguay
  local long form: Republica del Paraguay
  local short form: Paraguay

Peru
  conventional long form: Republic of Peru
  conventional short form: Peru
  local long form: Republica del Peru
  local short form: Peru

Philippines
  conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines
  conventional short form: Philippines
  local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas
  local short form: Pilipinas

Pitcairn Islands
  conventional long form: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie,
  and Oeno Islands
  conventional short form: Pitcairn Islands

Poland
  conventional long form: Republic of Poland
  conventional short form: Poland
  local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska
  local short form: Polska

Portugal
  conventional long form: Portuguese Republic
  conventional short form: Portugal
  local long form: Republica Portuguesa
  local short form: Portugal

Puerto Rico
  conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
  conventional short form: Puerto Rico

Qatar
  conventional long form: State of Qatar
  conventional short form: Qatar
  local long form: Dawlat Qatar
  local short form: Qatar
  note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation falls
  between cutter and gutter, but not like guitar

Romania
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Romania
  local long form: none
  local short form: Romania

Russia
  conventional long form: Russian Federation
  conventional short form: Russia
  local long form: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya
  local short form: Rossiya
  former: Russian Empire, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic

Rwanda
  conventional long form: Republic of Rwanda
  conventional short form: Rwanda
  local long form: Republika y'u Rwanda
  local short form: Rwanda
  former: Ruanda, German East Africa

Saint Barthelemy
  conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of
  Saint Barthelemy
  conventional short form: Saint Barthelemy
  local long form: Collectivite d'outre mer de Saint-Barthelemy
  local short form: Saint-Barthelemy

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  conventional long
  form: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  conventional short form: none

Saint Kitts and Nevis conventional long form: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis conventional short form: Saint Kitts and Nevis former: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

Saint Lucia conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Lucia

Saint Martin
  conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint
  Martin
  conventional short form: Saint Martin
  local long form: Collectivity d'outre mer de Saint-Martin
  local short form: Saint-Martin

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  conventional long form: Territorial
  Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  conventional short form: Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  local long form: Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
  local short form: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa
  conventional long form: Independent State of Samoa
  conventional short form: Samoa
  local long form: Malo Sa'oloto Tuto'atasi o Samoa
  local short form: Samoa
  former: Western Samoa

San Marino
  conventional long form: Republic of San Marino
  conventional short form: San Marino
  local long form: Repubblica di San Marino
  local short form: San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe conventional short form: Sao Tome and Principe local long form: Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe local short form: Sao Tome e Principe

Saudi Arabia
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  conventional short form: Saudi Arabia
  local long form: Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah
  local short form: Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

Senegal
  conventional long form: Republic of Senegal
  conventional short form: Senegal
  local long form: Republique du Senegal
  local short form: Senegal
  former: Senegambia (along with The Gambia), Mali Federation

Serbia
  conventional long form: Republic of Serbia
  conventional short form: Serbia
  local long form: Republika Srbija
  local short form: Srbija
  former: People's Republic of Serbia, Socialist Republic of Serbia

Seychelles
  conventional long form: Republic of Seychelles
  conventional short form: Seychelles
  local long form: Republic of Seychelles
  local short form: Seychelles

Sierra Leone
  conventional long form: Republic of Sierra Leone
  conventional short form: Sierra Leone
  local long form: Republic of Sierra Leone
  local short form: Sierra Leone

Singapore
  conventional long form: Republic of Singapore
  conventional short form: Singapore
  local long form: Republic of Singapore
  local short form: Singapore

Sint Maarten
  Dutch long form: Land Sint Maarten
  Dutch short form: Sint Maarten
  English long form: Country of Sint Maarten
  English short form: Sint Maarten
  former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies

Slovakia
  conventional long form: Slovak Republic
  conventional short form: Slovakia
  local long form: Slovenska Republika
  local short form: Slovensko

Slovenia
  conventional long form: Republic of Slovenia
  conventional short form: Slovenia
  local long form: Republika Slovenija
  local short form: Slovenija
  former: People's Republic of Slovenia, Socialist Republic of Slovenia

Solomon Islands
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Solomon Islands
  local long form: none
  local short form: Solomon Islands
  former: British Solomon Islands

Somalia
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Somalia
  local long form: Jamhuuriyada Demuqraadiga Soomaaliyeed
  local short form: Soomaaliya
  former: Somali Republic, Somali Democratic Republic

South Africa
  conventional long form: Republic of South Africa
  conventional short form: South Africa
  former: Union of South Africa
  abbreviation: RSA

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  conventional long form:
  South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
  conventional short form: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  abbreviation: SGSSI

Spain
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Spain
  conventional short form: Spain
  local long form: Reino de Espana
  local short form: Espana

Spratly Islands
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Spratly Islands

Sri Lanka
  conventional long form: Democratic Socialist Republic of
  Sri Lanka
  conventional short form: Sri Lanka
  local long form: Shri Lamka Prajatantrika Samajaya di
  Janarajaya/Ilankai Jananayaka Choshalichak Kutiyarachu
  local short form: Shri Lamka/Ilankai
  former: Serendib, Ceylon

Sudan
  conventional long form: Republic of the Sudan
  conventional short form: Sudan
  local long form: Jumhuriyat as-Sudan
  local short form: As-Sudan
  former: Anglo-Egyptian Sudan

Suriname
  conventional long form: Republic of Suriname
  conventional short form: Suriname
  local long form: Republiek Suriname
  local short form: Suriname
  former: Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana

Svalbard
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Svalbard (sometimes referred to as
  Spitzbergen)

Swaziland
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland
  conventional short form: Swaziland
  local long form: Umbuso weSwatini
  local short form: eSwatini

Sweden
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Sweden
  conventional short form: Sweden
  local long form: Konungariket Sverige
  local short form: Sverige

Switzerland
  conventional long form: Swiss Confederation
  conventional short form: Switzerland
  local long form: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German);
  Confederation Suisse (French); Confederazione Svizzera (Italian);
  Confederaziun Svizra (Romansh)
  local short form: Schweiz (German); Suisse (French); Svizzera
  (Italian); Svizra (Romansh)

Syria
  conventional long form: Syrian Arab Republic
  conventional short form: Syria
  local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah
  local short form: Suriyah
  former: United Arab Republic (with Egypt)

Taiwan
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Taiwan
  local long form: none
  local short form: Taiwan
  former: Formosa

Tajikistan
  conventional long form: Republic of Tajikistan
  conventional short form: Tajikistan
  local long form: Jumhurii Tojikiston
  local short form: Tojikiston
  former: Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic

Tanzania
  conventional long form: United Republic of Tanzania
  conventional short form: Tanzania
  local long form: Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania
  local short form: Tanzania
  former: United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar

Thailand
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand
  conventional short form: Thailand
  local long form: Ratcha Anachak Thai
  local short form: Prathet Thai
  former: Siam

Timor-Leste
  conventional long form: Democratic Republic of
  Timor-Leste (pronounced TEE-mor LESS-tay)
  conventional short form: Timor-Leste
  local long form: Republika Demokratika Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum];
  Republica Democratica de Timor-Leste [Portuguese]
  local short form: Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum]; Timor-Leste [Portuguese]
  former: East Timor, Portuguese Timor

Togo
  conventional long form: Togolese Republic
  conventional short form: Togo
  local long form: Republique togolaise
  local short form: none
  former: French Togoland

Tokelau
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Tokelau

Tonga
  conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga
  conventional short form: Tonga
  local long form: Pule'anga Tonga
  local short form: Tonga
  former: Friendly Islands

Trinidad and Tobago
  conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and
  Tobago
  conventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia
  conventional long form: Tunisian Republic
  conventional short form: Tunisia
  local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah
  local short form: Tunis

Turkey
  conventional long form: Republic of Turkey
  conventional short form: Turkey
  local long form: Turkiye Cumhuriyeti
  local short form: Turkiye

Turkmenistan
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Turkmenistan
  local long form: none
  local short form: Turkmenistan
  former: Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic

Turks and Caicos Islands
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Turks and Caicos Islands
  abbreviation: TCI

Tuvalu
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Tuvalu
  local long form: none
  local short form: Tuvalu
  former: Ellice Islands
  note: "Tuvalu" means "group of eight" referring to the country's
  eight traditionally inhabited islands

Uganda
  conventional long form: Republic of Uganda
  conventional short form: Uganda

Ukraine
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Ukraine
  local long form: none
  local short form: Ukrayina
  former: Ukrainian National Republic, Ukrainian State, Ukrainian
  Soviet Socialist Republic

United Arab Emirates
  conventional long form: United Arab Emirates
  conventional short form: none
  local long form: Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah
  local short form: none
  former: Trucial Oman, Trucial States
  abbreviation: UAE

United Kingdom
  conventional long form: United Kingdom of Great
  Britain and Northern Ireland; note - Great Britain includes England,
  Scotland, and Wales
  conventional short form: United Kingdom
  abbreviation: UK

United States
  conventional long form: United States of America
  conventional short form: United States
  abbreviation: US or USA

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  conventional long
  form: none
  conventional short form: Baker Island; Howland Island; Jarvis
  Island; Johnston Atoll; Kingman Reef; Midway Islands; Palmyra Atoll

Uruguay
  conventional long form: Oriental Republic of Uruguay
  conventional short form: Uruguay
  local long form: Republica Oriental del Uruguay
  local short form: Uruguay
  former: Banda Oriental, Cisplatine Province

Uzbekistan
  conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistan
  conventional short form: Uzbekistan
  local long form: Ozbekiston Respublikasi
  local short form: Ozbekiston
  former: Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic

Vanuatu
  conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu
  conventional short form: Vanuatu
  local long form: Ripablik blong Vanuatu
  local short form: Vanuatu
  former: New Hebrides

Venezuela
  conventional long form: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
  conventional short form: Venezuela
  local long form: Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela
  local short form: Venezuela

Vietnam
  conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
  conventional short form: Vietnam
  local long form: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam
  local short form: Viet Nam
  abbreviation: SRV

Virgin Islands
  conventional long form: United States Virgin Islands
  conventional short form: Virgin Islands
  former: Danish West Indies
  abbreviation: USVI

Wake Island
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Wake Island

Wallis and Futuna
  conventional long form: Territory of the Wallis
  and Futuna Islands
  conventional short form: Wallis and Futuna
  local long form: Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna
  local short form: Wallis et Futuna

West Bank
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: West Bank

Western Sahara
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Western Sahara
  former: Rio de Oro, Saguia el Hamra, Spanish Sahara

Yemen
  conventional long form: Republic of Yemen
  conventional short form: Yemen
  local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Yamaniyah
  local short form: Al Yaman
  former: Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and
  People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen]

Zambia
  conventional long form: Republic of Zambia
  conventional short form: Zambia
  former: Northern Rhodesia

Zimbabwe
  conventional long form: Republic of Zimbabwe
  conventional short form: Zimbabwe
  former: Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia

======================================================================

@2144

Field Listing :: Location

This entry identifies the country's regional location, neighboring countries, and adjacent bodies of water. Country

Location

Afghanistan
  Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran

Akrotiri
  Eastern Mediterranean, peninsula on the southwest coast of
  Cyprus

Albania
  Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian
  Sea, between Greece in the south and Montenegro and Kosovo to the
  north

Algeria
  Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between
  Morocco and Tunisia

American Samoa
  Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean,
  about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Andorra
  Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain

Angola
  Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between
  Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Anguilla
  Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North
  Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Antarctica
  continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle

Antigua and Barbuda
  Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and
  the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico

Arctic Ocean
  body of water between Europe, Asia, and North America,
  mostly north of the Arctic Circle

Argentina
  Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic
  Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay

Armenia
  Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey

Aruba
  Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian
  Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island

Atlantic Ocean
  body of water between Africa, Europe, the Southern
  Ocean, and the Western Hemisphere

Australia
  Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South
  Pacific Ocean

Austria
  Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia

Azerbaijan
  Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between
  Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus
  range

Bahamas, The
  Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic
  Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba

Bahrain
  Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi
  Arabia

Bangladesh
  Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma
  and India

Barbados
  Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of
  Venezuela

Belarus
  Eastern Europe, east of Poland

Belgium
  Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and
  the Netherlands

Belize
  Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between
  Guatemala and Mexico

Benin
  Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria
  and Togo

Bermuda
  North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean,
  east of South Carolina (US)

Bhutan
  Southern Asia, between China and India

Bolivia
  Central South America, southwest of Brazil

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic
  Sea and Croatia

Botswana
  Southern Africa, north of South Africa

Bouvet Island
  island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the
  Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)

Brazil
  Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean

British Indian Ocean Territory
  archipelago in the Indian Ocean,
  south of India, about halfway between Africa and Indonesia

British Virgin Islands
  Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the
  North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Brunei
  Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia

Bulgaria
  Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between
  Romania and Turkey

Burkina Faso
  Western Africa, north of Ghana

Burma
  Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of
  Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand

Burundi
  Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Cambodia
  Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between
  Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos

Cameroon
  Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between
  Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria

Canada
  Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on
  the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on
  the north, north of the conterminous US

Cape Verde
  Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic
  Ocean, west of Senegal

Cayman Islands
  Caribbean, three-island group (Grand Cayman, Cayman
  Brac, Little Cayman) in Caribbean Sea, 240 km south of Cuba and 268
  km northwest of Jamaica

Central African Republic
  Central Africa, north of Democratic
  Republic of the Congo

Chad
  Central Africa, south of Libya

Chile
  Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean,
  between Argentina and Peru

China
  Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow
  Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam

Christmas Island
  Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean,
  south of Indonesia

Clipperton Island
  Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean,
  1,120 km southwest of Mexico

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the
  Indian Ocean, southwest of Indonesia, about halfway from Australia
  to Sri Lanka

Colombia
  Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea,
  between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean,
  between Ecuador and Panama

Comoros
  Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of
  the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern
  Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  Central Africa, northeast of Angola

Congo, Republic of the
  Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic
  Ocean, between Angola and Gabon

Cook Islands
  Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean,
  about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Coral Sea Islands
  Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of
  Australia

Costa Rica
  Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the
  North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Cote d'Ivoire
  Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
  between Ghana and Liberia

Croatia
  Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between
  Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia

Cuba
  Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North
  Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida

Curacao
  Caribbean, an island in the Caribbean Sea - located 56.35 km
  off the coast of Venezuela

Cyprus
  Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey

Czech Republic
  Central Europe, between Germany, Poland, Slovakia,
  and Austria

Denmark
  Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea,
  on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes two major
  islands (Sjaelland and Fyn)

Dhekelia
  Eastern Mediterranean, on the southeast coast of Cyprus
  near Famagusta

Djibouti
  Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea,
  between Eritrea and Somalia

Dominica
  Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North
  Atlantic Ocean, about half way between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and
  Tobago

Dominican Republic
  Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of
  Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean,
  east of Haiti

Ecuador
  Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the
  Equator, between Colombia and Peru

Egypt
  Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between
  Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and
  includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula

El Salvador
  Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean,
  between Guatemala and Honduras

Equatorial Guinea
  Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra,
  between Cameroon and Gabon

Eritrea
  Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and
  Sudan

Estonia
  Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of
  Finland, between Latvia and Russia

Ethiopia
  Eastern Africa, west of Somalia

European Union
  Europe between the North Atlantic Ocean in the west
  and Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine to the east

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  Southern South America, islands in
  the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina

Faroe Islands
  Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian
  Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about half way between Iceland and
  Norway

Fiji
  Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about
  two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Finland
  Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia,
  and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia

France
  metropolitan France: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of
  Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of
  the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain
  French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic
  Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname
  Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the
  North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico
  Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North
  Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
  Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of
  Madagascar

French Polynesia
  Oceania, archipelagoes in the South Pacific Ocean
  about half way between South America and Australia

French Southern and Antarctic Lands southeast and east of Africa, islands in the southern Indian Ocean, some near Madagascar and others about equidistant between Africa, Antarctica, and Australia; note - French Southern and Antarctic Lands include Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the southern Indian Ocean, along with the French-claimed sector of Antarctica, "Adelie Land"; the US does not recognize the French claim to "Adelie Land"

Gabon
  Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator,
  between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea

Gambia, The
  Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and
  Senegal

Gaza Strip
  Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between
  Egypt and Israel

Georgia
  Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey
  and Russia, with a sliver of land north of the Caucasus extending
  into Europe

Germany
  Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea,
  between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark

Ghana
  Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote
  d'Ivoire and Togo

Gibraltar
  Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar,
  which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on
  the southern coast of Spain

Greece
  Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and
  the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey

Greenland
  Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean
  and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada

Grenada
  Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic
  Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Guam
  Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about
  three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Guatemala
  Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean,
  between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras
  (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize

Guernsey
  Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest
  of France

Guinea
  Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
  Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

Guinea-Bissau
  Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
  between Guinea and Senegal

Guyana
  Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
  between Suriname and Venezuela

Haiti
  Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola,
  between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the
  Dominican Republic

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  islands in the Indian Ocean, about
  two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica

Holy See (Vatican City)
  Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy)

Honduras
  Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between
  Guatemala and Nicaragua and bordering the Gulf of Fonseca (North
  Pacific Ocean), between El Salvador and Nicaragua

Hong Kong
  Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Hungary
  Central Europe, northwest of Romania

Iceland
  Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the
  North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the United Kingdom

India
  Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of
  Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan

Indian Ocean
  body of water between Africa, the Southern Ocean, Asia,
  and Australia

Indonesia
  Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean
  and the Pacific Ocean

Iran
  Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and
  the Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan

Iraq
  Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait

Ireland
  Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of
  Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain

Isle of Man
  Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great
  Britain and Ireland

Israel
  Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt
  and Lebanon

Italy
  Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central
  Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia

Jamaica
  Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba

Jan Mayen
  Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the
  Norwegian Sea, northeast of Iceland

Japan
  Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and
  the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula

Jersey
  Western Europe, island in the English Channel, northwest of
  France

Jordan
  Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia

Kazakhstan
  Central Asia, northwest of China; a small portion west of
  the Ural (Zhayyq) River in eastern-most Europe

Kenya
  Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia
  and Tanzania

Kiribati
  Oceania, group of 33 coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean,
  straddling the Equator; the capital Tarawa is about half way between
  Hawaii and Australia; note - on 1 January 1995, Kiribati proclaimed
  that all of its territory was in the same time zone as its Gilbert
  Islands group (UTC +12) even though the Phoenix Islands and the Line
  Islands under its jurisdiction were on the other side of the
  International Date Line

Korea, North
  Eastern Asia, northern half of the Korean Peninsula
  bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and
  South Korea

Korea, South
  Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula
  bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea

Kosovo
  Southeast Europe, between Serbia and Macedonia

Kuwait
  Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and
  Saudi Arabia

Kyrgyzstan
  Central Asia, west of China

Laos
  Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam

Latvia
  Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and
  Lithuania

Lebanon
  Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel
  and Syria

Lesotho
  Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa

Liberia
  Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
  Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone

Libya
  Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between
  Egypt and Tunisia

Liechtenstein
  Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland

Lithuania
  Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia
  and Russia

Luxembourg
  Western Europe, between France and Germany

Macau
  Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Macedonia
  Southeastern Europe, north of Greece

Madagascar
  Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of
  Mozambique

Malawi
  Southern Africa, east of Zambia

Malaysia
  Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and
  northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia,
  Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam

Maldives
  Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean,
  south-southwest of India

Mali
  Western Africa, southwest of Algeria

Malta
  Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of
  Sicily (Italy)

Marshall Islands
  Oceania, two archipelagic island chains of 29
  atolls, each made up of many small islets, and five single islands
  in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and
  Australia

Mauritania
  Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
  between Senegal and Western Sahara

Mauritius
  Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of
  Madagascar

Mayotte
  Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel,
  about half way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Mexico
  Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of
  Mexico, between Belize and the United States and bordering the North
  Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the United States

Micronesia, Federated States of
  Oceania, island group in the North
  Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to
  Indonesia

Moldova
  Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania

Monaco
  Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the
  southern coast of France, near the border with Italy

Mongolia
  Northern Asia, between China and Russia

Montenegro
  Southeastern Europe, between the Adriatic Sea and Serbia

Montserrat
  Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of
  Puerto Rico

Morocco
  Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the
  Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara

Mozambique
  Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel,
  between South Africa and Tanzania

Namibia
  Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between
  Angola and South Africa

Nauru
  Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the
  Marshall Islands

Navassa Island
  Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, 35 miles west
  of Tiburon Peninsula of Haiti

Nepal
  Southern Asia, between China and India

Netherlands
  Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium
  and Germany

New Caledonia
  Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of
  Australia

New Zealand
  Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast
  of Australia

Nicaragua
  Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the
  North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras

Niger
  Western Africa, southeast of Algeria

Nigeria
  Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin
  and Cameroon

Niue
  Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga

Norfolk Island
  Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of
  Australia

Northern Mariana Islands
  Oceania, islands in the North Pacific
  Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Norway
  Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North
  Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden

Oman
  Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and
  Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE

Pacific Ocean
  body of water between the Southern Ocean, Asia,
  Australia, and the Western Hemisphere

Pakistan
  Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on
  the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north

Palau
  Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean,
  southeast of the Philippines

Panama
  Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the
  North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica

Papua New Guinea
  Oceania, group of islands including the eastern
  half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South
  Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia

Paracel Islands
  Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs
  in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way from central
  Vietnam to the northern Philippines

Paraguay
  Central South America, northeast of Argentina

Peru
  Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean,
  between Chile and Ecuador

Philippines
  Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine
  Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Pitcairn Islands
  Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about
  midway between Peru and New Zealand

Poland
  Central Europe, east of Germany

Portugal
  Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
  west of Spain

Puerto Rico
  Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the
  North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic

Qatar
  Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi
  Arabia

Romania
  Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between
  Bulgaria and Ukraine

Russia
  Northern Asia (the area west of the Urals is considered part
  of Europe), bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North
  Pacific Ocean

Rwanda
  Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Saint Barthelemy
  located approximately 125 miles northwest of
  Guadeloupe

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  islands in the South
  Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa;
  Ascension Island lies 700 nm northwest of Saint Helena; Tristan da
  Cunha lies 2,300 nm southwest of Saint Helena

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about
  one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago

Saint Lucia
  Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North
  Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Saint Martin
  island 300 km southeast of Puerto Rico

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  Northern North America, islands in the
  North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  Caribbean, islands between the
  Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Samoa
  Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about
  half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

San Marino
  Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy

Sao Tome and Principe
  Western Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea,
  straddling the Equator, west of Gabon

Saudi Arabia
  Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red
  Sea, north of Yemen

Senegal
  Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between
  Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania

Serbia
  Southeastern Europe, between Macedonia and Hungary

Seychelles
  archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar

Sierra Leone
  Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
  between Guinea and Liberia

Singapore
  Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

Sint Maarten
  Caribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern)
  group; Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean
  Sea; Sint Maarten lies east of the US Virgin Islands

Slovakia
  Central Europe, south of Poland

Slovenia
  Central Europe, eastern Alps bordering the Adriatic Sea,
  between Austria and Croatia

Solomon Islands
  Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific
  Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea

Somalia
  Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian
  Ocean, east of Ethiopia

South Africa
  Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent
  of Africa

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  Southern South America,
  islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the tip of South America

Southern Ocean
  body of water between 60 degrees south latitude and
  Antarctica

Spain
  Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay,
  Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains,
  southwest of France

Spratly Islands
  Southeastern Asia, group of reefs and islands in the
  South China Sea, about two-thirds of the way from southern Vietnam
  to the southern Philippines

Sri Lanka
  Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India

Sudan
  Northern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and
  Eritrea

Suriname
  Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
  between French Guiana and Guyana

Svalbard
  Northern Europe, islands between the Arctic Ocean, Barents
  Sea, Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea, north of Norway

Swaziland
  Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa

Sweden
  Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia,
  Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway

Switzerland
  Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy

Syria
  Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon
  and Turkey

Taiwan
  Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea,
  Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the
  Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China

Tajikistan
  Central Asia, west of China

Tanzania
  Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya
  and Mozambique

Thailand
  Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf
  of Thailand, southeast of Burma

Timor-Leste
  Southeastern Asia, northwest of Australia in the Lesser
  Sunda Islands at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago; note
  - Timor-Leste includes the eastern half of the island of Timor, the
  Oecussi (Ambeno) region on the northwest portion of the island of
  Timor, and the islands of Pulau Atauro and Pulau Jaco

Togo
  Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Benin and
  Ghana

Tokelau
  Oceania, group of three atolls in the South Pacific Ocean,
  about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Tonga
  Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about
  two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Trinidad and Tobago
  Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and
  the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela

Tunisia
  Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between
  Algeria and Libya

Turkey
  Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia (that portion of
  Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe),
  bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering
  the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria

Turkmenistan
  Central Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran
  and Kazakhstan

Turks and Caicos Islands
  Caribbean, two island groups in the North
  Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti

Tuvalu
  Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the
  South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to
  Australia

Uganda
  Eastern Africa, west of Kenya

Ukraine
  Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland,
  Romania, and Moldova in the west and Russia in the east

United Arab Emirates
  Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the
  Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

United Kingdom
  Western Europe, islands including the northern
  one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean
  and the North Sea, northwest of France

United States
  North America, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean
  and the North Pacific Ocean, between Canada and Mexico

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  Oceania
  Baker Island: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,830 nm (3,389 km)
  southwest of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and Australia
  Howland Island: island in the North Pacific Ocean 1,815 nm (3,361
  km) southwest of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and
  Australia
  Jarvis Island: island in the South Pacific Ocean 1,305 nm (2,417 km)
  south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and Cook Islands
  Johnston Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 717 nm (1,328 km)
  southwest of Honolulu, about one-third of the way from Hawaii to the
  Marshall Islands
  Kingman Reef: reef in the North Pacific Ocean 930 nm (1,722 km)
  south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and American Samoa
  Midway Islands: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,260 nm (2,334 km)
  northwest of Honolulu near the end of the Hawaiian Archipelago,
  about one-third of the way from Honolulu to Tokyo
  Palmyra Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 960 nm (1,778 km)
  south of Honolulu, about half way between Hawaii and American Samoa

Uruguay
  Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean,
  between Argentina and Brazil

Uzbekistan
  Central Asia, north of Afghanistan

Vanuatu
  Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about
  three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Venezuela
  Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and
  the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana

Vietnam
  Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of
  Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia

Virgin Islands
  Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the
  North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Wake Island
  Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about
  two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands

Wallis and Futuna
  Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about
  two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

West Bank
  Middle East, west of Jordan

Western Sahara
  Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
  between Mauritania and Morocco

Yemen
  Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red
  Sea, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

Zambia
  Southern Africa, east of Angola

Zimbabwe
  Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia

======================================================================

@2145

Field Listing :: Map references

This entry includes the name of the Factbook reference map on which a country may be found. Note that boundary representations on these maps are not necessarily authoritative. The entry on Geographic coordinates may be helpful in finding some smaller countries. Country

Map references

Afghanistan
  Asia

Akrotiri
  Middle East

Albania
  Europe

Algeria
  Africa

American Samoa
  Oceania

Andorra
  Europe

Angola
  Africa

Anguilla
  Central America and the Caribbean

Antarctica
  Antarctic Region

Antigua and Barbuda
  Central America and the Caribbean

Arctic Ocean
  Arctic Region

Argentina
  South America

Armenia
  Asia

Aruba
  Central America and the Caribbean

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  Southeast Asia

Atlantic Ocean
  Political Map of the World

Australia
  Oceania

Austria
  Europe

Azerbaijan
  Asia

Bahamas, The
  Central America and the Caribbean

Bahrain
  Middle East

Bangladesh
  Asia

Barbados
  Central America and the Caribbean

Belarus
  Europe

Belgium
  Europe

Belize
  Central America and the Caribbean

Benin
  Africa

Bermuda
  North America

Bhutan
  Asia

Bolivia
  South America

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Europe

Botswana
  Africa

Bouvet Island
  Antarctic Region

Brazil
  South America

British Indian Ocean Territory
  Political Map of the World

British Virgin Islands
  Central America and the Caribbean

Brunei
  Southeast Asia

Bulgaria
  Europe

Burkina Faso
  Africa

Burma
  Southeast Asia

Burundi
  Africa

Cambodia
  Southeast Asia

Cameroon
  Africa

Canada
  North America

Cape Verde
  Political Map of the World

Cayman Islands
  Central America and the Caribbean

Central African Republic
  Africa

Chad
  Africa

Chile
  South America

China
  Asia

Christmas Island
  Southeast Asia

Clipperton Island
  Political Map of the World

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Southeast Asia

Colombia
  South America

Comoros
  Africa

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  Africa

Congo, Republic of the
  Africa

Cook Islands
  Oceania

Coral Sea Islands
  Oceania

Costa Rica
  Central America and the Caribbean

Cote d'Ivoire
  Africa

Croatia
  Europe

Cuba
  Central America and the Caribbean

Curacao
  Central America and the Caribbean

Cyprus
  Middle East

Czech Republic
  Europe

Denmark
  Europe

Dhekelia
  Middle East

Djibouti
  Africa

Dominica
  Central America and the Caribbean

Dominican Republic
  Central America and the Caribbean

Ecuador
  South America

Egypt
  Africa

El Salvador
  Central America and the Caribbean

Equatorial Guinea
  Africa

Eritrea
  Africa

Estonia
  Europe

Ethiopia
  Africa

European Union
  Europe

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  South America

Faroe Islands
  Europe

Fiji
  Oceania

Finland
  Europe

France
  metropolitan France: Europe
  French Guiana: South America
  Guadeloupe: Central America and the Caribbean
  Martinique: Central America and the Caribbean
  Reunion: World

French Polynesia
  Oceania

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  Antarctic Region, Africa

Gabon
  Africa

Gambia, The
  Africa

Gaza Strip
  Middle East

Georgia
  Asia

Germany
  Europe

Ghana
  Africa

Gibraltar
  Europe

Greece
  Europe

Greenland
  Arctic Region

Grenada
  Central America and the Caribbean

Guam
  Oceania

Guatemala
  Central America and the Caribbean

Guernsey
  Europe

Guinea
  Africa

Guinea-Bissau
  Africa

Guyana
  South America

Haiti
  Central America and the Caribbean

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  Antarctic Region

Holy See (Vatican City)
  Europe

Honduras
  Central America and the Caribbean

Hong Kong
  Southeast Asia

Hungary
  Europe

Iceland
  Arctic Region

India
  Asia

Indian Ocean
  Political Map of the World

Indonesia
  Southeast Asia

Iran
  Middle East

Iraq
  Middle East

Ireland
  Europe

Isle of Man
  Europe

Israel
  Middle East

Italy
  Europe

Jamaica
  Central America and the Caribbean

Jan Mayen
  Arctic Region

Japan
  Asia

Jersey
  Europe

Jordan
  Middle East

Kazakhstan
  Asia

Kenya
  Africa

Kiribati
  Oceania

Korea, North
  Asia

Korea, South
  Asia

Kosovo
  Europe

Kuwait
  Middle East

Kyrgyzstan
  Asia

Laos
  Southeast Asia

Latvia
  Europe

Lebanon
  Middle East

Lesotho
  Africa

Liberia
  Africa

Libya
  Africa

Liechtenstein
  Europe

Lithuania
  Europe

Luxembourg
  Europe

Macau
  Southeast Asia

Macedonia
  Europe

Madagascar
  Africa

Malawi
  Africa

Malaysia
  Southeast Asia

Maldives
  Asia

Mali
  Africa

Malta
  Europe

Marshall Islands
  Oceania

Mauritania
  Africa

Mauritius
  Political Map of the World

Mayotte
  Africa

Mexico
  North America

Micronesia, Federated States of
  Oceania

Moldova
  Europe

Monaco
  Europe

Mongolia
  Asia

Montenegro
  Europe

Montserrat
  Central America and the Caribbean

Morocco
  Africa

Mozambique
  Africa

Namibia
  Africa

Nauru
  Oceania

Navassa Island
  Central America and the Caribbean

Nepal
  Asia

Netherlands
  Europe

New Caledonia
  Oceania

New Zealand
  Oceania

Nicaragua
  Central America and the Caribbean

Niger
  Africa

Nigeria
  Africa

Niue
  Oceania

Norfolk Island
  Oceania

Northern Mariana Islands
  Oceania

Norway
  Europe

Oman
  Middle East

Pacific Ocean
  Political Map of the World

Pakistan
  Asia

Palau
  Oceania

Panama
  Central America and the Caribbean

Papua New Guinea
  Oceania

Paracel Islands
  Southeast Asia

Paraguay
  South America

Peru
  South America

Philippines
  Southeast Asia

Pitcairn Islands
  Oceania

Poland
  Europe

Portugal
  Europe

Puerto Rico
  Central America and the Caribbean

Qatar
  Middle East

Romania
  Europe

Russia
  Asia

Rwanda
  Africa

Saint Barthelemy
  Central America and the Caribbean

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  Africa

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  Central America and the Caribbean

Saint Lucia
  Central America and the Caribbean

Saint Martin
  Central America and the Caribbean

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  North America

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  Central America and the Caribbean

Samoa
  Oceania

San Marino
  Europe

Sao Tome and Principe
  Africa

Saudi Arabia
  Middle East

Senegal
  Africa

Serbia
  Europe

Seychelles
  Africa

Sierra Leone
  Africa

Singapore
  Southeast Asia

Sint Maarten
  Central America and the Caribbean

Slovakia
  Europe

Slovenia
  Europe

Solomon Islands
  Oceania

Somalia
  Africa

South Africa
  Africa

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  Antarctic Region

Southern Ocean
  Antarctic Region

Spain
  Europe

Spratly Islands
  Southeast Asia

Sri Lanka
  Asia

Sudan
  Africa

Suriname
  South America

Svalbard
  Arctic Region

Swaziland
  Africa

Sweden
  Europe

Switzerland
  Europe

Syria
  Middle East

Taiwan
  Southeast Asia

Tajikistan
  Asia

Tanzania
  Africa

Thailand
  Southeast Asia

Timor-Leste
  Southeast Asia

Togo
  Africa

Tokelau
  Oceania

Tonga
  Oceania

Trinidad and Tobago
  Central America and the Caribbean

Tunisia
  Africa

Turkey
  Middle East

Turkmenistan
  Asia

Turks and Caicos Islands
  Central America and the Caribbean

Tuvalu
  Oceania

Uganda
  Africa

Ukraine
  Asia, Europe

United Arab Emirates
  Middle East

United Kingdom
  Europe

United States
  North America

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  Oceania

Uruguay
  South America

Uzbekistan
  Asia

Vanuatu
  Oceania

Venezuela
  South America

Vietnam
  Southeast Asia

Virgin Islands
  Central America and the Caribbean

Wake Island
  Oceania

Wallis and Futuna
  Oceania

West Bank
  Middle East

Western Sahara
  Africa

World
  Physical Map of the World, Political Map of the World,
  Standard Time Zones of the World

Yemen
  Middle East

Zambia
  Africa

Zimbabwe
  Africa

======================================================================

@2146

Field Listing :: Irrigated land

This entry gives the number of square kilometers of land area that is artificially supplied with water. Country

Irrigated land(sq km)

Afghanistan
  27,200 sq km (2003)

Albania
  3,530 sq km (2003)

Algeria
  5,690 sq km (2003)

American Samoa
  NA

Andorra
  NA

Angola
  800 sq km (2003)

Anguilla
  NA

Antigua and Barbuda
  NA

Argentina
  15,500 sq km (2003)

Armenia
  2,860 sq km (2003)

Aruba
  0.01 sq km (1998 est.)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  0 sq km

Australia
  25,450 sq km (2003)

Austria
  40 sq km (2003)

Azerbaijan
  14,550 sq km (2003)

Bahamas, The
  10 sq km (2003)

Bahrain
  40 sq km (2003)

Bangladesh
  47,250 sq km (2003)

Barbados
  50 sq km (2003)

Belarus
  1,310 sq km (2003)

Belgium
  400 sq km (2003)

Belize
  30 sq km (2003)

Benin
  120 sq km (2003)

Bermuda
  NA

Bhutan
  400 sq km (2003)

Bolivia
  1,320 sq km (2003)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  30 sq km (2003)

Botswana
  10 sq km (2003)

Bouvet Island
  0 sq km

Brazil
  29,200 sq km (2003)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  0 sq km

British Virgin Islands
  NA

Brunei
  10 sq km (2003)

Bulgaria
  5,880 sq km (2003)

Burkina Faso
  250 sq km (2003)

Burma
  18,700 sq km (2003)

Burundi
  210 sq km (2003)

Cambodia
  2,700 sq km (2003)

Cameroon
  260 sq km (2003)

Canada
  7,850 sq km (2003)

Cape Verde
  30 sq km (2003)

Cayman Islands
  NA

Central African Republic
  20 sq km (2003)

Chad
  300 sq km (2003)

Chile
  19,000 sq km (2003)

China
  545,960 sq km (2003)

Christmas Island
  NA

Clipperton Island
  0 sq km

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  NA

Colombia
  9,000 sq km (2003)

Comoros
  NA

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  110 sq km (2003)

Congo, Republic of the
  20 sq km (2003)

Cook Islands
  NA

Coral Sea Islands
  0 sq km

Costa Rica
  1,080 sq km (2003)

Cote d'Ivoire
  730 sq km (2003)

Croatia
  110 sq km (2003)

Cuba
  8,700 sq km (2003)

Curacao
  NA

Cyprus
  400 sq km (2003)

Czech Republic
  240 sq km (2003)

Denmark
  4,490 sq km (2003)

Djibouti
  10 sq km (2003)

Dominica
  NA

Dominican Republic
  2,750 sq km (2003)

Ecuador
  8,650 sq km (2003)

Egypt
  34,220 sq km (2003)

El Salvador
  450 sq km (2003)

Equatorial Guinea
  NA

Eritrea
  210 sq km (2003)

Estonia
  40 sq km (2003)

Ethiopia
  2,900 sq km (2003)

European Union
  168,050 sq km (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA

Faroe Islands
  0 sq km

Fiji
  30 sq km (2003)

Finland
  640 sq km (2003)

France
  total: 26,190 sq km;
  metropolitan France: 26,000 sq km (2003)

French Polynesia
  10 sq km (2003)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  0 sq km

Gabon
  70 sq km (2003)

Gambia, The
  20 sq km (2003)

Gaza Strip
  155 sq km; (note - includes West Bank) (2003)

Georgia
  4,690 sq km (2003)

Germany
  4,850 sq km (2003)

Ghana
  310 sq km (2003)

Gibraltar
  NA

Greece
  14,530 sq km (2003)

Greenland
  NA

Grenada
  NA

Guam
  NA

Guatemala
  1,300 sq km (2003)

Guernsey
  NA

Guinea
  950 sq km (2003)

Guinea-Bissau
  250 sq km (2003)

Guyana
  1,500 sq km (2003)

Haiti
  920 sq km (2003)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  0 sq km

Holy See (Vatican City)
  0 sq km

Honduras
  800 sq km (2003)

Hong Kong
  20 sq km (1998 est.)

Hungary
  2,300 sq km (2003)

Iceland
  NA

India
  558,080 sq km (2003)

Indonesia
  45,000 sq km (2003)

Iran
  76,500 sq km (2003)

Iraq
  35,250 sq km (2003)

Ireland
  NA

Isle of Man
  0 sq km

Israel
  1,940 sq km (2003)

Italy
  27,500 sq km (2003)

Jamaica
  250 sq km (2002)

Jan Mayen
  0 sq km

Japan
  25,920 sq km (2003)

Jersey
  NA

Jordan
  750 sq km (2003)

Kazakhstan
  35,560 sq km (2003)

Kenya
  1,030 sq km (2003)

Kiribati
  NA

Korea, North
  14,600 sq km (2003)

Korea, South
  8,780 sq km (2003)

Kuwait
  130 sq km (2003)

Kyrgyzstan
  10,720 sq km (2003)

Laos
  1,750 sq km (2003)

Latvia
  200 sq km
  note: land in Latvia is often too wet and in need of drainage not
  irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land
  has been improved by drainage (2003)

Lebanon
  1,040 sq km (2003)

Lesotho
  30 sq km (2003)

Liberia
  30 sq km (2003)

Libya
  4,700 sq km (2003)

Liechtenstein
  NA

Lithuania
  70 sq km (2003)

Luxembourg
  NA

Macau
  NA

Macedonia
  550 sq km (2003)

Madagascar
  10,860 sq km (2003)

Malawi
  560 sq km (2003)

Malaysia
  3,650 sq km (2003)

Maldives
  NA

Mali
  2,360 sq km (2003)

Malta
  20 sq km (2003)

Marshall Islands
  0 sq km

Mauritania
  490 sq km (2002)

Mauritius
  220 sq km (2003)

Mayotte
  NA

Mexico
  63,200 sq km (2003)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  NA

Moldova
  3,000 sq km (2003)

Monaco
  NA

Mongolia
  840 sq km (2003)

Montenegro
  NA

Montserrat
  NA

Morocco
  14,450 sq km (2003)

Mozambique
  1,180 sq km (2003)

Namibia
  80 sq km (2003)

Nauru
  NA

Nepal
  11,700 sq km (2003)

Netherlands
  5,650 sq km (2003)

New Caledonia
  100 sq km (2003)

New Zealand
  2,850 sq km (2003)

Nicaragua
  610 sq km (2003)

Niger
  730 sq km (2003)

Nigeria
  2,820 sq km (2003)

Niue
  NA

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  NA

Norway
  1,270 sq km (2003)

Oman
  720 sq km (2003)

Pakistan
  182,300 sq km (2003)

Palau
  NA

Panama
  430 sq km (2003)

Papua New Guinea
  NA

Paracel Islands
  0 sq km

Paraguay
  670 sq km (2003)

Peru
  12,000 sq km (2003)

Philippines
  15,500 sq km (2003)

Pitcairn Islands
  NA

Poland
  1,000 sq km (2003)

Portugal
  6,500 sq km (2003)

Puerto Rico
  400 sq km (2003)

Qatar
  130 sq km (2002)

Romania
  30,770 sq km (2003)

Russia
  46,000 sq km (2003)

Rwanda
  90 sq km (2003)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  NA

Saint Lucia
  30 sq km (2003)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  10 sq km (2003)

Samoa
  NA

San Marino
  NA

Sao Tome and Principe
  100 sq km (2003)

Saudi Arabia
  16,200 sq km (2003)

Senegal
  1,200 sq km (2003)

Serbia
  NA

Seychelles
  NA

Sierra Leone
  300 sq km (2003)

Singapore
  NA

Sint Maarten
  NA

Slovakia
  1,830 sq km (2003)

Slovenia
  30 sq km (2003)

Solomon Islands
  NA

Somalia
  2,000 sq km (2003)

South Africa
  14,980 sq km (2003)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  0 sq km

Spain
  37,800 sq km (2003)

Spratly Islands
  0 sq km

Sri Lanka
  7,430 sq km (2003)

Sudan
  18,630 sq km (2003)

Suriname
  510 sq km (2003)

Svalbard
  NA

Swaziland
  500 sq km (2003)

Sweden
  1,150 sq km (2003)

Switzerland
  250 sq km (2003)

Syria
  13,330 sq km (2003)

Taiwan
  NA

Tajikistan
  7,220 sq km (2003)

Tanzania
  1,840 sq km (2003)

Thailand
  49,860 sq km (2003)

Timor-Leste
  1,065 sq km (2003)

Togo
  70 sq km (2003)

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  NA

Trinidad and Tobago
  40 sq km (2003)

Tunisia
  3,940 sq km (2003)

Turkey
  52,150 sq km (2003)

Turkmenistan
  18,000 sq km (2003)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  NA

Tuvalu
  NA

Uganda
  90 sq km (2003)

Ukraine
  22,080 sq km (2003)

United Arab Emirates
  760 sq km (2003)

United Kingdom
  1,700 sq km (2003)

United States
  223,850 sq km (2003)

Uruguay
  2,100 sq km (2003)

Uzbekistan
  42,810 sq km (2003)

Vanuatu
  NA

Venezuela
  5,750 sq km (2003)

Vietnam
  30,000 sq km (2003)

Virgin Islands
  NA

Wake Island
  0 sq km

Wallis and Futuna
  NA

West Bank
  150 sq km; note - includes Gaza Strip (2003)

Western Sahara
  NA

World
  2,770,980 sq km (2003)

Yemen
  5,500 sq km (2003)

Zambia
  1,560 sq km (2003)

Zimbabwe
  1,740 sq km (2003)

======================================================================

@2147

Field Listing :: Area

This entry includes three subfields. Total area is the sum of all land and water areas delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines. Land area is the aggregate of all surfaces delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines, excluding inland water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, rivers). Water area is the sum of the surfaces of all inland water bodies, such as lakes, reservoirs, or rivers, as delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines. Country Comparison to the World Country

Area(sq km)

Afghanistan total: 652,230 sq km land: 652,230 sq km water: 0 sq km

Akrotiri total: 123 sq km note: includes a salt lake and wetlands

Albania
  total: 28,748 sq km
  land: 27,398 sq km
  water: 1,350 sq km

Algeria
  total: 2,381,741 sq km
  land: 2,381,741 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

American Samoa total: 199 sq km land: 199 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Rose Island and Swains Island

Andorra
  total: 468 sq km
  land: 468 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Angola
  total: 1,246,700 sq km
  land: 1,246,700 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Anguilla
  total: 91 sq km
  land: 91 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Antarctica
  total: 14 million sq km
  land: 14 million sq km (280,000 sq km ice-free, 13.72 million sq km
  ice-covered) (est.)
  note: fifth-largest continent, following Asia, Africa, North
  America, and South America, but larger than Australia and the
  subcontinent of Europe

Antigua and Barbuda total: 442.6 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km) land: 442.6 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km

Arctic Ocean
  total: 14.056 million sq km
  note: includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea,
  East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara
  Sea, Laptev Sea, Northwest Passage, and other tributary water bodies

Argentina
  total: 2,780,400 sq km
  land: 2,736,690 sq km
  water: 43,710 sq km

Armenia
  total: 29,743 sq km
  land: 28,203 sq km
  water: 1,540 sq km

Aruba
  total: 180 sq km
  land: 180 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  total: 5 sq km
  land: 5 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and
  Cartier Island

Atlantic Ocean
  total: 76.762 million sq km
  note: includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait,
  Denmark Strait, part of the Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Labrador
  Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, almost all of the
  Scotia Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Australia
  total: 7,741,220 sq km
  land: 7,682,300 sq km
  water: 58,920 sq km
  note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island

Austria
  total: 83,871 sq km
  land: 82,445 sq km
  water: 1,426 sq km

Azerbaijan
  total: 86,600 sq km
  land: 82,629 sq km
  water: 3,971 sq km
  note: includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the
  Nagorno-Karabakh region; the region's autonomy was abolished by
  Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991

Bahamas, The
  total: 13,880 sq km
  land: 10,010 sq km
  water: 3,870 sq km

Bahrain
  total: 760 sq km
  land: 760 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Bangladesh
  total: 143,998 sq km
  land: 130,168 sq km
  water: 13,830 sq km

Barbados
  total: 430 sq km
  land: 430 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Belarus
  total: 207,600 sq km
  land: 202,900 sq km
  water: 4,700 sq km

Belgium
  total: 30,528 sq km
  land: 30,278 sq km
  water: 250 sq km

Belize
  total: 22,966 sq km
  land: 22,806 sq km
  water: 160 sq km

Benin
  total: 112,622 sq km
  land: 110,622 sq km
  water: 2,000 sq km

Bermuda
  total: 54 sq km
  land: 54 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Bhutan
  total: 38,394 sq km
  land: 38,394 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Bolivia
  total: 1,098,581 sq km
  land: 1,083,301 sq km
  water: 15,280 sq km

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  total: 51,197 sq km
  land: 51,187 sq km
  water: 10 sq km

Botswana
  total: 581,730 sq km
  land: 566,730 sq km
  water: 15,000 sq km

Bouvet Island
  total: 49 sq km
  land: 49 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Brazil
  total: 8,514,877 sq km
  land: 8,459,417 sq km
  water: 55,460 sq km
  note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas,
  Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao
  Paulo

British Indian Ocean Territory total: 54,400 sq km land: 60 sq km; Diego Garcia 44 sq km water: 54,340 sq km note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago of 55 islands

British Virgin Islands
  total: 151 sq km
  land: 151 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited
  islands; includes the islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda,
  Jost van Dyke

Brunei
  total: 5,765 sq km
  land: 5,265 sq km
  water: 500 sq km

Bulgaria
  total: 110,879 sq km
  land: 108,489 sq km
  water: 2,390 sq km

Burkina Faso
  total: 274,200 sq km
  land: 273,800 sq km
  water: 400 sq km

Burma
  total: 676,578 sq km
  land: 653,508 sq km
  water: 23,070 sq km

Burundi
  total: 27,830 sq km
  land: 25,680 sq km
  water: 2,150 sq km

Cambodia
  total: 181,035 sq km
  land: 176,515 sq km
  water: 4,520 sq km

Cameroon
  total: 475,440 sq km
  land: 472,710 sq km
  water: 2,730 sq km

Canada
  total: 9,984,670 sq km
  land: 9,093,507 sq km
  water: 891,163 sq km

Cape Verde
  total: 4,033 sq km
  land: 4,033 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Cayman Islands
  total: 264 sq km
  land: 264 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Central African Republic
  total: 622,984 sq km
  land: 622,984 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Chad
  total: 1.284 million sq km
  land: 1,259,200 sq km
  water: 24,800 sq km

Chile
  total: 756,102 sq km
  land: 743,812 sq km
  water: 12,290 sq km
  note: includes Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) and Isla Sala y Gomez

China
  total: 9,596,961 sq km
  land: 9,569,901 sq km
  water: 27,060 sq km

Christmas Island
  total: 135 sq km
  land: 135 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Clipperton Island
  total: 6 sq km
  land: 6 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  total: 14 sq km
  land: 14 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island

Colombia
  total: 1,138,910 sq km
  land: 1,038,700 sq km
  water: 100,210 sq km
  note: includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, and Serrana Bank

Comoros
  total: 2,235 sq km
  land: 2,235 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  total: 2,344,858 sq km
  land: 2,267,048 sq km
  water: 77,810 sq km

Congo, Republic of the
  total: 342,000 sq km
  land: 341,500 sq km
  water: 500 sq km

Cook Islands
  total: 236 sq km
  land: 236 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Coral Sea Islands total: less than 3 sq km land: less than 3 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 780,000 sq km with the Willis Islets the most important

Costa Rica total: 51,100 sq km land: 51,060 sq km water: 40 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco

Cote d'Ivoire
  total: 322,463 sq km
  land: 318,003 sq km
  water: 4,460 sq km

Croatia
  total: 56,594 sq km
  land: 55,974 sq km
  water: 620 sq km

Cuba
  total: 110,860 sq km
  land: 109,820 sq km
  water: 1,040 sq km

Curacao
  total: 444 sq km
  land: 444 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Cyprus
  total: 9,251 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in north Cyprus)
  land: 9,241 sq km
  water: 10 sq km

Czech Republic
  total: 78,867 sq km
  land: 77,247 sq km
  water: 1,620 sq km

Denmark
  total: 43,094 sq km
  land: 42,434 sq km
  water: 660 sq km
  note: includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest
  of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major
  islands of Sjaelland and Fyn), but excludes the Faroe Islands and
  Greenland

Dhekelia
  total: 130.8 sq km
  note: area surrounds three Cypriot enclaves

Djibouti
  total: 23,200 sq km
  land: 23,180 sq km
  water: 20 sq km

Dominica
  total: 751 sq km
  land: 751 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Dominican Republic
  total: 48,670 sq km
  land: 48,320 sq km
  water: 350 sq km

Ecuador
  total: 283,561 sq km
  land: 276,841 sq km
  water: 6,720 sq km
  note: includes Galapagos Islands

Egypt
  total: 1,001,450 sq km
  land: 995,450 sq km
  water: 6,000 sq km

El Salvador
  total: 21,041 sq km
  land: 20,721 sq km
  water: 320 sq km

Equatorial Guinea
  total: 28,051 sq km
  land: 28,051 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Eritrea
  total: 117,600 sq km
  land: 101,000 sq km
  water: 16,600 sq km

Estonia
  total: 45,228 sq km
  land: 42,388 sq km
  water: 2,840 sq km
  note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea

Ethiopia
  total: 1,104,300 sq km
  land: 1 million sq km
  water: 104,300 sq km

European Union
  total: 4,324,782 sq km

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) total: 12,173 sq km land: 12,173 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands

Faroe Islands
  total: 1,393 sq km
  land: 1,393 sq km
  water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams)

Fiji
  total: 18,274 sq km
  land: 18,274 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Finland
  total: 338,145 sq km
  land: 303,815 sq km
  water: 34,330 sq km

France
  total: 643,427 sq km; 551,500 sq km (metropolitan France)
  land: 640,053 sq km; 549,970 sq km (metropolitan France)
  water: 3,374 sq km; 1,530 sq km (metropolitan France)
  note: the first numbers include the overseas regions of French
  Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion

French Polynesia
  total: 4,167 sq km (118 islands and atolls)
  land: 3,827 sq km
  water: 340 sq km

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et
  Ile Saint-Paul): total - 55 sq km; land - 55 sq km; water - 0 sq km
  Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): total - 7 sq km;
  land - 7 sq km; water - 0 sq km
  Iles Crozet: total - 352 sq km; land - 352 sq km; water - 0 sq km
  Iles Kerguelen: total - 7,215 sq km; land - 7,215 sq km; water - 0
  sq km
  Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): total - 80 sq km; land - 0.2 sq km;
  water - 79.8 sq km (lagoon)
  Europa Island (Iles Eparses): total - 28 sq km; land - 28 sq km;
  water - 0 sq km
  Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): total - 5 sq km; land - 5 sq km;
  water - 0 sq km
  Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): total - 4.4 sq km; land - 4.4 sq
  km; water - 0 sq km
  Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): total - 1 sq km; land - 1 sq km;
  water - 0 sq km
  note: excludes "Adelie Land" claim of about 500,000 sq km in
  Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Gabon
  total: 267,667 sq km
  land: 257,667 sq km
  water: 10,000 sq km

Gambia, The
  total: 11,295 sq km
  land: 10,000 sq km
  water: 1,295 sq km

Gaza Strip
  total: 360 sq km
  land: 360 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Georgia
  total: 69,700 sq km
  land: 69,700 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Germany
  total: 357,022 sq km
  land: 348,672 sq km
  water: 8,350 sq km

Ghana
  total: 238,533 sq km
  land: 227,533 sq km
  water: 11,000 sq km

Gibraltar
  total: 6.5 sq km
  land: 6.5 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Greece
  total: 131,957 sq km
  land: 130,647 sq km
  water: 1,310 sq km

Greenland
  total: 2,166,086 sq km
  land: 2,166,086 sq km (410,449 sq km ice-free, 1,755,637 sq km
  ice-covered)

Grenada
  total: 344 sq km
  land: 344 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Guam
  total: 544 sq km
  land: 544 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Guatemala
  total: 108,889 sq km
  land: 107,159 sq km
  water: 1,730 sq km

Guernsey
  total: 78 sq km
  land: 78 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other
  smaller islands

Guinea
  total: 245,857 sq km
  land: 245,717 sq km
  water: 140 sq km

Guinea-Bissau
  total: 36,125 sq km
  land: 28,120 sq km
  water: 8,005 sq km

Guyana
  total: 214,969 sq km
  land: 196,849 sq km
  water: 18,120 sq km

Haiti
  total: 27,750 sq km
  land: 27,560 sq km
  water: 190 sq km

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  total: 412 sq km
  land: 412 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Holy See (Vatican City)
  total: 0.44 sq km
  land: 0.44 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Honduras
  total: 112,090 sq km
  land: 111,890 sq km
  water: 200 sq km

Hong Kong
  total: 1,104 sq km
  land: 1,054 sq km
  water: 50 sq km

Hungary
  total: 93,028 sq km
  land: 89,608 sq km
  water: 3,420 sq km

Iceland
  total: 103,000 sq km
  land: 100,250 sq km
  water: 2,750 sq km

India
  total: 3,287,263 sq km
  land: 2,973,193 sq km
  water: 314,070 sq km

Indian Ocean
  total: 68.556 million sq km
  note: includes Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Flores Sea,
  Great Australian Bight, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Java Sea,
  Mozambique Channel, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Savu Sea, Strait of
  Malacca, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Indonesia
  total: 1,904,569 sq km
  land: 1,811,569 sq km
  water: 93,000 sq km

Iran
  total: 1,648,195 sq km
  land: 1,531,595 sq km
  water: 116,600 sq km

Iraq
  total: 438,317 sq km
  land: 437,367 sq km
  water: 950 sq km

Ireland
  total: 70,273 sq km
  land: 68,883 sq km
  water: 1,390 sq km

Isle of Man
  total: 572 sq km
  land: 572 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Israel
  total: 22,072 sq km
  land: 21,642 sq km
  water: 430 sq km

Italy
  total: 301,340 sq km
  land: 294,140 sq km
  water: 7,200 sq km
  note: includes Sardinia and Sicily

Jamaica
  total: 10,991 sq km
  land: 10,831 sq km
  water: 160 sq km

Jan Mayen
  total: 377 sq km
  land: 377 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Japan
  total: 377,915 sq km
  land: 364,485 sq km
  water: 13,430 sq km
  note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto,
  Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and
  Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto)

Jersey
  total: 116 sq km
  land: 116 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Jordan
  total: 89,342 sq km
  land: 88,802 sq km
  water: 540 sq km

Kazakhstan
  total: 2,724,900 sq km
  land: 2,699,700 sq km
  water: 25,200 sq km

Kenya
  total: 580,367 sq km
  land: 569,140 sq km
  water: 11,227 sq km

Kiribati
  total: 811 sq km
  land: 811 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands,
  Phoenix Islands

Korea, North
  total: 120,538 sq km
  land: 120,408 sq km
  water: 130 sq km

Korea, South
  total: 99,720 sq km
  land: 96,920 sq km
  water: 2,800 sq km

Kosovo
  total: 10,887 sq km
  land: 10,887 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Kuwait
  total: 17,818 sq km
  land: 17,818 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Kyrgyzstan
  total: 199,951 sq km
  land: 191,801 sq km
  water: 8,150 sq km

Laos
  total: 236,800 sq km
  land: 230,800 sq km
  water: 6,000 sq km

Latvia
  total: 64,589 sq km
  land: 62,249 sq km
  water: 2,340 sq km

Lebanon
  total: 10,400 sq km
  land: 10,230 sq km
  water: 170 sq km

Lesotho
  total: 30,355 sq km
  land: 30,355 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Liberia
  total: 111,369 sq km
  land: 96,320 sq km
  water: 15,049 sq km

Libya
  total: 1,759,540 sq km
  land: 1,759,540 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Liechtenstein
  total: 160 sq km
  land: 160 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Lithuania
  total: 65,300 sq km
  land: 62,680 sq km
  water: 2,620 sq km

Luxembourg
  total: 2,586 sq km
  land: 2,586 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Macau
  total: 28.2 sq km
  land: 28.2 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Macedonia
  total: 25,713 sq km
  land: 25,433 sq km
  water: 280 sq km

Madagascar
  total: 587,041 sq km
  land: 581,540 sq km
  water: 5,501 sq km

Malawi
  total: 118,484 sq km
  land: 94,080 sq km
  water: 24,404 sq km

Malaysia
  total: 329,847 sq km
  land: 328,657 sq km
  water: 1,190 sq km

Maldives
  total: 298 sq km
  land: 298 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Mali
  total: 1,240,192 sq km
  land: 1,220,190 sq km
  water: 20,002 sq km

Malta
  total: 316 sq km
  land: 316 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Marshall Islands
  total: 181 sq km
  land: 181 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: the archipelago includes 11,673 sq km of lagoon waters and
  includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro,
  Rongelap, and Utirik

Mauritania
  total: 1,030,700 sq km
  land: 1,030,700 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Mauritius
  total: 2,040 sq km
  land: 2,030 sq km
  water: 10 sq km
  note: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint
  Brandon), and Rodrigues

Mayotte
  total: 374 sq km
  land: 374 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Mexico
  total: 1,964,375 sq km
  land: 1,943,945 sq km
  water: 20,430 sq km

Micronesia, Federated States of total: 702 sq km land: 702 sq km water: 0 sq km (fresh water only) note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Chuuk (Truk) Islands, Yap Islands, and Kosrae (Kosaie)

Moldova
  total: 33,851 sq km
  land: 32,891 sq km
  water: 960 sq km

Monaco
  total: 2 sq km
  land: 2 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Mongolia
  total: 1,564,116 sq km
  land: 1,553,556 sq km
  water: 10,560 sq km

Montenegro
  total: 13,812 sq km
  land: 13,452 sq km
  water: 360 sq km

Montserrat
  total: 102 sq km
  land: 102 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Morocco
  total: 446,550 sq km
  land: 446,300 sq km
  water: 250 sq km

Mozambique
  total: 799,380 sq km
  land: 786,380 sq km
  water: 13,000 sq km

Namibia
  total: 824,292 sq km
  land: 823,290 sq km
  water: 1,002 sq km

Nauru
  total: 21 sq km
  land: 21 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Navassa Island
  total: 5.4 sq km
  land: 5.4 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Nepal
  total: 147,181 sq km
  land: 143,351 sq km
  water: 3,830 sq km

Netherlands
  total: 41,543 sq km
  land: 33,893 sq km
  water: 7,650 sq km

New Caledonia
  total: 18,575 sq km
  land: 18,275 sq km
  water: 300 sq km

New Zealand
  total: 267,710 sq km
  land: 267,710 sq km
  water: NA
  note: includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands,
  Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands

Nicaragua
  total: 130,370 sq km
  land: 119,990 sq km
  water: 10,380 sq km

Niger
  total: 1.267 million sq km
  land: 1,266,700 sq km
  water: 300 sq km

Nigeria
  total: 923,768 sq km
  land: 910,768 sq km
  water: 13,000 sq km

Niue
  total: 260 sq km
  land: 260 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Norfolk Island
  total: 36 sq km
  land: 36 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Northern Mariana Islands total: 464 sq km land: 464 sq km water: 0 sq km note: consists of 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

Norway
  total: 323,802 sq km
  land: 304,282 sq km
  water: 19,520 sq km

Oman
  total: 309,500 sq km
  land: 309,500 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Pacific Ocean
  total: 155.557 million sq km
  note: includes Bali Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East
  China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Philippine Sea, Sea of
  Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, and other
  tributary water bodies

Pakistan
  total: 796,095 sq km
  land: 770,875 sq km
  water: 25,220 sq km

Palau
  total: 459 sq km
  land: 459 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Panama
  total: 75,420 sq km
  land: 74,340 sq km
  water: 1,080 sq km

Papua New Guinea
  total: 462,840 sq km
  land: 452,860 sq km
  water: 9,980 sq km

Paracel Islands
  total: NA sq km
  land: NA sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Paraguay
  total: 406,752 sq km
  land: 397,302 sq km
  water: 9,450 sq km

Peru
  total: 1,285,216 sq km
  land: 1,279,996 sq km
  water: 5,220 sq km

Philippines
  total: 300,000 sq km
  land: 298,170 sq km
  water: 1,830 sq km

Pitcairn Islands
  total: 47 sq km
  land: 47 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Poland
  total: 312,685 sq km
  land: 304,255 sq km
  water: 8,430 sq km

Portugal
  total: 92,090 sq km
  land: 91,470 sq km
  water: 620 sq km
  note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands

Puerto Rico
  total: 13,790 sq km
  land: 8,870 sq km
  water: 4,921 sq km

Qatar
  total: 11,586 sq km
  land: 11,586 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Romania
  total: 238,391 sq km
  land: 229,891 sq km
  water: 8,500 sq km

Russia
  total: 17,098,242 sq km
  land: 16,377,742 sq km
  water: 720,500 sq km

Rwanda
  total: 26,338 sq km
  land: 24,668 sq km
  water: 1,670 sq km

Saint Barthelemy
  21 sq km

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  total: 308 sq km
  land: Saint Helena Island 122 sq km; Ascension Island 88 sq km;
  Tristan da Cunha island group 98 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  total: 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis
  93 sq km)
  land: 261 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Saint Lucia
  total: 616 sq km
  land: 606 sq km
  water: 10 sq km

Saint Martin
  total: 54.4 sq km
  land: 54.4 sq km
  water: NEGL

Saint Pierre and Miquelon total: 242 sq km land: 242 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groups

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  total: 389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344
  sq km)
  land: 389 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Samoa
  total: 2,831 sq km
  land: 2,821 sq km
  water: 10 sq km

San Marino
  total: 61 sq km
  land: 61 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Sao Tome and Principe
  total: 964 sq km
  land: 964 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Saudi Arabia
  total: 2,149,690 sq km
  land: 2,149,690 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Senegal
  total: 196,722 sq km
  land: 192,530 sq km
  water: 4,192 sq km

Serbia
  total: 77,474 sq km
  land: 77,474 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Seychelles
  total: 455 sq km
  land: 455 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Sierra Leone
  total: 71,740 sq km
  land: 71,620 sq km
  water: 120 sq km

Singapore
  total: 697 sq km
  land: 687 sq km
  water: 10 sq km

Sint Maarten total: 34 sq km land: 34 sq km water: 0 sq km note: Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin

Slovakia
  total: 49,035 sq km
  land: 48,105 sq km
  water: 930 sq km

Slovenia
  total: 20,273 sq km
  land: 20,151 sq km
  water: 122 sq km

Solomon Islands
  total: 28,896 sq km
  land: 27,986 sq km
  water: 910 sq km

Somalia
  total: 637,657 sq km
  land: 627,337 sq km
  water: 10,320 sq km

South Africa
  total: 1,219,090 sq km
  land: 1,214,470 sq km
  water: 4,620 sq km
  note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince
  Edward Island)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  total: 3,903 sq km
  land: 3,903 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: includes Shag Rocks, Black Rock, Clerke Rocks, South Georgia
  Island, Bird Island, and the South Sandwich Islands, which consist
  of 11 islands

Southern Ocean
  total: 20.327 million sq km
  note: includes Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, part of the Drake
  Passage, Ross Sea, a small part of the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea, and
  other tributary water bodies

Spain
  total: 505,370 sq km
  land: 498,980 sq km
  water: 6,390 sq km
  note: there are two autonomous cities - Ceuta and Melilla - and 17
  autonomous communities including Balearic Islands and Canary
  Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the coast of
  Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez
  de la Gomera

Spratly Islands
  total: less than 5 sq km
  land: less than 5 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: includes 100 or so islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts
  scattered over an area of nearly 410,000 sq km of the central South
  China Sea

Sri Lanka
  total: 65,610 sq km
  land: 64,630 sq km
  water: 980 sq km

Sudan
  total: 2,505,813 sq km
  land: 2.376 million sq km
  water: 129,813 sq km

Suriname
  total: 163,820 sq km
  land: 156,000 sq km
  water: 7,820 sq km

Svalbard
  total: 62,045 sq km
  land: 62,045 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: includes Spitsbergen and Bjornoya (Bear Island)

Swaziland
  total: 17,364 sq km
  land: 17,204 sq km
  water: 160 sq km

Sweden
  total: 450,295 sq km
  land: 410,335 sq km
  water: 39,960 sq km

Switzerland
  total: 41,277 sq km
  land: 39,997 sq km
  water: 1,280 sq km

Syria
  total: 185,180 sq km
  land: 183,630 sq km
  water: 1,550 sq km
  note: includes 1,295 sq km of Israeli-occupied territory

Taiwan
  total: 35,980 sq km
  land: 32,260 sq km
  water: 3,720 sq km
  note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy islands

Tajikistan
  total: 143,100 sq km
  land: 141,510 sq km
  water: 2,590 sq km

Tanzania
  total: 947,300 sq km
  land: 885,800 sq km
  water: 61,500 sq km
  note: includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar

Thailand
  total: 513,120 sq km
  land: 510,890 sq km
  water: 2,230 sq km

Timor-Leste
  total: 14,874 sq km
  land: 14,874 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Togo
  total: 56,785 sq km
  land: 54,385 sq km
  water: 2,400 sq km

Tokelau
  total: 12 sq km
  land: 12 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Tonga
  total: 747 sq km
  land: 717 sq km
  water: 30 sq km

Trinidad and Tobago
  total: 5,128 sq km
  land: 5,128 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Tunisia
  total: 163,610 sq km
  land: 155,360 sq km
  water: 8,250 sq km

Turkey
  total: 783,562 sq km
  land: 769,632 sq km
  water: 13,930 sq km

Turkmenistan
  total: 488,100 sq km
  land: 469,930 sq km
  water: 18,170 sq km

Turks and Caicos Islands
  total: 948 sq km
  land: 948 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Tuvalu
  total: 26 sq km
  land: 26 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Uganda
  total: 241,038 sq km
  land: 197,100 sq km
  water: 43,938 sq km

Ukraine
  total: 603,550 sq km
  land: 579,330 sq km
  water: 24,220 sq km

United Arab Emirates
  total: 83,600 sq km
  land: 83,600 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

United Kingdom
  total: 243,610 sq km
  land: 241,930 sq km
  water: 1,680 sq km
  note: includes Rockall and Shetland Islands

United States
  total: 9,826,675 sq km
  land: 9,161,966 sq km
  water: 664,709 sq km
  note: includes only the 50 states and District of Columbia

United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
  total - 6,959.41 sq
  km; emergent land - 22.41 sq km; submerged - 6,937 sq km
  Baker Island: total - 129.1 sq km; emergent land - 2.1 sq km;
  submerged - 127 sq km
  Howland Island: total - 138.6 sq km; emergent land - 2.6 sq km;
  submerged - 136 sq km
  Jarvis Island: total - 152 sq km; emergent land - 5 sq km; submerged
  - 147 sq km
  Johnston Atoll: total - 276.6 sq km; emergent land - 2.6 sq km;
  submerged - 274 sq km
  Kingman Reef: total - 1,958.01 sq km; emergent land - 0.01 sq km;
  submerged - 1,958 sq km
  Midway Islands: total - 2,355.2 sq km; emergent land - 6.2 sq km;
  submerged - 2,349 sq km
  Palmyra Atoll: total - 1,949.9 sq km; emergent land - 3.9 sq km;
  submerged - 1,946 sq km

Uruguay
  total: 176,215 sq km
  land: 175,015 sq km
  water: 1,200 sq km

Uzbekistan
  total: 447,400 sq km
  land: 425,400 sq km
  water: 22,000 sq km

Vanuatu
  total: 12,189 sq km
  land: 12,189 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited

Venezuela
  total: 912,050 sq km
  land: 882,050 sq km
  water: 30,000 sq km

Vietnam
  total: 331,210 sq km
  land: 310,070 sq km
  water: 21,140 sq km

Virgin Islands
  total: 1,910 sq km
  land: 346 sq km
  water: 1,564 sq km

Wake Island
  total: 6.5 sq km
  land: 6.5 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

Wallis and Futuna total: 142 sq km land: 142 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), Ile Alofi, and 20 islets

West Bank
  total: 5,860 sq km
  land: 5,640 sq km
  water: 220 sq km
  note: includes West Bank, Latrun Salient, and the northwest quarter
  of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt. Scopus; East Jerusalem and
  Jerusalem No Man's Land are also included only as a means of
  depicting the entire area occupied by Israel in 1967

Western Sahara
  total: 266,000 sq km
  land: 266,000 sq km
  water: 0 sq km

World
  total: 510.072 million sq km
  land: 148.94 million sq km
  water: 361.132 million sq km
  note: 70.9% of the world's surface is water, 29.1% is land

Yemen
  total: 527,968 sq km
  land: 527,968 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: includes Perim, Socotra, the former Yemen Arab Republic (YAR
  or North Yemen), and the former People's Democratic Republic of
  Yemen (PDRY or South Yemen)

Zambia
  total: 752,618 sq km
  land: 743,398 sq km
  water: 9,220 sq km

Zimbabwe
  total: 390,757 sq km
  land: 386,847 sq km
  water: 3,910 sq km

======================================================================

@2149

Field Listing :: Diplomatic representation in the US

This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations. Country

Diplomatic representation in the US

Afghanistan
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Khojesta F. EBRAHIMKHEL
  chancery: 2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 483-6410
  FAX: [1] (202) 483-6488
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Akrotiri
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Albania
  chief of mission: Ambassador Gilbert GALANXHI
  chancery: 2100 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 223-4942
  FAX: [1] (202) 628-7342
  consulate(s) general: New York

Algeria
  chief of mission: Ambassador Abdallah BAALI
  chancery: 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 265-2800
  FAX: [1] (202) 667-2174

American Samoa
  none (territory of the US)

Andorra
  chief of mission: Ambassador Narcis CASAL Fonsdeviela
  chancery: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017
  telephone: [1] (212) 750-8064
  FAX: [1] (212) 750-6630

Angola
  chief of mission: Ambassador Josefina Perpetua Pitra DIAKITE
  chancery: 2108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 785-1156
  FAX: [1] (202) 785-1258
  consulate(s) general: Houston, New York

Anguilla
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda chief of mission: Ambassador Deborah Mae LOVELL chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 362-5122 FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225 consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Argentina
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)
  chancery: 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 238-6400
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-3171
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
  New York

Armenia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Tatoul MARKARIAN
  chancery: 2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 319-1976
  FAX: [1] (202) 319-2982
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Aruba
  none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands); note -
  Mr. Henry BAARH, Minister Plenipotentiary for Aruba at the Embassy
  of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
  none (territory of Australia)

Australia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Kim Christian BEAZLEY
  chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000
  FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New
  York, San Francisco

Austria
  chief of mission: Ambassador Christian PROSL
  chancery: 3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008-3035
  telephone: [1] (202) 895-6700
  FAX: [1] (202) 895-6750
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Azerbaijan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Yashar ALIYEV
  chancery: 2741 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 337-3500
  FAX: [1] (202) 337-5911
  Consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Bahamas, The
  chief of mission: Ambassador Cornelius A. SMITH
  chancery: 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660
  FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668
  consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Bahrain
  chief of mission: Ambassador Huda Azra Ibrahim NUNU
  chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111
  FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192
  consulate(s) general: New York

Bangladesh
  chief of mission: Ambassador Akramul QADER
  chancery: 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 244-0183
  FAX: [1] (202) 244-7830/2771
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Barbados
  chief of mission: Ambassador John BEALE
  chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 939-9200
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467
  consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
  consulate(s): Los Angeles

Belarus
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Oleg KRAVCHENKO
  chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 986-1604
  FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805
  consulate(s) general: New York

Belgium
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jan MATTHYSEN
  chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900
  FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York

Belize
  chief of mission: Ambassador Nestor MENDEZ
  chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Benin
  chief of mission: Ambassador Cyrille Segbe OGUIN
  chancery: 2124 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656
  FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996

Bermuda
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Bhutan
  none; note - the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has
  consular jurisdiction in the US; the permanent representative to the
  UN is Daw PENJO; address: 763 First Avenue, New York, NY 10017;
  telephone [1] (212) 682-2268; FAX [1] (212) 661-0551
  consulate(s) general: New York

Bolivia
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Erika Angela DUENAS Loayza
  chancery: 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 483-4410
  FAX: [1] (202) 328-3712
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
  note: as of September 2008, the US has expelled the Bolivian
  ambassador to the US

Bosnia and Herzegovina chief of mission: Ambassador Mitar KUJUNDZIC chancery: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 337-1500 FAX: [1] (202) 337-1502 consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Botswana
  chief of mission: Ambassador Lapologang Caesar LEKOA
  chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990
  FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164

Brazil
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mauro Luiz Iecker VIEIRA
  chancery: 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  note: temporary address - 1025 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Suite 300 W,
  Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 238-2805
  FAX: [1] (202) 238-2827
  consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
  New York, San Francisco

British Indian Ocean Territory
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

British Virgin Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei
  chief of mission: Ambassador Yusoff Abd HAMID
  chancery: 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 237-1838
  FAX: [1] (202) 885-0560

Bulgaria
  chief of mission: Ambassador Elena POPTODOROVA
  chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 387-0174
  FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Burkina Faso
  chief of mission: Ambassador Paramanga Ernest YONLI
  chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577
  FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882

Burma
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires HAN
  THU - note: Burma does not have an ambassador to the United States
  chancery: 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 332-3344
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-4351
  consulate(s) general: none; Burma has a Mission to the UN in New York

Burundi
  chief of mission: Ambassador Angele NIYUHIRE
  chancery: Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 342-2574
  FAX: [1] (202) 342-2578

Cambodia
  chief of mission: Ambassador HENG HEM
  chancery: 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
  telephone: [1] (202) 726-7742
  FAX: [1] (202) 726-8381

Cameroon
  chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph FOE-ATANGANA
  chancery: 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 265-8790
  FAX: [1] (202) 387-3826

Canada
  chief of mission: Ambassador Gary DOER
  chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
  telephone: [1] (202) 682-1740
  FAX: [1] (202) 682-7701
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas,
  Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Phoenix,
  San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tucson
  consulate(s): Anchorage, Houston, Philadelphia, Princeton (New
  Jersey), Raleigh, San Jose (California), Tucson

Cape Verde
  chief of mission: Ambassador Fatima Lima VEIGA
  chancery: 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 965-6820
  FAX: [1] (202) 965-1207
  consulate(s) general: Boston

Cayman Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Central African Republic
  chief of mission: Ambassador Stanislas
  MOUSSA-KEMBE
  chancery: 1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893

Chad
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mahamat Adam BECHIR
  chancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 462-4009
  FAX: [1] (202) 265-1937

Chile
  chief of mission: Ambassador Arturo FERNANDOIS Vohringer
  chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 785-1746
  FAX: [1] (202) 887-5579
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New
  York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

China
  chief of mission: Ambassador ZHANG Yesui
  chancery: 3505 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 495-2266
  FAX: [1] (202) 495-2190
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San
  Francisco

Christmas Island
  none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  none (territory of Australia)

Colombia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Gabriel SILVA Lujan
  chancery: 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 387-8338
  FAX: [1] (202) 232-8643
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los
  Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico),
  Washington, DC

Comoros
  chief of mission: Representative to the UN and Ambassador to
  the US Mohamed TOIHIRI
  chancery: Mission to the US, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 418,
  New York, NY 10017
  telephone: [1] (212) 750-1637

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  chief of mission: Ambassador Faida
  MITIFU
  chancery: Suite 601, 1726 M Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 234-7690 through 7691
  FAX: [1] (202) 234-2609

Congo, Republic of the
  chief of mission: Ambassador Serge MOMBOULI
  chancery: 4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011
  telephone: [1] (202) 726-5500
  FAX: [1] (202) 726-1860

Cook Islands
  none (self-governing in free association with New
  Zealand)

Coral Sea Islands
  none (territory of Australia)

Costa Rica
  chief of mission: Ambassador Meta Shanon FIGUERES Boggs
  chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 234-2945 or 2946
  FAX: [1] (202) 265-4795
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
  New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Cote d'Ivoire
  chief of mission: Ambassador Yao Charles KOFFI
  chancery: 2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 797-0300
  FAX: [1] (202) 244-3088

Croatia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC
  chancery: 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 588-5899
  FAX: [1] (202) 588-8936
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Cuba
  none; note - Cuba has an Interests Section in the Swiss
  Embassy, headed by Principal Officer Jorge BOLANOS Suarez; address:
  Cuban Interests Section, Swiss Embassy, 2630 16th Street NW,
  Washington, DC 20009; telephone: [1] (202) 797-8518; FAX: [1] (202)
  797-8521

Curacao
  none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Cyprus
  chief of mission: Ambassador Pavlos ANASTASIADES
  chancery: 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 462-5772, 462-0873
  FAX: [1] (202) 483-6710
  consulate(s) general: New York
  note: representative of the Turkish Cypriot community in the US is
  Hilmi AKIL; office at 1667 K Street NW, Washington, DC; telephone
  [1] (202) 887-6198

Czech Republic
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge
  d'Affaires Daniel KOSTOVAL
  chancery: 3900 Spring of Freedom Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 274-9100
  FAX: [1] (202) 966-8540
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Denmark
  chief of mission: Ambassador Peter TAKSOE-JENSEN
  chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300
  FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Dhekelia
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Djibouti
  chief of mission: Ambassador Roble OLHAYE Oudine
  chancery: Suite 515, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
  telephone: [1] (202) 331-0270
  FAX: [1] (202) 331-0302

Dominica
  chief of mission: Ambassador Hubert J. CHARLES
  chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
  telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781
  FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791
  consulate(s) general: New York

Dominican Republic
  chief of mission: Ambassador Roberto B. SALADIN
  Selin
  chancery: 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 332-6280
  FAX: [1] (202) 265-8057
  consulate(s) general: Anchorage, Boston, Chicago, Mayaguez (Puerto
  Rico), Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Sun
  Valley (California)

Ecuador
  chief of mission: Ambassador Luis Benigno GALLEGOS Chiriboga
  chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200
  FAX: [1] (202) 667-3482
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New
  Orleans, New York, Newark (New Jersey), San Francisco

Egypt
  chief of mission: Ambassador Sameh Hassan SHOUKRY
  chancery: 3521 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 895-5400
  FAX: [1] (202) 244-4319
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco

El Salvador
  chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Robert ALTSCHUL
  Fuentes
  chancery: Suite 100, 1400 16th Street, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 265-9671
  FAX: [1] (202) 234-3763
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Dallas, Duluth (Georgia), Houston,
  Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (2), Nogales (Arizona),
  Santa Ana (California), San Francisco, Washington (DC), Woodbridge
  (Virginia)
  consulate(s): Boston, Elizabeth (New Jersey)

Equatorial Guinea
  chief of mission: Ambassador Purificacion ANGUE
  ONDO
  chancery: 2020 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 518-5700
  FAX: [1] (202) 518-5252

Eritrea
  chief of mission: Ambassador GHIRMAI Ghebremariam
  chancery: 1708 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 319-1991
  FAX: [1] (202) 319-1304
  consulate(s) general: Oakland (California)

Estonia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Vaino REINART
  chancery: 2131 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101
  FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108
  consulate(s) general: New York

Ethiopia
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Tesfaye YILMA Sabo
  chancery: 3506 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 364-1200
  FAX: [1] (202) 587-0195
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
  consulate(s): New York

European Union
  chief of mission: Ambassador Joao P. Castanheira do
  VALE DE ALMEIDA
  chancery: 2300 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037
  telephone: [1] (202) 862-9500
  FAX: [1] (202) 429-1766

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  none (overseas territory of the
  UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands
  none (self-governing overseas administrative division
  of Denmark)

Fiji
  chief of mission: Ambassador Winston THOMPSON
  chancery: 2000 M Street, NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 466-8320
  FAX: [1] (202) 466-8325

Finland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Pekka LINTU
  chancery: 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 298-5800
  FAX: [1] (202) 298-6030
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

France
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)
  chancery: 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 944-6000
  FAX: [1] (202) 944-6166
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los
  Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco

French Polynesia
  none (overseas lands of France)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  none (overseas territory of
  France)

Gabon
  chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos Victor BOUNGOU
  chancery: Suite 200, 2034 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 797-1000
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-0668
  consulate(s): New York

Gambia, The
  chief of mission: Ambassador Alieu Momodou NGUM
  chancery: Suite 240, Georgetown Plaza, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW,
  Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 785-1379, 1399, 1425
  FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430

Georgia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Temur IAKOBASHVILI
  chancery: 2209 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 387-2390
  FAX: [1] (202) 393-4537
  consulate(s) general: New York

Germany
  chief of mission: Ambassador Klaus SCHARIOTH
  chancery: 4645 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 298-4000
  FAX: [1] (202) 298-4249
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los
  Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

Ghana
  chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel Ohene AGYEKUM
  chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520
  FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527
  consulate(s) general: New York

Gibraltar
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Greece
  chief of mission: Ambassador Vassilis KASKARELIS
  chancery: 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300
  FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324
  consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San
  Francisco, Tampa
  consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans

Greenland
  none (self-governing overseas administrative division of
  Denmark)

Grenada
  chief of mission: Ambassador Gillian M.S. BRISTOL
  chancery: 1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 265-2561
  FAX: [1] (202) 265-2468
  consulate(s) general: New York

Guam
  none (territory of the US)

Guatemala
  chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco VILLAGRAN de Leon
  chancery: 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 745-4952
  FAX: [1] (202) 745-1908
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los
  Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Providence, San Francisco

Guernsey
  none (British crown dependency)

Guinea
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mory Karamoko KABA
  chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300
  FAX: [1] (202) 483-8688

Guinea-Bissau
  chief of mission: none; note - Guinea-Bissau does not
  have official representation in Washington, DC

Guyana
  chief of mission: Ambassador Bayney KARRAN
  chancery: 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 265-6900
  FAX: [1] (202) 232-1297
  consulate(s) general: New York

Haiti
  chief of mission: Ambassador Louis Harold JOSEPH
  chancery: 2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 332-4090
  FAX: [1] (202) 745-7215
  consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Juan
  (Puerto Rico)
  consulate(s): Orlando (Florida)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  none (territory of Australia)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  chief of mission: Apostolic Nuncio
  Archbishop Pietro SAMBI
  chancery: 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 333-7121
  FAX: [1] (202) 337-4036

Honduras
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge Ramon HERNANDEZ Alcerro
  chancery: Suite 4-M, 3007 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 966-2604
  FAX: [1] (202) 966-9751
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
  New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco
  honorary consulate(s): Jacksonville

Hong Kong
  none (special administrative region of China); Hong Kong
  Economic and Trade Office carries out normal liaison and
  communication with the US Government and other US entities
  representative: Donald TONG
  office: 1520 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] 202 331-8947
  FAX: [1] 202 331-0318
  NKETO offices: New York, San Francisco

Hungary
  chief of mission: Ambassador Bela SZOMBATI
  chancery: 3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 362-6730
  FAX: [1] (202) 966-8135
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Iceland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Hjalmar W. HANNESSON
  chancery: House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW #509, Washington, DC
  20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 265-6653
  FAX: [1] (202) 265-6656
  consulate(s) general: New York

India
  chief of mission: Ambassador Meera SHANKAR
  chancery: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; note -
  Consular Wing located at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington,
  DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 939-7000
  FAX: [1] (202) 265-4351
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco

Indonesia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Dino Patti DJALAL
  chancery: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 775-5200
  FAX: [1] (202) 775-5365
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San
  Francisco

Iran
  none; note - Iran has an Interests Section in the Pakistani
  Embassy; address: Iranian Interests Section, Pakistani Embassy, 2209
  Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone: [1] (202)
  965-4990; FAX [1] (202) 965-1073

Iraq
  chief of mission: Ambassador Samir Shakir al-SUMAYDI
  chancery: 3421 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 742-1600
  FAX: [1] (202) 333-1129

Ireland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Michael COLLINS
  chancery: 2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 462-3939
  FAX: [1] (202) 232-5993
  consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco

Isle of Man
  none (British crown dependency)

Israel
  chief of mission: Ambassador Michael OREN
  chancery: 3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 364-5500
  FAX: [1] (202) 364-5607
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los
  Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco

Italy
  chief of mission: Ambassador Giulio TERZI di Sant' Agata
  chancery: 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 612-4400
  FAX: [1] (202) 518-2151
  consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, Los
  Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco
  consulate(s): Detroit

Jamaica
  chief of mission: Ambassador Audrey P. MARKS
  chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660
  FAX: [1] (202) 452-0081
  consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Japan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Ichiro FUJISAKI
  chancery: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 238-6700
  FAX: [1] (202) 328-2187
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit,
  Agana (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York,
  Portland (Oregon), San Francisco, Seattle
  consulate(s): Anchorage, Nashville

Jersey
  none (British crown dependency)

Jordan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Alia Hatough BOURAN
  chancery: 3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 966-2664
  FAX: [1] (202) 966-3110

Kazakhstan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Yerlan IDRISSOV
  chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488
  FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
  consulate(s): New York

Kenya
  chief of mission: Ambassador Elkanah Odembo ABSALOM
  chancery: 2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 387-6101
  FAX: [1] (202) 462-3829
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
  consulate(s): New York

Kiribati
  Kiribati does not have an embassy in the US; there is an
  honorary consulate in Honolulu

Korea, North
  none; North Korea has a Permanent Mission to the UN in
  New York

Korea, South
  chief of mission: Ambassador HAN Duck-soo
  chancery: 2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 939-5600
  FAX: [1] (202) 387-0205
  consulate(s) general: Agana (Guam), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago,
  Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Kosovo
  chief of mission: Ambassador Avni SPAHIU
  chancery: 1101 30th Street NW, Suites 330/340, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: 202-380-3581
  FAX: 202-380-3628
  consulate(s) general: New York

Kuwait
  chief of mission: Ambassador SALIM al-Abdallah al-Jabir
  al-Sabah
  chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702
  FAX: [1] (202) 364-2868
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Kyrgyzstan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mukhtar JUMALIEV
  chancery: 2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 449-9822
  FAX: [1] (202) 386-7550
  consulate(s): New York

Laos
  chief of mission: Ambassador SENG Soukhathivong
  chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923

Latvia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Andrejs PILDEGOVICS
  chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840
  FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860

Lebanon
  chief of mission: Ambassador Antoine CHEDID
  chancery: 2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 939-6300
  FAX: [1] (202) 939-6324
  consulate(s) general: Detroit, New York, Los Angeles

Lesotho
  chief of mission: Ambassador David Mohlomi RANTEKOA
  chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533 through 5536
  FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815

Liberia
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Edwin F. SELE
  chancery: 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
  telephone: [1] (202) 723-0437
  FAX: [1] (202) 723-0436
  consulate(s) general: New York

Libya
  chief of mission: Ambassador Ali Suleiman AUJALI
  chancery: 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 705, Washington, DC 20037
  telephone: [1] (202) 944-9601
  FAX: [1] (202) 944-9060

Liechtenstein
  chief of mission: Ambassador Claudia FRITSCHE
  chancery: 2900 K Street, NW, Suite 602B, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 331-0590
  FAX: [1] (202) 331-3221

Lithuania
  chief of mission: Ambassador Zygimantas PAVILIONIS
  chancery: 2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 234-5860
  FAX: [1] (202) 328-0466
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Luxembourg
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jean-Paul SENNINGER
  chancery: 2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 265-4171 through 72
  FAX: [1] (202) 328-8270
  consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco

Macau
  none (special administrative region of China)

Macedonia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Zoran JOLEVSKI
  chancery: 2129 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 667-0501
  FAX: [1] (202) 667-2131
  consulate(s) general: Southfield (Michigan), Chicago

Madagascar
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Eulalie N. RAVELOSOA
  chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525 through 5526
  FAX: [1] (202) 265-3034
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Malawi
  chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen D. Tennyson MATENJE
  chancery: 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 721-0270
  FAX: [1] (202) 721-0288

Malaysia
  chief of mission: Ambassador JAMALUDDIN Jarjis
  chancery: 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 572-9700
  FAX: [1] (202) 572-9882
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Maldives
  chief of mission: Ambassador Abdul GHAFOOR Mohamed
  chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400E, New York, NY 10017
  telephone: [1] (212) 599-6195
  FAX: [1] (212) 661-6405

Mali
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mamadou TRAORE
  chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-6603

Malta
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mark MICELI-FARRUGIA
  chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611 through 3612
  FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470
  consulate(s): New York

Marshall Islands
  chief of mission: Ambassador Banny DEBRUM
  chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414
  FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236
  consulate(s) general: Honolulu

Mauritania
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Lemine EL HAYCEN
  chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700 through 5701
  FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623

Mauritius
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires
  Joyker NAYECK
  chancery: 1709 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 244-1491 through 1492
  FAX: [1] (202) 966-0983

Mayotte
  none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Mexico
  chief of mission: Ambassador Arturo SARUKHAN Casamitjana
  chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
  telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600
  FAX: [1] (202) 728-1698
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas,
  Denver, El Paso, Houston, Laredo (Texas), Los Angeles, Miami, New
  York, Nogales (Arizona), Phoenix, Raleigh (North Carolina),
  Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San
  Juan (Puerto Rico)
  consulate(s): Albuquerque, Anchorage (Alaska), Boise (Idaho),
  Brownsville (Texas), Calexico (California), Del Rio (Texas),
  Detroit, Douglas (Arizona), Eagle Pass (Texas), Fresno (California),
  Indianapolis (Indiana), Kansas City (Missouri), Laredo (Texas), Las
  Vegas, Little Rock (Arkansas), McAllen (Texas), New Orleans, Omaha,
  Orlando, Oxnard (California), Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon),
  Presidio (Texas), Raleigh, Salt Lake City, San Bernardino, Santa Ana
  (California), Seattle, Tucson, Washington DC, Yuma (Arizona); note -
  Washington DC Consular Section located in a separate building from
  the Mexican Embassy and has jurisdiction over DC, parts of Virginia,
  Maryland, and West Virginia

Micronesia, Federated States of
  chief of mission: Ambassador Yosiwo
  GEORGE
  chancery: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383
  FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391
  consulate(s) general: Honolulu, Tamuning (Guam)

Moldova
  chief of mission: Ambassador Igor MUNTEANU
  chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130
  FAX: [1] (202) 667-1204

Monaco
  chief of mission: Ambassador Gilles NOGHES
  chancery: 3400 International Drive NW, Suite 2K-100, Washington, DC
  20008
  telephone: (202) 234-1530
  FAX: (202) 244-7656
  consulate(s) general: New York

Mongolia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Khasbazar BEKHBAT
  chancery: 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 333-7117
  FAX: [1] (202) 298-9227
  consulate(s) general: New York

Montenegro
  chief of mission: Ambassador Srdjan DARMANOVIC
  chancery: 1610 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 234-6108
  FAX: [1] (202) 234-6109
  consulate(s) general: New York

Montserrat
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Morocco
  chief of mission: Ambassador Aziz MEKOUAR
  chancery: 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 462-7979
  FAX: [1] (202) 265-0161
  consulate(s) general: New York

Mozambique
  chief of mission: Ambassador Amelia Matos SUMBANA
  chancery: 1525 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 293-7146
  FAX: [1] (202) 835-0245

Namibia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Martin ANDJABA
  chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540
  FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443

Nauru
  chief of mission: Ambassador Marlene I. MOSES
  chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400 D, New York, NY 10017
  telephone: [1] (212) 937-0074
  FAX: [1] (212) 937-0079
  consulate(s): Agana (Guam)

Nepal
  chief of mission: Ambassador Shankar Prasad SHARMA
  chancery: 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 667-4550
  FAX: [1] (202) 667-5534
  consulate(s) general: New York

Netherlands
  chief of mission: Ambassador Regina "Renee" JONES-BOS
  chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300, [1] 877-388-2443
  FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
  consulate(s): Boston

New Caledonia
  none (overseas territory of France)

New Zealand
  chief of mission: Ambassador Michael K. MOORE
  chancery: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 328-4800
  FAX: [1] (202) 667-5227
  consulate(s) general: New York, Santa Monica

Nicaragua
  chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Obadiah CAMPBELL
  Hooker
  chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570, 6573
  FAX: [1] (202) 939-6545
  consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San
  Francisco

Niger
  chief of mission: Ambassador Aminata Djibrilla Maiga TOURE
  chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224 through 4227
  FAX: [1] (202)483-3169

Nigeria
  chief of mission: Ambassador Adebowale Ibidapo ADEFUYE
  chancery: 3519 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 986-8400
  FAX: [1] (202) 775-1385
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, New York

Niue
  none (self-governing territory in free association with New
  Zealand)

Norfolk Island
  none (territory of Australia)

Norway
  chief of mission: Ambassador Wegger C. STROMMEN
  chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000
  FAX: [1] (202) 337-0870
  consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco

Oman
  chief of mission: Ambassador Hunaina bint Sultan bin Ahmad
  al-MUGHAIRI
  chancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980
  FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933

Pakistan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Husain HAQQANI
  chancery: 3517 International Court, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 243-6500
  FAX: [1] (202) 686-1544
  consulate(s) general: Boston (Honorary Consulate General), Chicago,
  Houston, Los Angeles, New York
  consulate(s): Chicago, Houston

Palau
  chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA
  chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC
  20006
  telephone: [1] (202) 452-6814
  FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281
  consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)

Panama
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime Eduardo ALEMAN Healy
  chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407
  FAX: [1] (202) 483-8416
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New
  York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa

Papua New Guinea
  chief of mission: Ambassador Evan Jeremy PAKI
  chancery: 1779 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC
  20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680
  FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679

Paraguay
  chief of mission: Ambassador Rigoberto GAUTO Vielman
  chancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960 through 6962
  FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508
  consulate(s) general: Kansas City (Kansas), Los Angeles, Miami, New
  York

Peru
  chief of mission: Ambassador Luis VALDIVIESO Montano
  chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 through 9869
  FAX: [1] (202) 659-8124
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver,
  Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (New
  Jersey), San Francisco

Philippines
  chief of mission: Ambassador Willy C. GAA
  chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300
  FAX: [1] (202) 467-9417
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York,
  Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)

Pitcairn Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Robert KUPIECKI
  chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 234-3800 through 3802
  FAX: [1] (202) 328-6271
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Portugal
  chief of mission: Ambassador Joao DE VALLERA
  chancery: 2012 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 328-8610
  FAX: [1] (202) 462-3726
  consulate(s) general: Boston, New York, Newark (New Jersey), San
  Francisco
  consulate(s): New Bedford (Massachusetts), Providence (Rhode Island)

Puerto Rico
  none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Qatar
  chief of mission: Ambassador Ali Fahad al-Shahwany al-HAJRI
  chancery: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
  telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600 and 274-1603
  FAX: [1] (202) 237-0061
  consulate(s) general: Houston

Romania
  chief of mission: Ambassador Adrian Cosmin VIERITA
  chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 332-4846, 4848, 4851, 4852
  FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Russia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Sergey Ivanovich KISLYAK
  chancery: 2650 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 298-5700, 5701, 5704, 5708
  FAX: [1] (202) 298-5735
  consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Rwanda
  chief of mission: Ambassador James KIMONYO
  chancery: 1714 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 232-2882
  FAX: [1] (202) 232-4544

Saint Barthelemy
  none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  none (overseas
  territory of the UK)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  chief of mission: Ambassador Izben Cordinal
  WILLIAMS
  chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
  telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636
  FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740
  consulate(s) general: New York

Saint Lucia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Michael LOUIS
  chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
  telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 through 6795
  FAX: [1] (202) 364-6723
  consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Saint Martin
  none (overseas collectivity of France)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  none (territorial overseas collectivity of
  France)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines chief of mission: Ambassador La Celia A. PRINCE chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6730 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6736 consulate(s) general: New York

Samoa
  chief of mission: Ambassador Aliioaiga Feturi ELISAIA
  chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017
  telephone: [1] (212) 599-6196 through 6197
  FAX: [1] (212) 599-0797
  consulate(s) general: Pago Pago (American Samoa)

San Marino
  chief of mission: Ambassador Paolo RONDELLI
  chancery: 888 27th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006
  telephone: 202-337-2260

Sao Tome and Principe
  chief of mission: Ambassador Ovidio PEQUENO
  chancery: 1211 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 775-2075, 2076
  FAX: [1] (202) 775-2077

Saudi Arabia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Adil al-Ahmad al-JUBAYR
  chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
  telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800
  FAX: [1] (202) 944-3113
  consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, New York

Senegal
  chief of mission: Ambassador Fatou Danielle DIAGNE
  chancery: 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 234-0540
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-6315
  consulate(s) general: Houston, New York

Serbia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Vladimir PETROVIC
  chancery: 2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 332-0333
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-3933
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Seychelles
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jean Ronald JUMEAU
  chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017
  telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785
  FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786

Sierra Leone
  chief of mission: Ambassador Bockari Kortu STEVENS
  chancery: 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 939-9261 through 9263
  FAX: [1] (202) 483-1793

Singapore
  chief of mission: Ambassador CHAN Heng Chee
  chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100
  FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876
  consulate(s) general: San Francisco
  consulate(s): New York

Sint Maarten
  none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Slovakia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Peter BURIAN
  chancery: 3523 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 237-1054
  FAX: [1] (202) 237-6438
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Slovenia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Roman KIRN
  chancery: 2410 California Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 386-6601
  FAX: [1] (202) 386-6633
  consulate(s) general: Cleveland, New York

Solomon Islands
  chief of mission: Ambassador Collin David BECK
  chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400L, New York, NY 10017
  telephone: [1] (212) 599-6192, 6193
  FAX: [1] (212) 661-8925

Somalia
  Somalia does not have an embassy in the US (ceased
  operations on 8 May 1991); note - the Transitional Federal
  Government is represented in the United States through its Permanent
  Mission to the United Nations

South Africa
  chief of mission: Ambassador Ebrahim RASOOL
  chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 232-4400
  FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  none (overseas territory of
  the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Spain
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge DEZCALLAR de Mazarredo
  chancery: 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
  telephone: [1] (202) 452-0100, 728-2340
  FAX: [1] (202) 833-5670
  consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
  New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Sri Lanka
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jaliya Chitran WICKRAMASURIYA
  chancery: 2148 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 483-4025 through 4028
  FAX: [1] (202) 232-7181
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
  consulate(s): New York

Sudan
  chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Akec
  Khoc ACIEW Khoc
  chancery: 2210 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 338-8565
  FAX: [1] (202) 667-2406

Suriname
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jacques Ruben Constantijn KROSS
  chancery: Suite 460, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 244-7488
  FAX: [1] (202) 244-5878
  consulate(s) general: Miami

Swaziland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Abednigo Mandla NTSHANGASE
  chancery: 1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 234-5002
  FAX: [1] (202) 234-8254

Sweden
  chief of mission: Ambassador Jonas HAFSTROM
  chancery: The House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 467-2600
  FAX: [1] (202) 467-2699
  consulate(s) general: New York

Switzerland
  chief of mission: Ambassador Manuel SAGER
  chancery: 2900 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 745-7900
  FAX: [1] (202) 387-2564
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San
  Francisco
  consulate(s): Boston

Syria
  chief of mission: Ambassador Imad MOUSTAPHA
  chancery: 2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 232-6313
  FAX: [1] (202) 265-4585

Taiwan
  none; commercial and cultural relations with the people in
  the United States are maintained through an unofficial
  instrumentality, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative
  Office in the United States (TECRO), a private nonprofit corporation
  that performs citizen and consular services similar to those at
  diplomatic posts
  representative: Jason C. YUAN
  office: 4201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
  telephone: [1] 202 895-1800
  Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices (branch offices): Atlanta,
  Boston, Chicago, Guam, Houston, Honolulu, Kansas City, Los Angeles,
  Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Tajikistan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Abdujabbor SHIRINOV
  chancery: 1005 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
  telephone: [1] (202) 223-6090
  FAX: [1] (202) 223-6091

Tanzania
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mwandaidi Sinare MAAJAR
  chancery: 2139 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 939-6125
  FAX: [1] (202) 797-7408

Thailand
  chief of mission: Ambassador Kittiphong Na RANONG
  chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600
  FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Timor-Leste
  chief of mission: Ambassador Constancio da Conceicao
  PINTO
  chancery: 4201 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 504,Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 966-3202
  FAX: [1] (202) 966-3205

Togo
  chief of mission: Ambassador Kadangha Limbiya BARIKI
  chancery: 2208 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 234-4212
  FAX: [1] (202) 232-3190

Tokelau
  none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga
  chief of mission: Ambassador Sonatane Tu'akinamolahi
  TAUMOEPEAU-TUPOU
  chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022
  telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025
  FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024
  consulate(s) general: San Francisco

Trinidad and Tobago
  chief of mission: Ambassador vacant; Charge
  d'Affaires Donna HENRY
  chancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490
  FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130
  consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Tunisia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Salah TEKAYA
  chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
  telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850
  FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858

Turkey
  chief of mission: Ambassador Namik TAN
  chancery: 2525 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 612-6700
  FAX: [1] (202) 612-6744
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York

Turkmenistan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Meret Bairamovich ORAZOW
  chancery: 2207 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 588-1500
  FAX: [1] (202) 588-0697

Turks and Caicos Islands
  none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu
  Tuvalu does not have an embassy in the US - the country's
  only diplomatic post is in Fiji - Tuvalu does, however, have a UN
  office located at 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017,
  telephone: [1] (212) 490-0534, fax: [1] (212) 937-0692

Uganda
  chief of mission: Ambassador Perezi Karukubiro KAMUNANWIRE
  chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
  telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100 through 7102, 0416
  FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727

Ukraine
  chief of mission: Ambassador Oleksandr MOTSYK
  chancery: 3350 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 333-0606
  FAX: [1] (202) 333-0817
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York, San Francisco

United Arab Emirates
  chief of mission: Ambassador Yusif bin Mani bin
  Said al-UTAYBA
  chancery: 3522 International Court NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC
  20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 243-2400
  FAX: [1] (202) 243-2432

United Kingdom
  chief of mission: Ambassador Sir Nigel E. SHEINWALD
  chancery: 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 588-6500
  FAX: [1] (202) 588-7870
  consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los
  Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
  consulate(s): Dallas, Denver, Orlando

Uruguay
  chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos Alberto GIANELLI Derois
  chancery: 1913 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
  telephone: [1] (202) 331-1313 through 1316
  FAX: [1] (202) 331-8142
  consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
  consulate(s): San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Uzbekistan
  chief of mission: Ambassador Ilxamdjan NEMATOV
  chancery: 1746 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 887-5300
  FAX: [1] (202) 293-6804
  consulate(s) general: New York

Vanuatu
  Vanuatu does not have an embassy in the US; it does,
  however, have a Permanent Mission to the UN

Venezuela
  chief of mission: Ambassador Bernardo ALVAREZ Herrera
  chancery: 1099 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
  telephone: [1] (202) 342-2214
  FAX: [1] (202) 342-6820
  consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans,
  New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Vietnam
  chief of mission: Ambassador Le Cong PHUNG
  chancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036
  telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737
  FAX: [1] (202) 861-0917
  consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco

Virgin Islands
  none (territory of the US)

Wallis and Futuna
  none (overseas territory of France)

Western Sahara
  none

Yemen
  chief of mission: Ambassador Abd al-Wahab Abdallah al-HAJRI
  chancery: 2319 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 965-4760
  FAX: [1] (202) 337-2017

Zambia
  chief of mission: Ambassador Shelia Z. SIWELA
  chancery: 2419 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 265-9717 through 9719
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826

Zimbabwe
  chief of mission: Ambassador Machivenyika MAPURANGA
  chancery: 1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
  telephone: [1] (202) 332-7100
  FAX: [1] (202) 483-9326

======================================================================

@2150

Field Listing :: Telephones - main lines in use

  This entry gives the total number of main telephone lines in use.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Telephones - main lines in use

Afghanistan
  129,300 (2009)

Albania
  363,000 (2009)

Algeria
  2.576 million (2009)

American Samoa
  10,400 (2009)

Andorra
  37,900 (2009)

Angola
  303,200 (2009)

Anguilla
  6,300 (2009)

Antarctica
  0; note - information for US bases only (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda
  37,400 (2009)

Argentina
  9.764 million (2009)

Armenia
  630,000 (2009)

Aruba
  38,300 (2009)

Australia
  9.02 million (2009)

Austria
  3.253 million (2009)

Azerbaijan
  1.397 million (2009)

Bahamas, The
  129,000 (2009)

Bahrain
  238,400 (2009)

Bangladesh
  1.522 million (2009)

Barbados
  135,700 (2009)

Belarus
  3.969 million (2009)

Belgium
  4,255 (2009)

Belize
  31,200 (2009)

Benin
  127,100 (2009)

Bermuda
  57,700 (2009)

Bhutan
  26,300 (2009)

Bolivia
  810,200 (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  998,600 (2009)

Botswana
  144,200 (2009)

Brazil
  41.497 million (2009)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  NA

British Virgin Islands
  20,100 (2009)

Brunei
  80,500 (2009)

Bulgaria
  2.164 million (2009)

Burkina Faso
  167,000 (2009)

Burma
  812,000 (2009)

Burundi
  31,500 (2009)

Cambodia
  54,200 (2009)

Cameroon
  323,800 (2009)

Canada
  18.251 million (2009)

Cape Verde
  72,200 (2009)

Cayman Islands
  38,000 (2009)

Central African Republic
  12,000 (2009)

Chad
  13,000 (2009)

Chile
  3.575 million (2009)

China
  313.68 million (2009)

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  287 (1992)

Colombia
  7.5 million (2009)

Comoros
  25,400 (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  40,000 (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
  24,300 (2009)

Cook Islands
  6,900 (2009)

Costa Rica
  1.493 million (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
  282,100 (2009)

Croatia
  1.859 million (2009)

Cuba
  1.168 million (2009)

Cyprus
  area under government control: 414,500 (2009); area
  administered by Turkish Cypriots: 86,228 (2002)

Czech Republic
  2.092 million (2009)

Denmark
  2.062 million (2009)

Djibouti
  16,800 (2009)

Dominica
  17,500 (2009)

Dominican Republic
  965,400 (2009)

Ecuador
  2.004 million (2009)

Egypt
  10.313 million (2009)

El Salvador
  1.099 million (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  10,000 (2009)

Eritrea
  48,500 (2009)

Estonia
  492,800 (2009)

Ethiopia
  915,100 (2009)

European Union
  238 million (2005)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  2,000 (2009)

Faroe Islands
  20,900 (2009)

Fiji
  136,800 (2009)

Finland
  1.43 million (2009)

France
  36.431 million; 35.5 million (metropolitan France) (2009)

French Polynesia
  54,300 (2009)

Gabon
  26,500 (2009)

Gambia, The
  49,000 (2009)

Gaza Strip
  360,400 (includes West Bank) (2010)

Georgia
  620,000 (2009)

Germany
  48.7 million (2009)

Ghana
  267,400 (2009)

Gibraltar
  24,000 (2009)

Greece
  5.93 million (2009)

Greenland
  22,000 (2009)

Grenada
  28,600 (2009)

Guam
  65,500 (2009)

Guatemala
  1.413 million (2009)

Guernsey
  45,100 (2009)

Guinea
  22,000 (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
  4,800 (2009)

Guyana
  130,000 (2009)

Haiti
  108,300 (2009)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  5,120 (2005)

Honduras
  830,000 (2009)

Hong Kong
  4.188 million (2009)

Hungary
  3.069 million (2009)

Iceland
  185,200 (2009)

India
  35.77 million (2010)

Indonesia
  33.958 million (2009)

Iran
  25.804 million (2009)

Iraq
  1.108 million (2009)

Ireland
  2.08 million (2009)

Isle of Man
  51,000 (1999)

Israel
  3.25 million (2009)

Italy
  21.3 million (2009)

Jamaica
  302,300 (2009)

Japan
  44.364 million (2009)

Jersey
  73,900 (2009)

Jordan
  501,200 (2009)

Kazakhstan
  3.763 million (2009)

Kenya
  664,100 (2009)

Kiribati
  4,000 (2009)

Korea, North
  1.18 million (2008)

Korea, South
  19.289 million (2009)

Kosovo
  106,300 (2006)

Kuwait
  553,500 (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
  498,300 (2009)

Laos
  132,200 (2009)

Latvia
  644,000 (2009)

Lebanon
  750,000 (2009)

Lesotho
  40,000 (2009)

Liberia
  2,000 (2009)

Libya
  1.101 million (2009)

Liechtenstein
  19,600 (2009)

Lithuania
  747,400 (2009)

Luxembourg
  273,600 (2009)

Macau
  168,903 (2010)

Macedonia
  442,200 (2009)

Madagascar
  181,200 (2009)

Malawi
  175,000 (2009)

Malaysia
  4.312 million (2009)

Maldives
  49,913 (2009)

Mali
  81,000 (2009)

Malta
  252,700 (2009)

Marshall Islands
  4,400 (2009)

Mauritania
  74,500 (2009)

Mauritius
  379,100 (2009)

Mayotte
  10,000 (2009)

Mexico
  19.425 million (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  8,700 (2009)

Moldova
  1.139 million (2009)

Monaco
  35,400 (2009)

Mongolia
  188,900 (2009)

Montenegro
  366,600 (2009)

Montserrat
  2,700 (2009)

Morocco
  3.516 million (2009)

Mozambique
  82,400 (2009)

Namibia
  142,100 (2009)

Nauru
  1,900 (2009)

Nepal
  820,500 (2009)

Netherlands
  7.32 million (2009)

New Caledonia
  65,900 (2009)

New Zealand
  1.87 million (2009)

Nicaragua
  255,000 (2009)

Niger
  65,000 (2009)

Nigeria
  1.419 million (2009)

Niue
  1,100 (2009)

Norfolk Island
  2,532; note - a mix of analog (2,500) and digital
  (32) circuits (2004)

Northern Mariana Islands
  25,100 (2009)

Norway
  1.9 million (2009)

Oman
  300,100 (2009)

Pakistan
  4.058 million (2009)

Palau
  7,100 (2009)

Panama
  537,100 (2009)

Papua New Guinea
  60,000 (2009)

Paraguay
  387,300 (2009)

Peru
  2.965 million (2009)

Philippines
  4.1 million (2009)

Pitcairn Islands 1 (there are 17 telephones on one party line); (2004)

Poland
  9.556 million (2009)

Portugal
  4.049 million (2009)

Puerto Rico
  870,100 (2009)

Qatar
  285,300 (2009)

Romania
  5.313 million (2009)

Russia
  44.802 million (2009)

Rwanda
  33,500 (2009)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  2,900 (2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  20,500 (2009)

Saint Lucia
  41,000 (2009)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  4,800 (2009)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  23,000 (2009)

Samoa
  31,900 (2009)

San Marino
  21,500 (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
  7,800 (2009)

Saudi Arabia
  4.171 million (2009)

Senegal
  278,800 (2009)

Serbia
  3.106 million (2009)

Seychelles
  22,100 (2009)

Sierra Leone
  32,800 (2009)

Singapore
  1.852 million (2009)

Sint Maarten
  5,153 (2001)

Slovakia
  1.022 million (2009)

Slovenia
  1.034 million (2009)

Solomon Islands
  8,200 (2009)

Somalia
  100,000 (2009)

South Africa
  4.32 million (2009)

Spain
  20.057 million (2009)

Sri Lanka
  3.523 million (2010)

Sudan
  370,400 (2009)

Suriname
  83,700 (2009)

Svalbard
  NA

Swaziland
  44,000 (2009)

Sweden
  5.146 million (2009)

Switzerland
  4.65 million (2009)

Syria
  3.871 million (2009)

Taiwan
  14.596 million (2009)

Tajikistan
  290,000 (2009)

Tanzania
  173,552 (2010)

Thailand
  7.024 million (2009)

Timor-Leste
  2,400 (2009)

Togo
  178,700 (2009)

Tokelau
  300 (2009)

Tonga
  31,000 (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
  314,800 (2009)

Tunisia
  1.279 million (2009)

Turkey
  16.534 million (2009)

Turkmenistan
  478,000 (2009)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  3,700 (2009)

Tuvalu
  1,700 (2009)

Uganda
  233,500 (2009)

Ukraine
  13.026 million (2009)

United Arab Emirates
  1.561 million (2009)

United Kingdom
  32.117 million (2009)

United States
  141 million (2009)

Uruguay
  953,400 (2009)

Uzbekistan
  1.857 million (2009)

Vanuatu
  7,200 (2009)

Venezuela
  6.867 million (2009)

Vietnam
  17.427 million (2009)

Virgin Islands
  75,000 (2009)

Wallis and Futuna
  3,000 (2009)

West Bank
  360,400 (includes Gaza Strip) (2010)

Western Sahara
  about 2,000 (1999 est.)

World
  1.268 billion (2008)

Yemen
  997,000 (2009)

Zambia
  90,300 (2009)

Zimbabwe
  385,100 (2009)

======================================================================

@2151

Field Listing :: Telephones - mobile cellular

  This entry gives the total number of mobile cellular telephone
  subscribers.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Telephones - mobile cellular

Afghanistan
  12 million (2009)

Albania
  4.162 million (2009)

Algeria
  32.73 million (2009)

American Samoa
  2,200 (2004)

Andorra
  64,500 (2009)

Angola
  8.109 million (2009)

Anguilla
  27,000 (2009)

Antigua and Barbuda
  134,900 (2009)

Argentina
  51.891 million (2009)

Armenia
  2.62 million (2009)

Aruba
  128,000 (2009)

Australia
  24.22 million (2009)

Austria
  11.773 million (2009)

Azerbaijan
  7.757 million (2009)

Bahamas, The
  358,800 (2009)

Bahrain
  1.578 million (2009)

Bangladesh
  50.4 million (2009)

Barbados
  337,100 (2009)

Belarus
  9.686 million (2009)

Belgium
  12.419 million (2009)

Belize
  161,800 (2009)

Benin
  5.033 million (2009)

Bermuda
  85,000 (2009)

Bhutan
  327,100 (2009)

Bolivia
  7.148 million (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  3.257 million (2009)

Botswana
  1.874 million (2009)

Brazil
  173.959 million (2009)

British Virgin Islands
  24,000 (2009)

Brunei
  425,000 (2009)

Bulgaria
  10.617 million (2009)

Burkina Faso
  3.299 million (2009)

Burma
  448,000 (2009)

Burundi
  838,400 (2009)

Cambodia
  5.593 million (2009)

Cameroon
  7.397 million (2009)

Canada
  23.081 million (2009)

Cape Verde
  392,000 (2009)

Cayman Islands
  33,800 (2004)

Central African Republic
  168,000 (2009)

Chad
  2.686 million (2009)

Chile
  16.45 million (2009)

China
  747 million (2009)

Colombia
  42.16 million (2009)

Comoros
  100,000 (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  10.163 million (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
  2.171 million (2009)

Cook Islands
  7,000 (2009)

Costa Rica
  1.95 million (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
  13.346 million (2009)

Croatia
  6.035 million (2009)

Cuba
  443,000 (2009)

Cyprus
  area under government control: 977,500 (2009); area
  administered by Turkish Cypriots: 147,522 (2002)

Czech Republic
  14.258 million (2009)

Denmark
  7.406 million (2009)

Djibouti
  128,800 (2009)

Dominica
  106,000 (2009)

Dominican Republic
  8.63 million (2009)

Ecuador
  13.635 million (2009)

Egypt
  55.352 million (2009)

El Salvador
  7.566 million (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  445,000 (2009)

Eritrea
  141,100 (2009)

Estonia
  2.72 million (2009)

Ethiopia
  4.052 million (2009)

European Union
  466 million (2005)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  3,300 (2009)

Faroe Islands
  57,000 (2009)

Fiji
  640,000 (2009)

Finland
  7.7 million (2009)

France
  60.95 million; 59.543 million (metropolitan France) (2009)

French Polynesia
  208,300 (2009)

Gabon
  1.373 million (2009)

Gambia, The
  1.433 million (2009)

Gaza Strip
  2.405 million (includes West Bank) (2010)

Georgia
  2.837 million (2009)

Germany
  105 million (2009)

Ghana
  15.109 million (2009)

Gibraltar
  28,600 (2009)

Greece
  13.295 million (2009)

Greenland
  53,500 (2009)

Grenada
  64,000 (2009)

Guam
  98,000 (2004)

Guatemala
  17.308 million (2009)

Guernsey
  43,800 (2004)

Guinea
  5.607 million (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
  560,300 (2009)

Guyana
  281,400 (2005)

Haiti
  3.648 million (2009)

Honduras
  7.714 million (2009)

Hong Kong
  12.207 million (2009)

Hungary
  11.793 million (2009)

Iceland
  349,000 (2009)

India
  670 million (2010)

Indonesia
  159.248 million (2009)

Iran
  52.555 million (2009)

Iraq
  19.722 million (2009)

Ireland
  4.871 million (2009)

Israel
  9.022 million (2009)

Italy
  90.613 million (2009)

Jamaica
  2.971 million (2009)

Japan
  114.917 million (2009)

Jersey
  83,900 (2004)

Jordan
  6.014 million (2009)

Kazakhstan
  14.995 million (2009)

Kenya
  19.365 million (2009)

Kiribati
  1,000 (2009)

Korea, South
  47.944 million (2009)

Kosovo
  562,000 (2007)

Kuwait
  3.876 million (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
  4.487 million (2009)

Laos
  3.235 million (2009)

Latvia
  2.243 million (2009)

Lebanon
  1.526 million (2009)

Lesotho
  661,000 (2009)

Liberia
  842,000 (2009)

Libya
  5.004 million (2009)

Liechtenstein
  35,000 (2009)

Lithuania
  4.962 million (2009)

Luxembourg
  719,000 (2009)

Macau
  1.109 million (2010)

Macedonia
  1.943 million (2009)

Madagascar
  5.997 million (2009)

Malawi
  2.4 million (2009)

Malaysia
  30.379 million (2009)

Maldives
  461,149 (2009)

Mali
  3.742 million (2009)

Malta
  422,100 (2009)

Marshall Islands
  1,000 (2009)

Mauritania
  2.182 million (2009)

Mauritius
  1.087 million (2009)

Mayotte
  48,100 (2005)

Mexico
  83.528 million (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  38,000 (2009)

Moldova
  2.785 million (2009)

Monaco
  23,000 (2009)

Mongolia
  2.249 million (2009)

Montenegro
  752,000 (2009)

Montserrat
  3,000 (2008)

Morocco
  25.311 million (2009)

Mozambique
  5.971 million (2009)

Namibia
  1.217 million (2009)

Nauru
  1,500 (2002)

Nepal
  7.618 million (2009)

Netherlands
  21.182 million (2009)

New Caledonia
  208,000 (2009)

New Zealand
  4.7 million (2009)

Nicaragua
  3.204 million (2009)

Niger
  2.599 million (2009)

Nigeria
  73.099 million (2009)

Niue
  600 (2004)

Norfolk Island
  0 (2002)

Northern Mariana Islands
  20,500 (2004)

Norway
  5.336 million (2009)

Oman
  3.971 million (2009)

Pakistan
  103 million (2009)

Palau
  13,200 (2009)

Panama
  5.677 million (2009)

Papua New Guinea
  900,000 (2009)

Paraguay
  5.619 million (2009)

Peru
  24.7 million (2009)

Philippines
  74.489 million (2009)

Poland
  44.553 million (2009)

Portugal
  15.178 million (2009)

Puerto Rico
  2.716 million (2009)

Qatar
  2.472 million (2009)

Romania
  25.377 million (2009)

Russia
  230.5 million (2009)

Rwanda
  2.429 million (2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  83,000 (2009)

Saint Lucia
  176,000 (2009)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  121,100 (2009)

Samoa
  151,000 (2009)

San Marino
  24,000 (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
  64,000 (2009)

Saudi Arabia
  44.864 million (2009)

Senegal
  6.902 million (2009)

Serbia
  9.912 million (2009)

Seychelles
  92,300 (2009)

Sierra Leone
  1.16 million (2009)

Singapore
  6.652 million (2009)

Slovakia
  5.498 million (2009)

Slovenia
  2.1 million (2009)

Solomon Islands
  30,000 (2009)

Somalia
  641,000 (2009)

South Africa
  46.436 million (2009)

Spain
  50.991 million (2009)

Sri Lanka
  15.868 million (2010)

Sudan
  15.34 million (2009)

Suriname
  763,900 (2009)

Swaziland
  656,000 (2009)

Sweden
  11.426 million (2009)

Switzerland
  9.255 million (2009)

Syria
  9.697 million (2009)

Taiwan
  26.959 million (2009)

Tajikistan
  4.9 million (2009)

Tanzania
  17.677 million (2010)

Thailand
  83.057 million (2009)

Timor-Leste
  116,000 (2009)

Togo
  2.187 million (2009)

Tonga
  53,000 (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
  1.97 million (2009)

Tunisia
  9.754 million (2009)

Turkey
  62.78 million (2009)

Turkmenistan
  1.5 million (2009)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  25,100 (2004)

Tuvalu
  2,000 (2009)

Uganda
  9.384 million (2009)

Ukraine
  55.333 million (2009)

United Arab Emirates
  10.672 million (2009)

United Kingdom
  80.375 million (2009)

United States
  286 million (2009)

Uruguay
  3.802 million (2009)

Uzbekistan
  16.418 million (2009)

Vanuatu
  126,500 (2009)

Venezuela
  28.124 million (2009)

Vietnam
  98.224 million (2009)

Virgin Islands
  80,300 (2005)

Wallis and Futuna
  NA

West Bank
  2.405 million (includes Gaza Strip) (2010)

Western Sahara
  0 (1999)

World
  5.3 billion (2010)

Yemen
  8.313 million (2009)

Zambia
  4.407 million (2009)

Zimbabwe
  2.991 million (2009)

======================================================================

@2152

Field Listing ::

Country

======================================================================

@2153

Field Listing :: Internet users

This entry gives the number of users within a country that access the Internet. Statistics vary from country to country and may include users who access the Internet at least several times a week to those who access it only once within a period of several months. Country Comparison to the World Country

Internet users

Afghanistan
  1 million (2009)

Albania
  1.3 million (2009)

Algeria
  4.7 million (2009)

American Samoa
  NA

Andorra
  67,100 (2009)

Angola
  606,700 (2009)

Anguilla
  3,700 (2009)

Antigua and Barbuda
  65,000 (2009)

Argentina
  13.694 million (2009)

Armenia
  208,200 (2009)

Aruba
  24,000 (2009)

Australia
  15.81 million (2009)

Austria
  6.143 million (2009)

Azerbaijan
  2.42 million (2009)

Bahamas, The
  115,800 (2009)

Bahrain
  419,500 (2009)

Bangladesh
  617,300 (2009)

Barbados
  188,000 (2008)

Belarus
  2.643 million (2009)

Belgium
  8.113 million (2009)

Belize
  36,000 (2009)

Benin
  200,100 (2009)

Bermuda
  54,000 (2009)

Bhutan
  50,000 (2009)

Bolivia
  1.103 million (2009)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  1.422 million (2009)

Botswana
  120,000 (2009)

Brazil
  75.982 million (2009)

British Virgin Islands
  4,000 (2002)

Brunei
  314,900 (2009)

Bulgaria
  3.395 million (2009)

Burkina Faso
  178,100 (2009)

Burma
  110,000 (2009)

Burundi
  157,800 (2009)

Cambodia
  78,500 (2009)

Cameroon
  749,600 (2009)

Canada
  26.96 million (2009)

Cape Verde
  150,000 (2009)

Cayman Islands
  23,000 (2008)

Central African Republic
  22,600 (2009)

Chad
  168,100 (2009)

Chile
  7.009 million (2009)

China
  389 million (2009)

Christmas Island
  464 (2001)

Colombia
  22.538 million (2009)

Comoros
  24,300 (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  290,000 (2008)

Congo, Republic of the
  245,200 (2009)

Cook Islands
  6,000 (2009)

Costa Rica
  1.485 million (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
  967,300 (2009)

Croatia
  2.234 million (2009)

Cuba
  1.606 million
  note: private citizens are prohibited from buying computers or
  accessing the Internet without special authorization; foreigners may
  access the Internet in large hotels but are subject to firewalls;
  some Cubans buy illegal passwords on the black market or take
  advantage of public outlets to access limited email and the
  government-controlled "intranet" (2009)

Cyprus
  433,900 (2009)

Czech Republic
  6.681 million (2009)

Denmark
  4.75 million (2009)

Djibouti
  25,900 (2009)

Dominica
  28,000 (2009)

Dominican Republic
  2.701 million (2009)

Ecuador
  3.352 million (2009)

Egypt
  20.136 million (2009)

El Salvador
  746,000 (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  14,400 (2009)

Eritrea
  200,000 (2008)

Estonia
  971,700 (2009)

Ethiopia
  447,300 (2009)

European Union
  247 million (2006)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  2,900 (2009)

Faroe Islands
  37,500 (2009)

Fiji
  114,200 (2009)

Finland
  4.393 million (2009)

France
  45.262 million; 44.625 million (metropolitan France) (2009)

French Polynesia
  120,000 (2009)

Gabon
  98,800 (2009)

Gambia, The
  130,100 (2009)

Gaza Strip
  1.379 million (includes West Bank) (2009)

Georgia
  1.3 million (2009)

Germany
  65.125 million (2009)

Ghana
  1.297 million (2009)

Gibraltar
  20,200 (2009)

Greece
  4.971 million (2009)

Greenland
  36,000 (2009)

Grenada
  25,000 (2009)

Guam
  90,000 (2009)

Guatemala
  2.279 million (2009)

Guernsey
  48,300 (2009)

Guinea
  95,000 (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
  37,100 (2009)

Guyana
  189,600 (2009)

Haiti
  1 million (2009)

Honduras
  731,700 (2009)

Hong Kong
  4.873 million (2009)

Hungary
  6.176 million (2009)

Iceland
  301,600 (2009)

India
  61.338 million (2009)

Indonesia
  20 million (2009)

Iran
  8.214 million (2009)

Iraq
  325,900 (2009)

Ireland
  3.042 million (2009)

Israel
  4.525 million (2009)

Italy
  29.235 million (2009)

Jamaica
  1.581 million (2009)

Japan
  99.182 million (2009)

Jersey
  29,500 (2009)

Jordan
  1.642 million (2009)

Kazakhstan
  5.299 million (2009)

Kenya
  3.996 million (2009)

Kiribati
  7,800 (2009)

Korea, South
  39.4 million (2009)

Kuwait
  1.1 million (2009)

Kyrgyzstan
  2.195 million (2009)

Laos
  300,000 (2009)

Latvia
  1.504 million (2009)

Lebanon
  1 million (2009)

Lesotho
  76,800 (2009)

Liberia
  20,000 (2009)

Libya
  353,900 (2009)

Liechtenstein
  23,000 (2009)

Lithuania
  1.964 million (2009)

Luxembourg
  424,500 (2009)

Macau
  270,200 (2009)

Macedonia
  1.057 million (2009)

Madagascar
  319,900 (2009)

Malawi
  716,400 (2009)

Malaysia
  15.355 million (2009)

Maldives
  86,400 (2009)

Mali
  249,800 (2009)

Malta
  240,600 (2009)

Marshall Islands
  2,200 (2009)

Mauritania
  75,000 (2009)

Mauritius
  290,000 (2009)

Mexico
  31.02 million (2009)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  17,000 (2009)

Moldova
  1.333 million (2009)

Monaco
  23,000 (2009)

Mongolia
  330,000 (2008)

Montenegro
  280,000 (2009)

Montserrat
  1,200 (2009)

Morocco
  13.213 million (2009)

Mozambique
  613,600 (2009)

Namibia
  127,500 (2009)

Nepal
  577,800 (2009)

Netherlands
  14.872 million (2009)

New Caledonia
  85,000 (2009)

New Zealand
  3.4 million (2009)

Nicaragua
  199,800 (2009)

Niger
  115,900 (2009)

Nigeria
  43.989 million (2009)

Niue
  1,100 (2009)

Norway
  4.431 million (2009)

Oman
  1.465 million (2009)

Pakistan
  20.431 million (2009)

Panama
  959,800 (2009)

Papua New Guinea
  125,000 (2009)

Paraguay
  1.105 million (2009)

Peru
  9.158 million (2009)

Philippines
  8.278 million (2009)

Poland
  22.452 million (2009)

Portugal
  5.168 million (2009)

Puerto Rico
  1 million (2009)

Qatar
  563,800 (2009)

Romania
  7.787 million (2009)

Russia
  40.853 million (2009)

Rwanda
  450,000 (2009)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  900 (2009)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  17,000 (2009)

Saint Lucia
  142,900 (2009)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  76,000 (2009)

Samoa
  9,000 (2009)

San Marino
  17,000 (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
  26,700 (2009)

Saudi Arabia
  9.774 million (2009)

Senegal
  1.818 million (2009)

Serbia
  4.107 million (2009)

Seychelles
  32,000 (2008)

Sierra Leone
  14,900 (2009)

Singapore
  3.235 million (2009)

Slovakia
  4.063 million (2009)

Slovenia
  1.298 million (2009)

Solomon Islands
  10,000 (2009)

Somalia
  106,000 (2009)

South Africa
  4.42 million (2009)

Spain
  28.119 million (2009)

Sri Lanka
  1.777 million (2009)

Sudan
  4.2 million (2008)

Suriname
  163,000 (2009)

Swaziland
  90,100 (2009)

Sweden
  8.398 million (2009)

Switzerland
  6.152 million (2009)

Syria
  4.469 million (2009)

Taiwan
  16.147 million (2009)

Tajikistan
  700,000 (2009)

Tanzania
  678,000 (2009)

Thailand
  17.483 million (2009)

Timor-Leste
  2,100 (2009)

Togo
  356,300 (2009)

Tokelau
  800 (2008)

Tonga
  8,400 (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
  593,000 (2009)

Tunisia
  3.5 million (2009)

Turkey
  27.233 million (2009)

Turkmenistan
  80,400 (2009)

Tuvalu
  4,200 (2008)

Uganda
  3.2 million (2009)

Ukraine
  7.77 million (2009)

United Arab Emirates
  3.449 million (2009)

United Kingdom
  51.444 million (2009)

United States
  245 million (2009)

Uruguay
  1.405 million (2009)

Uzbekistan
  4.689 million (2009)

Vanuatu
  17,000 (2009)

Venezuela
  8.918 million (2009)

Vietnam
  23.382 million (2009)

Virgin Islands
  30,000 (2009)

Wallis and Futuna
  1,300 (2009)

West Bank
  1.379 million (includes Gaza Strip) (2009)

World
  2.1 billion (2010)

Yemen
  2.349 million (2009)

Zambia
  816,200 (2009)

Zimbabwe
  1.423 million (2009)

======================================================================

@2154

Field Listing :: Internet country code

  This entry includes the two-letter codes maintained by the
  International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the ISO 3166
  Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
  (IANA) to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs).
  Country

Internet country code

Afghanistan
  .af

Albania
  .al

Algeria
  .dz

American Samoa
  .as

Andorra
  .ad

Angola
  .ao

Anguilla
  .ai

Antarctica
  .aq

Antigua and Barbuda
  .ag

Argentina
  .ar

Armenia
  .am

Aruba
  .aw

Australia
  .au

Austria
  .at

Azerbaijan
  .az

Bahamas, The
  .bs

Bahrain
  .bh

Bangladesh
  .bd

Barbados
  .bb

Belarus
  .by

Belgium
  .be

Belize
  .bz

Benin
  .bj

Bermuda
  .bm

Bhutan
  .bt

Bolivia
  .bo

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  .ba

Botswana
  .bw

Bouvet Island
  .bv

Brazil
  .br

British Indian Ocean Territory
  .io

British Virgin Islands
  .vg

Brunei
  .bn

Bulgaria
  .bg

Burkina Faso
  .bf

Burma
  .mm

Burundi
  .bi

Cambodia
  .kh

Cameroon
  .cm

Canada
  .ca

Cape Verde
  .cv

Cayman Islands
  .ky

Central African Republic
  .cf

Chad
  .td

Chile
  .cl

China
  .cn

Christmas Island
  .cx

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  .cc

Colombia
  .co

Comoros
  .km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  .cd

Congo, Republic of the
  .cg

Cook Islands
  .ck

Costa Rica
  .cr

Cote d'Ivoire
  .ci

Croatia
  .hr

Cuba
  .cu

Cyprus
  .cy

Czech Republic
  .cz

Denmark
  .dk

Djibouti
  .dj

Dominica
  .dm

Dominican Republic
  .do

Ecuador
  .ec

Egypt
  .eg

El Salvador
  .sv

Equatorial Guinea
  .gq

Eritrea
  .er

Estonia
  .ee

Ethiopia
  .et

European Union
  .eu; note - see country entries of member states for
  individual country codes

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  .fk

Faroe Islands
  .fo

Fiji
  .fj

Finland
  .fi; note - Aland Islands assigned .ax

France
  metropolitan France - .fr; French Guiana - .gf; Guadeloupe -
  .gp; Martinique - .mq; Reunion - .re

French Polynesia
  .pf

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  .tf

Gabon
  .ga

Gambia, The
  .gm

Gaza Strip
  .ps; note - same as West Bank

Georgia
  .ge

Germany
  .de

Ghana
  .gh

Gibraltar
  .gi

Greece
  .gr

Greenland
  .gl

Grenada
  .gd

Guam
  .gu

Guatemala
  .gt

Guernsey
  .gg

Guinea
  .gn

Guinea-Bissau
  .gw

Guyana
  .gy

Haiti
  .ht

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  .hm

Holy See (Vatican City)
  .va

Honduras
  .hn

Hong Kong
  .hk

Hungary
  .hu

Iceland
  .is

India
  .in

Indonesia
  .id

Iran
  .ir

Iraq
  .iq

Ireland
  .ie

Isle of Man
  .im

Israel
  .il

Italy
  .it

Jamaica
  .jm

Japan
  .jp

Jersey
  .je

Jordan
  .jo

Kazakhstan
  .kz

Kenya
  .ke

Kiribati
  .ki

Korea, North
  .kp

Korea, South
  .kr

Kuwait
  .kw

Kyrgyzstan
  .kg

Laos
  .la

Latvia
  .lv

Lebanon
  .lb

Lesotho
  .ls

Liberia
  .lr

Libya
  .ly

Liechtenstein
  .li

Lithuania
  .lt

Luxembourg
  .lu

Macau
  .mo

Macedonia
  .mk

Madagascar
  .mg

Malawi
  .mw

Malaysia
  .my

Maldives
  .mv

Mali
  .ml

Malta
  .mt

Marshall Islands
  .mh

Mauritania
  .mr

Mauritius
  .mu

Mayotte
  .yt

Mexico
  .mx

Micronesia, Federated States of
  .fm

Moldova
  .md

Monaco
  .mc

Mongolia
  .mn

Montenegro
  .me

Montserrat
  .ms

Morocco
  .ma

Mozambique
  .mz

Namibia
  .na

Nauru
  .nr

Nepal
  .np

Netherlands
  .nl

New Caledonia
  .nc

New Zealand
  .nz

Nicaragua
  .ni

Niger
  .ne

Nigeria
  .ng

Niue
  .nu

Norfolk Island
  .nf

Northern Mariana Islands
  .mp

Norway
  .no

Oman
  .om

Pakistan
  .pk

Palau
  .pw

Panama
  .pa

Papua New Guinea
  .pg

Paraguay
  .py

Peru
  .pe

Philippines
  .ph

Pitcairn Islands
  .pn

Poland
  .pl

Portugal
  .pt

Puerto Rico
  .pr

Qatar
  .qa

Romania
  .ro

Russia
  .ru; note - Russia also has responsibility for a legacy
  domain ".su" that was allocated to the Soviet Union and is being
  phased out

Rwanda
  .rw

Saint Barthelemy
  .bl; note - .gp, the internet country code for
  Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might
  also be encountered

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  .sh; note - Ascension
  Island assigned .ac

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  .kn

Saint Lucia
  .lc

Saint Martin
  .mf; note - .gp, the internet country code for
  Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might
  also be encountered

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  .pm

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  .vc

Samoa
  .ws

San Marino
  .sm

Sao Tome and Principe
  .st

Saudi Arabia
  .sa

Senegal
  .sn

Serbia
  .rs

Seychelles
  .sc

Sierra Leone
  .sl

Singapore
  .sg

Slovakia
  .sk

Slovenia
  .si

Solomon Islands
  .sb

Somalia
  .so

South Africa
  .za

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  .gs

Spain
  .es

Sri Lanka
  .lk

Sudan
  .sd

Suriname
  .sr

Svalbard
  .sj

Swaziland
  .sz

Sweden
  .se

Switzerland
  .ch

Syria
  .sy

Taiwan
  .tw

Tajikistan
  .tj

Tanzania
  .tz

Thailand
  .th

Timor-Leste
  .tl

Togo
  .tg

Tokelau
  .tk

Tonga
  .to

Trinidad and Tobago
  .tt

Tunisia
  .tn

Turkey
  .tr

Turkmenistan
  .tm

Turks and Caicos Islands
  .tc

Tuvalu
  .tv

Uganda
  .ug

Ukraine
  .ua

United Arab Emirates
  .ae

United Kingdom
  .uk

United States
  .us

Uruguay
  .uy

Uzbekistan
  .uz

Vanuatu
  .vu

Venezuela
  .ve

Vietnam
  .vn

Virgin Islands
  .vi

Wallis and Futuna
  .wf

West Bank
  .ps; note - same as Gaza Strip

Western Sahara
  .eh

Yemen
  .ye

Zambia
  .zm

Zimbabwe
  .zw

======================================================================

@2155

Field Listing :: HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

This entry gives an estimate of the percentage of adults (aged 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS. The adult prevalence rate is calculated by dividing the estimated number of adults living with HIV/AIDS at yearend by the total adult population at yearend. Country Comparison to the World Country

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate(%)

Afghanistan
  0.01% (2001 est.)

Albania
  NA

Algeria
  0.1%; note - no country specific models provided (2007 est.)

American Samoa
  NA

Andorra
  NA

Angola
  2.1% (2007 est.)

Anguilla
  NA

Antigua and Barbuda
  NA

Argentina
  0.5% (2007 est.)

Armenia
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Aruba
  NA

Australia
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Austria
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Azerbaijan
  less than 0.2% (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
  3% (2007 est.)

Bahrain
  0.2% (2001 est.)

Bangladesh
  less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Barbados
  1.2% (2007 est.)

Belarus
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Belgium
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Belize
  2.1% (2007 est.)

Benin
  1.2% (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  0.3% (2005)

Bhutan
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Bolivia
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Botswana
  23.9% (2007 est.)

Brazil
  0.6% (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  NA

Brunei
  less than 0.1% (2003 est.)

Bulgaria
  less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Burkina Faso
  1.6% (2007 est.)

Burma
  0.7% (2007 est.)

Burundi
  2% (2007 est.)

Cambodia
  0.8% (2007 est.)

Cameroon
  5.1% (2007 est.)

Canada
  0.4% (2007 est.)

Cape Verde
  0.04% (2001 est.)

Cayman Islands
  NA

Central African Republic
  6.3% (2007 est.)

Chad
  3.5% (2007 est.)

Chile
  0.3% (2007 est.)

China
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  NA

Colombia
  0.6% (2007 est.)

Comoros
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  4.2% (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  3.5% (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
  NA

Costa Rica
  0.4% (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  3.9% (2007 est.)

Croatia
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Cuba
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Curacao
  NA

Cyprus
  0.1% (2003 est.)

Czech Republic
  less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Denmark
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Djibouti
  3.1% (2007 est.)

Dominica
  NA

Dominican Republic
  1.1% (2007 est.)

Ecuador
  0.3% (2007 est.)

Egypt
  less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

El Salvador
  0.8% (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  3.4% (2007 est.)

Eritrea
  1.3% (2007 est.)

Estonia
  1.3% (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
  2.1% (2007 est.)

European Union
  note - see individual country entries of member states

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA

Faroe Islands
  NA

Fiji
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Finland
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

France
  0.4% (2007 est.)

French Polynesia
  NA

Gabon
  5.9% (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
  0.9% (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
  NA

Georgia
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Germany
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Ghana
  1.9% (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
  NA

Greece
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Greenland
  NA

Grenada
  NA

Guam
  NA

Guatemala
  0.8% (2007 est.)

Guernsey
  NA

Guinea
  1.6% (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  1.8% (2007 est.)

Guyana
  2.5% (2007 est.)

Haiti
  2.2% (2007 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  NA

Honduras
  0.7% (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
  0.1% (2003 est.)

Hungary
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Iceland
  0.2% (2007 est.)

India
  0.3% (2007 est.)

Indonesia
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Iran
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Iraq
  less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Ireland
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Isle of Man
  NA

Israel
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Italy
  0.4% (2007 est.)

Jamaica
  1.6% (2007 est.)

Japan
  less than 0.1% (2003 est.)

Jersey
  NA

Jordan
  less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Kenya
  6.7% (2003 est.)

Kiribati
  NA

Korea, North
  NA

Korea, South
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Kuwait
  0.1% (2001 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Laos
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Latvia
  0.8% (2007 est.)

Lebanon
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Lesotho
  23.2% (2007 est.)

Liberia
  1.7% (2007 est.)

Libya
  0.3% (2001 est.)

Liechtenstein
  NA

Lithuania
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Macau
  NA

Macedonia
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Madagascar
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Malawi
  11.9% (2007 est.)

Malaysia
  0.5% (2007 est.)

Maldives
  0.1% (2001 est.)

Mali
  1.5% (2007 est.)

Malta
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Marshall Islands
  NA

Mauritania
  0.8% (2007 est.)

Mauritius
  1.7% (2007 est.)

Mayotte
  NA

Mexico
  0.3% (2007 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  NA

Moldova
  0.4% (2007 est.)

Monaco
  NA

Mongolia
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Montserrat
  NA

Morocco
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Mozambique
  12.5% (2007 est.)

Namibia
  15.3% (2007 est.)

Nauru
  NA

Nepal
  0.5% (2007 est.)

Netherlands
  0.2% (2007 est.)

New Caledonia
  NA

New Zealand
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Nicaragua
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Niger
  0.8% (2007 est.)

Nigeria
  3.1% (2007 est.)

Niue
  NA

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  NA

Norway
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Oman
  0.1% (2001 est.)

Pakistan
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Palau
  NA

Panama
  1% (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  1.5% (2007 est.)

Paraguay
  0.6% (2007 est.)

Peru
  0.5% (2007 est.)

Philippines
  less than 0.1% (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  NA

Poland
  0.1%; note - no country specific models provided (2007 est.)

Portugal
  0.5% (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
  NA

Qatar
  0.1% (2001 est.)

Romania
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Russia
  1.1% (2007 est.)

Rwanda
  2.8% (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  NA

Saint Lucia
  NA

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  NA

Samoa
  NA

San Marino
  NA

Sao Tome and Principe
  NA

Saudi Arabia
  0.01% (2001 est.)

Senegal
  1% (2007 est.)

Serbia
  0.1% (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  NA

Sierra Leone
  1.7% (2007 est.)

Singapore
  0.2% (2007 est.)

Sint Maarten
  NA

Slovakia
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Slovenia
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Solomon Islands
  NA

Somalia
  0.5% (2007 est.)

South Africa
  18.1% (2007 est.)

Spain
  0.5% (2007 est.)

Sri Lanka
  less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Sudan
  1.4% (2007 est.)

Suriname
  2.4% (2007 est.)

Svalbard
  0% (2001)

Swaziland
  26.1% (2007 est.)

Sweden
  0.1% (2007 est.)

Switzerland
  0.6% (2007 est.)

Syria
  less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Taiwan
  NA

Tajikistan
  less than 0.3% (2007 est.)

Tanzania
  6.2% (2007 est.)

Thailand
  1.4% (2007 est.)

Timor-Leste
  NA

Togo
  3.3% (2007 est.)

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  NA

Trinidad and Tobago
  1.5% (2007 est.)

Tunisia
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Turkey
  less than 0.1%; note - no country specific models provided
  (2001 est.)

Turkmenistan
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  NA

Tuvalu
  NA

Uganda
  5.4% (2007 est.)

Ukraine
  1.6% (2007 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  0.2% (2001 est.)

United Kingdom
  0.2% (2007 est.)

United States
  0.6% (2007 est.)

Uruguay
  0.6% (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
  less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

Vanuatu
  NA

Venezuela
  0.7%; note - no country specific models provided (2001
  est.)

Vietnam
  0.5% (2007 est.)

Virgin Islands
  NA

Wallis and Futuna
  NA

West Bank
  NA

Western Sahara
  NA

World
  0.8% (2007 est.)

Yemen
  0.1% (2001 est.)

Zambia
  15.2% (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
  15.3% (2007 est.)

======================================================================

@2156

Field Listing :: HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

This entry gives an estimate of all people (adults and children) alive at yearend with HIV infection, whether or not they have developed symptoms of AIDS. Country Comparison to the World Country

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

Afghanistan
  NA

Albania
  NA

Algeria
  21,000 (2007 est.)

American Samoa
  NA

Andorra
  NA

Angola
  190,000 (2007 est.)

Anguilla
  NA

Antigua and Barbuda
  NA

Argentina
  120,000 (2007 est.)

Armenia
  2,400 (2007 est.)

Aruba
  NA

Australia
  18,000 (2007 est.)

Austria
  9,800 (2007 est.)

Azerbaijan
  7,800 (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
  6,200 (2007 est.)

Bahrain
  fewer than 600 (2007 est.)

Bangladesh
  12,000 (2007 est.)

Barbados
  2,200 (2007 est.)

Belarus
  13,000 (2007 est.)

Belgium
  15,000 (2007 est.)

Belize
  3,600 (2007 est.)

Benin
  64,000 (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  163 (2005)

Bhutan
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Bolivia
  8,100 (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  900 (2007 est.)

Botswana
  300,000 (2007 est.)

Brazil
  730,000 (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  NA

Brunei
  fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Bulgaria
  346 (2001 est.)

Burkina Faso
  130,000 (2007 est.)

Burma
  240,000 (2007 est.)

Burundi
  110,000 (2007 est.)

Cambodia
  75,000 (2007 est.)

Cameroon
  540,000 (2007 est.)

Canada
  73,000 (2007 est.)

Cape Verde
  775 (2001)

Cayman Islands
  NA

Central African Republic
  160,000 (2007 est.)

Chad
  200,000 (2007 est.)

Chile
  31,000 (2007 est.)

China
  700,000 (2007 est.)

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  NA

Colombia
  170,000 (2007 est.)

Comoros
  NA (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  1.1 million (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  79,000 (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
  NA

Costa Rica
  9,700 (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  480,000 (2007 est.)

Croatia
  200 (2007 est.)

Cuba
  6,200 (2007 est.)

Curacao
  NA

Cyprus
  fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Czech Republic
  1,500 (2007 est.)

Denmark
  4,800 (2007 est.)

Djibouti
  16,000 (2007 est.)

Dominica
  NA

Dominican Republic
  62,000 (2007 est.)

Ecuador
  26,000 (2007 est.)

Egypt
  9,200 (2007 est.)

El Salvador
  35,000 (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  11,000 (2007 est.)

Eritrea
  38,000 (2007 est.)

Estonia
  9,900 (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
  980,000 (2007 est.)

European Union
  note - see individual country entries of member states

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA

Faroe Islands
  NA

Fiji
  600 (2003 est.)

Finland
  2,400 (2007 est.)

France
  140,000 (2007 est.)

French Polynesia
  NA

Gabon
  49,000 (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
  8,200 (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
  NA

Georgia
  2,700 (2007 est.)

Germany
  53,000 (2007 est.)

Ghana
  260,000 (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
  NA

Greece
  11,000 (2007 est.)

Greenland
  100 (1999)

Grenada
  NA

Guam
  NA

Guatemala
  59,000 (2007 est.)

Guernsey
  NA

Guinea
  87,000 (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  16,000 (2007 est.)

Guyana
  13,000 (2007 est.)

Haiti
  120,000 (2007 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  NA

Honduras
  28,000 (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
  2,600 (2003 est.)

Hungary
  3,300 (2007 est.)

Iceland
  220 (2007 est.)

India
  2.4 million (2007 est.)

Indonesia
  270,000 (2007 est.)

Iran
  86,000 (2007 est.)

Iraq
  fewer than 500 (2003 est.)

Ireland
  5,500 (2007 est.)

Isle of Man
  NA

Israel
  5,100 (2007 est.)

Italy
  150,000 (2007 est.)

Jamaica
  27,000 (2007 est.)

Japan
  9,600 (2007 est.)

Jersey
  NA

Jordan
  600 (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
  12,000 (2007 est.)

Kenya
  1.2 million (2003 est.)

Kiribati
  NA

Korea, North
  NA

Korea, South
  13,000 (2007 est.)

Kuwait
  NA (2007 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  4,200 (2007 est.)

Laos
  5,500 (2007 est.)

Latvia
  10,000 (2007 est.)

Lebanon
  3,000 (2007 est.)

Lesotho
  270,000 (2007 est.)

Liberia
  35,000 (2007 est.)

Libya
  10,000 (2001 est.)

Liechtenstein
  NA

Lithuania
  2,200 (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
  fewer than 500 (2003 est.)

Macau
  NA

Macedonia
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Madagascar
  14,000 (2007 est.)

Malawi
  930,000 (2007 est.)

Malaysia
  80,000 (2007 est.)

Maldives
  fewer than 100 (2001 est.)

Mali
  100,000 (2007 est.)

Malta
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Marshall Islands
  NA

Mauritania
  14,000 (2007 est.)

Mauritius
  13,000 (2007 est.)

Mayotte
  NA

Mexico
  200,000 (2007 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  NA

Moldova
  8,900 (2007 est.)

Monaco
  NA

Mongolia
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Montserrat
  NA

Morocco
  21,000 (2007 est.)

Mozambique
  1.5 million (2007 est.)

Namibia
  200,000 (2007 est.)

Nauru
  NA

Nepal
  70,000 (2007 est.)

Netherlands
  18,000 (2007 est.)

New Caledonia
  NA

New Zealand
  1,400 (2007 est.)

Nicaragua
  7,700 (2007 est.)

Niger
  60,000 (2007 est.)

Nigeria
  2.6 million (2007 est.)

Niue
  NA

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  NA

Norway
  3,000 (2007 est.)

Oman
  1,300 (2001 est.)

Pakistan
  96,000 (2007 est.)

Palau
  NA

Panama
  20,000 (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  54,000 (2007 est.)

Paraguay
  21,000 (2007 est.)

Peru
  76,000 (2007 est.)

Philippines
  8,300 (2007 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  NA

Poland
  20,000 (2007 est.)

Portugal
  34,000 (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
  7,397 (1997)

Qatar
  NA

Romania
  15,000 (2007 est.)

Russia
  940,000 (2007 est.)

Rwanda
  150,000 (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  NA

Saint Lucia
  NA

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  NA

Samoa
  NA

San Marino
  NA

Sao Tome and Principe
  NA

Saudi Arabia
  NA

Senegal
  67,000 (2007 est.)

Serbia
  6,400 (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  NA

Sierra Leone
  55,000 (2007 est.)

Singapore
  4,200 (2007 est.)

Sint Maarten
  NA

Slovakia
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Slovenia
  280 (2007 est.)

Solomon Islands
  NA

Somalia
  24,000 (2007 est.)

South Africa
  5.7 million (2007 est.)

Spain
  140,000 (2007 est.)

Sri Lanka
  3,800 (2007 est.)

Sudan
  320,000 (2007 est.)

Suriname
  6,800 (2007 est.)

Svalbard
  0 (2001)

Swaziland
  190,000 (2007 est.)

Sweden
  6,200 (2007 est.)

Switzerland
  25,000 (2007 est.)

Syria
  fewer than 500 (2003 est.)

Taiwan
  NA

Tajikistan
  10,000 (2007 est.)

Tanzania
  1.4 million (2007 est.)

Thailand
  610,000 (2007 est.)

Timor-Leste
  NA

Togo
  130,000 (2007 est.)

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  NA

Trinidad and Tobago
  14,000 (2007 est.)

Tunisia
  3,700 (2007 est.)

Turkey
  NA (2007 est.)

Turkmenistan
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  NA

Tuvalu
  NA

Uganda
  940,000 (2007 est.)

Ukraine
  440,000 (2007 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  NA

United Kingdom
  77,000 (2007 est.)

United States
  1.2 million (2007 est.)

Uruguay
  10,000 (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
  16,000 (2007 est.)

Vanuatu
  NA

Venezuela
  110,000 (1999 est.)

Vietnam
  290,000 (2007 est.)

Virgin Islands
  NA

Wallis and Futuna
  NA

West Bank
  NA

Western Sahara
  NA

World
  33 million (2007 est.)

Yemen
  12,000 (2001 est.)

Zambia
  1.1 million (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
  1.3 million (2007 est.)

======================================================================

@2157

Field Listing :: HIV/AIDS - deaths

  This entry gives an estimate of the number of adults and children
  who died of AIDS during a given calendar year.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

HIV/AIDS - deaths

Afghanistan
  NA

Albania
  NA

Algeria
  fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

American Samoa
  NA

Andorra
  NA

Angola
  11,000 (2007 est.)

Anguilla
  NA

Antigua and Barbuda
  NA

Argentina
  7,000 (2007 est.)

Armenia
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Aruba
  NA

Australia
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Austria
  fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Bahrain
  fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Bangladesh
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Barbados
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Belarus
  1,100 (2007 est.)

Belgium
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Belize
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Benin
  3,300 (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  392 (2005)

Bhutan
  NA

Bolivia
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  100 (2001 est.)

Botswana
  11,000 (2007 est.)

Brazil
  15,000 (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  NA

Brunei
  fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Bulgaria
  100 (2001 est.)

Burkina Faso
  9,200 (2007 est.)

Burma
  25,000 (2007 est.)

Burundi
  11,000 (2007 est.)

Cambodia
  6,900 (2007 est.)

Cameroon
  39,000 (2007 est.)

Canada
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Cape Verde
  225 (as of 2001)

Cayman Islands
  NA

Central African Republic
  11,000 (2007 est.)

Chad
  14,000 (2007 est.)

Chile
  1,100 (2007 est.)

China
  39,000 (2007 est.)

Christmas Island
  NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  NA

Colombia
  9,800 (2007 est.)

Comoros
  NA

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  100,000 (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  6,400 (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
  NA

Costa Rica
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  38,000 (2007 est.)

Croatia
  fewer than 10 (2001 est.)

Cuba
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Curacao
  NA

Cyprus
  NA

Czech Republic
  fewer than 10 (2001 est.)

Denmark
  fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Djibouti
  1,100 (2007 est.)

Dominica
  NA

Dominican Republic
  4,100 (2007 est.)

Ecuador
  1,400 (2007 est.)

Egypt
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

El Salvador
  1,700 (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  370 (2001 est.)

Eritrea
  2,600 (2007 est.)

Estonia
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
  67,000 (2007 est.)

European Union
  note - see individual country entries of member states

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  NA

Faroe Islands
  NA

Fiji
  fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Finland
  fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

France
  1,600 (2007 est.)

French Polynesia
  NA

Gabon
  2,300 (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
  600 (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip
  NA

Georgia
  fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Germany
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Ghana
  21,000 (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
  NA

Greece
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Greenland
  NA

Grenada
  NA

Guam
  NA

Guatemala
  3,900 (2007 est.)

Guernsey
  NA

Guinea
  4,500 (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  1,100 (2007 est.)

Guyana
  fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Haiti
  7,200 (2007 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  NA

Honduras
  1,900 (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
  fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Hungary
  fewer than 100 (2001 est.)

Iceland
  fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

India
  310,000 (2001 est.)

Indonesia
  8,700 (2007 est.)

Iran
  4,300 (2007 est.)

Iraq
  NA

Ireland
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Isle of Man
  NA

Israel
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Italy
  1,900 (2007 est.)

Jamaica
  1,500 (2007 est.)

Japan
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Jersey
  NA

Jordan
  fewer than 500 (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Kenya
  150,000 (2003 est.)

Kiribati
  NA

Korea, North
  NA

Korea, South
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Kuwait
  NA

Kyrgyzstan
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Laos
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Latvia
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Lebanon
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Lesotho
  18,000 (2007 est.)

Liberia
  2,300 (2007 est.)

Libya
  NA

Liechtenstein
  NA

Lithuania
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
  fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Macau
  NA

Macedonia
  fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Madagascar
  fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Malawi
  68,000 (2007 est.)

Malaysia
  3,900 (2007 est.)

Maldives
  NA

Mali
  5,800 (2007 est.)

Malta
  fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands
  NA

Mauritania
  fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Mauritius
  fewer than 100 (2001 est.)

Mayotte
  NA

Mexico
  11,000 (2007 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  NA

Moldova
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Monaco
  NA

Mongolia
  fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Montserrat
  NA

Morocco
  fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Mozambique
  81,000 (2007 est.)

Namibia
  5,100 (2007 est.)

Nauru
  NA

Nepal
  5,000 (2007 est.)

Netherlands
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

New Caledonia
  NA

New Zealand
  fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Nicaragua
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Niger
  4,000 (2007 est.)

Nigeria
  170,000 (2007 est.)

Niue
  NA

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  NA

Norway
  fewer than 100 (2003 est.)

Oman
  fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Pakistan
  5,100 (2007 est.)

Palau
  NA

Panama
  fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Paraguay
  fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Peru
  3,300 (2007 est.)

Philippines
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  NA

Poland
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Portugal
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Puerto Rico
  NA

Qatar
  NA

Romania
  350 (2001 est.)

Russia
  40,000 (2007 est.)

Rwanda
  7,800 (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  NA

Saint Lucia
  NA

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  NA

Samoa
  NA

San Marino
  NA

Sao Tome and Principe
  NA

Saudi Arabia
  NA

Senegal
  1,800 (2007 est.)

Serbia
  fewer than 100 (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  NA

Sierra Leone
  3,300 (2007 est.)

Singapore
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Sint Maarten
  NA

Slovakia
  fewer than 100 (2001 est.)

Slovenia
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Solomon Islands
  NA

Somalia
  1,600 (2007 est.)

South Africa
  350,000 (2007 est.)

Spain
  2,300 (2007 est.)

Sri Lanka
  fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Sudan
  25,000 (2007 est.)

Suriname
  fewer than 500 (2003 est.)

Svalbard
  0 (2001)

Swaziland
  10,000 (2007 est.)

Sweden
  fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Switzerland
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Syria
  fewer than 200 (2003 est.)

Taiwan
  NA

Tajikistan
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Tanzania
  96,000 (2007 est.)

Thailand
  30,000 (2007 est.)

Timor-Leste
  NA

Togo
  9,100 (2007 est.)

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  NA

Trinidad and Tobago
  1,900 (2003 est.)

Tunisia
  fewer than 200 (2007 est.)

Turkey
  NA

Turkmenistan
  fewer than 100 (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  NA

Tuvalu
  NA

Uganda
  77,000 (2007 est.)

Ukraine
  19,000 (2007 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  NA

United Kingdom
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

United States
  22,000 (2007 est.)

Uruguay
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
  fewer than 500 (2007 est.)

Vanuatu
  NA

Venezuela
  4,100 (2003 est.)

Vietnam
  24,000 (2007 est.)

Virgin Islands
  NA

Wallis and Futuna
  NA

West Bank
  NA

Western Sahara
  NA

World
  2 million (2007 est.)

Yemen
  NA

Zambia
  56,000 (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
  140,000 (2007 est.)

======================================================================

@2158

Field Listing ::

Country

======================================================================

@2172

Field Listing :: Distribution of family income - Gini index

  This index measures the degree of inequality in the distribution of
  family income in a country. The index is calculated from the Lorenz
  curve, in which cumulative family income is plotted against the
  number of families arranged from the poorest to the richest. The
  index is the ratio of (a) the area between a country's Lorenz curve
  and the 45 degree helping line to (b) the entire triangular area
  under the 45 degree line. The more nearly equal a country's income
  distribution, the closer its Lorenz curve to the 45 degree line and
  the lower its Gini index, e.g., a Scandinavian country with an index
  of 25. The more unequal a country's income distribution, the farther
  its Lorenz curve from the 45 degree line and the higher its Gini
  index, e.g., a Sub-Saharan country with an index of 50. If income
  were distributed with perfect equality, the Lorenz curve would
  coincide with the 45 degree line and the index would be zero; if
  income were distributed with perfect inequality, the Lorenz curve
  would coincide with the horizontal axis and the right vertical axis
  and the index would be 100.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Distribution of family income - Gini index

Albania
  26.7 (2005)

Algeria
  35.3 (1995)

Argentina
  45.7 (2009)

Armenia
  37 (2006)
  44.4 (1996)

Australia
  30.5 (2006)
  35.2 (1994)

Austria
  26 (2007)
  31 (1995)

Azerbaijan
  36.5 (2001)
  36 (1995)

Bangladesh
  33.2 (2005)
  33.6 (1996)

Belarus
  27.9 (2005)
  21.7 (1998)

Belgium
  28 (2005)
  28.7 (1996)

Benin
  36.5 (2003)

Bolivia 58.2 (2009) 44.7 (1999)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  56.2 (2007)

Botswana
  63 (1993)

Brazil
  56.7 (2005)
  60.7 (1998)

Bulgaria
  29.8 (2008)
  26.4 (2001)

Burkina Faso
  39.5 (2007)
  48.2 (1994)

Burundi
  42.4 (1998)

Cambodia
  43 (2007 est.)
  40 (2004 est.)

Cameroon
  44.6 (2001)
  47.7 (1996)

Canada
  32.1 (2005)
  31.5 (1994)

Central African Republic
  61.3 (1993)

Chile
  54.9 (2003)
  57.1 (2000)

China
  41.5 (2007)
  40 (2001)

Colombia
  58.5 (2009)
  53.8 (1996)

Costa Rica
  48 (2008)
  45.9 (1997)

Cote d'Ivoire
  44.6 (2002)
  36.7 (1995)

Croatia
  29 (2008)
  29 (1998)

Cyprus
  29 (2005)

Czech Republic
  26 (2005)
  25.4 (1996)

Denmark
  29 (2007)
  24.7 (1992)

Dominican Republic
  49.9 (2005)
  47.4 (1998)

Ecuador 47.9 (2009) 50.5 (2006) note: data are for urban households

Egypt 34.4 (2001)

El Salvador
  52.4 (2002)
  52.5 (2001)

Estonia
  34 (2008)
  37 (1999)

Ethiopia
  30 (2000)
  40 (1995)

European Union
  31 (2005 est.)
  31.2 (1996 est.)

Finland
  29.5 (2007)
  25.6 (1991)

France
  32.7 (2008)
  32.7 (1995)

Gambia, The
  50.2 (1998)

Georgia
  40.8 (2009)
  37.1 (1996)

Germany
  27 (2006)
  30 (1994)

Ghana
  39.4 (2005-06)
  40.7 (1999)

Greece
  33 (2005)
  35.4 (1998)

Guatemala
  55.1 (2007)
  55.8 (1998)

Guinea
  38.1 (2006)
  40.3 (1994)

Guyana
  43.2 (1999)

Haiti
  59.2 (2001)

Honduras 53.8 (2003) 56.3 (1998)

Hong Kong 53.3 (2007)

Hungary
  28 (2005)
  24.4 (1998)

Iceland
  28 (2006)
  25 (2005)

India
  36.8 (2004)
  37.8 (1997)

Indonesia
  39.4 (2005)
  37 (2001)

Iran
  44.5 (2006)

Ireland
  30.7 (2008)
  35.9 (1987)

Israel
  39.2 (2008)
  35.5 (2001)

Italy
  32 (2006)
  27.3 (1995)

Jamaica
  45.5 (2004)
  37.9 (2000)

Japan
  38.1 (2002)
  24.9 (1993)

Jordan
  39.7 (2007)
  36.4 (1997)

Kazakhstan
  28.8 (2008)
  31.5 (2003)

Kenya
  42.5 (2008 est.)
  44.9 (1997)

Korea, South
  31.4 (2009)
  35.8 (2000)

Kosovo
  30 (FY05/06)

Kyrgyzstan
  30.3 (2003)
  29 (2001)

Laos
  34.6 (2002)
  37 (1997)

Latvia
  36 (2005)
  32 (1999)

Lesotho
  63.2 (1995)
  56 (1986-87)

Lithuania
  36 (2005)
  34 (1999)

Luxembourg
  26 (2005)

Macedonia
  39 (2003)

Madagascar 47.5 (2001) 38.1 (1999)

Malawi 39 (2004)

Malaysia
  46.1 (2002)
  49.2 (1997)

Mali
  40.1 (2001)
  50.5 (1994)

Malta
  26 (2007)

Mauritania
  39 (2000)
  37.3 (1995)

Mauritius
  39 (2006 est.)
  37 (1987 est.)

Mexico
  48.2 (2008)
  53.1 (1998)

Moldova
  33.2 (2003)
  40.6 (1997)

Mongolia
  32.8 (2002)
  44 (1998)

Montenegro
  30 (2003)

Morocco
  40.9 (2005 est.)
  39.5 (1999 est.)

Mozambique
  47.3 (2002)
  39.6 (1997)

Namibia
  70.7 (2003)

Nepal
  47.2 (2008)
  36.7 (1996)

Netherlands
  30.9 (2007)
  32.6 (1994)

New Zealand
  36.2 (1997)

Nicaragua 43.1 (2001) 60.3 (1998)

Niger 50.5 (1995)

Nigeria
  43.7 (2003)
  50.6 (1997)

Norway
  25 (2008)
  25.8 (1995)

Pakistan
  30.6 (FY07/08)
  41 (FY98/99)

Panama
  56.1 (2003)
  48.5 (1997)

Papua New Guinea
  50.9 (1996)

Paraguay
  53.2 (2009)
  57.7 (1998)

Peru
  49.6 (2009)
  46.2 (1996)

Philippines
  45.8 (2006)
  46.6 (2003)

Poland
  34.9 (2005)
  31.6 (1998)

Portugal
  38.5 (2007)
  35.6 (1995)

Romania
  32 (2008)
  28.8 (2003)

Russia
  42.2 (2009)
  39.9 (2001)

Rwanda
  46.8 (2000)
  28.9 (1985)

Senegal
  41.3 (2001)
  41.3 (1995)

Serbia
  26 (2008)
  30 (2003)

Sierra Leone
  62.9 (1989)

Singapore
  48.1 (2008)

Slovakia
  26 (2005)
  26.3 (1996)

Slovenia
  28.4 (2008)
  23.8 (2004)

South Africa
  65 (2005)
  59.3 (1994)

Spain
  32 (2005)
  32.5 (1990)

Sri Lanka
  49 (2007)
  46 (1995)

Swaziland
  50.4 (2001)

Sweden
  23 (2005)
  25 (1992)

Switzerland
  33.7 (2008)
  33.1 (1992)

Tajikistan
  32.6 (2006)
  34.7 (1998)

Tanzania
  34.6 (2000)
  38.2 (1993)

Thailand
  43 (2006)
  42 (2002)

Timor-Leste
  38 (2002 est.)

Tunisia
  40 (2005 est.)
  41.7 (1995 est.)

Turkey
  41 (2007)
  43.6 (2003)

Turkmenistan
  40.8 (1998)

Uganda
  45.7 (2002)
  37.4 (1996)

Ukraine
  31 (2006)
  29 (1999)

United Kingdom
  34 (2005)
  36.8 (1999)

United States
  45 (2007)
  40.8 (1997)

Uruguay
  45.2 (2006)
  44.8 (1999)

Uzbekistan
  36.8 (2003)
  44.7 (1998)

Venezuela
  41 (2009)
  49.5 (1998)

Vietnam
  37 (2004)
  36.1 (1998)

Yemen
  37.7 (2005)
  33.4 (1998)

Zambia
  50.8 (2004)
  52.6 (1998)

Zimbabwe
  50.1 (2006)
  50.1 (1995)

======================================================================

@2173

Field Listing :: Oil - production

This entry is the total oil produced in barrels per day (bbl/day). The discrepancy between the amount of oil produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes, refinery gains, and other complicating factors. Country Comparison to the World Country

Oil - production(bbl/day)

Afghanistan
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Albania
  5,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Algeria
  2.125 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

American Samoa
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Angola
  1.948 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Argentina
  796,300 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Armenia
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Aruba
  2,235 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Australia
  589,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Austria
  25,410 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  1.011 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bahrain
  48,560 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  5,733 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Barbados
  765 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belarus
  31,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belgium
  11,220 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belize
  3,990 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Benin
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bermuda
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bhutan
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bolivia
  47,050 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Botswana
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Brazil
  2.572 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Brunei
  146,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bulgaria
  3,227 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burma
  18,880 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burundi
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cambodia
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cameroon
  77,310 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Canada
  3.289 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Central African Republic
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Chad
  115,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Chile
  10,850 bbl/day (2009 est.)

China
  3.991 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Colombia
  686,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Comoros
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  16,360 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  274,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Costa Rica
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  58,950 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Croatia
  23,960 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cuba
  48,340 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cyprus
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  10,970 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Denmark
  262,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Djibouti
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Dominica
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Dominican Republic
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Ecuador
  485,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Egypt
  680,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  346,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Eritrea
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Estonia
  7,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

European Union
  2.383 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Faroe Islands
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Fiji
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Finland
  8,718 bbl/day (2009 est.)

France
  70,820 bbl/day (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gabon
  241,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gaza Strip
  See entry for West Bank

Georgia
  995 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Germany
  156,800 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ghana
  7,081 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Greece
  6,779 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Greenland
  NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Grenada
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guam
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guatemala
  13,530 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guinea
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guyana
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Haiti
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Honduras
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Hungary
  35,580 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iceland
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

India
  878,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  1.023 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iran
  4.172 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iraq
  2.399 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ireland
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Israel
  3,806 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Italy
  146,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Japan
  132,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Jordan
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
  1.54 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kenya
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Kiribati
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Korea, North
  118 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Korea, South
  48,180 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Kosovo
  0 bbl/day (2007)

Kuwait
  2.494 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  979 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Laos
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Latvia
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lebanon
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lesotho
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Liberia
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Libya
  1.79 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lithuania
  6,333 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macau
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malawi
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malaysia
  693,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Maldives
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mali
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malta
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mauritania
  16,510 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mauritius
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mexico
  3.001 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Moldova
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mongolia
  5,100 bbl/day (2009)

Montenegro
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Montserrat
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Morocco
  4,053 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mozambique
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Namibia
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nauru
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nepal
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Netherlands
  57,190 bbl/day (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

New Zealand
  61,150 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Niger
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nigeria
  2.211 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Niue
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Norway
  2.35 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oman
  816,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Pakistan
  59,140 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Panama
  2 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  35,090 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Paraguay
  31 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Peru
  148,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Philippines
  25,290 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Poland
  34,140 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Portugal
  4,721 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
  1,783 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Qatar
  1.213 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Romania
  117,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Russia
  10.12 million bbl/day (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Samoa
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  9.764 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Senegal
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Serbia
  12,170 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
  29 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Singapore
  9,667 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Slovakia
  4,114 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  5 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Somalia
  108 bbl/day (2009 est.)

South Africa
  191,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Spain
  27,230 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Sudan
  486,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Suriname
  15,190 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Swaziland
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sweden
  4,833 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Switzerland
  3,488 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Syria
  400,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Taiwan
  276,800 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  221 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Thailand
  380,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  96,270 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Togo
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tonga
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  151,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tunisia
  91,380 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turkey
  52,980 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  197,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uganda
  NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ukraine
  99,930 bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  2.798 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  1.502 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

United States
  9.056 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uruguay
  997 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
  70,910 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Venezuela
  2.472 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Vietnam
  338,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  16,870 bbl/day (2009 est.)

West Bank
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Western Sahara
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

World
  84.24 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Yemen
  288,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Zambia
  160 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

======================================================================

@2174

Field Listing :: Oil - consumption

This entry is the total oil consumed in barrels per day (bbl/day). The discrepancy between the amount of oil produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes, refinery gains, and other complicating factors. Country Comparison to the World Country

Oil - consumption(bbl/day)

Afghanistan
  5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Albania
  36,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Algeria
  325,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

American Samoa
  4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Angola
  70,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Argentina
  622,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Armenia
  49,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Aruba
  8,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Australia
  946,300 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Austria
  273,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  136,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
  36,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bahrain
  39,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  96,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Barbados
  9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belarus
  173,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belgium
  608,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Belize
  7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Benin
  23,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bermuda
  5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bhutan
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bolivia
  59,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  30,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Botswana
  15,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Brazil
  2.46 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Brunei
  16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bulgaria
  125,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
  9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burma
  42,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Burundi
  3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cambodia
  4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cameroon
  26,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Canada
  2.151 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
  3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Central African Republic
  2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Chad
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Chile
  277,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

China
  8.2 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Colombia
  288,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Comoros
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Costa Rica
  44,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  24,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Croatia
  106,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cuba
  169,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Cyprus
  59,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  207,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Denmark
  166,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Djibouti
  12,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Dominica
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Dominican Republic
  118,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ecuador
  181,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Egypt
  683,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  46,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Eritrea
  5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Estonia
  30,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  38,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

European Union
  13.68 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Faroe Islands
  5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Fiji
  11,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Finland
  206,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

France
  1.875 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
  7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gabon
  14,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
  2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gaza Strip
  See entry for West Bank

Georgia
  13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Germany
  2.437 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ghana
  57,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
  21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Greece
  414,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Greenland
  4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Grenada
  3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guam
  10,620 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guatemala
  79,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guinea
  9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Guyana
  10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Haiti
  12,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Honduras
  56,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  359,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Hungary
  158,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iceland
  18,900 bbl/day (2009 est.)

India
  2.98 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  1.115 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iran
  1.7 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iraq
  687,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ireland
  164,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Israel
  231,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Italy
  1.537 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  77,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Japan
  4.363 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Jordan
  108,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
  241,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kenya
  76,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kiribati
  NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Korea, North
  16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Korea, South
  2.185 million bbl/day (2010 est.)

Kosovo
  NA bbl/day

Kuwait
  320,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  15,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Laos
  3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Latvia
  40,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lebanon
  90,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lesotho
  2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Liberia
  4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Libya
  280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Lithuania
  74,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  50,720 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macau
  16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malawi
  8,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malaysia
  536,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Maldives
  6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mali
  6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Malta
  19,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mauritania
  20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mauritius
  23,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mexico
  2.078 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Moldova
  19,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mongolia
  16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Montenegro
  5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Montserrat
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Morocco
  187,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mozambique
  18,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Namibia
  22,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nauru
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nepal
  18,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Netherlands
  922,800 bbl/day (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

New Zealand
  154,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  29,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Niger
  6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Nigeria
  280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Niue
  NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Norway
  204,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oman
  84,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Pakistan
  373,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Panama
  93,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  36,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Paraguay
  27,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Peru
  157,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Philippines
  313,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Poland
  545,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Portugal
  272,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
  164,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Qatar
  142,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Romania
  214,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Russia
  2.74 million bbl/day (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Lucia
  3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Samoa
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  2.43 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Senegal
  39,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Serbia
  90,000 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
  9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Singapore
  878,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Slovakia
  79,930 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  60,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Somalia
  5,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

South Africa
  579,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Spain
  1.482 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  90,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sudan
  84,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Suriname
  14,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Swaziland
  4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Sweden
  328,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Switzerland
  280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Syria
  252,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Taiwan
  910,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  38,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  34,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Thailand
  356,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
  2,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Togo
  21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tonga
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  43,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tunisia
  89,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turkey
  579,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  120,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uganda
  13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ukraine
  348,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  435,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  1.669 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

United States
  18.69 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uruguay
  40,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
  145,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Venezuela
  740,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Vietnam
  302,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  88,820 bbl/day (2009 est.)

West Bank
  24,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Western Sahara
  2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

World
  83.62 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Yemen
  155,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Zambia
  16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
  11,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

======================================================================

@2175

Field Listing :: Oil - imports

  This entry is the total oil imported in barrels per day (bbl/day),
  including both crude oil and oil products.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Oil - imports(bbl/day)

Afghanistan
  4,404 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Albania
  24,080 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Algeria
  14,320 bbl/day (2007 est.)

American Samoa
  4,140 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Angola
  28,090 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  4,690 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Argentina
  52,290 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Armenia
  45,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Aruba
  236,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Australia
  716,700 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Austria
  298,400 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
  2,848 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
  20,560 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Bahrain
  228,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bangladesh
  87,660 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Barbados
  10,390 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Belarus
  444,800 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Belgium
  1.12 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Belize
  7,204 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Benin
  28,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  4,500 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bhutan
  1,250 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Bolivia
  6,172 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  25,990 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Botswana
  15,180 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Brazil
  632,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  691 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Brunei
  238 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bulgaria
  189,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burkina Faso
  8,283 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burma
  18,250 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burundi
  2,495 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cambodia
  30,970 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cameroon
  45,520 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Canada
  1.192 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Cape Verde
  1,619 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cayman Islands
  3,294 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Central African Republic
  2,203 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Chad
  1,571 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Chile
  311,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

China
  4.393 million bbl/day (2008)

Colombia
  16,540 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Comoros
  766 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  11,350 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  2,136 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
  495 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Costa Rica
  47,860 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  80,960 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Croatia
  122,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cuba
  104,800 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cyprus
  58,930 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Czech Republic
  219,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Denmark
  173,100 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Djibouti
  8,476 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Dominica
  838 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
  116,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ecuador
  54,190 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Egypt
  48,450 bbl/day (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  46,310 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  1,114 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Eritrea
  4,790 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Estonia
  30,590 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
  33,590 bbl/day (2007 est.)

European Union
  8.613 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  271 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Faroe Islands
  4,922 bbl/day (2008)

Fiji
  20,340 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Finland
  337,900 bbl/day (2009 est.)

France
  2.386 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

French Polynesia
  6,701 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gabon
  4,185 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
  2,266 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
  See entry for West Bank

Georgia
  16,590 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Germany
  2.862 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Ghana
  45,380 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
  25,610 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Greece
  520,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Greenland
  5,172 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Grenada
  1,923 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guam
  14,230 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guatemala
  72,440 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guinea
  8,674 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  2,545 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guyana
  10,550 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Haiti
  12,280 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Honduras
  46,130 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
  440,000 bbl/day (2009)

Hungary
  181,800 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Iceland
  16,390 bbl/day (2008 est.)

India
  2.9 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Indonesia
  671,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Iran
  162,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iraq
  116,900 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ireland
  192,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Israel
  318,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Italy
  1.911 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Jamaica
  77,720 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Japan
  5.033 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Jordan
  108,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
  164,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kenya
  80,530 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kiribati
  261 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Korea, North
  13,890 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Korea, South
  3.074 million bbl/day (2009)

Kuwait
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  12,850 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Laos
  3,080 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Latvia
  43,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Lebanon
  86,750 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Lesotho
  1,553 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Liberia
  4,263 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Libya
  575 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Lithuania
  204,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
  59,210 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Macau
  9,294 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  20,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  16,940 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malawi
  6,960 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malaysia
  314,600 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Maldives
  5,490 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Mali
  4,402 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malta
  17,910 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mauritania
  20,610 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mauritius
  22,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mexico
  521,100 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Moldova
  14,230 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mongolia
  0 bbl/day (2009)

Montenegro
  6,093 bbl/day (2005)

Montserrat
  521 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Morocco
  195,800 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mozambique
  13,760 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Namibia
  19,120 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nauru
  1,026 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nepal
  16,920 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Netherlands
  2.426 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
  14,430 bbl/day (2007 est.)

New Zealand
  143,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
  29,570 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Niger
  5,367 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nigeria
  170,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Niue
  31 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Norway
  107,500 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Oman
  17,290 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Pakistan
  319,500 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Panama
  87,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  14,380 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Paraguay
  25,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Peru
  133,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Philippines
  342,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Poland
  553,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Portugal
  323,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
  225,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Qatar
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Romania
  217,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Russia
  42,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Rwanda
  5,623 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  80 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  1,225 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
  2,747 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  564 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  1,451 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Samoa
  1,105 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  726 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  79,250 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Senegal
  42,850 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Serbia
  72,570 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Seychelles
  7,653 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sierra Leone
  8,316 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Singapore
  2.109 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Slovakia
  144,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Slovenia
  57,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  1,323 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Somalia
  6,387 bbl/day (2007 est.)

South Africa
  490,500 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Spain
  1.716 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
  90,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sudan
  11,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Suriname
  6,296 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Swaziland
  4,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sweden
  589,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Switzerland
  269,400 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Syria
  58,710 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Taiwan
  931,300 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  10,100 bbl/day (2008)

Tanzania
  28,070 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Thailand
  1.695 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Togo
  15,270 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Tonga
  1,173 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  92,480 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Tunisia
  87,300 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Turkey
  734,600 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  80 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Uganda
  13,090 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ukraine
  147,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  192,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

United Kingdom
  1.491 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

United States
  11.31 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Uruguay
  52,730 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
  35,810 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Vanuatu
  654 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Venezuela
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Vietnam
  134,200 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  480,600 bbl/day (2007 est.)

West Bank
  22,150 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
  1,702 bbl/day (2007 est.)

World
  63.77 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Yemen
  65,860 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Zambia
  14,730 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
  13,830 bbl/day (2007 est.)

======================================================================

@2176

Field Listing :: Oil - exports

  This entry is the total oil exported in barrels per day (bbl/day),
  including both crude oil and oil products.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Oil - exports(bbl/day)

Afghanistan
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Albania
  749 bbl/day (2005 est.)

Algeria
  1.891 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

American Samoa
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Angola
  1.407 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  219 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Argentina
  314,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Armenia
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Aruba
  231,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Australia
  311,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Austria
  52,970 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
  528,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
  transshipments of 41,570 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bahrain
  238,300 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bangladesh
  2,612 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Barbados
  1,750 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Belarus
  303,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Belgium
  433,700 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Belize
  2,260 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Benin
  8,770 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bermuda
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bhutan
  0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Bolivia
  10,950 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  192 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Botswana
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Brazil
  570,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Brunei
  152,900 bbl/day (2007)

Bulgaria
  76,570 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burkina Faso
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burma
  2,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Burundi
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cambodia
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cameroon
  107,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Canada
  2.001 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Cape Verde
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cayman Islands
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Central African Republic
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Chad
  157,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Chile
  49,250 bbl/day (2007 est.)

China
  388,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Colombia
  294,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Comoros
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  20,090 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  241,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cook Islands
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Costa Rica
  2,117 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  115,700 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Croatia
  43,750 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cuba
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Cyprus
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Czech Republic
  29,670 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Denmark
  268,500 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Djibouti
  19 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Dominica
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ecuador
  327,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Egypt
  89,300 bbl/day (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  1,927 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  362,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Eritrea
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Estonia
  7,280 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ethiopia
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

European Union
  2.196 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Faroe Islands
  0 bbl/day (2008)

Fiji
  2,455 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Finland
  130,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

France
  597,800 bbl/day (2008 est.)

French Polynesia
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gabon
  227,300 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gambia, The
  42 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gaza Strip
  See entry for West Bank

Georgia
  1,486 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Germany
  536,600 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Ghana
  4,843 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Gibraltar
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Greece
  153,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Greenland
  1,183 bbl/day (2008)

Grenada
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guam
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guatemala
  21,850 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guinea
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Guyana
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Haiti
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Honduras
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Hong Kong
  160,000 bbl/day (2009)

Hungary
  69,650 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Iceland
  1,915 bbl/day (2008 est.)

India
  738,600 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Indonesia
  85,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Iran
  2.21 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Iraq
  1.91 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Ireland
  22,410 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Israel
  69,580 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Italy
  586,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Jamaica
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Japan
  380,900 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Jordan
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kazakhstan
  1.345 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Kenya
  7,270 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kiribati
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Korea, North
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Korea, South
  907,100 bbl/day
  note: exports consist of oil derivatives (gasoline, light oil, and
  diesel), not crude oil (2009)

Kuwait
  2.349 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  1,890 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Laos
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Latvia
  5,873 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Lebanon
  0 bbl/day (2009)

Lesotho
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Liberia
  23 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Libya
  1.542 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Lithuania
  137,200 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Luxembourg
  63 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Macau
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  4,672 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  365 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malawi
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malaysia
  511,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Maldives
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mali
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Malta
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Mauritania
  30,620 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mauritius
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mexico
  1.225 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Moldova
  36 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mongolia
  5,300 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Montenegro
  314 bbl/day (2005)

Montserrat
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Morocco
  17,420 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Mozambique
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Namibia
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nauru
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nepal
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Netherlands
  1.66 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

New Caledonia
  645 bbl/day (2007 est.)

New Zealand
  54,560 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
  213 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Niger
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Nigeria
  2.327 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Niue
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Norway
  2.061 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Oman
  593,700 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Pakistan
  30,090 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Panama
  4,803 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  32,490 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Paraguay
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Peru
  68,640 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Philippines
  36,720 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Poland
  65,280 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Portugal
  53,660 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
  16,520 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Qatar
  753,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Romania
  115,600 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Russia
  5.43 million bbl/day (2009)

Rwanda
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Samoa
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  8.728 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Senegal
  5,653 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Serbia
  5,045 bbl/day (2008)

Seychelles
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sierra Leone
  502 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Singapore
  1.289 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Slovakia
  75,110 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Slovenia
  0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Somalia
  1,475 bbl/day (2007 est.)

South Africa
  128,500 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Spain
  218,600 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sudan
  303,800 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Suriname
  4,308 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Swaziland
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Sweden
  248,500 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Switzerland
  12,230 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Syria
  155,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Taiwan
  359,800 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  349 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Tanzania
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Thailand
  269,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
  100,900 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Togo
  1,547 bbl/day (2005)

Tonga
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  248,300 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Tunisia
  77,130 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Turkey
  133,100 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Turkmenistan
  38,360 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Uganda
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Ukraine
  154,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  2.7 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

United Kingdom
  1.393 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

United States
  1.704 million bbl/day (2008 est.)

Uruguay
  7,100 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
  6,104 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Vanuatu
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Venezuela
  2.182 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Vietnam
  29,400 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  388,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)

West Bank
  511 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

World
  61.37 million bbl/day (2007 est.)

Yemen
  274,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Zambia
  275 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Zimbabwe
  0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

======================================================================

@2177

Field Listing :: Median age

This entry is the age that divides a population into two numerically equal groups; that is, half the people are younger than this age and half are older. It is a single index that summarizes the age distribution of a population. Currently, the median age ranges from a low of about 15 in Uganda and Gaza Strip to 40 or more in several European countries and Japan. See the entry for "Age structure" for the importance of a young versus an older age structure and, by implication, a low versus a higher median age. Country

Median age(years)

Afghanistan
  total: 18 years
  male: 17.9 years
  female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Albania
  total: 30 years
  male: 28.9 years
  female: 31.1 years (2010 est.)

Algeria
  total: 27.1 years
  male: 26.8 years
  female: 27.3 years (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  total: 23.4 years
  male: 23.3 years
  female: 23.6 years (2010 est.)

Andorra
  total: 39.9 years
  male: 40.2 years
  female: 39.6 years (2010 est.)

Angola
  total: 18 years
  male: 18 years
  female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  total: 33 years
  male: 31.6 years
  female: 34.3 years (2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  total: 30 years
  male: 28.5 years
  female: 31.4 years (2010 est.)

Argentina
  total: 30.3 years
  male: 29.2 years
  female: 31.3 years (2010 est.)

Armenia
  total: 31.9 years
  male: 29.1 years
  female: 34.7 years (2010 est.)

Aruba
  total: 38 years
  male: 36.2 years
  female: 39.7 years (2010 est.)

Australia
  total: 37.5 years
  male: 36.8 years
  female: 38.3 years (2010 est.)

Austria
  total: 42.6 years
  male: 41.5 years
  female: 43.6 years (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  total: 28.5 years
  male: 26.9 years
  female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  total: 29.9 years
  male: 28.8 years
  female: 31 years (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  total: 30.4 years
  male: 33.5 years
  female: 27.1 years (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  total: 22.9 years
  male: 22.4 years
  female: 23.4 years (2010 est.)

Barbados
  total: 36.2 years
  male: 35.1 years
  female: 37.2 years (2010 est.)

Belarus
  total: 38.8 years
  male: 35.8 years
  female: 41.8 years (2010 est.)

Belgium
  total: 42 years
  male: 40.7 years
  female: 43.3 years (2010 est.)

Belize
  total: 20.7 years
  male: 20.5 years
  female: 20.9 years (2010 est.)

Benin
  total: 17.3 years
  male: 16.9 years
  female: 17.8 years (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  total: 41.6 years
  male: 40.2 years
  female: 43.1 years (2010 est.)

Bhutan
  total: 24.3 years
  male: 25 years
  female: 23.7 years (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  total: 22.2 years
  male: 21.5 years
  female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  total: 40.3 years
  male: 39.1 years
  female: 41.5 years (2010 est.)

Botswana
  total: 22 years
  male: 21.8 years
  female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Brazil
  total: 28.9 years
  male: 28.1 years
  female: 29.7 years (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  total: 32.6 years
  male: 32.7 years
  female: 32.5 years (2010 est.)

Brunei
  total: 28.1 years
  male: 28 years
  female: 28.2 years (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  total: 41.6 years
  male: 39.4 years
  female: 43.9 years (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  total: 16.8 years
  male: 16.6 years
  female: 17 years (2010 est.)

Burma
  total: 26.5 years
  male: 26 years
  female: 27.1 years (2010 est.)

Burundi
  total: 16.8 years
  male: 16.5 years
  female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  total: 22.6 years
  male: 21.8 years
  female: 23.3 years (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  total: 19.3 years
  male: 19.2 years
  female: 19.4 years (2010 est.)

Canada
  total: 40.7 years
  male: 39.6 years
  female: 41.8 years (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  total: 22.3 years
  male: 21.4 years
  female: 23.1 years (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  total: 38.4 years
  male: 38 years
  female: 38.9 years (2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  total: 19.1 years
  male: 18.7 years
  female: 19.5 years (2010 est.)

Chad
  total: 16.6 years
  male: 15.5 years
  female: 17.8 years (2010 est.)

Chile
  total: 31.7 years
  male: 30.7 years
  female: 32.8 years (2010 est.)

China
  total: 35.2 years
  male: 34.5 years
  female: 35.8 years (2010 est.)

Colombia
  total: 27.6 years
  male: 26.7 years
  female: 28.6 years (2010 est.)

Comoros
  total: 18.9 years
  male: 18.6 years
  female: 19.2 years (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  total: 16.5 years
  male: 16.3 years
  female: 16.7 years (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  total: 16.9 years
  male: 16.7 years
  female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  total: 31.2 years
  male: 30.5 years
  female: 31.9 years (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  total: 28.4 years
  male: 27.9 years
  female: 28.9 years (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  total: 19.4 years
  male: 19.6 years
  female: 19.3 years (2010 est.)

Croatia
  total: 41.2 years
  male: 39.3 years
  female: 43 years (2010 est.)

Cuba
  total: 37.8 years
  male: 37.1 years
  female: 38.6 years (2010 est.)

Cyprus
  total: 34.5 years
  male: 33.2 years
  female: 36.3 years (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  total: 40.4 years
  male: 38.9 years
  female: 42.2 years (2010 est.)

Denmark
  total: 40.7 years
  male: 39.8 years
  female: 41.6 years (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  total: 21.4 years
  male: 19.8 years
  female: 22.8 years (2010 est.)

Dominica
  total: 30.3 years
  male: 29.8 years
  female: 30.8 years (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  total: 25.8 years
  male: 25.6 years
  female: 26 years (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  total: 25.3 years
  male: 24.7 years
  female: 25.9 years (2010 est.)

Egypt
  total: 24 years
  male: 23.8 years
  female: 24.3 years (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  total: 23.9 years
  male: 22.5 years
  female: 25.3 years (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  total: 19 years
  male: 18.4 years
  female: 19.6 years (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  total: 18.5 years
  male: 18.2 years
  female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Estonia
  total: 40.2 years
  male: 36.7 years
  female: 43.7 years (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  total: 16.8 years
  male: 16.5 years
  female: 17.2 years (2010 est.)

European Union
  note - see individual country entries of member
  states (2009 est.)

Faroe Islands
  total: 37.1 years
  male: 36.5 years
  female: 37.9 years (2010 est.)

Fiji
  total: 26.6 years
  male: 26.4 years
  female: 26.8 years (2010 est.)

Finland
  total: 42.3 years
  male: 40.7 years
  female: 44 years (2010 est.)

France
  total: 39.7 years
  male: 38.2 years
  female: 41.2 years (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  total: 29.5 years
  male: 29.8 years
  female: 29.2 years (2010 est.)

Gabon
  total: 18.6 years
  male: 18.4 years
  female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  total: 18 years
  male: 17.9 years
  female: 18.2 years (2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  total: 17.5 years
  male: 17.4 years
  female: 17.7 years (2010 est.)

Georgia
  total: 38.8 years
  male: 36.3 years
  female: 41.3 years (2010 est.)

Germany
  total: 44.3 years
  male: 43 years
  female: 45.6 years (2010 est.)

Ghana
  total: 21.1 years
  male: 20.8 years
  female: 21.3 years (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  total: 33.1 years
  male: 32.2 years
  female: 34.1 years (2010 est.)

Greece
  total: 42.2 years
  male: 41.1 years
  female: 43.2 years (2010 est.)

Greenland
  total: 33.5 years
  male: 34.9 years
  female: 31.9 years (2010 est.)

Grenada
  total: 28.2 years
  male: 28.2 years
  female: 28.2 years (2010 est.)

Guam
  total: 29.3 years
  male: 28.9 years
  female: 29.7 years (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  total: 19.7 years
  male: 19.1 years
  female: 20.4 years (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  total: 41.9 years
  male: 40.9 years
  female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Guinea
  total: 18.5 years
  male: 18.3 years
  female: 18.8 years (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  total: 19.4 years
  male: 18.8 years
  female: 19.9 years (2010 est.)

Guyana
  total: 23.6 years
  male: 22.9 years
  female: 24.3 years (2010 est.)

Haiti
  total: 21.1 years
  male: 20.9 years
  female: 21.4 years (2010 est.)

Honduras
  total: 20.7 years
  male: 20.3 years
  female: 21.1 years (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  total: 42.8 years
  male: 42.4 years
  female: 43.2 years (2010 est.)

Hungary
  total: 40 years
  male: 37.8 years
  female: 42.6 years (2010 est.)

Iceland
  total: 35.4 years
  male: 34.9 years
  female: 35.8 years (2010 est.)

India
  total: 25.9 years
  male: 25.4 years
  female: 26.6 years (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  total: 27.9 years
  male: 27.4 years
  female: 28.4 years (2010 est.)

Iran
  total: 26.3 years
  male: 26 years
  female: 26.5 years (2010 est.)

Iraq
  total: 20.6 years
  male: 20.5 years
  female: 20.8 years (2010 est.)

Ireland
  total: 34.5 years
  male: 34.1 years
  female: 34.8 years (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  total: 42.3 years
  male: 41.6 years
  female: 43 years (2010 est.)

Israel
  total: 29.3 years
  male: 28.6 years
  female: 30 years (2010 est.)

Italy
  total: 43.7 years
  male: 42.3 years
  female: 45.3 years (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  total: 23.9 years
  male: 23.4 years
  female: 24.5 years (2010 est.)

Japan
  total: 44.6 years
  male: 42.9 years
  female: 46.5 years (2010 est.)

Jersey
  total: 40.1 years
  male: 38.5 years
  female: 41.2 years (2010 est.)

Jordan
  total: 21.8 years
  male: 21.6 years
  female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  total: 29.9 years
  male: 28.4 years
  female: 31.6 years (2010 est.)

Kenya
  total: 18.8 years
  male: 18.7 years
  female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  total: 22.2 years
  male: 21.4 years
  female: 23 years (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  total: 33.9 years
  male: 32.5 years
  female: 35.2 years (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  total: 37.9 years
  male: 36.5 years
  female: 39.1 years (2010 est.)

Kosovo
  total: 26.3 years
  male: 25.8 years
  female: 26.8 years (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  total: 26.4 years
  male: 28.2 years
  female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  total: 24.7 years
  male: 23.8 years
  female: 25.6 years (2010 est.)

Laos
  total: 20.7 years
  male: 20.4 years
  female: 21 years (2010 est.)

Latvia
  total: 40.4 years
  male: 37.4 years
  female: 43.5 years (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  total: 29.4 years
  male: 28.3 years
  female: 30.5 years (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  total: 22.6 years
  male: 22.6 years
  female: 22.7 years (2010 est.)

Liberia
  total: 18.4 years
  male: 18.3 years
  female: 18.4 years (2010 est.)

Libya
  total: 24.2 years
  male: 24.3 years
  female: 24.2 years (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  total: 41.4 years
  male: 40.8 years
  female: 41.9 years (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  total: 39.7 years
  male: 37.1 years
  female: 42.3 years (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  total: 39.3 years
  male: 38.3 years
  female: 40.3 years (2010 est.)

Macau
  total: 35.6 years
  male: 36.3 years
  female: 35 years (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  total: 35.4 years
  male: 34.4 years
  female: 36.5 years (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  total: 18.1 years
  male: 17.8 years
  female: 18.3 years (2010 est.)

Malawi
  total: 17.1 years
  male: 17 years
  female: 17.3 years (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  total: 26.5 years
  male: 26.4 years
  female: 26.7 years (2010 est.)

Maldives
  total: 25.9 years
  male: 26.6 years
  female: 24.7 years (2010 est.)

Mali
  total: 16.2 years
  male: 15.8 years
  female: 16.6 years (2010 est.)

Malta
  total: 39.7 years
  male: 38.5 years
  female: 41.1 years (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  total: 21.5 years
  male: 21.5 years
  female: 21.5 years (2010 est.)

Mauritania
  total: 19.3 years
  male: 18.5 years
  female: 20.2 years (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  total: 32.3 years
  male: 31.4 years
  female: 33.2 years (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  total: 17.3 years
  male: 18.1 years
  female: 16.5 years (2010 est.)

Mexico
  total: 26.7 years
  male: 25.6 years
  female: 27.7 years (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  total: 22.4 years
  male: 21.8 years
  female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Moldova
  total: 35 years
  male: 33.1 years
  female: 37.1 years (2010 est.)

Monaco
  total: 48.9 years
  male: 48 years
  female: 49.9 years (2010 est.)

Mongolia
  total: 25.8 years
  male: 25.3 years
  female: 26.2 years (2010 est.)

Montenegro
  total: 37.2 years
  male: 35.9 years
  female: 38.8 years (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  total: 29.1 years
  male: 28.8 years
  female: 29.4 years (2010 est.)

Morocco
  total: 26.5 years
  male: 25.9 years
  female: 27 years (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  total: 17.5 years
  male: 17.1 years
  female: 17.9 years (2010 est.)

Namibia
  total: 21.4 years
  male: 21.3 years
  female: 21.4 years (2010 est.)

Nauru
  total: 23.8 years
  male: 24 years
  female: 23.6 years (2010 est.)

Nepal
  total: 21.2 years
  male: 20.2 years
  female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  total: 40.8 years
  male: 40 years
  female: 41.6 years (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  total: 29.8 years
  male: 29.3 years
  female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  total: 36.8 years
  male: 36 years
  female: 37.6 years (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  total: 22.5 years
  male: 22.1 years
  female: 22.9 years (2010 est.)

Niger
  total: 15.2 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 15.4 years (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  total: 19.1 years
  male: 19 years
  female: 19.2 years (2010 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
  total: 29.3 years
  male: 29.9 years
  female: 29.1 years (2010 est.)

Norway
  total: 39.7 years
  male: 38.8 years
  female: 40.5 years (2010 est.)

Oman
  total: 23.9 years
  male: 25.4 years
  female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  total: 21.2 years
  male: 21.2 years
  female: 21.2 years (2010 est.)

Palau
  total: 32.4 years
  male: 32.2 years
  female: 33 years (2010 est.)

Panama
  total: 27.2 years
  male: 26.9 years
  female: 27.6 years (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  total: 21.6 years
  male: 21.9 years
  female: 21.3 years (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  total: 24.9 years
  male: 24.7 years
  female: 25.1 years (2010 est.)

Peru
  total: 26.4 years
  male: 26.1 years
  female: 26.7 years (2010 est.)

Philippines
  total: 22.7 years
  male: 22.2 years
  female: 23.2 years (2010 est.)

Poland
  total: 38.2 years
  male: 36.5 years
  female: 40 years (2010 est.)

Portugal
  total: 39.7 years
  male: 37.6 years
  female: 41.9 years (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  total: 36.8 years
  male: 35 years
  female: 38.5 years (2010 est.)

Qatar
  total: 30.8 years
  male: 32.9 years
  female: 25.4 years (2010 est.)

Romania
  total: 38.4 years
  male: 36.9 years
  female: 39.9 years (2010 est.)

Russia
  total: 38.5 years
  male: 35.3 years
  female: 41.7 years (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  total: 18.6 years
  male: 18.4 years
  female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Saint Barthelemy
  total: 39.8 years
  male: 39.9 years
  female: 39.6 years (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  total: 38.2 years
  male: 38.2 years
  female: 38.1 years (2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  total: 31.5 years
  male: 31.5 years
  female: 31.5 years (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  total: 30.3 years
  male: 29.3 years
  female: 31.4 years (2010 est.)

Saint Martin
  total: 30.8 years
  male: 29.7 years
  female: 31.6 years (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  total: 42 years
  male: 41.6 years
  female: 42.4 years (2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  total: 29.5 years
  male: 29.6 years
  female: 29.4 years (2010 est.)

Samoa
  total: 21.8 years
  male: 21.7 years
  female: 21.9 years (2010 est.)

San Marino
  total: 42.1 years
  male: 41.3 years
  female: 42.8 years (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  total: 17.5 years
  male: 17 years
  female: 17.9 years (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  total: 24.9 years
  male: 26 years
  female: 23.4 years (2010 est.)

Senegal
  total: 17.9 years
  male: 17.1 years
  female: 18.7 years (2010 est.)

Serbia
  total: 41.1 years
  male: 39.4 years
  female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  total: 32 years
  male: 31.5 years
  female: 32.5 years (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  total: 19 years
  male: 18.6 years
  female: 19.5 years (2010 est.)

Singapore
  total: 39.6 years
  male: 39.1 years
  female: 40 years (2010 est.)

Slovakia
  total: 37.3 years
  male: 35.7 years
  female: 38.9 years (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  total: 42.1 years
  male: 40.4 years
  female: 43.7 years (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  total: 20.6 years
  male: 20.4 years
  female: 20.8 years (2010 est.)

Somalia
  total: 17.6 years
  male: 17.4 years
  female: 17.7 years (2010 est.)

South Africa
  total: 24.7 years
  male: 24.4 years
  female: 25 years (2010 est.)

Spain
  total: 40.1 years
  male: 38.9 years
  female: 41.5 years (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  total: 31.3 years
  male: 30.3 years
  female: 32.2 years (2010 est.)

Sudan
  total: 18.4 years
  male: 18 years
  female: 18.8 years (2010 est.)

Suriname
  total: 28.3 years
  male: 27.9 years
  female: 28.7 years (2010 est.)

Swaziland
  total: 20.1 years
  male: 19.7 years
  female: 20.5 years (2010 est.)

Sweden
  total: 41.7 years
  male: 40.6 years
  female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  total: 41.3 years
  male: 40.3 years
  female: 42.4 years (2010 est.)

Syria
  total: 21.5 years
  male: 21.3 years
  female: 21.7 years (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  total: 37 years
  male: 36.4 years
  female: 37.7 years (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  total: 22.2 years
  male: 21.7 years
  female: 22.7 years (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  total: 18.3 years
  male: 18 years
  female: 18.5 years (2010 est.)

Thailand
  total: 34 years
  male: 33.2 years
  female: 34.8 years (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  total: 22.2 years
  male: 22.2 years
  female: 22.2 years (2010 est.)

Togo
  total: 19.2 years
  male: 18.9 years
  female: 19.4 years (2010 est.)

Tonga
  total: 22.7 years
  male: 22.3 years
  female: 23.2 years (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  total: 32.6 years
  male: 32.1 years
  female: 33.1 years (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  total: 29.7 years
  male: 29.1 years
  female: 30.3 years (2010 est.)

Turkey
  total: 28.1 years
  male: 27.7 years
  female: 28.4 years (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  total: 24.8 years
  male: 24.4 years
  female: 25.3 years (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  total: 28 years
  male: 28.8 years
  female: 27.3 years (2010 est.)

Tuvalu
  total: 23.9 years
  male: 22.4 years
  female: 26 years (2010 est.)

Uganda
  total: 15 years
  male: 14.9 years
  female: 15.1 years (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  total: 39.7 years
  male: 36.5 years
  female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  total: 30.2 years
  male: 32.1 years
  female: 24.8 years (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  total: 39.8 years
  male: 38.6 years
  female: 40.9 years (2010 est.)

United States
  total: 36.8 years
  male: 35.5 years
  female: 38.1 years (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  total: 33.7 years
  male: 32.3 years
  female: 35.1 years (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  total: 25.2 years
  male: 24.7 years
  female: 25.8 years (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  total: 24.6 years
  male: 24.5 years
  female: 24.6 years (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  total: 25.8 years
  male: 25.1 years
  female: 26.5 years (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  total: 27.4 years
  male: 26.4 years
  female: 28.5 years (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  total: 39.8 years
  male: 39.2 years
  female: 40.2 years (2010 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  total: 27.9 years
  male: 26.8 years
  female: 29.2 years (2010 est.)

West Bank
  total: 20.9 years
  male: 20.7 years
  female: 21.1 years (2010 est.)

Western Sahara
  total: 20.1 years
  male: 19.7 years
  female: 20.6 years (2010 est.)

World
  total: 28.4 years
  male: 27.7 years
  female: 29 years (2009 est.)

Yemen
  total: 17.9 years
  male: 17.8 years
  female: 18 years (2010 est.)

Zambia
  total: 16.5 years
  male: 16.5 years
  female: 16.6 years (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  total: 17.8 years
  male: 16.7 years
  female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2178

Field Listing :: Oil - proved reserves

  This entry is the stock of proved reserves of crude oil in barrels
  (bbl). Proved reserves are those quantities of petroleum which, by
  analysis of geological and engineering data, can be estimated with a
  high degree of confidence to be commercially recoverable from a
  given date forward, from known reservoirs and under current economic
  conditions.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Oil - proved reserves(bbl)

Afghanistan
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Albania
  199.1 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Algeria
  13.42 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

American Samoa
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Angola
  13.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Argentina
  2.386 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Armenia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Aruba
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Australia
  3.318 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Austria
  50 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  7 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bahrain
  124.6 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  28 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Barbados
  1.79 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Belarus
  198 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Belgium
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Belize
  6.7 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Benin
  8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bermuda
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bhutan
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bolivia
  465 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Botswana
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Brazil
  13.2 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Brunei
  1.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Burma
  50 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Burundi
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cambodia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cameroon
  200 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Canada
  175.2 billion bbl
  note: includes oil sands (1 January 2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Chad
  1.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Chile
  150 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

China
  20.35 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Colombia
  2.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Comoros
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 180 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  1.6 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  250 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Croatia
  73.35 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cuba
  178.9 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Cyprus
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Denmark
  1.06 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Djibouti
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Dominica
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Ecuador
  6.542 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Egypt
  4.3 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

El Salvador
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  1.1 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Eritrea
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Estonia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  430,000 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

European Union
  5.414 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Faroe Islands
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Fiji
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Finland
  NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

France
  101.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Gabon
  2 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Gaza Strip
  NA bbl NA bbl

Georgia
  35 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Germany
  276 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Ghana
  15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Greece
  10 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Greenland
  NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Grenada
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Guam
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Guatemala
  83.07 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Guinea
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Guyana
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Haiti
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Honduras
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Hungary
  26.57 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Iceland
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

India
  5.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Indonesia
  4.05 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Iran
  137.6 billion bbl based on Iranian claims
  note: Iran has about 10% of world reserves (1 January 2010 est.)

Iraq
  115 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Ireland
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Israel
  1.94 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Italy
  423.7 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Jamaica
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Japan
  44.12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Jordan
  1 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  30 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Kenya
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Kiribati
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Korea, North
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Korea, South
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Kosovo
  NA bbl

Kuwait
  104 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  40 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Laos
  NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Latvia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Lebanon
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Lesotho
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Liberia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Libya
  47 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Lithuania
  12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Macau
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Macedonia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Madagascar
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Malawi
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Malaysia
  2.9 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Maldives
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mali
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Malta
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mauritania
  100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mauritius
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mexico
  12.42 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Moldova
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mongolia
  NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Montenegro
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Montserrat
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Morocco
  100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Mozambique
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Namibia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Nauru
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Nepal
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Netherlands
  100 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

New Zealand
  60 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Niger
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Nigeria
  37.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Niue
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Norway
  6.68 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Oman
  5.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Pakistan
  436.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Panama
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  170 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Paraguay
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Peru
  470.8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Philippines
  138.5 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Poland
  96.38 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Portugal
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Qatar
  25.41 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Romania
  600 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Russia
  74.2 billion bbl (1 January 2009 est.)

Rwanda
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Samoa
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  264.6 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Senegal
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Serbia
  77.5 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Seychelles
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Singapore
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Slovakia
  9 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Slovenia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Somalia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

South Africa
  15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Spain
  150 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Sudan
  6.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Suriname
  79.6 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Swaziland
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Sweden
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Switzerland
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Syria
  2.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Taiwan
  2.8 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  12 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Tanzania
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Thailand
  430 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  553.8 million bbl (1 January 2008)

Togo
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Tonga
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  728.3 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Tunisia
  425 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Turkey
  262.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  600 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Uganda
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Ukraine
  395 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  97.8 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  3.084 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

United States
  19.12 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Uruguay
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  594 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Venezuela
  97.77 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Vietnam
  4.7 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

West Bank
  NA bbl (1 January 2009 est.)

Western Sahara
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

World
  1.378 trillion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Yemen
  3.16 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Zambia
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2179

Field Listing :: Natural gas - proved reserves

This entry is the stock of proved reserves of natural gas in cubic meters (cu m). Proved reserves are those quantities of natural gas, which, by analysis of geological and engineering data, can be estimated with a high degree of confidence to be commercially recoverable from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under current economic conditions. Country Comparison to the World Country

Natural gas - proved reserves(cu m)

Afghanistan
  49.55 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Albania
  849.5 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Algeria
  4.502 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

American Samoa
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Angola
  271.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Argentina
  398.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Armenia
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Aruba
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Australia
  3.115 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Austria
  16.14 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  849.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  NA cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Bahrain
  92.03 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  195.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Barbados
  113.3 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Belarus
  2.832 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Belgium
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Belize
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Benin
  1.133 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bermuda
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bhutan
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bolivia
  750.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Botswana
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Brazil
  364.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Brunei
  390.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Burma
  283.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Burundi
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cambodia
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cameroon
  135.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Canada
  1.754 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Central African Republic
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Chad
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Chile
  97.97 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

China
  3.03 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Colombia
  112 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Comoros
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 991.1 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  90.61 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Croatia
  30.58 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cuba
  70.79 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Cyprus
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  3.964 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Denmark
  61.3 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Djibouti
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Dominica
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Ecuador
  7.985 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Egypt
  1.656 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

El Salvador
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  36.81 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Eritrea
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Estonia
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  24.92 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

European Union
  2.242 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Faroe Islands
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Fiji
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Finland
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

France
  7.079 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Gabon
  28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Georgia
  8.495 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Germany
  175.6 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Ghana
  22.65 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Greece
  991.1 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Greenland
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Grenada
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Guam
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Guatemala
  2.96 billion cu m (1 January 2006 est.)

Guinea
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Guyana
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Haiti
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Honduras
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Hungary
  8.098 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Iceland
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

India
  1.075 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Indonesia
  3.001 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Iran
  29.61 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Iraq
  3.17 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Ireland
  9.911 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Israel
  30.44 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Italy
  69.83 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Jamaica
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Japan
  20.9 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Jordan
  6.031 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  2.407 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Kenya
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Kiribati
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Korea, North
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Korea, South
  50 billion cu m (1 January 2008 est.)

Kosovo
  NA cu m

Kuwait
  1.798 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Laos
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Lebanon
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Lesotho
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Liberia
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Libya
  1.539 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Lithuania
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Macau
  300,000 cu m (1 January 2008 est.)

Macedonia
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Madagascar
  0 cu m (1 January 2006 est.)

Malawi
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Malaysia
  2.35 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Maldives
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mali
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Malta
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mauritania
  28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mauritius
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mexico
  359.7 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Moldova
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mongolia
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Montenegro
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Montserrat
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Morocco
  1.501 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Mozambique
  127.4 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Namibia
  62.29 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Nauru
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Nepal
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Netherlands
  1.416 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

New Zealand
  33.98 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Niger
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Nigeria
  5.246 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Niue
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Norway
  2.313 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Oman
  849.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Pakistan
  840.2 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Panama
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  226.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Paraguay
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Peru
  334.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Philippines
  98.54 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Poland
  164.8 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Portugal
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Qatar
  25.47 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Romania
  63 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Russia
  47.57 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Rwanda
  56.63 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha 0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Samoa
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  7.461 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Senegal
  NA cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Serbia
  48.14 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Seychelles
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Singapore
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Slovakia
  14.16 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Slovenia
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Somalia
  5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

South Africa
  27.16 million cu m (1 January 2006 est.)

Spain
  2.548 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Sudan
  84.95 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Suriname
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Swaziland
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Sweden
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Switzerland
  NA cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Syria
  240.7 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Taiwan
  6.229 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Tanzania
  6.513 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Thailand
  342 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  200 billion cu m (1 January 2006 est.)

Togo
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Tonga
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  436.1 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Tunisia
  65.13 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Turkey
  6.088 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  7.504 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Uganda
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Ukraine
  1.104 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  6.071 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  292 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

United States
  6.928 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Uruguay
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  1.841 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Venezuela
  4.983 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Vietnam
  610 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

West Bank
  0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.)

Western Sahara
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

World
  187.8 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Yemen
  478.5 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Zambia
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2180

Field Listing :: Natural gas - production

This entry is the total natural gas produced in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors. Country Comparison to the World Country

Natural gas - production(cu m)

Afghanistan
  30 million cu m (2008 est.)

Albania
  30 million cu m (2008 est.)

Algeria
  86.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

American Samoa
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Angola
  680 million cu m (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Argentina
  41.36 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Armenia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Aruba
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Australia
  42.33 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Austria
  1.668 billion cu m (2009)

Azerbaijan
  23 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bahrain
  12.64 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
  19.7 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Barbados
  29.17 million cu m (2008 est.)

Belarus
  152 million cu m (2008 est.)

Belgium
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Belize
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Benin
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bermuda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bhutan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bolivia
  14.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Botswana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brazil
  10.28 billion cu m (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brunei
  13.4 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  218 million cu m (2008)

Burkina Faso
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Burma
  12.4 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Burundi
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cambodia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cameroon
  20 million cu m (2008 est.)

Canada
  161.3 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chad
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chile
  1.65 billion cu m (2008 est.)

China
  82.94 billion cu m (2009)

Colombia
  9 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Comoros
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  180 million cu m (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  1.3 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Croatia
  2.847 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cuba
  400 million cu m (2008 est.)

Cyprus
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
  176 million cu m (2009 est.)

Denmark
  8.398 billion cu m (2009)

Djibouti
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ecuador
  260 million cu m (2008 est.)

Egypt
  62.7 billion cu m (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  6.67 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Eritrea
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Estonia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

European Union
  181.6 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
  0 cu m (2008)

Fiji
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Finland
  NA (2008 est.)

France
  877 million cu m (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gabon
  90 million cu m (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Georgia
  8 million cu m (2008 est.)

Germany
  15.29 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Ghana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gibraltar
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Greece
  9 million cu m (2009 est.)

Greenland
  0 cu m (2008)

Grenada
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guam
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guatemala
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guyana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Haiti
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Honduras
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Hungary
  2.603 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Iceland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

India
  38.65 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  70 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iran
  200 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iraq
  1.88 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Ireland
  392 million cu m (2009 est.)

Israel
  1.19 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Italy
  8.119 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Japan
  3.539 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jordan
  250 million cu m (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
  35.61 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Kenya
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kiribati
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, North
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, South
  651 million cu m (2009 est.)

Kosovo
  0 cu m (2007)

Kuwait
  12.7 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  30 million cu m (2008 est.)

Laos
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Latvia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Lebanon
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Lesotho
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Liberia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Libya
  15.9 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Lithuania
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Macau
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malawi
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malaysia
  57.3 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Maldives
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mali
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malta
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mauritania
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mauritius
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mexico
  60.35 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Moldova
  50 million cu m (2007 est.)

Mongolia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Montserrat
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Morocco
  60 million cu m (2008 est.)

Mozambique
  3.3 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Namibia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nauru
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nepal
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Netherlands
  79.58 billion cu m (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

New Zealand
  4.305 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Niger
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nigeria
  32.82 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Niue
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Norway
  103.5 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Oman
  24 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Pakistan
  37.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Panama
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  100 million cu m (2008 est.)

Paraguay
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Peru
  3.39 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Philippines
  2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Poland
  5.842 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Portugal
  NA (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Qatar
  76.98 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Romania
  11.42 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Russia
  583.6 billion cu m (2009)

Rwanda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Samoa
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  77.1 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Senegal
  50 million cu m (2008 est.)

Serbia
  230 million cu m (2008 est.)

Seychelles
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Singapore
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  103 million cu m (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Somalia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

South Africa
  3.25 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Spain
  13 million cu m (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sudan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Suriname
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Swaziland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sweden
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Switzerland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Syria
  6.04 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Taiwan
  360 million cu m (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
  16.1 million cu m (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  560.7 million cu m (2008 est.)

Thailand
  28.76 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Togo
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tonga
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  39.3 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Tunisia
  2.97 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Turkey
  1.014 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  34 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uganda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ukraine
  21.2 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  50.24 billion cu m (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
  58.56 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United States
  593.4 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Uruguay
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uzbekistan
  67.6 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Venezuela
  23.06 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Vietnam
  7.9 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Virgin Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

West Bank
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

World
  3.127 trillion cu m (2008 est.)

Yemen
  454,700 cu m (2009 est.)

Zambia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

======================================================================

@2181

Field Listing :: Natural gas - consumption

This entry is the total natural gas consumed in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors. Country Comparison to the World Country

Natural gas - consumption(cu m)

Afghanistan
  30 million cu m (2008 est.)

Albania
  30 million cu m (2008 est.)

Algeria
  26.83 billion cu m (2008 est.)

American Samoa
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Angola
  680 million cu m (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Argentina
  43.14 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Armenia
  1.93 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Aruba
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Australia
  26.59 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Austria
  8.232 billion cu m (2009)

Azerbaijan
  10.12 billion cu m (2008)

Bahamas, The
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bahrain
  12.64 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
  19.7 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Barbados
  29.17 million cu m (2008 est.)

Belarus
  17 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Belgium
  16.87 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Belize
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Benin
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bermuda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bhutan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bolivia
  2.41 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  310 million cu m (2008 est.)

Botswana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brazil
  18.72 billion cu m (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brunei
  4.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  3.35 billion cu m (2008)

Burkina Faso
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Burma
  3.85 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Burundi
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cambodia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cameroon
  20 million cu m (2008 est.)

Canada
  94.62 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chad
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chile
  2.34 billion cu m (2008 est.)

China
  87.08 billion cu m (2009)

Colombia
  8.1 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Comoros
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  180 million cu m (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  1.3 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Croatia
  3.205 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cuba
  400 million cu m (2008 est.)

Cyprus
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
  8.182 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Denmark
  4.41 billion cu m (2009)

Djibouti
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
  470 million cu m (2008 est.)

Ecuador
  260 million cu m (2008 est.)

Egypt
  42.5 billion cu m (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  1.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Eritrea
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Estonia
  1.51 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

European Union
  489.4 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
  0 cu m (2008)

Fiji
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Finland
  4.289 billion cu m (2009)

France
  44.84 billion cu m (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gabon
  90 million cu m (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Georgia
  1.73 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Germany
  96.26 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Ghana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gibraltar
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Greece
  3.528 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Greenland
  0 cu m (2008)

Grenada
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guam
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guatemala
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guyana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Haiti
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Honduras
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
  2.83 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Hungary
  11.32 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Iceland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

India
  51.27 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  36.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iran
  140 billion cu m
  note: excludes injection and flaring (2008 est.)

Iraq
  9.454 billion cu m
  note: 1.48 billion cu m were flared (2008 est.)

Ireland
  5.112 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Israel
  1.19 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Italy
  78.12 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Japan
  94.67 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jordan
  2.97 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
  33.68 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kenya
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kiribati
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, North
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, South
  34.09 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Kosovo
  0 cu m (2007)

Kuwait
  12.7 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  750 million cu m (2008 est.)

Laos
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Latvia
  2.05 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Lebanon
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Lesotho
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Liberia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Libya
  5.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Lithuania
  3.53 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
  1.268 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Macau
  91.3 million cu m (2009)

Macedonia
  80 million cu m (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malawi
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malaysia
  26.27 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Maldives
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mali
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malta
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mauritania
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mauritius
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mexico
  59.8 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Moldova
  2.52 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Mongolia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Montenegro
  NA cu m

Montserrat
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Morocco
  560 million cu m (2008 est.)

Mozambique
  100 million cu m (2008 est.)

Namibia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nauru
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nepal
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Netherlands
  48.6 billion cu m (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

New Zealand
  4.32 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Niger
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nigeria
  12.28 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Niue
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Norway
  4.62 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Oman
  13.46 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Pakistan
  37.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Panama
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  100 million cu m (2008 est.)

Paraguay
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Peru
  3.39 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Philippines
  2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Poland
  16.33 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Portugal
  4.846 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
  806.6 million cu m (2008 est.)

Qatar
  20.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Romania
  16.92 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Russia
  439.6 billion cu m (2009)

Rwanda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Samoa
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  77.1 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Senegal
  50 million cu m (2008 est.)

Serbia
  2.61 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Seychelles
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Singapore
  8.27 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  6.493 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  1.05 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Somalia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

South Africa
  6.45 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Spain
  33.88 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sudan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Suriname
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Swaziland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sweden
  1.229 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Switzerland
  3.282 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Syria
  6.18 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Taiwan
  12.44 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
  266.1 million cu m (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  560.7 million cu m (2008 est.)

Thailand
  37.31 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Togo
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tonga
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  21.94 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Tunisia
  4.22 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Turkey
  35.07 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  20 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uganda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ukraine
  52 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  59.42 billion cu m (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
  87.45 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United States
  646.6 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Uruguay
  70 million cu m (2008 est.)

Uzbekistan
  52.6 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Venezuela
  24.86 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Vietnam
  8.1 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Virgin Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

West Bank
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

World
  3.073 trillion cu m (2008 est.)

Yemen
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zambia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

======================================================================

@2182

Field Listing :: Natural gas - imports

  This entry is the total natural gas imported in cubic meters (cu m).
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Natural gas - imports(cu m)

Afghanistan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Albania
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Algeria
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

American Samoa
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Angola
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Argentina
  2.66 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Armenia
  1.93 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Aruba
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Australia
  6.56 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Austria
  10.96 billion cu m (2009)

Azerbaijan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bahamas, The
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bahrain
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Barbados
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Belarus
  17.6 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Belgium
  16.78 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Belize
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Benin
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bermuda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bhutan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bolivia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  310 million cu m (2008 est.)

Botswana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brazil
  8.44 billion cu m (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brunei
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  3.48 billion cu m (2008)

Burkina Faso
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Burma
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Burundi
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cambodia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cameroon
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Canada
  16.59 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chad
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chile
  690 million cu m (2008 est.)

China
  7.462 billion cu m (2009)

Colombia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Comoros
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Croatia
  1.22 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cuba
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cyprus
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
  9.683 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Denmark
  0 cu m (2008)

Djibouti
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
  470 million cu m (2008 est.)

Ecuador
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Egypt
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Eritrea
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Estonia
  1.51 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

European Union
  NA cu m

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
  0 cu m (2008)

Fiji
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Finland
  4.289 billion cu m (2009)

France
  45.85 billion cu m (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gabon
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Georgia
  1.72 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Germany
  94.57 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Ghana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gibraltar
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Greece
  3.556 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Greenland
  0 cu m (2008)

Grenada
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guam
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guatemala
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guyana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Haiti
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Honduras
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
  2.83 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Hungary
  9.708 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Iceland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

India
  12.62 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Iran
  5.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iraq
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ireland
  4.723 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Israel
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Italy
  69.24 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Japan
  90.29 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Jordan
  2.72 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
  3.72 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Kenya
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kiribati
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, North
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, South
  32.69 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Kuwait
  300 million cu m (2009 est.)
  note: Kuwait signed a deal with ?XX? to import 2 billion cu m per
  year in 2010 and beyond (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  720 million cu m (2008 est.)

Laos
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Latvia
  2.05 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Lebanon
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Lesotho
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Liberia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Libya
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Lithuania
  3.53 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
  1.263 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Macau
  97.8 million cu m (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  82 million cu m (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malawi
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malaysia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Maldives
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mali
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malta
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mauritania
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mauritius
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mexico
  11.84 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Moldova
  2.52 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Mongolia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Montserrat
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Morocco
  500 million cu m (2008 est.)

Mozambique
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Namibia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nauru
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nepal
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Netherlands
  24.6 billion cu m (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

New Zealand
  NA (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Niger
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nigeria
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Niue
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Norway
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Oman
  350 million cu m (2008 est.)

Pakistan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Panama
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Paraguay
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Peru
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Philippines
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Poland
  9.954 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Portugal
  4.895 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Puerto Rico
  806.6 million cu m (2008 est.)

Qatar
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Romania
  5.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Russia
  35.1 billion cu m (2009)

Rwanda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Samoa
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Senegal
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Serbia
  2.4 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Seychelles
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Singapore 8.27 billion cu m note: from Indonesia and Malaysia (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  6.974 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  1.05 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Somalia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

South Africa
  3.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Spain
  34.67 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Sudan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Suriname
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Swaziland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sweden
  1.229 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Switzerland
  3.282 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Syria
  140 million cu m (2008 est.)

Taiwan
  12.08 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
  250 million cu m (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Thailand
  8.55 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Togo
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tonga
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tunisia
  1.25 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Turkey
  35.77 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uganda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ukraine
  26.83 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  16.75 billion cu m (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
  41.06 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United States
  106.1 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Uruguay
  70 million cu m (2008 est.)

Uzbekistan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Venezuela
  1.8 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Vietnam
  380,000 cu m (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

West Bank
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

World
  947.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Yemen
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zambia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

======================================================================

@2183

Field Listing :: Natural gas - exports

  This entry is the total natural gas exported in cubic meters (cu m).
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Natural gas - exports(cu m)

Afghanistan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Albania
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Algeria
  59.67 billion cu m (2008 est.)

American Samoa
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Angola
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Argentina
  890 million cu m (2008 est.)

Armenia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Aruba
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Australia
  22.3 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Austria
  3.961 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  5.564 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bahamas, The
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bahrain
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bangladesh
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Barbados
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Belarus
  0 cu m (2009)

Belgium
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Belize
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Benin
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bermuda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bhutan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Bolivia
  11.79 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Botswana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brazil
  NA (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Brunei
  9.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  0 cu m (2008)

Burkina Faso
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Burma
  8.55 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Burundi
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cambodia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cameroon
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Canada
  94.67 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cayman Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chad
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Chile
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

China
  3.32 billion cu m (2009)

Colombia
  900 million cu m (2008 est.)

Comoros
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cook Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Costa Rica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Croatia
  695.5 million cu m (2009 est.)

Cuba
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Cyprus
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Czech Republic
  1.111 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Denmark
  3.98 billion cu m (2009)

Djibouti
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ecuador
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Egypt
  8.55 billion cu m (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  5.17 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Eritrea
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Estonia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ethiopia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

European Union
  NA cu m

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Faroe Islands
  0 cu m (2008)

Fiji
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Finland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

France
  1.931 billion cu m (2009 est.)

French Polynesia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gabon
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gambia, The
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Georgia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Germany
  12.64 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Ghana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Gibraltar
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Greece
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Greenland
  0 cu m (2008)

Grenada
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guam
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guatemala
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Guyana
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Haiti
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Honduras
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Hong Kong
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Hungary
  85 million cu m (2009 est.)

Iceland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

India
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Indonesia
  33.5 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iran
  4.246 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Iraq
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ireland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Israel
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Italy
  124 million cu m (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Japan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Jordan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
  17.66 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Kenya
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kiribati
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, North
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Korea, South
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Kuwait
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Laos
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Latvia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Lebanon
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Lesotho
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Liberia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Libya
  10.4 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Lithuania
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Luxembourg
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Macau
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malawi
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malaysia
  31.03 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Maldives
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mali
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Malta
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Mauritania
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mauritius
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mexico
  688 million cu m (2009 est.)

Moldova
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mongolia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Montserrat
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Morocco
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Mozambique
  3.2 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Namibia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nauru
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nepal
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Netherlands
  55.59 billion cu m (2009 est.)

New Caledonia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

New Zealand
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nicaragua
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Niger
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Nigeria
  20.55 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Niue
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Norway
  98.85 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Oman
  10.89 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Pakistan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Panama
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Paraguay
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Peru
  NA
  note: in 2010 Peru became a net exporter of LNG (2008 est.)

Philippines
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Poland
  40 million cu m (2009 est.)

Portugal
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Puerto Rico
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Qatar
  56.78 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Romania
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Russia
  179.1 billion cu m (2009)

Rwanda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Samoa
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Senegal
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Serbia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Seychelles
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Singapore
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Slovakia
  15 million cu m (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Somalia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

South Africa
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Spain
  975 million cu m (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sudan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Suriname
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Swaziland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Sweden
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Switzerland
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Syria
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Taiwan
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tajikistan
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Thailand
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Timor-Leste
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Togo
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Tonga
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  17.36 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Tunisia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Turkey
  708 million cu m (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  14 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uganda
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Ukraine
  5 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  7.567 billion cu m (2008 est.)

United Kingdom
  12.17 billion cu m (2009 est.)

United States
  30.35 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Uruguay
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Uzbekistan
  15 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Vanuatu
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Venezuela
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Vietnam
  0 cu m (2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

West Bank
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

World
  949.9 billion cu m (2008 est.)

Yemen
  454,700 cu m (2009 est.)

Zambia
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
  0 cu m (2008 est.)

======================================================================

@2184

Field Listing :: Internet hosts

  This entry lists the number of Internet hosts available within a
  country. An Internet host is a computer connected directly to the
  Internet; normally an Internet Service Provider's (ISP) computer is
  a host. Internet users may use either a hard-wired terminal, at an
  institution with a mainframe computer connected directly to the
  Internet, or may connect remotely by way of a modem via telephone
  line, cable, or satellite to the Internet Service Provider's host
  computer. The number of hosts is one indicator of the extent of
  Internet connectivity.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Internet hosts

Afghanistan
  46 (2010)

Albania
  15,098 (2010)

Algeria
  572 (2010)

American Samoa
  1,676 (2010)

Andorra
  26,773 (2010)

Angola
  3,717 (2010)

Anguilla
  271 (2010)

Antarctica
  7,765 (2010)

Antigua and Barbuda
  9,795 (2010)

Argentina
  6.025 million (2010)

Armenia
  65,279 (2010)

Aruba
  25,080 (2010)

Australia
  13.361 million (2010)

Austria
  3.266 million (2010)

Azerbaijan
  22,737 (2010)

Bahamas, The
  21,939 (2010)

Bahrain
  53,944 (2010)

Bangladesh
  68,224 (2010)

Barbados
  1,508 (2010)

Belarus
  147,311 (2010)

Belgium
  4.465 million (2010)

Belize
  2,880 (2010)

Benin
  1,286 (2010)

Bermuda
  19,855 (2010)

Bhutan
  9,147 (2010)

Bolivia
  125,462 (2010)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  95,234 (2010)

Botswana
  2,739 (2010)

Bouvet Island
  6 (2010)

Brazil
  19.316 million (2010)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  827 (2010)

British Virgin Islands
  497 (2010)

Brunei
  50,997 (2010)

Bulgaria
  785,546 (2010)

Burkina Faso
  1,877 (2010)

Burma
  172 (2010)

Burundi
  201 (2010)

Cambodia
  5,452 (2010)

Cameroon
  90 (2010)

Canada
  7.77 million (2010)

Cape Verde
  26 (2010)

Cayman Islands
  21,910 (2010)

Central African Republic
  20 (2010)

Chad
  5 (2010)

Chile
  1.056 million (2010)

China
  15.251 million (2010)

Christmas Island
  2,542 (2010)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  35,312 (2010)

Colombia
  2.527 million (2010)

Comoros
  14 (2010)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  3,006 (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
  42 (2010)

Cook Islands
  2,521 (2010)

Costa Rica
  34,024 (2010)

Cote d'Ivoire
  9,865 (2010)

Croatia
  1.287 million (2010)

Cuba
  3,025 (2010)

Cyprus
  187,881 (2010)

Czech Republic
  3.494 million (2010)

Denmark
  4.145 million (2010)

Djibouti
  195 (2010)

Dominica
  718 (2010)

Dominican Republic
  283,298 (2010)

Ecuador
  67,975 (2010)

Egypt
  187,197 (2010)

El Salvador
  13,849 (2010)

Equatorial Guinea
  9 (2010)

Eritrea
  1,241 (2010)

Estonia
  729,534 (2010)

Ethiopia
  151 (2010)

European Union
  140,277; note - this sum reflects the number of
  internet hosts assigned the .eu internet country code (2010)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  91 (2010)

Faroe Islands
  8,936 (2010)

Fiji
  17,088 (2010)

Finland
  4.394 million (2010)

France
  15.182 million; 15.161 million (metropolitan France) (2010)

French Polynesia
  36,056 (2010)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
  44 (2010)

Gabon
  90 (2010)

Gambia, The
  1,453 (2010)

Georgia
  110,680 (2010)

Germany
  21.729 million (2010)

Ghana
  41,082 (2010)

Gibraltar
  2,053 (2010)

Greece
  2.574 million (2010)

Greenland
  15,668 (2010)

Grenada
  52 (2010)

Guam
  24 (2010)

Guatemala
  196,870 (2010)

Guernsey
  197 (2010)

Guinea
  14 (2010)

Guinea-Bissau
  82 (2010)

Guyana
  8,840 (2010)

Haiti
  273 (2010)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  68 (2010)

Honduras
  16,075 (2010)

Hong Kong
  817,701 (2010)

Hungary
  2.655 million (2010)

Iceland
  344,748 (2010)

India
  4.536 million (2010)

Indonesia
  1.269 million (2010)

Iran
  119,947 (2010)

Iraq
  9 (2010)

Ireland
  1.339 million (2010)

Isle of Man
  765 (2010)

Israel
  1.689 million (2010)

Italy
  23.16 million (2010)

Jamaica
  3,099 (2010)

Japan
  54.846 million (2010)

Jersey
  237 (2010)

Jordan
  42,412 (2010)

Kazakhstan
  53,984 (2010)

Kenya
  47,676 (2010)

Kiribati
  31 (2010)

Korea, North
  3 (2010)

Korea, South
  291,329 (2010)

Kuwait
  2,485 (2010)

Kyrgyzstan
  97,976 (2010)

Laos
  1,468 (2010)

Latvia
  289,478 (2010)

Lebanon
  51,451 (2010)

Lesotho
  632 (2010)

Liberia
  8 (2010)

Libya
  12,432 (2010)

Liechtenstein
  9,418 (2010)

Lithuania
  1.17 million (2010)

Luxembourg
  244,225 (2010)

Macau
  252 (2010)

Macedonia
  60,533 (2010)

Madagascar
  27,606 (2010)

Malawi
  870 (2010)

Malaysia
  344,452 (2010)

Maldives
  2,164 (2010)

Mali
  524 (2010)

Malta
  24,941 (2010)

Marshall Islands
  3 (2010)

Mauritania
  23 (2010)

Mauritius
  36,653 (2010)

Mayotte
  1 (2010)

Mexico
  12.854 million (2010)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  3,097 (2010)

Moldova
  492,181 (2010)

Monaco
  23,621 (2010)

Mongolia
  7,942 (2010)

Montenegro
  6,247 (2010)

Montserrat
  552 (2010)

Morocco
  277,793 (2010)

Mozambique
  21,172 (2010)

Namibia
  76,020 (2010)

Nauru
  4,158 (2010)

Nepal
  43,928 (2010)

Netherlands
  12.607 million (2010)

New Caledonia
  22,456 (2010)

New Zealand
  2.47 million (2010)

Nicaragua
  157,162 (2010)

Niger
  172 (2010)

Nigeria
  1,378 (2010)

Niue
  397,270 (2010)

Norfolk Island
  93 (2010)

Northern Mariana Islands
  9 (2010)

Norway
  3.352 million (2010)

Oman
  9,114 (2010)

Pakistan
  330,466 (2010)

Palau
  3 (2010)

Panama
  9,585 (2010)

Papua New Guinea
  4,285 (2010)

Paraguay
  167,281 (2010)

Peru
  268,225 (2010)

Philippines
  394,990 (2010)

Pitcairn Islands
  20 (2010)

Poland
  10.51 million (2010)

Portugal
  3.267 million (2010)

Puerto Rico
  482 (2010)

Qatar
  822 (2010)

Romania
  2.464 million (2010)

Russia
  10.382 million (2010)

Rwanda
  815 (2010)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  6,873 (2010)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  51 (2010)

Saint Lucia
  106 (2010)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  0 (2010)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  211 (2010)

Samoa
  17,044 (2010)

San Marino
  8,895 (2010)

Sao Tome and Principe
  1,514 (2010)

Saudi Arabia
  488,598 (2010)

Senegal
  241 (2010)

Serbia
  528,253 (2010)

Seychelles
  256 (2010)

Sierra Leone
  281 (2010)

Singapore
  992,786 (2010)

Slovakia
  1.133 million (2010)

Slovenia
  137,494 (2010)

Solomon Islands
  4,065 (2010)

Somalia
  3 (2010)

South Africa
  3.751 million (2010)

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  320 (2010)

Spain
  3.822 million (2010)

Sri Lanka
  8,865 (2010)

Sudan
  70 (2010)

Suriname
  171 (2010)

Swaziland
  2,335 (2010)

Sweden
  4.396 million (2010)

Switzerland
  4.816 million (2010)

Syria
  8,114 (2010)

Taiwan
  6.336 million (2010)

Tajikistan
  1,504 (2010)

Tanzania
  24,182 (2010)

Thailand
  1.335 million (2010)

Timor-Leste
  206 (2010)

Togo
  860 (2010)

Tokelau
  526 (2010)

Tonga
  20,847 (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago
  168,876 (2010)

Tunisia
  490 (2010)

Turkey
  3.433 million (2010)

Turkmenistan
  794 (2010)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  8,969 (2010)

Tuvalu
  109,478 (2010)

Uganda
  19,927 (2010)

Ukraine
  1.098 million (2010)

United Arab Emirates
  379,309 (2010)

United Kingdom
  7.03 million (2010)

United States
  439 million (2010); note - the US Internet total host
  count includes the following top level domain host addresses: .us,
  .com, .edu, .gov, .mil, .net, and .org

Uruguay
  765,525 (2010)

Uzbekistan
  47,718 (2010)

Vanuatu
  1,347 (2010)

Venezuela
  238,665 (2010)

Vietnam
  129,318 (2010)

Virgin Islands
  8,933 (2010)

Wallis and Futuna
  1,734 (2010)

Yemen
  255 (2010)

Zambia
  14,771 (2010)

Zimbabwe
  29,866 (2010)

======================================================================

@2185

Field Listing :: Investment (gross fixed)

This entry records total business spending on fixed assets, such as factories, machinery, equipment, dwellings, and inventories of raw materials, which provide the basis for future production. It is measured gross of the depreciation of the assets, i.e., it includes investment that merely replaces worn-out or scrapped capital. Country Comparison to the World Country

Investment (gross fixed)(% of GDP)

Albania
  29.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Algeria
  27.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Angola
  15.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Argentina
  22% of GDP (2010 est.)

Armenia
  33.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Australia
  27.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Austria
  21% of GDP (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  17.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  26.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  23.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Belarus
  36% of GDP (2010 est.)

Belgium
  20.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Belize
  26.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Benin
  18.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  17.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Botswana
  28.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Brazil
  18.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  22.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  19.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Burma
  15.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Burundi
  25.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  20.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  21.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Canada
  22.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  36.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Chad
  14.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Chile
  23.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

China
  47.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Colombia
  22.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  41.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Costa Rica
  20.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  9.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Croatia
  22.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cuba
  10.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Cyprus
  19.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  22.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Denmark
  17.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  15.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  23.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Egypt
  18.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  13.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  29.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  10.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Estonia
  22.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  25.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

European Union
  18.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Finland
  18.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

France
  19.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Gabon
  28.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  28% of GDP (2010 est.)

Georgia
  14.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Germany
  18% of GDP (2010 est.)

Ghana
  39.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Greece
  14.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Guatemala
  13.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Guinea
  14.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Guyana
  34.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Haiti
  28.9% of GDP (2008 est.)

Honduras
  23.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  22.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Hungary
  19.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Iceland
  12.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

India
  32% of GDP (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  30.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Iran
  27.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Ireland
  12.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Israel
  16.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Italy
  19.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  25.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Japan
  20.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Jordan
  30.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  27.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Kenya
  21.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Korea, South
  28.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Kosovo
  15.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Kuwait
  13.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  26.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Latvia
  15.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  30.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  21.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Libya
  13.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Lithuania
  15.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  16.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Macedonia
  22.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  34.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Malawi
  27.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  20.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Malta
  14.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  23.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Mexico
  21.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Moldova
  21.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Montenegro
  30.5% of GDP (2006 est.)

Morocco
  30.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  17.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Namibia
  24% of GDP (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  18% of GDP (2010 est.)

New Zealand
  19.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  22.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  11.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Norway
  18.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Oman
  26.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  15% of GDP (2010 est.)

Panama
  26.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  17.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  17.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Peru
  25.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Philippines
  14.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

Poland
  19.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Portugal
  19% of GDP (2010 est.)

Qatar
  33% of GDP (2010 est.)

Romania
  21.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Russia
  18.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  20% of GDP (2010 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  41% of GDP (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  24.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Senegal
  25.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Serbia
  25.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  36.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Singapore
  27.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Slovakia
  22.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  18.7% of GDP (2010 est.)

South Africa
  19.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Spain
  22.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  23.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Sudan
  20.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Swaziland
  12.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Sweden
  18.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  19.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Syria
  16.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  21.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  20.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  17.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Thailand
  24.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Togo
  18.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  11.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  26.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Turkey
  18% of GDP (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  12.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Uganda
  20.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  16.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  26.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  14.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

United States
  12.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  19.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  16.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  35.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

World
  23.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  23.1% of GDP (2009 est.) (2010 est.)

Yemen
  19.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Zambia
  20.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  21% of GDP (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2186

Field Listing :: Public debt

This entry records the cumulative total of all government borrowings less repayments that are denominated in a country's home currency. Public debt should not be confused with external debt, which reflects the foreign currency liabilities of both the private and public sector and must be financed out of foreign exchange earnings. Country Comparison to the World Country

Public debt(% of GDP)

Albania
  59.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  58.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Algeria
  25.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
  20% of GDP (2009 est.)

Angola
  20.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  21.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Argentina
  50.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  48.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Aruba
  46.3% of GDP (2005)

Australia
  22.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  22.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Austria
  68.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  66.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  4.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  6.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Bahrain
  59.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  38.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  39.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  39.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Barbados
  NA (2009)

Belgium
  102.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  101% of GDP (2009 est.)

Bhutan
  57.8% of GDP (2009)
  81.4% of GDP (2004)

Bolivia
  40.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  40.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  39% of GDP (2010 est.)
  35% of GDP (2009 est.)

Botswana
  22.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  18.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Brazil
  60.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  59.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Bulgaria
  16.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  14.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Cameroon
  16.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  16.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Canada
  82.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
  82.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Chile
  6.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  6.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

China
  17.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  16.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Colombia
  44.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  45.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Costa Rica
  44.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
  42% of GDP (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  63.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  66.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Croatia
  55% of GDP (2010 est.)
  46.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Cuba
  34.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  34.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Cyprus
  61.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
  56.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  40% of GDP (2010 est.)
  34% of GDP (2009 est.)

Denmark
  46.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  41.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Dominica
  78% of GDP (2009 est.)
  85% of GDP (2006 est.) (2006 est.)

Dominican Republic
  41.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
  40.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Ecuador
  23.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
  19.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Egypt
  80.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  80.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  55% of GDP (2010 est.)
  52.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  4.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
  5.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Estonia
  7.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
  7.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  39.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  35.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Finland
  45.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  40.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

France
  83.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  77.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Gabon
  25.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  27.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Germany
  74.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  73.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Ghana
  59.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
  55.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Gibraltar
  15.5% of GDP (2006)
  15.7% of GDP (2005 est.)

Greece
  144% of GDP (2010 est.)
  126.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Guatemala
  29.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  27.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Guyana
  57% of GDP (2010 est.)

Honduras
  26.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
  23.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  18.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  37.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Hungary
  72.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
  78% of GDP (2009 est.)

Iceland
  123.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  113.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

India
  55.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
  57.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  26.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  27.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Iran
  16.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  16.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Ireland
  98.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  64.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Israel
  77.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  77.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Italy
  118.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
  115.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  123.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  124.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Japan
  196.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  192.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Jordan
  61.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  64.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
  15.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
  14.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Kenya
  50.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
  46.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Korea, South
  23.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
  23.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Kosovo
  NA% of GDP

Kuwait
  12.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  13.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Latvia
  46.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  36.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Lebanon
  150.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
  154.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Libya
  3.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  3.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Lithuania
  36.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
  29.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  16.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  14.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  25.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
  32.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Malawi
  40.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  44.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Malaysia
  52.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  53.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Malta
  72.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  69% of GDP (2009 est.)

Mauritius
  60.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  62.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Mexico
  41.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  39.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Moldova
  25% of GDP (2010 est.)
  25.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Montenegro
  38% of GDP (2006)

Morocco
  58.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  56.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Mozambique
  40.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  33.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Namibia
  20% of GDP (2010 est.)
  15.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Netherlands
  64.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  60.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

New Zealand
  25.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  22.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  78% of GDP (2010 est.)
  63% of GDP (2009 est.)

Nigeria
  13.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  11.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Norway
  47.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
  49.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Oman
  4.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  5.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Pakistan
  49.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
  49.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Panama
  40.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  44.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  27.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  29.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Paraguay
  22.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  24% of GDP (2009 est.)

Peru
  23.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  25% of GDP (2009 est.)

Philippines
  55.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  57.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Poland
  50.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  46.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Portugal
  83.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  76.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Qatar
  10.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  14% of GDP (2009 est.)

Romania
  34.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  24% of GDP (2009 est.)

Russia
  9.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  8.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  185% of GDP (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  16.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
  22.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Senegal
  32.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
  29.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Serbia
  37.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  31.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  58.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  58.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Singapore
  102.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  110% of GDP (2009 est.)
  note: for Singapore, public debt consists largely of Singapore
  Government Securities (SGS) issued to assist the Central Provident
  Fund (CPF), which administers Singapore's defined contribution
  pension fund; special issues of SGS are held by the CPF, and are
  non-tradeable; the government has not borrowed to finance deficit
  expenditures since the 1980s

Slovakia
  41% of GDP (2010 est.)
  35.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  35.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  31.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

South Africa
  33.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  29.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Spain
  63.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  53.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  86.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
  85.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Sudan
  94.2% of GDP (2010 est.)
  105.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Sweden
  40.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  41.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Switzerland
  39.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  40.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Syria
  29.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
  28.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Taiwan
  31.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  33% of GDP (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  23.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  21.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Thailand
  42.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  44.9% of GDP (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
  26.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  29% of GDP (2009 est.)

Tunisia
  49.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  47.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Turkey
  48.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
  46.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Uganda
  20.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  20.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Ukraine
  38.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
  30% of GDP (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  44.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  48.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  76.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  68.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

United States
  58.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
  53.5% of GDP (2009 est.)
  note: data cover only what the United States Treasury denotes as
  "Debt Held by the Public," which includes all debt instruments
  issued by the Treasury that are owned by non-US Government entities;
  the data include Treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data
  exclude debt issued by individual US states, as well as
  intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of
  Treasury borrowings from surpluses in the trusts for Federal Social
  Security, Federal Employees, Hospital Insurance (Medicare and
  Medicaid), Disability and Unemployment, and several other smaller
  trusts; if data for intra-government debt were added, "Gross Debt"
  would increase by about 30% of GDP

Uruguay
  52.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
  60% of GDP (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
  9% of GDP (2010 est.)
  9.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Venezuela
  25.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  18% of GDP (2009 est.)

Vietnam
  53.5% of GDP (2010 est.)
  52.4% of GDP (2009 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  5.6% of GDP (2004 est.)

World
  58.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
  56.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Yemen
  39.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
  36.7% of GDP (2009 est.)

Zambia
  24.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
  25.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
  241.6% of GDP (2010 est.)
  282.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

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@2187

Field Listing :: Current account balance

This entry records a country's net trade in goods and services, plus net earnings from rents, interest, profits, and dividends, and net transfer payments (such as pension funds and worker remittances) to and from the rest of the world during the period specified. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Country Comparison to the World Country

Current account balance

Afghanistan
  -$2.475 billion (2009 est.)
  $85 million (2008 est.)

Albania
  -$1.245 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.845 billion (2009 est.)

Algeria
  $3.959 billion (2010 est.)
  -$4.185 billion (2009 est.)

Angola
  $2.089 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.668 billion (2009 est.)

Anguilla
  -$42.87 million (2003 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  -$211 million (2007 est.)

Argentina
  $6.976 billion (2010 est.)
  $11.29 billion (2009 est.)

Armenia
  -$1.138 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.326 billion (2009 est.)

Australia
  -$35.23 billion (2010 est.)
  -$41.33 billion (2009 est.)

Austria
  $8.012 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.73 billion (2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  $15.96 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.18 billion (2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
  -$283.2 million (2009 est.)
  -$1.442 billion (2007 est.)

Bahrain
  $589 million (2010 est.)
  $560.2 million (2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  $3.734 billion (2010)
  $2.416 billion (2009)

Barbados
  -$254 million (2007 est.)

Belarus
  -$5.062 billion (2010 est.)
  -$6.402 billion (2009 est.)

Belgium
  -$1.129 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.251 billion (2009 est.)

Belize
  -$151 million (2010 est.)
  -$93.3 million (2009 est.)

Benin
  -$582 million (2010 est.)
  -$644 million (2009 est.)

Bhutan
  $164 million (2008 est.)
  $116 million (2007 est.)

Bolivia
  $878 million (2010 est.)
  $800.7 million (2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  -$887 million (2010 est.)
  -$1.283 billion (2009 est.)

Botswana
  -$552 million (2010 est.)
  -$762 million (2009 est.)

Brazil
  -$52.73 billion (2010 est.)
  -$24.3 billion (2009 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  $134.3 million (1999)

Brunei
  $7.024 billion (2008 est.)
  $7.101 billion (2007 est.)

Bulgaria
  -$1.528 billion (2010 est.)
  -$4.348 billion (2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
  -$486 million (2010 est.)
  -$330 million (2009 est.)

Burma
  $652 million (2010 est.)
  $705 million (2009 est.)

Burundi
  -$136 million (2010 est.)
  -$127 million (2009 est.)

Cambodia
  -$918 million (2010 est.)
  -$865.7 million (2009 est.)

Cameroon
  -$826 million (2010 est.)
  -$1.137 billion (2009 est.)

Canada
  -$40.21 billion (2010 est.)
  -$38.08 billion (2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  -$286 million (2010 est.)
  -$319 million (2009 est.)

Central African Republic
  -$77 million (2007 est.)

Chad
  -$2.6 billion (2010 est.)
  -$2.305 billion (2009 est.)

Chile
  $1.033 billion (2010 est.)
  $4.217 billion (2009 est.)

China
  $272.5 billion (2010 est.)
  $297.1 billion (2009 est.)

Colombia
  -$5.946 billion (2010 est.)
  -$4.991 billion (2009 est.)

Comoros
  $8 million (2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  -$1.47 billion (2007 est.)
  -$402 million (2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  -$569 million (2010 est.)
  -$1.195 billion (2009 est.)

Cook Islands
  $26.67 million (2005)

Costa Rica
  -$1.469 billion (2010 est.)
  -$537 million (2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $534 million (2010 est.)
  $1.67 billion (2009 est.)

Croatia
  -$2.312 billion (2010 est.)
  -$3.247 billion (2009 est.)

Cuba
  -$87 million (2010 est.)
  $539 million (2009 est.)

Cyprus
  -$2.5 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.915 billion (2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  -$5.956 billion (2010 est.)
  -$2.146 billion (2009 est.)

Denmark
  $14.35 billion (2010 est.)
  $12.43 billion (2009 est.)

Djibouti
  -$352 million (2009 est.)
  -$212 million (2007 est.)

Dominica
  -$72 million (2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
  -$3.862 billion (2010 est.)
  -$2.328 billion (2009 est.)

Ecuador
  -$692 million (2010 est.)
  -$337.4 million (2009 est.)

Egypt
  $270 million (2010 est.)
  -$3.195 billion (2009 est.)

El Salvador
  -$907 million (2010 est.)
  -$374 million (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  -$1.477 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.883 billion (2009 est.)

Eritrea
  -$212 million (2010 est.)
  -$188 million (2009 est.)

Estonia
  $265 million (2010 est.)
  $898.7 million (2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  -$2.232 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.996 billion (2009 est.)

European Union
  $NA (2009)
  $51.4 billion (2009 est.)

Fiji
  -$507 million (2007 est.)

Finland
  $4.696 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.444 billion (2009 est.)

France
  -$53.29 billion (2010 est.)
  -$51.86 billion (2009 est.)

Gabon
  $591 million (2010 est.)
  $887 million (2009 est.)

Gambia, The
  -$90 million (2010 est.)
  -$81 million (2009 est.)

Georgia
  -$1.404 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.259 billion (2009 est.)

Germany
  $162.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $168.1 billion (2009 est.)

Ghana
  -$1.871 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.199 billion (2009 est.)

Greece
  -$17.1 billion (2010 est.)
  -$34.43 billion (2009 est.)

Grenada
  -$138 million (2007 est.)

Guatemala
  -$1.345 billion (2010 est.)
  -$267.4 million (2009 est.)

Guinea
  -$434 million (2010 est.)
  -$538 million (2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  -$6 million (2007 est.)

Guyana
  -$311 million (2010 est.)
  -$265 million (2009 est.)

Haiti
  -$781 million (2010 est.)
  -$627 million (2009 est.)

Honduras
  -$1.048 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.327 billion (2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  $18.07 billion (2010 est.)
  $18.28 billion (2009 est.)

Hungary
  -$631 million (2010 est.)
  $441 million (2009 est.)

Iceland
  -$42 million (2010 est.)
  -$440 million (2009 est.)

India
  -$26.91 billion (2010 est.)
  -$26.63 billion (2009 est.)

Indonesia
  $8.532 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.75 billion (2009 est.)

Iran
  $9.76 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.913 billion (2009 est.)

Iraq
  $2.715 billion (2010 est.)
  -$19.9 billion (2009 est.)

Ireland
  -$3.191 billion (2010 est.)
  -$6.762 billion (2009 est.)

Israel
  $6.269 billion (2010 est.)
  $7.637 billion (2009 est.)

Italy
  -$61.98 billion (2010 est.)
  -$66.2 billion (2009 est.)

Jamaica
  -$1.382 billion (2010 est.)
  -$876 million (2009 est.)

Japan
  $182.3 billion (2010 est.)
  $142.2 billion (2009 est.)

Jordan
  -$975 million (2010 est.)
  -$1.27 billion (2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
  $6.993 billion (2010 est.)
  -$3.405 billion (2009 est.)

Kenya
  -$1.414 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.611 billion (2009 est.)

Kiribati
  -$21 million (2007 est.)

Korea, South
  $36.35 billion (2010 est.)
  $42.67 billion (2009 est.)

Kosovo
  -$2.716 billion (2010 est.)
  -$2.408 billion (2009 est.)

Kuwait
  $38.2 billion (2010 est.)
  $28.61 billion (2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  -$210 million (2010 est.)
  $184 million (2009 est.)

Laos
  -$23 million (2010 est.)
  -$356 million (2009 est.)

Latvia
  $1.62 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.53 billion (2009 est.)

Lebanon
  -$6.972 billion (2010 est.)
  -$7.555 billion (2009 est.)

Lesotho
  -$125 million (2010 est.)
  $194 million (2009 est.)

Liberia
  -$224 million (2007)

Libya
  $15.53 billion (2010 est.)
  $10.06 billion (2009 est.)

Lithuania
  $1.231 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.492 billion (2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  $3.396 billion (2010 est.)
  $2.985 billion (2009 est.)

Macau
  $NA

Macedonia
  -$328 million (2010 est.)
  -$645.6 million (2009 est.)

Madagascar
  -$600 million (2010 est.)
  -$561 million (2009 est.)

Malawi
  -$315 million (2010 est.)
  -$332 million (2009 est.)

Malaysia
  $34.83 billion (2010 est.)
  $34.08 billion (2009 est.)

Maldives
  -$370 million (2009 est.)
  -$638 million (2008 est.)

Mali
  -$446 million (2007 est.)

Malta
  -$403 million (2010 est.)
  -$491 million (2009 est.)

Mauritania
  -$184 million (2007 est.)

Mauritius
  -$949 million (2010 est.)
  -$674.6 million (2009 est.)

Mexico
  -$7 billion (2010 est.)
  -$6.23 billion (2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  -$34.3 million (FY05 est.)

Moldova
  -$565 million (2010 est.)
  -$464.6 million (2009 est.)

Mongolia
  -$228.7 million (2009 est.)
  -$710 million (2008 est.)

Montenegro
  -$1.102 billion (2007 est.)

Morocco
  -$7.922 billion (2010 est.)
  -$4.958 billion (2009 est.)

Mozambique
  -$1.028 billion (2010 est.)
  -$866 million (2009 est.)

Namibia
  -$187 million (2010 est.)
  -$160.9 million (2009 est.)

Nepal
  -$449 million (2010)
  $537 million (2009)

Netherlands
  $46.69 billion (2010 est.)
  $39.58 billion (2009 est.)

New Zealand
  -$4.504 billion (2010 est.)
  -$3.693 billion (2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  -$819 million (2010 est.)
  -$841.1 million (2009 est.)

Niger
  -$321 million (2007 est.)

Nigeria
  $27.77 billion (2010 est.)
  $22.89 billion (2009 est.)

Norway
  $60.23 billion (2010 est.)
  $53.53 billion (2009 est.)

Oman
  $2.724 billion (2010 est.)
  -$2.143 billion (2009 est.)

Pakistan
  -$2.641 billion (2010 est.)
  -$3.583 billion (2009 est.)

Palau
  $15.09 million (FY03/04)

Panama
  -$813 million (2010 est.)
  -$2.33 billion (2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  -$99 million (2010 est.)
  -$446.4 million (2009 est.)

Paraguay
  -$391 million (2010 est.)
  -$149.2 million (2009 est.)

Peru
  -$333 million (2010 est.)
  $246.3 million (2009 est.)

Philippines
  $8.575 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.552 billion (2009 est.)

Poland
  -$12.33 billion (2010 est.)
  -$9.598 billion (2009 est.)

Portugal
  -$19.03 billion (2010 est.)
  -$23.95 billion (2009 est.)

Qatar
  $20.11 billion (2010 est.)
  $809 million (2009 est.)

Romania
  -$7.934 billion (2010 est.)
  -$7.139 billion (2009 est.)

Russia
  $68.85 billion (2010 est.)
  $48.97 billion (2009 est.)

Rwanda
  -$489 million (2010 est.)
  -$379 million (2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  -$163 million (2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
  -$199 million (2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  -$149 million (2007 est.)

Samoa
  -$24 million (2007 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  -$73 million (2010 est.)
  -$49 million (2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  $52.03 billion (2010 est.)
  $22.77 billion (2009 est.)

Senegal
  -$1.046 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.356 billion (2009 est.)

Serbia
  -$1.046 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.356 billion (2009 est.)

Seychelles
  -$351 million (2010 est.)
  -$284.2 million (2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
  -$63 million (2007 est.)

Singapore
  $40.44 billion (2010 est.)
  $32.63 billion (2009 est.)

Slovakia
  -$1.93 billion (2010 est.)
  -$2.819 billion (2009 est.)

Slovenia
  -$598 million (2010 est.)
  -$732.4 million (2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  -$143 million (2007 est.)

South Africa
  -$16.51 billion (2010 est.)
  -$11.3 billion (2009 est.)

Spain
  -$66.74 billion (2010 est.)
  -$80.38 billion (2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  -$1.784 billion (2010 est.)
  -$291 million (2009 est.)

Sudan
  -$2.595 billion (2010 est.)
  -$2.817 billion (2009 est.)

Suriname
  $24 million (2007 est.)

Swaziland
  -$374 million (2010 est.)
  -$213 million (2009 est.)

Sweden
  $21.68 billion (2010 est.)
  $30.23 billion (2009 est.)

Switzerland
  $49.35 billion (2010 est.)
  $54.01 billion (2009 est.)

Syria
  $649 million (2010 est.)
  $394 million (2009 est.)

Taiwan
  $39 billion (2010 est.)
  $42.92 billion (2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  -$330 million (2010 est.)
  -$179.9 million (2009 est.)

Tanzania
  -$1.523 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.746 billion (2009 est.)

Thailand
  $12.29 billion (2010 est.)
  $21.86 billion (2009)

Timor-Leste
  $1.161 billion (2007 est.)

Togo
  -$339 million (2010 est.)
  -$236 million (2009 est.)

Tonga
  -$23 million (2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  $3.363 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.702 billion (2009 est.)

Tunisia
  -$1.389 billion (2010 est.)
  -$1.234 billion (2009 est.)

Turkey
  -$38.82 billion (2010 est.)
  -$13.94 billion (2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  $3.081 billion (2010 est.)
  $1.065 billion (2009 est.)

Tuvalu
  -$11.68 million (2003)

Uganda
  -$784 million (2010 est.)
  -$451 million (2009 est.)

Ukraine
  $603 million (2010 est.)
  -$1.732 billion (2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  $3.409 billion (2010 est.)
  $7.871 billion (2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  -$40.34 billion (2010 est.)
  -$23.65 billion (2009 est.)

United States
  -$561 billion (2010 est.)
  -$378.4 billion (2009 est.)

Uruguay
  -$377 million (2010 est.)
  $258.8 million (2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
  $5.588 billion (2010 est.)
  $3.595 billion (2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  -$60 million (2007 est.)

Venezuela
  $22.07 billion (2010 est.)
  $8.561 billion (2009 est.)

Vietnam
  -$9.622 billion (2010 est.)
  -$7.44 billion (2009 est.)

Yemen
  -$2.181 billion (2010 est.)
  -$2.328 billion (2009 est.)

Zambia
  -$99 million (2010 est.)
  -$174 million (2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
  -$414.2 million (2010 est.)
  -$807.5 million (2009 est.)

======================================================================

@2188

Field Listing :: Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

  This entry gives the dollar value for the stock of all financial
  assets that are available to the central monetary authority for use
  in meeting a country's balance of payments needs as of the end-date
  of the period specified. This category includes not only foreign
  currency and gold, but also a country's holdings of Special Drawing
  Rights in the International Monetary Fund, and its reserve position
  in the Fund.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

Albania
  $1.992 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Algeria
  $150.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $149.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Angola
  $16.89 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $13.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Argentina
  $53.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $48.03 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Armenia
  $2.247 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.004 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Australia
  $38.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $41.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $18.05 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  $6.33 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.364 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bahrain
  $3.766 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.54 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  $10.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $10.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Barbados
  $620 million (2007)

Belarus
  $5.755 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.831 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belgium
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $23.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belize
  $219 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $213.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Benin
  $1.254 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bolivia
  $8.739 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $8.581 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  $2.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.245 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Botswana
  $7.834 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $8.704 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Brazil
  $290.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $238.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bulgaria
  $15.07 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $18.53 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
  $1.588 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.296 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burma
  $3.762 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.561 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burundi
  $320 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $323 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Cambodia
  $3.84 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.289 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cameroon
  $4.023 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.676 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $54.36 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  $296 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $284 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Chad
  $868 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $685 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Chile
  $26.08 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $25.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

China
  $2.622 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.426 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
  $26.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $24.99 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  $1.01 billion (March 2010 est.)
  $1 billion (December 2009 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  $4.123 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.806 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Costa Rica
  $4.584 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.066 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $3.985 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.267 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Croatia
  $13.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $14.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
  $4.847 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.647 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cyprus
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.289 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  $38.67 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $41.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $76.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Dominican Republic
  $2.705 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.905 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
  $3.59 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.792 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
  $35.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $33.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
  $2.819 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.985 billion (31 December 2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  $4.086 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.252 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Eritrea
  $104 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $88 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Estonia
  $3.641 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.981 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  $1.88 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.781 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

European Union
  $NA

Finland
  $9.128 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $11.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

France
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $133.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gabon
  $2.602 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.993 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gambia, The
  $203 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $224 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Georgia
  $2.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Germany
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $180.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ghana
  $3.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.165 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Greece
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.546 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Guatemala
  $5.709 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.973 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Guinea
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $51 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Guyana
  $506 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $631.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Haiti
  $1.021 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $790 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Honduras
  $2.302 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.127 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  $262.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $255.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hungary
  $45.73 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $44.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
  $4.206 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.883 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

India
  $284.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $274.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
  $83.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $66.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
  $75.06 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $81.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iraq
  $45.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $44.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ireland
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.154 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Israel
  $66.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $60.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Italy
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $132.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Jamaica
  $1.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.081 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.024 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Jordan
  $12.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $12.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
  $32.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $23.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
  $4.585 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.85 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Korea, South
  $274.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $270 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kosovo
  $NA

Kuwait
  $22.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $20.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  $1.615 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.585 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Laos
  $756 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $712.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Latvia
  $7.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.907 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
  $41.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $39.16 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lesotho
  $893 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $988 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Libya
  $107.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $104.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lithuania
  $6.418 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $810 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Macau
  $NA

Macedonia
  $2.127 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.292 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Madagascar
  $1.038 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.136 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malawi
  $301 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $163.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Malaysia
  $104.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $96.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malta
  $522 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $538.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Mauritius
  $2.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.304 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mexico
  $116.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $99.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Moldova
  $1.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.48 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Montenegro
  $NA

Morocco
  $24.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $23.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mozambique
  $1.982 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.829 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
  $1.961 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.051 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Netherlands
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $39.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

New Zealand
  $17.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $15.59 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  $1.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.573 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nigeria
  $43.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $44.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Norway
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $48.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Oman
  $14 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $12.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Pakistan
  $16.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $13.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Panama
  $3.525 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.028 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  $3.017 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.607 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Paraguay
  $4.082 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.862 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Peru
  $37.27 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $33.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
  $49.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $44.24 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
  $99.76 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $79.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $16.03 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Qatar
  $22.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $18.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Romania
  $50.51 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $44.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
  $483.1 billion (30 November 2010)
  $439.4 billion (31 December 2009)

Rwanda
  $816 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $742.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Samoa
  $70.15 million (FY03/04)

Sao Tome and Principe
  $46 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $39 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  $456.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $410.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Senegal
  $2.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.123 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
  $16.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $15.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Seychelles
  $193 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $190.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Singapore
  $212.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $187.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.16 billion (31 January 2010 est.)

Slovenia
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.08 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

South Africa
  $45.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $39.68 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Spain
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $28.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  $5.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.358 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sudan
  $2.063 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $897 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Suriname
  $263.3 million (2006)

Swaziland
  $708 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $959 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sweden
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $47.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Switzerland
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $135.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Syria
  $17.96 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $17.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taiwan
  $382.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $353 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  $303 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $227 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Tanzania
  $3.687 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  note: excludes gold

Thailand
  $176.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $138.4 billion (31 December 2009)

Togo
  $686 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $703.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Tonga
  $40.83 million (FY04/05)

Trinidad and Tobago
  $9.659 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $9.246 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tunisia
  $11.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $11.06 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
  $78 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $75 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  $10.81 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $9.551 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uganda
  $3.743 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.995 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  note: excludes gold

Ukraine
  $32.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $26.51 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  $39.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $36.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $66.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United States
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $130.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uruguay
  $7.407 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $8.038 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
  $10.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  $40.54 million (2003)

Venezuela
  $29.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
  $16.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $16.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Yemen
  $5.744 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.993 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zambia
  $2.287 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.892 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
  $376 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $351 million (31 December 2009 est.)

======================================================================

@2189

Field Listing :: Union name

Country

Union name

European Union conventional long form: European Union abbreviation: EU

======================================================================

@2190

Field Listing :: Political structure

Country

Political structure

European Union
  a hybrid intergovernmental and supranational
  organization

======================================================================

@2191

Field Listing :: Member states

Country

Member states

European Union
  27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus,
  Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
  Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
  Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
  Sweden, UK; note - candidate countries: Croatia, Iceland, Macedonia,
  Montenegro, Turkey

======================================================================

@2192

Field Listing :: Preliminary statement

Country

Preliminary statement

European Union
  The evolution of the European Union (EU) from a
  regional economic agreement among six neighboring states in 1951 to
  today's supranational organization of 27 countries across the
  European continent stands as an unprecedented phenomenon in the
  annals of history. Dynastic unions for territorial consolidation
  were long the norm in Europe. On a few occasions even country-level
  unions were arranged - the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the
  Austro-Hungarian Empire were examples - but for such a large number
  of nation-states to cede some of their sovereignty to an overarching
  entity is truly unique.
  Although the EU is not a federation in the strict sense, it is far
  more than a free-trade association such as ASEAN, NAFTA, or
  Mercosur, and it has many of the attributes associated with
  independent nations: its own flag, anthem, founding date, and
  currency, as well as an incipient common foreign and security policy
  in its dealings with other nations.
  In the future, many of these nation-like characteristics are likely
  to be expanded. Thus, inclusion of basic intelligence on the EU has
  been deemed appropriate as a new, separate entity in The World
  Factbook. However, because of the EU's special status, this
  description is placed after the regular country entries.

======================================================================

@2193

Field Listing :: Major infectious diseases

This entry lists major infectious diseases likely to be encountered in countries where the risk of such diseases is assessed to be very high as compared to the United States. These infectious diseases represent risks to US government personnel traveling to the specified country for a period of less than three years. The degree of risk is assessed by considering the foreign nature of these infectious diseases, their severity, and the probability of being affected by the diseases present. The diseases listed do not necessarily represent the total disease burden experienced by the local population. The risk to an individual traveler varies considerably by the specific location, visit duration, type of activities, type of accommodations, time of year, and other factors. Consultation with a travel medicine physician is needed to evaluate individual risk and recommend appropriate preventive measures such as vaccines. Diseases are organized into the following six exposure categories shown in italics and listed in typical descending order of risk. Note: The sequence of exposure categories listed in individual country entries may vary according to local conditions. food or waterborne diseases acquired through eating or drinking on the local economy: Hepatitis A - viral disease that interferes with the functioning of the liver; spread through consumption of food or water contaminated with fecal matter, principally in areas of poor sanitation; victims exhibit fever, jaundice, and diarrhea; 15% of victims will experience prolonged symptoms over 6-9 months; vaccine available. Hepatitis E - water-borne viral disease that interferes with the functioning of the liver; most commonly spread through fecal contamination of drinking water; victims exhibit jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and dark colored urine. Typhoid fever - bacterial disease spread through contact with food or water contaminated by fecal matter or sewage; victims exhibit sustained high fevers; left untreated, mortality rates can reach 20%. vectorborne diseases acquired through the bite of an infected arthropod: Malaria - caused by single-cell parasitic protozoa Plasmodium; transmitted to humans via the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito; parasites multiply in the liver attacking red blood cells resulting in cycles of fever, chills, and sweats accompanied by anemia; death due to damage to vital organs and interruption of blood supply to the brain; endemic in 100, mostly tropical, countries with 90% of cases and the majority of 1.5-2.5 million estimated annual deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Dengue fever - mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease associated with urban environments; manifests as sudden onset of fever and severe headache; occasionally produces shock and hemorrhage leading to death in 5% of cases. Yellow fever - mosquito-borne viral disease; severity ranges from influenza-like symptoms to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever; occurs only in tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa, where most cases are reported; fatality rate is less than 20%. Japanese Encephalitis - mosquito-borne (Culex tritaeniorhynchus) viral disease associated with rural areas in Asia; acute encephalitis can progress to paralysis, coma, and death; fatality rates 30%. African Trypanosomiasis - caused by the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma; transmitted to humans via the bite of bloodsucking Tsetse flies; infection leads to malaise and irregular fevers and, in advanced cases when the parasites invade the central nervous system, coma and death; endemic in 36 countries of sub-Saharan Africa; cattle and wild animals act as reservoir hosts for the parasites. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis - caused by the parasitic protozoa leishmania; transmitted to humans via the bite of sandflies; results in skin lesions that may become chronic; endemic in 88 countries; 90% of cases occur in Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Peru; wild and domesticated animals as well as humans can act as reservoirs of infection. Plague - bacterial disease transmitted by fleas normally associated with rats; person-to-person airborne transmission also possible; recent plague epidemics occurred in areas of Asia, Africa, and South America associated with rural areas or small towns and villages; manifests as fever, headache, and painfully swollen lymph nodes; disease progresses rapidly and without antibiotic treatment leads to pneumonic form with a death rate in excess of 50%. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever - tick-borne viral disease; infection may also result from exposure to infected animal blood or tissue; geographic distribution includes Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe; sudden onset of fever, headache, and muscle aches followed by hemorrhaging in the bowels, urine, nose, and gums; mortality rate is approximately 30%. Rift Valley fever - viral disease affecting domesticated animals and humans; transmission is by mosquito and other biting insects; infection may also occur through handling of infected meat or contact with blood; geographic distribution includes eastern and southern Africa where cattle and sheep are raised; symptoms are generally mild with fever and some liver abnormalities, but the disease may progress to hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, or ocular disease; fatality rates are low at about 1% of cases. Chikungunya - mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease associated with urban environments, similar to Dengue Fever; characterized by sudden onset of fever, rash, and severe joint pain usually lasting 3-7 days, some cases result in persistent arthritis. water contact diseases acquired through swimming or wading in freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers: Leptospirosis - bacterial disease that affects animals and humans; infection occurs through contact with water, food, or soil contaminated by animal urine; symptoms include high fever, severe headache, vomiting, jaundice, and diarrhea; untreated, the disease can result in kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, or respiratory distress; fatality rates are low but left untreated recovery can take months. Schistosomiasis - caused by parasitic trematode flatworm Schistosoma; fresh water snails act as intermediate host and release larval form of parasite that penetrates the skin of people exposed to contaminated water; worms mature and reproduce in the blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and intestines releasing eggs, which become trapped in tissues triggering an immune response; may manifest as either urinary or intestinal disease resulting in decreased work or learning capacity; mortality, while generally low, may occur in advanced cases usually due to bladder cancer; endemic in 74 developing countries with 80% of infected people living in sub-Saharan Africa; humans act as the reservoir for this parasite. aerosolized dust or soil contact disease acquired through inhalation of aerosols contaminated with rodent urine: Lassa fever - viral disease carried by rats of the genus Mastomys; endemic in portions of West Africa; infection occurs through direct contact with or consumption of food contaminated by rodent urine or fecal matter containing virus particles; fatality rate can reach 50% in epidemic outbreaks. respiratory disease acquired through close contact with an infectious person: Meningococcal meningitis - bacterial disease causing an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord; one of the most important bacterial pathogens is Neisseria meningitidis because of its potential to cause epidemics; symptoms include stiff neck, high fever, headaches, and vomiting; bacteria are transmitted from person to person by respiratory droplets and facilitated by close and prolonged contact resulting from crowded living conditions, often with a seasonal distribution; death occurs in 5-15% of cases, typically within 24-48 hours of onset of symptoms; highest burden of meningococcal disease occurs in the hyperendemic region of sub-Saharan Africa known as the "Meningitis Belt" which stretches from Senegal east to Ethiopia. animal contact disease acquired through direct contact with local animals: Rabies - viral disease of mammals usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, most commonly dogs; virus affects the central nervous system causing brain alteration and death; symptoms initially are non-specific fever and headache progressing to neurological symptoms; death occurs within days of the onset of symptoms. Country

Major infectious diseases

Afghanistan
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  animal contact disease: rabies
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Angola
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping
  sickness)
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Argentina
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Bangladesh
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria are high risks in
  some locations
  water contact disease: leptospirosis
  animal contact disease: rabies
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Belize
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Benin
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Bhutan
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Bolivia
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Botswana
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Burkina Faso
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  animal contact disease: rabies
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Burma
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  water contact disease: leptospirosis
  animal contact disease: rabies
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Burundi
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Cambodia
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and
  malaria
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Cameroon
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Central African Republic
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Chad
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

China
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever
  soil contact disease: hantaviral hemorrhagic fever with renal
  syndrome (HFRS)
  animal contact disease: rabies
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Colombia
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria, plague, and African trypanosomiasis
  (sleeping sickness)
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Congo, Republic of the
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria and African trypanosomiasis (sleeping
  sickness)
  animal contact disease: rabies
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Costa Rica
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever (2009)

Cote d'Ivoire
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
  water contact: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Croatia
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Cuba
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever (2009)

Djibouti
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Dominican Republic
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Ecuador
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Egypt
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: Rift Valley fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

El Salvador
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Equatorial Guinea
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Eritrea
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Estonia
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Ethiopia
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  animal contact disease: rabies
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Gabon
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria and chikungunya
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Gambia, The
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Ghana
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  animal contact disease: rabies
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Guatemala
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Guinea
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies
  aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever (2009)

Guinea-Bissau
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Guyana
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Haiti
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Honduras
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Hungary
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
  vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

India
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E,
  and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese
  encephalitis, and malaria
  animal contact disease: rabies
  water contact disease: leptospirosis
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Indonesia
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E,
  and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever, and malaria
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Iran
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne diseases: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever and malaria
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Iraq
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Kenya
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria and Rift Valley fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Laos
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2008)
  (2009)

Latvia
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Liberia
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Lithuania
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Madagascar
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, malaria, and plague
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Malawi
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Malaysia
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Mali
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis (2009)

Mauritania
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and Rift Valley fever
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Mexico
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: dengue fever
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Montenegro
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne disease: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (2009)

Mozambique
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Namibia
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nepal
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: Japanese encephalitis, malaria, and dengue
  fever (2009)

Nicaragua
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Niger
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nigeria
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: one of the most highly
  endemic areas for Lassa fever
  water contact disease: leptospirosis and shistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Pakistan
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E,
  and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  animal contact disease: rabies
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Panama
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Papua New Guinea
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Paraguay
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Peru
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial, hepatitis A, and typhoid
  fever
  vectorborne disease: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Philippines
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese
  encephalitis
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Poland
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Russia
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Rwanda
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Sao Tome and Principe
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Senegal
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever,
  malaria, Rift Valley fever, and yellow fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Serbia
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne disease: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Sierra Leone
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever (2009)

Somalia
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Rift Valley fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

South Africa
  degree of risk: intermediate
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Sri Lanka
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
  vectorborne disease: dengue fever and chikungunya
  water contact disease: leptospirosis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Sudan
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, African trypanosomiasis
  (sleeping sickness)
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  animal contact disease: rabies
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Suriname
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: dengue fever, Mayaro virus, and malaria
  water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Swaziland
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Tajikistan
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria (2009)

Tanzania
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Thailand
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and
  malaria
  animal contact disease: rabies
  water contact disease: leptospirosis
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Timor-Leste
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Togo
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
  animal contact disease: rabies
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Uganda
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria, plague, and African trypanosomiasis
  (sleeping sickness)
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Venezuela
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
  vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Vietnam
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis,
  and plague
  water contact disease: leptospirosis
  note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in
  this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases
  possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Yemen
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
  typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Zambia
  degree of risk: very high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: malaria and plague are high risks in some
  locations
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Zimbabwe
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,
  hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne disease: malaria
  water contact disease: schistosomiasis
  animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

======================================================================

@2194

Field Listing :: Refugees and internally displaced persons

This entry includes those persons residing in a country as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs). The definition of a refugee according to a United Nations Convention is "a person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution." The UN established the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1950 to handle refugee matters worldwide. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has a different operational definition for a Palestinian refugee: "a person whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict." However, UNHCR also assists some 400,000 Palestinian refugees not covered under the UNRWA definition. The term "internally displaced person" is not specifically covered in the UN Convention; it is used to describe people who have fled their homes for reasons similar to refugees, but who remain within their own national territory and are subject to the laws of that state. Country

Refugees and internally displaced persons

Afghanistan
  IDPs: 132,246 (mostly Pashtuns and Kuchis displaced in
  south and west due to drought and instability) (2007)

Algeria
  refugees (country of origin): 90,000 (Western Saharan
  Sahrawi, mostly living in Algerian-sponsored camps in the
  southwestern Algerian town of Tindouf)
  IDPs: undetermined (civil war during 1990s) (2007)

Angola
  refugees (country of origin): 12,615 (Democratic Republic of
  Congo)
  IDPs: 61,700 (27-year civil war ending in 2002; 4 million IDPs
  already have returned) (2007)

Armenia
  refugees (country of origin): 113,295 (Azerbaijan)
  IDPs: 8,400 (conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh,
  majority have returned home since 1994 ceasefire) (2007)

Azerbaijan
  refugees (country of origin): 2,400 (Russia)
  IDPs: 580,000-690,000 (conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh)
  (2007)

Bangladesh
  refugees (country of origin): 26,268 (Burma)
  IDPs: 65,000 (land conflicts, religious persecution) (2007)

Benin
  refugees (country of origin): 9,444 (Togo) (2007)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  refugees (country of origin): 7,269 (Croatia)
  IDPs: 131,600 (Bosnian Croats, Serbs, and Bosniaks displaced in
  1992-95 war) (2007)

Burma
  IDPs: 503,000 (government offensives against ethnic insurgent
  groups near the eastern borders; most IDPs are ethnic Karen,
  Karenni, Shan, Tavoyan, and Mon) (2007)

Burundi
  refugees (country of origin): 9,849 (Democratic Republic of
  the Congo)
  IDPs: 100,000 (armed conflict between government and rebels; most
  IDPs in northern and western Burundi) (2007)

Cameroon
  refugees (country of origin): 20,000-30,000 (Chad); 3,000
  (Nigeria); 24,000 (Central African Republic) (2007)

Central African Republic
  refugees (country of origin): 7,900
  (Sudan); 3,700 (Democratic Republic of the Congo); note - UNHCR
  resumed repatriation of Southern Sudanese refugees in 2006
  IDPs: 197,000 (ongoing unrest following coup in 2003) (2007)

Chad
  refugees (country of origin): 234,000 (Sudan); 54,200 (Central
  African Republic)
  IDPs: 178,918 (2007)

China
  refugees (country of origin): 300,897 (Vietnam); estimated
  30,000-50,000 (North Korea)
  IDPs: 90,000 (2007)

Colombia
  IDPs: 1.8-3.5 million (conflict between government and
  illegal armed groups and drug traffickers) (2007)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  refugees (country of origin):
  132,295 (Angola); 37,313 (Rwanda); 17,777 (Burundi); 13,904
  (Uganda); 6,181 (Sudan); 5,243 (Republic of Congo)
  IDPs: 1.4 million (fighting between government forces and rebels
  since mid-1990s; most IDPs are in eastern provinces) (2007)

Congo, Republic of the
  refugees (country of origin): 46,341
  (Democratic Republic of Congo); 6,564 (Rwanda)
  IDPs: 48,000 (multiple civil wars since 1992; most IDPs are ethnic
  Lari) (2007)

Costa Rica
  refugees (country of origin): 9,699-11,500 (Colombia)
  (2007)

Cote d'Ivoire
  refugees (country of origin): 25,615 (Liberia)
  IDPs: 709,000 (2002 coup; most IDPs are in western regions) (2007)

Croatia
  IDPs: 2,900-7,000 (Croats and Serbs displaced in 1992-95
  war) (2007)

Cyprus
  IDPs: 210,000 (both Turkish and Greek Cypriots; many
  displaced for over 30 years) (2007)

Djibouti
  refugees (country of origin): 8,642 (Somalia) (2007)

Ecuador
  refugees (country of origin): 11,526 (Colombia); note -
  UNHCR estimates as many as 250,000 Columbians are seeking asylum in
  Ecuador, many of whom do not register as refugees for fear of
  deportation (2007)

Egypt
  refugees (country of origin): 60,000 - 80,000 (Iraq); 70,198
  (Palestinian Territories); 12,157 (Sudan) (2007)

Eritrea
  IDPs: 32,000 (border war with Ethiopia from 1998-2000; most
  IDPs are near the central border region) (2007)

Ethiopia
  refugees (country of origin): 66,980 (Sudan); 16,576
  (Somalia); 13,078 (Eritrea)
  IDPs: 200,000 (border war with Eritrea from 1998-2000, ethnic
  clashes in Gambela, and ongoing Ethiopian military counterinsurgency
  in Somali region; most IDPs are in Tigray and Gambela Provinces)
  (2007)

Gabon
  refugees (country of origin): 7,178 (Republic of Congo) (2007)

Gambia, The
  refugees (country of origin): 5,955 (Sierra Leone) (2007)

Gaza Strip
  refugees (country of origin): 1.017 million (Palestinian
  Refugees (UNRWA)) (2007)

Georgia
  refugees (country of origin): 1,100 (Russia)
  IDPs: 220,000-240,000 (displaced from Abkhazia and South Ossetia)
  (2007)

Ghana
  refugees (country of origin): 35,653 (Liberia); 8,517 (Togo)
  (2007)

Guatemala
  IDPs: undetermined (the UN does not estimate there are any
  IDPs, although some NGOs estimate over 200,000 IDPs as a result of
  over three decades of internal conflict that ended in 1996) (2007)

Guinea
  refugees (country of origin): 21,856 (Liberia); 5,259 (Sierra
  Leone); 3,900 (Cote d'Ivoire)
  IDPs: 19,000 (cross-border incursions from Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia,
  Sierra Leone) (2007)

Guinea-Bissau
  refugees (country of origin): 7,454 (Senegal) (2007)

India
  refugees (country of origin): 77,200 (Tibet/China); 69,609
  (Sri Lanka); 9,472 (Afghanistan)
  IDPs: at least 600,000 (about half are Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu
  and Kashmir) (2007)

Indonesia
  IDPs: 200,000-350,000 (government offensives against
  rebels in Aceh; most IDPs in Aceh, Central Kalimantan, Central
  Sulawesi Provinces, and Maluku) (2007)

Iran
  refugees (country of origin): 914,268 (Afghanistan); 54,024
  (Iraq) (2007)

Iraq
  refugees (country of origin): 10,000-15,000 (Palestinian
  Territories); 11,773 (Iran); 16,832 (Turkey)
  IDPs: 2.4 million (ongoing US-led war and ethno-sectarian violence)
  (2007)

Israel
  IDPs: 150,000-420,000 (Arab villagers displaced from homes in
  northern Israel) (2007)

Jordan
  refugees (country of origin): 1,835,704 (Palestinian Refugees
  (UNRWA)); 500,000 (Iraq)
  IDPs: 160,000 (1967 Arab-Israeli War) (2007)

Kazakhstan
  refugees (country of origin): 3,700 (Russia); 508
  (Afghanistan) (2007)

Kenya
  refugees (country of origin): 173,702 (Somalia); 73,004
  (Sudan); 16,428 (Ethiopia)
  IDPs: 250,000-400,000 (2007 post-election violence; KANU attacks on
  opposition tribal groups in 1990s) (2007)

Korea, North
  IDPs: undetermined (flooding in mid-2007 and famine
  during mid-1990s) (2007)

Kosovo
  IDP's: 21,000 (2007)

Lebanon
  refugees (country of origin): 405,425 (Palestinian refugees
  (UNRWA)); 50,000-60,000 (Iraq)
  IDPs: 17,000 (1975-90 civil war, Israeli invasions); 200,000
  (July-August 2006 war) (2007)

Liberia
  refugees (country of origin): 12,600 (Cote d'Ivoire)
  IDPs: 13,000 (civil war from 1990-2004; IDP resettlement began in
  November 2004) (2007)

Libya
  refugees (country of origin): 8,000 (Palestinian Territories)
  (2007)

Macedonia
  IDPs: fewer than 1,000 (ethnic conflict in 2001) (2007)

Malaysia
  refugees (country of origin): 15,174 (Indonesia); 21,544
  (Burma) (2007)

Maldives
  IDPs: 1,000-10,000 (December 2004 tsunami victims) (2007)

Mali
  refugees (country of origin): 6,300 (Mauritania) (2007)

Mexico
  IDPs: 5,500-10,000 (government's quashing of Zapatista
  uprising in 1994 in eastern Chiapas Region) (2007)

Montenegro
  refugees (country of origin): 7,000 (Kosovo); note -
  mostly ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999
  IDPs: 16,192 (ethnic conflict in 1999 and riots in 2004) (2007)

Namibia
  refugees (country of origin): 4,700 (Angola) (2007)

Nepal
  refugees (country of origin): 107,803 (Bhutan); 20,153
  (Tibet/China)
  IDPs: 50,000-70,000 (remaining from ten-year Maoist insurgency that
  officially ended in 2006; displacement spread across the country)
  (2007)

Nigeria
  refugees (country of origin): 5,778 (Liberia)
  IDPs: undetermined (communal violence between Christians and Muslims
  since President OBASANJO's election in 1999; displacement is mostly
  short-term) (2007)

Pakistan
  refugees (country of origin): 1,043,984 (Afghanistan)
  IDPs: undetermined (government strikes on Islamic militants in South
  Waziristan); 34,000 (October 2005 earthquake; most of those
  displaced returned to their home villages in the spring of 2006)
  (2007)

Papua New Guinea
  refugees (country of origin): 10,177 (Indonesia)
  (2007)

Peru
  IDPs: 60,000-150,000 (civil war from 1980-2000; most IDPs are
  indigenous peasants in Andean and Amazonian regions) (2007)

Philippines
  IDPs: 300,000 (fighting between government troops and
  MILF and Abu Sayyaf groups) (2007)

Russia
  IDPs: 18,000-160,000 (displacement from Chechnya and North
  Ossetia) (2007)

Rwanda
  refugees (country of origin): 46,272 (Democratic Republic of
  the Congo); 4,400 (Burundi) (2007)

Saudi Arabia
  refugees (country of origin): 240,015 (Palestinian
  Territories) (2007)

Senegal
  refugees (country of origin): 19,630 (Mauritania)
  IDPs: 22,400 (approximately 65% of the IDP population returned in
  2005, but new displacement is occurring due to clashes between
  government troops and separatists in Casamance region) (2007)

Serbia
  refugees (country of origin): 71,111 (Croatia); 27,414
  (Bosnia and Herzegovina); 206,000 (Kosovo), note - mostly ethnic
  Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999 (2007)

Sierra Leone
  refugees (country of origin): 27,311 (Liberia) (2007)

Solomon Islands
  IDPs: 5,400 (displaced by tsunami on 2 April 2007)
  (2007)

Somalia
  IDPs: 1.1 million (civil war since 1988, clan-based
  competition for resources) (2007)

South Africa
  refugees (country of origin): 10,772 (Democratic
  Republic of Congo); 7,818 (Somalia); 5,759 (Angola) (2007)

Sri Lanka
  IDPs: 460,000 (both Tamils and non-Tamils displaced due to
  long-term civil war between the government and the separatist
  Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)) (2007)

Sudan
  refugees (country of origin): 157,220 (Eritrea); 25,023
  (Chad); 11,009 (Ethiopia); 7,895 (Uganda); 5,023 (Central African
  Republic)
  IDPs: 5.3 - 6.2 million (civil war 1983-2005; ongoing conflict in
  Darfur region) (2007)

Syria
  refugees (country of origin): 1-1.4 million (Iraq); 522,100
  (Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA))
  IDPs: 305,000 (most displaced from Golan Heights during 1967
  Arab-Israeli War) (2007)

Tanzania
  refugees (country of origin): 352,640 (Burundi); 127,973
  (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (2007)

Thailand
  refugees (country of origin): 132,241 (Burma) (2007)

Timor-Leste
  IDPs: 100,000 (2007)

Togo
  refugees (country of origin): 5,000 (Ghana)
  IDPs: 1,500 (2007)

Turkey
  IDPs: 1-1.2 million (fighting 1984-99 between Kurdish PKK and
  Turkish military; most IDPs in southeastern provinces) (2007)

Turkmenistan
  refugees (country of origin): 11,173 (Tajikistan); less
  than 1,000 (Afghanistan) (2007)

Uganda
  refugees (country of origin): 215,700 (Sudan); 28,880
  (Democratic Republic of Congo); 24,900 (Rwanda)
  IDPs: 1.27 million (350,000 IDPs returned in 2006 following ongoing
  peace talks between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the
  Government of Uganda) (2007)

United States
  refugees (country of origin): the US admitted 62,643
  refugees during FY04/05 including; 10,586 (Somalia); 8,549 (Laos);
  6,666 (Russia); 6,479 (Cuba); 3,100 (Haiti); 2,136 (Iran) (2006)

Uzbekistan
  refugees (country of origin): 39,202 (Tajikistan); 1,060
  (Afghanistan)
  IDPs: 3,400 (forced population transfers by government from villages
  near Tajikistan border) (2007)

West Bank
  refugees (country of origin): 722,000 (Palestinian
  Refugees (UNRWA)) (2007)

World
  the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
  estimated that in December 2006 there was a global population of 8.8
  million registered refugees and as many as 24.5 million IDPs in more
  than 50 countries; the actual global population of refugees is
  probably closer to 10 million given the estimated 1.5 million Iraqi
  refugees displaced throughout the Middle East (2007)

Yemen
  refugees (country of origin): 91,587 (Somalia) (2007)

Zambia
  refugees (country of origin): 42,565 (Angola); 60,874
  (Democratic Republic of the Congo); 4,100 (Rwanda) (2007)

Zimbabwe
  refugees (country of origin): 2,500 (Democratic Republic of
  Congo)
  IDPs: 569,685 (MUGABE-led political violence, human rights
  violations, land reform, and economic collapse) (2007)

======================================================================

@2195

Field Listing :: GDP (official exchange rate)

This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at official exchange rates (OER) is the home-currency-denominated annual GDP figure divided by the bilateral average US exchange rate with that country in that year. The measure is simple to compute and gives a precise measure of the value of output. Many economists prefer this measure when gauging the economic power an economy maintains vis-a-vis its neighbors, judging that an exchange rate captures the purchasing power a nation enjoys in the international marketplace. Official exchange rates, however, can be artificially fixed and/or subject to manipulation - resulting in claims of the country having an under- or over-valued currency - and are not necessarily the equivalent of a market-determined exchange rate. Moreover, even if the official exchange rate is market-determined, market exchange rates are frequently established by a relatively small set of goods and services (the ones the country trades) and may not capture the value of the larger set of goods the country produces. Furthermore, OER-converted GDP is not well suited to comparing domestic GDP over time, since appreciation/depreciation from one year to the next will make the OER GDP value rise/fall regardless of whether home-currency-denominated GDP changed. Country

GDP (official exchange rate)

Afghanistan
  $16.63 billion (2010 est.)

Albania
  $11.58 billion (2010 est.)

Algeria
  $159 billion (2010 est.)

American Samoa
  $462.2 million (2005)

Andorra
  $NA

Angola
  $85.81 billion (2010 est.)

Anguilla
  $175.4 million (2009 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  $1.099 billion (2010 est.)

Argentina
  $351 billion (2010 est.)

Armenia
  $8.83 billion (2010 est.)

Aruba
  $2.258 billion (2005 est.)

Australia
  $1.22 trillion (2010 est.)

Austria
  $366.3 billion (2010 est.)

Azerbaijan
  $52.17 billion (2010 est.)

Bahamas, The
  $7.538 billion (2010 est.)

Bahrain
  $21.73 billion (2010 est.)

Bangladesh
  $105.4 billion (2010 est.)

Barbados
  $3.963 billion (2010 est.)

Belarus
  $52.89 billion (2010 est.)

Belgium
  $461.3 billion (2010 est.)

Belize
  $1.431 billion (2010 est.)

Benin
  $6.494 billion (2010 est.)

Bermuda
  $NA

Bhutan
  $1.397 billion (2010 est.)

Bolivia
  $19.18 billion (2010 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  $16.2 billion (2010 est.)

Botswana
  $12.5 billion (2010 est.)

Brazil
  $2.024 trillion (2010 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  $1.095 billion (2008)

Brunei
  $11.96 billion (2010 est.)

Bulgaria
  $44.84 billion (2010 est.)

Burkina Faso
  $8.672 billion (2010 est.)

Burma
  $35.65 billion (2010 est.)

Burundi
  $1.469 billion (2010 est.)

Cambodia
  $11.36 billion (2010 est.)

Cameroon
  $21.88 billion (2010 est.)

Canada
  $1.564 trillion (2010 est.)

Cape Verde
  $1.573 billion (2010 est.)

Cayman Islands
  $2.25 billion (2008 est.)

Central African Republic
  $2.113 billion (2010 est.)

Chad
  $7.592 billion (2010 est.)

Chile
  $199.2 billion (2010 est.)

China
  $5.745 trillion
  note: because China's exchange rate is determine by fiat, rather
  than by market forces, the official exchange rate measure of GDP is
  not an accurate measure of China's output; GDP at the official
  exchange rate substantially understates the actual level of China's
  output vis-a-vis the rest of the world; in China's situation, GDP at
  purchasing power parity provides the best measure for comparing
  output across countries (2010 est.)

Colombia
  $283.1 billion (2010 est.)

Comoros
  $557 million (2010 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  $12.6 billion (2010 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  $11.88 billion (2010 est.)

Cook Islands
  $183.2 million (2005 est.)

Costa Rica
  $35.02 billion (2010 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $22.38 billion (2010 est.)

Croatia
  $59.92 billion (2010 est.)

Cuba
  $57.49 billion (2010 est.)

Curacao
  $5.08 billion (2008 est.)

Cyprus
  $22.75 billion (2010 est.)

Czech Republic
  $195.2 billion (2010 est.)

Denmark
  $304.6 billion (2010 est.)

Djibouti
  $1.139 billion (2010 est.)

Dominica
  $375 million (2010 est.)

Dominican Republic
  $50.87 billion (2010 est.)

Ecuador
  $61.49 billion (2010 est.)

Egypt
  $216.8 billion (2010 est.)

El Salvador
  $21.8 billion (2010 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  $14.55 billion (2010 est.)

Eritrea
  $2.254 billion (2010 est.)

Estonia
  $19.22 billion (2010 est.)

Ethiopia
  $30.94 billion (2010 est.)

European Union
  $15.9 trillion (2010 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  $105.1 million (2002 est.)

Faroe Islands
  $2.45 billion (2008 est.)

Fiji
  $3.154 billion (2010 est.)

Finland
  $232 billion (2010 est.)

France
  $2.555 trillion (2010 est.)

French Polynesia
  $6.1 billion (2004)

Gabon
  $12.56 billion (2010 est.)

Gambia, The
  $1.04 billion (2010 est.)

Georgia
  $11.23 billion (2010 est.)

Germany
  $3.306 trillion (2010 est.)

Ghana
  $18.06 billion (2010 est.)

Gibraltar
  $1.106 billion (2006 est.)

Greece
  $302 billion (2010 est.)

Greenland
  $2.03 billion (2008)

Grenada
  $645 million (2010 est.)

Guam
  $2.773 billion (2001)

Guatemala
  $40.77 billion (2010 est.)

Guernsey
  $2.742 billion (2005)

Guinea
  $4.344 billion (2010 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  $825 million (2010 est.)

Guyana
  $2.197 billion (2010 est.)

Haiti
  $6.495 billion (2010 est.)

Honduras
  $15.34 billion (2010 est.)

Hong Kong
  $226.5 billion (2010 est.)

Hungary
  $132.3 billion (2010 est.)

Iceland
  $12.77 billion (2010 est.)

India
  $1.43 trillion (2010 est.)

Indonesia
  $695.1 billion (2010 est.)

Iran
  $337.9 billion (2010 est.)

Iraq
  $84.14 billion (2010 est.)

Ireland
  $204.1 billion (2010 est.)

Isle of Man
  $2.719 billion (2005 est.)

Israel
  $201.3 billion (2010 est.)

Italy
  $2.037 trillion (2010 est.)

Jamaica
  $13.74 billion (2010 est.)

Japan
  $5.391 trillion (2010 est.)

Jersey
  $5.1 billion (2005 est.)

Jordan
  $27.13 billion (2010 est.)

Kazakhstan
  $129.8 billion (2010 est.)

Kenya
  $32.42 billion (2010 est.)

Kiribati
  $152 million (2010 est.)

Korea, North
  $28 billion (2009 est.)

Korea, South
  $986.3 billion (2010 est.)

Kosovo
  $3.237 billion (2007 est.)

Kuwait
  $117.3 billion (2010 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  $4.444 billion (2010 est.)

Laos
  $6.341 billion (2010 est.)

Latvia
  $23.39 billion (2010 est.)

Lebanon
  $39.15 billion (2010 est.)

Lesotho
  $1.799 billion (2010 est.)

Liberia
  $977 million (2010 est.)

Libya
  $77.91 billion (2010 est.)

Liechtenstein
  $4.603 billion (2007)

Lithuania
  $35.73 billion (2010 est.)

Luxembourg
  $52.43 billion (2010 est.)

Macau
  $22.1 billion (2009 est.)

Macedonia
  $9.58 billion (2010 est.)

Madagascar
  $8.33 billion (2010 est.)

Malawi
  $5.035 billion (2010 est.)

Malaysia
  $219 billion (2010 est.)

Maldives
  $1.433 billion (2010 est.)

Mali
  $9.077 billion (2010 est.)

Malta
  $7.801 billion (2010 est.)

Marshall Islands
  $161.7 million (2008 est.)

Mauritania
  $3.486 billion (2010 est.)

Mauritius
  $9.427 billion (2010 est.)

Mayotte
  $NA

Mexico
  $1.004 trillion (2010 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  $238.1 million (2008)

Moldova
  $5.357 billion (2010 est.)

Monaco
  $NA

Mongolia
  $5.807 billion (2010 est.)

Montenegro
  $3.884 billion (2010 est.)

Montserrat
  $NA

Morocco
  $91.7 billion (2010 est.)

Mozambique
  $10.21 billion (2010 est.)

Namibia
  $11.45 billion (2010 est.)

Nauru
  $NA

Nepal
  $15.11 billion (2010 est.)

Netherlands
  $770.3 billion (2010 est.)

New Caledonia
  $3.3 billion (2003 est.)

New Zealand
  $138 billion (2010 est.)

Nicaragua
  $6.375 billion (2010 est.)

Niger
  $5.603 billion (2010 est.)

Nigeria
  $206.7 billion (2010 est.)

Niue
  $10.01 million (2003)

Northern Mariana Islands
  $633.4 million (2000)

Norway
  $413.5 billion (2010 est.)

Oman
  $53.78 billion (2010 est.)

Pakistan
  $174.8 billion (2010 est.)

Palau
  $164 million (2008)

Panama
  $27.2 billion (2010 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  $8.809 billion (2010 est.)

Paraguay
  $17.17 billion (2010 est.)

Peru
  $153.5 billion (2010 est.)

Philippines
  $189.1 billion (2010 est.)

Poland
  $438.9 billion (2010 est.)

Portugal
  $223.7 billion (2010 est.)

Puerto Rico
  $93.52 billion (2010 est.)

Qatar
  $126.5 billion (2010 est.)

Romania
  $158.4 billion (2010 est.)

Russia
  $1.477 trillion (2010 est.)

Rwanda
  $5.693 billion (2010 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  $NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  $562 million (2010 est.)

Saint Lucia
  $1 billion (2010 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  $NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  $583 million (2010 est.)

Samoa
  $550 million (2010 est.)

San Marino
  $1.048 billion (2004)

Sao Tome and Principe
  $187 million (2010 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  $434.4 billion (2010 est.)

Senegal
  $12.66 billion (2010 est.)

Serbia
  $38.92 billion (2010 est.)

Seychelles
  $919 million (2010 est.)

Sierra Leone
  $1.901 billion (2010 est.)

Singapore
  $217.4 billion (2010 est.)

Sint Maarten
  $794.7 million (2008)

Slovakia
  $86.26 billion (2010 est.)

Slovenia
  $46.44 billion (2010 est.)

Solomon Islands
  $674 million (2010 est.)

Somalia
  $2.372 billion (2010 est.)

South Africa
  $354.4 billion (2010 est.)

Spain
  $1.375 trillion (2010 est.)

Sri Lanka
  $48.24 billion (2010 est.)

Sudan
  $65.93 billion (2010 est.)

Suriname
  $3.297 billion (2010 est.)

Swaziland
  $3.165 billion (2010 est.)

Sweden
  $444.6 billion (2010 est.)

Switzerland
  $522.4 billion (2010 est.)

Syria
  $59.63 billion (2010 est.)

Taiwan
  $427 billion (2010 est.)

Tajikistan
  $5.578 billion (2010 est.)

Tanzania
  $22.43 billion (2010 est.)

Thailand
  $312.6 billion (2010 est.)

Timor-Leste
  $616 million (2010 est.)

Togo
  $3.074 billion (2010 est.)

Tokelau
  $NA

Tonga
  $301 million (2010 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  $21.2 billion (2010 est.)

Tunisia
  $43.86 billion (2010 est.)

Turkey
  $729.1 billion (2010 est.)

Turkmenistan
  $27.96 billion (2010 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  $NA

Tuvalu
  $14.94 million (2002)

Uganda
  $17.12 billion (2010 est.)

Ukraine
  $136.6 billion (2010 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  $239.7 billion (2010 est.)

United Kingdom
  $2.259 trillion (2010 est.)

United States
  $14.62 trillion (2010 est.)

Uruguay
  $40.71 billion (2010 est.)

Uzbekistan
  $37.72 billion (2010 est.)

Vanuatu
  $721 million (2010 est.)

Venezuela
  $285.2 billion (2010 est.)

Vietnam
  $102 billion (2010 est.)

Virgin Islands
  $NA

Wallis and Futuna
  $NA

West Bank
  $6.641 billion (2008 est.)

Western Sahara
  $NA

World
  GWP (gross world product): $62.22 trillion (2010 est.)

Yemen
  $30.02 billion (2010 est.)

Zambia
  $15.69 billion (2010 est.)

Zimbabwe
  $5.574 billion
  note: in 2009, the Zimbabwean dollar was taken out of circulation,
  making Zimbabwe's GDP at the official exchange rate a highly
  inaccurate statistic (2010 est.)

======================================================================

@2196

Field Listing :: Trafficking in persons

Trafficking in persons is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. The International Labor Organization (ILO), the UN agency charged with addressing labor standards, employment, and social protection issues, estimates that 12.3 million people worldwide are enslaved in forced labor, bonded labor, forced child labor, sexual servitude, and involuntary servitude at any given time. Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat, depriving people of their human rights and freedoms, risking global health, promoting social breakdown, inhibiting development by depriving countries of their human capital, and helping fuel the growth of organized crime. In 2000, the US Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), reauthorized in 2003 and 2005, which provides tools for the US to combat trafficking in persons, both domestically and abroad. One of the law's key components is the creation of the US Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which assesses the government response (i.e., the current situation) in some 150 countries with a significant number of victims trafficked across their borders who are recruited, harbored, transported, provided, or obtained for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Countries in the annual report are rated in three tiers, based on government efforts to combat trafficking. The countries identified in this entry are those listed in the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report as Tier 2 Watch List or Tier 3 based on the following tier rating definitions: Tier 2 Watch List countries do not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but are making significant efforts to do so, and meet one of the following criteria: 1. they display high or significantly increasing number of victims, 2. they have failed to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons, or, 3. they have committed to take action over the next year. Tier 3 countries neither satisfy the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking nor demonstrate a significant effort to do so. Countries in this tier are subject to potential non-humanitarian and non-trade sanctions. Country

Trafficking in persons

Algeria
  current situation: Algeria is a transit country for men and
  women trafficked from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe for the purposes
  of commercial sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude;
  criminal networks of sub-Saharan nationals in southern Algeria
  facilitate transit by arranging transportation, forged documents,
  and promises of employment
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Algeria is placed on the Tier 2
  Watch List because it does not fully comply with the minimum
  standards for the elimination of trafficking, however, it is making
  significant efforts to do so; in January 2009, the government
  approved new legislation that criminalizes trafficking in persons
  for the purposes of labor and sexual exploitation representing an
  important step toward complying with international standards;
  despite these efforts, the government did not show overall progress
  in punishing trafficking crimes and protecting trafficking victims
  and continued to lack adequate measures to protect victims and
  prevent trafficking (2009)

Azerbaijan
  current situation: Azerbaijan is primarily a source and
  transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
  purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; women
  and some children from Azerbaijan are trafficked to Turkey and the
  UAE for the purpose of sexual exploitation; men and boys are
  trafficked to Russia for the purpose of forced labor; Azerbaijan
  serves as a transit country for victims from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan,
  Kazakhstan, and Moldova trafficked to Turkey and the UAE for sexual
  exploitation
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Azerbaijan is on the Tier 2 Watch
  List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to
  combat trafficking in persons, particularly efforts to investigate,
  prosecute, and punish traffickers; to address complicity among law
  enforcement personnel; and to adequately identify and protect
  victims in Azerbaijan; the government has yet to develop a
  much-needed mechanism to identify potential trafficking victims and
  refer them to safety and care; poor treatment of trafficking victims
  in courtrooms continues to be a problem (2008)

Bangladesh
  current situation: Bangladesh is a source and transit
  country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of
  forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; a significant share
  of Bangladesh's trafficking victims are men recruited for work
  overseas with fraudulent employment offers who are subsequently
  exploited under conditions of forced labor or debt bondage; children
  are trafficked within Bangladesh for commercial sexual exploitation,
  bonded labor, and forced labor; women and children from Bangladesh
  are also trafficked to India and Pakistan for sexual exploitation
  tier rating: Bangladesh is placed on Tier 2 Watch List because it
  does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination
  of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so,
  including some progress in addressing sex trafficking; the
  government did not demonstrate sufficient progress in criminally
  prosecuting and convicting labor trafficking offenders, particularly
  those responsible for the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers for the
  purpose of labor trafficking (2009)

Belize
  current situation: Belize is a source, transit, and
  destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
  purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; the
  most common form of trafficking in Belize is the internal sex
  trafficking of minors; some Central American men, women, and
  children, particularly from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador,
  migrate voluntarily to Belize in search of work but are subsequently
  subjected to conditions of forced labor or forced prostitution
  tier rating: Belize is placed on Tier 2 Watch List because it does
  not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
  trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so;
  despite efforts to raise public awareness of human trafficking and
  provide protection services for trafficking victims, the government
  did not show evidence of progress in convicting and sentencing
  trafficking offenders last year (2009)

Burma
  current situation: Burma is a source country for women,
  children, and men trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and
  commercial sexual exploitation; Burmese women and children are
  trafficked to East and Southeast Asia for commercial sexual
  exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced labor; Burmese children
  are subjected to conditions of forced labor in Thailand as hawkers
  and beggars; women are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation
  to Malaysia and China; some trafficking victims transit Burma from
  Bangladesh to Malaysia and from China to Thailand; Burma's internal
  trafficking remains the most serious concern occurring primarily
  from villages to urban centers and economic hubs for labor in
  industrial zones, agricultural estates, and commercial sexual
  exploitation; the Burmese military continues to engage in the
  unlawful conscription of child soldiers, and continues to be the
  main perpetrator of forced labor inside Burma; ethnic insurgent
  groups also used compulsory labor of adults and unlawful recruitment
  of children; the regime's widespread use of and lack of
  accountability in forced labor and recruitment of child soldiers is
  particularly worrying and represents the top causal factor for
  Burma's significant trafficking problem
  tier rating: Tier 3 - serious problems remain in Burma, and in some
  areas, most notably in the area of forced labor, the Government of
  Burma is not making significant efforts to comply with the minimum
  standards for the elimination of trafficking, warranting a ranking
  of Tier 3; in other areas, particularly with regard to international
  sex trafficking of women and girls, the Government of Burma is
  making significant efforts (2010)

Cameroon
  current situation: Cameroon is a source, transit, and
  destination country for women and children trafficked for the
  purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; most
  victims are children trafficked within country, with girls primarily
  trafficked for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation; both boys
  and girls are also trafficked within Cameroon for forced labor in
  sweatshops, bars, restaurants, and on tea and cocoa plantations;
  children are trafficked into Cameroon from neighboring states for
  forced labor in agriculture, fishing, street vending, and
  spare-parts shops; Cameroon is a transit country for children
  trafficked between Gabon and Nigeria, and from Nigeria to Saudi
  Arabia; it is a source country for women transported by
  sex-trafficking rings to Europe
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Cameroon is on the Tier 2 Watch
  List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to
  combat human trafficking in 2007, particularly in terms of efforts
  to prosecute and convict trafficking offenders; while Cameroon
  reported some arrests of traffickers, none of them were prosecuted
  or punished; the government does not identify trafficking victims
  among vulnerable populations nor does it monitor the number of
  victims it intercepts (2008)

Central African Republic
  current situation: Central African Republic
  is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and
  children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual
  exploitation; the majority of victims are children trafficked within
  the country for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, street
  vending, and forced agricultural, mine, market and restaurant labor;
  to a lesser extent, children are trafficked from the Central African
  Republic to Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo;
  rebels conscript children into armed forces within the country
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Central African Republic is on the
  Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year for its failure to
  show evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in 2007;
  efforts to address trafficking through vigorous law enforcement
  measures and victim protection efforts were minimal, though
  awareness about trafficking appeared to be increasing in the
  country; the government does not actively investigate cases, work to
  identify trafficking victims among vulnerable populations, or rescue
  and provide care to victims; the government has not taken measures
  to reduce demand for commercial sex acts (2008)

Chad
  current situation: Chad is a source, transit, and destination
  country for children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and
  commercial sexual exploitation; the majority of children are
  trafficked within Chad for involuntary domestic servitude, forced
  cattle herding, forced begging, forced labor in petty commerce or
  the fishing industry, or for commercial sexual exploitation; to a
  lesser extent, Chadian children are also trafficked to Cameroon, the
  Central African Republic, and Nigeria for cattle herding; children
  may also be trafficked from Cameroon and the Central African
  Republic to Chad's oil producing regions for sexual exploitation
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Chad does not
  fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
  trafficking and is not making any significant efforts to do so;
  although facing resource constraints, the government has the
  capacity to conduct basic anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts,
  yet did not do so during the last year; it showed no results in
  enforcing government policy prohibiting the recruitment of child
  soldiers; Chad has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

China
  current situation: China is a source, transit, and destination
  country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of
  sexual exploitation and forced labor; the majority of trafficking in
  China occurs within the country's borders, but there is also
  considerable international trafficking of Chinese citizens to
  Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North
  America; Chinese women are lured abroad through false promises of
  legitimate employment, only to be forced into commercial sexual
  exploitation, largely in Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan;
  women and children are trafficked to China from Mongolia, Burma,
  North Korea, Russia, and Vietnam for forced labor, marriage, and
  prostitution; some North Korean women and children seeking to leave
  their country voluntarily cross the border into China and are then
  sold into prostitution, marriage, or forced labor
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - China is on the Tier 2 Watch List
  for the fourth consecutive year for its failure to provide evidence
  of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in
  terms of punishment of trafficking crimes and the protection of
  Chinese and foreign victims of trafficking; victims are sometimes
  punished for unlawful acts that were committed as a direct result of
  their being trafficked, such as violations of prostitution or
  immigration/emigration controls; the Chinese Government continued to
  treat North Korean victims of trafficking solely as economic
  migrants, routinely deporting them back to horrendous conditions in
  North Korea; additional challenges facing the Chinese Government
  include the enormous size of its trafficking problem and the
  significant level of corruption and complicity in trafficking by
  some local government officials (2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the current situation: Democratic Republic of the Congo is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to trafficking for the purposes of forced labor and forced prostitution; the majority of this trafficking is internal, and much of it is perpetrated by armed groups and government forces outside government control within the country's unstable eastern provinces tier rating: Tier 3 - Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government did not show evidence of progress in prosecuting and punishing labor or sex trafficking offenders, including members of its own armed forces; providing protective services for the vast majority of trafficking victims; or raising public awareness of human trafficking; in addition, the government's anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts decreased during the reporting period (2010)

Congo, Republic of the
  current situation: Republic of the Congo is a
  source and destination country for children trafficked for the
  purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; girls
  are trafficked from rural areas within the country for commercial
  sexual exploitation, forced street vending, and domestic servitude;
  children are trafficked from other African countries for domestic
  servitude, forced market vending, and forced labor in the fishing
  industry
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Republic of the Congo is on the
  Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to show evidence of increasing
  efforts to combat trafficking in persons in 2007; struggling to
  recover from six years of civil conflict that ended in 2003, the
  Republic of the Congo's capacity to address trafficking is
  handicapped; the government neither monitors its borders for
  trafficking activity nor provides specialized anti-trafficking
  training for law enforcement officials; the government does not
  encourage victims to assist in trafficking investigations or
  prosecutions, and has not taken measures to reduce demand for
  commercial sex acts in the Republic of the Congo (2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
  Cote d'Ivoire is a source, transit, and destination
  country for women and children trafficked for forced labor and
  commercial sexual exploitation; trafficking within the country is
  more prevalent than international trafficking and the majority of
  victims are children; women and girls are trafficked from northern
  areas to southern cities for domestic servitude, restaurant labor,
  and sexual exploitation; boys are trafficked internally for
  agricultural and service labor and transnationally for forced labor
  in agriculture, mining, construction, and in the fishing industry;
  women and girls are trafficked to and from other West and Central
  African countries for domestic servitude and forced street vending
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Cote d'Ivoire is on the Tier 2
  Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts
  to eliminate trafficking in 2007, particularly with regard to its
  law enforcement efforts and protection of sex trafficking victims;
  in addition, Ivoirian law does not prohibit all forms of
  trafficking, and Cote d'Ivoire has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP
  Protocol (2008)

Cuba
  current situation: Cuba is principally a source country for
  children subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically
  commercial sexual exploitation within the country; the scope of
  trafficking within Cuba is difficult to gauge due to the closed
  nature of the government and sparse non-governmental or independent
  reporting
  tier rating: Tier 3 - Cuba does not fully comply with the minimum
  standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making
  significant efforts to do so; in a positive step, the Government of
  Cuba shared information about human trafficking and its efforts to
  address the issue; the government did not prohibit all forms of
  trafficking during the reporting period, nor did it provide specific
  evidence that it prosecuted and punished trafficking offenders,
  protected victims of all forms of trafficking, or implemented victim
  protection policies or programs to prevent human trafficking (2010)

Dominican Republic
  current situation: the Dominican Republic is a
  source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and
  children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual
  exploitation and forced labor; a large number of Dominican women are
  trafficked into prostitution and sexual exploitation in Western
  Europe, Australia, Central and South America, and Caribbean
  destinations; a significant number of women, boys, and girls are
  trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation and domestic
  servitude
  tier rating: Tier 3 - for its failure to show evidence of increasing
  efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in terms of not
  adequately investigating and prosecuting public officials who may be
  complicit with trafficking activity, and inadequate government
  efforts to protect trafficking victims; the government has taken
  measures to reduce demand for commercial sex acts with children
  through criminal prosecutions (2008)

Equatorial Guinea
  current situation: Equatorial Guinea is primarily
  a destination country for children trafficked for the purpose of
  forced labor and possibly for the purpose of sexual exploitation;
  children have been trafficked from nearby countries for domestic
  servitude, market labor, ambulant vending, and possibly sexual
  exploitation; women may also be trafficked to Equatorial Guinea from
  Cameroon, Benin, other neighboring countries, and China for sexual
  exploitation
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Equatorial Guinea is on the Tier 2
  Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts
  to eliminate trafficking, particularly in the areas of prosecuting
  and convicting trafficking offenders and failing to formalize
  mechanisms to provide assistance to victims; although the government
  made some effort to enforce laws against child labor exploitation,
  it failed to report any trafficking prosecutions or convictions in
  2007; the government continued to lack shelters or formal procedures
  for providing care to victims (2008)

Eritrea
  current situation: Eritrea is a source country for men,
  women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and
  commercial sexual exploitation; each year, large numbers of migrant
  workers depart Eritrea in search of work, particularly in the Gulf
  States, where some likely become victims of forced labor, including
  in domestic servitude, or commercial sexual exploitation; thousands
  of Eritreans flee the country illegally, mostly to Sudan, Ethiopia,
  and Kenya where their illegal status makes them vulnerable to
  situations of human trafficking; the government remains complicit in
  conscripting children into military service
  tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Eritrea does not fully
  comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking
  and is not making significant efforts to do so; the Eritrean
  government does not operate with transparency and published neither
  data nor statistics regarding its efforts to combat human
  trafficking; it did not respond to requests to provide information
  for this report; the government made no known progress in
  prosecuting and punishing trafficking crimes over the reporting
  period and did not appear to provide any significant assistance to
  victims of trafficking during the reporting period (2009)

Fiji
  current situation: Fiji is a source country for children
  trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation and a
  destination country for a small number of women from China and India
  trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual
  exploitation
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Fiji does not fully comply with the
  minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not
  making significant efforts to do so; the government has demonstrated
  no action to investigate or prosecute traffickers, assist victims,
  take steps to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts, or support
  any anti-trafficking information or education campaigns; Fiji has
  not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

Gabon
  current situation: Gabon is predominantly a destination
  country for children trafficked from other African countries for the
  purpose of forced labor; girls are primarily trafficked for domestic
  servitude, forced market vending, forced restaurant labor, and
  sexual exploitation, while boys are trafficked for forced street
  hawking and forced labor in small workshops
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Gabon is on the Tier 2 Watch List
  for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat
  human trafficking in 2007, particularly in terms of efforts to
  convict and punish trafficking offenders; the government has not
  reported the convictions or sentences of any trafficking offenders;
  the government did not take steps to reduce demand for commercial
  sex acts (2008)

Guatemala
  current situation: Guatemala is a source, transit, and
  destination country for Guatemalans and Central Americans trafficked
  for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor;
  human trafficking is a significant and growing problem in the
  country; Guatemalan women and children are trafficked within the
  country for commercial sexual exploitation, primarily to Mexico and
  the United States; Guatemalan men, women, and children are also
  trafficked within the country, and to Mexico and the United States,
  for forced labor
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a second consecutive year,
  Guatemala is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide
  evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons,
  particularly with respect to ensuring that trafficking offenders are
  appropriately prosecuted for their crimes; while prosecutors
  initiated trafficking prosecutions, they continued to face problems
  in court with application of Guatemala's comprehensive
  anti-trafficking law; the government made modest improvements to its
  protection efforts, but assistance remained inadequate overall in
  2007 (2008)

Guinea
  current situation: Guinea is a source, transit, and
  destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
  purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; the majority of
  victims are children, and internal trafficking is more prevalent
  than transnational trafficking; within the country, girls are
  trafficked primarily for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation,
  while boys are trafficked for forced agricultural labor, and as
  forced beggars, street vendors, shoe shiners, and laborers in gold
  and diamond mines; some Guinean men are also trafficked for
  agricultural labor within Guinea; transnationally, girls are
  trafficked into Guinea for domestic servitude and likely also for
  sexual exploitation
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Guinea is on the Tier 2 Watch List
  for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to
  eliminate trafficking over 2006; Guinea demonstrated minimal law
  enforcement efforts for a second year in a row, while protection
  efforts diminished over efforts in 2006; the government did not
  report any trafficking convictions in 2007; due to a lack of
  resources, the government does not provide shelter services for
  trafficking victims; the government took no measures to reduce the
  demand for commercial sexual exploitation (2008)

Guinea-Bissau
  current situation: Guinea-Bissau is a source country
  for children trafficked primarily for forced begging and forced
  agricultural labor to other West African countries
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for the second year in a row,
  Guinea-Bissau is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to combat
  severe forms of trafficking in persons, as evidenced by the
  continued failure to pass an anti-trafficking law and inadequate
  efforts to investigate or prosecute trafficking crimes or convict
  and punish trafficking offenders (2008)

Guyana
  current situation: Guyana is a source, transit, and
  destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
  purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; most
  trafficking appears to take place in remote mining camps in the
  country's interior; some women and girls are trafficked from
  northern Brazil; reporting from other nations suggests Guyanese
  women and girls are trafficked for sexual exploitation to
  neighboring countries and Guyanese men and boys are subject to labor
  exploitation in construction and agriculture; trafficking victims
  from Suriname, Brazil, and Venezuela transit Guyana en route to
  Caribbean destinations
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a second consecutive year,
  Guyana is on the Tier 2 Watch List for failing to provide evidence
  of increasing efforts to combat trafficking, particularly in the
  area of law enforcement actions against trafficking offenders; the
  government has yet to produce an anti-trafficking conviction under
  the comprehensive Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, which
  became law in 2005; the government operates no shelters for
  trafficking victims, but did include limited funding for
  anti-trafficking NGOs in its 2008 budget; the government did not
  make any effort to reduce demand for commercial sex acts during 2007
  (2008)

India
  current situation: India is a source, destination, and transit
  country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of
  forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; internal forced
  labor may constitute India's largest trafficking problem; men,
  women, and children are held in debt bondage and face forced labor
  working in brick kilns, rice mills, agriculture, and embroidery
  factories; women and girls are trafficked within the country for the
  purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced marriage;
  children are subjected to forced labor as factory workers, domestic
  servants, beggars, and agriculture workers, and have been used as
  armed combatants by some terrorist and insurgent groups; India is
  also a destination for women and girls from Nepal and Bangladesh
  trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; Indian
  women are trafficked to the Middle East for commercial sexual
  exploitation; men and women from Bangladesh and Nepal are trafficked
  through India for forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation in
  the Middle East
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - India is on the Tier 2 Watch List
  for a fifth consecutive year for its failure to provide evidence of
  increasing efforts to combat human trafficking in 2007; despite the
  reported extent of the trafficking crisis in India, government
  authorities made uneven efforts to prosecute traffickers and protect
  trafficking victims; government authorities continued to rescue
  victims of commercial sexual exploitation and forced child labor and
  child armed combatants, and began to show progress in law
  enforcement against these forms of trafficking; a critical challenge
  overall is the lack of punishment for traffickers, effectively
  resulting in impunity for acts of human trafficking; India has not
  ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Iran
  current situation: Iran is a source, transit, and destination
  country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of
  sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude; Iranian women are
  trafficked internally for the purpose of forced prostitution and for
  forced marriages to settle debts; Iranian and Afghan children living
  in Iran are trafficked internally for the purpose of forced
  marriages, commercial sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude
  as beggars or laborers to pay debts, provide income or support drug
  addiction of their families; press reports indicate that criminal
  organizations play a significant role in human trafficking to and
  from Iran, in connection with smuggling of migrants, drugs, and arms
  tier rating: Tier 3 - Iran did not provide evidence of law
  enforcement activities against trafficking, and credible reports
  indicate that Iranian authorities' response is not sufficient to
  penalize offenders, protect victims, and eliminate trafficking; some
  aspects of Iranian law and policy hinder efforts to combat
  trafficking including punishment of victims and legal obstacles to
  punishing offenders; Iran has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol
  (2009)

Korea, North
  current situation: North Korea is a source country for
  men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor
  and commercial sexual exploitation; the most common form of
  trafficking involves North Korean women and girls who cross the
  border into China voluntarily; additionally, North Korean women and
  girls are lured out of North Korea to escape poor social and
  economic conditions by the promise of food, jobs, and freedom, only
  to be forced into prostitution, marriage, or exploitative labor
  arrangements once in China
  tier rating: Tier 3 - North Korea does not fully comply with minimum
  standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making
  significant efforts to do so; the government does not acknowledge
  the existence of human rights abuses in the country or recognize
  trafficking, either within the country or transnationally; North
  Korea has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Kuwait
  current situation: Kuwait is a destination country for men
  and women who migrate legally from South and Southeast Asia for
  domestic or low-skilled labor, but are subjected to conditions of
  involuntary servitude by employers in Kuwait including conditions of
  physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, confinement to the
  home, and withholding of passports to restrict their freedom of
  movement; Kuwait is reportedly a transit point for South and East
  Asian workers recruited for low-skilled work in Iraq; some of these
  workers are deceived as to the true location and nature of this
  work, and others are subjected to conditions of involuntary
  servitude in Iraq
  tier rating: Tier 3 - Kuwaiti government has shown an inability to
  define trafficking and has demonstrated insufficient political will
  to address human trafficking adequately; much of the human
  trafficking found in Kuwait involves domestic workers in private
  residences and the government is reluctant to prosecute Kuwaiti
  citizens; the government has not enacted legislation targeting human
  trafficking nor established a permanent shelter for victims of
  trafficking (2009)

Libya
  current situation: Libya is a transit and destination country
  for men and women from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia trafficked for
  the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Libya is on the Tier 2 Watch List
  for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to address
  trafficking in persons in 2007 when compared to 2006, particularly
  in the area of investigating and prosecuting trafficking offenses;
  Libya did not publicly release any data on investigations or
  punishment of any trafficking offenses (2008)

Malaysia
  current situation: Malaysia is a destination and, to a
  lesser extent, a source and transit country for women and children
  trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation, and
  men, women, and children for forced labor; Malaysia is mainly a
  destination country for men, women, and children who migrate
  willingly from South and Southeast Asia to work, some of whom are
  subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude by Malaysian
  employers in the domestic, agricultural, construction, plantation,
  and industrial sectors; to a lesser extent, some Malaysian women,
  primarily of Chinese ethnicity, are trafficked abroad for commercial
  sexual exploitation
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Malaysia does not
  fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
  trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, despite
  some progress in enforcing the 2007 comprehensive anti-trafficking
  law; it has yet to fully address labor trafficking in Malaysia;
  there are credible allegations of involvement of Malaysian
  immigration officials in trafficking and extorting Burmese refugees;
  the government did not develop mechanisms to effectively screen
  victims of trafficking in vulnerable groups and condones the
  confiscation of passports of migrant workers by employers (2009)

Mauritania
  current situation: Mauritania is a source and destination
  country for children trafficked for forced labor and sexual
  exploitation; slavery-related practices, rooted in ancestral
  master-slave relationships, continue to exist in isolated parts of
  the country; Mauritanian boys called talibe are trafficked within
  the country by religious teachers for forced begging; children are
  also trafficked by street gangs within the country that force them
  to steal, beg, and sell drugs; girls are trafficked internally for
  domestic servitude and sexual exploitation; women and children from
  neighboring states are trafficked into Mauritania for purposes of
  forced begging, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation
  tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Mauritania does not fully
  comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking
  and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government did
  not show evidence of overall progress in prosecuting and punishing
  trafficking offenders, protecting trafficking victims, and
  preventing new incidents of trafficking during the past year;
  progress that the previous government demonstrated in 2007 through
  enactment of strengthened anti-slavery legislation and deepened
  political will to eliminate slavery and trafficking has stalled; law
  enforcement efforts to address human trafficking including
  traditional slavery practices decreased (2009)

Moldova
  current situation: Moldova is a major source and, to a
  lesser extent, a transit country for women and girls trafficked for
  the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; Moldovan women are
  trafficked to the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe;
  girls and young women are trafficked within the country from rural
  areas to Chisinau; children are also trafficked to neighboring
  countries for forced labor and begging; labor trafficking of men to
  work in the construction, agriculture, and service sectors of Russia
  is increasingly a problem; according to an ILO report, Moldova's
  national Bureau of Statistics estimated that there were likely over
  25,000 Moldovan victims of trafficking for forced labor in 2008
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - The Government of Moldova does not
  fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
  trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so;
  despite initial efforts to combat trafficking-related complicity
  since the government's reassessment on the Tier 2 Watch List in
  September 2008, and increased victim assistance, the government did
  not demonstrate sufficiently meaningful efforts to curb
  trafficking-related corruption, which is a government-acknowledged
  problem in Moldova; the government improved victim protection
  efforts, deployed more law-enforcement officers in the effort and
  contributed direct financial assistance toward victim protection and
  assistance for the first time (2010)

Niger
  current situation: Niger is a source, transit, and destination
  country for children and women trafficked for forced labor and
  sexual exploitation; caste-based slavery practices, rooted in
  ancestral master-slave relationships, continue in isolated areas of
  the country - an estimated 8,800 to 43,000 Nigeriens live under
  conditions of traditional slavery; children are trafficked within
  Niger for forced begging, forced labor in gold mines, domestic
  servitude, sexual exploitation, and possibly for forced labor in
  agriculture and stone quarries; women and children from neighboring
  states are trafficked to and through Niger for domestic servitude,
  sexual exploitation, forced labor in mines and on farms, and as
  mechanics and welders
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Niger does not
  fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
  trafficking and is not making any significant efforts to do so; the
  government demonstrated marginal efforts to combat human
  trafficking, including traditional slavery, during the last year
  (2009)

Papua New Guinea
  current situation: Papua New Guinea is a country of
  destination for women and children from Malaysia, the Philippines,
  Thailand, and China trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual
  exploitation; internal trafficking of women and children for the
  purposes of sexual exploitation and involuntary domestic servitude
  occurs as well
  tier rating: Tier 3 - Papua New Guinea does not fully comply with
  the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not
  making significant efforts to do so; the current legal framework
  does not contain elements of crimes that characterize trafficking;
  the government lacks victim protection services or a systematic
  procedure to identify victims of trafficking; the government did not
  prosecute anyone in 2007 for trafficking; Papua New Guinea has not
  ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Qatar
  current situation: Qatar is a destination country for men and
  women from South and Southeast Asia who migrate willingly, but are
  subsequently trafficked into involuntary servitude as domestic
  workers and laborers, and, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual
  exploitation; the most common offense was forcing workers to accept
  worse contract terms than those under which they were recruited;
  other conditions include bonded labor, withholding of pay,
  restrictions on movement, arbitrary detention, and physical, mental,
  and sexual abuse
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Qatar does not
  fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
  trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in
  February 2009, Qatar enacted a new migrant worker sponsorship law
  that criminalizes some practices commonly used by trafficking
  offenders, and it announced plans to use that law effectively to
  prevent human trafficking; punishment for offenses related to
  trafficking in persons remains lower than that for crimes such as
  rape and kidnapping, and the Qatari government has yet to take
  significant action to investigate, prosecute, and punish trafficking
  offenses; the government continues to lack formal victim
  identification procedures and, as a result, victims of trafficking
  are likely punished for acts committed as a direct result of being
  trafficked (2009)

Russia
  current situation: Russia is a source, transit, and
  destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for
  various purposes; it remains a significant source of women
  trafficked to over 50 countries for commercial sexual exploitation;
  Russia is also a transit and destination country for men and women
  trafficked from Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and North Korea to
  Central and Western Europe and the Middle East for purposes of
  forced labor and sexual exploitation; internal trafficking remains a
  problem in Russia with women trafficked from rural areas to urban
  centers for commercial sexual exploitation, and men trafficked
  internally and from Central Asia for forced labor in the
  construction and agricultural industries; debt bondage is common
  among trafficking victims, and child sex tourism remains a concern
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Russia is on the Tier 2 Watch List
  for a fifth consecutive year for its failure to show evidence of
  increasing efforts to combat trafficking over the previous year,
  particularly in providing assistance to victims of trafficking;
  comprehensive trafficking victim assistance legislation, which would
  address key deficiencies, has been pending before the Duma since
  2003 and was neither passed nor enacted in 2007 (2008)

Saudi Arabia
  current situation: Saudi Arabia is a destination
  country for workers from South and Southeast Asia who are subjected
  to conditions that constitute involuntary servitude including being
  subjected to physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages,
  confinement, and withholding of passports as a restriction on their
  movement; domestic workers are particularly vulnerable because some
  are confined to the house in which they work unable to seek help;
  Saudi Arabia is also a destination country for Nigerian, Yemeni,
  Pakistani, Afghan, Somali, Malian, and Sudanese children trafficked
  for forced begging and involuntary servitude as street vendors; some
  Nigerian women were reportedly trafficked into Saudi Arabia for
  commercial sexual exploitation
  tier rating: Tier 3 - Saudi Arabia does not fully comply with the
  minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not
  making significant efforts to do so; the government continues to
  lack adequate anti-trafficking laws and, despite evidence of
  widespread trafficking abuses, did not report any criminal
  prosecutions, convictions, or prison sentences for trafficking
  crimes committed against foreign domestic workers (2008)

Sri Lanka
  current situation: Sri Lanka is a source and destination
  country for men and women trafficked for the purposes of involuntary
  servitude and commercial sexual exploitation; Sri Lankan men and
  women migrate willingly to the Persian Gulf, Middle East, and East
  Asia to work as construction workers, domestic servants, or garment
  factory workers, where some find themselves in situations of
  involuntary servitude when faced with restrictions on movement,
  withholding of passports, threats, physical or sexual abuse, and
  debt bondage; children are trafficked internally for commercial
  sexual exploitation and, less frequently, for forced labor
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a fourth consecutive year, Sri
  Lanka is on the Tier 2 Watch List for failing to provide evidence of
  increasing efforts to combat severe forms of human trafficking,
  particularly in the area of law enforcement; the government failed
  to arrest, prosecute, or convict any person for trafficking offenses
  and continued to punish some victims of trafficking for crimes
  committed as a result of being trafficked; Sri Lanka has not
  ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Sudan
  current situation: Sudan is a source country for men, women,
  and children trafficked internally for the purposes of forced labor
  and sexual exploitation; Sudan is also a transit and destination
  country for Ethiopian women trafficked abroad for domestic
  servitude; Sudanese women and girls are trafficked within the
  country as well as possibly to Middle Eastern countries for domestic
  servitude; the terrorist rebel organization, Lord's Resistance Army,
  continues to harbor small numbers of Sudanese and Ugandan children
  in the southern part of the country for use as cooks, porters, and
  combatants; some of these children are also trafficked across
  borders into Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo; militia
  groups in Darfur, some of which are linked to the government, abduct
  women for short periods of forced labor and to perpetrate sexual
  violence; during the two decades-long north-south civil war,
  thousands of Dinka women and children were abducted and subsequently
  enslaved by members of the Missiriya and Rezeigat tribes; while
  there have been no known new abductions of Dinka by members of
  Baggara tribes in the last few years, inter-tribal abductions
  continue in southern Sudan
  tier rating: Tier 3 - Sudan does not fully comply with the minimum
  standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making
  significant efforts to do so; combating human trafficking through
  law enforcement or prevention measures was not a priority for the
  government in 2007 (2008)

Swaziland
  current situation: Swaziland is a source, destination, and
  transit country for women and children trafficked internally and
  transnationally for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation,
  domestic servitude, and forced labor in agriculture; Swazi girls,
  particularly orphans, are trafficked internally for commercial
  sexual exploitation and domestic servitude, as well as to South
  Africa and Mozambique; Swazi boys are trafficked for forced labor in
  commercial agriculture and market vending; some Swazi women are
  forced into prostitution in South Africa and Mozambique after
  voluntarily migrating to these countries in search of work
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the government of Swaziland does
  not comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
  trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the
  government believes that trafficking probably does occur, but does
  not know the extent of the problem; the government does not judge
  trafficking to be an "important" problem and chooses to direct its
  limited resources towards other issues, a judgment which
  significantly limited the government's current efforts to eliminate
  human trafficking, or to plan anti-trafficking activities or
  initiatives for the future (2010)

Syria
  current situation: Syria is a destination and transit country
  for women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation
  and forced labor; a significant number of women and children in the
  large and expanding Iraqi refugee community in Syria are reportedly
  forced into commercial sexual exploitation by Iraqi gangs or, in
  some cases, their families; women from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the
  Philippines, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone are recruited for work in
  Syria as domestic servants, but some face conditions of involuntary
  servitude, including long hours, non-payment of wages, withholding
  of passports, restrictions on movement, threats, and physical or
  sexual abuse
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Syria again failed to report any
  law enforcement efforts to punish trafficking offenses in 2007; in
  addition, the government did not offer protection services to
  victims of trafficking and may have arrested, prosecuted, or
  deported some victims for prostitution or immigration violations;
  Syria has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Tajikistan
  current situation: Tajikistan is a source country for
  women trafficked through Kyrgyzstan and Russia to the UAE, Turkey,
  and Russia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men
  are trafficked to Russia and Kazakhstan for the purpose of forced
  labor, primarily in the construction and agricultural industries;
  boys and girls are trafficked internally for various purposes,
  including forced labor and forced begging
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Tajikistan is on the Tier 2 Watch
  List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to
  combat human trafficking, especially efforts to investigate,
  prosecute, convict, and sentence traffickers; despite evidence of
  low- and mid-level officials' complicity in trafficking, the
  government did not punish any public officials for trafficking
  complicity during 2007; lack of capacity and poor coordination
  between government institutions remained key obstacles to effective
  anti-trafficking efforts (2008)

Uzbekistan
  current situation: Uzbekistan is a source country for
  women and girls trafficked to Kazakhstan, Russia, Middle East, and
  Asia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are
  trafficked to Kazakhstan and Russia for purposes of forced labor in
  the construction, cotton, and tobacco industries; men and women are
  also trafficked internally for the purposes of domestic servitude,
  forced labor in the agricultural and construction industries, and
  for commercial sexual exploitation
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Uzbekistan is on the Tier 2 Watch
  List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to
  combat severe forms of trafficking in 2007; the government did not
  amend its criminal code to increase penalties for convicted
  traffickers; in March 2008, Uzbekistan adopted ILO Conventions on
  minimum age of employment and on the elimination of the worst forms
  of child labor and is working with the ILO on implementation; the
  government also demonstrated its increasing commitment to combat
  trafficking in March 2008 by adopting a comprehensive
  anti-trafficking law; Uzbekistan has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP
  Protocol (2008)

Venezuela
  current situation: Venezuela is a source, transit, and
  destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
  purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor;
  Venezuelan women and girls are trafficked within the country for
  sexual exploitation, lured from the nation's interior to urban and
  tourist areas; child prostitution in urban areas and child sex
  tourism in resort destinations appear to be growing; Venezuelan
  women and girls are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation to
  Western Europe, Mexico, and Caribbean destinations
  tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Venezuela is placed on the Tier 2
  Watch List, up from Tier 3, as it showed greater resolve to address
  trafficking through law enforcement measures and prevention efforts
  in 2007, although stringent punishment of offenders and victim
  assistance remain lacking (2008)

World
  current situation: approximately 800,000 people, mostly women
  and children, are trafficked annually across national borders, not
  including millions trafficked within their own countries; at least
  80% of the victims are female and up to 50% are minors; 75% of all
  victims are trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation; almost
  two-thirds of the global victims are trafficked intra-regionally
  within East Asia and the Pacific (260,000 to 280,000 people) and
  Europe and Eurasia (170,000 to 210,000 people)
  Tier 2 Watch List: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahrain,
  Bangladesh, Belize, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African
  Republic, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
  Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Federated
  States of Micronesia, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea,
  Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Iraq, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya,
  Mali, Moldova, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar,
  Republic of the Congo, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
  Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine,
  United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen
  Tier 3: Burma, Chad, Cuba, Eritrea, Fiji, Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia,
  Mauritania, Niger, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia,
  Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Zimbabwe (2009)

Zimbabwe
  current situation: Zimbabwe is a source, transit, and
  destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the
  purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; large scale
  migration of Zimbabweans to surrounding countries - as they flee a
  progressively more desperate situation at home - has increased;
  rural Zimbabwean men, women, and children are trafficked internally
  to farms for agricultural labor and domestic servitude and to cities
  for domestic labor and commercial sexual exploitation; NGOs believe
  internal trafficking increased during the year, largely due to the
  closure of schools, worsening political violence, and a faltering
  economy; young men and boys are trafficked to South Africa for farm
  work, often laboring for months in South Africa without pay before
  "employers" have them arrested and deported as illegal immigrants;
  young women and girls are lured abroad with false employment offers
  that result in involuntary domestic servitude or commercial sexual
  exploitation; men, women, and children from neighboring states are
  trafficked through Zimbabwe en route to South Africa
  tier rating: Tier 3 - the Government of Zimbabwe does not fully
  comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking
  and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government made
  minimal progress in combating trafficking in 2008, and members of
  its military and the former ruling party's youth militias
  perpetrated acts of trafficking on local populations;
  anti-trafficking efforts were further weakened as it failed to
  address Zimbabwe's economic and social problems during the reporting
  period, thus increasing the population's vulnerability to
  trafficking within and outside of the country (2009)

======================================================================

@2198

Field Listing :: Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

This entry gives the cumulative US dollar value of all investments in the home country made directly by residents - primarily companies - of other countries as of the end of the time period indicated. Direct investment excludes investment through purchase of shares. Country Comparison to the World Country

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

Algeria
  $19.34 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $17.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Angola
  $91.55 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $79.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Argentina
  $86.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $80.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Australia
  $329.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $295.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
  $290.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $286.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  $8.918 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $8.318 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bahrain
  $15.77 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $15 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  $6.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.617 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belgium
  $741.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $705.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bermuda
  $NA

Bolivia
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $5.998 billion (31 December 2008)

Brazil
  $349.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $319.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bulgaria
  $51.28 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $49.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
  $528.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $494.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
  $NA

Chad
  $NA (31 December 2010)
  $4.5 billion (2006 est.)

Chile
  $136.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $121.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

China
  $574.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $473.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
  $84.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $75.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Costa Rica
  $13.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $12.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $NA

Croatia
  $34.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $32.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
  $NA (31 December 2009 est.)

Cyprus
  $29.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $26.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  $126.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $121.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
  $149.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $144.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Dominican Republic
  $19.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $17.95 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
  $12.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $11.95 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
  $72.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $66.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
  $7.522 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.132 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Estonia
  $17.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $16.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

European Union
  $NA

Fiji
  $NA

Finland
  $87.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $85.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

France
  $1.207 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.151 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Germany
  $1.057 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.054 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ghana
  $NA

Greece
  $48.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $44.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  $962.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $912.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hungary
  $72.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $70.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
  $NA (31 December 2010)
  $9.2 billion (#REF!)

India
  $191.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $157.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
  $81.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $72.84 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
  $16.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $15.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ireland
  $221.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $198.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Israel
  $64.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $58.82 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Italy
  $405.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $368.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
  $161.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $147.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Jordan
  $22.19 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $19.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
  $83.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $69.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
  $2.337 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.129 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Korea, South
  $112.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $110.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kosovo
  $21.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $21.32 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kuwait
  $1.281 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.081 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  $NA (31 December 2009 est.)

Latvia
  $11.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $11.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
  $NA

Liberia
  $NA

Libya
  $18.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $15.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lithuania
  $14.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $13.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  $NA (31 December 2009 est.)
  $11.21 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Macau
  $13.6 billion (2008 est.)
  $11.1 billion (#REF! est.)

Macedonia
  $3.528 billion (31 October 2009 est.)
  $3.357 billion (2007 est.)

Madagascar
  $NA

Malawi
  $NA

Malaysia
  $77.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $74.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malta
  $8.24 billion (31 December 2009)

Mauritius
  $NA

Mexico
  $328.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $308.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Moldova
  $NA (31 December 2010)
  $1.813 billion (2008)

Mongolia
  $NA

Morocco
  $42.19 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $40.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
  $NA

Nepal
  $NA

Netherlands
  $687.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $654.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

New Zealand
  $67.18 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $66.63 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nigeria
  $67.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $61.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Norway
  $132.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $128.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Oman
  $NA

Pakistan
  $30.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $28.09 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Panama
  $NA

Papua New Guinea
  $NA

Paraguay
  $2.153 million (31 December 2008)
  $2.057 million (31 December 2007)

Peru
  $43.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $36.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
  $24.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $22.44 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
  $198.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $182.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
  $105.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $102.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Qatar
  $26.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $20.75 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Romania
  $80.16 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $73.96 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
  $306.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $256.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  $204.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $167 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
  $23.52 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $11.95 billion (2006 est.)

Singapore
  $274.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $260.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
  $52.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $50.26 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovenia
  $15.73 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $15.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

South Africa
  $83.08 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $73.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Spain
  $668.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $664 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  $NA

Swaziland
  $NA

Sweden
  $321.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $304.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Switzerland
  $514 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $496.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taiwan
  $65.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $107.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  $100.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $93.05 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Tanzania
  $NA

Thailand
  $117.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $109.6 billion (31 December 2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
  $102 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $12.44 billion (2007)

Tunisia
  $33.56 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $31.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
  $84.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $174 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Uganda
  $NA

Ukraine
  $52.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $46.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  $76.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $70.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  $1.169 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.125 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

United States
  $2.581 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.41 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uruguay
  $NA (31 December 2010)
  $4.19 billion (2007)

Uzbekistan
  $NA

Venezuela
  $37.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $41.21 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
  $59.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $49.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

World
  $17.53 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $16.51 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Yemen
  $NA

Zambia
  $NA

Zimbabwe
  $NA

======================================================================

@2199

Field Listing :: Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

  This entry gives the cumulative US dollar value of all investments
  in foreign countries made directly by residents - primarily
  companies - of the home country, as of the end of the time period
  indicated. Direct investment excludes investment through purchase of
  shares.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

Algeria
  $1.844 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.644 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Angola
  $4.883 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.933 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Argentina
  $30.16 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $29.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Australia
  $245.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $221.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
  $297.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $290.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  $6.058 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.558 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bahrain
  $8.399 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.549 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  $82 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $81 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Belgium
  $632.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $595.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bermuda
  $NA

Bolivia
  $NA (31 December 2010)
  $63.8 million (31 December 2008)

Brazil
  $131 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $117.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bulgaria
  $1.372 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.194 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
  $602.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $576.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
  $NA

Chad
  $NA

Chile
  $51.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $41.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

China
  $278.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $229.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
  $19.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $16.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Costa Rica
  $547 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $539 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $NA

Croatia
  $6.334 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.934 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
  $4.138 billion (2006 est.)

Cyprus
  $16.57 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $15.79 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  $15.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $14.35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
  $199.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $186.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Dominican Republic
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $59 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
  $NA (31 December 2010 est.)
  $8.019 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
  $4.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.272 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
  $273 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $333 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Estonia
  $7.134 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.534 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Fiji
  $NA

Finland
  $122.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $118.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

France
  $1.837 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.711 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Germany
  $1.484 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.46 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ghana
  $NA

Greece
  $38.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $40.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  $873.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $834.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hungary
  $20.48 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $19.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
  $NA
  $8.8 billion (31 December 2008)

India
  $89.04 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $76.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
  $33.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $30.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
  $2.075 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.825 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ireland
  $192.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $180.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Israel
  $58.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $55.02 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Italy
  $601.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $555.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
  $831.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $738.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Jordan
  $NA

Kazakhstan
  $7.208 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.708 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
  $338 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $288 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Korea, South
  $115.6 billion (31 December 2009)
  $74.6 billion (30 June 2008)

Kuwait
  $44.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $34.73 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  $NA

Latvia
  $1.097 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.037 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
  $NA

Liberia
  $NA

Libya
  $15.32 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $13.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lithuania
  $2.507 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.307 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  $NA

Macau
  $980 million (2009 est.)
  $1 billion (2008 est.)

Macedonia
  $NA

Madagascar
  $NA

Malawi
  $NA

Malaysia
  $82.65 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $75.62 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malta
  $NA

Mauritius
  $NA

Mexico
  $62.93 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $53.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Moldova
  $NA

Mongolia
  $NA

Morocco
  $1.047 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.333 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
  $NA

Nepal
  $NA

Netherlands
  $950.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $932.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

New Zealand
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $59.08 billion (31 December 2008)

Nigeria
  $6.071 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.821 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Norway
  $226.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Oman
  $NA

Pakistan
  $1.047 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.017 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Panama
  $NA

Papua New Guinea
  $NA

Paraguay
  $NA

Peru
  $2.12 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
  $6.591 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.191 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
  $30.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $26.21 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
  $63.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $63.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Qatar
  $19.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $14.27 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Romania
  $1.831 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.731 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
  $260.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $224.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  $18 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $11.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
  $NA

Singapore
  $172.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $167.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
  $2.643 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.743 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovenia
  $9.001 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.901 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

South Africa
  $53.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $51.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Spain
  $641 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $634.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  $NA

Swaziland
  $NA

Sweden
  $383.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $367.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Switzerland
  $814.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $806.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taiwan
  $122.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $145.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  $18.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $16.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tanzania
  $NA

Thailand
  $20.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $18.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  $3.829 billion (2007)

Tunisia
  $251 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $233 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
  $16.42 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $15.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uganda
  $NA

Ukraine
  $2.327 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.067 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  $54.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $51.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  $1.705 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.652 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

United States
  $3.597 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.367 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uruguay
  $156 million (2007 est.)

Uzbekistan
  $NA

Venezuela
  $20.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $17.67 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
  $7.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $NA (31 December 2008)

World
  $18.19 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $17.28 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zambia
  $NA

Zimbabwe
  $NA

======================================================================

@2200

Field Listing :: Market value of publicly traded shares

This entry gives the value of shares issued by publicly traded companies at a price determined in the national stock markets on the final day of the period indicated. It is simply the latest price per share multiplied by the total number of outstanding shares, cumulated over all companies listed on the particular exchange. Country Comparison to the World Country

Market value of publicly traded shares

Afghanistan
  $NA

Albania
  $NA

Algeria
  $NA

Argentina
  $48.93 billion (31 December 2009)
  $52.31 billion (31 December 2008)
  $86.68 billion (31 December 2007)

Armenia
  $140.5 million (31 December 2009)
  $176 million (31 December 2008)
  $105 million (31 December 2007)

Australia
  $1.258 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $675.6 billion (31 December 2008)
  $1.298 trillion (31 December 2007)

Austria
  $53.58 billion (31 December 2009)
  $72.3 billion (31 December 2008)
  $228.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Azerbaijan
  $NA

Bahamas, The
  $NA

Bahrain
  $16.93 billion (31 December 2009)
  $21.18 billion (31 December 2008)
  $28.13 billion (31 December 2007)

Bangladesh
  $7.068 billion (31 December 2009)
  $6.671 billion (31 December 2008)
  $6.793 billion (31 December 2007)

Barbados
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $4.964 billion (31 December 2008)
  $5.599 billion (31 December 2007)

Belarus
  $NA

Belgium
  $261.4 billion (31 December 2009)
  $167.4 billion (31 December 2008)
  $386.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Belize
  $NA

Benin
  $NA

Bermuda
  $1.36 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.912 billion (31 December 2008)
  $2.731 billion (31 December 2007)

Bhutan
  $NA

Bolivia
  $2.792 billion (31 December 2009)
  $2.672 billion (31 December 2008)
  $2.263 billion (31 December 2007)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  $NA

Botswana
  $3.991 billion (31 December 2009)
  $3.556 billion (31 December 2008)
  $5.887 billion (31 December 2007)

Brazil
  $1.167 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $589.4 billion (31 December 2008)
  $1.37 trillion (31 December 2007)

Brunei
  $NA

Bulgaria
  $7.103 billion (31 December 2009)
  $8.858 billion (31 December 2008)
  $21.79 billion (31 December 2007)

Burkina Faso
  $NA

Burma
  $NA

Burundi
  $NA

Cambodia
  $NA

Cameroon
  $NA

Canada
  $1.681 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $1.002 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $2.187 trillion (31 December 2007)

Cayman Islands
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $183.5 million (31 December 2007)
  $188.4 million (31 December 2006)

Central African Republic
  $NA

Chad
  $NA

Chile
  $209.5 billion (31 December 2009)
  $132.4 billion (31 December 2008)
  $212.9 billion (31 December 2007)

China
  $5.008 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $2.794 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $6.226 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Colombia
  $133.3 billion (31 December 2009)
  $87.03 billion (31 December 2008)
  $102 billion (31 December 2007)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  $NA

Congo, Republic of the
  $NA

Costa Rica
  $1.452 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.887 billion (31 December 2008)
  $2.035 billion (31 December 2007)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $6.141 billion (31 December 2009)
  $7.071 billion (31 December 2008)
  $8.353 billion (31 December 2007)

Croatia
  $25.64 billion (31 December 2009)
  $26.79 billion (31 December 2008)
  $65.98 billion (31 December 2007)

Cyprus
  $4.993 billion (31 December 2009)
  $7.955 billion (31 December 2008)
  $29.48 billion (31 December 2007)

Czech Republic
  $52.69 billion (31 December 2009)
  $48.85 billion (31 December 2008)
  $73.42 billion (31 December 2007)

Denmark
  $186.9 billion (31 December 2009)
  $131.5 billion (31 December 2008)
  $277.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Dominican Republic
  $NA

Ecuador
  $4.248 billion (31 December 2009)
  $4.562 billion (31 December 2008)
  $4.266 billion (31 December 2007)

Egypt
  $89.95 billion (31 December 2009)
  $85.89 billion (31 December 2008)
  $139.3 billion (31 December 2007)

El Salvador
  $4.432 billion (31 December 2009)
  $4.656 billion (31 December 2008)
  $6.743 billion (31 December 2007)

Estonia
  $2.654 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.95 billion (31 December 2008)
  $6.037 billion (31 December 2007)

Ethiopia
  $NA

European Union
  $NA (31 December 2009 est.)
  $7.564 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $15.57 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Fiji
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $568.2 million (31 December 2008)
  $522.2 million (31 December 2007)

Finland
  $91.02 billion (31 December 2009)
  $154.4 billion (31 December 2008)
  $369.2 billion (31 December 2007)

France
  $1.972 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $1.492 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $2.771 trillion (31 December 2007)

French Polynesia
  $NA

Gabon
  $NA

Gambia, The
  $NA

Georgia
  $733.3 million (31 December 2009)
  $327.3 million (31 December 2008)
  $1.389 billion (31 December 2007)

Germany
  $1.298 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $1.108 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $2.106 trillion (31 December 2007)

Ghana
  $2.508 billion (31 December 2009)
  $3.394 billion (31 December 2008)
  $2.38 billion (31 December 2007)

Greece
  $54.72 billion (31 December 2009)
  $90.4 billion (31 December 2008)
  $264.9 billion (31 December 2007)

Grenada
  $NA

Guatemala
  $NA

Guinea
  $NA

Guinea-Bissau
  $NA

Guyana
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $289.9 million (31 December 2008)
  $262.4 million (31 December 2007)

Haiti
  $NA

Honduras
  $NA

Hong Kong
  $2.292 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $1.32 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $1.163 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Hungary
  $28.29 billion (31 December 2009)
  $18.58 billion (31 December 2008)
  $47.65 billion (31 December 2007)

Iceland
  $1.128 billion (31 December 2009)
  $5.557 billion (31 December 2008)
  $40.56 billion (31 December 2007)

India
  $1.179 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $645.5 billion (31 December 2008)
  $1.819 trillion (31 December 2007)

Indonesia
  $178.2 billion (31 December 2009)
  $98.76 billion (31 December 2008)
  $211.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Iran
  $63.3 billion (31 December 2009)
  $49.04 billion (31 December 2008)
  $45.57 billion (31 December 2007)

Iraq
  $2.6 billion (31 July 2010)
  $2 billion (31 July 2009)
  $1.878 billion (31 March 2008)

Ireland
  $29.88 billion (31 December 2009)
  $49.4 billion (31 December 2008)
  $144 billion (31 December 2007)

Isle of Man
  $NA

Israel
  $182.1 billion (31 December 2009)
  $134.5 billion (31 December 2008)
  $236.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Italy
  $317.3 billion (31 December 2009)
  $520.9 billion (31 December 2008)
  $1.073 trillion (31 December 2007)

Jamaica
  $6.201 billion (31 December 2009)
  $7.513 billion (31 December 2008)
  $12.33 billion (31 December 2007)

Japan
  $3.378 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $3.22 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $4.453 trillion (31 December 2007)

Jersey
  $NA

Jordan
  $31.86 billion (31 December 2009)
  $35.85 billion (31 December 2008)
  $41.22 billion (31 December 2007)

Kazakhstan
  $57.66 billion (31 December 2009)
  $31.08 billion (31 December 2008)
  $41.38 billion (31 December 2007)

Kenya
  $10.76 billion (31 December 2009)
  $10.92 billion (31 December 2008)
  $13.39 billion (31 December 2007)

Kiribati
  $NA

Korea, South
  $836.5 billion (31 December 2009)
  $494.6 billion (31 December 2008)
  $1.124 trillion (31 December 2007)

Kuwait
  $95.94 billion (31 December 2009)
  $107.2 billion (31 December 2008)
  $188 billion (31 December 2007)

Kyrgyzstan
  $71.84 million (31 December 2009)
  $93.79 million (31 December 2008)
  $121 million (31 December 2007)

Latvia
  $1.824 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.609 billion (31 December 2008)
  $3.111 billion (31 December 2007)

Lebanon
  $12.89 billion (31 December 2009)
  $9.641 billion (31 December 2008)
  $10.86 billion (31 December 2007)

Liberia
  $NA

Libya
  $NA

Liechtenstein
  $NA

Lithuania
  $4.477 billion (31 December 2009)
  $3.625 billion (31 December 2008)
  $10.13 billion (31 December 2007)

Luxembourg
  $105.6 billion (31 December 2009)
  $66.46 billion (31 December 2008)
  $166.1 billion (31 December 2007)

Macau
  $2.3 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $NA (31 December 2007)
  $413.1 million (2004 est.)

Macedonia
  $2.859 billion (31 December 2009)
  $823.5 million (31 December 2008)
  $2.715 billion (31 December 2007)

Madagascar
  $NA

Malawi
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $1.771 billion (31 December 2008)
  $587.2 million (31 December 2006)

Malaysia
  $256 billion (31 December 2009)
  $187.1 billion (31 December 2008)
  $325.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Maldives
  $NA

Mali
  $NA

Malta
  $1.982 billion (31 December 2009)
  $3.572 billion (31 December 2008)
  $5.633 billion (31 December 2007)

Mauritania
  $NA

Mauritius
  $4.74 billion (31 December 2009)
  $3.443 billion (31 December 2008)
  $5.666 billion (31 December 2007)

Mayotte
  $NA

Mexico
  $340.6 billion (31 December 2009)
  $232.6 billion (31 December 2008)
  $397.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Moldova
  $NA (2004)
  $573.9 million (2004)

Monaco
  $NA

Mongolia
  $430.2 million (31 December 2009)
  $407 million (31 December 2008)
  $612.2 million (31 December 2007)

Montenegro
  $4.289 billion (31 December 2009)
  $2.863 billion (31 December 2008)
  $3.699 billion (31 December 2007)

Morocco
  $62.91 billion (31 December 2009)
  $65.75 billion (31 December 2008)
  $75.49 billion (31 December 2007)

Mozambique
  $NA

Namibia
  $846.3 million (31 December 2009)
  $618.7 million (31 December 2008)
  $702 million (31 December 2007)

Nepal
  $5.2 billion (31 December 2010)
  $5.485 billion (31 December 2009)
  $4.894 billion (31 December 2008)

Netherlands
  $542.5 billion (31 December 2009)
  $387.9 billion (31 December 2008)
  $956.5 billion (31 December 2007)

New Caledonia
  $NA

New Zealand
  $67.06 billion (31 December 2009)
  $24.17 billion (31 December 2008)
  $47.45 billion (31 December 2007)

Nicaragua
  $NA

Niger
  $NA

Nigeria
  $33.32 billion (31 December 2009)
  $49.8 billion (31 December 2008)
  $86.35 billion (31 December 2007)

Norway
  $227.2 billion (31 December 2009)
  $125.9 billion (31 December 2008)
  $357.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Oman
  $17.3 billion (31 December 2009)
  $14.91 billion (31 December 2008)
  $23.06 billion (31 December 2007)

Pakistan
  $33.24 billion (31 December 2009)
  $23.49 billion (31 December 2008)
  $70.26 billion (31 December 2007)

Palau
  $NA

Panama
  $8.048 billion (31 December 2009)
  $6.568 billion (31 December 2008)
  $6.219 billion (31 December 2007)

Papua New Guinea
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $NA (31 December 2007)
  $6.632 billion (31 December 2006)

Paraguay
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $NA (31 December 2007)
  $409.1 million (31 December 2006)

Peru
  $69.75 billion (31 December 2009)
  $55.63 billion (31 December 2008)
  $106 billion (31 December 2007)

Philippines
  $80.13 billion (31 December 2009)
  $85.63 billion (31 December 2008)
  $172.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Poland
  $135.3 billion (31 December 2009)
  $90.23 billion (31 December 2008)
  $207.3 billion (31 December 2007)

Portugal
  $98.65 billion (31 December 2009)
  $68.71 billion (31 December 2008)
  $132.3 billion (31 December 2007)

Puerto Rico
  $NA

Qatar
  $87.86 billion (31 December 2009)
  $76.31 billion (31 December 2008)
  $95.49 billion (31 December 2007)

Romania
  $30.32 billion (31 December 2009)
  $19.92 billion (31 December 2008)
  $44.93 billion (31 December 2007)

Russia
  $861.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $1.322 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $1.503 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Rwanda
  $NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  $648 million (31 December 2009)
  $595.2 million (31 December 2008)
  $439.7 million (31 December 2007)

Samoa
  $NA

San Marino
  $NA

Sao Tome and Principe
  $NA

Saudi Arabia
  $318.8 billion (31 December 2009)
  $246.3 billion (31 December 2008)
  $515.1 billion (31 December 2007)

Senegal
  $NA

Serbia
  $11.52 billion (31 December 2009)
  $12.17 billion (31 December 2008)
  $23.93 billion (31 December 2007)

Seychelles
  $NA

Sierra Leone
  $NA

Singapore
  $474.8 billion (31 December 2009)
  $268.6 billion (31 December 2008)
  $353.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Slovakia
  $4.672 billion (31 December 2009)
  $5.079 billion (31 December 2008)
  $6.971 billion (31 December 2007)

Slovenia
  $11.77 billion (31 December 2009)
  $22.1 billion (31 December 2008)
  $28.96 billion (31 December 2007)

South Africa
  $704.8 billion (31 December 2009)
  $491.3 billion (31 December 2008)
  $833.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Spain
  $1.297 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $946.1 billion (31 December 2008)
  $1.8 trillion (31 December 2007)

Sri Lanka
  $11.5 billion (December 2010)
  $8.133 billion (31 December 2009)
  $4.326 billion (31 December 2008)

Sudan
  $NA

Suriname
  $NA

Swaziland
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $203.1 million (31 December 2007)
  $199.9 million (31 December 2006)

Sweden
  $432.3 billion (31 December 2009)
  $252.5 billion (31 December 2008)
  $612.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Switzerland
  $1.071 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $862.7 billion (31 December 2008)
  $1.275 trillion (31 December 2007)

Syria
  $NA

Taiwan
  $657.3 billion (31 December 2009)
  $354.7 billion (31 December 2008)
  $654 billion (28 December 2007)

Tajikistan
  $NA

Tanzania
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $1.293 billion (31 December 2008)
  $541.1 million (31 December 2006)

Thailand
  $138.2 billion (31 December 2009)
  $102.6 billion (31 December 2008)
  $196 billion (31 December 2007)

Timor-Leste
  $NA

Togo
  $NA

Tonga
  $NA

Trinidad and Tobago
  $11.15 billion (31 December 2009)
  $12.16 billion (31 December 2008)
  $15.61 billion (31 December 2007)

Tunisia
  $9.12 billion (31 December 2009)
  $6.374 billion (31 December 2008)
  $5.355 billion (31 December 2007)

Turkey
  $225.7 billion (31 December 2009)
  $117.9 billion (31 December 2008)
  $286.6 billion (31 December 2007)

Turkmenistan
  $NA

Uganda
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $NA (31 December 2007)
  $116.3 million (31 December 2006)

Ukraine
  $16.79 billion (31 December 2009)
  $24.36 billion (31 December 2008)
  $111.8 billion (31 December 2007)

United Arab Emirates
  $109.6 billion (31 December 2009)
  $97.85 billion (31 December 2008)
  $224.7 billion (31 December 2007)

United Kingdom
  $2.796 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $1.852 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $3.859 trillion (31 December 2007)

United States
  $15.08 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $11.74 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $19.95 trillion (31 December 2007)

Uruguay
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $159 million (31 December 2007)
  $125.1 million (31 December 2006)

Uzbekistan
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $NA (31 December 2007)
  $715.3 million (31 December 2006)

Vanuatu
  $NA

Venezuela
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $NA (31 December 2007)
  $8.251 billion (31 December 2006)

Vietnam
  $21.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $9.589 billion (31 December 2008)
  $19.54 billion (31 December 2007)

West Bank
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $2.123 billion (31 December 2008)
  $2.475 billion (31 December 2007)

World
  $48.85 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $36.41 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $64.6 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Yemen
  $NA

Zambia
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $2.346 billion (31 December 2007)
  $1.186 billion (31 December 2006)

Zimbabwe
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $5.333 billion (31 December 2007)
  $26.56 billion (31 December 2006)

======================================================================

@2201

Field Listing :: Total renewable water resources

  This entry provides the long-term average water availability for a
  country in cubic kilometers of precipitation, recharged ground
  water, and surface inflows from surrounding countries. The values
  have been adjusted to account for overlap resulting from surface
  flow recharge of groundwater sources. Total renewable water
  resources provides the water total available to a country but does
  not include water resource totals that have been reserved for
  upstream or downstream countries through international agreements.
  Note that these values are averages and do not accurately reflect
  the total available in any given year. Annual available resources
  can vary greatly due to short-term and long-term climatic and
  weather variations.
  Country

Total renewable water resources(cu km)

Afghanistan
  65 cu km (1997)

Albania
  41.7 cu km (2001)

Algeria
  14.3 cu km (1997)

Angola
  184 cu km (1987)

Antigua and Barbuda
  0.1 cu km (2000)

Argentina
  814 cu km (2000)

Armenia
  10.5 cu km (1997)

Australia
  398 cu km (1995)

Austria
  84 cu km (2005)

Azerbaijan
  30.3 cu km (1997)

Bahamas, The
  NA

Bahrain
  0.1 cu km (1997)

Bangladesh
  1,210.6 cu km (1999)

Barbados
  0.1 cu km (2003)

Belarus
  58 cu km (1997)

Belgium
  20.8 cu km (2005)

Belize
  18.6 cu km (2000)

Benin
  25.8 cu km (2001)

Bhutan
  95 cu km (1987)

Bolivia
  622.5 cu km (2000)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  37.5 cu km (2003)

Botswana
  14.7 cu km (2001)

Brazil
  8,233 cu km (2000)

Brunei
  8.5 cu km (1999)

Bulgaria
  19.4 cu km (2005)

Burkina Faso
  17.5 cu km (2001)

Burma
  1,045.6 cu km (1999)

Burundi
  3.6 cu km (1987)

Cambodia
  476.1 cu km (1999)

Cameroon
  285.5 cu km (2003)

Canada
  3,300 cu km (1985)

Cape Verde
  0.3 cu km (1990)

Central African Republic
  144.4 cu km (2003)

Chad
  43 cu km (1987)

Chile
  922 cu km (2000)

China
  2,829.6 cu km (1999)

Colombia
  2,132 cu km (2000)

Comoros
  1.2 cu km (2003)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  1,283 cu km (2001)

Congo, Republic of the
  832 cu km (1987)

Costa Rica
  112.4 cu km (2000)

Cote d'Ivoire
  81 cu km (2001)

Croatia
  105.5 cu km (1998)

Cuba
  38.1 cu km (2000)

Curacao
  NA

Cyprus
  0.4 cu km (2005)

Czech Republic
  16 cu km (2005)

Denmark
  6.1 cu km (2003)

Djibouti
  0.3 cu km (1997)

Dominica
  NA

Dominican Republic
  21 cu km (2000)

Ecuador
  432 cu km (2000)

Egypt
  86.8 cu km (1997)

El Salvador
  25.2 cu km (2001)

Equatorial Guinea
  26 cu km (2001)

Eritrea
  6.3 cu km (2001)

Estonia
  21.1 cu km (2005)

Ethiopia
  110 cu km (1987)

Fiji
  28.6 cu km (1987)

Finland
  110 cu km (2005)

France
  189 cu km (2005)

Gabon
  164 cu km (1987)

Gambia, The
  8 cu km (1982)

Georgia
  63.3 cu km (1997)

Germany
  188 cu km (2005)

Ghana
  53.2 cu km (2001)

Greece
  72 cu km (2005)

Grenada
  NA

Guatemala
  111.3 cu km (2000)

Guinea
  226 cu km (1987)

Guinea-Bissau
  31 cu km (2003)

Guyana
  241 cu km (2000)

Haiti
  14 cu km (2000)

Honduras
  95.9 cu km (2000)

Hungary
  120 cu km (2005)

Iceland
  170 cu km (2005)

India
  1,907.8 cu km (1999)

Indonesia
  2,838 cu km (1999)

Iran
  137.5 cu km (1997)

Iraq
  96.4 cu km (1997)

Ireland
  46.8 cu km (2003)

Israel
  1.7 cu km (2001)

Italy
  175 cu km (2005)

Jamaica
  9.4 cu km (2000)

Japan
  430 cu km (1999)

Jordan
  0.9 cu km (1997)

Kazakhstan
  109.6 cu km (1997)

Kenya
  30.2 cu km (1990)

Korea, North
  77.1 cu km (1999)

Korea, South
  69.7 cu km (1999)

Kuwait
  0.02 cu km (1997)

Kyrgyzstan
  46.5 cu km (1997)

Laos
  333.6 cu km (2003)

Latvia
  49.9 cu km (2005)

Lebanon
  4.8 cu km (1997)

Lesotho
  5.2 cu km (1987)

Liberia
  232 cu km (1987)

Libya
  0.6 cu km (1997)

Lithuania
  24.5 cu km (2005)

Luxembourg
  1.6 cu km (2005)

Macedonia
  6.4 cu km (2001)

Madagascar
  337 cu km (1984)

Malawi
  17.3 cu km (2001)

Malaysia
  580 cu km (1999)

Maldives
  0.03 cu km (1999)

Mali
  100 cu km (2001)

Malta
  0.07 cu km (2005)

Mauritania
  11.4 cu km (1997)

Mauritius
  2.2 cu km (2001)

Mexico
  457.2 cu km (2000)

Moldova
  11.7 cu km (1997)

Mongolia
  34.8 cu km (1999)

Morocco
  29 cu km (2003)

Mozambique
  216 cu km (1992)

Namibia
  45.5 cu km (1991)

Nepal
  210.2 cu km (1999)

Netherlands
  89.7 cu km (2005)

New Zealand
  397 cu km (1995)

Nicaragua
  196.7 cu km (2000)

Niger
  33.7 cu km (2003)

Nigeria
  286.2 cu km (2003)

Norway
  381.4 cu km (2005)

Oman
  1 cu km (1997)

Pakistan
  233.8 cu km (2003)

Panama
  148 cu km (2000)

Papua New Guinea
  801 cu km (1987)

Paraguay
  336 cu km (2000)

Peru
  1,913 cu km (2000)

Philippines
  479 cu km (1999)

Poland
  63.1 cu km (2005)

Portugal
  73.6 cu km (2005)

Qatar
  0.1 cu km (1997)

Romania
  42.3 cu km (2003)

Russia
  4,498 cu km (1997)

Rwanda
  5.2 cu km (2003)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  0.02 cu km (2000)

Saudi Arabia
  2.4 cu km (1997)

Senegal
  39.4 cu km (1987)

Serbia
  208.5 cu km (note - includes Kosovo) (2003)

Sierra Leone
  160 cu km (1987)

Singapore
  0.6 cu km (1975)

Slovakia
  50.1 cu km (2003)

Slovenia
  32.1 cu km (2005)

Solomon Islands
  44.7 cu km (1987)

Somalia
  15.7 cu km (1997)

South Africa
  50 cu km (1990)

Spain
  111.1 cu km (2005)

Sri Lanka
  50 cu km (1999)

Sudan
  154 cu km (1997)

Suriname
  122 cu km (2003)

Swaziland
  4.5 cu km (1987)

Sweden
  179 cu km (2005)

Switzerland
  53.3 cu km (2005)

Syria
  46.1 cu km (1997)

Taiwan
  67 cu km (2000)

Tajikistan
  99.7 cu km (1997)

Tanzania
  91 cu km (2001)

Thailand
  409.9 cu km (1999)

Togo
  14.7 cu km (2001)

Trinidad and Tobago
  3.8 cu km (2000)

Tunisia
  4.6 cu km (2003)

Turkey
  234 cu km (2003)

Turkmenistan
  60.9 cu km (1997)

Uganda
  66 cu km (1970)

Ukraine
  139.5 cu km (1997)

United Arab Emirates
  0.2 cu km (1997)

United Kingdom
  160.6 cu km (2005)

United States
  3,069 cu km (1985)

Uruguay
  139 cu km (2000)

Uzbekistan
  72.2 cu km (2003)

Venezuela
  1,233.2 cu km (2000)

Vietnam
  891.2 cu km (1999)

Yemen
  4.1 cu km (1997)

Zambia
  105.2 cu km (2001)

Zimbabwe
  20 cu km (1987)

======================================================================

@2202

Field Listing :: Freshwater withdrawal

(domestic/industrial/agricultural)

This entry provides the annual quantity of water in cubic kilometers removed from available sources for use in any purpose. Water drawn-off is not necessarily entirely consumed and some portion may be returned for further use downstream. Domestic sector use refers to water supplied by public distribution systems. Note that some of this total may be used for small industrial and/or limited agricultural purposes. Industrial sector use is the quantity of water used by self-supplied industries not connected to a public distribution system. Agricultural sector use includes water used for irrigation and livestock watering, and does not account for agriculture directly dependent on rainfall. Included are figures for total annual water withdrawal and per capita water withdrawal. Country

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)()

Afghanistan
  total: 23.26 cu km/yr (2%/0%/98%)
  per capita: 779 cu m/yr (2000)

Albania
  total: 1.71 cu km/yr (27%/11%/62%)
  per capita: 546 cu m/yr (2000)

Algeria
  total: 6.07 cu km/yr (22%/13%/65%)
  per capita: 185 cu m/yr (2000)

Angola
  total: 0.35 cu km/yr (23%/17%/60%)
  per capita: 22 cu m/yr (2000)

Antigua and Barbuda
  total: 0.005 cu km/yr (60%/20%/20%)
  per capita: 63 cu m/yr (1990)

Argentina
  total: 29.19 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%)
  per capita: 753 cu m/yr (2000)

Armenia
  total: 2.95 cu km/yr (30%/4%/66%)
  per capita: 977 cu m/yr (2000)

Australia
  total: 24.06 cu km/yr (15%/10%/75%)
  per capita: 1,193 cu m/yr (2000)

Austria
  total: 3.67 cu km/yr (35%/64%/1%)
  per capita: 448 cu m/yr (1999)

Azerbaijan
  total: 17.25 cu km/yr (5%/28%/68%)
  per capita: 2,051 cu m/yr (2000)

Bahrain
  total: 0.3 cu km/yr (40%/3%/57%)
  per capita: 411 cu m/yr (2000)

Bangladesh
  total: 79.4 cu km/yr (3%/1%/96%)
  per capita: 560 cu m/yr (2000)

Barbados
  total: 0.09 cu km/yr (33%/44%/22%)
  per capita: 333 cu m/yr (2000)

Belarus
  total: 2.79 cu km/yr (23%/47%/30%)
  per capita: 286 cu m/yr (2000)

Belgium
  total: 7.44 cu km/yr (13%/85%/1%)
  per capita: 714 cu m/yr (1998)

Belize
  total: 0.15 cu km/yr (7%/73%/20%)
  per capita: 556 cu m/yr (2000)

Benin
  total: 0.13 cu km/yr (32%/23%/45%)
  per capita: 15 cu m/yr (2001)

Bhutan
  total: 0.43 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%)
  per capita: 199 cu m/yr (2000)

Bolivia
  total: 1.44 cu km/yr (13%/7%/81%)
  per capita: 157 cu m/yr (2000)

Botswana
  total: 0.19 cu km/yr (41%/18%/41%)
  per capita: 107 cu m/yr (2000)

Brazil
  total: 59.3 cu km/yr (20%/18%/62%)
  per capita: 318 cu m/yr (2000)

Brunei
  total: 0.09
  per capita: 243 cu m/yr (1994)

Bulgaria
  total: 6.92 cu km/yr (3%/78%/19%)
  per capita: 895 cu m/yr (2003)

Burkina Faso
  total: 0.8 cu km/yr (13%/1%/86%)
  per capita: 60 cu m/yr (2000)

Burma
  total: 33.23 cu km/yr (1%/1%/98%)
  per capita: 658 cu m/yr (2000)

Burundi
  total: 0.29 cu km/yr (17%/6%/77%)
  per capita: 38 cu m/yr (2000)

Cambodia
  total: 4.08 cu km/yr (1%/0%/98%)
  per capita: 290 cu m/yr (2000)

Cameroon
  total: 0.99 cu km/yr (18%/8%/74%)
  per capita: 61 cu m/yr (2000)

Canada
  total: 44.72 cu km/yr (20%/69%/12%)
  per capita: 1,386 cu m/yr (1996)

Cape Verde
  total: 0.02 cu km/yr (7%/2%/91%)
  per capita: 39 cu m/yr (2000)

Central African Republic
  total: 0.03 cu km/yr (80%/16%/4%)
  per capita: 7 cu m/yr (2000)

Chad
  total: 0.23 cu km/yr (17%/0%/83%)
  per capita: 24 cu m/yr (2000)

Chile
  total: 12.55 cu km/yr (11%/25%/64%)
  per capita: 770 cu m/yr (2000)

China
  total: 549.76 cu km/yr (7%/26%/68%)
  per capita: 415 cu m/yr (2000)

Colombia
  total: 10.71 cu km/yr (50%/4%/46%)
  per capita: 235 cu m/yr (2000)

Comoros
  total: 0.01 cu km/yr (48%/5%/47%)
  per capita: 13 cu m/yr (1999)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  total: 0.36 cu km/yr (53%/17%/31%)
  per capita: 6 cu m/yr (2000)

Congo, Republic of the
  total: 0.03 cu km/yr (59%/29%/12%)
  per capita: 8 cu m/yr (2000)

Costa Rica
  total: 2.68 cu km/yr (29%/17%/53%)
  per capita: 619 cu m/yr (2000)

Cote d'Ivoire
  total: 0.93 cu km/yr (24%/12%/65%)
  per capita: 51 cu m/yr (2000)

Cuba
  total: 8.2 cu km/yr (19%/12%/69%)
  per capita: 728 cu m/yr (2000)

Curacao
  NA

Cyprus
  total: 0.21 cu km/yr (27%/1%/71%)
  per capita: 250 cu m/yr (2000)

Czech Republic
  total: 1.91 cu km/yr (41%/57%/2%)
  per capita: 187 cu m/yr (2002)

Denmark
  total: 0.67 cu km/yr (32%/26%/42%)
  per capita: 123 cu m/yr (2002)

Djibouti
  total: 0.02 cu km/yr (84%/0%/16%)
  per capita: 25 cu m/yr (2000)

Dominica
  total: 0.02 cu km/yr
  per capita: 213 cu m/yr (1996)

Dominican Republic
  total: 3.39 cu km/yr (32%/2%/66%)
  per capita: 381 cu m/yr (2000)

Ecuador
  total: 16.98 cu km/yr (12%/5%/82%)
  per capita: 1,283 cu m/yr (2000)

Egypt
  total: 68.3 cu km/yr (8%/6%/86%)
  per capita: 923 cu m/yr (2000)

El Salvador
  total: 1.28 cu km/yr (25%/16%/59%)
  per capita: 186 cu m/yr (2000)

Equatorial Guinea
  total: 0.11 cu km/yr (83%/16%/1%)
  per capita: 220 cu m/yr (2000)

Eritrea
  total: 0.3 cu km/yr (3%/0%/97%)
  per capita: 68 cu m/yr (2000)

Estonia
  total: 1.41 cu km/yr (56%/39%/5%)
  per capita: 1,060 cu m/yr (2002)

Ethiopia
  total: 5.56 cu km/yr (6%/0%/94%)
  per capita: 72 cu m/yr (2002)

Fiji
  total: 0.07 cu km/yr (14%/14%/71%)
  per capita: 82 cu m/yr (2000)

Finland
  total: 2.33 cu km/yr (14%/84%/3%)
  per capita: 444 cu m/yr (1999)

France
  total: 33.16 cu km/yr (16%/74%/10%)
  per capita: 548 cu m/yr (2000)

Gabon
  total: 0.12 cu km/yr (50%/8%/42%)
  per capita: 87 cu m/yr (2000)

Gambia, The
  total: 0.03 cu km/yr (23%/12%/65%)
  per capita: 20 cu m/yr (2000)

Georgia
  total: 3.61 cu km/yr (20%/21%/59%)
  per capita: 808 cu m/yr (2000)

Germany
  total: 38.01 cu km/yr (12%/68%/20%)
  per capita: 460 cu m/yr (2001)

Ghana
  total: 0.98 cu km/yr (24%/10%/66%)
  per capita: 44 cu m/yr (2000)

Greece
  total: 8.7 cu km/yr (16%/3%/81%)
  per capita: 782 cu m/yr (1997)

Guatemala
  total: 2.01 cu km/yr (6%/13%/80%)
  per capita: 160 cu m/yr (2000)

Guinea
  total: 1.51 cu km/yr (8%/2%/90%)
  per capita: 161 cu m/yr (2000)

Guinea-Bissau
  total: 0.18 cu km/yr (13%/5%/82%)
  per capita: 113 cu m/yr (2000)

Guyana
  total: 1.64 cu km/yr (2%/1%/98%)
  per capita: 2,187 cu m/yr (2000)

Haiti
  total: 0.99 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%)
  per capita: 116 cu m/yr (2000)

Honduras
  total: 0.86 cu km/yr (8%/12%/80%)
  per capita: 119 cu m/yr (2000)

Hungary
  total: 21.03 cu km/yr (9%/59%/32%)
  per capita: 2,082 cu m/yr (2001)

Iceland
  total: 0.17 cu km/yr (34%/66%/0%)
  per capita: 567 cu m/yr (2003)

India
  total: 645.84 cu km/yr (8%/5%/86%)
  per capita: 585 cu m/yr (2000)

Indonesia
  total: 82.78 cu km/yr (8%/1%/91%)
  per capita: 372 cu m/yr (2000)

Iran
  total: 72.88 cu km/yr (7%/2%/91%)
  per capita: 1,048 cu m/yr (2000)

Iraq
  total: 42.7 cu km/yr (3%/5%/92%)
  per capita: 1,482 cu m/yr (2000)

Ireland
  total: 1.18 cu km/yr (23%/77%/0%)
  per capita: 284 cu m/yr (1994)

Israel
  total: 2.05 cu km/yr (31%/7%/62%)
  per capita: 305 cu m/yr (2000)

Italy
  total: 41.98 cu km/yr (18%/37%/45%)
  per capita: 723 cu m/yr (1998)

Jamaica
  total: 0.41 cu km/yr (34%/17%/49%)
  per capita: 155 cu m/yr (2000)

Japan
  total: 88.43 cu km/yr (20%/18%/62%)
  per capita: 690 cu m/yr (2000)

Jordan
  total: 1.01 cu km/yr (21%/4%/75%)
  per capita: 177 cu m/yr (2000)

Kazakhstan
  total: 35 cu km/yr (2%/17%/82%)
  per capita: 2,360 cu m/yr (2000)

Kenya
  total: 1.58 cu km/yr (30%/6%/64%)
  per capita: 46 cu m/yr (2000)

Korea, North
  total: 9.02 cu km/yr (20%/25%/55%)
  per capita: 401 cu m/yr (2000)

Korea, South
  total: 18.59 cu km/yr (36%/16%/48%)
  per capita: 389 cu m/yr (2000)

Kuwait
  total: 0.44 cu km/yr (45%/2%/52%)
  per capita: 164 cu m/yr (2000)

Kyrgyzstan
  total: 10.08 cu km/yr (3%/3%/94%)
  per capita: 1,916 cu m/yr (2000)

Laos
  total: 3 cu km/yr (4%/6%/90%)
  per capita: 507 cu m/yr (2000)

Latvia
  total: 0.25 cu km/yr (55%/33%/12%)
  per capita: 108 cu m/yr (2003)

Lebanon
  total: 1.38 cu km/yr (33%/1%/67%)
  per capita: 385 cu m/yr (2000)

Lesotho
  total: 0.05 cu km/yr (40%/40%/20%)
  per capita: 28 cu m/yr (2000)

Liberia
  total: 0.11 cu km/yr (27%/18%/55%)
  per capita: 34 cu m/yr (2000)

Libya
  total: 4.27 cu km/yr (14%/3%/83%)
  per capita: 730 cu m/yr (2000)

Lithuania
  total: 3.33 cu km/yr (78%/15%/7%)
  per capita: 971 cu m/yr (2003)

Luxembourg
  total: 0.06 cu km/yr (42%/45%/13%)
  per capita: 121 cu m/yr (1999)

Macedonia
  total: 2.27
  per capita: 1,118 cu m/yr (2000)

Madagascar
  total: 14.96 cu km/yr (3%/2%/96%)
  per capita: 804 cu m/yr (2000)

Malawi
  total: 1.01 cu km/yr (15%/5%/80%)
  per capita: 78 cu m/yr (2000)

Malaysia
  total: 9.02 cu km/yr (17%/21%/62%)
  per capita: 356 cu m/yr (2000)

Maldives
  total: 0.003 cu km/yr (98%/2%/0%)
  per capita: 9 cu m/yr (1987)

Mali
  total: 6.55 cu km/yr (9%/1%/90%)
  per capita: 484 cu m/yr (2000)

Malta
  total: 0.02 cu km/yr (74%/1%/25%)
  per capita: 50 cu m/yr (2000)

Mauritania
  total: 1.7 cu km/yr (9%/3%/88%)
  per capita: 554 cu m/yr (2000)

Mauritius
  total: 0.61 cu km/yr (25%/14%/60%)
  per capita: 488 cu m/yr (2000)

Mexico
  total: 78.22 cu km/yr (17%/5%/77%)
  per capita: 731 cu m/yr (2000)

Moldova
  total: 2.31 cu km/yr (10%/58%/33%)
  per capita: 549 cu m/yr (2000)

Mongolia
  total: 0.44 cu km/yr (20%/27%/52%)
  per capita: 166 cu m/yr (2000)

Morocco
  total: 12.6 cu km/yr (10%/3%/87%)
  per capita: 400 cu m/yr (2000)

Mozambique
  total: 0.63 cu km/yr (11%/2%/87%)
  per capita: 32 cu m/yr (2000)

Namibia
  total: 0.3 cu km/yr (24%/5%/71%)
  per capita: 148 cu m/yr (2000)

Nepal
  total: 10.18 cu km/yr (3%/1%/96%)
  per capita: 375 cu m/yr (2000)

Netherlands
  total: 8.86 cu km/yr (6%/60%/34%)
  per capita: 544 cu m/yr (2001)

New Zealand
  total: 2.11 cu km/yr (48%/9%/42%)
  per capita: 524 cu m/yr (2000)

Nicaragua
  total: 1.3 cu km/yr (15%/2%/83%)
  per capita: 237 cu m/yr (2000)

Niger
  total: 2.18 cu km/yr (4%/0%/95%)
  per capita: 156 cu m/yr (2000)

Nigeria
  total: 8.01 cu km/yr (21%/10%/69%)
  per capita: 61 cu m/yr (2000)

Norway
  total: 2.4 cu km/yr (23%/67%/10%)
  per capita: 519 cu m/yr (1996)

Oman
  total: 1.36 cu km/yr (7%/2%/90%)
  per capita: 529 cu m/yr (2000)

Pakistan
  total: 169.39 cu km/yr (2%/2%/96%)
  per capita: 1,072 cu m/yr (2000)

Panama
  total: 0.82 cu km/yr (67%/5%/28%)
  per capita: 254 cu m/yr (2000)

Papua New Guinea
  total: 0.1 cu km/yr (56%/43%/1%)
  per capita: 17 cu m/yr (1987)

Paraguay
  total: 0.49 cu km/yr (20%/8%/71%)
  per capita: 80 cu m/yr (2000)

Peru
  total: 20.13 cu km/yr (8%/10%/82%)
  per capita: 720 cu m/yr (2000)

Philippines
  total: 28.52 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%)
  per capita: 343 cu m/yr (2000)

Poland
  total: 11.73 cu km/yr (13%/79%/8%)
  per capita: 304 cu m/yr (2002)

Portugal
  total: 11.09 cu km/yr (10%/12%/78%)
  per capita: 1,056 cu m/yr (1998)

Qatar
  total: 0.29 cu km/yr (24%/3%/72%)
  per capita: 358 cu m/yr (2000)

Romania
  total: 6.5 cu km/yr (9%/34%/57%)
  per capita: 299 cu m/yr (2003)

Russia
  total: 76.68 cu km/yr (19%/63%/18%)
  per capita: 535 cu m/yr (2000)

Rwanda
  total: 0.15 cu km/yr (24%/8%/68%)
  per capita: 17 cu m/yr (2000)

Saint Lucia
  total: 0.01
  per capita: 81 cu m/yr (1997)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  total: 0.01
  per capita: 83 cu m/yr (1995)

Saudi Arabia
  total: 17.32 cu km/yr (10%/1%/89%)
  per capita: 705 cu m/yr (2000)

Senegal
  total: 2.22 cu km/yr (4%/3%/93%)
  per capita: 190 cu m/yr (2002)

Sierra Leone
  total: 0.38 cu km/yr (5%/3%/92%)
  per capita: 69 cu m/yr (2000)

Singapore
  total: 0.19 cu km/yr (45%/51%/4%)
  per capita: 44 cu m/yr (1975)

Slovakia
  total: 1.04
  per capita: 193 cu m/yr (2003)

Slovenia
  total: 0.9
  per capita: 457 cu m/yr (2002)

Somalia
  total: 3.29 cu km/yr (0%/0%/100%)
  per capita: 400 cu m/yr (2000)

South Africa
  total: 12.5 cu km/yr (31%/6%/63%)
  per capita: 264 cu m/yr (2000)

Spain
  total: 37.22 cu km/yr (13%/19%/68%)
  per capita: 864 cu m/yr (2002)

Sri Lanka
  total: 12.61 cu km/yr (2%/2%/95%)
  per capita: 608 cu m/yr (2000)

Sudan
  total: 37.32 cu km/yr (3%/1%/97%)
  per capita: 1,030 cu m/yr (2000)

Suriname
  total: 0.67 cu km/yr (4%/3%/93%)
  per capita: 1,489 cu m/yr (2000)

Swaziland
  total: 1.04 cu km/yr (2%/1%/97%)
  per capita: 1,010 cu m/yr (2000)

Sweden
  total: 2.68 cu km/yr (37%/54%/9%)
  per capita: 296 cu m/yr (2002)

Switzerland
  total: 2.52 cu km/yr (24%/74%/2%)
  per capita: 348 cu m/yr (2002)

Syria
  total: 19.95 cu km/yr (3%/2%/95%)
  per capita: 1,048 cu m/yr (2000)

Tajikistan
  total: 11.96 cu km/yr (4%/5%/92%)
  per capita: 1,837 cu m/yr (2000)

Tanzania
  total: 5.18 cu km/yr (10%/0%/89%)
  per capita: 135 cu m/yr (2000)

Thailand
  total: 82.75 cu km/yr (2%/2%/95%)
  per capita: 1,288 cu m/yr (2000)

Togo
  total: 0.17 cu km/yr (53%/2%/45%)
  per capita: 28 cu m/yr (2000)

Trinidad and Tobago
  total: 0.31 cu km/yr (68%/26%/6%)
  per capita: 237 cu m/yr (2000)

Tunisia
  total: 2.64 cu km/yr (14%/4%/82%)
  per capita: 261 cu m/yr (2000)

Turkey
  total: 39.78 cu km/yr (15%/11%/74%)
  per capita: 544 cu m/yr (2001)

Turkmenistan
  total: 24.65 cu km/yr (2%/1%/98%)
  per capita: 5,104 cu m/yr (2000)

Uganda
  total: 0.3 cu km/yr (43%/17%/40%)
  per capita: 10 cu m/yr (2002)

Ukraine
  total: 37.53 cu km/yr (12%/35%/52%)
  per capita: 807 cu m/yr (2000)

United Arab Emirates
  total: 2.3 cu km/yr (23%/9%/68%)
  per capita: 511 cu m/yr (2000)

United Kingdom
  total: 11.75 cu km/yr (22%/75%/3%)
  per capita: 197 cu m/yr (1994)

United States
  total: 477 cu km/yr (13%/46%/41%)
  per capita: 1,600 cu m/yr (2000)

Uruguay
  total: 3.15 cu km/yr (2%/1%/96%)
  per capita: 910 cu m/yr (2000)

Uzbekistan
  total: 58.34 cu km/yr (5%/2%/93%)
  per capita: 2,194 cu m/yr (2000)

Venezuela
  total: 8.37 cu km/yr (6%/7%/47%)
  per capita: 313 cu m/yr (2000)

Vietnam
  total: 71.39 cu km/yr (8%/24%/68%)
  per capita: 847 cu m/yr (2000)

Yemen
  total: 6.63 cu km/yr (4%/1%/95%)
  per capita: 316 cu m/yr (2000)

Zambia
  total: 1.74 cu km/yr (17%/7%/76%)
  per capita: 149 cu m/yr (2000)

Zimbabwe
  total: 4.21 cu km/yr (14%/7%/79%)
  per capita: 324 cu m/yr (2002)

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@2203

Field Listing :: Geographic overview

Country

Geographic overview

World
  The surface of the earth is approximately 70.9% water and
  29.1% land. The former portion is divided into large water bodies
  termed oceans. The World Factbook recognizes and describes five
  oceans, which are in decreasing order of size: the Pacific Ocean,
  Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean.
  The land portion is generally divided into several, large, discrete
  landmasses termed continents. Depending on the convention used, the
  number of continents can vary from five to seven. The most common
  classification recognizes seven, which are (from largest to
  smallest): Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica,
  Europe, and Australia. Asia and Europe are sometimes lumped together
  into a Eurasian continent resulting in six continents.
  Alternatively, North and South America are sometimes grouped as
  simply the Americas, resulting in a continent total of six (or five,
  if the Eurasia designation is used).
  North America is commonly understood to include the island of
  Greenland, the isles of the Caribbean, and to extend south all the
  way to the Isthmus of Panama. The easternmost extent of Europe is
  generally defined as being the Ural Mountains and the Ural River; on
  the southeast the Caspian Sea; and on the south the Caucasus
  Mountains, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean. Portions of
  Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey fall within both
  Europe and Asia, but in every instance the larger section is in
  Asia. These countries are considered part of both continents.
  Armenia and Cyprus, which lie completely in Western Asia, are
  geopolitically European countries.
  Asia usually incorporates all the islands of the Philippines,
  Malaysia, and Indonesia. The islands of the Pacific are often lumped
  with Australia into a "land mass" termed Oceania or Australasia.
  Africa's northeast extremity is frequently delimited at the Isthmus
  of Suez, but for geopolitical purposes, the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula
  is often included as part of Africa.
  Although the above groupings are the most common, different
  continental dispositions are recognized or taught in certain parts
  of the world, with some arrangements more heavily based on cultural
  spheres rather than physical geographic considerations.

======================================================================

@2204

Field Listing :: Economy of the area administered by Turkish Cypriots

Country

Economy of the area administered by Turkish Cypriots

Cyprus
  Economy - overview: The Turkish Cypriot economy has roughly
  half the per capita GDP of the south, and economic growth tends to
  be volatile, given the north's relative isolation, bloated public
  sector, reliance on the Turkish lira, and small market size.
  Agriculture and services, together, employ more than half of the
  work force. The Turkish Cypriot economy grew around 10.6% in 2006,
  fueled by growth in the construction and education sectors, as well
  as increased employment of Turkish Cypriots in the area under
  government control. GDP declined about 2.0% in 2007. The Turkish
  Cypriots are heavily dependent on transfers from the Turkish
  Government. Ankara directly finances about one-third of the "TRNC's"
  budget. Aid from Turkey has exceeded $400 million annually in recent
  years. The Turkish Cypriot economy experienced a sharp slowdown in
  2008-09 due to the global financial crisis and, because of its
  reliance on British and Turkish tourism, which has declined due to
  the recession. Turkish Cypriot finances also deteriorated in 2009 as
  decreased state revenues and increased government expenditures on
  public sector salaries and social services led to a large budget
  deficit. As tourism and the world economy picked up, the economy
  grew about 0.6% in 2010.
  GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.829 billion (2007 est.)
  GDP - real growth rate: -0.6% (2010 est.)
  GDP - per capita: $11,700 (2007 est.)
  GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 8.6%, industry: 22.5%,
  services: 69.1% (2006 est.)
  Labor force: 95,030 (2007 est.)
  Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 14.5%, industry: 29%,
  services: 56.5% (2004)
  Unemployment rate: 9.4% (2005 est.)
  Population below poverty line: %NA
  Inflation rate: 11.4% (2006)
  Budget: revenues: $2.5 billion, expenditures: $2.5 billion (2006)
  Agriculture - products: citrus fruit, dairy, potatoes, grapes,
  olives, poultry, lamb
  Industries: foodstuffs, textiles, clothing, ship repair, clay,
  gypsum, copper, furniture
  Industrial production growth rate: -0.3% (2007 est.)
  Electricity production: 998.9 million kWh (2005)
  Electricity consumption: 797.9 million kWh (2005)
  Exports: $68.1 million, f.o.b. (2007 est.)
  Export - commodities: citrus, dairy, potatoes, textiles
  Export - partners: Turkey 40%; direct trade between the area
  administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government
  control remains limited
  Imports: $1.2 billion, f.o.b. (2007 est.)
  Import - commodities: vehicles, fuel, cigarettes, food, minerals,
  chemicals, machinery
  Import - partners: Turkey 60%; direct trade between the area
  administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government
  control remains limited
  Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $NA
  Debt - external: $NA
  Currency (code): Turkish new lira (YTL)
  Exchange rates: Turkish new lira per US dollar: 1.319 (2007) 1.4286
  (2006) 1.3436 (2005) 1.4255 (2004) 1.5009 (2003)

======================================================================

@2205

Field Listing :: School life expectancy (primary to tertiary

education)

  School life expectancy (SLE) is the total number of years of
  schooling (primary to tertiary) that a child can expect to receive,
  assuming that the probability of his or her being enrolled in school
  at any particular future age is equal to the current enrollment
  ratio at that age. Caution must be maintained when utilizing this
  indicator in international comparisons. For example, a year or grade
  completed in one country is not necessarily the same in terms of
  educational content or quality as a year or grade completed in
  another country. SLE represents the expected number of years of
  schooling that will be completed, including years spent repeating
  one or more grades.
  Country

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)(years)

Afghanistan
  total: 8 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 5 years (2004)

Albania
  total: 11 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 11 years (2004)

Algeria
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 13 years (2005)

Andorra
  total: 12 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 12 years (2008)

Anguilla
  total: 11 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 11 years (2008)

Argentina
  total: 16 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 17 years (2007)

Armenia
  total: 12 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 12 years (2007)

Aruba
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Australia
  total: 21 years
  male: 20 years
  female: 21 years (2008)

Austria
  total: 15 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 15 years (2008)

Azerbaijan
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 13 years (2008)

Bahrain
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 15 years (2006)

Bangladesh
  total: 8 years
  male: 8 years
  female: 8 years (2007)

Barbados
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2001)

Belarus
  total: 15 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 15 years (2007)

Belgium
  total: 16 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 16 years (2008)

Belize
  total: 12 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 12 years (2004)

Benin
  total: 9 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 6 years (2005)

Bermuda
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2005)

Bhutan
  total: 11 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 11 years (2008)

Bolivia
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 14 years (2007)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  total: 13 years (2007)

Botswana
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 12 years (2006)

Brazil
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

British Virgin Islands
  total: 17 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 19 years (2005)

Brunei
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Bulgaria
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Burkina Faso
  total: 6 years
  male: 7 years
  female: 6 years (2009)

Burma
  total: 9 years
  male: 8 years
  female: 8 years (2007)

Burundi
  total: 10 years
  male: 9 years
  female: 7 years (2008)

Cambodia
  total: 10 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 9 years (2007)

Cameroon
  total: 10 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 9 years (2008)

Canada
  total: 17 years
  male: 17 years
  female: 17 years (2004)

Cape Verde
  total: 12 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 12 years (2006)

Cayman Islands
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 13 years (2008)

Central African Republic
  total: 7 years
  male: 8 years
  female: 5 years (2009)

Chad
  total: 6 years
  male: 8 years
  female: 4 years (2005)

Chile
  total: 15 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 14 years (2007)

China
  total: 11 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 12 years (2008)

Colombia
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Comoros
  total: 11 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 10 years (2004)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  total: 8 years
  male: 9 years
  female: 6 years (2008)

Congo, Republic of the
  total: 9 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 9 years (2003)

Cook Islands
  total: 10 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 10 years (2005)

Costa Rica
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 12 years (2005)

Cote d'Ivoire
  total: 6 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 5 years (2000)

Croatia
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 14 years (2007)

Cuba
  total: 18 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 19 years (2009)

Cyprus
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Czech Republic
  total: 15 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 16 years (2008)

Denmark
  total: 17 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 18 years (2007)

Djibouti
  total: 5 years
  male: 5 years
  female: 4 years (2007)

Dominica
  total: 13 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 13 years (2008)

Dominican Republic
  total: 12 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 13 years (2004)

Ecuador
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Egypt
  total: 11 years (2004)

El Salvador
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 12 years (2008)

Equatorial Guinea
  total: 8 years
  male: 9 years
  female: 7 years (2000)

Eritrea
  total: 6 years
  male: 7 years
  female: 5 years (2004)

Estonia
  total: 16 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 17 years (2008)

Ethiopia
  total: 8 years
  male: 9 years
  female: 8 years (2008)

Fiji
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 13 years (2005)

Finland
  total: 17 years
  male: 17 years
  female: 18 years (2008)

France
  total: 16 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 17 years (2008)

Gabon
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 12 years (1999)

Gambia, The
  total: 9 years
  male: 7 years
  female: 7 years (2004)

Gaza Strip
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2006)

Georgia
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 13 years (2008)

Germany
  total: 16 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 16 years (2006)

Ghana
  total: 10 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 9 years (2007)

Greece
  total: 17 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 17 years (2007)

Grenada
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2005)

Guatemala
  total: 11 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 10 years (2007)

Guinea
  total: 9 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 7 years (2008)

Guinea-Bissau
  total: 9 years
  male: 8 years
  female: 5 years (2006)

Guyana
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 12 years (2008)

Honduras
  total: 11 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 12 years (2008)

Hong Kong
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 13 years (2006)

Hungary
  total: 15 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 16 years (2008)

Iceland
  total: 18 years
  male: 17 years
  female: 20 years (2008)

India
  total: 10 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 10 years (2007)

Indonesia
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 13 years (2008)

Iran
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 15 years (2008)

Iraq
  total: 10 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 8 years (2005)

Ireland
  total: 18 years
  male: 18 years
  female: 18 years (2008)

Israel
  total: 15 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 16 years (2008)

Italy
  total: 16 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 17 years (2007)

Jamaica
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Japan
  total: 15 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 15 years (2008)

Jordan
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 13 years (2008)

Kazakhstan
  total: 15 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 15 years (2009)

Kenya
  total: 10 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 9 years (2005)

Kiribati
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 13 years (2005)

Korea, South
  total: 17 years
  male: 18 years
  female: 16 years (2008)

Kuwait
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 13 years (2006)

Kyrgyzstan
  total: 13 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 13 years (2008)

Laos
  total: 9 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 9 years (2008)

Latvia
  total: 15 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 17 years (2008)

Lebanon
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2009)

Lesotho
  total: 10 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 10 years (2006)

Liberia
  total: 11 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 9 years (2000)

Libya
  total: 17 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 17 years (2003)

Liechtenstein
  total: 15 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Lithuania
  total: 16 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 17 years (2008)

Luxembourg
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 13 years (2006)

Macau
  total: 14 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Macedonia
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 12 years (2007)

Madagascar
  total: 10 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 10 years (2008)

Malawi
  total: 9 years
  male: 9 years
  female: 9 years (2007)

Malaysia
  total: 13 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 13 years (2007)

Maldives
  total: 12 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 12 years (2006)

Mali
  total: 8 years
  male: 9 years
  female: 7 years (2009)

Malta
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 15 years (2007)

Marshall Islands
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 13 years (2003)

Mauritania
  total: 8 years
  male: 8 years
  female: 8 years (2007)

Mauritius
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Mexico
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Moldova
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 13 years (2008)

Mongolia
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Montserrat
  total: 15 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 17 years (2007)

Morocco
  total: 10 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 9 years (2006)

Mozambique
  total: 8 years
  male: 9 years
  female: 7 years (2005)

Namibia
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 12 years (2008)

Nauru
  total: 9 years
  male: 8 years
  female: 9 years (2006)

Nepal
  total: 9 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 8 years (2003)

Netherlands
  total: 17 years
  male: 17 years
  female: 17 years (2008)

New Zealand
  total: 19 years
  male: 19 years
  female: 20 years (2008)

Nicaragua
  total: 11 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 11 years (2003)

Niger
  total: 5 years
  male: 5 years
  female: 4 years (2009)

Nigeria
  total: 9 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 8 years (2005)

Niue
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 12 years (2005)

Norway
  total: 17 years
  male: 17 years
  female: 18 years (2008)

Oman
  total: 11 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 11 years (2008)

Pakistan
  total: 7 years
  male: 8 years
  female: 6 years (2008)

Palau
  total: 15 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 15 years (2001)

Panama
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2007)

Paraguay
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 12 years (2007)

Peru
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2006)

Philippines
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 12 years (2008)

Poland
  total: 15 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 16 years (2007)

Portugal
  total: 16 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 16 years (2007)

Qatar
  total: 13 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 15 years (2008)

Romania
  total: 15 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 15 years (2008)

Russia
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 15 years (2008)

Rwanda
  total: 11 years
  male: 9 years
  female: 9 years (2008)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 13 years (2005)

Saint Lucia
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  total: 14 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 12 years (2005)

Samoa
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 13 years (2001)

Sao Tome and Principe
  total: 11 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 11 years (2009)

Saudi Arabia
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 13 years (2008)

Senegal
  total: 8 years
  male: 8 years
  female: 7 years (2008)

Serbia
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2008)

Seychelles
  total: 15 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 16 years (2008)

Sierra Leone
  total: 7 years
  male: 9 years
  female: 6 years (2001)

Slovakia
  total: 15 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 16 years (2008)

Slovenia
  total: 17 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 18 years (2008)

Solomon Islands
  total: 9 years
  male: 9 years
  female: 9 years (2006)

South Africa
  total: 13 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 13 years (2004)

Spain
  total: 16 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 17 years (2008)

Sudan
  total: 4 years (2000)

Suriname
  total: 12 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 13 years (2002)

Swaziland
  total: 10 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 10 years (2006)

Sweden
  total: 16 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 16 years (2008)

Switzerland
  total: 16 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 15 years (2008)

Tajikistan
  total: 11 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 10 years (2008)

Tanzania
  total: 5 years
  male: 5 years
  female: 5 years (1999)

Thailand
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 13 years (2009)

Timor-Leste
  total: 11 years (2002)

Togo
  total: 10 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 7 years (2007)

Tokelau
  total: 11 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 11 years (2004)

Tonga
  total: 14 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 14 years (2004)

Trinidad and Tobago
  total: 11 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 12 years (2005)

Tunisia
  total: 15 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 15 years (2008)

Turkey
  total: 12 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 11 years (2008)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  total: 11 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 12 years (2005)

Tuvalu
  total: 11 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 11 years (2001)

Uganda
  total: 10 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 10 years (2008)

Ukraine
  total: 15 years
  male: 14 years
  female: 15 years (2008)

United Arab Emirates
  total: 12 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 12 years (2003)

United Kingdom
  total: 16 years
  male: 16 years
  female: 17 years (2008)

United States
  total: 16 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 17 years (2008)

Uruguay
  total: 16 years
  male: 15 years
  female: 17 years (2007)

Uzbekistan
  total: 11 years
  male: 12 years
  female: 11 years (2008)

Vanuatu
  total: 10 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 10 years (2004)

Venezuela
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 15 years (2008)

Vietnam
  total: 10 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 10 years (2001)

West Bank
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2006)

Yemen
  total: 9 years
  male: 11 years
  female: 7 years (2005)

Zambia
  total: 7 years
  male: 8 years
  female: 7 years (2000)

Zimbabwe
  total: 9 years
  male: 10 years
  female: 9 years (2003)

======================================================================

@2206

Field Listing :: Education expenditures

  This entry provides the public expenditure on education as a percent
  of GDP.
  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Education expenditures(% of GDP)

Afghanistan
  NA

Albania
  2.9% of GDP (2002)

Algeria
  4.3% of GDP (2008)

American Samoa
  NA

Andorra
  3.2% of GDP (2008)

Angola
  2.6% of GDP (2006)

Anguilla
  3.5% of GDP (2008)

Antigua and Barbuda
  3.9% of GDP (2002)

Argentina
  4.9% of GDP (2007)

Armenia
  3% of GDP (2007)

Aruba
  4.9% of GDP (2007)

Australia
  4.7% of GDP (2007)

Austria
  5.4% of GDP (2007)

Azerbaijan
  1.9% of GDP (2008)

Bahamas, The
  3.6% of GDP (2000)

Bahrain
  2.9% of GDP (2008)

Bangladesh
  2.4% of GDP (2008)

Barbados
  6.7% of GDP (2008)

Belarus
  5.2% of GDP (2007)

Belgium
  6.1% of GDP (2007)

Belize
  5.1% of GDP (2007)

Benin
  3.6% of GDP (2007)

Bermuda
  1.2% of GDP (2006)

Bhutan
  5.1% of GDP (2008)

Bolivia
  6.3% of GDP (2006)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  NA

Botswana
  8.1% of GDP (2007)

Brazil
  5.2% of GDP (2007)

British Virgin Islands
  3.2% of GDP (2007)

Brunei
  3.7% of GDP (2000)

Bulgaria
  4.1% of GDP (2007)

Burkina Faso
  4.6% of GDP (2007)

Burma
  1.2% of GDP (2001)

Burundi
  7.2% of GDP (2008)

Cambodia
  1.6% of GDP (2007)

Cameroon
  2.9% of GDP (2008)

Canada
  4.9% of GDP (2007)

Cape Verde
  5.7% of GDP (2008)

Cayman Islands
  2.6% of GDP (2006)

Central African Republic
  1.3% of GDP (2007)

Chad
  1.9% of GDP (2005)

Chile
  3.4% of GDP (2007)

China
  1.9% of GDP (1999)

Colombia
  3.9% of GDP (2008)

Comoros
  7.6% of GDP (2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  NA

Congo, Republic of the
  1.9% of GDP (2005)

Cook Islands
  0.2% of GDP (2001)

Costa Rica
  5% of GDP (2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
  4.6% of GDP (2008)

Croatia
  3.9% of GDP (2004)

Cuba
  13.6% of GDP (2008)

Cyprus
  7.1% of GDP (2007)

Czech Republic
  4.6% of GDP (2006)

Denmark
  7.9% of GDP (2006)

Djibouti
  8.7% of GDP (2007)

Dominica
  4.8% of GDP (2008)

Dominican Republic
  2.2% of GDP (2007)

Ecuador
  1% of GDP (2001)

Egypt
  3.8% of GDP (2008)

El Salvador
  3.6% of GDP (2008)

Equatorial Guinea
  0.6% of GDP (2003)

Eritrea
  2% of GDP (2006)

Estonia
  5% of GDP (2007)

Ethiopia
  5.5% of GDP (2007)

Fiji
  6.2% of GDP (2004)

Finland
  5.4% of GDP (2007)

France
  5.6% of GDP (2006)

French Polynesia
  NA

Gabon
  3.8% of GDP (2000)

Gambia, The
  2% of GDP (2004)

Gaza Strip
  NA

Georgia
  2.9% of GDP (2008)

Germany
  4.4% of GDP (2006)

Ghana
  5.4% of GDP (2005)

Gibraltar
  NA

Greece
  4% of GDP (2005)

Greenland
  NA

Grenada
  5.2% of GDP (2003)

Guam
  NA

Guatemala
  3.2% of GDP (2008)

Guernsey
  NA

Guinea
  1.7% of GDP (2008)

Guinea-Bissau
  5.2% of GDP (1999)

Guyana
  6.1% of GDP (2007)

Haiti
  1.4% of GDP (1991)

Honduras
  3.8% of GDP (1991)

Hong Kong
  3.3% of GDP (2008)

Hungary
  5.4% of GDP (2006)

Iceland
  7.5% of GDP (2007)

India
  3.2% of GDP (2006)

Indonesia
  3.5% of GDP (2007)

Iran
  4.8% of GDP (2008)

Iraq
  NA

Ireland
  4.9% of GDP (2007)

Isle of Man
  NA

Israel
  6.4% of GDP (2007)

Italy
  4.3% of GDP (2007)

Jamaica
  6.2% of GDP (2008)

Japan
  3.7% of GDP (2007)

Jersey
  NA

Jordan
  4.9% of GDP (1999)

Kazakhstan
  2.8% of GDP (2007)

Kenya
  7% of GDP (2006)

Kiribati
  17.8% of GDP (2002)

Korea, North
  NA

Korea, South
  4.2% of GDP (2007)

Kuwait
  3.8% of GDP (2006)

Kyrgyzstan
  6.6% of GDP (2007)

Laos
  2.3% of GDP (2008)

Latvia
  5% of GDP (2007)

Lebanon
  2% of GDP (2008)

Lesotho
  12.4% of GDP (2008)

Liberia
  2.7% of GDP (2008)

Libya
  2.7% of GDP (1999)

Liechtenstein
  NA

Lithuania
  4.7% of GDP (2007)

Luxembourg
  3.7% of GDP (2001)

Macau
  2.2% of GDP (2008)

Macedonia
  3.5% of GDP (2002)

Madagascar
  2.9% of GDP (2008)

Malawi
  4.2% of GDP (2003)

Malaysia
  4.5% of GDP (2007)

Maldives
  8.1% of GDP (2008)

Mali
  3.8% of GDP (2008)

Malta
  4.8% of GDP (2004)

Marshall Islands
  12.3% of GDP (2004)

Mauritania
  4.4% of GDP (2008)

Mauritius
  3.4% of GDP (2009)

Mayotte
  NA

Mexico
  4.8% of GDP (2007)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  7.3% of GDP (2000)

Moldova
  8.2% of GDP (2008)

Monaco
  4.4% of GDP (2004)

Mongolia
  5.1% of GDP (2007)

Montenegro
  NA

Montserrat
  3.3% of GDP (2004)

Morocco
  5.7% of GDP (2008)

Mozambique
  5% of GDP (2006)

Namibia
  6.9% of GDP (2008)

Nauru
  NA

Nepal
  3.8% of GDP (2008)

Netherlands
  5.5% of GDP (2006)

New Zealand
  6.2% of GDP (2007)

Nicaragua
  3.1% of GDP (2003)

Niger
  3.7% of GDP (2008)

Nigeria
  0.9% of GDP (1991)

Niue
  NA

Norfolk Island
  NA

Northern Mariana Islands
  NA

Norway
  6.7% of GDP (2007)

Oman
  4% of GDP (2006)

Pakistan
  2.9% of GDP (2008)

Palau
  10.3% of GDP (2002)

Panama
  3.8% of GDP (2008)

Papua New Guinea
  NA

Paraguay
  4% of GDP (2008)

Peru
  2.7% of GDP (2008)

Philippines
  2.6% of GDP (2007)

Poland
  4.9% of GDP (2007)

Portugal
  4.4% of GDP (2008)

Puerto Rico
  NA

Qatar
  3.3% of GDP (2005)

Romania
  4.4% of GDP (2007)

Russia
  3.9% of GDP (2006)

Rwanda
  4.1% of GDP (2008)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  9.9% of GDP (2005)

Saint Lucia
  6.3% of GDP (2008)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  7% of GDP (2007)

Samoa
  5.4% of GDP (2008)

San Marino
  NA

Sao Tome and Principe
  NA

Saudi Arabia
  5.7% of GDP (2008)

Senegal
  5.1% of GDP (2008)

Serbia
  4.5% of GDP (2007)

Seychelles
  5% of GDP (2006)

Sierra Leone
  3.8% of GDP (2005)

Singapore
  3.2% of GDP (2009)

Slovakia
  3.6% of GDP (2007)

Slovenia
  5.2% of GDP (2007)

Solomon Islands
  2.2% of GDP (1999)

Somalia
  NA

South Africa
  5.4% of GDP (2009)

Spain
  4.4% of GDP (2007)

Sri Lanka
  NA

Sudan
  6% of GDP (1991)

Suriname
  NA

Swaziland
  7.9% of GDP (2008)

Sweden
  6.7% of GDP (2007)

Switzerland
  5.3% of GDP (2007)

Syria
  4.9% of GDP (2007)

Taiwan
  NA

Tajikistan
  3.5% of GDP (2008)

Tanzania
  6.8% of GDP (2008)

Thailand
  4.9% of GDP (2008)

Timor-Leste
  7.1% of GDP (2008)

Togo
  3.7% of GDP (2007)

Tokelau
  NA

Tonga
  4.7% of GDP (2004)

Trinidad and Tobago
  4.2% of GDP (2002)

Tunisia
  7.2% of GDP (2007)

Turkey
  2.9% of GDP (2006)

Turkmenistan
  3.9% of GDP (1991)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  NA

Tuvalu
  NA

Uganda
  3.3% of GDP (2009)

Ukraine
  5.3% of GDP (2007)

United Arab Emirates
  0.9% of GDP (2008)

United Kingdom
  5.6% of GDP (2007)

United States
  5.5% of GDP (2007)

Uruguay
  2.9% of GDP (2006)

Uzbekistan
  9.4% of GDP (1991)

Vanuatu
  6.9% of GDP (2008)

Venezuela
  3.7% of GDP (2007)

Vietnam
  5.3% of GDP (2008)

Virgin Islands
  NA

West Bank
  NA

Yemen
  5.2% of GDP (2008)

Zambia
  1.4% of GDP (2008)

Zimbabwe
  4.6% of GDP (2000)

======================================================================

@2207

Field Listing :: Central bank discount rate

This entry provides the annualized interest rate a country's central bank charges commercial, depository banks for loans to meet temporary shortages of funds. Country Comparison to the World Country

Central bank discount rate(%)

Albania
  5.25% (31 December 2009)
  6.25% (31 December 2008)

Algeria
  4% (31 December 2009)
  4% (31 December 2008)

Angola
  30% (31 December 2009)
  19.57% (31 December 2008)

Anguilla
  6.5% (31 December 2009)
  6.5% (31 December 2008)

Antigua and Barbuda
  6.5% (31 December 2009)
  6.5% (31 December 2008)

Argentina
  NA%

Armenia
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  7.25% (2 December 2008)
  note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key monetary policy
  instrument of the Armenian National Bank

Aruba
  3% (31 December 2009)
  5% (31 December 2008)

Australia
  4% (31 March 2010)
  4.25% (3 December 2008)
  note: this is the Reserve Bank of Australia's "cash rate target," or
  policy rate

Azerbaijan
  2% (31 December 2009)
  8% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key policy rate for the
  National Bank of Azerbaijan

Bahamas, The
  5.25% (31 December 2009)
  5.25% (31 December 2008)

Bangladesh
  5% (31 October 2010)
  5% (31 December 2008)

Barbados
  7% (31 December 2009)
  10% (31 December 2008)

Belarus
  13.5% (31 December 2009)
  12% (31 December 2008)

Belgium
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Belize
  12% (31 December 2009)
  12% (31 December 2008)

Benin
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Bhutan
  NA%

Bolivia
  3% (31 October 2010)
  13% (31 December 2008)

Botswana
  10% (31 December 2009)
  15% (31 December 2008)

Brazil
  15.17% (31 December 2009)
  20.48% (31 December 2008)

Bulgaria
  0.55% (31 December 2009)
  5.77% (31 December 2008)

Burkina Faso
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Burma
  12% (31 December 2009)
  12% (31 December 2008)

Burundi
  10% (31 December 2009)
  10.08% (31 December 2008)

Cambodia
  NA% (31 December 2008)
  5.25% (31 December 2007)

Cameroon
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Canada
  0.5% (31 December 2009)
  1.75% (31 December 2008)

Cape Verde
  7.5% (31 December 2009)
  7.5% (31 December 2008)

Central African Republic
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Chad
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Chile
  0.5% (31 December 2009)
  8.25% (31 December 2008)

China
  2.79% (31 December 2009)
  2.79% (31 December 2008)

Colombia
  3% (October 2010)
  5.5% (31 December 2009)

Comoros
  2.21% (31 December 2009)
  5.36% (31 December 2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  70% (31 December 2009)
  40% (31 December 2008)

Congo, Republic of the
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Costa Rica
  23% (31 December 2009)
  25% (31 December 2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Croatia
  9% (31 December 2009)
  9% (31 December 2008)

Cuba
  NA%

Cyprus
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Czech Republic
  1% (31 December 2009)
  2.25% (31 December 2008)

Denmark
  1% (31 December 2009)
  3.5% (31 December 2008)

Dominica
  6.5% (31 December 2009)
  6.5% (31 December 2008)

Ecuador
  9.19% (31 December 2009)
  9.14% (31 December 2008)

Egypt
  8.5% (31 December 2009)
  11.5% (31 December 2008)

Equatorial Guinea
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Ethiopia
  NA%

European Union
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Fiji
  3% (31 December 2009)
  6.32% (31 December 2008)

Finland
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

France
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Gabon
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Gambia, The
  9% (31 December 2009)
  11% (31 December 2008)

Georgia
  8% (25 December 2008)
  NA% (31 December 2007)
  note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key monetary policy rate of
  the Georgian National Bank

Germany
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Ghana
  18% (31 December 2009)
  17% (31 December 2008)

Greece
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Grenada
  6.5% (31 December 2009)
  6.5% (31 December 2008)

Guatemala
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  NA% (31 December 2008)

Guinea
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  22.25% (31 December 2005)

Guinea-Bissau
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Guyana
  6.75% (31 December 2009)
  6.75% (31 December 2008)

Honduras
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  NA% (31 December 2008)

Hong Kong
  0.5% (31 December 2009)
  0.5% (31 December 2008)

Hungary
  6.25% (31 December 2009)
  10% (31 December 2008)

Iceland
  14.55% (31 December 2009)
  22% (31 December 2008)

India
  6% (31 December 2009)
  6% (31 December 2008)

Indonesia
  6.46% (31 December 2009)
  10.83% (31 December 2008)

Iran
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  NA% (31 December 2008)

Iraq
  8.83% (31 December 2009)
  16.75% (31 December 2008)

Ireland
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Israel
  1% (31 December 2009)
  2.5% (31 December 2008)

Italy
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Jamaica
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  NA% (31 December 2008)

Japan
  0.3% (31 December 2009)
  0.3% (31 December 2008)

Jordan
  4.75% (31 December 2009)
  6.25% (31 December 2008)

Kazakhstan
  7% (31 December 2009)
  10.5% (31 December 2008)

Kenya
  NA%

Korea, South
  1.25% (31 December 2009)
  1.75% (31 December 2008)

Kuwait
  3% (31 December 2009)
  3.75% (31 December 2008)

Kyrgyzstan
  9.07% (31 December 2009)
  15.11% (31 December 2008)

Laos
  4.3% (31 December 2010)
  4% (31 December 2009)

Latvia
  4% (31 December 2009)
  6% (31 December 2008)

Lebanon
  10% (31 December 2009)
  12% (31 December 2008)

Lesotho
  10.66% (31 December 2009)
  14.05% (31 December 2008)

Libya
  4% (31 December 2009)
  5% (31 December 2008)

Lithuania
  1.75% (February 2010)
  4.73% (31 December 2008)

Luxembourg
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Macedonia
  6.5% (31 December 2009)
  6.5% (31 December 2008)

Madagascar
  NA%

Malawi
  15% (31 December 2009)
  15% (31 December 2008)

Malaysia
  1% (31 December 2009)
  NA% (31 December 2008)

Maldives
  13% (31 December 2009)
  13% (31 December 2008)

Mali
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Malta
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Mauritania
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  12% (31 December 2007)

Mauritius
  NA% (31 December 2009)

Mexico
  NA%

Mongolia
  10.82% (31 December 2009)
  14.78% (31 December 2008)

Montserrat
  6.5% (31 December 2009)
  6.5% (31 December 2008)

Morocco
  3.31% (31 December 2009)
  3.32% (31 December 2008)

Mozambique
  9.95% (31 December 2009)
  9.95% (31 December 2008)

Namibia
  7% (31 December 2009)
  10% (31 December 2008)

Nepal
  6.5% (31 December 2010)
  6.5% (31 December 2009)

Netherlands
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

New Zealand
  2.5% (31 December 2009)
  5% (31 December 2008)

Nicaragua
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  NA% (31 December 2008)

Niger
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Nigeria
  6% (31 December 2009)
  9.75% (31 December 2008)

Norway
  4% (31 December 2008)
  6.25% (31 December 2007)

Oman
  0.05% (31 December 2009)
  0.91% (31 December 2008)

Pakistan
  12.5% (31 December 2009)
  15% (31 December 2008)

Papua New Guinea
  6.92% (31 December 2009)
  7% (31 December 2008)

Paraguay
  20% (31 December 2008)
  20% (31 December 2007)

Peru
  1.7% (31 December 2010 est.)
  7.25% (31 December 2008)

Philippines
  3.5% (31 December 2009)
  6% (31 December 2008)

Poland
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  5% (31 December 2008)

Portugal
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Qatar
  5.5% (31 December 2009)
  5.5% (31 December 2008)

Romania
  NA%

Russia
  8.75% (31 December 2009)
  13% (31 December 2008)

Rwanda
  11.25% (31 December 2008)
  12.5% (31 December 2007)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  6.5% (31 December 2009)
  6.5% (31 December 2008)

Saint Lucia
  6.5% (31 December 2009)
  6.5% (31 December 2008)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  6.5% (31 December 2009)
  6.5% (31 December 2008)

Sao Tome and Principe
  16% (31 December 2009)
  28% (31 December 2008)

Saudi Arabia
  2.5% (31 December 2008)
  NA% (31 December 2007)

Senegal
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Serbia
  9.92% (31 December 2009)
  17.75% (31 December 2008)

Seychelles
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  5.13% (31 December 2007)

Sierra Leone
  NA%

Slovakia
  1% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks from the
  euro area; as of 1 January 2009 Slovakia became a member of the
  Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)

Slovenia
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Somalia
  NA% (31 December 2008)

South Africa
  7% (31 December 2009)
  11.5% (31 December 2008)

Spain
  1.75% (31 December 2009)
  3% (31 December 2008)
  note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal
  lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro
  area

Sri Lanka
  7.25% (December 2010)
  7.5% (31 December 2009)

Swaziland
  6.5% (31 December 2009)
  11% (31 December 2008)

Sweden
  2% (31 December 2008)
  3.5% (31 December 2007)

Switzerland
  0.05% (31 December 2009)
  0.05% (31 December 2008)

Syria
  5% (31 December 2009)
  5% (31 December 2008)

Taiwan
  1.25% (February 2009)

Tajikistan
  8% (31 December 2009)
  13.5% (31 December 2008)

Tanzania
  3.7% (31 December 2009)
  15.99% (31 December 2008)

Thailand
  1.75% (31 December 2010)
  1.25% (31 December 2009)

Togo
  4.25% (31 December 2009)
  4.75% (31 December 2008)

Trinidad and Tobago
  7.25% (31 December 2009)
  10.75% (31 December 2008)

Tunisia
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  NA% (31 December 2008)

Turkey
  15% (22 December 2009)
  25% (31 December 2008)

Uganda
  9.65% (31 December 2009)
  19.42% (31 December 2008)

Ukraine
  10.25% (31 December 2009)
  12% (31 December 2008)

United Arab Emirates
  NA%

United Kingdom
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  0.86% (31 December 2008)

United States
  0.5% (31 December 2009)
  0.86% (31 December 2008)

Uruguay
  20% (31 December 2009)
  20% (31 December 2008)

Vanuatu
  6% (31 December 2009)
  6% (31 December 2008)

Venezuela
  29.5% (31 December 2009)
  33.5% (31 December 2008)

Vietnam
  6% (31 December 2009)
  10.25% (31 December 2008)

Yemen
  NA%

Zambia
  8.39% (31 December 2009)
  14.49% (31 December 2008)

Zimbabwe
  NA% (31 December 2009)
  975% (31 December 2007)

======================================================================

@2208

Field Listing :: Commercial bank prime lending rate

This entry provides a simple average of annualized interest rates commercial banks charge on new loans, denominated in the national currency, to their most credit-worthy customers. Country Comparison to the World Country

Commercial bank prime lending rate(%)

Afghanistan
  15% (31 December 2009 est.)
  14.92% (31 December 2008 est.)

Albania
  12.66% (31 December 2009 est.)
  13.02% (31 December 2008 est.)

Algeria
  8% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8% (31 December 2008 est.)

Angola
  15.68% (31 December 2009 est.)
  12.53% (31 December 2008 est.)

Anguilla
  9.27% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.51% (31 December 2008 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  10.07% (31 December 2009 est.)
  10.43% (31 December 2008 est.)

Argentina
  15.66% (31 December 2009 est.)
  19.47% (31 December 2008 est.)

Armenia
  18.76% (31 December 2009 est.)
  17.05% (31 December 2008 est.)

Aruba
  10.77% (31 December 2009 est.)
  11.23% (31 December 2008 est.)

Australia
  6.02% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.91% (31 December 2008 est.)

Austria
  5.03% (31 December 2009 est.)
  6.82% (31 December 2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
  20.03% (31 December 2009 est.)
  19.76% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bahamas, The
  5.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
  5.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bahrain
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bangladesh
  14.6% (31 December 2009 est.)
  16.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Barbados
  9.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
  10.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Belarus
  11.68% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.55% (31 December 2008 est.)

Belgium
  6.15% (31 December 2009 est.)
  7.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Belize
  14.08% (31 December 2009 est.)
  14.14% (31 December 2008 est.)

Benin
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bhutan
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bolivia
  10% (31 December 2010 est.)
  12.36% (31 December 2009 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  7.93% (31 December 2009 est.)
  6.98% (31 December 2008 est.)

Botswana
  13.76% (31 December 2009 est.)
  16.54% (31 December 2008 est.)

Brazil
  44.65% (31 December 2009 est.)
  47.25% (31 December 2008 est.)

Brunei
  5.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
  5.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Bulgaria
  11.34% (31 December 2009 est.)
  10.86% (31 December 2008 est.)

Burkina Faso
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Burma
  17% (31 December 2009 est.)
  17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Burundi
  14.08% (31 December 2009 est.)
  16.52% (31 December 2008 est.)

Cambodia
  17% (31 December 2009)
  16.01% (31 December 2008)

Cameroon
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Canada
  2.4% (31 December 2009 est.)
  4.73% (31 December 2008 est.)

Cape Verde
  10.98% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.99% (31 December 2008 est.)

Central African Republic
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Chad
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Chile
  7.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
  13.26% (31 December 2008 est.)

China
  5.81% (31 December 2010 est.)
  5.31% (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
  12.98% (31 December 2009 est.)
  17.18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Comoros
  10.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
  10.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  65.42% (31 December 2009 est.)
  43.15% (31 December 2008 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Costa Rica
  19.72% (31 December 2009 est.)
  15.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Croatia
  11.55% (31 December 2009 est.)
  10.07% (31 December 2008 est.)

Cuba
  NA%

Cyprus
  7.49% (31 December 2009 est.)
  7.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Czech Republic
  5.99% (31 December 2009 est.)
  6.25% (31 December 2008 est.)

Denmark
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Djibouti
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  11.56% (31 December 2008 est.)

Dominica
  10.02% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Dominican Republic
  18.14% (31 December 2009 est.)
  19.95% (31 December 2008 est.)

Ecuador
  19% (31 December 2009)
  9.14% (31 December 2008)

Egypt
  11.98% (31 December 2009 est.)
  12.33% (31 December 2008 est.)

El Salvador
  12.33% (31 December 2008)
  7.81% (31 December 2007)

Equatorial Guinea
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Eritrea
  NA%

Estonia
  9.39% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.55% (31 December 2008 est.)

Ethiopia
  8% (31 December 2008)
  7% (31 December 2006)

European Union
  7.52% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Fiji
  7.85% (31 December 2009 est.)
  7.97% (31 December 2008 est.)

Finland
  3.51% (31 December 2009 est.)
  5.79% (31 December 2008 est.)

France
  7.46% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Gabon
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Gambia, The
  27% (31 December 2009 est.)
  27.92% (31 December 2007)

Gaza Strip
  see entry for West Bank

Georgia
  25.52% (31 December 2009 est.)
  21.24% (31 December 2008 est.)

Germany
  4.96% (31 December 2009 est.)
  5.97% (31 December 2008 est.)

Ghana
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Greece
  8.59% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.65% (31 December 2008 est.)

Grenada
  11.06% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.53% (31 December 2008 est.)

Guatemala
  13.85% (31 December 2009 est.)
  13.39% (31 December 2008 est.)

Guinea
  NA% (31 December 2008)

Guinea-Bissau
  NA%

Guyana
  14.54% (31 December 2009 est.)
  14.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Haiti
  17.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
  17.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Honduras
  19.16% (31 December 2009 est.)
  17.94% (31 December 2008 est.)

Hong Kong
  5% (31 December 2009 est.)
  5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Hungary
  11.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
  10.18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Iceland
  18.99% (31 December 2009 est.)
  19.29% (31 December 2007)

India
  12.19% (31 December 2009 est.)
  13.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Indonesia
  14.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
  13.6% (31 December 2008 est.)

Iran
  12% (31 December 2009 est.)
  12% (31 December 2008 est.)

Iraq
  15.64% (31 December 2009 est.)
  19.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Ireland
  4.32% (31 December 2009 est.)
  6.76% (31 December 2008 est.)

Israel
  3.73% (31 December 2009 est.)
  6.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Italy
  10.26% (31 December 2009 est.)
  11.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Jamaica
  16.43% (31 December 2009 est.)
  16.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Japan
  1.72% (31 December 2009 est.)
  1.91% (31 December 2008 est.)

Jordan
  9.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.03% (31 December 2008 est.)

Kazakhstan
  NA% (31 December 2008)

Kenya
  14.8% (31 December 2009 est.)
  14.02% (31 December 2008 est.)

Korea, South
  5.65% (31 December 2009 est.)
  7.17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Kosovo
  14.09% (31 December 2009 est.)
  13.79% (31 December 2008 est.)

Kuwait
  5.9% (31 December 2009)
  7.61% (31 December 2008 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  23.03% (31 December 2009 est.)
  19.86% (31 December 2008 est.)

Laos
  26% (31 December 2010)
  11% (30 November 2009)

Latvia
  16.23% (31 December 2009 est.)
  11.85% (31 December 2008 est.)

Lebanon
  9.57% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.96% (31 December 2008 est.)

Lesotho
  13% (31 December 2009 est.)
  16.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Liberia
  14.4% (31 December 2008)
  15.05% (31 December 2007)

Libya
  8.41% (31 December 2008)
  6% (31 December 2007)

Lithuania
  8.39% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.41% (31 December 2008 est.)

Macau
  5.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
  5.43% (31 December 2008 est.)

Macedonia
  10.07% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.68% (31 December 2008 est.)

Madagascar
  45% (31 December 2009 est.)
  45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Malawi
  25.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
  25.28% (31 December 2008 est.)

Malaysia
  5.08% (31 December 2009 est.)
  6.08% (31 December 2008 est.)

Maldives
  13% (31 December 2009 est.)
  13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Mali
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Malta
  4.47% (31 December 2009 est.)
  5.89% (31 December 2008 est.)

Mauritania
  NA%

Mauritius
  19.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
  21.54% (31 December 2008 est.)

Mexico
  7.07% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.71% (31 December 2008 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  15.38% (31 December 2009 est.)
  14.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Moldova
  20.54% (31 December 2009 est.)
  21.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Mongolia
  21.67% (31 December 2009 est.)
  20.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Montenegro
  9.36% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.24% (31 December 2008 est.)

Montserrat
  9.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.89% (31 December 2008 est.)

Morocco
  6.5% (31 December 2008)

Mozambique
  15.68% (31 December 2009 est.)
  18.31% (31 December 2008 est.)

Namibia
  11.12% (31 December 2009 est.)
  13.74% (31 December 2008 est.)

Nepal
  8% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8% (31 December 2008 est.)

Netherlands
  10.01% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.66% (31 December 2008 est.)

New Zealand
  10.39% (31 December 2009 est.)
  12.21% (31 December 2008 est.)

Nicaragua
  14.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
  13.17% (31 December 2008 est.)

Niger
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Nigeria
  18.36% (31 December 2009 est.)
  15.48% (31 December 2008 est.)

Norway
  4.28% (31 December 2009 est.)
  7.28% (31 December 2008 est.)

Oman
  7.44% (31 December 2009 est.)
  7.1% (31 December 2008 est.)

Pakistan
  NA%

Panama
  8.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.16% (31 December 2008 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  10.09% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.2% (31 December 2008 est.)

Paraguay
  28.26% (31 December 2009 est.)
  25.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Peru
  21.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
  23.67% (31 December 2008 est.)

Philippines
  8.57% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.75% (31 December 2008 est.)

Poland
  5.99% (31 December 2008 est.)
  5.72% (31 December 2007 est.)

Portugal
  6.12% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.35% (31 December 2008 est.)

Qatar
  7.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
  6.84% (31 December 2008 est.)

Romania
  17.28% (31 December 2009 est.)
  14.99% (31 December 2008 est.)

Russia
  15.31% (31 December 2009 est.)
  12.23% (31 December 2008 est.)

Rwanda
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  16.51% (31 December 2008 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  8.75% (31 December 2009 est.)
  8.75% (31 December 2008 est.)

Saint Lucia
  10.58% (31 December 2009 est.)
  10.08% (31 December 2008 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  9.19% (31 December 2009 est.)
  9.52% (31 December 2008 est.)

Samoa
  12.08% (31 December 2009 est.)
  12.66% (31 December 2008 est.)

San Marino
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  32.4% (31 December 2009 est.)
  32.4% (31 December 2008 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  NA%

Senegal
  NA%

Serbia
  11.78% (31 December 2009)
  18.11% (31 December 2008 est.)

Seychelles
  15.35% (31 December 2009 est.)
  11.81% (31 December 2008 est.)

Sierra Leone
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  24.5% (31 December 2008 est.)

Singapore
  5.38% (31 December 2009 est.)
  5.38% (31 December 2008 est.)

Slovakia
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Slovenia
  5.47% (31 December 2009 est.)
  7.41% (31 December 2008 est.)

Solomon Islands
  15.26% (31 December 2009 est.)
  14.44% (31 December 2008 est.)

Somalia
  NA%

South Africa
  11.71% (31 December 2009 est.)
  15.13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Spain
  10.72% (31 December 2009 est.)
  11.02% (31 December 2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
  10.37% (December 2010)
  15.89% (31 December 2008)

Suriname
  11.65% (31 December 2009 est.)
  12.2% (31 December 2008 est.)

Swaziland
  11.38% (31 December 2009 est.)
  14.83% (31 December 2008 est.)

Sweden
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Switzerland
  2.75% (31 December 2009 est.)
  3.34% (31 December 2008 est.)

Syria
  10.04% (31 December 2009 est.)
  10.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Taiwan
  2.56% (31 December 2009)
  4.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Tajikistan
  22.91% (31 December 2009 est.)
  23.7% (31 December 2008 est.)

Tanzania
  15.03% (31 December 2009 est.)
  14.98% (31 December 2008 est.)

Thailand
  6.1% (31 December 2010)
  5.96% (31 December 2009)

Timor-Leste
  11.17% (31 December 2009 est.)
  13.11% (31 December 2008 est.)

Togo
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Tonga
  12.47% (31 December 2009 est.)
  12.46% (31 December 2008 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  11.94% (31 December 2009 est.)
  12.44% (31 December 2008 est.)

Tunisia
  NA%

Turkey
  NA%

Uganda
  20.96% (31 December 2009 est.)
  20.45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Ukraine
  20.86% (31 December 2009 est.)
  17.49% (31 December 2008 est.)

United Kingdom
  0.63% (31 December 2009 est.)
  4.63% (31 December 2008 est.)

United States
  3.25% (31 December 2009 est.)
  5.09% (31 December 2008 est.)

Uruguay
  15.28% (31 December 2009 est.)
  12.45% (31 December 2008 est.)

Vanuatu
  5.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
  5.29% (31 December 2008 est.)

Venezuela
  19.89% (31 December 2009 est.)
  22.37% (31 December 2008 est.)

Vietnam
  15.78% (31 December 2008)
  11.18% (31 December 2007)

West Bank
  5.78% (31 December 2009 est.)
  7.19% (31 December 2008 est.)

Yemen
  18% (31 December 2009 est.)
  18% (31 December 2008 est.)

Zambia
  22.06% (31 December 2009 est.)
  19.06% (31 December 2008 est.)

Zimbabwe
  NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
  578.96% (31 December 2007)

======================================================================

@2209

Field Listing :: Stock of money

  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Stock of money

======================================================================

@2210

Field Listing :: Stock of quasi money

  Country Comparison to the World
  Country

Stock of quasi money

======================================================================

@2211

Field Listing :: Stock of domestic credit

This entry is the total quantity of credit, denominated in the domestic currency, provided by financial institutions to the central bank, state and local governments, public non-financial corporations, and the private sector. The national currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate on the date of the information. Country Comparison to the World Country

Stock of domestic credit

Afghanistan
  $363.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $20.06 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Albania
  $7.701 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $8.231 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Algeria
  $12.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $21.71 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Angola
  $17.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $22.06 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Anguilla
  $529.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $447.7 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  $1.13 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $1.002 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Argentina
  $113.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $84.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Armenia
  $1.821 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.733 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Aruba
  $1.333 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.321 billion (31 December 2008)

Australia
  $1.731 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.407 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
  $659.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $606.2 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Azerbaijan
  $8.135 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $5.726 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Bahamas, The
  $7.993 billion (31 December 2009)
  $7.883 billion (31 December 2008)

Bahrain
  $18.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $16.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  $62.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $53.77 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Barbados
  $4.554 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $4.124 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Belarus
  $19.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $17.15 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belgium
  $801.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $767.1 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Belize
  $1.291 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.036 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Benin
  $1.222 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.269 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bhutan
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $169.9 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Bolivia
  $8.314 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $7.233 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  $10.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $10.01 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Botswana
  $1.361 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $2.06 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Brazil
  $2.104 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.542 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Brunei
  $1.274 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $2.38 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Bulgaria
  $34.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $33.89 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
  $1.373 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.236 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burma
  $8.552 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.858 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burundi
  $465.7 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $415.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Cambodia
  $2.195 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.991 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cameroon
  $848.8 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.523 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
  $2.963 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.606 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  $1.179 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.256 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Central African Republic
  $357.6 million (31 December 2009)
  $339.1 million (31 December 2008)

Chad
  $943.8 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $566.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Chile
  $153.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $133.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

China
  $8.156 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.24 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
  $123 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $96.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Comoros
  $79.75 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $60.57 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $928.5 million (31 December 2008)

Congo, Republic of the
  $1.58 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.889 billion (31 December 2008)

Costa Rica
  $15.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $14.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $5.448 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.308 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Croatia
  $48.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $48.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
  $NA

Cyprus
  $101.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $80.68 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Czech Republic
  $119.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $118.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
  $636.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $671.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Djibouti
  $339 million (31 December 2009)
  $269.9 million (31 December 2008)

Dominica
  $213.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $193.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Dominican Republic
  $21.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $18.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
  $14.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $12.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
  $145.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $131.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
  $10.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $9.867 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  $1.534 billion (31 December 2009)
  $3.579 billion (31 December 2008)

Eritrea
  $2.919 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Estonia
  $18.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $20.32 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  $8.661 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $9.292 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

European Union
  $22.65 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $21.24 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)
  note: this figure refers to the euro area only; it excludes credit
  data for non-euro-area members of the EU

Fiji
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $1.799 billion (31 December 2008)

Finland
  $259.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $241.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

France
  $4.319 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $4.121 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Gabon
  $1.074 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $826.8 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Gambia, The
  $293.5 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $283.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Gaza Strip
  note: see entry for West Bank

Georgia
  $3.243 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.569 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Germany
  $5.2 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $5.019 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Ghana
  $7.155 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.987 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Greece
  $419.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $394.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Grenada
  $658 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $575.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Guatemala
  $15.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $14.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Guinea
  $734.4 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $674.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  $42.56 million (31 December 2009)
  $58.87 million (31 December 2008)

Guyana
  $754 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $524 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Haiti
  $1.632 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.698 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Honduras
  $7.581 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.029 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  $374.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $351.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hungary
  $99.06 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $103 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
  $46.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $54.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

India
  $1.164 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $938.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
  $253.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $192.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
  $132.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $120.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iraq
  $21.94 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $10.16 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Ireland
  $745.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $738.5 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Israel
  $169.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $148.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Italy
  $3.274 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $3.047 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Jamaica
  $7.922 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.282 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
  $16.39 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $13.32 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)

Jordan
  $26.85 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $25.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
  $44.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $39.72 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
  $14.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $13.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Korea, South
  $1.057 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $935.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kuwait
  $96.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $90.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  $505.4 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $572.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Laos
  $1.562 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.095 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Latvia
  $27.59 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $27.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
  $62.68 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $56.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lesotho
  $177.7 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $147.3 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Liberia
  $1.202 billion (31 December 2008)
  $1.157 billion (31 December 2007)

Libya
  $55.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $41.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lithuania
  $25.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $25.85 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  $395.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $369.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Macau
  $1.717 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $847 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Macedonia
  $4.001 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.055 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Madagascar
  $1.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $997.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Malawi
  $1.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.515 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malaysia
  $314.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $265.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Maldives
  $1.548 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $1.08 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Mali
  $994.9 million (31 December 2009)
  $1.095 billion (31 December 2008)

Malta
  $13.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $12.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mauritania
  $NA

Mauritius
  $10.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $9.423 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mexico
  $342.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $288.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  $65.68 million (31 December 2009)
  $43.75 million (31 December 2008)

Moldova
  $2.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.251 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mongolia
  $1.664 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $1.183 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Montenegro
  $3.29 billion (31 December 2009)
  $3.771 billion (31 December 2008)

Montserrat
  $9.93 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $5.537 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Morocco
  $93.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $91.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mozambique
  $2.74 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.311 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
  $5.122 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.041 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nepal
  $9 billion (July 2010)
  $7.7 billion (July 2009)

Netherlands
  $2.083 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $1.824 trillion (31 December 2008)

New Zealand
  $206.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $180.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  $4.083 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.161 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Niger
  $683.6 million (31 December 2009)
  $313.5 million (31 December 2008)

Nigeria
  $77.43 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $62.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Norway
  $414.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $379.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Oman
  $22.05 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $19.34 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Pakistan
  $71.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $63.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Panama
  $23.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $20.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  $2.796 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.424 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Paraguay
  $4.395 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.607 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Peru
  $28.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $23.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
  $95.54 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $83.12 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
  $288.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $264.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
  $556.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $490.8 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Qatar
  $70.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $69.21 billion (31 December 2009)

Romania
  $77.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $72.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
  $549.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $420.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Rwanda
  $600.4 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $515.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  $790.8 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $782.4 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Saint Lucia
  $1.378 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $1.217 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  $417.4 million (31 December 2008
  est.)
  $387.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Samoa
  $243 million (31 December 2009)
  $208.9 million (31 December 2008)

San Marino
  $7.875 billion (31 December 2008)
  $7.511 billion (31 December 2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
  $17.14 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $16.57 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  $11.24 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.248 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Senegal
  $3.516 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.412 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
  $18.88 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $19.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Seychelles
  $678.5 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $582.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
  $178.4 million (31 December 2009)
  $140.9 million (31 December 2008)

Singapore
  $199.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $166.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
  $65.09 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $64.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovenia
  $52.67 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $50.46 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Solomon Islands
  $221.9 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $183.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

South Africa
  $328.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $255.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Spain
  $3.683 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $3.451 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Sri Lanka
  $18.34 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $16.64 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sudan
  $10.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $9.307 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Suriname
  $793.1 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $651 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Swaziland
  $258.5 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $274.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sweden
  $640.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $583.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Switzerland
  $992.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $923.1 billion (31 December 2008)

Syria
  $27.14 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $23.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taiwan
  $661.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $630.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  $1.209 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $939.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Tanzania
  $4.163 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.878 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Thailand
  $336 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $292.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
  $127.1 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $118.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Togo
  $817.7 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $862.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Tonga
  $149.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $163.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  $2.924 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.823 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tunisia
  $31.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $28.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
  $401.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $373.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  $2.089 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.811 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uganda
  $1.882 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.716 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ukraine
  $110.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $103.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  $290 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $263.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  $5.151 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $4.436 trillion (31 December 2008)

United States
  $32.61 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $31.53 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Uruguay
  $10.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $8.888 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
  $6.482 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.484 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  $274 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $229.5 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Venezuela
  $54.22 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $75.87 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
  $132.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $114.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

West Bank
  $1.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.367 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

World
  $104.2 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $94.49 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Yemen
  $5.297 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.098 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zambia
  $2.992 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.373 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
  $1.186 million (31 December 2008 est.)
  $60 (31 December 2009 est.)

======================================================================

@2212

Field Listing :: Urbanization

This entry provides two measures of the degree of urbanization of a population. The first, urban population, describes the percentage of the total population living in urban areas, as defined by the country. The second, rate of urbanization, describes the projected average rate of change of the size of the urban population over the given period of time. Additionally, the World entry includes a list of the ten largest urban agglomerations. An urban agglomeration is defined as comprising the city or town proper and also the suburban fringe or thickly settled territory lying outside of, but adjacent to, the boundaries of the city. Country

Urbanization(%)

Afghanistan
  urban population: 24% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 5.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Albania
  urban population: 47% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Algeria
  urban population: 65% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

American Samoa
  urban population: 92% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Andorra
  urban population: 89% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Angola
  urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Anguilla
  urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda
  urban population: 30% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Argentina
  urban population: 92% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Armenia
  urban population: 64% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Aruba
  urban population: 47% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Australia
  urban population: 89% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Austria
  urban population: 67% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Azerbaijan
  urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bahamas, The
  urban population: 84% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bahrain
  urban population: 89% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bangladesh
  urban population: 27% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Barbados
  urban population: 40% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Belarus
  urban population: 73% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Belgium
  urban population: 97% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Belize
  urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Benin
  urban population: 41% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bermuda
  urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bhutan
  urban population: 35% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bolivia
  urban population: 66% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  urban population: 47% of total population
  (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Botswana
  urban population: 60% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Brazil
  urban population: 86% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

British Virgin Islands
  urban population: 40% of total population
  (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Brunei
  urban population: 75% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Bulgaria
  urban population: 71% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Burkina Faso
  urban population: 20% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Burma
  urban population: 33% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Burundi
  urban population: 10% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 6.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cambodia
  urban population: 22% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cameroon
  urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Canada
  urban population: 80% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cape Verde
  urban population: 60% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cayman Islands
  urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Central African Republic
  urban population: 39% of total population
  (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Chad
  urban population: 27% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Chile
  urban population: 88% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

China
  urban population: 43% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Colombia
  urban population: 74% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Comoros
  urban population: 28% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  urban population: 34% of total
  population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 5.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  urban population: 61% of total population
  (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cook Islands
  urban population: 74% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Costa Rica
  urban population: 63% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire
  urban population: 49% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Croatia
  urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cuba
  urban population: 76% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Cyprus
  urban population: 70% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Czech Republic
  urban population: 73% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Denmark
  urban population: 87% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Djibouti
  urban population: 87% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Dominica
  urban population: 74% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Dominican Republic
  urban population: 69% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Ecuador
  urban population: 66% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Egypt
  urban population: 43% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

El Salvador
  urban population: 61% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  urban population: 39% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Eritrea
  urban population: 21% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 5.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Estonia
  urban population: 69% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Ethiopia
  urban population: 17% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  urban population: 92% of total
  population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Faroe Islands
  urban population: 41% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Fiji
  urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Finland
  urban population: 63% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

France
  urban population: 77% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

French Polynesia
  urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Gabon
  urban population: 85% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Gambia, The
  urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Gaza Strip
  urban population: 72% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Georgia
  urban population: 53% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Germany
  urban population: 74% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Ghana
  urban population: 50% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Gibraltar
  urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Greece
  urban population: 61% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Greenland
  urban population: 84% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Grenada
  urban population: 31% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guam
  urban population: 93% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guatemala
  urban population: 49% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guernsey
  urban population: 31% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guinea
  urban population: 34% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  urban population: 30% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Guyana
  urban population: 28% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Haiti
  urban population: 47% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  urban population: 100% of total population
  (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Honduras
  urban population: 48% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Hong Kong
  urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Hungary
  urban population: 68% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Iceland
  urban population: 92% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

India
  urban population: 29% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Indonesia
  urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Iran
  urban population: 68% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Iraq
  urban population: 67% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Ireland
  urban population: 61% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Isle of Man
  urban population: 51% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Israel
  urban population: 92% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Italy
  urban population: 68% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Jamaica
  urban population: 53% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Japan
  urban population: 66% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Jersey
  urban population: 31% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Jordan
  urban population: 78% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Kazakhstan
  urban population: 58% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Kenya
  urban population: 22% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Kiribati
  urban population: 44% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Korea, North
  urban population: 63% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Korea, South
  urban population: 81% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Kuwait
  urban population: 98% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  urban population: 36% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Laos
  urban population: 31% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 5.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Latvia
  urban population: 68% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Lebanon
  urban population: 87% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Lesotho
  urban population: 25% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Liberia
  urban population: 60% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 5.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Libya
  urban population: 78% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Liechtenstein
  urban population: 14% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Lithuania
  urban population: 67% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Luxembourg
  urban population: 82% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Macau
  urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Macedonia
  urban population: 67% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Madagascar
  urban population: 29% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Malawi
  urban population: 19% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 5.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Malaysia
  urban population: 70% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Maldives
  urban population: 38% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 5.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mali
  urban population: 32% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Malta
  urban population: 94% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Marshall Islands
  urban population: 71% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mauritania
  urban population: 41% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mauritius
  urban population: 42% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mexico
  urban population: 77% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  urban population: 22% of total
  population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Moldova
  urban population: 42% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Monaco
  urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mongolia
  urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Montenegro
  urban population: 60% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Montserrat
  urban population: 14% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Morocco
  urban population: 56% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Mozambique
  urban population: 37% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Namibia
  urban population: 37% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Nauru
  urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Nepal
  urban population: 17% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Netherlands
  urban population: 82% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

New Caledonia
  urban population: 65% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

New Zealand
  urban population: 87% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Nicaragua
  urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Niger
  urban population: 16% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Nigeria
  urban population: 48% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Niue
  urban population: 39% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands
  urban population: 91% of total population
  (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Norway
  urban population: 77% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Oman
  urban population: 72% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Pakistan
  urban population: 36% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Palau
  urban population: 81% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Panama
  urban population: 73% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  urban population: 12% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Paraguay
  urban population: 60% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Peru
  urban population: 71% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Philippines
  urban population: 65% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Pitcairn Islands
  urban population: 0% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Poland
  urban population: 61% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Portugal
  urban population: 59% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Puerto Rico
  urban population: 98% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Qatar
  urban population: 96% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Romania
  urban population: 54% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Russia
  urban population: 73% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Rwanda
  urban population: 18% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  urban population: 39%
  of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  urban population: 32% of total population
  (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saint Lucia
  urban population: 28% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  urban population: 89% of total population
  (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  urban population: 47% of total
  population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Samoa
  urban population: 23% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

San Marino
  urban population: 94% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe
  urban population: 61% of total population
  (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Saudi Arabia
  urban population: 82% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Senegal
  urban population: 42% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Serbia
  urban population: 52% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Seychelles
  urban population: 54% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sierra Leone
  urban population: 38% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Singapore
  urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Slovakia
  urban population: 56% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Slovenia
  urban population: 48% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Solomon Islands
  urban population: 18% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Somalia
  urban population: 37% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

South Africa
  urban population: 61% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Spain
  urban population: 77% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sri Lanka
  urban population: 15% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sudan
  urban population: 43% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Suriname
  urban population: 75% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Swaziland
  urban population: 25% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sweden
  urban population: 85% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Switzerland
  urban population: 73% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Syria
  urban population: 54% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tajikistan
  urban population: 26% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tanzania
  urban population: 25% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Thailand
  urban population: 33% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Timor-Leste
  urban population: 27% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Togo
  urban population: 42% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tokelau
  urban population: 0% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tonga
  urban population: 25% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago
  urban population: 13% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tunisia
  urban population: 67% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Turkey
  urban population: 69% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Turkmenistan
  urban population: 49% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  urban population: 92% of total population
  (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Tuvalu
  urban population: 49% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Uganda
  urban population: 13% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Ukraine
  urban population: 68% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: -0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  urban population: 78% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

United Kingdom
  urban population: 90% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

United States
  urban population: 82% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Uruguay
  urban population: 92% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Uzbekistan
  urban population: 37% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Vanuatu
  urban population: 25% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Venezuela
  urban population: 93% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Vietnam
  urban population: 28% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Virgin Islands
  urban population: 95% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Wallis and Futuna
  urban population: 0% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

West Bank
  urban population: 72% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Western Sahara
  urban population: 81% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

World
  urban population: 50.5% of total population (2010)
  rate of urbanization: 1.85% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
  ten largest urban agglomerations: Tokyo (Japan) - 36,669,000; Delhi
  (India) - 22,157,000; Sao Paulo (Brazil) - 20,262,000; Mumbai
  (India) - 20,041,000; Mexico City (Mexico) - 19,460,000; New
  York-Newark (US) - 19,425,000; Shanghai (China) - 16,575,000;
  Kolkata (India) - 15,552,000; Dhaka (Bangladesh) - 14,648,000;
  Karachi (Pakistan) - 13,125,000 (2009)

Yemen
  urban population: 31% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Zambia
  urban population: 35% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Zimbabwe
  urban population: 37% of total population (2008)
  rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

======================================================================

@2213

Field Listing :: Broadcast media

This entry provides information on the approximate number of public and private TV and radio stations in a country, as well as basic information on the availability of satellite and cable TV services. Country

Broadcast media

Afghanistan
  state-owned broadcaster, Radio Television Afghanistan
  (RTA), operates a series of radio and television stations in Kabul
  and the provinces; an estimated 50 private radio stations, 8 TV
  networks, and about a dozen international broadcasters are
  available; more than 30 community-based radio stations broadcasting
  (2007)

Akrotiri
  British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides
  multi-channel satellite TV service as well as BFBS radio broadcasts
  to the Akrotiri Sovereign Base (2009)

Albania
  2 public television networks, one of which transmits by
  satellite to Albanian-language communities in neighboring countries;
  more than 60 private television stations operating; many viewers can
  pick up Italian and Greek TV broadcasts via terrestrial reception;
  cable TV service is available; 2 public radio networks and roughly
  50 private radio stations; several international broadcasters are
  available (2008)

Algeria
  state-run Radio-Television Algerienne operates the broadcast
  media and carries programming in Arabic, Berber dialects, and
  French; use of satellite dishes is widespread, providing easy access
  to European and Arab satellite stations; state-run radio operates
  several national networks and roughly 40 regional radio stations
  (2007)

American Samoa
  3 television stations broadcasting; multi-channel
  pay-per-view television services are available; about a dozen radio
  stations, some of which are repeater stations (2009)

Andorra
  1 public television station and 2 public radio stations; a
  few commercial radio stations operating; good reception of radio and
  TV broadcasts from stations in France and Spain (2008)

Angola
  state controls all broadcast media with nationwide reach;
  state-owned Televisao Popular de Angola (TPA) provides terrestrial
  TV service on 2 channels; a third TPA channel is available via cable
  and satellite; TV subscription services are available; state-owned
  Radio Nacional de Angola (RNA) broadcasts on 5 stations; about a
  half dozen private radio stations broadcast locally (2008)

Anguilla
  1 private television station; multi-channel cable TV
  subscription services are available; about 10 radio stations, one of
  which is government-owned (2007)

Antigua and Barbuda
  state-controlled Antigua and Barbuda
  Broadcasting Service (ABS) operates 1 TV station; multi-channel
  cable TV subscription services are available; 1 radio station
  operated by ABS; roughly 15 radio stations, some broadcasting on
  multiple frequencies (2007)

Argentina
  government owns a TV station and a radio network; more
  than 2 dozen TV stations and hundreds of privately-owned radio
  stations; high rate of cable TV subscription usage (2007)

Armenia
  2 public television networks operating alongside more than
  40 privately-owned television stations that provide local to near
  nationwide coverage; major Russian broadcast stations are widely
  available; subscription cable TV services are available in most
  regions; Public Radio of Armenia is a national, state-run broadcast
  network that operates alongside about 20 privately-owned radio
  stations; several major international broadcasters are available
  (2008)

Aruba
  2 commercial television stations; cable TV subscription
  service provides access to foreign channels; about 20 commercial
  radio stations broadcast (2007)

Australia
  the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) runs
  multiple national and local radio networks and TV stations, as well
  as Australia Network, a TV service that broadcasts throughout the
  Asia-Pacific region and is the main public broadcaster; Special
  Broadcasting Service (SBS), a second large public broadcaster,
  operates radio and TV networks broadcasting in multiple languages;
  several large national commercial TV networks, a large number of
  local commercial TV stations, and hundreds of commercial radio
  stations are accessible; cable and satellite systems are available
  (2008)

Austria
  Austria's public broadcaster, ORF, was the main broadcast
  source until commercial radio and television service was introduced
  in the 1990s; cable and satellite TV are available, including German
  TV stations (2008)

Azerbaijan
  1 state-run and 1 public television channel; 4 domestic
  commercial TV stations and about 15 regional TV stations; Turkish,
  Russian, and Iranian TV and radio broadcasts are available,
  especially in border regions; cable TV services are available in
  Baku; 1 state-run and 1 public radio network operating; a small
  number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting; local FM
  relays of Baku commercial stations are available in many localities;
  local relays of several international broadcasters had been
  available until late 2008 when their broadcasts were banned from FM
  frequencies (2008)

Bahamas, The
  2 television stations operated by government-owned,
  commercially run Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB);
  multi-channel cable TV subscription service is available; about 15
  radio stations operating with BCB operating a multi-channel radio
  broadcasting network alongside privately-owned radio stations (2007)

Bahrain
  state-run broadcast media; Bahrain Radio and Television
  Corporation (BRTC) operates 5 terrestrial TV networks; satellite TV
  systems provide access to international broadcasts; state-run BRTC
  broadcasts over several radio stations; 1 private FM station directs
  broadcasts to Indian listeners; radio and TV broadcasts from
  countries in the region are available (2007)

Bangladesh
  state-owned broadcaster (BTV) operates 1 terrestrial TV
  station, 3 radio networks, and about 10 local stations; 8 private
  satellite TV stations and 3 private radio stations also
  broadcasting; foreign satellite TV stations are gaining audience
  share in the large cities; several international radio broadcasters
  are available (2007)

Barbados
  government-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
  operates the lone terrestrial television station; CBC also operates
  a multi-channel cable TV subscription service; roughly a dozen radio
  stations, consisting of a CBC-operated network alongside
  privately-owned radio stations, in operation (2007)

Belarus
  4 state-controlled national TV channels; Polish and Russian
  TV broadcasts are available in some areas; state-run Belarusian
  Radio operates 3 national networks and an external service; Russian
  and Polish radio broadcasts are available (2007)

Belgium
  a segmented market with the three major communities
  (Flemish, French, and German-speaking) each having responsibility
  for their own broadcast media; multiple TV channels exist for each
  community; additionally, in excess of 90% of households are
  connected to cable and can access broadcasts of TV stations from
  neighboring countries; each community has a public radio network
  co-existing with private broadcasters (2007)

Belize
  8 privately-owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV
  provides access to foreign stations; about 25 radio stations
  broadcasting on roughly 50 different frequencies; state-run radio
  was privatized in 1998 (2007)

Benin
  state-run Office de Radiodiffusion et de Television du Benin
  (ORTB) operates a TV station with multiple channels giving it a wide
  broadcast reach; several privately-owned TV stations broadcast from
  Cotonou; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned
  radio, under ORTB control, includes a national station supplemented
  by a number of regional stations; substantial number of
  privately-owned radio broadcast stations; transmissions of a few
  international broadcasters are available on FM in Cotonou (2007)

Bermuda
  3 television stations; cable and satellite TV subscription
  services are available; roughly 10 radio stations operating (2007)

Bhutan
  state-owned TV station established in 1999; cable TV service
  offers dozens of Indian and other international channels; first
  radio station, privately launched in 1973, is now state-owned; 1
  private radio station began operations in 2006 (2007)

Bolivia
  large number of radio and television broadcasting stations
  with private media outlets dominating; state-owned and private radio
  and television stations generally operating freely, although both
  pro-government and anti-government groups have attacked media
  outlets in response to their reporting (2007)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  3 public TV broadcasters: Radio and TV of
  Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation TV (operating 2 networks), and
  Serb Republic Radio-TV; a local commercial network of 5 TV stations;
  2 private, near-national TV stations and dozens of small independent
  TV stations broadcasting; 3 large public radio broadcasters and a
  large number of private radio stations (2007)

Botswana
  2 TV stations - 1 state-owned and 1 privately-owned;
  privately-owned satellite TV subscription service is available; 2
  state-owned national radio stations; 3 privately-owned radio
  stations broadcast locally (2007)

Brazil
  state-run Radiobras operates a radio and a television
  network; more than 1,000 radio stations and more than 100 TV
  channels operating - mostly privately owned; private media ownership
  highly concentrated (2007)

British Indian Ocean Territory
  Armed Forces Radio and Television
  Service (AFRTS) broadcasts over 3 separate frequencies for US and UK
  military personnel stationed on the islands (2009)

British Virgin Islands
  1 private TV station; multi-channel TV is
  available from cable and satellite subscription services; about a
  half dozen private radio stations operating (2007)

Brunei
  state-controlled Radio Television Brunei (RTB) operates 4
  channels; 3 Malaysian TV stations are available; foreign TV
  broadcasts are available via satellite and cable systems; RTB
  operates 5 radio networks broadcasting on multiple frequencies;
  British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides radio broadcasts on
  2 FM stations; some radio broadcast stations from Malaysia are
  available via repeaters (2009)

Bulgaria
  4 national terrestrial television stations with 1
  state-owned and 3 privately-owned; a vast array of TV stations are
  available from cable and satellite TV providers; state-owned
  national radio broadcasts over 3 networks; large number of private
  radio stations broadcasting, especially in urban areas (2007)

Burkina Faso
  2 TV stations - 1 state-owned and 1 privately-owned;
  state-owned radio runs a national and regional network; substantial
  number of privately-owned radio broadcast stations; transmissions of
  several international broadcasters available in Ouagadougou (2007)

Burma
  government controls all domestic broadcast media; 3
  state-controlled television stations with 1 of the stations
  controlled by the armed forces; a fourth TV channel, a pay-TV
  station, is a joint state-private venture; access to satellite TV is
  limited with residents required to register and pay a fee for all
  satellite television receivers; 2 state-controlled domestic radio
  stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are
  available in Burma; the opposition-backed station Democratic Voice
  of Burma broadcasts into Burma via shortwave (2009)

Burundi
  state-controlled La Radiodiffusion et Television Nationale
  de Burundi (RTNB) operates the lone TV broadcast station and the
  only national radio network; about 10 privately-owned radio
  broadcast stations; transmissions of several international
  broadcasters are available in Bujumbura (2007)

Cambodia
  mixture of state-owned, joint public-private, and
  privately-owned broadcast media; 9 TV broadcast stations with most
  operating on multiple channels, including 1 state-operated station
  broadcasting from multiple locations, 6 stations either jointly
  operated or privately-owned with some broadcasting from several
  locations, and 2 TV relay stations - one relaying a French
  television station and the other relaying a Vietnamese television
  station; multi-channel cable and satellite systems are available;
  roughly 50 radio broadcast stations - 1 state-owned broadcaster with
  multiple stations and a large mixture of public and private
  broadcasters; several international broadcasters are available (2009)

Cameroon
  government maintains tight control over broadcast media;
  state-owned Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV), broadcasting on both a
  television and radio network, was the only officially recognized and
  fully licensed broadcaster until August 2007 when the government
  finally issued licenses to 2 private TV broadcasters and 1 private
  radio broadcaster; about 70 privately-owned unlicensed radio
  stations operating but are subject to closure at any time; foreign
  news services required to partner with state-owned national station
  (2007)

Canada
  2 public television broadcasting networks each with a large
  number of network affilates; several private-commercial networks
  also with multiple network affiliates; overall, about 150 TV
  stations; multi-channel satellite and cable systems provide access
  to a wide range of stations including US stations; mix of public and
  commercial radio broadcasters with the Canadian Broadcasting
  Corporation (CBC), the public radio broadcaster, operating 4 radio
  networks, Radio Canada International, and radio services to
  indigenous populations in the north; roughly 2,000 licensed radio
  stations in Canada (2008)

Cape Verde
  state-run TV and radio broadcast network plus a growing
  number of private broadcasters; Portuguese public TV and radio
  services for Africa are available; transmissions of a few
  international broadcasters are obtainable (2007)

Cayman Islands
  4 television stations; cable and satellite
  subscription services offer a variety of international programming;
  government-owned Radio Cayman operates 2 networks broadcasting on 5
  stations; 10 privately-owned radio stations operate alongside Radio
  Cayman (2007)

Central African Republic
  government-owned network, Radiodiffusion
  Television Centrafricaine, provides domestic TV broadcasting;
  licenses for 2 private TV stations are pending; state-owned radio
  network is supplemented by a small number of privately-owned
  broadcast stations as well as a few community radio stations;
  transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available
  (2007)

Chad
  1 state-owned TV broadcast station; state-owned radio network,
  Radiodiffusion Nationale Tchadienne (RNT), operates national and
  regional stations; about 10 private radio stations; some stations
  rebroadcast programs from international broadcasters (2007)

Chile
  national and local terrestrial television channels, coupled
  with extensive cable TV networks; the state-owned Television
  Nacional de Chile (TVN) network is self-financed through commercial
  advertising revenues and is not under direct government control;
  large number of privately-owned TV stations; about 250 radio
  stations (2007)

China
  all broadcast media are owned by, or affiliated with, the
  Communist Party of China or a government agency; no privately-owned
  television or radio stations with state-run Chinese Central TV,
  provincial, and municipal stations offering more than 2,000
  channels; the Central Propaganda Department lists subjects that are
  off limits to domestic broadcast media with the government
  maintaining authority to approve all programming; foreign-made TV
  programs must be approved prior to broadcast (2008)

Christmas Island
  1 community radio station; broadcasts of several
  Australian radio and television stations are received via satellite
  (2009)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  1 local radio station staffed by community
  volunteers; broadcasts of several Australian radio and TV stations
  are received via satellite (2009)

Colombia
  combination of state-owned and privately-owned broadcast
  media provide service; more than 500 radio stations and large number
  of national, regional, and local TV stations (2007)

Comoros
  national state-owned TV station and a TV station run by
  Anjouan regional government; national state-owned radio; regional
  governments on the islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan each operate
  a radio station; a few independent and small community radio
  stations operate on the islands of Grande Comore and Moheli, and
  these two islands have access to Mayotte Radio and French TV (2007)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  state-owned TV broadcast station
  with near national coverage; more than a dozen privately-owned TV
  stations with 2 having near national coverage; 2 state-owned radio
  stations are supplemented by more than 100 private radio stations;
  transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available
  (2007)

Congo, Republic of the
  1 state-owned TV and 3 state-owned radio
  stations; several privately-owned TV and radio stations; satellite
  TV service is available; rebroadcasts of several international
  broadcasters are available (2007)

Cook Islands
  1 privately-owned TV station broadcasts from Rarotonga
  providing a mix of local news and overseas-sourced programs; a
  satellite program package is available; 6 radio stations broadcast
  with 1 reportedly reaching all of the islands (2009)

Costa Rica
  multiple privately-owned television stations and 1
  publicly-owned television station; cable network services are widely
  available; more than 100 privately-owned radio stations and a public
  radio network (2007)

Cote d'Ivoire
  state-owned television operates 2 stations; no private
  terrestrial TV stations, but satellite TV subscription service is
  available; state-owned radio operates 2 stations; some private radio
  stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are
  available (2007)

Croatia
  the national state-owned public broadcaster, Croatian
  Radiotelevision (HRT), operates 2 terrestrial TV networks, a
  satellite channel that rebroadcasts programs for Croatians living
  abroad, and 6 regional TV centers; 2 private broadcasters operate
  national terrestrial networks; about 15 privately-owned regional TV
  stations; multi-channel cable and satellite TV subscription services
  are available; state-owned public broadcaster operates 3 national
  radio networks and a number of regional radio stations; 2
  privately-owned national radio networks and a large number of
  regional, county, city, and community radio stations (2007)

Cuba
  government owns and controls all broadcast media with private
  ownership of electronic media prohibited; government operates 4
  national TV networks and many local TV stations; government operates
  6 national radio networks, an international station, and many local
  radio stations; Radio-TV Marti is beamed from the US (2007)

Cyprus
  mixture of state and privately-run television and radio
  services; the public broadcaster operates 2 TV channels and 4 radio
  stations; 6 private TV broadcasters, satellite and cable TV services
  including telecasts from Greece and Turkey, and a number of private
  radio stations are available; in areas administered by Turkish
  Cypriots, there are 2 public TV stations, 4 public radio stations,
  and privately-owned TV and radio broadcast stations (2007)

Czech Republic
  roughly 130 television broadcasters operating some
  350 television channels with 4 publicly operated and the remainder
  in private hands; 13 television stations have national coverage with
  4 being publicly operated; cable and satellite TV subscription
  services are available; about 70 radio broadcasters are registered
  operating roughly 85 radio stations with 15 stations publicly
  operated; 16 radio stations provide national coverage with the
  remainder local or regional (2008)

Denmark
  strong public-sector television presence with state-owned
  Danmarks Radio (DR) operating 4 channels and publicly-owned TV2
  operating roughly a half dozen channels; broadcasts of
  privately-owned stations are available via satellite and cable feed;
  DR operates 4 nationwide FM radio stations, 15 digital audio
  broadcasting stations, and about 15 web-based radio stations;
  approximately 250 commercial and community radio stations are
  operational (2007)

Dhekelia
  British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides
  multi-channel satellite TV service as well as BFBS radio broadcasts
  to the Dhekelia Sovereign Base (2009)

Djibouti
  maintains restrictions on the licensing and operation of
  broadcast media; state-owned Radiodiffusion-Television de Djibouti
  (RTD) operates the sole terrestrial TV station as well as the only 2
  domestic radio networks; no private TV or radio stations;
  transmissions of several international broadcasters are available
  (2007)

Dominica
  no terrestrial television service available; subscription
  cable TV provider offers some locally produced programming plus
  channels from the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean;
  state-operated radio broadcasts on 6 stations; privately-owned radio
  broadcasts on about 15 stations (2007)

Dominican Republic
  combination of state-owned and privately-owned
  broadcast media; 1 state-owned television network and a number of
  private TV networks; networks operate repeaters to extend signals
  throughout country; combination of state-owned and privately-owned
  radio stations; more than 300 radio stations operating (2007)

Ecuador private broadcast media dominate; all stations are privately-owned except for 1 government-controlled station; multiple television networks, a number of national TV channels, and a large number of local channels; more than 400 radio stations; broadcast media required by law to give the government free air time to broadcast programs produced by the state (2007)

Egypt
  mix of state-run and private broadcast media; state-run TV
  operates 2 national and 6 regional terrestrial networks as well as a
  few satellite channels; about 20 private satellite channels and a
  large number of Arabic satellite channels are available via
  subscription; state-run radio operates about 70 stations belonging
  to 8 networks; 2 privately-owned radio stations operational (2008)

El Salvador
  multiple privately-owned national terrestrial television
  networks, supplemented by cable TV networks that carry international
  channels; hundreds of commercial radio broadcast stations and 1
  government-owned radio broadcast station (2007)

Equatorial Guinea
  state maintains control of broadcast media with
  domestic broadcast media limited to 1 state-owned TV station, 1
  state-owned radio station, and 1 private radio station owned by the
  president's eldest son; satellite TV service is available;
  transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible
  (2007)

Eritrea
  government controls broadcast media with private ownership
  prohibited; 1 state-owned TV station; state-owned radio operates 2
  networks; purchases of satellite dishes and subscriptions to
  international broadcast media are permitted (2007)

Estonia
  the publicly-owned broadcaster, Eesti Rahvusringhaaling
  (ERR), operates 2 television channels; national private TV channels
  expanding service; a range of channels are aimed at Russian-speaking
  viewers; high penetration rate for cable TV services with more than
  half of Estonian households connected; publicly-owned broadcaster,
  ERR, operates 4 radio networks and there are a growing number of
  private commercial radio stations broadcasting nationally,
  regionally, and locally (2008)

Ethiopia
  1 public TV broadcast station broadcasting nationally and 1
  public radio broadcaster with stations in each of the 13
  administrative districts; a few commercial radio stations and
  roughly a dozen community radio stations (2009)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  television service provided by a
  multi-channel service provider; radio services provided by the
  public broadcaster Falkland Islands Radio Service (FIRS),
  broadcasting on both AM and FM frequencies, and by the British
  Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) (2007)

Faroe Islands
  1 publicly-owned TV station; the Faroese
  telecommunications company distributes local and international
  channels through its digital terrestrial network; publicly-owned
  radio station supplemented by 2 privately-owned stations
  broadcasting over multiple frequencies (2008)

Fiji
  Fiji TV, a publicly-traded company, operates a free-to-air
  channel as well as the Sky Fiji and Sky Pacific multi-channel pay-TV
  services; state-owned commercial company, Fiji Broadcasting
  Corporation, Ltd, operates 6 radio stations - 2 public broadcasters
  and 4 commercial broadcasters with multiple repeaters; 5 radio
  stations with repeaters operated by Communications Fiji, Ltd;
  transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
  (2009)

Finland
  a mix of publicly-operated TV stations and privately-owned
  TV stations; the 2 publicly-owned TV stations recently expanded
  services and the largest private TV station has introduced several
  special-interest pay-TV channels; cable and satellite multi-channel
  subscription services are available; all TV signals have been
  broadcast digitally since September 2007; analog broadcasts via
  cable networks were terminated in February 2008; public broadcasting
  maintains a network of 13 national and 25 regional radio stations; a
  large number of private radio broadcasters (2008)

France
  a mix of both publicly-operated and privately-owned TV
  stations; state-owned France Televisions operates 4 networks, one of
  which is a network of regional stations, and has part-interest in
  several thematic cable/satellite channels and international
  channels; a large number of privately-owned regional and local TV
  stations; multi-channel satellite and cable services provide a large
  number of channels; public broadcaster Radio France operates 7
  national networks, a series of regional networks, and operates
  services for overseas territories and foreign audiences; Radio
  France Internationale (RFI), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
  is a leading international broadcaster; a large number of commercial
  FM stations, with many of them consolidating into commercial
  networks (2008)

French Polynesia
  the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO),
  which operates in France's overseas departments and territories,
  broadcasts on 2 television channels and 1 radio station; a
  government-owned TV station is operating; a small number of
  privately-owned radio stations also broadcast (2008)

Gabon
  state owns and operates 2 TV stations and 2 radio broadcast
  stations; a few private radio and TV stations are operational;
  transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are
  accessible; satellite service subscriptions are available (2007)

Gambia, The
  state-owned, single-channel TV service; state-owned
  radio station and 4 privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of
  multiple international broadcasters are available, some via
  shortwave radio; foreign cable and satellite TV subscription
  services are obtainable in some parts of the country (2007)

Gaza Strip
  1 television station and about 10 radio stations (2008)

Georgia
  1 state-owned public television station in Tbilisi and 8
  privately-owned TV stations; state-run public broadcaster operates 2
  networks; dozens of cable TV operators and several major commercial
  TV stations are operating; state-owned public radio broadcaster
  operates 2 networks; several dozen private stations broadcast (2008)

Germany
  a mixture of publicly-operated and privately-owned TV and
  radio stations; national and regional public broadcasters compete
  with nearly 400 privately-owned national and regional TV stations;
  more than 90% of households have cable or satellite TV; hundreds of
  radio stations broadcasting including multiple national radio
  networks, regional radio networks, and a large number of local radio
  stations (2008)

Ghana
  state-owned TV station, 2 state-owned radio networks; several
  privately-owned TV stations and a large number of privately-owned
  radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters
  are accessible; several cable and satellite TV subscription services
  are obtainable (2007)

Gibraltar
  Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) provides
  television and radio broadcasting services via 1 television station
  and 4 radio stations; British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS)
  operates 1 radio station; broadcasts from Spanish radio and TV
  stations are accessible (2008)

Greece
  broadcast media dominated by the private sector; roughly 150
  private TV channels, about a dozen of the private channels broadcast
  at the national or regional level; 3 publicly-owned terrestrial TV
  channels with national coverage, 1 publicly-owned satellite channel,
  and 3 stations designed for digital terrestrial transmissions;
  multi-channel satellite and cable TV services obtainable; upwards of
  1,500 radio stations broadcasting, nearly all of them
  privately-owned; state-run broadcaster has 7 national stations, 2
  international stations, and 19 regional stations (2007)

Greenland
  the Greenland Broadcasting Company provides public radio
  and television services throughout the island with a broadcast
  station and a series of repeaters; a few private local television
  and radio stations broadcast; Danish public radio rebroadcasts are
  available (2007)

Grenada
  the Grenada Broadcasting Network, jointly owned by the
  government and the Caribbean Communications Network of Trinidad and
  Tobago, operates a television station and 2 radio stations;
  multi-channel cable TV subscription service is available; a dozen
  private radio stations also broadcast (2007)

Guam
  about a dozen TV broadcast channels, including digital
  channels; multi-channel cable TV services are available; roughly 20
  radio stations broadcasting (2009)

Guatemala
  4 privately-owned national terrestrial TV channels
  dominate TV broadcasting; multi-channel satellite and cable services
  are available; 1 government-owned radio station and hundreds of
  privately-owned radio stations (2007)

Guernsey
  multiple UK terrestrial television broadcasts - received
  via a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and
  Alderney - will begin switching from analog to digital broadcasts in
  November 2010; satellite packages are available; BBC Radio Guernsey
  and 1 other radio station operating (2009)

Guinea
  government maintains control over broadcast media; single
  state-run TV station; state-run radio broadcast station also
  operates several stations in rural areas; about 20 privately-owned
  radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community
  radio stations; foreign television programming available via
  satellite and cable subscription services (2008)

Guinea-Bissau
  1 state-owned TV station and a second station, RTP
  Africa, is operated by Portuguese public broadcaster RTP; 1
  state-owned radio station, several private radio stations, and some
  community radio stations; multiple international broadcasters are
  available (2007)

Guyana
  government-dominated broadcast media; the National
  Communications Network (NCN) TV is state-owned; a few private TV
  stations relay satellite services; the state owns and operates 2
  radio stations broadcasting on multiple frequencies capable of
  reaching the entire country; government limits on licensing of new
  private radio stations continue to constrain competition in
  broadcast media (2007)

Haiti
  several television stations, including 1 government-owned;
  cable TV subscription service is available; government-owned radio
  network; more than 250 private and community radio stations
  operating with about 50 FM stations in Port-au-Prince alone (2007)

Holy See (Vatican City)
  the Vatican Television Center (CTV)
  transmits live broadcasts of the Pope's Sunday and Wednesday
  audiences, as well as the Pope's public celebrations; CTV also
  produces documentaries; Vatican Radio is the Holy See's official
  broadcasting service broadcasting via shortwave, AM and FM
  frequencies, and via satellite and Internet connections (2008)

Honduras
  multiple privately-owned terrestrial television networks,
  supplemented by multiple cable TV networks; Radio Honduras is the
  lone government-owned radio network; roughly 300 privately-owned
  radio stations (2007)

Hong Kong
  2 commercial terrestrial television networks each with
  multiple stations; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems are
  available; 3 radio networks, one of which is government-funded,
  operate about 15 radio stations (2008)

Hungary
  mixed system of state-supported public service broadcast
  media and private broadcasters; the 3 publicly-owned TV channels and
  the 2 main privately-owned TV stations are the major national
  broadcasters; a large number of special interest channels have
  emerged; highly developed market for satellite and cable TV services
  with about two-thirds of viewers utilizing multi-channel services; 3
  state-supported public-service radio networks and 2 major national
  commercial stations; a large number of local stations including
  commercial, public service, nonprofit, and community radio stations
  (2007)

Iceland
  state-owned public television broadcaster operates 1 TV
  channel nationally; several privately-owned TV stations broadcast
  nationally and roughly another half-dozen operate locally; about
  half the households utilize multi-channel cable or satellite TV
  services; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 2 national
  networks and 4 regional stations; 2 privately-owned radio stations
  operate nationally and another 15 provide more limited coverage
  (2007)

India
  Doordarshan, India's public TV network, operates about 20
  national, regional, and local services; large number of
  privately-owned TV stations are distributed by cable and satellite
  service providers; government controls AM radio with All India Radio
  operating domestic and external networks; news broadcasts via radio
  are limited to the All India Radio Network; since 2000,
  privately-owned FM stations are permitted but limited to
  broadcasting entertainment and educational content (2007)

Indonesia
  mixture of about a dozen national television networks - 2
  public broadcasters, the remainder private broadcasters - each with
  multiple transmitters; more than 100 local TV stations operating;
  widespread use of satellite and cable TV systems; public radio
  broadcaster operates 6 national networks as well as regional and
  local stations; overall, more than 700 radio stations operating with
  more than 650 privately-operated (2008)

Iran
  state-run broadcast media with no private, independent
  broadcasters; Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the
  state-run TV broadcaster, operates 5 nationwide channels, a news
  channel, about 30 provincial channels, and several international
  channels; about 20 foreign Persian-language TV stations broadcasting
  on satellite TV are capable of being seen in Iran; satellite dishes
  are illegal and, while their use had been tolerated, authorities
  began confiscating satellite dishes following the unrest stemming
  from the 2009 presidential election; IRIB operates 8 nationwide
  networks, a number of provincial stations, and an external service;
  most major international broadcasters transmit to Iran (2009)

Iraq
  the number of private radio and television stations has
  increased rapidly since 2003; government-owned TV and radio stations
  are operated by the publicly-funded Iraqi Public Broadcasting
  Service; private broadcast media are mostly linked to political,
  ethnic, or religious groups; satellite TV is available to an
  estimated 70% of viewers and many of the broadcasters are based
  abroad; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters
  are accessible (2007)

Ireland
  publicly-owned broadcaster Radio Telefis Eireann (RTE)
  operates 2 TV stations; commercial television stations are
  available; about 75% of households utilize multi-channel satellite
  and TV services that provide access to a wide range of stations; RTE
  operates 4 national radio stations and has launched digital audio
  broadcasts on several stations; a number of commercial broadcast
  stations operate at the national, regional, and local levels (2007)

Isle of Man
  national public radio broadcasts over 3 FM stations and
  1 AM station; 2 commercial broadcasters operating with 1 having
  multiple FM stations; receives radio and TV services via relays from
  British TV and radio broadcasters (2008)

Israel
  state broadcasting network, operated by the Israel
  Broadcasting Authority (IBA), broadcasts on 2 channels, one in
  Hebrew and the other in Arabic; 5 commercial channels including a
  channel broadcasting in Russian, a channel broadcasting Knesset
  proceedings, and a music channel supervised by a public body;
  multi-channel satellite and cable TV packages provide access to
  foreign channels; IBA broadcasts on 8 radio networks with multiple
  repeaters and Israel Defense Forces Radio broadcasts over multiple
  stations; about 15 privately-owned radio stations; overall more than
  100 stations and repeater stations operating (2008)

Italy
  two Italian media giants - the publicly-owned Radiotelevisione
  Italiana (RAI) with 3 national terrestrial stations and
  privately-owned Mediaset with 3 national terrestrial stations -
  dominate; additional broadcasts by a large number of private
  stations and Sky Italia - a satellite TV network; RAI operates 3
  AM/FM nationwide radio stations; some 1,300 commercial radio
  stations (2007)

Jamaica
  privately-owned Radio Jamaica Limited and its subsidiaries
  operate multiple television stations, subscription cable services,
  and radio stations; 2 other privately-owned television stations
  broadcast; roughly 70 radio stations (2007)

Jan Mayen
  a coastal radio station has been remotely operated since
  1994 (2008)

Japan
  a mixture of public and commercial broadcast TV and radio
  stations; 5 national terrestrial television networks including 1
  public broadcaster; the large number of radio and TV stations
  available provide a wide range of choices; satellite and cable
  services provide access to international channels (2008)

Jersey
  multiple UK terrestrial television broadcasts - received via
  a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and
  Alderney - will begin switching from analog to digital broadcasts in
  November 2010; satellite packages available; BBC Radio Jersey and 1
  other radio station operating (2009)

Jordan
  radio and TV dominated by the government-owned Jordan Radio
  and Television Corporation (JRTV) that operates a main network, a
  sports network, a film network, and a satellite channel; first
  independent TV broadcaster aired in 2007; international satellite TV
  and Israeli and Syrian TV broadcasts are available; roughly 30 radio
  stations operational with JRTV operating the main government-owned
  station; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters
  are available (2007)

Kazakhstan
  state owns nearly all radio and TV transmission
  facilities and operates national TV and radio networks; nearly all
  nationwide TV networks are wholly or partly owned by the government;
  some former state-owned media outlets have been privatized and are
  controlled by the president's daughter, who heads the Khabar Agency
  that runs multiple TV and radio stations; a number of
  privately-owned TV stations; households with satellite dishes have
  access to foreign media; a small number of commercial radio stations
  operating along with state-run radio stations (2008)

Kenya
  about a half-dozen privately-owned TV stations and a
  state-owned television broadcaster that operates 2 channels;
  satellite and cable TV subscription services are available;
  state-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 national radio channels and
  provides regional and local radio services in multiple languages; a
  large number of private radio broadcasters, including provincial
  stations broadcasting in local languages; transmissions of several
  international broadcasters are available (2007)

Kiribati
  1 television broadcast station that provides about 1 hour
  of local programming Monday-Friday; multi-channel TV packages
  provide access to Australian and US stations; 1 government-operated
  radio station broadcasting on AM, FM, and shortwave (2009)

Korea, North
  no independent media; radios and televisions are
  pre-tuned to government stations; 4 government-owned television
  stations; the Korean Workers' Party owns and operates the Korean
  Central Broadcasting Station, and the state-run Voice of Korea
  operates an external broadcast service; the government prohibits
  listening to and jams foreign broadcasts (2008)

Korea, South
  multiple national television networks with 2 of the 3
  largest networks publicly operated; the largest privately-owned
  network, Seoul Broadcasting Service (SBS), has ties with other
  commercial TV networks; cable and satellite TV subscription services
  are available; publicly-operated radio broadcast networks and a
  large number of privately-owned radio broadcasting networks, each
  with multiple affiliates, and independent local stations (2008)

Kuwait
  state-owned TV broadcaster operates 4 networks and a
  satellite channel; several private TV broadcasters have emerged
  since 2003; satellite TV is available with pan-Arab TV stations
  especially popular; state-owned Radio Kuwait broadcasts on a number
  of channels in Arabic and English; first private radio station
  emerged in 2005; transmissions of at least 2 international radio
  broadcasters are available (2007)

Kyrgyzstan
  state-run television broadcaster operates 2 nationwide
  networks and 6 regional stations; roughly 20 private TV stations
  operating with most rebroadcasting other channels; state-run radio
  broadcaster operates 2 networks; about 20 private radio stations
  operating (2007)

Laos
  2 television stations operating out of Vientiane - 1
  government-operated and the other jointly-owned by the government
  and a Thai company; roughly 15 provincial stations operating with
  nearly all programming relayed via satellite from the
  government-operated station in Vientiane; relays from Hanoi provide
  access to a Vietnamese television station; broadcasts available from
  stations in Thailand and Vietnam in border areas; multi-channel
  satellite and cable TV systems provide access to a wide range of
  foreign stations; state-controlled radio with state-operated Lao
  National Radio (LNR) broadcasting on 5 frequencies - 1 AM, 2 SW, and
  2 FM; LNR's AM and FM programs are relayed via satellite
  constituting a large part of the programming schedules of the
  provincial radio stations; Thai radio broadcasts available in border
  areas and transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are
  also accessible (2008)

Latvia
  several national and regional commercial TV stations are
  foreign-owned, 2 national TV stations are publicly-owned; system
  supplemented by privately-owned regional and local TV stations;
  cable and satellite multi-channel TV services with domestic and
  foreign broadcasts are available; publicly-owned broadcaster
  operates 4 radio networks with dozens of stations throughout the
  country; dozens of private broadcasters also operate radio stations
  (2007)

Lebanon
  7 TV stations in operation, 1 of which is state-owned; more
  than 30 radio stations, 1 of which is state-owned; satellite and
  cable TV services are available; transmissions of at least 2
  international broadcasters are accessible through partner stations
  (2007)

Lesotho
  1 state-owned TV station and 2 state-owned radio stations;
  government controls most private broadcast media; satellite TV
  subscription service is available; transmissions of multiple
  international broadcasters are obtainable (2008)

Liberia
  3 private TV stations; satellite TV service is available; 1
  state-owned radio station; about 15 independent radio stations
  broadcasting in Monrovia, with another 25 local stations operating
  in other areas; transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are
  available (2007)

Libya
  state controls broadcast media; state-owned terrestrial TV
  station and about a half-dozen state-owned satellite stations
  broadcast; some provinces operate local TV stations; a single,
  non-state-owned TV station launched in 2007; pan-Arab satellite TV
  stations are available; state-owned radio broadcasts on a number of
  frequencies, some of which carry regional programming; Voice of
  Africa, Libya's external radio service, can also be heard; a single,
  non-state-owned radio station broadcasting (2007)

Liechtenstein
  relies on foreign terrestrial and satellite
  broadcasters for most broadcast media services; first
  Liechtenstein-based television station established August 2008;
  Radio Liechtenstein operates multiple radio stations; a Swiss-based
  broadcaster operates several radio stations in Liechtenstein (2008)

Lithuania
  public broadcaster operates 3 channels with the third
  channel - a satellite channel - introduced in 2007; various
  privately-owned commercial TV broadcasters operate national and
  multiple regional channels; large number of privately-owned local TV
  stations; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are
  available; publicly-owned broadcaster operates 3 radio networks;
  large number of privately-owned commercial broadcasters, many with
  repeater stations in various regions throughout the country (2007)

Luxembourg
  Luxembourg has a long tradition of operating radio and TV
  services to pan-European audiences and is home to Europe's largest
  privately-owned broadcast media group, the RTL group, which operates
  45 television stations and 31 radio stations in Europe; also home to
  Europe's largest satellite operator, Societe Europeenne des
  Satellites (SES); domestically, the RTL group operates TV and radio
  networks; other domestic private radio and TV operators and French
  and German stations are available; satellite and cable TV services
  are accessible (2008)

Macau
  local government dominates broadcast media; 2 television
  stations operated by the government with one broadcasting in
  Portuguese and the other in Cantonese and Mandarin; cable and
  satellite TV services are available; 3 radio stations broadcasting,
  of which 2 are government-operated (2008)

Macedonia
  public television broadcaster operates 3 national channels
  and a satellite network; 5 privately-owned TV channels broadcast
  nationally; roughly 50 local commercial TV stations broadcasting;
  large number of cable operators offering domestic and international
  programming; public radio broadcaster operates over multiple
  stations; 3 privately-owned radio stations broadcast nationally;
  roughly 65 local commercial radio stations functioning (2007)

Madagascar
  state-owned Radio Nationale Malagasy (RNM) and Television
  Malagasy (TVM) have an extensive national network reach;
  privately-owned radio and TV broadcasters in cities and major towns;
  state-run radio predominates in rural areas; relays of 2
  international broadcasters are available in Antananarivo (2007)

Malawi
  radio is the main broadcast medium; state-run radio has the
  widest geographic broadcasting reach, but about a dozen
  privately-owned radio stations broadcast in major urban areas; the
  single television network is government-owned; relays of multiple
  international broadcasters are available (2007)

Malaysia
  state-owned television broadcaster operates 2 TV networks
  with relays throughout the country, and the leading private
  commercial media group operates 4 TV stations with numerous relays
  throughout the country; satellite TV subscription service is
  available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates multiple national
  networks as well as regional and local stations; large number of
  private commercial radio broadcasters and some subscription
  satellite radio services are available; about 400 radio stations
  overall (2008)

Maldives
  state-owned radio and television monopoly until recently;
  by mid-2008 there were 5 radio broadcast stations operating; first
  private cable TV channel now operational with an additional 4
  private TV channels in the regulatory pipeline (2008)

Mali
  national public TV broadcaster; 2 privately-owned companies
  provide subscription services to foreign multi-channel TV packages;
  national public radio broadcaster supplemented by a large number of
  privately-owned and community broadcast stations; transmissions of
  multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Malta
  1 publicly-owned television station, Television Malta (TVM);
  several national television stations, two of which are owned by
  political parties; Italian and British broadcast programs are
  available; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are
  obtainable; publicly-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 stations;
  roughly 50 commercial radio stations functioning (2008)

Marshall Islands
  no television broadcast station; a cable network is
  available on Majuro with programming via videotape replay and
  satellite relays; 4 radio broadcast stations; American Armed Forces
  Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio and
  television service to Kwajalein Atoll (2009)

Mauritania
  broadcast media state-owned; 1 state-run TV and 1
  state-run radio network; Television de Mauritanie, the state-run TV
  station, has an additional 6 regional TV stations that provide local
  programming (2008)

Mauritius
  the government maintains control over TV broadcasting
  through the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), which operates
  3 analog and 10 digital TV stations; MBC is a shareholder in a local
  company that operates 2 pay TV stations; the state retains the
  largest radio broadcast network with multiple stations; several
  private radio broadcasters have entered the market since 2001;
  transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available
  (2007)

Mayotte
  the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which
  operates in France's overseas departments and territories,
  broadcasts over the RFO Mayotte television and radio station (2008)

Mexico
  large number of television stations and more than 1,400 radio
  stations, most are privately owned; the Televisa group once had a
  virtual monopoly in TV broadcasting, but new broadcasting groups and
  foreign satellite and cable operators are now available (2007)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  no television broadcast stations;
  each state has a multi-channel cable service with television
  transmissions carrying roughly 95% imported programming and 5% local
  programming; about a half dozen radio stations in operation (2009)

Moldova
  state-owned national radio-TV broadcaster operates 2
  television and 2 radio stations; a total of nearly 40 terrestrial TV
  channels and some 50 radio stations are in operation; Russian and
  Romanian channels also are available (2007)

Monaco
  TV Monte-Carlo (TMC) operates a TV network; Radio Monte-Carlo
  has both an Italian-language and a French-language network; a few
  private radio stations operating (2008)

Mongolia
  following a law passed in 2005, Mongolia's state-run radio
  and TV provider converted to a public service provider; also
  available are private radio and TV broadcasters, as well as
  multi-channel satellite and cable TV providers; more than 100 radio
  stations, including some 20 via repeaters for the public
  broadcaster; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters
  are available (2008)

Montenegro
  state-owned national radio-TV broadcaster operates 2
  terrestrial television networks, 1 satellite TV channel, and 2 radio
  networks; roughly a dozen privately-owned TV broadcasters operate
  networks nationally, regionally, and locally; in addition to the 2
  state-owned national radio networks, roughly 50 privately-owned
  radio stations and networks broadcast (2007)

Montserrat
  Radio Montserrat, a public radio broadcaster, transmits
  on 1 station and has a repeater transmission to a second station;
  repeater transmissions from the GEM Radio Network of Trinidad and
  Tobago provide another 2 radio stations; cable and satellite TV are
  obtainable (2007)

Morocco
  2 television broadcast networks with state-run
  Radio-Television Marocaine (RTM) operating one network and the state
  partially owning the other; foreign TV broadcasts are available via
  satellite dish; 3 radio broadcast networks with RTM operating one;
  the government-owned network includes 10 regional radio channels in
  addition to its national service (2007)

Mozambique
  1 state-run TV station supplemented by private TV
  station; Portuguese state TV's African service, RTP Africa, and
  Brazilian-owned TV Miramar are available; state-run radio provides
  nearly 100% territorial coverage and broadcasts in multiple
  languages; a number of privately-owned and community-operated
  stations also broadcast; transmissions of multiple international
  broadcasters are available (2007)

Namibia
  1 private and 1 state-run television station; satellite and
  cable TV service is available; state-run radio service broadcasts in
  multiple languages; about a dozen private radio stations operating;
  transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
  (2007)

Nauru
  1 government-owned television station broadcasting programs
  from New Zealand sent via satellite or on videotape; 1
  government-owned radio station, broadcasting on AM and FM, utilizes
  Australian and British programs (2009)

Navassa Island
  no television or radio broadcast stations (2009)

Nepal
  state operates 2 television stations as well as national and
  regional radio stations; more than 60 independent radio stations and
  a small number of independent television stations (2007)

Netherlands
  more than 90% of households are connected to cable or
  satellite TV systems that provide a wide range of domestic and
  foreign channels; public service broadcast system includes multiple
  broadcasters, 3 with a national reach and the remainder operating in
  regional and local markets; 2 major nationwide commercial television
  companies, each with 3 or more stations, and a large number of
  commercial TV stations in regional and local markets; nearly 600
  radio stations operating with a mix of public and private stations
  providing national or regional coverage (2008)

New Caledonia
  the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO),
  which operates in France's overseas departments and territories,
  broadcasts over the RFO Nouvelle Caledonie television and radio
  stations; a small number of privately-owned radio stations also
  broadcast (2008)

New Zealand
  state-owned Television New Zealand operates multiple
  television networks while state-owned Radio New Zealand operates 3
  radio networks and an external shortwave radio service to the South
  Pacific region; a small number of national commercial television and
  radio stations and a large number of regional commercial television
  and radio stations are available; cable and satellite TV systems are
  accessible (2008)

Nicaragua
  multiple privately-owned terrestrial television networks,
  supplemented by cable TV in most urban areas; of more than 100 radio
  broadcast stations, nearly all are privately owned; Radio Nicaragua
  is government-owned and Radio Sandino is controlled by the
  Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) (2007)

Niger
  state-run TV station; 3 private TV stations provide a mix of
  local and foreign programming; only national radio station with
  national reach is state-run; about 30 private radio stations operate
  locally; as many as 100 community radio stations broadcast;
  transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
  (2007)

Nigeria
  nearly 70 federal-government-controlled national and
  regional TV stations; all 36 states operate TV stations; several
  private TV stations operational; cable and satellite TV subscription
  services are available; network of federal-government-controlled
  national, regional, and state radio stations; roughly 40
  state-government-owned radio stations typically carry their own
  programs except for news broadcasts; about 20 private radio stations
  also operate; transmissions of international broadcasters are
  available (2007)

Niue
  1 government-owned television station with many of the programs
  supplied by Television New Zealand; 1 government-owned radio station
  broadcasting in AM and FM (2009)

Norfolk Island
  1 local radio station; broadcasts of several
  Australian radio and television stations are received via satellite
  (2009)

Northern Mariana Islands
  1 TV broadcast station on Saipan;
  multi-channel cable TV services are available on Saipan; 9 licensed
  radio broadcast stations (2009)

Norway
  state-owned public radio-TV broadcaster operates 3 nationwide
  television stations, 3 nationwide radio stations, and 16 regional
  radio stations; roughly a dozen privately-owned television stations
  broadcast nationally and roughly another 25 local TV stations are
  available; nearly 75% of households have access to multi-channel
  cable or satellite TV systems; 2 privately-owned radio stations
  broadcast nationwide and another 240 stations operate locally (2008)

Oman
  1 state-run TV broadcaster; TV stations transmitting from Saudi
  Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen are accessible via satellite TV;
  state-run radio operates multiple stations; first private radio
  station began operation in 2007 and 2 additional stations now
  operating (2007)

Pakistan
  media is government regulated; 1 dominant state-owned TV
  broadcaster, Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), operates a
  network consisting of 6 channels; private TV broadcasters are
  permitted and some foreign satellite channels are carried by cable
  TV operators; the state-owned radio network operates more than 40
  stations; privately-owned radio stations mostly limit programming to
  music and talk shows (2007)

Palau
  no television broadcast stations; a cable television network
  covers the major islands and provides access to rebroadcasts, on a
  delayed basis, of a number of US stations as well as access to a
  number of real-time satellite TV channels; about a half dozen radio
  stations with 1 government-owned (2009)

Panama
  multiple privately-owned television networks and a
  government-owned educational TV station; multi-channel cable and
  satellite TV subscription services are available; more than 100
  commercial radio stations (2007)

Papua New Guinea
  2 television stations, 1 commercial station
  operating since the late 1980s and 1 state-run station launched in
  2008; satellite and cable TV services are available; state-run
  National Broadcasting Corporation operates 3 radio networks with
  multiple repeaters and about 20 provincial stations; several
  commercial radio stations with multiple transmission points as well
  as several community stations; transmissions of several
  international broadcasters are accessible (2009)

Paraguay
  5 privately-owned TV stations; about 75 commercial and
  community radio stations broadcasting; 1 state-owned radio network
  (2007)

Peru
  6 major television networks of which only one, Television
  Nacional de Peru, is state-owned; multi-channel cable TV services
  are available; more than 500 radio stations including a substantial
  number of indigenous language stations (2007)

Philippines
  multiple national private TV and radio networks and a
  government-operated national TV and radio network; about 300
  television stations and more than 1,000 radio stations;
  multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems are available (2008)

Pitcairn Islands
  no local broadcast television or radio stations
  (2009)

Poland
  state-run public television operates 2 national channels
  supplemented by 16 regional channels and several niche channels;
  privately-owned entities operate several national TV broadcast
  networks and a number of special interest channels; large number of
  privately-owned channels broadcasting locally; roughly half of all
  households are linked to either satellite or cable TV systems
  providing access to foreign television networks; state-run public
  radio operates 5 national networks and 17 regional radio stations; 2
  privately-owned national radio networks, several commercial stations
  broadcasting to multiple cities, and a large number of
  privately-owned local radio stations (2007)

Portugal
  the publicly-owned TV broadcaster operates 2 domestic
  channels and external service channels to Africa; overall, roughly
  40 domestic TV stations; viewers have widespread access to
  international broadcasters with more than half of all households
  connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems;
  publicly-owned radio operates 3 national networks and provides
  regional and external services; several privately-owned national
  radio stations and some 300 regional and local commercial radio
  stations (2008)

Puerto Rico
  more than 30 television stations operating; cable TV
  subscription services are available; roughly 125 radio stations
  operating (2007)

Qatar
  television and radio broadcast media are state controlled;
  home of the satellite TV channel Al-Jazeera, which was originally
  owned and financed by the Qatari Government; Al-Jazeera claims
  editorial independence in broadcasting; transmissions of several
  international broadcasters are accessible on FM in Doha (2007)

Romania
  a mixture of public and private TV stations; the public
  broadcaster operates multiple stations; roughly 100 private
  national, regional, and local stations operating; more than 75% of
  households are connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV
  systems that provide access to Romanian, European, and international
  stations; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 4 national
  networks and regional and local stations; more than 100 private
  radio stations broadcasting (2008)

Russia
  6 national TV stations with the federal government owning 1
  and holding a controlling interest in a second; state-owned Gazprom
  maintains a controlling interest in a third national channel;
  government-affiliated Bank Rossiya owns controlling interest in a
  fourth and fifth, while the sixth national channel is owned by the
  Moscow city administration; roughly 3,300 national, regional, and
  local TV stations operating with over two-thirds completely or
  partially controlled by the federal or local governments; satellite
  TV services are available; 2 state-run national radio networks with
  a third majority-owned by Gazprom; roughly 2,400 public and
  commercial radio stations (2007)

Rwanda
  government owns and operates the only TV station;
  government-owned and operated Radio Rwanda has a national reach; 9
  private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international
  broadcasters are available (2007)

Saint Barthelemy
  no local TV broadcasters; 3 FM radio channels (2
  via repeater)

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
  St. Helena has no
  local TV station; 2 local radio stations, one of which is relayed to
  Ascension Island; satellite TV stations rebroadcast terrestrially;
  Ascension Island has no local TV station, but has 1 local radio
  station and receives relays of broadcasts from 1 St. Helena radio
  station; broadcasts from the British Forces Broadcasting Service
  (BFBS) are available, as well as TV services for the US military;
  Tristan da Cunha has 1 local radio station and receives BFBS TV and
  radio broadcasts (2007)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  the government operates a national television
  network that broadcasts on 2 channels; cable subscription services
  provide access to local and international channels; the government
  operates a national radio network; a mix of government-owned and
  privately-owned broadcasters operate roughly 15 radio stations (2007)

Saint Lucia
  3 privately-owned television stations; 1 public
  television station operating on a cable network; multi-channel cable
  TV service is obtainable; a mix of state-owned and privately-owned
  broadcasters operate nearly 25 radio stations including repeater
  transmission stations (2007)

Saint Martin
  1 local TV station; receives television broadcasts from
  the Netherlands Antilles; access to about 20 radio stations,
  including RFO Guadeloupe radio broadcasts via repeater (2008)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2 television stations with a third repeater station, all part of the French Overseas Network; has radio stations on St. Pierre and on Miquelon that are part of the French Overseas Network (2007)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines St. Vincent and the Grenadines Broadcasting Corporation operates 1 television station and 5 repeater stations that give near total coverage to the multi-island state; multi-channel cable TV service is obtainable; a partially government-funded national radio service broadcasts on 1 station and has 2 repeater stations; about a dozen privately-owned radio stations and repeater stations operate (2007)

Samoa
  state-owned television station privatized in 2008; 4
  privately-owned television broadcast stations; about a half dozen
  privately-owned radio stations and one state-owned radio station;
  television and radio broadcasts of several stations from American
  Samoa are available (2009)

San Marino
  state-owned public broadcaster operates 1 TV station and
  2 radio stations; receives radio and TV broadcasts from Italy (2008)

Sao Tome and Principe
  1 government-owned TV station; 1
  government-owned radio station; 3 independent local radio stations
  authorized in 2005 with 2 operating at the end of 2006;
  transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
  (2007)

Saudi Arabia
  broadcast media are state-controlled; state-run TV
  operates 4 networks; Saudi Arabia is a major market for pan-Arab
  satellite TV broadcasters; state-run radio operates several
  networks; multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Senegal
  state-run Radiodiffusion Television Senegalaise (RTS)
  operates 2 TV stations; a few private TV subscription channels
  rebroadcast foreign channels without providing any local news or
  programs; RTS operates a national radio network and a number of
  regional FM stations; a large number of community and
  private-broadcast radio stations are available; transmissions of at
  least 2 international broadcasters are accessible on FM in Dakar
  (2007)

Seychelles
  the government operates the only terrestrial TV station,
  which provides local programming and airs broadcasts from
  international services; multi-channel cable and satellite TV are
  available via subscription; the government operates 1 AM and 1 FM
  radio station; transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are
  accessible in Victoria (2007)

Sierra Leone
  1 government-owned TV station; 1 private TV station
  began operating in 2005; a pay-per-view TV service began operations
  in late 2007; 1 government-owned national radio broadcast station;
  about two dozen private radio stations primarily clustered in major
  cities; transmissions of several international broadcasters are
  available (2007)

Singapore
  state controls broadcast media; 8 domestic TV stations
  operated by MediaCorp, wholly owned by a state investment company;
  broadcasts from Malaysian and Indonesian stations available;
  satellite dishes banned; multi-channel cable TV service is
  accessible; a total of 18 domestic radio stations broadcasting with
  MediaCorp operating more than a dozen and another 4 stations are
  closely linked to the ruling party or controlled by the Singapore
  Armed Forces Reservists Association; large number of Malaysian and
  Indonesian radio stations are available (2008)

Slovakia
  state-owned public broadcaster, Slovak Television (STV),
  operates 3 national TV stations; roughly 35 privately-owned
  television broadcast stations operating nationally, regionally, and
  locally; about 40% of households are connected to multi-channel
  cable or satellite TV systems; channels from the Czech Republic and
  Hungary are widely viewed; state-owned public radio operates
  multiple national and regional networks; more than 20
  privately-owned radio stations (2008)

Slovenia
  public television broadcaster, Radiotelevizija Slovenija
  (RTV), operates a system of national and regional TV stations; 35
  domestic commercial television stations operating nationally,
  regionally, and locally; about 60% of households are connected to
  multi-channel cable TV systems; public radio broadcaster operates 3
  national and 4 regional stations; more than 75 regional and local
  commercial and non-commercial radio stations (2007)

Solomon Islands
  Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) is
  the sole TV broadcaster with 1 station; multi-channel pay-TV is
  available; SIBC, the public service broadcaster, operates 2 national
  radio stations and 2 provincial stations; 2 local commercial radio
  stations operating; Radio Australia is obtainable via satellite feed
  (2009)

Somalia
  2 private TV stations rebroadcast Al-Jazeera and CNN;
  Somaliland has 1 government-operated TV station and Puntland has 1
  private TV station; Radio Mogadishu operated by the transitional
  government; 1 SW and roughly 10 private FM radio stations broadcast
  in Mogadishu; several radio stations operate in central and southern
  regions; Somaliland has 1 government-operated radio station;
  Puntland has roughly a half dozen private radio stations;
  transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available
  (2007)

South Africa
  the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
  operates 4 TV stations, 3 are free-to-air and 1 is pay TV; e.tv, a
  private station, is accessible to more than half the population;
  multiple subscription TV services provide a mix of local and
  international channels; well developed mix of public and private
  radio stations at the national, regional, and local levels; the SABC
  radio network, state-owned and controlled but nominally independent,
  operates 18 stations, one for each of the 11 official languages, 4
  community stations, and 3 commercial stations; more than 100
  community-based stations extend coverage to rural areas (2007)

Spain
  a mixture of both publicly-operated and privately-owned TV and
  radio stations broadcasting; overall, hundreds of TV channels are
  available including national, regional, local, public, and
  international channels; satellite and cable TV systems are
  accessible; multiple national radio networks, a large number of
  regional radio networks, and a larger number of local radio stations
  broadcasting; overall, hundreds of radio stations operating (2008)

Sri Lanka
  government operates 2 television channels and a radio
  network; multi-channel satellite and cable TV subscription services
  are obtainable; 8 private TV stations and about a dozen private
  radio stations in operation (2008)

Sudan
  in the north, the Sudanese Government directly controls TV and
  radio, requiring that both media reflect government policies; TV has
  a permanent military censor; a private radio station is in
  operation; in southern Sudan, TV is controlled by the regional
  government; several private FM stations are operational in southern
  Sudan; some foreign radio broadcasts are available (2007)

Suriname
  2 state-owned TV stations; 1 state-owned radio station;
  multiple private radio and TV stations (2007)

Svalbard
  the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) began direct
  television transmission to Svalbard via satellite in 1984;
  Longyearbyen households have access to 3 NRK radio and 2 television
  stations (2008)

Swaziland
  state-owned TV station; satellite dishes are able to
  access South African providers; state-owned radio network with 3
  channels; 1 private radio station (2007)

Sweden
  publicly-owned television broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial
  networks plus regional stations; multiple privately-owned television
  broadcasters operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 50
  local TV stations; widespread access to pan-Nordic and international
  broadcasters through multi-channel cable and satellite TV systems;
  publicly-owned radio broadcaster operates 3 national stations and a
  network of 25 regional channels; nearly a hundred privately-owned
  local radio stations with some consolidating into near national
  networks; an estimated 900 community and neighborhood radio stations
  broadcast intermittently (2008)

Switzerland
  the publicly-owned radio and television broadcaster,
  Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG/SSR), operates 7 national
  television networks, 3 broadcasting in German, 2 in Italian, and 2
  in French; private commercial television stations broadcast
  regionally and locally; television broadcasts from stations in
  Germany, Italy, and France are widely accessed using multi-channel
  cable and satellite TV services; SRG/SSR operates 18 radio stations
  that, along with private broadcasters, provide national to local
  coverage (2008)

Syria
  state-run television and radio broadcast networks; state
  operates 2 TV networks and a satellite channel; roughly two-thirds
  of Syrian homes have a satellite dish providing access to foreign TV
  broadcasts; 3 state-run radio channels; first private radio station
  launched in 2005; private radio broadcasters prohibited from
  transmitting news or political content (2007)

Taiwan
  5 free-to-air nationwide television networks operating
  roughly 75 TV stations; about 85% of households utilize
  multi-channel cable TV; national and regional radio networks with
  about 170 radio stations broadcasting (2008)

Tajikistan
  state-run television broadcaster transmits nationally on
  4 stations and regionally on 4 stations; about 10 independent TV
  stations broadcast locally and regionally; some households are able
  to receive Russian and other foreign stations via cable and
  satellite; state-run radio broadcaster operates Radio Tajikistan,
  Voice of Dushanbe, and several regional stations; a small number of
  independent radio stations also broadcast (2008)

Tanzania
  a state-owned TV station and multiple privately-owned TV
  stations; state-owned national radio station supplemented by more
  than 40 privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of several
  international broadcasters are available (2007)

Thailand
  6 terrestrial TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally
  via relay stations - 2 of the networks are owned by the military,
  the other 4 are government-owned or controlled, leased to private
  enterprise, and are all required to broadcast government-produced
  news programs twice a day; multi-channel satellite and cable TV
  subscription services are available; radio frequencies have been
  allotted for more than 500 government and commercial radio stations;
  many small community radio stations operate with low-power
  transmitters (2008)

Timor-Leste
  1 public TV broadcast station broadcasting nationally
  and 1 public radio broadcaster with stations in each of the 13
  administrative districts; a few commercial radio stations and
  roughly a dozen community radio stations (2009)

Togo
  2 state-owned TV stations with multiple transmission sites; 5
  private TV stations broadcast locally; cable TV service is
  available; state-owned radio network with multiple stations; several
  dozen private radio stations and a few community radio stations;
  transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are obtainable
  (2007)

Tokelau
  no broadcast television stations; each atoll operates a
  radio service that provides shipping news and weather reports (2009)

Tonga
  2 state-owned television stations and 2 privately-owned
  stations; satellite and cable TV services are available; 2
  state-owned and 3 privately-owned radio stations; Radio Australia
  broadcasts obtainable via a satellite feed (2009)

Trinidad and Tobago
  5 TV networks each broadcasting on multiple
  stations; one of the networks is state-owned; multiple cable TV
  subscription service providers; multiple radio networks, one
  state-owned, broadcast over about 35 stations (2007)

Tunisia
  broadcast media is mainly government-controlled; the
  state-run Tunisian Radio and Television Establishment (ERTT)
  operates 2 national television networks, several national radio
  networks, and a number of regional radio stations; 1 TV and 3 radio
  stations are privately-owned and report domestic news stories
  directly from the official Tunisian news agency; the state retains
  control of broadcast facilities and transmitters through L'Office
  National de la Telediffusion; Tunisians also have access to
  Egyptian, pan-Arab, and European satellite TV channels (2007)

Turkey
  national public broadcaster Turkish Radio and Television
  Corporation (TRT) operates multiple TV and radio networks and
  stations; multiple privately-owned national television stations and
  up to 300 private regional and local television stations;
  multi-channel cable TV subcriptions are obtainable; more than 1,000
  private radio broadcast stations (2009)

Turkmenistan
  broadcast media is government controlled and censored;
  4 state-owned TV and 4 state-owned radio networks; satellite dishes
  and programming provide an alternative to the state-run media;
  officials sometimes limit access to satellite TV by seizing
  satellite dishes (2007)

Turks and Caicos Islands
  while there are no local terrestrial TV
  stations, broadcasts from the Bahamas can be received; multi-channel
  cable and satellite TV services are available; government-run radio
  network operates alongside private broadcasters with a total of
  about 15 stations broadcasting (2007)

Tuvalu
  no television broadcast stations; many households use
  satellite dishes to watch foreign TV stations; 1 government-owned
  radio station, Radio Tuvalu, includes relays of programming from
  international broadcasters (2009)

Uganda
  public broadcaster, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC),
  operates radio and television networks; Uganda first began licensing
  privately-owned stations in the 1990s; by 2007 there were nearly 150
  radio and 35 TV stations, mostly based in and around Kampala;
  transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available
  in Kampala (2007)

Ukraine
  TV coverage is provided by Ukraine's state-controlled
  nationwide broadcast channel (UT1) and a number of privately-owned
  television broadcast networks; Russian television broadcasts have a
  small audience nationwide, but larger audiences in the eastern and
  southern regions; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are
  available; Ukraine's radio broadcast market, a mix of independent
  and state-owned networks, is comprised of some 300 stations (2007)

United Arab Emirates
  except for the many organizations now operating
  in Dubai's Media Free Zone, most television and radio stations
  remain government-owned; widespread use of satellite dishes provides
  access to pan-Arab and other international broadcasts (2007)

United Kingdom
  public service broadcaster BBC is the largest
  broadcasting corporation in the world; BBC operates multiple TV
  networks with regional and local TV service; a mixed system of
  public and commercial TV broadcasters along with satellite and cable
  systems provide access to hundreds of TV stations throughout the
  world; BBC operates multiple national, regional, and local radio
  networks with multiple transmission sites; a large number of
  commercial radio stations as well as satellite radio services are
  available (2008)

United States
  4 major terrestrial television networks with affiliate
  stations throughout the country, plus cable and satellite networks,
  independent stations, and a limited public broadcasting sector that
  is largely supported by private grants; overall, thousands of TV
  stations broadcasting; multiple national radio networks with large
  numbers of affiliate stations; while most stations are commercial,
  National Public Radio (NPR) has a network of some 600 member
  stations; satellite radio available; overall, nearly 15,000 radio
  stations operating (2008)

Uruguay
  mixture of privately-owned and state-run broadcast media;
  more than 100 commercial radio stations and about 20 television
  channels broadcasting; cable TV is available; large number of
  community radio and TV stations (2007)

Uzbekistan
  government controls media; 8 state-owned broadcasters - 4
  TV and 4 radio - provide service to virtually the entire country;
  about 20 privately-owned TV stations, overseen by local officials,
  broadcast to local markets; privately-owned TV stations are required
  to lease transmitters from the government-owned Republic TV and
  Radio Industry Corporation and are prohibited from broadcasting
  live; about 15 privately-owned radio broadcasters; programming
  content includes news updates, music, call-in talk shows, and other
  entertainment in a half-Russian, half-Uzbek format mandated for
  private radio (2007)

Vanuatu
  1 state-owned television station; multi-channel pay TV is
  available; state-owned Radio Vanuatu operates 2 radio stations; 2
  privately-owned radio broadcasters; programming from multiple
  international broadcasters is accessible (2008)

Venezuela
  government supervises a mixture of state-run and private
  broadcast media; 1 state-run television network, 4 privately-owned
  TV networks, and a government-backed pan-American channel; state-run
  radio network includes 15 stations; large number of private
  broadcast radio stations (2007)

Vietnam
  government controls all broadcast media exercising oversight
  through the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC);
  government-controlled national television provider, Vietnam
  Television (VTV), operates a network of 9 channels with several
  regional broadcasting centers; programming is relayed nationwide via
  a network of provincial and municipal TV stations; law limits access
  to satellite TV but many households are able to access foreign
  programming via home satellite equipment; government-controlled
  Voice of Vietnam, the national radio broadcaster, broadcasts on 6
  channels and is repeated on AM, FM, and shortwave stations
  throughout Vietnam (2008)

Virgin Islands
  about a dozen television broadcast stations including
  1 public TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services
  are available; 24 radio stations broadcasting (2009)

Wake Island
  American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service
  (AFRTS) provides satellite radio/television broadcasts (2009)

Wallis and Futuna
  the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO),
  which broadcasts to France's overseas departments and territories,
  is carried on the RFO Wallis and Fortuna television and radio
  stations (2008)

West Bank
  the Palestinian Authority operates 1 television and 1
  radio station; about 30 independent TV and 25 radio stations
  operating; Jordanian TV is available; satellite TV is accessible
  (2008)

Western Sahara
  Morocco's state-owned broadcaster, Radio-Television
  Marocaine (RTM), operates a radio service from Laayoune and relays
  TV service; a Polisario-backed radio station also broadcasts (2008)

Yemen
  state-run TV with 2 stations; state-run radio with 2 national
  radio stations and 5 local stations; stations from Oman and Saudi
  Arabia can be accessed (2007)

Zambia
  state-owned Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC)
  operates 1 TV station and is the principal local-content provider;
  several private TV stations are available; multi-channel
  subscription TV services are obtainable; ZNBC operates 3 radio
  networks; about 2 dozen private radio stations also broadcasting;
  relays of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible in
  Lusaka and Kitwe (2007)

Zimbabwe
  government owns all local radio and television stations;
  foreign shortwave broadcasts and satellite television are available
  to those who can afford antennas and receivers; in rural areas,
  access to television broadcasts is extremely limited (2007)

======================================================================

@2214

Field Listing :: Stock of narrow money

This entry, also know as "M1," comprises the total quantity of currency in circulation (notes and coins) plus demand deposits denominated in the national currency held by nonbank financial institutions, state and local governments, nonfinancial public enterprises, and the private sector of the economy, measured at a specific point in time. National currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate for the date of the information. Because of exchange rate movements, changes in money stocks measured in national currency units may vary significantly from those shown in US dollars, and caution is urged when making comparisons over time in US dollars. Narrow money consists of more liquid assets than broad money and the assets generally function as a "medium of exchange" for an economy. Country Comparison to the World Country

Stock of narrow money

Afghanistan
  $3.943 billion (31 December 2009)
  $2.819 billion (31 December 2008)

Albania
  $2.708 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $2.995 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Algeria
  $79.07 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $68.13 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Angola
  $8.74 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $9.792 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Anguilla
  $19.03 million (31 December 2009)
  $19.57 million (31 December 2008)

Antigua and Barbuda
  $233.5 million (31 December 2009)
  $266.7 million (31 December 2008)

Argentina
  $41.66 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $35.33 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Armenia
  $1.131 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.071 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Aruba
  $865 million (31 December 2009)
  $781 million (31 December 2008)

Australia
  $347.1 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $290.8 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Austria
  $173.4 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $175.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply for the
  entire euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary
  policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU);
  individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money
  circulating within their own borders

Azerbaijan
  $7.34 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $6.519 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Bahamas, The
  $1.284 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.275 billion (31 December 2008)

Bahrain
  $6.372 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $5.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Bangladesh
  $13.98 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $10.92 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Barbados
  $1.793 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.748 billion (31 December 2008)

Belarus
  $4.747 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $4.381 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Belgium
  $172.9 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $178.7 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
  members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
  within their own borders

Belize
  $389.5 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $336.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Benin
  $1.551 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.619 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Bhutan
  $335 million (31 December 2008)
  $381.1 million (31 December 2007)

Bolivia
  $4.374 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $3.524 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  $4.098 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $4.182 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Botswana
  $1.146 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $939.1 million (31 December 2009 est)

Brazil
  $165.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $125.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Brunei
  $3.374 billion (30 March 2009)
  $3.046 billion (31 December 2008)

Bulgaria
  $12.7 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $12.91 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Burkina Faso
  $1.416 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.303 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Burma
  $4.907 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $4.038 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: this number reflects the vastly overvalued official exchange
  rate of 5.38 kyat per dollar in 2007; at the unofficial black market
  rate of 1,305 kyat per dollar for 2007, the stock of kyats would
  equal only US$2.465 billion and Burma's velocity of money (the
  number of times money turns over in the course of a year) would be
  six, in line with the velocity of money for other countries in the
  region; in 2009, the unofficial black market rate averaged 1,090
  kyat per dollar.

Burundi
  $329.3 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $293.6 million (31 December 2009 est)

Cambodia
  $850.7 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $747.2 million (31 December 2009 est)

Cameroon
  $2.888 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $3.074 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Canada
  $560.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $470.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Cape Verde
  $585 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $628.4 million (31 December 2009 est)

Cayman Islands
  $334.3 million (31 December 2008)

Central African Republic
  $288.8 million (31 December 2009)
  $241.3 million (31 December 2008)

Chad
  $920.9 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $937.8 million (31 December 2009 est)

Chile
  $29.81 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $23.68 billion (31 December 2009 est)

China
  $3.838 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
  $3.242 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Colombia
  $31.83 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $24.41 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Comoros
  $104.7 million (31 December 2009)
  $98.36 million (31 December 2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  $613.9 million (31 December 2008)
  $597 million (31 December 2007)

Congo, Republic of the
  $2.403 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.887 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Costa Rica
  $4.504 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $3.992 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $5.094 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $4.959 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Croatia
  $8.72 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $8.964 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Cuba
  $11.57 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $11.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Cyprus
  $4.341 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $4.602 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Cypriot pounds
  in circulation prior to Cyprus joining the Economic and Monetary
  Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in
  the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary
  policy for the 16 members of the EMU; individual members of the EMU
  do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own
  borders

Czech Republic
  $96.82 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $92.95 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Denmark
  $148.1 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $153.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Djibouti
  $577.8 million (31 December 2009)
  $462.7 million (31 December 2008)

Dominica
  $74.84 million (31 December 2009)
  $67.94 million (31 December 2008)

Dominican Republic
  $4.734 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $4.079 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Ecuador
  $6.198 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $5.201 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Egypt
  $37.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $33.42 billion (31 December 2009 est)

El Salvador
  $2.534 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $2.153 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Equatorial Guinea
  $1.86 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.295 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Eritrea
  $1.382 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.007 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Estonia
  $5.345 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $5.822 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Ethiopia
  $4.764 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $4.972 billion (31 December 2009 est)

European Union
  $5.542 trillion (31 December 2008)
  $5.649 trillion (31 December 2007)
  note: this is the quantity of money, M1, for the euro area,
  converted into US dollars at the exchange rate for the date
  indicated; it excludes the stock of money carried by non-euro-area
  members of the European Union

Fiji
  $748 million (31 December 2008)
  $1.042 billion (31 December 2007)

Finland
  $108 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $110.4 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
  members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
  within their own borders

France
  $858.6 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $862.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
  members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
  within their own borders

Gabon
  $1.835 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.623 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Gambia, The
  $222.9 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $210.2 million (31 December 2009 est)

Georgia
  $1.175 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.122 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Germany
  $1.627 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.681 trillion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
  members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
  within their own borders

Ghana
  $6.26 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $5.203 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Greece
  $152.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $172.8 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
  members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
  within their own borders

Grenada
  $123.1 million (31 December 2009)
  $131.7 million (31 December 2008)

Guatemala
  $6.6 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $6.13 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Guinea
  $496.2 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $459.7 million (31 December 2009 est)

Guinea-Bissau
  $192.1 million (31 December 2009)
  $171.2 million (31 December 2008)

Guyana
  $386.9 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $252.9 million (31 December 2009 est)

Haiti
  $787.2 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $800 million (31 December 2009 est)

Honduras
  $1.296 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.564 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Hong Kong
  $84.88 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $75.49 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Hungary
  $28.67 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $30.25 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Iceland
  $4.413 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $4.438 billion (31 December 2009 est)

India
  $328.4 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $268.4 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Indonesia
  $65.47 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $49.63 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Iran
  $50.37 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $48.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Iraq
  $35.69 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $30.02 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Ireland
  $127.7 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $141 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
  members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
  within their own borders

Israel
  $27.58 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $25.16 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Italy
  $1.234 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.267 trillion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
  members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
  within their own borders

Jamaica
  $1.432 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.371 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Japan
  $5.541 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
  $5.162 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Jordan
  $9.386 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $8.437 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Kazakhstan
  $20.91 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $16.66 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Kenya
  $6.333 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $5.717 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Korea, South
  $101.9 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $82.54 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Kuwait
  $18.12 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $16.38 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Kyrgyzstan
  $714.9 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $826.4 million (31 December 2009 est)

Laos
  $630 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $691.1 million (31 December 2009)

Latvia
  $5.769 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $5.893 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Lebanon
  $3.692 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $3.21 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Lesotho
  $653.3 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $509.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Liberia
  $206.9 million (31 December 2008)
  $145.6 million (31 December 2007)

Libya
  $29.85 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $29.82 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Lithuania
  $8.917 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $8.896 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Luxembourg
  $120.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $121 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
  members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
  within their own borders

Macau
  $3.831 billion (31 December 2009)
  $3.099 billion (31 December 2008)

Macedonia
  $1.146 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.184 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Madagascar
  $1.233 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.228 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Malawi
  $626.5 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $580.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Malaysia
  $69.03 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $57 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Maldives
  $460 million (31 October 2009)
  $475.2 million (31 December 2008)

Mali
  $1.758 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.559 billion (31 December 2008)

Malta
  $5.195 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $4.956 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Maltese liri in
  circulation prior to Malta joining the Economic and Monetary Union
  (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the EMU; individual members of the EMU do not
  control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Mauritius
  $1.889 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.906 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Mexico
  $135.7 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $119.5 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  $29.02 million (31 December 2009)
  $21.21 million (31 December 2008)

Moldova
  $1.221 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.189 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Mongolia
  $451.4 million (31 December 2009)
  $510.7 million (31 December 2008)

Montenegro
  $816.8 million (31 December 2008)
  $1.172 billion (31 December 2007)

Montserrat
  $14.13 million (31 December 2009)
  $14.51 million (31 December 2008)

Morocco
  $67.33 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $64.58 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Mozambique
  $2.657 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $2.812 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Namibia
  $3.049 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $2.495 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Nepal
  $3.03 billion (July 2010)
  $2.72 billion (July 2009)

Netherlands
  $368.1 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $351.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
  members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
  within their own borders

New Zealand
  $24.15 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $21.81 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Nicaragua
  $1.273 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $989.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Niger
  $782.6 million (31 December 2009)
  $617.9 million (31 December 2008)

Nigeria
  $40.41 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $33.61 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Norway
  $122.2 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $118.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Oman
  $7.257 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $6.15 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Pakistan
  $59.75 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $47.23 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Panama
  $5.04 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $4.404 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Papua New Guinea
  $2.551 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $2.263 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Paraguay
  $2.6 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $2.107 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Peru
  $20.53 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $16.77 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Philippines
  $30.09 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $24.06 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Poland
  $138.7 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $124.6 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Portugal
  $98.23 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $100.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
  members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
  within their own borders

Qatar
  $15.98 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $14.59 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Romania
  $24.39 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $26.03 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Russia
  $269.1 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $203.7 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Rwanda
  $602.3 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $537.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  $94.45 million (31 December 2009)
  $93.23 million (31 December 2008)

Saint Lucia
  $244.3 million (31 December 2009)
  $245 million (31 December 2008)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  $133 million (31 December 2009)
  $138.7 million (31 December 2008)

Samoa
  $80.56 million (31 December 2009)
  $60.13 million (31 December 2008)

San Marino
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $1.326 billion (31 December 2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
  $17.18 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $19.1 million (31 December 2009 est)

Saudi Arabia
  $166.9 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $139.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Senegal
  $2.8 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $2.903 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Serbia
  $3.554 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $3.821 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Seychelles
  $274.2 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $240.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Sierra Leone
  $209.4 million (31 December 2009)
  $219.1 million (31 December 2008)

Singapore
  $80.5 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $64.26 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Slovakia
  $34.37 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $34.1 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Slovak koruny in
  circulation prior to Slovakia joining the Economic and Monetary
  Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in
  the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary
  policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU);
  individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money
  circulating within their own borders

Slovenia
  $10.47 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $10.33 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: the figure for 2006 represents the US dollar value of tolars
  in circulation prior to Slovenia joining the Economic and Monetary
  Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in
  the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary
  policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU);
  individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money
  circulating within their own borders

Solomon Islands
  $139.9 million (31 December 2009)
  $124.4 million (31 December 2008)

South Africa
  $65.87 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $52.04 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Spain
  $849.2 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $856.5 billion (31 December 2009 est)
  note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro
  area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for
  the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual
  members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating
  within their own borders

Sri Lanka
  $4.4 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $3.628 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Sudan
  $7.713 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $7.003 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Suriname
  $608 million (31 December 2009)
  $495.6 million (31 December 2008)

Swaziland
  $335.7 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $273.9 million (31 December 2009 est)

Sweden
  $225 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $205.2 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Switzerland
  $384.2 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $334.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Syria
  $21.6 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $19.53 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Taiwan
  $331.7 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $317.9 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Tajikistan
  $863 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $712.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Tanzania
  $3.394 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $2.972 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Thailand
  $38 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $34.26 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Timor-Leste
  $102.8 million (31 December 2008)
  $74.94 million (31 December 2007)

Togo
  $754.5 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $789.7 million (31 December 2009 est)

Tonga
  $44.64 million (31 December 2009)
  $36.16 million (31 December 2008)

Trinidad and Tobago
  $3.734 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $3.407 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Tunisia
  $11.49 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $11.02 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Turkey
  $57.02 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $44.94 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Turkmenistan
  $573 million (31 December 2010 est)
  $469.5 million (31 December 2009 est)

Uganda
  $1.997 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.603 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Ukraine
  $34.97 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $30 billion (31 December 2009 est)

United Arab Emirates
  $68.76 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $60.85 billion (31 December 2009 est)

United Kingdom
  $88.62 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $84.92 billion (31 December 2009 est)

United States
  $1.74 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
  $1.722 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Uruguay
  $3.706 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $2.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Uzbekistan
  $4.895 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $3.829 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Vanuatu
  $229.2 million (31 December 2009)
  $177.7 million (31 December 2008)

Venezuela
  $69.36 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $93.19 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Vietnam
  $33.76 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $31.75 billion (31 December 2009 est)

West Bank
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $1.574 billion (31 December 2007)

World
  $22.4 trillion (31 December 2010 est)
  $20.87 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Yemen
  $3.551 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $3.74 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Zambia
  $1.234 billion (31 December 2010 est)
  $983.3 million (31 December 2009 est)

Zimbabwe
  $NA (31 December 2009 est.)
  $2.151 million (31 December 2008 est)
  note: the money data for Zimbabwe for 2007 reflected the vastly
  overvalued official exchange rate of 30,000 Zimbabwe dollars per US
  dollar; at an unofficial rate of 800,000 Zimbabwe dollars per US
  dollar, the stock of Zimbabwe dollars, narrowly defined, would equal
  only about US$500 million and Zimbabwe's velocity of money (the
  number of times money turns over in the course of a year) would be
  nine, in line with the velocity of money for other countries in the
  region

======================================================================

@2215

Field Listing :: Stock of broad money

This entry covers all of "Narrow money," plus the total quantity of time and savings deposits, credit union deposits, institutional money market funds, short-term repurchase agreements between the central bank and commercial deposit banks, and other large liquid assets held by nonbank financial institutions, state and local governments, nonfinancial public enterprises, and the private sector of the economy. National currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate for the date of the information. Because of exchange rate movements, changes in money stocks measured in national currency units may vary significantly from those shown in US dollars, and caution is urged when making comparisons over time in US dollars. In addition to serving as a medium of exchange, broad money includes assets that are slightly less liquid than narrow money and the assets tend to function as a "store of value" - a means of holding wealth. Country Comparison to the World Country

Stock of broad money

Afghanistan
  $4.149 billion (31 December 2009)
  $2.915 billion (31 December 2008)

Albania
  $9.096 billion (31 December 2009)
  $9.279 billion (31 December 2008)

Algeria
  $109.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $98.82 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Angola
  $24.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $29.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Anguilla
  $458.9 million (31 December 2009)
  $470.6 million (31 December 2008)

Antigua and Barbuda
  $1.186 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.236 billion (31 December 2008)

Argentina
  $112.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $85.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Armenia
  $3.507 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.339 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Aruba
  $1.771 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $1.671 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Australia
  $1.134 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $976.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Austria
  $402.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $402.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Azerbaijan
  $11.64 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $10.54 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bahamas, The
  $5.991 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $5.893 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Bahrain
  $21.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $18.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bangladesh
  $57.21 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $63.03 billion (31 December 2009)

Barbados
  $4.563 billion (31 December 2009)
  $4.618 billion (31 December 2008)

Belarus
  $13.62 billion (31 December 2009)
  $14.07 billion (31 December 2008)

Belgium
  $539.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $536.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Belize
  $1.351 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.084 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Benin
  $2.424 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.517 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Bhutan
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $647.6 million (31 December 2008)

Bolivia
  $12.16 billion (31 December 2009)
  $11.04 billion (31 December 2008)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
  $9.307 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $9.236 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Botswana
  $6.679 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.357 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Brazil
  $1.522 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $972.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Brunei
  $8.569 billion (31 December 2009)
  $7.597 billion (31 December 2008)

Bulgaria
  $35.37 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $33.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burkina Faso
  $2.406 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burma
  $7.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.231 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Burundi
  $568.3 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $506.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Cambodia
  $4.982 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.899 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cameroon
  $4.831 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.921 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Canada
  $1.469 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.144 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cape Verde
  $1.314 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.399 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cayman Islands
  $5.564 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Central African Republic
  $343.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)
  $292.9 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Chad
  $1.257 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.008 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Chile
  $160.3 billion (31 December 2009)
  $127.5 billion (31 December 2008)

China
  $10.08 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $8.933 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Colombia
  $104.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $82.39 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Comoros
  $168.6 million (31 December 2009)
  $143.7 million (31 December 2008)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  $1.562 billion (31 December 2008
  est.)
  $1.275 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Congo, Republic of the
  $2.746 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.178 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Costa Rica
  $16.81 billion (31 December 2009)
  $15.84 billion (31 December 2008)

Cote d'Ivoire
  $7.653 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.437 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Croatia
  $40.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $42.59 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cuba
  $35.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $35.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Cyprus
  $50.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $53.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Czech Republic
  $138.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $139 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Denmark
  $209 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $226.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Djibouti
  $940.8 million (31 December 2009 est.)
  $800.8 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Dominica
  $398.5 million (31 December 2009)
  $362 million (31 December 2008)

Dominican Republic
  $15.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ecuador
  $18.62 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $15.47 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Egypt
  $166.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $146.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

El Salvador
  $9.666 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $9.011 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Equatorial Guinea
  $2.207 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.473 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Eritrea
  $2.872 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.171 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Estonia
  $10.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $11.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ethiopia
  $8.248 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $8.641 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

European Union
  $11.17 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)
  $10.83 trillion (31 December 2007 est.)
  note: this is the quantity of quasi money, M2-M1, for the euro area,
  converted into US dollars at the exchange rate for the date
  indicated; it excludes the stock of quasi money carried by
  non-euro-area members of the European Union

Fiji
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $1.76 billion (31 December 2008)

Finland
  $160.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $168.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

France
  $2.292 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.306 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gabon
  $2.764 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.468 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Gambia, The
  $453.9 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $438.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Georgia
  $2.146 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Germany
  $4.288 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.202 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ghana
  $9.583 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.823 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Greece
  $335.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $368.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Grenada
  $743.5 million (31 December 2009)
  $719.5 million (31 December 2008)

Guatemala
  $25.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $22.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Guinea
  $830 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $761.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Guinea-Bissau
  $209.3 million (31 December 2009 est.)
  $189.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Guyana
  $1.303 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $905.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Haiti
  $3.137 billion (31 December 2009)
  $2.958 billion (31 December 2008)

Honduras
  $7.618 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $7.064 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Hong Kong
  $850.8 billion (31 December 2009)
  $808.8 billion (31 December 2008)

Hungary
  $67.94 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $70.99 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iceland
  $19.97 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $24.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

India
  $1.29 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.04 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Indonesia
  $276.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $205.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iran
  $167.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $147.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Iraq
  $46.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $37.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ireland
  $257.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $275.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Israel
  $208.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $195.7 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Italy
  $1.884 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.846 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Jamaica
  $5.782 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.472 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Japan
  $18.3 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $14.56 trillion (31 December 2008)

Jordan
  $35.53 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $33.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kazakhstan
  $65.55 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $52.83 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kenya
  $15.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $13.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Korea, South
  $1.346 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $1.132 trillion (31 December 2008)

Kuwait
  $88.71 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $86.53 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Kyrgyzstan
  $1.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.247 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Laos
  $1.818 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.549 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Latvia
  $11.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $11.46 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lebanon
  $92.01 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $82.07 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lesotho
  $1.057 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $876 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Liberia
  $NA (31 December 2009)
  $NA (31 December 2008)

Libya
  $35.98 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $36.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Lithuania
  $17.26 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $17.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Luxembourg
  $255.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $231.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Macau
  $26.56 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $23.78 billion (31 December 2008)

Macedonia
  $4.134 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.217 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Madagascar
  $2.012 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.994 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malawi
  $1.434 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.233 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Malaysia
  $337.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $280.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Maldives
  $1.065 billion (31 December 2009)
  $946.1 million (31 December 2008)

Mali
  $2.514 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $2.12 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Malta
  $14.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $13.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mauritius
  $9.605 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $9.277 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mexico
  $583.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $493 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of
  $114 million (31 December 2009 est.)
  $98 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Moldova
  $2.889 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.942 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Mongolia
  $1.996 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.791 billion (31 December 2008)

Montenegro
  $1.406 billion (31 December 2008)
  $1.446 billion (31 December 2007)

Montserrat
  $69.63 million (31 December 2009)
  $62.13 million (31 December 2008)

Morocco
  $108.7 billion (31 December 2009)
  $99.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Mozambique
  $3.803 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.074 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Namibia
  $4.756 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.691 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nepal
  $10.01 billion (July 2010)
  $10.67 billion (July 2009)

Netherlands
  $1.124 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.133 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

New Zealand
  $118.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $108.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Nicaragua
  $2.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.586 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Niger
  $1.038 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
  $844.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Nigeria
  $91.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $72.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Norway
  $256.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $243.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Oman
  $22.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $20.52 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Pakistan
  $85.22 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $65.13 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Panama
  $24.17 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $21.78 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Papua New Guinea
  $4.726 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.14 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Paraguay
  $5.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.057 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Peru
  $55.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $43.57 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Philippines
  $91.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $78.16 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Poland
  $251.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $229.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Portugal
  $282 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $302.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Qatar
  $65.95 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $59.09 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Romania
  $63.67 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $61.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Russia
  $650.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $645.5 billion (31 December 2009)

Rwanda
  $1.243 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.068 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis
  $823.8 million (31 December 2009)
  $787.8 million (31 December 2008)

Saint Lucia
  $1.094 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.061 billion (31 December 2008)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  $444.4 million (31 December 2009)
  $453.5 million (31 December 2008)

Samoa
  $283.2 million (31 December 2009)
  $222.9 million (31 December 2008)

San Marino
  $NA (31 December 2008)
  $4.584 billion (31 December 2007)

Sao Tome and Principe
  $82.2 million (31 December 2009)
  $64.79 million (31 December 2008)

Saudi Arabia
  $286.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $274.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Senegal
  $4.603 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $4.745 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Serbia
  $18.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $17.82 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Seychelles
  $415 million (31 December 2010 est.)
  $352 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sierra Leone
  $437 million (31 December 2009)
  $434.3 million (31 December 2008)

Singapore
  $295.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $255.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovakia
  $52.63 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $52.68 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Slovenia
  $24.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $25.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Solomon Islands
  $227.1 million (31 December 2009)
  $195.9 million (31 December 2008)

South Africa
  $256.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $199.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Spain
  $2.264 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.451 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sri Lanka
  $19.72 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $16.41 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Sudan
  $13.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $12.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Suriname
  $1.809 billion (31 December 2009)
  $1.573 billion (31 December 2008)

Swaziland
  $1.266 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $920.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Sweden
  $293.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $260.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Switzerland
  $834.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $764.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Syria
  $161 billion (31 December 2009)
  $147.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Taiwan
  $952.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $891.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tajikistan
  $1.095 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $851.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Tanzania
  $7.44 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $6.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Thailand
  $354.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $309.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Timor-Leste
  $268.4 million (31 December 2009)
  $192.7 million (31 December 2008)

Togo
  $1.238 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $1.306 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tonga
  $153.8 million (31 December 2009)
  $136.9 million (31 December 2008)

Trinidad and Tobago
  $12.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $11.35 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Tunisia
  $29.39 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $26.88 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkey
  $255.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $202.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
  $1.053 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $912.3 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Uganda
  $3.905 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.322 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ukraine
  $73.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $62.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
  $228.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $201.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
  $3.344 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $3.199 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

United States
  $12.39 trillion (31 December 2009)
  $12.46 trillion (31 December 2008)

Uruguay
  $14.22 billion (31 December 2009)
  $11.78 billion (31 December 2008)

Uzbekistan
  $7.197 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $5.648 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vanuatu
  $614.2 million (31 December 2009)
  $531.6 million (31 December 2008)

Venezuela
  $78.11 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $107 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
  $118.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $107.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

West Bank
  $5.567 billion (31 December 2009)
  $5.251 billion (31 December 2008)

World
  $75.86 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $68.54 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Yemen
  $9.739 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $9.552 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zambia
  $3.573 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
  $2.744 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
  $3.057 million (31 December 2009 est.)
  $NA (31 December 2009 est.)

======================================================================

Rank code: 2001

Country Comparison :: GDP (purchasing power parity)

This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates is the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States. This is the measure most economists prefer when looking at per-capita welfare and when comparing living conditions or use of resources across countries. The measure is difficult to compute, as a US dollar value has to be assigned to all goods and services in the country regardless of whether these goods and services have a direct equivalent in the United States (for example, the value of an ox-cart or non-US military equipment); as a result, PPP estimates for some countries are based on a small and sometimes different set of goods and services. In addition, many countries do not formally participate in the World Bank's PPP project that calculates these measures, so the resulting GDP estimates for these countries may lack precision. For many developing countries, PPP-based GDP measures are multiples of the official exchange rate (OER) measure. The differences between the OER- and PPP-denominated GDP values for most of the wealthy industrialized countries are generally much smaller.

Rank country GDP (purchasing power parity) Date of Information

1 European Union $ 14,890,000,000,000 2010 est. 2 United States $ 14,720,000,000,000 2010 est. 3 China $ 9,872,000,000,000 2010 est. 4 Japan $ 4,338,000,000,000 2010 est. 5 India $ 4,046,000,000,000 2010 est. 6 Germany $ 2,951,000,000,000 2010 est. 7 Russia $ 2,229,000,000,000 2010 est. 8 Brazil $ 2,194,000,000,000 2010 est. 9 United Kingdom $ 2,189,000,000,000 2010 est. 10 France $ 2,160,000,000,000 2010 est. 11 Italy $ 1,782,000,000,000 2010 est. 12 Mexico $ 1,560,000,000,000 2010 est. 13 Korea, South $ 1,467,000,000,000 2010 est. 14 Spain $ 1,374,000,000,000 2010 est. 15 Canada $ 1,335,000,000,000 2010 est. 16 Indonesia $ 1,033,000,000,000 2010 est. 17 Turkey $ 958,300,000,000 2010 est. 18 Australia $ 889,600,000,000 2010 est. 19 Iran $ 863,500,000,000 2010 est. 20 Taiwan $ 807,200,000,000 2010 est. 21 Poland $ 721,700,000,000 2010 est. 22 Netherlands $ 680,400,000,000 2010 est. 23 Saudi Arabia $ 622,500,000,000 2010 est. 24 Argentina $ 596,000,000,000 2010 est. 25 Thailand $ 580,300,000,000 2010 est. 26 South Africa $ 527,500,000,000 2010 est. 27 Egypt $ 500,900,000,000 2010 est. 28 Pakistan $ 451,200,000,000 2010 est. 29 Colombia $ 431,900,000,000 2010 est. 30 Malaysia $ 416,400,000,000 2010 est. 31 Belgium $ 394,900,000,000 2010 est. 32 Nigeria $ 369,800,000,000 2010 est. 33 Sweden $ 354,000,000,000 2010 est. 34 Philippines $ 351,200,000,000 2010 est. 35 Venezuela $ 344,200,000,000 2010 est. 36 Austria $ 332,900,000,000 2010 est. 37 Switzerland $ 326,900,000,000 2010 est. 38 Hong Kong $ 323,300,000,000 2010 est. 39 Greece $ 321,700,000,000 2010 est. 40 Ukraine $ 306,300,000,000 2010 est. 41 Singapore $ 292,200,000,000 2010 est. 42 Vietnam $ 278,100,000,000 2010 est. 43 Norway $ 276,400,000,000 2010 est. 44 Peru $ 274,700,000,000 2010 est. 45 Czech Republic $ 261,500,000,000 2010 est. 46 Chile $ 260,000,000,000 2010 est. 47 Bangladesh $ 259,300,000,000 2010 est. 48 Algeria $ 254,700,000,000 2010 est. 49 Romania $ 253,300,000,000 2010 est. 50 Portugal $ 247,000,000,000 2010 est. 51 Israel $ 217,100,000,000 2010 est. 52 Denmark $ 204,100,000,000 2010 est. 53 United Arab Emirates $ 199,800,000,000 2010 est. 54 Kazakhstan $ 193,800,000,000 2010 est. 55 Hungary $ 190,000,000,000 2010 est. 56 Finland $ 185,400,000,000 2010 est. 57 Ireland $ 174,000,000,000 2010 est. 58 Morocco $ 153,800,000,000 2010 est. 59 Kuwait $ 144,300,000,000 2010 est. 60 Belarus $ 128,400,000,000 2010 est. 61 Qatar $ 122,200,000,000 2010 est. 62 Slovakia $ 121,300,000,000 2010 est. 63 New Zealand $ 119,200,000,000 2010 est. 64 Iraq $ 117,700,000,000 2010 est. 65 Ecuador $ 114,700,000,000 2010 est. 66 Angola $ 114,100,000,000 2010 est. 67 Cuba $ 114,100,000,000 2010 est. 68 Syria $ 106,400,000,000 2010 est. 69 Sri Lanka $ 104,700,000,000 2010 est. 70 Tunisia $ 100,300,000,000 2010 est. 71 Sudan $ 98,790,000,000 2010 est. 72 Bulgaria $ 91,830,000,000 2010 est. 73 Azerbaijan $ 90,150,000,000 2010 est. 74 Libya $ 89,030,000,000 2010 est. 75 Uzbekistan $ 86,070,000,000 2010 est. 76 Dominican Republic $ 84,940,000,000 2010 est. 77 Ethiopia $ 84,020,000,000 2010 est. 78 Serbia $ 80,650,000,000 2010 est. 79 Croatia $ 78,520,000,000 2010 est. 80 Oman $ 76,530,000,000 2010 est. 81 Guatemala $ 70,310,000,000 2010 est. 82 Kenya $ 65,950,000,000 2010 est. 83 Puerto Rico $ 64,840,000,000 2010 est. 84 Tanzania $ 62,220,000,000 2010 est. 85 Yemen $ 61,880,000,000 2010 est. 86 Burma $ 60,070,000,000 2010 est. 87 Lebanon $ 58,650,000,000 2010 est. 88 Slovenia $ 56,810,000,000 2010 est. 89 Lithuania $ 56,220,000,000 2010 est. 90 Costa Rica $ 51,300,000,000 2010 est. 91 Bolivia $ 47,980,000,000 2010 est. 92 Uruguay $ 47,800,000,000 2010 est. 93 Cameroon $ 44,650,000,000 2010 est. 94 El Salvador $ 43,980,000,000 2010 est. 95 Panama $ 43,480,000,000 2010 est. 96 Uganda $ 41,700,000,000 2010 est. 97 Luxembourg $ 40,810,000,000 2010 est. 98 Korea, North $ 40,000,000,000 2009 est. 99 Ghana $ 38,240,000,000 2010 est. 100 Cote d'Ivoire $ 37,800,000,000 2010 est. 101 Turkmenistan $ 36,640,000,000 2010 est. 102 Nepal $ 35,310,000,000 2010 est. 103 Jordan $ 33,790,000,000 2010 est. 104 Honduras $ 33,770,000,000 2010 est. 105 Latvia $ 32,200,000,000 2010 est. 106 Paraguay $ 30,940,000,000 2010 est. 107 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 30,560,000,000 2010 est. 108 Bahrain $ 29,820,000,000 2010 est. 109 Afghanistan $ 29,810,000,000 2010 est. 110 Cambodia $ 29,460,000,000 2010 est. 111 Trinidad and Tobago $ 27,100,000,000 2010 est. 112 Botswana $ 26,560,000,000 2010 est. 113 Equatorial Guinea $ 24,660,000,000 2010 est. 114 Estonia $ 24,530,000,000 2010 est. 115 Albania $ 23,950,000,000 2010 est. 116 Jamaica $ 23,930,000,000 2010 est. 117 Senegal $ 23,860,000,000 2010 est. 118 Cyprus $ 23,180,000,000 2010 est. 119 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 22,920,000,000 2010 est. 120 Gabon $ 22,540,000,000 2010 est. 121 Georgia $ 22,320,000,000 2010 est. 122 Mozambique $ 22,190,000,000 2010 est. 123 Madagascar $ 20,730,000,000 2010 est. 124 Burkina Faso $ 20,060,000,000 2010 est. 125 Zambia $ 20,030,000,000 2010 est. 126 Brunei $ 19,880,000,000 2010 est. 127 Macedonia $ 19,460,000,000 2010 est. 128 Chad $ 18,560,000,000 2010 est. 129 Macau $ 18,470,000,000 2009 est. 130 Mauritius $ 17,490,000,000 2010 est. 131 Congo, Republic of the $ 17,450,000,000 2010 est. 132 Nicaragua $ 17,340,000,000 2010 est. 133 Armenia $ 17,270,000,000 2010 est. 134 Mali $ 16,740,000,000 2010 est. 135 Laos $ 15,420,000,000 2010 est. 136 Papua New Guinea $ 14,930,000,000 2010 est. 137 Namibia $ 14,640,000,000 2010 est. 138 Tajikistan $ 14,610,000,000 2010 est. 139 Benin $ 14,200,000,000 2010 est. 140 Malawi $ 13,510,000,000 2010 est. 141 West Bank $ 12,790,000,000 2009 est. 142 Iceland $ 11,860,000,000 2010 est. 143 Kyrgyzstan $ 11,850,000,000 2010 est. 144 Rwanda $ 11,840,000,000 2010 est. 145 Haiti $ 11,180,000,000 2010 est. 146 Guinea $ 10,600,000,000 2010 est. 147 Moldova $ 10,600,000,000 2010 est. 148 Niger $ 10,580,000,000 2010 est. 149 Malta $ 10,210,000,000 2010 est. 150 Mongolia $ 10,160,000,000 2010 est. 151 Bahamas, The $ 8,878,000,000 2010 est. 152 Mauritania $ 6,800,000,000 2010 est. 153 Montenegro $ 6,569,000,000 2010 est. 154 Barbados $ 6,196,000,000 2010 est. 155 Swaziland $ 6,055,000,000 2010 est. 156 Togo $ 5,927,000,000 2010 est. 157 Somalia $ 5,896,000,000 2010 est. 158 Kosovo $ 5,300,000,000 2008 159 Jersey $ 5,100,000,000 2005 est. 160 Guyana $ 5,069,000,000 2010 est. 161 Sierra Leone $ 4,812,000,000 2010 est. 162 Suriname $ 4,794,000,000 2010 est. 163 French Polynesia $ 4,718,000,000 2004 est. 164 Bermuda $ 4,500,000,000 2004 est. 165 Zimbabwe $ 4,395,000,000 2010 est. 166 Andorra $ 4,220,000,000 2008 167 Eritrea $ 4,178,000,000 2010 est. 168 Liechtenstein $ 4,160,000,000 2007 169 Fiji $ 3,792,000,000 2010 est. 170 Bhutan $ 3,526,000,000 2010 est. 171 Central African Republic $ 3,468,000,000 2010 est. 172 Burundi $ 3,418,000,000 2010 est. 173 Gambia, The $ 3,406,000,000 2010 est. 174 Lesotho $ 3,310,000,000 2010 est. 175 New Caledonia $ 3,158,000,000 2003 est. 176 Timor-Leste $ 3,004,000,000 2010 est. 177 Curacao $ 2,838,000,000 2008 est. 178 Guernsey $ 2,742,000,000 2005 179 Isle of Man $ 2,719,000,000 2005 est. 180 Belize $ 2,652,000,000 2010 est. 181 Aruba $ 2,258,000,000 2005 est. 182 Cayman Islands $ 2,250,000,000 2008 est. 183 Djibouti $ 2,099,000,000 2010 est. 184 Greenland $ 2,030,000,000 2008 est. 185 Seychelles $ 1,908,000,000 2010 est. 186 Cape Verde $ 1,861,000,000 2010 est. 187 Saint Lucia $ 1,789,000,000 2010 est. 188 Guinea-Bissau $ 1,769,000,000 2010 est. 189 Maldives $ 1,767,000,000 2010 est. 190 Liberia $ 1,760,000,000 2010 est. 191 San Marino $ 1,662,000,000 2007 192 Faroe Islands $ 1,642,000,000 2008 est. 193 Virgin Islands $ 1,577,000,000 2004 est. 194 Solomon Islands $ 1,559,000,000 2010 est. 195 Antigua and Barbuda $ 1,433,000,000 2010 est. 196 Vanuatu $ 1,216,000,000 2010 est. 197 Grenada $ 1,127,000,000 2010 est. 198 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 1,107,000,000 2010 est. 199 Gibraltar $ 1,106,000,000 2006 est. 200 Samoa $ 1,002,000,000 2010 est. 201 Monaco $ 976,300,000 2006 est. 202 Mayotte $ 953,600,000 2005 est. 203 Northern Mariana Islands $ 900,000,000 2000 est. 204 Western Sahara $ 900,000,000 2007 est. 205 British Virgin Islands $ 853,400,000 2004 est. 206 Sint Maarten $ 794,700,000 2008 est. 207 Comoros $ 789,400,000 2010 est. 208 Tonga $ 767,000,000 2010 est. 209 Dominica $ 765,400,000 2010 est. 210 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 719,500,000 2010 est. 211 Kiribati $ 619,500,000 2010 est. 212 American Samoa $ 575,300,000 2007 est. 213 Sao Tome and Principe $ 316,900,000 2010 est. 214 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 238,100,000 2008 est. 215 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 216,000,000 2002 est. 216 Cook Islands $ 183,200,000 2005 est. 217 Anguilla $ 175,400,000 2009 est. 218 Palau $ 164,000,000 2008 est. 219 Marshall Islands $ 133,500,000 2008 est. 220 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 105,100,000 2002 est. 221 Nauru $ 60,000,000 2005 est. 222 Wallis and Futuna $ 60,000,000 2004 est. 223 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 48,300,000 2003 est. 224 Montserrat $ 29,000,000 2002 est. 225 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 18,000,000 1998 est. 226 Tuvalu $ 14,940,000 2002 est. 227 Niue $ 10,010,000 2003 est. 228 Tokelau $ 1,500,000 1993 est.

======================================================================

Rank code: 2002

Country Comparison :: Population growth rate

The average annual percent change in the population, resulting from a surplus (or deficit) of births over deaths and the balance of migrants entering and leaving a country. The rate may be positive or negative. The growth rate is a factor in determining how great a burden would be imposed on a country by the changing needs of its people for infrastructure (e.g., schools, hospitals, housing, roads), resources (e.g., food, water, electricity), and jobs. Rapid population growth can be seen as threatening by neighboring countries.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Niger 3.66 2010 est. 2 Uganda 3.56 2010 est. 3 Burundi 3.56 2010 est. 4 United Arab Emirates 3.56 2010 est. 5 Kuwait 3.50 2010 est. 6 Gaza Strip 3.29 2010 est. 7 Ethiopia 3.20 2010 est. 8 Mayotte 3.17 2010 est. 9 Western Sahara 3.17 2010 est. 10 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3.17 2010 est. 11 Zambia 3.12 2010 est. 12 Burkina Faso 3.10 2010 est. 13 Madagascar 2.99 2010 est. 14 Zimbabwe 2.95 2010 est. 15 Benin 2.94 2010 est. 16 Rwanda 2.82 2010 est. 17 Somalia 2.81 2010 est. 18 Congo, Republic of the 2.81 2010 est. 19 Liberia 2.78 2010 est. 20 Togo 2.77 2010 est. 21 Malawi 2.76 2010 est. 22 Comoros 2.73 2010 est. 23 Yemen 2.71 2010 est. 24 Equatorial Guinea 2.67 2010 est. 25 Guinea 2.65 2010 est. 26 Mali 2.61 2010 est. 27 Kenya 2.59 2010 est. 28 Senegal 2.58 2010 est. 29 Gambia, The 2.53 2010 est. 30 Eritrea 2.52 2010 est. 31 Sudan 2.50 2010 est. 32 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.49 2010 est. 33 Afghanistan 2.47 2010 est. 34 Iraq 2.45 2010 est. 35 Mauritania 2.37 2010 est. 36 Cayman Islands 2.34 2010 est. 37 Solomon Islands 2.27 2010 est. 38 Sierra Leone 2.22 2010 est. 39 Anguilla 2.22 2010 est. 40 Djibouti 2.18 2010 est. 41 Jordan 2.16 2010 est. 42 Cameroon 2.16 2010 est. 43 Central African Republic 2.15 2010 est. 44 West Bank 2.13 2010 est. 45 Libya 2.12 2010 est. 46 Sao Tome and Principe 2.11 2010 est. 47 Cote d'Ivoire 2.11 2010 est. 48 Belize 2.10 2010 est. 49 Angola 2.06 2010 est. 50 Chad 2.04 2010 est. 51 Papua New Guinea 2.03 2010 est. 52 Tanzania 2.03 2010 est. 53 Gabon 2.03 2010 est. 54 Marshall Islands 2.02 2010 est. 55 Guatemala 2.02 2010 est. 56 Guinea-Bissau 2.00 2010 est. 57 Timor-Leste 2.00 2010 est. 58 Egypt 2.00 2010 est. 59 Oman 2.00 2010 est. 60 Nigeria 1.97 2010 est. 61 Syria 1.95 2010 est. 62 Honduras 1.94 2010 est. 63 Philippines 1.93 2010 est. 64 Ghana 1.86 2010 est. 65 Tajikistan 1.85 2010 est. 66 Botswana 1.84 2010 est. 67 Mozambique 1.80 2010 est. 68 British Virgin Islands 1.78 2010 est. 69 Nicaragua 1.74 2010 est. 70 Brunei 1.73 2010 est. 71 Bolivia 1.72 2010 est. 72 Laos 1.71 2010 est. 73 Cambodia 1.71 2010 est. 74 Cyprus 1.66 2010 est. 75 Israel 1.63 2010 est. 76 Malaysia 1.61 2010 est. 77 Pakistan 1.59 2010 est. 78 New Caledonia 1.56 2010 est. 79 Bangladesh 1.55 2010 est. 80 Saudi Arabia 1.55 2010 est. 81 Venezuela 1.52 2010 est. 82 Mongolia 1.50 2010 est. 83 Ecuador 1.47 2010 est. 84 Panama 1.46 2010 est. 85 Cape Verde 1.46 2010 est. 86 Aruba 1.46 2010 est. 87 Nepal 1.42 2010 est. 88 Kyrgyzstan 1.41 2010 est. 89 India 1.38 2010 est. 90 Vanuatu 1.36 2010 est. 91 Dominican Republic 1.36 2010 est. 92 French Polynesia 1.36 2010 est. 93 Costa Rica 1.35 2010 est. 94 Paraguay 1.31 2010 est. 95 Antigua and Barbuda 1.30 2010 est. 96 Tonga 1.28 2010 est. 97 Turkey 1.27 2010 est. 98 Kiribati 1.27 2010 est. 99 Iran 1.25 2010 est. 100 Bahrain 1.24 2010 est. 101 Bhutan 1.24 2010 est. 102 Swaziland 1.21 2010 est. 103 American Samoa 1.21 2010 est. 104 Peru 1.19 2010 est. 105 Colombia 1.18 2010 est. 106 Algeria 1.18 2010 est. 107 Australia 1.17 2010 est. 108 Brazil 1.17 2010 est. 109 Luxembourg 1.16 2010 est. 110 Turkmenistan 1.14 2010 est. 111 World 1.13 2009 est. 112 Mexico 1.12 2010 est. 113 Suriname 1.11 2010 est. 114 San Marino 1.11 2010 est. 115 Indonesia 1.10 2010 est. 116 Burma 1.10 2010 est. 117 Vietnam 1.10 2010 est. 118 Morocco 1.08 2010 est. 119 Argentina 1.04 2010 est. 120 Ireland 1.01 2010 est. 121 United States 0.97 2010 est. 122 Tunisia 0.97 2010 est. 123 Isle of Man 0.97 2010 est. 124 Seychelles 0.97 2010 est. 125 Uzbekistan 0.94 2010 est. 126 Bahamas, The 0.94 2010 est. 127 Namibia 0.91 2010 est. 128 New Zealand 0.90 2010 est. 129 Macau 0.89 2010 est. 130 Qatar 0.87 2010 est. 131 Singapore 0.86 2010 est. 132 Sri Lanka 0.86 2010 est. 133 Jersey 0.86 2010 est. 134 Chile 0.86 2010 est. 135 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.84 2010 est. 136 Fiji 0.83 2010 est. 137 Azerbaijan 0.81 2010 est. 138 Canada 0.80 2010 est. 139 Haiti 0.79 2011 est. 140 Mauritius 0.75 2010 est. 141 Jamaica 0.75 2010 est. 142 Iceland 0.70 2010 est. 143 Liechtenstein 0.68 2010 est. 144 Tuvalu 0.66 2010 est. 145 Thailand 0.65 2010 est. 146 Lebanon 0.62 2010 est. 147 Bermuda 0.62 2010 est. 148 Samoa 0.61 2010 est. 149 Nauru 0.59 2010 est. 150 Grenada 0.56 2010 est. 151 United Kingdom 0.56 2010 est. 152 France 0.53 2010 est. 153 China 0.49 2010 est. 154 Spain 0.49 2010 est. 155 Hong Kong 0.48 2010 est. 156 Guernsey 0.47 2010 est. 157 Uruguay 0.45 2010 est. 158 Faroe Islands 0.42 2010 est. 159 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.40 2010 est. 160 Kazakhstan 0.40 2010 est. 161 Saint Lucia 0.40 2010 est. 162 Malta 0.39 2010 est. 163 Montserrat 0.39 2010 est. 164 Netherlands 0.39 2010 est. 165 Korea, North 0.39 2010 est. 166 Andorra 0.38 2010 est. 167 Barbados 0.37 2010 est. 168 Palau 0.37 2010 est. 169 Wallis and Futuna 0.37 2010 est. 170 Norway 0.33 2010 est. 171 El Salvador 0.33 2010 est. 172 Lesotho 0.28 2010 est. 173 Gibraltar 0.27 2010 est. 174 Puerto Rico 0.27 2010 est. 175 Denmark 0.27 2010 est. 176 Korea, South 0.26 2010 est. 177 Macedonia 0.26 2010 est. 178 Albania 0.25 2010 est. 179 Portugal 0.24 2010 est. 180 Switzerland 0.22 2010 est. 181 Cuba 0.22 2010 est. 182 Dominica 0.21 2010 est. 183 Taiwan 0.21 2010 est. 184 Sweden 0.16 2010 est. 185 Slovakia 0.13 2010 est. 186 Greece 0.11 2010 est. 187 Finland 0.08 2010 est. 188 Belgium 0.08 2010 est. 189 Greenland 0.06 2010 est. 190 Austria 0.04 2010 est. 191 Armenia 0.02 2010 est. 192 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.02 2010 est. 193 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.01 2009 est. 194 Norfolk Island 0.01 2010 est. 195 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.00 2010 est. 196 Christmas Island 0.00 2010 est. 197 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 2010 est. 198 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 2010 est. 199 Tokelau -0.01 2010 est. 200 Svalbard -0.02 2010 est. 201 Niue -0.03 2010 est. 202 South Africa -0.05 2010 est. 203 Poland -0.05 2010 est. 204 Croatia -0.06 2010 est. 205 Germany -0.06 2010 est. 206 Moldova -0.07 2010 est. 207 Virgin Islands -0.07 2010 est. 208 Italy -0.08 2010 est. 209 Trinidad and Tobago -0.09 2010 est. 210 Czech Republic -0.11 2010 est. 211 Slovenia -0.14 2010 est. 212 Hungary -0.16 2010 est. 213 Maldives -0.18 2010 est. 214 Monaco -0.18 2010 est. 215 Japan -0.24 2010 est. 216 Romania -0.25 2010 est. 217 Lithuania -0.28 2010 est. 218 Micronesia, Federated States of -0.28 2010 est. 219 Georgia -0.33 2010 est. 220 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines -0.34 2010 est. 221 Belarus -0.37 2010 est. 222 Russia -0.47 2010 est. 223 Serbia -0.47 2010 est. 224 Guyana -0.55 2010 est. 225 Latvia -0.60 2010 est. 226 Ukraine -0.62 2010 est. 227 Estonia -0.64 2010 est. 228 Bulgaria -0.77 2010 est. 229 Montenegro -0.78 2010 est. 230 Saint Pierre and Miquelon -0.91 2010 est. 231 Cook Islands -3.26 2010 est. 232 Northern Mariana Islands -5.57 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2003

Country Comparison :: GDP - real growth rate

This entry gives GDP growth on an annual basis adjusted for inflation and expressed as a percent.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Qatar 19.40 2010 est. 2 Singapore 14.60 2010 est. 3 Turkmenistan 11.00 2010 est. 4 Congo, Republic of the 10.50 2010 est. 5 China 10.30 2010 est. 6 Afghanistan 8.90 2010 est. 7 India 8.30 2010 est. 8 Mozambique 8.30 2010 est. 9 Taiwan 8.30 2010 est. 10 Uzbekistan 8.20 2010 est. 11 Timor-Leste 8.00 2010 est. 12 Peru 7.80 2010 est. 13 Thailand 7.60 2010 est. 14 Argentina 7.50 2010 est. 15 Brazil 7.50 2010 est. 16 Turkey 7.30 2010 est. 17 Lebanon 7.20 2010 est. 18 Malaysia 7.10 2010 est. 19 Uruguay 7.10 2010 est. 20 Ethiopia 7.00 2010 est. 21 Zambia 7.00 2010 est. 22 West Bank 7.00 2009 est. 23 Mongolia 7.00 2010 est. 24 Laos 7.00 2010 est. 25 Sri Lanka 6.90 2010 est. 26 Bhutan 6.80 2010 est. 27 Nigeria 6.80 2010 est. 28 Vietnam 6.80 2010 est. 29 Philippines 6.70 2010 est. 30 Malawi 6.50 2010 est. 31 Paraguay 6.50 2010 est. 32 Tanzania 6.40 2010 est. 33 Niue 6.20 2003 est. 34 Papua New Guinea 6.20 2010 est. 35 Korea, South 6.10 2010 est. 36 Bangladesh 6.00 2010 est. 37 Sao Tome and Principe 6.00 2010 est. 38 Rwanda 6.00 2010 est. 39 Indonesia 6.00 2010 est. 40 Liberia 6.00 2010 est. 41 Angola 5.90 2010 est. 42 Uganda 5.80 2010 est. 43 Hong Kong 5.70 2010 est. 44 Georgia 5.50 2010 est. 45 Tajikistan 5.50 2010 est. 46 Iraq 5.50 2010 est. 47 Gabon 5.40 2010 est. 48 Chile 5.30 2010 est. 49 Egypt 5.30 2010 est. 50 Burkina Faso 5.20 2010 est. 51 Isle of Man 5.20 2005 52 Yemen 5.20 2010 est. 53 Sudan 5.20 2010 est. 54 Sierra Leone 5.20 2010 est. 55 Mali 5.20 2010 est. 56 Panama 5.10 2010 est. 57 Gambia, The 5.00 2010 est. 58 Mauritania 5.00 2010 est. 59 Mexico 5.00 2010 est. 60 Kazakhstan 4.90 2010 est. 61 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.90 2000 est. 62 Belarus 4.80 2010 est. 63 Djibouti 4.80 2010 est. 64 Armenia 4.70 2010 est. 65 Ghana 4.70 2010 est. 66 World 4.60 2010 est. 67 Bermuda 4.60 2004 est. 68 Cape Verde 4.50 2010 est. 69 Colombia 4.40 2010 est. 70 San Marino 4.30 2007 est. 71 Ukraine 4.30 2010 est. 72 Dominican Republic 4.20 2010 est. 73 Morocco 4.20 2010 est. 74 Algeria 4.10 2010 est. 75 Namibia 4.10 2010 est. 76 Vanuatu 4.10 2010 est. 77 Sweden 4.10 2010 est. 78 Cambodia 4.10 2010 est. 79 Zimbabwe 4.10 2010 est. 80 Eritrea 4.00 2010 est. 81 Kenya 4.00 2010 est. 82 Slovakia 4.00 2010 est. 83 Syria 4.00 2010 est. 84 Bahrain 3.90 2010 est. 85 Burundi 3.90 2010 est. 86 Senegal 3.90 2010 est. 87 Bolivia 3.80 2010 est. 88 Russia 3.80 2010 est. 89 Saudi Arabia 3.80 2010 est. 90 Azerbaijan 3.70 2010 est. 91 Gibraltar 3.70 2006 92 Central African Republic 3.70 2010 est. 93 Cote d'Ivoire 3.60 2010 est. 94 Mauritius 3.60 2010 est. 95 Oman 3.60 2010 est. 96 Costa Rica 3.50 2010 est. 97 Lesotho 3.50 2010 est. 98 Curacao 3.50 2008 99 Suriname 3.50 2010 est. 100 Seychelles 3.50 2010 est. 101 Niger 3.50 2010 est. 102 Nepal 3.50 2010 est. 103 Israel 3.40 2010 est. 104 Tunisia 3.40 2010 est. 105 Maldives 3.40 2010 est. 106 Australia 3.30 2010 est. 107 Togo 3.30 2010 est. 108 Poland 3.30 2010 est. 109 Germany 3.30 2010 est. 110 Libya 3.30 2010 est. 111 Jordan 3.20 2010 est. 112 Luxembourg 3.20 2010 est. 113 Kuwait 3.20 2010 est. 114 Albania 3.10 2010 est. 115 Moldova 3.10 2010 est. 116 Liechtenstein 3.10 2007 est. 117 Burma 3.10 2010 est. 118 Botswana 3.10 2010 est. 119 American Samoa 3.00 2003 120 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3.00 2010 est. 121 Guernsey 3.00 2005 est. 122 Iran 3.00 2010 est. 123 Tuvalu 3.00 2006 est. 124 South Africa 3.00 2010 est. 125 Japan 3.00 2010 est. 126 Guinea 3.00 2010 est. 127 Benin 3.00 2010 est. 128 Canada 3.00 2010 est. 129 Cameroon 2.80 2010 est. 130 Nicaragua 2.80 2010 est. 131 Solomon Islands 2.80 2010 est. 132 Switzerland 2.80 2010 est. 133 United States 2.80 2010 est. 134 French Polynesia 2.70 2005 135 Pakistan 2.70 2010 est. 136 Andorra 2.60 2008 est. 137 United Arab Emirates 2.60 2010 est. 138 Somalia 2.60 2010 est. 139 Guyana 2.50 2010 est. 140 Honduras 2.50 2010 est. 141 Aruba 2.40 2005 est. 142 Ecuador 2.40 2010 est. 143 Guatemala 2.20 2010 est. 144 Finland 2.10 2010 est. 145 Trinidad and Tobago 2.10 2010 est. 146 New Zealand 2.10 2010 est. 147 Austria 2.00 2010 est. 148 Chad 2.00 2010 est. 149 Virgin Islands 2.00 2002 est. 150 Swaziland 2.00 2010 est. 151 Malta 2.00 2010 est. 152 Equatorial Guinea 2.00 2010 est. 153 Estonia 1.90 2010 est. 154 Czech Republic 1.80 2010 est. 155 Denmark 1.80 2010 est. 156 Fiji 1.80 2010 est. 157 Guinea-Bissau 1.80 2010 est. 158 Serbia 1.80 2010 est. 159 Comoros 1.70 2010 est. 160 European Union 1.70 2010 est. 161 Netherlands 1.70 2010 est. 162 Belgium 1.60 2010 est. 163 United Kingdom 1.60 2010 est. 164 Sint Maarten 1.60 2008 est. 165 France 1.60 2010 est. 166 Belize 1.50 2010 est. 167 Norway 1.50 2010 est. 168 Madagascar 1.50 2010 est. 169 Macedonia 1.50 2010 est. 170 Kiribati 1.50 2010 est. 171 Greenland 1.50 2008 est. 172 Cuba 1.50 2010 est. 173 Dominica 1.40 2010 est. 174 El Salvador 1.20 2010 est. 175 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.10 2010 est. 176 Cayman Islands 1.10 2008 est. 177 Italy 1.10 2010 est. 178 Saint Lucia 1.10 2010 est. 179 Brunei 1.00 2010 est. 180 Slovenia 1.00 2010 est. 181 Macau 1.00 2009 est. 182 Portugal 1.00 2010 est. 183 Grenada 0.80 2010 est. 184 Hungary 0.80 2010 est. 185 Cyprus 0.60 2010 est. 186 Faroe Islands 0.50 2008 est. 187 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.50 2010 est. 188 Lithuania 0.40 2010 est. 189 Cook Islands 0.10 2005 est. 190 Bulgaria 0.00 2010 est. 191 Marshall Islands -0.30 2008 est. 192 Spain -0.40 2010 est. 193 Bahamas, The -0.50 2010 est. 194 Tonga -0.50 2010 est. 195 British Virgin Islands -0.60 2008 est. 196 Ireland -0.60 2010 est. 197 Barbados -0.70 2010 est. 198 Jamaica -0.80 2010 est. 199 Korea, North -0.90 2009 est. 200 Montserrat -1.00 2002 est. 201 Croatia -1.40 2010 est. 202 Saint Kitts and Nevis -1.50 2010 est. 203 Latvia -1.80 2010 est. 204 Montenegro -1.80 2010 est. 205 Romania -1.90 2010 est. 206 Samoa -2.00 2010 est. 207 Venezuela -2.80 2010 est. 208 Iceland -3.40 2010 est. 209 Kyrgyzstan -3.50 2010 est. 210 Antigua and Barbuda -4.10 2010 est. 211 Greece -4.80 2010 est. 212 Puerto Rico -5.80 2010 est. 213 Haiti -8.00 2010 est. 214 Anguilla -8.50 2009 est.

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Rank code: 2004

Country Comparison :: GDP - per capita (PPP)

This entry shows GDP on a purchasing power parity basis divided by population as of 1 July for the same year.

Rank country GDP - per capita (PPP) Date of Information

1 Qatar $ 145,300 2010 est. 2 Liechtenstein $ 122,100 2007 est. 3 Luxembourg $ 81,800 2010 est. 4 Bermuda $ 69,900 2004 est. 5 Singapore $ 62,200 2010 est. 6 Norway $ 59,100 2010 est. 7 Jersey $ 57,000 2005 est. 8 Kuwait $ 51,700 2010 est. 9 Brunei $ 50,300 2010 est. 10 United States $ 47,400 2010 est. 11 Hong Kong $ 45,600 2010 est. 12 Andorra $ 44,900 2008 13 Guernsey $ 44,600 2005 14 Cayman Islands $ 43,800 2004 est. 15 Switzerland $ 42,900 2010 est. 16 San Marino $ 41,900 2007 17 Australia $ 41,300 2010 est. 18 Netherlands $ 40,500 2010 est. 19 Bahrain $ 40,400 2010 est. 20 Austria $ 40,300 2010 est. 21 United Arab Emirates $ 40,200 2010 est. 22 Canada $ 39,600 2010 est. 23 Sweden $ 39,000 2010 est. 24 British Virgin Islands $ 38,500 2004 est. 25 Gibraltar $ 38,400 2006 est. 26 Iceland $ 38,400 2010 est. 27 Belgium $ 37,900 2010 est. 28 Equatorial Guinea $ 37,900 2010 est. 29 Ireland $ 37,600 2010 est. 30 Denmark $ 37,000 2010 est. 31 Germany $ 35,900 2010 est. 32 Greenland $ 35,900 2007 est. 33 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 35,400 2002 est. 34 Finland $ 35,300 2010 est. 35 United Kingdom $ 35,100 2010 est. 36 Taiwan $ 35,100 2010 est. 37 Isle of Man $ 35,000 2005 est. 38 Japan $ 34,200 2010 est. 39 Faroe Islands $ 34,000 2008 est. 40 France $ 33,300 2010 est. 41 Macau $ 33,000 2009 42 European Union $ 32,900 2010 est. 43 Italy $ 30,700 2010 est. 44 Greece $ 30,200 2010 est. 45 Korea, South $ 30,200 2010 est. 46 Monaco $ 30,000 2006 est. 47 Israel $ 29,500 2010 est. 48 Spain $ 29,500 2010 est. 49 Bahamas, The $ 28,600 2010 est. 50 Slovenia $ 28,400 2010 est. 51 New Zealand $ 28,000 2010 est. 52 Oman $ 25,800 2010 est. 53 Czech Republic $ 25,600 2010 est. 54 Malta $ 25,100 2010 est. 55 Saudi Arabia $ 24,200 2010 est. 56 Portugal $ 23,000 2010 est. 57 Slovakia $ 22,200 2010 est. 58 Trinidad and Tobago $ 22,100 2010 est. 59 Aruba $ 21,800 2004 est. 60 Barbados $ 21,700 2010 est. 61 Seychelles $ 21,600 2010 est. 62 Cyprus $ 21,000 2010 est. 63 Estonia $ 19,000 2010 est. 64 Hungary $ 19,000 2010 est. 65 Poland $ 18,800 2010 est. 66 French Polynesia $ 18,000 2004 est. 67 Croatia $ 17,500 2010 est. 68 Antigua and Barbuda $ 16,500 2010 est. 69 Puerto Rico $ 16,300 2010 est. 70 Lithuania $ 15,900 2010 est. 71 Russia $ 15,900 2010 est. 72 Chile $ 15,500 2010 est. 73 Sint Maarten $ 15,400 2008 est. 74 New Caledonia $ 15,000 2003 est. 75 Curacao $ 14,970 2004 est. 76 Argentina $ 14,700 2010 est. 77 Malaysia $ 14,700 2010 est. 78 Gabon $ 14,600 2010 est. 79 Latvia $ 14,500 2010 est. 80 Virgin Islands $ 14,500 2004 est. 81 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 14,400 2010 est. 82 Lebanon $ 14,200 2010 est. 83 Libya $ 13,800 2010 est. 84 Mexico $ 13,800 2010 est. 85 Uruguay $ 13,600 2010 est. 86 Mauritius $ 13,500 2010 est. 87 Belarus $ 13,400 2010 est. 88 Botswana $ 13,100 2010 est. 89 Bulgaria $ 12,800 2010 est. 90 Panama $ 12,700 2010 est. 91 Venezuela $ 12,600 2010 est. 92 Kazakhstan $ 12,500 2010 est. 93 Northern Mariana Islands $ 12,500 2000 est. 94 Turkey $ 12,300 2010 est. 95 Anguilla $ 12,200 2008 est. 96 Romania $ 11,500 2010 est. 97 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 11,500 2002 est. 98 Costa Rica $ 11,400 2010 est. 99 Iran $ 11,200 2010 est. 100 World $ 11,100 2010 est. 101 Saint Lucia $ 11,100 2010 est. 102 Azerbaijan $ 11,000 2010 est. 103 Serbia $ 11,000 2010 est. 104 Brazil $ 10,900 2010 est. 105 South Africa $ 10,700 2010 est. 106 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 10,600 2010 est. 107 Dominica $ 10,500 2010 est. 108 Grenada $ 10,500 2010 est. 109 Cuba $ 9,900 2010 est. 110 Montenegro $ 9,900 2010 est. 111 Suriname $ 9,900 2010 est. 112 Colombia $ 9,800 2010 est. 113 Tunisia $ 9,500 2010 est. 114 Macedonia $ 9,400 2010 est. 115 Peru $ 9,200 2010 est. 116 Cook Islands $ 9,100 2005 est. 117 Angola $ 8,700 2010 est. 118 Thailand $ 8,700 2010 est. 119 Dominican Republic $ 8,600 2010 est. 120 Belize $ 8,400 2010 est. 121 Jamaica $ 8,400 2010 est. 122 Palau $ 8,100 2008 est. 123 Albania $ 8,000 2010 est. 124 American Samoa $ 8,000 2007 est. 125 Ecuador $ 7,800 2010 est. 126 Algeria $ 7,400 2010 est. 127 China $ 7,400 2010 est. 128 Turkmenistan $ 7,400 2010 est. 129 El Salvador $ 7,300 2010 est. 130 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 7,000 2001 est. 131 Namibia $ 6,900 2010 est. 132 Guyana $ 6,800 2010 est. 133 Ukraine $ 6,700 2010 est. 134 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 6,600 2010 est. 135 Tonga $ 6,300 2010 est. 136 Egypt $ 6,200 2010 est. 137 Kiribati $ 6,200 2010 est. 138 Armenia $ 5,800 2010 est. 139 Niue $ 5,800 2003 est. 140 Vanuatu $ 5,500 2010 est. 141 Jordan $ 5,300 2010 est. 142 Guatemala $ 5,200 2010 est. 143 Samoa $ 5,200 2010 est. 144 Bhutan $ 5,000 2010 est. 145 Nauru $ 5,000 2005 est. 146 Mayotte $ 4,900 2005 est. 147 Morocco $ 4,900 2010 est. 148 Sri Lanka $ 4,900 2010 est. 149 Paraguay $ 4,900 2010 est. 150 Bolivia $ 4,800 2010 est. 151 Syria $ 4,800 2010 est. 152 Georgia $ 4,800 2010 est. 153 Maldives $ 4,500 2010 est. 154 Swaziland $ 4,500 2010 est. 155 Fiji $ 4,300 2010 est. 156 Indonesia $ 4,300 2010 est. 157 Congo, Republic of the $ 4,200 2010 est. 158 Honduras $ 4,200 2010 est. 159 Wallis and Futuna $ 3,800 2004 est. 160 Cape Verde $ 3,700 2010 est. 161 Iraq $ 3,600 2010 est. 162 Philippines $ 3,500 2010 est. 163 India $ 3,400 2010 est. 164 Montserrat $ 3,400 2002 est. 165 Mongolia $ 3,300 2010 est. 166 Uzbekistan $ 3,100 2010 est. 167 Vietnam $ 3,100 2010 est. 168 Nicaragua $ 2,900 2010 est. 169 West Bank $ 2,900 2008 est. 170 Djibouti $ 2,800 2010 est. 171 Solomon Islands $ 2,800 2010 est. 172 Timor-Leste $ 2,600 2010 est. 173 Yemen $ 2,600 2010 est. 174 Kosovo $ 2,500 2007 175 Western Sahara $ 2,500 2007 est. 176 Papua New Guinea $ 2,500 2010 est. 177 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 2,500 1998 est. 178 Moldova $ 2,500 2010 est. 179 Marshall Islands $ 2,500 2008 est. 180 Laos $ 2,400 2010 est. 181 Pakistan $ 2,400 2010 est. 182 Nigeria $ 2,400 2010 est. 183 Cameroon $ 2,300 2010 est. 184 Kyrgyzstan $ 2,200 2010 est. 185 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 2,200 2008 est. 186 Sudan $ 2,200 2010 est. 187 Mauritania $ 2,100 2010 est. 188 Cambodia $ 2,000 2010 est. 189 Tajikistan $ 2,000 2010 est. 190 Gambia, The $ 1,900 2010 est. 191 Senegal $ 1,900 2010 est. 192 Chad $ 1,800 2010 est. 193 Sao Tome and Principe $ 1,800 2010 est. 194 Cote d'Ivoire $ 1,800 2010 est. 195 Korea, North $ 1,800 2009 est. 196 Bangladesh $ 1,700 2010 est. 197 Lesotho $ 1,700 2010 est. 198 Benin $ 1,600 2010 est. 199 Tuvalu $ 1,600 2002 est. 200 Kenya $ 1,600 2010 est. 201 Ghana $ 1,600 2010 est. 202 Tanzania $ 1,500 2010 est. 203 Zambia $ 1,500 2010 est. 204 Burkina Faso $ 1,200 2010 est. 205 Haiti $ 1,200 2010 est. 206 Mali $ 1,200 2010 est. 207 Uganda $ 1,200 2010 est. 208 Nepal $ 1,200 2010 est. 209 Burma $ 1,100 2010 est. 210 Guinea-Bissau $ 1,100 2010 est. 211 Rwanda $ 1,100 2010 est. 212 Afghanistan $ 1,000 2010 est. 213 Guinea $ 1,000 2010 est. 214 Ethiopia $ 1,000 2010 est. 215 Tokelau $ 1,000 1993 est. 216 Comoros $ 1,000 2010 est. 217 Madagascar $ 1,000 2010 est. 218 Mozambique $ 1,000 2010 est. 219 Malawi $ 900 2010 est. 220 Togo $ 900 2010 est. 221 Sierra Leone $ 900 2010 est. 222 Central African Republic $ 700 2010 est. 223 Eritrea $ 700 2010 est. 224 Niger $ 700 2010 est. 225 Somalia $ 600 2010 est. 226 Liberia $ 500 2010 est. 227 Zimbabwe $ 400 2010 est. 228 Burundi $ 300 2010 est. 229 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 300 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2005

Country Comparison :: Affiliation

Rank country Affiliation Date of Information

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Rank code: 2006

Country Comparison :: Dependency status

This entry describes the formal relationship between a particular nonindependent entity and an independent state.

Rank country Dependency status Date of Information

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Rank code: 2007

Country Comparison :: Diplomatic representation from the US

This entry includes the chief of mission, embassy address, mailing address, telephone number, FAX number, branch office locations, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.

Rank country Diplomatic representation from the USDate of Information

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Rank code: 2008

Country Comparison :: Transportation - note

This entry includes miscellaneous transportation information of significance not included elsewhere.

Rank country Transportation - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2010

Country Comparison :: Age structure

This entry provides the distribution of the population according to age. Information is included by sex and age group (0-14 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over). The age structure of a population affects a nation's key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 United Arab Emirates 78.70 2010 est. 2 Qatar 76.80 2010 est. 3 Singapore 76.70 2010 est. 4 Macau 76.20 2010 est. 5 Hong Kong 74.60 2010 est. 6 British Virgin Islands 74.40 2010 est. 7 Maldives 73.80 2010 est. 8 Moldova 73.30 2010 est. 9 Cyprus 73.10 2010 est. 10 Sint Maarten 73.00 2010 est. 11 Iran 72.90 2010 est. 12 Trinidad and Tobago 72.60 2010 est. 13 Taiwan 72.60 2010 est. 14 Korea, South 72.30 2010 est. 15 Andorra 72.20 2010 est. 16 China 72.10 2010 est. 17 Slovakia 71.70 2010 est. 18 Poland 71.60 2010 est. 19 Russia 71.50 2010 est. 20 Barbados 71.30 2010 est. 21 Belarus 71.30 2010 est. 22 Armenia 71.10 2010 est. 23 Cayman Islands 71.10 2010 est. 24 Czech Republic 71.00 2010 est. 25 Northern Mariana Islands 70.90 2010 est. 26 Palau 70.80 2010 est. 27 Bosnia and Herzegovina 70.70 2010 est. 28 Kuwait 70.70 2010 est. 29 Saint Barthelemy 70.60 2010 est. 30 Thailand 70.50 2010 est. 31 Cuba 70.40 2010 est. 32 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha70.40 2010 est. 33 Mauritius 70.40 2010 est. 34 Aruba 70.30 2010 est. 35 Montenegro 70.30 2010 est. 36 Ukraine 70.30 2010 est. 37 Kazakhstan 70.20 2010 est. 38 Bahrain 70.10 2010 est. 39 Brunei 70.10 2010 est. 40 Seychelles 70.10 2010 est. 41 Tunisia 70.10 2010 est. 42 Greenland 70.10 2010 est. 43 Slovenia 69.90 2010 est. 44 Romania 69.70 2010 est. 45 Latvia 69.60 2010 est. 46 Lithuania 69.60 2010 est. 47 Algeria 69.50 2010 est. 48 Azerbaijan 69.40 2010 est. 49 Korea, North 69.40 2010 est. 50 Macedonia 69.40 2010 est. 51 Malta 69.40 2010 est. 52 Liechtenstein 69.40 2010 est. 53 Burma 69.30 2010 est. 54 Hungary 69.30 2010 est. 55 French Polynesia 68.90 2010 est. 56 Bahamas, The 68.70 2010 est. 57 Canada 68.70 2010 est. 58 Bulgaria 68.50 2010 est. 59 Vietnam 68.30 2010 est. 60 Switzerland 68.10 2010 est. 61 Sri Lanka 68.00 2010 est. 62 Australia 67.90 2010 est. 63 Mongolia 67.90 2010 est. 64 Guernsey 67.90 2010 est. 65 Anguilla 67.80 2010 est. 66 Serbia 67.80 2010 est. 67 Chile 67.80 2010 est. 68 Jersey 67.70 2010 est. 69 Netherlands 67.70 2010 est. 70 Georgia 67.60 2010 est. 71 Austria 67.50 2010 est. 72 Saint Martin 67.50 2010 est. 73 Croatia 67.50 2010 est. 74 Estonia 67.50 2010 est. 75 Bermuda 67.50 2010 est. 76 Spain 67.40 2010 est. 77 European Union 67.23 2009 est. 78 Albania 67.10 2010 est. 79 United Kingdom 67.10 2010 est. 80 Lebanon 67.10 2010 est. 81 Ireland 67.10 2010 est. 82 Iceland 67.10 2010 est. 83 Costa Rica 67.10 2010 est. 84 United States 67.00 2010 est. 85 Uzbekistan 67.00 2010 est. 86 Turkmenistan 66.90 2010 est. 87 Brazil 66.80 2010 est. 88 Finland 66.80 2010 est. 89 Curacao 66.70 2010 90 Luxembourg 66.70 2010 est. 91 Turkey 66.70 2010 est. 92 Antigua and Barbuda 66.60 2010 est. 93 Greece 66.60 2010 est. 94 Suriname 66.60 2010 est. 95 New Zealand 66.50 2010 est. 96 Colombia 66.40 2010 est. 97 Gibraltar 66.40 2010 est. 98 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 66.40 2010 est. 99 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 66.40 2010 est. 100 Saint Lucia 66.40 2010 est. 101 Belgium 66.30 2010 est. 102 Italy 66.30 2010 est. 103 Wallis and Futuna 66.30 2010 est. 104 Norway 66.20 2010 est. 105 San Marino 66.20 2010 est. 106 Germany 66.10 2010 est. 107 Portugal 66.10 2010 est. 108 Puerto Rico 66.10 2010 est. 109 Indonesia 66.00 2010 est. 110 Isle of Man 66.00 2010 est. 111 Saint Kitts and Nevis 65.90 2010 est. 112 Virgin Islands 65.90 2010 est. 113 Denmark 65.80 2010 est. 114 South Africa 65.80 2010 est. 115 New Caledonia 65.80 2010 est. 116 Dominica 65.80 2010 est. 117 Kosovo 65.70 2010 est. 118 Turks and Caicos Islands 65.60 2010 est. 119 Tuvalu 65.60 2010 est. 120 Montserrat 65.50 2010 est. 121 Sweden 65.50 2010 est. 122 Morocco 65.40 2010 est. 123 Vanuatu 65.30 2010 est. 124 Grenada 65.20 2010 est. 125 Peru 65.20 2010 est. 126 France 65.00 2010 est. 127 Fiji 64.90 2010 est. 128 Mexico 64.60 2010 est. 129 Kyrgyzstan 64.50 2010 est. 130 Bhutan 64.30 2010 est. 131 Venezuela 64.30 2010 est. 132 Uruguay 64.30 2010 est. 133 Japan 64.30 2010 est. 134 India 64.30 2010 est. 135 Faroe Islands 64.00 2010 est. 136 Norfolk Island 63.90 2009 est. 137 Panama 63.90 2010 est. 138 Cambodia 63.80 2010 est. 139 Cook Islands 63.70 2010 est. 140 Malaysia 63.60 2010 est. 141 Argentina 63.50 2010 est. 142 Nauru 63.20 2010 est. 143 Nicaragua 62.90 2010 est. 144 Tonga 62.90 2010 est. 145 American Samoa 62.70 2010 est. 146 Egypt 62.70 2010 est. 147 Ecuador 62.70 2010 est. 148 Dominican Republic 62.70 2010 est. 149 Libya 62.60 2010 est. 150 Monaco 62.40 2010 est. 151 Israel 62.30 2010 est. 152 Micronesia, Federated States of 62.30 2010 est. 153 Guyana 62.10 2010 est. 154 Tajikistan 62.10 2010 est. 155 Timor-Leste 61.90 2010 est. 156 Bangladesh 61.40 2010 est. 157 Botswana 61.40 2010 est. 158 Jamaica 61.10 2010 est. 159 Philippines 60.60 2010 est. 160 Djibouti 60.40 2010 est. 161 Lesotho 60.20 2010 est. 162 Namibia 60.20 2010 est. 163 Bolivia 60.00 2010 est. 164 Syria 59.90 2010 est. 165 Saudi Arabia 59.50 2010 est. 166 Jordan 59.40 2010 est. 167 El Salvador 59.30 2010 est. 168 Papua New Guinea 59.30 2010 est. 169 Ghana 59.20 2010 est. 170 Nepal 59.20 2010 est. 171 Pakistan 59.10 2010 est. 172 West Bank 59.10 2010 est. 173 Kiribati 59.00 2010 est. 174 Belize 58.60 2010 est. 175 Cape Verde 58.50 2010 est. 176 Marshall Islands 58.50 2010 est. 177 Haiti 58.50 2010 est. 178 Honduras 58.40 2010 est. 179 Iraq 58.20 2010 est. 180 Paraguay 58.10 2010 est. 181 Swaziland 57.90 2010 est. 182 Solomon Islands 57.10 2010 est. 183 Guatemala 56.80 2010 est. 184 Sudan 56.80 2010 est. 185 Samoa 56.70 2010 est. 186 Cote d'Ivoire 56.60 2010 est. 187 Laos 56.20 2010 est. 188 Guinea-Bissau 56.10 2010 est. 189 Cameroon 55.90 2010 est. 190 Togo 55.80 2010 est. 191 Mauritania 55.70 2010 est. 192 Nigeria 55.50 2010 est. 193 Kenya 55.10 2010 est. 194 Central African Republic 55.00 2010 est. 195 Comoros 54.80 2010 est. 196 Rwanda 54.80 2010 est. 197 Senegal 54.80 2010 est. 198 Sierra Leone 54.70 2010 est. 199 Oman 54.50 2010 est. 200 Tanzania 54.10 2010 est. 201 Afghanistan 54.00 2010 est. 202 Equatorial Guinea 54.00 2010 est. 203 Gabon 53.90 2010 est. 204 Angola 53.70 2010 est. 205 Guinea 53.70 2010 est. 206 Eritrea 53.70 2010 est. 207 Gambia, The 53.50 2010 est. 208 Yemen 53.50 2010 est. 209 Madagascar 53.50 2010 est. 210 Gaza Strip 53.00 2010 est. 211 Tokelau 53.00 2009 est. 212 Liberia 53.00 2010 est. 213 Mayotte 52.90 2010 est. 214 Mozambique 52.80 2010 est. 215 Western Sahara 52.80 2010 est. 216 Somalia 52.60 2010 est. 217 Zambia 52.60 2010 est. 218 Zimbabwe 52.20 2010 est. 219 Benin 52.10 2010 est. 220 Malawi 51.90 2010 est. 221 Burkina Faso 51.30 2010 est. 222 Burundi 51.20 2010 est. 223 Ethiopia 51.20 2010 est. 224 Congo, Republic of the 51.20 2010 est. 225 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 50.60 2010 est. 226 Chad 50.40 2010 est. 227 Uganda 50.00 2010 est. 228 Sao Tome and Principe 49.70 2010 est. 229 Niger 49.60 2010 est. 230 Mali 49.50 2010 est. 231 Niger 48.00 2010 est. 232 Uganda 47.90 2010 est. 233 Mali 47.60 2010 est. 234 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 46.90 2010 est. 235 Sao Tome and Principe 46.90 2010 est. 236 Chad 46.70 2010 est. 237 Burundi 46.30 2010 est. 238 Burkina Faso 46.20 2010 est. 239 Ethiopia 46.10 2010 est. 240 Congo, Republic of the 45.90 2010 est. 241 Malawi 45.40 2010 est. 242 Mayotte 45.30 2010 est. 243 Benin 45.20 2010 est. 244 Zambia 45.10 2010 est. 245 Somalia 45.00 2010 est. 246 Western Sahara 44.90 2010 est. 247 Gaza Strip 44.40 2010 est. 248 Mozambique 44.30 2010 est. 249 Liberia 44.10 2010 est. 250 Yemen 43.90 2010 est. 251 Zimbabwe 43.90 2010 est. 252 Afghanistan 43.60 2010 est. 253 Gambia, The 43.60 2010 est. 254 Angola 43.50 2010 est. 255 Madagascar 43.50 2010 est. 256 Tanzania 43.00 2010 est. 257 Eritrea 42.80 2010 est. 258 Guinea 42.80 2010 est. 259 Oman 42.70 2010 est. 260 Rwanda 42.70 2010 est. 261 Kenya 42.30 2010 est. 262 Comoros 42.20 2010 est. 263 Senegal 42.20 2010 est. 264 Gabon 42.10 2010 est. 265 Tokelau 42.00 2009 est. 266 Equatorial Guinea 41.90 2010 est. 267 Sierra Leone 41.70 2010 est. 268 Nigeria 41.50 2010 est. 269 Togo 41.40 2010 est. 270 Mauritania 41.00 2010 est. 271 Cameroon 40.90 2010 est. 272 Central African Republic 40.90 2010 est. 273 Guinea-Bissau 40.80 2010 est. 274 Laos 40.80 2010 est. 275 Sudan 40.70 2010 est. 276 Cote d'Ivoire 40.60 2010 est. 277 Solomon Islands 39.50 2010 est. 278 Guatemala 39.40 2010 est. 279 Iraq 38.80 2010 est. 280 Marshall Islands 38.60 2010 est. 281 Swaziland 38.60 2010 est. 282 Haiti 38.10 2010 est. 283 Honduras 38.00 2010 est. 284 Saudi Arabia 38.00 2010 est. 285 Belize 37.90 2010 est. 286 Kiribati 37.60 2010 est. 287 Samoa 37.60 2010 est. 288 Papua New Guinea 37.30 2010 est. 289 West Bank 37.30 2010 est. 290 Ghana 37.20 2010 est. 291 Pakistan 36.70 2010 est. 292 Paraguay 36.70 2010 est. 293 Nepal 36.60 2010 est. 294 Syria 36.40 2010 est. 295 Djibouti 36.30 2010 est. 296 Jordan 36.00 2010 est. 297 Namibia 35.90 2010 est. 298 Bolivia 35.50 2010 est. 299 El Salvador 35.40 2010 est. 300 Cape Verde 35.20 2010 est. 301 Philippines 35.20 2010 est. 302 Botswana 34.80 2010 est. 303 Micronesia, Federated States of 34.80 2010 est. 304 Lesotho 34.80 2010 est. 305 Nauru 34.70 2010 est. 306 Timor-Leste 34.70 2010 est. 307 Bangladesh 34.60 2010 est. 308 Tajikistan 34.30 2010 est. 309 Nicaragua 33.80 2010 est. 310 American Samoa 33.40 2010 est. 311 Guyana 33.30 2010 est. 312 Egypt 33.00 2010 est. 313 Libya 33.00 2010 est. 314 Tonga 32.80 2010 est. 315 Cambodia 32.60 2010 est. 316 Grenada 32.00 2010 est. 317 Dominican Republic 31.40 2010 est. 318 Jamaica 31.40 2010 est. 319 Malaysia 31.40 2010 est. 320 Ecuador 31.10 2010 est. 321 Vanuatu 30.70 2010 est. 322 India 30.50 2010 est. 323 Venezuela 30.50 2010 est. 324 Fiji 30.30 2010 est. 325 Bhutan 30.20 2010 est. 326 Turks and Caicos Islands 30.20 2010 est. 327 Kyrgyzstan 29.70 2010 est. 328 Panama 29.30 2010 est. 329 Tuvalu 29.20 2010 est. 330 Mexico 29.10 2010 est. 331 Peru 29.10 2010 est. 332 South Africa 28.90 2010 est. 333 Turkmenistan 28.90 2010 est. 334 Morocco 28.70 2010 est. 335 Indonesia 28.10 2010 est. 336 Mongolia 28.10 2010 est. 337 Uzbekistan 28.10 2010 est. 338 Israel 27.90 2010 est. 339 Colombia 27.70 2010 est. 340 Kosovo 27.70 2010 est. 341 Montserrat 27.60 2010 est. 342 Turkey 27.20 2010 est. 343 Cook Islands 27.10 2010 est. 344 Suriname 27.10 2010 est. 345 Saint Martin 27.00 2010 est. 346 Antigua and Barbuda 26.80 2010 est. 347 New Caledonia 26.80 2010 est. 348 Brazil 26.70 2010 est. 349 Costa Rica 26.70 2010 est. 350 Wallis and Futuna 26.70 2010 est. 351 Brunei 26.60 2010 est. 352 Kuwait 26.40 2010 est. 353 Saint Kitts and Nevis 26.30 2010 est. 354 Vietnam 26.10 2010 est. 355 Northern Mariana Islands 26.00 2010 est. 356 Bahrain 25.90 2010 est. 357 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 25.90 2010 est. 358 Lebanon 25.80 2010 est. 359 Argentina 25.60 2010 est. 360 Algeria 25.40 2010 est. 361 Bahamas, The 25.30 2010 est. 362 Burma 25.30 2010 est. 363 Anguilla 24.50 2010 est. 364 Saint Lucia 24.40 2010 est. 365 French Polynesia 24.30 2010 est. 366 Dominica 24.00 2010 est. 367 Azerbaijan 23.90 2010 est. 368 Sri Lanka 23.90 2010 est. 369 Sint Maarten 23.40 2010 est. 370 Chile 23.20 2010 est. 371 Albania 23.10 2010 est. 372 Greenland 23.00 2010 est. 373 Monaco 23.00 2010 est. 374 Palau 22.90 2010 est. 375 Seychelles 22.80 2010 est. 376 Tunisia 22.70 2010 est. 377 Mauritius 22.50 2010 est. 378 Uruguay 22.40 2010 est. 379 Maldives 22.30 2010 est. 380 Japan 22.20 2010 est. 381 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 21.90 2010 est. 382 Kazakhstan 21.80 2010 est. 383 Qatar 21.80 2010 est. 384 Iran 21.70 2010 est. 385 Faroe Islands 21.60 2010 est. 386 Korea, North 21.30 2010 est. 387 Curacao 21.10 2010 388 Gibraltar 20.90 2010 est. 389 Ireland 20.90 2010 est. 390 Thailand 20.80 2010 est. 391 Iceland 20.70 2010 est. 392 New Zealand 20.70 2010 est. 393 United Arab Emirates 20.40 2010 est. 394 Virgin Islands 20.40 2010 est. 395 Germany 20.30 2010 est. 396 Italy 20.20 2010 est. 397 Norfolk Island 20.20 2009 est. 398 United States 20.20 2010 est. 399 British Virgin Islands 19.80 2010 est. 400 Puerto Rico 19.80 2010 est. 401 China 19.80 2010 est. 402 Cayman Islands 19.60 2010 est. 403 Trinidad and Tobago 19.60 2010 est. 404 Barbados 19.20 2010 est. 405 Greece 19.20 2010 est. 406 Saint Barthelemy 19.20 2010 est. 407 Macedonia 19.20 2010 est. 408 Aruba 19.10 2010 est. 409 Sweden 18.80 2010 est. 410 Australia 18.60 2010 est. 411 France 18.60 2010 est. 412 Luxembourg 18.50 2010 est. 413 Norway 18.50 2010 est. 414 Bermuda 18.30 2010 est. 415 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha18.30 2010 est. 416 Cuba 18.30 2010 est. 417 Armenia 18.20 2010 est. 418 Denmark 18.10 2010 est. 419 Spain 18.10 2010 est. 420 Austria 18.00 2010 est. 421 Bulgaria 17.70 2010 est. 422 Belgium 17.60 2010 est. 423 Portugal 17.60 2010 est. 424 Estonia 17.60 2010 est. 425 Guernsey 17.60 2010 est. 426 Netherlands 17.40 2010 est. 427 European Union 17.33 2009 est. 428 Isle of Man 17.10 2010 est. 429 Croatia 17.00 2010 est. 430 Latvia 17.00 2010 est. 431 Cyprus 17.00 2010 est. 432 Isle of Man 16.90 2010 est. 433 San Marino 16.90 2010 est. 434 San Marino 16.90 2010 est. 435 Finland 16.80 2010 est. 436 Serbia 16.80 2010 est. 437 Korea, South 16.80 2010 est. 438 United Kingdom 16.70 2010 est. 439 Taiwan 16.70 2010 est. 440 Liechtenstein 16.60 2010 est. 441 Slovenia 16.50 2010 est. 442 Finland 16.40 2010 est. 443 Georgia 16.40 2010 est. 444 France 16.40 2010 est. 445 Jersey 16.30 2010 est. 446 Portugal 16.30 2010 est. 447 Switzerland 16.30 2010 est. 448 Lithuania 16.20 2010 est. 449 United Kingdom 16.20 2010 est. 450 Belgium 16.10 2010 est. 451 Denmark 16.10 2010 est. 452 Malta 16.10 2010 est. 453 Macau 16.10 2010 est. 454 Jersey 16.10 2010 est. 455 Georgia 16.10 2010 est. 456 Canada 16.10 2010 est. 457 Montenegro 16.00 2010 est. 458 Moldova 15.90 2010 est. 459 Ukraine 15.90 2010 est. 460 Norfolk Island 15.90 2009 est. 461 Hungary 15.80 2010 est. 462 Slovakia 15.80 2010 est. 463 Sweden 15.70 2010 est. 464 Croatia 15.60 2010 est. 465 Switzerland 15.60 2010 est. 466 Andorra 15.50 2010 est. 467 Romania 15.50 2010 est. 468 Czech Republic 15.50 2010 est. 469 European Union 15.44 2009 est. 470 Serbia 15.40 2010 est. 471 Canada 15.20 2010 est. 472 Norway 15.20 2010 est. 473 Hungary 15.00 2010 est. 474 Poland 15.00 2010 est. 475 Estonia 14.90 2010 est. 476 Netherlands 14.90 2010 est. 477 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.80 2010 est. 478 Russia 14.80 2010 est. 479 Luxembourg 14.80 2010 est. 480 Romania 14.70 2010 est. 481 Monaco 14.60 2010 est. 482 Austria 14.50 2010 est. 483 Belarus 14.50 2010 est. 484 Spain 14.50 2010 est. 485 Malta 14.50 2010 est. 486 Guernsey 14.50 2010 est. 487 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.50 2010 est. 488 Faroe Islands 14.40 2010 est. 489 Singapore 14.40 2010 est. 490 Belarus 14.30 2010 est. 491 Greece 14.30 2010 est. 492 Bermuda 14.20 2010 est. 493 Lithuania 14.20 2010 est. 494 Puerto Rico 14.10 2010 est. 495 Liechtenstein 13.90 2010 est. 496 Bulgaria 13.80 2010 est. 497 Ukraine 13.80 2010 est. 498 Germany 13.70 2010 est. 499 Russia 13.70 2010 est. 500 Montenegro 13.70 2010 est. 501 Czech Republic 13.60 2010 est. 502 Virgin Islands 13.60 2010 est. 503 Australia 13.50 2010 est. 504 Italy 13.50 2010 est. 505 Japan 13.50 2010 est. 506 Slovenia 13.50 2010 est. 507 Poland 13.40 2010 est. 508 Latvia 13.30 2010 est. 509 Uruguay 13.30 2010 est. 510 Hong Kong 13.10 2010 est. 511 New Zealand 12.80 2010 est. 512 United States 12.80 2010 est. 513 Gibraltar 12.70 2010 est. 514 Slovakia 12.50 2010 est. 515 Andorra 12.30 2010 est. 516 Curacao 12.20 2010 517 Hong Kong 12.20 2010 est. 518 Iceland 12.20 2010 est. 519 Ireland 12.00 2010 est. 520 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 11.70 2010 est. 521 Macedonia 11.40 2010 est. 522 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha11.40 2010 est. 523 Cuba 11.20 2010 est. 524 Argentina 10.80 2010 est. 525 Moldova 10.80 2010 est. 526 Korea, South 10.80 2010 est. 527 Taiwan 10.70 2010 est. 528 Armenia 10.60 2010 est. 529 Aruba 10.60 2010 est. 530 Dominica 10.20 2010 est. 531 Saint Barthelemy 10.20 2010 est. 532 Cyprus 9.90 2010 est. 533 Israel 9.90 2010 est. 534 Albania 9.80 2010 est. 535 Barbados 9.50 2010 est. 536 Korea, North 9.40 2010 est. 537 Cayman Islands 9.30 2010 est. 538 Cook Islands 9.20 2010 est. 539 Saint Lucia 9.20 2010 est. 540 Chile 9.10 2010 est. 541 Singapore 8.90 2010 est. 542 Thailand 8.70 2010 est. 543 China 8.10 2010 est. 544 Sri Lanka 8.10 2010 est. 545 Kazakhstan 7.90 2010 est. 546 Saint Kitts and Nevis 7.90 2010 est. 547 Trinidad and Tobago 7.90 2010 est. 548 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 7.80 2010 est. 549 Anguilla 7.70 2010 est. 550 Macau 7.70 2010 est. 551 Jamaica 7.50 2010 est. 552 New Caledonia 7.30 2010 est. 553 Lebanon 7.20 2010 est. 554 Tunisia 7.20 2010 est. 555 Mauritius 7.10 2010 est. 556 Seychelles 7.10 2010 est. 557 Wallis and Futuna 7.10 2010 est. 558 Greenland 6.90 2010 est. 559 Montserrat 6.90 2010 est. 560 French Polynesia 6.80 2010 est. 561 Panama 6.80 2010 est. 562 Azerbaijan 6.70 2010 est. 563 Antigua and Barbuda 6.60 2010 est. 564 Kosovo 6.60 2010 est. 565 Brazil 6.40 2010 est. 566 Cape Verde 6.40 2010 est. 567 Suriname 6.30 2010 est. 568 Costa Rica 6.20 2010 est. 569 Palau 6.20 2010 est. 570 Ecuador 6.20 2010 est. 571 Mexico 6.20 2010 est. 572 Turkey 6.10 2010 est. 573 Indonesia 6.00 2010 est. 574 Morocco 6.00 2010 est. 575 Bahamas, The 5.90 2010 est. 576 Dominican Republic 5.90 2010 est. 577 British Virgin Islands 5.80 2010 est. 578 Colombia 5.80 2010 est. 579 Kyrgyzstan 5.80 2010 est. 580 Peru 5.70 2010 est. 581 Samoa 5.70 2010 est. 582 Vietnam 5.60 2010 est. 583 Bhutan 5.50 2010 est. 584 Saint Martin 5.50 2010 est. 585 Burma 5.40 2010 est. 586 South Africa 5.40 2010 est. 587 Iran 5.40 2010 est. 588 El Salvador 5.30 2010 est. 589 India 5.20 2010 est. 590 Paraguay 5.20 2010 est. 591 Venezuela 5.20 2010 est. 592 Tuvalu 5.20 2010 est. 593 Algeria 5.10 2010 est. 594 Lesotho 5.00 2010 est. 595 Tokelau 5.00 2009 est. 596 Malaysia 5.00 2010 est. 597 Uzbekistan 4.90 2010 est. 598 Fiji 4.80 2010 est. 599 Guyana 4.60 2010 est. 600 Jordan 4.60 2010 est. 601 Bolivia 4.50 2010 est. 602 Libya 4.40 2010 est. 603 Egypt 4.30 2010 est. 604 Tonga 4.30 2010 est. 605 Turkmenistan 4.30 2010 est. 606 Nepal 4.20 2010 est. 607 Pakistan 4.20 2010 est. 608 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.20 2010 est. 609 Central African Republic 4.10 2010 est. 610 Philippines 4.10 2010 est. 611 Equatorial Guinea 4.10 2010 est. 612 Bahrain 4.00 2010 est. 613 Bangladesh 4.00 2010 est. 614 Vanuatu 4.00 2010 est. 615 Mongolia 4.00 2010 est. 616 American Samoa 3.90 2010 est. 617 Botswana 3.90 2010 est. 618 Zimbabwe 3.90 2010 est. 619 Maldives 3.90 2010 est. 620 Gabon 3.90 2010 est. 621 Namibia 3.90 2010 est. 622 Guatemala 3.80 2010 est. 623 Syria 3.70 2010 est. 624 West Bank 3.70 2010 est. 625 Cambodia 3.60 2010 est. 626 Sierra Leone 3.60 2010 est. 627 Sint Maarten 3.60 2010 est. 628 Tajikistan 3.60 2010 est. 629 Honduras 3.60 2010 est. 630 Eritrea 3.60 2010 est. 631 Belize 3.50 2010 est. 632 Swaziland 3.50 2010 est. 633 Solomon Islands 3.50 2010 est. 634 Sao Tome and Principe 3.50 2010 est. 635 Papua New Guinea 3.50 2010 est. 636 Kiribati 3.50 2010 est. 637 Guinea 3.50 2010 est. 638 Ghana 3.50 2010 est. 639 Haiti 3.40 2010 est. 640 Mauritania 3.40 2010 est. 641 Timor-Leste 3.40 2010 est. 642 Brunei 3.30 2010 est. 643 Cameroon 3.30 2010 est. 644 Nicaragua 3.30 2010 est. 645 Djibouti 3.20 2010 est. 646 Comoros 3.10 2010 est. 647 Northern Mariana Islands 3.10 2010 est. 648 Nigeria 3.10 2010 est. 649 Guinea-Bissau 3.10 2010 est. 650 Laos 3.10 2010 est. 651 Iraq 3.00 2010 est. 652 Kuwait 3.00 2010 est. 653 Mali 3.00 2010 est. 654 Senegal 3.00 2010 est. 655 Madagascar 3.00 2010 est. 656 Chad 2.90 2010 est. 657 Cote d'Ivoire 2.90 2010 est. 658 Micronesia, Federated States of 2.90 2010 est. 659 Tanzania 2.90 2010 est. 660 Mozambique 2.90 2010 est. 661 Marshall Islands 2.90 2010 est. 662 Congo, Republic of the 2.80 2010 est. 663 Gambia, The 2.80 2010 est. 664 Togo 2.80 2010 est. 665 Oman 2.80 2010 est. 666 Liberia 2.80 2010 est. 667 Grenada 2.80 2010 est. 668 Angola 2.70 2010 est. 669 Malawi 2.70 2010 est. 670 Ethiopia 2.70 2010 est. 671 Benin 2.60 2010 est. 672 Gaza Strip 2.60 2010 est. 673 Kenya 2.60 2010 est. 674 Yemen 2.60 2010 est. 675 Burkina Faso 2.50 2010 est. 676 Burundi 2.50 2010 est. 677 Saudi Arabia 2.50 2010 est. 678 Rwanda 2.50 2010 est. 679 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.50 2010 est. 680 Somalia 2.50 2010 est. 681 Sudan 2.50 2010 est. 682 Afghanistan 2.40 2010 est. 683 Niger 2.30 2010 est. 684 Western Sahara 2.30 2010 est. 685 Zambia 2.30 2010 est. 686 Nauru 2.10 2010 est. 687 Uganda 2.10 2010 est. 688 Mayotte 1.80 2010 est. 689 Qatar 1.40 2010 est. 690 United Arab Emirates 0.90 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2011

Country Comparison :: Geographic coordinates

This entry includes rounded latitude and longitude figures for the purpose of finding the approximate geographic center of an entity and is based on the locations provided in the Geographic Names Server (GNS), maintained by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency on behalf of the US Board on Geographic Names.

Rank country Geographic coordinates Date of Information

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Rank code: 2012

Country Comparison :: GDP - composition by sector

This entry gives the percentage contribution of agriculture, industry, and services to total GDP. The distribution will total less than 100 percent if the data are incomplete.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Gibraltar 100.00 2008 2 Macau 97.10 2009 est. 3 Jersey 97.00 2005 4 Cayman Islands 95.40 1994 est. 5 Monaco 95.10 2005 6 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 95.00 1996 7 Equatorial Guinea 93.90 2010 est. 8 Hong Kong 92.30 2010 est. 9 Bermuda 89.00 2002 est. 10 British Virgin Islands 88.30 1996 est. 11 Guernsey 87.00 2000 12 Isle of Man 86.00 2000 est. 13 Luxembourg 86.00 2007 est. 14 Bahamas, The 84.10 2001 est. 15 Curacao 84.00 2000 est. 16 Saint Martin 84.00 2000 17 Djibouti 81.90 2006 18 Palau 81.80 2003 19 Sint Maarten 81.30 2008 est. 20 West Bank 81.00 2008 est. 21 Malta 80.90 2007 est. 22 Saint Lucia 80.00 2005 est. 23 Virgin Islands 80.00 2003 est. 24 Cyprus 79.30 2010 est. 25 France 79.00 2010 est. 26 Lebanon 79.00 2010 est. 27 Qatar 78.80 2010 est. 28 Greece 78.50 2010 est. 29 Anguilla 78.00 2002 est. 30 Barbados 78.00 2000 est. 31 Fiji 77.60 2004 est. 32 Panama 77.60 2010 est. 33 Maldives 77.50 2009 est. 34 Belgium 77.20 2010 est. 35 United Kingdom 77.10 2010 est. 36 Liberia 76.90 2002 est. 37 United States 76.70 2010 est. 38 Grenada 76.60 2003 39 New Caledonia 76.20 2003 40 Denmark 76.10 2010 est. 41 French Polynesia 76.10 2005 42 Japan 75.70 2010 est. 43 Montserrat 75.70 1999 est. 44 Cook Islands 75.30 2004 45 Samoa 75.30 2004 est. 46 Latvia 75.20 2010 est. 47 Cape Verde 74.80 2010 est. 48 Portugal 74.50 2010 est. 49 Antigua and Barbuda 74.30 2002 est. 50 Brunei 74.10 2008 est. 51 Italy 73.30 2010 est. 52 Cuba 72.90 2010 est. 53 European Union 72.90 2010 est. 54 Singapore 72.80 2010 est. 55 Netherlands 72.40 2010 est. 56 Sweden 72.20 2010 est. 57 Spain 71.60 2010 est. 58 New Zealand 71.40 2010 est. 59 Canada 71.30 2009 est. 60 Germany 71.30 2010 est. 61 Australia 71.20 2010 est. 62 Switzerland 71.20 2010 est. 63 Costa Rica 70.80 2010 est. 64 Saint Kitts and Nevis 70.70 2001 65 Mauritius 70.50 2010 est. 66 Iceland 69.90 2010 est. 67 Austria 69.10 2010 est. 68 Estonia 68.80 2010 est. 69 Finland 68.20 2010 est. 70 Lithuania 68.20 2010 est. 71 Uruguay 67.90 2010 est. 72 Eritrea 67.70 2010 est. 73 Brazil 67.50 2010 est. 74 Dominican Republic 67.50 2010 est. 75 Taiwan 67.50 2010 est. 76 Kiribati 66.80 2004 77 Slovenia 66.60 2010 est. 78 Aruba 66.30 2002 est. 79 Jordan 66.20 2010 est. 80 Seychelles 66.20 2009 est. 81 Croatia 66.00 2010 est. 82 Angola 65.80 2008 est. 83 South Africa 65.80 2010 est. 84 Turkey 65.50 2010 est. 85 Israel 65.00 2010 est. 86 Somalia 65.00 2005 est. 87 Bulgaria 64.90 2009 est. 88 Suriname 64.80 2005 est. 89 Jamaica 64.60 2010 est. 90 Kosovo 64.50 2010 est. 91 Serbia 64.50 2010 est. 92 Bosnia and Herzegovina 64.30 2010 est. 93 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 64.00 2001 est. 94 Libya 63.80 2010 est. 95 Congo, Republic of the 63.70 2010 est. 96 Moldova 63.60 2010 est. 97 Senegal 63.60 2010 est. 98 Greenland 63.20 2007 est. 99 Iraq 63.00 2010 est. 100 Poland 63.00 2010 est. 101 Gabon 62.70 2010 est. 102 Mexico 62.50 2010 est. 103 Sao Tome and Principe 62.40 2010 est. 104 Guatemala 62.30 2010 est. 105 Georgia 62.00 2010 est. 106 Russia 62.00 2010 est. 107 Vanuatu 62.00 2000 est. 108 Kenya 62.00 2010 est. 109 Guinea-Bissau 62.00 1999 est. 110 Saudi Arabia 61.90 2010 est. 111 Slovakia 61.80 2010 est. 112 Algeria 61.50 2010 est. 113 Hungary 61.50 2010 est. 114 Azerbaijan 61.40 2010 est. 115 Venezuela 61.10 2010 est. 116 Honduras 60.80 2010 est. 117 Ecuador 60.30 2010 est. 118 Paraguay 60.10 2010 est. 119 El Salvador 59.90 2010 est. 120 Argentina 59.80 2010 est. 121 Turkmenistan 59.80 2010 est. 122 Czech Republic 59.50 2010 est. 123 Trinidad and Tobago 59.40 2010 est. 124 Albania 59.30 2010 est. 125 Macedonia 58.30 2010 est. 126 Lesotho 58.20 2010 est. 127 Namibia 58.20 2010 est. 128 Tajikistan 58.10 2010 est. 129 Ukraine 57.90 2010 est. 130 Norway 57.80 2010 est. 131 Korea, South 57.60 2008 est. 132 Sri Lanka 57.60 2010 est. 133 Haiti 57.00 2009 est. 134 Tonga 57.00 FY05/06 est. 135 Madagascar 56.80 2010 est. 136 Bahrain 56.60 2010 est. 137 Zimbabwe 56.50 2010 est. 138 Tuvalu 56.20 2002 139 Comoros 56.00 2001 est. 140 Nicaragua 56.00 2010 est. 141 Micronesia, Federated States of 55.90 2004 est. 142 Syria 55.60 2010 est. 143 India 55.30 2010 est. 144 Central African Republic 55.00 2001 est. 145 Timor-Leste 55.00 2005 146 Faroe Islands 55.00 2007 est. 147 Tunisia 54.80 2010 est. 148 Pakistan 54.60 2010 est. 149 Philippines 54.60 2010 est. 150 Belize 54.10 2008 est. 151 Liechtenstein 54.00 2007 152 Puerto Rico 54.00 2005 est. 153 Chile 53.90 2009 est. 154 Gambia, The 53.60 2010 est. 155 Marshall Islands 53.40 2004 est. 156 San Marino 53.40 2007 157 Yemen 53.00 2010 est. 158 Bangladesh 52.90 2010 est. 159 Colombia 52.70 2010 est. 160 Peru 52.60 2010 est. 161 Benin 52.30 2007 est. 162 Nepal 52.00 FY09 est. 163 Botswana 51.90 2009 est. 164 Uganda 51.90 2010 est. 165 Kuwait 51.60 2010 est. 166 United Arab Emirates 51.50 2010 est. 167 Morocco 51.40 2010 est. 168 Kazakhstan 51.20 2009 est. 169 Romania 51.20 2010 est. 170 Bolivia 51.00 2010 est. 171 Guyana 51.00 2010 est. 172 Cote d'Ivoire 50.60 2010 est. 173 Chad 50.50 2010 est. 174 Kyrgyzstan 50.40 2010 est. 175 Oman 50.30 2010 est. 176 Dominica 49.50 2004 est. 177 Niue 49.50 2003 178 Swaziland 49.40 2010 est. 179 Malaysia 49.30 2010 est. 180 Mongolia 49.30 2009 est. 181 Burkina Faso 49.20 2009 est. 182 Cameroon 49.10 2010 est. 183 Ireland 49.00 2002 est. 184 Sierra Leone 49.00 2005 est. 185 Egypt 48.60 2010 est. 186 Oman 48.20 2010 est. 187 Belarus 48.10 2010 est. 188 Kuwait 48.10 2010 est. 189 United Arab Emirates 47.60 2010 est. 190 Togo 47.40 2009 est. 191 Burundi 47.00 2010 est. 192 Solomon Islands 47.00 2005 est. 193 Korea, North 46.90 2002 est. 194 China 46.80 2010 est. 195 Indonesia 46.80 2010 est. 196 Mauritania 46.70 2008 est. 197 Armenia 46.60 2010 est. 198 Zambia 46.60 2010 est. 199 San Marino 46.50 2007 200 Uzbekistan 46.40 2010 est. 201 Ireland 46.00 2002 est. 202 Iran 45.90 2010 est. 203 Botswana 45.80 2009 est. 204 Guinea 45.70 2010 est. 205 Thailand 45.60 2010 est. 206 Mozambique 45.20 2010 est. 207 Bhutan 45.00 2006 208 Mali 45.00 2001 est. 209 Puerto Rico 45.00 2005 est. 210 Malawi 44.90 2010 est. 211 Niger 44.00 2001 212 Thailand 44.00 2010 est. 213 China 43.60 2010 est. 214 Rwanda 43.60 2010 est. 215 Ethiopia 43.40 2010 est. 216 Burma 43.20 2010 est. 217 Iran 43.10 2010 est. 218 Afghanistan 43.00 2008 est. 219 Bahrain 42.90 2010 est. 220 Belarus 42.90 2010 est. 221 Ethiopia 42.90 2010 est. 222 Kazakhstan 42.80 2009 est. 223 Chad 42.50 2010 est. 224 Rwanda 42.10 2010 est. 225 Solomon Islands 42.00 2005 est. 226 Swaziland 42.00 2010 est. 227 Ghana 41.60 2010 est. 228 Malaysia 41.60 2010 est. 229 Tanzania 41.60 2010 est. 230 Cambodia 41.00 2007 est. 231 Mauritania 40.70 2008 est. 232 Chile 40.50 2009 est. 233 Vietnam 40.20 2010 est. 234 Norway 40.10 2010 est. 235 Trinidad and Tobago 40.10 2010 est. 236 Comoros 40.00 2001 est. 237 Western Sahara 40.00 2007 est. 238 Korea, South 39.40 2008 est. 239 Vietnam 39.20 2010 est. 240 Liechtenstein 39.00 2007 241 Niger 39.00 2001 242 Sudan 38.90 2010 est. 243 Yemen 38.80 2010 est. 244 Laos 38.50 2010 est. 245 Tanzania 38.40 2010 est. 246 Czech Republic 38.30 2010 est. 247 Indonesia 38.30 2010 est. 248 Bolivia 38.00 2010 est. 249 Colombia 38.00 2010 est. 250 Mali 38.00 2001 est. 251 Egypt 37.90 2010 est. 252 Bhutan 37.40 2006 253 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 37.40 2008 est. 254 Burma 36.80 2010 est. 255 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 36.60 2008 est. 256 Romania 36.00 2010 est. 257 Hungary 35.70 2010 est. 258 Papua New Guinea 35.70 2010 est. 259 Slovakia 35.60 2010 est. 260 Saudi Arabia 35.40 2010 est. 261 Nigeria 35.20 2010 est. 262 Venezuela 34.90 2010 est. 263 Lesotho 34.60 2010 est. 264 Tunisia 34.60 2010 est. 265 Russia 33.80 2010 est. 266 Ghana 33.70 2010 est. 267 Zambia 33.70 2010 est. 268 Libya 33.60 2010 est. 269 Malawi 33.40 2010 est. 270 Aruba 33.30 2002 est. 271 Mexico 33.30 2010 est. 272 Benin 33.20 2007 est. 273 Azerbaijan 33.10 2010 est. 274 Nepal 33.00 FY09 est. 275 Peru 33.00 2010 est. 276 Ecuador 32.90 2010 est. 277 Nigeria 32.90 2010 est. 278 Dominica 32.80 2004 est. 279 Gabon 32.80 2010 est. 280 Namibia 32.70 2010 est. 281 Israel 32.60 2010 est. 282 Ukraine 32.30 2010 est. 283 Uzbekistan 32.30 2010 est. 284 Papua New Guinea 32.20 2010 est. 285 Timor-Leste 32.20 2005 286 Korea, North 32.10 2002 est. 287 Sudan 32.10 2010 est. 288 Papua New Guinea 32.10 2010 est. 289 Congo, Republic of the 32.00 2010 est. 290 Greenland 31.90 2007 est. 291 Nigeria 31.90 2010 est. 292 Poland 31.80 2010 est. 293 Laos 31.70 2010 est. 294 Philippines 31.70 2010 est. 295 Marshall Islands 31.70 2004 est. 296 Argentina 31.60 2010 est. 297 Burundi 31.60 2010 est. 298 Morocco 31.60 2010 est. 299 Armenia 31.40 2010 est. 300 South Africa 31.20 2010 est. 301 Taiwan 31.10 2010 est. 302 Afghanistan 31.00 2008 est. 303 Sierra Leone 31.00 2005 est. 304 Slovenia 31.00 2010 est. 305 Cameroon 30.90 2010 est. 306 Seychelles 30.80 2009 est. 307 Jordan 30.30 2010 est. 308 Algeria 30.20 2010 est. 309 Burkina Faso 30.10 2009 est. 310 Gambia, The 30.10 2010 est. 311 Cambodia 30.00 2007 est. 312 Turkmenistan 30.00 2010 est. 313 Laos 29.80 2010 est. 314 Sri Lanka 29.80 2010 est. 315 Jamaica 29.70 2010 est. 316 Macedonia 29.60 2010 est. 317 Mongolia 29.50 2009 est. 318 Austria 29.40 2010 est. 319 El Salvador 29.10 2010 est. 320 Finland 29.10 2010 est. 321 Belize 29.00 2008 est. 322 Cambodia 29.00 2007 est. 323 Sudan 29.00 2010 est. 324 Faroe Islands 29.00 2007 est. 325 Micronesia, Federated States of 28.90 2004 est. 326 Mozambique 28.80 2010 est. 327 Bangladesh 28.70 2010 est. 328 Estonia 28.70 2010 est. 329 India 28.60 2010 est. 330 Guinea 28.50 2010 est. 331 Cote d'Ivoire 28.20 2010 est. 332 Germany 27.90 2010 est. 333 Bulgaria 27.60 2009 est. 334 Lithuania 27.60 2010 est. 335 Switzerland 27.50 2010 est. 336 Iraq 27.30 2010 est. 337 Croatia 27.20 2010 est. 338 Singapore 27.20 2010 est. 339 Togo 27.20 2009 est. 340 Tuvalu 27.20 2002 341 Georgia 27.10 2010 est. 342 Honduras 26.90 2010 est. 343 Niue 26.90 2003 344 Syria 26.80 2010 est. 345 Madagascar 26.50 2010 est. 346 Nicaragua 26.50 2010 est. 347 Brazil 26.40 2010 est. 348 Canada 26.40 2009 est. 349 Sweden 26.10 2010 est. 350 Afghanistan 26.00 2008 est. 351 Guinea-Bissau 26.00 1999 est. 352 Mozambique 26.00 2010 est. 353 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 26.00 2001 est. 354 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 26.00 2008 est. 355 Vanuatu 26.00 2000 est. 356 Bosnia and Herzegovina 25.90 2010 est. 357 Guinea 25.80 2010 est. 358 Saint Kitts and Nevis 25.80 2001 359 Turkey 25.70 2010 est. 360 Spain 25.50 2010 est. 361 Togo 25.40 2009 est. 362 Brunei 25.30 2008 est. 363 European Union 25.20 2010 est. 364 Central African Republic 25.00 2001 est. 365 Kyrgyzstan 25.00 2010 est. 366 Tonga 25.00 FY05/06 est. 367 Somalia 25.00 2005 est. 368 Italy 24.90 2010 est. 369 Netherlands 24.90 2010 est. 370 Australia 24.80 2010 est. 371 Ghana 24.70 2010 est. 372 Guyana 24.70 2010 est. 373 Iceland 24.70 2010 est. 374 Angola 24.60 2008 est. 375 Mauritius 24.60 2010 est. 376 Kyrgyzstan 24.60 2010 est. 377 Uganda 24.50 2010 est. 378 Guatemala 24.40 2010 est. 379 Suriname 24.40 2005 est. 380 Guyana 24.30 2010 est. 381 Kiribati 24.20 2004 382 New Zealand 24.00 2010 est. 383 Zimbabwe 24.00 2010 est. 384 Pakistan 23.60 2010 est. 385 Uganda 23.60 2010 est. 386 Niue 23.50 2003 387 Montserrat 23.10 1999 est. 388 Haiti 23.00 2009 est. 389 Portugal 23.00 2010 est. 390 Costa Rica 22.90 2010 est. 391 Sao Tome and Principe 22.90 2010 est. 392 Denmark 22.80 2010 est. 393 Uruguay 22.80 2010 est. 394 Japan 22.80 2010 est. 395 Cuba 22.70 2010 est. 396 Kosovo 22.60 2010 est. 397 Serbia 22.60 2010 est. 398 Tajikistan 22.60 2010 est. 399 United States 22.20 2010 est. 400 Belgium 22.10 2010 est. 401 United Kingdom 22.10 2010 est. 402 Antigua and Barbuda 22.00 2002 est. 403 Kenya 22.00 2010 est. 404 Armenia 22.00 2010 est. 405 Pakistan 21.80 2010 est. 406 Paraguay 21.80 2010 est. 407 Malawi 21.70 2010 est. 408 Burundi 21.40 2010 est. 409 Senegal 21.40 2010 est. 410 Cote d'Ivoire 21.30 2010 est. 411 Albania 21.20 2010 est. 412 Uzbekistan 21.20 2010 est. 413 Mongolia 21.20 2009 est. 414 Qatar 21.10 2010 est. 415 Dominican Republic 21.00 2010 est. 416 Sierra Leone 21.00 2005 est. 417 Korea, North 20.90 2002 est. 418 Burkina Faso 20.70 2009 est. 419 Latvia 20.60 2010 est. 420 Vietnam 20.50 2010 est. 421 Eritrea 20.40 2010 est. 422 French Polynesia 20.40 2005 423 Moldova 20.10 2010 est. 424 Burma 20.00 2010 est. 425 Haiti 20.00 2009 est. 426 Cameroon 20.00 2010 est. 427 Central African Republic 20.00 2001 est. 428 Zambia 19.70 2010 est. 429 Albania 19.50 2010 est. 430 Zimbabwe 19.50 2010 est. 431 France 19.20 2010 est. 432 Tajikistan 19.20 2010 est. 433 Virgin Islands 19.00 2003 est. 434 Cyprus 18.60 2010 est. 435 Bangladesh 18.40 2010 est. 436 Sint Maarten 18.30 2008 est. 437 Paraguay 18.20 2010 est. 438 Tanzania 18.10 2010 est. 439 Anguilla 18.00 2002 est. 440 Grenada 18.00 2003 441 Dominica 17.70 2004 est. 442 Liberia 17.70 2002 est. 443 Bhutan 17.60 2006 444 Greece 17.60 2010 est. 445 Syria 17.60 2010 est. 446 Nicaragua 17.60 2010 est. 447 Malta 17.40 2007 est. 448 Morocco 17.10 2010 est. 449 Mali 17.00 2001 est. 450 Tonga 17.00 FY05/06 est. 451 Niger 17.00 2001 452 Belize 16.90 2008 est. 453 Maldives 16.90 2009 est. 454 Madagascar 16.70 2010 est. 455 Panama 16.60 2010 est. 456 Tuvalu 16.60 2002 457 Gambia, The 16.30 2010 est. 458 Moldova 16.30 2010 est. 459 Cape Verde 16.20 2010 est. 460 India 16.10 2010 est. 461 Barbados 16.00 2000 est. 462 Faroe Islands 16.00 2007 est. 463 Kenya 16.00 2010 est. 464 Lebanon 15.90 2010 est. 465 Micronesia, Federated States of 15.20 2004 est. 466 Cook Islands 15.10 2004 467 Curacao 15.00 2000 est. 468 Nepal 15.00 FY09 est. 469 Saint Lucia 15.00 2005 est. 470 Saint Martin 15.00 2000 471 New Caledonia 15.00 2003 472 Djibouti 14.90 2006 473 Indonesia 14.90 2010 est. 474 Marshall Islands 14.90 2004 est. 475 Senegal 14.90 2010 est. 476 Bahamas, The 14.70 2001 est. 477 Sao Tome and Principe 14.70 2010 est. 478 Benin 14.50 2007 est. 479 Rwanda 14.30 2010 est. 480 West Bank 14.00 2008 est. 481 Ethiopia 13.70 2010 est. 482 Philippines 13.70 2010 est. 483 Luxembourg 13.60 2007 est. 484 Egypt 13.50 2010 est. 485 Fiji 13.50 2004 est. 486 Guatemala 13.30 2010 est. 487 Samoa 13.10 2004 est. 488 Isle of Man 13.00 2000 est. 489 Serbia 13.00 2010 est. 490 Kosovo 12.90 2010 est. 491 Romania 12.80 2010 est. 492 Timor-Leste 12.80 2005 493 Sri Lanka 12.60 2010 est. 494 Mauritania 12.50 2008 est. 495 Honduras 12.40 2010 est. 496 Macedonia 12.10 2010 est. 497 Guinea-Bissau 12.00 1999 est. 498 Vanuatu 12.00 2000 est. 499 Palau 12.00 2003 500 Eritrea 11.80 2010 est. 501 Samoa 11.60 2004 est. 502 Dominican Republic 11.50 2010 est. 503 Bolivia 11.00 2010 est. 504 Solomon Islands 11.00 2005 est. 505 El Salvador 11.00 2010 est. 506 Iran 11.00 2010 est. 507 Georgia 11.00 2010 est. 508 Suriname 10.80 2005 est. 509 British Virgin Islands 10.70 1996 est. 510 Tunisia 10.60 2010 est. 511 Thailand 10.40 2010 est. 512 Turkmenistan 10.20 2010 est. 513 Bermuda 10.00 2002 est. 514 Somalia 10.00 2005 est. 515 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10.00 2001 est. 516 Guernsey 10.00 2000 517 Bosnia and Herzegovina 9.80 2010 est. 518 Ukraine 9.80 2010 est. 519 Iraq 9.70 2010 est. 520 Angola 9.60 2008 est. 521 Cook Islands 9.60 2004 522 China 9.60 2010 est. 523 Colombia 9.30 2010 est. 524 Uruguay 9.30 2010 est. 525 Malaysia 9.10 2010 est. 526 Belarus 9.00 2010 est. 527 Namibia 9.00 2010 est. 528 Cape Verde 9.00 2010 est. 529 Fiji 8.90 2004 est. 530 Kiribati 8.90 2004 531 New Caledonia 8.80 2003 532 Turkey 8.80 2010 est. 533 Swaziland 8.60 2010 est. 534 Argentina 8.50 2010 est. 535 Algeria 8.30 2010 est. 536 Yemen 8.20 2010 est. 537 Liechtenstein 8.00 2007 538 Hong Kong 7.60 2010 est. 539 Bulgaria 7.50 2009 est. 540 Lesotho 7.10 2010 est. 541 Chad 7.00 2010 est. 542 Croatia 6.80 2010 est. 543 Ecuador 6.80 2010 est. 544 Costa Rica 6.30 2010 est. 545 Palau 6.20 2003 546 Brazil 6.10 2010 est. 547 Barbados 6.00 2000 est. 548 Kazakhstan 6.00 2009 est. 549 Panama 5.80 2010 est. 550 Peru 5.80 2010 est. 551 Jamaica 5.70 2010 est. 552 Chile 5.60 2009 est. 553 Maldives 5.60 2009 est. 554 Azerbaijan 5.50 2010 est. 555 Iceland 5.50 2010 est. 556 Grenada 5.40 2003 557 Liberia 5.40 2002 est. 558 Lebanon 5.10 2010 est. 559 Ireland 5.00 2002 est. 560 West Bank 5.00 2008 est. 561 Saint Lucia 5.00 2005 est. 562 Greenland 4.90 2007 est. 563 Monaco 4.90 2005 564 Mauritius 4.80 2010 est. 565 New Zealand 4.60 2010 est. 566 Gabon 4.50 2010 est. 567 Congo, Republic of the 4.40 2010 est. 568 Lithuania 4.30 2010 est. 569 Cuba 4.20 2010 est. 570 Latvia 4.20 2010 est. 571 Russia 4.20 2010 est. 572 Mexico 4.20 2010 est. 573 Venezuela 4.10 2010 est. 574 Anguilla 4.00 2002 est. 575 Australia 4.00 2010 est. 576 Comoros 4.00 2001 est. 577 Greece 4.00 2010 est. 578 Poland 3.90 2010 est. 579 Antigua and Barbuda 3.80 2002 est. 580 Equatorial Guinea 3.80 2010 est. 581 French Polynesia 3.50 2005 582 Saint Kitts and Nevis 3.50 2001 583 Jordan 3.40 2010 est. 584 Cayman Islands 3.20 1994 est. 585 Djibouti 3.20 2006 586 Guernsey 3.00 2000 587 South Africa 3.00 2010 est. 588 Korea, South 3.00 2008 est. 589 Seychelles 2.90 2009 est. 590 Spain 2.90 2010 est. 591 Hungary 2.80 2010 est. 592 Macau 2.80 2009 est. 593 Saudi Arabia 2.70 2010 est. 594 Slovakia 2.70 2010 est. 595 Finland 2.60 2010 est. 596 Portugal 2.60 2010 est. 597 Libya 2.60 2010 est. 598 Netherlands 2.60 2010 est. 599 Estonia 2.50 2010 est. 600 Israel 2.40 2010 est. 601 Slovenia 2.40 2010 est. 602 Botswana 2.30 2009 est. 603 Canada 2.30 2009 est. 604 Czech Republic 2.20 2010 est. 605 Equatorial Guinea 2.20 2010 est. 606 Cyprus 2.10 2010 est. 607 Norway 2.10 2010 est. 608 Jersey 2.00 2005 609 France 1.80 2010 est. 610 Italy 1.80 2010 est. 611 European Union 1.80 2010 est. 612 Malta 1.70 2007 est. 613 Sweden 1.70 2010 est. 614 Austria 1.50 2010 est. 615 Japan 1.50 2010 est. 616 Cayman Islands 1.40 1994 est. 617 Taiwan 1.40 2010 est. 618 Oman 1.40 2010 est. 619 Switzerland 1.30 2010 est. 620 Bahamas, The 1.20 2001 est. 621 Montserrat 1.20 1999 est. 622 United States 1.20 2010 est. 623 Denmark 1.10 2010 est. 624 Bermuda 1.00 2002 est. 625 Virgin Islands 1.00 2003 est. 626 Curacao 1.00 2000 est. 627 Isle of Man 1.00 2000 est. 628 Puerto Rico 1.00 2005 est. 629 Saint Martin 1.00 2000 630 Jersey 1.00 2005 631 British Virgin Islands 0.90 1996 est. 632 United Kingdom 0.90 2010 est. 633 United Arab Emirates 0.90 2010 est. 634 Germany 0.80 2010 est. 635 Belgium 0.70 2010 est. 636 Brunei 0.70 2008 est. 637 Bahrain 0.50 2010 est. 638 Trinidad and Tobago 0.50 2010 est. 639 Aruba 0.40 2002 est. 640 Luxembourg 0.40 2007 est. 641 Sint Maarten 0.40 2008 est. 642 Kuwait 0.30 2010 est. 643 Hong Kong 0.10 2010 est. 644 Macau 0.10 2009 est. 645 San Marino 0.10 2007 646 Qatar 0.10 2010 est. 647 Gibraltar 0.00 2008 648 Singapore 0.00 2010 est. 649 Gibraltar 0.00 2008 650 Monaco 0.00 2005

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Rank code: 2013

Country Comparison :: Radio broadcast stations

Rank country Radio broadcast stations Date of Information

1 European Union 13,655.00 NA 2 United States 8,961.00 2006 3 United States 4,789.00 2006 4 Italy 4,600.00 1998 5 France 3,500.00 1998 6 Russia 1,500.00 2004 7 Brazil 1,365.00 1999 8 Turkey 1,090.00 2009 9 European Union 930.00 NA 10 Mexico 851.00 2009 11 Germany 787.00 1998 12 Mexico 726.00 2009 13 Romania 698.00 2006 14 United Kingdom 696.00 2008 15 Indonesia 678.00 1998 16 Philippines 659.00 2008 17 Canada 582.00 2004 18 Netherlands 567.00 2009 19 Ukraine 524.00 2006 20 Guatemala 487.00 2000 21 Peru 472.00 1999 22 Colombia 454.00 1999 23 Ecuador 392.00 2001 24 Malaysia 391.00 2001 25 Philippines 383.00 2008 26 China 369.00 1998 27 Denmark 355.00 1998 28 Thailand 351.00 2007 29 South Africa 347.00 1998 30 Australia 345.00 1998 31 Russia 323.00 2004 32 Korea, South 322.00 2008 33 Serbia 308.00 2009 34 Czech Republic 304.00 2000 35 Brazil 296.00 1999 36 New Zealand 290.00 1998 37 Australia 262.00 1998 38 Argentina 260.00 1998 39 China 259.00 1998 40 Spain 250.00 2008 41 Canada 245.00 2004 42 Honduras 241.00 1998 43 Thailand 238.00 2007 44 Mali 230.00 2001 45 Slovenia 230.00 2006 46 Japan 215.00 2001 47 United Kingdom 206.00 2008 48 Peru 198.00 1999 49 Uruguay 191.00 2005 50 Peru 189.00 1999 51 Chile 180.00 1998 52 Bolivia 171.00 1999 53 India 171.00 2009 54 Cuba 169.00 1998 55 Brazil 161.00 1999 56 Norway 160.00 2008 57 India 149.00 2009 58 El Salvador 144.00 2005 59 Taiwan 143.00 2008 60 Lithuania 142.00 2001 61 Panama 134.00 1998 62 Venezuela 131.00 2008 63 Guatemala 130.00 2000 64 New Zealand 124.00 1998 65 Sweden 124.00 2008 66 Paraguay 121.00 2006 67 Dominican Republic 120.00 1998 68 Mongolia 108.00 2009 69 Ireland 106.00 1998 70 Switzerland 106.00 2008 71 Panama 101.00 1998 72 Italy 100.00 1998 73 Croatia 98.00 1999 74 Korea, South 96.00 2008 75 Uruguay 93.00 2005 76 Hungary 90.00 2008 77 Japan 89.00 2001 78 Greece 88.00 1998 79 Ghana 86.00 2007 80 Nigeria 83.00 2001 81 Indonesia 82.00 1998 82 Kenya 82.00 2008 83 Nepal 80.00 2008 84 Belgium 79.00 1998 85 Bolivia 77.00 1999 86 Cyprus 76.00 2004 87 Puerto Rico 74.00 2008 88 Bolivia 73.00 1999 89 Iran 72.00 2010 90 European Union 71.00 NA 91 Iceland 70.00 2008 92 Macedonia 68.00 2009 93 Pakistan 68.00 2006 94 Austria 65.00 2009 95 Costa Rica 65.00 2002 96 Vietnam 65.00 1999 97 Chile 64.00 1998 98 Bulgaria 63.00 2001 99 Nicaragua 63.00 1998 100 Portugal 63.00 2008 101 Poland 63.00 2008 102 Latvia 62.00 2008 103 Russia 62.00 2004 104 Kazakhstan 60.00 2008 105 Finland 59.00 2008 106 Dominican Republic 56.00 1998 107 Cuba 55.00 1998 108 Iraq 55.00 2009 109 India 54.00 2009 110 Haiti 53.00 2009 111 Honduras 53.00 1998 112 Puerto Rico 53.00 2008 113 El Salvador 52.00 2005 114 Sri Lanka 52.00 2007 115 Costa Rica 51.00 2002 116 Germany 51.00 1998 117 Cambodia 50.00 2008 118 Afghanistan 48.00 2009 119 Albania 46.00 2005 120 Venezuela 46.00 2008 121 China 45.00 1998 122 Indonesia 43.00 1998 123 Saudi Arabia 43.00 1998 124 Egypt 42.00 2010 125 France 41.00 1998 126 Haiti 41.00 2009 127 Paraguay 41.00 2006 128 Fiji 40.00 1998 129 Namibia 39.00 2001 130 Tunisia 38.00 2007 131 Belarus 37.00 1998 132 Nigeria 36.00 2001 133 Ecuador 35.00 2001 134 Malaysia 35.00 2001 135 Benin 34.00 2007 136 Colombia 34.00 1999 137 Estonia 34.00 2009 138 Laos 34.00 2010 139 Uganda 33.00 2001 140 Nicaragua 32.00 1998 141 Bulgaria 31.00 2001 142 Czech Republic 31.00 2000 143 Pakistan 31.00 2006 144 Montenegro 31.00 2004 145 Saudi Arabia 31.00 1998 146 Lebanon 30.00 2009 147 Ecuador 29.00 2001 148 Lithuania 29.00 2001 149 Vietnam 29.00 1999 150 Moldova 29.00 2006 151 Belarus 28.00 1998 152 Trinidad and Tobago 28.00 2008 153 Papua New Guinea 28.00 1998 154 Jordan 28.00 2010 155 Colombia 27.00 1999 156 West Bank 27.00 2010 157 Burkina Faso 26.00 2007 158 Greece 26.00 1998 159 Syria 26.00 2010 160 Algeria 25.00 1999 161 Jamaica 24.00 2008 162 Uzbekistan 24.00 2008 163 Kenya 24.00 2008 164 Israel 23.00 2010 165 Kyrgyzstan 23.00 2009 166 Suriname 23.00 2008 167 Cape Verde 22.00 2001 168 Slovakia 22.00 2008 169 Egypt 22.00 2010 170 Angola 21.00 2001 171 Japan 21.00 2001 172 Iran 21.00 2010 173 Taiwan 21.00 2008 174 Lebanon 20.00 2009 175 Uzbekistan 20.00 2008 176 Zimbabwe 20.00 1998 177 Senegal 20.00 2001 178 Bangladesh 19.00 2009 179 Zambia 19.00 2001 180 United States 19.00 2006 181 Costa Rica 19.00 2002 182 Singapore 19.00 2008 183 Papua New Guinea 19.00 1998 184 Dominica 18.00 2009 185 Malta 18.00 1999 186 Spain 18.00 2008 187 Kazakhstan 18.00 2008 188 Antigua and Barbuda 17.00 2008 189 Mozambique 17.00 2001 190 Korea, North 17.00 2006 191 Czech Republic 17.00 2000 192 Chile 17.00 1998 193 Bangladesh 17.00 2009 194 Armenia 16.00 2006 195 Belize 16.00 2006 196 Croatia 16.00 1999 197 Bosnia and Herzegovina 16.00 1998 198 Virgin Islands 16.00 2005 199 Tajikistan 16.00 2009 200 Libya 16.00 2001 201 Aruba 16.00 2004 202 Guatemala 15.00 2000 203 Mexico 15.00 2009 204 Syria 15.00 2010 205 Sri Lanka 15.00 2007 206 Israel 15.00 2010 207 Malaysia 15.00 2001 208 Morocco 15.00 2009 209 Cayman Islands 14.00 2009 210 Syria 14.00 2010 211 Korea, North 14.00 2006 212 French Polynesia 14.00 1998 213 Mauritania 14.00 2001 214 South Africa 14.00 1998 215 Poland 14.00 2008 216 Korea, North 14.00 2006 217 Greenland 14.00 2008 218 Albania 13.00 2005 219 United Arab Emirates 13.00 2004 220 Mozambique 13.00 2001 221 Fiji 13.00 1998 222 Faroe Islands 13.00 1998 223 Botswana 13.00 2001 224 Barbados 13.00 2009 225 Georgia 12.00 1998 226 Honduras 12.00 1998 227 Sudan 12.00 1998 228 Turkmenistan 12.00 2008 229 Tanzania 12.00 1998 230 Grenada 12.00 2009 231 Anguilla 11.00 2009 232 Somalia 11.00 2001 233 Saint Lucia 11.00 2008 234 Nigeria 11.00 2001 235 Mozambique 11.00 2001 236 Monaco 11.00 2008 237 Kuwait 11.00 1998 238 Azerbaijan 11.00 2010 239 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 11.00 2001 240 Bahamas, The 11.00 2009 241 Tanzania 11.00 1998 242 Belarus 11.00 1998 243 Azerbaijan 10.00 2010 244 Hong Kong 10.00 2009 245 Iran 10.00 2010 246 Slovenia 10.00 2006 247 Rwanda 10.00 2007 248 Liberia 10.00 2007 249 Gaza Strip 10.00 2008 250 Armenia 9.00 2006 251 Turkmenistan 9.00 2008 252 Togo 9.00 1998 253 Sierra Leone 9.00 2001 254 Oman 9.00 1999 255 Mauritius 9.00 2001 256 Malawi 9.00 2001 257 Madagascar 9.00 2001 258 Luxembourg 9.00 1999 259 Kazakhstan 9.00 2008 260 Italy 9.00 1998 261 Ireland 9.00 1998 262 Cote d'Ivoire 9.00 1998 263 Cameroon 9.00 2001 264 Bhutan 9.00 2007 265 Algeria 8.00 1999 266 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8.00 1998 267 Ethiopia 8.00 2001 268 United Arab Emirates 8.00 2004 269 Senegal 8.00 2001 270 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 8.00 2008 271 Saint Kitts and Nevis 8.00 2008 272 Papua New Guinea 8.00 1998 273 Latvia 8.00 2008 274 Botswana 8.00 2001 275 Angola 7.00 2001 276 Turks and Caicos Islands 7.00 2003 277 Zimbabwe 7.00 1998 278 Vietnam 7.00 1999 279 Uruguay 7.00 2005 280 Uganda 7.00 2001 281 Tunisia 7.00 2007 282 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 7.00 2006 283 Mongolia 7.00 2009 284 Gabon 7.00 2001 285 Georgia 7.00 1998 286 Belgium 7.00 1998 287 Angola 6.00 2001 288 Argentina 6.00 1998 289 Yemen 6.00 1998 290 Virgin Islands 6.00 2005 291 Qatar 6.00 1998 292 Paraguay 6.00 2006 293 Niger 6.00 2001 294 Nepal 6.00 2008 295 Malta 6.00 1999 296 Maldives 6.00 2009 297 Madagascar 6.00 2001 298 Kuwait 6.00 1998 299 Kenya 6.00 2008 300 Hong Kong 6.00 2009 301 Gabon 6.00 2001 302 Thailand 6.00 2007 303 Northern Mariana Islands 6.00 2005 304 Canada 6.00 2004 305 Bermuda 5.00 2009 306 British Virgin Islands 5.00 2004 307 Central African Republic 5.00 2001 308 Chad 5.00 2001 309 Congo, Republic of the 5.00 2001 310 Cyprus 5.00 2004 311 Croatia 5.00 1999 312 Zambia 5.00 2001 313 Norway 5.00 2008 314 Niger 5.00 2001 315 New Caledonia 5.00 1998 316 Micronesia, Federated States of 5.00 2004 317 Mayotte 5.00 2001 318 Malawi 5.00 2001 319 Hungary 5.00 2008 320 Holy See (Vatican City) 5.00 2008 321 Holy See (Vatican City) 5.00 2008 322 Sao Tome and Principe 5.00 2001 323 Samoa 5.00 2004 324 Qatar 5.00 1998 325 Guinea 5.00 2006 326 Greenland 5.00 2008 327 Gibraltar 5.00 1998 328 Equatorial Guinea 5.00 2001 329 Bermuda 4.00 2009 330 Burundi 4.00 2001 331 Chad 4.00 2001 332 Gabon 4.00 2001 333 Zambia 4.00 2001 334 Vanuatu 4.00 2001 335 New Zealand 4.00 1998 336 Netherlands 4.00 2009 337 Nepal 4.00 2008 338 Namibia 4.00 2001 339 Mongolia 4.00 2009 340 Mauritius 4.00 2001 341 Liechtenstein 4.00 1998 342 Lebanon 4.00 2009 343 Jamaica 4.00 2008 344 Guinea-Bissau 4.00 2001 345 Tonga 4.00 2001 346 Togo 4.00 1998 347 Suriname 4.00 2008 348 Sri Lanka 4.00 2007 349 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 4.00 1998 350 Philippines 4.00 2008 351 Palau 4.00 2001 352 Niger 4.00 2001 353 Greece 4.00 1998 354 Germany 4.00 1998 355 Georgia 4.00 1998 356 Dominican Republic 4.00 1998 357 Dominica 4.00 2009 358 Comoros 4.00 2001 359 Botswana 4.00 2001 360 American Samoa 3.00 2005 361 Venezuela 3.00 2008 362 Uzbekistan 3.00 2008 363 United Kingdom 3.00 2008 364 Switzerland 3.00 2008 365 Switzerland 3.00 2008 366 Swaziland 3.00 2004 367 Swaziland 3.00 2004 368 Suriname 3.00 2008 369 Saint Martin 3.00 2007 370 Saint Kitts and Nevis 3.00 2008 371 Oman 3.00 1999 372 Norfolk Island 3.00 2005 373 Marshall Islands 3.00 2005 374 Libya 3.00 2001 375 Libya 3.00 2001 376 Lesotho 3.00 2007 377 Laos 3.00 2010 378 Laos 3.00 2010 379 Kyrgyzstan 3.00 2009 380 Iceland 3.00 2008 381 Holy See (Vatican City) 3.00 2008 382 Guyana 3.00 2009 383 Guyana 3.00 2009 384 Guinea 3.00 2006 385 Ghana 3.00 2007 386 Gambia, The 3.00 2001 387 Equatorial Guinea 3.00 2001 388 Cote d'Ivoire 3.00 1998 389 Congo, Republic of the 3.00 2001 390 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3.00 2001 391 Cameroon 3.00 2001 392 Burma 3.00 2007 393 Burkina Faso 3.00 2007 394 Anguilla 3.00 2009 395 Bahamas, The 3.00 2009 396 Bahrain 3.00 1998 397 Antigua and Barbuda 3.00 2008 398 American Samoa 2.00 2005 399 Djibouti 2.00 2001 400 Cote d'Ivoire 2.00 1998 401 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 2.00 2004 402 Chad 2.00 2001 403 Cameroon 2.00 2001 404 Burma 2.00 2007 405 Burkina Faso 2.00 2007 406 Bulgaria 2.00 2001 407 Brunei 2.00 2006 408 British Indian Ocean Territory 2.00 1998 409 Barbados 2.00 2009 410 Bangladesh 2.00 2009 411 Bahrain 2.00 1998 412 Namibia 2.00 2001 413 Montserrat 2.00 2008 414 Moldova 2.00 2006 415 Malawi 2.00 2001 416 Madagascar 2.00 2001 417 Macau 2.00 2009 418 Luxembourg 2.00 1999 419 Luxembourg 2.00 1999 420 French Polynesia 2.00 1998 421 Yemen 2.00 1998 422 Western Sahara 2.00 1998 423 Vanuatu 2.00 2001 424 United Arab Emirates 2.00 2004 425 Uganda 2.00 2001 426 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.00 2003 427 Turkmenistan 2.00 2008 428 Tunisia 2.00 2007 429 Trinidad and Tobago 2.00 2008 430 Togo 2.00 1998 431 Tanzania 2.00 1998 432 Swaziland 2.00 2004 433 Spain 2.00 2008 434 Seychelles 2.00 2001 435 Saudi Arabia 2.00 1998 436 San Marino 2.00 2008 437 Samoa 2.00 2004 438 Saint Lucia 2.00 2008 439 Portugal 2.00 2008 440 Poland 2.00 2008 441 Oman 2.00 1999 442 French Polynesia 2.00 1998 443 France 2.00 1998 444 Finland 2.00 2008 445 Finland 2.00 2008 446 Eritrea 2.00 2000 447 Eritrea 2.00 2000 448 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.00 2001 449 Christmas Island 2.00 2006 450 Liberia 2.00 2007 451 Kyrgyzstan 2.00 2009 452 Kiribati 2.00 2002 453 Grenada 2.00 2009 454 Gambia, The 2.00 2001 455 Aruba 2.00 2004 456 Antarctica 2.00 2007 457 Anguilla 2.00 2009 458 Akrotiri 1.00 2006 459 Albania 1.00 2005 460 Algeria 1.00 1999 461 Antarctica 1.00 2007 462 Australia 1.00 1998 463 Christmas Island 1.00 2006 464 Burma 1.00 2007 465 Brunei 1.00 2006 466 British Virgin Islands 1.00 2004 467 British Indian Ocean Territory 1.00 1998 468 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.00 1998 469 Bhutan 1.00 2007 470 Bermuda 1.00 2009 471 Benin 1.00 2007 472 Benin 1.00 2007 473 Guyana 1.00 2009 474 Guernsey 1.00 1998 475 Guernsey 1.00 1998 476 Gibraltar 1.00 1998 477 Faroe Islands 1.00 1998 478 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1.00 2006 479 Ethiopia 1.00 2001 480 Egypt 1.00 2010 481 Congo, Republic of the 1.00 2001 482 Tuvalu 1.00 2004 483 Tuvalu 1.00 2004 484 Tonga 1.00 2001 485 Tonga 1.00 2001 486 Sweden 1.00 2008 487 Svalbard 1.00 1998 488 Svalbard 1.00 1998 489 Sudan 1.00 1998 490 Sudan 1.00 1998 491 South Africa 1.00 1998 492 Somalia 1.00 2001 493 Solomon Islands 1.00 2004 494 Solomon Islands 1.00 2004 495 Solomon Islands 1.00 2004 496 Slovakia 1.00 2008 497 Slovakia 1.00 2008 498 Singapore 1.00 2008 499 Sierra Leone 1.00 2001 500 Sierra Leone 1.00 2001 501 Seychelles 1.00 2001 502 Seychelles 1.00 2001 503 Senegal 1.00 2001 504 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2001 505 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2001 506 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2008 507 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.00 1998 508 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2005 509 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2005 510 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2005 511 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2005 512 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2005 513 Qatar 1.00 1998 514 Portugal 1.00 2008 515 Pitcairn Islands 1.00 2004 516 Palau 1.00 2001 517 Palau 1.00 2001 518 Norway 1.00 2008 519 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2005 520 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2005 521 Norfolk Island 1.00 2005 522 Niue 1.00 1998 523 Niue 1.00 1998 524 Nicaragua 1.00 1998 525 New Caledonia 1.00 1998 526 Netherlands 1.00 2009 527 Nauru 1.00 1998 528 Montserrat 1.00 2008 529 Monaco 1.00 2008 530 Monaco 1.00 2008 531 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.00 2004 532 Mayotte 1.00 2001 533 Mauritania 1.00 2001 534 Mauritania 1.00 2001 535 Marshall Islands 1.00 2005 536 Malta 1.00 1999 537 Mali 1.00 2001 538 Mali 1.00 2001 539 Maldives 1.00 2009 540 Maldives 1.00 2009 541 Macedonia 1.00 2009 542 Macau 1.00 2009 543 Lithuania 1.00 2001 544 Lesotho 1.00 2007 545 Lesotho 1.00 2007 546 Latvia 1.00 2008 547 Kuwait 1.00 1998 548 Korea, South 1.00 2008 549 Kiribati 1.00 2002 550 Kiribati 1.00 2002 551 Jordan 1.00 2010 552 Jersey 1.00 2008 553 Isle of Man 1.00 1998 554 Isle of Man 1.00 1998 555 Iceland 1.00 2008 556 Hungary 1.00 2008 557 Comoros 1.00 2001 558 Comoros 1.00 2001 559 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.00 2004 560 Central African Republic 1.00 2001 561 Central African Republic 1.00 2001 562 Cayman Islands 1.00 2009 563 Cambodia 1.00 2008 564 Burundi 1.00 2001 565 Taiwan 1.00 2008 566 Zimbabwe 1.00 1998 567 Yemen 1.00 1998 568 Wallis and Futuna 1.00 2000 569 Vanuatu 1.00 2001 570 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2001 571 Djibouti 1.00 2001 572 Dhekelia 1.00 2006 573 Denmark 1.00 1998 574 Cuba 1.00 1998 575 Cook Islands 1.00 2004 576 Cook Islands 1.00 2004 577 Belize 1.00 2006 578 Belgium 1.00 1998 579 Azerbaijan 1.00 2010 580 Austria 1.00 2009 581 Armenia 1.00 2006 582 Andorra 1.00 2009 583 American Samoa 0.00 2005 584 Belize 0.00 2006 585 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2005 586 Rwanda 0.00 2007 587 Puerto Rico 0.00 2008 588 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 2004 589 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 2004 590 Panama 0.00 1998 591 Norfolk Island 0.00 2005 592 Niue 0.00 1998 593 New Caledonia 0.00 1998 594 Nauru 0.00 1998 595 Nauru 0.00 1998 596 Montserrat 0.00 2008 597 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.00 2004 598 Mayotte 0.00 2001 599 Faroe Islands 0.00 1998 600 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2006 601 Ethiopia 0.00 2001 602 Estonia 0.00 2009 603 Estonia 0.00 2009 604 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 2001 605 El Salvador 0.00 2005 606 Dominica 0.00 2009 607 Christmas Island 0.00 2006 608 Mauritius 0.00 2001 609 Marshall Islands 0.00 2005 610 Macedonia 0.00 2009 611 Macau 0.00 2009 612 Liechtenstein 0.00 1998 613 Liechtenstein 0.00 1998 614 Liberia 0.00 2007 615 Jersey 0.00 2008 616 Jamaica 0.00 2008 617 Israel 0.00 2010 618 Isle of Man 0.00 1998 619 Ireland 0.00 1998 620 Hong Kong 0.00 2009 621 Haiti 0.00 2009 622 Guernsey 0.00 1998 623 Western Sahara 0.00 1998 624 Western Sahara 0.00 1998 625 West Bank 0.00 2010 626 West Bank 0.00 2010 627 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 2000 628 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 2000 629 Sweden 0.00 2008 630 Svalbard 0.00 1998 631 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2003 632 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2003 633 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2003 634 Somalia 0.00 2001 635 Slovenia 0.00 2006 636 Singapore 0.00 2008 637 San Marino 0.00 2008 638 Wake Island 0.00 2005 639 Wake Island 0.00 2005 640 Wake Island 0.00 2005 641 Virgin Islands 0.00 2005 642 Tuvalu 0.00 2004 643 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2003 644 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 2008 645 San Marino 0.00 2008 646 Samoa 0.00 2004 647 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 2008 648 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 1998 649 Saint Martin 0.00 2007 650 Saint Martin 0.00 2007 651 Saint Lucia 0.00 2008 652 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2008 653 Grenada 0.00 2009 654 Greenland 0.00 2008 655 Gibraltar 0.00 1998 656 Ghana 0.00 2007 657 Gaza Strip 0.00 2008 658 Gaza Strip 0.00 2008 659 Gambia, The 0.00 2001 660 Fiji 0.00 1998 661 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2001 662 Guinea 0.00 2006 663 Cayman Islands 0.00 2009 664 Cape Verde 0.00 2001 665 Cape Verde 0.00 2001 666 Burundi 0.00 2001 667 Brunei 0.00 2006 668 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2004 669 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 1998 670 Bhutan 0.00 2007 671 Djibouti 0.00 2001 672 Denmark 0.00 1998 673 Cyprus 0.00 2004 674 Cook Islands 0.00 2004 675 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 2004 676 Bahrain 0.00 1998 677 Barbados 0.00 2009 678 Bahamas, The 0.00 2009 679 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2008 680 Aruba 0.00 2004 681 Andorra 0.00 2009 682 Andorra 0.00 2009

======================================================================

Rank code: 2014

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

1 United States 575,000,000.00 1997 2 China 417,000,000.00 1997 3 Japan 120,500,000.00 1997 4 India 116,000,000.00 1997 5 United Kingdom 84,500,000.00 1997 6 Germany 77,800,000.00 1997 7 Brazil 71,000,000.00 1997 8 Russia 61,500,000.00 1997 9 France 55,300,000.00 1997 10 Italy 50,500,000.00 1997 11 Korea, South 47,500,000.00 2000 12 Ukraine 45,050,000.00 1997 13 Canada 32,300,000.00 1997 14 Indonesia 31,500,000.00 1997 15 Mexico 31,000,000.00 1997 16 Australia 25,500,000.00 1997 17 Argentina 24,300,000.00 1997 18 Nigeria 23,500,000.00 1997 19 Colombia 21,000,000.00 1997 20 Egypt 20,500,000.00 1997 21 Poland 20,200,000.00 1997 22 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 18,030,000.00 1997 23 Iran 17,000,000.00 1997 24 South Africa 17,000,000.00 2001 25 Taiwan 16,000,000.00 1994 26 Netherlands 15,300,000.00 1996 27 Ethiopia 15,200,000.00 2002 28 Thailand 13,960,000.00 1997 29 Pakistan 13,500,000.00 1997 30 Spain 13,100,000.00 1997 31 Ghana 12,500,000.00 2001 32 Philippines 11,500,000.00 1997 33 Turkey 11,300,000.00 1997 34 Malaysia 10,900,000.00 1999 35 Uzbekistan 10,800,000.00 1997 36 Venezuela 10,750,000.00 1997 37 Tanzania 8,800,000.00 1997 38 Sweden 8,250,000.00 1997 39 Vietnam 8,200,000.00 1997 40 Belgium 8,075,000.00 1997 41 Finland 7,700,000.00 1997 42 Sudan 7,550,000.00 1997 43 Romania 7,200,000.00 1997 44 Algeria 7,100,000.00 1997 45 Switzerland 7,100,000.00 1997 46 Hungary 7,010,000.00 1997 47 Peru 6,650,000.00 1997 48 Morocco 6,640,000.00 1997 49 Kazakhstan 6,470,000.00 1997 50 Saudi Arabia 6,250,000.00 1997 51 Bangladesh 6,150,000.00 1997 52 Austria 6,080,000.00 1997 53 Denmark 6,020,000.00 1997 54 Bolivia 5,250,000.00 1997 55 Chile 5,180,000.00 1997 56 Greece 5,020,000.00 1997 57 Ecuador 5,000,000.00 2001 58 Uganda 5,000,000.00 2001 59 Iraq 4,850,000.00 1997 60 Bulgaria 4,510,000.00 1997 61 Hong Kong 4,450,000.00 1997 62 Burma 4,200,000.00 1997 63 Syria 4,150,000.00 1997 64 Norway 4,030,000.00 1997 65 Cuba 3,900,000.00 1997 66 Sri Lanka 3,850,000.00 1997 67 New Zealand 3,750,000.00 1997 68 Korea, North 3,360,000.00 1997 69 Moldova 3,220,000.00 1997 70 Czech Republic 3,159,134.00 December 2000 71 Slovakia 3,120,000.00 1997 72 Israel 3,070,000.00 1997 73 Kenya 3,070,000.00 1997 74 Madagascar 3,050,000.00 1997 75 Belarus 3,020,000.00 1997 76 Portugal 3,020,000.00 1997 77 Georgia 3,020,000.00 1997 78 Lebanon 2,850,000.00 1997 79 El Salvador 2,750,000.00 1997 80 Puerto Rico 2,700,000.00 1997 81 Malawi 2,600,000.00 1997 82 Singapore 2,600,000.00 2000 83 Ireland 2,550,000.00 1997 84 Honduras 2,450,000.00 1997 85 Cameroon 2,270,000.00 1997 86 Cote d'Ivoire 2,260,000.00 1997 87 Tunisia 2,060,000.00 1997 88 Uruguay 1,970,000.00 1997 89 Lithuania 1,900,000.00 1997 90 Latvia 1,760,000.00 1997 91 Chad 1,670,000.00 1997 92 Jordan 1,660,000.00 1997 93 Croatia 1,510,000.00 1997 94 Dominican Republic 1,440,000.00 1997 95 Oman 1,400,000.00 1997 96 Libya 1,350,000.00 1997 97 Cambodia 1,340,000.00 1997 98 Tajikistan 1,291,000.00 1991 99 Nicaragua 1,240,000.00 1997 100 Senegal 1,240,000.00 1997 101 Turkmenistan 1,225,000.00 1997 102 Jamaica 1,215,000.00 1997 103 Zambia 1,200,000.00 2001 104 Kuwait 1,175,000.00 1997 105 Zimbabwe 1,140,000.00 1997 106 Sierra Leone 1,120,000.00 1997 107 Yemen 1,050,000.00 1997 108 Estonia 1,010,000.00 1997 109 Albania 1,000,000.00 2001 110 Costa Rica 980,000.00 1997 111 Bosnia and Herzegovina 940,000.00 1997 112 Togo 940,000.00 1997 113 Paraguay 925,000.00 1997 114 Armenia 850,000.00 1997 115 Nepal 840,000.00 1997 116 Guatemala 835,000.00 1997 117 United Arab Emirates 820,000.00 1997 118 Angola 815,000.00 2000 119 Panama 815,000.00 1997 120 Slovenia 805,000.00 1997 121 Liberia 790,000.00 1997 122 Laos 730,000.00 1997 123 Mozambique 730,000.00 1997 124 Niger 680,000.00 1997 125 Trinidad and Tobago 680,000.00 1997 126 Benin 660,000.00 2000 127 Rwanda 601,000.00 1997 128 Mali 570,000.00 1997 129 Fiji 541,476.00 1999 130 Kyrgyzstan 520,000.00 1997 131 Somalia 470,000.00 1997 132 Burundi 440,000.00 2001 133 Guyana 420,000.00 1997 134 Mauritius 420,000.00 1997 135 Haiti 415,000.00 1997 136 Macedonia 410,000.00 1997 137 Mauritania 410,000.00 2001 138 Papua New Guinea 410,000.00 1997 139 Burkina Faso 394,020.00 2000 140 Guinea 357,000.00 1997 141 Eritrea 345,000.00 1997 142 Congo, Republic of the 341,000.00 1997 143 Bahrain 338,000.00 1997 144 Brunei 329,000.00 1998 145 Cyprus 310,000.00 NA 146 Suriname 300,000.00 1997 147 Luxembourg 285,000.00 1997 148 Central African Republic 283,000.00 1997 149 Iceland 260,000.00 1997 150 Qatar 256,000.00 1997 151 Malta 255,000.00 1997 152 Botswana 252,720.00 2000 153 Barbados 237,000.00 1997 154 Namibia 232,000.00 1997 155 Bahamas, The 215,000.00 1997 156 Gabon 208,000.00 1997 157 Gambia, The 196,000.00 1997 158 Equatorial Guinea 180,000.00 1997 159 Azerbaijan 175,000.00 1997 160 Samoa 174,849.00 1997 161 Swaziland 170,000.00 1999 162 Afghanistan 167,000.00 1999 163 Macau 160,000.00 1997 164 Mongolia 155,900.00 1999 165 Belize 133,000.00 1997 166 French Polynesia 128,000.00 1997 167 Saint Lucia 111,000.00 1997 168 New Caledonia 107,000.00 1997 169 Virgin Islands 107,000.00 1997 170 Cape Verde 100,000.00 2002 est. 171 Comoros 90,000.00 1997 172 Bermuda 82,000.00 1997 173 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 77,000.00 1997 174 Vanuatu 67,000.00 1997 175 Tonga 61,000.00 1997 176 American Samoa 57,000.00 1997 177 Grenada 57,000.00 1997 178 Solomon Islands 57,000.00 1997 179 Cyprus 56,450.00 NA 180 Western Sahara 56,000.00 1997 181 Djibouti 52,000.00 1997 182 Aruba 50,000.00 1997 183 Guinea-Bissau 49,000.00 1997 184 Dominica 46,000.00 1997 185 Seychelles 42,000.00 1997 186 Sao Tome and Principe 38,000.00 1997 187 Bhutan 37,000.00 1997 188 Gibraltar 37,000.00 1997 189 Antigua and Barbuda 36,000.00 1997 190 Cayman Islands 36,000.00 1997 191 Maldives 35,000.00 1999 192 Monaco 34,000.00 1997 193 Greenland 30,000.00 1998 est. 194 Saint Kitts and Nevis 28,000.00 1997 195 Faroe Islands 26,000.00 1997 196 Liechtenstein 21,000.00 1997 197 Kiribati 17,000.00 1997 198 Andorra 16,000.00 1997 199 San Marino 16,000.00 1997 200 Cook Islands 14,000.00 1997 201 Palau 12,000.00 1997 202 Micronesia, Federated States of 9,400.00 1996 203 British Virgin Islands 9,000.00 1997 204 Turks and Caicos Islands 8,000.00 1997 205 Montserrat 7,000.00 1997 206 Nauru 7,000.00 1997 207 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 4,000.00 1997 208 Tuvalu 4,000.00 1997 209 Anguilla 3,000.00 1997 210 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha3,000.00 1997 211 Norfolk Island 2,500.00 1996 212 Christmas Island 1,000.00 1997 213 Tokelau 1,000.00 1997 214 Niue 1,000.00 1997 215 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1,000.00 1997 216 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 300.00 1992

======================================================================

Rank code: 2015

Country Comparison :: Television broadcast stations

Rank country Television broadcast stations Date of Information

1 Russia 7,306.00 1998 2 China 3,240.00 1997 3 European Union 2,700.00 NA 4 United States 2,218.00 2006 5 India 1,400.00 2009 6 United Kingdom 940.00 2008 7 Mexico 729.00 2009 8 Ukraine 647.00 2006 9 Romania 623.00 2006 10 France 584.00 1995 11 South Africa 556.00 1997 12 Spain 379.00 2008 13 Germany 373.00 1995 14 Italy 358.00 1995 15 Netherlands 342.00 2009 16 Philippines 297.00 2008 17 Sweden 252.00 2008 18 Turkey 251.00 2009 19 Japan 211.00 1999 20 Denmark 172.00 2008 21 Canada 148.00 2007 22 Brazil 138.00 1997 23 Serbia 138.00 2009 24 Finland 120.00 NA 25 Saudi Arabia 117.00 1997 26 Thailand 111.00 2006 27 Switzerland 106.00 2007 28 Australia 104.00 1997 29 Mongolia 99.00 2009 30 Hungary 95.00 2008 31 Malaysia 88.00 2006 32 Macedonia 76.00 2009 33 Taiwan 76.00 2007 34 Poland 75.00 2008 35 Czech Republic 71.00 2008 36 Norway 69.00 2008 37 Vietnam 67.00 2006 38 Venezuela 66.00 1997 39 Albania 65.00 2005 40 Egypt 64.00 2010 41 Chile 63.00 1997 42 Uruguay 62.00 2005 43 Colombia 60.00 1997 44 Cuba 58.00 1997 45 Korea, South 57.00 2008 46 Indonesia 54.00 2006 47 Armenia 48.00 2006 48 Bolivia 48.00 1997 49 Belarus 47.00 1995 50 Algeria 46.00 1995 51 Lithuania 44.00 2008 52 Syria 44.00 1995 53 Argentina 42.00 1997 54 Portugal 42.00 2008 55 New Zealand 41.00 1997 56 Moldova 40.00 2006 57 Bulgaria 39.00 2001 58 Panama 38.00 1998 59 Latvia 37.00 2008 60 Slovakia 37.00 2008 61 Croatia 36.00 1995 62 Greece 36.00 1995 63 Puerto Rico 34.00 2008 64 Bosnia and Herzegovina 33.00 1995 65 Slovenia 31.00 2006 66 West Bank 31.00 2010 67 Iran 29.00 1997 68 Iraq 28.00 2009 69 Laos 28.00 2010 70 Uzbekistan 28.00 2006 71 Guatemala 26.00 1997 72 Tunisia 26.00 1995 73 Belgium 25.00 1997 74 Dominican Republic 25.00 2003 75 Tajikistan 24.00 2009 76 Costa Rica 20.00 2002 77 Pakistan 20.00 2006 78 Bangladesh 17.00 2009 79 Afghanistan 16.00 2009 80 Zimbabwe 16.00 1997 81 Nicaragua 16.00 2009 82 Estonia 15.00 2008 83 United Arab Emirates 15.00 2004 84 Cote d'Ivoire 14.00 1998 85 Iceland 14.00 1997 86 Kuwait 13.00 1997 87 Peru 13.00 1997 88 Oman 13.00 1999 89 Montenegro 13.00 2004 90 Georgia 12.00 1998 91 Swaziland 12.00 2004 92 Sri Lanka 12.00 2009 93 Lebanon 12.00 2009 94 Libya 12.00 1999 95 Kazakhstan 12.00 1998 96 Honduras 11.00 1997 97 Azerbaijan 10.00 2010 98 Austria 9.00 2010 99 Cambodia 9.00 2009 100 Zambia 9.00 2001 101 Nepal 9.00 2008 102 Cyprus 8.00 2004 103 Kenya 8.00 2008 104 Uganda 8.00 2001 105 Morocco 8.00 2009 106 Kyrgyzstan 8.00 2007 107 Belize 7.00 2008 108 Senegal 7.00 2008 109 French Polynesia 7.00 1997 110 Israel 7.00 2009 111 Jamaica 7.00 1997 112 Ghana 7.00 2007 113 Ecuador 7.00 2000 114 Angola 6.00 2000 115 Trinidad and Tobago 6.00 2005 116 Paraguay 6.00 2009 117 New Caledonia 6.00 1997 118 Malta 6.00 2009 119 Guinea 6.00 2001 120 Benin 6.00 2007 121 El Salvador 5.00 1997 122 Liberia 5.00 2007 123 Luxembourg 5.00 1999 124 Virgin Islands 5.00 2006 125 Niger 5.00 2007 126 Monaco 5.00 1998 127 Bahrain 4.00 1997 128 Cayman Islands 4.00 2004 129 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 4.00 2007 130 Burma 4.00 2008 131 Brunei 4.00 2006 132 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.00 2001 133 Turkmenistan 4.00 2008 134 Somalia 4.00 2001 135 Mozambique 4.00 2008 136 Korea, North 4.00 2003 137 Jordan 4.00 2009 138 Ireland 4.00 2008 139 Gabon 4.00 2001 140 Bermuda 3.00 2005 141 Nigeria 3.00 2001 142 Yemen 3.00 2007 143 Tonga 3.00 2004 144 Togo 3.00 1997 145 Tanzania 3.00 1999 146 Suriname 3.00 2000 147 Sudan 3.00 1997 148 Papua New Guinea 3.00 2004 149 Micronesia, Federated States of 3.00 2004 150 Mayotte 3.00 2001 151 Burkina Faso 3.00 NA 152 Guyana 3.00 1997 153 Faroe Islands 3.00 September 1995 154 Antigua and Barbuda 2.00 1997 155 Haiti 2.00 1997 156 Wallis and Futuna 2.00 2000 157 Samoa 2.00 2002 158 Saint Lucia 2.00 2003 159 Rwanda 2.00 2004 160 Namibia 2.00 2007 161 Mauritius 2.00 1997 162 Marshall Islands 2.00 2005 163 Mali 2.00 2007 164 Maldives 2.00 2009 165 Jersey 2.00 2008 166 Sierra Leone 2.00 1999 167 Seychelles 2.00 1997 168 Sao Tome and Principe 2.00 2001 169 Hong Kong 2.00 2009 170 Grenada 2.00 2009 171 Eritrea 2.00 2006 172 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2.00 2006 173 Bahamas, The 2.00 2006 174 Botswana 2.00 2007 175 American Samoa 1.00 2006 176 British Indian Ocean Territory 1.00 1997 177 Vanuatu 1.00 2004 178 Timor-Leste 1.00 NA 179 Qatar 1.00 2001 180 Palau 1.00 2005 181 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2006 182 Norfolk Island 1.00 2005 183 Niue 1.00 1997 184 Nauru 1.00 1997 185 Montserrat 1.00 1997 186 Mauritania 1.00 2002 187 Greenland 1.00 1997 188 Singapore 1.00 2008 189 San Marino 1.00 1997 190 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2004 191 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.00 2003 192 Gibraltar 1.00 1997 193 Gaza Strip 1.00 2008 194 Gambia, The 1.00 1997 195 Ethiopia 1.00 2001 196 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2001 197 Dominica 1.00 2004 198 Djibouti 1.00 2001 199 Cook Islands 1.00 2004 200 Malawi 1.00 2001 201 Madagascar 1.00 2001 202 Macau 1.00 2009 203 Lesotho 1.00 2007 204 Kiribati 1.00 2002 205 Holy See (Vatican City) 1.00 2008 206 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2007 207 Guernsey 1.00 1997 208 Congo, Republic of the 1.00 2001 209 Chad 1.00 2001 210 Central African Republic 1.00 2001 211 Cape Verde 1.00 2001 212 Cameroon 1.00 2001 213 Burundi 1.00 2001 214 British Virgin Islands 1.00 1997 215 Bhutan 1.00 2007 216 Antarctica 1.00 2002 217 Barbados 1.00 2004 218 Andorra 1.00 2009 219 Aruba 1.00 1997 220 Anguilla 1.00 1997 221 Akrotiri 0.00 2006 222 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2003 223 Wake Island 0.00 2005 224 Tuvalu 0.00 2004 225 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2003 226 Dhekelia 0.00 2006 227 Isle of Man 0.00 1999 228 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 1997 229 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2005 230 Christmas Island 0.00 2006

======================================================================

Rank code: 2016

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

1 China 400,000,000 1997 2 United States 219,000,000 1997 3 Japan 86,500,000 1997 4 India 63,000,000 1997 5 Russia 60,500,000 1997 6 Germany 51,400,000 1998 7 Brazil 36,500,000 1997 8 France 34,800,000 1997 9 United Kingdom 30,500,000 1997 10 Italy 30,300,000 1997 11 Mexico 25,600,000 1997 12 Canada 21,500,000 1997 13 Turkey 20,900,000 1997 14 Ukraine 18,050,000 1997 15 Spain 16,200,000 1997 16 Korea, South 15,900,000 1997 17 Thailand 15,190,000 1997 18 Indonesia 13,750,000 1997 19 Poland 13,050,000 1997 20 Malaysia 10,800,000 1999 21 Australia 10,150,000 1997 22 Taiwan 8,800,000 1998 23 Netherlands 8,100,000 1997 24 Argentina 7,950,000 1997 25 Egypt 7,700,000 1997 26 Nigeria 6,900,000 1997 27 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6,478,000 1997 28 Uzbekistan 6,400,000 1997 29 South Africa 6,000,000 2000 30 Romania 5,250,000 1997 31 Saudi Arabia 5,100,000 1997 32 Belgium 4,720,000 1997 33 Iran 4,610,000 1997 34 Sweden 4,600,000 1997 35 Colombia 4,590,000 1997 36 Hungary 4,420,000 1997 37 Austria 4,250,000 1997 38 Venezuela 4,100,000 1997 39 Kazakhstan 3,880,000 1997 40 Philippines 3,700,000 1997 41 Vietnam 3,570,000 1997 42 Czech Republic 3,405,834 December 2000 43 Bulgaria 3,310,000 1997 44 Portugal 3,310,000 1997 45 Switzerland 3,310,000 1997 46 Finland 3,200,000 1997 47 Chile 3,150,000 1997 48 Denmark 3,121,000 1997 49 Algeria 3,100,000 1997 50 Morocco 3,100,000 1997 51 Pakistan 3,100,000 1997 52 Peru 3,060,000 1997 53 Cuba 2,640,000 1997 54 Slovakia 2,620,000 1997 55 Georgia 2,570,000 1997 56 Greece 2,540,000 1997 57 Belarus 2,520,000 1997 58 Ecuador 2,500,000 2001 59 Sudan 2,380,000 1997 60 Norway 2,030,000 1997 61 New Zealand 1,926,000 1997 62 Ghana 1,900,000 2001 63 Hong Kong 1,840,000 1997 64 Ireland 1,820,000 2001 65 Iraq 1,750,000 1997 66 Lithuania 1,700,000 1997 67 Israel 1,690,000 1997 68 Oman 1,600,000 1997 69 Sri Lanka 1,530,000 1997 70 Singapore 1,330,000 1997 71 Guatemala 1,323,000 1997 72 Moldova 1,260,000 1997 73 Croatia 1,220,000 1997 74 Latvia 1,220,000 1997 75 Korea, North 1,200,000 1997 76 Lebanon 1,180,000 1997 77 Cote d'Ivoire 1,090,000 2000 78 Syria 1,050,000 1997 79 Puerto Rico 1,021,000 1997 80 Paraguay 990,000 2001 81 Tunisia 920,000 1997 82 Bolivia 900,000 1997 83 Kuwait 875,000 1997 84 Armenia 825,000 1997 85 Tajikistan 820,000 1997 86 Turkmenistan 820,000 1997 87 Uruguay 782,000 1997 88 Bangladesh 770,000 1997 89 Dominican Republic 770,000 1997 90 Kenya 730,000 1997 91 Libya 730,000 1997 92 Slovenia 710,000 1997 93 Albania 700,000 2001 94 Ethiopia 682,000 2002 95 Estonia 605,000 1997 96 El Salvador 600,000 1990 97 Honduras 570,000 1997 98 Costa Rica 525,000 1997 99 Macedonia 510,000 1997 100 Panama 510,000 1997 101 Jordan 500,000 1997 102 Uganda 500,000 2001 103 Yemen 470,000 1997 104 Jamaica 460,000 1997 105 Cameroon 450,000 1997 106 Trinidad and Tobago 425,000 1997 107 Zimbabwe 370,000 1997 108 Senegal 361,000 1997 109 Madagascar 325,000 1997 110 Burma 320,000 2000 111 Nicaragua 320,000 1997 112 United Arab Emirates 310,000 1997 113 Luxembourg 285,000 1998 est. 114 Malta 280,000 1997 115 Zambia 277,000 1997 116 Bahrain 275,000 1997 117 Mauritius 258,000 1997 118 Cyprus 248,000 NA 119 Qatar 230,000 1997 120 Kyrgyzstan 210,000 1997 121 Brunei 201,900 1998 122 Angola 196,000 2000 123 Azerbaijan 170,000 1997 124 Mongolia 168,800 1999 125 Somalia 135,000 1997 126 Burkina Faso 131,340 2002 127 Nepal 130,000 1997 128 Niger 125,000 1997 129 Tanzania 103,000 1997 130 Afghanistan 100,000 1999 131 Iceland 98,000 1997 132 Mauritania 98,000 2001 133 Cambodia 94,000 1997 134 Fiji 88,110 1999 135 Guinea 85,000 1997 136 Barbados 76,000 1997 137 Togo 73,000 1997 138 Liberia 70,000 1997 139 Virgin Islands 68,000 1997 140 Mozambique 67,600 2000 141 Bahamas, The 67,000 1997 142 Benin 66,000 2000 143 Bermuda 66,000 1997 144 Gabon 63,000 1997 145 Suriname 63,000 1997 146 Namibia 60,000 1997 147 Papua New Guinea 59,841 1999 148 Sierra Leone 53,000 1997 149 Cyprus 52,300 NA 150 Laos 52,000 1997 151 New Caledonia 52,000 1997 152 Macau 49,000 1997 153 Guyana 46,000 1997 154 Mali 45,000 1997 155 Belize 41,000 1997 156 French Polynesia 40,000 1997 157 Haiti 38,000 1997 158 Congo, Republic of the 33,000 1997 159 Grenada 33,000 1997 160 Saint Lucia 32,000 1997 161 Antigua and Barbuda 31,000 1997 162 Botswana 31,000 1997 163 Greenland 30,000 1998 est. 164 Djibouti 28,000 1997 165 Isle of Man 27,490 1999 166 Andorra 27,000 1997 167 Burundi 25,000 1997 168 Monaco 25,000 1997 169 Sao Tome and Principe 23,000 1997 170 Swaziland 23,000 2000 171 Aruba 20,000 1997 172 Central African Republic 18,000 1997 173 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 18,000 1997 174 Cape Verde 15,000 2002 est. 175 Faroe Islands 15,000 1997 176 American Samoa 14,000 1997 177 Liechtenstein 12,000 1997 178 Bhutan 11,000 1997 179 Seychelles 11,000 1997 180 Palau 11,000 1997 181 Chad 10,000 1997 182 Maldives 10,000 1999 183 Gibraltar 10,000 1997 184 Saint Kitts and Nevis 10,000 1997 185 San Marino 9,000 1997 186 Samoa 8,634 1999 187 Cayman Islands 7,000 1997 188 Dominica 6,000 1997 189 Western Sahara 6,000 1997 190 Gambia, The 5,000 2000 191 British Virgin Islands 4,000 1997 192 Equatorial Guinea 4,000 1997 193 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 4,000 1997 194 Cook Islands 4,000 1997 195 Mayotte 3,500 1994 196 Montserrat 3,000 1997 197 Solomon Islands 3,000 1997 198 Micronesia, Federated States of 2,800 1999 199 Vanuatu 2,300 1999 200 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha2,000 1997 201 Tonga 2,000 1997 202 Norfolk Island 1,200 1996 203 Anguilla 1,000 1997 204 Comoros 1,000 1997 205 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1,000 1997 206 Kiribati 1,000 1997 207 Eritrea 1,000 1997 208 Tuvalu 800 NA 209 Christmas Island 600 1997 210 Nauru 500 1997

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Rank code: 2018

Country Comparison :: Sex ratio

This entry includes the number of males for each female in five age groups - at birth, under 15 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over, and for the total population. Sex ratio at birth has recently emerged as an indicator of certain kinds of sex discrimination in some countries. For instance, high sex ratios at birth in some Asian countries are now attributed to sex-selective abortion and infanticide due to a strong preference for sons. This will affect future marriage patterns and fertility patterns. Eventually, it could cause unrest among young adult males who are unable to find partners.

Rank country (male(s)/female) Date of Information

1 United Arab Emirates 2.75 2010 est. 2 Qatar 2.44 2010 est. 3 United Arab Emirates 2.20 2010 est. 4 Montserrat 2.03 2010 est. 5 Qatar 1.99 2010 est. 6 United Arab Emirates 1.80 2010 est. 7 Kuwait 1.79 2010 est. 8 Kuwait 1.65 2010 est. 9 Maldives 1.57 2010 est. 10 Kuwait 1.54 2010 est. 11 Maldives 1.40 2010 est. 12 Qatar 1.36 2010 est. 13 Oman 1.34 2010 est. 14 Bahrain 1.33 2010 est. 15 Saudi Arabia 1.27 2010 est. 16 Palau 1.25 2010 est. 17 Bahrain 1.24 2010 est. 18 Oman 1.23 2010 est. 19 Papua New Guinea 1.20 2010 est. 20 Saint Barthelemy 1.19 2010 est. 21 China 1.17 2010 est. 22 Saudi Arabia 1.17 2010 est. 23 Armenia 1.15 2010 est. 24 Greenland 1.15 2010 est. 25 Georgia 1.15 2010 est. 26 Northern Mariana Islands 1.15 2010 est. 27 Mayotte 1.15 2010 est. 28 Faroe Islands 1.15 2010 est. 29 Curacao 1.15 2010 30 China 1.14 2010 est. 31 San Marino 1.14 2010 est. 32 Saint Barthelemy 1.14 2010 est. 33 Macau 1.14 2010 est. 34 Armenia 1.13 2010 est. 35 Azerbaijan 1.13 2010 est. 36 Bahrain 1.13 2010 est. 37 Palau 1.13 2010 est. 38 India 1.13 2010 est. 39 Bhutan 1.13 2010 est. 40 Cook Islands 1.13 2010 est. 41 Azerbaijan 1.12 2010 est. 42 Albania 1.12 2010 est. 43 Bhutan 1.12 2010 est. 44 Georgia 1.12 2010 est. 45 Greenland 1.12 2010 est. 46 India 1.12 2010 est. 47 Vietnam 1.12 2010 est. 48 Albania 1.10 2010 est. 49 Wallis and Futuna 1.10 2010 est. 50 Bhutan 1.10 2010 est. 51 Korea, South 1.10 2010 est. 52 Vietnam 1.10 2010 est. 53 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.10 2010 est. 54 Grenada 1.10 2010 est. 55 Andorra 1.09 2010 est. 56 Seychelles 1.09 2010 est. 57 Portugal 1.09 2010 est. 58 Pakistan 1.09 2010 est. 59 Montserrat 1.09 2010 est. 60 Kosovo 1.09 2010 est. 61 Kosovo 1.09 2010 est. 62 Hong Kong 1.09 2010 est. 63 Faroe Islands 1.09 2010 est. 64 Kosovo 1.09 2010 est. 65 San Marino 1.09 2010 est. 66 Taiwan 1.09 2010 est. 67 Cyprus 1.08 2010 est. 68 India 1.08 2010 est. 69 Macedonia 1.08 2010 est. 70 Taiwan 1.08 2010 est. 71 Switzerland 1.08 2010 est. 72 Singapore 1.08 2010 est. 73 Samoa 1.08 2010 est. 74 Montenegro 1.08 2010 est. 75 Mayotte 1.08 2010 est. 76 Jersey 1.08 2010 est. 77 Isle of Man 1.08 2010 est. 78 Macedonia 1.08 2010 est. 79 Singapore 1.08 2010 est. 80 Hong Kong 1.08 2010 est. 81 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.07 2010 est. 82 Montenegro 1.07 2010 est. 83 Tunisia 1.07 2010 est. 84 Gibraltar 1.07 2010 est. 85 Andorra 1.07 2010 est. 86 Cook Islands 1.07 2010 est. 87 Serbia 1.07 2010 est. 88 Samoa 1.07 2010 est. 89 Pakistan 1.07 2010 est. 90 Korea, South 1.07 2010 est. 91 Ireland 1.07 2010 est. 92 India 1.07 2010 est. 93 French Polynesia 1.07 2010 est. 94 Faroe Islands 1.07 2010 est. 95 Cook Islands 1.07 2010 est. 96 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.07 2010 est. 97 British Virgin Islands 1.07 2010 est. 98 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.07 2010 est. 99 Tunisia 1.07 2010 est. 100 Luxembourg 1.07 2010 est. 101 Faroe Islands 1.07 2010 est. 102 Malaysia 1.07 2010 est. 103 Suriname 1.07 2010 est. 104 Portugal 1.07 2010 est. 105 Andorra 1.07 2010 est. 106 Luxembourg 1.07 2010 est. 107 Italy 1.07 2010 est. 108 Slovenia 1.07 2010 est. 109 Palau 1.07 2010 est. 110 Serbia 1.07 2010 est. 111 Ukraine 1.07 2010 est. 112 Spain 1.07 2010 est. 113 Greece 1.06 2010 est. 114 Estonia 1.06 2010 est. 115 Belarus 1.06 2010 est. 116 American Samoa 1.06 2010 est. 117 Sweden 1.06 2010 est. 118 Poland 1.06 2010 est. 119 Andorra 1.06 2010 est. 120 European Union 1.06 2009 est. 121 European Union 1.06 2009 est. 122 West Bank 1.06 2010 est. 123 Uzbekistan 1.06 2010 est. 124 Ukraine 1.06 2010 est. 125 Tuvalu 1.06 2010 est. 126 Trinidad and Tobago 1.06 2010 est. 127 Syria 1.06 2010 est. 128 Sweden 1.06 2010 est. 129 Spain 1.06 2010 est. 130 Slovenia 1.06 2010 est. 131 Samoa 1.06 2010 est. 132 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.06 2010 est. 133 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.06 2010 est. 134 Saint Barthelemy 1.06 2010 est. 135 Russia 1.06 2010 est. 136 Russia 1.06 2010 est. 137 Romania 1.06 2010 est. 138 Qatar 1.06 2010 est. 139 Poland 1.06 2010 est. 140 Papua New Guinea 1.06 2010 est. 141 Papua New Guinea 1.06 2010 est. 142 Palau 1.06 2010 est. 143 Pakistan 1.06 2010 est. 144 Oman 1.06 2010 est. 145 Nigeria 1.06 2010 est. 146 Moldova 1.06 2010 est. 147 Malaysia 1.06 2010 est. 148 French Polynesia 1.06 2010 est. 149 Estonia 1.06 2010 est. 150 Czech Republic 1.06 2010 est. 151 Cyprus 1.06 2010 est. 152 Cuba 1.06 2010 est. 153 Cuba 1.06 2010 est. 154 Croatia 1.06 2010 est. 155 Colombia 1.06 2010 est. 156 China 1.06 2010 est. 157 Lithuania 1.06 2010 est. 158 Libya 1.06 2010 est. 159 Kosovo 1.06 2010 est. 160 Korea, North 1.06 2010 est. 161 Jordan 1.06 2010 est. 162 Jordan 1.06 2010 est. 163 Jersey 1.06 2010 est. 164 Japan 1.06 2010 est. 165 Italy 1.06 2010 est. 166 Hungary 1.06 2010 est. 167 Greece 1.06 2010 est. 168 Gibraltar 1.06 2010 est. 169 Gaza Strip 1.06 2010 est. 170 Gaza Strip 1.06 2010 est. 171 China 1.06 2010 est. 172 Burma 1.06 2010 est. 173 Bulgaria 1.06 2010 est. 174 Brunei 1.06 2010 est. 175 Belarus 1.06 2010 est. 176 Czech Republic 1.06 2010 est. 177 Moldova 1.06 2010 est. 178 Virgin Islands 1.06 2010 est. 179 Northern Mariana Islands 1.06 2010 est. 180 Kazakhstan 1.06 2010 est. 181 Malta 1.06 2010 est. 182 Hungary 1.06 2010 est. 183 Ireland 1.06 2010 est. 184 Lithuania 1.06 2010 est. 185 Wallis and Futuna 1.06 2010 est. 186 Canada 1.06 2010 est. 187 Japan 1.06 2010 est. 188 Qatar 1.06 2010 est. 189 Australia 1.06 2010 est. 190 Saint Lucia 1.06 2010 est. 191 Germany 1.06 2010 est. 192 Denmark 1.06 2010 est. 193 Croatia 1.06 2010 est. 194 Latvia 1.05 2010 est. 195 Switzerland 1.05 2010 est. 196 Thailand 1.05 2010 est. 197 Norway 1.05 2010 est. 198 Greenland 1.05 2010 est. 199 Kyrgyzstan 1.05 2010 est. 200 Saint Barthelemy 1.05 2010 est. 201 Argentina 1.05 2010 est. 202 Netherlands 1.05 2010 est. 203 United Kingdom 1.05 2010 est. 204 Austria 1.05 2010 est. 205 France 1.05 2010 est. 206 Tuvalu 1.05 2010 est. 207 Slovakia 1.05 2010 est. 208 Afghanistan 1.05 2010 est. 209 Afghanistan 1.05 2010 est. 210 Albania 1.05 2010 est. 211 Afghanistan 1.05 2010 est. 212 Algeria 1.05 2010 est. 213 Afghanistan 1.05 2010 est. 214 British Virgin Islands 1.05 2010 est. 215 Brazil 1.05 2010 est. 216 Bolivia 1.05 2010 est. 217 Bhutan 1.05 2010 est. 218 Benin 1.05 2010 est. 219 Belize 1.05 2010 est. 220 Austria 1.05 2010 est. 221 Australia 1.05 2010 est. 222 Argentina 1.05 2010 est. 223 Colombia 1.05 2010 est. 224 Chile 1.05 2010 est. 225 Chile 1.05 2010 est. 226 Canada 1.05 2010 est. 227 Bulgaria 1.05 2010 est. 228 British Virgin Islands 1.05 2010 est. 229 Antigua and Barbuda 1.05 2010 est. 230 Anguilla 1.05 2010 est. 231 Yemen 1.05 2010 est. 232 West Bank 1.05 2010 est. 233 West Bank 1.05 2010 est. 234 Venezuela 1.05 2010 est. 235 Vanuatu 1.05 2010 est. 236 Vanuatu 1.05 2010 est. 237 Uzbekistan 1.05 2010 est. 238 United Kingdom 1.05 2010 est. 239 United Arab Emirates 1.05 2010 est. 240 United Arab Emirates 1.05 2010 est. 241 Turkmenistan 1.05 2010 est. 242 Turkey 1.05 2010 est. 243 Turkey 1.05 2010 est. 244 Trinidad and Tobago 1.05 2010 est. 245 Tonga 1.05 2010 est. 246 Timor-Leste 1.05 2010 est. 247 Thailand 1.05 2010 est. 248 Tajikistan 1.05 2010 est. 249 Syria 1.05 2010 est. 250 Sudan 1.05 2010 est. 251 Sudan 1.05 2010 est. 252 Solomon Islands 1.05 2010 est. 253 Slovakia 1.05 2010 est. 254 Seychelles 1.05 2010 est. 255 Saudi Arabia 1.05 2010 est. 256 Samoa 1.05 2010 est. 257 Saint Lucia 1.05 2010 est. 258 Romania 1.05 2010 est. 259 Puerto Rico 1.05 2010 est. 260 Philippines 1.05 2010 est. 261 Paraguay 1.05 2010 est. 262 Papua New Guinea 1.05 2010 est. 263 Pakistan 1.05 2010 est. 264 Oman 1.05 2010 est. 265 Oman 1.05 2010 est. 266 Nigeria 1.05 2010 est. 267 Nicaragua 1.05 2010 est. 268 New Zealand 1.05 2010 est. 269 New Caledonia 1.05 2010 est. 270 Netherlands 1.05 2010 est. 271 Morocco 1.05 2010 est. 272 Mongolia 1.05 2010 est. 273 Monaco 1.05 2010 est. 274 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.05 2010 est. 275 Mexico 1.05 2010 est. 276 Mayotte 1.05 2010 est. 277 Mauritius 1.05 2010 est. 278 Marshall Islands 1.05 2010 est. 279 Malta 1.05 2010 est. 280 Maldives 1.05 2010 est. 281 Macau 1.05 2010 est. 282 Libya 1.05 2010 est. 283 Libya 1.05 2010 est. 284 Lebanon 1.05 2010 est. 285 Lebanon 1.05 2010 est. 286 Latvia 1.05 2010 est. 287 Kiribati 1.05 2010 est. 288 Jamaica 1.05 2010 est. 289 Israel 1.05 2010 est. 290 Israel 1.05 2010 est. 291 Isle of Man 1.05 2010 est. 292 Iraq 1.05 2010 est. 293 Iran 1.05 2010 est. 294 Iran 1.05 2010 est. 295 Indonesia 1.05 2010 est. 296 Honduras 1.05 2010 est. 297 Guyana 1.05 2010 est. 298 Guatemala 1.05 2010 est. 299 Grenada 1.05 2010 est. 300 Greenland 1.05 2010 est. 301 Germany 1.05 2010 est. 302 Gaza Strip 1.05 2010 est. 303 Fiji 1.05 2010 est. 304 Ecuador 1.05 2010 est. 305 Dominica 1.05 2010 est. 306 Dominica 1.05 2010 est. 307 Denmark 1.05 2010 est. 308 Cyprus 1.05 2010 est. 309 Curacao 1.05 2010 310 Costa Rica 1.05 2010 est. 311 Costa Rica 1.05 2010 est. 312 Angola 1.05 2010 est. 313 French Polynesia 1.05 2010 est. 314 France 1.05 2010 est. 315 El Salvador 1.05 2010 est. 316 El Salvador 1.05 2010 est. 317 Egypt 1.05 2010 est. 318 Egypt 1.05 2010 est. 319 Guernsey 1.05 2010 est. 320 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.05 2010 est. 321 Monaco 1.05 2010 est. 322 New Zealand 1.05 2010 est. 323 Brunei 1.05 2010 est. 324 United States 1.05 2010 est. 325 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.05 2010 est. 326 Cook Islands 1.05 2010 est. 327 Peru 1.05 2010 est. 328 Belgium 1.05 2010 est. 329 British Virgin Islands 1.05 2010 est. 330 Cambodia 1.05 2010 est. 331 Panama 1.05 2010 est. 332 Sri Lanka 1.04 2010 est. 333 Kuwait 1.04 2010 est. 334 Albania 1.04 2010 est. 335 Algeria 1.04 2010 est. 336 American Samoa 1.04 2010 est. 337 Libya 1.04 2010 est. 338 Laos 1.04 2010 est. 339 Kyrgyzstan 1.04 2010 est. 340 Kuwait 1.04 2010 est. 341 Korea, South 1.04 2010 est. 342 Kiribati 1.04 2010 est. 343 Kazakhstan 1.04 2010 est. 344 Jordan 1.04 2010 est. 345 Iraq 1.04 2010 est. 346 Indonesia 1.04 2010 est. 347 Iceland 1.04 2010 est. 348 Honduras 1.04 2010 est. 349 Finland 1.04 2010 est. 350 Finland 1.04 2010 est. 351 Fiji 1.04 2010 est. 352 Dominica 1.04 2010 est. 353 Cyprus 1.04 2010 est. 354 Cote d'Ivoire 1.04 2010 est. 355 Chad 1.04 2010 est. 356 Burma 1.04 2010 est. 357 Brazil 1.04 2010 est. 358 Botswana 1.04 2010 est. 359 Bolivia 1.04 2010 est. 360 Bhutan 1.04 2010 est. 361 Guyana 1.04 2010 est. 362 Guatemala 1.04 2010 est. 363 Grenada 1.04 2010 est. 364 Germany 1.04 2010 est. 365 Gaza Strip 1.04 2010 est. 366 French Polynesia 1.04 2010 est. 367 Ecuador 1.04 2010 est. 368 Dominican Republic 1.04 2010 est. 369 Dominican Republic 1.04 2010 est. 370 Dominican Republic 1.04 2010 est. 371 Yemen 1.04 2010 est. 372 Western Sahara 1.04 2010 est. 373 West Bank 1.04 2010 est. 374 Virgin Islands 1.04 2010 est. 375 Vanuatu 1.04 2010 est. 376 Vanuatu 1.04 2010 est. 377 Vanuatu 1.04 2010 est. 378 United States 1.04 2010 est. 379 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.04 2010 est. 380 Tonga 1.04 2010 est. 381 Timor-Leste 1.04 2010 est. 382 Tajikistan 1.04 2010 est. 383 Suriname 1.04 2010 est. 384 Sudan 1.04 2010 est. 385 Sri Lanka 1.04 2010 est. 386 Solomon Islands 1.04 2010 est. 387 Saudi Arabia 1.04 2010 est. 388 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.04 2010 est. 389 Saint Martin 1.04 2010 est. 390 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.04 2010 est. 391 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.04 2010 est. 392 Puerto Rico 1.04 2010 est. 393 Philippines 1.04 2010 est. 394 Peru 1.04 2010 est. 395 Panama 1.04 2010 est. 396 Norway 1.04 2010 est. 397 Nigeria 1.04 2010 est. 398 Nigeria 1.04 2010 est. 399 Nicaragua 1.04 2010 est. 400 New Caledonia 1.04 2010 est. 401 Nepal 1.04 2010 est. 402 Nepal 1.04 2010 est. 403 Nauru 1.04 2010 est. 404 Mongolia 1.04 2010 est. 405 Mexico 1.04 2010 est. 406 Mauritius 1.04 2010 est. 407 Marshall Islands 1.04 2010 est. 408 Marshall Islands 1.04 2010 est. 409 Marshall Islands 1.04 2010 est. 410 Maldives 1.04 2010 est. 411 Benin 1.04 2010 est. 412 Belize 1.04 2010 est. 413 Belgium 1.04 2010 est. 414 Bangladesh 1.04 2010 est. 415 Uruguay 1.04 2010 est. 416 Montserrat 1.03 2010 est. 417 Anguilla 1.03 2010 est. 418 Seychelles 1.03 2010 est. 419 American Samoa 1.03 2010 est. 420 Antigua and Barbuda 1.03 2010 est. 421 Australia 1.03 2010 est. 422 Madagascar 1.03 2010 est. 423 Liberia 1.03 2010 est. 424 Liberia 1.03 2010 est. 425 Lesotho 1.03 2010 est. 426 Korea, North 1.03 2010 est. 427 Jordan 1.03 2010 est. 428 Jamaica 1.03 2010 est. 429 Italy 1.03 2010 est. 430 Israel 1.03 2010 est. 431 Iraq 1.03 2010 est. 432 Iraq 1.03 2010 est. 433 Iceland 1.03 2010 est. 434 Guinea-Bissau 1.03 2010 est. 435 Guinea 1.03 2010 est. 436 Guernsey 1.03 2010 est. 437 Gabon 1.03 2010 est. 438 Ethiopia 1.03 2010 est. 439 Eritrea 1.03 2010 est. 440 Equatorial Guinea 1.03 2010 est. 441 Equatorial Guinea 1.03 2010 est. 442 Egypt 1.03 2010 est. 443 Egypt 1.03 2010 est. 444 Dominican Republic 1.03 2010 est. 445 Comoros 1.03 2010 est. 446 Greenland 1.03 2010 est. 447 Ghana 1.03 2010 est. 448 Gambia, The 1.03 2010 est. 449 Chad 1.03 2010 est. 450 Central African Republic 1.03 2010 est. 451 Cape Verde 1.03 2010 est. 452 Cameroon 1.03 2010 est. 453 Burundi 1.03 2010 est. 454 Burkina Faso 1.03 2010 est. 455 British Virgin Islands 1.03 2010 est. 456 Botswana 1.03 2010 est. 457 Zimbabwe 1.03 2010 est. 458 Zambia 1.03 2010 est. 459 Yemen 1.03 2010 est. 460 Yemen 1.03 2010 est. 461 Venezuela 1.03 2010 est. 462 Uruguay 1.03 2010 est. 463 United Kingdom 1.03 2010 est. 464 Uganda 1.03 2010 est. 465 Somalia 1.03 2010 est. 466 Sierra Leone 1.03 2010 est. 467 Seychelles 1.03 2010 est. 468 Senegal 1.03 2010 est. 469 Saudi Arabia 1.03 2010 est. 470 Sao Tome and Principe 1.03 2010 est. 471 Sao Tome and Principe 1.03 2010 est. 472 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.03 2010 est. 473 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.03 2010 est. 474 Togo 1.03 2010 est. 475 Timor-Leste 1.03 2010 est. 476 Timor-Leste 1.03 2010 est. 477 Tanzania 1.03 2010 est. 478 Syria 1.03 2010 est. 479 Syria 1.03 2010 est. 480 Swaziland 1.03 2010 est. 481 Sudan 1.03 2010 est. 482 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.03 2010 est. 483 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.03 2010 est. 484 Rwanda 1.03 2010 est. 485 Paraguay 1.03 2010 est. 486 Papua New Guinea 1.03 2010 est. 487 Norway 1.03 2010 est. 488 Niger 1.03 2010 est. 489 Mayotte 1.03 2010 est. 490 Mauritania 1.03 2010 est. 491 Malta 1.03 2010 est. 492 Mali 1.03 2010 est. 493 Djibouti 1.03 2010 est. 494 Cote d'Ivoire 1.03 2010 est. 495 Cote d'Ivoire 1.03 2010 est. 496 Congo, Republic of the 1.03 2010 est. 497 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1.03 2010 est. 498 Namibia 1.03 2010 est. 499 Namibia 1.03 2010 est. 500 Morocco 1.03 2010 est. 501 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.03 2010 est. 502 Belize 1.03 2010 est. 503 Bahamas, The 1.03 2010 est. 504 Bahrain 1.03 2010 est. 505 Bahamas, The 1.03 2010 est. 506 Angola 1.03 2010 est. 507 Trinidad and Tobago 1.03 2010 est. 508 Aruba 1.02 2010 est. 509 Algeria 1.02 2010 est. 510 American Samoa 1.02 2010 est. 511 Taiwan 1.02 2010 est. 512 Taiwan 1.02 2010 est. 513 Zimbabwe 1.02 2010 est. 514 Western Sahara 1.02 2010 est. 515 Wallis and Futuna 1.02 2010 est. 516 South Africa 1.02 2010 est. 517 Solomon Islands 1.02 2010 est. 518 Solomon Islands 1.02 2010 est. 519 Slovenia 1.02 2010 est. 520 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.02 2010 est. 521 Macedonia 1.02 2010 est. 522 Kenya 1.02 2010 est. 523 Japan 1.02 2010 est. 524 Iran 1.02 2010 est. 525 Turkmenistan 1.02 2010 est. 526 Turkey 1.02 2010 est. 527 Turkey 1.02 2010 est. 528 Trinidad and Tobago 1.02 2010 est. 529 Switzerland 1.02 2010 est. 530 Sweden 1.02 2010 est. 531 Swaziland 1.02 2010 est. 532 South Africa 1.02 2010 est. 533 Iran 1.02 2010 est. 534 Iceland 1.02 2010 est. 535 Haiti 1.02 2010 est. 536 Guinea 1.02 2010 est. 537 Grenada 1.02 2010 est. 538 Gibraltar 1.02 2010 est. 539 Ghana 1.02 2010 est. 540 Finland 1.02 2010 est. 541 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.02 2010 est. 542 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.02 2010 est. 543 Panama 1.02 2010 est. 544 Panama 1.02 2010 est. 545 Niger 1.02 2010 est. 546 Netherlands 1.02 2010 est. 547 Namibia 1.02 2010 est. 548 Dominica 1.02 2010 est. 549 Cote d'Ivoire 1.02 2010 est. 550 Canada 1.02 2010 est. 551 Cameroon 1.02 2010 est. 552 Cambodia 1.02 2010 est. 553 Botswana 1.02 2010 est. 554 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.02 2010 est. 555 Belize 1.02 2010 est. 556 French Polynesia 1.02 2010 est. 557 Belgium 1.02 2010 est. 558 Bahrain 1.02 2010 est. 559 Angola 1.02 2010 est. 560 Angola 1.02 2010 est. 561 Bermuda 1.02 2010 est. 562 Mozambique 1.02 2010 est. 563 Cayman Islands 1.02 2010 est. 564 Malawi 1.02 2010 est. 565 Barbados 1.01 2010 est. 566 Haiti 1.01 2010 est. 567 Algeria 1.01 2010 est. 568 Zambia 1.01 2010 est. 569 Zambia 1.01 2010 est. 570 Wallis and Futuna 1.01 2010 est. 571 Uganda 1.01 2010 est. 572 Uganda 1.01 2010 est. 573 Uganda 1.01 2010 est. 574 Tunisia 1.01 2010 est. 575 Tunisia 1.01 2010 est. 576 Tanzania 1.01 2010 est. 577 Sudan 1.01 2010 est. 578 Spain 1.01 2010 est. 579 Senegal 1.01 2010 est. 580 Rwanda 1.01 2010 est. 581 Peru 1.01 2010 est. 582 Peru 1.01 2010 est. 583 Paraguay 1.01 2010 est. 584 Paraguay 1.01 2010 est. 585 New Caledonia 1.01 2010 est. 586 Namibia 1.01 2010 est. 587 Mozambique 1.01 2010 est. 588 Montserrat 1.01 2010 est. 589 Mayotte 1.01 2010 est. 590 Mauritania 1.01 2010 est. 591 Mali 1.01 2010 est. 592 Malaysia 1.01 2010 est. 593 Malaysia 1.01 2010 est. 594 Madagascar 1.01 2010 est. 595 Luxembourg 1.01 2010 est. 596 Liberia 1.01 2010 est. 597 Lesotho 1.01 2010 est. 598 Laos 1.01 2010 est. 599 Kenya 1.01 2010 est. 600 Kenya 1.01 2010 est. 601 Kenya 1.01 2010 est. 602 Isle of Man 1.01 2010 est. 603 Indonesia 1.01 2010 est. 604 Honduras 1.01 2010 est. 605 Honduras 1.01 2010 est. 606 Gibraltar 1.01 2010 est. 607 Gambia, The 1.01 2010 est. 608 Gabon 1.01 2010 est. 609 Eritrea 1.01 2010 est. 610 Denmark 1.01 2010 est. 611 Czech Republic 1.01 2010 est. 612 Costa Rica 1.01 2010 est. 613 Costa Rica 1.01 2010 est. 614 Congo, Republic of the 1.01 2010 est. 615 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1.01 2010 est. 616 Comoros 1.01 2010 est. 617 Central African Republic 1.01 2010 est. 618 Cayman Islands 1.01 2010 est. 619 Cape Verde 1.01 2010 est. 620 Cameroon 1.01 2010 est. 621 Cameroon 1.01 2010 est. 622 Burundi 1.01 2010 est. 623 Burkina Faso 1.01 2010 est. 624 Botswana 1.01 2010 est. 625 Bermuda 1.01 2010 est. 626 Bangladesh 1.01 2010 est. 627 Aruba 1.01 2010 est. 628 Austria 1.01 2010 est. 629 Liechtenstein 1.01 2010 est. 630 Argentina 1.00 2010 est. 631 Benin 1.00 2010 est. 632 Australia 1.00 2010 est. 633 Cuba 1.00 2010 est. 634 Ethiopia 1.00 2010 est. 635 Fiji 1.00 2010 est. 636 Gabon 1.00 2010 est. 637 Liberia 1.00 2010 est. 638 Korea, South 1.00 2010 est. 639 Iceland 1.00 2010 est. 640 Guyana 1.00 2010 est. 641 Guyana 1.00 2010 est. 642 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2010 est. 643 Guinea 1.00 2010 est. 644 Guinea 1.00 2010 est. 645 Greece 1.00 2010 est. 646 Ghana 1.00 2010 est. 647 Ghana 1.00 2010 est. 648 Gambia, The 1.00 2010 est. 649 Philippines 1.00 2010 est. 650 Niger 1.00 2010 est. 651 Nicaragua 1.00 2010 est. 652 Nicaragua 1.00 2010 est. 653 New Zealand 1.00 2010 est. 654 New Caledonia 1.00 2010 est. 655 Nauru 1.00 2010 est. 656 Mongolia 1.00 2010 est. 657 Mongolia 1.00 2010 est. 658 European Union 1.00 2009 est. 659 Zambia 1.00 2010 est. 660 United States 1.00 2010 est. 661 Togo 1.00 2010 est. 662 South Africa 1.00 2010 est. 663 Somalia 1.00 2010 est. 664 Somalia 1.00 2010 est. 665 Somalia 1.00 2010 est. 666 Serbia 1.00 2010 est. 667 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2010 est. 668 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.00 2010 est. 669 Portugal 1.00 2010 est. 670 Philippines 1.00 2010 est. 671 Monaco 1.00 2010 est. 672 Malawi 1.00 2010 est. 673 Malawi 1.00 2010 est. 674 Macedonia 1.00 2010 est. 675 Jersey 1.00 2010 est. 676 Israel 1.00 2010 est. 677 Ireland 1.00 2010 est. 678 Indonesia 1.00 2010 est. 679 France 1.00 2010 est. 680 Fiji 1.00 2010 est. 681 Djibouti 1.00 2010 est. 682 Chile 1.00 2010 est. 683 Burkina Faso 1.00 2010 est. 684 Brunei 1.00 2010 est. 685 Barbados 1.00 2010 est. 686 Andorra 0.99 2010 est. 687 Vietnam 0.99 2010 est. 688 Vietnam 0.99 2010 est. 689 Uzbekistan 0.99 2010 est. 690 Uzbekistan 0.99 2010 est. 691 Uruguay 0.99 2010 est. 692 Tonga 0.99 2010 est. 693 Tonga 0.99 2010 est. 694 Tajikistan 0.99 2010 est. 695 Swaziland 0.99 2010 est. 696 Suriname 0.99 2010 est. 697 Suriname 0.99 2010 est. 698 South Africa 0.99 2010 est. 699 Slovakia 0.99 2010 est. 700 Senegal 0.99 2010 est. 701 Saint Martin 0.99 2010 est. 702 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.99 2010 est. 703 Rwanda 0.99 2010 est. 704 Rwanda 0.99 2010 est. 705 Romania 0.99 2010 est. 706 Poland 0.99 2010 est. 707 Niger 0.99 2010 est. 708 New Zealand 0.99 2010 est. 709 Nauru 0.99 2010 est. 710 Montenegro 0.99 2010 est. 711 Ireland 0.99 2010 est. 712 Haiti 0.99 2010 est. 713 Equatorial Guinea 0.99 2010 est. 714 Ecuador 0.99 2010 est. 715 Cuba 0.99 2010 est. 716 Croatia 0.99 2010 est. 717 Cote d'Ivoire 0.99 2010 est. 718 Congo, Republic of the 0.99 2010 est. 719 Congo, Republic of the 0.99 2010 est. 720 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.99 2010 est. 721 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.99 2010 est. 722 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.99 2010 est. 723 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.99 2010 est. 724 Mauritius 0.99 2010 est. 725 Malta 0.99 2010 est. 726 Malawi 0.99 2010 est. 727 Madagascar 0.99 2010 est. 728 Madagascar 0.99 2010 est. 729 Gabon 0.99 2010 est. 730 Burma 0.99 2010 est. 731 Burma 0.99 2010 est. 732 Burkina Faso 0.99 2010 est. 733 Brunei 0.99 2010 est. 734 Benin 0.99 2010 est. 735 Bolivia 0.98 2010 est. 736 Chile 0.98 2010 est. 737 Comoros 0.98 2010 est. 738 Sint Maarten 0.98 2010 739 Sierra Leone 0.98 2010 est. 740 Senegal 0.98 2010 est. 741 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.98 2010 est. 742 Saint Barthelemy 0.98 2010 est. 743 Norway 0.98 2010 est. 744 Netherlands 0.98 2010 est. 745 Mozambique 0.98 2010 est. 746 Jamaica 0.98 2010 est. 747 Hungary 0.98 2010 est. 748 Haiti 0.98 2010 est. 749 Guernsey 0.98 2010 est. 750 Gambia, The 0.98 2010 est. 751 Gambia, The 0.98 2010 est. 752 Eritrea 0.98 2010 est. 753 Denmark 0.98 2010 est. 754 Comoros 0.98 2010 est. 755 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.98 2010 est. 756 Turkmenistan 0.98 2010 est. 757 Turkmenistan 0.98 2010 est. 758 Thailand 0.98 2010 est. 759 Thailand 0.98 2010 est. 760 Tanzania 0.98 2010 est. 761 Tanzania 0.98 2010 est. 762 Tajikistan 0.98 2010 est. 763 Sweden 0.98 2010 est. 764 Western Sahara 0.98 2010 est. 765 Venezuela 0.98 2010 est. 766 United Kingdom 0.98 2010 est. 767 Swaziland 0.98 2010 est. 768 Mali 0.98 2010 est. 769 Maldives 0.98 2010 est. 770 Liechtenstein 0.98 2010 est. 771 Liberia 0.98 2010 est. 772 Laos 0.98 2010 est. 773 Laos 0.98 2010 est. 774 Korea, North 0.98 2010 est. 775 Colombia 0.98 2010 est. 776 Central African Republic 0.98 2010 est. 777 Brazil 0.98 2010 est. 778 Burundi 0.98 2010 est. 779 Central African Republic 0.98 2010 est. 780 Canada 0.98 2010 est. 781 Brazil 0.98 2010 est. 782 Argentina 0.97 2010 est. 783 Sao Tome and Principe 0.97 2010 est. 784 Nauru 0.97 2010 est. 785 Morocco 0.97 2010 est. 786 Kiribati 0.97 2010 est. 787 Jordan 0.97 2010 est. 788 Jersey 0.97 2010 est. 789 Jamaica 0.97 2010 est. 790 Guatemala 0.97 2010 est. 791 Germany 0.97 2010 est. 792 Ethiopia 0.97 2010 est. 793 Equatorial Guinea 0.97 2010 est. 794 Ecuador 0.97 2010 est. 795 Colombia 0.97 2010 est. 796 Burundi 0.97 2010 est. 797 United States 0.97 2010 est. 798 Tuvalu 0.97 2010 est. 799 Togo 0.97 2010 est. 800 Switzerland 0.97 2010 est. 801 Sri Lanka 0.97 2010 est. 802 Mauritius 0.97 2010 est. 803 Luxembourg 0.97 2010 est. 804 Liechtenstein 0.97 2010 est. 805 Lesotho 0.97 2010 est. 806 Western Sahara 0.97 2010 est. 807 Venezuela 0.97 2010 est. 808 Bulgaria 0.97 2010 est. 809 Azerbaijan 0.97 2010 est. 810 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.97 2010 est. 811 Azerbaijan 0.97 2010 est. 812 Bahamas, The 0.97 2010 est. 813 Barbados 0.97 2010 est. 814 Bermuda 0.97 2010 est. 815 Bahamas, The 0.96 2010 est. 816 Sri Lanka 0.96 2010 est. 817 Spain 0.96 2010 est. 818 Sint Maarten 0.96 2010 819 Nepal 0.96 2010 est. 820 Mozambique 0.96 2010 est. 821 Morocco 0.96 2010 est. 822 Kyrgyzstan 0.96 2010 est. 823 Kyrgyzstan 0.96 2010 est. 824 Italy 0.96 2010 est. 825 Isle of Man 0.96 2010 est. 826 Greece 0.96 2010 est. 827 France 0.96 2010 est. 828 Finland 0.96 2010 est. 829 Ethiopia 0.96 2010 est. 830 Eritrea 0.96 2010 est. 831 Togo 0.96 2010 est. 832 Mexico 0.96 2010 est. 833 Lithuania 0.96 2010 est. 834 Libya 0.96 2010 est. 835 Lesotho 0.96 2010 est. 836 Lebanon 0.96 2010 est. 837 Cook Islands 0.96 2010 est. 838 Cayman Islands 0.96 2010 est. 839 Cambodia 0.96 2010 est. 840 Belgium 0.96 2010 est. 841 Bolivia 0.96 2010 est. 842 Austria 0.95 2010 est. 843 Cambodia 0.95 2010 est. 844 Cayman Islands 0.95 2010 est. 845 Uruguay 0.95 2010 est. 846 Tuvalu 0.95 2010 est. 847 Slovenia 0.95 2010 est. 848 Singapore 0.95 2010 est. 849 Singapore 0.95 2010 est. 850 Serbia 0.95 2010 est. 851 Saint Lucia 0.95 2010 est. 852 Romania 0.95 2010 est. 853 Portugal 0.95 2010 est. 854 Montenegro 0.95 2010 est. 855 Monaco 0.95 2010 est. 856 Mali 0.95 2010 est. 857 Lesotho 0.95 2010 est. 858 Lebanon 0.95 2010 est. 859 Latvia 0.95 2010 est. 860 Korea, North 0.95 2010 est. 861 Kiribati 0.95 2010 est. 862 Kazakhstan 0.95 2010 est. 863 Japan 0.95 2010 est. 864 Hong Kong 0.95 2010 est. 865 Guinea-Bissau 0.95 2010 est. 866 Guernsey 0.95 2010 est. 867 Czech Republic 0.95 2010 est. 868 Anguilla 0.94 2010 est. 869 Cape Verde 0.94 2010 est. 870 Slovakia 0.94 2010 est. 871 Sierra Leone 0.94 2010 est. 872 San Marino 0.94 2010 est. 873 San Marino 0.94 2010 est. 874 Saint Lucia 0.94 2010 est. 875 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.94 2010 est. 876 Poland 0.94 2010 est. 877 Nigeria 0.94 2010 est. 878 Moldova 0.94 2010 est. 879 Mexico 0.94 2010 est. 880 Marshall Islands 0.94 2010 est. 881 Liechtenstein 0.94 2010 est. 882 Brunei 0.94 2010 est. 883 Hong Kong 0.94 2010 est. 884 Guatemala 0.94 2010 est. 885 Bermuda 0.94 2010 est. 886 Cape Verde 0.94 2010 est. 887 Belarus 0.94 2010 est. 888 Barbados 0.94 2010 est. 889 Anguilla 0.93 2010 est. 890 Saint Martin 0.93 2010 est. 891 Puerto Rico 0.93 2010 est. 892 Northern Mariana Islands 0.93 2010 est. 893 Mauritania 0.93 2010 est. 894 Kazakhstan 0.93 2010 est. 895 Guinea-Bissau 0.93 2010 est. 896 Gibraltar 0.93 2010 est. 897 Georgia 0.93 2010 est. 898 El Salvador 0.93 2010 est. 899 Ecuador 0.93 2010 est. 900 Croatia 0.93 2010 est. 901 China 0.93 2010 est. 902 Bangladesh 0.93 2010 est. 903 Bangladesh 0.93 2010 est. 904 Afghanistan 0.92 2010 est. 905 Aruba 0.92 2010 est. 906 European Union 0.92 2009 est. 907 Taiwan 0.92 2010 est. 908 Ukraine 0.92 2010 est. 909 Sint Maarten 0.92 2010 910 Sint Maarten 0.92 2010 911 Sierra Leone 0.92 2010 est. 912 Russia 0.92 2010 est. 913 Puerto Rico 0.92 2010 est. 914 Pakistan 0.92 2010 est. 915 Northern Mariana Islands 0.92 2010 est. 916 Nepal 0.92 2010 est. 917 Mali 0.92 2010 est. 918 Macau 0.92 2010 est. 919 Bulgaria 0.92 2010 est. 920 Chad 0.92 2010 est. 921 Belize 0.91 2010 est. 922 Estonia 0.91 2010 est. 923 Georgia 0.91 2010 est. 924 Moldova 0.91 2010 est. 925 Zimbabwe 0.91 2010 est. 926 Yemen 0.91 2010 est. 927 Saint Martin 0.91 2010 est. 928 Montserrat 0.91 2010 est. 929 India 0.91 2010 est. 930 Iran 0.91 2010 est. 931 Hungary 0.91 2010 est. 932 Anguilla 0.90 2010 est. 933 Antigua and Barbuda 0.90 2010 est. 934 Faroe Islands 0.90 2010 est. 935 Virgin Islands 0.90 2010 est. 936 Timor-Leste 0.90 2010 est. 937 Aruba 0.90 2010 est. 938 Armenia 0.89 2010 est. 939 Solomon Islands 0.89 2010 est. 940 Peru 0.89 2010 est. 941 Mauritania 0.89 2010 est. 942 Lithuania 0.89 2010 est. 943 El Salvador 0.89 2010 est. 944 Cayman Islands 0.89 2010 est. 945 Bangladesh 0.89 2010 est. 946 American Samoa 0.88 2010 est. 947 Hong Kong 0.88 2010 est. 948 Macau 0.88 2010 est. 949 Nepal 0.88 2010 est. 950 Macau 0.88 2010 est. 951 Iraq 0.88 2010 est. 952 Armenia 0.88 2010 est. 953 Albania 0.87 2010 est. 954 Virgin Islands 0.87 2010 est. 955 Senegal 0.87 2010 est. 956 Lebanon 0.87 2010 est. 957 Belarus 0.87 2010 est. 958 Panama 0.87 2010 est. 959 Antigua and Barbuda 0.87 2010 est. 960 Algeria 0.86 2010 est. 961 Tunisia 0.86 2010 est. 962 Syria 0.86 2010 est. 963 Sri Lanka 0.86 2010 est. 964 Sao Tome and Principe 0.86 2010 est. 965 Paraguay 0.86 2010 est. 966 New Caledonia 0.86 2010 est. 967 Latvia 0.86 2010 est. 968 Guatemala 0.86 2010 est. 969 Dominican Republic 0.86 2010 est. 970 Djibouti 0.86 2010 est. 971 Costa Rica 0.86 2010 est. 972 Cameroon 0.85 2010 est. 973 Northern Mariana Islands 0.85 2010 est. 974 Wallis and Futuna 0.85 2010 est. 975 Ukraine 0.85 2010 est. 976 Russia 0.85 2010 est. 977 Curacao 0.85 2010 978 Chad 0.85 2010 est. 979 Australia 0.84 2010 est. 980 Turkey 0.84 2010 est. 981 Ghana 0.84 2010 est. 982 New Zealand 0.84 2010 est. 983 Estonia 0.84 2010 est. 984 Nauru 0.84 2010 est. 985 Comoros 0.83 2010 est. 986 Zimbabwe 0.83 2010 est. 987 Virgin Islands 0.83 2010 est. 988 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.83 2010 est. 989 Morocco 0.83 2010 est. 990 Kenya 0.83 2010 est. 991 Iceland 0.83 2010 est. 992 Egypt 0.83 2010 est. 993 Cuba 0.83 2010 est. 994 Curacao 0.82 2010 995 Eritrea 0.82 2010 est. 996 Mexico 0.82 2010 est. 997 Saint Martin 0.82 2010 est. 998 Thailand 0.82 2010 est. 999 Saint Lucia 0.82 2010 est. 1000 Grenada 0.82 2010 est. 1001 Djibouti 0.81 2010 est. 1002 Sint Maarten 0.81 2010 1003 Singapore 0.81 2010 est. 1004 Sierra Leone 0.81 2010 est. 1005 El Salvador 0.81 2010 est. 1006 Fiji 0.81 2010 est. 1007 Ireland 0.81 2010 est. 1008 Jamaica 0.81 2010 est. 1009 Honduras 0.81 2010 est. 1010 Djibouti 0.80 2010 est. 1011 Sweden 0.80 2010 est. 1012 San Marino 0.80 2010 est. 1013 Samoa 0.80 2010 est. 1014 Madagascar 0.80 2010 est. 1015 Monaco 0.80 2010 est. 1016 Niger 0.80 2010 est. 1017 Namibia 0.80 2010 est. 1018 Jersey 0.80 2010 est. 1019 Angola 0.79 2010 est. 1020 Venezuela 0.79 2010 est. 1021 Malaysia 0.79 2010 est. 1022 Indonesia 0.79 2010 est. 1023 Bolivia 0.79 2010 est. 1024 Canada 0.78 2010 est. 1025 Equatorial Guinea 0.78 2010 est. 1026 Western Sahara 0.78 2010 est. 1027 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.78 2010 est. 1028 Nicaragua 0.78 2010 est. 1029 Israel 0.78 2010 est. 1030 Guinea 0.78 2010 est. 1031 Greece 0.78 2010 est. 1032 Denmark 0.78 2010 est. 1033 Burma 0.77 2010 est. 1034 Turkmenistan 0.77 2010 est. 1035 Tanzania 0.77 2010 est. 1036 Mongolia 0.77 2010 est. 1037 Malta 0.77 2010 est. 1038 Liechtenstein 0.77 2010 est. 1039 Guernsey 0.77 2010 est. 1040 Cyprus 0.77 2010 est. 1041 Antigua and Barbuda 0.76 2010 est. 1042 Dominica 0.76 2010 est. 1043 Macedonia 0.76 2010 est. 1044 Malawi 0.76 2010 est. 1045 United Kingdom 0.76 2010 est. 1046 Philippines 0.76 2010 est. 1047 Norway 0.76 2010 est. 1048 Netherlands 0.76 2010 est. 1049 Ethiopia 0.75 2010 est. 1050 Laos 0.75 2010 est. 1051 Puerto Rico 0.75 2010 est. 1052 Suriname 0.75 2010 est. 1053 Trinidad and Tobago 0.75 2010 est. 1054 Zimbabwe 0.75 2010 est. 1055 Uzbekistan 0.75 2010 est. 1056 United States 0.75 2010 est. 1057 Colombia 0.74 2010 est. 1058 Mauritania 0.74 2010 est. 1059 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.74 2010 est. 1060 Japan 0.74 2010 est. 1061 Tajikistan 0.74 2010 est. 1062 Kosovo 0.74 2010 est. 1063 Brazil 0.73 2010 est. 1064 Chad 0.73 2010 est. 1065 Tuvalu 0.73 2010 est. 1066 Chile 0.72 2010 est. 1067 France 0.72 2010 est. 1068 Germany 0.72 2010 est. 1069 Italy 0.72 2010 est. 1070 Swaziland 0.72 2010 est. 1071 Switzerland 0.72 2010 est. 1072 Spain 0.72 2010 est. 1073 Gabon 0.72 2010 est. 1074 Austria 0.71 2010 est. 1075 Guyana 0.71 2010 est. 1076 Mozambique 0.71 2010 est. 1077 West Bank 0.71 2010 est. 1078 Isle of Man 0.71 2010 est. 1079 Belgium 0.71 2010 est. 1080 Bermuda 0.71 2010 est. 1081 Argentina 0.70 2010 est. 1082 Serbia 0.70 2010 est. 1083 Tonga 0.70 2010 est. 1084 Uganda 0.70 2010 est. 1085 Somalia 0.70 2010 est. 1086 Portugal 0.70 2010 est. 1087 Luxembourg 0.70 2010 est. 1088 Congo, Republic of the 0.70 2010 est. 1089 Benin 0.69 2010 est. 1090 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.69 2010 est. 1091 Romania 0.69 2010 est. 1092 Finland 0.69 2010 est. 1093 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.69 2010 est. 1094 Botswana 0.68 2010 est. 1095 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.68 2010 est. 1096 Zambia 0.68 2010 est. 1097 European Union 0.68 2009 est. 1098 South Africa 0.68 2010 est. 1099 Bulgaria 0.68 2010 est. 1100 Gaza Strip 0.68 2010 est. 1101 Burundi 0.67 2010 est. 1102 Curacao 0.67 2010 1103 Mauritius 0.67 2010 est. 1104 Uruguay 0.67 2010 est. 1105 Rwanda 0.67 2010 est. 1106 Montenegro 0.67 2010 est. 1107 Korea, South 0.67 2010 est. 1108 Central African Republic 0.67 2010 est. 1109 Aruba 0.66 2010 est. 1110 Georgia 0.66 2010 est. 1111 Guinea-Bissau 0.66 2010 est. 1112 Czech Republic 0.66 2010 est. 1113 Slovenia 0.65 2010 est. 1114 Barbados 0.64 2010 est. 1115 Croatia 0.64 2010 est. 1116 Kyrgyzstan 0.64 2010 est. 1117 Korea, North 0.64 2010 est. 1118 Kiribati 0.64 2010 est. 1119 Burkina Faso 0.64 2010 est. 1120 Togo 0.63 2010 est. 1121 Armenia 0.62 2010 est. 1122 Haiti 0.62 2010 est. 1123 Poland 0.62 2010 est. 1124 Vietnam 0.62 2010 est. 1125 Bahamas, The 0.62 2010 est. 1126 Cape Verde 0.61 2010 est. 1127 Cambodia 0.60 2010 est. 1128 Slovakia 0.60 2010 est. 1129 Seychelles 0.60 2010 est. 1130 Azerbaijan 0.58 2010 est. 1131 Moldova 0.58 2010 est. 1132 Hungary 0.57 2010 est. 1133 Kazakhstan 0.53 2010 est. 1134 Lithuania 0.53 2010 est. 1135 Estonia 0.49 2010 est. 1136 Ukraine 0.49 2010 est. 1137 Latvia 0.48 2010 est. 1138 Belarus 0.47 2010 est. 1139 Russia 0.44 2010 est. 1140 Palau 0.43 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2019

Country Comparison :: Heliports

This entry gives the total number of heliports with hard-surface runways, helipads, or landing areas that support routine sustained helicopter operations exclusively and have support facilities including one or more of the following facilities: lighting, fuel, passenger handling, or maintenance. It includes former airports used exclusively for helicopter operations but excludes heliports limited to day operations and natural clearings that could support helicopter landings and takeoffs.

Rank country Heliports Date of Information

1 Korea, South 510.00 2010 2 United States 126.00 2010 3 European Union 99.00 2010 4 Indonesia 64.00 2010 5 Antarctica 53.00 2010 6 Russia 50.00 2010 7 China 48.00 2010 8 India 40.00 2010 9 Germany 25.00 2010 10 Korea, North 22.00 2010 11 Iraq 21.00 2010 12 Pakistan 20.00 2010 13 Turkey 20.00 2010 14 Iran 19.00 2010 15 Japan 15.00 2010 16 Brazil 13.00 2010 17 Canada 12.00 2010 18 Afghanistan 11.00 2010 19 United Kingdom 11.00 2010 20 Cyprus 9.00 2010 21 Saudi Arabia 9.00 2010 22 Greece 9.00 2010 23 Hong Kong 9.00 2010 24 Spain 9.00 2010 25 New Caledonia 8.00 2010 26 Timor-Leste 8.00 2010 27 Poland 7.00 2010 28 Ukraine 7.00 2010 29 Syria 7.00 2010 30 Burma 6.00 2010 31 Italy 6.00 2010 32 Egypt 6.00 2010 33 Bosnia and Herzegovina 5.00 2010 34 United Arab Emirates 5.00 2010 35 Sudan 5.00 2010 36 Hungary 5.00 2010 37 Kuwait 4.00 2010 38 Nigeria 4.00 2010 39 Thailand 4.00 2010 40 Taiwan 4.00 2010 41 Venezuela 4.00 2010 42 Brunei 3.00 2010 43 Georgia 3.00 2010 44 Bulgaria 3.00 2010 45 Israel 3.00 2010 46 Kazakhstan 3.00 2010 47 Malaysia 3.00 2010 48 Spratly Islands 3.00 2010 49 Solomon Islands 3.00 2010 50 Romania 3.00 2010 51 Panama 3.00 2010 52 Oman 3.00 2010 53 Algeria 2.00 2010 54 Ecuador 2.00 2010 55 Kosovo 2.00 2010 56 Serbia 2.00 2010 57 Sweden 2.00 2010 58 Sierra Leone 2.00 2010 59 Philippines 2.00 2010 60 Papua New Guinea 2.00 2010 61 Libya 2.00 2010 62 Macau 2.00 2010 63 Argentina 2.00 2010 64 Colombia 2.00 2010 65 Albania 1.00 2010 66 South Africa 1.00 2010 67 Slovakia 1.00 2010 68 Qatar 1.00 2010 69 Peru 1.00 2010 70 Norway 1.00 2010 71 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2010 72 Netherlands 1.00 2010 73 Morocco 1.00 2010 74 Montenegro 1.00 2010 75 Mongolia 1.00 2010 76 Monaco 1.00 2010 77 Mexico 1.00 2010 78 Luxembourg 1.00 2010 79 Jordan 1.00 2010 80 French Polynesia 1.00 2010 81 Vietnam 1.00 2010 82 Turkmenistan 1.00 2010 83 Switzerland 1.00 2010 84 Svalbard 1.00 2010 85 France 1.00 2010 86 Estonia 1.00 2010 87 Eritrea 1.00 2010 88 El Salvador 1.00 2010 89 Czech Republic 1.00 2010 90 Croatia 1.00 2010 91 Cambodia 1.00 2010 92 Burundi 1.00 2010 93 Gaza Strip 1.00 2010 94 Australia 1.00 2010 95 Austria 1.00 2010 96 Azerbaijan 1.00 2010 97 Bahamas, The 1.00 2010 98 Bahrain 1.00 2010 99 Belarus 1.00 2010 100 Belgium 1.00 2010

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Rank code: 2020

Country Comparison :: Elevation extremes

This entry includes both the highest point and the lowest point.

Rank country (m) Date of Information

1 China 8,850.00 NA 2 Nepal 8,850.00 NA 3 Pakistan 8,611.00 NA 4 India 8,598.00 NA 5 Bhutan 7,570.00 NA 6 Tajikistan 7,495.00 NA 7 Afghanistan 7,485.00 NA 8 Kyrgyzstan 7,439.00 NA 9 Kazakhstan 6,995.00 NA 10 Argentina 6,960.00 NA 11 Chile 6,880.00 NA 12 Peru 6,768.00 NA 13 Bolivia 6,542.00 NA 14 Ecuador 6,267.00 NA 15 United States 6,194.00 NA 16 Canada 5,959.00 NA 17 Tanzania 5,895.00 NA 18 Burma 5,881.00 NA 19 Colombia 5,775.00 NA 20 Mexico 5,700.00 NA 21 Iran 5,671.00 NA 22 Russia 5,633.00 NA 23 Georgia 5,201.00 NA 24 Kenya 5,199.00 NA 25 Turkey 5,166.00 NA 26 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5,110.00 NA 27 Uganda 5,110.00 NA 28 Indonesia 5,030.00 NA 29 Venezuela 5,007.00 NA 30 Antarctica 4,897.00 NA 31 France 4,807.00 NA 32 European Union 4,807.00 NA 33 Italy 4,748.00 NA 34 Switzerland 4,634.00 NA 35 Ethiopia 4,533.00 NA 36 Rwanda 4,519.00 NA 37 Papua New Guinea 4,509.00 NA 38 Azerbaijan 4,485.00 NA 39 Mongolia 4,374.00 NA 40 Uzbekistan 4,301.00 NA 41 Guatemala 4,211.00 NA 42 Morocco 4,165.00 NA 43 Malaysia 4,100.00 NA 44 Cameroon 4,095.00 NA 45 Armenia 4,090.00 NA 46 Taiwan 3,952.00 NA 47 Costa Rica 3,810.00 NA 48 Austria 3,798.00 NA 49 Japan 3,776.00 NA 50 Yemen 3,760.00 NA 51 New Zealand 3,754.00 NA 52 Spain 3,718.00 NA 53 Greenland 3,700.00 NA 54 Lesotho 3,482.00 NA 55 Panama 3,475.00 NA 56 Chad 3,415.00 NA 57 South Africa 3,408.00 NA 58 Sudan 3,187.00 NA 59 Dominican Republic 3,175.00 NA 60 Vietnam 3,144.00 NA 61 Turkmenistan 3,139.00 NA 62 Saudi Arabia 3,133.00 NA 63 Lebanon 3,088.00 NA 64 Eritrea 3,018.00 NA 65 Equatorial Guinea 3,008.00 NA 66 Algeria 3,003.00 NA 67 Malawi 3,002.00 NA 68 Brazil 2,994.00 NA 69 Oman 2,980.00 NA 70 Germany 2,963.00 NA 71 Timor-Leste 2,963.00 NA 72 Philippines 2,954.00 NA 73 Andorra 2,946.00 NA 74 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands2,934.00 NA 75 Bulgaria 2,925.00 NA 76 Greece 2,917.00 NA 77 Madagascar 2,876.00 NA 78 Honduras 2,870.00 NA 79 Slovenia 2,864.00 NA 80 Guyana 2,835.00 NA 81 Cape Verde 2,829.00 NA 82 Laos 2,817.00 NA 83 Syria 2,814.00 NA 84 Albania 2,764.00 NA 85 Macedonia 2,764.00 NA 86 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 2,745.00 NA 87 Korea, North 2,744.00 NA 88 El Salvador 2,730.00 NA 89 Haiti 2,680.00 NA 90 Burundi 2,670.00 NA 91 Kosovo 2,656.00 NA 92 Slovakia 2,655.00 NA 93 Egypt 2,629.00 NA 94 Angola 2,620.00 NA 95 Namibia 2,606.00 NA 96 Liechtenstein 2,599.00 NA 97 Zimbabwe 2,592.00 NA 98 Thailand 2,576.00 NA 99 Romania 2,544.00 NA 100 Sri Lanka 2,524.00 NA 101 Montenegro 2,522.00 NA 102 Poland 2,499.00 NA 103 Norway 2,469.00 NA 104 Nicaragua 2,438.00 NA 105 Mozambique 2,436.00 NA 106 Nigeria 2,419.00 NA 107 Somalia 2,416.00 NA 108 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2,386.00 NA 109 Comoros 2,360.00 NA 110 Portugal 2,351.00 NA 111 Solomon Islands 2,310.00 NA 112 Zambia 2,301.00 NA 113 Jan Mayen 2,277.00 NA 114 Libya 2,267.00 NA 115 Jamaica 2,256.00 NA 116 French Polynesia 2,241.00 NA 117 Australia 2,229.00 NA 118 Serbia 2,169.00 NA 119 Sweden 2,111.00 NA 120 Iceland 2,110.00 NA 121 Ukraine 2,061.00 NA 122 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha2,060.00 NA 123 Djibouti 2,028.00 NA 124 Sao Tome and Principe 2,024.00 NA 125 Niger 2,022.00 NA 126 Cuba 2,005.00 NA 127 Cyprus 1,951.00 NA 128 Korea, South 1,950.00 NA 129 Sierra Leone 1,948.00 NA 130 Vanuatu 1,877.00 NA 131 Swaziland 1,862.00 NA 132 Samoa 1,857.00 NA 133 Jordan 1,854.00 NA 134 Brunei 1,850.00 NA 135 French Southern and Antarctic Lands1,850.00 NA 136 Croatia 1,831.00 NA 137 Cambodia 1,810.00 NA 138 Cote d'Ivoire 1,752.00 NA 139 Guinea 1,752.00 NA 140 Svalbard 1,717.00 NA 141 New Caledonia 1,628.00 NA 142 Czech Republic 1,602.00 NA 143 Gabon 1,575.00 NA 144 Tunisia 1,544.00 NA 145 United Arab Emirates 1,527.00 NA 146 Botswana 1,489.00 NA 147 Dominica 1,447.00 NA 148 Central African Republic 1,420.00 NA 149 Lesotho 1,400.00 NA 150 Liberia 1,380.00 NA 151 United Kingdom 1,343.00 NA 152 Puerto Rico 1,338.00 NA 153 Finland 1,328.00 NA 154 Fiji 1,324.00 NA 155 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1,234.00 NA 156 Bangladesh 1,230.00 NA 157 Suriname 1,230.00 NA 158 Israel 1,208.00 NA 159 Belize 1,160.00 NA 160 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1,156.00 NA 161 Mali 1,155.00 NA 162 French Southern and Antarctic Lands1,090.00 NA 163 Ireland 1,041.00 NA 164 Tonga 1,033.00 NA 165 West Bank 1,022.00 NA 166 Hungary 1,014.00 NA 167 Togo 986.00 NA 168 Northern Mariana Islands 965.00 NA 169 American Samoa 964.00 NA 170 Hong Kong 958.00 NA 171 Rwanda 950.00 NA 172 Saint Lucia 950.00 NA 173 Trinidad and Tobago 940.00 NA 174 Bouvet Island 935.00 NA 175 Montserrat 930.00 2006 176 Mauritania 915.00 NA 177 Seychelles 905.00 NA 178 Congo, Republic of the 903.00 NA 179 Ghana 885.00 NA 180 Faroe Islands 882.00 NA 181 French Southern and Antarctic Lands867.00 NA 182 Netherlands 862.00 NA 183 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha859.00 NA 184 Paraguay 842.00 NA 185 Andorra 840.00 NA 186 Grenada 840.00 NA 187 Mauritius 828.00 NA 188 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha818.00 NA 189 Western Sahara 805.00 NA 190 Micronesia, Federated States of 791.00 NA 191 Burundi 772.00 NA 192 Wallis and Futuna 765.00 NA 193 San Marino 755.00 NA 194 Burkina Faso 749.00 NA 195 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 705.00 NA 196 Belgium 694.00 NA 197 Mayotte 660.00 NA 198 Benin 658.00 NA 199 Cook Islands 652.00 NA 200 Isle of Man 621.00 NA 201 Uganda 621.00 NA 202 Senegal 581.00 NA 203 Mongolia 560.00 NA 204 Luxembourg 559.00 NA 205 British Virgin Islands 521.00 NA 206 Uruguay 514.00 NA 207 Botswana 513.00 NA 208 Virgin Islands 474.00 NA 209 Liechtenstein 430.00 NA 210 Moldova 430.00 NA 211 Gibraltar 426.00 NA 212 Saint Martin 424.00 NA 213 Antigua and Barbuda 402.00 NA 214 Armenia 400.00 NA 215 Sint Maarten 386.00 NA 216 Christmas Island 361.00 NA 217 Pitcairn Islands 347.00 NA 218 Belarus 346.00 NA 219 Barbados 336.00 NA 220 Central African Republic 335.00 NA 221 Zambia 329.00 NA 222 Norfolk Island 319.00 NA 223 Estonia 318.00 NA 224 Latvia 312.00 NA 225 Kuwait 306.00 NA 226 Guinea-Bissau 300.00 NA 227 Tajikistan 300.00 NA 228 Kosovo 297.00 NA 229 Lithuania 294.00 NA 230 Saint Barthelemy 286.00 NA 231 French Southern and Antarctic Lands272.00 NA 232 Afghanistan 258.00 NA 233 Malta 253.00 NA 234 Palau 242.00 NA 235 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 240.00 NA 236 Burkina Faso 200.00 NA 237 Niger 200.00 NA 238 Switzerland 195.00 NA 239 Aruba 188.00 NA 240 Macau 172.00 NA 241 Denmark 171.00 NA 242 Singapore 166.00 NA 243 Zimbabwe 162.00 NA 244 Chad 160.00 NA 245 Jersey 143.00 NA 246 Monaco 140.00 NA 247 Luxembourg 133.00 NA 248 Kyrgyzstan 132.00 NA 249 Bahrain 122.00 NA 250 Austria 115.00 NA 251 Czech Republic 115.00 NA 252 Guernsey 114.00 NA 253 Gaza Strip 105.00 NA 254 Qatar 103.00 NA 255 Bhutan 97.00 NA 256 Slovakia 94.00 NA 257 Belarus 90.00 NA 258 Bolivia 90.00 NA 259 Kiribati 81.00 NA 260 Hungary 78.00 NA 261 Navassa Island 77.00 NA 262 Bermuda 76.00 NA 263 Holy See (Vatican City) 75.00 NA 264 Laos 70.00 NA 265 Nepal 70.00 NA 266 Niue 68.00 NA 267 Anguilla 65.00 NA 268 Bahamas, The 63.00 NA 269 Nauru 61.00 NA 270 San Marino 55.00 NA 271 Gambia, The 53.00 NA 272 Macedonia 50.00 NA 273 Turks and Caicos Islands 48.00 NA 274 Paraguay 46.00 NA 275 Cayman Islands 43.00 NA 276 Malawi 37.00 NA 277 Serbia 35.00 NA 278 Clipperton Island 29.00 NA 279 French Southern and Antarctic Lands24.00 NA 280 Mali 23.00 NA 281 Swaziland 21.00 NA 282 Holy See (Vatican City) 19.00 NA 283 British Indian Ocean Territory 15.00 NA 284 Paracel Islands 14.00 NA 285 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges13.00 NA 286 French Southern and Antarctic Lands12.00 NA 287 French Southern and Antarctic Lands10.00 NA 288 Marshall Islands 10.00 NA 289 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges10.00 NA 290 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges8.00 NA 291 French Southern and Antarctic Lands7.00 NA 292 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges7.00 NA 293 Coral Sea Islands 6.00 NA 294 Wake Island 6.00 NA 295 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 5.00 NA 296 Tuvalu 5.00 NA 297 Tokelau 5.00 NA 298 Spratly Islands 4.00 NA 299 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 3.00 NA 300 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges3.00 NA 301 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges3.00 NA 302 French Southern and Antarctic Lands2.40 NA 303 Maldives 2.40 NA 304 Moldova 2.00 NA 305 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges2.00 NA 306 Albania 0.00 NA 307 American Samoa 0.00 NA 308 Anguilla 0.00 NA 309 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 NA 310 Arctic Ocean 0.00 NA 311 Taiwan 0.00 NA 312 Yemen 0.00 NA 313 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 314 Wake Island 0.00 NA 315 Virgin Islands 0.00 NA 316 Vietnam 0.00 NA 317 Venezuela 0.00 NA 318 Vanuatu 0.00 NA 319 Uruguay 0.00 NA 320 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges0.00 NA 321 United Arab Emirates 0.00 NA 322 Ukraine 0.00 NA 323 Tuvalu 0.00 NA 324 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 NA 325 Turkey 0.00 NA 326 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 NA 327 Tonga 0.00 NA 328 Tokelau 0.00 NA 329 Togo 0.00 NA 330 Timor-Leste 0.00 NA 331 Thailand 0.00 NA 332 Tanzania 0.00 NA 333 Svalbard 0.00 NA 334 Sudan 0.00 NA 335 Sri Lanka 0.00 NA 336 Spratly Islands 0.00 NA 337 Spain 0.00 NA 338 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 NA 339 South Africa 0.00 NA 340 Somalia 0.00 NA 341 Solomon Islands 0.00 NA 342 Slovenia 0.00 NA 343 Sint Maarten 0.00 NA 344 Singapore 0.00 NA 345 Sierra Leone 0.00 NA 346 Seychelles 0.00 NA 347 Senegal 0.00 NA 348 Saudi Arabia 0.00 NA 349 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 NA 350 Samoa 0.00 NA 351 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 NA 352 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 NA 353 Saint Martin 0.00 NA 354 Saint Lucia 0.00 NA 355 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 NA 356 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 NA 357 Saint Barthelemy 0.00 NA 358 Romania 0.00 NA 359 Qatar 0.00 NA 360 Puerto Rico 0.00 NA 361 Portugal 0.00 NA 362 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 NA 363 Philippines 0.00 NA 364 Peru 0.00 NA 365 Paracel Islands 0.00 NA 366 Papua New Guinea 0.00 NA 367 Panama 0.00 NA 368 Palau 0.00 NA 369 Pakistan 0.00 NA 370 Pacific Ocean 0.00 NA 371 Oman 0.00 NA 372 Norway 0.00 NA 373 Northern Mariana Islands 0.00 NA 374 Norfolk Island 0.00 NA 375 Niue 0.00 NA 376 Nigeria 0.00 NA 377 Nicaragua 0.00 NA 378 New Zealand 0.00 NA 379 New Caledonia 0.00 NA 380 Navassa Island 0.00 NA 381 Nauru 0.00 NA 382 Namibia 0.00 NA 383 Mozambique 0.00 NA 384 Montserrat 0.00 2006 385 Montenegro 0.00 NA 386 Monaco 0.00 NA 387 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.00 NA 388 Mayotte 0.00 NA 389 Mauritius 0.00 NA 390 Marshall Islands 0.00 NA 391 Malta 0.00 NA 392 Maldives 0.00 NA 393 Malaysia 0.00 NA 394 Madagascar 0.00 NA 395 Macau 0.00 NA 396 Lithuania 0.00 NA 397 Liberia 0.00 NA 398 Lebanon 0.00 NA 399 Latvia 0.00 NA 400 Kuwait 0.00 NA 401 Korea, South 0.00 NA 402 Korea, North 0.00 NA 403 Kiribati 0.00 NA 404 Kenya 0.00 NA 405 Jersey 0.00 NA 406 Jan Mayen 0.00 NA 407 Jamaica 0.00 NA 408 Italy 0.00 NA 409 Isle of Man 0.00 NA 410 Ireland 0.00 NA 411 Iraq 0.00 NA 412 Indonesia 0.00 NA 413 Indian Ocean 0.00 NA 414 India 0.00 NA 415 Iceland 0.00 NA 416 Hong Kong 0.00 NA 417 Honduras 0.00 NA 418 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 0.00 NA 419 Haiti 0.00 NA 420 Guyana 0.00 NA 421 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 NA 422 Guinea 0.00 NA 423 Guernsey 0.00 NA 424 Guatemala 0.00 NA 425 Grenada 0.00 NA 426 Greenland 0.00 NA 427 Greece 0.00 NA 428 Gibraltar 0.00 NA 429 Ghana 0.00 NA 430 Georgia 0.00 NA 431 Gaza Strip 0.00 NA 432 Gambia, The 0.00 NA 433 Gabon 0.00 NA 434 French Polynesia 0.00 NA 435 Finland 0.00 NA 436 Fiji 0.00 NA 437 Faroe Islands 0.00 NA 438 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 NA 439 Estonia 0.00 NA 440 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 NA 441 El Salvador 0.00 NA 442 Ecuador 0.00 NA 443 French Southern and Antarctic Lands0.00 NA 444 Dominica 0.00 NA 445 Cyprus 0.00 NA 446 Cuba 0.00 NA 447 Croatia 0.00 NA 448 Cote d'Ivoire 0.00 NA 449 Costa Rica 0.00 NA 450 Coral Sea Islands 0.00 NA 451 Cook Islands 0.00 NA 452 Cayman Islands 0.00 NA 453 Cape Verde 0.00 NA 454 Canada 0.00 NA 455 Cameroon 0.00 NA 456 Cambodia 0.00 NA 457 Burma 0.00 NA 458 Bulgaria 0.00 NA 459 Brunei 0.00 NA 460 British Virgin Islands 0.00 NA 461 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 NA 462 Brazil 0.00 NA 463 Bouvet Island 0.00 NA 464 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.00 NA 465 Bermuda 0.00 NA 466 Benin 0.00 NA 467 Belize 0.00 NA 468 Belgium 0.00 NA 469 Barbados 0.00 NA 470 Bangladesh 0.00 NA 471 Bahrain 0.00 NA 472 Bahamas, The 0.00 NA 473 Atlantic Ocean 0.00 NA 474 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 0.00 NA 475 Aruba 0.00 NA 476 Congo, Republic of the 0.00 NA 477 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.00 NA 478 Comoros 0.00 NA 479 Colombia 0.00 NA 480 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 NA 481 Clipperton Island 0.00 NA 482 Christmas Island 0.00 NA 483 Chile 0.00 NA 484 Angola 0.00 NA 485 France -2.00 NA 486 Poland -2.00 NA 487 Suriname -2.00 NA 488 Sweden -2.40 NA 489 Germany -3.54 NA 490 Japan -4.00 NA 491 United Kingdom -4.00 NA 492 Mauritania -5.00 NA 493 Denmark -7.00 NA 494 European Union -7.00 NA 495 Netherlands -7.00 NA 496 European Union -7.00 NA 497 Mexico -10.00 NA 498 Uzbekistan -12.00 NA 499 Australia -15.00 NA 500 Tunisia -17.00 NA 501 Azerbaijan -28.00 NA 502 Russia -28.00 NA 503 Iran -28.00 NA 504 Algeria -40.00 NA 505 Dominican Republic -46.00 NA 506 Libya -47.00 NA 507 Morocco -55.00 NA 508 Western Sahara -55.00 NA 509 Eritrea -75.00 NA 510 United States -86.00 NA 511 Argentina -105.00 NA 512 Ethiopia -125.00 NA 513 Kazakhstan -132.00 NA 514 Egypt -133.00 NA 515 China -154.00 NA 516 Djibouti -155.00 NA 517 Syria -200.00 NA 518 Israel -408.00 NA 519 West Bank -408.00 NA 520 Jordan -408.00 NA 521 Antarctica -2,540.00 NA 522 Arctic Ocean -4,665.00 NA 523 Indian Ocean -7,258.00 NA 524 Atlantic Ocean -8,605.00 NA 525 Pacific Ocean -10,924.00 NA

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Rank code: 2021

Country Comparison :: Natural hazards

This entry lists potential natural disasters. For countries where volcanic activity is common, a volcanism subfield highlights historically active volcanoes.

Rank country Natural hazards Date of Information

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Rank code: 2022

Country Comparison :: People - note

This entry includes miscellaneous demographic information of significance not included elsewhere.

Rank country People - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2023

Country Comparison :: Area - comparative

This entry provides an area comparison based on total area equivalents. Most entities are compared with the entire US or one of the 50 states based on area measurements (1990 revised) provided by the US Bureau of the Census. The smaller entities are compared with Washington, DC (178 sq km, 69 sq mi) or The Mall in Washington, DC (0.59 sq km, 0.23 sq mi, 146 acres).

Rank country (sq km) Date of Information

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Rank code: 2024

Country Comparison :: Military service age and obligation

This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation.

Rank country (years of age) Date of Information

1 Spain 20.00 2004 2 Turkey 20.00 2004 3 Albania 19.00 2004 4 Germany 18.00 2004 5 Korea, North 17.00 2004 6 Libya 17.00 2004

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Rank code: 2025

Country Comparison :: Manpower fit for military service

This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for a country (defined as being ages 16-49) and who are not otherwise disqualified for health reasons; accounts for the health situation in the country and provides a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve.

Rank country Manpower fit for military serviceDate of Information

1 China 314,668,817.00 2010 est. 2 China 298,745,786.00 2010 est. 3 India 244,727,406.00 2010 est. 4 India 235,662,750.00 2010 est. 5 United States 60,388,734.00 2010 est. 6 United States 59,217,809.00 2010 est. 7 Indonesia 53,624,156.00 2010 est. 8 Indonesia 52,879,309.00 2010 est. 9 Brazil 44,560,717.00 2010 est. 10 Brazil 38,518,822.00 2010 est. 11 Pakistan 35,774,936.00 2010 est. 12 Pakistan 34,572,451.00 2010 est. 13 Bangladesh 32,154,153.00 2010 est. 14 Russia 27,174,148.00 2010 est. 15 Mexico 25,401,642.00 2010 est. 16 Bangladesh 25,310,750.00 2010 est. 17 Mexico 22,893,649.00 2010 est. 18 Japan 22,564,075.00 2010 est. 19 Japan 21,720,375.00 2010 est. 20 Philippines 21,029,243.00 2010 est. 21 Vietnam 20,980,830.00 2010 est. 22 Russia 20,746,777.00 2010 est. 23 Nigeria 20,298,351.00 2010 est. 24 Vietnam 20,153,269.00 2010 est. 25 Philippines 19,650,825.00 2010 est. 26 Nigeria 19,355,456.00 2010 est. 27 Iran 17,844,536.00 2010 est. 28 Egypt 17,733,851.00 2010 est. 29 Turkey 17,447,579.00 2010 est. 30 Iran 17,312,808.00 2010 est. 31 Turkey 17,173,063.00 2010 est. 32 Egypt 16,942,010.00 2010 est. 33 Germany 15,564,748.00 2010 est. 34 Germany 14,723,200.00 2010 est. 35 Thailand 14,166,227.00 2010 est. 36 Thailand 13,247,646.00 2010 est. 37 Ethiopia 12,444,706.00 2010 est. 38 United Kingdom 12,113,310.00 2010 est. 39 France 12,053,912.00 2010 est. 40 France 11,763,951.00 2010 est. 41 United Kingdom 11,604,784.00 2010 est. 42 Ethiopia 11,466,713.00 2010 est. 43 Italy 11,092,984.00 2010 est. 44 Burma 10,988,695.00 2010 est. 45 Korea, South 10,929,625.00 2010 est. 46 Italy 10,452,910.00 2010 est. 47 Burma 10,281,131.00 2010 est. 48 Korea, South 10,264,608.00 2010 est. 49 Colombia 9,763,655.00 2010 est. 50 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 9,440,111.00 2010 est. 51 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 9,301,818.00 2010 est. 52 Ukraine 9,015,224.00 2010 est. 53 Colombia 8,957,960.00 2010 est. 54 Algeria 8,508,245.00 2010 est. 55 Algeria 8,481,036.00 2010 est. 56 Argentina 8,366,206.00 2010 est. 57 Argentina 8,344,321.00 2010 est. 58 Spain 8,040,207.00 2010 est. 59 Poland 7,860,841.00 2010 est. 60 Poland 7,828,221.00 2010 est. 61 Spain 7,798,254.00 2010 est. 62 South Africa 7,676,331.00 2010 est. 63 Saudi Arabia 7,560,216.00 2010 est. 64 Morocco 7,307,491.00 2010 est. 65 Ukraine 6,970,035.00 2010 est. 66 Morocco 6,960,026.00 2010 est. 67 Uzbekistan 6,658,475.00 2010 est. 68 Canada 6,642,190.00 2010 est. 69 South Africa 6,521,338.00 2010 est. 70 Peru 6,501,224.00 2010 est. 71 Uzbekistan 6,456,675.00 2010 est. 72 Canada 6,402,896.00 2010 est. 73 Iraq 6,402,171.00 2010 est. 74 Iraq 6,232,674.00 2010 est. 75 Sudan 6,213,984.00 2010 est. 76 Kenya 6,162,904.00 2010 est. 77 Sudan 6,094,209.00 2010 est. 78 Peru 6,045,256.00 2010 est. 79 Venezuela 5,976,339.00 2010 est. 80 Kenya 5,904,173.00 2010 est. 81 Saudi Arabia 5,773,033.00 2010 est. 82 Nepal 5,730,116.00 2010 est. 83 Tanzania 5,690,331.00 2010 est. 84 Tanzania 5,667,987.00 2010 est. 85 Malaysia 5,612,642.00 2010 est. 86 Venezuela 5,504,152.00 2010 est. 87 Malaysia 5,501,129.00 2010 est. 88 Taiwan 5,094,111.00 2010 est. 89 Nepal 5,053,600.00 2010 est. 90 Taiwan 4,980,454.00 2010 est. 91 Syria 4,948,802.00 2010 est. 92 Syria 4,786,596.00 2010 est. 93 Sri Lanka 4,701,942.00 2010 est. 94 Romania 4,566,620.00 2010 est. 95 Korea, North 4,522,707.00 2010 est. 96 Sri Lanka 4,518,582.00 2010 est. 97 Romania 4,513,619.00 2010 est. 98 Australia 4,377,411.00 2010 est. 99 Australia 4,210,442.00 2010 est. 100 Uganda 4,138,180.00 2010 est. 101 Korea, North 4,127,999.00 2010 est. 102 Ghana 4,101,964.00 2010 est. 103 Uganda 4,028,125.00 2010 est. 104 Ghana 4,022,056.00 2010 est. 105 Yemen 3,952,370.00 2010 est. 106 Yemen 3,902,186.00 2010 est. 107 Afghanistan 3,888,358.00 2010 est. 108 Afghanistan 3,641,998.00 2010 est. 109 Chile 3,599,328.00 2010 est. 110 Chile 3,544,156.00 2010 est. 111 Kazakhstan 3,543,467.00 2010 est. 112 Madagascar 3,541,256.00 2010 est. 113 Madagascar 3,268,291.00 2010 est. 114 Cote d'Ivoire 3,242,965.00 2010 est. 115 Ecuador 3,217,235.00 2010 est. 116 Netherlands 3,213,954.00 2010 est. 117 Netherlands 3,133,972.00 2010 est. 118 Cote d'Ivoire 3,069,569.00 2010 est. 119 Kazakhstan 2,902,859.00 2010 est. 120 Cambodia 2,835,807.00 2010 est. 121 Guatemala 2,827,208.00 2010 est. 122 Ecuador 2,770,465.00 2010 est. 123 Cambodia 2,751,618.00 2010 est. 124 Cameroon 2,721,307.00 2010 est. 125 Cameroon 2,647,640.00 2010 est. 126 Tunisia 2,594,602.00 2010 est. 127 Cuba 2,516,543.00 2010 est. 128 Tunisia 2,510,159.00 2010 est. 129 Guatemala 2,494,903.00 2010 est. 130 Cuba 2,450,902.00 2010 est. 131 Mozambique 2,448,161.00 2010 est. 132 Senegal 2,287,510.00 2010 est. 133 Burkina Faso 2,280,776.00 2010 est. 134 Burkina Faso 2,278,474.00 2010 est. 135 Mozambique 2,269,562.00 2010 est. 136 United Arab Emirates 2,157,211.00 2010 est. 137 Niger 2,129,985.00 2010 est. 138 Senegal 2,109,080.00 2010 est. 139 Portugal 2,104,945.00 2010 est. 140 Niger 2,104,378.00 2010 est. 141 Dominican Republic 2,090,785.00 2010 est. 142 Czech Republic 2,086,662.00 2010 est. 143 Greece 2,050,018.00 2010 est. 144 Malawi 2,048,900.00 2010 est. 145 Belarus 2,043,083.00 2010 est. 146 Portugal 2,034,912.00 2010 est. 147 Greece 2,033,450.00 2010 est. 148 Czech Republic 2,003,055.00 2010 est. 149 Malawi 1,960,258.00 2010 est. 150 Bolivia 1,959,763.00 2010 est. 151 Azerbaijan 1,958,408.00 2010 est. 152 Dominican Republic 1,957,233.00 2010 est. 153 Belgium 1,949,361.00 2010 est. 154 Hungary 1,923,902.00 2010 est. 155 Mali 1,900,025.00 2010 est. 156 Belgium 1,891,966.00 2010 est. 157 Hungary 1,884,232.00 2010 est. 158 Mali 1,760,901.00 2010 est. 159 Azerbaijan 1,753,878.00 2010 est. 160 Bolivia 1,714,438.00 2010 est. 161 Sweden 1,709,592.00 2010 est. 162 Belarus 1,708,634.00 2010 est. 163 Rwanda 1,696,514.00 2010 est. 164 Sweden 1,649,875.00 2010 est. 165 Tajikistan 1,642,240.00 2010 est. 166 Rwanda 1,641,563.00 2010 est. 167 Austria 1,595,379.00 2010 est. 168 Haiti 1,591,942.00 2010 est. 169 Haiti 1,573,371.00 2010 est. 170 Austria 1,566,884.00 2010 est. 171 Hong Kong 1,526,196.00 2010 est. 172 Zimbabwe 1,525,815.00 2010 est. 173 Angola 1,506,489.00 2010 est. 174 Honduras 1,502,788.00 2010 est. 175 Switzerland 1,502,736.00 2010 est. 176 Israel 1,496,542.00 2010 est. 177 Libya 1,490,011.00 2010 est. 178 Guinea 1,483,676.00 2010 est. 179 Honduras 1,483,292.00 2010 est. 180 Switzerland 1,468,785.00 2010 est. 181 Tajikistan 1,461,896.00 2010 est. 182 Angola 1,451,427.00 2010 est. 183 Guinea 1,443,655.00 2010 est. 184 Libya 1,436,613.00 2010 est. 185 Israel 1,425,537.00 2010 est. 186 Jordan 1,416,681.00 2010 est. 187 Burundi 1,414,035.00 2010 est. 188 Serbia 1,405,391.00 2010 est. 189 Hong Kong 1,405,324.00 2010 est. 190 Zambia 1,401,481.00 2010 est. 191 Paraguay 1,400,597.00 2010 est. 192 Somalia 1,386,971.00 2010 est. 193 Paraguay 1,375,610.00 2010 est. 194 Nicaragua 1,374,652.00 2010 est. 195 Serbia 1,368,207.00 2010 est. 196 Bulgaria 1,360,039.00 2010 est. 197 Jordan 1,358,608.00 2010 est. 198 El Salvador 1,356,824.00 2010 est. 199 Chad 1,354,111.00 2010 est. 200 Benin 1,345,145.00 2010 est. 201 Burundi 1,337,935.00 2010 est. 202 Bulgaria 1,337,201.00 2010 est. 203 Benin 1,331,242.00 2010 est. 204 Somalia 1,328,567.00 2010 est. 205 Zimbabwe 1,327,894.00 2010 est. 206 Nicaragua 1,318,762.00 2010 est. 207 Zambia 1,274,583.00 2010 est. 208 Kyrgyzstan 1,243,904.00 2010 est. 209 Turkmenistan 1,168,960.00 2010 est. 210 Slovakia 1,162,282.00 2010 est. 211 Slovakia 1,147,526.00 2010 est. 212 Chad 1,141,776.00 2010 est. 213 Laos 1,121,640.00 2010 est. 214 Papua New Guinea 1,107,479.00 2010 est. 215 Papua New Guinea 1,103,479.00 2010 est. 216 Kyrgyzstan 1,101,709.00 2010 est. 217 Singapore 1,097,762.00 2010 est. 218 El Salvador 1,056,532.00 2010 est. 219 Laos 1,056,050.00 2010 est. 220 Turkmenistan 1,046,907.00 2010 est. 221 Costa Rica 1,044,923.00 2010 est. 222 Singapore 1,027,701.00 2010 est. 223 Costa Rica 1,026,432.00 2010 est. 224 Denmark 1,013,814.00 2010 est. 225 Togo 1,004,887.00 2010 est. 226 Denmark 1,001,411.00 2010 est. 227 Togo 983,283.00 2010 est. 228 Bosnia and Herzegovina 980,425.00 2010 est. 229 Kuwait 979,832.00 2010 est. 230 Moldova 979,128.00 2010 est. 231 Finland 958,949.00 2010 est. 232 Bosnia and Herzegovina 948,791.00 2010 est. 233 Georgia 946,357.00 2010 est. 234 Lebanon 940,238.00 2010 est. 235 Eritrea 920,104.00 2010 est. 236 Lebanon 917,404.00 2010 est. 237 Finland 916,818.00 2010 est. 238 Georgia 901,307.00 2010 est. 239 Norway 888,310.00 2010 est. 240 Moldova 877,031.00 2010 est. 241 Eritrea 864,608.00 2010 est. 242 Norway 864,344.00 2010 est. 243 Ireland 858,317.00 2010 est. 244 Ireland 855,125.00 2010 est. 245 Croatia 844,594.00 2010 est. 246 New Zealand 840,977.00 2010 est. 247 New Zealand 828,081.00 2010 est. 248 Oman 816,579.00 2010 est. 249 United Arab Emirates 816,363.00 2010 est. 250 Sierra Leone 813,830.00 2010 est. 251 Albania 802,097.00 2010 est. 252 Puerto Rico 788,234.00 2010 est. 253 Croatia 770,574.00 2010 est. 254 Albania 768,953.00 2010 est. 255 Mongolia 748,083.00 2010 est. 256 Lithuania 734,806.00 2010 est. 257 Armenia 724,085.00 2010 est. 258 Panama 719,761.00 2010 est. 259 Panama 719,444.00 2010 est. 260 Mongolia 715,585.00 2010 est. 261 Uruguay 713,223.00 2010 est. 262 Sierra Leone 713,190.00 2010 est. 263 Puerto Rico 704,833.00 2010 est. 264 Uruguay 697,197.00 2010 est. 265 Lithuania 674,265.00 2010 est. 266 Armenia 644,195.00 2010 est. 267 Central African Republic 643,188.00 2010 est. 268 Central African Republic 637,474.00 2010 est. 269 Oman 622,927.00 2010 est. 270 Jamaica 590,437.00 2010 est. 271 Jamaica 581,033.00 2010 est. 272 Mauritania 562,765.00 2010 est. 273 West Bank 562,570.00 2010 est. 274 Congo, Republic of the 557,764.00 2010 est. 275 Congo, Republic of the 546,755.00 2010 est. 276 Kuwait 539,574.00 2010 est. 277 West Bank 531,532.00 2010 est. 278 Liberia 527,737.00 2010 est. 279 Liberia 510,337.00 2010 est. 280 Mauritania 464,959.00 2010 est. 281 Latvia 456,071.00 2010 est. 282 Macedonia 442,953.00 2010 est. 283 Kosovo 429,645.00 2010 est. 284 Macedonia 425,981.00 2010 est. 285 Latvia 406,592.00 2010 est. 286 Slovenia 397,440.00 2010 est. 287 Kosovo 389,071.00 2010 est. 288 Slovenia 385,505.00 2010 est. 289 Botswana 347,070.00 2010 est. 290 Namibia 341,783.00 2010 est. 291 Gaza Strip 324,203.00 2010 est. 292 Qatar 320,277.00 2010 est. 293 Botswana 315,743.00 2010 est. 294 Gaza Strip 308,835.00 2010 est. 295 Namibia 304,496.00 2010 est. 296 Mauritius 283,023.00 2010 est. 297 Mauritius 279,405.00 2010 est. 298 Trinidad and Tobago 273,361.00 2010 est. 299 Lesotho 273,348.00 2010 est. 300 Cyprus 271,692.00 2010 est. 301 Lesotho 267,825.00 2010 est. 302 Trinidad and Tobago 266,535.00 2010 est. 303 Estonia 255,926.00 2010 est. 304 Gambia, The 248,065.00 2010 est. 305 Timor-Leste 245,033.00 2010 est. 306 Gambia, The 238,006.00 2010 est. 307 Timor-Leste 236,996.00 2010 est. 308 Cyprus 236,908.00 2010 est. 309 Estonia 213,740.00 2010 est. 310 Fiji 206,386.00 2010 est. 311 Guinea-Bissau 206,240.00 2010 est. 312 Guinea-Bissau 199,771.00 2010 est. 313 Gabon 198,970.00 2010 est. 314 Swaziland 196,633.00 2010 est. 315 Fiji 195,414.00 2010 est. 316 Gabon 192,807.00 2010 est. 317 Swaziland 172,602.00 2010 est. 318 Bahrain 170,633.00 2010 est. 319 Bhutan 153,985.00 2010 est. 320 Montenegro 151,798.00 2010 est. 321 Macau 149,799.00 2010 est. 322 Djibouti 147,939.00 2010 est. 323 Guyana 147,296.00 2010 est. 324 Bahrain 146,243.00 2010 est. 325 Comoros 140,600.00 2010 est. 326 Bhutan 140,437.00 2010 est. 327 Qatar 138,558.00 2010 est. 328 Maldives 137,181.00 2010 est. 329 Montenegro 134,267.00 2010 est. 330 Guyana 132,188.00 2010 est. 331 Comoros 130,064.00 2010 est. 332 Solomon Islands 126,999.00 2010 est. 333 Solomon Islands 125,928.00 2010 est. 334 Macau 124,074.00 2010 est. 335 Cape Verde 114,721.00 2010 est. 336 Suriname 111,927.00 2010 est. 337 Equatorial Guinea 111,543.00 2010 est. 338 Djibouti 110,441.00 2010 est. 339 Equatorial Guinea 109,311.00 2010 est. 340 Suriname 108,555.00 2010 est. 341 Cape Verde 103,894.00 2010 est. 342 Brunei 97,345.00 2010 est. 343 Luxembourg 96,585.00 2010 est. 344 Luxembourg 95,519.00 2010 est. 345 Brunei 93,809.00 2010 est. 346 Western Sahara 83,988.00 2010 est. 347 Maldives 83,837.00 2010 est. 348 Malta 79,961.00 2010 est. 349 Western Sahara 76,483.00 2010 est. 350 Malta 76,067.00 2010 est. 351 French Polynesia 66,451.00 2010 est. 352 French Polynesia 65,306.00 2010 est. 353 Bahamas, The 63,954.00 2010 est. 354 Bahamas, The 62,779.00 2010 est. 355 Iceland 62,705.00 2010 est. 356 Iceland 61,392.00 2010 est. 357 Barbados 58,542.00 2010 est. 358 Barbados 58,532.00 2010 est. 359 Belize 57,759.00 2010 est. 360 Belize 55,903.00 2010 est. 361 New Caledonia 49,619.00 2010 est. 362 New Caledonia 49,173.00 2010 est. 363 Vanuatu 43,894.00 2010 est. 364 Vanuatu 42,450.00 2010 est. 365 Samoa 37,674.00 2010 est. 366 Samoa 37,492.00 2010 est. 367 Mayotte 37,001.00 2010 est. 368 Saint Lucia 36,216.00 2010 est. 369 Mayotte 36,018.00 2010 est. 370 Saint Lucia 32,406.00 2010 est. 371 Tonga 28,509.00 2010 est. 372 Sao Tome and Principe 28,450.00 2010 est. 373 Tonga 27,404.00 2010 est. 374 Sao Tome and Principe 26,530.00 2010 est. 375 Micronesia, Federated States of 23,410.00 2010 est. 376 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 22,932.00 2010 est. 377 Grenada 22,535.00 2010 est. 378 Grenada 22,487.00 2010 est. 379 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 22,134.00 2010 est. 380 Micronesia, Federated States of 21,909.00 2010 est. 381 Aruba 21,371.00 2010 est. 382 Virgin Islands 21,070.00 2010 est. 383 Aruba 20,398.00 2010 est. 384 Seychelles 19,989.00 2010 est. 385 Seychelles 19,882.00 2010 est. 386 Antigua and Barbuda 19,764.00 2010 est. 387 Kiribati 19,758.00 2010 est. 388 Andorra 18,338.00 2010 est. 389 Kiribati 17,941.00 2010 est. 390 Virgin Islands 17,675.00 2010 est. 391 Antigua and Barbuda 17,475.00 2010 est. 392 Andorra 17,395.00 2010 est. 393 Jersey 16,853.00 2010 est. 394 Jersey 16,737.00 2010 est. 395 Dominica 15,963.00 2010 est. 396 Dominica 15,426.00 2010 est. 397 Isle of Man 14,748.00 2010 est. 398 Isle of Man 14,392.00 2010 est. 399 American Samoa 14,230.00 2010 est. 400 American Samoa 13,842.00 2010 est. 401 Marshall Islands 13,374.00 2010 est. 402 Marshall Islands 13,277.00 2010 est. 403 Guernsey 12,510.00 2010 est. 404 Bermuda 12,405.00 2010 est. 405 Guernsey 12,404.00 2010 est. 406 Northern Mariana Islands 12,385.00 2010 est. 407 Bermuda 12,327.00 2010 est. 408 Greenland 11,439.00 2010 est. 409 Saint Kitts and Nevis 10,913.00 2010 est. 410 Greenland 10,833.00 2010 est. 411 Saint Kitts and Nevis 10,736.00 2010 est. 412 Cayman Islands 10,287.00 2010 est. 413 Cayman Islands 9,860.00 2010 est. 414 Faroe Islands 9,792.00 2010 est. 415 Northern Mariana Islands 9,359.00 2010 est. 416 Faroe Islands 8,354.00 2010 est. 417 Saint Martin 6,947.00 2010 est. 418 Liechtenstein 6,782.00 2010 est. 419 Liechtenstein 6,559.00 2010 est. 420 Saint Martin 6,391.00 2010 est. 421 San Marino 6,068.00 2010 est. 422 British Virgin Islands 6,028.00 2010 est. 423 Gibraltar 5,955.00 2010 est. 424 British Virgin Islands 5,778.00 2010 est. 425 Gibraltar 5,687.00 2010 est. 426 San Marino 5,564.00 2010 est. 427 Palau 5,223.00 2010 est. 428 Turks and Caicos Islands 5,062.00 2010 est. 429 Turks and Caicos Islands 4,772.00 2010 est. 430 Monaco 4,691.00 2010 est. 431 Monaco 4,680.00 2010 est. 432 Palau 3,949.00 2010 est. 433 Anguilla 3,354.00 2010 est. 434 Wallis and Futuna 3,326.00 2010 est. 435 Wallis and Futuna 3,305.00 2010 est. 436 Nauru 3,059.00 2010 est. 437 Anguilla 2,987.00 2010 est. 438 Nauru 2,683.00 2010 est. 439 Cook Islands 2,272.00 2010 est. 440 Cook Islands 2,222.00 2010 est. 441 Tuvalu 2,005.00 2010 est. 442 Tuvalu 1,981.00 2010 est. 443 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1,591.00 2010 est. 444 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1,575.00 2010 est. 445 Saint Barthelemy 1,543.00 2010 est. 446 Saint Barthelemy 1,303.00 2010 est. 447 Montserrat 1,217.00 2010 est. 448 Montserrat 1,127.00 2010 est. 449 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1,097.00 2010 est. 450 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1,096.00 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2026

Country Comparison :: Manpower reaching militarily significant age

annually This entry gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.

Rank country Manpower reaching militarily significant age annuallyDate

of Information 1 India 12,011,217.00 2010 est. 2 China 10,699,186.00 2010 est. 3 India 10,639,158.00 2010 est. 4 China 9,460,217.00 2010 est. 5 Indonesia 2,227,993.00 2010 est. 6 United States 2,174,260.00 2010 est. 7 Indonesia 2,156,427.00 2010 est. 8 Pakistan 2,144,574.00 2010 est. 9 United States 2,065,595.00 2010 est. 10 Pakistan 2,000,479.00 2010 est. 11 Nigeria 1,731,734.00 2010 est. 12 Brazil 1,712,427.00 2010 est. 13 Bangladesh 1,676,137.00 2010 est. 14 Nigeria 1,652,632.00 2010 est. 15 Brazil 1,652,491.00 2010 est. 16 Bangladesh 1,550,385.00 2010 est. 17 Mexico 1,108,032.00 2010 est. 18 Mexico 1,069,885.00 2010 est. 19 Philippines 1,039,679.00 2010 est. 20 Philippines 1,001,448.00 2010 est. 21 Ethiopia 947,103.00 2010 est. 22 Ethiopia 934,523.00 2010 est. 23 Vietnam 877,075.00 2010 est. 24 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 842,020.00 2010 est. 25 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 839,044.00 2010 est. 26 Vietnam 816,076.00 2010 est. 27 Egypt 799,377.00 2010 est. 28 Egypt 764,602.00 2010 est. 29 Russia 712,838.00 2010 est. 30 Turkey 695,326.00 2010 est. 31 Russia 678,623.00 2010 est. 32 Turkey 666,026.00 2010 est. 33 Iran 636,558.00 2010 est. 34 Japan 626,115.00 2010 est. 35 Iran 604,658.00 2010 est. 36 Japan 593,905.00 2010 est. 37 Thailand 535,884.00 2010 est. 38 Burma 526,557.00 2010 est. 39 Thailand 511,444.00 2010 est. 40 Burma 510,538.00 2010 est. 41 Sudan 506,742.00 2010 est. 42 Tanzania 500,941.00 2010 est. 43 Tanzania 498,815.00 2010 est. 44 South Africa 496,374.00 2010 est. 45 South Africa 492,743.00 2010 est. 46 Sudan 487,434.00 2010 est. 47 Colombia 432,280.00 2010 est. 48 Germany 421,227.00 2010 est. 49 Kenya 417,061.00 2010 est. 50 Colombia 416,051.00 2010 est. 51 Uganda 412,640.00 2010 est. 52 Kenya 412,438.00 2010 est. 53 Uganda 408,521.00 2010 est. 54 Germany 398,809.00 2010 est. 55 France 389,956.00 2010 est. 56 United Kingdom 386,492.00 2010 est. 57 Afghanistan 378,996.00 2010 est. 58 Nepal 374,882.00 2010 est. 59 France 372,312.00 2010 est. 60 Korea, South 370,645.00 2010 est. 61 United Kingdom 369,185.00 2010 est. 62 Algeria 365,503.00 2010 est. 63 Nepal 361,848.00 2010 est. 64 Afghanistan 357,822.00 2010 est. 65 Algeria 352,009.00 2010 est. 66 Argentina 340,570.00 2010 est. 67 Argentina 323,953.00 2010 est. 68 Iraq 323,328.00 2010 est. 69 Korea, South 321,765.00 2010 est. 70 Iraq 313,360.00 2010 est. 71 Peru 312,375.00 2010 est. 72 Uzbekistan 306,743.00 2010 est. 73 Peru 302,452.00 2010 est. 74 Morocco 300,262.00 2010 est. 75 Uzbekistan 299,264.00 2010 est. 76 Morocco 298,227.00 2010 est. 77 Italy 280,255.00 2010 est. 78 Saudi Arabia 280,041.00 2010 est. 79 Yemen 279,283.00 2010 est. 80 Venezuela 276,612.00 2010 est. 81 Venezuela 273,819.00 2010 est. 82 Mozambique 272,922.00 2010 est. 83 Mozambique 272,062.00 2010 est. 84 Ghana 270,993.00 2010 est. 85 Yemen 269,824.00 2010 est. 86 Saudi Arabia 269,580.00 2010 est. 87 Malaysia 267,646.00 2010 est. 88 Ghana 263,961.00 2010 est. 89 Italy 263,336.00 2010 est. 90 Ukraine 256,196.00 2010 est. 91 Syria 253,578.00 2010 est. 92 Malaysia 253,529.00 2010 est. 93 Ukraine 244,473.00 2010 est. 94 Madagascar 242,334.00 2010 est. 95 Syria 241,777.00 2010 est. 96 Madagascar 241,359.00 2010 est. 97 Cote d'Ivoire 240,989.00 2010 est. 98 Cote d'Ivoire 237,180.00 2010 est. 99 Poland 235,248.00 2010 est. 100 Poland 224,801.00 2010 est. 101 Canada 220,538.00 2010 est. 102 Cameroon 213,538.00 2010 est. 103 Cameroon 209,549.00 2010 est. 104 Canada 208,033.00 2010 est. 105 Spain 193,038.00 2010 est. 106 Burkina Faso 188,394.00 2010 est. 107 Burkina Faso 185,975.00 2010 est. 108 Korea, North 184,631.00 2010 est. 109 Spain 181,703.00 2010 est. 110 Korea, North 178,565.00 2010 est. 111 Niger 177,985.00 2010 est. 112 Malawi 177,376.00 2010 est. 113 Malawi 176,905.00 2010 est. 114 Niger 172,180.00 2010 est. 115 Sri Lanka 172,081.00 2010 est. 116 Guatemala 168,959.00 2010 est. 117 Cambodia 168,519.00 2010 est. 118 Cambodia 166,418.00 2010 est. 119 Guatemala 166,414.00 2010 est. 120 Sri Lanka 166,358.00 2010 est. 121 Taiwan 166,141.00 2010 est. 122 Senegal 157,468.00 2010 est. 123 Senegal 156,689.00 2010 est. 124 Zimbabwe 155,117.00 2010 est. 125 Taiwan 155,070.00 2010 est. 126 Mali 154,762.00 2010 est. 127 Mali 153,198.00 2010 est. 128 Zimbabwe 152,875.00 2010 est. 129 Zambia 151,586.00 2010 est. 130 Angola 151,237.00 2010 est. 131 Zambia 150,839.00 2010 est. 132 Ecuador 150,296.00 2010 est. 133 Angola 147,919.00 2010 est. 134 Ecuador 145,184.00 2010 est. 135 Australia 144,232.00 2010 est. 136 Chile 143,778.00 2010 est. 137 Chile 138,058.00 2010 est. 138 Australia 136,525.00 2010 est. 139 Kazakhstan 133,884.00 2010 est. 140 Kazakhstan 127,415.00 2010 est. 141 Chad 125,073.00 2010 est. 142 Chad 125,069.00 2010 est. 143 Romania 121,391.00 2010 est. 144 Romania 115,258.00 2010 est. 145 Guinea 114,353.00 2010 est. 146 Guinea 111,873.00 2010 est. 147 Burundi 111,829.00 2010 est. 148 Burundi 111,802.00 2010 est. 149 Haiti 110,514.00 2010 est. 150 Bolivia 108,336.00 2010 est. 151 Haiti 108,208.00 2010 est. 152 Benin 105,468.00 2010 est. 153 Bolivia 104,934.00 2010 est. 154 Netherlands 104,694.00 2010 est. 155 Benin 101,603.00 2010 est. 156 Somalia 99,919.00 2010 est. 157 Netherlands 99,874.00 2010 est. 158 Somalia 99,771.00 2010 est. 159 Dominican Republic 98,394.00 2010 est. 160 Rwanda 98,164.00 2010 est. 161 Rwanda 97,839.00 2010 est. 162 Tunisia 96,697.00 2010 est. 163 Dominican Republic 94,576.00 2010 est. 164 Honduras 94,501.00 2010 est. 165 Honduras 90,757.00 2010 est. 166 Tunisia 90,599.00 2010 est. 167 Azerbaijan 84,441.00 2010 est. 168 Azerbaijan 78,905.00 2010 est. 169 Laos 77,910.00 2010 est. 170 Laos 77,761.00 2010 est. 171 Tajikistan 77,585.00 2010 est. 172 Tajikistan 75,201.00 2010 est. 173 Cuba 74,084.00 2010 est. 174 Jordan 73,554.00 2010 est. 175 Paraguay 72,455.00 2010 est. 176 El Salvador 71,292.00 2010 est. 177 Nicaragua 71,171.00 2010 est. 178 Togo 71,081.00 2010 est. 179 Paraguay 70,910.00 2010 est. 180 Cuba 70,445.00 2010 est. 181 Togo 69,969.00 2010 est. 182 Jordan 69,359.00 2010 est. 183 Nicaragua 68,948.00 2010 est. 184 El Salvador 68,821.00 2010 est. 185 Papua New Guinea 66,139.00 2010 est. 186 Eritrea 64,489.00 2010 est. 187 Eritrea 64,476.00 2010 est. 188 Papua New Guinea 64,244.00 2010 est. 189 Portugal 62,628.00 2010 est. 190 Israel 61,613.00 2010 est. 191 Belgium 60,726.00 2010 est. 192 Libya 59,842.00 2010 est. 193 Sweden 58,937.00 2010 est. 194 Hungary 58,894.00 2010 est. 195 Israel 58,679.00 2010 est. 196 Belgium 57,882.00 2010 est. 197 Libya 57,357.00 2010 est. 198 Sierra Leone 56,307.00 2010 est. 199 Kyrgyzstan 56,269.00 2010 est. 200 Sweden 56,225.00 2010 est. 201 Hungary 55,922.00 2010 est. 202 Turkmenistan 55,805.00 2010 est. 203 Belarus 55,758.00 2010 est. 204 Portugal 55,737.00 2010 est. 205 Czech Republic 55,139.00 2010 est. 206 Turkmenistan 54,908.00 2010 est. 207 Central African Republic 54,024.00 2010 est. 208 Kyrgyzstan 54,004.00 2010 est. 209 Sierra Leone 53,349.00 2010 est. 210 Greece 53,222.00 2010 est. 211 Central African Republic 53,203.00 2010 est. 212 Belarus 52,572.00 2010 est. 213 Czech Republic 52,440.00 2010 est. 214 Greece 49,828.00 2010 est. 215 Austria 49,455.00 2010 est. 216 Congo, Republic of the 48,365.00 2010 est. 217 Congo, Republic of the 47,874.00 2010 est. 218 Austria 47,046.00 2010 est. 219 Switzerland 47,043.00 2010 est. 220 Serbia 43,925.00 2010 est. 221 Switzerland 43,033.00 2010 est. 222 Costa Rica 42,486.00 2010 est. 223 Hong Kong 41,717.00 2010 est. 224 Serbia 41,342.00 2010 est. 225 Costa Rica 40,745.00 2010 est. 226 Hong Kong 38,240.00 2010 est. 227 Lebanon 37,856.00 2010 est. 228 Denmark 37,831.00 2010 est. 229 Lebanon 36,072.00 2010 est. 230 Mauritania 36,035.00 2010 est. 231 Denmark 35,930.00 2010 est. 232 Bulgaria 35,604.00 2010 est. 233 Mauritania 35,322.00 2010 est. 234 Liberia 35,264.00 2010 est. 235 Albania 35,249.00 2010 est. 236 Bulgaria 34,199.00 2010 est. 237 Slovakia 33,915.00 2010 est. 238 Liberia 33,411.00 2010 est. 239 Finland 33,297.00 2010 est. 240 Jamaica 32,723.00 2010 est. 241 Slovakia 32,448.00 2010 est. 242 Finland 32,233.00 2010 est. 243 Jamaica 32,098.00 2010 est. 244 Norway 32,045.00 2010 est. 245 Albania 31,855.00 2010 est. 246 Oman 31,827.00 2010 est. 247 Panama 31,398.00 2010 est. 248 New Zealand 30,956.00 2010 est. 249 Puerto Rico 30,616.00 2010 est. 250 Norway 30,610.00 2010 est. 251 West Bank 30,547.00 2010 est. 252 Georgia 30,314.00 2010 est. 253 Panama 30,182.00 2010 est. 254 Oman 30,148.00 2010 est. 255 Moldova 30,012.00 2010 est. 256 Mongolia 29,240.00 2010 est. 257 New Zealand 29,236.00 2010 est. 258 Puerto Rico 29,196.00 2010 est. 259 West Bank 29,062.00 2010 est. 260 Moldova 28,450.00 2010 est. 261 Georgia 28,299.00 2010 est. 262 Mongolia 28,156.00 2010 est. 263 Ireland 27,987.00 2010 est. 264 Croatia 27,670.00 2010 est. 265 Uruguay 27,631.00 2010 est. 266 Singapore 27,430.00 2010 est. 267 United Arab Emirates 27,256.00 2010 est. 268 Uruguay 26,703.00 2010 est. 269 Croatia 26,503.00 2010 est. 270 Ireland 26,240.00 2010 est. 271 Namibia 26,152.00 2010 est. 272 Bosnia and Herzegovina 26,134.00 2010 est. 273 Singapore 25,918.00 2010 est. 274 Namibia 25,790.00 2010 est. 275 Armenia 24,611.00 2010 est. 276 Bosnia and Herzegovina 24,518.00 2010 est. 277 United Arab Emirates 24,305.00 2010 est. 278 Botswana 23,496.00 2010 est. 279 Botswana 22,944.00 2010 est. 280 Armenia 22,682.00 2010 est. 281 Lithuania 21,606.00 2010 est. 282 Gambia, The 20,858.00 2010 est. 283 Gambia, The 20,762.00 2010 est. 284 Lithuania 20,536.00 2010 est. 285 Lesotho 20,400.00 2010 est. 286 Kuwait 19,787.00 2010 est. 287 Lesotho 19,435.00 2010 est. 288 Kuwait 19,038.00 2010 est. 289 Gaza Strip 18,931.00 2010 est. 290 Gaza Strip 18,010.00 2010 est. 291 Guinea-Bissau 17,523.00 2010 est. 292 Guinea-Bissau 17,300.00 2010 est. 293 Gabon 17,283.00 2010 est. 294 Gabon 17,276.00 2010 est. 295 Swaziland 16,024.00 2010 est. 296 Swaziland 15,630.00 2010 est. 297 Macedonia 15,338.00 2010 est. 298 Macedonia 14,445.00 2010 est. 299 Timor-Leste 12,795.00 2010 est. 300 Timor-Leste 12,443.00 2010 est. 301 Latvia 11,536.00 2010 est. 302 Latvia 11,058.00 2010 est. 303 Mauritius 10,565.00 2010 est. 304 Mauritius 10,447.00 2010 est. 305 Slovenia 9,979.00 2010 est. 306 Slovenia 9,610.00 2010 est. 307 Fiji 9,131.00 2010 est. 308 Guyana 8,842.00 2010 est. 309 Fiji 8,776.00 2010 est. 310 Trinidad and Tobago 8,572.00 2010 est. 311 Comoros 8,519.00 2010 est. 312 Djibouti 8,503.00 2010 est. 313 Comoros 8,498.00 2010 est. 314 Guyana 8,452.00 2010 est. 315 Cyprus 8,317.00 2010 est. 316 Djibouti 8,260.00 2010 est. 317 Trinidad and Tobago 7,966.00 2010 est. 318 Cyprus 7,542.00 2010 est. 319 Bhutan 7,432.00 2010 est. 320 Solomon Islands 7,256.00 2010 est. 321 Equatorial Guinea 7,186.00 2010 est. 322 Bhutan 7,153.00 2010 est. 323 Solomon Islands 6,995.00 2010 est. 324 Estonia 6,945.00 2010 est. 325 Equatorial Guinea 6,920.00 2010 est. 326 Bahrain 6,590.00 2010 est. 327 Estonia 6,564.00 2010 est. 328 Bahrain 6,475.00 2010 est. 329 Qatar 6,403.00 2010 est. 330 Cape Verde 6,077.00 2010 est. 331 Cape Verde 6,075.00 2010 est. 332 Western Sahara 5,376.00 2010 est. 333 Western Sahara 5,280.00 2010 est. 334 Qatar 5,144.00 2010 est. 335 Macau 4,488.00 2010 est. 336 Maldives 4,369.00 2010 est. 337 Suriname 4,056.00 2010 est. 338 Suriname 4,046.00 2010 est. 339 Macau 3,900.00 2010 est. 340 Maldives 3,765.00 2010 est. 341 Montenegro 3,741.00 2010 est. 342 Belize 3,678.00 2010 est. 343 Belize 3,543.00 2010 est. 344 Brunei 3,509.00 2010 est. 345 Brunei 3,427.00 2010 est. 346 Montenegro 3,407.00 2010 est. 347 Luxembourg 3,211.00 2010 est. 348 Luxembourg 3,057.00 2010 est. 349 Bahamas, The 2,840.00 2010 est. 350 Bahamas, The 2,758.00 2010 est. 351 Mayotte 2,627.00 2010 est. 352 Mayotte 2,619.00 2010 est. 353 French Polynesia 2,592.00 2010 est. 354 Malta 2,570.00 2010 est. 355 French Polynesia 2,481.00 2010 est. 356 Malta 2,410.00 2010 est. 357 Vanuatu 2,346.00 2010 est. 358 Iceland 2,318.00 2010 est. 359 Iceland 2,263.00 2010 est. 360 Vanuatu 2,249.00 2010 est. 361 Samoa 2,219.00 2010 est. 362 New Caledonia 2,138.00 2010 est. 363 New Caledonia 2,061.00 2010 est. 364 Samoa 2,058.00 2010 est. 365 Sao Tome and Principe 1,997.00 2010 est. 366 Sao Tome and Principe 1,922.00 2010 est. 367 Barbados 1,897.00 2010 est. 368 Barbados 1,884.00 2010 est. 369 Saint Lucia 1,627.00 2010 est. 370 Saint Lucia 1,521.00 2010 est. 371 Tonga 1,448.00 2010 est. 372 Tonga 1,392.00 2010 est. 373 Micronesia, Federated States of 1,270.00 2010 est. 374 Micronesia, Federated States of 1,221.00 2010 est. 375 Kiribati 1,107.00 2010 est. 376 Kiribati 1,083.00 2010 est. 377 Grenada 1,026.00 2010 est. 378 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 990.00 2010 est. 379 Grenada 987.00 2010 est. 380 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 979.00 2010 est. 381 Virgin Islands 849.00 2010 est. 382 American Samoa 810.00 2010 est. 383 Virgin Islands 805.00 2010 est. 384 American Samoa 796.00 2010 est. 385 Antigua and Barbuda 763.00 2010 est. 386 Antigua and Barbuda 758.00 2010 est. 387 Aruba 738.00 2010 est. 388 Dominica 729.00 2010 est. 389 Aruba 715.00 2010 est. 390 Seychelles 704.00 2010 est. 391 Dominica 688.00 2010 est. 392 Seychelles 672.00 2010 est. 393 Marshall Islands 602.00 2010 est. 394 Jersey 594.00 2010 est. 395 Marshall Islands 580.00 2010 est. 396 Jersey 555.00 2010 est. 397 Greenland 511.00 2010 est. 398 Greenland 484.00 2010 est. 399 Isle of Man 469.00 2010 est. 400 Isle of Man 449.00 2010 est. 401 Bermuda 436.00 2010 est. 402 Northern Mariana Islands 430.00 2010 est. 403 Saint Kitts and Nevis 430.00 2010 est. 404 Saint Kitts and Nevis 402.00 2010 est. 405 Bermuda 397.00 2010 est. 406 Andorra 396.00 2010 est. 407 Faroe Islands 379.00 2010 est. 408 Faroe Islands 368.00 2010 est. 409 Andorra 350.00 2010 est. 410 Guernsey 350.00 2010 est. 411 Cayman Islands 347.00 2010 est. 412 Guernsey 347.00 2010 est. 413 Northern Mariana Islands 346.00 2010 est. 414 Cayman Islands 326.00 2010 est. 415 Gibraltar 250.00 2010 est. 416 Gibraltar 233.00 2010 est. 417 Turks and Caicos Islands 229.00 2010 est. 418 Turks and Caicos Islands 223.00 2010 est. 419 Palau 218.00 2010 est. 420 Palau 212.00 2010 est. 421 Liechtenstein 209.00 2010 est. 422 Liechtenstein 208.00 2010 est. 423 Wallis and Futuna 178.00 2010 est. 424 San Marino 176.00 2010 est. 425 British Virgin Islands 174.00 2010 est. 426 Nauru 174.00 2010 est. 427 Saint Martin 172.00 2010 est. 428 Nauru 168.00 2010 est. 429 British Virgin Islands 167.00 2010 est. 430 Saint Martin 165.00 2010 est. 431 San Marino 164.00 2010 est. 432 Wallis and Futuna 153.00 2010 est. 433 Monaco 147.00 2010 est. 434 Cook Islands 136.00 2010 est. 435 Monaco 133.00 2010 est. 436 Tuvalu 120.00 2010 est. 437 Cook Islands 115.00 2010 est. 438 Anguilla 111.00 2010 est. 439 Anguilla 111.00 2010 est. 440 Tuvalu 110.00 2010 est. 441 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha48.00 2010 est. 442 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha47.00 2010 est. 443 Montserrat 38.00 2010 est. 444 Montserrat 36.00 2010 est. 445 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 36.00 2010 est. 446 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 34.00 2010 est. 447 Saint Barthelemy 21.00 2010 est. 448 Saint Barthelemy 21.00 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2028

Country Comparison :: Background

This entry usually highlights major historic events and current issues and may include a statement about one or two key future trends.

Rank country Background Date of Information

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Rank code: 2030

Country Comparison :: Airports - with paved runways

This entry gives the total number of airports with paved runways (concrete or asphalt surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m (over 10,000 ft), (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m (8,000 to 10,000 ft), (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m (5,000 to 8,000 ft), (4) 914 to 1,523 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft), and (5) under 914 m (under 3,000 ft). Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. The type aircraft capable of operating from a runway of a given length is dependent upon a number of factors including elevation of the runway, runway gradient, average maximum daily temperature at the airport, engine types, flap settings, and take-off weight of the aircraft.

Rank country Airports - with paved runways Date of Information

1 United States 5,194.00 2010 2 United States 2,316.00 2010 3 European Union 1,992.00 2010 4 United States 1,479.00 2010 5 United States 975.00 2010 6 Brazil 726.00 2010 7 Russia 593.00 2010 8 European Union 568.00 2010 9 European Union 546.00 2010 10 Canada 514.00 2010 11 Brazil 460.00 2010 12 China 442.00 2010 13 European Union 422.00 2010 14 European Union 340.00 2010 15 Germany 330.00 2010 16 Australia 326.00 2010 17 United Kingdom 306.00 2010 18 France 297.00 2010 19 Mexico 250.00 2010 20 Canada 249.00 2010 21 India 249.00 2010 22 United States 235.00 2010 23 Russia 201.00 2010 24 Ukraine 189.00 2010 25 United States 189.00 2010 26 Brazil 176.00 2010 27 Indonesia 171.00 2010 28 Argentina 156.00 2010 29 Sweden 152.00 2010 30 Australia 148.00 2010 31 Canada 148.00 2010 32 South Africa 147.00 2010 33 Japan 144.00 2010 34 Australia 140.00 2010 35 China 137.00 2010 36 Germany 135.00 2010 37 Iran 133.00 2010 38 China 132.00 2010 39 Bulgaria 130.00 2010 40 Venezuela 129.00 2010 41 Russia 126.00 2010 42 United Kingdom 124.00 2010 43 Russia 117.00 2010 44 Colombia 116.00 2010 45 European Union 116.00 2010 46 Ecuador 105.00 2010 47 Italy 101.00 2010 48 Pakistan 101.00 2010 49 Russia 98.00 2010 50 France 97.00 2010 51 Ukraine 97.00 2010 52 Spain 97.00 2010 53 Bulgaria 96.00 2010 54 Turkey 88.00 2010 55 Poland 86.00 2010 56 Mexico 85.00 2010 57 Philippines 85.00 2010 58 Chile 84.00 2010 59 China 83.00 2010 60 Mexico 83.00 2010 61 France 83.00 2010 62 India 81.00 2010 63 Saudi Arabia 81.00 2010 64 Canada 79.00 2010 65 United Kingdom 77.00 2010 66 France 76.00 2010 67 Sweden 76.00 2010 68 Finland 75.00 2010 69 India 75.00 2010 70 Iraq 75.00 2010 71 Egypt 73.00 2010 72 Korea, South 72.00 2010 73 Germany 70.00 2010 74 Greece 67.00 2010 75 South Africa 67.00 2010 76 Norway 67.00 2010 77 Argentina 65.00 2010 78 Kazakhstan 65.00 2010 79 Cuba 65.00 2010 80 Indonesia 64.00 2010 81 United Kingdom 64.00 2010 82 Thailand 64.00 2010 83 China 63.00 2010 84 Venezuela 63.00 2010 85 Germany 59.00 2010 86 Libya 59.00 2010 87 Peru 58.00 2010 88 Algeria 57.00 2010 89 India 57.00 2010 90 Brazil 55.00 2010 91 Ecuador 55.00 2010 92 Panama 54.00 2010 93 Germany 53.00 2010 94 South Africa 53.00 2010 95 Argentina 51.00 2010 96 Ukraine 51.00 2010 97 Russia 51.00 2010 98 Colombia 50.00 2010 99 Indonesia 50.00 2010 100 French Polynesia 46.00 2010 101 Czech Republic 44.00 2010 102 Japan 44.00 2010 103 Portugal 43.00 2010 104 Iran 42.00 2010 105 Switzerland 42.00 2010 106 Colombia 41.00 2010 107 Mexico 40.00 2010 108 New Zealand 40.00 2010 109 Costa Rica 39.00 2010 110 Poland 39.00 2010 111 Pakistan 39.00 2010 112 Japan 38.00 2010 113 Malaysia 38.00 2010 114 Taiwan 38.00 2010 115 Nigeria 38.00 2010 116 Burma 37.00 2010 117 Vietnam 37.00 2010 118 Korea, North 37.00 2010 119 Egypt 36.00 2010 120 Iraq 36.00 2010 121 Sweden 36.00 2010 122 Belarus 35.00 2010 123 Indonesia 34.00 2010 124 Philippines 34.00 2010 125 Venezuela 34.00 2010 126 Iran 34.00 2010 127 French Polynesia 33.00 2010 128 Turkey 33.00 2010 129 Uzbekistan 33.00 2010 130 Saudi Arabia 33.00 2010 131 Morocco 32.00 2010 132 United Kingdom 32.00 2010 133 Angola 31.00 2010 134 Italy 31.00 2010 135 Israel 30.00 2010 136 Mexico 30.00 2010 137 Panama 30.00 2010 138 Poland 30.00 2010 139 Italy 30.00 2010 140 Philippines 29.00 2010 141 Syria 29.00 2010 142 Algeria 28.00 2010 143 Japan 28.00 2010 144 Denmark 28.00 2010 145 Brazil 28.00 2010 146 Argentina 27.00 2010 147 Azerbaijan 27.00 2010 148 China 27.00 2010 149 Cuba 27.00 2010 150 Japan 27.00 2010 151 Saudi Arabia 27.00 2010 152 Madagascar 27.00 2010 153 Iran 27.00 2010 154 France 27.00 2010 155 Belgium 27.00 2010 156 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 26.00 2010 157 Lithuania 26.00 2010 158 Romania 26.00 2010 159 Kazakhstan 26.00 2010 160 Finland 26.00 2010 161 Austria 25.00 2010 162 United Arab Emirates 25.00 2010 163 Sweden 25.00 2010 164 Ecuador 25.00 2010 165 Norway 25.00 2010 166 Chile 24.00 2010 167 Ukraine 24.00 2010 168 Thailand 24.00 2010 169 Spain 24.00 2010 170 Spain 24.00 2010 171 New Zealand 24.00 2010 172 Libya 24.00 2010 173 Iran 24.00 2010 174 Chile 24.00 2010 175 Bahamas, The 23.00 2010 176 Libya 23.00 2010 177 Mozambique 23.00 2010 178 Korea, North 23.00 2010 179 Chile 23.00 2010 180 Croatia 23.00 2010 181 Costa Rica 23.00 2010 182 Belarus 22.00 2010 183 Turkmenistan 22.00 2010 184 Korea, South 22.00 2010 185 Finland 22.00 2010 186 Hungary 22.00 2010 187 India 21.00 2010 188 Namibia 21.00 2010 189 Korea, South 21.00 2010 190 Papua New Guinea 21.00 2010 191 Canada 20.00 2010 192 Greece 20.00 2010 193 Pakistan 20.00 2010 194 Peru 20.00 2010 195 Slovakia 20.00 2010 196 Netherlands 20.00 2010 197 Iraq 20.00 2010 198 Afghanistan 19.00 2010 199 Zimbabwe 19.00 2010 200 Turkey 19.00 2010 201 Sudan 19.00 2010 202 Latvia 19.00 2010 203 Indonesia 19.00 2010 204 Canada 18.00 2010 205 Czech Republic 18.00 2010 206 Kyrgyzstan 18.00 2010 207 Italy 18.00 2010 208 Greece 18.00 2010 209 Georgia 18.00 2010 210 Spain 18.00 2010 211 Spain 18.00 2010 212 Pakistan 18.00 2010 213 Norway 18.00 2010 214 Bulgaria 17.00 2010 215 Ecuador 17.00 2010 216 Ethiopia 17.00 2010 217 Switzerland 17.00 2010 218 Yemen 17.00 2010 219 Venezuela 17.00 2010 220 Tajikistan 17.00 2010 221 Panama 17.00 2010 222 Puerto Rico 17.00 2010 223 Cuba 17.00 2010 224 Madagascar 17.00 2010 225 Kenya 17.00 2010 226 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 17.00 2010 227 Bolivia 16.00 2010 228 Dominican Republic 16.00 2010 229 Turkey 16.00 2010 230 Turkey 16.00 2010 231 Tunisia 16.00 2010 232 Kazakhstan 16.00 2010 233 Jordan 16.00 2010 234 Ireland 16.00 2010 235 Bangladesh 15.00 2010 236 Colombia 15.00 2010 237 Burma 15.00 2010 238 Egypt 15.00 2010 239 Egypt 15.00 2010 240 Thailand 15.00 2010 241 Syria 15.00 2010 242 Saudi Arabia 15.00 2010 243 Peru 15.00 2010 244 Paraguay 15.00 2010 245 Pakistan 15.00 2010 246 Bulgaria 15.00 2010 247 India 15.00 2010 248 Australia 14.00 2010 249 Switzerland 14.00 2010 250 Vietnam 14.00 2010 251 Sri Lanka 14.00 2010 252 Finland 14.00 2010 253 Papua New Guinea 14.00 2010 254 Mongolia 14.00 2010 255 Greece 14.00 2010 256 France 14.00 2010 257 Austria 14.00 2010 258 Angola 13.00 2010 259 Uzbekistan 13.00 2010 260 Spain 13.00 2010 261 Portugal 13.00 2010 262 Peru 13.00 2010 263 Namibia 13.00 2010 264 Lithuania 13.00 2010 265 Korea, South 13.00 2010 266 Italy 13.00 2010 267 Guatemala 13.00 2010 268 Germany 13.00 2010 269 Gabon 13.00 2010 270 Estonia 13.00 2010 271 Cyprus 13.00 2010 272 Bahamas, The 13.00 2010 273 Azerbaijan 13.00 2010 274 Australia 13.00 2010 275 Algeria 12.00 2010 276 Burma 12.00 2010 277 Denmark 12.00 2010 278 United Arab Emirates 12.00 2010 279 Ukraine 12.00 2010 280 Sweden 12.00 2010 281 Norway 12.00 2010 282 New Zealand 12.00 2010 283 New Caledonia 12.00 2010 284 Mexico 12.00 2010 285 Korea, South 12.00 2010 286 Jamaica 12.00 2010 287 Honduras 12.00 2010 288 Czech Republic 12.00 2010 289 Costa Rica 12.00 2010 290 Algeria 11.00 2010 291 Australia 11.00 2010 292 Kyrgyzstan 11.00 2010 293 Taiwan 11.00 2010 294 Thailand 11.00 2010 295 South Africa 11.00 2010 296 Serbia 11.00 2010 297 Romania 11.00 2010 298 Oman 11.00 2010 299 Norway 11.00 2010 300 Nigeria 11.00 2010 301 Nicaragua 11.00 2010 302 Nepal 11.00 2010 303 Morocco 11.00 2010 304 Israel 11.00 2010 305 Cameroon 11.00 2010 306 Armenia 10.00 2010 307 Greenland 10.00 2010 308 Malaysia 10.00 2010 309 New Caledonia 10.00 2010 310 Venezuela 10.00 2010 311 Turkmenistan 10.00 2010 312 Sudan 10.00 2010 313 South Africa 10.00 2010 314 Slovakia 10.00 2010 315 Senegal 10.00 2010 316 Romania 10.00 2010 317 Portugal 10.00 2010 318 Philippines 10.00 2010 319 Nigeria 10.00 2010 320 Niger 10.00 2010 321 Mozambique 10.00 2010 322 Morocco 10.00 2010 323 Mongolia 10.00 2010 324 Macedonia 10.00 2010 325 Kazakhstan 10.00 2010 326 Guyana 10.00 2010 327 Finland 10.00 2010 328 Angola 9.00 2010 329 Netherlands 9.00 2010 330 Nepal 9.00 2010 331 Mauritania 9.00 2010 332 Laos 9.00 2010 333 Italy 9.00 2010 334 Greece 9.00 2010 335 Gabon 9.00 2010 336 Czech Republic 9.00 2010 337 Cuba 9.00 2010 338 Croatia 9.00 2010 339 Zimbabwe 9.00 2010 340 Yemen 9.00 2010 341 Vietnam 9.00 2010 342 Vietnam 9.00 2010 343 Uruguay 9.00 2010 344 United Kingdom 9.00 2010 345 Turkmenistan 9.00 2010 346 Tanzania 9.00 2010 347 Pakistan 9.00 2010 348 Nigeria 9.00 2010 349 Cape Verde 9.00 2010 350 Botswana 9.00 2010 351 Belgium 9.00 2010 352 Belgium 9.00 2010 353 Argentina 9.00 2010 354 Afghanistan 8.00 2010 355 Chile 8.00 2010 356 Colombia 8.00 2010 357 Taiwan 8.00 2010 358 Taiwan 8.00 2010 359 Zambia 8.00 2010 360 Seychelles 8.00 2010 361 Portugal 8.00 2010 362 Philippines 8.00 2010 363 Mali 8.00 2010 364 Malaysia 8.00 2010 365 Macedonia 8.00 2010 366 Kazakhstan 8.00 2010 367 Jordan 8.00 2010 368 Iraq 8.00 2010 369 Thailand 8.00 2010 370 Singapore 8.00 2010 371 Ethiopia 8.00 2010 372 Chad 8.00 2010 373 Burma 8.00 2010 374 Belarus 7.00 2010 375 Cote d'Ivoire 7.00 2010 376 Denmark 7.00 2010 377 Georgia 7.00 2010 378 Guyana 7.00 2010 379 Taiwan 7.00 2010 380 Turks and Caicos Islands 7.00 2010 381 Sri Lanka 7.00 2010 382 Somalia 7.00 2010 383 Slovenia 7.00 2010 384 Morocco 7.00 2010 385 Malaysia 7.00 2010 386 Malaysia 7.00 2010 387 Lithuania 7.00 2010 388 Latvia 7.00 2010 389 Korea, North 7.00 2010 390 Japan 7.00 2010 391 Jamaica 7.00 2010 392 Hungary 7.00 2010 393 Senegal 7.00 2010 394 Puerto Rico 7.00 2010 395 Portugal 7.00 2010 396 Poland 7.00 2010 397 Paraguay 7.00 2010 398 Ghana 7.00 2010 399 French Polynesia 7.00 2010 400 Estonia 7.00 2010 401 Cuba 7.00 2010 402 Bosnia and Herzegovina 7.00 2010 403 Brazil 7.00 2010 404 Azerbaijan 6.00 2010 405 Bangladesh 6.00 2010 406 Micronesia, Federated States of 6.00 2010 407 Malaysia 6.00 2010 408 Malawi 6.00 2010 409 Madagascar 6.00 2010 410 Israel 6.00 2010 411 Israel 6.00 2010 412 Iraq 6.00 2010 413 Iran 6.00 2010 414 Iceland 6.00 2010 415 Hungary 6.00 2010 416 Greenland 6.00 2010 417 Greece 6.00 2010 418 Equatorial Guinea 6.00 2010 419 Uzbekistan 6.00 2010 420 Uzbekistan 6.00 2010 421 Tunisia 6.00 2010 422 Thailand 6.00 2010 423 Sri Lanka 6.00 2010 424 South Africa 6.00 2010 425 Seychelles 6.00 2010 426 Poland 6.00 2010 427 Peru 6.00 2010 428 Oman 6.00 2010 429 Niger 6.00 2010 430 Libya 6.00 2010 431 Kenya 6.00 2010 432 Cyprus 6.00 2010 433 Croatia 6.00 2010 434 Congo, Republic of the 6.00 2010 435 Cambodia 6.00 2010 436 Botswana 6.00 2010 437 Belgium 6.00 2010 438 Algeria 5.00 2010 439 Bahamas, The 5.00 2010 440 Moldova 5.00 2010 441 Mauritania 5.00 2010 442 Libya 5.00 2010 443 Lebanon 5.00 2010 444 Latvia 5.00 2010 445 Kazakhstan 5.00 2010 446 Jordan 5.00 2010 447 Israel 5.00 2010 448 Ireland 5.00 2010 449 Ireland 5.00 2010 450 Iraq 5.00 2010 451 Hungary 5.00 2010 452 Egypt 5.00 2010 453 Ecuador 5.00 2010 454 Venezuela 5.00 2010 455 Ukraine 5.00 2010 456 Uganda 5.00 2010 457 Tajikistan 5.00 2010 458 Syria 5.00 2010 459 Syria 5.00 2010 460 Switzerland 5.00 2010 461 Suriname 5.00 2010 462 Sudan 5.00 2010 463 Zimbabwe 5.00 2010 464 Vietnam 5.00 2010 465 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5.00 2010 466 Puerto Rico 5.00 2010 467 Portugal 5.00 2010 468 Paraguay 5.00 2010 469 Panama 5.00 2010 470 Nigeria 5.00 2010 471 Netherlands 5.00 2010 472 Mozambique 5.00 2010 473 Cuba 5.00 2010 474 Chile 5.00 2010 475 Cameroon 5.00 2010 476 Austria 5.00 2010 477 Bolivia 5.00 2010 478 Angola 5.00 2010 479 Afghanistan 4.00 2010 480 Albania 4.00 2010 481 Cote d'Ivoire 4.00 2010 482 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.00 2010 483 Comoros 4.00 2010 484 Bosnia and Herzegovina 4.00 2010 485 Bolivia 4.00 2010 486 Bolivia 4.00 2010 487 Belize 4.00 2010 488 Bangladesh 4.00 2010 489 Bahrain 4.00 2010 490 Taiwan 4.00 2010 491 Yemen 4.00 2010 492 Uzbekistan 4.00 2010 493 Uzbekistan 4.00 2010 494 Uruguay 4.00 2010 495 United Arab Emirates 4.00 2010 496 United Arab Emirates 4.00 2010 497 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.00 2010 498 Turkey 4.00 2010 499 Tunisia 4.00 2010 500 Tunisia 4.00 2010 501 Tanzania 4.00 2010 502 Tajikistan 4.00 2010 503 Suriname 4.00 2010 504 Qatar 4.00 2010 505 Poland 4.00 2010 506 Philippines 4.00 2010 507 Peru 4.00 2010 508 Papua New Guinea 4.00 2010 509 Oman 4.00 2010 510 Mozambique 4.00 2010 511 Morocco 4.00 2010 512 Kuwait 4.00 2010 513 Somalia 4.00 2010 514 Singapore 4.00 2010 515 Saudi Arabia 4.00 2010 516 Rwanda 4.00 2010 517 Romania 4.00 2010 518 Kosovo 4.00 2010 519 Korea, South 4.00 2010 520 Korea, North 4.00 2010 521 Kiribati 4.00 2010 522 Kiribati 4.00 2010 523 Kenya 4.00 2010 524 Kenya 4.00 2010 525 Ireland 4.00 2010 526 Montenegro 4.00 2010 527 Micronesia, Federated States of 4.00 2010 528 Mauritania 4.00 2010 529 Marshall Islands 4.00 2010 530 Mali 4.00 2010 531 Malawi 4.00 2010 532 Laos 4.00 2010 533 Indonesia 4.00 2010 534 Honduras 4.00 2010 535 Haiti 4.00 2010 536 Guinea 4.00 2010 537 Guatemala 4.00 2010 538 Georgia 4.00 2010 539 Georgia 4.00 2010 540 French Polynesia 4.00 2010 541 Fiji 4.00 2010 542 Ethiopia 4.00 2010 543 Eritrea 4.00 2010 544 El Salvador 4.00 2010 545 Dominican Republic 4.00 2010 546 Dominican Republic 4.00 2010 547 Dominican Republic 4.00 2010 548 Denmark 4.00 2010 549 Azerbaijan 4.00 2010 550 Austria 4.00 2010 551 Armenia 4.00 2010 552 Argentina 4.00 2010 553 Angola 4.00 2010 554 Afghanistan 3.00 2010 555 American Samoa 3.00 2010 556 Albania 3.00 2010 557 Zimbabwe 3.00 2010 558 Zambia 3.00 2010 559 Zambia 3.00 2010 560 Yemen 3.00 2010 561 Western Sahara 3.00 2010 562 Western Sahara 3.00 2010 563 Vanuatu 3.00 2010 564 United Arab Emirates 3.00 2010 565 Uganda 3.00 2010 566 Trinidad and Tobago 3.00 2010 567 Tajikistan 3.00 2010 568 Tajikistan 3.00 2010 569 Syria 3.00 2010 570 Switzerland 3.00 2010 571 Switzerland 3.00 2010 572 Sweden 3.00 2010 573 Sudan 3.00 2010 574 Spratly Islands 3.00 2010 575 Slovenia 3.00 2010 576 Slovakia 3.00 2010 577 Slovakia 3.00 2010 578 Slovakia 3.00 2010 579 Serbia 3.00 2010 580 Serbia 3.00 2010 581 Serbia 3.00 2010 582 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3.00 2010 583 Qatar 3.00 2010 584 Puerto Rico 3.00 2010 585 Paraguay 3.00 2010 586 Northern Mariana Islands 3.00 2010 587 Nigeria 3.00 2010 588 Niger 3.00 2010 589 Nicaragua 3.00 2010 590 Nicaragua 3.00 2010 591 Nicaragua 3.00 2010 592 Netherlands 3.00 2010 593 Namibia 3.00 2010 594 Namibia 3.00 2010 595 Mozambique 3.00 2010 596 Mongolia 3.00 2010 597 Marshall Islands 3.00 2010 598 Mali 3.00 2010 599 Maldives 3.00 2010 600 Lithuania 3.00 2010 601 Lesotho 3.00 2010 602 Latvia 3.00 2010 603 Latvia 3.00 2010 604 Laos 3.00 2010 605 Kyrgyzstan 3.00 2010 606 Kyrgyzstan 3.00 2010 607 Jamaica 3.00 2010 608 Iceland 3.00 2010 609 Honduras 3.00 2010 610 Honduras 3.00 2010 611 Haiti 3.00 2010 612 Guinea 3.00 2010 613 Guatemala 3.00 2010 614 Guatemala 3.00 2010 615 Guatemala 3.00 2010 616 Grenada 3.00 2010 617 Ghana 3.00 2010 618 Finland 3.00 2010 619 Ethiopia 3.00 2010 620 Ecuador 3.00 2010 621 Dominican Republic 3.00 2010 622 Djibouti 3.00 2010 623 Denmark 3.00 2010 624 Czech Republic 3.00 2010 625 Cyprus 3.00 2010 626 Cyprus 3.00 2010 627 Croatia 3.00 2010 628 Croatia 3.00 2010 629 Congo, Republic of the 3.00 2010 630 Comoros 3.00 2010 631 Chad 3.00 2010 632 Cape Verde 3.00 2010 633 Cape Verde 3.00 2010 634 Cameroon 3.00 2010 635 Cambodia 3.00 2010 636 Bolivia 3.00 2010 637 Belarus 3.00 2010 638 Bahrain 3.00 2010 639 Bahamas, The 3.00 2010 640 Azerbaijan 3.00 2010 641 Afghanistan 2.00 2010 642 Antigua and Barbuda 2.00 2010 643 Bangladesh 2.00 2010 644 Belgium 2.00 2010 645 Cameroon 2.00 2010 646 Cambodia 2.00 2010 647 Burkina Faso 2.00 2010 648 Bulgaria 2.00 2010 649 Brunei 2.00 2010 650 British Virgin Islands 2.00 2010 651 Botswana 2.00 2010 652 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2.00 2010 653 Belize 2.00 2010 654 Zimbabwe 2.00 2010 655 West Bank 2.00 2010 656 Wallis and Futuna 2.00 2010 657 Virgin Islands 2.00 2010 658 Uruguay 2.00 2010 659 Uruguay 2.00 2010 660 United Arab Emirates 2.00 2010 661 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.00 2010 662 Turkmenistan 2.00 2010 663 Tunisia 2.00 2010 664 Togo 2.00 2010 665 Togo 2.00 2010 666 Timor-Leste 2.00 2010 667 Tanzania 2.00 2010 668 Tanzania 2.00 2010 669 Tajikistan 2.00 2010 670 Swaziland 2.00 2010 671 Spratly Islands 2.00 2010 672 Somalia 2.00 2010 673 Solomon Islands 2.00 2010 674 Singapore 2.00 2010 675 Serbia 2.00 2010 676 Senegal 2.00 2010 677 Saudi Arabia 2.00 2010 678 Sao Tome and Principe 2.00 2010 679 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2.00 2010 680 Saint Lucia 2.00 2010 681 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.00 2010 682 Rwanda 2.00 2010 683 Puerto Rico 2.00 2010 684 Papua New Guinea 2.00 2010 685 Northern Mariana Islands 2.00 2010 686 Nicaragua 2.00 2010 687 New Zealand 2.00 2010 688 Netherlands 2.00 2010 689 Namibia 2.00 2010 690 Montserrat 2.00 2010 691 Montserrat 2.00 2010 692 Montenegro 2.00 2010 693 Moldova 2.00 2010 694 Micronesia, Federated States of 2.00 2010 695 Mauritius 2.00 2010 696 Madagascar 2.00 2010 697 Macedonia 2.00 2010 698 Lithuania 2.00 2010 699 Liberia 2.00 2010 700 Lebanon 2.00 2010 701 Israel 2.00 2010 702 Moldova 2.00 2010 703 Iceland 2.00 2010 704 Hungary 2.00 2010 705 Hungary 2.00 2010 706 Hong Kong 2.00 2010 707 Honduras 2.00 2010 708 Guyana 2.00 2010 709 Guinea-Bissau 2.00 2010 710 Georgia 2.00 2010 711 Laos 2.00 2010 712 Kuwait 2.00 2010 713 Kosovo 2.00 2010 714 Korea, North 2.00 2010 715 Kenya 2.00 2010 716 Jamaica 2.00 2010 717 French Polynesia 2.00 2010 718 Fiji 2.00 2010 719 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2.00 2010 720 Estonia 2.00 2010 721 Estonia 2.00 2010 722 Estonia 2.00 2010 723 Eritrea 2.00 2010 724 Eritrea 2.00 2010 725 Guernsey 2.00 2010 726 Greenland 2.00 2010 727 Ghana 2.00 2010 728 Equatorial Guinea 2.00 2010 729 Equatorial Guinea 2.00 2010 730 El Salvador 2.00 2010 731 Egypt 2.00 2010 732 Dominica 2.00 2010 733 Denmark 2.00 2010 734 Czech Republic 2.00 2010 735 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.00 2010 736 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.00 2010 737 Colombia 2.00 2010 738 Chad 2.00 2010 739 Chad 2.00 2010 740 Central African Republic 2.00 2010 741 Cayman Islands 2.00 2010 742 Cayman Islands 2.00 2010 743 Cape Verde 2.00 2010 744 Croatia 2.00 2010 745 Cote d'Ivoire 2.00 2010 746 Costa Rica 2.00 2010 747 Costa Rica 2.00 2010 748 Congo, Republic of the 2.00 2010 749 Belarus 2.00 2010 750 Bangladesh 2.00 2010 751 Armenia 2.00 2010 752 Bahamas, The 2.00 2010 753 Armenia 2.00 2010 754 Armenia 2.00 2010 755 Afghanistan 2.00 2010 756 Albania 1.00 2010 757 Bermuda 1.00 2010 758 Benin 1.00 2010 759 Benin 1.00 2010 760 Belize 1.00 2010 761 Belize 1.00 2010 762 Belgium 1.00 2010 763 Belarus 1.00 2010 764 Barbados 1.00 2010 765 Barbados 1.00 2010 766 Zambia 1.00 2010 767 Yemen 1.00 2010 768 West Bank 1.00 2010 769 West Bank 1.00 2010 770 Wallis and Futuna 1.00 2010 771 Wallis and Futuna 1.00 2010 772 Wake Island 1.00 2010 773 Wake Island 1.00 2010 774 Virgin Islands 1.00 2010 775 Virgin Islands 1.00 2010 776 Vanuatu 1.00 2010 777 Vanuatu 1.00 2010 778 Vanuatu 1.00 2010 779 Uruguay 1.00 2010 780 Uganda 1.00 2010 781 Uganda 1.00 2010 782 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.00 2010 783 Turkmenistan 1.00 2010 784 Trinidad and Tobago 1.00 2010 785 Trinidad and Tobago 1.00 2010 786 Trinidad and Tobago 1.00 2010 787 Tonga 1.00 2010 788 Tonga 1.00 2010 789 Timor-Leste 1.00 2010 790 Timor-Leste 1.00 2010 791 Tanzania 1.00 2010 792 Syria 1.00 2010 793 Swaziland 1.00 2010 794 Swaziland 1.00 2010 795 Svalbard 1.00 2010 796 Svalbard 1.00 2010 797 Suriname 1.00 2010 798 Sudan 1.00 2010 799 Sri Lanka 1.00 2010 800 Spratly Islands 1.00 2010 801 Somalia 1.00 2010 802 Solomon Islands 1.00 2010 803 Solomon Islands 1.00 2010 804 Slovenia 1.00 2010 805 Slovenia 1.00 2010 806 Slovenia 1.00 2010 807 Slovenia 1.00 2010 808 Slovakia 1.00 2010 809 Sint Maarten 1.00 2010 810 Sint Maarten 1.00 2010 811 Singapore 1.00 2010 812 Singapore 1.00 2010 813 Sierra Leone 1.00 2010 814 Sierra Leone 1.00 2010 815 Seychelles 1.00 2010 816 Seychelles 1.00 2010 817 Senegal 1.00 2010 818 Nepal 1.00 2010 819 Nauru 1.00 2010 820 Nauru 1.00 2010 821 Mozambique 1.00 2010 822 Montenegro 1.00 2010 823 Montenegro 1.00 2010 824 Mongolia 1.00 2010 825 Moldova 1.00 2010 826 Mayotte 1.00 2010 827 Mayotte 1.00 2010 828 Mauritius 1.00 2010 829 Mauritius 1.00 2010 830 Marshall Islands 1.00 2010 831 Malta 1.00 2010 832 Malta 1.00 2010 833 Mali 1.00 2010 834 Maldives 1.00 2010 835 Maldives 1.00 2010 836 Maldives 1.00 2010 837 Malawi 1.00 2010 838 Malawi 1.00 2010 839 Zambia 1.00 2010 840 Madagascar 1.00 2010 841 Madagascar 1.00 2010 842 Macau 1.00 2010 843 Macau 1.00 2010 844 Luxembourg 1.00 2010 845 Luxembourg 1.00 2010 846 Lithuania 1.00 2010 847 Libya 1.00 2010 848 Liberia 1.00 2010 849 Liberia 1.00 2010 850 Lesotho 1.00 2010 851 Lesotho 1.00 2010 852 Lesotho 1.00 2010 853 Lebanon 1.00 2010 854 Lebanon 1.00 2010 855 Lebanon 1.00 2010 856 Latvia 1.00 2010 857 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 2010 858 Kuwait 1.00 2010 859 Kuwait 1.00 2010 860 Kosovo 1.00 2010 861 Kosovo 1.00 2010 862 Korea, North 1.00 2010 863 Kenya 1.00 2010 864 Jordan 1.00 2010 865 Jordan 1.00 2010 866 Jordan 1.00 2010 867 Jersey 1.00 2010 868 Jersey 1.00 2010 869 Isle of Man 1.00 2010 870 Isle of Man 1.00 2010 871 Ireland 1.00 2010 872 Ireland 1.00 2010 873 Iceland 1.00 2010 874 Hong Kong 1.00 2010 875 Hong Kong 1.00 2010 876 Haiti 1.00 2010 877 Guyana 1.00 2010 878 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2010 879 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2010 880 Guinea 1.00 2010 881 Guernsey 1.00 2010 882 Guernsey 1.00 2010 883 Grenada 1.00 2010 884 Grenada 1.00 2010 885 Grenada 1.00 2010 886 Greenland 1.00 2010 887 Greenland 1.00 2010 888 Gibraltar 1.00 2010 889 Gibraltar 1.00 2010 890 Ghana 1.00 2010 891 Ghana 1.00 2010 892 Georgia 1.00 2010 893 Gaza Strip 1.00 2010 894 Gaza Strip 1.00 2010 895 Gambia, The 1.00 2010 896 Gambia, The 1.00 2010 897 Gabon 1.00 2010 898 Gabon 1.00 2010 899 Gabon 1.00 2010 900 Gabon 1.00 2010 901 Fiji 1.00 2010 902 Fiji 1.00 2010 903 Faroe Islands 1.00 2010 904 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2010 905 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2010 906 Samoa 1.00 2010 907 Samoa 1.00 2010 908 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2010 909 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2010 910 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.00 2010 911 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.00 2010 912 Saint Martin 1.00 2010 913 Saint Martin 1.00 2010 914 Saint Lucia 1.00 2010 915 Saint Lucia 1.00 2010 916 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.00 2010 917 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.00 2010 918 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2010 919 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2010 920 Saint Barthelemy 1.00 2010 921 Saint Barthelemy 1.00 2010 922 Rwanda 1.00 2010 923 Rwanda 1.00 2010 924 Romania 1.00 2010 925 Qatar 1.00 2010 926 Paracel Islands 1.00 2010 927 Paracel Islands 1.00 2010 928 Papua New Guinea 1.00 2010 929 Panama 1.00 2010 930 Panama 1.00 2010 931 Palau 1.00 2010 932 Palau 1.00 2010 933 Oman 1.00 2010 934 Norway 1.00 2010 935 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2010 936 Norfolk Island 1.00 2010 937 Norfolk Island 1.00 2010 938 Niue 1.00 2010 939 Niue 1.00 2010 940 Niger 1.00 2010 941 New Zealand 1.00 2010 942 New Zealand 1.00 2010 943 New Caledonia 1.00 2010 944 New Caledonia 1.00 2010 945 Netherlands 1.00 2010 946 Nepal 1.00 2010 947 Faroe Islands 1.00 2010 948 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1.00 2010 949 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1.00 2010 950 Ethiopia 1.00 2010 951 Ethiopia 1.00 2010 952 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2010 953 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2010 954 El Salvador 1.00 2010 955 El Salvador 1.00 2010 956 Dominican Republic 1.00 2010 957 Dominica 1.00 2010 958 Dominica 1.00 2010 959 Djibouti 1.00 2010 960 Djibouti 1.00 2010 961 Djibouti 1.00 2010 962 Cyprus 1.00 2010 963 Curacao 1.00 2010 964 Curacao 1.00 2010 965 Cote d'Ivoire 1.00 2010 966 Cook Islands 1.00 2010 967 Cook Islands 1.00 2010 968 Congo, Republic of the 1.00 2010 969 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1.00 2010 970 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.00 2010 971 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.00 2010 972 Christmas Island 1.00 2010 973 Christmas Island 1.00 2010 974 Chad 1.00 2010 975 Central African Republic 1.00 2010 976 Central African Republic 1.00 2010 977 Cape Verde 1.00 2010 978 Burundi 1.00 2010 979 Comoros 1.00 2010 980 Burundi 1.00 2010 981 Burma 1.00 2010 982 Burma 1.00 2010 983 Burkina Faso 1.00 2010 984 Burkina Faso 1.00 2010 985 Brunei 1.00 2010 986 Brunei 1.00 2010 987 British Virgin Islands 1.00 2010 988 Cameroon 1.00 2010 989 Cambodia 1.00 2010 990 British Virgin Islands 1.00 2010 991 British Indian Ocean Territory 1.00 2010 992 British Indian Ocean Territory 1.00 2010 993 Botswana 1.00 2010 994 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.00 2010 995 Bhutan 1.00 2010 996 Bhutan 1.00 2010 997 Bermuda 1.00 2010 998 Bangladesh 1.00 2010 999 Bahrain 1.00 2010 1000 Azerbaijan 1.00 2010 1001 Austria 1.00 2010 1002 Austria 1.00 2010 1003 Aruba 1.00 2010 1004 Aruba 1.00 2010 1005 Antigua and Barbuda 1.00 2010 1006 American Samoa 1.00 2010 1007 American Samoa 1.00 2010 1008 Anguilla 1.00 2010 1009 Antigua and Barbuda 1.00 2010 1010 Anguilla 1.00 2010 1011 American Samoa 1.00 2010 1012 Algeria 1.00 2010

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Rank code: 2031

Country Comparison :: Airports - with unpaved runways

This entry gives the total number of airports with unpaved runways (grass, dirt, sand, or gravel surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m (over 10,000 ft), (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m (8,000 to 10,000 ft), (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m (5,000 to 8,000 ft), (4) 914 to 1,523 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft), and (5) under 914 m (under 3,000 ft). Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. The type aircraft capable of operating from a runway of a given length is dependent upon a number of factors including elevation of the runway, runway gradient, average maximum daily temperature at the airport, engine types, flap settings, and take-off weight of the aircraft.

Rank country Airports - with unpaved runwaysDate of Information

1 United States 9,885.00 2010 2 United States 7,971.00 2010 3 Brazil 3,346.00 2010 4 United States 1,752.00 2010 5 Brazil 1,642.00 2010 6 Brazil 1,617.00 2010 7 Mexico 1,569.00 2010 8 European Union 1,391.00 2010 9 European Union 1,112.00 2010 10 Mexico 1,063.00 2010 11 Argentina 985.00 2010 12 Canada 890.00 2010 13 Colombia 874.00 2010 14 Bolivia 865.00 2010 15 Paraguay 785.00 2010 16 Russia 620.00 2010 17 Bolivia 615.00 2010 18 Colombia 610.00 2010 19 Papua New Guinea 541.00 2010 20 Argentina 530.00 2010 21 Indonesia 513.00 2010 22 Indonesia 484.00 2010 23 Paraguay 470.00 2010 24 Papua New Guinea 469.00 2010 25 Russia 452.00 2010 26 Canada 440.00 2010 27 Mexico 438.00 2010 28 South Africa 431.00 2010 29 Argentina 410.00 2010 30 Canada 377.00 2010 31 Guatemala 359.00 2010 32 Ecuador 323.00 2010 33 Paraguay 290.00 2010 34 Ecuador 284.00 2010 35 Chile 282.00 2010 36 Venezuela 280.00 2010 37 Guatemala 271.00 2010 38 South Africa 261.00 2010 39 European Union 254.00 2010 40 Ukraine 236.00 2010 41 Colombia 228.00 2010 42 Germany 219.00 2010 43 Chile 217.00 2010 44 Ukraine 214.00 2010 45 United Kingdom 199.00 2010 46 Zimbabwe 197.00 2010 47 Bolivia 187.00 2010 48 Iran 186.00 2010 49 Germany 184.00 2010 50 France 177.00 2010 51 Kenya 174.00 2010 52 United Kingdom 173.00 2010 53 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 172.00 2010 54 Venezuela 172.00 2010 55 Philippines 169.00 2010 56 Angola 162.00 2010 57 United States 155.00 2010 58 Peru 153.00 2010 59 Iran 142.00 2010 60 Australia 139.00 2010 61 South Africa 137.00 2010 62 Saudi Arabia 136.00 2010 63 Nicaragua 132.00 2010 64 Sudan 121.00 2010 65 Zimbabwe 120.00 2010 66 Oman 119.00 2010 67 Nicaragua 115.00 2010 68 Tanzania 115.00 2010 69 Costa Rica 112.00 2010 70 Australia 110.00 2010 71 France 108.00 2010 72 Namibia 108.00 2010 73 Kenya 107.00 2010 74 India 103.00 2010 75 Philippines 99.00 2010 76 Sweden 97.00 2010 77 Costa Rica 94.00 2010 78 Iceland 93.00 2010 79 Honduras 92.00 2010 80 Sweden 92.00 2010 81 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 91.00 2010 82 Venezuela 91.00 2010 83 Brazil 87.00 2010 84 Peru 87.00 2010 85 Algeria 86.00 2010 86 Zambia 86.00 2010 87 Guyana 86.00 2010 88 Guatemala 84.00 2010 89 Russia 84.00 2010 90 Mozambique 83.00 2010 91 New Zealand 82.00 2010 92 Bulgaria 80.00 2010 93 Malaysia 80.00 2010 94 Angola 78.00 2010 95 Libya 78.00 2010 96 Czech Republic 78.00 2010 97 Syria 75.00 2010 98 Honduras 74.00 2010 99 Zimbabwe 74.00 2010 100 Bulgaria 73.00 2010 101 Canada 73.00 2010 102 Malaysia 73.00 2010 103 Guyana 73.00 2010 104 Finland 73.00 2010 105 Cuba 71.00 2010 106 Saudi Arabia 71.00 2010 107 Namibia 71.00 2010 108 Finland 70.00 2010 109 Botswana 69.00 2010 110 France 69.00 2010 111 Russia 68.00 2010 112 Mexico 66.00 2010 113 Philippines 66.00 2010 114 Denmark 64.00 2010 115 Panama 64.00 2010 116 Iceland 63.00 2010 117 Papua New Guinea 63.00 2010 118 Zambia 63.00 2010 119 Tanzania 63.00 2010 120 Sudan 62.00 2010 121 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 61.00 2010 122 Denmark 61.00 2010 123 El Salvador 61.00 2010 124 China 60.00 2010 125 Syria 59.00 2010 126 Bolivia 58.00 2010 127 Cuba 58.00 2010 128 Madagascar 57.00 2010 129 Spain 57.00 2010 130 Kenya 55.00 2010 131 Lithuania 55.00 2010 132 Botswana 52.00 2010 133 Somalia 52.00 2010 134 Panama 52.00 2010 135 Lithuania 51.00 2010 136 Oman 51.00 2010 137 Chile 50.00 2010 138 Czech Republic 50.00 2010 139 Uruguay 49.00 2010 140 Chad 48.00 2010 141 India 48.00 2010 142 Angola 47.00 2010 143 El Salvador 47.00 2010 144 Pakistan 47.00 2010 145 New Zealand 47.00 2010 146 Croatia 46.00 2010 147 Suriname 46.00 2010 148 Ethiopia 44.00 2010 149 Korea, South 44.00 2010 150 Argentina 43.00 2010 151 Poland 43.00 2010 152 India 43.00 2010 153 Korea, North 42.00 2010 154 Korea, South 42.00 2010 155 Libya 42.00 2010 156 Algeria 41.00 2010 157 Uganda 41.00 2010 158 Thailand 41.00 2010 159 Belize 41.00 2010 160 Saudi Arabia 41.00 2010 161 Suriname 41.00 2010 162 Peru 40.00 2010 163 Bahamas, The 39.00 2010 164 Mozambique 39.00 2010 165 Burma 39.00 2010 166 Ecuador 39.00 2010 167 Croatia 38.00 2010 168 Spain 38.00 2010 169 Sudan 38.00 2010 170 Yemen 38.00 2010 171 Nepal 36.00 2010 172 Central African Republic 35.00 2010 173 Colombia 35.00 2010 174 Madagascar 35.00 2010 175 Afghanistan 34.00 2010 176 Solomon Islands 34.00 2010 177 Mozambique 34.00 2010 178 Germany 33.00 2010 179 Iran 33.00 2010 180 Tanzania 33.00 2010 181 Oman 33.00 2010 182 Belarus 32.00 2010 183 Japan 32.00 2010 184 Laos 32.00 2010 185 New Zealand 32.00 2010 186 South Africa 32.00 2010 187 Mongolia 32.00 2010 188 Kazakhstan 32.00 2010 189 Angola 31.00 2010 190 Nepal 31.00 2010 191 Norway 31.00 2010 192 Gabon 31.00 2010 193 Italy 31.00 2010 194 Austria 30.00 2010 195 Iraq 29.00 2010 196 Japan 28.00 2010 197 Romania 28.00 2010 198 Vanuatu 28.00 2010 199 Belarus 27.00 2010 200 Czech Republic 27.00 2010 201 Thailand 27.00 2010 202 Liberia 27.00 2010 203 China 27.00 2010 204 Iceland 27.00 2010 205 Belize 27.00 2010 206 Antarctica 26.00 2010 207 Austria 26.00 2010 208 Uruguay 26.00 2010 209 Oman 26.00 2010 210 Morocco 26.00 2010 211 Malawi 26.00 2010 212 Indonesia 25.00 2010 213 Paraguay 25.00 2010 214 Uganda 25.00 2010 215 Solomon Islands 25.00 2010 216 Pakistan 25.00 2010 217 Norway 25.00 2010 218 Namibia 25.00 2010 219 Mongolia 25.00 2010 220 Fiji 24.00 2010 221 Peru 24.00 2010 222 Algeria 23.00 2010 223 Latvia 23.00 2010 224 Lesotho 23.00 2010 225 Somalia 23.00 2010 226 Switzerland 23.00 2010 227 Vanuatu 23.00 2010 228 Switzerland 23.00 2010 229 Latvia 23.00 2010 230 Ireland 23.00 2010 231 Burma 23.00 2010 232 Cameroon 23.00 2010 233 Bahamas, The 22.00 2010 234 European Union 22.00 2010 235 United Kingdom 22.00 2010 236 Portugal 22.00 2010 237 Ethiopia 22.00 2010 238 Burkina Faso 22.00 2010 239 Chad 21.00 2010 240 Ireland 21.00 2010 241 Romania 21.00 2010 242 Uzbekistan 21.00 2010 243 Sudan 21.00 2010 244 Portugal 21.00 2010 245 Poland 21.00 2010 246 Laos 21.00 2010 247 Hungary 21.00 2010 248 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 20.00 2010 249 Cote d'Ivoire 20.00 2010 250 Uruguay 20.00 2010 251 Madagascar 20.00 2010 252 Algeria 19.00 2010 253 Congo, Republic of the 19.00 2010 254 Fiji 19.00 2010 255 Mauritania 19.00 2010 256 Uzbekistan 19.00 2010 257 Tanzania 19.00 2010 258 Somalia 19.00 2010 259 Italy 19.00 2010 260 Dominican Republic 19.00 2010 261 Bosnia and Herzegovina 18.00 2010 262 Costa Rica 18.00 2010 263 Lesotho 18.00 2010 264 Zambia 18.00 2010 265 Serbia 18.00 2010 266 Korea, North 18.00 2010 267 Israel 18.00 2010 268 Australia 17.00 2010 269 Dominican Republic 17.00 2010 270 Libya 17.00 2010 271 Niger 17.00 2010 272 Belgium 16.00 2010 273 Venezuela 16.00 2010 274 United Arab Emirates 16.00 2010 275 Tunisia 16.00 2010 276 Spain 16.00 2010 277 Central African Republic 16.00 2010 278 Nigeria 16.00 2010 279 Poland 16.00 2010 280 Slovakia 16.00 2010 281 Saudi Arabia 16.00 2010 282 Nicaragua 16.00 2010 283 Honduras 16.00 2010 284 Belgium 15.00 2010 285 Syria 15.00 2010 286 Kiribati 15.00 2010 287 Jamaica 15.00 2010 288 Jamaica 15.00 2010 289 Chad 15.00 2010 290 Afghanistan 14.00 2010 291 Korea, North 14.00 2010 292 Libya 14.00 2010 293 Yemen 14.00 2010 294 Niger 14.00 2010 295 Liberia 14.00 2010 296 Gabon 14.00 2010 297 Israel 14.00 2010 298 Greece 14.00 2010 299 Cameroon 14.00 2010 300 Belize 13.00 2010 301 Guyana 13.00 2010 302 Thailand 13.00 2010 303 Swaziland 13.00 2010 304 Russia 13.00 2010 305 New Caledonia 13.00 2010 306 Malawi 13.00 2010 307 Kazakhstan 13.00 2010 308 Iraq 13.00 2010 309 Egypt 13.00 2010 310 El Salvador 13.00 2010 311 Cuba 13.00 2010 312 Botswana 13.00 2010 313 China 13.00 2010 314 Australia 12.00 2010 315 Central African Republic 12.00 2010 316 Ukraine 12.00 2010 317 Puerto Rico 12.00 2010 318 Mali 12.00 2010 319 Malawi 12.00 2010 320 Kenya 12.00 2010 321 Guinea 12.00 2010 322 Greece 12.00 2010 323 Ethiopia 12.00 2010 324 Chile 12.00 2010 325 Bahamas, The 12.00 2010 326 Burkina Faso 12.00 2010 327 Bosnia and Herzegovina 11.00 2010 328 Cote d'Ivoire 11.00 2010 329 Pakistan 11.00 2010 330 Pakistan 11.00 2010 331 Nigeria 11.00 2010 332 Namibia 11.00 2010 333 Marshall Islands 11.00 2010 334 Kiribati 11.00 2010 335 Italy 11.00 2010 336 Hungary 11.00 2010 337 Gabon 11.00 2010 338 Cambodia 11.00 2010 339 Burma 11.00 2010 340 Turkey 11.00 2010 341 Panama 11.00 2010 342 Chad 10.00 2010 343 Djibouti 10.00 2010 344 Kyrgyzstan 10.00 2010 345 Puerto Rico 10.00 2010 346 Yemen 10.00 2010 347 Senegal 10.00 2010 348 Marshall Islands 10.00 2010 349 Morocco 10.00 2010 350 Haiti 10.00 2010 351 Congo, Republic of the 10.00 2010 352 Afghanistan 9.00 2010 353 Tajikistan 9.00 2010 354 Slovenia 9.00 2010 355 Slovakia 9.00 2010 356 Serbia 9.00 2010 357 Papua New Guinea 9.00 2010 358 Mozambique 9.00 2010 359 Mauritania 9.00 2010 360 Laos 9.00 2010 361 Iran 9.00 2010 362 Eritrea 9.00 2010 363 Cook Islands 9.00 2010 364 China 9.00 2010 365 Cambodia 9.00 2010 366 Antarctica 9.00 2010 367 Azerbaijan 8.00 2010 368 Kyrgyzstan 8.00 2010 369 Uganda 8.00 2010 370 Solomon Islands 8.00 2010 371 Sierra Leone 8.00 2010 372 Serbia 8.00 2010 373 Saudi Arabia 8.00 2010 374 New Caledonia 8.00 2010 375 Morocco 8.00 2010 376 Mauritania 8.00 2010 377 Liberia 8.00 2010 378 Korea, North 8.00 2010 379 India 8.00 2010 380 Azerbaijan 8.00 2010 381 Congo, Republic of the 8.00 2010 382 Hungary 8.00 2010 383 Haiti 8.00 2010 384 Burundi 7.00 2010 385 China 7.00 2010 386 Vietnam 7.00 2010 387 United States 7.00 2010 388 Ukraine 7.00 2010 389 Uganda 7.00 2010 390 Tunisia 7.00 2010 391 Tunisia 7.00 2010 392 Tajikistan 7.00 2010 393 Swaziland 7.00 2010 394 Slovakia 7.00 2010 395 Sierra Leone 7.00 2010 396 Romania 7.00 2010 397 Oman 7.00 2010 398 Netherlands 7.00 2010 399 Morocco 7.00 2010 400 Malaysia 7.00 2010 401 Guinea-Bissau 7.00 2010 402 Guinea 7.00 2010 403 French Polynesia 7.00 2010 404 Ethiopia 7.00 2010 405 Djibouti 7.00 2010 406 Croatia 7.00 2010 407 Afghanistan 6.00 2010 408 Central African Republic 6.00 2010 409 Burkina Faso 6.00 2010 410 Yemen 6.00 2010 411 Turkey 6.00 2010 412 Togo 6.00 2010 413 Swaziland 6.00 2010 414 Somalia 6.00 2010 415 Seychelles 6.00 2010 416 Senegal 6.00 2010 417 Norway 6.00 2010 418 Moldova 6.00 2010 419 Kazakhstan 6.00 2010 420 Iraq 6.00 2010 421 Gabon 6.00 2010 422 Estonia 6.00 2010 423 Antarctica 6.00 2010 424 Cote d'Ivoire 6.00 2010 425 Cameroon 6.00 2010 426 Bulgaria 6.00 2010 427 Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.00 2010 428 Afghanistan 5.00 2010 429 Vanuatu 5.00 2010 430 United Arab Emirates 5.00 2010 431 United Arab Emirates 5.00 2010 432 Turkmenistan 5.00 2010 433 Tonga 5.00 2010 434 Suriname 5.00 2010 435 Slovenia 5.00 2010 436 Seychelles 5.00 2010 437 Mali 5.00 2010 438 Yemen 5.00 2010 439 Liberia 5.00 2010 440 Lesotho 5.00 2010 441 Kazakhstan 5.00 2010 442 Kazakhstan 5.00 2010 443 Greenland 5.00 2010 444 Fiji 5.00 2010 445 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 5.00 2010 446 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 5.00 2010 447 Sweden 5.00 2010 448 Rwanda 5.00 2010 449 Poland 5.00 2010 450 New Caledonia 5.00 2010 451 Eritrea 5.00 2010 452 Egypt 5.00 2010 453 Cook Islands 5.00 2010 454 Antarctica 5.00 2010 455 Antarctica 5.00 2010 456 Bahamas, The 5.00 2010 457 Angola 4.00 2010 458 Burma 4.00 2010 459 Zambia 4.00 2010 460 United Arab Emirates 4.00 2010 461 Turkmenistan 4.00 2010 462 Turkey 4.00 2010 463 Togo 4.00 2010 464 Timor-Leste 4.00 2010 465 Philippines 4.00 2010 466 Netherlands 4.00 2010 467 Nepal 4.00 2010 468 Mongolia 4.00 2010 469 Mali 4.00 2010 470 Macedonia 4.00 2010 471 Kosovo 4.00 2010 472 Kosovo 4.00 2010 473 Kiribati 4.00 2010 474 Japan 4.00 2010 475 Iraq 4.00 2010 476 Indonesia 4.00 2010 477 Ghana 4.00 2010 478 Georgia 4.00 2010 479 French Polynesia 4.00 2010 480 Sri Lanka 4.00 2010 481 Somalia 4.00 2010 482 Egypt 4.00 2010 483 China 4.00 2010 484 Burundi 4.00 2010 485 Burkina Faso 4.00 2010 486 Botswana 4.00 2010 487 Benin 4.00 2010 488 Bolivia 4.00 2010 489 Algeria 3.00 2010 490 Ghana 3.00 2010 491 French Polynesia 3.00 2010 492 Finland 3.00 2010 493 Ethiopia 3.00 2010 494 Estonia 3.00 2010 495 Egypt 3.00 2010 496 Denmark 3.00 2010 497 Cote d'Ivoire 3.00 2010 498 Chile 3.00 2010 499 Western Sahara 3.00 2010 500 Vietnam 3.00 2010 501 Vietnam 3.00 2010 502 Uruguay 3.00 2010 503 United Kingdom 3.00 2010 504 Ukraine 3.00 2010 505 Trinidad and Tobago 3.00 2010 506 Tonga 3.00 2010 507 Senegal 3.00 2010 508 Taiwan 3.00 2010 509 Zimbabwe 3.00 2010 510 Yemen 3.00 2010 511 Samoa 3.00 2010 512 Samoa 3.00 2010 513 Rwanda 3.00 2010 514 Russia 3.00 2010 515 New Zealand 3.00 2010 516 Netherlands 3.00 2010 517 Moldova 3.00 2010 518 Moldova 3.00 2010 519 Svalbard 3.00 2010 520 Svalbard 3.00 2010 521 Sri Lanka 3.00 2010 522 Spain 3.00 2010 523 Slovenia 3.00 2010 524 Mauritius 3.00 2010 525 Mali 3.00 2010 526 Macedonia 3.00 2010 527 Lithuania 3.00 2010 528 Libya 3.00 2010 529 Kuwait 3.00 2010 530 Kazakhstan 3.00 2010 531 Israel 3.00 2010 532 Iraq 3.00 2010 533 Iraq 3.00 2010 534 India 3.00 2010 535 Iceland 3.00 2010 536 Guinea-Bissau 3.00 2010 537 Guinea-Bissau 3.00 2010 538 Guinea 3.00 2010 539 Guatemala 3.00 2010 540 Cameroon 3.00 2010 541 Burundi 3.00 2010 542 Austria 3.00 2010 543 Angola 2.00 2010 544 Anguilla 2.00 2010 545 Bangladesh 2.00 2010 546 Belarus 2.00 2010 547 Chad 2.00 2010 548 European Union 2.00 2010 549 Taiwan 2.00 2010 550 Uzbekistan 2.00 2010 551 Tunisia 2.00 2010 552 Trinidad and Tobago 2.00 2010 553 Togo 2.00 2010 554 Timor-Leste 2.00 2010 555 Timor-Leste 2.00 2010 556 Rwanda 2.00 2010 557 Qatar 2.00 2010 558 Peru 2.00 2010 559 Palau 2.00 2010 560 Palau 2.00 2010 561 Oman 2.00 2010 562 Northern Mariana Islands 2.00 2010 563 Nigeria 2.00 2010 564 Nigeria 2.00 2010 565 Niger 2.00 2010 566 Mauritius 2.00 2010 567 Mauritania 2.00 2010 568 Maldives 2.00 2010 569 Maldives 2.00 2010 570 Madagascar 2.00 2010 571 Libya 2.00 2010 572 Lebanon 2.00 2010 573 Lebanon 2.00 2010 574 Laos 2.00 2010 575 Kuwait 2.00 2010 576 Korea, South 2.00 2010 577 Korea, North 2.00 2010 578 Jordan 2.00 2010 579 Jordan 2.00 2010 580 Ireland 2.00 2010 581 Hungary 2.00 2010 582 Honduras 2.00 2010 583 Haiti 2.00 2010 584 Guinea 2.00 2010 585 Greenland 2.00 2010 586 Greenland 2.00 2010 587 Greece 2.00 2010 588 Georgia 2.00 2010 589 Georgia 2.00 2010 590 Estonia 2.00 2010 591 Eritrea 2.00 2010 592 Djibouti 2.00 2010 593 Cyprus 2.00 2010 594 Cyprus 2.00 2010 595 Cook Islands 2.00 2010 596 Cook Islands 2.00 2010 597 Germany 2.00 2010 598 British Virgin Islands 2.00 2010 599 British Virgin Islands 2.00 2010 600 Benin 2.00 2010 601 Belarus 2.00 2010 602 Anguilla 2.00 2010 603 Albania 1.00 2010 604 Argentina 1.00 2010 605 Armenia 1.00 2010 606 Estonia 1.00 2010 607 Eritrea 1.00 2010 608 Eritrea 1.00 2010 609 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2010 610 Congo, Republic of the 1.00 2010 611 Colombia 1.00 2010 612 Cayman Islands 1.00 2010 613 Cayman Islands 1.00 2010 614 Cape Verde 1.00 2010 615 Cape Verde 1.00 2010 616 Cambodia 1.00 2010 617 Cambodia 1.00 2010 618 Burma 1.00 2010 619 Bulgaria 1.00 2010 620 Bhutan 1.00 2010 621 Mongolia 1.00 2010 622 Mexico 1.00 2010 623 Mexico 1.00 2010 624 Mauritius 1.00 2010 625 Marshall Islands 1.00 2010 626 Malawi 1.00 2010 627 Macedonia 1.00 2010 628 Luxembourg 1.00 2010 629 Luxembourg 1.00 2010 630 European Union 1.00 2010 631 Taiwan 1.00 2010 632 Zambia 1.00 2010 633 Western Sahara 1.00 2010 634 Western Sahara 1.00 2010 635 Western Sahara 1.00 2010 636 Vietnam 1.00 2010 637 Venezuela 1.00 2010 638 United Kingdom 1.00 2010 639 United Arab Emirates 1.00 2010 640 United Arab Emirates 1.00 2010 641 Uganda 1.00 2010 642 Tuvalu 1.00 2010 643 Tuvalu 1.00 2010 644 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.00 2010 645 Turks and Caicos Islands 1.00 2010 646 Turkmenistan 1.00 2010 647 Turkey 1.00 2010 648 Trinidad and Tobago 1.00 2010 649 Tonga 1.00 2010 650 Tonga 1.00 2010 651 Thailand 1.00 2010 652 Tajikistan 1.00 2010 653 Tajikistan 1.00 2010 654 Syria 1.00 2010 655 Sri Lanka 1.00 2010 656 Spratly Islands 1.00 2010 657 Spratly Islands 1.00 2010 658 South Africa 1.00 2010 659 Solomon Islands 1.00 2010 660 Slovenia 1.00 2010 661 Sierra Leone 1.00 2010 662 Seychelles 1.00 2010 663 Serbia 1.00 2010 664 Senegal 1.00 2010 665 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2010 666 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.00 2010 667 Qatar 1.00 2010 668 Qatar 1.00 2010 669 Puerto Rico 1.00 2010 670 Puerto Rico 1.00 2010 671 Portugal 1.00 2010 672 Poland 1.00 2010 673 Panama 1.00 2010 674 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2010 675 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2010 676 Nigeria 1.00 2010 677 Niger 1.00 2010 678 Nicaragua 1.00 2010 679 Nepal 1.00 2010 680 Namibia 1.00 2010 681 Mozambique 1.00 2010 682 Morocco 1.00 2010 683 Montenegro 1.00 2010 684 Montenegro 1.00 2010 685 Mongolia 1.00 2010 686 Mongolia 1.00 2010 687 Lithuania 1.00 2010 688 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 2010 689 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 2010 690 Kuwait 1.00 2010 691 Jan Mayen 1.00 2010 692 Jan Mayen 1.00 2010 693 Italy 1.00 2010 694 Israel 1.00 2010 695 Iran 1.00 2010 696 Iran 1.00 2010 697 India 1.00 2010 698 Guinea-Bissau 1.00 2010 699 Guatemala 1.00 2010 700 Greenland 1.00 2010 701 Ghana 1.00 2010 702 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2010 703 El Salvador 1.00 2010 704 Egypt 1.00 2010 705 Dominican Republic 1.00 2010 706 Dominican Republic 1.00 2010 707 Djibouti 1.00 2010 708 Czech Republic 1.00 2010 709 Croatia 1.00 2010 710 Central African Republic 1.00 2010 711 Bhutan 1.00 2010 712 Benin 1.00 2010 713 Benin 1.00 2010 714 Belize 1.00 2010 715 Belgium 1.00 2010 716 Belarus 1.00 2010 717 Bangladesh 1.00 2010 718 Bangladesh 1.00 2010 719 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.00 2010 720 Bolivia 1.00 2010 721 Austria 1.00 2010 722 Armenia 1.00 2010 723 Argentina 1.00 2010 724 Antigua and Barbuda 1.00 2010 725 Albania 1.00 2010 726 Antigua and Barbuda 1.00 2010 727 Antarctica 1.00 2010

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Rank code: 2032

Country Comparison :: Environment - current issues

This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry: Acidification - the lowering of soil and water pH due to acid precipitation and deposition usually through precipitation; this process disrupts ecosystem nutrient flows and may kill freshwater fish and plants dependent on more neutral or alkaline conditions (see acid rain). Acid rain - characterized as containing harmful levels of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide; acid rain is damaging and potentially deadly to the earth's fragile ecosystems; acidity is measured using the pH scale where 7 is neutral, values greater than 7 are considered alkaline, and values below 5.6 are considered acid precipitation; note - a pH of 2.4 (the acidity of vinegar) has been measured in rainfall in New England. Aerosol - a collection of airborne particles dispersed in a gas, smoke, or fog. Afforestation - converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation involves replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire. Asbestos - a naturally occurring soft fibrous mineral commonly used in fireproofing materials and considered to be highly carcinogenic in particulate form. Biodiversity - also biological diversity; the relative number of species, diverse in form and function, at the genetic, organism, community, and ecosystem level; loss of biodiversity reduces an ecosystem's ability to recover from natural or man-induced disruption. Bio-indicators - a plant or animal species whose presence, abundance, and health reveal the general condition of its habitat. Biomass - the total weight or volume of living matter in a given area or volume. Carbon cycle - the term used to describe the exchange of carbon (in various forms, e.g., as carbon dioxide) between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits. Catchments - assemblages used to capture and retain rainwater and runoff; an important water management technique in areas with limited freshwater resources, such as Gibraltar. DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane) - a colorless, odorless insecticide that has toxic effects on most animals; the use of DDT was banned in the US in 1972. Defoliants - chemicals which cause plants to lose their leaves artificially; often used in agricultural practices for weed control, and may have detrimental impacts on human and ecosystem health. Deforestation - the destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural and range land clearing, and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel) without planting new growth. Desertification - the spread of desert-like conditions in arid or semi-arid areas, due to overgrazing, loss of agriculturally productive soils, or climate change. Dredging - the practice of deepening an existing waterway; also, a technique used for collecting bottom-dwelling marine organisms (e.g., shellfish) or harvesting coral, often causing significant destruction of reef and ocean-floor ecosystems. Drift-net fishing - done with a net, miles in extent, that is generally anchored to a boat and left to float with the tide; often results in an over harvesting and waste of large populations of non-commercial marine species (by-catch) by its effect of "sweeping the ocean clean." Ecosystems - ecological units comprised of complex communities of organisms and their specific environments. Effluents - waste materials, such as smoke, sewage, or industrial waste which are released into the environment, subsequently polluting it. Endangered species - a species that is threatened with extinction either by direct hunting or habitat destruction. Freshwater - water with very low soluble mineral content; sources include lakes, streams, rivers, glaciers, and underground aquifers. Greenhouse gas - a gas that "traps" infrared radiation in the lower atmosphere causing surface warming; water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and ozone are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Groundwater - water sources found below the surface of the earth often in naturally occurring reservoirs in permeable rock strata; the source for wells and natural springs. Highlands Water Project - a series of dams constructed jointly by Lesotho and South Africa to redirect Lesotho's abundant water supply into a rapidly growing area in South Africa; while it is the largest infrastructure project in southern Africa, it is also the most costly and controversial; objections to the project include claims that it forces people from their homes, submerges farmlands, and squanders economic resources. Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) - represents the roughly 150,000 Inuits of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia in international environmental issues; a General Assembly convenes every three years to determine the focus of the ICC; the most current concerns are long-range transport of pollutants, sustainable development, and climate change. Metallurgical plants - industries which specialize in the science, technology, and processing of metals; these plants produce highly concentrated and toxic wastes which can contribute to pollution of ground water and air when not properly disposed. Noxious substances - injurious, very harmful to living beings. Overgrazing - the grazing of animals on plant material faster than it can naturally regrow leading to the permanent loss of plant cover, a common effect of too many animals grazing limited range land. Ozone shield - a layer of the atmosphere composed of ozone gas (O3) that resides approximately 25 miles above the Earth's surface and absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation that can be harmful to living organisms. Poaching - the illegal killing of animals or fish, a great concern with respect to endangered or threatened species. Pollution - the contamination of a healthy environment by man-made waste. Potable water - water that is drinkable, safe to be consumed. Salination - the process through which fresh (drinkable) water becomes salt (undrinkable) water; hence, desalination is the reverse process; also involves the accumulation of salts in topsoil caused by evaporation of excessive irrigation water, a process that can eventually render soil incapable of supporting crops. Siltation - occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with silt and mud, a side effect of deforestation and soil erosion. Slash-and-burn agriculture - a rotating cultivation technique in which trees are cut down and burned in order to clear land for temporary agriculture; the land is used until its productivity declines at which point a new plot is selected and the process repeats; this practice is sustainable while population levels are low and time is permitted for regrowth of natural vegetation; conversely, where these conditions do not exist, the practice can have disastrous consequences for the environment. Soil degradation - damage to the land's productive capacity because of poor agricultural practices such as the excessive use of pesticides or fertilizers, soil compaction from heavy equipment, or erosion of topsoil, eventually resulting in reduced ability to produce agricultural products. Soil erosion - the removal of soil by the action of water or wind, compounded by poor agricultural practices, deforestation, overgrazing, and desertification. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation - a portion of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and naturally filtered in the upper atmosphere by the ozone layer; UV radiation can be harmful to living organisms and has been linked to increasing rates of skin cancer in humans. Waterborne diseases - those in which bacteria survive in, and are transmitted through, water; always a serious threat in areas with an untreated water supply.

Rank country Environment - current issues Date of Information

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Rank code: 2033

Country Comparison :: Environment - international agreements

This entry separates country participation in international environmental agreements into two levels - party to and signed, but not ratified. Agreements are listed in alphabetical order by the abbreviated form of the full name.

Rank country Environment - international agreementsDate of Information

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Rank code: 2034

Country Comparison :: Military expenditures

This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP).

Rank country (% of GDP) Date of Information

1 Oman 11.40 2005 est. 2 Qatar 10.00 2005 est. 3 Saudi Arabia 10.00 2005 est. 4 Iraq 8.60 2006 5 Jordan 8.60 2006 6 Israel 7.30 2006 7 Yemen 6.60 2006 8 Eritrea 6.30 2006 est. 9 Macedonia 6.00 2005 est. 10 Burundi 5.90 2006 est. 11 Syria 5.90 2005 est. 12 Maldives 5.50 2005 est. 13 Mauritania 5.50 2006 14 Kuwait 5.30 2006 15 Turkey 5.30 2005 est. 16 Morocco 5.00 2003 est. 17 Singapore 4.90 2005 est. 18 Swaziland 4.70 2006 19 Bahrain 4.50 2006 20 Bosnia and Herzegovina 4.50 2005 est. 21 Brunei 4.50 2006 22 China 4.30 2006 23 Greece 4.30 2005 est. 24 United States 4.06 2005 est. 25 Libya 3.90 2005 est. 26 Russia 3.90 2005 27 Cuba 3.80 2006 est. 28 Cyprus 3.80 2005 est. 29 Zimbabwe 3.80 2006 30 Djibouti 3.80 2006 31 Namibia 3.70 2006 32 Angola 3.60 2009 33 Uzbekistan 3.50 2010 34 Colombia 3.40 2005 est. 35 Egypt 3.40 2005 est. 36 Turkmenistan 3.40 2005 est. 37 Algeria 3.30 2006 38 Botswana 3.30 2006 39 Guinea-Bissau 3.10 2005 est. 40 United Arab Emirates 3.10 2005 est. 41 Lebanon 3.10 2005 est. 42 Australia 3.00 2009 43 Cambodia 3.00 2005 est. 44 Sudan 3.00 2005 est. 45 Solomon Islands 3.00 2006 46 Pakistan 3.00 2007 est. 47 Indonesia 3.00 2005 est. 48 Rwanda 2.90 2006 est. 49 Armenia 2.80 2010 50 Comoros 2.80 2006 51 Kenya 2.80 2006 52 Chile 2.70 2006 53 Korea, South 2.70 2006 54 Azerbaijan 2.60 2005 est. 55 Sri Lanka 2.60 2006 56 Lesotho 2.60 2006 57 France 2.60 2005 est. 58 Bulgaria 2.60 2005 est. 59 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.50 2006 60 Iran 2.50 2006 61 Vietnam 2.50 2005 est. 62 India 2.50 2006 63 United Kingdom 2.40 2005 est. 64 Croatia 2.39 2005 est. 65 Portugal 2.30 2005 est. 66 Sierra Leone 2.30 2006 67 Uganda 2.20 2006 68 Taiwan 2.20 2009 69 Burma 2.10 2005 est. 70 Malaysia 2.03 2005 est. 71 World 2.00 2005 est. 72 Seychelles 2.00 2006 est. 73 Estonia 2.00 2005 est. 74 Finland 2.00 2005 est. 75 Afghanistan 1.90 2009 76 Romania 1.90 2007 est. 77 Georgia 1.90 2010 est. 78 Mali 1.90 2006 79 Norway 1.90 2005 est. 80 Fiji 1.90 2009 81 Slovakia 1.87 2005 est. 82 Guyana 1.80 2006 83 Zambia 1.80 2005 est. 84 Thailand 1.80 2005 est. 85 Italy 1.80 2005 est. 86 Hungary 1.75 2005 est. 87 Poland 1.71 2005 est. 88 Brazil 1.70 2009 89 Chad 1.70 2009 90 Ghana 1.70 2009 91 Slovenia 1.70 2005 est. 92 South Africa 1.70 2006 93 Nepal 1.60 2006 94 Netherlands 1.60 2005 est. 95 Uruguay 1.60 2006 96 Togo 1.60 2005 est. 97 Cote d'Ivoire 1.50 2009 98 Sweden 1.50 2005 est. 99 Tajikistan 1.50 2010 100 Peru 1.50 2006 101 Nigeria 1.50 2006 102 Germany 1.50 2005 est. 103 Albania 1.49 2005 est. 104 Czech Republic 1.46 2007 est. 105 Belarus 1.40 2005 est. 106 Mongolia 1.40 2006 107 Belize 1.40 2009 108 Papua New Guinea 1.40 2005 est. 109 Tunisia 1.40 2006 110 Ukraine 1.40 2005 est. 111 Senegal 1.40 2005 est. 112 Bangladesh 1.30 2009 113 Cameroon 1.30 2009 114 Denmark 1.30 2007 est. 115 Bolivia 1.30 2009 116 Liberia 1.30 2006 est. 117 Niger 1.30 2006 118 Malawi 1.30 2006 119 Belgium 1.30 2005 est. 120 Burkina Faso 1.20 2006 121 Latvia 1.20 2005 est. 122 Spain 1.20 2005 est. 123 Venezuela 1.20 2005 est. 124 Ethiopia 1.20 2009 125 Lithuania 1.20 2007 est. 126 Canada 1.10 2005 est. 127 Guinea 1.10 2009 128 Kazakhstan 1.10 2010 129 Benin 1.00 2009 130 Switzerland 1.00 2005 est. 131 Paraguay 1.00 2006 est. 132 Panama 1.00 2006 133 New Zealand 1.00 2005 est. 134 Madagascar 1.00 2006 135 Bhutan 1.00 2005 est. 136 Central African Republic 0.90 2009 137 Congo, Republic of the 0.90 2009 138 Ecuador 0.90 2009 139 Gambia, The 0.90 2009 140 Ireland 0.90 2005 est. 141 Tonga 0.90 2006 est. 142 Somalia 0.90 2005 est. 143 Philippines 0.90 2005 est. 144 Luxembourg 0.90 2005 est. 145 Gabon 0.90 2009 146 Argentina 0.80 2009 147 Sao Tome and Principe 0.80 2006 148 Japan 0.80 2006 149 Mozambique 0.80 2006 150 Austria 0.80 2009 151 Barbados 0.80 2009 152 Bahamas, The 0.70 2009 153 Malta 0.70 2006 est. 154 Dominican Republic 0.70 2009 155 Costa Rica 0.60 2009 156 Honduras 0.60 2006 est. 157 Suriname 0.60 2006 est. 158 Nicaragua 0.60 2006 159 Jamaica 0.60 2006 est. 160 El Salvador 0.60 2009 161 Antigua and Barbuda 0.50 2009 162 Kyrgyzstan 0.50 2009 163 Mexico 0.50 2006 est. 164 Laos 0.50 2006 165 Cape Verde 0.50 2009 166 Guatemala 0.40 2009 167 Haiti 0.40 2006 168 Moldova 0.40 2005 est. 169 Mauritius 0.30 2006 est. 170 Trinidad and Tobago 0.30 2006 171 Tanzania 0.20 2005 est. 172 Bermuda 0.11 2005 est. 173 Equatorial Guinea 0.10 2009 174 Iceland 0.00 2005 est.

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Rank code: 2038

Country Comparison :: Electricity - production

This entry is the annual electricity generated expressed in kilowatt-hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution.

Rank country (kWh) Date of Information

1 United States 4,110,000,000,000 2008 est. 2 China 3,451,000,000,000 2008 est. 3 European Union 3,080,000,000,000 2007 est. 4 Japan 957,900,000,000 2008 est. 5 Russia 925,900,000,000 2009 6 India 723,800,000,000 2009 est. 7 Canada 620,700,000,000 2007 est. 8 Germany 593,400,000,000 2007 est. 9 France 535,700,000,000 2007 est. 10 Brazil 438,800,000,000 2007 est. 11 Korea, South 417,000,000,000 2009 est. 12 United Kingdom 368,600,000,000 2007 est. 13 Spain 300,500,000,000 2008 est. 14 Italy 289,700,000,000 2007 est. 15 Mexico 245,000,000,000 2008 est. 16 South Africa 240,300,000,000 2007 est. 17 Australia 239,900,000,000 2007 est. 18 Taiwan 238,300,000,000 2008 19 Iran 212,800,000,000 2007 est. 20 Turkey 198,400,000,000 2008 est. 21 Saudi Arabia 179,100,000,000 2007 est. 22 Ukraine 172,900,000,000 2009 est. 23 Poland 149,100,000,000 2007 est. 24 Thailand 148,200,000,000 2008 est. 25 Sweden 144,000,000,000 2007 est. 26 Norway 142,700,000,000 2008 est. 27 Indonesia 134,400,000,000 2007 est. 28 Egypt 118,400,000,000 2007 est. 29 Venezuela 113,300,000,000 2007 est. 30 Argentina 109,500,000,000 2007 est. 31 Netherlands 108,200,000,000 2008 est. 32 Malaysia 103,200,000,000 2007 est. 33 Pakistan 90,800,000,000 2007 est. 34 Vietnam 86,900,000,000 2009 est. 35 Czech Republic 82,720,000,000 2007 est. 36 Belgium 82,170,000,000 2007 est. 37 Kazakhstan 78,400,000,000 2009 est. 38 Finland 77,440,000,000 2008 est. 39 United Arab Emirates 71,540,000,000 2007 est. 40 Austria 66,780,000,000 2008 est. 41 Chile 60,600,000,000 2007 est. 42 Switzerland 59,100,000,000 2009 est. 43 Greece 58,790,000,000 2007 est. 44 Romania 58,280,000,000 2007 est. 45 Philippines 56,570,000,000 2007 est. 46 Israel 54,500,000,000 2008 est. 47 Paraguay 53,190,000,000 2007 est. 48 Colombia 50,580,000,000 2007 49 Iraq 46,390,000,000 2009 est. 50 Kuwait 45,830,000,000 2007 est. 51 Bulgaria 44,830,000,000 2008 52 Uzbekistan 44,800,000,000 2009 est. 53 Portugal 44,470,000,000 2007 est. 54 New Zealand 42,400,000,000 2007 est. 55 Singapore 41,720,000,000 2008 est. 56 Hungary 40,030,000,000 2008 est. 57 Hong Kong 39,400,000,000 2009 est. 58 Syria 36,500,000,000 2007 est. 59 Denmark 36,400,000,000 2008 est. 60 Serbia 36,000,000,000 2009 61 Algeria 34,980,000,000 2007 est. 62 Peru 30,570,000,000 2008 est. 63 Belarus 29,920,000,000 2007 est. 64 Ireland 26,060,000,000 2007 est. 65 Slovakia 25,900,000,000 2009 est. 66 Bangladesh 25,620,000,000 2007 est. 67 Libya 23,980,000,000 2007 est. 68 Puerto Rico 23,720,000,000 2007 est. 69 Korea, North 22,500,000,000 2008 est. 70 Nigeria 21,920,000,000 2007 est. 71 Morocco 19,780,000,000 2008 est. 72 Azerbaijan 18,600,000,000 2007 est. 73 Cuba 16,890,000,000 2007 est. 74 Iceland 16,840,000,000 2009 est. 75 Ecuador 16,420,000,000 2007 est. 76 Tajikistan 16,100,000,000 2009 est. 77 Kyrgyzstan 15,960,000,000 2007 est. 78 Mozambique 15,910,000,000 2007 est. 79 Turkmenistan 15,500,000,000 2009 est. 80 Qatar 15,110,000,000 2007 est. 81 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14,580,000,000 2009 est. 82 Dominican Republic 14,020,000,000 2007 est. 83 Oman 13,580,000,000 2007 est. 84 Slovenia 13,000,000,000 2009 est. 85 Jordan 12,210,000,000 2007 est. 86 Lithuania 12,090,000,000 2007 est. 87 Croatia 11,490,000,000 2008 est. 88 Estonia 11,460,000,000 2007 est. 89 Tunisia 11,080,000,000 2008 est. 90 Lebanon 10,410,000,000 2009 91 Bahrain 10,250,000,000 2007 est. 92 Sri Lanka 9,882,000,000 2008 est. 93 Zambia 9,752,000,000 2007 est. 94 Uruguay 9,265,000,000 2007 est. 95 Zimbabwe 8,890,000,000 2007 est. 96 Costa Rica 8,808,000,000 2007 est. 97 Guatemala 8,425,000,000 2007 est. 98 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 8,217,000,000 2007 est. 99 Georgia 7,970,000,000 2008 est. 100 Jamaica 7,324,000,000 2007 est. 101 Trinidad and Tobago 7,202,000,000 2007 est. 102 Ghana 6,746,000,000 2007 est. 103 Honduras 6,580,000,000 2009 est. 104 Panama 6,322,000,000 2007 est. 105 Burma 6,286,000,000 2007 est. 106 Macedonia 6,162,000,000 2009 est. 107 Yemen 5,665,000,000 2007 est. 108 Cameroon 5,601,000,000 2007 est. 109 Armenia 5,584,000,000 2007 est. 110 El Salvador 5,559,000,000 2007 est. 111 Bolivia 5,495,000,000 2007 est. 112 Cote d'Ivoire 5,275,000,000 2007 est. 113 Kenya 5,223,000,000 2008 est. 114 Latvia 4,620,000,000 2007 est. 115 Cyprus 4,502,000,000 2007 est. 116 Sudan 4,341,000,000 2007 est. 117 Mongolia 4,030,000,000 2009 118 Tanzania 3,786,000,000 2007 est. 119 Angola 3,722,000,000 2007 est. 120 Moldova 3,617,000,000 2007 est. 121 Ethiopia 3,460,000,000 2007 est. 122 Nicaragua 3,286,000,000 2007 est. 123 Brunei 3,069,000,000 2008 124 Albania 2,888,000,000 2007 est. 125 Papua New Guinea 2,885,000,000 2007 est. 126 Montenegro 2,864,000,000 2005 est. 127 Luxembourg 2,696,000,000 2007 est. 128 Nepal 2,600,000,000 2009 est. 129 Mauritius 2,321,000,000 2007 est. 130 Uganda 2,256,000,000 2007 est. 131 Malta 2,146,000,000 2007 est. 132 Bahamas, The 2,045,000,000 2007 est. 133 Senegal 1,880,000,000 2007 est. 134 New Caledonia 1,825,000,000 2007 est. 135 Gabon 1,774,000,000 2007 est. 136 Malawi 1,690,000,000 2007 est. 137 Laos 1,656,000,000 2009 est. 138 Suriname 1,605,000,000 2007 est. 139 Namibia 1,491,000,000 2009 est. 140 Bhutan 1,480,000,000 2009 est. 141 Macau 1,424,000,000 2009 est. 142 Cambodia 1,273,000,000 2007 est. 143 Botswana 1,052,000,000 2007 est. 144 Madagascar 1,045,000,000 2007 est. 145 Barbados 1,003,000,000 2007 est. 146 Fiji 928,000,000 2007 est. 147 Aruba 850,000,000 2007 est. 148 Guinea 850,000,000 2007 est. 149 Kosovo 832,000,000 2006 150 Guyana 821,000,000 2007 est. 151 Virgin Islands 776,400,000 2007 est. 152 Bermuda 675,600,000 2007 est. 153 Haiti 665,000,000 2010 est. 154 French Polynesia 650,000,000 2007 est. 155 Burkina Faso 611,600,000 2007 est. 156 Cayman Islands 546,000,000 2007 est. 157 Maldives 542,000,000 2009 est. 158 Mali 515,000,000 2007 est. 159 Lesotho 502,000,000 2007 est. 160 West Bank 500,000,000 2007 est. 161 Swaziland 441,000,000 2007 est. 162 Mauritania 415,300,000 2007 est. 163 Congo, Republic of the 400,000,000 2007 est. 164 Liberia 350,000,000 2007 est. 165 Saint Lucia 325,000,000 2007 est. 166 Greenland 310,300,000 2008 est. 167 Sint Maarten 304,300,000 2008 168 Afghanistan 285,500,000 2009 est. 169 Djibouti 280,000,000 2007 est. 170 Somalia 280,000,000 2007 est. 171 Faroe Islands 275,800,000 2008 est. 172 Eritrea 271,000,000 2007 est. 173 Cape Verde 250,000,000 2007 est. 174 Seychelles 250,000,000 2007 est. 175 Togo 230,000,000 2007 est. 176 Belize 213,500,000 2007 est. 177 Micronesia, Federated States of 192,000,000 2002 178 American Samoa 185,000,000 2007 est. 179 Grenada 178,700,000 2007 est. 180 Gambia, The 160,000,000 2007 est. 181 Niger 150,000,000 2007 est. 182 Gibraltar 146,000,000 2007 est. 183 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 133,800,000 2007 est. 184 Saint Kitts and Nevis 130,000,000 2007 est. 185 Benin 124,000,000 2007 est. 186 Rwanda 120,000,000 2007 est. 187 Central African Republic 115,000,000 2007 est. 188 Antigua and Barbuda 110,000,000 2007 est. 189 Samoa 109,000,000 2007 est. 190 Chad 100,000,000 2007 est. 191 Burundi 92,000,000 2007 est. 192 Western Sahara 90,000,000 2007 est. 193 Dominica 85,000,000 2007 est. 194 Sierra Leone 80,000,000 2007 est. 195 Solomon Islands 71,000,000 2007 est. 196 Guinea-Bissau 65,000,000 2007 est. 197 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 53,000,000 2007 est. 198 British Virgin Islands 45,000,000 2007 est. 199 Tonga 43,000,000 2007 est. 200 Vanuatu 42,000,000 2007 est. 201 Cook Islands 31,000,000 2007 est. 202 Nauru 31,000,000 2007 est. 203 Equatorial Guinea 28,000,000 2007 est. 204 Comoros 22,000,000 2007 est. 205 Montserrat 22,000,000 2007 est. 206 Sao Tome and Principe 19,000,000 2007 est. 207 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 16,000,000 2007 est. 208 Kiribati 14,000,000 2007 est. 209 Turks and Caicos Islands 12,000,000 2007 est. 210 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha8,000,000 2007 est. 211 Niue 3,000,000 2007 est. 212 Gaza Strip 65,000 2009 213 Northern Mariana Islands 60,600 January 2009 214 Curacao 849 2005

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Rank code: 2042

Country Comparison :: Electricity - consumption

This entry consists of total electricity generated annually plus imports and minus exports, expressed in kilowatt-hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution.

Rank country (kWh) Date of Information

1 United States 3,873,000,000,000 2008 est. 2 China 3,438,000,000,000 2008 est. 3 European Union 2,906,000,000,000 2007 est. 4 Japan 925,500,000,000 2008 est. 5 Russia 857,600,000,000 2009 6 India 568,000,000,000 2007 est. 7 Germany 547,300,000,000 2007 est. 8 Canada 536,100,000,000 2007 est. 9 France 447,200,000,000 2007 est. 10 Brazil 404,300,000,000 2007 est. 11 Korea, South 402,000,000,000 2009 est. 12 United Kingdom 345,800,000,000 2007 est. 13 Italy 315,000,000,000 2007 est. 14 Spain 276,100,000,000 2008 est. 15 Taiwan 229,800,000,000 2008 16 Australia 222,000,000,000 2007 est. 17 South Africa 215,100,000,000 2007 est. 18 Iran 206,700,000,000 2007 est. 19 Turkey 198,100,000,000 2008 est. 20 Mexico 181,500,000,000 2009 est. 21 Saudi Arabia 165,100,000,000 2007 est. 22 Ukraine 134,600,000,000 2009 est. 23 Sweden 134,500,000,000 2007 est. 24 Thailand 134,400,000,000 2008 est. 25 Poland 129,300,000,000 2007 est. 26 Norway 128,800,000,000 2008 est. 27 Netherlands 124,100,000,000 2008 est. 28 Indonesia 119,300,000,000 2007 est. 29 Egypt 104,100,000,000 2007 est. 30 Malaysia 99,250,000,000 2007 est. 31 Argentina 99,210,000,000 2007 est. 32 Finland 87,250,000,000 2008 33 Belgium 84,880,000,000 2007 est. 34 Venezuela 83,020,000,000 2007 est. 35 Kazakhstan 77,900,000,000 2009 est. 36 Vietnam 74,500,000,000 2009 est. 37 Pakistan 72,200,000,000 2007 est. 38 Austria 68,370,000,000 2008 est. 39 United Arab Emirates 65,980,000,000 2007 est. 40 Switzerland 62,000,000,000 2009 est. 41 Czech Republic 61,650,000,000 2007 est. 42 Greece 58,280,000,000 2007 est. 43 Chile 57,290,000,000 2007 est. 44 Iraq 52,000,000,000 2009 est. 45 Romania 49,440,000,000 2007 est. 46 Philippines 48,960,000,000 2007 est. 47 Portugal 48,780,000,000 2007 est. 48 Israel 46,380,000,000 2007 est. 49 Hong Kong 42,100,000,000 2009 est. 50 Kuwait 40,210,000,000 2007 est. 51 Uzbekistan 40,100,000,000 2009 est. 52 New Zealand 39,240,000,000 2007 est. 53 Colombia 38,590,000,000 2007 54 Singapore 37,940,000,000 2008 est. 55 Hungary 37,400,000,000 2008 est. 56 Denmark 34,300,000,000 2008 est. 57 Serbia 33,400,000,000 2009 58 Belarus 30,540,000,000 2007 est. 59 Bulgaria 29,900,000,000 2008 60 Peru 28,970,000,000 2008 est. 61 Slovakia 28,750,000,000 2009 est. 62 Algeria 28,340,000,000 2007 est. 63 Syria 27,350,000,000 2007 est. 64 Ireland 25,120,000,000 2007 est. 65 Bangladesh 23,940,000,000 2007 est. 66 Libya 22,170,000,000 2007 est. 67 Puerto Rico 22,060,000,000 2007 est. 68 Morocco 20,780,000,000 2007 est. 69 Nigeria 19,210,000,000 2007 est. 70 Korea, North 18,800,000,000 2008 est. 71 Azerbaijan 18,000,000,000 2007 est. 72 Croatia 18,000,000,000 2008 est. 73 Tajikistan 16,700,000,000 2009 74 Iceland 16,480,000,000 2009 est. 75 Ecuador 15,810,000,000 2007 est. 76 Slovenia 14,700,000,000 2009 est. 77 Cuba 13,930,000,000 2007 est. 78 Qatar 13,730,000,000 2007 est. 79 Turkmenistan 13,000,000,000 2009 est. 80 Dominican Republic 12,700,000,000 2007 est. 81 Tunisia 11,800,000,000 2008 est. 82 Bosnia and Herzegovina 11,620,000,000 2009 est. 83 Oman 11,360,000,000 2007 est. 84 Zimbabwe 10,890,000,000 2007 est. 85 Jordan 10,400,000,000 2007 est. 86 Mozambique 10,160,000,000 2007 est. 87 Bahrain 10,100,000,000 2007 est. 88 Lebanon 9,793,000,000 2009 89 Lithuania 9,612,000,000 2007 est. 90 Kyrgyzstan 9,000,000,000 2007 est. 91 Zambia 8,838,000,000 2007 est. 92 Paraguay 8,500,000,000 2009 est. 93 Sri Lanka 8,417,000,000 2008 est. 94 Costa Rica 8,064,000,000 2007 est. 95 Macedonia 7,797,000,000 2009 est. 96 Estonia 7,686,000,000 2007 est. 97 Uruguay 7,140,000,000 2007 est. 98 Guatemala 7,115,000,000 2007 est. 99 Trinidad and Tobago 7,034,000,000 2007 est. 100 Georgia 6,902,000,000 2008 est. 101 Latvia 6,822,000,000 2007 est. 102 Honduras 6,540,000,000 2009 est. 103 Luxembourg 6,525,000,000 2007 est. 104 Jamaica 6,345,000,000 2007 est. 105 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5,997,000,000 2007 est. 106 Ghana 5,702,000,000 2007 est. 107 Panama 5,170,000,000 2007 est. 108 Kenya 4,863,000,000 2008 est. 109 Cameroon 4,801,000,000 2007 est. 110 Armenia 4,776,000,000 2007 est. 111 El Salvador 4,676,000,000 2007 est. 112 Bolivia 4,665,000,000 2007 est. 113 Burma 4,403,000,000 2007 est. 114 Moldova 4,370,000,000 2007 est. 115 Kosovo 4,281,000,000 2006 116 Cyprus 4,277,000,000 2007 est. 117 Yemen 4,133,000,000 2007 est. 118 Albania 3,603,000,000 2007 est. 119 Macau 3,474,000,000 2009 est. 120 Mongolia 3,439,000,000 2009 121 Sudan 3,438,000,000 2007 est. 122 West Bank 3,265,000,000 2007 est. 123 Cote d'Ivoire 3,231,000,000 2007 est. 124 Tanzania 3,182,000,000 2007 est. 125 Angola 3,173,000,000 2007 est. 126 Ethiopia 3,130,000,000 2007 est. 127 Brunei 2,980,000,000 2008 128 Namibia 2,845,000,000 2009 est. 129 Papua New Guinea 2,683,000,000 2007 est. 130 Botswana 2,648,000,000 2007 est. 131 Nicaragua 2,569,000,000 2007 est. 132 Nepal 2,243,000,000 2007 est. 133 Mauritius 2,158,000,000 2007 est. 134 Uganda 2,068,000,000 2007 est. 135 Bahamas, The 1,902,000,000 2007 est. 136 Malta 1,832,000,000 2007 est. 137 Laos 1,798,000,000 2009 est. 138 New Caledonia 1,697,000,000 2007 est. 139 Malawi 1,572,000,000 2007 est. 140 Suriname 1,467,000,000 2007 est. 141 Gabon 1,446,000,000 2007 est. 142 Senegal 1,384,000,000 2007 est. 143 Cambodia 1,272,000,000 2007 est. 144 Swaziland 1,266,000,000 2007 est. 145 Madagascar 971,400,000 2007 est. 146 Barbados 939,900,000 2007 est. 147 Fiji 863,000,000 2007 est. 148 Aruba 790,500,000 2007 est. 149 Guinea 790,500,000 2007 est. 150 Virgin Islands 722,000,000 2007 est. 151 Guyana 667,000,000 2007 est. 152 Togo 640,000,000 2007 est. 153 Jersey 630,100,000 2004 est. 154 Bermuda 628,300,000 2007 est. 155 French Polynesia 604,500,000 2007 est. 156 Benin 597,000,000 2007 est. 157 Niger 589,500,000 2007 est. 158 Burkina Faso 568,800,000 2007 est. 159 Maldives 542,000,000 2009 est. 160 Lesotho 516,900,000 2007 est. 161 Cayman Islands 507,800,000 2007 est. 162 Mali 479,000,000 2007 est. 163 Congo, Republic of the 471,000,000 2007 est. 164 Mauritania 386,200,000 2007 est. 165 Liberia 325,500,000 2007 est. 166 Saint Lucia 302,200,000 2007 est. 167 Greenland 285,600,000 2008 est. 168 Haiti 273,000,000 2007 est. 169 Faroe Islands 264,400,000 2008 est. 170 Djibouti 260,400,000 2007 est. 171 Somalia 260,400,000 2007 est. 172 Cape Verde 232,500,000 2007 est. 173 Seychelles 232,500,000 2007 est. 174 Rwanda 231,600,000 2007 est. 175 Afghanistan 231,100,000 2009 est. 176 Eritrea 228,000,000 2007 est. 177 Belize 198,500,000 2007 est. 178 Bhutan 184,000,000 2009 est. 179 Micronesia, Federated States of 178,600,000 2002 180 American Samoa 172,100,000 2007 est. 181 Grenada 155,700,000 2007 est. 182 Gambia, The 148,800,000 2007 est. 183 Gibraltar 146,000,000 2007 est. 184 Mayotte 139,200,000 2005 185 Burundi 125,600,000 2007 est. 186 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 124,400,000 2007 est. 187 Saint Kitts and Nevis 120,900,000 2007 est. 188 Central African Republic 107,000,000 2007 est. 189 Antigua and Barbuda 102,300,000 2007 est. 190 Samoa 101,400,000 2007 est. 191 Chad 93,000,000 2007 est. 192 Western Sahara 83,700,000 2007 est. 193 Dominica 79,050,000 2007 est. 194 Sierra Leone 74,400,000 2007 est. 195 Solomon Islands 66,030,000 2007 est. 196 Guinea-Bissau 60,450,000 2007 est. 197 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 49,290,000 2007 est. 198 British Virgin Islands 41,850,000 2007 est. 199 Tonga 39,990,000 2007 est. 200 Vanuatu 39,060,000 2007 est. 201 Cook Islands 28,830,000 2007 est. 202 Nauru 28,830,000 2007 est. 203 Equatorial Guinea 26,040,000 2007 est. 204 Comoros 20,460,000 2007 est. 205 Montserrat 20,460,000 2007 est. 206 Montenegro 18,600,000 2005 207 Sao Tome and Principe 17,670,000 2007 est. 208 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 14,880,000 2007 est. 209 Kiribati 13,020,000 2007 est. 210 Turks and Caicos Islands 11,160,000 2007 est. 211 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha7,440,000 2007 est. 212 Niue 2,790,000 2007 est. 213 Gaza Strip 202,000 2009 214 Northern Mariana Islands 48,300 January 2009

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Rank code: 2043

Country Comparison :: Electricity - imports

This entry is the total imported electricity in kilowatt-hours.

Rank country (kWh) Date of Information

1 United States 57,020,000,000.00 2008 est. 2 Switzerland 46,600,000,000.00 2009 est. 3 Italy 43,000,000,000.00 2008 est. 4 Brazil 42,060,000,000.00 2008 est. 5 Germany 41,670,000,000.00 2008 est. 6 Canada 23,500,000,000.00 2008 est. 7 Austria 19,800,000,000.00 2008 est. 8 Belgium 17,160,000,000.00 2008 est. 9 Finland 16,110,000,000.00 2008 10 Netherlands 15,450,000,000.00 2009 est. 11 Hungary 13,350,000,000.00 2008 est. 12 Denmark 12,820,000,000.00 2008 13 Sweden 12,750,000,000.00 2008 est. 14 United Kingdom 12,290,000,000.00 2008 est. 15 Croatia 12,240,000,000.00 2008 est. 16 Hong Kong 11,700,000,000.00 2009 est. 17 Uzbekistan 11,440,000,000.00 2009 est. 18 Portugal 10,740,000,000.00 2008 est. 19 France 10,680,000,000.00 2008 est. 20 South Africa 10,570,000,000.00 2008 est. 21 Argentina 10,280,000,000.00 2007 est. 22 Slovakia 9,412,000,000.00 2008 est. 23 Belarus 9,406,000,000.00 2007 est. 24 Czech Republic 8,520,000,000.00 2008 est. 25 Poland 8,480,000,000.00 2008 est. 26 Mozambique 8,278,000,000.00 2007 est. 27 Greece 7,575,000,000.00 2008 est. 28 Luxembourg 6,830,000,000.00 2008 est. 29 Slovenia 6,218,000,000.00 2008 est. 30 Spain 5,880,000,000.00 2008 est. 31 Lithuania 5,649,000,000.00 2008 est. 32 Iraq 5,600,000,000.00 2009 est. 33 India 5,270,000,000.00 2009 est. 34 Latvia 4,643,000,000.00 2008 est. 35 Vietnam 3,850,000,000.00 2009 est. 36 China 3,842,000,000.00 2008 37 Morocco 3,429,000,000.00 2009 est. 38 Norway 3,414,000,000.00 2008 est. 39 Bulgaria 3,097,000,000.00 2008 est. 40 Russia 3,066,000,000.00 2009 41 Bosnia and Herzegovina 3,040,000,000.00 2009 est. 42 Moldova 2,931,000,000.00 2007 est. 43 West Bank 2,800,000,000.00 2007 est. 44 Zimbabwe 2,691,000,000.00 2007 est. 45 Albania 2,475,000,000.00 2008 est. 46 Thailand 2,313,000,000.00 2009 est. 47 Macau 2,215,000,000.00 2009 est. 48 Botswana 2,181,000,000.00 2008 est. 49 Iran 2,060,000,000.00 2007 est. 50 Namibia 2,045,000,000.00 2007 est. 51 Kazakhstan 1,940,000,000.00 2009 est. 52 Venezuela 1,651,000,000.00 2007 est. 53 Macedonia 1,635,000,000.00 2009 est. 54 Chile 1,628,000,000.00 2007 est. 55 Syria 1,400,000,000.00 2007 56 Estonia 1,369,000,000.00 2008 est. 57 Ecuador 1,120,000,000.00 2007 est. 58 Lebanon 1,114,000,000.00 2009 est. 59 Romania 921,000,000.00 2008 est. 60 Laos 819,500,000.00 2009 est. 61 Turkey 790,000,000.00 2008 est. 62 Uruguay 789,000,000.00 2007 est. 63 Swaziland 770,000,000.00 2008 est. 64 Ireland 753,000,000.00 2008 est. 65 Tajikistan 667,800,000.00 2009 est. 66 Benin 588,000,000.00 2007 est. 67 Mexico 584,000,000.00 2008 est. 68 Azerbaijan 548,000,000.00 2007 est. 69 Togo 514,000,000.00 2007 est. 70 Niger 450,000,000.00 2007 est. 71 Congo, Republic of the 449,000,000.00 2007 est. 72 Ghana 435,000,000.00 2007 est. 73 Georgia 430,000,000.00 2007 est. 74 Armenia 418,700,000.00 2007 est. 75 Algeria 279,000,000.00 2007 est. 76 Egypt 251,000,000.00 2007 est. 77 Belize 248,400,000.00 2005 78 Afghanistan 230,000,000.00 2007 est. 79 Zambia 222,000,000.00 2008 est. 80 Nepal 213,000,000.00 2008 est. 81 Costa Rica 203,200,000.00 2007 est. 82 Jordan 200,000,000.00 2007 est. 83 Tanzania 200,000,000.00 2007 est. 84 Mongolia 186,100,000.00 2009 85 Cambodia 167,000,000.00 2007 est. 86 Tunisia 145,000,000.00 2007 est. 87 Rwanda 130,000,000.00 2007 est. 88 Serbia 121,000,000.00 2009 89 Libya 77,000,000.00 2007 est. 90 Nicaragua 63,950,000.00 2007 est. 91 Lesotho 50,000,000.00 2008 est. 92 Burundi 40,000,000.00 2007 est. 93 Colombia 39,400,000.00 2007 94 El Salvador 38,000,000.00 2007 est. 95 Kenya 22,500,000.00 2007 est. 96 Honduras 11,800,000.00 2007 est. 97 Panama 8,740,000.00 2007 est. 98 Guatemala 8,110,000.00 2007 est. 99 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6,000,000.00 2007 est. 100 Gaza Strip 120,000.00 2009 101 American Samoa 0.00 2008 est. 102 Barbados 0.00 2008 est. 103 Pakistan 0.00 2008 est. 104 Oman 0.00 2008 est. 105 Northern Mariana Islands 0.00 January 2009 est. 106 Niue 0.00 2008 est. 107 Nigeria 0.00 2008 est. 108 New Zealand 0.00 2008 est. 109 New Caledonia 0.00 2008 est. 110 Nauru 0.00 2008 est. 111 Iceland 0.00 2008 est. 112 Taiwan 0.00 2009 est. 113 Yemen 0.00 2008 est. 114 Western Sahara 0.00 2008 est. 115 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 2002 116 Virgin Islands 0.00 2008 est. 117 Vanuatu 0.00 2008 est. 118 United Arab Emirates 0.00 2008 est. 119 Ukraine 0.00 2009 est. 120 Uganda 0.00 2008 est. 121 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2008 est. 122 Turkmenistan 0.00 2009 est. 123 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 2008 est. 124 Tonga 0.00 2008 est. 125 Timor-Leste 0.00 2009 est. 126 Suriname 0.00 2008 est. 127 Sudan 0.00 2008 est. 128 Sri Lanka 0.00 2008 est. 129 Somalia 0.00 2008 est. 130 Solomon Islands 0.00 2008 est. 131 Singapore 0.00 2008 est. 132 Sierra Leone 0.00 2008 est. 133 Seychelles 0.00 2008 est. 134 Senegal 0.00 2008 est. 135 Saudi Arabia 0.00 2008 est. 136 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 2008 est. 137 Samoa 0.00 2008 est. 138 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 2008 est. 139 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2008 est. 140 Saint Lucia 0.00 2008 est. 141 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2008 est. 142 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2008 est. 143 Qatar 0.00 2008 est. 144 Puerto Rico 0.00 2008 est. 145 Philippines 0.00 2008 est. 146 Peru 0.00 2008 est. 147 Paraguay 0.00 2008 est. 148 Papua New Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 149 Haiti 0.00 2008 est. 150 Guyana 0.00 2008 est. 151 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2008 est. 152 Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 153 Guernsey 0.00 2002 154 Grenada 0.00 2008 est. 155 Greenland 0.00 2008 156 Gabon 0.00 2008 est. 157 Montserrat 0.00 2008 est. 158 Montenegro 0.00 2005 159 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.00 2002 160 Mauritius 0.00 2008 est. 161 Mauritania 0.00 2008 est. 162 Malta 0.00 2009 est. 163 Mali 0.00 2008 est. 164 Maldives 0.00 2009 est. 165 Malaysia 0.00 2008 est. 166 Malawi 0.00 2008 est. 167 Madagascar 0.00 2008 est. 168 Liberia 0.00 2008 est. 169 Kyrgyzstan 0.00 2008 est. 170 Kuwait 0.00 2008 est. 171 Korea, South 0.00 2009 172 Korea, North 0.00 2008 est. 173 Kiribati 0.00 2008 est. 174 Japan 0.00 2008 est. 175 Jamaica 0.00 2008 est. 176 Israel 0.00 2008 177 Indonesia 0.00 2008 est. 178 French Polynesia 0.00 2008 est. 179 Fiji 0.00 2008 est. 180 Faroe Islands 0.00 2008 181 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2008 est. 182 Ethiopia 0.00 2008 est. 183 Eritrea 0.00 2008 est. 184 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 185 Cyprus 0.00 2008 est. 186 Gibraltar 0.00 2008 est. 187 Gambia, The 0.00 2008 est. 188 Cuba 0.00 2008 est. 189 Cote d'Ivoire 0.00 2008 est. 190 Cook Islands 0.00 2008 est. 191 Comoros 0.00 2008 est. 192 Chad 0.00 2008 est. 193 Central African Republic 0.00 2008 est. 194 Cayman Islands 0.00 2008 est. 195 Cape Verde 0.00 2008 est. 196 Dominican Republic 0.00 2008 est. 197 Dominica 0.00 2008 est. 198 Djibouti 0.00 2008 est. 199 Cameroon 0.00 2008 est. 200 Burma 0.00 2008 est. 201 Burkina Faso 0.00 2008 est. 202 Brunei 0.00 2008 est. 203 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2008 est. 204 Bolivia 0.00 2008 est. 205 Bhutan 0.00 2009 est. 206 Bermuda 0.00 2008 est. 207 Bangladesh 0.00 2008 est. 208 Angola 0.00 2008 est. 209 Aruba 0.00 2008 est. 210 Bahamas, The 0.00 2008 est. 211 Bahrain 0.00 2008 est. 212 Australia 0.00 2008 est. 213 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2044

Country Comparison :: Electricity - exports

This entry is the total exported electricity in kilowatt-hours.

Rank country (kWh) Date of Information

1 Germany 61,700,000,000.00 2008 est. 2 France 58,690,000,000.00 2008 est. 3 Canada 55,730,000,000.00 2008 est. 4 Switzerland 49,900,000,000.00 2009 est. 5 Paraguay 45,140,000,000.00 2007 est. 6 United States 24,080,000,000.00 2008 est. 7 Czech Republic 19,990,000,000.00 2008 est. 8 Russia 17,700,000,000.00 2009 est. 9 Norway 17,290,000,000.00 2008 est. 10 Spain 16,920,000,000.00 2008 est. 11 China 16,640,000,000.00 2008 12 Austria 14,930,000,000.00 2008 est. 13 Sweden 14,710,000,000.00 2008 est. 14 South Africa 14,160,000,000.00 2008 est. 15 Mozambique 11,820,000,000.00 2007 est. 16 Uzbekistan 11,520,000,000.00 2009 est. 17 Denmark 11,360,000,000.00 2008 18 Netherlands 10,560,000,000.00 2009 est. 19 Poland 9,703,000,000.00 2008 20 Hungary 9,446,000,000.00 2008 est. 21 Slovakia 8,891,000,000.00 2008 est. 22 Slovenia 7,820,000,000.00 2008 est. 23 Lithuania 6,606,000,000.00 2008 est. 24 Belgium 6,561,000,000.00 2008 est. 25 Iran 6,150,000,000.00 2007 est. 26 Bosnia and Herzegovina 6,024,000,000.00 2009 est. 27 Croatia 5,668,000,000.00 2008 est. 28 Bulgaria 5,407,000,000.00 2008 29 Romania 5,169,000,000.00 2008 est. 30 Belarus 5,062,000,000.00 2007 est. 31 Ukraine 4,000,000,000.00 2009 est. 32 Hong Kong 3,926,000,000.00 2009 est. 33 Kazakhstan 3,617,000,000.00 2007 est. 34 Italy 3,431,000,000.00 2008 est. 35 Finland 3,335,000,000.00 2008 36 Argentina 2,628,000,000.00 2007 est. 37 Turkmenistan 2,500,000,000.00 2009 est. 38 Luxembourg 2,483,000,000.00 2008 est. 39 Kyrgyzstan 2,379,000,000.00 2007 est. 40 Estonia 2,310,000,000.00 2008 est. 41 Malaysia 2,268,000,000.00 2007 est. 42 Latvia 2,123,000,000.00 2008 est. 43 Israel 2,081,000,000.00 2007 44 Brazil 2,034,000,000.00 2007 est. 45 Greece 1,962,000,000.00 2008 est. 46 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,916,000,000.00 2007 est. 47 Serbia 1,500,000,000.00 2009 est. 48 Portugal 1,313,000,000.00 2008 est. 49 Bhutan 1,296,000,000.00 2009 est. 50 Mexico 1,288,000,000.00 2008 est. 51 United Kingdom 1,272,000,000.00 2008 est. 52 Turkey 1,120,000,000.00 2008 est. 53 Tajikistan 1,000,000,000.00 2008 est. 54 Uruguay 996,000,000.00 2007 est. 55 Colombia 876,700,000.00 2007 56 Thailand 846,000,000.00 2009 est. 57 Egypt 814,000,000.00 2007 est. 58 India 810,000,000.00 2009 est. 59 Azerbaijan 786,000,000.00 2007 est. 60 Cote d'Ivoire 772,000,000.00 2007 est. 61 Georgia 628,000,000.00 2007 est. 62 Venezuela 540,000,000.00 2007 est. 63 Vietnam 535,000,000.00 2009 est. 64 Armenia 451,300,000.00 2007 est. 65 Ireland 303,000,000.00 2008 est. 66 Algeria 273,000,000.00 2007 est. 67 Zambia 268,000,000.00 2007 68 Ghana 249,000,000.00 2007 est. 69 Moldova 240,000,000.00 2007 est. 70 Laos 230,000,000.00 2009 est. 71 Jordan 176,000,000.00 2007 est. 72 Guatemala 131,900,000.00 2007 est. 73 Tunisia 130,000,000.00 2007 est. 74 Panama 124,900,000.00 2007 est. 75 Libya 104,000,000.00 2007 est. 76 Costa Rica 77,160,000.00 2008 est. 77 Kenya 58,300,000.00 2007 est. 78 Namibia 40,000,000.00 2007 est. 79 Zimbabwe 32,000,000.00 2007 est. 80 Uganda 30,000,000.00 2007 81 Mongolia 21,200,000.00 2009 82 Ecuador 20,680,000.00 2007 est. 83 Rwanda 10,000,000.00 2007 84 El Salvador 7,000,000.00 2007 est. 85 Afghanistan 0.00 2008 est. 86 American Samoa 0.00 2008 est. 87 Bahrain 0.00 2008 est. 88 Barbados 0.00 2008 est. 89 Dominican Republic 0.00 2008 est. 90 Dominica 0.00 2008 est. 91 Djibouti 0.00 2008 est. 92 Cyprus 0.00 2008 est. 93 Cuba 0.00 2008 est. 94 Cook Islands 0.00 2008 est. 95 Congo, Republic of the 0.00 2008 est. 96 Comoros 0.00 2008 est. 97 Burma 0.00 2008 est. 98 Nicaragua 0.00 2008 est. 99 New Zealand 0.00 2008 est. 100 New Caledonia 0.00 2008 est. 101 Nepal 0.00 2009 est. 102 Nauru 0.00 2008 est. 103 Morocco 0.00 2008 est. 104 Montserrat 0.00 2008 est. 105 Montenegro 0.00 2005 106 Macedonia 0.00 2009 est. 107 Taiwan 0.00 2009 est. 108 Yemen 0.00 2008 est. 109 Western Sahara 0.00 2008 est. 110 West Bank 0.00 2008 111 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 2002 112 Virgin Islands 0.00 2008 est. 113 Vanuatu 0.00 2008 est. 114 United Arab Emirates 0.00 2008 est. 115 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2008 est. 116 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 2008 est. 117 Tonga 0.00 2008 118 Togo 0.00 2008 est. 119 Timor-Leste 0.00 2009 est. 120 Tanzania 0.00 2008 est. 121 Syria 0.00 2008 est. 122 Swaziland 0.00 2008 123 Suriname 0.00 2008 est. 124 Sudan 0.00 2008 est. 125 Sri Lanka 0.00 2008 est. 126 Somalia 0.00 2008 est. 127 Solomon Islands 0.00 2008 est. 128 Singapore 0.00 2008 est. 129 Sierra Leone 0.00 2008 est. 130 Seychelles 0.00 2008 est. 131 Senegal 0.00 2008 est. 132 Saudi Arabia 0.00 2008 est. 133 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 2008 134 Samoa 0.00 2008 est. 135 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 2008 est. 136 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2008 est. 137 Saint Lucia 0.00 2008 est. 138 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2008 est. 139 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2008 est. 140 Qatar 0.00 2008 est. 141 Puerto Rico 0.00 2008 est. 142 Philippines 0.00 2008 est. 143 Peru 0.00 2008 est. 144 Papua New Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 145 Pakistan 0.00 2008 est. 146 Oman 0.00 2008 est. 147 Northern Mariana Islands 0.00 January 2009 est. 148 Niue 0.00 2008 est. 149 Nigeria 0.00 2008 est. 150 Niger 0.00 2008 est. 151 Macau 0.00 2009 est. 152 Liberia 0.00 2008 est. 153 Lesotho 0.00 2008 est. 154 Lebanon 0.00 2009 est. 155 Kuwait 0.00 2008 est. 156 Korea, South 0.00 2009 157 Korea, North 0.00 2008 est. 158 Kiribati 0.00 2008 est. 159 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.00 2002 160 Mauritius 0.00 2008 est. 161 Mauritania 0.00 2008 est. 162 Malta 0.00 2009 est. 163 Mali 0.00 2008 est. 164 Maldives 0.00 2009 est. 165 Malawi 0.00 2008 est. 166 Madagascar 0.00 2008 est. 167 Japan 0.00 2008 est. 168 Jamaica 0.00 2008 est. 169 Iraq 0.00 2009 est. 170 Indonesia 0.00 2008 est. 171 Iceland 0.00 2008 est. 172 Honduras 0.00 2008 est. 173 Haiti 0.00 2008 est. 174 Guyana 0.00 2008 est. 175 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2008 est. 176 Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 177 Guernsey 0.00 2002 178 Grenada 0.00 2008 est. 179 Greenland 0.00 2008 180 Gibraltar 0.00 2008 est. 181 Gaza Strip 0.00 2008 est. 182 Gambia, The 0.00 2008 est. 183 Gabon 0.00 2008 est. 184 French Polynesia 0.00 2008 est. 185 Fiji 0.00 2008 est. 186 Faroe Islands 0.00 2008 187 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2008 est. 188 Ethiopia 0.00 2008 est. 189 Eritrea 0.00 2008 est. 190 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 2008 est. 191 Burkina Faso 0.00 2008 est. 192 Brunei 0.00 2008 est. 193 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2008 est. 194 Botswana 0.00 2008 est. 195 Bolivia 0.00 2008 est. 196 Bermuda 0.00 2008 est. 197 Benin 0.00 2008 est. 198 Belize 0.00 2008 est. 199 Chile 0.00 2008 est. 200 Chad 0.00 2008 est. 201 Central African Republic 0.00 2008 est. 202 Cayman Islands 0.00 2008 est. 203 Cape Verde 0.00 2008 est. 204 Cameroon 0.00 2008 est. 205 Cambodia 0.00 2008 est. 206 Burundi 0.00 2008 est. 207 Bangladesh 0.00 2008 est. 208 Bahamas, The 0.00 2008 est. 209 Australia 0.00 2008 est. 210 Aruba 0.00 2008 est. 211 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2008 est. 212 Angola 0.00 2008 est. 213 Albania 0.00 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2045

Country Comparison :: Electricity - production by source

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 American Samoa 100.00 2001 2 Antigua and Barbuda 100.00 2001 3 Bahamas, The 100.00 2001 4 Aruba 100.00 2001 5 Barbados 100.00 2001 6 Bermuda 100.00 2001 7 Botswana 100.00 2001 8 Brunei 100.00 2001 9 British Virgin Islands 100.00 2001 10 Guinea-Bissau 100.00 2001 11 Grenada 100.00 2001 12 Greenland 100.00 2001 13 Gibraltar 100.00 2001 14 Gambia, The 100.00 2001 15 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 100.00 2001 16 Eritrea 100.00 2001 17 Djibouti 100.00 2001 18 Cyprus 100.00 2001 19 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 100.00 2001 20 Saint Lucia 100.00 2001 21 Saint Kitts and Nevis 100.00 2001 22 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha100.00 2001 23 Qatar 100.00 2001 24 Oman 100.00 2001 25 Niue 100.00 2001 26 Niger 100.00 2001 27 Malta 100.00 2001 28 Maldives 100.00 2001 29 Macau 100.00 2001 30 Libya 100.00 2001 31 Liberia 100.00 2001 32 Kuwait 100.00 2001 33 Kiribati 100.00 2001 34 Hong Kong 100.00 2001 35 Cook Islands 100.00 2001 36 Singapore 100.00 2001 37 Sierra Leone 100.00 2001 38 Seychelles 100.00 2001 39 Senegal 100.00 2001 40 Saudi Arabia 100.00 2001 41 Nauru 100.00 2001 42 Montserrat 100.00 2001 43 Mongolia 100.00 2001 44 Chad 100.00 2001 45 United Arab Emirates 100.00 2001 46 Turks and Caicos Islands 100.00 2001 47 Tonga 100.00 2001 48 Tokelau 100.00 2001 49 Timor-Leste 100.00 2001 50 Somalia 100.00 2001 51 Solomon Islands 100.00 2001 52 Cayman Islands 100.00 2001 53 Cape Verde 100.00 2001 54 Yemen 100.00 2001 55 Western Sahara 100.00 2001 56 West Bank 100.00 2001 57 Virgin Islands 100.00 2001 58 Vanuatu 100.00 2001 59 Bahrain 100.00 2001 60 Bhutan 99.90 2001 61 Paraguay 99.90 2001 62 Israel 99.90 2001 63 Turkmenistan 99.90 2001 64 Estonia 99.80 2001 65 Trinidad and Tobago 99.80 2001 66 Algeria 99.70 2001 67 Congo, Republic of the 99.70 2001 68 Belarus 99.50 2001 69 Zambia 99.50 2001 70 Tunisia 99.50 2001 71 Burundi 99.40 2001 72 Guyana 99.40 2001 73 Jordan 99.40 2001 74 Norway 99.30 2001 75 Puerto Rico 99.20 2001 76 Uganda 99.10 2001 77 Uruguay 99.10 2001 78 Marshall Islands 99.00 NA 79 Togo 98.70 2001 80 Laos 98.60 2001 81 Iraq 98.40 2001 82 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 98.20 2001 83 Poland 98.10 2001 84 Tajikistan 98.10 2001 85 Rwanda 97.70 2001 86 Ethiopia 97.60 2001 87 Cameroon 97.30 2001 88 Lebanon 97.20 2001 89 Albania 97.10 2001 90 Iran 97.10 2001 91 Mozambique 97.10 2001 92 Jamaica 96.80 2001 93 Malawi 96.70 2001 94 Ireland 95.90 2001 95 Morocco 95.40 2001 96 Ghana 95.00 2001 97 Greece 94.50 2001 98 Equatorial Guinea 94.30 2001 99 Cuba 93.90 2001 100 Bangladesh 93.70 2001 101 South Africa 93.50 2001 102 Kyrgyzstan 92.40 2001 103 Dominican Republic 92.00 2001 104 Nepal 91.50 2001 105 Thailand 91.30 2001 106 Australia 90.80 2001 107 Mauritius 90.80 2001 108 Comoros 90.60 2001 109 Moldova 90.60 2001 110 Netherlands 89.90 2001 111 Azerbaijan 89.70 2001 112 Malaysia 89.50 2001 113 Uzbekistan 88.20 2001 114 Indonesia 86.90 2001 115 Mauritania 85.90 2001 116 Benin 85.80 2001 117 Peru 84.70 2001 118 Kazakhstan 84.30 2001 119 Nicaragua 83.90 2001 120 Macedonia 83.70 2001 121 Brazil 82.70 2001 122 Denmark 82.70 2001 123 Iceland 82.50 2001 124 Costa Rica 81.90 2001 125 India 81.70 2001 126 Fiji 81.50 2001 127 Tanzania 81.10 2001 128 Ecuador 81.00 2001 129 Egypt 81.00 2001 130 Georgia 80.30 2001 131 Central African Republic 80.20 2001 132 China 80.20 2001 133 Turkey 79.30 2001 134 Mexico 78.70 2001 135 Italy 78.60 2001 136 Lithuania 77.70 2001 137 France 77.10 2001 138 New Caledonia 76.30 2001 139 Czech Republic 76.10 2001 140 Suriname 74.80 2001 141 United Kingdom 73.80 2001 142 Colombia 72.70 2001 143 United States 71.40 2001 144 Taiwan 71.40 2001 145 Kenya 71.00 2001 146 Korea, North 71.00 2001 147 Latvia 70.90 2001 148 Burkina Faso 69.90 2001 149 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 69.30 2001 150 Pakistan 68.80 2001 151 Venezuela 68.30 2001 152 Austria 67.20 2001 153 Russia 66.30 2003 154 Croatia 66.00 2001 155 Gabon 65.50 2001 156 Cambodia 65.00 2001 157 Portugal 64.50 2001 158 Madagascar 63.90 2001 159 Afghanistan 63.70 2001 160 Angola 63.60 2001 161 Romania 62.50 2001 162 Faroe Islands 62.40 2001 163 Korea, South 62.40 2001 164 Cote d'Ivoire 61.90 2001 165 Nigeria 61.90 2001 166 Germany 61.80 2001 167 Panama 61.30 2001 168 French Polynesia 60.70 2001 169 Haiti 60.30 2001 170 Hungary 60.10 2001 171 Japan 60.00 2001 172 Belize 59.90 2001 173 Switzerland 59.50 2001 174 Belgium 59.30 2001 175 Sao Tome and Principe 58.80 2001 176 Mali 58.30 2001 177 Samoa 58.00 2001 178 Swaziland 58.00 2001 179 Svalbard 58.00 NA 180 Canada 57.90 2001 181 New Zealand 57.80 2001 182 Syria 57.60 2001 183 Luxembourg 57.30 2001 184 Vietnam 56.30 2001 185 Philippines 55.60 2001 186 Guinea 54.50 2001 187 Papua New Guinea 54.10 2001 188 Bolivia 54.00 2001 189 Slovakia 53.60 2001 190 Bosnia and Herzegovina 53.50 2001 191 Zimbabwe 53.00 2001 192 Dominica 52.90 2001 193 Argentina 52.20 2001 194 Sudan 52.10 2001 195 Guatemala 51.90 2001 196 Sri Lanka 51.70 2001 197 Chile 51.50 2001 198 Sweden 50.80 2001 199 Spain 50.40 2001 200 Honduras 50.20 2001 201 Honduras 49.80 2001 202 Ukraine 48.60 2001 203 Sri Lanka 48.30 2001 204 Sudan 47.90 2001 205 Bulgaria 47.80 2001 206 Dominica 47.10 2001 207 Chile 47.00 2001 208 Zimbabwe 47.00 2001 209 Bosnia and Herzegovina 46.50 2001 210 Papua New Guinea 45.90 2001 211 Guinea 45.50 2001 212 Burma 44.50 2002 213 Bolivia 44.40 2001 214 Bulgaria 44.10 2001 215 El Salvador 44.00 2001 216 Vietnam 43.70 2001 217 Ukraine 43.50 2001 218 Burma 43.40 2002 219 Sweden 43.00 2001 220 Syria 42.40 2001 221 Armenia 42.30 2001 222 Svalbard 42.00 NA 223 Samoa 42.00 2001 224 Swaziland 42.00 2001 225 Mali 41.70 2001 226 Sao Tome and Principe 41.20 2001 227 Argentina 40.80 2001 228 Belize 40.10 2001 229 Haiti 39.70 2001 230 French Polynesia 39.30 2001 231 Finland 39.00 2001 232 Hungary 39.00 2001 233 Belgium 38.40 2001 234 Cote d'Ivoire 38.10 2001 235 Nigeria 38.10 2001 236 Faroe Islands 37.60 2001 237 Switzerland 37.10 2001 238 Panama 37.00 2001 239 Slovenia 36.80 2001 240 Korea, South 36.60 2001 241 Angola 36.40 2001 242 Afghanistan 36.30 2001 243 Madagascar 36.10 2001 244 Guatemala 35.20 2001 245 Slovenia 35.20 2001 246 Cambodia 35.00 2001 247 Gabon 34.50 2001 248 Croatia 33.60 2001 249 Venezuela 31.70 2001 250 New Zealand 31.60 2001 251 Portugal 31.30 2001 252 El Salvador 30.90 2001 253 Armenia 30.70 2001 254 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 30.70 2001 255 Finland 30.40 2001 256 Slovakia 30.30 2001 257 Burkina Faso 30.10 2001 258 Germany 29.90 2001 259 Japan 29.80 2001 260 Austria 29.30 2001 261 Latvia 29.10 2001 262 Korea, North 29.00 2001 263 Pakistan 28.20 2001 264 Canada 28.00 2001 265 Romania 27.60 2001 266 Slovenia 27.30 2001 267 Spain 27.20 2001 268 Armenia 27.00 2001 269 Philippines 26.90 2001 270 Colombia 26.00 2001 271 Luxembourg 25.20 2001 272 Suriname 25.20 2001 273 El Salvador 25.10 2001 274 New Caledonia 23.70 2001 275 United Kingdom 23.70 2001 276 Taiwan 22.60 2001 277 United States 20.70 2001 278 Turkey 20.40 2001 279 Czech Republic 20.00 2001 280 Central African Republic 19.80 2001 281 Georgia 19.70 2001 282 Ecuador 19.00 2001 283 Egypt 19.00 2001 284 Tanzania 18.90 2001 285 Finland 18.70 2001 286 China 18.50 2001 287 Fiji 18.50 2001 288 Italy 18.40 2001 289 Spain 18.20 2001 290 Kenya 17.70 2001 291 Iceland 17.50 2001 292 Luxembourg 17.50 2001 293 Philippines 17.50 2001 294 Denmark 17.30 2001 295 Russia 17.20 2003 296 Costa Rica 16.60 2001 297 Lithuania 16.50 2001 298 Russia 16.40 2003 299 Macedonia 16.30 2001 300 Slovakia 16.00 2001 301 Kazakhstan 15.70 2001 302 India 14.50 2001 303 Peru 14.50 2001 304 Benin 14.20 2001 305 Mexico 14.20 2001 306 Mauritania 14.10 2001 307 France 14.00 2001 308 Canada 12.90 2001 309 Guatemala 12.90 2001 310 Burma 12.10 2002 311 Finland 11.80 2001 312 Uzbekistan 11.80 2001 313 Kenya 11.30 2001 314 New Zealand 10.70 2001 315 Indonesia 10.50 2001 316 Malaysia 10.50 2001 317 Azerbaijan 10.30 2001 318 Romania 9.90 2001 319 Comoros 9.40 2001 320 Moldova 9.40 2001 321 Mauritius 9.20 2001 322 Nepal 8.50 2001 323 Japan 8.40 2001 324 Nicaragua 8.40 2001 325 Australia 8.30 2001 326 Brazil 8.30 2001 327 France 8.20 2001 328 Bulgaria 8.10 2001 329 Ukraine 7.90 2001 330 Nicaragua 7.70 2001 331 Dominican Republic 7.60 2001 332 Kyrgyzstan 7.60 2001 333 Argentina 6.70 2001 334 Thailand 6.40 2001 335 Bangladesh 6.30 2001 336 Taiwan 6.00 2001 337 Equatorial Guinea 5.70 2001 338 Lithuania 5.70 2001 339 Netherlands 5.70 2001 340 United States 5.60 2001 341 South Africa 5.50 2001 342 Cuba 5.40 2001 343 Ghana 5.00 2001 344 Brazil 4.60 2001 345 Morocco 4.60 2001 346 Brazil 4.40 2001 347 Netherlands 4.30 2001 348 Germany 4.20 2001 349 Mexico 4.20 2001 350 Germany 4.10 2001 351 Spain 4.10 2001 352 Portugal 4.10 2001 353 Sweden 4.00 2001 354 Greece 3.80 2001 355 Austria 3.50 2001 356 India 3.40 2001 357 Malawi 3.30 2001 358 Italy 3.00 2001 359 Pakistan 3.00 2001 360 Albania 2.90 2001 361 Mexico 2.90 2001 362 Mozambique 2.90 2001 363 Iran 2.90 2001 364 Czech Republic 2.90 2001 365 Lebanon 2.80 2001 366 Cameroon 2.70 2001 367 Indonesia 2.60 2001 368 Thailand 2.40 2001 369 Ireland 2.30 2001 370 Sweden 2.30 2001 371 Rwanda 2.30 2001 372 United States 2.30 2001 373 Switzerland 2.00 2001 374 Tajikistan 1.90 2001 375 Belgium 1.80 2001 376 Japan 1.80 2001 377 Jamaica 1.80 2001 378 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1.80 2001 379 Greece 1.70 2001 380 Panama 1.70 2001 381 Ireland 1.70 2001 382 Iraq 1.60 2001 383 United Kingdom 1.60 2001 384 Bolivia 1.50 2001 385 Poland 1.50 2001 386 Costa Rica 1.50 2001 387 Chile 1.40 2001 388 Laos 1.40 2001 389 Jamaica 1.40 2001 390 Canada 1.30 2001 391 Colombia 1.30 2001 392 Ethiopia 1.30 2001 393 Switzerland 1.30 2001 394 Togo 1.30 2001 395 China 1.20 2001 396 Ethiopia 1.20 2001 397 South Africa 1.10 2001 398 Czech Republic 1.00 2001 399 Marshall Islands 1.00 NA 400 Australia 0.90 2001 401 United Kingdom 0.90 2001 402 Uganda 0.90 2001 403 Korea, South 0.80 2001 404 Peru 0.80 2001 405 Puerto Rico 0.80 2001 406 France 0.70 2001 407 Uruguay 0.70 2001 408 Slovenia 0.70 2001 409 Belgium 0.60 2001 410 Cuba 0.60 2001 411 Burundi 0.60 2001 412 Guyana 0.60 2001 413 Jordan 0.60 2001 414 Hungary 0.50 2001 415 Tunisia 0.50 2001 416 Zambia 0.50 2001 417 Belarus 0.40 2001 418 Croatia 0.40 2001 419 Norway 0.40 2001 420 Poland 0.40 2001 421 Norway 0.40 2001 422 Dominican Republic 0.40 2001 423 Algeria 0.30 2001 424 Congo, Republic of the 0.30 2001 425 Uruguay 0.30 2001 426 Turkey 0.30 2001 427 India 0.30 2001 428 Hungary 0.30 2001 429 Argentina 0.20 2001 430 Korea, South 0.20 2001 431 Trinidad and Tobago 0.20 2001 432 Estonia 0.20 2001 433 Belarus 0.10 2001 434 Bhutan 0.10 2001 435 Paraguay 0.10 2001 436 Turkmenistan 0.10 2001 437 Russia 0.10 2003 438 Netherlands 0.10 2001 439 Israel 0.10 2001 440 Iceland 0.10 2001 441 Estonia 0.10 2001 442 Denmark 0.10 2001 443 China 0.10 2001 444 Afghanistan 0.00 2001 445 American Samoa 0.00 2001 446 Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 447 Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 448 Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 449 Vietnam 0.00 2001 450 Vietnam 0.00 2001 451 Venezuela 0.00 2001 452 Venezuela 0.00 2001 453 Vanuatu 0.00 2001 454 Vanuatu 0.00 2001 455 Vanuatu 0.00 2001 456 Uzbekistan 0.00 2001 457 Uzbekistan 0.00 2001 458 Uruguay 0.00 2001 459 United Arab Emirates 0.00 2001 460 United Arab Emirates 0.00 2001 461 United Arab Emirates 0.00 2001 462 Ukraine 0.00 2001 463 Uganda 0.00 2001 464 Uganda 0.00 2001 465 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2001 466 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2001 467 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2001 468 Turkmenistan 0.00 2001 469 Turkmenistan 0.00 2001 470 Turkey 0.00 2001 471 Tunisia 0.00 2001 472 Tunisia 0.00 2001 473 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 2001 474 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 2001 475 Tonga 0.00 2001 476 Tonga 0.00 2001 477 Tonga 0.00 2001 478 Tokelau 0.00 2001 479 Tokelau 0.00 2001 480 Tokelau 0.00 2001 481 Togo 0.00 2001 482 Togo 0.00 2001 483 Timor-Leste 0.00 2001 484 Timor-Leste 0.00 2001 485 Timor-Leste 0.00 2001 486 Thailand 0.00 2001 487 Tanzania 0.00 2001 488 Tanzania 0.00 2001 489 Tajikistan 0.00 2001 490 Tajikistan 0.00 2001 491 Syria 0.00 2001 492 Syria 0.00 2001 493 Swaziland 0.00 2001 494 Swaziland 0.00 2001 495 Svalbard 0.00 NA 496 Svalbard 0.00 NA 497 Suriname 0.00 2001 498 Suriname 0.00 2001 499 Sudan 0.00 2001 500 Sudan 0.00 2001 501 Sri Lanka 0.00 2001 502 Sri Lanka 0.00 2001 503 South Africa 0.00 2001 504 Somalia 0.00 2001 505 Somalia 0.00 2001 506 Somalia 0.00 2001 507 Solomon Islands 0.00 2001 508 Solomon Islands 0.00 2001 509 Solomon Islands 0.00 2001 510 Mauritius 0.00 2001 511 Mauritania 0.00 2001 512 Mauritania 0.00 2001 513 Marshall Islands 0.00 NA 514 Marshall Islands 0.00 NA 515 Malta 0.00 2001 516 Malta 0.00 2001 517 Malta 0.00 2001 518 Mali 0.00 2001 519 Taiwan 0.00 2001 520 Zimbabwe 0.00 2001 521 Zimbabwe 0.00 2001 522 Zambia 0.00 2001 523 Zambia 0.00 2001 524 Yemen 0.00 2001 525 Yemen 0.00 2001 526 Yemen 0.00 2001 527 Western Sahara 0.00 2001 528 Western Sahara 0.00 2001 529 Western Sahara 0.00 2001 530 West Bank 0.00 2001 531 West Bank 0.00 2001 532 West Bank 0.00 2001 533 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 534 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 535 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 536 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 537 Mali 0.00 2001 538 Maldives 0.00 2001 539 Maldives 0.00 2001 540 Maldives 0.00 2001 541 Malaysia 0.00 2001 542 Malaysia 0.00 2001 543 Malawi 0.00 2001 544 Malawi 0.00 2001 545 Madagascar 0.00 2001 546 Madagascar 0.00 2001 547 Macedonia 0.00 2001 548 Macedonia 0.00 2001 549 Macau 0.00 2001 550 Macau 0.00 2001 551 Macau 0.00 2001 552 Luxembourg 0.00 2001 553 Lithuania 0.00 2001 554 Libya 0.00 2001 555 Libya 0.00 2001 556 Libya 0.00 2001 557 Liberia 0.00 2001 558 Liberia 0.00 2001 559 Liberia 0.00 2001 560 Lebanon 0.00 2001 561 Lebanon 0.00 2001 562 Latvia 0.00 2001 563 Latvia 0.00 2001 564 Laos 0.00 2001 565 Laos 0.00 2001 566 Kyrgyzstan 0.00 2001 567 Kyrgyzstan 0.00 2001 568 Kuwait 0.00 2001 569 Kuwait 0.00 2001 570 Kuwait 0.00 2001 571 Korea, North 0.00 2001 572 Korea, North 0.00 2001 573 Kiribati 0.00 2001 574 Kiribati 0.00 2001 575 Kiribati 0.00 2001 576 Kenya 0.00 2001 577 Kazakhstan 0.00 2001 578 Kazakhstan 0.00 2001 579 Jordan 0.00 2001 580 Jordan 0.00 2001 581 Jamaica 0.00 2001 582 Italy 0.00 2001 583 Israel 0.00 2001 584 Israel 0.00 2001 585 Ireland 0.00 2001 586 Iraq 0.00 2001 587 Iraq 0.00 2001 588 Iran 0.00 2001 589 Iran 0.00 2001 590 Indonesia 0.00 2001 591 Iceland 0.00 2001 592 Haiti 0.00 2001 593 Haiti 0.00 2001 594 Guyana 0.00 2001 595 Guyana 0.00 2001 596 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2001 597 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2001 598 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2001 599 Guinea 0.00 2001 600 Guinea 0.00 2001 601 Slovakia 0.00 2001 602 Singapore 0.00 2001 603 Singapore 0.00 2001 604 Singapore 0.00 2001 605 Sierra Leone 0.00 2001 606 Sierra Leone 0.00 2001 607 Sierra Leone 0.00 2001 608 Seychelles 0.00 2001 609 Seychelles 0.00 2001 610 Seychelles 0.00 2001 611 Senegal 0.00 2001 612 Senegal 0.00 2001 613 Senegal 0.00 2001 614 Saudi Arabia 0.00 2001 615 Saudi Arabia 0.00 2001 616 Saudi Arabia 0.00 2001 617 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 2001 618 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 2001 619 Samoa 0.00 2001 620 Samoa 0.00 2001 621 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 2001 622 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 2001 623 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2001 624 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2001 625 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2001 626 Saint Lucia 0.00 2001 627 Saint Lucia 0.00 2001 628 Saint Lucia 0.00 2001 629 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2001 630 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2001 631 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 2001 632 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2001 633 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2001 634 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2001 635 Rwanda 0.00 2001 636 Rwanda 0.00 2001 637 Romania 0.00 2001 638 Qatar 0.00 2001 639 Qatar 0.00 2001 640 Qatar 0.00 2001 641 Puerto Rico 0.00 2001 642 Puerto Rico 0.00 2001 643 Portugal 0.00 2001 644 Poland 0.00 2001 645 Philippines 0.00 2001 646 Peru 0.00 2001 647 Paraguay 0.00 2001 648 Paraguay 0.00 2001 649 Papua New Guinea 0.00 2001 650 Papua New Guinea 0.00 2001 651 Panama 0.00 2001 652 Pakistan 0.00 2001 653 Oman 0.00 2001 654 Oman 0.00 2001 655 Oman 0.00 2001 656 Norway 0.00 2001 657 Norfolk Island 0.00 2002 658 Norfolk Island 0.00 2002 659 Norfolk Island 0.00 2002 660 Norfolk Island 0.00 2002 661 Niue 0.00 2001 662 Niue 0.00 2001 663 Niue 0.00 2001 664 Nigeria 0.00 2001 665 Nigeria 0.00 2001 666 Niger 0.00 2001 667 Niger 0.00 2001 668 Niger 0.00 2001 669 Nicaragua 0.00 2001 670 New Zealand 0.00 2001 671 New Caledonia 0.00 2001 672 New Caledonia 0.00 2001 673 Nepal 0.00 2001 674 Nepal 0.00 2001 675 Nauru 0.00 2001 676 Nauru 0.00 2001 677 Nauru 0.00 2001 678 Mozambique 0.00 2001 679 Mozambique 0.00 2001 680 Morocco 0.00 2001 681 Morocco 0.00 2001 682 Montserrat 0.00 2001 683 Montserrat 0.00 2001 684 Montserrat 0.00 2001 685 Mongolia 0.00 2001 686 Mongolia 0.00 2001 687 Mongolia 0.00 2001 688 Moldova 0.00 2001 689 Moldova 0.00 2001 690 Mayotte 0.00 NA 691 Mayotte 0.00 NA 692 Mayotte 0.00 NA 693 Mayotte 0.00 NA 694 Mauritius 0.00 2001 695 Guatemala 0.00 2001 696 Grenada 0.00 2001 697 Grenada 0.00 2001 698 Grenada 0.00 2001 699 Greenland 0.00 2001 700 Greenland 0.00 2001 701 Greenland 0.00 2001 702 Greece 0.00 2001 703 Gibraltar 0.00 2001 704 Gibraltar 0.00 2001 705 Gibraltar 0.00 2001 706 Ghana 0.00 2001 707 Ghana 0.00 2001 708 Georgia 0.00 2001 709 Georgia 0.00 2001 710 Gambia, The 0.00 2001 711 Gambia, The 0.00 2001 712 Gambia, The 0.00 2001 713 Gabon 0.00 2001 714 Gabon 0.00 2001 715 French Polynesia 0.00 2001 716 French Polynesia 0.00 2001 717 Fiji 0.00 2001 718 Fiji 0.00 2001 719 Faroe Islands 0.00 2001 720 Faroe Islands 0.00 2001 721 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2001 722 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2001 723 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2001 724 Ethiopia 0.00 2001 725 Estonia 0.00 2001 726 Eritrea 0.00 2001 727 Eritrea 0.00 2001 728 Eritrea 0.00 2001 729 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 2001 730 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 2001 731 El Salvador 0.00 2001 732 Egypt 0.00 2001 733 Egypt 0.00 2001 734 Ecuador 0.00 2001 735 Ecuador 0.00 2001 736 Dominican Republic 0.00 2001 737 Dominica 0.00 2001 738 Dominica 0.00 2001 739 Djibouti 0.00 2001 740 Djibouti 0.00 2001 741 Djibouti 0.00 2001 742 Denmark 0.00 2001 743 Cyprus 0.00 2001 744 Cyprus 0.00 2001 745 Cyprus 0.00 2001 746 Cuba 0.00 2001 747 Croatia 0.00 2001 748 Cote d'Ivoire 0.00 2001 749 Cote d'Ivoire 0.00 2001 750 Costa Rica 0.00 2001 751 Cook Islands 0.00 2001 752 Cook Islands 0.00 2001 753 Cook Islands 0.00 2001 754 Congo, Republic of the 0.00 2001 755 Congo, Republic of the 0.00 2001 756 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.00 2001 757 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.00 2001 758 Comoros 0.00 2001 759 Hong Kong 0.00 2001 760 Hong Kong 0.00 2001 761 Hong Kong 0.00 2001 762 Honduras 0.00 2001 763 Honduras 0.00 2001 764 Comoros 0.00 2001 765 Colombia 0.00 2001 766 Chile 0.00 2001 767 Chad 0.00 2001 768 Chad 0.00 2001 769 Cameroon 0.00 2001 770 Cameroon 0.00 2001 771 Cambodia 0.00 2001 772 Cambodia 0.00 2001 773 Burundi 0.00 2001 774 Burundi 0.00 2001 775 Burma 0.00 2002 776 Burkina Faso 0.00 2001 777 Burkina Faso 0.00 2001 778 Bulgaria 0.00 2001 779 Botswana 0.00 2001 780 Botswana 0.00 2001 781 Botswana 0.00 2001 782 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.00 2001 783 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.00 2001 784 Bolivia 0.00 2001 785 Bhutan 0.00 2001 786 Bhutan 0.00 2001 787 Bermuda 0.00 2001 788 Brunei 0.00 2001 789 Brunei 0.00 2001 790 Brunei 0.00 2001 791 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 792 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 793 British Virgin Islands 0.00 2001 794 Bermuda 0.00 2001 795 Bermuda 0.00 2001 796 Benin 0.00 2001 797 Benin 0.00 2001 798 Belize 0.00 2001 799 Belize 0.00 2001 800 Belarus 0.00 2001 801 Bahrain 0.00 2001 802 Chad 0.00 2001 803 Central African Republic 0.00 2001 804 Central African Republic 0.00 2001 805 Cayman Islands 0.00 2001 806 Cayman Islands 0.00 2001 807 Cayman Islands 0.00 2001 808 Cape Verde 0.00 2001 809 Cape Verde 0.00 2001 810 Cape Verde 0.00 2001 811 Bahamas, The 0.00 2001 812 Bahamas, The 0.00 2001 813 Bahamas, The 0.00 2001 814 Azerbaijan 0.00 2001 815 Azerbaijan 0.00 2001 816 Austria 0.00 2001 817 Australia 0.00 2001 818 Aruba 0.00 2001 819 Barbados 0.00 2001 820 Barbados 0.00 2001 821 Barbados 0.00 2001 822 Bangladesh 0.00 2001 823 Bangladesh 0.00 2001 824 Bahrain 0.00 2001 825 Bahrain 0.00 2001 826 Aruba 0.00 2001 827 Aruba 0.00 2001 828 Armenia 0.00 2001 829 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2001 830 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2001 831 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 2001 832 Angola 0.00 2001 833 Angola 0.00 2001 834 American Samoa 0.00 2001 835 Afghanistan 0.00 2001 836 Albania 0.00 2001 837 Algeria 0.00 2001 838 American Samoa 0.00 2001 839 Algeria 0.00 2001 840 Albania 0.00 2001

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Rank code: 2046

Country Comparison :: Population below poverty line

National estimates of the percentage of the population falling below the poverty line are based on surveys of sub-groups, with the results weighted by the number of people in each group. Definitions of poverty vary considerably among nations. For example, rich nations generally employ more generous standards of poverty than poor nations.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Zambia 86.00 1993 2 Chad 80.00 2001 est. 3 Haiti 80.00 2003 est. 4 Liberia 80.00 2000 est. 5 Sierra Leone 70.20 2004 6 Gaza Strip 70.00 2009 est. 7 Suriname 70.00 2002 est. 8 Nigeria 70.00 2007 est. 9 Mozambique 70.00 2001 est. 10 Swaziland 69.00 2006 11 Burundi 68.00 2002 est. 12 Zimbabwe 68.00 2004 13 Honduras 65.00 2010 14 Niger 63.00 1993 est. 15 Comoros 60.00 2002 est. 16 Rwanda 60.00 2001 est. 17 Tajikistan 60.00 2009 est. 18 Guatemala 56.20 2004 est. 19 Namibia 55.80 2005 est. 20 Sao Tome and Principe 54.00 2004 est. 21 Senegal 54.00 2001 est. 22 Malawi 53.00 2004 23 Eritrea 50.00 2004 est. 24 South Africa 50.00 2000 est. 25 Madagascar 50.00 2004 est. 26 Kenya 50.00 2000 est. 27 Lesotho 49.00 1999 28 Cameroon 48.00 2000 est. 29 Nicaragua 48.00 2005 30 Guinea 47.00 2006 est. 31 Colombia 46.80 2008 32 Burkina Faso 46.40 2004 33 West Bank 46.00 2007 est. 34 Yemen 45.20 2003 35 Dominican Republic 42.20 2004 36 Cote d'Ivoire 42.00 2006 est. 37 Timor-Leste 42.00 2003 est. 38 Djibouti 42.00 2007 est. 39 Angola 40.50 2006 est. 40 Kyrgyzstan 40.00 2004 est. 41 Mauritania 40.00 2004 est. 42 Sudan 40.00 2004 est. 43 Ethiopia 38.70 FY05/06 est. 44 Venezuela 37.90 yearend 2005 est. 45 Benin 37.40 2007 est. 46 Papua New Guinea 37.00 2002 est. 47 Bangladesh 36.30 2008 est. 48 Mali 36.10 2005 est. 49 Mongolia 36.10 2004 50 Afghanistan 36.00 FY08/09 51 Tanzania 36.00 2002 est. 52 Ecuador 35.10 2008 53 Kosovo 35.00 2007 est. 54 Uganda 35.00 2001 est. 55 Ukraine 35.00 2009 56 Peru 34.80 2009 57 Belize 33.50 2002 est. 58 Philippines 32.90 2006 est. 59 Burma 32.70 2007 est. 60 Grenada 32.00 2000 61 Togo 32.00 1989 est. 62 Cambodia 31.00 2007 est. 63 Georgia 31.00 2006 64 El Salvador 30.70 2006 est. 65 Bolivia 30.30 2009 est. 66 Botswana 30.30 2003 67 Argentina 30.00 January-June 2010 68 Dominica 30.00 2002 est. 69 Turkmenistan 30.00 2004 est. 70 Cape Verde 30.00 2000 71 Moldova 29.50 2005 72 Virgin Islands 28.90 2002 73 Macedonia 28.70 2008 74 Panama 28.60 2006 est. 75 Ghana 28.50 2007 est. 76 Lebanon 28.00 1999 est. 77 Uruguay 27.40 2006 78 Belarus 27.10 2003 est. 79 Micronesia, Federated States of 26.70 2000 80 Armenia 26.50 2006 est. 81 Brazil 26.00 2008 82 Laos 26.00 2009 est. 83 Uzbekistan 26.00 2008 est. 84 Fiji 25.50 FY90/91 85 Albania 25.00 2004 est. 86 Romania 25.00 2005 est. 87 Iraq 25.00 2008 est. 88 India 25.00 2007 est. 89 Bosnia and Herzegovina 25.00 2004 est. 90 Nepal 24.70 2008 91 Pakistan 24.00 FY05/06 est. 92 Tonga 24.00 FY03/04 93 Israel 23.60 2007 94 Bhutan 23.20 2008 95 Algeria 23.00 2006 est. 96 Sri Lanka 23.00 2008 est. 97 Anguilla 23.00 2002 98 Slovakia 21.00 2002 99 Egypt 20.00 2005 est. 100 Greece 20.00 2009 est. 101 Spain 19.80 2005 102 Estonia 19.50 2007 103 United Arab Emirates 19.50 2003 104 Paraguay 19.40 2008 est. 105 Bermuda 19.00 2000 106 Chile 18.20 2005 107 Mexico 18.20 2008 108 Iran 18.00 2007 est. 109 Portugal 18.00 2006 110 Turkey 17.11 2008 111 Croatia 17.00 2008 112 Poland 17.00 2003 est. 113 Trinidad and Tobago 17.00 2007 est. 114 Costa Rica 16.00 2006 est. 115 Maldives 16.00 2008 116 Belgium 15.20 2007 est. 117 Korea, South 15.00 2006 est. 118 Morocco 15.00 2007 est. 119 Jamaica 14.80 2003 est. 120 Jordan 14.20 2002 121 Bulgaria 14.00 2008 122 United Kingdom 14.00 2006 est. 123 Indonesia 13.30 2010 124 Russia 13.10 2009 125 Slovenia 12.30 2008 126 Vietnam 12.30 2009 est. 127 Denmark 12.10 2007 128 Kazakhstan 12.10 2008 129 Hungary 12.00 2010 est. 130 United States 12.00 2004 est. 131 Syria 11.90 2006 est. 132 Azerbaijan 11.00 2009 est. 133 Germany 11.00 2001 est. 134 Canada 10.80 2005 135 Netherlands 10.50 2005 136 Thailand 9.60 2006 est. 137 Bahamas, The 9.30 2004 138 Greenland 9.20 2007 est. 139 Andorra 8.00 2008 140 Mauritius 8.00 2006 est. 141 Serbia 7.90 2008 est. 142 Switzerland 7.40 2009 143 Montenegro 7.00 2007 est. 144 France 6.20 2004 145 Austria 6.00 2008 146 Malaysia 5.10 2002 est. 147 Ireland 4.20 2008 est. 148 Lithuania 4.00 2003 149 Tunisia 3.80 2005 est. 150 China 2.80 2007 151 Taiwan 1.08 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2047

Country Comparison :: Household income or consumption by percentage

share Data on household income or consumption come from household surveys, the results adjusted for household size. Nations use different standards and procedures in collecting and adjusting the data. Surveys based on income will normally show a more unequal distribution than surveys based on consumption. The quality of surveys is improving with time, yet caution is still necessary in making inter-country comparisons.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Comoros 55.20 2004 2 Namibia 53.00 2008 3 Haiti 47.70 2001 4 Colombia 45.00 2008 5 Angola 44.70 2000 6 South Africa 44.70 2000 7 Bolivia 44.10 2005 8 Ecuador 43.30 2007 9 Brazil 43.00 2007 10 Guatemala 42.40 2006 11 Paraguay 42.30 2007 12 Honduras 42.20 2006 13 Nicaragua 41.80 2005 14 Chile 41.70 2006 15 Madagascar 41.50 2005 16 Panama 41.40 2006 17 Armenia 41.30 2004 18 Taiwan 41.10 2002 19 Guinea 41.00 2006 20 Swaziland 40.70 2001 21 Cape Verde 40.60 2000 22 Nepal 40.60 2008 23 Papua New Guinea 40.50 1996 24 Zimbabwe 40.40 1995 25 Sri Lanka 39.70 2004 26 Lesotho 39.40 2003 27 Mozambique 39.20 2003 28 Zambia 38.80 2004 29 Dominican Republic 38.70 2005 30 Rwanda 38.20 2000 31 Peru 37.90 2006 32 Kenya 37.80 2005 33 Bhutan 37.60 2003 34 Congo, Republic of the 37.10 2005 35 El Salvador 37.00 2005 36 Gambia, The 36.90 2003 37 Mexico 36.30 2008 38 Jamaica 35.80 2004 39 Niger 35.70 2005 40 Costa Rica 35.50 2005 41 Cameroon 35.40 2001 42 Uruguay 34.80 2006 43 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 34.70 2006 44 Cambodia 34.20 2007 45 Uganda 34.10 2005 46 Cote d'Ivoire 34.00 2002 47 Guyana 33.80 1999 48 Thailand 33.70 2006 49 Sierra Leone 33.60 2003 50 Morocco 33.20 2007 51 Turkey 33.20 2005 52 Central African Republic 33.00 2003 53 Ghana 32.80 2006 54 Gabon 32.70 2005 55 Venezuela 32.70 2006 56 Argentina 32.60 2009 57 Burma 32.40 1998 58 Nigeria 32.40 2004 59 Indonesia 32.30 2006 60 Burkina Faso 32.20 2004 61 Malawi 31.90 2004 62 Turkmenistan 31.70 1998 63 Tunisia 31.50 2000 64 Timor-Leste 31.30 2001 65 Philippines 31.20 2006 66 India 31.10 2005 67 Djibouti 30.90 2002 68 Chad 30.80 2003 69 Yemen 30.80 2005 70 Jordan 30.70 2006 71 Georgia 30.60 2008 72 Mali 30.50 2006 73 Russia 30.40 September 2007 74 Liberia 30.10 2007 75 Senegal 30.10 2005 76 United States 30.00 2007 est. 77 Vietnam 29.80 2006 78 Iran 29.60 2005 79 Macedonia 29.60 2003 80 Uzbekistan 29.60 2003 81 Mauritania 29.50 2000 82 Benin 29.00 2003 83 Denmark 28.70 2007 84 Laos 28.50 2002 85 Malaysia 28.50 2005 est. 86 United Kingdom 28.50 1999 87 Belgium 28.40 2006 88 Portugal 28.40 1995 est. 89 Moldova 28.20 2004 90 Burundi 28.00 2006 91 Guinea-Bissau 28.00 2002 92 Estonia 27.70 2004 93 Egypt 27.60 2005 94 Bosnia and Herzegovina 27.40 2004 95 Latvia 27.40 2004 96 Lithuania 27.40 2004 97 Ireland 27.20 2000 98 Poland 27.20 2005 99 Togo 27.10 2006 100 Bahamas, The 27.00 2000 101 Tanzania 26.90 2000 102 Algeria 26.80 1995 103 Italy 26.80 2000 104 Bangladesh 26.60 2008 est. 105 Spain 26.60 2000 106 Kazakhstan 26.50 2004 est. 107 Pakistan 26.50 2005 108 Greece 26.00 2000 est. 109 Albania 25.90 2005 110 Kyrgyzstan 25.90 2004 111 Ukraine 25.70 2006 112 Ethiopia 25.60 2005 113 European Union 25.60 2002 est. 114 Tajikistan 25.60 2007 est. 115 Australia 25.40 1994 116 Mongolia 24.90 2005 117 Canada 24.80 2000 118 France 24.80 2004 119 Finland 24.70 2007 120 Slovenia 24.60 2004 121 Israel 24.30 2008 122 Korea, South 24.20 2007 123 Bulgaria 24.10 2008 124 Hungary 24.10 2004 125 Germany 24.00 2000 126 Luxembourg 23.80 2000 127 Norway 23.40 2000 128 Singapore 23.20 2008 129 Croatia 23.10 2005 est. 130 Netherlands 22.90 1999 131 Czech Republic 22.40 1996 132 Sweden 22.20 2000 133 Austria 22.00 2007 134 Belarus 22.00 2005 135 Japan 21.70 1993 136 Slovakia 20.90 1996 137 Romania 20.80 2006 138 Switzerland 19.00 2007 139 Azerbaijan 17.50 2005 140 China 15.00 2008 141 Bangladesh 8.80 2008 est. 142 Switzerland 7.50 2007 143 Azerbaijan 6.10 2005 144 Nepal 6.00 2008 145 Japan 4.80 1993 146 Singapore 4.40 2008 147 Czech Republic 4.30 1996 148 Burundi 4.10 2006 149 Ethiopia 4.10 2005 150 Austria 4.00 2007 151 Egypt 3.90 2005 152 Norway 3.90 2000 153 Pakistan 3.90 2005 154 Belarus 3.60 2005 155 Croatia 3.60 2005 est. 156 Finland 3.60 2007 157 Sweden 3.60 2000 158 Kyrgyzstan 3.60 2004 159 India 3.60 2005 160 Germany 3.60 2000 161 China 3.50 2008 162 Hungary 3.50 2004 163 Luxembourg 3.50 2000 164 Belgium 3.40 2006 165 Ukraine 3.40 2006 166 Slovenia 3.40 2004 167 Laos 3.40 2002 168 Kazakhstan 3.30 2004 est. 169 Tajikistan 3.30 2007 est. 170 Togo 3.30 2006 171 Albania 3.20 2005 172 Benin 3.10 2003 173 Vietnam 3.10 2006 174 Portugal 3.10 1995 est. 175 Slovakia 3.10 1996 176 Cambodia 3.00 2007 177 Poland 3.00 2005 178 Moldova 3.00 2004 179 Malawi 3.00 2004 180 Indonesia 3.00 2006 181 Jordan 3.00 2006 182 France 3.00 2004 183 Bulgaria 2.90 2008 184 European Union 2.90 2002 est. 185 Yemen 2.90 2005 186 Ireland 2.90 2000 187 Guinea-Bissau 2.90 2002 188 Tanzania 2.90 2000 189 Timor-Leste 2.90 2001 190 Mongolia 2.90 2005 191 Algeria 2.80 1995 192 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2.80 2004 193 Uzbekistan 2.80 2003 194 Burma 2.80 1998 195 Burkina Faso 2.80 2004 196 Estonia 2.70 2004 197 Korea, South 2.70 2007 198 Latvia 2.70 2004 199 Lithuania 2.70 2004 200 Mali 2.70 2006 201 Morocco 2.70 2007 202 Canada 2.60 2000 203 Chad 2.60 2003 204 Madagascar 2.60 2005 205 Sierra Leone 2.60 2003 206 Turkmenistan 2.60 1998 207 Uganda 2.60 2005 208 Spain 2.60 2000 209 Malaysia 2.60 2005 est. 210 Iran 2.60 2005 211 Gabon 2.50 2005 212 Israel 2.50 2008 213 Senegal 2.50 2005 214 Netherlands 2.50 1999 215 Mauritania 2.50 2000 216 Greece 2.50 2000 est. 217 Djibouti 2.40 2002 218 Philippines 2.40 2006 219 Macedonia 2.40 2003 220 Liberia 2.40 2007 221 Bhutan 2.30 2003 222 Niger 2.30 2005 223 Tunisia 2.30 2000 224 Cameroon 2.30 2001 225 Italy 2.30 2000 226 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.30 2006 227 Central African Republic 2.10 2003 228 United Kingdom 2.10 1999 229 Rwanda 2.10 2000 230 Mozambique 2.10 2003 231 Jamaica 2.10 2004 232 Congo, Republic of the 2.10 2005 233 Australia 2.00 1994 234 Zimbabwe 2.00 1995 235 United States 2.00 2007 est. 236 Nigeria 2.00 2004 237 Ghana 2.00 2006 238 Gambia, The 2.00 2003 239 Cote d'Ivoire 2.00 2002 240 Cape Verde 1.90 2000 241 Turkey 1.90 2005 242 Denmark 1.90 2007 243 Georgia 1.90 2008 244 Russia 1.90 September 2007 245 Guinea 1.90 2006 246 Kenya 1.80 2005 247 Mexico 1.70 2008 248 Uruguay 1.70 2006 249 Papua New Guinea 1.70 1996 250 Venezuela 1.70 2006 251 Armenia 1.60 2004 252 Thailand 1.60 2006 253 Swaziland 1.60 2001 254 Chile 1.60 2006 255 Costa Rica 1.50 2005 256 Peru 1.50 2006 257 Dominican Republic 1.50 2005 258 Nicaragua 1.40 2005 259 Guatemala 1.30 2006 260 Guyana 1.30 1999 261 South Africa 1.30 2000 262 Argentina 1.20 2009 263 Zambia 1.20 2004 264 Romania 1.20 2006 265 Ecuador 1.20 2007 266 Brazil 1.10 2007 267 Sri Lanka 1.10 2004 268 Namibia 1.10 2008 269 Paraguay 1.10 2007 270 El Salvador 1.00 2005 271 Lesotho 1.00 2003 272 Comoros 0.90 2004 273 Colombia 0.80 2008 274 Panama 0.80 2006 275 Haiti 0.70 2001 276 Honduras 0.70 2006 277 Angola 0.60 2000 278 Bolivia 0.50 2005

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Rank code: 2048

Country Comparison :: Labor force - by occupation

This entry lists the percentage distribution of the labor force by occupation. The distribution will total less than 100 percent if the data are incomplete and may range from 99-101 percent due to rounding.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Tonga 2,003.00 2003 est. 2 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 95.00 1996 3 Burundi 93.60 2002 est. 4 Burkina Faso 90.00 2000 est. 5 Norfolk Island 90.00 NA 6 Timor-Leste 90.00 2006 est. 7 Rwanda 90.00 2000 8 Niger 90.00 1995 9 Malawi 90.00 2003 est. 10 Lesotho 86.00 2002 est. 11 Angola 85.00 2003 est. 12 Ethiopia 85.00 2009 est. 13 Papua New Guinea 85.00 2005 est. 14 Saint Martin 85.00 NA 15 Zambia 85.00 2004 16 Sint Maarten 83.70 2008 17 Gaza Strip 83.00 June 2008 18 Antigua and Barbuda 82.00 1983 19 Israel 82.00 September 2008 20 Uganda 82.00 1999 est. 21 Guinea-Bissau 82.00 2000 est. 22 Curacao 81.80 NA 23 Andorra 81.00 2008 24 Mozambique 81.00 1997 est. 25 Luxembourg 80.60 2007 est. 26 United Kingdom 80.40 2006 est. 27 Chad 80.00 2006 est. 28 Wallis and Futuna 80.00 2001 est. 29 Virgin Islands 80.00 2003 est. 30 Tanzania 80.00 2002 est. 31 Sudan 80.00 1998 est. 32 Laos 80.00 2009 est. 33 Eritrea 80.00 2004 est. 34 Netherlands 80.00 2005 est. 35 Mali 80.00 2005 est. 36 Comoros 80.00 1996 est. 37 Bahrain 79.00 1997 est. 38 Puerto Rico 79.00 2005 est. 39 Cayman Islands 79.00 2008 est. 40 Afghanistan 78.60 FY08/09 est. 41 Suriname 78.00 2004 42 United Arab Emirates 78.00 2000 est. 43 Senegal 77.50 2007 est. 44 Jordan 77.40 2007 est. 45 Denmark 77.30 2005 est. 46 Singapore 76.20 2008 47 Canada 76.00 2006 est. 48 Guinea 76.00 2006 est. 49 Norway 76.00 2008 50 Uruguay 76.00 2007 est. 51 Panama 76.00 2009 est. 52 Malta 75.60 2009 est. 53 Peru 75.50 2005 54 Australia 75.00 2009 est. 55 Solomon Islands 75.00 2000 est. 56 Barbados 75.00 1996 est. 57 Kenya 75.00 2007 est. 58 Gambia, The 75.00 1996 59 Nepal 75.00 2004 est. 60 Estonia 74.50 2008 61 New Zealand 74.00 2006 est. 62 Seychelles 74.00 2006 63 Belgium 73.00 2007 est. 64 Iceland 73.00 2008 65 Switzerland 72.30 2009 66 Argentina 72.00 2009 est. 67 Saudi Arabia 71.90 2005 est. 68 France 71.80 2005 69 Belize 71.70 2007 est. 70 Spain 71.70 2009 est. 71 Cyprus 71.00 2006 est. 72 Somalia 71.00 1975 73 Sweden 70.70 2008 est. 74 Ecuador 70.40 2005 75 Burma 70.00 2001 est. 76 Cameroon 70.00 2001 est. 77 Liberia 70.00 2000 est. 78 Nigeria 70.00 1999 est. 79 Fiji 70.00 2001 est. 80 Slovakia 69.40 December 2009 81 Faroe Islands 69.20 2008 82 Korea, South 68.40 2010 est. 83 Cote d'Ivoire 68.00 2007 est. 84 Montenegro 68.00 2004 est. 85 French Polynesia 68.00 2002 86 Japan 68.00 2009 est. 87 Cambodia 67.90 2009 est. 88 Germany 67.80 2005 89 Austria 67.00 2005 est. 90 Syria 67.00 2008 est. 91 Ireland 67.00 2006 est. 92 European Union 66.70 2007 est. 93 Brazil 66.00 2003 est. 94 Haiti 66.00 1995 95 Zimbabwe 66.00 1996 96 Ukraine 65.70 2008 97 Kiribati 65.30 2000 98 Greece 65.10 2005 est. 99 Italy 65.10 2005 100 Korea, North 65.00 2008 est. 101 Maldives 65.00 2006 est. 102 Togo 65.00 1998 est. 103 South Africa 65.00 2007 est. 104 West Bank 65.00 June 2008 105 Vanuatu 65.00 2000 est. 106 Micronesia, Federated States of 64.70 FY05 est. 107 Costa Rica 64.00 2006 est. 108 Jamaica 64.00 2006 109 Venezuela 64.00 1997 est. 110 Chile 63.90 2005 111 Croatia 63.60 2008 112 Hungary 63.40 2008 113 Greenland 63.20 2007 est. 114 Colombia 63.10 2009 est. 115 Dominican Republic 63.10 2005 est. 116 Bhutan 63.00 2004 est. 117 Mexico 62.90 2005 118 Trinidad and Tobago 62.90 2007 est. 119 Brunei 62.80 2008 est. 120 Slovenia 62.80 2009 121 San Marino 62.20 2008 est. 122 Grenada 62.00 1999 est. 123 Latvia 61.80 2005 est. 124 Namibia 61.30 2008 est. 125 Mongolia 61.00 2008 126 Cuba 60.60 2005 127 Gabon 60.00 2000 est. 128 New Caledonia 60.00 2002 129 Gibraltar 60.00 2001 130 Portugal 60.00 2007 est. 131 Iraq 59.80 2008 est. 132 British Virgin Islands 59.40 2005 133 Libya 59.00 2004 est. 134 Russia 58.10 2008 135 Albania 58.00 September 2006 est. 136 El Salvador 58.00 2006 est. 137 Taiwan 58.00 2008 est. 138 Marshall Islands 57.70 2000 139 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 57.00 1980 est. 140 Lithuania 56.90 2005 141 Czech Republic 56.20 2007 142 Bulgaria 56.10 2008 est. 143 Cook Islands 56.00 1995 144 Ghana 56.00 2005 est. 145 Georgia 55.60 2006 est. 146 Serbia 55.60 October 2009 147 Liechtenstein 55.40 December 2006 148 Paraguay 55.00 2008 149 Saint Lucia 53.60 2002 est. 150 Poland 53.40 2005 151 Nicaragua 53.00 2010 est. 152 India 52.00 2009 est. 153 Macedonia 51.90 September 2009 154 Vietnam 51.80 April 2009 155 Belarus 51.30 2003 est. 156 Egypt 51.00 2001 est. 157 Philippines 51.00 2009 est. 158 Malaysia 51.00 2005 est. 159 Bahamas, The 50.00 2005 est. 160 Western Sahara 50.00 2005 est. 161 Western Sahara 50.00 2005 est. 162 Mauritania 50.00 2001 est. 163 Kazakhstan 50.00 2006 est. 164 Guatemala 50.00 1999 est. 165 Tajikistan 49.80 2009 est. 166 Tunisia 49.80 2009 est. 167 Azerbaijan 49.60 2008 168 Turkmenistan 48.20 2004 est. 169 Kyrgyzstan 48.00 2005 est. 170 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha48.00 1987 est. 171 Romania 47.10 2006 172 Bosnia and Herzegovina 47.00 2008 173 Armenia 46.20 2006 est. 174 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha46.00 1987 est. 175 Turkey 45.80 2005 176 Bangladesh 45.00 2008 177 Iran 45.00 June 2007 178 Morocco 44.60 2006 est. 179 Uzbekistan 44.00 1995 180 Liechtenstein 43.50 December 2006 181 Moldova 43.30 2005 est. 182 Bolivia 43.00 2006 est. 183 Pakistan 43.00 2005 est. 184 Hong Kong 42.90 2008 est. 185 Thailand 42.40 2008 est. 186 Indonesia 42.10 2005 est. 187 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 41.00 1996 est. 188 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 41.00 1996 est. 189 Sri Lanka 41.00 December 2008 est. 190 Moldova 40.60 2005 est. 191 Czech Republic 40.20 2007 192 Bahamas, The 40.00 2005 est. 193 Bolivia 40.00 2006 est. 194 British Virgin Islands 40.00 2005 195 Mauritania 40.00 2001 est. 196 Gibraltar 40.00 2001 197 Dominica 40.00 2000 est. 198 Honduras 39.80 2005 est. 199 China 39.50 2008 est. 200 Kyrgyzstan 39.50 2005 est. 201 Indonesia 39.30 2005 est. 202 Honduras 39.20 2005 est. 203 Azerbaijan 38.30 2008 204 Armenia 38.20 2006 est. 205 Thailand 37.90 2008 est. 206 Turkmenistan 37.80 2004 est. 207 San Marino 37.70 2008 est. 208 Tajikistan 37.40 2009 est. 209 United States 37.20 2009 210 Taiwan 36.80 2008 est. 211 Pakistan 36.60 2005 est. 212 Bulgaria 36.40 2008 est. 213 Anguilla 36.00 2000 est. 214 Malaysia 36.00 2005 est. 215 Uzbekistan 36.00 1995 216 Georgia 35.50 2006 est. 217 Morocco 35.50 2006 est. 218 Guatemala 35.00 1999 est. 219 Slovenia 35.00 2009 220 Korea, North 35.00 2008 est. 221 Belarus 34.70 2003 est. 222 Micronesia, Federated States of 34.40 FY05 est. 223 American Samoa 34.00 1990 224 India 34.00 2009 est. 225 Mongolia 34.00 2008 226 Philippines 34.00 2009 est. 227 China 33.20 2008 est. 228 American Samoa 33.00 1990 229 American Samoa 33.00 1990 230 Brunei 33.00 2008 est. 231 Finland 32.70 2008 232 Vietnam 32.70 April 2009 233 Sri Lanka 32.70 December 2008 est. 234 Bosnia and Herzegovina 32.60 2008 235 Hungary 32.10 2008 236 Algeria 32.00 2003 est. 237 Dominica 32.00 2000 est. 238 Kiribati 32.00 2000 239 Egypt 32.00 2001 est. 240 Greenland 31.90 2007 est. 241 Tunisia 31.90 2009 est. 242 Russia 31.90 2008 243 Tonga 31.80 2003 est. 244 Kazakhstan 31.50 2006 est. 245 Macau 31.50 2009 est. 246 Croatia 31.30 2008 247 Bhutan 31.00 2004 est. 248 Iran 31.00 June 2007 249 Italy 30.70 2005 250 Tonga 30.60 2003 est. 251 Bangladesh 30.00 2008 252 Portugal 30.00 2007 est. 253 Vanuatu 30.00 2000 est. 254 Togo 30.00 1998 est. 255 Fiji 30.00 2001 est. 256 Montenegro 30.00 2004 est. 257 Mauritius 30.00 2007 258 Germany 29.70 2005 259 Romania 29.70 2006 260 Macedonia 29.50 September 2009 261 Turkey 29.50 2005 262 Poland 29.20 2005 263 Lithuania 29.10 2005 264 Anguilla 29.00 2000 est. 265 Somalia 29.00 1975 266 Ghana 29.00 2005 est. 267 Cook Islands 29.00 1995 268 Sweden 28.20 2008 est. 269 Dominica 28.00 2000 est. 270 Japan 28.00 2009 est. 271 Nicaragua 28.00 2010 est. 272 European Union 27.70 2007 est. 273 Austria 27.50 2005 est. 274 China 27.20 2008 est. 275 Albania 27.00 September 2006 est. 276 Slovakia 27.00 December 2009 277 Ireland 27.00 2006 est. 278 Paraguay 26.50 2008 279 Sri Lanka 26.30 December 2008 est. 280 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 26.00 1980 est. 281 South Africa 26.00 2007 est. 282 Latvia 25.80 2005 est. 283 Bangladesh 25.00 2008 284 Mauritius 25.00 2007 285 Kenya 25.00 2007 est. 286 Iran 25.00 June 2007 287 Belgium 25.00 2007 est. 288 Haiti 25.00 1995 289 Gabon 25.00 2000 est. 290 Saint Lucia 24.70 2002 est. 291 Turkey 24.70 2005 292 France 24.30 2005 293 Korea, South 24.30 2010 est. 294 Grenada 24.00 1999 est. 295 United States 24.00 2009 296 Zimbabwe 24.00 1996 297 Spain 24.00 2009 est. 298 Guinea 24.00 2006 est. 299 Serbia 23.90 October 2009 300 Switzerland 23.90 2009 301 Peru 23.80 2005 302 Singapore 23.80 2008 303 Mexico 23.40 2005 304 Romania 23.20 2006 305 Argentina 23.00 2009 est. 306 West Bank 23.00 June 2008 307 Venezuela 23.00 1997 est. 308 Seychelles 23.00 2006 309 Maldives 23.00 2006 est. 310 Libya 23.00 2004 est. 311 El Salvador 23.00 2006 est. 312 Chile 23.00 2005 313 Burma 23.00 2001 est. 314 Malta 22.80 2009 est. 315 Estonia 22.70 2008 316 Senegal 22.50 2007 est. 317 Greece 22.40 2005 est. 318 Namibia 22.40 2008 est. 319 Dominican Republic 22.30 2005 est. 320 Iceland 22.20 2008 321 Costa Rica 22.00 2006 est. 322 Liberia 22.00 2000 est. 323 Mauritius 22.00 2007 324 Saint Lucia 21.70 2002 est. 325 Iraq 21.60 2008 est. 326 Hong Kong 21.40 2008 est. 327 Marshall Islands 21.40 2000 328 Saudi Arabia 21.40 2005 est. 329 Ecuador 21.20 2005 330 Australia 21.10 2009 est. 331 Norway 21.10 2008 332 Bermuda 21.00 2004 est. 333 Honduras 20.90 2005 est. 334 Marshall Islands 20.90 2000 335 Bosnia and Herzegovina 20.50 2008 336 Faroe Islands 20.50 2008 337 Cyprus 20.50 2006 est. 338 Serbia 20.50 October 2009 339 Trinidad and Tobago 20.40 2007 est. 340 Pakistan 20.30 2005 est. 341 United States 20.30 2009 342 Denmark 20.20 2005 est. 343 Bahrain 20.00 1997 est. 344 Uzbekistan 20.00 1995 345 Tanzania 20.00 2002 est. 346 Solomon Islands 20.00 2000 est. 347 Palau 20.00 1990 348 Nigeria 20.00 1999 est. 349 New Caledonia 20.00 2002 350 New Caledonia 20.00 2002 351 Mali 20.00 2005 est. 352 Laos 20.00 2009 est. 353 Jordan 20.00 2007 est. 354 Eritrea 20.00 2004 est. 355 Brazil 20.00 2003 est. 356 Chad 20.00 2006 est. 357 Comoros 20.00 1996 est. 358 Cuba 20.00 2005 359 Morocco 19.80 2006 est. 360 Hong Kong 19.70 2008 est. 361 Thailand 19.70 2008 est. 362 Cambodia 19.50 2009 est. 363 Cuba 19.40 2005 364 Cayman Islands 19.10 2008 est. 365 Bermuda 19.00 2004 est. 366 Virgin Islands 19.00 2003 est. 367 Puerto Rico 19.00 2005 est. 368 Nicaragua 19.00 2010 est. 369 New Zealand 19.00 2006 est. 370 Jamaica 19.00 2006 371 Gambia, The 19.00 1996 372 French Polynesia 19.00 2002 373 El Salvador 19.00 2006 est. 374 Bermuda 19.00 2004 est. 375 Colombia 18.90 2009 est. 376 Iraq 18.70 2008 est. 377 Indonesia 18.60 2005 est. 378 Macedonia 18.60 September 2009 379 Andorra 18.50 2008 380 Paraguay 18.50 2008 381 Ukraine 18.50 2008 382 Kazakhstan 18.40 2006 est. 383 Tunisia 18.30 2009 est. 384 Finland 18.20 2008 385 United Kingdom 18.20 2006 est. 386 Belize 18.10 2007 est. 387 Anguilla 18.00 2000 est. 388 Colombia 18.00 2009 est. 389 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 18.00 1996 est. 390 Panama 18.00 2009 est. 391 Netherlands 18.00 2005 est. 392 Nepal 18.00 2004 est. 393 Isle of Man 18.00 2001 394 Isle of Man 18.00 2001 395 Guinea-Bissau 18.00 2000 est. 396 United States 17.70 2009 397 Poland 17.40 2005 398 Luxembourg 17.20 2007 est. 399 Bermuda 17.00 2004 est. 400 Bolivia 17.00 2006 est. 401 Cameroon 17.00 2001 est. 402 Jamaica 17.00 2006 403 Syria 17.00 2008 est. 404 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 17.00 1980 est. 405 Libya 17.00 2004 est. 406 Egypt 17.00 2001 est. 407 Curacao 16.90 NA 408 Kosovo 16.50 2007 est. 409 Namibia 16.30 2008 est. 410 Algeria 16.00 2003 est. 411 Israel 16.00 September 2008 412 Syria 16.00 2008 est. 413 Moldova 16.00 2005 est. 414 Wallis and Futuna 16.00 2001 est. 415 Finland 15.90 2008 416 Ukraine 15.80 2008 417 Afghanistan 15.70 FY08/09 est. 418 Armenia 15.60 2006 est. 419 Vietnam 15.40 April 2009 420 Sint Maarten 15.20 2008 421 Albania 15.00 September 2006 est. 422 Barbados 15.00 1996 est. 423 Bermuda 15.00 2004 est. 424 Cook Islands 15.00 1995 425 Gabon 15.00 2000 est. 426 Guatemala 15.00 1999 est. 427 Philippines 15.00 2009 est. 428 Uruguay 15.00 2007 est. 429 United Arab Emirates 15.00 2000 est. 430 Ghana 15.00 2005 est. 431 Angola 15.00 2003 est. 432 Algeria 14.60 2003 est. 433 Dominican Republic 14.60 2005 est. 434 Finland 14.50 2008 435 Macau 14.20 2009 est. 436 Algeria 14.00 2003 est. 437 Belarus 14.00 2003 est. 438 Turkmenistan 14.00 2004 est. 439 Suriname 14.00 2004 440 Lithuania 14.00 2005 441 Lesotho 14.00 2002 est. 442 India 14.00 2009 est. 443 Grenada 14.00 1999 est. 444 Costa Rica 14.00 2006 est. 445 Brazil 14.00 2003 est. 446 Mexico 13.70 2005 447 Macau 13.60 2009 est. 448 Algeria 13.40 2003 est. 449 Chile 13.20 2005 450 Cameroon 13.00 2001 est. 451 Canada 13.00 2006 est. 452 French Polynesia 13.00 2002 453 Venezuela 13.00 1997 est. 454 Uganda 13.00 1999 est. 455 Sudan 13.00 1998 est. 456 Mozambique 13.00 1997 est. 457 Malaysia 13.00 2005 est. 458 Tajikistan 12.80 2009 est. 459 Trinidad and Tobago 12.80 2007 est. 460 Cambodia 12.70 2009 est. 461 Macau 12.60 2009 est. 462 Kyrgyzstan 12.50 2005 est. 463 Greece 12.40 2005 est. 464 Azerbaijan 12.10 2008 465 Latvia 12.10 2005 est. 466 Gaza Strip 12.00 June 2008 467 West Bank 12.00 June 2008 468 Antigua and Barbuda 11.00 1983 469 Isle of Man 11.00 2001 470 Isle of Man 11.00 2001 471 Maldives 11.00 2006 est. 472 Belize 10.20 2007 est. 473 Faroe Islands 10.20 2008 474 Algeria 10.00 2003 est. 475 Zimbabwe 10.00 1996 476 Rwanda 10.00 2000 477 Russia 10.00 2008 478 Portugal 10.00 2007 est. 479 Norfolk Island 10.00 NA 480 Nigeria 10.00 1999 est. 481 Mauritania 10.00 2001 est. 482 Malawi 10.00 2003 est. 483 Isle of Man 10.00 2001 484 Isle of Man 10.00 2001 485 Ethiopia 10.00 2009 est. 486 Burkina Faso 10.00 2000 est. 487 Barbados 10.00 1996 est. 488 Anguilla 10.00 2000 est. 489 Macau 9.30 2009 est. 490 Haiti 9.00 1995 491 South Africa 9.00 2007 est. 492 Uruguay 9.00 2007 est. 493 Zambia 9.00 2004 494 Mauritius 9.00 2007 495 Georgia 8.90 2006 est. 496 Cyprus 8.50 2006 est. 497 Ecuador 8.30 2005 498 Isle of Man 8.00 2001 499 Liberia 8.00 2000 est. 500 Suriname 8.00 2004 501 Hong Kong 7.90 2008 est. 502 Bulgaria 7.50 2008 est. 503 Finland 7.30 2008 504 Korea, South 7.30 2010 est. 505 Antigua and Barbuda 7.00 1983 506 Bermuda 7.00 2004 est. 507 United Arab Emirates 7.00 2000 est. 508 Sudan 7.00 1998 est. 509 New Zealand 7.00 2006 est. 510 Nepal 7.00 2004 est. 511 Mauritius 7.00 2007 512 Burma 7.00 2001 est. 513 Finland 6.90 2008 514 Saudi Arabia 6.70 2005 est. 515 Macau 6.60 2009 est. 516 Hong Kong 6.10 2008 est. 517 Bhutan 6.00 2004 est. 518 Canada 6.00 2006 est. 519 Ireland 6.00 2006 est. 520 Zambia 6.00 2004 521 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha6.00 1987 est. 522 Panama 6.00 2009 est. 523 Niger 6.00 1995 524 Mozambique 6.00 1997 est. 525 Mauritius 6.00 2007 526 Isle of Man 6.00 2001 527 Gambia, The 6.00 1996 528 Afghanistan 5.70 FY08/09 est. 529 European Union 5.60 2007 est. 530 Austria 5.50 2005 est. 531 Macau 5.20 2009 est. 532 Taiwan 5.10 2008 est. 533 Argentina 5.00 2009 est. 534 Bahamas, The 5.00 2005 est. 535 Bahamas, The 5.00 2005 est. 536 Vanuatu 5.00 2000 est. 537 Uganda 5.00 1999 est. 538 Togo 5.00 1998 est. 539 Solomon Islands 5.00 2000 est. 540 Mongolia 5.00 2008 541 Gaza Strip 5.00 June 2008 542 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 5.00 1996 543 Ethiopia 5.00 2009 est. 544 Croatia 5.00 2008 545 Greenland 4.90 2007 est. 546 Macau 4.90 2009 est. 547 Iceland 4.80 2008 548 Finland 4.50 2008 549 Hungary 4.50 2008 550 Brunei 4.20 2008 est. 551 Spain 4.20 2009 est. 552 Italy 4.20 2005 553 Burundi 4.10 2002 est. 554 Anguilla 4.00 2000 est. 555 Japan 4.00 2009 est. 556 Wallis and Futuna 4.00 2001 est. 557 Niger 4.00 1995 558 France 3.80 2005 559 Trinidad and Tobago 3.80 2007 est. 560 Switzerland 3.80 2009 561 Australia 3.60 2009 est. 562 Czech Republic 3.60 2007 563 Slovakia 3.50 December 2009 564 Anguilla 3.00 2000 est. 565 Bermuda 3.00 2004 est. 566 Canada 3.00 2006 est. 567 Seychelles 3.00 2006 568 Isle of Man 3.00 2001 569 Isle of Man 3.00 2001 570 Norway 2.90 2008 571 Estonia 2.80 2008 572 Jordan 2.70 2007 est. 573 Kiribati 2.70 2000 574 Denmark 2.50 2005 est. 575 Germany 2.40 2005 576 Burundi 2.30 2002 est. 577 Luxembourg 2.20 2007 est. 578 Slovenia 2.20 2009 579 Macau 2.10 2009 est. 580 Puerto Rico 2.10 2005 est. 581 Belgium 2.00 2007 est. 582 Canada 2.00 2006 est. 583 Netherlands 2.00 2005 est. 584 Montenegro 2.00 2004 est. 585 Israel 2.00 September 2008 586 Isle of Man 2.00 2001 587 Cayman Islands 1.90 2008 est. 588 Hong Kong 1.90 2008 est. 589 Liechtenstein 1.70 December 2006 590 Malta 1.60 2009 est. 591 United Kingdom 1.40 2006 est. 592 Curacao 1.20 NA 593 Sint Maarten 1.10 2008 594 Sweden 1.10 2008 est. 595 Bahrain 1.00 1997 est. 596 Virgin Islands 1.00 2003 est. 597 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.90 FY05 est. 598 Peru 0.70 2005 599 United States 0.70 2009 600 British Virgin Islands 0.60 2005 601 Andorra 0.50 2008 602 San Marino 0.10 2008 est. 603 Singapore 0.00 2008

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Rank code: 2049

Country Comparison :: Exports - commodities

This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued exported products; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

======================================================================

Rank code: 2050

Country Comparison :: Exports - partners

This entry provides a rank ordering of trading partners starting with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Chad 90.06 2009 2 Bhutan 86.30 2008 3 Mexico 80.50 2009 4 Haiti 79.76 2009 5 Mongolia 78.52 2009 6 Djibouti 76.68 2009 7 Canada 75.02 2009 8 Nepal 65.60 2009 9 Saint Kitts and Nevis 62.30 2009 10 Guinea-Bissau 62.21 2009 11 Nicaragua 61.98 2009 12 Greenland 61.13 2009 13 Honduras 59.60 2009 14 Lesotho 58.90 2008 15 Albania 58.75 2009 16 Sudan 58.29 2009 17 Somalia 58.27 2009 18 Dominican Republic 54.08 2009 19 Solomon Islands 54.07 2009 20 Cape Verde 53.98 2009 21 Vanuatu 53.15 2009 22 Niger 52.63 2009 23 Hong Kong 51.20 2009 est. 24 Mozambique 47.62 2009 25 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 46.75 2009 26 Burma 46.57 2009 27 Cambodia 45.32 2009 28 El Salvador 43.86 2009 29 Gambia, The 42.06 2009 30 Mauritania 42.06 2009 31 Korea, North 42.00 2008 32 Bolivia 41.38 2009 33 Samoa 41.12 2009 34 Guatemala 40.41 2009 35 Congo, Republic of the 40.08 2009 36 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 40.04 2009 37 Colombia 39.00 2009 38 Macau 38.70 2009 39 Trinidad and Tobago 38.53 2009 40 Jamaica 38.19 2009 41 Brunei 38.04 2009 42 Korea, North 38.00 2008 43 Libya 37.65 2009 44 Lesotho 37.00 2008 45 Faroe Islands 36.26 2009 46 Yemen 36.00 2009 47 Bahamas, The 35.99 2009 48 Angola 35.65 2009 49 Suriname 35.47 2009 50 Venezuela 35.18 2009 51 Nigeria 35.08 2009 52 Israel 35.05 2009 53 Qatar 34.68 2009 54 Rwanda 33.88 2009 55 Belarus 33.60 2009 56 Ecuador 33.50 2009 57 Sao Tome and Principe 32.99 2009 58 Costa Rica 32.61 2009 59 Central African Republic 32.57 2009 60 Czech Republic 32.25 2009 61 Guinea-Bissau 31.28 2009 62 Austria 30.96 2009 63 Iceland 30.71 2009 64 Belize 30.70 2009 65 Gabon 30.62 2009 66 Equatorial Guinea 30.31 2009 67 Syria 30.22 2009 68 Congo, Republic of the 30.18 2009 69 Papua New Guinea 30.05 2009 70 Uzbekistan 29.91 2009 71 Belize 29.77 2009 72 Tunisia 29.60 2009 73 Montenegro 29.52 2009 74 Saint Lucia 29.41 2009 75 Laos 29.18 2009 76 Madagascar 28.90 2009 77 Dominica 28.62 2009 78 Liberia 27.92 2009 79 Iraq 27.62 2009 80 Guyana 27.52 2009 81 New Caledonia 27.52 2009 82 Oman 26.98 2009 83 Sao Tome and Principe 26.93 2009 84 Taiwan 26.60 2009 85 Sierra Leone 26.56 2009 86 Afghanistan 26.47 2009 87 Portugal 26.25 2009 88 Poland 26.06 2009 89 Angola 25.98 2009 90 Kyrgyzstan 25.96 2009 91 Brunei 25.95 2009 92 Kyrgyzstan 25.88 2009 93 Cuba 25.68 2009 94 Mauritius 25.55 2009 95 Hungary 25.54 2009 96 Netherlands 25.54 2009 97 Tonga 25.42 2009 98 Eritrea 25.30 2008 99 Comoros 25.20 2009 100 Seychelles 24.84 2009 101 Samoa 24.74 2009 102 Norway 24.28 2009 103 Aruba 23.84 2009 104 Cyprus 23.83 2009 105 Moldova 23.77 2009 106 Sint Maarten 23.49 2009 107 New Zealand 23.36 2009 108 Algeria 23.20 2009 109 Afghanistan 23.09 2009 110 Montenegro 22.65 2009 111 Tonga 22.65 2009 112 Bangladesh 22.50 2009 113 Qatar 22.44 2009 114 Niger 22.43 2009 115 Turkmenistan 22.30 2009 116 Cape Verde 22.23 2009 117 Morocco 22.02 2009 118 Lebanon 22.00 2009 119 Australia 21.81 2009 120 Burundi 21.60 2009 121 Korea, South 21.50 2008 122 Vietnam 21.43 2009 123 Zambia 21.37 2009 124 Faroe Islands 21.36 2009 125 Ukraine 21.10 2009 126 Uruguay 21.05 2009 127 Sao Tome and Principe 21.04 2009 128 Panama 21.03 2009 129 Paraguay 21.00 2009 130 Tunisia 21.00 2009 131 Switzerland 20.98 2009 132 Eritrea 20.70 2008 133 Azerbaijan 20.69 2009 134 Sri Lanka 20.59 2009 135 Ireland 20.52 2009 136 Aruba 20.49 2009 137 Madagascar 20.49 2009 138 Comoros 20.44 2009 139 Somalia 20.32 2009 140 Cuba 20.31 2009 141 Macedonia 20.31 2009 142 Morocco 20.22 2009 143 Senegal 20.12 2009 144 Slovakia 20.10 2009 145 China 20.03 2009 146 Dominica 19.81 2009 147 Luxembourg 19.78 2009 148 Grenada 19.73 2009 149 Benin 19.72 2009 150 Guinea 19.68 2009 151 Belgium 19.58 2009 152 United States 19.37 2009 153 Slovenia 19.36 2009 154 Spain 19.27 2009 155 Australia 19.19 2009 156 Tajikistan 19.16 2009 157 Croatia 19.10 2009 158 Bosnia and Herzegovina 19.07 2009 159 Japan 18.88 2009 160 Argentina 18.78 2009 161 Romania 18.76 2009 162 Bahamas, The 18.64 2009 163 Bosnia and Herzegovina 18.58 2009 164 Estonia 18.57 2009 165 Seychelles 18.53 2009 166 Tajikistan 18.38 2009 167 Niger 18.24 2009 168 Kuwait 17.90 2009 169 Macau 17.90 2009 170 Georgia 17.87 2009 171 Peru 17.86 2009 172 Ireland 17.78 2009 173 Belgium 17.71 2009 174 Panama 17.63 2009 175 Yemen 17.63 2009 176 Philippines 17.60 2009 177 Togo 17.57 2009 178 Denmark 17.53 2009 179 Aruba 17.48 2009 180 Barbados 17.48 2009 181 Comoros 17.44 2009 182 Afghanistan 17.36 2009 183 Kuwait 17.31 2009 184 Indonesia 17.28 2009 185 United Arab Emirates 17.27 2009 186 Algeria 17.23 2009 187 Oman 17.19 2009 188 Jordan 17.13 2009 189 Liberia 17.12 2009 190 Maldives 17.01 2009 191 Jordan 17.00 2009 192 Paraguay 17.00 2009 193 Guyana 16.93 2009 194 Bermuda 16.91 2009 195 Mauritius 16.89 2009 196 Bosnia and Herzegovina 16.87 2009 197 Burkina Faso 16.76 2009 198 Iran 16.58 2009 199 Gabon 16.56 2009 200 Armenia 16.47 2009 201 Chile 16.46 2009 202 Japan 16.42 2009 203 Kazakhstan 16.34 2009 204 Ireland 16.31 2009 205 Philippines 16.20 2009 206 Peru 15.96 2009 207 France 15.88 2009 208 Gabon 15.87 2009 209 Luxembourg 15.87 2009 210 Pakistan 15.87 2009 211 Liberia 15.83 2009 212 Kyrgyzstan 15.72 2009 213 Barbados 15.63 2009 214 Armenia 15.45 2009 215 Romania 15.42 2009 216 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 15.35 2009 217 Gambia, The 15.34 2009 218 Saudi Arabia 15.33 2009 219 Saint Lucia 15.28 2009 220 Fiji 15.21 2009 221 Latvia 15.19 2009 222 Maldives 15.16 2009 223 Laos 15.04 2009 224 Laos 14.96 2009 225 Suriname 14.92 2009 226 New Caledonia 14.87 2009 227 Burundi 14.86 2009 228 Zimbabwe 14.82 2009 229 United Kingdom 14.71 2009 230 Sudan 14.70 2009 231 Mali 14.61 2009 232 Iraq 14.45 2009 233 Macau 14.40 2009 234 Taiwan 14.40 2009 235 Bangladesh 14.20 2009 236 Brunei 14.17 2009 237 Moldova 14.11 2009 238 Eritrea 14.10 2008 239 Cameroon 13.99 2009 240 Uzbekistan 13.94 2009 241 Cote d'Ivoire 13.92 2009 242 El Salvador 13.92 2009 243 Malaysia 13.90 2009 244 Bolivia 13.87 2009 245 Belarus 13.78 2009 246 Greenland 13.69 2009 247 Jordan 13.59 2009 248 Latvia 13.57 2009 249 Rwanda 13.56 2009 250 Yemen 13.54 2009 251 Maldives 13.49 2009 252 Uganda 13.47 2009 253 Ghana 13.45 2009 254 Grenada 13.41 2009 255 Norway 13.40 2009 256 Zimbabwe 13.39 2009 257 Bosnia and Herzegovina 13.38 2009 258 Malta 13.30 2009 259 Zimbabwe 13.23 2009 260 El Salvador 13.22 2009 261 Lithuania 13.20 2009 262 Benin 13.18 2009 263 Guinea 13.18 2009 264 Latvia 13.17 2009 265 Maldives 13.13 2009 266 Serbia 13.12 2009 267 Curacao 13.10 2009 est. 268 Macedonia 13.09 2009 269 Burma 12.99 2009 270 Portugal 12.99 2009 271 Croatia 12.98 2009 272 Eritrea 12.90 2008 273 Slovakia 12.90 2009 274 India 12.87 2009 275 Sri Lanka 12.87 2009 276 Costa Rica 12.82 2009 277 Burkina Faso 12.78 2009 278 Moldova 12.74 2009 279 Togo 12.74 2009 280 Iceland 12.73 2009 281 Saudi Arabia 12.71 2009 282 Denmark 12.68 2009 283 Aruba 12.61 2009 284 Italy 12.60 2009 285 India 12.59 2009 286 Equatorial Guinea 12.54 2009 287 Estonia 12.52 2009 288 Afghanistan 12.51 2009 289 Malta 12.50 2009 290 Brazil 12.49 2009 291 Netherlands 12.49 2009 292 Kyrgyzstan 12.47 2009 293 Kuwait 12.43 2009 294 Maldives 12.38 2009 295 Malawi 12.37 2009 296 Pakistan 12.35 2009 297 Georgia 12.30 2009 298 Cameroon 12.25 2009 299 Vanuatu 12.22 2009 300 Faroe Islands 12.21 2009 301 Grenada 12.21 2009 302 Syria 12.21 2009 303 United States 12.21 2009 304 Tonga 12.21 2009 305 Jamaica 12.20 2009 306 Malaysia 12.20 2009 307 Saudi Arabia 12.20 2009 308 Oman 12.12 2009 309 Fiji 12.11 2009 310 Bahamas, The 12.10 2009 311 Tajikistan 12.09 2009 312 Portugal 12.04 2009 313 China 12.03 2009 314 Grenada 12.03 2009 315 Colombia 12.00 2009 316 Paraguay 12.00 2009 317 Grenada 12.00 2009 318 Iran 11.90 2009 319 Sierra Leone 11.87 2009 320 Belgium 11.84 2009 321 Cameroon 11.84 2009 322 Montenegro 11.83 2009 323 Costa Rica 11.81 2009 324 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 11.78 2009 325 Vanuatu 11.78 2009 326 Hong Kong 11.60 2009 est. 327 Singapore 11.60 2009 328 Singapore 11.60 2009 329 Taiwan 11.60 2009 330 Mozambique 11.60 2009 331 Italy 11.57 2009 332 Singapore 11.50 2009 333 Vietnam 11.44 2009 334 Malta 11.40 2009 335 Peru 11.35 2009 336 Chile 11.31 2009 337 Slovenia 11.31 2009 338 Kenya 11.31 2009 339 Indonesia 11.29 2009 340 Fiji 11.23 2009 341 Oman 11.23 2009 342 Bulgaria 11.21 2009 343 Iceland 11.21 2009 344 Guatemala 11.20 2009 345 Singapore 11.20 2009 346 Greece 11.11 2009 347 Spain 11.11 2009 348 Tajikistan 11.11 2009 349 Macedonia 11.08 2009 350 Luxembourg 11.07 2009 351 Croatia 11.06 2009 352 United Kingdom 11.06 2009 353 Greece 11.05 2009 354 Togo 11.02 2009 355 Paraguay 11.00 2009 356 Serbia 10.96 2009 357 Sint Maarten 10.91 2009 358 Korea, South 10.90 2008 359 Malaysia 10.90 2009 360 Thailand 10.90 2009 361 Ethiopia 10.87 2009 362 Norway 10.87 2009 363 Guyana 10.84 2009 364 Algeria 10.83 2009 365 Indonesia 10.81 2009 366 Curacao 10.80 2009 est. 367 Jamaica 10.79 2009 368 Cote d'Ivoire 10.75 2009 369 Curacao 10.70 2009 est. 370 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10.68 2009 371 Azerbaijan 10.67 2009 372 Russia 10.62 2009 373 Macedonia 10.61 2009 374 Sweden 10.61 2009 375 Thailand 10.60 2009 376 Jordan 10.56 2009 377 Iran 10.54 2009 378 Saint Lucia 10.54 2009 379 New Caledonia 10.51 2009 380 Brazil 10.50 2009 381 Central African Republic 10.49 2009 382 United Arab Emirates 10.49 2009 383 Liberia 10.48 2009 384 Nigeria 10.43 2009 385 Saudi Arabia 10.38 2009 386 Central African Republic 10.36 2009 387 South Africa 10.34 2009 388 Finland 10.32 2009 389 Thailand 10.30 2009 390 Turkmenistan 10.27 2009 391 Bosnia and Herzegovina 10.25 2009 392 Central African Republic 10.24 2009 393 Togo 10.22 2009 394 Germany 10.20 2009 395 Sweden 10.20 2009 396 Bermuda 10.15 2009 397 Suriname 10.15 2009 398 Iraq 10.14 2009 399 Libya 10.11 2009 400 Qatar 10.03 2009 401 Lebanon 10.00 2009 402 Lithuania 10.00 2009 403 United Arab Emirates 9.96 2009 404 Serbia 9.90 2009 405 Panama 9.87 2009 406 Suriname 9.87 2009 407 Senegal 9.84 2009 408 Kenya 9.81 2009 409 Malaysia 9.80 2009 410 Philippines 9.80 2009 411 Finland 9.79 2009 412 Dominican Republic 9.78 2009 413 Ethiopia 9.75 2009 414 Saint Lucia 9.75 2009 415 Mauritania 9.71 2009 416 Singapore 9.70 2009 417 Singapore 9.70 2009 418 Albania 9.69 2009 419 Armenia 9.64 2009 420 New Zealand 9.64 2009 421 Bangladesh 9.60 2009 422 Curacao 9.60 2009 est. 423 Turkey 9.60 2009 424 Lithuania 9.60 2009 425 Georgia 9.60 2009 426 Bermuda 9.55 2009 427 Saint Lucia 9.52 2009 428 Estonia 9.51 2009 429 Mauritius 9.51 2009 430 Cambodia 9.46 2009 431 Mongolia 9.46 2009 432 Seychelles 9.45 2009 433 Uruguay 9.45 2009 434 Bulgaria 9.43 2009 435 Malta 9.40 2009 436 Estonia 9.33 2009 437 Burundi 9.32 2009 438 Nigeria 9.32 2009 439 Netherlands 9.27 2009 440 Argentina 9.26 2009 441 Azerbaijan 9.24 2009 442 Bulgaria 9.24 2009 443 Kazakhstan 9.23 2009 444 Equatorial Guinea 9.21 2009 445 Spain 9.21 2009 446 New Zealand 9.21 2009 447 Cyprus 9.20 2009 448 South Africa 9.19 2009 449 Cameroon 9.14 2009 450 Aruba 9.12 2009 451 Switzerland 9.09 2009 452 Kenya 9.07 2009 453 Kuwait 9.07 2009 454 Chile 9.06 2009 455 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 9.05 2009 456 Gambia, The 9.03 2009 457 Seychelles 9.03 2009 458 Czech Republic 9.02 2009 459 Burma 9.01 2009 460 Finland 9.00 2009 461 Uganda 8.98 2009 462 Montenegro 8.96 2009 463 Burundi 8.94 2009 464 Barbados 8.93 2009 465 Zambia 8.93 2009 466 Syria 8.89 2009 467 Trinidad and Tobago 8.86 2009 468 Angola 8.83 2009 469 Sudan 8.83 2009 470 Kenya 8.83 2009 471 Tunisia 8.80 2009 472 Cyprus 8.78 2009 473 Georgia 8.78 2009 474 Belarus 8.68 2009 475 Iraq 8.62 2009 476 Switzerland 8.62 2009 477 Armenia 8.60 2009 478 Philippines 8.60 2009 479 Venezuela 8.56 2009 480 Norway 8.55 2009 481 Zambia 8.55 2009 482 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 8.53 2009 483 Bulgaria 8.52 2009 484 Malawi 8.52 2009 485 Tanzania 8.51 2009 486 Denmark 8.49 2009 487 Guatemala 8.48 2009 488 Pakistan 8.48 2009 489 Libya 8.44 2009 490 Brazil 8.40 2009 491 China 8.32 2009 492 Kazakhstan 8.32 2009 493 Zambia 8.32 2009 494 Mali 8.28 2009 495 Spain 8.24 2009 496 Romania 8.20 2009 497 Austria 8.17 2009 498 Congo, Republic of the 8.17 2009 499 Netherlands 8.17 2009 500 France 8.16 2009 501 Azerbaijan 8.15 2009 502 Barbados 8.13 2009 503 Latvia 8.13 2009 504 Japan 8.13 2009 505 Bhutan 8.10 2008 506 Switzerland 8.08 2009 507 Zambia 8.08 2009 508 Comoros 8.02 2009 509 Lebanon 8.00 2009 510 Nepal 8.00 2009 511 United Kingdom 8.00 2009 512 Algeria 7.97 2009 513 Luxembourg 7.96 2009 514 Egypt 7.95 2009 515 Libya 7.94 2009 516 Montenegro 7.93 2009 517 Saint Kitts and Nevis 7.93 2009 518 Tajikistan 7.92 2009 519 Sierra Leone 7.91 2009 520 Kuwait 7.90 2009 521 Australia 7.88 2009 522 Ghana 7.87 2009 523 Finland 7.85 2009 524 Zimbabwe 7.82 2009 525 France 7.80 2009 526 Slovakia 7.80 2009 527 Cote d'Ivoire 7.79 2009 528 United Kingdom 7.79 2009 529 Slovenia 7.75 2009 530 Macedonia 7.74 2009 531 New Caledonia 7.74 2009 532 Nicaragua 7.74 2009 533 Faroe Islands 7.72 2009 534 Dominica 7.70 2009 535 Philippines 7.70 2009 536 Malawi 7.67 2009 537 Algeria 7.65 2009 538 Oman 7.64 2009 539 Azerbaijan 7.62 2009 540 Indonesia 7.62 2009 541 Curacao 7.60 2009 est. 542 Burkina Faso 7.59 2009 543 South Africa 7.59 2009 544 Armenia 7.57 2009 545 Mauritania 7.57 2009 546 Kuwait 7.55 2009 547 Malawi 7.55 2009 548 Tanzania 7.55 2009 549 Iran 7.54 2009 550 Uzbekistan 7.53 2009 551 Cambodia 7.52 2009 552 Uganda 7.52 2009 553 Australia 7.51 2009 554 Aruba 7.50 2009 555 Uganda 7.50 2009 556 Equatorial Guinea 7.50 2009 557 Georgia 7.49 2009 558 Luxembourg 7.49 2009 559 Armenia 7.48 2009 560 Papua New Guinea 7.48 2009 561 Croatia 7.47 2009 562 Sweden 7.45 2009 563 France 7.44 2009 564 Slovenia 7.42 2009 565 Uganda 7.42 2009 566 Bermuda 7.40 2009 567 Sierra Leone 7.40 2009 568 Malawi 7.40 2009 569 Ethiopia 7.39 2009 570 Gambia, The 7.38 2009 571 Uruguay 7.36 2009 572 Slovenia 7.35 2009 573 Sweden 7.35 2009 574 Bulgaria 7.33 2009 575 New Caledonia 7.31 2009 576 Tonga 7.31 2009 577 Zimbabwe 7.30 2009 578 Greece 7.28 2009 579 Vietnam 7.27 2009 580 Egypt 7.26 2009 581 Uzbekistan 7.26 2009 582 Brunei 7.24 2009 583 Haiti 7.24 2009 584 Guinea 7.24 2009 585 Belgium 7.21 2009 586 Portugal 7.21 2009 587 Ethiopia 7.21 2009 588 Cote d'Ivoire 7.20 2009 589 Slovakia 7.20 2009 590 Tonga 7.20 2009 591 Taiwan 7.20 2009 592 Nigeria 7.19 2009 593 Cape Verde 7.13 2009 594 Saudi Arabia 7.12 2009 595 Tanzania 7.12 2009 596 Argentina 7.11 2009 597 Lithuania 7.10 2009 598 New Zealand 7.10 2009 599 Togo 7.10 2009 600 Lithuania 7.10 2009 601 Liberia 7.09 2009 602 Cambodia 7.07 2009 603 France 7.04 2009 604 Equatorial Guinea 7.01 2009 605 South Africa 7.01 2009 606 Bangladesh 7.00 2009 607 Serbia 7.00 2009 608 Lebanon 7.00 2009 609 Cote d'Ivoire 6.99 2009 610 Seychelles 6.98 2009 611 Zambia 6.96 2009 612 Benin 6.94 2009 613 Moldova 6.92 2009 614 Togo 6.92 2009 615 Kazakhstan 6.90 2009 616 Burkina Faso 6.89 2009 617 United Kingdom 6.89 2009 618 Trinidad and Tobago 6.88 2009 619 Central African Republic 6.87 2009 620 Guinea 6.86 2009 621 Uganda 6.85 2009 622 Poland 6.84 2009 623 Uzbekistan 6.83 2009 624 Georgia 6.82 2009 625 United Arab Emirates 6.82 2009 626 Ecuador 6.80 2009 627 Syria 6.80 2009 628 Cuba 6.79 2009 629 Malawi 6.79 2009 630 Egypt 6.78 2009 631 Poland 6.78 2009 632 Peru 6.75 2009 633 Turkmenistan 6.75 2009 634 Greece 6.74 2009 635 Mali 6.74 2009 636 Albania 6.73 2009 637 Saint Kitts and Nevis 6.72 2009 638 Armenia 6.71 2009 639 Germany 6.70 2009 640 Germany 6.70 2009 641 Egypt 6.69 2009 642 Sierra Leone 6.67 2009 643 Malawi 6.64 2009 644 New Caledonia 6.64 2009 645 Azerbaijan 6.63 2009 646 Germany 6.60 2009 647 Korea, South 6.60 2008 648 United States 6.58 2009 649 Benin 6.56 2009 650 Dominica 6.52 2009 651 Ecuador 6.50 2009 652 Philippines 6.50 2009 653 Malta 6.50 2009 654 Chile 6.49 2009 655 Faroe Islands 6.49 2009 656 Mali 6.48 2009 657 Russia 6.46 2009 658 Sweden 6.44 2009 659 Bangladesh 6.40 2009 660 Congo, Republic of the 6.40 2009 661 Argentina 6.38 2009 662 Poland 6.38 2009 663 Ethiopia 6.38 2009 664 Burkina Faso 6.36 2009 665 Sweden 6.36 2009 666 Belarus 6.32 2009 667 Cambodia 6.31 2009 668 Germany 6.30 2009 669 Slovakia 6.30 2009 670 Japan 6.27 2009 671 Turkmenistan 6.25 2009 672 Bahamas, The 6.24 2009 673 Russia 6.24 2009 674 Samoa 6.24 2009 675 Liberia 6.23 2009 676 Trinidad and Tobago 6.23 2009 677 Rwanda 6.22 2009 678 Tanzania 6.21 2009 679 Philippines 6.20 2009 680 Thailand 6.20 2009 681 Solomon Islands 6.19 2009 682 Spain 6.18 2009 683 Tajikistan 6.17 2009 684 Cameroon 6.16 2009 685 Yemen 6.16 2009 686 Mauritania 6.16 2009 687 Turkmenistan 6.16 2009 688 Greenland 6.15 2009 689 Sierra Leone 6.13 2009 690 Curacao 6.10 2009 est. 691 Slovakia 6.10 2009 692 Turkey 6.10 2009 693 Comoros 6.09 2009 694 Estonia 6.09 2009 695 Moldova 6.08 2009 696 Tonga 6.06 2009 697 Denmark 6.05 2009 698 Nepal 6.04 2009 699 Solomon Islands 6.04 2009 700 Israel 6.02 2009 701 Denmark 6.01 2009 702 Germany 6.00 2009 703 Togo 5.94 2009 704 Kenya 5.93 2009 705 Libya 5.93 2009 706 Italy 5.92 2009 707 Sint Maarten 5.92 2009 708 Finland 5.90 2009 709 Malta 5.90 2009 710 Madagascar 5.89 2009 711 Guinea 5.87 2009 712 Guatemala 5.86 2009 713 Ghana 5.85 2009 714 Poland 5.85 2009 715 Ghana 5.84 2009 716 Burundi 5.82 2009 717 Czech Republic 5.80 2009 718 Tunisia 5.80 2009 719 Slovakia 5.80 2009 720 Turkey 5.80 2009 721 Turkey 5.80 2009 722 Central African Republic 5.79 2009 723 Turkmenistan 5.79 2009 724 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5.78 2009 725 Burkina Faso 5.76 2009 726 Norway 5.76 2009 727 Iceland 5.75 2009 728 Benin 5.73 2009 729 Guinea 5.71 2009 730 Tanzania 5.71 2009 731 Latvia 5.70 2009 732 Italy 5.69 2009 733 Uzbekistan 5.69 2009 734 Russia 5.69 2009 735 Albania 5.68 2009 736 Mauritius 5.68 2009 737 Hungary 5.67 2009 738 Uganda 5.67 2009 739 Ireland 5.66 2009 740 Uganda 5.66 2009 741 Burma 5.65 2009 742 France 5.65 2009 743 El Salvador 5.65 2009 744 Benin 5.63 2009 745 Equatorial Guinea 5.63 2009 746 Kenya 5.63 2009 747 Mauritania 5.63 2009 748 Bolivia 5.62 2009 749 Czech Republic 5.62 2009 750 Bulgaria 5.61 2009 751 Samoa 5.61 2009 752 Iraq 5.61 2009 753 Honduras 5.61 2009 754 Guinea 5.60 2009 755 Thailand 5.60 2009 756 India 5.59 2009 757 Senegal 5.58 2009 758 Cote d'Ivoire 5.56 2009 759 Ireland 5.56 2009 760 Guyana 5.54 2009 761 Portugal 5.54 2009 762 South Africa 5.54 2009 763 Egypt 5.53 2009 764 Indonesia 5.53 2009 765 Kazakhstan 5.52 2009 766 Cameroon 5.51 2009 767 Sri Lanka 5.51 2009 768 Eritrea 5.50 2008 769 Japan 5.49 2009 770 Rwanda 5.49 2009 771 Yemen 5.49 2009 772 Kuwait 5.48 2009 773 Mauritius 5.47 2009 774 Rwanda 5.47 2009 775 Faroe Islands 5.46 2009 776 Croatia 5.44 2009 777 Rwanda 5.43 2009 778 Peru 5.42 2009 779 Croatia 5.41 2009 780 Hungary 5.41 2009 781 Dominica 5.40 2009 782 Malaysia 5.40 2009 783 Serbia 5.40 2009 784 Eritrea 5.40 2008 785 Brazil 5.39 2009 786 Fiji 5.39 2009 787 Zimbabwe 5.39 2009 788 Equatorial Guinea 5.38 2009 789 Serbia 5.38 2009 790 Switzerland 5.38 2009 791 Moldova 5.38 2009 792 Belgium 5.37 2009 793 Hungary 5.37 2009 794 Barbados 5.36 2009 795 Ethiopia 5.33 2009 796 Bolivia 5.32 2009 797 Egypt 5.30 2009 798 Ukraine 5.30 2009 799 Sri Lanka 5.29 2009 800 Honduras 5.28 2009 801 Hungary 5.28 2009 802 Georgia 5.27 2009 803 Libya 5.27 2009 804 Serbia 5.26 2009 805 Kazakhstan 5.25 2009 806 Finland 5.24 2009 807 Liberia 5.24 2009 808 Greenland 5.21 2009 809 Malaysia 5.20 2009 810 Algeria 5.19 2009 811 Rwanda 5.19 2009 812 Uganda 5.18 2009 813 Tanzania 5.17 2009 814 Turkmenistan 5.17 2009 815 Uruguay 5.16 2009 816 Azerbaijan 5.13 2009 817 New Caledonia 5.13 2009 818 Burkina Faso 5.13 2009 819 Italy 5.13 2009 820 Kazakhstan 5.12 2009 821 United Arab Emirates 5.11 2009 822 Netherlands 5.07 2009 823 Sweden 5.05 2009 824 Barbados 5.04 2009 825 Syria 5.04 2009 826 Senegal 5.02 2009 827 Comoros 5.00 2009 828 Korea, North 5.00 2008 829 Guyana 5.00 2009 830 Thailand 5.00 2009 831 Tunisia 5.00 2009 832 Turkey 5.00 2009 833 Zambia 5.00 2009 834 Nepal 5.00 2009 835 Austria 4.99 2009 836 Georgia 4.99 2009 837 Yemen 4.99 2009 838 Romania 4.99 2009 839 Hungary 4.97 2009 840 Thailand 4.97 2009 841 Australia 4.95 2009 842 Greece 4.95 2009 843 Israel 4.95 2009 844 Czech Republic 4.93 2009 845 Mauritius 4.93 2009 846 Zimbabwe 4.93 2009 847 Seychelles 4.92 2009 848 Suriname 4.92 2009 849 Armenia 4.91 2009 850 Morocco 4.91 2009 851 Belize 4.90 2009 852 Ecuador 4.90 2009 853 Djibouti 4.89 2009 854 Jamaica 4.89 2009 855 Uruguay 4.88 2009 856 Solomon Islands 4.87 2009 857 Qatar 4.86 2009 858 Sudan 4.86 2009 859 Denmark 4.84 2009 860 United States 4.84 2009 861 Iceland 4.82 2009 862 Norway 4.82 2009 863 Chad 4.81 2009 864 Malta 4.80 2009 865 Slovakia 4.80 2009 866 Tunisia 4.80 2009 867 Belgium 4.77 2009 868 Estonia 4.76 2009 869 Fiji 4.74 2009 870 South Africa 4.72 2009 871 Czech Republic 4.71 2009 872 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4.71 2009 873 Bolivia 4.70 2009 874 Suriname 4.70 2009 875 Pakistan 4.70 2009 876 Lithuania 4.70 2009 877 Italy 4.69 2009 878 Jamaica 4.69 2009 879 Mali 4.67 2009 880 Sweden 4.67 2009 881 Cameroon 4.66 2009 882 Nigeria 4.65 2009 883 United Kingdom 4.65 2009 884 Chile 4.64 2009 885 Korea, South 4.60 2008 886 Mali 4.60 2009 887 Singapore 4.60 2009 888 Ecuador 4.58 2009 889 Denmark 4.57 2009 890 China 4.55 2009 891 Gambia, The 4.55 2009 892 Syria 4.55 2009 893 Saudi Arabia 4.54 2009 894 Sri Lanka 4.54 2009 895 Cuba 4.53 2009 896 Burkina Faso 4.52 2009 897 Hungary 4.52 2009 898 Curacao 4.50 2009 est. 899 Germany 4.50 2009 900 Tonga 4.48 2009 901 Suriname 4.47 2009 902 Belize 4.45 2009 903 Mali 4.45 2009 904 Bulgaria 4.44 2009 905 Fiji 4.44 2009 906 Pakistan 4.44 2009 907 Sri Lanka 4.43 2009 908 Vietnam 4.43 2009 909 Togo 4.41 2009 910 Germany 4.40 2009 911 Greece 4.40 2009 912 Hong Kong 4.40 2009 est. 913 Egypt 4.39 2009 914 Serbia 4.39 2009 915 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.38 2009 916 Czech Republic 4.38 2009 917 Australia 4.37 2009 918 Iran 4.36 2009 919 Madagascar 4.36 2009 920 Serbia 4.36 2009 921 Ethiopia 4.35 2009 922 Indonesia 4.35 2009 923 Kazakhstan 4.34 2009 924 Cameroon 4.33 2009 925 Guyana 4.33 2009 926 Romania 4.33 2009 927 United States 4.33 2009 928 Uganda 4.33 2009 929 Mauritania 4.32 2009 930 Tajikistan 4.32 2009 931 Luxembourg 4.31 2009 932 Sao Tome and Principe 4.31 2009 933 Lithuania 4.30 2009 934 Russia 4.30 2009 935 Laos 4.29 2009 936 Gabon 4.28 2009 937 Panama 4.28 2009 938 China 4.27 2009 939 Vietnam 4.27 2009 940 Panama 4.27 2009 941 Egypt 4.27 2009 942 Estonia 4.26 2009 943 Peru 4.25 2009 944 Saudi Arabia 4.25 2009 945 Greece 4.23 2009 946 Senegal 4.23 2009 947 Iraq 4.23 2009 948 Algeria 4.22 2009 949 Djibouti 4.22 2009 950 New Zealand 4.21 2009 951 Bahrain 4.20 2009 952 Congo, Republic of the 4.20 2009 953 Taiwan 4.20 2009 954 New Caledonia 4.20 2009 955 Dominica 4.20 2009 956 Curacao 4.20 2009 est. 957 Costa Rica 4.20 2009 958 Belarus 4.19 2009 959 Ireland 4.19 2009 960 Uzbekistan 4.19 2009 961 Honduras 4.19 2009 962 Jordan 4.18 2009 963 Belarus 4.17 2009 964 Benin 4.17 2009 965 Bolivia 4.16 2009 966 Cambodia 4.15 2009 967 Poland 4.14 2009 968 Angola 4.13 2009 969 Uruguay 4.13 2009 970 Iraq 4.13 2009 971 Barbados 4.12 2009 972 Guyana 4.12 2009 973 Ecuador 4.11 2009 974 Indonesia 4.11 2009 975 Mauritius 4.11 2009 976 Australia 4.10 2009 977 Malawi 4.10 2009 978 United States 4.10 2009 979 Finland 4.10 2009 980 Chile 4.09 2009 981 Jordan 4.09 2009 982 Equatorial Guinea 4.09 2009 983 Indonesia 4.07 2009 984 Samoa 4.07 2009 985 Brazil 4.05 2009 986 Sierra Leone 4.05 2009 987 Honduras 4.04 2009 988 Russia 4.01 2009 989 Cameroon 4.00 2009 990 United Kingdom 4.00 2009 991 Paraguay 4.00 2009 992 Morocco 4.00 2009 993 Macau 4.00 2009 994 Ethiopia 4.00 2009 995 Colombia 4.00 2009 996 Austria 3.99 2009 997 Iraq 3.99 2009 998 France 3.99 2009 999 Gambia, The 3.97 2009 1000 Netherlands 3.97 2009 1001 Ghana 3.97 2009 1002 Uruguay 3.96 2009 1003 Ukraine 3.80 2009 1004 Somalia 3.78 2009 1005 Nicaragua 3.67 2009 1006 Mexico 3.60 2009 1007 Canada 3.37 2009 1008 Canada 3.09 2009 1009 Mongolia 3.02 2009 1010 Haiti 2.96 2009 1011 Bahrain 2.78 2009 1012 Chad 1.60 2009 1013 Bhutan 1.50 2008 1014 Guinea-Bissau 1.48 2009 1015 Mexico 1.40 2009 1016 Lesotho 1.20 2008

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Rank code: 2051

Country Comparison :: Administrative divisions

This entry generally gives the numbers, designatory terms, and first-order administrative divisions as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Changes that have been reported but not yet acted on by the BGN are noted.

Rank country Administrative divisions Date of Information

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Rank code: 2052

Country Comparison :: Agriculture - products

This entry is an ordered listing of major crops and products starting with the most important.

Rank country Agriculture - products Date of Information

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Rank code: 2053

Country Comparison :: Airports

This entry gives the total number of airports or airfields recognizable from the air. The runway(s) may be paved (concrete or asphalt surfaces) or unpaved (grass, earth, sand, or gravel surfaces) and may include closed or abandoned installations. Airports or airfields that are no longer recognizable (overgrown, no facilities, etc.) are not included. Note that not all airports have accommodations for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control.

Rank country Airports Date of Information

1 United States 15,079 2010 2 Brazil 4,072 2010 3 Mexico 1,819 2010 4 Canada 1,404 2010 5 Russia 1,213 2010 6 Argentina 1,141 2010 7 Colombia 990 2010 8 Bolivia 881 2010 9 Paraguay 800 2010 10 Indonesia 684 2010 11 South Africa 578 2010 12 Papua New Guinea 562 2010 13 Germany 549 2010 14 United Kingdom 505 2010 15 China 502 2010 16 France 474 2010 17 Australia 465 2010 18 Ecuador 428 2010 19 Ukraine 425 2010 20 Venezuela 409 2010 21 Guatemala 372 2010 22 Chile 366 2010 23 India 352 2010 24 Iran 319 2010 25 Philippines 254 2010 26 Sweden 249 2010 27 Saudi Arabia 217 2010 28 Zimbabwe 216 2010 29 Peru 211 2010 30 Bulgaria 210 2010 31 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 198 2010 32 Angola 193 2010 33 Kenya 191 2010 34 Japan 176 2010 35 Spain 154 2010 36 Costa Rica 151 2010 37 Finland 148 2010 38 Pakistan 148 2010 39 Algeria 143 2010 40 Nicaragua 143 2010 41 Sudan 140 2010 42 Libya 137 2010 43 Cuba 136 2010 44 Italy 132 2010 45 Oman 130 2010 46 Namibia 129 2010 47 Poland 129 2010 48 Tanzania 124 2010 49 Czech Republic 122 2010 50 New Zealand 122 2010 51 Malaysia 118 2010 52 Panama 118 2010 53 Korea, South 116 2010 54 Mozambique 106 2010 55 Thailand 105 2010 56 Honduras 104 2010 57 Syria 104 2010 58 Iraq 104 2010 59 Iceland 99 2010 60 Turkey 99 2010 61 Norway 98 2010 62 Kazakhstan 97 2010 63 Guyana 96 2010 64 Zambia 94 2010 65 Denmark 92 2010 66 Egypt 86 2010 67 Madagascar 84 2010 68 Greece 81 2010 69 Lithuania 81 2010 70 Korea, North 79 2010 71 Botswana 78 2010 72 Burma 76 2010 73 Croatia 69 2010 74 Belarus 67 2010 75 El Salvador 65 2010 76 Switzerland 65 2010 77 Portugal 65 2010 78 Bahamas, The 62 2010 79 Ethiopia 61 2010 80 Somalia 59 2010 81 Morocco 58 2010 82 Uruguay 58 2010 83 Chad 56 2010 84 Austria 55 2010 85 Yemen 55 2010 86 Nigeria 54 2010 87 Uzbekistan 54 2010 88 Romania 54 2010 89 Afghanistan 53 2010 90 French Polynesia 53 2010 91 Suriname 51 2010 92 Israel 48 2010 93 Nepal 47 2010 94 Mongolia 46 2010 95 Uganda 46 2010 96 Belize 45 2010 97 Gabon 44 2010 98 Vietnam 44 2010 99 Belgium 43 2010 100 Hungary 43 2010 101 Latvia 42 2010 102 Laos 41 2010 103 United Arab Emirates 41 2010 104 Taiwan 41 2010 105 Ireland 39 2010 106 Central African Republic 37 2010 107 Slovakia 36 2010 108 Solomon Islands 36 2010 109 Azerbaijan 35 2010 110 Dominican Republic 35 2010 111 Cameroon 34 2010 112 Malawi 32 2010 113 Tunisia 32 2010 114 Vanuatu 31 2010 115 Liberia 29 2010 116 Serbia 29 2010 117 Puerto Rico 29 2010 118 Fiji 28 2010 119 Kyrgyzstan 28 2010 120 Mauritania 28 2010 121 Cote d'Ivoire 27 2010 122 Turkmenistan 27 2010 123 Niger 27 2010 124 Jamaica 27 2010 125 Netherlands 27 2010 126 Antarctica 26 2010 127 Tajikistan 26 2010 128 Lesotho 26 2010 129 Bosnia and Herzegovina 25 2010 130 Congo, Republic of the 25 2010 131 New Caledonia 25 2010 132 Burkina Faso 24 2010 133 Georgia 22 2010 134 Mali 20 2010 135 Senegal 20 2010 136 Estonia 19 2010 137 Kiribati 19 2010 138 Jordan 18 2010 139 Sri Lanka 18 2010 140 Bangladesh 17 2010 141 Cambodia 17 2010 142 Guinea 16 2010 143 Slovenia 16 2010 144 Cyprus 15 2010 145 Greenland 15 2010 146 Swaziland 15 2010 147 Marshall Islands 15 2010 148 Haiti 14 2010 149 Macedonia 14 2010 150 Seychelles 14 2010 151 Djibouti 13 2010 152 Eritrea 13 2010 153 Armenia 11 2010 154 Moldova 11 2010 155 Ghana 11 2010 156 Cape Verde 10 2010 157 Cook Islands 10 2010 158 Guinea-Bissau 9 2010 159 Sierra Leone 9 2010 160 Rwanda 9 2010 161 Burundi 8 2010 162 Togo 8 2010 163 Turks and Caicos Islands 8 2010 164 Singapore 8 2010 165 Kosovo 8 2010 166 Equatorial Guinea 7 2010 167 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 7 2010 168 Kuwait 7 2010 169 Lebanon 7 2010 170 Micronesia, Federated States of 6 2010 171 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6 2010 172 Timor-Leste 6 2010 173 Qatar 6 2010 174 Tonga 6 2010 175 Western Sahara 6 2010 176 Trinidad and Tobago 6 2010 177 Albania 5 2010 178 Maldives 5 2010 179 Mauritius 5 2010 180 Benin 5 2010 181 Northern Mariana Islands 5 2010 182 Montenegro 5 2010 183 Bahrain 4 2010 184 British Virgin Islands 4 2010 185 Spratly Islands 4 2010 186 Svalbard 4 2010 187 Samoa 4 2010 188 French Southern and Antarctic Lands4 2010 189 Comoros 4 2010 190 American Samoa 3 2010 191 Palau 3 2010 192 Grenada 3 2010 193 Cayman Islands 3 2010 194 Antigua and Barbuda 3 2010 195 Anguilla 3 2010 196 Bhutan 2 2010 197 Luxembourg 2 2010 198 Saint Lucia 2 2010 199 West Bank 2 2010 200 Wallis and Futuna 2 2010 201 Virgin Islands 2 2010 202 Sao Tome and Principe 2 2010 203 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2 2010 204 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2 2010 205 Montserrat 2 2010 206 Hong Kong 2 2010 207 Brunei 2 2010 208 Dominica 2 2010 209 Guernsey 2 2010 210 Aruba 1 2010 211 Gambia, The 1 2010 212 Wake Island 1 2010 213 Tuvalu 1 2010 214 Sint Maarten 1 NA 215 Nauru 1 2010 216 Mayotte 1 2010 217 Malta 1 2010 218 Macau 1 2010 219 Jersey 1 2010 220 Jan Mayen 1 2010 221 Isle of Man 1 2010 222 Gibraltar 1 2010 223 Gaza Strip 1 2010 224 Saint Martin 1 2010 225 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1 2010 226 Saint Barthelemy 1 2010 227 Paracel Islands 1 2010 228 Norfolk Island 1 2010 229 Niue 1 2010 230 Faroe Islands 1 2010 231 Curacao 1 NA 232 British Indian Ocean Territory 1 2010 233 Barbados 1 2010 234 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1 2010 235 Christmas Island 1 2010 236 Bermuda 1 2010

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Rank code: 2054

Country Comparison :: Birth rate

This entry gives the average annual number of births during a year per 1,000 persons in the population at midyear; also known as crude birth rate. The birth rate is usually the dominant factor in determining the rate of population growth. It depends on both the level of fertility and the age structure of the population.

Rank country (births/1,000 population) Date of Information

1 Niger 51.08 2010 est. 2 Uganda 47.55 2010 est. 3 Mali 46.09 2010 est. 4 Zambia 44.63 2010 est. 5 Burkina Faso 43.98 2010 est. 6 Ethiopia 43.34 2010 est. 7 Angola 43.33 2010 est. 8 Somalia 43.33 2010 est. 9 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 42.26 2010 est. 10 Burundi 41.43 2010 est. 11 Malawi 41.28 2010 est. 12 Congo, Republic of the 41.01 2010 est. 13 Chad 40.12 2010 est. 14 Sao Tome and Principe 39.09 2010 est. 15 Sierra Leone 38.79 2010 est. 16 Mayotte 38.76 2010 est. 17 Benin 38.67 2010 est. 18 Liberia 38.14 2010 est. 19 Afghanistan 38.11 2010 est. 20 Madagascar 37.89 2010 est. 21 Mozambique 37.80 2010 est. 22 Gambia, The 37.31 2010 est. 23 Senegal 37.27 2010 est. 24 Rwanda 37.26 2010 est. 25 Guinea 37.21 2010 est. 26 Central African Republic 36.79 2010 est. 27 Sudan 36.58 2010 est. 28 Gaza Strip 36.26 2010 est. 29 Nigeria 36.07 2010 est. 30 Equatorial Guinea 36.00 2010 est. 31 Togo 35.88 2010 est. 32 Guinea-Bissau 35.56 2010 est. 33 Gabon 35.39 2010 est. 34 Kenya 35.14 2010 est. 35 Comoros 34.71 2010 est. 36 Yemen 34.37 2010 est. 37 Mauritania 33.67 2010 est. 38 Cameroon 33.58 2010 est. 39 Eritrea 33.48 2010 est. 40 Tanzania 33.44 2010 est. 41 Western Sahara 32.56 2010 est. 42 Zimbabwe 31.57 2010 est. 43 Cote d'Ivoire 31.48 2010 est. 44 Marshall Islands 29.94 2010 est. 45 Iraq 29.41 2010 est. 46 Solomon Islands 28.60 2010 est. 47 Nauru 28.16 2010 est. 48 Ghana 28.09 2010 est. 49 Guatemala 27.40 2010 est. 50 Lesotho 27.17 2010 est. 51 Swaziland 27.12 2010 est. 52 Jordan 27.06 2010 est. 53 Papua New Guinea 26.95 2010 est. 54 Belize 26.84 2010 est. 55 Laos 26.57 2010 est. 56 Tajikistan 26.49 2010 est. 57 Timor-Leste 25.93 2010 est. 58 Philippines 25.68 2010 est. 59 Honduras 25.61 2010 est. 60 Cambodia 25.58 2010 est. 61 Djibouti 25.58 2010 est. 62 Pakistan 25.30 2010 est. 63 Bolivia 25.16 2010 est. 64 Egypt 25.02 2010 est. 65 West Bank 24.91 2010 est. 66 Libya 24.58 2010 est. 67 Syria 24.44 2010 est. 68 Haiti 24.40 2011 est. 69 Oman 23.90 2010 est. 70 Kyrgyzstan 23.58 2010 est. 71 Bangladesh 23.43 2010 est. 72 Kiribati 23.06 2010 est. 73 American Samoa 23.05 2010 est. 74 Tuvalu 23.01 2010 est. 75 Samoa 22.92 2010 est. 76 Nicaragua 22.77 2010 est. 77 Micronesia, Federated States of 22.57 2010 est. 78 Botswana 22.54 2010 est. 79 Nepal 22.43 2010 est. 80 Namibia 21.82 2010 est. 81 Cape Verde 21.67 2010 est. 82 Kuwait 21.64 2010 est. 83 Fiji 21.52 2010 est. 84 Malaysia 21.41 2010 est. 85 India 21.34 2010 est. 86 Vanuatu 21.08 2010 est. 87 Northern Mariana Islands 21.05 2010 est. 88 Mongolia 21.03 2010 est. 89 Turks and Caicos Islands 20.44 2010 est. 90 Ecuador 20.32 2010 est. 91 Venezuela 20.29 2010 est. 92 Dominican Republic 19.90 2010 est. 93 World 19.86 2009 est. 94 Panama 19.71 2010 est. 95 Bhutan 19.62 2010 est. 96 Turkmenistan 19.62 2010 est. 97 South Africa 19.61 2010 est. 98 Israel 19.51 2010 est. 99 Burma 19.49 2010 est. 100 Jamaica 19.47 2010 est. 101 Saudi Arabia 19.43 2010 est. 102 Morocco 19.40 2010 est. 103 Mexico 19.39 2010 est. 104 Peru 19.00 2010 est. 105 Iran 18.52 2010 est. 106 Indonesia 18.45 2010 est. 107 Turkey 18.28 2010 est. 108 Brazil 18.11 2010 est. 109 El Salvador 18.06 2010 est. 110 Brunei 18.00 2010 est. 111 Tonga 17.78 2010 est. 112 Colombia 17.76 2010 est. 113 Argentina 17.75 2010 est. 114 Azerbaijan 17.75 2010 est. 115 Paraguay 17.73 2010 est. 116 Guyana 17.61 2010 est. 117 Uzbekistan 17.51 2010 est. 118 Vietnam 17.29 2010 est. 119 Grenada 17.20 2010 est. 120 Bahrain 16.81 2010 est. 121 Algeria 16.71 2010 est. 122 Kazakhstan 16.66 2010 est. 123 Costa Rica 16.65 2010 est. 124 Suriname 16.61 2010 est. 125 New Caledonia 16.52 2010 est. 126 Antigua and Barbuda 16.43 2010 est. 127 Ireland 16.37 2010 est. 128 Bahamas, The 16.25 2010 est. 129 United Arab Emirates 15.98 2010 est. 130 Sri Lanka 15.88 2010 est. 131 Dominica 15.68 2010 est. 132 Cook Islands 15.67 2010 est. 133 French Polynesia 15.67 2010 est. 134 Qatar 15.54 2010 est. 135 Seychelles 15.53 2010 est. 136 Tunisia 15.31 2010 est. 137 Lebanon 15.10 2010 est. 138 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 14.89 2010 est. 139 Saint Lucia 14.81 2010 est. 140 Greenland 14.68 2010 est. 141 Korea, North 14.58 2010 est. 142 British Virgin Islands 14.52 2010 est. 143 Maldives 14.50 2010 est. 144 Chile 14.46 2010 est. 145 Trinidad and Tobago 14.37 2010 est. 146 Saint Kitts and Nevis 14.23 2010 est. 147 Gibraltar 14.20 2010 est. 148 Mauritius 14.17 2010 est. 149 Wallis and Futuna 14.08 NA 150 United States 13.83 2010 est. 151 New Zealand 13.81 2010 est. 152 Uruguay 13.67 2010 est. 153 Iceland 13.36 2010 est. 154 Thailand 13.01 2010 est. 155 Anguilla 13.00 2010 est. 156 Faroe Islands 12.90 2010 est. 157 Aruba 12.77 2010 est. 158 Armenia 12.74 2010 est. 159 Barbados 12.43 2010 est. 160 France 12.43 2010 est. 161 Australia 12.39 2010 est. 162 United Kingdom 12.34 2010 est. 163 Cayman Islands 12.29 2010 est. 164 China 12.17 2010 est. 165 Macedonia 11.92 2010 est. 166 Albania 11.88 2010 est. 167 Montserrat 11.72 2010 est. 168 Luxembourg 11.70 2010 est. 169 Isle of Man 11.54 2010 est. 170 Virgin Islands 11.51 2010 est. 171 Bermuda 11.47 2010 est. 172 Puerto Rico 11.42 2010 est. 173 Cyprus 11.38 2010 est. 174 Moldova 11.16 2010 est. 175 Russia 11.11 2010 est. 176 Montenegro 11.09 2010 est. 177 Cuba 11.02 2010 est. 178 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha10.95 2010 est. 179 Spain 10.91 2010 est. 180 Norway 10.90 2010 est. 181 Jersey 10.73 2010 est. 182 Georgia 10.70 2010 est. 183 Palau 10.68 2010 est. 184 Slovakia 10.55 2010 est. 185 Estonia 10.42 2010 est. 186 Denmark 10.40 2010 est. 187 Malta 10.38 2010 est. 188 Finland 10.37 2010 est. 189 Netherlands 10.30 2010 est. 190 Canada 10.28 2010 est. 191 Guernsey 10.25 2010 est. 192 Sweden 10.14 2010 est. 193 Portugal 10.12 2010 est. 194 Belgium 10.10 2010 est. 195 Poland 10.04 2010 est. 196 Andorra 10.03 2010 est. 197 Latvia 9.90 2010 est. 198 Belarus 9.76 2010 est. 199 Hungary 9.70 2010 est. 200 Liechtenstein 9.69 2010 est. 201 Croatia 9.63 2010 est. 202 Ukraine 9.62 2010 est. 203 Romania 9.58 2010 est. 204 Switzerland 9.56 2010 est. 205 Bulgaria 9.43 2010 est. 206 Greece 9.34 2010 est. 207 Lithuania 9.21 2010 est. 208 Serbia 9.20 2010 est. 209 San Marino 9.18 2010 est. 210 Macau 8.98 2010 est. 211 Taiwan 8.97 2010 est. 212 Slovenia 8.92 2010 est. 213 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8.87 2010 est. 214 Czech Republic 8.76 2010 est. 215 Korea, South 8.72 2010 est. 216 Austria 8.65 2010 est. 217 Singapore 8.65 2010 est. 218 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 8.58 2010 est. 219 Germany 8.21 2010 est. 220 Italy 8.01 2010 est. 221 Hong Kong 7.45 2010 est. 222 Japan 7.41 2010 est. 223 Monaco 7.03 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2055

Country Comparison :: Military branches

This entry lists the service branches subordinate to defense ministries or the equivalent (typically ground, naval, air, and marine forces).

Rank country Military branches Date of Information

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Rank code: 2056

Country Comparison :: Budget

This entry includes revenues, expenditures, and capital expenditures. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Rank country Budget Date of Information

1 United States $ 3,397,000,000,000 2010 est. 2 Japan $ 2,252,000,000,000 2010 est. 3 United States $ 2,092,000,000,000 2010 est. 4 Japan $ 1,839,000,000,000 2010 est. 5 Germany $ 1,516,000,000,000 2010 est. 6 France $ 1,441,000,000,000 2010 est. 7 Germany $ 1,396,000,000,000 2010 est. 8 China $ 1,270,000,000,000 2010 est. 9 France $ 1,241,000,000,000 2010 est. 10 United Kingdom $ 1,154,000,000,000 2010 est. 11 China $ 1,149,000,000,000 2010 est. 12 Italy $ 1,042,000,000,000 2010 est. 13 Italy $ 940,300,000,000 2010 est. 14 United Kingdom $ 926,700,000,000 2010 est. 15 Canada $ 677,700,000,000 2010 est. 16 Spain $ 648,600,000,000 2010 est. 17 Canada $ 605,700,000,000 2010 est. 18 Brazil $ 552,600,000,000 2010 est. 19 Spain $ 515,800,000,000 2010 est. 20 Brazil $ 464,400,000,000 2010 est. 21 Australia $ 426,500,000,000 2010 est. 22 Netherlands $ 399,300,000,000 2010 est. 23 Australia $ 396,100,000,000 2010 est. 24 Netherlands $ 356,000,000,000 2010 est. 25 Russia $ 341,100,000,000 2010 est. 26 Korea, South $ 267,300,000,000 2010 est. 27 Mexico $ 267,000,000,000 2010 est. 28 Russia $ 262,000,000,000 2010 est. 29 India $ 257,400,000,000 2010 est. 30 Korea, South $ 248,300,000,000 2010 est. 31 Belgium $ 242,600,000,000 2010 est. 32 Mexico $ 237,000,000,000 2010 est. 33 Sweden $ 236,600,000,000 2010 est. 34 Sweden $ 230,100,000,000 2010 est. 35 Norway $ 226,800,000,000 2010 est. 36 Belgium $ 220,600,000,000 2010 est. 37 Switzerland $ 194,200,000,000 2010 est. 38 Switzerland $ 192,100,000,000 2010 est. 39 Turkey $ 189,600,000,000 2010 est. 40 Norway $ 187,000,000,000 2010 est. 41 Saudi Arabia $ 185,100,000,000 2010 est. 42 Denmark $ 175,900,000,000 2010 est. 43 Austria $ 175,700,000,000 2010 est. 44 Saudi Arabia $ 173,100,000,000 2010 est. 45 India $ 170,700,000,000 2010 est. 46 Denmark $ 160,300,000,000 2010 est. 47 Turkey $ 159,400,000,000 2010 est. 48 Austria $ 156,700,000,000 2010 est. 49 Ireland $ 151,700,000,000 2010 est. 50 Greece $ 142,900,000,000 2010 est. 51 Indonesia $ 127,400,000,000 2010 est. 52 South Africa $ 126,200,000,000 2010 est. 53 Poland $ 125,900,000,000 2010 est. 54 Finland $ 125,200,000,000 2010 est. 55 Finland $ 117,500,000,000 2010 est. 56 Indonesia $ 117,200,000,000 2010 est. 57 Greece $ 114,500,000,000 2010 est. 58 Portugal $ 110,200,000,000 2010 est. 59 Iran $ 105,700,000,000 2010 est. 60 South Africa $ 103,100,000,000 2010 est. 61 Iran $ 98,830,000,000 2010 est. 62 Portugal $ 93,610,000,000 2010 est. 63 Argentina $ 91,290,000,000 2010 est. 64 Poland $ 91,230,000,000 2010 est. 65 Czech Republic $ 87,870,000,000 2010 est. 66 Argentina $ 86,670,000,000 2010 est. 67 Algeria $ 85,570,000,000 2010 est. 68 Colombia $ 83,900,000,000 2010 est. 69 Taiwan $ 79,650,000,000 2010 est. 70 Czech Republic $ 77,900,000,000 2010 est. 71 Ireland $ 74,220,000,000 2010 est. 72 Colombia $ 74,200,000,000 2010 est. 73 Iraq $ 72,400,000,000 2010 est. 74 Taiwan $ 72,240,000,000 2010 est. 75 Israel $ 68,680,000,000 2010 est. 76 Algeria $ 66,480,000,000 2010 est. 77 United Arab Emirates $ 65,020,000,000 2010 est. 78 Kuwait $ 64,810,000,000 2010 est. 79 Egypt $ 64,190,000,000 2010 est. 80 Malaysia $ 62,910,000,000 2010 est. 81 New Zealand $ 62,180,000,000 2010 est. 82 Romania $ 62,000,000,000 2010 est. 83 Israel $ 60,590,000,000 2010 est. 84 United Arab Emirates $ 60,020,000,000 2010 est. 85 Hungary $ 59,170,000,000 2010 est. 86 Thailand $ 56,870,000,000 2010 est. 87 Venezuela $ 56,530,000,000 2010 est. 88 Thailand $ 56,330,000,000 2010 est. 89 New Zealand $ 56,240,000,000 2010 est. 90 Hungary $ 54,160,000,000 2010 est. 91 Iraq $ 52,800,000,000 2010 est. 92 Romania $ 50,890,000,000 2010 est. 93 Venezuela $ 50,120,000,000 2010 est. 94 Ukraine $ 49,790,000,000 2010 est. 95 Malaysia $ 49,690,000,000 2010 est. 96 Cuba $ 48,890,000,000 2010 est. 97 Peru $ 47,040,000,000 2010 est. 98 Egypt $ 46,820,000,000 2010 est. 99 Hong Kong $ 46,670,000,000 2010 est. 100 Cuba $ 46,510,000,000 2010 est. 101 Chile $ 45,070,000,000 2010 est. 102 Peru $ 44,910,000,000 2010 est. 103 Qatar $ 44,620,000,000 2010 est. 104 Libya $ 42,310,000,000 2010 est. 105 Ukraine $ 41,180,000,000 2010 est. 106 Chile $ 40,970,000,000 2010 est. 107 Angola $ 40,410,000,000 2010 est. 108 Hong Kong $ 40,140,000,000 2010 est. 109 Libya $ 38,920,000,000 2010 est. 110 Kuwait $ 38,120,000,000 2010 est. 111 Angola $ 37,380,000,000 2010 est. 112 Pakistan $ 36,240,000,000 2010 est. 113 Philippines $ 36,190,000,000 2010 est. 114 Slovakia $ 35,010,000,000 2010 est. 115 Kazakhstan $ 34,460,000,000 2010 est. 116 Vietnam $ 33,390,000,000 2010 est. 117 Singapore $ 32,780,000,000 2010 est. 118 Singapore $ 31,240,000,000 2010 est. 119 Kazakhstan $ 30,570,000,000 2010 est. 120 Qatar $ 29,690,000,000 2010 est. 121 Nigeria $ 29,550,000,000 2010 est. 122 Philippines $ 28,500,000,000 2010 est. 123 Slovakia $ 28,450,000,000 2010 est. 124 Morocco $ 27,080,000,000 2010 est. 125 Vietnam $ 26,520,000,000 2010 est. 126 Slovenia $ 25,530,000,000 2010 est. 127 Pakistan $ 25,330,000,000 2010 est. 128 Belarus $ 24,320,000,000 2010 est. 129 Croatia $ 24,290,000,000 2010 est. 130 Morocco $ 23,420,000,000 2010 est. 131 Belarus $ 23,270,000,000 2010 est. 132 Ecuador $ 22,760,000,000 2010 est. 133 Slovenia $ 22,560,000,000 2010 est. 134 Luxembourg $ 22,110,000,000 2010 est. 135 Croatia $ 22,000,000,000 2010 est. 136 Luxembourg $ 20,880,000,000 2010 est. 137 Ecuador $ 20,830,000,000 2010 est. 138 Oman $ 20,500,000,000 2010 est. 139 Oman $ 20,100,000,000 2010 est. 140 Serbia $ 18,480,000,000 2010 est. 141 Nigeria $ 18,160,000,000 2010 est. 142 Bulgaria $ 17,520,000,000 2010 est. 143 Serbia $ 16,470,000,000 2010 est. 144 Bangladesh $ 15,900,000,000 2010 est. 145 Bulgaria $ 15,710,000,000 2010 est. 146 Syria $ 15,300,000,000 2010 est. 147 Lithuania $ 14,960,000,000 2010 est. 148 Azerbaijan $ 14,644,000,000 2010 est. 149 Azerbaijan $ 14,192,000,000 2010 est. 150 Sudan $ 13,150,000,000 2010 est. 151 Syria $ 12,530,000,000 2010 est. 152 Uzbekistan $ 12,300,000,000 2010 est. 153 Uruguay $ 12,250,000,000 2010 est. 154 Uzbekistan $ 12,250,000,000 2010 est. 155 Lithuania $ 11,980,000,000 2010 est. 156 Uruguay $ 11,780,000,000 2010 est. 157 Tunisia $ 11,760,000,000 2010 est. 158 Bangladesh $ 11,430,000,000 2010 est. 159 Sri Lanka $ 11,180,000,000 2010 est. 160 Sudan $ 11,060,000,000 2010 est. 161 Lebanon $ 10,950,000,000 2010 est. 162 Cyprus $ 10,610,000,000 2010 est. 163 Latvia $ 9,863,000,000 2010 est. 164 Tunisia $ 9,806,000,000 2010 est. 165 Puerto Rico $ 9,600,000,000 FY99/00 166 Yemen $ 9,345,000,000 2010 est. 167 Cyprus $ 9,308,000,000 2010 est. 168 Kenya $ 9,045,000,000 2010 est. 169 Lebanon $ 9,001,000,000 2010 est. 170 Jordan $ 8,701,000,000 2010 est. 171 Dominican Republic $ 8,634,000,000 2010 est. 172 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 8,344,000,000 2010 est. 173 Estonia $ 8,210,000,000 2010 est. 174 Bolivia $ 8,161,000,000 2010 est. 175 Bolivia $ 8,064,000,000 2010 est. 176 Latvia $ 8,028,000,000 2010 est. 177 Estonia $ 7,851,000,000 2010 est. 178 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 7,612,000,000 2010 est. 179 Yemen $ 7,581,000,000 2010 est. 180 Sri Lanka $ 7,415,000,000 2010 est. 181 Trinidad and Tobago $ 7,240,000,000 2010 est. 182 Macau $ 7,200,000,000 2009 183 Dominican Republic $ 7,110,000,000 2010 est. 184 Panama $ 7,051,000,000 2010 est. 185 Ghana $ 7,025,000,000 2010 est. 186 Kenya $ 7,017,000,000 2010 est. 187 Equatorial Guinea $ 6,984,000,000 2010 est. 188 Panama $ 6,944,000,000 2010 est. 189 Costa Rica $ 6,921,000,000 2010 est. 190 Brunei $ 6,889,000,000 2008 est. 191 Equatorial Guinea $ 6,739,000,000 2010 est. 192 Puerto Rico $ 6,700,000,000 FY99/00 193 Trinidad and Tobago $ 6,614,000,000 2010 est. 194 Jordan $ 6,269,000,000 2010 est. 195 Guatemala $ 6,124,000,000 2010 est. 196 Bahrain $ 5,948,000,000 2010 est. 197 Bahrain $ 5,933,000,000 2010 est. 198 Botswana $ 5,888,000,000 2010 est. 199 Iceland $ 5,673,000,000 2010 est. 200 Tanzania $ 5,644,000,000 2010 est. 201 Ghana $ 5,518,000,000 2010 est. 202 Cote d'Ivoire $ 5,158,000,000 2010 est. 203 Ethiopia $ 5,098,000,000 2010 est. 204 Costa Rica $ 5,085,000,000 2010 est. 205 El Salvador $ 4,915,000,000 2010 est. 206 Guatemala $ 4,897,000,000 2010 est. 207 Iceland $ 4,810,000,000 2010 est. 208 Cote d'Ivoire $ 4,755,000,000 2010 est. 209 Jamaica $ 4,644,000,000 2010 est. 210 Nepal $ 4,600,000,000 FY10 211 Ethiopia $ 4,360,000,000 2010 est. 212 Cameroon $ 4,340,000,000 2010 est. 213 Tanzania $ 4,263,000,000 2010 est. 214 Botswana $ 4,165,000,000 2010 est. 215 Brunei $ 4,000,000,000 2008 est. 216 Georgia $ 3,915,000,000 2010 est. 217 El Salvador $ 3,894,000,000 2010 est. 218 Congo, Republic of the $ 3,818,000,000 2010 est. 219 Namibia $ 3,817,000,000 2010 est. 220 Cameroon $ 3,779,000,000 2010 est. 221 Zambia $ 3,743,000,000 2010 est. 222 Honduras $ 3,651,000,000 2010 est. 223 Jamaica $ 3,611,000,000 2010 est. 224 Macau $ 3,600,000,000 2009 225 Gabon $ 3,557,000,000 2010 est. 226 Albania $ 3,521,000,000 2010 est. 227 Malta $ 3,405,000,000 2010 est. 228 Paraguay $ 3,402,000,000 2010 est. 229 Senegal $ 3,315,000,000 2010 est. 230 Afghanistan $ 3,300,000,000 FY09/10 est. 231 Korea, North $ 3,300,000,000 2007 est. 232 Paraguay $ 3,238,000,000 2010 est. 233 Korea, North $ 3,200,000,000 2007 est. 234 Zambia $ 3,200,000,000 2010 est. 235 Georgia $ 3,172,000,000 2010 est. 236 Malta $ 3,136,000,000 2010 est. 237 West Bank $ 3,100,000,000 2010 238 Albania $ 3,099,000,000 2010 est. 239 Macedonia $ 3,011,000,000 2010 est. 240 Nepal $ 3,000,000,000 FY10 241 Namibia $ 2,977,000,000 2010 est. 242 Burma $ 2,951,000,000 2010 est. 243 Gabon $ 2,945,000,000 2010 est. 244 Uganda $ 2,938,000,000 2010 est. 245 Honduras $ 2,923,000,000 2010 est. 246 Papua New Guinea $ 2,917,000,000 2010 est. 247 Mozambique $ 2,898,000,000 2010 est. 248 Chad $ 2,859,000,000 2010 est. 249 Macedonia $ 2,772,000,000 2010 est. 250 Papua New Guinea $ 2,765,000,000 2010 est. 251 Senegal $ 2,726,000,000 2010 est. 252 Armenia $ 2,607,000,000 2010 est. 253 Congo, Republic of the $ 2,599,000,000 2010 est. 254 Mauritius $ 2,583,000,000 2010 est. 255 Moldova $ 2,462,000,000 2010 est. 256 Uganda $ 2,457,000,000 2010 est. 257 Mozambique $ 2,346,000,000 2010 est. 258 Burkina Faso $ 2,343,000,000 2010 est. 259 Moldova $ 2,164,000,000 2010 est. 260 Mauritius $ 2,114,000,000 2010 est. 261 Armenia $ 2,063,000,000 2010 est. 262 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 2,000,000,000 2006 est. 263 Cambodia $ 1,986,000,000 2010 est. 264 Chad $ 1,972,000,000 2010 est. 265 Turkmenistan $ 1,970,000,000 2010 est. 266 Turkmenistan $ 1,878,000,000 2010 est. 267 Burkina Faso $ 1,870,000,000 2010 est. 268 West Bank $ 1,870,000,000 2010 269 Mali $ 1,800,000,000 2006 est. 270 Haiti $ 1,798,000,000 2010 est. 271 Malawi $ 1,769,000,000 2010 est. 272 Malawi $ 1,735,000,000 2010 est. 273 Benin $ 1,731,000,000 2010 est. 274 Haiti $ 1,605,000,000 2010 est. 275 Mongolia $ 1,600,000,000 2009 276 Tajikistan $ 1,585,000,000 2010 est. 277 Madagascar $ 1,547,000,000 2010 est. 278 Tajikistan $ 1,519,000,000 2010 est. 279 Nicaragua $ 1,511,000,000 2010 est. 280 Greenland $ 1,510,000,000 2007 281 Mali $ 1,500,000,000 2006 est. 282 Greenland $ 1,470,000,000 2007 283 Kyrgyzstan $ 1,460,000,000 2010 est. 284 Nicaragua $ 1,421,000,000 2010 est. 285 Mongolia $ 1,380,000,000 2009 286 Swaziland $ 1,379,000,000 2010 est. 287 Fiji $ 1,376,000,000 2006 288 Burma $ 1,369,000,000 2010 est. 289 Rwanda $ 1,366,000,000 2010 est. 290 Fiji $ 1,363,000,000 2006 291 Benin $ 1,348,000,000 2010 est. 292 Laos $ 1,328,000,000 2010 est. 293 Cambodia $ 1,297,000,000 2010 est. 294 Kosovo $ 1,220,000,000 2007 est. 295 Marshall Islands $ 1,213,000,000 2008 296 Lesotho $ 1,193,000,000 2010 est. 297 Kosovo $ 1,190,000,000 2007 est. 298 Rwanda $ 1,169,000,000 2010 est. 299 Faroe Islands $ 1,163,000,000 2006 300 Faroe Islands $ 1,139,000,000 2006 301 Laos $ 1,137,000,000 2010 est. 302 New Caledonia $ 1,072,000,000 2001 est. 303 Bahamas, The $ 1,030,000,000 FY04/05 304 Bahamas, The $ 1,030,000,000 FY04/05 305 Afghanistan $ 1,000,000,000 FY09/10 est. 306 New Caledonia $ 996,000,000 2001 est. 307 Kyrgyzstan $ 980,000,000 2010 est. 308 Lesotho $ 968,400,000 2010 est. 309 Isle of Man $ 965,000,000 FY05/06 est. 310 Swaziland $ 961,700,000 2010 est. 311 Isle of Man $ 943,000,000 FY05/06 est. 312 Liechtenstein $ 943,000,000 2008 est. 313 Monaco $ 920,600,000 2005 est. 314 Eritrea $ 920,100,000 2010 est. 315 Madagascar $ 896,900,000 2010 est. 316 Barbados $ 886,000,000 2000 est. 317 Guinea $ 875,400,000 2010 est. 318 Maldives $ 873,000,000 2009 est. 319 French Polynesia $ 865,000,000 1999 320 Monaco $ 863,000,000 2005 est. 321 Jersey $ 851,000,000 2005 322 Barbados $ 847,000,000 2000 est. 323 Virgin Islands $ 837,000,000 FY08/09 324 Virgin Islands $ 837,000,000 FY08/09 325 Jersey $ 829,000,000 2005 326 Liechtenstein $ 820,000,000 2008 est. 327 Mauritania $ 770,000,000 2007 est. 328 Mauritania $ 770,000,000 2007 est. 329 Bermuda $ 738,000,000 FY04/05 330 Timor-Leste $ 733,000,000 FY06/07 est. 331 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 700,000,000 2006 est. 332 Togo $ 692,100,000 2010 est. 333 San Marino $ 690,600,000 2006 334 Cape Verde $ 680,800,000 2010 est. 335 Bermuda $ 665,000,000 FY04/05 336 Guyana $ 655,700,000 2010 est. 337 San Marino $ 652,900,000 2006 338 French Polynesia $ 644,100,000 1999 339 Guyana $ 619,500,000 2010 est. 340 Togo $ 602,300,000 2010 est. 341 Bhutan $ 588,000,000 FY09/10 342 Aruba $ 577,900,000 2005 est. 343 Guinea $ 574,100,000 2010 est. 344 Guernsey $ 563,600,000 2005 est. 345 Andorra $ 531,600,000 2008 346 Andorra $ 531,600,000 2008 347 Guernsey $ 530,900,000 2005 est. 348 Cape Verde $ 520,700,000 2010 est. 349 Aruba $ 507,900,000 2005 est. 350 Maldives $ 487,000,000 2009 est. 351 Burundi $ 476,200,000 2010 est. 352 Eritrea $ 463,400,000 2010 est. 353 Gibraltar $ 455,100,000 2005 est. 354 Suriname $ 425,900,000 2004 355 Cayman Islands $ 423,800,000 2004 356 Gibraltar $ 423,600,000 2005 est. 357 Mayotte $ 420,000,000 2005 358 Belize $ 418,000,000 2010 est. 359 Mayotte $ 394,000,000 2005 360 Saint Lucia $ 393,300,000 2010 est. 361 Cayman Islands $ 392,600,000 2004 362 Suriname $ 392,600,000 2004 363 Burundi $ 386,300,000 2010 est. 364 Belize $ 370,500,000 2010 est. 365 Central African Republic $ 362,000,000 2009 est. 366 Holy See (Vatican City) $ 356,800,000 2008 367 Holy See (Vatican City) $ 355,500,000 2008 368 Sierra Leone $ 351,000,000 2000 est. 369 Dominica $ 343,000,000 2009 370 Central African Republic $ 334,000,000 2009 est. 371 Saint Lucia $ 320,900,000 2010 est. 372 Niger $ 320,000,000 2002 est. 373 Niger $ 320,000,000 2002 est. 374 Seychelles $ 316,500,000 2010 est. 375 Seychelles $ 310,300,000 2010 est. 376 Timor-Leste $ 309,000,000 FY06/07 est. 377 Bhutan $ 302,000,000 FY09/10 378 Antigua and Barbuda $ 293,400,000 2009 est. 379 Dominica $ 277,000,000 2009 380 Zimbabwe $ 258,000,000 2008 est. 381 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 232,100,000 2008 est. 382 Antigua and Barbuda $ 229,500,000 2009 est. 383 Northern Mariana Islands $ 223,000,000 FY01/02 est. 384 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 218,100,000 2010 est. 385 Grenada $ 215,900,000 2009 est. 386 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 212,400,000 2008 est. 387 British Virgin Islands $ 204,700,000 2004 388 Gambia, The $ 202,500,000 2010 est. 389 Northern Mariana Islands $ 193,000,000 FY01/02 est. 390 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 192,200,000 2010 est. 391 Gambia, The $ 183,900,000 2010 est. 392 American Samoa $ 183,600,000 FY07 393 Djibouti $ 182,000,000 1999 est. 394 British Virgin Islands $ 180,400,000 2004 395 Grenada $ 175,300,000 2009 est. 396 Samoa $ 171,300,000 FY04/05 est. 397 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 166,000,000 FY07 est. 398 American Samoa $ 155,400,000 FY07 399 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 152,700,000 FY07 est. 400 Djibouti $ 135,000,000 1999 est. 401 Zimbabwe $ 133,000,000 2008 est. 402 Marshall Islands $ 123,300,000 2008 403 Palau $ 114,800,000 2008 est. 404 Tonga $ 109,800,000 FY07/08 405 Palau $ 99,500,000 2008 est. 406 Sierra Leone $ 96,000,000 2000 est. 407 Tonga $ 80,480,000 FY07/08 408 Vanuatu $ 78,700,000 2005 409 Samoa $ 78,100,000 FY04/05 est. 410 Solomon Islands $ 75,100,000 2003 411 Vanuatu $ 72,230,000 2005 412 Cook Islands $ 70,950,000 FY05/06 413 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 70,000,000 1996 est. 414 Cook Islands $ 69,050,000 FY05/06 415 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 67,900,000 FY98/99 est. 416 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 66,200,000 FY98/99 est. 417 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 60,000,000 1996 est. 418 Kiribati $ 59,710,000 FY05 419 Kiribati $ 55,520,000 FY05 420 Solomon Islands $ 49,700,000 2003 421 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 47,000,000 1997-98 est. 422 Sao Tome and Principe $ 38,640,000 2010 est. 423 Sao Tome and Principe $ 35,560,000 2010 est. 424 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 33,600,000 1997-98 est. 425 Montserrat $ 31,600,000 1997 est. 426 Montserrat $ 31,400,000 1997 est. 427 Comoros $ 27,600,000 2001 est. 428 Svalbard $ 25,070,000 2004 est. 429 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 24,690,000 FY06/07 est. 430 Tuvalu $ 23,050,000 2006 431 Anguilla $ 22,800,000 2000 est. 432 Anguilla $ 22,500,000 2000 est. 433 Tuvalu $ 21,540,000 2006 434 Niue $ 16,330,000 FY0405 435 Niue $ 15,070,000 FY0405 436 Nauru $ 13,500,000 2005 437 Nauru $ 13,500,000 2005 438 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 10,050,000 FY06/07 est. 439 Norfolk Island $ 4,800,000 FY99/00 440 Norfolk Island $ 4,600,000 FY99/00 441 Tokelau $ 2,800,000 1987 est. 442 Pitcairn Islands $ 1,028,000 FY04/05 443 Pitcairn Islands $ 746,000 FY04/05 444 Tokelau $ 430,800 1987 est. 445 Wallis and Futuna $ 31,330 2004 est. 446 Wallis and Futuna $ 29,730 2004 est.

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Rank code: 2057

Country Comparison :: Capital

This entry gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.

Rank country Capital Date of Information

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Rank code: 2058

Country Comparison :: Imports - commodities

This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued imported products; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

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Rank code: 2059

Country Comparison :: Climate

This entry includes a brief description of typical weather regimes throughout the year.

Rank country Climate Date of Information

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Rank code: 2060

Country Comparison :: Coastline

This entry gives the total length of the boundary between the land area (including islands) and the sea.

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 Canada 202,080.00 NA 2 Pacific Ocean 135,663.00 NA 3 Atlantic Ocean 111,866.00 NA 4 Indian Ocean 66,526.00 NA 5 European Union 65,992.90 NA 6 Indonesia 54,716.00 NA 7 Arctic Ocean 45,389.00 NA 8 Greenland 44,087.00 NA 9 Russia 37,653.00 NA 10 Philippines 36,289.00 NA 11 Japan 29,751.00 NA 12 Australia 25,760.00 NA 13 Norway 25,148.00 NA 14 United States 19,924.00 NA 15 Antarctica 17,968.00 NA 16 Southern Ocean 17,968.00 NA 17 New Zealand 15,134.00 NA 18 China 14,500.00 NA 19 Greece 13,676.00 NA 20 United Kingdom 12,429.00 NA 21 Mexico 9,330.00 NA 22 Italy 7,600.00 NA 23 Brazil 7,491.00 NA 24 Denmark 7,314.00 NA 25 Turkey 7,200.00 NA 26 India 7,000.00 NA 27 Chile 6,435.00 NA 28 Micronesia, Federated States of 6,112.00 NA 29 Croatia 5,835.00 NA 30 Solomon Islands 5,313.00 NA 31 Papua New Guinea 5,152.00 NA 32 Argentina 4,989.00 NA 33 Iceland 4,970.00 NA 34 Spain 4,964.00 NA 35 Madagascar 4,828.00 NA 36 Malaysia 4,675.00 NA 37 France 4,668.00 NA 38 Estonia 3,794.00 NA 39 Cuba 3,735.00 NA 40 Svalbard 3,587.00 NA 41 Bahamas, The 3,542.00 NA 42 Vietnam 3,444.00 NA 43 France 3,427.00 NA 44 Thailand 3,219.00 NA 45 Sweden 3,218.00 NA 46 Colombia 3,208.00 NA 47 Coral Sea Islands 3,095.00 NA 48 Somalia 3,025.00 NA 49 French Southern and Antarctic Lands2,800.00 NA 50 Venezuela 2,800.00 NA 51 South Africa 2,798.00 NA 52 Ukraine 2,782.00 NA 53 Saudi Arabia 2,640.00 NA 54 Vanuatu 2,528.00 NA 55 French Polynesia 2,525.00 NA 56 Korea, North 2,495.00 NA 57 Panama 2,490.00 NA 58 Mozambique 2,470.00 NA 59 Egypt 2,450.00 NA 60 Iran 2,440.00 NA 61 Peru 2,414.00 NA 62 Korea, South 2,413.00 NA 63 Germany 2,389.00 NA 64 New Caledonia 2,254.00 NA 65 Ecuador 2,237.00 NA 66 Eritrea 2,234.00 NA 67 Oman 2,092.00 NA 68 Burma 1,930.00 NA 69 Yemen 1,906.00 NA 70 Morocco 1,835.00 NA 71 Portugal 1,793.00 NA 72 Haiti 1,771.00 NA 73 Libya 1,770.00 NA 74 Angola 1,600.00 NA 75 Namibia 1,572.00 NA 76 Taiwan 1,566.30 NA 77 Palau 1,519.00 NA 78 Northern Mariana Islands 1,482.00 NA 79 Ireland 1,448.00 NA 80 Tanzania 1,424.00 NA 81 Sri Lanka 1,340.00 NA 82 United Arab Emirates 1,318.00 NA 83 Costa Rica 1,290.00 NA 84 Dominican Republic 1,288.00 NA 85 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1,288.00 NA 86 Finland 1,250.00 NA 87 Tunisia 1,148.00 NA 88 Kiribati 1,143.00 NA 89 Fiji 1,129.00 NA 90 Faroe Islands 1,117.00 NA 91 Western Sahara 1,110.00 NA 92 Pakistan 1,046.00 NA 93 Jamaica 1,022.00 NA 94 Algeria 998.00 NA 95 Cape Verde 965.00 NA 96 Spratly Islands 926.00 NA 97 Nicaragua 910.00 NA 98 Gabon 885.00 NA 99 Nigeria 853.00 NA 100 Sudan 853.00 NA 101 Honduras 820.00 NA 102 Mauritania 754.00 NA 103 Hong Kong 733.00 NA 104 Timor-Leste 706.00 NA 105 British Indian Ocean Territory 698.00 NA 106 Uruguay 660.00 NA 107 Cyprus 648.00 NA 108 Maldives 644.00 NA 109 Bangladesh 580.00 NA 110 Liberia 579.00 NA 111 Qatar 563.00 NA 112 Ghana 539.00 NA 113 Kenya 536.00 NA 114 Senegal 531.00 NA 115 Paracel Islands 518.00 NA 116 Cote d'Ivoire 515.00 NA 117 Puerto Rico 501.00 NA 118 Kuwait 499.00 NA 119 Latvia 498.00 NA 120 Seychelles 491.00 NA 121 Guyana 459.00 NA 122 Netherlands 451.00 NA 123 Cambodia 443.00 NA 124 Poland 440.00 NA 125 Tonga 419.00 NA 126 Samoa 403.00 NA 127 Cameroon 402.00 NA 128 Sierra Leone 402.00 NA 129 Guatemala 400.00 NA 130 Turks and Caicos Islands 389.00 NA 131 Belize 386.00 NA 132 Suriname 386.00 NA 133 Marshall Islands 370.40 NA 134 Curacao 364.00 NA 135 Sint Maarten 364.00 NA 136 Albania 362.00 NA 137 Trinidad and Tobago 362.00 NA 138 Bulgaria 354.00 NA 139 Guinea-Bissau 350.00 NA 140 Comoros 340.00 NA 141 Guinea 320.00 NA 142 Djibouti 314.00 NA 143 Georgia 310.00 NA 144 El Salvador 307.00 NA 145 Equatorial Guinea 296.00 NA 146 Montenegro 293.50 NA 147 Israel 273.00 NA 148 Lebanon 225.00 NA 149 Romania 225.00 NA 150 Sao Tome and Principe 209.00 NA 151 Malta 196.80 NA 152 Singapore 193.00 NA 153 Syria 193.00 NA 154 Virgin Islands 188.00 NA 155 Mayotte 185.20 NA 156 Mauritius 177.00 NA 157 Congo, Republic of the 169.00 NA 158 Bahrain 161.00 NA 159 Brunei 161.00 NA 160 Cayman Islands 160.00 NA 161 Isle of Man 160.00 NA 162 Saint Lucia 158.00 NA 163 Antigua and Barbuda 153.00 NA 164 Dominica 148.00 NA 165 Christmas Island 138.90 NA 166 Saint Kitts and Nevis 135.00 NA 167 Wallis and Futuna 129.00 NA 168 Jan Mayen 124.10 NA 169 Benin 121.00 NA 170 Grenada 121.00 NA 171 Cook Islands 120.00 NA 172 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 120.00 NA 173 American Samoa 116.00 NA 174 Bermuda 103.00 NA 175 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 101.90 NA 176 Tokelau 101.00 NA 177 Barbados 97.00 NA 178 Lithuania 90.00 NA 179 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 84.00 NA 180 British Virgin Islands 80.00 NA 181 Gambia, The 80.00 NA 182 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 74.10 NA 183 Jersey 70.00 NA 184 Aruba 68.50 NA 185 Belgium 66.50 NA 186 Niue 64.00 NA 187 Anguilla 61.00 NA 188 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha60.00 NA 189 Saint Martin 58.90 NA 190 Iraq 58.00 NA 191 Akrotiri 56.30 NA 192 Togo 56.00 NA 193 Pitcairn Islands 51.00 NA 194 Guernsey 50.00 NA 195 Slovenia 46.60 NA 196 Macau 41.00 NA 197 Gaza Strip 40.00 NA 198 Montserrat 40.00 NA 199 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha40.00 NA 200 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 37.00 NA 201 French Southern and Antarctic Lands35.20 NA 202 French Southern and Antarctic Lands35.20 NA 203 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges34.00 NA 204 Norfolk Island 32.00 NA 205 Nauru 30.00 NA 206 Bouvet Island 29.60 NA 207 French Southern and Antarctic Lands28.00 NA 208 Dhekelia 27.50 NA 209 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 26.00 NA 210 Jordan 26.00 NA 211 French Southern and Antarctic Lands24.10 NA 212 Tuvalu 24.00 NA 213 French Southern and Antarctic Lands22.20 NA 214 Bosnia and Herzegovina 20.00 NA 215 Wake Island 19.30 NA 216 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges15.00 NA 217 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges14.50 NA 218 Gibraltar 12.00 NA 219 Clipperton Island 11.10 NA 220 Navassa Island 8.00 NA 221 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges8.00 NA 222 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges6.40 NA 223 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges4.80 NA 224 Monaco 4.10 NA 225 French Southern and Antarctic Lands3.70 NA 226 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges3.00 NA 227 Afghanistan 0.00 NA 228 Mongolia 0.00 NA 229 Moldova 0.00 NA 230 Mali 0.00 NA 231 Hungary 0.00 NA 232 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.00 NA 233 Ethiopia 0.00 NA 234 Czech Republic 0.00 NA 235 Chad 0.00 NA 236 Central African Republic 0.00 NA 237 Burundi 0.00 NA 238 Burkina Faso 0.00 NA 239 Botswana 0.00 NA 240 Zimbabwe 0.00 NA 241 Zambia 0.00 NA 242 West Bank 0.00 NA 243 Uzbekistan 0.00 NA 244 Swaziland 0.00 NA 245 Slovakia 0.00 NA 246 Serbia 0.00 NA 247 San Marino 0.00 NA 248 Rwanda 0.00 NA 249 Paraguay 0.00 NA 250 Niger 0.00 NA 251 Nepal 0.00 NA 252 Malawi 0.00 NA 253 Uganda 0.00 NA 254 Turkmenistan 0.00 NA 255 Tajikistan 0.00 NA 256 Switzerland 0.00 NA 257 Macedonia 0.00 NA 258 Luxembourg 0.00 NA 259 Liechtenstein 0.00 NA 260 Lesotho 0.00 NA 261 Laos 0.00 NA 262 Kyrgyzstan 0.00 NA 263 Kosovo 0.00 NA 264 Kazakhstan 0.00 NA 265 Andorra 0.00 NA 266 Austria 0.00 NA 267 Belarus 0.00 NA 268 Bolivia 0.00 NA 269 Bhutan 0.00 NA 270 Azerbaijan 0.00 NA 271 Armenia 0.00 NA

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Rank code: 2061

Country Comparison :: Imports - partners

This entry provides a rank ordering of trading partners starting with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Saint Lucia 83.44 2009 2 Greenland 74.93 2009 3 Laos 66.20 2009 4 Bhutan 63.00 2008 5 Zimbabwe 62.24 2009 6 Sao Tome and Principe 58.90 2009 7 Curacao 57.30 2009 est. 8 Kyrgyzstan 57.03 2009 9 Korea, North 57.00 2008 10 Nepal 57.00 2009 11 Belarus 56.42 2009 12 Faroe Islands 54.42 2009 13 Zambia 51.78 2009 14 Canada 51.10 2009 15 Aruba 49.51 2009 16 Mexico 48.00 2009 17 Honduras 46.81 2009 18 Hong Kong 46.40 2009 19 Austria 45.07 2009 20 Cape Verde 44.86 2009 21 Costa Rica 44.72 2009 22 Saint Kitts and Nevis 43.37 2009 23 Papua New Guinea 43.27 2009 24 Dominican Republic 42.79 2009 25 Malawi 40.15 2009 26 New Caledonia 39.89 2009 27 Grenada 39.76 2009 28 Brunei 38.40 2009 29 Togo 36.58 2009 30 Guatemala 36.46 2009 31 Panama 36.21 2009 32 Mongolia 35.99 2009 33 Benin 35.62 2009 34 Ireland 35.28 2009 35 Tonga 34.37 2009 36 Belize 33.65 2009 37 Mozambique 33.54 2009 38 Haiti 33.11 2009 39 Burma 33.10 2009 40 Gabon 32.21 2009 41 Portugal 31.58 2009 42 Mongolia 31.56 2009 43 Dominica 31.29 2009 44 Bermuda 31.20 2009 45 Argentina 31.12 2009 46 Macau 31.10 2009 47 Trinidad and Tobago 30.87 2009 48 Somalia 30.84 2009 49 Suriname 30.79 2009 50 Czech Republic 30.67 2009 51 Cuba 30.51 2009 52 Lithuania 30.10 2009 53 Paraguay 30.00 2009 54 Albania 29.94 2009 55 El Salvador 29.79 2009 56 Barbados 28.52 2009 57 Kazakhstan 28.50 2009 58 Jamaica 28.32 2009 59 Liberia 28.29 2009 60 Poland 28.08 2009 61 Colombia 28.00 2009 62 Ukraine 28.00 2009 63 Barbados 27.96 2009 64 Fiji 27.27 2009 65 Bahamas, The 27.23 2009 66 Luxembourg 27.22 2009 67 Switzerland 27.19 2009 68 Bolivia 27.12 2009 69 Afghanistan 26.78 2009 70 Kazakhstan 26.72 2009 71 Bermuda 26.71 2009 72 Lesotho 26.30 2008 73 Burma 26.28 2009 74 Ecuador 25.40 2009 75 Guyana 25.23 2009 76 Hungary 25.05 2009 77 Tonga 25.03 2009 78 Korea, North 25.00 2008 79 Iraq 24.99 2009 80 Indonesia 24.96 2009 81 Cambodia 24.83 2009 82 Afghanistan 24.81 2009 83 Solomon Islands 24.69 2009 84 Maldives 24.62 2009 85 Mauritius 24.50 2009 86 Malta 24.40 2009 87 Burkina Faso 24.31 2009 88 Samoa 24.13 2009 89 Armenia 24.02 2009 90 Peru 23.96 2009 91 Tajikistan 23.92 2009 92 Tajikistan 23.74 2009 93 Uzbekistan 23.72 2009 94 Venezuela 23.66 2009 95 Haiti 23.53 2009 96 Guyana 23.23 2009 97 Luxembourg 23.14 2009 98 Solomon Islands 23.06 2009 99 Paraguay 23.00 2009 100 Jamaica 22.98 2009 101 Bahrain 22.91 2009 102 Oman 22.90 2009 103 Nicaragua 22.63 2009 104 Japan 22.20 2009 105 Bosnia and Herzegovina 22.17 2009 106 Sudan 21.87 2009 107 Chile 21.77 2009 108 Denmark 21.07 2009 109 Cameroon 21.03 2009 110 Uruguay 20.77 2009 111 Faroe Islands 20.76 2009 112 Cote d'Ivoire 20.75 2009 113 Sri Lanka 20.73 2009 114 Eritrea 20.70 2008 115 Taiwan 20.70 2009 116 Congo, Republic of the 20.64 2009 117 Gambia, The 20.45 2009 118 Uzbekistan 20.36 2009 119 Cyprus 20.18 2009 120 Lesotho 20.10 2008 121 Tunisia 20.10 2009 122 Bahamas, The 20.08 2009 123 Equatorial Guinea 19.97 2009 124 Moldova 19.90 2009 125 Cambodia 19.73 2009 126 Dominica 19.73 2009 127 Algeria 19.70 2009 128 Senegal 19.58 2009 129 Burkina Faso 19.48 2009 130 France 19.41 2009 131 Fiji 19.36 2009 132 Kyrgyzstan 19.34 2009 133 United States 19.30 2009 134 Central African Republic 19.29 2009 135 Curacao 19.20 2009 est. 136 Suriname 19.17 2009 137 Liberia 19.06 2009 138 Libya 18.90 2009 139 Angola 18.71 2009 140 Brunei 18.70 2009 141 Thailand 18.70 2009 142 Azerbaijan 18.69 2009 143 Luxembourg 18.62 2009 144 New Zealand 18.40 2009 145 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 18.22 2009 146 Grenada 18.11 2009 147 Turkmenistan 18.03 2009 148 Australia 17.94 2009 149 Belgium 17.93 2009 150 Sweden 17.90 2009 151 Chad 17.74 2009 152 Korea, South 17.70 2008 153 Montenegro 17.54 2009 154 Uruguay 17.53 2009 155 Angola 17.39 2009 156 Iraq 17.36 2009 157 Sint Maarten 17.35 2009 158 Samoa 17.34 2009 159 Guinea-Bissau 17.33 2009 160 Jordan 17.30 2009 161 Vanuatu 17.30 2009 162 Romania 17.30 2009 163 Equatorial Guinea 17.28 2009 164 South Africa 17.21 2009 165 Netherlands 17.16 2009 166 Belgium 17.14 2009 167 Liberia 17.06 2009 168 Azerbaijan 16.98 2009 169 Morocco 16.95 2009 170 Burundi 16.87 2009 171 Ireland 16.87 2009 172 Panama 16.86 2009 173 Georgia 16.81 2009 174 Ghana 16.80 2009 175 Slovakia 16.80 2009 176 Italy 16.68 2009 177 Rwanda 16.53 2009 178 Turkmenistan 16.49 2009 179 Slovenia 16.46 2009 180 Turkmenistan 16.45 2009 181 Seychelles 16.44 2009 182 Vietnam 16.42 2009 183 Lesotho 16.40 2008 184 Tunisia 16.40 2009 185 Latvia 16.36 2009 186 Niger 16.32 2009 187 Finland 16.28 2009 188 Djibouti 16.26 2009 189 Bangladesh 16.16 2009 190 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 16.16 2009 191 Aruba 16.15 2009 192 Brazil 16.12 2009 193 Djibouti 16.03 2009 194 Paraguay 16.00 2009 195 Niger 15.95 2009 196 Slovenia 15.89 2009 197 Finland 15.76 2009 198 Maldives 15.70 2009 199 Bolivia 15.69 2009 200 Cape Verde 15.51 2009 201 Comoros 15.50 2009 202 Cuba 15.48 2009 203 Croatia 15.46 2009 204 Pakistan 15.35 2009 205 Saint Kitts and Nevis 15.26 2009 206 Burma 15.18 2009 207 Fiji 15.15 2009 208 Iran 15.14 2009 209 Macedonia 15.11 2009 210 Moldova 15.10 2009 211 New Zealand 15.09 2009 212 United Arab Emirates 15.03 2009 213 Spain 15.02 2009 214 Equatorial Guinea 14.94 2009 215 Rwanda 14.92 2009 216 Nigeria 14.89 2009 217 Macedonia 14.88 2009 218 Sint Maarten 14.79 2009 219 Ethiopia 14.73 2009 220 Morocco 14.72 2009 221 Singapore 14.70 2009 222 Comoros 14.66 2009 223 Finland 14.65 2009 224 Montenegro 14.62 2009 225 Sierra Leone 14.61 2009 226 Liberia 14.58 2009 227 Bahamas, The 14.55 2009 228 Congo, Republic of the 14.54 2009 229 Estonia 14.52 2009 230 Moldova 14.52 2009 231 Venezuela 14.43 2009 232 Russia 14.39 2009 233 Mauritania 14.30 2009 234 United Arab Emirates 14.27 2009 235 Djibouti 14.26 2009 236 United States 14.24 2009 237 Cote d'Ivoire 14.19 2009 238 Belize 14.17 2009 239 New Caledonia 14.12 2009 240 Lesotho 14.10 2008 241 Cambodia 14.08 2009 242 Albania 14.05 2009 243 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.04 2009 244 Mauritius 14.02 2009 245 Korea, South 14.00 2008 246 Turkey 14.00 2009 247 Taiwan 14.00 2009 248 Oman 13.99 2009 249 Russia 13.98 2009 250 Yemen 13.98 2009 251 Tanzania 13.97 2009 252 Malaysia 13.90 2009 253 Uganda 13.90 2009 254 Norway 13.86 2009 255 Greece 13.73 2009 256 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13.71 2009 257 Tanzania 13.71 2009 258 Argentina 13.69 2009 259 Guinea-Bissau 13.66 2009 260 Eritrea 13.60 2008 261 Croatia 13.57 2009 262 Mexico 13.50 2009 263 Iran 13.48 2009 264 Vanuatu 13.46 2009 265 Bosnia and Herzegovina 13.45 2009 266 Sri Lanka 13.45 2009 267 Qatar 13.43 2009 268 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13.41 2009 269 Papua New Guinea 13.29 2009 270 Denmark 13.18 2009 271 Bulgaria 13.14 2009 272 Suriname 13.04 2009 273 Uzbekistan 13.03 2009 274 Nepal 13.00 2009 275 Madagascar 12.99 2009 276 Iceland 12.97 2009 277 Norway 12.89 2009 278 United Kingdom 12.87 2009 279 Spain 12.82 2009 280 Uganda 12.79 2009 281 Bolivia 12.77 2009 282 Chile 12.76 2009 283 Greece 12.71 2009 284 Chad 12.70 2009 285 Thailand 12.70 2009 286 Bangladesh 12.61 2009 287 Brazil 12.61 2009 288 Eritrea 12.60 2008 289 Samoa 12.54 2009 290 Indonesia 12.52 2009 291 Malaysia 12.50 2009 292 Philippines 12.50 2009 293 New Caledonia 12.50 2009 294 Portugal 12.41 2009 295 Israel 12.35 2009 296 Saudi Arabia 12.32 2009 297 Bhutan 12.30 2008 298 Panama 12.30 2009 299 Slovakia 12.30 2009 300 Yemen 12.30 2009 301 China 12.27 2009 302 Nicaragua 12.27 2009 303 Vanuatu 12.26 2009 304 Bulgaria 12.23 2009 305 Mali 12.21 2009 306 Jamaica 12.14 2009 307 Saudi Arabia 12.06 2009 308 Philippines 12.00 2009 309 Vanuatu 12.00 2009 310 Gambia, The 11.97 2009 311 Central African Republic 11.95 2009 312 Madagascar 11.93 2009 313 Bosnia and Herzegovina 11.89 2009 314 Ghana 11.88 2009 315 Saint Kitts and Nevis 11.83 2009 316 Slovenia 11.81 2009 317 Dominica 11.80 2009 318 Serbia 11.79 2009 319 Romania 11.78 2009 320 Greenland 11.73 2009 321 Algeria 11.72 2009 322 Malta 11.70 2009 323 Belgium 11.69 2009 324 Kenya 11.67 2009 325 France 11.61 2009 326 Singapore 11.60 2009 327 Dominica 11.58 2009 328 Netherlands 11.58 2009 329 Mali 11.57 2009 330 Laos 11.45 2009 331 Cambodia 11.34 2009 332 Latvia 11.34 2009 333 Australia 11.26 2009 334 South Africa 11.24 2009 335 Chad 11.23 2009 336 Malaysia 11.20 2009 337 Kuwait 11.18 2009 338 Burundi 11.17 2009 339 Uganda 11.16 2009 340 United States 11.12 2009 341 Lithuania 11.10 2009 342 Malaysia 11.10 2009 343 Maldives 11.02 2009 344 Colombia 11.00 2009 345 Lebanon 11.00 2009 346 Japan 10.96 2009 347 Jordan 10.95 2009 348 India 10.94 2009 349 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10.90 2009 350 Canada 10.88 2009 351 Estonia 10.84 2009 352 Macau 10.80 2009 353 Cameroon 10.79 2009 354 Haiti 10.75 2009 355 Peru 10.74 2009 356 Latvia 10.68 2009 357 Cyprus 10.67 2009 358 Ecuador 10.60 2009 359 Kenya 10.58 2009 360 Comoros 10.55 2009 361 Libya 10.54 2009 362 Pakistan 10.54 2009 363 Montenegro 10.50 2009 364 Singapore 10.50 2009 365 Guatemala 10.49 2009 366 Estonia 10.47 2009 367 New Zealand 10.45 2009 368 Switzerland 10.42 2009 369 Estonia 10.33 2009 370 Mauritania 10.33 2009 371 Taiwan 10.30 2009 372 Argentina 10.26 2009 373 El Salvador 10.26 2009 374 Cameroon 10.25 2009 375 Uruguay 10.23 2009 376 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10.20 2009 377 Algeria 10.19 2009 378 Syria 10.10 2009 379 China 10.06 2009 380 Mali 10.05 2009 381 Samoa 10.02 2009 382 Lebanon 10.00 2009 383 Turkey 10.00 2009 384 Syria 9.95 2009 385 Mauritania 9.94 2009 386 Egypt 9.92 2009 387 Libya 9.92 2009 388 Eritrea 9.90 2008 389 Lithuania 9.90 2009 390 Samoa 9.85 2009 391 Uruguay 9.82 2009 392 Pakistan 9.80 2009 393 Libya 9.78 2009 394 Bahrain 9.76 2009 395 United Kingdom 9.74 2009 396 Georgia 9.72 2009 397 El Salvador 9.70 2009 398 Iran 9.66 2009 399 Senegal 9.64 2009 400 Egypt 9.63 2009 401 Switzerland 9.61 2009 402 Vietnam 9.61 2009 403 Papua New Guinea 9.59 2009 404 Djibouti 9.57 2009 405 Congo, Republic of the 9.56 2009 406 Chile 9.55 2009 407 Equatorial Guinea 9.49 2009 408 Tonga 9.43 2009 409 Serbia 9.36 2009 410 Kenya 9.32 2009 411 Malta 9.30 2009 412 Croatia 9.29 2009 413 Guinea-Bissau 9.27 2009 414 Lesotho 9.20 2008 415 Georgia 9.17 2009 416 Venezuela 9.13 2009 417 Bolivia 9.11 2009 418 Guinea-Bissau 9.11 2009 419 Macedonia 9.08 2009 420 Kuwait 9.07 2009 421 Nicaragua 9.05 2009 422 China 9.04 2009 423 Congo, Republic of the 9.02 2009 424 Lebanon 9.00 2009 425 Turkey 9.00 2009 426 Slovakia 9.00 2009 427 Maldives 8.98 2009 428 Sint Maarten 8.96 2009 429 Vietnam 8.96 2009 430 Cyprus 8.95 2009 431 Honduras 8.92 2009 432 Tajikistan 8.92 2009 433 Indonesia 8.92 2009 434 Uganda 8.91 2009 435 Korea, South 8.90 2008 436 Sweden 8.90 2009 437 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 8.89 2009 438 Nigeria 8.88 2009 439 United Kingdom 8.88 2009 440 Luxembourg 8.85 2009 441 Italy 8.82 2009 442 Hong Kong 8.80 2009 443 Philippines 8.80 2009 444 Tunisia 8.80 2009 445 Cyprus 8.79 2009 446 Brazil 8.77 2009 447 Armenia 8.72 2009 448 Philippines 8.70 2009 449 Sweden 8.70 2009 450 Moldova 8.69 2009 451 Netherlands 8.68 2009 452 Guinea 8.67 2009 453 Iraq 8.66 2009 454 Nicaragua 8.66 2009 455 Poland 8.65 2009 456 Togo 8.64 2009 457 Yemen 8.63 2009 458 Burundi 8.62 2009 459 Iceland 8.62 2009 460 Ukraine 8.60 2009 461 Estonia 8.59 2009 462 Portugal 8.58 2009 463 Hungary 8.56 2009 464 Mauritius 8.55 2009 465 Angola 8.51 2009 466 Belize 8.51 2009 467 Germany 8.50 2009 468 Gambia, The 8.48 2009 469 United Arab Emirates 8.44 2009 470 Venezuela 8.44 2009 471 Mozambique 8.42 2009 472 Ethiopia 8.41 2009 473 Australia 8.36 2009 474 Kenya 8.36 2009 475 Romania 8.36 2009 476 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 8.34 2009 477 Estonia 8.34 2009 478 Qatar 8.34 2009 479 Qatar 8.33 2009 480 Seychelles 8.33 2009 481 Belarus 8.31 2009 482 Cuba 8.30 2009 483 Iceland 8.30 2009 484 Vietnam 8.23 2009 485 Angola 8.22 2009 486 Germany 8.20 2009 487 Germany 8.20 2009 488 Nigeria 8.18 2009 489 Mauritius 8.17 2009 490 Algeria 8.13 2009 491 Latvia 8.11 2009 492 Curacao 8.10 2009 est. 493 Macau 8.10 2009 494 Senegal 8.08 2009 495 Somalia 8.06 2009 496 Qatar 8.04 2009 497 Iceland 8.03 2009 498 Lebanon 8.00 2009 499 Lebanon 8.00 2009 500 Macau 8.00 2009 501 France 7.97 2009 502 Bahrain 7.95 2009 503 Gabon 7.92 2009 504 Rwanda 7.92 2009 505 Philippines 7.90 2009 506 Comoros 7.88 2009 507 Azerbaijan 7.87 2009 508 Somalia 7.86 2009 509 Panama 7.84 2009 510 Montenegro 7.82 2009 511 Montenegro 7.82 2009 512 Korea, South 7.80 2008 513 Norway 7.80 2009 514 Tanzania 7.80 2009 515 Bulgaria 7.78 2009 516 Central African Republic 7.78 2009 517 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 7.77 2009 518 Netherlands 7.77 2009 519 Vietnam 7.72 2009 520 Zambia 7.70 2009 521 Latvia 7.69 2009 522 Switzerland 7.69 2009 523 Macedonia 7.68 2009 524 Saudi Arabia 7.67 2009 525 China 7.66 2009 526 Niger 7.66 2009 527 Brazil 7.65 2009 528 Costa Rica 7.65 2009 529 Ethiopia 7.65 2009 530 Kuwait 7.63 2009 531 Malta 7.60 2009 532 Singapore 7.60 2009 533 Chad 7.59 2009 534 Macedonia 7.59 2009 535 Sierra Leone 7.58 2009 536 Burundi 7.57 2009 537 Bangladesh 7.55 2009 538 Tonga 7.53 2009 539 Benin 7.51 2009 540 Seychelles 7.49 2009 541 Israel 7.43 2009 542 Cambodia 7.41 2009 543 Central African Republic 7.39 2009 544 Georgia 7.39 2009 545 Benin 7.38 2009 546 South Africa 7.38 2009 547 Qatar 7.31 2009 548 Azerbaijan 7.30 2009 549 Hungary 7.30 2009 550 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 7.28 2009 551 Iceland 7.27 2009 552 Sri Lanka 7.26 2009 553 Peru 7.25 2009 554 New Zealand 7.24 2009 555 Sudan 7.22 2009 556 Brunei 7.20 2009 557 Peru 7.19 2009 558 Cote d'Ivoire 7.18 2009 559 Spain 7.17 2009 560 India 7.16 2009 561 Nicaragua 7.16 2009 562 Iran 7.16 2009 563 France 7.15 2009 564 Niger 7.15 2009 565 Kuwait 7.14 2009 566 Barbados 7.13 2009 567 Honduras 7.13 2009 568 Albania 7.10 2009 569 Trinidad and Tobago 7.10 2009 570 Morocco 7.10 2009 571 Madagascar 7.10 2009 572 Israel 7.10 2009 573 Greece 7.08 2009 574 Mongolia 7.08 2009 575 Dominican Republic 7.04 2009 576 Gabon 7.02 2009 577 Trinidad and Tobago 7.01 2009 578 Colombia 7.00 2009 579 Denmark 7.00 2009 580 Cyprus 6.99 2009 581 Finland 6.99 2009 582 Egypt 6.98 2009 583 Czech Republic 6.97 2009 584 Denmark 6.97 2009 585 Syria 6.97 2009 586 Somalia 6.97 2009 587 Iceland 6.94 2009 588 Jordan 6.94 2009 589 Israel 6.94 2009 590 United Kingdom 6.94 2009 591 Fiji 6.92 2009 592 Albania 6.90 2009 593 Madagascar 6.89 2009 594 Tanzania 6.89 2009 595 Sint Maarten 6.89 2009 596 Rwanda 6.89 2009 597 Egypt 6.88 2009 598 Vanuatu 6.88 2009 599 Cuba 6.87 2009 600 Uruguay 6.87 2009 601 Bolivia 6.85 2009 602 China 6.84 2009 603 Croatia 6.83 2009 604 Slovakia 6.80 2009 605 Suriname 6.80 2009 606 Iraq 6.79 2009 607 Malawi 6.79 2009 608 Norway 6.78 2009 609 Bermuda 6.77 2009 610 Central African Republic 6.77 2009 611 Austria 6.76 2009 612 Ireland 6.76 2009 613 Togo 6.76 2009 614 Morocco 6.76 2009 615 Belize 6.75 2009 616 Malawi 6.73 2009 617 Angola 6.72 2009 618 Seychelles 6.72 2009 619 Benin 6.71 2009 620 Serbia 6.71 2009 621 Sri Lanka 6.70 2009 622 France 6.68 2009 623 Sao Tome and Principe 6.68 2009 624 Guinea 6.67 2009 625 Austria 6.66 2009 626 Trinidad and Tobago 6.64 2009 627 United Kingdom 6.64 2009 628 Djibouti 6.63 2009 629 Georgia 6.63 2009 630 Ghana 6.63 2009 631 Cameroon 6.62 2009 632 Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.61 2009 633 Vanuatu 6.61 2009 634 Czech Republic 6.60 2009 635 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6.60 2009 636 Kazakhstan 6.59 2009 637 Nicaragua 6.59 2009 638 Somalia 6.59 2009 639 Chad 6.54 2009 640 Italy 6.53 2009 641 Kenya 6.53 2009 642 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.52 2009 643 Serbia 6.52 2009 644 Colombia 6.50 2009 645 Poland 6.50 2009 646 Hong Kong 6.50 2009 647 Hong Kong 6.50 2009 648 Ecuador 6.50 2009 649 Chile 6.46 2009 650 Oman 6.46 2009 651 Syria 6.44 2009 652 Burkina Faso 6.42 2009 653 Guyana 6.41 2009 654 Vietnam 6.41 2009 655 Bahrain 6.40 2009 656 Thailand 6.40 2009 657 Papua New Guinea 6.40 2009 658 Seychelles 6.39 2009 659 Equatorial Guinea 6.34 2009 660 Lithuania 6.30 2009 661 Thailand 6.30 2009 662 Japan 6.29 2009 663 Jordan 6.29 2009 664 Morocco 6.28 2009 665 Belgium 6.26 2009 666 Qatar 6.26 2009 667 Macedonia 6.26 2009 668 Kenya 6.25 2009 669 Kuwait 6.24 2009 670 Denmark 6.22 2009 671 Georgia 6.22 2009 672 Macau 6.20 2009 673 Azerbaijan 6.18 2009 674 Bulgaria 6.17 2009 675 Dominican Republic 6.17 2009 676 Sweden 6.17 2009 677 Norway 6.16 2009 678 Armenia 6.15 2009 679 Saudi Arabia 6.15 2009 680 Romania 6.14 2009 681 United States 6.14 2009 682 Benin 6.13 2009 683 Bermuda 6.11 2009 684 Niger 6.11 2009 685 Cape Verde 6.10 2009 686 Sudan 6.10 2009 687 Ukraine 6.10 2009 688 Turkey 6.10 2009 689 Greece 6.10 2009 690 Jordan 6.10 2009 691 Uzbekistan 6.09 2009 692 Hungary 6.08 2009 693 Belize 6.07 2009 694 Seychelles 6.07 2009 695 Guyana 6.05 2009 696 Greece 6.02 2009 697 Norway 6.01 2009 698 Malaysia 6.00 2009 699 Taiwan 6.00 2009 700 Czech Republic 5.99 2009 701 Ghana 5.99 2009 702 Samoa 5.95 2009 703 Mozambique 5.93 2009 704 Turkmenistan 5.91 2009 705 Germany 5.90 2009 706 Germany 5.90 2009 707 Kyrgyzstan 5.90 2009 708 Bahamas, The 5.89 2009 709 Mali 5.89 2009 710 Guatemala 5.88 2009 711 Indonesia 5.88 2009 712 Sierra Leone 5.87 2009 713 Ireland 5.86 2009 714 Vanuatu 5.86 2009 715 Suriname 5.85 2009 716 Zambia 5.85 2009 717 Australia 5.81 2009 718 United Arab Emirates 5.81 2009 719 Turkmenistan 5.81 2009 720 Singapore 5.80 2009 721 Yemen 5.80 2009 722 Slovakia 5.80 2009 723 Spain 5.80 2009 724 Algeria 5.77 2009 725 Croatia 5.75 2009 726 Belgium 5.74 2009 727 Bosnia and Herzegovina 5.74 2009 728 Azerbaijan 5.73 2009 729 Netherlands 5.72 2009 730 Czech Republic 5.70 2009 731 Moldova 5.70 2009 732 Singapore 5.70 2009 733 Comoros 5.69 2009 734 Greece 5.68 2009 735 Peru 5.68 2009 736 Turkmenistan 5.67 2009 737 Burundi 5.66 2009 738 Morocco 5.66 2009 739 Bulgaria 5.65 2009 740 Sierra Leone 5.65 2009 741 Indonesia 5.64 2009 742 Oman 5.64 2009 743 Senegal 5.64 2009 744 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5.64 2009 745 Tonga 5.64 2009 746 Estonia 5.63 2009 747 Libya 5.63 2009 748 Nicaragua 5.63 2009 749 Italy 5.63 2009 750 Dominican Republic 5.59 2009 751 Poland 5.59 2009 752 Qatar 5.59 2009 753 Peru 5.59 2009 754 Kazakhstan 5.58 2009 755 Mauritania 5.58 2009 756 Ghana 5.57 2009 757 Costa Rica 5.56 2009 758 Sweden 5.56 2009 759 Congo, Republic of the 5.55 2009 760 Portugal 5.55 2009 761 Australia 5.54 2009 762 Honduras 5.54 2009 763 Rwanda 5.54 2009 764 China 5.54 2009 765 Denmark 5.53 2009 766 Trinidad and Tobago 5.53 2009 767 Sudan 5.53 2009 768 Cyprus 5.52 2009 769 Vanuatu 5.52 2009 770 Bulgaria 5.48 2009 771 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5.48 2009 772 Niger 5.48 2009 773 Russia 5.48 2009 774 Venezuela 5.47 2009 775 Nigeria 5.46 2009 776 Brunei 5.42 2009 777 Israel 5.42 2009 778 New Caledonia 5.42 2009 779 Turkmenistan 5.41 2009 780 Maldives 5.40 2009 781 Turkey 5.40 2009 782 Albania 5.39 2009 783 Uzbekistan 5.39 2009 784 Armenia 5.39 2009 785 Armenia 5.36 2009 786 India 5.36 2009 787 Haiti 5.36 2009 788 Maldives 5.36 2009 789 Bermuda 5.35 2009 790 Burundi 5.35 2009 791 Chile 5.35 2009 792 Chad 5.33 2009 793 Saudi Arabia 5.32 2009 794 Portugal 5.31 2009 795 Australia 5.30 2009 796 Sudan 5.30 2009 797 Slovakia 5.30 2009 798 Malaysia 5.30 2009 799 Laos 5.30 2009 800 Hong Kong 5.30 2009 801 Finland 5.29 2009 802 Japan 5.29 2009 803 Iran 5.27 2009 804 Poland 5.27 2009 805 Oman 5.27 2009 806 Bahrain 5.26 2009 807 Czech Republic 5.26 2009 808 Libya 5.25 2009 809 Fiji 5.23 2009 810 Sri Lanka 5.23 2009 811 Singapore 5.22 2009 812 Spain 5.22 2009 813 Guinea-Bissau 5.20 2009 814 Solomon Islands 5.20 2009 815 Bahrain 5.19 2009 816 Sierra Leone 5.19 2009 817 Sierra Leone 5.19 2009 818 Brunei 5.19 2009 819 Oman 5.19 2009 820 Rwanda 5.19 2009 821 India 5.18 2009 822 Afghanistan 5.15 2009 823 Costa Rica 5.15 2009 824 Guatemala 5.14 2009 825 Sweden 5.14 2009 826 Morocco 5.11 2009 827 Bhutan 5.10 2008 828 Eritrea 5.10 2008 829 Cambodia 5.10 2009 830 Kenya 5.10 2009 831 Cote d'Ivoire 5.09 2009 832 Ghana 5.09 2009 833 Sierra Leone 5.08 2009 834 Uganda 5.08 2009 835 Belgium 5.07 2009 836 Seychelles 5.07 2009 837 Afghanistan 5.06 2009 838 Luxembourg 5.06 2009 839 Sweden 5.06 2009 840 Togo 5.06 2009 841 Algeria 5.05 2009 842 Croatia 5.04 2009 843 Malawi 5.03 2009 844 Equatorial Guinea 5.02 2009 845 Peru 5.02 2009 846 India 5.02 2009 847 Bahrain 5.01 2009 848 Kuwait 5.00 2009 849 Qatar 5.00 2009 850 Paraguay 5.00 2009 851 Turkey 5.00 2009 852 Tunisia 5.00 2009 853 Thailand 5.00 2009 854 Gabon 4.99 2009 855 Saudi Arabia 4.99 2009 856 Iceland 4.98 2009 857 Slovenia 4.98 2009 858 Somalia 4.97 2009 859 Syria 4.97 2009 860 Tajikistan 4.96 2009 861 Aruba 4.94 2009 862 Egypt 4.94 2009 863 Czech Republic 4.93 2009 864 Syria 4.93 2009 865 Syria 4.92 2009 866 Honduras 4.91 2009 867 Romania 4.91 2009 868 France 4.90 2009 869 Germany 4.90 2009 870 Ukraine 4.90 2009 871 Ukraine 4.90 2009 872 Indonesia 4.88 2009 873 Mauritania 4.87 2009 874 South Africa 4.87 2009 875 India 4.86 2009 876 United Kingdom 4.86 2009 877 Cyprus 4.85 2009 878 Russia 4.84 2009 879 United Kingdom 4.84 2009 880 Benin 4.83 2009 881 Bulgaria 4.81 2009 882 Iran 4.81 2009 883 Malawi 4.81 2009 884 Gabon 4.81 2009 885 Rwanda 4.81 2009 886 Pakistan 4.81 2009 887 Kazakhstan 4.80 2009 888 Mongolia 4.80 2009 889 Taiwan 4.80 2009 890 Mexico 4.80 2009 891 Belarus 4.79 2009 892 Sweden 4.79 2009 893 Serbia 4.79 2009 894 Faroe Islands 4.79 2009 895 Kuwait 4.77 2009 896 Barbados 4.76 2009 897 Ireland 4.76 2009 898 Bahamas, The 4.75 2009 899 Senegal 4.75 2009 900 Romania 4.75 2009 901 Djibouti 4.74 2009 902 Hungary 4.73 2009 903 Tajikistan 4.73 2009 904 Pakistan 4.73 2009 905 France 4.72 2009 906 Somalia 4.72 2009 907 Saudi Arabia 4.72 2009 908 Gambia, The 4.71 2009 909 Sao Tome and Principe 4.71 2009 910 Spain 4.70 2009 911 Argentina 4.69 2009 912 Gambia, The 4.68 2009 913 Uzbekistan 4.68 2009 914 Qatar 4.67 2009 915 South Africa 4.67 2009 916 Saint Lucia 4.67 2009 917 Oman 4.65 2009 918 Tanzania 4.65 2009 919 Bangladesh 4.63 2009 920 Nigeria 4.63 2009 921 Papua New Guinea 4.62 2009 922 Jamaica 4.61 2009 923 Eritrea 4.60 2008 924 Uganda 4.60 2009 925 Somalia 4.60 2009 926 Poland 4.60 2009 927 Canada 4.56 2009 928 Saint Lucia 4.56 2009 929 Gabon 4.56 2009 930 Iceland 4.55 2009 931 Lebanon 4.55 2009 932 United States 4.53 2009 933 United Arab Emirates 4.52 2009 934 Yemen 4.52 2009 935 Angola 4.51 2009 936 Comoros 4.51 2009 937 Congo, Republic of the 4.51 2009 938 Yemen 4.51 2009 939 Yemen 4.51 2009 940 Hungary 4.51 2009 941 Colombia 4.50 2009 942 Lebanon 4.50 2009 943 Ecuador 4.50 2009 944 Tunisia 4.50 2009 945 El Salvador 4.50 2009 946 Gambia, The 4.49 2009 947 Israel 4.49 2009 948 Sao Tome and Principe 4.49 2009 949 Guinea-Bissau 4.49 2009 950 Sierra Leone 4.48 2009 951 Netherlands 4.47 2009 952 Solomon Islands 4.47 2009 953 Bangladesh 4.46 2009 954 Russia 4.46 2009 955 Burundi 4.46 2009 956 Cape Verde 4.46 2009 957 Brunei 4.45 2009 958 Vietnam 4.45 2009 959 Indonesia 4.45 2009 960 France 4.44 2009 961 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4.44 2009 962 Pakistan 4.43 2009 963 El Salvador 4.40 2009 964 Netherlands 4.40 2009 965 Korea, South 4.40 2008 966 Montenegro 4.40 2009 967 Togo 4.40 2009 968 Barbados 4.39 2009 969 Moldova 4.38 2009 970 Syria 4.38 2009 971 Chad 4.37 2009 972 Uganda 4.37 2009 973 Costa Rica 4.36 2009 974 Ecuador 4.35 2009 975 Switzerland 4.35 2009 976 Gabon 4.35 2009 977 Bahrain 4.34 2009 978 Tanzania 4.34 2009 979 Solomon Islands 4.34 2009 980 Greece 4.34 2009 981 Guinea 4.33 2009 982 Yemen 4.33 2009 983 Slovenia 4.32 2009 984 Turkmenistan 4.32 2009 985 Cameroon 4.31 2009 986 Macedonia 4.31 2009 987 Brazil 4.30 2009 988 Thailand 4.30 2009 989 Ethiopia 4.30 2009 990 Italy 4.30 2009 991 Germany 4.30 2009 992 Germany 4.30 2009 993 Angola 4.28 2009 994 Vietnam 4.27 2009 995 Bahamas, The 4.26 2009 996 Brunei 4.25 2009 997 Fiji 4.25 2009 998 Burundi 4.24 2009 999 Yemen 4.24 2009 1000 Mozambique 4.24 2009 1001 Ghana 4.23 2009 1002 Finland 4.22 2009 1003 Zambia 4.22 2009 1004 Guinea 4.22 2009 1005 Burundi 4.21 2009 1006 Cape Verde 4.21 2009 1007 Germany 4.20 2009 1008 Malta 4.20 2009 1009 Zimbabwe 4.20 2009 1010 Nigeria 4.19 2009 1011 Trinidad and Tobago 4.19 2009 1012 Jamaica 4.18 2009 1013 Iraq 4.17 2009 1014 New Zealand 4.16 2009 1015 Niger 4.15 2009 1016 Hungary 4.14 2009 1017 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.13 2009 1018 Madagascar 4.13 2009 1019 Hungary 4.13 2009 1020 Bahamas, The 4.12 2009 1021 Japan 4.12 2009 1022 New Zealand 4.12 2009 1023 Syria 4.12 2009 1024 Belize 4.12 2009 1025 Italy 4.12 2009 1026 Iran 4.12 2009 1027 Malta 4.11 2009 1028 Montenegro 4.11 2009 1029 Montenegro 4.11 2009 1030 Korea, South 4.10 2008 1031 Thailand 4.10 2009 1032 Belgium 4.09 2009 1033 Kuwait 4.09 2009 1034 Iceland 4.09 2009 1035 Bulgaria 4.08 2009 1036 Italy 4.08 2009 1037 Greece 4.08 2009 1038 Armenia 4.07 2009 1039 Uganda 4.07 2009 1040 Hungary 4.07 2009 1041 Cambodia 4.06 2009 1042 Sierra Leone 4.06 2009 1043 Malta 4.05 2009 1044 Poland 4.05 2009 1045 Niger 4.05 2009 1046 Saudi Arabia 4.05 2009 1047 Afghanistan 4.04 2009 1048 Belarus 4.04 2009 1049 Mauritania 4.04 2009 1050 Austria 4.03 2009 1051 Malawi 4.03 2009 1052 Israel 4.03 2009 1053 Angola 4.02 2009 1054 Benin 4.02 2009 1055 India 4.02 2009 1056 Kuwait 4.02 2009 1057 Mauritania 4.02 2009 1058 Pakistan 4.02 2009 1059 Libya 4.02 2009 1060 Liberia 4.02 2009 1061 Cyprus 4.01 2009 1062 United Kingdom 4.01 2009 1063 Colombia 4.00 2009 1064 Tunisia 4.00 2009 1065 Slovakia 4.00 2009 1066 Lebanon 4.00 2009 1067 Rwanda 4.00 2009 1068 United Kingdom 3.99 2009 1069 Czech Republic 3.98 2009 1070 Iraq 3.98 2009 1071 Solomon Islands 3.98 2009 1072 Japan 3.98 2009 1073 Israel 3.98 2009 1074 Iraq 3.97 2009 1075 Senegal 3.97 2009 1076 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3.96 2009 1077 Montenegro 3.96 2009 1078 Qatar 3.96 2009 1079 Japan 3.95 2009 1080 South Africa 3.95 2009 1081 Korea, North 3.00 2008 1082 Korea, North 3.00 2008 1083 Greenland 2.29 2009

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Rank code: 2062

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

1 United States 23,530,000,000.00 NA 2 United Kingdom 12,460,000,000.00 NA 3 Japan 11,190,000,000.00 NA 4 France 10,600,000,000.00 NA 5 Germany 10,440,000,000.00 NA 6 Netherlands 5,452,000,000.00 NA 7 Sweden 3,955,000,000.00 NA 8 Canada 3,900,000,000.00 NA 9 Spain 3,814,000,000.00 NA 10 Italy 3,641,000,000.00 NA 11 Norway 2,954,000,000.00 NA 12 Denmark 2,236,000,000.00 NA 13 Australia 2,123,000,000.00 NA 14 Belgium 1,978,000,000.00 NA 15 Switzerland 1,646,000,000.00 NA 16 Austria 1,498,000,000.00 NA 17 Finland 1,023,000,000.00 NA 18 Ireland 1,022,000,000.00 NA 19 Korea, South 455,300,000.00 NA 20 Greece 424,000,000.00 NA 21 Portugal 396,000,000.00 NA 22 Luxembourg 291,000,000.00 NA 23 New Zealand 259,000,000.00 NA 24 Cyprus 25,900,000.00 NA 25 Iceland 6,700,000.00 NA

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Rank code: 2063

Country Comparison :: Constitution

This entry includes the dates of adoption, revisions, and major amendments.

Rank country Constitution Date of Information

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Rank code: 2064

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

1 Iraq 21,650,000,000.00 NA 2 Greece 8,000,000,000.00 NA 3 Nigeria 6,437,000,000.00 NA 4 Vietnam 5,400,000,000.00 NA 5 Afghanistan 2,775,000,000.00 NA 6 Indonesia 2,524,000,000.00 NA 7 Yemen 2,300,000,000.00 NA 8 Sudan 1,829,000,000.00 NA 9 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,828,000,000.00 NA 10 India 1,724,000,000.00 NA 11 Pakistan 1,666,000,000.00 NA 12 China 1,641,000,000.00 NA 13 Ethiopia 1,600,000,000.00 NA 14 Poland 1,524,000,000.00 NA 15 Tanzania 1,505,000,000.00 NA 16 Congo, Republic of the 1,449,000,000.00 NA 17 Gaza Strip 1,400,000,000.00 NA 18 West Bank 1,400,000,000.00 NA 19 Bangladesh 1,321,000,000.00 NA 20 Ghana 1,316,000,000.00 NA 21 Mozambique 1,286,000,000.00 NA 22 Uganda 1,198,000,000.00 NA 23 Sri Lanka 1,189,000,000.00 NA 24 Russia 982,700,000.00 NA 25 Bhutan 941,200,000.00 NA 26 Madagascar 929,200,000.00 NA 27 Egypt 925,900,000.00 NA 28 Romania 914,300,000.00 NA 29 Kenya 768,300,000.00 NA 30 Jordan 752,000,000.00 NA 31 Bulgaria 742,000,000.00 NA 32 South Africa 700,000,000.00 NA 33 Cambodia 698,200,000.00 NA 34 Mali 691,500,000.00 NA 35 Honduras 680,800,000.00 NA 36 Burkina Faso 659,600,000.00 NA 37 Morocco 651,800,000.00 NA 38 Bolivia 582,900,000.00 NA 39 French Polynesia 579,800,000.00 NA 40 Rwanda 576,000,000.00 NA 41 Malawi 575,300,000.00 NA 42 Bosnia and Herzegovina 546,100,000.00 NA 43 New Caledonia 524,300,000.00 NA 44 Niger 515,400,000.00 NA 45 Haiti 515,000,000.00 NA 46 Greenland 512,000,000.00 NA 47 Colombia 511,100,000.00 NA 48 Zambia 504,000,000.00 NA 49 Slovenia 484,000,000.00 NA 50 Senegal 477,000,000.00 NA 51 Serbia 477,000,000.00 NA 52 Nicaragua 471,000,000.00 NA 53 Turkey 464,000,000.00 NA 54 Philippines 451,400,000.00 NA 55 Angola 441,800,000.00 NA 56 Nepal 427,900,000.00 NA 57 Cameroon 413,800,000.00 NA 58 Ukraine 409,600,000.00 NA 59 Peru 397,800,000.00 NA 60 Chad 379,800,000.00 NA 61 Laos 379,000,000.00 NA 62 Tunisia 376,500,000.00 NA 63 Benin 374,700,000.00 NA 64 Korea, North 372,000,000.00 NA 65 Algeria 370,600,000.00 NA 66 Zimbabwe 367,700,000.00 NA 67 Burundi 365,000,000.00 NA 68 Eritrea 355,200,000.00 NA 69 Sierra Leone 343,400,000.00 NA 70 Albania 318,700,000.00 NA 71 Georgia 309,800,000.00 NA 72 Hungary 302,600,000.00 NA 73 Czech Republic 278,700,000.00 NA 74 Kyrgyzstan 268,500,000.00 NA 75 El Salvador 267,600,000.00 NA 76 Papua New Guinea 266,100,000.00 NA 77 Guatemala 253,600,000.00 NA 78 Lithuania 249,700,000.00 NA 79 Tajikistan 241,400,000.00 NA 80 Israel 240,000,000.00 NA 81 Somalia 236,400,000.00 NA 82 Liberia 236,200,000.00 NA 83 Slovakia 235,000,000.00 NA 84 Macedonia 230,300,000.00 NA 85 Kazakhstan 229,200,000.00 NA 86 Azerbaijan 223,400,000.00 NA 87 Syria 213,000,000.00 NA 88 Ecuador 209,500,000.00 NA 89 Mayotte 201,300,000.00 NA 90 Solomon Islands 198,200,000.00 NA 91 Brazil 191,900,000.00 NA 92 Moldova 191,800,000.00 NA 93 Mauritania 190,400,000.00 NA 94 Mexico 189,400,000.00 NA 95 Timor-Leste 184,700,000.00 NA 96 Guinea 182,100,000.00 NA 97 Armenia 180,000,000.00 NA 98 Uzbekistan 172,300,000.00 NA 99 Thailand 171,100,000.00 NA 100 Latvia 162,000,000.00 NA 101 Cape Verde 160,600,000.00 NA 102 Mongolia 159,500,000.00 NA 103 Burma 144,700,000.00 NA 104 Guyana 136,800,000.00 NA 105 Estonia 135,500,000.00 NA 106 Croatia 125,400,000.00 NA 107 Namibia 123,400,000.00 NA 108 Micronesia, Federated States of 106,400,000.00 NA 109 Faroe Islands 105,000,000.00 NA 110 Iran 104,000,000.00 NA 111 Bahrain 103,900,000.00 NA 112 Argentina 99,660,000.00 NA 113 Central African Republic 95,290,000.00 NA 114 Cuba 87,800,000.00 NA 115 Togo 86,710,000.00 NA 116 Guinea-Bissau 79,120,000.00 NA 117 Djibouti 78,600,000.00 NA 118 Dominican Republic 76,990,000.00 NA 119 Botswana 70,890,000.00 NA 120 Lesotho 68,820,000.00 NA 121 Korea, South 68,070,000.00 NA 122 Maldives 66,830,000.00 NA 123 Fiji 63,960,000.00 NA 124 Cote d'Ivoire 60,000,000.00 NA 125 Gambia, The 58,150,000.00 NA 126 Marshall Islands 56,560,000.00 NA 127 Gabon 53,870,000.00 NA 128 Belarus 53,760,000.00 NA 129 Paraguay 51,090,000.00 NA 130 Venezuela 48,660,000.00 NA 131 Swaziland 46,030,000.00 NA 132 Grenada 44,870,000.00 NA 133 Suriname 43,970,000.00 NA 134 Samoa 43,950,000.00 NA 135 Vanuatu 39,480,000.00 NA 136 Equatorial Guinea 39,000,000.00 NA 137 Jamaica 35,740,000.00 NA 138 Mauritius 31,930,000.00 NA 139 Sao Tome and Principe 31,900,000.00 NA 140 Tonga 31,750,000.00 NA 141 Malaysia 31,600,000.00 NA 142 Oman 30,680,000.00 NA 143 Costa Rica 29,510,000.00 NA 144 Turkmenistan 28,250,000.00 NA 145 Kiribati 27,840,000.00 NA 146 Saudi Arabia 26,290,000.00 NA 147 Comoros 25,230,000.00 NA 148 Libya 24,440,000.00 NA 149 Palau 23,460,000.00 NA 150 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha22,730,000.00 NA 151 Nauru 20,000,000.00 NA 152 Panama 19,540,000.00 NA 153 Seychelles 18,810,000.00 NA 154 Dominica 15,170,000.00 NA 155 Cyprus 15,000,000.00 NA 156 Uruguay 14,620,000.00 NA 157 Macau 13,700,000.00 NA 158 Cook Islands 13,100,000.00 NA 159 Belize 12,910,000.00 NA 160 Aruba 11,300,000.00 NA 161 Saint Lucia 11,060,000.00 NA 162 Tuvalu 10,490,000.00 NA 163 Anguilla 9,000,000.00 NA 164 Svalbard 8,200,000.00 NA 165 Antigua and Barbuda 7,230,000.00 NA 166 Hong Kong 6,950,000.00 NA 167 Malta 6,190,000.00 NA 168 United Arab Emirates 5,360,000.00 NA 169 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4,890,000.00 NA 170 Bahamas, The 4,780,000.00 NA 171 Turks and Caicos Islands 4,100,000.00 NA 172 Saint Kitts and Nevis 3,520,000.00 NA 173 Pitcairn Islands 3,465,000.00 NA 174 Kuwait 2,600,000.00 NA 175 Niue 2,600,000.00 NA 176 Qatar 2,180,000.00 NA 177 Barbados 2,070,000.00 NA 178 Brunei 770,000.00 NA 179 Cayman Islands 390,000.00 NA 180 Trinidad and Tobago 200,000.00 NA 181 Bermuda 90,000.00 NA 182 Chile 0.00 NA 183 Singapore 0.00 NA

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Rank code: 2065

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

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Rank code: 2066

Country Comparison :: Death rate

This entry gives the average annual number of deaths during a year per 1,000 population at midyear; also known as crude death rate. The death rate, while only a rough indicator of the mortality situation in a country, accurately indicates the current mortality impact on population growth. This indicator is significantly affected by age distribution, and most countries will eventually show a rise in the overall death rate, in spite of continued decline in mortality at all ages, as declining fertility results in an aging population.

Rank country (deaths/1,000 population) Date of Information

1 Angola 23.74 July 2010 est. 2 Mozambique 19.83 July 2010 est. 3 Afghanistan 17.65 July 2010 est. 4 South Africa 16.99 July 2010 est. 5 Nigeria 16.31 July 2010 est. 6 Russia 16.04 July 2010 est. 7 Chad 15.79 July 2010 est. 8 Lesotho 15.71 July 2010 est. 9 Ukraine 15.70 July 2010 est. 10 Guinea-Bissau 15.52 July 2010 est. 11 Central African Republic 15.30 July 2010 est. 12 Somalia 15.24 July 2010 est. 13 Swaziland 14.99 July 2010 est. 14 Zimbabwe 14.90 July 2010 est. 15 Mali 14.64 July 2010 est. 16 Niger 14.47 July 2010 est. 17 Bulgaria 14.31 July 2010 est. 18 Serbia 13.89 July 2010 est. 19 Belarus 13.81 July 2010 est. 20 Malawi 13.69 July 2010 est. 21 Latvia 13.60 July 2010 est. 22 Estonia 13.48 July 2010 est. 23 Burkina Faso 13.02 July 2010 est. 24 Namibia 12.97 July 2010 est. 25 Gabon 12.90 July 2010 est. 26 Zambia 12.84 July 2010 est. 27 Hungary 12.67 July 2010 est. 28 Tanzania 12.31 July 2010 est. 29 Gambia, The 12.03 July 2010 est. 30 Cameroon 12.01 July 2010 est. 31 Sierra Leone 11.97 July 2010 est. 32 Uganda 11.90 July 2010 est. 33 Croatia 11.83 July 2010 est. 34 Romania 11.78 July 2010 est. 35 Congo, Republic of the 11.75 July 2010 est. 36 Sudan 11.66 July 2010 est. 37 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 11.39 July 2010 est. 38 Ethiopia 11.29 July 2010 est. 39 Lithuania 11.25 July 2010 est. 40 Germany 11.00 July 2010 est. 41 Liberia 10.88 July 2010 est. 42 Italy 10.83 July 2010 est. 43 Czech Republic 10.79 July 2010 est. 44 Moldova 10.76 July 2010 est. 45 Portugal 10.74 July 2010 est. 46 Slovenia 10.74 July 2010 est. 47 Guinea 10.72 July 2010 est. 48 Greece 10.60 July 2010 est. 49 Korea, North 10.60 July 2010 est. 50 Belgium 10.50 July 2010 est. 51 Cote d'Ivoire 10.43 July 2010 est. 52 Sweden 10.20 July 2010 est. 53 Denmark 10.19 July 2010 est. 54 Rwanda 10.19 July 2010 est. 55 Finland 10.15 July 2010 est. 56 Poland 10.10 July 2010 est. 57 Austria 10.05 July 2010 est. 58 Burundi 9.87 July 2010 est. 59 Isle of Man 9.87 July 2010 est. 60 Japan 9.83 July 2010 est. 61 Georgia 9.79 July 2010 est. 62 Slovakia 9.56 July 2010 est. 63 Senegal 9.49 July 2010 est. 64 Kazakhstan 9.39 July 2010 est. 65 Tuvalu 9.36 July 2010 est. 66 United Kingdom 9.33 July 2010 est. 67 Equatorial Guinea 9.26 July 2010 est. 68 Kenya 9.26 July 2010 est. 69 Norway 9.26 July 2010 est. 70 Benin 9.23 July 2010 est. 71 Western Sahara 9.13 July 2010 est. 72 Uruguay 9.06 July 2010 est. 73 Botswana 9.02 July 2010 est. 74 Mauritania 9.00 July 2010 est. 75 Ghana 8.93 July 2010 est. 76 Macedonia 8.87 July 2010 est. 77 Netherlands 8.78 July 2010 est. 78 Montenegro 8.76 July 2010 est. 79 Spain 8.72 July 2010 est. 80 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8.71 July 2010 est. 81 Faroe Islands 8.66 July 2010 est. 82 France 8.65 July 2010 est. 83 Switzerland 8.65 July 2010 est. 84 Malta 8.49 July 2010 est. 85 Luxembourg 8.46 July 2010 est. 86 Sao Tome and Principe 8.45 July 2010 est. 87 Armenia 8.42 July 2010 est. 88 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 8.41 July 2010 est. 89 Barbados 8.39 July 2010 est. 90 United States 8.38 July 2010 est. 91 World 8.37 2009 est. 92 Djibouti 8.37 July 2010 est. 93 Guernsey 8.35 July 2010 est. 94 Azerbaijan 8.28 July 2010 est. 95 Laos 8.28 July 2010 est. 96 Eritrea 8.25 July 2010 est. 97 Burma 8.23 July 2010 est. 98 Haiti 8.21 2011 est. 99 Trinidad and Tobago 8.21 July 2010 est. 100 Cambodia 8.19 July 2010 est. 101 Gibraltar 8.17 July 2010 est. 102 Togo 8.15 July 2010 est. 103 Dominica 8.12 July 2010 est. 104 Greenland 8.05 July 2010 est. 105 Monaco 8.01 July 2010 est. 106 Curacao 8.00 2009 107 Madagascar 7.97 July 2010 est. 108 Grenada 7.90 July 2010 est. 109 Canada 7.87 July 2010 est. 110 Montserrat 7.82 July 2010 est. 111 Puerto Rico 7.82 July 2010 est. 112 Palau 7.81 July 2010 est. 113 Aruba 7.76 July 2010 est. 114 San Marino 7.75 July 2010 est. 115 India 7.53 July 2010 est. 116 Jersey 7.49 July 2010 est. 117 Liechtenstein 7.49 July 2010 est. 118 Vanuatu 7.49 July 2010 est. 119 Kiribati 7.48 July 2010 est. 120 Bermuda 7.43 July 2010 est. 121 Comoros 7.40 July 2010 est. 122 Argentina 7.39 July 2010 est. 123 Cuba 7.29 July 2010 est. 124 Bhutan 7.25 July 2010 est. 125 Guyana 7.24 July 2010 est. 126 Yemen 7.24 July 2010 est. 127 Cook Islands 7.22 NA 128 Saint Kitts and Nevis 7.11 July 2010 est. 129 New Zealand 7.10 July 2010 est. 130 Pakistan 7.06 July 2010 est. 131 Mayotte 7.05 July 2010 est. 132 Virgin Islands 6.96 July 2010 est. 133 Bolivia 6.95 July 2010 est. 134 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6.94 July 2010 est. 135 Seychelles 6.92 July 2010 est. 136 Hong Kong 6.91 July 2010 est. 137 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha6.91 July 2010 est. 138 Iceland 6.90 July 2010 est. 139 Saint Lucia 6.90 July 2010 est. 140 Bahamas, The 6.89 July 2010 est. 141 Nepal 6.89 July 2010 est. 142 China 6.89 July 2010 est. 143 Taiwan 6.87 July 2010 est. 144 Kyrgyzstan 6.85 July 2010 est. 145 Australia 6.81 July 2010 est. 146 Tajikistan 6.72 July 2010 est. 147 Mauritius 6.63 July 2010 est. 148 Papua New Guinea 6.62 July 2010 est. 149 Jamaica 6.48 July 2010 est. 150 Thailand 6.47 July 2010 est. 151 Lebanon 6.46 July 2010 est. 152 Cyprus 6.42 July 2010 est. 153 Cape Verde 6.41 July 2010 est. 154 Brazil 6.35 July 2010 est. 155 Ireland 6.30 July 2010 est. 156 Turkmenistan 6.27 July 2010 est. 157 Indonesia 6.25 July 2010 est. 158 Andorra 6.21 July 2010 est. 159 Sri Lanka 6.20 July 2010 est. 160 Korea, South 6.15 July 2010 est. 161 Nauru 6.15 July 2010 est. 162 Peru 6.13 July 2010 est. 163 Turkey 6.10 July 2010 est. 164 Mongolia 6.08 July 2010 est. 165 Albania 6.04 July 2010 est. 166 Vietnam 5.97 July 2010 est. 167 Iran 5.94 July 2010 est. 168 Timor-Leste 5.93 July 2010 est. 169 Chile 5.90 July 2010 est. 170 Fiji 5.88 July 2010 est. 171 Belize 5.82 July 2010 est. 172 Bangladesh 5.81 July 2010 est. 173 Antigua and Barbuda 5.77 July 2010 est. 174 El Salvador 5.61 July 2010 est. 175 Suriname 5.53 July 2010 est. 176 Israel 5.45 July 2010 est. 177 Samoa 5.36 July 2010 est. 178 Uzbekistan 5.29 July 2010 est. 179 Colombia 5.24 July 2010 est. 180 Tunisia 5.24 July 2010 est. 181 New Caledonia 5.23 July 2010 est. 182 Venezuela 5.14 July 2010 est. 183 Philippines 5.06 July 2010 est. 184 Guatemala 5.04 July 2010 est. 185 Cayman Islands 5.00 July 2010 est. 186 Ecuador 5.00 July 2010 est. 187 Honduras 4.99 July 2010 est. 188 Tonga 4.95 July 2010 est. 189 Iraq 4.92 July 2010 est. 190 Malaysia 4.92 July 2010 est. 191 Egypt 4.85 July 2010 est. 192 Mexico 4.83 July 2010 est. 193 French Polynesia 4.80 July 2010 est. 194 Singapore 4.80 July 2010 est. 195 Morocco 4.74 July 2010 est. 196 Algeria 4.66 July 2010 est. 197 Panama 4.62 July 2010 est. 198 Wallis and Futuna 4.56 NA 199 Paraguay 4.55 July 2010 est. 200 Marshall Islands 4.42 July 2010 est. 201 British Virgin Islands 4.41 July 2010 est. 202 Anguilla 4.40 July 2010 est. 203 Micronesia, Federated States of 4.40 July 2010 est. 204 Bahrain 4.37 July 2010 est. 205 Dominican Republic 4.30 July 2010 est. 206 Costa Rica 4.29 July 2010 est. 207 Nicaragua 4.28 July 2010 est. 208 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.17 July 2010 est. 209 American Samoa 4.09 July 2010 est. 210 Solomon Islands 3.96 July 2010 est. 211 Syria 3.70 July 2010 est. 212 Maldives 3.68 July 2010 est. 213 West Bank 3.62 July 2010 est. 214 Macau 3.60 July 2010 est. 215 Oman 3.47 July 2010 est. 216 Libya 3.40 July 2010 est. 217 Gaza Strip 3.36 July 2010 est. 218 Saudi Arabia 3.34 July 2010 est. 219 Brunei 3.32 July 2010 est. 220 Northern Mariana Islands 3.17 July 2010 est. 221 Sint Maarten 3.00 2009 222 Jordan 2.66 July 2010 est. 223 Qatar 2.44 July 2010 est. 224 Kuwait 2.29 July 2010 est. 225 United Arab Emirates 2.08 July 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2068

Country Comparison :: Dependent areas

This entry contains an alphabetical listing of all nonindependent entities associated in some way with a particular independent state.

Rank country Dependent areas Date of Information

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Rank code: 2070

Country Comparison :: Disputes - international

This entry includes a wide variety of situations that range from traditional bilateral boundary disputes to unilateral claims of one sort or another. Information regarding disputes over international terrestrial and maritime boundaries has been reviewed by the US Department of State. References to other situations involving borders or frontiers may also be included, such as resource disputes, geopolitical questions, or irredentist issues; however, inclusion does not necessarily constitute official acceptance or recognition by the US Government.

Rank country Disputes - international Date of Information

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Rank code: 2075

Country Comparison :: Ethnic groups

This entry provides an ordered listing of ethnic groups starting with the largest and normally includes the percent of total population.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Lesotho 99.70 NA 2 Mozambique 99.66 NA 3 Egypt 99.60 2006 census 4 Zambia 99.50 2000 Census 5 Morocco 99.10 NA 6 Algeria 99.00 NA 7 Gambia, The 99.00 2003 census 8 Togo 99.00 NA 9 Tanzania 99.00 NA 10 Guinea-Bissau 99.00 NA 11 Kiribati 98.80 2000 census 12 Japan 98.50 2004 13 Vanuatu 98.50 1999 Census 14 Bangladesh 98.00 1998 15 Jordan 98.00 NA 16 Zimbabwe 98.00 NA 17 Tunisia 98.00 NA 18 Armenia 97.90 2001 census 19 Argentina 97.00 NA 20 Libya 97.00 NA 21 Swaziland 97.00 NA 22 Poland 96.70 2002 census 23 Tuvalu 96.00 NA 24 Chile 95.40 2002 census 25 Albania 95.00 NA 26 Lebanon 95.00 NA 27 Paraguay 95.00 NA 28 Hong Kong 95.00 2006 census 29 Haiti 95.00 NA 30 Mongolia 94.90 2000 31 Solomon Islands 94.50 1999 census 32 Norway 94.40 2007 estimate 33 Macau 94.30 2006 census 34 Costa Rica 94.00 NA 35 Iceland 94.00 NA 36 Finland 93.40 2006 37 Barbados 93.00 2000 census 38 Greece 93.00 NA 39 Samoa 92.60 2001 census 40 Hungary 92.30 2001 census 41 Marshall Islands 92.10 2006 42 United Kingdom 92.10 2001 census 43 Australia 92.00 NA 44 Kosovo 92.00 2008 45 American Samoa 91.60 2000 census 46 China 91.50 2000 census 47 Germany 91.50 NA 48 Jamaica 91.20 2001 census 49 Austria 91.10 2001 census 50 Antigua and Barbuda 91.00 2001 census 51 Azerbaijan 90.60 NA 52 Czech Republic 90.40 2001 census 53 Syria 90.30 NA 54 Anguilla 90.10 2001 census 55 Cambodia 90.00 NA 56 Honduras 90.00 NA 57 Turks and Caicos Islands 90.00 NA 58 Saudi Arabia 90.00 NA 59 El Salvador 90.00 NA 60 Croatia 89.60 2001 census 61 Romania 89.50 2002 census 62 Greenland 89.00 2009 63 Uruguay 88.00 NA 64 Cook Islands 87.70 2001 census 65 Namibia 87.50 NA 66 Ireland 87.40 2006 census 67 Dominica 86.80 2001 census 68 Vietnam 86.20 1999 census 69 Slovakia 85.80 2001 census 70 Equatorial Guinea 85.70 1994 census 71 Bahamas, The 85.00 NA 72 Burundi 85.00 NA 73 Somalia 85.00 NA 74 Turkmenistan 85.00 2003 75 Lithuania 84.00 2009 76 Taiwan 84.00 NA 77 Rwanda 84.00 NA 78 Bulgaria 83.90 2001 census 79 Georgia 83.80 2002 census 80 Slovenia 83.10 2002 census 81 West Bank 83.00 NA 82 Serbia 82.90 2002 census 83 Saint Lucia 82.50 2001 census 84 British Virgin Islands 82.00 2008 85 Grenada 82.00 NA 86 Belarus 81.20 1999 census 87 Netherlands 80.70 2008 est. 88 Aruba 80.00 NA 89 Uzbekistan 80.00 NA 90 United States 79.96 NA 91 Tajikistan 79.90 2000 census 92 Russia 79.80 2002 census 93 Botswana 79.00 NA 94 South Africa 79.00 2001 census 95 Moldova 78.20 NA 96 Niue 78.20 2001 census 97 French Polynesia 78.00 NA 98 Ukraine 77.80 2001 census 99 Cyprus 77.00 2001 100 Singapore 76.80 2000 census 101 Israel 76.40 NA 102 Puerto Rico 76.20 2007 103 Virgin Islands 76.20 2000 census 104 Thailand 75.00 NA 105 Sri Lanka 73.80 NA 106 Dominican Republic 73.00 NA 107 India 72.00 2000 108 Cape Verde 71.00 NA 109 Christmas Island 70.00 2001 110 Panama 70.00 NA 111 Palau 69.90 2000 census 112 Nicaragua 69.00 NA 113 Estonia 68.70 2008 census 114 Burma 68.00 NA 115 Mauritius 68.00 NA 116 Brunei 66.30 2004 est. 117 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 66.00 NA 118 Liechtenstein 65.60 2000 census 119 Cuba 65.10 2002 census 120 Ecuador 65.00 NA 121 Switzerland 65.00 NA 122 Kyrgyzstan 64.90 1999 census 123 Macedonia 64.20 2002 census 124 Luxembourg 63.10 2000 census 125 Bahrain 62.40 2001 census 126 Djibouti 60.00 NA 127 Mexico 60.00 NA 128 Guatemala 59.40 2001 census 129 Latvia 59.30 2009 130 Belgium 58.00 NA 131 Colombia 58.00 NA 132 Nauru 58.00 NA 133 Fiji 57.30 2007 census 134 New Zealand 56.80 2006 Census 135 Northern Mariana Islands 56.30 2000 census 136 Niger 55.40 2001 census 137 Svalbard 55.40 1998 138 Eritrea 55.00 NA 139 Laos 55.00 2005 census 140 Bermuda 54.80 2000 census 141 Brazil 53.70 2000 census 142 Kazakhstan 53.40 1999 census 143 Sudan 52.00 NA 144 Jersey 51.10 2001 census 145 Iran 51.00 NA 146 Malaysia 50.40 2004 est. 147 Bhutan 50.00 NA 148 United Arab Emirates 50.00 NA 149 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha50.00 NA 150 Mali 50.00 NA 151 Micronesia, Federated States of 48.80 2000 census 152 Belize 48.70 2000 census 153 Bosnia and Herzegovina 48.00 NA 154 Congo, Republic of the 48.00 NA 155 Monaco 47.00 NA 156 Ghana 45.30 2000 census 157 Kuwait 45.00 NA 158 Peru 45.00 NA 159 Pakistan 44.68 NA 160 Svalbard 44.30 1998 161 New Caledonia 44.10 1996 census 162 Guyana 43.50 2002 census 163 Senegal 43.30 NA 164 Andorra 43.00 1998 165 Montenegro 43.00 2003 census 166 Cote d'Ivoire 42.10 1998 167 Afghanistan 42.00 NA 168 Indonesia 40.60 2000 census 169 Cayman Islands 40.00 NA 170 Qatar 40.00 NA 171 Trinidad and Tobago 40.00 2000 census 172 Mauritania 40.00 NA 173 Guinea 40.00 NA 174 Benin 39.20 2002 census 175 Sudan 39.00 NA 176 Brazil 38.50 2000 census 177 Bahrain 37.60 2001 census 178 Fiji 37.60 2007 census 179 Trinidad and Tobago 37.50 2000 census 180 Bosnia and Herzegovina 37.10 NA 181 Angola 37.00 NA 182 Suriname 37.00 NA 183 Peru 37.00 NA 184 Northern Mariana Islands 36.30 2000 census 185 Bhutan 35.00 NA 186 Sierra Leone 35.00 2008 census 187 Kuwait 35.00 NA 188 Djibouti 35.00 NA 189 Jersey 34.80 2001 census 190 Ethiopia 34.50 2007 Census 191 Liechtenstein 34.40 2000 census 192 Bermuda 34.10 2000 census 193 New Caledonia 34.10 1996 census 194 Andorra 33.00 1998 195 Central African Republic 33.00 NA 196 Nepal 32.70 2001 census 197 Montenegro 32.00 2003 census 198 Belgium 31.00 NA 199 Cameroon 31.00 NA 200 Sierra Leone 31.00 2008 census 201 Suriname 31.00 NA 202 Guyana 30.20 2002 census 203 Bolivia 30.00 NA 204 Mauritania 30.00 NA 205 Mexico 30.00 NA 206 Mauritania 30.00 NA 207 Bolivia 30.00 NA 208 Guinea 30.00 NA 209 Kazakhstan 30.00 1999 census 210 Eritrea 30.00 NA 211 Indonesia 29.90 2000 census 212 Uganda 29.60 2002 census 213 Nigeria 29.00 NA 214 Philippines 28.10 2000 census 215 Canada 28.00 NA 216 Cape Verde 28.00 NA 217 Latvia 27.80 2009 218 Chad 27.70 1993 census 219 Afghanistan 27.00 NA 220 Central African Republic 27.00 NA 221 Mauritius 27.00 NA 222 Ethiopia 26.90 2007 Census 223 Canada 26.00 NA 224 Laos 26.00 2005 census 225 Nauru 26.00 NA 226 Estonia 25.60 2008 census 227 Philippines 25.30 2000 census 228 Macedonia 25.20 2002 census 229 Angola 25.00 NA 230 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha25.00 NA 231 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha25.00 NA 232 India 25.00 2000 233 Ecuador 25.00 NA 234 Bolivia 25.00 NA 235 Belize 24.90 2000 census 236 Cuba 24.80 2002 census 237 Micronesia, Federated States of 24.20 2000 census 238 Iran 24.00 NA 239 Senegal 23.80 NA 240 Malaysia 23.70 2004 est. 241 Israel 23.60 NA 242 Canada 23.00 NA 243 United Arab Emirates 23.00 NA 244 Angola 22.00 NA 245 Kenya 22.00 NA 246 Monaco 21.00 NA 247 Niger 21.00 2001 census 248 Nigeria 21.00 NA 249 Trinidad and Tobago 20.50 2000 census 250 Liberia 20.30 2008 Census 251 Liberia 20.10 2008 Census 252 Aruba 20.00 NA 253 Christmas Island 20.00 2001 254 Congo, Republic of the 20.00 NA 255 Colombia 20.00 NA 256 Guinea 20.00 NA 257 Cayman Islands 20.00 NA 258 Cayman Islands 20.00 NA 259 Cayman Islands 20.00 NA 260 Brunei 19.10 2004 est. 261 Cameroon 19.00 NA 262 United Arab Emirates 19.00 NA 263 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 19.00 NA 264 Cyprus 18.00 2001 265 Qatar 18.00 NA 266 Switzerland 18.00 NA 267 Qatar 18.00 NA 268 Nigeria 18.00 NA 269 Cote d'Ivoire 17.60 1998 270 Ukraine 17.30 2001 census 271 Congo, Republic of the 17.00 NA 272 Mali 17.00 NA 273 West Bank 17.00 NA 274 Nicaragua 17.00 NA 275 Uganda 16.90 2002 census 276 Guyana 16.70 2002 census 277 Cote d'Ivoire 16.50 1998 278 Dominican Republic 16.00 NA 279 Monaco 16.00 NA 280 Monaco 16.00 NA 281 Nepal 15.50 2001 census 282 Pakistan 15.42 NA 283 Palau 15.30 2000 census 284 Tajikistan 15.30 2000 census 285 Benin 15.20 2002 census 286 Ghana 15.20 2000 census 287 Bhutan 15.00 NA 288 Canada 15.00 NA 289 Kenya 15.00 NA 290 Peru 15.00 NA 291 Rwanda 15.00 NA 292 Somalia 15.00 NA 293 Suriname 15.00 NA 294 Sierra Leone 15.00 2008 census 295 Indonesia 15.00 2000 census 296 Bolivia 15.00 NA 297 Senegal 14.70 NA 298 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.30 NA 299 Pakistan 14.10 NA 300 Burundi 14.00 NA 301 Taiwan 14.00 NA 302 Thailand 14.00 NA 303 Qatar 14.00 NA 304 Panama 14.00 NA 305 Colombia 14.00 NA 306 Kenya 14.00 NA 307 Singapore 13.90 2000 census 308 Kyrgyzstan 13.80 1999 census 309 New Zealand 13.50 2006 Census 310 Liberia 13.40 2008 Census 311 Luxembourg 13.30 2000 census 312 Philippines 13.10 2000 census 313 Virgin Islands 13.10 2000 census 314 Angola 13.00 NA 315 Grenada 13.00 NA 316 Kenya 13.00 NA 317 Central African Republic 13.00 NA 318 Cameroon 13.00 NA 319 United States 12.85 NA 320 Kyrgyzstan 12.50 1999 census 321 Nepal 12.50 2001 census 322 Benin 12.30 2002 census 323 Chad 12.30 1993 census 324 Russia 12.10 2002 census 325 Bahamas, The 12.00 NA 326 French Polynesia 12.00 NA 327 Montenegro 12.00 2003 census 328 Slovenia 12.00 2002 census 329 Puerto Rico 12.00 2007 330 Mali 12.00 NA 331 Kenya 12.00 NA 332 Congo, Republic of the 12.00 NA 333 Saint Lucia 11.90 2001 census 334 Ghana 11.70 2000 census 335 Chad 11.50 1993 census 336 Belarus 11.40 1999 census 337 Ethiopia 11.30 2007 Census 338 British Virgin Islands 11.20 2008 339 Brunei 11.20 2004 est. 340 Andorra 11.00 1998 341 Belgium 11.00 NA 342 Cameroon 11.00 NA 343 Thailand 11.00 NA 344 Malaysia 11.00 2004 est. 345 Laos 11.00 2005 census 346 Kenya 11.00 NA 347 Greenland 11.00 2009 348 Dominican Republic 11.00 NA 349 Cote d'Ivoire 11.00 1998 350 Botswana 11.00 NA 351 Belize 10.60 2000 census 352 Niue 10.20 2001 census 353 Cuba 10.10 2002 census 354 Cameroon 10.00 NA 355 Guinea 10.00 NA 356 Saudi Arabia 10.00 NA 357 Qatar 10.00 NA 358 Panama 10.00 NA 359 Nigeria 10.00 NA 360 Mali 10.00 NA 361 Liberia 10.00 2008 Census 362 Central African Republic 10.00 NA 363 Cote d'Ivoire 10.00 1998 364 Christmas Island 10.00 2001 365 Turks and Caicos Islands 10.00 NA 366 Switzerland 10.00 NA 367 Suriname 10.00 NA 368 Sri Lanka 10.00 NA 369 Belize 9.70 2000 census 370 New Zealand 9.70 2006 Census 371 Syria 9.70 NA 372 Slovakia 9.70 2001 census 373 South Africa 9.60 2001 census 374 Uganda 9.50 2002 census 375 Bulgaria 9.40 2001 census 376 Senegal 9.40 NA 377 Niger 9.30 2001 census 378 Benin 9.20 2002 census 379 Guatemala 9.10 2001 census 380 Guyana 9.10 2002 census 381 Afghanistan 9.00 NA 382 Philippines 9.00 2000 census 383 Nicaragua 9.00 NA 384 New Caledonia 9.00 1996 census 385 Mexico 9.00 NA 386 Kuwait 9.00 NA 387 El Salvador 9.00 NA 388 Chad 9.00 1993 census 389 Burma 9.00 NA 390 Afghanistan 9.00 NA 391 Dominica 8.90 2001 census 392 South Africa 8.90 2001 census 393 Chad 8.70 1993 census 394 Guatemala 8.60 2001 census 395 China 8.50 2000 census 396 Niger 8.50 2001 census 397 Guatemala 8.40 2001 census 398 Uganda 8.40 2002 census 399 Moldova 8.40 NA 400 Pakistan 8.38 NA 401 Cameroon 8.00 NA 402 Laos 8.00 2005 census 403 Montenegro 8.00 2003 census 404 Serbia 8.00 2002 census 405 Uruguay 8.00 NA 406 United Arab Emirates 8.00 NA 407 Sierra Leone 8.00 2008 census 408 Nauru 8.00 NA 409 New Zealand 8.00 2006 Census 410 Nauru 8.00 NA 411 Liberia 8.00 2008 Census 412 Kosovo 8.00 2008 413 Iran 8.00 NA 414 Guatemala 7.90 2001 census 415 Liberia 7.90 2008 Census 416 Singapore 7.90 2000 census 417 Ghana 7.80 2000 census 418 Malaysia 7.80 2004 est. 419 Philippines 7.60 2000 census 420 Pakistan 7.57 NA 421 Ireland 7.50 2006 census 422 Philippines 7.50 2000 census 423 New Zealand 7.40 2006 Census 424 Ghana 7.30 2000 census 425 Luxembourg 7.30 2000 census 426 Sri Lanka 7.20 NA 427 Malaysia 7.10 2004 est. 428 Andorra 7.00 1998 429 Benin 7.00 2002 census 430 Cameroon 7.00 NA 431 Samoa 7.00 2001 census 432 Nepal 7.00 2001 census 433 Kuwait 7.00 NA 434 Iran 7.00 NA 435 Honduras 7.00 NA 436 Greece 7.00 NA 437 Ecuador 7.00 NA 438 Central African Republic 7.00 NA 439 Burma 7.00 NA 440 Botswana 7.00 NA 441 Australia 7.00 NA 442 Puerto Rico 6.90 2007 443 Uganda 6.90 2002 census 444 British Virgin Islands 6.80 2008 445 Chad 6.70 1993 census 446 Jersey 6.60 2001 census 447 Romania 6.60 2002 census 448 Nepal 6.60 2001 census 449 Chad 6.50 1993 census 450 Equatorial Guinea 6.50 1994 census 451 Namibia 6.50 NA 452 Georgia 6.50 2002 census 453 Cook Islands 6.50 2001 census 454 Bermuda 6.40 2000 census 455 Chad 6.40 1993 census 456 Jersey 6.40 2001 census 457 Micronesia, Federated States of 6.40 2000 census 458 Uganda 6.40 2002 census 459 Chad 6.30 1993 census 460 Guatemala 6.30 2001 census 461 Pakistan 6.28 NA 462 Brazil 6.20 2000 census 463 Micronesia, Federated States of 6.20 2000 census 464 Jamaica 6.20 2001 census 465 Ethiopia 6.20 2007 Census 466 Belize 6.10 2000 census 467 Ethiopia 6.10 2007 Census 468 Uganda 6.10 2002 census 469 Virgin Islands 6.10 2000 census 470 Lithuania 6.10 2009 471 Germany 6.10 NA 472 Benin 6.10 2002 census 473 Andorra 6.00 1998 474 French Polynesia 6.00 NA 475 Iceland 6.00 NA 476 Turkmenistan 6.00 2003 477 Switzerland 6.00 NA 478 Sudan 6.00 NA 479 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6.00 NA 480 Philippines 6.00 2000 census 481 Panama 6.00 NA 482 Namibia 6.00 NA 483 Mali 6.00 NA 484 Liberia 6.00 2008 Census 485 Kenya 6.00 NA 486 Kenya 6.00 NA 487 Canada 6.00 NA 488 Croatia 5.90 2001 census 489 Marshall Islands 5.90 2006 490 Cook Islands 5.80 2001 census 491 Hungary 5.80 2001 census 492 Moldova 5.80 NA 493 Georgia 5.70 2002 census 494 Kyrgyzstan 5.70 1999 census 495 Macau 5.70 2006 census 496 Finland 5.60 2006 497 Nepal 5.50 2001 census 498 Uzbekistan 5.50 NA 499 Nepal 5.40 2001 census 500 Luxembourg 5.20 2000 census 501 Micronesia, Federated States of 5.20 2000 census 502 New Caledonia 5.20 1996 census 503 Liberia 5.10 2008 Census 504 Burma 5.00 NA 505 Cambodia 5.00 NA 506 Sierra Leone 5.00 2008 census 507 Paraguay 5.00 NA 508 Nicaragua 5.00 NA 509 Netherlands 5.00 2008 est. 510 Montenegro 5.00 2003 census 511 Mongolia 5.00 2000 512 Mali 5.00 NA 513 Iraq 5.00 NA 514 Haiti 5.00 NA 515 Uzbekistan 5.00 NA 516 Turkmenistan 5.00 2003 517 Grenada 5.00 NA 518 Eritrea 5.00 NA 519 Djibouti 5.00 NA 520 Cyprus 5.00 2001 521 Kazakhstan 4.90 1999 census 522 Lithuania 4.90 2009 523 Palau 4.90 2000 census 524 Liberia 4.80 2008 Census 525 Northern Mariana Islands 4.80 2000 census 526 Netherlands 4.80 2008 est. 527 Bulgaria 4.70 2001 census 528 Niger 4.70 2001 census 529 Chad 4.70 1993 census 530 Uganda 4.70 2002 census 531 Anguilla 4.60 2001 census 532 New Zealand 4.60 2006 Census 533 Sri Lanka 4.60 NA 534 Uganda 4.60 2002 census 535 Croatia 4.50 2001 census 536 Luxembourg 4.50 2000 census 537 Micronesia, Federated States of 4.50 2000 census 538 Niue 4.50 2001 census 539 United States 4.43 NA 540 Antigua and Barbuda 4.40 2001 census 541 Liberia 4.40 2008 Census 542 Moldova 4.40 NA 543 Puerto Rico 4.40 2007 544 Bermuda 4.30 2000 census 545 Luxembourg 4.30 2000 census 546 American Samoa 4.20 2000 census 547 Uganda 4.20 2002 census 548 Nepal 4.20 2001 census 549 Vietnam 4.10 1999 census 550 Afghanistan 4.00 NA 551 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4.00 NA 552 Nigeria 4.00 NA 553 Lebanon 4.00 NA 554 Kuwait 4.00 NA 555 Colombia 4.00 NA 556 Chile 4.00 2002 census 557 Central African Republic 4.00 NA 558 Central African Republic 4.00 NA 559 Cambodia 4.00 NA 560 Burma 4.00 NA 561 Benin 4.00 2002 census 562 Austria 4.00 2001 census 563 Uruguay 4.00 NA 564 Tuvalu 4.00 NA 565 Turkmenistan 4.00 2003 566 Ghana 4.00 2000 census 567 French Polynesia 4.00 NA 568 Ethiopia 4.00 2007 Census 569 Eritrea 4.00 NA 570 Czech Republic 4.00 2001 census 571 Afghanistan 4.00 NA 572 Azerbaijan 3.90 NA 573 Belarus 3.90 1999 census 574 Sri Lanka 3.90 NA 575 Serbia 3.90 2002 census 576 Niue 3.90 2001 census 577 Nepal 3.90 2001 census 578 Nepal 3.90 2001 census 579 Macedonia 3.90 2002 census 580 Lithuania 3.90 2009 581 Fiji 3.90 2007 census 582 Russia 3.80 2002 census 583 Anguilla 3.70 2001 census 584 Senegal 3.70 NA 585 Kazakhstan 3.70 1999 census 586 Czech Republic 3.70 2001 census 587 Equatorial Guinea 3.60 1994 census 588 Norway 3.60 2007 estimate 589 Latvia 3.60 2009 590 Ghana 3.60 2000 census 591 Pakistan 3.57 NA 592 Nigeria 3.50 NA 593 Virgin Islands 3.50 2000 census 594 Brunei 3.40 2004 est. 595 Philippines 3.40 2000 census 596 Indonesia 3.30 2000 census 597 Barbados 3.20 2000 census 598 Palau 3.20 2000 census 599 Latvia 3.10 2009 600 Saint Lucia 3.10 2001 census 601 Afghanistan 3.00 NA 602 Argentina 3.00 NA 603 Uzbekistan 3.00 NA 604 Swaziland 3.00 NA 605 Solomon Islands 3.00 1999 census 606 Senegal 3.00 NA 607 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3.00 NA 608 Peru 3.00 NA 609 Niue 3.00 2001 census 610 Mauritius 3.00 NA 611 Libya 3.00 NA 612 Iran 3.00 NA 613 India 3.00 2000 614 Ecuador 3.00 NA 615 Costa Rica 3.00 NA 616 Congo, Republic of the 3.00 NA 617 Colombia 3.00 NA 618 Burma 3.00 NA 619 Botswana 3.00 NA 620 Bahamas, The 3.00 NA 621 Albania 3.00 NA 622 Antigua and Barbuda 2.90 2001 census 623 Dominica 2.90 2001 census 624 Benin 2.90 2002 census 625 American Samoa 2.80 2000 census 626 Cote d'Ivoire 2.80 1998 627 Nepal 2.80 2001 census 628 Indonesia 2.70 2000 census 629 Poland 2.70 2002 census 630 Uganda 2.70 2002 census 631 Macedonia 2.70 2002 census 632 Barbados 2.60 2000 census 633 Ghana 2.60 2000 census 634 New Caledonia 2.60 1996 census 635 Tajikistan 2.60 2000 census 636 Jamaica 2.60 2001 census 637 Benin 2.50 2002 census 638 Georgia 2.50 2002 census 639 Uzbekistan 2.50 NA 640 Uzbekistan 2.50 NA 641 South Africa 2.50 2001 census 642 Romania 2.50 2002 census 643 Nigeria 2.50 NA 644 New Caledonia 2.50 1996 census 645 Latvia 2.50 2009 646 Kazakhstan 2.50 1999 census 647 Ethiopia 2.50 2007 Census 648 Austria 2.40 2001 census 649 Germany 2.40 NA 650 Belarus 2.40 1999 census 651 Indonesia 2.40 2000 census 652 Latvia 2.40 2009 653 Saint Lucia 2.40 2001 census 654 Palau 2.40 2000 census 655 Netherlands 2.40 2008 est. 656 Kazakhstan 2.40 1999 census 657 Indonesia 2.40 2000 census 658 Ethiopia 2.30 2007 Census 659 Luxembourg 2.30 2000 census 660 Azerbaijan 2.20 NA 661 Macedonia 2.20 2002 census 662 Netherlands 2.20 2008 est. 663 Estonia 2.10 2008 census 664 Hong Kong 2.10 2006 census 665 Afghanistan 2.00 NA 666 Suriname 2.00 NA 667 Suriname 2.00 NA 668 Suriname 2.00 NA 669 Sudan 2.00 NA 670 Slovenia 2.00 2002 census 671 Sierra Leone 2.00 2008 census 672 Sierra Leone 2.00 2008 census 673 Sierra Leone 2.00 2008 census 674 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.00 NA 675 Russia 2.00 2002 census 676 Norway 2.00 2007 estimate 677 Netherlands 2.00 2008 est. 678 Netherlands 2.00 2008 est. 679 Taiwan 2.00 NA 680 United Kingdom 2.00 2001 census 681 Mauritius 2.00 NA 682 Marshall Islands 2.00 2006 683 Iran 2.00 NA 684 Iran 2.00 NA 685 Iran 2.00 NA 686 Indonesia 2.00 2000 census 687 Honduras 2.00 NA 688 Eritrea 2.00 NA 689 Central African Republic 2.00 NA 690 Canada 2.00 NA 691 Burma 2.00 NA 692 Burma 2.00 NA 693 Bulgaria 2.00 2001 census 694 Bangladesh 2.00 1998 695 Albania 2.00 NA 696 Angola 2.00 NA 697 Eritrea 2.00 NA 698 Eritrea 2.00 NA 699 Czech Republic 1.90 2001 census 700 Palau 1.90 2000 census 701 Vietnam 1.90 1999 census 702 Hungary 1.90 2001 census 703 Moldova 1.90 NA 704 Azerbaijan 1.80 NA 705 Slovenia 1.80 2002 census 706 United Kingdom 1.80 2001 census 707 Ukraine 1.80 2001 census 708 Slovakia 1.80 2001 census 709 Macedonia 1.80 2002 census 710 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.80 2000 census 711 Northern Mariana Islands 1.80 2000 census 712 Serbia 1.80 2002 census 713 Antigua and Barbuda 1.70 2001 census 714 Ethiopia 1.70 2007 Census 715 Indonesia 1.70 2000 census 716 Vietnam 1.70 1999 census 717 Slovakia 1.70 2001 census 718 Kazakhstan 1.70 1999 census 719 Ethiopia 1.70 2007 Census 720 United States 1.61 NA 721 Austria 1.60 2001 census 722 Benin 1.60 2002 census 723 United Kingdom 1.60 2001 census 724 Equatorial Guinea 1.60 1994 census 725 Ireland 1.60 2006 census 726 Hong Kong 1.60 2006 census 727 Estonia 1.60 2008 census 728 Anguilla 1.50 2001 census 729 Azerbaijan 1.50 NA 730 Vietnam 1.50 1999 census 731 Vanuatu 1.50 1999 Census 732 Uzbekistan 1.50 NA 733 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.50 2000 census 734 Georgia 1.50 2002 census 735 Ethiopia 1.50 2007 Census 736 Equatorial Guinea 1.40 1994 census 737 Ghana 1.40 2000 census 738 Kazakhstan 1.40 1999 census 739 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.40 2000 census 740 New Caledonia 1.40 1996 census 741 Vietnam 1.40 1999 census 742 Singapore 1.40 2000 census 743 Serbia 1.40 2002 census 744 Palau 1.40 2000 census 745 Armenia 1.30 2001 census 746 Ethiopia 1.30 2007 Census 747 United Kingdom 1.30 2001 census 748 Hong Kong 1.30 2006 census 749 Latvia 1.30 2009 750 Moldova 1.30 NA 751 Ireland 1.30 2006 census 752 Estonia 1.20 2008 census 753 Fiji 1.20 2007 census 754 United Kingdom 1.20 2001 census 755 Trinidad and Tobago 1.20 2000 census 756 Solomon Islands 1.20 1999 census 757 Russia 1.20 2002 census 758 Niger 1.20 2001 census 759 Kiribati 1.20 2000 census 760 American Samoa 1.10 2000 census 761 Equatorial Guinea 1.10 1994 census 762 Ireland 1.10 2006 census 763 Belarus 1.10 1999 census 764 Ireland 1.10 2006 census 765 Lithuania 1.10 2009 766 Virgin Islands 1.10 2000 census 767 Vietnam 1.10 1999 census 768 Vietnam 1.10 1999 census 769 Tajikistan 1.10 2000 census 770 Tajikistan 1.10 2000 census 771 Solomon Islands 1.10 1999 census 772 Slovenia 1.10 2002 census 773 Serbia 1.10 2002 census 774 Senegal 1.10 NA 775 Russia 1.10 2002 census 776 Palau 1.10 2000 census 777 New Caledonia 1.10 1996 census 778 Kyrgyzstan 1.10 1999 census 779 Jersey 1.10 2001 census 780 Angola 1.00 NA 781 Barbados 1.00 2000 census 782 Australia 1.00 NA 783 Burundi 1.00 NA 784 Cape Verde 1.00 NA 785 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 1999 census 786 Kenya 1.00 NA 787 Jordan 1.00 NA 788 Jordan 1.00 NA 789 Iran 1.00 NA 790 Honduras 1.00 NA 791 Ghana 1.00 2000 census 792 Gambia, The 1.00 2003 census 793 El Salvador 1.00 NA 794 Vietnam 1.00 1999 census 795 Suriname 1.00 NA 796 Sudan 1.00 NA 797 Slovakia 1.00 2001 census 798 Senegal 1.00 NA 799 Rwanda 1.00 NA 800 Mexico 1.00 NA 801 Lebanon 1.00 NA 802 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 1999 census 803 Costa Rica 1.00 NA 804 Zimbabwe 1.00 NA 805 Tunisia 1.00 NA 806 Tunisia 1.00 NA 807 Tanzania 1.00 NA 808 Switzerland 1.00 NA 809 Costa Rica 1.00 NA 810 Costa Rica 1.00 NA 811 Colombia 1.00 NA 812 Cambodia 1.00 NA 813 United States 0.97 NA 814 Austria 0.90 2001 census 815 Brazil 0.90 2000 census 816 Serbia 0.90 2002 census 817 Dominica 0.80 2001 census 818 Trinidad and Tobago 0.80 2000 census 819 Northern Mariana Islands 0.80 2000 census 820 Netherlands 0.80 2008 est. 821 Estonia 0.80 2008 census 822 Brazil 0.70 2000 census 823 Dominica 0.70 2001 census 824 Morocco 0.70 NA 825 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.60 NA 826 Chile 0.60 2002 census 827 Japan 0.60 2004 828 Ukraine 0.60 2001 census 829 Armenia 0.50 2001 census 830 Finland 0.50 2006 831 Sri Lanka 0.50 NA 832 Guyana 0.50 2002 census 833 Japan 0.50 2004 834 Ukraine 0.50 2001 census 835 Ukraine 0.50 2001 census 836 Zambia 0.50 2000 Census 837 Bermuda 0.40 2000 census 838 Samoa 0.40 2001 census 839 Egypt 0.40 2006 census 840 Ukraine 0.40 2001 census 841 Poland 0.40 2002 census 842 Romania 0.40 2002 census 843 Japan 0.40 2004 844 American Samoa 0.30 2000 census 845 Ukraine 0.30 2001 census 846 Ukraine 0.30 2001 census 847 Ukraine 0.30 2001 census 848 Svalbard 0.30 1998 849 Romania 0.30 2002 census 850 Romania 0.30 2002 census 851 Puerto Rico 0.30 2007 852 Lesotho 0.30 NA 853 Finland 0.30 2006 854 Chad 0.30 1993 census 855 Armenia 0.30 2001 census 856 Barbados 0.20 2000 census 857 Morocco 0.20 NA 858 Mozambique 0.20 NA 859 Niue 0.20 2001 census 860 Ukraine 0.20 2001 census 861 Solomon Islands 0.20 1999 census 862 Romania 0.20 2002 census 863 Romania 0.20 2002 census 864 Puerto Rico 0.20 2007 865 Guatemala 0.20 2001 census 866 United States 0.18 NA 867 Finland 0.10 2006 868 Guatemala 0.10 2001 census 869 Mongolia 0.10 2000 870 Poland 0.10 2002 census 871 Poland 0.10 2002 census 872 Finland 0.10 2006 873 Mozambique 0.08 NA 874 Mozambique 0.06 NA

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Rank code: 2076

Country Comparison :: Exchange rates

This entry provides the official value of a country's monetary unit at a given date or over a given period of time, as expressed in units of local currency per US dollar and as determined by international market forces or official fiat. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4217 alphabetic currency code for the national medium of exchange is presented in parenthesis.

Rank country Exchange rates Date of Information

1 Zimbabwe 30,000.00 NA 2 Sao Tome and Principe 19,641.00 NA 3 Vietnam 19,148.90 NA 4 Vietnam 17,799.60 NA 5 Vietnam 16,548.30 NA 6 Vietnam 16,119.00 NA 7 Sao Tome and Principe 16,000.00 NA 8 Vietnam 15,983.00 NA 9 Sao Tome and Principe 14,900.00 NA 10 Turkmenistan 14,250.00 NA 11 Sao Tome and Principe 13,700.00 NA 12 Sao Tome and Principe 12,050.00 NA 13 Indonesia 10,389.90 NA 14 Iran 10,308.20 NA 15 Laos 10,235.00 NA 16 Iran 9,864.30 NA 17 Indonesia 9,698.90 NA 18 Laos 9,658.00 NA 19 Iran 9,407.50 NA 20 Iran 9,227.10 NA 21 Ghana 9,174.80 NA 22 Indonesia 9,169.50 NA 23 Indonesia 9,159.30 NA 24 Indonesia 9,143.00 NA 25 Iran 9,142.80 NA 26 Laos 8,760.69 NA 27 Laos 8,516.04 NA 28 Laos 8,320.27 NA 29 Guinea 6,100.00 NA 30 Paraguay 5,672.80 NA 31 Guinea 5,500.00 NA 32 Guinea 5,500.00 NA 33 Guinea 5,350.00 NA 34 Zambia 5,046.10 NA 35 Paraguay 5,031.00 NA 36 Paraguay 4,965.40 NA 37 Zambia 4,823.60 NA 38 Paraguay 4,767.60 NA 39 Paraguay 4,337.70 NA 40 Cambodia 4,217.96 NA 41 Cambodia 4,139.33 NA 42 Guinea 4,122.80 NA 43 Cambodia 4,103.00 NA 44 Cambodia 4,070.94 NA 45 Cambodia 4,006.00 NA 46 Zambia 3,990.20 NA 47 Korea, North 3,630.00 NA 48 Zambia 3,601.50 NA 49 Zambia 3,512.90 NA 50 Belarus 3,019.90 NA 51 Sierra Leone 2,961.70 NA 52 Sierra Leone 2,889.60 NA 53 Belarus 2,789.50 NA 54 Sierra Leone 2,701.30 NA 55 Colombia 2,358.60 NA 56 Sierra Leone 2,347.90 NA 57 Colombia 2,243.60 NA 58 Uganda 2,166.00 NA 59 Madagascar 2,161.40 NA 60 Colombia 2,157.60 NA 61 Venezuela 2,147.00 NA 62 Venezuela 2,147.00 NA 63 Belarus 2,145.00 NA 64 Belarus 2,144.60 NA 65 Belarus 2,130.00 NA 66 Madagascar 2,062.50 NA 67 Uganda 2,038.90 NA 68 Colombia 2,013.80 NA 69 Madagascar 1,956.21 NA 70 Colombia 1,893.10 NA 71 Madagascar 1,880.00 NA 72 Uganda 1,834.90 NA 73 Korea, North 1,800.00 NA 74 Uganda 1,685.80 NA 75 Uganda 1,658.10 NA 76 Madagascar 1,654.78 NA 77 Uzbekistan 1,588.10 NA 78 Lebanon 1,507.50 NA 79 Lebanon 1,507.50 NA 80 Lebanon 1,507.50 NA 81 Lebanon 1,507.50 NA 82 Lebanon 1,507.50 NA 83 Uzbekistan 1,466.70 NA 84 Iraq 1,466.00 NA 85 Mongolia 1,442.80 NA 86 Somalia 1,438.30 NA 87 Tanzania 1,423.30 NA 88 Tanzania 1,320.30 NA 89 Uzbekistan 1,317.00 NA 90 Burma 1,296.00 NA 91 Burma 1,280.00 NA 92 Korea, South 1,276.93 NA 93 Mongolia 1,267.51 NA 94 Uzbekistan 1,263.80 NA 95 Iraq 1,255.00 NA 96 Tanzania 1,255.00 NA 97 Tanzania 1,251.90 NA 98 Burundi 1,250.75 NA 99 Burundi 1,230.18 NA 100 Uzbekistan 1,219.80 NA 101 Burma 1,205.00 NA 102 Burundi 1,198.00 NA 103 Tanzania 1,178.10 NA 104 Iraq 1,176.00 NA 105 Iraq 1,170.00 NA 106 Iraq 1,170.00 NA 107 Mongolia 1,170.00 NA 108 Mongolia 1,165.00 NA 109 Korea, South 1,153.77 NA 110 Korea, South 1,101.70 NA 111 Burundi 1,065.00 NA 112 Burma 1,055.00 NA 113 Burundi 1,030.00 NA 114 Burma 1,000.00 NA 115 Korea, South 954.80 NA 116 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 930.00 NA 117 Korea, South 929.20 NA 118 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 810.00 NA 119 Rwanda 586.25 NA 120 Rwanda 585.00 NA 121 Costa Rica 573.29 NA 122 Rwanda 568.18 NA 123 Chile 560.86 NA 124 Rwanda 560.00 NA 125 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 559.00 NA 126 Rwanda 550.00 NA 127 Costa Rica 530.41 NA 128 Chile 530.29 NA 129 Costa Rica 526.68 NA 130 Chile 526.25 NA 131 Chile 525.34 NA 132 Cote d'Ivoire 522.89 NA 133 Gabon 522.89 NA 134 Senegal 522.89 NA 135 Benin 522.59 NA 136 Central African Republic 522.59 NA 137 Togo 522.59 NA 138 Niger 522.59 NA 139 Mali 522.59 NA 140 Guinea-Bissau 522.59 NA 141 Congo, Republic of the 522.59 NA 142 Chad 522.59 NA 143 Burkina Faso 522.59 NA 144 Cameroon 522.59 NA 145 Equatorial Guinea 522.40 NA 146 Costa Rica 519.53 NA 147 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 516.00 NA 148 Costa Rica 511.30 NA 149 Chile 509.02 NA 150 Congo, Republic of the 507.71 NA 151 Senegal 507.71 NA 152 Gabon 507.71 NA 153 Togo 507.71 NA 154 Benin 506.04 NA 155 Chad 506.04 NA 156 Cote d'Ivoire 506.04 NA 157 Mali 506.04 NA 158 Niger 506.04 NA 159 Guinea-Bissau 506.04 NA 160 Equatorial Guinea 506.04 NA 161 Central African Republic 506.04 NA 162 Burkina Faso 506.04 NA 163 Cameroon 506.04 NA 164 Benin 493.51 NA 165 Niger 493.51 NA 166 Mali 493.51 NA 167 Guinea-Bissau 493.51 NA 168 Cameroon 493.51 NA 169 Burkina Faso 493.51 NA 170 Congo, Republic of the 483.60 NA 171 Togo 482.71 NA 172 Cote d'Ivoire 481.83 NA 173 Gabon 481.83 NA 174 Senegal 481.83 NA 175 Equatorial Guinea 481.83 NA 176 Central African Republic 481.80 NA 177 Chad 480.10 NA 178 Benin 472.19 NA 179 Equatorial Guinea 472.19 NA 180 Togo 472.19 NA 181 Gabon 472.19 NA 182 Cote d'Ivoire 472.19 NA 183 Congo, Republic of the 472.19 NA 184 Chad 472.19 NA 185 Cameroon 472.19 NA 186 Burkina Faso 472.19 NA 187 Senegal 470.90 NA 188 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 464.69 NA 189 Benin 447.81 NA 190 Burkina Faso 447.81 NA 191 Togo 447.81 NA 192 Senegal 447.81 NA 193 Niger 447.81 NA 194 Mali 447.81 NA 195 Guinea-Bissau 447.81 NA 196 Gabon 447.81 NA 197 Equatorial Guinea 447.81 NA 198 Cote d'Ivoire 447.81 NA 199 Congo, Republic of the 447.81 NA 200 Chad 447.81 NA 201 Central African Republic 447.81 NA 202 Cameroon 447.81 NA 203 Comoros 435.90 NA 204 Armenia 414.69 NA 205 Comoros 396.21 NA 206 Comoros 395.60 NA 207 Comoros 391.80 NA 208 Armenia 374.29 NA 209 Armenia 363.28 NA 210 Comoros 361.40 NA 211 Armenia 344.06 NA 212 Armenia 303.93 NA 213 Mauritania 271.30 NA 214 Mauritania 262.40 NA 215 Mauritania 261.50 NA 216 Mauritania 258.60 NA 217 Mauritania 238.20 NA 218 Zimbabwe 234.25 NA 219 Zimbabwe 234.00 NA 220 Yemen 220.05 NA 221 Hungary 213.69 NA 222 Hungary 210.39 NA 223 Guyana 204.07 NA 224 Guyana 204.02 NA 225 Guyana 203.86 NA 226 Yemen 202.85 NA 227 Hungary 202.34 NA 228 Guyana 201.89 NA 229 Guyana 200.28 NA 230 Yemen 199.76 NA 231 Yemen 199.14 NA 232 Yemen 197.18 NA 233 Hungary 183.83 NA 234 Djibouti 177.72 NA 235 Djibouti 177.72 NA 236 Djibouti 177.72 NA 237 Djibouti 177.71 NA 238 Djibouti 174.75 NA 239 Hungary 171.80 NA 240 Zimbabwe 162.00 NA 241 Malawi 151.65 NA 242 Nigeria 150.88 NA 243 Nigeria 148.84 NA 244 Kazakhstan 147.50 NA 245 Kazakhstan 147.28 NA 246 Malawi 142.41 NA 247 Malawi 141.14 NA 248 Malawi 141.12 NA 249 Korea, North 141.00 NA 250 Korea, North 140.00 NA 251 Iceland 139.32 NA 252 Malawi 135.96 NA 253 Nigeria 127.46 NA 254 Nigeria 127.38 NA 255 Kazakhstan 126.09 NA 256 Iceland 123.64 NA 257 Kazakhstan 122.55 NA 258 Vanuatu 122.19 NA 259 Kazakhstan 120.25 NA 260 Japan 117.99 NA 261 Nigeria 117.80 NA 262 Japan 116.18 NA 263 Sri Lanka 114.95 NA 264 Sri Lanka 113.36 NA 265 Vanuatu 111.93 NA 266 Vanuatu 111.79 NA 267 Sri Lanka 110.78 NA 268 Sri Lanka 108.33 NA 269 Albania 106.50 NA 270 French Polynesia 105.66 NA 271 New Caledonia 105.66 NA 272 Wallis and Futuna 105.66 NA 273 Sri Lanka 103.99 NA 274 Japan 103.58 NA 275 Albania 98.38 NA 276 Vanuatu 97.93 NA 277 French Polynesia 96.04 NA 278 New Caledonia 96.04 NA 279 Wallis and Futuna 96.04 NA 280 French Polynesia 95.89 NA 281 New Caledonia 95.89 NA 282 Wallis and Futuna 95.89 NA 283 Albania 94.98 NA 284 French Polynesia 94.97 NA 285 Wallis and Futuna 94.97 NA 286 New Caledonia 94.97 NA 287 Japan 93.57 NA 288 Albania 92.67 NA 289 Angola 92.08 NA 290 Japan 88.67 NA 291 Cape Verde 88.58 NA 292 Cape Verde 87.95 NA 293 Jamaica 87.89 NA 294 French Polynesia 87.59 NA 295 New Caledonia 87.59 NA 296 Wallis and Futuna 87.59 NA 297 Jamaica 87.41 NA 298 Iceland 85.62 NA 299 Pakistan 85.27 NA 300 Pakistan 81.71 NA 301 Cape Verde 81.24 NA 302 Angola 80.40 NA 303 Serbia 79.98 NA 304 Albania 79.55 NA 305 Cape Verde 79.38 NA 306 Angola 79.33 NA 307 Kenya 79.22 NA 308 Zimbabwe 78.00 NA 309 Nepal 77.44 NA 310 Kenya 77.35 NA 311 Angola 76.60 NA 312 Algeria 76.00 NA 313 Angola 75.02 NA 314 Cape Verde 73.84 NA 315 Algeria 72.65 NA 316 Algeria 72.65 NA 317 Nepal 72.56 NA 318 Nepal 72.45 NA 319 Jamaica 72.24 NA 320 Kenya 72.10 NA 321 Pakistan 70.64 NA 322 Bangladesh 70.59 NA 323 Nepal 70.35 NA 324 Iceland 70.20 NA 325 Algeria 69.90 NA 326 Bangladesh 69.89 NA 327 Bangladesh 69.04 NA 328 Jamaica 69.03 NA 329 Bangladesh 69.03 NA 330 Bangladesh 68.55 NA 331 Kenya 68.36 NA 332 Kenya 68.31 NA 333 Jamaica 65.77 NA 334 Nepal 65.21 NA 335 Iceland 63.39 NA 336 Algeria 63.25 NA 337 Serbia 62.90 NA 338 Pakistan 60.63 NA 339 Pakistan 60.35 NA 340 Serbia 59.98 NA 341 Liberia 59.43 NA 342 Liberia 59.38 NA 343 Liberia 54.91 NA 344 Serbia 54.50 NA 345 Liberia 53.10 NA 346 Syria 51.69 NA 347 Philippines 51.25 NA 348 Afghanistan 50.25 NA 349 Afghanistan 50.23 NA 350 Syria 50.01 NA 351 Afghanistan 50.00 NA 352 Macedonia 48.98 NA 353 India 48.41 NA 354 Afghanistan 48.00 NA 355 Afghanistan 47.70 NA 356 Philippines 47.68 NA 357 Macedonia 47.60 NA 358 Syria 46.71 NA 359 Bhutan 46.60 NA 360 Syria 46.53 NA 361 Syria 46.46 NA 362 Kyrgyzstan 46.34 NA 363 India 46.16 NA 364 Philippines 46.15 NA 365 Afghanistan 46.00 NA 366 Philippines 45.46 NA 367 Bhutan 45.32 NA 368 India 45.30 NA 369 Bhutan 45.28 NA 370 Macedonia 44.73 NA 371 Philippines 44.44 NA 372 Bhutan 44.10 NA 373 Macedonia 44.10 NA 374 India 43.32 NA 375 Kyrgyzstan 42.91 NA 376 Bhutan 41.49 NA 377 India 41.49 NA 378 Macedonia 41.41 NA 379 Haiti 41.20 NA 380 Haiti 41.20 NA 381 Haiti 40.23 NA 382 Kyrgyzstan 40.15 NA 383 Haiti 39.22 NA 384 Thailand 37.88 NA 385 Kyrgyzstan 37.75 NA 386 Haiti 37.14 NA 387 Dominican Republic 36.92 NA 388 Kyrgyzstan 36.11 NA 389 Dominican Republic 36.03 NA 390 Mozambique 35.00 NA 391 Dominican Republic 34.78 NA 392 Thailand 34.52 NA 393 Thailand 34.29 NA 394 Dominican Republic 33.41 NA 395 Thailand 33.37 NA 396 Dominican Republic 33.11 NA 397 Taiwan 33.06 NA 398 Taiwan 32.84 NA 399 Taiwan 32.53 NA 400 Mauritius 31.96 NA 401 Taiwan 31.86 NA 402 Mauritius 31.80 NA 403 Russia 31.74 NA 404 Thailand 31.66 NA 405 Mauritius 31.66 NA 406 Taiwan 31.53 NA 407 Mauritius 30.99 NA 408 Russia 30.00 NA 409 Slovakia 29.61 NA 410 Gambia, The 28.52 NA 411 Gambia, The 28.07 NA 412 Mauritius 27.97 NA 413 Gambia, The 27.79 NA 414 Russia 27.19 NA 415 Gambia, The 26.67 NA 416 Mozambique 26.28 NA 417 Mozambique 26.26 NA 418 Russia 25.58 NA 419 Mozambique 25.40 NA 420 Slovakia 24.92 NA 421 Russia 24.85 NA 422 Mozambique 24.13 NA 423 Uruguay 24.05 NA 424 Uruguay 23.95 NA 425 Gambia, The 22.75 NA 426 Czech Republic 22.60 NA 427 Uruguay 22.57 NA 428 Nicaragua 21.35 NA 429 Slovakia 21.05 NA 430 Uruguay 20.94 NA 431 Czech Republic 20.53 NA 432 Nicaragua 20.34 NA 433 Uruguay 20.28 NA 434 Czech Republic 19.74 NA 435 Nicaragua 19.37 NA 436 Czech Republic 19.06 NA 437 Honduras 18.98 NA 438 Honduras 18.90 NA 439 Honduras 18.90 NA 440 Honduras 18.90 NA 441 Honduras 18.90 NA 442 Nicaragua 18.46 NA 443 Nicaragua 17.58 NA 444 Czech Republic 17.06 NA 445 Eritrea 15.50 NA 446 Eritrea 15.40 NA 447 Eritrea 15.38 NA 448 Eritrea 15.38 NA 449 Eritrea 15.38 NA 450 Ethiopia 14.40 NA 451 Seychelles 13.61 NA 452 Mexico 13.51 NA 453 Moldova 13.13 NA 454 Maldives 12.80 NA 455 Maldives 12.80 NA 456 Maldives 12.80 NA 457 Maldives 12.80 NA 458 Mexico 12.69 NA 459 Estonia 12.47 NA 460 Moldova 12.44 NA 461 Seychelles 12.22 NA 462 Moldova 12.18 NA 463 Estonia 12.11 NA 464 Ethiopia 11.78 NA 465 Estonia 11.54 NA 466 Estonia 11.23 NA 467 Moldova 11.11 NA 468 Mexico 11.02 NA 469 Mexico 10.90 NA 470 Mexico 10.80 NA 471 Estonia 10.70 NA 472 Moldova 10.33 NA 473 Ethiopia 9.57 NA 474 Ethiopia 8.96 NA 475 Morocco 8.77 NA 476 Western Sahara 8.77 NA 477 Ethiopia 8.69 NA 478 Lesotho 8.47 NA 479 Swaziland 8.47 NA 480 Namibia 8.42 NA 481 South Africa 8.42 NA 482 Morocco 8.36 NA 483 Western Sahara 8.36 NA 484 Morocco 8.36 NA 485 Western Sahara 8.36 NA 486 Guatemala 8.16 NA 487 Guatemala 8.08 NA 488 Morocco 8.06 NA 489 Bolivia 8.02 NA 490 Macau 8.01 NA 491 Macau 8.00 NA 492 Seychelles 8.00 NA 493 Macau 7.99 NA 494 Macau 7.98 NA 495 China 7.97 NA 496 South Africa 7.96 NA 497 Ukraine 7.91 NA 498 Lesotho 7.90 NA 499 Bolivia 7.86 NA 500 Hong Kong 7.80 NA 501 Ukraine 7.79 NA 502 Hong Kong 7.78 NA 503 Hong Kong 7.77 NA 504 Hong Kong 7.75 NA 505 Hong Kong 7.75 NA 506 Lesotho 7.75 NA 507 Namibia 7.75 NA 508 Swaziland 7.75 NA 509 Guatemala 7.68 NA 510 Sweden 7.65 NA 511 China 7.61 NA 512 Guatemala 7.60 NA 513 Guatemala 7.59 NA 514 Namibia 7.57 NA 515 Swaziland 7.57 NA 516 Solomon Islands 7.53 NA 517 Morocco 7.53 NA 518 Western Sahara 7.53 NA 519 Sweden 7.51 NA 520 Solomon Islands 7.51 NA 521 Solomon Islands 7.48 NA 522 Swaziland 7.40 NA 523 South Africa 7.38 NA 524 Sweden 7.37 NA 525 Solomon Islands 7.34 NA 526 Bolivia 7.25 NA 527 Lesotho 7.25 NA 528 Namibia 7.18 NA 529 Botswana 7.16 NA 530 Bolivia 7.07 NA 531 Bolivia 7.07 NA 532 South Africa 7.05 NA 533 China 6.94 NA 534 Lesotho 6.85 NA 535 Swaziland 6.85 NA 536 China 6.83 NA 537 Botswana 6.79 NA 538 China 6.79 NA 539 Namibia 6.76 NA 540 South Africa 6.76 NA 541 Sweden 6.76 NA 542 Botswana 6.74 NA 543 Seychelles 6.50 NA 544 Norway 6.42 NA 545 Svalbard 6.42 NA 546 Sweden 6.41 NA 547 Trinidad and Tobago 6.33 NA 548 Trinidad and Tobago 6.33 NA 549 Trinidad and Tobago 6.31 NA 550 Trinidad and Tobago 6.31 NA 551 Trinidad and Tobago 6.29 NA 552 Norway 6.29 NA 553 Botswana 6.20 NA 554 Norway 6.15 NA 555 Svalbard 6.15 NA 556 Denmark 5.95 NA 557 Faroe Islands 5.95 NA 558 Greenland 5.95 NA 559 Croatia 5.86 NA 560 Norway 5.86 NA 561 Svalbard 5.86 NA 562 Botswana 5.84 NA 563 Denmark 5.77 NA 564 Faroe Islands 5.77 NA 565 Greenland 5.77 NA 566 Egypt 5.73 NA 567 Egypt 5.67 NA 568 Norway 5.64 NA 569 Svalbard 5.64 NA 570 Croatia 5.64 NA 571 Egypt 5.61 NA 572 Egypt 5.55 NA 573 Seychelles 5.50 NA 574 Denmark 5.48 NA 575 Greenland 5.48 NA 576 Faroe Islands 5.48 NA 577 Egypt 5.40 NA 578 Croatia 5.37 NA 579 Denmark 5.36 NA 580 Croatia 5.27 NA 581 Ukraine 5.05 NA 582 Ukraine 5.05 NA 583 Denmark 5.02 NA 584 Greenland 5.02 NA 585 Faroe Islands 5.02 NA 586 Croatia 4.98 NA 587 Ukraine 4.95 NA 588 Gaza Strip 4.46 NA 589 Israel 4.46 NA 590 West Bank 4.46 NA 591 Tajikistan 4.38 NA 592 Venezuela 4.30 NA 593 Tajikistan 4.14 NA 594 Gaza Strip 4.14 NA 595 Israel 4.14 NA 596 West Bank 4.14 NA 597 Gaza Strip 3.93 NA 598 Israel 3.93 NA 599 West Bank 3.93 NA 600 Argentina 3.90 NA 601 Saudi Arabia 3.75 NA 602 Saudi Arabia 3.75 NA 603 Saudi Arabia 3.75 NA 604 Gaza Strip 3.75 NA 605 West Bank 3.75 NA 606 Israel 3.75 NA 607 Saudi Arabia 3.75 NA 608 Saudi Arabia 3.75 NA 609 Argentina 3.71 NA 610 United Arab Emirates 3.67 NA 611 United Arab Emirates 3.67 NA 612 United Arab Emirates 3.67 NA 613 United Arab Emirates 3.67 NA 614 United Arab Emirates 3.67 NA 615 Malaysia 3.67 NA 616 Qatar 3.64 NA 617 Qatar 3.64 NA 618 Qatar 3.64 NA 619 Qatar 3.64 NA 620 Qatar 3.64 NA 621 Israel 3.59 NA 622 Gaza Strip 3.56 NA 623 West Bank 3.56 NA 624 Malaysia 3.52 NA 625 Malaysia 3.46 NA 626 Tajikistan 3.46 NA 627 Tajikistan 3.44 NA 628 Malaysia 3.33 NA 629 Tajikistan 3.30 NA 630 Peru 3.27 NA 631 Malaysia 3.22 NA 632 Romania 3.20 NA 633 Peru 3.17 NA 634 Argentina 3.16 NA 635 Poland 3.12 NA 636 Argentina 3.11 NA 637 Poland 3.10 NA 638 Poland 3.07 NA 639 Papua New Guinea 3.06 NA 640 Argentina 3.05 NA 641 Romania 3.05 NA 642 Papua New Guinea 3.03 NA 643 Peru 3.01 NA 644 Samoa 2.97 NA 645 Peru 2.91 NA 646 Turkmenistan 2.85 NA 647 Turkmenistan 2.85 NA 648 Peru 2.82 NA 649 Poland 2.81 NA 650 Romania 2.81 NA 651 Samoa 2.78 NA 652 Samoa 2.76 NA 653 Papua New Guinea 2.76 NA 654 Papua New Guinea 2.75 NA 655 Lithuania 2.75 NA 656 Suriname 2.75 NA 657 Suriname 2.75 NA 658 Suriname 2.73 NA 659 Suriname 2.73 NA 660 Samoa 2.71 NA 661 Anguilla 2.70 NA 662 Antigua and Barbuda 2.70 NA 663 Antigua and Barbuda 2.70 NA 664 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.70 NA 665 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.70 NA 666 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.70 NA 667 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.70 NA 668 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2.70 NA 669 Saint Lucia 2.70 NA 670 Saint Lucia 2.70 NA 671 Saint Lucia 2.70 NA 672 Saint Lucia 2.70 NA 673 Saint Lucia 2.70 NA 674 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.70 NA 675 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.70 NA 676 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.70 NA 677 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.70 NA 678 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.70 NA 679 Montserrat 2.70 NA 680 Montserrat 2.70 NA 681 Montserrat 2.70 NA 682 Montserrat 2.70 NA 683 Montserrat 2.70 NA 684 Grenada 2.70 NA 685 Grenada 2.70 NA 686 Grenada 2.70 NA 687 Grenada 2.70 NA 688 Grenada 2.70 NA 689 Dominica 2.70 NA 690 Dominica 2.70 NA 691 Dominica 2.70 NA 692 Dominica 2.70 NA 693 Dominica 2.70 NA 694 Antigua and Barbuda 2.70 NA 695 Antigua and Barbuda 2.70 NA 696 Antigua and Barbuda 2.70 NA 697 Anguilla 2.70 NA 698 Anguilla 2.70 NA 699 Anguilla 2.70 NA 700 Anguilla 2.70 NA 701 Papua New Guinea 2.70 NA 702 Lithuania 2.66 NA 703 Suriname 2.60 NA 704 Lithuania 2.54 NA 705 Romania 2.50 NA 706 Lithuania 2.48 NA 707 Romania 2.43 NA 708 Sudan 2.36 NA 709 Lithuania 2.33 NA 710 Sudan 2.32 NA 711 Poland 2.30 NA 712 Brazil 2.18 NA 713 Sudan 2.17 NA 714 Venezuela 2.15 NA 715 Venezuela 2.15 NA 716 Tonga 2.14 NA 717 Sudan 2.10 NA 718 Sudan 2.06 NA 719 Tonga 2.03 NA 720 Barbados 2.00 NA 721 Brunei 2.00 NA 722 Brunei 2.00 NA 723 Brunei 2.00 NA 724 Belize 2.00 NA 725 Barbados 2.00 NA 726 Belize 2.00 NA 727 Belize 2.00 NA 728 Belize 2.00 NA 729 Belize 2.00 NA 730 Barbados 2.00 NA 731 Barbados 2.00 NA 732 Brazil 2.00 NA 733 Tonga 1.97 NA 734 Tonga 1.96 NA 735 Fiji 1.90 NA 736 Brazil 1.86 NA 737 Brazil 1.85 NA 738 Georgia 1.80 NA 739 Aruba 1.79 NA 740 Sint Maarten 1.79 NA 741 Sint Maarten 1.79 NA 742 Sint Maarten 1.79 NA 743 Sint Maarten 1.79 NA 744 Curacao 1.79 NA 745 Curacao 1.79 NA 746 Curacao 1.79 NA 747 Curacao 1.79 NA 748 Aruba 1.79 NA 749 Aruba 1.79 NA 750 Aruba 1.79 NA 751 Georgia 1.78 NA 752 Brazil 1.77 NA 753 Fiji 1.73 NA 754 Fiji 1.73 NA 755 Georgia 1.70 NA 756 Fiji 1.69 NA 757 Georgia 1.67 NA 758 New Zealand 1.60 NA 759 Pitcairn Islands 1.60 NA 760 Niue 1.60 NA 761 Tokelau 1.60 NA 762 Singapore 1.59 NA 763 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.56 NA 764 Bulgaria 1.56 NA 765 Turkey 1.55 NA 766 Cook Islands 1.54 NA 767 Niue 1.54 NA 768 Tokelau 1.54 NA 769 New Zealand 1.54 NA 770 Pitcairn Islands 1.54 NA 771 Turkey 1.52 NA 772 Bulgaria 1.51 NA 773 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.51 NA 774 Singapore 1.51 NA 775 Georgia 1.47 NA 776 Singapore 1.45 NA 777 Brunei 1.45 NA 778 Brunei 1.45 NA 779 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.44 NA 780 Tunisia 1.44 NA 781 Bulgaria 1.44 NA 782 Turkey 1.43 NA 783 Cook Islands 1.42 NA 784 Pitcairn Islands 1.42 NA 785 Tokelau 1.42 NA 786 New Zealand 1.42 NA 787 Niue 1.42 NA 788 Singapore 1.42 NA 789 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.41 NA 790 Bulgaria 1.40 NA 791 Cook Islands 1.40 NA 792 New Zealand 1.40 NA 793 Tokelau 1.40 NA 794 Pitcairn Islands 1.40 NA 795 Niue 1.40 NA 796 Ghana 1.40 NA 797 Ghana 1.40 NA 798 Cook Islands 1.38 NA 799 New Zealand 1.38 NA 800 Niue 1.38 NA 801 Tokelau 1.38 NA 802 Pitcairn Islands 1.38 NA 803 Singapore 1.37 NA 804 Tunisia 1.35 NA 805 Tunisia 1.33 NA 806 Australia 1.33 NA 807 Christmas Island 1.33 NA 808 Tuvalu 1.33 NA 809 Kiribati 1.33 NA 810 Norfolk Island 1.33 NA 811 Nauru 1.33 NA 812 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.33 NA 813 Turkey 1.32 NA 814 Turkey 1.32 NA 815 Bulgaria 1.32 NA 816 Libya 1.31 NA 817 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.31 NA 818 Australia 1.28 NA 819 Norfolk Island 1.28 NA 820 Nauru 1.28 NA 821 Kiribati 1.28 NA 822 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.28 NA 823 Christmas Island 1.28 NA 824 Tunisia 1.28 NA 825 Libya 1.26 NA 826 Libya 1.26 NA 827 Liechtenstein 1.25 NA 828 Switzerland 1.25 NA 829 Libya 1.25 NA 830 Australia 1.21 NA 831 Christmas Island 1.21 NA 832 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.21 NA 833 Tuvalu 1.21 NA 834 Norfolk Island 1.21 NA 835 Nauru 1.21 NA 836 Kiribati 1.21 NA 837 Libya 1.21 NA 838 Tunisia 1.21 NA 839 Australia 1.21 NA 840 Christmas Island 1.21 NA 841 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.21 NA 842 Tuvalu 1.21 NA 843 Norfolk Island 1.21 NA 844 Nauru 1.21 NA 845 Kiribati 1.21 NA 846 Liechtenstein 1.20 NA 847 Switzerland 1.20 NA 848 Canada 1.14 NA 849 Canada 1.13 NA 850 Australia 1.12 NA 851 Tuvalu 1.12 NA 852 Norfolk Island 1.12 NA 853 Nauru 1.12 NA 854 Kiribati 1.12 NA 855 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1.12 NA 856 Christmas Island 1.12 NA 857 Ghana 1.10 NA 858 Liechtenstein 1.09 NA 859 Switzerland 1.09 NA 860 Liechtenstein 1.08 NA 861 Switzerland 1.08 NA 862 Canada 1.07 NA 863 Liechtenstein 1.07 NA 864 Switzerland 1.07 NA 865 Canada 1.04 NA 866 Canada 1.03 NA 867 Bahamas, The 1.00 NA 868 Bahamas, The 1.00 NA 869 Bahamas, The 1.00 NA 870 United States 1.00 NA 871 Panama 1.00 NA 872 Panama 1.00 NA 873 Panama 1.00 NA 874 Panama 1.00 NA 875 Panama 1.00 NA 876 Ecuador 1.00 NA 877 Ecuador 1.00 NA 878 Bahamas, The 1.00 NA 879 Ghana 0.95 NA 880 Cuba 0.93 NA 881 Cuba 0.93 NA 882 Cuba 0.93 NA 883 Cuba 0.93 NA 884 Cuba 0.92 NA 885 Azerbaijan 0.89 NA 886 Azerbaijan 0.86 NA 887 Cayman Islands 0.85 NA 888 Azerbaijan 0.82 NA 889 Azerbaijan 0.80 NA 890 Azerbaijan 0.80 NA 891 Andorra 0.80 NA 892 Spain 0.80 NA 893 San Marino 0.80 NA 894 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.80 NA 895 Saint Martin 0.80 NA 896 Netherlands 0.80 NA 897 Montenegro 0.80 NA 898 Monaco 0.80 NA 899 Mayotte 0.80 NA 900 Luxembourg 0.80 NA 901 Italy 0.80 NA 902 Ireland 0.80 NA 903 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.80 NA 904 Greece 0.80 NA 905 Germany 0.80 NA 906 France 0.80 NA 907 Finland 0.80 NA 908 European Union 0.80 NA 909 Saint Barthelemy 0.80 NA 910 Portugal 0.80 NA 911 Belgium 0.80 NA 912 Austria 0.80 NA 913 Cyprus 0.77 NA 914 Netherlands 0.77 NA 915 Slovakia 0.77 NA 916 Portugal 0.77 NA 917 Slovenia 0.77 NA 918 Malta 0.77 NA 919 Akrotiri 0.77 NA 920 Andorra 0.77 NA 921 Austria 0.77 NA 922 Dhekelia 0.77 NA 923 Finland 0.77 NA 924 Spain 0.77 NA 925 San Marino 0.77 NA 926 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.77 NA 927 Saint Martin 0.77 NA 928 Saint Barthelemy 0.77 NA 929 Montenegro 0.77 NA 930 Monaco 0.77 NA 931 Mayotte 0.77 NA 932 Luxembourg 0.77 NA 933 Kosovo 0.77 NA 934 Italy 0.77 NA 935 Ireland 0.77 NA 936 European Union 0.77 NA 937 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.77 NA 938 Greece 0.77 NA 939 Germany 0.77 NA 940 France 0.77 NA 941 Belgium 0.77 NA 942 Austria 0.73 NA 943 Finland 0.73 NA 944 Belgium 0.73 NA 945 European Union 0.73 NA 946 Spain 0.73 NA 947 Slovenia 0.73 NA 948 San Marino 0.73 NA 949 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.73 NA 950 Saint Martin 0.73 NA 951 Saint Barthelemy 0.73 NA 952 Portugal 0.73 NA 953 Montenegro 0.73 NA 954 Monaco 0.73 NA 955 Mayotte 0.73 NA 956 Luxembourg 0.73 NA 957 Kosovo 0.73 NA 958 Italy 0.73 NA 959 Ireland 0.73 NA 960 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.73 NA 961 Greece 0.73 NA 962 Netherlands 0.73 NA 963 Germany 0.73 NA 964 France 0.73 NA 965 Akrotiri 0.73 NA 966 Saint Barthelemy 0.73 NA 967 Saint Martin 0.73 NA 968 European Union 0.73 NA 969 Dhekelia 0.73 NA 970 Kosovo 0.73 NA 971 Andorra 0.73 NA 972 Slovenia 0.72 NA 973 Cyprus 0.72 NA 974 Slovakia 0.72 NA 975 Andorra 0.72 NA 976 Spain 0.72 NA 977 San Marino 0.72 NA 978 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.72 NA 979 Portugal 0.72 NA 980 Italy 0.72 NA 981 Ireland 0.72 NA 982 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.72 NA 983 Greece 0.72 NA 984 Germany 0.72 NA 985 France 0.72 NA 986 Finland 0.72 NA 987 Belgium 0.72 NA 988 Netherlands 0.72 NA 989 Montenegro 0.72 NA 990 Monaco 0.72 NA 991 Mayotte 0.72 NA 992 Malta 0.72 NA 993 Luxembourg 0.72 NA 994 Austria 0.72 NA 995 Jordan 0.71 NA 996 Jordan 0.71 NA 997 Jordan 0.71 NA 998 Jordan 0.71 NA 999 Jordan 0.71 NA 1000 Akrotiri 0.68 NA 1001 Austria 0.68 NA 1002 Belgium 0.68 NA 1003 Cyprus 0.68 NA 1004 Dhekelia 0.68 NA 1005 Andorra 0.68 NA 1006 European Union 0.68 NA 1007 Spain 0.68 NA 1008 Slovenia 0.68 NA 1009 Saint Martin 0.68 NA 1010 Saint Barthelemy 0.68 NA 1011 Portugal 0.68 NA 1012 Netherlands 0.68 NA 1013 Montenegro 0.68 NA 1014 Monaco 0.68 NA 1015 Malta 0.68 NA 1016 Luxembourg 0.68 NA 1017 Kosovo 0.68 NA 1018 Italy 0.68 NA 1019 Ireland 0.68 NA 1020 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.68 NA 1021 Greece 0.68 NA 1022 Germany 0.68 NA 1023 France 0.68 NA 1024 Finland 0.68 NA 1025 Mayotte 0.67 NA 1026 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.67 NA 1027 San Marino 0.67 NA 1028 Guernsey 0.65 NA 1029 Isle of Man 0.65 NA 1030 United Kingdom 0.65 NA 1031 Jersey 0.65 NA 1032 Gibraltar 0.65 NA 1033 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.65 NA 1034 Isle of Man 0.64 NA 1035 Jersey 0.64 NA 1036 United Kingdom 0.64 NA 1037 Latvia 0.56 NA 1038 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.55 NA 1039 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.55 NA 1040 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.55 NA 1041 Latvia 0.54 NA 1042 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.54 NA 1043 Gibraltar 0.54 NA 1044 United Kingdom 0.54 NA 1045 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.54 NA 1046 Jersey 0.54 NA 1047 Isle of Man 0.54 NA 1048 Guernsey 0.54 NA 1049 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.53 NA 1050 United Kingdom 0.53 NA 1051 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.53 NA 1052 Jersey 0.53 NA 1053 Isle of Man 0.53 NA 1054 Guernsey 0.53 NA 1055 Gibraltar 0.53 NA 1056 Latvia 0.52 NA 1057 Latvia 0.51 NA 1058 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.50 NA 1059 Gibraltar 0.50 NA 1060 Guernsey 0.50 NA 1061 United Kingdom 0.50 NA 1062 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.50 NA 1063 Jersey 0.50 NA 1064 Isle of Man 0.50 NA 1065 Latvia 0.47 NA 1066 Cyprus 0.46 NA 1067 Cyprus 0.43 NA 1068 Oman 0.38 NA 1069 Oman 0.38 NA 1070 Oman 0.38 NA 1071 Oman 0.38 NA 1072 Oman 0.38 NA 1073 Bahrain 0.38 NA 1074 Bahrain 0.38 NA 1075 Bahrain 0.38 NA 1076 Bahrain 0.38 NA 1077 Bahrain 0.38 NA 1078 Malta 0.37 NA 1079 Malta 0.31 NA 1080 Kuwait 0.29 NA 1081 Kuwait 0.29 NA 1082 Kuwait 0.29 NA 1083 Kuwait 0.28 NA 1084 Kuwait 0.27 NA

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Rank code: 2077

Country Comparison :: Executive branch

This entry includes several subfields. Chief of state includes the name and title of the titular leader of the country who represents the state at official and ceremonial functions but may not be involved with the day-to-day activities of the government. Head of government includes the name and title of the top administrative leader who is designated to manage the day-to-day activities of the government. For example, in the UK, the monarch is the chief of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. In the US, the president is both the chief of state and the head of government. Cabinet includes the official name for this body of high-ranking advisers and the method for selection of members. Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote for each candidate in the last election.

Rank country Executive branch Date of Information

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Rank code: 2078

Country Comparison :: Exports

This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise exports on an f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Rank country Exports Date of Information

1 European Union $ 1,952,000,000,000 2007 2 China $ 1,506,000,000,000 2010 est. 3 Germany $ 1,337,000,000,000 2010 est. 4 United States $ 1,270,000,000,000 2010 est. 5 Japan $ 735,800,000,000 2010 est. 6 France $ 508,700,000,000 2010 est. 7 Korea, South $ 466,300,000,000 2010 est. 8 Italy $ 458,400,000,000 2010 est. 9 Netherlands $ 451,300,000,000 2010 est. 10 Canada $ 406,800,000,000 2010 est. 11 United Kingdom $ 405,600,000,000 2010 est. 12 Hong Kong $ 382,600,000,000 2010 est. 13 Russia $ 376,700,000,000 2010 est. 14 Singapore $ 358,300,000,000 2010 est. 15 Mexico $ 303,000,000,000 2010 est. 16 Belgium $ 279,200,000,000 2010 est. 17 Taiwan $ 277,600,000,000 2010 est. 18 Spain $ 268,300,000,000 2010 est. 19 Saudi Arabia $ 235,300,000,000 2010 est. 20 Switzerland $ 235,200,000,000 2010 est. 21 Australia $ 210,700,000,000 2010 est. 22 India $ 201,000,000,000 2010 est. 23 Brazil $ 199,700,000,000 2010 est. 24 United Arab Emirates $ 195,800,000,000 2010 est. 25 Malaysia $ 192,800,000,000 2010 est. 26 Thailand $ 191,300,000,000 2010 est. 27 Sweden $ 162,600,000,000 2010 est. 28 Poland $ 160,800,000,000 2010 est. 29 Austria $ 157,400,000,000 2010 est. 30 Indonesia $ 146,300,000,000 2010 est. 31 Norway $ 137,000,000,000 2010 est. 32 Turkey $ 117,400,000,000 2010 est. 33 Czech Republic $ 116,500,000,000 2010 est. 34 Ireland $ 115,700,000,000 2010 est. 35 Denmark $ 99,370,000,000 2010 est. 36 Hungary $ 93,740,000,000 2010 est. 37 Iran $ 78,690,000,000 2010 est. 38 South Africa $ 76,860,000,000 2010 est. 39 Nigeria $ 76,330,000,000 2010 est. 40 Finland $ 73,530,000,000 2010 est. 41 Vietnam $ 70,760,000,000 2010 est. 42 Argentina $ 68,010,000,000 2010 est. 43 Kuwait $ 65,030,000,000 2010 est. 44 Venezuela $ 64,870,000,000 2010 est. 45 Chile $ 64,280,000,000 2010 est. 46 Slovakia $ 64,180,000,000 2010 est. 47 Kazakhstan $ 59,230,000,000 2010 est. 48 Qatar $ 57,820,000,000 2010 est. 49 Israel $ 54,310,000,000 2010 est. 50 Algeria $ 52,660,000,000 2010 est. 51 Romania $ 51,910,000,000 2010 est. 52 Angola $ 51,650,000,000 2010 est. 53 Ukraine $ 49,710,000,000 2010 est. 54 Iraq $ 49,100,000,000 2010 est. 55 Puerto Rico $ 46,900,000,000 2001 56 Portugal $ 46,270,000,000 2010 est. 57 Philippines $ 45,890,000,000 2010 est. 58 Libya $ 44,890,000,000 2010 est. 59 Colombia $ 40,240,000,000 2010 est. 60 Oman $ 36,120,000,000 2010 est. 61 Peru $ 33,730,000,000 2010 est. 62 New Zealand $ 33,240,000,000 2010 est. 63 Azerbaijan $ 28,070,000,000 2010 est. 64 Egypt $ 25,340,000,000 2010 est. 65 Slovenia $ 24,970,000,000 2010 est. 66 Belarus $ 24,490,000,000 2010 est. 67 Greece $ 21,140,000,000 2010 est. 68 Pakistan $ 20,290,000,000 2010 est. 69 Bulgaria $ 19,330,000,000 2010 est. 70 Lithuania $ 19,290,000,000 2010 est. 71 Luxembourg $ 17,820,000,000 2010 est. 72 Ecuador $ 17,370,000,000 2010 est. 73 Bangladesh $ 16,240,000,000 2010 74 Tunisia $ 16,110,000,000 2010 est. 75 Bahrain $ 15,130,000,000 2010 est. 76 Morocco $ 14,490,000,000 2010 est. 77 Uzbekistan $ 13,130,000,000 2010 est. 78 Syria $ 12,840,000,000 2010 est. 79 Panama $ 12,520,000,000 2010 est. 80 Trinidad and Tobago $ 12,060,000,000 2010 est. 81 Croatia $ 11,510,000,000 2010 est. 82 Estonia $ 10,770,000,000 2010 est. 83 Brunei $ 10,670,000,000 2008 84 Cote d'Ivoire $ 10,250,000,000 2010 est. 85 Equatorial Guinea $ 10,240,000,000 2010 est. 86 Costa Rica $ 10,010,000,000 2010 est. 87 Sudan $ 9,777,000,000 2010 est. 88 Turkmenistan $ 9,672,000,000 2010 est. 89 Serbia $ 9,372,000,000 2010 est. 90 Congo, Republic of the $ 9,200,000,000 2010 est. 91 Guatemala $ 8,470,000,000 2010 est. 92 Sri Lanka $ 7,908,000,000 2010 est. 93 Latvia $ 7,894,000,000 2010 est. 94 Burma $ 7,841,000,000 2010 est. 95 Paraguay $ 7,606,000,000 2010 est. 96 Yemen $ 7,462,000,000 2010 est. 97 Uruguay $ 7,413,000,000 2010 est. 98 Jordan $ 7,333,000,000 2010 est. 99 Ghana $ 7,326,000,000 2010 est. 100 Gabon $ 6,803,000,000 2010 est. 101 Zambia $ 6,463,000,000 2010 est. 102 Dominican Republic $ 6,161,000,000 2010 est. 103 Bolivia $ 6,058,000,000 2010 est. 104 Papua New Guinea $ 5,976,000,000 2010 est. 105 Honduras $ 5,879,000,000 2010 est. 106 Cambodia $ 5,212,000,000 2010 est. 107 Lebanon $ 5,187,000,000 2010 est. 108 Kenya $ 5,141,000,000 2010 est. 109 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 4,787,000,000 2010 est. 110 San Marino $ 4,628,000,000 2007 111 Iceland $ 4,619,000,000 2010 est. 112 Botswana $ 4,419,000,000 2010 est. 113 El Salvador $ 4,377,000,000 2010 est. 114 Cameroon $ 4,371,000,000 2010 est. 115 Namibia $ 4,277,000,000 2010 est. 116 Virgin Islands $ 4,234,000,000 2001 117 Liechtenstein $ 3,920,000,000 2008 118 Tanzania $ 3,809,000,000 2010 est. 119 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 3,800,000,000 2009 est. 120 Cuba $ 3,311,000,000 2010 est. 121 Nicaragua $ 3,182,000,000 2010 est. 122 Macedonia $ 3,171,000,000 2010 est. 123 Chad $ 3,036,000,000 2010 est. 124 Malta $ 2,954,000,000 2010 est. 125 Uganda $ 2,941,000,000 2010 est. 126 Mozambique $ 2,517,000,000 2010 est. 127 Georgia $ 2,290,000,000 2010 est. 128 Cyprus $ 2,232,000,000 2010 est. 129 Senegal $ 2,112,000,000 2010 est. 130 Mauritius $ 2,041,000,000 2010 est. 131 Korea, North $ 1,997,000,000 2009 132 Mongolia $ 1,902,000,000 2009 133 Zimbabwe $ 1,869,000,000 2010 est. 134 Ethiopia $ 1,729,000,000 2010 est. 135 Kyrgyzstan $ 1,682,000,000 2010 est. 136 Jamaica $ 1,487,000,000 2010 est. 137 Guinea $ 1,468,000,000 2010 est. 138 Moldova $ 1,450,000,000 2010 est. 139 Swaziland $ 1,417,000,000 2010 est. 140 Madagascar $ 1,412,000,000 2010 est. 141 Mauritania $ 1,395,000,000 2006 142 Suriname $ 1,391,000,000 2006 est. 143 New Caledonia $ 1,341,000,000 2006 144 Albania $ 1,339,000,000 2010 est. 145 Tajikistan $ 1,318,000,000 2010 est. 146 Laos $ 1,215,000,000 2010 est. 147 Fiji $ 1,202,000,000 2006 148 Liberia $ 1,197,000,000 2006 149 Malawi $ 1,189,000,000 2010 est. 150 Benin $ 1,125,000,000 2010 est. 151 Burkina Faso $ 991,000,000 2010 est. 152 Lesotho $ 985,000,000 2010 est. 153 Macau $ 950,000,000 2009 est. 154 Curacao $ 876,000,000 2008 est. 155 Togo $ 859,000,000 2010 est. 156 Nepal $ 849,000,000 2009 157 Faroe Islands $ 848,000,000 2008 158 Armenia $ 846,000,000 2010 est. 159 Guyana $ 814,000,000 2010 est. 160 Bermuda $ 763,000,000 2006 161 Monaco $ 716,300,000 2005 162 Bahamas, The $ 674,000,000 2006 163 Haiti $ 559,000,000 2010 est. 164 Afghanistan $ 547,000,000 2009 est. 165 West Bank $ 529,000,000 2008 166 Bhutan $ 513,000,000 2008 167 Greenland $ 485,000,000 2008 168 Seychelles $ 464,000,000 2010 est. 169 American Samoa $ 445,600,000 FY04 est. 170 Niger $ 428,000,000 2006 171 Belize $ 404,000,000 2010 est. 172 Barbados $ 385,000,000 2006 173 Somalia $ 300,000,000 2006 174 Mali $ 294,000,000 2006 175 Saint Lucia $ 288,000,000 2006 176 Gibraltar $ 271,000,000 2004 est. 177 Solomon Islands $ 237,000,000 2006 178 Rwanda $ 226,000,000 2010 est. 179 Sierra Leone $ 216,000,000 2006 180 French Polynesia $ 211,000,000 2005 est. 181 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 193,000,000 2006 182 Montenegro $ 171,300,000 2003 183 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 169,200,000 2000 184 Central African Republic $ 146,700,000 2007 est. 185 Guinea-Bissau $ 133,000,000 2006 186 Samoa $ 131,000,000 2006 187 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 125,000,000 2004 est. 188 Aruba $ 124,000,000 2006 189 Anguilla $ 119,500,000 2009 est. 190 Cape Verde $ 114,000,000 2010 est. 191 Gambia, The $ 107,000,000 2010 est. 192 Djibouti $ 100,000,000 2009 193 Northern Mariana Islands $ 98,200,000 2008 194 Dominica $ 94,000,000 2006 195 Andorra $ 89,500,000 2008 196 Maldives $ 88,000,000 2009 est. 197 Antigua and Barbuda $ 84,300,000 2007 est. 198 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 84,000,000 2006 199 Burundi $ 71,000,000 2010 est. 200 Vanuatu $ 40,000,000 2006 201 Grenada $ 38,000,000 2006 202 Comoros $ 32,000,000 2006 203 British Virgin Islands $ 25,300,000 2002 204 Eritrea $ 25,000,000 2010 est. 205 Tonga $ 22,000,000 2006 206 Marshall Islands $ 19,400,000 2008 est. 207 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 19,000,000 2004 est. 208 Kiribati $ 17,000,000 2004 est. 209 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 14,000,000 2004 est. 210 Cayman Islands $ 13,800,000 2008 211 Sao Tome and Principe $ 13,000,000 2010 est. 212 Timor-Leste $ 10,000,000 2005 est. 213 Mayotte $ 6,500,000 2005 214 Palau $ 5,882,000 2004 est. 215 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 5,500,000 2005 est. 216 Cook Islands $ 5,222,000 2005 217 Norfolk Island $ 1,500,000 FY91/92 218 Tuvalu $ 1,000,000 2004 est. 219 Montserrat $ 700,000 2001 est. 220 Niue $ 201,400 2004 221 Nauru $ 64,000 2005 est. 222 Wallis and Futuna $ 47,450 2004 223 Tokelau $ 0 2002

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Rank code: 2079

Country Comparison :: Debt - external

This entry gives the total public and private debt owed to nonresidents repayable in internationally accepted currencies, goods, or services. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Rank country Debt - external Date of Information

1 United States $ 13,980,000,000,000 30 June 2010 2 European Union $ 13,720,000,000,000 30 June 2010 3 United Kingdom $ 8,981,000,000,000 30 June 2010 4 Germany $ 4,713,000,000,000 30 June 2010 5 France $ 4,698,000,000,000 30 June 2010 6 Japan $ 2,246,000,000,000 30 June 2010 7 Norway $ 2,232,000,000,000 30 June 2010 8 Italy $ 2,223,000,000,000 30 June 2010 est. 9 Spain $ 2,166,000,000,000 30 June 2010 10 Ireland $ 2,131,000,000,000 30 June 2010 11 Luxembourg $ 1,892,000,000,000 30 June 2010 12 Belgium $ 1,241,000,000,000 30 June 2010 13 Switzerland $ 1,190,000,000,000 30 June 2010 14 Australia $ 1,169,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 15 Canada $ 1,009,000,000,000 30 June 2010 16 Sweden $ 853,300,000,000 30 June 2010 17 Austria $ 755,000,000,000 30 June 2010 18 Denmark $ 559,500,000,000 30 June 2010 19 Greece $ 532,900,000,000 30 June 2010 20 Portugal $ 497,800,000,000 30 June 2010 21 Russia $ 480,200,000,000 30 November 2010 est. 22 China $ 406,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 23 Finland $ 370,800,000,000 30 June 2010 24 Korea, South $ 370,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 25 Brazil $ 310,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 26 Turkey $ 270,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 27 Poland $ 252,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 28 India $ 237,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 29 Mexico $ 212,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 30 Indonesia $ 155,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 31 Hungary $ 134,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 32 Argentina $ 128,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 33 United Arab Emirates $ 122,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 34 Romania $ 108,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 35 Ukraine $ 97,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 36 Kazakhstan $ 94,440,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 37 Taiwan $ 91,410,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 38 Israel $ 89,680,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 39 Czech Republic $ 86,790,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 40 Chile $ 84,510,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 41 Saudi Arabia $ 82,920,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 42 Thailand $ 82,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 43 South Africa $ 80,520,000,000 30 June 2010 est. 44 Qatar $ 71,380,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 45 Hong Kong $ 69,860,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 46 New Zealand $ 64,330,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 47 Malaysia $ 62,820,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 48 Philippines $ 61,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 49 Croatia $ 59,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 50 Slovakia $ 59,330,000,000 30 June 2010 est. 51 Colombia $ 57,740,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 52 Pakistan $ 57,210,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 53 Kuwait $ 56,810,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 54 Venezuela $ 55,610,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 55 Iraq $ 52,580,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 56 Slovenia $ 51,570,000,000 30 June 2010 57 Malta $ 41,020,000,000 30 June 2010 58 Sudan $ 37,980,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 59 Latvia $ 37,280,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 60 Bulgaria $ 36,150,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 61 Lebanon $ 34,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 62 Vietnam $ 33,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 63 Peru $ 33,290,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 64 Serbia $ 32,310,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 65 Egypt $ 30,610,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 66 Lithuania $ 27,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 67 Estonia $ 25,130,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 68 Belarus $ 24,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 69 Bangladesh $ 24,460,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 70 Morocco $ 22,690,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 71 Singapore $ 21,660,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 72 Cuba $ 19,750,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 73 Tunisia $ 18,760,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 74 Monaco $ 18,000,000,000 2000 est. 75 Angola $ 17,980,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 76 Sri Lanka $ 17,970,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 77 Guatemala $ 17,470,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 78 Ecuador $ 14,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 79 Bahrain $ 14,680,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 80 Panama $ 13,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 81 Uruguay $ 13,390,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 82 Dominican Republic $ 13,090,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 83 Iran $ 12,840,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 84 Jamaica $ 12,660,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 85 Korea, North $ 12,500,000,000 2001 est. 86 Cote d'Ivoire $ 11,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 87 El Salvador $ 11,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 88 Nigeria $ 11,020,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 89 Costa Rica $ 9,126,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 90 Oman $ 8,829,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 91 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 7,996,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 92 Kenya $ 7,935,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 93 Syria $ 7,682,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 94 Tanzania $ 7,576,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 95 Yemen $ 7,147,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 96 Burma $ 7,145,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 97 Ghana $ 6,483,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 98 Libya $ 6,378,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 99 Bolivia $ 6,130,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 100 Zimbabwe $ 5,772,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 101 Jordan $ 5,522,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 102 Macedonia $ 5,520,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 103 Armenia $ 5,227,000,000 30 June 2010 104 Mauritius $ 5,043,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 105 Congo, Republic of the $ 5,000,000,000 2000 est. 106 Turkmenistan $ 5,000,000,000 2009 est. 107 Mozambique $ 4,990,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 108 Nepal $ 4,500,000,000 2009 109 Paraguay $ 4,346,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 110 Cambodia $ 4,338,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 111 Trinidad and Tobago $ 4,303,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 112 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 4,300,000,000 2009 est. 113 Ethiopia $ 4,289,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 114 Uzbekistan $ 4,236,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 115 Moldova $ 4,146,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 116 Algeria $ 4,138,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 117 Nicaragua $ 4,030,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 118 Senegal $ 3,885,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 119 Kyrgyzstan $ 3,738,000,000 30 June 2010 120 Honduras $ 3,540,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 121 Zambia $ 3,495,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 122 Georgia $ 3,381,000,000 31 December 2009 123 Cameroon $ 3,344,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 124 Azerbaijan $ 3,221,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 125 Liberia $ 3,200,000,000 2005 est. 126 Laos $ 3,085,000,000 2009 est. 127 Iceland $ 3,073,000,000 2002 128 Guinea $ 3,072,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 129 Somalia $ 3,000,000,000 2001 est. 130 Madagascar $ 2,973,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 131 Benin $ 2,894,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 132 Uganda $ 2,888,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 133 Mali $ 2,800,000,000 2002 134 Afghanistan $ 2,700,000,000 2008/2009 135 Gabon $ 2,374,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 136 Namibia $ 2,373,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 137 Botswana $ 2,222,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 138 Niger $ 2,100,000,000 2003 est. 139 Burkina Faso $ 2,002,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 140 Tajikistan $ 1,997,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 141 Mongolia $ 1,860,000,000 2009 142 Sierra Leone $ 1,610,000,000 2003 est. 143 Albania $ 1,550,000,000 2004 144 Papua New Guinea $ 1,548,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 145 Seychelles $ 1,374,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 146 Malawi $ 1,213,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 147 Burundi $ 1,200,000,000 2003 148 Central African Republic $ 1,153,000,000 2007 est. 149 West Bank $ 1,040,000,000 2010 est. 150 Belize $ 1,010,000,000 2009 est. 151 Guinea-Bissau $ 941,500,000 2000 est. 152 Bhutan $ 836,000,000 2009 153 Equatorial Guinea $ 832,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 154 Guyana $ 804,300,000 30 September 2008 155 Barbados $ 668,000,000 2003 156 Montenegro $ 650,000,000 2006 157 Lesotho $ 647,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 158 Maldives $ 589,000,000 2009 est. 159 Gambia, The $ 530,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 160 Suriname $ 504,300,000 2005 est. 161 Swaziland $ 497,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 162 Haiti $ 494,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 163 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 479,000,000 2010 est. 164 Aruba $ 478,600,000 2005 est. 165 Djibouti $ 428,000,000 2006 166 Antigua and Barbuda $ 359,800,000 June 2006 167 Grenada $ 347,000,000 2004 168 Bahamas, The $ 342,600,000 2004 est. 169 Cape Verde $ 325,000,000 2002 170 Sao Tome and Principe $ 318,000,000 2002 171 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 314,000,000 2004 172 Saint Lucia $ 257,000,000 2004 173 Comoros $ 232,000,000 2000 est. 174 Dominica $ 213,000,000 2004 175 Samoa $ 177,000,000 2004 176 Solomon Islands $ 166,000,000 2004 177 Bermuda $ 160,000,000 FY99/00 178 Cook Islands $ 141,000,000 1996 est. 179 Fiji $ 127,000,000 2004 est. 180 Marshall Islands $ 87,000,000 2008 est. 181 Vanuatu $ 81,200,000 2004 182 Tonga $ 80,700,000 2004 183 New Caledonia $ 79,000,000 1998 est. 184 Cayman Islands $ 70,000,000 1996 185 Faroe Islands $ 68,100,000 2006 186 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 60,800,000 FY05 est. 187 Greenland $ 58,000,000 2009 188 British Virgin Islands $ 36,100,000 1997 189 Nauru $ 33,300,000 190 Kiribati $ 10,000,000 1999 est. 191 Montserrat $ 8,900,000 1997 192 Anguilla $ 8,800,000 1998 193 Wallis and Futuna $ 3,670,000 2004 194 Niue $ 418,000 2002 est. 195 Brunei $ 0 2005 196 Liechtenstein $ 0 2001 197 Palau $ 0 FY99/00 198 Macau $ 0 2009

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Rank code: 2080

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

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Rank code: 2081

Country Comparison :: Flag description

This entry provides a written flag description produced from actual flags or the best information available at the time the entry was written. The flags of independent states are used by their dependencies unless there is an officially recognized local flag. Some disputed and other areas do not have flags.

Rank country Flag description Date of Information

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Rank code: 2085

Country Comparison :: Roadways

This entry gives the total length of the road network and includes the length of the paved and unpaved portions.

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 United States 6,506,204 2008 2 China 3,583,715 2007 3 India 3,320,410 2009 4 Brazil 1,751,868 2004 5 Japan 1,203,777 2008 6 Canada 1,042,300 2008 7 France 1,027,183 2007 8 Russia 982,000 2009 9 Australia 812,972 2004 10 Spain 681,298 2008 11 Germany 644,480 2008 12 Sweden 572,900 2009 13 Italy 487,700 2007 14 Indonesia 437,759 2008 15 Poland 423,997 2008 16 United Kingdom 394,428 2009 17 Mexico 366,095 2008 18 South Africa 362,099 2002 19 Turkey 352,046 2008 20 Pakistan 259,197 2007 21 Bangladesh 239,226 2003 22 Argentina 231,374 2004 23 Saudi Arabia 221,372 2006 24 Philippines 201,910 2008 25 Romania 198,817 2008 26 Nigeria 193,200 2004 27 Thailand 180,053 2006 28 Iran 172,927 2006 29 Vietnam 171,392 2008 30 Ukraine 169,495 2009 31 Colombia 164,257 2005 32 Kenya 160,886 2008 33 Hungary 160,057 2008 34 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 153,497 2004 35 Belgium 152,256 2006 36 Netherlands 136,827 2008 37 Czech Republic 128,582 2008 38 Greece 117,533 2005 39 Algeria 108,302 2004 40 Austria 107,262 2006 41 Korea, South 103,029 2008 42 Peru 102,887 2007 43 Libya 100,024 2003 44 Malaysia 98,721 2004 45 Syria 97,401 2006 46 Zimbabwe 97,267 2002 47 Venezuela 96,155 2002 48 Ireland 96,036 2008 49 Belarus 94,797 2005 50 New Zealand 93,911 2009 51 Kazakhstan 93,612 2008 52 Norway 92,946 2007 53 Burkina Faso 92,495 2004 54 Sri Lanka 91,907 2008 55 Zambia 91,440 2001 56 Uzbekistan 86,496 2000 57 Portugal 82,900 2008 58 Lithuania 81,030 2008 59 Chile 80,505 2004 60 Cote d'Ivoire 80,000 2006 61 Tanzania 78,892 2007 62 Finland 78,141 2009 63 Uruguay 77,732 2010 64 Denmark 73,197 2008 65 Latvia 73,074 2010 66 Switzerland 71,384 2009 67 Yemen 71,300 2005 68 Uganda 70,746 2003 69 Oman 68,467 2008 70 Madagascar 65,663 2003 71 Egypt 65,050 2009 72 Namibia 64,189 2010 73 Bolivia 62,479 2004 74 Ghana 62,221 2006 75 Cuba 60,858 2000 76 Azerbaijan 59,141 2004 77 Turkmenistan 58,592 2002 78 Estonia 58,034 2009 79 Morocco 57,625 2006 80 Angola 51,429 2001 81 Cameroon 50,000 2004 82 Mongolia 49,250 2009 83 Iraq 44,900 2002 84 Guinea 44,348 2003 85 Slovakia 43,761 2008 86 Ecuador 43,670 2006 87 Afghanistan 42,150 2006 88 Taiwan 41,279 2008 89 Bulgaria 40,231 2008 90 Slovenia 38,873 2008 91 Cambodia 38,093 2007 92 Serbia 36,884 2007 93 Laos 36,831 2007 94 Ethiopia 36,469 2004 95 Costa Rica 35,330 2004 96 Chad 33,400 2002 97 Mozambique 30,400 2000 98 Paraguay 29,500 2000 99 Croatia 29,248 2008 100 Tajikistan 27,767 2000 101 Burma 27,000 2006 102 Puerto Rico 26,670 2008 103 Botswana 25,798 2005 104 Korea, North 25,554 2006 105 Central African Republic 24,307 2000 106 Somalia 22,100 2000 107 Bosnia and Herzegovina 21,846 2006 108 Jamaica 21,552 2005 109 Georgia 20,329 2006 110 Dominican Republic 19,705 2002 111 Tunisia 19,232 2006 112 Nicaragua 19,137 2009 113 Niger 18,949 2008 114 Mali 18,709 2004 115 Kyrgyzstan 18,500 2003 116 Israel 18,096 2008 117 Albania 18,000 2002 118 Congo, Republic of the 17,289 2004 119 Nepal 17,282 2007 120 Benin 16,000 2006 121 Malawi 15,451 2003 122 Cyprus 14,671 2008 123 Honduras 14,239 2009 124 Guatemala 14,095 2000 125 Rwanda 14,008 2004 126 Macedonia 13,736 2009 127 Senegal 13,576 2003 128 Iceland 12,869 2009 129 Burundi 12,322 2004 130 Panama 11,978 2002 131 Sudan 11,900 2000 132 Sierra Leone 11,300 2002 133 Mauritania 11,066 2006 134 El Salvador 10,886 2000 135 Liberia 10,600 2000 136 Papua New Guinea 9,349 2011 137 Moldova 9,343 2008 138 Gabon 9,170 2004 139 Armenia 8,888 2008 140 Trinidad and Tobago 8,320 2000 141 Bhutan 8,050 2003 142 Guyana 7,970 2000 143 Jordan 7,891 2009 144 Qatar 7,790 2006 145 Togo 7,520 2000 146 Montenegro 7,404 2008 147 Lesotho 7,091 2003 148 Lebanon 6,970 2005 149 Timor-Leste 6,040 2005 150 Kuwait 5,749 2004 151 New Caledonia 5,622 2006 152 Luxembourg 5,227 2008 153 West Bank 5,147 2006 154 Suriname 4,304 2003 155 Haiti 4,160 2000 156 United Arab Emirates 4,080 2008 157 Eritrea 4,010 2000 158 Bahrain 3,851 2007 159 Gambia, The 3,742 2004 160 Swaziland 3,594 2002 161 Guinea-Bissau 3,455 2002 162 Fiji 3,440 2000 163 Singapore 3,356 2009 164 Djibouti 3,065 2000 165 Belize 3,007 2006 166 Brunei 2,971 2008 167 Equatorial Guinea 2,880 2000 168 Bahamas, The 2,717 2002 169 French Polynesia 2,590 1999 170 Samoa 2,337 2001 171 Malta 2,227 2005 172 Mauritius 2,066 2009 173 Hong Kong 2,050 2009 174 Marshall Islands 2,028 2007 175 Kosovo 1,926 2009 176 Barbados 1,600 2004 177 Solomon Islands 1,360 2002 178 Cape Verde 1,350 2000 179 Virgin Islands 1,260 2008 180 Saint Lucia 1,210 2002 181 Antigua and Barbuda 1,165 2002 182 Grenada 1,127 2000 183 Vanuatu 1,070 1999 184 Comoros 880 2002 185 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 829 2003 186 Cayman Islands 785 2007 187 Dominica 780 2000 188 Tonga 680 2000 189 Kiribati 670 2000 190 Jersey 576 2010 191 Curacao 550 NA 192 Northern Mariana Islands 536 2008 193 Isle of Man 500 2008 194 Faroe Islands 463 2006 195 Seychelles 458 2003 196 Bermuda 447 2007 197 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 440 2008 198 Macau 413 2009 199 Saint Kitts and Nevis 383 2002 200 Liechtenstein 380 2010 201 Andorra 320 2008 202 Sao Tome and Principe 320 2000 203 Cook Islands 320 2003 204 San Marino 292 2006 205 American Samoa 241 2008 206 Micronesia, Federated States of 240 2000 207 British Virgin Islands 200 2007 208 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha198 2002 209 Anguilla 175 2004 210 Christmas Island 140 2007 211 Turks and Caicos Islands 121 2003 212 Niue 120 2008 213 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 117 2000 214 Maldives 88 2006 215 Norfolk Island 80 2008 216 Sint Maarten 53 NA 217 Monaco 50 2007 218 Gibraltar 29 2007 219 Nauru 24 2002 220 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 22 2007 221 Tuvalu 8 2002

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Rank code: 2086

Country Comparison :: Illicit drugs

This entry gives information on the five categories of illicit drugs - narcotics, stimulants, depressants (sedatives), hallucinogens, and cannabis. These categories include many drugs legally produced and prescribed by doctors as well as those illegally produced and sold outside of medical channels. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is the common hemp plant, which provides hallucinogens with some sedative properties, and includes marijuana (pot, Acapulco gold, grass, reefer), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, Marinol), hashish (hash), and hashish oil (hash oil). Coca (mostly Erythroxylum coca) is a bush with leaves that contain the stimulant used to make cocaine. Coca is not to be confused with cocoa, which comes from cacao seeds and is used in making chocolate, cocoa, and cocoa butter. Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca bush. Depressants (sedatives) are drugs that reduce tension and anxiety and include chloral hydrate, barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (Librium, Valium), methaqualone (Quaalude), glutethimide (Doriden), and others (Equanil, Placidyl, Valmid). Drugs are any chemical substances that effect a physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral change in an individual. Drug abuse is the use of any licit or illicit chemical substance that results in physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral impairment in an individual. Hallucinogens are drugs that affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness, and emotion. Hallucinogens include LSD (acid, microdot), mescaline and peyote (mexc, buttons, cactus), amphetamine variants (PMA, STP, DOB), phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust, hog), phencyclidine analogues (PCE, PCPy, TCP), and others (psilocybin, psilocyn). Hashish is the resinous exudate of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Heroin is a semisynthetic derivative of morphine. Mandrax is a trade name for methaqualone, a pharmaceutical depressant. Marijuana is the dried leaf of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Methaqualone is a pharmaceutical depressant, referred to as mandrax in Southwest Asia and Africa. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain, often induce sleep, and refer to opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic substitutes. Natural narcotics include opium (paregoric, parepectolin), morphine (MS-Contin, Roxanol), codeine (Tylenol with codeine, Empirin with codeine, Robitussin AC), and thebaine. Semisynthetic narcotics include heroin (horse, smack), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Synthetic narcotics include meperidine or Pethidine (Demerol, Mepergan), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), and others (Darvon, Lomotil). Opium is the brown, gummy exudate of the incised, unripe seedpod of the opium poppy. Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is the source for the natural and semisynthetic narcotics. Poppy straw is the entire cut and dried opium poppy-plant material, other than the seeds. Opium is extracted from poppy straw in commercial operations that produce the drug for medical use. Qat (kat, khat) is a stimulant from the buds or leaves of Catha edulis that is chewed or drunk as tea. Quaaludes is the North American slang term for methaqualone, a pharmaceutical depressant. Stimulants are drugs that relieve mild depression, increase energy and activity, and include cocaine (coke, snow, crack), amphetamines (Desoxyn, Dexedrine), ephedrine, ecstasy (clarity, essence, doctor, Adam), phenmetrazine (Preludin), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and others (Cylert, Sanorex, Tenuate).

Rank country Illicit drugs Date of Information

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Rank code: 2087

Country Comparison :: Imports

This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise imports on a c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and freight) or f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Rank country Imports Date of Information

1 United States $ 1,903,000,000,000 2010 est. 2 European Union $ 1,690,000,000,000 2007 3 China $ 1,307,000,000,000 2010 est. 4 Germany $ 1,120,000,000,000 2010 est. 5 Japan $ 636,800,000,000 2010 est. 6 France $ 577,700,000,000 2010 est. 7 United Kingdom $ 546,500,000,000 2010 est. 8 Italy $ 459,700,000,000 2010 est. 9 Korea, South $ 417,900,000,000 2010 est. 10 Hong Kong $ 413,000,000,000 2010 est. 11 Netherlands $ 408,400,000,000 2010 est. 12 Canada $ 406,400,000,000 2010 est. 13 India $ 327,000,000,000 2010 est. 14 Spain $ 324,600,000,000 2010 est. 15 Singapore $ 315,600,000,000 2010 est. 16 Mexico $ 306,000,000,000 2010 est. 17 Belgium $ 281,700,000,000 2010 est. 18 Taiwan $ 250,200,000,000 2010 est. 19 Russia $ 237,300,000,000 2010 est. 20 Switzerland $ 220,400,000,000 2010 est. 21 Australia $ 200,400,000,000 2010 est. 22 Brazil $ 187,700,000,000 2010 est. 23 Poland $ 167,400,000,000 2010 est. 24 Turkey $ 166,300,000,000 2010 est. 25 United Arab Emirates $ 159,000,000,000 2010 est. 26 Sweden $ 158,600,000,000 2010 est. 27 Thailand $ 156,900,000,000 2010 est. 28 Austria $ 156,000,000,000 2010 est. 29 Malaysia $ 149,200,000,000 2010 est. 30 Indonesia $ 111,100,000,000 2010 est. 31 Czech Republic $ 109,200,000,000 2010 est. 32 Saudi Arabia $ 99,170,000,000 2010 est. 33 Denmark $ 90,830,000,000 2010 est. 34 Hungary $ 87,440,000,000 2010 est. 35 Vietnam $ 81,730,000,000 2010 est. 36 South Africa $ 77,040,000,000 2010 est. 37 Norway $ 74,020,000,000 2010 est. 38 Ireland $ 70,360,000,000 2010 est. 39 Finland $ 69,110,000,000 2010 est. 40 Portugal $ 68,220,000,000 2010 est. 41 Slovakia $ 62,430,000,000 2010 est. 42 Romania $ 59,840,000,000 2010 est. 43 Iran $ 58,970,000,000 2010 est. 44 Philippines $ 57,240,000,000 2010 est. 45 Israel $ 55,600,000,000 2010 est. 46 Chile $ 54,230,000,000 2010 est. 47 Ukraine $ 53,540,000,000 2010 est. 48 Argentina $ 52,610,000,000 2010 est. 49 Egypt $ 46,520,000,000 2010 est. 50 Greece $ 44,900,000,000 2010 est. 51 Iraq $ 42,560,000,000 2010 est. 52 Algeria $ 37,070,000,000 2010 est. 53 Colombia $ 36,260,000,000 2010 est. 54 Morocco $ 34,190,000,000 2010 est. 55 Nigeria $ 34,180,000,000 2010 est. 56 Pakistan $ 32,710,000,000 2010 est. 57 Venezuela $ 31,370,000,000 2010 est. 58 New Zealand $ 30,240,000,000 2010 est. 59 Kazakhstan $ 30,110,000,000 2010 est. 60 Belarus $ 29,790,000,000 2010 est. 61 Puerto Rico $ 29,100,000,000 2001 62 Slovenia $ 25,960,000,000 2010 est. 63 Peru $ 25,740,000,000 2010 est. 64 Libya $ 24,470,000,000 2010 est. 65 Luxembourg $ 23,670,000,000 2010 est. 66 Qatar $ 23,380,000,000 2010 est. 67 Bulgaria $ 22,780,000,000 2010 est. 68 Bangladesh $ 21,340,000,000 2010 69 Croatia $ 20,930,000,000 2010 est. 70 Kuwait $ 20,360,000,000 2010 est. 71 Lithuania $ 20,340,000,000 2010 est. 72 Tunisia $ 20,020,000,000 2010 est. 73 Oman $ 19,300,000,000 2010 est. 74 Angola $ 18,100,000,000 2010 est. 75 Lebanon $ 17,970,000,000 2010 est. 76 Ecuador $ 17,650,000,000 2010 est. 77 Panama $ 16,050,000,000 2010 est. 78 Serbia $ 15,780,000,000 2010 est. 79 Dominican Republic $ 14,530,000,000 2010 est. 80 Costa Rica $ 13,690,000,000 2010 est. 81 Syria $ 13,570,000,000 2010 est. 82 Jordan $ 12,970,000,000 2010 est. 83 Guatemala $ 12,650,000,000 2010 est. 84 Bahrain $ 12,140,000,000 2010 est. 85 Sri Lanka $ 11,600,000,000 2010 est. 86 Estonia $ 11,520,000,000 2010 est. 87 Kenya $ 10,400,000,000 2010 est. 88 Cuba $ 10,250,000,000 2010 est. 89 Ghana $ 10,180,000,000 2010 est. 90 Uzbekistan $ 9,440,000,000 2010 est. 91 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 9,403,000,000 2010 est. 92 Paraguay $ 9,242,000,000 2010 est. 93 Latvia $ 9,153,000,000 2010 est. 94 Honduras $ 8,878,000,000 2010 est. 95 Uruguay $ 8,519,000,000 2010 est. 96 Sudan $ 8,483,000,000 2010 est. 97 Yemen $ 8,350,000,000 2010 est. 98 Trinidad and Tobago $ 8,234,000,000 2010 est. 99 El Salvador $ 7,980,000,000 2010 est. 100 Cyprus $ 7,962,000,000 2010 est. 101 Ethiopia $ 7,517,000,000 2010 est. 102 Liberia $ 7,143,000,000 2006 103 Azerbaijan $ 7,035,000,000 2010 est. 104 Cote d'Ivoire $ 7,015,000,000 2010 est. 105 Cambodia $ 6,944,000,000 2010 est. 106 Tanzania $ 6,334,000,000 2010 est. 107 Equatorial Guinea $ 5,743,000,000 2010 est. 108 Jamaica $ 5,378,000,000 2010 est. 109 Afghanistan $ 5,300,000,000 2008 est. 110 Nepal $ 5,260,000,000 2009 111 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 5,200,000,000 2009 est. 112 Namibia $ 5,152,000,000 2010 est. 113 Macedonia $ 5,113,000,000 2010 est. 114 Bolivia $ 5,006,000,000 2010 est. 115 Zambia $ 4,949,000,000 2010 est. 116 Turkmenistan $ 4,888,000,000 2010 est. 117 Cameroon $ 4,869,000,000 2010 est. 118 Georgia $ 4,828,000,000 2010 est. 119 Nicaragua $ 4,700,000,000 2010 est. 120 Virgin Islands $ 4,609,000,000 2001 121 Burma $ 4,532,000,000 2010 est. 122 Botswana $ 4,518,000,000 2010 est. 123 Macau $ 4,500,000,000 2009 est. 124 Senegal $ 4,474,000,000 2010 est. 125 Uganda $ 4,474,000,000 2010 est. 126 Albania $ 4,337,000,000 2010 est. 127 Malta $ 4,074,000,000 2010 est. 128 Mauritius $ 3,935,000,000 2010 est. 129 West Bank $ 3,772,000,000 2008 130 San Marino $ 3,744,000,000 2007 131 Iceland $ 3,677,000,000 2010 est. 132 Moldova $ 3,660,000,000 2010 est. 133 Congo, Republic of the $ 3,607,000,000 2010 est. 134 Papua New Guinea $ 3,547,000,000 2010 est. 135 Mozambique $ 3,527,000,000 2010 est. 136 Tajikistan $ 3,301,000,000 2010 est. 137 Fiji $ 3,120,000,000 2006 138 Korea, North $ 3,096,000,000 2009 139 Kyrgyzstan $ 3,075,000,000 2010 est. 140 Armenia $ 2,988,000,000 2010 est. 141 Gibraltar $ 2,967,000,000 2004 est. 142 Zimbabwe $ 2,871,000,000 2010 est. 143 Chad $ 2,631,000,000 2010 est. 144 Brunei $ 2,610,000,000 2008 est. 145 Liechtenstein $ 2,590,000,000 2008 146 Haiti $ 2,446,000,000 2010 est. 147 Gabon $ 2,433,000,000 2010 est. 148 Bahamas, The $ 2,401,000,000 2006 149 Mali $ 2,358,000,000 2006 150 Mongolia $ 2,131,000,000 2009 151 New Caledonia $ 1,998,000,000 2006 152 Madagascar $ 1,958,000,000 2010 est. 153 Benin $ 1,812,000,000 2010 est. 154 Andorra $ 1,801,000,000 2008 155 Lesotho $ 1,766,000,000 2010 est. 156 French Polynesia $ 1,706,000,000 2005 est. 157 Malawi $ 1,675,000,000 2010 est. 158 Swaziland $ 1,643,000,000 2010 est. 159 Barbados $ 1,586,000,000 2006 160 Guinea $ 1,551,000,000 2010 est. 161 Laos $ 1,504,000,000 2010 est. 162 Burkina Faso $ 1,480,000,000 2010 est. 163 Mauritania $ 1,475,000,000 2006 164 Guyana $ 1,366,000,000 2010 est. 165 Curacao $ 1,340,000,000 2008 est. 166 Togo $ 1,337,000,000 2010 est. 167 Suriname $ 1,297,000,000 2006 est. 168 Bermuda $ 1,162,000,000 2006 169 Aruba $ 1,054,000,000 2006 170 Rwanda $ 1,047,000,000 2010 est. 171 Faroe Islands $ 983,000,000 2008 172 Monaco $ 916,100,000 2005 173 Cayman Islands $ 876,500,000 2008 174 Greenland $ 867,000,000 2008 175 Cape Verde $ 858,000,000 2010 est. 176 Seychelles $ 831,000,000 2010 est. 177 Niger $ 800,000,000 2006 178 Somalia $ 798,000,000 2006 179 Saint Lucia $ 791,000,000 2006 180 Maldives $ 782,000,000 2008 est. 181 Belize $ 740,000,000 2010 est. 182 Eritrea $ 738,000,000 2010 est. 183 Djibouti $ 644,000,000 2009 est. 184 Montenegro $ 601,700,000 2003 185 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 578,000,000 2006 186 Sierra Leone $ 560,000,000 2006 187 Bhutan $ 533,000,000 2008 188 Antigua and Barbuda $ 522,800,000 2007 est. 189 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 383,000,000 2006 190 Grenada $ 343,000,000 2006 191 Mayotte $ 341,000,000 2005 192 Burundi $ 336,000,000 2010 est. 193 Samoa $ 324,000,000 2006 194 American Samoa $ 308,800,000 FY04 est. 195 Gambia, The $ 306,000,000 2010 est. 196 Dominica $ 296,000,000 2006 197 Solomon Islands $ 256,000,000 2006 198 Central African Republic $ 237,300,000 2007 est. 199 Northern Mariana Islands $ 214,400,000 2001 200 Timor-Leste $ 202,000,000 2004 est. 201 Guinea-Bissau $ 200,000,000 2006 202 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 175,600,000 2000 203 Vanuatu $ 156,000,000 2006 204 Anguilla $ 143,000,000 2006 205 Comoros $ 143,000,000 2006 206 Tonga $ 139,000,000 2006 207 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 132,700,000 2004 208 Palau $ 107,300,000 2004 est. 209 Sao Tome and Principe $ 99,000,000 2010 est. 210 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 90,000,000 2004 est. 211 Cook Islands $ 81,040,000 2005 212 Marshall Islands $ 79,400,000 2008 est. 213 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 68,200,000 2005 est. 214 Kiribati $ 62,000,000 2004 est. 215 Wallis and Futuna $ 61,170,000 2004 216 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$ 45,000,000 2004 est. 217 Nauru $ 20,000,000 2004 est. 218 Norfolk Island $ 17,900,000 219 Montserrat $ 17,000,000 220 Tuvalu $ 12,910,000 2005 221 Niue $ 9,038,000 2004 222 Tokelau $ 969,200 2002

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Rank code: 2088

Country Comparison :: Independence

For most countries, this entry gives the date that sovereignty was achieved and from which nation, empire, or trusteeship. For the other countries, the date given may not represent "independence" in the strict sense, but rather some significant nationhood event such as the traditional founding date or the date of unification, federation, confederation, establishment, fundamental change in the form of government, or state succession. For a number of countries, the establishment of statehood was a lengthy evolutionary process occurring over decades or even centuries. In such cases, several significant dates are cited. Dependent areas include the notation "none" followed by the nature of their dependency status. Also see the Terminology note.

Rank country Independence Date of Information

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Rank code: 2089

Country Comparison :: Industrial production growth rate

This entry gives the annual percentage increase in industrial production (includes manufacturing, mining, and construction).

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Qatar 27.10 2010 est. 2 Malawi 17.30 2010 est. 3 Uruguay 16.50 2010 est. 4 Taiwan 16.00 2010 est. 5 Thailand 14.50 2010 est. 6 Korea, South 12.10 2010 est. 7 Zambia 12.10 2010 est. 8 Congo, Republic of the 12.00 2010 est. 9 Laos 12.00 2010 est. 10 Brazil 11.50 2010 est. 11 Philippines 11.50 2010 est. 12 China 11.00 2010 est. 13 Belarus 10.50 2010 est. 14 Singapore 10.20 2010 est. 15 Estonia 10.00 2010 est. 16 Papua New Guinea 10.00 2010 est. 17 India 9.70 2010 est. 18 Ethiopia 9.50 2010 est. 19 Germany 9.00 2010 est. 20 Yemen 9.00 2010 est. 21 Gambia, The 8.90 2010 est. 22 Malaysia 8.50 2010 est. 23 Peru 8.50 2010 est. 24 Timor-Leste 8.50 2004 est. 25 Russia 8.30 2010 est. 26 Armenia 8.00 2010 est. 27 Faroe Islands 8.00 2007 est. 28 Uzbekistan 8.00 2010 est. 29 Ukraine 8.00 2010 est. 30 Sweden 8.00 2010 est. 31 Mozambique 8.00 2010 est. 32 Eritrea 8.00 2010 est. 33 Japan 7.50 2010 est. 34 Rwanda 7.50 2010 est. 35 Slovakia 7.50 2010 est. 36 Vietnam 7.50 2010 est. 37 Tajikistan 7.50 2010 est. 38 Kazakhstan 7.30 2010 est. 39 Turkmenistan 7.30 2010 est. 40 Burundi 7.00 2010 est. 41 Tanzania 7.00 2010 est. 42 Sao Tome and Principe 7.00 2010 est. 43 Botswana 6.90 2010 est. 44 Sri Lanka 6.90 2010 est. 45 Argentina 6.70 2010 est. 46 Namibia 6.50 2010 est. 47 Suriname 6.50 1994 est. 48 Poland 6.50 2010 est. 49 Paraguay 6.50 2010 est. 50 Bangladesh 6.40 2010 est. 51 Finland 6.00 2010 est. 52 Turkey 6.00 2010 est. 53 Uganda 6.00 2010 est. 54 Syria 6.00 2010 est. 55 Kyrgyzstan 6.00 2010 est. 56 Mexico 6.00 2010 est. 57 Canada 5.80 2010 est. 58 Israel 5.70 2010 est. 59 Burkina Faso 5.50 2010 est. 60 Egypt 5.50 2010 est. 61 Colombia 5.50 2010 est. 62 Niger 5.10 2003 est. 63 Angola 5.00 2010 est. 64 Ghana 5.00 2010 est. 65 Hungary 5.00 2010 est. 66 Ireland 5.00 2010 est. 67 Pakistan 4.90 2010 est. 68 Algeria 4.80 2010 est. 69 Gabon 4.80 2010 est. 70 Iraq 4.80 2010 est. 71 Guinea-Bissau 4.70 2003 est. 72 Cambodia 4.50 2010 est. 73 Cote d'Ivoire 4.50 2010 est. 74 Oman 4.50 2010 est. 75 Moldova 4.50 2010 est. 76 Morocco 4.40 2010 est. 77 Burma 4.30 2010 est. 78 Iran 4.30 2010 est. 79 Belgium 4.00 2010 est. 80 Bolivia 4.00 2010 est. 81 Nigeria 4.00 2010 est. 82 Zimbabwe 4.00 2010 est. 83 Denmark 4.00 2010 est. 84 Kenya 4.00 2010 est. 85 Indonesia 4.00 2010 est. 86 Georgia 4.00 2010 est. 87 Cape Verde 4.00 2010 est. 88 Cameroon 4.00 2010 est. 89 Senegal 3.80 2010 est. 90 European Union 3.80 2010 est. 91 Azerbaijan 3.50 2010 est. 92 Sudan 3.50 2010 est. 93 France 3.50 2010 est. 94 Bosnia and Herzegovina 3.30 2010 est. 95 Mauritius 3.30 2010 est. 96 United States 3.30 2010 est. 97 Chile 3.20 2010 est. 98 Greece 3.20 2010 est. 99 Netherlands 3.20 2010 est. 100 United Arab Emirates 3.20 2010 est. 101 San Marino 3.10 2007 102 Saudi Arabia 3.10 2010 est. 103 Albania 3.00 2010 est. 104 Australia 3.00 2010 est. 105 Benin 3.00 2010 est. 106 Austria 3.00 2010 est. 107 Central African Republic 3.00 2002 108 Costa Rica 3.00 2010 est. 109 South Africa 3.00 2010 est. 110 Mongolia 3.00 2006 est. 111 Lesotho 3.00 2010 est. 112 Guinea 3.00 2010 est. 113 Czech Republic 3.00 2010 est. 114 Chad 3.00 2010 est. 115 Samoa 2.80 2000 116 Jordan 2.70 2010 est. 117 Switzerland 2.70 2010 est. 118 Libya 2.70 2010 est. 119 Guatemala 2.60 2010 est. 120 Guyana 2.50 2010 est. 121 Lithuania 2.50 2010 est. 122 Trinidad and Tobago 2.50 2010 est. 123 Togo 2.50 2010 est. 124 Honduras 2.40 2010 est. 125 Kuwait 2.10 2010 est. 126 Lebanon 2.10 2010 est. 127 Ecuador 2.00 2010 est. 128 Panama 2.00 2010 est. 129 Seychelles 2.00 2010 est. 130 New Zealand 2.00 2010 est. 131 Madagascar 2.00 2010 est. 132 Mauritania 2.00 2000 est. 133 United Kingdom 1.90 2010 est. 134 Equatorial Guinea 1.80 2010 est. 135 Nepal 1.80 FY08 136 Luxembourg 1.70 2009 est. 137 Tunisia 1.60 2010 est. 138 Bahrain 1.50 2010 est. 139 Dominican Republic 1.50 2010 est. 140 Romania 1.50 2010 est. 141 Nicaragua 1.50 2010 est. 142 Belize 1.40 2010 est. 143 Macedonia 1.30 2010 est. 144 Serbia 1.30 2010 est. 145 Cook Islands 1.00 2002 146 Tonga 1.00 2003 est. 147 Swaziland 1.00 2010 est. 148 Slovenia 1.00 2010 est. 149 El Salvador 0.90 2010 est. 150 Portugal 0.90 2010 est. 151 Cuba 0.80 2010 est. 152 Italy 0.50 2010 est. 153 Bulgaria 0.40 2010 est. 154 Norway 0.30 2010 est. 155 Cyprus 0.10 2010 est. 156 Hong Kong -0.30 2010 est. 157 Croatia -0.90 2010 est. 158 Maldives -0.90 2004 est. 159 Iceland -1.00 2010 est. 160 Latvia -1.80 2010 est. 161 Jamaica -2.00 2010 est. 162 Spain -2.00 2010 est. 163 Barbados -3.20 2000 est. 164 Brunei -5.40 2008 est. 165 Haiti -8.00 2010 est. 166 Venezuela -8.00 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2090

Country Comparison :: Industries

This entry provides a rank ordering of industries starting with the largest by value of annual output.

Rank country Industries Date of Information

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Rank code: 2091

Country Comparison :: Infant mortality rate

This entry gives the number of deaths of infants under one year old in a given year per 1,000 live births in the same year; included is the total death rate, and deaths by sex, male and female. This rate is often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country.

Rank country (deaths/1,000 live births) Date of Information

1 Angola 178.13 2010 est. 2 Afghanistan 151.50 2010 est. 3 Niger 114.50 2010 est. 4 Mali 113.66 2010 est. 5 Somalia 107.42 2010 est. 6 Mozambique 103.82 2010 est. 7 Central African Republic 101.60 2010 est. 8 Guinea-Bissau 98.05 2010 est. 9 Chad 97.05 2010 est. 10 Nigeria 92.99 2010 est. 11 Malawi 83.50 2010 est. 12 Burkina Faso 82.98 2010 est. 13 Sierra Leone 80.16 2010 est. 14 Equatorial Guinea 79.47 2010 est. 15 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 79.36 2010 est. 16 Ethiopia 78.99 2010 est. 17 Congo, Republic of the 77.93 2010 est. 18 Liberia 76.43 2010 est. 19 Sudan 72.39 2010 est. 20 Zambia 68.40 2010 est. 21 Tanzania 68.13 2010 est. 22 Gambia, The 67.49 2010 est. 23 Swaziland 66.71 2010 est. 24 Cote d'Ivoire 66.43 2010 est. 25 Rwanda 65.57 2010 est. 26 Pakistan 65.32 2010 est. 27 Comoros 64.61 2010 est. 28 Uganda 63.70 2010 est. 29 Burundi 63.38 2010 est. 30 Benin 63.13 2010 est. 31 Guinea 63.09 2010 est. 32 Cameroon 62.15 2010 est. 33 Western Sahara 61.97 2010 est. 34 Mauritania 61.94 2010 est. 35 Laos 61.19 2010 est. 36 Senegal 57.70 2010 est. 37 Cambodia 56.94 2010 est. 38 Yemen 56.77 2010 est. 39 Djibouti 56.65 2010 est. 40 Lesotho 56.42 2010 est. 41 Mayotte 54.75 2010 est. 42 Sao Tome and Principe 54.64 2010 est. 43 Haiti 54.02 2011 est. 44 Kenya 53.49 2010 est. 45 Togo 53.23 2010 est. 46 Azerbaijan 52.84 2010 est. 47 Madagascar 52.84 2010 est. 48 Bangladesh 52.54 2010 est. 49 Gabon 50.88 2010 est. 50 Burma 50.76 2010 est. 51 Korea, North 50.15 2010 est. 52 Ghana 49.89 2010 est. 53 India 49.13 2010 est. 54 Vanuatu 48.17 2010 est. 55 Bhutan 46.92 2010 est. 56 Nepal 46.00 2010 est. 57 Namibia 45.52 2010 est. 58 Papua New Guinea 44.59 2010 est. 59 World 44.13 2009 est. 60 Turkmenistan 43.84 2010 est. 61 South Africa 43.78 2010 est. 62 Iran 43.45 2010 est. 63 Bolivia 43.41 2010 est. 64 Iraq 43.16 2010 est. 65 Eritrea 42.33 2010 est. 66 Kiribati 40.13 2010 est. 67 Tajikistan 39.78 2010 est. 68 Timor-Leste 39.32 2010 est. 69 Mongolia 38.56 2010 est. 70 Guyana 37.89 2010 est. 71 Tuvalu 35.52 2010 est. 72 Zimbabwe 30.90 2010 est. 73 Kyrgyzstan 30.25 2010 est. 74 Indonesia 28.94 2010 est. 75 Trinidad and Tobago 28.90 2010 est. 76 Morocco 28.61 2010 est. 77 Maldives 28.47 2010 est. 78 Cape Verde 27.89 2010 est. 79 Peru 27.74 2010 est. 80 Guatemala 26.91 2010 est. 81 Algeria 26.75 2010 est. 82 Egypt 26.20 2010 est. 83 Micronesia, Federated States of 25.20 2010 est. 84 Kazakhstan 24.93 2010 est. 85 Turkey 24.84 2010 est. 86 Marshall Islands 24.57 2010 est. 87 Nicaragua 24.16 2010 est. 88 Paraguay 23.83 2010 est. 89 Samoa 23.21 2010 est. 90 Dominican Republic 23.10 2010 est. 91 Uzbekistan 22.66 2010 est. 92 Belize 22.52 2010 est. 93 Brazil 21.86 2010 est. 94 Tunisia 21.75 2010 est. 95 Vietnam 21.57 2010 est. 96 Venezuela 21.07 2010 est. 97 Honduras 21.04 2010 est. 98 El Salvador 20.97 2010 est. 99 Libya 20.87 2010 est. 100 Ecuador 20.26 2010 est. 101 Philippines 19.94 2010 est. 102 Armenia 19.50 2010 est. 103 Solomon Islands 18.41 2010 est. 104 Suriname 18.19 2010 est. 105 Sri Lanka 18.14 2010 est. 106 Mexico 17.84 2010 est. 107 Gaza Strip 17.71 2010 est. 108 Bulgaria 17.26 2010 est. 109 Jordan 17.03 2010 est. 110 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha16.98 2010 est. 111 Colombia 16.87 2010 est. 112 Saudi Arabia 16.73 2010 est. 113 Thailand 16.71 2010 est. 114 China 16.51 2010 est. 115 Lebanon 16.40 2010 est. 116 Cook Islands 16.33 2010 est. 117 Syria 16.14 2010 est. 118 Oman 16.00 2010 est. 119 Montserrat 15.80 2010 est. 120 Georgia 15.67 2010 est. 121 Malaysia 15.50 2010 est. 122 West Bank 15.41 2010 est. 123 Albania 15.11 2010 est. 124 Antigua and Barbuda 15.10 2010 est. 125 Jamaica 14.91 2010 est. 126 Bahrain 14.76 2010 est. 127 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 14.70 2010 est. 128 British Virgin Islands 14.11 2010 est. 129 Bahamas, The 13.68 2010 est. 130 Turks and Caicos Islands 13.43 2010 est. 131 Aruba 13.34 2010 est. 132 Dominica 13.20 2010 est. 133 Saint Lucia 13.07 2010 est. 134 Palau 12.78 2010 est. 135 Moldova 12.77 2010 est. 136 United Arab Emirates 12.30 2010 est. 137 Qatar 12.24 2010 est. 138 Barbados 12.09 2010 est. 139 Panama 11.97 2010 est. 140 Seychelles 11.97 2010 est. 141 Brunei 11.87 2010 est. 142 Mauritius 11.85 2010 est. 143 Botswana 11.79 2010 est. 144 Grenada 11.76 2010 est. 145 Romania 11.32 2010 est. 146 Fiji 11.28 2010 est. 147 Tonga 11.28 2010 est. 148 Argentina 11.11 2010 est. 149 Uruguay 10.99 2010 est. 150 Russia 10.32 2010 est. 151 Greenland 10.26 2010 est. 152 American Samoa 9.91 2010 est. 153 Saint Kitts and Nevis 9.90 2010 est. 154 Costa Rica 9.72 2010 est. 155 Cyprus 9.57 2010 est. 156 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8.88 2010 est. 157 Nauru 8.81 2010 est. 158 Macedonia 8.76 2010 est. 159 Kuwait 8.75 2010 est. 160 Ukraine 8.73 2010 est. 161 Latvia 8.59 2010 est. 162 Puerto Rico 8.23 2010 est. 163 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 7.65 2010 est. 164 Chile 7.52 2010 est. 165 French Polynesia 7.41 2010 est. 166 Virgin Islands 7.40 2010 est. 167 Estonia 7.19 2010 est. 168 Gibraltar 6.82 2010 est. 169 Cayman Islands 6.78 2010 est. 170 Slovakia 6.71 2010 est. 171 Poland 6.66 2010 est. 172 Serbia 6.65 2010 est. 173 Lithuania 6.37 2010 est. 174 Belarus 6.34 2010 est. 175 Croatia 6.26 2010 est. 176 Faroe Islands 6.18 2010 est. 177 United States 6.14 2010 est. 178 Northern Mariana Islands 5.89 2010 est. 179 New Caledonia 5.80 2010 est. 180 Cuba 5.72 2010 est. 181 European Union 5.61 2010 est. 182 Italy 5.41 2010 est. 183 Hungary 5.38 2010 est. 184 Taiwan 5.26 2010 est. 185 Greece 5.08 2010 est. 186 Canada 4.99 2010 est. 187 New Zealand 4.85 2010 est. 188 San Marino 4.79 2010 est. 189 Wallis and Futuna 4.74 2010 est. 190 Portugal 4.72 2010 est. 191 United Kingdom 4.69 2010 est. 192 Australia 4.67 2010 est. 193 Netherlands 4.66 2010 est. 194 Luxembourg 4.49 2010 est. 195 Belgium 4.38 2010 est. 196 Isle of Man 4.38 2010 est. 197 Austria 4.37 2010 est. 198 Denmark 4.29 2010 est. 199 Korea, South 4.24 2010 est. 200 Slovenia 4.21 2010 est. 201 Liechtenstein 4.20 2010 est. 202 Israel 4.17 2010 est. 203 Switzerland 4.12 2010 est. 204 Jersey 4.02 2010 est. 205 Germany 3.95 2010 est. 206 Ireland 3.89 2010 est. 207 Andorra 3.84 2010 est. 208 Czech Republic 3.76 2010 est. 209 Malta 3.72 2010 est. 210 Guernsey 3.58 2010 est. 211 Norway 3.55 2010 est. 212 Anguilla 3.49 2010 est. 213 Finland 3.45 2010 est. 214 Spain 3.42 2010 est. 215 France 3.31 2010 est. 216 Iceland 3.21 2010 est. 217 Macau 3.20 2010 est. 218 Hong Kong 2.91 2010 est. 219 Japan 2.79 2010 est. 220 Sweden 2.74 2010 est. 221 Bermuda 2.46 2010 est. 222 Singapore 2.32 2010 est. 223 Monaco 1.78 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2092

Country Comparison :: Inflation rate (consumer prices)

This entry furnishes the annual percent change in consumer prices compared with the previous year's consumer prices.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 San Marino -3.50 2008 2 Seychelles -2.20 2010 est. 3 Ireland -1.50 2010 est. 4 Gabon -1.30 2010 est. 5 Latvia -1.20 2010 est. 6 Faroe Islands -1.10 2009 7 Japan -0.90 2010 est. 8 Northern Mariana Islands -0.80 2000 9 Dominica 0.10 2009 est. 10 Niger 0.10 2007 est. 11 Kiribati 0.20 2007 est. 12 Liechtenstein 0.50 2009 13 Cuba 0.70 2010 est. 14 Switzerland 0.70 2010 est. 15 Sint Maarten 0.70 2009 est. 16 El Salvador 0.80 2010 est. 17 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.80 2009 est. 18 Central African Republic 0.90 2007 est. 19 Lithuania 0.90 2010 est. 20 Germany 1.00 2010 est. 21 Finland 1.10 2010 est. 22 French Polynesia 1.10 2007 23 Qatar 1.10 2010 est. 24 Portugal 1.10 2010 est. 25 Netherlands 1.10 2010 est. 26 Macau 1.20 December 2009 27 Slovakia 1.20 2010 est. 28 Senegal 1.20 2010 est. 29 Croatia 1.30 2010 est. 30 Spain 1.30 2010 est. 31 Taiwan 1.30 2010 est. 32 Burkina Faso 1.40 2010 est. 33 Italy 1.40 2010 est. 34 United States 1.40 2010 est. 35 Sweden 1.40 2010 est. 36 Cote d'Ivoire 1.40 2010 est. 37 New Caledonia 1.40 2000 est. 38 Antigua and Barbuda 1.50 2007 est. 39 France 1.50 2010 est. 40 Austria 1.50 2010 est. 41 Macedonia 1.50 2010 est. 42 Benin 1.60 2010 est. 43 Canada 1.60 2010 est. 44 Czech Republic 1.60 2010 est. 45 Chile 1.70 2010 est. 46 Curacao 1.70 2009 est, 47 European Union 1.70 2010 est. 48 Malta 1.70 2010 est. 49 Mayotte 1.70 2005 50 Malaysia 1.80 2010 est. 51 Peru 1.80 2010 est. 52 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.90 2010 est. 53 Saint Lucia 1.90 2007 est. 54 Monaco 1.90 2000 55 Cameroon 1.90 2010 est. 56 Bolivia 2.10 2010 est. 57 Slovenia 2.10 2010 est. 58 Luxembourg 2.10 2010 est. 59 Cook Islands 2.10 2005 est. 60 Bulgaria 2.10 2010 est. 61 Cyprus 2.20 2010 est. 62 Virgin Islands 2.20 2003 63 United Arab Emirates 2.20 2010 est. 64 Micronesia, Federated States of 2.20 2005 65 Hong Kong 2.20 2010 est. 66 Denmark 2.20 2010 est. 67 Andorra 2.30 2008 68 Belgium 2.30 2010 est. 69 Bahamas, The 2.40 2007 est. 70 Norway 2.40 2010 est. 71 Estonia 2.40 2010 est. 72 Poland 2.40 2010 est. 73 World 2.50 74 Cape Verde 2.50 2010 est. 75 Mali 2.50 2007 est. 76 Morocco 2.50 2010 est. 77 Colombia 2.60 2010 est. 78 Israel 2.60 2010 est. 79 New Zealand 2.60 2010 est. 80 Togo 2.60 2010 est. 81 Singapore 2.60 2010 est. 82 Montserrat 2.60 2002 est. 83 Gibraltar 2.60 2006 84 Brunei 2.70 2008 est. 85 Palau 2.70 2005 est. 86 Bermuda 2.80 November 2005 87 Wallis and Futuna 2.80 2005 88 Australia 2.90 2010 est. 89 Mauritius 2.90 2010 est. 90 Comoros 3.00 2007 est. 91 Korea, South 3.00 2010 est. 92 Libya 3.00 2010 est. 93 Isle of Man 3.10 December 2006 est. 94 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha3.20 1997 est. 95 Bahrain 3.30 2010 est. 96 Thailand 3.30 2010 est. 97 United Kingdom 3.30 2010 est. 98 Panama 3.30 2010 est. 99 Albania 3.40 2010 est. 100 Aruba 3.40 2005 101 Montenegro 3.40 2007 102 Guernsey 3.40 June 2006 103 West Bank 3.50 2010 est. 104 Ecuador 3.60 2010 est. 105 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 3.60 1998 106 Grenada 3.70 2007 est. 107 Jersey 3.70 December 2006 108 Lebanon 3.70 2010 est. 109 Guinea-Bissau 3.80 2007 est. 110 Kuwait 3.80 2010 est. 111 Tuvalu 3.80 2006 est. 112 Guatemala 3.90 2010 est. 113 Vanuatu 3.90 2007 est. 114 Chad 4.00 2010 est. 115 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.00 1995 116 Niue 4.00 2005 117 Oman 4.00 2010 est. 118 Belize 4.10 2010 est. 119 Mexico 4.10 2010 est. 120 Cambodia 4.10 2010 est. 121 Cayman Islands 4.10 2008 122 Iraq 4.20 2010 est. 123 Paraguay 4.20 2010 est. 124 Philippines 4.20 2010 est. 125 Mongolia 4.20 2009 est. 126 Kenya 4.20 2010 est. 127 Bhutan 4.30 2008 est. 128 Jordan 4.40 2010 est. 129 Greece 4.50 2010 est. 130 Tunisia 4.50 2010 est. 131 South Africa 4.50 2010 est. 132 Saint Kitts and Nevis 4.50 2007 est. 133 Hungary 4.50 2010 est. 134 Haiti 4.60 2010 est. 135 Namibia 4.60 2010 est. 136 Honduras 4.60 2010 est. 137 Nicaragua 4.70 2010 est. 138 Fiji 4.80 2007 139 Kyrgyzstan 4.80 2010 est. 140 Brazil 4.90 2010 est. 141 Serbia 4.90 2010 est. 142 Algeria 5.00 2010 est. 143 China 5.00 2010 est. 144 Swaziland 5.00 2010 est. 145 Zimbabwe 5.03 2010 est. 146 Azerbaijan 5.10 2010 est. 147 Congo, Republic of the 5.20 2010 est. 148 Indonesia 5.20 2010 est. 149 Anguilla 5.30 2006 est. 150 Kosovo 5.30 2007 est. 151 Barbados 5.50 2007 est. 152 Gambia, The 5.50 2010 est. 153 Iceland 5.50 2010 est. 154 Sri Lanka 5.60 2010 est. 155 Georgia 5.70 2010 est. 156 Saudi Arabia 5.70 2010 est. 157 Costa Rica 5.80 2010 est. 158 Tajikistan 5.80 2010 est. 159 Syria 5.90 2010 est. 160 Tonga 5.90 2007 est. 161 Djibouti 6.00 2009 est. 162 Samoa 6.00 2007 est. 163 Romania 6.00 2010 est. 164 Lesotho 6.10 2010 est. 165 Laos 6.20 2010 est. 166 Dominican Republic 6.30 2010 est. 167 Solomon Islands 6.30 2007 est. 168 Rwanda 6.40 2010 est. 169 Suriname 6.40 2007 est. 170 Puerto Rico 6.50 2003 est. 171 Kazakhstan 6.70 2010 est. 172 Russia 6.70 2010 est. 173 Guyana 6.80 2010 est. 174 Uruguay 6.80 2010 est. 175 Papua New Guinea 6.80 2010 est. 176 Armenia 6.90 2010 est. 177 Belarus 7.00 2010 est. 178 Ethiopia 7.00 2010 est. 179 Botswana 7.10 2010 est. 180 British Virgin Islands 7.10 2008 181 Burundi 7.20 2010 est. 182 Tanzania 7.20 2010 est. 183 Maldives 7.30 2009 est. 184 Moldova 7.30 2010 est. 185 Mauritania 7.30 2007 est. 186 Timor-Leste 7.80 2007 est. 187 Malawi 8.00 2010 est. 188 Bangladesh 8.10 2010 est. 189 Madagascar 8.10 2010 est. 190 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 8.10 2005 191 Equatorial Guinea 8.20 2010 est. 192 Zambia 8.50 2010 est. 193 Nepal 8.60 September 2010 194 Turkey 8.70 2010 est. 195 Greenland 9.40 2008 est. 196 Uganda 9.40 2010 est. 197 Burma 9.60 2010 est. 198 Ukraine 9.80 2010 est. 199 Gaza Strip 9.90 2009 est. 200 Ghana 10.90 2010 est. 201 Vietnam 11.10 2010 est. 202 Liberia 11.20 2007 est. 203 Trinidad and Tobago 11.30 2010 est. 204 India 11.70 2010 est. 205 Sierra Leone 11.70 2007 est. 206 Iran 11.80 2010 est. 207 Sudan 11.80 2010 est. 208 Turkmenistan 12.00 2010 est. 209 Yemen 12.20 2010 est. 210 Egypt 12.80 2010 est. 211 Marshall Islands 12.90 2008 est. 212 Jamaica 13.00 2010 est. 213 Sao Tome and Principe 13.00 2010 est. 214 Afghanistan 13.30 2009 est. 215 Angola 13.30 2010 est. 216 Pakistan 13.40 2010 est. 217 Mozambique 13.50 2010 est. 218 Nigeria 13.90 2010 est. 219 Guinea 15.00 2010 est. 220 Uzbekistan 15.00 2010 est. 221 Eritrea 20.00 2010 est. 222 Argentina 22.00 2010 est. 223 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 26.20 2010 est. 224 Venezuela 29.80 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2093

Country Comparison :: Waterways

This entry gives the total length of navigable rivers, canals, and other inland bodies of water.

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 China 110,000 2010 2 Russia 102,000 2009 3 Brazil 50,000 2010 4 United States 41,009 2008 5 Indonesia 21,579 2011 6 Colombia 18,000 2010 7 Vietnam 17,702 2011 8 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 15,000 2009 9 India 14,500 2008 10 Burma 12,800 2008 11 Argentina 11,000 2007 12 Papua New Guinea 11,000 2006 13 Bolivia 10,000 2010 14 Peru 8,808 2010 15 Nigeria 8,600 2009 16 France 8,501 2008 17 Bangladesh 8,370 2007 18 Finland 7,842 2010 19 Germany 7,467 2008 20 Malaysia 7,200 2011 21 Venezuela 7,100 2010 22 Netherlands 6,215 2007 23 Iraq 5,279 2008 24 Laos 4,600 2010 25 Sudan 4,068 2008 26 Kazakhstan 4,000 2008 27 Thailand 4,000 2010 28 Poland 3,997 2009 29 France 3,760 2008 30 Egypt 3,500 2010 31 Philippines 3,219 2011 32 United Kingdom 3,200 2008 33 Paraguay 3,100 2010 34 Mexico 2,900 2010 35 Central African Republic 2,800 2010 36 Belarus 2,500 2003 37 Cambodia 2,400 2010 38 Italy 2,400 2008 39 Korea, North 2,250 2010 40 Zambia 2,250 2010 41 Nicaragua 2,220 2010 42 Ukraine 2,150 2009 43 Sweden 2,052 2010 44 Belgium 2,043 2008 45 Australia 2,000 2006 46 Mali 1,800 2010 47 Japan 1,770 2010 48 Romania 1,731 2006 49 Hungary 1,622 2010 50 Korea, South 1,608 2010 51 Gabon 1,600 2010 52 Uruguay 1,600 2010 53 Norway 1,577 2008 54 Ecuador 1,500 2010 55 Angola 1,300 2010 56 Turkmenistan 1,300 2008 57 Guinea 1,300 2008 58 Ghana 1,293 2008 59 Afghanistan 1,200 2008 60 Suriname 1,200 2010 61 Turkey 1,200 2008 62 Congo, Republic of the 1,120 2010 63 Uzbekistan 1,100 2009 64 Senegal 1,000 2008 65 Spain 1,000 2008 66 Guatemala 990 2010 67 Cote d'Ivoire 980 2008 68 Ireland 956 2008 69 Syria 900 2010 70 Iran 850 2009 71 Belize 825 2010 72 Panama 800 2010 73 Sierra Leone 800 2007 74 Croatia 785 2009 75 Costa Rica 730 2010 76 Malawi 700 2010 77 Czech Republic 664 2010 78 Canada 636 2008 79 Kyrgyzstan 600 2010 80 Madagascar 600 2008 81 Serbia 587 2009 82 Mongolia 580 2010 83 Moldova 558 2008 84 Estonia 520 2010 85 Bulgaria 470 2009 86 Honduras 465 2010 87 Mozambique 460 2010 88 Lithuania 441 2007 89 Denmark 400 2008 90 Gambia, The 390 2008 91 Austria 358 2007 92 Guyana 330 2010 93 Latvia 300 2010 94 Niger 300 2008 95 Cuba 240 2010 96 Portugal 210 2008 97 Brunei 209 2011 98 Fiji 203 2008 99 Tajikistan 200 2010 100 Slovakia 172 2009 101 Sri Lanka 160 2008 102 Benin 150 2007 103 Switzerland 65 2008 104 Togo 50 2008 105 Albania 43 2010 106 Luxembourg 37 2008 107 Liechtenstein 28 2008 108 Greece 6 2010 109 Kiribati 5 2007

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Rank code: 2094

Country Comparison :: Judicial branch

This entry contains the name(s) of the highest court(s) and a brief description of the selection process for members.

Rank country Judicial branch Date of Information

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Rank code: 2095

Country Comparison :: Labor force

This entry contains the total labor force figure.

Rank country Labor force Date of Information

1 China 819,500,000 2010 est. 2 India 478,300,000 2010 est. 3 European Union 225,200,000 2010 est. 4 United States 153,900,000 2010 est. 5 Indonesia 114,900,000 2010 est. 6 Brazil 103,600,000 2010 est. 7 Russia 75,550,000 2010 est. 8 Bangladesh 73,870,000 2010 est. 9 Japan 65,640,000 2010 est. 10 Pakistan 55,770,000 2010 est. 11 Nigeria 48,330,000 2010 est. 12 Vietnam 47,490,000 2010 est. 13 Mexico 46,990,000 2010 est. 14 Germany 43,350,000 2010 est. 15 Philippines 38,910,000 2010 est. 16 Thailand 38,700,000 2010 est. 17 Ethiopia 37,900,000 2007 18 Burma 31,680,000 2010 est. 19 United Kingdom 31,450,000 2010 est. 20 France 28,210,000 2010 est. 21 Egypt 26,100,000 2010 est. 22 Iran 25,700,000 2010 est. 23 Italy 25,050,000 2010 est. 24 Turkey 24,730,000 2010 est. 25 Korea, South 24,620,000 2010 est. 26 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 23,530,000 2007 est. 27 Spain 22,960,000 2010 est. 28 Ukraine 22,060,000 2010 est. 29 Tanzania 21,860,000 2010 est. 30 Colombia 21,270,000 2010 est. 31 Canada 18,590,000 2010 est. 32 Nepal 18,000,000 2009 est. 33 Kenya 17,940,000 2010 est. 34 South Africa 17,320,000 2010 est. 35 Poland 17,000,000 2010 est. 36 Argentina 16,620,000 2010 est. 37 Uzbekistan 16,000,000 2010 est. 38 Uganda 15,510,000 2010 est. 39 Afghanistan 15,000,000 2004 est. 40 Venezuela 13,300,000 2010 est. 41 Korea, North 12,200,000 2009 est. 42 Sudan 11,920,000 2007 est. 43 Morocco 11,630,000 2010 est. 44 Australia 11,620,000 2010 est. 45 Malaysia 11,620,000 2010 est. 46 Taiwan 11,030,000 2010 est. 47 Peru 10,580,000 2010 est. 48 Ghana 10,560,000 2010 est. 49 Algeria 9,877,000 2010 est. 50 Mozambique 9,870,000 2010 est. 51 Madagascar 9,504,000 2007 52 Romania 9,350,000 2010 est. 53 Kazakhstan 8,718,000 2010 est. 54 Iraq 8,500,000 2009 est. 55 Sri Lanka 8,100,000 2010 est. 56 Cambodia 8,000,000 2009 est. 57 Angola 7,977,000 2010 est. 58 Netherlands 7,860,000 2010 est. 59 Cameroon 7,836,000 2010 est. 60 Cote d'Ivoire 7,617,000 2010 est. 61 Chile 7,580,000 2010 est. 62 Saudi Arabia 7,337,000 2010 est. 63 Yemen 6,832,000 2010 est. 64 Burkina Faso 6,668,000 2007 65 Azerbaijan 5,874,000 2010 est. 66 Malawi 5,747,000 2007 est. 67 Portugal 5,570,000 2010 est. 68 Senegal 5,530,000 2010 est. 69 Syria 5,527,000 2010 est. 70 Zambia 5,524,000 2010 est. 71 Czech Republic 5,370,000 2010 est. 72 Cuba 5,164,000 2010 est. 73 Greece 5,050,000 2010 est. 74 Belgium 5,020,000 2010 est. 75 Belarus 5,000,000 2009 76 Sweden 4,930,000 2010 est. 77 Niger 4,688,000 2007 78 Bolivia 4,614,000 2010 est. 79 Ecuador 4,590,000 2010 est. 80 Dominican Republic 4,498,000 2010 est. 81 Rwanda 4,446,000 2007 82 Guinea 4,392,000 2007 est. 83 Chad 4,293,000 2007 84 Guatemala 4,260,000 2010 est. 85 Burundi 4,245,000 2007 86 Hungary 4,170,000 2010 est. 87 Switzerland 4,130,000 2010 est. 88 United Arab Emirates 3,908,000 2010 est. 89 Zimbabwe 3,848,000 2010 est. 90 Tunisia 3,830,000 2010 est. 91 Papua New Guinea 3,809,000 2010 est. 92 Hong Kong 3,700,000 2010 est. 93 Benin 3,662,000 2007 est. 94 Laos 3,650,000 2009 est. 95 Haiti 3,643,000 2007 96 Austria 3,630,000 2010 est. 97 Somalia 3,447,000 2007 98 Honduras 3,394,000 2010 est. 99 Serbia 3,250,000 2010 est. 100 Mali 3,241,000 2007 est. 101 Singapore 3,090,000 2010 est. 102 Israel 3,080,000 2010 est. 103 Paraguay 3,038,000 2010 est. 104 El Salvador 2,940,000 2010 est. 105 Denmark 2,820,000 2010 est. 106 Finland 2,680,000 2010 est. 107 Slovakia 2,673,000 2010 est. 108 Bulgaria 2,610,000 2010 est. 109 Togo 2,595,000 2007 110 Norway 2,590,000 2010 est. 111 Kyrgyzstan 2,344,000 2007 112 Nicaragua 2,343,000 2010 est. 113 New Zealand 2,320,000 2010 est. 114 Turkmenistan 2,300,000 2008 est. 115 Sierra Leone 2,207,000 2007 est. 116 Ireland 2,180,000 2010 est. 117 Costa Rica 2,170,000 2010 est. 118 Kuwait 2,154,000 2010 est. 119 Tajikistan 2,100,000 2009 120 Eritrea 1,935,000 2007 121 Central African Republic 1,926,000 2007 122 Georgia 1,918,000 2007 est. 123 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,863,000 2007 124 Croatia 1,762,000 2010 est. 125 Libya 1,729,000 2010 est. 126 Jordan 1,719,000 2010 est. 127 Uruguay 1,637,000 2010 est. 128 Lithuania 1,633,000 2010 est. 129 Congo, Republic of the 1,514,000 2007 130 Panama 1,490,000 2010 est. 131 Armenia 1,481,000 2007 est. 132 Lebanon 1,481,000 2007 est. 133 Puerto Rico 1,479,000 2007 134 Liberia 1,372,000 2007 135 Mauritania 1,318,000 2007 136 Jamaica 1,317,000 2010 est. 137 Qatar 1,254,000 2010 est. 138 Moldova 1,203,000 2010 est. 139 Latvia 1,178,000 2010 est. 140 Albania 1,100,000 2009 est. 141 Mongolia 1,068,000 2008 142 Oman 968,800 2007 143 Macedonia 942,000 2010 est. 144 Slovenia 930,000 2010 est. 145 Lesotho 854,600 2007 est. 146 Gambia, The 777,100 2007 147 Namibia 729,000 2010 est. 148 Gabon 712,000 2010 est. 149 West Bank 694,000 2009 150 Estonia 688,000 2010 est. 151 Botswana 685,300 2007 152 Guinea-Bissau 632,700 2007 153 Trinidad and Tobago 631,000 2010 est. 154 Bahrain 611,000 2010 est. 155 Mauritius 597,000 2010 est. 156 Swaziland 457,900 2007 157 Timor-Leste 414,200 2007 158 Cyprus 400,000 2010 est. 159 Djibouti 351,700 2007 160 Gaza Strip 339,000 2009 161 Fiji 335,000 2007 est. 162 Guyana 333,900 2007 est. 163 Macau 322,000 2009 est. 164 Bhutan 299,900 2008 165 Comoros 268,500 2007 est. 166 Montenegro 259,100 2004 167 Luxembourg 206,000 2010 est. 168 Solomon Islands 202,500 2007 169 Cape Verde 196,100 2007 170 Equatorial Guinea 195,200 2007 171 Brunei 188,800 2008 est. 172 Iceland 188,000 2010 est. 173 Bahamas, The 184,000 2009 174 Barbados 175,000 2007 est. 175 Malta 174,000 2009 est. 176 Suriname 165,600 2007 177 Maldives 144,000 2009 178 Western Sahara 144,000 2005 est. 179 Belize 120,500 2008 est. 180 French Polynesia 116,000 2007 181 Vanuatu 115,900 2007 182 New Caledonia 102,600 2007 183 Saint Lucia 79,700 2007 184 Samoa 66,270 2007 est. 185 Curacao 63,000 NA 186 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 57,520 2007 est. 187 Jersey 53,560 June 2006 188 Sao Tome and Principe 52,490 2007 189 Virgin Islands 49,820 2007 est. 190 Mayotte 44,560 2002 191 Monaco 44,000 2005 est. 192 Grenada 42,300 1996 193 Andorra 42,220 2008 194 Aruba 41,500 2004 est. 195 Tonga 39,960 2007 196 Isle of Man 39,690 2001 197 Seychelles 39,560 2006 198 Cayman Islands 39,000 2007 199 Northern Mariana Islands 38,450 2005 est. 200 Bermuda 38,360 2004 201 Faroe Islands 34,680 November 2008 202 Liechtenstein 32,440 2008 203 Guernsey 31,470 March 2006 204 Antigua and Barbuda 30,000 1991 205 Greenland 28,240 January 2009 206 Dominica 25,000 2000 est. 207 Sint Maarten 23,200 2008 est. 208 San Marino 22,660 2008 209 Saint Kitts and Nevis 18,170 June 1995 210 American Samoa 17,630 2005 211 Micronesia, Federated States of 16,360 2008 212 Marshall Islands 14,680 2000 213 British Virgin Islands 12,770 2004 214 Gibraltar 12,690 2001 215 Palau 9,777 2005 216 Kiribati 7,870 2001 est. 217 Cook Islands 6,820 2001 218 Anguilla 6,049 2001 219 Turks and Caicos Islands 4,848 1990 est. 220 Tuvalu 3,615 2004 est. 221 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 3,450 2005 222 Wallis and Futuna 3,104 2003 223 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha2,486 1998 est. 224 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1,724 1996 225 Svalbard 1,234 2003 226 Norfolk Island 978 2006 227 Niue 663 2001 228 Tokelau 440 2001 229 Pitcairn Islands 15 2004

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Rank code: 2096

Country Comparison :: Land boundaries

This entry contains the total length of all land boundaries and the individual lengths for each of the contiguous border countries. When available, official lengths published by national statistical agencies are used. Because surveying methods may differ, country border lengths reported by contiguous countries may differ.

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 China 22,117.00 NA 2 Russia 20,241.50 NA 3 Brazil 16,885.00 NA 4 India 14,103.00 NA 5 European Union 12,440.80 NA 6 Kazakhstan 12,185.00 NA 7 United States 12,034.00 NA 8 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10,730.00 NA 9 Argentina 9,861.00 NA 10 Canada 8,893.00 NA 11 United States 8,893.00 NA 12 Canada 8,893.00 NA 13 Mongolia 8,220.00 NA 14 Sudan 7,687.00 NA 15 Peru 7,461.00 NA 16 Mali 7,243.00 NA 17 Bolivia 6,940.00 NA 18 Kazakhstan 6,846.00 NA 19 Russia 6,846.00 NA 20 Pakistan 6,774.00 NA 21 Algeria 6,343.00 NA 22 Chile 6,339.00 NA 23 Colombia 6,309.00 NA 24 Uzbekistan 6,221.00 NA 25 Chad 5,968.00 NA 26 Burma 5,876.00 NA 27 Niger 5,697.00 NA 28 Zambia 5,664.00 NA 29 Afghanistan 5,529.00 NA 30 Congo, Republic of the 5,504.00 NA 31 Iran 5,440.00 NA 32 Ethiopia 5,328.00 NA 33 Argentina 5,308.00 NA 34 Chile 5,308.00 NA 35 Central African Republic 5,203.00 NA 36 Angola 5,198.00 NA 37 Laos 5,083.00 NA 38 Mauritania 5,074.00 NA 39 Venezuela 4,993.00 NA 40 Thailand 4,863.00 NA 41 South Africa 4,862.00 NA 42 China 4,677.00 NA 43 Mongolia 4,677.00 NA 44 Vietnam 4,639.00 NA 45 Cameroon 4,591.00 NA 46 Mozambique 4,571.00 NA 47 Ukraine 4,566.00 NA 48 Saudi Arabia 4,431.00 NA 49 Mexico 4,353.00 NA 50 Libya 4,348.00 NA 51 Bangladesh 4,246.00 NA 52 Bangladesh 4,053.00 NA 53 India 4,053.00 NA 54 Nigeria 4,047.00 NA 55 Botswana 4,013.00 NA 56 Paraguay 3,995.00 NA 57 Namibia 3,936.00 NA 58 Tanzania 3,861.00 NA 59 Turkmenistan 3,736.00 NA 60 Tajikistan 3,651.00 NA 61 Iraq 3,650.00 NA 62 Germany 3,621.00 NA 63 China 3,605.00 NA 64 Russia 3,605.00 NA 65 Mongolia 3,543.00 NA 66 Kenya 3,477.00 NA 67 Russia 3,441.00 NA 68 Bolivia 3,423.00 NA 69 Brazil 3,423.00 NA 70 Guinea 3,399.00 NA 71 China 3,380.00 NA 72 India 3,380.00 NA 73 Belarus 3,306.00 NA 74 Burkina Faso 3,193.00 NA 75 Mexico 3,141.00 NA 76 United States 3,141.00 NA 77 Cote d'Ivoire 3,110.00 NA 78 Zimbabwe 3,066.00 NA 79 Kyrgyzstan 3,051.00 NA 80 Poland 3,047.00 NA 81 Brazil 2,995.00 NA 82 Peru 2,995.00 NA 83 Guyana 2,949.00 NA 84 Nepal 2,926.00 NA 85 India 2,912.00 NA 86 Pakistan 2,912.00 NA 87 France 2,889.00 NA 88 Malawi 2,881.00 NA 89 Indonesia 2,830.00 NA 90 Uganda 2,698.00 NA 91 Malaysia 2,669.00 NA 92 Egypt 2,665.00 NA 93 Finland 2,654.00 NA 94 Turkey 2,648.00 NA 95 Senegal 2,640.00 NA 96 Cambodia 2,572.00 NA 97 Austria 2,562.00 NA 98 Gabon 2,551.00 NA 99 Norway 2,542.00 NA 100 Angola 2,511.00 NA 101 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2,511.00 NA 102 Romania 2,508.00 NA 103 Afghanistan 2,430.00 NA 104 Pakistan 2,430.00 NA 105 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2,410.00 NA 106 Congo, Republic of the 2,410.00 NA 107 European Union 2,348.00 NA 108 Somalia 2,340.00 NA 109 European Union 2,257.00 NA 110 Syria 2,253.00 NA 111 Mali 2,237.00 NA 112 Mauritania 2,237.00 NA 113 Sweden 2,233.00 NA 114 Kazakhstan 2,203.00 NA 115 Uzbekistan 2,203.00 NA 116 Brazil 2,200.00 NA 117 Venezuela 2,200.00 NA 118 Burma 2,185.00 NA 119 Hungary 2,185.00 NA 120 China 2,185.00 NA 121 Laos 2,130.00 NA 122 Vietnam 2,130.00 NA 123 Ghana 2,094.00 NA 124 Colombia 2,050.00 NA 125 Venezuela 2,050.00 NA 126 Western Sahara 2,046.00 NA 127 Serbia 2,026.00 NA 128 Morocco 2,017.90 NA 129 Azerbaijan 2,013.00 NA 130 Ecuador 2,010.00 NA 131 Benin 1,989.00 NA 132 Czech Republic 1,989.00 NA 133 Croatia 1,982.00 NA 134 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,930.00 NA 135 Zambia 1,930.00 NA 136 Spain 1,917.80 NA 137 Congo, Republic of the 1,903.00 NA 138 Gabon 1,903.00 NA 139 Italy 1,899.20 NA 140 Argentina 1,880.00 NA 141 Paraguay 1,880.00 NA 142 Switzerland 1,852.00 NA 143 Botswana 1,840.00 NA 144 South Africa 1,840.00 NA 145 European Union 1,811.00 NA 146 Bulgaria 1,808.00 NA 147 Burma 1,800.00 NA 148 Peru 1,800.00 NA 149 Thailand 1,800.00 NA 150 Colombia 1,800.00 NA 151 Indonesia 1,782.00 NA 152 Malaysia 1,782.00 NA 153 Laos 1,754.00 NA 154 Thailand 1,754.00 NA 155 Yemen 1,746.00 NA 156 Suriname 1,703.00 NA 157 Cameroon 1,690.00 NA 158 Nepal 1,690.00 NA 159 Nigeria 1,690.00 NA 160 India 1,690.00 NA 161 Guatemala 1,687.00 NA 162 Korea, North 1,673.00 NA 163 Uruguay 1,648.00 NA 164 Togo 1,647.00 NA 165 Brazil 1,644.00 NA 166 Colombia 1,644.00 NA 167 Jordan 1,635.00 NA 168 Eritrea 1,626.00 NA 169 Turkmenistan 1,621.00 NA 170 Uzbekistan 1,621.00 NA 171 Norway 1,619.00 NA 172 Sweden 1,619.00 NA 173 Brazil 1,606.00 NA 174 Ethiopia 1,606.00 NA 175 Guyana 1,606.00 NA 176 Sudan 1,606.00 NA 177 Ethiopia 1,600.00 NA 178 Somalia 1,600.00 NA 179 Liberia 1,585.00 NA 180 Central African Republic 1,577.00 NA 181 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,577.00 NA 182 Russia 1,576.00 NA 183 Ukraine 1,576.00 NA 184 Lithuania 1,574.00 NA 185 Malawi 1,569.00 NA 186 Mozambique 1,569.00 NA 187 Mauritania 1,561.00 NA 188 Western Sahara 1,561.00 NA 189 Algeria 1,559.00 NA 190 Morocco 1,559.00 NA 191 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,538.00 NA 192 China 1,533.00 NA 193 Kazakhstan 1,533.00 NA 194 Honduras 1,520.00 NA 195 Niger 1,497.00 NA 196 Nigeria 1,497.00 NA 197 Slovakia 1,474.00 NA 198 Burma 1,463.00 NA 199 India 1,463.00 NA 200 Georgia 1,461.00 NA 201 Iran 1,458.00 NA 202 Iraq 1,458.00 NA 203 Yemen 1,458.00 NA 204 Saudi Arabia 1,458.00 NA 205 Tunisia 1,424.00 NA 206 Ecuador 1,420.00 NA 207 Peru 1,420.00 NA 208 China 1,416.00 NA 209 Korea, North 1,416.00 NA 210 Moldova 1,390.00 NA 211 Belgium 1,385.00 NA 212 Latvia 1,382.00 NA 213 Algeria 1,376.00 NA 214 Angola 1,376.00 NA 215 Namibia 1,376.00 NA 216 Mali 1,376.00 NA 217 Oman 1,374.00 NA 218 Brazil 1,365.00 NA 219 Paraguay 1,365.00 NA 220 Botswana 1,360.00 NA 221 Sudan 1,360.00 NA 222 Namibia 1,360.00 NA 223 Chad 1,360.00 NA 224 Finland 1,313.00 NA 225 Russia 1,313.00 NA 226 China 1,281.00 NA 227 Vietnam 1,281.00 NA 228 Egypt 1,273.00 NA 229 Sudan 1,273.00 NA 230 Argentina 1,261.00 NA 231 Brazil 1,261.00 NA 232 European Union 1,257.00 NA 233 Armenia 1,254.00 NA 234 China 1,236.00 NA 235 Nepal 1,236.00 NA 236 Mozambique 1,231.00 NA 237 Zimbabwe 1,231.00 NA 238 Nicaragua 1,231.00 NA 239 Cambodia 1,228.00 NA 240 Greece 1,228.00 NA 241 Vietnam 1,228.00 NA 242 Kazakhstan 1,224.00 NA 243 Kyrgyzstan 1,224.00 NA 244 Portugal 1,214.00 NA 245 Portugal 1,214.00 NA 246 Spain 1,214.00 NA 247 Afghanistan 1,206.00 NA 248 Tajikistan 1,206.00 NA 249 Central African Republic 1,197.00 NA 250 Chad 1,197.00 NA 251 France 1,183.00 NA 252 Chad 1,175.00 NA 253 Niger 1,175.00 NA 254 Central African Republic 1,165.00 NA 255 Sudan 1,165.00 NA 256 Tajikistan 1,161.00 NA 257 Uzbekistan 1,161.00 NA 258 Egypt 1,115.00 NA 259 Libya 1,115.00 NA 260 Angola 1,110.00 NA 261 Zambia 1,110.00 NA 262 Kyrgyzstan 1,099.00 NA 263 Uzbekistan 1,099.00 NA 264 Cameroon 1,094.00 NA 265 Chad 1,094.00 NA 266 Slovenia 1,086.00 NA 267 Bhutan 1,075.00 NA 268 Bolivia 1,075.00 NA 269 Peru 1,075.00 NA 270 Brazil 1,068.00 NA 271 Uruguay 1,068.00 NA 272 Chad 1,055.00 NA 273 Libya 1,055.00 NA 274 European Union 1,050.00 NA 275 Netherlands 1,027.00 NA 276 Israel 1,017.00 NA 277 Burkina Faso 1,000.00 NA 278 Mali 1,000.00 NA 279 European Union 999.00 NA 280 Iran 992.00 NA 281 Turkmenistan 992.00 NA 282 Algeria 982.00 NA 283 Libya 982.00 NA 284 Burundi 974.00 NA 285 Namibia 967.00 NA 286 South Africa 967.00 NA 287 Algeria 965.00 NA 288 Tunisia 965.00 NA 289 Guatemala 962.00 NA 290 Mexico 962.00 NA 291 Belarus 959.00 NA 292 Russia 959.00 NA 293 Sierra Leone 958.00 NA 294 Algeria 956.00 NA 295 Niger 956.00 NA 296 European Union 945.00 NA 297 Moldova 940.00 NA 298 Ukraine 940.00 NA 299 Afghanistan 936.00 NA 300 Iran 936.00 NA 301 Kenya 933.00 NA 302 Uganda 933.00 NA 303 Bosnia and Herzegovina 932.00 NA 304 Croatia 932.00 NA 305 Honduras 922.00 NA 306 Nicaragua 922.00 NA 307 Eritrea 912.00 NA 308 Ethiopia 912.00 NA 309 Iran 909.00 NA 310 Lesotho 909.00 NA 311 Lesotho 909.00 NA 312 Pakistan 909.00 NA 313 South Africa 909.00 NA 314 Rwanda 893.00 NA 315 Belarus 891.00 NA 316 Ukraine 891.00 NA 317 Ghana 877.00 NA 318 Togo 877.00 NA 319 Kyrgyzstan 870.00 NA 320 Tajikistan 870.00 NA 321 United Arab Emirates 867.00 NA 322 Ethiopia 861.00 NA 323 Kenya 861.00 NA 324 Bolivia 860.00 NA 325 Chile 860.00 NA 326 China 858.00 NA 327 Guinea 858.00 NA 328 Kyrgyzstan 858.00 NA 329 Mali 858.00 NA 330 Malawi 837.00 NA 331 Zambia 837.00 NA 332 Argentina 832.00 NA 333 Bolivia 832.00 NA 334 Syria 822.00 NA 335 Turkey 822.00 NA 336 Mali 821.00 NA 337 Niger 821.00 NA 338 Indonesia 820.00 NA 339 Papua New Guinea 820.00 NA 340 Papua New Guinea 820.00 NA 341 Czech Republic 815.00 NA 342 Iraq 814.00 NA 343 Saudi Arabia 814.00 NA 344 Botswana 813.00 NA 345 Zimbabwe 813.00 NA 346 Senegal 813.00 NA 347 Mauritania 813.00 NA 348 Cambodia 803.00 NA 349 Thailand 803.00 NA 350 Cameroon 797.00 NA 351 Central African Republic 797.00 NA 352 Zambia 797.00 NA 353 Zimbabwe 797.00 NA 354 Austria 784.00 NA 355 Germany 784.00 NA 356 Benin 773.00 NA 357 Nigeria 773.00 NA 358 Kenya 769.00 NA 359 Tanzania 769.00 NA 360 Macedonia 766.00 NA 361 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 765.00 NA 362 Uganda 765.00 NA 363 Mozambique 756.00 NA 364 Tanzania 756.00 NA 365 Bolivia 750.00 NA 366 Paraguay 750.00 NA 367 Afghanistan 744.00 NA 368 Turkmenistan 744.00 NA 369 Saudi Arabia 744.00 NA 370 Jordan 744.00 NA 371 Guyana 743.00 NA 372 Venezuela 743.00 NA 373 Gambia, The 740.00 NA 374 Senegal 740.00 NA 375 Switzerland 740.00 NA 376 Italy 740.00 NA 377 Gambia, The 740.00 NA 378 Brazil 730.00 NA 379 Finland 727.00 NA 380 Norway 727.00 NA 381 Guinea-Bissau 724.00 NA 382 Georgia 723.00 NA 383 Russia 723.00 NA 384 Albania 717.00 NA 385 Cote d'Ivoire 716.00 NA 386 Liberia 716.00 NA 387 Kosovo 702.00 NA 388 Kenya 682.00 NA 389 Somalia 682.00 NA 390 Belarus 680.00 NA 391 Lithuania 680.00 NA 392 Hungary 676.00 NA 393 Saudi Arabia 676.00 NA 394 Slovakia 676.00 NA 395 Oman 676.00 NA 396 France 673.00 NA 397 Cote d'Ivoire 668.00 NA 398 Ghana 668.00 NA 399 Guinea 652.00 NA 400 Sierra Leone 652.00 NA 401 Germany 646.00 NA 402 Benin 644.00 NA 403 Togo 644.00 NA 404 Costa Rica 639.00 NA 405 Estonia 633.00 NA 406 Burkina Faso 628.00 NA 407 Niger 628.00 NA 408 Sudan 628.00 NA 409 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 628.00 NA 410 Montenegro 625.00 NA 411 France 623.00 NA 412 Spain 623.00 NA 413 Belgium 620.00 NA 414 France 620.00 NA 415 Czech Republic 615.00 NA 416 Poland 615.00 NA 417 Finland 614.00 NA 418 Sweden 614.00 NA 419 Cote d'Ivoire 610.00 NA 420 Guinea 610.00 NA 421 Bulgaria 608.00 NA 422 Romania 608.00 NA 423 Belarus 605.00 NA 424 Bhutan 605.00 NA 425 Syria 605.00 NA 426 Sudan 605.00 NA 427 Poland 605.00 NA 428 Iraq 605.00 NA 429 India 605.00 NA 430 Eritrea 605.00 NA 431 Guyana 600.00 NA 432 Suriname 600.00 NA 433 Brazil 593.00 NA 434 Suriname 593.00 NA 435 Colombia 590.00 NA 436 Ecuador 590.00 NA 437 Burkina Faso 584.00 NA 438 Cote d'Ivoire 584.00 NA 439 Argentina 580.00 NA 440 Uruguay 580.00 NA 441 Germany 577.00 NA 442 Netherlands 577.00 NA 443 Latvia 576.00 NA 444 Lithuania 576.00 NA 445 France 573.00 NA 446 Switzerland 573.00 NA 447 Armenia 566.00 NA 448 Azerbaijan 566.00 NA 449 Guinea 563.00 NA 450 Liberia 563.00 NA 451 Panama 555.00 NA 452 Burkina Faso 549.00 NA 453 Ghana 549.00 NA 454 El Salvador 545.00 NA 455 Cambodia 541.00 NA 456 Laos 541.00 NA 457 Equatorial Guinea 539.00 NA 458 Swaziland 535.00 NA 459 Cote d'Ivoire 532.00 NA 460 Mali 532.00 NA 461 Cameroon 523.00 NA 462 Pakistan 523.00 NA 463 China 523.00 NA 464 Congo, Republic of the 523.00 NA 465 Belize 516.00 NA 466 Djibouti 516.00 NA 467 France 510.00 NA 468 Suriname 510.00 NA 469 Malaysia 506.00 NA 470 Thailand 506.00 NA 471 Iran 499.00 NA 472 Turkey 499.00 NA 473 Bulgaria 494.00 NA 474 Greece 494.00 NA 475 Mozambique 491.00 NA 476 South Africa 491.00 NA 477 France 488.00 NA 478 Italy 488.00 NA 479 Romania 476.00 NA 480 Serbia 476.00 NA 481 Malawi 475.00 NA 482 Tanzania 475.00 NA 483 Bhutan 470.00 NA 484 China 470.00 NA 485 Central African Republic 467.00 NA 486 Congo, Republic of the 467.00 NA 487 Algeria 463.00 NA 488 Mauritania 463.00 NA 489 Kuwait 462.00 NA 490 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 459.00 NA 491 Tanzania 459.00 NA 492 Tunisia 459.00 NA 493 Libya 459.00 NA 494 Saudi Arabia 457.00 NA 495 United Arab Emirates 457.00 NA 496 Germany 456.00 NA 497 Poland 456.00 NA 498 Croatia 455.00 NA 499 Slovenia 455.00 NA 500 Lebanon 454.00 NA 501 Burundi 451.00 NA 502 Tanzania 451.00 NA 503 France 451.00 NA 504 Germany 451.00 NA 505 Belgium 450.00 NA 506 European Union 450.00 NA 507 Romania 450.00 NA 508 Netherlands 450.00 NA 509 Moldova 450.00 NA 510 European Union 446.00 NA 511 Hungary 443.00 NA 512 Morocco 443.00 NA 513 Romania 443.00 NA 514 Western Sahara 443.00 NA 515 Sudan 435.00 NA 516 Uganda 435.00 NA 517 Azerbaijan 432.00 NA 518 Iran 432.00 NA 519 Russia 432.00 NA 520 Poland 432.00 NA 521 Austria 430.00 NA 522 Swaziland 430.00 NA 523 South Africa 430.00 NA 524 Italy 430.00 NA 525 Poland 428.00 NA 526 Ukraine 428.00 NA 527 China 423.00 NA 528 Laos 423.00 NA 529 Poland 420.00 NA 530 Slovakia 420.00 NA 531 Mali 419.00 NA 532 Zambia 419.00 NA 533 Senegal 419.00 NA 534 Mozambique 419.00 NA 535 China 414.00 NA 536 Tajikistan 414.00 NA 537 Oman 410.00 NA 538 United Arab Emirates 410.00 NA 539 West Bank 404.00 NA 540 Tanzania 396.00 NA 541 Uganda 396.00 NA 542 European Union 394.00 NA 543 Guinea 386.00 NA 544 Guinea-Bissau 386.00 NA 545 Libya 383.00 NA 546 Sudan 383.00 NA 547 Brunei 381.00 NA 548 Brunei 381.00 NA 549 Malaysia 381.00 NA 550 Kazakhstan 379.00 NA 551 Turkmenistan 379.00 NA 552 Jordan 375.00 NA 553 Lebanon 375.00 NA 554 Syria 375.00 NA 555 Syria 375.00 NA 556 Austria 366.00 NA 557 Hungary 366.00 NA 558 Austria 362.00 NA 559 Ukraine 362.00 NA 560 Romania 362.00 NA 561 Czech Republic 362.00 NA 562 Dominican Republic 360.00 NA 563 Haiti 360.00 NA 564 United Kingdom 360.00 NA 565 United Kingdom 360.00 NA 566 Ireland 360.00 NA 567 Ireland 360.00 NA 568 Haiti 360.00 NA 569 Dominican Republic 360.00 NA 570 Luxembourg 359.00 NA 571 Bosnia and Herzegovina 357.00 NA 572 Libya 354.00 NA 573 Niger 354.00 NA 574 Iraq 352.00 NA 575 Turkey 352.00 NA 576 Serbia 352.00 NA 577 Kosovo 352.00 NA 578 Equatorial Guinea 350.00 NA 579 Gabon 350.00 NA 580 Djibouti 349.00 NA 581 Ethiopia 349.00 NA 582 Estonia 343.00 NA 583 Latvia 343.00 NA 584 El Salvador 342.00 NA 585 Honduras 342.00 NA 586 Guinea-Bissau 338.00 NA 587 Tanzania 338.00 NA 588 Senegal 338.00 NA 589 Zambia 338.00 NA 590 Germany 334.00 NA 591 Switzerland 334.00 NA 592 Austria 330.00 NA 593 Guinea 330.00 NA 594 Slovenia 330.00 NA 595 Senegal 330.00 NA 596 Panama 330.00 NA 597 Costa Rica 330.00 NA 598 Croatia 329.00 NA 599 Hungary 329.00 NA 600 Azerbaijan 322.00 NA 601 Georgia 322.00 NA 602 Bulgaria 318.00 NA 603 Serbia 318.00 NA 604 Costa Rica 309.00 NA 605 Nicaragua 309.00 NA 606 Israel 307.00 NA 607 West Bank 307.00 NA 608 Benin 306.00 NA 609 Burkina Faso 306.00 NA 610 Liberia 306.00 NA 611 Sierra Leone 306.00 NA 612 Serbia 302.00 NA 613 Cameroon 298.00 NA 614 Gabon 298.00 NA 615 Latvia 292.00 NA 616 Russia 292.00 NA 617 Burundi 290.00 NA 618 Rwanda 290.00 NA 619 Russia 290.00 NA 620 Estonia 290.00 NA 621 Oman 288.00 NA 622 Yemen 288.00 NA 623 Azerbaijan 284.00 NA 624 Russia 284.00 NA 625 Albania 282.00 NA 626 European Union 282.00 NA 627 Greece 282.00 NA 628 Armenia 268.00 NA 629 Turkey 268.00 NA 630 Belize 266.00 NA 631 Benin 266.00 NA 632 Guatemala 266.00 NA 633 Israel 266.00 NA 634 Niger 266.00 NA 635 Egypt 266.00 NA 636 Guatemala 256.00 NA 637 Honduras 256.00 NA 638 Georgia 252.00 NA 639 Turkey 252.00 NA 640 Belize 250.00 NA 641 Mexico 250.00 NA 642 Bosnia and Herzegovina 249.00 NA 643 Greece 246.00 NA 644 Macedonia 246.00 NA 645 Croatia 241.00 NA 646 Serbia 241.00 NA 647 Bulgaria 240.00 NA 648 Turkey 240.00 NA 649 Iraq 240.00 NA 650 Kuwait 240.00 NA 651 Israel 238.00 NA 652 Korea, North 238.00 NA 653 Jordan 238.00 NA 654 Korea, South 238.00 NA 655 Korea, South 238.00 NA 656 Burma 235.00 NA 657 Laos 235.00 NA 658 Burundi 233.00 NA 659 Zambia 233.00 NA 660 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 233.00 NA 661 Namibia 233.00 NA 662 Kenya 232.00 NA 663 Sudan 232.00 NA 664 Indonesia 228.00 NA 665 Timor-Leste 228.00 NA 666 Timor-Leste 228.00 NA 667 Lithuania 227.00 NA 668 Russia 227.00 NA 669 Colombia 225.00 NA 670 Montenegro 225.00 NA 671 Zimbabwe 225.00 NA 672 South Africa 225.00 NA 673 Panama 225.00 NA 674 Kuwait 222.00 NA 675 Saudi Arabia 222.00 NA 676 Armenia 221.00 NA 677 Azerbaijan 221.00 NA 678 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 217.00 NA 679 Rwanda 217.00 NA 680 Tanzania 217.00 NA 681 Rwanda 217.00 NA 682 Greece 206.00 NA 683 Turkey 206.00 NA 684 El Salvador 203.00 NA 685 Guatemala 203.00 NA 686 Angola 201.00 NA 687 Congo, Republic of the 201.00 NA 688 Italy 199.00 NA 689 Slovenia 199.00 NA 690 Czech Republic 197.00 NA 691 Slovakia 197.00 NA 692 Norway 196.00 NA 693 Russia 196.00 NA 694 Bangladesh 193.00 NA 695 Burma 193.00 NA 696 Cameroon 189.00 NA 697 Equatorial Guinea 189.00 NA 698 Iraq 181.00 NA 699 Jordan 181.00 NA 700 Azerbaijan 179.00 NA 701 Iran 179.00 NA 702 Ukraine 176.00 NA 703 Albania 172.00 NA 704 Montenegro 172.00 NA 705 Belarus 171.00 NA 706 Chile 171.00 NA 707 Peru 171.00 NA 708 Latvia 171.00 NA 709 Romania 169.00 NA 710 Uganda 169.00 NA 711 Rwanda 169.00 NA 712 Belgium 167.00 NA 713 Germany 167.00 NA 714 Hungary 166.00 NA 715 Armenia 164.00 NA 716 Switzerland 164.00 NA 717 Georgia 164.00 NA 718 Austria 164.00 NA 719 Kosovo 159.00 NA 720 Macedonia 159.00 NA 721 Albania 151.00 NA 722 Macedonia 151.00 NA 723 Serbia 151.00 NA 724 Cyprus 150.40 NA 725 Belgium 148.00 NA 726 Macedonia 148.00 NA 727 Bulgaria 148.00 NA 728 Luxembourg 148.00 NA 729 Germany 138.00 NA 730 Luxembourg 138.00 NA 731 Afghanistan 137.00 NA 732 Uzbekistan 137.00 NA 733 Burkina Faso 126.00 NA 734 Togo 126.00 NA 735 Montenegro 124.00 NA 736 Serbia 124.00 NA 737 Andorra 120.30 NA 738 European Union 120.30 NA 739 Albania 112.00 NA 740 Kosovo 112.00 NA 741 Djibouti 109.00 NA 742 Eritrea 109.00 NA 743 Mozambique 105.00 NA 744 Swaziland 105.00 NA 745 Dhekelia 103.00 NA 746 Dhekelia 103.00 NA 747 Ukraine 103.00 NA 748 Hungary 103.00 NA 749 Hungary 102.00 NA 750 Slovenia 102.00 NA 751 Jordan 97.00 NA 752 West Bank 97.00 NA 753 Austria 91.00 NA 754 Slovakia 91.00 NA 755 Poland 91.00 NA 756 Lithuania 91.00 NA 757 Slovakia 90.00 NA 758 Ukraine 90.00 NA 759 Chad 87.00 NA 760 Nigeria 87.00 NA 761 Israel 79.00 NA 762 Montenegro 79.00 NA 763 Lebanon 79.00 NA 764 Kosovo 79.00 NA 765 Afghanistan 76.00 NA 766 China 76.00 NA 767 Syria 76.00 NA 768 Liechtenstein 76.00 NA 769 Israel 76.00 NA 770 France 73.00 NA 771 Luxembourg 73.00 NA 772 Denmark 68.00 NA 773 Denmark 68.00 NA 774 Germany 68.00 NA 775 Andorra 63.70 NA 776 Spain 63.70 NA 777 Gaza Strip 62.00 NA 778 Serbia 62.00 NA 779 Macedonia 62.00 NA 780 Qatar 60.00 NA 781 Qatar 60.00 NA 782 Saudi Arabia 60.00 NA 783 Djibouti 58.00 NA 784 Somalia 58.00 NA 785 Andorra 56.60 NA 786 France 56.60 NA 787 Gaza Strip 51.00 NA 788 Israel 51.00 NA 789 Akrotiri 47.40 NA 790 Akrotiri 47.40 NA 791 Algeria 42.00 NA 792 Western Sahara 42.00 NA 793 Liechtenstein 41.10 NA 794 Switzerland 41.00 NA 795 China 40.00 NA 796 Russia 40.00 NA 797 Italy 39.00 NA 798 European Union 39.00 NA 799 San Marino 39.00 NA 800 San Marino 39.00 NA 801 Armenia 35.00 NA 802 Austria 35.00 NA 803 Iran 35.00 NA 804 Liechtenstein 34.90 NA 805 European Union 34.90 NA 806 China 30.00 NA 807 Hong Kong 30.00 NA 808 Hong Kong 30.00 NA 809 Cuba 29.00 NA 810 Cuba 29.00 NA 811 Croatia 25.00 NA 812 Montenegro 25.00 NA 813 Korea, North 19.00 NA 814 Russia 17.50 NA 815 Saint Martin 15.00 NA 816 Sint Maarten 15.00 NA 817 Saint Martin 15.00 NA 818 Sint Maarten 15.00 NA 819 Egypt 11.00 NA 820 Gaza Strip 11.00 NA 821 Morocco 9.60 NA 822 Spain 9.60 NA 823 Azerbaijan 9.00 NA 824 Turkey 9.00 NA 825 Morocco 6.30 NA 826 Spain 6.30 NA 827 France 4.40 NA 828 European Union 4.40 NA 829 Monaco 4.40 NA 830 Monaco 4.40 NA 831 Holy See (Vatican City) 3.20 NA 832 European Union 3.20 NA 833 Italy 3.20 NA 834 Holy See (Vatican City) 3.20 NA 835 Gibraltar 1.20 NA 836 Gibraltar 1.20 NA 837 Spain 1.20 NA 838 China 0.34 NA 839 Macau 0.34 NA 840 Macau 0.34 NA 841 American Samoa 0.00 NA 842 Anguilla 0.00 NA 843 Antarctica 0.00 NA 844 Antigua and Barbuda 0.00 NA 845 Montserrat 0.00 NA 846 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.00 NA 847 Mayotte 0.00 NA 848 Mauritius 0.00 NA 849 Marshall Islands 0.00 NA 850 Malta 0.00 NA 851 Maldives 0.00 NA 852 Madagascar 0.00 NA 853 Isle of Man 0.00 NA 854 Spratly Islands 0.00 NA 855 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 NA 856 Solomon Islands 0.00 NA 857 Singapore 0.00 NA 858 Seychelles 0.00 NA 859 Sao Tome and Principe 0.00 NA 860 Samoa 0.00 NA 861 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.00 NA 862 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 NA 863 Taiwan 0.00 NA 864 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 865 Wake Island 0.00 NA 866 Virgin Islands 0.00 NA 867 Vanuatu 0.00 NA 868 Tuvalu 0.00 NA 869 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 NA 870 Trinidad and Tobago 0.00 NA 871 Tonga 0.00 NA 872 Tokelau 0.00 NA 873 Svalbard 0.00 NA 874 Sri Lanka 0.00 NA 875 Saint Lucia 0.00 NA 876 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.00 NA 877 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 NA 878 Saint Barthelemy 0.00 NA 879 Puerto Rico 0.00 NA 880 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 NA 881 Philippines 0.00 NA 882 Paracel Islands 0.00 NA 883 Palau 0.00 NA 884 Northern Mariana Islands 0.00 NA 885 Norfolk Island 0.00 NA 886 Niue 0.00 NA 887 New Zealand 0.00 NA 888 New Caledonia 0.00 NA 889 Navassa Island 0.00 NA 890 Nauru 0.00 NA 891 Iceland 0.00 NA 892 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 0.00 NA 893 Guernsey 0.00 NA 894 Grenada 0.00 NA 895 Greenland 0.00 NA 896 Coral Sea Islands 0.00 NA 897 Cook Islands 0.00 NA 898 Comoros 0.00 NA 899 Kiribati 0.00 NA 900 Jersey 0.00 NA 901 Japan 0.00 NA 902 Jan Mayen 0.00 NA 903 Jamaica 0.00 NA 904 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 NA 905 Clipperton Island 0.00 NA 906 Christmas Island 0.00 NA 907 Cayman Islands 0.00 NA 908 Cape Verde 0.00 NA 909 British Virgin Islands 0.00 NA 910 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 NA 911 Bouvet Island 0.00 NA 912 French Southern and Antarctic Lands0.00 NA 913 French Polynesia 0.00 NA 914 Fiji 0.00 NA 915 Faroe Islands 0.00 NA 916 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 NA 917 Dominica 0.00 NA 918 Bermuda 0.00 NA 919 Barbados 0.00 NA 920 Bahrain 0.00 NA 921 Bahamas, The 0.00 NA 922 Aruba 0.00 NA 923 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 0.00 NA 924 Australia 0.00 NA

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Rank code: 2097

Country Comparison :: Land use

This entry contains the percentage shares of total land area for three different types of land use: arable land - land cultivated for crops like wheat, maize, and rice that are replanted after each harvest; permanent crops - land cultivated for crops like citrus, coffee, and rubber that are not replanted after each harvest; includes land under flowering shrubs, fruit trees, nut trees, and vines, but excludes land under trees grown for wood or timber; other - any land not arable or under permanent crops; includes permanent meadows and pastures, forests and woodlands, built-on areas, roads, barren land, etc.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Anguilla 100.00 2005 2 Antarctica 100.00 2005 3 Bouvet Island 100.00 2005 4 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 100.00 2005 5 British Indian Ocean Territory 100.00 2005 6 Clipperton Island 100.00 2005 7 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 100.00 2005 8 Coral Sea Islands 100.00 2005 9 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 100.00 2005 10 Spratly Islands 100.00 2005 11 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands100.00 2005 12 Paracel Islands 100.00 2005 13 Norfolk Island 100.00 2005 14 Navassa Island 100.00 2005 15 Nauru 100.00 2005 16 Monaco 100.00 2005 17 Macau 100.00 2005 18 Jersey 100.00 2005 19 Wake Island 100.00 2005 20 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges100.00 2008 21 Tokelau 100.00 2005 22 Svalbard 100.00 2005 23 Jan Mayen 100.00 2005 24 Holy See (Vatican City) 100.00 2005 25 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 100.00 2005 26 Greenland 100.00 2005 27 Gibraltar 100.00 2005 28 Christmas Island 100.00 2005 29 Western Sahara 99.98 2005 30 Djibouti 99.96 2005 31 Iceland 99.93 2005 32 Mauritania 99.79 2005 33 Oman 99.74 2005 34 Suriname 99.58 2005 35 New Caledonia 99.46 2005 36 Botswana 99.34 2005 37 Mongolia 99.24 2005 38 Bahamas, The 99.13 2005 39 Namibia 99.00 2005 40 Kuwait 98.99 2005 41 Libya 98.78 2005 42 Congo, Republic of the 98.40 2005 43 Somalia 98.32 2005 44 Saudi Arabia 98.24 2005 45 Gabon 98.15 2005 46 Papua New Guinea 98.11 2005 47 Qatar 98.09 2005 48 Andorra 97.87 2005 49 Faroe Islands 97.86 2005 50 Turks and Caicos Islands 97.67 2005 51 Guyana 97.63 2005 52 Solomon Islands 97.34 2005 53 Norway 97.30 2005 54 Bhutan 97.27 2005 55 Chad 97.18 2005 56 Angola 97.12 2005 57 Singapore 97.06 2005 58 Brunei 97.05 2005 59 Bolivia 97.03 2005 60 United Arab Emirates 96.96 2005 61 Chile 96.95 2005 62 Yemen 96.84 2005 63 Central African Republic 96.75 2005 64 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 96.67 2005 65 Peru 96.65 2005 66 Colombia 96.62 2005 67 Egypt 96.58 2005 68 Algeria 96.55 2005 69 Venezuela 96.27 2005 70 Mali 96.21 2005 71 Cayman Islands 96.15 2005 72 Laos 95.65 2005 73 Belize 95.56 2005 74 Jordan 95.50 2005 75 Turkmenistan 95.35 2005 76 Eritrea 95.19 2005 77 Canada 94.78 2005 78 Tanzania 94.61 2005 79 Liberia 94.59 2005 80 Mozambique 94.28 2005 81 Sweden 94.06 2005 82 Madagascar 93.95 2005 83 Hong Kong 93.94 2001 84 Australia 93.81 2005 85 French Polynesia 93.75 2005 86 Finland 93.44 2005 87 Kyrgyzstan 93.17 2005 88 Sudan 93.05 2005 89 Zambia 92.97 2005 90 Guinea 92.89 2005 91 Russia 92.72 2005 92 Tajikistan 92.59 2005 93 Paraguay 92.29 2005 94 Brazil 92.18 2005 95 Uruguay 91.99 2005 96 Equatorial Guinea 91.80 2005 97 Kazakhstan 91.67 2005 98 Bahrain 91.55 2005 99 Virgin Islands 91.43 2005 100 Zimbabwe 91.43 2005 101 Vanuatu 91.39 2005 102 Kenya 91.02 2005 103 Isle of Man 91.00 2002 104 Sierra Leone 91.00 2005 105 Panama 90.79 2005 106 Puerto Rico 90.72 2005 107 Slovenia 90.04 2005 108 Curacao 90.00 NA 109 Sint Maarten 90.00 NA 110 Costa Rica 89.73 2005 111 Argentina 89.61 2005 112 Switzerland 89.51 2005 113 Ecuador 89.48 2005 114 Aruba 89.47 2005 115 Ethiopia 89.34 2005 116 Lesotho 89.00 2005 117 Swaziland 88.94 2005 118 Iran 88.93 2005 119 Uzbekistan 88.73 2005 120 Niger 88.56 2005 121 Cape Verde 87.85 2005 122 Afghanistan 87.66 2005 123 Estonia 87.60 2005 124 New Zealand 87.54 2005 125 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 87.50 2005 126 Japan 87.46 2005 127 Honduras 87.26 2005 128 Senegal 87.25 2005 129 Timor-Leste 87.23 2005 130 South Africa 87.11 2005 131 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha87.10 2005 132 Palau 86.95 2005 133 Iraq 86.27 2005 134 Mexico 86.06 2005 135 Montenegro 85.30 NA 136 Cameroon 84.94 2005 137 Cyprus 84.87 2005 138 Seychelles 84.79 2005 139 Guinea-Bissau 84.77 2005 140 Georgia 84.70 2005 141 Fiji 84.40 2005 142 China 83.87 2005 143 Burma 83.77 2005 144 Nicaragua 83.37 2005 145 San Marino 83.33 2005 146 Ireland 83.15 2005 147 Nepal 83.08 2005 148 Northern Mariana Islands 82.61 2005 149 Austria 82.56 2005 150 Burkina Faso 82.12 2005 151 Indonesia 81.93 2005 152 United States 81.78 2005 153 Korea, South 81.41 2005 154 Armenia 81.21 2005 155 Guatemala 81.18 2005 156 Israel 80.67 2005 157 Bermuda 80.00 2005 158 Montserrat 80.00 2005 159 Morocco 79.00 2005 160 Cambodia 78.97 2005 161 Cote d'Ivoire 78.61 2005 162 Bosnia and Herzegovina 78.50 2005 163 Malawi 78.14 2005 164 Saint Kitts and Nevis 77.78 2005 165 Antigua and Barbuda 77.27 2005 166 Netherlands 77.27 2005 167 Malaysia 77.00 2005 168 Azerbaijan 76.77 2005 169 United Kingdom 76.57 2005 170 Trinidad and Tobago 76.22 2005 171 Macedonia 76.20 2005 172 Korea, North 75.94 2005 173 Albania 75.69 2005 174 American Samoa 75.00 2005 175 Cook Islands 75.00 2005 176 Liechtenstein 75.00 2005 177 Taiwan 75.00 2001 178 Portugal 74.87 2005 179 Pakistan 74.72 2005 180 Jamaica 74.16 2005 181 Benin 74.10 2005 182 British Virgin Islands 73.33 2005 183 Ghana 73.24 2005 184 Niue 73.08 2005 185 Vietnam 72.93 2005 186 Belarus 72.63 2005 187 Dominica 72.00 2005 188 Croatia 71.99 2005 189 Belgium 71.89 2005 190 Luxembourg 71.89 2005 191 Gambia, The 71.68 2005 192 Latvia 71.36 2005 193 Saint Lucia 70.97 2005 194 Greece 70.96 2005 195 Sri Lanka 70.80 2005 196 Syria 70.73 2005 197 Lebanon 69.90 2005 198 Tunisia 69.87 2005 199 Uganda 69.51 2005 200 Bulgaria 68.16 2005 201 Slovakia 68.10 2005 202 Dominican Republic 67.25 2005 203 Turkey 66.80 2005 204 Tuvalu 66.67 2005 205 Germany 66.27 2005 206 Cuba 65.83 2005 207 Malta 65.62 2005 208 Thailand 65.53 2005 209 Tonga 65.33 2005 210 Grenada 64.71 2005 211 France 64.51 2005 212 Italy 64.50 2005 213 Philippines 64.33 2005 214 West Bank 64.13 2001 215 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 64.10 2005 216 Nigeria 63.84 2005 217 Spain 62.97 2005 218 Barbados 60.46 2005 219 Haiti 60.36 2005 220 Poland 58.75 2005 221 Romania 58.59 2005 222 Czech Republic 58.18 2005 223 Wallis and Futuna 57.15 2005 224 El Salvador 56.75 2005 225 Maldives 56.67 2005 226 Bangladesh 55.39 2005 227 Samoa 54.57 2005 228 Moldova 54.52 2005 229 Lithuania 54.29 2005 230 Ukraine 53.80 2005 231 Togo 53.69 2005 232 Denmark 52.59 2005 233 Burundi 51.31 2005 234 Gaza Strip 50.00 2002 235 Hungary 49.58 2005 236 Kiribati 49.31 2005 237 Mauritius 49.02 2005 238 Sao Tome and Principe 48.96 2005 239 India 48.83 2005 240 Micronesia, Federated States of 48.58 2005 241 India 48.37 2005 242 Hungary 48.36 2005 243 Mauritius 48.04 2005 244 Kiribati 47.95 2005 245 Denmark 47.22 2005 246 Micronesia, Federated States of 45.71 2005 247 Rwanda 45.56 2005 248 Lithuania 44.81 2005 249 Ukraine 44.70 2005 250 Marshall Islands 44.45 2005 251 Marshall Islands 44.44 2005 252 Togo 44.20 2005 253 Rwanda 44.19 2005 254 Sao Tome and Principe 42.71 2005 255 Bangladesh 41.53 2005 256 Comoros 40.81 2005 257 Poland 40.25 2005 258 Romania 39.49 2005 259 Czech Republic 38.82 2005 260 Barbados 37.21 2005 261 Moldova 36.67 2005 262 Comoros 35.87 2005 263 Wallis and Futuna 35.71 2005 264 Burundi 35.57 2005 265 France 33.46 2005 266 Tuvalu 33.33 2005 267 Germany 33.13 2005 268 Nigeria 33.02 2005 269 El Salvador 31.37 2005 270 Malta 31.25 2005 271 Maldives 30.00 2005 272 Bulgaria 29.94 2005 273 Turkey 29.81 2005 274 Grenada 29.41 2005 275 Slovakia 29.23 2005 276 Gaza Strip 29.00 2002 277 Latvia 28.19 2005 278 Haiti 28.11 2005 279 Gambia, The 27.88 2005 280 Cuba 27.63 2005 281 Thailand 27.54 2005 282 Belgium 27.42 2005 283 Luxembourg 27.42 2005 284 Spain 27.18 2005 285 Belarus 26.77 2005 286 Italy 26.41 2005 287 Croatia 25.82 2005 288 Liechtenstein 25.00 2005 289 Syria 24.80 2005 290 Pakistan 24.44 2005 291 Samoa 24.30 2005 292 Taiwan 24.00 2001 293 Benin 23.53 2005 294 Comoros 23.32 2005 295 United Kingdom 23.23 2005 296 Saint Lucia 22.58 2005 297 Dominican Republic 22.49 2005 298 Korea, North 22.40 2005 299 Macedonia 22.01 2005 300 Netherlands 21.96 2005 301 Uganda 21.57 2005 302 Dominica 21.33 2005 303 Samoa 21.13 2005 304 Gaza Strip 21.00 2002 305 Malawi 20.68 2005 306 Azerbaijan 20.62 2005 307 Greece 20.45 2005 308 Cambodia 20.44 2005 309 Vietnam 20.14 2005 310 Albania 20.10 2005 311 Bermuda 20.00 2005 312 British Virgin Islands 20.00 2005 313 Montserrat 20.00 2005 314 Tonga 20.00 2005 315 Bosnia and Herzegovina 19.61 2005 316 Saint Kitts and Nevis 19.44 2005 317 Morocco 19.00 2005 318 Philippines 19.00 2005 319 West Bank 18.97 2001 320 Antigua and Barbuda 18.18 2005 321 United States 18.01 2005 322 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 17.95 2005 323 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 17.95 2005 324 Burkina Faso 17.66 2005 325 Ghana 17.54 2005 326 Malaysia 17.54 2005 327 Portugal 17.29 2005 328 Tunisia 17.05 2005 329 West Bank 16.90 2001 330 Ireland 16.82 2005 331 Armenia 16.78 2005 332 Cook Islands 16.67 2005 333 San Marino 16.67 2005 334 Philippines 16.67 2005 335 Austria 16.59 2005 336 Korea, South 16.58 2005 337 Lebanon 16.35 2005 338 Nepal 16.07 2005 339 Jamaica 15.83 2005 340 Israel 15.45 2005 341 Niue 15.38 2005 342 Sri Lanka 15.24 2005 343 American Samoa 15.00 2005 344 Burma 14.92 2005 345 China 14.86 2005 346 Nicaragua 14.81 2005 347 Tonga 14.67 2005 348 Trinidad and Tobago 14.62 2005 349 Sri Lanka 13.96 2005 350 Lebanon 13.75 2005 351 Montenegro 13.70 NA 352 Maldives 13.33 2005 353 Guatemala 13.22 2005 354 Burundi 13.12 2005 355 Iraq 13.12 2005 356 Tunisia 13.08 2005 357 Northern Mariana Islands 13.04 2005 358 Seychelles 13.04 2005 359 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha12.90 2005 360 Mexico 12.66 2005 361 Cameroon 12.54 2005 362 Senegal 12.51 2005 363 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 12.50 2005 364 Afghanistan 12.13 2005 365 South Africa 12.10 2005 366 Estonia 12.05 2005 367 El Salvador 11.88 2005 368 Japan 11.64 2005 369 Niue 11.54 2005 370 Haiti 11.53 2005 371 Georgia 11.51 2005 372 Niger 11.43 2005 373 Cape Verde 11.41 2005 374 Cote d'Ivoire 11.16 2005 375 Marshall Islands 11.11 2005 376 Indonesia 11.03 2005 377 Fiji 10.95 2005 378 Lesotho 10.87 2005 379 Cyprus 10.81 2005 380 Aruba 10.53 2005 381 Uzbekistan 10.51 2005 382 Dominican Republic 10.26 2005 383 Rwanda 10.25 2005 384 Swaziland 10.25 2005 385 Cote d'Ivoire 10.23 2005 386 Argentina 10.03 2005 387 Ethiopia 10.01 2005 388 Jamaica 10.01 2005 389 American Samoa 10.00 2005 390 Sint Maarten 10.00 NA 391 Curacao 10.00 NA 392 Switzerland 9.91 2005 393 Spain 9.85 2005 394 Iran 9.78 2005 395 Honduras 9.53 2005 396 Ghana 9.22 2005 397 Trinidad and Tobago 9.16 2005 398 Italy 9.09 2005 399 Isle of Man 9.00 2002 400 Uganda 8.92 2005 401 Moldova 8.81 2005 402 Palau 8.70 2005 403 Greece 8.59 2005 404 Slovenia 8.53 2005 405 Cook Islands 8.33 2005 406 Sao Tome and Principe 8.33 2005 407 Guinea-Bissau 8.31 2005 408 Kazakhstan 8.28 2005 409 Zimbabwe 8.24 2005 410 Timor-Leste 8.20 2005 411 Kenya 8.01 2005 412 Sierra Leone 7.95 2005 413 Portugal 7.84 2005 414 Uruguay 7.77 2005 415 Paraguay 7.47 2005 416 Panama 7.26 2005 417 Russia 7.17 2005 418 Wallis and Futuna 7.14 2005 419 Indonesia 7.04 2005 420 Zambia 6.99 2005 421 Vanuatu 6.97 2005 422 Brazil 6.93 2005 423 Vietnam 6.93 2005 424 Thailand 6.93 2005 425 Guinea-Bissau 6.92 2005 426 New Zealand 6.92 2005 427 Sudan 6.78 2005 428 British Virgin Islands 6.67 2005 429 Dominica 6.67 2005 430 Kyrgyzstan 6.55 2005 431 Cuba 6.54 2005 432 Finland 6.54 2005 433 Tajikistan 6.52 2005 434 Saint Lucia 6.45 2005 435 Australia 6.15 2005 436 Sweden 5.93 2005 437 Grenada 5.88 2005 438 Costa Rica 5.87 2005 439 Ecuador 5.71 2005 440 Virgin Islands 5.71 2005 441 Micronesia, Federated States of 5.71 2005 442 Bahrain 5.63 2005 443 Guatemala 5.60 2005 444 Puerto Rico 5.59 2005 445 New Zealand 5.54 2005 446 French Polynesia 5.50 2005 447 Malaysia 5.46 2005 448 Mozambique 5.43 2005 449 Hong Kong 5.05 2001 450 Madagascar 5.03 2005 451 Ecuador 4.81 2005 452 Eritrea 4.78 2005 453 Fiji 4.65 2005 454 Equatorial Guinea 4.63 2005 455 Canada 4.57 2005 456 Timor-Leste 4.57 2005 457 Antigua and Barbuda 4.55 2005 458 Turkmenistan 4.51 2005 459 Guinea 4.47 2005 460 Syria 4.47 2005 461 Costa Rica 4.40 2005 462 Northern Mariana Islands 4.35 2005 463 Palau 4.35 2005 464 Cyprus 4.32 2005 465 Tanzania 4.23 2005 466 Albania 4.21 2005 467 Laos 4.01 2005 468 Israel 3.88 2005 469 Cayman Islands 3.85 2005 470 Georgia 3.79 2005 471 Mali 3.76 2005 472 Puerto Rico 3.69 2005 473 Equatorial Guinea 3.57 2005 474 Liberia 3.43 2005 475 Turkey 3.39 2005 476 Jordan 3.32 2005 477 Honduras 3.21 2005 478 Algeria 3.17 2005 479 Nigeria 3.14 2005 480 Malta 3.13 2005 481 Central African Republic 3.10 2005 482 Bangladesh 3.08 2005 483 Belize 3.05 2005 484 Czech Republic 3.00 2005 485 Mauritius 2.94 2005 486 Egypt 2.92 2005 487 Yemen 2.91 2005 488 Peru 2.88 2005 489 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2.86 2005 490 Virgin Islands 2.86 2005 491 Venezuela 2.85 2005 492 Bahrain 2.82 2005 493 Chad 2.80 2005 494 India 2.80 2005 495 Bolivia 2.78 2005 496 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.78 2005 497 Kiribati 2.74 2005 498 Norway 2.70 2005 499 Slovakia 2.67 2005 500 Angola 2.65 2005 501 Guinea 2.64 2005 502 Chile 2.62 2005 503 Azerbaijan 2.61 2005 504 Cameroon 2.52 2005 505 Benin 2.37 2005 506 Barbados 2.33 2005 507 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.33 2005 508 Bhutan 2.30 2005 509 United Arab Emirates 2.27 2005 510 Guyana 2.23 2005 511 Croatia 2.19 2005 512 Seychelles 2.17 2005 513 Faroe Islands 2.14 2005 514 Andorra 2.13 2005 515 Togo 2.11 2005 516 Brunei 2.08 2005 517 Hungary 2.06 2005 518 Solomon Islands 2.04 2005 519 France 2.03 2005 520 Armenia 2.01 2005 521 Korea, South 2.01 2005 522 Colombia 2.01 2005 523 Morocco 2.00 2005 524 Liberia 1.98 2005 525 Panama 1.95 2005 526 Romania 1.92 2005 527 Bulgaria 1.90 2005 528 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.89 2005 529 Nicaragua 1.82 2005 530 Macedonia 1.79 2005 531 Saudi Arabia 1.67 2005 532 Korea, North 1.66 2005 533 Qatar 1.64 2005 534 Vanuatu 1.64 2005 535 Somalia 1.64 2005 536 Ukraine 1.50 2005 537 Singapore 1.47 2005 538 Singapore 1.47 2005 539 Congo, Republic of the 1.45 2005 540 Slovenia 1.43 2005 541 Papua New Guinea 1.40 2005 542 Belize 1.39 2005 543 Colombia 1.37 2005 544 Burma 1.31 2005 545 Iran 1.29 2005 546 Mexico 1.28 2005 547 China 1.27 2005 548 Gabon 1.21 2005 549 Jordan 1.18 2005 550 Malawi 1.18 2005 551 Tanzania 1.16 2005 552 Sierra Leone 1.05 2005 553 Libya 1.03 2005 554 Madagascar 1.02 2005 555 Hong Kong 1.01 2001 556 Montenegro 1.00 NA 557 Poland 1.00 2005 558 Taiwan 1.00 2001 559 Namibia 0.99 2005 560 Kenya 0.97 2005 561 Japan 0.90 2005 562 Lithuania 0.90 2005 563 Brazil 0.89 2005 564 Tajikistan 0.89 2005 565 Venezuela 0.88 2005 566 Brunei 0.87 2005 567 Austria 0.85 2005 568 Nepal 0.85 2005 569 Kuwait 0.84 2005 570 Pakistan 0.84 2005 571 Swaziland 0.81 2005 572 South Africa 0.79 2005 573 Netherlands 0.77 2005 574 United Arab Emirates 0.77 2005 575 Mongolia 0.76 2005 576 Uzbekistan 0.76 2005 577 French Polynesia 0.75 2005 578 Cape Verde 0.74 2005 579 Belgium 0.69 2005 580 Luxembourg 0.69 2005 581 Botswana 0.65 2005 582 Canada 0.65 2005 583 Ethiopia 0.65 2005 584 Gabon 0.64 2005 585 Solomon Islands 0.62 2005 586 Iraq 0.61 2005 587 Belarus 0.60 2005 588 Germany 0.60 2005 589 Cambodia 0.59 2005 590 Bahamas, The 0.58 2005 591 Switzerland 0.58 2005 592 Egypt 0.50 2005 593 Papua New Guinea 0.49 2005 594 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.47 2005 595 Peru 0.47 2005 596 Latvia 0.45 2005 597 Gambia, The 0.44 2005 598 Bhutan 0.43 2005 599 Chile 0.43 2005 600 Argentina 0.36 2005 601 Suriname 0.36 2005 602 Estonia 0.35 2005 603 Laos 0.34 2005 604 Zimbabwe 0.33 2005 605 New Caledonia 0.32 2005 606 Bahamas, The 0.29 2005 607 Mozambique 0.29 2005 608 Algeria 0.28 2005 609 Kyrgyzstan 0.28 2005 610 Qatar 0.27 2005 611 Yemen 0.25 2005 612 Paraguay 0.24 2005 613 Uruguay 0.24 2005 614 Senegal 0.24 2005 615 Angola 0.23 2005 616 Burkina Faso 0.22 2005 617 New Caledonia 0.22 2005 618 Afghanistan 0.21 2005 619 United States 0.21 2005 620 Mauritania 0.20 2005 621 United Kingdom 0.20 2005 622 Bolivia 0.19 2005 623 Libya 0.19 2005 624 Denmark 0.19 2005 625 Kuwait 0.17 2005 626 Sudan 0.17 2005 627 Central African Republic 0.15 2005 628 Congo, Republic of the 0.15 2005 629 Guyana 0.14 2005 630 Turkmenistan 0.14 2005 631 Oman 0.14 2005 632 Lesotho 0.13 2005 633 Oman 0.12 2005 634 Russia 0.11 2005 635 Saudi Arabia 0.09 2005 636 Iceland 0.07 2005 637 Suriname 0.06 2005 638 Kazakhstan 0.05 2005 639 Australia 0.04 2005 640 Zambia 0.04 2005 641 Somalia 0.04 2005 642 Djibouti 0.04 2005 643 Eritrea 0.03 2005 644 Mali 0.03 2005 645 Ireland 0.03 2005 646 Chad 0.02 2005 647 Finland 0.02 2005 648 Western Sahara 0.02 2005 649 Botswana 0.01 2005 650 Mauritania 0.01 2005 651 Namibia 0.01 2005 652 Niger 0.01 2005 653 Sweden 0.01 2005 654 Andorra 0.00 2005 655 Antarctica 0.00 2005 656 Bouvet Island 0.00 2005 657 Wake Island 0.00 2005 658 Wake Island 0.00 2005 659 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges0.00 2008 660 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges0.00 2008 661 Tuvalu 0.00 2005 662 Turks and Caicos Islands 0.00 2005 663 Tokelau 0.00 2005 664 Tokelau 0.00 2005 665 Spratly Islands 0.00 2005 666 Western Sahara 0.00 2005 667 Spratly Islands 0.00 2005 668 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2005 669 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 2005 670 Sint Maarten 0.00 NA 671 San Marino 0.00 2005 672 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.00 2005 673 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 2005 674 Paracel Islands 0.00 2005 675 Svalbard 0.00 2005 676 Svalbard 0.00 2005 677 Paracel Islands 0.00 2005 678 Norway 0.00 2005 679 Norfolk Island 0.00 2005 680 Norfolk Island 0.00 2005 681 Navassa Island 0.00 2005 682 Navassa Island 0.00 2005 683 Nauru 0.00 2005 684 Nauru 0.00 2005 685 Montserrat 0.00 2005 686 Mongolia 0.00 2005 687 Monaco 0.00 2005 688 Monaco 0.00 2005 689 Macau 0.00 2005 690 Macau 0.00 2005 691 Liechtenstein 0.00 2005 692 Jan Mayen 0.00 2005 693 Jan Mayen 0.00 2005 694 Isle of Man 0.00 2002 695 Iceland 0.00 2005 696 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.00 2005 697 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.00 2005 698 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 0.00 2005 699 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 0.00 2005 700 Greenland 0.00 2005 701 Jersey 0.00 2005 702 Jersey 0.00 2005 703 Gibraltar 0.00 2005 704 Gibraltar 0.00 2005 705 Faroe Islands 0.00 2005 706 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2005 707 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0.00 2005 708 Djibouti 0.00 2005 709 Curacao 0.00 NA 710 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 2005 711 Greenland 0.00 2005 712 Clipperton Island 0.00 2005 713 Clipperton Island 0.00 2005 714 Christmas Island 0.00 2005 715 Christmas Island 0.00 2005 716 Cayman Islands 0.00 2005 717 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 2005 718 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 2005 719 Bouvet Island 0.00 2005 720 Coral Sea Islands 0.00 2005 721 Coral Sea Islands 0.00 2005 722 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0.00 2005 723 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 0.00 2005 724 Bermuda 0.00 2005 725 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 0.00 2005 726 Aruba 0.00 2005 727 Antarctica 0.00 2005 728 Anguilla 0.00 2005 729 Anguilla 0.00 2005

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Rank code: 2098

Country Comparison :: Languages

This entry provides a rank ordering of languages starting with the largest and sometimes includes the percent of total population speaking that language.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 France 100.00 NA 2 Greece 99.00 NA 3 Marshall Islands 98.20 NA 4 Poland 97.80 2002 census 5 Armenia 97.70 2001 census 6 Nicaragua 97.50 NA 7 Croatia 96.10 2001 census 8 Cambodia 95.00 NA 9 Cayman Islands 95.00 1999 census 10 Kazakhstan 95.00 2001 est. 11 Czech Republic 94.90 2001 census 12 Jersey 94.50 2001 census 13 Hungary 93.60 2001 census 14 Mexico 92.70 2005 15 Seychelles 91.80 2002 census 16 Finland 91.20 2007 17 New Zealand 91.20 2006 Census 18 Slovenia 91.10 2002 census 19 Romania 91.00 NA 20 Hong Kong 90.80 2006 census 21 American Samoa 90.60 2000 census 22 Azerbaijan 90.30 1999 census 23 Malta 90.20 2005 census 24 Mongolia 90.00 1999 25 Austria 88.60 2001 census 26 Serbia 88.30 NA 27 Macau 85.70 2001 census 28 Bulgaria 84.50 2001 census 29 Peru 84.10 2007 Census 30 Slovakia 83.90 2001 census 31 United States 82.10 NA 32 Lithuania 82.00 2001 census 33 Curacao 81.20 2001 census 34 Mauritius 80.50 2000 census 35 Mali 80.00 NA 36 Australia 78.50 2006 Census 37 Botswana 78.20 2001 census 38 Virgin Islands 74.70 2000 census 39 Uzbekistan 74.30 NA 40 Spain 74.00 NA 41 Sri Lanka 74.00 NA 42 Vanuatu 72.60 1999 Census 43 Turkmenistan 72.00 NA 44 Georgia 71.00 NA 45 Equatorial Guinea 67.60 1994 census 46 Sint Maarten 67.50 2001 census 47 Estonia 67.30 2000 census 48 Ukraine 67.00 NA 49 Macedonia 66.50 2002 census 50 Aruba 66.30 2000 census 51 Kyrgyzstan 64.70 1999 census 52 Palau 64.70 2000 census 53 Kazakhstan 64.40 2001 est. 54 Switzerland 63.70 NA 55 Montenegro 63.60 2003 census 56 Belarus 62.80 1999 census 57 French Polynesia 61.10 2002 census 58 Bolivia 60.70 2001 census 59 Belgium 60.00 NA 60 Guatemala 60.00 NA 61 Wallis and Futuna 58.90 2003 census 62 Canada 58.80 2006 Census 63 Latvia 58.20 2000 census 64 Iran 58.00 NA 65 Malawi 57.20 1998 census 66 Afghanistan 50.00 NA 67 Pakistan 48.00 NA 68 Nepal 47.80 2001 est. 69 Belize 46.00 2000 census 70 India 41.00 2001 census 71 Belgium 40.00 NA 72 Guatemala 40.00 NA 73 Latvia 37.50 2000 census 74 Belarus 36.70 1999 census 75 Ghana 36.10 2000 census 76 Afghanistan 35.00 NA 77 Singapore 35.00 2000 census 78 Belize 32.90 2000 census 79 Ethiopia 32.70 1994 census 80 Equatorial Guinea 32.40 1994 census 81 Mozambique 32.00 1997 census 82 Namibia 32.00 NA 83 Ethiopia 31.60 1994 census 84 French Polynesia 31.40 2002 census 85 Wallis and Futuna 30.10 2003 census 86 Zambia 30.10 2000 Census 87 Estonia 29.70 2000 census 88 Mozambique 26.10 1997 census 89 Iran 26.00 NA 90 Macedonia 25.10 2002 census 91 Northern Mariana Islands 24.40 2000 census 92 Ukraine 24.00 NA 93 South Africa 23.80 2001 census 94 Northern Mariana Islands 23.40 2000 census 95 Vanuatu 23.10 1999 Census 96 Singapore 23.00 2000 census 97 Zambia 22.50 2000 Census 98 Northern Mariana Islands 22.40 2000 census 99 Montenegro 22.00 2003 census 100 Canada 21.60 2006 Census 101 Bolivia 21.20 2001 census 102 Switzerland 20.40 NA 103 Liberia 20.00 NA 104 Canada 19.60 2006 Census 105 Sri Lanka 18.00 NA 106 South Africa 17.60 2001 census 107 Spain 17.00 NA 108 Virgin Islands 16.80 2000 census 109 Ethiopia 14.80 1994 census 110 Ghana 14.80 2000 census 111 Bolivia 14.60 2001 census 112 Uzbekistan 14.20 NA 113 Singapore 14.10 2000 census 114 Kyrgyzstan 13.60 1999 census 115 Palau 13.50 2000 census 116 South Africa 13.30 2001 census 117 Peru 13.00 2007 Census 118 New Zealand 12.90 2006 Census 119 Sint Maarten 12.90 2001 census 120 Malawi 12.80 1998 census 121 Ghana 12.70 2000 census 122 Aruba 12.60 2000 census 123 Kyrgyzstan 12.50 1999 census 124 Mauritius 12.10 2000 census 125 Nepal 12.10 2001 est. 126 Pakistan 12.00 NA 127 Turkmenistan 12.00 NA 128 Singapore 11.40 2000 census 129 Mozambique 11.30 1997 census 130 Afghanistan 11.00 NA 131 Northern Mariana Islands 10.80 2000 census 132 Wallis and Futuna 10.80 2003 census 133 Slovakia 10.70 2001 census 134 Zambia 10.70 2000 Census 135 United States 10.70 NA 136 Zambia 10.60 2000 Census 137 Malawi 10.10 1998 census 138 Nepal 10.00 2001 est. 139 Pakistan 10.00 NA 140 Ghana 9.90 2000 census 141 Bulgaria 9.60 2001 census 142 Northern Mariana Islands 9.60 2000 census 143 Malawi 9.50 1998 census 144 Northern Mariana Islands 9.50 2000 census 145 Palau 9.40 2000 census 146 South Africa 9.40 2001 census 147 Georgia 9.00 NA 148 Ukraine 9.00 NA 149 Iran 9.00 NA 150 Turkmenistan 9.00 NA 151 Belize 8.90 2000 census 152 Mozambique 8.80 1997 census 153 Botswana 8.60 2001 census 154 Australia 8.20 2006 Census 155 South Africa 8.20 2001 census 156 South Africa 8.20 2001 census 157 Sint Maarten 8.20 2001 census 158 Kyrgyzstan 8.20 1999 census 159 India 8.10 2001 census 160 Curacao 8.00 2001 census 161 Lithuania 8.00 2001 census 162 Pakistan 8.00 NA 163 Pakistan 8.00 NA 164 Sri Lanka 8.00 NA 165 Pakistan 8.00 NA 166 Botswana 7.90 2001 census 167 South Africa 7.90 2001 census 168 Aruba 7.70 2000 census 169 Mozambique 7.60 1997 census 170 Nepal 7.40 2001 est. 171 India 7.20 2001 census 172 South Africa 7.20 2001 census 173 Uzbekistan 7.10 NA 174 Georgia 7.00 NA 175 India 7.00 2001 census 176 Spain 7.00 NA 177 Turkmenistan 7.00 NA 178 Namibia 7.00 NA 179 Georgia 7.00 NA 180 Mozambique 6.80 1997 census 181 Romania 6.70 NA 182 Virgin Islands 6.60 2000 census 183 Switzerland 6.50 NA 184 Hungary 6.40 2001 census 185 Ethiopia 6.10 1994 census 186 Ethiopia 6.00 1994 census 187 French Polynesia 6.00 2002 census 188 Malta 6.00 2005 census 189 Georgia 6.00 NA 190 India 5.90 2001 census 191 India 5.90 2001 census 192 Aruba 5.80 2000 census 193 Nepal 5.80 2001 est. 194 Mozambique 5.80 1997 census 195 Australia 5.70 2006 Census 196 Zambia 5.70 2000 Census 197 Singapore 5.70 2000 census 198 Palau 5.70 2000 census 199 Mexico 5.70 2005 200 Lithuania 5.60 2001 census 201 Finland 5.50 2007 202 Montenegro 5.50 2003 census 203 Aruba 5.30 2000 census 204 Austria 5.30 2001 census 205 Montenegro 5.30 2003 census 206 Nepal 5.10 2001 est. 207 India 5.00 2001 census 208 Seychelles 4.90 2002 census 209 Singapore 4.90 2000 census 210 Zambia 4.90 2000 Census 211 Ghana 4.60 2000 census 212 Jersey 4.60 2001 census 213 India 4.50 2001 census 214 Slovenia 4.50 2002 census 215 Hong Kong 4.40 2006 census 216 South Africa 4.40 2001 census 217 Lithuania 4.40 2001 census 218 Slovenia 4.40 2002 census 219 Uzbekistan 4.40 NA 220 Ghana 4.30 2000 census 221 Latvia 4.30 2000 census 222 Ghana 4.30 2000 census 223 Sint Maarten 4.20 2001 census 224 Bulgaria 4.10 2001 census 225 Serbia 4.10 NA 226 Afghanistan 4.00 NA 227 Macau 4.00 2001 census 228 Curacao 4.00 2001 census 229 Belize 3.90 2000 census 230 Curacao 3.90 2001 census 231 New Zealand 3.90 2006 Census 232 Serbia 3.80 NA 233 United States 3.80 NA 234 Ghana 3.70 2000 census 235 India 3.70 2001 census 236 Mauritius 3.70 2000 census 237 Montenegro 3.70 2003 census 238 Malawi 3.60 1998 census 239 Nepal 3.60 2001 est. 240 Ethiopia 3.50 1994 census 241 Sint Maarten 3.50 2001 census 242 Ethiopia 3.50 1994 census 243 Macedonia 3.50 2002 census 244 Belize 3.40 2000 census 245 Zambia 3.40 2000 Census 246 Mauritius 3.40 2000 census 247 Ghana 3.40 2000 census 248 Ghana 3.40 2000 census 249 Azerbaijan 3.30 1999 census 250 Finland 3.30 2007 251 Nepal 3.30 2001 est. 252 Belize 3.30 2000 census 253 Cayman Islands 3.20 1999 census 254 India 3.20 2001 census 255 Macau 3.20 2001 census 256 India 3.20 2001 census 257 Singapore 3.20 2000 census 258 Seychelles 3.10 2002 census 259 Malta 3.00 2005 census 260 Pakistan 3.00 NA 261 American Samoa 2.90 2000 census 262 Croatia 2.90 2001 census 263 Ghana 2.90 2000 census 264 Curacao 2.90 2001 census 265 Botswana 2.80 2001 census 266 Switzerland 2.80 NA 267 India 2.80 2001 census 268 Hong Kong 2.80 2006 census 269 Macau 2.70 2001 census 270 Malawi 2.70 1998 census 271 United States 2.70 NA 272 Slovakia 2.60 2001 census 273 Australia 2.50 2006 Census 274 Nepal 2.50 2001 est. 275 Zambia 2.50 2000 Census 276 American Samoa 2.40 2000 census 277 Nepal 2.40 2001 est. 278 Malawi 2.40 1998 census 279 Bolivia 2.40 2001 census 280 Austria 2.30 2001 census 281 Estonia 2.30 2000 census 282 Czech Republic 2.30 2001 census 283 Palau 2.30 2000 census 284 Aruba 2.20 2000 census 285 Zambia 2.20 2000 Census 286 Austria 2.20 2001 census 287 Poland 2.20 2002 census 288 Azerbaijan 2.20 1999 census 289 Sint Maarten 2.20 2001 census 290 American Samoa 2.10 2000 census 291 Botswana 2.10 2001 census 292 New Zealand 2.10 2006 Census 293 American Samoa 2.00 2000 census 294 Zambia 2.00 2000 Census 295 Zambia 2.00 2000 Census 296 Pakistan 2.00 NA 297 Iran 2.00 NA 298 Iran 2.00 NA 299 Czech Republic 2.00 2001 census 300 Macedonia 1.90 2002 census 301 Vanuatu 1.90 1999 Census 302 Virgin Islands 1.90 2000 census 303 Azerbaijan 1.80 1999 census 304 Marshall Islands 1.80 NA 305 Serbia 1.80 NA 306 Slovakia 1.80 2001 census 307 Singapore 1.80 2000 census 308 Bulgaria 1.80 2001 census 309 Cayman Islands 1.80 1999 census 310 Macedonia 1.80 2002 census 311 Ethiopia 1.70 1994 census 312 Peru 1.70 2007 Census 313 Malawi 1.70 1998 census 314 Zambia 1.70 2000 Census 315 Zambia 1.70 2000 Census 316 Nicaragua 1.70 NA 317 Australia 1.60 2006 Census 318 Macau 1.60 2001 census 319 Austria 1.60 2001 census 320 Azerbaijan 1.50 1999 census 321 Palau 1.50 2000 census 322 Palau 1.50 2000 census 323 Palau 1.50 2000 census 324 Macau 1.50 2001 census 325 Sint Maarten 1.50 2001 census 326 Switzerland 1.50 NA 327 Belize 1.40 2000 census 328 Vanuatu 1.40 1999 Census 329 Australia 1.30 2006 Census 330 India 1.30 2001 census 331 Switzerland 1.30 NA 332 Macau 1.30 2001 census 333 New Zealand 1.30 2006 Census 334 Mozambique 1.30 1997 census 335 Australia 1.20 2006 Census 336 Bolivia 1.20 2001 census 337 Switzerland 1.20 NA 338 Romania 1.20 NA 339 Macedonia 1.20 2002 census 340 India 1.20 2001 census 341 French Polynesia 1.20 2002 census 342 Hong Kong 1.10 2006 census 343 New Zealand 1.10 2006 Census 344 Switzerland 1.10 NA 345 Serbia 1.10 NA 346 Romania 1.10 NA 347 New Zealand 1.10 2006 Census 348 Armenia 1.00 2001 census 349 Australia 1.00 2006 Census 350 Iran 1.00 NA 351 Namibia 1.00 NA 352 Switzerland 1.00 NA 353 Slovakia 1.00 2001 census 354 Pakistan 1.00 NA 355 New Zealand 1.00 2006 Census 356 Kyrgyzstan 1.00 1999 census 357 Iran 1.00 NA 358 Iran 1.00 NA 359 Greece 1.00 NA 360 Croatia 1.00 2001 census 361 Azerbaijan 1.00 1999 census 362 Armenia 0.90 2001 census 363 Hong Kong 0.90 2006 census 364 Singapore 0.90 2000 census 365 Serbia 0.90 NA 366 Jersey 0.90 2001 census 367 Czech Republic 0.80 2001 census 368 Mexico 0.80 2005 369 Nicaragua 0.80 NA 370 Malta 0.80 2005 census 371 Estonia 0.70 2000 census 372 Vanuatu 0.70 1999 Census 373 United States 0.70 NA 374 Peru 0.70 2007 Census 375 Belarus 0.50 1999 census 376 Switzerland 0.50 NA 377 Armenia 0.40 2001 census 378 Botswana 0.40 2001 census 379 French Polynesia 0.30 2002 census 380 Vanuatu 0.30 1999 Census 381 Mozambique 0.30 1997 census 382 Peru 0.30 2007 Census 383 Mauritius 0.30 2000 census 384 Belize 0.20 2000 census 385 Peru 0.20 2007 Census 386 Wallis and Futuna 0.20 2003 census 387 Seychelles 0.20 2002 census

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Rank code: 2100

Country Comparison :: Legal system

This entry provides the description of a country's legal system; it also includes information on acceptance of International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction. The legal systems of nearly all countries are generally modeled upon elements of five main types: civil law (including French law, the Napoleonic Code, Roman law, Roman-Dutch law, and Spanish law); common law (including United State law); customary law; mixed or pluralistic law; and religious law (including Islamic law). An additional type of legal system - international law, which governs the conduct of independent nations in their relationships with one another - is also addressed below. The following list describes these legal systems, the countries or world regions where these systems are enforced, and a brief statement on the origins and major features of each. Civil Law - The most widespread type of legal system in the world, applied in various forms in approximately 150 countries. Also referred to as European continental law, the civil law system is derived mainly from the Roman Corpus Juris Civilus, (Body of Civil Law), a collection of laws and legal interpretations compiled under the East Roman (Byzantine) Emperor Justinian I between A.D. 528 and 565. The major feature of civil law systems is that the laws are organized into systematic written codes. In civil law the sources recognized as authoritative are principally legislation - especially codifications in constitutions or statutes enacted by governments - and secondarily, custom. The civil law systems in some countries are based on more than one code. Common Law - A type of legal system, often synonymous with "English common law," which is the system of England and Wales in the UK, and is also in force in approximately 80 countries formerly part of or influenced by the former British Empire. English common law reflects Biblical influences as well as remnants of law systems imposed by early conquerors including the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans. Some legal scholars attribute the formation of the English common law system to King Henry II (r.1154-1189). Until the time of his reign, laws customary among England's various manorial and ecclesiastical (church) jurisdictions were administered locally. Henry II established the king's court and designated that laws were "common" to the entire English realm. The foundation of English common law is "legal precedent" - referred to as stare decisis, meaning "to stand by things decided." In the English common law system, court judges are bound in their decisions in large part by the rules and other doctrines developed - and supplemented over time - by the judges of earlier English courts. Customary Law - A type of legal system that serves as the basis of, or has influenced, the present-day laws in approximately 40 countries - mostly in Africa, but some in the Pacific islands, Europe, and the Near East. Customary law is also referred to as "primitive law," "unwritten law," "indigenous law," and "folk law." There is no single history of customary law such as that found in Roman civil law, English common law, Islamic law, or the Napoleonic Civil Code. The earliest systems of law in human society were customary, and usually developed in small agrarian and hunter-gatherer communities. As the term implies, customary law is based upon the customs of a community. Common attributes of customary legal systems are that they are seldom written down, they embody an organized set of rules regulating social relations, and they are agreed upon by members of the community. Although such law systems include sanctions for law infractions, resolution tends to be reconciliatory rather than punitive. A number of African states practiced customary law many centuries prior to colonial influences. Following colonization, such laws were written down and incorporated to varying extents into the legal systems imposed by their colonial powers. European Union Law - A sub-discipline of international law known as "supranational law" in which the rights of sovereign nations are limited in relation to one another. Also referred to as the Law of the European Union or Community Law, it is the unique and complex legal system that operates in tandem with the laws of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU). Similar to federal states, the EU legal system ensures compliance from the member states because of the Union's decentralized political nature. The European Court of Justice (ECJ), established in 1952 by the Treaty of Paris, has been largely responsible for the development of EU law. Fundamental principles of European Union law include: subsidiarity - the notion that issues be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority; proportionality - the EU may only act to the extent needed to achieve its objectives; conferral - the EU is a union of member states, and all its authorities are voluntarily granted by its members; legal certainty - requires that legal rules be clear and precise; and precautionary principle - a moral and political principle stating that if an action or policy might cause severe or irreversible harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of a scientific consensus that harm would not ensue, the burden of proof falls on those who would advocate taking the action. French Law - A type of civil law that is the legal system of France. The French system also serves as the basis for, or is mixed with, other legal systems in approximately 50 countries, notably in North Africa, the Near East, and the French territories and dependencies. French law is primarily codified or systematic written civil law. Prior to the French Revolution (1789-1799), France had no single national legal system. Laws in the northern areas of present-day France were mostly local customs based on privileges and exemptions granted by kings and feudal lords, while in the southern areas Roman law predominated. The introduction of the Napoleonic Civil Code during the reign of Napoleon I in the first decade of the 19th century brought major reforms to the French legal system, many of which remain part of France's current legal structure, though all have been extensively amended or redrafted to address a modern nation. French law distinguishes between "public law" and "private law." Public law relates to government, the French Constitution, public administration, and criminal law. Private law covers issues between private citizens or corporations. The most recent changes to the French legal system - introduced in the 1980s - were the decentralization laws, which transferred authority from centrally appointed government representatives to locally elected representatives of the people. International Law - The law of the international community, or the body of customary rules and treaty rules accepted as legally binding by states in their relations with each other. International law differs from other legal systems in that it primarily concerns sovereign political entities. There are three separate disciplines of international law: public international law, which governs the relationship between provinces and international entities and includes treaty law, law of the sea, international criminal law, and international humanitarian law; private international law, which addresses legal jurisdiction; and supranational law - a legal framework wherein countries are bound by regional agreements in which the laws of the member countries are held inapplicable when in conflict with supranational laws. At present the European Union is the only entity under a supranational legal system. The term "international law" was coined by Jeremy Bentham in 1780 in his Principles of Morals and Legislation, though laws governing relations between states have been recognized from very early times (many centuries B.C.). Modern international law developed alongside the emergence and growth of the European nation-states beginning in the early 16th century. Other factors that influenced the development of international law included the revival of legal studies, the growth of international trade, and the practice of exchanging emissaries and establishing legations. The sources of International law are set out in Article 38-1 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice within the UN Charter. Islamic Law - The most widespread type of religious law, it is the legal system enforced in over 30 countries, particularly in the Near East, but also in Central and South Asia, Africa, and Indonesia. In many countries Islamic law operates in tandem with a civil law system. Islamic law is embodied in the sharia, an Arabic word meaning "the right path." Sharia covers all aspects of public and private life and organizes them into five categories: obligatory, recommended, permitted, disliked, and forbidden. The primary sources of sharia law are the Qur'an, believed by Muslims to be the word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel, and the Sunnah, the teachings of the Prophet and his works. In addition to these two primary sources, traditional Sunni Muslims recognize the consensus of Muhammad's companions and Islamic jurists on certain issues, called ijmas, and various forms of reasoning, including analogy by legal scholars, referred to as qiyas. Shia Muslims reject ijmas and qiyas as sources of sharia law. Mixed Law - Also referred to as pluralistic law, mixed law consists of elements of some or all of the other main types of legal systems - civil, common, customary, and religious. The mixed legal systems of a number of countries came about when colonial powers overlaid their own legal systems upon colonized regions but retained elements of the colonies' existing legal systems. Napoleonic Civil Code - A type of civil law, referred to as the Civil Code or Code Civil des Francais, forms part of the legal system of France, and underpins the legal systems of Bolivia, Egypt, Lebanon, Poland, and the US state of Louisiana. The Civil Code was established under Napoleon I, enacted in 1804, and officially designated the Code Napoleon in 1807. This legal system combined the Teutonic civil law tradition of the northern provinces of France with the Roman law tradition of the southern and eastern regions of the country. The Civil Code bears similarities in its arrangement to the Roman Body of Civil Law (see Civil Law above). As enacted in 1804, the Code addressed personal status, property, and the acquisition of property. Codes added over the following six years included civil procedures, commercial law, criminal law and procedures, and a penal code. Religious Law - A legal system which stems from the sacred texts of religious traditions and in most cases professes to cover all aspects of life as a seamless part of devotional obligations to a transcendent, imminent, or deep philosophical reality. Implied as the basis of religious law is the concept of unalterability, because the word of God cannot be amended or legislated against by judges or governments. However, a detailed legal system generally requires human elaboration. The main types of religious law are sharia in Islam, halakha in Judaism, and canon law in some Christian groups. Sharia is the most widespread religious legal system (see Islamic Law), and is the sole system of law for countries including Iran, the Maldives, and Saudi Arabia. No country is fully governed by halakha, but Jewish people may decide to settle disputes through Jewish courts and be bound by their rulings. Canon law is not a divine law as such because it is not found in revelation. It is viewed instead as human law inspired by the word of God and applying the demands of that revelation to the actual situation of the church. Canon law regulates the internal ordering of the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. Roman Law - A type of civil law developed in ancient Rome and practiced from the time of the city's founding (traditionally 753 B.C.) until the fall of the Western Empire in the 5th century A.D. Roman law remained the legal system of the Byzantine (Eastern Empire) until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Preserved fragments of the first legal text, known as the Law of the Twelve Tables, dating from the 5th century B.C., contained specific provisions designed to change the prevailing customary law. Early Roman law was drawn from custom and statutes; later, during the time of the empire, emperors asserted their authority as the ultimate source of law. The basis for Roman laws was the idea that the exact form - not the intention - of words or of actions produced legal consequences. It was only in the late 6th century A.D. that a comprehensive Roman code of laws was published (see Civil Law above). Roman law served as the basis of law systems developed in a number of continental European countries. Roman-Dutch Law - A type of civil law based on Roman law as applied in the Netherlands. Roman-Dutch law serves as the basis for legal systems in seven African countries, as well as Guyana, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. This law system, which originated in the province of Holland and expanded throughout the Netherlands (to be replaced by the French Civil Code in 1809), was instituted in a number of sub-Saharan African countries during the Dutch colonial period. The Dutch jurist/philosopher Hugo Grotius was the first to attempt to reduce Roman-Dutch civil law into a system in his Jurisprudence of Holland (written 1619-20, commentary published 1621). The Dutch historian/lawyer Simon van Leeuwen coined the term "Roman-Dutch law" in 1652. Spanish Law - A type of civil law, often referred to as the Spanish Civil Code, it is the present legal system of Spain and is the basis of legal systems in 12 countries mostly in Central and South America, but also in southwestern Europe, northern and western Africa, and southeastern Asia. The Spanish Civil Code reflects a complex mixture of customary, Roman, Napoleonic, local, and modern codified law. The laws of the Visigoth invaders of Spain in the 5th to 7th centuries had the earliest major influence on Spanish legal system development. The Christian Reconquest of Spain in the 11th through 15th centuries witnessed the development of customary law, which combined canon (religious) and Roman law. During several centuries of Hapsburg and Bourbon rule, systematic recompilations of the existing national legal system were attempted, but these often conflicted with local and regional customary civil laws. Legal system development for most of the 19th century concentrated on formulating a national civil law system, which was finally enacted in 1889 as the Spanish Civil Code. Several sections of the code have been revised, the most recent of which are the penal code in 1989 and the judiciary code in 2001. The Spanish Civil Code separates public and private law. Public law includes constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law, process law, financial and tax law, and international public law. Private law includes civil law, commercial law, labor law, and international private law. United States Law - A type of common law, which is the basis of the legal system of the United States and that of its island possessions in the Caribbean and the Pacific. This legal system has several layers, more possibly than in most other countries, and is due in part to the division between federal and state law. The United States was founded not as one nation but as a union of 13 colonies, each claiming independence from the British Crown. The US Constitution, implemented in 1789, began shifting power away from the states and toward the federal government, though the states today retain substantial legal authority. US law draws its authority from four sources: constitutional law, statutory law, administrative regulations, and case law. Constitutional law is based on the US Constitution and serves as the supreme federal law. Taken together with those of the state constitutions, these documents outline the general structure of the federal and state governments and provide the rules and limits of power. US statutory law is legislation enacted by the US Congress and is codified in the United States Code. The 50 state legislatures have similar authority to enact state statutes. Administrative law is the authority delegated to federal and state executive agencies. Case law, also referred to as common law, covers areas where constitutional or statutory law is lacking. Case law is a collection of judicial decisions, customs, and general principles that began in England centuries ago, that were adopted in America at the time of the Revolution, and that continue to develop today.

Rank country Legal system Date of Information

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Rank code: 2101

Country Comparison :: Legislative branch

This entry contains information on the structure (unicameral, bicameral, tricameral), formal name, number of seats, and term of office. Elections includes the nature of the election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote and/or number of seats held by each party in the last election.

Rank country Legislative branch Date of Information

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Rank code: 2102

Country Comparison :: Life expectancy at birth

This entry contains the average number of years to be lived by a group of people born in the same year, if mortality at each age remains constant in the future. The entry includes total population as well as the male and female components. Life expectancy at birth is also a measure of overall quality of life in a country and summarizes the mortality at all ages. It can also be thought of as indicating the potential return on investment in human capital and is necessary for the calculation of various actuarial measures.

Rank country (years) Date of Information

1 Monaco 89.78 2010 est. 2 Macau 84.38 2010 est. 3 San Marino 82.95 2010 est. 4 Andorra 82.36 2010 est. 5 Japan 82.17 2010 est. 6 Guernsey 82.08 2010 est. 7 Singapore 82.06 2010 est. 8 Hong Kong 81.96 2010 est. 9 Australia 81.72 2010 est. 10 Canada 81.29 2010 est. 11 Jersey 81.28 2010 est. 12 France 81.09 2010 est. 13 Spain 81.07 2010 est. 14 Sweden 80.97 2010 est. 15 Switzerland 80.97 2010 est. 16 Israel 80.86 2010 est. 17 Iceland 80.79 2010 est. 18 Anguilla 80.77 2010 est. 19 Bermuda 80.60 2010 est. 20 Cayman Islands 80.57 2010 est. 21 Isle of Man 80.53 2010 est. 22 New Zealand 80.48 2010 est. 23 Italy 80.33 2010 est. 24 Liechtenstein 80.19 2010 est. 25 Norway 80.08 2010 est. 26 Ireland 80.07 2010 est. 27 Jordan 79.92 2010 est. 28 United Kingdom 79.92 2010 est. 29 Greece 79.80 2010 est. 30 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 79.74 2010 est. 31 Austria 79.65 2010 est. 32 Malta 79.59 2010 est. 33 Faroe Islands 79.58 2010 est. 34 Netherlands 79.55 2010 est. 35 Luxembourg 79.48 2010 est. 36 Germany 79.41 2010 est. 37 Belgium 79.37 2010 est. 38 Virgin Islands 79.19 2010 est. 39 Finland 79.13 2010 est. 40 Wallis and Futuna 78.83 2010 est. 41 European Union 78.82 2010 est. 42 Korea, South 78.81 2010 est. 43 Puerto Rico 78.77 2010 est. 44 Bosnia and Herzegovina 78.66 2010 est. 45 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha78.60 2010 est. 46 Gibraltar 78.53 2010 est. 47 Denmark 78.47 2010 est. 48 Portugal 78.38 2010 est. 49 United States 78.24 2010 est. 50 Taiwan 78.15 2010 est. 51 Kuwait 77.89 2010 est. 52 Cyprus 77.66 2010 est. 53 Cuba 77.64 2010 est. 54 Panama 77.61 2010 est. 55 Costa Rica 77.54 2010 est. 56 Chile 77.53 2010 est. 57 Libya 77.47 2010 est. 58 British Virgin Islands 77.45 2010 est. 59 Albania 77.22 2010 est. 60 Dominican Republic 77.15 2010 est. 61 Slovenia 77.12 2010 est. 62 Czech Republic 77.01 2010 est. 63 Georgia 76.93 2010 est. 64 French Polynesia 76.91 2010 est. 65 Northern Mariana Islands 76.90 2010 est. 66 Argentina 76.76 2010 est. 67 Saint Lucia 76.65 2010 est. 68 New Caledonia 76.56 2010 est. 69 Uruguay 76.55 2010 est. 70 United Arab Emirates 76.32 2010 est. 71 Mexico 76.26 2010 est. 72 Paraguay 75.99 2010 est. 73 Tunisia 75.99 2010 est. 74 Brunei 75.96 2010 est. 75 Poland 75.85 2010 est. 76 Dominica 75.77 2010 est. 77 Morocco 75.69 2010 est. 78 Turks and Caicos Islands 75.64 2010 est. 79 Slovakia 75.62 2010 est. 80 Croatia 75.58 2010 est. 81 Ecuador 75.52 2010 est. 82 Aruba 75.51 2010 est. 83 Qatar 75.51 2010 est. 84 Bahrain 75.40 2010 est. 85 Sri Lanka 75.30 2010 est. 86 Antigua and Barbuda 75.26 2010 est. 87 Lithuania 75.12 2010 est. 88 Thailand 75.02 2010 est. 89 Macedonia 74.92 2010 est. 90 Lebanon 74.79 2010 est. 91 West Bank 74.78 2010 est. 92 Hungary 74.57 2010 est. 93 China 74.51 2010 est. 94 Cook Islands 74.47 2010 est. 95 Syria 74.46 2010 est. 96 Saint Kitts and Nevis 74.37 2010 est. 97 Colombia 74.31 2010 est. 98 Algeria 74.26 2010 est. 99 Mauritius 74.25 2010 est. 100 Maldives 74.21 2010 est. 101 Barbados 74.14 2010 est. 102 Serbia 74.09 2010 est. 103 Suriname 73.98 2010 est. 104 American Samoa 73.97 2010 est. 105 Oman 73.97 2010 est. 106 Solomon Islands 73.94 2010 est. 107 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 73.90 2010 est. 108 Saudi Arabia 73.87 2010 est. 109 Venezuela 73.77 2010 est. 110 Romania 73.74 2010 est. 111 Gaza Strip 73.68 2010 est. 112 Malaysia 73.55 2010 est. 113 Jamaica 73.48 2010 est. 114 Bulgaria 73.35 2010 est. 115 Seychelles 73.28 2010 est. 116 El Salvador 73.18 2010 est. 117 Estonia 73.08 2010 est. 118 Armenia 72.96 2010 est. 119 Montserrat 72.91 2010 est. 120 Grenada 72.79 2010 est. 121 Latvia 72.42 2010 est. 122 Egypt 72.40 2010 est. 123 Brazil 72.26 2010 est. 124 Uzbekistan 72.24 2010 est. 125 Turkey 72.23 2010 est. 126 Samoa 72.13 2010 est. 127 Vietnam 71.94 2010 est. 128 Nicaragua 71.78 2010 est. 129 Palau 71.51 2010 est. 130 Marshall Islands 71.48 2010 est. 131 Philippines 71.38 2010 est. 132 Micronesia, Federated States of 71.23 2010 est. 133 Moldova 71.09 2010 est. 134 Trinidad and Tobago 71.09 2010 est. 135 Indonesia 71.05 2010 est. 136 Fiji 71.03 2010 est. 137 Tonga 71.03 2010 est. 138 Peru 71.03 2010 est. 139 Belarus 70.92 2010 est. 140 Bahamas, The 70.84 2010 est. 141 Greenland 70.67 2010 est. 142 Guatemala 70.59 2010 est. 143 Honduras 70.51 2010 est. 144 Cape Verde 70.41 2010 est. 145 Iraq 70.25 2010 est. 146 Iran 69.77 2010 est. 147 Kyrgyzstan 69.74 2010 est. 148 Bangladesh 69.44 2010 est. 149 Ukraine 68.46 2010 est. 150 Belize 68.23 2010 est. 151 Turkmenistan 68.20 2010 est. 152 Kazakhstan 68.19 2010 est. 153 Mongolia 67.98 2010 est. 154 Timor-Leste 67.61 2010 est. 155 Bolivia 67.23 2010 est. 156 Azerbaijan 67.01 2010 est. 157 Guyana 66.74 2010 est. 158 Bhutan 66.71 2010 est. 159 India 66.46 2010 est. 160 Russia 66.16 2010 est. 161 World 66.12 2009 est. 162 Papua New Guinea 65.99 2010 est. 163 Nepal 65.81 2010 est. 164 Tajikistan 65.68 2010 est. 165 Pakistan 65.63 2010 est. 166 Nauru 64.99 2010 est. 167 Burma 64.52 2010 est. 168 Tuvalu 64.39 2010 est. 169 Vanuatu 64.33 2010 est. 170 Korea, North 64.13 2010 est. 171 Kiribati 64.03 2010 est. 172 Comoros 63.83 2010 est. 173 Yemen 63.36 2010 est. 174 Mayotte 63.28 2010 est. 175 Madagascar 63.26 2010 est. 176 Sao Tome and Principe 62.73 2010 est. 177 Cambodia 62.28 2010 est. 178 Togo 62.25 2010 est. 179 Haiti 62.17 2011 est. 180 Eritrea 62.15 2010 est. 181 Laos 62.00 2010 est. 182 Equatorial Guinea 61.98 2010 est. 183 Botswana 60.93 2010 est. 184 Mauritania 60.75 2010 est. 185 Western Sahara 60.74 2010 est. 186 Djibouti 60.73 2010 est. 187 Ghana 60.55 2010 est. 188 Benin 59.42 2010 est. 189 Senegal 59.38 2010 est. 190 Kenya 58.82 2010 est. 191 Burundi 58.29 2010 est. 192 Guinea 57.60 2010 est. 193 Rwanda 57.46 2010 est. 194 Liberia 56.58 2010 est. 195 Cote d'Ivoire 56.19 2010 est. 196 Ethiopia 55.80 2010 est. 197 Sierra Leone 55.69 2010 est. 198 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 54.73 2010 est. 199 Congo, Republic of the 54.54 2010 est. 200 Sudan 54.21 2010 est. 201 Gambia, The 54.07 2010 est. 202 Cameroon 54.04 2010 est. 203 Burkina Faso 53.32 2010 est. 204 Niger 52.99 2010 est. 205 Uganda 52.98 2010 est. 206 Gabon 52.75 2010 est. 207 Tanzania 52.49 2010 est. 208 Mali 52.17 2010 est. 209 Zambia 52.03 2010 est. 210 Namibia 51.95 2010 est. 211 Malawi 50.92 2010 est. 212 Lesotho 50.67 2010 est. 213 Somalia 50.00 2010 est. 214 Central African Republic 49.68 2010 est. 215 South Africa 49.20 2010 est. 216 Guinea-Bissau 48.30 2010 est. 217 Chad 47.99 2010 est. 218 Swaziland 47.97 2010 est. 219 Zimbabwe 47.55 2010 est. 220 Nigeria 47.24 2010 est. 221 Afghanistan 44.65 2010 est. 222 Mozambique 41.37 2010 est. 223 Angola 38.48 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2103

Country Comparison :: Literacy

This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of the Factbook. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons. Low levels of literacy, and education in general, can impede the economic development of a country in the current rapidly changing, technology-driven world.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Andorra 100.00 NA 2 Finland 100.00 2000 est. 3 Georgia 100.00 2004 est. 4 Holy See (Vatican City) 100.00 NA 5 Luxembourg 100.00 2000 est. 6 Norway 100.00 NA 7 Liechtenstein 100.00 NA 8 Greenland 100.00 2001 est. 9 Cuba 99.80 2002 census 10 Estonia 99.80 2000 census 11 Poland 99.80 2003 est. 12 Barbados 99.70 2002 est. 13 Samoa 99.70 2003 est. 14 Slovenia 99.70 NA 15 Latvia 99.70 2000 census 16 Belarus 99.60 1999 census 17 Lithuania 99.60 2001 census 18 Slovakia 99.60 2004 19 Kazakhstan 99.50 1999 est. 20 Tajikistan 99.50 2000 census 21 Armenia 99.40 2001 census 22 Ukraine 99.40 2001 census 23 Hungary 99.40 2003 est. 24 Russia 99.40 2002 census 25 Uzbekistan 99.30 2003 est. 26 Moldova 99.10 2005 est. 27 Australia 99.00 2003 est. 28 Sweden 99.00 2003 est. 29 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 99.00 1982 est. 30 New Zealand 99.00 2003 est. 31 Netherlands 99.00 2003 est. 32 Monaco 99.00 2003 est. 33 Korea, North 99.00 NA 34 Japan 99.00 2002 35 Ireland 99.00 2003 est. 36 Iceland 99.00 2003 est. 37 United States 99.00 2003 est. 38 United Kingdom 99.00 2003 est. 39 Switzerland 99.00 2003 est. 40 Denmark 99.00 2003 est. 41 Belgium 99.00 2003 est. 42 Canada 99.00 2003 est. 43 Germany 99.00 2003 est. 44 France 99.00 2003 est. 45 Czech Republic 99.00 2003 est. 46 Tonga 98.90 1999 est. 47 Azerbaijan 98.80 1999 census 48 Turkmenistan 98.80 1999 est. 49 Albania 98.70 2001 census 50 Kyrgyzstan 98.70 1999 census 51 Trinidad and Tobago 98.60 2003 est. 52 Italy 98.40 2001 census 53 Bulgaria 98.20 2001 census 54 Croatia 98.10 2001 census 55 Austria 98.00 NA 56 Bermuda 98.00 2005 est. 57 Cayman Islands 98.00 1970 est. 58 French Polynesia 98.00 1977 est. 59 Uruguay 98.00 2003 est. 60 Turks and Caicos Islands 98.00 1970 est. 61 Korea, South 97.90 2002 62 Spain 97.90 2003 est. 63 British Virgin Islands 97.80 NA 64 Saint Kitts and Nevis 97.80 2003 est. 65 Mongolia 97.80 2000 census 66 Cyprus 97.60 2001 census 67 Aruba 97.30 2000 census 68 Romania 97.30 2002 census 69 Argentina 97.20 2001 census 70 Israel 97.10 2004 est. 71 American Samoa 97.00 1980 est. 72 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha97.00 1987 est. 73 Northern Mariana Islands 97.00 1980 est. 74 Montserrat 97.00 1970 est. 75 Bosnia and Herzegovina 96.70 2000 est. 76 Serbia 96.40 NA 77 New Caledonia 96.20 1996 census 78 Macedonia 96.10 2002 census 79 Taiwan 96.10 2003 80 Greece 96.00 2001 census 81 San Marino 96.00 NA 82 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 96.00 1970 est. 83 Grenada 96.00 2003 est. 84 Chile 95.70 2002 census 85 Bahamas, The 95.60 2003 est. 86 Anguilla 95.00 1984 est. 87 Cook Islands 95.00 NA 88 Niue 95.00 NA 89 Costa Rica 94.90 2000 census 90 Puerto Rico 94.10 2002 est. 91 Dominica 94.00 2003 est. 92 Paraguay 94.00 2003 est. 93 Maldives 93.80 2006 Census 94 Fiji 93.70 2003 est. 95 Marshall Islands 93.70 1999 96 Hong Kong 93.50 2002 97 Kuwait 93.30 2005 census 98 Portugal 93.30 2003 est. 99 Venezuela 93.00 2001 census 100 Peru 92.90 2007 Census 101 Malta 92.80 2005 Census 102 Brunei 92.70 2001 census 103 Philippines 92.60 2000 census 104 Thailand 92.60 2000 census 105 Singapore 92.50 2000 census 106 Gaza Strip 92.40 2004 est. 107 West Bank 92.40 2004 est. 108 Palau 92.00 1980 est. 109 Kosovo 91.90 2007 Census 110 Panama 91.90 2000 census 111 Guyana 91.80 2002 Census 112 Seychelles 91.80 2002 census 113 China 91.60 2007 114 Macau 91.30 2001 census 115 Ecuador 91.00 2001 census 116 Sri Lanka 90.70 2001 census 117 Zimbabwe 90.70 2003 est. 118 Colombia 90.40 2005 census 119 Indonesia 90.40 2004 est. 120 Vietnam 90.30 2002 est. 121 Saint Lucia 90.10 2001 est. 122 Burma 89.90 2006 est. 123 Jordan 89.90 2003 est. 124 Suriname 89.60 2004 census 125 Micronesia, Federated States of 89.00 1980 est. 126 Qatar 89.00 2004 census 127 Malaysia 88.70 2000 census 128 Brazil 88.60 2004 est. 129 Jamaica 87.90 2003 est. 130 Lebanon 87.40 2003 est. 131 Turkey 87.40 2004 est. 132 Dominican Republic 87.00 2002 census 133 Equatorial Guinea 87.00 2000 est. 134 Bolivia 86.70 2001 census 135 Bahrain 86.50 2001 census 136 South Africa 86.40 2003 est. 137 Mexico 86.10 2005 Census 138 Antigua and Barbuda 85.80 2003 est. 139 Kenya 85.10 2003 est. 140 Namibia 85.00 2001 census 141 Sao Tome and Principe 84.90 2001 census 142 Lesotho 84.80 2003 est. 143 Mauritius 84.40 2000 census 144 Congo, Republic of the 83.80 2003 est. 145 Libya 82.60 2003 est. 146 Swaziland 81.60 2003 est. 147 Oman 81.40 2003 census 148 Botswana 81.20 2003 est. 149 El Salvador 81.10 2007 census 150 Zambia 80.60 2003 est. 151 Gibraltar 80.00 NA 152 Honduras 80.00 2001 census 153 Syria 79.60 2004 census 154 Saudi Arabia 78.80 2003 est. 155 United Arab Emirates 77.90 2003 est. 156 Iran 77.00 2002 est. 157 Belize 76.90 2000 census 158 Cape Verde 76.60 2003 est. 159 Tunisia 74.30 2004 census 160 Iraq 74.10 2000 est. 161 Vanuatu 74.00 1999 census 162 Cambodia 73.60 2004 est. 163 Laos 73.00 2005 Census 164 Egypt 71.40 2005 est. 165 Rwanda 70.40 2003 est. 166 Algeria 69.90 2002 est. 167 Tanzania 69.40 2002 census 168 Guatemala 69.10 2002 census 169 Madagascar 68.90 2003 est. 170 Nigeria 68.00 2003 est. 171 Cameroon 67.90 2001 est. 172 Djibouti 67.90 2003 est. 173 Nicaragua 67.50 2003 est. 174 Angola 67.40 2001 est. 175 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 67.20 2001 est. 176 Uganda 66.80 2002 census 177 Gabon 63.20 1995 est. 178 Malawi 62.70 2003 est. 179 Sudan 61.10 2003 est. 180 India 61.00 2001 census 181 Togo 60.90 2003 est. 182 Burundi 59.30 2000 est. 183 Eritrea 58.60 2003 est. 184 Timor-Leste 58.60 2002 185 Ghana 57.90 2000 census 186 Liberia 57.50 NA 187 Papua New Guinea 57.30 2000 census 188 Comoros 56.50 2003 est. 189 Haiti 52.90 2003 est. 190 Morocco 52.30 2004 census 191 Mauritania 51.20 2000 census 192 Yemen 50.20 2003 est. 193 Wallis and Futuna 50.00 1969 est. 194 Pakistan 49.90 2005 est. 195 Cote d'Ivoire 48.70 2000 est. 196 Central African Republic 48.60 2000 est. 197 Nepal 48.60 2001 census 198 Bangladesh 47.90 2001 Census 199 Mozambique 47.80 2003 est. 200 Bhutan 47.00 2003 est. 201 Mali 46.40 2003 est. 202 Ethiopia 42.70 2003 est. 203 Guinea-Bissau 42.40 2003 est. 204 Gambia, The 40.10 2003 est. 205 Senegal 39.30 2002 est. 206 Somalia 37.80 2001 est. 207 Sierra Leone 35.10 2004 est. 208 Benin 34.70 2002 census 209 Guinea 29.50 2003 est. 210 Niger 28.70 2005 est. 211 Afghanistan 28.10 2000 est. 212 Chad 25.70 2000 est. 213 Burkina Faso 21.80 2003 est.

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Rank code: 2105

Country Comparison :: Manpower available for military service

This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for a country (defined as being ages 16-49) and assumes that every individual is fit to serve.

Rank country Manpower available for military serviceDate of Information

1 China 381,747,145.00 2010 est. 2 China 360,385,629.00 2010 est. 3 India 313,905,989.00 2010 est. 4 India 291,755,100.00 2010 est. 5 United States 73,145,586.00 2010 est. 6 United States 71,880,788.00 2010 est. 7 Indonesia 65,166,986.00 2010 est. 8 Indonesia 62,715,534.00 2010 est. 9 Brazil 53,038,688.00 2010 est. 10 Brazil 52,942,805.00 2010 est. 11 Pakistan 45,829,360.00 2010 est. 12 Pakistan 41,716,682.00 2010 est. 13 Bangladesh 36,560,110.00 2010 est. 14 Nigeria 36,203,921.00 2010 est. 15 Russia 35,693,977.00 2010 est. 16 Russia 34,850,217.00 2010 est. 17 Nigeria 34,409,821.00 2010 est. 18 Mexico 30,048,077.00 2010 est. 19 Mexico 28,475,126.00 2010 est. 20 Japan 27,461,338.00 2010 est. 21 Japan 26,478,466.00 2010 est. 22 Vietnam 25,402,395.00 2010 est. 23 Philippines 25,079,262.00 2010 est. 24 Vietnam 24,834,928.00 2010 est. 25 Philippines 24,556,912.00 2010 est. 26 Turkey 20,832,658.00 2010 est. 27 Iran 20,763,890.00 2010 est. 28 Egypt 20,619,887.00 2010 est. 29 Turkey 20,337,037.00 2010 est. 30 Iran 20,157,570.00 2010 est. 31 Egypt 19,785,004.00 2010 est. 32 Germany 19,195,804.00 2010 est. 33 Ethiopia 19,145,307.00 2010 est. 34 Ethiopia 18,485,269.00 2010 est. 35 Germany 18,159,851.00 2010 est. 36 Thailand 17,762,077.00 2010 est. 37 Thailand 17,650,648.00 2010 est. 38 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 15,192,858.00 2010 est. 39 United Kingdom 14,732,445.00 2010 est. 40 France 14,591,656.00 2010 est. 41 Burma 14,558,921.00 2010 est. 42 Burma 14,539,703.00 2010 est. 43 France 14,285,551.00 2010 est. 44 United Kingdom 14,118,320.00 2010 est. 45 Italy 13,705,846.00 2010 est. 46 South Africa 13,508,255.00 2010 est. 47 Korea, South 13,274,442.00 2010 est. 48 Italy 12,929,946.00 2010 est. 49 Korea, South 12,542,699.00 2010 est. 50 South Africa 12,541,371.00 2010 est. 51 Colombia 11,609,122.00 2010 est. 52 Colombia 11,556,939.00 2010 est. 53 Ukraine 11,437,891.00 2010 est. 54 Ukraine 11,149,646.00 2010 est. 55 Sudan 10,264,087.00 2010 est. 56 Algeria 10,113,472.00 2010 est. 57 Algeria 9,959,693.00 2010 est. 58 Argentina 9,934,765.00 2010 est. 59 Sudan 9,894,457.00 2010 est. 60 Argentina 9,868,008.00 2010 est. 61 Spain 9,851,306.00 2010 est. 62 Tanzania 9,683,768.00 2010 est. 63 Poland 9,597,047.00 2010 est. 64 Spain 9,574,929.00 2010 est. 65 Kenya 9,525,556.00 2010 est. 66 Poland 9,364,939.00 2010 est. 67 Kenya 9,242,381.00 2010 est. 68 Saudi Arabia 8,752,167.00 2010 est. 69 Morocco 8,599,418.00 2010 est. 70 Morocco 8,167,760.00 2010 est. 71 Canada 8,051,656.00 2010 est. 72 Peru 7,920,056.00 2010 est. 73 Peru 7,795,130.00 2010 est. 74 Uzbekistan 7,783,901.00 2010 est. 75 Canada 7,780,644.00 2010 est. 76 Uzbekistan 7,776,645.00 2010 est. 77 Iraq 7,541,723.00 2010 est. 78 Nepal 7,388,240.00 2010 est. 79 Iraq 7,238,553.00 2010 est. 80 Venezuela 7,047,565.00 2010 est. 81 Uganda 6,972,134.00 2010 est. 82 Venezuela 6,891,648.00 2010 est. 83 Afghanistan 6,800,888.00 2010 est. 84 Uganda 6,752,005.00 2010 est. 85 Nepal 6,699,614.00 2010 est. 86 Malaysia 6,692,438.00 2010 est. 87 Saudi Arabia 6,680,315.00 2010 est. 88 Malaysia 6,494,413.00 2010 est. 89 Afghanistan 6,413,647.00 2010 est. 90 Taiwan 6,218,009.00 2010 est. 91 Korea, North 6,132,987.00 2010 est. 92 Ghana 6,126,707.00 2010 est. 93 Korea, North 6,119,405.00 2010 est. 94 Ghana 6,058,958.00 2010 est. 95 Taiwan 6,038,964.00 2010 est. 96 Syria 5,766,853.00 2010 est. 97 Sri Lanka 5,622,632.00 2010 est. 98 Romania 5,617,144.00 2010 est. 99 Syria 5,540,828.00 2010 est. 100 Sri Lanka 5,493,050.00 2010 est. 101 Romania 5,487,510.00 2010 est. 102 Yemen 5,458,642.00 2010 est. 103 Australia 5,275,667.00 2010 est. 104 Yemen 5,205,387.00 2010 est. 105 Cote d'Ivoire 5,094,762.00 2010 est. 106 Australia 5,082,543.00 2010 est. 107 Cote d'Ivoire 4,895,446.00 2010 est. 108 Mozambique 4,787,832.00 2010 est. 109 Madagascar 4,750,188.00 2010 est. 110 Madagascar 4,745,274.00 2010 est. 111 Cameroon 4,553,576.00 2010 est. 112 Cameroon 4,443,217.00 2010 est. 113 Chile 4,301,900.00 2010 est. 114 Chile 4,232,956.00 2010 est. 115 Kazakhstan 4,202,422.00 2010 est. 116 Kazakhstan 4,176,999.00 2010 est. 117 Cambodia 3,980,995.00 2010 est. 118 Cambodia 3,970,244.00 2010 est. 119 Netherlands 3,927,311.00 2010 est. 120 Netherlands 3,831,110.00 2010 est. 121 Ecuador 3,781,102.00 2010 est. 122 Ecuador 3,662,176.00 2010 est. 123 Burkina Faso 3,608,963.00 2010 est. 124 Malawi 3,402,724.00 2010 est. 125 Guatemala 3,266,655.00 2010 est. 126 Senegal 3,250,128.00 2010 est. 127 Senegal 3,211,279.00 2010 est. 128 Niger 3,202,237.00 2010 est. 129 Niger 3,151,521.00 2010 est. 130 Cuba 3,078,049.00 2010 est. 131 Tunisia 3,065,431.00 2010 est. 132 Guatemala 3,062,027.00 2010 est. 133 Cuba 3,004,713.00 2010 est. 134 Angola 2,991,424.00 2010 est. 135 Tunisia 2,974,060.00 2010 est. 136 Mali 2,894,776.00 2010 est. 137 Angola 2,893,898.00 2010 est. 138 Zambia 2,824,372.00 2010 est. 139 Mali 2,759,648.00 2010 est. 140 Zimbabwe 2,742,036.00 2010 est. 141 Zambia 2,685,883.00 2010 est. 142 United Arab Emirates 2,589,714.00 2010 est. 143 Rwanda 2,573,834.00 2010 est. 144 Portugal 2,572,007.00 2010 est. 145 Rwanda 2,553,707.00 2010 est. 146 Czech Republic 2,517,268.00 2010 est. 147 Dominican Republic 2,514,160.00 2010 est. 148 Greece 2,502,268.00 2010 est. 149 Greece 2,486,171.00 2010 est. 150 Bolivia 2,482,359.00 2010 est. 151 Portugal 2,474,719.00 2010 est. 152 Belarus 2,466,762.00 2010 est. 153 Belarus 2,435,318.00 2010 est. 154 Czech Republic 2,418,163.00 2010 est. 155 Bolivia 2,415,712.00 2010 est. 156 Dominican Republic 2,395,804.00 2010 est. 157 Hungary 2,380,381.00 2010 est. 158 Chad 2,377,898.00 2010 est. 159 Belgium 2,377,191.00 2010 est. 160 Zimbabwe 2,366,038.00 2010 est. 161 Azerbaijan 2,336,611.00 2010 est. 162 Azerbaijan 2,329,275.00 2010 est. 163 Hungary 2,319,142.00 2010 est. 164 Belgium 2,309,941.00 2010 est. 165 Guinea 2,292,338.00 2010 est. 166 Haiti 2,283,915.00 2010 est. 167 Guinea 2,264,589.00 2010 est. 168 Somalia 2,261,704.00 2010 est. 169 Haiti 2,250,220.00 2010 est. 170 Somalia 2,217,584.00 2010 est. 171 Burundi 2,118,918.00 2010 est. 172 Burundi 2,099,541.00 2010 est. 173 Sweden 2,065,782.00 2010 est. 174 Chad 2,025,929.00 2010 est. 175 Benin 2,023,449.00 2010 est. 176 Sweden 1,995,451.00 2010 est. 177 Tajikistan 1,990,084.00 2010 est. 178 Honduras 1,989,556.00 2010 est. 179 Tajikistan 1,980,012.00 2010 est. 180 Benin 1,971,788.00 2010 est. 181 Austria 1,960,781.00 2010 est. 182 Honduras 1,939,462.00 2010 est. 183 Austria 1,926,134.00 2010 est. 184 Hong Kong 1,899,296.00 2010 est. 185 Switzerland 1,839,382.00 2010 est. 186 Switzerland 1,797,317.00 2010 est. 187 Israel 1,771,661.00 2010 est. 188 Libya 1,746,512.00 2010 est. 189 Hong Kong 1,729,179.00 2010 est. 190 Israel 1,687,698.00 2010 est. 191 Libya 1,683,390.00 2010 est. 192 Bulgaria 1,660,930.00 2010 est. 193 Laos 1,654,235.00 2010 est. 194 Jordan 1,646,215.00 2010 est. 195 Bulgaria 1,646,170.00 2010 est. 196 Paraguay 1,640,761.00 2010 est. 197 Paraguay 1,637,460.00 2010 est. 198 Laos 1,633,725.00 2010 est. 199 Nicaragua 1,605,398.00 2010 est. 200 Nicaragua 1,594,270.00 2010 est. 201 El Salvador 1,590,778.00 2010 est. 202 Jordan 1,579,268.00 2010 est. 203 Papua New Guinea 1,532,378.00 2010 est. 204 Togo 1,463,189.00 2010 est. 205 Togo 1,462,206.00 2010 est. 206 Kyrgyzstan 1,455,806.00 2010 est. 207 Papua New Guinea 1,440,528.00 2010 est. 208 Kyrgyzstan 1,439,750.00 2010 est. 209 El Salvador 1,426,142.00 2010 est. 210 Slovakia 1,413,079.00 2010 est. 211 Slovakia 1,377,754.00 2010 est. 212 Turkmenistan 1,368,265.00 2010 est. 213 Turkmenistan 1,360,898.00 2010 est. 214 Eritrea 1,319,682.00 2010 est. 215 Eritrea 1,307,012.00 2010 est. 216 Singapore 1,266,426.00 2010 est. 217 Costa Rica 1,241,183.00 2010 est. 218 Denmark 1,235,947.00 2010 est. 219 Denmark 1,221,386.00 2010 est. 220 Costa Rica 1,217,037.00 2010 est. 221 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,194,832.00 2010 est. 222 Moldova 1,168,169.00 2010 est. 223 Finland 1,160,812.00 2010 est. 224 Sierra Leone 1,156,724.00 2010 est. 225 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,156,698.00 2010 est. 226 Moldova 1,150,585.00 2010 est. 227 Georgia 1,140,758.00 2010 est. 228 Kuwait 1,131,529.00 2010 est. 229 Central African Republic 1,121,548.00 2010 est. 230 Central African Republic 1,118,432.00 2010 est. 231 Lebanon 1,112,139.00 2010 est. 232 Finland 1,111,743.00 2010 est. 233 Georgia 1,094,390.00 2010 est. 234 Norway 1,078,562.00 2010 est. 235 Lebanon 1,075,503.00 2010 est. 236 Norway 1,049,529.00 2010 est. 237 Ireland 1,031,985.00 2010 est. 238 Ireland 1,030,606.00 2010 est. 239 Croatia 1,023,465.00 2010 est. 240 Croatia 1,021,904.00 2010 est. 241 New Zealand 1,017,575.00 2010 est. 242 New Zealand 1,003,087.00 2010 est. 243 Oman 964,200.00 2010 est. 244 United Arab Emirates 950,460.00 2010 est. 245 Albania 947,446.00 2010 est. 246 Albania 910,145.00 2010 est. 247 Lithuania 900,746.00 2010 est. 248 Congo, Republic of the 898,850.00 2010 est. 249 Lithuania 887,843.00 2010 est. 250 Mongolia 887,059.00 2010 est. 251 Congo, Republic of the 886,063.00 2010 est. 252 Mongolia 880,788.00 2010 est. 253 Panama 878,281.00 2010 est. 254 Armenia 862,679.00 2010 est. 255 Uruguay 849,358.00 2010 est. 256 Uruguay 832,774.00 2010 est. 257 Armenia 809,293.00 2010 est. 258 Liberia 808,017.00 2010 est. 259 Liberia 797,084.00 2010 est. 260 Mauritania 783,108.00 2010 est. 261 Jamaica 730,845.00 2010 est. 262 Oman 714,421.00 2010 est. 263 Jamaica 712,627.00 2010 est. 264 Mauritania 699,028.00 2010 est. 265 Kuwait 612,126.00 2010 est. 266 Latvia 554,943.00 2010 est. 267 Namibia 554,531.00 2010 est. 268 Latvia 550,700.00 2010 est. 269 Botswana 543,097.00 2010 est. 270 Macedonia 530,966.00 2010 est. 271 Botswana 520,896.00 2010 est. 272 Macedonia 511,534.00 2010 est. 273 Lesotho 505,707.00 2010 est. 274 Slovenia 483,488.00 2010 est. 275 Slovenia 470,325.00 2010 est. 276 Lesotho 469,509.00 2010 est. 277 Gambia, The 406,100.00 2010 est. 278 Gambia, The 402,073.00 2010 est. 279 Qatar 387,399.00 2010 est. 280 Gaza Strip 372,843.00 2010 est. 281 Guinea-Bissau 363,488.00 2010 est. 282 Guinea-Bissau 361,785.00 2010 est. 283 Trinidad and Tobago 347,044.00 2010 est. 284 Gabon 345,292.00 2010 est. 285 Gabon 344,147.00 2010 est. 286 Mauritius 343,279.00 2010 est. 287 Swaziland 336,436.00 2010 est. 288 Trinidad and Tobago 323,847.00 2010 est. 289 Cyprus 322,807.00 2010 est. 290 Estonia 308,229.00 2010 est. 291 Timor-Leste 299,008.00 2010 est. 292 Estonia 297,096.00 2010 est. 293 Timor-Leste 286,465.00 2010 est. 294 Cyprus 284,386.00 2010 est. 295 Fiji 248,020.00 2010 est. 296 Fiji 243,468.00 2010 est. 297 Djibouti 213,894.00 2010 est. 298 Bahrain 208,365.00 2010 est. 299 Bhutan 198,553.00 2010 est. 300 Guyana 189,456.00 2010 est. 301 Comoros 178,670.00 2010 est. 302 Comoros 177,811.00 2010 est. 303 Bhutan 176,226.00 2010 est. 304 Bahrain 174,375.00 2010 est. 305 Djibouti 165,000.00 2010 est. 306 Qatar 163,652.00 2010 est. 307 Maldives 158,307.00 2010 est. 308 Solomon Islands 150,987.00 2010 est. 309 Macau 150,712.00 2010 est. 310 Equatorial Guinea 146,241.00 2010 est. 311 Equatorial Guinea 146,138.00 2010 est. 312 Cape Verde 133,581.00 2010 est. 313 Suriname 133,487.00 2010 est. 314 Suriname 133,417.00 2010 est. 315 Cape Verde 128,858.00 2010 est. 316 Luxembourg 117,892.00 2010 est. 317 Luxembourg 116,517.00 2010 est. 318 Brunei 115,071.00 2010 est. 319 Brunei 111,166.00 2010 est. 320 Maldives 97,166.00 2010 est. 321 Malta 95,899.00 2010 est. 322 Malta 91,412.00 2010 est. 323 Bahamas, The 84,903.00 2010 est. 324 French Polynesia 81,794.00 2010 est. 325 Belize 79,088.00 2010 est. 326 Belize 77,147.00 2010 est. 327 Iceland 75,259.00 2010 est. 328 Barbados 74,450.00 2010 est. 329 Barbados 74,418.00 2010 est. 330 Vanuatu 61,178.00 2010 est. 331 New Caledonia 59,612.00 2010 est. 332 Samoa 47,423.00 2010 est. 333 Saint Lucia 41,177.00 2010 est. 334 Sao Tome and Principe 38,929.00 2010 est. 335 Sao Tome and Principe 38,211.00 2010 est. 336 Tonga 34,254.00 2010 est. 337 Tonga 32,974.00 2010 est. 338 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 27,940.00 2010 est. 339 Grenada 27,453.00 2010 est. 340 Micronesia, Federated States of 26,687.00 2010 est. 341 Aruba 26,090.00 2010 est. 342 Seychelles 26,040.00 2010 est. 343 Aruba 24,779.00 2010 est. 344 Kiribati 24,734.00 2010 est. 345 Seychelles 23,961.00 2010 est. 346 Antigua and Barbuda 23,815.00 2010 est. 347 Andorra 22,776.00 2010 est. 348 Antigua and Barbuda 20,909.00 2010 est. 349 Dominica 18,975.00 2010 est. 350 Marshall Islands 16,138.00 2010 est. 351 Greenland 15,474.00 2010 est. 352 Bermuda 15,217.00 2010 est. 353 Saint Kitts and Nevis 13,510.00 2010 est. 354 Saint Kitts and Nevis 13,075.00 2010 est. 355 Cayman Islands 12,108.00 2010 est. 356 Faroe Islands 11,788.00 2010 est. 357 Liechtenstein 8,041.00 2010 est. 358 British Virgin Islands 7,230.00 2010 est. 359 Palau 6,955.00 2010 est. 360 Gibraltar 6,949.00 2010 est. 361 San Marino 6,893.00 2010 est. 362 Monaco 5,814.00 2010 est. 363 Nauru 3,682.00 2010 est. 364 Anguilla 3,611.00 2010 est. 365 Montserrat 1,339.00 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2106

Country Comparison :: Maritime claims

This entry includes the following claims, the definitions of which are excerpted from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which alone contains the full and definitive descriptions: territorial sea - the sovereignty of a coastal state extends beyond its land territory and internal waters to an adjacent belt of sea, described as the territorial sea in the UNCLOS (Part II); this sovereignty extends to the air space over the territorial sea as well as its underlying seabed and subsoil; every state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles; the normal baseline for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea is the mean low-water line along the coast as marked on large-scale charts officially recognized by the coastal state; the UNCLOS describes specific rules for archipelagic states. contiguous zone - according to the UNCLOS (Article 33), this is a zone contiguous to a coastal state's territorial sea, over which it may exercise the control necessary to: prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea; punish infringement of the above laws and regulations committed within its territory or territorial sea; the contiguous zone may not extend beyond 24 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured (e.g. the US has claimed a 12-nautical mile contiguous zone in addition to its 12-nautical mile territorial sea). exclusive economic zone (EEZ) - the UNCLOS (Part V) defines the EEZ as a zone beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea in which a coastal state has: sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil, and with regard to other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone, such as the production of energy from the water, currents, and winds; jurisdiction with regard to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, and structures; marine scientific research; the protection and preservation of the marine environment; the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone shall not exceed 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. continental shelf - the UNCLOS (Article 76) defines the continental shelf of a coastal state as comprising the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance; the continental margin comprises the submerged prolongation of the landmass of the coastal state, and consists of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, the slope and the rise; wherever the continental margin extends beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline, coastal states may extend their claim to a distance not to exceed 350 nautical miles from the baseline or 100 nautical miles from the 2500 meter isobath; it does not include the deep ocean floor with its oceanic ridges or the subsoil thereof. exclusive fishing zone - while this term is not used in the UNCLOS, some states (e.g., the United Kingdom) have chosen not to claim an EEZ, but rather to claim jurisdiction over the living resources off their coast; in such cases, the term exclusive fishing zone is often used; the breadth of this zone is normally the same as the EEZ or 200 nautical miles.

Rank country Maritime claims Date of Information

1 American Samoa 200.00 NA 2 Angola 200.00 NA 3 Anguilla 200.00 NA 4 Antigua and Barbuda 200.00 NA 5 Argentina 200.00 NA 6 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 200.00 NA 7 Australia 200.00 NA 8 Bangladesh 200.00 NA 9 Belize 200.00 NA 10 Burma 200.00 NA 11 Bulgaria 200.00 NA 12 Brunei 200.00 NA 13 British Virgin Islands 200.00 NA 14 British Indian Ocean Territory 200.00 NA 15 Brazil 200.00 NA 16 Brazil 200.00 NA 17 Bermuda 200.00 NA 18 Benin 200.00 NA 19 Colombia 200.00 NA 20 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 200.00 NA 21 Clipperton Island 200.00 NA 22 Christmas Island 200.00 NA 23 China 200.00 NA 24 China 200.00 NA 25 Chile 200.00 NA 26 Cayman Islands 200.00 NA 27 Cape Verde 200.00 NA 28 Canada 200.00 NA 29 Canada 200.00 NA 30 Cambodia 200.00 NA 31 Cambodia 200.00 NA 32 Burma 200.00 NA 33 Ecuador 200.00 NA 34 Dominican Republic 200.00 NA 35 Dominican Republic 200.00 NA 36 Dominica 200.00 NA 37 Djibouti 200.00 NA 38 Denmark 200.00 NA 39 Cuba 200.00 NA 40 Cote d'Ivoire 200.00 NA 41 Cote d'Ivoire 200.00 NA 42 Costa Rica 200.00 NA 43 Costa Rica 200.00 NA 44 Coral Sea Islands 200.00 NA 45 Cook Islands 200.00 NA 46 Cook Islands 200.00 NA 47 Congo, Republic of the 200.00 NA 48 Comoros 200.00 NA 49 Guyana 200.00 NA 50 Guyana 200.00 NA 51 Guinea-Bissau 200.00 NA 52 Guinea 200.00 NA 53 Guatemala 200.00 NA 54 Grenada 200.00 NA 55 Greenland 200.00 NA 56 Greenland 200.00 NA 57 Ghana 200.00 NA 58 Korea, North 200.00 NA 59 Kiribati 200.00 NA 60 Kenya 200.00 NA 61 Kenya 200.00 NA 62 Japan 200.00 NA 63 Jan Mayen 200.00 NA 64 Jamaica 200.00 NA 65 Jamaica 200.00 NA 66 Ireland 200.00 NA 67 Montserrat 200.00 NA 68 Micronesia, Federated States of 200.00 NA 69 Mexico 200.00 NA 70 Mexico 200.00 NA 71 Mayotte 200.00 NA 72 Mauritius 200.00 NA 73 Mauritius 200.00 NA 74 Mauritania 200.00 NA 75 Mauritania 200.00 NA 76 Pakistan 200.00 NA 77 Oman 200.00 NA 78 Norway 200.00 NA 79 Norway 200.00 NA 80 Northern Mariana Islands 200.00 NA 81 Norfolk Island 200.00 NA 82 Niue 200.00 NA 83 Nigeria 200.00 NA 84 New Zealand 200.00 NA 85 Taiwan 200.00 NA 86 Yemen 200.00 NA 87 Yemen 200.00 NA 88 Wallis and Futuna 200.00 NA 89 Wake Island 200.00 NA 90 Virgin Islands 200.00 NA 91 Vietnam 200.00 NA 92 Vietnam 200.00 NA 93 Venezuela 200.00 NA 94 Vanuatu 200.00 NA 95 Vanuatu 200.00 NA 96 Uruguay 200.00 NA 97 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges200.00 NA 98 United States 200.00 NA 99 United Kingdom 200.00 NA 100 United Arab Emirates 200.00 NA 101 United Arab Emirates 200.00 NA 102 Ukraine 200.00 NA 103 Tuvalu 200.00 NA 104 Turks and Caicos Islands 200.00 NA 105 Trinidad and Tobago 200.00 NA 106 Trinidad and Tobago 200.00 NA 107 Tonga 200.00 NA 108 Tokelau 200.00 NA 109 Togo 200.00 NA 110 Timor-Leste 200.00 NA 111 Thailand 200.00 NA 112 Tanzania 200.00 NA 113 Svalbard 200.00 NA 114 Suriname 200.00 NA 115 Sri Lanka 200.00 NA 116 Sri Lanka 200.00 NA 117 Spain 200.00 NA 118 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands200.00 NA 119 South Africa 200.00 NA 120 South Africa 200.00 NA 121 Somalia 200.00 NA 122 Solomon Islands 200.00 NA 123 Solomon Islands 200.00 NA 124 Sierra Leone 200.00 NA 125 Sierra Leone 200.00 NA 126 Seychelles 200.00 NA 127 Seychelles 200.00 NA 128 Senegal 200.00 NA 129 Senegal 200.00 NA 130 Sao Tome and Principe 200.00 NA 131 Samoa 200.00 NA 132 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 200.00 NA 133 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 200.00 NA 134 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 200.00 NA 135 Saint Lucia 200.00 NA 136 Saint Lucia 200.00 NA 137 Saint Kitts and Nevis 200.00 NA 138 Saint Kitts and Nevis 200.00 NA 139 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha200.00 NA 140 Russia 200.00 NA 141 Romania 200.00 NA 142 Puerto Rico 200.00 NA 143 Portugal 200.00 NA 144 Pitcairn Islands 200.00 NA 145 Philippines 200.00 NA 146 Peru 200.00 NA 147 Peru 200.00 NA 148 Papua New Guinea 200.00 NA 149 Panama 200.00 NA 150 Palau 200.00 NA 151 Pakistan 200.00 NA 152 New Zealand 200.00 NA 153 New Caledonia 200.00 NA 154 Netherlands 200.00 NA 155 Navassa Island 200.00 NA 156 Nauru 200.00 NA 157 Namibia 200.00 NA 158 Mozambique 200.00 NA 159 Morocco 200.00 NA 160 Marshall Islands 200.00 NA 161 Maldives 200.00 NA 162 Malaysia 200.00 NA 163 Madagascar 200.00 NA 164 Madagascar 200.00 NA 165 Liberia 200.00 NA 166 Latvia 200.00 NA 167 Korea, South 200.00 NA 168 Indonesia 200.00 NA 169 India 200.00 NA 170 India 200.00 NA 171 Iceland 200.00 NA 172 Iceland 200.00 NA 173 Honduras 200.00 NA 174 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 200.00 NA 175 Haiti 200.00 NA 176 Ghana 200.00 NA 177 Germany 200.00 NA 178 Georgia 200.00 NA 179 Gambia, The 200.00 NA 180 Gabon 200.00 NA 181 French Southern and Antarctic Lands200.00 NA 182 French Polynesia 200.00 NA 183 France 200.00 NA 184 Fiji 200.00 NA 185 Faroe Islands 200.00 NA 186 Faroe Islands 200.00 NA 187 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 200.00 NA 188 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 200.00 NA 189 Equatorial Guinea 200.00 NA 190 El Salvador 200.00 NA 191 Egypt 200.00 NA 192 Barbados 200.00 NA 193 Bahamas, The 200.00 NA 194 Australia 200.00 NA 195 Argentina 200.00 NA 196 Antigua and Barbuda 200.00 NA 197 Libya 62.00 NA 198 Togo 30.00 NA 199 Malta 25.00 NA 200 Angola 24.00 NA 201 Argentina 24.00 NA 202 Antigua and Barbuda 24.00 NA 203 Cape Verde 24.00 NA 204 Canada 24.00 NA 205 Cameroon 24.00 NA 206 Cambodia 24.00 NA 207 Burma 24.00 NA 208 Bulgaria 24.00 NA 209 Brazil 24.00 NA 210 Belgium 24.00 NA 211 Bahrain 24.00 NA 212 Yemen 24.00 NA 213 Vietnam 24.00 NA 214 Vanuatu 24.00 NA 215 Uruguay 24.00 NA 216 United States 24.00 NA 217 United Arab Emirates 24.00 NA 218 Tuvalu 24.00 NA 219 Tunisia 24.00 NA 220 Trinidad and Tobago 24.00 NA 221 Timor-Leste 24.00 NA 222 Syria 24.00 NA 223 Sri Lanka 24.00 NA 224 Spain 24.00 NA 225 South Africa 24.00 NA 226 Sierra Leone 24.00 NA 227 Seychelles 24.00 NA 228 Senegal 24.00 NA 229 Samoa 24.00 NA 230 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 24.00 NA 231 Saint Lucia 24.00 NA 232 Saint Kitts and Nevis 24.00 NA 233 Russia 24.00 NA 234 Romania 24.00 NA 235 Qatar 24.00 NA 236 Portugal 24.00 NA 237 Panama 24.00 NA 238 Pakistan 24.00 NA 239 Oman 24.00 NA 240 Nicaragua 24.00 NA 241 New Zealand 24.00 NA 242 Netherlands 24.00 NA 243 Nauru 24.00 NA 244 Namibia 24.00 NA 245 Morocco 24.00 NA 246 Mexico 24.00 NA 247 Mauritania 24.00 NA 248 Marshall Islands 24.00 NA 249 Malta 24.00 NA 250 Maldives 24.00 NA 251 Madagascar 24.00 NA 252 Korea, South 24.00 NA 253 Japan 24.00 NA 254 Jamaica 24.00 NA 255 Iran 24.00 NA 256 India 24.00 NA 257 Honduras 24.00 NA 258 Haiti 24.00 NA 259 Egypt 24.00 NA 260 Dominican Republic 24.00 NA 261 Dominica 24.00 NA 262 Djibouti 24.00 NA 263 Denmark 24.00 NA 264 Cyprus 24.00 NA 265 Cuba 24.00 NA 266 China 24.00 NA 267 Chile 24.00 NA 268 Ghana 24.00 NA 269 Gabon 24.00 NA 270 France 24.00 NA 271 Finland 24.00 NA 272 El Salvador 24.00 NA 273 Australia 24.00 NA 274 Bangladesh 18.00 NA 275 Sudan 18.00 NA 276 Saudi Arabia 18.00 NA 277 Gambia, The 18.00 NA 278 Venezuela 15.00 NA 279 Albania 12.00 NA 280 Antigua and Barbuda 12.00 NA 281 Algeria 12.00 NA 282 Angola 12.00 NA 283 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 12.00 NA 284 Bahamas, The 12.00 NA 285 Comoros 12.00 NA 286 Colombia 12.00 NA 287 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 12.00 NA 288 Clipperton Island 12.00 NA 289 Christmas Island 12.00 NA 290 Christmas Island 12.00 NA 291 Burma 12.00 NA 292 Bulgaria 12.00 NA 293 Brunei 12.00 NA 294 Cook Islands 12.00 NA 295 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 12.00 NA 296 Brazil 12.00 NA 297 Bermuda 12.00 NA 298 Belize 12.00 NA 299 Belgium 12.00 NA 300 Barbados 12.00 NA 301 Bangladesh 12.00 NA 302 Bahrain 12.00 NA 303 Australia 12.00 NA 304 Haiti 12.00 NA 305 Guyana 12.00 NA 306 Guinea-Bissau 12.00 NA 307 Guinea 12.00 NA 308 Guernsey 12.00 NA 309 Guatemala 12.00 NA 310 Grenada 12.00 NA 311 Greece 12.00 NA 312 Finland 12.00 NA 313 Jamaica 12.00 NA 314 Italy 12.00 NA 315 Israel 12.00 NA 316 Isle of Man 12.00 NA 317 Isle of Man 12.00 NA 318 Ireland 12.00 NA 319 Iraq 12.00 NA 320 Iran 12.00 NA 321 Indonesia 12.00 NA 322 India 12.00 NA 323 Iceland 12.00 NA 324 Honduras 12.00 NA 325 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 12.00 NA 326 Taiwan 12.00 NA 327 Yemen 12.00 NA 328 Wallis and Futuna 12.00 NA 329 Wake Island 12.00 NA 330 Virgin Islands 12.00 NA 331 Vietnam 12.00 NA 332 Venezuela 12.00 NA 333 Vanuatu 12.00 NA 334 Uruguay 12.00 NA 335 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges12.00 NA 336 United States 12.00 NA 337 United Kingdom 12.00 NA 338 United Arab Emirates 12.00 NA 339 Ukraine 12.00 NA 340 Tuvalu 12.00 NA 341 Turks and Caicos Islands 12.00 NA 342 Turkey 12.00 NA 343 Tunisia 12.00 NA 344 Tunisia 12.00 NA 345 Trinidad and Tobago 12.00 NA 346 Tonga 12.00 NA 347 Tokelau 12.00 NA 348 Timor-Leste 12.00 NA 349 Thailand 12.00 NA 350 Tanzania 12.00 NA 351 Syria 12.00 NA 352 Sweden 12.00 NA 353 Suriname 12.00 NA 354 Sudan 12.00 NA 355 Sri Lanka 12.00 NA 356 Spain 12.00 NA 357 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands12.00 NA 358 South Africa 12.00 NA 359 Solomon Islands 12.00 NA 360 Slovenia 12.00 NA 361 Sierra Leone 12.00 NA 362 Seychelles 12.00 NA 363 Senegal 12.00 NA 364 Saudi Arabia 12.00 NA 365 Sao Tome and Principe 12.00 NA 366 Samoa 12.00 NA 367 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12.00 NA 368 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 12.00 NA 369 Saint Lucia 12.00 NA 370 Saint Kitts and Nevis 12.00 NA 371 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha12.00 NA 372 Russia 12.00 NA 373 Romania 12.00 NA 374 Qatar 12.00 NA 375 Puerto Rico 12.00 NA 376 Portugal 12.00 NA 377 Poland 12.00 NA 378 Papua New Guinea 12.00 NA 379 Panama 12.00 NA 380 Pakistan 12.00 NA 381 Oman 12.00 NA 382 Norway 12.00 NA 383 Northern Mariana Islands 12.00 NA 384 Norfolk Island 12.00 NA 385 Niue 12.00 NA 386 Nigeria 12.00 NA 387 Nicaragua 12.00 NA 388 New Zealand 12.00 NA 389 New Caledonia 12.00 NA 390 Netherlands 12.00 NA 391 Navassa Island 12.00 NA 392 Morocco 12.00 NA 393 Montenegro 12.00 NA 394 Monaco 12.00 NA 395 Monaco 12.00 NA 396 Micronesia, Federated States of 12.00 NA 397 Mexico 12.00 NA 398 Mayotte 12.00 NA 399 Mauritius 12.00 NA 400 Mauritania 12.00 NA 401 Nauru 12.00 NA 402 Namibia 12.00 NA 403 Mozambique 12.00 NA 404 Marshall Islands 12.00 NA 405 Malta 12.00 NA 406 Maldives 12.00 NA 407 Malaysia 12.00 NA 408 Madagascar 12.00 NA 409 Lithuania 12.00 NA 410 Libya 12.00 NA 411 Lebanon 12.00 NA 412 Latvia 12.00 NA 413 Kuwait 12.00 NA 414 Korea, South 12.00 NA 415 Korea, North 12.00 NA 416 Kiribati 12.00 NA 417 Kenya 12.00 NA 418 Jersey 12.00 NA 419 Japan 12.00 NA 420 Finland 12.00 NA 421 Fiji 12.00 NA 422 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 12.00 NA 423 Estonia 12.00 NA 424 Eritrea 12.00 NA 425 Equatorial Guinea 12.00 NA 426 El Salvador 12.00 NA 427 Egypt 12.00 NA 428 Ghana 12.00 NA 429 Germany 12.00 NA 430 Georgia 12.00 NA 431 Gambia, The 12.00 NA 432 Gabon 12.00 NA 433 French Southern and Antarctic Lands12.00 NA 434 French Polynesia 12.00 NA 435 France 12.00 NA 436 Dominica 12.00 NA 437 Djibouti 12.00 NA 438 Denmark 12.00 NA 439 Cyprus 12.00 NA 440 Cuba 12.00 NA 441 Croatia 12.00 NA 442 Cote d'Ivoire 12.00 NA 443 Costa Rica 12.00 NA 444 China 12.00 NA 445 Chile 12.00 NA 446 Cayman Islands 12.00 NA 447 Cape Verde 12.00 NA 448 Canada 12.00 NA 449 Cameroon 12.00 NA 450 Cambodia 12.00 NA 451 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 12.00 NA 452 Aruba 12.00 NA 453 Argentina 12.00 NA 454 American Samoa 12.00 NA 455 Jan Mayen 10.00 NA 456 Norway 10.00 NA 457 Dominican Republic 6.00 NA 458 Turkey 6.00 NA 459 Bouvet Island 4.00 NA 460 Jan Mayen 4.00 NA 461 Svalbard 4.00 NA 462 Anguilla 3.00 NA 463 Guernsey 3.00 NA 464 Singapore 3.00 NA 465 Pitcairn Islands 3.00 NA 466 Palau 3.00 NA 467 Montserrat 3.00 NA 468 Jordan 3.00 NA 469 Jersey 3.00 NA 470 Hong Kong 3.00 NA 471 Greenland 3.00 NA 472 British Virgin Islands 3.00 NA 473 Coral Sea Islands 3.00 NA 474 Gibraltar 3.00 NA 475 Faroe Islands 3.00 NA 476 British Indian Ocean Territory 3.00 NA

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Rank code: 2107

Country Comparison :: International organization participation

This entry lists in alphabetical order by abbreviation those international organizations in which the subject country is a member or participates in some other way.

Rank country International organization participationDate of Information

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Rank code: 2108

Country Comparison :: Merchant marine

Merchant marine may be defined as all ships engaged in the carriage of goods; or all commercial vessels (as opposed to all nonmilitary ships), which excludes tugs, fishing vessels, offshore oil rigs, etc. This entry contains information in four fields - total, ships by type, foreign-owned, and registered in other countries. Total includes the number of ships (1,000 GRT or over), total DWT for those ships, and total GRT for those ships. DWT or dead weight tonnage is the total weight of cargo, plus bunkers, stores, etc., that a ship can carry when immersed to the appropriate load line. GRT or gross register tonnage is a figure obtained by measuring the entire sheltered volume of a ship available for cargo and passengers and converting it to tons on the basis of 100 cubic feet per ton; there is no stable relationship between GRT and DWT. Ships by type includes a listing of barge carriers, bulk cargo ships, cargo ships, chemical tankers, combination bulk carriers, combination ore/oil carriers, container ships, liquefied gas tankers, livestock carriers, multifunctional large-load carriers, petroleum tankers, passenger ships, passenger/cargo ships, railcar carriers, refrigerated cargo ships, roll-on/roll-off cargo ships, short-sea passenger ships, specialized tankers, and vehicle carriers. Foreign-owned are ships that fly the flag of one country but belong to owners in another. Registered in other countries are ships that belong to owners in one country but fly the flag of another.

Rank country Merchant marine Date of Information

1 Panama 6,379 2010 2 Liberia 2,512 2010 3 China 2,010 2010 4 Malta 1,571 2010 5 Hong Kong 1,429 2010 6 Singapore 1,422 2010 7 Marshall Islands 1,381 2010 8 Indonesia 1,244 2010 9 Antigua and Barbuda 1,219 2010 10 Bahamas, The 1,170 2010 11 Russia 1,097 2010 12 Greece 886 2010 13 Cyprus 839 2010 14 Korea, South 819 2010 15 Netherlands 706 2010 16 Japan 673 2010 17 Italy 667 2010 18 Turkey 645 2010 19 Norway 632 2010 20 Cambodia 620 2010 21 Vietnam 537 2010 22 United Kingdom 527 2010 23 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 444 2010 24 Philippines 428 2010 25 Germany 421 2010 26 United States 418 2010 27 Thailand 382 2010 28 Denmark 347 2010 29 India 324 2010 30 Malaysia 321 2010 31 Isle of Man 292 2010 32 Gibraltar 265 2010 33 Belize 231 2010 34 Georgia 193 2010 35 Sierra Leone 189 2010 36 Canada 184 2010 37 Comoros 177 2010 38 France 167 2010 39 Sweden 163 2010 40 Saint Kitts and Nevis 160 2010 41 Ukraine 160 2010 42 Korea, North 158 2010 43 Bermuda 139 2010 44 Spain 138 2010 45 Brazil 126 2010 46 Cayman Islands 113 2010 47 Portugal 111 2010 48 Moldova 107 2010 49 Honduras 104 2010 50 Taiwan 101 2010 51 Nigeria 98 2010 52 Barbados 95 2010 53 Finland 93 2010 54 Azerbaijan 92 2010 55 Belgium 81 2010 56 Croatia 75 2010 57 Iran 74 2010 58 Saudi Arabia 74 2010 59 Tanzania 72 2010 60 Vanuatu 72 2010 61 Kiribati 71 2010 62 Monaco 68 2010 63 Egypt 66 2010 64 Tuvalu 66 2010 65 Mexico 60 2010 66 Venezuela 59 2010 67 Mongolia 58 2010 68 United Arab Emirates 57 2010 69 Togo 53 2010 70 Bangladesh 50 2010 71 Chile 48 2010 72 Luxembourg 47 2010 73 Australia 45 2010 74 Argentina 43 2010 75 Lithuania 42 2010 76 Ecuador 41 2010 77 Syria 41 2010 78 Dominica 40 2010 79 Bulgaria 37 2010 80 Algeria 35 2010 81 Switzerland 35 2010 82 Cook Islands 34 2010 83 Kuwait 30 2010 84 Morocco 30 2010 85 Lebanon 29 2010 86 Qatar 29 2010 87 Ireland 28 2010 88 Papua New Guinea 28 2010 89 Libya 27 2010 90 Burma 26 2010 91 Faroe Islands 26 2010 92 Albania 25 2010 93 Slovenia 25 2010 94 Estonia 24 2010 95 Maldives 24 2010 96 Paraguay 23 2010 97 Slovakia 23 2010 98 Bolivia 22 2010 99 Sri Lanka 22 2010 100 Jamaica 19 2010 101 Uruguay 18 2010 102 Romania 15 2010 103 New Zealand 14 2010 104 Cape Verde 13 2010 105 Colombia 13 2010 106 Peru 13 2010 107 Latvia 13 2010 108 Jordan 13 2010 109 French Polynesia 13 2010 110 Jersey 11 2010 111 Tunisia 11 2010 112 Fiji 10 2010 113 Israel 10 2010 114 Pakistan 10 2010 115 Tonga 10 2010 116 Poland 10 2010 117 Brunei 9 2010 118 Ethiopia 9 2010 119 Turkmenistan 9 2010 120 Seychelles 9 2010 121 Guyana 8 2010 122 Wallis and Futuna 8 2008 123 Kazakhstan 8 2010 124 Madagascar 8 2010 125 Angola 7 2010 126 Bahrain 7 2010 127 Trinidad and Tobago 6 2010 128 Yemen 6 2010 129 Cuba 5 2010 130 Gambia, The 5 2010 131 Equatorial Guinea 4 2010 132 Eritrea 4 2010 133 South Africa 4 2010 134 Oman 4 2010 135 Ghana 4 2010 136 Mauritius 3 2010 137 Sao Tome and Principe 3 2010 138 Puerto Rico 3 2008 139 New Caledonia 3 2010 140 Micronesia, Federated States of 3 2010 141 Austria 2 2010 142 Sudan 2 2010 143 Samoa 2 2010 144 Montenegro 2 2010 145 Mozambique 2 2010 146 Iceland 2 2010 147 Iraq 2 2010 148 Gabon 2 2010 149 British Virgin Islands 1 2008 150 Kenya 1 2010 151 Turks and Caicos Islands 1 2008 152 Timor-Leste 1 2010 153 Suriname 1 2008 154 Somalia 1 2008 155 Senegal 1 2010 156 Namibia 1 2010 157 Laos 1 2008 158 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1 2010 159 Greenland 1 2010 160 Costa Rica 1 2010 161 Dominican Republic 1 2008 162 Czech Republic 1 2010 163 Congo, Republic of the 1 2010

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Rank code: 2109

Country Comparison :: National holiday

This entry gives the primary national day of celebration - usually independence day.

Rank country National holiday Date of Information

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Rank code: 2110

Country Comparison :: Nationality

This entry provides the identifying terms for citizens - noun and adjective.

Rank country Nationality Date of Information

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Rank code: 2111

Country Comparison :: Natural resources

This entry lists a country's mineral, petroleum, hydropower, and other resources of commercial importance, such as rare earth elements (REEs).

Rank country Natural resources Date of Information

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Rank code: 2112

Country Comparison :: Net migration rate

This entry includes the figure for the difference between the number of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000 persons (based on midyear population). An excess of persons entering the country is referred to as net immigration (e.g., 3.56 migrants/1,000 population); an excess of persons leaving the country as net emigration (e.g., -9.26 migrants/1,000 population). The net migration rate indicates the contribution of migration to the overall level of population change. The net migration rate does not distinguish between economic migrants, refugees, and other types of migrants nor does it distinguish between lawful migrants and undocumented migrants.

Rank country (migrant(s)/1,000 population) Date of Information

1 United Arab Emirates 21.71 2010 est. 2 Cayman Islands 16.09 2010 est. 3 Kuwait 15.65 2010 est. 4 Sint Maarten 14.24 2008 5 Anguilla 13.54 2010 est. 6 Zimbabwe 12.87 2009 est. 7 Cyprus 11.68 2010 est. 8 San Marino 9.63 2010 est. 9 Aruba 9.56 2010 est. 10 Turks and Caicos Islands 8.63 2010 est. 11 Luxembourg 8.34 2010 est. 12 Isle of Man 8.01 2010 est. 13 British Virgin Islands 7.74 2010 est. 14 Australia 6.13 2010 est. 15 Canada 5.64 2010 est. 16 Jersey 5.36 2010 est. 17 Botswana 4.91 2010 est. 18 Singapore 4.79 2010 est. 19 Liechtenstein 4.63 2010 est. 20 Djibouti 4.60 NA 21 New Caledonia 4.31 2009 est. 22 United States 4.25 2010 est. 23 Afghanistan 4.24 2010 est. 24 Hong Kong 4.22 2010 est. 25 Burundi 4.06 2010 est. 26 Macau 3.52 2010 est. 27 Portugal 3.06 2010 est. 28 Guernsey 2.76 2010 est. 29 Spain 2.73 2010 est. 30 French Polynesia 2.69 2010 est. 31 Brunei 2.64 2010 est. 32 United Kingdom 2.61 2010 est. 33 Denmark 2.47 2010 est. 34 Netherlands 2.38 2010 est. 35 Antigua and Barbuda 2.35 2010 est. 36 Greece 2.33 2010 est. 37 New Zealand 2.30 2010 est. 38 Israel 2.22 2010 est. 39 Germany 2.19 2010 est. 40 Bermuda 2.15 2010 est. 41 Italy 2.07 2010 est. 42 Malta 2.02 2010 est. 43 Austria 1.83 2010 est. 44 Norway 1.70 2010 est. 45 Sweden 1.65 2010 est. 46 Croatia 1.59 2010 est. 47 France 1.47 2010 est. 48 Hungary 1.40 2010 est. 49 Switzerland 1.31 2010 est. 50 Curacao 1.27 2008 51 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.26 2010 est. 52 Belgium 1.22 2010 est. 53 Costa Rica 1.11 2010 est. 54 Rwanda 1.11 2010 est. 55 Angola 1.05 2010 est. 56 Seychelles 1.04 2010 est. 57 Czech Republic 0.97 2010 est. 58 Palau 0.86 2010 est. 59 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.77 2010 est. 60 Finland 0.62 2010 est. 61 Liberia 0.56 2010 est. 62 Iceland 0.54 2010 est. 63 Turkey 0.53 2010 est. 64 Slovenia 0.40 2010 est. 65 Belarus 0.38 2010 est. 66 Slovakia 0.29 2010 est. 67 Russia 0.28 2010 est. 68 Namibia 0.25 2010 est. 69 Sudan 0.05 2010 est. 70 Taiwan 0.03 2010 est. 71 Andorra 0.00 2010 est. 72 Bahrain 0.00 2010 est. 73 Eritrea 0.00 NA 74 Equatorial Guinea 0.00 NA 75 Cote d'Ivoire 0.00 NA 76 Comoros 0.00 NA 77 Chile 0.00 NA 78 Central African Republic 0.00 NA 79 Cameroon 0.00 NA 80 Burkina Faso 0.00 NA 81 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.00 2010 est. 82 Iraq 0.00 NA 83 Guinea-Bissau 0.00 2010 est. 84 Guinea 0.00 2010 est. 85 Gaza Strip 0.00 2010 est. 86 Gambia, The 0.00 2010 est. 87 Faroe Islands 0.00 2010 est. 88 Bhutan 0.00 NA 89 Benin 0.00 2010 est. 90 Belize 0.00 NA 91 Malawi 0.00 NA 92 Madagascar 0.00 NA 93 Libya 0.00 NA 94 Korea, South 0.00 2010 est. 95 Kenya 0.00 2010 est. 96 Japan 0.00 NA 97 Ireland 0.00 2010 est. 98 Bahamas, The 0.00 2010 est. 99 Yemen 0.00 NA 100 West Bank 0.00 2010 est. 101 Venezuela 0.00 2010 est. 102 Vanuatu 0.00 NA 103 Tonga 0.00 NA 104 Togo 0.00 NA 105 Timor-Leste 0.00 NA 106 Thailand 0.00 NA 107 Swaziland 0.00 NA 108 Suriname 0.00 2010 est. 109 Somalia 0.00 2010 est. 110 Serbia 0.00 2010 est. 111 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0.00 NA 112 Papua New Guinea 0.00 NA 113 Niger 0.00 2010 est. 114 Mozambique 0.00 NA 115 Montserrat 0.00 NA 116 Mongolia 0.00 NA 117 Mayotte 0.00 2010 est. 118 Argentina 0.00 2010 est. 119 Ethiopia -0.02 2010 est. 120 Uganda -0.02 2010 est. 121 Mauritius -0.03 2010 est. 122 Iran -0.04 2010 est. 123 India -0.05 2010 est. 124 Paraguay -0.08 2010 est. 125 Brazil -0.09 2010 est. 126 Korea, North -0.09 2010 est. 127 Nigeria -0.10 2010 est. 128 Ukraine -0.10 2010 est. 129 Uruguay -0.14 2010 est. 130 Egypt -0.21 2010 est. 131 Romania -0.27 2010 est. 132 Algeria -0.28 2010 est. 133 Barbados -0.30 2010 est. 134 Burma -0.31 NA 135 China -0.34 2010 est. 136 Cambodia -0.35 NA 137 Vietnam -0.37 2010 est. 138 Tunisia -0.38 2010 est. 139 Malaysia -0.40 2009 est. 140 Panama -0.46 2010 est. 141 Poland -0.47 2010 est. 142 Macedonia -0.48 2010 est. 143 Oman -0.48 2010 est. 144 Ghana -0.61 2010 est. 145 Saudi Arabia -0.61 2010 est. 146 Zambia -0.62 2010 est. 147 Ecuador -0.66 2010 est. 148 Cape Verde -0.67 2010 est. 149 Colombia -0.68 2010 est. 150 Lithuania -0.72 2010 est. 151 Tanzania -0.81 2010 est. 152 Monaco -0.85 2010 est. 153 Puerto Rico -0.91 2010 est. 154 Peru -0.93 2010 est. 155 Mauritania -0.94 2010 est. 156 Bolivia -1.01 2010 est. 157 Sri Lanka -1.05 2010 est. 158 Nicaragua -1.09 2010 est. 159 Moldova -1.13 2010 est. 160 Laos -1.18 NA 161 Congo, Republic of the -1.20 2010 est. 162 Syria -1.20 NA 163 Indonesia -1.23 2010 est. 164 Tajikistan -1.26 2010 est. 165 Honduras -1.27 2010 est. 166 Philippines -1.31 2010 est. 167 Nepal -1.35 2010 est. 168 Azerbaijan -1.42 2010 est. 169 Cuba -1.56 2010 est. 170 Solomon Islands -1.94 2009 est. 171 Turkmenistan -1.95 2010 est. 172 Senegal -1.99 2010 est. 173 Dominican Republic -2.04 2010 est. 174 Bangladesh -2.12 2010 est. 175 Guatemala -2.17 2010 est. 176 Gabon -2.24 2010 est. 177 Latvia -2.32 2010 est. 178 Pakistan -2.36 2010 est. 179 Lebanon -2.43 NA 180 Kyrgyzstan -2.58 2010 est. 181 Bulgaria -2.80 2010 est. 182 Jordan -2.81 2010 est. 183 Uzbekistan -2.84 2010 est. 184 Kiribati -2.87 NA 185 South Africa -3.13 2010 est. 186 Kazakhstan -3.28 2010 est. 187 Estonia -3.29 2010 est. 188 Gibraltar -3.32 2010 est. 189 Albania -3.35 2010 est. 190 Mexico -3.38 2010 est. 191 Grenada -3.67 2010 est. 192 Morocco -3.88 2010 est. 193 Saint Lucia -3.93 2010 est. 194 Chad -3.95 2010 est. 195 Armenia -4.16 2010 est. 196 Georgia -4.16 2010 est. 197 Qatar -4.41 2010 est. 198 Sierra Leone -4.66 2010 est. 199 Virgin Islands -5.27 2010 est. 200 Marshall Islands -5.30 2010 est. 201 Mali -5.38 2010 est. 202 Dominica -5.44 2010 est. 203 Jamaica -5.52 2010 est. 204 Wallis and Futuna -5.87 2010 est. 205 Greenland -5.99 2010 est. 206 American Samoa -6.83 2010 est. 207 Tuvalu -7.07 NA 208 Trinidad and Tobago -7.11 2010 est. 209 Fiji -7.37 2010 est. 210 Haiti -8.32 2011 est. 211 Lesotho -8.68 2010 est. 212 El Salvador -9.13 2010 est. 213 Saint Pierre and Miquelon -9.25 2010 est. 214 Sao Tome and Principe -9.52 2010 est. 215 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines -11.36 2010 est. 216 Samoa -11.52 2010 est. 217 Maldives -12.60 2010 est. 218 Guyana -15.83 2010 est. 219 Nauru -16.08 NA 220 Micronesia, Federated States of -21.01 2010 est. 221 Northern Mariana Islands -73.56 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2113

Country Comparison :: Geography - note

This entry includes miscellaneous geographic information of significance not included elsewhere.

Rank country Geography - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2115

Country Comparison :: Political pressure groups and leaders

This entry includes a listing of a country's political, social, labor, or religious organizations that are involved in politics, or that exert political pressure, but whose leaders do not stand for legislative election. International movements or organizations are generally not listed.

Rank country Political pressure groups and leadersDate of Information

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Rank code: 2116

Country Comparison :: Economy - overview

This entry briefly describes the type of economy, including the degree of market orientation, the level of economic development, the most important natural resources, and the unique areas of specialization. It also characterizes major economic events and policy changes in the most recent 12 months and may include a statement about one or two key future macroeconomic trends.

Rank country Economy - overview Date of Information

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Rank code: 2117

Country Comparison :: Pipelines

This entry gives the lengths and types of pipelines for transporting products like natural gas, crude oil, or petroleum products.

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 United States 548,665.00 2009 2 United States 244,620.00 2009 3 Russia 159,552.00 2009 4 Canada 74,980.00 2009 5 Russia 74,285.00 2009 6 Ukraine 33,327.00 2009 7 China 32,545.00 2009 8 Argentina 28,248.00 2009 9 Australia 27,105.00 2009 10 Germany 24,364.00 2009 11 Canada 23,564.00 2009 12 Mexico 22,705.00 2009 13 China 20,097.00 2009 14 Iran 19,246.00 2009 15 Italy 17,558.00 2009 16 France 14,688.00 2009 17 Algeria 14,648.00 2009 18 Russia 13,658.00 2009 19 Poland 13,631.00 2009 20 Kazakhstan 11,146.00 2009 21 China 10,915.00 2009 22 Turkey 10,630.00 2009 23 Pakistan 10,402.00 2009 24 Kazakhstan 10,376.00 2009 25 Brazil 9,989.00 2009 26 Uzbekistan 9,706.00 2009 27 Mexico 8,688.00 2009 28 United Kingdom 7,992.00 2009 29 Iran 7,936.00 2009 30 Spain 7,738.00 2009 31 India 7,659.00 2009 32 Algeria 7,579.00 2009 33 India 7,542.00 2009 34 India 7,201.00 2009 35 Iran 7,018.00 2009 36 Czech Republic 7,010.00 2009 37 Libya 6,987.00 2009 38 Slovakia 6,769.00 2009 39 Venezuela 6,695.00 2009 40 Mexico 6,520.00 2009 41 Turkmenistan 6,417.00 2009 42 Egypt 6,262.00 2009 43 Colombia 6,097.00 2009 44 Argentina 5,977.00 2009 45 Indonesia 5,800.00 2009 46 Indonesia 5,721.00 2009 47 Venezuela 5,258.00 2009 48 Belarus 5,250.00 2009 49 Bolivia 5,192.00 2009 50 France 5,080.00 2009 51 Iraq 5,032.00 2009 52 Colombia 4,567.00 2009 53 Brazil 4,517.00 2009 54 Ukraine 4,514.00 2009 55 Brazil 4,465.00 2009 56 United Kingdom 4,417.00 2009 57 Hungary 4,407.00 2009 58 Egypt 4,319.00 2009 59 Saudi Arabia 4,241.00 2009 60 Ukraine 4,211.00 2009 61 Oman 4,209.00 2009 62 Nigeria 4,090.00 2009 63 Sudan 4,070.00 2009 64 Japan 3,879.00 2009 65 Germany 3,843.00 2009 66 Netherlands 3,816.00 2009 67 Argentina 3,636.00 2009 68 Turkey 3,636.00 2009 69 Romania 3,588.00 2009 70 Oman 3,558.00 2009 71 Spain 3,445.00 2009 72 Nigeria 3,424.00 2009 73 Colombia 3,382.00 2009 74 Germany 3,379.00 2009 75 Azerbaijan 3,361.00 2009 76 Australia 3,258.00 2009 77 Syria 3,101.00 2009 78 France 2,943.00 2009 79 Algeria 2,933.00 2009 80 Bulgaria 2,926.00 2009 81 Libya 2,860.00 2009 82 Denmark 2,858.00 2009 83 Austria 2,721.00 2009 84 Chile 2,673.00 2009 85 Bangladesh 2,597.00 2009 86 Nigeria 2,565.00 2009 87 Iraq 2,501.00 2009 88 Bolivia 2,488.00 2009 89 Romania 2,424.00 2009 90 Armenia 2,233.00 2009 91 Burma 2,228.00 2009 92 Tunisia 2,179.00 2009 93 India 2,163.00 2009 94 United Arab Emirates 2,152.00 2009 95 Pakistan 2,011.00 2009 96 Syria 1,997.00 2009 97 Malaysia 1,965.00 2009 98 Algeria 1,937.00 2009 99 Serbia 1,921.00 2009 100 Moldova 1,906.00 2009 101 Saudi Arabia 1,880.00 2009 102 Mexico 1,875.00 2009 103 New Zealand 1,838.00 2009 104 Belarus 1,730.00 2009 105 Lithuania 1,695.00 2009 106 Switzerland 1,662.00 2009 107 Iraq 1,637.00 2009 108 Sudan 1,613.00 2009 109 Georgia 1,596.00 2009 110 Bolivia 1,590.00 2009 111 Ireland 1,550.00 2009 112 Belarus 1,528.00 2009 113 Venezuela 1,484.00 2009 114 Turkmenistan 1,457.00 2009 115 Azerbaijan 1,424.00 2009 116 Korea, South 1,423.00 2009 117 Poland 1,384.00 2009 118 South Africa 1,379.00 2009 119 Ecuador 1,374.00 2009 120 Indonesia 1,370.00 2009 121 Yemen 1,367.00 2009 122 Thailand 1,348.00 2009 123 Belgium 1,330.00 2009 124 Croatia 1,327.00 2009 125 United Arab Emirates 1,310.00 2009 126 Ecuador 1,301.00 2009 127 Tunisia 1,285.00 2009 128 Georgia 1,258.00 2009 129 Italy 1,241.00 2009 130 Greece 1,197.00 2009 131 Saudi Arabia 1,183.00 2009 132 Saudi Arabia 1,148.00 2009 133 Portugal 1,098.00 2009 134 Kazakhstan 1,095.00 2009 135 Peru 1,083.00 2009 136 Peru 1,018.00 2009 137 Hungary 987.00 2009 138 Qatar 980.00 2009 139 South Africa 980.00 2009 140 Venezuela 980.00 2009 141 Egypt 956.00 2009 142 Latvia 948.00 2009 143 Kenya 928.00 2009 144 Iraq 918.00 2009 145 Mozambique 918.00 2009 146 South Africa 908.00 2009 147 Egypt 895.00 2009 148 Chile 892.00 2009 149 Cameroon 889.00 2009 150 Tanzania 888.00 2009 151 Uzbekistan 868.00 2009 152 Estonia 859.00 2009 153 Gabon 858.00 2009 154 Slovenia 840.00 2009 155 Morocco 830.00 2009 156 Korea, South 827.00 2009 157 Costa Rica 796.00 2009 158 Pakistan 787.00 2009 159 Sweden 786.00 2009 160 Poland 777.00 2009 161 Libya 776.00 2009 162 Zambia 771.00 2009 163 Chile 769.00 2009 164 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 756.00 2009 165 Indonesia 735.00 2009 166 Netherlands 716.00 2009 167 United Kingdom 699.00 2009 168 Finland 694.00 2009 169 Peru 677.00 2009 170 Austria 663.00 2009 171 Trinidad and Tobago 659.00 2009 172 Kazakhstan 658.00 2009 173 Croatia 583.00 2009 174 Iran 570.00 2009 175 Spain 560.00 2009 176 Burma 558.00 2009 177 Tajikistan 549.00 2009 178 Czech Republic 547.00 2009 179 Kuwait 540.00 2009 180 Laos 540.00 2009 181 Belgium 535.00 2009 182 Peru 533.00 2009 183 Chile 519.00 2009 184 Guatemala 480.00 2009 185 Afghanistan 466.00 2009 186 United Arab Emirates 458.00 2009 187 Israel 442.00 2009 188 Jordan 439.00 2009 189 Morocco 439.00 2009 190 Ecuador 435.00 2009 191 Yemen 423.00 2009 192 Slovakia 416.00 2009 193 Latvia 415.00 2009 194 Taiwan 405.00 2009 195 Qatar 382.00 2009 196 Tunisia 372.00 2009 197 Netherlands 365.00 2009 198 Brazil 353.00 2009 199 Albania 339.00 2009 200 Bulgaria 339.00 2009 201 Trinidad and Tobago 336.00 2009 202 Hungary 335.00 2009 203 New Zealand 331.00 2009 204 Serbia 323.00 2009 205 Thailand 323.00 2009 206 Egypt 320.00 2009 207 Ghana 309.00 2009 208 New Zealand 288.00 2009 209 Mozambique 278.00 2009 210 Zimbabwe 270.00 2009 211 Kuwait 269.00 2009 212 Macedonia 268.00 2009 213 Oman 263.00 2009 214 Israel 261.00 2009 215 Kyrgyzstan 254.00 2009 216 Tanzania 254.00 2009 217 Chad 250.00 2009 218 Australia 240.00 2009 219 Gabon 240.00 2009 220 Cuba 230.00 2009 221 Mexico 228.00 2009 222 Uruguay 226.00 2009 223 United Arab Emirates 220.00 2009 224 Saudi Arabia 212.00 2009 225 United Arab Emirates 212.00 2009 226 Congo, Republic of the 211.00 2009 227 Albania 207.00 2009 228 Vietnam 206.00 2009 229 New Zealand 198.00 2009 230 Papua New Guinea 195.00 2009 231 Portugal 188.00 2009 232 Cote d'Ivoire 180.00 2009 233 Israel 176.00 2009 234 New Zealand 172.00 2009 235 Japan 167.00 2009 236 Belgium 158.00 2009 237 Austria 157.00 2009 238 Bulgaria 156.00 2009 239 Sudan 156.00 2009 240 Luxembourg 155.00 2009 241 Uruguay 155.00 2009 242 Korea, North 154.00 2009 243 Qatar 145.00 2009 244 Venezuela 141.00 2009 245 Qatar 132.00 2009 246 Russia 127.00 2009 247 Russia 122.00 2009 248 Macedonia 120.00 2009 249 Lithuania 114.00 2009 250 Malaysia 114.00 2009 251 Philippines 112.00 2009 252 Denmark 107.00 2009 253 Philippines 107.00 2009 254 Singapore 106.00 2009 255 Nigeria 97.00 2009 256 Czech Republic 94.00 2009 257 Switzerland 94.00 2009 258 Cote d'Ivoire 92.00 2009 259 Qatar 90.00 2009 260 Angola 87.00 2009 261 Cote d'Ivoire 86.00 2009 262 Greece 75.00 2009 263 Indonesia 73.00 2009 264 Vietnam 66.00 2009 265 Norway 64.00 2009 266 Brazil 62.00 2009 267 Egypt 59.00 2009 268 United Kingdom 59.00 2009 269 Kuwait 57.00 2009 270 Nicaragua 54.00 2009 271 Japan 53.00 2009 272 Bolivia 51.00 2009 273 Suriname 50.00 2009 274 Jordan 49.00 2009 275 Lebanon 43.00 2009 276 United Kingdom 43.00 2009 277 Senegal 43.00 2009 278 Vietnam 42.00 2009 279 Argentina 41.00 2009 280 Cuba 41.00 2009 281 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 39.00 2009 282 Equatorial Guinea 38.00 2009 283 Tajikistan 38.00 2009 284 Brunei 37.00 2009 285 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 37.00 2009 286 Bahrain 32.00 2009 287 Malaysia 31.00 2009 288 Norway 31.00 2009 289 Nigeria 26.00 2009 290 Yemen 22.00 2009 291 Bahrain 20.00 2009 292 Liechtenstein 20.00 2009 293 Brunei 18.00 2009 294 Kyrgyzstan 16.00 2009 295 Peru 15.00 2009 296 Egypt 13.00 2009 297 Indonesia 12.00 2009 298 Iran 12.00 2009 299 Portugal 11.00 2009 300 Slovenia 11.00 2009 301 South Africa 11.00 2009 302 Senegal 8.00 2009 303 Tanzania 8.00 2009 304 Congo, Republic of the 7.00 2009 305 Iran 7.00 2009 306 Switzerland 7.00 2009 307 Ecuador 5.00 2009 308 Ghana 5.00 2009 309 Kenya 4.00 2009 310 Egypt 3.00 2009 311 Malaysia 3.00 2009 312 Angola 2.00 2009 313 India 2.00 2009 314 Australia 1.00 2009 315 Azerbaijan 1.00 2009

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Rank code: 2118

Country Comparison :: Political parties and leaders

This entry includes a listing of significant political organizations and their leaders.

Rank country Political parties and leaders Date of Information

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Rank code: 2119

Country Comparison :: Population

This entry gives an estimate from the US Bureau of the Census based on statistics from population censuses, vital statistics registration systems, or sample surveys pertaining to the recent past and on assumptions about future trends. The total population presents one overall measure of the potential impact of the country on the world and within its region. Note: Starting with the 1993 Factbook, demographic estimates for some countries (mostly African) have explicitly taken into account the effects of the growing impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These countries are currently: The Bahamas, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Rank country Population Date of Information

1 China 1,330,141,295 July 2010 est. 2 India 1,173,108,018 July 2010 est. 3 United States 310,232,863 July 2010 est. 4 Indonesia 242,968,342 July 2010 est. 5 Brazil 201,103,330 July 2010 est. 6 Pakistan 184,404,791 July 2010 est. 7 Bangladesh 156,118,464 July 2010 est. 8 Nigeria 152,217,341 July 2010 est. 9 Russia 139,390,205 July 2010 est. 10 Japan 126,804,433 July 2010 est. 11 Mexico 112,468,855 July 2010 est. 12 Philippines 99,900,177 July 2010 est. 13 Vietnam 89,571,130 July 2010 est. 14 Ethiopia 88,013,491 July 2010 est. 15 Germany 82,282,988 July 2010 est. 16 Egypt 80,471,869 July 2010 est. 17 Turkey 77,804,122 July 2010 est. 18 Iran 76,923,300 July 2010 est. 19 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 70,916,439 July 2010 est. 20 Thailand 67,089,500 July 2010 est. 21 France 64,768,389 July 2010 est. 22 United Kingdom 62,348,447 July 2010 est. 23 Italy 58,090,681 July 2010 est. 24 Burma 53,414,374 July 2010 est. 25 South Africa 49,109,107 July 2010 est. 26 Korea, South 48,636,068 July 2010 est. 27 Spain 46,505,963 July 2010 est. 28 Ukraine 45,415,596 July 2010 est. 29 Colombia 44,205,293 July 2010 est. 30 Sudan 43,939,598 July 2010 est. 31 Tanzania 41,892,895 July 2010 est. 32 Argentina 41,343,201 July 2010 est. 33 Kenya 40,046,566 July 2010 est. 34 Poland 38,463,689 July 2010 est. 35 Algeria 34,586,184 July 2010 est. 36 Canada 33,759,742 July 2010 est. 37 Uganda 33,398,682 July 2010 est. 38 Morocco 31,627,428 July 2010 est. 39 Peru 29,907,003 July 2010 est. 40 Iraq 29,671,605 July 2010 est. 41 Afghanistan 29,121,286 July 2010 est. 42 Nepal 28,951,852 July 2010 est. 43 Malaysia 28,274,729 July 2010 est. 44 Uzbekistan 27,865,738 July 2010 est. 45 Venezuela 27,223,228 July 2010 est. 46 Saudi Arabia 25,731,776 July 2010 est. 47 Ghana 24,339,838 July 2010 est. 48 Yemen 23,495,361 July 2010 est. 49 Taiwan 23,024,956 July 2010 est. 50 Korea, North 22,757,275 July 2010 est. 51 Syria 22,198,110 NA 52 Mozambique 22,061,451 July 2010 est. 53 Romania 21,959,278 July 2010 est. 54 Australia 21,515,754 July 2010 est. 55 Sri Lanka 21,513,990 July 2010 est. 56 Madagascar 21,281,844 July 2010 est. 57 Cote d'Ivoire 21,058,798 July 2010 est. 58 Cameroon 19,294,149 July 2010 est. 59 Netherlands 16,783,092 July 2010 est. 60 Chile 16,746,491 July 2010 est. 61 Burkina Faso 16,241,811 July 2010 est. 62 Niger 15,878,271 July 2010 est. 63 Kazakhstan 15,460,484 July 2010 est. 64 Malawi 15,447,500 July 2010 est. 65 Ecuador 14,790,608 July 2010 est. 66 Cambodia 14,453,680 July 2010 est. 67 Mali 13,796,354 July 2010 est. 68 Guatemala 13,550,440 July 2010 est. 69 Zambia 13,460,305 July 2010 est. 70 Angola 13,068,161 July 2010 est. 71 Senegal 12,323,252 July 2010 est. 72 Zimbabwe 11,651,858 July 2010 est. 73 Cuba 11,477,459 July 2010 est. 74 Rwanda 11,055,976 July 2010 est. 75 Greece 10,749,943 July 2010 est. 76 Portugal 10,735,765 July 2010 est. 77 Tunisia 10,589,025 July 2010 est. 78 Chad 10,543,464 July 2010 est. 79 Belgium 10,423,493 July 2010 est. 80 Guinea 10,324,025 July 2010 est. 81 Czech Republic 10,201,707 July 2010 est. 82 Somalia 10,112,453 July 2010 est. 83 Hungary 9,992,339 July 2010 est. 84 Bolivia 9,947,418 July 2010 est. 85 Burundi 9,863,117 July 2010 est. 86 Dominican Republic 9,823,821 July 2010 est. 87 Haiti 9,719,932 2011 est. 88 Belarus 9,612,632 July 2010 est. 89 Sweden 9,074,055 July 2010 est. 90 Benin 9,056,010 July 2010 est. 91 Azerbaijan 8,303,512 July 2010 est. 92 Austria 8,214,160 July 2010 est. 93 Honduras 7,989,415 July 2010 est. 94 Switzerland 7,623,438 July 2010 est. 95 Tajikistan 7,487,489 July 2010 est. 96 Israel 7,353,985 NA 97 Serbia 7,344,847 July 2010 est. 98 Bulgaria 7,148,785 July 2010 est. 99 Hong Kong 7,089,705 July 2010 est. 100 Togo 6,587,239 July 2010 est. 101 Libya 6,461,454 July 2010 est. 102 Jordan 6,407,085 July 2010 est. 103 Paraguay 6,375,830 July 2010 est. 104 Laos 6,368,162 July 2010 est. 105 Papua New Guinea 6,064,515 July 2010 est. 106 El Salvador 6,052,064 July 2010 est. 107 Nicaragua 5,995,928 July 2010 est. 108 Eritrea 5,792,984 July 2010 est. 109 Denmark 5,515,575 July 2010 est. 110 Kyrgyzstan 5,508,626 July 2010 est. 111 Slovakia 5,470,306 July 2010 est. 112 Finland 5,255,068 July 2010 est. 113 Sierra Leone 5,245,695 July 2010 est. 114 United Arab Emirates 4,975,593 July 2010 est. 115 Turkmenistan 4,940,916 July 2010 est. 116 Central African Republic 4,844,927 July 2010 est. 117 Singapore 4,701,069 July 2010 est. 118 Norway 4,676,305 July 2010 est. 119 Ireland 4,622,917 July 2010 est. 120 Bosnia and Herzegovina 4,621,598 July 2010 est. 121 Georgia 4,600,825 July 2010 est. 122 Costa Rica 4,516,220 July 2010 est. 123 Croatia 4,486,881 July 2010 est. 124 Moldova 4,317,483 July 2010 est. 125 New Zealand 4,252,277 July 2010 est. 126 Congo, Republic of the 4,125,916 July 2010 est. 127 Lebanon 4,125,247 July 2010 est. 128 Puerto Rico 3,978,702 July 2010 est. 129 Liberia 3,685,076 July 2010 est. 130 Lithuania 3,545,319 July 2010 est. 131 Uruguay 3,510,386 July 2010 est. 132 Panama 3,410,676 July 2010 est. 133 Mauritania 3,205,060 July 2010 est. 134 Mongolia 3,086,918 July 2010 est. 135 Albania 2,986,952 July 2010 est. 136 Oman 2,967,717 July 2010 est. 137 Armenia 2,966,802 July 2010 est. 138 Jamaica 2,847,232 July 2010 est. 139 Kuwait 2,789,132 July 2010 est. 140 West Bank 2,514,845 NA 141 Latvia 2,217,969 July 2010 est. 142 Namibia 2,128,471 July 2010 est. 143 Macedonia 2,072,086 July 2010 est. 144 Botswana 2,029,307 July 2010 est. 145 Slovenia 2,003,136 July 2010 est. 146 Lesotho 1,919,552 July 2010 est. 147 Gambia, The 1,824,158 July 2010 est. 148 Kosovo 1,815,048 July 2010 est. 149 Gaza Strip 1,604,238 July 2010 est. 150 Guinea-Bissau 1,565,126 July 2010 est. 151 Gabon 1,545,255 July 2010 est. 152 Swaziland 1,354,051 July 2010 est. 153 Mauritius 1,294,104 July 2010 est. 154 Estonia 1,291,170 July 2010 est. 155 Trinidad and Tobago 1,228,691 July 2010 est. 156 Timor-Leste 1,154,625 July 2010 est. 157 Cyprus 1,102,677 July 2010 est. 158 Fiji 875,983 July 2010 est. 159 Qatar 840,926 July 2010 est. 160 Comoros 773,407 July 2010 est. 161 Guyana 748,486 July 2010 est. 162 Djibouti 740,528 July 2010 est. 163 Bahrain 738,004 July 2010 est. 164 Bhutan 699,847 July 2010 est. 165 Montenegro 666,730 July 2010 est. 166 Equatorial Guinea 650,702 July 2010 est. 167 Macau 567,957 July 2010 est. 168 Solomon Islands 559,198 July 2010 est. 169 Cape Verde 508,659 July 2010 est. 170 Luxembourg 497,538 July 2010 est. 171 Western Sahara 491,519 July 2010 est. 172 Suriname 486,618 July 2010 est. 173 Malta 406,771 July 2010 est. 174 Maldives 395,650 July 2010 est. 175 Brunei 395,027 July 2010 est. 176 Belize 314,522 July 2010 est. 177 Bahamas, The 310,426 July 2010 est. 178 Iceland 308,910 July 2010 est. 179 French Polynesia 291,000 July 2010 est. 180 Barbados 285,653 July 2010 est. 181 New Caledonia 252,352 July 2010 est. 182 Mayotte 231,139 July 2010 est. 183 Vanuatu 221,552 July 2010 est. 184 Samoa 192,001 July 2010 est. 185 Sao Tome and Principe 175,808 July 2010 est. 186 Saint Lucia 160,922 July 2010 est. 187 Curacao 142,180 est. January 2010 188 Tonga 122,580 July 2010 est. 189 Virgin Islands 109,750 July 2010 est. 190 Grenada 107,818 July 2010 est. 191 Micronesia, Federated States of 107,154 July 2010 est. 192 Aruba 104,589 July 2010 est. 193 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 104,217 July 2010 est. 194 Kiribati 99,482 July 2010 est. 195 Jersey 93,363 July 2010 est. 196 Seychelles 88,340 July 2010 est. 197 Antigua and Barbuda 86,754 July 2010 est. 198 Andorra 84,525 July 2010 est. 199 Isle of Man 83,859 July 2010 est. 200 Dominica 72,813 July 2010 est. 201 Bermuda 68,265 July 2010 est. 202 American Samoa 66,432 July 2010 est. 203 Marshall Islands 65,859 July 2010 est. 204 Guernsey 64,775 July 2010 est. 205 Greenland 57,637 July 2010 est. 206 Cayman Islands 50,209 July 2010 est. 207 Saint Kitts and Nevis 49,898 July 2010 est. 208 Faroe Islands 49,057 July 2010 est. 209 Northern Mariana Islands 48,317 July 2010 est. 210 Sint Maarten 37,429 January 2010 est. 211 Liechtenstein 35,002 July 2010 est. 212 San Marino 31,477 July 2010 est. 213 Monaco 30,586 July 2010 est. 214 Saint Martin 30,235 July 2010 est. 215 Gibraltar 28,877 July 2010 est. 216 British Virgin Islands 24,939 July 2010 est. 217 Turks and Caicos Islands 23,528 July 2010 est. 218 Palau 20,879 July 2010 est. 219 Akrotiri 15,700 NA 220 Dhekelia 15,700 NA 221 Wallis and Futuna 15,343 July 2010 est. 222 Anguilla 14,766 July 2010 est. 223 Cook Islands 11,488 July 2010 est. 224 Tuvalu 10,472 July 2010 est. 225 Nauru 9,267 July 2010 est. 226 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha7,670 July 2010 est. 227 Saint Barthelemy 7,406 July 2010 est. 228 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 5,943 July 2010 est. 229 Montserrat 5,118 July 2010 est. 230 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 3,140 July 2008 est. 231 Norfolk Island 2,155 July 2010 est. 232 Svalbard 2,067 July 2010 est. 233 Christmas Island 1,402 July 2010 est. 234 Tokelau 1,400 July 2010 est. 235 Niue 1,354 July 2010 est. 236 Holy See (Vatican City) 829 July 2010 est. 237 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 596 July 2010 est. 238 Pitcairn Islands 48 July 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2120

Country Comparison :: Ports and terminals

This entry lists major ports and terminals primarily on the basis of the amount of cargo tonnage shipped through the facilities on an annual basis. In some instances, the number of containers handled or ship visits were also considered.

Rank country Ports and terminals Date of Information

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Rank code: 2121

Country Comparison :: Railways

This entry states the total route length of the railway network and of its component parts by gauge: broad, standard, narrow, and dual. Other gauges are listed under note.

Rank country (km) Date of Information

1 United States 226,427 2007 2 Russia 87,157 2006 3 China 77,834 2008 4 India 64,015 2009 5 Canada 46,688 2008 6 Germany 41,896 2008 7 Australia 37,855 2008 8 Argentina 31,409 2008 9 France 29,213 2008 10 Brazil 28,857 2008 11 Japan 26,435 2009 12 Poland 22,314 2007 13 Ukraine 21,658 2009 14 South Africa 20,872 2008 15 Italy 19,729 2008 16 Mexico 17,516 2008 17 United Kingdom 16,454 2008 18 Spain 15,288 2008 19 Kazakhstan 15,082 2008 20 Sweden 11,633 2008 21 Romania 10,788 2008 22 Czech Republic 9,620 2008 23 Turkey 8,697 2008 24 Cuba 8,598 2006 25 Indonesia 8,529 2008 26 Iran 8,442 2008 27 Hungary 8,057 2008 28 Pakistan 7,791 2007 29 Austria 6,399 2008 30 Sudan 5,978 2008 31 Finland 5,794 2008 32 Belarus 5,537 2008 33 Egypt 5,500 2009 34 Chile 5,483 2008 35 Korea, North 5,242 2009 36 Switzerland 4,888 2008 37 Mozambique 4,787 2008 38 Bulgaria 4,294 2008 39 New Zealand 4,128 2008 40 Norway 4,114 2009 41 Thailand 4,071 2008 42 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4,007 2008 43 Algeria 3,973 2008 44 Burma 3,955 2008 45 Colombia 3,802 2008 46 Tanzania 3,689 2008 47 Uzbekistan 3,645 2008 48 Slovakia 3,622 2008 49 Nigeria 3,505 2008 50 Bolivia 3,504 2008 51 Korea, South 3,381 2008 52 Serbia 3,379 2006 53 Ireland 3,237 2008 54 Belgium 3,233 2008 55 Zimbabwe 3,077 2008 56 Turkmenistan 2,980 2008 57 Azerbaijan 2,918 2009 58 Netherlands 2,896 2009 59 Portugal 2,786 2008 60 Kenya 2,778 2008 61 Bangladesh 2,768 2008 62 Angola 2,764 2008 63 Croatia 2,722 2009 64 Denmark 2,667 2008 65 Namibia 2,629 2008 66 Greece 2,548 2008 67 Vietnam 2,347 2008 68 Latvia 2,298 2008 69 Iraq 2,272 2008 70 Tunisia 2,167 2008 71 Zambia 2,157 2008 72 Syria 2,052 2008 73 Peru 1,989 2008 74 Morocco 1,907 2008 75 Malaysia 1,849 2008 76 Mongolia 1,810 2008 77 Dominican Republic 1,784 2008 78 Lithuania 1,768 2009 79 Uruguay 1,641 2010 80 Georgia 1,612 2008 81 Taiwan 1,582 2008 82 Sri Lanka 1,449 2007 83 Saudi Arabia 1,392 2008 84 Uganda 1,244 2008 85 Slovenia 1,228 2007 86 Estonia 1,196 2008 87 Guinea 1,185 2008 88 Moldova 1,138 2008 89 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,000 2008 90 Cameroon 987 2008 91 Ecuador 965 2008 92 Israel 949 2008 93 Ghana 947 2008 94 Senegal 906 2008 95 Philippines 897 2008 96 Albania 896 2008 97 Botswana 888 2008 98 Madagascar 854 2008 99 Armenia 845 2008 100 Gabon 814 2008 101 Venezuela 806 2008 102 Malawi 797 2008 103 Congo, Republic of the 795 2008 104 Macedonia 699 2009 105 Cambodia 690 2010 106 Ethiopia 681 2008 107 Tajikistan 680 2008 108 Cote d'Ivoire 660 2008 109 Burkina Faso 622 2008 110 Fiji 597 2008 111 Mali 593 2008 112 Benin 578 2008 113 Togo 532 2008 114 Jordan 507 2008 115 Kyrgyzstan 470 2008 116 Kosovo 430 2007 117 Liberia 429 2008 118 Lebanon 401 2008 119 Guatemala 332 2008 120 Eritrea 306 2008 121 Swaziland 301 2008 122 El Salvador 283 2008 123 Costa Rica 278 2008 124 Luxembourg 275 2008 125 Montenegro 250 2007 126 Djibouti 100 2008 127 Panama 76 2008 128 Honduras 75 2009 129 Isle of Man 63 2008 130 Nepal 59 2008 131 Saint Kitts and Nevis 50 2008 132 Paraguay 36 2008 133 Christmas Island 18 2010

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Rank code: 2122

Country Comparison :: Religions

This entry is an ordered listing of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. The core characteristics and beliefs of the world's major religions are described below. Baha'i - Founded by Mirza Husayn-Ali (known as Baha'u'llah) in Iran in 1852, Baha'i faith emphasizes monotheism and believes in one eternal transcendent God. Its guiding focus is to encourage the unity of all peoples on the earth so that justice and peace may be achieved on earth. Baha'i revelation contends the prophets of major world religions reflect some truth or element of the divine, believes all were manifestations of God given to specific communities in specific times, and that Baha'u'llah is an additional prophet meant to call all humankind. Bahais are an open community, located worldwide, with the greatest concentration of believers in South Asia. Buddhism - Religion or philosophy inspired by the 5th century B.C. teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (also known as Gautama Buddha "the enlightened one"). Buddhism focuses on the goal of spiritual enlightenment centered on an understanding of Gautama Buddha's Four Noble Truths on the nature of suffering, and on the Eightfold Path of spiritual and moral practice, to break the cycle of suffering of which we are a part. Buddhism ascribes to a karmic system of rebirth. Several schools and sects of Buddhism exist, differing often on the nature of the Buddha, the extent to which enlightenment can be achieved - for one or for all, and by whom - religious orders or laity. Basic Groupings Theravada Buddhism: The oldest Buddhist school, Theravada is practiced mostly in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Thailand, with minority representation elsewhere in Asia and the West. Theravadans follow the Pali Canon of Buddha's teachings, and believe that one may escape the cycle of rebirth, worldly attachment, and suffering for oneself; this process may take one or several lifetimes. Mahayana Buddhism, including subsets Zen and Tibetan Buddhism: Forms of Mahayana Buddhism are common in East Asia and Tibet, and parts of the West. Mahayanas have additional scriptures beyond the Pali Canon and believe the Buddha is eternal and still teaching. Unlike Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana schools maintain the Buddha-nature is present in all beings and all will ultimately achieve enlightenment. Christianity - Descending from Judaism, Christianity's central belief maintains Jesus of Nazareth is the promised messiah of the Hebrew Scriptures, and that his life, death, and resurrection are salvific for the world. Christianity is one of the three monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, along with Islam and Judaism, which traces its spiritual lineage to Abraham of the Hebrew Scriptures. Its sacred texts include the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament (or the Christian Gospels). Basic Groupings Catholicism (or Roman Catholicism): This is the oldest established western Christian church and the world's largest single religious body. It is supranational, and recognizes a hierarchical structure with the Pope, or Bishop of Rome, as its head, located at the Vatican. Catholics believe the Pope is the divinely ordered head of the Church from a direct spiritual legacy of Jesus' apostle Peter. Catholicism is comprised of 23 particular Churches, or Rites - one Western (Roman or Latin-Rite) and 22 Eastern. The Latin Rite is by far the largest, making up about 98% of Catholic membership. Eastern-Rite Churches, such as the Maronite Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church, are in communion with Rome although they preserve their own worship traditions and their immediate hierarchy consists of clergy within their own rite. The Catholic Church has a comprehensive theological and moral doctrine specified for believers in its catechism, which makes it unique among most forms of Christianity. Mormonism (including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints): Originating in 1830 in the United States under Joseph Smith, Mormonism is not characterized as a form of Protestant Christianity because it claims additional revealed Christian scriptures after the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. The Book of Mormon maintains there was an appearance of Jesus in the New World following the Christian account of his resurrection, and that the Americas are uniquely blessed continents. Mormonism believes earlier Christian traditions, such as the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant reform faiths, are apostasies and that Joseph Smith's revelation of the Book of Mormon is a restoration of true Christianity. Mormons have a hierarchical religious leadership structure, and actively proselytize their faith; they are located primarily in the Americas and in a number of other Western countries. Orthodox Christianity: The oldest established eastern form of Christianity, the Holy Orthodox Church, has a ceremonial head in the Bishop of Constantinople (Istanbul), also known as a Patriarch, but its various regional forms (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox) are autocephalous (independent of Constantinople's authority, and have their own Patriarchs). Orthodox churches are highly nationalist and ethnic. The Orthodox Christian faith shares many theological tenets with the Roman Catholic Church, but diverges on some key premises and does not recognize the governing authority of the Pope. Protestant Christianity: Protestant Christianity originated in the 16th century as an attempt to reform Roman Catholicism's practices, dogma, and theology. It encompasses several forms or denominations which are extremely varied in structure, beliefs, relationship to state, clergy, and governance. Many protestant theologies emphasize the primary role of scripture in their faith, advocating individual interpretation of Christian texts without the mediation of a final religious authority such as the Roman Pope. The oldest Protestant Christianities include Lutheranism, Calvinism (Presbyterians), and Anglican Christianity (Episcopalians), which have established liturgies, governing structure, and formal clergy. Other variants on Protestant Christianity, including Pentecostal movements and independent churches, may lack one or more of these elements, and their leadership and beliefs are individualized and dynamic. Hinduism - Originating in the Vedic civilization of India (second and first millennium B.C.), Hinduism is an extremely diverse set of beliefs and practices with no single founder or religious authority. Hinduism has many scriptures; the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita are among some of the most important. Hindus may worship one or many deities, usually with prayer rituals within their own home. The most common figures of devotion are the gods Vishnu, Shiva, and a mother goddess, Devi. Most Hindus believe the soul, or atman, is eternal, and goes through a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) determined by one's positive or negative karma, or the consequences of one's actions. The goal of religious life is to learn to act so as to finally achieve liberation (moksha) of one's soul, escaping the rebirth cycle. Islam - The third of the monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, Islam originated with the teachings of Muhammad in the 7th century. Muslims believe Muhammad is the final of all religious prophets (beginning with Abraham) and that the Qu'ran, which is the Islamic scripture, was revealed to him by God. Islam derives from the word submission, and obedience to God is a primary theme in this religion. In order to live an Islamic life, believers must follow the five pillars, or tenets, of Islam, which are the testimony of faith (shahada), daily prayer (salah), giving alms (zakah), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). Basic Groupings The two primary branches of Islam are Sunni and Shia, which split from each other over a religio-political leadership dispute about the rightful successor to Muhammad. The Shia believe Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, was the only divinely ordained Imam (religious leader), while the Sunni maintain the first three caliphs after Muhammad were also legitimate authorities. In modern Islam, Sunnis and Shia continue to have different views of acceptable schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and who is a proper Islamic religious authority. Islam also has an active mystical branch, Sufism, with various Sunni and Shia subsets. Sunni Islam accounts for over 75% of the world's Muslim population. It recognizes the Abu Bakr as the first caliph after Muhammad. Sunni has four schools of Islamic doctrine and law - Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali - which uniquely interpret the Hadith, or recorded oral traditions of Muhammad. A Sunni Muslim may elect to follow any one of these schools, as all are considered equally valid. Shia Islam represents 10-20% of Muslims worldwide, and its distinguishing feature is its reverence for Ali as an infallible, divinely inspired leader, and as the first Imam of the Muslim community after Muhammad. A majority of Shia are known as "Twelvers," because they believe that the 11 familial successor imams after Muhammad culminate in a 12th Imam (al-Mahdi) who is hidden in the world and will reappear at its end to redeem the righteous. Variants Ismaili faith: A sect of Shia Islam, its adherents are also known as "Seveners," because they believe that the rightful seventh Imam in Islamic leadership was Isma'il, the elder son of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq. Ismaili tradition awaits the return of the seventh Imam as the Mahdi, or Islamic messianic figure. Ismailis are located in various parts of the world, particularly South Asia and the Levant. Alawi faith: Another Shia sect of Islam, the name reflects followers' devotion to the religious authority of Ali. Alawites are a closed, secretive religious group who assert they are Shia Muslims, although outside scholars speculate their beliefs may have a syncretic mix with other faiths originating in the Middle East. Alawis live mostly in Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey. Druze faith: A highly secretive tradition and a closed community that derives from the Ismaili sect of Islam; its core beliefs are thought to emphasize a combination of Gnostic principles believing that the Fatimid caliph, al-Hakin, is the one who embodies the key aspects of goodness of the universe, which are, the intellect, the word, the soul, the preceder, and the follower. The Druze have a key presence in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Jainism - Originating in India, Jain spiritual philosophy believes in an eternal human soul, the eternal universe, and a principle of "the own nature of things." It emphasizes compassion for all living things, seeks liberation of the human soul from reincarnation through enlightenment, and values personal responsibility due to the belief in the immediate consequences of one's behavior. Jain philosophy teaches non-violence and prescribes vegetarianism for monks and laity alike; its adherents are a highly influential religious minority in Indian society. Judaism - One of the first known monotheistic religions, likely dating to between 2000-1500 B.C., Judaism is the native faith of the Jewish people, based upon the belief in a covenant of responsibility between a sole omnipotent creator God and Abraham, the patriarch of Judaism's Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh. Divine revelation of principles and prohibitions in the Hebrew Scriptures form the basis of Jewish law, or halakhah, which is a key component of the faith. While there are extensive traditions of Jewish halakhic and theological discourse, there is no final dogmatic authority in the tradition. Local communities have their own religious leadership. Modern Judaism has three basic categories of faith: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform/Liberal. These differ in their views and observance of Jewish law, with the Orthodox representing the most traditional practice, and Reform/Liberal communities the most accommodating of individualized interpretations of Jewish identity and faith. Shintoism - A native animist tradition of Japan, Shinto practice is based upon the premise that every being and object has its own spirit or kami. Shinto practitioners worship several particular kamis, including the kamis of nature, and families often have shrines to their ancestors' kamis. Shintoism has no fixed tradition of prayers or prescribed dogma, but is characterized by individual ritual. Respect for the kamis in nature is a key Shinto value. Prior to the end of World War II, Shinto was the state religion of Japan, and bolstered the cult of the Japanese emperor. Sikhism - Founded by the Guru Nanak (born 1469), Sikhism believes in a non-anthropomorphic, supreme, eternal, creator God; centering one's devotion to God is seen as a means of escaping the cycle of rebirth. Sikhs follow the teachings of Nanak and nine subsequent gurus. Their scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib - also known as the Adi Granth - is considered the living Guru, or final authority of Sikh faith and theology. Sikhism emphasizes equality of humankind and disavows caste, class, or gender discrimination. Taoism - Chinese philosophy or religion based upon Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, which centers on belief in the Tao, or the way, as the flow of the universe and the nature of things. Taoism encourages a principle of non-force, or wu-wei, as the means to live harmoniously with the Tao. Taoists believe the esoteric world is made up of a perfect harmonious balance and nature, while in the manifest world - particularly in the body - balance is distorted. The Three Jewels of the Tao - compassion, simplicity, and humility - serve as the basis for Taoist ethics. Zoroastrianism - Originating from the teachings of Zoroaster in about the 9th or 10th century B.C., Zoroastrianism may be the oldest continuing creedal religion. Its key beliefs center on a transcendent creator God, Ahura Mazda, and the concept of free will. The key ethical tenets of Zoroastrianism expressed in its scripture, the Avesta, are based on a dualistic worldview where one may prevent chaos if one chooses to serve God and exercises good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Zoroastrianism is generally a closed religion and members are almost always born to Zoroastrian parents. Prior to the spread of Islam, Zoroastrianism dominated greater Iran. Today, though a minority, Zoroastrians remain primarily in Iran, India, and Pakistan.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Mauritania 100.00 NA 2 Pitcairn Islands 100.00 NA 3 Saudi Arabia 100.00 NA 4 Turkey 99.80 NA 5 Gaza Strip 99.30 NA 6 Algeria 99.00 NA 7 Wallis and Futuna 99.00 NA 8 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 99.00 NA 9 Morocco 98.70 NA 10 Comoros 98.00 NA 11 Moldova 98.00 NA 12 Iran 98.00 NA 13 Timor-Leste 98.00 2005 14 Tunisia 98.00 NA 15 Malta 98.00 NA 16 Greece 98.00 NA 17 Honduras 97.00 NA 18 Tuvalu 97.00 NA 19 Mayotte 97.00 NA 20 Libya 97.00 NA 21 Iraq 97.00 NA 22 Cambodia 96.40 1998 census 23 United Arab Emirates 96.00 NA 24 Venezuela 96.00 NA 25 Bolivia 95.00 NA 26 Denmark 95.00 NA 27 Dominican Republic 95.00 NA 28 Ecuador 95.00 NA 29 Pakistan 95.00 NA 30 Armenia 94.70 NA 31 Thailand 94.60 2000 census 32 Djibouti 94.00 NA 33 Senegal 94.00 NA 34 Spain 94.00 NA 35 Azerbaijan 93.40 NA 36 Taiwan 93.00 NA 37 Argentina 92.00 NA 38 Jordan 92.00 NA 39 Colombia 90.00 NA 40 Monaco 90.00 NA 41 Egypt 90.00 NA 42 Hong Kong 90.00 NA 43 Mali 90.00 NA 44 Italy 90.00 NA 45 Gambia, The 90.00 NA 46 Poland 89.80 2002 47 Paraguay 89.60 2002 census 48 Bangladesh 89.50 2004 49 Burma 89.00 NA 50 Turkmenistan 89.00 NA 51 Uzbekistan 88.00 NA 52 Croatia 87.80 2001 census 53 Ireland 87.40 2006 census 54 Luxembourg 87.00 2000 55 Sweden 87.00 NA 56 Romania 86.80 2002 census 57 Indonesia 86.10 2000 census 58 British Virgin Islands 86.00 1991 59 Norway 85.70 2004 60 Liberia 85.60 2008 Census 61 Guinea 85.00 NA 62 Kuwait 85.00 NA 63 Panama 85.00 NA 64 Puerto Rico 85.00 NA 65 Tajikistan 85.00 2003 est. 66 Serbia 85.00 2002 census 67 Portugal 84.50 2001 census 68 Georgia 83.90 2002 census 69 Japan 83.90 2005 70 Faroe Islands 83.80 2006 census 71 Bulgaria 82.60 2001 census 72 Finland 82.50 2006 73 Seychelles 82.30 2002 census 74 Peru 81.30 2007 Census 75 Bahrain 81.20 2001 census 76 Philippines 80.90 2000 census 77 Aruba 80.80 NA 78 Vietnam 80.80 1999 census 79 Iceland 80.70 2006 est. 80 Nepal 80.60 NA 81 India 80.50 2001 census 82 Curacao 80.10 2001 census 83 Afghanistan 80.00 NA 84 Niger 80.00 NA 85 Haiti 80.00 NA 86 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 80.00 2002 est. 87 Belarus 80.00 NA 88 Malawi 79.90 1998 census 89 Lithuania 79.00 2001 census 90 Gibraltar 78.10 2001 census 91 Cyprus 78.00 NA 92 Qatar 77.50 2004 census 93 Mexico 76.50 2000 census 94 Costa Rica 76.30 NA 95 Liechtenstein 76.20 June 2002 96 Israel 75.50 2008 97 Belgium 75.00 NA 98 Bhutan 75.00 NA 99 Oman 75.00 NA 100 West Bank 75.00 NA 101 Kyrgyzstan 75.00 NA 102 Montenegro 74.20 2003 census 103 Syria 74.00 NA 104 Austria 73.60 2001 census 105 Brazil 73.60 2000 census 106 Botswana 71.60 2001 census 107 United Kingdom 71.60 2001 census 108 Japan 71.40 2005 109 Sao Tome and Principe 70.30 2001 census 110 Albania 70.00 NA 111 Chile 70.00 2002 census 112 Tokelau 70.00 NA 113 Sudan 70.00 NA 114 Sri Lanka 69.10 NA 115 Slovakia 68.90 2001 census 116 Ghana 68.80 2000 census 117 Saint Lucia 67.50 2001 census 118 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 67.20 2006 census 119 Brunei 67.00 NA 120 Burundi 67.00 NA 121 Laos 67.00 2005 census 122 Macedonia 64.70 2002 census 123 Fiji 64.50 2007 census 124 Latvia 63.70 2006 125 Barbados 63.40 2008 est. 126 Jamaica 62.50 2001 census 127 Dominica 61.40 2001 census 128 Niue 61.10 2001 census 129 Malaysia 60.40 2000 census 130 New Caledonia 60.00 NA 131 Sierra Leone 60.00 NA 132 Lebanon 59.70 NA 133 Czech Republic 59.00 2001 census 134 Nicaragua 58.50 2005 census 135 Slovenia 57.80 2002 census 136 El Salvador 57.10 2003 est. 137 Rwanda 56.50 NA 138 Cook Islands 55.90 2001 census 139 Kiribati 55.00 2005 census 140 Marshall Islands 54.80 1999 census 141 French Polynesia 54.00 NA 142 Chad 53.10 1993 census 143 Grenada 53.00 NA 144 Micronesia, Federated States of 52.70 2000 Census 145 Madagascar 52.00 NA 146 Hungary 51.90 2001 census 147 United States 51.30 2007 est. 148 Togo 51.00 NA 149 Ukraine 50.40 2006 est. 150 American Samoa 50.00 NA 151 Zimbabwe 50.00 NA 152 Nigeria 50.00 NA 153 Mongolia 50.00 2004 154 Macau 50.00 NA 155 Guinea-Bissau 50.00 NA 156 Congo, Republic of the 50.00 NA 157 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 50.00 NA 158 Burkina Faso 50.00 NA 159 Belize 49.60 NA 160 Korea, South 49.30 1995 census 161 Congo, Republic of the 48.00 NA 162 Mauritius 48.00 2000 census 163 Uruguay 47.10 2006 164 Angola 47.00 NA 165 Kazakhstan 47.00 NA 166 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 47.00 NA 167 Kenya 45.00 NA 168 Kazakhstan 44.00 NA 169 Ethiopia 43.50 2007 Census 170 Benin 42.80 2002 census 171 Canada 42.60 2001 census 172 Singapore 42.50 2000 census 173 Netherlands 42.00 2006 174 Virgin Islands 42.00 NA 175 Uganda 42.00 2002 census 176 Uganda 41.90 2002 census 177 Switzerland 41.80 2000 census 178 Palau 41.60 2000 census 179 Madagascar 41.00 NA 180 Micronesia, Federated States of 40.10 2000 Census 181 Bosnia and Herzegovina 40.00 NA 182 Cameroon 40.00 NA 183 Cameroon 40.00 NA 184 Turks and Caicos Islands 40.00 NA 185 Swaziland 40.00 NA 186 Nigeria 40.00 NA 187 Mongolia 40.00 2004 188 Guinea-Bissau 40.00 NA 189 Burkina Faso 40.00 NA 190 Lebanon 39.00 NA 191 Sint Maarten 39.00 2001 census 192 Cote d'Ivoire 38.60 NA 193 Angola 38.00 NA 194 Christmas Island 36.00 1997 195 South Africa 36.00 2001 census 196 Kiribati 36.00 2005 census 197 Bahamas, The 35.40 2000 census 198 Nauru 35.40 2002 census 199 Switzerland 35.30 2000 census 200 Central African Republic 35.00 NA 201 Macau 35.00 NA 202 Tanzania 35.00 NA 203 Samoa 34.80 2001 census 204 Estonia 34.10 2000 census 205 Germany 34.00 NA 206 Virgin Islands 34.00 NA 207 Germany 34.00 NA 208 Ethiopia 33.90 2007 Census 209 Macedonia 33.30 2002 census 210 Grenada 33.20 NA 211 Nauru 33.20 2002 census 212 Kenya 33.00 NA 213 Cote d'Ivoire 32.80 NA 214 Solomon Islands 32.80 1999 census 215 New Zealand 32.20 2006 Census 216 Estonia 32.00 2000 census 217 Norfolk Island 31.80 2006 census 218 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 31.50 2006 census 219 Laos 31.50 2005 census 220 Vanuatu 31.40 1999 Census 221 Bosnia and Herzegovina 31.00 NA 222 Anguilla 30.20 2001 census 223 American Samoa 30.00 NA 224 Tanzania 30.00 NA 225 Swaziland 30.00 NA 226 Sierra Leone 30.00 NA 227 New Caledonia 30.00 NA 228 Netherlands 30.00 2006 229 French Polynesia 30.00 NA 230 Anguilla 29.00 2001 census 231 Togo 29.00 NA 232 Guyana 28.40 2002 census 233 Germany 28.30 NA 234 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 28.00 NA 235 Tokelau 28.00 NA 236 Fiji 27.90 2007 census 237 Suriname 27.40 NA 238 Belize 27.00 NA 239 Papua New Guinea 27.00 2000 census 240 Sint Maarten 27.00 2001 census 241 Czech Republic 26.80 2001 census 242 Korea, South 26.30 1995 census 243 Ukraine 26.10 2006 est. 244 Rwanda 26.00 NA 245 Trinidad and Tobago 26.00 2000 census 246 Australia 25.80 2006 Census 247 Marshall Islands 25.80 1999 census 248 Antigua and Barbuda 25.70 2001 census 249 Cayman Islands 25.50 2007 250 Suriname 25.20 NA 251 Belgium 25.00 NA 252 Bhutan 25.00 NA 253 Central African Republic 25.00 NA 254 Zimbabwe 25.00 NA 255 Sudan 25.00 NA 256 Oman 25.00 NA 257 Christmas Island 25.00 1997 258 Central African Republic 25.00 NA 259 Benin 24.40 2002 census 260 Zimbabwe 24.00 NA 261 Anguilla 23.90 2001 census 262 United States 23.90 2007 est. 263 Mozambique 23.80 1997 census 264 Mauritius 23.60 2000 census 265 Canada 23.30 2001 census 266 Palau 23.30 2000 census 267 Korea, South 23.20 1995 census 268 Uruguay 23.20 2006 269 Mozambique 23.10 1997 census 270 United Kingdom 23.10 2001 census 271 Bermuda 23.00 2000 census 272 Slovenia 23.00 2002 census 273 Burundi 23.00 NA 274 Suriname 22.80 NA 275 Trinidad and Tobago 22.50 2000 census 276 Nicaragua 21.60 2005 census 277 El Salvador 21.20 2003 est. 278 Christmas Island 21.00 1997 279 Jamaica 20.90 2001 census 280 Barbados 20.60 2008 est. 281 Botswana 20.60 2001 census 282 Chad 20.10 1993 census 283 Albania 20.00 NA 284 Belarus 20.00 NA 285 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 20.00 2002 est. 286 Kyrgyzstan 20.00 NA 287 Niger 20.00 NA 288 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 20.00 NA 289 Cameroon 20.00 NA 290 Togo 20.00 NA 291 Swaziland 20.00 NA 292 American Samoa 20.00 NA 293 Norfolk Island 19.90 2006 census 294 Latvia 19.60 2006 295 Samoa 19.60 2001 census 296 Suriname 19.60 NA 297 Papua New Guinea 19.50 2000 census 298 Sao Tome and Principe 19.40 2001 census 299 Malaysia 19.20 2000 census 300 Afghanistan 19.00 NA 301 Solomon Islands 19.00 1999 census 302 Australia 18.70 2006 Census 303 Australia 18.70 2006 Census 304 Ethiopia 18.60 2007 Census 305 Bermuda 18.00 2000 census 306 Cyprus 18.00 NA 307 Turks and Caicos Islands 18.00 NA 308 Christmas Island 18.00 1997 309 Mozambique 17.80 1997 census 310 Mozambique 17.80 1997 census 311 Guyana 17.70 2002 census 312 Montenegro 17.70 2003 census 313 Mozambique 17.50 1997 census 314 Benin 17.30 2002 census 315 Uruguay 17.20 2006 316 Solomon Islands 17.00 1999 census 317 Virgin Islands 17.00 NA 318 West Bank 17.00 NA 319 Guyana 16.90 2002 census 320 Cook Islands 16.80 2001 census 321 Israel 16.80 2008 322 El Salvador 16.80 2003 est. 323 Cote d'Ivoire 16.70 NA 324 Mauritius 16.60 2000 census 325 Norfolk Island 16.60 2006 census 326 Palau 16.40 2000 census 327 Faroe Islands 16.20 2006 census 328 Canada 16.00 2001 census 329 Haiti 16.00 NA 330 Turks and Caicos Islands 16.00 NA 331 Syria 16.00 NA 332 Ghana 15.90 2000 census 333 Hungary 15.90 2001 census 334 Nicaragua 15.70 2005 census 335 Benin 15.50 2002 census 336 Brazil 15.40 2000 census 337 Latvia 15.30 2006 338 Bahamas, The 15.20 2000 census 339 Bahamas, The 15.10 2000 census 340 South Africa 15.10 2001 census 341 Finland 15.10 2006 342 Chile 15.10 2002 census 343 Angola 15.00 NA 344 Bosnia and Herzegovina 15.00 NA 345 Macau 15.00 NA 346 Puerto Rico 15.00 NA 347 Samoa 15.00 2001 census 348 Panama 15.00 NA 349 Kuwait 15.00 NA 350 Central African Republic 15.00 NA 351 Bermuda 15.00 2000 census 352 Singapore 14.90 2000 census 353 Singapore 14.80 2000 census 354 Hungary 14.50 2001 census 355 Chad 14.20 1993 census 356 Jamaica 14.20 2001 census 357 Nauru 14.10 2002 census 358 Belize 14.00 NA 359 Turks and Caicos Islands 14.00 NA 360 Qatar 14.00 2004 census 361 Bermuda 14.00 2000 census 362 Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.00 NA 363 Grenada 13.80 NA 364 Vanuatu 13.80 1999 Census 365 New Zealand 13.80 2006 Census 366 Mexico 13.80 2000 census 367 Costa Rica 13.70 NA 368 Estonia 13.60 2000 census 369 Bahamas, The 13.50 2000 census 370 India 13.40 2001 census 371 Vanuatu 13.40 1999 Census 372 Vanuatu 13.10 1999 Census 373 Brunei 13.00 NA 374 Sweden 13.00 NA 375 Slovakia 13.00 2001 census 376 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13.00 NA 377 Luxembourg 13.00 2000 378 Estonia 12.80 2000 census 379 Malawi 12.80 1998 census 380 Samoa 12.70 2001 census 381 Cayman Islands 12.60 2007 382 New Zealand 12.60 2006 Census 383 Peru 12.50 2007 Census 384 Antigua and Barbuda 12.30 2001 census 385 Bulgaria 12.20 2001 census 386 Liberia 12.20 2008 Census 387 Uganda 12.10 2002 census 388 United States 12.10 2007 est. 389 Austria 12.00 2001 census 390 Bermuda 12.00 2000 census 391 Turks and Caicos Islands 12.00 NA 392 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12.00 NA 393 Cote d'Ivoire 11.90 NA 394 Canada 11.80 2001 census 395 Sint Maarten 11.60 2001 census 396 Norfolk Island 11.50 2006 census 397 Papua New Guinea 11.50 2000 census 398 Australia 11.30 2006 Census 399 Solomon Islands 11.20 1999 census 400 Hungary 11.10 2001 census 401 South Africa 11.10 2001 census 402 Uruguay 11.10 2006 403 Switzerland 11.10 2000 census 404 Rwanda 11.10 NA 405 Bermuda 11.00 2000 census 406 Netherlands 11.00 2006 407 Slovakia 10.80 2001 census 408 Vanuatu 10.80 1999 Census 409 Trinidad and Tobago 10.80 2000 census 410 Nepal 10.70 NA 411 Antigua and Barbuda 10.60 2001 census 412 Norfolk Island 10.60 2006 census 413 Liechtenstein 10.60 June 2002 414 Antigua and Barbuda 10.50 2001 census 415 Antigua and Barbuda 10.40 2001 census 416 Nauru 10.40 2002 census 417 Solomon Islands 10.30 1999 census 418 Slovenia 10.10 2002 census 419 Albania 10.00 NA 420 British Virgin Islands 10.00 1991 421 Burkina Faso 10.00 NA 422 Brunei 10.00 NA 423 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10.00 NA 424 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10.00 NA 425 French Polynesia 10.00 NA 426 Hong Kong 10.00 NA 427 Papua New Guinea 10.00 2000 census 428 Nigeria 10.00 NA 429 New Zealand 10.00 2006 Census 430 New Caledonia 10.00 NA 431 Monaco 10.00 NA 432 Kenya 10.00 NA 433 Kenya 10.00 NA 434 Italy 10.00 NA 435 Guinea-Bissau 10.00 NA 436 Tajikistan 10.00 2003 est. 437 Syria 10.00 NA 438 Swaziland 10.00 NA 439 Sri Lanka 10.00 NA 440 Sierra Leone 10.00 NA 441 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10.00 NA 442 Colombia 10.00 NA 443 Brunei 10.00 NA 444 Burundi 10.00 NA 445 Georgia 9.90 2002 census 446 New Zealand 9.90 2006 Census 447 Bahrain 9.80 2001 census 448 Singapore 9.80 2000 census 449 Bangladesh 9.60 2004 450 Vanuatu 9.60 1999 Census 451 Lithuania 9.50 2001 census 452 Belize 9.40 NA 453 Vietnam 9.30 1999 census 454 Cayman Islands 9.20 2007 455 Malaysia 9.10 2000 census 456 Bahrain 9.00 2001 census 457 Egypt 9.00 NA 458 Mali 9.00 NA 459 Portugal 9.00 2001 census 460 Uzbekistan 9.00 NA 461 Turkmenistan 9.00 NA 462 Papua New Guinea 8.90 2000 census 463 Czech Republic 8.80 2001 census 464 Niue 8.80 2001 census 465 Palau 8.80 2000 census 466 Niue 8.70 2001 census 467 Mauritius 8.60 2000 census 468 Papua New Guinea 8.60 2000 census 469 Ghana 8.50 2000 census 470 Singapore 8.50 2000 census 471 Saint Lucia 8.50 2001 census 472 Qatar 8.50 2004 census 473 Cayman Islands 8.40 2007 474 Marshall Islands 8.40 1999 census 475 Niue 8.40 2001 census 476 Cayman Islands 8.30 2007 477 Chile 8.30 2002 census 478 Poland 8.30 2002 479 South Africa 8.20 2001 census 480 Bahamas, The 8.10 2000 census 481 Guyana 8.10 2002 census 482 Norway 8.10 2004 483 Gambia, The 8.00 NA 484 Ukraine 8.00 2006 est. 485 West Bank 8.00 NA 486 Guinea 8.00 NA 487 Antigua and Barbuda 7.90 2001 census 488 Cook Islands 7.90 2001 census 489 Australia 7.90 2006 Census 490 Japan 7.80 2005 491 Trinidad and Tobago 7.80 2000 census 492 Dominica 7.70 2001 census 493 Sri Lanka 7.60 NA 494 Romania 7.50 2002 census 495 Brazil 7.40 2000 census 496 Chad 7.30 1993 census 497 Guyana 7.20 2002 census 498 Niue 7.20 2001 census 499 Ukraine 7.20 2006 est. 500 Trinidad and Tobago 7.20 2000 census 501 South Africa 7.10 2001 census 502 Sri Lanka 7.10 NA 503 Barbados 7.00 2008 est. 504 Virgin Islands 7.00 NA 505 Madagascar 7.00 NA 506 Liechtenstein 7.00 June 2002 507 Kazakhstan 7.00 NA 508 Gibraltar 7.00 2001 census 509 Guinea 7.00 NA 510 Guyana 6.90 2002 census 511 South Africa 6.80 2001 census 512 Trinidad and Tobago 6.80 2000 census 513 Cayman Islands 6.70 2007 514 Vietnam 6.70 1999 census 515 South Africa 6.70 2001 census 516 Sint Maarten 6.70 2001 census 517 Samoa 6.60 2001 census 518 Cayman Islands 6.50 2007 519 Seychelles 6.40 2002 census 520 Fiji 6.30 2007 census 521 Malaysia 6.30 2000 census 522 Mexico 6.30 2000 census 523 Iceland 6.20 2006 est. 524 Liechtenstein 6.20 June 2002 525 Sint Maarten 6.20 2001 census 526 Sri Lanka 6.20 NA 527 Paraguay 6.20 2002 census 528 Cayman Islands 6.10 2007 529 Ghana 6.10 2000 census 530 Estonia 6.10 2000 census 531 Dominica 6.10 2001 census 532 Bermuda 6.00 2000 census 533 Djibouti 6.00 NA 534 Botswana 6.00 2001 census 535 Mongolia 6.00 2004 536 Netherlands 6.00 2006 537 Spain 6.00 NA 538 Jordan 6.00 NA 539 French Polynesia 6.00 NA 540 Dominica 6.00 2001 census 541 Antigua and Barbuda 5.80 2001 census 542 Trinidad and Tobago 5.80 2000 census 543 Cook Islands 5.80 2001 census 544 Netherlands 5.80 2006 545 Trinidad and Tobago 5.80 2000 census 546 Anguilla 5.70 2001 census 547 Australia 5.70 2006 Census 548 Saint Lucia 5.70 2001 census 549 Indonesia 5.70 2000 census 550 Cayman Islands 5.70 2007 551 Dominica 5.60 2001 census 552 Norfolk Island 5.60 2006 census 553 Vanuatu 5.60 1999 Census 554 Curacao 5.50 2001 census 555 Lithuania 5.50 2001 census 556 Serbia 5.50 2002 census 557 Antigua and Barbuda 5.40 2001 census 558 Sint Maarten 5.40 2001 census 559 Palau 5.30 2000 census 560 Anguilla 5.20 2001 census 561 Papua New Guinea 5.20 2000 census 562 Croatia 5.20 2001 census 563 Aruba 5.10 NA 564 Saint Lucia 5.10 2001 census 565 Bolivia 5.00 NA 566 Guyana 5.00 2002 census 567 Sudan 5.00 NA 568 Tajikistan 5.00 2003 est. 569 Suriname 5.00 NA 570 Senegal 5.00 NA 571 Philippines 5.00 2000 census 572 Pakistan 5.00 NA 573 Kyrgyzstan 5.00 NA 574 Ecuador 5.00 NA 575 Dominican Republic 5.00 NA 576 Antigua and Barbuda 4.90 2001 census 577 Bahamas, The 4.80 2000 census 578 Barbados 4.80 2008 est. 579 Singapore 4.80 2000 census 580 Costa Rica 4.80 NA 581 Austria 4.70 2001 census 582 Romania 4.70 2002 census 583 Aruba 4.60 NA 584 Curacao 4.60 2001 census 585 New Zealand 4.60 2006 Census 586 Thailand 4.60 2000 census 587 Rwanda 4.60 NA 588 Chile 4.60 2002 census 589 Antigua and Barbuda 4.50 2001 census 590 Taiwan 4.50 NA 591 Samoa 4.50 2001 census 592 Saint Lucia 4.50 2001 census 593 Philippines 4.50 2000 census 594 Nauru 4.50 2002 census 595 Canada 4.40 2001 census 596 Croatia 4.40 2001 census 597 Solomon Islands 4.40 1999 census 598 Anguilla 4.30 2001 census 599 Malawi 4.30 1998 census 600 Guyana 4.30 2002 census 601 Switzerland 4.30 2000 census 602 Switzerland 4.30 2000 census 603 Guyana 4.30 2002 census 604 Austria 4.20 2001 census 605 Ireland 4.20 2006 census 606 Nepal 4.20 NA 607 Barbados 4.20 2008 est. 608 Cook Islands 4.20 2001 census 609 Bahamas, The 4.20 2000 census 610 Aruba 4.10 NA 611 Lithuania 4.10 2001 census 612 Dominica 4.10 2001 census 613 Slovakia 4.10 2001 census 614 Argentina 4.00 NA 615 Burma 4.00 NA 616 United States 4.00 2007 est. 617 United Arab Emirates 4.00 NA 618 Trinidad and Tobago 4.00 2000 census 619 Singapore 4.00 2000 census 620 Mongolia 4.00 2004 621 Gibraltar 4.00 2001 census 622 France 4.00 NA 623 Cyprus 4.00 NA 624 Cayman Islands 4.00 2007 625 Burma 4.00 NA 626 Armenia 4.00 NA 627 Bulgaria 4.00 2001 census 628 Cayman Islands 3.90 2007 629 Portugal 3.90 2001 census 630 Georgia 3.90 2002 census 631 Israel 3.90 2008 632 Cook Islands 3.80 2001 census 633 Micronesia, Federated States of 3.80 2000 Census 634 New Zealand 3.80 2006 Census 635 South Africa 3.80 2001 census 636 Dominica 3.70 2001 census 637 Germany 3.70 NA 638 Iceland 3.60 2006 est. 639 Nepal 3.60 NA 640 Marshall Islands 3.60 1999 census 641 Austria 3.50 2001 census 642 Slovenia 3.50 2002 census 643 Samoa 3.50 2001 census 644 Montenegro 3.50 2003 census 645 Curacao 3.50 2001 census 646 Indonesia 3.40 2000 census 647 Sao Tome and Principe 3.40 2001 census 648 Seychelles 3.40 2002 census 649 Sint Maarten 3.40 2001 census 650 Czech Republic 3.30 2001 census 651 Peru 3.30 2007 Census 652 Papua New Guinea 3.30 2000 census 653 Cayman Islands 3.20 2007 654 Costa Rica 3.20 NA 655 Norfolk Island 3.20 2006 census 656 Ukraine 3.20 2006 est. 657 Slovakia 3.20 2001 census 658 Serbia 3.20 2002 census 659 Papua New Guinea 3.20 2000 census 660 Gibraltar 3.20 2001 census 661 Chad 3.10 1993 census 662 Uganda 3.10 2002 census 663 Kiribati 3.10 2005 census 664 Sao Tome and Principe 3.10 2001 census 665 Palau 3.10 2000 census 666 Mexico 3.10 2000 census 667 Australia 3.00 2006 Census 668 Iceland 3.00 2006 est. 669 Uzbekistan 3.00 NA 670 Netherlands 3.00 2006 671 Montenegro 3.00 2003 census 672 Mayotte 3.00 NA 673 Malawi 3.00 1998 census 674 Libya 3.00 NA 675 Iraq 3.00 NA 676 Indonesia 3.00 2000 census 677 Hungary 3.00 2001 census 678 Cook Islands 3.00 2001 census 679 New Zealand 3.00 2006 Census 680 Denmark 3.00 NA 681 Haiti 3.00 NA 682 Honduras 3.00 NA 683 Bahamas, The 2.90 2000 census 684 Ireland 2.90 2006 census 685 Gibraltar 2.90 2001 census 686 Peru 2.90 2007 Census 687 Marshall Islands 2.80 1999 census 688 Philippines 2.80 2000 census 689 Australia 2.70 2006 Census 690 United Kingdom 2.70 2001 census 691 Cook Islands 2.60 2001 census 692 Hungary 2.60 2001 census 693 Malaysia 2.60 2000 census 694 Jamaica 2.60 2001 census 695 Serbia 2.60 2002 census 696 Serbia 2.60 2002 census 697 Ethiopia 2.60 2007 Census 698 Aruba 2.50 NA 699 Mauritius 2.50 2000 census 700 Iceland 2.50 2006 est. 701 Taiwan 2.50 NA 702 United States 2.50 2007 est. 703 Papua New Guinea 2.50 2000 census 704 Azerbaijan 2.50 NA 705 Australia 2.40 2006 Census 706 Nauru 2.40 2002 census 707 Slovenia 2.40 2002 census 708 Solomon Islands 2.40 1999 census 709 Solomon Islands 2.40 1999 census 710 Norway 2.40 2004 711 Niue 2.40 2001 census 712 Iceland 2.40 2006 est. 713 Azerbaijan 2.30 NA 714 El Salvador 2.30 2003 est. 715 South Africa 2.30 2001 census 716 Slovenia 2.30 2002 census 717 Philippines 2.30 2000 census 718 India 2.30 2001 census 719 Curacao 2.20 2001 census 720 Ukraine 2.20 2006 est. 721 Ukraine 2.20 2006 est. 722 Kiribati 2.20 2005 census 723 Portugal 2.20 2001 census 724 New Zealand 2.20 2006 Census 725 Netherlands 2.20 2006 726 Australia 2.10 2006 Census 727 Cambodia 2.10 1998 census 728 Seychelles 2.10 2002 census 729 Saint Lucia 2.10 2001 census 730 Ireland 2.10 2006 census 731 Marshall Islands 2.10 1999 census 732 Israel 2.10 2008 733 Czech Republic 2.10 2001 census 734 Gibraltar 2.10 2001 census 735 Antigua and Barbuda 2.00 2001 census 736 Argentina 2.00 NA 737 Argentina 2.00 NA 738 New Zealand 2.00 2006 Census 739 Gambia, The 2.00 NA 740 France 2.00 NA 741 Denmark 2.00 NA 742 Congo, Republic of the 2.00 NA 743 Comoros 2.00 NA 744 Burma 2.00 NA 745 British Virgin Islands 2.00 1991 746 British Virgin Islands 2.00 1991 747 Venezuela 2.00 NA 748 Venezuela 2.00 NA 749 Turkmenistan 2.00 NA 750 Tokelau 2.00 NA 751 Sao Tome and Principe 2.00 2001 census 752 Saint Lucia 2.00 2001 census 753 Saint Lucia 2.00 2001 census 754 Philippines 2.00 2000 census 755 Kenya 2.00 NA 756 Kazakhstan 2.00 NA 757 Jordan 2.00 NA 758 Japan 2.00 2005 759 Iran 2.00 NA 760 Austria 2.00 2001 census 761 Canada 1.90 2001 census 762 El Salvador 1.90 2003 est. 763 Trinidad and Tobago 1.90 2000 census 764 Samoa 1.90 2001 census 765 Paraguay 1.90 2002 census 766 Niue 1.90 2001 census 767 Lithuania 1.90 2001 census 768 Kiribati 1.90 2005 census 769 India 1.90 2001 census 770 Ireland 1.90 2006 census 771 Azerbaijan 1.80 NA 772 Switzerland 1.80 2000 census 773 Sao Tome and Principe 1.80 2001 census 774 Philippines 1.80 2000 census 775 Norway 1.80 2004 776 Kiribati 1.80 2005 census 777 Brazil 1.80 2000 census 778 India 1.80 2001 census 779 Indonesia 1.80 2000 census 780 Gibraltar 1.80 2001 census 781 Anguilla 1.70 2001 census 782 United States 1.70 2007 est. 783 United States 1.70 2007 est. 784 Rwanda 1.70 NA 785 Nicaragua 1.70 2005 census 786 Israel 1.70 2008 787 Guyana 1.70 2002 census 788 Curacao 1.70 2001 census 789 Australia 1.70 2006 Census 790 Chad 1.70 1993 census 791 Macedonia 1.63 2002 census 792 Dominica 1.60 2001 census 793 Iceland 1.60 2006 est. 794 United States 1.60 2007 est. 795 United Kingdom 1.60 2001 census 796 Nicaragua 1.60 2005 census 797 New Zealand 1.60 2006 Census 798 New Zealand 1.60 2006 Census 799 Aruba 1.50 NA 800 Ireland 1.50 2006 census 801 Laos 1.50 2005 census 802 Malaysia 1.50 2000 census 803 Saint Lucia 1.50 2001 census 804 Vietnam 1.50 1999 census 805 South Africa 1.50 2001 census 806 Seychelles 1.50 2002 census 807 Seychelles 1.50 2002 census 808 Moldova 1.50 NA 809 Marshall Islands 1.50 1999 census 810 Botswana 1.40 2001 census 811 Tuvalu 1.40 NA 812 Trinidad and Tobago 1.40 2000 census 813 Estonia 1.40 2000 census 814 Niue 1.40 2001 census 815 South Africa 1.40 2001 census 816 New Zealand 1.40 2006 Census 817 Liberia 1.40 2008 Census 818 Armenia 1.30 NA 819 Vanuatu 1.30 1999 Census 820 Samoa 1.30 2001 census 821 Poland 1.30 2002 822 New Zealand 1.30 2006 Census 823 Lebanon 1.30 NA 824 Korea, South 1.30 1995 census 825 Greece 1.30 NA 826 Dominica 1.30 2001 census 827 Brazil 1.30 2000 census 828 Costa Rica 1.30 NA 829 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1.30 2006 census 830 Curacao 1.30 2001 census 831 Croatia 1.30 2001 census 832 Cambodia 1.30 1998 census 833 Aruba 1.20 NA 834 Dominica 1.20 2001 census 835 Dominica 1.20 2001 census 836 Bulgaria 1.20 2001 census 837 Chile 1.10 2002 census 838 Paraguay 1.10 2002 census 839 Saint Lucia 1.10 2001 census 840 Seychelles 1.10 2002 census 841 Uruguay 1.10 2006 842 Vietnam 1.10 1999 census 843 Seychelles 1.10 2002 census 844 Serbia 1.10 2002 census 845 Paraguay 1.10 2002 census 846 Morocco 1.10 NA 847 Finland 1.10 2006 848 Guyana 1.10 2002 census 849 Finland 1.10 2006 850 Afghanistan 1.00 NA 851 Vanuatu 1.00 1999 Census 852 United Kingdom 1.00 2001 census 853 Senegal 1.00 NA 854 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.00 NA 855 Norway 1.00 2004 856 Norway 1.00 2004 857 Montenegro 1.00 2003 census 858 Marshall Islands 1.00 1999 census 859 Mali 1.00 NA 860 Latvia 1.00 2006 861 Hungary 1.00 2001 census 862 Zimbabwe 1.00 NA 863 Zambia 1.00 NA 864 Wallis and Futuna 1.00 NA 865 Tuvalu 1.00 NA 866 Tunisia 1.00 NA 867 Tunisia 1.00 NA 868 Timor-Leste 1.00 2005 869 Timor-Leste 1.00 2005 870 Switzerland 1.00 2000 census 871 Egypt 1.00 NA 872 Chile 1.00 2002 census 873 Burma 1.00 NA 874 Haiti 1.00 NA 875 France 1.00 NA 876 Bermuda 1.00 2000 census 877 Algeria 1.00 NA 878 Bangladesh 0.90 2004 879 Uganda 0.90 2002 census 880 Slovenia 0.90 2002 census 881 Romania 0.90 2002 census 882 Palau 0.90 2000 census 883 Nicaragua 0.90 2005 census 884 Nepal 0.90 NA 885 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.90 2000 Census 886 Gibraltar 0.90 2001 census 887 Croatia 0.90 2001 census 888 Bahamas, The 0.80 2000 census 889 Georgia 0.80 2002 census 890 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.80 2000 Census 891 Malaysia 0.80 2000 census 892 Georgia 0.80 2002 census 893 Curacao 0.80 2001 census 894 Costa Rica 0.70 NA 895 Greece 0.70 NA 896 Thailand 0.70 2000 census 897 Sint Maarten 0.70 2001 census 898 Singapore 0.70 2000 census 899 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.70 2000 Census 900 Ghana 0.70 2000 census 901 Georgia 0.70 2002 census 902 Gaza Strip 0.70 NA 903 Fiji 0.70 2007 census 904 El Salvador 0.70 2003 est. 905 United States 0.70 2007 est. 906 Ethiopia 0.70 2007 Census 907 Ethiopia 0.70 2007 Census 908 Liberia 0.60 2008 Census 909 Philippines 0.60 2000 census 910 United States 0.60 2007 est. 911 Ukraine 0.60 2006 est. 912 Tuvalu 0.60 NA 913 Seychelles 0.60 2002 census 914 Montenegro 0.60 2003 census 915 Palau 0.60 2000 census 916 Chad 0.50 1993 census 917 Vietnam 0.50 1999 census 918 Moldova 0.50 NA 919 Botswana 0.40 2001 census 920 Latvia 0.40 2006 921 Mauritius 0.40 2000 census 922 Croatia 0.40 2001 census 923 Switzerland 0.40 2000 census 924 Macedonia 0.37 2002 census 925 Brazil 0.30 2000 census 926 Curacao 0.30 2001 census 927 Fiji 0.30 2007 census 928 Mauritius 0.30 2000 census 929 Uruguay 0.30 2006 930 Solomon Islands 0.30 1999 census 931 Portugal 0.30 2001 census 932 Poland 0.30 2002 933 Poland 0.30 2002 934 Papua New Guinea 0.30 2000 census 935 Mexico 0.30 2000 census 936 Fiji 0.30 2007 census 937 Aruba 0.20 NA 938 Brazil 0.20 2000 census 939 Turkey 0.20 NA 940 Solomon Islands 0.20 1999 census 941 Morocco 0.20 NA 942 Cambodia 0.20 1998 census 943 Liberia 0.20 2008 Census 944 Finland 0.10 2006 945 Vietnam 0.10 1999 census 946 Thailand 0.10 2000 census 947 Samoa 0.10 2001 census 948 Rwanda 0.10 NA 949 India 0.10 2001 census 950 Romania 0.10 2002 census 951 Philippines 0.10 2000 census

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Rank code: 2123

Country Comparison :: Suffrage

This entry gives the age at enfranchisement and whether the right to vote is universal or restricted.

Rank country Suffrage Date of Information

1 Bolivia 21.00 NA 2 Central African Republic 21.00 NA 3 Gabon 21.00 NA 4 Fiji 21.00 NA 5 Lebanon 21.00 NA 6 Malaysia 21.00 NA 7 Samoa 21.00 NA 8 Singapore 21.00 NA 9 Tokelau 21.00 NA 10 Tonga 21.00 NA 11 Solomon Islands 21.00 NA 12 Saudi Arabia 21.00 NA 13 Oman 21.00 NA 14 Bahrain 20.00 NA 15 Cameroon 20.00 NA 16 Nauru 20.00 NA 17 Taiwan 20.00 NA 18 Japan 20.00 NA 19 Korea, South 19.00 NA 20 Afghanistan 18.00 NA 21 Albania 18.00 NA 22 Algeria 18.00 NA 23 American Samoa 18.00 NA 24 Andorra 18.00 NA 25 Angola 18.00 NA 26 Anguilla 18.00 NA 27 Azerbaijan 18.00 NA 28 Bolivia 18.00 NA 29 Bhutan 18.00 NA 30 Bermuda 18.00 NA 31 Benin 18.00 NA 32 Belize 18.00 NA 33 Belgium 18.00 NA 34 Belarus 18.00 NA 35 Barbados 18.00 NA 36 Bangladesh 18.00 NA 37 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 18.00 NA 38 Comoros 18.00 NA 39 Colombia 18.00 NA 40 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 18.00 NA 41 Christmas Island 18.00 NA 42 China 18.00 NA 43 Chile 18.00 NA 44 Chad 18.00 NA 45 Cayman Islands 18.00 NA 46 Ethiopia 18.00 NA 47 Estonia 18.00 NA 48 Eritrea 18.00 NA 49 Equatorial Guinea 18.00 NA 50 El Salvador 18.00 NA 51 Egypt 18.00 NA 52 Dominican Republic 18.00 NA 53 Dominica 18.00 NA 54 Djibouti 18.00 NA 55 Guyana 18.00 NA 56 Guinea-Bissau 18.00 NA 57 Guinea 18.00 NA 58 Guatemala 18.00 NA 59 Grenada 18.00 NA 60 Greenland 18.00 NA 61 Greece 18.00 NA 62 Gibraltar 18.00 NA 63 Ghana 18.00 NA 64 Kosovo 18.00 NA 65 Kiribati 18.00 NA 66 Kenya 18.00 NA 67 Kazakhstan 18.00 NA 68 Jordan 18.00 NA 69 Jamaica 18.00 NA 70 Italy 18.00 NA 71 Israel 18.00 NA 72 Ireland 18.00 NA 73 Mongolia 18.00 NA 74 Monaco 18.00 NA 75 Moldova 18.00 NA 76 Micronesia, Federated States of 18.00 NA 77 Mexico 18.00 NA 78 Mayotte 18.00 NA 79 Mauritius 18.00 NA 80 Mauritania 18.00 NA 81 Marshall Islands 18.00 NA 82 Yemen 18.00 NA 83 Wallis and Futuna 18.00 NA 84 Virgin Islands 18.00 NA 85 Vietnam 18.00 NA 86 Venezuela 18.00 NA 87 Vanuatu 18.00 NA 88 Uzbekistan 18.00 NA 89 Uruguay 18.00 NA 90 United States 18.00 NA 91 United Kingdom 18.00 NA 92 Ukraine 18.00 NA 93 Uganda 18.00 NA 94 Tuvalu 18.00 NA 95 Turks and Caicos Islands 18.00 NA 96 Turkmenistan 18.00 NA 97 Turkey 18.00 NA 98 Tunisia 18.00 NA 99 Trinidad and Tobago 18.00 NA 100 Togo 18.00 NA 101 Thailand 18.00 NA 102 Tanzania 18.00 NA 103 Tajikistan 18.00 NA 104 Syria 18.00 NA 105 Switzerland 18.00 NA 106 Sweden 18.00 NA 107 Swaziland 18.00 NA 108 Suriname 18.00 NA 109 Sri Lanka 18.00 NA 110 Spain 18.00 NA 111 South Africa 18.00 NA 112 Somalia 18.00 NA 113 Slovenia 18.00 NA 114 Slovakia 18.00 NA 115 Sierra Leone 18.00 NA 116 Serbia 18.00 NA 117 Senegal 18.00 NA 118 Sao Tome and Principe 18.00 NA 119 San Marino 18.00 NA 120 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 18.00 NA 121 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 18.00 NA 122 Saint Martin 18.00 NA 123 Saint Lucia 18.00 NA 124 Saint Kitts and Nevis 18.00 NA 125 Rwanda 18.00 NA 126 Russia 18.00 NA 127 Romania 18.00 NA 128 Qatar 18.00 NA 129 Puerto Rico 18.00 NA 130 Portugal 18.00 NA 131 Poland 18.00 NA 132 Pitcairn Islands 18.00 NA 133 Philippines 18.00 NA 134 Peru 18.00 NA 135 Paraguay 18.00 NA 136 Papua New Guinea 18.00 NA 137 Panama 18.00 NA 138 Palau 18.00 NA 139 Pakistan 18.00 NA 140 Norway 18.00 NA 141 Northern Mariana Islands 18.00 NA 142 Norfolk Island 18.00 NA 143 Niue 18.00 NA 144 Nigeria 18.00 NA 145 Niger 18.00 NA 146 New Zealand 18.00 NA 147 New Caledonia 18.00 NA 148 Netherlands 18.00 NA 149 Nepal 18.00 NA 150 Namibia 18.00 NA 151 Mozambique 18.00 NA 152 Morocco 18.00 NA 153 Montserrat 18.00 NA 154 Montenegro 18.00 NA 155 Zimbabwe 18.00 NA 156 Zambia 18.00 NA 157 Malta 18.00 NA 158 Mali 18.00 NA 159 Maldives 18.00 NA 160 Malawi 18.00 NA 161 Madagascar 18.00 NA 162 Macedonia 18.00 NA 163 Macau 18.00 NA 164 Luxembourg 18.00 NA 165 Lithuania 18.00 NA 166 Liechtenstein 18.00 NA 167 Libya 18.00 NA 168 Liberia 18.00 NA 169 Lesotho 18.00 NA 170 Latvia 18.00 NA 171 Laos 18.00 NA 172 Kyrgyzstan 18.00 NA 173 Iraq 18.00 NA 174 Iran 18.00 NA 175 India 18.00 NA 176 Iceland 18.00 NA 177 Hungary 18.00 NA 178 Hong Kong 18.00 NA 179 Honduras 18.00 NA 180 Haiti 18.00 NA 181 Germany 18.00 NA 182 Georgia 18.00 NA 183 Gambia, The 18.00 NA 184 French Polynesia 18.00 NA 185 France 18.00 NA 186 Finland 18.00 NA 187 Faroe Islands 18.00 NA 188 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 18.00 NA 189 Denmark 18.00 NA 190 Czech Republic 18.00 NA 191 Cyprus 18.00 NA 192 Croatia 18.00 NA 193 Cote d'Ivoire 18.00 NA 194 Costa Rica 18.00 NA 195 Cook Islands 18.00 NA 196 Congo, Republic of the 18.00 NA 197 Cape Verde 18.00 NA 198 Canada 18.00 NA 199 Cambodia 18.00 NA 200 Burma 18.00 NA 201 Bulgaria 18.00 NA 202 British Virgin Islands 18.00 NA 203 Botswana 18.00 NA 204 Bosnia and Herzegovina 18.00 NA 205 Bahamas, The 18.00 NA 206 Antigua and Barbuda 18.00 NA 207 Argentina 18.00 NA 208 Armenia 18.00 NA 209 Aruba 18.00 NA 210 Australia 18.00 NA 211 Indonesia 17.00 NA 212 Korea, North 17.00 NA 213 Timor-Leste 17.00 NA 214 Sudan 17.00 NA 215 Seychelles 17.00 NA 216 Austria 16.00 NA 217 Ecuador 16.00 NA 218 Isle of Man 16.00 NA 219 Nicaragua 16.00 NA 220 Jersey 16.00 NA 221 Guernsey 16.00 NA 222 Cuba 16.00 NA

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Rank code: 2124

Country Comparison :: Telephone system

This entry includes a brief general assessment of the system with details on the domestic and international components. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry: Arabsat - Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Autodin - Automatic Digital Network (US Department of Defense). CB - citizen's band mobile radio communications. Cellular telephone system - the telephones in this system are radio transceivers, with each instrument having its own private radio frequency and sufficient radiated power to reach the booster station in its area (cell), from which the telephone signal is fed to a telephone exchange. Central American Microwave System - a trunk microwave radio relay system that links the countries of Central America and Mexico with each other. Coaxial cable - a multichannel communication cable consisting of a central conducting wire, surrounded by and insulated from a cylindrical conducting shell; a large number of telephone channels can be made available within the insulated space by the use of a large number of carrier frequencies. Comsat - Communications Satellite Corporation (US). DSN - Defense Switched Network (formerly Automatic Voice Network or Autovon); basic general-purpose, switched voice network of the Defense Communications System (US Department of Defense). Eutelsat - European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Paris). Fiber-optic cable - a multichannel communications cable using a thread of optical glass fibers as a transmission medium in which the signal (voice, video, etc.) is in the form of a coded pulse of light. GSM - a global system for mobile (cellular) communications devised by the Groupe Special Mobile of the pan-European standardization organization, Conference Europeanne des Posts et Telecommunications (CEPT) in 1982. HF - high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000-kHz range. Inmarsat - International Maritime Satellite Organization (London); provider of global mobile satellite communications for commercial, distress, and safety applications at sea, in the air, and on land. Intelsat - International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Washington, DC). Intersputnik - International Organization of Space Communications (Moscow); first established in the former Soviet Union and the East European countries, it is now marketing its services worldwide with earth stations in North America, Africa, and East Asia. Landline - communication wire or cable of any sort that is installed on poles or buried in the ground. Marecs - Maritime European Communications Satellite used in the Inmarsat system on lease from the European Space Agency. Marisat - satellites of the Comsat Corporation that participate in the Inmarsat system. Medarabtel - the Middle East Telecommunications Project of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) providing a modern telecommunications network, primarily by microwave radio relay, linking Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen; it was initially started in Morocco in 1970 by the Arab Telecommunications Union (ATU) and was known at that time as the Middle East Mediterranean Telecommunications Network. Microwave radio relay - transmission of long distance telephone calls and television programs by highly directional radio microwaves that are received and sent on from one booster station to another on an optical path. NMT - Nordic Mobile Telephone; an analog cellular telephone system that was developed jointly by the national telecommunications authorities of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). Orbita - a Russian television service; also the trade name of a packet-switched digital telephone network. Radiotelephone communications - the two-way transmission and reception of sounds by broadcast radio on authorized frequencies using telephone handsets. PanAmSat - PanAmSat Corporation (Greenwich, CT). SAFE - South African Far East Cable Satellite communication system - a communication system consisting of two or more earth stations and at least one satellite that provide long distance transmission of voice, data, and television; the system usually serves as a trunk connection between telephone exchanges; if the earth stations are in the same country, it is a domestic system. Satellite earth station - a communications facility with a microwave radio transmitting and receiving antenna and required receiving and transmitting equipment for communicating with satellites. Satellite link - a radio connection between a satellite and an earth station permitting communication between them, either one-way (down link from satellite to earth station - television receive-only transmission) or two-way (telephone channels). SHF - super high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000-MHz range. Shortwave - radio frequencies (from 1.605 to 30 MHz) that fall above the commercial broadcast band and are used for communication over long distances. Solidaridad - geosynchronous satellites in Mexico's system of international telecommunications in the Western Hemisphere. Statsionar - Russia's geostationary system for satellite telecommunications. Submarine cable - a cable designed for service under water. TAT - Trans-Atlantic Telephone; any of a number of high-capacity submarine coaxial telephone cables linking Europe with North America. Telefax - facsimile service between subscriber stations via the public switched telephone network or the international Datel network. Telegraph - a telecommunications system designed for unmodulated electric impulse transmission. Telex - a communication service involving teletypewriters connected by wire through automatic exchanges. Tropospheric scatter - a form of microwave radio transmission in which the troposphere is used to scatter and reflect a fraction of the incident radio waves back to earth; powerful, highly directional antennas are used to transmit and receive the microwave signals; reliable over-the-horizon communications are realized for distances up to 600 miles in a single hop; additional hops can extend the range of this system for very long distances. Trunk network - a network of switching centers, connected by multichannel trunk lines. UHF - ultra high frequency; any radio frequency in the 300- to 3,000-MHz range. VHF - very high frequency; any radio frequency in the 30- to 300-MHz range.

Rank country Telephone system Date of Information

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Rank code: 2125

Country Comparison :: Terrain

This entry contains a brief description of the topography.

Rank country Terrain Date of Information

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Rank code: 2127

Country Comparison :: Total fertility rate

This entry gives a figure for the average number of children that would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility rate at each age. The total fertility rate (TFR) is a more direct measure of the level of fertility than the crude birth rate, since it refers to births per woman. This indicator shows the potential for population change in the country. A rate of two children per woman is considered the replacement rate for a population, resulting in relative stability in terms of total numbers. Rates above two children indicate populations growing in size and whose median age is declining. Higher rates may also indicate difficulties for families, in some situations, to feed and educate their children and for women to enter the labor force. Rates below two children indicate populations decreasing in size and growing older. Global fertility rates are in general decline and this trend is most pronounced in industrialized countries, especially Western Europe, where populations are projected to decline dramatically over the next 50 years.

Rank country (children born/woman) Date of Information

1 Niger 7.68 2010 est. 2 Uganda 6.73 2010 est. 3 Mali 6.54 2010 est. 4 Somalia 6.44 2010 est. 5 Burundi 6.25 2010 est. 6 Burkina Faso 6.21 2010 est. 7 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.11 2010 est. 8 Ethiopia 6.07 2010 est. 9 Zambia 6.07 2010 est. 10 Angola 6.05 2010 est. 11 Congo, Republic of the 5.77 2010 est. 12 Malawi 5.51 2010 est. 13 Afghanistan 5.50 2010 est. 14 Benin 5.40 2010 est. 15 Mayotte 5.40 2010 est. 16 Liberia 5.24 2010 est. 17 Sao Tome and Principe 5.21 2010 est. 18 Chad 5.18 2010 est. 19 Guinea 5.15 2010 est. 20 Mozambique 5.13 2010 est. 21 Madagascar 5.09 2010 est. 22 Equatorial Guinea 5.00 2010 est. 23 Rwanda 4.99 2010 est. 24 Sierra Leone 4.97 2010 est. 25 Gambia, The 4.96 2010 est. 26 Sudan 4.93 2010 est. 27 Gaza Strip 4.90 2010 est. 28 Senegal 4.86 2010 est. 29 Nigeria 4.82 2010 est. 30 Yemen 4.81 2010 est. 31 Comoros 4.78 2010 est. 32 Togo 4.74 2010 est. 33 Central African Republic 4.68 2010 est. 34 Gabon 4.62 2010 est. 35 Eritrea 4.60 2010 est. 36 Guinea-Bissau 4.58 2010 est. 37 Kenya 4.38 2010 est. 38 Mauritania 4.37 2010 est. 39 Western Sahara 4.37 2010 est. 40 Tanzania 4.31 2010 est. 41 Cameroon 4.25 2010 est. 42 Cote d'Ivoire 4.01 2010 est. 43 Iraq 3.76 2010 est. 44 Solomon Islands 3.67 2010 est. 45 Zimbabwe 3.66 2010 est. 46 Ghana 3.57 2010 est. 47 Papua New Guinea 3.54 2010 est. 48 Marshall Islands 3.51 2010 est. 49 Jordan 3.42 2010 est. 50 Guatemala 3.36 2010 est. 51 Samoa 3.32 2010 est. 52 Belize 3.28 2010 est. 53 Pakistan 3.28 2010 est. 54 Philippines 3.23 2010 est. 55 American Samoa 3.22 2010 est. 56 Laos 3.22 2010 est. 57 Timor-Leste 3.20 2010 est. 58 Swaziland 3.19 2010 est. 59 Honduras 3.17 2010 est. 60 Tuvalu 3.14 2010 est. 61 Nauru 3.13 2010 est. 62 West Bank 3.12 2010 est. 63 Bolivia 3.07 2010 est. 64 Haiti 3.07 2011 est. 65 Syria 3.02 2010 est. 66 Egypt 3.01 2010 est. 67 Libya 3.01 2010 est. 68 Lesotho 3.00 2010 est. 69 Tajikistan 2.94 2010 est. 70 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.92 2010 est. 71 Cambodia 2.90 2010 est. 72 Oman 2.87 2010 est. 73 Kiribati 2.86 2010 est. 74 Micronesia, Federated States of 2.80 2010 est. 75 Djibouti 2.79 2010 est. 76 Israel 2.72 2010 est. 77 Kuwait 2.70 2010 est. 78 Malaysia 2.70 2010 est. 79 Bangladesh 2.65 2010 est. 80 Fiji 2.65 2010 est. 81 India 2.65 2010 est. 82 Kyrgyzstan 2.64 2010 est. 83 Namibia 2.57 2010 est. 84 World 2.56 2009 est. 85 Botswana 2.54 2010 est. 86 Cape Verde 2.54 2010 est. 87 Nepal 2.53 2010 est. 88 Nicaragua 2.51 2010 est. 89 Panama 2.48 2010 est. 90 Bahrain 2.47 2010 est. 91 Dominican Republic 2.47 2010 est. 92 Ecuador 2.46 2010 est. 93 Venezuela 2.45 2010 est. 94 Qatar 2.44 2010 est. 95 Cook Islands 2.43 2010 est. 96 Vanuatu 2.43 2010 est. 97 Faroe Islands 2.43 2010 est. 98 United Arab Emirates 2.41 2010 est. 99 Guyana 2.40 2010 est. 100 Saudi Arabia 2.35 2010 est. 101 Argentina 2.33 2010 est. 102 South Africa 2.33 2010 est. 103 Peru 2.32 2010 est. 104 Mexico 2.31 2010 est. 105 Bhutan 2.29 2010 est. 106 Burma 2.28 2010 est. 107 Indonesia 2.28 2010 est. 108 Morocco 2.23 2010 est. 109 Mongolia 2.22 2010 est. 110 Grenada 2.21 2010 est. 111 Jamaica 2.21 2010 est. 112 Brazil 2.19 2010 est. 113 Turkmenistan 2.19 2010 est. 114 Colombia 2.18 2010 est. 115 Turkey 2.18 2010 est. 116 Northern Mariana Islands 2.18 2010 est. 117 Greenland 2.16 2010 est. 118 Paraguay 2.16 2010 est. 119 El Salvador 2.12 2010 est. 120 Curacao 2.10 2009 121 New Caledonia 2.09 2010 est. 122 New Zealand 2.09 2010 est. 123 Dominica 2.08 2010 est. 124 Antigua and Barbuda 2.06 2010 est. 125 United States 2.06 2010 est. 126 Azerbaijan 2.03 2010 est. 127 Ireland 2.03 2010 est. 128 Bahamas, The 2.00 2010 est. 129 Tonga 2.00 2010 est. 130 Bermuda 1.98 2010 est. 131 France 1.97 2010 est. 132 Isle of Man 1.97 2010 est. 133 Suriname 1.97 2010 est. 134 Gibraltar 1.96 2010 est. 135 Sri Lanka 1.96 2010 est. 136 Korea, North 1.94 2010 est. 137 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.94 2010 est. 138 Costa Rica 1.93 2010 est. 139 Vietnam 1.93 2010 est. 140 Seychelles 1.92 2010 est. 141 Uzbekistan 1.92 2010 est. 142 United Kingdom 1.92 2010 est. 143 Chile 1.90 2010 est. 144 Iceland 1.90 2010 est. 145 French Polynesia 1.89 2010 est. 146 Uruguay 1.89 2010 est. 147 Iran 1.89 2010 est. 148 Brunei 1.88 2010 est. 149 Cayman Islands 1.88 2010 est. 150 Kazakhstan 1.87 2010 est. 151 Aruba 1.85 2010 est. 152 Wallis and Futuna 1.84 2010 est. 153 Maldives 1.83 2010 est. 154 Saint Lucia 1.82 2010 est. 155 Virgin Islands 1.81 2010 est. 156 Mauritius 1.80 2010 est. 157 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.79 2010 est. 158 Australia 1.78 2010 est. 159 Luxembourg 1.78 2010 est. 160 Lebanon 1.78 2010 est. 161 Norway 1.77 2010 est. 162 Algeria 1.76 2010 est. 163 Anguilla 1.75 2010 est. 164 Denmark 1.74 2010 est. 165 Finland 1.73 2010 est. 166 Palau 1.73 2010 est. 167 Trinidad and Tobago 1.72 2010 est. 168 British Virgin Islands 1.71 2010 est. 169 Tunisia 1.71 2010 est. 170 Sint Maarten 1.70 2009 171 Barbados 1.68 2010 est. 172 Sweden 1.67 2010 est. 173 Jersey 1.66 2010 est. 174 Netherlands 1.66 2010 est. 175 Belgium 1.65 2010 est. 176 Thailand 1.65 2010 est. 177 Puerto Rico 1.62 2010 est. 178 Cuba 1.61 2010 est. 179 Canada 1.58 2010 est. 180 Macedonia 1.58 2010 est. 181 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.56 2010 est. 182 China 1.54 2010 est. 183 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.54 2010 est. 184 Guernsey 1.53 2010 est. 185 Liechtenstein 1.53 2010 est. 186 Malta 1.52 2010 est. 187 Monaco 1.50 2010 est. 188 Portugal 1.50 2010 est. 189 Albania 1.47 2010 est. 190 Spain 1.47 2010 est. 191 San Marino 1.46 2010 est. 192 Switzerland 1.46 2010 est. 193 Cyprus 1.45 2010 est. 194 Georgia 1.44 2010 est. 195 Croatia 1.43 2010 est. 196 Estonia 1.43 2010 est. 197 Germany 1.42 2010 est. 198 Bulgaria 1.41 2010 est. 199 Russia 1.41 2010 est. 200 Austria 1.39 2010 est. 201 Serbia 1.39 2010 est. 202 Hungary 1.39 2010 est. 203 Greece 1.37 2010 est. 204 Armenia 1.36 2010 est. 205 Slovakia 1.36 2010 est. 206 Andorra 1.34 2010 est. 207 Italy 1.32 2010 est. 208 Latvia 1.31 2010 est. 209 Poland 1.29 2010 est. 210 Slovenia 1.29 2010 est. 211 Moldova 1.28 2010 est. 212 Romania 1.27 2010 est. 213 Ukraine 1.27 2010 est. 214 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.26 2010 est. 215 Belarus 1.25 2010 est. 216 Czech Republic 1.25 2010 est. 217 Montserrat 1.25 2010 est. 218 Lithuania 1.24 2010 est. 219 Korea, South 1.22 2010 est. 220 Japan 1.20 2010 est. 221 Taiwan 1.15 2010 est. 222 Singapore 1.10 2010 est. 223 Hong Kong 1.04 2010 est. 224 Macau 0.91 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2128

Country Comparison :: Government type

This entry gives the basic form of government. Definitions of the major governmental terms are as follows. (Note that for some countries more than one definition applies.): Absolute monarchy - a form of government where the monarch rules unhindered, i.e., without any laws, constitution, or legally organized opposition. Anarchy - a condition of lawlessness or political disorder brought about by the absence of governmental authority. Authoritarian - a form of government in which state authority is imposed onto many aspects of citizens' lives. Commonwealth - a nation, state, or other political entity founded on law and united by a compact of the people for the common good. Communist - a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single - often authoritarian - party holds power; state controls are imposed with the elimination of private ownership of property or capital while claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people (i.e., a classless society). Confederacy (Confederation) - a union by compact or treaty between states, provinces, or territories, that creates a central government with limited powers; the constituent entities retain supreme authority over all matters except those delegated to the central government. Constitutional - a government by or operating under an authoritative document (constitution) that sets forth the system of fundamental laws and principles that determines the nature, functions, and limits of that government. Constitutional democracy - a form of government in which the sovereign power of the people is spelled out in a governing constitution. Constitutional monarchy - a system of government in which a monarch is guided by a constitution whereby his/her rights, duties, and responsibilities are spelled out in written law or by custom. Democracy - a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed. Democratic republic - a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them. Dictatorship - a form of government in which a ruler or small clique wield absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws). Ecclesiastical - a government administrated by a church. Emirate - similar to a monarchy or sultanate, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of an emir (the ruler of a Muslim state); the emir may be an absolute overlord or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Federal (Federation) - a form of government in which sovereign power is formally divided - usually by means of a constitution - between a central authority and a number of constituent regions (states, colonies, or provinces) so that each region retains some management of its internal affairs; differs from a confederacy in that the central government exerts influence directly upon both individuals as well as upon the regional units. Federal republic - a state in which the powers of the central government are restricted and in which the component parts (states, colonies, or provinces) retain a degree of self-government; ultimate sovereign power rests with the voters who chose their governmental representatives. Islamic republic - a particular form of government adopted by some Muslim states; although such a state is, in theory, a theocracy, it remains a republic, but its laws are required to be compatible with the laws of Islam. Maoism - the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in China by Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung), which states that a continuous revolution is necessary if the leaders of a communist state are to keep in touch with the people. Marxism - the political, economic, and social principles espoused by 19th century economist Karl Marx; he viewed the struggle of workers as a progression of historical forces that would proceed from a class struggle of the proletariat (workers) exploited by capitalists (business owners), to a socialist "dictatorship of the proletariat," to, finally, a classless society - Communism. Marxism-Leninism - an expanded form of communism developed by Lenin from doctrines of Karl Marx; Lenin saw imperialism as the final stage of capitalism and shifted the focus of workers' struggle from developed to underdeveloped countries. Monarchy - a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - with constitutionally limited authority. Oligarchy - a government in which control is exercised by a small group of individuals whose authority generally is based on wealth or power. Parliamentary democracy - a political system in which the legislature (parliament) selects the government - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor along with the cabinet ministers - according to party strength as expressed in elections; by this system, the government acquires a dual responsibility: to the people as well as to the parliament. Parliamentary government (Cabinet-Parliamentary government) - a government in which members of an executive branch (the cabinet and its leader - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor) are nominated to their positions by a legislature or parliament, and are directly responsible to it; this type of government can be dissolved at will by the parliament (legislature) by means of a no confidence vote or the leader of the cabinet may dissolve the parliament if it can no longer function. Parliamentary monarchy - a state headed by a monarch who is not actively involved in policy formation or implementation (i.e., the exercise of sovereign powers by a monarch in a ceremonial capacity); true governmental leadership is carried out by a cabinet and its head - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor - who are drawn from a legislature (parliament). Presidential - a system of government where the executive branch exists separately from a legislature (to which it is generally not accountable). Republic - a representative democracy in which the people's elected deputies (representatives), not the people themselves, vote on legislation. Socialism - a government in which the means of planning, producing, and distributing goods is controlled by a central government that theoretically seeks a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor; in actuality, most socialist governments have ended up being no more than dictatorships over workers by a ruling elite. Sultanate - similar to a monarchy, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of a sultan (the head of a Muslim state); the sultan may be an absolute ruler or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Theocracy - a form of government in which a Deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the Deity's laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities (bishops, mullahs, etc.); a government subject to religious authority. Totalitarian - a government that seeks to subordinate the individual to the state by controlling not only all political and economic matters, but also the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population.

Rank country Government type Date of Information

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Rank code: 2129

Country Comparison :: Unemployment rate

This entry contains the percent of the labor force that is without jobs. Substantial underemployment might be noted.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Monaco 0.00 2005 2 Qatar 0.50 2010 est. 3 Azerbaijan 0.90 2010 est. 4 Guernsey 0.90 March 2006 est. 5 Belarus 1.00 2009 est. 6 Uzbekistan 1.10 2010 est. 7 Thailand 1.20 2010 est. 8 Liechtenstein 1.50 31 December 2007 9 Vanuatu 1.70 1999 10 Isle of Man 1.80 October 2010 est. 11 Papua New Guinea 1.80 2004 12 Cuba 2.00 2010 est. 13 Seychelles 2.00 2006 est. 14 Kiribati 2.00 1992 est. 15 Bermuda 2.10 2004 est. 16 Jersey 2.20 2006 est. 17 Tajikistan 2.20 2009 est. 18 Kuwait 2.20 2004 est. 19 Singapore 2.30 2010 est. 20 United Arab Emirates 2.40 2001 21 Laos 2.50 2009 est. 22 Mongolia 2.80 2008 23 Gibraltar 3.00 2005 est. 24 San Marino 3.10 2008 25 Guatemala 3.20 2005 est. 26 Moldova 3.40 2010 est. 27 Cambodia 3.50 2007 est. 28 Malaysia 3.50 2010 est. 29 British Virgin Islands 3.60 1997 30 Macau 3.60 2009 31 Brunei 3.70 2008 32 Norway 3.70 2010 est. 33 Korea, South 3.70 2010 est. 34 Faroe Islands 3.90 2009 35 Switzerland 3.90 2010 est. 36 Bhutan 4.00 2009 37 Cayman Islands 4.00 2008 38 Denmark 4.20 2010 est. 39 Palau 4.20 2005 est. 40 China 4.30 September 2009 est. 41 Panama 4.40 2010 est. 42 Saint Kitts and Nevis 4.50 1997 43 Austria 4.60 2010 est. 44 Hong Kong 4.60 2010 est. 45 Nigeria 4.90 2007 est. 46 Australia 5.10 2010 est. 47 Bangladesh 5.10 2010 est. 48 Honduras 5.10 2010 est. 49 Japan 5.20 2010 est. 50 Taiwan 5.20 2010 est. 51 Sri Lanka 5.40 2010 est. 52 Kazakhstan 5.50 2010 est. 53 Luxembourg 5.50 2010 est. 54 Netherlands 5.50 2010 est. 55 Mexico 5.60 2010 est. 56 Burma 5.70 2010 est. 57 Cyprus 6.00 2010 est. 58 Montserrat 6.00 1998 est. 59 Virgin Islands 6.20 2004 60 Israel 6.40 2010 est. 61 Vietnam 6.40 2010 est. 62 Trinidad and Tobago 6.40 2010 est. 63 New Zealand 6.50 2010 est. 64 Costa Rica 6.60 2010 est. 65 Peru 6.70 2010 est. 66 Greenland 6.80 2007 est. 67 Aruba 6.90 2005 est. 68 Paraguay 6.90 2010 est. 69 Andorra 7.00 2008 70 Malta 7.00 2009 est. 71 Brazil 7.00 2010 est. 72 El Salvador 7.00 2010 est. 73 Armenia 7.10 2007 est. 74 Indonesia 7.10 2010 est. 75 Germany 7.10 2010 est. 76 Uruguay 7.40 2010 est. 77 Botswana 7.50 2007 est. 78 Mauritius 7.50 2010 est. 79 Philippines 7.50 2010 est. 80 Bahamas, The 7.60 2006 est. 81 Fiji 7.60 1999 82 Ecuador 7.60 2010 est. 83 Russia 7.60 2010 est. 84 Argentina 7.90 2010 est. 85 Finland 7.90 2010 est. 86 United Kingdom 7.90 2010 est. 87 Anguilla 8.00 2002 88 Northern Mariana Islands 8.00 2005 est. 89 Nicaragua 8.00 2010 est. 90 Central African Republic 8.00 2001 est. 91 Canada 8.00 2010 est. 92 Belgium 8.10 2010 est. 93 Romania 8.20 2010 est. 94 Bolivia 8.30 2010 est. 95 Syria 8.30 2010 est. 96 Sweden 8.30 2010 est. 97 Italy 8.40 2010 est. 98 Ukraine 8.40 2010 est. 99 Iceland 8.60 2010 est. 100 Chile 8.70 2010 est. 101 World 8.80 2010 est. 102 Czech Republic 9.30 2010 est. 103 Bulgaria 9.50 2010 est. 104 European Union 9.50 2010 est. 105 Suriname 9.50 2004 106 France 9.50 2010 est. 107 United States 9.60 2010 est. 108 Egypt 9.70 2010 est. 109 Morocco 9.80 2010 est. 110 Algeria 9.90 2010 est. 111 Turks and Caicos Islands 10.00 1997 est. 112 Curacao 10.30 2008 est. 113 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 10.30 1999 114 Sint Maarten 10.60 2008 est. 115 Slovenia 10.60 2010 est. 116 Barbados 10.70 2003 est. 117 Portugal 10.70 2010 est. 118 India 10.80 2010 est. 119 Saudi Arabia 10.80 2010 est. 120 Antigua and Barbuda 11.00 2001 est. 121 Guyana 11.00 2007 122 Ghana 11.00 2000 est. 123 Colombia 11.20 2010 est. 124 Hungary 11.50 2010 est. 125 French Polynesia 11.70 2005 126 Poland 11.80 2010 est. 127 Greece 12.00 2010 est. 128 Niue 12.00 2001 129 Puerto Rico 12.00 2002 130 Venezuela 12.10 2010 est. 131 Turkey 12.40 2010 est. 132 Grenada 12.50 2000 133 Slovakia 12.50 2010 est. 134 Albania 12.70 2010 est. 135 Jamaica 12.90 2010 est. 136 Tonga 13.00 FY03/04 est. 137 Belize 13.10 2009 138 Cook Islands 13.10 2005 139 Jordan 13.40 2010 est. 140 Estonia 13.50 2010 est. 141 Ireland 13.70 2010 est. 142 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha14.00 1998 est. 143 Tunisia 14.00 2010 est. 144 Dominican Republic 14.20 2010 est. 145 Maldives 14.40 2006 est. 146 Iran 14.60 2010 est. 147 Montenegro 14.70 2007 est. 148 Bahrain 15.00 2005 est. 149 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15.00 2001 est. 150 Pakistan 15.00 2010 est. 151 Oman 15.00 2004 est. 152 Wallis and Futuna 15.20 2003 153 Iraq 15.30 2009 est. 154 Lithuania 16.00 2010 est. 155 Georgia 16.40 2009 est. 156 West Bank 16.50 2010 est. 157 Kosovo 16.60 2009 est. 158 New Caledonia 17.10 2004 159 Serbia 17.20 2010 est. 160 Croatia 17.60 2010 est. 161 Kyrgyzstan 18.00 2004 est. 162 Sudan 18.70 2002 est. 163 Latvia 19.10 2010 est. 164 Comoros 20.00 1996 est. 165 Saint Lucia 20.00 2003 est. 166 Timor-Leste 20.00 2006 est. 167 Spain 20.00 2010 est. 168 Cape Verde 21.00 2000 est. 169 Mozambique 21.00 1997 est. 170 Gabon 21.00 2006 est. 171 Micronesia, Federated States of 22.00 2000 est. 172 Dominica 23.00 2000 est. 173 South Africa 23.30 2010 est. 174 Mayotte 25.40 2005 175 Bosnia and Herzegovina 27.20 2010 est. 176 American Samoa 29.80 2005 177 Cameroon 30.00 2001 est. 178 Mali 30.00 2004 est. 179 Mauritania 30.00 2008 est. 180 Libya 30.00 2004 est. 181 Equatorial Guinea 30.00 1998 est. 182 Macedonia 33.10 2010 est. 183 Afghanistan 35.00 2008 est. 184 Yemen 35.00 2003 est. 185 Marshall Islands 36.00 2006 est. 186 Gaza Strip 40.00 2010 est. 187 Kenya 40.00 2008 est. 188 Swaziland 40.00 2006 est. 189 Lesotho 45.00 2002 190 Nepal 46.00 2008 est. 191 Senegal 48.00 2007 est. 192 Zambia 50.00 2000 est. 193 Namibia 51.20 2008 est. 194 Djibouti 59.00 2007 est. 195 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 60.00 2000 est. 196 Turkmenistan 60.00 2004 est. 197 Burkina Faso 77.00 2004 198 Liberia 85.00 2003 est. 199 Nauru 90.00 2004 est. 200 Zimbabwe 95.00 2009 est.

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Rank code: 2137

Country Comparison :: Military - note

This entry includes miscellaneous military information of significance not included elsewhere.

Rank country Military - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2138

Country Comparison :: Communications - note

This entry includes miscellaneous communications information of significance not included elsewhere.

Rank country Communications - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2140

Country Comparison :: Government - note

This entry includes miscellaneous government information of significance not included elsewhere.

Rank country Government - note Date of Information

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Rank code: 2141

Country Comparison :: Group

Rank country Group Date of Information

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Rank code: 2142

Country Comparison :: Country name

This entry includes all forms of the country's name approved by the
US Board on Geographic Names (Italy is used as an example):
conventional long form (Italian Republic), conventional short form
(Italy), local long form (Repubblica Italiana), local short form
(Italia), former (Kingdom of Italy), as well as the abbreviation.
Also see the Terminology note.

Rank country Country name Date of Information

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Rank code: 2144

Country Comparison :: Location

This entry identifies the country's regional location, neighboring countries, and adjacent bodies of water.

Rank country Location Date of Information

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Rank code: 2145

Country Comparison :: Map references

This entry includes the name of the Factbook reference map on which a country may be found. Note that boundary representations on these maps are not necessarily authoritative. The entry on Geographic coordinates may be helpful in finding some smaller countries.

Rank country Map references Date of Information

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Rank code: 2146

Country Comparison :: Irrigated land

This entry gives the number of square kilometers of land area that is artificially supplied with water.

Rank country (sq km) Date of Information

1 India 558,080.00 2003 2 China 545,960.00 2003 3 United States 223,850.00 2003 4 Pakistan 182,300.00 2003 5 European Union 168,050.00 2003 est. 6 Iran 76,500.00 2003 7 Mexico 63,200.00 2003 8 Turkey 52,150.00 2003 9 Thailand 49,860.00 2003 10 Bangladesh 47,250.00 2003 11 Russia 46,000.00 2003 12 Indonesia 45,000.00 2003 13 Uzbekistan 42,810.00 2003 14 Spain 37,800.00 2003 15 Kazakhstan 35,560.00 2003 16 Iraq 35,250.00 2003 17 Egypt 34,220.00 2003 18 Romania 30,770.00 2003 19 Vietnam 30,000.00 2003 20 Brazil 29,200.00 2003 21 Italy 27,500.00 2003 22 Afghanistan 27,200.00 2003 23 Japan 25,920.00 2003 24 Australia 25,450.00 2003 25 Ukraine 22,080.00 2003 26 Chile 19,000.00 2003 27 Burma 18,700.00 2003 28 Sudan 18,630.00 2003 29 Turkmenistan 18,000.00 2003 30 Saudi Arabia 16,200.00 2003 31 Argentina 15,500.00 2003 32 Philippines 15,500.00 2003 33 South Africa 14,980.00 2003 34 Korea, North 14,600.00 2003 35 Azerbaijan 14,550.00 2003 36 Greece 14,530.00 2003 37 Morocco 14,450.00 2003 38 Syria 13,330.00 2003 39 Peru 12,000.00 2003 40 Nepal 11,700.00 2003 41 Madagascar 10,860.00 2003 42 Kyrgyzstan 10,720.00 2003 43 Colombia 9,000.00 2003 44 Korea, South 8,780.00 2003 45 Cuba 8,700.00 2003 46 Ecuador 8,650.00 2003 47 Canada 7,850.00 2003 48 Sri Lanka 7,430.00 2003 49 Tajikistan 7,220.00 2003 50 Portugal 6,500.00 2003 51 Bulgaria 5,880.00 2003 52 Venezuela 5,750.00 2003 53 Algeria 5,690.00 2003 54 Netherlands 5,650.00 2003 55 Yemen 5,500.00 2003 56 Germany 4,850.00 2003 57 Libya 4,700.00 2003 58 Georgia 4,690.00 2003 59 Denmark 4,490.00 2003 60 Tunisia 3,940.00 2003 61 Malaysia 3,650.00 2003 62 Albania 3,530.00 2003 63 Moldova 3,000.00 2003 64 Ethiopia 2,900.00 2003 65 Armenia 2,860.00 2003 66 New Zealand 2,850.00 2003 67 Nigeria 2,820.00 2003 68 Dominican Republic 2,750.00 2003 69 Cambodia 2,700.00 2003 70 Mali 2,360.00 2003 71 Hungary 2,300.00 2003 72 Uruguay 2,100.00 2003 73 Somalia 2,000.00 2003 74 Israel 1,940.00 2003 75 Tanzania 1,840.00 2003 76 Slovakia 1,830.00 2003 77 Laos 1,750.00 2003 78 Zimbabwe 1,740.00 2003 79 United Kingdom 1,700.00 2003 80 Zambia 1,560.00 2003 81 Guyana 1,500.00 2003 82 Bolivia 1,320.00 2003 83 Belarus 1,310.00 2003 84 Guatemala 1,300.00 2003 85 Norway 1,270.00 2003 86 Senegal 1,200.00 2003 87 Mozambique 1,180.00 2003 88 Sweden 1,150.00 2003 89 Costa Rica 1,080.00 2003 90 Timor-Leste 1,065.00 NA 91 Lebanon 1,040.00 2003 92 Kenya 1,030.00 2003 93 Poland 1,000.00 2003 94 Guinea 950.00 2003 95 Haiti 920.00 2003 96 Mongolia 840.00 2003 97 Angola 800.00 2003 98 Honduras 800.00 2003 99 United Arab Emirates 760.00 2003 100 Jordan 750.00 2003 101 Cote d'Ivoire 730.00 2003 102 Niger 730.00 2003 103 Oman 720.00 2003 104 Paraguay 670.00 2003 105 Finland 640.00 2003 106 Nicaragua 610.00 2003 107 Malawi 560.00 2003 108 Macedonia 550.00 2003 109 Suriname 510.00 2003 110 Swaziland 500.00 2003 111 Mauritania 490.00 2002 112 El Salvador 450.00 2003 113 Panama 430.00 2003 114 Belgium 400.00 2003 115 Cyprus 400.00 2003 116 Puerto Rico 400.00 2003 117 Bhutan 400.00 2003 118 Ghana 310.00 2003 119 Chad 300.00 2003 120 Sierra Leone 300.00 2003 121 Cameroon 260.00 2003 122 Burkina Faso 250.00 2003 123 Switzerland 250.00 2003 124 Jamaica 250.00 2002 125 Guinea-Bissau 250.00 2003 126 Czech Republic 240.00 2003 127 Mauritius 220.00 2003 128 Burundi 210.00 2003 129 Eritrea 210.00 2003 130 Latvia 200.00 2003 131 Kuwait 130.00 2003 132 Qatar 130.00 2002 133 Benin 120.00 2003 134 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 110.00 2003 135 Croatia 110.00 2003 136 New Caledonia 100.00 2003 137 Sao Tome and Principe 100.00 2003 138 Rwanda 90.00 2003 139 Uganda 90.00 2003 140 Namibia 80.00 2003 141 Gabon 70.00 2003 142 Lithuania 70.00 2003 143 Togo 70.00 2003 144 Barbados 50.00 2003 145 Austria 40.00 2003 146 Trinidad and Tobago 40.00 2003 147 Estonia 40.00 2003 148 Bahrain 40.00 2003 149 Belize 30.00 2003 150 Slovenia 30.00 2003 151 Saint Lucia 30.00 2003 152 Liberia 30.00 2003 153 Lesotho 30.00 2003 154 Fiji 30.00 2003 155 Cape Verde 30.00 2003 156 Bosnia and Herzegovina 30.00 2003 157 Central African Republic 20.00 2003 158 Malta 20.00 2003 159 Gambia, The 20.00 2003 160 Hong Kong 20.00 1998 est. 161 Congo, Republic of the 20.00 2003 162 Bahamas, The 10.00 2003 163 Brunei 10.00 2003 164 Botswana 10.00 2003 165 Djibouti 10.00 2003 166 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10.00 2003 167 French Polynesia 10.00 2003 168 Aruba 0.01 1998 est. 169 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 0.00 NA 170 Clipperton Island 0.00 NA 171 French Southern and Antarctic Lands0.00 NA 172 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.00 NA 173 Jan Mayen 0.00 NA 174 Paracel Islands 0.00 NA 175 Wake Island 0.00 NA 176 Spratly Islands 0.00 NA 177 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0.00 NA 178 Marshall Islands 0.00 NA 179 Isle of Man 0.00 NA 180 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 0.00 NA 181 Faroe Islands 0.00 NA 182 Coral Sea Islands 0.00 NA 183 British Indian Ocean Territory 0.00 NA 184 Bouvet Island 0.00 NA

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Rank code: 2147

Country Comparison :: Area

This entry includes three subfields. Total area is the sum of all land and water areas delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines. Land area is the aggregate of all surfaces delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines, excluding inland water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, rivers). Water area is the sum of the surfaces of all inland water bodies, such as lakes, reservoirs, or rivers, as delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines.

Rank country (sq km) Date of Information

1 Russia 17,098,242 NA 2 Canada 9,984,670 NA 3 United States 9,826,675 NA 4 China 9,596,961 NA 5 Brazil 8,514,877 NA 6 Australia 7,741,220 NA 7 India 3,287,263 NA 8 Argentina 2,780,400 NA 9 Kazakhstan 2,724,900 NA 10 Sudan 2,505,813 NA 11 Algeria 2,381,741 NA 12 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2,344,858 NA 13 Greenland 2,166,086 NA 14 Saudi Arabia 2,149,690 NA 15 Mexico 1,964,375 NA 16 Indonesia 1,904,569 NA 17 Libya 1,759,540 NA 18 Iran 1,648,195 NA 19 Mongolia 1,564,116 NA 20 Peru 1,285,216 NA 21 Chad 1,284,000 NA 22 Niger 1,267,000 NA 23 Angola 1,246,700 NA 24 Mali 1,240,192 NA 25 South Africa 1,219,090 NA 26 Colombia 1,138,910 NA 27 Ethiopia 1,104,300 NA 28 Bolivia 1,098,581 NA 29 Mauritania 1,030,700 NA 30 Egypt 1,001,450 NA 31 Tanzania 947,300 NA 32 Nigeria 923,768 NA 33 Venezuela 912,050 NA 34 Namibia 824,292 NA 35 Mozambique 799,380 NA 36 Pakistan 796,095 NA 37 Turkey 783,562 NA 38 Chile 756,102 NA 39 Zambia 752,618 NA 40 Burma 676,578 NA 41 Afghanistan 652,230 NA 42 France 643,427 NA 43 Somalia 637,657 NA 44 Central African Republic 622,984 NA 45 Ukraine 603,550 NA 46 Madagascar 587,041 NA 47 Botswana 581,730 NA 48 Kenya 580,367 NA 49 Yemen 527,968 NA 50 Thailand 513,120 NA 51 Spain 505,370 NA 52 Turkmenistan 488,100 NA 53 Cameroon 475,440 NA 54 Papua New Guinea 462,840 NA 55 Sweden 450,295 NA 56 Uzbekistan 447,400 NA 57 Morocco 446,550 NA 58 Iraq 438,317 NA 59 Paraguay 406,752 NA 60 Zimbabwe 390,757 NA 61 Japan 377,915 NA 62 Germany 357,022 NA 63 Congo, Republic of the 342,000 NA 64 Finland 338,145 NA 65 Vietnam 331,210 NA 66 Malaysia 329,847 NA 67 Norway 323,802 NA 68 Cote d'Ivoire 322,463 NA 69 Poland 312,685 NA 70 Oman 309,500 NA 71 Italy 301,340 NA 72 Philippines 300,000 NA 73 Ecuador 283,561 NA 74 Burkina Faso 274,200 NA 75 New Zealand 267,710 NA 76 Gabon 267,667 NA 77 Western Sahara 266,000 NA 78 Guinea 245,857 NA 79 United Kingdom 243,610 NA 80 Uganda 241,038 NA 81 Ghana 238,533 NA 82 Romania 238,391 NA 83 Laos 236,800 NA 84 Guyana 214,969 NA 85 Belarus 207,600 NA 86 Kyrgyzstan 199,951 NA 87 Senegal 196,722 NA 88 Syria 185,180 NA 89 Cambodia 181,035 NA 90 Uruguay 176,215 NA 91 Suriname 163,820 NA 92 Tunisia 163,610 NA 93 Nepal 147,181 NA 94 Bangladesh 143,998 NA 95 Tajikistan 143,100 NA 96 Greece 131,957 NA 97 Nicaragua 130,370 NA 98 Korea, North 120,538 NA 99 Malawi 118,484 NA 100 Eritrea 117,600 NA 101 Benin 112,622 NA 102 Honduras 112,090 NA 103 Liberia 111,369 NA 104 Bulgaria 110,879 NA 105 Cuba 110,860 NA 106 Guatemala 108,889 NA 107 Iceland 103,000 NA 108 Korea, South 99,720 NA 109 Hungary 93,028 NA 110 Portugal 92,090 NA 111 Jordan 89,342 NA 112 Azerbaijan 86,600 NA 113 Austria 83,871 NA 114 United Arab Emirates 83,600 NA 115 Czech Republic 78,867 NA 116 Serbia 77,474 NA 117 Panama 75,420 NA 118 Sierra Leone 71,740 NA 119 Ireland 70,273 NA 120 Georgia 69,700 NA 121 Sri Lanka 65,610 NA 122 Lithuania 65,300 NA 123 Latvia 64,589 NA 124 Svalbard 62,045 NA 125 Togo 56,785 NA 126 Croatia 56,594 NA 127 British Indian Ocean Territory 54,400 NA 128 Bosnia and Herzegovina 51,197 NA 129 Costa Rica 51,100 NA 130 Slovakia 49,035 NA 131 Dominican Republic 48,670 NA 132 Estonia 45,228 NA 133 Denmark 43,094 NA 134 Netherlands 41,543 NA 135 Switzerland 41,277 NA 136 Bhutan 38,394 NA 137 Guinea-Bissau 36,125 NA 138 Taiwan 35,980 NA 139 Moldova 33,851 NA 140 Belgium 30,528 NA 141 Lesotho 30,355 NA 142 Armenia 29,743 NA 143 Solomon Islands 28,896 NA 144 Albania 28,748 NA 145 Equatorial Guinea 28,051 NA 146 Burundi 27,830 NA 147 Haiti 27,750 NA 148 Rwanda 26,338 NA 149 Macedonia 25,713 NA 150 Djibouti 23,200 NA 151 Belize 22,966 NA 152 Israel 22,072 NA 153 El Salvador 21,041 NA 154 Slovenia 20,273 NA 155 New Caledonia 18,575 NA 156 Fiji 18,274 NA 157 Kuwait 17,818 NA 158 Swaziland 17,364 NA 159 Timor-Leste 14,874 NA 160 Bahamas, The 13,880 NA 161 Montenegro 13,812 NA 162 Puerto Rico 13,790 NA 163 Vanuatu 12,189 NA 164 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 12,173 NA 165 Qatar 11,586 NA 166 Gambia, The 11,295 NA 167 Jamaica 10,991 NA 168 Kosovo 10,887 NA 169 Lebanon 10,400 NA 170 Cyprus 9,251 NA 171 West Bank 5,860 NA 172 Brunei 5,765 NA 173 Trinidad and Tobago 5,128 NA 174 French Polynesia 4,167 NA 175 Cape Verde 4,033 NA 176 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands3,903 NA 177 Samoa 2,831 NA 178 Luxembourg 2,586 NA 179 Comoros 2,235 NA 180 Mauritius 2,040 NA 181 Virgin Islands 1,910 NA 182 Faroe Islands 1,393 NA 183 Hong Kong 1,104 NA 184 Sao Tome and Principe 964 NA 185 Turks and Caicos Islands 948 NA 186 Kiribati 811 NA 187 Bahrain 760 NA 188 Dominica 751 NA 189 Tonga 747 NA 190 Micronesia, Federated States of 702 NA 191 Singapore 697 NA 192 Saint Lucia 616 NA 193 Isle of Man 572 NA 194 Andorra 468 NA 195 Northern Mariana Islands 464 NA 196 Palau 459 NA 197 Seychelles 455 NA 198 Curacao 444 NA 199 Antigua and Barbuda 443 NA 200 Barbados 430 NA 201 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 412 NA 202 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 389 NA 203 Jan Mayen 377 NA 204 Mayotte 374 NA 205 Gaza Strip 360 NA 206 Grenada 344 NA 207 Malta 316 NA 208 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha308 NA 209 Maldives 298 NA 210 Cayman Islands 264 NA 211 Saint Kitts and Nevis 261 NA 212 Niue 260 NA 213 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 242 NA 214 Cook Islands 236 NA 215 American Samoa 199 NA 216 Marshall Islands 181 NA 217 Aruba 180 NA 218 Liechtenstein 160 NA 219 British Virgin Islands 151 NA 220 Wallis and Futuna 142 NA 221 Christmas Island 135 NA 222 Dhekelia 131 NA 223 Akrotiri 123 NA 224 Jersey 116 NA 225 Montserrat 102 NA 226 Anguilla 91 NA 227 Guernsey 78 NA 228 San Marino 61 NA 229 French Southern and Antarctic Lands55 NA 230 Saint Martin 54 NA 231 Bermuda 54 NA 232 Bouvet Island 49 NA 233 Pitcairn Islands 47 NA 234 Norfolk Island 36 NA 235 Sint Maarten 34 NA 236 Macau 28 NA 237 Tuvalu 26 NA 238 United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges22 NA 239 Nauru 21 NA 240 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 14 NA 241 Tokelau 12 NA 242 Gibraltar 7 NA 243 Wake Island 7 NA 244 Clipperton Island 6 NA 245 Navassa Island 5 NA 246 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 5 NA 247 Spratly Islands 5 NA 248 Coral Sea Islands 3 NA 249 Monaco 2 NA 250 Holy See (Vatican City) 0 NA

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Rank code: 2149

Country Comparison :: Diplomatic representation in the US

This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.

Rank country Diplomatic representation in the USDate of Information

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Rank code: 2150

Country Comparison :: Telephones - main lines in use

This entry gives the total number of main telephone lines in use.

Rank country Telephones - main lines in useDate of Information

1 China 313,680,000 2009 2 United States 141,000,000 2009 3 Germany 48,700,000 2009 4 Russia 44,802,000 2009 5 Japan 44,364,000 2009 6 Brazil 41,497,000 2009 7 France 36,431,000 2009 8 India 35,770,000 2010 9 Indonesia 33,958,000 2009 10 United Kingdom 32,117,000 2009 11 Iran 25,804,000 2009 12 Italy 21,300,000 2009 13 Spain 20,057,000 2009 14 Mexico 19,425,000 2009 15 Korea, South 19,289,000 2009 16 Canada 18,251,000 2009 17 Vietnam 17,427,000 2009 18 Turkey 16,534,000 2009 19 Taiwan 14,596,000 2009 20 Ukraine 13,026,000 2009 21 Egypt 10,313,000 2009 22 Argentina 9,764,000 2009 23 Poland 9,556,000 2009 24 Australia 9,020,000 2009 25 Colombia 7,500,000 2009 26 Netherlands 7,320,000 2009 27 Thailand 7,024,000 2009 28 Venezuela 6,867,000 2009 29 Greece 5,930,000 2009 30 Romania 5,313,000 2009 31 Sweden 5,146,000 2009 32 Switzerland 4,650,000 2009 33 South Africa 4,320,000 2009 34 Malaysia 4,312,000 2009 35 Hong Kong 4,188,000 2009 36 Saudi Arabia 4,171,000 2009 37 Philippines 4,100,000 2009 38 Pakistan 4,058,000 2009 39 Portugal 4,049,000 2009 40 Belarus 3,969,000 2009 41 Syria 3,871,000 2009 42 Kazakhstan 3,763,000 2009 43 Chile 3,575,000 2009 44 Sri Lanka 3,523,000 2010 45 Morocco 3,516,000 2009 46 Austria 3,253,000 2009 47 Israel 3,250,000 2009 48 Serbia 3,106,000 2009 49 Hungary 3,069,000 2009 50 Peru 2,965,000 2009 51 Algeria 2,576,000 2009 52 Bulgaria 2,164,000 2009 53 Czech Republic 2,092,000 2009 54 Ireland 2,080,000 2009 55 Denmark 2,062,000 2009 56 Ecuador 2,004,000 2009 57 Norway 1,900,000 2009 58 New Zealand 1,870,000 2009 59 Croatia 1,859,000 2009 60 Uzbekistan 1,857,000 2009 61 Singapore 1,852,000 2009 62 United Arab Emirates 1,561,000 2009 63 Bangladesh 1,522,000 2009 64 Costa Rica 1,493,000 2009 65 Finland 1,430,000 2009 66 Nigeria 1,419,000 2009 67 Guatemala 1,413,000 2009 68 Azerbaijan 1,397,000 2009 69 Tunisia 1,279,000 2009 70 Korea, North 1,180,000 2008 71 Cuba 1,168,000 2009 72 Moldova 1,139,000 2009 73 Iraq 1,108,000 2009 74 Libya 1,101,000 2009 75 El Salvador 1,099,000 2009 76 Slovenia 1,034,000 2009 77 Slovakia 1,022,000 2009 78 Bosnia and Herzegovina 998,600 2009 79 Yemen 997,000 2009 80 Dominican Republic 965,400 2009 81 Uruguay 953,400 2009 82 Ethiopia 915,100 2009 83 Puerto Rico 870,100 2009 84 Honduras 830,000 2009 85 Nepal 820,500 2009 86 Burma 812,000 2009 87 Bolivia 810,200 2009 88 Lebanon 750,000 2009 89 Lithuania 747,400 2009 90 Kenya 664,100 2009 91 Latvia 644,000 2009 92 Armenia 630,000 2009 93 Georgia 620,000 2009 94 Kuwait 553,500 2009 95 Panama 537,100 2009 96 Jordan 501,200 2009 97 Kyrgyzstan 498,300 2009 98 Estonia 492,800 2009 99 Turkmenistan 478,000 2009 100 Macedonia 442,200 2009 101 Cyprus 414,500 NA 102 Paraguay 387,300 2009 103 Zimbabwe 385,100 2009 104 Mauritius 379,100 2009 105 Sudan 370,400 2009 106 Montenegro 366,600 2009 107 Albania 363,000 2009 108 Gaza Strip 360,400 2010 109 West Bank 360,400 2010 110 Cameroon 323,800 2009 111 Trinidad and Tobago 314,800 2009 112 Angola 303,200 2009 113 Jamaica 302,300 2009 114 Oman 300,100 2009 115 Tajikistan 290,000 2009 116 Qatar 285,300 2009 117 Cote d'Ivoire 282,100 2009 118 Senegal 278,800 2009 119 Luxembourg 273,600 2009 120 Ghana 267,400 2009 121 Nicaragua 255,000 2009 122 Malta 252,700 2009 123 Bahrain 238,400 2009 124 Uganda 233,500 2009 125 Mongolia 188,900 2009 126 Iceland 185,200 2009 127 Madagascar 181,200 2009 128 Togo 178,700 2009 129 Malawi 175,000 2009 130 Tanzania 173,552 2010 131 Macau 168,903 2010 132 Burkina Faso 167,000 2009 133 Botswana 144,200 2009 134 Namibia 142,100 2009 135 Fiji 136,800 2009 136 Barbados 135,700 2009 137 Laos 132,200 2009 138 Guyana 130,000 2009 139 Afghanistan 129,300 2009 140 Bahamas, The 129,000 2009 141 Benin 127,100 2009 142 Haiti 108,300 2009 143 Kosovo 106,300 2006 144 Somalia 100,000 2009 145 Zambia 90,300 2009 146 Suriname 83,700 2009 147 Mozambique 82,400 2009 148 Mali 81,000 2009 149 Brunei 80,500 2009 150 Virgin Islands 75,000 2009 151 Mauritania 74,500 2009 152 Jersey 73,900 2009 153 Cape Verde 72,200 2009 154 New Caledonia 65,900 2009 155 Niger 65,000 2009 156 Papua New Guinea 60,000 2009 157 Bermuda 57,700 2009 158 French Polynesia 54,300 2009 159 Cambodia 54,200 2009 160 Isle of Man 51,000 1999 161 Maldives 49,913 2009 162 Gambia, The 49,000 2009 163 Eritrea 48,500 2009 164 Guernsey 45,100 2009 165 Swaziland 44,000 2009 166 Saint Lucia 41,000 2009 167 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 40,000 2009 168 Lesotho 40,000 2009 169 Aruba 38,300 2009 170 Cayman Islands 38,000 2009 171 Andorra 37,900 2009 172 Antigua and Barbuda 37,400 2009 173 Monaco 35,400 2009 174 Rwanda 33,500 2009 175 Sierra Leone 32,800 2009 176 Samoa 31,900 2009 177 Burundi 31,500 2009 178 Belize 31,200 2009 179 Tonga 31,000 2009 180 Grenada 28,600 2009 181 Gabon 26,500 2009 182 Bhutan 26,300 2009 183 Comoros 25,400 2009 184 Northern Mariana Islands 25,100 2009 185 Congo, Republic of the 24,300 2009 186 Gibraltar 24,000 2009 187 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 23,000 2009 188 Seychelles 22,100 2009 189 Greenland 22,000 2009 190 Guinea 22,000 2009 191 San Marino 21,500 2009 192 Faroe Islands 20,900 2009 193 Saint Kitts and Nevis 20,500 2009 194 British Virgin Islands 20,100 2009 195 Liechtenstein 19,600 2009 196 Dominica 17,500 2009 197 Djibouti 16,800 2009 198 Chad 13,000 2009 199 Central African Republic 12,000 2009 200 American Samoa 10,400 2009 201 Equatorial Guinea 10,000 2009 202 Mayotte 10,000 2009 203 Micronesia, Federated States of 8,700 2009 204 Solomon Islands 8,200 2009 205 Sao Tome and Principe 7,800 2009 206 Vanuatu 7,200 2009 207 Palau 7,100 2009 208 Cook Islands 6,900 2009 209 Anguilla 6,300 2009 210 Sint Maarten 5,153 2001 211 Holy See (Vatican City) 5,120 2005 212 Guinea-Bissau 4,800 2009 213 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 4,800 2009 214 Marshall Islands 4,400 2009 215 Belgium 4,255 2009 216 Kiribati 4,000 2009 217 Turks and Caicos Islands 3,700 2009 218 Wallis and Futuna 3,000 2009 219 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha2,900 2009 220 Montserrat 2,700 2009 221 Norfolk Island 2,532 2004 222 Timor-Leste 2,400 2009 223 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2,000 2009 224 Liberia 2,000 2009 225 Nauru 1,900 2009 226 Tuvalu 1,700 2009 227 Niue 1,100 2009 228 Tokelau 300 2009 229 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 287 1992 230 Pitcairn Islands 1 2004 231 Antarctica 0 2001

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Rank code: 2151

Country Comparison :: Telephones - mobile cellular

This entry gives the total number of mobile cellular telephone subscribers.

Rank country Telephones - mobile cellular Date of Information

1 China 747,000,000 2009 2 India 670,000,000 2010 3 United States 286,000,000 2009 4 Russia 230,500,000 2009 5 Brazil 173,959,000 2009 6 Indonesia 159,248,000 2009 7 Japan 114,917,000 2009 8 Germany 105,000,000 2009 9 Pakistan 103,000,000 2009 10 Vietnam 98,224,000 2009 11 Italy 90,613,000 2009 12 Mexico 83,528,000 2009 13 Thailand 83,057,000 2009 14 United Kingdom 80,375,000 2009 15 Philippines 74,489,000 2009 16 Nigeria 73,099,000 2009 17 Turkey 62,780,000 2009 18 France 60,950,000 2009 19 Egypt 55,352,000 2009 20 Ukraine 55,333,000 2009 21 Iran 52,555,000 2009 22 Argentina 51,891,000 2009 23 Spain 50,991,000 2009 24 Bangladesh 50,400,000 2009 25 Korea, South 47,944,000 2009 26 South Africa 46,436,000 2009 27 Saudi Arabia 44,864,000 2009 28 Poland 44,553,000 2009 29 Colombia 42,160,000 2009 30 Algeria 32,730,000 2009 31 Malaysia 30,379,000 2009 32 Venezuela 28,124,000 2009 33 Taiwan 26,959,000 2009 34 Romania 25,377,000 2009 35 Morocco 25,311,000 2009 36 Peru 24,700,000 2009 37 Australia 24,220,000 2009 38 Canada 23,081,000 2009 39 Netherlands 21,182,000 2009 40 Iraq 19,722,000 2009 41 Kenya 19,365,000 2009 42 Tanzania 17,677,000 2010 43 Guatemala 17,308,000 2009 44 Chile 16,450,000 2009 45 Uzbekistan 16,418,000 2009 46 Sri Lanka 15,868,000 2010 47 Sudan 15,340,000 2009 48 Portugal 15,178,000 2009 49 Ghana 15,109,000 2009 50 Kazakhstan 14,995,000 2009 51 Czech Republic 14,258,000 2009 52 Ecuador 13,635,000 2009 53 Cote d'Ivoire 13,346,000 2009 54 Greece 13,295,000 2009 55 Belgium 12,419,000 2009 56 Hong Kong 12,207,000 2009 57 Afghanistan 12,000,000 2009 58 Hungary 11,793,000 2009 59 Austria 11,773,000 2009 60 Sweden 11,426,000 2009 61 United Arab Emirates 10,672,000 2009 62 Bulgaria 10,617,000 2009 63 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10,163,000 2009 64 Serbia 9,912,000 2009 65 Tunisia 9,754,000 2009 66 Syria 9,697,000 2009 67 Belarus 9,686,000 2009 68 Uganda 9,384,000 2009 69 Switzerland 9,255,000 2009 70 Israel 9,022,000 2009 71 Dominican Republic 8,630,000 2009 72 Yemen 8,313,000 2009 73 Angola 8,109,000 2009 74 Azerbaijan 7,757,000 2009 75 Honduras 7,714,000 2009 76 Finland 7,700,000 2009 77 Nepal 7,618,000 2009 78 El Salvador 7,566,000 2009 79 Denmark 7,406,000 2009 80 Cameroon 7,397,000 2009 81 Bolivia 7,148,000 2009 82 Senegal 6,902,000 2009 83 Singapore 6,652,000 2009 84 Croatia 6,035,000 2009 85 Jordan 6,014,000 2009 86 Madagascar 5,997,000 2009 87 Mozambique 5,971,000 2009 88 Panama 5,677,000 2009 89 Paraguay 5,619,000 2009 90 Guinea 5,607,000 2009 91 Cambodia 5,593,000 2009 92 Slovakia 5,498,000 2009 93 Norway 5,336,000 2009 94 Benin 5,033,000 2009 95 Libya 5,004,000 2009 96 Lithuania 4,962,000 2009 97 Tajikistan 4,900,000 2009 98 Ireland 4,871,000 2009 99 New Zealand 4,700,000 2009 100 Kyrgyzstan 4,487,000 2009 101 Zambia 4,407,000 2009 102 Albania 4,162,000 2009 103 Ethiopia 4,052,000 2009 104 Oman 3,971,000 2009 105 Kuwait 3,876,000 2009 106 Uruguay 3,802,000 2009 107 Mali 3,742,000 2009 108 Haiti 3,648,000 2009 109 Burkina Faso 3,299,000 2009 110 Bosnia and Herzegovina 3,257,000 2009 111 Laos 3,235,000 2009 112 Nicaragua 3,204,000 2009 113 Zimbabwe 2,991,000 2009 114 Jamaica 2,971,000 2009 115 Georgia 2,837,000 2009 116 Moldova 2,785,000 2009 117 Estonia 2,720,000 2009 118 Puerto Rico 2,716,000 2009 119 Chad 2,686,000 2009 120 Armenia 2,620,000 2009 121 Niger 2,599,000 2009 122 Qatar 2,472,000 2009 123 Rwanda 2,429,000 2009 124 Gaza Strip 2,405,000 2010 125 West Bank 2,405,000 2010 126 Malawi 2,400,000 2009 127 Mongolia 2,249,000 2009 128 Latvia 2,243,000 2009 129 Togo 2,187,000 2009 130 Mauritania 2,182,000 2009 131 Congo, Republic of the 2,171,000 2009 132 Slovenia 2,100,000 2009 133 Trinidad and Tobago 1,970,000 2009 134 Costa Rica 1,950,000 2009 135 Macedonia 1,943,000 2009 136 Botswana 1,874,000 2009 137 Bahrain 1,578,000 2009 138 Lebanon 1,526,000 2009 139 Turkmenistan 1,500,000 2009 140 Gambia, The 1,433,000 2009 141 Gabon 1,373,000 2009 142 Namibia 1,217,000 2009 143 Sierra Leone 1,160,000 2009 144 Macau 1,109,000 2010 145 Mauritius 1,087,000 2009 146 Cyprus 977,500 NA 147 Papua New Guinea 900,000 2009 148 Liberia 842,000 2009 149 Burundi 838,400 2009 150 Suriname 763,900 2009 151 Montenegro 752,000 2009 152 Luxembourg 719,000 2009 153 Lesotho 661,000 2009 154 Swaziland 656,000 2009 155 Somalia 641,000 2009 156 Fiji 640,000 2009 157 Kosovo 562,000 2007 158 Guinea-Bissau 560,300 2009 159 Maldives 461,149 2009 160 Burma 448,000 2009 161 Equatorial Guinea 445,000 2009 162 Cuba 443,000 2009 163 Brunei 425,000 2009 164 Malta 422,100 2009 165 Cape Verde 392,000 2009 166 Bahamas, The 358,800 2009 167 Iceland 349,000 2009 168 Barbados 337,100 2009 169 Bhutan 327,100 2009 170 Guyana 281,400 2005 171 French Polynesia 208,300 2009 172 New Caledonia 208,000 2009 173 Saint Lucia 176,000 2009 174 Central African Republic 168,000 2009 175 Belize 161,800 2009 176 Samoa 151,000 2009 177 Eritrea 141,100 2009 178 Antigua and Barbuda 134,900 2009 179 Djibouti 128,800 2009 180 Aruba 128,000 2009 181 Vanuatu 126,500 2009 182 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 121,100 2009 183 Timor-Leste 116,000 2009 184 Dominica 106,000 2009 185 Comoros 100,000 2009 186 Seychelles 92,300 2009 187 Bermuda 85,000 2009 188 Jersey 83,900 2004 189 Saint Kitts and Nevis 83,000 2009 190 Virgin Islands 80,300 2005 191 Andorra 64,500 2009 192 Grenada 64,000 2009 193 Sao Tome and Principe 64,000 2009 194 Faroe Islands 57,000 2009 195 Greenland 53,500 2009 196 Tonga 53,000 2009 197 Mayotte 48,100 2005 198 Guernsey 43,800 2004 199 Micronesia, Federated States of 38,000 2009 200 Liechtenstein 35,000 2009 201 Cayman Islands 33,800 2004 202 Solomon Islands 30,000 2009 203 Gibraltar 28,600 2009 204 Anguilla 27,000 2009 205 Turks and Caicos Islands 25,100 2004 206 British Virgin Islands 24,000 2009 207 San Marino 24,000 2009 208 Monaco 23,000 2009 209 Northern Mariana Islands 20,500 2004 210 Palau 13,200 2009 211 Cook Islands 7,000 2009 212 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 3,300 2009 213 Montserrat 3,000 2008 214 American Samoa 2,200 2004 215 Tuvalu 2,000 2009 216 Nauru 1,500 2002 217 Kiribati 1,000 2009 218 Marshall Islands 1,000 2009 219 Niue 600 2004 220 Norfolk Island 0 2002 221 Western Sahara 0 1999

======================================================================

Rank code: 2152

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

1 United States 7,000.00 2002 est. 2 Canada 760.00 2000 est. 3 Australia 571.00 2002 4 Russia 300.00 June 2000 5 Ukraine 260.00 2001 6 Bulgaria 200.00 2001 7 Germany 200.00 2001 8 South Africa 150.00 2001 9 Iran 100.00 2002 10 Italy 93.00 2000 11 Puerto Rico 76.00 2000 12 Japan 73.00 2000 13 Kenya 65.00 2001 14 France 62.00 2000 15 Belgium 61.00 2000 16 Spain 56.00 2000 17 Netherlands 52.00 2000 18 Mexico 51.00 2000 19 Brazil 50.00 2000 20 Turkey 50.00 2001 21 Virgin Islands 50.00 2000 22 Egypt 50.00 2000 23 Liechtenstein 44.00 2000 24 Switzerland 44.00 2000 25 India 43.00 2000 26 Uzbekistan 42.00 2000 27 Latvia 41.00 2001 28 Estonia 38.00 2001 29 Romania 38.00 2000 30 Austria 37.00 2000 31 New Zealand 36.00 2000 32 Argentina 33.00 2000 33 Philippines 33.00 2000 34 Lithuania 32.00 2001 35 Ecuador 31.00 2001 36 Pakistan 30.00 2000 37 Sweden 29.00 2000 38 Greece 27.00 2000 39 Dominican Republic 24.00 2000 40 Indonesia 24.00 2000 41 Belarus 23.00 2002 42 Ireland 22.00 2000 43 Saudi Arabia 22.00 2003 44 Lebanon 22.00 2000 45 Israel 21.00 2000 46 Jamaica 21.00 2000 47 Bermuda 20.00 2000 48 Iceland 20.00 2001 49 Bahamas, The 19.00 2000 50 Poland 19.00 2000 51 Barbados 19.00 2000 52 Colombia 18.00 2000 53 Hong Kong 17.00 2000 54 Montserrat 17.00 2000 55 Trinidad and Tobago 17.00 2000 56 Anguilla 16.00 2000 57 British Virgin Islands 16.00 2000 58 Antigua and Barbuda 16.00 2000 59 Dominica 16.00 2000 60 Hungary 16.00 2000 61 Venezuela 16.00 2000 62 Saint Kitts and Nevis 16.00 2000 63 Portugal 16.00 2000 64 Cayman Islands 16.00 2000 65 Saint Lucia 15.00 2000 66 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15.00 2000 67 Thailand 15.00 2000 68 Grenada 14.00 2000 69 Uruguay 14.00 2001 70 Turks and Caicos Islands 14.00 2000 71 Denmark 13.00 2000 72 Norway 13.00 2000 73 Jan Mayen 13.00 2000 74 Svalbard 13.00 2000 75 Mali 13.00 2001 76 Ghana 12.00 2000 77 Botswana 11.00 2001 78 Slovenia 11.00 2000 79 Korea, South 11.00 2000 80 Nigeria 11.00 2000 81 Mozambique 11.00 2002 82 Albania 10.00 2001 83 Kazakhstan 10.00 2001 84 Peru 10.00 2000 85 Bangladesh 10.00 2000 86 Armenia 9.00 2001 87 Singapore 9.00 2000 88 Croatia 9.00 2000 89 Bolivia 9.00 2000 90 Honduras 8.00 2000 91 West Bank 8.00 1999 92 Taiwan 8.00 2000 93 Morocco 8.00 2000 94 Luxembourg 8.00 2000 95 Chile 7.00 2000 96 Malaysia 7.00 2000 97 Cyprus 6.00 2000 98 Zimbabwe 6.00 2000 99 Tanzania 6.00 2000 100 Slovakia 6.00 2000 101 Georgia 6.00 2000 102 Macedonia 6.00 2000 103 Malta 6.00 2002 104 Panama 6.00 2000 105 Nepal 6.00 2000 106 Cote d'Ivoire 5.00 2001 107 Cuba 5.00 2001 108 Guatemala 5.00 2000 109 Zambia 5.00 2001 110 Vietnam 5.00 2000 111 Swaziland 5.00 2002 112 Sri Lanka 5.00 2000 113 Mongolia 5.00 2001 114 Mauritania 5.00 2001 115 Jordan 5.00 2000 116 Eritrea 5.00 2001 117 Benin 4.00 2002 118 Tajikistan 4.00 2002 119 Paraguay 4.00 2000 120 El Salvador 4.00 2000 121 Guinea 4.00 2001 122 Bosnia and Herzegovina 3.00 2000 123 China 3.00 2000 124 Costa Rica 3.00 2000 125 Cook Islands 3.00 2000 126 Togo 3.00 2001 127 Somalia 3.00 2000 128 Papua New Guinea 3.00 2000 129 Nicaragua 3.00 2000 130 Malawi 3.00 2002 131 Kuwait 3.00 2000 132 Haiti 3.00 2000 133 Guyana 3.00 2000 134 Gaza Strip 3.00 1999 135 Finland 3.00 2002 136 Algeria 2.00 2000 137 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 2.00 2000 138 Cambodia 2.00 2000 139 Azerbaijan 2.00 2000 140 Faroe Islands 2.00 2000 141 Gibraltar 2.00 2000 142 Suriname 2.00 2000 143 Sudan 2.00 2002 144 San Marino 2.00 2000 145 Samoa 2.00 2000 146 Rwanda 2.00 2002 147 Norfolk Island 2.00 2000 148 Namibia 2.00 2000 149 Monaco 2.00 2000 150 Moldova 2.00 1999 151 Mauritius 2.00 2000 152 Madagascar 2.00 2000 153 Liberia 2.00 2001 154 Guinea-Bissau 2.00 2002 155 Uganda 2.00 2000 156 Tonga 2.00 2000 157 Gambia, The 2.00 2001 158 French Polynesia 2.00 2000 159 Fiji 2.00 2000 160 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2.00 2000 161 Christmas Island 2.00 2000 162 Belize 2.00 2000 163 Brunei 2.00 2000 164 Afghanistan 1.00 2000 165 Tokelau 1.00 2000 166 Syria 1.00 2000 167 Solomon Islands 1.00 2000 168 Sierra Leone 1.00 2001 169 Seychelles 1.00 2000 170 Senegal 1.00 2002 171 Sao Tome and Principe 1.00 2002 172 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.00 2000 173 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.00 2000 174 Yemen 1.00 2000 175 Western Sahara 1.00 2000 176 Wallis and Futuna 1.00 2000 177 Vanuatu 1.00 2000 178 United Arab Emirates 1.00 2000 179 Tuvalu 1.00 2000 180 Tunisia 1.00 2000 181 Qatar 1.00 2000 182 Palau 1.00 2002 183 Oman 1.00 2000 184 Northern Mariana Islands 1.00 2001 185 Niue 1.00 2000 186 Niger 1.00 2002 187 New Caledonia 1.00 2000 188 Maldives 1.00 2000 189 Macau 1.00 2000 190 Libya 1.00 2002 191 Lesotho 1.00 2000 192 Laos 1.00 2000 193 Korea, North 1.00 2000 194 Kiribati 1.00 2000 195 Iraq 1.00 2000 196 Djibouti 1.00 2000 197 Nauru 1.00 2000 198 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.00 2000 199 Marshall Islands 1.00 2002 200 Congo, Republic of the 1.00 2000 201 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1.00 2001 202 Comoros 1.00 2000 203 Chad 1.00 2002 204 Central African Republic 1.00 2002 205 Cape Verde 1.00 2002 206 Cameroon 1.00 2002 207 Burundi 1.00 2000 208 Greenland 1.00 2000 209 Gabon 1.00 2001 210 Ethiopia 1.00 2002 211 Equatorial Guinea 1.00 2002 212 American Samoa 1.00 2000 213 Bahrain 1.00 2000 214 British Indian Ocean Territory 1.00 2000 215 Burma 1.00 2000 216 Burkina Faso 1.00 2002 217 Andorra 1.00 2000 218 Angola 1.00 2000

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Rank code: 2153

Country Comparison :: Internet users

This entry gives the number of users within a country that access the Internet. Statistics vary from country to country and may include users who access the Internet at least several times a week to those who access it only once within a period of several months.

Rank country Internet users Date of Information

1 China 389,000,000 2009 2 United States 245,000,000 2009 3 Japan 99,182,000 2009 4 Brazil 75,982,000 2009 5 Germany 65,125,000 2009 6 India 61,338,000 2009 7 United Kingdom 51,444,000 2009 8 France 45,262,000 2009 9 Nigeria 43,989,000 2009 10 Russia 40,853,000 2009 11 Korea, South 39,400,000 2009 12 Mexico 31,020,000 2009 13 Italy 29,235,000 2009 14 Spain 28,119,000 2009 15 Turkey 27,233,000 2009 16 Canada 26,960,000 2009 17 Vietnam 23,382,000 2009 18 Colombia 22,538,000 2009 19 Poland 22,452,000 2009 20 Pakistan 20,431,000 2009 21 Egypt 20,136,000 2009 22 Indonesia 20,000,000 2009 23 Thailand 17,483,000 2009 24 Taiwan 16,147,000 2009 25 Australia 15,810,000 2009 26 Malaysia 15,355,000 2009 27 Netherlands 14,872,000 2009 28 Argentina 13,694,000 2009 29 Morocco 13,213,000 2009 30 Saudi Arabia 9,774,000 2009 31 Peru 9,158,000 2009 32 Venezuela 8,918,000 2009 33 Sweden 8,398,000 2009 34 Philippines 8,278,000 2009 35 Iran 8,214,000 2009 36 Belgium 8,113,000 2009 37 Romania 7,787,000 2009 38 Ukraine 7,770,000 2009 39 Chile 7,009,000 2009 40 Czech Republic 6,681,000 2009 41 Hungary 6,176,000 2009 42 Switzerland 6,152,000 2009 43 Austria 6,143,000 2009 44 Kazakhstan 5,299,000 2009 45 Portugal 5,168,000 2009 46 Greece 4,971,000 2009 47 Hong Kong 4,873,000 2009 48 Denmark 4,750,000 2009 49 Algeria 4,700,000 2009 50 Uzbekistan 4,689,000 2009 51 Israel 4,525,000 2009 52 Syria 4,469,000 2009 53 Norway 4,431,000 2009 54 South Africa 4,420,000 2009 55 Finland 4,393,000 2009 56 Sudan 4,200,000 2008 57 Serbia 4,107,000 2009 58 Slovakia 4,063,000 2009 59 Kenya 3,996,000 2009 60 Tunisia 3,500,000 2009 61 United Arab Emirates 3,449,000 2009 62 New Zealand 3,400,000 2009 63 Bulgaria 3,395,000 2009 64 Ecuador 3,352,000 2009 65 Singapore 3,235,000 2009 66 Uganda 3,200,000 2009 67 Ireland 3,042,000 2009 68 Dominican Republic 2,701,000 2009 69 Belarus 2,643,000 2009 70 Azerbaijan 2,420,000 2009 71 Yemen 2,349,000 2009 72 Guatemala 2,279,000 2009 73 Croatia 2,234,000 2009 74 Kyrgyzstan 2,195,000 2009 75 Lithuania 1,964,000 2009 76 Senegal 1,818,000 2009 77 Sri Lanka 1,777,000 2009 78 Jordan 1,642,000 2009 79 Cuba 1,606,000 2009 80 Jamaica 1,581,000 2009 81 Latvia 1,504,000 2009 82 Costa Rica 1,485,000 2009 83 Oman 1,465,000 2009 84 Zimbabwe 1,423,000 2009 85 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,422,000 2009 86 Uruguay 1,405,000 2009 87 Gaza Strip 1,379,000 2009 88 West Bank 1,379,000 2009 89 Moldova 1,333,000 2009 90 Albania 1,300,000 2009 91 Georgia 1,300,000 2009 92 Slovenia 1,298,000 2009 93 Ghana 1,297,000 2009 94 Paraguay 1,105,000 2009 95 Bolivia 1,103,000 2009 96 Kuwait 1,100,000 2009 97 Macedonia 1,057,000 2009 98 Afghanistan 1,000,000 2009 99 Haiti 1,000,000 2009 100 Puerto Rico 1,000,000 2009 101 Lebanon 1,000,000 2009 102 Estonia 971,700 2009 103 Cote d'Ivoire 967,300 2009 104 Panama 959,800 2009 105 Zambia 816,200 2009 106 Cameroon 749,600 2009 107 El Salvador 746,000 2009 108 Honduras 731,700 2009 109 Malawi 716,400 2009 110 Tajikistan 700,000 2009 111 Tanzania 678,000 2009 112 Bangladesh 617,300 2009 113 Mozambique 613,600 2009 114 Angola 606,700 2009 115 Trinidad and Tobago 593,000 2009 116 Nepal 577,800 2009 117 Qatar 563,800 2009 118 Rwanda 450,000 2009 119 Ethiopia 447,300 2009 120 Cyprus 433,900 2009 121 Luxembourg 424,500 2009 122 Bahrain 419,500 2009 123 Togo 356,300 2009 124 Libya 353,900 2009 125 Mongolia 330,000 2008 126 Iraq 325,900 2009 127 Madagascar 319,900 2009 128 Brunei 314,900 2009 129 Iceland 301,600 2009 130 Laos 300,000 2009 131 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 290,000 2008 132 Mauritius 290,000 2009 133 Montenegro 280,000 2009 134 Macau 270,200 2009 135 Mali 249,800 2009 136 Congo, Republic of the 245,200 2009 137 Malta 240,600 2009 138 Armenia 208,200 2009 139 Benin 200,100 2009 140 Eritrea 200,000 2008 141 Nicaragua 199,800 2009 142 Guyana 189,600 2009 143 Barbados 188,000 2008 144 Burkina Faso 178,100 2009 145 Chad 168,100 2009 146 Suriname 163,000 2009 147 Burundi 157,800 2009 148 Cape Verde 150,000 2009 149 Saint Lucia 142,900 2009 150 Gambia, The 130,100 2009 151 Namibia 127,500 2009 152 Papua New Guinea 125,000 2009 153 Botswana 120,000 2009 154 French Polynesia 120,000 2009 155 Niger 115,900 2009 156 Bahamas, The 115,800 2009 157 Fiji 114,200 2009 158 Burma 110,000 2009 159 Somalia 106,000 2009 160 Gabon 98,800 2009 161 Guinea 95,000 2009 162 Swaziland 90,100 2009 163 Maldives 86,400 2009 164 New Caledonia 85,000 2009 165 Turkmenistan 80,400 2009 166 Cambodia 78,500 2009 167 Lesotho 76,800 2009 168 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 76,000 2009 169 Mauritania 75,000 2009 170 Andorra 67,100 2009 171 Antigua and Barbuda 65,000 2009 172 Bermuda 54,000 2009 173 Bhutan 50,000 2009 174 Guernsey 48,300 2009 175 Faroe Islands 37,500 2009 176 Guinea-Bissau 37,100 2009 177 Belize 36,000 2009 178 Greenland 36,000 2009 179 Seychelles 32,000 2008 180 Virgin Islands 30,000 2009 181 Jersey 29,500 2009 182 Dominica 28,000 2009 183 Sao Tome and Principe 26,700 2009 184 Djibouti 25,900 2009 185 Grenada 25,000 2009 186 Comoros 24,300 2009 187 Aruba 24,000 2009 188 Cayman Islands 23,000 2008 189 Monaco 23,000 2009 190 Liechtenstein 23,000 2009 191 Central African Republic 22,600 2009 192 Gibraltar 20,200 2009 193 Liberia 20,000 2009 194 Micronesia, Federated States of 17,000 2009 195 San Marino 17,000 2009 196 Vanuatu 17,000 2009 197 Saint Kitts and Nevis 17,000 2009 198 Sierra Leone 14,900 2009 199 Equatorial Guinea 14,400 2009 200 Solomon Islands 10,000 2009 201 Samoa 9,000 2009 202 Tonga 8,400 2009 203 Kiribati 7,800 2009 204 Cook Islands 6,000 2009 205 Tuvalu 4,200 2008 206 British Virgin Islands 4,000 2002 207 Anguilla 3,700 2009 208 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2,900 2009 209 Marshall Islands 2,200 2009 210 Timor-Leste 2,100 2009 211 Wallis and Futuna 1,300 2009 212 Montserrat 1,200 2009 213 Niue 1,100 2009 214 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha900 2009 215 Tokelau 800 2008 216 Christmas Island 464 2001

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Rank code: 2154

Country Comparison :: Internet country code

This entry includes the two-letter codes maintained by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the ISO 3166
Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
(IANA) to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs).

Rank country Internet country code Date of Information

======================================================================

Rank code: 2155

Country Comparison :: HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

This entry gives an estimate of the percentage of adults (aged 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS. The adult prevalence rate is calculated by dividing the estimated number of adults living with HIV/AIDS at yearend by the total adult population at yearend.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Swaziland 26.10 2007 est. 2 Botswana 23.90 2007 est. 3 Lesotho 23.20 2007 est. 4 South Africa 18.10 2007 est. 5 Namibia 15.30 2007 est. 6 Zimbabwe 15.30 2007 est. 7 Zambia 15.20 2007 est. 8 Mozambique 12.50 2007 est. 9 Malawi 11.90 2007 est. 10 Kenya 6.70 2003 est. 11 Central African Republic 6.30 2007 est. 12 Tanzania 6.20 2007 est. 13 Gabon 5.90 2007 est. 14 Uganda 5.40 2007 est. 15 Cameroon 5.10 2007 est. 16 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.20 2003 est. 17 Cote d'Ivoire 3.90 2007 est. 18 Chad 3.50 2007 est. 19 Congo, Republic of the 3.50 2007 est. 20 Equatorial Guinea 3.40 2007 est. 21 Togo 3.30 2007 est. 22 Djibouti 3.10 2007 est. 23 Nigeria 3.10 2007 est. 24 Bahamas, The 3.00 2007 est. 25 Rwanda 2.80 2007 est. 26 Guyana 2.50 2007 est. 27 Suriname 2.40 2007 est. 28 Haiti 2.20 2007 est. 29 Angola 2.10 2007 est. 30 Belize 2.10 2007 est. 31 Ethiopia 2.10 2007 est. 32 Burundi 2.00 2007 est. 33 Ghana 1.90 2007 est. 34 Guinea-Bissau 1.80 2007 est. 35 Liberia 1.70 2007 est. 36 Mauritius 1.70 2007 est. 37 Sierra Leone 1.70 2007 est. 38 Burkina Faso 1.60 2007 est. 39 Ukraine 1.60 2007 est. 40 Jamaica 1.60 2007 est. 41 Guinea 1.60 2007 est. 42 Mali 1.50 2007 est. 43 Papua New Guinea 1.50 2007 est. 44 Trinidad and Tobago 1.50 2007 est. 45 Sudan 1.40 2007 est. 46 Thailand 1.40 2007 est. 47 Eritrea 1.30 2007 est. 48 Estonia 1.30 2007 est. 49 Barbados 1.20 2007 est. 50 Benin 1.20 2007 est. 51 Dominican Republic 1.10 2007 est. 52 Russia 1.10 2007 est. 53 Panama 1.00 2007 est. 54 Senegal 1.00 2007 est. 55 Gambia, The 0.90 2007 est. 56 World 0.80 2007 est. 57 Niger 0.80 2007 est. 58 Mauritania 0.80 2007 est. 59 Latvia 0.80 2007 est. 60 Guatemala 0.80 2007 est. 61 El Salvador 0.80 2007 est. 62 Cambodia 0.80 2007 est. 63 Venezuela 0.70 2001 est. 64 Burma 0.70 2007 est. 65 Honduras 0.70 2007 est. 66 Brazil 0.60 2007 est. 67 Paraguay 0.60 2007 est. 68 Switzerland 0.60 2007 est. 69 Uruguay 0.60 2007 est. 70 United States 0.60 2007 est. 71 Colombia 0.60 2007 est. 72 Argentina 0.50 2007 est. 73 Vietnam 0.50 2007 est. 74 Somalia 0.50 2007 est. 75 Spain 0.50 2007 est. 76 Portugal 0.50 2007 est. 77 Malaysia 0.50 2007 est. 78 Peru 0.50 2007 est. 79 Nepal 0.50 2007 est. 80 Canada 0.40 2007 est. 81 Moldova 0.40 2007 est. 82 Italy 0.40 2007 est. 83 France 0.40 2007 est. 84 Costa Rica 0.40 2007 est. 85 Chile 0.30 2007 est. 86 Ecuador 0.30 2007 est. 87 Tajikistan 0.30 2007 est. 88 Mexico 0.30 2007 est. 89 India 0.30 2007 est. 90 Bermuda 0.30 2005 91 Libya 0.30 2001 est. 92 Australia 0.20 2007 est. 93 Austria 0.20 2007 est. 94 Belarus 0.20 2007 est. 95 United Kingdom 0.20 2007 est. 96 Singapore 0.20 2007 est. 97 Nicaragua 0.20 2007 est. 98 Netherlands 0.20 2007 est. 99 Luxembourg 0.20 2007 est. 100 Laos 0.20 2007 est. 101 Ireland 0.20 2007 est. 102 Iran 0.20 2007 est. 103 Indonesia 0.20 2007 est. 104 Iceland 0.20 2007 est. 105 Greece 0.20 2007 est. 106 Denmark 0.20 2007 est. 107 Bolivia 0.20 2007 est. 108 Belgium 0.20 2007 est. 109 Azerbaijan 0.20 2007 est. 110 Bahrain 0.20 2001 est. 111 United Arab Emirates 0.20 2001 est. 112 Algeria 0.10 2007 est. 113 Bhutan 0.10 2007 est. 114 Armenia 0.10 2007 est. 115 China 0.10 2007 est. 116 Malta 0.10 2007 est. 117 Madagascar 0.10 2007 est. 118 Lithuania 0.10 2007 est. 119 Lebanon 0.10 2007 est. 120 Kyrgyzstan 0.10 2007 est. 121 Kazakhstan 0.10 2007 est. 122 Israel 0.10 2007 est. 123 Hungary 0.10 2007 est. 124 Germany 0.10 2007 est. 125 Tunisia 0.10 2007 est. 126 Sweden 0.10 2007 est. 127 Romania 0.10 2007 est. 128 Poland 0.10 2007 est. 129 Pakistan 0.10 2007 est. 130 Norway 0.10 2007 est. 131 New Zealand 0.10 2007 est. 132 Morocco 0.10 2007 est. 133 Mongolia 0.10 2007 est. 134 Uzbekistan 0.10 2007 est. 135 Georgia 0.10 2007 est. 136 Finland 0.10 2007 est. 137 Fiji 0.10 2007 est. 138 Cuba 0.10 2007 est. 139 Bangladesh 0.10 2001 est. 140 Brunei 0.10 2003 est. 141 Bulgaria 0.10 2001 est. 142 Comoros 0.10 2007 est. 143 Philippines 0.10 2003 est. 144 Oman 0.10 2001 est. 145 Maldives 0.10 2001 est. 146 Macedonia 0.10 2007 est. 147 Kuwait 0.10 2001 est. 148 Korea, South 0.10 2007 est. 149 Jordan 0.10 2001 est. 150 Japan 0.10 2003 est. 151 Iraq 0.10 2001 est. 152 Hong Kong 0.10 2003 est. 153 Yemen 0.10 2001 est. 154 Turkmenistan 0.10 2007 est. 155 Turkey 0.10 2001 est. 156 Syria 0.10 2001 est. 157 Sri Lanka 0.10 2001 est. 158 Slovenia 0.10 2007 est. 159 Slovakia 0.10 2007 est. 160 Serbia 0.10 2009 est. 161 Qatar 0.10 2001 est. 162 Czech Republic 0.10 2001 est. 163 Egypt 0.10 2001 est. 164 Cyprus 0.10 2003 est. 165 Croatia 0.10 2007 est. 166 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.10 2007 est. 167 Cape Verde 0.04 NA 168 Afghanistan 0.01 2001 est. 169 Saudi Arabia 0.01 2001 est. 170 Svalbard 0.00 2001

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Rank code: 2156

Country Comparison :: HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

This entry gives an estimate of all people (adults and children) alive at yearend with HIV infection, whether or not they have developed symptoms of AIDS.

Rank country HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDSDate of Information

1 World 33,000,000 2007 est. 2 South Africa 5,700,000 2007 est. 3 Nigeria 2,600,000 2007 est. 4 India 2,400,000 2007 est. 5 Mozambique 1,500,000 2007 est. 6 Tanzania 1,400,000 2007 est. 7 Zimbabwe 1,300,000 2007 est. 8 Kenya 1,200,000 2003 est. 9 United States 1,200,000 2007 est. 10 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,100,000 2003 est. 11 Zambia 1,100,000 2007 est. 12 Ethiopia 980,000 2007 est. 13 Russia 940,000 2007 est. 14 Uganda 940,000 2007 est. 15 Malawi 930,000 2007 est. 16 Brazil 730,000 2007 est. 17 China 700,000 2007 est. 18 Thailand 610,000 2007 est. 19 Cameroon 540,000 2007 est. 20 Cote d'Ivoire 480,000 2007 est. 21 Ukraine 440,000 2007 est. 22 Sudan 320,000 2007 est. 23 Botswana 300,000 2007 est. 24 Vietnam 290,000 2007 est. 25 Indonesia 270,000 2007 est. 26 Lesotho 270,000 2007 est. 27 Ghana 260,000 2007 est. 28 Burma 240,000 2007 est. 29 Chad 200,000 2007 est. 30 Mexico 200,000 2007 est. 31 Namibia 200,000 2007 est. 32 Angola 190,000 2007 est. 33 Swaziland 190,000 2007 est. 34 Colombia 170,000 2007 est. 35 Central African Republic 160,000 2007 est. 36 Italy 150,000 2007 est. 37 Rwanda 150,000 2007 est. 38 France 140,000 2007 est. 39 Spain 140,000 2007 est. 40 Burkina Faso 130,000 2007 est. 41 Togo 130,000 2007 est. 42 Argentina 120,000 2007 est. 43 Haiti 120,000 2007 est. 44 Burundi 110,000 2007 est. 45 Venezuela 110,000 1999 est. 46 Mali 100,000 2007 est. 47 Pakistan 96,000 2007 est. 48 Guinea 87,000 2007 est. 49 Iran 86,000 2007 est. 50 Malaysia 80,000 2007 est. 51 Congo, Republic of the 79,000 2007 est. 52 United Kingdom 77,000 2007 est. 53 Peru 76,000 2007 est. 54 Cambodia 75,000 2007 est. 55 Canada 73,000 2007 est. 56 Nepal 70,000 2007 est. 57 Senegal 67,000 2007 est. 58 Benin 64,000 2007 est. 59 Dominican Republic 62,000 2007 est. 60 Niger 60,000 2007 est. 61 Guatemala 59,000 2007 est. 62 Sierra Leone 55,000 2007 est. 63 Papua New Guinea 54,000 2007 est. 64 Germany 53,000 2007 est. 65 Gabon 49,000 2007 est. 66 Eritrea 38,000 2007 est. 67 El Salvador 35,000 2007 est. 68 Liberia 35,000 2007 est. 69 Portugal 34,000 2007 est. 70 Chile 31,000 2007 est. 71 Honduras 28,000 2007 est. 72 Jamaica 27,000 2007 est. 73 Ecuador 26,000 2007 est. 74 Switzerland 25,000 2007 est. 75 Somalia 24,000 2007 est. 76 Algeria 21,000 2007 est. 77 Morocco 21,000 2007 est. 78 Paraguay 21,000 2007 est. 79 Panama 20,000 2007 est. 80 Poland 20,000 2007 est. 81 Australia 18,000 2007 est. 82 Netherlands 18,000 2007 est. 83 Djibouti 16,000 2007 est. 84 Uzbekistan 16,000 2007 est. 85 Guinea-Bissau 16,000 2007 est. 86 Belgium 15,000 2007 est. 87 Romania 15,000 2007 est. 88 Madagascar 14,000 2007 est. 89 Mauritania 14,000 2007 est. 90 Trinidad and Tobago 14,000 2007 est. 91 Belarus 13,000 2007 est. 92 Guyana 13,000 2007 est. 93 Mauritius 13,000 2007 est. 94 Korea, South 13,000 2007 est. 95 Bangladesh 12,000 2007 est. 96 Yemen 12,000 2001 est. 97 Kazakhstan 12,000 2007 est. 98 Equatorial Guinea 11,000 2007 est. 99 Greece 11,000 2007 est. 100 Latvia 10,000 2007 est. 101 Libya 10,000 2001 est. 102 Uruguay 10,000 2007 est. 103 Tajikistan 10,000 2007 est. 104 Estonia 9,900 2007 est. 105 Austria 9,800 2007 est. 106 Costa Rica 9,700 2007 est. 107 Japan 9,600 2007 est. 108 Egypt 9,200 2007 est. 109 Moldova 8,900 2007 est. 110 Philippines 8,300 2007 est. 111 Gambia, The 8,200 2007 est. 112 Bolivia 8,100 2007 est. 113 Azerbaijan 7,800 2007 est. 114 Nicaragua 7,700 2007 est. 115 Puerto Rico 7,397 NA 116 Suriname 6,800 2007 est. 117 Serbia 6,400 2009 est. 118 Bahamas, The 6,200 2007 est. 119 Cuba 6,200 2007 est. 120 Sweden 6,200 2007 est. 121 Ireland 5,500 2007 est. 122 Laos 5,500 2007 est. 123 Israel 5,100 2007 est. 124 Denmark 4,800 2007 est. 125 Kyrgyzstan 4,200 2007 est. 126 Singapore 4,200 2007 est. 127 Sri Lanka 3,800 2007 est. 128 Tunisia 3,700 2007 est. 129 Belize 3,600 2007 est. 130 Hungary 3,300 2007 est. 131 Lebanon 3,000 2007 est. 132 Norway 3,000 2007 est. 133 Georgia 2,700 2007 est. 134 Hong Kong 2,600 2003 est. 135 Armenia 2,400 2007 est. 136 Finland 2,400 2007 est. 137 Barbados 2,200 2007 est. 138 Lithuania 2,200 2007 est. 139 Czech Republic 1,500 2007 est. 140 New Zealand 1,400 2007 est. 141 Oman 1,300 2001 est. 142 Cyprus 1,000 2007 est. 143 Bosnia and Herzegovina 900 2007 est. 144 Cape Verde 775 NA 145 Bahrain 600 2007 est. 146 Jordan 600 2007 est. 147 Fiji 600 2003 est. 148 Iraq 500 2003 est. 149 Syria 500 2003 est. 150 Luxembourg 500 2003 est. 151 Malta 500 2007 est. 152 Mongolia 500 2007 est. 153 Bulgaria 346 2001 est. 154 Slovenia 280 2007 est. 155 Iceland 220 2007 est. 156 Brunei 200 2003 est. 157 Turkmenistan 200 2007 est. 158 Slovakia 200 2007 est. 159 Macedonia 200 2007 est. 160 Croatia 200 2007 est. 161 Bermuda 163 2005 162 Bhutan 100 2007 est. 163 Maldives 100 2001 est. 164 Greenland 100 NA 165 Svalbard 0 2001

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Rank code: 2157

Country Comparison :: HIV/AIDS - deaths

This entry gives an estimate of the number of adults and children who died of AIDS during a given calendar year.

Rank country HIV/AIDS - deaths Date of Information

1 South Africa 350,000 2007 est. 2 India 310,000 2001 est. 3 Nigeria 170,000 2007 est. 4 Kenya 150,000 2003 est. 5 Zimbabwe 140,000 2007 est. 6 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 100,000 2003 est. 7 Tanzania 96,000 2007 est. 8 Mozambique 81,000 2007 est. 9 Uganda 77,000 2007 est. 10 Malawi 68,000 2007 est. 11 Ethiopia 67,000 2007 est. 12 Zambia 56,000 2007 est. 13 Russia 40,000 2007 est. 14 Cameroon 39,000 2007 est. 15 China 39,000 2007 est. 16 Cote d'Ivoire 38,000 2007 est. 17 Thailand 30,000 2007 est. 18 Burma 25,000 2007 est. 19 Sudan 25,000 2007 est. 20 Vietnam 24,000 2007 est. 21 United States 22,000 2007 est. 22 Ghana 21,000 2007 est. 23 Ukraine 19,000 2007 est. 24 Lesotho 18,000 2007 est. 25 Brazil 15,000 2007 est. 26 Chad 14,000 2007 est. 27 Angola 11,000 2007 est. 28 Botswana 11,000 2007 est. 29 Mexico 11,000 2007 est. 30 Central African Republic 11,000 2007 est. 31 Burundi 11,000 2007 est. 32 Swaziland 10,000 2007 est. 33 Colombia 9,800 2007 est. 34 Burkina Faso 9,200 2007 est. 35 Togo 9,100 2007 est. 36 Indonesia 8,700 2007 est. 37 Rwanda 7,800 2007 est. 38 Haiti 7,200 2007 est. 39 Argentina 7,000 2007 est. 40 Cambodia 6,900 2007 est. 41 Congo, Republic of the 6,400 2007 est. 42 Mali 5,800 2007 est. 43 Namibia 5,100 2007 est. 44 Pakistan 5,100 2007 est. 45 Nepal 5,000 2007 est. 46 Guinea 4,500 2007 est. 47 Iran 4,300 2007 est. 48 Dominican Republic 4,100 2007 est. 49 Venezuela 4,100 2003 est. 50 Niger 4,000 2007 est. 51 Guatemala 3,900 2007 est. 52 Malaysia 3,900 2007 est. 53 Benin 3,300 2007 est. 54 Sierra Leone 3,300 2007 est. 55 Peru 3,300 2007 est. 56 Eritrea 2,600 2007 est. 57 Gabon 2,300 2007 est. 58 Spain 2,300 2007 est. 59 Liberia 2,300 2007 est. 60 Honduras 1,900 2007 est. 61 Trinidad and Tobago 1,900 2003 est. 62 Italy 1,900 2007 est. 63 Senegal 1,800 2007 est. 64 El Salvador 1,700 2007 est. 65 France 1,600 2007 est. 66 Somalia 1,600 2007 est. 67 Jamaica 1,500 2007 est. 68 Ecuador 1,400 2007 est. 69 Belarus 1,100 2007 est. 70 Guinea-Bissau 1,100 2007 est. 71 Djibouti 1,100 2007 est. 72 Chile 1,100 2007 est. 73 Algeria 1,000 2007 est. 74 Paraguay 1,000 2007 est. 75 Papua New Guinea 1,000 2007 est. 76 Panama 1,000 2007 est. 77 Morocco 1,000 2007 est. 78 Mauritania 1,000 2007 est. 79 Madagascar 1,000 2007 est. 80 Guyana 1,000 2007 est. 81 Gambia, The 600 2003 est. 82 Bangladesh 500 2007 est. 83 Canada 500 2007 est. 84 Bolivia 500 2007 est. 85 Egypt 500 2007 est. 86 Jordan 500 2003 est. 87 Korea, South 500 2007 est. 88 Uzbekistan 500 2007 est. 89 Uruguay 500 2007 est. 90 United Kingdom 500 2007 est. 91 Tajikistan 500 2007 est. 92 Switzerland 500 2007 est. 93 Suriname 500 2003 est. 94 Portugal 500 2007 est. 95 Nicaragua 500 2007 est. 96 Latvia 500 2007 est. 97 Kazakhstan 500 2007 est. 98 Germany 500 2007 est. 99 Estonia 500 2007 est. 100 Bermuda 392 2005 101 Equatorial Guinea 370 2001 est. 102 Romania 350 2001 est. 103 Cape Verde 225 NA 104 Armenia 200 2007 est. 105 Bahamas, The 200 2007 est. 106 Netherlands 200 2007 est. 107 Mongolia 200 2003 est. 108 Lithuania 200 2007 est. 109 Lebanon 200 2007 est. 110 Kyrgyzstan 200 2007 est. 111 Israel 200 2007 est. 112 Hong Kong 200 2003 est. 113 Georgia 200 2003 est. 114 Fiji 200 2003 est. 115 Tunisia 200 2007 est. 116 Syria 200 2003 est. 117 Sri Lanka 200 2003 est. 118 Singapore 200 2007 est. 119 Poland 200 2007 est. 120 Philippines 200 2007 est. 121 Oman 200 2003 est. 122 New Zealand 200 2003 est. 123 Costa Rica 200 2007 est. 124 Brunei 200 2003 est. 125 Belize 200 2007 est. 126 Bahrain 200 2003 est. 127 Australia 100 2007 est. 128 Austria 100 2003 est. 129 Cuba 100 2007 est. 130 Denmark 100 2003 est. 131 Slovenia 100 2007 est. 132 Slovakia 100 2001 est. 133 Serbia 100 2009 est. 134 Norway 100 2003 est. 135 Moldova 100 2007 est. 136 Mauritius 100 2001 est. 137 Malta 100 2003 est. 138 Macedonia 100 2003 est. 139 Luxembourg 100 2003 est. 140 Laos 100 2007 est. 141 Japan 100 2007 est. 142 Ireland 100 2007 est. 143 Iceland 100 2003 est. 144 Hungary 100 2001 est. 145 Greece 100 2007 est. 146 Finland 100 2003 est. 147 Turkmenistan 100 2004 est. 148 Sweden 100 2007 est. 149 Bulgaria 100 2001 est. 150 Bosnia and Herzegovina 100 2001 est. 151 Belgium 100 2007 est. 152 Barbados 100 2007 est. 153 Azerbaijan 100 2007 est. 154 Croatia 10 2001 est. 155 Czech Republic 10 2001 est. 156 Svalbard 0 2001

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Rank code: 2158

Country Comparison ::

Rank country Date of Information

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Rank code: 2172

Country Comparison :: Distribution of family income - Gini index

This index measures the degree of inequality in the distribution of family income in a country. The index is calculated from the Lorenz curve, in which cumulative family income is plotted against the number of families arranged from the poorest to the richest. The index is the ratio of (a) the area between a country's Lorenz curve and the 45 degree helping line to (b) the entire triangular area under the 45 degree line. The more nearly equal a country's income distribution, the closer its Lorenz curve to the 45 degree line and the lower its Gini index, e.g., a Scandinavian country with an index of 25. The more unequal a country's income distribution, the farther its Lorenz curve from the 45 degree line and the higher its Gini index, e.g., a Sub-Saharan country with an index of 50. If income were distributed with perfect equality, the Lorenz curve would coincide with the 45 degree line and the index would be zero; if income were distributed with perfect inequality, the Lorenz curve would coincide with the horizontal axis and the right vertical axis and the index would be 100.

Rank country Distribution of family income - Gini indexDate of

Information 1 Namibia 70.7 2003 2 South Africa 65.0 2005 3 Lesotho 63.2 1995 4 Botswana 63.0 1993 5 Sierra Leone 62.9 1989 6 Central African Republic 61.3 1993 7 Haiti 59.2 2001 8 Colombia 58.5 2009 9 Bolivia 58.2 2009 10 Brazil 56.7 2005 11 Bosnia and Herzegovina 56.2 2007 12 Panama 56.1 2003 13 Guatemala 55.1 2007 14 Chile 54.9 2003 15 Honduras 53.8 2003 16 Hong Kong 53.3 2007 17 Paraguay 53.2 2009 18 El Salvador 52.4 2002 19 Papua New Guinea 50.9 1996 20 Zambia 50.8 2004 21 Niger 50.5 1995 22 Swaziland 50.4 2001 23 Gambia, The 50.2 1998 24 Zimbabwe 50.1 2006 25 Dominican Republic 49.9 2005 26 Peru 49.6 2009 27 Sri Lanka 49.0 2007 28 Mexico 48.2 2008 29 Singapore 48.1 2008 30 Costa Rica 48.0 2008 31 Ecuador 47.9 2009 32 Madagascar 47.5 2001 33 Mozambique 47.3 2002 34 Nepal 47.2 2008 35 Rwanda 46.8 2000 36 Malaysia 46.1 2002 37 Philippines 45.8 2006 38 Argentina 45.7 2009 39 Uganda 45.7 2002 40 Jamaica 45.5 2004 41 Uruguay 45.2 2006 42 United States 45.0 2007 43 Cameroon 44.6 2001 44 Cote d'Ivoire 44.6 2002 45 Iran 44.5 2006 46 Nigeria 43.7 2003 47 Guyana 43.2 1999 48 Nicaragua 43.1 2001 49 Cambodia 43.0 2007 est. 50 Thailand 43.0 2006 51 Kenya 42.5 2008 est. 52 Burundi 42.4 1998 53 Russia 42.2 2009 54 China 41.5 2007 55 Senegal 41.3 2001 56 Turkey 41.0 2007 57 Venezuela 41.0 2009 58 Morocco 40.9 2005 est. 59 Georgia 40.8 2009 60 Turkmenistan 40.8 1998 61 Mali 40.1 2001 62 Tunisia 40.0 2005 est. 63 Jordan 39.7 2007 64 Burkina Faso 39.5 2007 65 Ghana 39.4 2005-06 66 Indonesia 39.4 2005 67 Israel 39.2 2008 68 Macedonia 39.0 2003 69 Malawi 39.0 2004 70 Mauritius 39.0 2006 est. 71 Mauritania 39.0 2000 72 Portugal 38.5 2007 73 Guinea 38.1 2006 74 Japan 38.1 2002 75 Timor-Leste 38.0 2002 est. 76 Yemen 37.7 2005 77 Armenia 37.0 2006 78 Vietnam 37.0 2004 79 India 36.8 2004 80 Uzbekistan 36.8 2003 81 Azerbaijan 36.5 2001 82 Benin 36.5 2003 83 New Zealand 36.2 1997 84 Latvia 36.0 2005 85 Lithuania 36.0 2005 86 Algeria 35.3 1995 87 Poland 34.9 2005 88 Laos 34.6 2002 89 Tanzania 34.6 2000 90 Egypt 34.4 2001 91 Estonia 34.0 2008 92 United Kingdom 34.0 2005 93 Switzerland 33.7 2008 94 Bangladesh 33.2 2005 95 Moldova 33.2 2003 96 Greece 33.0 2005 97 Mongolia 32.8 2002 98 France 32.7 2008 99 Tajikistan 32.6 2006 100 Canada 32.1 2005 101 Italy 32.0 2006 102 Spain 32.0 2005 103 Romania 32.0 2008 104 Korea, South 31.4 2009 105 Ukraine 31.0 2006 106 European Union 31.0 2005 est. 107 Netherlands 30.9 2007 108 Ireland 30.7 2008 109 Pakistan 30.6 FY07/08 110 Australia 30.5 2006 111 Kyrgyzstan 30.3 2003 112 Ethiopia 30.0 2000 113 Montenegro 30.0 2003 114 Bulgaria 29.8 2008 115 Finland 29.5 2007 116 Croatia 29.0 2008 117 Cyprus 29.0 2005 118 Denmark 29.0 2007 119 Kazakhstan 28.8 2008 120 Slovenia 28.4 2008 121 Belgium 28.0 2005 122 Hungary 28.0 2005 123 Iceland 28.0 2006 124 Belarus 27.9 2005 125 Germany 27.0 2006 126 Albania 26.7 2005 127 Austria 26.0 2007 128 Malta 26.0 2007 129 Serbia 26.0 2008 130 Slovakia 26.0 2005 131 Czech Republic 26.0 2005 132 Luxembourg 26.0 2005 133 Norway 25.0 2008 134 Sweden 23.0 2005

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Rank code: 2173

Country Comparison :: Oil - production

This entry is the total oil produced in barrels per day (bbl/day). The discrepancy between the amount of oil produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes, refinery gains, and other complicating factors.

Rank country (bbl/day) Date of Information

1 Russia 10,120,000 2010 est. 2 Saudi Arabia 9,764,000 2009 est. 3 United States 9,056,000 2009 est. 4 Iran 4,172,000 2009 est. 5 China 3,991,000 2009 est. 6 Canada 3,289,000 2009 est. 7 Mexico 3,001,000 2009 est. 8 United Arab Emirates 2,798,000 2009 est. 9 Brazil 2,572,000 2009 est. 10 Kuwait 2,494,000 2009 est. 11 Venezuela 2,472,000 2009 est. 12 Iraq 2,399,000 2009 est. 13 European Union 2,383,000 2009 est. 14 Norway 2,350,000 2009 est. 15 Nigeria 2,211,000 2009 est. 16 Algeria 2,125,000 2009 est. 17 Angola 1,948,000 2009 est. 18 Libya 1,790,000 2009 est. 19 Kazakhstan 1,540,000 2009 est. 20 United Kingdom 1,502,000 2009 est. 21 Qatar 1,213,000 2009 est. 22 Indonesia 1,023,000 2009 est. 23 Azerbaijan 1,011,000 2009 est. 24 India 878,700 2009 est. 25 Oman 816,000 2009 est. 26 Argentina 796,300 2009 est. 27 Malaysia 693,700 2009 est. 28 Colombia 686,600 2009 est. 29 Egypt 680,500 2009 est. 30 Australia 589,200 2009 est. 31 Sudan 486,700 2009 est. 32 Ecuador 485,700 2009 est. 33 Syria 400,400 2009 est. 34 Thailand 380,000 2010 est. 35 Equatorial Guinea 346,000 2009 est. 36 Vietnam 338,400 2009 est. 37 Yemen 288,400 2009 est. 38 Taiwan 276,800 2009 est. 39 Congo, Republic of the 274,400 2009 est. 40 Denmark 262,100 2009 est. 41 Gabon 241,700 2009 est. 42 Turkmenistan 197,700 2009 est. 43 South Africa 191,000 2009 est. 44 Germany 156,800 2009 est. 45 Trinidad and Tobago 151,600 2009 est. 46 Peru 148,000 2009 est. 47 Italy 146,500 2009 est. 48 Brunei 146,000 2009 est. 49 Japan 132,700 2009 est. 50 Romania 117,000 2009 est. 51 Chad 115,000 2009 est. 52 Ukraine 99,930 2009 est. 53 Timor-Leste 96,270 2009 est. 54 Tunisia 91,380 2009 est. 55 Cameroon 77,310 2009 est. 56 Uzbekistan 70,910 2009 est. 57 France 70,820 2009 est. 58 New Zealand 61,150 2009 est. 59 Pakistan 59,140 2009 est. 60 Cote d'Ivoire 58,950 2009 est. 61 Netherlands 57,190 2009 est. 62 Turkey 52,980 2009 est. 63 Bahrain 48,560 2009 est. 64 Cuba 48,340 2009 est. 65 Korea, South 48,180 2010 est. 66 Bolivia 47,050 2009 est. 67 Hungary 35,580 2009 est. 68 Papua New Guinea 35,090 2009 est. 69 Poland 34,140 2009 est. 70 Belarus 31,400 2009 est. 71 Spain 27,230 2009 est. 72 Austria 25,410 2009 est. 73 Philippines 25,290 2009 est. 74 Croatia 23,960 2009 est. 75 Burma 18,880 2009 est. 76 Virgin Islands 16,870 2009 est. 77 Mauritania 16,510 2009 est. 78 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 16,360 2009 est. 79 Suriname 15,190 2009 est. 80 Guatemala 13,530 2009 est. 81 Serbia 12,170 2009 est. 82 Belgium 11,220 2009 est. 83 Czech Republic 10,970 2009 est. 84 Chile 10,850 2009 est. 85 Singapore 9,667 2009 est. 86 Finland 8,718 2009 est. 87 Estonia 7,600 2009 est. 88 Ghana 7,081 2009 est. 89 Greece 6,779 2009 est. 90 Lithuania 6,333 2009 est. 91 Bangladesh 5,733 2009 est. 92 Albania 5,400 2009 est. 93 Mongolia 5,100 2009 94 Sweden 4,833 2009 est. 95 Portugal 4,721 2009 est. 96 Slovakia 4,114 2009 est. 97 Morocco 4,053 2009 est. 98 Belize 3,990 2009 est. 99 Israel 3,806 2009 est. 100 Switzerland 3,488 2009 est. 101 Bulgaria 3,227 2009 est. 102 Aruba 2,235 2009 est. 103 Puerto Rico 1,783 2009 est. 104 Uruguay 997 2009 est. 105 Georgia 995 2009 est. 106 Kyrgyzstan 979 2009 est. 107 Barbados 765 2009 est. 108 Tajikistan 221 2009 est. 109 Zambia 160 2009 est. 110 Korea, North 118 2009 est. 111 Somalia 108 2009 est. 112 Paraguay 31 2009 est. 113 Sierra Leone 29 2009 est. 114 Slovenia 5 2009 est. 115 Panama 2 2009 est. 116 Afghanistan 0 2009 est. 117 Benin 0 2009 est. 118 Bhutan 0 2009 est. 119 Botswana 0 2009 est. 120 Zimbabwe 0 2009 est. 121 Western Sahara 0 2009 est. 122 West Bank 0 2009 est. 123 Vanuatu 0 2009 est. 124 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2009 est. 125 Tonga 0 2009 est. 126 Togo 0 2009 est. 127 Tanzania 0 2009 est. 128 Swaziland 0 2009 est. 129 Sri Lanka 0 2008 est. 130 Solomon Islands 0 2009 est. 131 Seychelles 0 2009 est. 132 Senegal 0 2008 est. 133 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2009 est. 134 Samoa 0 2009 est. 135 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2009 est. 136 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2009 est. 137 Saint Lucia 0 2009 est. 138 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2009 est. 139 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2009 est. 140 Rwanda 0 2009 est. 141 New Caledonia 0 2009 est. 142 Nepal 0 2009 est. 143 Nauru 0 2009 est. 144 Namibia 0 2009 est. 145 Mozambique 0 2009 est. 146 Montserrat 0 2009 est. 147 Montenegro 0 2009 est. 148 Moldova 0 2009 est. 149 Luxembourg 0 2009 est. 150 Niue 0 2009 est. 151 Niger 0 2009 est. 152 Nicaragua 0 2008 est. 153 Liberia 0 2009 est. 154 Lesotho 0 2009 est. 155 Lebanon 0 2009 est. 156 Latvia 0 2009 est. 157 Laos 0 2009 est. 158 Kosovo 0 2007 159 Kiribati 0 2009 est. 160 Kenya 0 2008 est. 161 Mauritius 0 2009 est. 162 Malta 0 2009 est. 163 Mali 0 2009 est. 164 Maldives 0 2009 est. 165 Malawi 0 2009 est. 166 Madagascar 0 2009 est. 167 Macedonia 0 2009 est. 168 Macau 0 2009 est. 169 Jordan 0 2008 est. 170 Jamaica 0 2008 est. 171 Ireland 0 2008 est. 172 Iceland 0 2009 est. 173 French Polynesia 0 2009 est. 174 Fiji 0 2009 est. 175 Faroe Islands 0 2009 est. 176 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2009 est. 177 Ethiopia 0 2009 est. 178 Eritrea 0 2009 est. 179 El Salvador 0 2008 est. 180 Dominican Republic 0 2008 est. 181 Dominica 0 2009 est. 182 Djibouti 0 2009 est. 183 Cyprus 0 2009 est. 184 Costa Rica 0 2008 est. 185 Hong Kong 0 2009 est. 186 Honduras 0 2009 est. 187 Haiti 0 2009 est. 188 Guyana 0 2009 est. 189 Guinea-Bissau 0 2009 est. 190 Guinea 0 2009 est. 191 Grenada 0 2009 est. 192 Gibraltar 0 2009 est. 193 Gambia, The 0 2009 est. 194 Cook Islands 0 2009 est. 195 Comoros 0 2009 est. 196 Central African Republic 0 2009 est. 197 Cayman Islands 0 2009 est. 198 Cape Verde 0 2009 est. 199 Cambodia 0 2009 est. 200 Burundi 0 2009 est. 201 Burkina Faso 0 2009 est. 202 British Virgin Islands 0 2009 est. 203 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 2008 est. 204 Bermuda 0 2009 est. 205 American Samoa 0 2009 est. 206 Bahamas, The 0 2009 est. 207 Armenia 0 2009 est. 208 Antigua and Barbuda 0 2009 est.

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Rank code: 2174

Country Comparison :: Oil - consumption

This entry is the total oil consumed in barrels per day (bbl/day). The discrepancy between the amount of oil produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes, refinery gains, and other complicating factors.

Rank country (bbl/day) Date of Information

1 United States 18,690,000 2009 est. 2 European Union 13,680,000 2009 est. 3 China 8,200,000 2009 est. 4 Japan 4,363,000 2009 est. 5 India 2,980,000 2009 est. 6 Russia 2,740,000 2010 est. 7 Brazil 2,460,000 2009 est. 8 Germany 2,437,000 2009 est. 9 Saudi Arabia 2,430,000 2009 est. 10 Korea, South 2,185,000 2010 est. 11 Canada 2,151,000 2009 est. 12 Mexico 2,078,000 2009 est. 13 France 1,875,000 2009 est. 14 Iran 1,700,000 2009 est. 15 United Kingdom 1,669,000 2009 est. 16 Italy 1,537,000 2009 est. 17 Spain 1,482,000 2009 est. 18 Indonesia 1,115,000 2009 est. 19 Australia 946,300 2009 est. 20 Netherlands 922,800 2009 est. 21 Taiwan 910,000 2009 est. 22 Singapore 878,000 2009 est. 23 Venezuela 740,000 2009 est. 24 Iraq 687,000 2009 est. 25 Egypt 683,000 2009 est. 26 Argentina 622,000 2009 est. 27 Belgium 608,200 2009 est. 28 Turkey 579,500 2009 est. 29 South Africa 579,000 2009 est. 30 Poland 545,400 2009 est. 31 Malaysia 536,000 2009 est. 32 United Arab Emirates 435,000 2009 est. 33 Greece 414,400 2009 est. 34 Pakistan 373,000 2009 est. 35 Hong Kong 359,000 2009 est. 36 Thailand 356,000 2009 est. 37 Ukraine 348,000 2009 est. 38 Sweden 328,100 2009 est. 39 Algeria 325,000 2009 est. 40 Kuwait 320,000 2009 est. 41 Philippines 313,000 2009 est. 42 Vietnam 302,000 2009 est. 43 Colombia 288,000 2009 est. 44 Libya 280,000 2009 est. 45 Nigeria 280,000 2009 est. 46 Switzerland 280,000 2009 est. 47 Chile 277,000 2009 est. 48 Austria 273,700 2009 est. 49 Portugal 272,200 2009 est. 50 Syria 252,000 2009 est. 51 Kazakhstan 241,000 2009 est. 52 Israel 231,000 2009 est. 53 Romania 214,000 2009 est. 54 Czech Republic 207,600 2009 est. 55 Finland 206,200 2009 est. 56 Norway 204,100 2009 est. 57 Morocco 187,000 2009 est. 58 Ecuador 181,000 2009 est. 59 Belarus 173,000 2009 est. 60 Cuba 169,000 2009 est. 61 Denmark 166,500 2009 est. 62 Ireland 164,600 2009 est. 63 Puerto Rico 164,100 2009 est. 64 Hungary 158,200 2009 est. 65 Peru 157,000 2009 est. 66 Yemen 155,000 2009 est. 67 New Zealand 154,100 2009 est. 68 Uzbekistan 145,000 2009 est. 69 Qatar 142,000 2009 est. 70 Azerbaijan 136,000 2009 est. 71 Bulgaria 125,000 2009 est. 72 Turkmenistan 120,000 2009 est. 73 Dominican Republic 118,000 2009 est. 74 Jordan 108,000 2009 est. 75 Croatia 106,000 2009 est. 76 Bangladesh 96,000 2009 est. 77 Panama 93,000 2009 est. 78 Lebanon 90,000 2009 est. 79 Serbia 90,000 2009 est. 80 Sri Lanka 90,000 2009 est. 81 Tunisia 89,000 2009 est. 82 Virgin Islands 88,820 2009 est. 83 Oman 84,000 2009 est. 84 Sudan 84,000 2009 est. 85 Slovakia 79,930 2009 est. 86 Guatemala 79,000 2009 est. 87 Jamaica 77,000 2009 est. 88 Kenya 76,000 2009 est. 89 Lithuania 74,000 2009 est. 90 Angola 70,000 2009 est. 91 Slovenia 60,000 2009 est. 92 Bolivia 59,000 2009 est. 93 Cyprus 59,000 2009 est. 94 Ghana 57,000 2009 est. 95 Honduras 56,000 2009 est. 96 Luxembourg 50,720 2009 est. 97 Armenia 49,000 2009 est. 98 El Salvador 46,000 2009 est. 99 Costa Rica 44,000 2009 est. 100 Trinidad and Tobago 43,000 2009 est. 101 Burma 42,000 2009 est. 102 Latvia 40,000 2009 est. 103 Uruguay 40,000 2009 est. 104 Bahrain 39,000 2009 est. 105 Senegal 39,000 2009 est. 106 Ethiopia 38,000 2009 est. 107 Tajikistan 38,000 2009 est. 108 Albania 36,000 2009 est. 109 Papua New Guinea 36,000 2009 est. 110 Bahamas, The 36,000 2009 est. 111 Tanzania 34,000 2009 est. 112 Bosnia and Herzegovina 30,000 2009 est. 113 Estonia 30,000 2009 est. 114 Nicaragua 29,000 2009 est. 115 Paraguay 27,000 2009 est. 116 Cameroon 26,000 2009 est. 117 Cote d'Ivoire 24,000 2009 est. 118 West Bank 24,000 2009 est. 119 Benin 23,000 2009 est. 120 Mauritius 23,000 2009 est. 121 Namibia 22,000 2009 est. 122 Gibraltar 21,000 2009 est. 123 Togo 21,000 2009 est. 124 Madagascar 21,000 2009 est. 125 Macedonia 20,000 2009 est. 126 Mauritania 20,000 2009 est. 127 Malta 19,000 2009 est. 128 Moldova 19,000 2009 est. 129 Iceland 18,900 2009 est. 130 Mozambique 18,000 2009 est. 131 Nepal 18,000 2009 est. 132 Brunei 16,000 2009 est. 133 Zambia 16,000 2009 est. 134 Mongolia 16,000 2009 est. 135 Korea, North 16,000 2009 est. 136 Macau 16,000 2009 est. 137 Botswana 15,000 2009 est. 138 Kyrgyzstan 15,000 2009 est. 139 Gabon 14,000 2009 est. 140 Suriname 14,000 2009 est. 141 Georgia 13,000 2009 est. 142 Uganda 13,000 2009 est. 143 New Caledonia 13,000 2009 est. 144 Djibouti 12,000 2009 est. 145 Haiti 12,000 2009 est. 146 Fiji 11,000 2009 est. 147 Zimbabwe 11,000 2009 est. 148 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10,000 2009 est. 149 Guyana 10,000 2009 est. 150 Congo, Republic of the 10,000 2009 est. 151 Barbados 9,000 2009 est. 152 Burkina Faso 9,000 2009 est. 153 Sierra Leone 9,000 2009 est. 154 Guinea 9,000 2009 est. 155 Aruba 8,000 2009 est. 156 Malawi 8,000 2009 est. 157 Belize 7,000 2009 est. 158 Seychelles 7,000 2009 est. 159 French Polynesia 7,000 2009 est. 160 Maldives 6,000 2009 est. 161 Rwanda 6,000 2009 est. 162 Niger 6,000 2009 est. 163 Mali 6,000 2009 est. 164 Afghanistan 5,000 2009 est. 165 Antigua and Barbuda 5,000 2009 est. 166 Bermuda 5,000 2009 est. 167 Somalia 5,000 2009 est. 168 Montenegro 5,000 2009 est. 169 Faroe Islands 5,000 2009 est. 170 Eritrea 5,000 2009 est. 171 American Samoa 4,000 2009 est. 172 Swaziland 4,000 2009 est. 173 Greenland 4,000 2009 est. 174 Liberia 4,000 2009 est. 175 Cambodia 4,000 2009 est. 176 Burundi 3,000 2009 est. 177 Cayman Islands 3,000 2009 est. 178 Saint Lucia 3,000 2009 est. 179 Laos 3,000 2009 est. 180 Guinea-Bissau 3,000 2009 est. 181 Grenada 3,000 2009 est. 182 Timor-Leste 2,500 2009 est. 183 Cape Verde 2,000 2009 est. 184 Western Sahara 2,000 2009 est. 185 Solomon Islands 2,000 2009 est. 186 Central African Republic 2,000 2009 est. 187 Lesotho 2,000 2009 est. 188 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2,000 2009 est. 189 Gambia, The 2,000 2009 est. 190 Bhutan 1,000 2009 est. 191 Vanuatu 1,000 2009 est. 192 Tonga 1,000 2009 est. 193 Sao Tome and Principe 1,000 2009 est. 194 Samoa 1,000 2009 est. 195 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1,000 2009 est. 196 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1,000 2009 est. 197 Nauru 1,000 2009 est. 198 Montserrat 1,000 2009 est. 199 Cook Islands 1,000 2009 est. 200 Equatorial Guinea 1,000 2009 est. 201 Dominica 1,000 2009 est. 202 Comoros 1,000 2009 est. 203 British Virgin Islands 1,000 2009 est. 204 Chad 1,000 2009 est. 205 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2009 est. 206 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2009 est. 207 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2009 est.

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Rank code: 2175

Country Comparison :: Oil - imports

This entry is the total oil imported in barrels per day (bbl/day), including both crude oil and oil products.

Rank country (bbl/day) Date of Information

1 United States 11,310,000 2008 est. 2 European Union 8,613,000 2008 est. 3 Japan 5,033,000 2008 est. 4 China 4,393,000 2008 5 Korea, South 3,074,000 2009 6 India 2,900,000 2007 est. 7 Germany 2,862,000 2008 est. 8 Netherlands 2,426,000 2008 est. 9 France 2,386,000 2008 est. 10 Singapore 2,109,000 2007 est. 11 Italy 1,911,000 2008 est. 12 Spain 1,716,000 2008 est. 13 Thailand 1,695,000 2009 est. 14 United Kingdom 1,491,000 2008 est. 15 Canada 1,192,000 2008 est. 16 Belgium 1,120,000 2008 est. 17 Taiwan 931,300 2009 est. 18 Turkey 734,600 2008 est. 19 Australia 716,700 2008 est. 20 Indonesia 671,000 2007 est. 21 Brazil 632,900 2007 est. 22 Sweden 589,900 2008 est. 23 Poland 553,900 2008 est. 24 Mexico 521,100 2008 est. 25 Greece 520,900 2008 est. 26 South Africa 490,500 2007 est. 27 Virgin Islands 480,600 2007 est. 28 Belarus 444,800 2007 est. 29 Hong Kong 440,000 2009 30 Philippines 342,200 2007 est. 31 Finland 337,900 2009 est. 32 Portugal 323,000 2008 est. 33 Pakistan 319,500 2007 est. 34 Israel 318,900 2007 est. 35 Malaysia 314,600 2007 est. 36 Chile 311,200 2007 est. 37 Austria 298,400 2008 est. 38 Switzerland 269,400 2008 est. 39 Aruba 236,400 2007 est. 40 Bahrain 228,400 2007 est. 41 Puerto Rico 225,000 2007 est. 42 Czech Republic 219,900 2008 est. 43 Romania 217,000 2007 est. 44 Lithuania 204,000 2007 est. 45 Morocco 195,800 2007 est. 46 Ireland 192,900 2008 est. 47 United Arab Emirates 192,900 2007 est. 48 Bulgaria 189,000 2007 est. 49 Hungary 181,800 2008 est. 50 Denmark 173,100 2008 est. 51 Nigeria 170,000 2007 est. 52 Kazakhstan 164,000 2007 est. 53 Iran 162,500 2009 est. 54 Ukraine 147,600 2009 est. 55 Slovakia 144,000 2008 est. 56 New Zealand 143,900 2008 est. 57 Vietnam 134,200 2009 est. 58 Peru 133,100 2007 est. 59 Croatia 122,100 2007 est. 60 Iraq 116,900 2009 est. 61 Dominican Republic 116,200 2007 est. 62 Jordan 108,200 2007 est. 63 Norway 107,500 2008 est. 64 Cuba 104,800 2007 est. 65 Trinidad and Tobago 92,480 2007 est. 66 Sri Lanka 90,000 2007 est. 67 Bangladesh 87,660 2007 est. 68 Tunisia 87,300 2007 est. 69 Panama 87,100 2007 est. 70 Lebanon 86,750 2007 est. 71 Cote d'Ivoire 80,960 2007 est. 72 Kenya 80,530 2007 est. 73 Saudi Arabia 79,250 2007 est. 74 Jamaica 77,720 2007 est. 75 Serbia 72,570 2008 est. 76 Guatemala 72,440 2007 est. 77 Yemen 65,860 2007 est. 78 Luxembourg 59,210 2008 est. 79 Cyprus 58,930 2007 est. 80 Syria 58,710 2007 est. 81 Slovenia 57,000 2009 est. 82 Ecuador 54,190 2007 est. 83 Uruguay 52,730 2007 est. 84 Argentina 52,290 2007 est. 85 Egypt 48,450 2009 est. 86 Costa Rica 47,860 2007 est. 87 El Salvador 46,310 2007 est. 88 Honduras 46,130 2007 est. 89 Cameroon 45,520 2007 est. 90 Ghana 45,380 2007 est. 91 Armenia 45,200 2007 est. 92 Latvia 43,400 2007 est. 93 Senegal 42,850 2007 est. 94 Russia 42,000 2009 est. 95 Uzbekistan 35,810 2007 est. 96 Ethiopia 33,590 2007 est. 97 Cambodia 30,970 2007 est. 98 Estonia 30,590 2007 est. 99 Nicaragua 29,570 2007 est. 100 Benin 28,900 2007 est. 101 Angola 28,090 2007 est. 102 Tanzania 28,070 2007 est. 103 Bosnia and Herzegovina 25,990 2007 est. 104 Gibraltar 25,610 2007 est. 105 Paraguay 25,100 2009 est. 106 Albania 24,080 2007 est. 107 Mauritius 22,200 2007 est. 108 West Bank 22,150 2007 est. 109 Mauritania 20,610 2007 est. 110 Bahamas, The 20,560 2009 est. 111 Fiji 20,340 2007 est. 112 Macedonia 20,000 2009 est. 113 Namibia 19,120 2007 est. 114 Burma 18,250 2007 est. 115 Malta 17,910 2007 est. 116 Oman 17,290 2007 est. 117 Madagascar 16,940 2007 est. 118 Nepal 16,920 2007 est. 119 Georgia 16,590 2008 est. 120 Colombia 16,540 2007 est. 121 Iceland 16,390 2008 est. 122 Togo 15,270 2007 est. 123 Botswana 15,180 2007 est. 124 Zambia 14,730 2007 est. 125 New Caledonia 14,430 2007 est. 126 Papua New Guinea 14,380 2007 est. 127 Algeria 14,320 2007 est. 128 Moldova 14,230 2007 est. 129 Korea, North 13,890 2007 est. 130 Zimbabwe 13,830 2007 est. 131 Mozambique 13,760 2007 est. 132 Uganda 13,090 2007 est. 133 Kyrgyzstan 12,850 2007 est. 134 Haiti 12,280 2007 est. 135 Sudan 11,400 2007 est. 136 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 11,350 2007 est. 137 Guyana 10,550 2007 est. 138 Barbados 10,390 2007 est. 139 Tajikistan 10,100 2008 140 Macau 9,294 2009 est. 141 Guinea 8,674 2007 est. 142 Djibouti 8,476 2007 est. 143 Sierra Leone 8,316 2007 est. 144 Burkina Faso 8,283 2007 est. 145 Seychelles 7,653 2007 est. 146 Belize 7,204 2007 est. 147 Malawi 6,960 2007 est. 148 French Polynesia 6,701 2007 est. 149 Somalia 6,387 2007 est. 150 Suriname 6,296 2007 est. 151 Bolivia 6,172 2007 est. 152 Montenegro 6,093 2005 153 Rwanda 5,623 2007 est. 154 Maldives 5,490 2008 est. 155 Niger 5,367 2007 est. 156 Greenland 5,172 2008 est. 157 Faroe Islands 4,922 2008 158 Eritrea 4,790 2007 est. 159 Antigua and Barbuda 4,690 2007 est. 160 Bermuda 4,500 2007 est. 161 Afghanistan 4,404 2007 est. 162 Mali 4,402 2007 est. 163 Liberia 4,263 2007 est. 164 Gabon 4,185 2007 est. 165 American Samoa 4,140 2007 est. 166 Swaziland 4,100 2007 est. 167 Cayman Islands 3,294 2007 est. 168 Laos 3,080 2007 est. 169 Azerbaijan 2,848 2007 est. 170 Saint Lucia 2,747 2007 est. 171 Guinea-Bissau 2,545 2007 est. 172 Burundi 2,495 2007 est. 173 Gambia, The 2,266 2007 est. 174 Central African Republic 2,203 2007 est. 175 Congo, Republic of the 2,136 2007 est. 176 Grenada 1,923 2007 est. 177 Western Sahara 1,702 2007 est. 178 Cape Verde 1,619 2007 est. 179 Chad 1,571 2007 est. 180 Lesotho 1,553 2007 est. 181 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1,451 2007 est. 182 Solomon Islands 1,323 2007 est. 183 Bhutan 1,250 2008 est. 184 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1,225 2007 est. 185 Tonga 1,173 2007 est. 186 Equatorial Guinea 1,114 2007 est. 187 Samoa 1,105 2007 est. 188 Nauru 1,026 2007 est. 189 Dominica 838 2007 est. 190 Comoros 766 2007 est. 191 Sao Tome and Principe 726 2007 est. 192 British Virgin Islands 691 2007 est. 193 Vanuatu 654 2007 est. 194 Libya 575 2007 est. 195 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 564 2007 est. 196 Montserrat 521 2007 est. 197 Cook Islands 495 2007 est. 198 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 271 2007 est. 199 Kiribati 261 2007 est. 200 Brunei 238 2007 est. 201 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha80 2007 est. 202 Turks and Caicos Islands 80 2007 est. 203 Niue 31 2007 est. 204 Kuwait 0 2007 est. 205 Mongolia 0 2009 206 Venezuela 0 2007 est. 207 Turkmenistan 0 2009 est. 208 Qatar 0 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2176

Country Comparison :: Oil - exports

This entry is the total oil exported in barrels per day (bbl/day), including both crude oil and oil products.

Rank country (bbl/day) Date of Information

1 Saudi Arabia 8,728,000 2007 est. 2 Russia 5,430,000 2009 3 United Arab Emirates 2,700,000 2007 est. 4 Kuwait 2,349,000 2007 est. 5 Nigeria 2,327,000 2007 est. 6 Iran 2,210,000 2009 est. 7 European Union 2,196,000 2008 est. 8 Venezuela 2,182,000 2007 est. 9 Norway 2,061,000 2008 est. 10 Canada 2,001,000 2008 est. 11 Iraq 1,910,000 2009 est. 12 Algeria 1,891,000 2007 est. 13 United States 1,704,000 2008 est. 14 Netherlands 1,660,000 2008 est. 15 Libya 1,542,000 2007 est. 16 Angola 1,407,000 2007 est. 17 United Kingdom 1,393,000 2008 est. 18 Kazakhstan 1,345,000 2009 est. 19 Singapore 1,289,000 2007 est. 20 Mexico 1,225,000 2009 est. 21 Korea, South 907,100 2009 22 Qatar 753,000 2008 est. 23 India 738,600 2007 est. 24 France 597,800 2008 est. 25 Oman 593,700 2008 est. 26 Italy 586,900 2008 est. 27 Brazil 570,100 2007 est. 28 Germany 536,600 2008 est. 29 Azerbaijan 528,900 2007 est. 30 Malaysia 511,900 2007 est. 31 Belgium 433,700 2008 est. 32 China 388,000 2008 est. 33 Virgin Islands 388,000 2007 est. 34 Japan 380,900 2008 est. 35 Equatorial Guinea 362,900 2007 est. 36 Taiwan 359,800 2009 est. 37 Ecuador 327,600 2009 est. 38 Argentina 314,400 2007 est. 39 Australia 311,900 2008 est. 40 Belarus 303,900 2007 est. 41 Sudan 303,800 2007 est. 42 Colombia 294,000 2008 est. 43 Yemen 274,400 2007 est. 44 Thailand 269,100 2009 est. 45 Denmark 268,500 2008 est. 46 Sweden 248,500 2008 est. 47 Trinidad and Tobago 248,300 2007 est. 48 Congo, Republic of the 241,100 2007 est. 49 Bahrain 238,300 2007 est. 50 Aruba 231,100 2007 est. 51 Gabon 227,300 2007 est. 52 Spain 218,600 2008 est. 53 Hong Kong 160,000 2009 54 Chad 157,900 2007 est. 55 Syria 155,000 2008 est. 56 Ukraine 154,400 2009 est. 57 Greece 153,000 2008 est. 58 Brunei 152,900 2007 59 Lithuania 137,200 2007 est. 60 Turkey 133,100 2008 est. 61 Finland 130,500 2009 est. 62 South Africa 128,500 2007 est. 63 Cote d'Ivoire 115,700 2007 est. 64 Romania 115,600 2007 est. 65 Cameroon 107,100 2007 est. 66 Timor-Leste 100,900 2007 est. 67 Egypt 89,300 2009 est. 68 Indonesia 85,000 2008 est. 69 Tunisia 77,130 2007 est. 70 Bulgaria 76,570 2007 est. 71 Slovakia 75,110 2008 est. 72 Hungary 69,650 2008 est. 73 Israel 69,580 2007 est. 74 Peru 68,640 2007 est. 75 Poland 65,280 2008 est. 76 New Zealand 54,560 2008 est. 77 Portugal 53,660 2008 est. 78 Austria 52,970 2008 est. 79 Chile 49,250 2007 est. 80 Croatia 43,750 2007 est. 81 Bahamas, The 41,570 2007 est. 82 Turkmenistan 38,360 2009 est. 83 Philippines 36,720 2007 est. 84 Papua New Guinea 32,490 2007 est. 85 Mauritania 30,620 2007 est. 86 Pakistan 30,090 2007 est. 87 Czech Republic 29,670 2008 est. 88 Vietnam 29,400 2009 est. 89 Ireland 22,410 2008 est. 90 Guatemala 21,850 2007 est. 91 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 20,090 2007 est. 92 Morocco 17,420 2007 est. 93 Puerto Rico 16,520 2007 est. 94 Switzerland 12,230 2008 est. 95 Bolivia 10,950 2007 est. 96 Benin 8,770 2007 est. 97 Estonia 7,280 2007 est. 98 Kenya 7,270 2007 est. 99 Uruguay 7,100 2007 est. 100 Uzbekistan 6,104 2007 est. 101 Latvia 5,873 2007 est. 102 Senegal 5,653 2007 est. 103 Mongolia 5,300 2009 est. 104 Serbia 5,045 2008 105 Ghana 4,843 2007 est. 106 Panama 4,803 2007 est. 107 Macedonia 4,672 2009 est. 108 Suriname 4,308 2007 est. 109 Bangladesh 2,612 2007 est. 110 Fiji 2,455 2007 est. 111 Belize 2,260 2007 est. 112 Burma 2,200 2007 est. 113 Costa Rica 2,117 2007 est. 114 El Salvador 1,927 2007 est. 115 Iceland 1,915 2008 est. 116 Kyrgyzstan 1,890 2007 est. 117 Barbados 1,750 2007 est. 118 Togo 1,547 2005 119 Georgia 1,486 2008 est. 120 Somalia 1,475 2007 est. 121 Greenland 1,183 2008 122 Albania 749 2005 est. 123 New Caledonia 645 2007 est. 124 West Bank 511 2007 est. 125 Sierra Leone 502 2007 est. 126 Madagascar 365 2007 est. 127 Tajikistan 349 2007 est. 128 Montenegro 314 2005 129 Zambia 275 2007 est. 130 Antigua and Barbuda 219 2007 est. 131 Nicaragua 213 2007 est. 132 Bosnia and Herzegovina 192 2007 est. 133 Luxembourg 63 2008 est. 134 Gambia, The 42 2007 est. 135 Moldova 36 2007 est. 136 Liberia 23 2007 est. 137 Djibouti 19 2007 est. 138 Afghanistan 0 2007 est. 139 Armenia 0 2007 est. 140 Bhutan 0 2008 est. 141 British Virgin Islands 0 2007 est. 142 Burundi 0 2007 est. 143 Cape Verde 0 2007 est. 144 Central African Republic 0 2007 est. 145 Cook Islands 0 2007 est. 146 Jamaica 0 2007 est. 147 Honduras 0 2007 est. 148 Haiti 0 2007 est. 149 Guyana 0 2007 est. 150 Guinea-Bissau 0 2007 est. 151 Guinea 0 2007 est. 152 Grenada 0 2007 est. 153 Gibraltar 0 2007 est. 154 French Polynesia 0 2007 est. 155 Rwanda 0 2007 est. 156 Paraguay 0 2009 est. 157 Niue 0 2007 est. 158 Niger 0 2007 est. 159 Nepal 0 2007 est. 160 Nauru 0 2007 est. 161 Namibia 0 2007 est. 162 Mozambique 0 2007 est. 163 Maldives 0 2009 est. 164 Zimbabwe 0 2007 est. 165 Western Sahara 0 2007 est. 166 Vanuatu 0 2007 est. 167 Uganda 0 2007 est. 168 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2007 est. 169 Tonga 0 2007 est. 170 Tanzania 0 2007 est. 171 Swaziland 0 2007 est. 172 Sri Lanka 0 2007 est. 173 Solomon Islands 0 2007 est. 174 Slovenia 0 2009 est. 175 Seychelles 0 2007 est. 176 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2007 est. 177 Samoa 0 2007 est. 178 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2007 est. 179 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2007 est. 180 Saint Lucia 0 2007 est. 181 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2007 est. 182 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2007 est. 183 Malawi 0 2007 est. 184 Macau 0 2009 est. 185 Lesotho 0 2007 est. 186 Lebanon 0 2009 187 Laos 0 2007 est. 188 Korea, North 0 2007 est. 189 Kiribati 0 2007 est. 190 Jordan 0 2007 est. 191 Montserrat 0 2007 est. 192 Mauritius 0 2007 est. 193 Malta 0 2009 est. 194 Mali 0 2007 est. 195 Faroe Islands 0 2008 196 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2007 est. 197 Ethiopia 0 2007 est. 198 Eritrea 0 2007 est. 199 Dominican Republic 0 2007 est. 200 Dominica 0 2007 est. 201 Cyprus 0 2007 est. 202 Cuba 0 2007 est. 203 Comoros 0 2007 est. 204 Cayman Islands 0 2007 est. 205 Cambodia 0 2007 est. 206 Burkina Faso 0 2007 est. 207 Botswana 0 2007 est. 208 Bermuda 0 2007 est. 209 American Samoa 0 2007 est.

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Rank code: 2177

Country Comparison :: Median age

This entry is the age that divides a population into two numerically equal groups; that is, half the people are younger than this age and half are older. It is a single index that summarizes the age distribution of a population. Currently, the median age ranges from a low of about 15 in Uganda and Gaza Strip to 40 or more in several European countries and Japan. See the entry for "Age structure" for the importance of a young versus an older age structure and, by implication, a low versus a higher median age.

Rank country (years) Date of Information

1 Monaco 48.90 2010 est. 2 Japan 44.60 2010 est. 3 Germany 44.30 2010 est. 4 Italy 43.70 2010 est. 5 Hong Kong 42.80 2010 est. 6 Austria 42.60 2010 est. 7 Finland 42.30 2010 est. 8 Isle of Man 42.30 2010 est. 9 Greece 42.20 2010 est. 10 San Marino 42.10 2010 est. 11 Slovenia 42.10 2010 est. 12 Belgium 42.00 2010 est. 13 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 42.00 2010 est. 14 Guernsey 41.90 2010 est. 15 Sweden 41.70 2010 est. 16 Bermuda 41.60 2010 est. 17 Bulgaria 41.60 2010 est. 18 Liechtenstein 41.40 2010 est. 19 Switzerland 41.30 2010 est. 20 Croatia 41.20 2010 est. 21 Serbia 41.10 2010 est. 22 Netherlands 40.80 2010 est. 23 Canada 40.70 2010 est. 24 Denmark 40.70 2010 est. 25 Czech Republic 40.40 2010 est. 26 Latvia 40.40 2010 est. 27 Bosnia and Herzegovina 40.30 2010 est. 28 Estonia 40.20 2010 est. 29 Jersey 40.10 2010 est. 30 Spain 40.10 2010 est. 31 Hungary 40.00 2010 est. 32 Andorra 39.90 2010 est. 33 Saint Barthelemy 39.80 2010 est. 34 Virgin Islands 39.80 2010 est. 35 United Kingdom 39.80 2010 est. 36 France 39.70 2010 est. 37 Norway 39.70 2010 est. 38 Ukraine 39.70 2010 est. 39 Portugal 39.70 2010 est. 40 Lithuania 39.70 2010 est. 41 Malta 39.70 2010 est. 42 Singapore 39.60 2010 est. 43 Luxembourg 39.30 2010 est. 44 Belarus 38.80 2010 est. 45 Georgia 38.80 2010 est. 46 Russia 38.50 2010 est. 47 Cayman Islands 38.40 2010 est. 48 Romania 38.40 2010 est. 49 Poland 38.20 2010 est. 50 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha38.20 2010 est. 51 Aruba 38.00 2010 est. 52 Korea, South 37.90 2010 est. 53 Cuba 37.80 2010 est. 54 Australia 37.50 2010 est. 55 Slovakia 37.30 2010 est. 56 Montenegro 37.20 2010 est. 57 Faroe Islands 37.10 2010 est. 58 Taiwan 37.00 2010 est. 59 New Zealand 36.80 2010 est. 60 Puerto Rico 36.80 2010 est. 61 United States 36.80 2010 est. 62 Barbados 36.20 2010 est. 63 Macau 35.60 2010 est. 64 Iceland 35.40 2010 est. 65 Macedonia 35.40 2010 est. 66 China 35.20 2010 est. 67 Moldova 35.00 2010 est. 68 Cyprus 34.50 2010 est. 69 Ireland 34.50 2010 est. 70 Thailand 34.00 2010 est. 71 Korea, North 33.90 2010 est. 72 Uruguay 33.70 2010 est. 73 Greenland 33.50 2010 est. 74 Gibraltar 33.10 2010 est. 75 Anguilla 33.00 2010 est. 76 British Virgin Islands 32.60 2010 est. 77 Trinidad and Tobago 32.60 2010 est. 78 Palau 32.40 2010 est. 79 Mauritius 32.30 2010 est. 80 Seychelles 32.00 2010 est. 81 Armenia 31.90 2010 est. 82 Chile 31.70 2010 est. 83 Saint Kitts and Nevis 31.50 2010 est. 84 Sri Lanka 31.30 2010 est. 85 Cook Islands 31.20 2010 est. 86 Qatar 30.80 2010 est. 87 Saint Martin 30.80 2010 est. 88 Bahrain 30.40 2010 est. 89 Argentina 30.30 2010 est. 90 Dominica 30.30 2010 est. 91 Saint Lucia 30.30 2010 est. 92 United Arab Emirates 30.20 2010 est. 93 Albania 30.00 2010 est. 94 Antigua and Barbuda 30.00 2010 est. 95 Bahamas, The 29.90 2010 est. 96 Kazakhstan 29.90 2010 est. 97 New Caledonia 29.80 2010 est. 98 Tunisia 29.70 2010 est. 99 French Polynesia 29.50 2010 est. 100 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 29.50 2010 est. 101 Lebanon 29.40 2010 est. 102 Israel 29.30 2010 est. 103 Northern Mariana Islands 29.30 2010 est. 104 Montserrat 29.10 2010 est. 105 Brazil 28.90 2010 est. 106 Azerbaijan 28.50 2010 est. 107 Costa Rica 28.40 2010 est. 108 Suriname 28.30 2010 est. 109 Grenada 28.20 2010 est. 110 Brunei 28.10 2010 est. 111 Turkey 28.10 2010 est. 112 Turks and Caicos Islands 28.00 2010 est. 113 Indonesia 27.90 2010 est. 114 Wallis and Futuna 27.90 2010 est. 115 Colombia 27.60 2010 est. 116 Vietnam 27.40 2010 est. 117 Panama 27.20 2010 est. 118 Algeria 27.10 2010 est. 119 Mexico 26.70 2010 est. 120 Fiji 26.60 2010 est. 121 Burma 26.50 2010 est. 122 Morocco 26.50 2010 est. 123 Malaysia 26.50 2010 est. 124 Kuwait 26.40 2010 est. 125 Peru 26.40 2010 est. 126 Iran 26.30 2010 est. 127 Kosovo 26.30 2010 est. 128 India 25.90 2010 est. 129 Maldives 25.90 2010 est. 130 Dominican Republic 25.80 2010 est. 131 Mongolia 25.80 2010 est. 132 Venezuela 25.80 2010 est. 133 Ecuador 25.30 2010 est. 134 Uzbekistan 25.20 2010 est. 135 Paraguay 24.90 2010 est. 136 Saudi Arabia 24.90 2010 est. 137 Turkmenistan 24.80 2010 est. 138 Kyrgyzstan 24.70 2010 est. 139 South Africa 24.70 2010 est. 140 Vanuatu 24.60 2010 est. 141 Bhutan 24.30 2010 est. 142 Libya 24.20 2010 est. 143 Egypt 24.00 2010 est. 144 El Salvador 23.90 2010 est. 145 Jamaica 23.90 2010 est. 146 Oman 23.90 2010 est. 147 Tuvalu 23.90 2010 est. 148 Nauru 23.80 2010 est. 149 Guyana 23.60 2010 est. 150 American Samoa 23.40 2010 est. 151 Bangladesh 22.90 2010 est. 152 Philippines 22.70 2010 est. 153 Tonga 22.70 2010 est. 154 Cambodia 22.60 2010 est. 155 Lesotho 22.60 2010 est. 156 Nicaragua 22.50 2010 est. 157 Micronesia, Federated States of 22.40 2010 est. 158 Cape Verde 22.30 2010 est. 159 Bolivia 22.20 2010 est. 160 Timor-Leste 22.20 2010 est. 161 Tajikistan 22.20 2010 est. 162 Kiribati 22.20 2010 est. 163 Botswana 22.00 2010 est. 164 Jordan 21.80 2010 est. 165 Samoa 21.80 2010 est. 166 Papua New Guinea 21.60 2010 est. 167 Marshall Islands 21.50 2010 est. 168 Syria 21.50 2010 est. 169 Djibouti 21.40 2010 est. 170 Namibia 21.40 2010 est. 171 Nepal 21.20 2010 est. 172 Pakistan 21.20 2010 est. 173 Ghana 21.10 2010 est. 174 Haiti 21.10 2010 est. 175 West Bank 20.90 2010 est. 176 Belize 20.70 2010 est. 177 Laos 20.70 2010 est. 178 Honduras 20.70 2010 est. 179 Iraq 20.60 2010 est. 180 Solomon Islands 20.60 2010 est. 181 Swaziland 20.10 2010 est. 182 Western Sahara 20.10 2010 est. 183 Guatemala 19.70 2010 est. 184 Cote d'Ivoire 19.40 2010 est. 185 Guinea-Bissau 19.40 2010 est. 186 Cameroon 19.30 2010 est. 187 Mauritania 19.30 2010 est. 188 Togo 19.20 2010 est. 189 Central African Republic 19.10 2010 est. 190 Nigeria 19.10 2010 est. 191 Equatorial Guinea 19.00 2010 est. 192 Sierra Leone 19.00 2010 est. 193 Comoros 18.90 2010 est. 194 Kenya 18.80 2010 est. 195 Gabon 18.60 2010 est. 196 Rwanda 18.60 2010 est. 197 Eritrea 18.50 2010 est. 198 Guinea 18.50 2010 est. 199 Liberia 18.40 2010 est. 200 Sudan 18.40 2010 est. 201 Tanzania 18.30 2010 est. 202 Madagascar 18.10 2010 est. 203 Afghanistan 18.00 2010 est. 204 Angola 18.00 2010 est. 205 Gambia, The 18.00 2010 est. 206 Senegal 17.90 2010 est. 207 Yemen 17.90 2010 est. 208 Zimbabwe 17.80 2010 est. 209 Somalia 17.60 2010 est. 210 Gaza Strip 17.50 2010 est. 211 Mozambique 17.50 2010 est. 212 Sao Tome and Principe 17.50 2010 est. 213 Benin 17.30 2010 est. 214 Mayotte 17.30 2010 est. 215 Malawi 17.10 2010 est. 216 Congo, Republic of the 16.90 2010 est. 217 Burkina Faso 16.80 2010 est. 218 Ethiopia 16.80 2010 est. 219 Burundi 16.80 2010 est. 220 Chad 16.60 2010 est. 221 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 16.50 2010 est. 222 Zambia 16.50 2010 est. 223 Mali 16.20 2010 est. 224 Niger 15.20 2010 est. 225 Uganda 15.00 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2178

Country Comparison :: Oil - proved reserves

This entry is the stock of proved reserves of crude oil in barrels (bbl). Proved reserves are those quantities of petroleum which, by analysis of geological and engineering data, can be estimated with a high degree of confidence to be commercially recoverable from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under current economic conditions.

Rank country (bbl) Date of Information

1 Saudi Arabia 264,600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 2 Canada 175,200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 3 Iran 137,600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 4 Iraq 115,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 5 Kuwait 104,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 6 United Arab Emirates 97,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 7 Venezuela 97,770,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 8 Russia 74,200,000,000 1 January 2009 est. 9 Libya 47,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 10 Nigeria 37,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 11 Kazakhstan 30,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 12 Qatar 25,410,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 13 China 20,350,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 14 United States 19,120,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 15 Angola 13,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 16 Algeria 13,420,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 17 Brazil 13,200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 18 Mexico 12,420,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 19 Azerbaijan 7,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 20 Sudan 6,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 21 Norway 6,680,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 22 Ecuador 6,542,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 23 India 5,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 24 Oman 5,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 25 European Union 5,414,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 26 Vietnam 4,700,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 27 Egypt 4,300,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 28 Indonesia 4,050,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 29 Australia 3,318,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 30 Yemen 3,160,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 31 United Kingdom 3,084,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 32 Malaysia 2,900,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 33 Syria 2,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 34 Argentina 2,386,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 35 Colombia 2,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 36 Gabon 2,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 37 Congo, Republic of the 1,600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 38 Chad 1,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 39 Brunei 1,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 40 Equatorial Guinea 1,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 41 Denmark 1,060,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 42 Trinidad and Tobago 728,300,000 1 January 2010 est. 43 Romania 600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 44 Turkmenistan 600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 45 Uzbekistan 594,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 46 Timor-Leste 553,800,000 1 January 2008 47 Peru 470,800,000 1 January 2010 est. 48 Bolivia 465,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 49 Pakistan 436,200,000 1 January 2010 est. 50 Thailand 430,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 51 Tunisia 425,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 52 Italy 423,700,000 1 January 2010 est. 53 Ukraine 395,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 54 Germany 276,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 55 Turkey 262,200,000 1 January 2010 est. 56 Cote d'Ivoire 250,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 57 Cameroon 200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 58 Albania 199,100,000 1 January 2010 est. 59 Belarus 198,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 60 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 180,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 61 Cuba 178,900,000 1 January 2010 est. 62 Papua New Guinea 170,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 63 Chile 150,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 64 Spain 150,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 65 Philippines 138,500,000 1 January 2010 est. 66 Bahrain 124,600,000 1 January 2010 est. 67 France 101,200,000 1 January 2010 est. 68 Mauritania 100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 69 Netherlands 100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 70 Morocco 100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 71 Poland 96,380,000 1 January 2010 est. 72 Guatemala 83,070,000 1 January 2010 est. 73 Suriname 79,600,000 1 January 2010 est. 74 Serbia 77,500,000 1 January 2010 est. 75 Croatia 73,350,000 1 January 2010 est. 76 New Zealand 60,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 77 Austria 50,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 78 Burma 50,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 79 Japan 44,120,000 1 January 2010 est. 80 Kyrgyzstan 40,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 81 Georgia 35,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 82 Bangladesh 28,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 83 Hungary 26,570,000 1 January 2010 est. 84 Bulgaria 15,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 85 South Africa 15,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 86 Czech Republic 15,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 87 Ghana 15,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 88 Lithuania 12,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 89 Tajikistan 12,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 90 Greece 10,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 91 Slovakia 9,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 92 Benin 8,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 93 Belize 6,700,000 1 January 2010 est. 94 Taiwan 2,800,000 1 January 2010 est. 95 Israel 1,940,000 1 January 2010 est. 96 Barbados 1,790,000 1 January 2010 est. 97 Jordan 1,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 98 Ethiopia 430,000 1 January 2010 est. 99 Afghanistan 0 1 January 2010 est. 100 Aruba 0 1 January 2010 est. 101 Bermuda 0 1 January 2010 est. 102 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 1 January 2010 est. 103 British Virgin Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 104 Zimbabwe 0 1 January 2010 est. 105 Zambia 0 1 January 2010 est. 106 Western Sahara 0 1 January 2010 est. 107 Virgin Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 108 Vanuatu 0 1 January 2010 est. 109 Uruguay 0 1 January 2010 est. 110 Uganda 0 1 January 2010 est. 111 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 112 Tonga 0 1 January 2010 est. 113 Togo 0 1 January 2010 est. 114 Tanzania 0 1 January 2010 est. 115 Switzerland 0 1 January 2010 est. 116 Sweden 0 1 January 2010 est. 117 Swaziland 0 1 January 2010 est. 118 Sri Lanka 0 1 January 2010 est. 119 Somalia 0 1 January 2010 est. 120 Solomon Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 121 Slovenia 0 1 January 2010 est. 122 Singapore 0 1 January 2010 est. 123 Sierra Leone 0 1 January 2010 est. 124 Seychelles 0 1 January 2010 est. 125 Senegal 0 1 January 2010 est. 126 Sao Tome and Principe 0 1 January 2010 est. 127 Samoa 0 1 January 2010 est. 128 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 1 January 2010 est. 129 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 1 January 2010 est. 130 Saint Lucia 0 1 January 2010 est. 131 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 1 January 2010 est. 132 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 1 January 2010 est. 133 Rwanda 0 1 January 2010 est. 134 Puerto Rico 0 1 January 2010 est. 135 Portugal 0 1 January 2010 est. 136 Paraguay 0 1 January 2010 est. 137 Mauritius 0 1 January 2010 est. 138 Malta 0 1 January 2010 est. 139 Mali 0 1 January 2010 est. 140 Maldives 0 1 January 2010 est. 141 Malawi 0 1 January 2010 est. 142 Madagascar 0 1 January 2010 est. 143 Macedonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 144 Macau 0 1 January 2010 est. 145 Luxembourg 0 1 January 2010 est. 146 Panama 0 1 January 2010 est. 147 Niue 0 1 January 2010 est. 148 Niger 0 1 January 2010 est. 149 Nicaragua 0 1 January 2010 est. 150 New Caledonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 151 Nepal 0 1 January 2010 est. 152 Nauru 0 1 January 2010 est. 153 Namibia 0 1 January 2010 est. 154 Mozambique 0 1 January 2010 est. 155 Montserrat 0 1 January 2010 est. 156 Montenegro 0 1 January 2010 est. 157 Moldova 0 1 January 2010 est. 158 Liberia 0 1 January 2010 est. 159 Lesotho 0 1 January 2010 est. 160 Lebanon 0 1 January 2010 est. 161 Latvia 0 1 January 2010 est. 162 Korea, South 0 1 January 2010 est. 163 Korea, North 0 1 January 2010 est. 164 Kiribati 0 1 January 2010 est. 165 Kenya 0 1 January 2010 est. 166 Jamaica 0 1 January 2010 est. 167 Ireland 0 1 January 2010 est. 168 Iceland 0 1 January 2010 est. 169 Hong Kong 0 1 January 2010 est. 170 Honduras 0 1 January 2010 est. 171 Haiti 0 1 January 2010 est. 172 Guyana 0 1 January 2010 est. 173 Guinea-Bissau 0 1 January 2010 est. 174 Guinea 0 1 January 2010 est. 175 Grenada 0 1 January 2010 est. 176 Gibraltar 0 1 January 2010 est. 177 Gambia, The 0 1 January 2010 est. 178 French Polynesia 0 1 January 2010 est. 179 Fiji 0 1 January 2010 est. 180 Faroe Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 181 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 1 January 2010 est. 182 Estonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 183 Eritrea 0 1 January 2010 est. 184 El Salvador 0 1 January 2010 est. 185 Dominican Republic 0 1 January 2010 est. 186 Dominica 0 1 January 2010 est. 187 Djibouti 0 1 January 2010 est. 188 Cyprus 0 1 January 2010 est. 189 Costa Rica 0 1 January 2010 est. 190 Cook Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 191 Comoros 0 1 January 2010 est. 192 Central African Republic 0 1 January 2010 est. 193 Cayman Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 194 Cape Verde 0 1 January 2010 est. 195 Cambodia 0 1 January 2010 est. 196 Burundi 0 1 January 2010 est. 197 Burkina Faso 0 1 January 2010 est. 198 Botswana 0 1 January 2010 est. 199 Bhutan 0 1 January 2010 est. 200 American Samoa 0 1 January 2010 est. 201 Belgium 0 1 January 2010 est. 202 Bahamas, The 0 1 January 2010 est. 203 Armenia 0 1 January 2010 est. 204 Antigua and Barbuda 0 1 January 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2179

Country Comparison :: Natural gas - proved reserves

This entry is the stock of proved reserves of natural gas in cubic meters (cu m). Proved reserves are those quantities of natural gas, which, by analysis of geological and engineering data, can be estimated with a high degree of confidence to be commercially recoverable from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under current economic conditions.

Rank country (cu m) Date of Information

1 Russia 47,570,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 2 Iran 29,610,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 3 Qatar 25,470,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 4 Turkmenistan 7,504,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 5 Saudi Arabia 7,461,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 6 United States 6,928,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 7 United Arab Emirates 6,071,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 8 Nigeria 5,246,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 9 Venezuela 4,983,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 10 Algeria 4,502,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 11 Iraq 3,170,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 12 Australia 3,115,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 13 China 3,030,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 14 Indonesia 3,001,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 15 Kazakhstan 2,407,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 16 Malaysia 2,350,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 17 Norway 2,313,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 18 European Union 2,242,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 19 Uzbekistan 1,841,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 20 Kuwait 1,798,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 21 Canada 1,754,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 22 Egypt 1,656,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 23 Libya 1,539,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 24 Netherlands 1,416,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 25 Ukraine 1,104,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 26 India 1,075,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 27 Azerbaijan 849,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 28 Oman 849,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 29 Pakistan 840,200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 30 Bolivia 750,400,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 31 Vietnam 610,000,000,000 1 January 2009 est. 32 Yemen 478,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 33 Trinidad and Tobago 436,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 34 Argentina 398,400,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 35 Brunei 390,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 36 Brazil 364,200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 37 Mexico 359,700,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 38 Thailand 342,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 39 Peru 334,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 40 United Kingdom 292,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 41 Burma 283,200,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 42 Angola 271,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 43 Syria 240,700,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 44 Papua New Guinea 226,500,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 45 Timor-Leste 200,000,000,000 1 January 2006 est. 46 Bangladesh 195,400,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 47 Germany 175,600,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 48 Poland 164,800,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 49 Cameroon 135,100,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 50 Mozambique 127,400,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 51 Colombia 112,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 52 Philippines 98,540,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 53 Chile 97,970,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 54 Bahrain 92,030,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 55 Congo, Republic of the 90,610,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 56 Sudan 84,950,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 57 Cuba 70,790,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 58 Italy 69,830,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 59 Tunisia 65,130,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 60 Romania 63,000,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 61 Namibia 62,290,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 62 Denmark 61,300,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 63 Rwanda 56,630,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 64 Korea, South 50,000,000,000 1 January 2008 est. 65 Afghanistan 49,550,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 66 Serbia 48,140,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 67 Equatorial Guinea 36,810,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 68 New Zealand 33,980,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 69 Croatia 30,580,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 70 Israel 30,440,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 71 Cote d'Ivoire 28,320,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 72 Mauritania 28,320,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 73 Gabon 28,320,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 74 Ethiopia 24,920,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 75 Ghana 22,650,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 76 Japan 20,900,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 77 Austria 16,140,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 78 Slovakia 14,160,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 79 Ireland 9,911,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 80 Georgia 8,495,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 81 Hungary 8,098,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 82 Ecuador 7,985,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 83 France 7,079,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 84 Tanzania 6,513,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 85 Taiwan 6,229,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 86 Turkey 6,088,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 87 Jordan 6,031,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 88 Bulgaria 5,663,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 89 Tajikistan 5,663,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 90 Kyrgyzstan 5,663,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 91 Somalia 5,663,000,000 1 January 2009 est. 92 Czech Republic 3,964,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 93 Guatemala 2,960,000,000 1 January 2006 est. 94 Belarus 2,832,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 95 Spain 2,548,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 96 Morocco 1,501,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 97 Benin 1,133,000,000 1 January 2010 est. 98 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 991,100,000 1 January 2010 est. 99 Greece 991,100,000 1 January 2010 est. 100 Albania 849,500,000 1 January 2010 est. 101 Barbados 113,300,000 1 January 2010 est. 102 South Africa 27,160,000 1 January 2006 est. 103 Macau 300,000 1 January 2008 est. 104 American Samoa 0 1 January 2010 est. 105 Bermuda 0 1 January 2010 est. 106 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 1 January 2010 est. 107 British Virgin Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 108 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 1 January 2010 est. 109 Puerto Rico 0 1 January 2010 est. 110 Portugal 0 1 January 2010 est. 111 Paraguay 0 1 January 2010 est. 112 Panama 0 1 January 2010 est. 113 Niue 0 1 January 2010 est. 114 Niger 0 1 January 2010 est. 115 Nicaragua 0 1 January 2010 est. 116 Montserrat 0 1 January 2010 est. 117 Zimbabwe 0 1 January 2010 est. 118 Zambia 0 1 January 2010 est. 119 Western Sahara 0 1 January 2010 est. 120 West Bank 0 1 January 2009 est. 121 Virgin Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 122 Vanuatu 0 1 January 2010 est. 123 Uruguay 0 1 January 2010 est. 124 Uganda 0 1 January 2010 est. 125 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 126 Tonga 0 1 January 2010 est. 127 Togo 0 1 January 2010 est. 128 Sweden 0 1 January 2010 est. 129 Swaziland 0 1 January 2010 est. 130 Suriname 0 1 January 2010 est. 131 Sri Lanka 0 1 January 2010 est. 132 Solomon Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 133 Slovenia 0 1 January 2010 est. 134 Singapore 0 1 January 2010 est. 135 Sierra Leone 0 1 January 2010 est. 136 Seychelles 0 1 January 2010 est. 137 Sao Tome and Principe 0 1 January 2010 est. 138 Samoa 0 1 January 2010 est. 139 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 1 January 2010 est. 140 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 1 January 2010 est. 141 Saint Lucia 0 1 January 2010 est. 142 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 1 January 2010 est. 143 Montenegro 0 1 January 2010 est. 144 Mongolia 0 1 January 2010 est. 145 Moldova 0 1 January 2010 est. 146 Mauritius 0 1 January 2010 est. 147 Malta 0 1 January 2010 est. 148 Mali 0 1 January 2010 est. 149 Maldives 0 1 January 2010 est. 150 Liberia 0 1 January 2010 est. 151 New Caledonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 152 Nepal 0 1 January 2010 est. 153 Nauru 0 1 January 2010 est. 154 Lesotho 0 1 January 2010 est. 155 Lebanon 0 1 January 2010 est. 156 Laos 0 1 January 2010 est. 157 Korea, North 0 1 January 2010 est. 158 Kiribati 0 1 January 2010 est. 159 Kenya 0 1 January 2010 est. 160 Jamaica 0 1 January 2010 est. 161 Iceland 0 1 January 2010 est. 162 Malawi 0 1 January 2010 est. 163 Madagascar 0 1 January 2006 est. 164 Macedonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 165 Luxembourg 0 1 January 2010 est. 166 Lithuania 0 1 January 2010 est. 167 Hong Kong 0 1 January 2010 est. 168 Honduras 0 1 January 2010 est. 169 Haiti 0 1 January 2010 est. 170 Guyana 0 1 January 2010 est. 171 Guinea-Bissau 0 1 January 2010 est. 172 Guinea 0 1 January 2010 est. 173 Grenada 0 1 January 2010 est. 174 Greenland 0 1 January 2010 est. 175 Gibraltar 0 1 January 2010 est. 176 Gambia, The 0 1 January 2010 est. 177 French Polynesia 0 1 January 2010 est. 178 Finland 0 1 January 2010 est. 179 Fiji 0 1 January 2010 est. 180 Faroe Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 181 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 1 January 2010 est. 182 Estonia 0 1 January 2010 est. 183 Eritrea 0 1 January 2010 est. 184 El Salvador 0 1 January 2010 est. 185 Dominican Republic 0 1 January 2010 est. 186 Dominica 0 1 January 2010 est. 187 Djibouti 0 1 January 2010 est. 188 Cyprus 0 1 January 2010 est. 189 Costa Rica 0 1 January 2010 est. 190 Cook Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 191 Comoros 0 1 January 2010 est. 192 Chad 0 1 January 2010 est. 193 Central African Republic 0 1 January 2010 est. 194 Cayman Islands 0 1 January 2010 est. 195 Cape Verde 0 1 January 2010 est. 196 Cambodia 0 1 January 2010 est. 197 Burundi 0 1 January 2010 est. 198 Burkina Faso 0 1 January 2010 est. 199 Botswana 0 1 January 2010 est. 200 Bhutan 0 1 January 2010 est. 201 Belize 0 1 January 2010 est. 202 Belgium 0 1 January 2010 est. 203 Armenia 0 1 January 2010 est. 204 Aruba 0 1 January 2010 est. 205 Antigua and Barbuda 0 1 January 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2180

Country Comparison :: Natural gas - production

This entry is the total natural gas produced in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors.

Rank country (cu m) Date of Information

1 United States 593,400,000,000 2009 est. 2 Russia 583,600,000,000 2009 3 Iran 200,000,000,000 2008 est. 4 European Union 181,600,000,000 2009 est. 5 Canada 161,300,000,000 2009 est. 6 Norway 103,500,000,000 2009 est. 7 Algeria 86,500,000,000 2008 est. 8 China 82,940,000,000 2009 9 Netherlands 79,580,000,000 2009 est. 10 Saudi Arabia 77,100,000,000 2009 est. 11 Qatar 76,980,000,000 2008 est. 12 Indonesia 70,000,000,000 2008 est. 13 Uzbekistan 67,600,000,000 2008 est. 14 Egypt 62,700,000,000 2009 est. 15 Mexico 60,350,000,000 2009 est. 16 United Kingdom 58,560,000,000 2009 est. 17 Malaysia 57,300,000,000 2008 est. 18 United Arab Emirates 50,240,000,000 2008 est. 19 Australia 42,330,000,000 2009 est. 20 Argentina 41,360,000,000 2009 est. 21 Trinidad and Tobago 39,300,000,000 2008 est. 22 India 38,650,000,000 2009 est. 23 Pakistan 37,500,000,000 2008 est. 24 Kazakhstan 35,610,000,000 2009 est. 25 Turkmenistan 34,000,000,000 2009 est. 26 Nigeria 32,820,000,000 2008 est. 27 Thailand 28,760,000,000 2008 est. 28 Oman 24,000,000,000 2008 est. 29 Venezuela 23,060,000,000 2009 est. 30 Azerbaijan 23,000,000,000 2009 est. 31 Ukraine 21,200,000,000 2009 est. 32 Bangladesh 19,700,000,000 2008 est. 33 Libya 15,900,000,000 2008 est. 34 Germany 15,290,000,000 2009 est. 35 Bolivia 14,200,000,000 2008 est. 36 Brunei 13,400,000,000 2008 est. 37 Kuwait 12,700,000,000 2008 est. 38 Bahrain 12,640,000,000 2008 est. 39 Burma 12,400,000,000 2008 est. 40 Romania 11,420,000,000 2008 est. 41 Brazil 10,280,000,000 2009 est. 42 Colombia 9,000,000,000 2008 est. 43 Denmark 8,398,000,000 2009 44 Italy 8,119,000,000 2009 est. 45 Vietnam 7,900,000,000 2008 est. 46 Equatorial Guinea 6,670,000,000 2008 est. 47 Syria 6,040,000,000 2008 est. 48 Poland 5,842,000,000 2009 est. 49 New Zealand 4,305,000,000 2009 est. 50 Japan 3,539,000,000 2009 est. 51 Peru 3,390,000,000 2008 est. 52 Mozambique 3,300,000,000 2008 est. 53 South Africa 3,250,000,000 2008 est. 54 Tunisia 2,970,000,000 2008 est. 55 Philippines 2,940,000,000 2008 est. 56 Croatia 2,847,000,000 2009 est. 57 Hungary 2,603,000,000 2009 est. 58 Iraq 1,880,000,000 2008 est. 59 Austria 1,668,000,000 2009 60 Chile 1,650,000,000 2008 est. 61 Cote d'Ivoire 1,300,000,000 2008 est. 62 Israel 1,190,000,000 2008 est. 63 Turkey 1,014,000,000 2009 est. 64 France 877,000,000 2009 est. 65 Angola 680,000,000 2008 est. 66 Korea, South 651,000,000 2009 est. 67 Tanzania 560,700,000 2008 est. 68 Cuba 400,000,000 2008 est. 69 Ireland 392,000,000 2009 est. 70 Taiwan 360,000,000 2008 est. 71 Ecuador 260,000,000 2008 est. 72 Jordan 250,000,000 2008 est. 73 Serbia 230,000,000 2008 est. 74 Bulgaria 218,000,000 2008 75 Congo, Republic of the 180,000,000 2008 est. 76 Czech Republic 176,000,000 2009 est. 77 Belarus 152,000,000 2008 est. 78 Slovakia 103,000,000 2009 est. 79 Papua New Guinea 100,000,000 2008 est. 80 Gabon 90,000,000 2008 est. 81 Morocco 60,000,000 2008 est. 82 Moldova 50,000,000 2007 est. 83 Senegal 50,000,000 2008 est. 84 Afghanistan 30,000,000 2008 est. 85 Kyrgyzstan 30,000,000 2008 est. 86 Albania 30,000,000 2008 est. 87 Barbados 29,170,000 2008 est. 88 Cameroon 20,000,000 2008 est. 89 Tajikistan 16,100,000 2009 est. 90 Spain 13,000,000 2009 est. 91 Greece 9,000,000 2009 est. 92 Georgia 8,000,000 2008 est. 93 Yemen 454,700 2009 est. 94 American Samoa 0 2008 est. 95 Armenia 0 2008 est. 96 Belize 0 2008 est. 97 Bermuda 0 2008 est. 98 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 2008 est. 99 British Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 100 Honduras 0 2008 est. 101 Haiti 0 2008 est. 102 Guyana 0 2008 est. 103 Guinea-Bissau 0 2008 est. 104 Guinea 0 2008 est. 105 Guatemala 0 2008 est. 106 Grenada 0 2008 est. 107 Greenland 0 2008 108 Gibraltar 0 2008 est. 109 Zimbabwe 0 2008 est. 110 Zambia 0 2008 est. 111 Western Sahara 0 2008 est. 112 West Bank 0 2008 est. 113 Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 114 Vanuatu 0 2008 est. 115 Uruguay 0 2008 est. 116 Uganda 0 2008 est. 117 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2008 est. 118 Tonga 0 2008 est. 119 Togo 0 2008 est. 120 Timor-Leste 0 2008 est. 121 Switzerland 0 2008 est. 122 Sweden 0 2008 est. 123 Swaziland 0 2008 est. 124 Suriname 0 2008 est. 125 Sudan 0 2008 est. 126 Sri Lanka 0 2008 est. 127 Somalia 0 2008 est. 128 Solomon Islands 0 2008 est. 129 Slovenia 0 2009 est. 130 Singapore 0 2008 est. 131 Sierra Leone 0 2008 est. 132 Seychelles 0 2008 est. 133 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2008 est. 134 Samoa 0 2008 est. 135 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2008 est. 136 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2008 est. 137 Saint Lucia 0 2008 est. 138 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2008 est. 139 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2008 est. 140 Rwanda 0 2008 est. 141 Puerto Rico 0 2008 est. 142 Paraguay 0 2009 est. 143 Montserrat 0 2008 est. 144 Mongolia 0 2008 est. 145 Mauritius 0 2008 est. 146 Mauritania 0 2008 est. 147 Malta 0 2009 est. 148 Mali 0 2008 est. 149 Maldives 0 2009 est. 150 Malawi 0 2008 est. 151 Madagascar 0 2008 est. 152 Panama 0 2008 est. 153 Niue 0 2008 est. 154 Niger 0 2008 est. 155 Nicaragua 0 2008 est. 156 New Caledonia 0 2008 est. 157 Nepal 0 2009 est. 158 Nauru 0 2008 est. 159 Namibia 0 2008 est. 160 Macedonia 0 2009 est. 161 Macau 0 2009 est. 162 Luxembourg 0 2008 est. 163 Lithuania 0 2008 est. 164 Liberia 0 2008 est. 165 Lesotho 0 2008 est. 166 Lebanon 0 2009 est. 167 Latvia 0 2008 est. 168 Laos 0 2008 est. 169 Kosovo 0 2007 170 Korea, North 0 2008 est. 171 Kiribati 0 2008 est. 172 Kenya 0 2008 est. 173 Jamaica 0 2008 est. 174 Iceland 0 2008 est. 175 Hong Kong 0 2009 est. 176 El Salvador 0 2008 est. 177 Dominican Republic 0 2008 est. 178 Dominica 0 2008 est. 179 Djibouti 0 2008 est. 180 Cyprus 0 2008 est. 181 Costa Rica 0 2008 est. 182 Cook Islands 0 2008 est. 183 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0 2008 est. 184 Comoros 0 2008 est. 185 Chad 0 2008 est. 186 Central African Republic 0 2008 est. 187 Cayman Islands 0 2008 est. 188 Cape Verde 0 2008 est. 189 Cambodia 0 2008 est. 190 Burundi 0 2008 est. 191 Burkina Faso 0 2008 est. 192 Ghana 0 2008 est. 193 Gambia, The 0 2008 est. 194 French Polynesia 0 2008 est. 195 Fiji 0 2008 est. 196 Faroe Islands 0 2008 197 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2008 est. 198 Ethiopia 0 2008 est. 199 Estonia 0 2008 est. 200 Eritrea 0 2008 est. 201 Botswana 0 2008 est. 202 Bhutan 0 2008 est. 203 Benin 0 2008 est. 204 Belgium 0 2008 est. 205 Bahamas, The 0 2008 est. 206 Aruba 0 2008 est. 207 Antigua and Barbuda 0 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2181

Country Comparison :: Natural gas - consumption

This entry is the total natural gas consumed in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors.

Rank country (cu m) Date of Information

1 United States 646,600,000,000 2009 est. 2 European Union 489,400,000,000 2009 est. 3 Russia 439,600,000,000 2009 4 Iran 140,000,000,000 2008 est. 5 Germany 96,260,000,000 2009 est. 6 Japan 94,670,000,000 2009 est. 7 Canada 94,620,000,000 2009 est. 8 United Kingdom 87,450,000,000 2009 est. 9 China 87,080,000,000 2009 10 Italy 78,120,000,000 2009 est. 11 Saudi Arabia 77,100,000,000 2009 est. 12 Mexico 59,800,000,000 2009 est. 13 United Arab Emirates 59,420,000,000 2008 est. 14 Uzbekistan 52,600,000,000 2008 est. 15 Ukraine 52,000,000,000 2009 est. 16 India 51,270,000,000 2009 est. 17 Netherlands 48,600,000,000 2009 est. 18 France 44,840,000,000 2009 est. 19 Argentina 43,140,000,000 2009 est. 20 Egypt 42,500,000,000 2009 est. 21 Pakistan 37,500,000,000 2008 est. 22 Thailand 37,310,000,000 2008 est. 23 Indonesia 36,500,000,000 2008 est. 24 Turkey 35,070,000,000 2009 est. 25 Korea, South 34,090,000,000 2009 est. 26 Spain 33,880,000,000 2009 est. 27 Kazakhstan 33,680,000,000 2008 est. 28 Algeria 26,830,000,000 2008 est. 29 Australia 26,590,000,000 2009 est. 30 Malaysia 26,270,000,000 2008 est. 31 Venezuela 24,860,000,000 2009 est. 32 Trinidad and Tobago 21,940,000,000 2008 est. 33 Qatar 20,200,000,000 2008 est. 34 Turkmenistan 20,000,000,000 2009 est. 35 Bangladesh 19,700,000,000 2008 est. 36 Brazil 18,720,000,000 2009 est. 37 Belarus 17,000,000,000 2009 est. 38 Romania 16,920,000,000 2008 est. 39 Belgium 16,870,000,000 2009 est. 40 Poland 16,330,000,000 2009 est. 41 Oman 13,460,000,000 2008 est. 42 Kuwait 12,700,000,000 2008 est. 43 Bahrain 12,640,000,000 2008 est. 44 Taiwan 12,440,000,000 2008 est. 45 Nigeria 12,280,000,000 2008 est. 46 Hungary 11,320,000,000 2009 est. 47 Azerbaijan 10,120,000,000 2008 48 Iraq 9,454,000,000 2008 est. 49 Singapore 8,270,000,000 2008 est. 50 Austria 8,232,000,000 2009 51 Czech Republic 8,182,000,000 2009 est. 52 Colombia 8,100,000,000 2008 est. 53 Vietnam 8,100,000,000 2008 est. 54 Slovakia 6,493,000,000 2009 est. 55 South Africa 6,450,000,000 2008 est. 56 Syria 6,180,000,000 2008 est. 57 Libya 5,500,000,000 2008 est. 58 Ireland 5,112,000,000 2009 est. 59 Portugal 4,846,000,000 2009 est. 60 Norway 4,620,000,000 2009 est. 61 Denmark 4,410,000,000 2009 62 New Zealand 4,320,000,000 2009 est. 63 Finland 4,289,000,000 2009 64 Tunisia 4,220,000,000 2008 est. 65 Brunei 4,200,000,000 2008 est. 66 Burma 3,850,000,000 2008 est. 67 Lithuania 3,530,000,000 2008 est. 68 Greece 3,528,000,000 2009 est. 69 Peru 3,390,000,000 2008 est. 70 Bulgaria 3,350,000,000 2008 71 Switzerland 3,282,000,000 2009 est. 72 Croatia 3,205,000,000 2009 est. 73 Jordan 2,970,000,000 2008 est. 74 Philippines 2,940,000,000 2008 est. 75 Hong Kong 2,830,000,000 2009 est. 76 Serbia 2,610,000,000 2008 est. 77 Moldova 2,520,000,000 2008 est. 78 Bolivia 2,410,000,000 2008 est. 79 Chile 2,340,000,000 2008 est. 80 Latvia 2,050,000,000 2008 est. 81 Armenia 1,930,000,000 2008 est. 82 Georgia 1,730,000,000 2008 est. 83 Estonia 1,510,000,000 2008 est. 84 Equatorial Guinea 1,500,000,000 2008 est. 85 Cote d'Ivoire 1,300,000,000 2008 est. 86 Luxembourg 1,268,000,000 2009 est. 87 Sweden 1,229,000,000 2009 est. 88 Israel 1,190,000,000 2008 est. 89 Slovenia 1,050,000,000 2009 est. 90 Puerto Rico 806,600,000 2008 est. 91 Kyrgyzstan 750,000,000 2008 est. 92 Angola 680,000,000 2008 est. 93 Tanzania 560,700,000 2008 est. 94 Morocco 560,000,000 2008 est. 95 Dominican Republic 470,000,000 2008 est. 96 Cuba 400,000,000 2008 est. 97 Bosnia and Herzegovina 310,000,000 2008 est. 98 Tajikistan 266,100,000 2009 est. 99 Ecuador 260,000,000 2008 est. 100 Congo, Republic of the 180,000,000 2008 est. 101 Mozambique 100,000,000 2008 est. 102 Papua New Guinea 100,000,000 2008 est. 103 Macau 91,300,000 2009 104 Gabon 90,000,000 2008 est. 105 Macedonia 80,000,000 2009 est. 106 Uruguay 70,000,000 2008 est. 107 Senegal 50,000,000 2008 est. 108 Afghanistan 30,000,000 2008 est. 109 Albania 30,000,000 2008 est. 110 Barbados 29,170,000 2008 est. 111 Cameroon 20,000,000 2008 est. 112 American Samoa 0 2008 est. 113 Benin 0 2008 est. 114 Botswana 0 2008 est. 115 Burkina Faso 0 2008 est. 116 Paraguay 0 2009 est. 117 Panama 0 2008 est. 118 Niue 0 2008 est. 119 Liberia 0 2008 est. 120 Lesotho 0 2008 est. 121 Lebanon 0 2008 est. 122 Laos 0 2008 est. 123 Kosovo 0 2007 124 Korea, North 0 2008 est. 125 Kiribati 0 2008 est. 126 Kenya 0 2008 est. 127 Jamaica 0 2008 est. 128 Niger 0 2008 est. 129 Nicaragua 0 2008 est. 130 New Caledonia 0 2008 est. 131 Nepal 0 2009 est. 132 Nauru 0 2008 est. 133 Namibia 0 2008 est. 134 Montserrat 0 2008 est. 135 Mongolia 0 2008 est. 136 Mauritius 0 2008 est. 137 Mauritania 0 2008 est. 138 Malta 0 2009 est. 139 Mali 0 2008 est. 140 Maldives 0 2009 est. 141 Malawi 0 2008 est. 142 Madagascar 0 2008 est. 143 Iceland 0 2008 est. 144 Honduras 0 2008 est. 145 Haiti 0 2008 est. 146 Guyana 0 2008 est. 147 Guinea-Bissau 0 2008 est. 148 Guinea 0 2008 est. 149 Guatemala 0 2008 est. 150 Grenada 0 2008 est. 151 Seychelles 0 2008 est. 152 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2008 est. 153 Samoa 0 2008 est. 154 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2008 est. 155 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2008 est. 156 Saint Lucia 0 2008 est. 157 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2008 est. 158 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2008 est. 159 Rwanda 0 2008 est. 160 Yemen 0 2008 est. 161 Western Sahara 0 2008 est. 162 West Bank 0 2008 est. 163 Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 164 Vanuatu 0 2008 est. 165 Uganda 0 2008 est. 166 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2008 est. 167 Tonga 0 2008 est. 168 Togo 0 2008 est. 169 Zimbabwe 0 2008 est. 170 Zambia 0 2008 est. 171 Timor-Leste 0 2008 est. 172 Swaziland 0 2008 est. 173 Suriname 0 2008 est. 174 Sudan 0 2008 est. 175 Sri Lanka 0 2008 est. 176 Somalia 0 2008 est. 177 Solomon Islands 0 2008 est. 178 Sierra Leone 0 2008 est. 179 Greenland 0 2008 180 Gibraltar 0 2008 est. 181 Ghana 0 2008 est. 182 Gambia, The 0 2008 est. 183 French Polynesia 0 2008 est. 184 Fiji 0 2008 est. 185 Faroe Islands 0 2008 186 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2008 est. 187 Ethiopia 0 2008 est. 188 Eritrea 0 2008 est. 189 El Salvador 0 2008 est. 190 Dominica 0 2008 est. 191 Djibouti 0 2008 est. 192 Cyprus 0 2008 est. 193 Costa Rica 0 2008 est. 194 Cook Islands 0 2008 est. 195 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0 2008 est. 196 Comoros 0 2008 est. 197 Chad 0 2008 est. 198 Central African Republic 0 2008 est. 199 Cayman Islands 0 2008 est. 200 Cape Verde 0 2008 est. 201 Cambodia 0 2008 est. 202 Burundi 0 2008 est. 203 British Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 204 Bhutan 0 2008 est. 205 Bermuda 0 2008 est. 206 Belize 0 2008 est. 207 Bahamas, The 0 2008 est. 208 Aruba 0 2008 est. 209 Antigua and Barbuda 0 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2182

Country Comparison :: Natural gas - imports

This entry is the total natural gas imported in cubic meters (cu m).

Rank country (cu m) Date of Information

1 United States 106,100,000,000 2009 est. 2 Germany 94,570,000,000 2009 est. 3 Japan 90,290,000,000 2009 est. 4 Italy 69,240,000,000 2009 est. 5 France 45,850,000,000 2009 est. 6 United Kingdom 41,060,000,000 2009 est. 7 Turkey 35,770,000,000 2009 est. 8 Russia 35,100,000,000 2009 9 Spain 34,670,000,000 2009 est. 10 Korea, South 32,690,000,000 2009 est. 11 Ukraine 26,830,000,000 2009 est. 12 Netherlands 24,600,000,000 2009 est. 13 Belarus 17,600,000,000 2009 est. 14 Belgium 16,780,000,000 2009 est. 15 United Arab Emirates 16,750,000,000 2008 est. 16 Canada 16,590,000,000 2009 est. 17 India 12,620,000,000 2009 est. 18 Taiwan 12,080,000,000 2008 est. 19 Mexico 11,840,000,000 2009 est. 20 Austria 10,960,000,000 2009 21 Poland 9,954,000,000 2009 est. 22 Hungary 9,708,000,000 2009 est. 23 Czech Republic 9,683,000,000 2009 est. 24 Thailand 8,550,000,000 2008 est. 25 Brazil 8,440,000,000 2009 est. 26 Singapore 8,270,000,000 2008 est. 27 China 7,462,000,000 2009 28 Slovakia 6,974,000,000 2009 est. 29 Australia 6,560,000,000 2009 est. 30 Romania 5,500,000,000 2008 est. 31 Iran 5,200,000,000 2008 est. 32 Portugal 4,895,000,000 2009 est. 33 Ireland 4,723,000,000 2009 est. 34 Finland 4,289,000,000 2009 35 Kazakhstan 3,720,000,000 2009 est. 36 Greece 3,556,000,000 2009 est. 37 Lithuania 3,530,000,000 2008 est. 38 Bulgaria 3,480,000,000 2008 39 Switzerland 3,282,000,000 2009 est. 40 South Africa 3,200,000,000 2008 est. 41 Hong Kong 2,830,000,000 2009 est. 42 Jordan 2,720,000,000 2008 est. 43 Argentina 2,660,000,000 2009 est. 44 Moldova 2,520,000,000 2008 est. 45 Serbia 2,400,000,000 2008 est. 46 Latvia 2,050,000,000 2008 est. 47 Armenia 1,930,000,000 2008 est. 48 Venezuela 1,800,000,000 2009 est. 49 Georgia 1,720,000,000 2008 est. 50 Estonia 1,510,000,000 2008 est. 51 Luxembourg 1,263,000,000 2009 est. 52 Tunisia 1,250,000,000 2008 est. 53 Sweden 1,229,000,000 2009 est. 54 Croatia 1,220,000,000 2009 est. 55 Slovenia 1,050,000,000 2009 est. 56 Puerto Rico 806,600,000 2008 est. 57 Kyrgyzstan 720,000,000 2008 est. 58 Chile 690,000,000 2008 est. 59 Morocco 500,000,000 2008 est. 60 Dominican Republic 470,000,000 2008 est. 61 Oman 350,000,000 2008 est. 62 Bosnia and Herzegovina 310,000,000 2008 est. 63 Kuwait 300,000,000 2009 est. 64 Tajikistan 250,000,000 2009 est. 65 Syria 140,000,000 2008 est. 66 Macau 97,800,000 2009 est. 67 Macedonia 82,000,000 2009 est. 68 Uruguay 70,000,000 2008 est. 69 Vietnam 380,000 2009 est. 70 Afghanistan 0 2008 est. 71 Albania 0 2008 est. 72 Azerbaijan 0 2008 est. 73 Bahrain 0 2008 est. 74 Barbados 0 2008 est. 75 Burkina Faso 0 2008 est. 76 Brunei 0 2008 est. 77 British Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 78 Botswana 0 2008 est. 79 Bolivia 0 2008 est. 80 Bhutan 0 2008 est. 81 Bermuda 0 2008 est. 82 Benin 0 2008 est. 83 Belize 0 2008 est. 84 Eritrea 0 2008 est. 85 Equatorial Guinea 0 2008 est. 86 El Salvador 0 2008 est. 87 Egypt 0 2009 est. 88 Ecuador 0 2008 est. 89 Dominica 0 2008 est. 90 Djibouti 0 2008 est. 91 Denmark 0 2008 92 Cyprus 0 2008 est. 93 Mauritius 0 2008 est. 94 Mauritania 0 2008 est. 95 Malta 0 2009 est. 96 Mali 0 2008 est. 97 Maldives 0 2009 est. 98 Malaysia 0 2008 est. 99 Malawi 0 2008 est. 100 Madagascar 0 2008 est. 101 Lebanon 0 2008 est. 102 Peru 0 2008 est. 103 Paraguay 0 2009 est. 104 Papua New Guinea 0 2008 est. 105 Panama 0 2008 est. 106 Pakistan 0 2008 est. 107 Norway 0 2008 est. 108 Niue 0 2008 est. 109 Nigeria 0 2008 est. 110 Niger 0 2008 est. 111 Zimbabwe 0 2008 est. 112 Zambia 0 2008 est. 113 Yemen 0 2008 est. 114 Western Sahara 0 2008 est. 115 West Bank 0 2008 est. 116 Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 117 Vanuatu 0 2008 est. 118 Uzbekistan 0 2008 est. 119 Uganda 0 2008 est. 120 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2008 est. 121 Turkmenistan 0 2008 est. 122 Trinidad and Tobago 0 2008 est. 123 Tonga 0 2008 est. 124 Togo 0 2008 est. 125 Timor-Leste 0 2008 est. 126 Tanzania 0 2008 est. 127 Swaziland 0 2008 est. 128 Suriname 0 2008 est. 129 Sudan 0 2008 est. 130 Somalia 0 2008 est. 131 Solomon Islands 0 2008 est. 132 Sierra Leone 0 2008 est. 133 Seychelles 0 2008 est. 134 Senegal 0 2008 est. 135 Saudi Arabia 0 2008 est. 136 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2008 est. 137 Samoa 0 2008 est. 138 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2008 est. 139 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2008 est. 140 Saint Lucia 0 2008 est. 141 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2008 est. 142 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2008 est. 143 Rwanda 0 2008 est. 144 Qatar 0 2008 est. 145 Philippines 0 2008 est. 146 Nicaragua 0 2008 est. 147 New Caledonia 0 2008 est. 148 Nepal 0 2009 est. 149 Nauru 0 2008 est. 150 Namibia 0 2008 est. 151 Mozambique 0 2008 est. 152 Montserrat 0 2008 est. 153 Mongolia 0 2008 est. 154 Laos 0 2008 est. 155 Korea, North 0 2008 est. 156 Kiribati 0 2008 est. 157 Kenya 0 2008 est. 158 Jamaica 0 2008 est. 159 Israel 0 2008 est. 160 Iraq 0 2008 est. 161 Honduras 0 2008 est. 162 Libya 0 2008 est. 163 Liberia 0 2008 est. 164 Lesotho 0 2008 est. 165 Haiti 0 2008 est. 166 Guyana 0 2008 est. 167 Guinea-Bissau 0 2008 est. 168 Guinea 0 2008 est. 169 Guatemala 0 2008 est. 170 Grenada 0 2008 est. 171 Greenland 0 2008 172 Gibraltar 0 2008 est. 173 Indonesia 0 2008 est. 174 Iceland 0 2008 est. 175 Ghana 0 2008 est. 176 Gambia, The 0 2008 est. 177 Gabon 0 2008 est. 178 French Polynesia 0 2008 est. 179 Fiji 0 2008 est. 180 Faroe Islands 0 2008 181 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2008 est. 182 Ethiopia 0 2008 est. 183 Cuba 0 2008 est. 184 Cote d'Ivoire 0 2008 est. 185 Costa Rica 0 2008 est. 186 Cook Islands 0 2008 est. 187 Congo, Republic of the 0 2008 est. 188 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0 2008 est. 189 Comoros 0 2008 est. 190 Colombia 0 2008 est. 191 Chad 0 2008 est. 192 Central African Republic 0 2008 est. 193 Cayman Islands 0 2008 est. 194 Cape Verde 0 2008 est. 195 Cameroon 0 2008 est. 196 Cambodia 0 2008 est. 197 Burundi 0 2008 est. 198 Burma 0 2008 est. 199 Bangladesh 0 2008 est. 200 Bahamas, The 0 2008 est. 201 Algeria 0 2008 est. 202 Aruba 0 2008 est. 203 American Samoa 0 2008 est. 204 Angola 0 2008 est. 205 Antigua and Barbuda 0 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2183

Country Comparison :: Natural gas - exports

This entry is the total natural gas exported in cubic meters (cu m).

Rank country (cu m) Date of Information

1 Russia 179,100,000,000 2009 2 Norway 98,850,000,000 2009 est. 3 Canada 94,670,000,000 2009 est. 4 Algeria 59,670,000,000 2008 est. 5 Qatar 56,780,000,000 2008 est. 6 Netherlands 55,590,000,000 2009 est. 7 Indonesia 33,500,000,000 2008 est. 8 Malaysia 31,030,000,000 2008 est. 9 United States 30,350,000,000 2009 est. 10 Australia 22,300,000,000 2009 est. 11 Nigeria 20,550,000,000 2008 est. 12 Kazakhstan 17,660,000,000 2008 est. 13 Trinidad and Tobago 17,360,000,000 2008 est. 14 Uzbekistan 15,000,000,000 2008 est. 15 Turkmenistan 14,000,000,000 2009 est. 16 Germany 12,640,000,000 2009 est. 17 United Kingdom 12,170,000,000 2009 est. 18 Bolivia 11,790,000,000 2008 est. 19 Oman 10,890,000,000 2008 est. 20 Libya 10,400,000,000 2008 est. 21 Brunei 9,200,000,000 2008 est. 22 Burma 8,550,000,000 2008 est. 23 Egypt 8,550,000,000 2009 est. 24 United Arab Emirates 7,567,000,000 2008 est. 25 Azerbaijan 5,564,000,000 2008 est. 26 Equatorial Guinea 5,170,000,000 2008 est. 27 Ukraine 5,000,000,000 2009 est. 28 Iran 4,246,000,000 2008 est. 29 Denmark 3,980,000,000 2009 30 Austria 3,961,000,000 2009 est. 31 China 3,320,000,000 2009 32 Mozambique 3,200,000,000 2008 est. 33 France 1,931,000,000 2009 est. 34 Czech Republic 1,111,000,000 2009 est. 35 Spain 975,000,000 2009 est. 36 Colombia 900,000,000 2008 est. 37 Argentina 890,000,000 2008 est. 38 Turkey 708,000,000 2009 est. 39 Croatia 695,500,000 2009 est. 40 Mexico 688,000,000 2009 est. 41 Italy 124,000,000 2009 est. 42 Hungary 85,000,000 2009 est. 43 Poland 40,000,000 2009 est. 44 Slovakia 15,000,000 2009 est. 45 Yemen 454,700 2009 est. 46 Afghanistan 0 2008 est. 47 American Samoa 0 2008 est. 48 Bahrain 0 2008 est. 49 Barbados 0 2008 est. 50 British Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 51 Botswana 0 2008 est. 52 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 2008 est. 53 Bhutan 0 2008 est. 54 Bermuda 0 2008 est. 55 Benin 0 2008 est. 56 Belize 0 2008 est. 57 Belgium 0 2008 est. 58 Belarus 0 2009 59 Ethiopia 0 2008 est. 60 Estonia 0 2008 est. 61 Eritrea 0 2008 est. 62 El Salvador 0 2008 est. 63 Ecuador 0 2008 est. 64 Dominican Republic 0 2008 est. 65 Dominica 0 2008 est. 66 Djibouti 0 2008 est. 67 Cuba 0 2008 est. 68 Guyana 0 2008 est. 69 Guinea-Bissau 0 2008 est. 70 Guinea 0 2008 est. 71 Guatemala 0 2008 est. 72 Grenada 0 2008 est. 73 Greenland 0 2008 74 Greece 0 2008 est. 75 Gibraltar 0 2008 est. 76 Ghana 0 2008 est. 77 Kyrgyzstan 0 2008 est. 78 Kuwait 0 2008 est. 79 Korea, South 0 2009 est. 80 Korea, North 0 2008 est. 81 Kiribati 0 2008 est. 82 Kenya 0 2008 est. 83 Jordan 0 2008 est. 84 Japan 0 2008 est. 85 Jamaica 0 2008 est. 86 New Zealand 0 2008 est. 87 New Caledonia 0 2008 est. 88 Nepal 0 2009 est. 89 Nauru 0 2008 est. 90 Namibia 0 2008 est. 91 Morocco 0 2008 est. 92 Montserrat 0 2008 est. 93 Mongolia 0 2008 est. 94 Moldova 0 2008 est. 95 Taiwan 0 2008 est. 96 Zimbabwe 0 2008 est. 97 Zambia 0 2008 est. 98 Western Sahara 0 2008 est. 99 West Bank 0 2008 est. 100 Virgin Islands 0 2008 est. 101 Vietnam 0 2009 est. 102 Venezuela 0 2008 est. 103 Vanuatu 0 2008 est. 104 Uruguay 0 2008 est. 105 Uganda 0 2008 est. 106 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2008 est. 107 Tunisia 0 2008 est. 108 Tonga 0 2008 est. 109 Togo 0 2008 est. 110 Timor-Leste 0 2008 est. 111 Thailand 0 2008 est. 112 Tanzania 0 2008 est. 113 Tajikistan 0 2009 est. 114 Syria 0 2008 est. 115 Switzerland 0 2008 est. 116 Sweden 0 2008 est. 117 Swaziland 0 2008 est. 118 Suriname 0 2008 est. 119 Sudan 0 2008 est. 120 Sri Lanka 0 2008 est. 121 South Africa 0 2008 est. 122 Somalia 0 2008 est. 123 Solomon Islands 0 2008 est. 124 Slovenia 0 2009 est. 125 Singapore 0 2008 est. 126 Sierra Leone 0 2008 est. 127 Seychelles 0 2008 est. 128 Serbia 0 2008 est. 129 Senegal 0 2008 est. 130 Saudi Arabia 0 2008 est. 131 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2008 est. 132 Samoa 0 2008 est. 133 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2008 est. 134 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2008 est. 135 Saint Lucia 0 2008 est. 136 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2008 est. 137 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 2008 est. 138 Rwanda 0 2008 est. 139 Romania 0 2008 est. 140 Puerto Rico 0 2008 est. 141 Portugal 0 2008 est. 142 Philippines 0 2008 est. 143 Paraguay 0 2009 est. 144 Papua New Guinea 0 2008 est. 145 Panama 0 2008 est. 146 Pakistan 0 2008 est. 147 Niue 0 2008 est. 148 Niger 0 2008 est. 149 Nicaragua 0 2008 est. 150 Mauritius 0 2008 est. 151 Mauritania 0 2008 est. 152 Malta 0 2009 est. 153 Mali 0 2008 est. 154 Maldives 0 2009 est. 155 Malawi 0 2008 est. 156 Madagascar 0 2008 est. 157 Macedonia 0 2009 est. 158 Macau 0 2009 est. 159 Luxembourg 0 2008 est. 160 Lithuania 0 2008 est. 161 Liberia 0 2008 est. 162 Lesotho 0 2008 est. 163 Lebanon 0 2009 est. 164 Latvia 0 2008 est. 165 Laos 0 2008 est. 166 Israel 0 2008 est. 167 Ireland 0 2008 est. 168 Iraq 0 2008 est. 169 India 0 2008 est. 170 Iceland 0 2008 est. 171 Hong Kong 0 2009 est. 172 Honduras 0 2008 est. 173 Haiti 0 2008 est. 174 Georgia 0 2008 est. 175 Gambia, The 0 2008 est. 176 Gabon 0 2008 est. 177 French Polynesia 0 2008 est. 178 Finland 0 2008 est. 179 Fiji 0 2008 est. 180 Faroe Islands 0 2008 181 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2008 est. 182 Cote d'Ivoire 0 2008 est. 183 Costa Rica 0 2008 est. 184 Cook Islands 0 2008 est. 185 Congo, Republic of the 0 2008 est. 186 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0 2008 est. 187 Comoros 0 2008 est. 188 Chile 0 2008 est. 189 Chad 0 2008 est. 190 Cyprus 0 2008 est. 191 Central African Republic 0 2008 est. 192 Cayman Islands 0 2008 est. 193 Cape Verde 0 2008 est. 194 Cameroon 0 2008 est. 195 Cambodia 0 2008 est. 196 Burundi 0 2008 est. 197 Burkina Faso 0 2008 est. 198 Bulgaria 0 2008 199 Bangladesh 0 2008 est. 200 Bahamas, The 0 2008 est. 201 Armenia 0 2008 est. 202 Aruba 0 2008 est. 203 Antigua and Barbuda 0 2008 est. 204 Angola 0 2008 est. 205 Albania 0 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2184

Country Comparison :: Internet hosts

This entry lists the number of Internet hosts available within a country. An Internet host is a computer connected directly to the Internet; normally an Internet Service Provider's (ISP) computer is a host. Internet users may use either a hard-wired terminal, at an institution with a mainframe computer connected directly to the Internet, or may connect remotely by way of a modem via telephone line, cable, or satellite to the Internet Service Provider's host computer. The number of hosts is one indicator of the extent of Internet connectivity.

Rank country Internet hosts Date of Information

1 United States 439,000,000 NA 2 Japan 54,846,000 2010 3 Italy 23,160,000 2010 4 Germany 21,729,000 2010 5 Brazil 19,316,000 2010 6 China 15,251,000 2010 7 France 15,182,000 2010 8 Australia 13,361,000 2010 9 Mexico 12,854,000 2010 10 Netherlands 12,607,000 2010 11 Poland 10,510,000 2010 12 Russia 10,382,000 2010 13 Canada 7,770,000 2010 14 United Kingdom 7,030,000 2010 15 Taiwan 6,336,000 2010 16 Argentina 6,025,000 2010 17 Switzerland 4,816,000 2010 18 India 4,536,000 2010 19 Belgium 4,465,000 2010 20 Sweden 4,396,000 2010 21 Finland 4,394,000 2010 22 Denmark 4,145,000 2010 23 Spain 3,822,000 2010 24 South Africa 3,751,000 2010 25 Czech Republic 3,494,000 2010 26 Turkey 3,433,000 2010 27 Norway 3,352,000 2010 28 Portugal 3,267,000 2010 29 Austria 3,266,000 2010 30 Hungary 2,655,000 2010 31 Greece 2,574,000 2010 32 Colombia 2,527,000 2010 33 New Zealand 2,470,000 2010 34 Romania 2,464,000 2010 35 Israel 1,689,000 2010 36 Ireland 1,339,000 2010 37 Thailand 1,335,000 2010 38 Croatia 1,287,000 2010 39 Indonesia 1,269,000 2010 40 Lithuania 1,170,000 2010 41 Slovakia 1,133,000 2010 42 Ukraine 1,098,000 2010 43 Chile 1,056,000 2010 44 Singapore 992,786 2010 45 Hong Kong 817,701 2010 46 Bulgaria 785,546 2010 47 Uruguay 765,525 2010 48 Estonia 729,534 2010 49 Serbia 528,253 2010 50 Moldova 492,181 2010 51 Saudi Arabia 488,598 2010 52 Niue 397,270 2010 53 Philippines 394,990 2010 54 United Arab Emirates 379,309 2010 55 Iceland 344,748 2010 56 Malaysia 344,452 2010 57 Pakistan 330,466 2010 58 Korea, South 291,329 2010 59 Latvia 289,478 2010 60 Dominican Republic 283,298 2010 61 Morocco 277,793 2010 62 Peru 268,225 2010 63 Luxembourg 244,225 2010 64 Venezuela 238,665 2010 65 Guatemala 196,870 2010 66 Cyprus 187,881 2010 67 Egypt 187,197 2010 68 Trinidad and Tobago 168,876 2010 69 Paraguay 167,281 2010 70 Nicaragua 157,162 2010 71 Belarus 147,311 2010 72 Slovenia 137,494 2010 73 Vietnam 129,318 2010 74 Bolivia 125,462 2010 75 Iran 119,947 2010 76 Georgia 110,680 2010 77 Tuvalu 109,478 2010 78 Kyrgyzstan 97,976 2010 79 Bosnia and Herzegovina 95,234 2010 80 Namibia 76,020 2010 81 Bangladesh 68,224 2010 82 Ecuador 67,975 2010 83 Armenia 65,279 2010 84 Macedonia 60,533 2010 85 Kazakhstan 53,984 2010 86 Bahrain 53,944 2010 87 Lebanon 51,451 2010 88 Brunei 50,997 2010 89 Uzbekistan 47,718 2010 90 Kenya 47,676 2010 91 Nepal 43,928 2010 92 Jordan 42,412 2010 93 Ghana 41,082 2010 94 Mauritius 36,653 2010 95 French Polynesia 36,056 2010 96 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 35,312 2010 97 Costa Rica 34,024 2010 98 Zimbabwe 29,866 2010 99 Madagascar 27,606 2010 100 Andorra 26,773 2010 101 Aruba 25,080 2010 102 Malta 24,941 2010 103 Tanzania 24,182 2010 104 Monaco 23,621 2010 105 Azerbaijan 22,737 2010 106 New Caledonia 22,456 2010 107 Bahamas, The 21,939 2010 108 Cayman Islands 21,910 2010 109 Mozambique 21,172 2010 110 Tonga 20,847 2010 111 Uganda 19,927 2010 112 Bermuda 19,855 2010 113 Fiji 17,088 2010 114 Samoa 17,044 2010 115 Honduras 16,075 2010 116 Greenland 15,668 2010 117 Albania 15,098 2010 118 Zambia 14,771 2010 119 El Salvador 13,849 2010 120 Libya 12,432 2010 121 Cote d'Ivoire 9,865 2010 122 Antigua and Barbuda 9,795 2010 123 Panama 9,585 2010 124 Liechtenstein 9,418 2010 125 Bhutan 9,147 2010 126 Oman 9,114 2010 127 Turks and Caicos Islands 8,969 2010 128 Faroe Islands 8,936 2010 129 Virgin Islands 8,933 2010 130 San Marino 8,895 2010 131 Sri Lanka 8,865 2010 132 Guyana 8,840 2010 133 Syria 8,114 2010 134 Mongolia 7,942 2010 135 Antarctica 7,765 2010 136 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha6,873 2010 137 Montenegro 6,247 2010 138 Cambodia 5,452 2010 139 Papua New Guinea 4,285 2010 140 Nauru 4,158 2010 141 Solomon Islands 4,065 2010 142 Angola 3,717 2010 143 Jamaica 3,099 2010 144 Micronesia, Federated States of 3,097 2010 145 Cuba 3,025 2010 146 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3,006 2010 147 Belize 2,880 2010 148 Botswana 2,739 2010 149 Christmas Island 2,542 2010 150 Cook Islands 2,521 2010 151 Kuwait 2,485 2010 152 Swaziland 2,335 2010 153 Maldives 2,164 2010 154 Gibraltar 2,053 2010 155 Burkina Faso 1,877 2010 156 Wallis and Futuna 1,734 2010 157 American Samoa 1,676 2010 158 Sao Tome and Principe 1,514 2010 159 Barbados 1,508 2010 160 Tajikistan 1,504 2010 161 Laos 1,468 2010 162 Gambia, The 1,453 2010 163 Nigeria 1,378 2010 164 Vanuatu 1,347 2010 165 Benin 1,286 2010 166 Eritrea 1,241 2010 167 Malawi 870 2010 168 Togo 860 2010 169 British Indian Ocean Territory 827 2010 170 Qatar 822 2010 171 Rwanda 815 2010 172 Turkmenistan 794 2010 173 Isle of Man 765 2010 174 Dominica 718 2010 175 Lesotho 632 2010 176 Algeria 572 2010 177 Montserrat 552 2010 178 Tokelau 526 2010 179 Mali 524 2010 180 British Virgin Islands 497 2010 181 Tunisia 490 2010 182 Puerto Rico 482 2010 183 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands320 2010 184 Sierra Leone 281 2010 185 Haiti 273 2010 186 Anguilla 271 2010 187 Seychelles 256 2010 188 Yemen 255 2010 189 Macau 252 2010 190 Senegal 241 2010 191 Jersey 237 2010 192 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 211 2010 193 Timor-Leste 206 2010 194 Burundi 201 2010 195 Guernsey 197 2010 196 Djibouti 195 2010 197 Burma 172 2010 198 Niger 172 2010 199 Suriname 171 2010 200 Ethiopia 151 2010 201 Saint Lucia 106 2010 202 Norfolk Island 93 2010 203 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 91 2010 204 Cameroon 90 2010 205 Gabon 90 2010 206 Guinea-Bissau 82 2010 207 Sudan 70 2010 208 Holy See (Vatican City) 68 2010 209 Grenada 52 2010 210 Saint Kitts and Nevis 51 2010 211 Afghanistan 46 2010 212 French Southern and Antarctic Lands44 2010 213 Congo, Republic of the 42 2010 214 Kiribati 31 2010 215 Cape Verde 26 2010 216 Mauritania 23 2010 217 Central African Republic 20 2010 218 Pitcairn Islands 20 2010 219 Comoros 14 2010 220 Guinea 14 2010 221 Equatorial Guinea 9 2010 222 Iraq 9 2010 223 Northern Mariana Islands 9 2010 224 Liberia 8 2010 225 Bouvet Island 6 2010 226 Chad 5 2010 227 Korea, North 3 2010 228 Somalia 3 2010 229 Palau 3 2010 230 Marshall Islands 3 2010 231 Mayotte 1 2010 232 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2010

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Rank code: 2185

Country Comparison :: Investment (gross fixed)

This entry records total business spending on fixed assets, such as factories, machinery, equipment, dwellings, and inventories of raw materials, which provide the basis for future production. It is measured gross of the depreciation of the assets, i.e., it includes investment that merely replaces worn-out or scrapped capital.

Rank country (% of GDP) Date of Information

1 China 47.80 2010 est. 2 Congo, Republic of the 41.50 2010 est. 3 Sao Tome and Principe 41.00 2010 est. 4 Ghana 39.80 2010 est. 5 Cape Verde 36.90 2010 est. 6 Seychelles 36.20 2010 est. 7 Belarus 36.00 2010 est. 8 Vietnam 35.10 2010 est. 9 Madagascar 34.60 2010 est. 10 Guyana 34.10 2010 est. 11 Armenia 33.30 2010 est. 12 Qatar 33.00 2010 est. 13 India 32.00 2010 est. 14 Indonesia 30.80 2010 est. 15 Lebanon 30.80 2010 est. 16 Montenegro 30.50 2006 est. 17 Morocco 30.20 2010 est. 18 Jordan 30.10 2010 est. 19 Albania 29.80 2010 est. 20 Equatorial Guinea 29.10 2010 est. 21 Haiti 28.90 2008 est. 22 Gabon 28.80 2010 est. 23 Korea, South 28.70 2010 est. 24 Botswana 28.20 2010 est. 25 Gambia, The 28.00 2010 est. 26 Kazakhstan 27.90 2010 est. 27 Malawi 27.70 2010 est. 28 Iran 27.60 2010 est. 29 Algeria 27.50 2010 est. 30 Australia 27.40 2010 est. 31 Singapore 27.20 2010 est. 32 Panama 26.80 2010 est. 33 United Arab Emirates 26.80 2010 est. 34 Bahrain 26.60 2010 est. 35 Kyrgyzstan 26.40 2010 est. 36 Oman 26.30 2010 est. 37 Belize 26.20 2010 est. 38 Tunisia 26.10 2010 est. 39 Senegal 25.90 2010 est. 40 Serbia 25.90 2010 est. 41 Ethiopia 25.20 2010 est. 42 Burundi 25.10 2010 est. 43 Jamaica 25.10 2010 est. 44 Peru 25.10 2010 est. 45 Thailand 24.90 2010 est. 46 Saudi Arabia 24.50 2010 est. 47 Namibia 24.00 2010 est. 48 Bangladesh 23.80 2010 est. 49 Mauritius 23.80 2010 est. 50 Ecuador 23.70 2010 est. 51 Sri Lanka 23.60 2010 est. 52 Chile 23.50 2010 est. 53 World 23.40 2010 est. 54 Honduras 23.30 2010 est. 55 World 23.10 2010 est. 56 Spain 22.90 2010 est. 57 Bulgaria 22.80 2010 est. 58 Colombia 22.80 2010 est. 59 Nicaragua 22.80 2010 est. 60 Czech Republic 22.50 2010 est. 61 Estonia 22.50 2010 est. 62 Croatia 22.40 2010 est. 63 Macedonia 22.30 2010 est. 64 Hong Kong 22.20 2010 est. 65 Slovakia 22.20 2010 est. 66 Canada 22.10 2010 est. 67 Argentina 22.00 2010 est. 68 Lesotho 21.90 2010 est. 69 Moldova 21.70 2010 est. 70 Taiwan 21.50 2010 est. 71 Kenya 21.30 2010 est. 72 Cameroon 21.10 2010 est. 73 Mexico 21.10 2010 est. 74 Romania 21.10 2010 est. 75 Austria 21.00 2010 est. 76 Zimbabwe 21.00 2010 est. 77 Cambodia 20.90 2010 est. 78 Tajikistan 20.90 2010 est. 79 Uganda 20.90 2010 est. 80 Belgium 20.80 2010 est. 81 Costa Rica 20.80 2010 est. 82 Zambia 20.50 2010 est. 83 Japan 20.30 2010 est. 84 Sudan 20.20 2010 est. 85 Malaysia 20.10 2010 est. 86 Rwanda 20.00 2010 est. 87 France 19.90 2010 est. 88 South Africa 19.90 2010 est. 89 Switzerland 19.90 2010 est. 90 Burkina Faso 19.70 2010 est. 91 Cyprus 19.70 2010 est. 92 New Zealand 19.60 2010 est. 93 Poland 19.50 2010 est. 94 Hungary 19.40 2010 est. 95 Uruguay 19.40 2010 est. 96 Yemen 19.40 2010 est. 97 Italy 19.10 2010 est. 98 Portugal 19.00 2010 est. 99 Russia 18.90 2010 est. 100 Finland 18.70 2010 est. 101 Slovenia 18.70 2010 est. 102 Norway 18.60 2010 est. 103 European Union 18.60 2010 est. 104 Benin 18.50 2010 est. 105 Brazil 18.50 2010 est. 106 Egypt 18.40 2010 est. 107 Togo 18.20 2010 est. 108 Sweden 18.10 2010 est. 109 Germany 18.00 2010 est. 110 Turkey 18.00 2010 est. 111 Netherlands 18.00 2010 est. 112 Paraguay 17.80 2010 est. 113 Bolivia 17.50 2010 est. 114 Denmark 17.50 2010 est. 115 Tanzania 17.40 2010 est. 116 Azerbaijan 17.30 2010 est. 117 Papua New Guinea 17.30 2010 est. 118 Mozambique 17.20 2010 est. 119 Luxembourg 16.80 2010 est. 120 Israel 16.70 2010 est. 121 Syria 16.60 2010 est. 122 Venezuela 16.40 2010 est. 123 Ukraine 16.10 2010 est. 124 Angola 15.90 2010 est. 125 Latvia 15.70 2010 est. 126 Dominican Republic 15.40 2010 est. 127 Kosovo 15.20 2010 est. 128 Lithuania 15.20 2010 est. 129 Burma 15.10 2010 est. 130 Pakistan 15.00 2010 est. 131 Chad 14.80 2010 est. 132 Greece 14.80 2010 est. 133 Philippines 14.70 2010 est. 134 Guinea 14.60 2010 est. 135 Georgia 14.50 2010 est. 136 United Kingdom 14.40 2010 est. 137 Malta 14.10 2010 est. 138 Guatemala 13.90 2010 est. 139 Kuwait 13.80 2010 est. 140 El Salvador 13.70 2010 est. 141 Libya 13.20 2010 est. 142 United States 12.80 2010 est. 143 Ireland 12.60 2010 est. 144 Swaziland 12.60 2010 est. 145 Iceland 12.40 2010 est. 146 Turkmenistan 12.40 2010 est. 147 Nigeria 11.60 2010 est. 148 Trinidad and Tobago 11.60 2010 est. 149 Cuba 10.50 2010 est. 150 Eritrea 10.30 2010 est. 151 Cote d'Ivoire 9.70 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2186

Country Comparison :: Public debt

This entry records the cumulative total of all government borrowings less repayments that are denominated in a country's home currency. Public debt should not be confused with external debt, which reflects the foreign currency liabilities of both the private and public sector and must be financed out of foreign exchange earnings.

Rank country (% of GDP) Date of Information

1 Zimbabwe 241.60 2010 est. 2 Japan 196.40 2010 est. 3 Saint Kitts and Nevis 185.00 2009 est. 4 Lebanon 150.70 2010 est. 5 Greece 144.00 2010 est. 6 Iceland 123.80 2010 est. 7 Jamaica 123.20 2010 est. 8 Italy 118.10 2010 est. 9 Belgium 102.50 2010 est. 10 Singapore 102.40 2010 est. 11 Ireland 98.50 2010 est. 12 Sudan 94.20 2010 est. 13 Sri Lanka 86.70 2010 est. 14 France 83.50 2010 est. 15 Portugal 83.20 2010 est. 16 Canada 82.90 2010 est. 17 Egypt 80.50 2010 est. 18 Dominica 78.00 2009 est. 19 Nicaragua 78.00 2010 est. 20 Israel 77.30 2010 est. 21 United Kingdom 76.50 2010 est. 22 Germany 74.80 2010 est. 23 Malta 72.60 2010 est. 24 Hungary 72.10 2010 est. 25 Austria 68.60 2010 est. 26 Netherlands 64.60 2010 est. 27 Spain 63.40 2010 est. 28 Cote d'Ivoire 63.30 2010 est. 29 Jordan 61.40 2010 est. 30 Cyprus 61.10 2010 est. 31 Brazil 60.80 2010 est. 32 Mauritius 60.50 2010 est. 33 Ghana 59.90 2010 est. 34 Albania 59.30 2010 est. 35 Bahrain 59.20 2010 est. 36 United States 58.90 2010 est. 37 Seychelles 58.80 2010 est. 38 World 58.30 2010 est. 39 Morocco 58.20 2010 est. 40 Bhutan 57.80 2009 41 Guyana 57.00 2010 est. 42 India 55.90 2010 est. 43 Philippines 55.20 2010 est. 44 Croatia 55.00 2010 est. 45 El Salvador 55.00 2010 est. 46 Vietnam 53.50 2010 est. 47 Uruguay 52.70 2010 est. 48 Malaysia 52.60 2010 est. 49 Kenya 50.90 2010 est. 50 Poland 50.50 2010 est. 51 Argentina 50.30 2010 est. 52 Pakistan 49.90 2010 est. 53 Tunisia 49.50 2010 est. 54 Turkey 48.10 2010 est. 55 Norway 47.70 2010 est. 56 Denmark 46.60 2010 est. 57 Aruba 46.30 2005 58 Latvia 46.20 2010 est. 59 Finland 45.40 2010 est. 60 Colombia 44.80 2010 est. 61 United Arab Emirates 44.60 2010 est. 62 Costa Rica 44.10 2010 est. 63 Thailand 42.30 2010 est. 64 Dominican Republic 41.70 2010 est. 65 Mexico 41.50 2010 est. 66 Slovakia 41.00 2010 est. 67 Mozambique 40.80 2010 est. 68 Sweden 40.80 2010 est. 69 Panama 40.80 2010 est. 70 Malawi 40.40 2010 est. 71 Bolivia 40.30 2010 est. 72 Czech Republic 40.00 2010 est. 73 Switzerland 39.60 2010 est. 74 Bangladesh 39.30 2010 est. 75 Ethiopia 39.30 2010 est. 76 Yemen 39.10 2010 est. 77 Bosnia and Herzegovina 39.00 2010 est. 78 Ukraine 38.40 2010 est. 79 Montenegro 38.00 2006 80 Serbia 37.80 2010 est. 81 Lithuania 36.70 2010 est. 82 Slovenia 35.50 2010 est. 83 Romania 34.80 2010 est. 84 Cuba 34.40 2010 est. 85 South Africa 33.20 2010 est. 86 Senegal 32.10 2010 est. 87 Taiwan 31.40 2010 est. 88 Syria 29.80 2010 est. 89 Guatemala 29.60 2010 est. 90 Papua New Guinea 27.80 2010 est. 91 Indonesia 26.40 2010 est. 92 Trinidad and Tobago 26.40 2010 est. 93 Honduras 26.10 2010 est. 94 Gabon 25.80 2010 est. 95 Algeria 25.70 2010 est. 96 Macedonia 25.70 2010 est. 97 New Zealand 25.50 2010 est. 98 Venezuela 25.50 2010 est. 99 Moldova 25.00 2010 est. 100 Zambia 24.10 2010 est. 101 Korea, South 23.70 2010 est. 102 Peru 23.60 2010 est. 103 Tanzania 23.30 2010 est. 104 Ecuador 23.10 2010 est. 105 Paraguay 22.80 2010 est. 106 Botswana 22.60 2010 est. 107 Australia 22.40 2010 est. 108 Uganda 20.40 2010 est. 109 Angola 20.30 2010 est. 110 Namibia 20.00 2010 est. 111 Hong Kong 18.20 2010 est. 112 China 17.50 2010 est. 113 Cameroon 16.80 2010 est. 114 Saudi Arabia 16.70 2010 est. 115 Bulgaria 16.20 2010 est. 116 Luxembourg 16.20 2010 est. 117 Iran 16.20 2010 est. 118 Kazakhstan 15.90 2010 est. 119 Gibraltar 15.50 2006 120 Nigeria 13.40 2010 est. 121 Kuwait 12.60 2010 est. 122 Qatar 10.30 2010 est. 123 Russia 9.50 2010 est. 124 Uzbekistan 9.00 2010 est. 125 Estonia 7.70 2010 est. 126 Chile 6.20 2010 est. 127 Wallis and Futuna 5.60 2004 est. 128 Azerbaijan 4.60 2010 est. 129 Oman 4.40 2010 est. 130 Equatorial Guinea 4.10 2010 est. 131 Libya 3.30 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2187

Country Comparison :: Current account balance

This entry records a country's net trade in goods and services, plus net earnings from rents, interest, profits, and dividends, and net transfer payments (such as pension funds and worker remittances) to and from the rest of the world during the period specified. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Rank country Current account balance Date of Information

1 China $ 272,500,000,000 2010 est. 2 Japan $ 182,300,000,000 2010 est. 3 Germany $ 162,300,000,000 2010 est. 4 Russia $ 68,850,000,000 2010 est. 5 Norway $ 60,230,000,000 2010 est. 6 Saudi Arabia $ 52,030,000,000 2010 est. 7 Switzerland $ 49,350,000,000 2010 est. 8 Netherlands $ 46,690,000,000 2010 est. 9 Singapore $ 40,440,000,000 2010 est. 10 Taiwan $ 39,000,000,000 2010 est. 11 Kuwait $ 38,200,000,000 2010 est. 12 Korea, South $ 36,350,000,000 2010 est. 13 Malaysia $ 34,830,000,000 2010 est. 14 Nigeria $ 27,770,000,000 2010 est. 15 Venezuela $ 22,070,000,000 2010 est. 16 Sweden $ 21,680,000,000 2010 est. 17 Qatar $ 20,110,000,000 2010 est. 18 Hong Kong $ 18,070,000,000 2010 est. 19 Azerbaijan $ 15,960,000,000 2010 est. 20 Libya $ 15,530,000,000 2010 est. 21 Denmark $ 14,350,000,000 2010 est. 22 Thailand $ 12,290,000,000 2010 est. 23 Iran $ 9,760,000,000 2010 est. 24 Philippines $ 8,575,000,000 2010 est. 25 Indonesia $ 8,532,000,000 2010 est. 26 Austria $ 8,012,000,000 2010 est. 27 Brunei $ 7,024,000,000 2008 est. 28 Kazakhstan $ 6,993,000,000 2010 est. 29 Argentina $ 6,976,000,000 2010 est. 30 Israel $ 6,269,000,000 2010 est. 31 Uzbekistan $ 5,588,000,000 2010 est. 32 Finland $ 4,696,000,000 2010 est. 33 Algeria $ 3,959,000,000 2010 est. 34 Bangladesh $ 3,734,000,000 2010 35 United Arab Emirates $ 3,409,000,000 2010 est. 36 Luxembourg $ 3,396,000,000 2010 est. 37 Trinidad and Tobago $ 3,363,000,000 2010 est. 38 Turkmenistan $ 3,081,000,000 2010 est. 39 Oman $ 2,724,000,000 2010 est. 40 Iraq $ 2,715,000,000 2010 est. 41 Angola $ 2,089,000,000 2010 est. 42 Latvia $ 1,620,000,000 2010 est. 43 Lithuania $ 1,231,000,000 2010 est. 44 Timor-Leste $ 1,161,000,000 2007 est. 45 Chile $ 1,033,000,000 2010 est. 46 Bolivia $ 878,000,000 2010 est. 47 Burma $ 652,000,000 2010 est. 48 Syria $ 649,000,000 2010 est. 49 Ukraine $ 603,000,000 2010 est. 50 Gabon $ 591,000,000 2010 est. 51 Bahrain $ 589,000,000 2010 est. 52 Cote d'Ivoire $ 534,000,000 2010 est. 53 Egypt $ 270,000,000 2010 est. 54 Estonia $ 265,000,000 2010 est. 55 Bhutan $ 164,000,000 2008 est. 56 British Virgin Islands $ 134,300,000 1999 57 Cook Islands $ 26,670,000 2005 58 Suriname $ 24,000,000 2007 est. 59 Palau $ 15,090,000 FY03/04 60 Comoros $ 8,000,000 2007 est. 61 Guinea-Bissau $ -6,000,000 2007 est. 62 Tuvalu $ -11,680,000 2003 63 Kiribati $ -21,000,000 2007 est. 64 Laos $ -23,000,000 2010 est. 65 Tonga $ -23,000,000 2007 est. 66 Samoa $ -24,000,000 2007 est. 67 Micronesia, Federated States of $ -34,300,000 FY05 est. 68 Iceland $ -42,000,000 2010 est. 69 Anguilla $ -42,870,000 2003 est. 70 Vanuatu $ -60,000,000 2007 est. 71 Sierra Leone $ -63,000,000 2007 est. 72 Dominica $ -72,000,000 2007 est. 73 Sao Tome and Principe $ -73,000,000 2010 est. 74 Central African Republic $ -77,000,000 2007 est. 75 Cuba $ -87,000,000 2010 est. 76 Gambia, The $ -90,000,000 2010 est. 77 Papua New Guinea $ -99,000,000 2010 est. 78 Zambia $ -99,000,000 2010 est. 79 Lesotho $ -125,000,000 2010 est. 80 Burundi $ -136,000,000 2010 est. 81 Grenada $ -138,000,000 2007 est. 82 Solomon Islands $ -143,000,000 2007 est. 83 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ -149,000,000 2007 est. 84 Belize $ -151,000,000 2010 est. 85 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ -163,000,000 2007 est. 86 Mauritania $ -184,000,000 2007 est. 87 Namibia $ -187,000,000 2010 est. 88 Saint Lucia $ -199,000,000 2007 est. 89 Kyrgyzstan $ -210,000,000 2010 est. 90 Antigua and Barbuda $ -211,000,000 2007 est. 91 Eritrea $ -212,000,000 2010 est. 92 Liberia $ -224,000,000 2007 93 Mongolia $ -228,700,000 2009 est. 94 Barbados $ -254,000,000 2007 est. 95 Bahamas, The $ -283,200,000 2009 est. 96 Cape Verde $ -286,000,000 2010 est. 97 Guyana $ -311,000,000 2010 est. 98 Malawi $ -315,000,000 2010 est. 99 Niger $ -321,000,000 2007 est. 100 Macedonia $ -328,000,000 2010 est. 101 Tajikistan $ -330,000,000 2010 est. 102 Peru $ -333,000,000 2010 est. 103 Togo $ -339,000,000 2010 est. 104 Seychelles $ -351,000,000 2010 est. 105 Djibouti $ -352,000,000 2009 est. 106 Maldives $ -370,000,000 2009 est. 107 Swaziland $ -374,000,000 2010 est. 108 Uruguay $ -377,000,000 2010 est. 109 Paraguay $ -391,000,000 2010 est. 110 Malta $ -403,000,000 2010 est. 111 Zimbabwe $ -414,200,000 2010 est. 112 Guinea $ -434,000,000 2010 est. 113 Mali $ -446,000,000 2007 est. 114 Nepal $ -449,000,000 2010 115 Burkina Faso $ -486,000,000 2010 est. 116 Rwanda $ -489,000,000 2010 est. 117 Fiji $ -507,000,000 2007 est. 118 Botswana $ -552,000,000 2010 est. 119 Moldova $ -565,000,000 2010 est. 120 Congo, Republic of the $ -569,000,000 2010 est. 121 Benin $ -582,000,000 2010 est. 122 Slovenia $ -598,000,000 2010 est. 123 Madagascar $ -600,000,000 2010 est. 124 Hungary $ -631,000,000 2010 est. 125 Ecuador $ -692,000,000 2010 est. 126 Haiti $ -781,000,000 2010 est. 127 Uganda $ -784,000,000 2010 est. 128 Panama $ -813,000,000 2010 est. 129 Nicaragua $ -819,000,000 2010 est. 130 Cameroon $ -826,000,000 2010 est. 131 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ -887,000,000 2010 est. 132 El Salvador $ -907,000,000 2010 est. 133 Cambodia $ -918,000,000 2010 est. 134 Mauritius $ -949,000,000 2010 est. 135 Jordan $ -975,000,000 2010 est. 136 Mozambique $ -1,028,000,000 2010 est. 137 Senegal $ -1,046,000,000 2010 est. 138 Serbia $ -1,046,000,000 2010 est. 139 Honduras $ -1,048,000,000 2010 est. 140 Montenegro $ -1,102,000,000 2007 est. 141 Belgium $ -1,129,000,000 2010 est. 142 Armenia $ -1,138,000,000 2010 est. 143 Albania $ -1,245,000,000 2010 est. 144 Guatemala $ -1,345,000,000 2010 est. 145 Jamaica $ -1,382,000,000 2010 est. 146 Tunisia $ -1,389,000,000 2010 est. 147 Georgia $ -1,404,000,000 2010 est. 148 Kenya $ -1,414,000,000 2010 est. 149 Costa Rica $ -1,469,000,000 2010 est. 150 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ -1,470,000,000 2007 est. 151 Equatorial Guinea $ -1,477,000,000 2010 est. 152 Tanzania $ -1,523,000,000 2010 est. 153 Bulgaria $ -1,528,000,000 2010 est. 154 Sri Lanka $ -1,784,000,000 2010 est. 155 Ghana $ -1,871,000,000 2010 est. 156 Slovakia $ -1,930,000,000 2010 est. 157 Yemen $ -2,181,000,000 2010 est. 158 Ethiopia $ -2,232,000,000 2010 est. 159 Croatia $ -2,312,000,000 2010 est. 160 Afghanistan $ -2,475,000,000 2009 est. 161 Cyprus $ -2,500,000,000 2010 est. 162 Sudan $ -2,595,000,000 2010 est. 163 Chad $ -2,600,000,000 2010 est. 164 Pakistan $ -2,641,000,000 2010 est. 165 Kosovo $ -2,716,000,000 2010 est. 166 Ireland $ -3,191,000,000 2010 est. 167 Dominican Republic $ -3,862,000,000 2010 est. 168 New Zealand $ -4,504,000,000 2010 est. 169 Belarus $ -5,062,000,000 2010 est. 170 Colombia $ -5,946,000,000 2010 est. 171 Czech Republic $ -5,956,000,000 2010 est. 172 Lebanon $ -6,972,000,000 2010 est. 173 Mexico $ -7,000,000,000 2010 est. 174 Morocco $ -7,922,000,000 2010 est. 175 Romania $ -7,934,000,000 2010 est. 176 Vietnam $ -9,622,000,000 2010 est. 177 Poland $ -12,330,000,000 2010 est. 178 South Africa $ -16,510,000,000 2010 est. 179 Greece $ -17,100,000,000 2010 est. 180 Portugal $ -19,030,000,000 2010 est. 181 India $ -26,910,000,000 2010 est. 182 Australia $ -35,230,000,000 2010 est. 183 Turkey $ -38,820,000,000 2010 est. 184 Canada $ -40,210,000,000 2010 est. 185 United Kingdom $ -40,340,000,000 2010 est. 186 Brazil $ -52,730,000,000 2010 est. 187 France $ -53,290,000,000 2010 est. 188 Italy $ -61,980,000,000 2010 est. 189 Spain $ -66,740,000,000 2010 est. 190 United States $ -561,000,000,000 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2188

Country Comparison :: Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

This entry gives the dollar value for the stock of all financial assets that are available to the central monetary authority for use in meeting a country's balance of payments needs as of the end-date of the period specified. This category includes not only foreign currency and gold, but also a country's holdings of Special Drawing Rights in the International Monetary Fund, and its reserve position in the Fund.

Rank country Reserves of foreign exchange and goldDate of Information

1 China $ 2,622,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 2 Russia $ 483,100,000,000 30 November 2010 3 Saudi Arabia $ 456,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 4 Taiwan $ 382,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 5 Brazil $ 290,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 6 India $ 284,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 7 Korea, South $ 274,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 8 Hong Kong $ 262,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 9 Singapore $ 212,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 10 Thailand $ 176,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 11 Algeria $ 150,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 12 Mexico $ 116,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 13 Libya $ 107,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 14 Malaysia $ 104,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 15 Poland $ 99,760,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 16 Indonesia $ 83,580,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 17 Turkey $ 78,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 18 Iran $ 75,060,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 19 Israel $ 66,980,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 20 Argentina $ 53,610,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 21 Romania $ 50,510,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 22 Philippines $ 49,740,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 23 Hungary $ 45,730,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 24 Iraq $ 45,680,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 25 South Africa $ 45,520,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 26 Nigeria $ 43,360,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 27 Lebanon $ 41,570,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 28 United Arab Emirates $ 39,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 29 Czech Republic $ 38,670,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 30 Australia $ 38,620,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 31 Peru $ 37,270,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 32 Egypt $ 35,720,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 33 Ukraine $ 32,910,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 34 Kazakhstan $ 32,440,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 35 Venezuela $ 29,490,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 36 Colombia $ 26,920,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 37 Chile $ 26,080,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 38 Morocco $ 24,570,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 39 Kuwait $ 22,420,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 40 Qatar $ 22,410,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 41 Syria $ 17,960,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 42 New Zealand $ 17,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 43 Angola $ 16,890,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 44 Serbia $ 16,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 45 Vietnam $ 16,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 46 Pakistan $ 16,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 47 Bulgaria $ 15,070,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 48 Oman $ 14,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 49 Croatia $ 13,790,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 50 Jordan $ 12,640,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 51 Tunisia $ 11,230,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 52 Turkmenistan $ 10,810,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 53 Bangladesh $ 10,790,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 54 Uzbekistan $ 10,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 55 Trinidad and Tobago $ 9,659,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 56 Finland $ 9,128,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 57 Bolivia $ 8,739,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 58 Botswana $ 7,834,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 59 Uruguay $ 7,407,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 60 Latvia $ 7,170,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 61 Lithuania $ 6,418,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 62 Azerbaijan $ 6,330,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 63 Belarus $ 5,755,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 64 Yemen $ 5,744,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 65 Guatemala $ 5,709,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 66 Sri Lanka $ 5,630,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 67 Cuba $ 4,847,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 68 Kenya $ 4,585,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 69 Costa Rica $ 4,584,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 70 Iceland $ 4,206,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 71 Congo, Republic of the $ 4,123,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 72 Equatorial Guinea $ 4,086,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 73 Paraguay $ 4,082,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 74 Cameroon $ 4,023,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 75 Cote d'Ivoire $ 3,985,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 76 Cambodia $ 3,840,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 77 Ghana $ 3,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 78 Bahrain $ 3,766,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 79 Burma $ 3,762,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 80 Uganda $ 3,743,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 81 Tanzania $ 3,687,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 82 Estonia $ 3,641,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 83 Ecuador $ 3,590,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 84 Panama $ 3,525,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 85 Papua New Guinea $ 3,017,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 86 El Salvador $ 2,819,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 87 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 2,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 88 Dominican Republic $ 2,705,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 89 Gabon $ 2,602,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 90 Mauritius $ 2,360,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 91 Georgia $ 2,350,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 92 Honduras $ 2,302,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 93 Zambia $ 2,287,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 94 Armenia $ 2,247,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 95 Senegal $ 2,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 96 Macedonia $ 2,127,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 97 Sudan $ 2,063,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 98 Albania $ 1,992,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 99 Mozambique $ 1,982,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 100 Namibia $ 1,961,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 101 Ethiopia $ 1,880,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 102 Jamaica $ 1,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 103 Kyrgyzstan $ 1,615,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 104 Moldova $ 1,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 105 Burkina Faso $ 1,588,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 106 Nicaragua $ 1,580,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 107 Benin $ 1,254,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 108 Madagascar $ 1,038,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 109 Haiti $ 1,021,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 110 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 1,010,000,000 March 2010 est. 111 Lesotho $ 893,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 112 Chad $ 868,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 113 Rwanda $ 816,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 114 Laos $ 756,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 115 Swaziland $ 708,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 116 Togo $ 686,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 117 Barbados $ 620,000,000 2007 118 Malta $ 522,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 119 Guyana $ 506,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 120 Zimbabwe $ 376,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 121 Burundi $ 320,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 122 Tajikistan $ 303,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 123 Malawi $ 301,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 124 Cape Verde $ 296,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 125 Suriname $ 263,300,000 2006 126 Belize $ 219,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 127 Gambia, The $ 203,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 128 Seychelles $ 193,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 129 Eritrea $ 104,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 130 Samoa $ 70,150,000 FY03/04 131 Sao Tome and Principe $ 46,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 132 Tonga $ 40,830,000 FY04/05 133 Vanuatu $ 40,540,000 2003

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Rank code: 2189

Country Comparison :: Union name

Rank country Union name Date of Information

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Rank code: 2190

Country Comparison :: Political structure

Rank country Political structure Date of Information

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Rank code: 2191

Country Comparison :: Member states

Rank country Member states Date of Information

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Rank code: 2192

Country Comparison :: Preliminary statement

Rank country Preliminary statement Date of Information

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Rank code: 2193

Country Comparison :: Major infectious diseases

This entry lists major infectious diseases likely to be encountered in countries where the risk of such diseases is assessed to be very high as compared to the United States. These infectious diseases represent risks to US government personnel traveling to the specified country for a period of less than three years. The degree of risk is assessed by considering the foreign nature of these infectious diseases, their severity, and the probability of being affected by the diseases present. The diseases listed do not necessarily represent the total disease burden experienced by the local population. The risk to an individual traveler varies considerably by the specific location, visit duration, type of activities, type of accommodations, time of year, and other factors. Consultation with a travel medicine physician is needed to evaluate individual risk and recommend appropriate preventive measures such as vaccines. Diseases are organized into the following six exposure categories shown in italics and listed in typical descending order of risk. Note: The sequence of exposure categories listed in individual country entries may vary according to local conditions. food or waterborne diseases acquired through eating or drinking on the local economy: Hepatitis A - viral disease that interferes with the functioning of the liver; spread through consumption of food or water contaminated with fecal matter, principally in areas of poor sanitation; victims exhibit fever, jaundice, and diarrhea; 15% of victims will experience prolonged symptoms over 6-9 months; vaccine available. Hepatitis E - water-borne viral disease that interferes with the functioning of the liver; most commonly spread through fecal contamination of drinking water; victims exhibit jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and dark colored urine. Typhoid fever - bacterial disease spread through contact with food or water contaminated by fecal matter or sewage; victims exhibit sustained high fevers; left untreated, mortality rates can reach 20%. vectorborne diseases acquired through the bite of an infected arthropod: Malaria - caused by single-cell parasitic protozoa Plasmodium; transmitted to humans via the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito; parasites multiply in the liver attacking red blood cells resulting in cycles of fever, chills, and sweats accompanied by anemia; death due to damage to vital organs and interruption of blood supply to the brain; endemic in 100, mostly tropical, countries with 90% of cases and the majority of 1.5-2.5 million estimated annual deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Dengue fever - mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease associated with urban environments; manifests as sudden onset of fever and severe headache; occasionally produces shock and hemorrhage leading to death in 5% of cases. Yellow fever - mosquito-borne viral disease; severity ranges from influenza-like symptoms to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever; occurs only in tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa, where most cases are reported; fatality rate is less than 20%. Japanese Encephalitis - mosquito-borne (Culex tritaeniorhynchus) viral disease associated with rural areas in Asia; acute encephalitis can progress to paralysis, coma, and death; fatality rates 30%. African Trypanosomiasis - caused by the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma; transmitted to humans via the bite of bloodsucking Tsetse flies; infection leads to malaise and irregular fevers and, in advanced cases when the parasites invade the central nervous system, coma and death; endemic in 36 countries of sub-Saharan Africa; cattle and wild animals act as reservoir hosts for the parasites. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis - caused by the parasitic protozoa leishmania; transmitted to humans via the bite of sandflies; results in skin lesions that may become chronic; endemic in 88 countries; 90% of cases occur in Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Peru; wild and domesticated animals as well as humans can act as reservoirs of infection. Plague - bacterial disease transmitted by fleas normally associated with rats; person-to-person airborne transmission also possible; recent plague epidemics occurred in areas of Asia, Africa, and South America associated with rural areas or small towns and villages; manifests as fever, headache, and painfully swollen lymph nodes; disease progresses rapidly and without antibiotic treatment leads to pneumonic form with a death rate in excess of 50%. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever - tick-borne viral disease; infection may also result from exposure to infected animal blood or tissue; geographic distribution includes Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe; sudden onset of fever, headache, and muscle aches followed by hemorrhaging in the bowels, urine, nose, and gums; mortality rate is approximately 30%. Rift Valley fever - viral disease affecting domesticated animals and humans; transmission is by mosquito and other biting insects; infection may also occur through handling of infected meat or contact with blood; geographic distribution includes eastern and southern Africa where cattle and sheep are raised; symptoms are generally mild with fever and some liver abnormalities, but the disease may progress to hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, or ocular disease; fatality rates are low at about 1% of cases. Chikungunya - mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease associated with urban environments, similar to Dengue Fever; characterized by sudden onset of fever, rash, and severe joint pain usually lasting 3-7 days, some cases result in persistent arthritis. water contact diseases acquired through swimming or wading in freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers: Leptospirosis - bacterial disease that affects animals and humans; infection occurs through contact with water, food, or soil contaminated by animal urine; symptoms include high fever, severe headache, vomiting, jaundice, and diarrhea; untreated, the disease can result in kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, or respiratory distress; fatality rates are low but left untreated recovery can take months. Schistosomiasis - caused by parasitic trematode flatworm Schistosoma; fresh water snails act as intermediate host and release larval form of parasite that penetrates the skin of people exposed to contaminated water; worms mature and reproduce in the blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and intestines releasing eggs, which become trapped in tissues triggering an immune response; may manifest as either urinary or intestinal disease resulting in decreased work or learning capacity; mortality, while generally low, may occur in advanced cases usually due to bladder cancer; endemic in 74 developing countries with 80% of infected people living in sub-Saharan Africa; humans act as the reservoir for this parasite. aerosolized dust or soil contact disease acquired through inhalation of aerosols contaminated with rodent urine: Lassa fever - viral disease carried by rats of the genus Mastomys; endemic in portions of West Africa; infection occurs through direct contact with or consumption of food contaminated by rodent urine or fecal matter containing virus particles; fatality rate can reach 50% in epidemic outbreaks. respiratory disease acquired through close contact with an infectious person: Meningococcal meningitis - bacterial disease causing an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord; one of the most important bacterial pathogens is Neisseria meningitidis because of its potential to cause epidemics; symptoms include stiff neck, high fever, headaches, and vomiting; bacteria are transmitted from person to person by respiratory droplets and facilitated by close and prolonged contact resulting from crowded living conditions, often with a seasonal distribution; death occurs in 5-15% of cases, typically within 24-48 hours of onset of symptoms; highest burden of meningococcal disease occurs in the hyperendemic region of sub-Saharan Africa known as the "Meningitis Belt" which stretches from Senegal east to Ethiopia. animal contact disease acquired through direct contact with local animals: Rabies - viral disease of mammals usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, most commonly dogs; virus affects the central nervous system causing brain alteration and death; symptoms initially are non-specific fever and headache progressing to neurological symptoms; death occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.

Rank country Major infectious diseases Date of Information

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Rank code: 2194

Country Comparison :: Refugees and internally displaced persons

This entry includes those persons residing in a country as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs). The definition of a refugee according to a United Nations Convention is "a person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution." The UN established the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1950 to handle refugee matters worldwide. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has a different operational definition for a Palestinian refugee: "a person whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict." However, UNHCR also assists some 400,000 Palestinian refugees not covered under the UNRWA definition. The term "internally displaced person" is not specifically covered in the UN Convention; it is used to describe people who have fled their homes for reasons similar to refugees, but who remain within their own national territory and are subject to the laws of that state.

Rank country Refugees and internally displaced personsDate of

Information 1 Iraq 2,400,000.00 2007 2 Jordan 1,835,704.00 2007 3 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,400,000.00 2007 4 Uganda 1,270,000.00 2007 5 Somalia 1,100,000.00 2007 6 Pakistan 1,043,984.00 2007 7 Gaza Strip 1,017,000.00 2007 8 Iran 914,268.00 2007 9 West Bank 722,000.00 2007 10 Cote d'Ivoire 709,000.00 2007 11 Zimbabwe 569,685.00 2007 12 Syria 522,100.00 2007 13 Burma 503,000.00 2007 14 Jordan 500,000.00 2007 15 Sri Lanka 460,000.00 2007 16 Lebanon 405,425.00 2007 17 Tanzania 352,640.00 2007 18 Syria 305,000.00 2007 19 China 300,897.00 2007 20 Philippines 300,000.00 2007 21 Saudi Arabia 240,015.00 2007 22 Chad 234,000.00 2007 23 Uganda 215,700.00 2007 24 Cyprus 210,000.00 2007 25 Serbia 206,000.00 2007 26 Ethiopia 200,000.00 2007 27 Lebanon 200,000.00 2007 28 Central African Republic 197,000.00 2007 29 Chad 178,918.00 2007 30 Kenya 173,702.00 2007 31 Jordan 160,000.00 2007 32 Sudan 157,220.00 2007 33 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 132,295.00 2007 34 Thailand 132,241.00 2007 35 Bosnia and Herzegovina 131,600.00 2007 36 Tanzania 127,973.00 2007 37 Armenia 113,295.00 2007 38 Nepal 107,803.00 2007 39 Burundi 100,000.00 2007 40 Timor-Leste 100,000.00 2007 41 Yemen 91,587.00 2007 42 Algeria 90,000.00 2007 43 China 90,000.00 2007 44 India 77,200.00 2007 45 Kenya 73,004.00 2007 46 Serbia 71,111.00 2007 47 Egypt 70,198.00 2007 48 India 69,609.00 2007 49 Ethiopia 66,980.00 2007 50 Bangladesh 65,000.00 2007 51 Angola 61,700.00 2007 52 Zambia 60,874.00 2007 53 Chad 54,200.00 2007 54 Iran 54,024.00 2007 55 Congo, Republic of the 48,000.00 2007 56 Congo, Republic of the 46,341.00 2007 57 Rwanda 46,272.00 2007 58 Zambia 42,565.00 2007 59 Uzbekistan 39,202.00 2007 60 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 37,313.00 2007 61 Ghana 35,653.00 2007 62 Pakistan 34,000.00 2007 63 Eritrea 32,000.00 2007 64 Uganda 28,880.00 2007 65 Serbia 27,414.00 2007 66 Sierra Leone 27,311.00 2007 67 Bangladesh 26,268.00 2007 68 Cote d'Ivoire 25,615.00 2007 69 Sudan 25,023.00 2007 70 Uganda 24,900.00 2007 71 Cameroon 24,000.00 2007 72 Senegal 22,400.00 2007 73 Guinea 21,856.00 2007 74 Malaysia 21,544.00 2007 75 Kosovo 21,000.00 2007 76 Nepal 20,153.00 2007 77 Senegal 19,630.00 2007 78 Guinea 19,000.00 2007 79 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 17,777.00 2007 80 Lebanon 17,000.00 2007 81 Iraq 16,832.00 2007 82 Ethiopia 16,576.00 2007 83 Kenya 16,428.00 2007 84 Montenegro 16,192.00 2007 85 Malaysia 15,174.00 2007 86 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 13,904.00 2007 87 Ethiopia 13,078.00 2007 88 Liberia 13,000.00 2007 89 Angola 12,615.00 2007 90 Liberia 12,600.00 2007 91 Egypt 12,157.00 2007 92 Iraq 11,773.00 2007 93 Ecuador 11,526.00 2007 94 Turkmenistan 11,173.00 2007 95 Sudan 11,009.00 2007 96 South Africa 10,772.00 2007 97 United States 10,586.00 2006 98 Papua New Guinea 10,177.00 2007 99 Burundi 9,849.00 2007 100 India 9,472.00 2007 101 Benin 9,444.00 2007 102 Djibouti 8,642.00 2007 103 United States 8,549.00 2006 104 Ghana 8,517.00 2007 105 Armenia 8,400.00 2007 106 Libya 8,000.00 2007 107 Central African Republic 7,900.00 2007 108 Sudan 7,895.00 2007 109 South Africa 7,818.00 2007 110 Guinea-Bissau 7,454.00 2007 111 Bosnia and Herzegovina 7,269.00 2007 112 Gabon 7,178.00 2007 113 Montenegro 7,000.00 2007 114 United States 6,666.00 2006 115 Congo, Republic of the 6,564.00 2007 116 United States 6,479.00 2006 117 Mali 6,300.00 2007 118 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6,181.00 2007 119 Gambia, The 5,955.00 2007 120 Nigeria 5,778.00 2007 121 South Africa 5,759.00 2007 122 Solomon Islands 5,400.00 2007 123 Guinea 5,259.00 2007 124 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5,243.00 2007 125 Sudan 5,023.00 2007 126 Togo 5,000.00 2007 127 Namibia 4,700.00 2007 128 Rwanda 4,400.00 2007 129 Zambia 4,100.00 2007 130 Guinea 3,900.00 2007 131 Central African Republic 3,700.00 2007 132 Kazakhstan 3,700.00 2007 133 Uzbekistan 3,400.00 2007 134 United States 3,100.00 2006 135 Cameroon 3,000.00 2007 136 Zimbabwe 2,500.00 2007 137 Azerbaijan 2,400.00 2007 138 United States 2,136.00 2006 139 Togo 1,500.00 2007 140 Georgia 1,100.00 2007 141 Uzbekistan 1,060.00 2007 142 Kazakhstan 508.00 2007

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Rank code: 2195

Country Comparison :: GDP (official exchange rate)

This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at official exchange rates (OER) is the home-currency-denominated annual GDP figure divided by the bilateral average US exchange rate with that country in that year. The measure is simple to compute and gives a precise measure of the value of output. Many economists prefer this measure when gauging the economic power an economy maintains vis-a-vis its neighbors, judging that an exchange rate captures the purchasing power a nation enjoys in the international marketplace. Official exchange rates, however, can be artificially fixed and/or subject to manipulation - resulting in claims of the country having an under- or over-valued currency - and are not necessarily the equivalent of a market-determined exchange rate. Moreover, even if the official exchange rate is market-determined, market exchange rates are frequently established by a relatively small set of goods and services (the ones the country trades) and may not capture the value of the larger set of goods the country produces. Furthermore, OER-converted GDP is not well suited to comparing domestic GDP over time, since appreciation/depreciation from one year to the next will make the OER GDP value rise/fall regardless of whether home-currency-denominated GDP changed.

Rank country GDP (official exchange rate) Date of Information

1 European Union $ 15,900,000,000,000 2010 est. 2 United States $ 14,620,000,000,000 2010 est. 3 China $ 5,745,000,000,000 2010 est. 4 Japan $ 5,391,000,000,000 2010 est. 5 Germany $ 3,306,000,000,000 2010 est. 6 France $ 2,555,000,000,000 2010 est. 7 United Kingdom $ 2,259,000,000,000 2010 est. 8 Italy $ 2,037,000,000,000 2010 est. 9 Brazil $ 2,024,000,000,000 2010 est. 10 Canada $ 1,564,000,000,000 2010 est. 11 Russia $ 1,477,000,000,000 2010 est. 12 India $ 1,430,000,000,000 2010 est. 13 Spain $ 1,375,000,000,000 2010 est. 14 Australia $ 1,220,000,000,000 2010 est. 15 Mexico $ 1,004,000,000,000 2010 est. 16 Korea, South $ 986,300,000,000 2010 est. 17 Netherlands $ 770,300,000,000 2010 est. 18 Turkey $ 729,100,000,000 2010 est. 19 Indonesia $ 695,100,000,000 2010 est. 20 Switzerland $ 522,400,000,000 2010 est. 21 Belgium $ 461,300,000,000 2010 est. 22 Sweden $ 444,600,000,000 2010 est. 23 Poland $ 438,900,000,000 2010 est. 24 Saudi Arabia $ 434,400,000,000 2010 est. 25 Taiwan $ 427,000,000,000 2010 est. 26 Norway $ 413,500,000,000 2010 est. 27 Austria $ 366,300,000,000 2010 est. 28 South Africa $ 354,400,000,000 2010 est. 29 Argentina $ 351,000,000,000 2010 est. 30 Iran $ 337,900,000,000 2010 est. 31 Thailand $ 312,600,000,000 2010 est. 32 Denmark $ 304,600,000,000 2010 est. 33 Greece $ 302,000,000,000 2010 est. 34 Venezuela $ 285,200,000,000 2010 est. 35 Colombia $ 283,100,000,000 2010 est. 36 United Arab Emirates $ 239,700,000,000 2010 est. 37 Finland $ 232,000,000,000 2010 est. 38 Hong Kong $ 226,500,000,000 2010 est. 39 Portugal $ 223,700,000,000 2010 est. 40 Malaysia $ 219,000,000,000 2010 est. 41 Singapore $ 217,400,000,000 2010 est. 42 Egypt $ 216,800,000,000 2010 est. 43 Nigeria $ 206,700,000,000 2010 est. 44 Ireland $ 204,100,000,000 2010 est. 45 Israel $ 201,300,000,000 2010 est. 46 Chile $ 199,200,000,000 2010 est. 47 Czech Republic $ 195,200,000,000 2010 est. 48 Philippines $ 189,100,000,000 2010 est. 49 Pakistan $ 174,800,000,000 2010 est. 50 Algeria $ 159,000,000,000 2010 est. 51 Romania $ 158,400,000,000 2010 est. 52 Peru $ 153,500,000,000 2010 est. 53 New Zealand $ 138,000,000,000 2010 est. 54 Ukraine $ 136,600,000,000 2010 est. 55 Hungary $ 132,300,000,000 2010 est. 56 Kazakhstan $ 129,800,000,000 2010 est. 57 Qatar $ 126,500,000,000 2010 est. 58 Kuwait $ 117,300,000,000 2010 est. 59 Bangladesh $ 105,400,000,000 2010 est. 60 Vietnam $ 102,000,000,000 2010 est. 61 Puerto Rico $ 93,520,000,000 2010 est. 62 Morocco $ 91,700,000,000 2010 est. 63 Slovakia $ 86,260,000,000 2010 est. 64 Angola $ 85,810,000,000 2010 est. 65 Iraq $ 84,140,000,000 2010 est. 66 Libya $ 77,910,000,000 2010 est. 67 Sudan $ 65,930,000,000 2010 est. 68 Ecuador $ 61,490,000,000 2010 est. 69 Croatia $ 59,920,000,000 2010 est. 70 Syria $ 59,630,000,000 2010 est. 71 Cuba $ 57,490,000,000 2010 est. 72 Oman $ 53,780,000,000 2010 est. 73 Belarus $ 52,890,000,000 2010 est. 74 Luxembourg $ 52,430,000,000 2010 est. 75 Azerbaijan $ 52,170,000,000 2010 est. 76 Dominican Republic $ 50,870,000,000 2010 est. 77 Sri Lanka $ 48,240,000,000 2010 est. 78 Slovenia $ 46,440,000,000 2010 est. 79 Bulgaria $ 44,840,000,000 2010 est. 80 Tunisia $ 43,860,000,000 2010 est. 81 Guatemala $ 40,770,000,000 2010 est. 82 Uruguay $ 40,710,000,000 2010 est. 83 Lebanon $ 39,150,000,000 2010 est. 84 Serbia $ 38,920,000,000 2010 est. 85 Uzbekistan $ 37,720,000,000 2010 est. 86 Lithuania $ 35,730,000,000 2010 est. 87 Burma $ 35,650,000,000 2010 est. 88 Costa Rica $ 35,020,000,000 2010 est. 89 Kenya $ 32,420,000,000 2010 est. 90 Ethiopia $ 30,940,000,000 2010 est. 91 Yemen $ 30,020,000,000 2010 est. 92 Korea, North $ 28,000,000,000 2009 est. 93 Turkmenistan $ 27,960,000,000 2010 est. 94 Panama $ 27,200,000,000 2010 est. 95 Jordan $ 27,130,000,000 2010 est. 96 Latvia $ 23,390,000,000 2010 est. 97 Cyprus $ 22,750,000,000 2010 est. 98 Tanzania $ 22,430,000,000 2010 est. 99 Cote d'Ivoire $ 22,380,000,000 2010 est. 100 Macau $ 22,100,000,000 2009 est. 101 Cameroon $ 21,880,000,000 2010 est. 102 El Salvador $ 21,800,000,000 2010 est. 103 Bahrain $ 21,730,000,000 2010 est. 104 Trinidad and Tobago $ 21,200,000,000 2010 est. 105 Estonia $ 19,220,000,000 2010 est. 106 Bolivia $ 19,180,000,000 2010 est. 107 Ghana $ 18,060,000,000 2010 est. 108 Paraguay $ 17,170,000,000 2010 est. 109 Uganda $ 17,120,000,000 2010 est. 110 Afghanistan $ 16,630,000,000 2010 est. 111 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 16,200,000,000 2010 est. 112 Zambia $ 15,690,000,000 2010 est. 113 Honduras $ 15,340,000,000 2010 est. 114 Nepal $ 15,110,000,000 2010 est. 115 Equatorial Guinea $ 14,550,000,000 2010 est. 116 Jamaica $ 13,740,000,000 2010 est. 117 Iceland $ 12,770,000,000 2010 est. 118 Senegal $ 12,660,000,000 2010 est. 119 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 12,600,000,000 2010 est. 120 Gabon $ 12,560,000,000 2010 est. 121 Botswana $ 12,500,000,000 2010 est. 122 Brunei $ 11,960,000,000 2010 est. 123 Congo, Republic of the $ 11,880,000,000 2010 est. 124 Albania $ 11,580,000,000 2010 est. 125 Namibia $ 11,450,000,000 2010 est. 126 Cambodia $ 11,360,000,000 2010 est. 127 Georgia $ 11,230,000,000 2010 est. 128 Mozambique $ 10,210,000,000 2010 est. 129 Macedonia $ 9,580,000,000 2010 est. 130 Mauritius $ 9,427,000,000 2010 est. 131 Mali $ 9,077,000,000 2010 est. 132 Armenia $ 8,830,000,000 2010 est. 133 Papua New Guinea $ 8,809,000,000 2010 est. 134 Burkina Faso $ 8,672,000,000 2010 est. 135 Madagascar $ 8,330,000,000 2010 est. 136 Malta $ 7,801,000,000 2010 est. 137 Chad $ 7,592,000,000 2010 est. 138 Bahamas, The $ 7,538,000,000 2010 est. 139 West Bank $ 6,641,000,000 2008 est. 140 Haiti $ 6,495,000,000 2010 est. 141 Benin $ 6,494,000,000 2010 est. 142 Nicaragua $ 6,375,000,000 2010 est. 143 Laos $ 6,341,000,000 2010 est. 144 French Polynesia $ 6,100,000,000 2004 145 Mongolia $ 5,807,000,000 2010 est. 146 Rwanda $ 5,693,000,000 2010 est. 147 Niger $ 5,603,000,000 2010 est. 148 Tajikistan $ 5,578,000,000 2010 est. 149 Zimbabwe $ 5,574,000,000 2010 est. 150 Moldova $ 5,357,000,000 2010 est. 151 Jersey $ 5,100,000,000 2005 est. 152 Curacao $ 5,080,000,000 2008 est. 153 Malawi $ 5,035,000,000 2010 est. 154 Liechtenstein $ 4,603,000,000 2007 155 Kyrgyzstan $ 4,444,000,000 2010 est. 156 Guinea $ 4,344,000,000 2010 est. 157 Barbados $ 3,963,000,000 2010 est. 158 Montenegro $ 3,884,000,000 2010 est. 159 Mauritania $ 3,486,000,000 2010 est. 160 New Caledonia $ 3,300,000,000 2003 est. 161 Suriname $ 3,297,000,000 2010 est. 162 Kosovo $ 3,237,000,000 2007 est. 163 Swaziland $ 3,165,000,000 2010 est. 164 Fiji $ 3,154,000,000 2010 est. 165 Togo $ 3,074,000,000 2010 est. 166 Guernsey $ 2,742,000,000 2005 167 Isle of Man $ 2,719,000,000 2005 est. 168 Faroe Islands $ 2,450,000,000 2008 est. 169 Somalia $ 2,372,000,000 2010 est. 170 Aruba $ 2,258,000,000 2005 est. 171 Eritrea $ 2,254,000,000 2010 est. 172 Cayman Islands $ 2,250,000,000 2008 est. 173 Guyana $ 2,197,000,000 2010 est. 174 Central African Republic $ 2,113,000,000 2010 est. 175 Greenland $ 2,030,000,000 2008 176 Sierra Leone $ 1,901,000,000 2010 est. 177 Lesotho $ 1,799,000,000 2010 est. 178 Cape Verde $ 1,573,000,000 2010 est. 179 Burundi $ 1,469,000,000 2010 est. 180 Maldives $ 1,433,000,000 2010 est. 181 Belize $ 1,431,000,000 2010 est. 182 Bhutan $ 1,397,000,000 2010 est. 183 Djibouti $ 1,139,000,000 2010 est. 184 Gibraltar $ 1,106,000,000 2006 est. 185 Antigua and Barbuda $ 1,099,000,000 2010 est. 186 British Virgin Islands $ 1,095,000,000 2008 187 San Marino $ 1,048,000,000 2004 188 Gambia, The $ 1,040,000,000 2010 est. 189 Saint Lucia $ 1,000,000,000 2010 est. 190 Liberia $ 977,000,000 2010 est. 191 Seychelles $ 919,000,000 2010 est. 192 Guinea-Bissau $ 825,000,000 2010 est. 193 Sint Maarten $ 794,700,000 2008 194 Vanuatu $ 721,000,000 2010 est. 195 Solomon Islands $ 674,000,000 2010 est. 196 Grenada $ 645,000,000 2010 est. 197 Northern Mariana Islands $ 633,400,000 2000 198 Timor-Leste $ 616,000,000 2010 est. 199 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 583,000,000 2010 est. 200 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 562,000,000 2010 est. 201 Comoros $ 557,000,000 2010 est. 202 Samoa $ 550,000,000 2010 est. 203 American Samoa $ 462,200,000 2005 204 Dominica $ 375,000,000 2010 est. 205 Tonga $ 301,000,000 2010 est. 206 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 238,100,000 2008 207 Sao Tome and Principe $ 187,000,000 2010 est. 208 Cook Islands $ 183,200,000 2005 est. 209 Anguilla $ 175,400,000 2009 est. 210 Palau $ 164,000,000 2008 211 Marshall Islands $ 161,700,000 2008 est. 212 Kiribati $ 152,000,000 2010 est. 213 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 105,100,000 2002 est. 214 Tuvalu $ 14,940,000 2002 215 Niue $ 10,010,000 2003

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Rank code: 2196

Country Comparison :: Trafficking in persons

Trafficking in persons is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. The International Labor Organization (ILO), the UN agency charged with addressing labor standards, employment, and social protection issues, estimates that 12.3 million people worldwide are enslaved in forced labor, bonded labor, forced child labor, sexual servitude, and involuntary servitude at any given time. Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat, depriving people of their human rights and freedoms, risking global health, promoting social breakdown, inhibiting development by depriving countries of their human capital, and helping fuel the growth of organized crime. In 2000, the US Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), reauthorized in 2003 and 2005, which provides tools for the US to combat trafficking in persons, both domestically and abroad. One of the law's key components is the creation of the US Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which assesses the government response (i.e., the current situation) in some 150 countries with a significant number of victims trafficked across their borders who are recruited, harbored, transported, provided, or obtained for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Countries in the annual report are rated in three tiers, based on government efforts to combat trafficking. The countries identified in this entry are those listed in the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report as Tier 2 Watch List or Tier 3 based on the following tier rating definitions: Tier 2 Watch List countries do not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but are making significant efforts to do so, and meet one of the following criteria: 1. they display high or significantly increasing number of victims, 2. they have failed to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons, or, 3. they have committed to take action over the next year. Tier 3 countries neither satisfy the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking nor demonstrate a significant effort to do so. Countries in this tier are subject to potential non-humanitarian and non-trade sanctions.

Rank country Trafficking in persons Date of Information

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Rank code: 2198

Country Comparison :: Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

This entry gives the cumulative US dollar value of all investments in the home country made directly by residents - primarily companies - of other countries as of the end of the time period indicated. Direct investment excludes investment through purchase of shares.

Rank country Stock of direct foreign investment - at homeDate of

Information 1 United States $ 2,581,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 2 France $ 1,207,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 3 United Kingdom $ 1,169,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 4 Germany $ 1,057,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 5 Hong Kong $ 962,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 6 Belgium $ 741,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 7 Netherlands $ 687,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 8 Spain $ 668,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 9 China $ 574,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 10 Canada $ 528,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 11 Switzerland $ 514,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 12 Italy $ 405,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 13 Brazil $ 349,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 14 Australia $ 329,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 15 Mexico $ 328,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 16 Sweden $ 321,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 17 Russia $ 306,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 18 Austria $ 290,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 19 Singapore $ 274,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 20 Ireland $ 221,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 21 Saudi Arabia $ 204,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 22 Poland $ 198,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 23 India $ 191,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 24 Japan $ 161,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 25 Denmark $ 149,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 26 Chile $ 136,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 27 Norway $ 132,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 28 Czech Republic $ 126,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 29 Thailand $ 117,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 30 Korea, South $ 112,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 31 Portugal $ 105,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 32 Trinidad and Tobago $ 102,000,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 33 Tajikistan $ 100,300,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 34 Angola $ 91,550,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 35 Finland $ 87,990,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 36 Argentina $ 86,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 37 Colombia $ 84,620,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 38 Turkey $ 84,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 39 Kazakhstan $ 83,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 40 South Africa $ 83,080,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 41 Indonesia $ 81,210,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 42 Romania $ 80,160,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 43 Malaysia $ 77,440,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 44 United Arab Emirates $ 76,380,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 45 Hungary $ 72,610,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 46 Egypt $ 72,410,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 47 Nigeria $ 67,230,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 48 New Zealand $ 67,180,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 49 Taiwan $ 65,380,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 50 Israel $ 64,820,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 51 Vietnam $ 59,520,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 52 Ukraine $ 52,310,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 53 Slovakia $ 52,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 54 Bulgaria $ 51,280,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 55 Greece $ 48,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 56 Peru $ 43,470,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 57 Morocco $ 42,190,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 58 Venezuela $ 37,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 59 Croatia $ 34,630,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 60 Tunisia $ 33,560,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 61 Pakistan $ 30,090,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 62 Cyprus $ 29,360,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 63 Qatar $ 26,380,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 64 Philippines $ 24,940,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 65 Serbia $ 23,520,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 66 Jordan $ 22,190,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 67 Kosovo $ 21,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 68 Dominican Republic $ 19,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 69 Algeria $ 19,340,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 70 Libya $ 18,640,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 71 Estonia $ 17,530,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 72 Iran $ 16,820,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 73 Bahrain $ 15,770,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 74 Slovenia $ 15,730,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 75 Lithuania $ 14,110,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 76 Costa Rica $ 13,920,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 77 Macau $ 13,600,000,000 2008 est. 78 Ecuador $ 12,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 79 Latvia $ 11,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 80 Azerbaijan $ 8,918,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 81 Malta $ 8,240,000,000 31 December 2009 82 El Salvador $ 7,522,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 83 Bangladesh $ 6,720,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 84 Macedonia $ 3,528,000,000 31 October 2009 est. 85 Kenya $ 2,337,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 86 Kuwait $ 1,281,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 87 Paraguay $ 2,153,000 31 December 2008

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Rank code: 2199

Country Comparison :: Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

This entry gives the cumulative US dollar value of all investments in foreign countries made directly by residents - primarily companies - of the home country, as of the end of the time period indicated. Direct investment excludes investment through purchase of shares.

Rank country Stock of direct foreign investment - abroadDate of

Information 1 United States $ 3,597,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 2 France $ 1,837,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 3 United Kingdom $ 1,705,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 4 Germany $ 1,484,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 5 Netherlands $ 950,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 6 Hong Kong $ 873,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 7 Japan $ 831,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 8 Switzerland $ 814,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 9 Spain $ 641,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 10 Belgium $ 632,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 11 Canada $ 602,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 12 Italy $ 601,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 13 Sweden $ 383,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 14 Austria $ 297,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 15 China $ 278,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 16 Russia $ 260,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 17 Australia $ 245,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 18 Norway $ 226,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 19 Denmark $ 199,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 20 Ireland $ 192,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 21 Singapore $ 172,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 22 Brazil $ 131,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 23 Taiwan $ 122,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 24 Finland $ 122,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 25 Korea, South $ 115,600,000,000 31 December 2009 26 India $ 89,040,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 27 Malaysia $ 82,650,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 28 Portugal $ 63,640,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 29 Mexico $ 62,930,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 30 Israel $ 58,420,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 31 United Arab Emirates $ 54,910,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 32 South Africa $ 53,380,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 33 Chile $ 51,150,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 34 Kuwait $ 44,310,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 35 Greece $ 38,660,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 36 Indonesia $ 33,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 37 Poland $ 30,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 38 Argentina $ 30,160,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 39 Venezuela $ 20,970,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 40 Hungary $ 20,480,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 41 Thailand $ 20,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 42 Qatar $ 19,490,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 43 Colombia $ 19,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 44 Tajikistan $ 18,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 45 Saudi Arabia $ 18,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 46 Cyprus $ 16,570,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 47 Turkey $ 16,420,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 48 Czech Republic $ 15,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 49 Libya $ 15,320,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 50 Slovenia $ 9,001,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 51 Bahrain $ 8,399,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 52 Vietnam $ 7,700,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 53 Kazakhstan $ 7,208,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 54 Estonia $ 7,134,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 55 Philippines $ 6,591,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 56 Croatia $ 6,334,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 57 Nigeria $ 6,071,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 58 Azerbaijan $ 6,058,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 59 Egypt $ 4,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 60 Angola $ 4,883,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 61 Cuba $ 4,138,000,000 2006 est. 62 Trinidad and Tobago $ 3,829,000,000 2007 63 Slovakia $ 2,643,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 64 Lithuania $ 2,507,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 65 Ukraine $ 2,327,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 66 Peru $ 2,120,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 67 Iran $ 2,075,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 68 Algeria $ 1,844,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 69 Romania $ 1,831,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 70 Bulgaria $ 1,372,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 71 Latvia $ 1,097,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 72 Morocco $ 1,047,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 73 Pakistan $ 1,047,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 74 Macau $ 980,000,000 2009 est. 75 Costa Rica $ 547,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 76 Kenya $ 338,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 77 El Salvador $ 273,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 78 Tunisia $ 251,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 79 Uruguay $ 156,000,000 2007 est. 80 Bangladesh $ 82,000,000 31 December 2010 est.

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Rank code: 2200

Country Comparison :: Market value of publicly traded shares

This entry gives the value of shares issued by publicly traded companies at a price determined in the national stock markets on the final day of the period indicated. It is simply the latest price per share multiplied by the total number of outstanding shares, cumulated over all companies listed on the particular exchange.

Rank country Market value of publicly traded sharesDate of Information

1 United States $ 11,740,000,000,000 31 December 2008 2 European Union $ 7,564,000,000,000 31 December 2008 3 Japan $ 3,220,000,000,000 31 December 2008 4 China $ 2,794,000,000,000 31 December 2008 5 United Kingdom $ 1,852,000,000,000 31 December 2008 6 France $ 1,492,000,000,000 31 December 2008 7 Russia $ 1,322,000,000,000 31 December 2008 8 Hong Kong $ 1,320,000,000,000 31 December 2008 9 Germany $ 1,108,000,000,000 31 December 2008 10 Canada $ 1,002,000,000,000 31 December 2008 11 Spain $ 946,100,000,000 31 December 2008 12 Switzerland $ 862,700,000,000 31 December 2008 13 Australia $ 675,600,000,000 31 December 2008 14 India $ 645,500,000,000 31 December 2008 15 Brazil $ 589,400,000,000 31 December 2008 16 Italy $ 520,900,000,000 31 December 2008 17 Korea, South $ 494,600,000,000 31 December 2008 18 South Africa $ 491,300,000,000 31 December 2008 19 Netherlands $ 387,900,000,000 31 December 2008 20 Taiwan $ 354,700,000,000 31 December 2008 21 Singapore $ 268,600,000,000 31 December 2008 22 Sweden $ 252,500,000,000 31 December 2008 23 Saudi Arabia $ 246,300,000,000 31 December 2008 24 Mexico $ 232,600,000,000 31 December 2008 25 Malaysia $ 187,100,000,000 31 December 2008 26 Belgium $ 167,400,000,000 31 December 2008 27 Finland $ 154,400,000,000 31 December 2008 28 Israel $ 134,500,000,000 31 December 2008 29 Chile $ 132,400,000,000 31 December 2008 30 Denmark $ 131,500,000,000 31 December 2008 31 Norway $ 125,900,000,000 31 December 2008 32 Turkey $ 117,900,000,000 31 December 2008 33 Kuwait $ 107,200,000,000 31 December 2008 34 Thailand $ 102,600,000,000 31 December 2008 35 Indonesia $ 98,760,000,000 31 December 2008 36 United Arab Emirates $ 97,850,000,000 31 December 2008 37 Greece $ 90,400,000,000 31 December 2008 38 Poland $ 90,230,000,000 31 December 2008 39 Colombia $ 87,030,000,000 31 December 2008 40 Egypt $ 85,890,000,000 31 December 2008 41 Philippines $ 85,630,000,000 31 December 2008 42 Qatar $ 76,310,000,000 31 December 2008 43 Austria $ 72,300,000,000 31 December 2008 44 Portugal $ 68,710,000,000 31 December 2008 45 Luxembourg $ 66,460,000,000 31 December 2008 46 Morocco $ 65,750,000,000 31 December 2008 47 Peru $ 55,630,000,000 31 December 2008 48 Argentina $ 52,310,000,000 31 December 2008 49 Nigeria $ 49,800,000,000 31 December 2008 50 Ireland $ 49,400,000,000 31 December 2008 51 Iran $ 49,040,000,000 31 December 2008 52 Czech Republic $ 48,850,000,000 31 December 2008 53 Jordan $ 35,850,000,000 31 December 2008 54 Kazakhstan $ 31,080,000,000 31 December 2008 55 Croatia $ 26,790,000,000 31 December 2008 56 Ukraine $ 24,360,000,000 31 December 2008 57 New Zealand $ 24,170,000,000 31 December 2008 58 Pakistan $ 23,490,000,000 31 December 2008 59 Slovenia $ 22,100,000,000 31 December 2008 60 Bahrain $ 21,180,000,000 31 December 2008 61 Romania $ 19,920,000,000 31 December 2008 62 Hungary $ 18,580,000,000 31 December 2008 63 Oman $ 14,910,000,000 31 December 2008 64 Serbia $ 12,170,000,000 31 December 2008 65 Trinidad and Tobago $ 12,160,000,000 31 December 2008 66 Kenya $ 10,920,000,000 31 December 2008 67 Lebanon $ 9,641,000,000 31 December 2008 68 Vietnam $ 9,589,000,000 31 December 2008 69 Bulgaria $ 8,858,000,000 31 December 2008 70 Sri Lanka $ 8,133,000,000 31 December 2009 71 Cyprus $ 7,955,000,000 31 December 2008 72 Jamaica $ 7,513,000,000 31 December 2008 73 Cote d'Ivoire $ 7,071,000,000 31 December 2008 74 Bangladesh $ 6,671,000,000 31 December 2008 75 Panama $ 6,568,000,000 31 December 2008 76 Tunisia $ 6,374,000,000 31 December 2008 77 Iceland $ 5,557,000,000 31 December 2008 78 Nepal $ 5,485,000,000 31 December 2009 79 Zimbabwe $ 5,333,000,000 31 December 2007 80 Slovakia $ 5,079,000,000 31 December 2008 81 Barbados $ 4,964,000,000 31 December 2008 82 El Salvador $ 4,656,000,000 31 December 2008 83 Ecuador $ 4,562,000,000 31 December 2008 84 Lithuania $ 3,625,000,000 31 December 2008 85 Malta $ 3,572,000,000 31 December 2008 86 Botswana $ 3,556,000,000 31 December 2008 87 Mauritius $ 3,443,000,000 31 December 2008 88 Ghana $ 3,394,000,000 31 December 2008 89 Montenegro $ 2,863,000,000 31 December 2008 90 Bolivia $ 2,672,000,000 31 December 2008 91 Zambia $ 2,346,000,000 31 December 2007 92 West Bank $ 2,123,000,000 31 December 2008 93 Iraq $ 2,000,000,000 31 July 2009 94 Estonia $ 1,950,000,000 31 December 2008 95 Bermuda $ 1,912,000,000 31 December 2008 96 Costa Rica $ 1,887,000,000 31 December 2008 97 Malawi $ 1,771,000,000 31 December 2008 98 Latvia $ 1,609,000,000 31 December 2008 99 Tanzania $ 1,293,000,000 31 December 2008 100 Macedonia $ 823,500,000 31 December 2008 101 Namibia $ 618,700,000 31 December 2008 102 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 595,200,000 31 December 2008 103 Moldova $ 573,900,000 2004 104 Fiji $ 568,200,000 31 December 2008 105 Mongolia $ 407,000,000 31 December 2008 106 Georgia $ 327,300,000 31 December 2008 107 Guyana $ 289,900,000 31 December 2008 108 Swaziland $ 203,100,000 31 December 2007 109 Cayman Islands $ 183,500,000 31 December 2007 110 Armenia $ 176,000,000 31 December 2008 111 Uruguay $ 159,000,000 31 December 2007 112 Kyrgyzstan $ 93,790,000 31 December 2008

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Rank code: 2201

Country Comparison :: Total renewable water resources

This entry provides the long-term average water availability for a country in cubic kilometers of precipitation, recharged ground water, and surface inflows from surrounding countries. The values have been adjusted to account for overlap resulting from surface flow recharge of groundwater sources. Total renewable water resources provides the water total available to a country but does not include water resource totals that have been reserved for upstream or downstream countries through international agreements. Note that these values are averages and do not accurately reflect the total available in any given year. Annual available resources can vary greatly due to short-term and long-term climatic and weather variations.

Rank country (cu km) Date of Information

1 Brazil 8,233.00 2000 2 Russia 4,498.00 1997 3 Canada 3,300.00 1985 4 United States 3,069.00 1985 5 Indonesia 2,838.00 1999 6 China 2,829.60 1999 7 Colombia 2,132.00 2000 8 Peru 1,913.00 2000 9 India 1,907.80 1999 10 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,283.00 2001 11 Venezuela 1,233.20 2000 12 Bangladesh 1,210.60 1999 13 Burma 1,045.60 1999 14 Chile 922.00 2000 15 Vietnam 891.20 1999 16 Congo, Republic of the 832.00 1987 17 Argentina 814.00 2000 18 Papua New Guinea 801.00 1987 19 Bolivia 622.50 2000 20 Malaysia 580.00 1999 21 Philippines 479.00 1999 22 Cambodia 476.10 1999 23 Mexico 457.20 2000 24 Ecuador 432.00 2000 25 Japan 430.00 1999 26 Thailand 409.90 1999 27 Australia 398.00 1995 28 New Zealand 397.00 1995 29 Norway 381.40 2005 30 Madagascar 337.00 1984 31 Paraguay 336.00 2000 32 Laos 333.60 2003 33 Nigeria 286.20 2003 34 Cameroon 285.50 2003 35 Guyana 241.00 2000 36 Turkey 234.00 2003 37 Pakistan 233.80 2003 38 Liberia 232.00 1987 39 Guinea 226.00 1987 40 Mozambique 216.00 1992 41 Nepal 210.20 1999 42 Serbia 208.50 2003 43 Nicaragua 196.70 2000 44 France 189.00 2005 45 Germany 188.00 2005 46 Angola 184.00 1987 47 Sweden 179.00 2005 48 Italy 175.00 2005 49 Iceland 170.00 2005 50 Gabon 164.00 1987 51 United Kingdom 160.60 2005 52 Sierra Leone 160.00 1987 53 Sudan 154.00 1997 54 Panama 148.00 2000 55 Central African Republic 144.40 2003 56 Ukraine 139.50 1997 57 Uruguay 139.00 2000 58 Iran 137.50 1997 59 Suriname 122.00 2003 60 Hungary 120.00 2005 61 Costa Rica 112.40 2000 62 Guatemala 111.30 2000 63 Spain 111.10 2005 64 Ethiopia 110.00 1987 65 Finland 110.00 2005 66 Kazakhstan 109.60 1997 67 Croatia 105.50 1998 68 Zambia 105.20 2001 69 Mali 100.00 2001 70 Tajikistan 99.70 1997 71 Iraq 96.40 1997 72 Honduras 95.90 2000 73 Bhutan 95.00 1987 74 Tanzania 91.00 2001 75 Netherlands 89.70 2005 76 Egypt 86.80 1997 77 Austria 84.00 2005 78 Cote d'Ivoire 81.00 2001 79 Korea, North 77.10 1999 80 Portugal 73.60 2005 81 Uzbekistan 72.20 2003 82 Greece 72.00 2005 83 Korea, South 69.70 1999 84 Taiwan 67.00 2000 85 Uganda 66.00 1970 86 Afghanistan 65.00 1997 87 Georgia 63.30 1997 88 Poland 63.10 2005 89 Turkmenistan 60.90 1997 90 Belarus 58.00 1997 91 Switzerland 53.30 2005 92 Ghana 53.20 2001 93 Slovakia 50.10 2003 94 South Africa 50.00 1990 95 Sri Lanka 50.00 1999 96 Latvia 49.90 2005 97 Ireland 46.80 2003 98 Kyrgyzstan 46.50 1997 99 Syria 46.10 1997 100 Namibia 45.50 1991 101 Solomon Islands 44.70 1987 102 Chad 43.00 1987 103 Romania 42.30 2003 104 Albania 41.70 2001 105 Senegal 39.40 1987 106 Cuba 38.10 2000 107 Bosnia and Herzegovina 37.50 2003 108 Mongolia 34.80 1999 109 Niger 33.70 2003 110 Slovenia 32.10 2005 111 Guinea-Bissau 31.00 2003 112 Azerbaijan 30.30 1997 113 Kenya 30.20 1990 114 Morocco 29.00 2003 115 Fiji 28.60 1987 116 Equatorial Guinea 26.00 2001 117 Benin 25.80 2001 118 El Salvador 25.20 2001 119 Lithuania 24.50 2005 120 Estonia 21.10 2005 121 Dominican Republic 21.00 2000 122 Belgium 20.80 2005 123 Zimbabwe 20.00 1987 124 Bulgaria 19.40 2005 125 Belize 18.60 2000 126 Burkina Faso 17.50 2001 127 Malawi 17.30 2001 128 Czech Republic 16.00 2005 129 Somalia 15.70 1997 130 Botswana 14.70 2001 131 Togo 14.70 2001 132 Algeria 14.30 1997 133 Haiti 14.00 2000 134 Moldova 11.70 1997 135 Mauritania 11.40 1997 136 Armenia 10.50 1997 137 Jamaica 9.40 2000 138 Brunei 8.50 1999 139 Gambia, The 8.00 1982 140 Macedonia 6.40 2001 141 Eritrea 6.30 2001 142 Denmark 6.10 2003 143 Lesotho 5.20 1987 144 Rwanda 5.20 2003 145 Lebanon 4.80 1997 146 Tunisia 4.60 2003 147 Swaziland 4.50 1987 148 Yemen 4.10 1997 149 Trinidad and Tobago 3.80 2000 150 Burundi 3.60 1987 151 Saudi Arabia 2.40 1997 152 Mauritius 2.20 2001 153 Israel 1.70 2001 154 Luxembourg 1.60 2005 155 Comoros 1.20 2003 156 Oman 1.00 1997 157 Jordan 0.90 1997 158 Libya 0.60 1997 159 Singapore 0.60 1975 160 Cyprus 0.40 2005 161 Cape Verde 0.30 1990 162 Djibouti 0.30 1997 163 United Arab Emirates 0.20 1997 164 Antigua and Barbuda 0.10 2000 165 Bahrain 0.10 1997 166 Barbados 0.10 2003 167 Qatar 0.10 1997 168 Malta 0.07 2005 169 Maldives 0.03 1999 170 Kuwait 0.02 1997 171 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0.02 2000

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Rank code: 2202

Country Comparison :: Freshwater withdrawal

(domestic/industrial/agricultural) This entry provides the annual quantity of water in cubic kilometers removed from available sources for use in any purpose. Water drawn-off is not necessarily entirely consumed and some portion may be returned for further use downstream. Domestic sector use refers to water supplied by public distribution systems. Note that some of this total may be used for small industrial and/or limited agricultural purposes. Industrial sector use is the quantity of water used by self-supplied industries not connected to a public distribution system. Agricultural sector use includes water used for irrigation and livestock watering, and does not account for agriculture directly dependent on rainfall. Included are figures for total annual water withdrawal and per capita water withdrawal.

Rank country () Date of Information

1 Turkmenistan 5,104.00 2000 2 Kazakhstan 2,360.00 2000 3 Uzbekistan 2,194.00 2000 4 Guyana 2,187.00 2000 5 Hungary 2,082.00 2001 6 Azerbaijan 2,051.00 2000 7 Kyrgyzstan 1,916.00 2000 8 Tajikistan 1,837.00 2000 9 United States 1,600.00 2000 10 Suriname 1,489.00 2000 11 Iraq 1,482.00 2000 12 Canada 1,386.00 1996 13 Thailand 1,288.00 2000 14 Ecuador 1,283.00 2000 15 Australia 1,193.00 2000 16 Macedonia 1,118.00 2000 17 Pakistan 1,072.00 2000 18 Estonia 1,060.00 2002 19 Portugal 1,056.00 1998 20 Iran 1,048.00 2000 21 Syria 1,048.00 2000 22 Sudan 1,030.00 2000 23 Swaziland 1,010.00 2000 24 Armenia 977.00 2000 25 Lithuania 971.00 2003 26 Egypt 923.00 2000 27 Uruguay 910.00 2000 28 Bulgaria 895.00 2003 29 Spain 864.00 2002 30 Vietnam 847.00 2000 31 Georgia 808.00 2000 32 Ukraine 807.00 2000 33 Madagascar 804.00 2000 34 Greece 782.00 1997 35 Afghanistan 779.00 2000 36 Chile 770.00 2000 37 Argentina 753.00 2000 38 Mexico 731.00 2000 39 Libya 730.00 2000 40 Cuba 728.00 2000 41 Italy 723.00 1998 42 Peru 720.00 2000 43 Belgium 714.00 1998 44 Saudi Arabia 705.00 2000 45 Japan 690.00 2000 46 Burma 658.00 2000 47 India 645.84 2000 48 Costa Rica 619.00 2000 49 Sri Lanka 608.00 2000 50 India 585.00 2000 51 Iceland 567.00 2003 52 Bangladesh 560.00 2000 53 Belize 556.00 2000 54 Mauritania 554.00 2000 55 China 549.76 2000 56 Moldova 549.00 2000 57 France 548.00 2000 58 Albania 546.00 2000 59 Netherlands 544.00 2001 60 Turkey 544.00 2001 61 Russia 535.00 2000 62 Oman 529.00 2000 63 New Zealand 524.00 2000 64 Norway 519.00 1996 65 United Arab Emirates 511.00 2000 66 Laos 507.00 2000 67 Mauritius 488.00 2000 68 Mali 484.00 2000 69 United States 477.00 2000 70 Germany 460.00 2001 71 Slovenia 457.00 2002 72 Austria 448.00 1999 73 Finland 444.00 1999 74 China 415.00 2000 75 Bahrain 411.00 2000 76 Korea, North 401.00 2000 77 Morocco 400.00 2000 78 Somalia 400.00 2000 79 Korea, South 389.00 2000 80 Lebanon 385.00 2000 81 Dominican Republic 381.00 2000 82 Nepal 375.00 2000 83 Indonesia 372.00 2000 84 Qatar 358.00 2000 85 Malaysia 356.00 2000 86 Switzerland 348.00 2002 87 Philippines 343.00 2000 88 Barbados 333.00 2000 89 Zimbabwe 324.00 2002 90 Brazil 318.00 2000 91 Yemen 316.00 2000 92 Venezuela 313.00 2000 93 Israel 305.00 2000 94 Poland 304.00 2002 95 Romania 299.00 2003 96 Sweden 296.00 2002 97 Cambodia 290.00 2000 98 Belarus 286.00 2000 99 Ireland 284.00 1994 100 South Africa 264.00 2000 101 Tunisia 261.00 2000 102 Panama 254.00 2000 103 Cyprus 250.00 2000 104 Brunei 243.00 1994 105 Nicaragua 237.00 2000 106 Trinidad and Tobago 237.00 2000 107 Colombia 235.00 2000 108 Equatorial Guinea 220.00 2000 109 Dominica 213.00 1996 110 Bhutan 199.00 2000 111 United Kingdom 197.00 1994 112 Slovakia 193.00 2003 113 Senegal 190.00 2002 114 Czech Republic 187.00 2002 115 El Salvador 186.00 2000 116 Algeria 185.00 2000 117 Jordan 177.00 2000 118 Pakistan 169.39 2000 119 Mongolia 166.00 2000 120 Kuwait 164.00 2000 121 Guinea 161.00 2000 122 Guatemala 160.00 2000 123 Bolivia 157.00 2000 124 Niger 156.00 2000 125 Jamaica 155.00 2000 126 Zambia 149.00 2000 127 Namibia 148.00 2000 128 Tanzania 135.00 2000 129 Denmark 123.00 2002 130 Luxembourg 121.00 1999 131 Honduras 119.00 2000 132 Haiti 116.00 2000 133 Guinea-Bissau 113.00 2000 134 Latvia 108.00 2003 135 Botswana 107.00 2000 136 Japan 88.43 2000 137 Gabon 87.00 2000 138 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 83.00 1995 139 Indonesia 82.78 2000 140 Thailand 82.75 2000 141 Fiji 82.00 2000 142 Saint Lucia 81.00 1997 143 Paraguay 80.00 2000 144 Bangladesh 79.40 2000 145 Mexico 78.22 2000 146 Malawi 78.00 2000 147 Russia 76.68 2000 148 Iran 72.88 2000 149 Ethiopia 72.00 2002 150 Vietnam 71.39 2000 151 Sierra Leone 69.00 2000 152 Egypt 68.30 2000 153 Eritrea 68.00 2000 154 Antigua and Barbuda 63.00 1990 155 Cameroon 61.00 2000 156 Nigeria 61.00 2000 157 Burkina Faso 60.00 2000 158 Brazil 59.30 2000 159 Uzbekistan 58.34 2000 160 Cote d'Ivoire 51.00 2000 161 Malta 50.00 2000 162 Kenya 46.00 2000 163 Canada 44.72 1996 164 Ghana 44.00 2000 165 Singapore 44.00 1975 166 Iraq 42.70 2000 167 Italy 41.98 1998 168 Turkey 39.78 2001 169 Cape Verde 39.00 2000 170 Germany 38.01 2001 171 Burundi 38.00 2000 172 Ukraine 37.53 2000 173 Sudan 37.32 2000 174 Spain 37.22 2002 175 Kazakhstan 35.00 2000 176 Liberia 34.00 2000 177 Burma 33.23 2000 178 France 33.16 2000 179 Mozambique 32.00 2000 180 Argentina 29.19 2000 181 Philippines 28.52 2000 182 Lesotho 28.00 2000 183 Togo 28.00 2000 184 Djibouti 25.00 2000 185 Turkmenistan 24.65 2000 186 Australia 24.06 2000 187 Chad 24.00 2000 188 Afghanistan 23.26 2000 189 Angola 22.00 2000 190 Hungary 21.03 2001 191 Peru 20.13 2000 192 Gambia, The 20.00 2000 193 Syria 19.95 2000 194 Korea, South 18.59 2000 195 Saudi Arabia 17.32 2000 196 Azerbaijan 17.25 2000 197 Papua New Guinea 17.00 1987 198 Rwanda 17.00 2000 199 Ecuador 16.98 2000 200 Benin 15.00 2001 201 Madagascar 14.96 2000 202 Comoros 13.00 1999 203 Sri Lanka 12.61 2000 204 Morocco 12.60 2000 205 Chile 12.55 2000 206 South Africa 12.50 2000 207 Tajikistan 11.96 2000 208 United Kingdom 11.75 1994 209 Poland 11.73 2002 210 Portugal 11.09 1998 211 Colombia 10.71 2000 212 Nepal 10.18 2000 213 Kyrgyzstan 10.08 2000 214 Uganda 10.00 2002 215 Korea, North 9.02 2000 216 Malaysia 9.02 2000 217 Maldives 9.00 1987 218 Netherlands 8.86 2001 219 Greece 8.70 1997 220 Venezuela 8.37 2000 221 Cuba 8.20 2000 222 Nigeria 8.01 2000 223 Congo, Republic of the 8.00 2000 224 Belgium 7.44 1998 225 Central African Republic 7.00 2000 226 Bulgaria 6.92 2003 227 Yemen 6.63 2000 228 Mali 6.55 2000 229 Romania 6.50 2003 230 Algeria 6.07 2000 231 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.00 2000 232 Ethiopia 5.56 2002 233 Tanzania 5.18 2000 234 Libya 4.27 2000 235 Zimbabwe 4.21 2002 236 Cambodia 4.08 2000 237 Austria 3.67 1999 238 Georgia 3.61 2000 239 Dominican Republic 3.39 2000 240 Lithuania 3.33 2003 241 Somalia 3.29 2000 242 Uruguay 3.15 2000 243 Laos 3.00 2000 244 Armenia 2.95 2000 245 Belarus 2.79 2000 246 Costa Rica 2.68 2000 247 Sweden 2.68 2002 248 Tunisia 2.64 2000 249 Switzerland 2.52 2002 250 Norway 2.40 1996 251 Finland 2.33 1999 252 Moldova 2.31 2000 253 United Arab Emirates 2.30 2000 254 Macedonia 2.27 2000 255 Senegal 2.22 2002 256 Niger 2.18 2000 257 New Zealand 2.11 2000 258 Israel 2.05 2000 259 Guatemala 2.01 2000 260 Czech Republic 1.91 2002 261 Zambia 1.74 2000 262 Albania 1.71 2000 263 Mauritania 1.70 2000 264 Guyana 1.64 2000 265 Kenya 1.58 2000 266 Guinea 1.51 2000 267 Bolivia 1.44 2000 268 Estonia 1.41 2002 269 Lebanon 1.38 2000 270 Oman 1.36 2000 271 Nicaragua 1.30 2000 272 El Salvador 1.28 2000 273 Ireland 1.18 1994 274 Slovakia 1.04 2003 275 Swaziland 1.04 2000 276 Jordan 1.01 2000 277 Malawi 1.01 2000 278 Cameroon 0.99 2000 279 Haiti 0.99 2000 280 Ghana 0.98 2000 281 Cote d'Ivoire 0.93 2000 282 Slovenia 0.90 2002 283 Honduras 0.86 2000 284 Panama 0.82 2000 285 Burkina Faso 0.80 2000 286 Denmark 0.67 2002 287 Suriname 0.67 2000 288 Mozambique 0.63 2000 289 Mauritius 0.61 2000 290 Paraguay 0.49 2000 291 Kuwait 0.44 2000 292 Mongolia 0.44 2000 293 Bhutan 0.43 2000 294 Jamaica 0.41 2000 295 Sierra Leone 0.38 2000 296 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0.36 2000 297 Angola 0.35 2000 298 Trinidad and Tobago 0.31 2000 299 Bahrain 0.30 2000 300 Eritrea 0.30 2000 301 Uganda 0.30 2002 302 Namibia 0.30 2000 303 Burundi 0.29 2000 304 Qatar 0.29 2000 305 Latvia 0.25 2003 306 Chad 0.23 2000 307 Cyprus 0.21 2000 308 Botswana 0.19 2000 309 Singapore 0.19 1975 310 Guinea-Bissau 0.18 2000 311 Iceland 0.17 2003 312 Togo 0.17 2000 313 Belize 0.15 2000 314 Rwanda 0.15 2000 315 Benin 0.13 2001 316 Gabon 0.12 2000 317 Equatorial Guinea 0.11 2000 318 Liberia 0.11 2000 319 Papua New Guinea 0.10 1987 320 Barbados 0.09 2000 321 Brunei 0.09 1994 322 Fiji 0.07 2000 323 Luxembourg 0.06 1999 324 Lesotho 0.05 2000 325 Central African Republic 0.03 2000 326 Gambia, The 0.03 2000 327 Congo, Republic of the 0.03 2000 328 Cape Verde 0.02 2000 329 Djibouti 0.02 2000 330 Malta 0.02 2000 331 Dominica 0.02 1996 332 Comoros 0.01 1999 333 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.01 1995 334 Saint Lucia 0.01 1997 335 Antigua and Barbuda 0.01 1990 336 Maldives 0.00 1987

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Rank code: 2203

Country Comparison :: Geographic overview

Rank country Geographic overview Date of Information

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Rank code: 2204

Country Comparison :: Economy of the area administered by Turkish

Cypriots

Rank country Economy of the area administered by Turkish CypriotsDate

of Information 1 Cyprus 1.50 NA 2 Cyprus 1.43 NA 3 Cyprus 1.43 NA 4 Cyprus 1.34 NA 5 Cyprus 1.32 NA

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Rank code: 2205

Country Comparison :: School life expectancy (primary to tertiary

education) School life expectancy (SLE) is the total number of years of schooling (primary to tertiary) that a child can expect to receive, assuming that the probability of his or her being enrolled in school at any particular future age is equal to the current enrollment ratio at that age. Caution must be maintained when utilizing this indicator in international comparisons. For example, a year or grade completed in one country is not necessarily the same in terms of educational content or quality as a year or grade completed in another country. SLE represents the expected number of years of schooling that will be completed, including years spent repeating one or more grades.

Rank country (years) Date of Information

1 Australia 21.00 2008 2 Australia 21.00 2008 3 Australia 20.00 2008 4 New Zealand 20.00 2008 5 Iceland 20.00 2008 6 British Virgin Islands 19.00 2005 7 New Zealand 19.00 2008 8 Cuba 19.00 2009 9 New Zealand 19.00 2008 10 Cuba 18.00 2009 11 Ireland 18.00 2008 12 Slovenia 18.00 2008 13 Norway 18.00 2008 14 Korea, South 18.00 2008 15 Ireland 18.00 2008 16 Denmark 18.00 2007 17 Finland 18.00 2008 18 Ireland 18.00 2008 19 Iceland 18.00 2008 20 Argentina 17.00 2007 21 Finland 17.00 2008 22 Libya 17.00 2003 23 Libya 17.00 2003 24 Latvia 17.00 2008 25 Korea, South 17.00 2008 26 Italy 17.00 2007 27 Iceland 17.00 2008 28 Greece 17.00 2007 29 Greece 17.00 2007 30 France 17.00 2008 31 United Kingdom 17.00 2008 32 Spain 17.00 2008 33 Slovenia 17.00 2008 34 Norway 17.00 2008 35 Norway 17.00 2008 36 Netherlands 17.00 2008 37 Netherlands 17.00 2008 38 Netherlands 17.00 2008 39 Montserrat 17.00 2007 40 Lithuania 17.00 2008 41 Uruguay 17.00 2007 42 United States 17.00 2008 43 Finland 17.00 2008 44 Canada 17.00 2004 45 British Virgin Islands 17.00 2005 46 Denmark 17.00 2007 47 Estonia 17.00 2008 48 Canada 17.00 2004 49 Canada 17.00 2004 50 Argentina 16.00 2007 51 Libya 16.00 2003 52 Germany 16.00 2006 53 Germany 16.00 2006 54 Germany 16.00 2006 55 France 16.00 2008 56 France 16.00 2008 57 Estonia 16.00 2008 58 Denmark 16.00 2007 59 Czech Republic 16.00 2008 60 Cuba 16.00 2009 61 United States 16.00 2008 62 United Kingdom 16.00 2008 63 United Kingdom 16.00 2008 64 Switzerland 16.00 2008 65 Switzerland 16.00 2008 66 Sweden 16.00 2008 67 Sweden 16.00 2008 68 Portugal 16.00 2007 69 Poland 16.00 2007 70 Uruguay 16.00 2007 71 Lithuania 16.00 2008 72 Liechtenstein 16.00 2008 73 Korea, South 16.00 2008 74 Italy 16.00 2007 75 Italy 16.00 2007 76 Israel 16.00 2008 77 Hungary 16.00 2008 78 Greece 16.00 2007 79 Spain 16.00 2008 80 Spain 16.00 2008 81 Slovenia 16.00 2008 82 Slovakia 16.00 2008 83 Seychelles 16.00 2008 84 Portugal 16.00 2007 85 Belgium 16.00 2008 86 British Virgin Islands 16.00 2005 87 Belgium 16.00 2008 88 Belgium 16.00 2008 89 Argentina 15.00 2007 90 Austria 15.00 2008 91 Austria 15.00 2008 92 Bahrain 15.00 2006 93 Latvia 15.00 2008 94 Israel 15.00 2008 95 Iran 15.00 2008 96 Hungary 15.00 2008 97 Hungary 15.00 2008 98 Estonia 15.00 2008 99 Czech Republic 15.00 2008 100 Czech Republic 15.00 2008 101 Chile 15.00 2007 102 Chile 15.00 2007 103 Uruguay 15.00 2007 104 United States 15.00 2008 105 Ukraine 15.00 2008 106 Ukraine 15.00 2008 107 Tunisia 15.00 2008 108 Tunisia 15.00 2008 109 Switzerland 15.00 2008 110 Sweden 15.00 2008 111 Portugal 15.00 2007 112 Venezuela 15.00 2008 113 Poland 15.00 2007 114 Poland 15.00 2007 115 Palau 15.00 2001 116 Palau 15.00 2001 117 Montserrat 15.00 2007 118 Malta 15.00 2007 119 Macau 15.00 2008 120 Lithuania 15.00 2008 121 Slovakia 15.00 2008 122 Seychelles 15.00 2008 123 Russia 15.00 2008 124 Romania 15.00 2008 125 Romania 15.00 2008 126 Qatar 15.00 2008 127 Liechtenstein 15.00 2008 128 Kazakhstan 15.00 2009 129 Kazakhstan 15.00 2009 130 Kazakhstan 15.00 2009 131 Japan 15.00 2008 132 Japan 15.00 2008 133 Japan 15.00 2008 134 Israel 15.00 2008 135 Belarus 15.00 2007 136 Belarus 15.00 2007 137 Austria 15.00 2008 138 Aruba 14.00 2008 139 Bahrain 14.00 2006 140 Bahrain 14.00 2006 141 Bolivia 14.00 2007 142 Bolivia 14.00 2007 143 West Bank 14.00 2006 144 West Bank 14.00 2006 145 Venezuela 14.00 2008 146 Ukraine 14.00 2008 147 Tunisia 14.00 2008 148 Tonga 14.00 2004 149 Tonga 14.00 2004 150 Tonga 14.00 2004 151 Slovakia 14.00 2008 152 Seychelles 14.00 2008 153 Serbia 14.00 2008 154 Serbia 14.00 2008 155 Saudi Arabia 14.00 2008 156 Saudi Arabia 14.00 2008 157 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 14.00 2005 158 Saint Lucia 14.00 2008 159 Russia 14.00 2008 160 Russia 14.00 2008 161 Romania 14.00 2008 162 Peru 14.00 2006 163 Peru 14.00 2006 164 Panama 14.00 2007 165 Panama 14.00 2007 166 Palau 14.00 2001 167 Montserrat 14.00 2007 168 Mongolia 14.00 2008 169 Mongolia 14.00 2008 170 Mexico 14.00 2008 171 Mexico 14.00 2008 172 Mexico 14.00 2008 173 Mauritius 14.00 2008 174 Mauritius 14.00 2008 175 Malta 14.00 2007 176 Malta 14.00 2007 177 Macau 14.00 2008 178 Macau 14.00 2008 179 Jamaica 14.00 2008 180 Jamaica 14.00 2008 181 Colombia 14.00 2008 182 Chile 14.00 2007 183 Bulgaria 14.00 2008 184 Bulgaria 14.00 2008 185 Brunei 14.00 2008 186 Brunei 14.00 2008 187 Brunei 14.00 2008 188 Brazil 14.00 2008 189 Brazil 14.00 2008 190 Brazil 14.00 2008 191 Liechtenstein 14.00 2008 192 Lebanon 14.00 2009 193 Lebanon 14.00 2009 194 Latvia 14.00 2008 195 Iran 14.00 2008 196 Hong Kong 14.00 2006 197 Hong Kong 14.00 2006 198 Grenada 14.00 2005 199 Gaza Strip 14.00 2006 200 Gaza Strip 14.00 2006 201 Ecuador 14.00 2008 202 Ecuador 14.00 2008 203 Ecuador 14.00 2008 204 Cyprus 14.00 2008 205 Cyprus 14.00 2008 206 Cyprus 14.00 2008 207 Croatia 14.00 2007 208 Croatia 14.00 2007 209 Croatia 14.00 2007 210 Bolivia 14.00 2007 211 Bermuda 14.00 2005 212 Belarus 14.00 2007 213 Barbados 14.00 2001 214 Algeria 13.00 2005 215 Aruba 13.00 2008 216 Algeria 13.00 2005 217 Algeria 13.00 2005 218 West Bank 13.00 2006 219 Venezuela 13.00 2008 220 Thailand 13.00 2009 221 Suriname 13.00 2002 222 South Africa 13.00 2004 223 South Africa 13.00 2004 224 South Africa 13.00 2004 225 Serbia 13.00 2008 226 Saudi Arabia 13.00 2008 227 Samoa 13.00 2001 228 Saint Lucia 13.00 2008 229 Saint Lucia 13.00 2008 230 Saint Kitts and Nevis 13.00 2005 231 Qatar 13.00 2008 232 Peru 13.00 2006 233 Panama 13.00 2007 234 Mongolia 13.00 2008 235 Moldova 13.00 2008 236 Mauritius 13.00 2008 237 Marshall Islands 13.00 2003 238 Marshall Islands 13.00 2003 239 Maldives 13.00 2006 240 Malaysia 13.00 2007 241 Malaysia 13.00 2007 242 Luxembourg 13.00 2006 243 Luxembourg 13.00 2006 244 Luxembourg 13.00 2006 245 Kyrgyzstan 13.00 2008 246 Marshall Islands 13.00 2003 247 Kyrgyzstan 13.00 2008 248 Kuwait 13.00 2006 249 Kiribati 13.00 2005 250 Jordan 13.00 2008 251 Jordan 13.00 2008 252 Jordan 13.00 2008 253 Jamaica 13.00 2008 254 Georgia 13.00 2008 255 Liberia 13.00 2000 256 Lebanon 13.00 2009 257 Georgia 13.00 2008 258 Gaza Strip 13.00 2006 259 Gabon 13.00 1999 260 Gabon 13.00 1999 261 Fiji 13.00 2005 262 Fiji 13.00 2005 263 Fiji 13.00 2005 264 Colombia 13.00 2008 265 Iran 13.00 2008 266 Indonesia 13.00 2008 267 Indonesia 13.00 2008 268 Indonesia 13.00 2008 269 Hong Kong 13.00 2006 270 Grenada 13.00 2005 271 Grenada 13.00 2005 272 Georgia 13.00 2008 273 Colombia 13.00 2008 274 Cayman Islands 13.00 2008 275 Cayman Islands 13.00 2008 276 Cayman Islands 13.00 2008 277 Bulgaria 13.00 2008 278 Bosnia and Herzegovina 13.00 2007 279 Bermuda 13.00 2005 280 Bermuda 13.00 2005 281 Dominican Republic 13.00 2004 282 Dominica 13.00 2008 283 Dominica 13.00 2008 284 Belize 13.00 2004 285 Barbados 13.00 2001 286 Barbados 13.00 2001 287 Azerbaijan 13.00 2008 288 Azerbaijan 13.00 2008 289 Azerbaijan 13.00 2008 290 Aruba 13.00 2008 291 Andorra 12.00 2008 292 Uzbekistan 12.00 2008 293 United Arab Emirates 12.00 2003 294 United Arab Emirates 12.00 2003 295 Turks and Caicos Islands 12.00 2005 296 Turkey 12.00 2008 297 Turkey 12.00 2008 298 Trinidad and Tobago 12.00 2005 299 Thailand 12.00 2009 300 Thailand 12.00 2009 301 Tajikistan 12.00 2008 302 Suriname 12.00 2002 303 Samoa 12.00 2001 304 Samoa 12.00 2001 305 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12.00 2005 306 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12.00 2005 307 Saint Kitts and Nevis 12.00 2005 308 Saint Kitts and Nevis 12.00 2005 309 Qatar 12.00 2008 310 Philippines 12.00 2008 311 Philippines 12.00 2008 312 Philippines 12.00 2008 313 Paraguay 12.00 2007 314 Paraguay 12.00 2007 315 Paraguay 12.00 2007 316 Niue 12.00 2005 317 Niue 12.00 2005 318 Niue 12.00 2005 319 Namibia 12.00 2008 320 Namibia 12.00 2008 321 Namibia 12.00 2008 322 Moldova 12.00 2008 323 Moldova 12.00 2008 324 Maldives 12.00 2006 325 Maldives 12.00 2006 326 Malaysia 12.00 2007 327 Macedonia 12.00 2007 328 Macedonia 12.00 2007 329 Macedonia 12.00 2007 330 Kyrgyzstan 12.00 2008 331 Kuwait 12.00 2006 332 Kuwait 12.00 2006 333 Kiribati 12.00 2005 334 Kiribati 12.00 2005 335 Honduras 12.00 2008 336 Guyana 12.00 2008 337 Guyana 12.00 2008 338 Guyana 12.00 2008 339 Gabon 12.00 1999 340 El Salvador 12.00 2008 341 El Salvador 12.00 2008 342 El Salvador 12.00 2008 343 Dominican Republic 12.00 2004 344 Dominica 12.00 2008 345 Costa Rica 12.00 2005 346 Costa Rica 12.00 2005 347 Costa Rica 12.00 2005 348 Comoros 12.00 2004 349 China 12.00 2008 350 Cape Verde 12.00 2006 351 Cape Verde 12.00 2006 352 Botswana 12.00 2006 353 Botswana 12.00 2006 354 Botswana 12.00 2006 355 Bhutan 12.00 2008 356 Andorra 12.00 2008 357 Armenia 12.00 2007 358 Armenia 12.00 2007 359 Belize 12.00 2004 360 Belize 12.00 2004 361 Afghanistan 11.00 2004 362 Albania 11.00 2004 363 Anguilla 11.00 2008 364 Liberia 11.00 2000 365 Iraq 11.00 2005 366 India 11.00 2007 367 Honduras 11.00 2008 368 Honduras 11.00 2008 369 Guatemala 11.00 2007 370 Guatemala 11.00 2007 371 Egypt 11.00 2004 372 Dominican Republic 11.00 2004 373 Comoros 11.00 2004 374 China 11.00 2008 375 China 11.00 2008 376 Cape Verde 11.00 2006 377 Cameroon 11.00 2008 378 Bhutan 11.00 2008 379 Turks and Caicos Islands 11.00 2005 380 Turkey 11.00 2008 381 Trinidad and Tobago 11.00 2005 382 Trinidad and Tobago 11.00 2005 383 Tokelau 11.00 2004 384 Tokelau 11.00 2004 385 Togo 11.00 2007 386 Timor-Leste 11.00 2002 387 Sao Tome and Principe 11.00 2009 388 Vanuatu 11.00 2004 389 Uzbekistan 11.00 2008 390 Uzbekistan 11.00 2008 391 United Arab Emirates 11.00 2003 392 Uganda 11.00 2008 393 Tuvalu 11.00 2001 394 Tuvalu 11.00 2001 395 Tuvalu 11.00 2001 396 Turks and Caicos Islands 11.00 2005 397 Yemen 11.00 2005 398 Vietnam 11.00 2001 399 Rwanda 11.00 2008 400 Oman 11.00 2008 401 Oman 11.00 2008 402 Oman 11.00 2008 403 Nicaragua 11.00 2003 404 Nicaragua 11.00 2003 405 Nicaragua 11.00 2003 406 Morocco 11.00 2006 407 Tajikistan 11.00 2008 408 Swaziland 11.00 2006 409 Suriname 11.00 2002 410 Sao Tome and Principe 11.00 2009 411 Sao Tome and Principe 11.00 2009 412 Bhutan 11.00 2008 413 Armenia 11.00 2007 414 Anguilla 11.00 2008 415 Anguilla 11.00 2008 416 Andorra 11.00 2008 417 Albania 11.00 2004 418 Albania 11.00 2004 419 Benin 10.00 2005 420 Guinea 10.00 2008 421 Guatemala 10.00 2007 422 Ghana 10.00 2007 423 Ghana 10.00 2007 424 Cote d'Ivoire 10.00 2000 425 Cook Islands 10.00 2005 426 Cook Islands 10.00 2005 427 Cook Islands 10.00 2005 428 Congo, Republic of the 10.00 2003 429 Zimbabwe 10.00 2003 430 Vietnam 10.00 2001 431 Vietnam 10.00 2001 432 Vanuatu 10.00 2004 433 Vanuatu 10.00 2004 434 Uganda 10.00 2008 435 Uganda 10.00 2008 436 Tokelau 10.00 2004 437 Togo 10.00 2007 438 Tajikistan 10.00 2008 439 Swaziland 10.00 2006 440 Swaziland 10.00 2006 441 Nigeria 10.00 2005 442 Nepal 10.00 2003 443 Morocco 10.00 2006 444 Madagascar 10.00 2008 445 Madagascar 10.00 2008 446 Madagascar 10.00 2008 447 Lesotho 10.00 2006 448 Lesotho 10.00 2006 449 Lesotho 10.00 2006 450 Laos 10.00 2008 451 Kenya 10.00 2005 452 Kenya 10.00 2005 453 Iraq 10.00 2005 454 India 10.00 2007 455 India 10.00 2007 456 Comoros 10.00 2004 457 Cameroon 10.00 2008 458 Cambodia 10.00 2007 459 Cambodia 10.00 2007 460 Burundi 10.00 2008 461 Benin 9.00 2005 462 Burma 9.00 2007 463 Congo, Republic of the 9.00 2003 464 Nauru 9.00 2006 465 Mozambique 9.00 2005 466 Morocco 9.00 2006 467 Mali 9.00 2009 468 Malawi 9.00 2007 469 Malawi 9.00 2007 470 Malawi 9.00 2007 471 Liberia 9.00 2000 472 Laos 9.00 2008 473 Solomon Islands 9.00 2006 474 Solomon Islands 9.00 2006 475 Solomon Islands 9.00 2006 476 Sierra Leone 9.00 2001 477 Rwanda 9.00 2008 478 Rwanda 9.00 2008 479 Nigeria 9.00 2005 480 Nepal 9.00 2003 481 Nauru 9.00 2006 482 Kenya 9.00 2005 483 Guinea-Bissau 9.00 2006 484 Guinea 9.00 2008 485 Ghana 9.00 2007 486 Gambia, The 9.00 2004 487 Ethiopia 9.00 2008 488 Equatorial Guinea 9.00 2000 489 Congo, Republic of the 9.00 2003 490 Zimbabwe 9.00 2003 491 Zimbabwe 9.00 2003 492 Yemen 9.00 2005 493 Laos 9.00 2008 494 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 9.00 2008 495 Cameroon 9.00 2008 496 Cambodia 9.00 2007 497 Burundi 9.00 2008 498 Afghanistan 8.00 2004 499 Bangladesh 8.00 2007 500 Bangladesh 8.00 2007 501 Bangladesh 8.00 2007 502 Senegal 8.00 2008 503 Senegal 8.00 2008 504 Pakistan 8.00 2008 505 Nigeria 8.00 2005 506 Nepal 8.00 2003 507 Nauru 8.00 2006 508 Mozambique 8.00 2005 509 Mauritania 8.00 2007 510 Mauritania 8.00 2007 511 Mauritania 8.00 2007 512 Mali 8.00 2009 513 Iraq 8.00 2005 514 Guinea-Bissau 8.00 2006 515 Ethiopia 8.00 2008 516 Ethiopia 8.00 2008 517 Equatorial Guinea 8.00 2000 518 Zambia 8.00 2000 519 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 8.00 2008 520 Chad 8.00 2005 521 Central African Republic 8.00 2009 522 Burma 8.00 2007 523 Burma 8.00 2007 524 Burkina Faso 7.00 2009 525 Burundi 7.00 2008 526 Central African Republic 7.00 2009 527 Sierra Leone 7.00 2001 528 Senegal 7.00 2008 529 Pakistan 7.00 2008 530 Mozambique 7.00 2005 531 Mali 7.00 2009 532 Guinea 7.00 2008 533 Gambia, The 7.00 2004 534 Gambia, The 7.00 2004 535 Eritrea 7.00 2004 536 Zambia 7.00 2000 537 Zambia 7.00 2000 538 Yemen 7.00 2005 539 Togo 7.00 2007 540 Equatorial Guinea 7.00 2000 541 Benin 6.00 2005 542 Burkina Faso 6.00 2009 543 Burkina Faso 6.00 2009 544 Chad 6.00 2005 545 Cote d'Ivoire 6.00 2000 546 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.00 2008 547 Eritrea 6.00 2004 548 Sierra Leone 6.00 2001 549 Pakistan 6.00 2008 550 Afghanistan 5.00 2004 551 Central African Republic 5.00 2009 552 Djibouti 5.00 2007 553 Djibouti 5.00 2007 554 Guinea-Bissau 5.00 2006 555 Niger 5.00 2009 556 Tanzania 5.00 1999 557 Tanzania 5.00 1999 558 Tanzania 5.00 1999 559 Niger 5.00 2009 560 Eritrea 5.00 2004 561 Cote d'Ivoire 5.00 2000 562 Chad 4.00 2005 563 Djibouti 4.00 2007 564 Sudan 4.00 2000 565 Niger 4.00 2009

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Rank code: 2206

Country Comparison :: Education expenditures

This entry provides the public expenditure on education as a percent of GDP.

Rank country (% of GDP) Date of Information

1 Kiribati 17.80 2002 2 Cuba 13.60 2008 3 Lesotho 12.40 2008 4 Marshall Islands 12.30 2004 5 Palau 10.30 2002 6 Saint Kitts and Nevis 9.90 2005 7 Uzbekistan 9.40 1991 8 Djibouti 8.70 2007 9 Moldova 8.20 2008 10 Botswana 8.10 2007 11 Maldives 8.10 2008 12 Denmark 7.90 2006 13 Swaziland 7.90 2008 14 Comoros 7.60 2008 15 Iceland 7.50 2007 16 Micronesia, Federated States of 7.30 2000 17 Burundi 7.20 2008 18 Tunisia 7.20 2007 19 Cyprus 7.10 2007 20 Timor-Leste 7.10 2008 21 Kenya 7.00 2006 22 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 7.00 2007 23 Namibia 6.90 2008 24 Vanuatu 6.90 2008 25 Tanzania 6.80 2008 26 Barbados 6.70 2008 27 Norway 6.70 2007 28 Sweden 6.70 2007 29 Kyrgyzstan 6.60 2007 30 Israel 6.40 2007 31 Bolivia 6.30 2006 32 Saint Lucia 6.30 2008 33 Fiji 6.20 2004 34 Jamaica 6.20 2008 35 New Zealand 6.20 2007 36 Belgium 6.10 2007 37 Guyana 6.10 2007 38 Sudan 6.00 1991 39 Cape Verde 5.70 2008 40 Morocco 5.70 2008 41 Saudi Arabia 5.70 2008 42 France 5.60 2006 43 United Kingdom 5.60 2007 44 Ethiopia 5.50 2007 45 Netherlands 5.50 2006 46 United States 5.50 2007 47 Austria 5.40 2007 48 Hungary 5.40 2006 49 South Africa 5.40 2009 50 Samoa 5.40 2008 51 Finland 5.40 2007 52 Ghana 5.40 2005 53 Switzerland 5.30 2007 54 Ukraine 5.30 2007 55 Vietnam 5.30 2008 56 Belarus 5.20 2007 57 Slovenia 5.20 2007 58 Grenada 5.20 2003 59 Guinea-Bissau 5.20 1999 60 Yemen 5.20 2008 61 Brazil 5.20 2007 62 Belize 5.10 2007 63 Bhutan 5.10 2008 64 Senegal 5.10 2008 65 Mongolia 5.10 2007 66 Costa Rica 5.00 2008 67 Latvia 5.00 2007 68 Estonia 5.00 2007 69 Seychelles 5.00 2006 70 Mozambique 5.00 2006 71 Argentina 4.90 2007 72 Jordan 4.90 1999 73 Ireland 4.90 2007 74 Aruba 4.90 2007 75 Canada 4.90 2007 76 Thailand 4.90 2008 77 Syria 4.90 2007 78 Poland 4.90 2007 79 Dominica 4.80 2008 80 Iran 4.80 2008 81 Malta 4.80 2004 82 Mexico 4.80 2007 83 Australia 4.70 2007 84 Tonga 4.70 2004 85 Lithuania 4.70 2007 86 Burkina Faso 4.60 2007 87 Zimbabwe 4.60 2000 88 Czech Republic 4.60 2006 89 Cote d'Ivoire 4.60 2008 90 Malaysia 4.50 2007 91 Serbia 4.50 2007 92 Germany 4.40 2006 93 Spain 4.40 2007 94 Romania 4.40 2007 95 Mauritania 4.40 2008 96 Portugal 4.40 2008 97 Monaco 4.40 2004 98 Algeria 4.30 2008 99 Italy 4.30 2007 100 Korea, South 4.20 2007 101 Malawi 4.20 2003 102 Trinidad and Tobago 4.20 2002 103 Bulgaria 4.10 2007 104 Rwanda 4.10 2008 105 Greece 4.00 2005 106 Paraguay 4.00 2008 107 Oman 4.00 2006 108 Antigua and Barbuda 3.90 2002 109 Russia 3.90 2006 110 Turkmenistan 3.90 1991 111 Colombia 3.90 2008 112 Croatia 3.90 2004 113 Egypt 3.80 2008 114 Sierra Leone 3.80 2005 115 Panama 3.80 2008 116 Nepal 3.80 2008 117 Mali 3.80 2008 118 Kuwait 3.80 2006 119 Honduras 3.80 1991 120 Gabon 3.80 2000 121 Brunei 3.70 2000 122 Venezuela 3.70 2007 123 Togo 3.70 2007 124 Niger 3.70 2008 125 Luxembourg 3.70 2001 126 Japan 3.70 2007 127 Bahamas, The 3.60 2000 128 El Salvador 3.60 2008 129 Slovakia 3.60 2007 130 Benin 3.60 2007 131 Anguilla 3.50 2008 132 Tajikistan 3.50 2008 133 Macedonia 3.50 2002 134 Indonesia 3.50 2007 135 Chile 3.40 2007 136 Mauritius 3.40 2009 137 Hong Kong 3.30 2008 138 Montserrat 3.30 2004 139 Uganda 3.30 2009 140 Qatar 3.30 2005 141 Andorra 3.20 2008 142 India 3.20 2006 143 Guatemala 3.20 2008 144 Singapore 3.20 2009 145 British Virgin Islands 3.20 2007 146 Nicaragua 3.10 2003 147 Armenia 3.00 2007 148 Albania 2.90 2002 149 Bahrain 2.90 2008 150 Cameroon 2.90 2008 151 Georgia 2.90 2008 152 Madagascar 2.90 2008 153 Pakistan 2.90 2008 154 Uruguay 2.90 2006 155 Turkey 2.90 2006 156 Kazakhstan 2.80 2007 157 Liberia 2.70 2008 158 Peru 2.70 2008 159 Libya 2.70 1999 160 Angola 2.60 2006 161 Cayman Islands 2.60 2006 162 Philippines 2.60 2007 163 Bangladesh 2.40 2008 164 Laos 2.30 2008 165 Dominican Republic 2.20 2007 166 Macau 2.20 2008 167 Solomon Islands 2.20 1999 168 Eritrea 2.00 2006 169 Lebanon 2.00 2008 170 Gambia, The 2.00 2004 171 Azerbaijan 1.90 2008 172 China 1.90 1999 173 Chad 1.90 2005 174 Congo, Republic of the 1.90 2005 175 Guinea 1.70 2008 176 Cambodia 1.60 2007 177 Haiti 1.40 1991 178 Zambia 1.40 2008 179 Central African Republic 1.30 2007 180 Bermuda 1.20 2006 181 Burma 1.20 2001 182 Ecuador 1.00 2001 183 Nigeria 0.90 1991 184 United Arab Emirates 0.90 2008 185 Equatorial Guinea 0.60 2003 186 Cook Islands 0.20 2001

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Rank code: 2207

Country Comparison :: Central bank discount rate

This entry provides the annualized interest rate a country's central bank charges commercial, depository banks for loans to meet temporary shortages of funds.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Zimbabwe 975.00 31 December 2007 2 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 40.00 31 December 2008 3 Venezuela 33.50 31 December 2008 4 Sao Tome and Principe 28.00 31 December 2008 5 Costa Rica 25.00 31 December 2008 6 Turkey 25.00 31 December 2008 7 Guinea 22.25 31 December 2005 8 Iceland 22.00 31 December 2008 9 Brazil 20.48 31 December 2008 10 Paraguay 20.00 31 December 2007 11 Uruguay 20.00 31 December 2008 12 Angola 19.57 31 December 2008 13 Uganda 19.42 31 December 2008 14 Serbia 17.75 31 December 2008 15 Ghana 17.00 31 December 2008 16 Iraq 16.75 31 December 2008 17 Tanzania 15.99 31 December 2008 18 Kyrgyzstan 15.11 31 December 2008 19 Botswana 15.00 31 December 2008 20 Pakistan 15.00 31 December 2008 21 Malawi 15.00 31 December 2008 22 Mongolia 14.78 31 December 2008 23 Zambia 14.49 31 December 2008 24 Lesotho 14.05 31 December 2008 25 Tajikistan 13.50 31 December 2008 26 Bolivia 13.00 31 December 2008 27 Maldives 13.00 31 December 2008 28 Russia 13.00 31 December 2008 29 Rwanda 12.50 31 December 2007 30 Belarus 12.00 31 December 2008 31 Belize 12.00 31 December 2008 32 Ukraine 12.00 31 December 2008 33 Mauritania 12.00 31 December 2007 34 Burma 12.00 31 December 2008 35 Lebanon 12.00 31 December 2008 36 Egypt 11.50 31 December 2008 37 South Africa 11.50 31 December 2008 38 Gambia, The 11.00 31 December 2008 39 Swaziland 11.00 31 December 2008 40 Indonesia 10.83 31 December 2008 41 Trinidad and Tobago 10.75 31 December 2008 42 Kazakhstan 10.50 31 December 2008 43 Vietnam 10.25 31 December 2008 44 Burundi 10.08 31 December 2008 45 Barbados 10.00 31 December 2008 46 Hungary 10.00 31 December 2008 47 Namibia 10.00 31 December 2008 48 Mozambique 9.95 31 December 2008 49 Nigeria 9.75 31 December 2008 50 Ecuador 9.14 31 December 2008 51 Croatia 9.00 31 December 2008 52 Chile 8.25 31 December 2008 53 Azerbaijan 8.00 31 December 2008 54 Cape Verde 7.50 31 December 2008 55 Sri Lanka 7.50 31 December 2009 56 Armenia 7.25 2 December 2008 57 Peru 7.25 31 December 2008 58 Papua New Guinea 7.00 31 December 2008 59 Guyana 6.75 31 December 2008 60 Anguilla 6.50 31 December 2008 61 Dominica 6.50 31 December 2008 62 Macedonia 6.50 31 December 2008 63 Saint Lucia 6.50 31 December 2008 64 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6.50 31 December 2008 65 Saint Kitts and Nevis 6.50 31 December 2008 66 Nepal 6.50 31 December 2009 67 Montserrat 6.50 31 December 2008 68 Grenada 6.50 31 December 2008 69 Antigua and Barbuda 6.50 31 December 2008 70 Fiji 6.32 31 December 2008 71 Albania 6.25 31 December 2008 72 Norway 6.25 31 December 2007 73 Jordan 6.25 31 December 2008 74 India 6.00 31 December 2008 75 Latvia 6.00 31 December 2008 76 Philippines 6.00 31 December 2008 77 Vanuatu 6.00 31 December 2008 78 Bulgaria 5.77 31 December 2008 79 Colombia 5.50 31 December 2009 80 Qatar 5.50 31 December 2008 81 Comoros 5.36 31 December 2008 82 Bahamas, The 5.25 31 December 2008 83 Cambodia 5.25 31 December 2007 84 Seychelles 5.13 31 December 2007 85 Aruba 5.00 31 December 2008 86 Bangladesh 5.00 31 December 2008 87 Libya 5.00 31 December 2008 88 Syria 5.00 31 December 2008 89 Poland 5.00 31 December 2008 90 New Zealand 5.00 31 December 2008 91 Benin 4.75 31 December 2008 92 Central African Republic 4.75 31 December 2008 93 Chad 4.75 31 December 2008 94 Togo 4.75 31 December 2008 95 Senegal 4.75 31 December 2008 96 Niger 4.75 31 December 2008 97 Mali 4.75 31 December 2008 98 Guinea-Bissau 4.75 31 December 2008 99 Gabon 4.75 31 December 2008 100 Equatorial Guinea 4.75 31 December 2008 101 Cote d'Ivoire 4.75 31 December 2008 102 Congo, Republic of the 4.75 31 December 2008 103 Burkina Faso 4.75 31 December 2008 104 Cameroon 4.75 31 December 2008 105 Lithuania 4.73 31 December 2008 106 Australia 4.25 3 December 2008 107 Algeria 4.00 31 December 2008 108 Laos 4.00 31 December 2009 109 Kuwait 3.75 31 December 2008 110 Denmark 3.50 31 December 2008 111 Sweden 3.50 31 December 2007 112 Morocco 3.32 31 December 2008 113 Belgium 3.00 31 December 2008 114 Finland 3.00 31 December 2008 115 Cyprus 3.00 31 December 2008 116 France 3.00 31 December 2008 117 Greece 3.00 31 December 2008 118 Ireland 3.00 31 December 2008 119 Italy 3.00 31 December 2008 120 Germany 3.00 31 December 2008 121 European Union 3.00 31 December 2008 122 Spain 3.00 31 December 2008 123 Slovenia 3.00 31 December 2008 124 Slovakia 3.00 31 December 2008 125 Portugal 3.00 31 December 2008 126 Netherlands 3.00 31 December 2008 127 Malta 3.00 31 December 2008 128 Luxembourg 3.00 31 December 2008 129 China 2.79 31 December 2008 130 Israel 2.50 31 December 2008 131 Czech Republic 2.25 31 December 2008 132 Canada 1.75 31 December 2008 133 Korea, South 1.75 31 December 2008 134 Thailand 1.25 31 December 2009 135 Oman 0.91 31 December 2008 136 United Kingdom 0.86 31 December 2008 137 United States 0.86 31 December 2008 138 Hong Kong 0.50 31 December 2008 139 Japan 0.30 31 December 2008 140 Switzerland 0.05 31 December 2008

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Rank code: 2208

Country Comparison :: Commercial bank prime lending rate

This entry provides a simple average of annualized interest rates commercial banks charge on new loans, denominated in the national currency, to their most credit-worthy customers.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Zimbabwe 578.96 31 December 2007 2 Brazil 47.25 31 December 2008 est. 3 Madagascar 45.00 31 December 2008 est. 4 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 43.15 31 December 2008 est. 5 Sao Tome and Principe 32.40 31 December 2008 est. 6 Gambia, The 27.92 31 December 2007 7 Paraguay 25.81 31 December 2008 est. 8 Malawi 25.28 31 December 2008 est. 9 Sierra Leone 24.50 31 December 2008 est. 10 Tajikistan 23.70 31 December 2008 est. 11 Peru 23.67 31 December 2008 est. 12 Venezuela 22.37 31 December 2008 est. 13 Mauritius 21.54 31 December 2008 est. 14 Georgia 21.24 31 December 2008 est. 15 Moldova 21.06 31 December 2008 est. 16 Mongolia 20.58 31 December 2008 est. 17 Uganda 20.45 31 December 2008 est. 18 Dominican Republic 19.95 31 December 2008 est. 19 Kyrgyzstan 19.86 31 December 2008 est. 20 Azerbaijan 19.76 31 December 2008 est. 21 Iraq 19.50 31 December 2008 est. 22 Argentina 19.47 31 December 2008 est. 23 Iceland 19.29 31 December 2007 24 Zambia 19.06 31 December 2008 est. 25 Mozambique 18.31 31 December 2008 est. 26 Serbia 18.11 31 December 2008 est. 27 Yemen 18.00 31 December 2008 est. 28 Honduras 17.94 31 December 2008 est. 29 Haiti 17.81 31 December 2008 est. 30 Ukraine 17.49 31 December 2008 est. 31 Colombia 17.18 31 December 2008 est. 32 Armenia 17.05 31 December 2008 est. 33 Burma 17.00 31 December 2008 est. 34 Jamaica 16.83 31 December 2008 est. 35 Botswana 16.54 31 December 2008 est. 36 Burundi 16.52 31 December 2008 est. 37 Rwanda 16.51 31 December 2008 est. 38 Bangladesh 16.38 31 December 2008 est. 39 Lesotho 16.19 31 December 2008 est. 40 Cambodia 16.01 31 December 2008 41 Sri Lanka 15.89 31 December 2008 42 Costa Rica 15.83 31 December 2008 est. 43 Nigeria 15.48 31 December 2008 est. 44 South Africa 15.13 31 December 2008 est. 45 Liberia 15.05 31 December 2007 46 Romania 14.99 31 December 2008 est. 47 Tanzania 14.98 31 December 2008 est. 48 Afghanistan 14.92 31 December 2008 est. 49 Swaziland 14.83 31 December 2008 est. 50 Guyana 14.58 31 December 2008 est. 51 Solomon Islands 14.44 31 December 2008 est. 52 Micronesia, Federated States of 14.38 31 December 2008 est. 53 Belize 14.14 31 December 2008 est. 54 Kenya 14.02 31 December 2008 est. 55 Kosovo 13.79 31 December 2008 est. 56 Namibia 13.74 31 December 2008 est. 57 Indonesia 13.60 31 December 2008 est. 58 Guatemala 13.39 31 December 2008 est. 59 India 13.31 31 December 2008 est. 60 Chile 13.26 31 December 2008 est. 61 Nicaragua 13.17 31 December 2008 est. 62 Timor-Leste 13.11 31 December 2008 est. 63 Albania 13.02 31 December 2008 est. 64 Maldives 13.00 31 December 2008 est. 65 Samoa 12.66 31 December 2008 est. 66 Angola 12.53 31 December 2008 est. 67 Tonga 12.46 31 December 2008 est. 68 Uruguay 12.45 31 December 2008 est. 69 Trinidad and Tobago 12.44 31 December 2008 est. 70 Bolivia 12.36 31 December 2009 est. 71 Egypt 12.33 31 December 2008 est. 72 Russia 12.23 31 December 2008 est. 73 New Zealand 12.21 31 December 2008 est. 74 Suriname 12.20 31 December 2008 est. 75 Iran 12.00 31 December 2008 est. 76 Latvia 11.85 31 December 2008 est. 77 Seychelles 11.81 31 December 2008 est. 78 Djibouti 11.56 31 December 2008 est. 79 Italy 11.31 31 December 2008 est. 80 Aruba 11.23 31 December 2008 est. 81 Vietnam 11.18 31 December 2007 82 Spain 11.02 31 December 2008 est. 83 Laos 11.00 30 November 2009 84 Bulgaria 10.86 31 December 2008 est. 85 Comoros 10.50 31 December 2008 est. 86 Antigua and Barbuda 10.43 31 December 2008 est. 87 Syria 10.19 31 December 2008 est. 88 Hungary 10.18 31 December 2008 est. 89 Saint Lucia 10.08 31 December 2008 est. 90 Croatia 10.07 31 December 2008 est. 91 Barbados 10.03 31 December 2008 est. 92 Cape Verde 9.99 31 December 2008 est. 93 Lebanon 9.96 31 December 2008 est. 94 Montserrat 9.89 31 December 2008 est. 95 Macedonia 9.68 31 December 2008 est. 96 Netherlands 9.66 31 December 2008 est. 97 Grenada 9.53 31 December 2008 est. 98 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 9.52 31 December 2008 est. 99 Anguilla 9.51 31 December 2008 est. 100 Montenegro 9.24 31 December 2008 est. 101 Papua New Guinea 9.20 31 December 2008 est. 102 Ecuador 9.14 31 December 2008 103 Dominica 9.06 31 December 2008 est. 104 Jordan 9.03 31 December 2008 est. 105 Australia 8.91 31 December 2008 est. 106 Philippines 8.75 31 December 2008 est. 107 Saint Kitts and Nevis 8.75 31 December 2008 est. 108 Mexico 8.71 31 December 2008 est. 109 Greece 8.65 31 December 2008 est. 110 European Union 8.58 31 December 2008 est. 111 Belarus 8.55 31 December 2008 est. 112 Estonia 8.55 31 December 2008 est. 113 Lithuania 8.41 31 December 2008 est. 114 Portugal 8.35 31 December 2008 est. 115 Panama 8.16 31 December 2008 est. 116 France 8.13 31 December 2008 est. 117 Algeria 8.00 31 December 2008 est. 118 Nepal 8.00 31 December 2008 est. 119 Fiji 7.97 31 December 2008 est. 120 El Salvador 7.81 31 December 2007 121 Kuwait 7.61 31 December 2008 est. 122 Slovenia 7.41 31 December 2008 est. 123 Norway 7.28 31 December 2008 est. 124 Cyprus 7.19 31 December 2008 est. 125 West Bank 7.19 31 December 2008 est. 126 Korea, South 7.17 31 December 2008 est. 127 Oman 7.10 31 December 2008 est. 128 Belgium 7.03 31 December 2008 est. 129 Ethiopia 7.00 31 December 2006 130 Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.98 31 December 2008 est. 131 Qatar 6.84 31 December 2008 est. 132 Austria 6.82 31 December 2008 est. 133 Ireland 6.76 31 December 2008 est. 134 Czech Republic 6.25 31 December 2008 est. 135 Malaysia 6.08 31 December 2008 est. 136 Israel 6.06 31 December 2008 est. 137 Libya 6.00 31 December 2007 138 Germany 5.97 31 December 2008 est. 139 Thailand 5.96 31 December 2009 140 Malta 5.89 31 December 2008 est. 141 Finland 5.79 31 December 2008 est. 142 Poland 5.72 31 December 2007 est. 143 Bahamas, The 5.50 31 December 2008 est. 144 Brunei 5.50 31 December 2008 est. 145 Macau 5.43 31 December 2008 est. 146 Singapore 5.38 31 December 2008 est. 147 China 5.31 31 December 2009 est. 148 Vanuatu 5.29 31 December 2008 est. 149 United States 5.09 31 December 2008 est. 150 Hong Kong 5.00 31 December 2008 est. 151 Canada 4.73 31 December 2008 est. 152 United Kingdom 4.63 31 December 2008 est. 153 Taiwan 4.06 31 December 2008 est. 154 Switzerland 3.34 31 December 2008 est. 155 Japan 1.91 31 December 2008 est.

======================================================================

Rank code: 2209

Country Comparison :: Stock of money

Rank country Stock of money Date of Information

1 European Union $ 5,542,000,000,000 31 December 2008 2 Japan $ 5,417,000,000,000 31 December 2008 3 China $ 2,434,000,000,000 31 December 2008 4 United States $ 1,436,000,000,000 31 December 2008 5 Burma $ 622,600,000,000 31 December 2008 6 Canada $ 356,200,000,000 31 December 2008 7 India $ 278,800,000,000 31 December 2009 8 Switzerland $ 275,500,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 9 Russia $ 252,500,000,000 31 December 2008 10 Australia $ 248,500,000,000 31 December 2008 11 Sweden $ 185,400,000,000 31 December 2008 12 Denmark $ 155,600,000,000 31 December 2009 13 Hong Kong $ 127,300,000,000 31 December 2009 14 Brazil $ 125,000,000,000 30 November 2009 15 Poland $ 118,200,000,000 31 December 2008 16 Mexico $ 115,900,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 17 Saudi Arabia $ 113,600,000,000 31 December 2008 18 Czech Republic $ 86,560,000,000 31 December 2008 19 Venezuela $ 78,090,000,000 31 December 2008 20 Syria $ 73,540,000,000 31 December 2008 21 Korea, South $ 73,160,000,000 31 December 2008 22 Morocco $ 69,250,000,000 31 December 2008 23 Algeria $ 60,910,000,000 31 December 2008 24 United Arab Emirates $ 56,710,000,000 31 December 2008 25 Singapore $ 52,570,000,000 31 December 2008 26 Malaysia $ 51,510,000,000 31 December 2008 27 Iran $ 44,790,000,000 31 December 2008 28 South Africa $ 44,660,000,000 31 December 2008 29 Indonesia $ 41,710,000,000 31 December 2008 30 Turkey $ 37,100,000,000 31 December 2009 31 Thailand $ 35,350,000,000 31 December 2009 32 Nigeria $ 35,290,000,000 31 December 2008 33 Argentina $ 32,570,000,000 31 December 2008 34 Egypt $ 31,720,000,000 31 December 2008 35 Hungary $ 30,270,000,000 31 December 2009 36 Libya $ 26,660,000,000 31 December 2008 37 Iraq $ 26,100,000,000 31 December 2008 38 Vietnam $ 25,520,000,000 31 December 2008 39 Romania $ 25,300,000,000 31 December 2008 40 Colombia $ 25,010,000,000 31 December 2009 41 Ukraine $ 24,700,000,000 31 December 2009 42 Philippines $ 24,320,000,000 30 November 2009 43 New Zealand $ 20,170,000,000 31 December 2008 44 Israel $ 18,900,000,000 31 December 2008 45 Kazakhstan $ 16,120,000,000 31 December 2008 46 Kuwait $ 16,050,000,000 31 December 2009 47 Peru $ 15,480,000,000 31 December 2008 48 Chile $ 14,720,000,000 31 December 2008 49 Qatar $ 14,590,000,000 31 December 2009 50 Bulgaria $ 12,630,000,000 31 December 2009 51 Slovenia $ 10,500,000,000 30 September 2009 52 Bangladesh $ 10,350,000,000 30 September 2009 53 Tunisia $ 10,070,000,000 31 December 2009 54 Croatia $ 9,270,000,000 31 December 2009 55 Ecuador $ 9,215,000,000 31 December 2009 56 Lithuania $ 8,550,000,000 January 2010 57 Angola $ 8,446,000,000 31 December 2008 58 Jordan $ 7,781,000,000 31 December 2008 59 Latvia $ 6,688,000,000 31 December 2008 60 Azerbaijan $ 6,381,000,000 31 December 2008 61 Sudan $ 6,256,000,000 31 December 2008 62 Estonia $ 6,106,000,000 31 December 2008 63 Guatemala $ 6,106,000,000 31 December 2008 64 Kenya $ 6,068,000,000 31 December 2008 65 Oman $ 5,250,000,000 31 December 2008 66 Bahrain $ 4,997,000,000 31 December 2008 67 Ethiopia $ 4,930,000,000 31 December 2008 68 Belarus $ 4,872,000,000 31 December 2008 69 Iceland $ 4,830,000,000 30 September 2009 70 Malta $ 4,639,000,000 31 January 2008 71 Macau $ 4,550,000,000 31 December 2009 72 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 4,490,000,000 31 December 2008 73 Cote d'Ivoire $ 4,242,000,000 31 December 2008 74 Costa Rica $ 4,209,000,000 31 December 2008 75 Bolivia $ 3,998,000,000 31 December 2008 76 Panama $ 3,764,000,000 31 December 2008 77 Serbia $ 3,690,000,000 31 December 2009 78 Dominican Republic $ 3,619,000,000 31 December 2008 79 Yemen $ 3,489,000,000 31 October 2009 80 Brunei $ 3,374,000,000 30 March 2009 81 Lebanon $ 3,212,000,000 30 November 2009 82 Trinidad and Tobago $ 3,047,000,000 31 December 2008 83 Albania $ 3,028,000,000 31 December 2008 84 Cameroon $ 2,881,000,000 31 December 2008 85 Senegal $ 2,658,000,000 31 December 2008 86 Nepal $ 2,530,000,000 31 July 2009 87 Tanzania $ 2,464,000,000 31 December 2008 88 Sri Lanka $ 2,462,000,000 31 December 2008 89 Uruguay $ 2,247,000,000 31 December 2008 90 Paraguay $ 2,062,000,000 31 December 2008 91 Papua New Guinea $ 2,005,000,000 31 December 2008 92 Namibia $ 1,983,000,000 31 December 2008 93 Congo, Republic of the $ 1,811,000,000 31 December 2008 94 Afghanistan $ 1,688,000,000 31 December 2008 95 Mauritius $ 1,680,000,000 31 December 2008 96 Gabon $ 1,643,000,000 31 December 2008 97 Barbados $ 1,637,000,000 31 December 2008 98 Honduras $ 1,633,000,000 31 December 2008 99 Benin $ 1,592,000,000 31 December 2008 100 Mali $ 1,559,000,000 31 December 2008 101 Uganda $ 1,483,000,000 31 December 2008 102 Mozambique $ 1,406,000,000 31 December 2008 103 Armenia $ 1,359,000,000 31 December 2008 104 Bahamas, The $ 1,255,000,000 31 December 2008 105 Jamaica $ 1,253,000,000 31 December 2008 106 Macedonia $ 1,224,000,000 31 December 2009 107 Madagascar $ 1,216,000,000 31 December 2008 108 Moldova $ 1,116,000,000 31 December 2008 109 Equatorial Guinea $ 1,110,000,000 31 December 2008 110 Georgia $ 1,077,000,000 31 December 2009 111 Burkina Faso $ 1,068,000,000 31 December 2008 112 Zambia $ 1,034,000,000 31 December 2008 113 Botswana $ 1,008,000,000 31 December 2008 114 Chad $ 934,900,000 31 December 2008 115 Eritrea $ 896,200,000 31 December 2008 116 Slovakia $ 847,300,000 31 December 2008 117 Montenegro $ 816,800,000 31 December 2008 118 Aruba $ 781,000,000 31 December 2008 119 Fiji $ 738,600,000 31 December 2008 120 Togo $ 712,600,000 31 December 2008 121 Laos $ 691,100,000 31 December 2009 122 Tajikistan $ 656,100,000 31 December 2008 123 Niger $ 617,900,000 31 December 2008 124 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 613,900,000 31 December 2008 125 Cambodia $ 591,700,000 31 December 2008 126 Cape Verde $ 563,400,000 31 December 2008 127 Nicaragua $ 507,500,000 31 December 2008 128 Malawi $ 502,100,000 31 December 2008 129 Suriname $ 484,700,000 31 December 2008 130 Djibouti $ 462,700,000 31 December 2008 131 Maldives $ 460,000,000 31 October 2009 132 Mongolia $ 451,400,000 31 December 2009 133 Lesotho $ 416,500,000 31 December 2008 134 Belize $ 345,700,000 31 December 2008 135 Guyana $ 344,200,000 31 December 2008 136 Cayman Islands $ 334,300,000 31 December 2008 137 Antigua and Barbuda $ 296,400,000 31 December 2008 138 Burundi $ 261,600,000 31 December 2008 139 Saint Lucia $ 261,300,000 31 December 2008 140 Central African Republic $ 241,300,000 31 December 2008 141 Rwanda $ 233,600,000 31 December 2005 142 Sierra Leone $ 219,100,000 31 December 2008 143 El Salvador $ 213,700,000 31 December 2008 144 Swaziland $ 211,800,000 31 December 2008 145 Liberia $ 206,900,000 31 December 2008 146 Gambia, The $ 192,900,000 31 December 2008 147 Seychelles $ 173,100,000 31 December 2008 148 Guinea-Bissau $ 171,200,000 31 December 2008 149 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 150,800,000 31 December 2008 150 Grenada $ 141,400,000 31 December 2008 151 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 107,200,000 31 December 2008 152 Timor-Leste $ 102,800,000 31 December 2008 153 Vanuatu $ 101,600,000 31 December 2008 154 Comoros $ 100,600,000 31 December 2008 155 Solomon Islands $ 86,960,000 31 December 2008 156 Dominica $ 72,100,000 31 December 2008 157 Samoa $ 60,130,000 31 December 2008 158 Tonga $ 36,160,000 31 December 2008 159 Sao Tome and Principe $ 27,840,000 31 December 2008 160 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 21,210,000 31 December 2008 161 Anguilla $ 21,120,000 31 December 2008 162 Montserrat $ 16,710,000 31 December 2008

======================================================================

Rank code: 2210

Country Comparison :: Stock of quasi money

Rank country Stock of quasi money Date of Information

1 United States $ 10,990,000,000,000 31 December 2008 2 Japan $ 6,160,000,000,000 31 December 2008 3 European Union $ 5,631,000,000,000 31 December 2008 4 China $ 4,523,000,000,000 31 December 2008 5 Canada $ 1,299,000,000,000 31 December 2008 6 India $ 853,400,000,000 31 December 2009 7 Hong Kong $ 757,600,000,000 31 December 2009 8 Brazil $ 645,000,000,000 30 November 2009 9 Taiwan $ 618,000,000,000 November 2008 10 Australia $ 617,000,000,000 31 December 2008 11 Korea, South $ 473,400,000,000 31 December 2008 12 Switzerland $ 454,200,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 13 Russia $ 318,400,000,000 31 December 2008 14 Turkey $ 313,500,000,000 31 December 2009 15 Burma $ 289,300,000,000 31 December 2008 16 Thailand $ 283,600,000,000 31 December 2009 17 Malaysia $ 200,900,000,000 31 December 2008 18 Singapore $ 179,000,000,000 31 December 2008 19 Israel $ 170,600,000,000 31 December 2008 20 Mexico $ 146,800,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 21 Saudi Arabia $ 136,400,000,000 31 December 2008 22 Indonesia $ 131,100,000,000 31 December 2008 23 United Arab Emirates $ 127,000,000,000 31 December 2008 24 South Africa $ 124,100,000,000 31 December 2008 25 Egypt $ 112,200,000,000 31 December 2008 26 Poland $ 109,000,000,000 31 December 2008 27 Denmark $ 95,820,000,000 31 December 2008 28 New Zealand $ 81,010,000,000 31 December 2008 29 Lebanon $ 77,800,000,000 30 November 2009 30 Syria $ 73,930,000,000 31 December 2008 31 Chile $ 73,660,000,000 31 December 2008 32 Iran $ 72,330,000,000 31 December 2008 33 Kuwait $ 71,790,000,000 31 December 2009 34 Vietnam $ 63,630,000,000 31 December 2008 35 Czech Republic $ 58,690,000,000 31 December 2008 36 Philippines $ 55,710,000,000 30 November 2009 37 Sweden $ 54,550,000,000 31 December 2008 38 Argentina $ 46,180,000,000 31 December 2008 39 Bangladesh $ 45,230,000,000 30 September 2009 40 Qatar $ 44,500,000,000 31 December 2009 41 Ukraine $ 41,500,000,000 31 December 2009 42 Hungary $ 40,700,000,000 31 December 2009 43 Romania $ 36,090,000,000 31 December 2008 44 Kazakhstan $ 35,760,000,000 31 December 2008 45 Croatia $ 34,570,000,000 31 December 2009 46 Nigeria $ 32,040,000,000 31 December 2008 47 Algeria $ 30,360,000,000 31 December 2008 48 Colombia $ 26,570,000,000 31 December 2008 49 Peru $ 25,270,000,000 31 December 2008 50 Slovakia $ 23,150,000,000 31 December 2008 51 Macau $ 22,680,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 52 Bulgaria $ 20,610,000,000 31 December 2009 53 Jordan $ 19,040,000,000 31 December 2008 54 Morocco $ 18,980,000,000 31 December 2008 55 Tunisia $ 16,550,000,000 31 December 2009 56 Slovenia $ 15,900,000,000 30 September 2009 57 Panama $ 15,840,000,000 31 December 2008 58 Oman $ 14,570,000,000 31 December 2008 59 Serbia $ 14,110,000,000 31 December 2009 60 Bahrain $ 12,710,000,000 31 December 2008 61 Sri Lanka $ 11,010,000,000 31 December 2008 62 Venezuela $ 10,690,000,000 31 December 2008 63 Angola $ 10,410,000,000 31 December 2008 64 Ecuador $ 9,790,000,000 31 December 2009 65 Guatemala $ 9,700,000,000 31 December 2008 66 Uruguay $ 9,409,000,000 31 December 2008 67 Belarus $ 8,784,000,000 31 December 2008 68 Malta $ 8,771,000,000 31 January 2008 est. 69 Lithuania $ 8,731,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 70 Brunei $ 8,151,000,000 30 March 2009 71 Nepal $ 7,490,000,000 1 April 2009 72 Mauritius $ 6,914,000,000 31 December 2008 73 Trinidad and Tobago $ 6,795,000,000 31 December 2008 74 Bolivia $ 6,339,000,000 31 December 2008 75 Albania $ 6,251,000,000 31 December 2008 76 Yemen $ 6,077,000,000 31 October 2009 77 Dominican Republic $ 5,902,000,000 31 December 2008 78 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 5,614,000,000 31 December 2008 79 Honduras $ 5,574,000,000 31 December 2008 80 Latvia $ 5,572,000,000 31 December 2008 81 Estonia $ 5,478,000,000 31 December 2008 82 Kenya $ 5,468,000,000 31 December 2008 83 Iraq $ 5,415,000,000 31 December 2008 84 West Bank $ 5,251,000,000 31 December 2008 85 Cayman Islands $ 5,230,000,000 31 December 2008 86 Bahamas, The $ 4,637,000,000 31 December 2008 87 Libya $ 4,264,000,000 31 December 2008 88 Sudan $ 4,264,000,000 31 December 2008 89 Jamaica $ 4,244,000,000 31 December 2008 90 Botswana $ 4,183,000,000 31 December 2008 91 Azerbaijan $ 4,125,000,000 31 December 2008 92 Barbados $ 3,701,000,000 31 December 2008 93 Ethiopia $ 3,603,000,000 31 December 2008 94 Iceland $ 3,440,000,000 31 December 2008 95 Tanzania $ 3,362,000,000 31 December 2008 96 Cambodia $ 3,197,000,000 31 December 2009 97 Costa Rica $ 3,143,000,000 31 December 2008 98 Macedonia $ 3,132,000,000 31 December 2009 99 Cote d'Ivoire $ 2,117,000,000 31 December 2008 100 Moldova $ 1,928,000,000 31 December 2008 101 Nicaragua $ 1,810,000,000 31 December 2008 102 Cameroon $ 1,756,000,000 31 December 2008 103 Mozambique $ 1,752,000,000 31 December 2008 104 Papua New Guinea $ 1,726,000,000 31 December 2008 105 Zambia $ 1,618,000,000 31 December 2008 106 Georgia $ 1,606,000,000 31 December 2008 107 Paraguay $ 1,599,000,000 31 December 2008 108 Senegal $ 1,599,000,000 31 December 2008 109 Mongolia $ 1,545,000,000 31 December 2009 110 Uganda $ 1,485,000,000 31 December 2008 111 Montenegro $ 1,406,000,000 31 December 2008 112 Afghanistan $ 1,219,000,000 31 December 2008 113 Namibia $ 1,158,000,000 31 December 2008 114 Laos $ 1,080,000,000 31 December 2009 115 Eritrea $ 1,053,000,000 31 December 2008 116 Suriname $ 1,018,000,000 31 December 2008 117 Fiji $ 1,012,000,000 31 December 2008 118 Armenia $ 950,100,000 31 December 2008 119 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 947,800,000 31 December 2008 120 Antigua and Barbuda $ 939,900,000 31 December 2008 121 Aruba $ 890,300,000 31 December 2008 122 Guyana $ 817,600,000 31 December 2008 123 Saint Lucia $ 800,100,000 31 December 2008 124 El Salvador $ 788,700,000 31 December 2008 125 Gabon $ 777,800,000 31 December 2008 126 Burkina Faso $ 751,300,000 31 December 2008 127 Benin $ 742,800,000 31 December 2008 128 Cape Verde $ 721,300,000 31 December 2008 129 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 680,600,000 31 December 2008 130 Madagascar $ 667,200,000 31 December 2008 131 Belize $ 653,800,000 31 December 2008 132 Grenada $ 578,100,000 31 December 2008 133 Mali $ 561,000,000 31 December 2008 134 Malawi $ 491,100,000 31 December 2008 135 Maldives $ 488,000,000 31 October 2009 136 Anguilla $ 449,500,000 31 December 2008 137 Swaziland $ 441,500,000 31 December 2008 138 Vanuatu $ 430,000,000 31 December 2008 139 Togo $ 414,900,000 31 December 2008 140 Djibouti $ 338,000,000 31 December 2008 141 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 302,700,000 31 December 2008 142 Dominica $ 289,900,000 31 December 2008 143 Congo, Republic of the $ 268,400,000 31 December 2008 144 Tajikistan $ 235,300,000 31 December 2008 145 Rwanda $ 227,400,000 31 December 2005 146 Niger $ 226,800,000 31 December 2008 147 Sierra Leone $ 215,200,000 31 December 2008 148 Burundi $ 189,900,000 31 December 2008 149 Seychelles $ 185,200,000 31 December 2008 150 Gambia, The $ 176,200,000 31 December 2008 151 Samoa $ 162,800,000 31 December 2008 152 Equatorial Guinea $ 132,100,000 31 December 2008 153 Lesotho $ 108,100,000 31 December 2008 154 Tonga $ 100,700,000 31 December 2008 155 Solomon Islands $ 96,790,000 31 December 2008 156 Timor-Leste $ 89,880,000 31 December 2008 157 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 76,800,000 31 December 2008 158 Liberia $ 65,360,000 31 December 2008 159 Chad $ 63,420,000 31 December 2008 160 Central African Republic $ 51,650,000 31 December 2008 161 Montserrat $ 45,420,000 31 December 2008 162 Comoros $ 41,740,000 31 December 2008 163 Sao Tome and Principe $ 36,950,000 31 December 2008 164 Guinea-Bissau $ 17,990,000 31 December 2008

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Rank code: 2211

Country Comparison :: Stock of domestic credit

This entry is the total quantity of credit, denominated in the domestic currency, provided by financial institutions to the central bank, state and local governments, public non-financial corporations, and the private sector. The national currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate on the date of the information.

Rank country Stock of domestic credit Date of Information

1 United States $ 32,610,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 2 European Union $ 22,650,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 3 Japan $ 16,390,000,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 4 China $ 8,156,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 5 Germany $ 5,200,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 6 United Kingdom $ 5,151,000,000,000 31 December 2009 7 France $ 4,319,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 8 Spain $ 3,683,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 9 Italy $ 3,274,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 10 Canada $ 2,963,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 11 Brazil $ 2,104,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 12 Netherlands $ 2,083,000,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 13 Australia $ 1,731,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 14 India $ 1,164,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 15 Korea, South $ 1,057,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 16 Switzerland $ 992,600,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 17 Belgium $ 801,100,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 18 Ireland $ 745,700,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 19 Taiwan $ 661,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 20 Austria $ 659,200,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 21 Sweden $ 640,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 22 Denmark $ 636,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 23 Portugal $ 556,300,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 24 Russia $ 549,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 25 Greece $ 419,900,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 26 Norway $ 414,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 27 Turkey $ 401,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 28 Luxembourg $ 395,100,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 29 Hong Kong $ 374,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 30 Mexico $ 342,400,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 31 Thailand $ 336,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 32 South Africa $ 328,300,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 33 Malaysia $ 314,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 34 United Arab Emirates $ 290,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 35 Poland $ 288,700,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 36 Finland $ 259,200,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 37 Indonesia $ 253,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 38 New Zealand $ 206,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 39 Singapore $ 199,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 40 Israel $ 169,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 41 Chile $ 153,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 42 Egypt $ 145,600,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 43 Iran $ 132,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 44 Vietnam $ 132,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 45 Colombia $ 123,000,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 46 Czech Republic $ 119,500,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 47 Argentina $ 113,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 48 Ukraine $ 110,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 49 Cyprus $ 101,200,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 50 Hungary $ 99,060,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 51 Kuwait $ 96,710,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 52 Philippines $ 95,540,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 53 Morocco $ 93,210,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 54 Romania $ 77,460,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 55 Nigeria $ 77,430,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 56 Pakistan $ 71,450,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 57 Qatar $ 70,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 58 Slovakia $ 65,090,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 59 Lebanon $ 62,680,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 60 Bangladesh $ 62,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 61 Libya $ 55,030,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 62 Venezuela $ 54,220,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 63 Slovenia $ 52,670,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 64 Croatia $ 48,620,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 65 Iceland $ 46,030,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 66 Kazakhstan $ 44,530,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 67 Bulgaria $ 34,540,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 68 Tunisia $ 31,100,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 69 Peru $ 28,900,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 70 Latvia $ 27,590,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 71 Syria $ 27,140,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 72 Jordan $ 26,850,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 73 Lithuania $ 25,350,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 74 Panama $ 23,200,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 75 Oman $ 22,050,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 76 Iraq $ 21,940,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 77 Dominican Republic $ 21,630,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 78 Belarus $ 19,990,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 79 Estonia $ 18,940,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 80 Serbia $ 18,880,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 81 Bahrain $ 18,460,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 82 Sri Lanka $ 18,340,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 83 Angola $ 17,520,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 84 Costa Rica $ 15,820,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 85 Guatemala $ 15,580,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 86 Ecuador $ 14,920,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 87 Kenya $ 14,110,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 88 Malta $ 13,690,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 89 Algeria $ 12,290,000,000 31 December 2009 est. 90 Saudi Arabia $ 11,240,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 91 Uruguay $ 10,490,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 92 Mauritius $ 10,230,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 93 Sudan $ 10,150,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 94 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 10,090,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 95 El Salvador $ 10,010,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 96 Nepal $ 9,000,000,000 July 2010 97 Ethiopia $ 8,661,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 98 Burma $ 8,552,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 99 Bolivia $ 8,314,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 100 Azerbaijan $ 8,135,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 101 Bahamas, The $ 7,993,000,000 31 December 2009 102 Jamaica $ 7,922,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 103 San Marino $ 7,875,000,000 31 December 2008 104 Albania $ 7,701,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 105 Honduras $ 7,581,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 106 Ghana $ 7,155,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 107 Uzbekistan $ 6,482,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 108 Cote d'Ivoire $ 5,448,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 109 Yemen $ 5,297,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 110 Namibia $ 5,122,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 111 Barbados $ 4,554,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 112 Paraguay $ 4,395,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 113 Nicaragua $ 4,083,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 114 Macedonia $ 4,001,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 115 Senegal $ 3,516,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 116 Montenegro $ 3,290,000,000 31 December 2009 117 Georgia $ 3,243,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 118 Zambia $ 2,992,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 119 Trinidad and Tobago $ 2,924,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 120 Eritrea $ 2,919,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 121 Papua New Guinea $ 2,796,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 122 Mozambique $ 2,740,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 123 Cambodia $ 2,195,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 124 Moldova $ 2,110,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 125 Turkmenistan $ 2,089,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 126 Uganda $ 1,882,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 127 Armenia $ 1,821,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 128 West Bank $ 1,800,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 129 Malawi $ 1,720,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 130 Macau $ 1,717,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 131 Mongolia $ 1,664,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 132 Haiti $ 1,632,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 133 Congo, Republic of the $ 1,580,000,000 31 December 2009 134 Laos $ 1,562,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 135 Maldives $ 1,548,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 136 Equatorial Guinea $ 1,534,000,000 31 December 2009 137 Saint Lucia $ 1,378,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 138 Burkina Faso $ 1,373,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 139 Botswana $ 1,361,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 140 Aruba $ 1,333,000,000 31 December 2009 141 Belize $ 1,291,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 142 Brunei $ 1,274,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 143 Benin $ 1,222,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 144 Tajikistan $ 1,209,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 145 Liberia $ 1,202,000,000 31 December 2008 146 Cape Verde $ 1,179,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 147 Antigua and Barbuda $ 1,130,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 148 Gabon $ 1,074,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 149 Madagascar $ 1,020,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 150 Mali $ 994,900,000 31 December 2009 151 Chad $ 943,800,000 31 December 2010 est. 152 Cameroon $ 848,800,000 31 December 2010 est. 153 Togo $ 817,700,000 31 December 2010 est. 154 Suriname $ 793,100,000 31 December 2008 est. 155 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 790,800,000 31 December 2008 est. 156 Guyana $ 754,000,000 31 December 2010 est. 157 Guinea $ 734,400,000 31 December 2010 est. 158 Niger $ 683,600,000 31 December 2009 159 Seychelles $ 678,500,000 31 December 2010 est. 160 Grenada $ 658,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 161 Rwanda $ 600,400,000 31 December 2010 est. 162 Anguilla $ 529,600,000 31 December 2008 est. 163 Kyrgyzstan $ 505,400,000 31 December 2010 est. 164 Burundi $ 465,700,000 31 December 2010 est. 165 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 417,400,000 31 December 2008 est. 166 Afghanistan $ 363,600,000 31 December 2008 est. 167 Central African Republic $ 357,600,000 31 December 2009 168 Djibouti $ 339,000,000 31 December 2009 169 Gambia, The $ 293,500,000 31 December 2010 est. 170 Vanuatu $ 274,000,000 31 December 2008 est. 171 Swaziland $ 258,500,000 31 December 2010 est. 172 Samoa $ 243,000,000 31 December 2009 173 Solomon Islands $ 221,900,000 31 December 2008 est. 174 Dominica $ 213,600,000 31 December 2008 est. 175 Sierra Leone $ 178,400,000 31 December 2009 176 Lesotho $ 177,700,000 31 December 2010 est. 177 Tonga $ 149,200,000 31 December 2008 est. 178 Timor-Leste $ 127,100,000 31 December 2008 est. 179 Comoros $ 79,750,000 31 December 2008 est. 180 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 65,680,000 31 December 2009 181 Guinea-Bissau $ 42,560,000 31 December 2009 182 Sao Tome and Principe $ 17,140,000 31 December 2010 est. 183 Montserrat $ 9,930,000 31 December 2008 est. 184 Tanzania $ 4,163,000 31 December 2010 est. 185 Zimbabwe $ 1,186,000 31 December 2008 est.

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Rank code: 2212

Country Comparison :: Urbanization

This entry provides two measures of the degree of urbanization of a population. The first, urban population, describes the percentage of the total population living in urban areas, as defined by the country. The second, rate of urbanization, describes the projected average rate of change of the size of the urban population over the given period of time. Additionally, the World entry includes a list of the ten largest urban agglomerations. An urban agglomeration is defined as comprising the city or town proper and also the suburban fringe or thickly settled territory lying outside of, but adjacent to, the boundaries of the city.

Rank country (%) Date of Information

1 Anguilla 100.00 NA 2 Bermuda 100.00 NA 3 Gibraltar 100.00 NA 4 Cayman Islands 100.00 NA 5 Hong Kong 100.00 NA 6 Macau 100.00 NA 7 Monaco 100.00 NA 8 Nauru 100.00 NA 9 Holy See (Vatican City) 100.00 NA 10 Singapore 100.00 NA 11 Kuwait 98.00 NA 12 Puerto Rico 98.00 NA 13 Belgium 97.00 NA 14 Qatar 96.00 NA 15 Virgin Islands 95.00 NA 16 Malta 94.00 NA 17 San Marino 94.00 NA 18 Venezuela 93.00 NA 19 American Samoa 92.00 NA 20 Argentina 92.00 NA 21 Uruguay 92.00 NA 22 Turks and Caicos Islands 92.00 NA 23 Israel 92.00 NA 24 Iceland 92.00 NA 25 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 92.00 NA 26 Northern Mariana Islands 91.00 NA 27 United Kingdom 90.00 NA 28 Andorra 89.00 NA 29 Bahrain 89.00 NA 30 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 89.00 NA 31 Australia 89.00 NA 32 Chile 88.00 NA 33 Denmark 87.00 NA 34 New Zealand 87.00 NA 35 Lebanon 87.00 NA 36 Djibouti 87.00 NA 37 Brazil 86.00 NA 38 Gabon 85.00 NA 39 Sweden 85.00 NA 40 Bahamas, The 84.00 NA 41 Greenland 84.00 NA 42 Luxembourg 82.00 NA 43 Netherlands 82.00 NA 44 United States 82.00 NA 45 Saudi Arabia 82.00 NA 46 Korea, South 81.00 NA 47 Palau 81.00 NA 48 Western Sahara 81.00 NA 49 Canada 80.00 NA 50 Jordan 78.00 NA 51 Libya 78.00 NA 52 United Arab Emirates 78.00 NA 53 France 77.00 NA 54 Mexico 77.00 NA 55 Spain 77.00 NA 56 Norway 77.00 NA 57 Cuba 76.00 NA 58 Brunei 75.00 NA 59 Suriname 75.00 NA 60 Colombia 74.00 NA 61 Cook Islands 74.00 NA 62 Germany 74.00 NA 63 Dominica 74.00 NA 64 Belarus 73.00 NA 65 Switzerland 73.00 NA 66 Russia 73.00 NA 67 Panama 73.00 NA 68 Czech Republic 73.00 NA 69 Gaza Strip 72.00 NA 70 Oman 72.00 NA 71 West Bank 72.00 NA 72 Bulgaria 71.00 NA 73 Marshall Islands 71.00 NA 74 Peru 71.00 NA 75 Cyprus 70.00 NA 76 Malaysia 70.00 NA 77 Dominican Republic 69.00 NA 78 Estonia 69.00 NA 79 Turkey 69.00 NA 80 Hungary 68.00 NA 81 Latvia 68.00 NA 82 Ukraine 68.00 NA 83 Iran 68.00 NA 84 Italy 68.00 NA 85 Austria 67.00 NA 86 Iraq 67.00 NA 87 Macedonia 67.00 NA 88 Tunisia 67.00 NA 89 Lithuania 67.00 NA 90 Bolivia 66.00 NA 91 Ecuador 66.00 NA 92 Japan 66.00 NA 93 Algeria 65.00 NA 94 Philippines 65.00 NA 95 New Caledonia 65.00 NA 96 Armenia 64.00 NA 97 Costa Rica 63.00 NA 98 Finland 63.00 NA 99 Korea, North 63.00 NA 100 Congo, Republic of the 61.00 NA 101 Greece 61.00 NA 102 Ireland 61.00 NA 103 South Africa 61.00 NA 104 Sao Tome and Principe 61.00 NA 105 Poland 61.00 NA 106 El Salvador 61.00 NA 107 Botswana 60.00 NA 108 Cape Verde 60.00 NA 109 Liberia 60.00 NA 110 Paraguay 60.00 NA 111 Montenegro 60.00 NA 112 Portugal 59.00 NA 113 Kazakhstan 58.00 NA 114 Angola 57.00 NA 115 Croatia 57.00 NA 116 Nicaragua 57.00 NA 117 Mongolia 57.00 NA 118 Gambia, The 57.00 NA 119 Cameroon 57.00 NA 120 Morocco 56.00 NA 121 Slovakia 56.00 NA 122 Romania 54.00 NA 123 Syria 54.00 NA 124 Seychelles 54.00 NA 125 Georgia 53.00 NA 126 Jamaica 53.00 NA 127 Azerbaijan 52.00 NA 128 Belize 52.00 NA 129 Fiji 52.00 NA 130 French Polynesia 52.00 NA 131 Indonesia 52.00 NA 132 Serbia 52.00 NA 133 Isle of Man 51.00 NA 134 Ghana 50.00 NA 135 Cote d'Ivoire 49.00 NA 136 Guatemala 49.00 NA 137 Turkmenistan 49.00 NA 138 Tuvalu 49.00 NA 139 Honduras 48.00 NA 140 Nigeria 48.00 NA 141 Slovenia 48.00 NA 142 Albania 47.00 NA 143 Aruba 47.00 NA 144 Bosnia and Herzegovina 47.00 NA 145 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 47.00 NA 146 Haiti 47.00 NA 147 Kiribati 44.00 NA 148 China 43.00 NA 149 Egypt 43.00 NA 150 Sudan 43.00 NA 151 Mauritius 42.00 NA 152 Togo 42.00 NA 153 Senegal 42.00 NA 154 Moldova 42.00 NA 155 Benin 41.00 NA 156 Faroe Islands 41.00 NA 157 Mauritania 41.00 NA 158 Barbados 40.00 NA 159 British Virgin Islands 40.00 NA 160 Central African Republic 39.00 NA 161 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha39.00 NA 162 Niue 39.00 NA 163 Equatorial Guinea 39.00 NA 164 Maldives 38.00 NA 165 Sierra Leone 38.00 NA 166 Mozambique 37.00 NA 167 Uzbekistan 37.00 NA 168 Zimbabwe 37.00 NA 169 Namibia 37.00 NA 170 Somalia 37.00 NA 171 Kyrgyzstan 36.00 NA 172 Pakistan 36.00 NA 173 Bhutan 35.00 NA 174 Zambia 35.00 NA 175 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 34.00 NA 176 Guinea 34.00 NA 177 Burma 33.00 NA 178 Thailand 33.00 NA 179 Mali 32.00 NA 180 Saint Kitts and Nevis 32.00 NA 181 Grenada 31.00 NA 182 Jersey 31.00 NA 183 Laos 31.00 NA 184 Yemen 31.00 NA 185 Guernsey 31.00 NA 186 Antigua and Barbuda 30.00 NA 187 Guinea-Bissau 30.00 NA 188 India 29.00 NA 189 Madagascar 29.00 NA 190 Comoros 28.00 NA 191 Vietnam 28.00 NA 192 Guyana 28.00 NA 193 Saint Lucia 28.00 NA 194 Bangladesh 27.00 NA 195 Timor-Leste 27.00 NA 196 Chad 27.00 NA 197 Tajikistan 26.00 NA 198 Lesotho 25.00 NA 199 Swaziland 25.00 NA 200 Vanuatu 25.00 NA 201 Tonga 25.00 NA 202 Tanzania 25.00 NA 203 Afghanistan 24.00 NA 204 Samoa 23.00 NA 205 Cambodia 22.00 NA 206 Micronesia, Federated States of 22.00 NA 207 Kenya 22.00 NA 208 Eritrea 21.00 NA 209 Burkina Faso 20.00 NA 210 Malawi 19.00 NA 211 Rwanda 18.00 NA 212 Solomon Islands 18.00 NA 213 Ethiopia 17.00 NA 214 Nepal 17.00 NA 215 Niger 16.00 NA 216 Sri Lanka 15.00 NA 217 Liechtenstein 14.00 NA 218 Montserrat 14.00 NA 219 Trinidad and Tobago 13.00 NA 220 Uganda 13.00 NA 221 Papua New Guinea 12.00 NA 222 Burundi 10.00 NA 223 Burundi 6.80 NA 224 Laos 5.60 NA 225 Liberia 5.60 NA 226 Afghanistan 5.40 NA 227 Eritrea 5.40 NA 228 Maldives 5.30 NA 229 Malawi 5.20 NA 230 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5.10 NA 231 Burkina Faso 5.00 NA 232 Timor-Leste 5.00 NA 233 Bhutan 4.90 NA 234 Nepal 4.90 NA 235 Yemen 4.90 NA 236 Mali 4.80 NA 237 Chad 4.70 NA 238 Cambodia 4.60 NA 239 Haiti 4.50 NA 240 Angola 4.40 NA 241 Uganda 4.40 NA 242 Ethiopia 4.30 NA 243 Togo 4.30 NA 244 Sudan 4.30 NA 245 Gambia, The 4.20 NA 246 Somalia 4.20 NA 247 Tanzania 4.20 NA 248 Rwanda 4.20 NA 249 Mozambique 4.10 NA 250 Vanuatu 4.10 NA 251 Solomon Islands 4.10 NA 252 Benin 4.00 NA 253 Kenya 4.00 NA 254 Western Sahara 4.00 NA 255 Niger 4.00 NA 256 Madagascar 3.80 NA 257 Nigeria 3.80 NA 258 Bangladesh 3.50 NA 259 Cape Verde 3.50 NA 260 Lesotho 3.50 NA 261 Guinea 3.50 NA 262 Ghana 3.50 NA 263 Cameroon 3.50 NA 264 Guatemala 3.40 NA 265 Gaza Strip 3.30 NA 266 West Bank 3.30 NA 267 Indonesia 3.30 NA 268 Cote d'Ivoire 3.20 NA 269 Guinea-Bissau 3.20 NA 270 Belize 3.10 NA 271 Jordan 3.10 NA 272 Syria 3.10 NA 273 Vietnam 3.10 NA 274 Senegal 3.10 NA 275 Malaysia 3.00 NA 276 Pakistan 3.00 NA 277 Sao Tome and Principe 3.00 NA 278 Philippines 3.00 NA 279 Mauritania 3.00 NA 280 Burma 2.90 NA 281 Trinidad and Tobago 2.90 NA 282 United Arab Emirates 2.90 NA 283 Sierra Leone 2.90 NA 284 Namibia 2.90 NA 285 Honduras 2.90 NA 286 Equatorial Guinea 2.80 NA 287 Paraguay 2.80 NA 288 China 2.70 NA 289 Congo, Republic of the 2.70 NA 290 Marshall Islands 2.70 NA 291 Comoros 2.70 NA 292 Panama 2.70 NA 293 Brunei 2.60 NA 294 Dominican Republic 2.60 NA 295 Algeria 2.50 NA 296 Bolivia 2.50 NA 297 Botswana 2.50 NA 298 Saudi Arabia 2.50 NA 299 Kuwait 2.50 NA 300 American Samoa 2.40 NA 301 India 2.40 NA 302 Central African Republic 2.30 NA 303 Costa Rica 2.30 NA 304 Zambia 2.30 NA 305 Djibouti 2.20 NA 306 Turks and Caicos Islands 2.20 NA 307 Zimbabwe 2.20 NA 308 Turkmenistan 2.20 NA 309 Qatar 2.20 NA 310 Ireland 2.20 NA 311 Libya 2.20 NA 312 Montserrat 2.20 NA 313 Ecuador 2.10 NA 314 Gabon 2.10 NA 315 Iran 2.10 NA 316 Northern Mariana Islands 2.10 NA 317 New Caledonia 2.10 NA 318 Faroe Islands 2.00 NA 319 Oman 2.00 NA 320 Venezuela 2.00 NA 321 Albania 1.90 NA 322 Papua New Guinea 1.90 NA 323 Turkey 1.90 NA 324 El Salvador 1.90 NA 325 Bahrain 1.80 NA 326 Palau 1.80 NA 327 Nicaragua 1.80 NA 328 Morocco 1.80 NA 329 Kiribati 1.80 NA 330 Brazil 1.80 NA 331 Egypt 1.80 NA 332 British Virgin Islands 1.70 NA 333 Colombia 1.70 NA 334 Tunisia 1.70 NA 335 Thailand 1.70 NA 336 Swaziland 1.70 NA 337 Samoa 1.70 NA 338 Israel 1.70 NA 339 Iraq 1.70 NA 340 Fiji 1.60 NA 341 Uzbekistan 1.60 NA 342 Tonga 1.60 NA 343 Tajikistan 1.60 NA 344 Kyrgyzstan 1.60 NA 345 Barbados 1.50 NA 346 Cayman Islands 1.50 NA 347 Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1.50 NA 348 Mexico 1.50 NA 349 Anguilla 1.40 NA 350 South Africa 1.40 NA 351 Seychelles 1.40 NA 352 Saint Lucia 1.40 NA 353 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.40 NA 354 Bahamas, The 1.40 NA 355 Portugal 1.40 NA 356 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.40 NA 357 Chile 1.30 NA 358 Peru 1.30 NA 359 French Polynesia 1.30 NA 360 Tuvalu 1.30 NA 361 United States 1.30 NA 362 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.30 NA 363 Cyprus 1.30 NA 364 Argentina 1.20 NA 365 Singapore 1.20 NA 366 Mongolia 1.20 NA 367 Lebanon 1.20 NA 368 Kazakhstan 1.20 NA 369 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1.20 NA 370 Australia 1.20 NA 371 Azerbaijan 1.00 NA 372 Hong Kong 1.00 NA 373 Luxembourg 1.00 NA 374 Suriname 1.00 NA 375 New Zealand 1.00 NA 376 Canada 1.00 NA 377 Antigua and Barbuda 0.90 NA 378 Jamaica 0.90 NA 379 San Marino 0.90 NA 380 Spain 0.90 NA 381 Netherlands 0.90 NA 382 Mauritius 0.90 NA 383 Korea, North 0.90 NA 384 Greenland 0.90 NA 385 Finland 0.80 NA 386 Puerto Rico 0.80 NA 387 Micronesia, Federated States of 0.80 NA 388 Macedonia 0.80 NA 389 Iceland 0.80 NA 390 France 0.80 NA 391 Austria 0.70 NA 392 Macau 0.70 NA 393 Norway 0.70 NA 394 Greece 0.60 NA 395 Guernsey 0.60 NA 396 Malta 0.60 NA 397 Korea, South 0.60 NA 398 Jersey 0.60 NA 399 Denmark 0.50 NA 400 Liechtenstein 0.50 NA 401 Sri Lanka 0.50 NA 402 Switzerland 0.50 NA 403 United Kingdom 0.50 NA 404 Sweden 0.50 NA 405 Serbia 0.50 NA 406 Croatia 0.40 NA 407 Uruguay 0.40 NA 408 Italy 0.40 NA 409 Belgium 0.30 NA 410 Bermuda 0.30 NA 411 Nauru 0.30 NA 412 Monaco 0.30 NA 413 Hungary 0.30 NA 414 Grenada 0.30 NA 415 Dominica 0.20 NA 416 Slovakia 0.20 NA 417 Japan 0.20 NA 418 Virgin Islands 0.20 NA 419 Aruba 0.10 NA 420 Germany 0.10 NA 421 Holy See (Vatican City) 0.10 NA 422 Gibraltar 0.10 NA 423 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0.10 NA 424 Belarus 0.00 NA 425 Czech Republic 0.00 NA 426 Guyana 0.00 NA 427 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 428 Wallis and Futuna 0.00 NA 429 Tokelau 0.00 NA 430 Tokelau 0.00 NA 431 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 NA 432 Pitcairn Islands 0.00 NA 433 Cuba 0.00 NA 434 Romania -0.10 NA 435 Andorra -0.20 NA 436 Isle of Man -0.20 NA 437 Niue -0.20 NA 438 Armenia -0.30 NA 439 Bulgaria -0.30 NA 440 Poland -0.30 NA 441 Estonia -0.30 NA 442 Lithuania -0.40 NA 443 Latvia -0.50 NA 444 Russia -0.50 NA 445 Georgia -0.60 NA 446 Slovenia -0.60 NA 447 Cook Islands -0.70 NA 448 Ukraine -0.70 NA 449 Montenegro -0.80 NA 450 Moldova -1.50 NA

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Rank code: 2213

Country Comparison :: Broadcast media

This entry provides information on the approximate number of public and private TV and radio stations in a country, as well as basic information on the availability of satellite and cable TV services.

Rank country Broadcast media Date of Information

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Rank code: 2214

Country Comparison :: Stock of narrow money

This entry, also know as "M1," comprises the total quantity of currency in circulation (notes and coins) plus demand deposits denominated in the national currency held by nonbank financial institutions, state and local governments, nonfinancial public enterprises, and the private sector of the economy, measured at a specific point in time. National currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate for the date of the information. Because of exchange rate movements, changes in money stocks measured in national currency units may vary significantly from those shown in US dollars, and caution is urged when making comparisons over time in US dollars. Narrow money consists of more liquid assets than broad money and the assets generally function as a "medium of exchange" for an economy.

Rank country Stock of narrow money Date of Information

1 World $ 22,400,000,000,000 NA 2 European Union $ 5,542,000,000,000 NA 3 Japan $ 5,541,000,000,000 NA 4 China $ 3,838,000,000,000 NA 5 United States $ 1,740,000,000,000 NA 6 Germany $ 1,627,000,000,000 NA 7 Italy $ 1,234,000,000,000 NA 8 France $ 858,600,000,000 NA 9 Spain $ 849,200,000,000 NA 10 Canada $ 560,800,000,000 NA 11 Switzerland $ 384,200,000,000 NA 12 Netherlands $ 368,100,000,000 NA 13 Australia $ 347,100,000,000 NA 14 Taiwan $ 331,700,000,000 NA 15 India $ 328,400,000,000 NA 16 Russia $ 269,100,000,000 NA 17 Sweden $ 225,000,000,000 NA 18 Austria $ 173,400,000,000 NA 19 Belgium $ 172,900,000,000 NA 20 Saudi Arabia $ 166,900,000,000 NA 21 Brazil $ 165,800,000,000 NA 22 Greece $ 152,800,000,000 NA 23 Denmark $ 148,100,000,000 NA 24 Poland $ 138,700,000,000 NA 25 Mexico $ 135,700,000,000 NA 26 Ireland $ 127,700,000,000 NA 27 Norway $ 122,200,000,000 NA 28 Luxembourg $ 120,800,000,000 NA 29 Finland $ 108,000,000,000 NA 30 Korea, South $ 101,900,000,000 NA 31 Portugal $ 98,230,000,000 NA 32 Czech Republic $ 96,820,000,000 NA 33 United Kingdom $ 88,620,000,000 NA 34 Hong Kong $ 84,880,000,000 NA 35 Singapore $ 80,500,000,000 NA 36 Algeria $ 79,070,000,000 NA 37 Venezuela $ 69,360,000,000 NA 38 Malaysia $ 69,030,000,000 NA 39 United Arab Emirates $ 68,760,000,000 NA 40 Morocco $ 67,330,000,000 NA 41 South Africa $ 65,870,000,000 NA 42 Indonesia $ 65,470,000,000 NA 43 Pakistan $ 59,750,000,000 NA 44 Turkey $ 57,020,000,000 NA 45 Iran $ 50,370,000,000 NA 46 Argentina $ 41,660,000,000 NA 47 Nigeria $ 40,410,000,000 NA 48 Thailand $ 38,000,000,000 NA 49 Egypt $ 37,800,000,000 NA 50 Iraq $ 35,690,000,000 NA 51 Ukraine $ 34,970,000,000 NA 52 Slovakia $ 34,370,000,000 NA 53 Vietnam $ 33,760,000,000 NA 54 Colombia $ 31,830,000,000 NA 55 Philippines $ 30,090,000,000 NA 56 Libya $ 29,850,000,000 NA 57 Chile $ 29,810,000,000 NA 58 Hungary $ 28,670,000,000 NA 59 Israel $ 27,580,000,000 NA 60 Romania $ 24,390,000,000 NA 61 New Zealand $ 24,150,000,000 NA 62 Syria $ 21,600,000,000 NA 63 Kazakhstan $ 20,910,000,000 NA 64 Peru $ 20,530,000,000 NA 65 Kuwait $ 18,120,000,000 NA 66 Qatar $ 15,980,000,000 NA 67 Bangladesh $ 13,980,000,000 NA 68 Bulgaria $ 12,700,000,000 NA 69 Cuba $ 11,570,000,000 NA 70 Tunisia $ 11,490,000,000 NA 71 Slovenia $ 10,470,000,000 NA 72 Jordan $ 9,386,000,000 NA 73 Lithuania $ 8,917,000,000 NA 74 Angola $ 8,740,000,000 NA 75 Croatia $ 8,720,000,000 NA 76 Sudan $ 7,713,000,000 NA 77 Azerbaijan $ 7,340,000,000 NA 78 Oman $ 7,257,000,000 NA 79 Guatemala $ 6,600,000,000 NA 80 Bahrain $ 6,372,000,000 NA 81 Kenya $ 6,333,000,000 NA 82 Ghana $ 6,260,000,000 NA 83 Ecuador $ 6,198,000,000 NA 84 Latvia $ 5,769,000,000 NA 85 Estonia $ 5,345,000,000 NA 86 Malta $ 5,195,000,000 NA 87 Cote d'Ivoire $ 5,094,000,000 NA 88 Panama $ 5,040,000,000 NA 89 Burma $ 4,907,000,000 NA 90 Uzbekistan $ 4,895,000,000 NA 91 Ethiopia $ 4,764,000,000 NA 92 Belarus $ 4,747,000,000 NA 93 Dominican Republic $ 4,734,000,000 NA 94 Costa Rica $ 4,504,000,000 NA 95 Iceland $ 4,413,000,000 NA 96 Sri Lanka $ 4,400,000,000 NA 97 Bolivia $ 4,374,000,000 NA 98 Cyprus $ 4,341,000,000 NA 99 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 4,098,000,000 NA 100 Afghanistan $ 3,943,000,000 NA 101 Macau $ 3,831,000,000 NA 102 Trinidad and Tobago $ 3,734,000,000 NA 103 Uruguay $ 3,706,000,000 NA 104 Lebanon $ 3,692,000,000 NA 105 Serbia $ 3,554,000,000 NA 106 Yemen $ 3,551,000,000 NA 107 Tanzania $ 3,394,000,000 NA 108 Brunei $ 3,374,000,000 NA 109 Namibia $ 3,049,000,000 NA 110 Nepal $ 3,030,000,000 NA 111 Cameroon $ 2,888,000,000 NA 112 Senegal $ 2,800,000,000 NA 113 Albania $ 2,708,000,000 NA 114 Mozambique $ 2,657,000,000 NA 115 Paraguay $ 2,600,000,000 NA 116 Papua New Guinea $ 2,551,000,000 NA 117 El Salvador $ 2,534,000,000 NA 118 Congo, Republic of the $ 2,403,000,000 NA 119 Uganda $ 1,997,000,000 NA 120 Mauritius $ 1,889,000,000 NA 121 Equatorial Guinea $ 1,860,000,000 NA 122 Gabon $ 1,835,000,000 NA 123 Barbados $ 1,793,000,000 NA 124 Mali $ 1,758,000,000 NA 125 Benin $ 1,551,000,000 NA 126 Jamaica $ 1,432,000,000 NA 127 Burkina Faso $ 1,416,000,000 NA 128 Eritrea $ 1,382,000,000 NA 129 Honduras $ 1,296,000,000 NA 130 Bahamas, The $ 1,284,000,000 NA 131 Nicaragua $ 1,273,000,000 NA 132 Zambia $ 1,234,000,000 NA 133 Madagascar $ 1,233,000,000 NA 134 Moldova $ 1,221,000,000 NA 135 Georgia $ 1,175,000,000 NA 136 Botswana $ 1,146,000,000 NA 137 Macedonia $ 1,146,000,000 NA 138 Armenia $ 1,131,000,000 NA 139 Chad $ 920,900,000 NA 140 Aruba $ 865,000,000 NA 141 Tajikistan $ 863,000,000 NA 142 Cambodia $ 850,700,000 NA 143 Montenegro $ 816,800,000 NA 144 Haiti $ 787,200,000 NA 145 Niger $ 782,600,000 NA 146 Togo $ 754,500,000 NA 147 Fiji $ 748,000,000 NA 148 Kyrgyzstan $ 714,900,000 NA 149 Lesotho $ 653,300,000 NA 150 Laos $ 630,000,000 NA 151 Malawi $ 626,500,000 NA 152 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 613,900,000 NA 153 Suriname $ 608,000,000 NA 154 Rwanda $ 602,300,000 NA 155 Cape Verde $ 585,000,000 NA 156 Djibouti $ 577,800,000 NA 157 Turkmenistan $ 573,000,000 NA 158 Guinea $ 496,200,000 NA 159 Maldives $ 460,000,000 NA 160 Mongolia $ 451,400,000 NA 161 Belize $ 389,500,000 NA 162 Guyana $ 386,900,000 NA 163 Swaziland $ 335,700,000 NA 164 Bhutan $ 335,000,000 NA 165 Cayman Islands $ 334,300,000 NA 166 Burundi $ 329,300,000 NA 167 Central African Republic $ 288,800,000 NA 168 Seychelles $ 274,200,000 NA 169 Saint Lucia $ 244,300,000 NA 170 Antigua and Barbuda $ 233,500,000 NA 171 Vanuatu $ 229,200,000 NA 172 Gambia, The $ 222,900,000 NA 173 Sierra Leone $ 209,400,000 NA 174 Liberia $ 206,900,000 NA 175 Guinea-Bissau $ 192,100,000 NA 176 Solomon Islands $ 139,900,000 NA 177 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 133,000,000 NA 178 Grenada $ 123,100,000 NA 179 Comoros $ 104,700,000 NA 180 Timor-Leste $ 102,800,000 NA 181 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 94,450,000 NA 182 Samoa $ 80,560,000 NA 183 Dominica $ 74,840,000 NA 184 Tonga $ 44,640,000 NA 185 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 29,020,000 NA 186 Anguilla $ 19,030,000 NA 187 Sao Tome and Principe $ 17,180,000 NA 188 Montserrat $ 14,130,000 NA

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Rank code: 2215

Country Comparison :: Stock of broad money

This entry covers all of "Narrow money," plus the total quantity of time and savings deposits, credit union deposits, institutional money market funds, short-term repurchase agreements between the central bank and commercial deposit banks, and other large liquid assets held by nonbank financial institutions, state and local governments, nonfinancial public enterprises, and the private sector of the economy. National currency units have been converted to US dollars at the closing exchange rate for the date of the information. Because of exchange rate movements, changes in money stocks measured in national currency units may vary significantly from those shown in US dollars, and caution is urged when making comparisons over time in US dollars. In addition to serving as a medium of exchange, broad money includes assets that are slightly less liquid than narrow money and the assets tend to function as a "store of value" - a means of holding wealth.

Rank country Stock of broad money Date of Information

1 World $ 75,860,000,000,000 NA 2 Japan $ 18,300,000,000,000 NA 3 United States $ 12,390,000,000,000 NA 4 European Union $ 11,170,000,000,000 NA 5 China $ 10,080,000,000,000 NA 6 Germany $ 4,288,000,000,000 NA 7 United Kingdom $ 3,344,000,000,000 NA 8 France $ 2,292,000,000,000 NA 9 Spain $ 2,264,000,000,000 NA 10 Italy $ 1,884,000,000,000 NA 11 Brazil $ 1,522,000,000,000 NA 12 Canada $ 1,469,000,000,000 NA 13 Korea, South $ 1,346,000,000,000 NA 14 India $ 1,290,000,000,000 NA 15 Australia $ 1,134,000,000,000 NA 16 Netherlands $ 1,124,000,000,000 NA 17 Taiwan $ 952,200,000,000 NA 18 Hong Kong $ 850,800,000,000 NA 19 Switzerland $ 834,600,000,000 NA 20 Russia $ 650,700,000,000 NA 21 Mexico $ 583,800,000,000 NA 22 Belgium $ 539,400,000,000 NA 23 Austria $ 402,800,000,000 NA 24 Thailand $ 354,500,000,000 NA 25 Malaysia $ 337,600,000,000 NA 26 Greece $ 335,900,000,000 NA 27 Singapore $ 295,800,000,000 NA 28 Sweden $ 293,200,000,000 NA 29 Saudi Arabia $ 286,900,000,000 NA 30 Portugal $ 282,000,000,000 NA 31 Indonesia $ 276,800,000,000 NA 32 Ireland $ 257,100,000,000 NA 33 Norway $ 256,300,000,000 NA 34 South Africa $ 256,200,000,000 NA 35 Luxembourg $ 255,500,000,000 NA 36 Turkey $ 255,500,000,000 NA 37 Poland $ 251,900,000,000 NA 38 United Arab Emirates $ 228,500,000,000 NA 39 Denmark $ 209,000,000,000 NA 40 Israel $ 208,800,000,000 NA 41 Iran $ 167,400,000,000 NA 42 Egypt $ 166,200,000,000 NA 43 Syria $ 161,000,000,000 NA 44 Finland $ 160,400,000,000 NA 45 Chile $ 160,300,000,000 NA 46 Czech Republic $ 138,600,000,000 NA 47 Vietnam $ 118,800,000,000 NA 48 New Zealand $ 118,100,000,000 NA 49 Argentina $ 112,900,000,000 NA 50 Algeria $ 109,700,000,000 NA 51 Morocco $ 108,700,000,000 NA 52 Colombia $ 104,900,000,000 NA 53 Lebanon $ 92,010,000,000 NA 54 Nigeria $ 91,970,000,000 NA 55 Philippines $ 91,500,000,000 NA 56 Kuwait $ 88,710,000,000 NA 57 Pakistan $ 85,220,000,000 NA 58 Venezuela $ 78,110,000,000 NA 59 Ukraine $ 73,910,000,000 NA 60 Hungary $ 67,940,000,000 NA 61 Qatar $ 65,950,000,000 NA 62 Kazakhstan $ 65,550,000,000 NA 63 Romania $ 63,670,000,000 NA 64 Bangladesh $ 57,210,000,000 NA 65 Peru $ 55,200,000,000 NA 66 Slovakia $ 52,630,000,000 NA 67 Cyprus $ 50,500,000,000 NA 68 Iraq $ 46,010,000,000 NA 69 Croatia $ 40,800,000,000 NA 70 Libya $ 35,980,000,000 NA 71 Cuba $ 35,920,000,000 NA 72 Jordan $ 35,530,000,000 NA 73 Bulgaria $ 35,370,000,000 NA 74 Tunisia $ 29,390,000,000 NA 75 Macau $ 26,560,000,000 NA 76 Guatemala $ 25,400,000,000 NA 77 Angola $ 24,920,000,000 NA 78 Panama $ 24,170,000,000 NA 79 Slovenia $ 24,030,000,000 NA 80 Oman $ 22,350,000,000 NA 81 Bahrain $ 21,020,000,000 NA 82 Iceland $ 19,970,000,000 NA 83 Sri Lanka $ 19,720,000,000 NA 84 Serbia $ 18,690,000,000 NA 85 Ecuador $ 18,620,000,000 NA 86 Lithuania $ 17,260,000,000 NA 87 Costa Rica $ 16,810,000,000 NA 88 Dominican Republic $ 15,710,000,000 NA 89 Kenya $ 15,380,000,000 NA 90 Malta $ 14,300,000,000 NA 91 Uruguay $ 14,220,000,000 NA 92 Belarus $ 13,620,000,000 NA 93 Sudan $ 13,500,000,000 NA 94 Trinidad and Tobago $ 12,470,000,000 NA 95 Bolivia $ 12,160,000,000 NA 96 Azerbaijan $ 11,640,000,000 NA 97 Latvia $ 11,170,000,000 NA 98 Estonia $ 10,700,000,000 NA 99 Nepal $ 10,010,000,000 NA 100 Yemen $ 9,739,000,000 NA 101 El Salvador $ 9,666,000,000 NA 102 Mauritius $ 9,605,000,000 NA 103 Ghana $ 9,583,000,000 NA 104 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 9,307,000,000 NA 105 Albania $ 9,096,000,000 NA 106 Brunei $ 8,569,000,000 NA 107 Ethiopia $ 8,248,000,000 NA 108 Burma $ 7,800,000,000 NA 109 Cote d'Ivoire $ 7,653,000,000 NA 110 Honduras $ 7,618,000,000 NA 111 Tanzania $ 7,440,000,000 NA 112 Uzbekistan $ 7,197,000,000 NA 113 Botswana $ 6,679,000,000 NA 114 Bahamas, The $ 5,991,000,000 NA 115 Jamaica $ 5,782,000,000 NA 116 West Bank $ 5,567,000,000 NA 117 Cayman Islands $ 5,564,000,000 NA 118 Paraguay $ 5,030,000,000 NA 119 Cambodia $ 4,982,000,000 NA 120 Cameroon $ 4,831,000,000 NA 121 Namibia $ 4,756,000,000 NA 122 Papua New Guinea $ 4,726,000,000 NA 123 Senegal $ 4,603,000,000 NA 124 Barbados $ 4,563,000,000 NA 125 Afghanistan $ 4,149,000,000 NA 126 Macedonia $ 4,134,000,000 NA 127 Uganda $ 3,905,000,000 NA 128 Mozambique $ 3,803,000,000 NA 129 Zambia $ 3,573,000,000 NA 130 Armenia $ 3,507,000,000 NA 131 Haiti $ 3,137,000,000 NA 132 Nicaragua $ 2,900,000,000 NA 133 Moldova $ 2,889,000,000 NA 134 Eritrea $ 2,872,000,000 NA 135 Gabon $ 2,764,000,000 NA 136 Congo, Republic of the $ 2,746,000,000 NA 137 Mali $ 2,514,000,000 NA 138 Benin $ 2,424,000,000 NA 139 Burkina Faso $ 2,406,000,000 NA 140 Equatorial Guinea $ 2,207,000,000 NA 141 Georgia $ 2,146,000,000 NA 142 Madagascar $ 2,012,000,000 NA 143 Mongolia $ 1,996,000,000 NA 144 Laos $ 1,818,000,000 NA 145 Suriname $ 1,809,000,000 NA 146 Aruba $ 1,771,000,000 NA 147 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 1,562,000,000 NA 148 Malawi $ 1,434,000,000 NA 149 Montenegro $ 1,406,000,000 NA 150 Belize $ 1,351,000,000 NA 151 Cape Verde $ 1,314,000,000 NA 152 Guyana $ 1,303,000,000 NA 153 Swaziland $ 1,266,000,000 NA 154 Chad $ 1,257,000,000 NA 155 Rwanda $ 1,243,000,000 NA 156 Togo $ 1,238,000,000 NA 157 Antigua and Barbuda $ 1,186,000,000 NA 158 Kyrgyzstan $ 1,100,000,000 NA 159 Tajikistan $ 1,095,000,000 NA 160 Saint Lucia $ 1,094,000,000 NA 161 Maldives $ 1,065,000,000 NA 162 Lesotho $ 1,057,000,000 NA 163 Turkmenistan $ 1,053,000,000 NA 164 Niger $ 1,038,000,000 NA 165 Djibouti $ 940,800,000 NA 166 Guinea $ 830,000,000 NA 167 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 823,800,000 NA 168 Grenada $ 743,500,000 NA 169 Vanuatu $ 614,200,000 NA 170 Burundi $ 568,300,000 NA 171 Anguilla $ 458,900,000 NA 172 Gambia, The $ 453,900,000 NA 173 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 444,400,000 NA 174 Sierra Leone $ 437,000,000 NA 175 Seychelles $ 415,000,000 NA 176 Dominica $ 398,500,000 NA 177 Central African Republic $ 343,400,000 NA 178 Samoa $ 283,200,000 NA 179 Timor-Leste $ 268,400,000 NA 180 Solomon Islands $ 227,100,000 NA 181 Guinea-Bissau $ 209,300,000 NA 182 Comoros $ 168,600,000 NA 183 Tonga $ 153,800,000 NA 184 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 114,000,000 NA 185 Sao Tome and Principe $ 82,200,000 NA 186 Montserrat $ 69,630,000 NA 187 Zimbabwe $ 3,057,000 NA

======================================================================

Appendix A :: Abbreviations

A

ABEDA
Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa

ACP Group
African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States

ADB
Asian Development Bank

AfDB
African Development Bank

AFESD
Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development

AG
Australia Group

Air Pollution
Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides
Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or
Their Transboundary Fluxes

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants
Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Air Pollution-Sulphur 85
Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or Their Transboundary
Fluxes by at Least 30%

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94
Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions

Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds
Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic
Compounds or Their Transboundary Fluxes

AMF
Arab Monetary Fund

AMU
Arab Maghreb Union

Antarctic Marine Living Resources
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources

Antarctic Seals
Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol
Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

ANZUS
Australia-New Zealand-United States Security Treaty

AOSIS
Alliance of Small Island States

APEC
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Arabsat
Arab Satellite Communications Organization

ARF
ASEAN Regional Forum

ASEAN
Association of Southeast Asian Nations

AU
African Union

Autodin
Automatic Digital Network

B

BA
Baltic Assembly

bbl/day barrels per day

BCIE
Central American Bank for Economic Integration

BDEAC
Central African States Development Bank

Benelux
Benelux Union

BGN
United States Board on Geographic Names

BIMSTEC
Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation

Biodiversity
Convention on Biological Diversity

BIS
Bank for International Settlements

BSEC
Black Sea Economic Cooperation Zone

C

C
Commonwealth

c.i.f. cost, insurance, and freight

CACM
Central American Common Market

CAEU
Council of Arab Economic Unity

CAN
Andean Community of Nations

Caricom
Caribbean Community and Common Market

CB citizen's band mobile radio communications

CBSS
Council of the Baltic Sea States

CCC
Customs Cooperation Council

CD
Community of Democracies

CDB
Caribbean Development Bank

CE
Council of Europe

CEI
Central European Initiative

CEMA
Council for Mutual Economic Assistance

CEMAC
Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa

CEPGL
Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries

CEPT
Conference Europeanne des Poste et Telecommunications

CERN
European Organization for Nuclear Research

CIA
Central Intelligence Agency

CICA
Conference of Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia

CIS
Commonwealth of Independent States

CITES see Endangered Species

Climate Change
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change

COCOM
Coordinating Committee on Export Controls

COMESA
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

Comsat
Communications Satellite Corporation

CP
Colombo Plan

CPLP
Comunidade dos Paises de Lingua Portuguesa

CSN
South American Community of Nations became UNASUL - Union of South
American Nations

CSN
Union of South American Nations

CSTO
Collective Security Treaty Organization

CTBTO
Preparation commission for the Nuclear-Ban-Treaty Operation

CY calendar year

D

D-8
Developing Eight

DC developed country

DDT dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane

Desertification
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries
Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in
Africa

DIA
United States Defense Intelligence Agency

DSN
Defense Switched Network

DST daylight savings time

DWT deadweight ton

E

EAC
East African Community

EADB
East African Development Bank

EAEC
Eurasian Economic Community

EAPC
Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council

EAS
East Asia Summit

EBRD
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

EC
European Community or European Commission

ECA
Economic Commission for Africa

ECE
Economic Commission for Europe

ECLAC
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

ECO
Economic Cooperation Organization

ECOSOC
Economic and Social Council

ECOWAS
Economic Community of West African States

ECSC
European Coal and Steel Community

EE
Eastern Europe

EEC
European Economic Community

EEZ exclusive economic zone

EFTA
European Free Trade Association

EIB
European Investment Bank

EMU
European Monetary Union

Endangered Species
Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Flora and Fauna (CITES)

Entente
Council of the Entente

Environmental Modification
Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of
Environmental Modification Techniques

ESA
European Space Agency

ESCAP
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

ESCWA
Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

est. estimate

EU
European Union

Euratom
European Atomic Energy Community

Eutelsat
European Telecommunications Satellite Organization

Ex-Im
Export-Import Bank of the United States

F

f.o.b. free on board

FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization

FATF
Financial Action Task Force

FAX facsimile

FLS
Front Line States

FOC flags of convenience

FSU former Soviet Union

FY fiscal year

FZ
Franc Zone

G

G-2
Group of 2

G-3
Group of 3

G-5
Group of 5

G-6
Group of 6

G-7
Group of 7

G-8
Group of 8

G-9
Group of 9

G-10
Group of 10

G-15
Group of 15

G-11
Group of 11

G-24
Group of 24

G-77
Group of 77

GATT
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; now WTO

GCC
Gulf Cooperation Council

GCTU
General Confederation of Trade Unions

GDP gross domestic product

GMT
Greenwich Mean Time

GNP gross national product

GRT gross register ton

GSM global system for mobile cellular communications

GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development; acronym for member states - Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova

GWP gross world product

H

Hazardous Wastes
Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and Their Disposal

HF high-frequency

HIV/AIDS human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome

I

IADB
Inter-American Development Bank

IAEA
International Atomic Energy Agency

IANA
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority

IBRD
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank)

ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organization

ICC
International Chamber of Commerce

ICCt
International Criminal Court

ICJ
International Court of Justice (World Court)

ICRC
International Committee of the Red Cross

ICRM
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

ICSID
International Center for Secretariat of Investment Disputes

ICTR
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda

ICTY
International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia

IDA
International Development Association

IDB
Islamic Development Bank

IDP
Internally Displaced Person

IEA
International Energy Agency

IFAD
International Fund for Agricultural Development

IFC
International Finance Corporation

IFRCS
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

IGAD
Inter-Governmental Authority on Development

IHO
International Hydrographic Organization

ILO
International Labor Organization

IMF
International Monetary Fund

IMO
International Maritime Organization

IMSO
International Mobile Satellite Organization

Inmarsat
International Maritime Satellite Organization

InOC
Indian Ocean Commission

INSTRAW
International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of
Women

Intelsat
International Telecommunications Satellite Organization

Interpol
International Criminal Police Organization

Intersputnik
International Organization of Space Communications

IOC
International Olympic Committee

IOM
International Organization for Migration

IPU
Inter-parliamentary Union

ISO
International Organization for Standardization

ISP
Internet Service Provider

ITSO
International Telecommunications Satellites Organization

ITU
International Telecommunication Union

ITUC
International Trade Union Confederation, the successor to ICFTU
(International Confederation of Free Trade Unions) and the WCL (World
Confederation of Labor)

K

kHz kilohertz

km kilometer

kW kilowatt

kWh kilowatt-hour

L

LAES
Latin American Economic System

LAIA
Latin American Integration Association

LAS
League of Arab States

Law of the Sea
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS)

LDC less developed country

LLDC least developed country

London Convention see Marine Dumping

LOS see Law of the Sea

M

m meter

Marecs
Maritime European Communications Satellite

Marine Dumping
Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and
Other Matter

Marine Life Conservation
Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High
Seas

MARPOL see Ship Pollution

Medarabtel
Middle East Telecommunications Project of the International
Telecommunications Union

Mercosur
Southern Cone Common Market

MHz megahertz

MICAH
International Civilian Support Mission in Haiti

MIGA
Multilateral Investment Geographic Agency

MINURSO
United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara

MINUSTAH
United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti

MONUSCO
United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo

N

NA not available

NAFTA
North American Free Trade Agreement

NAM
Nonaligned Movement

NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NC
Nordic Council

NEA
Nuclear Energy Agency

NEGL negligible

NGA
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

NGO nongovernmental organization

NIB
Nordic Investment Bank

NIC newly industrializing country

NIE newly industrializing economy

NIS new independent states

nm nautical mile

NMT
Nordic Mobile Telephone

NSG
Nuclear Suppliers Group

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space, and Under Water

NZ
New Zealand

O

OAPEC
Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries

OAS
Organization of American States

OAU
Organization of African Unity; see African Union

ODA official development assistance

OECD
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

OECS
Organization of Eastern Caribbean States

OHCHR
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

OIC
Organization of the Islamic Conference

OIF
International Organization of the French-speaking World

OOF other official flows

OPANAL
Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the
Caribbean

OPCW
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

OPEC
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

OSCE
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Ozone Layer Protection
Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

P

PCA
Permanent Court of Arbitration

PFP
Partnership for Peace

PIF
Pacific Islands Forum

PPP purchasing power parity

R

Ramsar see Wetlands

RG
Rio Group

S

SAARC
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

SACEP
South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme

SACU
Southern African Customs Union

SADC
Southern African Development Community

SAFE
South African Far East Cable

SCO
Shanghai Cooperation Organization

SECI
Southeast European Cooperative Initiative

SHF super-high-frequency

Ship Pollution
Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 (MARPOL)

SICA
Central American Integration System

Sparteca
South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement

SPC
Secretariat of the Pacific Communities

SPF
South Pacific Forum

sq km square kilometer

sq mi square mile

T

TAT
Trans-Atlantic Telephone

TEU Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit, a unit of measure for containerized cargo capacity

Tropical Timber 83
International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983

Tropical Timber 94
International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994

U

UAE
United Arab Emirates

UDEAC
Central African Customs and Economic Union

UHF ultra-high-frequency

UK
United Kingdom

UN
United Nations

UN-AIDS
Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS

UNAMID
African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur

UNASUR
Union of South American Nations

UNCLOS
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, also know as LOS

UNCTAD
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

UNDCP
United Nations Drug Control Program

UNDEF
United Nations Democracy Fund

UNDOF
United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

UNDP
United Nations Development Program

UNEP
United Nations Environment Program

UNESCO
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization

UNFICYP
United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus

UNFIP
United Nations Fund for International Partnerships

UNFPA
United Nations Population Fund

UN-Habitat
United Nations Center for Human Settlements

UNHCR
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

UNICEF
United Nations Children's Fund

UNICRI
United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute

UNIDIR
United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

UNIDO
United Nations Industrial Development Organization

UNIFIL
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

UN-INSTRAW
International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of
Women

UNITAR
United Nations Institute for Training and Research

UNMIK
United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo

UNMIL
United Nations Mission in Liberia

UNMIS
United Nations Mission in the Sudan

UNMIS

UNMIT
United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste

UNMOGIP
United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan

UNOCI
United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire

UNOPS
United Nations Office of Project Services

UNRISD
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development

UNRWA
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East

UNSC
United Nations Security Council

UNSSC
Untied Nations System Staff College

UNTSO
United Nations Truce Supervision Organization

UNU
United Nations University

UNWTO
World Tourism Organization

UPU
Universal Postal Union

US
United States

USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union); used for information dated before 25 December 1991

UTC
Coordinated Universal Time

UV ultra violet

V

VHF very-high-frequency

VSAT very small aperture terminal

W

WADB
West African Development Bank

WAEMU
West African Economic and Monetary Union

WCL
World Confederation of Labor

WCO
World Customs Organization

Wetlands
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially As
Waterfowl Habitat

WEU
Western European Union

WFP
World Food Program

WFTU
World Federation of Trade Unions

Whaling
International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling

WHO
World Health Organization

WIPO
World Intellectual Property Organization

WMO
World Meteorological Organization

WP
Warsaw Pact

WTO
World Trade Organization

Z

ZC
Zangger Committee

======================================================================

Appendix B :: International Organizations and Groups

A

advanced developing countries

another term for those less developed countries (LDCs) with particularly rapid industrial development; see newly industrializing economies (NIEs)

advanced economies

a term used by the International Monetary FUND (IMF) for the top group in its hierarchy of advanced economies, countries in transition, and developing countries; it includes the following 33 advanced economies: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, US; note - this group would presumably also cover the following nine smaller countries of Andorra, Bermuda, Faroe Islands, Guernsey, Holy See, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and San Marino that are included in the more comprehensive group of "developed countries"

African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

note - regional multilateral development finance institution
temporarily located in Tunis, Tunisia; the Bank Group consists of the
African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the
Nigerian Trust Fund established - 10 September 1964 aim - to promote
economic development and social progress regional members - (53)
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape
Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt,
Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi,
Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger,
Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra
Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo,
Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe nonregional members - (24)
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

African Union (AU)

note - replaces Organization of African Unity (OAU) established - 8 July 2001 aim - to achieve greater unity among African States; to defend states' integrity and independence; to accelerate political, social, and economic integration; to encourage international cooperation; to promote democratic principles and institutions members - (53) Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea (suspended), Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (Western Sahara), Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID)

established - 31 July 2007 aim - to contribute to the restoration of security conditions which will allow safe humanitarian assistance throughout Darfur, to contribute to the protection of civilian populations under imminent threat of physical attack, to monitor, observe compliance with, and verify the implementation of various ceasefire agreements members - (35) Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group)

established - 6 June 1975 aim - to manage their preferential economic
and aid relationship with the EU members - (79) Angola, Antigua and
Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso,
Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands,
Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equatorial
Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati,
Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Mozambique,
Namibia, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda,
Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,
Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland,
Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu,
Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the
Caribbean (OPANAL)

note - acronym from Organismo para la Proscripcion de las Armas Nucleares en la America Latina y el Caribe (OPANAL) established - 14 February 1967 under the Treaty of Tlatelolco; effective - 25 April 1969 on the 11th ratification aim - to encourage the peaceful uses of atomic energy and prohibit nuclear weapons members - (33) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)

established - November 1990 aim - to call attention to threats of sea- level rise and coral bleaching to small islands and lowlying coastal developing states from global warming; to emphasize the importance of information and information technology in the process of achieving sustainable development members - (39) Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cape Verde, Comoros, Cook Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu observers - (3) American Samoa, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands

Andean Community of Nations (CAN)

note - formerly known as the Andean Group (AG) and the Andean Common Market (Ancom) established - 26 May 1969; present name established 1 October 1992; effective - 16 October 1969 aim - to promote harmonious development through economic integration members - (4) Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru associate members - (5) Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay observers - (2) Mexico, Panama

Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (ABEDA)

note - also known as Banque Arabe de Developpement Economique en Afrique (BADEA) established - 18 February 1974; effective - 16 September 1974 aim - to promote economic development members - (17 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Palestine Liberation Organization; note - these are all the members of the Arab League excluding Comoros, Djibouti, Somalia, Yemen

Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD)

established - 16 May 1968 aim - to promote economic and social development members - (20 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia (suspended 1993), Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Arab Maghreb Union (AMU)

established - 17 February 1989 aim - to promote cooperation and integration among the Arab states of northern Africa members - (5) Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia

Arab Monetary Fund (AMF)

established - 27 April 1976; effective - 2 February 1977 aim - to promote Arab cooperation, development, and integration in monetary and economic affairs members - (21 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Arctic Council

established - 18 September 1996 aim - to address the common concerns and challenges faced by Arctic governments and the people of the Arctic; to protect the Arctic environment members - (8) Canada, Denmark (Greenland, Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, US permanent participants - (6) Aleut International Association, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Gwich'in Council International, Inuit Circumpolar Conference, Russian Association of Indigenous People of the North, Saami Council observers - (6) France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, UK

ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)

established - 25 July 1994 aim - to foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security issues of common interest and concern members - (27) Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Canada, China, EU, India, Indonesia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, NZ, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, US, Vietnam

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

established - 7 November 1989 aim - to promote trade and investment in the Pacific basin members - (21) Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, NZ, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, US, Vietnam observers - (3) Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

established - 19 December 1966 aim - to promote regional economic
cooperation members - (48) Afghanistan, Armenia, Australia,
Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, Cook
Islands, Fiji, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan,
Kiribati, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, NZ,
Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore,
Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste,
Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam nonregional
members - (19) Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

established - 8 August 1967 aim - to encourage regional economic, social, and cultural cooperation among the non-Communist countries of Southeast Asia members - (10) Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam dialogue partners - (11) Australia, Canada, China, EU, India, Japan, South Korea, NZ, Pakistan, Russia, US observers - (1) Papua New Guinea

Australia Group (AG)

established - June 1985 aim - to consult on and coordinate export
controls related to chemical and biological weapons members - (41)
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, European Commission, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South
Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, NZ, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US

Australia-New Zealand-United States Security Treaty (ANZUS)

established - 1 September 1951; effective - 29 April 1952 aim - to implement a trilateral mutual security agreement, although the US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986; Australia and the US continue to hold annual meetings members - (3) Australia, NZ, US

B

Baltic Assembly (BA)

established - 12 May 1990 aim - to thoroughly discuss various cooperation issues between Baltic states members - (3) Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

established - 20 January 1930; effective - 17 March 1930 aim - to promote cooperation among central banks in international financial settlements members - (56) Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, European Central Bank, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UK, US; note - Montenegro has a separate central bank; its links with BIS are currently under review

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC)

established - June 1997 aim - to foster socio-economic cooperation among members members - (7) Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand

Benelux Union (Benelux)

note - acronym from Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg; was formerly known as Benelux Economic Union established - 3 February 1958; effective - 1 November 1960; changed names 17 June 2008 aim - to develop closer economic and legal cooperation and integration members - (3) Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands

Big Seven

note - membership is the same as the Group of 7 established - 1975 aim - to discuss and coordinate major economic policies members - (7) Big Six (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK) plus the US

Black Sea Economic Cooperation Zone (BSEC)

established - 25 June 1992 aim - to enhance regional stability through economic cooperation members - (12) Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine; note - Macedonia is in the process of joining observers - (17) Austria, Belarus, Black Sea Commission, Commission of the EC, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Energy Charter Secretariat, France, Germany, International Black Sea Club, Israel, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Tunisia, US; note - Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia have applied for observer status

C

Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom)

established - 4 July 1973; effective - 1 August 1973 aim - to promote economic integration and development, especially among the less developed countries members - (15) Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago associate members - (5) Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands observers - (8) Aruba, Colombia, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, Venezuela

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)

established - 18 October 1969; effective - 26 January 1970 aim - to
promote economic development and cooperation regional members - (21)
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British
Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana,
Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos
Islands, Venezuela nonregional members - (5) Canada, China, Germany,
Italy, UK

Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC)

see Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC)

Central African States Development Bank (BDEAC)

note - acronym from Banque de Developpement des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale established - 3 December 1975 aim - to provide loans for economic development members - (10) African Development Bank (AfDB), Cameroon, Central African States Bank (BEAC), Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Kuwait

Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE)

note - acronym from Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economico established - 13 December 1960 signature of Articles of Agreement; 31 May 1961 began operations aim - to promote economic integration and development members - (5) Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua nonregional members - (7) Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Spain, Taiwan

Central American Common Market (CACM)

established - 13 December 1960, collapsed in 1969, reinstated in 1991 aim - to promote establishment of a Central American Common Market members - (5) Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua

Central American Integration System (SICA)

established - 13 December 1991; operational 1 February 1993 aim - to strengthen democracy; to set up a new model of regional security; to promote freedom; to achieve a regional system of welfare and economic and social justice; to attain economic unity and strengthen the area as an economic bloc; to act as a bloc in international matters members - (7) Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama associated member - (1) Dominican Republic observers - (8) Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain

Central European Initiative (CEI)

note - evolved from the Quadrilateral Initiative and the Hexagonal Initiative established - 11 November 1989 as the Quadrilateral Initiative, 27 July 1991 became the Hexagonal Initiative, July 1992 its present name was adopted aim - to form an economic and political cooperation group for the region between the Adriatic and the Baltic Seas members - (18) Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine

centrally planned economies

a term applied mainly to the traditionally Communist states that looked to the former USSR for leadership; most are now evolving toward more democratic and market-oriented systems; also known formerly as the Second World or as the Communist countries; through the 1980s, this group included Albania, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, German Democratic Republic, Hungary, North Korea, Laos, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, USSR, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, but now is limited to Cuba and North Korea, and less so to China

Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)

established - 7 October 2002 aim - to coordinate military and political cooperation, to develop multilateral structures and mechanisms of cooperation for ensuring national security of the member states members - (6) Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan

Colombo Plan (CP)

established - May 1950 proposal was adopted; 1 July 1951 commenced full operations aim - to promote economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific members - (26) Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, NZ, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, US, Vietnam

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

note - formerly known as Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern Africa (PTA) established - treaty signed 5 November 1993; treaty ratified 8 December 1994 aim - recognizing, promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, commitment to the principles of liberty and rule of law, maintaining peace and stability through the promotion and strengthening of good neighborliness, commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes among member states members - (19) Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Commonwealth (C)

note - also known as Commonwealth of Nations established - 31 December 1931 aim - to foster multinational cooperation and assistance, as a voluntary association that evolved from the British Empire members - (54) Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji (suspended), The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, NZ, Nigeria, Pakistan (reinstated 2004), Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, UK, Vanuatu, Zambia; note - on 7 December 2003 Zimbabwe withdrew its membership from the Commonwealth

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

established - 8 December 1991; effective - 21 December 1991 aim - to coordinate intercommonwealth relations and to provide a mechanism for the orderly dissolution of the USSR members - (9) Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan; note - neither Ukraine as a participating member nor Turkmenistan as an associate member have signed the 1993 CIS charter, although both participate in meetings; Georgia left the organization in August 2009

Communist countries

traditionally the Marxist-Leninist states with authoritarian governments and command economies based on the Soviet model; most of the original and the successor states are no longer Communist; see centrally planned economies

Community of Democracies (CD)

established - 27 June 2000 aim - "to respect and uphold core democratic principals and practices" including free and fair elections, freedom of speech and expression, equal access to education, rule of law, and freedom of peaceful assembly members - (17) Cape Verde, Chile, Czech Republic, El Salvador, India, Italy, South Korea, Lithuania, Mali, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, US

Comuinidade dos Paises de Lingua Portuguesa (CPLP)

established - 1996 aim - to establish a forum for friendship among Portuguese-speaking nations where Portuguese is an official language members - (8) Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor-Leste associate observers - (3) Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Senegal

Conference of Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia
(CICA)

established - proposed 5 October 1992; established 14 September 1999 aim - promoting a multi-national forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security, and stability in Asia members - (22 and the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, China, Egypt, India, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, South Korea, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and the Palestine Liberation Organization observers - (12) Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, League of Arab States, Malaysia, OSCE, Philippines, Qatar, Ukraine, UN, US

Coordinating Committee on Export Controls (COCOM)

established in 1949 to control the export of strategic products and technical data from member countries to proscribed destinations; members were: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, UK, US; abolished 31 March 1994; COCOM members established a new organization, the Wassenaar Arrangement, with expanded membership on 12 July 1996 that focuses on nonproliferation export controls as opposed to East-West control of advanced technology

Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CEMA)

note - also known as CMEA or Comecon established 25 January 1949 to promote the development of socialist economies and abolished 1 January 1991; members included Afghanistan (observer), Albania (had not participated since 1961 break with USSR), Angola (observer), Bulgaria, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia (observer), GDR, Hungary, Laos (observer), Mongolia, Mozambique (observer), Nicaragua (observer), Poland, Romania, USSR, Vietnam, Yemen (observer), Yugoslavia (associate)

Council of Arab Economic Unity (CAEU)

established - 3 June 1957; effective - 30 May 1964 aim - to promote economic integration among Arab nations members - (11 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Council of Europe (CE)

established - 5 May 1949; effective - 3 August 1949 aim - to promote
increased unity and quality of life in Europe members - (47) Albania,
Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta,
Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK

Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)

established - 6 March 1992 aim - to promote cooperation among the Baltic Sea states in the areas of aid to new democratic institutions, economic development, humanitarian aid, energy and the environment, cultural programs and education, and transportation and communication members - (12) Denmark, Estonia, EC, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden observers - (10) Belarus, France, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Slovakia, Ukraine, UK, US

Council of the Entente (Entente)

established - 29 May 1959 aim - to promote economic, social, and political coordination members - (5) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Niger, Togo

countries in transition

a term used by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the middle group in its hierarchy of formerly centrally planned economies; IMF statistics include the following 28 countries in transition: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan; note - this group is identical to the group traditionally referred to as the "former USSR/Eastern Europe" except for the addition of Mongolia

Customs Cooperation Council (CCC)

note - see World Customs Organization (WCO)

D

developed countries (DCs)

the top group in the hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); includes the market-oriented economies of the mainly democratic nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Bermuda, Israel, South Africa, and the European ministates; also known as the First World, high-income countries, the North, industrial countries; generally have a per capita GDP in excess of $15,000 although four OECD countries and South Africa have figures well under $15,000 and eight of the excluded OPEC countries have figures of more than $20,000; the DCs include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US; note - similar to the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) term "advanced economies" that adds Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan but drops Malta, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey

developing countries

a term used by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the bottom
group in its hierarchy of advanced economies, countries in transition,
and developing countries; IMF statistics include the following 126
developing countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and
Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma,
Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic,
Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus,
Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada,
Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,
Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,
Federated States of Micronesia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal,
Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan,
Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda,
Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra
Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan,
Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and
Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela,
Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe; note - this category would presumably
also cover the following 46 other countries that are traditionally
included in the more comprehensive group of "less developed countries":
American Samoa, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cayman
Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, Cuba, Eritrea,
Falkland Islands, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gaza Strip,
Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guernsey, Isle of Man,
Jersey, North Korea, Macau, Martinique, Mayotte, Montserrat, Nauru, New
Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau,
Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Saint Helena, Ascension, and
Tristan da Cunha, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Tokelau, Tonga, Turks and
Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank,
Western Sahara

Developing Eight (D-8)

established - 15 June 1997 aim - to improve developing countries' positions in the world economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at the international level, provide better standards of living member - (8) Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey

E

East African Community (EAC)

note - originally established in 1967, it was disbanded in 1977 established - January 2001 aim - to establish a political and economic union among the countries members - (5) Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda

East African Development Bank (EADB)

established - 6 June 1967; effective - 1 December 1967 aim - to promote economic development members - (4) Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda

East Asia Summit (EAS)

established - 14 December 2005 aim - to promote cooperation in political and security issues; to promote development, financial stability, energy security, economic integration and growth; to eradicate poverty and narrow the development gap in East Asia, and to promote deeper cultural understanding members - (16) Australia, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, NZ, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC)

note - was formerly the Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC) established - 8 December 1964; effective - 1 January 1966 aim - to promote the establishment of a Central African Common Market members - (6) Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon

Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)

note - an integral part of the European Union; also known as the European Economic and Monetary Union established - 1-2 December 1969 (proposed at summit conference of heads of government; 7 February 1992 (Maastricht Treaty signed) aim - to promote a single market by creating a single currency, the euro; timetable - 2 May 1998: European exchange rates fixed for 1 January 1999; 1 January 1999: all banks and stock exchanges begin using euros; 1 January 2002: the euro goes into circulation; 1 July 2002 local currencies no longer accepted members - (17) Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945 aim - to coordinate the economic and social work of the UN; includes five regional commissions (Economic Commission for Africa, Economic Commission for Europe, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia) and nine functional commissions (Commission for Social Development, Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Commission on the Status of Women, Commission on Population and Development, Statistical Commission, Commission on Science and Technology for Development, Commission on Sustainable Development, and Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice) members - (54) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL)

note - acronym from Communaute Economique des Pays des Grands Lacs established - 20 September 1976 aim - to promote regional economic cooperation and integration members - (3) Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda; note - organization collapsed because of fighting in 1998; reactivated in 2006

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

established - 28 May 1975 aim - to promote regional economic cooperation members - (15) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire (suspended), The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea (suspended), Guinea- Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger (suspended), Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)

established - 27-29 January 1985 aim - to promote regional cooperation in trade, transportation, communications, tourism, cultural affairs, and economic development members - (10) Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Eurasian Economic Community (EAEC or EurasEC)

note - merged with Central Asian Cooperation Organization (CACO) in 2005 established - May 2001 aim - to create a common economic and energy policy members - (5) Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan observers - (3) Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine

Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC)

note - began as the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC); an extension of NATO established - 8 November 1991; effective - 20 December 1991 aim - to discuss cooperation on mutual political and security issues members - (50) Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UK, US, Uzbekistan

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

established - 8-9 January 1990 (proposals made); 15 April 1991 (bank inaugurated) aim - to facilitate the transition of seven centrally planned economies in Europe (Bulgaria, former Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, former USSR, and former Yugoslavia) to market economies by committing 60% of its loans to privatization members - (63) Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, EC, European Investment Bank (EIB), Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UK, US, Uzbekistan

European Community (or European Communities, EC)

established 8 April 1965 to integrate the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the European Economic Community (EEC or Common Market), and to establish a completely integrated common market and an eventual federation of Europe; merged into the European Union (EU) on 7 February 1992; member states at the time of merger were Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK

European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

established - 4 January 1960; effective - 3 May 1960 aim - to promote expansion of free trade members - (4) Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland

European Investment Bank (EIB)

established - 25 March 1957; effective - 1 January 1958 aim - to promote economic development of the EU and its predecessors, the EEC and the EC members - (27) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

note - acronym retained from the predecessor organization Conseil Europeenne pour la Recherche Nucleaire established - 1 July 1953; effective - 29 September 1954 aim - to foster nuclear research for peaceful purposes only members - (20) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK observers - (8) EC, India, Israel, Japan, Russia, Turkey, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), US

European Space Agency (ESA)

established - 31 May 1975 aim - to promote peaceful cooperation in space research and technology members - (18) Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK cooperating states - (5) Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovenia

European Union (EU)

note - see European Union entry at the end of the "country" listings

F

Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

established - by G-7 Summit in Paris in 1989 aim - to develop and promote policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing members - (36) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, EC, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Gulf Cooperation Council, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands (Netherland Antilles and Aruba), NZ, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

First World

another term for countries with advanced, industrialized economies; this term is fading from use; see developed countries (DCs)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

established - 16 October 1945 aim - to raise living standards and increase availability of agricultural products; a UN specialized agency members - (192) includes all UN member countries except Brunei, Liechtenstein, and Singapore (189 total); plus Cook Islands, EU, and Niue

former Soviet Union (FSU)

former term often used to identify as a group the successor nations to the Soviet Union or USSR; this group of 15 countries consists of: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE)

the middle group in the hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); these countries are in political and economic transition and may well be grouped differently in the near future; this group of 27 countries consists of: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia; this group is identical to the IMF group "countries in transition" except for the IMF's inclusion of Mongolia

Four Dragons

the four small Asian less developed countries (LDCs) that have experienced unusually rapid economic growth; also known as the Four Tigers; this group consists of Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan; these countries are included in the IMF's "advanced economies" group

Franc Zone (FZ)

note - also known as Conference des Ministres des Finances des Pays de la Zone Franc established - 1964 aim - to form a monetary union among countries whose currencies were linked to the French franc members - (16) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo

Front Line States (FLS)

established to achieve black majority rule in South Africa; has since gone out of existence; members included Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

G

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)

see the World Trade Organization (WTO)

General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU)

established - 16 April 1992 aim - to consolidate trade union actions to protect citizens' social and labor rights and interests, to help secure trade unions' rights and guarantees, and to strengthen international trade union solidarity members - (11) Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Group of 10 (G-10)

note - also known as the Paris Club; includes the wealthiest members of the IMF who provide most of the money to be loaned and act as the informal steering committee; name persists despite increased membership established - October 1962 aim - to coordinate credit policy members - (11) Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US observers - (4) BIS, EC, IMF, OECD

Group of 11 (G-11)

established - 2006 aim - to narrow the income gap with the world's richest nations members - (12) Croatia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Georgia, Honduras, Indonesia, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, Tunisia

Group of 15 (G-15)

note - byproduct of the Nonaligned Movement; name persists despite increased membership established - September 1989 aim - to promote economic cooperation among developing nations; to act as the main political organ for the Nonaligned Movement members - (18) Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

Group of 20 (G-20)

established - created 1999; inaugurated 15-16 December 1999 aim - to promote open and constructive discussion between industrial and emerging-market countries on any issues related to global economic stability; helps to support growth and development across the globe members - (20) Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, UK, US

Group of 24 (G-24)

established - 1 August 1989 aim - to promote the interests of developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America within the IMF members - (24) Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Iran, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela observers - (1) China

Group of 3 (G-3)

established - September 1990 aim - mechanism for policy coordination members - (2) Colombia, Mexico; note - Panama shows interest in joining

Group of 5 (G-5)

established - 22 September 1985 aim - to coordinate the economic policies of five major noncommunist economic powers members - (5) France, Germany, Japan, UK, US

Group of 6 (G-6)

also known as Groupe des Six Sur le Desarmement (not to be confused with the Big Six) was established in 22 May 1984 with the aim of achieving nuclear disarmament; its members were Argentina, Greece, India, Mexico, Sweden, Tanzania

Group of 7 (G-7)

note - membership is the same as the Big Seven established - 22 September 1985 aim - to facilitate economic cooperation among the seven major noncommunist economic powers members - (7) Group of 5 (France, Germany, Japan, UK, US) plus Canada and Italy

Group of 77 (G-77)

established - 15 June1964; October 1967 first ministerial meeting aim
- to promote economic cooperation among developing countries; name
persists in spite of increased membership members - (129 plus the
Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola,
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh,
Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia,
Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,
Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the
Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican
Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea,
Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,
Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho,
Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall
Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia,
Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger,
Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia,
South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan,
Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,
Turkmenistan, Uganda, UAE, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation Organization

Group of 8 (G-8)

established - October 1975 aim - to facilitate economic cooperation among the developed countries (DCs) that participated in the Conference on International Economic Cooperation (CIEC), held in several sessions between December 1975 and 3 June 1977 members - (9) Canada, EC, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK, US

Group of 9 (G-9)

established - NA aim - to discuss matters of mutual interest on an informal basis members - (9) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Sweden

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

note - also known as the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf established - 25 May 1981 aim - to promote regional cooperation in economic, social, political, and military affairs members - (6) Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE

H

high income countries

another term for the industrialized countries with high per capita GDPs; see developed countries (DCs)

I

Indian Ocean Commission (InOC)

established - 21 December 1982 aim - to organize and promote regional cooperation in all sectors, especially economic members - (5) Comoros, France (for Reunion and Mayotte), Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles

industrial countries

another term for the developed countries; see developed countries (DCs)

Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)

note - also known as Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) established - 8 April 1959; effective - 30 December 1959 aim - to promote economic and social development in Latin America members - (48) Argentina, Austria, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela

Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

note - formerly known as Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD) established - 15-16 January 1986 as the Inter- Governmental Authority on Drought and Development; revitalized - 21 March 1996 as the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development aim - to promote a social, economic, and scientific community among its members members - (6) Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda; note - Eritrea declared its suspension in 2007

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

established - 1889 aim - fosters contacts among parliamentarians,
considers and expresses views of international interest and concern
with the purpose of bringing about action by parliaments and
parliamentarians, contributes to the defense and promotion of human
rights, contributes to better knowledge of representative institutions
members - (154 and the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan,
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia,
Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin,
Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China,
Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the
Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia,
Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary,
Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia,
Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco,
Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands,
NZ, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua
New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar,
Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe,
Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,
Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,
Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-
Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay,
Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation
Organization associate members - (9) Andean Parliament, Central
American Parliament, East African Legislative Assembly, European
Parliament, Inter-Parliamentary Committee of the West African Economic
and Monetary Union, Latin American Parliament, Parliament of the
Economic Community of West African States, Parliamentary Assembly of
the Council of Europe, Transitional Arab Parliament

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

established - 26 October 1956; effective - 29 July 1957 aim - to
promote peaceful uses of atomic energy members - (150) Afghanistan,
Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin,
Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of
the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany,
Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro,
Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,
Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland,
Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,
Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe; note - membership pending for Cambodia, Cape Verde,
Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, and Togo until the necessary legal
instruments are deposited with the IAEA

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

note - also known as the World Bank established - 22 July 1944; effective - 27 December 1945 aim - to provide economic development loans; a UN specialized agency members - (187) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Cuba, North Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Nauru; plus Kosovo

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

established - 1919 aim - to promote free trade and private enterprise
and to represent business interests at national and international
levels members - (89 national committees) Algeria, Argentina,
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil,
Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Caribbean, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa
Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican
Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Georgia,
Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, South Korea,
Kuwait, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico,
Monaco, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan,
Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi
Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa,
Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo,
Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay; note - Peru is
restructuring

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

established - 7 December 1944; effective - 4 April 1947 aim - to promote international cooperation in civil aviation; a UN specialized agency members - (190) includes all UN member countries except Dominica, Liechtenstein, and Tuvalu (189 total); plus Cook Islands

International Civilian Support Mission in Haiti (MICAH)

established 17 December 1999 to promote respect for human rights; members included Argentina, Benin, Canada, France, India, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia, US; closed 2001

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

established - 17 February 1863 aim - to provide humanitarian aid in wartime members - (15-25 individuals) all Swiss nationals

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

note - also known as the World Court; primary judicial organ of the UN established - 3 February 1946; superseded Permanent Court of International Justice (the international court attached to the League of Nations) aim - to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies members - (15 judges) elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council to represent all principal legal systems adherents (with reservations) - (55) Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, The Gambia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Honduras, Hungary, India, Japan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Senegal, Slovakia, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Uganda, United Kingdom adherents (without reservations) - (11) Austria, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Luxembourg, Paraguay, Uruguay

International Criminal Court (ICCt)

established - 11 April 2002 aim - to hold all individuals and
countries accountable to international laws of conduct; to specify
international standards of conduct; to provide an important mechanism
for implementing these standards; to ensure that perpetrators are
brought to justice members (countries that have ratified the treaty) -
(114) Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,
Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin,
Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia,
Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,
Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia,
Montenegro, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, NZ, Niger, Nigeria, Norway,
Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia,
South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan,
Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, UK, Uruguay,
Venezuela, Zambia

International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol)

established - September 1923 set up as the International Criminal
Police Commission; 13 June 1956 constitution modified and present name
adopted aim - to promote international cooperation among police
authorities in fighting crime members - (188) Afghanistan, Albania,
Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia,
Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain,
Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central
African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote
d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,
Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial
Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,
Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,
Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,
Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru,
Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South
Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden,
Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda,
Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe subbureaus - (11) American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda,
British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Macau,
Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands

International Development Association (IDA)

established - 26 January 1960; effective - 24 September 1960 aim - to
provide economic loans for low-income countries; UN specialized agency
and IBRD affiliate members - (171) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria,
Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The
Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic,
Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia,
Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia,
Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,
Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran,
Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya,
Kiribati, South Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar,
Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia,
Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua,
Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New
Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Rwanda,
Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra
Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South
Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,
Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and
Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US,
Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Energy Agency (IEA)

established - 15 November 1974 aim - to promote cooperation on energy matters, especially emergency oil sharing and relations between oil consumers and oil producers; established by the OECD members - (29) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, EC, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRCS)

note - formerly known as League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(LORCS) established - 5 May 1919 aim - to organize, coordinate, and
direct international relief actions; to promote humanitarian
activities; to represent and encourage the development of National
Societies; to bring help to victims of armed conflicts, refugees, and
displaced people; to reduce the vulnerability of people through
development programs members - (185 plus the Palestine Liberation
Organization) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua
and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,
Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei,
Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,
Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia,
Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook
Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France,
Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States
of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria,
Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint
Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa,
San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand,
Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,
Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,
Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Palestine
Liberation Organization observers - (3) Eritrea, Maldives, and Tuvalu

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

established - 25 May 1955; effective - 24 July 1956 aim - to support private enterprise in international economic development; a UN specialized agency and IBRD affiliate members - (182) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Brunei, Cuba, North Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Nauru, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Suriname, Tuvalu; plus Kosovo

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

established - November 1974 aim - to promote agricultural development;
a UN specialized agency members - (165) List A - (23 industrialized
aid contributors) Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US
List B - (12 petroleum-exporting aid contributors) Algeria, Gabon,
Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
UAE, Venezuela List C - (130 aid recipients) Afghanistan, Albania,
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, The
Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia
and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of
the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba,
Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia,
Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana,
Haiti, Honduras, India, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya,
Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho,
Liberia, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,
Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,
Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Niue,
Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles,
Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan,
Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-
Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,
Uruguay, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

note - name changed from International Hydrographic Bureau on 22 September 1970 established - June 1919; effective - June 1921 aim - to train hydrographic surveyors and nautical cartographers to achieve standardization in nautical charts and electronic chart displays; to provide advice on nautical cartography and hydrography; to develop the sciences in the field of hydrography and techniques used for descriptive oceanography members - (80) Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Burma, Canada, Chile, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela

International Labor Organization (ILO)

established - 28 June 1919 set up as part of Treaty of Versailles; 11 April 1919 became operative; 14 December 1946 affiliated with the UN aim - to deal with world labor issues; a UN specialized agency members - (183) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Bhutan, North Korea, Liechtenstein, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Palau, Tonga; note - includes the following dependencies: Netherlands (Aruba)

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

note - name changed from Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) on 22 May 1982 established - 6 March 1948 set up as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization; effective - 17 March 1958 aim - to deal with international maritime affairs; a UN specialized agency members - (168) includes all UN member countries except Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Belarus, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Mali, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niger, Palau, Rwanda, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Zambia; and Cook Islands associate members - (3) Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Macau

International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO)

established - 15 April 1999 aim - acts as watchdog over Inmarsat (International Maritime Satellite Organization), a private company, to make sure it follows ICAO standards and recommended practices; plays an active role in the development of international telecommunications policies members - (94) Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

established - 22 July 1944; effective - 27 December 1945 aim - to promote world monetary stability and economic development; a UN specialized agency members - (187) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Cuba, North Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Nauru; plus Kosovo; note - includes the following dependencies or areas of special interest: China (Hong Kong and Macau), Netherlands (Aruba)

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

established - 23 June 1894 aim - to promote the Olympic ideals and
administer the Olympic games: 2012 Summer Olympics in London, UK; 2014
Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia National Olympic Committees - (204
and the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan, Albania,
Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda,
Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,
Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin,
Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,
British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African
Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote
d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,
Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial
Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,
Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea,
Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,
Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,
Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,
Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania,
Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,
Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,
Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Yemen, Zambia,
Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation Organization

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

note - established as Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the
Movement of Migrants from Europe; renamed Intergovernmental Committee
for European Migration (ICEM) on 15 November 1952; renamed
Intergovernmental Committee for Migration (ICM) in November 1980;
current name adopted 14 November 1989 established - 5 December 1951
aim - to facilitate orderly international emigration and immigration
members - (132) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina,
Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bangladesh,
Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,
Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica,
Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican
Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon,
The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy,
Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan,
Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar,
Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia,
Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,
Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland,
Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo,
Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay,
Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe observers - (17) Bahrain,
Bhutan, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, Guyana, Holy See, Indonesia, Macedonia,
Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Sao Tome and
Principe, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

established - February 1947 aim - to promote the development of
international standards with a view to facilitating international
exchange of goods and services and to developing cooperation in the
sphere of intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity
members - (109 national standards organizations) Algeria, Argentina,
Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria,
Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland,
France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan,
Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico,
Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania,
Russia, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore,
Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden,
Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,
Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen
correspondent members - (43 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization)
Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brunei, Burkina
Faso, Burma, Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, El Salvador,
Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Guatemala, Guinea, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan,
Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania,
Moldova, Montenegro, Mozambique, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,
Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan,
Togo, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation
Organization subscriber members - (10) Antigua and Barbuda, Burundi,
Cambodia, Central African Republic, Dominica, Eritrea, Guyana,
Honduras, Laos, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

International Organization of the French-speaking World (OIF)

note - name changed from Agency of Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) in 1997; also known as Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie established - 20 March 1970 aim - founded around a common language to promote and spread the cultures of its members and to reinforce cultural and technical cooperation between them members - (53) Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Canada - New Brunswick, Canada - Quebec, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, France, French Community of Belgium, Gabon, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Laos, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Niger, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, Vanuatu, Vietnam associates - (3) Armenia, Cyprus, Ghana observers - (14) Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Mozambique, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Thailand, Ukraine

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (ICRM)

established - 1928 aim - to promote worldwide humanitarian aid through
the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in wartime, and
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRCS; formerly League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies or
LORCS) in peacetime National Societies - (185 countries and the
Palestine Liberation Organization); note - same as membership for
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRCS)

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

established - 17 May 1865 set up as the International Telegraph Union; 9 December 1932 adopted present name; effective - 1 January 1934; affiliated with the UN - 15 November 1947 aim - to deal with world telecommunications issues; a UN specialized agency members - (192) includes all UN member countries except Palau (191 total); plus Holy See

International Telecommunications Satellites Organization (ITSO)

established - August 1964 aim - to act as a watchdog over Intelsat,
Ltd., a private company, to make sure it provides on a global and non-
discriminatory basis public telecommunication services members - (150)
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Benin,
Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei,
Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African
Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia,
Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,
Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji,
Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,
Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary,
Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,
Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar,
Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, the
Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria,
Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi
Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan,
Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,
UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia,
Zimbabwe

International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

note - its predecessors were the International Confederation of Free
Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the World Confederation of Labor (WCL)
established - 3 November 2006 aim - to promote the trade union
movement members - (312 affiliated organizations in the following 156
countries and the Palestine Liberation Organization as of December
2007) Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Argentina,
Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,
Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bonaire, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada,
Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, Chad, Chile, Colombia,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands,
Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia,
Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong,
Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Liberia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia,
Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New
Caledonia, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama,
Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania,
Russia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa,
San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra
Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UK, US,
Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Palestine
Liberation Organization

Islamic Development Bank (IDB)

established - 15 December 1973 by declaration of intent; effective - 12
August 1974 aim - to promote Islamic economic aid and social
development members - (56 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization)
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros,
Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan,
Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco,
Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan,
Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, UAE, Uzbekistan, Yemen,
Palestine Liberation Organization

L

Latin American Economic System (LAES)

note - also known as Sistema Economico Latinoamericana (SELA) established - 17 October 1975 aim - to promote economic and social development through regional cooperation members - (28) Argentina, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Secretaria General Iberoamericana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

Latin American Integration Association (LAIA)

note - also known as Asociacion Latinoamericana de Integracion (ALADI)
established - 12 August 1980; effective - 18 March 1981 aim - to
promote freer regional trade members - (12) Argentina, Bolivia,
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru,
Uruguay, Venezuela observers - (30) China, Corporacion Andina de
Fomento, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, EC, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras, Inter-American Development Bank, Inter-American Institute for
Cooperation on Agriculture, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latin America
Economic System, Nicaragua, Organizacion Panamericana de la Salud,
Organizacion Mundial de la Salud, Organization of American States,
Panama, Pan-American Health Organization, Portugal, Romania, Russia,
San Marino, Secretaria General Iberoamericana, Spain, Switzerland,
Ukraine, United Nations Development Program, United Nations Economic
Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

League of Arab States (LAS)

note - also known as Arab League (AL) established - 22 March 1945 aim - aim - to promote economic, social, political, and military cooperation members - (21 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization observers - (4) Brazil, Eritrea, India, Venezuela

least developed countries (LLDCs)

that subgroup of the less developed countries (LDCs) initially identified by the UN General Assembly in 1971 as having no significant economic growth, per capita GDPs normally less than $1,000, and low literacy rates; also known as the undeveloped countries; the 44 LLDCs are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Uganda, Zambia

less developed countries (LDCs)

the bottom group in the hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); mainly countries and dependent areas with low levels of output, living standards, and technology; per capita GDPs are generally below $5,000 and often less than $1,500; however, the group also includes a number of countries with high per capita incomes, areas of advanced technology, and rapid rates of growth; includes the advanced developing countries, developing countries, Four Dragons (Four Tigers), least developed countries (LLDCs), low-income countries, middle-income countries, newly industrializing economies (NIEs), the South, Third World, underdeveloped countries, undeveloped countries; the 172 LDCs are: Afghanistan, Algeria, American Samoa, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, The Gambia, Gaza Strip, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jersey, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Palau, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, UAE, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe; note - similar to the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) term "developing countries" which adds Malta, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey but omits in its recently published statistics American Samoa, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, Cuba, Eritrea, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gaza Strip, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, North Korea, Macau, Martinique, Mayotte, Montserrat, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Tokelau, Tonga, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank, Western Sahara

low-income countries

another term for those less developed countries with below-average per capita GDPs; see less developed countries (LDCs)

M

middle-income countries

another term for those less developed countries with above-average per capita GDPs; see less developed countries (LDCs)

Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

established - 12 April 1988 aim - encourages flow of foreign direct investment among member countries by offering investment insurance, consultation, and negotiation on conditions for foreign investment and technical assistance; a UN specialized agency members - (175) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Comoros, Cuba, Kiribati, North Korea, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Nauru, Niger, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia, Tonga, Tuvalu; plus Kosovo

N

Near Abroad

Russian term for the 14 non-Russian successor states of the USSR, in which 25 million ethnic Russians live and in which Moscow has expressed a strong national security interest; the 14 countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

new independent states (NIS)

a term referring to all the countries of the FSU except the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)

newly industrializing countries (NICs)

former term for the newly industrializing economies; see newly industrializing economies (NIEs)

newly industrializing economies (NIEs)

that subgroup of the less developed countries (LDCs) that has experienced particularly rapid industrialization of their economies; formerly known as the newly industrializing countries (NICs); also known as advanced developing countries; usually includes the Four Dragons (Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan), and Brazil

Nonaligned Movement (NAM)

established - 1-6 September 1961 aim - to establish political and
military cooperation apart from the traditional East or West blocs
members - (117 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan,
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh,
Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei,
Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central
African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic
of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti,
Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea,
Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran,
Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon,
Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal,
Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea,
Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa,
Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand,
Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda,
UAE, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Palestine Liberation Organization observers - (18) Argentina, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Croatia,
El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Montenegro, Paraguay,
Serbia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uruguay

Nordic Council (NC)

established - 16 March 1952; effective - 12 February 1953 aim - to promote regional economic, cultural, and environmental cooperation members - (5) Denmark (including Faroe Islands and Greenland), Finland (including Aland Islands), Iceland, Norway, Sweden observers - (3) the Sami (Lapp) local parliaments of Finland, Norway, and Sweden

Nordic Investment Bank (NIB)

established - 4 December 1975; effective - 1 June 1976 aim - to promote economic cooperation and development members - (8) Denmark (including Faroe Islands and Greenland), Estonia, Finland (including Aland Islands), Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden

North

a popular term for the rich industrialized countries generally located in the northern portion of the Northern Hemisphere; the counterpart of the South; see developed countries (DCs)

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

established - 17 December 1992 aim - to eliminate trade barriers, promote fair competition, increase investment opportunities, provide protection of intellectual property rights, and create procedures to settle disputes members - (3) Canada, Mexico, US

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

established - 4 April 1949 aim - to promote mutual defense and cooperation members - (28) Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, UK, US

Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

note - also known as OECD Nuclear Energy Agency established - 1 February 1958 aim - to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy; associated with OECD members - (29) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

note - also known as the London Suppliers Group or the London Group established - 1974; effective - 1975 aim - to establish guidelines for exports of nuclear materials, processing equipment for uranium enrichment, and technical information to countries of proliferation concern and regions of conflict and instability members - (46) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US observer - (1) European Commission (a policy-planning body for the EU)

O

Organization for Democracy and Economic Development (GUAM)

note-acronym standing for the member countries, Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova; formerly known as GUUAM before Uzbekistan withdrew in 5 May 2005 established - 7 June 2001 aim - commits the countries to cooperation and assistance in social and economic development, the strengthening and broadening of trade and economic relations, and the development and effective use of transport and communications, highways, and related infrastructure crossing the boundaries of the member states members - (4) Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

established - 14 December 1960; effective - 30 September 1961 aim - to promote economic cooperation and development members - (34) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US special member - (1) EC accession states - (1) Russia

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

note - formerly the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) established 3 July 1975 established - 1 January 1995 aim - to foster the implementation of human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law; to act as an instrument of early warning, conflict prevention, and crisis management; and to serve as a framework for conventional arms control and confidence building measures members - (56) Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UK, US, Uzbekistan partners for cooperation - (12) Afghanistan, Algeria, Australia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Thailand, Tunisia

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

established - 29 April 1997 aim - to enforce the Convention on the
Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of
Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction; to provide a forum for
consultation and cooperation among the signatories of the Convention
members (countries that have ratified the Convention) - (188)
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,
Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain,
Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African
Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote
d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Djibouti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia,
Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,
Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,
Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated
States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,
Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea,
Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,
Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,
Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania,
Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,
Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,
Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
signatory states (countries that have signed, but not ratified, the
Convention) - (2) Burma, Israel

Organization of African Unity (OAU)

see African Union

Organization of American States (OAS)

established - 14 April 1890 as the International Union of American
Republics; 30 April 1948 adopted present charter; effective - 13
December 1951 aim - to promote regional peace and security as well as
economic and social development members - (35) Antigua and Barbuda,
Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada,
Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba (excluded from formal participation
since 1962), Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico,
Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, US,
Uruguay, Venezuela observers - (65) Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, Belgium, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea,
Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Holy
See, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Kazakhstan, South Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,
Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, Vanuatu, Yemen

Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC)

established - 9 January 1968 aim - to promote cooperation in the petroleum industry members - (11) Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia (suspended), UAE

Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

established - 18 June 1981; effective - 4 July 1981 aim - to promote political, economic, and defense cooperation members - (9) Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

established - 14 September 1960 aim - to coordinate petroleum policies members - (12) Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Venezuela; note - Indonesia left OPEC in 2008

Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)

established - 22-25 September 1969 aim - to promote Islamic solidarity
in economic, social, cultural, and political affairs members - (56
plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan, Albania,
Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei, Burkina Faso,
Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, The
Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives,
Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname,
Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, UAE,
Uzbekistan, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization observers - (12)
AU, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, ECO, LAS, Moro
National Liberation Front, NAM, Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member
States, Russia, Thailand, Turkish Muslim Community of Kibris, UN

P

Pacific Community (SPC)

local name of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community

Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)

note - formerly known as South Pacific Forum (SPF) established - 5 August 1971 aim - to promote regional cooperation in political matters members - (16) Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, NZ, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu associate members - (2) French Polynesia, New Caledonia partners - (14) Canada, China, EU, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, UK, US observers - (6) Asia Development Bank, The Commonwealth, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna, the World Bank

Paris Club

established - 1956 aim - to provide a forum for debtor countries to negotiate rescheduling of debt service payments or loans extended by governments or official agencies of participating countries; to help restore normal trade and project finance to debtor countries members - (19) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US associate members - (13) Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Brazil, Israel, South Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, Morocco, NZ, Portugal, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey

Partnership for Peace (PFP)

established - 10-11 January 1994 aim - to expand and intensify political and military cooperation throughout Europe, increase stability, diminish threats to peace, and build relationships by promoting the spirit of practical cooperation and commitment to democratic principles that underpin NATO; program under the auspices of NATO members - (22) Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Finland, Georgia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan; note - a nation that becomes a member of NATO is no longer a member of PFP

Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)

established - 29 July 1899 aim - to facilitate the settlement of
international disputes members - (111) Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria,
Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea,
Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malta,
Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua,
Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,
Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,
Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Turkey,
Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe

PetroCaribe

established - 29 June 2005 aim - to eliminate existing social inequities, to foster high standards of living, to promote effective people's participation in shaping their own destiny members - (18) Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Venezuela

R

Rio Group (RG)

note - formerly known as Grupo de los Ocho, established NA December 1986; composed of the Contadora Group and the Lima Group established - 1988 aim - to consult on regional Latin American issues members - (24) Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica (representing CARICOM), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

S

Schengen Convention

established - signed June 1990; effective March 1995 aim - to allow free movement within an area without internal border controls members - (25) Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland; note - UK and Ireland have not joined; Liechtenstein and Cyprus will probably join in the near future; Bulgaria and Romania are still not fully implemented De Facto members - (3) Holy See, Monaco, San Marino

Second World

another term for the traditionally Marxist-Leninist states of the USSR and Eastern Europe, with authoritarian governments and command economies based on the Soviet model; the term is fading from use; see centrally planned economies

Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)

established - 6 February 1947; effective 29 July 1948 aim - to serve island development in 22 Pacific countries; to develop technical assistance and professional, scientific, and research support; to build planning and management capability members - (26) America Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, NZ, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, US, Wallis and Futuna

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

established - 15 June 2001 aim - to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism; to safeguard regional security through mutual trust, disarmament, and cooperative security; and to increase cooperation in political, trade, economic, scientific and technological, cultural, and educational fields members - (6) China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan dialogue members - (2) Belarus, Sri Lanka observers - (4) India, Iran, Mongolia, Pakistan

socialist countries

in general, countries in which the government owns and plans the use of the major factors of production; note - the term is sometimes used incorrectly as a synonym for Communist countries

South

a popular term for the poorer, less industrialized countries generally located south of the developed countries; the counterpart of the North; see less developed countries (LDCs)

South American Community of Nations (CSN)

established on 9 December 2004; its aim was to coordinate common policies regarding multilateral organizations, to integrate physical infrastructure, and to consolidate the merger of CAN and Mercosur; the members were Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay, Venezuela; in 2008 it became Union of South American Nations (UNASUR)

South Asia Co-operative Environment Program (SACEP)

established - January 1983 aim - to promote regional cooperation in South Asia in the field of environment, both natural and human, and on issues of economic and social development; to support conservation and management of natural resources of the region members - (8) Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

established - 8 December 1985 aim - to promote economic, social, and cultural cooperation members - (8) Afghanistan. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka observers - (9) Australia, Burma, China, EU, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius, US

South Pacific Forum (SPF)

note - see Pacific Island Forum

South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement
(Sparteca)

established - 1981 aim - to redress unequal trade relationships of Australia and New Zealand with small island economies in the Pacific region members - (16) Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, NZ, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI)

established - 6 December 1996 aim - to encourage cooperation among participating states and to facilitate their integration into European structures members - (13) Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey observers - (18) Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, UK, US

Southern African Customs Union (SACU)

established - 11 December 1969 aim - to promote free trade and cooperation in customs matters members - (5) Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland

Southern African Development Community (SADC)

note - evolved from the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) established - 17 August 1992 aim - to promote regional economic development and integration members - (14) Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur) or Southern Common Market

note - also known as Mercado Comun del Cono Sur (Mercosur) established - 26 March 1991 aim - to increase regional economic cooperation members - (4) Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay associate members - (5) Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela

T

Third World

another term for the less developed countries; the term is obsolescent; see less developed countries (LDCs)

U

underdeveloped countries

refers to those less developed countries with the potential for above- average economic growth; see less developed countries (LDCs)

undeveloped countries

refers to those extremely poor less developed countries (LDCs) with little prospect for economic growth; see least developed countries (LLDCs)

Union Latina

established - 15 May 1954; became functional 1983 aim - to project, protect, and promote the common heritage and unifying identities of the Latin, and Latin-influenced, world members - (36) Andorra, Angola, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Italy, Moldova, Monaco, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Spain, Timor- Leste, Uruguay, Venezuela observers - (3) Argentina, Holy See, Order of Malta

Union of South American Nations (UNASUR - Spanish; UNASUL - Portuguese)

formerly South American Community of Nations (CSN) which terminated on 16 April 2007 established - 23 May 2008 aim - to model a community after the European Union which will include a common currency, parliament, passport, and defense policy members - (12) Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela observers - (2) Mexico, Panama

United Nations (UN)

established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945 aim - to
maintain international peace and security and to promote cooperation
involving economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems
constituent organizations - the UN is composed of six principal organs
and numerous subordinate agencies and bodies as follows: 1)
Secretariat 2) General Assembly: Joint United Nations Program on
HIV/AIDS (UN-AIDS), International Research and Training Institute for
the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW), Office of the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Organization for the
Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Preparation Committee for the
Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), United Nations Center for
Human Settlements (UN-Habitat), United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD),
United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), United Nations Development
Program (UNDP), United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP), United
Nations Environment Program (UNEP),United Nations Fund for
International Partnerships (UNFIP), United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research
(UNIDIR), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR),
United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
(UNICRI), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Office
of Project Services (UNOPS), United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), United Nations Research
Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), United Nations System Staff
College (UNSSC), United Nations University (UNU), World Food Program
(WFP) 3) Security Council: International Criminal Tribunal for the
Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
(ICTR), United Nations Compensation Commission, United Nations
Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), African Union/United Nations
Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), United Nations Assistance Mission
in Afghanistan (UNAMA), United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi
(BINUB), United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT),
United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), United
Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), United Nations Mission in
Liberia (UNMIL), United Nations Military Observer Group in India and
Pakistan (UNMOGIP), United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI),
United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO),
United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS), United Nations
Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo (MONUSCO), United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus
(UNFICYP), United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH),
and United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) 4) Economic
and Social Council (ECOSOC): Commission for Social Development,
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Commission on
Narcotics Drugs, Commission on Population and Development, Commission
on Science and Technology for Development, Commission on Sustainable
Development, Commission on the Status of Women, Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Economic and Social
Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Economic Commission for Africa
(ECA), Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), Economic Commission for
Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(IBRD), International Center for Secretariat of Investment Disputes
(ICSID), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),
International Development Association (IDA), International Finance
Corporation (IFC), International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD), International Labor Organization (ILO), International Maritime
Organization (IMO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), Multilateral Investment Geographic
Agency (MIGA), Statistical Commission, United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Forum on
Forests, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),
Universal Postal Union (UPU), World Health Organization (WHO), World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), World Meteorological
Organization (WMO), World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and World Trade
Organization (WTO) 5) Trusteeship Council (inactive; no trusteeships at
this time) 6) International Court of Justice (ICJ)

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

note - acronym retained from the predecessor organization, UN International Children's Emergency Fund established - 11 December 1946 aim - to help establish child health and welfare services executive board members - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

established - 30 December 1964 aim - to promote international trade members - (193) all UN members plus Holy See

United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

established - 22 November 1965 aim - to provide technical assistance to stimulate economic and social development members (executive board) - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)

established - 31 May 1974 aim - to observe the 1973 Arab-Israeli cease-fire; established by the UN Security Council members - (6) Austria, Canada, Croatia, India, Japan, Philippines

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)

established - 16 November 1945; effective - 4 November 1946 aim - to promote cooperation in education, science, and culture members - (193) includes all UN member countries except Liechtenstein (191 total); plus Cook Islands and Niue associate members - (7) Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Faroe Islands, Macau, Tokelau

United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)

established - 15 December 1972 aim - to promote international cooperation on all environmental matters members - (58) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations General Assembly

established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945 aim - to function as the primary deliberative organ of the UN members - (192) all UN members are represented in the General Assembly

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

established - 3 December 1949; effective - 1 January 1951 aim - to
ensure the humanitarian treatment of refugees and find permanent
solutions to refugee problems members (executive committee) - (79)
Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin,
Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador,
Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece,
Guinea, Holy See, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Lebanon, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Macedonia,
Madagascar, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Somalia, South
Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia,
Turkey, Uganda, UK, US, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

established - 17 November 1966; effective - 1 January 1967 aim - UN specialized agency that promotes industrial development especially among the members members - (173) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Estonia, Iceland, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, US

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

established - 11 December 1963 adoption of the resolution establishing the Institute; effective - 24 March 1965 aim - to help the UN become more effective through training and research members (Board of Trustees) - (16) Algeria, Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, Republic of the Congo, France, Guatemala, India, Iran, Jamaica, Nigeria, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland, US; note - the UN Secretary General can appoint up to 30 members

United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT)

established - 25 August 2006 aim - to support the Government, to support the electoral process, to ensure the restoration and maintenance of public security members - (14) Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Fiji, India, Malaysia, Nepal, NZ, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Singapore

United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

established - 10 June 1999 aim - to promote the establishment of substantial autonomy and self-government in Kosovo; to perform basic civilian administrative functions; to support the reconstruction of key infrastructure and humanitarian and disaster relief note - gives civilian support only; works closely with NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR)

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

established - 19 March 1978 aim - to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli
forces, and assist in reestablishing Lebanese authority in southern
Lebanon; established by the UN Security Council members - (31)
Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark,
El Salvador, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India,
Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Macedonia, Malaysia, Nepal,
Nigeria, Portugal, Qatar, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Spain, Tanzania,
Turkey

United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP)

established - 24 January 1949 aim - to observe the 1949 India-Pakistan cease-fire; established by the UN Security Council members - (8) Chile, Croatia, Finland, Italy, South Korea, Philippines, Sweden, Uruguay

United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)

established - 29 April 1991 aim - to supervise the cease-fire and conduct a referendum in Western Sahara; established by the UN Security Council members - (30) Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Croatia, Djibouti, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Poland, Russia, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Yemen

United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)

established - 19 September 2003 aim - to support the cease-fire agreement and peace process, protect UN facilities and people, support humanitarian activities, and assist in national security reform members - (44) Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, The Gambia, Ghana, Indonesia, Jordan, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Ukraine, US, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad
(MINURCAT)

established on 25 September 2007; to create the security and conditions which will to contribute to the protection of refugees, displaced persons, and citizens in danger, to facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance in eastern Chad and the northeastern Central African Republic, to create favorable conditions for the reconstruction and economic and social development of these areas; members were Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Mali, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Togo, Tunisia, US; MINURCAT was dissolved in December 2010

United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS)

established - March 2005 aim - to support implementation of the comprehensive Peace Agreement by Monitoring and verifying the implementation of the Cease Fire Agreement, by observing and monitoring movements of armed groups, and by helping disarm, demobilizing and reintegrating armed bands members - (60) Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, China, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Netherland, NZ, Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UK, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI)

established - 27 February 2004 aim - to facilitate the implementation by the Ivorian parties of the peace agreement signed by them in January 2003 members - (42) Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Chad, China, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, The Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, India, Ireland, Jordan, South Korea, Moldova, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)

established - 28 May 2010 aim - to protect the civilians; to assist the government in the areas of stabilization and peace consolidation members - (52) Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovine, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Yemen, Zambia

United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)

established - 4 March 1964 aim - to serve as a peacekeeping force between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus; established by the UN Security Council members - (11) Argentina, Austria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Hungary, Paraguay, Peru, Serbia, Slovakia, UK

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

note - acronym retained from predecessor organization UN Fund for Population Activities established - July 1967 aim - to assist both developed and developing countries to deal with their population problems members (executive board ) - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA)

established - 8 December 1949 aim - to provide assistance to
Palestinian refugees members (advisory commission) - (23) Australia,
Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland,
Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, UK, US observers - (3) EC,
LAS, Palestine Liberation Organization

United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)

established - 1963 aim - to conduct research into the problems of economic development during different phases of economic growth members - no country members, but a Board of Directors consisting of a chairman appointed by the UN secretary general and 12 individual members

United Nations Secretariat

established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945 aim - to serve as the primary administrative organ of the UN; a Secretary General is appointed for a five-year term by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council members - the UN Secretary General and staff

United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945 aim - to maintain international peace and security permanent members - (5) China, France, Russia, UK, US nonpermanent members - (10) elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly; Bosnia and Herzegovina (2010-11), Brazil (2010-11), Colombia (2011-12), Gabon (2010-11), Germany (2011-12), India (2011-12), Lebanon (2010-11), Nigeria (2010- 11), Portugal (2011-12), South Africa (2011-12)

United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)

established - June 1948 aim - to supervise the 1948 Arab-Israeli cease-fire; currently supports timely deployment of reinforcements to other peacekeeping operations in the region as needed; initially established by the UN Security Council members - (23) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, US

United Nations Trusteeship Council

established on 26 June 1945, effective on 24 October 1945, to supervise the administration of the 11 UN trust territories; members were China, France, Russia, UK, US; it formally suspended operations 1 November 1995 after the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau) became the Republic of Palau, a constitutional government in free association with the US; the Trusteeship Council was not dissolved

United Nations University (UNU)

established - 3 December 1973 aim - to conduct research in development, welfare, and human survival and to train scholars members - (24 members of UNU Council and the Rector are appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations and the Director General of UNESCO)

Universal Postal Union (UPU)

established - 9 October 1874, affiliated with the UN 15 November 1947; effective - 1 July 1948 aim - to promote international postal cooperation; a UN specialized agency members - (191) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau (189 total); plus Holy See and Overseas Territories of the UK; note - includes the following dependencies or areas of special interest: Australia (Norfolk Island), China (Hong Kong, Macau), Denmark (Faroe Islands, Greenland), France (French Polynesia including Clipperton Island, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Scattered Islands [Bassas da India, Europe, Juan de Nova, Glorioso Islands, Tromelin], Wallis and Futuna), Netherlands (Aruba), NZ (Cook Island, Niue, Tokelau), UK (Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey; Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos), US (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)

W

Warsaw Pact (WP)

established 14 May 1955 to promote mutual defense; members met 1 July 1991 to dissolve the alliance; member states at the time of dissolution were: Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the USSR; earlier members included German Democratic Republic (GDR) and Albania

West African Development Bank (WADB)

note - also known as Banque Ouest-Africaine de Developpement (BOAD); is a financial institution of WAEMU established - 14 November 1973 aim - to promote regional economic development and integration regional members - (8) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo

West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)

note - also known as Union Economique et Monetaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA) established - 1 August 1994 aim - to increase competitiveness of members' economic markets; to create a common market members - (8) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo

Western European Union (WEU)

established 23 October 1954; effective - 6 May 1955; aim to provide mutual defense and to move toward political unification; 10 members: Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK; 6 associate members: Czech Republic, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Turkey; 7 associate partners: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia; 5 observers: Austria, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Sweden; note - to cease existence completely by June 2011

World Bank Group

includes International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Development Association (IDA), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

World Confederation of Labor (WCL)

established 19 June 1920 as the International Federation of Christian
Trade Unions (IFCTU), renamed 4 October 1968; aim was to promote the
trade union movement; on 31 October 2006 it merged with the
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) to form the
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC); members were (105
national organizations) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Austria,
Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina
Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo,
Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, French
Guiana, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran,
Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta,
Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal,
Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Rwanda, Saint
Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe,
Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa,
Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo,
Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia,
Zimbabwe

World Customs Organization (WCO)

note - began as the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) established - 15
December 1950 aim - to promote international cooperation in customs
matters members - (178) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra,
Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,
Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana,
Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia,
Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of
the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, EC, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau,
Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria,
Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint
Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa,
Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,
Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and
Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US,
Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia,
Zimbabwe

World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU)

established - 3 October 1945 aim - to promote the trade union movement
members - (in 2010 there were 109 participating nations and the
Palestine Liberation Organization; the nations were not listed); (in
2009 there were 125 nations and the Palestine Liberation Organization)
Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia,
Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,
Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia,
Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, The Gambia,
Ghana, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana,
Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon,
Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali,
Martinique, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, New Caledonia, NZ,
Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Romania, Russia,
Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Solomon
Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Syria,
Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,
Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu,
Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation Organization

World Food Program (WFP)

established - 24 November 1961 aim - to provide food aid in support of economic development or disaster relief; an ECOSOC organization members - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

World Health Organization (WHO)

established - 22 July 1946; effective - 7 April 1948 aim - to deal with health matters worldwide; a UN specialized agency members - (193) includes all UN member countries except Liechtenstein (191 total); plus Cook Islands and Niue

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

established - 14 July 1967; effective - 26 April 1970 aim - to furnish protection for literary, artistic, and scientific works; a UN specialized agency members - (184) includes all UN member countries except Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vanuatu (183 total); plus Holy See

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

established - 11 October 1947; effective - 4 April 1951 aim - to sponsor meteorological cooperation; a UN specialized agency members - (183) includes all UN member countries except Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Tuvalu (181 total); plus Cook Islands and Niue

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

established - 2 January 1975 aim - to promote tourism as a means of
contributing to economic development, international understanding, and
peace members - (154) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola,
Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,
Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of
the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Gabon, The Gambia,
Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,
Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy,
Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea,
Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Lithuania,
Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro,
Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger,
Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,
Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda,
San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania,
Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda,
Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe associate members - (6) Aruba, Flanders, Hong Kong,
Macau, Madeira Islands, Puerto Rico observers - (1 plus Palestine
Liberation Organization) Holy See, Palestine Liberation Organization

World Trade Organization (WTO)

note - succeeded General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT)
established - 15 April 1994; effective - 1 January 1995 aim - to
provide a forum to resolve trade conflicts between members and to carry
on negotiations with the goal of further lowering and/or eliminating
tariffs and other trade barriers members - (153) Albania, Angola,
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain,
Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana,
Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia,
Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the
Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,
Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland,
India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,
Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,
Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,
Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New
Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania,
Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK,
US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe observers - (31)
Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Belarus,
Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia,
Holy See, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya,
Montenegro, Russia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Seychelles,
Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yemen; note - with the
exception of the Holy See, an observer must start accession
negotiations within five years of becoming observers

Z

Zangger Committee (ZC)

established - early 1970s aim - to establish guidelines for the export
control provisions of the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty
(NPT) members - (37) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South
Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US observers - (1) European Commission

======================================================================

Appendix C :: Selected International Environmental Agreements

A

Air Pollution

see Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides

see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or Their Transboundary Fluxes

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Air Pollution-Sulphur 85

see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or Their Transboundary Fluxes by at least 30%

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94

see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions

Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds or Their Transboundary Fluxes

Antarctic - Environmental Protocol

see Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

Antarctic Treaty

opened for signature - 1 December 1959 entered into force - 23 June 1961 objective - to ensure that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes only (such as international cooperation in scientific research); to defer the question of territorial claims asserted by some nations and not recognized by others; to provide an international forum for management of the region; applies to land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees south latitude parties - (46) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela

B

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and Their Disposal

note - abbreviated as Hazardous Wastes opened for signature - 22 March 1989 entered into force - 5 May 1992 objective - to reduce transboundary movements of wastes subject to the Convention to a minimum consistent with the environmentally sound and efficient management of such wastes; to minimize the amount and toxicity of wastes generated and ensure their environmentally sound management as closely as possible to the source of generation; and to assist LDCs in environmentally sound management of the hazardous and other wastes they generate parties - (172) Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (3) Afghanistan, Haiti, US

Biodiversity

see Convention on Biological Diversity

C

Climate Change

see United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

see Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals

note - abbreviated as Antarctic Seals opened for signature - 1 June 1972 entered into force - 11 March 1978 objective - to promote and achieve the protection, scientific study, and rational use of Antarctic seals, and to maintain a satisfactory balance within the ecological system of Antarctica parties - (16) Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Russia, South Africa, UK, US countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (1) NZ

Convention on Biological Diversity

note - abbreviated as Biodiversity opened for signature - 5 June 1992
entered into force - 29 December 1993 objective - to develop national
strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity parties - (191) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra,
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,
Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire,
Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,
Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland,
Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-
Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,
Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu,
Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe countries that have
signed, but not yet ratified - (1) US

Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High
Seas

note - abbreviated as Marine Life Conservation opened for signature - 29 April 1958 entered into force - 20 March 1966 objective - to solve through international cooperation the problems involved in the conservation of living resources of the high seas, considering that because of the development of modern technology some of these resources are in danger of being overexploited parties - (38) Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Colombia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Finland, France, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, UK, US, Venezuela countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (21) Afghanistan, Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ghana, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, Liberia, Nepal, NZ, Pakistan, Panama, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uruguay

Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution opened for signature - 13 November 1979 entered into force - 16 March 1983 objective - to protect the human environment against air pollution and to gradually reduce and prevent air pollution, including long-range transboundary air pollution parties - (51) Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (2) Holy See, San Marino

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as
Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar)

note - abbreviated as Wetlands opened for signature - 2 February 1971
entered into force - 21 December 1975 objective - to stem the
progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future,
recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their
economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value parties - (154)
Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia,
Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia,
Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of
the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland,
Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea,
Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali,
Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,
Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,
Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New
Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia,
Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania,
Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,
Uganda, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam,
Zambia

Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources

note - abbreviated as Antarctic-Marine Living Resources opened for signature - 5 May 1980 entered into force - 7 April 1982 objective - to safeguard the environment and protect the integrity of the ecosystem of the seas surrounding Antarctica, and to conserve Antarctic marine living resources parties - (31) Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius, Namibia, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Peru, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Vanuatu

Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Flora and Fauna (CITES)

note - abbreviated as Endangered Species opened for signature - 3
March 1973 entered into force - 1 July 1975 objective - to protect
certain endangered species from overexploitation by means of a system
of import/export permits parties - (170) Afghanistan, Albania,
Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium,
Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria,
Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde,
Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica,
Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France,
Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala,
Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia,
Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar,
Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,
Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Palau, Pakistan,
Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,
Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint
Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome
and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,
Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,
Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania,
Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine,
UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe

Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and
Other Matter (London Convention)

note - abbreviated as Marine Dumping opened for signature - 29 December 1972 entered into force - 30 August 1975 objective - to control pollution of the sea by dumping and to encourage regional agreements supplementary to the Convention; the London Convention came into force in 1996 parties - (88) Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong (associate member), Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Libya, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Nauru, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Vanuatu associate members to the London Convention - (2) Faroe Islands, Macau

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (3) Chad, Kuwait, Uruguay

Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of
Environmental Modification Techniques

note - abbreviated as Environmental Modification opened for signature - 10 December 1976 entered into force - 5 October 1978 objective - to prohibit the military or other hostile use of environmental modification techniques in order to further world peace and trust among nations parties - (73) Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lithuania, Malawi, Mauritius, Mongolia, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (16) Bolivia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Holy See, Iceland, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Morocco, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Syria, Turkey, Uganda

D

Desertification

see United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa

E

Endangered Species

see Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)

Environmental Modification

see Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques

H

Hazardous Wastes

see Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal

I

International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling

note - abbreviated as Whaling opened for signature - 2 December 1946 entered into force - 10 November 1948 objective - to protect all species of whales from overhunting; to establish a system of international regulation for the whale fisheries to ensure proper conservation and development of whale stocks; and to safeguard for future generations the great natural resources represented by whale stocks parties - (84) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, China, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote D'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Laos, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Nauru, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, UK, US, Uruguay

International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983

note - abbreviated as Tropical Timber 83 opened for signature - 18 November 1983 entered into force - 1 April 1985; this agreement expired when the International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994, went into force objective - to provide an effective framework for cooperation between tropical timber producers and consumers and to encourage the development of national policies aimed at sustainable utilization and conservation of tropical forests and their genetic resources parties - (59) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, US, Vanuatu, Venezuela

International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994

note - abbreviated as Tropical Timber 94 opened for signature - 26 January 1994 entered into force - 1 January 1997 objective - to ensure that by the year 2000 exports of tropical timber originate from sustainably managed sources; to establish a fund to assist tropical timber producers in obtaining the resources necessary to reach this objective parties - (61) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, US, Vanuatu, Venezuela

K

Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change

note - abbreviated as Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol opened for signature - 16 March 1998 entered into force - 23 February 2005 objective - to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing the national programs of developed countries aimed at this goal and by establishing percentage reduction targets for the developed countries parties - (184) Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Island, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (2) Kazakhstan, US

L

Law of the Sea

see United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS)

M

Marine Dumping

see Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention)

Marine Life Conservation

see Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High Seas

Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

note - abbreviated as Ozone Layer Protection opened for signature - 16
September 1987 entered into force - 1 January 1989 objective - to
protect the ozone layer by controlling emissions of substances that
deplete it parties - (194) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra,
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,
Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire,
Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,
Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome
and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,
Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa,
Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland,
Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and
Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE,
UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe

N

Nuclear Test Ban

see Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space, and Under Water

O

Ozone Layer Protection

see Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

P

Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 (MARPOL)

note - abbreviated as Ship Pollution opened for signature - 17
February 1978 entered into force - 2 October 1983 objective - to
preserve the marine environment through the complete elimination of
pollution by oil and other harmful substances and the minimization of
accidental discharge of such substances parties - (139) Algeria,
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan,
The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin,
Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burma, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde,
Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire,
Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Faroe
Islands, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,
Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,
Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Latvia, Lebanon,
Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius,
Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama,
Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar Romania,
Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,
Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South
Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Togo,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, UK, US,
Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam

Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

note - abbreviated as Antarctic-Environmental Protocol opened for signature - 4 October 1991 entered into force - 14 January 1998 objective - to provide for comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems; applies to the area covered by the Antarctic Treaty consultative parties - (31) Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay non consultative parties - (12) Austria, Colombia, Cuba, Denmark, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Slovakia, Switzerland, Turkey

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or
Their Transboundary Fluxes

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides opened for signature - 31 October 1988 entered into force - 14 February 1991 objective - to provide for the control or reduction of nitrogen oxides and their transboundary fluxes parties - (32) Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK, US countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (1) Poland

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic
Compounds or Their Transboundary Fluxes

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds opened for signature - 18 November 1991 entered into force - 29 September 1997 objective - to provide for the control and reduction of emissions of volatile organic compounds in order to reduce their transboundary fluxes so as to protect human health and the environment from adverse effects parties - (23) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (6) Canada, EU, Greece, Portugal, Ukraine, US

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Sulphur 94 opened for signature - 14 June 1994 entered into force - 5 August 1998 objective - to provide for a further reduction in sulfur emissions or transboundary fluxes parties - (28) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (3) Poland, Russia, Ukraine

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants opened for signature - 24 June 1998 entered into force - 23 October 2003 objective - to provide for the control and reduction of emissions of persistent organic pollutants in order to reduce their transboundary fluxes so as to protect human health and the environment from adverse effects parties - (29) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, UK countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (8) Armenia, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Ukraine, US

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or Their Transboundary
Fluxes by at Least 30%

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Sulphur 85 opened for signature - 8 July 1985 entered into force - 2 September 1987 objective - to provide for a 30% reduction in sulfur emissions or transboundary fluxes by 1993 parties - (23) Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine

S

Ship Pollution

see Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 (MARPOL)

T

Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space, and Under Water

note - abbreviated as Nuclear Test Ban opened for signature - 5 August 1963 entered into force - 10 October 1963 objective - to obtain an agreement on general and complete disarmament under strict international control in accordance with the objectives of the United Nations; to put an end to the armaments race and eliminate incentives for the production and testing of all kinds of weapons, including nuclear weapons parties - (113) Afghanistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, UK, US, Venezuela, Zambia countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (17) Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chile, Ethiopia, Haiti, Libya, Mali, Pakistan, Paraguay, Portugal, Somalia, Tanzania, Uruguay, Vietnam, Yemen

Tropical Timber 83

see International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983

Tropical Timber 94

see International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994

U

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS)

note - abbreviated as Law of the Sea opened for signature - 10
December 1982 entered into force - 16 November 1994 objective - to
set up a comprehensive new legal regime for the sea and oceans; to
include rules concerning environmental standards as well as enforcement
provisions dealing with pollution of the marine environment parties -
(157) Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,
Armenia, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh,
Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma,
Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Comoros, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica,
Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, EU, Fiji,
Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,
Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras,
Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica,
Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia,
Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova,
Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru,
Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint
Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe,
Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and
Tobago, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UK, Uruguay, Vanuatu,
Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe countries that have signed, but not
yet ratified - (21) Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burundi, Cambodia, Central
African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador,
Ethiopia, Iran, North Korea, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Niger,
Rwanda, Swaziland, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries
Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in
Africa

note - abbreviated as Desertification opened for signature - 14
October 1994 entered into force - 26 December 1996 objective - to
combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through
national action programs that incorporate long-term strategies
supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements
parties - (193) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua
and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,
Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,
Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,
Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,
Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the
Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic,
Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, EU,
Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,
Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,
Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel,
Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North
Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho,
Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia,
Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova,
Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru,
Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tanzania,
Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,
Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,
Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

note - abbreviated as Climate Change opened for signature - 9 May 1992
entered into force - 21 March 1994 objective - to achieve
stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a
low enough level to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with
the climate system parties - (192) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria,
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,
Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,
Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,
Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire,
Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,
Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,
Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal,
Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San
Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland,
Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-
Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,
Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu,
Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

W

Wetlands

see Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially As Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar)

Whaling

see International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling

======================================================================

Appendix D :: Cross-reference List of Country Data Codes

FIPS 10: Countries, Dependencies, Areas of Special Sovereignty, and Their Principal Administrative Divisions (FIPS 10) is maintained by the Office of Targeting and Transnational Issues, National Geospatial- Intelligence Agency, and published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Department of Commerce). FIPS 10 codes are intended for general use throughout the US Government, especially in activities associated with the mission of the Department of State and national defense programs.

ISO 3166: Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries (ISO 3166) is prepared by the International Organization for Standardization. ISO 3166 includes two- and three-character alphabetic codes and three-digit numeric codes that may be needed for activities involving exchange of data with international organizations that have adopted that standard. Except for the numeric codes, ISO 3166 codes have been adopted in the US as FIPS 104-1: American National Standard Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries, Dependencies, and Areas of Special Sovereignty for Information Interchange.

STANAG 1059: Letter Codes for Geographical Entities (8th edition, 2004) is a Standardization Agreement (STANAG) established and maintained by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO/OTAN) for the purpose of providing a common set of geo-spatial identifiers for countries, territories, and possessions. The 8th edition established trigraph codes for each country based upon the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 character sets. These codes are used throughout NATO. Internet: The Internet country code is the two-letter digraph maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the

ISO 3166 Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers
Authority (IANA) to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs).

A

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Afghanistan AF AF AFG 004 AFG .af
Albania AL AL ALB 008 ALB .al
Algeria AG DZ DZA 012 DZA .dz
American Samoa AQ AS ASM 016 ASM .as
Andorra AN AD AND 020 AND .ad
Angola AO AO AGO 024 AGO .ao
Anguilla AV AI AIA 660 AIA .ai
Antarctica AY AQ ATA 010 ATA .aq
  ISO defines as the territory south of 60 degrees south latitude

Antigua and Barbuda AC AG ATG 028 ATG .ag
Argentina AR AR ARG 032 ARG .ar
Armenia AM AM ARM 051 ARM .am
Aruba AA AW ABW 533 ABW .aw
Ashmore and Cartier Islands AT - - - AUS -
  ISO includes with Australia

Australia AS AU AUS 036 AUS .au
  ISO includes Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Coral Sea Islands

Austria AU AT AUT 040 AUT .at
Azerbaijan AJ AZ AZE 031 AZE .az

B

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Bahamas, The BF BS BHS 044 BHS .bs
Bahrain BA BH BHR 048 BHR .bh
Baker Island FQ - - - UMI -
  ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Bangladesh BG BD BGD 050 BGD .bd
Barbados BB BB BRB 052 BRB .bb
Bassas da India BS - - - - -
  administered as part of French Southern and Antarctic Lands; no
  ISO codes assigned

Belarus BO BY BLR 112 BLR .by
Belgium BE BE BEL 056 BEL .be
Belize BH BZ BLZ 084 BLZ .bz
Benin BN BJ BEN 204 BEN .bj
Bermuda BD BM BMU 060 BMU .bm
Bhutan BT BT BTN 064 BTN .bt
Bolivia BL BO BOL 068 BOL .bo
Bosnia and Herzegovina BK BA BIH 070 BIH .ba
Botswana BC BW BWA 072 BWA .bw
Bouvet Island BV BV BVT 074 BVT .bv
Brazil BR BR BRA 076 BRA .br
British Indian Ocean Territory IO IO IOT 086 IOT .io
British Virgin Islands VI VG VGB 092 VGB .vg
Brunei BX BN BRN 096 BRN .bn
Bulgaria BU BG BGR 100 BGR .bg
Burkina Faso UV BF BFA 854 BFA .bf
Burma BM MM MMR 104 MMR .mm
  ISO uses the name Myanmar

Burundi BY BI BDI 108 BDI .bi

C

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Cambodia CB KH KHM 116 KHM .kh
Cameroon CM CM CMR 120 CMR .cm
Canada CA CA CAN 124 CAN .ca
Cape Verde CV CV CPV 132 CPV .cv
Cayman Islands CJ KY CYM 136 CYM .ky
Central African Republic CT CF CAF 140 CAF .cf
Chad CD TD TCD 148 TCD .td
Chile CI CL CHL 152 CHL .cl
China CH CN CHN 156 CHN .cn
  see also Taiwan

Christmas Island KT CX CXR 162 CXR .cx
Clipperton Island IP - - - FYP -
  ISO includes with France

Cocos (Keeling) Islands CK CC CCK 166 AUS .cc
Colombia CO CO COL 170 COL .co
Comoros CN KM COM 174 COM .km
Congo, Democratic Republic of the CG CD COD 180 COD .cd
  formerly Zaire

Congo, Republic of the CF CG COG 178 COG .cg
Cook Islands CW CK COK 184 COK .ck
Coral Sea Islands CR - - - AUS -
  ISO includes with Australia

Costa Rica CS CR CRI 188 CRI .cr
Cote d'Ivoire IV CI CIV 384 CIV .ci
Croatia HR HR HRV 191 HRV .hr
Cuba CU CU CUB 192 CUB .cu
Curacao UC CW CUW 531 - .cw
Cyprus CY CY CYP 196 CYP .cy
Czech Republic EZ CZ CZE 203 CZE .cz

D

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Denmark DA DK DNK 208 DNK .dk
Djibouti DJ DJ DJI 262 DJI .dj
Dominica DO DM DMA 212 DMA .dm
Dominican Republic DR DO DOM 214 DOM .do

E

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Ecuador EC EC ECU 218 ECU .ec
Egypt EG EG EGY 818 EGY .eg
El Salvador ES SV SLV 222 SLV .sv
Equatorial Guinea EK GQ GNQ 226 GNQ .gq
Eritrea ER ER ERI 232 ERI .er
Estonia EN EE EST 233 EST .ee
Ethiopia ET ET ETH 231 ETH .et
Europa Island EU - - - - -
  administered as part of French Southern and Antarctic Lands; no
  ISO codes assigned

F

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) FK FK FLK 238 FLK .fk
Faroe Islands FO FO FRO 234 FRO .fo
Fiji FJ FJ FJI 242 FJI .fj
Finland FI FI FIN 246 FIN .fi
France FR FR FRA 250 FRA .fr
  ISO includes metropolitan France along with the
  dependencies of Clipperton Island, French Guiana, French Polynesia,
  French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Guadeloupe, Martinique,
  Mayotte, New Caledonia, Reunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis
  and Futuna

France, Metropolitan - FX FXX 249 - .fx
  ISO limits to the European part of France

French Guiana FG GF GUF 254 GUF .gf
French Polynesia FP PF PYF 258 PYF .pf
French Southern and Antarctic Lands FS TF ATF 260 ATF .tf
  FIPS 10-4 does not include the French-claimed portion of
  Antarctica (Terre Adelie)

G

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Gabon GB GA GAB 266 GAB .ga
Gambia, The GA GM GMB 270 GMB .gm
Gaza Strip GZ PS PSE 275 PSE .ps
  ISO identifies as Occupied Palestinian Territory

Georgia GG GE GEO 268 GEO .ge
Germany GM DE DEU 276 DEU .de
Ghana GH GH GHA 288 GHA .gh
Gibraltar GI GI GIB 292 GIB .gi
Glorioso Islands GO - - - - -
  administered as part of French Southern and Antarctic Lands; no
  ISO codes assigned

Greece GR GR GRC 300 GRC .gr
  For its internal communications, the European Union
  recommends the use of the code EL in lieu of the ISO 3166-2 code of
  GR

Greenland GL GL GRL 304 GRL .gl
Grenada GJ GD GRD 308 GRD .gd
Guadeloupe GP GP GLP 312 GLP .gp
Guam GQ GU GUM 316 GUM .gu
Guatemala GT GT GTM 320 GTM .gt
Guernsey GK GG GGY 831 UK .gg
Guinea GV GN GIN 324 GIN .gn
Guinea-Bissau PU GW GNB 624 GNB .gw
Guyana GY GY GUY 328 GUY .gy

H

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Haiti HA HT HTI 332 HTI .ht
Heard Island and McDonald Islands HM HM HMD 334 HMD .hm
Holy See (Vatican City) VT VA VAT 336 VAT .va
Honduras HO HN HND 340 HND .hn
Hong Kong HK HK HKG 344 HKG .hk
Howland Island HQ - - - UMI -
  ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Hungary HU HU HUN 348 HUN .hu

I

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Iceland IC IS ISL 352 ISL .is
India IN IN IND 356 IND .in
Indonesia ID ID IDN 360 IDN .id
Iran IR IR IRN 364 IRN .ir
Iraq IZ IQ IRQ 368 IRQ .iq
Ireland EI IE IRL 372 IRL .ie
Isle of Man IM IM IMN 833 UK .im
Israel IS IL ISR 376 ISR .il
Italy IT IT ITA 380 ITA .it

J

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Jamaica JM JM JAM 388 JAM .jm
Jan Mayen JN - - - SJM -
  ISO includes with Svalbard

Japan JA JP JPN 392 JPN .jp
Jarvis Island DQ - - - UMI -
  ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Jersey JE JE JEY 832 UK .je
Johnston Atoll JQ - - - UMI -
  ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Jordan JO JO JOR 400 JOR .jo
Juan de Nova Island JU - - - - -
  administered as part of French Southern and Antarctic Lands; no
  ISO codes assigned

K

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Kazakhstan KZ KZ KAZ 398 KAZ .kz
Kenya KE KE KEN 404 KEN .ke
Kingman Reef KQ - - - UMI -
  ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Kiribati KR KI KIR 296 KIR .ki
Korea, North KN KP PRK 408 PRK .kp
Korea, South KS KR KOR 410 KOR .kr
Kosovo KV - - - - -
  ISO codes have not been designated

Kuwait KU KW KWT 414 KWT .kw
Kyrgyzstan KG KG KGZ 417 KGZ .kg

L

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Laos LA LA LAO 418 LAO .la
Latvia LG LV LVA 428 LVA .lv
Lebanon LE LB LBN 422 LBN .lb
Lesotho LT LS LSO 426 LSO .ls
Liberia LI LR LBR 430 LBR .lr
Libya LY LY LBY 434 LBY .ly
Liechtenstein LS LI LIE 438 LIE .li
Lithuania LH LT LTU 440 LTU .lt
Luxembourg LU LU LUX 442 LUX .lu

M

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Macau MC MO MAC 446 MAC .mo
Macedonia MK MK MKD 807 FYR .mk
Madagascar MA MG MDG 450 MDG .mg
Malawi MI MW MWI 454 MWI .mw
Malaysia MY MY MYS 458 MYS .my
Maldives MV MV MDV 462 MDV .mv
Mali ML ML MLI 466 MLI .ml
Malta MT MT MLT 470 MLT .mt
Marshall Islands RM MH MHL 584 MHL .mh
Martinique MB MQ MTQ 474 MTQ .mq
Mauritania MR MR MRT 478 MRT .mr
Mauritius MP MU MUS 480 MUS .mu
Mayotte MF YT MYT 175 FRA .yt
Mexico MX MX MEX 484 MEX .mx
Micronesia, Federated States of FM FM FSM 583 FSM .fm
Midway Islands MQ - - - UMI -
  ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Moldova MD MD MDA 498 MDA .md
Monaco MN MC MCO 492 MCO .mc
Mongolia MG MN MNG 496 MNG .mn
Montenegro MJ ME MNE 499 MNE .me
Montserrat MH MS MSR 500 MSR .ms
Morocco MO MA MAR 504 MAR .ma
Mozambique MZ MZ MOZ 508 MOZ .mz
Myanmar - - - - - -
  see Burma

N

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Namibia WA NA NAM 516 NAM .na
Nauru NR NR NRU 520 NRU .nr
Navassa Island BQ - - - US -
  ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Nepal NP NP NPL 524 NPL .np
Netherlands NL NL NLD 528 NLD .nl
Netherlands Antilles NT AN ANT 530 ANT .an
New Caledonia NC NC NCL 540 NCL .nc
New Zealand NZ NZ NZL 554 NZL .nz
Nicaragua NU NI NIC 558 NIC .ni
Niger NG NE NER 562 NER .ne
Nigeria NI NG NGA 566 NGA .ng
Niue NE NU NIU 570 NIU .nu
Norfolk Island NF NF NFK 574 NFK .nf
Northern Mariana Islands CQ MP MNP 580 MNP .mp
Norway NO NO NOR 578 NOR .no

O

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Oman MU OM OMN 512 OMN .om

P

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Pakistan PK PK PAK 586 PAK .pk
Palau PS PW PLW 585 PLW .pw
Palmyra Atoll LQ - - - UMI -
  ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Panama PM PA PAN 591 PAN .pa
Papua New Guinea PP PG PNG 598 PNG .pg
Paracel Islands PF - - - - -
Paraguay PA PY PRY 600 PRY .py
Peru PE PE PER 604 PER .pe
Philippines RP PH PHL 608 PHL .ph
Pitcairn Islands PC PN PCN 612 PCN .pn
Poland PL PL POL 616 POL .pl
Portugal PO PT PRT 620 PRT .pt
Puerto Rico RQ PR PRI 630 PRI .pr

Q

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Qatar QA QA QAT 634 QAT .qa

R

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Reunion RE RE REU 638 REU .re
Romania RO RO ROU 642 ROU .ro
Russia RS RU RUS 643 RUS .ru
Rwanda RW RW RWA 646 RWA .rw

S

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Saint Barthelemy TB BL BLM 652 - .bl
  ccTLD .fr and .gp may also be used

Saint Helena SH SH SHN 654 SHN .sh
Saint Kitts and Nevis SC KN KNA 659 KNA .kn
Saint Lucia ST LC LCA 662 LCA .lc
Saint Martin RN MF MAF 663 - .mf
  ccTLD .fr and .gp may also be used

Saint Pierre and MiquelonSB PM SPM 666 SPM .pm
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines VC VC VCT 670 VCT .vc
Samoa WS WS WSM 882 WSM .ws
San Marino SM SM SMR 674 SMR .sm
Sao Tome and Principe TP ST STP 678 STP .st
Saudi Arabia SA SA SAU 682 SAU .sa
Senegal SG SN SEN 686 SEN .sn
Serbia RI RS SRB 688 - .rs
Seychelles SE SC SYC 690 SYC .sc
Sierra Leone SL SL SLE 694 SLE .sl
Singapore SN SG SGP 702 SGP .sg
Sint Maarten NN SX SXM 534 - .sx
Slovakia LO SK SVK 703 SVK .sk
Slovenia SI SI SVN 705 SVN .si
Solomon Islands BP SB SLB 090 SLB .sb
Somalia SO SO SOM 706 SOM .so
South Africa SF ZA ZAF 710 ZAF .za
South Georgia and the Islands SX GS SGS 239 SGS .gs
Spain SP ES ESP 724 ESP .es
Spratly Islands PG - - - - -
Sri Lanka CE LK LKA 144 LKA .lk
Sudan SU SD SDN 736 SDN .sd
Suriname NS SR SUR 740 SUR .sr
Svalbard SV SJ SJM 744 SJM .sj
  ISO includes Jan Mayen

Swaziland WZ SZ SWZ 748 SWZ .sz
Sweden SW SE SWE 752 SWE .se
Switzerland SZ CH CHE 756 CHE .ch
Syria SY SY SYR 760 SYR .sy

T

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Taiwan TW TW TWN 158 TWN .tw
Tajikistan TI TJ TJK 762 TJK .tj
Tanzania TZ TZ TZA 834 TZA .tz
Thailand TH TH THA 764 THA .th
Timor-Leste TT TL TLS 626 TLS .tl
Togo TO TG TGO 768 TGO .tg
Tokelau TL TK TKL 772 TKL .tk
Tonga TN TO TON 776 TON .to
Trinidad and Tobago TD TT TTO 780 TTO .tt
Tromelin Island TE - - - - -
  administered as part of French Southern and Antarctic Lands; no
  ISO codes assigned

Tunisia TS TN TUN 788 TUN .tn
Turkey TU TR TUR 792 TUR .tr
Turkmenistan TX TM TKM 795 TKM .tm
Turks and Caicos Islands TK TC TCA 796 TCA .tc
Tuvalu TV TV TUV 798 TUV .tv

U

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Uganda UG UG UGA 800 UGA .ug
Ukraine UP UA UKR 804 UKR .ua
United Arab Emirates AE AE ARE 784 ARE .ae
United Kingdom UK GB GBR 826 GBR .uk
  For its internal communications, the European Union
  recommends the use of the code UK in lieu of the ISO 3166-2 code of
  GB

United States US US USA 840 USA .us
United States Minor Outlying Islands-UMUMI581 - .um
  ISO includes Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island,
  Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island,
  Palmyra Atoll, Wake Island

Uruguay UY UY URY 858 URY .uy
Uzbekistan UZ UZ UZB 860 UZB .uz

V

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Vanuatu NH VU VUT 548 VUT .vu
Venezuela VE VE VEN 862 VEN .ve
Vietnam VM VN VNM 704 VNM .vn
Virgin Islands VQ VI VIR 850 VIR .vi
Virgin Islands (UK) - - - - - .vg
  see British Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands (US) - - - - - .vi
  see Virgin Islands

W

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Wake Island WQ - - - UMI -
  ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Wallis and Futuna WF WF WLF 876 WLF .wf
West Bank WE PS PSE 275 PSE .ps
  ISO identifies as Occupied Palestinian Territory

Western Sahara WI EH ESH 732 ESH .eh Western Samoa - - - - - .ws see Samoa

World - - - - - - the Factbook uses the W data code from DIAM 65-18 Geopolitical Data Elements and Related Features, Data Standard No. 3, December 1994, published by the Defense Intelligence Agency

Y

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Yemen YM YE YEM 887 YEM .ye

Z

Entity FIPS 10 ISO 3166 Stanag Internet Comment

Zaire - - - - - -
  see Democratic Republic of the Congo

Zambia ZA ZM ZMB 894 ZMB .zm
Zimbabwe ZI ZW ZWE 716 ZWE .zw

======================================================================

Appendix E :: Cross-reference List of Hydrographic Data Codes

IHO 23-4th: Limits of Oceans and Seas, Special Publication 23, Draft 4th Edition 1986, published by the International Hydrographic Bureau of the International Hydrographic Organization.

IHO 23-3rd: Limits of Oceans and Seas, Special Publication 23, 3rd
Edition 1953, published by the International Hydrographic Organization.

ACIC M 49-1: Chart of Limits of Seas and Oceans, revised January 1958, published by the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC), United States Air Force.

DIAM 65-18: Geopolitical Data Elements and Related Features, Data Standard No. 4, Defense Intelligence Agency Manual 65-18, December 1994, published by the Defense Intelligence Agency. The US Government has not yet adopted a standard for hydrographic codes similar to the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 10-4 country codes. The names and limits of the following oceans and seas are not always directly comparable because of differences in the customers, needs, and requirements of the individual organizations. Even the number of principal water bodies varies from organization to organization. Factbook users, for example, find the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean entries useful, but none of the following standards include those oceans in their entirety. Nor is there any provision for combining codes or overcodes to aggregate water bodies. The recently delimited Southern Ocean is not included.

Principal Oceans and Seas of the World With Hydrographic Codes by Institution

IHO 23-4th IHO 23-3rd* ACIC M 49-1 DIAM 65-18

Arctic Ocean 9 17 A 5A
Atlantic Ocean - - - -
Baltic Sea 2 1 B26 7B
Eastern Mediterranean 3.1.2 28 B - 8E
Indian Ocean 5 45 F 6A
Mediterranean Sea 3.1 28 B11 -
North Atlantic Ocean 1 23 B 1A
North Pacific Ocean 7 57 D 3A
Pacific Ocean - - - -
South Atlantic Ocean 4 32 C 2A
South China and Eastern
Archipelagic Seas 6 49, 48 D18 plus 3U plus
                                                          others others
South Pacific Ocean 8 61 E 4A
Western Mediterranean 3.1.1 28 A - 8W

*The letters after the numbers are subdivisions, not footnotes.

======================================================================

APPENDIX F :: CROSS-REFERENCE LIST OF GEOGRAPHIC NAMES

This appendix cross-references a wide variety of geographic names to the appropriate Factbook "country" entry. Additional information is included in parentheses.

A

NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)

Abidjan (capital) Cote d'Ivoire 5 19 N 4 02 W
Abkhazia (region) Georgia 43 00 N 41 00 E
Abu Dhabi (capital) United Arab 24 28 N 54 22 E
                          Emirates
Abu Musa (island) Iran 25 52 N 55 03 E
Abuja (capital) Nigeria 9 12 N 7 11 E
Abyssinia (former name Ethiopia 8 00 N 38 00 E
for Ethiopia)
Acapulco (city) Mexico 16 51 N 99 55 W
Accra (capital) Ghana 5 33 N 0 13 W
Adamstown (capital) Pitcairn Islands 25 04 S 130 05 W
Addis Ababa (capital) Ethiopia 9 02 N 38 42 E
Adelie Land (claimed by Antarctica 66 30 S 139 00 E
France; also Terre
Adelie)
Aden (city) Yemen 12 46 N 45 01 E
Aden, Gulf of Indian Ocean 12 30 N 48 00 E
Admiralty Island United States 57 44 N 134 20 W
                          (Alaska)
Admiralty Islands Papua New Guinea 2 10 S 147 00 E
Adriatic Sea Atlantic Ocean 42 30 N 16 00 E
Adygey (region) Russia 44 30 N 40 10 E
Aegean Islands Greece 38 00 N 25 00 E
Aegean Sea Atlantic Ocean 38 30 N 25 00 E
Afars and Issas, French Djibouti 11 30 N 43 00 E
Territory of the (or
FTAI; former name for
Djibouti)
Afghanestan (local name Afghanistan 33 00 N 65 00 E
for Afghanistan)
Agalega Islands Mauritius 10 25 S 56 40 E
Agana (city; former name Guam 13 28 N 144 45 E
for Hagatna)
Ajaccio (city) France (Corsica) 41 55 N 8 44 E
Ajaria (region) Georgia 41 45 N 42 10 E
Akmola (city; former name Kazakhstan 51 10 N 71 30 E
for Astana)
Aksai Chin (region) China (de facto), 35 00 N 79 00 E
                          India (claimed)
Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah Saudi Arabia 25 00 N 45 00 E
(local name for Saudi
Arabia)
Al Bahrayn (local name Bahrain 26 00 N 50 33 E
for Bahrain)
Al Imarat al Arabiyah al United Arab 24 00 N 54 00 E
Muttahidah (local name Emirates
for the United Arab
Emirates)
Al Iraq (local name for Iraq 33 00 N 44 00 E
Iraq)
Al Jaza'ir (local name Algeria 28 00 N 3 00 E
for Algeria)
Al Kuwayt (local name for Kuwait 29 30 N 45 45 E
Kuwait)
Al Maghrib (local name Morocco 32 00 N 5 00 W
for Morocco)
Al Urdun (local name for Jordan 31 00 N 36 00 E
Jordan)
Al Yaman (local name for Yemen 15 00 N 48 00 E
Yemen)
Aland Islands Finland 60 15 N 20 00 E
Alaska (state) United States 65 00 N 153 00 W
Alaska, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 58 00 N 145 00 W
Alboran Sea Atlantic Ocean 36 00 N 2 30 W
Aldabra Islands (Groupe Seychelles 9 25 S 46 22 E
d'Aldabra)
Alderney (island) Guernsey 49 43 N 2 12 W
Aleutian Islands United States 52 00 N 176 00 W
                          (Alaska)
Alexander Archipelago United States 57 00 N 134 00 W
(island group) (Alaska)
Alexander Island Antarctica 71 00 S 70 00 W
Alexandretta (region; Turkey 36 34 N 36 08 E
former name for
Iskenderun)
Alexandria (city) Egypt 31 12 N 29 54 E
Algiers (capital) Algeria 36 47 N 2 03 E
Alhucemas, Penon de Spain 35 13 N 3 53 W
(island group)
Alma-Ata (city; former Kazakhstan 43 15 N 76 57 E
name for Almaty)
Almaty (former capital) Kazakhstan 43 15 N 76 57 E
Alofi (capital) Niue 19 01 S 169 55 W
Alphonse Island Seychelles 7 01 S 52 45 E
Alsace (region) France 48 30 N 7 20 E
Amami Strait Pacific Ocean 28 40 N 129 30 E
Amindivi Islands (former India 11 30 N 72 30 E
name for Laccadive
Islands)
Amirante Isles (island Seychelles 6 00 S 53 10 E
group; also Les
Amirantes)
Amman (capital) Jordan 31 57 N 35 56 E
Amsterdam (capital) Netherlands 52 23 N 4 54 E
Amsterdam Island (Ile French Southern and 37 52 S 77 32 E
Amsterdam) Antarctic Lands
Amundsen Sea Southern Ocean 72 30 S 112 00 W
Amur River China, Russia 52 56 N 141 10 E
Amurskiy Liman (strait) Pacific Ocean 53 00 N 141 30 E
Anadyrskiy Zaliv (gulf) Pacific Ocean 64 00 N 177 00 E
Anatolia (region) Turkey 39 00 N 35 00 E
Andaman Islands India 12 00 N 92 45 E
Andaman Sea Indian Ocean 10 00 N 95 00 E
Andorra la Vella Andorra 42 30 N 1 30 E
(capital)
Andros (island) Greece 37 45 N 24 42 E
Andros Island The Bahamas 24 26 N 77 57 W
Anegada Passage Atlantic Ocean 18 30 N 63 40 W
Angkor Wat (ruins) Cambodia 13 26 N 103 50 E
Anglo-Egyptian Sudan Sudan 15 00 N 30 00 E
(former name for Sudan)
Anjouan (island) Comoros 12 15 S 44 25 E
Ankara (capital) Turkey 39 56 N 32 52 E
Annobon (island) Equatorial Guinea 1 25 S 5 36 E
Antananarivo (capital) Madagascar 18 52 S 47 30 E
Antigua (island) Antigua and Barbuda 14 34 N 90 44 W
Antipodes Islands New Zealand 49 41 S 178 43 E
Antwerp (city) Belgium 51 13 N 4 25 E
Aomen (local Chinese Macau 22 10 N 113 33 E
short-form name for
Macau)
Aozou Strip (region) Chad 22 00 N 18 00 E
Apia (capital) Samoa 13 50 S 171 44 W
Aqaba, Gulf of Indian Ocean 29 00 N 34 30 E
Arab, Shatt al (river) Iran, Iraq 29 57 N 48 34 E
Arabian Sea Indian Ocean 15 00 N 65 00 E
Arafura Sea Pacific Ocean 9 00 S 133 00 E
Aral Sea Kazakhstan, 45 00 N 60 00 E
                          Uzbekistan
Argun River China, Russia 53 20 N 121 28 E
Aru Sea Pacific Ocean 6 15 S 135 00 E
As-Sudan (local name for Sudan 15 00 N 30 00 E
Sudan)
Ascension Island Saint Helena, 7 57 S 14 22 W
                          Ascension, and
                          Tristan da Cunha
Ashgabat, Ashkhabad Turkmenistan 37 57 N 58 23 E
(capital)
Asmara, Asmera (capital) Eritrea 15 20 N 38 53 E
Assumption Island Seychelles 9 46 S 46 34 E
Astana (capital; formerly Kazakhstan 51 10 N 71 30 E
Akmola)
Asuncion (capital) Paraguay 25 16 S 57 40 W
Asuncion Island Northern Mariana 19 40 N 145 24 E
                          Islands
Atacama (desert) Chile 23 00 S 70 10 W
Atacama (region) Chile 24 30 S 69 15 W
Athens (capital) Greece 37 59 N 23 44 E
Attu Island United States 52 55 N 172 57 E
Auckland (city) New Zealand 36 52 S 174 46 E
Auckland Islands New Zealand 51 00 S 166 30 E
Australes, Iles (island French Polynesia 23 20 S 151 00 W
group; also Iles Tubuai)
Avarua (capital) Cook Islands 21 12 S 159 46 W
Axel Heiberg Island Canada 79 30 N 90 00 W
Azad Kashmir (region) Pakistan 34 30 N 74 00 E
Azarbaycan, Azerbaidzhan Azerbaijan 40 30 N 47 30 E
(local name for
Azerbaijan)
Azores (islands) Portugal 38 30 N 28 00 W
Azov, Sea of Atlantic Ocean 49 00 N 36 00 E

B

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Bab el Mandeb (strait) Indian Ocean 12 40 N 43 20 E
Babuyan Channel Pacific Ocean 18 44 N 121 40 E
Babuyan Islands Philippines 19 10 N 121 40 E
Baffin Bay Arctic Ocean 73 00 N 66 00 W
Baffin Island Canada 68 00 N 70 00 W
Baghdad (capital) Iraq 33 21 N 44 25 E
Baku (capital; also Baki, Azerbaijan 40 23 N 49 51 E
Baky)
Balabac Strait Pacific Ocean 7 35 N 117 00 E
Balearic Islands Spain 39 30 N 3 00 E
Balearic Sea (Iberian Atlantic Ocean 40 30 N 2 00 E
Sea) (Mediterranean Sea)
Bali (island) Indonesia 8 20 S 115 00 E
Bali Sea Indian Ocean 7 45 S 115 30 E
Balintang Channel Pacific Ocean 19 49 N 121 40 E
Balintang Islands Philippines 19 55 N 122 10 E
Balkan Peninsula Albania, Bosnia and 42 00 N 23 00 E
                          Herzegovina,
                          Bulgaria, Croatia,
                          Greece, Kosovo,
                          Macedonia,
                          Montenegro,
                          Romania, Serbia,
                          Slovenia, Turkey
                          (European part)
Balleny Islands Antarctica 67 00 S 163 00 E
Balochistan (region) Pakistan 28 00 N 63 00 E
Baltic Sea Atlantic Ocean 57 00 N 19 00 E
Bamako (capital) Mali 12 39 N 8 00 W
Banaba (Ocean Island) Kiribati 0 52 S 169 35 E
Banat (region) Hungary, Romania, 45 30 N 21 00 E
                          Serbia
Banda Sea Pacific Ocean 5 00 S 128 00 E
Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei 4 53 N 114 56 E
(capital)
Bangka (island) Indonesia 2 30 S 106 00 E
Bangkok (capital) Thailand 13 45 N 100 31 E
Bangui (capital) Central African 4 22 N 18 35 E
                          Republic
Banjul (capital) The Gambia 13 28 N 16 39 W
Banks Island Australia 10 12 S 142 16 E
Banks Island Canada 75 15 N 121 30 W
Banks Islands (Iles Vanuatu 14 00 S 167 30 E
Banks)
Barbuda (island) Antigua and Barbuda 17 38 N 61 48 W
Barcelona (city) Spain 41 25 N 2 13 E
Barents Sea Arctic Ocean 74 00 N 36 00 E
Barranquilla (city) Colombia 10 59 N 74 48 W
Bashi Channel Pacific Ocean 22 00 N 121 00 E
Basilan Strait Pacific Ocean 6 49 N 122 05 E
Basque Provinces Spain 43 00 N 2 30 W
Bass Strait Pacific Ocean 39 20 S 145 30 E
Basse-Terre (capital) France (Guadeloupe) 16 00 N 61 44 W
Basseterre (capital) Saint Kitts and 17 18 N 62 43 W
                          Nevis
Bastia (city) France (Corsica) 42 42 N 9 27 E
Basutoland (former name Lesotho 29 30 S 28 30 E
for Lesotho)
Batan Islands Philippines 20 30 N 121 50 E
Bavaria (region; also Germany 48 30 N 11 30 E
Bayern)
Beagle Channel Atlantic Ocean 54 53 S 68 10 W
Bear Island (see Svalbard 74 26 N 19 05 E
Bjornoya)
Beaufort Sea Arctic Ocean 73 00 N 140 00 W
Bechuanaland (former name Botswana 22 00 S 24 00 E
for Botswana)
Beijing (capital) China 39 56 N 116 24 E
Beirut (capital) Lebanon 33 53 N 35 30 E
Bekaa Valley Lebanon 34 00 N 36 05 E
Belau (Palau Islands) Palau 7 30 N 134 30 E
Belep Islands (Iles New Caledonia 19 45 S 163 40 E
Belep)
Belfast (city) United Kingdom 54 36 N 5 55 W
Belgian Congo (former Democratic Republic 0 00 N 25 00 E
name for Democratic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo)
Belgie, Belgique (local Belgium 50 50 N 4 00 E
name for Belgium)
Belgrade (capital) Serbia 44 50 N 20 30 E
Belize City Belize 17 30 N 88 12 W
Belle Isle, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 51 35 N 56 30 W
Bellingshausen Sea Southern Ocean 71 00 S 85 00 W
Belmopan (capital) Belize 17 15 N 88 46 W
Belorussia (former name Belarus 53 00 N 28 00 E
for Belarus)
Benadir (region; former Somalia 4 00 N 46 00 E
name of Italian
Somaliland)
Bengal, Bay of Indian Ocean 15 00 N 90 00 E
Berau, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 2 30 S 132 30 E
Bering Island Russia 55 00 N 166 30 E
Bering Sea Pacific Ocean 60 00 N 175 00 W
Bering Strait Pacific Ocean 65 30 N 169 00 W
Berkner Island Antarctica 79 30 S 49 30 W
Berlin (capital) Germany 52 31 N 13 24 E
Berlin, East (former name Germany 52 30 N 13 33 E
for eastern sector of
Berlin)
Berlin, West (former name Germany 52 30 N 13 20 E
for western sector of
Berlin)
Bern (capital) Switzerland 46 57 N 7 26 E
Bessarabia (region) Moldova, Romania, 47 00 N 28 30 E
                          Ukraine
Bharat (local name for India 20 00 N 77 00 E
India)
Bhopal (city) India 23 16 N 77 24 E
Biafra (region) Nigeria 5 30 N 7 30 E
Big Diomede Island Russia 65 46 N 169 06 W
Bijagos, Arquipelago dos Guinea-Bissau 11 25 N 16 20 W
(island group)
Bikini Atoll Marshall Islands 11 35 N 165 23 E
Bilbao (city) Spain 43 15 N 2 58 W
Bioko (island) Equatorial Guinea 3 30 N 8 42 E
Biscay, Bay of Atlantic Ocean 44 00 N 4 00 W
Bishkek (capital) Kyrgyzstan 42 54 N 74 36 E
Bishop Rock United Kingdom 49 52 N 6 27 W
Bismarck Archipelago Papua New Guinea 5 00 S 150 00 E
(island group)
Bismarck Sea Pacific Ocean 4 00 S 148 00 E
Bissau (capital) Guinea-Bissau 11 51 N 15 35 W
Bjornoya (Bear Island) Svalbard 74 26 N 19 05 E
Black Forest (region) Germany 48 00 N 8 15 E
Black Rock (island) South Georgia and 53 39 S 41 48 W
                          the South Sandwich
                          Islands
Black Sea Atlantic Ocean 43 00 N 35 00 E
Bloemfontein (judicial South Africa 29 12 S 26 07 E
capital)
Bo Hai (gulf) Pacific Ocean 38 00 N 120 00 E
Boa Vista (island) Cape Verde 16 05 N 22 50 W
Bogota (capital) Colombia 4 36 N 74 05 W
Bohemia (region) Czech Republic 50 00 N 14 30 E
Bombay (city; see Mumbai) India 18 58 N 72 50 E
Bonaire (island) Netherlands 12 10 N 68 15 W
Bonifacio, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 41 01 N 14 00 E
                          (Mediterranean Sea)
Bonin Islands Japan 27 00 N 142 10 E
Bonn (former capital) Germany 50 44 N 7 05 E
Bophuthatswana (region; South Africa 26 30 S 25 30 E
enclave)
Bora-Bora (island) French Polynesia 16 30 S 151 45 W
Bordeaux (city) France 44 50 N 0 34 W
Borneo (island) Brunei, Indonesia, 0 30 N 114 00 E
                          Malaysia
Bornholm (island) Denmark 55 10 N 15 00 E
Bosna i Hercegovina Bosnia and 44 00 N 18 00 E
(local name for Bosnia Herzegovina
and Herzegovina)
Bosnia (political region) Bosnia and 44 00 N 18 00 E
                          Herzegovina
Bosporus (strait) Atlantic Ocean 41 00 N 29 00 E
Bothnia, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 63 00 N 20 00 E
Bougainville (island) Papua New Guinea 6 00 S 155 00 E
Bougainville Strait Pacific Ocean 6 40 S 156 10 E
Bounty Islands New Zealand 47 43 S 174 00 E
Bourbon Island (former Reunion 21 06 S 55 36 E
name of Reunion)
Brasilia (capital) Brazil 15 47 S 47 55 W
Bratislava (capital) Slovakia 48 09 N 17 07 E
Brazzaville (capital) Republic of the 4 16 S 15 17 E
                          Congo
Bridgetown (capital) Barbados 13 06 N 59 37 W
Brisbane (city) Australia 27 28 S 153 02 E
Bristol Bay Pacific Ocean 57 00 N 160 00 W
Bristol Channel Atlantic Ocean 51 18 N 3 30 W
Britain (see Great United Kingdom 54 00 N 2 00 W
Britain)
British Bechuanaland South Africa 27 30 S 23 30 E
(region; former name for
northwest South Africa)
British Central African Malawi 13 30 S 34 00 E
Protectorate (former name
of Nyasaland)
British East Africa Kenya, Tanzania, 1 00 N 38 00 E
(former name for British Uganda
possessions in eastern
Africa)
British Guiana (former Guyana 5 00 N 59 00 W
name for Guyana)
British Honduras (former Belize 17 15 N 88 45 W
name for Belize)
British Solomon Islands Solomon Islands 8 00 S 159 00 E
(former name for Solomon
Islands)
British Somaliland Somalia 10 00 N 49 00 E
(former name for northern
Somalia)
Brussels (capital) Belgium 50 50 N 4 20 E
Bubiyan (island) Kuwait 29 47 N 48 10 E
Bucharest (capital) Romania 44 26 N 26 06 E
Budapest (capital) Hungary 47 30 N 19 05 E
Buenos Aires (capital) Argentina 34 36 S 58 27 W
Bujumbura (capital) Burundi 3 23 S 29 22 E
Bukovina (region) Romania, Ukraine 48 00 N 26 00 E
Byelarus (local name for Belarus 53 00 N 28 00 E
Belarus)
Byelorussia (former name Belarus 53 00 N 28 00 E
for Belarus)

C

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Cabinda (province) Angola 5 33 S 12 12 E
Cabo Verde (local name Cape Verde 16 00 N 24 00 W
for Cape Verde)
Cabot Strait Atlantic Ocean 47 20 N 59 30 W
Caicos Islands Turks and Caicos 21 56 N 71 58 W
                          Islands
Cairo (capital) Egypt 30 03 N 31 15 E
Calcutta (city) India 22 32 N 88 21 E
Calgary (city) Canada 51 02 N 114 04 W
California, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 28 00 N 112 00 W
Cameroun (local name for Cameroon 6 00 N 12 00 E
Cameroon)
Campbell Island New Zealand 52 33 S 169 09 E
Campeche, Bay of Atlantic Ocean 20 00 N 94 00 W
                          (Gulf of Mexico)
Canal Zone (former name Panama 9 00 N 79 45 W
for US possessions in
Panama)
Canarias Sea Atlantic Ocean 28 00 N 16 00 W
Canary Islands Spain 28 00 N 15 30 W
Canberra (capital) Australia 35 17 S 149 08 E
Cancun (city) Mexico 21 10 N 86 50 W
Canton (city; now China 23 06 N 113 16 E
Guangzhou)
Canton Island (Kanton Kiribati 2 49 S 171 40 W
Island)
Cape Juby (region; former Morocco 27 53 N 12 58 W
name for Southern
Morocco)
Cape Province (region; South Africa 31 30 S 22 30 E
former name for Northern,
Western, and Eastern Cape
Provinces of South
Africa)
Cape Town (legislative South Africa 33 57 S 18 25 E
capital)
Cape of Good Hope (cape; South Africa 34 15 S 18 20 E
also alternate name for
Cape Province of South
Africa)
Caracas (capital) Venezuela 10 30 N 66 56 W
Cargados Carajos Shoals Mauritius 16 25 S 59 38 E
Caribbean Sea Atlantic Ocean 15 00 N 73 00 W
Caroline Islands Federated States of 7 30 N 148 00 E
                          Micronesia, Palau
Carpatho-Ukraine (region; Ukraine 48 22 N 23 32 E
former name for
Zakarpats'ka oblast')
Carpentaria, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 14 00 S 139 00 E
Casablanca (city) Morocco 33 35 N 7 34 W
Castries (capital) Saint Lucia 14 01 N 61 00 W
Catalonia (region) Spain 42 00 N 2 00 E
Cato Island Australia 23 15 S 155 32 E
Caucasus (region) Russia 42 00 N 45 00 E
Cayenne (capital) French Guiana 4 56 N 52 20 W
Celebes (island) Indonesia 2 00 S 121 00 E
Celebes Sea Pacific Ocean 3 00 N 122 00 E
Celtic Sea Atlantic Ocean 51 00 N 6 30 W
Central African Empire Central African 7 00 N 21 00 E
(former name for Central Republic
African Republic)
Ceram (Seram) Sea Pacific Ocean 2 30 S 129 30 E
Ceska Republika (local Czech Republic 49 45 N 15 30 E
name for Czech Republic)
Ceskoslovensko (former Czech Republic, 49 00 N 17 30 E
local name for Slovakia
Czechoslovakia)
Cetinje (capital city) Montenegro 42 24 N 18 55 E
Ceuta (city) Spain 35 53 N 5 19 W
Ceylon (former name for Sri Lanka 7 00 N 81 00 E
Sri Lanka)
Chafarinas, Islas Spain 35 12 N 2 26 W
(island)
Chagos Archipelago (Oil British Indian 6 00 S 71 30 E
Islands) Ocean Territory
Challenger Deep (Mariana Pacific Ocean 11 22 N 142 36 E
Trench)
Channel Islands Guernsey, Jersey 49 20 N 2 20 W
Charlotte Amalie Virgin Islands 18 21 N 64 56 W
(capital)
Chatham Islands New Zealand 44 00 S 176 30 W
Chechnya (region; also Russia 43 15 N 45 40 E
Chechnia)
Cheju Strait Pacific Ocean 34 00 N 126 30 E
Cheju-do (island) Korea, South 33 20 N 126 30 E
Chengdu (city) China 30 43 N 104 04 E
Chennai (city; also India 13 04 N 80 16 E
Madras)
Chesterfield Islands New Caledonia 19 52 S 158 15 E
(Iles Chesterfield)
Chihli, Gulf of (see Bo Pacific Ocean 38 30 N 120 00 E
Hai)
Chiloe (island) Chile 42 50 S 74 00 W
China, People's Republic China 35 00 N 105 00 E
of
China, Republic of Taiwan 23 30 N 121 00 E
Chisinau (capital; also Moldova 47 00 N 28 50 E
Kishinev)
Choiseul (island) Solomon Islands 7 05 S 121 00 E
Choson (local name for North Korea 40 00 N 127 00 E
North Korea)
Christmas Island (Indian Australia 10 25 S 105 39 E
Ocean)
Christmas Island (Pacific Kiribati 1 52 N 157 20 W
Ocean; also Kiritimati)
Chukchi Sea Arctic Ocean 69 00 N 171 00 W
Chuuk Islands (Truk Federated States of 7 25 N 151 47 W
Islands) Micronesia
Cilicia (region) Turkey 36 50 N 34 30 E
Ciskei (enclave) South Africa 33 00 S 27 00 E
Citta del Vaticano (local Holy See 41 54 N 12 27 E
name for Vatican City)
Cochin China (region) Vietnam 11 00 N 107 00 E
Coco, Isla del (island) Costa Rica 5 32 N 87 04 W
Cocos Islands Cocos (Keeling) 12 30 S 96 50 E
                          Islands
Colombo (capital) Sri Lanka 6 56 N 79 51 E
Colon, Archipielago de Ecuador 0 00 N 90 30 W
(Galapagos Islands)
Commander Islands Russia 55 00 N 167 00 E
(Komandorskiye Ostrova)
Comores (local name for Comoros 12 10 S 44 15 E
Comoros)
Con Son (islands) Vietnam 8 43 N 106 36 E
Conakry (capital) Guinea 9 31 N 13 43 W
Confederatio Helvetica Switzerland 47 00 N 8 00 E
(local name for
Switzerland)
Congo (Brazzaville) Republic of the 1 00 S 15 00 E
(former name for Republic Congo
of the Congo)
Congo (Leopoldville) Democratic Republic 0 00 N 25 00 E
(former name for the of the Congo
Democratic Republic of
the Congo)
Constantinople (city; Turkey 41 01 N 28 58 E
former name for Istanbul)
Cook Strait Pacific Ocean 41 15 S 174 30 E
Copenhagen (capital) Denmark 55 40 N 12 35 E
Coral Sea Pacific Ocean 15 00 S 150 00 E
Corfu (island) Greece 39 40 N 19 45 E
Corinth (region) Greece 37 56 N 22 56 E
Corisco (island) Equatorial Guinea 0 55 N 9 19 E
Corn Islands (Islas del Nicaragua 12 15 N 83 00 W
Maiz)
Corocoro Island Guyana, Venezuela 3 38 N 66 50 W
Corsica (island; also France 42 00 N 9 00 E
Corse)
Cosmoledo Group (island Seychelles 9 43 S 47 35 E
group; also Atoll de
Cosmoledo)
Cotonou (former capital) Benin 6 21 N 2 26 E
Cotopaxi (volcano) Ecuador 0 39 S 78 26 W
Courantyne River Guyana, Suriname 5 57 N 57 06 W
Cozumel (island) Mexico 20 30 N 86 55 W
Crete (island) Greece 35 15 N 24 45 E
Crimea (region) Ukraine 45 00 N 34 00 E
Crimean Peninsula Ukraine 45 00 N 34 00 E
Crooked Island Passage Atlantic Ocean 22 55 N 74 35 W
Crozet Islands (Iles French Southern and 46 30 S 51 00 E
Crozet) Antarctic Lands
Cyclades (island group) Greece 37 00 N 25 10 E
Cyrenaica (region) Libya 31 00 N 22 00 E
Czechoslovakia (former Czech Republic, 49 00 N 18 00 E
name for the entity that Slovakia
subsequently split into
the Czech Republic and
Slovakia)

D

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
D'Entrecasteaux Islands Papua New Guinea 9 30 S 150 40 E
Dagestan (region) Russia 43 00 N 47 00 E
Dahomey (former name for Benin 9 30 N 2 15 E
Benin)
Daito Islands Japan 43 00 N 17 00 E
Dakar (capital) Senegal 14 40 N 17 26 W
Dalmatia (region) Croatia 43 00 N 17 00 E
Daman (city; also Damao) India 20 10 N 73 00 E
Damascus (capital) Syria 33 30 N 36 18 E
Danger Islands (see Cook Islands 10 53 S 165 49 W
Pukapuka Atoll)
Danish Straits Atlantic Ocean 58 00 N 11 00 E
Danish West Indies Virgin Islands 18 20 N 64 50 W
(former name for the
Virgin Islands)
Danmark (local name) Denmark 56 00 N 10 00 E
Danzig (city; former name Poland 54 23 N 18 40 E
for Gdansk)
Dao Bach Long Vi (island) Vietnam 20 08 N 107 44 E
Dar es Salaam (capital) Tanzania 6 48 S 39 17 E
Dardanelles (strait) Atlantic Ocean 40 15 N 26 25 E
Davis Strait Atlantic Ocean 67 00 N 57 00 W
Dead Sea Israel, Jordan, 32 30 N 35 30 E
                          West Bank
Deception Island Antarctica 62 56 S 60 34 W
Denmark Strait Atlantic Ocean 67 00 N 24 00 W
Desolation Islands (Isles French Southern and 49 30 S 69 30 E
Kerguelen) Antarctic Lands
Deutschland (local name Germany 51 00 N 9 00 E
for Germany)
Devils Island (Ile du French Guiana 5 17 N 52 35 W
Diable)
Devon Island Canada 76 00 N 87 00 W
Dhaka (capital) Bangladesh 23 43 N 90 25 E
Dhivehi Raajje (local Maldives 3 15 N 73 00 E
name for Maldives)
Dhofar (region) Oman 17 00 N 54 10 E
Diego Garcia (island) British Indian 7 20 S 72 25 E
                          Ocean Territory
Diego Ramirez (islands) Chile 56 30 S 68 43 W
Dili (capital) Timor-Leste 8 35 S 125 36 E
Dilmun (former name for Bahrain 7 00 N 81 00 E
Bahrain)
Diomede Islands Russia (Big 65 47 N 169 00 W
                          Diomede), United
                          States (Little
                          Diomede)
Diu (region) India 20 42 N 70 59 E
Djibouti (capital) Djibouti 11 30 N 43 15 E
Dnieper (river) Belarus, Russia, 46 30 N 32 18 E
                          Ukraine (Dnyapro,
                          Dnepr, Dnipro)
Dniester (river) Moldova, Ukraine 46 18 N 30 17 E
                          (Nistru, Dnister)
Dobruja (region) Bulgaria, Romania 43 30 N 28 00 E
Dodecanese (island group) Greece 36 00 N 27 05 E
Dodoma (city) Tanzania 6 11 S 35 45 E
Doha (capital) Qatar 25 17 N 51 32 E
Donets Basin Russia, Ukraine 48 15 N 38 30 E
Douala (city) Cameroon 4 03 N 9 42 E
Douglas (capital) Man, Isle of 54 09 N 4 28 W
Dover, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 51 00 N 1 30 E
Drake Passage Atlantic Ocean, 60 00 S 60 00 W
                          Southern Ocean
Druk Yul (local name for Bhutan 27 30 N 90 30 E
Bhutan)
Dubai, Dubayy (city) United Arab 25 18 N 55 18 E
                          Emirates
Dublin (capital) Ireland 53 20 N 6 15 W
Duesseldorf (city) Germany 51 13 N 6 47 E
Durban (city) South Africa 29 51 S 31 02 E
Dushanbe (capital) Tajikistan 38 35 N 68 48 E
Dutch Antilles (former Aruba, Curacao, 12 10 N 68 30 W
name for the Netherlands Sint Maarten
Antilles)
Dutch East Indies (former Indonesia 5 00 S 120 00 E
name for Indonesia)
Dutch Guiana (former name Suriname 4 00 N 56 00 W
for Suriname)
Dutch West Indies (former Aruba, Curacao, 12 10 N 68 30 W
name for the Netherlands Sint Maarten
Antilles)
Dzungarian Gate (valley) China, Kazakhstan 45 25 N 82 25 E

E

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
East China Sea Pacific Ocean 30 00 N 126 00 E
East Frisian Islands Germany 53 44 N 7 25 E
East Germany (German Germany 52 00 N 13 00 E
Democratic Republic;
former name for eastern
portion of Germany)
East Korea Strait Pacific Ocean 34 00 N 129 00 E
(Eastern Channel or
Tsushima Strait)
East Pakistan (former Bangladesh 24 00 N 90 00 E
name for Bangladesh)
East Siberian Sea Arctic Ocean 74 00 N 166 00 E
Easter Island (Isla de Chile 27 07 S 109 22 W
Pascua)
Eastern Channel (East Pacific Ocean 34 00 N 129 00 E
Korea Strait or Tsushima
Strait)
Eastern Samoa (former American Samoa 14 20 S 170 00 W
name for American Samoa)
Edinburgh (city) United Kingdom 55 57 N 3 11 W
Eesti (local name for Estonia 59 00 N 26 00 E
Estonia)
Eire (local name for Ireland 53 00 N 8 00 W
Ireland)
Elba (island) Italy 42 46 N 10 17 E
Elemi Triangle (region) Ethiopia (claimed), 5 00 N 35 30 E
                          Kenya (de facto),
                          Sudan (claimed)
Ellada, Ellas (local name Greece 39 00 N 22 00 E
for Greece)
Ellef Ringnes Island Canada 78 00 N 103 00 W
Ellesmere Island Canada 81 00 N 80 00 W
Ellice Islands Tuvalu 8 00 S 178 00 E
Ellsworth Land (region) Antarctica 75 00 S 92 00 W
Elobey, Islas de (island Equatorial Guinea 0 59 N 9 33 E
group)
Enderbury Island Kiribati 3 08 S 171 05 W
Enewetak Atoll (Eniwetok Marshall Islands 11 30 N 162 15 E
Atoll)
England (region) United Kingdom 52 30 N 1 30 W
English Channel Atlantic Ocean 50 20 N 1 00 W
Eniwetok Atoll (see Marshall Islands 11 30 N 162 15 E
Enewetak Atoll)
Eolie, Isole (island Italy 38 30 N 15 00 E
group)
Epirus, Northern (region) Albania, Greece 40 00 N 20 30 E
Episkopi Cantonment Akrotiri, Dhekelia 34 40 N 32 51 E
(capital)
Ertra (local name for Eritrea 15 00 N 39 00 E
Eritrea)
Espana Spain 40 00 N 4 00 W
Essequibo (region; Guyana 6 59 N 58 23 W
claimed by Venezuela)
Etorofu (island; also Russia (de facto) 44 55 N 147 40 E
Iturup)

F

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Farquhar Group (island Seychelles 10 10 S 51 10 E
group; also Atoll de
Farquhar)
Fergana Valley Kyrgyzstan, 41 00 N 72 00 E
                          Tajikistan,
                          Uzbekistan
Fernando Po (island; see Equatorial Guinea 3 30 N 8 42 E
Bioko)
Fernando de Noronha Brazil 3 51 S 32 25 W
(island group)
Filipinas (local name for Philippines 13 00 N 122 00 E
the Philippines; also
Pilipinas)
Finland, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 60 00 N 27 00 E
                          (Baltic Sea)
Fiume (city; former name Croatia 45 19 N 14 25 E
for Rijeka)
Florence (city) Italy 43 46 N 11 16 E
Flores (island) Indonesia 8 45 S 121 00 E
Flores Sea Pacific Ocean 7 40 S 119 45 E
Florida, Straits of Atlantic Ocean 25 00 N 79 45 W
Fongafale (largest island Tuvalu 8 30 S 179 12 E
of Funafuti)
Former Soviet Union (FSU) Armenia,
                          Azerbaijan,
                          Belarus, Estonia,
                          Georgia,
                          Kazakhstan,
                          Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,
                          Lithuania, Moldova,
                          Russia, Tajikistan,
                          Turkmenistan,
                          Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Formosa (island) Taiwan 23 30 N 121 00 E
Formosa Strait (see Pacific Ocean 24 00 N 119 00 E
Taiwan Strait)
Foroyar (local name for Faroe Islands 62 00 N 7 00 W
Faroe Islands)
Fort-de-France (capital) Martinique 14 36 N 61 05 W
Frankfurt am Main (city) Germany 50 07 N 8 41 E
Franz Josef Land (island Russia 81 00 N 55 00 E
group)
Freetown (capital) Sierra Leone 8 30 N 13 15 W
French Cameroon (former Cameroon 6 00 N 12 00 E
name for Cameroon)
French Guinea (former Guinea 11 00 N 10 00 W
name for Guinea)
French Indochina (former Cambodia, Laos, 15 00 N 107 00 E
name for French Vietnam
possessions in southeast
Asia)
French Morocco (former Morocco 32 00 N 5 00 W
name for Morocco)
French Somaliland (former Djibouti 11 30 N 43 00 E
name for Djibouti)
French Sudan (former name Mali 17 00 N 4 00 W
for Mali)
French Territory of the Djibouti 11 30 N 43 00 E
Afars and Issas (or FTAI;
former name for Djibouti)
French Togoland (former Togo 8 00 N 1 10 E
name for Togo)
French West Indies Guadeloupe, 16 30 N 62 00 W
(former name for French Martinique
possessions in the West
Indies)
Friendly Islands Tonga 20 00 S 175 00 W
Frisian Islands Denmark, Germany, 53 35 N 6 40 E
                          Netherlands
Frunze (city; former name Kyrgyzstan 42 54 N 74 36 E
for Bishkek)
Funafuti (capital, atoll) Tuvalu 8 30 S 179 12 E
Fundy, Bay of Atlantic Ocean 45 00 N 66 00 W
Futuna Islands (Hoorn Wallis and Futuna 14 19 S 178 05 W
Islands/Iles de Horne)
Fyn (island) Denmark 55 20 N 10 25 E

G

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Gaborone (capital) Botswana 24 45 S 25 55 E
Galapagos Islands Ecuador 0 00 N 90 30 W
(Archipielago de Colon)
Galicia (region) Poland, Ukraine 49 30 N 23 00 E
Galicia (region) Spain 42 45 N 8 10 E
Galilee (region) Israel 32 54 N 35 20 E
Galleons Passage Atlantic Ocean 11 00 N 60 55 W
Gambier Islands (Iles French Polynesia 23 09 S 134 58 W
Gambier)
Gaspar Strait Pacific Ocean 3 00 S 107 00 E
Gdansk (city; formerly Poland 54 23 N 18 40 E
Danzig)
Geneva (city) Switzerland 46 12 N 6 10 E
Genoa (city) Italy 44 25 N 8 57 E
George Town (capital) Cayman Islands 19 20 N 81 23 W
George Town (city) Malaysia 5 26 N 100 16 E
George Town (city) The Bahamas 23 30 N 75 46 W
Georgetown (capital) Guyana 6 48 N 58 10 W
Georgetown (city) The Gambia 13 30 N 14 47 W
German Democratic Germany 52 00 N 13 00 E
Republic (East Germany;
former name for eastern
portion of Germany)
German Southwest Africa Namibia 22 00 S 17 00 E
(former name for Namibia)
Germany, Federal Republic Germany 51 00 N 9 00 E
of
Gibraltar (city, Gibraltar 36 11 N 5 22 W
peninsula)
Gibraltar, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 35 57 N 5 36 W
Gidi Pass Egypt 30 13 N 33 09 E
Gilbert Islands Kiribati 1 25 N 173 00 E
Goa (state) India 15 20 N 74 00 E
Gobi (desert) China, Mongolia 42 30 N 107 00 E
Godthab (capital; also Greenland 64 11 N 51 44 W
Nuuk)
Golan Heights (region) Syria 33 00 N 35 45 E
Gold Coast (former name Ghana 8 00 N 2 00 W
for Ghana)
Golfo San Jorge (gulf) Atlantic Ocean 46 00 S 66 00 W
Golfo San Matias (gulf) Atlantic Ocean 41 30 S 64 00 W
Good Hope, Cape of South Africa 34 24 S 18 30 E
Goteborg (city) Sweden 57 43 N 11 58 E
Gotland (island) Sweden 57 30 N 18 33 E
Gough Island Saint Helena, 40 20 S 9 55 W
                          Ascension, and
                          Tristan da Cunha
Graham Land (region) Antarctica 65 00 S 64 00 W
Gran Chaco (region) Argentina, Paraguay 24 00 S 60 00 W
Grand Bahama (island) The Bahamas 26 40 N 78 35 W
Grand Banks (fishing Atlantic Ocean 47 06 N 55 48 W
ground)
Grand Cayman (island) Cayman Islands 19 20 N 81 20 W
Grand Turk (capital; also Turks and Caicos 21 28 N 71 08 W
Cockburn Town) Islands
Great Australian Bight Indian Ocean 35 00 S 130 00 E
Great Belt (strait; also Atlantic Ocean 55 30 N 11 00 E
Store Baelt)
Great Bitter Lake Egypt 30 20 N 32 23 E
Great Britain (island) United Kingdom 54 00 N 2 00 W
Great Channel Indian Ocean 6 25 N 94 20 E
Great Inagua (island) The Bahamas 21 00 N 73 20 W
Great Rift Valley Ethiopia, Kenya 0 30 N 36 00 E
Greater Sunda Islands Brunei, Indonesia, 2 00 S 110 00 E
                          Malaysia
Green Islands Papua New Guinea 4 30 S 154 10 E
Greenland Sea Arctic Ocean 79 00 N 5 00 W
Grenadines, Northern Saint Vincent and 13 15 N 61 12 W
(island group) the Grenadines
Grenadines, Southern Grenada 12 07 N 61 40 W
(island group)
Grytviken (town; on South South Georgia and 54 15 S 36 45 W
Georgia) the South Sandwich
                          Islands
Guadalahara (city) Mexico 20 40 N 103 24 W
Guadalcanal (island) Solomon Islands 9 32 S 160 12 E
Guadalupe, Isla de Mexico 29 11 N 118 17 W
(island)
Guangzhou (city; also China 23 09 N 113 21 E
Canton)
Guantanamo Bay (US Naval Cuba 20 00 N 75 08 W
Base)
Guatemala (capital) Guatemala 14 38 N 90 31 W
Guine-Bissau (local name Guinea-Bissau 12 00 N 15 00 W
for Guinea-Bissau)
Guinea Ecuatorial (local Equatorial Guinea 2 00 N 10 00 E
name for Equatorial
Guinea)
Guinea, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 3 00 N 2 30 E
Guinee (local name for Guinea 11 00 N 10 00 W
Guinea)
Gustavia (capital) Saint Barthelemy 17 53 N 62 51 W
Guyane Francaise (local French Guiana 4 00 N 53 00 W
name for French Guiana)

H

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Ha'apai Group (island Tonga 19 42 S 174 29 W
group)
Habomai Islands Russia (de facto) 43 30 N 146 10 E
Hadhramaut (region) Yemen 15 00 N 50 00 E
Hagatna (capital; Guam 13 28 N 144 45 E
formerly Agana)
Hague, The (seat of Netherlands 52 05 N 4 18 E
government)
Haifa (city) Israel 32 50 N 35 00 E
Hainan Dao (island) China 19 00 N 109 30 E
Haiphong (city) Vietnam 20 52 N 106 41 E
Hala'ib Triangle (region) Egypt (claimed), 22 30 N 35 00 E
                          Sudan (de facto)
Halifax (city) Canada 44 39 N 63 36 W
Halmahera (island) Indonesia 1 00 N 128 00 E
Halmahera Sea Pacific Ocean 0 30 S 129 00 E
Hamburg (city) Germany 53 34 N 9 59 E
Hamilton (capital) Bermuda 32 17 N 64 46 W
Han-guk (local name for South Korea 37 00 N 127 30 E
South Korea
Hanoi (capital) Vietnam 21 02 N 105 51 E
Harare (capital) Zimbabwe 17 50 S 31 03 E
Harvey Islands (former Cook Islands 21 14 S 159 46 W
name for Cook Islands)
Hatay (province) Turkey 36 30 N 36 15 E
Havana (capital) Cuba 23 08 N 82 22 W
Hawaii (island) United States 19 45 N 155 45 W
Hawaiian Islands United States 21 00 N 157 45 W
Hawar (island) Bahrain 25 40 N 50 47 E
Hayastan (local name for Armenia 40 00 N 45 00 E
Armenia)
Heard Island Heard Island and 53 06 S 73 30 E
                          McDonald Islands
Hejaz (region) Saudi Arabia 24 30 N 38 30 E
Helsinki (capital) Finland 60 10 N 24 58 E
Herzegovina (political Bosnia and 44 00 N 18 00 E
region) Herzegovina
Hiiumaa (island) Estonia 58 50 N 22 30 E
Hispaniola (island) Dominican Republic, 18 45 N 71 00 W
                          Haiti
Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam 10 45 N 106 40 E
(formerly Saigon)
Hokkaido (island) Japan 44 00 N 143 00 E
Holland (region) Netherlands 52 30 N 5 45 E
Hong Kong (special Hong Kong 22 15 N 114 10 E
administrative region)
Honiara (capital) Solomon Islands 9 26 S 159 57 E
Honshu (island) Japan 36 00 N 138 00 E
Hormuz, Strait of Indian Ocean 26 34 N 56 15 E
Horn of Africa (region) Djibouti, Eritrea, 8 00 N 48 00 E
                          Ethiopia, Somalia
Horn, Cape (Cabo de Chile 55 59 S 67 16 W
Hornos)
Horne, Iles de (island Wallis and Futuna 14 19 S 178 05 W
group)
Hrvatska (local name for Croatia 45 10 N 15 30 E
Croatia)
Hudson Bay Arctic Ocean 60 00 N 86 00 W
Hudson Strait Arctic Ocean 62 00 N 71 00 W
Hunter Island New Caledonia, 22 24 S 172 06 E
                          Vanuatu

I

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Iberian Peninsula Portugal, Spain 40 00 N 5 00 W
Iceland Sea Arctic Ocean 68 00 N 20 00 W
Ifni (region; former name Morocco 29 22 N 10 09 W
of part of Spanish West
Africa)
Inaccessible Island Saint Helena, 37 17 S 12 40 W
                          Ascension, and
                          Tristan da Cunha
Indochina (region) Cambodia, Laos, 15 00 N 107 00 E
                          Vietnam
Ingushetia (region) Russia 43 15 N 45 00 E
Inhambane (region) Mozambique 22 30 S 34 30 E
Inini (former name for French Guiana 4 00 N 53 00 W
French Guiana)
Inland Sea Japan 34 20 N 133 30 E
Inner Hebrides (islands) United Kingdom 56 30 N 6 20 W
Inner Mongolia (region; China 42 00 N 113 00 E
also Nei Mongol)
Ionian Islands Greece 38 30 N 20 30 E
Ionian Sea Atlantic Ocean 38 30 N 18 00 E
Irian Jaya (province) Indonesia 5 00 S 138 00 E
Irish Sea Atlantic Ocean 53 30 N 5 20 W
Iron Gate (river gorge) Romania, Serbia 44 41 N 22 31 E
Iskenderun (region; Turkey 36 34 N 36 08 E
formerly Alexandretta)
Islamabad (capital) Pakistan 33 42 N 73 10 E
Island (local name for Iceland 65 00 N 18 00 W
Iceland)
Islas Malvinas (island Falkland Islands 51 45 S 59 00 W
group) (Islas Malvinas)
Istanbul (city) Turkey 41 01 N 28 58 E
Istrian Peninsula Croatia, Slovenia 45 00 N 14 00 E
Italia (local name for Italy 42 50 N 12 50 E
Italy)
Italian East Africa Eritrea, Ethiopia, 8 00 N 38 00 E
(former name for Italian Somalia
possessions in eastern
Africa)
Italian Somaliland Somalia 10 00 N 49 00 E
(former name for southern
Somalia)
Ittihad al-Imarat al- United Arab 24 00 N 54 00 E
Arabiyah (local name for Emirates
the United Arab Emirates)
Iturup (island; see Russia (de facto) 44 55 N 147 40 E
Etorofu)
Ityop'iya (local name for Ethiopia 8 00 N 38 00 E
Ethiopia)
Ivory Coast (former name Cote d'Ivoire 8 00 N 5 00 W
for Cote d'Ivoire)
Iwo Jima (island) Japan 24 47 N 141 20 E
Izmir (region) Turkey 38 25 N 27 10 E

J

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Jakarta (capital) Indonesia 6 10 S 106 48 E
James Bay Arctic Ocean 54 00 N 80 00 W
Jamestown (capital) Saint Helena, 15 56 S 5 44 W
                          Ascension, and
                          Tristan da Cunha
Jammu (city) India 32 42 N 74 52 E
Jammu and Kashmir India, Pakistan 34 00 N 76 00 E
(region)
Japan, Sea of Pacific Ocean 40 00 N 135 00 E
Jars, Plain of Laos 19 27 N 103 10 E
Java (island) Indonesia 7 30 S 110 00 E
Java Sea Pacific Ocean 5 00 S 110 00 E
Jerusalem (capital, Israel, West Bank 31 47 N 35 14 E
proclaimed)
Jiddah, Jeddah (city) Saudi Arabia 21 30 N 39 12 E
Johannesburg (city) South Africa 26 15 S 28 00 E
Joseph Bonaparte Gulf Pacific Ocean 14 00 S 128 45 E
Juan Fernandez, Islas de Chile 33 00 S 80 00 W
(island group)
Juan de Fuca, Strait of Pacific Ocean 48 18 N 124 00 W
Jubal, Strait of Indian Ocean 27 40 N 33 55 E
Judaea (region) Israel, West Bank 31 35 N 35 00 E
Jugoslavia, Jugoslavija Bosnia and 43 00 N 21 00 E
(local names for Herzegovina,
Yugoslavia, a former Croatia, Macedonia,
Balkan federation) Montenegro, Serbia,
                          Slovenia
Jutland (region) Denmark 56 00 N 9 15 E
Juventud, Isla de la Cuba 21 40 N 82 50 W
(Isle of Youth)

K

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Kabardino-Balkaria Russia 43 30 N 43 30 E
(region)
Kabul (capital) Afghanistan 34 31 N 69 12 E
Kaduna (city) Nigeria 10 33 N 7 27 E
Kailas Range China, India 30 00 N 82 00 E
Kalaallit Nunaat (local Greenland 72 00 N 40 00 W
name for Greenland)
Kalahari (desert) Botswana, Namibia 24 30 S 21 00 E
Kalimantan (region) Indonesia 0 00 N 115 00 E
Kaliningrad (region; Russia 54 30 N 21 00 E
formerly part of East
Prussia)
Kamaran (island) Yemen 15 21 N 42 34 E
Kamchatka Peninsula Russia 56 00 N 160 00 E
(Poluostrov Kamchatka)
Kampala (capital) Uganda 0 19 N 32 25 E
Kampuchea (former name Cambodia 13 00 N 105 00 E
for Cambodia)
Kane Basin (portion of Arctic Ocean 79 30 N 68 00 W
channel)
Kanton Island Kiribati 2 49 S 171 40 W
Kara Sea Arctic Ocean 76 00 N 80 00 E
Karachevo-Cherkessia Russia 43 40 N 41 50 E
(region)
Karachi (city) Pakistan 24 51 N 67 03 E
Karafuto (island; former Russia 50 00 N 143 00 E
name for southern
Sakhalin Island)
Karakoram Pass China, India 35 30 N 77 50 E
Karelia, Kareliya Finland, Russia 63 15 N 30 48 E
(region)
Karelian Isthmus Russia 60 25 N 30 00 E
Karimata Strait Pacific Ocean 2 05 S 108 40 E
Kashmir (region) India, Pakistan 34 00 N 76 00 E
Katanga (region) Democratic Republic 10 00 S 26 00 E
                          of the Congo
Kathmandu (capital) Nepal 27 43 N 85 19 E
Kattegat (strait) Atlantic Ocean 57 00 N 11 00 E
Kauai Channel Pacific Ocean 21 45 N 158 50 W
Kazakstan (former name Kazakhstan 48 00 N 68 00 E
for Kazakhstan)
Keeling Islands Cocos (Keeling) 12 30 S 96 50 E
                          Islands
Kerguelen, Iles (island French Southern and 49 30 S 69 30 E
group) Antarctic Lands
Kermadec Islands New Zealand 29 50 S 178 15 W
Kerulen River China, Mongolia 48 48 N 117 00 E
Khabarovsk (city) Russia 48 27 N 135 06 E
Khanka, Lake China, Russia 45 00 N 132 24 E
Khartoum (capital) Sudan 15 36 N 32 32 E
Khios (island) Greece 38 22 N 26 04 E
Khmer Republic (former Cambodia 13 00 N 105 00 E
name for Cambodia)
Khuriya Muriya Islands Oman 17 30 N 56 00 E
(Kuria Muria Islands)
Khyber Pass Afghanistan, 34 05 N 71 10 E
                          Pakistan
Kibris (Turkish local Cyprus 35 00 N 33 00 E
name for Cyprus)
Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee Atlantic Ocean 53 53 N 9 08 E
Kanal)
Kiev (city; former name Ukraine 50 26 N 30 31 E
for Kyiv)
Kigali (capital) Rwanda 1 57 S 30 04 E
Kingston (capital) Jamaica 18 00 N 76 48 W
Kingston (capital) Norfolk Island 29 03 S 167 58 E
Kingstown (capital) Saint Vincent and 13 09 N 61 14 W
                          the Grenadines
Kinshasa (capital) Democratic Republic 4 18 S 15 18 E
                          of the Congo
Kipros (Greek local name Cyprus 35 00 N 33 00 E
for Cyprus)
Kirghiziya, Kirgizia Kyrgyzstan 41 00 N 75 00 E
(former name for
Kyrgyzstan)
Kirguizstan (local name Kyrgyzstan 41 00 N 75 00 E
for Kyrgyzstan)
Kiritimati (Christmas Kiribati 1 52 N 157 20 W
Island)
Kishinev (see Chisinau) Moldova 47 00 N 28 50 E
Kithira Strait Atlantic Ocean 36 00 N 23 00 E
Kobe (city) Japan 34 41 N 135 10 E
Kodiak Island United States 57 49 N 152 23 W
Kola Peninsula (Kol'skiy Russia 67 20 N 37 00 E
Poluostrov)
Kolonia (town; former Federated States of 6 58 N 158 13 E
capital; changed to Micronesia
Palikir)
Korea Bay Pacific Ocean 39 00 N 124 00 E
Korea Strait Pacific Ocean 34 00 N 129 00 E
Korea, Democratic North Korea 40 00 N 127 00 E
People's Republic of
Korea, Republic of South Korea 37 00 N 127 30 E
Koror (capital) Palau 7 20 N 134 29 E
Kosovo (region) Kosovo 42 30 N 21 00 E
Kosrae (island) Federated States of 5 20 N 163 00 E
                          Micronesia
Kowloon (city) Hong Kong 22 18 N 114 10 E
Kra, Isthmus of Burma, Thailand 10 20 N 99 00 E
Krakatoa (volcano) Indonesia 6 07 S 105 24 E
Krakow (city) Poland 50 03 N 19 56 E
Kuala Lumpur (capital) Malaysia 3 10 N 101 42 E
Kunashiri (island; also Russia (de facto) 44 20 N 146 00 E
Kunashir)
Kunlun Mountains China 36 00 N 84 00 E
Kuril Islands Russia (de facto) 46 10 N 152 00 E
Kuwait (capital) Kuwait 29 20 N 47 59 E
Kuznetsk Basin Russia 54 00 N 86 00 E
Kwajalein Atoll Marshall Islands 9 05 N 167 20 E
Kyiv (capital) Ukraine 50 26 N 30 31 E
Kyushu (island) Japan 33 00 N 131 00 E

L

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
La Paz (administrative Bolivia 16 30 S 68 09 W
capital)
La Perouse Strait Pacific Ocean 45 45 N 142 00 E
Labrador (peninsula, Canada 54 00 N 62 00 W
region)
Labrador Sea Atlantic Ocean 60 00 N 55 00 W
Laccadive Islands India 10 00 N 73 00 E
Laccadive Sea Indian Ocean 7 00 N 76 00 E
Lagos (former capital) Nigeria 6 27 N 3 24 E
Lahore (city) Pakistan 31 33 N 74 23 E
Lake Erie Atlantic Ocean 42 30 N 81 00 W
Lake Huron Atlantic Ocean 45 00 N 83 00 W
Lake Michigan Atlantic Ocean 43 30 N 87 30 W
Lake Ontario Atlantic Ocean 43 30 N 78 00 W
Lake Superior Atlantic Ocean 48 00 N 88 00 W
Lakshadweep (Laccadive India 10 00 N 73 00 E
Islands)
Lantau Island Hong Kong 22 15 N 113 55 E
Lao (local name for Laos) Laos 18 00 N 105 00 E
Laptev Sea Arctic Ocean 76 00 N 126 00 E
Las Palmas (city) Spain (Canary 28 06 N 15 24 W
                          Islands)
Latakia (region) Syria 36 00 N 35 50 E
Latvija (local name for Latvia 57 00 N 25 00 E
Latvia)
Lau Group (island group) Fiji 18 20 S 178 30 E
Lefkosa (see Nicosia) Cyprus 35 10 N 33 22 E
Leipzig (city) Germany 51 21 N 12 23 E
Lemnos (island) Greece 39 54 N 25 21 E
Leningrad (city; former Russia 59 55 N 30 15 E
name for Saint
Petersburg)
Lesser Sunda Islands Indonesia 9 00 S 120 00 E
Lesvos (island) Greece 39 15 N 26 15 E
Leyte (island) Philippines 10 50 N 124 50 E
Liancourt Rocks (claimed South Korea 37 15 N 131 50 E
by Japan)
Liaodong Wan (gulf) Pacific Ocean 40 30 N 121 20 E
Liban (local name for Lebanon 33 50 N 36 50 E
Lebanon)
Libreville (capital) Gabon 0 23 N 9 27 E
Lietuva (local name for Lithuania 56 00 N 24 00 E
Lithuania)
Ligurian Sea Atlantic Ocean 43 30 N 9 00 E
Lilongwe (capital) Malawi 13 59 S 33 44 E
Lima (capital) Peru 12 03 S 77 03 W
Lincoln Sea Arctic Ocean 83 00 N 56 00 W
Line Islands Jarvis Island, 0 05 N 157 00 W
                          Kingman Reef,
                          Kiribati, Palmyra
                          Atoll
Lion, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 43 20 N 4 00 E
Lisbon (capital) Portugal 38 43 N 9 08 W
Little Belt (strait; also Atlantic Ocean 55 05 N 9 55 E
Lille Baelt)
Ljubljana (capital) Slovenia 46 03 N 14 31 E
Llanos (region) Venezuela 8 00 N 68 00 W
Lobamba (city) Swaziland 26 27 S 31 12 E
Lombok (island) Indonesia 8 28 S 116 40 E
Lombok Strait Indian Ocean 8 30 S 115 50 E
Lome (capital) Togo 6 08 N 1 13 E
London (capital) United Kingdom 51 30 N 0 10 W
Longyearbyen (capital) Svalbard 78 13 N 15 33 E
Lord Howe Island Australia 31 30 S 159 00 E
Lorraine (region) France 48 42 N 6 11 E
Louisiade Archipelago Papua New Guinea 11 00 S 153 00 E
Lourenco Marques (city; Mozambique 25 56 S 32 34 E
former name for Maputo)
Loyalty Islands (Iles New Caledonia 21 00 S 167 00 E
Loyaute)
Luanda (capital) Angola 8 48 S 13 14 E
Lubnan (local name for Lebanon 33 50 N 36 50 E
Lebanon)
Lubumbashi (city) Democratic Republic 11 40 S 27 28 E
                          of the Congo
Lusaka (capital) Zambia 15 25 S 28 17 E
Luxembourg (capital) Luxembourg 49 45 N 6 10 E
Luzon (island) Philippines 16 00 N 121 00 E
Luzon Strait Pacific Ocean 20 30 N 121 00 E
Lyakhov Islands Russia 73 45 N 138 00 E

M

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Macao Macau 22 10 N 113 33 E
Macau (special China 22 10 N 113 33 E
administrative region)
Macquarie Island Australia 54 36 S 158 54 E
Madagasikara (local name Madagascar 20 00 S 47 00 E
for Madagascar)
Maddalena, Isola Italy 41 13 N 09 24 E
Madeira Islands Portugal 32 40 N 16 45 W
Madras (city; see India 13 04 N 80 16 E
Chennai)
Madrid (capital) Spain 40 24 N 3 41 W
Magellan, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 54 00 S 71 00 W
Maghreb (region) Algeria, Libya, 34 00 N 3 00 E
                          Mauritania,
                          Morocco, Tunisia
Magreb (local name for Morocco 32 00 N 5 00 W
Morocco)
Magyarorszag (local name Hungary 47 00 N 20 00 E
for Hungary)
Mahe Island Seychelles 4 41 S 55 30 E
Maiz, Islas del (Corn Nicaragua 12 15 N 83 00 W
Islands)
Majorca Island (Isla de Spain 39 30 N 3 00 E
Mallorca)
Majuro (capital) Marshall Islands 7 05 N 171 08 E
Makassar Strait Pacific Ocean 2 00 S 117 30 E
Makedonija (local name Macedonia 41 50 N 22 00 E
for Macedonia)
Malabo (capital) Equatorial Guinea 3 45 N 8 47 E
Malacca, Strait of Indian Ocean 2 30 N 101 20 E
Malagasy Republic Madagascar 20 00 S 47 00 E
Malay Archipelago Brunei, Indonesia, 2 30 N 120 00 E
                          Malaysia, Papua New
                          Guinea, Philippines
Malay Peninsula Malaysia, Thailand 7 10 N 100 35 E
Male (capital) Maldives 4 10 N 73 31 E
Mallorca, Isla de Spain 39 30 N 3 00 E
(island; also Majorca)
Malmady (region) Belgium 50 26 N 6 02 E
Malpelo, Isla de (island) Colombia 4 00 N 90 30 W
Malta Channel Atlantic Ocean 56 44 N 26 53 E
Malvinas, Islas (island Falkland Islands 51 45 S 59 00 W
group) (Islas Malvinas)
Mamoutzou (capital) Mayotte 12 47 S 45 14 E
Managua (capital) Nicaragua 12 09 N 86 17 W
Manama (capital) Bahrain 26 13 N 50 35 E
Manchukuo (former state) China 44 00 N 124 00 E
Manchuria (region) China 44 00 N 124 00 E
Manila (capital) Philippines 14 35 N 121 00 E
Manipa Strait Pacific Ocean 3 20 S 127 23 E
Mannar, Gulf of Indian Ocean 8 30 N 79 00 E
Manua Islands American Samoa 14 13 S 169 35 W
Maputo (capital) Mozambique 25 58 S 32 35 E
Marcus Island (Minami- Japan 24 16 N 154 00 E
tori-shima)
Margarita, Isla (island) Venezuela 10 00 N 64 00 W
Mariana Islands Guam, Northern 16 00 N 145 30 E
                          Mariana Islands
Marie Byrd Land (region) Antarctica 77 00 S 130 00 W
Marigot (capital) Saint Martin 18 04 N 63 05 W
Marion Island South Africa 46 51 S 37 52 E
Marmara, Sea of Atlantic Ocean 40 40 N 28 15 E
Marquesas Islands (Iles French Polynesia 9 00 S 139 30 W
Marquises)
Marseille (city) France 43 18 N 5 23 E
Martin Vaz, Ilhas (island Brazil 20 30 S 28 51 W
group)
Mas a Tierra (Robinson Chile 33 38 S 78 52 W
Crusoe Island)
Mascarene Islands Mauritius, Reunion 21 00 S 57 00 E
Maseru (capital) Lesotho 29 28 S 27 30 E
Mata-Utu (capital) Wallis and Futuna 13 57 S 171 56 W
Matsu (island) Taiwan 26 13 N 119 56 E
Matthew Island New Caledonia, 22 20 S 171 20 E
                          Vanuatu
Mauritanie (local name Mauritania 20 00 N 12 00 W
for Mauritania)
Mazatlan (city) Mexico 23 13 N 106 25 W
Mbabane (capital) Swaziland 26 18 S 31 06 E
McDonald Islands Heard Island and 53 06 S 73 30 E
                          McDonald Islands
Mecca (city) Saudi Arabia 21 27 N 39 49 E
Mediterranean Sea Atlantic Ocean 36 00 N 15 00 E
Melbourne (city) Australia 37 49 S 144 58 E
Melilla (exclave) Spain 35 19 N 2 58 W
Memel (region) Lithuania 55 43 N 21 30 E
Mesopotamia (region) Iraq 33 00 N 44 00 E
Messina, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 38 15 N 15 35 E
Mexico City (capital) Mexico 19 24 N 99 09 W
Mexico, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 25 00 N 90 00 W
Middle Congo (former name Republic of the 1 00 S 15 00 E
for Republic of the Congo
Congo)
Milan (city) Italy 45 28 N 9 11 E
Milwaukee Deep (Puerto Atlantic Ocean 19 55 N 65 27 W
Rico Trench)
Minami-tori-shima (Marcus Japan 24 16 N 154 00 E
Island)
Mindanao (island) Philippines 8 00 N 125 00 E
Mindanao Sea Pacific Ocean 9 15 N 124 30 E
Mindoro (island) Philippines 12 50 N 121 05 E
Mindoro Strait Pacific Ocean 12 20 N 120 40 E
Mingrelia (region) Georgia 42 30 N 41 52 E
Minicoy Island India 8 17 N 73 02 E
Minorca Island (Isla de Spain 40 00 N 4 00 E
Menorca)
Minsk (capital) Belarus 53 54 N 27 34 E
Misr (local name for Egypt 27 00 N 30 00 E
Egypt)
Mitla Pass Egypt 30 02 N 32 54 E
Mocambique (local name Mozambique 18 15 S 35 00 E
for Mozambique)
Mogadishu (capital) Somalia 2 04 N 45 22 E
Moldavia (region) Moldova, Romania 47 00 N 29 00 E
Molucca Sea Pacific Ocean 2 00 N 127 00 E
Moluccas (Spice Islands) Indonesia 2 00 S 128 00 E
Mombasa (city) Kenya 4 03 S 39 40 E
Mona Passage Atlantic Ocean 18 30 N 67 45 W
Monaco (capital) Monaco 43 44 N 7 25 E
Mongol Uls (local name Mongolia 46 00 N 105 00 E
for Mongolia)
Monrovia (capital) Liberia 6 18 N 10 47 W
Monterrey (city) Mexico 25 40 N 100 19 W
Montevideo (capital) Uruguay 34 53 S 56 11 W
Montreal (city) Canada 45 31 N 73 34 W
Moravia (region) Czech Republic 49 30 N 17 00 E
Moravian Gate (pass) Czech Republic 49 35 N 17 50 E
Moroni (capital) Comoros 11 41 S 43 16 E
Mortlock Islands (Nomoi Federated States of 5 30 N 153 40 E
Islands) Micronesia
Moscow (capital) Russia 55 45 N 37 35 E
Mount Pinatubo (volcano) Philippines 15 08 N 120 21 E
Mozambique Channel Indian Ocean 19 00 S 41 00 E
Mumbai (city; also India 18 58 N 72 50 E
Bombay)
Munich, Muenchen (city) Germany 48 08 N 11 35 E
Muritaniyah (local name Mauritania 20 00 N 12 00 W
for Mauritania)
Musandam Peninsula Oman, United Arab 26 18 N 56 24 E
                          Emirates
Muscat (capital) Oman 23 37 N 58 35 E
Muscat and Oman (former Oman 21 00 N 57 00 E
name for Oman)
Myanma, Myanmar Burma 22 00 N 98 00 E

N

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
N'Djamena (capital) Chad 12 07 N 15 03 E
Nagorno-Karabakh (region) Azerbaijan 40 00 N 46 40 E
Nairobi (capital) Kenya 1 17 S 36 49 E
Namib (desert) Namibia 24 00 S 15 00 E
Nampo-shoto (island Japan 30 00 N 140 00 E
group)
Nan Madol (ruins) Federated States of 6 85 N 158 35 E
                          Micronesia
Naples (city) Italy 40 51 N 14 15 E
Nassau (capital) The Bahamas 25 05 N 77 21 W
Natal (region) South Africa 29 00 S 30 25 E
Natuna Besar Islands Indonesia 3 30 N 102 30 E
Natuna Sea Pacific Ocean 3 30 N 108 00 E
Naxcivan (region) Azerbaijan 39 20 N 45 20 E
Naxos (island) Greece 37 05 N 25 30 E
Nederland (local name for Netherlands 52 30 N 5 45 E
the Netherlands)
Nederlandse Antillen Curacao, Sint 12 15 N 68 45 W
(local name for the Maarten
former Netherlands
Antilles)
Negev (region) Israel 30 30 N 34 55 E
Negros (island) Philippines 10 00 N 123 00 E
Nejd (region) Saudi Arabia 24 05 N 45 15 E
Netherlands Antilles Curacao, Sint 12 15 N 68 45 W
(former name of Dutch Maarten
Caribbean dependencies)
Netherlands East Indies Indonesia 5 00 S 120 00 E
(former name for
Indonesia)
Netherlands Guiana Suriname 4 00 N 56 00 W
(former name for
Suriname)
Nevis (island) Saint Kitts and 17 09 N 62 35 W
                          Nevis
New Britain (island) Papua New Guinea 6 00 S 150 00 E
New Delhi (capital) India 28 36 N 77 12 E
New Guinea (island) Indonesia, Papua 5 00 S 140 00 E
                          New Guinea
New Hebrides (island Vanuatu 16 00 S 167 00 E
group)
New Ireland (island) Papua New Guinea 3 20 N 152 00 E
New Siberian Islands Russia 75 00 N 142 00 E
New Territories (mainland Hong Kong 22 24 N 114 10 E
region)
Newfoundland (island, Canada 52 00 N 56 00 W
with mainland area, and a
province)
Niamey (capital) Niger 13 31 N 2 07 E
Nicobar Islands India 8 00 N 93 30 E
Nicosia (capital; also Cyprus 35 10 N 33 22 E
Lefkosia)
Nightingale Island Saint Helena, 37 25 S 12 30 W
                          Ascension, and
                          Tristan da Cunha
Nihon, Nippon (local name Japan 36 00 N 138 00 E
for Japan)
Nomoi Islands (Mortlock Federated States of 5 30 N 153 40 E
Islands) Micronesia
Norge (local name for Norway 62 00 N 10 00 E
Norway)
Norman Isles (Channel Guernsey, Jersey 49 20 N 2 20 W
Islands)
North Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean 30 00 N 45 00 W
North Channel Atlantic Ocean 55 10 N 5 40 W
North Frisian Islands Denmark, Germany 54 50 N 8 12 E
North Greenland Sea Arctic Ocean 78 00 N 5 00 W
North Island New Zealand 39 00 S 176 00 E
North Ossetia (region) Russia 43 00 N 44 10 E
North Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean 30 00 N 165 00 W
North Sea Atlantic Ocean 56 00 N 4 00 E
North Vietnam (former Vietnam 23 00 N 106 00 E
name for northern portion
of Vietnam)
North Yemen (Yemen Arab Yemen 15 00 N 44 00 E
Republic; now part of
Yemen)
Northeast Providence Atlantic Ocean 25 40 N 77 09 W
Channel
Northern Areas Pakistan 36 0 N 75 0 E
Northern Cyprus (region) Cyprus 35 15 N 33 44 E
Northern Epirus (region) Albania, Greece 40 00 N 20 30 E
Northern Grenadines Saint Vincent and 12 45 N 61 15 W
(political region) the Grenadines
Northern Ireland United Kingdom 54 40 N 6 45 W
Northern Rhodesia (former Zambia 15 00 S 30 00 E
name for Zambia)
Northwest Passages Arctic Ocean 74 40 N 100 00 W
Norwegian Sea Atlantic Ocean 66 00 N 6 00 E
Nouakchott (capital) Mauritania 18 06 N 15 57 W
Noumea (capital) New Caledonia 22 16 S 166 27 E
Nouvelle-Caledonie (local New Caledonia 21 30 S 165 30 E
name for New Caledonia)
Nouvelles Hebrides Vanuatu 16 00 S 167 00 E
(former name for Vanuatu)
Novaya Zemlya (islands) Russia 74 00 N 57 00 E
Nubia (region) Egypt, Sudan 20 30 N 33 00 E
Nuku'alofa (capital) Tonga 21 08 S 175 12 W
Nunavut (region) Canada 72 00 N 90 00 W
Nuuk (capital; also Greenland 64 11 N 51 44 W
Godthab)
Nyasaland (former name Malawi 13 30 S 34 00 E
for Malawi)
Nyassa (region) Mozambique 13 30 S 37 00 E

O

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Oahu (island) United States 21 30 N 158 00 W
                          (Hawaii)
Ocean Island (Banaba) Kiribati 0 52 S 169 35 E
Ocean Island (Kure United States 28 25 N 178 20 W
Island)
Oesterreich (local name Austria 47 20 N 13 20 E
for Austria)
Ogaden (region) Ethiopia, Somalia 7 00 N 46 00 E
Oil Islands (Chagos British Indian 6 00 S 71 30 E
Archipelago) Ocean Territory
Okhotsk, Sea of Pacific Ocean 53 00 N 150 00 E
Okinawa (island group) Japan 26 30 N 128 00 E
Oland (island) Sweden 56 45 N 16 40 E
Oman, Gulf of Indian Ocean 24 30 N 58 30 E
Ombai Strait Pacific Ocean 8 30 S 125 00 E
Oran (city) Algeria 35 43 N 0 43 W
Orange River Colony South Africa 28 20 S 26 40 E
(region; former name of
Free State Province of
South Africa)
Oranjestad (capital) Aruba 12 33 N 70 06 W
Oresund (The Sound) Atlantic Ocean 55 50 N 12 40 E
(strait)
Orkney Islands United Kingdom 59 00 N 3 00 W
Osaka (city) Japan 34 42 N 135 30 E
Oslo (capital) Norway 59 55 N 10 45 E
Osumi Strait (Van Diemen Pacific Ocean 31 00 N 131 00 E
Strait)
Otranto, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 40 00 N 19 00 E
Ottawa (capital) Canada 45 25 N 75 40 W
Ouagadougou (capital) Burkina Faso 12 22 N 1 31 W
Outer Hebrides (islands) United Kingdom 57 45 N 7 00 W
Outer Mongolia (region) Mongolia 46 00 N 105 00 E

P

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
P'yongyang (capital) North Korea 39 01 N 125 45 E
Pacific Islands, Trust Marshall Islands, 10 00 N 155 00 E
Territory of the (former Federated States of
name of a large area of Micronesia,
the western North Pacific Northern Mariana
Ocean) Islands, Palau
Pagan (island) Northern Mariana 18 08 N 145 47 E
                          Islands
Pago Pago (capital) American Samoa 14 16 S 170 42 W
Palawan (island) Philippines 9 30 N 118 30 E
Palermo (city) Italy 38 07 N 13 21 E
Palestine (region) Israel, West Bank 32 00 N 35 15 E
Palikir (capital) Federated States of 6 55 N 158 08 E
                          Micronesia
Palk Strait Indian Ocean 10 00 N 79 45 E
Pamirs (mountains) China, Tajikistan 38 00 N 73 00 E
Pampas (region) Argentina 35 00 S 63 00 W
Panama (capital) Panama 8 58 N 79 32 W
Panama Canal Panama 9 00 N 79 45 W
Panama, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 8 00 N 79 30 W
Panay (island) Philippines 11 15 N 122 30 E
Pantelleria, Isola di Italy 36 47 N 12 00 E
(island)
Papeete (capital) French Polynesia 17 32 S 149 34 W
Paramaribo (capital) Suriname 5 50 N 55 10 W
Parece Vela (island) Japan 20 20 N 136 00 E
Paris (capital) France 48 52 N 2 20 E
Pascua, Isla de (Easter Chile 27 07 S 109 22 W
Island)
Pashtunistan (region) Afghanistan, 32 00 N 69 00 E
                          Pakistan
Passion, Ile de la Clipperton Island 10 17 N 109 13 W
(island)
Patagonia (region) Argentina 48 00 S 61 00 W
Peking (see Beijing) China 39 56 N 116 24 E
Pelagian Islands (Isole Italy 35 40 N 12 40 E
Pelagie)
Peleliu (Beliliou) Palau 7 01 N 134 15 E
(island)
Peloponnese (peninsula) Greece 37 30 N 22 25 E
Pemba Island Tanzania 5 20 S 39 45 E
Penang Island Malaysia 5 23 N 100 15 E
Pentland Firth (channel) Atlantic Ocean 58 44 N 3 13 W
Perim (island) Yemen 12 39 N 43 25 E
Perouse Strait, La Pacific Ocean 44 45 N 142 00 E
Persia (former name for Iran 32 00 N 53 00 E
Iran)
Persian Gulf Indian Ocean 27 00 N 51 00 E
Perth (city) Australia 31 56 S 115 50 E
Pescadores (islands) Taiwan 23 30 N 119 30 E
Peshawar (city) Pakistan 34 01 N 71 40 E
Peter I Island Antarctica 68 48 S 90 35 W
Petrograd (city; former Russia 59 55 N 30 15 E
name for Saint
Petersburg)
Philip Island Norfolk Island 29 08 S 167 57 E
Philippine Sea Pacific Ocean 20 00 N 134 00 E
Philipsburg (capital) Sint Maarten 18 1 N 63 2 W
Phnom Penh (capital) Cambodia 11 33 N 104 55 E
Phoenix Islands Kiribati 3 30 S 172 00 W
Pinatubo, Mount (volcano) Philippines 15 08 N 120 21 E
Pines, Isle of (island; Cuba 21 40 N 82 50 W
former name for Isla de
la Juventud)
Pleasant Island Nauru 0 32 S 166 55 E
Plymouth (capital) Montserrat 16 44 N 62 14 W
Podgorica (administrative Montenegro 42 26 N 19 16 E
capital)
Polska (local name) Poland 52 00 N 20 00 E
Polynesie Francaise French Polynesia 15 00 S 140 00 W
(local name for French
Polynesia)
Pomerania (region) Germany, Poland 53 40 N 15 35 E
Ponape (Pohnpei) (island) Federated States of 6 55 N 158 15 E
                          Micronesia
Port Louis (capital) Mauritius 20 10 S 57 30 E
Port Moresby (capital) Papua New Guinea 9 30 S 147 10 E
Port-Vila (capital) Vanuatu 17 44 S 168 19 E
Port-au-Prince (capital) Haiti 18 32 N 72 20 W
Port-of-Spain (capital) Trinidad and Tobago 10 39 N 61 31 W
Porto-Novo (capital) Benin 6 29 N 2 37 E
Portuguese East Africa Mozambique 18 15 S 35 00 E
(former name for
Mozambique)
Portuguese Guinea (former Guinea-Bissau 12 00 N 15 00 W
name for Guinea-Bissau)
Portuguese Timor (former Timor-Leste 9 00 S 126 00 E
name for Timor-Leste)
Poznan (city) Poland 52 25 N 16 55 E
Prague (capital) Czech Republic 50 05 N 14 28 E
Praia (capital) Cape Verde 14 55 N 23 31 W
Prathet Thai (local name Thailand 15 00 N 100 00 E
for Thailand)
Pretoria (administrative South Africa 25 42 S 28 13 E
capital)
Prevlaka peninsula Croatia 42 24 N 18 31 E
Pribilof Islands United States 57 00 N 170 00 W
Prince Edward Island Canada 46 20 N 63 20 W
Prince Edward Islands South Africa 46 35 S 38 00 E
Prince Patrick Island Canada 76 30 N 119 00 W
Principe (island) Sao Tome and 1 38 N 7 25 E
                          Principe
Pristina, Prishtina, Kosovo 42 40 N 21 10 E
Prishtine (capital)
Prussia (region) Germany, Poland, 53 00 N 14 00 E
                          Russia
Pukapuka Atoll Cook Islands 10 53 S 165 49 W
Punjab (region) India, Pakistan 30 50 N 73 30 E
Puntland (region) Somalia 8 21 N 49 08 E

Q

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Qazaqstan (local name for Kazakhstan 48 00 N 68 00 E
Kazakhstan)
Qita Ghazzah (local name Gaza Strip 31 25 N 34 20 E
Gaza Strip)
Quebec (city) Canada 46 48 N 71 15 W
Queen Charlotte Islands Canada 53 00 N 132 00 W
Queen Elizabeth Islands Canada 78 00 N 95 00 W
Queen Maud Land (claimed Antarctica 73 30 S 12 00 E
by Norway)
Quemoy (island) Taiwan 24 27 N 118 23 E
Quito (capital) Ecuador 0 13 S 78 30 W

R

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Rabat (capital) Morocco 34 02 N 6 51 W
Ralik Chain (island Marshall Islands 8 00 N 167 00 E
group)
Rangoon (capital; also Burma 16 47 N 96 10 E
Yangon)
Rapa Nui (Easter Island) Chile 27 07 S 109 22 W
Ratak Chain (island Marshall Islands 9 00 N 171 00 E
group)
Red Sea Indian Ocean 20 00 N 38 00 E
Redonda (island) Antigua and Barbuda 16 55 N 62 19 W
Republica Dominicana Dominican Republic 19 00 N 70 40 W
(local name for Dominican
Republic)
Republique Centrafricain Central African 7 00 N 21 00 E
(local name for Central Republic
African Republic)
Republique Francaise France 46 00 N 2 00 E
(local name for France)
Republique Gabonaise Gabon 1 00 S 11 45 E
(local name for Gabon)
Republique Rwandaise Rwanda 2 00 S 30 00 E
(local name for Rwanda)
Republique Togolaise Togo 8 00 N 1 10 E
(local name for Togo)
Revillagigedo Island United States 55 35 N 131 06 W
                          (Alaska)
Revillagigedo Islands Mexico 19 00 N 112 45 W
Reykjavik (capital) Iceland 64 09 N 21 57 W
Rhodes (island) Greece 36 10 N 28 00 E
Rhodesia, Northern Zambia 15 00 S 30 00 E
(former name for Zambia)
Rhodesia, Southern Zimbabwe 20 00 S 30 00 E
(former name for
Zimbabwe)
Riga (capital) Latvia 56 57 N 24 06 E
Riga, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 57 30 N 23 30 E
Rio Muni (mainland Equatorial Guinea 1 30 N 10 00 E
region)
Rio de Janiero (city) Brazil 22 55 S 43 17 W
Rio de Oro (region) Western Sahara 23 45 N 15 45 W
Rio de la Plata (gulf) Atlantic Ocean 35 00 S 59 00 W
Riyadh (capital) Saudi Arabia 24 38 N 46 43 E
Road Town (capital) British Virgin 18 27 N 64 37 W
                          Islands
Robinson Crusoe Island Chile 33 38 S 78 52 W
(Mas a Tierra)
Rocas, Atol das (island) Brazil 3 51 S 33 49 W
Rockall (island) United Kingdom 57 35 N 13 48 W
Rodrigues (island) Mauritius 19 42 S 63 25 E
Rome (capital) Italy 41 54 N 12 29 E
Roncador Cay (island) Colombia 13 32 N 80 03 W
Roosevelt Island Antarctica 79 30 S 162 00 W
Roseau (capital) Dominica 15 18 N 61 24 W
Ross Dependency (claimed Antarctica 80 00 S 180 00 E
by New Zealand)
Ross Island Antarctica 81 30 S 175 00 W
Ross Sea Antarctica, 76 00 S 175 00 W
                          Southern Ocean
Rossiya (local name for Russia 60 00 N 100 00 E
Russia)
Rota (island) Northern Mariana 14 10 N 145 12 E
                          Islands
Rotuma (island) Fiji 12 30 S 177 05 E
Ruanda (former name for Rwanda 2 00 S 30 00 E
Rwanda)
Rub al Khali (desert) Saudi Arabia 19 30 N 49 00 E
Rumelia (region) Albania, Bulgaria, 42 00 N 22 30 E
                          Macedonia
Ruthenia (region; former Ukraine 48 22 N 23 32 E
name for Carpatho-
Ukraine)
Ryukyu Islands Japan 26 30 N 128 00 E

S

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Saar (region) Germany 49 25 N 7 00 E
Saaremaa (island) Estonia 58 25 N 22 30 E
Saba (island) Netherlands 17 38 N 63 10 W
Sabah (state) Malaysia 5 20 N 117 10 E
Sable Island Canada 43 55 N 59 50 W
Safety Islands (Iles du French Guiana 5 20 N 52 37 W
Salut)
Sahara Occidental (former Western Sahara 24 30 N 13 00 W
name for Western Sahara)
Sahel (region) Burkina Faso, Chad, 15 00 N 8 00 W
                          The Gambia, Guinea-
                          Bissau, Mali,
                          Mauritania, Niger,
                          Senegal
Saigon (city; former name Vietnam 10 45 N 106 40 E
for Ho Chi Minh City)
Saint Brandon (Cargados Mauritius 16 25 S 59 38 E
Carajos Shoals)
Saint Christopher Saint Kitts and 17 20 N 62 45 W
(island) Nevis
Saint Christopher and Saint Kitts and 17 20 N 62 45 W
Nevis Nevis
Saint Eustatius (island) Netherlands 17 30 N 63 00 W
Saint George's (capital) Grenada 12 03 N 61 45 W
Saint George's Channel Atlantic Ocean 52 00 N 6 00 W
Saint Helena Island Saint Helena, 15 57 S 5 42 W
                          Ascension, and
                          Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helens, Mount United States 46 15 N 122 12 W
(volcano)
Saint Helier (capital) Jersey 49 12 N 2 07 W
Saint John (city) Canada (New 45 16 N 66 04 W
                          Brunswick)
Saint John's (capital) Antigua and Barbuda 17 06 N 61 51 W
Saint Lawrence Island United States 49 30 N 67 00 W
Saint Lawrence Seaway Atlantic Ocean 49 15 N 67 00 W
Saint Lawrence, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 48 00 N 62 00 W
Saint Paul Island Canada 47 12 N 60 09 W
Saint Paul Island United States 57 11 N 170 16 W
Saint Paul Island (Ile French Southern and 38 43 S 77 29 E
Saint-Paul) Antarctic Lands
Saint Peter Port Guernsey 49 27 N 2 32 W
(capital)
Saint Peter and Saint Brazil 0 23 N 29 23 W
Paul Rocks (Penedos de
Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo)
Saint Petersburg (city; Russia 59 55 N 30 15 E
former capital)
Saint Thomas (island) Virgin Islands 18 21 N 64 55 W
Saint Vincent Passage Atlantic Ocean 13 30 N 61 00 W
Saint-Denis (capital) Reunion 20 52 S 55 28 E
Saint-Pierre (capital) Saint Pierre and 46 46 N 56 11 W
                          Miquelon
Saipan (island) Northern Mariana 15 12 N 145 45 E
                          Islands
Sak'art'velo (local name Georgia 42 00 N 43 30 E
for Georgia)
Sakhalin Island (Ostrov Russia 51 00 N 143 00 E
Sakhalin)
Sakishima Islands Japan 24 30 N 124 00 E
Sala y Gomez, Isla Chile 26 28 S 105 00 W
(island)
Salisbury (city; former Zimbabwe 17 50 S 105 00 W
name for Harare)
Salzburg (city) Austria 47 48 N 13 02 E
Samar (island) Philippines 12 00 N 125 00 E
Samaria (region) West Bank 32 15 N 35 10 E
Samoa Islands American Samoa, 14 00 S 171 00 W
                          Samoa
Samos (island) Greece 37 48 N 26 44 E
San Ambrosio, Isla Chile 26 21 S 79 52 W
(island)
San Andres y Providencia, Colombia 13 00 N 81 30 W
Archipielago (island
group)
San Bernardino Strait Pacific Ocean 12 32 N 124 10 E
San Felix, Isla (island) Chile 26 17 S 80 05 W
San Jose (capital) Costa Rica 9 56 N 84 05 W
San Juan (capital) Puerto Rico 18 28 N 66 07 W
San Marino (capital) San Marino 43 56 N 12 25 E
San Salvador (capital) El Salvador 13 42 N 89 12 W
Sanaa (capital) Yemen 15 21 N 44 12 E
Sandzak (region) Montenegro, Serbia 43 05 N 19 45 E
Santa Cruz (city) Bolivia 17 48 S 63 10 W
Santa Cruz Islands Solomon Islands 11 00 S 166 15 E
Santa Sede (local name Holy See 41 54 N 12 27 E
for the Holy See)
Santiago (capital) Chile 33 27 S 70 40 W
Santo Antao (island) Cape Verde 17 05 N 25 10 W
Santo Domingo (capital) Dominican Republic 18 28 N 69 54 W
Sao Paulo (city) Brazil 23 35 S 46 43 W
Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo, Brazil 0 23 N 29 23 W
Penedos de (rocks)
Sao Tiago (island) Cape Verde 15 05 N 23 40 W
Sao Tome (island) Sao Tome and 0 12 N 6 39 E
                          Principe
Sapporo (city) Japan 43 04 N 141 20 E
Sapudi Strait Pacific Ocean 7 05 S 114 10 E
Sarajevo (capital) Bosnia and 43 52 N 18 25 E
                          Herzegovina
Sarawak (state) Malaysia 2 30 N 113 30 E
Sardinia (island) Italy 40 00 N 9 00 E
Sargasso Sea (region) Atlantic Ocean 30 00 N 55 00 W
Sark (island) Guernsey 49 26 N 2 21 W
Savage Island (former Niue 19 02 S 169 52 W
name for Niue)
Savu Sea Pacific Ocean 9 30 S 122 00 E
Saxony (region) Germany 51 00 N 13 00 E
Schleswig-Holstein Germany 54 31 N 9 33 E
(region)
Schweiz (local German Switzerland 47 00 N 8 00 E
name for Switzerland)
Scopus, Mount Israel, West Bank 31 48 N 35 14 E
Scotia Sea Atlantic Ocean, 56 00 S 40 00 W
                          Southern Ocean
Scotland (region) United Kingdom 57 00 N 4 00 W
Scott Island Antarctica 67 24 S 179 55 W
Senegambia (region; The Gambia, Senegal 13 50 N 15 25 W
former name of
confederation of Senegal
and The Gambia)
Senyavin Islands Federated States of 6 55 N 158 00 E
                          Micronesia
Seoul (capital) South Korea 37 34 N 127 00 E
Serendib (former name for Sri Lanka 7 00 N 81 00 E
Sri Lanka)
Serrana Bank (shoal) Colombia 14 25 N 80 16 W
Serranilla Bank (shoal) Colombia 15 51 N 79 46 W
Settlement, The (capital) Christmas Island 10 25 S 105 43 E
Severnaya Zemlya (island Russia 79 30 N 98 00 E
group; also Northland)
Shaba (region) Democratic Republic 8 00 S 27 00 E
                          of the Congo
Shag Island Heard Island and 53 00 S 72 30 E
                          McDonald Islands
Shag Rocks South Georgia and 53 33 S 42 02 W
                          the South Sandwich
                          Islands
Shanghai (city) China 31 14 N 121 30 E
Shenyang (city; also China 41 46 N 123 24 E
Mukden)
Shetland Islands United Kingdom 60 30 N 1 30 W
Shikoku (island) Japan 33 45 N 133 30 E
Shikotan (island) Russia (de facto) 43 47 N 146 45 E
Shqiperia (local name for Albania 41 00 N 20 00 E
Albania)
Siam (former name for Thailand 15 00 N 100 00 E
Thailand)
Siberia (region) Russia 60 00 N 100 00 E
Sibutu Passage Pacific Ocean 4 50 N 119 35 E
Sicily (island) Italy 37 30 N 14 00 E
Sicily, Strait of Atlantic Ocean 37 20 N 11 20 E
Sidra, Gulf of Atlantic Ocean 31 30 N 18 00 E
Sikkim (state) India 27 50 N 88 30 E
Silesia (region) Czech Republic, 51 00 N 17 00 E
                          Germany, Poland
Sinai Peninsula Egypt 29 30 N 34 00 E
Singapore (capital) Singapore 1 17 N 103 51 E
Singapore Strait Pacific Ocean 1 15 N 104 00 E
Sinkiang (autonomous China 42 00 N 86 00 E
region; also Xinjiang)
Sint Eustatius (island) Netherlands 17 29 N 62 58 W
Sint Maarten (island; Sint Maarten, Saint 18 04 N 63 04 W
also Saint-Martin) Martin
Sjaelland (island) Denmark 55 30 N 12 00 E
Skagerrak (strait) Atlantic Ocean 57 45 N 9 00 E
Skopje (capital) Macedonia 41 59 N 21 26 E
Slavonia (region) Croatia 45 27 N 18 00 E
Slovenija (local name for Slovenia 46 00 N 15 00 E
Slovenia)
Slovensko (local name for Slovakia 48 40 N 19 30 E
Slovakia)
Smyrna (region; former Turkey 38 25 N 27 10 E
name for Izmir)
Society Islands (Iles de French Polynesia 17 00 S 150 00 W
la Societe)
Socotra (island) Yemen 12 30 N 54 00 E
Sofia (capital) Bulgaria 42 41 N 23 19 E
Solomon Islands, northern Papua New Guinea 6 00 S 155 00 E
Solomon Islands, southern Solomon Islands 8 00 S 159 00 E
Solomon Sea Pacific Ocean 8 00 S 153 00 E
Somaliland (region) Somalia 9 30 N 46 00 E
Somers Islands (former Bermuda 32 20 N 64 45 W
name for Bermuda)
Songkhla (city) Thailand 7 12 N 100 36 E
Sound, The (strait; also Atlantic Ocean 55 50 N 12 40 E
Oresund)
South Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean 30 00 S 15 00 W
South China Sea Pacific Ocean 10 00 N 113 00 E
South Georgia (island) South Georgia and 54 15 S 36 45 W
                          the South Sandwich
                          Islands
South Island New Zealand 43 00 S 171 00 E
South Korea South Korea 37 00 N 127 30 E
South Orkney Islands Antarctica 61 00 S 45 00 W
South Ossetia (region) Georgia 42 20 N 44 00 E
South Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean 30 00 S 130 00 W
South Sandwich Islands South Georgia and 57 45 S 26 30 W
                          the South Sandwich
                          Islands
South Shetland Islands Antarctica 62 00 S 59 00 W
South Tyrol (region) Italy 46 30 N 10 30 E
South Vietnam (former Vietnam 12 00 N 108 00 E
name for the southern
portion of Vietnam)
South Yemen (People's Yemen 14 00 N 48 00 E
Democratic Republic of
Yemen; now part of Yemen)
South-West Africa (former Namibia 22 00 S 17 00 E
name for Namibia)
Southern Grenadines Grenada 12 20 N 61 30 W
(island group)
Southern Rhodesia (former Zimbabwe 20 00 S 30 00 E
name for Zimbabwe)
Soviet Union (former name Armenia,
of a large Eurasian Azerbaijan,
empire, roughly coequal Belarus, Estonia,
with the former Russian Georgia,
Empire) Kazakhstan,
                          Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,
                          Lithuania, Moldova,
                          Russia, Tajikistan,
                          Turkmenistan,
                          Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Spanish Guinea (former Equatorial Guinea 2 00 N 10 00 E
name for Equatorial
Guinea)
Spanish Morocco (former Morocco 32 00 N 7 00 W
name for northern
Morocco)
Spanish North Africa Spain (Ceuta, Islas 35 15 N 4 00 W
(exclaves) Chafarinas,
                          Melilla, Penon de
                          Alhucemas, Penon de
                          Velez de la Gomera)
Spanish Sahara (former Western Sahara 24 30 N 13 00 W
name)
Spanish West Africa Morocco, Western 25 00 N 13 00 W
(former name for Ifni and Sahara
Spanish Sahara)
Spice Islands (Moluccas) Indonesia 2 00 S 28 00 E
Spitsbergen (island) Svalbard 78 00 N 20 00 E
Srbija (local name for Serbia 44 00 N 21 00 E
Serbia)
St. John's (city) Canada 47 34 N 52 43 W
                          (Newfoundland)
Stanley (capital) Falkland Islands 51 42 S 57 41 W
                          (Islas Malvinas)
Stockholm (capital) Sweden 59 20 N 18 03 E
Strasbourg (city) France 48 35 N 7 44 E
Stuttgart (city) Germany 48 46 N 9 11 E
Sucre (constitutional Bolivia 19 02 S 65 17 W
capital)
Suez Canal Egypt 29 55 N 32 33 E
Suez, Gulf of Indian Ocean 28 10 N 33 27 E
Suisse (local French name Switzerland 47 00 N 8 00 E
for Switzerland)
Sulawesi (island; Indonesia 2 00 S 121 00 E
Celebes)
Sulawesi Sea Pacific Ocean 3 00 N 122 00 E
Sulu Archipelago (island Philippines 6 00 N 121 00 E
group)
Sulu Sea Pacific Ocean 8 00 N 120 00 E
Sumatra (island) Indonesia 0 00 N 102 00 E
Sumba (island) Indonesia 10 00 S 120 00 E
Sumba Strait Pacific Ocean 9 10 S 120 00 E
Sumbawa (island) Indonesia 8 30 S 118 00 E
Sunda Islands (Soenda Indonesia, Malaysia 2 00 S 110 00 E
Isles)
Sunda Strait Indian Ocean 6 00 S 105 45 E
Suomi (local name for Finland 64 00 N 26 00 E
Finland)
Surabaya (city) Indonesia 7 13 S 112 45 E
Surigao Strait Pacific Ocean 10 15 N 125 23 E
Surinam (former name for Suriname 4 00 N 56 00 W
Suriname)
Suriyah (local name for Syria 35 00 N 38 00 E
Syria)
Surtsey (volcanic island) Iceland 63 17 N 20 40 W
Suva (capital) Fiji 18 08 S 178 25 E
Sverdlovsk (city; also Russia 56 50 N 60 39 E
Yekaterinburg)
Sverige (local name for Sweden 62 00 N 15 00 E
Sweden)
Svizzera (local Italian Switzerland 47 00 N 8 00 E
name for Switzerland)
Swains Island American Samoa 11 03 S 171 15 W
Swan Islands Honduras 17 25 S 83 56 W
Sydney (city) Australia 33 53 S 151 13 E

T

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
T'bilisi (capital) Georgia 41 43 N 44 49 E
Tadzhikistan (former name Tajikistan 39 00 N 71 00 E
for Tajikistan)
Tahiti (island) French Polynesia 17 37 S 149 27 W
Taipei (capital) Taiwan 25 03 N 121 30 E
Taiwan Strait Pacific Ocean 24 00 N 119 00 E
Tallinn (capital) Estonia 59 25 N 24 45 E
Tanganyika (former name Tanzania 6 00 S 35 00 E
for the mainland portion
of Tanzania)
Tangier (city) Morocco 35 48 N 5 45 W
Tannu-Tuva (region) Russia 51 25 N 94 45 E
Tarawa (island) Kiribati 1 25 N 173 00 E
Tartary, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 50 00 N 141 00 E
Tashkent (capital) Uzbekistan 41 20 N 69 18 E
Tasman Sea Pacific Ocean 4 30 S 168 00 E
Tasmania (island) Australia 43 00 S 147 00 E
Tatar Strait Pacific Ocean 50 00 N 141 00 E
Taymyr Peninsula Russia 76 00 N 104 00 E
(Poluostrov Taymyr)
Tchad (local name for Chad 15 00 N 19 00 E
Chad)
Tegucigalpa (capital) Honduras 14 06 N 87 13 W
Tehran (capital) Iran 35 40 N 51 26 E
Tel Aviv (capital, de Israel 32 05 N 34 48 E
facto)
Teluk Bone (gulf) Pacific Ocean 4 00 S 120 45 E
Teluk Tomini (gulf) Pacific Ocean 0 30 S 121 00 E
Terre Adelie (claimed by Antarctica 66 30 S 139 00 E
France; also Adelie Land)
Terres Australes et French Southern and 43 00 S 67 00 E
Antarctiques Francaises Antarctic Lands
(local name for the
French Southern and
Antarctic Lands)
Thailand, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 10 00 N 101 00 E
The Former Yugoslav Macedonia 41 50 N 22 00 E
Republic of Macedonia
Thessaloniki (city; also Greece 40 38 N 22 57 E
Salonika)
Thimphu (capital) Bhutan 27 28 N 89 39 E
Thuringia (region) Germany 51 00 N 11 00 E
Thurston Island Antarctica 72 20 S 99 00 W
Tiberias, Lake Israel 32 48 N 35 35 E
Tibet (autonomous region; China 32 00 N 90 00 E
also Xizang)
Tibilisi (see T'bilisi) Georgia 41 43 N 44 49 E
Tien Shan (mountains) China, Kyrgyzstan 42 00 N 80 00 E
Tierra del Fuego (island, Argentina, Chile 54 00 S 69 00 W
island group)
Timor (island) Timor-Leste, 9 00 S 125 00 E
                          Indonesia
Timor Lorosa'e (local Timor-Leste 9 00 N 126 00 E
name for Timor-Leste)
Timor Sea Pacific Ocean 11 00 S 128 00 E
Tinian (island) Northern Mariana 15 00 N 145 38 E
                          Islands
Tiran, Strait of Indian Ocean 28 00 N 34 27 E
Tirana, Tirane (capital) Albania 41 20 N 19 50 E
Tirol, Tyrol (region) Austria, Italy 47 00 N 11 00 E
Tobago (island) Trinidad and Tobago 11 15 N 60 40 W
Tokyo (capital) Japan 35 42 N 139 46 E
Tonkin, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 20 00 N 108 00 E
Toronto (city) Canada 43 40 N 79 23 W
Torres Strait Pacific Ocean 10 25 S 142 10 E
Torshavn (capital) Faroe Islands 62 01 N 6 46 W
Toshkent (see Tashkent) Uzbekistan 41 20 N 69 18 E
Transcarpathia (region; Ukraine 48 22 N 23 32 E
alternate name for
Carpatho-Ukraine)
Transjordan (former name Jordan 31 00 N 36 00 E
for Jordan)
Transkei (enclave) South Africa 32 15 S 28 15 E
Transvaal (region; former South Africa 25 10 S 29 25 E
name for northeastern
South Africa)
Transylvania (region) Romania 46 30 N 24 00 E
Trindade, Ilha de Brazil 20 31 S 29 20 W
(island)
Trinidad (island) Trinidad and Tobago 10 22 N 61 15 W
Tripoli (capital) Libya 32 54 N 13 11 E
Tripoli (city) Lebanon 34 26 N 35 51 E
Tripolitania (region) Libya 31 00 N 14 00 E
Tristan da Cunha Group Saint Helena, 37 15 S 12 30 W
(island group) Ascension, and
                          Tristan da Cunha
Trobriand Islands Papua New Guinea 8 38 S 151 04 E
Trucial Coast (former United Arab 24 00 N 54 00 E
name for the United Arab Emirates
Emirates)
Trucial Oman (former name United Arab 24 00 N 54 00 E
for the United Arab Emirates
Emirates)
Trucial States (former United Arab 24 00 N 54 00 E
name for the United Arab Emirates
Emirates)
Truk Islands (former name Federated States of 7 25 N 151 47 E
for the Chuuk Islands) Micronesia
Tsugaru Strait Pacific Ocean 41 35 N 141 00 E
Tuamotu Islands (Iles French Polynesia 19 00 S 142 00 W
Tuamotu)
Tubuai Islands (Iles French Polynesia 23 00 S 150 00 W
Tubuai)
Tunb al Kubra (island) Iran 26 14 N 55 19 E
Tunb as Sughra (island) Iran 26 14 N 55 09 E
Tunis (capital) Tunisia 36 48 N 10 11 E
Turin (city) Italy 45 04 N 7 40 E
Turkish Straits (see Atlantic Ocean 40 40 N 28 00 E
Bosporus and Dardenelles)
Turkiye (local name for Turkey 39 00 N 35 00 E
Turkey)
Turkmenia, Turkmeniya Turkmenistan 40 00 N 60 00 E
(former name for
Turkmenistan)
Turks Island Passage Atlantic Ocean 21 40 N 71 00 W
Tuscany (region) Italy 43 25 N 11 00 E
Tutuila (island) American Samoa 14 18 S 170 42 W
Tyrrhenian Sea Atlantic Ocean 40 00 N 12 00 E

U

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Ubangi-Shari (former name Central African 6 38 N 20 33 E
for the Central African Republic
Republic
Ukrayina (local name for Ukraine 49 00 N 32 00 E
Ukraine)
Ulaanbaatar (capital) Mongolia 47 55 N 106 53 E
Ullung-do (island) South Korea 37 29 N 130 52 E
Ulster (region) Ireland, United 54 35 N 7 00 W
                          Kingdom
Uman (local name for Oman 21 00 N 57 00 E
Oman)
Unimak Pass (strait) Pacific Ocean 54 20 N 164 50 W
Union of Soviet Socialist Armenia,
Republics or USSR (former Azerbaijan,
name of a large Eurasian Belarus, Estonia,
empire, roughly coequal Georgia,
with the former Russian Kazakhstan,
Empire) Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,
                          Lithuania, Moldova,
                          Russia, Tajikistan,
                          Turkmenistan,
                          Ukraine, Uzbekistan
United Arab Republic or Egypt, Syria
UAR (former name for a
federation between Egypt
and Syria)
Upper Volta (former name Burkina Faso 13 00 N 2 00 W
for Burkina Faso)
Ural Mountains Kazakhstan, Russia 60 00 N 60 00 E
Urdunn (local name for Jordan 31 00 N 36 00 E
Jordan)
Urundi (former name for Burundi 3 30 S 30 00 E
Burundi)
Ussuri River China, Russia 48 28 N 135 02 E

V

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Vaduz (capital) Liechtenstein 47 09 N 9 31 E
Vakhan (Wakhan Corridor) Afghanistan 37 00 N 73 00 E
Valletta (capital) Malta 35 54 N 14 31 E
Valley, The (capital) Anguilla 18 13 N 63 04 W
Van Diemen Strait (Osumi Pacific Ocean 31 00 N 131 00 E
Strait)
Vancouver (city) Canada 49 16 N 123 08 W
Vancouver Island Canada 49 45 N 126 00 W
Vatican City (capital) Holy See 41 54 N 12 27 E
Velez de la Gomera, Penon Spain 35 11 N 4 18 W
de (island)
Venda (enclave) South Africa 23 00 S 31 00 E
Verde Island Passage Pacific Ocean 13 34 N 120 51 E
Victoria (capital) Seychelles 4 38 S 55 27 E
Victoria (island) Canada 71 00 N 110 00 W
Victoria Land (region) Antarctica 72 00 S 155 00 E
Vienna (capital) Austria 48 12 N 16 22 E
Vientiane (capital) Laos 17 58 N 102 36 E
Vilnius (capital) Lithuania 54 41 N 25 19 E
Viti Levu (island) Fiji 18 00 S 178 00 E
Vladivostok (city) Russia 43 10 N 131 56 E
Vojvodina (region) Serbia 45 35 N 20 00 E
Volcano Islands Japan 25 00 N 141 00 E
Vostok Island Kiribati 10 06 S 152 23 W

W

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Wake Atoll Wake Island 19 17 N 166 39 E
Wakhan Corridor (see Afghanistan 37 00 N 73 00 E
Vakhan)
Walachia (region) Romania 44 45 N 26 05 E
Wales (region) United Kingdom 52 30 N 3 30 W
Wallis Islands Wallis and Futuna 13 17 S 176 10 W
Walvis Bay (city; former Namibia 22 59 S 14 31 E
exclave)
Warsaw (capital) Poland 52 15 N 21 00 E
Washington, DC (capital) United States 38 53 N 77 02 W
Weddell Sea Southern Ocean 72 00 S 45 00 W
Wellington (capital) New Zealand 41 28 S 174 51 E
West Frisian Islands Netherlands 53 26 N 5 30 E
West Germany (Federal Germany 53 22 N 5 20 E
Republic of Germany;
former name for western
portion of Germany)
West Island (capital) Cocos (Keeling) 12 10 S 96 55 E
                          Islands
West Korea Strait Pacific Ocean 34 40 N 129 00 E
(Western Channel)
West Pakistan (former Pakistan 30 00 N 70 00 E
name for present-day
Pakistan)
West Siberian Plain Russia 60 00 N 75 00 E
Western Channel (West Pacific Ocean 34 40 N 129 00 E
Korea Strait)
Western Samoa (former Samoa 13 35 S 172 20 W
name for Samoa)
Wetar Strait Pacific Ocean 8 20 S 126 30 E
White Sea Arctic Ocean 65 30 N 38 00 E
Wilkes Land (region) Antarctica 71 00 S 120 00 E
Willemstad (capital) Curacao 12 06 N 68 56 W
Windhoek (capital) Namibia 22 34 S 17 06 E
Windward Passage Atlantic Ocean 20 00 N 73 50 W
Winnipeg (city) Canada 49 53 N 97 10 W
Wrangel Island (Ostrov Russia 71 14 N 179 36 W
Vrangelya)

X

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Xianggang (local name for Hong Kong 22 15 N 114 10 E
Hong Kong)

Y

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Y'israel (local name for Israel 31 30 N 34 45 E
Israel)
Yaitopya (local name for Ethiopia 8 00 N 38 00 E
Ethiopia)
Yalu River China, North Korea 39 55 N 124 20 E
Yamoussoukro (capital) Cote d'Ivoire 6 49 N 5 17 W
Yangon (see Rangoon) Burma 16 47 N 96 10 E
Yaounde (capital) Cameroon 3 52 N 11 31 E
Yap Islands Federated States of 9 30 N 138 00 E
                          Micronesia
Yaren (governmental Nauru 0 32 S 166 55 E
center)
Yekaterinburg (city; Russia 56 50 N 60 39 E
formerly Sverdlovsk)
Yellow Sea Pacific Ocean 36 00 N 123 00 E
Yemen Arab Republic (also Yemen 15 00 N 44 00 E
Yemen (Sanaa); former
name for northern portion
of Yemen)
Yemen, People's Yemen 14 00 N 46 00 E
Democratic Republic of
(also Yemen (Aden);
former name for southern
portion of Yemen)
Yerevan (capital) Armenia 40 11 N 44 30 E
Yokohama (city) Japan 35 26 N 139 37 E
Youth, Isle of (Isla de Cuba 21 40 N 82 50 W
la Juventud)
Yucatan Channel Atlantic Ocean 21 45 N 85 45 W
Yucatan Peninsula Mexico 19 30 N 89 00 W
Yugoslavia (former name Montenegro, Serbia 43 00 N 21 00 E
for a federation of
Serbia and Montenegro)
Yugoslavia, Kingdom of Bosnia and 43 00 N 19 00 E
(former name for a Balkan Herzegovina,
federation) Croatia, Macedonia,
                          Montenegro, Serbia,
                          Slovenia
Yugoslavia, Socialist Bosnia and 43 00 N 19 00 E
Federal Republic of Herzegovina,
(former name for a Balkan Croatia, Macedonia,
federation) Montenegro, Serbia,
                          Slovenia

Z

 NAME ENTRY IN LATITUDE LONGITUDE
                          THE WORLD FACTBOOK (DEG MIN) (DEG MIN)
Zagreb (capital) Croatia 45 48 N 15 58 E
Zaire (former name for Democratic Republic 15 00 S 30 00 E
the Democratic Republic of the Congo
of the Congo)
Zakhalinskiy Zaliv (bay) Pacific Ocean 54 00 N 142 00 E
Zaliv Shelikhova (bay) Pacific Ocean 60 00 N 157 30 E
Zambezia (region) Mozambique 16 00 S 37 00 E
Zanzibar (island) Tanzania 6 10 S 39 11 E
Zhong Guo, Zhonghua China 35 00 N 105 00 E
(local name for China)
Zion, Mount (locale in Israel, West Bank 31 46 N 35 14 E
Jerusalem)
Zurich (city) Switzerland 47 23 N 8 32 E

======================================================================

APPENDIX G :: WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Note: At this time, only three countries - Burma, Liberia, and the US - have not adopted the International System of Units (SI, or metric system) as their official system of weights and measures. Although use of the metric system has been sanctioned by law in the US since 1866, it has been slow in displacing the American adaptation of the British Imperial System known as the US Customary System. The US is the only industrialized nation that does not mainly use the metric system in its commercial and standards activities, but there is increasing acceptance in science, medicine, government, and many sectors of industry.

MATHEMATICAL NOTATION

MATHEMATICAL POWER NAME

10^18 or 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 one quintillion 10^15 or 1,000,000,000,000,000 one quadrillion 10^12 or 1,000,000,000,000 one trillion 10^9 or 1,000,000,000 one billion 10^6 or 1,000,000 one million 10^3 or 1,000 one thousand 10^2 or 100 one hundred 10^1 or 10 ten 100 or 1 one 10^-1 or 0.1 one-tenth 10^-2 or 0.01 one-hundredth 10^-3 or 0.001 one-thousandth 10^-6 or 0.000 001 one-millionth 10^-9 or 0.000 000 001 one-billionth 10^-12 or 0.000 000 000 001 one-trillionth 10^-15 or 0.000 000 000 000 001 one-quadrillionth 10^-18 or 0.000 000 000 000 000 001 one-quintillionth

Metric Interrelationships

PREFIX SYMBOL LENGTH, WEIGHT, OR CAPACITY yotta Y 1024 zetta Z 1021 exa E 1018 peta P 1015 tera T 1012 giga G 109 mega M 106 kilo k 103 hecto h 102 deka da 101 basic unit - 1 meter, 1 gram, 1 liter deci d 10-1 centi c 10-2 milli m 10 -3 micro u 10-6 nano n 10-9 pico p 10-12 femto f 10-15 atto a 10-18 zepto z 10-21 yocto y 10-24

CONVERSION FACTORS

TO CONVERT FROM TO MULTIPLY BY

acres ares 40.468 564 224 acres hectares 0.404 685 642 24 acres square feet 43,560 acres square kilometers 0.004 046 856 422 4 acres square meters 4,046.856 422 4 acres square miles 0.001 562 50 (statute) acres square yards 4,840 ares square meters 100 ares square yards 119.599 barrels, US beer gallons 31 barrels, US beer liters 117.347 77 barrels, US petroleum gallons (British) 34.97 barrels, US petroleum gallons (US) 42 barrels, US petroleum liters 158.987 29 barrels, US proof gallons 40 spirits barrels, US proof liters 151.416 47 spirits bushels (US) bushels (British) 0.968 9 bushels (US) cubic feet 1.244 456 bushels (US) cubic inches 2,150.42 bushels (US) cubic meters 0.035 239 07 bushels (US) cubic yards 0.046 090 96 bushels (US) dekaliters 3.523 907 bushels (US) dry pints 64 bushels (US) dry quarts 32 bushels (US) liters 35.239 070 17 bushels (US) pecks 4 cables fathoms 120 cables meters 219.456 cables yards 240 carat milligrams 200 centimeters feet 0.032 808 40 centimeters inches 0.393 700 8 centimeters meters 0.01 centimeters yards 0.010 936 13 centimeters, cubic cubic inches 0.061 023 744 centimeters, square square feet 0.001 076 39 centimeters, square square inches 0.155 000 31 centimeters, square square meters 0.000 1 centimeters, square square yards 0.000 119 599 chains, square ares 4.046 86 surveyor's chains, square square feet 4,356 surveyor's chains, surveyor's feet 66 chains, surveyor's meters 20.116 8 chains, surveyor's rods 4 cords of wood cubic feet 128 cords of wood cubic meters 3.624 556 cords of wood cubic yards 4.740 7 cups liquid ounces (US) 8 cups liters 0.236 588 2 degrees Celsius degrees Fahrenheit multiply by 1.8 and add 32 degrees Fahrenheit degrees Celsius subtract 32 and divide by 1.8 dekaliters bushels 0.283 775 9 dekaliters cubic feet 0.353 146 7 dekaliters cubic inches 610.237 4 dekaliters dry pints 18.161 66 dekaliters dry quarts 9.080 829 8 dekaliters liters 10 dekaliters pecks 1.135 104 drams, avoirdupois avoirdupois ounces 0.062 55 drams, avoirdupois grains 27.344 drams, avoirdupois grams 1.771 845 2 drams, troy grains 60 drams, troy grams 3.887 934 6 drams, troy scruples 3 drams, troy troy ounces 0.125 drams, liquid (US) cubic inches 0.226 drams, liquid (US) liquid drams 1.041 (British) drams, liquid (US) liquid ounces 0.125 drams, liquid (US) milliliters 3.696 69 drams, liquid (US) minims 60 fathoms feet 6 fathoms meters 1.828 8 feet centimeters 30.48 feet inches 12 feet kilometers 0.000 304 8 feet meters 0.304 8 feet statute miles 0.000 189 39 feet yards 0.333 333 3 feet, cubic bushels 0.803 563 95 feet, cubic cubic decimeters 28.316 847 feet, cubic cubic inches 1,728 feet, cubic cubic meters 0.028 316 846 592 feet, cubic cubic yards 0.037 037 04 feet, cubic dry pints 51.428 09 feet, cubic dry quarts 25.714 05 feet, cubic gallons 7.480 519 feet, cubic gills 239.376 6 feet, cubic liquid ounces 957.506 5 feet, cubic liquid pints 59.844 16 feet, cubic liquid quarts 29.922 08 feet, cubic liters 28.316 846 592 feet, cubic pecks 3.214 256 feet, square acres 0.000 022 956 8 feet, square square centimeters 929.030 4 feet, square square decimeters 9.290 304 feet, square square inches 144 feet, square square meters 0.092 903 04 feet, square square yards 0.111 111 1 furlongs feet 660 furlongs inches 7,920 furlongs meters 201.168 furlongs statute miles 0.125 furlongs yards 220 gallons, liquid (US) cubic feet 0.133 680 6 gallons, liquid (US) cubic inches 231 gallons, liquid (US) cubic meters 0.003 785 411 784 gallons, liquid (US) cubic yards 0.004 951 13 gallons, liquid (US) gills (US) 32 gallons, liquid (US) liquid gallons 0.832 67 (British) gallons, liquid (US) liquid ounces 128 gallons, liquid (US) liquid pints 8 gallons, liquid (US) liquid quarts 4 gallons, liquid (US) liters 3.785 411 784 gallons, liquid (US) milliliters 3,785.411 784 gallons, liquid (US) minims 61,440 gills (US) centiliters 11.829 4 gills (US) cubic feet 0.004 177 517 gills (US) cubic inches 7.218 75 gills (US) gallons 0.031 25 gills (US) gills (British) 0.832 67 gills (US) liquid ounces 4 gills (US) liquid pints 0.25 gills (US) liquid quarts 0.125 gills (US) liters 0.118 294 118 25 gills (US) milliliters 118.294 118 25 gills (US) minims 1,920 grains avoirdupois drams 0.036 571 43 grains avoirdupois ounces 0.002 285 71 grains avoirdupois pounds 0.000 142 86 grains grams 0.064 798 91 grains kilograms 0.000 064 798 91 grains milligrams 64.798 910 grains pennyweights 0.042 grains scruples 0.05 grains troy drams 0.016 6 grains troy ounces 0.002 083 33 grains troy pounds 0.000 173 61 grams avoirdupois drams 0.564 383 39 grams avoirdupois ounces 0.035 273 961 grams avoirdupois pounds 0.002 204 622 6 grams grains 15.432 361 grams kilograms 0.001 grams milligrams 1,000 grams troy ounces 0.032 150 746 6 grams troy pounds 0.002 679 23 hands (height of centimeters 10.16 horse) hands (height of inches 4 horse) hectares acres 2.471 053 8 hectares square feet 107,639.1 hectares square kilometers 0.01 hectares square meters 10,000 hectares square miles 0.003 861 02 hectares square yards 11,959.90 hundredweights, long avoirdupois pounds 112 hundredweights, long kilograms 50.802 345 hundredweights, long long tons 0.05 hundredweights, long metric tons 0.050 802 345 hundredweights, long short tons 0.056 hundredweights, short avoirdupois pounds 100 hundredweights, short kilograms 45.359 237 hundredweights, short long tons 0.044 642 86 hundredweights, short metric tons 0.045 359 237 hundredweights, short short tons 0.05 inches centimeters 2.54 inches feet 0.083 333 33 inches meters 0.025 4 inches millimeters 25.4 inches yards 0.027 777 78 inches, cubic bushels 0.000 465 025 inches, cubic cubic centimeters 16.387 064 inches, cubic cubic feet 0.000 578 703 7 inches, cubic cubic meters 0.000 016 387 064 inches, cubic cubic yards 0.000 021 433 47 inches, cubic dry pints 0.029 761 6 inches, cubic dry quarts 0.014 880 8 inches, cubic gallons 0.004 329 0 inches, cubic gills 0.138 528 1 inches, cubic liquid ounces 0.554 112 6 inches, cubic liquid pints 0.034 632 03 inches, cubic liquid quarts 0.017 316 02 inches, cubic liters 0.016 387 064 inches, cubic milliliters 16.387 064 inches, cubic minims (US) 265.974 0 inches, cubic pecks 0.001 860 10 inches, square square centimeters 6.451 600 inches, square square feet 0.006 944 44 inches, square square meters 0.000 645 16 inches, square square yards 0.000 771 605 kilograms avoirdupois drams 564.383 4 kilograms avoirdupois ounces 35.273 962 kilograms avoirdupois pounds 2.204 622 622 kilograms grains 15,432.36 kilograms grams 1,000 kilograms long tons 0.000 984 2 kilograms metric tons 0.001 kilograms short hundredweights 0.022 046 23 kilograms short tons 0.001 102 31 kilograms troy ounces 32.150 75 kilograms troy pounds 2.679 229 kilometers meters 1,000 kilometers statute miles 0.621 371 192 kilometers, square acres 247.105 38 kilometers, square hectares 100 kilometers, square square meters 1,000,000 kilometers, square statute miles 0.386 102 16 knots (nautical kilometers/hour 1.852 mi/hr) knots (nautical statute miles/hour 1.151 mi/hr) leagues, nautical kilometers 5.556 leagues, nautical nautical miles 3 leagues, statute kilometers 4.828 032 leagues, statute statute miles 3 links, square square centimeters 404.686 surveyor's links, square square inches 62.726 4 surveyor's links, surveyor's centimeters 20.116 8 links, surveyor's chains 0.01 links, surveyor's inches 7.92 liters bushels 0.028 377 59 liters cubic feet 0.035 314 67 liters cubic inches 61.023 74 liters cubic meters 0.001 liters cubic yards 0.001 307 95 liters dekaliters 0.1 liters dry pints 1.816 166 liters dry quarts 0.908 082 98 liters gallons 0.264 172 052 liters gills (US) 8.453 506 liters liquid ounces 33.814 02 liters liquid pints 2.113 376 liters liquid quarts 1.056 688 2 liters milliliters 1,000 liters pecks 0.113 510 4 meters centimeters 100 meters feet 3.280 839 895 meters inches 39.370 079 meters kilometers 0.001 meters millimeters 1,000 meters statute miles 0.000 621 371 meters yards 1.093 613 298 meters, cubic bushels 28.377 59 meters, cubic cubic feet 35.314 666 7 meters, cubic cubic inches 61,023.744 meters, cubic cubic yards 1.307 950 619 meters, cubic gallons 264.172 05 meters, cubic liters 1,000 meters, cubic pecks 113.510 4 meters, square acres 0.000 247 105 38 meters, square hectares 0.000 1 meters, square square centimeters 10,000 meters, square square feet 10.763 910 4 meters, square square inches 1,550.003 1 meters, square square yards 1.195 990 046 microns meters 0.000 001 microns inches 0.000 039 4 mils inches 0.001 mils millimeters 0.025 4 miles, nautical kilometers 1.852 0 miles, nautical statute miles 1.150 779 4 miles, statute centimeters 160,934.4 miles, statute feet 5,280 miles, statute furlongs 8 miles, statute inches 63,360 miles, statute kilometers 1.609 344 miles, statute meters 1,609.344 miles, statute rods 320 miles, statute yards 1,760 miles, square square kilometers 3.429 904 nautical miles, square square statute miles 1.325 nautical miles, square statute acres 640 miles, square statute hectares 258.998 811 033 6 miles, square statute sections 1 miles, square statute square kilometers 2.589 988 110 336 miles, square statute square nautical miles 0.755 miles miles, square statute square rods 102,400 milligrams grains 0.015 432 358 35 milliliters cubic inches 0.061 023 744 milliliters gallons 0.000 264 17 milliliters gills (US) 0.008 453 5 milliliters liquid ounces 0.033 814 02 milliliters liquid pints 0.002 113 4 milliliters liquid quarts 0.001 056 7 milliliters liters 0.001 milliliters minims 16.230 73 millimeters inches 0.039 370 078 7 minims (US) cubic inches 0.003 759 77 minims (US) gills (US) 0.000 520 83 minims (US) liquid ounces 0.002 083 33 minims (US) milliliters 0.061 611 52 minims (US) minims (British) 1.041 ounces, avoirdupois avoirdupois drams 16 ounces, avoirdupois avoirdupois pounds 0.062 5 ounces, avoirdupois grains 437.5 ounces, avoirdupois grams 28.349 523 125 ounces, avoirdupois kilograms 0.028 349 523 125 ounces, avoirdupois troy ounces 0.911 458 3 ounces, avoirdupois troy pounds 0.075 954 86 ounces, liquid (US) cubic feet 0.001 044 38 ounces, liquid (US) centiliters 2.957 35 ounces, liquid (US) cubic inches 1.804 687 5 ounces, liquid (US) gallons 0.007 812 5 ounces, liquid (US) gills (US) 0.25 ounces, liquid (US) liquid drams 8 ounces, liquid (US) liquid ounces 1.041 (British) ounces, liquid (US) liquid pints 0.062 5 ounces, liquid (US) liquid quarts 0.031 25 ounces, liquid (US) liters 0.029 573 53 ounces, liquid (US) milliliters 29.573 529 6 ounces, liquid (US) minims 480 ounces, troy avoirdupois drams 17.554 29 ounces, troy avoirdupois ounces 1.097 143 ounces, troy avoirdupois pounds 0.068 571 43 ounces, troy grains 480 ounces, troy grams 31.103 476 8 ounces, troy pennyweights 20 ounces, troy troy drams 8 ounces, troy troy pounds 0.083 333 3 paces (US) centimeters 76.2 paces (US) inches 30 pecks (US) bushels 0.25 pecks (US) cubic feet 0.311 114 pecks (US) cubic inches 537.605 pecks (US) cubic meters 0.008 809 77 pecks (US) cubic yards 0.011 522 74 pecks (US) dekaliters 0.880 976 75 pecks (US) dry pints 16 pecks (US) dry quarts 8 pecks (US) liters 8.809 767 5 pecks (US) pecks (British) 0.968 9 pennyweights grains 24 pennyweights grams 1.555 173 84 pennyweights troy ounces 0.05 pints, dry (US) bushels 0.015 625 pints, dry (US) cubic feet 0.019 444 63 pints, dry (US) cubic inches 33.600 312 5 pints, dry (US) dekaliters 0.055 061 05 pints, dry (US) dry pints (British) 0.968 9 pints, dry (US) dry quarts 0.5 pints, dry (US) liters 0.550 610 47 pints, liquid (US) cubic feet 0.016 710 07 pints, liquid (US) cubic inches 28.875 pints, liquid (US) deciliters 4.731 76 pints, liquid (US) gallons 0.125 pints, liquid (US) gills (US) 4 pints, liquid (US) liquid ounces 16 pints, liquid (US) liquid pints 0.832 67 (British) pints, liquid (US) liquid quarts 0.5 pints, liquid (US) liters 0.473 176 473 pints, liquid (US) milliliters 473.176 473 pints, liquid (US) minims 7,680 points inches 0.013 837 (typographical) points millimeters 0.351 459 8 (typographical) pounds, avoirdupois avoirdupois drams 256 pounds, avoirdupois avoirdupois ounces 16 pounds, avoirdupois grains 7,000 pounds, avoirdupois grams 453.592 37 pounds, avoirdupois kilograms 0.453 592 37 pounds, avoirdupois long tons 0.000 446 428 6 pounds, avoirdupois metric tons 0.000 453 592 37 pounds, avoirdupois quintals 0.004 535 92 pounds, avoirdupois short tons 0.000 5 pounds, avoirdupois troy ounces 14.583 33 pounds, avoirdupois troy pounds 1.215 278 pounds, troy avoirdupois drams 210.651 4 pounds, troy avoirdupois ounces 13.165 71 pounds, troy avoirdupois pounds 0.822 857 1 pounds, troy grains 5,760 pounds, troy grams 373.241 721 6 pounds, troy kilograms 0.373 241 721 6 pounds, troy pennyweights 240 pounds, troy troy ounces 12 quarts, dry (US) bushels 0.031 25 quarts, dry (US) cubic feet 0.038 889 25 quarts, dry (US) cubic inches 67.200 625 quarts, dry (US) dekaliters 0.110 122 1 quarts, dry (US) dry pints 2 quarts, dry (US) dry quarts (British) 0.968 9 quarts, dry (US) liters 1.101 221 quarts, dry (US) pecks 0.125 quarts, dry (US) pints, dry (US) 2 quarts, liquid (US) cubic feet 0.033 420 14 quarts, liquid (US) cubic inches 57.75 quarts, liquid (US) deciliters 9.463 53 quarts, liquid (US) gallons 0.25 quarts, liquid (US) gills (US) 8 quarts, liquid (US) liquid ounces 32 quarts, liquid (US) liquid pints (US) 2 quarts, liquid (US) liquid quarts 0.832 67 (British) quarts, liquid (US) liters 0.946 352 946 quarts, liquid (US) milliliters 946.352 946 quarts, liquid (US) minims 15,360 quintals avoirdupois pounds 220.462 26 quintals kilograms 100 quintals metric tons 0.1 rods feet 16.5 rods meters 5.029 2 rods yards 5.5 rods, square acres 0.006 25 rods, square square meters 25.292 85 rods, square square yards 30.25 scruples grains 20 scruples grams 1.295 978 2 scruples troy drams 0.333 sections (US) square kilometers 2.589 988 1 sections (US) square statute miles 1 spans centimeters 22.86 spans inches 9 steres cubic meters 1 steres cubic yards 1.307 95 tablespoons milliliters 14.786 76 tablespoons teaspoons 3 teaspoons milliliters 4.928 922 teaspoons tablespoons 0.333 333 ton-miles, long metric ton-kilometers 1.635 169 ton-miles, short metric ton-kilometers 1.459 972 tons, gross register cubic feet of 100 permanently enclosed space

tons, gross register cubic meters of 2.831 684 7 permanently enclosed space

tons, long avoirdupois ounces 35,840 (deadweight) tons, long avoirdupois pounds 2,240 (deadweight) tons, long kilograms 1,016.046 909 8 (deadweight) tons, long long hundredweights 20 (deadweight) tons, long metric tons 1.016 046 908 8 (deadweight) tons, long short hundredweights 22.4 (deadweight) tons, long short tons 1.12 (deadweight) tons, metric avoirdupois pounds 2,204.623 tons, metric kilograms 1,000 tons, metric long hundredweights 19.684 130 3 tons, metric long tons 0.984 206 5 tons, metric quintals 10 tons, metric short hundredweights 22.046 23 tons, metric short tons 1.102 311 3 tons, metric troy ounces 32,150.75 tons, net register cubic feet of 100 permanently enclosed space for cargo and passengers

tons, net register cubic meters of 2.831 684 7 permanently enclosed space for cargo and passengers

tons, shipping cubic feet of 42
                      permanently enclosed
                      cargo space

tons, shipping cubic meters of 1.189 307 574
                      permanently enclosed
                      cargo space

tons, short avoirdupois pounds 2,000 tons, short kilograms 907.184 74 tons, short long hundredweights 17.857 14 tons, short long tons 0.892 857 1 tons, short metric tons 0.907 184 74 tons, short short hundredweights 20 townships (US) sections 36 townships (US) square kilometers 93.239 572 townships (US) square statute miles 36 miles, square statute acres 640 miles, square statute hectares 258.998 811 033 6 miles, square statute square feet 27,878,400 miles, square statute square meters 2,589,988.110 336 miles, square statute square yards 3,097,600 yards centimeters 91.44 yards feet 3 yards inches 36 yards meters 0.914 4 yards miles 0.000 568 18 yards, cubic bushels 21.696 227 yards, cubic cubic feet 27 yards, cubic cubic inches 46,656 yards, cubic cubic meters 0.764 554 857 984 yards, cubic gallons 201.974 0 yards, cubic liters 764.554 857 984 yards, cubic pecks 86.784 91 yards, square acres 0.000 206 611 6 yards, square hectares 0.000 083 612 736 yards, square square centimeters 8,361.273 6 yards, square square feet 9 yards, square square inches 1,296 yards, square square meters 0.836 127 36 yards, square square miles 0.000 000 322 830 6

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